V. Read the text carefully, then choose the correct answers (1p)
May 7 th 1840 was the birthday of one of the most famous Russian composers of the
nineteenth century: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the son of a mining inspector. Tchaikovsky
studied music as a child and later studied composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
His greatest period of productivity occurred between 1876 and 1890, during which time he
enjoyed patronage of Madame von Meck, a woman he never met, who gave him a yearly
living stipend. Madame von Meck later terminated her friendship with Tchaikovsky, as
well as his living allowance, when she, herself, was facing financial 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 serious dramatic music
to dance. Before this, little attention had been given to the music behind the dance.
Tchaikovsky died ostensibly of cholera on November 6 th 1893, though there are now some
scholars who argue that he committed suicide.
1. The best title for this passage could be ______.
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. According to the passage, all of the following describe Madame von Meck EXCEPT
______.
A. she had economic troubles B. she was generous
C. she was never introduced to Tchaikovsky D. she enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s
music
3. According to the passage, Tchaikovsky’s music is most well-known for ______.
A. its repetitive and monotonous tones B. the ballet-like quality of music
C. the richness and melodic drama of the music D. its lively, capricious melodies
4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. Tchaikovsky’s influence on ballet music.
B. Tchaikovsky’s unhappiness leading to suicide.
C. The patronage of Madame von Meck.
D. Tchaikovsky’s productivity in composing.
5. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.
A. it was not the music behind the dance that made Tchaikovsky famous
B. there is suspicion on the cause of Tchaikovsky’s death
C. Madame von Meck was one of the most famous Russian composers
D. Madame von Meck was one of Tchaikovsky’s girlfriends.