A. State the Central Idea of the Feature Article

Extended Response

Kabul’s Singing Sensation

A. State the central idea of the feature article.

B. Cite three details from the passage that support your stated central idea AND explain how those details support the central idea.

A. Kabul’s Singing Sensation is a feature article that portrays the “war ravaged” community of Kabul, Afghanistan in the wake of Taliban rule. The Afghans experienced many troubles, but found some relief in the simple things of life. The central idea of this feature article revolves around how Mirwais Najrabi, a 13 year old musical virtuoso, helped those in distress relive some of their melancholy through his singing, becoming a very successful musical talent in the aftermath of the Taliban rule.

B. Several details in the passage support the central idea I cited in part A. First of all the passage states, “He [Mirwas] performs in an open courtyard, under the night sky, to an audience that has endured so much suffering and grief over the years of oppression, war, and mayhem. Yet for this brief transcendent moment, their burden is lifted by the exquisite purity of the boy’s voice.” This shows that these people can escape their reality for a few moments through the beauty of Mirwais’s voice, similar to the way we view television, perhaps, after we’ve had a difficult day. Another detail that supports the central idea is “tonight, he croons folksongs of impossible love, betrayal, and heroism that flow from the depths of Afghanistan’s tragic history… Two men leap up to dance, circling each other like angry cobras.” This detail, similar to the first, shows how the Afghan people get caught up in and enjoy the music, allowing them a way to deal with the problems that may be occurring in their current world. A third detail that supports the central idea is “Mirwais, one of the first to sing in public after the Taliban’s outster, is at the front of this revival.” The revival being spoken of in this quote is the return of music to Kabul after it being banned under the Taliban rule. This shows the people’s adoration for Mirwais and their preference to him over others, considering him “tops” amongst the other boy singers. It also spotlights the powerful nature of Mirwais’s voice, placing him the leader of the revival. In summation, the central idea of the passage includes all details that indicate Mirwais used his musical talent to help those in Kabul deal with Taliban control. RAP

Thought Processed for Part A:

By looking at the power verb – state – I know that RAP is not necessary because it is a lower level task. I just need to write a sentence that states the main point of the article; the title should give me some clues. The topic is a of the feature article is Mirwais Najrabi – What is the main things it is saying about him?????

Rap for Part B

Several details in the passage support the central idea I cited in part A.

“He [Mirwas] performs in an open courtyard, under the night sky, to an audience that has endured so much suffering and grief over the years of oppression, war, and mayhem. Yet for this brief transcendent moment, their burden is lifted by the exquisite purity of the boy’s voice.”

“tonight, he croons folksongs of impossible love, betrayal, and heroism that flow from the depths of Afghanistan’s tragic history… Two men leap up to dance, circling each other like angry cobras.”

Escape Reality (television) -- voice brings job – relief from problems – revival leader

In summation, the central idea of the passage includes all details that indicate Mirwais used his musical talent to help those in Kabul deal with Taliban control.