Question

【题目】If you go to an American middle school on a Wednesday morning, you will hear kids talking about the show of American Idol (美国偶像) that they watched last night. Some have called it the most influential show in the history of television.

he American Idol show has been extremely successful since 2002. The most popular episode had nearly 38 million viewers. But why is the show so popular?

The idea of the show is this: everyday people get a chance to show their singing talent and become an “American Idol”, a famous pop star. Anyone in the country (between the ages of 15 and 28) can try out for a chance at becoming famous.

In fact, common people are the only ones who are allowed on the show. If you are a professional singer, you cannot be on American Idol.

The winners are usually people from small towns – people who sing in churches or bars, but have bigger dreams.

The winners of the contest get the chance to record an album. Famous stars such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood become famous from winning the show. So, it seems the contest really works.

The idea that anyone can be a star attracts people. All those hours of practicing in front of the mirror could lead to success. Even you could be the next “American Idol”.

【1】On Wednesday morning, US middle school kids often _____.

A. play ball games B. watch American Idol

C. talk about American Idol D. perform on TV shows

【2】Who can NOT take part in American Idol?

A. College students. B. Professional singers.

C. Young doctors. D. Church singers.

【3】What can the winners of the show get?

A. A large amount of money.

B. The chance to record an album.

C. Chances to meet famous pop stars.

D. Professional music training.

【4】What does the underlined word “ album” mean?

A. 影集 B. 奖状 C. 唱片 D. 专栏

【5】What does the story mainly tell us?

A. Where US kids spend their spare time.

B. How American Idol was created.

C. How common people become stars.

D. Why American Idol is so popular.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】 C

【2】 B

【3】 B

【4】 C

【5】 D

【解析】

美国中学的孩子经常谈论《美国偶像》这个电视节目。短文介绍了这个节目如此受欢迎的原因。这是一个普通人实现自己唱歌梦想的舞台，比赛的获胜者还有机会录制一张唱片专辑。任何普通人都可以成为明星的想法吸引人们观看和参与节目。

【1】细节理解题。根据文中句子“If you go to an American middle school on a Wednesday morning, you will hear kids talking about the show of American Idol (美国偶像) that they watched last night.”可知，星期三的早晨，美国中学的孩子经常谈论他们前一天所观看的《美国偶像》这个电视节目。答案为C。

【2】细节理解题。根据文中句子“In fact, common people are the only ones who are allowed on the show. If you are a professional singer, you cannot be on American Idol.”可知，只能是普通人被允许上《美国偶像》这一节目，职业歌手是不允许上的。故答案选B。

【3】细节理解题。根据文中句子“The winners of the contest get the chance to record an album.”可知，比赛的获胜者有机会录制一张唱片专辑。故答案为B。

【4】词义猜测题。根据前面的句子“The winners are usually people from small towns – people who sing in churches or bars, but have bigger dreams.”获胜者通常是来自小城镇上具有更大梦想的人，他们在教堂或酒吧里唱歌。由此判断比赛的获胜者将有机会录制一张唱片专辑。故答案为C。

【5】主旨大意题。短文第二段中的句子“But why is the show so popular?”是本文的主题句，也就是短文主要介绍了为什么《美国偶像》如此受欢迎。故答案为D。