Japanese Calligraphy: Art with Meaning

Why is calligraphy considered an important art form in Japan?

• It is a form of meditation and self-discipline.

• It is used in modern technology and design.

• It is a requirement in Japanese schools.

• It is primarily a tourist attraction.

Calligraphy allows people to feel connected to their culture and to others by:

• preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community

• being a modern art form with no cultural significance

• isolating individuals from their cultural roots

• focusing solely on artistic expression without cultural ties

Throughout the text, the author suggests that calligraphy in Japan is considered —

• an easy task

• an expensive hobby

• a respected skill

• a casual pastime

Which of these ideas is supported by the information in paragraphs 2 and 3?

• A Calligraphy has been important to the Japanese for hundreds of years.

• B Japanese calligraphy is very different from Chinese calligraphy.

• C Calligraphy in Japan is still made mostly to please noble leaders.

• D Calligraphy is the only form of art that interests young people in Japan today.

Which definition number best matches the way secure is used in paragraph 4?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

What central idea is supported by the details in the section titled “The Art Today”?

• Calligraphy has inspired new approaches to the art form.

• Young people are the main performers of calligraphy today.

• People enjoy watching others create calligraphy.

• Calligraphy requires patience to create.

Part A: Which is a key idea in the text?

• Young people are the main performers of calligraphy today.

• Calligraphy has inspired new approaches to the art form.

• Calligraphy requires patience to create.

• The message of calligraphy is as important as the design.

Part B: Which detail from the text supports the answer to Part A?

• They are words, and they are art. (paragraph 1)

• Japanese calligraphy is called shodō, which means “the way of writing.” (paragraph 2)

• Many people make calligraphy in the traditional way. (paragraph 5)

• Just as everyone’s handwriting is different, everyone’s calligraphy is also different. (paragraph 8)

The “Three Main Styles of Japanese Calligraphy” chart is included most likely to help the reader —

• identify differences among the three styles

• determine which of the styles is the most popular

• learn how to write in the three styles

• know how to pronounce the names of the styles

The photograph beside paragraph 2 is included most likely to help the reader understand —

• A. where calligraphy is created

• B. how calligraphy looks

• C. why calligraphy is used

• D. how calligraphy is taught