PTE Core Reading Test 3

For centuries, the works of William Shakespeare have remained at the centre of English literature, studied in schools and performed on stages across the globe. Part of their enduring appeal lies in their remarkable adaptability. Directors have set his plays in countless historical periods and locations, from ancient Rome to contemporary corporate boardrooms, and audiences continue to find them relevant.

Scholars often attribute this flexibility to the universal themes Shakespeare explored. Ambition, jealousy, love and betrayal are emotions that transcend any particular era, allowing each generation to discover something of itself in the text. The richness of the language also rewards repeated examination, with new layers of meaning emerging from careful study.

Yet the very familiarity of Shakespeare can present challenges. Some argue that the reverence surrounding his name can intimidate newcomers, who may assume the plays are too difficult to enjoy. Others worry that endless reinterpretation risks distorting the original works beyond recognition. Educators have responded by experimenting with new approaches, encouraging students to perform scenes aloud rather than merely read them silently. By treating the plays as living drama rather than static texts, teachers hope to recapture the immediacy that audiences would have felt in the original theatres. In this way, the goal is not to preserve Shakespeare as a museum piece but to keep his work vital and accessible for modern readers and viewers alike.

According to the passage, why do educators encourage students to perform scenes aloud?

1. A.To make the plays feel like living drama rather than static texts
2. B.To reduce the amount of reading students must do
3. C.To prove that the plays are too difficult to understand
4. D.To prevent any reinterpretation of the original works

The correct answer is shown in your review when you finish the test.