The composer Verdi has written the opera Aida to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal, but the opera was not performed until 1871.
A.has written
B.to celebrate
C.the opening of
D.was not performed

Wealthy people have always desired and wear precious stones because their beauty is lasting.
A.Wealthy
B.and wear
C.their beauty
D.is lasting

"The King's 24 Violins" is mentioned to illustrate _________.
A.the competition in the 1600's between French and Italian orchestras
B.how the violin became a renowned instrument
C.the superiority of French violins
D.why the violin was considered the only instrument suitable to be played by royalty

The author mentions Vivaldi and Tartini in paragraph 3 as examples of composers whose music ___.
A.inspired more people to play the violin
B.had to be adapted to the violin
C.demanded more sophisticated violins
D.could be played only by their students

The word "strain" is closest in meaning to_________.
A.struggle
B.strength
C.stress
D.strategy

The word "Accordingly" is closest in meaning to_________
A.However
B.Nevertheless
C.Consequently
D.Ultimately

According to the passage, which of the following contributes to a dull sound being produced by a violin?
A.A long fingerboard
B.A small body
C.High string tension
D.Thick strings

All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to the ability to play modern violin music EXCEPT_________.
A.use of rare wood for the fingerboard and neck
B.more complicated techniques for the left hand
C.different ways to use the fingers to play very high notes
D.minor alterations to the structure of the instrument

What does the passage mainly discuss?
A.The development of trade routes through United States cities
B.The importance of geographical situation in the growth of United States cities
C.Contrasts in settlement patterns in United States
D.Historical differences among three large United States cities

The passage suggests that a geographer would consider a city's soil type part of its _____
A.hinterland
B.situation
C.site
D.function