unit 2. part 2

Question 1

ancient

Answer 1

adj . , very old, of the distant past

Question 2

band

Answer 2

n. , a small group

Question 3

century
The circus is one of the oldest forms of entertainment in history. Although the modem circus has been around for a few centuries, related forms of public entertainment have been in existence for millennia.

Answer 3

n. , a period of 100 years

Question 4

develop
It was during the Dark Ages that the circus began to develop into what we know today.
Joshua Brown’s introduction of
the circus tent was an important contribution to the development of the circus.
Philip Astley is known as the developer of stunt riding.
The circus has developed in different ways over the years.

Answer 4

v. , to grow and change

Question 5

entertainment
People often hire clowns to entertain children at parties.
The circus is still a favorite form of entertainment today.
The more common people enjoyed the performances of traveling entertainers, who went from village to village, putting on shows during festivals.
We spent a very entertaining afternoon at the circus.

Answer 5

n. , a performance or show

Question 6

exhibit

Answer 6

n. , something shown to the

public; a display

Question 7

exotic
Other events held at the Circus Maxtmus included gladiator fights and exhibits of exotic animals such as elephants and tigers.

Answer 7

adj . , unusual, from a foreign

place

Question 8

found
Around the sixth centwy B.c. , the Circus Maximus was founded in Rome as a venue for public entertainment
an Englishman named Philip Astley founded the
first modem circus.

Answer 8

v. , to start or establish an

institution

Question 9

grandeur

However, the circus survived to make a return to its former grandeur in the eighteenth century.

Answer 9

n. , greatness

Question 10

massive

it took place in a massive venue.

Answer 10

adj . , very big

Question 11

permanently
The permanence of the circus as a form of entertainment shows how much people enjoy it.
Unlike the traveling bands of performers, court jesters had permanent jobs.
Circuses don’t stay in one place permanently but travel around from city to city.

Answer 11

adv. , for always

Question 12

popular
The circus still enjoys great popularity.
Joshua Brown helped to popularize the circus in America.
The circus is popular all over the world.
The modem circus is popularly known as the Big Top.

Answer 12

adj . , liked by many people

Question 13

reduce

Answer 13

v. , to make something smaller

Question 14

remnant

Answer 14

n. , a small leftover piece

Question 15

renovation
it had gone through several renovations
and had become a massive marble stadium that could seat more than 200,000 spectators.

Answer 15

n. , repair or rebuilding

Question 16

spectator

chariot races, which were a popular spectator sport.

Answer 16

n. , a person who watches

an event

Question 17

survive
The survival of the circus is due to its ability to change with the times.
The circus as a form of entertainment is a survivor of the hard times of the Dark Ages.
The circus has survived in many forms throughout the centuries.

Answer 17

v. , to continue, stay alive

Question 18

talent

They combined the talents of jugglers, mimes, and clowns.

Answer 18

n. , a special ability

Question 19

trainer
Eventually, the site was permanently retired, and public entertainment was reduced to small bands of traveling performers and animal trainers.
A circus animal trainer has to be able to work with exotic animals.
Some animals are easier to train than others.
Many circuses use trained elephants in their show.

Answer 19

n. , a person who teaches skills to people or animals

Question 20

venue

The original Circus Maximus venue was built entirely of wood.

Answer 20

n. , place where an event is held