The values of artistic works, according to cultural relativism(相对主义), are simply reflections of local social and economic conditions. Such a view, however, fails to explain the ability of some works of art to excite the human mind across cultures and through centuries.
History has witnessed the endless productions of Shakespearean plays in every major language of the world. It is never rare to find that Mozart packs Japanese concert halls, as Japanese painter Hiroshige does Paris galleries, Unique works of this kind are different from today’s popular art, even if they began as works of popular art. They have set themselves apart in their timeless appeal and will probably be enjoyed for centuries into the future.
In a 1757 essay, the philosopher David Hume argued that because“the general principles of taste are uniform(不变的) in human nature,”the value of some works of art might be essentially permanent. He observed that Homer was still admired after two thousand years. Works of this type, he believed, spoke to deep and unvarying features of human nature and could continue to exist over centuries.
Now researchers are applying scientific methods to the study of the universality of art. For example, evolutionary psychology is being used by literary scholars to explain the long-lasting themes and plot devices in fiction. The structures of musical pieces are now open to experimental analysis as never before. Research findings seem to indicate that the creation by a great artist is as permanent an achievement as the discovery by a great scientist.
1.According to the passage, what do we know about cultural relativism?
A. It introduces different cultural values.
B. It explains the history of artistic works.
C. It relates artistic values to local conditions.
D. It excites the human mind throughout the world.
2.In Paragraph 2, the artists are mentioned in order to show that _____ .
A. great works of art can go beyond national boundaries
B. history gives art works special appeal to set them apart
C. popular arts are hardly distinguishable from great arts
D. great artists are skilled at combining various cultures
3.According to Hume, some works of art can exist for centuries because_____ .
A. they are results of scientific study
B. they establish some general principles of art
C. they are created by the world’s greatest artists
D. they appeal to unchanging features of human nature
4.Which of the following can best serve as the title of the passage?
A. Are Artistic Values Universal?
B. Are Popular Arts Permanent?
C. Is Human Nature Uniform?
D. Is Cultural Relativism Scientific?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is America’s fifth largest city. Once a major American colonial city, it is the home of America’s first library, its first hospital, and its first zoo. Now it is also the first US city to be named a World Heritage City. On November 6, 2015, Philadelphia joined more than 260 other cities that have been recognized for their influence on the world. These cities include Paris, France, Florence, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt.
“Today marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Philadelphia,” remarked Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter when the announcement was made. “As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world.
To be named a World Heritage City, a city must be home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO World Heritage sites are selected for their universal value and significance. For Philadelphia, the site is Independence Hall.
Independence Hall is where two of the most important documents in US history—the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution—were adopted. The Declaration of Independence, approved on July 4, 1776, united the 13 former British colonies and declared them independent from British rule. The US Constitution, signed in 1787, established the American democratic system of government. A democracy is a system of government in which the people elect their leaders. The Constitution later spelled out the basic freedoms American citizens have.
Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger says the city’s selection as a World Heritage City also reflects its educational, cultural, and economic achievements. The city is home to dozens of colleges and universities, and many museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “Philadelphia has rightfully earned its place as one of the greatest cities in the world.” Greenberger says.
1.We can learn from Paragraph 1 that Philadelphia ________.
A. as contributed a lot to the global economy
B. has been famous as a World Heritage City
C. has the best American hospital
D. is known for many America’s firsts
2.In Paragraph 2, Michael Nutter is talking about _________.
A. the World Heritage City
B. the history of Philadelphia
C. the significance of the city’s selection
D. the contributions of the city
3.What opinion does Alan Greenberger hold?
A. The city really deserves the honor.
B. The honor will bring the city a better future.
C. It won’t be long before the city takes off.
D. It’s easy for the city to win the honor.
4.What could be the best title for the text?
A. Philadelphia Makes a Difference
B. Philadelphia Makes History
C. Philadelphia Develops a Lot
D. Philadelphia Wins Global Respect
One family, which moved from Japan and settled at the turn of the century near San Francisco, had built a business in which they grew roses and trucked them into San Francisco three mornings a week.
The other family also marketed roses. For almost four decades the two families were neighbors, and the sons took over the farms, but then on December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Although the rest of the family members were American, the father of the Japanese family had never been naturalized. As they planned to leave the country, hisneighbor made it clear that, if necessary, he would look after his friend’s nursery(花圃). It was something each family had learned in church-Love the neighbor as themselves. “You would do the same for us,”he told his Japanese friend.
It was not long before the Japanese family was transported to a poor landscape in Canada. A full year went by. Then two. Then three. While the Japanese neighbors were in Canada, their friends worked in the greenhouses. Sometimes the father’s work could stretch to 16 and 17 hours. And then one day, when the war in Europe had ended, the Japanese family packed up and boarded a train. They were going home.
What would they find? The family was met at the train station by their neighbors, and when they got to their home, the whole Japanese family were shocked. There was the nursery, complete, clean and shining in the sunlight, neat, prosperous and healthy. And the house was just as clean and welcoming as the nursery. And there on the dining room ground was one perfect red (玫瑰花蕾),just waiting to unfold-the gift of one neighbor to another.
1.What does “the gift”in the last paragraph refer to besides t rosebud?
①a neat and clean house ②the prosperous nursery
③the dependable neighbors ④the beautiful rose park
A. ①and ② B. ③and ④ C. ①,②and ③ D. ②, ③and ④
2.What’s the topic of the passage?
A. Friendship B. Hardwork C. Happiness D. Honesty
3.Why did the neighbors choose “unfolding rosebud”to welcome the return of the Japanese?
A. Becauseit’s a decorative issue.
B. Because the roses are beautiful.
C. Becausethey grew roses themselves.
D. Because it’s a wish for a good future.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What is Task Rabbit?
A. A service company.
B. An old company with new ideas.
C. A successful magazine that offers many services.
2.What could a Task Rabbit worker do?
A. Find you a job to do.
B. Lend you money for rent.
C. Help you move your furniture.
3.Who founded the company Task Rabbit?
A. Leah Busque. B. Sally. C. Neighbors.
4.What is the theme of Task Rabbit?
A. Making millions of dollars.
B. Finding ways to help the elderly.
C. Connecting neighbors to help each other.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.When did Meg hand in the report?
A. On September 1st. B. On September 3rd. C. On September 5th.
2.What is the most important to Starbucks’ success?
A. Its management.
B. The taste of its coffee.
C. Its selections of stores and service.
3.What does the professor advise Meg to do?
A. To leave out some figures. B. To change a new topic. C. To do more research.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does the man hire some bikes?
A. To go traveling abroad.
B. To visit the island with his friend.
C. To go to visit the bicycle rental shop.
2.What does the woman suggest?
A. Seeing her tomorrow.
B. Going to the beach.
C. Hiring a motorbike.
3.Where is the man staying?
A. At Burt’s Bicycle Rental.
B. At the Holiday Sun Hotel.
C. At No. 100 Teckman Street.
