阅读理解。
About the year 1900, a poor boy named Charlie Chaplin was often seen waiting outside the back entrances
of London theatres. He looked thin and hungry. He was hoping to get work in show business. He could sing
and dance, and above all, he knew how to make people laugh. But he couldn't get work and therefore wandered
about the city streets. Sometimes he was sent away to a home for children who had no parents.
But twenty years later, this same Chaplin became the greatest, best-known, and best-loved comedian (喜剧
演员) in the world. Any regular visitor to the cinema, must have seen some of Chaplin's films. People
everywhere have sat and laughed at them until the tears ran down their faces. Even people who don't understand
English can enjoy his films, because they are mostly silent. It isn't what he says that makes us laugh. His comedy
doesn't depend upon (依靠) words or language. It depends upon funny actions which mean the thing to people
all over the world. Acting out without words, of common human situations plays an important part in the dances
and plays in many countries. It's a kind of the world language.
Chaplin lived most of his life in America and died in Switzerland on Christmas Day in 1977, at the age of
eighty-eight. There was sadness all over the world at the news of his death.
1. Chaplin was born _____.
A. in 1990
B. in Switzerland
C. in 1889
D. in America
2. Why was Chaplin often seen waiting outside London theatres?
A. Because he needed a job in show business.
B. Because he needed food to eat.
C. Because he hoped to sing and dance.
D. Because he hoped to have a home.
3. Twenty years later, Chaplin became the best _____.
A. singer
B. dancer
C. actor
D. comedian
4. What does Chaplin's comedy depend on?
A. Words and language.
B. Music and dance.
C. Story and background.
D. Action, a kind of the world language.
5. Which is true?
A. Chaplin was an American.
B. Chaplin's comedy was boring.
C. Chaplin was a dumb (哑巴).
D. People in the world were very sad at the news of Chaplin's death.
