Which statement best identifies the central idea of the text?
1.A
- Shakespeare didn’t need an extensive vocabulary to make his written work impressive, rather he used simple words in interesting and engaging ways.
- B
- Many rappers and hip hop artists take inspiration from Shakespeare because he was able to convey so much with so few words 5.C
- Shakespeare wasn’t the literary genius many believe him to be as many writers today prove to have a more advanced vocabulary.
7.D
- It’s likely that many playwrights from Shakespeare’s time had a better grasp on the English language, but their work was never properly preserved.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 2. Shakespeare didn’t need an extensive vocabulary to make his written work impressive; rather, he used simple words in interesting and engaging ways.
Explanation:
This statement captures the essence of Shakespeare’s unique approach to language. Shakespeare is often celebrated for his creativity and mastery of the English language. However, rather than relying on an excessively complex vocabulary, he demonstrated how powerful language can be when simple words are used effectively. He had an extraordinary ability to convey deep emotions, profound ideas, and intricate plots using a relatively straightforward vocabulary. His works are filled with metaphors, wordplay, and innovative expressions that engage the audience and evoke a wide range of responses.
This simplicity in language does not mean that Shakespeare’s writing lacked depth or sophistication. On the contrary, the use of simple words allowed him to focus on the nuances of meaning, tone, and rhythm, often making his writing more accessible to a broader audience. His ability to manipulate language and make it resonate with different emotions or situations is what makes his work timeless.
In comparison to other writers, Shakespeare’s success was not rooted in a rarefied, academic vocabulary but rather in his profound understanding of human nature and his capacity to craft memorable characters and stories with words that were vivid and relatable. This is the key reason why his work has endured for centuries and continues to be studied, adapted, and performed today.
The other options (3, 6, and 8) focus on debunking the myth of Shakespeare’s genius or claiming other playwrights may have been more skilled with the language, which is not the central point of his linguistic innovation. Option 4, while discussing modern artists, doesn’t directly connect to Shakespeare’s use of language, making it less fitting.