托福阅读历年真题精选31

Questions 40-50

Of all modern instruments, the violin is apparently one of the simplest. It consists in

essence of a hollow, varnished wooden sound box, or resonator, and a long neck, covered

with a fingerboard, along which four strings are stretched at high tension. The beauty of

Line design, shape, and decoration is no accident: the proportions of the instrument are

(5) determined almost entirely by acoustical considerations. Its simplicity of appearance is

deceptive. About 70 parts are involved in the construction of a violin, Its tone and its

outstanding range of expressiveness make it an ideal solo instrument. No less important.

however, is its role as an orchestral and chamber instrument. In combination with the

larger and deeper-sounding members of the same family, the violins form the nucleus

(10) of the modern symphony orchestra.

The violin has been in existence since about 1550. Its importance as an instrument

in its own right dates from the early 1600's, when it first became standard in Italian

opera orchestras. Its stature as an orchestral instrument was raised further when in 1626

Louis XIII of France established at his court the orchestra known as Les vingt-quatre

(15) violons du Roy (The King's 24 Violins), which was to become widely famous later in

the century.

In its early history, the violin had a dull and rather quiet tone resulting from the fact

that the strings were thick and were attached to the body of the instrument very loosely.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth century, exciting technical changes were inspired

(20) by such composer-violinists as Vivaldi and Tartini. Their instrumental compositions

demanded a fuller, clearer, and more brilliant tone that was produced by using thinner

strings and a far higher string tension. Small changes had to be made to the violin's

internal structure and to the fingerboard so that they could withstand the extra strain.

Accordingly, ,a higher standard of performance was achieved, in terms of both facility

(25) and interpretation. Left-hand technique was considerably elaborated, and new fingering

patterns on the fingerboard were developed for very high notes.

40. The word "standard" in line 12 is closest in meaning to

(A) practical

(B) customary

(C) possible

(D) unusual

41. "The King’s 24 Violins" is mentioned in line 15 to illustrate

(A) how the violin became a renowned instrument

(B) the competition in the 1600's between French and Italian orchestras

(C) the superiority of French violins

(D) why the violin was considered the only instrument suitable to be played by royalty

42. What is the main idea presented in paragraph 3?

(A) The violin has been modified to fit its evolving musical functions.

(B) The violin is probably the best known and most widely distributed musical instrument in the

world.

(C) The violin had reached the height of its popularity by the middle of the eighteenth century.

(D) The technique of playing the violin has remained essentially the same since the 1600's.