Problem 42 - Elementary Algebra

Question

Author Colin Tudge writes in his book The Variety of Life: "For some have argued that works of art should be self-contained and need no extraneous information to be appreciated: no biography, no history, no referents of any kind." Explain the meaning of extraneous in this statement. (Source: Word of the Day, October 27, 2000, Merriam-Webster Online)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

'Extraneous' means irrelevant or unnecessary information that is not essential to appreciating the work of art.

Step 1 - Understand the Sentence

Read the given sentence carefully to grasp the context in which the word 'extraneous' is used. The sentence suggests that works of art are self-contained and do not require additional information to be appreciated.

Step 2 - Define Extraneous

Look up the meaning of the word 'extraneous' in a dictionary. 'Extraneous' means 'not forming an essential or vital part' or 'irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.'

Step 3 - Apply the Definition

Apply the definition to the context of the sentence: The author argues that works of art should be appreciated on their own without needing external or irrelevant information such as biography, history, or other references.

Step 4 - Clarify the Meaning

Simplify the meaning of 'extraneous' in this context: It means any information that is not essential or relevant to understanding and appreciating the work of art itself.

Key Concepts

Extraneous

The term 'extraneous' means something that is not essential or not relevant to the main subject at hand. In the context of Colin Tudge's statement, 'extraneous' refers to additional information that is not necessary for appreciating works of art. For instance, details like the artist's biography or historical background are considered extraneous because the artwork should be valued on its own merit. This concept is important because it emphasizes the purity of experiencing art without external influences.

Contextual Understanding

Understanding vocabulary in context is crucial for grasping the true meaning of words. In the given sentence, it's clear that the word 'extraneous' relates to additional or irrelevant information about works of art. Contextual clues such as 'self-contained' help us infer that extraneous information is not needed. By analyzing the sentence's context, we understand that the author argues for appreciating art without external references. This skill is pivotal because it helps you pinpoint the exact meaning of a word within a specific environment.

Dictionary Skills

Using a dictionary effectively is a key skill for students. When you encounter a word like 'extraneous,' and you're unsure of its meaning, your first step should be to look it up in a dictionary. This not only provides you with the definition but often includes examples of the word used in sentences. For 'extraneous,' the dictionary tells us that it means 'irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.' By cross-referencing the dictionary definition with the context of the sentence, you can deepen your understanding and use new words more effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what you are reading. In this exercise, reading comprehension involves understanding the broader argument made by Colin Tudge about art. By dissecting the sentence and applying dictionary definitions, we draw a clearer picture of what the author is conveying. This improves your ability to absorb, interpret, and retain information from texts. Practicing reading comprehension ensures you grasp the bigger picture and details of what you're reading, making you a better-informed and critical thinker.