Chapter Six

English Practice Set III

Practice Set

2. Directions

   In the following passage, certain words and phrases have been underlined and numbered. You will find alternatives for each underlined portion in the column to the right. Select the one that best expresses the idea, that makes the statement acceptable in standard written English, or that is phrased most consistently with the style and tone of the entire passage. If you feel that the original version is best, select “NO CHANGE.” You will also find questions asking about a section of the passage or about the entire passage. For these questions, decide which choice gives the most appropriate response to the given question. For each question in the test, select the best choice. You may wish to read each passage through before you begin to answer the questions associated with it. Most answers cannot be determined without reading several sentences around the phrases in question. Make sure to read far enough ahead each time you choose an alternative.

3. The gamelan is an Indonesian musical ensemble traditionally heard in variously ritualistic settings. Unlike a symphony orchestra, which being composed of the same kinds of instruments as those used in any other symphony orchestra, each gamelan is made up of a unique set of instruments. These instruments are made and tuned to be played together in a particular grouping. An instrument made for one gamelan, however, cannot be used in a different gamelan.

   Percussion instruments play a significant role in any gamelan; for some of these have a melodic component as well. However, the main melody of a piece is carried by stringed instruments, such as the rebab, or by wind instruments. Such as the bamboo flute. Whereas in a symphony orchestra all melodic instruments are tuned to the same key, melodic instruments in a gamelan are tuned to be complementary with, but not necessarily to match, the tuning system used by other instruments in the gamelan. In addition to the wind instruments, parts for the human voice may be present additionally in a gamelan composition.

   Gongs are an important component of a gamelan. These include metallophones, gong chimes, hanging gongs, xylophone-like instruments called gambang, and drums. The metallophones, used for both percussion and melody, consists in a series of tuned metal bars that are struck with a mallet. Gong chimes are gong sets of gongs that are largely placed horizontally on stands, while hanging gongs drop vertically from a stand. Gambang are similar to metallophones, but with keys made of wood rather than metal. A gamelan’s drums are constructed in asymmetrical pairs, with the larger one on the right. The drums are typically played with the hands.

   While gamelan music today is frequently performed of its own sake at concerts, it was traditionally intertwined with social life. The gamelan was a part of various ritual activities, between theatrical performances, shadow puppet plays, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Gamelan music also accompanied, dances at religious temples, the royal court, and village festivals.

4. 1. Gamelan Music

   2. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. in various ritual settings
      3. in settings that are varied and ritualistic
      4. ritually in variously settings
   3. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. composing
      3. is composed of
      4. had been composing of
   4. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. constructed, made
      3. built, made
      4. constructed and built
   5. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. therefore
      3. on the contrary
      4. as a consequence of this
   6. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. gamelan,
      3. gamelan for
      4. gamelan, for
   7. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. instruments: such
      3. instruments; such
      4. instruments, such
   8. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. instruments in a gamelan were
      3. instruments’ in a gamelan were
      4. instrument’s in a gamelan are
   9. 1. NO CHANGE
      2. may be present
      3. being also present
      4. likewise being included

   10. Which choice would make the most effective and appropriate introductory sentence for this paragraph?

       1. NO CHANGE
       2. Several types of percussion instruments are used in a gamelan.
       3. The hand and the mallet are two methods of playing.
       4. There is not a set number of instruments in a gamelan.
   11. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. consist in
       3. consists of
       4. consist of
   12. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. standing large gongs set horizontally in places
       3. large gong sets that are placed on horizontal stands
       4. horizontal placed large gong standing sets
   13. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. with the larger one being
       3. with the largest one
       4. the largest one being

   14. Which of the following choices would NOT be acceptable as an alternative to the underlined portion?

       1. Whereas
       2. Although
       3. Because
       4. Even though
   15. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. for its
       3. of its’
       4. for it’s
   16. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. including
       3. among
       4. despite
   17. 1. NO CHANGE
       2. accompanied dances, at religious, temples, the royal court,
       3. accompanied dances: at religious temples, the royal court
       4. accompanied dances at religious temples, the royal court,

   18. Question 17 asks about the preceding passage as a whole.

   19. 2. Suppose the writer’s goal had been to write an essay persuading the reader that gamelan music is more complex than symphonic music. Would this essay fulfill that goal?

          1. Yes, because various aspects of both the symphony orchestra and the gamelan are discussed in the essay.
          2. Yes, because the writer describes several differences between the gamelan and the symphony orchestra.
          3. No, because the essay is descriptive only and does not attempt to persuade the reader.
          4. No, because only complexities of the symphony orchestra are described.