Animated Drawings1Do you like watching cartoons? If you answered yes, you are not alone. People have been enjoying cartoons in theaters and on television for more than 100 years. These moving pictures have captured the imaginations and hearts of children and adults all around the world. One such person, Japanese artist Osamu Tezuka, was so inspired by cartoons that he created his own highly stylized version called anime. The word anime comes from animēshon, which means "animated drawings." It refers to animated films and series produced in Japan. Anime is known for its bold and colorful graphics, dynamic characters, and compelling storylines. While American animation appeals to children, anime attracts audiences of all ages. Today, anime is more popular than ever.2Anime was first introduced in Japan in the 1920s, but modern anime evolved from manga after World War II. Manga refers to comic books and graphic novels produced in Japan. Manga and anime are not synonyms; they are separate types of visual media. However, both were greatly influenced by the American comic books and cartoons imported into Japan during World War II. Manga artist Osamu Tezuka is credited with pioneering modern anime. He drew characters with big, doe-like eyes due to his obsession with Walt Disney's movie Bambi. His manga panels were action-packed and gave the feeling of movement. In the 1960s, his manga was adapted into anime series, and the rest is history. His work contributed greatly to the look and feel of modern-day anime, earning him the title "Godfather of anime."3Even though American cartoons influenced Tezuka and other animators, anime differs from western animation. Cartoons are often humorous stories marketed toward children with simple drawing styles. Anime is much more diverse. The character design is detailed, with bright coloring. Anime characters typically have exaggerated movements and emotions compared to American characters. Anime has epic storylines that cover a variety of themes like romance, science fiction, and action. The biggest difference is that anime has a wide range of genres written for children, teens, and adults.
How does paragraph 3 contribute to a central idea of Anime: Animated Drawings?
A.
It explains how the characters of anime have a large fan base around the world.
B.
It gives examples of how anime contains diverse and varied content and styles.
C.
It provides a list of anime genres and to which age groups they appeal.
D.
It describes how Tezuka affected the style of modern-day anime.
B. It gives examples of how anime contains diverse and varied content and styles.
Manga:Whimsical Pictures1You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. Comic books and graphic novels produced and published in Japan are called manga. This term is often confused with anime, which is Japanese animation. The word manga comes from two Japanese characters: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning “pictures.” The phrase “whimsical pictures” is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many.2Manga got its start in the twelfth century when Japanese monks drew animals behaving in humanlike ways onto scrolls. Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. During World War II, manga was used to promote Japanese government ideals. Then, American comics were introduced in Japan, which caused a turning point. Manga shifted away from being a wartime tool. In 1952, Osamu Tezuka, known as the “Father of Manga,” created one of the most successful manga series: Astro Boy. He drew characters from different angles, used close-ups and other new techniques, and included themes uncommon in comics, such as grief, hate, and hope. Osamu’s art and writing style influenced most modern manga that followed Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. American comics are in color, but manga is typically black and white. Instead of being read from left to right, manga is read from right to left. And while American comics are aimed at teens, manga is well-liked by people of all ages. In fact, manga is so popular that it is even more profitable than American comics. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion.4Manga’s popularity likely stems from its varied subject matter and genres. There is literally something for everyone! There are five main genres: Shōjo, Shōnen, Kodomomuke, Josei, and Seinen. Shōjo includes stories like Sailor Moon. It is geared toward girls with romantic, magical, or comedic themes. Shōnen includes stories like Dragonball. It is action, fantasy, and adventure written for boys. Kodomomuke, including the hit Pokémon Adventure series, is for young children. Josei and Seinen have older characters and are aimed at adults. However, there are no rules; people may enjoy any genre, regardless of sex or age. The volume and variety of manga is the key to its great success.
How does paragraph 4 contribute to a central idea of Manga: Whimsical Pictures?
B. It explains the different genres and target audiences of manga, showcasing its varied subject matter and appeal to a wide range of readers.
What does the phrase "geared toward" mean as it is used in paragraph 4 of "Manga"?
A.
shifted by
B.
tailored for
C.
provided to
D.
patterned after
B. tailored for
The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A:
Which statement BEST summarizes the central idea of "Manga"?
A.
The artist Osamu Tezuka is an important figure in the history of manga.
B.
Manga appeals to many people because of its diverse topics and styles.
C.
American comics and manga have a shared history, but they have very different styles.
D.
Manga and anime are often thought to be interchangeable, but they are not the same thing.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:
Which sentence from "Manga" BEST supports the correct answer in Part A?
A.
The phrase "whimsical pictures" is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many. (paragraph 1)
B.
The word manga comes from two Japanese characters: man, meaning "whimsical," and ga, meaning "pictures." (paragraph 1)
C.
Osamu's art and writing style influenced most modern manga that followed. (paragraph 2)
D.
It is action, fantasy, and adventure written for boys. (paragraph 4)
Part A:
B. Manga appeals to many people because of its diverse topics and styles.
Part B:
A. The phrase "whimsical pictures" is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many. (paragraph 1)
Which evidence from "Manga" MOST STRONGLY supports the author's claim that manga is more popular than American comics?
A.
You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. (paragraph 1)
B.
Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. (paragraph 2)
C.
Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. (paragraph 3)
D.
It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)
D. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)
Which TWO pieces of evidence from “Anime” MOST STRONGLY support the author’s claim that anime is more popular than ever?
A.
People have been enjoying cartoons in theaters and on television for more than 100 years. (paragraph 1)
B.
While American animation appeals to children, anime attracts audiences of all ages. (paragraph 1)
C.
Anime was first introduced in Japan in the 1920s, but modern anime evolved from manga after World War II. (paragraph 2)
D.
Anime has epic storylines that cover . . . romance, science fiction, and action. (paragraph 3)