Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 32 to 36.

Human beings have a strong need to put their experiences and difficulties into confrontations. That is why everybody (32) ________ a “friendly ear”- somebody who is eager to listen to their dilemmas and joys. Nevertheless few individuals (33) ________ how complicated listening skill is. To be a good listener needs great powers of concentration, which can only be grown through practice.

There are two reasons why listening is often such hard (34) ________. The first is merely that people much prefer to speak. How often have you missed what someone has said because you were thinking about what you were going to say in response? The second reason is that people speak too slowly. The typical speed is about 125 words per minute, (35) ________ is not fast enough for the human brain. It allows too much time for the concentration to fail, as the brain tries to keep itself busy with other, unrelated thoughts.

Next time you are in a listening situation, try to guess what the utterer is going to say. Ask yourself questions about what is being said, and (36) ________ if the speaker answers them. Finally, make quick sum-ups in your mind of the main points that have been made. All of these stuffs will help you focus on and make you a better listener.