Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're going to discuss a surprising factor in climate change: the role of forests, specifically how they interact with sunlight and water vapor. You might think forests are purely beneficial because they absorb carbon dioxide. But recent research shows that forests can also have a warming effect, especially in northern regions. How? Well, forests are darker than open land or snow, so they absorb more sunlight. This trapped heat can offset some of the cooling from carbon absorption. Additionally, trees release water vapor through transpiration, which can form low clouds that reflect sunlight back into space, potentially cooling the area. However, in some cases, these clouds trap heat instead. The net effect depends on latitude, cloud type, and seasonal conditions. So, while forests are vital for biodiversity and carbon storage, their climate impact is more complex than we once thought. We must consider these trade-offs when planning reforestation projects.
❓ Pregunta What is the main point the professor makes about forests in relation to climate?
A. Forests always help cool the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide.
B. Forests can have both cooling and warming effects on the climate.
C. Forests release water vapor that always traps heat in the atmosphere.
D. Forests are less important than open land in regulating temperature.
✅ Respuesta correcta
Forests can have both cooling and warming effects on the climate.
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