1 . Giorgio Morandi was one of the greatest artists in the history of Italy. He was the eldest of five children born into a middle-class family in Bologna, Italy. His early love of art upset his father, who wanted his son to work with him in his export business. Morandi attempted the business unsuccessfully in 1906.

After that, Morandi entered the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts in 1907. He continued his study with the support of his mother when his father suddenly passed away in 1908, forcing him to support his mother and younger sisters. During that time, he was introduced to Cubism and Futurism, which influenced his early work.

After he graduated from the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts in 1913, Morandi continued his study by traveling around Italy, especially to the Venice Biennale. Those tours would finally prove important, as Morandi seldom traveled overseas after the 1920s, and much of his future exposure (接触) to painters came from published art works. He was especially interested in the work of Impressionists like Claude Monet, as well as following greats such as Georges Seurat and Paul Cezanne. He also traveled within Italy, especially to see galleries and exhibitions, and was far more well-traveled than some historical sources show him to be.

After Morandi finished his traveling, he returned home and lived with his family. For many years, Morandi kept a peaceful daily routine. And he did most of his work in his workshop, a small room in a flat he shared with his mother and sisters.

Life wasn’t easy for him at first, but he quickly established himself as an important modern artist. His skills of color, light and arrangement began to gain notice, shining in the face of current painting in the manner of abstraction (抽象). And he was named “one of the greatest painters living” by Roberto Longhi in 1934.

1. What did Morandi’s father think of his love of art?

A．He was against it.	B．He showed a great interest.
C．He had mixed feelings about it.	D．He was neither for nor against it.

2. Why did Morandi travel around Italy after graduation?

A．He needed to make money in this way.

B．He wanted to learn more about painting.

C．He chose to relax after studying for years.

D．He was looking for works of Impressionists.

3. What did Morandi like doing after returning to live with his family?

A．Learning different skills.	B．Keeping himself very busy.
C．Working quietly in his workshop.	D．Thinking for hours in his workshop.

4. What can we learn about Morandi from the last paragraph?

A．He was an important modern artist at first.

B．He didn’t like creating works of abstraction.

C．He was good at color, light and arrangement.

D．He didn’t become known until after his death.

2 . Former Disney child star Jennifer McGill recently shared how, after her mother passed away, she went through an extremely dark period in her life.

Jennifer was born ready for the stage. She grew up in a loving home in Texas. And by age 7, she begged her mom to let her enter contests. Jennifer’s mom was uncertain. But seeing her daughter’s high energy and unshakable love of the stage, she finally supported her daughter’s wish.

Jennifer won many contests, and soon her parents were advised to have her audition (试演) for The New Mickey Mouse Club, a Disney show. Jennifer tried out and landed her dream job.

Many of Jennifer’s co­stars on the show went on to run after their careers. But after many years as a Disney child star, Jennifer didn’t feel ready for Hollywood just yet.

“I just needed to grow up and grow wiser in order to be the artist I thought I was meant to be,” she said. Instead, Jennifer chose to go on to college — a decision her mother fully supported.

Jennifer’s parents were supportive throughout her career and schooling. But her mom was her champion — a constant source of support. Unfortunately, when Jennifer was 24 years old, her mom passed away.

“The biggest light and fan was gone, the person who’d reminded me that I was unique and valuable. I was kind of lost,” she said. The next several years grew very dark. She began feeling herself lonely. She felt lifeless and purposeless.

Much as Jennifer still missed her mother, she realized she should get her life back to normal. She’s now pursuing a new career in music. She also spends her time coaching young artists. She encourages them to put fame at the bottom of their list.

1. What do we know about Jennifer from Paragraph 2?

A．She loved her mother deeply.	B．She had a natural talent for acting.
C．Her parents didn’t support her acting career.	D．Her mother was for her decision from the very beginning.

2. What was special about Jennifer compared with other Disney child stars?

A．She was much wiser than them.	B．She kept practicing her acting skills.
C．She got herself ready for Hollywood.	D．She decided to continue her education.

3. What made Jennifer suffer greatly?

A．The death of her mother.	B．The loss of support from her family.
C．The failure to become a Hollywood star.	D．The lack of courage to pursue her career.

4. Which of the following is Jennifer’s advice to young artists?

A．Never forget the social duty.	B．It is important to earn fame in the career.
C．Never think too much about being famous.	D．Get away from sorrow as soon as possible.

3 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How many Edward’s books does Marie have?

A．15.

B．10.

C．5.

2. How did Marie get the book For Lovers of Birds?

A．She bought it online.

B．She got it from her aunt.

C．She borrowed it from the library.

3. Who is the man’s favorite artist?

A．Monet.

B．Van Gogh.

C．Edward Lear.

4 . New England holds some special museums. They are devoted largely or entirely to the work of just one person. And they are the artists’ birthplaces or onetime homes. Here are four examples of such museums.

Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum

The name Cyrus E. Dallin (1861-1944) might not be familiar, but several of the artist’s sculptures (雕塑) are, especially those related to Native Americans. A good example is his “Appeal to the Great Spirit” standing in front of the Museum of Fine Arts. Born in Utah, he lived in Arlington for the final four decades of his life. The museum is in the Jefferson Cutter House, an 1830 Greek styled building.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Rockwell (1894-1978) was America’s well-known artist. The museum, founded in 1969, moved into its present location, Robert A.M. Stern-designed building in 1993. Its 998 paintings and drawings are the largest single collection of Rockwell's artworks.

Kids 16 and under: free; adults: $20; the old: at a 10% discount (折扣)

Edward Gorey House

Edward Gorey (1925-2000) was an artist, but he was also an author and clothes designer. Gorey bought this 18th-century house in 1979 and lived there for the rest of his life. Edward Gorey House is also known as the Elephant House. Gorey had respect for animals. The activities of the house, from art education to exhibits, show Gorey's support of animal well-being.

Gibert Stuart Birthplace and Museum

Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828) is responsible for what may well be the most familiar work of any American artist, His drawing of George is the basis of the first president’s portrait (画像) on the dollar. Stuart painted more than a thousand portraits throughout his life.

1. What do we know about Cyrus E. Dallin?

A．He built the Jefferson Cutter House.

B．He lived in Arlington for half a century.

C．He was best known for his Greek styled sculptures.

D．He created famous works related to Native Americans.

2. How much will an old couple pay to enter Norman Rockwell Museum?

A．$36.

B．$40.

C．$60.

D．$72.

3. Where can visitors learn some history of American money?

A．Edward Gorey House.	B．Norman Rockwell Museum.
C．Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum.	D．Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum.