The Function of Criticism at the Present Time (Practice Test)

1. . In The Function of Criticism at the Present Time, what does Arnold argue is the primary function of criticism?
(A) To promote individual creativity
(B) To provide a platform for popular literature
(C) To help society achieve moral and intellectual progress
(D) To support the status quo

2. . According to Arnold, what is the difference between “creative” and “critical” work?
(A) Creative work is more important than critical work
(B) Creative work focuses on imagination, while critical work is grounded in evaluation and judgment
(C) Critical work is more valuable than creative work
(D) Creative work and critical work are both equally important

3. . In Arnold’s view, what is the role of the critic in relation to literature and culture?
(A) To support popular opinions and tastes
(B) To maintain and defend the existing cultural norms
(C) To help the public appreciate and understand the best that has been thought and said
(D) To create new literary works

4. . What does Arnold believe is the ultimate goal of criticism?
(A) To gain fame for the critic
(B) To assess the political implications of art
(C) To reveal the truth and improve society through the study of the best literature
(D) To entertain readers with witty commentary

5. . What does Arnold identify as a significant problem with criticism in his time?
(A) Criticism is too focused on personal opinions rather than objective analysis
(B) Criticism is too concerned with praising modern works at the expense of classical ones
(C) Critics are not engaging with the broader social or moral issues
(D) Criticism is too abstract and detached from the public

6. . According to Arnold, what quality should a critic possess?
(A) A deep emotional connection to the works they critique
(B) A focus on public popularity over academic rigor
(C) The ability to understand and appreciate the universal elements of great literature
(D) A strong personal bias toward certain authors and movements

7. . How does Arnold view the relationship between criticism and creativity?
(A) Creativity is more important than criticism
(B) Criticism can help enhance creativity by refining ideas and guiding the creative process
(C) Criticism stifles creativity
(D) Creativity and criticism are completely unrelated

8. . In The Function of Criticism at the Present Time, Arnold emphasizes the importance of:
(A) Analyzing art through a purely political lens
(B) Focusing on the personal lives of authors
(C) Evaluating works based on timeless standards of excellence
(D) Encouraging criticism of popular and contemporary works only

9. . What does Arnold mean by “the best that has been thought and said”?
(A) The latest works by contemporary authors
(B) The most politically relevant writings
(C) The greatest achievements in art and thought from history
(D) Works that conform to current public opinion

10. . According to Arnold, what is the relationship between criticism and society?
(A) Criticism should remain neutral and detached from societal concerns
(B) Criticism should actively participate in shaping societal norms and values
(C) Criticism should only focus on literature and ignore the broader society
(D) Criticism should encourage rebellion against established traditions