Excerpt from Yoyo Ma Comprehension Questions

Which of the following happened first in Yo-Yo Ma’s life?

• He began piano and violin lessons.

• He gave his first public recital.

• He learned to play Bach’s music.

• He saw a double bass at the Paris Conservatory.

Why did Yo-Yo Ma’s father decide to get him a small cello?

• The violin was too difficult for him.

• Yo-Yo Ma liked big instruments but the double bass was too large.

• His sister already played piano and violin.

• The cello teacher recommended it.

What is the main idea of this passage?

• Yo-Yo Ma was a shy boy who disliked practicing.

• Yo-Yo Ma became a world-famous musician through talent, hard work, and a love of music.

• Yo-Yo Ma’s family did not support his musical interests.

• Yo-Yo Ma liked to travel more than to perform.

Which sentence from the text best supports the idea that Yo-Yo Ma worked hard to master music?

• “He seldom looks to see where to place his fingers.”

• “He had to memorize the notes and practice them over and over.”

• “He greets the audience and the orchestra with a warm smile.”

• “He travels the world bringing music and joy to people’s hearts.”

Read this sentence: “Soon they are drawn into a story he tells using his cello.” What does the word drawn most nearly mean in this sentence?

• Pulled in or attracted

• Sketched on paper

• Selected or chosen

• Stretched tight

What is the author’s main purpose in writing this text?

• To entertain readers with a fictional story

• To inform readers about Yo-Yo Ma’s early life and musical journey

• To explain how to play the cello

• To persuade readers to study music

Based on the passage, what can you infer about Yo-Yo Ma’s personality?

• He was careless and easily bored.

• He was focused, cheerful, and eager to learn.

• He disliked working with others.

Which best describes the text structure used in this passage?

• Problem and solution

• Cause and effect

• Chronological order with description

• Compare and contrast

Read this sentence: “Dr. Ma said Yo-Yo played ‘like a shining star.’” What does this figure of speech suggest?

• Yo-Yo’s playing was bright and excellent.

• Yo-Yo performed at night.

• Yo-Yo was nervous on stage.

• Yo-Yo was learning astronomy.

In the sentence, “He seldom looks to see where to place his fingers,” the word seldom means—

• always

• never

• rarely

• carefully