The Importance of Imagination

In “The Importance of Imagination,” what does the author believe often happens to natural creativity as we grow up?

• It begins to fade.

• It grows more productive.

• It becomes less complicated.

• It appears less troublesome.

In which of the following fields did the author of “The Importance of Imagination” most clearly show an interest as she grew up? Choose two options.

• mathematics

• engineering

• medicine

• literature

• art

According to “The Importance of Imagination,” how did the author’s high school history teacher teach her subject?

• She emphasized social studies standards that had to be met.

• She emphasized her students’ cultural backgrounds.

• She emphasized history as a timeline.

• She emphasized history as a story.

At the end of “The Importance of Imagination,” what main point does the author make when she describes rereading Shel Silverstein’s poetry with her mother?

• The bond between parent and child can overcome great change and hardship.

• Few writers are as imaginative as those who write for an audience of children.

• People take comfort in their childhood activities even after they have outgrown them.

• Adults can recapture and appreciate some of the imaginative experiences of childhood.

In which of these situations is a person most clearly giving others parameters?

• A teacher tells students the rules of good behavior.

• A salesclerk handles several customers’ purchases.

• A camp counselor tells campers a ghost story.

• A singer performs before a live audience.

Which of these sentences best illustrates a situation involving a template?

• Pepperoni pizza is the family favorite.

• The puppies are all from the same litter.

• The cookies were similar in size and shape.

• The girls’ uniforms were cut from the same pattern.

Why would something most likely be used as model?

• to address problems more efficiently

• to provide an example to imitate

• to increase its effectiveness

• to limit its availability

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A According to “The Importance of Imagination,” which period of life is most strongly associated with being imaginative?

• youth

• old age

• adulthood

• middle age

Part A Answer: Youth is the period of life most strongly associated with being imaginative.

Part B Which quotation from “The Importance of Imagination” best supports the answer to Part A?

• While growing up, I’d never really considered how important it is to be imaginative. It’s a childhood profession, you could say.

• Then we hit an age when we’re presented with a scantron of bubble-in options, a template for a CV that we need to create.…

• At the age of 12, my dream was to be a professional doodler, which could turn into a career as a cartoonist, if it went well.

• That’s why, last week I found myself, sitting with my mom late at night, rereading Shel Silverstein’s poems for children.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A In “The Importance of Imagination,” which of these activities most clearly represents the practical aspects of life that can stifle creativity?

• being a professional doodler

• using algorithms in mathematics

• designing a sustainable fuel source

• working on a curriculum vitae, or CV