Question

University is generally regarded as one of the most important times in a person’s life, yet the function of this institution continues to arouse debate. Many believe that arts subjects are  too easy, that practical skills are more useful and that a chosen subject for study should be clearly linked to a career. However, this view is far too simplistic. Arts subjects are very difficult. They can prepare students for any number of careers as well as allowing the student to take time to make a decision. The function of the modern university is to cater to different types of student.
Arts subjects are not easy. For example, a degree in Literature is not an easy option. No question in a Literature class has a single, simple answer. Debate is conducted in a spirit of openness, texts are very closely analyzed and skills in close reading are developed. Literature is about language, our primary means of communication. Arts subjects require the same concentrated study as any other subject.
Arts subjects can prepare students for any number of careers. A degree in an arts subject teaches skills in well organized debates and defence of a position through the provision of evidence. These are applicable to many types of career. Law, for example. The point is that an undergraduate degree in any Arts subject trains the student in analysis and structure. Therefore, Arts graduates can pursue any number of careers.
Arts subjects allow the student to take time to choose a career. Love of the subject for its own sake may well be the initial motivation for the Arts undergraduate but because the subject they have chosen is not so clearly linked to a career they have time to reflect, making a decision only when they are absolutely certain. Students who pursue Arts subjects therefore have the leisure to make a carefully considered choice.
In conclusion, it is clear that Arts subjects are not a waste of time. They are flexible when it comes to relating them to a career and they allow the student to discover an appropriate career path. Many industries now acknowledge that a degree in Literature can be just as valuable as any other subject, especially when it is evident that Arts graduates tend to think more creatively. Not all undergraduates have clearly defined goals and not all subjects can be simply matched to a career. Acknowledging this difference should be the main function of a modern university

1. 1.
   What does the author mainly argue in this article?
   1. A.
      Universities should be aware of diversity
   2. B.
      Universities should focus on practical courses
   3. C.
      Arts courses should be promoted
   4. D.
      Arts subjects are inappropriate for work
2. 2.
   What does the author imply about universities’ attitude to students?
   1. A.
      They need to be more understanding of students’ needs
   2. B.
      They need to keep out arts students
   3. C.
      They need to link courses to careers
   4. D.
      They need to offer more arts courses
3. 3.
   The author suggests that technical subjects ____________
   1. A.
      are more important than arts subjects
   2. B.
      are more useful to the modern world
   3. C.
      have equal value to arts subjects
   4. D.
      are not as important as arts subjects
4. 4.
   From the article, we know skills acquired by arts undergraduates include___________
   1. A.
      Perception and investigation
   2. B.
      Technique and motivation
   3. C.
      Appreciation and dedication
   4. D.
      Analysis and structure
5. 5.
   According to the author, the students choose arts courses initially because ___________
   1. A.
      they are unsure about a career
   2. B.
      they are interested in the subject
   3. C.
      they hate technical subjects
   4. D.
      they are creative people

Answer 1

AACDB
1.通过第一段及下文描述可知作者主要是想说明大学应该多样化。故选A。
2.根据The function of the modern university is to cater to different types of student.现代大学的功能更应该迎合不同类型的学生。可知选A，他们需要更加了解学生们的需要。
3.根据Arts subjects require the same concentrated study as any other subject.及下文描述可知作者认为文科同其他学科有一样的价值。故选C。
4.根据Law, for example. The point is that an undergraduate degree in any Arts subject trains the student in analysis and structure.及上下文描述可知艺校毕业生要求掌握的技能有分析与建筑知识。故选D。
5.根据Love of the subject for its own sake may well be the initial motivation for the Arts undergraduate 可知学生们选择艺术学科主要是出于兴趣。故选B。