So What's the point of Music? - Six gaps for text.


For questions 1-6, read the following text and then choose from the list A-J the best phrase given below to fill each of the spaces. Each correct phrase may be used only once. Some of the suggested answers do not fit at all. The exercise begins with an example (0)
It is a well documented fact that music is the most popular form of art. It can be used to fit in with the emotional moods of people and also to influence them in a manipulative way. (0) ...D....; more subtle are the melodies played in stores to encourage us to spend money.
Yet scientists are unable to explain the purpose of music, above all to account for the existence of simple musical instruments such as flutes among our prehistoric ancestors. (1)
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G - It is not a primary form of communication, like language
Nor does it enable us to live longer or pass on our genes to the next generation. One theory to explain these instruments is that they had a sexual value. (2)
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I - They were used to attract a mate
But it is doubtful whether the primitive tunes they could have produced would have made the player more appealing.

Possible space fillers

A Musical talent can indicate a number of qualities B The evidence is startlingly direct C Songs with lyrics appeal to a brain already used to language D The sound tracks of films are an obvious example E Musical competence suggests the ability to co-operate with others F Happy songs have the opposite effect G It is not a primary form of communication, like language H There must be some reason why they created music I They were used to attract a mate J This would explain why music is so emotive
Modern psychologists who are themselves musicians argue that it would. (3)
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A - Musical talent can indicate a number of qualities
Sceptics may counter this with the argument that women don't necessarily rate them more highly than others. But what does seem to be the case is that they respond to them if they have a good musical ear themselves.
What is beyond doubt is the conclusion that music speaks to the heart. There is equally conclusive evidence that it produces emotions. (4)
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B - The evidence is startlingly direct
Certain pieces of music induce changes in the body that correspond to the emotions they are intended to touch. Sad music causes the pulse to slacken and the blood pressure to rise. (5)
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F - Happy songs have the opposite effect

How are these effects produced? Scientists have discovered that loud music stimulates a part of the inner ear called the sacculus, which is connected to the pleasure centre of the brain. (6)
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J - This would explain why music is so emotive
Curiously enough, the sacculus only exists in human beings and in fish, and it responds only to music, not to other forms of sound.