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 more than natural landscapes like trees and soil. But there's an interesting solution that's gaining traction: green roofs. These are roofs covered with vegetation, and they can reduce surface temperatures by up to 40 degrees Celsius. How? Plants provide shade and release moisture through transpiration, which cools the air. Also, the soil acts as an insulator. Beyond temperature, green roofs manage stormwater by absorbing rainwater, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding. They also improve air quality by filtering pollutants. However, there are challenges. The initial cost is higher than traditional roofs, and they require regular maintenance, including watering and weeding. Despite these costs, many cities now offer incentives to encourage green roof installation. So, while not a one-size-fits-all solution, green roofs offer multiple environmental benefits.
❓ Вопрос What are two benefits of green roofs mentioned by the professor?
A. They reduce urban temperatures and manage stormwater runoff.
B. They lower construction costs and provide wildlife habitats.
C. They eliminate air pollution and increase property values.
D. They require no maintenance and reduce noise pollution.
✅ Правильный ответ
They reduce urban temperatures and manage stormwater runoff.
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