Community Celebrations
The Story of Artist John Biggers
As the 100th birthday of the late (已故) John Biggers is coming near in 2024, the MFAH celebrates his legacy (遗产). These videos present a conversation with artists he encouraged, and a look at the wall painting he was invited to paint, describing Black longshoremen of Houston.
A Mosaic of Art and Community
Meet the Jubilee Quilt Circle, created in the 1990s to protect the legacy of African American quilting (被子)while encouraging personal growth opportunities and experiences in Houston. In this two-part video series, hear from Jubilee members and learn about the central community spirit that goes into the art of quilt-making.
I Too, We Two!
Virtual (虚拟的) experiences — dance, music, spoken-word performances, interviews and more — pay honour to the African American artists whose work is on view in the Museum’s Nancy and Rich Kinder Building. The heading “I Too, We Two!” recognizes the team spirit between the Ensemble Theatre and the MFAH and also includes the Ensemble Theatre’s virtual work I, Too, Am America.
My Journey with Flamenco
See the different styles of flamenco, a form of Spanish song and dance based on the music traditions of southern Spain from the 9th to 14th centuries. These videos’ leading role is Ana María Barceló and the founders of Houston flamenco performance company Solero Flamenco: Jeremías García and Irma La Paloma. The show Glory of Spain: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library provides the inspiration (启发).
1. What is the purpose of The Story of Artist John Biggers?| A．To celebrate a festival. | B．To honor a late artist. |
| C．To introduce a tradition. | D．To show the life of the Black. |
| A．World-famous paintings. | B．Online art performances. |
| C．Spanish songs and dance. | D．Art of making bedclothes. |
| A．I Too, We Two! | B．My Journey with Flamenco. |
| C．A Mosaic of Art and Community. | D．The Story of Artist John Biggers. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】I was eleven years old when I asked my mom for piano lessons in 2010. We were in the economic crisis. She said a polite “no”.
That didn’t stop me. I searched the measurements of a keyboard, drew the keys on a piece of paper and stuck it on my desk. I would click notes on an online keyboard and “play” them back on my paper one — keeping the sound they made on the computer in my head. I spent six months playing without touching a real piano. Once my mom saw that I was serious, she borrowed money and bought me ten lessons.
I still remember the first one. I was struck by how real the sound of the piano was. I sat my Grade One after eight lessons. Once I started secondary school, we couldn’t afford lessons again. I passed Grade Three, and then Grade Five, practicing only on my piece of paper.
One evening, when I was about thirteen, my mom said she had a surprise for me; it was an electronic keyboard, bought with more borrowed money. It was the first time I’d played for her. She was in astonishment.
My school didn’t offer music A-level. I found the Purcell School for young musicians. But I had to pass a difficult test. To my amazement, I was offered a place. At the Purcell School, I spent two years working as hard as I could, performed to raise money and saved enough to buy my first piano. When I left the Purcell School, I was awarded the senior piano prize and senior academic music prize. I am now at the Guildhall School in London. I feel proud — it’s been ten years since I drew my paper piano, and I’m at one of the world’s leading music schools.
The irony is that I continue to do a lot of my practice away from the piano — what we call mental practice. The paper piano helped arouse my curiosity about how music works and the building blocks that form the pieces, being a reminder of how I held on to what I love — piano.
1. Why did the author’s mom buy him lessons at last?| A．She suddenly made a fortune. | B．She saw his performance on a real piano. |
| C．She realized he meant what he said. | D．She had no doubt about his talent for piano. |
| A．He prepared a surprise for his mom. |
| B．His mom was amazed the first time he played for her. |
| C．He was awarded the senior piano prize at the Purcell School. |
| D．His mom earned enough money to buy an electronic keyboard for him. |
| A．Determined. | B．Honest. | C．Humorous. | D．Generous. |
| A．To introduce the method of mental practice. |
| B．To encourage people to stick to their dreams. |
| C．To describe how costly it is to learn an instrument. |
| D．To share how he convinced his mom to buy a piano. |
【推荐2】Music surrounds us in our everyday lives. We hear it when we are in the car, at work, when we are shopping, at restaurants and many more places. Music serves a purpose other than entertainment at many of these places.
Music will influence mood in people and it is no secret that it is used at every available opportunity. We are introduced to music even before we are born. It is used to comfort, to cheer up, to entertain, as a medium to remember information, for medical purposes, and so much more. Music is used in many ways to improve the lives of people. It is meant to be consumed, whether it is by the listener, performer, or composer. It is a way to translate feelings and desires that are sometimes difficult to express by using language.
Music has the ability to change human thoughts and behaviors. The stores use the power of music to produce a desired behavior from their customers. For example, according to The Journal of Marketing, background music is thought to improve the store’s image, make employees happier, and to entice customers into purchasing. One more example, In 1993, a study was conducted in Irvine, California by Dr. Francis Raucher and the colleagues on a group of thirty-six undergraduate college students. It found that they improved their intelligence after listening to 10 minutes of a Mozart sonata. The results of the study showed that student’ IQ scores improved by 8-9 points and lasted for 10-15 minutes. This study was coined the “Mozart effect’”.
As you can see, music has got and will always get into our society. There are many uses for music and it has many hidden meaning and uses. Music is powerful indeed!
1. What can be inferred about music from paragraph 2?| A．Music is powerful. | B．Music exists everywhere. |
| C．Music is greater than language. | D．Music controls people’s behavior. |
| A．Threaten. | B．Persuade. | C．Prevent. | D．Force. |
| A．Music cures mental illness. |
| B．Music has a strong effect on people’s life. |
| C．Music can help kids become more energetic. |
| D．Music can improve some people’s intelligence. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Disappointed. | C．Positive. | D．Uncaring. |
【推荐3】A quiet space is often considered essential for achieving the concentration that leads to academic success. But research shows that some students may benefit from breaking the silence with certain kinds of music while they study. Music has a powerful influence on both the body and the brain, in ways that can help students navigate the physical and emotional barriers that come with academic challenges.
One U.S. study compared students who took a test to soft music with those who took the test under silent conditions. The study found that students taking a test to music not only completed more questions within a set time but also answered more questions correctly. Music has been further linked to improvements in memory and recall. Experts have found that when music stimulates mood and motivation, students are able to learn more and to better demonstrate their knowledge.
A bit of mood music affects more than just memory and recall when students hit the books. Music can also relieve stress associated with school. Scientists have learned that music engages the autonomic nervous system, which not only controls the unconscious functions of the body but also influences emotions. So it’s no surprise that researchers from the Group Health Research Institute concluded that certain kinds of background music can be just as effective at reducing stress as a massage. Furthermore, while the brain feels better with music, the body may as well. Research shows that certain types of music can make physical pain feel less intense. What’s more, calming music with a steady, meditative (冥想的) rhythm can help people sleep longer and more deeply.
However, some educators express concern that listening to music while trying to concentrate may do more harm than good. Loud music may have a negative influence on a student’s mood or act as a distraction. Actually, the best approach may depend on the students themselves. Listening to music during study time may not mean a guaranteed A for all students, but those who find it helpful should be allowed to plug in their headphones.
1. What does the underlined word “navigate” in the first paragraph probably mean?| A．Recognize. | B．Assess. | C．Overcome. | D．Create. |
| A．present the effects of music on mind and body |
| B．compare the functions of different types of music |
| C．confirm the impacts of music on memory and recall |
| D．give examples of the influences of music on emotions |
| A．Music helps students remove physical pain immediately. |
| B．Loud music has the same calming effect as a massage. |
| C．Listening to music makes it easier for students to multitask. |
| D．Music is likely to better students’ academic performance. |
| A．The Power of Silence | B．The Score to Better Scores |
| C．Music to a Sharper Mind | D．Road to Academic Success |
【推荐1】It was a history-making moment at Miller ＆ Miller’s Canadiana ＆Decorative Arts auction (拍卖) when the hammer finally came down for a rare Maud Lewis painting.
Lewis was a Canadian artist who painted brightly colored scenes. She sold her paintings by the side of the road for $2 to $3. Painting wasn’t easy, since she suffered from a physical challenge that made moving painful. John Kinnear, also an artist, struck up a friendship with the then-little-known Lewis after reading an article about her. He mailed her boxes of painting supplies. At the time, Lewis, with her husband, lived in a one-room house with no electricity or running water, using simple house paint to paint. After receiving the supplies, Lewis wrote back insisting on repaying him with some of her paintings. Kinnear sold some of them, sending some money back to Lewis and using the remainder to buy her more paint.
Kinnear was friends with Irene and Tony Demas, who owned a restaurant where he ate lunch every day. One day, Kinnear told them he had some paintings by an artist and wondered if they might consider swapping a few grilled cheese lunches for one of them. “When we saw the paintings, we were shocked, and both of us were hesitant,” recalls Irene. “I had never seen anything like them. They were so childlike, with cats and cows.” But they ended up agreeing to the trade, choosing a painting called Black Truck.
Over 50 years later, they’re long retired and are now considering travelling more. They hoped to sell the painting. In the years since Lewis died, her paintings have become famous. But it was a recent scare that really urged them into action. After having non-glare glass added to the painting, the business street where the framer lived burned to the ground just days after they picked up their painting. “We saw that Miller & Miller had sold one not long ago,” says Irene. “We trusted the Miller brothers.”
Recently, the painting was sold at auction for $350, 000.
1. Why did John Kinnear send Lewis boxes of painting supplies?| A．To get her paintings. |
| B．To offer her assistance. |
| C．To make friends with her. |
| D．To learn to paint from her. |
| A．Disappointed. |
| B．Confused. |
| C．Panicked. |
| D．Embarrassed. |
| A．They were forced by Miller & Miller. |
| B．They were desperate for money to travel. |
| C．They feared the unexpected would happen. |
| D．They thought the painting would lose value. |
| A．To introduce a painting’s adventures. |
| B．To explain a trend in art collecting. |
| C．To expand the painting market. |
| D．To recommend an auction house. |
【推荐2】A parent might place his daughter’s drawing on the fridge out of a love for his child rather than for the wonderful image, but for many people, that children art is actually quite amazing. In fact, adult artists were often inspired by children’s drawing. For the museum-goers out there who tend to point to a piece of modern art and say, “My kid could have made that !”It’s worth remembering that often, that’s actually just what the artist had in mind.
For many kids, drawing is exciting not because of the final product it leads to, but because they can live completely in the world of their drawing for a few minutes. Even children are scribbling(涂鸦), they’re representing through action, not through pictures. Liane Alves, a prekindergarten teacher, recalled a student who presented her with a drawing featuring a single straight line across the page. Alves assumed the child hadn’t given too much thought to the drawing until he explained that the line was one of the stems (茎) from The Princess and the Pea, one of the fairy tales they read in class.
Maureen Ingram, who’s a preschool teacher at the same school,said her students often tell different stories about a given piece of art depending on the day, perhaps because they weren’t sure what they intended to draw when they started the picture. “We as adults will often say, ’I’m going to draw a horse, ’and we set out. . . and get frustrated when we can’t do it, ”Ingram said. “Children seem to take a different approach, where they just draw, and then they realize, ’it is a horse. ’”
And what about those odd or scary-looking drawings? Does that mean kids are telling themselves stories that are odd or scary? It’s hard to say, but it’s rarely a good idea to over-interpret it. Ellen Winner, a psychology professor, pointed to parents who worry when their kid draws a child bigger than the adults. What’s most important to remember is that“children’s art has its own logic,” Winner said. “Children are not being crazy. ”
1. What may the author agree most probably according to the first paragraph?| A．Children are more skilled and creative than adults in art. |
| B．There might be similar patterns in artists’ and kids’ drawings. |
| C．No one knows what the drawing experience means to children. |
| D．Parents should become drawing teachers of their children. |
| A．simple scribbles from children are meaningful |
| B．not all the children like drawing in the classroom |
| C．children’s drawing is too complicated to understand |
| D．teachers often find it hard to teach children drawing |
| A．The best image. |
| B．Drawing process. |
| C．A copy of real things. |
| D．The ending of story. |
| A．Ask teachers to show the children how to draw. |
| B．Help the children to draw the picture again. |
| C．Invite other children to have a discussion about the drawing. |
| D．Take it easy and listen to the story behind the picture. |
【推荐3】The values of artistic works, according to cultural relativism(相对主义), are simply reflections of local social and economic conditions. Such a view, however, fails to explain the ability of some works of art to excite the human mind across cultures and through centuries.
History has witnessed the endless productions of Shakespearean plays in every major language of the world. It is never rare to find that Mozart packs Japanese concert halls, as Japanese painter Hiroshige does Paris galleries, Unique works of this kind are different from today’s popular art, even if they began as works of popular art. They have set themselves apart in their timeless appeal and will probably be enjoyed for centuries into the future.
In a 1757 essay, the philosopher David Hume argued that because“the general principles of taste are uniform(不变的) in human nature,”the value of some works of art might be essentially permanent. He observed that Homer was still admired after two thousand years. Works of this type, he believed, spoke to deep and unvarying features of human nature and could continue to exist over centuries.
Now researchers are applying scientific methods to the study of the universality of art. For example, evolutionary psychology is being used by literary scholars to explain the long-lasting themes and plot devices in fiction. The structures of musical pieces are now open to experimental analysis as never before. Research findings seem to indicate that the creation by a great artist is as permanent an achievement as the discovery by a great scientist.
1. According to the passage, what do we know about cultural relativism?| A．It introduces different cultural values. |
| B．It explains the history of artistic works. |
| C．It relates artistic values to local conditions. |
| D．It excites the human mind throughout the world. |
| A．great works of art can go beyond national boundaries |
| B．history gives art works special appeal to set them apart |
| C．popular arts are hardly distinguishable from great arts |
| D．great artists are skilled at combining various cultures |
| A．Are Artistic Values Universal? |
| B．Are Popular Arts Permanent? |
| C．Is Human Nature Uniform? |
| D．Is Cultural Relativism Scientific? |
【推荐1】Each year, Boston University proudly celebrates the very best in academics, innovation, and teaching through the awarding of University-wide honors and in our support of applicants for prestigious (赫赫有名的) national scholarships. The following showcases the growing list of opportunities and resources Boston University provides.
Harold C. Case scholarship
The Harold C. Case scholarship is offered to outstanding Boston University juniors for support of their senior year. Case scholarships recognize scholarly accomplishment and potential as well as extracurricular activities that contribute to the university.
Scholarship recipients receive between $1.000 and full tuition depending on financial needs. Funds can only be applied to undergraduate study. In most application cycles 10- 12 recipients are selected.
Dean Elsbeth Melville scholarship
The Dean Elsbeth Melville scholarship was established in 1978 by the Trustees of Boston University to honor Dean Melville’s “splendid and varied contribution” to the education and lives of women at Boston University. Only two scholarships are awarded each year to top-ranked women in the junior class who are representatives of the qualities stressed by Dean Melville.
Scholarship recipients receive a minimum of $1,000 depending on financial need. Funds can only be applied to undergraduate study.
Clare Boothe Luce scholar awards
The Clare Boothe Luce program of the Henry Luce Foundation supports a limited number of Undergraduate Scholarships for women students in the fields of the physical and life sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Provost’s scholars award
The Provost’s scholars awards celebrate the achievements of students who have demonstrated the spirit of a true scholar at a research university. Up to 20 awards are given annually, each carrying $1000 of funding for research creative activity expenses such as travel to conferences and archives (档案馆) or for research-related equipment and supplies. Awards are distributed through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Winners are selected in the Spring Semester, and recognized at the Provost’s academic awards ceremony during Parents’ Weekend in October.
1. Who does the Harold C. Case scholarship recognize?| A．Top ranked women in senior years. |
| B．Freshmen who explore the unknown. |
| C．Juniors who are academically successful. |
| D．Undergraduates active in extracurricular activities. |
| A．Provost’s scholars award. | B．Harold C. Case scholarship |
| C．Clare Boothe Luce scholar awards. | D．Dean Elsbeth Melville scholarship |
| A．Buy research facilities. | B．Pay tuition fees. |
| C．Attend business conferences. | D．Go on an adventure travel |
【推荐2】Want to support animals in need? Here are three ways to show them some love.
Grounds & Hounds
When you buy any item from Jordan Karcher’s coffee company Grounds & Hounds, part of the proceeds (收入) goes to the shelter near you. In 2015, Grounds & Hounds’ donations helped partners provide blankets, food and services for about 2,000 rescued animals.
Tel.: 888-228-8914
E⁃mail: info@groundsandhoundscoffee.com
Fetch Eyewear and the Pixie Project
In 2004, Ann Sacks founded Fetch Eyewear, a company that sells stylish frames at affordable prices. Three years later, she launched the Pixie Project — a nonprofit project that offers free and low⁃cost treatment for animal diseases and injuries and rescues pets from overloaded (超负荷的) shelters across the country — and 100 percent of Fetch’s profits now benefit the charity. So far, the two organizations have helped with more than 5,000 pet adoptions and about 1,000 surgery (外科手术).
Adoption: 503-542-3433
Fax: 503-542-3437
Fur for the Animals
Fur for the Animals, run by the animal advocacy group Born Free USA, is a campaign (open through December 31) that collects unwanted furs and donates them to wildlife rehabilitation (康复) centers. The furs are used by injured creatures that need to feel cozy and comforted. More than 1,000 pounds of furs have already made their way to animals in need throughout the U.S.
Tel.: 011-5952-5440
1. Through Grounds & Hounds, how can you help animals?| A．By getting a pet. |
| B．By donating money to it. |
| C．By buying coffee from it. |
| D．By volunteering your services. |
| A．It sells cheap frames. |
| B．It benefits Fetch Eyewear. |
| C．It is a highly profitable business. |
| D．It works together with animal shelters. |
| A．How to profit from animals. |
| B．Three ways to show love to animals. |
| C．The success that some organizations have got. |
| D．How kind human beings are to animals. |
【推荐3】The editor of the Cool Camping Britain chooses some of his favorite new finds in England, Wales and Scotland.
Cleadale, Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides
Is this Britain's most beautiful campsite? From the grassy point looking seaward to the mountains, it's not hard for campers to see how the island inspired fantasy landscapes in The Lord of the Rings.The campsite itself is as wild and wonderful as its setting.
Open April~September, pitches from £5 per tent per night.
Swattesfield, Thornham Magna, Suffolk
Deep in the wilds of north Suffolk, this seven-acre campsite has only been open for a few years, with two fields separated by a lake and surrounded by woodland. The position is perfect. It's a great place to do nothing and get into nature.You can set up your tent in the bottom field or the woodland beyond.
Open Easter~October, pitches from £10 per tent per night.
Pleasant Streams, near St Austell, Cornwall
This site, by a lake, is all about simple pleasures. Located in the former mining village, it has a summerhouse with books and games for a rainy day, many animals including pigs, hens, goats and ducks, and a pub just a 10-minute stroll (walk) away. There's very little to do here, no bells or whistles. Campfires are encouraged.
Open Easter~September, pitches from £10 per tent per night.
Troytown Campsite, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly
Its only campsite couldn't be in a more remote position. Isolation is its greatest asst (优点)－so bring plenty of books to read and don't expect a phone signal. But at least one of life's necessities is available. Lying on the hillside overlooking the bay and near the island of the Gugh, it might just win the prize for best beer garden view in England.
Open MarchOctober, pitches from 7.50 per tent per night.
1. Which place can you choose if you like a simple farm life?| A．Cleadale, Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides. |
| B．Swattesfield,Thonham Magna, Suffolk. |
| C．Pleasant Streams, near St Austell, Cornwall. |
| D．Troytown Campsite, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly. |
| A．buy many books in the bookstore. | B．get everyday necessities. |
| C．view the bay from the hillside. | D．communicate with others by phone. |
| A．To advertise the Cool Camping Britain. |
| B．To introduce some beautiful Britain sites for campers. |
| C．To attract film directors and photographers to Britain. |
| D．To show us some interesting activities in Britain. |
