Excerpt from The Musician's Daughter
by Susanne Dunlap
I thought a lot, at the beginning, about my father playing the violin. I still remember the first time I ever saw a concert. I was very small, and we had just come to Esterhaza, a magnificent palace in Sopron, Hungary, when the prince's household moved there from his winter palace, at Eisenstadt, near Vienna. I think it may have been the first concert Papa took part in there. I had a new dress for the occasion, and Mama looked beautiful. I don't think Toby was born yet, or if he was, he was a small baby and stayed in our rooms with a nurse.
The palace at Esterháza was so new that it still smelled of raw wood and paint. The rooms were very grand. I had never seen so many candles in one place before. And they were expensive wax candles, not foul-smelling tallow. We stood to the side to watch the fine ladies enter. I thought they looked like dolls; their faces were so perfect. Later my mother told me that they painted them with white lead to make their skin artificially smooth and pale, and then rubbed rouge into their cheeks and lips, and drew lines of charcoal around their eyes so they would appear larger. And the headdresses-in those days the fashion was to have hair that towered up, stuck into place with diamond combs, with ribbons and pearls festooned around. And no matter what color it was naturally, ladies powdered their hair to snowy whiteness, so that the light of the candies was magnified by the glow from the people themselves.
And the men, too, were powdered and patched. Their gold buttons and lace were almost as gaudy as the ladies' finery. But the enormous panniers that held the ladies' skirts out to the side so far that they had to move sideways through doorways fascinated me most of all. I could barely be persuaded to turn my eyes to the orchestra when the concert started.
We were not seated with the guests. In fact, I think we were tucked away in an anteroom. The door was open so we could see through, and everyone pushed me forward to let me watch my father, who looked up now and again from the music and gave me a quick smile. The candlelight danced over the rich wood of his violin, the beautiful Italian instrument, an old Amati, that my grandfather had given him. Kapellmeister Haydn-who was also my godfather-sat at the harpsichord, smiling broadly all the time, waving one hand in the air to direct, then putting it back on the keys and instead using his head, bobbing and nodding to bring the winds in, or to indicate the entrance for the cellos. He looked like the music, 1 remember thinking. I wish I could bring that particular sound to my mind, but it has since blended with countless, other concert. I’ll always remember what it looked like, though. The light shimmering glow of everything and everyone.
sselect two of the four details from the excerpt into the chart to show which main idea each supports. 1. The narrator is imaginative. 2. The narrator is observant.
- A. The narrator thinks the director looks like the music.
- B. The narrator notices the candlelight reflected off the violin.
- C. The narrator stands to the side while the ladies pass by.
- D. The narrator has a new dress for the concert.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A, B
Option A supports the idea that the narrator is imaginative, as it illustrates creative thinking by comparing the director's appearance to music, showcasing a unique perspective. Option B aligns with the narrator being observant, as it highlights attention to detail by noticing the candlelight's reflection on the violin, indicating a keen awareness of the surroundings. Option C does not directly demonstrate imagination or observance; instead, it shows the narrator's position without revealing insights about their thoughts or perceptions. Option D, while mentioning a new dress, does not provide evidence of either imagination or observance, focusing instead on a superficial detail unrelated to the narrator's cognitive engagement with their environment.
Option A supports the idea that the narrator is imaginative, as it illustrates creative thinking by comparing the director's appearance to music, showcasing a unique perspective. Option B aligns with the narrator being observant, as it highlights attention to detail by noticing the candlelight's reflection on the violin, indicating a keen awareness of the surroundings. Option C does not directly demonstrate imagination or observance; instead, it shows the narrator's position without revealing insights about their thoughts or perceptions. Option D, while mentioning a new dress, does not provide evidence of either imagination or observance, focusing instead on a superficial detail unrelated to the narrator's cognitive engagement with their environment.
Other Related Questions
Currently, the technology exists to meet a significant portion of the world's energy demands by converting wave power to electricity. If the author removed the word 'significant' from this sentence, the new sentence would
- A. show diminished potential for this technology.
- B. allow the reader to infer the importance of the technology.
- C. create a realistic portrayal of the technology.
- D. indicate a greater reliance on the technology.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Removing the word "significant" diminishes the perceived potential of wave power technology. Without it, the sentence suggests that the technology may only meet a minor portion of energy demands, which undercuts its viability and importance. Option B incorrectly implies that the omission would enhance the reader's understanding of the technology's importance, which is not the case. Option C suggests a realistic portrayal, but the removal leads to a less optimistic view rather than a realistic one. Option D misinterprets the change, as it does not indicate greater reliance; instead, it suggests a lesser impact.
Removing the word "significant" diminishes the perceived potential of wave power technology. Without it, the sentence suggests that the technology may only meet a minor portion of energy demands, which undercuts its viability and importance. Option B incorrectly implies that the omission would enhance the reader's understanding of the technology's importance, which is not the case. Option C suggests a realistic portrayal, but the removal leads to a less optimistic view rather than a realistic one. Option D misinterprets the change, as it does not indicate greater reliance; instead, it suggests a lesser impact.
Based on details in the article, what generalizations can be made about landfills?
- A. Communities accept landfill companies that are receptive to concerns.
- B. Landfill businesses in some communities are following the Gregory brothers' model.
- C. Legal restraints will eventually force communities to close their landfills.
- D. Recycling will eventually replace the need for landfills in all communities.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A highlights the importance of communication between landfill companies and communities, emphasizing that successful operations often depend on addressing local concerns. This reflects a collaborative approach that can lead to better acceptance of landfills. Option B inaccurately suggests that all landfill businesses adopt a specific model, which may not be universally applicable across different communities. Option C presents an overly deterministic view, implying that legal constraints will inevitably lead to landfill closures, which may not be true for all regions. Option D assumes that recycling will completely eliminate the need for landfills, disregarding the reality that some waste will always require disposal.
Option A highlights the importance of communication between landfill companies and communities, emphasizing that successful operations often depend on addressing local concerns. This reflects a collaborative approach that can lead to better acceptance of landfills. Option B inaccurately suggests that all landfill businesses adopt a specific model, which may not be universally applicable across different communities. Option C presents an overly deterministic view, implying that legal constraints will inevitably lead to landfill closures, which may not be true for all regions. Option D assumes that recycling will completely eliminate the need for landfills, disregarding the reality that some waste will always require disposal.
In 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which of the author's claims is supported by evidence?
- A. Buying fruits and vegetables directly from farmers is reassuring.
- B. Consumers should have many choices about food.
- C. Huge farming enterprises have the technology to grow seasonal foods all year.
- D. Locally grown foods are more nutritional than store-bought foods.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D is supported by evidence, as numerous studies indicate that locally grown foods often retain more nutrients due to reduced time between harvest and consumption. This freshness can enhance nutritional value, making a compelling argument for local food consumption. Option A lacks specific evidence; while buying directly from farmers may feel reassuring, the claim does not provide data or studies to substantiate it. Option B is a subjective opinion rather than a claim backed by evidence, focusing on consumer preference without factual support. Option C presents a generalization about large farming enterprises without concrete evidence, failing to demonstrate how their technology directly impacts seasonal food availability.
Option D is supported by evidence, as numerous studies indicate that locally grown foods often retain more nutrients due to reduced time between harvest and consumption. This freshness can enhance nutritional value, making a compelling argument for local food consumption. Option A lacks specific evidence; while buying directly from farmers may feel reassuring, the claim does not provide data or studies to substantiate it. Option B is a subjective opinion rather than a claim backed by evidence, focusing on consumer preference without factual support. Option C presents a generalization about large farming enterprises without concrete evidence, failing to demonstrate how their technology directly impacts seasonal food availability.
How does Anthony respond to conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage?
- A. by revealing the many challenges that were overcome to build the nation
- B. by referring to the principles on which the country was founded
- C. by pointing out the revolutionary changes that equality would inspire
- D. by explaining the benefits related to property holders and taxation
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Anthony addresses conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage by referring to the foundational principles of equality and democracy upon which the country was established. This approach emphasizes the moral and ethical basis for suffrage, reinforcing the idea that all citizens deserve a voice in governance. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on historical challenges rather than the core principles of democracy. Option C, while relevant, highlights the potential outcomes of equality rather than the philosophical grounding needed for suffrage. Option D incorrectly centers on economic benefits for a specific group, which diverges from the broader argument for universal rights.
Anthony addresses conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage by referring to the foundational principles of equality and democracy upon which the country was established. This approach emphasizes the moral and ethical basis for suffrage, reinforcing the idea that all citizens deserve a voice in governance. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on historical challenges rather than the core principles of democracy. Option C, while relevant, highlights the potential outcomes of equality rather than the philosophical grounding needed for suffrage. Option D incorrectly centers on economic benefits for a specific group, which diverges from the broader argument for universal rights.