Comprehension

The passage below is accompanied by a set of questions. Choose the best answer to each question.
The Chinese have two different concepts of a copy. Fangzhipin . . . are imitations where the difference from
the original is obvious. These are small models or copies that can be purchased in a museum shop, for
example. The second concept for a copy is fuzhipin . . . They are exact reproductions of the original, which,
for the Chinese, are of equal value to the original. It has absolutely no negative connotations. The
discrepancy with regard to the understanding of what a copy is has often led to misunderstandings and
arguments between China and Western museums. The Chinese often send copies abroad instead of originals,
in the firm belief that they are not essentially different from the originals. The rejection that then comes
from the Western museums is perceived by the Chinese as an insult. . . .
The Far Eastern notion of identity is also very confusing to the Western observer. The Ise Grand Shrine [in
Japan] is 1,300 years old for the millions of Japanese people who go there on pilgrimage every year. But in
reality this temple complex is completely rebuilt from scratch every 20 years. . . .
The cathedral of Freiburg Minster in southwest Germany is covered in scaffolding almost all year round. The
sandstone from which it is built is a very soft, porous material that does not withstand natural erosion by rain
and wind. After a while, it crumbles. As a result, the cathedral is continually being examined for damage, and
eroded stones are replaced. And in the cathedral’s dedicated workshop, copies of the damaged sandstone
figures are constantly being produced. Of course, attempts are made to preserve the stones from the Middle
Ages for as long as possible. But at some point they, too, are removed and replaced with new stones.
Fundamentally, this is the same operation as with the Japanese shrine, except in this case the production of a
replica takes place very slowly and over long periods of time. . . . In the field of art as well, the idea of an
unassailable original developed historically in the Western world. Back in the 17th century [in the West],
excavated artworks from antiquity were treated quite differently from today. They were not restored in a
way that was faithful to the original. Instead, there was massive intervention in these works, changing their
appearance. . . .
It is probably this intellectual position that explains why Asians have far fewer scruples about cloning than
Europeans. The South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who attracted worldwide attention with
his cloning experiments in 2004, is a Buddhist. He found a great deal of support and followers among
Buddhists, while Christians called for a ban on human cloning. . . . Hwang legitimised his cloning experiments
with his religious affiliation: ‘I am Buddhist, and I have no philosophical problem with cloning. And as you
know, the basis of Buddhism is that life is recycled through reincarnation. In some ways, I think, therapeutic
cloning restarts the circle of life.’

Question: 1

Which one of the following scenarios is unlikely to follow from the arguments in the passage?

Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
  • A 21st century Christian scientist is likely to oppose cloning because of his philosophical orientation.
  • A 17th century British painter would have no problem adding personal touches when restoring an ancient Roman painting.
  • A 17th century French artist who adhered to a Christian worldview would need to be completely true to the original intent of a painting when restoring it.
  • A 20th century Japanese Buddhist monk would value a reconstructed shrine as the original.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The passage indicates that the 21st-century West is reluctant to embrace cloning due to their adherence to the principle of not altering the original. Option 1 is likely to be consistent with the passage, as the 17th century differed from the present, and artists may not have been opposed to altering the original. Option 2 aligns with the passage. Option 3 contradicts the passage; in fact, if 2 follows from the passage, then 3 should also follow. As for option 4, the acceptance of imitation by Eastern people doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't value a reconstructed shrine as the original. Only option 3 is unlikely to follow; the rest are likely to be in line with the passage.

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Question: 2

Which one of the following statements does not correctly express the similarity between the Ise Grand Shrine and the cathedral of Freiburg Minster?

Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
  • Both can be regarded as very old structures
  • Both are continually undergoing restoration
  • Both were built as places of worship.
  • Both will one day be completely rebuilt.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

This question is straightforward. We learn from the passage that both structures are old, both will eventually be completely rebuilt, and both serve as places of worship. Regarding the concept of continual restoration, it applies to Freiburg but not to the Grand Shrine. Therefore, option 2 is the correct choice.

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Question: 3

The value that the modern West assigns to “an unassailable original” has resulted in all of the following EXCEPT:

Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
  • it allows regular employment for certain craftsmen.
  • it discourages them from carrying out human cloning.
  • it discourages them from making interventions in ancient art.
  • it discourages them from simultaneous displays of multiple copies of a painting
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Option 1 comes about due to the concept of the 'unassailable original' in art. To maintain the original, constant protection is required, ensuring regular employment for specific craftsmen. The 'unassailable original' idea is confined to art, so our focus should remain within that realm. Options 3 and 4 both stem from the value placed on preserving the unassailable original. However, option 2 stands out as the one that doesn't align with this pattern.

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Question: 4

Based on the passage, which one of the following copies would a Chinese museum be unlikely to consider as having less value than the original?

Updated On: Oct 1, 2024
  • Pablo Picasso’s painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, bearing Picasso’s signature.
  • Pablo Picasso’s miniaturised, but otherwise faithful and accurate painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting.
  • Pablo Picasso’s photograph of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, printed to exactly the same scale.
  • Pablo Picasso’s painting of Vincent van Gogh’s original painting, identical in every respect. respect.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

We need to choose an option that a Chinese museum would find valuable because "unlikely to consider having less value" suggests finding something valuable. According to the first paragraph, anything not an exact replica of the original would be considered of lesser value. While option 1 seems good, Van Gogh's painting contains Picasso's signature, reducing its value. Option 2 is dismissed as the painting is miniaturized. Option 3 is excluded because it's a photograph taken by Picasso. On the other hand, option 4, Picasso's painting of Van Gogh's original painting, identical in every respect, is the correct choice. Therefore, option 4 is the best because a painting is generally considered more valuable than a photograph and is likely to have a higher value.

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