đ Whatâs Inside This CAT Paragraph Summary Question Post?
đ Authentic CAT Paragraph Summary QuestionPractice with a real CAT Paragraph Summary Question from a previous CAT exam.
â
Detailed Question with Step-by-Step SolutionEach question is explained thoroughly for better understanding.
đ In-Depth Paragraph AnalysisGain insights through line-by-line and paragraph-wise analysis
đ Vocabulary Enhancement: Top 5 words explained from the paragraph
Paragraph Summary Questions
17. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Passage:
Tamsin Blanchard, curator of Fashion Open Studio, an initiative by a campaign group showcasing the work of ethical designers says, âWe're all drawn to an exquisite piece of embroidery, a colourful textile or even a style of dressing that might have originated from another heritage. [But] this magpie mentality, where all of culture and history is up for grabs as 'inspiration', has accelerated since the proliferation of social media...Where once a fashion student might research the history and traditions of a particular item of clothing with care and respect, we now have a world where images are lifted from image libraries without a care for their cultural significance. It's easier than ever to steal a motif or a craft technique and transfer it on to a piece of clothing that is either mass produced or appears on a runway without credit or compensation to their original communities."
B. Media has encouraged mass production; images are copied effortlessly without care or concern for the interests of ethnic communities.
C. Taking fashion ideas from any cultural group without their consent is a form of appropriation without giving due credit, compensation, and respect.
D. Cultural collaboration is the need of the hour. Beautiful design ideas of indigenous people need to be showcased and shared worldwide. â
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The passage discusses the unchecked appropriation of cultural elements, particularly in fashion, facilitated by the rise of social media. Tamsin Blanchard emphasizes how styles and techniques from various heritages are copiedâwithout proper context, acknowledgment, or respectâinto mass-produced fashion. The core issue raised is not simply about admiration or collaboration, but about appropriation without due credit or compensation to the originating communities.
Option A misrepresents the idea by focusing on ownership. The passage does not say that native communities âownâ specific designs or patternsâit stresses respect and acknowledgment rather than legal ownership.
Option B incorrectly attributes the issue to âmedia encouraging mass production,â which is not the main focus. The concern is with uncredited cultural appropriation, not just production methods.
Option D introduces the idea of âcultural collaborationâ and global sharing of indigenous ideas, which the passage neither advocates nor mentions. This romanticizes what is actually being criticized.
Option C precisely captures the argument of the passage: the unauthorized and disrespectful use of cultural fashion elements constitutes appropriation, and it lacks the credit, compensation, and respect that should accompany such use.
Therefore, Option C is the most accurate summary of the passage.
Word 1: Curator
Context:
"Tamsin Blanchard, curator of Fashion Open Studio, an initiative by a campaign group showcasing the work of ethical designers says" - Fashion Campaign Coverage
Explanatory Paragraph:
A curator is someone who is in charge of selecting, organizing, and presenting items or ideas in a meaningful way, typically in museums, exhibitions, or cultural events. In modern contexts, curators are not limited to art or historyâthey can oversee fashion shows, digital content, or educational programs. Their role involves deep knowledge of the subject matter, a sense of aesthetics, and the ability to communicate a narrative or theme to an audience.
Meaning: A person who organizes and manages a collection, exhibit, or event (Noun)
Pronunciation: KYOO-ray-tur
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "curare," meaning "to care for"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is commonly used in the arts and fashion industries. Think of a curator as the "storyteller" behind an exhibit or eventâsomeone who carefully selects and arranges elements to communicate a bigger picture.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: organizer, manager, selector, custodian
Antonyms: disorganizer, vandal, neglector
Usage Examples:
- The museum curator spent months assembling the new Egyptian artifacts display.
- She works as a digital curator, selecting top articles and videos for the app's homepage.
- As a fashion curator, he brings together pieces from diverse cultures to tell a cohesive story.
- Libraries now employ media curators to manage and present digital collections.
Cultural Reference:
"The curator of the Louvre's Da Vinci exhibit is said to have traveled across Europe gathering undiscovered sketches." - Art Review Weekly
Think About It:
What qualities make someone a good curator in the digital age where content is abundant but attention is scarce?
Quick Activity:
Create a mini-exhibit using household items and write a short paragraph explaining the theme you curated.
Memory Tip:
Think of a "curator" as someone who "cares" about whatâs shown â both words share the same root.
Real-World Application:
In social media marketing, content curators are essential for selecting and sharing the most relevant and impactful posts to engage followers.
Word 2: Initiative
Context:
"Tamsin Blanchard, curator of Fashion Open Studio, an initiative by a campaign group showcasing the work of ethical designers says" - Fashion Campaign Coverage
Explanatory Paragraph:
An initiative refers to a new plan, program, or action started with the aim of solving a problem, achieving a goal, or making progress in a particular field. It implies leadership, action, and a proactive approach. In the given context, the Fashion Open Studio is described as an initiativeâmeaning it is a purposeful undertaking designed to promote ethical fashion and spotlight responsible designers.
Meaning: A new plan or action aimed at achieving a goal or solving a problem (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-NISH-uh-tiv
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "initium" meaning "a beginning" and "initiÄre" meaning "to begin"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âInitiativeâ is a power-packed word often used in business, governance, and activism. It not only refers to a project but also to the spirit of taking the first step. When someone âtakes initiative,â they donât wait for othersâthey act first.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: plan, program, scheme, undertaking, drive
Antonyms: inaction, apathy, indifference
Usage Examples:
- The government launched a new initiative to reduce plastic waste.
- Her initiative to start a mental health support group was widely appreciated.
- Employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute innovative ideas.
- This education initiative aims to bring technology into rural classrooms.
Cultural Reference:
"The Green New Deal is a sweeping environmental initiative aimed at addressing climate change and economic inequality." - The Guardian
Think About It:
Why do some initiatives succeed and others failâeven when the idea behind them is strong?
Quick Activity:
Think of a problem in your community or school. Write a two-line description of an initiative you could start to address it.
Memory Tip:
âInitiativeâ begins with âinitââjust like âinitialââthink of it as the first step to solving a problem or achieving something big.
Real-World Application:
Organizations often launch social initiatives to address issues like gender equality, sustainability, or education reformâdemonstrating leadership and responsibility.
Word 3: Proliferation
Context:
"[But] this magpie mentality, where all of culture and history is up for grabs as 'inspiration', has accelerated since the proliferation of social media" - Cultural Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
Proliferation refers to a rapid and often excessive spread or increase of something. In the context of the sentence, it describes how social media platforms have dramatically increased the access to and sharing of cultural content. This surge has intensified the tendency to borrow ideas from across cultures and histories, sometimes carelessly. The word carries a neutral to slightly critical tone depending on context, emphasizing the speed and scale of growth.
Meaning: A rapid and large increase or spread (Noun)
Pronunciation: pruh-LIF-uh-ray-shun
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From French "prolifération," from Latin "proles" (offspring) + "ferre" (to bear or produce)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a strong academic word often used in essays, journalism, and analysis. It's especially common in discussions about technology, media, weapons, or diseasesâanything that can grow quickly and widely. Try to notice how the word adds weight to an argument or claim.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: spread, expansion, growth, multiplication, escalation
Antonyms: decline, decrease, reduction, shrinkage
Usage Examples:
- The proliferation of smartphones has changed how we communicate and consume media.
- There is growing concern over the proliferation of misinformation online.
- Environmentalists warn about the unchecked proliferation of plastic waste.
- The fashion world has seen a proliferation of fast fashion brands in recent years.
Cultural Reference:
"The proliferation of memes has made humor more accessible, but also more disposable." - Internet Culture Digest
Think About It:
Can too much proliferationâwhether of ideas, products, or informationâactually lead to confusion or dilution of value?
Quick Activity:
List three things that have proliferated in the last decade and write one sentence on the impact of each.
Memory Tip:
Think: âPro-life-erationâ â life (or anything) spreading rapidly like multiplying cells or ideas on social media.
Real-World Application:
Understanding âproliferationâ is key in global politics (e.g., nuclear proliferation), technology (e.g., proliferation of apps), and marketing (e.g., brand proliferation across platforms).
Word 4: Significance
Context:
"We now have a world where images are lifted from image libraries without a care for their cultural significance." - Cultural Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
Significance refers to the importance, meaning, or value that something holds. In this sentence, the word "significance" emphasizes the deeper cultural or historical meanings behind images that are often used carelessly or without understanding. Recognizing significance means appreciating the context, emotions, and values associated with an object, event, or traditionâsomething especially important in discussions about cultural sensitivity and respect.
Meaning: The quality of being important or having meaning (Noun)
Pronunciation: sig-NIF-ih-kuns
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "significare," meaning "to indicate or mean"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful word in academic writing, especially in essays, debates, and analysis. Whenever you want to stress why something matters or has an impactâuse âsignificance.â Itâs also important in ethical and cultural discussions, where understanding deeper meaning is crucial.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: importance, meaning, weight, value, relevance
Antonyms: insignificance, triviality, unimportance, irrelevance
Usage Examples:
- He failed to grasp the significance of the ceremony in that culture.
- The discovery has great scientific significance for cancer research.
- The monument was preserved due to its historical significance.
- They debated the political significance of the new policy announcement.
Cultural Reference:
"The red poppy holds deep significance in the UK as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers." - British Heritage Monthly
Think About It:
How can understanding the cultural significance of an object or tradition change the way we perceive or use it?
Quick Activity:
Choose a common object (like a flag, flower, or color) and research its significance in two different cultures. Write two sentences comparing the meanings.
Memory Tip:
âSignificanceâ contains the word âsignââa clue or symbol of deeper meaning. Think: every âsignâ has a âsignificance.â
Real-World Application:
In journalism, education, and content creation, recognizing the significance of cultural elements helps avoid misrepresentation and fosters respectful communication.
Word 5: Compensation
Context:
"Transfer it on to a piece of clothing that is either mass produced or appears on a runway without credit or compensation to their original communities." - Cultural Ethics Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
Compensation refers to somethingâusually moneyâgiven to someone in return for their work, services, or loss. In the sentence provided, the word is used to highlight a lack of fairness: cultural designs are being used without giving anything back to the communities that created them. The idea is that creators deserve recognition and a fair return for their contributions, especially when others profit from them.
Meaning: Something, typically money, given in recognition of loss, service, or effort (Noun)
Pronunciation: kom-pen-SAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin "compensare" meaning "to weigh one thing against another"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often pops up in legal, workplace, and ethical contexts. It signals fairness and balance. Always ask: if someone contributed something of valueâare they being fairly compensated? Itâs a key concept in debates around cultural appropriation, labor rights, and corporate responsibility.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: payment, reimbursement, restitution, reward, remuneration
Antonyms: deprivation, loss, penalty, forfeiture
Usage Examples:
- She received financial compensation for the damage caused to her property.
- Workers demanded fair compensation for their overtime hours.
- The artist was never given credit or compensation for her original design.
- Emotional compensation can be as important as financial when resolving conflicts.
Cultural Reference:
"The debate over reparations is essentially about whether historical injustices deserve modern compensation." - The Atlantic
Think About It:
Should companies be legally required to offer compensation when they profit from cultural symbols or traditions?
Quick Activity:
Think of a situation where someone deserves compensation. Write two sentences explaining why and what kind of compensation would be fair.
Memory Tip:
âCompensationâ starts with âcompensateââthink of it as something given to âbalance the scalesâ after effort or loss.
Real-World Application:
Compensation is a central concept in labor rights, intellectual property, and ethicsâensuring that creators, workers, and victims of harm are fairly treated.
