Music died here last spring, or rather, it was killed by members of the school committee who ignored the importance of music and drama as part of the high-school curriculum.
The committee decided that teaching students how to take a standardized test is more important than a curriculum in which students can explore their interests in the arts as well as academics. Because the school system is running out of funding, it needs to make sure that students pass the mastery test or even more money will be lost. If students fail the state standardized test, it is not the fault of drama and music classes – they are failing because the academic classes are not sufficient (足够).
It is painful to think of how many students will be discouraged from singing, acting, and playing instruments because school programs are no longer offered. Many families cannot afford private music lessons, and many potential musicians and artists may not find their calling if they are not exposed to it in school. The fact that the school committee thinks the arts are not worth the investment will certainly make some students believe the arts are not worth their time or support and the cycle will continue.
Teaching for a test does not shape students into complete, well- rounded people. It blocks the natural sense to create and express feelings through art – there is more to life than the analytical thinking that math and English provide. What happens after a test? Sure, a student might graduate, but they will have limited knowledge – certainly not a good preparation for the real world.
1.Music and drama are ignored by ________.
A. students B. the school committee C. teachers D. parents
2.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Students can get high marks in the standardized test only by attending classes
B. The school committee completely influences students’ attitude towards the arts
C. Students can be musicians and artists only if they can afford private music lessons
D. Quite a few students are discouraged from music and art in today’ s school system
3.We can learn that music and art can ______.
A. provide students with analytical thinking
B. make students round-shaped people in future
C. motivate students in creativity and expression
D. prevent students graduating from high school
4.The best title of the passage can be ______.
A. Who Killed Music and Drama? B. Can Curriculum Go Without Arts?
C. Why is Music So Important? D. How to Prepare For the Real World?
Beverage Service We serve a variety of soft drinks, coffee, tea
and free of charge. However, as flying has a dehydrating effect, water and
nonalcoholic beverages are recommended.
Electronic Equipment Cellular phones, FM/AM radios, portable
television sets and electronic toys with remote controls must not be used in
the cabin, as their signals may interfere with the aircrafts navigational
instruments. Laptop computers and CD (MD, MP3) players may be used during
cruising portions of the flight but not
during the takeoff and landing.
Inflight Entertainment A wide selection of international
publications are available for your reading pleasure. You may keep this
free copy of Morning Calm magazine, but kindly return all other reading
materials after you have finished with them for the benefit of fellow
passengers. A selection of music is available on eight channels, from
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Medical Needs We keep a selection of nonprescription
medicine for any passenger suffering from mild sicknesses. An
emergency medical kit is also available for more serious illnesses.
Travelling with Infants and Children Baby bassinets are
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the time of booking. Special meals for children and infants can be
served if the request is made 24 hours before departure. Selected
giveaways for children aged 2 to 12 are available on all international flights.
1.The services above are probably offered by ___________.
A. a traveling agent B. a medical center C. an airline D. a five-star hotel
2.If you turn on channel 5 on your armrest, what will you enjoy?
A. International news. B. Free-of-charge drinks.
C. Fashion magazines. D. Popular music.
3.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. You should return all the reading materials for other passengers to read.
B. Babies can have special food if it is ordered a day earlier before departure.
C. Alcoholic beverages are not served because passengers may get drunk.
D. All the children can get some gifts when they take an international airline.
阅读下面短文，掌握其大意，从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Fifteen years spent in the field of education has provided me with many treasured moments. One of the most unforgettable 1when I was teaching 2grade 10 years ago.
In May I decided to plan something 3for the children; a Mother’s Day tea. We had put our heads together to 4ideas of how to 5our mothers. We practiced singing songs, memorized poems and wrote cards. We decided to hold our tea the Friday before Mother’s Day. I was surprised but very 6to learn that every mother was planning to attend. I 7invited my own mother.
Finally, the big day arrived. Each child 8up at our classroom door, expecting the arrival of his or her mom. 9it got closer to starting time, I looked around and my eyes quickly found Jimmy. His mother hadn’t shown up and he was looking 10.
I took my mother by the hand and walked over to Jimmy. “Jimmy,” I said, “I have a bit of problem here and I was 11if you could keep my mother 12while I’m busy.”
My mom and Jimmy sat at a table. Jimmy 13my mom her treats, presented her with the gift I had made, just as we had 14the day before. Whenever I looked over, my mother and Jimmy were in deep 15.
Now 10 years later, I work with students of all ages, educating them about the environment. Last year, I took a senior class on a field trip, and there was Jimmy. I had the students complete an outline of the day’s 16and an evaluation of our trip. Then I collected the students’ booklets and checked them to see if 17was completed. When I came 18Jimmy’s page, he had written “Remember our Mother’s Day tea we had in second grade, Mrs. Marra? I do! Thanks for all you did for me, and thank your mother, too.”
I told him I really enjoyed what he had written. He looked rather embarrassed and 19his own thanks and walked away. Suddenly he ran back and gave me a big hug.
I ended my workday with a hug from a teenage boy who had 20stopped hugging teachers years ago.
1.A. lasted B. happened C. experienced D. described
2.A. third B. first C. second D. fourth
3.A. special B. simple C. difficult D. challenging
4.A. pay attention to B. look forward to C. get on with D. come up with
5.A. love B. please C. respect D. admire
6.A. astonished B. worried C. delighted D. interested
7.A. even B. ever C. still D. once
8.A. followed B. held C. kept D. lined
9.A. As B. Although C. While D. Because
10.A. puzzled B. curious C. strange D. upset
11.A. considering B. wondering C. asking D. doubting
12.A. connection B. care C. company D. concern
13.A. served B. supplied C. appealed D. applied
14.A. taught B. studied C. practiced D. told
15.A. mind B. thought C. agreement D. conversation
16.A. feeling B. behavior C. event D. action
17.A. something B. everything C. anything D. nothing
18.A. by B. to C. across D. over
19.A. announced B. delivered C. stated D. whispered
20.A. probably B. exactly C. rarely D. eagerly
--- I’m thinking of the test tomorrow. I’m afraid I can’t pass this time.
--- _______! I’m sure you’ll make it.
A. Go ahead B. Good luck C. No problem D. Cheer up
--- Learning a language isn’t easy. It takes time.
--- I agree. ______ . There’s no short cut.
A. All roads lead to Rome B. Practice makes perfect
C. Rome wasn’t built in a day D. Slow but sure wins the race
____________, I wouldn’t have finished my homework.
A. If you didn’t help me B. Had you not helped me
C. If you haven’t helped me D. Haven’t you helped me
