In recommending Bao Phi’s collection Sông I Sing, a librarian noted that pieces by the spoken-word poet don’t lose their
______ nature when printed: the language has the same pleasant musical quality on the page as it does when performed by
Phi.
scholarly
melodic
jarring
personal
Choice B is the best answer. Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something similar to “pleasant musical
quality.” That’s exactly what “melodic” means.
Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice. Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something
similar to “pleasant musical quality.” “Scholarly” would suggest something that is academic or well-researched, which
doesn’t match the meaning we’re looking for. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice. Based on the text, we’re
looking for a word that means something similar to “pleasant musical quality.” “Jarring” would suggest the opposite:
something unpleasant or discordant. Choice D is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice. Based on the text, we’re looking
for a word that means something similar to “pleasant musical quality.” “Personal” would suggest something that is
expressive or intimate, which doesn’t match the meaning we’re looking for.