The Importance of Imagination

In which of the following fields did the author of “The Importance of Imagination” most clearly show an interest as she grew up? Choose two options.

• mathematics

• engineering

• medicine

• literature

• art

At the end of “The Importance of Imagination,” what main point does the author make when she describes rereading Shel Silverstein’s poetry with her mother?

• The bond between parent and child can overcome great change and hardship.

• Few writers are as imaginative as those who write for an audience of children.

• People take comfort in their childhood activities even after they have outgrown them.

• Adults can recapture and appreciate some of the imaginative experiences of childhood.

Which of these sentences best illustrates a situation involving a template?

• Pepperoni pizza is the family favorite.

• The puppies are all from the same litter.

• The cookies were similar in size and shape.

• The girls’ uniforms were cut from the same pattern.

Why would something most likely be used as model?

• to address problems more efficiently

• to provide an example to imitate

• to increase its effectiveness

• to limit its availability

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A In “The Importance of Imagination,” which of these activities most clearly represents the practical aspects of life that can stifle creativity?

• being a professional doodler

• using algorithms in mathematics

• designing a sustainable fuel source

• working on a curriculum vitae, or CV

Part A answer: working on a curriculum vitae, or CV represent the practical aspects in life that can stifle creativity.

Part B Which quotation from “The Importance of Imagination” best supports the answer to Part A?

• At the age of 12, my dream was to be a professional doodler, which could turn into a career as a cartoonist, if all went well.

• We need to encourage more creativity. Forget the CV for a bit.

• If we encourage the brilliant math student to be imaginative as well, he could use those algorithms to innovate.

• If we encourage the biology student to be imaginative as well, she could design a new sustainable fuel source for us.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A Which of these statements best expresses the role of imagination, according to the author of “The Importance of Imagination”?

• Imagination sometimes causes people to forget what is important in life.

• Imagination can lead to suffering and tragedy as well as to joy and hope.

• Imagination helps humanity move forward in unconventional ways.

• Imagination has little value unless it is accompanied by hard work.

In “The Importance of Imagination,” in what main ways does the author suggest her mother influenced the development of her imagination? Choose two options.

• Her mother supported her girlhood interests instead of criticizing them.

• Her mother taught her the value of history and the social sciences.

• Her mother taught her the importance of traditions and heritage.

• Her mother encouraged her to take breaks from study to draw.

• Her mother helped her develop her skill with numbers.

According to the author in “The Importance of Imagination,” what main effect did cultural factors associated with her Asian American background have on her career choices?

• It helped her easily pursue the career path of her choice.

• It gave her a love of numbers that has lasted her all her life.

• It made people assume she wanted a career involving math or science.

• It made her choose a career involving the strong use of her imagination.

In “The Importance of Imagination,” what central idea does the author develop using the example of her high school history teacher?

• Imagination is generally limited to a certain time of life.

• Imagination is not confined to any particular field of study.

• Imagination can harm as well as help the march of progress.

• Imagination has played a key role in Asian American culture.