Active listening includes full attention, reflection, and clarifying questions. Which one is an example of active listening?

• A. Paraphrasing the speaker.
• B. Judging the speaker's motives.
• C. Interrupting to correct a detail.
• D. Planning your response while the speaker talks.

Answer: (A)

Active listening means giving full attention to the speaker, reflecting back what you hear, and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Paraphrasing the speaker demonstrates this because you restate the main idea in your own words, confirming you understood correctly and inviting confirmation or correction. It shows you’re focused, engaged, and seeking accuracy rather than rushing to respond. The other options break that flow: judging motives blocks trust and shifts focus to evaluation rather than the message; interrupting to correct a detail disrupts the speaker and breaks concentration; planning your response while the speaker talks splits your attention, reducing your ability to truly hear. Paraphrasing is the clear example of active listening.