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LanguageCert Practice Reading: Part 3: Multi-Text Attribution ID: #60292 Hard Art and the Saying About Artists
Instructions ›
Read the four texts about the saying ‘Good artists borrow, great artists steal.’ There are seven questions about the texts. Which text gives you the answer to each question? Choose the correct text (A-D) for each question.
A Pablo Picasso, the influential 20th century artist is widely quoted as having said that ‘good artists borrow, great artists steal.’ Whether or not Picasso was truly the first person to voice this idea is in some dispute, but what cannot be denied is that existing ideas feed into the creation of new ones. Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, routinely stole plotlines and even whole scenes from other writers for his own plays. The thematic and technical similarities that characterize art movements are due in large measure to deliberate imitation of seminal works of art. Regardless of the origins of the quote, I find the choice of words rather curious. Surely the idea of stealing is misplaced here, given that my use of your idea in no way denies you the use of your idea, and may even lead me to create new ideas that you will benefit from.
B This saying is often on the lips of artists, thinkers, filmmakers and even internet T-shirt designers. Unfortunately, the second part of the quote is taken by some as license to plagiarize, but that is a misinterpretation of its meaning. The saying is, at its root, about finding inspiration in the work of others, and then using it as a starting point for original output. Artists may recontextualize, remix, substitute, or otherwise mashup existing work to create something new. So, what makes this ‘stealing’? It’s that instead of just imitating something—which only serves to remind people of the superior original—you change it with your own compelling ideas. When you’ve elevated someone’s idea, an informed audience could look at both works and say yours explores a certain idea better. In a sense you own that idea now and can therefore be said to have stolen it.
C You’ve probably heard a version of this saying, which has been said in slightly different ways by many great creatives, including T. S. Eliot, Pablo Picasso, and even the tech inventor Steve Jobs. It has almost reached the status of internet meme these days. The problem is that the original context of quotes like these is often absent, and that is crucial for understanding the meaning – which is emphatically not about endorsing plagiarism. For me, the only ideas that are up for grabs are famous images or stories that are already in the public domain, and which to some extent we all have in our consciousness. Sometimes these retellings, or ‘thefts’ if you like, allow authors from marginalized backgrounds to redress some of the outdated and offensive material found in classic literature. What’s important is that artists ‘stealing’ in this way wear their influences openly, and do not try to hide anything.
D This saying has been echoed throughout history by many masters, proving its wisdom. What it tells us is that there is no such thing as an original idea, but this is a notion modern young artists resent. For them, the recipe for success would seem to involve finding something that’s never been done before. Perhaps this is understandable in an era where trends are endlessly revolving doors – the same music beats, fashion trends and fictional tropes endlessly ebbing and flowing. However, the practised artist does not mistake originality for success. They understand that all forms of art are made to be consumed and no one is interested in consuming something completely unrecognisable. This is why no art should be made in a vacuum. It requires context, experience and intention to make it worth expressing.
In which text does the writer say the following? Bringing a masterpiece from the past up to date can allow unacceptable content to be removed.
In which text does the writer say the following? Some people incorrectly believe that novelty is something to be aimed for when making art.
In which text does the writer say the following? There are those who use the saying ‘Great artists steal’ to defend their dishonest use of another’s work.
In which text does the writer say the following? The origin of the quote, ‘Good artists borrow, great artists steal’ is uncertain.
In which text does the writer say the following? Taking an idea from someone else can be a legitimate creative activity as long as the idea is transformed in some way.
In which text does the writer say the following? It is puzzling that the use of another’s ideas should be characterised as theft.
In which text does the writer say the following? The reworking of existing ideas is justifiable as long as the sources are familiar to the audience.
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.

Question Focus: Asks which text says retelling an old work can take out offensive parts.

Why this is correct: Text C says retelling old classics lets writers remove outdated and offensive parts. That matches updating a masterpiece to take out unacceptable content.

Question Focus: Asks which text says wanting something brand new is a mistaken aim.

Why this is correct: Text D says young artists wrongly chase pure novelty, thinking success means something never done before. The writer calls this a mistake, matching the question.

Question Focus: Asks which text says people misuse the saying to excuse copying.

Why this is correct: Text B says some people take the saying as permission to plagiarise, which the writer calls a misreading. That is using the saying to defend dishonest copying.

Question Focus: Asks which text says we are not sure who first said the quote.

Why this is correct: Text A says it is unclear whether Picasso really said it first. That is exactly the uncertain origin the question asks about.

Question Focus: Asks which text says using another's idea is fair if it leads to something new.

Why this is correct: Text A says old ideas feed new ones, and using your idea can even help me make fresh ideas that help you back. That treats borrowing as a fair, creative act when it leads to something new.

Question Focus: Asks which text finds it strange to call idea-sharing 'stealing'.

Why this is correct: Text A finds the word 'stealing' odd, because using your idea does not take it away from you. That is finding it puzzling to call idea-sharing theft.

Question Focus: Asks which text says reusing ideas is fine when the audience knows the sources.

Why this is correct: Text C says you may reuse only well-known, public ideas that everyone already knows, and you should show your influences openly. That is reworking ideas whose sources are familiar to the audience.

General Tips:

  • Read all four texts first; they all discuss the same saying but take different views.
  • These questions use paraphrasing, so match the idea, not the exact words.
  • Several texts share keywords like 'steal' - pick the one with the exact point asked.
  • For opinion questions, find the text whose main claim matches the statement.

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