【B1】______ 【B8】______

One of America’s most important (26) exports is her modern music. American popular music is played all over the world.  It is enjoyed by people of all ages in all countries. Though the lyrics are English, (27) nevertheless people not speaking English enjoy it. The reasons for its (28) popularity are its fast pace and (29) rhythmic beat.
   This music has many origins in the United States.  Country music, coming from the (30) rural areas in the southern United States, is one source. Country music (31) features simple themes and melodies (32) describing day to day situations and the feelings of country people. Many people (33) appreciate this music because of the emotions expressed by country music songs.
   A second origin of American popular music is the blues. (34) It depicted mostly sad feelings reflecting the difficult lives of American blacks. It is usually played and sung by black musicians, but it is popular with all Americans.
   Rock music is a newer form of music.  (35) This music style, featuring fast and repetitious rhythms, was influenced by the blues and country music. It was first known as rock-and-roll in the 1950’s. Since then there have been many forms of rock music, hard rock, soft rock, punk rock, disco music and others. Many performers of popular rock music are young musicians.
   Some American popular songs are popular all over the world. (36) People hear these songs sung in their original English or sometimes translated to other languages. The words may differ but the enjoyment of the music is universal.