Explanation
The lecturer's statement is about the nuances of communication and how the literal meanings of words can differ from the intended message. The lecturer provides an example of a specific saying and its meaning. We are tasked with figuring out which answer the lecturer's argument best supports.
A. (Correct Response) The lecturer’s example directly illustrates that understanding communication often requires more than just the literal meanings of words. The lecturer explains that the phrase "I tried to get my work done on time" implies a failure to do so, despite the words not explicitly stating this. This supports the idea that additional interpretation beyond the literal meaning is often necessary in communication.
B. The lecturer does not discuss the frequency of how words function in communication, nor is there a claim about the unusual nature of the word "tried."
C. Nonverbal cues are not mentioned in the lecturer’s statement. The focus is on the implications of the words themselves, not on nonverbal communication.
D. The lecturer does not address how much information speakers intend to convey, only that the literal meaning of their words may not fully represent what they communicate.
E. The lecturer’s statement does not touch upon what listeners can reasonably be expected to know or understand. The emphasis is on the general nature of communication, not on the knowledge of the listener.
The statement most strongly supports option A, as it exemplifies how the implied meaning in communication often extends beyond the literal definitions of words used.