9

Set 1: Central Ideas (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The following text discusses the literary movement of Realism. Literary realism is part of the realist art movement beginning with mid-nineteenth-century French literature, and extending to late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century authors. Realism attempts to represent subject matter truthfully, without artificiality and avoiding artistic conventions, or implausible, exotic, and supernatural elements. Realist authors sought to depict the everyday activities and experiences of ordinary people, often focusing on the middle and lower classes.

What was a primary goal of Realist authors according to the text?

A. To escape the mundane reality of daily life through fantasy✓ Correct
B. To portray the lives of ordinary people without embellishment
C. To focus exclusively on the lives of royalty and the aristocracy
D. To create a highly stylized and artificial representation of the world

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. The text states they sought to 'represent subject matter truthfully, without artificiality' and depict 'everyday activities... of ordinary people.'

Key Evidence:

• "represent subject matter truthfully"

• "depict the everyday activities and experiences of ordinary people"

Why others are wrong: A (Opposite (avoids supernatural elements)), C (Opposite (focusing on middle and lower classes)), D (Opposite (avoiding artistic conventions/artificiality)).