|
TOEFL Directory > TOEFL writing > TOEFL Reading Class Unit 1_Passage 21_Question 221-231
TOEFL Reading Class Unit 1_Passage 21_Question 221-231
You have about 15 minutes to finish this passage.
First,use about 3-4 minutes to read the passage, try to understand the main idea of this passage.
Don't read it so slowly or try to remember all details.You need to do "fast reading",and "scan" the passage.
Second, read questions 1-11, and with questions you go back the passage again and look for correct answers.
Questions 221-231
Passage 21
Of all the musical riches that exist in our lives, the orchestra affords us the most varied source of genuine listening pleasure. Countless communities look upon their local orchestras, whether small or large, as their most treasured cultural possessions. Many of the larger orchestral ensembles maintain fairly extensive travel schedules that bring them to towns and cities without a regular orchestra of their own.
In addition, the great orchestras of the world can now reach even the most remote areas due to a profusion of recorded performances, as well as through radio and television broadcasts. An enormous repertoire is available for anyone who cares to listen. Works in this repertoire range from early orchestral literature for smaller orchestras to grand creations written for the full orchestra by major composers, from the giant orchestral masterpieces to the avant-garde complexities of modern times.
Without a doubt, the orchestra has become the most important vehicle for the transmission of musical thought. The musicians within the orchestra's ranks enrich their community immeasurably by ensuring that new generations of musicians, or simply music lovers, are given the kind of superior instruction that only an actively engaged, practicing musician can impart. In Europe, orchestras usually enjoy either direct or indirect government support. In the United States --- where there are today close to one thousand orchestras of all sizes and of varying importance --- it is more a matter of civic consciousness and pride for the people of local communities to take on the responsibility of supporting their orchestras, thereby getting personally involved in individual as well as group efforts in behalf of music. However, these private contributions rarely keep an orchestra out of debt, and some public funds are used in the United States to support orchestras. For example, the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent federal agency, distributes a portion of its funds to orchestra societies.
Both in a musical and sociological sense, the orchestra today occupies a central position in our cultural life. A look at the evolution of the orchestra not only provides us with invaluable insight into the development of music but also affords us a capsule history of the patronage of the arts.
221.What does the passage mainly discuss?
a) The history of the orchestra
b) The need for increased funding of orchestras
c) The cultural role of the orchestra
d) Various kinds of orchestral music
222. The word affords in the passage is closest in meaning to
b) provides
c) purchases
d) originates
e) requires
223. The word them in the passage refers to
a) riches
b) ensembles
c) schedules
d) towns and cities
224. The word remote in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) newly constructed
b) far away
c) culturally independent
d) musically diverse
225. The word available in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) obtainable
b) necessary
c) inexpensive
d) acceptable
226. The word vehicle in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) machine
b) goal
c) idea
d) means
227. The author mentions European and American orchestras in paragraph 3 in order to compare their
a) different sizes
b) type of financing
c) musical styles
d) popularity
228. It can be inferred from the passage that the purpose of the National Endowment for the Arts is to
a) promote artistic activity
b) schedule performances for government functions
c) license orchestras to play in the United States
d) hire musicians
229. The word invaluable in the passage is closest in meaning to
b) peculiar
c) detailed
d) highly useful
e) historical
230. The passage mentions all of the following methods used by orchestra members to encourage music appreciation EXCEPT
a) touring
b) teaching
c) writing new pieces of music
d) recording performances
231. The paragraph following the passage most probably discusses the
a) types of people who attend orchestra performances today
b) training necessary to become an orchestra musician
c) factors that have shaped the modern orchestra
d) different instrumental sections of the orchestra
Click here to get the detail explanations and correct answers.
|
