Under normal conditions, the act of communication requires the presence of at least two

persons: one who sends and one who receives the communication. In order to communicate thoughts and feelings, there must be a conventional system of signs or symbols that mean the same to the sender and the receiver.

The means of communication are too numerous and varied for systematic classification; therefore, the analysis must begin with the means of receiving communication. Reception of communication is achieved by our senses. Sight, hearing, and touching seem to play the most important roles. Smell and taste play very limited roles, for they cannot receive intellectual expression from fully developed systems of sings and symbols.

Examples of visual communication are gesture and imitation. Although both frequently accompany speech, there are systems that rely solely on sight, such as those used by deaf, and dumb persons. Another means of communicating visually is by signals of fire, smoke, flags, or flashing light. Feelings may be simply communicated by touch, such as by handshaking or backslapping, although a highly developed system of hand-stroking has enabled blind, deaf, and dumb persons to communicate intelligently. Whistling to someone, applauding in a theater, and other forms of communication by sound rely upon the ear as a receiver. The most fully developed form. of auditory communication is, of course, the spoken language.

The means of communication mentioned so far have two features in common: they last only a short time, and the persons involved must be relatively close to each other. Therefore, all are restricted in time and space.

1、Reception of communication______ .

A、is more important than sending messages

B、 depends on two persons

C、 involves use of the senses

D、 play only limited roles

2、Applauding is specifically mentioned as an example of ______.

A、communication by sound

B、 gesture and imitation

C、 communication by sending a message

D、 communication between the listener and speaker

3、Persons who cannot see, hear, or speak are able to communicate through ______.

A、gesturing

B、handshaking

C、smelling

D、hand-stroking

4、The author specifically mentions that speech is______

A、often used when other means are impossible

B、necessary for normal communication

C、the only highly developed system of communication

D、the most developed form. of communication based on hearing

5、According to the passage, means of communication _________

A、can develop quickly if there is enough time and space

B、all have the same features

C、have some limitations even if they are fully developed

D、depend on the persons involved