TOEFL Reading comprehension Lesson 7
Đ c đo n văn sau và tr l i các câu h i:ọ ạ ả ờ ỏ
May 7, 1840, was the birthday of one of the most famous Russian composers of the nineteenth
century Peter Illich Tchaikovsky. The son of a mining inspector, Tchaikovsky studied music as a
child and later studied composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His greatest 5 period of
productivity occurred between 1876 and 1890, during which time he enjoyed the patronage of
Madame von Meck, a woman he never met, who gave him a living stipend of about $1,000.00 a
year. Madame von Meck later terminated her friendship with Tchaikovsky, as well as his living
allowance, when she, herself, was facing financial 10 difficulties. It was during the time of
Madame von Meck's patronage, however, that Tchaikovsky created the music for which he is
most famous, including the music for the ballets of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
Tchaikovsky's music, well known for its rich melodic and sometimes melancholy passages, was
one of the first that brought 15 serious dramatic music to dance. Before this, little attention had
been given to the music behind the dance. Tchaikovsky died on November 6, 1893, ostensibly of
cholera, though there are now some scholars who argue that he committed suicide.
1. With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?
A. the life and music of Tchaikovsky
B. development of Tchaikovsky's music for ballets
C. Tchaikovsky's relationship with Madame Von Meck
D. the cause of Tchaikovsky's death
2. Tchaikovsky's father was most probably
A. A musician
B. A supervisor
C. A composer
D. A soldier
3. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "productivity" in line 4?
A. Fertility
B. Affinity
C. Creativity
D. Maturity