Is motivation the only true cause of success? Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani died on Thursday at the age of 91 after 50 years as a designer. Behind the creative genius lay terrible tragedy and relentless discipline.
Legend of fashion who faced tragedy
Hard at work: Armani continued to present catwalk shows as he approached his tenth decade. Comprehension quiz
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The word “autodidact” in this context means:
A: An expert in haute couture
B: Someone who is self-taught
C: A talented window dresser
D: Someone who learns by watching customers
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Which word is the closest synonym for “insular”?
A: Influential
B: Grieving
C: Successful
D: Withdrawn
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According to the text, what were two ways in which Armani revolutionised suit design?
A: He made men’s suits looser and women’s suits more powerful.
B: He made all suits from scraps of cloth and used them in films.
C: He made men’s suits stuffier and women’s dresses more modern.
D: He made women’s suits looser and men’s suits more powerful
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Which of the following reasons is given in the text for why Hollywood was attracted to Armani’s designs?
A: His suits were fluid, loose and swaggering.
B: He had already worked on almost 200 films.
C: His clothes projected an image of a cool, urban lifestyle.
D: He was a multi-billionaire who refused external investment.
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Identify two different challenges Armani faced during his childhood as described in the article.
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In your own words, summarise the two personal qualities the article suggests were behind Armani’s success.
Answers
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1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. Any two from the following: He was born into poverty; he experienced hunger; his childhood was affected by war and devastation; he was badly burned when an artillery shell he was playing with detonated; his friend was killed in the explosion. 6. The article suggests his success was due to his immense discipline (shown by his daily swimming routine) and his obsessive personality (describing himself as "forever dissatisfied and obsessive in his search for perfection").
1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. Any two from the following: He was born into poverty; he experienced hunger; his childhood was affected by war and devastation; he was badly burned when an artillery shell he was playing with detonated; his friend was killed in the explosion. 6. The article suggests his success was due to his immense discipline (shown by his daily swimming routine) and his obsessive personality (describing himself as "forever dissatisfied and obsessive in his search for perfection").
Glossary
Supple - Bends and moves easily and gracefully; flexible.
Artillery - Weapons.
Autodidact - A self-taught person.
Haute couture - Exclusive, custom-made high-end design from top fashion houses. It is French for "high sewing".
Complicity - To be involved with others in an unlawful or morally wrong activity.
AIDS - Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It interferes with the immune system, leaving sufferers more vulnerable to common diseases. Around the world, almost 40 million people are believed to be living with the disease.