Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands, a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens because concrete, asphalt, and buildings absorb and re-emit heat from the sun more than natural landscapes do. Also, human activities like driving cars and running air conditioners generate additional heat.
Now, one surprising effect of urban heat islands is their impact on precipitation. Warmer air can hold more moisture, so cities often experience more frequent and intense rainstorms. This can lead to flooding, especially since urban surfaces are largely impermeable, meaning water can't easily soak into the ground.
To mitigate these effects, some cities are implementing green roofs and increasing tree cover. These measures not only cool the air but also absorb rainwater. So, while urban heat islands pose challenges, they also inspire creative solutions.
❓ Pregunta According to the professor, what is one effect of urban heat islands on precipitation?
A. A) They cause droughts by reducing cloud formation.
B. B) They lead to more frequent and intense rainstorms.
C. C) They prevent floods by increasing evaporation.
D. D) They have no impact on weather patterns.
✅ Respuesta correcta
B) They lead to more frequent and intense rainstorms.
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