1 . A few extraordinary female singer-songwriters from the 1970s helped from music as we know it today, and continue to inspire so many with their soulful melodies (旋律).

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchells influence goes beyond her own generation. Her songwriting continues to be a source of inspiration for many, who regard her position as a pioneer of female expression in music.

The 1971 album Blue showed Joni’s truthful self, telling the stories of her experiences in life and in love. Blue was later chosen by the New York Times as one of the 25 albums that represented “turning points and the highest points in 20th-century popular music”.

Carole King

Carole King wrote or co-wrote over 118 hits between 1955 and 1999, making her the most successful female songwriter in the second half of the 20th century. However, King found herself less recognized than her husband and writing partner at the time, Gerry Goffin.

As the 1970s arrived, so did Carole King in full bloom. 1971 saw the release (发行) of her album Tapestry. The album was highly significant not only commercially but symbolically.

Joan Armatrading

Still in the 1970s but putting in the work on this side of the pond, Joan Armatrading became the first black British female artist to achieve international praise. Joan’s place as a female pioneer in music continued as she became the first UK female artist to be nominated (提名) for a Grammy in the blues category, going on to receive two further nominations. An artist who is confident with who she is and what she wants to create, Armatrading famously keeps her private life to herself and lets her music do the talking.

1. What is the album Blue about?

A．Female wisdom.	B．Female creativity
C．Joni’s musical dream.	D．Joni’s life experiences.

2. When was King’s album Tapestry available to the public?

A．In1955.

B．In1999.

C．In1970.

D．In1971.

3. Which of the following best describes Joan Armatrading?

A．Brave.

B．Self-confident.

C．Honest.

D．Easy-going.

2 . Young Taylor Swift

For a certain 11­year­old, a spring break trip to Nashville, Tennessee, was life­changing. Nashville was the center of the country music industry.

While her mom waited in the car, the girl walked into all the big record companies in town.    1    None of the people there took her seriously then—but they should have.                      

Because that girl was Taylor Swift.     2     She listened to country music albums until she knew all the lyrics. She performed at county fairs near her hometown of Wyomissing，Pennsylvania. At age 12, she taught herself to play guitar and wrote her first song.

Making music came easily to Taylor, but making friends did not.     3    “They all thought I was strange,”Taylor remembers. “I spent a lot of time alone.” So she focused on her music.

    4    So they moved their family to Nashville. By age 14, Taylor was working part­time as a songwriter and performing new songs. That’s how she got her big chance. She was offered a record contract (合同) before she was old enough to drive a car!

You probably know how this turned out. Since her first album came out in 2006, Taylor has won 10 Grammy Awards. Her album, 1989, has sold more than 9 million copies.     5    Her fans say her songs are honest. They feel as though she understands them—and could even be their friend. Taylor’s fans like how her music makes them feel.

A．What kind of music does Taylor sing?

B．So what makes Taylor so popular?

C．Taylor’s parents knew she was talented.

D．She introduced herself and dropped off recordings of her singing.

E．Taylor’s parents have made her into a successful singer­songwriter.

F．Taylor has been interested in singing since she was little.

G．Kids would move to a different table when she tried to sit with them at lunch.