Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're discussing the concept of 'urban heat islands.' This refers to the phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. The main cause is the replacement of natural land cover with materials like asphalt and concrete, which absorb and retain heat. Additionally, waste heat from vehicles and buildings adds to the effect. Interestingly, the temperature difference can be as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit on clear, calm nights. One solution is to increase tree cover, as trees provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Another is to use 'cool roofs,' which are painted white or made of reflective materials to bounce sunlight back. However, implementing these measures widely can be costly, and some cities have limited budgets. Still, even small changes in specific neighborhoods can make a noticeable difference. Now, let's consider why nighttime temperatures are particularly affected...
❓ 문제 According to the professor, what is one major cause of the urban heat island effect?
A. A. The lack of wind in city areas
B. B. The use of heat-absorbing materials in construction
C. C. The excessive use of air conditioning in buildings
D. D. The high concentration of vehicles in rural areas
✅ 정답
B. The use of heat-absorbing materials in construction
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