E
LOS ANGELES-Michael
Jackson,defined in equal parts as the
world’s greatest entertainer,was about to attempt one of the greatest comebacks of all time.Then his life was cut shockingly-and
so far, mysteriously-short.
The 50-year-old musical superstar
died Thursday, just as he was preparing for what would be a series of 50
concerts starting July l 3 in London.
“It is believed he suffered
cardiac arrest in his home.However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the
autopsy(尸检)are known,”his brother Jermaine said.
Cardiac arrest is an
abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body.It can occur after a heart attack
or be caused by other heart problems.
Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and
the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music's
biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie. Jackson's sudden death
immediately caused comparisons to that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.
Jackson
is known as an increasingly strange figure-a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life.
His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a girlish voice. He
often wore a germ mask while traveling, and kept a pet chimpanzee (黑猩猩) named Bubbles as one of his closest
companions.
Billboard magazine
editorial director Bill Werde said Jackson's
star power was unmatched. "The world just lost the biggest pop star in
history, no matter how you cut it," Werde said. "He's literally the
king of pop."
72. According to the passage, which of the following statements is
true?
A. Michael Jackson
died of heart attack.
B. Michael Jackson
was planning for his concerts before he died.
C. Michael Jackson is
married to Lisa Marie, Presley's daughter.
D. Michael Jackson
always kept his pet chimpanzee company while traveling.
73. From which section of a newspaper are we most likely to find
this passage?
A. Arts and
books
B. Technology and science
C. Entertainment
D. Travel
74. After Jackson's
death, people compare him to Elvis Presley because________.
A. they are both the
most popular stars of all time.
B. Jackson was
married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie.
C. they both died at
a young age.
D. their fans love
them both.
75. By writing this passage, the author intends to_______.
A. call on people to
keep Michael Jackson in their memory.
B. introduce Michael Jackson's
death to the readers.
C. warn people not to follow Michael
Jackson's example.
D. show his deep sorrow for the loss
of Michael Jackson
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