Active listening is defined as:

Active listening is defined as:

• A. Taking an intentionally interactive role during a conversation by carefully focusing, asking clarifying questions, ascertaining mutual understanding, and providing feedback.
• B. A passive listening style that ignores questions.
• C. A quick, surface-level response without feedback.
• D. A method of interrupting to provide quick answers.

Answer: (A)

Active listening means deliberately engaging in a conversation with full attention, focusing on the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and using feedback to show you understand. It involves asking clarifying questions when something isn’t clear, paraphrasing to confirm accuracy, and seeking mutual understanding through interactive communication. This option best captures that intentional, responsive process—where you actively participate, check for comprehension, and provide meaningful feedback. The other descriptions describe passive listening, quick surface-level replies, ignoring questions, or interrupting, which don’t reflect true active listening.

Active listening means deliberately engaging in a conversation with full attention, focusing on the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and using feedback to show you understand. It involves asking clarifying questions when something isn’t clear, paraphrasing to confirm accuracy, and seeking mutual understanding through interactive communication. This option best captures that intentional, responsive process—where you actively participate, check for comprehension, and provide meaningful feedback. The other descriptions describe passive listening, quick surface-level replies, ignoring questions, or interrupting, which don’t reflect true active listening.