The following text is about music theory.
The pentatonic scale, using five notes per octave rather than the seven of Western major and minor scales, appears in musical traditions across the world. African, Asian, Celtic, and Indigenous American music all feature pentatonic melodies, suggesting either common origin or independent discovery driven by the scale's pleasing acoustic properties. The intervals in the pentatonic scale avoid dissonance, making it nearly impossible to play "wrong" notes—which may explain its prevalence in folk traditions where formal training was unnecessary.
What does the text suggest about why the pentatonic scale is widespread?
It was invented recently and spread through the internet
Its acoustic properties make it naturally pleasing and easy to use
It requires extensive formal education to play
It is only found in Western classical music
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text cites "pleasing acoustic properties" and notes that avoiding dissonance makes it "nearly impossible to play 'wrong' notes"—easy and pleasant.
- Evidence: Pleasing properties; avoids dissonance; no wrong notes.
- Reasoning: Ease and pleasantness explain widespread adoption.
- Conclusion: Natural appeal and accessibility drive prevalence.
Choice A is incorrect because it appears in ancient folk traditions. Choice C is incorrect because "formal training was unnecessary." Choice D is incorrect because it appears in African, Asian, Celtic, and Indigenous American traditions.