A
(2018·安徽合肥第二次质量检测)
Theaters of the Past
The Ancient Greek Theater
Theaters developed in many parts of Greece. Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural open air sites on conveniently shaped hills. This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time. Due to this, actors placed emphasis on exaggerated(夸张的) action and speech. And, colorful symbolic masks and costumes were used.
The Medieval Theater
The Medieval theater started in churches. That's why medieval plays were about Bible stories. At first, it became a custom for priests(牧师) to act out brief scenes during Christmas and Easter. These acts attracted large crowds. Finally the church refused to allow priests to participate in any such events again, so ordinary people began these performances outside. Performances were set in the town square, with several stage settings around it.
The Elizabethan Theater
The England's theaters developed rapidly in the years following the defeat of the Spanish Navy. The dominant feature of Elizabethan theaters was the stage. It has three parts: The fore stage for outside scenes; the inner stage for scenes inside a building; an upper stage or balcony for various purposes. The reason for this design is that there were no scene changes, or breaks during the play. Very little scenery was used, so the actors had to create a scene through their voices and dialogues. This led to a more poetic script, and poets became the main source of script writing.
The Restoration Theater
Some of the plays told sad stories, but the majority of the plays were really funny. Many specialized machines were used to create the scene. The stage was a very clever idea, in that on the sides of the stage large back shutters(百叶窗) were painted with the scene.
语篇解读：本文介绍了古代四个时期的剧院的不同特点。
1．Why were ancient Greek theaters built on hills?
A．To hold a large quantity of audiences.
B．To build a big and strong stage.
C．To have a better sound effect.
D．To emphasize exaggerated performances.
[解析] 细节理解题。根据The Ancient Greek Theater中的“Ancient Greek theaters were built in natural open air sites on conveniently shaped hills. This allowed a great mass of people to enjoy a show at a time.”可知，古希腊时期的剧院建在山上是为了容纳更多的观众。
[答案] A
2．In which theater could actors' voices and speech help create scenes?
A．The Ancient Greek Theater.
B．The Medieval Theater.
C．The Elizabethan Theater.
D．The Restoration Theater.
[解析] 细节理解题。根据The Elizabethan Theater中的“Very little scenery was used, so the actors had to create a scene through their voices and dialogues.”可知，在伊丽莎白一世时代的剧院，演员的声音和言语能帮助创造场景。
[答案] C
3．What is special about the Restoration theater?
A．Colorful masks were used.
B．The stage was smartly designed.
C．Most of its plays were sorrowful.
D．Ordinary people were the performers.
[解析] 推理判断题。根据The Restoration Theater中的“The stage was a very clever idea, in that on the sides of the stage large back shutters(百叶窗) were painted with the scene.”可知，在王政复辟时期的剧院舞台设计巧妙。
[答案] B
