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We see art everywhere around us. In parks, city squares, shopping streets and public buildings, we find modern art objects on display. Classical art, such as valuable paintings and precious sculptures, usually ends up as the collections of museums, companies or rich people.

Both art and architecture have a history of ages. All forms and ways of expressing the beautiful things have been explored. In the case of architecture, many buildings designed in the past have proven beautiful and served their purposes. Governments and companies could save millions of dollars by copying the architecture of buildings from the past. There are still many designs for buildings made by famous architects that were never realized. Besides, some people find modern architecture ugly. So why should we make an investment in architecture for designing new buildings?

The same holds for modern art, both paintings and statues, Many storerooms contain enough art to decorate all public buildings and other public places. There is no need to create more art, and as with modern architecture, many people find new art difficult to understand or appreciate.

Given these facts, why are architects and artists asked to create new artworks? The answers have to do with the function of art in society today. First of all, the function of art is to decorate things. Artworks make our living environment more beautiful. Another function of art is enriching real life. Art helps people to learn to think creatively. In art things are not always what they seem to be. Very often you can hardly tell what the funny art objects are. People need such creative moments. Finally, art is often seen as a way to instruct the audience. Statues of heroes from the past remind us of our history. Paintings and other art objects can also help us realize what goals we should set for ourselves.

Because ideas about social change and every period of time have their own tastes, there is always a need for new art. We can still appreciate the beautiful artworks made in the past, but they are often too valuable to be placed in public buildings. Besides, they also often need special protection.

1£®According to the passage, who owns collections of ancient statues and paintings?

A£®Parks or city squares.

B£®Shopping streets or public buildings.

C£®Museums, companies or rich people.

D£®Some historic sites.

2£®What's the writing purpose of Paragraph 2?

A£®To explain why some people find modern art ugly.

B£®To introduce the necessity of new art.

C£®To show the benefits of copying designs from the past.

D£®To prove both art and architecture have a long history.

3£®Why can't we use old art to decorate public buildings?

A£®Because they need long­lasting restoring.

B£®Because more people prefer modern art.

C£®Because of the changes and difference in taste.

D£®Because of their value and need for protection.

4£®What does the fourth paragraph mainly talk about?

A£®The functions of art in society today.

B£®The functions of architecture.

C£®The reason why art is difficult.

D£®The reason why art is precious.