Answer the multiple-choice question about main idea based on the content of the paragraph below.

Question

The messages communicated by the eyes vary depending on the duration, direction, and quality of the eye behavior. For example, in every culture there are strict, though unstated, rules for the proper duration for eye contact. In our culture, the average length of gaze is 2.95 seconds. The average length of mutual gaze (two persons gazing at each other) is 1.18 seconds. When eye contact falls short of this amount, you may think the person is uninterested, shy, or preoccupied. When the appropriate amount of time is exceeded, you might perceive the person as showing unusually high interest. The direction of the eye also communicates. In much of the United States, you’re expected to glance alternatively at the other person’s face, then away, then again at the face. The rule for the public speaker is to scan the entire audience, not focusing for too long or ignoring any one area of the audience.

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

a. Persons gazing at each other should not gaze more than 1.18 seconds.
b. Messages can be communicated by the eyes through the duration, direction, and quality of the eye behavior.
c. When eye contact falls short of the expected duration, you may think the person is uninterested in you.

Answer 1

b. Messages can be communicated by the eyes through the duration, direction, and quality of the eye behavior.