Final answer:
A characteristic of Cosmopolitan Style is the effective use of word painting, which illustrates the text or theme musically.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of Cosmopolitan Style is effective use of word painting, which is the musical illustration of the meaning of a word or a phrase.
For instance, ascending scales might be used to represent the idea of 'going up'. In Cosmopolitan style compositions, word painting creates a vivid portrayal in the music to reflect the lyrics or the theme of the piece.
This characteristic sets it apart from other musical styles that might prioritize different elements such as basic musical elements or focus heavily on extended sequential writing.