Tansen's Gift

What is the meaning of the word tarnished as it is used in paragraph 5?

• damaged

• praised

• bolstered

• considered

Which two details from the passage best help the reader understand the meaning of the word tarnished?

• “Tansen was soon entertaining the emperor every evening.” (paragraph 4)

• “Tansen’s reputation spread.” (paragraph 5)

• “. . . and plotted secretly for his downfall.” (paragraph 5)

• “One morning, they approached the emperor . . .” (paragraph 6)

• “. . . voicing doubts about the beauty of Tansen’s music.” (paragraph 6)

How do Tansen’s conflicting motivations most advance the plot in the story?

• Because he knows he must obey the king but also wants to survive, Tansen comes up with a solution that allows him to do both and enhances his reputation

• Because he wants to impress the king and stay away from harm, Tansen comes up with a plan that results in a long and healthy life.

• Because he wants to obey the king but also prove he is the best singer, Tansen comes up with a solution that brings him the fame and wealth he desires.

• Because he wants to please the king but also keep his position, Tansen comes up with a plan that restores his honor.

Which two quotations from the passage best support the answer to Part A?

• “Tansen anxiously sat down with his tanpura upon his lap.” (paragraph 11)

• “By his side was Rupa, the woman who would accompany him, singing Megh Raga simultaneously.” (paragraph 11)

• “. . . it soared through the thick, warm air, over the rooftops to the sky above . . .” (paragraph 15

• “Accounts of Tansen swiftly spread down the valleys and across the hilltops to other kingdoms.” (paragraph 18)

• “. . . was able to return to court only months later.” (paragraph 17)

Which statement best expresses a theme from the passage?

• Beauty is more important than fame

• Bravery is critical to achieving one’s goals

• Fame can be achieved through hard work.

• Reputation is as important as character.

Which two pieces of evidence from the passage provide the best support for the answer to Part A? (A theme from the passage)

• “Somewhere in the forest a man plucked the strings of a tanpura.” (paragraph 1)

• “Tansen was soon entertaining the emperor every evening.” (paragraph 4)

• “The heat in the room was nearly unbearable as Tansen continued to sing.” (paragraph 13)

• “Rupa gathered her courage and began to sing Megh Raga.” (paragraph 15)

• “Yet Tansen’s glory spread faster than the fiery power of Deepak Raga.” (paragraph 18)

What effect is produced by the author’s structural choices?

• By including a foreshadowing of the outcome of the song, the author introduces some irony.

• By emphasizing the contrast between the Deepak Raga and the Megh Raga, the author establishes conflict.

• By comparing the emperor’s reluctance when hearing the request with Tansen’s response, the author introduces a sense of mystery

• By using vivid imagery to detail what happened during the singers’ performances, the author creates suspense.

Which two pieces of evidence from the passage best support the answer to Part A? (what effect is produced by the author's structural choices)

• “The emperor faced a dilemma . . .” (paragraph 7)

• “Tansen protested, but the emperor held up his hand, silencing Tansen’s protests . . .” (paragraph 8)

• “Tansen knew the dangers of singing Deepak Raga.” (paragraph 9)

• “Suddenly the lamps upon the walls flared up.” (paragraph 13)

• “Her voice grew stronger as she sang, and it soared through the thick, warm air, over the rooftops to the sky above, which darkened.” (paragraph 15)