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Practice Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #30203 Short Surprise 2
Instructions ›
Listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

Transcript:

We all know how surprise makes us feel dizzy and causes our hands to go cold. But why do we feel surprised? Well there are actually two main kinds. First-hand surprise happens when there’s a difference between a new piece of information and a previous knowledge. For example, someone knocks on my door and it's my best friend, who I believe is living in Berlin and I'm surprised because I didn't expect to see him. The second kind of surprise goes deeper. It's caused when an event contrasts with my long-term knowledge and expectations. If, for example, a police officer enters my house to arrest me - when I've done nothing wrong. I'm surprised, not just because I didn't expect this event. The event destroys some strong beliefs I had that the law is fair, so I feel surprised because of a failure in my knowledge.

What is the speaker's main point?

* Listen to the recording and select the correct answer

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 3: "Surprise happens when past beliefs are proved wrong."

Explanation: This option is correct because it encapsulates the speaker's main point about surprise. The text illustrates that surprise arises when an event contradicts long-held beliefs, particularly in the second type of surprise discussed.

Option 1: "The cause of the physical effects of surprise is unknown."

Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text does not discuss the causes of the physical effects of surprise. Instead, it focuses on the types of surprise and their relationship to knowledge and expectations.

Option 2: "First-hand surprise is only experienced as events happen."

Explanation: This option is incorrect as it misrepresents the concept of first-hand surprise. The text explains that first-hand surprise occurs when new information contradicts previous knowledge, not that it is only experienced in the moment.

Option 4: "Surprise is stronger when events happen suddenly."

Explanation: This option is incorrect as it does not align with the text's focus. The speaker does not mention the intensity of surprise based on the suddenness of events; rather, the emphasis is on the contradiction of beliefs.

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