2011年12月英语阅读理解篇（1）

　The main part of this chapter will deal directly with the technical and artistic limitations and resources that make television unique. But some important differences between television and other forms of literature need mentioning before we begin.

　　In the first place, since the literature of television is transmitted simultaneously to millions of people, its creators are subject to limitations of theme, language, and style. In general, the wider the base of the audience, the greater the degree of restriction imposed on the creator, and no contemporary literary form has a more massive audience than television.

　　In the second place, the line that separates commercial interests from literary interests in television is less distinct than in most other literary forms. To be sure, the publisher of novels and the producer of stage plays are concerned with making money. But in television the advertiser, the man who pays the bill, is primarily concerned with the sale of a commercial product rather than an artistic one. At the same time, selling products and presenting high quality programs are not necessarily incompatible motives. There are, in fact, numerous examples of sponsors who have done both simultaneously.

　　We must remember, too, that the literature of television, unlike most types of literature, is highly ephemeral (短暂的) in character. At the moment, the libraries of television are its "reruns", but even so, a particular show must be seen at a specific time or it cannot be seen at all. As a result, studying or teaching about television presents certain problems not found in the study of other types of literature, except the legitimate stage.

　　21. Since the literature of television is sent out to millions of people at the same time, its creators are likely to have the following limitations EXCEPT_______.

　　A. subject

　　B. choice of words

　　C. the place where they transmit television program

　　D. expression by means of words