background music may seem harmless, but it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it. recorded background music first found its way into factories, shop and restaurants in the us. but it soon spread to other arts of the world. now it is becoming increasingly difficult to go shopping or eat a meal without listening to music. 

　　to begin with, “ muzak ” (音乐广播网) was intended simply to create a soothing¹ (安慰) atmosphere. recently, however, it’s become big business –thanks in part to recent research. dr. ronald milliman, an american marketing² expert, has shown that music can boost³ sales or increase factory production by as much as a third.

　　but, it has to be light music. a fast one has no effect at all on sales. slow music can increase receipts by 38%. this is probably because shoppers slow down and have more opportunity to spot items they like to buy. yet, slow music isn’t always answer. dr.milliman found, for example, that in restaurants slow music meant customers took longer to eat their meals, which reduced overall sales. so restaurants owners might be well advised to play up-tempo music to keep the customers moving – unless of course, the resulting indigestion leads to complaints!

　　练习( )1. the reason why background music is so popular is that ______.

　　a. it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it

　　b. it can help to create a soothing atmosphere

　　c. it can boost sales or increase factory production everywhere

　　d. it can make customers eat their meals quickly

　　( )2. background music means ________.

　　a. light music that customers enjoy most

　　b. fast music that makes people move fast

　　c. slow music that can make customers enjoy their meals

　　d. the music you are listening to while you are doing something