Question

Background music may seem harmless, but it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it. Recorded background music first found its way into factories, shops and restaurants in the USA. Very soon it spread to other parts of the world. Now it is becoming difficult to go shopping or eat a meal without listening to background music.

　　To begin with, background music was intended simply to create a soothing (舒适的) atmosphere. Recently, however, it's becoming a big business. An American marketing expert has shown that music can boost(提升) sales or increase factory production by as much as a third.

　　But it has to be the light music. Lively music has no effect at all on sales. Slow music can increase receipts(收入) by 34%. This is probably because shoppers slow down and have more opportunity to spot items they would like to buy. Yet, slow music isn't always the answer. The expert found that in restaurants slow music meant customers took longer to eat their meals, which reduced overall sales. So restaurant owners might be well advised to play faster music to keep the customers moving-unless, of course, the resulting indigestion(消化不良) leads to complaints.

1.Background music was first used ________.

A.in the cinemas and theatres in the USA

B.in the offices and hospitals in the USA

C.in the schools and churches in the USA

D.in the factories, shops and restaurants in the USA

2.An American marketing expert has found background music can __________.

A.increase sales or factory production

B.create a soothing atmosphere

C.make people slow down

D.make people forget their worries

3.Restaurant owners are advised to play ____ to increase overall sales.

A.lively music B.loud music

C.faster music D.slower music

 

Answer 1

1.D

2.A

3.C

【解析】

试题分析:如今人们会在很多地方都能听到背景音乐，比如餐厅、商场等地方，背景音乐似乎是无害的，但是它却能对人们产生很大影响。背景音乐最初是出现在美国的工厂、商场和饭店，研究人员发现背景音乐可以提高人们的购买欲，也能增加产量，随后背景音乐遍及到了世界各地。

1. 细节理解题。根据文章首段Recorded background music first found its way into factories, shops and restaurants in the USA.可知背景音乐最先出现在美国，故答案选D。

2. 细节理解题。从文章第二段An American marketing expert has shown that music can boost(提升) sales or increase factory production by as much as a third.可以判断A选项正确。

3. 细节理解题。根据文章末段So restaurant owners might be well advised to play faster music to keep the customers moving-unless,可知C选项正确。

考点：考查社会知识类短文阅读。