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Practice Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #4074 Short Wonderland
Instructions ›
Listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

Transcript:

In her book, Science in Wonderland, Dr Melanie Keene explores the hugely enthusiastic public response to the creation of one of the world’s first sets of full-sized dinosaur models – including an Iguanodon based on Owen’s version of how it might have looked. The models were made by sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins for the landscaped gardens around the Crystal Palace in 1854. An expanded, commercial version of the Great Exhibition that had been held in Hyde Park three years earlier, the Sydenham enterprise was one vast project of visual education. Visitors described its array of artwork, installations, fountains and glasshouse as like a trip to fairyland, and the concrete monsters were the stars of the show. Even before the exhibition had opened, the sculpted beasts made it into the newspapers, with coverage of a celebratory meal held in the mould of the Iguanodon model on New Year’s Eve 1853.

What is the main idea that the speaker is trying to convey?

* Listen to the recording and select the correct answer

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 1: "Visual educational models were received favorably by the public"

Explanation: The text emphasizes the enthusiastic public response to the dinosaur models created by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, highlighting their role in visual education. This aligns with the main idea that these models were not only educational but also well-received, as indicated by phrases like 'huge enthusiastic public response' and 'the stars of the show.' The overall theme revolves around the positive reception of these educational models.

Option 2: "Sculpted beasts were highlights of newspapers"

Explanation: While the text mentions that the sculpted beasts received newspaper coverage, this option focuses too narrowly on the media aspect rather than the broader theme of public enthusiasm and educational value. The phrase 'highlights of newspapers' does not capture the main idea of visual education and public reception.

Option 3: "Sydenham enterprise is the best hope for Science in Wonderland"

Explanation: This option misinterprets the text by suggesting that the Sydenham enterprise is a hope for the book 'Science in Wonderland.' The text does not imply any hope or comparison; instead, it discusses the public's reaction to the models. Therefore, this option does not relate to the main idea.

Option 4: "Iguanodon model was a commercial success"

Explanation: Although the Iguanodon model was part of a commercial project, this option is too specific and does not encompass the broader theme of public enthusiasm and visual education. The text does not explicitly state that the Iguanodon model was a commercial success, making this option misleading.

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