Section C

Directions: There are 2 passages in this section. Each passage is followed by some questions

or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A), B), C) and D).

You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2

with a single line through the centre.

Passage One

Questions 46 to 50 are based on the following passage.

Since American idol star Taryn Southern started composing music with AI in 2017,

musicians all over the world have begun wondering about the implications of AI and

modern technology where music production is concerned. Using AI in the creation of music

is perceived by some as a helpful tool and by others as almost “the beginning of the end'.

In Taryn's case, AI software enabled her to communicate melodies and chords that she

didn't know how to put together herself. The end product was therefore a collaborative

effort, rather than a piece entirely produced by technology. Taryn's story has a distinctly

positive feel that highlights the advantages of using AI in music production. It can serve as

a source of inspiration, and as an ideal jumping-off point should a musician be hit with

writer's block (文思枯竭)。aee

Contrary to seeing AI as a tool, some musicians consider it to be hugely detrimental to

the music scene. At the moment, because such technology is still so young, the music it's

producing is not necessarily what we want to hear. In short, it's not of great quality. Those

who have produced their own music, or even fans of authentic, artistic music, will also

argue that a computer could never emulate the work (and human touch) of a true musician.

Music has been an integral part of the story of humans for ages; in fact, the first known

piece of music is believed to be around 3,400 years old. Songs have long been used as a

means of communicating messages and folk stories, covering everything from societal

ethics to world history. Since many people see music as such an inherently human

expression, it is often considered as too precious to impart to technology. The thought of a

computer generating a“random" piece of music that hasn't been painstakingly created by

an artist is almost seen as sacrilegious (亵渎神圣的)。

Regardless of which side of the argument you fall on, it seems likely that the use of AI

in music production will only become more frequent. Our modern world is preoccupied

with technological advancements. Instead of shying away from the idea of this bleak future,

the best approach to take is one of optimism and curiosity. While there are always bound to

be stubborn old-school musicians who refuse to use tech, music producers should consider

AI as something to be embraced. AI music software is still very much in its infancy, but

with more investors interested in the development and outcomes of such technology, and

considering the rapid growth rate of other tech advances in recent years, it's only a matter

of time before AI-produced music is seen as the new norm.

46. How do some musicians perceive using AI in creating music?

A) It would help to produce more music idols.

B)It would be detrimental to music production.

C)It would hinder the understanding of authentic music.

D) It would be the beginning of a new era in music creation.

47. What does Taryn Southern's story illustrate?

A) AI technology is conducive to music composition.

B) Musicians will be unable to create music without high tech.

C) Musicians are often at their wits, end in their creative effort.

D) AI technology is indispensable to creating melodies and chords.

48. Why are some musicians opposed to the use of AI in creating music?

A) Music produced with AI technology lacks humanness.

B) Music created with AI technology is easily emulated.

C) It will depreciate humans' role in music composition.

D) It will deplete young musicians, creative inspiration.

49. Why do many people think music is too precious to impart to AI technology?

A) It cannot be created without pains.

B)It cannot be produced at random.

C) It is part of human life.

D) It is human specific.

50. What does the author think of the future of AI music?

A) It will continue to arouse the interest of music investors.

B) It has the prospect of becoming the norm in the future.

C) It will be gradually accepted by old-school musicians.

D) It may eventually lose its freshness and appe