Text D
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 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.
Those who believed 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, 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 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 related theory traces theater to those dances that are primarily rhythmical and gymnastic or that are imitations of animal movements and sounds.
What does the passage mainly discuss?
本题为主旨大意题。根据文章第一句“There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient Greece.”及第三段第一句“Another theory traces the theater’s origin from the human interest in storytelling.”可知 本文是讨论戏剧的起源的，故A项为正确答案。
What aspect of drama does the author discuss in the first paragraph?
本题为概括大意题。通过阅读第一段，首先可将无法找到根据的选项B和D排除。选项A“戏剧无法预 测的原因”也不正确，由第一段最后一句“...but the stories, later called myths, persisted and provided material for art and drama.”可以看出选项C“神话与戏剧情节的联系”为正确答案。
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common element of theater and ritual?
这是一道细节题。在做本题时要注意题干中的NOT。通过阅读文章很明显选项D为正确答案。
According to the passage, what is the main difference between ritual and drama?
根据文章第二段可知尽管有人说戏剧起源于宗教仪式，但是它们还是有区别的，如戏剧演 出“performances”要有合适的演出地点；戏剧表演时，“表演区”和“观看区”有明显的分界线，另外表演戏剧 还要有演员。而宗教仪式在进行过程中为了避免犯错误都是由宗教领袖来进行，由他们戴上面具，穿上服 装来模仿其他人，动物或超自然的东西，做出一些动作以求达到目的。故D项为正确答案。
The passage supports which of the following statements?
根据文章第二段“Those who believed 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.”可知戏剧需要服装。故 D项为正确答案。