Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 11 to 20.
[I] Over the past decade, minimalism has evolved from a niche artistic philosophy into a cultural movement reshaping how people define happiness and success. [II] It promotes a lifestyle centered on simplicity, intentional consumption, and mindful living. [III] Rather than acquiring more possessions, minimalists advocate owning fewer but higher-quality items and prioritizing experiences over material goods. [IV] This shift reflects a growing dissatisfaction with modern consumerism, which often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed despite their abundance.
The appeal of minimalism lies not only in its simple and clean design but also in the peace of mind it offers. Research shows that messy and crowded spaces can make people feel stressed and tired, while simple and well-organised rooms help them stay calm and focused. Minimalism helps people think more clearly and live with less pressure. However, living this way is not always easy because people must decide what is truly important to them and avoid buying things they do not really need. More and more young professionals are choosing this lifestyle to find balance in their busy modern world.
Critics, however, warn that minimalism can easily become a privilege rather than a principle. For people with limited means, “decluttering” or living with less is not a lifestyle choice but an economic necessity. Moreover, as minimalist aesthetics gain popularity, corporations have capitalised on the trend by selling expensive “simple” products - from plain white furniture to curated capsule wardrobes - under the banner of intentional living. This commercialisation risks turning a philosophy of restraint into yet another form of conspicuous consumption.
Despite these contradictions, minimalism continues to resonate because it addresses deeper existential concerns of modern society: anxiety, burnout, and the search for purpose. It invites people to slow down, reflect, and detach from the illusion that material abundance guarantees fulfilment. Whether it remains a meaningful movement or merely a passing fashion will depend on how sincerely its followers practice what they preach - and whether simplicity can survive in a world built on endless growth.
(Adapted from The Guardian, Lifestyle, 2023 & Psychology Today, 2022)
Question 11. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. A significant proportion of individuals embrace minimalism primarily for its aesthetic simplicity and decorative elegance rather than for its underlying philosophical principles.
B. Minimalism completely eradicates every manifestation of consumerist behavior within modern society.
C. The value of minimalism lies in its genuine practice as a personal philosophy rather than in its commercialized interpretation as a marketable lifestyle trend.
D. The widespread appeal of minimalism is often attributed exclusively to findings derived from psychological research on human well-being and behaviour.
