CPE Reading Part 6

Part 6: Fill in the gap by selecting the correct missing text.

You Only Have Ten Seconds to Show You’re a Somebody

Paragraph 1: The exact moment that two humans lay eyes on each other has awesome potency. The first sight of you is a brilliant holograph. It burns its way into your new acquaintance’s eyes and can stay emblazoned in his or her memory forever.

Paragraph 2: .......................

Paragraph 3: Bob has a unique gift for capturing not only the physical appearance of his subjects, but for zeroing in on the essence of their personalities. The bodies and souls of hundreds of luminaries radiate from his sketch pad. One glance at his caricatures of famous people and you can actually “see” their personalities.

• Once when I was visiting Bob’s studio, I asked him how he could capture people’s personalities so well. He said, “It’s simple. I just look at them.”

• Artists are sometimes able to capture this quicksilver, fleeting emotional response. My friend Robert Grossman is an accomplished caricature artist who draws regularly for Forbes, Newsweek,

  Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, and other popular publications.

• Sometimes at a party, Bob will do a quick sketch on a cocktail napkin of a guest. Hovering over Bob’s shoulder, the onlookers gasp as they watch their friend’s image and essence materialise

  before their eyes. When he’s finished drawing, he puts his pendown and hands the napkin to the subject. Often a puzzled look comes over the subject’s face. He or she usually mumbles some

  politeness like, “Well, er, that’s great. But it really isn’t me.”

• “See,” Bob said, pointing to angles on various presidential body parts, “here’s the boyishness of Clinton,” showing me his half smile; “the awkwardness of the elder George Bush,” pointing to his shoulder angle; “the charm of Reagan,” noting the ex-president’s smiling eyes; “the shiftiness of Nixon,” pointing to the furtive tilt of his head.

Answer explanation

The three paragraphs exhibit a cohesive structure and logical flow, contributing to the overall coherence of the text.

Structure: The paragraphs follow a clear structural pattern. Paragraph 1 introduces the concept of the powerful impact of the first sight between two individuals. It sets the stage by describing the profound nature of this moment. Paragraph 2 transitions smoothly by introducing the idea of artists capturing such moments, providing a specific example with Robert Grossman. Paragraph 3 further expands on Robert Grossman's talent and unique gift for capturing not just physical appearance but the essence of personalities. This progression creates a natural flow from the general concept to a specific example and then to a deeper exploration of that example.

Logic: The progression of ideas is logically connected. The initial paragraph establishes the significance of first impressions, which logically leads to the consideration of how artists might capture such moments. The introduction of Robert Grossman as a skilled artist is a logical extension of the theme, and the subsequent discussion of his ability to capture personalities builds on the initial premise. The logic is evident in the development of the narrative.

Coherence: The paragraphs are tightly connected, contributing to the overall coherence of the text. Each paragraph builds upon the previous one, creating a coherent and unified discussion about the impact of first impressions, the role of artists in capturing these moments, and the specific example of Robert Grossman's expertise.

Cohesion: The use of pronouns and transition words ensures cohesion throughout the text. Words like "it," "this," and "his" are used to reference and connect ideas between paragraphs. Additionally, the flow is strengthened by transition words like "however," which introduces the artist's example in the second paragraph.

Content: The content of each paragraph is relevant to the overall theme of the impact of first impressions and the ability of artists to capture these moments. Each paragraph adds depth and detail to the central idea, with the third paragraph providing a concrete example that illustrates the preceding discussion.

In summary, the structure, logic, coherence, cohesion, and content of these paragraphs work together seamlessly to convey a unified message about the profound impact of first impressions and the skill of artists in capturing these moments, using the example of Robert Grossman.

Paragraph 4: .........................

Paragraph 5: The crowd’s convincing crescendo of “Oh yes it is!” drowns the subject out and squelches any lingering doubt. The confused subject is left to stare back at the world’s view of himself or her- self in the napkin.

• “See,” Bob said, pointing to angles on various presidential body parts, “here’s the boyishness of Clinton,” showing me his half smile; “the awkwardness of the elder George Bush,” pointing to his shoulder angle; “the charm of Reagan,” noting the ex-president’s smiling eyes; “the shiftiness of Nixon,” pointing to the furtive tilt of his head.

• Once when I was visiting Bob’s studio, I asked him how he could capture people’s personalities so well. He said, “It’s simple. I just look at them.”

• First impressions are indelible. Why? Because in our fast-paced, information-overload world of multiple stimuli bombarding us every second, people’s heads are spinning. They must form quick judgments to make sense of the world and get on with what they have to do.

• Sometimes at a party, Bob will do a quick sketch on a cocktail napkin of a guest. Hovering over Bob’s shoulder, the onlookers gasp as they watch their friend’s image and essence materialise

  before their eyes. When he’s finished drawing, he puts his pendown and hands the napkin to the subject. Often a puzzled look comes over the subject’s face. He or she usually mumbles some

  politeness like, “Well, er, that’s great. But it really isn’t me.”

Answer explanation

Paragraphs 4 and 5 seamlessly integrate into the existing structure. They provide a tangible example of the artist, Robert Grossman, in action, expanding on the previous discussion about his ability to capture personalities. The introduction of a specific scenario at a party with guests reacting to Bob's sketches adds a practical dimension to the earlier theoretical discussion.

Logic: The logic of the narrative is maintained as Paragraphs 4 and 5 build upon the established theme. They illustrate how Robert Grossman's skill in capturing personalities translates into a social setting, portraying the immediate reactions of subjects and the crowd. This logical progression deepens the reader's understanding of the artist's impact beyond the theoretical framework presented in the earlier paragraphs.

Coherence: The coherence is maintained by the consistent focus on Robert Grossman and his artistic talents. The party scenario serves as a practical and relatable example that enhances the reader's comprehension of the artist's work, fitting seamlessly into the broader discussion about the impact of first impressions and artistic representation.

Cohesion: Pronouns and references contribute to cohesion, with terms like "he," "his," and "the subject" connecting the new paragraphs to the preceding ones. The use of specific details, such as the cocktail napkin sketches and the crowd's reactions, strengthens the overall cohesion by providing vivid examples that align with the established theme.

Content: The content of Paragraphs 4 and 5 adds depth and concreteness to the discussion about Robert Grossman. They offer a real-world illustration of the artist's interactions with subjects and the subsequent crowd dynamics. This content enhances the overall narrative by providing a practical application of the earlier theoretical concepts.

Paragraph 6: .........................

Paragraph 7: “No,” I asked, “How do you capture their personalities? Don’t you have to do a lot of research about their lifestyle, their history?”

“No, I told you, Leil, I just look at them.”

“Huh?”

He went on to explain, “Almost every facet of people’s personalities is evident from their appearance, their posture, the way they move. For instance . . .” he said, calling me over to a file where he kept his caricatures of political figures.

• Once when I was visiting Bob’s studio, I asked him how he could capture people’s personalities so well. He said, “It’s simple. I just look at them.”

• Thus the moment someone looks at you,he or she experiences a massive hit, the impact of which lays the

  groundwork for the entire relationship. Bob told me he captures that first hit in creating his caricatures.

• The way you look and the way you move is more than 80 percent of someone’s first impression of you. Not one word needs to be spoken.

• Whenever I met new colleagues, I could tell instantly how friendly they felt toward me, how confident they were, and approximately how much stature they had in the company. I could sense, just from seeing them move, who the heavyweights were and who were

  the welterweights.

Answer explanation

Paragraphs 6 and 7 smoothly integrate into the existing structure, providing a more personal perspective by introducing the narrator's interaction with Robert Grossman. The placement of these paragraphs after the description of Robert Grossman's artistic process at parties adds a layer of insight into the artist's mindset and methods.

Logic: These paragraphs logically build upon the previous ones by offering an inside look into Robert Grossman's approach to capturing personalities. The narrator's inquiry about the artist's technique directly addresses the reader's potential curiosity, adding depth to the understanding of how Grossman accomplishes his unique artistic feat.

Coherence: The coherence is maintained through the consistent focus on Robert Grossman and his artistic process. The new paragraphs deepen the reader's engagement by introducing a conversation between the narrator and Grossman, providing a more intimate understanding of the artist's perspective.

Cohesion: Cohesion is achieved through the continued use of pronouns and references, linking the narrator's experience with Robert Grossman back to the broader theme of capturing personalities through art. The conversational tone in Paragraphs 6 and 7 further connects the reader to the narrative, fostering a sense of continuity.

Content: These paragraphs contribute valuable content by offering an insider's perspective on Robert Grossman's artistic philosophy. The direct dialogue and Grossman's explanation enhance the reader's understanding of the artist's approach, reinforcing the earlier discussion about capturing personalities through observation.

Paragraph 8: ......................

Paragraph 9: Digging a little deeper into his file, he pulled out Franklin Delano Roosevelt and, pointing to the nose high in the air, “Here’s the pride of FDR.” It’s all in the face and the body.

• Sometimes at a party, Bob will do a quick sketch on a cocktail napkin of a guest. Hovering over Bob’s shoulder, the onlookers gasp as they watch their friend’s image and essence materialise

  before their eyes. When he’s finished drawing, he puts his pendown and hands the napkin to the subject. Often a puzzled look comes over the subject’s face. He or she usually mumbles some

  politeness like, “Well, er, that’s great. But it really isn’t me.”

• Thus the moment someone looks at you,he or she experiences a massive hit, the impact of which lays the

  groundwork for the entire relationship. Bob told me he captures that first hit in creating his caricatures.

• “See,” Bob said, pointing to angles on various presidential body parts, “here’s the boyishness of Clinton,” showing me his half smile; “the awkwardness of the elder George Bush,” pointing to his shoulder angle; “the charm of Reagan,” noting the ex-president’s smiling eyes; “the shiftiness of Nixon,” pointing to the furtive tilt of his head.

• Whenever I met new colleagues, I could tell instantly how friendly they felt toward me, how confident they were, and approximately how much stature they had in the company. I could sense, just from seeing them move, who the heavyweights were and who were

  the welterweights.

Answer explanation

Paragraphs 8 and 9 seamlessly extend the existing structure by delving deeper into Robert Grossman's process. They provide specific examples of how he identifies and captures distinct personality traits in political figures. The placement after the previous paragraphs about Grossman's general approach adds depth to the discussion.

Logic: These paragraphs logically build upon the prior ones by illustrating specific instances of how Grossman interprets and represents personalities through his caricatures. The concrete examples of presidential figures align with the broader theme of capturing personalities through observation, as discussed in the earlier paragraphs.

Coherence: The coherence is maintained by consistently focusing on Robert Grossman's abilities and methods. Paragraphs 8 and 9 contribute detailed examples that enhance the reader's understanding of how Grossman translates his observations into art, strengthening the overall narrative.

Cohesion: Cohesion is achieved through the continued use of pronouns and references, linking specific examples of Grossman's observations back to the broader theme of capturing personalities through art. The vivid descriptions create a cohesive connection between the theoretical discussion and practical application.

Content: These paragraphs enrich the content by offering concrete examples of Grossman's analysis of various presidents, showcasing his keen eye for detail and his ability to distill complex personalities into visual elements. The content aligns with the overall theme of the text.

Choose the best fitting conclusion tenth paragraph. Think carefully!

• In conclusion, Robert Grossman's art reveals that personality is a superficial construct, easily manipulated through artistic interpretation. His caricatures, while visually engaging, merely reflect societal stereotypes and preconceived notions. The idea that an artist can capture the essence of an individual solely through observation is an oversimplification of the intricate layers that constitute human personality.

• Reflecting on the profound impact of Robert Grossman's art, one cannot help but appreciate the depth of understanding and insight that can be captured through a skilled artist's eyes. The convergence of first impressions, artistic representation, and the intricate nuances of personalities culminate in a powerful realization: that within the strokes of a sketch, a world of traits, emotions, and histories can be unveiled. Through Grossman's work, we are reminded that the art of observation, coupled with the talent to translate those observations into tangible representations, holds the key to unlocking the essence of individuals. Just as a single glance can etch a lasting image in one's memory, so too can an artist's rendering immortalize the complexities that define us. In the brushstrokes and lines, we find a profound connection between the observer, the observed, and the timeless art that bridges their worlds.

• To sum up, Robert Grossman's talent lies in his ability to exaggerate features for comedic effect, rather than capturing any genuine aspects of personality. His sketches, though entertaining, are more about theatrical presentation than insightful observation. The notion that a simple glance can uncover the complexities of a person's character oversells the role of visual representation in understanding the human psyche.

• In brief, while Robert Grossman's sketches are visually striking, the idea that an artist can encapsulate the entirety of a person's essence through mere observation is an exaggeration. Personality is a dynamic and multifaceted aspect that transcends the confines of visual representation. Grossman's work, while skilled, should be viewed as a creative interpretation rather than a definitive revelation of the intricacies that define individuals.

Answer explanation

The concluding paragraph serves to summarize the overarching theme of the text and tie together the various elements discussed. It reinforces the significance of capturing personalities through art, drawing attention to the intricate details that artists like Robert Grossman unveil through their keen observations. The paragraph aims to leave the reader with a contemplative reflection on the enduring impact of art in revealing the depths of human complexity.

The blue option is incorrect because: This concluding paragraph suggests that Robert Grossman's art merely perpetuates stereotypes and fails to genuinely capture individual personalities. However, the provided accurate conclusion appreciates Grossman's ability to unveil the complexities of individuals through keen observation, highlighting the depth of understanding that skilled artists can achieve.

The yellow option is incorrect because: This paragraph claims that Grossman's sketches are more about theatrical presentation and comedic effect than insightful observation. The accurate conclusion recognizes Grossman's talent in distilling genuine aspects of personalities through visual representation, emphasising the enduring impact of art in revealing human complexity.

The pink option is incorrect because: The third option downplays the significance of visual representation in understanding personality, suggesting that Grossman's work is a creative interpretation rather than a definitive revelation. However, the accurate conclusion appreciates the profound connection between the observer, the observed, and the timeless art that bridges their worlds, highlighting the depth that can be unveiled through a skilled artist's eyes.