It is a central paradox of literary writing that true greatness only
becomes apparent over time, and yet that the judgements of the future
are substantially dependent on what the present chooses to publish,
publicize and preserve. Viewed from the pinnacles of hindsight, literary
history looks like a stately procession of great texts. A snapshot taken
at any particular moment, however, reveals a far messier business: one
clogged with readers, writers, commercial obligations, prejudices and
misconceptions. Those enduring works that collectively form a standard
by which we judge others are busily being forged or maintained within
that snapshot. And somewhere close to the heart of this business lies
one of the most ancient and contentious of all artistic institutions:
the literary prize.
1. What is the writer's main point about great literary works?
A. They often attract unfair criticism.
B. Readers today are more interested in other types of writing.
C. Their quality is not always immediately recognised.
D. Publishers do not see them as commercially attractive.
2. The writer compares Greek poetry contests to sports events because
A. their impact on spectators.
B. the amount of preparation required.
C. the fame enjoyed by top performers.
D. the common criticisms made of them.
3. What point is the writer making in the paragraph?
A. International awards encouraged people to write.
B. People paid little attention to the creation of many different prizes.
C. Readers began to see the value of many different types of writing.
D. More awards did not lead to a greater appreciation of literary merit.
4. What are we told about the development of the Man Booker prize?
A. The media did not take it seriously at first.
B. It had a similar focus to that of the Nobel prize.
C. The organisers knew how to generate interest in it.
D. Writers were not likely to gain more from it than the honour of