High Volume

According to paragraphs 9 through 12, how is the music business today different from the business in the 1980s or 1990s?

• Today's music companies control the volume of music more than in the past.

• Today's music companies compete against each other more than in the past.

• Today's listeners of music like their music louder than they did in the past.

• Today's sound engineers make music sound clearer than it did in the past.

Which paragraph best explains how loud noises can damage our hearing?

• paragraph 1

• paragraph 5

• paragraph 7

• paragraph 13

Which information explained in paragraph 13 does the drawing help the reader understand?

• the shape of the parts of the ear

• the position of the parts of the ear

• the order in which sound waves strike the parts of the ear

• the size of sound waves when moving through the parts of the ear

What does the simile "like an earthquake" in paragraph 5 help the reader understand?

• that volume can strongly affect parts of the ear

• that hair cells are easily damaged

• how our body is unable to re-grow hair cells

• how much damage the ear can take

How do paragraphs 4 and 5 connect to paragraph 6?

• Paragraphs 4 and 5 explain how hearing loss can occur, and paragraph 6 explains how to prevent it.

• Paragraphs 4 and 5 show what damage can occur, and paragraph 6 shows how it affects people.

• Paragraphs 4 and 5 describe how the ear can be damaged, and paragraph 6 describes how people react to the damage.

• Paragraphs 4 and 5 explain why ears get damaged, and paragraph 6 explains why protecting hearing is important.

What paragraph best supports a claim made by the author in paragraph 4?

• "If others can hear your music, the volume is too high." (paragraph 6)

• "Yahaira admits that sometimes after listening to loud music, her ears make a ringing sound." (paragraph 7)

• "So we need to protect that very special sense." (paragraph 8)

• "Music companies have been deliberately turning up the volume." (paragraph 9)

Which idea is most important to include in a summary of the article?

• Music is not as powerful when played at a quiet volume.

• Powerful instruments cause most hearing loss.

• Choosing to play music quietly can protect hearing.

• Music companies determine safe volume levels.