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Reading Comprehension

Part Four
A Read the article below.

Language Exercise
A Blind Star
A Blind Star
Circle the correct answer.

HOW TO STUDY

I Nobuyuki Tsujii, known as Nobu, is one of Tokyo’s top classical music pianists. He
has become a star and has played in more than 160 concerts around the world, giving much As a student, it’s important for you not only to study, but also to develop good study
pleasure to his audiences. This man, however, is no regular musician. Born with an eye habits.
disorder, Nobu has been blind since birth.
Before you start studying, look ( at / for / into) a quiet room with no distractions. The
1.
2.
5 II Nobu was attracted to the piano from a very young age. “When I was eight months old, ( good / better / best) chair for studying is one that you will be comfortable ( 3. in /
my mother played a classical music CD,” he says. “She realized that I was moving my legs with / about), but not so comfortable that you may fall asleep on it after a ( 4. while /
with the music and enjoying it a lot. Then, at two, when my mother sang a tune, I was able to whole time / hour).
copy it on a toy piano. That’s when my mother decided she would send me to music lessons.”
5.
Indeed, at the age of four, Nobu began taking piano lessons. Set ( real / reality / realistic) goals and plan your time wisely. When you have finished a
set amount of material, take a break. During the break, you can ( take / go / make) a short
6.
8.
7.
10 III How does Nobu study? He finds it easiest to learn by listening. “There are some musical walk to refresh yourself or listen to ( a / the / some) music. ( If / Unless / As long as)
9.
pieces that are more difficult than others,” he says, “but I don’t find memorizing music hard. you’re hungry, eat some fruit or another healthy snack. It ( may / must / should) also be
Most pieces of music stay in my mind easily, so even 10 years after learning a piece of music, a good idea to take your eyes off your book ( 10. immediately / occasionally / eventually)
I need to spend very little time remembering how to play it.” When playing with an orchestra, in order to let your eyes rest from time to time. Applying these tips will improve your
Nobu listens to the conductor’s breathing to make sure he stays on beat. “But mostly,” he says, achievements at school.

15 “I just feel the music naturally in my body and mind.”

IV Because he is so famous, Nobu is surrounded by people all the time. “I am grateful for
the support I get from everyone who loves my music, but having so many people around me
is exhausting. People approach me wherever I go! Even walking down the street is difficult
for me sometimes,” he says. That’s why, when Nobu wants to get some serious practice, he

20 escapes the city, although he has a grand piano at home.

V When asked what inspires him, Nobu says that he is touched by nature and other forms
of art. “From a very young age, my mother gave me many experiences outside of music. For A person should always prefer to live in a
example, she would take me to museums and describe the drawings or paintings she liked, or neighborhood of lions rather than a city of
she would take me to a fireworks display and describe the colors,” he says. “The more I have evildoers.

25 experiences outside of music, the more creativity I bring with me as a musician.”
Ohr Hachaim, Lech Lecha, 12:1.

44 © No part of this book may be photocopied in any form or by any means. © No part of this book may be photocopied in any form or by any means. 37