Question

Read the passage the Music and the Brain.

Part A

Which statement best conveys a central idea of the passage?

Responses

Engaging with music has a positive influence on brain development.
Engaging with music has a positive influence on brain development.

Listening to music, singing a song, or playing an instrument can alter the brain.
Listening to music, singing a song, or playing an instrument can alter the brain.

Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein both benefitted from playing musical instruments.
Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein both benefitted from playing musical instruments.

It's important to listen to music while learning something new.
It's important to listen to music while learning something new.
Question 2
Part B

Which quotation from the passage best shapes the central idea identified in Part A?

Responses

"Albert Einstein, considered one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, also played the violin."
"Albert Einstein, considered one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, also played the violin."

"Find some music you love and an instrument you enjoy, and whether you learn at school or privately, apply some self-discipline to practice."
"Find some music you love and an instrument you enjoy, and whether you learn at school or privately, apply some self-discipline to practice."

"Learning to play a musical instrument appears to develop parts of the brain that can even influence academic results."
"Learning to play a musical instrument appears to develop parts of the brain that can even influence academic results."

"Playing a musical instrument engages muscular movement, requires coordination, and employs various senses."

Answer 1

Part A: Listening to music, singing a song, or playing an instrument can alter the brain.

Part B: "Learning to play a musical instrument appears to develop parts of the brain that can even influence academic results."