Free Practice Question
RC · Reading Comprehension
705-805
Short Passage - Humanities
Reading Passage
The topic of criminality in Andrew Blanchard’s
work is a commonly pursued one. Its richness lies as
much within the thematic framework of Blanchard’s
prose as it does within the author’s own scandalous
(5) life. Not surprisingly, scholars frequently examine
Blanchard’s fictional world for clues that could reveal
the “real” story of their author. While the verdict of
such critiques traverses the entire spectrum of moral
judgments, from wholehearted compassion to reluctant
(10) absolution and dismissive condemnation, they all share
a certain smugness that prevents them from appreciating
the poetic brilliance of their objet de critique.
At the less commendable end of this critical
spectrum is Mark Newman’s 1989 study titled, Andrew
(15) Blanchard: Biography of Deceit. In his book, Newman
undertakes the formidable challenge of correcting and
clarifying certain aspects of Blanchard’s biography.
The study, a detective narrative in its own right, seeks
to expose Blanchard not only as a petty thief, but also
(20) as a bad playwright. Newman holds no punches in
condemning Blanchard’s plays as disturbing, distasteful,
even disgusting. He even dislikes the playwright’s
penchant for meta-theater, arguing that only a highly
skilled dramaturge can interweave multiple plays-
(25) within-a-play and still maintain a coherent narrative
structure. The implication being, of course, that
Blanchard was far from being a skilled dramaturge.
work is a commonly pursued one. Its richness lies as
much within the thematic framework of Blanchard’s
prose as it does within the author’s own scandalous
(5) life. Not surprisingly, scholars frequently examine
Blanchard’s fictional world for clues that could reveal
the “real” story of their author. While the verdict of
such critiques traverses the entire spectrum of moral
judgments, from wholehearted compassion to reluctant
(10) absolution and dismissive condemnation, they all share
a certain smugness that prevents them from appreciating
the poetic brilliance of their objet de critique.
At the less commendable end of this critical
spectrum is Mark Newman’s 1989 study titled, Andrew
(15) Blanchard: Biography of Deceit. In his book, Newman
undertakes the formidable challenge of correcting and
clarifying certain aspects of Blanchard’s biography.
The study, a detective narrative in its own right, seeks
to expose Blanchard not only as a petty thief, but also
(20) as a bad playwright. Newman holds no punches in
condemning Blanchard’s plays as disturbing, distasteful,
even disgusting. He even dislikes the playwright’s
penchant for meta-theater, arguing that only a highly
skilled dramaturge can interweave multiple plays-
(25) within-a-play and still maintain a coherent narrative
structure. The implication being, of course, that
Blanchard was far from being a skilled dramaturge.
Which one of the following summarizes the main point of the passage?
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowBy judging Andrew Blanchard’s personal life rather than the quality of his work, critics fail to accord him the appreciation he deserves.
Correct
B
Some of the themes that inhabit Andrew Blanchard’s fictional world are drawn from his criminal past.
C
Mark Newman’s biography of Andrew Blanchard is well-informed, but the judgments it reaches are overly harsh.
D
Andrew Blanchard’s fictional world provides a valuable insight into his personal life.
E
Andrew Blanchard’s moral failings have prevented him from reaching his true artistic potential.
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What it tests
Your ability to understand a passage, its structure, and what the author is really saying. At the 705-805 level, accuracy and speed both matter.
Common trap
Answering from memory or outside knowledge instead of strictly from the passage.
Details
Difficulty
705-805
Type
RC
Category