Question

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.

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 not included in the high-school curriculum mainly because ________.

A．the school committee pays no attention to them

B．the school is afraid of losing financial support

C．the students are not interested in both of them

D．the state standardized test is more important

2.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．The sufficiency of the classes determines students' performance in the mastery test.

B．Quite a few students are discouraged from learning music and art in today's school system.

C．Students can be musicians and artists only if they can afford private music lessons.

D．The school committee completely influences students' attitude towards the arts.

3.We can learn that music and art can ________.

A．motivate students in creativity and expression

B．make students round-shaped people in future

C．provide students with analytical thinking

D．prevent students graduation from high school

4.The best title of the passage can be ________.

A．“Who killed music and drama？”

B．“Can curriculum go without music？”

C．“Why is music so important？”

D．“How to prepare for the real world？”

Answer

1.B

2.B

3.A

4.B

【解析】本文在叙述学校专注于成绩而忽视音乐与美术课，这样会使学生有所缺失，并不能很好的为学生进入社会做好准备。

1.B 细节题 根据第二段得知，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.会失去财政支持，故选 B项。

2.B 细节题。根据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判断出A项错误。根据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.得出B项正确。C项的观点过于偏激，主要在于only if 的出现。D项从最后一段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.得出是错误的。

3.A细节题。从最后一段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得出应该选A项。

4.B 主旨大意。从全文的角度来把握大意，而不是拘于一小段。

考点：教育类阅读。