Reading comprehension exercise detailing the story of an art student eating Maurizio Cattelan's famous banana artwork.
English reading comprehension worksheet about a student eating the famous banana artwork titled Comedian.
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Step-by-step solution for: Easy reading - The tasty work of art…: English ESL worksheets pdf ...
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Easy reading - The tasty work of art…: English ESL worksheets pdf ...
Certainly! Here's a detailed solution to the questions based on the provided text, along with explanations:
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1. Where was the installation with the banana exhibited?
Answer: The installation was exhibited at a museum in South Korea.
Explanation: The article mentions "an unusual incident occurred at a museum in South Korea last week," and the artwork was part of an exhibition there.
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2. Why did the student eat the banana?
Answer: The student ate the banana because he was hungry.
Explanation: The text explicitly states: "The student said that he ate the banana because he was hungry."
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3. What was the artist’s reaction?
Answer: The artist did not respond to the incident.
Explanation: The article says, "The artist was informed of the incident, but he did not respond to it." This indicates no official reaction from Maurizio Cattelani.
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4. What did the student do with the banana peel?
Answer: He glued the banana peel back to the wall.
Explanation: After eating the banana, the student returned the peel to the wall using glue, as stated in the article: "After the student had eaten the fruit, he glued the banana peel back to the wall."
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5. Why do you think the art student was not punished, even though he destroyed a work of art?
Answer: The student was likely not punished because the artwork itself is not intended for sale and is regularly replaced every two to three days. Since the banana is a perishable item and part of a conceptual piece, the act may have been seen as an extension of the artwork’s theme—challenging perceptions of art, value, and consumption. Additionally, the museum replaced the banana peel with a fresh one, indicating they treated it as part of the ongoing performance or concept rather than a crime.
Explanation: The article notes that the banana is replaced regularly and is not meant to be sold, suggesting the artwork is designed to be temporary and interactive. The student’s action could be interpreted as a form of performance art, especially given similar past incidents (like David Datuna’s).
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6. What is your opinion about this act?
Answer (Sample): I think the act was provocative and highlights the blurred line between art and everyday life. While it might seem disrespectful, it also reflects the nature of conceptual art—where meaning often lies in interpretation and interaction. Eating the banana could be seen as a commentary on consumerism, the commercialization of art, or the absurdity of assigning high value to simple objects. However, it’s also important to respect the rules of museums and the artist’s intent.
Explanation: This is an open-ended question. A thoughtful response considers both artistic freedom and respect for institutions.
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7. Do you think a glued-on banana is a work of art and is worth $120,000? Why? Why not?
Answer (Sample): Yes, I think it can be considered a work of art because it challenges traditional ideas about what art is. The value comes not from the banana itself, but from the concept, context, and the artist’s reputation. Maurizio Cattelani is known for satirical works that provoke discussion, and the price reflects its cultural significance and the attention it generates. Art doesn’t always need to be beautiful or permanent—it can be about ideas and reactions.
Explanation: The value of conceptual art often lies in the idea behind it, not the physical object. The $120,000 sale price reflects the market’s perception of its cultural impact.
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8. Do you like installations? Why? Why not?
Answer (Sample): Yes, I like installations because they are immersive and interactive. Unlike traditional paintings or sculptures, installations often engage multiple senses and encourage viewers to think critically about space, society, or identity. They can transform ordinary environments into meaningful experiences. For example, 'Comedian' makes people question what art is and how we assign value to objects.
Explanation: This is personal, but a strong answer connects preference to the unique qualities of installations—interactivity, context, and conceptual depth.
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9. Do you know other famous installations? Which ones?
Answer (Sample): Yes, some famous installations include:
- "The Weather Project" by Olafur Eliasson – A large indoor sun made of lights and mist at Tate Modern in London.
- "Rain Room" by Random International – An interactive installation where rain falls but stops when people walk through it.
- "Infinity Mirrors" by Yayoi Kusama – Rooms filled with mirrors and lights that create endless reflections.
These installations are known for their sensory impact and ability to make viewers feel part of the art.
Explanation: These examples show how installations use space, technology, and audience participation to create powerful experiences.
---
Let me know if you'd like these answers formatted for printing or adapted for younger students!
---
1. Where was the installation with the banana exhibited?
Answer: The installation was exhibited at a museum in South Korea.
Explanation: The article mentions "an unusual incident occurred at a museum in South Korea last week," and the artwork was part of an exhibition there.
---
2. Why did the student eat the banana?
Answer: The student ate the banana because he was hungry.
Explanation: The text explicitly states: "The student said that he ate the banana because he was hungry."
---
3. What was the artist’s reaction?
Answer: The artist did not respond to the incident.
Explanation: The article says, "The artist was informed of the incident, but he did not respond to it." This indicates no official reaction from Maurizio Cattelani.
---
4. What did the student do with the banana peel?
Answer: He glued the banana peel back to the wall.
Explanation: After eating the banana, the student returned the peel to the wall using glue, as stated in the article: "After the student had eaten the fruit, he glued the banana peel back to the wall."
---
5. Why do you think the art student was not punished, even though he destroyed a work of art?
Answer: The student was likely not punished because the artwork itself is not intended for sale and is regularly replaced every two to three days. Since the banana is a perishable item and part of a conceptual piece, the act may have been seen as an extension of the artwork’s theme—challenging perceptions of art, value, and consumption. Additionally, the museum replaced the banana peel with a fresh one, indicating they treated it as part of the ongoing performance or concept rather than a crime.
Explanation: The article notes that the banana is replaced regularly and is not meant to be sold, suggesting the artwork is designed to be temporary and interactive. The student’s action could be interpreted as a form of performance art, especially given similar past incidents (like David Datuna’s).
---
6. What is your opinion about this act?
Answer (Sample): I think the act was provocative and highlights the blurred line between art and everyday life. While it might seem disrespectful, it also reflects the nature of conceptual art—where meaning often lies in interpretation and interaction. Eating the banana could be seen as a commentary on consumerism, the commercialization of art, or the absurdity of assigning high value to simple objects. However, it’s also important to respect the rules of museums and the artist’s intent.
Explanation: This is an open-ended question. A thoughtful response considers both artistic freedom and respect for institutions.
---
7. Do you think a glued-on banana is a work of art and is worth $120,000? Why? Why not?
Answer (Sample): Yes, I think it can be considered a work of art because it challenges traditional ideas about what art is. The value comes not from the banana itself, but from the concept, context, and the artist’s reputation. Maurizio Cattelani is known for satirical works that provoke discussion, and the price reflects its cultural significance and the attention it generates. Art doesn’t always need to be beautiful or permanent—it can be about ideas and reactions.
Explanation: The value of conceptual art often lies in the idea behind it, not the physical object. The $120,000 sale price reflects the market’s perception of its cultural impact.
---
8. Do you like installations? Why? Why not?
Answer (Sample): Yes, I like installations because they are immersive and interactive. Unlike traditional paintings or sculptures, installations often engage multiple senses and encourage viewers to think critically about space, society, or identity. They can transform ordinary environments into meaningful experiences. For example, 'Comedian' makes people question what art is and how we assign value to objects.
Explanation: This is personal, but a strong answer connects preference to the unique qualities of installations—interactivity, context, and conceptual depth.
---
9. Do you know other famous installations? Which ones?
Answer (Sample): Yes, some famous installations include:
- "The Weather Project" by Olafur Eliasson – A large indoor sun made of lights and mist at Tate Modern in London.
- "Rain Room" by Random International – An interactive installation where rain falls but stops when people walk through it.
- "Infinity Mirrors" by Yayoi Kusama – Rooms filled with mirrors and lights that create endless reflections.
These installations are known for their sensory impact and ability to make viewers feel part of the art.
Explanation: These examples show how installations use space, technology, and audience participation to create powerful experiences.
---
Let me know if you'd like these answers formatted for printing or adapted for younger students!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of art reading comprehension worksheet.
