NEB Grade XI Compulsory English Note | Language Development | Unit- 11 Why Is the Renaissance Important? Part 2

Unit: 11

Why Is the Renaissance Important?

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions.

a. What does the word Renaissance mean? Which language is it derived from?

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Answer:
The word Renaissance means "rebirth". It is derived from French.

b. What did the Greek scholars do in their new locations after leaving the Greek city?

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Answer:
In their new locations, they taught Greek and shared their precious books.

c. How did 'new learning' teach people to think in different ways?

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Answer:
'New learning' taught people to think in different ways encouraging them to paint pictures, make statues and buildings, and write great literature.

d. Describe the artistic developments of Renaissance in brief.

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Answer:
The artistic developments of the Renaissance first happened in the Italian city of Florence, and then they spread to other Italian cities. As a result of trade and banking, cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan became very wealthy, and their rich citizens had both the time and money to enjoy music, art, and poetry. These cities produced great painters and sculptors, like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. These artists created some of history's finest works of art.

e. Name the three Renaissance scientists who made great discoveries?

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Answer:
Galileo, Kepler and Newton.

f. Who developed the printing press? Which country was he from?

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Answer:
Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press. He was from Germany.

g. Why is the development of the printing press considered as one of the gifts of Renaissance?

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Answer:
The development of the printing press is considered as one of the gifts of Renaissance because it helped make the works of the best writers and all kinds of knowledge available to all.

h. Name the five famous explorers of the Renaissance?

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Answer:
Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Cabot, Magellan, and Drake

i. Why do some people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern history?

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Answer:
Some people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern history because the Renaissance formed the basis for many parts of our modern life and beliefs.

B. What do you infer from the reading? Tick (√) the best answer.

a. Before the Renaissance…

i. middle-class people did a lot of reading.

ii. education was limited to scholars and privileged people.

iii, people wanted to change their lives but couldn't.

iv. people were eager to learn new things.

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Answer:
ii. education was limited to scholars and privileged people

b. Which statement is true?

i. The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.

ii. France was the birthplace of the Renaissance.

iii. Turkish scholars spread their knowledge throughout Europe.

iv. German philosophers were responsible for starting the Renaissance.

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Answer:
i. The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.

c. What did the Renaissance do?

i. It helped leaders maintain control over the middle class.

ii. It discouraged people to go against traditional beliefs.

iii. It caused people to make changes in their lives.

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Answer:
iii. It caused people to make changes in their lives.

d. What were the major causes of the Renaissance?

i. changes in government

ii. explorations of new lands

iii. new artists and writers who created great works

iv. printing, reading and learning

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Answer:
iv. printing, reading and learning

Critical thinking

a. Do you agree with Machiavelli's view that a good leader can do bad and dishonest things in order to preserve his power and protect his government? Explain.

Several facts reveal that a good leader can sometimes lose his way and turn immoral and evil. He accumulates political power and wealth in a wrong way. It’s proved that political power and position are like addiction. A person is hardly disinterested in losing the position he holds. When a leader involves in the dishonest activities, he disobeys and breaks the established rules to save his power and protect his position. To prove himself good and honest, and preserve his power and protect his government he makes a series of mistakes.

The leaders whose goal is in search of power, boundless wealth, or the fame that comes with success often appear self-centered. This desire is so strong that leaders break the moral standards which formerly governed their conduct. Many leaders get to the top position by imposing their will on others, even destroying people standing in the way. When they reach the top, they may be suspicious that others are trying to knock them off their base.

Before taking on a leadership role, anyone should ask themselves what the purpose of their leadership is. If the sincere answer is power, position and wealth, leaders are at risk of depending on external gratification for fulfillment.

b. Do you think that art and literature are important assets of a country? Give reasons.

Art and literature have social, cultural and economic value. Since they represent the entire nation, they are our identity. These entities are as equal as other national products.

A piece art or literature carries the cultural and social value. They allow people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other through images, sounds and stories. Art or literature is often a medium for social change. It can give a voice to the politically or socially marginalized. Their popularity helps the society to gain the world wide recognition.

Art and literature also has utilitarian impacts on society. They not only fulfill the human need for self-expression, but also are economically important. The creation, management and distribution of them create jobs for many. The products of art and literature can contribute to the national income.

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