In the following questions, you have two brief passages with 5 questions following each passage. Read the passages carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Passage I
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional
content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and
instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theatre an actor’s
dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in
opera is presented using the primary elements of theatre such as scenery,
costumes and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather
than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a
small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.