雅思阅读真题（Part 2）
Part 2 · 考频：中频 · 最近考试：2024.8.17/2018.5.19
A leading researcher has proposed that the key to understanding the origin of music is in the playful language used between mother and child.
A
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答案：the initial proposal of a maternal source for music
原文定位：In a recent lecture Richard Parncutt, a professor of systematic musicology at the University of Graz, Austria, discussed the idea that music originated from 'motherese' - the playful voices mothers adopt when speaking to infants and toddlers
答案：a sophisticated form of musical communication
原文定位：Although it might appear amusing - or even nonsensical-at first glance, 'motherese' is actually a complex and refined form of communication;It contains structural musical elements such as rhythm and melody, and codes that babies and mothers understand
答案：the first sounds a baby hears
原文定位：Parncutt explains that a fetus begins hearing nearly four months before birth, as it regularly hears its mother's voice, heartbeat, and digestive sounds-all of which provide information about its mother's emotional state
答案：a system for evaluating different theories
原文定位：Parncutt developed a grading system to assess these theories, the objective being to measure their validity against a set of criteria which he called 'universal aspects of music;Parncutt's system graded each theory based on its ability to explain music’s emotional power, its presence in all known cultures, and its apparent lack of a direct survival function compared to language
答案：a universal explanation for music's nature
原文定位：When evaluated against these criteria, Parncutt argues that the motherese theory provides the most comprehensive explanation;Furthermore, because caregiving for infants is a human universal, the theory naturally explains why music is found in all cultures around the world;The playful, non-utilitarian nature of motherese also mirrors the aesthetic and seemingly non-functional aspects of music itself, addressing the question of why music exists beyond strict survival needs
答案：earlier
原文定位：According to the theory, evolutionary growth in human brain size between one and two million years ago led to earlier births, more fragile infants, and a vital need for stronger bonds between mothers and their newborns
答案：adaptation
原文定位：Parncutt adds that this makes it very likely that motherese developed as an evolutionary adaptation, and that there is a large body of contemporary empirical evidence supporting the musical characteristics of motherese
答案：before birth
原文定位：Gary McPherson, head of the University of Melbourne's School of Music, reiterates the importance of this prenatal association, saying that music is the very first form of intelligence to reveal itself-even before birth
答案：C sexual selection
原文定位：Some theories suggest music originated as a form of sexual selection, similar to a peacock's tail, used to attract mates. Others propose it evolved to enhance social cohesion and cooperation within larger groups
答案：B social cohesion
原文定位：Some theories suggest music originated as a form of sexual selection, similar to a peacock's tail, used to attract mates. Others propose it evolved to enhance social cohesion and cooperation within larger groups
答案：A emotional
原文定位：It accounts for the deep emotional connection inherent in music by linking it to the primal bond between mother and child
答案：E aesthetic
原文定位：The playful, non-utilitarian nature of motherese also mirrors the aesthetic and seemingly non-functional aspects of music itself, addressing the question of why music exists beyond strict survival needs