The information about Ma’s childhood is important to the selection because it shows that —

• Ma can appreciate the accomplishments of other musicians

• Ma wanted to be as talented as the rest of his family members were

• Ma developed his musical talent at an especially young age

• Ma wants people who enjoy his music to relate to his personal experiences

In paragraph 6, the word agile describes movement that is —

• made with much effort

• new and uncertain

• learned over time

• quick and natural

Ma named his program the “Silk Road Project” most likely because he —

• believes music has the power to bring different people together

• wishes he had more opportunities to visit his homeland

• is interested in trading instruments with people in other countries

• travels many miles between concert events

Read these sentences from paragraph 2.

“ My last name is MA", M a , ” he replied with a smile. Ma means horse, and Yo means friend. So am I a friendly horse?”

The author included this quotation most likely to highlight Ma’s —

• popularity

• sense of humor

• accomplishments

• great talent

What is an important message presented in this selection?

• Music can have a strong impact on people.

• A person’s interests can change over time.

• Achieving childhood dreams requires a plan.

• Listening to music can be a relaxing activity.

Which sentence from the selection best conveys the author’s admiration for Ma’s accomplishments?

• He loved his new life and played the cello all the time.

• He has also been a guest on children’s shows like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

• Ma has established Silk Road programs in schools around the nation.

• Ma’s many contributions to the arts clearly mark him as a very good musician indeed.

The sensory language in paragraph 1 helps the reader imagine —

• what it is like to attend one of Ma’s concerts

• what Ma’s cello and bow look like

• how Ma feels when he is performing for an audience

• why Ma has played his cello at so many concerts