In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. The best things in an artist’s work are so much a matter of intuition, that there is much to be said for the point _______ view that would altogether discourage _______ inquiry into artistic phenomena on the part of the artist. Intuitions are shy things and apt to disappear if looked into too closely. And there is undoubtedly a danger that ______ much knowledge and training may supplant the natural _______ feeling of a student, leaving only a cold knowledge of the means of expression _______ its place.
altogether discourage _______ inquiry into artistic phenomena
intellectual
The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence fragment: "altogether discourage _______ inquiry into artistic phenomena". We need to choose the word that best fits grammatically and contextually.
Analyzing the Blank: Finding the Right Word
Let's look at the structure of the phrase "altogether discourage _______ inquiry into artistic phenomena".
- "discourage" is a verb.
- "inquiry" is a noun, which is the object being discouraged.
- The blank is placed right before the noun "inquiry".
Words placed before a noun typically modify the noun. Therefore, we are looking for a word that can function as an adjective to describe the type of "inquiry".
Evaluating the Options for Artistic Inquiry
Let's examine the given options:
- intellect: This is a noun. A noun cannot directly modify another noun in this structure (you wouldn't say "discourage intellect inquiry").
- intellectual: This is an adjective meaning "relating to the intellect" or "involving thinking and understanding". This word can modify a noun like "inquiry" (e.g., intellectual pursuits, intellectual challenges). This fits the grammatical requirement.
- intellectually: This is an adverb, typically modifying a verb or an adjective (e.g., think intellectually, intellectually stimulating). It cannot modify a noun like "inquiry" directly in this position.
- intellective: This is an adjective meaning "relating to the intellect or intelligence; capable of thought". While it is an adjective and could technically modify "inquiry", "intellectual inquiry" is a much more common and natural-sounding phrase in English, especially in the context of discussing conscious thought processes versus intuition, as suggested by the broader passage about artistic work.
Selecting the Correct Word for Inquiry
Based on the grammatical function needed (an adjective modifying "inquiry") and common usage in English, "intellectual" is the most suitable word among the options provided. It refers to inquiry that involves the use of the intellect, thinking, and analysis, which contrasts with the "intuition" mentioned earlier in the passage.
Filling the blank with "intellectual" gives the phrase: "altogether discourage intellectual inquiry into artistic phenomena". This makes grammatical and contextual sense within the passage, which discusses discouraging overthinking or conscious analysis ("intellectual inquiry") in artistic creation because intuition ("shy things") might disappear.
Conclusion
The word that correctly fills the blank and modifies the noun "inquiry" is the adjective "intellectual".
| Option | Word Type | Fits Grammatically? | Fits Contextually? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| intellect | Noun | No | N/A | A noun cannot modify another noun directly here. |
| intellectual | Adjective | Yes | Yes | Modifies 'inquiry', referring to inquiry using the intellect. Common phrase. |
| intellectually | Adverb | No | N/A | An adverb cannot modify a noun directly here. |
| intellective | Adjective | Yes | Less common | Less common than 'intellectual inquiry' and doesn't fit the contrast with 'intuition' as well as 'intellectual'. |
Revision Table: Grammar and Word Forms
| Word Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intellect | Noun | The human intellect is powerful. |
| Intellectual | Adjective | She enjoys intellectual discussions. |
| Intellectually | Adverb | He is intellectually curious. |
Additional Information: Artistic Phenomena and Intuition
The passage touches upon the delicate balance between conscious effort (often associated with intellectual processes) and intuitive feeling in the creation of art. "Artistic phenomena" refers to the various aspects, processes, and results involved in art creation and appreciation. The idea presented is that too much conscious analysis or "intellectual inquiry" by the artist into their own creative process or the nature of artistic phenomena might interfere with the spontaneous flow of intuition, which is considered crucial for the "best things" in art.
This concept highlights a common debate in art and other creative fields: the role of natural talent and instinct versus learned knowledge and technical skill. The passage argues that for the artist, intuition might be a fragile thing that is easily disturbed by excessive analysis.
Important Questions from Vocab Based Questions
Which of the following fits the blank (1) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (2) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (3) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (4) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (5) appropriately?
