MOCABULARY! Idioms with star and fame ‘1a Match the idioms (1-8) to the definitions (ah). 1 tobe starry-eyed 5. what price fame 2. toreach for the stars 6 aclaim to fame 3. tothank one’s lucky stars 7 15 minutes of fame 4 tobe written in the stars 8 to shoot to fame a the shortlived period where a person is briefly famous and receives lots of media attention b. totry and achieve very challenging aims € to say that a course of events or outcome is certain to happen d_ to suddenly become famous after a successful film or another remarkable achievement ea phrase used to suggest that the acquisition of fame may not be worth all the suffering that goes with it f tobe grateful for opportunities or good fortune 9 an unusual or interesting reason why something or someone may have become well known h to have a naively enthusiastic, overoptimistic or romantic view of someone or a situation ‘Tb SEMIN Complete these questions with idioms from 1a in the correct form. Then use the questions to interview your partner. 1 Do you agree with the idea that certain events in ourlives are 2 Oris this superstitious nonsense? 2. Think of someone you've heard about who suddenly What made them famous? Did they deserve the attention? 3 When was the last time you 2 What made you feel so fortunate? 2c REAONG Read four commentaries, in which writers, give their views on the relevance of the Oscars. Find five different aspects of the Oscars that are discussed by two or more of the writers. 2b REIKI! Underline the key words in the questions in 3a. Think how they might be paraphrased. Work with a partner and compare your answers. In Question 1 ‘providing gifts to Oscar nominees’ might be paraphrased as something like ‘actors and actresses are offered expensive presents by 3a Read the commentaries at 3b For questions 5-8, decide whit 4 REIT 5 What do the under 6 SPEKING What about you? In cross-text multiple-matching reading activities, its useful to underline the key words in each text Remember that in the questions the same information will probably be expressed in different words, > EXAM SUCCESS page 128 in. For questions 1-4, choose from the writers (A-D). The writers may be chosen more than once. Which writer: = shares B's view on the practice of providing gifts to Oscar nominees? a = has a different opinion to A about the type of film that tends to be recognised at the Oscars? 2 = shares C's view on the appropriacy of self-promotion amongst people in the acting profession? 3 = has a different view from the others on why there is a lack of diversity amongst Oscar nominees? 4 h text (A-D) contains the following information. = specific examples of gifts the Oscar nominees receive 5 "= details outlining the current general composition of the membership of the Academy ‘ = a reference to a writer's dramatic shift in attitude towards the significance of the Oscars. 7 = a mention of some particular circumstances which may require nominees to fake emotion 8 Think! Then compare ideas with your class. = Should a film receive an award according to how popular it was with the general public, or are there other criteria which are more important? red words in the article mean? Guess and then check in your dictionary. 1. Do you watch the Oscars? Why/Why not? 2 How do you choose which films to watch?Are the Oscars still relevant? 1#s awards season, so we asked four people from the film industry to give us their views on this world-famous ceremony. JIM LOEWE, FILM CRITIC ’As a starry-eyed teen, | watched the Oscars and thought that taking home a litte gold statue might well be the best thing that could fever happen to anybody! Dreaming that | might someday be walking Up to the stage myself, | would practise my acceptance speech in front of the mirror. Today, my disenchantment couldn't be greater ‘Awards are going to the kind of films that inteligent adults ought to have grown out of years ago. ‘High-budget’ and ‘commercially successful’ don't equate to quality. Should we not instead be congratulating independently-made films that push the industry intellectually and creatively? So how has this situation arisen? There ‘are 6,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and ‘Sciences. Itis their votes that determine who goes home with the {gold. However, 8,000 people simply can't al have the same taste in movies. Neither can they have watched the multitude of films that ‘are released in a single year. How, then, do they make their choice? Itis the fm studios who must be held accountable here. They spend mmilions on campaigns to ensure that their flms get the publicity that voters can't fail to notice. Without the funds, small studios simply can't compete, which is why | would condone instances Where young actors have paid for advertising in industry magazines, putting their case forward as to why they deserve an award. Recently, Academy voters have also come under fire for not ensuring that actors of different ethnic backgrounds are amongst the ominees. But the root of the problem in fact les with producers believing that audiences aren't interested in stories in which the protagonist isn't a white male. 6, LOUISE ALDERLEY, DIRECTOR ‘Can there be anything more fascinating than reading the body language of Oscar nominees at the awards ceremony? There ‘must be few experiences more excruciating for an actor than having to.grit your teeth and force a smile when it's not your name that is eventually announced, Acting awards should be handed out just for that, Stil, losing out to @ contemporary may be hard, but it doesn't mean you go home empty-handed. Consolation ‘comes in the form af opulent goody bags worth $200,000 that are handed out to all nominees. Do celebrities need pampering inthis way? Yes, when you consider that actors might have had to put their personal ives on hold for a year while shooting a movie, and again during the endless months of promotion, talking up the film to interviewers - all part oftheir contractual obligations. What's less acceptable isthe fact that the demographic of Academy voters is so narrow. A recent LA Times study showed that Oscar voters are nearly 9496 white and 77% male. Black members make up about 2% of the Academy, and Latino members less than 296. Voters younger than 50 years old ‘constitute just 14% of the membership. This ‘can’tlbe something that we simply tolerate, The demographic must be dramatically widened. Only when the voters share similar cultural backgrounds to the stars of future films will we ‘802 greater equality in nomination. een att ferret ce) Pct Br SRT Co and 77% male. 9 @ FAHAD PATEL, ACTOR Faling to get peer and public recognition can wreck the careers of aspiring young actresses and actors faster than you can say ‘'m only waiting tables til | got my big break’. Its ne wonder then that teen stars get frustrated when thei achievements are nat acknowledged at the Oscars. I's undeniable that this awards ceremony in particularhas a history of ignoring great movies made for and about young people. It's asf the powers that be are saying, ‘Nope, you can't win an award. Not until you've hit middle age.’ So, while it may offend some people's sense of propriety, is understandable that a few young artists have taken itinto their own hands to draw attention to their talents and work. creating a storm on Twitter is what it takes to get noticed by Academy voters, then they might as wel take that approach. Genuine talent is found in many ‘ages, not to mention ethnicities, shapes and genders, but the Academy voters have consistently failed to recognise this. t's this kind of issue which is worthy of debate. But ‘can we please see less media attention given to the tradition of celebrities receiving jewellery, designer clothes and other products from companies hoping for endorsement? There's no need for “anyone to get allied up ebout it. Truth is, most actors’ careers are short-lived, You can't blame them for grabbing hold of the tree stuff before their 15 minutes of fame runs out ® SHONA BLYTHE, PRODUCER There have been some stunning fms this year that show how far we've come with special effects, and that actors long past retirement age can stil play the hero and win over multi {generational audiences. Box office takings prove popularity, no question. So why do the Oscars choose to ignore films inthe blockbuster genre - the ones the fans actually ike and are happy to pay to go and see? | have to conclude that at best i's a case of ignorance (the Academy voters never took the time to view them) or ~ at worst - i's fundamental snobbery. Just because a film isn't about arty or existential themes doesn't mean i's not worthy of recognition. But the Academy seems intent on giving awards to films that have drawn ite international attention; kind of pointiess if few people have seen them. Some of those ‘commercially successful fms gave stronger roles to African ‘Americans and to people who started their acting career in Europe or South America. (Admittedly, those roles are stil too, few to be proportionally representational of audiences.) Some of those same actors and actresses gave stellar performances ‘and so might easily have been shortisted for an award, even, ifthe films themselves fell short in some ways. Yet these artists were overlooked once again ~ a pattern of ‘behaviour which Academy voters seem reluctant to shake off Either the members of the Academy must recognise their contribution, or the (Oscars risk becoming increasingly relevant as the 21% century moves forward,Grammar in context Different uses of can, could, may and might 1 Choose the most suitable explanation (a-f) for the uses of can or could in sentences 1-7. Use cone explanation twice. 11 However, 6,000 people simply can’t all have the same taste in movies. 2 3 Today, my disenchantment couldn't be greater. Failing to get recognition can wreck the careers of aspiring young actresses and actors. ‘Nope, you can’t win an award. Not until you've hit middle-age. 5 Taking home a little gold statue might well be the best thing that could ever happen to anybody! 6 But can we please see less media attention given to the tradition of celebrities receiving jewellery? 7 Actors long past retirement age can stil play the hero and win over multi-generational audiences. a. tendency d__possibility/impossibilty b request prohibition ability f deduction 2. Match the uses of may and might to the ‘explanations (af). 1. Taking home a litle gold statue might well be the best thing that could ever happen to anybody! 2. Dreaming that | might someday be walking up to the stage myself, | would 3. Losing out to a contemporary may be hard, butit doesn’t mean you go home empty-handed. Yes, when you consider that actors might have had to put their personal lives on hold for a year 5 Ifereating a storm on Twitter is what it takes to get noticed, then they might as well take that approach. ‘Some of those same actors and actresses gave stellar performances and so might easily have been shortlisted for an award. future possibilty past possibilty past possibility which did not happen strong possibilty suggestion when there is no better alternative Cuneta) 3. Look at these sentences. Do they have the sami meaning? If not, explain the differenc smeoance concession ‘1a None of the actors was allowed to reveal details of the plot to the media. ‘Ib None of the actors could have revealed details of the plot to the media. unit 9 2a The director told us that we might as well finish filming for the day because of the rain. 2b ‘I suggest we finish filming for the day,’ said the director. The rain isn't gaing to stop. 3a It might not have been easy to film in such a remote location. 3b It can't have been easy to film in such a remote location. 4a There is a very good chance that Alici award for Best Supporting Actress. will win the 4b Alicia might well win the award for Best Supporting Actress. a In the US, Latino films can be very popular in certain communities where people speak Spanish 5b Many people in the US can speak Spanish, s0 Latino films are very popular in certain communities. Complete the sentences using forms from 1 and 2 and the verb given. 1. That actors face looks different. I think he {have} some plastic surgery recently! Her new song sounds very familia. | think she well (steal) someone else's tune. The stunts in that movie were really dangerous. Someone easily (injure), tt (be) Grace you saw in the mall yesterday. She's been away at summer camp for the last two weeks. We well (esk) for her autograph. The worst she can do is say no! ‘Asan actress, she (achieve) fame abroad, but she has a great reputation here. ‘5c SPEAKING! Work with a partner. What forms from 1 and 2 do you need in order to do the following? Think of something you could say in each situation. 41 talk about something you have mixed feelings about It may be ... + but ... — James Bond films make a half-hearted suggestion about what to do after school today make a deduction about an event you have read about in the news say how you are very likely to spend your next holiday 5. speculate about an event in your past, imagining a different possible outcome describe something that you were prohibited from doing when you were younger 5b Now use the situations to make statements, and to respond to your partner's statements. James Bond films may be entertaining, but they're kind of predictable, too.Developing vocabulary Phrasal verbs - the film industry 1 Match each phrasal verb (1-12) to the correct meaning (a-!). 1 He was written out of the show after having an argument with the director. 2. Jessica can come across as quite shy when you first meet her, but actually I think she's quietly confident. 3. It's important for actors to run through the script before filming starts 4. Using heavy make-up, the special effects people were able to turn the young actress into an old 5 After weeks of rehearsals he succeeded in getting the character's real nature across to the audience 6 It's common for scenes in films to fade out to black, but fading out to white has recently become trendy. 7 Many actors find it much easier to take on a new personality once they are in costume and make-up. 8 Willis very good at putting on an act and telling funny stories even when he's feeling sad. 9 Aspiring actors always have to read for roles in Hollywood, but famous actors are usually just offered starring roles. 10 Breaking into acting requires ambition and talent. 11 Some directors like film stars to act the most dangerous parts of a scene out, but most prefer to use stunt doubles. 12 In addition to acting talent, making a Hollywood film calls for @ lot of work from off-screen talent (writers, directors and producers) 2 acquire a new 9 require characteristic or ability transform b perform i behave in a false way audition J gradually disappear startto do something ——_k_ change a story to cut practise a character be seen by others in a certain way communicate or be ' understood 2 Rewrite the sentences using phrasal verbs from 1. 1. The film’s final scene required many hours of work by the special effects department. 2. It’s not easy to get your frst job in the film industry 3. She was unfamiliar with the script, so she rehearsed itin front of her mirror every evening 4 Instead of having job interviews, actors and actresses have to audition for a part in a film 5. Fans were upset by the network's decision to remove the most popular character from the show. 6 He's not really upset by the news ~ he's just pretending! In open cloze activities, the missing word is often part of a phrase - this might be a phrasal verb, or some other set expression. This means that collocation is important in this type of activity. Try reading the sentence through - what word ‘sounds’ like itis missing? > EXAM SUCCESS page 133 3. Read the article and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use one word only in each gap. All made up! ‘hile make-up is often used in films to make actors. and actresses look more beautiful it can also be used. rola) them into monsters. When a director needs a handsome actor (o). be transformed into, say,a terrifying mutant zombie, he or she uses the considerable talents of the special effects make-up artist. This role © for an incredibly wide range of skills to create the appearance of bruises, cuts, blood, old age, deformities, mutations and (d) ‘more. Special effects make-up artists have designed some of their techniques themselves, but most have been borrowed (e) other disciptines such as medical and dental prosthetics (false body parts) robotics, auto racing and mould-making, Basically, these artists should be prepared to () out almost any approach including emerging technologies like 3D printing but also more standard materials such as latex, silicone and rubber in order to bring (@) the transformations required by the director, It’s important to gain as much experience as possible if you're keen on (h) into the special effects industry. Making a 20-year-old actor @) across as a 70 year old so realistically that an audience is going to believe itis a lot harder than most of @) probably realise, And you'll need more than just creative talents as (k) ~ excellent interpersonal skills are also essential because your subjects may have to put up with eight hours or more in the make-up chair being transformed into orcs, vampires oraliens, which can severely test their patience! Special effects make-up artists are most commonly employed on sci-fi and horrorsets but are also needed on any film or TV show where a character simply gets a black eye or ages 20 years in a day In fact, they're a vital part of the film industry, which is all 0 ‘making scenes that are totally artificial appear natural. Make-up artists may not get the same level of recognition as actors, but as the film music fades (m) and the credits roll, the test of a goad film will not only lie with the quality of the script and those who (n) itout, but the skill of the make-up artists, too, 4 (SPEMKING What about you? Work with a partner. Would you be interasted in working as a special effects make-up artist? Why/Why not?Gateway to life skills: Academic skills } RB») rama = Tolearn how to form and structure a antithesis [n]: | always consider the opposing viewpoint of my speech ‘argument to help me understand how to use antithesis in my ‘speeches and presentations, rhetorical question [collocation|: The person who asks a rhetorical question knows the answer and does not expect a response. = Toidentity way: enhance a speech #t language can = Topractise giving a speech within a time limit 1 (SPEAKS, Work with a partner. Discuss 4. Read the speech again. Find examples of rhetorical these questions. questions, and the use of adjectives and adverbs to 1. Who have you heard speaking in public jcreatela) vivid emporio = maybe at school, a club or a family gathering? 5 SPINE! Work with a partner. Answer the ques! 2 What was memorable about their speech? 1 What do you think antithesis is? Check you both understand the speaker's explanation. 2. Which of the examples of antithesis do you prefer? Why? ns. 3. Hows @ speech different from a presentation? 4 What makes a speech successful or peices 6 SICH! © 29 Listen to a student delivering the speech struts retirees een you read in 3. As you listen you should: public? What does it depend on? underline the words or phrases the studlent emphasises use / to show significant pauses 2. Read the following list of strategies for preparing and delivering an effective speech. Decide which would be effective, ineffecti depends. 1. showing a relevant object or visual to illustrate your topic use 2 wawyline to show emotion 2. ensuring the speech has lots of ideas 3. practising the speech a number of times 4 asking rhetorical questions 5 using technical language with an audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic 6 briefly explaining a point of view that you are arguing against 7 using note cards to write down and refer to the main points 8 avoiding any displays of emotion in front cof your audience 9 generally scanning across the heads of your audience, rather than looking at individuals 10 using few adjectives and adverbs REONG Read the transcript of a speech. Underline the parts which refer to the speech recommends or argues against each strategy.Can you become a great speech maker? ‘Today, I'm here to make a speech about making speeches! You can be sure that any speech which is ‘uly moving, memorable or mesmerising is the result of laborious planning and fastidious editing, rather than spontaneous inspiration. Just like this one. And of course, great speech makers have rehearsed what they're going to say ~ again and again and again. So what are the secrets of success? How can you become a great speech maker? First point to bear mind - who are you speaking to? By that I mean, will ‘your listeners be likely to already know a good deal about the topic of your speech, or will they probal know very little? Anticipating the knowledge level of you decide how much extra detail you can go into, or how you might need to simplify things. So if your speech is on a specialist subject - that's great —but don't ted to impress your audience with technical and industry jargon Unless your intention is to baffle them and eventually send them to sleep! Once you've thought about your audience, you can start crafting your speech. The most important thin to know is thata great speech conveys one idea only ~ yes, really, one idea only — but it should have atleast three point your message, and a number of supporting examples. How can you be sure you've ‘got one idea only? Well, you should be able, if asked, to neatly sur up your speech in a couple of senter Iso, if you're arguing in favour of something. you mention the counterargument? The answe briefly. Why give it publicity? That's not your job. should ‘is only ‘Now, what can you bring along to make sure your speech goes smoothly? By all mez help you recall the main points of your speech ~ even, ‘the most seasoned of speech givers have these little prompts to hand, The other thing to have to han‘ a prop. This isa favourite strategy of guest speakers doing TED lectures, Notlong after you've your speech, you can whip outa at immediately ts a reaction and recaptures every attention, Like this or Yes -this is a photo: me before I gave my first big speech. Don't worry ~I'm feeling more relaxed now! ns, use note cards to read Alright, as you're crafting your speech, think about how you can use language to your advantage, Why say, for example, 1 think crowdfunding is the answer to producing more independent movies, ‘when you could liven things up by saying funding is the absolutely definitive answer to producing more engaging, more innovative, mer visionary movies"? Go on - use a generous dose of. and adverbs to inject life into what you say. Even if your listeners can't recall word for word what you said, they'll remember how they felt when they listened to you. jectives Now here's another excellent technique, one beloved of politicians. Antithesis. Not sure what that is? No worries Here's John F Kennedy to give you an example: Ifa free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich! That's what he said, How clever is that? ‘See how the idea of opposites works? What about this one? We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish as fools! Martin Luther King, of course, That's an enduring quote, but, more importantly, an enduring moral code, Politicians and actors - they have this thing in common. They ‘know how to speak calmly, softly and with understatement And they also know how to inject sudden passion, how to put emphasis on the most important things. They're not afraid 0 use emotion — fe, anger, excitement, cisapr to show how sincere they are when it com: ea they're talking about, happiness. that one id ‘What else can you do to hook your audience? Ask Thetorical questions, of course. But what do we me: by the term ‘rhetorical question’? Well, its a type westion that's often used by speechwriters to emphasise the importance of what they're going to next. It's a question that they pose, and then answer themselves, So ifyou hear a shetorical question, there's na need to put your hand up and shout out an answer. But there's another thing that'll help you hook your audience. Pausing. By pausing, you're naturally giving more emphasis the important point that comes: (One last thing. ould lock towards the ack of the room when you're givinga speech. Aren't those guys down at the front, at the sides, near the aisle, aren't they ‘worthy of your attention? Make eye contact with individuals, make them feel involved. i's a myth thatyou s ‘an people learn to be effective or great speech makers? certainly can. I hope I've shown you how. Thank you! You are going to write a two-minute speech about one of the topics on page 147. Follow this plan: a Choose a topic. Decide what your main idea is going to be. 2. Think of some examples to support your main idea Write a draft of about 200-300 words. Review your draft, adding some adjectives and adverbs. Add at least two rhetorical questions. Find one place where you can create an example of antithesis. Practise reading your speech out loud. Mark where you are going to pause and where you are going to show some emotion Make prompt cards of your main points. Give your speech in class.1 SEARING Work with a partner. Descr you can see in the photos. Compare and contrast these different film-making roles. 2. SHEARING Work with a partner, Student A, and think about what jes these people have in im-making. Student B, do the same with list B. Then discuss with your partner. A B director costume designer producer hair and make-up casting director special effects cinematographer visual effects prop master stunts 4 In multiple-choice listening activities, some questions may target a speaker's attitude: are they admiring something, complaining about something, etc.? You may be asked about a speaker's purpose, how they respond or what the speakers agree/ disagree about. To answer these types of questions you may need to ‘read between the lines’ of what is, being said, This means that you might have to look for a meaning that is not expressed directly. > EXAM SUCCESS page 129 (USTERNE © 30 You will hear three different extracts. For questions 1-6, choose the answer (a, b or c) which fits best according to what you hear. There are two questions for each extract. Extract One You hear two friends discussing a movie they saw last night 11 Whatis the woman's criticism of the movie? a. The director did not play a strong enough role. b The casting of the supporting actors was inappropriate. ¢ Some props were not authentic to the time period. 2 How does the man respond to his friend!’ criticism? a. He thinks she is overstating minor details. b_ He believes she would prefer a similar film. ¢ He suggests she should watch it again. Extract Two You will hear two stunt people talking about their work 3. Inthe man’s opinion, stunt people are undervalued by athe majority of actors. b_ the movie-going public. the people who produce films. 4 Which aspect of their job do the stunt people disagree about? ‘a. the dangers of doing stunts b the threat posed by digital technology € the age at which itis necessary to retire Extract Three You will hear an actor talking about her latest movie. 5 What is the woman doing during the conversation? a expressing her admiration for the make-up and costumes b complaining that the film is not being promoted admitting to regrets about taking the part 6 Why does the man refer to critics? ato remind her that people quickly forget to suggest she should focus on past successes © to emphasise that audience reaction is most important SPEAKING) What about you? 1. Which of the film-making roles in 2 would you enjoy most? 2. Do you think stunt people will still be needed in the future? 3. Ifyou were an actor or actress, what sort of roles do you think would suit you best?Developing speaking Extended discussion - 2 1 SREKIG Work with a partner. Decide which three questions below have specific and concrete answers, and which three questions are broader and more abstract. ‘a What skills might a good actor require? b_ How important is it for films to convey some kind of message or moral point? € Why do people enjoy reading about the lives of celebrities? To what extent do films imitate life? ‘Some people would argue that there are ‘good films’ and ‘bad films’. Do you agree? Do actors and actresses earn more than they ought to? 2 (USIBHNE © 31 Listen to an examiner conducting an extended discussion with two students and answer these questions. 11 Which questions (a-f) does the examiner ask? 2. Do the students only answer the examiners questions? 3 51 Listen again and summarise what the students said in answer to each question. Question 1 Question 2: Question 3: 4 @33 Listen again to the students responding to the second and third questions. Complete the sentences. 1 Hmm. That's quite a question. 2. Inmy opinion, | think it depends on your of good! and ‘bad! 3. So, youhave to accept that everyone is to some extent. 4 Um, well, that's not something I've ever given a lot of to, 5 | don't think that with this kind of question you can really 5 Add the completed phrases in 4 to the correct place in the Speaking bank. bz noc und Useful phrases for dealing with abstract questions Giving yourself thinking time before responding |= That's a good question. = That's not a question I've ever heard before. Defining terms © To answer that, first you have to say what you mean by’... = My understanding of "is that it means Saying how other people may think or respond ® In general terms, | think the majority of people would = It. bit of a sweeping statement, but | think most people Some people would probably have quite a strong opinion about that 6 (GREIRIKG! Work in a group of three. Take turns to ask and answer the questions in 1. Use some of the expressions from the Speaking bank. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT 2s 7a |SPEMING| Work with a partner. Choose three of these topics: the role of music musical preferences use of censorship influence of films on children film characters as role models moral responsibilities of celebrities issues/problems with fame Write three abstract questions, using the typical ways to start abstract questions below to help you. You do not need to use the exact wording of the topics. = How important/useful/significant is ...? = Some people say/claim/believe that agree? To what extent dofis/are ...? 2 Why/Why not? Why do you think some people ...? How do you think that ... should/can/might ..? Do you = Isitbest toffor ... or 7b Find another pair of students to work with. Take turns to ask and answer your questions.Developing writing 1 BREAKING Work a partner. Give your opinion on these statements with a score from 10 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). Then discuss your reasons. 1. A film has to have a famous star to be successful 2 Sequels are usually better than the original film. 3 Hollywood films place too much emphasis on special effects Is important that a film is set in a beautiful location. Films based on books never do the book justice. In too many films the plot is overcomplicated, A film needs a hero anda villain. evous ‘The best films have an emotional impact. 2. |SHEARS| Compare your answers with the rest of the class. Which statements you feel most strongly about? (WODABUUARY! Describing a film 3. Complete the sentences with these nouns. adaptation = box office « flashbacks « flaws location + narrator + portrayal * reception screenplay + soundtrack 1. The director decided that the needed to be rewritten, because the plot lacked pace and cohesion, 2. The actress's performance is mesmerising, especially her of the president's wife during the crisis, that engulfed his administration. 3. The story is told by a first-person a mechanism that sometimes distracts from the events and does not hold the viewer’ attention. 4. This film isa modern of the famous novel of the same name, so it had a great deal to live up to. 5 The romantic comedy got a mixed from critics who praised the acting but dismissed the low- budget set and effects. 6 Takings at the topped $300 milion, making it the most successful film in the series so far. 7 There were a number of in his performance, not least the fact that he didn’t appear to be enjoying himself. 8 Interspersed through the first part of the film are a series of to Alberts childhood, which help explain his later actions and give the story real emotional depth. 9 The film’s worked well with the plot, quietly building tension then shocking the audience with sudden, intense volume. 10 Most of the action was filmed on in desert areas which resemble the Martian landscape of the story. Unit 9 4a You see the post below on a website for teenage film fans. What three things does the post ask you to include? SEQUELS second to none or second rate? Fim sequels are often awaited with areat anticioation, but ‘some area disappointment when they finally come oul. We want to hear what you think, so next month we'll post your reviews of some of the latest sequels. Tell us what the sequel was about, who it wil appeal to, and why it was brillant or how it could have been better. sw. What rating out of five do you think the reviewer gave the film? Teen 9 mn AN AMAZING PART TWO? The Scorch Trials is a fantasy triler about a group ‘of teenage friends fighting for survival among the ruins of a lost civilisation. I's the second instalment in the Maze Runner ‘series, based on the books by James Dashner. | loved the fist fim, and so did most of my fends, and because of this | felt nervous about the sequel. Could it ever match the mystery and excitement of the original? The Scorch Trials continues the story of Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his friends, but introduces some new characters, too. Now they must battle the ruthless ‘organisation called WCKD while negotiating the Scorch, a barren landscape filed with dangers. To be honest, | didn't, ‘completely understand the plot, but the compensation is that this fim looks so beautiful. Director Wes Ball has imagined the terrain of the Scorch brilianty, using special cffects to create a visual masterpiece. It's true that the characters don’t develon much and some ‘of the dialogue is pretty wooden. The action scenes, though, come s0 frequently | cldn't have time to catch my breath. This s a story about teenage friendship and sacriice as Thomas and his pats fight to ring down WCKD, set against the backdrop of the Soorch and the terilying obstacles they face there. ‘These days, there are lots of YA (young adult) dystopian adventures on offer atthe cinema, but this one is among the best. 'd recommend The Scorch TTials to any teen ‘who loves fantasy adventure stories that keep the ‘adrenatin pumping.5 Complete the Writing bank with words or phrases from the review in 4b. PAUL Useful words and expressions in reviews Evaluating = What | liked/dlsliked most was = ..'s portrayal of ... was particularly convincing. =... iswhat makes the film stand out. This would appeal to Its don't develop much Describing your reactions ® [felt nervous about the sequel = To = | was pleasantly surprised by Describing the film The film stars The film gives us an insight into Its set Its a dramatisation of real events [a RUC ea @ understand of 6c We sometimes leave out words that are not necessary in order to communicate our meaning. This is called ‘ellipsis’. Match each example of ellipsis in the sentences (1-4) to one of the explanations (a-d). 1. The Scorch Tials is about a group of teenage friends [who are] fighting for survival. ‘Could it ever match the mystery and [could it ever match the] excitement of the original? The Scorch Trials continues the story of Thomas "and his friends, but [The Scorch Trials] introduces some new charactess, too. Now they must battle the ruthless WCKD while [they are] negotiating the Scorch. a verb phrase that has already been used a subject pronoun + a form of the verb be a proper noun that has already been used a relative pronoun +a form of the verb be cS ance 6b We use reference words like so, one, do, there and then to signal that something has been left out of a sentence and to indicate what it is. This. is called ‘substitution’. Can you remember what the words in italics refer to? Check your answers in the review in 4b. 11... and so did most of my friends and because of this felt nervous about the sequel. ... and the tentfying obstacles they face there. but this one is among the best. 2 e 4 6c Why do we use ellipsis and substitution? 7 Use ellipsis and/or substitution to improve these sentences. 1. I don't like all his films, but his recent films have been great. 2. John invited me to go to the cinema with him, but I didn’t want to go to the cinema with him, 3 | wasn't very impressed with the script and Paula wasn't very impressed with the script either. John Boyega is a big star, but Jennifer Lawrence isa bigger star than John Boyega. 5. The film came out in 2015, but | didn't see it in 2015. Coupee) Cosas 8 Correct the eight mistakes in this student’s work. The film gives us a flashback into the hopes and dreams of the main characters, Clea and Arthur. The relationship of the main characters, Cleo and Arthur, is what makes the film really stand up. While Joe Flatman's portrait of the Sheriff was not entirely convinced, the other actors were excellent. That Lliked most was the moment when Clea finds | out why Arthur has been hiding from his brother. The sowndplay was also excellent, with period musi | adding 0 the fils authenticity, This lm. would be appeal to anyone who enjoys a good story with bit of mystery and some great acting. 9 (SPEAKING Work with a partner. Discuss which genres tend to win Oscars. ‘When you are writing a review of a film or book, try to include a range of information. This may include details about the setting, characters, director and special effects, as well as your recommendation. Ifyou are including a summary of the plot, be brief! > EXAM SUCCESS page 132 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Sc 10 Read this advertisement from a film magazine. Write your review. |We're running a competition to find the best fims of recent years. So choase a gerre, and send in your review saying what ‘makes this fm the pick of the bunch, The best review for each genre wil be published in next month's issue, WRITING BANK > STUDENT'S RESOURCE CENTRE