Strangely enough, music is no fun at all for some people. About four percent of the population is what scientists call “amusic”, people who are amusic are born without the ability to recognize or reproduce musical notes. Amusic people often cannot tell the difference between two songs. Amusics can only hear the difference between two notes if they are very far apart on the musical scale.
As a result, songs sound like noise to an amusic. Many amusics compare the sound of music to pieces of metal hitting each other. Life can be hard for amusics. Their inability to enjoy music set them apart from others. It can be difficult for other people to identify with their condition. In fact, most people cannot begin to grasp what it feels like to be amusic. Just going to a restaurant or a shopping mall can be uncomfortable or even painful. That is why many amusics intentionally stay away from places where there is music. However, this can result in withdrawal and social isolation. “I used to hate parties,” says Margaret, a seventy-year-old woman who only recently discovered that she was amusic.
By studying people like Margaret, scientists are finally learning how to identify this unusual condition.
Scientists say that the brains of amusics are different from the brains of people who can appreciate music. The difference is complex, but it doesn’t involve defective hearing. Amusics can understand other nonmusical sounds well. They also have no problems understanding ordinary speech. Scientists compare amusics to people who just can’t see certain colors.
Many amusics are happy when their condition is finally diagnosed. For years, Margaret felt embarrassed about her problem with music. Now she knows that she is not alone. There is a name for her condition. That makes it easier for her to explain. “When people invite me to a concert, I just say, No, thanks, I am amusic,” says Margaret. “I just wish I had learned to say that when I was seventeen and not seventy. ”
【小题1】Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about amusics?| A．They are born without the ability to recognize musical notes. |
| B．They prefer to make metal noise rather than listen to music. |
| C．They hate music and often keep off places where there is music. |
| D．They are set apart from others as they fail to enjoy music. |
| A．By sort and compare some data. | B．By carrying out a lot of experiments. |
| C．By drawing on research results of others. | D．By studying people with amusic. |
| A．detective | B．acute | C．imperfect | D．artificial |
| A．her problem with amusic had been diagnosed earlier |
| B．she hadn't felt embarrassed about her problem |
| C．her amusic problem could be cured as soon as possible |
| D．there could be a better name for her condition |
