Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today, let's 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 solar heat more than natural landscapes do. Also, waste heat from vehicles and air conditioners adds to the effect. Interestingly, the intensity of an urban heat island can vary by season and time of day. For example, it's often strongest at night, when rural areas cool down quickly but urban materials release stored heat slowly. One common solution is planting more trees, which provide shade and release moisture through transpiration. Another is using reflective or green roofs, which reduce heat absorption. However, implementing such measures requires urban planning and community support. So, it's not just an engineering challenge, but also a social one.
❓ Question What does the professor say about the urban heat island effect?
A. A. It is most intense during the middle of the day.
B. B. It is caused only by vehicle emissions.
C. C. It is often stronger at night due to slow heat release from urban materials.
D. D. It has no solutions that involve community involvement.
✅ Correct Answer
C. It is often stronger at night due to slow heat release from urban materials.
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