Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. The professor is discussing the concept of urban heat islands.
'Now, cities tend to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is known as the urban heat island effect. Why does this happen? Well, one major factor is the replacement of natural surfaces with materials like concrete and asphalt. These materials absorb and retain heat from the sun much more effectively than vegetation does. Also, buildings and roads create a labyrinth that traps heat, reducing the cooling effect of wind. Another contributor is the waste heat generated by human activities, such as transportation and air conditioning systems. Interestingly, the effect is most pronounced at night, when rural areas cool down quickly but urban areas release the stored heat slowly. Some solutions include planting more trees, using reflective roofing materials, and creating green spaces. However, implementing these measures requires careful urban planning and community cooperation.'
❓ คำถาม What is the main reason that urban areas become warmer than rural areas, according to the professor?
A. A. The lack of wind in cities due to tall buildings.
B. B. The use of heat-absorbing materials and waste heat from human activities.
C. C. The higher population density in cities.
D. D. The increased amount of sunlight received by cities.
✅ คำตอบที่ถูกต้อง
B. The use of heat-absorbing materials and waste heat from human activities.
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