
Interested in Language
This is from a UKCAT practice book:
Statement: Shakespeare was born in a museum.After three years of meticulous research, X-rays and infrared imaging, experts have finally lifted all doubts: the only known potrait of William Shakespeare painted whilst he was alive has been found! The painting was unveiled on Monday in London by Professor Stanley Wells, president of the Foundation Shakespeare Birthplace, an association which manages the museum in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the poet was born.
A. True
B. False
c. Can't tell
I thought it was A. true, however according to the book it should be C. "can't tell". Really? I think the sentence is a little ambiguous, since it's not clear whether Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon or in the museum in Stratford-upon-Avon.
What do you think?
Thanks.
You've said it yourself. It is not clear from the sentence where exactly he was born. So C is the best choice.
Strictly speaking, Shakespeare wasn't born in a museum. (I very much doubt museums even existed back then; I believe they are a nineteenth century invention.) At any rate, S. was born in a house which has now been turned into a museum. Applying this reasoning, the correct answer would be B. But I suppose you are to come up with your answer based on the information given in the passage, so I stick to C.
Not a teacher
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