The Impact of Greenhouse Gases on Global Warming - TOEFL Listening Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to measure your ability to comprehend academic English, particularly in lecture settings. This part presents a variety of subjects, prompting you to listen closely and answer multiple-choice questions based on the lecture. Each lecture mirrors real academic environments, providing you with the chance to delve into complex themes.

For practice, we’ve created a set focused on "The Impact of Greenhouse Gases on Global Warming". This will help you refine your listening skills while expanding your understanding of art’s influence on Roman society. Familiarizing yourself with the question types and test layouts can enhance your confidence and test performance.

Pay attention to the main ideas and crucial details—they are key for answering questions correctly. Ready to sharpen your TOEFL Listening skills? Let’s start!

Listening Instructions

• You can listen to each conversation and lecture only once.
• You have approximately 8 minutes to listen to the conversation/lecture and respond to the questions.
• Each question generally carries one point unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which will explicitly state the assigned points for specific questions.
• After listening to a lecture, respond to questions related to the topic based on explicit or implicit statements made by the speakers.
• Feel free to make notes as you listen. You can refer to your notes to aid in answering the questions. 
• We recommend practicing note-taking with a pen and paper, similar to what you'll do during the TOEFL Exam.

Now listen to the audio below.

Questions

Gist-Content or Gist-Purpose Question

1. What is the main topic of the lecture?
   1. The effects of industrialisation on climate
   2. The relationship between greenhouse gases and global warming
   3. The history of fossil fuel usage
   4. Agricultural practices and their environmental impact

Detail Question

1. According to the professor, what is the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions?
   1. Agricultural practices
   2. Landfills
   3. Combustion of fossil fuels
   4. Industrial waste

Function Question

1. What does the professor mean when he says, "the potency of methane means that even minor increases in its atmospheric concentration can lead to significant warming effects"?
   1. Methane is less harmful than carbon dioxide.
   2. Small increases in methane can have a large impact on global temperatures.
   3. Methane is only a concern in large quantities.
   4. The effects of methane are negligible compared to carbon dioxide.

Attitude Question

1. What is the professor's attitude towards the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions?
   1. Indifferent
   2. Alarmed
   3. Optimistic
   4. Confused

Organization Question

1. Why does the professor mention nitrous oxide in the lecture?
   1. To highlight its role in agricultural practices
   2. To illustrate another significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming
   3. To compare it with carbon dioxide
   4. To discuss its effects on human health

Connecting Content or Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the future of the planet if greenhouse gas emissions continue at current rates?
   1. The planet will recover naturally over time.
   2. Ecosystems and weather patterns may face severe disruptions.
   3. Human health will improve with increased emissions.
   4. There will be no significant changes to the climate.

Before delving into the answers, go through the top tips to prepare for your TOEFL exam and make your way to your desired institution!

Answers and Explanations of the Lecture on The Impact of Greenhouse Gases on Global Warming

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The lecture focuses on the intricate relationship between greenhouse gases and their role in global warming. It discusses specific gases, their sources, and their impact on the Earth's climate, making it clear that the primary concern is how these gases contribute to the warming of the planet.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The professor identifies the combustion of fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—as the main source of carbon dioxide emissions. This highlights the significant role human activities play in increasing CO2 levels, which are directly linked to the rise in global temperatures.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The statement underscores the effectiveness of methane as a greenhouse gas, indicating that even slight increases in its concentration can result in considerable warming. This contrasts with other gases, suggesting that methane's impact on climate change is disproportionately large compared to its lower atmospheric presence.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor expresses alarm regarding the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions, emphasising the urgency of addressing this issue. The mention of potential catastrophic consequences for ecosystems, weather patterns, and human health indicates a serious concern about the implications of continued emissions.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: Nitrous oxide is discussed as a critical greenhouse gas alongside carbon dioxide and methane, highlighting its role in global warming. By including nitrous oxide, the professor broadens the scope of the discussion to encompass multiple gases that contribute to climate change, reinforcing the complexity of the issue.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, the consequences could be catastrophic, affecting ecosystems and weather patterns. This inference indicates that the ongoing emissions could lead to significant and potentially irreversible changes in the climate, posing a serious threat to both the environment and human health.

Now that you have solved this test and verified your answers, be prepared to take up more of these TOEFL listening practice tests and boost your confidence! 

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