Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands. As you know, cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas. This is due to several factors. One major factor is the replacement of natural surfaces with asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain heat. Another is the lack of vegetation, which normally provides cooling through evapotranspiration. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles and buildings adds to the effect. But there are strategies to mitigate this phenomenon. For instance, increasing green spaces, like parks and green roofs, can help. Also, using reflective materials for roads and buildings can reduce heat absorption. A key point is that these solutions not only lower temperatures but also reduce energy consumption for air conditioning, which in turn cuts greenhouse gas emissions. So, urban planning plays a crucial role in addressing climate change at the local level.
❓ 質問 What is the main purpose of the lecture?
A. To explain why rural areas are cooler than cities
B. To discuss the causes and solutions of urban heat islands
C. To describe the history of urban planning
D. To argue that cities should use more concrete
✅ 正解
To discuss the causes and solutions of urban heat islands
TOEFL Listening Tips
Skim the questions first to predict the content
Watch for signal words in lectures and conversations (however, actually, in fact)
For main idea questions, focus on the beginning; for detail questions, focus on examples and data
For attitude questions, pay attention to the speaker's tone and word choice
Take notes on keywords; don't try to write down every word