Music

(A) Liz
Each generation seems to have a different point of view when it comes to making
music. The new generation places far too much emphasis on music or beats and not
enough on lyrics. That's why we have so many rappers that mumble. They just slam
everything they have in their minds into one rap, and it can barely be followed.
Lyrics in
modern-day songs have no clear meaning at all. Most modern day musicians care more
about money and fame than making music, and put no true meaning into their song
lyrics. There has been a great shift in importance from the lyrics to the music. A
song
should be a combination of both, but the music has taken over and the lyrical
quality in
modern day music has been compromised. This is a great pity because a song's charm
doesn't only come from the sound, but also from the ideas it expresses.
(B) Agnes
Our musical preferences depend on various things. Mine, for example, are a
combination of circumstances such as upbringing and peer pressure. At least some of
our music preference is cultural. Certain combinations of sounds may be more common
in particular regions, and familiarity with these patterns would be a reason to
prefer
them. Another feature which shapes our musical preferences is the influence of our
peer groups. As with many things, we are most comfortable doing what the rest of
our
tribe may be doing, and music is no exception. Every generation has its own music
that
other generations don't seem to understand. Young people introduce each other to
different musical styles and bond around their own brand of music. It has been like
that
since humans started to feel the magic of music.
(C) Ricky
Today's music cannot rival that of the great groups of the Sixties. That is an
opinion
which is widely held by young and old. That era produced the most innovative rock
and
pop music that has ever existed. A recent study by the BBC showed that today's pop
music has become slower, sadder, and less fun to listen to. The melodies are less
complex, and the lyrics are repetitive. This may be why young millennials
frequently
search the internet and listen to songs from the 1980's and 1990's. Modern day
music
has lost the vibe we had before. For some reason that is difficult to explain, the
musicians of that period felt the need to innovate, and we can now enjoy the
product of
their efforts.

(D) Alf
When feeling stressed, I find that listening to my favourite music makes me feel
better. There are many studies which actually prove this. Music helps alleviate
stress by
lowering the body's cortisol levels - the hormone released in response to stress.
Patients who listen to music after an operation feel less pain and anxiety. This is
because listening to music triggers the body's natural pain relievers. The effect
is even
stronger if patients can choose the music they listen to. Music can even be used in
the
treatment of heart conditions as stimulating music increases the heart rate and
relaxing
music decreases it. But all this does depend on the kind of music. I will be the
first to
admit that there is some music out there which doesn't lower anyone's blood
pressure.
Quite the contrary.
The Tribune

Questions

Which speaker
1) feels better when they listen to their best-loved songs?
• A
• B
• C
• D

2) says that people have preferences for music because they are familiar with
certain
patterns in it?
• A
• B
• C
• D

3) complains that most musicians nowadays care more about being famous than
thinking about their songs?
• A
• B
• C

• D

4) believes that the youth of today share different music styles which help them to
connect with each other?
• A
• B
• C
• D

5) says that music is good for the heart?

• A
• B
• C
• D

6) is convinced that the 1960's produced some of the best music?

• A
• B
• C
• D

7) refers to a study which says that music offers pain relief?

• A
• B
• C
• D

8) was musically influenced by friends and culture?

• A
• B
• C
• D

9) points out that young people prefer to listen to older songs?

• A
• B
• C
• D

10) says that rap artists produce songs with lyrics that are unclear and difficult
to follow?
• A
• B
• C
• D