Reading

Why does the narrator use a metaphor to describe his response to playing the piano?

• To explain how he is able to remember a piece of music

• To show how sharing music increases enjoyment

• To suggest that owning a piano can spark enthusiasm

• To reveal the depth of his feelings towards the piano

In paragraph 8 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, Luc suggests that the narrator —

• trust his ability to make decisions

• reflect on the commitment of buying a piano

• be willing to consider other pianos

• think about playing different instruments

In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, which idea is introduced?

• The power of intuition

• An unachieved goal

• Impractical choices

• The wisdom of experience

What can the reader infer about the narrator’s wife based on her words?

• The wife believes it is more important to invest in the arts than in other things.

• The wife does not believe people should deny themselves things that they want.

• The wife views the piano as an attractive addition to their living room.

• The wife sees music as a necessary outlet for her husband’s creativity.

In paragraph 17 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, how does the narrator feel about playing the Stingl piano in the piano shop?

• He needs Luc to help him build confidence in his musical ability.

• He hopes Luc will believe that he is worthy of the Stingl.

• He feels oddly comfortable playing in front of Luc.

• He enjoys showing Luc that he can play different types of music.

In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, why does the narrator describe the piano as “a strange and wonderful combination of the robust and the delicate”?

• To explain why he feels this particular piano is special

• To reveal that he needs a piano that is not too fragile or ornate

• To state why he is physically able to play this particular piano

• To suggest that he prefers a piano that won’t require much upkeep

What is the narrator’s purpose for including this description?

• To explain where he is shopping for a piano

• To highlight his doubts about wanting a piano

• To show how he exaggerates when describing events

• To reveal the strength of his desire to play the piano again

In the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” how does the author mainly organize his ideas?

• He lists the benefits of owning a piano by referencing a magazine article about musical instruments.

• He supports people learning to play the piano with stories from students who enjoy the instrument.

• He argues against getting rid of old pianos by explaining how important they once were.

• He discusses trends in piano ownership by describing his experience trying to get rid of an old piano.

What does the author’s use of musical terminology convey in the quotation?

• How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song

• How piano dealers use musical language when they speak

• How piano tones affect the price of the instruments

• How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity

Which quotation best shows that the author of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” is relieved someone wants his old piano?

• The song had gone from major to minor, but we pressed on. (paragraph 4)

• Then the song shifted to the saddest of blues. (paragraph 4)

• But like many a blues song, this piano riff ends with hope. (paragraph 6)

• And to be sure, many older pianos have reached their coda. (paragraph 7)