Practice TEAS Test Reading Related

Review Practice TEAS Test Reading related questions and content

They were known as “The Fiveâ€: a group of Russian musicians who eschewed rigidly formal classical training and set out on their own to give a new artistic sound to classical music in Russia. Mily Balakirev and Cesar Cui are considered the founders of the movement, but the three who later joined them have become far more famous and respected outside, and perhaps even inside, of Russia. Modest Mussorgsky, with his passion for themes of Russian folklore and nationalism, is remembered for the piano piece Pictures and an Exhibition, as well as for the passionate opera Boris Godunov. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who spent his early years as a naval officer, had a penchant for infusing his works with the sounds of the sea. But, he might be best remembered for the hauntingly beautiful symphonic suite Scheherazade. Alexander Borodin balanced a career as a skilled and highly respected chemist with his interest in classical music. He produced a number of symphonies, as well as the opera Prince Igor. Despite their lack of formal training and their unorthodox approach to producing classical music, The Five had an influence that reached far beyond their time. Composers such as Alexander Glazunov, Sergei Prokofiev, and Igor Stravinsky studied under Rimsky-Korsakov. Additionally, the mid-twentieth century composer Dmitri Shostakovich studied under Glazunov, creating a legacy of musical understanding that persisted well beyond the era of The Five.

Which of the following describes the type of writing used in the passage?

  • A. narrative
  • B. persuasive
  • C. expository
  • D. technical
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The type of writing used in the passage is expository. Expository writing aims to provide information, explain concepts or ideas, and present factual details without trying to persuade or tell a story. In the passage, the text focuses on providing factual information about 'The Five,' their backgrounds, and their influence on classical music without any persuasive elements or narrative storytelling. The passage educates and informs the reader about the topic, which aligns with the characteristics of expository writing. Therefore, 'expository' is the correct description.

Choice A (narrative) is incorrect as the passage does not tell a story but rather presents factual information. Choice B (persuasive) is incorrect because there is no attempt to persuade the reader in the passage. Choice D (technical) is also incorrect as the passage does not involve technical instructions or specialized technical details, but rather general information about the subject matter.