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Paragraph Summary Questions
21. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
There's a common idea that museum artworks are somehow timeless objects available to admire for generations to come. But many are objects of decay. Even the most venerable Old Master paintings don't escape: pigments discolour, varnishes crack, canvases warp. This challenging fact of art-world life is down to something that sounds more like a thread from a morality tale: inherent vice. Damien Hirst's iconic shark floating in a tank - entitled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living - is a work that put a spotlight on inherent vice. When he made it in 1991, Hirst got himself in a pickle by not using the right kind of pickle to preserve the giant fish. The result was that the shark began to decompose quite quickly - its preserving liquid clouding, the skin wrinkling, and an unpleasant smell wafting from the tank.
A. Museums are left with the moral responsibility of restoring and preserving the artworks since artists cannot preserve their works beyond their life.
B. Museums have to guard timeless art treasures from intrinsic defects such as the deterioration of paint, polish and canvas.
C. The role of museums has evolved to ensure that the artworks are preserved forever in addition to guarding and displaying them.
D. Artworks may not last forever; they may deteriorate with time, and the challenge is to slow down their degeneration.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The focal point of the passage is the concept of 'inherent vice,' a term which denotes the natural propensity of certain artworks to undergo degradation over time due to various elements like the fading of pigments, the cracking of varnishes, and the distortion of canvases. The passage also brings into the spotlight a case study involving Damien Hirst's artwork, The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living. This piece started decaying at a rapid pace due to the artist's use of an inappropriate preservative liquid.
Against this backdrop, Option D emerges as the most accurate summary of the passage. It encapsulates the principal argument that artworks are not invincible; they are subject to the ravages of time and can deteriorate.
Option A is off-target because the passage does not venture into discussing any moral obligations that museums might have when it comes to restoring and safeguarding artworks. Therefore, this choice does not reflect the main thrust of the passage and should be disregarded.
Option B can also be safely set aside since the passage does not specifically delve into the role of museums in shielding art treasures from their inherent defects or susceptibilities to deterioration.
Lastly, Option C is not a correct representation of the passage's contents because it does not focus on how the role of museums in art preservation has evolved over time.
In summary, given that the primary aim of the passage is to inform us about the inevitable susceptibility of artworks to degradation, Option D serves as the most appropriate and accurate summary.
Word 1: Venerable
Context:
"Even the most venerable Old Master paintings don't escape: pigments discolour, varnishes crack, canvases warp." - Source: Commentary on art conservation
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Venerable” describes something or someone worthy of deep respect, especially because of age, wisdom, historical significance, or dignity. In this context, “venerable Old Master paintings” refers to artworks that are not only old but also highly respected and culturally important. The word conveys reverence and honor, often used for institutions, traditions, or people that have earned admiration over time.
Meaning: Commanding respect because of age, dignity, character, or historical importance (Adjective)
Pronunciation: VEN-uh-ruh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *venerabilis*, from *venerari* meaning “to revere, worship, or adore”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Venerable” is a formal and respectful word often seen in historical, religious, and artistic contexts. It’s not just about being old—something must earn admiration through legacy, contribution, or dignity. Use it carefully to add a tone of honor or tradition to your writing or speech.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: respected, revered, esteemed, dignified, honored
Antonyms: trivial, dishonored, disrespected, insignificant
Usage Examples:
- The venerable professor had taught generations of students.
- The museum showcased a venerable collection of manuscripts and scrolls.
- She gave a speech at the venerable institution’s 150th anniversary.
- Despite its venerable status, the old temple was in need of restoration.
Cultural Reference:
"The Venerable Bede" is a title given to an early English monk and scholar, reflecting his respected status in Christian and academic history.
Think About It:
What makes something truly venerable? Is age alone enough, or must it have a lasting impact or moral value?
Quick Activity:
List three people, buildings, or traditions you consider venerable. Write one sentence about why each deserves that label.
Memory Tip:
Think “venerable” = “worthy of veneration.” If it’s long-standing and deeply respected, it’s venerable.
Real-World Application:
Use “venerable” in discussions about heritage, art, education, or tradition to convey respectful admiration for long-established subjects.
Word 2: Pigments
Context:
"Even the most venerable Old Master paintings don't escape: pigments discolour, varnishes crack, canvases warp." - Source: Commentary on art conservation
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pigments” are colored substances used in paints, dyes, and other materials to provide color. In art, pigments are the raw materials that give paintings their hues—mixed with a binder to create paint. Over time, these pigments can degrade, causing fading or discoloration, which is a key concern in preserving historical artworks. Pigments have been used for thousands of years, often derived from minerals, plants, or synthetic sources.
Meaning: Substances that provide color to paint, ink, or other materials (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: PIG-muhnts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *pigmentum*, meaning “coloring” or “paint,” from *pingere* (to paint)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pigments” is a science-meets-art kind of word. It’s essential in discussions on painting, biology (skin pigments), and even cosmetics. In the context of heritage art, it reflects how physical materials can age and decay, revealing both the beauty and fragility of artistic expression over time.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: colorants, dyes, tints, hues, inks
Antonyms: bleach, colorless agent, fading compound
Usage Examples:
- The artist ground natural pigments to create her own paints.
- Some pigments used in ancient art were derived from minerals like lapis lazuli.
- Time and exposure to light can cause pigments to fade or change.
- Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of human skin and hair.
Cultural Reference:
"The use of rare pigments like ultramarine, once more valuable than gold, reflected the status and resources of Renaissance painters." - Art history insight
Think About It:
What does the fading of pigments in ancient artworks tell us about the relationship between time, art, and memory?
Quick Activity:
Name three colors and try to guess what natural sources ancient artists might have used to create those pigments.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Pigments paint pictures.” The word starts with “pig-” but has nothing to do with animals—just color!
Real-World Application:
Understanding pigments is key in fields like painting, cosmetics, printing, textile design, and even biology. It helps you appreciate both the science and art of color creation.
Word 3: Inherent
Context:
"This challenging fact of art-world life is down to something that sounds more like a thread from a morality tale: inherent vice." - Source: Discussion on the natural decay of artworks
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Inherent” means existing as a natural or essential part of something. In the given context, “inherent vice” refers to the idea that some materials used in artworks naturally deteriorate over time due to their very composition. It highlights a built-in flaw or vulnerability—something that cannot be separated from the material or concept. The term is often used in art conservation, law, and philosophy to describe unavoidable characteristics.
Meaning: Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-HAIR-uhnt or in-HEER-uhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *inhaerentem*, meaning “to be closely connected with,” from *in-* (in) + *haerere* (to stick or cling)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Inherent” is a subtle yet powerful word. It implies something unavoidable or built-in. In exams or writing, use it to describe qualities that are part of the very nature of something—like “inherent flaws,” “inherent beauty,” or “inherent tension.” Be careful not to confuse it with “inherited,” which relates to passing down through generations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intrinsic, innate, natural, essential, built-in
Antonyms: extrinsic, acquired, external, added
Usage Examples:
- There is an inherent risk in investing in the stock market.
- Some materials have inherent flaws that make preservation difficult.
- The artist believed in the inherent beauty of imperfection.
- Violence is not inherent to human nature—it is often learned.
Cultural Reference:
“Inherent vice” is a term used in insurance and conservation to describe a material’s built-in tendency to self-destruct—such as acidic paper yellowing with age. The phrase also inspired the title of a novel and film by Thomas Pynchon.
Think About It:
Can flaws or weaknesses that are inherent to a system or material ever be completely eliminated? Or are they part of what gives something character?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “inherent” to describe a positive and a negative quality in human nature.
Memory Tip:
Think of “inherent” as “in here”—a quality that is naturally part of something from the inside.
Real-World Application:
“Inherent” is useful in analytical writing, especially when describing essential traits in systems, materials, philosophies, or human behavior. It helps convey depth and precision in argumentation.
Word 4: Vice
Context:
"This challenging fact of art-world life is down to something that sounds more like a thread from a morality tale: inherent vice." - Source: Discussion on the natural decay of artworks
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Vice” typically refers to immoral or wicked behavior, such as dishonesty or indulgence in harmful habits. However, in the context of “inherent vice,” especially in the art and insurance world, it takes on a technical meaning. It refers to a flaw or weakness that exists within the material itself—something that will cause it to deteriorate over time without any external force. This dual meaning gives the word a unique richness, blending moral storytelling with material science and preservation.
Meaning: A moral failing or a weakness; in art or insurance, a built-in defect that causes deterioration (Noun)
Pronunciation: vīs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *vitium*, meaning “fault, defect, or offense”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Vice” is one of those powerful words that shift meaning based on context. It can mean moral corruption (think “virtue vs. vice”) or, as in “inherent vice,” refer to a natural flaw in objects or materials. Knowing both meanings helps you grasp nuanced discussions—in philosophy, law, literature, and even art conservation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: flaw, weakness, defect, fault, immorality (context-dependent)
Antonyms: virtue, strength, integrity, excellence
Usage Examples:
- Greed is often considered a classic vice in many ethical traditions.
- The paper had an inherent vice—it was too acidic and deteriorated over time.
- He struggled to overcome the vices of gambling and dishonesty.
- Insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by inherent vice.
Cultural Reference:
In literature and religion, “vice” often appears as the opposite of “virtue,” forming the moral framework for stories and parables. In art and law, “inherent vice” describes internal causes of deterioration, a term famously used in Thomas Pynchon's novel *Inherent Vice*.
Think About It:
Can a flaw (or vice) ever be a source of character or uniqueness, rather than just a weakness?
Quick Activity:
List two personal vices (e.g., procrastination, impatience) and write one strategy to address each. Then think of a material (like paper or wood) and name one possible “inherent vice” it might have.
Memory Tip:
Think “vice vs. virtue” to remember the moral meaning; for materials, think “built-in flaw” that leads to decay.
Real-World Application:
“Vice” is widely used in ethics, religion, law, literature, and even conservation. Whether referring to personal weaknesses or structural flaws, it helps explain hidden vulnerabilities—both human and material.
Word 5: Decompose
Context:
"The result was that the shark began to decompose quite quickly — its preserving liquid clouding, the skin wrinkling, and an unpleasant smell wafting from the tank." - Source: Commentary on art preservation and biological decay
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Decompose” means to break down or decay through natural processes, especially due to the action of bacteria and fungi. In the given context, the shark (used in a famous artwork) was not properly preserved, and its body began to decay—changing appearance, texture, and smell. The word is commonly used in biology and environmental science but can also describe symbolic breakdowns, such as systems or structures falling apart.
Meaning: To break down or rot through natural biological processes (Verb)
Pronunciation: dee-kuhm-POHZ
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *de-* (apart) + *componere* (to put together), meaning to disassemble or break down
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Decompose” is a useful word not just in science but also in metaphorical writing. It captures both physical decay and the breakdown of ideas or structures. It’s often associated with nature, time, and impermanence—especially in literature and art. It’s a great example of a verb that connects physical reality with emotional tone.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: rot, decay, disintegrate, break down, perish
Antonyms: preserve, maintain, solidify, stabilize
Usage Examples:
- Fallen leaves decompose into the soil, enriching it with nutrients.
- The buried body began to decompose within a few days.
- The old building had started to decompose due to neglect and weathering.
- In literature, the decaying house symbolized the decomposing values of the characters.
Cultural Reference:
Damien Hirst’s artwork *The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living* featured a preserved shark that began to decompose, sparking debates about art, decay, and impermanence.
Think About It:
Why do you think decay and decomposition are recurring themes in both science and art? What do they symbolize?
Quick Activity:
List three things that naturally decompose. Then, write a metaphorical sentence using “decompose” (e.g., Trust can decompose if honesty is lost).
Memory Tip:
“De-” means reverse or undo, and “compose” means put together—so “decompose” = break apart what was once whole.
Real-World Application:
“Decompose” is a core term in biology, recycling, agriculture, and environmental science. It also appears in art and literature as a symbol of decline, transformation, or renewal.
