The following text discusses art authentication.
Authentic masterpieces can be worth millions, making art forgery highly lucrative. Forgers have become increasingly sophisticated, using period-appropriate materials and mimicking artists' techniques with remarkable precision. Art historians and scientists now collaborate, combining stylistic analysis with X-ray imaging, spectroscopy, and radiocarbon dating. Even so, definitive authentication sometimes remains elusive.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
It describes a problem, notes how forgers have adapted, and explains countermeasures.
It provides instructions for identifying forged artworks.
It profiles famous art forgers throughout history.
It argues that authentication is impossible in the digital age.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The text describes forgery (problem), sophisticated forger adaptations, and scientific countermeasures (authentication methods).
- Evidence: The text identifies the problem: "art forgery highly lucrative." It notes adaptation: "Forgers have become increasingly sophisticated." It explains countermeasures: "Art historians and scientists now collaborate... X-ray imaging."
- Reasoning: The structure is Problem -> Escalation -> Response.
- Conclusion: This matches "describes a problem... notes how forgers have adapted... explains countermeasures."
💡 Strategy: Track the "arms race" between forgers and authenticators.
Choice B is incorrect because no identification instructions are given. Choice C is incorrect because no forgers are profiled. Choice D is incorrect because authentication is ongoing, not impossible.