The work done by an empty space
Original practice source: a commentary about empty space in art.
An unfilled area can change how the surrounding marks are experienced. A pause between spoken lines may allow an earlier statement to remain present; a blank part of a page can separate or connect what appears beside it. Absence need not mean that no choice has been made.
An explanation should not demand admiration for every gap. A space can be purposeful, accidental or simply unhelpful in a particular work. The useful question is what the arrangement makes possible, rather than whether the artist has filled enough of the available surface to appear busy.
An arts magazine is inviting articles on the statement: “Empty space in art is wasted space.”
Write an article for the magazine arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.