Section 12: Read the following passage and blacken the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet correct answer to the following questions.
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 design, shape, and decoration is no accident. The proportions of the instrument are 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 ger and deep sounding members of the same family, the violins form the nucleus 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 vinq quatre 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 think and were attached to the body of the instrument very loosely. During the eighteenth and nineteenth century, exciting technical changes were inspired 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 and interpretation. Left-hand technique was considerably elaborated, and new fingering patterns on the fingerboard were developed for very high notes.
Question 44: All of the following are mentioned in the passage as contributing to the ability to play modern violin music EXCEPT _________
A. different ways to use the fingers to play very high notes
B. more complicated techniques for the left hand
C. minor alterations to the structure of the instrument
D. use of rare wood for the fingerboard and neck
Question 45: According to the passage, which of the following contributes a dull sound being produced by a violin?
A. A small body B. A long fingerboard C. Thick strings D. High string tension
Question 46: The word "standard" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _______
A. customary B. practical C. possible D. unusual
Question 47: According to the passage, early violins were different from modern violins in that early violins
A. were heavier B. were easier to play
C. broke down more easily D. produced softer tones
Question 48: "The King's 24 Violins" is mentioned to illustrate _______________
A. how the violin became a renowned instrument
B. why the violin was considered the only instrument suitable to be played by royalty
C. the superiority of French violins
D. the competition in the 1600's between French and Italian orchestras
Question 49: What is the main idea presented in paragraph 3?
A. The violin is probably the best known and most widely distributed musical instrument in the world.
B. The violin had reached the hight of its popularity by the middle of the eighteenth century.
C. The technique of playing the violin has remained essentially the same since the 1600's.
D. The violin has been modified to fit its evolving musical functions.
Question 50: The word "they" in paragraph 3 refers to _____
A. internal structure and fingerboard
B. Civaldi and Tartini
C. thinner strings and a higher string
D. small changes
