Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class. Professor: Today we're discussing the concept of 'carbon footprint' and, more specifically, how individuals can reduce theirs. While many people focus on obvious actions like driving less or using energy-efficient appliances, there's another significant contributor: food waste. When we throw away food, we also waste all the resources—water, energy, and labor—that went into producing, transporting, and storing it. Moreover, decomposing food in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. So, reducing food waste is a double win: it saves money and cuts emissions. But why do we waste so much? Studies show that in developed countries, most waste occurs at the consumer level, often due to overbuying, poor storage, or misunderstanding expiration dates. In contrast, in developing countries, waste primarily happens during production and transportation due to lack of infrastructure. So, what's the takeaway? Simple habits like meal planning and proper food storage can make a surprisingly large difference.
❓ 質問 What is the professor's main point about reducing one's carbon footprint?
A. A) People should focus only on driving less and using efficient appliances.
B. B) Reducing food waste can significantly help cut greenhouse gas emissions.
C. C) Food waste is a bigger problem in developed countries than in developing ones.
D. D) Methane from landfills is less harmful than carbon dioxide.
✅ 正解
B) Reducing food waste can significantly help cut greenhouse gas emissions.
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