Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to talk about urban heat islands. This is a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The main cause is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Additionally, buildings and roads block wind, reducing natural cooling. But there are solutions. One effective approach is increasing green spaces, such as parks and green roofs. Vegetation provides shade and releases moisture through evapotranspiration, which cools the air. Another strategy is using cool roofs, which are designed with reflective materials to bounce sunlight back into the atmosphere. Some cities, like Los Angeles, have implemented mandatory cool roof requirements for new buildings. However, these measures require planning and investment. So, the key is to integrate climate considerations into urban design from the start. Now, let's discuss a case study...
❓ Question What is one solution mentioned by the professor to reduce the urban heat island effect?
A. A. Planting more trees and creating green spaces
B. B. Increasing the use of asphalt in road construction
C. C. Building taller structures to shade the streets
D. D. Encouraging residents to use air conditioning more often
✅ Correct Answer
A. Planting more trees and creating green spaces
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