Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing urban heat islands.
Professor: Today we're talking about urban heat islands, which are cities that are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This happens because buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes do. For example, dark roofs and asphalt parking lots can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny day. In contrast, vegetation and lighter surfaces reflect more sunlight. The heat island effect can have serious consequences, such as increased energy consumption for air conditioning, higher air pollution levels, and even heat-related illnesses. One strategy to mitigate this is planting trees and creating green roofs. These not only provide shade but also cool the air through a process called evapotranspiration. Another approach is using reflective materials for pavements and buildings. So, while the problem is significant, there are practical solutions we can implement.
❓ 문제 According to the professor, what is one way to reduce the urban heat island effect?
A. Using darker materials for roads and roofs
B. Planting trees and creating green roofs
C. Increasing the height of buildings
D. Encouraging more car use in cities
✅ 정답
Planting trees and creating green roofs
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