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Practice Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers ID: #43821 Medium Stephen
Instructions ›
Listen to the recording and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. You will need to select more than one response.

Transcript:

Today's greatest scientific essayist is Stephen Jay Gould. To discuss that art and hear his advice, I met him in an unfamiliar milieu: at the Grand Hotel (where he was staying while promoting his new book). Neither of us, it has to be said, felt much at home. As for writing a piece set in surroundings of such lifeless self-aggrandisement, Gould said: 'I couldn't do it: Trollope might but he knew the culture. And knowing the culture is central to being a successful writer. Science, for example, is a civilisation of its own. As a result, only scientists can make a good job of presenting it. If you don't live in the community and don't understand its rules, you are crippled from the start.' One of Gould's axioms is: never write down to the reader. 'Make no concessions,' he says. You can simplify the language but must never adulterate it. Above all, you cannot simplify the argument. Once readers notice that they are being patronised, your piece is dead.'

According to Stephen Jay Gould, what are key principles for effective science writing?

* Click on the correct answers

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 1: "One must be a part of the science community to write effectively about it."

Explanation: Gould emphasizes that understanding the community and its rules is essential for effective science writing. He states, 'If you don't live in the community and don't understand its rules, you are crippled from the start.' This directly supports the idea that being part of the science community is crucial for effective writing.

Option 2: "Simplifying language is acceptable, but simplifying arguments is not."

Explanation: Gould clearly states that while language can be simplified, the argument must remain intact: 'You can simplify the language but must never adulterate it.' This highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the argument while making the text accessible.

Option 3: "Writing should accommodate all levels of readers."

Explanation: This option contradicts Gould's principle of not writing down to the reader. He insists on not making concessions that would patronize the audience, which implies that writing should not necessarily accommodate all levels of readers.

Option 4: "Knowing the culture of the subject is crucial to writing successfully about it."

Explanation: Gould asserts that knowing the culture is central to being a successful writer, stating, 'And knowing the culture is central to being a successful writer.' This aligns perfectly with the idea that understanding the subject's culture is vital for effective writing.

Option 5: "The setting of the writer’s workspace greatly impacts the quality of writing."

Explanation: While the text mentions Gould's discomfort in the hotel setting, it does not suggest that the setting of the workspace impacts writing quality. Instead, it focuses on the importance of understanding the subject matter and community.

Option 6: "Concessions should be made to ensure the reader understands complex science."

Explanation: This option is incorrect as it contradicts Gould's advice. He explicitly states, 'Make no concessions,' indicating that simplifying arguments or making concessions to the reader is not acceptable.

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