TOEFL Readings 31

           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

 Line     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 mask 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 impersonations, 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.

 

 

            32. 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

 

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

                (A) seasonal changes

                (B) natural forces

                (C) theories

                (D) human beings

 

            34. 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

 

 

 

 

 

            35. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common element of theater

              and ritual?

                (A) Dance                      (B) Costumes

                (C) Music                      (D) Magic

 

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

                (A) thoughtful

                (B) substantial

                (C) relational

                (D) ceremonial

 

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

                (A) establishment

                (B) performance

                (C) authorization

                (D) season

 

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

                (A) mistakes

                (B) costumes

                (C) animals

                (D) performers

 

            39. According to the passage, what is the manin 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.

 

            40. 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.

 

            41. 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