I: nalyzing Text: Informational Text irections Read the following two arguments. Then answer the questions that follow. Should students be required to take music education classes? Music Education Helps Students Thrive by hris aritoni Music Education an Happen nywhere by lex Tamish Music Education Helps Students Thrive by hris aritoni 1 School is where we learn the basic skills that we use throughout our lives. ourses such as English, history, math, and science are required in school because they provide knowledge and build skills such as critical thinking and writing. ecause music education also builds practical skills, it should be required in school. recent study by the ana Foundation, a brain research organization, found that participation in music programs increases students' motivation. The more students practiced their instruments, the more they practiced their reading skills. This, and other links between music and academics, led the authors of this study to conclude that students use the same discipline when they practice a new piece of music that they use when tackling a new piece of literature. 2 The academic benefits of playing music include more than just better reading skills. ccording to a 2007 University of Kansas study of standardized test scores, middle school students who attend schools with excellent band programs scored 22 percent better in English and 20 percent better in math than students from schools without music programs. For schools with average band programs, students still scored higher than students at schools without music programs. 3 The structure of the classroom gives consistency so that students can develop their music skills effectively. Teachers carefully choose the best, most appropriate pieces for students' skill level and build from there. s in English and history classes, the music student connects to a vast tradition of works during his or her study. s beginners, students learn iconic songs such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Learning these fundamental songs helps build confidence and create a sense of accomplishment in students. Eventually, as their skills strengthen, students learn to play more difficult works by famous composers such as eethoven, Mozart, and Wagner. Even though this music has been around for hundreds of years, these composers songs still appear in modern movies, on TV, and even in video games. 4 Participation in music offers many other benefits for students. The act of playing an instrument is a physical activity, which requires muscle memory so that students' fingers hit the correct notes every time. Plus, every student needs this refreshing break from the usual class schedule. Musical skills use a different part of the brain than most academic subjects, which rely on class discussion or homework to keep students involved. In addition to building musical skills, playing music with a group also teaches students how to work with others. 5 If music education is not required, then students might never try it or might not have access to all its benefits. Too often music is seen as an extracurricular activity, but it can be so much more. Through this healthy outlet, students learn how to express different emotions. omposers write emotions into their music by using certain chords and note combinations to suggest sadness, increase suspense, or offer inspiration. t first, a sheet of music seems like a bunch of notes on a page filled with bars and strange symbols; however, when students read music and play it together, they bring those notes to life. Those musical moments can happen at any level and every student should have the opportunity to experience them. 6
I: Music Education an Happen nywhere by lex Tamish 6 lthough formal music education can be beneficial, it should not be required for all students. Some of the best, most educational music moments happen outside of the classroom. For example, most musicians will tell you that they had to practice solo for hours and hours to get a song performance-ready. This practice involves figuring out sections that trip you up, deciding where to take breaths (if you're playing a wind or brass instrument), and interpreting the song in order to emphasize the emotions in the music or to add some of your own style. Those musical moments just do not fit into a classroom setting. 7 In addition, money is tight these days. Many families are having a hard time just paying their bills. ut most school music programs require students or their parents to buy or rent an instrument, which can be expensive, especially as your musical skills grow. For example, a beginner's saxophone can cost around $300. ut beginner's instruments are not top quality, so advanced students are often advised to upgrade to a semi-professional or professional instrument. With better quality instruments, you get a better sound and can really show your musical skills. epending on the brand and its appearance or extra features, a higher quality saxophone can cost $1,200 or more. nd this is not the only cost. Reeds will need to be replaced, and private music lessons though helpful can get expensive depending on a student's level of skill and musical goals. For many families, formal music education is simply more expensive than they can afford. 8 Music education does have many benefits, however. For example, in a 2007 study of standardized test scores by the University of Kansas, middle school students from schools with music programs scored 22 percent better in English and 20 percent better in math than students from schools without these kinds of programs. These statistics seem to make a convincing case, but the study does not say if these music classes were required or offered as an elective. This missing information suggests that these schools may have additional courses and better educational resources, in addition to their excellent band programs, that help students get higher scores. 9 Research studies also suggest that having musical ability can help improve your reading skills. However, these studies often overlook the benefits of practicing at home or even learning to play an instrument on your own. Online video tutorials, free tablature websites, library resources, and even musically-talented friends or family members make it possible for you to explore music on your own time and learn the kinds of music you want to learn. Most traditional music education programs focus on classical music, contemporary full band arrangements, and music theory. Some people may prefer to learn about and play other types of music. y acting on your own curiosity, you might be more likely to enjoy whatever type of music you end up playing. 10 You don't even have to learn how to play an instrument in order to love and appreciate music. Just listening to music can reduce stress. Music therapy, which can include playing or listening to music, helps people of all ages and levels of health express their emotions and find comfort. This type of therapy is not limited to a specific type of music or level of musical ability. Sometimes all you need to do to change your mood is belt out a catchy pop song or mime a crazy metal solo on your air guitar (which never needs an upgrade or new strings). 11 nyone can enjoy the benefits of music without ever picking up an instrument or taking a music education class. Music has the ability to move and inspire us, regardless of whether it is explored in a classroom, at a friend's house, online, or anywhere else. 13. Which sentence from paragraph 1 represents the main claim of aritoni's essay? 7
I: "ourses such as English, history, math, and science are required in school because they provide knowledge and build skills such as critical thinking and writing." "ecause music education also builds practical skills, it should be required in school." " recent study by the ana Foundation, a brain research organization, found that participation in music programs increases students' motivation." "The more students practiced their instruments, the more they practiced their reading skills." 14. In paragraph 1, aritoni interprets the fact that music increases reading skills as evidence that students have problems with reading. music creates more artistic students. students should explore music on their own. music is just like other academic subjects. 15. Which of the following details supports aritoni's main idea in paragraph 4? Participation in music has benefits, but aritoni does not list them. Every student needs an instrument to play music and participate in group activities. Playing music uses a different part of the brain and develops teamwork skills. Music education is usually seen as an extracurricular activity. 16. Which of the following sentences from paragraph 4 contains a claim? "Participation in music offers many other benefits for students." "The act of playing an instrument is a physical activity, which requires muscle memory so that students' fingers hit the correct notes every time." "Plus, every student needs this refreshing break from the usual class schedule." "Musical skills use a different part of the brain than most subjects, which rely on class discussion or homework to keep students involved." 17. In paragraph 6, how does Tamish use inductive reasoning to conclude that the best music moments happen outside of the classroom? The author opens with facts about how musicians prepare for a performance. The author suggests that music education does not include individual practice. The author includes facts about individual practice and its benefits. The author describes the general rules of music education and its flaws. 8
I: 18. How does Tamish uses deductive reasoning in paragraph 7 to conclude that music education can be too expensive? by stating that money can be tight and describing a sample case of paying for a saxophone by describing the steps involved in buying an instrument and stating that money is tight by giving facts about owning an instrument and concluding that owning an instrument is not practical by explaining music education and describing why money is the most important factor 19. Which of the following details support Tamish's main point in paragraph 7? Individual practice is where musicians learn the most. Practice involves personal reflection about parts of a song. Music education helps increase reading skills. Instruments and their accessories can be expensive. 20. How does the organization of paragraph 9 support Tamish's main argument? It states a key point for the argument and then provides relevant evidence. It supports the opposing side and then gives evidence to show that the two sides agree. It introduces a counterargument and then explains why that argument is flawed. It finds a flaw in its own argument and then discusses why the opposing side is right. 21. In paragraph 9, Tamish interprets the fact that music increases reading skills as relevant, but needs more research to convince people that it is valid. relevant, but does not acknowledge the benefits of learning independently. irrelevant because it does not show how music and reading are connected. irrelevant because it does not specify that music should be the classroom setting. 22. In paragraphs 10 and 11, Tamish's supports the central idea by listing ways that students can enjoy the benefits of music without learning an instrument. explaining how music therapy works for people who never learn how to play an instrument. suggesting that students can use their imaginations to find new ways to benefit from music. describing the aspects of music that could fit into the traditional classroom but often do not. 9
I: 23. How do both authors interpret the 2007 University of Kansas study? aritoni uses it to support a counterargument against independent music study; Tamish claims that its results are skewed in favor of formal music education. aritoni uses it to introduce a new idea about music education; Tamish uses it to show that music education does not relate to studies like this one. aritoni uses it to defend requiring formal music education in schools; Tamish also uses it to defend formal music education. aritoni uses it as evidence that music education has academic benefits; Tamish points out that the study does not include enough information. 24. Which statement is the EST summary of a key point made by both authors? Studying music is beneficial to students. Formal music education is too expensive for many students. Learning an instrument in school is the best way to study music. Music teachers teach music that students would choose on their own. Written Response irections Write two or three sentences to answer each question about the passages. 25. How does the narrator's attitude toward Phyllis and her mother change from the beginning of the passage? 26. hoose one of the essays about music education, then identify its argument and evaluate its effectiveness. Include specific evidence from the essay in your answer. Vocabulary irections Use your knowledge of Latin suffixes and Greek roots to answer the following questions. 27. Read the following sentence from "Music Education Helps Students Thrive." recent study by the ana Foundation, a brain research organization, found that participation in music programs increases students' motivation. Which of the following words uses -ation the same way as organization? confederation constellation information donation 10