Ragtime

Ragtime grew from the marches and jigs popular in the Northern Black communities of the late 19th century. Historians consider 1897 the beginning of mature ragtime. A “rag” can have varied instrumentation; but usually it is written for piano.

• NO CHANGE

• instrumentation but

• instrumentation, but

• instrumentation

The ragtime style illustrates how people of diverse

heritage can create unique music that lots of people like.

• NO CHANGE

• everyone likes to listen to.

• appeals to a broad audience.

• never gets old.

Suppose the writer’s goal had been to write a brief essay focusing on the history and development of ragtime music. Would this essay successfully fulfill this goal?

• Yes, because the essay mentions the contributions

  that ragtime music has made to other African-

  American musical traditions.

• Yes, because the essay discusses the origins of

  ragtime music and one of its early important

  figures.

• No, because the essay refers to other musical forms

  besides ragtime.

• No, because the essay focuses on only one ragtime

  musician, Scott Joplin.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be LEAST acceptable? The first official ragtime hit was Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, published in 1899. America was enthralled by this sophisticated composition. Today, Joplin is the most famous figure in ragtime history. He first showed great musical potential at a young age, and when his family moved to a new home in Texas, his mother worked long hours to earn enough money to buy a piano for him.

• demonstrated his talent on the piano

• revealed his musical skills

• exposed his rhythmic touch

• played

Which of the following best describes the musical style of ragtime?

• A) A fast-paced, improvisational jazz style

• B) A slow, melancholic blues style

• C) A syncopated, rhythmic piano style

• D) A classical orchestral style

What is the primary instrument associated with ragtime music?

• A) Violin

• B) Piano

• C) Guitar

• D) Trumpet

Who is considered one of the most famous composers of ragtime music?

• A) Louis Armstrong

• B) Duke Ellington

• C) Scott Joplin

• D) Bessie Smith

In which century did ragtime music first become popular?

• A) 17th century

• B) 18th century

• C) 19th century

• D) 20th century

Which of the following sentences uses correct punctuation? Ragtime music, known for its syncopated rhythms, was popular in the early 20th century.

• A) Ragtime music known for its syncopated rhythms was popular in the early 20th century.

• B) Ragtime music, known for its syncopated rhythms was popular in the early 20th century.

• C) Ragtime music known for its syncopated rhythms, was popular in the early 20th century.

• D) Ragtime music, known for its syncopated rhythms, was popular in the early 20th century.

Which of the following words is a synonym for 'syncopated' as used in the context of ragtime music?

• A) Harmonious

• B) Off-beat

• C) Melodic

• D) Dissonant