Unit 2 What"s on at the cinema?

Listening skills: Making inferences  ADBCB

Listening in 

Task 1  

director，sound effects， good story， think， sad，violent，

light-hearted movies， mystery movie，in the future 

Task 2  DCDAB

Task 3 film, directors, actors, important, the United Kingdom, viewers, 40 million, Olympic, World Cup, time, artistic value, depth, Best Picture, favor, science fiction

Let's talk 

Task 1  

ABCDD

Further listening and speaking > Further listening > 

Task 1  memorizing lines，remember one line，I hear the guns roar，a loud boom，forgot his line 

Task 2  ACCAD

Task 3  FTFTF

Unit 2 test 1-5 CBABD

1.a very good 2.starring 3.best-seller 4.a new classic 5.violent 6.somewhat 7.before 8.the calmness 9.death 10.thought   1-5 DBDCA  1-5 CCBAB  6-10 CCBAC

II. Listening Skills

1. W: From what I can remember, the director asked us to rehearse this one hundred times.

M: A hundred times? Is the director out of his mind?

Q: What does the man imply?

2. M:  What did you think about the movie you saw last night?  

W:  I should have stayed at home. It was a complete waste of money.  

Q:  What does the woman imply?  

3. W: She said she might become a famous movie star.

M: Yes, and pigs might fly.

Q: What does the man mean?

4. M:  So if you give me twenty dollars for three tickets, I can give you eight dollars change.  

W:  Oh, that's cheaper than I expected.  

Q:  How much is a ticket?  

5 W:  She's the best woman director ever. I've seen all her movies.  

M:  Are you sure? She's never won any awards.  

Q:  What does the man mean?  

1. A 2.D 3.B 4.C 5.B

III. Listening In

Task 1: Finally, we've found something in common.

Amy:  What did you think of the movie, Peter? Did you like it?  

Peter:  Not really, Amy. It seemed that the director was just trying hard to impress us with strange close-ups and special sound effects, but he forgot to include a good story.  

Amy:  The movie made you think. It was different from the superficial dialogs you usually see in films these days.  

Peter:  But the movie seemed to be too dark and sad. Why does a movie have to be sad to be deep?  

Amy:  But it is better than some violent movies with nothing but gunfights and exploding cars. I prefer thought-provoking movies.  

Peter:  Sometimes you don't want to think. You just want light-hearted movies. By the way, did you see the new mystery movie shown at the local cinema yesterday?  

Amy:  Oh, it was so suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.  

Peter:  I loved it too. The plot was great, and the acting was unbelievable.  

Amy:  Now we've found something in common. I guess we can watch mysteries together in the future.  

 Peter did not really like the movie because the director was just using strange close-ups and special sound effects, but did not include a good story. Amy enjoyed the movie because it made people think. Peter disagrees, saying a movie does not have to be sad to be deep. Amy argues that it is better than some violent movies. Still, Peter thinks sometimes people don't want to think and just want light-hearted movies. Finally Peter and Amy found something in common. They both liked the new mystery movie, so they can watch mysteries together in the future. 

Task 2: An actor forgetting his line

There was once a great actor who could no longer remember his lines. After several years of searching, he finally found a theater that was willing to give him a try. The director said, “This is the most important part, and it has only one line. At the opening you walk onto stage carrying a rose. You hold the rose to your nose with just one finger and thumb, smell it deeply and then say the line on praise of the rose: ‘Ah, the sweet smell of my love.’” The actor was excited. All day long before the play he practiced his line over and over again. Finally, the time came. The curtain went up, the actor walked onto the stage, looked at the audience, and with great emotion said the line, “Ah, the sweet smell of my love.” The audience exploded in laughter. Only the director was furious! “Ahhhhhh! You damned fool!” he cried. “You’ve ruined my play! You’ve ruined me!” The actor was puzzled, “What happened? Did I forget my line?” “No!” shouted the director. “You forget the rose!”

1.D 2.C 3.D 4.A 5.B

Task 3: The Academy Awards

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented every year by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellent professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers.

The formal ceremony at which the awards are presented is one of the most important award ceremonies in the world. It is televised live in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and gathers large numbers of viewers elsewhere throughout the world. This year's ceremony was watched by more than 40 million Americans. It is said that only the Super Bowl, the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, and the Football World Cup Final draw more viewers in the United Sates.

However, the Academy Awards are not without criticism. It has been observed that several of the Academy Award winners have not stood the test of time. Critics claim that many films with artistic value, cultural influence and innovative qualities have not received enough attention. Since the 1980s, money-making blockbusters have often been Best Picture winners, but they are not necessarily great films with depth. The Academy Awards have also been criticized for favoring certain types of films and neglecting other types. The Best Picture prize has rarely been given to an animated film or a science fiction film, with Avatar as an exception

The Academy Awards or the Oscars

recognize excellent professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers

The Award Ceremony

· one of the most important award ceremonies in the world

· televised live in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom  and gathering large numbers of viewers elsewhere throughout the world

· watched by more than 40 million Americans

· Only the Super Bowl, the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, and the Football World Cup Final draw more viewers.

Criticism

· Several of the Academy Award winners have not stood the test of time.

· Many films with artistic value, cultural influence, and innovative qualities have not received enough attention.

· Money-making blockblusters without depth have often been Best Picture winners.

· The Oscars favor certain types of films and neglect other types. The Best Picture prize has rarely been given to an animated film or a science fiction film.

· 

IV. Speaking Out

Model 1 Will you come with me?

John: Laura, I am wondering if you’re free tomorrow night.

Laura: Well, I guess I am. Why?

John: I’ve got two Star Wars premiere tickets. Will you come with me?

Laura: Yeah, definitely! Thanks for inviting me!

John: It’s my pleasure.

Laura: I really wanted to see Star Wars on the opening night, but the tickets were sold out. How did you manage to get hold of them?

John: A friend of mine works at the “Pepsi” headquarters, which is a major sponsor of the movie. So he was able to get the tickets for free.

Laura: Wow, people are paying as much as $200 each on the black market. I’m flattered you went through all this trouble just for me.

John: You’re welcome.

Now Your Turn

SAMPLE DIALOG

A: Hi, are you busy this weekend?

B: Yes. What’s on your mind?

A: I’ve got two tickets for the car exhibition. Would you like to go with me?

B: Sure. Thanks for your invitation.

A: It’s nothing.

B: I’ve been wanting to see exhibition, but it was not at all easy to get a ticket. How did you manage to get two tickets?

A: A friend of mine works at the exhibition center. She was able to get three free tickets.

B: Wow, people are paying almost 100 yuan for a ticket on the black market. Thank you very much indeed for inviting me.

A: No problem.

Model 2 What did you think about the movie?

John: So… what did you think about the movie?

Laura: Well… I think this Star Wars episode is an excellent piece of work, but not as good as the

previous ones.

John: Really? But I think this Star Wars episode was incredible!

Laura: Why do you think so?

John: Well, one of the most spectacular things about it was the special effects. State-of-the-art

special effects were the main reason for the success of the previous episodes.

Laura: You’re right. The special effects were amazing! And I like the fact that they created so

many fantastic settings and other-worldly costumes, weapons and creatures.

Now Your Turn

SAMPLE DIALOG

A: What did you think about The Lion King?

B: Well… I think this cartoon was pretty good, but not as good as Beauty and the Beast. It’s a killer flick.

A: Really? But I think The Lion King was unbelievably good.

B: I thought it was just OK. Why do you think so?

A: Well, it’s so interesting that the lives of the lions were similar to the lives of human beings.

B: You’re right. The murder in The Lion King was almost the same as the murder in the Shakespearean play Hamlet.

Model 3 the plot is first-class.

John: It’s kind of cool that they still used the same Star Wars theme song for this movie.

Laura: Yeah! It just reminds me of the previous Star Wars scenes.

John: I know exactly what you mean! Hearing that song makes me think of the past.

Laura: I think the plot was first-class. But I don’t think the character development was that strong.

John: Do you think that has anything to do with the casting of the movie?

Laura: No, the casting was great; the actors are excellent, but I think the acting was a little weak. They just didn’t have a lot of funny or meaningful lines.

John: Well, maybe, but I liked the little kid that played “Skywalker”. I can’t imagine anyone else playing that part.

Laura: Yeah, I liked him too. He’s soooo cute!

Now Your Turn

SAMPLE DIALOG

A: What do you think about the movie?

B: I think the plot was first-class. But I don’t think the character development was so strong.

A: Yes, the characterization was rather weak. Do you think it is because of the casting of the movie?

B: No, the cast was strong. But the acting was rather poor. And the lines are not interesting at all.

A: Well, maybe. But I liked the heroine of the movie. She is excellent.

B: Yeah, I liked her too. She’s adorable!

V. Let’s Talk

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock was a British director. His movies frequently show innocent people caught up in situations beyond their control or even understanding.

Hitchcock preferred the use of suspense in his movies. In surprise, the director provides the viewer with frightening things. In suspense, the director tells or shows things to the audience which the characters in the movie do not know, and then skillfully builds up tension around what will happen when the characters finally learn the truth. Hitchcock had a great sense of humor. Once at a French airport, a suspicious customs official looked at Hitchcock’s passport, which was marked simply PRODUCER. The curious official asked, “And what do you produce?” “Gooseflesh.” replied Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock always managed to make a brief appearance in his movies: He was sometimes getting on a bus, or crossing a street, pr walking in front of a store, or across the courtyard in an apartment. However, for the movie Lifeboat in 1944, he was faced with a difficult problem. The entire movie was set in a lifeboat out at sea, and there were only a few characters in the boat. Originally, he wanted to float by as a dead body, but he was afraid he’d sink! His clever solution was to place a photograph of himself in a newspaper that one of the characters read during the course of the movie.

1. A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.D

VI. Furthering Listening and Speaking

Listening

Task 1: Only One Line

Peter has always wanted to be an actor, but never succeeded because he had a hard time memorizing lines. A friend of his told him about a small part in a play. He promised Peter that he could do it because he’s only have to remember one line. Peter decided to take the part. His only line was, “Listen, I hear the guns roar!” Peter practiced and practiced, “Listen, I hear the guns roar!” On the opening night of the play Peter was very nervous. Backstage, he practiced his line, over and over again, “Listen, I hear the guns roar! Listen, I hear the guns roar!” Finally came his turn, Peter went onto stage. He heard a loud BOOM and cried out in spite of himself, “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?”

1. memorizing lines

2. remember one line

3. I hear the guns roar

4. a loud boom

5. forgot his line

Task 2: Movie Reviews

I love movies! And after I see them, I like to comment on them. These are movies I saw this year I would like to recommend: Among comedies I highly recommend “Monsoon Wedding”. It’s an Indian movie. The story is about an Indian wedding. Preparations for the wedding bring out funny and sad situations touching on love and a past rape. This movie shows some of the wonderful customs of India, and the importance of family and love. It’s great!

Among dramas, I like “Adaptation”. It is an excellent movie! But for me the first part of the movie was too fast to follow. I hope to see it again on DVD with captions.

“The Pianist” is set in the Second World War. It’s about a young Polish-Jewish pianist, who lives in Warsaw with his family. The Nazis sent his family to die in the concentration camps. He was safe, but would have died without unusually good luck and the kindness of a few non-Jews. This is a powerful movie with thought-provoking themes.

“Rabbit-Proof Fence” is set in the 1930s in Australia, and it’s based on real events. It is about three native girls who are separated from their families by the racist police who send them to special centers. There the girls are taught practical skills, and the government tries to integrate them into white Australian society. They can away from the camp and walked 1,500 miles to find their mothers. This is a sad, touching story that you should not miss.

1.A 2.C 3.C 4.A 5.D

Task 3: Let's go and see the movie.

 Lisa:  What kind of movie do you want to see, Nick?  

Nick:  I really want to see Monster Night, the horror movie advertised in newspapers.  

Lisa:  Monster Night? It sounds scary. I don't like horror films.  

Nick:  OK. It's not yet in theaters anyway. It won't be coming out until next week. What movies are playing now?  

Lisa:  Let me check... There's an action film starring Jet Li, and... Monster Night! It's already in theaters.  

Nick:  What? It is? Which theater is it playing at?  

Lisa:  It's showing at the theater in the mall. But I really don't want to see it.  

Nick:  All the critics have given Monster Night great reviews. What time is the next showing?  

Lisa:  Well, if we hurry, we can make the three o'clock show. The show after that is at 4:30. But I'm too frightened to see this one.  

Nick:  Come on, Lisa! Don't be a chicken. Let's go! We have to get tickets before they sell out!  

1.F 2.T 3.F 4.T 5.F

Speaking

Views on Movies

Interviewer: Hello, Robert and Richard, I’d like to ask you something about movies. Do you prefer going to the theater or watching movies on video at home?

Robert: I prefer, personally, going to the theater, because I believe there are certain movies that come over better when you see them in a large theater. The sound effect is much better.

Interviewer: What about you, Richard?

Richard: Just the opposite. It’s more comfortable to sit at home.

Interviewer: There’re many different movie genres, for example, science fiction, action, comedy, romance. What’s your personal favorite?

Robert: My favorite would be action movies.

Richard: And mine would be nice movies that touch me deeply.

Interviewer: How do you like the old black and white movies of the forties, and fifties compared with the modern blockbusters?

Robert: For their time, the movies of the forties and fifties were excellent. But try to compare them with today’s technology, and you’ll find there isn’t anything to compare. It’s so superior today.

Richard: I agree.

    Part I     Script  

Directions: Listen to the short dialogs, and then choose the correct answers to the questions. You will hear the recording twice. After the first playing, there will be time for you to choose the correct answers. Use the second playing to check your answers.  

1. (Listen to the audio recording for the question.)

    A. The man is inviting the woman to go to theater.

    B. The woman always sees movies in theater.

   C. The man likes to see movies in theater.

    D. The woman doesn't like seeing movies at all.

2. (Listen to the audio recording for the question.)

    A. The woman likes animation while the man likes realistic movies.

   B. The man likes animation while the woman likes realistic movies.

    C. They both like computer animation.

    D. They both like realistic movies.

3. (Listen to the audio recording for the question.)

   A. He doesn't want to see the movie.

    B. He wants to see the movie with the woman.

    C. He wants to see the movie with the woman and her friends.

    D. He has never heard of the movie.

4. (Listen to the audio recording for the question.)

    A. New films, especially war films.

   B. Any films except violent films.

    C. Any great films.

    D. A war film with a hero.

5. (Listen to the audio recording for the question.)

    A. He is an American.

   B. He has a poor hearing.

    C. He understands the movie completely.

   D. He missed some details of the movie.

Part II     Script  

Directions: Listen to the following recording, and then fill in the blanks with the missing words. You will hear the recording twice. After the first playing, there will be time to write the missing words. Use the second playing to check your answers.  

M: Have you seen the movie The Green Mile yet?

W: No, I haven't. I heard it wasn't (1) movie.

M: Not good? How can a movie (2) Tom Hanks with a script based on Stephen King's fictional (3) not be good? The wonderful special effects, the unbearably horrible scenes, and the downright magical scenes make this movie (4).

W: But isn't it too (5)?

M: Yeah, it is (6) violent. What I liked in particular is how the movie sequences lead to the green mile, a long, grey-colored path prisoners finally walk (7) their executions. I was impressed by (8) they showed before their (9).

W: Maybe the movie is better than I (10).

  Your answer Correct answer

 (1) a very good

 (2)  starring

 (3)  best-seller 

 (4)  a new classic

 (5) violent

 (6) somewhat

 (7) before

 (8) the calmness

 (9) death

 (10)  thought

Part III     Script  

Directions: Listen to the following recording, and then choose the correct answers to the questions. You will hear the recording twice. After the first playing, there will be time for you to choose the correct answers. Use the second playing to check your answers.  

1. What are the man and woman talking about?

    A. The good sound system of a theater.

    B. The good and bad points about a horror movie.

    C. What movies to watch.

   D. The movies they plan to watch and what they have already watched.

2. Which of the following movies did the man not suggest?

    A. A science fiction movie.

   B. A comedy.

    C. A horror movie.

   D. A war movie.

3. According to the woman, why does the man want to see a horror movie?

    A. Because he likes movies that are really violent.

    B. Because he likes to see monsters.

    C. Because the girl is crazy about horror movies.

   D. Because he wants the girl to move closer to him.

4. What did the man do at the sight of a monster moving across the screen?

    A. He jumped out of excitement.

    B. He coughed.

   C. He jumped and screamed.

    D. He ran out of the theater.

5. What did the man do that annoyed the girl?

   A. He threw popcorn in the aisle.

    B. He ate popcorn with a lot of noise.

    C. He threw Coke at a neighbor.

    D. He threw Coke on the floor.

Part IV

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following statements.  

1. The film The Pianist is _____ in the Second World War.

    A. put

    B. settled

   C. set

    D. laid

2. The film is about three native girls, who ____________ their families by the racist police.

    A. separate with

   B. are separated with

   C. are separated from

    D. are separated off

3. However, for the movie Lifeboat in 1944, he __________ with a difficult problem.

    A. was facing

   B. was faced

    C. faced

    D. being faced

4. After I see movies, I like to ______ them.

   A. comment on

    B. comment in

    C. commend on

    D. commend in

5. I hope to see the movie ______ DVD with captions.

    A. in

   B. on

    C. with

    D. at

6. The actor had a difficult time ______ his lines.

    A. to remember

    B. to have remembered

   C. remembering

    D. remembered

7. The pianist ____________ without unusually good luck long ago.

    A. will die

    B. would be died

   C. would have died

    D. would have been died

8. The director skillfully builds tension around _____ will happen when the characters finally learn the truth.

    A. that

   B. which

    C. how

   D. what

9. That's exactly ______ I feel about my favorite films.

   A. how

    B. when

    C. that

    D. where

10. Before the play he practiced his line ___________.

    A. again and over again

    B. again and again over

   C. over and over again

    D. over and again and again