Question

How to deal successfully with a child who shows outstanding musical ability？It’s not always clear how best to develop and encourage his gift.Many parents may even fail to recognise and respond to their children’s need until frustration explodes into difficult or uncooperative(不合作的) behaviour.And while most schools are equipped to deal with children who are specially able in academic subjects，the musically gifted require special understanding which may not always be available in an ordinary school—especially one where music is regarded as a secondary activity.Such children may well benefit from the education offered by a specialist music school.

The five music schools in Britain are a relatively recent introduction.They aim to provide an environment in which gifted children aged between seven and eighteen can develop their skills to the full under the guidance of professional musicians.

Children at specialist music schools spend between one third and one half of an average day on musical activities，for example，individual lessons，orchestras，chamber(室内音乐的) groups，voice training，conducting and theory.They also spend several hours a day practising in properly equipped private rooms，sometimes with a teacher.The rest of their time is taken up with the subjects：English，maths，basic sciences and languages.All five British specialist schools are independent，classes are small by normal school standards，with a high teacher/pupil ratio(比率)．Most children attending specialist schools tend to be boarders，leaving home to live，eat and sleep full­time at school.

What are the disadvantages？An obvious problem is the cost；the fees are high(￡12,000­￡17,000 a year for boarders)．However，each school will make every effort with scholarships and other forms of financial assistance，to help parents of outstandingly gifted children to find the necessary fees.Secondly，not all parents want to send their children to boarding school，especially at a very early age.Almost all the directors of the specialist schools express doubts about the wisdom of admitting children as young as seven into such an intense and disciplined(守纪律的) environment.They stress，however，that their main aim is to turn out “rounded and well­balanced” individuals.

There is little doubt that setting musically gifted children apart from an early age can cause stress.Early signs of musical ability may disappear in their teenage years，while natural competitiveness and the pressure to succeed can lead to a deep sense of failure.But all specialist schools do keep a close watch on the progress of individual pupils，and offer help and advice if needed.

1.If a child’s musical ability is not recognized，________.

A．the child may misbehave

B．the ability may fade away

C．the child may lose interest

D．the parents may become anxious

2.What problem may musically gifted children face in ordinary schools?

A．Their academic work may suffer.

B．Schools lack musical equipment.

C．Music is not seen as an important subject.

D．Parents and teachers do not work together.

3.What makes specialist music schools different from other schools?

A．Their working day is longer.

B．A range of musical training is offered.

C．More than half the day is spent on music.

D．The children have mostly one­to­one lessons.

4.What do most school directors see as a possible disadvantage for pupils?

A．Poor children may not be included.

B．They may lose their individuality.

C．There may be a discipline problem.

D．They may not be mature enough on arrival.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.B

4.D

【解析】

1.

解析 细节理解题。根据第一段第三句可知，如果家长没能认识到并回应有音乐天赋的孩子的需求，可能会导致孩子不听话的行为。

2.2】C

解析 细节理解题。根据第一段的“...while most schools are equipped to deal with children who are especially able in academic subjects...”和“...especially one where music is regarded as a secondary activity.”可知，在普通学校音乐不是重要学科。

3.3】B

解析 推理判断题。文章第三段从音乐学院设置的专业课程、练习等方面说明音乐学院提供一系列的音乐训练。

4.4】D

解析 推理判断题。根据第四段中的“Almost all the directors of the specialist schools express doubts about the wisdom of admitting children as young as seven into such an intense and disciplined(守纪律的)environment.”推断，绝大多数音乐学院的负责人认为孩子们入学时年龄太小，不成熟。