Monkey Master

Who or what is the main subject of “Monkey Master”?

• a scientist who studies the paintings made by monkeys

• a chimpanzee whose paintings are featured in an exhibition

• an orangutan whose paintings the writer does not care for

• an artist who collects the paintings done by chimpanzees

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

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CCSS.RL.7.2

What is the main question that the author raises in “Monkey Master”?

• whether paintings by an animal can be considered art

• whether famous artists appreciate paintings by chimpanzees

• whether a scientist can train a chimpanzee or gorilla to paint well

• whether paintings by a chimpanzee are better than paintings by a gorilla

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CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

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CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.6.6

According to “Monkey Master,” animal scientist Desmond Morris helped Congo make his paintings. Which answer best describes the help Morris gave?

• Morris drew shapes that Congo filled in with colors.

• Morris showed Congo examples of abstract art to use as models.

• Morris showed Congo how to hold a paintbrush and draw a straight line.

• Morris gave Congo art supplies and a special high chair to help him paint.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of the following is a quality of Congo’s painting that the author of “Monkey Master” most clearly admires?

• the way the paint completely covers the paper, without blank spots

• the careful depiction of real objects, places, and people

• the interesting, beautiful use of colors and shapes

• the different feelings the paintings express

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CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

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CCSS.RL.6.6

In “Monkey Master,” which of the following is background information the writer feels could have been better covered in the exhibition of ape paintings?

• how much each painting is worth

• which animal painted which painting

• to what extent Morris influenced Congo’s paintings

• whether Picasso truly valued the paintings in the exhibit

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CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

If a person is a purist about food, which of the following is most likely to be true? Base your answer on the meaning of purist.

• The person accepts only certain ways of cooking food.

• The person prefers food cooked at a fancy restaurant.

• The person prefers food cooked in the family home.

• The person enjoys eating different types of food.

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CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

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CCSS.RL.6.4

Which of the following is most clearly an aesthetic choice? Base your answer on the meaning of aesthetic.

• whether to bring an umbrella on a trip

• which color curtains to buy for a room

• whether to go to sleep earlier than usual

• which candidate to vote for in the election

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

The term abstract is used to refer to paintings and other art. Which of the following is the best definition of abstract as it applies to art?

• using shapes and colors to depict something real

• using shapes and colors that do not represent things

• using shapes and colors to express sad emotions

• using shapes and colors that are hard to understand

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

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The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A Which best summarizes the writer’s reaction to Congo’s paintings in “Monkey Master”?

• He is fascinated by the primitive quality of art made by apes.

• He is impressed by the skill and good judgment Congo’s paintings show.

• He is sure that Congo’s paintings were made by a human being.

• He is impressed by the effect that good training has on the art of apes.

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Part B Which quotation from “Monkey Master” best supports the answer to Part A?

• After a short drawing phase, it was decided to move [Congo] on to painting.

• Fascinatingly, if you tried to take a picture away from Congo before he had finished with it, he would scream and throw fits.

• An audacious pink splodge at the center plays a delicate game of tag across the paper with a couple of different blues. That’s it. And it really works

• Congo may have selected the colors, but who came up with the original wheeze of using impactful colored paper? How much guidance was Congo receiving?

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CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2