Comprehension
The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question.
. . . [T]he idea of craftsmanship is not simply nostalgic. . . . Crafts require distinct skills, an all round approach to work that involves the whole product, rather than individual parts, and an attitude that necessitates devotion to the job and a focus on the communal interest. The concept of craft emphasises the human touch and individual judgment.
Essentially, the crafts concept seems to run against the preponderant ethos of management studies which, as the academics note, have long prioritised efficiency and consistency. . . . Craft skills were portrayed as being primitive and traditionalist.
The contrast between artisanship and efficiency first came to the fore in the 19th century when British manufacturers suddenly faced competition from across the Atlantic as firms developed the “American system” using standardised parts. . . . the worldwide success of the Singer sewing machine showed the potential of a mass-produced device. This process created its own reaction, first in the form of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, and then again in the “small is beautiful” movement of the 1970s. A third crafts movement is emerging as people become aware of the environmental impact of conventional industry.
There are two potential markets for those who practise crafts. The first stems from the existence of consumers who are willing to pay a premium price for goods that are deemed to be of extra quality. . . . The second market lies in those consumers who wish to use their purchases to support local workers, or to reduce their environmental impact by taking goods to craftspeople to be mended, or recycled.
For workers, the appeal of craftsmanship is that it allows them the autonomy to make creative choices, and thus makes a job far more satisfying. In that sense, it could offer hope for the overall labour market. Let the machines automate dull and repetitive tasks and let workers focus purely on their skills, judgment and imagination. As a current example, the academics cite the “agile” manifesto in the software sector, an industry at the heart of technological change. The pioneers behind the original agile manifesto promised to prioritise “individuals and interactions over processes and tools”. By bringing together experts from different teams, agile working is designed to improve creativity.
But the broader question is whether crafts can create a lot more jobs than they do today. Demand for crafted products may rise but will it be easy to retrain workers in sectors that might get automated (such as truck drivers) to take advantage? In a world where products and services often have to pass through regulatory hoops, large companies will usually have the advantage.
History also suggests that the link between crafts and creativity is not automatic. Medieval craft guilds were monopolies which resisted new entrants. They were also highly hierarchical with young men required to spend long periods as apprentices and journeymen before they could set up on their own; by that time the innovative spirit may have been knocked out of them. Craft workers can thrive in the modern era, but only if they don’t get too organised.
Question: 1

The author questions the ability of crafts to create substantial employment opportunities presently because

Updated On: Jul 21, 2025
  • the low scale of crafts production will not be able to absorb the mass of redundant labour.
  • regulatory requirements could make it difficult for small crafts outfits to compete.
  • workers made redundant by automation are unlikely to opt for crafts-related work.
  • crafts guilds tend to resist new entrants and are unlikely to accept large numbers of trainees.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The author's skepticism about the capability of crafts to provide significant employment opportunities in the current era centers on the challenges posed by regulatory requirements. These regulations can hinder the ability of small crafts outfits to compete effectively against larger companies.

According to the provided comprehension passage, crafts emphasize a hands-on approach, requiring unique skills and creativity, offering certain satisfactions and environmental benefits. However, the concern arises regarding whether crafts can generate a substantial number of jobs. While demand for crafted products may grow, retraining redundant workers poses a challenge.

Among the options, the correct answer is: Regulatory requirements could make it difficult for small crafts outfits to compete. This option aligns with the passage's implication that large companies often have the upper hand when navigating regulatory processes, creating barriers for smaller craft businesses aiming to scale up employment.

In summary, while crafts have potential appeal, especially in offering autonomy and satisfaction to workers, the broader question as to whether they can serve as a major employment solution is complicated by regulatory challenges that favor larger enterprises over smaller craft operations.

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Question: 2

We can infer from the passage that medieval crafts guilds resembled mass production in that both

Updated On: Jul 21, 2025
  • did not necessarily promote creativity.
  • did not always employ egalitarian production processes.
  • focused excessively on product quality.
  • discouraged innovation by restricting entry through strict rules.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The passage explores the dichotomy between craftsmanship and mass production, highlighting key characteristics of both approaches. It elucidates how crafts are associated with skill, autonomy, and creativity, whereas mass production typically emphasizes efficiency and consistency. In the context of medieval crafts guilds, we understand that, while they embodied certain craft values, they also shared similarities with mass production in their resistance to innovation. The medieval guilds were hierarchical and monopolistic, which stifled creativity and innovation.
The question asks us to identify the similarity between medieval crafts guilds and mass production. The passage indicates that mass production does not necessarily promote creativity due to its focus on efficiency and standardization. Similarly, medieval crafts guilds, by being monopolistic and hierarchical, also did not necessarily promote creativity or innovation. They imposed strict rules and a hierarchical structure that could suppress individual creativity. Therefore, the correct similarity inferred from the passage is:
did not necessarily promote creativity.
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Question: 3

The most recent revival in interest in the crafts is a result of the emergence of all of the following EXCEPT:

Updated On: Jul 21, 2025
  • a greater interest in buying locally produced goods.
  • concerns about the environmental impact of mass production.
  • support for individual creations as opposed to mass-produced objects.
  • a niche market for discerning buyers of quality products.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The question requires finding an option that doesn't align with the recent revival interest in crafts. The passage mentions various reasons for this revival, including: an awareness of the environmental impact caused by conventional industries, existence of markets willing to pay extra for high-quality goods, support for local workers, and the broader appeal to workers due to creativity and job satisfaction. Let's analyze the options:
  • a greater interest in buying locally produced goods: The passage states that one market for crafts stems from consumers who want to support local workers, thus this aligns with the revival interest.
  • concerns about the environmental impact of mass production: The passage clearly links the emerging crafts movement to environmental concerns, so this is aligned.
  • support for individual creations as opposed to mass-produced objects: Although the passage discusses the significance of individual judgment in craftsmanship, it does not specifically present this as a reason for the recent revival.
  • a niche market for discerning buyers of quality products: The passage mentions consumers paying a premium for high-quality goods, aligning with the revival interest.
Therefore, the correct answer is support for individual creations as opposed to mass-produced objects, as it's not directly mentioned as a reason for the recent interest in the crafts.
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Question: 4

Which one of the following statements is NOT inconsistent with the views stated in the passage?

Updated On: Jul 21, 2025
  • The Arts and Crafts movement was initially inspired by the “American system” of production.
  • We need to support the crafts; only then can we retain the creativity intrinsic to their production.
  • The agile movement in software is a throwback to the tenets of the medieval crafts guilds.
  • Creativity in the crafts could be stifled if the market for artisan goods becomes too organised.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The given passage discusses the nature of craftsmanship and its contrast to mass production and efficiency-driven industry. To determine which statement is NOT inconsistent with the views stated in the passage, we analyze each option in the context of the passage's ideas:
  • The passage explains that crafts contrast with the "American system" of production, which emphasizes standardization and mass production (Option 1 is inconsistent).
  • The passage emphasizes the value of creativity and autonomy in craftsmanship and the human touch, suggesting the importance of supporting crafts (Option 2 is consistent but not the highlighted inconsistency).
  • The passage references the agile movement as a modern example prioritizing creativity and individual interaction, not directly related to medieval crafts guilds (Option 3 is inconsistent).
  • The passage states that "craft workers can thrive in the modern era, but only if they don’t get too organised" and warns about the hierarchical nature of medieval guilds inhibiting creativity (Option 4 aligns with this cautionary note and is NOT inconsistent).
Therefore, the statement that is NOT inconsistent with the views in the passage is: Creativity in the crafts could be stifled if the market for artisan goods becomes too organised.
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