Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to discuss urban heat islands, a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. One major cause is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like concrete and asphalt, which absorb and re-radiate heat. Another factor is the lack of vegetation, which reduces shade and evapotranspiration—the process where plants release water vapor, cooling the air. But there are several mitigation strategies. For example, increasing green spaces, such as parks and green roofs, can help lower temperatures. Additionally, using reflective or 'cool' roofing materials can reduce heat absorption. Some cities have also implemented 'cool pavement' programs, which use lighter-colored materials to reflect more sunlight. However, these strategies have limitations. Green roofs require significant maintenance and initial investment. Cool pavements may increase glare and deteriorate faster. So, planners must weigh costs and benefits, and often a combination of approaches works best. Now, let's consider a case study...
❓ 質問 What does the professor say about mitigation strategies for urban heat islands?
A. Green roofs are the most cost-effective solution.
B. Cool pavements are problem-free and durable.
C. A combination of strategies is often most effective.
D. Vegetation alone can eliminate the heat island effect.
✅ 正解
A combination of strategies is often most effective.
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