在托福的備考過程中，閱讀理解能力的提升是至關重要的,。通過大量的練習與分析,，考生能夠更好地理解文章的結構和內容。接下來,，我們將為大家提供一篇關于爵士樂起源的閱讀材料,，希望能幫助考生們在托福考試中取得優(yōu)異成績,。

The Roots of Jazz

The musical heritage of black Americans significantly shaped the early development of jazz. This influence was particularly evident in the folk songs and dance music that thrived in the Southern United States during the late 19th century.

Ragtime emerged in the late 1890s, primarily from St. Louis, Missouri, and became the dominant musical style across the nation. Characterized by its lively and syncopated rhythms, ragtime was mainly performed on the piano and showcased a structured composition style.

Another crucial element of jazz is the blues, which has deep roots in the American South. Its somber melodies and repetitive harmonies played a vital role in defining the essence of jazz. Musicians have utilized the blues as a foundation for improvisation for many years.

Early Jazz Development

Jazz as we know it likely began in New Orleans around the early 1900s. The city's unique musical traditions, including band music for funerals and street parades, gave rise to what is now referred to as classic or Dixieland jazz. Notable figures such as Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton were instrumental in this vibrant scene.

The genre quickly spread beyond New Orleans. Fate Marable led a band on riverboats along the Mississippi River, while King Oliver moved to Chicago, and Jelly Roll Morton toured the country. The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, a group of white musicians, made the first jazz recordings in 1917, paving the way for widespread popularity. Mamie Smith's "Crazy Blues," recorded in 1920, further propelled jazz into the public consciousness.

The Jazz Age of the 1920s

The 1920s are often referred to as the golden age of jazz. The emergence of commercial radio introduced live jazz performances to a broader audience. Cities like New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit, and New York became key hubs for jazz music.

A group of young musicians from Chicago's Austin High School pioneered a distinctive style known as "Chicago style" jazz. This group included talented artists like trumpeters Jimmy McPartland and Muggsy Spanier, cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, and saxophonists Benny Goodman and Frankie Trumbauer, who brought innovative harmonic ideas to their performances.

In New York City, James P. Johnson popularized stride piano, a new style derived from ragtime. In this technique, the left hand plays alternating notes and chords, while the right hand executes melody and rhythm. Johnson's influence extended to other prominent pianists, including Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Fletcher Henderson emerged as a key figure in big band jazz during this era. In 1923, he was the first to organize a jazz band into distinct sections, revolutionizing the genre. His arranger, Don Redman, excelled in scoring music for larger ensembles, leading to the inclusion of great musicians like Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins in Henderson's bands.

通過對爵士樂起源的了解,，考生們不僅可以提升自己的閱讀能力，還能更好地理解音樂文化的多樣性和發(fā)展歷程,。希望這篇文章能夠幫助你在托?？荚囍腥〉酶玫某煽?。

Jazz music, a vibrant and influential genre, has a rich history that reflects the cultural dynamics of its time. Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jazz emerged primarily from African American communities in New Orleans. This article will explore the historical background of jazz, highlighting its evolution and significance. ??

1. The Roots of Jazz

The roots of jazz can be traced back to several musical traditions, including blues, ragtime, and brass band music. The blues originated from African American spirituals and work songs, expressing deep emotions and struggles. Meanwhile, ragtime introduced syncopated rhythms that became foundational to jazz. These elements combined with European musical influences created a unique sound that was both innovative and deeply expressive. ??

2. The Birthplace: New Orleans

New Orleans played a crucial role in the birth of jazz. The city’s diverse cultural landscape allowed for various musical styles to intersect. In the early 1900s, musicians began to experiment with improvisation, a key characteristic of jazz. The use of instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet became prominent, leading to the formation of small ensembles known as jazz bands. These bands performed at social gatherings, parades, and funerals, making jazz an integral part of community life. ??

3. The Jazz Age and Prohibition

During the 1920s, often referred to as the Jazz Age, jazz gained immense popularity across the United States. This era coincided with the Prohibition, which led to the rise of speakeasies—illegal bars where jazz music thrived. Artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington became household names, showcasing the genre’s potential for artistry and innovation. The upbeat nature of jazz provided an escape during difficult times, resonating with audiences nationwide. ??

4. The Evolution of Styles

As jazz continued to evolve, different styles emerged. The 1930s saw the rise of big band jazz, characterized by larger ensembles and arranged compositions. This period was marked by swing music, which became synonymous with dance culture. In the following decades, bebop emerged, emphasizing complex harmonies and fast tempos. Musicians like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie pushed the boundaries of jazz, focusing on improvisation and individual expression. ??

5. Jazz in Modern Times

Today, jazz remains a dynamic and evolving genre. Contemporary artists blend traditional jazz elements with various musical influences, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Festivals around the world celebrate jazz, fostering a global community of musicians and fans. Notable modern jazz musicians include Kamasi Washington and Esperanza Spalding, who continue to push the genre forward while honoring its roots. ??

6. The Cultural Impact of Jazz

Jazz is not just a musical genre but also a cultural movement. It has influenced literature, visual arts, and social movements, becoming a symbol of freedom and creativity. The Harlem Renaissance, for example, showcased the contributions of African American artists and writers, with jazz playing a central role in this cultural awakening. The genre also served as a platform for addressing social issues, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities. ?

In conclusion, the history of jazz is a testament to the power of music as a form of expression and cultural identity. From its roots in New Orleans to its global influence today, jazz continues to inspire and connect people across generations. Understanding this history enriches our appreciation for the genre and its ongoing evolution. Whether you are preparing for a TOEFL exam or simply looking to expand your knowledge, exploring the background of jazz offers valuable insights into America’s cultural heritage. ??

對于許多托?？忌鷣碚f,，閱讀材料解析是一個重要的備考環(huán)節(jié)。掌握閱讀技巧不僅能提高你的分數,，還能幫助你更好地理解文章的結構和內容,。本文將分享一些實用的閱讀技巧和經驗,，幫助你在托福閱讀中取得更好的成績。??

首先,，了解托福閱讀的基本結構是非常重要的,。通常，托福閱讀部分包含3-4篇文章,，每篇文章后面都有10-14道題目,。每篇文章的字數大約在700-1000字之間，主題涵蓋科學,、歷史,、社會學等多個領域。因此,，考生需要具備一定的背景知識,，以便快速理解文章內容。

接下來,，我們來看看如何有效地解析閱讀材料,。以下是一些建議：

• 快速瀏覽：在開始深入閱讀之前，先快速瀏覽一遍文章,，注意標題,、段落首句和結尾句。這可以幫助你把握文章的主旨和結構,。
• 做筆記：在閱讀過程中,，可以隨時做一些簡短的筆記，記錄重要的信息和關鍵詞,。這有助于你在回答問題時更快找到相關信息,。
• 關注過渡詞：文章中的過渡詞（如“however”、“moreover”,、“therefore”等）能夠幫助你理解作者的邏輯關系和觀點變化。

為了讓大家更好地理解這些技巧,，下面提供一個例子：

Reading Text Example:
"The phenomenon of migration has been a constant in human history. People have moved from one place to another for various reasons, including economic opportunities, conflicts, and environmental changes." ??

根據這段文字,，我們可以提煉出幾個關鍵信息點：

• 主題：遷移現象
• 原因：經濟機會、沖突,、環(huán)境變化

在回答問題時,，可以根據這些關鍵信息來判斷選項的正確性,。例如，如果題目是：

Question: What is one reason for migration mentioned in the passage?
A) War
B) Education
C) Technology
D) Climate Change

答案顯然是A) War,，因為文章提到了“conflicts”作為遷移的原因之一,。

最后，考生還應該定期進行模擬練習,，以提高自己的閱讀速度和理解能力,。可以選擇一些與托福閱讀相似的材料進行練習,，并在規(guī)定時間內完成,。同時，分析自己的錯誤,，了解哪些類型的問題最容易出錯,，從而有針對性地改進。??

希望這些建議能幫助到正在備考托福的你們,！堅持練習,，相信你們會在閱讀部分取得令人滿意的成績！??

Jazz music has played a significant role in shaping American culture, influencing various aspects of society, art, and even politics. As a TOEFL test-taker, understanding the impact of jazz can enhance your cultural knowledge and improve your language skills. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted influence of jazz on American culture. ??

1. Historical Context

Jazz originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in New Orleans. It emerged from African American musical traditions, combining elements of blues, ragtime, and European music. This rich history reflects the diverse cultural fabric of the United States. The evolution of jazz coincided with significant social changes, including the Great Migration, where many African Americans moved to northern cities in search of better opportunities. This movement helped spread jazz across the country, leading to the establishment of vibrant jazz scenes in cities like Chicago and New York. ??

2. Social Change and Civil Rights

Jazz music became a powerful tool for social change, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday used their music to address racial inequalities and promote unity. For example, Billie Holiday's song "Strange Fruit" poignantly highlighted the horrors of racism and lynching in America. Through their art, jazz musicians not only entertained but also raised awareness about social injustices. This connection between jazz and social activism illustrates how music can be a catalyst for change. ???

3. Influence on Other Music Genres

The impact of jazz extends beyond its own genre; it has significantly influenced various other styles of music. Rock, pop, and hip-hop artists have drawn inspiration from jazz rhythms, improvisation, and instrumentation. For instance, the use of brass instruments and syncopated rhythms in rock music can be traced back to jazz influences. Additionally, contemporary artists like Kamasi Washington and Esperanza Spalding are blending jazz with other genres, showcasing its versatility and relevance in today’s music scene. ??

4. Cultural Identity and Expression

Jazz has become a symbol of American cultural identity. It represents freedom of expression, creativity, and innovation. The improvisational nature of jazz allows musicians to express their individuality while collaborating with others. This spirit of collaboration is evident in jazz ensembles, where each musician contributes their unique voice to create a cohesive sound. Such collaboration mirrors the multicultural essence of America, highlighting how different backgrounds can come together to create something beautiful. ??

5. Educational Impact

Jazz education has also gained prominence in American schools and universities. Many institutions now offer dedicated programs to teach jazz performance and history. This educational focus helps preserve the genre and introduces new generations to its rich heritage. Learning about jazz not only enhances musical skills but also fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and history. Students who study jazz often develop critical thinking and improvisational skills that are valuable in various aspects of life. ??

6. The Global Influence of Jazz

Finally, the influence of jazz is not confined to the United States. It has transcended borders and inspired musicians worldwide. From Latin jazz to Japanese jazz fusion, artists globally have incorporated jazz elements into their music. This international reach demonstrates how jazz serves as a universal language, connecting people through shared musical experiences. ??

In conclusion, the influence of jazz on American culture is profound and far-reaching. It has shaped social movements, influenced other music genres, and fostered a sense of cultural identity. For TOEFL candidates, understanding these connections can provide valuable insights into American society and its artistic expressions. Engaging with jazz not only enriches your cultural knowledge but also enhances your language skills through exposure to diverse vocabulary and expressions. So, whether you are listening to a classic jazz record or exploring modern interpretations, embrace the rhythm and let it inspire you on your journey. ??