Listening Sample Questions—Level 4
NOTE: The shaded sections of the Listening items are the audio passages that students hear. These passages will not appear on the student's computer screen. Italicized words indicate vocal emphasis by the speakers.
Item Types: (1) Recognizing main ideas; (2) Recognizing details; (3) Recognizing details
Listen to the lecture from an art class.
[Recording]
Yesterday we got off the subject a bit—talking about how artists can be difficult people; they're seen as temperamental, too emotional, et cetera. Well, let's talk about where this image came from. It's a stereotype, of course: not all artists are temperamental. But the stereotype is very common today.
We have studied Michelangelo, but I haven't talked about how his personality is the model for the modern image of the artist. [pause] His paintings on the Sistine Chapel are some of the most famous works of art in the world. But, he didn't even want the job when it was offered to him—he considered himself a sculptor first, and didn't want to take time away from that. His sculpting was most important to him, and he almost refused the job. He was also famous for a quick and fiery temper, and didn't want to take suggestions about his work. He was extremely independent, fighting with powerful religious and political leaders who hired him to create works of art. So, to sum up, the modern image of the artist that we talked about yesterday is largely due to Michelangelo.
Oh, I should add that this image we've been talking about is primarily a Western view of the artist. This stereotype of an artist is not so common in other parts of the world.
1. What is the main idea of the lecture?
A. Michelangelo was the greatest artist of his time.
B. Michelangelo was a better sculptor than a painter.
C. Michelangelo's personality, more than his art, made him famous.
D. Michelangelo's personality is the model for a common image of Western artists.
2. According to the lecture, why was Michelangelo reluctant to paint the Sistine Chapel at first?
A. He lost his temper with political leaders.
B. He wanted to work on his sculpting instead.
C. He did not want to paint the pictures he was asked to paint.
D. He was not satisfied with the payment offered.
3. Based on the lecture, which of the following is the most correct statement?
A. The image of the artist, modeled after Michelangelo, is a Western stereotype.
B. Michelangelo wanted to be the model for the image of the modern artist.
C. Michelangelo created more art than most artists of his time.
D. Michelangelo believed he was a better painter than sculptor.