45. The word "strain" in line 23 is closest in meaning to
(A) struggle
(B) strength
(C) strategy
(D) stress

41. "The King’s 24 Violins" is mentioned in line 15 to illustrate (A) how the violin became a renowned instrument (B) the competition in the 1600's between French and Italian orchestras (C) the superiority of French violins (D) why the violin was considered the only instrument suitable to be played by royalty

42. What is the main idea presented in paragraph 3? (A) The violin has been modified to fit its evolving musical functions. (B) The violin is probably the best known and most widely distributed musical instrument in the world. (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.

43. The author mentions Vivaldi and Tartini in line 20 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

44. The word "they" in line 23 refers to (A) Civaldi and Tartini (B) thinner strings and a higher string tension (C) small changes (D) internal structure and fingerboard

46. The word "Accordingly" in line 24 is closest in meaning to (A) However (B) Consequently (C) Nevertheless (D) Ultimately

47. 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

48. 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

49. Which of the following terms is defined in the passage? (A) resonator (line 2) (B) solo (line 7) (C) left-hand technique (line 25) (D) fingering patterns (lines 25-26)

50. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to the ability to play modern violin music EXCEPT (A) more complicated techniques for the left hand (B) different ways to use the fingers to play very high notes (C) use of rare wood for the fingerboard and neck (D) minor alterations to the structure of the instrument

1. According to the author, all of-the following evidence relating to the first birds was found EXCEPT (A) nesting materials (B) four skeletons in good condition (C) two fragmented skeletons (D) a single feather