COLEGIO SAN CARLOS

READING/WRITING/GRAMMAR ACTIVITY

Name: ______________________________ Grade: 8th

I) You are going to read a newspaper article. For questions 1–6, choose the answer (A, B, C or
D) which you think fits best according to the text.
Click-fix culture in the arts on the internet

From the comfort of your armchair, you may attend a rock concert or take a tour of an art gallery. Can it, however,
match the thrill of the real thing? Fiona Sturges discovers.

Do you want to go to the theatre but don't want to sit for hours? Theatrical firms will gladly stream live shows. Want to
see a band but can't afford to because of the high-ticket prices? There is no need to be concerned. Many mainstream
bands make their concerts available to be streamed for free. Now galleries are joining in the fun, allowing couch
potatoes to roam through the world's biggest art institutions in high resolution and without the risk of aching feet. Is it,
however, the same as seeing artwork in person? I made the decision to find out.

The Uffizi in Florence is my first destination, and I'm instantly seated in front of Botticelli's fifteenth-century Birth of
Venus. In terms of technology, it's quite astounding. Every lump and line in the paint's surface is visible to me. To see
things like this if I were there in person, I'd need a large magnifying lens. Botticelli, it appears to me, would never have
seen it in such detail, I'm curious what he'd think of us all admiring every speck of paint through an internet high-
resolution prism.

After that, I visit the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, which is one of my favorite museums. In a manner that would be
frowned upon if I were actually there, I adore sprinting past sculptures and going eyeball to eyeball with various images.
There's a lot to be said about looking at art in this manner. There are no lines, and admission is free. Plus, you won't
have to listen to other guests' blather as they proudly proclaim their surrealist expertise.

However, it isn't a replacement for the genuine thing. Millions of pixels can't capture the scale, color, or atmosphere of a
painting, or the sense of awe you get when you stand in front of it. Only in a gallery can you shut off the rest of the
world, engage with a piece, and see it in its proper context.

While browsing the Reina Sofia online, my constant thinking is how much nicer it would be if I were actually in Madrid.

Instead, how about a gig? Pop, more than any other media, has boldly embraced new technology, thus the streaming
performance is unquestionably live music's inevitable step. I watch an outdoor music festival known for its overcrowding
without leaving my postcode. My initial reaction is one of smugness, since I get the greatest seats in the house for the
top bands without having to endure any physical discomfort. However, as the program progresses, my focus begins to
wane, and I wander away to make a cup of tea.

Filmed concerts, whether broadcast on television or streamed online, always fail to capture the tension of a live
performance. You don't get the feeling of a crowd holding their breath when a song approaches its climax while you're
sitting at home. It might be lonely to see a band in this manner. I have strong views about other people during pop
concerts, particularly those who sing along too loudly or take pictures of everything. But I'd rather listen to live music in
a room full of strangers than stand alone.
Almost all types of art are intended to be shared with others. It's also a ritual, and it's about a lot more than just the
cultural event. People go on these pilgrimages in search of a specific sensory sense. The anticipation is often as
pleasurable as the execution. You take away a fundamental element of the experience if you remove the build-up, the
enticing portion where you imagine how it will be.

My default position is on the sofa, with computers, phones, and remote controls all within easy reach. Even a slob like
myself can see the basic requirement to leave the house when it comes to art enjoyment. In the end, it's akin to
watching the holidays on TV. Yes, you can avoid the sweat, hurting legs, hungry insects, and questionable souvenirs. You
can enjoy the best views by staying at home. It's not the same, though, if you can't feel the sun on your face.

Questions:

1) What is it about live music that the author enjoys?

A. becoming a member of the audience

B. watching the concert with friends
C. photographing the concert
D. taking part in the songs

2) In the second paragraph, what point does the writer make concerning the birth of Venus?

A. When she went to the art gallery, she had a better time.
B. The shortcomings in the painter's technique are revealed by modern technologies.
C. We can look at it in greater detail than the artist could.
D. When seen on the internet, the painting seems uninteresting.

3) To demonstrate that internet art is comparable to television vacation, the author compares both…

A. From afar, art cannot be fully appreciated.

B. Going on vacation is more soothing than enjoying art.
C. It is important to see art in sunny countries to appreciate it.
D. Watching TV is more popular than appreciating art.

4) What is the writer's reaction to viewing a concert on the internet?

A. She initially enjoys the experience, but gradually loses interest.

B. She believes that music has been reluctant to adapt to modern technology.
C. She enjoys being able to drink and watch at the same time.
D. She feels relieved to get free of the event's stressful atmosphere.

5) What, in the writer's opinion, is the disadvantage of visiting an art gallery in person?

A. There are frequently too many paintings of historical figures.

B. Distractions make it harder to concentrate on artwork.
C. There's a chance you'll be disturbed by folks wanting to impress you.
D. It's possible that you'll be tempted to spend more time in the city than in the galleries.
II) For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits
each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Example: 0 A urges B stimulates C persuades D encourages

Contemporary art is important.

Contemporary art plays on the emotions and (0) B the mind. It can send powerful messages, (1) __________ political,
social or environmental issues. It can also lead to (2) __________ reactions, including outrage from those who like to be
shocked.

It is available to everybody. Admission to contemporary art museums is usually free, whereas viewing traditional art
often (3) __________ going to expensive art galleries to see the (4) __________.

Major museums may contain thousands of works, and although inevitably some will not be to everyone’s (5)
__________, many will be quite fascinating. They may even (6) __________ the visitor to create their own pieces; if not
for display in a museum, then as a form of street art – which is a wonderful way for young people to (7) __________
their feelings and ideas.

In fact, creating works of contemporary art can be therapeutic, often proving (8) __________ effective in helping people
recover from emotional or psychological problems.

1 rising B focusing C highlightin D concentrati

A g ng
2 hard B strong C high D deep
A

3 obliges B forces C makes D means

A

4 extrac B exposure C exhibits D exploitation

A ts s s

5 taste B fancy C appetite D flavor

A

6 affect B inspire C impress D influence

A

7 inform B commen C account D express

A t

8 highly B utterly C perfectly D absolutely

A

III) Respond to the model review questions.

Two Bond films that you must see

Skyfall, directed by Sam Mendes, is a hugely popular action film starring James Bond as a secret agent. Just as Guy
Hamilton's Goldfinger was nearly fifty years before.

Following near escapes from death in England and Switzerland, Bond must stop gold smuggler Auric Goldfinger from
taking the US gold stockpiles at Fort Knox in the previous film. The Secret Service itself, particularly Bond's boss M, is
under threat in Skyfall. As 007 faces Javier Bardem's completely wicked Silva, the action takes place in wonderfully
photographed settings as far apart as Istanbul and Macau, Shanghai and Scotland.

These frequent changes of setting assist keep the pace of both films moving along, keeping the audience's attention
throughout – much as the extremely skilled actors who play Bond do. Other similarities include Shirley Bassey's and
Adele's beautiful title songs, that famed suspense-building incidental music, and even the identical Aston Martin
automobile. Bond encounters extremely terrifying opponents in both films, particularly Goldfinger's lethal assistant odd
job, however Skyfall maintains a somewhat higher level of excitement with longer action sequences.

One significant difference is that M in Skyfall is a woman, played excellently by Judi Dench. Unfortunately, even after half
a century, this does not reflect any meaningful change in the portrayal of female characters in Bond films. Another point
of contention is the excessive quantity of violence, which is frequently depicted in very unneeded close-up.

To summarize, both films are well worth seeing, but I would suggest Skyfall to today's audience, who are accustomed to
nonstop action in films like Mission Impossible.

Questions:

1) In which paragraph(s) does the writer

- attempt to pique the reader's interest?

- criticize both films?

- praise both films?

- give suggestions?

- provide some background information?

- give a brief summary of each film?

- mention characters in both films?

2) According to the reviewer, what similarities and differences are there between the films?

3) What expressions convey the reviewer's personal viewpoints?

4) Do you want to see either of the movie again after reading this review? Why?

5) This news appears in the worldwide magazine Fun and Entertainment.

There are so many fantastic films to see, both old and new, in every genre imaginable. The problem is that there just
isn't enough time to see them all. So, to assist moviegoers in making correct decisions, we regularly publish
evaluations that compare and contrast films. Send us a review of two related films of any era, along with your
recommendations, and we may publish it on our site.

IV) Grammar:
1) Which sentences have mistakes using verbs followed by either infinitive or gerunds? Correct them.

1) I want that everything goes well next weekend.

2) I feel like to watch television.

3) The longer and the better the boy played; the more people stopped to listen to his music.

4) She wanted to be successful, even if it meant to postpone their wedding for a few years.

5) You have to remember doing exercise every day if you want to be healthy.

6) The fact we could communicate in English enabled us to hold interesting debates.

7) You will get into trouble if you go on to behave like that.

8) When I saw how good the film festival was, I really regretted to not invite you.

2) Match the sentences halves and explain the difference in meaning when the verb is followed by to + infinitive or
gerunds.

1 a) I meant to see the exhibition i) paying a lot to go in.

b) Seeing the exhibition meant ii) but it cost too much to go in.

Explanation:

2 a) We tried to play the song faster i) but we found we couldn’t.

b) We tried playing the song faster ii) but it sounded even worse.

Explanation:

3 a) The star stopped talking to the journalist i) standing near the red carpet.

b) The star stopped to talk to the journalist ii) who had misquoted her.

Explanation:

4 a) I’ll never forget taking i) those photos on my phone.

b) I’ll never forget to take ii) my phone with me again.

Explanation:

5 a) I regret to say that i) your application has been unsuccessful.

b) I regret saying that ii) I didn’t want to be in the band.

Explanation: