Getting to the Pointe

The author's purpose for writing "Getting to the Pointe"

• persuade the readers that ballet dancers should be considered athletes first.

• warn aspiring dancers about the dangers of ballet

• explain that although ballet dancers are artists, they also have the skills of extreme athletes.

• explain why ballet dancers do not dance en pointe until they are at least 12 years old.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of these statements expresses an unsubstantiated opinion-one that the writer does not support with facts, examples, or reasons.

• most pointe shoes are made from paper or burlap that has been soaked in glue, shaped, and covered in satin.

• footing is particularly important to ballet dancers because of the surfaces they perform on.

• dance is an art form, so it is not judged by the same standards that athletic contests are.

• for ballet dancers the joy of performing their art well is as necessary as breathing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

which statement best summarizes paragraph 4?

• Ballet is more risky than extreme sports

• because ballet can be dangerous, ballet dancers must train very carefully to avoid injury.

• ballet teachers are very demanding and often overemphasize form and technique.

• because it is so dangerous, children should not be taught pointe work.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

What does the word tendonitis mean in paragraph 4?

• the tendency to gain weight

• a bad cold

• the ability to stretch one's tendons

• a painful inflammation of the tendons

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In paragraph 5, what does the comparison to a conversation help explain or emphasize about ballet?

• ballet is an art form that attempts to communicate with the audience

• ballet is an athletic activity that attempts to awe the audience

• the movements in ballet are as spontaneous as a conversation

• learning ballet is a long process that requires much training and communication

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2