go d. goes Use infinitives and gerunds correctly.

2. Main idea. For longer conversations, class discussions, and lectures, you may be asked to identify the main idea of the passage—what the speakers are saying about the subject. Here’s an example of a main idea question based on a short lecture: Professor: Next week we will begin our discussion of Mary Shelley’s F rankenstein. Frankenstein is actually considered by most literary critics to be the first science fiction novel. Understanding what makes this novel a work of science fiction can help you understand why it still has so much power. Science fiction isn’t just about space exploration, clones, and robots. Science fiction is any fiction about the realm of possibilities—not just possible futures, but also possible pasts. For example, there’s a sub-genre of science fiction called “alternate histories.” In these stories, authors explore what our world would be like if history had turned out differently—if the Axis powers had won World War II, for example. In Frankenstein, Shelley explores the social and moral repercussions of what might happen if it were possible to bring the dead back to life. She creates a character who discovers the secret of life and “gives birth” to a man made from the corpses of dead men. Then she imagines what might happen afterward. You may be surprised by how little science there is in this science fiction novel. But like the best of science fiction writers, Shelley focuses on the human element by exploring what certain scientific and technological advances would mean for our society. In Frankenstein, the message is clear: Dr. Franken- stein is playing God, and his delight turns to horror the moment he brings his creature to life because he is unable to accept responsibility for his creation. If we seek glory without considering our respon- sibilities, Shelley argues, we are headed for disaster. Question: What is the speaker’s main point?

a. Frankenstein is a science fiction novel. b. Alternate histories are a kind of science fiction.

c. Frankenstein is about the possible consequences of a scientific discovery. d. Dr. Frankenstein runs away from his responsibilities. Answer: c. Tip: Remember, the main idea is different from the main topic. Main ideas say something about their sub- ject. They must be general enough to “cover” the information in the entire passage. Thus, choices that are about specific facts or details such as choice b cannot be the correct answer. See pages 28–31 in Chapter 2 for a review of main idea. 3. Details. These questions ask you to identify specific facts or details mentioned in the lecture or conver- sation. You will only be expected to remember important facts or details from the longer passages. Because the short conversations are so short, however, you may be asked about any detail from the – L I S T E N I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N – 9 2 passage. Here are two examples. The first is based on the lecture above; the second refers to the short conversation about the computer lab. Question: Dr. Frankenstein discovers:

a. the secret of life b. an alternate history

c. moral responsibility d. a living corpse

Answer: a. Question: What are the computer lab hours on Wednesdays?

a. 9

A . M . to 6 P . M .

b. 10

A . M . to 6 P . M .

c. 9

A . M . to 9 P . M .

d. no hours Answer:

c. Tip: In the Reading Comprehension section, you have the opportunity to use key words from the question to find a specific fact or detail in the passage. Because you only hear the questions after you’ve heard the pas- sages, you don’t have the same opportunity in the Listening section. Instead, you have to rely on listening care- fully and thinking logically about the possible answers. At least one should be obviously incorrect and easy to eliminate.

4. Idiomatic expressions. These questions ask you to identify what a speaker means by the use of an

idiomatic expression. Here’s an example: Woman: Jackson said Professor Mellon cancelled the midterm exam. Man: Get out Question: What does the man mean?

a. He wants the woman to leave. b. They should get out of the room.

c. He believes the woman is lying. d. He is surprised by what the woman said.

Answer: d. Tip: If you aren’t familiar with the idiomatic expression, carefully consider the scenario or situation. For example, would either a or b be a logical response to what the woman tells the man? Not very likely. You can – L I S T E N I N G C O M P R E H E N S I O N – 9 3