Question

    “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and joy to life and to everything,” the ancient Greek philosopher Plato said.

This is one of Don Spencer’s favorite mottos that he firmly believes. “We know that music brings joy and comfort, and makes us feel happy,” Spencer says, “But research has also discovered music plays a powerful role in the mental development of children. Music inspires creativity, imagination and self-expression. It also builds self-respect and is good for memory skills.”

The power of music

Much research supports both Spencer and Plato. A Stanford University study found that musical training improves the way the brain processes the spoken word.

Research from Canada found that children aged four to six years old who had music lessons had better memories, as well as higher ability to read and write and math’s levels.

Not in the curriculum

Research from Australia shows it’s not that smart kids play music; it’s that music makes kids smarter. It supports Spencer’s call for music to be a standard part of the school curriculum, like English and Math.

“Music is everywhere, but not at 75 percent of public schools around Australia who don't have a devoted music teacher,” Spencer says. “It's sad that many children don’t have access to formal musical education, particularly when it has such an effect on a child’s development.”

Ideally, Spencer would like every child to learn an instrument. “Kids can access cheap instruments like a ukulele, recorder or harmonica,” Spencer says. He says the Internet has a lot of free videos which teach you how to play instruments.

“I can't stress enough how important music is,” he says. “It builds relationships, unites people and, most importantly, it is fun.”

1.Plato’s words are mentioned at the beginning of the text to show that ________.

A.music was important in ancient time B.everything is based on music

C.Spencer admires Plato D.music has magic power

2.From the research from Australia mentioned in the passage, we can learn ________.

A.music can make children smarter

B.children aged four to six have better memories

C.there are no professional music teachers in Australia

D.music is a standard part of the school curriculum in most schools

3.What might be the best title for the passage?

A.When Music is taught B.Why Music Matters

C.Why We Learn Instruments D.How Children Learn Music

Answer

1.D

2.A

3.B

【解析】

本文是一篇议论文。文章介绍了音乐的重要作用。新的研究表明音乐在孩子的心智发展中起着非常重要的作用，因此，本文也建议学校增设音乐课，并鼓励孩子们学一门音乐。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段柏拉图所说It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and joy to life and to everything,可知，音乐给予宇宙一个灵魂、 给予心灵一对翅膀、给予想像飞翔的能力、给予万物生命。由此可知，这句主要是强调音乐的力量。选项D. music has magic power(音乐拥有魔力)正确。故选D。

2.细节理解题。根据Research from Australia shows it’s not that smart kids play music; it’s that music makes kids smarter.可知，来自澳大利亚的研究表明，不是聪明的孩子会玩音乐；而是音乐让孩子更聪明。由此可知，音乐让孩子们变得更加聪明。故选A。

3.主旨大意题。本文开始就引用柏拉图的话强调音乐的力量，之后通过介绍新的研究结果来证明音乐的作用，因此本文主要是介绍音乐的重要性。选项B. Why Music Matters(为什么音乐重要)为最佳标题。故选B。