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Practice Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #4658 Short Instruments
Instructions ›
Listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

Transcript:

An electric pickup is a type of sensor that translates the vibrations of stringed musical instruments—such as guitars, basses, or cellos—into an electrical signal. This signal is then fed into an amplifier in order to play the instrumental sounds through a loudspeaker at a higher volume. Although there are many types of pickups, two are most commonly used: magnetic and piezoelectric. Magnetic pickups are the kind normally found on modern electric guitars. Mounted on the guitar's solid body or neck, they have magnetized poles that create a field which capture the vibrations from the instrument's metal strings. Piezoelectric pickups, on the other hand, are used on instruments with non-metal strings. They are made from a mixture of metal and ceramic material which responds both to vibrations from the strings and resonance from the instrument's hollow body.

What is the process for amplifying stringed musical instruments with pickups?

* Listen to the recording and select the correct answer

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 1: "Sensors turn string vibrations into an electrical signal which is sent to a speaker."

Explanation: This option accurately summarizes the main idea of the text, which describes how electric pickups function by translating the vibrations of stringed instruments into electrical signals. The text states that these signals are then amplified to produce sound through a loudspeaker, aligning perfectly with the option's description of the process.

Option 2: "Special metal pieces on the strings vibrate to increase the signal strength."

Explanation: This option is incorrect because it misrepresents the function of the pickups. The text does not mention 'special metal pieces' on the strings; instead, it describes how pickups, specifically magnetic ones, capture vibrations from metal strings. The phrase 'increase the signal strength' is misleading as it implies a different mechanism than what is described.

Option 3: "Ceramic-coated strings create more air disturbance and increase the volume."

Explanation: This option is incorrect as it introduces an inaccurate concept. The text does not discuss ceramic-coated strings creating air disturbance. Instead, it explains that piezoelectric pickups, made from a mixture of metal and ceramic, respond to vibrations and resonance, but it does not state that they increase volume through air disturbance.

Option 4: "Magnets vibrate the strings with stronger oscillations causing a stronger signal."

Explanation: This option is incorrect because it inaccurately describes the role of magnets in the amplification process. The text explains that magnetic pickups create a magnetic field that captures vibrations from the strings, but it does not state that magnets vibrate the strings. This misinterpretation leads to a misunderstanding of how the signal is generated.

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