Questions 31-40
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 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, 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.
31. What does the passage many 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.
32. The word "they" in line 6 refers to
(A) seasonal changes
(B) natural forces
(C) theories
(D) human beings
33. What aspect of drama does the author discuss in the first paragraph?
(A) The reason drams 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
34. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common element of theater and ritual?
(A) Dance
(B) Costumes
(C) Music
(D) Magic
35. The word "considerable" in line 21 is closest in meaning to
(A) thoughtful
(B) substantial
(C) relational
(D) ceremonial
36. The word "enactment" in line 22 is closest in meaning to
(A) establishment
(B) performance
(C) authorization
(D) season
37. The word "they" in line 23 refers to
(A) mistakes
(B) costumes
(C) animals
(D) performers
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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
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