LISTENING EXERCISE 1

Malaysian University English Test

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Shakespeares plays were written in the __. a) 1500's and 1600's c) 2000 BC b) 1100's and 1200's d) 1960's 2. What are the common student responses to Shakespearean plays in the 21st Century? a) crying, screaming and shouting b) groans, moans, devastated looks and chair throwing c) smiles, laughter and excitement d) a and b 3. Which phrase did Shakespeare not invent? a) foul play b) to be in a pickle c) you are as beautiful as this hour d) she doth teach the torches to burn bright 4. "This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss" means a) I wish to kiss you b) kissing is a sin c) pilgrims kiss roughly d) everyone wants to kiss you 5. Which three poetic devices are used in the Shakespeare animation? a) personification, metaphor, simile b) ambiguity, onomatopoeia and assonance c) alliteration, personification and metaphor d) metaphor, simile and complex metaphor

SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
6. Aside from helping men and women get dates, why else is learning Shakespeare plays important today? 7. Using Shakespearean phrases to get a date was considered very polite and romantic in the 16th and 17th Centuries. What polite language phrases are used to get a date in modern society? 8. The roles of men and women have changed between Shakespeares time and now. How successful would you be if you used Shakespeares lines on someone you like? Give reasons to support your answer.

More on Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is arguably the most creative, thought-provoking and multi-talented writer in history. His works were not simply restricted to one medium, and covered poetry, comedies and not to mention his infamous tragedies which have, and will continue to entertain people for many years to come. Despite his massive success and mastery of the written word, Shakespeares family life was anything but this. Therefore, he does not only teach us about the similarities of language, but also those of society. We read in newspapers and magazines how success can often leave ones personal life in tatters. This shows us all that the problems many celebrities have today are not so different from those of centuries ago. This further demonstrates the modern day relevance of both Shakespeares works as well as society at that time.