Titanic Legacy and Contemporary Art Analysis
1. The Legacy of the Titanic (June 2012)
Analysis and Comprehension
- 1a) We have learned since the sinking of the Titanic that we cannot fully control new technology.
- 1b) For 100 years, life and new technologies have advanced significantly.
- 2a) False: According to lines 4-5, the great achievements are beyond our control.
- 2b) True: According to lines 8-10, for 100 years, people were too sure of themselves.
- 2c) False: According to lines 11-12, two years later, we discovered the power of the atom.
Vocabulary and Multiple Choice
- 3) a) smart, b) flawed, c) landmark, d) steady
- 4) 1) c, 2) b, 3) c
Part B: Life Without Technology
In the first place, I would like to say that new technologies help us every day to have a better life. However, is everyone truly happy with their electronic devices?
From my point of view, life would not be the same without new technologies, although older generations seem content without them. Many people believe they could not live without technology because they are addicted to it. If people were not addicted, they might be happier. To sum up, people should learn to balance their lives, as relying less on technology could be beneficial.
2. Cleaner Destroys €800,000 Artwork (June 2012)
Analysis and Comprehension
- 1a) The cleaner thought the bucket was dirty, but it was actually part of an artwork.
- 1b) A cleaner threw away part of a work because they thought it was rubbish.
- 2a) False: According to line 3, the sculpture was in a museum in Dortmund.
- 2b) True: According to lines 5-7, the cleaner thought the bucket was just part of the cleaning supplies.
- 2c) False: According to lines 9-10, the cleaner claimed she had not received the memo.
Vocabulary and Multiple Choice
- 3) a) removed, b) damaged, c) litter, d) display
- 4) 1) a, 2) c, 3) a
Part B: Defining Modern Art
In the first place, I must admit that I do not always understand contemporary art. I struggle to see how a bucket or a plastic bag can be considered true art. Why do some people classify these items as masterpieces?
From my point of view, art should be something like a beautiful painting—a skill that not everyone can master. Many people argue that conceptual pieces are art, but I believe we should be more critical. If anything could be art, then everyone would be an artist. It is difficult to understand why people pay large sums of money for such items. To sum up, we should reconsider our definition of art and distinguish between genuine craftsmanship and everyday objects.