PrepTest 155, Section 3, Question 1

What we’re looking for

Working the answers

• A
  Correct

  This captures both the criticized practice—all-nonfiction screenings—and the reason for the criticism: they lose the context of the original mixed program. It is the specific argument we predicted.

• B

  Paintings introduce the familiar practice of grouping similar works. The author then questions that practice for early films, especially nonfiction. This isn't a general comparison proving that methods suited to paintings are unsuited to cinema as a whole.

• C

  The concern is how the films are shown, not whether critics give them enough praise. Recent rediscovery and retrospectives don't establish a failure to recognize their artistic merit.

• D

  We aren't given an argument comparing the artistic goals of old and contemporary cinema. Different viewing arrangements don't, by themselves, establish that comparison of goals.

• E

  This focuses on restoring the films themselves—the work archives already devote enormous effort to. The author's correction is that authenticity also depends on exhibition. A perfect restoration can still be shown in a program that loses the original context.