CAT 2025 Slot 1 VARC Question & Solution

Verbal AbilityHard

Question

The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

In the dynamic realm of creativity, artists often find themselves at the crossroads between drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and inadvertently crossing into the territory of cultural
appropriation. Inspiration is the lifeblood of creativity, driving artists to create works that resonate across borders. The globalized nature of the modern world invites artists to draw from a vast array of cultural influences. When approached respectfully,inspiration becomes a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. However, the line between inspiration and cultural appropriation can be thin and easily blurred. Cultural appropriation occurs when elements from a particular culture are borrowed without proper understanding, respect, or acknowledgment. This leads to the commodification of sacred symbols, the reinforcement of stereotypes, and the erasure of the cultural context from which these elements originated. It's essential to recognize that the impact of cultural appropriation extends beyond the realm of artistic expression, influencing societal perceptions and perpetuating power imbalances.

Options

Artists in a globalised world must navigate between drawing inspiration from diverse cultures respectfully and cultural appropriation that involves borrowing without proper acknowledgement which has broader societal impacts including perpetuating power imbalances.

In today's world of creativity, artists have to decide between respectfully acknowledging works that are inspired by diverse cultures and appropriating elements without respect for their contexts.

In a globalised world, artists must draw from diverse cultural influences to create works that appeal to all, and this results in instances of both inspiration and cultural appropriation.

Artists must navigate the thin line between inspiration and cultural appropriation, where respectful inspiration fosters cultural understanding whereas appropriation involves borrowing without acknowledgement leading to commodification and reinforcement of stereotypes.

Solution

Understanding the Central Argument of the Passage

The passage discusses a key issue in modern art within a globalised world:

Artists today can draw inspiration from many cultures
However, this freedom also brings the risk of cultural appropriation

The author explains that:

Respectful and thoughtful inspiration can promote appreciation of other cultures
Cultural appropriation is not just borrowing, but borrowing:
- Without understanding
- Without respect
- Without acknowledgement

Such appropriation can lead to commodification, stereotyping, and wider social problems like reinforcing power imbalances.

Why Option A Is the Best Choice

Option A accurately reflects the passage because it:

Recognises the global context of modern art
Clearly distinguishes respectful inspiration from appropriation that lacks acknowledgement
Highlights the broader social consequences, such as power imbalances

This option aligns closely with both the scope and the depth of the author’s argument.

Why the Other Options Are Less Suitable

Option B:
- Identifies the basic difference between inspiration and appropriation
- Is too general and oversimplified
- Omits the social consequences of appropriation, which are central to the passage
Option C:
- Misrepresents the author’s view by suggesting that cultural borrowing always leads to both inspiration and appropriation
- The passage does not claim this outcome is inevitable
- The idea that artists must draw from diverse cultures is also not implied
Option D:
- Explains the difference between inspiration and appropriation
- Mentions commodification and stereotypes
- Fails to include the global context and wider power imbalances, making it narrower than the passage