C
For some people, music is no fun at all. About four percent of the population is what scientists call “amusic”. People who are amusic are born without the ability to recognize or reproduce musical notes(音调). Amusic people often cannot tell the difference between two songs. Amusics can only hear the difference between two notes if they are very far apart on the musical scale.
As a result, songs sound like noise to an amusic. Many amusics compare the sound of music to pieces of metal hitting each other. Life can be hard for amusics. Their inability to enjoy music set them apart from others. It can be difficult for other people to identify with their condition. In fact, most people cannot begin to grasp what it feels like to be amusic. Just going to a restaurant or a shopping mall can be uncomfortable or even painful. That is why many amusics intentionally stay away from places where there is music. However, this can result in withdrawal and social isolation. “I used to hate parties,” says Margaret, a seventy-year-old woman who only recently discovered that she was amusic. By studying people like Margaret, scientists are finally learning how to identify this unusual condition.
Scientists say that the brains of amusics are different from the brains of people who can appreciate music. The difference is complex, and it doesn't involve defective hearing. Amusics can understand other nonmusical sounds well. They also have no problems understanding ordinary speech. Scientists compare amusics to people who just can't see certain colors.
Many amusics are happy when their condition is finally diagnosed(诊断). For years, Margaret felt embarrassed about her problem with music. Now she knows that she is not alone. There is a name for her condition. That makes it easier for her to explain. “When people invite me to a concert, I just say, 'No thanks, I'm amusic,'” says Margaret, “I just wish I had learned to say that when I was seventeen and not seventy.”
36. Which of the following is true of amusics?
A. Listening to music is far from enjoyable for them.
B. They love places where they are likely to hear music. C. They can easily tell two different songs apart. D. Their situation is well understood by musicians.
37. According to paragraph 3, a person with “defective hearing” is probably one who .
A. dislikes listening to speeches B. can hear anything nonmusical C. has a hearing problem
D. lacks a complex hearing system
38. In the last paragraph, Margaret expressed her wish that .
A. her problem with music had been diagnosed earlier B. she were seventeen years old rather than seventy C. her problem could be easily explained D. she were able to meet other amusics
39. What is the passage mainly concerned with?
A. Amusics' strange behaviours.
B. Some people's inability to enjoy music. C. Musical talent and brain structure. D. Identification and treatment of amusics.
D
Book 1: Iggy peck, Architect By Andrea Beaty 32 pages, US $15.95 This book is the classic oddball(古怪的人) story about a kid whose head teacher does not recognize his great talent ( he makes buildings out of anything at hand, including table cloths, fruit and chalk) until it saves her life. Book 2: The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County By Janice N. Harrington 40 pages, US $16.00 Our character here loves to run after chickens, particularly Miss Hen, who's very fat. But, as all farming folk know, this is not a good way to produce happy, productive chickens. What will make her change her ways? The author is a professional storyteller and this book is full of fun, and has great illustrations(插图). Book 3: Diary of a Fly By Doreen Cronin 40 pages, US $15.99 This is the diary of a fly. A fly who, when she's not landing on your head or swimming in your soup, is trying to escape her 327 brothers and sisters who are driving her crazy. Even though she's little—just like her best friends, worms and spiders—she wants to be a superhero. This is the story of a little fly who's not afraid to dream really big. Book 4: Cherry and Olive By Benjamin Lacombe 32 pages, US $16.95 Children's books can quickly take little readers into new worlds, such as the big city, 1930s Georgia, or outer space. This book takes us on a little trip to some European capitals. Cherry is fat and likes books, and she has few friends until she meets a stray Shar-Pei puppy (迷途的沙皮犬). She names it Olive. Through it she finds confidence and friendship. But what will happen when its owner returns? 40. In Book 2, the character .
A. can make buildings out of anything B. is a kid who likes to play tricks on teachers C. keeps lots of chickens D. likes to run after chickens
41. Which of the following can best describe the fly in Book 3?
A. Lazy and proud. C. Brave and courageous.
B. Stupid and funny. D. Loyal and honest.
42. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?
A. Strange students are mentioned in Book 1 and Book 3. B. Book 4 introduces lots of farm animals. C. A fly is a superhero in outer space in Book 2. D. Book 1 is the cheapest of the four books.
43. If you are interested in European cities, you may want to read the book by .
A. Benjamin Lacombe C. Andrea Beaty
B. Janice N. Harrington D. Doreen Cronin
44. What's the purpose of this passage?
A. To buy some books. C. To show some information.
B. To sell some books. D. To tell some stories.
四、短文7选5(5选5等)（共5小题；共10分）
45.
Home can be a great place for children to study. It's important to provide a workplace of their own where they can read books or just write a letter to their friends. Location
46. Kitchen and dining room are not so well suited for regular study, since books and pens get in the way of the day-to-day uses of those areas. Set up a place where a child can settle in and leave papers and pens at hand without having to clear everything away each night. For a child that likes being alone, set aside a corner of his bedroom, but keep it separate from things like games, music and other hobbies not related to studying. Keeping things in order
Parents should encourage their child to spread out, but to leave it neat and orderly when he isn't using his workplace. Ownership is very important for self-respect, 47. The workplace should be personal, but not another part of the playroom. 48.
Encourage the whole family to help build a supportive environment that children need for success in school. Give them a good example of how to deal with problems, how to manage time and get things done in the right way. 49. Study will be more enjoyable and effective when supported by the whole family.
A. Attitude is everything.
B. Bring organization into your home.
C. Here are several ways to choose a location. D. Building a good home learning environment.
E. Hold a can-do attitude and your child will follow your example.
F. Setting up a space in a common area of your home can be a good idea for
children.
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