While everyone enjoys listening to good music...

While everyone enjoys listening to good music, not many of us are what the world calls "musician" —the ones with the ability to play a musical instrument. This could be due to not having the chance to learn as kids or simply due to lack of proper instruction. 1. And here are four good reasons as to why everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.

It teaches patience. 2. It is the daily efforts of everyday practice that can help a musician learn how to play without mistakes. Most musicians go through years of regular practice that may include doing daily musical exercises and dealing with progressively difficult musical pieces, which in turn help them acquire the virtue of patience.

It promotes a sense of achievement. The process of learning how to play an instrument can be both time consuming and tiring. 3. The more time and effort you put into mastering an instrument, the greater your sense of achievement will be.

4. Playing a musical instrument can bring the joy factor into your life. Music has the special ability to bring joy, peace peace and fulfillment that help lift the spirit and make life enjoyable for everyone involved.

It regulates mood. Research shows that creating music reduces stress. Playing music can also act as an emotional way to express your feelings. 5.

A.It brings pleasure.

B.It improves listening skills.

C.However, music is something that is never too late to learn.

D.Overcoming this directly results in a sense of achievement and pride.

E.Playing an instrument is not something that can be learned overnight.

F.Regularly playing any instrument is a great form of exercise for the brain.

G.Creating your own music can change your sadness or joy into a real work of art.

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

Listening to a radio broadcast in a foreign language is difficult for many of us. We may have studied the language for several years, and are able to read it, perhaps even write in it. But listening and understanding the spoken language require special skills. Some people have a natural ability that helps them to learn a language quickly, while others must study for a long time. Everyone, however, can improve his or her listening skills with practice.

We are good listeners in our own language because we have had years of practice. We understand the grammar and the language. We know what to expect a person to say to us in almost any situation. We have been in similar situations many times, and we have heard it all before. We can understand it, even if we do not listen carefully.

But this is not true with a foreign language. We must listen with our full attention. And we must try not to let the cultural style of our language affect our understanding of the foreign language. Listening to a foreign language broadcast is easier if we know something about it. There are clues that can help us. One clue is the time of a day. Morning programs usually contain many short items of news, information or entertainment. The items are short because most of us are getting ready to go to work in the morning. Often we do not have time to listen to long programs. Evening programs are different. There is time for more details about the subjects discussed.

We can get a clue about the program from the music at the beginning, but we must be familiar with the music of the foreign culture. The kind of music—serious and slow, or fast and light—can tell us what kind of program to expect. The name of the program can give us good information about what it will contain.

Another good clue is the broadcaster. The more we listen to the same person, the easier it will be to understand him. His speaking style will become familiar to us. Further, the broadcaster provides clues to the organization of the broadcast at the beginning of the program. The broadcaster usually gives us the highlights of the program to prepare us for the details that will follow.

1.We are good listeners in our own language because______.

A.we have a natural ability to learn language B.we have practiced it for years

C.we listen to our own language more carefully D.our own language is much easier

2.If you don’t have enough time, you can listen to______.

A.morning programs B.familiar programs

C.evening programs D.programs with soft music

3.You can know the information of the program according to_____.

A.its music B.the broadcaster

C.its name D.the time of the program

高二英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析

From Mozart to Metallica, tons of people enjoy listening to various types of music while they paint, write, or draw. Many believe that music helps boost creativity, but an international study conducted by English and Swedish researchers is challenging that belief. Their findings indicate music actually stymies creativity.

To come to their conclusions, researchers had participants complete verbal insight problems designed to inspire creativity while sitting in a quiet room, and then again while music played in the background. They found that background music “significantly damaged” the participants’ ability to complete tasks associated with verbal creativity. The research team also tested background noises such as those commonly heard in a library, but found that such noises had no impact on subjects’ creativity. The tasks were simple word games. For example, participants were given three words, such as dress, dial, and flower. Then, they were asked to find a single word associated with all three that could be combined to form a common phrase or word. The single word, in this case, would be “sun” (sundress, sunflower, etc). Participants completed the tasks in either a quiet room, or while exposed to three different types of music; music with unfamiliar lyrics, instrumental music, or music with familiar lyrics.

“We found strong evidence of damaged performance when playing background music in comparison to quiet background conditions,” says co-author Dr. Neil McLatchie of Lancaster University.

Dr. McLatchie and his colleagues theorize that music interferes with the verbal working memory processes of the brain, blocking creativity. Also, as far as the library background noises having seemingly no effect, the study’s authors believe that was the case because library noises create a “steady state” environment that doesn’t disrupt concentration. It’s worth mentioning that even familiar music with well known lyrics damaged participants’ creativity, regardless of whether or not it caused a positive reaction, or whether participants typically studied or created while listening to music.

“To conclude, the findings here challenge the popular view that music strengthens creativity, and instead demonstrate that music, regardless of the presence of semantic (语义的) content (no lyrics, familiar lyrics or unfamiliar lyrics), consistently disrupts creative performance in insight problem solving,” the study reads.

1.Why are Mozart and Metallica mentioned at the beginning?

A.To prove they are very creative. B.To introduce the topic of the text.

C.To show the importance of music. D.To offer some background information.

2.What does the underlined word “stymies” in the first paragraph probably mean?

A.Blocks. B.Boosts.

C.Inspires. D.Strengthens.

3.If the participants were given the words fire, place and book during the game, a proper answer could be　 .

A.man B.store

C.work D.birth

4.What do we know about the study?

A.The tasks were very difficult for participants to finish.

B.All participants were exposed to two different types of music.

C.Music with famous lyrics didn’t harm participants’ creativity.

D.Library background noises hardly affected participants’ creativity.

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

From Mozart to Metallica, tons of people enjoy listening to various types of music while they paint, write, or draw. Many believe that music helps improve creativity, but an international study conducted by English and Swedish researchers and published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology is challenging that notion. Psychologists from Lancaster University, the University of Gavle, and the University of Central Lancashire say that their findings indicate music actually prevents creativity.

To come to their conclusions, researchers had participants complete verbal problems designed to inspire creativity while sitting in a quiet room, and then again while music played in the background. They found that background music obviously weakened the participants’ ability to complete tasks associated with verbal creativity. The research team also tested background music such as those commonly heard in a library, but found that such music had no impact on participants’ creativity.

The tasks were simple word game. For example, participants were given three words, such as dress, dial, and flower. Then, they were asked to find a single word associated with all three that could be combined to form a common phrase or word. The single word in this case, would be “sun” (sundress, sunflower, etc.). Participants completed the tasks in either a quiet room, or while exposed to three different types of music: music with unfamiliar lyrics (歌词), instrumental music, or music with familiar lyrics.

“We found strong evidence of imperfect performance when playing background music in comparison to quiet background conditions,” said co-author Dr. Neil McLatchie. Dr. McLatchie and his colleagues conclude that music even familiar music with well-known lyrics disturbs the participants’ focus, preventing creativity. Also, as for the library background music having seemingly no effect, the study’s authors believe that was the case because library music creates a “steady state” environment that doesn’t affect concentration.

1.What does the underlines word “notion” in Paragraph mean?

A.suggestion B.opinion C.principle D.theory

2.Except the library background music, how many background conditions were created for the participants?

A.3. B.4. C.5. D.6.

3.What’s the purpose of the study about music?

A.To prove that music is beneficial to people’s health.

B.To make it known that music can improve people’s memory.

C.To test whether music is beneficial for creativity or not.

D.To indicate why background music in library is popular.

4.Which of the following is actually disturbed by background music?

A.Patience. B.Hearing ability. C.Environment. D.Concentration.

高二英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析

It is one thing to enjoy listening to good music, but it is ____another to play it well yourself.

A. quite　　　 B. very　　　　 C. rather　　　 D. much

高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

I enjoy listening to classical music, but I’m so busy now that I’m not in the _____ for it.

高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

While you are online there are plenty of perfectly legal sites where you can listen to music for free. This gives you the chance to listen to music before buying it, discover new music, and create great online playlists that you can share with others.

The Sixty One

The Sixty One is devoted to showcasing obscure or unknown artists of all genres. There’s a range of musical styles from classical to rock and roll, folk to jazz, and everything in between. Don’t expect to find big name musicians on here; you’re more likely to find the musicians playing at local coffee shops than bands you hear on the radio. You can find fantastic music that you never would have heard of otherwise.

Pow Wow

Pow Wows are the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships, and making new ones. This is a time method to renew Native American culture and preserve the rich heritage of American Indians. PowWows.com has 2 online radio stations that play Native American Music 24/7 free! Here you can listen to your favorite artists and drum groups on your computer or mobile device and add your music to our station.

Playlist

Playlist has an enormous library, so you can create playlists with almost any musician you can think of. They have both some lesser known artists and big names, so you have a really good selection. The worst part: Due to licensing laws, many of the songs on Playlist are now restricted to certain countries. So unless you live inside the US, it is likely that you might not be able to find all of your favorite songs.

Pandora

Pandora is an intelligent Internet radio site. Basically, as you listen, you can give each song a thumbs up or thumbs down. You can create your own radio station that only plays music you like. The best part: It listens to your opinion, so that after a while it’s only playing music you like, but the list is always changing and expanding.

My Space

Combine a major social networking site with thousands of artists around the world. Each musician has their own page, which normally has a playlist of several of their songs. But it has a huge range of musicians ranging from huge stars to the up-and-coming, and you can listen to the music and interact with the rest of the page.

1. If you enjoy listening to some new music, you can pay a visit to ______.

A. Pow Wow 　 　　　　 B. Playlist

C. The Sixty One 　　 D. Pandora

2.You can’t listen to some music on Playlist possibly because ______.

A. it is only open to those who are in the United States

B. you are not one of the members of the website

C. you don’t have any playlist

D. the music is played only by the local people

3.Pandora is different from the other websites of music in that ____.

A. listening to music is free of charge

B. the website keeps changing and expanding

C. it is built according to your suggestions

D. you can always enjoy your favorite music

4.Which of the following is true of My Space

A. Thousands of artists visit it every day.

B. It is unnecessary to create your own playlist.

C. There are only huge stars’ songs.

D. It is possible to meet the stars around the world.

5.Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

A. Best Free Music Websites.

B. All Kinds of Music Online.

C. Create Your Own Playlist.

D. Listen to Music for free.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

How to Enjoy Life As a Teen

The “best years of your life”? Maybe not, but you can learn to make the most of your high school days.

1.. Whether it’s having a computer, having friends, having a good supply of food, a bed to sleep on, family that loves you or simply being born in this world. Remember that the point of life is for you to enjoy it. Be happy, and life will reward you. Remember that these are the last few years you will be able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about the responsibility(责任) of an adult.

Choose your friends wisely. Unlike what many articles state, you don’t have to be popular and have lots of friends to be happy. 2.. Try to have friends that like you who you are, not just because you are wearing a certain brand of shoes or something like that. These are people who shop at the same store as you; not someone who will sympathize(同情，安慰) with you when your dog dies.

3.. Having a healthy body leads to a healthy and happy mind. Being confident in your appearance makes you more confident in other areas. Be sociable. 4.While you only need 4 or 5 close friends, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to meet new people. Participating gives you something to do instead of sitting bored at home and wallowing in self-pity.

5.! If you have a special girl/guy you want to ask out, dance with, etc. just ask! You probably won’t be rejected(拒绝) but if you are, remember that there will always be someone else that likes you for who you are. Don’t go to sleep that night with regret.

A.Go for it.

B.Keep your grades up.

C.Play a sport or work out.

D.Learn to appreciate small things.

E.If you are not good at sports, join a band or choir.

F.In fact, many of the “Friends” you have when you are popular are not true friends.

G.Joining in clubs, activities and sport increases your chances of meeting new friends.

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析

Usually, when you listen to music you will expect it to be enjoyable. Music is everywhere these days. It can make an experience much more pleasurable, unless we are watching a horror movie. Then, we expect something different, or something that is also horrible!

Mark Korven writes music for movies and TV. He provided the music for a successful horror movie called The Witch .Its director, Robert Eggers, asked Mark not to use any electronic music for this movie. He wanted to create a more real sound. Following this experience, Mark began to think about how a more natural sound could be made for future horror movies. He got in touch with his good friend, Tony Duggan-Smith, a musician and maker of musical instruments. Tony camp up with something great.

Tony created a special instrument that he calls The Apprehension Engine. It looks a little like a mechanic or engineer's workshop table. The handmade instrument was inspired by something called the Soundtrack Box, invented by the Oslo-based new- music technologist Koka Nikoladze. Every section of the instrument is there to create a sound or noise that can scare you.

Mark has said that his purpose when writing music for the The Apprehension Engine is to help produce sounds that are disturbing. He showed his skills recently by giving a hugely successful performance one dark evening in Brooklyn, New York on Friday 13", of course! In the shadow of candles, members of people jumped out of their skin.(吓得魂不附体)

So, is The Apprehension Engine a musical instrument, a machine, or an engine? If you believe that the purpose of music is to excite the listener, you can probably call it a musical instrument-it’s just that the sounds the instrument makes do not necessarily make you feel happy or relaxed.

1.What did Robert Eggers require Mark Korven to do?

A.To invent a new instrument. B.To avoid using electronic music.

C.To work with others to make music. D.To make pleasant music for his movie.

2.What is unusual about The Apprehension Engine?

A.It is the idea of a director. B.It was first played in Brooklyn.

C.It looks more like a machine. D.It is made up of different instruments.

3.W hat does the underlined word “disturbing”in Paragraph 4 mean?

A.Disappointing. B.Surprising.

C.Worrying. D.Relaxing.

4.What's the text mainly about?

A.The advantage of music. B.A special musical instrument.

C.How to mix different music. D.How to create music for horror movies.

高二英语阅读选择中等难度题查看答案及解析

How to Communicate as a Family

In today's busy world, many families struggle to see each other. That does not mean that our need for family has decreased. Most of us still long for a united family.1.. Below are tips on it.

Use effective communication skills

Each member of the family should feel important and valued. 2.. In order for your family members to hear your needs, you have to express them. Be polite but honest with your family during discussions.

Listen intently

3.. Your family members will feel loved if their point of view is heard and respected. Avoid talking over your family members, and instead, listen to what they are saying.

Show appreciation for each other

Taking family for granted is easily done.4.. Make it a point to tell each family member that you are thankful for them, and that you enjoy being a family.

5.

Everyone in your family is not going to agree on every issue. As a family, you have to be flexible and accepting of each person's point of view. Avoid arguing over little things such as who should take the trash out; instead, make a conscious effort to divide responsibilities and privileges （特权）fairly.

A.Agree to disagree

B.This includes you

C.Give and accept apologies

D.However, that unity does not always come easily

E.Most of them have been around most of your life

F.It is important that you hear your family members' concerns

G.Also remember that perfect unity will not exist all the time in any family

高二英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析