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An Introduction To Film Sound Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section is designed to test your comprehension skills. In this section, you'll read a variety of passages and answer questions to demonstrate your ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written information. It consists of 40 questions, which you must complete within 60 minutes. The section includes three long passages, each taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. 
 

In this passage, "An Introduction to Film," you'll delve into the fascinating world of cinema. From the earliest pioneers of filmmaking to modern techniques, this passage provides an overview of the history, evolution, and significance of film as an art form. You'll explore key concepts such as cinematography, storytelling, and the impact of film on culture and society.

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1. An Introduction To Film Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam. 

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2. An Introduction To Film Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about An Introduction To Film

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1.

An Introduction To Film Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

 

 

 An Introduction To Film Reading Passage


 

 

Paragraph A

Though we may conceive of the cinema as primarily a visual experience, the significance of film sound cannot be overstated. A meaningful soundtrack is often as difficult as the visuals on the screen, and it is ultimately the director's duty. The human voice, sound effects, and music are the three main components of the soundtrack. These three tracks must be blended and balanced in order to get the proper emphasis and effects. The next sections examine topics that are fundamentally related to the three previously stated tracks. Dialogue, synchronous and asynchronous sound effects, and music are among them.

 

Paragraph B

Let us begin with a conversation. Dialogue, as in stage theatre, helps to explain the tale while also expressing the sentiments and motives of the characters. In film characterisation, the viewer often sees little or no distinction between the character and the performer. Thus, actor Humphrey Bogart plays the role of Sam Spade; in the film, my online personality and real-life personality seem to mix. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the texture of a performer's voice provides an aspect of the character. When the performer's speech textures match his or her physiognomy and movements, a complete and extremely lifelike character develops. The audience sees another human being battling with life rather than an actor honing his art. It's worth noting that how the conversation is utilised and how much dialogue is used differ greatly across films. In the extremely successful science-fiction picture 2001, for example, there was little conversation, and much of it was bland and of little intrinsic appeal. In this approach, the filmmaker was able to depict what Thomas Sobochack and Vivian Sobochack describe as the "inadequacy of human reactions when contrasted with the marvellous technology developed by man and the aesthetic wonders of the cosmos" in "An Introduction to Film. In contrast, the comedy Bringing Up Baby has nearly non-stop conversation delivered at a rapid pace. This choice of speech emphasises not just the dizzy nature of Katherine Hepburn's role but also the absurdity of the picture itself, and hence its comedy. The audience is thrown from one joke to the next and from one discourse to the next; there is no time for audience thought. The audience gets swept up in a frenzy of action just trying to keep up with the storyline. This picture is sheer escapism, thanks to its fast-paced language.

 

Paragraph C

Sounds that are synced or matched with what is seen are referred to as synchronous sound effects. For example, if a character in the film is playing the piano, the sounds of the piano are projected. Synchronous noises enhance cinematic realism and serve to create a certain ambience. The "click" of a door being opened, for example, may just help to persuade the audience that the picture shown is genuine, and the audience may only unconsciously notice the anticipated sound. However, if the 'click' of an opening door is part of a sinister deed, such as a burglary, the sound mixer may draw attention to the 'click' by increasing the volume; this serves to interest the audience in a moment of tension.

 

Paragraph D

Asynchronous sound effects, on the other hand, do not correspond to a visual source of sound on the screen. Such noises are utilised to convey appropriate emotional complexity, and they may also contribute to the film's reality. A filmmaker, for example, may choose to incorporate the background sound of an ambulance siren while the foreground sound and picture depict a fighting pair. The asynchronous ambulance siren emphasises the emotional pain caused by the dispute while also adding to the film's reality by noting the film's metropolitan location.

 

Paragraph E

We've all heard of background music in movies, which has grown so common that its absence is obvious. It is well known that it is utilised to enhance passion and rhythm. Usually not intended to be noticed, it often gives a tone or emotional attitude toward the tale and/or the individuals represented. Furthermore, background music often foreshadows a shift in mood. Dissonant music, for example, may be utilised in cinema to convey an impending (but not yet evident) threat or calamity. Background music may help viewers comprehend situations by connecting them. For example, a certain musical tune is connected with a specific character or circumstance. It may be replayed at numerous moments during a film to remind the viewer of key themes or concepts.

 

Paragraph F

Film sound consists of both norms and novelties. We've become used to hearing music accelerate amid automobile chases and creaking doors in horror pictures. However, it is also crucial to highlight that sound is often masterfully planned. The effects of sound are often subtle and are only noticed by our subconscious brains. We must raise awareness of film sound and film space in order to really appreciate contemporary cinema, an art form that arose throughout the twentieth century.

 

Paragraph G

We've all heard of background music in movies, which has grown so common that its absence is obvious. It is well known that it is utilised to enhance passion and rhythm. Usually not intended to be noticed, it often gives a tone or emotional attitude toward the tale and/or the individuals represented. Furthermore, background music often foreshadows a shift in mood. Dissonant music, for example, may be utilised in cinema to convey an impending (but not yet evident) threat or calamity.

 

Paragraph H

Background music may help viewers comprehend situations by connecting them. For example, a certain musical tune is connected with a specific character or circumstance. It may be replayed at numerous moments during a film to remind the viewer of key themes or concepts.

 

Paragraph I

Film sound consists of both norms and novelties. We've become used to hearing music accelerate amid automobile chases and creaking doors in horror pictures. However, it is also crucial to highlight that sound is often masterfully planned. The effects of sound are often subtle and are only noticed by our subconscious brains. We must raise awareness of film sound and film space in order to really appreciate contemporary cinema, an art form that arose throughout the twentieth century.

2.

An Introduction To Film Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about An Introduction To Film

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C, or D.
  • Write the correct letter in boxes 1–5 on your answer sheet.

 

 

1. The writer emphasises at the beginning of the article that

 

  1. The director should plan the soundtrack at an early stage in filming.
  2. It would be a mistake to ignore the importance of sound in filmmaking.
  3. The music industry can have a beneficial influence on film sound.
  4. Therefore, it is important for those working on the sound in a film to have sole responsibility for it.   

 

2. One of the reasons the writer mentions Humphrey Bogart is to demonstrate

 

  1. One of the reasons the writer mentions Humphrey Bogart is to demonstrate
  2. The audience needs performers to be physically suited for their roles.
  3. The importance of the actors has had identical emotions to the role.
  4. The audience's desire for as much genuine dialogue as possible.

 

3. The writer claims in the third paragraph that 

 

  1. A. Audiences are inclined to be sceptical of film speech that does not match their own experience.
  2. Film dialogue that looks to be boring may have a purpose.
  3. The ability of filmmakers to handle dialogue varies greatly.
  4. The most successful films are those with excellent dialogue.      

 

4. What does the author think about bringing up?

 

  1. The storyline suffers as a result of the filmmaker's desire to emphasise hilarious dialogue.
  2. The dialogue contributes to it being one of the finest comedies ever made.
  3. There is a lag between the pace of discourse and the speed of action.
  4. The dialogue underlines important aspects of the film.    

 

5. The author uses the "click" of a door to demonstrate the importance of authentic noises.

 

  1. They are often used to mislead the viewer about the happenings in the film.
  2. Different members of the audience may view it differently.
  3. May be altered in order to influence the audience's reaction to the picture.
  4. It is more prominent in films depicting genuine settings.


 

An Introduction To Film Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

 

1. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph A:  "Though we may conceive of the cinema as primarily a visual experience, the significance of film sound cannot be overstated." 

 

Explanation

The passage starts by asserting the significance of sound in cinema, emphasising that despite cinema being primarily visual, the importance of film sound cannot be overstated. Therefore, it would be a mistake to ignore the importance of sound in filmmaking, aligning with option B.


 

2. A

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B:  "Perhaps this is due to the fact that the texture of a performer's voice provides an aspect of the character."
 

Explanation

Mentioning Humphrey Bogart serves to illustrate the idea that the texture of a performer's voice contributes to the character they portray, blurring the lines between the character and the performer. This aligns with option A, suggesting that the audience may not distinguish between the performer and the character due to the voice's contribution to character portrayal.


 

3. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: "However, if the 'click' of an opening door is part of a sinister deed, such as a burglary, the sound mixer may draw attention to the 'click' by increasing the volume; this serves to interest the audience in a moment of tension." 
 

Explanation

The paragraph discusses the varying use of dialogue in films, suggesting that even seemingly dull dialogue may have a purpose. This aligns with option B, indicating that film dialogue that appears boring may serve a specific function in the film.


 

4. D

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: "In contrast, the comedy Bringing Up Baby has nearly non-stop conversation delivered at a rapid pace." 
 

Explanation

The paragraph discusses Bringing Up Baby's reputation for rapid-fire dialogue, suggesting that the dialogue underlines important aspects of the film. This aligns with option D, indicating that the dialogue contributes to the film's qualities.


 

5. C

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: “The "click" of a door being opened, for example, may just help to persuade the audience that the picture shown is genuine, and the audience may only unconsciously notice the anticipated sound. However, if the 'click' of an opening door is part of a sinister deed, such as a burglary, the sound mixer may draw attention to the 'click' by increasing the volume; this serves to interest the audience in a moment of tension.”

 

Explanation

The paragraph discusses the significance of sound effects in films, particularly how modifying sounds like the "click" of an opening door can influence the audience's reaction. This aligns with option C, indicating that such sounds may be altered to influence the audience's reaction to the film.

Questions and Answers 6-10
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 6-10 on your answer sheet, write

  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

 

 

6) Audiences are likely to be shocked if there is no background music in a film.

7) Background music may foreshadow plot changes in a film.

8) Background music has a different influence on different individuals.

9) Background music may aid the viewer in making particular connections throughout the film.

10) Audiences are often aware of how background music affects them.

 

 

An Introduction To Film Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)

 

Type of question: True/False/Not Given

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.


 

6. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G:  "We've all heard of background music in movies, which has grown so common that its absence is obvious."
 

Explanation

The passage states that background music in movies has become so common that its absence is noticeable, indicating its significant role in capturing audience attention. Therefore, audiences are likely to be surprised if a film lacks background music.


 

7. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: “However, Background music often foreshadows a shift in mood."
 

Explanation

The passage highlights that background music in movies serves various purposes, including indicating shifts in mood and foreshadowing plot changes. This aligns with the statement that background music may foreshadow plot changes in a film.


 

8. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph: N.A.

 

Explanation

The passage does not provide any information regarding the influence of background music on different individuals. Hence, the statement cannot be verified as true or false.


 

9. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 9: "Background music may help viewers comprehend situations by connecting them."
 

Explanation

Background music in movies helps viewers make connections throughout the film by associating certain tunes with specific characters or circumstances, as mentioned in the passage. Thus, the statement is true.


 

10. False

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph K: "The effects of sound are often subtle and are only noticed by our subconscious brains."
 

Explanation

The passage explains that the effects of sound in films are often subtle and unnoticed by the conscious mind, indicating that audiences are often not aware of how background music affects them, contradicting the statement. Hence, it is false.

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Complete each sentence with the correct letter below.
  • Write the correct letters, A-E, in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.

 

 

  1. when the audience listens to the dialogue.
  2. If the film reflects the audience’s own concerns,
  3. if voice, sound, and music are combined appropriately.
  4. when the director is aware of how the audience will respond.
  5. when the actor's appearance, voice, and movements are consistent with each other.

 

11) The audience's reaction to certain elements of a film may be manipulated.
12) The characters' sentiments and intentions become obvious.
13) A character seems to be a genuine person rather than a persona created by an actor.


 

An Introduction To Film Reading Answers with Explanations (11-13)

 

Type of question: Matching information

 

In this question type, you will be asked to match specific pieces of information, often dates, names, or events, from the reading passage with corresponding options provided in the question.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read each statement carefully to understand the specific information being asked for.
  • Scan the passage for relevant dates or events in the reading passage that corresponds to each statement.
  • Eliminate incorrect options that do not match the information found in the passage.
  • Match the remaining options based on the information provided in the passage.
  • Verify your answers to ensure they match the information in the passage before finalising them.


 

11. C

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C:  "These three tracks must be blended and balanced in order to get the proper emphasis and effects."
 

Explanation

The paragraph discusses the importance of blending voice, sound effects, and music appropriately to create desired effects for the audience, indicating that the audience's reaction is manipulated when these elements are combined appropriately.


 

12. A

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B:  "Dialogue, as in stage theatre, helps to explain the tale while also expressing the sentiments and motives of the characters."
 

Explanation

The paragraph emphasises the role of dialogue in conveying the story and the emotions of the characters to the audience, indicating that the characters' sentiments and intentions become obvious when the audience listens to the dialogue.


 

13. E

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: "When the performer's speech textures match his or her physiognomy and movements, a complete and extremely lifelike character develops."

 

Explanation

The paragraph highlights the importance of consistency between an actor's appearance, voice, and movements in creating believable characters, indicating that a character seems to be a genuine person rather than a persona created by an actor.

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FAQs

Q. How should I approach the True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. For True/False/Not Given questions, focus on whether the information in the passage matches contradicts, or is not mentioned in the question statement. Be cautious of subtle differences in wording, as these can affect your answer.

Q. Is there a break between the sections of the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no break between the sections. You'll move seamlessly from one section to the next, so it's essential to manage your time effectively and stay focused throughout the 60-minute duration of the test.

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Practice is key to improving your reading speed. Start with shorter passages and gradually work your way up to longer, more complex texts. Additionally, try techniques like skimming and scanning to quickly locate key information within the passages.