1. (2021高二下·汕尾期末) 阅读理解

Rock and pop hitmaker Jim Steinman, who wrote and composed music for Meat Loaf, Bonnie Tyler, Celine Dion, and more, died Monday in Danbury, Connecticut. He was 73. Steinman's brother Bill confirmed that the cause of death was kidney (肾) failure.

A statement posted on Steinman's Facebook page read, "It's with a heavy heart that I can confirm Jim's passing. There will be much more to say in the coming hours and days as we prepare to honor this giant of a human being and his glorious legacy."

Steinman's wholly unique career found him working as a composer, lyricist, and producer for many artists in a variety of styles. According to a biography on his website, the records he's worked on have sold more than 190 million copies worldwide. He was nominated (提名) for four Grammys, and won Album of the Year for his work on Dion's 1996 smash, Falling Into You.

Steinman began his career in a musical theater while in college, writing and starring in a rock musical called The Dream Engine, which gained the attention of New York theatrical producer Joe Papp. After graduating, Steinman worked at the Public Theater (which was established by Papp). In 1973, Yvonne Elliman recorded Steinman's song "Happy Ending", which became Steinman's first commercially released tune. That same year, the Public Theater staged his musical More Than You Deserve.

One of the actors who auditioned for More Than You Deserve was Meat Loaf, and he and Steinman soon struck up a close personal and professional relationship. The two began working on Meat Loaf's solo album, Bat Out of Hell, in the early 70s, but it wouldn't be released until 1977. It wasn't until about one year later — after Meat Loaf performed on Saturday Night Live — that the album became a hit.

"There is no other songwriter ever like him," Meat Loaf said. "I can never repay him. He has been such an influence, in fact, the biggest influence on my life, and I learned so much from him that there would be no way I could ever repay Mr. Jim Steinman."

1. （1） What caused Jim Steinman's death?

   A . A hit on the head. B . A kidney problem. C . A failed operation. D . A lack of blood supply.
3. （2） What is the correct order of the following events?

   a. Meat Loaf performed on Saturday Night Live.

   b. Jim released his first commercial tune Happy Ending.

   c. Jim and Meat Loaf released the album Bat Out of Hell.

   d. Jim starred in a rock musical called The Dream Engine.

   e. Jim's musical More Than You Deserve was put on show.

   f. Jim won Album of the Year for his work on Falling Into You.

   A . dbecaf B . dbcfae C . fdcaeb D . fbceda
5. （3） Why was Jim Steinman important to Meat Loaf?

   A . Because Jim was an extraordinary songwriter. B . Because Jim allowed him not to repay his debt. C . Because Jim was influential in the music industry. D . Because Jim gave him friendship and career support.
7. （4） What do we learn about Jim Steinman?

   A . He mainly focused his career on acting in musicals. B . He is a well-known and widely respected musician. C . His closest friends were Bill, Papp and Meat Loaf. D . He won four Grammys in the course of his career.