ACT Reading Practice

In Passage A, the parenthetical information in line 19 and lines 21–23 mainly serves to:

• A. specify how Luc identified certain aspects of a piano’s history.

• B. portray Luc as overly judgmental about piano transportation.

• C. describe the types of rules that visitors to Luc’s shop were required to follow.

• D. indicate some of Luc’s firm beliefs about piano care.

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Based on the assertion in Passage A that Luc’s “attitude about how people treated their pianos seemed to mirror his philosophy of life” (lines 25–26), which of the following statements would most nearly describe Luc’s philosophy of life?

• It’s better to live a full and imperfect life than not participate because something might go wrong.

• Life is a fragile gift that must be cherished and kept safe at all times.

• Living well is like playing the piano well; it requires dedication and practice.

• It’s important not to take life’s opportunities for granted because they may not come a second time.

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As it is used in line 32, the phrase bit into most nearly means:

• pinched

• ingested

• marred

• severed

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In the third paragraph of Passage B (lines 61–65), the author most clearly shifts from:

• making an argument against musicians selling their instruments to using evidence from his life to support that argument.

• introducing musicians he admires to explaining why he hopes people admire him as a musician

• examining his own emotions about his violin to explaining why musicians must develop a partnership with their instruments

• discussing the connection between other musicians and their instruments to pondering his own connection with his violin

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In Passage B, the statement that Lifschey “was not merely an excellent oboist; he was a great artist” (lines 44–45) can best be described as:

• a fact supported by details about Lifschey’s career.

• a fact confirmed by experts quoted in the passage.

• an opinion that the author attributes to Lifschey’s colleagues and students.

• an opinion that the author asserts but does not explain.

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In Passage B, it can most reasonably be inferred that Heifetz’s response to the woman who congratulates him is intended to point out that:

• the woman hears Heifetz’s violin differently than Heifetz does.

• the woman isn’t qualified to judge the quality of Heifetz’s violin.

• Heifetz enjoyed the woman’s humorous comment.

• .Heifetz’s violin doesn’t make sounds by itself.

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In Passage B, the author most directly indicates that the violin is sometimes an adversary by stating that it:

• lies mute in its case.

• makes him adjust to its whims.

• responds with a range of emotion.

• can’t speak with words.

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Compared to Passage A, Passage B is more directly focused on the:

• damage a musician can do to an instrument.

• characteristics of an instrument that give clues to its history.

• interdependence between musician and instrument.

• benefits of making instruments available to young children

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In contrast to the way the pianos are described in Pas- sage A, the passage author’s violin in Passage B is described as:

• exhibiting unique characteristics.

• having an active personality of its own.

• sustaining damage from careless children.

• being important to daily life.

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Which of the following assertions about instruments is most strongly supported by details provided in both Passage A and Passage B?

• Familiarity with your instrument is an important part of the joy of playing music.

• Instruments should be revered and never treated like furniture.

• Selling your instrument shows disrespect for the music you have made together.

• Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential to preserving an instrument.

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