Speed Reading — Jay Z - Level 6 — 500 wpm 

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.

This is the text (if you need help).

The rapper Jay Z has been recognized for his prolific and influential songwriting career by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He becomes the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Hall. The Hall's mission is to, "preserve, honor and celebrate the legacy of the great songwriters whose work has enriched the world’s culture". Jay Z's real name is Shawn Carter. He grew up in a poor area of New York, where he went to school with future rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. He got into hip-hop and became one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. He is also a successful businessman and owns an upmarket sports bar in New York and the music streaming service Tidal.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama inducted Jay Z into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Obama expressed his admiration for Jay Z, saying: "Like all of you, I am a fan, and I've been listening to Jay Z since I was a young and hungry state senator. I'm pretty sure I'm still the only president to listen to Jay Z's music in the [White House]." Mr Obama said Jay Z should also be considered a "true American original" for his contribution to rap and American culture. He called Jay Z the "greatest rapper of all time". Jay Z's music publisher Jon Platt accepted the award on his behalf. He said: "[Jay Z] would tell up-and-coming hip-hop artists today that there can be no mistake or question that you are indeed songwriters."

Comprehension questions
  1. What kind of career did the article say Jay Z has had?
  2. How many hip-hop artists were in the Hall of Fame before Jay-Z?
  3. What did the Hall of Fame say the work of songwriters enrich?
  4. Where did Jay Z meet the rapper Busta Rhymes?
  5. How many albums has Jay Z sold?
  6. When did Barack Obama first start listening to Jay Z?
  7. Where did Barack Obama say he listened to Jay Z?
  8. What did Barack Obama say Jay Z should be considered as?
  9. Who is Jon Platt?
  10. What kind of hip-hop artists might Jay Z call definite songwriters?

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