Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: living
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question tests your ability to understand collocations and the broader meaning of a statement about education. The sentence contrasts earning a livelihood with something deeper that education should provide. The phrase "the art of" is commonly followed by a gerund that captures a skill or way of life, such as "the art of living". The correct option must express the idea that education teaches more than just survival; it also teaches how to live in a fulfilling way.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The phrase "the art of living" is a well known expression that refers to the skill of living life well, with balance and joy. It fits perfectly with "wholly and joyously", which describes a complete and happy way of life. "Leaving" means going away, and "the art of leaving wholly and joyously" does not make sense. "Believing" refers to faith; while positive, it does not match the structure as closely as "living". "Driving" and "spending" focus on specific activities, not on life as a whole. Therefore, "living" is the natural and idiomatic choice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the structure "the art of ______ wholly and joyously", which suggests a broad and positive activity.
Step 2: Option A, "living", produces the phrase "the art of living wholly and joyously", which is a familiar and meaningful expression.
Step 3: Option B, "leaving", would yield "the art of leaving wholly and joyously", which sounds odd and does not align with the idea of education as a guide to life.
Step 4: Option C, "believing", gives "the art of believing wholly and joyously". Although belief can be strong, this phrase is not as standard or directly linked to the idea of living life well.
Step 5: Option D, "driving", is too narrow and practical; education is not mainly about the art of driving.
Step 6: Option E, "spending", would give "the art of spending wholly and joyously", which has no clear meaning in this philosophical context.
Step 7: Conclude that "living" is the only option that makes the sentence meaningful and idiomatic.
Verification / Alternative check:
Insert "living" into the sentence: "Education is not just for giving you livelihood but giving you the art of living wholly and joyously." This sounds like a typical line from an educational or motivational talk. It emphasises that education should shape character and lifestyle, not only employment. Replacing "living" with any of the other options either results in a strange expression or changes the meaning away from this central idea. Hence, "living" is clearly the intended word.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Leaving" suggests going away or departing and does not capture an ongoing way of life. "Believing" is more about faith or conviction, and the phrase "art of believing" is not commonly used in discussions about the aims of education. "Driving" is a specific skill that does not match the universal scope suggested by "wholly and joyously". "Spending" usually relates to money or time and does not fit the philosophical tone. Consequently, none of the other options produce a natural or meaningful sentence here.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be distracted by rhyming or visually similar words like "leaving" and "living", especially when reading quickly. Others might pick "believing" because it sounds abstract and positive. The best approach is to consider the usual collocations you have seen in reading, such as "art of living", and to check whether the whole sentence maintains a coherent, positive message about education. Doing so leads directly to the correct option.
Final Answer:
The correct completion is living, giving the phrase "the art of living wholly and joyously".
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