Reading
Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on
Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
The Power of Music
A
Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years. From
ceremonial chants to modern symphonies, its power lies in its ability to evoke
emotions, connect individuals, and even heal. Ancient Greek philosophers like
Plato and Aristotle believed that music could influence character and mood.
Today, science provides evidence for these claims, with research showing that
music affects the brain's reward system, releasing chemicals like dopamine that
contribute to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
B
One key aspect of music is its universality. Across cultures, music shares
common elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, which can influence human
behavior and emotions. Studies show that listening to certain types of music
can lower stress levels by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone. Conversely,
upbeat music can stimulate adrenaline release, providing an energy boost and
improving physical performance.
C
Music also has profound effects on mental health. It is often used as a
therapeutic tool for patients with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and
dementia. Music therapy involves structured listening or active participation
in music-making, which can promote emotional expression and relaxation.
Research suggests that familiar melodies can trigger autobiographical memories
in individuals with memory loss, offering a sense of comfort and identity.
D
The way music impacts the brain is a complex interplay of physiological and
psychological mechanisms. Listening to music activates multiple areas of the
brain, including those responsible for emotion, memory, and motor control. The
tempo of music can synchronize with heart rate and breathing, creating either
calming or stimulating effects. For instance, slower tempos promote relaxation
by decreasing heart rate, while faster tempos can enhance focus and alertness.
E
The power of music is not limited to passive listening. Actively engaging with
music—whether by singing, dancing, or playing an instrument—can enhance
cognitive function and improve motor skills. This is particularly evident in
children, where music education has been linked to better academic performance
and improved language skills, according
to a study. For adults, making music can be a creative outlet, reducing
stress and fostering social connections.
F
Musicians and composers often draw inspiration from their personal experiences,
translating them into melodies and lyrics that resonate universally. Iconic
figures like Ludwig van Beethoven, despite his deafness, created some of the
most celebrated music in history. Similarly, modern musicians often use their
art to address social issues or express complex emotions. This ability to
communicate beyond words makes music one of the most powerful forms of
expression.
Questions
14–18
Reading Passage 2 has six
paragraphs, A–F.
Which paragraph contains the
following information?
Write the correct letter, A–F, in
boxes 14–18 on your answer sheet.
- Reference to the physiological effects of music on the
body.
- Examples of how music can be used as a form of therapy.
- The historical perspective on the power of music.
- Research linking music to improved academic
performance.
- A mention of the emotional impact of music on people
with memory loss.
Questions
19–22
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the
passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 19–22 on
your answer sheet.
- Music can influence mood by releasing chemicals like
…………………. in the brain.
- Listening to certain types of music can help reduce
…………………. levels, which are linked to stress.
- Music can be used as a kind of …………………. to help
patients with anxiety or depression.
- Faster tempos in music can improve alertness by
increasing a person’s …………………. rate.
Questions
23 and 24
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Write the correct letters in boxes
23 and 24 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO facts about the effects of
music on human are mentioned in paragraph B?
A. It can enhance motor control in
athletes.
B. Its rhythm and melody can have a certain impact on individuals’ actions.
C. It often reduces stress in competitive environments.
D. It can mitigate stress by releasing a certain chemical.
E. It is used as a regular practice in physical training routines.
Questions
25 and 26
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Write the correct letters in boxes
25 and 26 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO facts about music therapy
are mentioned in Paragraph C of the text?
A. It can enhance symptoms of memory
loss.
B. It can recall memories associated with one’s life stories and experiences.
C. It primarily focuses on reducing physical symptoms of illness.
D. It involves creating music rather than just listening.
E. It is commonly used to treat mental illness.
