C
［2025 南通］“Click, click, click ...” The drummer hit the drumsticks against each other to give a beat, and the band started to play. Kai played a guqin solo, and for most of the show, he played along with the rhythm of the drums. The band played faster and faster. Kai’s classmates jumped to their feet, clapping and screaming. When the music ended, there was an awkward(尴尬的) silence. They all looked at the teachers.
Mr Li asked, “What were you trying to express?”
Kai murmured, “I wanted to do something different ... to modernize the guqin’s sound.”
“Well, it’s a good try. But you know it has over 3,000 years of history. I don’t think you’ve presented the characteristics well,” said Mr Li. “The music was ... We could hardly hear the guqin,” added Miss Zhou. “I’m afraid I can’t give you high marks.”
“Please, can I have another chance?” begged Kai.
They finally agreed.
Alone in the hall later, Kai sat in his chair, feeling a little sad. “I understand what you were trying to do.” Kai looked up and saw Miss Zhou by his side. “But before you can break the rules, you have to master them.”
Kai was puzzled. What did she mean?
“The guqin is connected to nature. The bottom board represents the ground, and the rounded top board represents the sky. A wonderful guqin performance shows the harmony(和谐) between people and nature.”
“Miss Zhou, is it fine to play the guqin with other instruments?”
“Because it is so quiet,” replied Miss Zhou, “it’s usually played alone. Sometimes, it can be played with the dizi or another guqin. Every note matters. And you know, there’s Chinese philosophy(哲理) behind every form of art. That’s what makes Chinese art special. We should try hard to keep the value of traditions and connect them with modern life.”
“Is it true that Confucius(孔子) played the guqin?”
“Exactly. Confucius believed that music was necessary for a well-rounded education. It could help a person develop his inner self.”
“Can I make it modern?” Kai was wondering if he had asked a stupid question.
“Ancient musicians followed traditions to show respect. To modernize it, try to find the right way to keep the value. How will you change your piece?”
“I’m not sure yet,” said Kai. “But I’m going to do something different again.”
That night, Kai kept thinking about the next show. “How can I present the guqin and balance the traditional spirit with a modern touch?” he wondered.
Then, he had an idea ...
()33. In Kai’s teachers’ eyes, his first performance failed mainly because he didn’t .
A. play the drums well
B. work well with others
C. express personal feelings
D. show the guqin’s value
()34. Why did Miss Zhou mention Confucius when talking with Kai?
A. To tell Kai the guqin has a long history.
B. To explain the cultural value of the guqin.
C. To advise Kai to learn from ancient musicians.
D. To show Confucius was good at playing the guqin.
()35. Which of the following is the correct order of the story?
a. Miss Zhou gave her advice to Kai.
b. The classmates kept a short silence.
c. Kai asked for another chance to play.
d. The teachers pointed out Kai’s problem.
e. Kai played the guqin with drum rhythms.
A. a-e-d-c-b
B. e-b-d-c-a
C. e-a-b-d-c
D. a-b-d-e-c
()36. What lesson has Kai learned from his experience?
A. Strict rules will stop our creativity in music.
B. Traditional instruments should be modernized.
C. Creation requires us to understand the tradition first.
D. The guqin is necessary for a well-rounded education.
D