Every person learns at least one language in his childhood that is routinely used for speaking and writing.However, many people are fond of learning two or more languages.There are numerous benefits of being bilingual such as an improvement in linguistic abilities as well as betterment of cognitive(认知)flexibility such as divergent thinking, concept formation, verbal abilities and general reasoning.
Many people have the capacity to learn a second language.It may be another language in the same country or totally different language from another country.Nowadays, institutes and schools offering foreign language courses are popping up throughout the world.While learning another language, you need to understand its basic grammar and improve vocabulary.Being bilingual offers greater sensitivity to language, more flexibility in thinking and a better ear for listening.It also improves a person's understanding for the native language.It opens the door to other cultures.Moreover, knowledge of other languages increases the career opportunities, offering several job options.
The bilingual people can have some specific advantages in thinking.They have two or more words for each idea and object and can develop a creative thinking and an ability to think more flexibly.The bilinguals are aware about which language should be spoken with which person in a particular situation.Therefore, they are more sensitive to the needs of the listener than the monolingual people.Being bilingual has a positive effect on intellectual growth.It enhances and enriches a person's mental development.The bilinguals are better at IQ tests compared to the monolinguals.What is more, being bilingual may keep your mind young.Juggling two languages as a child can slow mental decline.
The bilinguals are able to switch between different languages and talk to different people in various languages.It increases a sense of self-esteem.Being bilingual creates a powerful link in different people from different countries.The bilinguals tend to show a higher performance in examinations and tests.
The bilinguals enjoy reading and writing in different languages.They can understand and appreciate literatures in various languages.It gives a deeper knowledge of different ideas and traditions.It helps improve the ways of thinking and behaving.The pleasures of reading poetry, novels and magazines as well as the enjoyment of writing to family and friends are doubled for bilinguals.
(1)
Which is the best title of the passage?
[ ]
A.
We should be Bilingual
B.
Learning Language is of Great Help
C.
Advantages of being Bilingual
D.
Mastering Languages
(2)
Which of the following is not the cognitive benefits of being bilingual?
[ ]
A.
It makes a person think creatively.
B.
It makes a person more sensitive to the listener's needs.
C.
It improves and enriches a person's mental development.
D.
It does good to a person's character.
(3)
It can be inferred that when hunting for a job, ________.
[ ]
A.
a person can increase his own sense of self-esteem
B.
graduates are offered more opportunities.
C.
the bilinguals have an advantage over others.
D.
the bilinguals can understand the employers better
The China National Opera(CNO)will give a concert to celebrate its 50th birthday.
Different generations of CNO vocalists, like Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei, will present the concert which will feature both songs from famous Chinese operas like “The White-haired Girl” and “The Hundredth Bride”, as well as, arias of such Western opera classics as “Madame Butterfly”, “La Traviata” and “Rigoletto”.
Time/date:7∶30 pm, September 7, 8
Location:Tianqiao Theatre
Tel:6551-4787, 8315-6170
Tickets:60-500 yuan(US $7.2-60.2)
Folk music
A concert will be held to feature some recently composed traditional Chinese music works.
The concert, given by the Folk Orchestra of the China Opera and Ballet Theatre, will include such pieces as “Memory of Childhood ”, “Memorial Ceremony for God ”and “Wine Song”.
Time/date:7∶30pm, September 13
Location:Concert hall at the National Library of China
Tel:6848 –5462, 6841-9220
Tickets:30-200 yuan(US$3.6-24.1)
Moon music
A concert of traditional Chinese music will be given on the eve of the Moon Festival which falls on September 21st this year.
The concert will feature a number of famous pieces centred on the theme of the moon, such as “Moonlight”, “Spring night on a Moonlit River” and “Lofty Mountain and Flowing River.”
A number of established traditional Chinese music performers like Zhou Yaokun and Fan Weiqing, will play solos as well as collaborate with the folk music orchestra.
Time/date:7∶30 pm, September 21st
Location:Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities
Tel:6606-8888, 6606-9999
(1)
If you want to buy tickets for listening to the music “Memory of Childhood”, you will dial _________.
[ ]
A.
6551-4787
B.
6848-5462
C.
8315-6170
D.
6606-9999
(2)
Which statement is right according to the passage?
[ ]
A.
Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei stand for the same generation of CNO vocalists.
B.
“Rigoletto” is a famous piece on the theme of the moon.
C.
“Lofty Mountain and Flowing River” is a traditional Chinese music.
D.
Zhou Yaokun will play solos and Fan Weiqing will collaborate with the folk music orchestra.
(3)
“Madame Butterfly” is ________.
[ ]
A.
a Chinese opera
B.
a Western opera
C.
a piece of music
D.
a song
(4)
In which column of a newspaper will the article be published?