ISEE Reading Practice Test 87 Upper Level

Line (1) Bob Dylan was born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota,
Line (2) but his name wasn't Dylan. He was born Robert Allen
Line (3) Zimmerman, one of two sons born to Abraham and Betty
Line (4) Zimmerman. Nineteen years later, he moved to New York
Line (5) City with his new name and a passion to pursue his dream of
Line (6) becoming a music legend.
Line (7) Bob Dylan's career began like those of many musicians.
Line (8) He began to play in New York City at various clubs around
Line (9) Greenwich Village. He began to gain public recognition as a
Line (10) singer/songwriter and was even reviewed by The New York Times
Line (11) his first year in New York. He signed his first record deal with
Line (12) Columbia Records a mere ten months after moving to New
Line (13) York. From that point on, his career skyrocketed.
Line (14) What is unique about Bob Dylan, given his huge success, is
Line (15) his vocal quality. Dylan's singing voice was untrained and had
Line (16) an unusual edge to it. Because of this, many of his most famous
Line (17) early songs first reached the public through versions by other
Line (18) performers who were more immediately palatable. Joan Baez
Line (19) was one of these musicians who performed many of Dylan's
Line (20) early songs. She furthered Dylan's already rising performance
Line (21) career by inviting him onstage during her concerts, and many
Line (22) credit her with bringing Dylan to his vast level of national and
Line (23) international prominence.
Line (24) In his career, which spans more than four decades, Dylan
Line (25) has produced 500 songs and more than 40 albums. This king
Line (26) of songs has thirteen songs on Rolling Stone magazine's Top
Line (27) 500 Songs of All Time, including his most famous song, "Like
Line (28) a Rolling Stone," which tops the list. In 2004, Bob Dylan was
Line (29) ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists
Line (30) of All Time, surpassed only by the Beatles.
Line (31) In a recent television interview, Bob Dylan was asked why
Line (32) he became a musician. He replied that from a very early age, he
Line (33) knew it was his destiny to become a music legend. Certainly,
Line (34) that destiny has been realized!

1. Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?

• A. The beginning of Bob Dylan's music career is similar to the beginnings of the careers of most other musicians.
• B. It is extremely important to follow your dreams.
• C. Bob Dylan never really knew what he wanted to be in life.
• D. Bob Dylan had great success despite his unusual style of singing.

2. The word "prominence" at the end of the third paragraph most nearly means

• A. perception
• B. status
• C. obviousness
• D. protrusion

3. The passage most strongly supports which of the following statements about Joan Baez?

• A. She was jealous of Bob Dylan's superior vocal training.
• B. She grew up in Minnesota.
• C. She has performed more of Bob Dylan's songs than of her own.
• D. She helped Bob Dylan to become a music legend.

4. The phrase "king of songs" near the beginning of the fourth paragraph refers to

• A. Bob Dylan's prolific nature as a singer/songwriter
• B. Bob Dylan's ownership of Rolling Stone magazine
• C. how most musicians regarded Bob Dylan as a king
• D. Bob Dylan's perception of himself

5. Which of the following is best supported by the passage?

• A. Bob Dylan has two brothers.
• B. Bob Dylan was reviewed by Columbia Records his first year in New York.
• C. Like a Rolling Stone is considered by some to be the best song of all time.
• D. Without Joan Baez, Bob Dylan would never have succeeded.