Question

【题目】American Country Music

Over the past twenty years, American country music has become more and more popular. Song writers are no longer writing about the modern values of the USA—money, success or expensive things to buy. Instead they are writing once more about things that are common for everyone: feeling alone in the modern world, the value of having good friends and so on.

In the 1950s, American music was about other things, for example, love—getting or losing a boyfriend or girlfriend. Money was also thought to be important.

Then in the 1960s, song writers turned to other subjects. During these years many young students were angry with society, so songs were often full of anger. Political leaders were not well thought of and those songs often made fun of them.

Today country music has returned. It has become big business and brings in between 200 and 400 million dollars a year. Once, the home of American country music was Nashville, Tennessee. Now, however, the music has reached all parts of the States, from Los Angeles in the west to New York in the east. Singers do not just come from the States but from all over the world. There are many famous singers from Britain, Canada and Australia. A lot of them appear on television too.

The first country singers sang while playing the guitar. It was easy for them to carry a guitar on their travels. Now, however, a lot of electrical equipment is needed for large theatres.

Country music today remains much the same as before. One subject to which country music often returns is “the good old days”. In “the good old days” people thought well of each other. People loved life in the open air. They believed that the best things in life were free: sunshine, laughing, walks in the beauty of the country, friends and music.

【1】What do we know about American country music?

A. Country singers had a great interest in politics.

B. Country music is originally written for the black.

C. More musical instruments are used by country singers.

D. Televisions lead to the growing popularity of country music.

【2】Which of the following does modern American country music focus on?

A. Friendship. B. Love.

C. Power. D. Money.

【3】Country singers return to the subject of “the good old days” to ___________.

A. record their past achievements

B. remind people of American history

C. express their appreciation of a simple life

D. call on people to stay away from social problems

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】A

【3】C

【解析】文章介绍了美国乡村音乐的发展变化。

【1】C推理判断题。根据文章乡村音乐根据倒数第二段The first country singers sang while playing the guitar. It was easy for them to carry a guitar on their travels. Now, however, a lot of electrical equipment is needed for large theatres.(最初的歌手在歌唱时弹奏吉他，吉他很容易在旅行的时候携带。然而现在，大型剧院需要大量的电子设备)，说明现在的乡村歌手使用更多的乐器，C项正确，故选C。

【2】A细节理解题。根据第一段Instead they are writing once more about things that are common for everyone: feeling alone in the modern world, the value of having good friends and so on.（相反，他们又开始写一些对每个人来说都很平常的事情：在现代社会中感到孤独，拥有好朋友的价值等。）可知，现代美国音乐关注友谊，A项符合文意，故选A。

【3】C细节理解题。根据最后They believed that the best things in life were free: sunshine, laughing, walks in the beauty of the country, friends and music.（他们相信生活中最美好的东西是免费的：阳光、欢笑、漫步于乡村、朋友和音乐。）可知，乡村音乐重新返回“过去的好时光”，而这些好时光是生活中随手可得的，所以是表达对简单生活的喜爱，故选C。