Reading Benchmark Practice

How do both authors interpret the 2007 University of Kansas study?

• Baritoni uses it to support a counterargument against independent music study; Tamish claims that its results are skewed in favor of formal music education.

• Baritoni uses it to introduce a new idea about music education; Tamish uses it to show that music education does not relate to studies like this one.

• Baritoni uses it to defend requiring formal music education in schools; Tamish also uses it to defend formal music education.

• Baritoni uses it as evidence that music education has academic benefits; Tamish points out that the study does not include enough information.

How does Tamish uses deductive reasoning in paragraph 7 to conclude that music education can be too expensive?

• by stating that money can be tight and describing a sample case of paying for a saxophone

• by describing the steps involved in buying an instrument and stating that money is tight

• by giving facts about owning an instrument and concluding that owning an instrument is not practical

• by explaining music education and describing why money is the most important factor

How does the organization of paragraph 9 support Tamish's main argument?

• It states a key point for the argument and then provides relevant evidence.

• It supports the opposing side and then gives evidence to show that the two sides agree.

• It introduces a counterargument and then explains why that argument is flawed.

• It finds a flaw in its own argument and then discusses why the opposing side is right.

In paragraph 9, Tamish interprets the fact that music increases reading skills as

• relevant, but needs more research to convince people that it is valid.

• relevant, but does not acknowledge the benefits of learning independently.

• irrelevant because it does not show how music and reading are connected

• irrelevant because it does not specify that music should be the classroom setting.

In paragraphs 10 and 11, Tamish's supports the central idea by

• listing ways that students can enjoy the benefits of music without learning an instrument.

• explaining how music therapy works for people who never learn how to play an instrument.

• suggesting that students can use their imaginations to find new ways to benefit from music.

• describing the aspects of music that could fit into the traditional classroom but often do not.

Which of the following sentences from paragraph 4 contains a claim?

• "Participation in music offers many other benefits for students."

• "The act of playing an instrument is a physical activity, which requires muscle memory so that students' fingers hit the correct notes every time."

• "Plus, every student needs this refreshing break from the usual class schedule."

• "Musical skills use a different part of the brain than most subjects, which rely on class discussion or homework to keep students involved

In paragraph 1, Baritoni interprets the fact that music increases reading skills as evidence that

• students have problems with reading.

• music creates more artistic students.

• students should explore music on their own.

• music is just like other academic subjects.

Which sentence from paragraph 1 represents the main claim of Baritoni's essay?

• "Courses such as English, history, math, and science are required in school because they provide knowledge and build skills such as critical thinking and writing."

• "Because music education also builds practical skills, it should be required in school."

• "A recent study by the Dana Foundation, a brain research organization, found that participation in music programs increases students' motivation."

• "The more students practiced their instruments, the more they practiced their reading skills."

Which sentence BEST states the main theme of this story? ("The Best Bedroom in Brooklyn")

• Different people have different things to offer.

• Helping other people is the most important thing in life.

• Having confidence is more important than looking perfect.

• A person should never give up, even when things seem hopeless.

In paragraph 6, how does Tamish use inductive reasoning to conclude that the best music moments happen outside of the classroom?

• The author opens with facts about how musicians prepare for a performance.

• The author suggests that music education does not include individual practice

• The author includes facts about individual practice and its benefits.

• The author describes the general rules of music education and its flaws.