Newsela - Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Question 1 - Lin's work is often called Minimalist, a style where abstract art is made out of simple shapes and clean lines. Previous minimalists, mostly male, did not deal directly with historical events as Lin did. It took most of the world some time to catch up to her ideas, which combined abstract art, nature and human emotion.

What is one reason why the author includes this paragraph in the article?

• to compare the benefits of minimalist art with those of more traditional art

• to explain how Lin's work fit into the art world when she started

• to describe a problem with Lin's style of art

• to explain what motivated Lin to create art about historical events

a professional who designs buildings or other structures, or who prepares plans and supervises construction

• iconic

• evolve

• architect

• controversy

Question 2 - After finishing her studies, Lin continued to design memorials across America but also moved toward making traditional sculptures. Her strong work ethic paid off immensely during these years. She obtained solo and group exhibitions, various awards, teaching appointments and artist residencies.

How does the first sentence of the paragraph help to develop the idea that Lin was an accomplished artist?

• It shows that Lin's design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was just the first of many memorials she designed.

• It indicates that Lin became famous because she started making traditional sculptures.

• It compares the attention Lin's memorials received with the attention her traditional sculptures received.

• It describes how Lin was affected by winning the design competition while still at Yale University.

famously and distinctively representative of its type

• architect

• controversy

• evolve

• iconic

Question 3 - What is an accurate way to express how Lin's memorial called "What is Missing?" and Jane Hammond's art piece titled "Fallen" are related?

• Both artworks are appeals to the government to prevent more death.

• Both artworks highlight loss and include a connection to nature.

• Both artworks use only natural materials to show the importance of nature.

• Both artworks reflect a traditional style of art to increase awareness of an issue.

a debate or discussion of opposing opinions

• iconic

• controversy

• architect

• evolve

Question 4 - Which of the following BEST describes the reaction that officials in Washington, D.C., had towards Lin winning the design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial?

• Even though they thought her design was wonderful, they also thought it could be enhanced by the addition of an American flag.

• They greatly appreciated her design, but did not like her racial identity.

• They questioned the appropriateness of her design winning the competition.

• They did not like her design and eventually replaced it with a design that was more traditional in nature.

to change or transform

• iconic

• architect

• controversy

• evolve

What is one thing Ha's family has in common with Lin's family?