2014年4月托福考试模拟试卷及答案(第三套)_第4页

Example two:

　　There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient Greece. The one　most widely accepted today is based on the assumption that drama evolved from ritual.

　　The argument for this view goes as follows. In the beginning, human beings viewed

　　the natural forces of the world, even the seasonal changes, as unpredictable, and they

　　(5) sought through various means, to control these unknown and feared powers. Those

　　measures which appeared to bring the desired results were then retained and repeated

　　until they hardened into fixed rituals. Eventually stories arose which explained or

　　veiled the mysteries of the rites. As time passed some rituals were abandoned, but

　　the stories, later called myths, persisted and provided material for art and drama.

　　(10) Those who believe that drama evolved out of ritual also argue that those rites

　　contained the seed of theater because music, dance, masks, and costumes were almost

　　always used. Furthermore, a suitable site had to be provided for performances, and

　　when the entire community did not participate, a clear division was usually made

　　between the "acting area" and the "auditorium." In addition, there were performers,

　　(15) and since considerable importance was attached to avoiding mistakes in the enactment

　　of rites, religious leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing masks and costumes, they

　　often impersonated other people, animals, or supernatural beings, and mimed the desired

　　effect-success in hunt or battle, the coming rain, the revival of the Sun-as an actor

　　might. Eventually such dramatic representations were separated from religious

　　(20)activities.

　　Another theory traces the theater's origin from the human interest in storytelling.

　　According to this view, tales (about the hunt, war, or other feats) are gradually

　　elaborated at first through the use of impersonation, action, and dialogue by a narrator

　　and then through the assumption of each of the roles by a different person. A closely

　　(25) related theory traces theater to those dances that are primarily rhythmical and

　　gymnastic or that are imitations of animal movements and sounds.

　　1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

　　(A) The origins of theater

　　(B) The role of ritual in modern dance

　　(C) The importance of storytelling

　　(D) The variety of early religious activities

　　2. The word "they" in line 4 refers to

　　(A) seasonal changes

　　(B) natural forces

　　(C) theories

　　(D) human beings

　　3. What aspect of drama does the author discuss in　the first paragraph?

　　(A) The reason drama is often unpredictable

　　(B) The seasons in which dramas were performed

　　(C) The connection between myths and dramatic　plots

　　(D) The importance of costumes in early drama

　　4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as　a common element of theater and ritual?

　　(A) Dance

　　(B) Costumes

　　(C) Music

　　(D) Magic

　　5. The word "considerable" in line 15 is closest in　meaning to

　　(A) thoughtful

　　(B) substantial

　　(C) relational

　　(D) ceremonial

　　6. The word "enactment" in line 15 is closest in　meaning to

　　(A) establishment

　　(B) performance

　　(C) authorization

　　(D) season

　　7. The word "they" in line 16 refers to

　　(A) mistakes

　　(B) costumes

　　(C) animals

　　(D) performers

　　8. According to the passage, what is the main　difference between ritual and drama?

　　(A) Ritual uses music whereas drama does not.

　　(B) Ritual is shorter than drama.

　　(C) Ritual requires fewer performers than drama.

　　(D) Ritual has a religious purpose and drama does　not.

　　9. The passage supports which of the following　statements?

　　(A) No one really knows how the theater began.

　　(B) Myths are no longer represented dramatically.

　　(C) Storytelling is an important part of dance.

　　(D) Dramatic activities require the use of costumes.

　　10. Where in the passage does the author discuss the　separation of the stage and the audience?

　　(A) Lines 8-9

　　(B) Lines 12-14

　　(C) Lines 19-20

　　(D) Lines 22-24