CAE Reading and Use of English Part 6
You are going to read four reviews of the novel ‘The Cartographer’s Silence’ by Ernesto Rivaldi. For questions 37 – 40, choose from the reviewers A-D. The reviewers may be chosen more than once.
Review A
Rivaldi’s latest offering, ‘The Cartographer’s Silence’, is a formidable addition to the genre of literary historical fiction. The novel’s story is brilliant: an ageing mapmaker in 18th-century Venice is commissioned to create a chart of the Republic’s territories, only to discover that the political powers demand he omit certain islands and distort coastlines to suit their expansionist narratives. Rivaldi’s prose is meticulously crafted, with every sentence full of symbolic weight. The protagonist’s internal conflict—between his artisan’s integrity and the threat of poverty or worse—is delivered with excruciating precision. However, this precision might make the novel overly ponderous. It reads deliberately slow, mirroring the painstaking work of cartography itself, which may try the patience of readers seeking a more dynamic plot. It is a book to be admired for its intellectual richness and lyrical beauty, yet one that remains at a certain emotional arm’s length, its characters serving more as vessels for its grand ideas than as flesh-and-blood beings we would care about.
Review B
The Cartographer’s Silence’ major strengths are its atmosphere and moral inquiry. Rivaldi excels in immersing the reader in the damp alleys of Venice and the claustrophobic workshop of his protagonist, Elio. The central metaphor of the novel—that maps are not records of reality but projections of power—is explored with remarkable attention to detail. We witness Elio’s gradual transformation from a naive craftsman, proud of his technical skill, into a disillusioned and complicit actor in a state-wide deception. The supporting cast, particularly a shrewd print-shop owner who becomes an unexpected ally to the protagonist, is vividly drawn and provides a much needed counterpoint to Elio’s growing isolation. While the book is certainly challenging and demands the reader’s full attention, it never feels like a chore. The tension comes not from action and drama, but from the quiet, seismic shifts in Elio’s conscience. This is a moving novel about the price of compromise and the silent spaces where truth is forced into hiding.
Review C
There is much to commend in Ernesto Rivaldi’s ‘The Cartographer’s Silence’, primarily its stunning evocation of a historical period and its core theme. Rivaldi has clearly done his research, and the details of pre-industrial mapmaking are fascinating. The novel poses urgent questions about the nature of truth and the artist’s role in a manipulative society that feel strikingly relevant to our modern era of misinformation. Yet, for all its conceptual strengths, the novel fails in the character department. Elio, the cartographer, remains an enigmatic and largely passive figure throughout. His internal struggles are told to us rather than viscerally felt, and his key decisions often seem more like plot necessities, not organic developments of his character. The novel is too busy with its grand thesis to forge a deep emotional connection. It is, in the final analysis, a beautifully constructed vessel, but one that leaves an aftertaste of emptiness.
Review D
With ‘The Cartographer’s Silence’, Ernesto Rivaldi has crafted a work of rare and haunting beauty. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to make a seemingly esoteric subject—the craft of cartography—into a gripping human drama. The prose is evocative, painting pictures with words as masterfully as Elio does with ink and parchment. Unlike some reviewers, I found Elio’s journey from integrity to complicity and towards a form of redemption to be entirely compelling and emotionally resonant. His silence, as he chooses to omit a rebellious island from his map, becomes a deafening roar in one’s mind, where the more attentive readers are likely to see references to the political landscape of today. The pacing might feel slow, but it serves to build an almost unbearable psychological tension. This is a book that lingers long after the final page is turned, forcing one to think over the little silences and omissions in our own lives. It is, no doubt about it, a masterpiece of quiet intensity.
Which reviewer …
37 shares Reviewer A‘s opinion about the emotional connection readers feel towards the characters?
38 expresses a similar view to Reviewer C on how true the book’s themes are to contemporary issues?
39 has a different opinion from the others on the depth of the main character’s portrayal?
40 disagrees with Reviewer A’s idea on the pace of the narrative?
CAE Reading and Use of English Part 7
You are going to read an article about the rise of “slow productivity”. Choose from the paragraphs A – G the one which fits each gap (41-46). There is one extra paragraph which you do not need to use.
The Case for Slow Productivity in a Fast-Paced World
In an era defined by relentless notifications, overflowing inboxes, and the cult of overworking, a counter-movement is gaining momentum. Its name is “slow productivity,” and it’s not about doing less work, but about achieving more by focusing on less at once.
41 ___
This stands in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of “performative busyness,” where being overwhelmed and doing (or pretending to do) everything at once is often worn as a badge of honour. The core philosophy of slow productivity is simple: true, meaningful progress comes from single-mindedness, not from frantic multitasking.
The origins of this mindset are often traced back to the slow food movement, which emerged as a protest against fast food. Similarly, slow productivity is a conscious pushback against the tyranny of hustle culture.
42 ___
Furthermore, the tools designed to make us more efficient—instant messaging platforms, project management software—can often have the opposite effect. They fracture our attention, leaving us feeling drained yet unaccomplished at the end of the day.
So, what does slow productivity look like in practice? It begins with a radical shift in how we manage our attention. One of the key principles is to limit active tasks to a very small number, ideally focusing on one significant project at a time.
43 ___
Another crucial tactic is to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. This means having the discipline to stop working at a reasonable hour and not checking emails in the evening. This protected downtime is not lost; instead, it’s invested.
44 ___
Of course, adopting this approach is not without its challenges. Many workplaces actively encourage or even demand constant connectivity. There can be a palpable fear that by not being immediately available, you will be perceived as less dedicated or ambitious.
45 ___
Proponents argue that the benefits are undeniable. By working in this more intentional way, the quality of output improves significantly. You produce better work in less time because you are fully engaged with the task at hand.
46 ___
Ultimately, slow productivity is all about long-term. It’s a long-game strategy for a fulfilling career and life, rejecting the burnout-inducing sprint for a purposeful marathon. It asks an awkwarkd, but necessary question of what we really are after: the appearance of being busy, or the reality of doing great work.
A This is because our brains need rest to consolidate learning and generate creative insights. Some of the best ideas occur when we are disconnected from our desks, allowing the subconscious mind to work on problems.
B For instance, a writer might dedicate her morning solely to writing a chapter, free from the distraction of emails or social media, and only handle administrative tasks in the afternoon. This ensures that her prime energy is spent on her most important work.
C It champions working at a natural, sustainable pace, prioritizing deep focus over shallow activity, and producing high-quality work that has lasting value. Or, to put it in a more colloquial manner, it helps to avoid spreading yourself thin.
D This involves a cultural shift within organizations. Forward-thinking companies are now implementing “no-meeting” days and discouraging after-hours communication to foster a more productive and healthier work environment.
E Its principles are increasingly being applied in education, where students are encouraged to delve deeply into subjects rather than simply memorising facts for exams, promoting a more profound and lasting understanding.
F This pressure is particularly intense in competitive fields like finance or law. However, the growing visibility of burnout is forcing both employees and employers to question the long-term viability of these demanding cultures.
G This constant state of being “always on” can lead to significant stress and burnout. The pressure to respond instantly to every message creates a reactive work style, where long-term goals are perpetually pushed back in favour of short-term demands.
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