You have probably heard of the Mozart effect. It's the idea that if children or even babies listen to music composed by Mozart, they will become more intelligent. A quick Internet search reveals plenty of products to assist you in the task. Whatever your age is there are CDs and books to help you taste the power of Mozart's music, but when it comes to scientific evidence that it can make you more clever, the picture is more mixed.
The phrase “the Mozart effect” was made up in 1991, but it was a study described two years later in the journal Nature that sparked real media and public interest about the idea that listening to classical music somehow improves the brain. It is one of those ideas that sound reasonable. Mozart was undoubtedly a genius himself; his music is complex and there is a hope that if we listen to enough of it, we'll become more intelligent.
The_idea_took_off,_with thousands of parents playing Mozart to their children, and in 1998 Zell Miller, the Governor of the state of Georgia in the US, even asked for money to be set aside in the state budget so that every newborn baby could be sent a CD of classical music. It was not just babies and children who were exposed to Mozart's music on purpose, even an Italian farmer proudly explained that the cows were played Mozart three times a day to help them produce better milk.
I'll leave the debate on the impact on milk yield to farmers, but what about the evidence that listening to Mozart makes people more intelligent? More research was carried out but an analysis of sixteen different studies confirmed that listening to music does lead to a temporary improvement in the ability to handle shapes mentally, but the benefits are short-lived and it doesn't make us more intelligent.
1.What can we learn from Paragraph 1?
A.Mozart composed many musical pieces for children.
B.Children listening to Mozart will be more intelligent.
C.There are few products on the Internet about Mozart's music.
D.There is little scientific evidence to support the Mozart effect.
2.Why did many people believe in the idea of the Mozart effect?
A.Because a study described it in the journal Nature.
B.Because Mozart himself was a genius.
C.Because Mozart's music is enjoyable.
D.Because Mozart's music makes people relaxed.
3.The underlined sentence in Paragraph 3 suggests that ________.
A.people were strongly against the idea
B.the idea was accepted by many people
C.Mozart played an important part in people's life
D.the US government helped promote the idea
4.What is the author's attitude towards the Mozart effect?
A.Favorable. B.Objective.
C.Doubtful. D.Positive.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
It is every kid’s worst nightmare and six-year-old Jaden Hayes has lived it - twice. Firstly, he lost his dad when he was four and then last month his mom died unexpectedly in her sleep.
“I tried and I tried and I tried to get her awake - I couldn't,” said Jaden. Jaden was understandably heartbroken.
But there was another side to his grief. A side he first made public a few weeks ago when he told his aunt, and now guardian, Barbara DiCola, that he was sick and tired of seeing everyone sad all the time. And he had a plan to fix it.
“And that was the beginning of it,” said Barbara. “That’s where the adventure began.”
Jaden asked his aunt Barbara to buy a bunch of little toys and bring him to downtown Savannah, Georgia near where he lives, so he could give them away.
“I’m trying to make people smile,” said Jaden.
Jaden targeted people who weren’t already smiling and then turned their day around. He’d go out on four different occasions now and he was always successful. Even if sometimes he didn’t get exactly the reaction he was hoping for.
It was just so overwhelming to some people that a six-year-old orphan would give away a toy- expecting nothing in return - except a smile.
“I’m counting on it to be 33, 000,” said Jaden. When asked if he thought he could make that goal, he answered, “I think I can.”
1.Why did Jaden give the toys to other people?
A.Because he wanted to fix the toys.
B.Because he wanted to see more people.
C.Because he wanted to give the toys away.
D.Because he wanted to make people happy.
2.What can we learn from the passage?
A.Jaden lived with his aunt.
B.Jaden targeted people who were not happy.
C.Jaden got nothing he wanted all the time.
D.Jaden was sick and tired of seeing everyone.
3.Which of the following words can best describe Jaden?
A.Helpful and impatient. B.Creative and tricky.
C.Optimistic and courageous. D.Ambitious and greedy.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
The coronavirus outbreak has sparked panic buying of toilet paper and cleaning products in countries across the world, but one UK businessman is determined to spread some happiness among the anxiety and confusion.
Rob Braddick, 48, who owns Braddick’s Holiday Park in Westward Ho, Devon, in the southwest of England, has filled the toy grabber machines in his amusement park with two of the country’s most sought-after cleaning products.
Customers could previously try their hand at grabbing “Frozen 2” or “Peter Rabbit” toys from the machines, but no more. “They got removed this morning,” Braddick said of the toys, replacing them with toilet roll and hand sanitizer (洗手液). Visitors can now pay 50p for three goes on the toilet roll grabber, or a go for Carex, which Braddick described as the “Rolls- Royce of hand sanitizers.”
Braddick said that his decision was born of a desire to make people feel less stressed in uncertain times. “It’s a bit of light relief with everything that’s going on,” he said. “Hopefully it will raise a smile, which I think everybody needs.”
Around the world, travel plans have been severely affected, and tens of millions of people remain at home as part of global efforts to fight against coronavirus. Supermarkets have seen shortages of toilet paper and hand sanitizer as anxious consumers stockpile the products.
Braddick said the family business, which has been running since 1932, has received more than a dozen calls from potential customers who say they don’t want to travel abroad for their holidays and would rather stay in the UK. As for his own measures against coronavirus, Braddick said staff have been told to wash their hands every half hour, which is particularly important for those handling money.
1.What is the third paragraph mainly about?
A.New practice of the game. B.Prizes of the game.
C.Price for a try. D.People’s love for grabbing toys.
2.What’s the purpose of Braddick’s new idea?
A.To make higher profits. B.To attract more people to play the game.
C.To support his family business. D.To ease people’s anxiety.
3.What can be inferred from the passage?
A.Cleaning products will be in shortage for a long time.
B.Braddick’s business is experiencing a hard time.
C.Tourism may fall into a decline.
D.Everyone in the park is told to wash their hands every half hour.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
I'm now living in the south of France with my husband Keith and three small children, and I feel like a fish out of water everywhere but one place-the Saturday street market.It's been operating in our small town of Sommieres since the 13th century,but we've only lived here for three months.
From Monday to Friday,life is all about the kids.I'm busy helping my children deal with life in a French school.It's not easy,and their stress is the whole family's stress,as Keith and I are occupied with the daily school runs,piles of homework and school notes in French.
But on Saturday,the market is for me.I feel so peaceful as I walk along the quiet street toward the busy town square.The knife-sharpening man is there, operating a machine that looks like it dates from the Industrial Revolution.There' re street musicians with guitars and microphones,and the sound of beautiful songs fills the air.And the food,of course,is delicious.The cheese man doesn't speak-he just points and cuts,offering a piece from his knife.Lines come out of the door for fresh bread at the bakery.Organic vegetables,herbs and desserts are a feast for the eyes,before being put into the bag to be enjoyed later for lunch.The noises and smells of the market are unfamiliar and thrilling,but their procedures are clear to me.This is part of why I love the place so much:Unlike during the week,when I'm constantly faced with my own difficulties,I know how this place works.My terrible French isn't the barrier to communication that it is in other circumstances.
At school and in the village,I can't joke or join a conversation,and although the other parents at the school are kind,I'm an outsider.But at the market,I'm just another customer with a basket.Surrounded by day trippers,I feel like a local- greeting people I know and petting dogs.
My Saturday experiences allow me to hope that in the near future I'll feel equally confident in my everyday life.Until then,Saturdays prepare me for the coming week of school runs.
1.What does the author mean by saying “I feel like a fish out of water”?
A.She feels uncomfortable in new surroundings.
B.She feels free out of her daily housework.
C.She feels lonely without her children.
D.She feels unable to make a living in another country.
2.What can be learned about the author's life during weekdays?
A.She learns French together with her children.
B.She devotes herself to her children in a French school.
C.She runs to school every day to help her children.
D.She tries to balance her job and the housework.
3.Why does the author like going to the Saturday market?
A.She wants to get away from her family's stress.
B.She can talk with other customers freely there.
C.She feels relaxed and comfortable there.
D.She tries to gain confidence in the busy atmosphere.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Looking at his pile of unpaid bills always makes Giuseppe Del Giudice feel uneasy. Sometimes he incurs (招致) late fees, but in many ways the emotional toll (代价) is worse. “The longer the bills go unpaid,” says Del Giudice, 58, “the more my anxiety increases.”
At the end of the day or month, most people get their tasks done on time, but around 20 percent are chronic procrastinators (慢性拖延者) at home and at work. One big factor for them is fear of failure, of not living up to expectations. Kelli Saginak, a 57-year-old functional health coach from Wisconsin, procrastinated about looking for a new job for years. That inability to take action only confirmed her belief that she would never do any better. “If I don’t take the risk, decide, or commit, I don’t have to face the judgment,” says Saginak.
Some people accept procrastination, believing that they make progress under pressure. But researchers have disproved that view. “I did an experiment several years ago, putting procrastinators under restrictions of time,” says Joseph Ferrari, a psychology professor at DePaul University. “They did worse than nonprocrastinators, but they thought they did better. They made more errors. They took longer.”
Whatever the motivation, delaying a diet or exercise program may increase your risk of heart disease. Not having seen the doctor when your illness was easier to treat may shorten your life. Just thinking about what you haven’t done may cause discomfort. “Procrastinators experience higher levels of stress, both from leaving things to the last minute and from their own negative and self-critical feelings about their procrastination,” says Fuschia Sirois, a psychology lecturer at the University of Sheffield.
One of the most commonly procrastinated activities is going to bed. “You can put your lights on a timed dimmer switch to encourage a consistent bedtime,” said Joel Anderson, a philosophy researcher-lecturer at Utrecht University, who performed an experiment on this and found it worked on most of his subjects. “They formed an intention,” Anderson says. “One of them said, ‘When the lights start to dim, I’ll start going to bed.’ Then, reward yourself for each step you take toward your goal. But don’t try to convince yourself it will work the other way around! ”
1.What prevented Kelli Saginak stepping into the job market again?
A.Her old age. B.Her lack of skills.
C.Her fear of judgment. D.Her past failure.
2.What does the underlined part “that view” in Paragraph 3 refer to?
A.Procrastinators tend to misjudge their abilities.
B.It’s hard for people to succeed under pressure.
C.Procrastination is part of the human condition.
D.Pressure usually leads to better performance.
3.What is Paragraph 4 mainly about?
A.Different forms of procrastinating. B.Negative effects of procrastinating.
C.Common excuses for procrastinating. D.Specific suggestions for procrastinating.
4.How should people stick to a fixed bedtime according to Joel Anderson?
A.They can use lighting as little as possible.
B.They can first ask themselves about their intentions.
C.They can read some boring research papers.
D.They can try sending themselves signals to inspire action.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
I have been carrying a notebook and pen around with me since I was three. I practiced letters over and over because the act of writing was appealing. Once I could form words, I discovered the beauty of the sentence. The pages transformed into two- or three-line tales about dogs and horses and something else that interested me.
Eventually, I began to understand what it was my heart longed for: to create words and stories. I wrote plays out of the adventures of my American Girl dolls and mimicked(模仿) the mysteries of Harry Potter. I scribbled(涂鸦) across margins in class notes and grabbed any magazine that caught my eye.
I was 11 when I wandered into a Goodwill shop one afternoon with my mother. We searched for treasures and I discovered a row of old typewriters. Most were black, some electric and others manual(手动的), almost all behemoths(庞然大物). Many keys were yellowed with age, but they all shone up at me like magic. I spent long minutes opening cases, tapping keys, shifting rollers to hear that oh-so-delightful ping.At last, I came across a small tan case. Inside was a 1950s baby blue Smith Corona typewriter. I was instantly attracted.
I begged my mom to buy it. Despite my puppy-dog eyes, we left without it. Months passed, and the typewriter left my mind. Christmas arrived with a usual number of presents, until we reached the last one: a tiny box behind the tree. Inside I found a typewriter tape, along with instructions to look under my brother’s bed. With a scream I dashed for his room and found a familiar tan case hidden below.
Within minutes, I had the baby blue beauty set up at our dining table and paper gathered. Growing up, I spent many hours pulling out the typewriter whenever I wanted to copy handwritten stories or needed inspiration.I dragged it with me when I moved from Illinois to Washington.
My typewriter made my childhood dreams of being a writer feel real. Its well-worn keys stoked the creativity in my soul. The words I imagined went from the scribbled pages of notebooks to the print of the typewriter. It was as if I was turning these fantasies into published works all on my own.
1.What happened after the author was able to write a sentence?
A.She developed an interest in writing. B.She took to practising her handwriting.
C.She showed much affection for pets. D.She became a huge Harry Potter fan.
2.Why was the author attracted to the 1950s Smith Corona typewriter?
A.It had yellow keys originally.
B.It was in better condition than the others.
C.It was of small size and had a unique color.
D.It made a more delightful sound than the rest.
3.How did the author finally get the typewriter she had desired?
A.She saved up for the typewriter. B.She received it as a prize.
C.She got it as a Christmas gift. D.She got it from the shop owner.
4.The underlined word “stoked” in Paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to “ ________”.
A.prevented B.increased C.reflected D.consumed
5.Which of the following might be the best title of the passage?
A.Magical Typewriter B.Happy Childhood C.Power of Words D.Typewritten Wonder
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
In 2006, one of the biggest music feuds(积怨) in history ended when Apple (the iPad and iPhone company) and Apple Corps (The Beatles' record label) settled their differences. The argument had been over the ''apple'' logos they both have as part of their trademarks(商标). Shortly after, The Beatles' music was launched for download. While the band's hit songs didn't make as big an impact as commentators(评论员) lad predicted, the event still led to plenty of press coverage.
But iTunes isn't the only technology linked to The Beatles. The Beatles: Rock Band is a video game for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii which allows you to become The Beatles. Released in 2009, the game includes a drum kit, guitar and microphone so you can sing and play along to your favourite songs. Not surprisingly, the game was a huge success, selling more than two million units. A remastered box set of all The Beatles' albums was released on the same day, which also sold well.
Films about The Beatles are also popular. Recent movies include Nowhere Boy, which is a film about the life of John Lennon. It's directed by Sam Taylor-Wood and stars Aaron Johnson and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Magazines and newspapers are still often filled with Beatles stories, and the zebra crossing near Abbey Road recording studios(where the 1969 album of the same name was recorded), was ranked Grade II listing in 2010, which means it’ll be protected. This followed similar recognition for Abbey Road studios itself.
And the future for The Beatles? Well, the band could still top the charts as there are unreleased tracks that still haven't seen the light of day. A strange experimental track called Carnival of Light, and a 27-minute jam of Helter Skelter have never been heard by the public.
Will they ever be released?
1.According to the passage, The Beatles' hit songs in 2006 ______
A.did not have ''apple'' logos B.were not well received as expected
C.couldn't be downloaded D.had a bad impact on commentators
2.Why is The Beatles: Rock Band mentioned in Paragraph 2?
A.To show the increasing popularity of video games.
B.To highlight the technological application of The Beatles.
C.To promote the online sales of technological devices.
D.To emphasize the music talent of the rock band.
3.From the passage we know John Lennon is ______.
A.a member of The Beatles B.the director of Nowhere Boy
C.a game developer D.the lead actor of Nowhere Boy
4.The protection of the zebra crossing implies that ______.
A.the road was in bad state and needed protection
B.the road was a desirable place t report Beatles stories
C.the road made it difficult to recognize Abbey Road studios
D.the road was of historic importance and deserved attention
5.What makes The Beatles' topping the charts possible?
A.Classical music. B.Unreleased songs. C.Strange works. D.Public curiosity.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Rich, heavy food is a major part of the end of the year holidays in the United States. People in the U. S. celebrate Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November. People around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25. Both holidays involve(包含) traditions of cooking very large meals. The food at these meals usually has lots of sugar, salt, and butter in it. Turkey and pie are some of the most common foods in these holidays.
Terri Price has hosted a holiday party on the last Saturday before every Christmas for 30 years. It started when her children were very, very small. She has been preparing many of the dishes for most of the 30 years.
But over time, some traditions do change. The Neveldines are a family who hope to be healthier by changing what they eat. Mick Fury, the Neveldine’s oldest child, said this change is important during the holidays and the rest of the year, too.
Mick and his wife, Michelle, try to eat only organic food. Organic food is any plant or animal food product made without the use of unnatural chemicals or processes. But, Mick is not the only Neveldine who changed their diet. Felicia Neveldine, Mick’s sister, decided nine years ago to become a vegan. A vegan is a person who does not eat or use animal products of any kind.
Felicia became a vegan because of her concern for the treatment of animals and the environmental effects of animal farming. She said that her change in diet also improved her health.
Choosing these special diets means the Neveldines choose their foods carefully. Mick grows a garden behind his house where he gets fresh vegetables.
Holiday traditions may not change, but the way these traditions happen just might.
1.Which of the following best describes the food in American traditional holidays?
A.Delicious to eat and welcome by all.
B.Traditional in holidays but too wasteful.
C.Too rich in nutrition and large in quantity.
D.Good in taste and beneficial to health.
2.What do we learn about the Neveldines’ holiday diets?
A.They have turned healthier. B.They have become less tasty.
C.They have remained the same. D.They have grown unhealthy.
3.What do Mick and his wife concern most about their food?
A.Convenience. B.Safety.
C.Cost. D.Taste.
4.What does the underlined word “vegan” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.健康 B.志愿者
C.语言 D.素食主义者
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
When I was a child, my parents often took me to an old house in a thick forest. No other children ever stayed there. I didn’t even have the choice of playing with a brother or sister.
I could never understand what the attraction of the house was, even for my parents, who enjoyed nothing better than to sit in silence with a good book. The woman in the house, my father’s distant cousin, was a terrible cook and her food was inedible.
One day, when I was wandering around the garden behind the house, I noticed a wooden house which had clearly been abandoned (被遗弃的). As I walked towards it, I heard a noise, like an animal moving hurriedly away. Then I saw a man with a long beard (胡须) standing at the door. I was greatly surprised.
“Please don’t tell them you saw me,” he said. “They never use this place, and I have nowhere else to live.” “Don’t worry,” I said. “I won’t tell anyone. But are you all right out here? I mean — do you have enough to eat?” The old man shook his head.
The same evening, I took a small plastic bag into the dining room and, while no one was looking, emptied some of the food into it. Later, I got out of the back door secretly and gave the food to the old man, whose name I had discovered was Tom.
I have never seen anything else as lovely as the smile of satisfaction on Tom’s face when he ate the food. From then on, my visits to the old house had a purpose, and I enjoyed every minute of the rest of my stay.
1.How did the writer feel about staying in the old house at first?
A.He felt very lonely. B.He was happy to be with his parents.
C.He was pleased with the woods. D.He enjoyed reading good books there.
2.The underlined word “inedible” is closest in meaning to “________”.
A.nice to look at B.too bad to eat
C.not enough to eat D.as delicious as usual
3.What can we know about the old man from the passage?
A.He liked to play computer games. B.He helped to repair the old house.
C.He was poor and hungry. D.He raised many animals.
4.What is the main idea of the passage?
A.It’s valuable to help others. B.It’s good to live in the forest.
C.It’s comfortable to live in the old house. D.It’s nice to raise wild animals.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Dynasty Exploration
6 Days Beijing-Xi’an
Full Itinerary (预定行程)
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Our guide will greet you at Beijing Capital Airport and take you to the reserved(已预定的) hotel.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation (住宿): Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel
Day 2 Beijing
In the morning, you’ll meet other members at the hotel. Here starts your exciting trip. First comes a walk across Tian’anmen Square. The Forbidden City is your next stop. After enjoying a healthy lunch, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven. In the morning, you’ll enjoy the excellent Chinese Kung fu Show at a Red Theater.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast(西式自助早餐), A healthy lunch
Day 3 Beijing
Your guide will take you to visit the Badaling Great Wall first. Lunch is arranged on your own. Afterwards, you’ll be taken to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb. On the way back, you’ll visit the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4 Beijing-Xi’an
In the morning, you’ll travel around the Summer Palace Garden. Then enjoy the old Beijing culture by visiting Hutongs. After a healthy lunch, you’ll fly to Xi’an. There, the local guide will welcome you and take you to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A healthy lunch
Accommodation: Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel
Day 5 Xi’an
Your visit today will start from the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Around noon, we’ll arrange a homely cooked healthy lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show will give you great enjoyment.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked healthy lunch
Day 6 Departure from Xi’an
The whole morning will be devoted to the City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum. And a healthy lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant. After that, you’ll head to the airport by yourself. For departure flight tickets, please feel free to contact us.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A healthy lunch
1.Where will the six-day trip get started?
A.On Tian’anmen Square. B.At the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
C.At Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel. D.At Holiday Inn Central Plaza Hotel.
2.What will visitors do on the morning of Day 3?
A.Enjoy a Chinese Kung fu Show. B.Visit the Badaling Great Wall.
C.Take a walk along the Sacred Way. D.Travel around the Summer Palace Garden.
3.When can visitors enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?
A.On Day 2. B.On Day 3. C.On Day 5. D.On Day 4.
高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析