DIRECTIONS:
In the passage that follows, certain words and phrases are bolded and numbered. And you will find alternatives for the bolded part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE.” You will also find questions about a section of the passage, or about the passage as a whole. These questions do not refer to an bolded portion of the passage, but rather are identified by a number or numbers in a box.
PASSAGE Marathon Drummers
Part 1
In 1960s Japan, kumi-daiko or ensemble drumming (1), became a phenomenon. They were inspired by (2) ancient Japanese rituals and modern jazz, the ensembles performed at festivals throughout Japan. The enormous taiko drums, some of which weigh nearly 900 pounds— (3) and the physically demanding routines of the performers astonished audiences. Using a full range of motion, the standing ensembles swung their bachi (drumsticks) onto the drums’ deerskin surfaces. [4] They drummed with speed and force, always maintaining perfect rhythm.
For educator Den Tagayasu, the value of kumi-daiko was not only in its art, but also in the self-discipline needed to perform it. In 1969, Den started Ondekoza, a school on the Japanese island of Sado, and required that his students adopt the principle of Sogakuron. Roughly translated, Sogakuron states that running and kumi-daiko is (5) one, a union reflecting the drama and the energy of life.
1.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Japan, kumi-daiko, or ensemble drumming,
C. Japan kumi-daiko, or ensemble drumming
D. Japan kumi-daiko or ensemble drumming,
2.
F. NO CHANGE
G. The drummers’ inspiration came from
H. They drew inspiration from
J. Inspired by
3.
A. NO CHANGE
B. drums—some of which weigh nearly 900 pounds—
C. drums—some of which weigh nearly 900 pounds,
D. drums some of which weigh nearly 900 pounds
4.
At this point, the writer is considering adding the following sentence to the essay:
Hand drums like the kotsuzumi are more common in Japanese classical music than in kumi-daiko.
Given that the information is accurate, should the writer make this addition?
F. Yes, because it explains why the ensembles are able to drum with speed.
G. Yes, because it emphasizes that bachi are custom made to meet a specific drummer’s style.
H. No, because it interrupts the description of kumi-daiko performances.
J. No, because it detracts from the description of the size of taiko drums.
5.
A. NO CHANGE
B. has been
C. are
D. was
Part 2
Den was no easy taskmaster. He demanded his students begin and end each day by running long distances. In between, they practiced kumi-daiko for hours. To motivate them, his students were assured (6) that their self-discipline would allow them to travel the world, glorifying Japanese culture.
In 1975, Den made good on his promise. In its international debut, the Ondekoza ensemble gave a performance in Boston (7); immediately after the drummers had run the Boston Marathon. Therefore, as (8) they performed their signature piece, Yatai-bayashi, the drummers didn’t seem to be even a tad bit drained (9). The dramatic drumming, coupled by (10) the performers’ staggering degree of endurance, inspired Japanese American communities to start their own kumi-daiko groups.[11] I Through the decades, Ondekoza exhausted (12) numerous “marathon tours.” In 1998, the members of Ondekoza while running (13) over 7,500 miles in China, stopping to perform their virtuoso (14) percussion pieces along the way. For Den, these marathon tours brought him international recognition.(15)
6.
F. NO CHANGE
G. Den’s students were assured
H. Den assured his students
J. they were assured
7.
A. NO CHANGE
B. Boston, and
C. Boston: and
D. Boston—
8.
F. NO CHANGE
G. For instance, as
H. Likewise, as
J. As
9.
A. NO CHANGE
B. weren’t looking like they were sapped.
C. betrayed no hint of exhaustion.
D. didn’t appear tuckered out.
10.
F. NO CHANGE
G. coupled with
H. doubled with
J. doubled by
11.
At this point, the writer is considering dividing the paragraph into two. Should the writer begin or not begin a new paragraph here, and why?
A. Begin a new paragraph, because the essay shifts from a description of a specific event to a broader overview of events that followed.
B. Begin a new paragraph, because the essay moves from a description of a group of people to a profile of an individual.
C. DO NOT begin a new paragraph, because doing so would interrupt the discussion of specific pieces Ondekoza performed.
D. DO NOT begin a new paragraph, because doing so would disrupt the description of how Japanese Americans were inspired by Ondekoza.
12.
F. NO CHANGE
G. completed
H. wrought
J. fulfilled
13.
A. NO CHANGE
B. who ran
C. running
D. ran
14.
The writer wants to emphasize the skill of the performers. Which choice best accomplishes that goal?
F. NO CHANGE
G. important
H. popular
J. reputable
15.
Which choice would most effectively conclude the essay by referencing information about Den’s teaching presented earlier in the essay?
A. NO CHANGE
B. reminded him of performances he had once seen in Japan.
C. served to further bolster Ondekoza’s reputation.
D. represented the culmination of Sogakuron.
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