IGCSE / GCE O Level Comprehension /Essay
1 The advent of television more than seventy years ago was seen by many as a threat to cinemas but cinemas fought back. Nowadays cinemas are under attack again, this time from streaming services, which provide films on-demand through internet providers. So, which is better: cinemas or streaming?
2 The cinema has many attractions. Huge screens make the film come alive in a way impossible on a television; cinema screens are between 10 and 30 metres wide and up to 10 metres high, and this contributes to the audience's enjoyment. A feature called 'surround sound' enriches the depth of sound reproduction, whether dialogue, music or special effects; in particular, speakers behind the listener create the sensation of sound coming from all directions. Modern cinemas are sometimes furnished with reclining seats, pillows and blankets, making the experience comfortable and even luxurious.
3 The shared experience of being part of an audience also enhances a trip to the cinema, as everyone is not only individually but also collectively immersed in the film as the plot unfolds, and themes and characters develop. Going to the cinema with family and friends makes for a memorable evening or afternoon out although avoid the temptation to buy too many unhealthy snacks in the foyer! Watching films at home lends itself to interruptions - the doorbell rings, dinner has to be served, the children squabble. But watching a film in a cinema offers total escapism and relaxation as you leave everything behind and settle down to watch the film.
4 The cinema offers audiences the opportunity to be part of a long tradition of more than a century, one which they can trace from the first silent films through to today's computergenerated im- ages and special effects. Both streamed and cinema films can attract much publicity before the film is released. However, the pre-release hype of cinema films is often accompanied by merchandise - clothing, stationery and gadgets, particularly for films targeted at children - and this heightens the anticipation felt as people wait for the film to be released.
5 Streaming is a very different experience. One of its attractions is that several people can access a single streaming account, so that maybe five separate people in one house are able to watch films of their choice. Moreover, streaming is cheaper than going to the cinema. You can pay your internet provider for a whole month of streaming for about the same price as a single cinema ticket; the money saved can make a significant difference to large families or those on a low income. As streaming is accessed through the internet, you can use your account on any device such as a smart television, tablet or smart phone and thus your options for watching films are multiplied. Because only an internet connection is required to use streaming services, films can be watched in a variety of places, for example a cafe; by simply logging on to your account, you can make a long train journey more fun by watching a film on your tablet, but don't forget to wear headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.
6 Some people have work patterns which make cinema trips difficult to schedule; if you work as, for example, a waiter in a restaurant or a nurse in a hospital, getting to the cinema might be impossible except on days off. But watching a streamed films can be done at any time that suits, even in the middle of the night. Busy people may not have time to go out to the cinema and parents of young children are often unable to set aside three consecutive hours. For people such as these, streaming gives the opportunity to serialise a film, perhaps by watching it in half hour 6 stages over a few evenings.
7 Sometimes streaming services make a film series and release each episode at the same time, making it possible to 'binge' view by watching the whole series over a few days; many people enjoy this form of entertainment. In fact, it is recommended to sign up 69 to a streaming account for this very reason. Cinema films are available for viewing for a limited period of time. However, many of them eventually arrive in streaming services anyway and, for people patient enough to wait, the possibility of catching up on something you've missed is a further benefit.
Question 1:
What is the main threat to cinemas mentioned in the passage?
a) Television
b) Streaming services
c) Surround sound
d) Reclining seats
Answer: b) Streaming services
Question 2:
What is the width range of cinema screens, as mentioned in the passage?
ers
ers
ers
Question 3:
Which feature contributes to the depth of sound reproduction in cinemas?
a) High ceilings
b) Surround sound
c) Cushioned seats
d) Wide screens
Answer: b) Surround sound
Question 4:
What is mentioned as a potential drawback of watching films at home?
a) Surround sound
b) Interruptions
c) Comfortable seating
d) Total escapism
Answer: b) Interruptions
Question 5:
According to the passage, what does watching a film in a cinema offer?
a) Total escapism
b) Multiple device options
c) Interruption-free experience
d) Streaming account access
Answer: a) Total escapism
Question 6:
What does the passage suggest as a disadvantage of cinema trips for busy people?
a) Comfortable seating
b) High ticket prices
c) Difficulty in scheduling
d) Limited film
optio
ns
Answer: c) Difficulty in scheduling
Question 7:
What is a potential advantage of streaming for people with busy work patterns?
a) Watching in a cafe
b) Access through the internet
c) Binge-viewing opportunities
d) Availability in cinemas
Answer: c) Binge-viewing opportunities
Question 8:
How does streaming account access enhance the viewing experience?
a) Multiple cinema
options
b) Free internet co
nnection
c) Increased film v
ariety
d) Accessibility on
various devic
es
Answer: d) Accessibility on various devices
Question 9:
What is mentioned as a financial advantage of streaming compared to cinema tickets?
a) Surround sound
b) Reclining seats
c) Cheaper cost
d) Merchandise discounts
Answer: c) Cheaper cost
Question 10:
What is recommended for a busy individual who wishes to enjoy a film series in a short time?
a) Cinema viewing
b) Serializing the film
c) Waiting for streaming release
d) Binge-viewing on streaming services
Answer: d) Binge-viewing on streaming services
Question 11:
What does the passage suggest can be a disadvantage of streaming services?
a) Limited viewing places
b) High subscription prices
c) Inability to stream in cafes
d) Watching films on a tablet
Answer: a) Limited viewing places
Question 12:
Why might streaming be a preferred option for large families or those on a low income?
a) Luxury cinema experience
b) High-quality sound reproduction
c) Cheaper than cinema tickets
d) Reclining seats
Answer: c) Cheaper than cinema tickets
Question 13:
What is recommended to enhance the experience of watching a film on a tablet during a train journey?
a) Surround sound
b) Reclining seats
c) Wearing headphones
d) Avoiding snacks
Answer: c) Wearing headphones
Question 14:
According to the passage, what contributes to the enjoyment of the cinema experience?
a) Watching films at home
b) Surround sound
c) Merchandise discounts
d) Limited seating options
Answer: b) Surround sound
Question 15:
What does the passage suggest is a drawback of watching films at home?
a) Limited film options
b) Surround sound
c) Interruptions
d) Total escapism
Answer: c) Interruptions
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