Non-fiction: Famous African Americans: Marian Anderson
Famous African Americans: Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a very famous African American singer. She had a
gorgeous contralto voice. The contralto is the lowest female voice. She was the
first African American to perform with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897. She sang in the local church
choir while growing up. The church members were very impressed with
Anderson’s singing. In 1920, the church helped to raise money for her to study
with a leading voice teacher.
In 1925, Anderson’s voice teacher entered her in a contest to sing with the
New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Anderson won. A few years later, Anderson’s
career continued to blossom. She had a solo recital at New York’s Carnegie Hall,
and she received scholarships to tour Europe. When she toured Europe, she
became a very popular singer. Starting in 1935, she performed in many cities in
the United States. She even performed at the White House.
Marian Anderson’s career wasn’t always easy though, because of the
color of her skin. Anderson was rejected from singing in several places. She was
the victim1 of racial discrimination. Despite the discrimination she faced, Marian
Anderson continued to perform and excel at singing.
Anderson was well-regarded for her talent and her determination. She
became a representative for the United Nations2. She went on to receive the
United Nations Peace Prize in 1977. She received many other honors and
awards. In 1991, Anderson received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1993, Anderson passed away at the age of 96.
1
victim: a person harmed physically or emotionally by another person, group of people, or circumstance
United Nations: an organization, made up of most of the countries of the world, which tries to prevent
war and to bring about a better life for people
2
© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.
Questions: Famous African Americans: Marian Anderson
Name: ____________________________
Date: ______________________
1. Who was Marian Anderson?
a.
b.
c.
d.
a very famous African American scientist
a very famous African American politician
a very famous African American singer
a very famous African American athlete
2. The text explains different important events in Marian Anderson’s life. What
happened in Anderson’s life in 1925?
a. She became a representative for the United Nations.
b. She started to perform in many cities in the United States.
c. Her church helped raise money for her to study with a leading
voice teacher.
d. Her voice teacher entered her in a contest to sing with the New
York Philharmonic Orchestra.
3. The text states that “Marian Anderson’s career wasn’t always easy.”
What information from the text supports this statement?
a. She was rejected from singing in several places due to racial
discrimination.
b. She performed in different cities throughout the United States.
c. She sang with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
d. She received many honors and rewards.
4. Based on the information in the text, how might Marian Anderson best be
described?
a.
b.
c.
d.
uncommitted
determined
difficult
reserved
5. What is the main idea of this passage?
a. Marian Anderson faced racial discrimination.
b. Marian Anderson was a very talented and famous singer.
c. Marian Anderson was the first African American to perform with
the Metropolitan Opera.
d. Marian Anderson was a representative for the United Nations.
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© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.
Questions: Famous African Americans: Marian Anderson
6. How did racism affect Marian Anderson’s career, as described in the passage?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
7. Imagine you had to explain who Marian Anderson was to a friend. What
information about her life would you share? Use evidence from the text.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
8. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.
Marian Anderson was a talented singer, _____________ some places did not
allow her to sing because of the color of her skin.
a.
b.
c.
d.
because
but
for example
so
9. Read the following sentence.
In 1935, Marian Anderson started performing in many cities in the United
States.
Answer the questions below based on the information provided in the sentence
you just read. One of the questions has already been answered for you.
1. Who? Marian Anderson
2. What did Marian Anderson do? __________________________________
3. Where? ____________________________________________________
4. When? _____________________________________________________
10. Vocabulary Word: victim: a person harmed physically or emotionally by
another person, group of people, or circumstance.
Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: ________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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© 2012 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.