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.
said for the point _______ view that would
of
Understanding the Passage and the Blank
The passage discusses the nature of artistic intuition and the potential dangers of excessive knowledge or training interfering with this natural feeling. The blank is located within the phrase "said for the point _______ view". This phrase is part of a clause arguing for a certain perspective on inquiry into artistic phenomena.
Analyzing the Options for "point _______ view"
We need to choose the word that correctly completes the common English idiom or phrase "point of view". Let's look at the options provided:
- of: This word is used in the common idiom "point of view", which means a particular way of thinking about or looking at something.
- for: While "point for discussion" or "point for consideration" are valid phrases, "point for view" is not a standard idiom.
- from: "From a certain point of view" is a valid phrase, but the blank is directly between "point" and "view", not preceding "point of view". "Point from view" is not standard.
- off: "Point off view" is not a recognized English phrase or idiom.
Determining the Correct Idiom: Point of View
The phrase "point of view" is a well-established idiom used to indicate a perspective or standpoint. In the context of the passage, it refers to a particular way of seeing or considering the idea of discouraging inquiry into artistic phenomena.
The structure "the point of view that would..." clearly indicates that "point of view" is being used to introduce a specific perspective or argument.
Selecting the Correct Answer
Based on the analysis of the phrase and the standard usage in English, the word that correctly completes the idiom "point of view" is "of". Therefore, the correct option is "of".
The complete phrase is "the point of view that would altogether discourage...".
Let's see how this fits into the sentence:
"...there is much to be said for the point of view that would altogether discourage inquiry into artistic phenomena on the part of the artist."
This sentence structure is grammatically correct and semantically meaningful, expressing that there is a valid perspective that would discourage such inquiry.
Final Answer Derivation
The phrase "point of view" is a standard English idiom meaning a way of regarding something. Of the given options, only "of" completes this idiom correctly.
| Option | Completes "point ___ view"? | Standard English Usage? |
|---|---|---|
| of | Yes (point of view) | Yes (Standard idiom) |
| for | No | No |
| from | No | No |
| off | No | No |
Thus, the word "of" is the only correct choice to complete the phrase "point _______ view" as used in the passage.
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Concept | Explanation | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Idiom | A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g., "point of view"). | Identifying "point of view" as an idiom is crucial for filling the blank correctly. |
| Contextual Meaning | Understanding the meaning of words and phrases based on how they are used in a specific passage. | The context confirms that the phrase refers to a perspective or standpoint. |
| Passage Comprehension | Understanding the overall meaning and flow of the given text. | Essential for ensuring the chosen word fits grammatically and logically within the sentence and the whole passage. |
Additional Information: Common English Idioms
Many English phrases are idioms, where the meaning is not simply the sum of the individual words. Recognizing these is important for reading comprehension and filling blanks in passages.
Examples of common idioms using "point":
- Point of no return: The stage at which it is no longer possible to go back to how things were before.
- Point taken: Used to acknowledge that one understands and accepts the validity of someone's remark or argument.
- Beside the point: Irrelevant; having no connection with the subject being discussed.
Understanding idioms like "point of view" is fundamental to mastering English vocabulary and usage.
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?
