RTB 2 - 8th

1. Which sentence from Passage 1 best describes Ailey’s dedication to his work?

• A “When Horton suddenly died a year later, Ailey was chosen to become director of the

  company.” (paragraph 3)

• B “In spite of this disappointing setback, Ailey knew he would continue to pursue his

  career as a dancer and choreographer.” (paragraph 3)

• C “In 1954, he danced for the first time on Broadway.” (paragraph 4)

• D “Today, this dance remains the company’s most popular performance and has been

  seen by more than 23 million people in 71 different countries.” (paragraph 5)

2a. This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A

In Passage 1, what conclusion can be drawn about Ailey’s work?

• A Ailey’s dancing was better than his choreography.

• B Ailey was recognized for his work on and off stage.

• C Ailey’s work was appreciated only by African American audiences.

• D Ailey’s ballets and performances were popular only in the United States.

#2b. Part B

Which sentence from Passage 1 supports the answer in Part A?

• A “Living in New York and following his dream, Ailey studied and danced in shows on and

  off Broadway.” (paragraph 4)

• B “His small group of African American dancers was soon performing for audiences.”

  (paragraph 4)

• C “Most famously, his work earned him the United Nations Peace Medal and a Kennedy

  Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to the arts.” (paragraph 6)

• D “His legacy lives on in his dance company and many of his dances, which are still

  performed around the world.” (paragraph 7)

3. Based on the information in Passage 1, which of Ailey’s accomplishments is most influenced by his childhood?

• A He directed and choreographed a piece called Revelations.

• B His popular dance company performed in foreign countries.

• C He studied with Lester Horton and joined the dance company.

• D He welcomed in and created opportunities for dancers of all races.

4. What is the best summary of Passage 2?

• A Alvin Ailey started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York City.

• B The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 in New York City.

• C Alvin Ailey started the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 in New York City.

  At first, the group practiced in...

• D The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for U.S. Presidents and

  audiences in Asia. The performances took place all over the...

5. Which sentence from Passage 2 best describes a positive result of Ailey founding the AAADT?

• A “When he started the AAADT, all of the dancers were African American.” (paragraph 9)

• B In its early years, the dance company used a small space in the YWCA in New York City

  and was doing about four concerts a year.” (paragraph 10)

• C “Ailey’s choreography was a unique style of modern dance that included elements of

  ballet and jazz dance with African and Latino influences.” (paragraph 11)

• D “This opportunity secured the company’s future.” (paragraph 12)

6. Read this sentence from Passage 3.

“Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new andinteresting dance routines.” (paragraph 26)

How does the word innovative contribute to the tone of the passage?

• A It hints that the author prefers to watch modern dance routines.

• B It reveals that the author believes it is harder to be a choreographer than a dancer.

• C It emphasizes that the author has a neutral attitude about the work choreographers do.

• D It shows that the author thinks choreographers do groundbreaking work.

7. How does the “Important Qualities” section develop the main idea in Passage 3?

• A It lists the characteristics necessary to have a successful career in dance.

• B It provides a list of skills for people to learn during their dance education.

• C It explains the traits needed in order to progress from a dancer to a choreographer.

• D It discusses the physical and mental challenges associated with dance and

  choreography.

8. What was the author’s purpose for writing Passage 3?

• A to promote dancing as a way of staying fit, by supporting the idea with the details about

  physical stamina and dexterity

• B to help people imagine themselves as dancers by describing what it is like to spend

  many years practicing

• C to provide information about a career in dance by presenting details about the

  education, traits, skills, and challenges of the profession

• D to discourage people from becoming a career dancer by emphasizing the demands on

  the body and the frequency of rejection

9. Which two statements support the central idea from all three passages?

• A Career dancers must work hard for a long time.

• B Every experience can develop a dancer’s abilities.

• C Success is measured by how much a dancer helps others.

• D It takes a lifetime to determine whether a dancer is going to be successful.

• E Even professional dancers must hold jobs unrelated to dance for financial security.