文章大意:这是一篇说明文。文章主要说明了让人类与动物不同的两件事一个是语言,另一个是音乐。音乐不同于语言,大脑的不同部位处理着音乐和语言,以及音乐对人们带来的影响和音乐能够产生这种影响的原因。
What are the two different things that make humans different from other animals? One is language, and the other is music. It is true that some animals can sing. However, the songs of animals are very simple. It is also true that humans, not animals, have developed musical instruments.
Music is clearly different from language. However, people can use music to communicate with others, especially expressing their emotions. When music is combined with speech, it’s a very powerful form of communication.
If music is truly different from speech, then we should process music and language in different parts of the brain. The scientific studies have proved that it is true. For example, Vissarion Shebalin, a Russian composer, had a stroke (中风) in 1953. It injured the left side of his brain. He couldn’t speak or understand speech. However, he still could compose music until his death. On the other hand, sometimes strokes cause people to lose their musical ability, but they can still speak and understand speech.
Why does music have a strong effect on us physically and emotionally? That’s a hard question to answer. Geoffrey Miller, a researcher at a university, thinks that music and love have a strong connection. Music requires a special talent, practice and physical ability. For example, playing a musical instrument requires fine muscular control. You also need good memory to remember the notes. And playing those notes correctly suggests that your hearing is in excellent condition. Finally, when a man sings to the woman he loves, it may be a way of showing off.
However, Miller’s theory still doesn’t explain why certain combinations of sounds influence our emotions so deeply. For scientists, this is clearly an area that needs further research.
8. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?
A.To introduce the main topic. |
B.To show the author’s attitude. |
C.To analyse causes. |
D.To describe a process. |
9. Music is considered especially powerful when it ________.
A.is translated into a language |
B.is combined with speech |
C.is sung by some famous musicians |
D.is mixed with the cry of an animal |
10. The example of Vissarion Shebalin is used to show that ________.
A.he is one of the luckiest persons |
B.he is really interested in composing music |
C.the brain processes music and language separately |
D.music and language are two different things for some |
11. What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?
A.The effects of music on humans’ works. |
B.The studies on how music affects our works. |
C.The reasons why music affects us. |
D.The ways of using music in daily life. |