2021 STAAR English 2 - Fiction + Informational: The Piano Shop on the Left Bank + Those Old Piano Blues

To explain how he is able to remember a piece of music

To show how sharing music increases enjoyment

To suggest that owning a piano can spark enthusiasm

To reveal the depth of his feelings towards the piano

trust his ability to make decisions

reflect on the commitment of buying a piano

be willing to consider other pianos

think about playing different instruments

The power of intuition

An unachieved goal

Impractical choices

The wisdom of experience

The wife believes it is more important to invest in the arts than in other things.

The wife does not believe people should deny themselves things that they want.

The wife views the piano as an attractive addition to their living room.

The wife sees music as a necessary outlet for her husband’s creativity.

He needs Luc to help him build confidence in his musical ability.

He hopes Luc will believe that he is worthy of the Stingl.

He feels oddly comfortable playing in front of Luc.

He enjoys showing Luc that he can play different types of music.

To explain why he feels this particular piano is special

To reveal that he needs a piano that is not too fragile or ornate

To state why he is physically able to play this particular piano

To suggest that he prefers a piano that won’t require much upkeep

To explain where he is shopping for a piano

To highlight his doubts about wanting a piano

To show how he exaggerates when describing events

To reveal the strength of his desire to play the piano again

He lists the benefits of owning a piano by referencing a magazine article about musical instruments.

He supports people learning to play the piano with stories from students who enjoy the instrument.

He argues against getting rid of old pianos by explaining how important they once were.

He discusses trends in piano ownership by describing his experience trying to get rid of an old piano.

How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song

How piano dealers use musical language when they speak

How piano tones affect the price of the instruments

How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity

The song had gone from major to minor, but we pressed on. (paragraph 4)

Then the song shifted to the saddest of blues. (paragraph 4)

But like many a blues song, this piano riff ends with hope. (paragraph 6)

And to be sure, many older pianos have reached their coda. (paragraph 7)

To explain why traditional pianos have greatly declined in value

To describe the differences between old pianos and new ones

To prove that pianos made in the last century are irreplaceable

To inform people about new American trends with musical instruments

Definition 1

Definition 2

Definition 3

Definition 4

To explain why letting go of pianos is acceptable at times

To state the reasons why pianos are still important

To detail the life cycle of pianos

To describe pianos in a historical context

peak (paragraph 1)

substantial (paragraph 3)

roughly (paragraph 4)

treacherous (paragraph 5)

Many families in America once owned acoustic pianos, but there are now fewer families who want them. In fact, if you have an old piano, it can be very hard to sell it or find someone who wants it. That’s why there are companies now offering to pick up old pianos. It is sad these instruments were once prized but have little value today, unless someone is willing to restore them to their original working condition.

Although acoustic pianos were once a popular item in American life, many are now being disposed of or recycled for parts. Changes in American entertainment, as well as the space and upkeep required to own an acoustic piano, have led people to pursue other interests or purchase less expensive digital pianos. However, the number of Americans learning to play the piano has not changed, which shows that the instrument is still appreciated.

Many families in America still own pianos but many of them are now digital pianos. People who own old acoustic pianos still feel sentimental about them and believe they are worth a lot of money. However, the people who make money from pianos are the ones that know how to remove or recycle them.

Today, Americans are learning to play piano as adults, and they often go to piano studios in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Piano playing was popular in the 20th century and still is. Pianos used to be an important part of family entertainment, but other instruments have taken their place. Today, old acoustic pianos are stored in warehouses because they take up too much room in houses.

Old pianos offer a great deal of emotional value to their owners.

Old pianos are constructed from better materials than new pianos.

People can learn a lot about the history of pianos from musicians.

People should learn to play on an acoustic piano before moving to a digital one.

expects to sell an old Steinway for a high price

insists on donating his old piano to a school

gives an old Steinway to someone who wants it

thinks old pianos should be destroyed

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank explains why someone wants to play piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” explains why piano lessons are less popular.

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank describes evaluating and buying an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” describes an abundance of unwanted old pianos.

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank emphasizes the craftsmanship of a new acoustic piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” emphasizes today’s preference for digital pianos.

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank shows how rare it is for someone to appreciate an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” shows how people overvalue all musical instruments.

Amusement

Ambition

Attachment

Awe