Final answer:
The difference between listening to easy and complex material involves the level of cognitive engagement required; easy material requires less effort to understand, whereas complex material demands more active listening and critical thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between listening to easy material and listening to complex material lies in the depth of engagement and the cognitive challenge presented. Listening to easy material often requires less concentration and a more passive form of engagement. It tends to be more straightforward, predictable, and requires less critical thinking or background knowledge to understand. In contrast, complex material demands a more active form of listening. It includes nuanced, sophisticated, or abstract content that may require prior knowledge and the ability to understand and digest intricate arguments or concepts. As Evelyn Glennie demonstrates, truly listening involves an active process of interpretation and engagement, which can be particularly challenging with intricate material. Moreover, listening to complex material can bring about a sense of pride and accomplishment once it is understood, as there's often an intrinsic psychological appeal to mastering challenging topics.