Reading

Detail, not just gist

Whilst reading for gist is quick and useful, studying for detail is essential when one word can completely change the interpretation of the message or direction of a project.

Detail comes from understanding how words connect, identifying which meaning is appropriate and then connecting everything together.

How Picasso exhibition at Hong Kong’s M+ brings Spanish artist into 21st century

Source

Article

Article date

15 March 2025

[2-12] = page number-line number

Line numbers

Reference

R008

  • Cai Guo-qiang’s painting is alongside, or next to, Picasso’s cubist study.

  • The article says it is the first time in ten years that 60 pieces are being shown in Hong Kong.

  • ‘In the making’ means it took three years to organise the exhibition.

  • ‘Blow up’ means explode.

  • As a riddle is a ‘question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning’, the best fit is ‘puzzle.

  • As the Communists despise anything which hinted of ‘bourgeois’, ‘lamentably’ would fit the context.

    • ‘sadly’ would imply a sarcastic tone while

    • ‘unfortunately’ would just reflect bad fortunate, rather than bad fortunate, deplorable and regrettable.

Task

Read the article, then answer the questions.

  • Answer the questions first before expanding to show answers!

  • NOTE new words: Day one of the holistic adventure comprises a wholesome afternoon tea, one of Dior’s signature treatments, pre-dinner drinks and a healthy feast planned out by Ferguson.

  • NOTE phrases: The news follows hot on the heels — or tracks — of the launch of the Royal Scotsman's Dior spa.

  • NOTE phrasal verbs: ‘Traditionally, storks are considered harbingers of hope, joy and rebirth,’ says The White Stork Project. ‘We hope their return to the UK will signal a transformation, a reconnection with nature that will enthuse and inspire others and help bring about the landscape restoration we so desperately need.’

  • NOTE how the writer expresses themselves: There is more than one way to notice the advent of spring. Traditionally, it is when the sun enters the northern hemisphere. Some people like to wait for the first call of the cuckoo. I like to think it’s when the property photographers get out there and start taking nice pictures.

  • NOTE punctuation: On day two, there’s the option to head out on a private hike; on day three, sit down to a locally-foraged lunch.