1 . Have you ever thought about why malls, restaurants, and even theaters have music? Well, to understand this, you simply just look back at how you felt when you heard music in these places. Music is known to improve the mood of people. Often music helps us pay attention to what we are doing. Music helps patients feel good and helps them recover faster and better.
Depression (沮丧) is a state of mind that most of us experience at some point of time. There are some periods in our life when everything seems difficult. It seems that everything is getting worse and we have no control over our life. Studies have shown that music can be an important mood lifter in such situations. Music also plays a great role in making us feel less nervous or worried. Anxiety can often cause loss of sleep and other illnesses.
Music is often known as an international language. We may not know the language another person is speaking, but most of us respond to music in the same way. Music can often be the best way to connect with someone.
Music is one of the best ways to improve your moods, but this can depend largely on the kind of music you listen to. While happy music can certainly make you feel better, sad music can further lower your spirits. Listening to classical music can often make you feel a lot more powerful, while soft music can be the perfect way to relax at the end of a long way. If you want to use music to change the way how you are feeling, you need to understand the role of it, learn to recognize the kind of music that lifts your mood and helps you feel better. Once you realize the kind of music you can use, you can use it to change the way you feel. The right kind of music can be the perfect way to help us feel happier.
1. The passage is mainly about ________.| A．what meanings music has | B．how we control our moods |
| C．how music affects our moods | D．what kind of music we listen to |
| A．welcome the customers | B．make customers feel good |
| C．make customers dance | D．make customers feel depressed |
| A．most of us suffer depression all the time |
| B．most of us respond to music in different ways |
| C．music can be a good way to connect with others |
| D．any kind of music will help us improve our moods |
| A．Soft music. | B．Classical music. | C．Sad music. | D．Rock music. |
2 . At first sight, Alma Deutscher, a sixteen-year-old girl from England appears to be like any other typical teenager. She loves to skip rope, read and play with her younger sister. But this modest youngster, who composed her first musical work at age six, first short opera at age seven, and first full-length opera based on Cinderella at age ten, is anything but average. Though her parents downplayed(淡化)her extraordinary talent, young Alma is being described as “little Mozart” by the music world.
Alma’s opera based on the classic fairy tale, which she began writing at age eight, has a slight twist. Her Cinderella is a musician who meets her Prince Charming, a poet through a song. “In my Cinderella, she sings the beginning of a ballad—but at midnight she flees. Eventually, the prince finds her after asking all the girls of the country to sing the end of the ballad.”
The opera was first performed in Vienna, Austria on December 29, 2016, where the then eleven-year-old skillfully switched between the piano and the violin and received enthusiastic reviews. The young genius has since performed two new piano works, one in Australia and the other in China.
While this may appear to be a lot for someone so young, Alma is not worried. She says, “Of course I have to work hard. But all children have to work hard for exams, and at least when I work hard, I work hard for something incredibly exciting, like seeing my whole opera put on.”
Alma’s musical talent first came to light before she could even talk. Her parents recall that as an 18-month-old toddler, she was able to hum a perfect version of the children’s rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
However, Alma’s abilities only gained international attention in 2012, after a family friend posted a video online comparing her to Mozart. The family was suddenly swamped with media and Alma became an overnight star, dubbed “little Mozart”. This nickname makes her parents unhappy because they believe it puts added pressure on the young girl. They would instead prefer her to be called “a composer and musician”.
Alma does not want to be compared to the famous artist either, saying “There was only one Mozart, and I prefer to be little Alma.” Regardless of what she calls herself, the sixteen-year-old is changing the world of music forever!
1. Which of the following statement about Alma is WRONG?| A．She can play the piano and the violin skillfully. |
| B．She can write operas and compose music as well. |
| C．Her talent goes far beyond that of Mozart. |
| D．She displayed her talent for music at an early age. |
| A．Disadvantage. | B．Change. | C．Improvement. | D．Error. |
| A．Cinderella meets her Mr. Right through a song. |
| B．It is a short opera based on the classic fairy tale. |
| C．The prince finds her with the help of a crystal shoe. |
| D．It enjoys a great success and has been performed in China. |
| A．Overexcited. | B．Concerned. | C．Happy. | D．Shocked. |
3 .
Moab Music Festival Where: Moab, Utah When: Aug. 29-Sept. 9
This area is better known for mountain biking than for music. But since 1992, it has hosted a private festival that brings classical, jazz, Latin and other types of music to the land. This year there will be 16 concerts, including three "Grotto Concerts", where guests take a 45-minute boat ride down the Colorado River to performances. Events start at 25. moabmusicfest. org.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Where: Cheyenne, Wyoming When: July 19-28
There's something for everyone at this 117-year-old festival, from an "Indian village" and Old West museum to country concerts. But the competition is still the main attraction, with cowboys(牛仔) and cowgirls competing for major money in the world's largest outdoor stage. Competition tickets start at $18, and concert tickets at 23. cfdrodeo. com.
The Glimmerglass Festival Where: Cooperstown, New York When: July 6-Aug. 24
Each summer, opera lovers from around the country (and the world) travel to upstate New York to watch productions that include stars like Nathan Gunn and Ginger Costa-Jackson. This year's performances include Wagner's" The Flying Dutchman" and Verdi's "King for a Day", in honor of the 200th birthdays of both composers (作曲家). Tickets start at 26. Glimmerglass.org.
1. If you want to enjoy a "Grotto Concert", which date suits you best?| A．June 15. | B．July 19. |
| C．August 24. | D．September 4. |
| A．18. | B．22. | C．36. | D．41. |
| A．Education. | B．Art. | C．Business. | D．Literature. |
4 . To learn an instrument(乐器) such as the violin or accordion(手风琴)takes years. There are fewer job opportunities and greater competition. Then why are more people than ever before paying a lot of good money to get their children the best music teaching they can afford?
The secret lies in the effect of music on the whole person. It has been found that learning a musical instrument actually increases a person’s IQ over time. Different instruments and different types of music have varying effect, with classical music and the string(弦乐) family coming out on top, potentially increasing your IQ by up to 12 points!
When is a good time to start learning music? Experts have found that even the fetus(胎儿)can benefit from listening to classical music. Surround yourself and your family with good music from the first. The Suzuki Piano Method teaches children from the age of 3 years piano, with two lessons per week. From preschool, children can learn to read music and play from sheet music. Progress in learning your instrument is directly proportional(成比例的)to the amount of practicing.
Is there such a thing as an unmusical child? Shinichi Suzuki says that music is the native home language of all human beings and therefore nobody can be “unmusical”. Of course there are exceptional talents, compared to which others may seem to be slower learners.
Is there any benefit for adults in starting an instrument? Apart from the purely relaxing aspect, yes. Learning an instrument can earn even adults additional IQ points, and as an added benefit in improves your health by reducing your stress levels. Your social life may benefit too, if you are prepared to come out of your box and join occasions such as Ceilidhs (musical get-togethers) or arrange house concerts. It is believed that people who play instruments tend to be more emotionally balanced(平衡) and more patient with themselves, others and life in general.
So go ahead, sign up for that amateur orchestra(业余乐队), dust off your old trombone(长号)or take your first real six-string down from the attic(阁楼); get out there and play!
1. Playing which of the following musical instruments can help increase a person’s IQ most?| A．The piano | B．The violin |
| C．The trombone | D．The accordion |
| A．The progress in learning an instrument depends on natural gifts |
| B．It is too late for an adult to start an instrument |
| C．Every child has a natural talent for music. |
| D．All people can understand and read music. |
| A．Music can balance our life. |
| B．Music can improve our living conditions. |
| C．Playing instruments can make adults keep their IQ points. |
| D．Playing instruments can help us get along well with others. |
| A．persuade us to send our children to music schools |
| B．express his great interest in musical instruments |
| C．tell us the importance of Music in Development |
| D．invite us to attend Ceilidhs |
| A．$2. | B．$4. | C．$8. |
6 . Because of COVID-19, in many places, large gatherings of people aren’t allowed. In some areas, the rules are more strict, and people aren't allowed to leave their homes unless going out is absolutely necessary.
These steps are very important for slowing the disease down. By doing this, governments can make sure doctors and hospitals are better able to deal with all the sick people, and that fewer people suffer in all. Usually, it's called “flattening the curve”.
But if no one can go out, that means businesses which depend on visitors struggle. Many singers, bands, and other musicians would normally be giving concerts now. Instead, they have to find new ways to share their music and connect with their audiences. The Metropolitan Opera in New York has canceled(取消) its season, but it is showing a special live stream of a different opera each day on its website. Other opera companies have made similar moves. Several theater companies are either offering recorded versions of their plays online or posting videos of their actors performing.
Nick Green wrote a musical play that was canceled because of the virus. He set up a website with links that allow people to enjoy the work of artists around the world who have had their projects canceled. He called his project the Social Distancing Festival. He sad it was a time when he should be doing something new, rather than feeling disappointed.
Even TV shows have to find new ways to film their shows. Some late night TV shows have continued, but without audiences. Others are showing reruns.
While their shows are on pause, some TV stars like Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon have been filming short videos at home. Mr. O’ Brien plans to bring his show back on the air soon by filming with his own phone and talking with guests over the Internet.
1. What does the underlined phrase in Paragraph 2 refer to?| A．Keeping patients staying at home anytime. | B．Speed up the spread of disease. |
| C．Stopping people from often gathering up. | D．Slowing down the spread of the disease. |
| A．Stopping sharing music with audience. | B．Providing live stream services. |
| C．Trying to attract live audiences. | D．Sharing their operas with each other |
| A．Disappointment. | B．Annoyance . | C．Creativity. | D．Anxiety. |
| A．People staying at home . | B．The absence of audiences. |
| C．The efforts of Nick Green . | D．Entertainment going online . |
7 . An unlikely combination of Irish dance and hip-hop music is flying high on the Internet as a young African-American dancer combines her passions in her videos during quarantine.
With fast-paced steps on TikTok, college student Morgan Bullock, 21, has got more than l million views and the hearts of fans worldwide. “It was really unexpected and it happened really fast,” Bullock said in an interview.
Bullock has been dancing since she was 3 and began Irish dance training at the age of 10.She placed 43rd in 2019 at the World Irish Dance Championships, which has been put on hold during the quarantine.
As Morgan's videos became very popular, she faced questions about whether this style of dance is fit for her. “I haven't really had to think about my race as an Irish dancer,” she said. “At the beginning, my mom had reservations just because it was something that we had never heard of and it's not very typical for someone who looks like me to want to do Irish dancing. But after years of competing with Irish dancers across the globe, my mother rejects what others say. You wouldn't tell an English girl she can't do ballet just because she's not French. It's just a form of dance. Because Irish dance is also a dance form, it's such an amazing thing that it is something that people can enjoy all over the world without, you know, shame from the Irish dance community.”
Morgan is grateful that her dancing can educate and inspire a wider audience about Irish culture. “Growing up, I didn't really have someone to look to as an Irish dancer who really looked like me. So it's just really great that I can be that person for young girls and boys or whoever wants to do Irish dancing or do something that's a little bit out of the box for them.”
1. What can we learn about Morgan Bullock from the first two paragraphs?| A．She flew high in the sky. | B．She listened to hip-hop music. |
| C．She became very popular on the Internet. | D．She put pictures of Irish dance on the Internet. |
| A．Whether Irish dance suited her. | B．Whether she had a gift for dancing. |
| C．Whether she could win some awards. | D．Whether she could get her mom's support. |
| A．By training with other dancers. | B．By traveling around the globe. |
| C．By studying other dance forms. | D．By insisting on her dance form. |
| A．Worried. | B．Positive. | C．Doubtful | D．Disappointed. |
8 . Tan Yuanyuan, San Francisco Ballet’s first Chinese leading dancer,
Tan’s relationship with ballet began at the age of 5 when she was
Her
Looking back, she is
When asked about her secret to career longevity, she says, “Put all the efforts into your career.Do things with
| A．supplies | B．provides | C．impresses | D．charges |
| A．featuring | B．welcoming | C．representing | D．registering |
| A．amazed | B．awarded | C．puzzled | D．embarrassed |
| A．dressed | B．gifted | C．absorbed | D．engaged |
| A．image | B．pressure | C．effort | D．wish |
| A．hard | B．deep | C．privately | D．previously |
| A．suddenly | B．simply | C．eventually | D．possibly |
| A．promoted | B．trapped | C．rejected | D．reminded |
| A．anxious | B．aware | C．confused | D．worried |
| A．affects | B．attacks | C．adapts | D．approaches |
| A．perfect | B．professional | C．capable | D．original |
| A．graceful | B．calm | C．curious | D．potential |
| A．break through | B．run through | C．contribute to | D．belong to |
| A．grateful | B．joyful | C．absolute | D．tough |
| A．mystery | B．life | C．recognition | D．comparison |
1. What kind of music does the man like best?
| A．Jazz. | B．Rock music. | C．Classical music. |
| A．Kate. | B．David. | C．Hazel. |
10 . Can you imagine a world without music? Studies show that public schools across the country are cutting back on music classes to save money. Worse, some schools have never had music classes to begin with. But without them,students’ academic growth and emotional health could suffer. In fact, music classes are necessary for all students in schools.
Recent studies by Brown University have shown that students who received music education classes were better in maths and reading skills than those without music classes. Another study by the College Board found that students taking music and art classes got higher points. Students' academic success seems to depend on their taking part in music education.
Music programmes in public schools also help to add to a students sense of pride and self-confidence. Teens today have too many learning tasks. Besides, they have family problems, self-confidence problems, relationship troubles, and other troubles. All of these can stop academic success, but music education can help. A study by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse found that students who took part in school music programmes were less likely to turn to drugs. Music programmes encourage students to work together to produce an excellent performance.
Music crosses language, class, cultural and political boundaries. Music allows students from different countries to connect. For example, at a school talent show, a new Japanese student played a piano duet with an American classmate. Although they could not communicate verbally, they were able to read the music in order to play the duet. Two students from different cultures worked as a team with self-confidence and common purpose through music.
The gift of music is priceless. We need to be sure to have necessary music classes for all students. The world is losing its music, and putting music into schools is the first step to get it back.
1. What can we learn about education with music classes?| A．It allows schools to make more profits. |
| B．It leads to a lot of emotional problems easily. |
| C．It helps students to improve their schoolwork. |
| D．It has a great influence on the culture of the country. |
| A．Not all students take part in music lessons. |
| B．Students with great success like to attend music lessons. |
| C．Music plays an important role in students’ success. |
| D．Students having music classes are better in all lessons. |
| A．different cultures have different styles of music |
| B．music makes cross-country communication possible |
| C．Japan has a good international relationship with America |
| D．Japanese and American students are good at playing the piano |
| A．How to Get Music Back | B．Music Education in Schools |
| C．Music—a Bridge to Understanding | D．The Importance of Listening to Music |
