Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today, let's talk about urban heat islands. This phenomenon occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. Why? Well, one major factor is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat. Another contributor is the lack of vegetation, since trees and plants provide shade and release moisture through transpiration, cooling the air. But here's an interesting twist: not all urban areas experience the heat island effect equally. For example, parks and green roofs can create cooler pockets within a city. Also, the layout of buildings affects wind patterns, which can either disperse or trap heat. Some cities are now implementing 'cool roof' initiatives, painting rooftops white to reflect sunlight. This simple change can reduce a building's cooling costs by up to 20 percent. However, the effectiveness depends on the local climate and building design. So, while urban heat islands pose challenges, they also offer opportunities for innovative solutions.
❓ Question According to the professor, what is one reason why urban areas are hotter than rural areas?
A. A) The presence of many trees and parks
B. B) The use of heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt
C. C) Increased wind flow through city streets
D. D) The absence of buildings that trap heat
✅ Correct Answer
B) The use of heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt
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