English File (4th edition) Advanced Student’s Book - Listening 7.1 - 7.12 - Unit 7A & 7B

Summary

In this transcript, the story of a mysterious painting, potentially created by the famous artist Lucian Freud, unfolds. The painting's origin and the secrets behind its creation are explored, including a fascinating investigation involving DNA analysis of a hair found within the artwork. The program reveals how the painting, once thought to be an early work of Freud, was confirmed to have been partially painted by him. Despite its historical significance, the painting's mystery deepens as it raises questions about artistic rivalry, personal relationships, and the true value of art, all while sparking a profound emotional connection for its owner.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Lloyd created the quiz show QI (Quite Interesting), where panelists answer unusual general knowledge questions, challenging common assumptions.
• 😀 QI's success, especially among young people (15-25 years old), is based on the premise that everything we think we know is probably wrong and everything is interesting.
• 😀 The QI books, such as *The QI Book of General Ignorance*, have been successful by presenting surprising facts, like being more likely to be killed by an asteroid than lightning.
• 😀 Lloyd and Mitchenson argue that curiosity is the key to effective learning, and that children naturally want to learn, though traditional schooling often stifles this curiosity.
• 😀 They suggest a radical idea for education: children should have control over what, when, and how they learn, without compulsory schooling or exams.
• 😀 The ideal school, inspired by QI principles, would involve hands-on projects, like making a film or building a chair, allowing students to follow their own curiosity.
• 😀 In a QI-inspired school, learning would be voluntary, and there would be no exams, just projects and self-directed goals with teacher support.
• 😀 The QI school model also proposes lifelong learning, where students of all ages continue to explore topics of personal interest, making learning a continuous journey.
• 😀 The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square is a famous public art space where temporary sculptures are displayed, instead of permanent statues.
• 😀 Some notable sculptures on the Fourth Plinth include Yinka Shonibare's *Nelson's Ship in a Bottle* and Michael Rakowitz's *The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist*, which explore themes of history, memory, and culture.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind John Lloyd's educational philosophy?

John Lloyd's educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven learning. He believes that schools should foster a love of learning through voluntary participation, play, storytelling, and project-based tasks, rather than forcing students to memorize facts for exams.

Why does John Lloyd argue that traditional schools tend to make subjects boring?

Lloyd argues that even fascinating subjects like electricity or classical civilization can become boring when they are reduced to facts that students must memorize and regurgitate for exams, instead of exploring them through engaging, hands-on experiences.

How does the concept of the QI school differ from traditional schooling?

The QI school is based on voluntary learning, where students have control over what, when, and how they learn. There are no compulsory classes or exams, and learning is driven by personal curiosity. Projects like building a chair or making a film would be the primary focus, instead of traditional tests.

What was the original purpose of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square?

The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square was originally intended to hold a statue of King William IV on horseback. However, due to lack of funds, the statue was never built, and the plinth remained empty for many years.

Why has the Fourth Plinth become a site for temporary public art installations?

In 1998, the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts commissioned contemporary sculptures to be displayed on the Fourth Plinth. This decision was made after public debates and consultations, allowing for a dynamic and evolving display of public art that reflects contemporary issues.

What is the significance of Yinka Shonibare's sculpture 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle'?

Yinka Shonibare's 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' (2010) is a model of Admiral Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory, contained inside a large glass bottle. The artwork reflects on Britain's imperial history and its present-day multicultural context, with the ship's sails made from African textiles.

What does Michael Rakowitz's sculpture 'The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist' represent?

Michael Rakowitz’s sculpture, displayed on the Fourth Plinth in 2018, recreates the winged god Lisu, a statue destroyed during the Iraq War. It symbolizes both the loss of Iraqi cultural heritage and the devastation of the country's date industry. The sculpture is made from empty date syrup cans.

Why was the hair found in the painting significant during the investigation?

The hair found embedded in the painting was significant because it could potentially provide DNA evidence that might help confirm whether the painting was truly created by Lucian Freud. However, after testing, it was revealed that the hair did not belong to Freud.

What did the DNA test reveal about the hair found in the painting?

The DNA test revealed that the hair found in the painting did not match Lucian Freud’s DNA, which was a disappointing result for those hoping to definitively authenticate the painting as his work.

What was the final conclusion about the painting's authorship?

The final conclusion was that Lucian Freud had indeed started the painting, but someone else had finished it. Freud himself admitted to starting the painting in 2006, confirming his involvement, even though he had denied it earlier due to personal conflicts with another artist, Dennis Worth Miller.