2003年在职攻读硕士学位全国联考英语考试试卷
reading. Because it's mine. For the same reason, people find karaoke (卡拉OK) liberating. It is
almost the only electronic thing that gives them back their own voice. Even if their voices are
hopelessly out of tune, at least it is meaningful self-entertainment.
36. The main idea of this passage is that ________
A. TV and radio can amuse us with beautiful songs and music
B. TV and radio prevent us from self-entertainment
C. people should sing songs and read books aloud themselves
D. parents should sing songs and read books aloud to their children
37. According to the passage, Italians _______
A. only sing songs in Hollywood
B. are no longer fond of music
C. only sing and dance in villages
D. don't sing much nowadays
38. Which of the following is NOT the reason for the decline in amateur singing?
A. It is easier for people to please themselves with songs through TV and radio.
B. Amateurs feel embarrassed for they cannot sing as well as the professionals.
C. People don't want to take the trouble to sing songs themselves.
D. Famous and talented musicians can easily be met.
39. When hearing the voices from the famous writers of a long dead past, the author
A. was very excited
B. was very frightened
C. thought that writers shouldn't read' their own books
D. thought the past recording was not of good quality
40. The author's attitude toward karaoke is
A. negative B. positive C. neutral D. indifferent
Passage Two
If those "mad moments" -- when you can't remember what your friend has told you or
where you left your keys -- are becoming more frequent, mental exercises and a healthy brain diet
may help.
Just as bodies require more maintenance with the passing years, so do brains, which
scientists now know show signs of aging as early as the 20s and 30s. "Brain aging starts at a very
young age, younger than any of us had imagined and these processes continue gradually over the
years," said Dr. Gary Small, the director of the Center on Aging at the University of California,
Los Angeles. "I'm convinced that it is never too early to get started on a mental or brain-fitness
program," he added.
In his book, The Memory Bible, the 51-year-old neuroscientist (神经学家) lists what he
refers to as the 10 suggestions for keeping the brain young. They include training memory,
building skills, reducing stress, mental exercises,! brain food and a healthy lifestyle. It's a game
plan for keeping brain cells sparking and neural networks in perfect shape.
"Misplacing your keys a couple of times doesn't mean you should start labeling your
cabinets. Memory loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Our brains can fight back," he
said.
Small provides the weapons for a full-scale attack.
Simple memory tests give an indication of what you are up against and tools such as "look"