单选题
The obvious beauty of symmetry has long been an important
consideration to artists and artisans working in the Western tradition. Indeed,
there are few examples in Western culture of major structural works such as
gates, religious altars, or kings' thrones which do not incorporate the
principle of symmetry into their design. The theory underlying this practice
rests on certain assumptions about human vision. It is assumed that if the eye
of the viewer is directed toward some central point in the design, this central
point must be the center of visual gravity as well. In other words, the center
of the design must be balanced by equal mass on the left and right. It is
further assumed that, if the object is not so arranged, there will arise in the
viewer a certain visual discomfort and tension of the eye muscles. This tension
and discomfort will, of course, limit the potential for esthetic enjoyment and
appreciation. According to the theories which came into vogue
at the time of the Renaissance, vertical symmetry is of less significance than
bilateral symmetry. In other words, making an esthetic object, small on the top
and large at the bottom is not apt to create a visual tension, at least on the
scale of an imbalance between right and left. We can see this
principle at work in the average gateway arch or cathedral window. There is a
wide base with two sides which extend upward. The two sides converge, forming a
central design point at the top. This point functions as the center of the
design and the center of visual gravity. The artist pays particular attention to
the sloping vertical lines. The slope must be exact on both sides. The result of
this careful attention is the perfectly formed arch with its two symmetrical
shoulders and its central dominating point. It matters little to the artist that
the arch design is large at the bottom and increasingly smaller at the top,
since he assumes the inherent truth of all Renaissance prescriptions.
单选题
It is clear from this selection that bilateral symmetry
A.is the balance from top to bottom.
B.is not of prime importance.
C.causes visual tension and discomfort.
D.is the balance from side to side.
【正确答案】
D
【答案解析】[解析] 首段设事实细节题，考查两边对称原理的含义及其重要性的理解。
文章第一段倒数第三句：In other words...即换句话说，设计的中心点必须跟左右两端平均对称。因此，答案为D。A项说从顶端到底部的对称，这不是两端的对称；B项说不重要，与文章首段首句相反；C项说会造成视觉紧张和不适，而文中提到对称美学产生原理就是不会引起视觉疲劳。
单选题
What does the author feel about the ancient artists and artisans?
A.They executed their designs without thought of symmetry.
B.They paid little attention to symmetry.
C.They were aware of the supposed importance of symmetry.
D.They attempted in most cases to make the viewer uncomfortable.
单选题
What will the artist executing the typical gateway arch pay most
attention to?
A.The symmetry of the shoulders.
B.The width of the base.
C.The height of the arch.
D.The dominance of vertical symmetry.
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】[解析] 尾段设推理判断题，考查艺术家设计拱门最注重的问题。
文章第三段中提到The artist pays particular attention to the sloping vertical lines...即艺术家特别注意倾斜的直线，两边的坡度要完全一样；所以选A项“两边的对称”。