Question

    TIANJIN, Dec.12, 2018 (Xinhua)—Striking Chinese gongs(锣) for 50 years, Liu Zibin, a 70-year-old folk artist in Tianjin Municipality, is eager to introduce the traditional musical instrument used in Chinese opera to more people.

Liu became addicted to Chinese opera in his childhood when his grandfather frequently took him to watch performances. At the age of 13, he joined Hebei bangzi training team. Hebei bangzi is one of the oldest types of Chinese opera in northern China, which became popular in the Qing Dynasty. It is a traditional Chinese opera combining music, vocals, dance and acrobatics(杂技).

“It took me hours to practice the basic skills of gongs,” he said. “This round piece of metal can help performers on the stage to express joy and sorrow when hit by a stick with different rhythms, so I must bear in mind all kinds of rhythms(节奏) for various situations. For example, striking gongs with a quick tempo(速度) can create a tense atmosphere for action scenes.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, the reorganization of opera troupes in Tianjin forced many members to switch their jobs to those in factories. Thanks to Liu’s brilliant skills, he was fortunate enough to go to one of the three biggest Beijing Opera troupes in Tianjin to continue his gong life.

Ten years ago, Liu retired, but he still goes to an opera tea house almost every afternoon to strike the gong for opera performances. In 2006, Hebei bangzi was listed into China’s national intangible cultural heritage. However, he worries about maintaining the art as fewer and fewer youngsters are learning percussion(敲打乐器), especially gongs. “People who strike the gong stay behind the scenes. It is hard for them to gain fame and fortune,” he said. Although many amateurs(业余爱好者) have learned from Liu over the years, some gave up easily. “It’s a bit dull and boring to continuously strike a gong for 40 minutes at the practice stage. It requires patience. Few can bear the hardship,” he said.

Various kinds of Chinese gongs are neatly placed at Liu’s home. He is waiting for more people to take over his career and spread the traditional Chinese art.

1.What can we know about Liu Zibin from the 2nd paragraph?

A.His grandfather founded Hebei Opera Troupe.

B.He showed interest in Chinese opera as a child.

C.He was the only one who could strike gongs in the troupe.

D.His grandfather taught him to sing Hebei bangzi.

2.Why did some members of the opera troupes turn to factories in the 1960s and 1970s?

A.Because of the reform of the opera troupes.

B.Because no one showed interest in opera then.

C.Because they could earn more money in factories.

D.Because the opera troupe was badly lacking in funds.

3.How old was Liu Zibin when he retired?

A.55 years old. B.60 years old.

C.65 years old. D.70 years old.

4.What can we conclude from the text?

A.People striking the gong will never become famous.

B.Grasping the skill of striking the gong is anything but challenging.

C.Liu expects the traditional Chinese art will draw more people’s attention.

D.Hebei bangzi is now the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.B

4.C

【解析】

这是一篇人物传记。文章介绍了70岁的天津市民间艺术家刘子斌。他已经打了50年的中国锣，刘希望中国传统艺术能吸引更多的人的注意。

1.

细节理解题。根据第二段第一句Liu became addicted to Chinese opera in his childhood when his grandfather frequently took him to watch performances.“小时候，爷爷经常带他去看戏曲表演，从此刘迷上了京剧。”由此可知，刘子斌从小就对京剧很感兴趣。故选B。

2.

推理判断题。根据第四段In the 1960s and 1970s, the reorganization of opera troupes in Tianjin forced many members to switch their jobs to those in factories. Thanks to Liu’s brilliant skills, he was fortunate enough to go to one of the three biggest Beijing Opera troupes in Tianjin to continue his gong life.“在20世纪60年代和70年代，天津歌剧院的重组迫使许多成员转行到工厂工作。由于刘才华横溢，他很幸运地去了天津三大京剧剧团之一，继续他的敲锣的生活。”由此可知，一些剧团的成员在60年代和70年代之所以转向工厂，是因为剧团的改革。故选A。

3.

细节理解题。根据第一段TIANJIN, Dec.12, 2018 (Xinhua)—Striking Chinese gongs(锣) for 50 years, Liu Zibin, a 70-year-old folk artist in Tianjin Municipality, is eager to introduce the traditional musical instrument used in Chinese opera to more people.“新华网天津12月12日电，已经打了50年的中国锣，现年70岁的天津市民间艺术家刘子斌希望将中国戏曲中使用的传统乐器介绍给更多的人。”和第五段第一句Ten years ago, Liu retired,“十年前刘退休”。由此可知，刘子斌退休时60岁。故选B。

4.

推理判断题。根据最后一段Various kinds of Chinese gongs are neatly placed at Liu’s home. He is waiting for more people to take over his career and spread the traditional Chinese art.“刘的家里整齐地摆放着各种各样的中国锣。他在等待更多的人接手他的事业，传播中国传统艺术。”由此可知，刘希望中国传统艺术能吸引更多的人的注意。故选C。