Question

1. in passage a, the parenthetical information in line 19 and lines 21 - 23 mainly serves to:

a. specify how luc identified certain aspects of a pianos history.
b. portray luc as overly judgmental about piano transportation
c. describe the types of rules that visitors to lucs shop were required to follow.
d. indicate some of lucs firm beliefs about piano care.

1. based on the assertion in passage a that lucs \attitude about how people treated their pianos seemed to mirror his philosophy of life\ (lines 25 - 26), which of the following statements would most nearly describe lucs philosophy of life?

f. its better to live a full and imperfect life than not participate because something might go wrong.
g. life is a fragile gift that must be cherished and kept safe at all times.
h. living well is like playing the piano well; it requires dedication and practice.
j. its important not to take lifes opportunities for granted because they may not come a second time.

1. as it is used in line 32, the phrase bit into most nearly means:

a. pinched.
b. ingested.
c. marred.
d. severed.

1. in the third paragraph of passage b (lines 61 - 65), the author most clearly shifts from:

f. making an argument against musicians selling their instruments to using evidence from his life to support that argument.
g. introducing musicians he admires to explaining why he hopes people admire him as a musician.
h. examining his own emotions about his violin to explaining why musicians must develop a partnership with their instruments.
j. discussing the connection between other musicians and their instruments to pondering his own connection with his violin.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the function of the parenthetical information in the context of the passage about Luc and piano - related matters. It gives details about Luc's views on piano care, which aligns with option D.
2. Consider the idea that Luc's attitude towards piano use reflects his life philosophy. His view implies that life should be lived fully despite potential risks, similar to using a piano even if it might get damaged, which matches option F.
3. Determine the meaning of the phrase "bit into" in context. It means to mar or damage, so option C is correct.
4. Examine the shift in the third - paragraph of Passage B. It moves from talking about other musicians and their instruments to the author's own connection with his violin, which is option J.

Answer:

1. D. indicate some of Luc’s firm beliefs about piano care.
2. F. It’s better to live a full and imperfect life than not participate because something might go wrong.
3. C. marred.
4. J. discussing the connection between other musicians and their instruments to pondering his own connection with his violin.