Prošla vremena (Past Tenses)

Read the text below. For each question (25-32), choose the answer (A, B, C or D) that best completes the sentence.

A Stroke of Genius

Alan has always been exceptional. He began to show an immense talent for drawing and painting at an early age, proving himself to be a person who possesses extraordinary skills not exhibited by most people. A renowned international artist said that the spontaneous drawings Alan (25) ____ by the age of 12 were unique and was 'thunderstruck' by Alan's precision and vision.

That's an incredible résumé for anyone – but especially for Alan, who was diagnosed with a form of autism called autistic savant. This condition, in which persons with some mental disabilities have some 'stroke of genius', can be inborn or can be (26) ____ later in childhood. The special skills are always accompanied by prodigious memory, as well. (27) ____, no one knows why or how savant abilities emerge since it has been proven that there is only 1 per cent of the general population with such skills. Amazing, isn't it?

Alan's special talent seems to (28) ____ timeless beauty and outstanding composition that can be seen in some world-famous works. His notable pieces are exhibited in museums around the world, leaving an everlasting impression on people. They look at his influential masterpieces, amazed by the beauty of his work, (29) ____ gives them an insight into his experiences and responses to the world around him. Alan has created works to further establish himself as an (30) ____ artist and he hasn't stopped expanding the collection yet. He is even taking part in various courses with a view to (31) ____ children's creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking. These lessons emphasise art because it is an important part of childhood development. There, children are allowed to explore a (32) ____ of popular artistic projects, inspired by both past and present names in art. Alan, though, is undoubtedly soaring high above them all!