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

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

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

According to the passage, early violins were different from modern violins in that early violins_____
A. were heavier B. broke down more easily
C. produced softer tones D. were easier to play

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

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

The word "they" in paragraph 3 refers to_________.
A. Civaldi and Tartini B. internal structure and fingerboard
C. thinner strings and a higher string tension D. small change

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

What is the main idea presented in paragraph 3?
A. The violin is probably the best known and most widely distributed musical instrument in the world.
B. The violin has been modified to fit its evolving musical functions.
C. The violin had reached the height of its popularity by the middle of the eighteenth century.
D. The technique of playing the violin has remained essentially the same since the 1600's.

"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