Question

If you have ever been in a school play or even made believe you were a doctor, detective, or a space traveler, you know the enjoyment that acting brings. Almost all of us have the wish to play the part of someone－or something else. 1.

In the ancient world, acting was often associated with religious ceremonies and other special occasions. As far back as 2200 B.C. trained Chinese actors performed ceremonial dances in costume and makeup at harvest festivals. 2. To the dance was gradually added pantomime－the imitation of movements and gestures－as well as the wearing of masks, the singing of chants, and finally the use of dialogue.

While acting was coming into its own in the ancient Chinese classical theatre, it was doing the same in the western world, in Greece. From about 500 B.C. on, acting became a highly specialized art in Greece. Greek actors, however, still wore masks, and their motions were largely fixed by custom. 3.

Modern acting, by contrast, gives the individual actor great opportunity to develop his or her personal talents for serious, comic, or musical drama. The names, faces, and styles of famous movie actors are known worldwide. 4. A special form of acting takes place in radio drama, which was highly popular before television. In radio drama the actors face a unique challenge. They are unseen by their audience. So they must rely on voice alone to make their characters real to the listeners.

5. Only forty percent of Broadway actors are employed, most of them for only part of the year. Those who become stars need not only talent, but determination. They must not be easily discouraged. Otherwise, they might give up before the opportunity for stardom presents itself.

A. The origins of acting are in the act of remembering.

B. Drama in Greece began with festivals honoring Dionysus.

C. It is believed that this was the first step in the development of acting.

D. Historical records indicate that this desire is as old as civilization itself.

E. Acting is not, as many people think, a quick, easy road to fame and riches.

F. Therefore, they had little opportunity to show their individual personalities.

G. Broadway and television provide other stages on which actors can display their talent.

Answer

1. D

2. C

3. F

4. G

5. E

【解析】

本文介绍表演的起源。古代和现代表演形式以及表演职业的艰难。表演会给人带来快乐，但是正如许多人认为，演戏并不是一个快速、轻松的成名和致富之路。

1.上句的wish直接对应D选项的this desire。故选D。

2.提到历史起源的选项有两个，一个是A选项；一个是C选项。而A选项的act of remembering与相邻句的dance没有任何关系，所以排除。故选C。

3.根据下一段中的by contrast和上段构成对比关系，所以选择F项，其中little opportunity与下段第一句中的great opportunity形成转折关系。

4.本段在讲述“现代的表演形式”。下文提示“广播剧是一种特殊的表演形式，在电视出现之前很受欢迎。”承接下文，G项 Broadway and television provide other stages on which actors can display their talent.（百老汇和电视也为演员提供了施展才华的舞台。）切题。故选G。

5.此段提到表演职业的困难。选项中只有E选项Acting is not, as many people think, a quick, easy road to fame and riches.（表演并不是像许多人认为的那样，是一条通往名利的捷径。）切题。故选E。