Subskill # 6Construct Meaning: Cause Effect Part II

Read the passage below. Then choose the best answer for each question.

Why is the sound of the ocean’s roar in a conch shell so pleasing? Why do a few notes from an “oldie” evoke happy memories? Does music move your body and soul?

The average person who enjoys music of any type is quite aware of the mood-lift that comes from listening to music. For example, one person recounted that she dances to rock music before taking an exam because she found that this makes her think better. Another reported that listening to her favorite musical artist helped her complete her ironing and housework in record time. Finally, some students found that listening to music with no distinguishable hard beat helps them study and to recall information more efficiently.

Apparently, there are several medical studies currently being performed and analyzed to prove the soundness of our laymen’s observations. The effects of music on every cell in our bodies is documented and valued in various medical fields. Also, scientists who have studied sounds in the universe conclude that everything, from planets and stars in outer space, to bugs, birds, and humans on earth, to the creatures of the deep all send and receive sound waves. These waves of sound have a direct impact not only on our feelings, as many of us already know, but also on the way we think.

This new knowledge is called by many names – “tuning in and tuning up,” music therapy, overtone chanting, psychoacoustics and the like. Regardless of the name, the results on the human body are consistent. The speed of body rhythms can be slowed (entrainment) or speeded up (syncopation) based on vibrations and anticipated beat patterns. In addition, brain scans have shown that soft music increased necessary blood flow to the brain’s right hemisphere, while rock music’s rhythm and pitch affected the left hemisphere as well. A melody affects the brain’s limbic system, which is the center of emotions. For example, a fast tempo produces happiness, and slow rhythm leads to sadness, or melancholy.

Surprising positive effects of music are on immune systems, in the health of premature babies, in those with neurological disorders, in surgical preparation and recovery, and in chronic pain. Even the severely hearing impaired respond favorably to music’s vibrations. Researchers are hoping that in the near future, a process called sonocytology will allow doctors to listen to the patterns of sound bouncing off cell membranes. This would allow doctors to discriminate between healthy and unhealthy cells.

In short, humans do not absolutely require music to survive. Our physical makeup demands the beat, tone, melody, and tempo for emotional and physical health.

Now choose the best answer for each question.

Vocational Preparatory InstructionReading

Subskill # 6Construct Meaning: Cause Effect Part II

  1. To get the reader’s attention and interest, the author
  2. Uses a surprising statistical technique.
  3. Uses examples of oral tradition.
  4. Uses a cause and effect questioning technique.
  5. Uses historical documentation.

2. Based on the passage, which of these is an effect of musical vibrations on deaf students?

  1. They are unaffected by music or it’s vibrations.
  2. They “hear” musical vibrations.
  3. They require musical vibrations in order to learn.
  4. Some parts of their brains respond, but the limbic system does not.

3. Which of these best states the main idea of the selection?

  1. Doctors and researchers are excited about the new process called sonocytology.
  2. Many positive health effects are realized through various sources of music.
  3. Many objects in outer space send and receive sound waves.
  4. Music therapy, overtone chanting, psycho-acoustics are examples of entrainment.

4. The passage states, “a fast tempo produces happiness” and “slow rhythm leads to sadness, or melancholy.” The relationship within each of these ideas is one of:

  1. Classification.
  2. Comparison/contrast.
  3. Cause/effect.
  4. Simple listing.

5. According to the passage, what is the cause of syncopation?

  1. The listener anticipates the beat.
  2. The listener has melancholy.
  3. The listener is in chronic pain.
  4. The listener is hearing impaired.

6. According to the passage, what kind of music did students find that actually helped them study more effectively?

  1. Rap music
  2. Music with a heavy bass beat
  3. Oldies
  4. Music with a soft beat

7. What result are researchers who study sonocytology hoping for?

  1. A better understanding of the limbic system
  2. Improved methods of performing brain scans
  3. To prove that sound waves bounce off dolphins
  4. To turn unhealthy cells into healthy ones
  1. What best states the main idea of the last paragraph?
  1. Music has a positive effect on the immune system.
  2. Because of our physical makeup, we crave music in our lives.
  3. Different tempos of music produce different results.
  4. Many studies show positive results of music in our lives.

Vocational Preparatory InstructionReading

Subskill # 6Construct Meaning: Cause Effect Part II

Read the following advertisement from a local paper. Then choose the best answers to questions 9 and 10.

Now choose the best answer to each question.

Vocational Preparatory InstructionReading

Subskill # 6Construct Meaning: Cause Effect Part II

9. Why might someone be interested in inquiring about this ad?

  1. To teach self-hypnosis.
  2. To find more information on “NGH certified.”
  3. To offer suggestions to John Smith.
  4. To experience an alternative self-help method.

10. What promised effect might be a misrepresentation of the uses of hypnosis?

  1. Improve memory
  2. Eliminate bad habits.
  3. Low student rates
  4. Improve concentration

Vocational Preparatory InstructionReading

Subskill # 6Construct Meaning: Cause Effect Part II

Courtemanche

Cause/Effect Post Test Module

ANSWER KEY

  1. C
  2. B
  3. B
  4. C
  5. A
  6. D
  7. D
  8. B
  9. D
  10. B

Vocational Preparatory InstructionReading