The shadow play is a typical traditional entertainment that has survived and thrived over the centuries. It is also one of the earliest arts introduced by China to the West.

Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, Emperor Wudi (156-87 BC) of the Western Han Dynasty was very depressed over the death of his favorite concubine (妃子). To help him get over his sadness, a minister made a puppet (木偶) out of cotton and silk in the likeness of the concubine and projected its shadow on a curtain for the emperor to see. The show brought the emperor some comfort. He somehow believed the shadow was his lover’s spirit. This is thought to be the beginning of the shadow play puppetry.

Puppet figures controlled by three to five artists using a transparent white cloth screen have now formed an artistic combination of opera, music, fine art and special craftsmanship. During performances, “actors” are held close to a white curtain with their colored shadows cast on it by a strong light from behind. Moved by guiding sticks, the puppets play roles along with music. Parts are played and sung by the puppet masters. The plays can be quite dramatic and, when it comes to fairy tales or kungfu stories, the “actors” may be made to ride on clouds or perform unusual feats (技艺), to the great enjoyment of the audience, especially children.

The popularity of shadow play is in some way attributed to the equipment being light and easy to carry, the small number of people needed for a performance, and the flexible requirements for performance venues. Shadow plays are mostly based on legends, folk tales and fables, although some are original. The shadow play is particularly adored by children because it feels more magical and mysterious than folk opera and it’s performed by ordinary players.

1.What’s the second paragraph mainly about?

A The history of shadow play.

B The introduction of a love story.

C The legend of Emperor Wudi.

D The possible origin of shadow play.

解析：选D。D段落大意题。根据第二段中的“Legend has it that”传说，以及“This is thought to be the beginning of the shadow play puppetry.”这被认为是皮影戏的开端。由此可知，该段主要讲述的是皮影戏一个可能的起源。故选D。

2.Which of the following is inessential during the performance of shadow play?

A Puppets.

B Strong light.

C Actors.

D Music.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。根据第三段中的“Puppet figures controlled by...”“by a strong light”“along with music”可知，木偶、强光、音乐都是必需的，并未提及“演员”。文中的“actors”指代的是木偶。故选C。

3.Why is shadow play widely popular according to the author?

A For its convenience of performing.

B For its impressive original stories.

C For its low price to watch the show.

D For its quiet environment during performance.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。根据最后一段第一句“The popularity of shadow play is in some way attributed to the equipment being light and easy to carry, the small number of people needed for a performance, and the flexible requirements for performance venues.”皮影戏的广泛流行在某种程度上归因于设备轻便，便于携带，表演人数少，对表演场地的要求灵活。即它表演起来很方便。故选A。

4.What makes kids fall in love with shadow play?

A Its universality.

B Its mystery.

C Its rareness.

D Its equipment.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“The shadow play is particularly adored by children because it feels more magical and mysterious than folk opera and it’s performed by ordinary players.”皮影戏特别受到孩子们的喜爱，因为它比民间戏剧更神奇、更神秘，而且是由普通演员表演的。由此可知，皮影戏因其神秘而受到孩子们的喜爱。故选B。