Question

Music died here last spring, or rather, it was killed by members of the school committee who ignored the importance of music as part of the high-school curriculum.

The committee decided that teaching students how to take a 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(资金), it needs to make sure that students pass the test or even more money will be lost. If students fail the state test，it is not the fault of music classes — they are failing because the “academic” classes are not adequate.

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 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(投资) 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(善于分析的) 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 is not included in the high school curriculum mainly because .

A. the school committee pays no attention to it

B. the students are not interested in it

C. the school is afraid of losing financial support

D. the state test is more important

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

A. The number of the classes determines students’ performance in the test.

B. The school committee completely influences students’ attitude towards art.

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

D. Quite a few students are discouraged from learning music at school.

3.We can learn that music and art can .

A. make students round-shaped people in future

B. motivate students in creativity and expression

C. provide students with analytical thinking

D. prevent students graduation from high school

4.The best title of the passage can be .

A. Who on earth killed music?

B. Can curriculum go without music?

C. Can we ignore the importance of music?

D. How to prepare for the real world?

Answer 1

1.C

2.D

3.B

4.B

【解析】

试题分析：音乐是最美的语言。然而在这篇文章中，作者提到因为经费的问题，有些学校竟然取消了音乐课程，这引起了人们的讨论。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段的Because the school system is running out of funding(资金), it needs to make sure that students pass the test or even more money will be lost.可知，学校希望能确保有更多的学生通过考试，这样就会得到更多的经济支援。换句话说，学校把音乐课取消是为了把时间用来教育孩子如何通过考试，也即学校害怕没有经济支援。故选择C。

2.细节理解题。根据第三段的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.可知，很多学生都不想再唱歌…，因为这些课程学校都不提供。故选择D。

3.推理判断题。根据最后一段的It blocks the natural sense to create and express feelings through art — there is more to life than the analytical(善于分析的) thinking that math and English provide.可知，艺术可以激发创造性和表达情感。故选择B。

4.主旨大意题。通读文章可知，作者由学校取消音乐课程入手，告诉了我们音乐课程到底应不应该存在于课程之中。故选择B。

考点：考查议论文阅读