Vocabulary, Reading and Grammar Exercises about Popcorn and Movies

Vocabulary Building

1. Iconic: Widely recognized and admired, representing a symbol or epitome of something.

   - Sentence: The red double-decker bus has become an iconic symbol of London.

2. Nostalgic: A sentimental longing or affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

   - Sentence: Looking at old photographs of her childhood home made Sarah feel nostalgic for the simpler times.

3. Staple: Something that is consistently used or relied upon; a main or important element.

   - Sentence: Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries, forming the basis of most meals.

4. Lucrative: Producing a large amount of profit; profitable.

   - Sentence: Investing in real estate can be lucrative if done wisely.

5. Perception: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted; a mental impression.

   - Sentence: The artist's work challenged conventional perceptions of beauty and art.

6. Pivotal: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

   - Sentence: The discovery of penicillin was a pivotal moment in the history of medicine.

7. Thrive: To grow or develop vigorously; to flourish.

   - Sentence: Despite the economic downturn, some businesses managed to thrive by adapting to changing market conditions.

8. Symbiotic: Involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.

   - Sentence: The relationship between bees and flowers is symbiotic; bees pollinate flowers while obtaining nectar for food.

9. Pent-up: Held back or restrained; not expressed or released.

   - Sentence: After weeks of rain, the children had pent-up energy and were eager to go outside and play.

10. Enduring: Lasting over a long period of time; continuing or existing for a considerable duration.

    - Sentence: Shakespeare's plays are enduring works of literature, still performed and studied centuries after they were written.

Vocabulary Exercise Quiz:

Choose the correct word from the list to fill in the blanks:

1. Seeing the old photographs brought back a sense of ________ for the good old days.

 A. staple

 B. lucrative

 C. enduring

 D. nostalgic

2. Despite the challenges, the company continued to ________ in the competitive market.

 A. thrive

 B. iconic

 C. perception

 D. pent-up

3. Rice is a dietary ________ in many Asian countries.

A. staple

B. symbiotic

C. pivotal

D. iconic

4. The relationship between bees and flowers is ________; they rely on each other for survival.

A. perception

B. lucrative

C. nostalgic

D. symbiotic

5. After being stuck inside all day, the children had ________ energy and were eager to play.

A. enduring

B. thrive

C. pent-up

D. perception

6. The Eiffel Tower is an ________ symbol of Paris.

A. lucrative

B. iconic

C. pivotal

D. staple

7. Public ________ of the issue shifted dramatically after the release of the documentary.

A. perception

B. staple

C. pent-up

D. iconic

8. The new business venture proved to be quite ________, bringing in substantial profits.

A. lucrative

B. perception

C. nostalgic

D. pivotal

9. The introduction of the smartphone was a ________ moment in the history of technology.

A. iconic

B. staple

C. symbiotic

D. enduring

10. The artist's ________ love for painting was evident in her works, which stood the test of time.

A. thrive

B. iconic

C. enduring

D. nostalgic

Check your Answers:

1. D. Nostalgic

2. A. Thrive

3. A. Staple

4. D. Symbiotic

5. C. Pent-up

6. B. Iconic

7. A. Perception

8. A. Lucrative

9. D. Enduring

10. C. Enduring

READING COMPREHESION

Read the text and the questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer.

Popcorn and Movies: A Timeless Duo's Journey from Rejection to Iconic Status

The association between popcorn and movies is nearly as iconic as the movies themselves. As you step into a cinema, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn is often the first thing that greets you, setting the stage for the experience. This nostalgic treat, served hot with a splash of butter, is a staple for moviegoers. Memorial Day marks the start of the summer blockbuster season, highlighting the enduring relationship between popcorn and the movies, a pairing celebrated as one of the greatest cultural combinations.

Despite its current status as a cinema mainstay, popcorn wasn’t always welcomed in theaters. Andrew F. Smith’s "Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn in America" traces its journey, debunking myths and chronicling its rise in popularity. Popcorn became popular in the mid-19th century, initially sold by street vendors and at fairs. As movies gained popularity in the early 20th century, theater owners were initially reluctant to embrace popcorn due to concerns about messiness and maintaining the decorum of their establishments.

The Great Depression played a pivotal role in changing this perception. Popcorn was a cheap luxury, costing just five to ten cents a bag, making it an accessible treat for many Americans. Its irresistible aroma helped boost its popularity, leading theaters to bring popcorn vending inside. This shift helped theaters thrive, especially as movie attendance surged, reaching 90 million weekly by 1930. Popcorn sales became a significant revenue source, turning theaters into lucrative businesses.

This longstanding tradition continues to thrive in modern cinemas. For instance, at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis, popcorn remains an integral part of the moviegoing experience, offering a nostalgic and affordable escape from daily life. Despite ticket prices rising, popcorn remains relatively inexpensive, enhancing its appeal. During the pandemic, selling popcorn to-go helped theaters like Riverview survive financially challenging times.

The post-pandemic era has seen a continued demand for premium cinema experiences, with concessions playing a crucial role in theaters’ profitability. Concessions, especially popcorn, are highly profitable due to their low cost. At major chains like AMC and Cinemark, concessions account for a substantial portion of revenue. AMC even expanded into retail, selling popcorn in stores, and introduced themed collectible items, enhancing the overall experience and driving sales.

Cinemas are constantly innovating to keep concessions appealing. Alamo Drafthouse and smaller theaters like Nitehawk Cinema and FilmScene offer unique popcorn flavors and themed concessions, catering to diverse tastes. This innovation extends to larger cinemas as well, with movie-themed offerings and artisanal popcorn varieties. Despite evolving business models and external competition, the essential role of popcorn in the moviegoing experience remains unchanged, underscoring its enduring popularity.

1. Which holiday heralds the beginning of the summer movie season, emphasizing the lasting bond between popcorn and cinema?

A. Labor Day

B. Memorial Day

C. Thanksgiving

D. Independence Day

2. In "Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn in America," what factor initially made theater owners hesitant to adopt popcorn sales?

A. High cost of popcorn machines

B. Messiness and decorum concerns

C. Low profitability

D. Competition with other snacks

3. During which period did popcorn become a symbol of affordable luxury, leading theaters to embrace its sale?

A. The Roaring Twenties

B. The Great Depression

C. World War I

D. The 1950s

4. How did the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis use popcorn sales to navigate financial difficulties during the pandemic?

  A. By increasing movie ticket prices

  B. By offering premium flavors

  C. By selling popcorn to-go

  D. By partnering with local vendors

5. What strategy has AMC Theatres implemented to adapt its popcorn sales to modern times?

  A. Reducing popcorn prices

  B. Expanding into retail with themed products

  C. Eliminating other concession items

  D. Offering free popcorn with tickets

6. How are cinemas like Alamo Drafthouse maintaining the appeal of their concessions amidst evolving market conditions?

  A. By lowering concession prices

  B. By introducing unique and themed popcorn flavors

  C. By focusing solely on traditional buttered popcorn

  D. By reducing the number of concession items offered

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1. B. Memorial Day

2. B. Messiness and decorum concerns

3. B. The Great Depression

4. C. By selling popcorn to-go

5. B. Expanding into retail with themed products

6. B. By introducing unique and themed popcorn flavors

Grammar Exercise: Verb Tenses

Choose the correct form of the verb to fill in the blanks:

1. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn ________ the lobby, setting the stage for the experience.

A. fills

B. filled

C. fill

D. filling

2. Despite its current status, popcorn ________ in theaters.

A. was not always welcomed

B. not always welcomes

C. is not always welcoming

D. is not always welcomed

3. The Great Depression ________ a pivotal role in changing this perception.

A. played

B. was playing

C. has played

D. is playing

4. Rice ________ a dietary staple in many Asian countries.

A. is

B. are

C. was

D. were

5. The introduction of the smartphone ________ a pivotal moment in the history of technology.

 A. is

 B. has been

 C. was

 D. had been

6. Despite the challenges, the company ________ to thrive in the competitive market.

 A. continues

 B. continuing

 C. continued

 D. continue

7. The relationship between bees and flowers ________ on each other for survival.

 A. relies

 B. relied

 C. rely

 D. relying

8. After being stuck inside all day, the children ________ pent-up energy and were eager to play.

 A. has

 B. had

 C. have

 D. having

9. Public perception of the issue ________ dramatically after the release of the documentary.

 A. shifts

 B. shifted

 C. is shifting

 D. has shifted

10. The artist's enduring love for painting ________ evident in her works.

 A. are

 B. were

 C. is

 D. be

Check your answers:

1. A. fills

2. A. was not always welcomed

3. A. played

4. A. is

5. C. was

6. A. continues

7. A. relies

8. C. have

9. B. shifted

10. C. is

B1 Level EXTENDED LISTENING about CLASSICAL MUSIC with answer

 

Audioscript:

Presenter: ... and now if you're a regular listener to this programme, you'll know that it’s time for our weekly competition. Last week's prize of two theatre tickets was won by Bill Martins. Congratulations, Bill. I hope you've received your tickets by now.

This week we're offering a classical CD to the first listener who can name the piece oT music and the person who wrote it. I’m going to play the piece in a few minutes, but before I do, you need to get a pencil and a piece of paper, as I’m going to give you some help which should make your job a little easier. Are you ready? Right.

Now, listen carefully, as you might be this week’s lucky winner.

Although the person who wrote this piece of classical music was born in Italy, his parents were French and he spent most of his life in Spain. Have you got that? On to the second point: there is also a famous play which has the same title as mis music and which is usually performed in the open air — in the summer. Any idea yet? I should warn you that it’s not that easy.

Anyway for the next point. When this piece of music was first performed, many people in the audience got up and walked out. At the end they say there was complete silence, which I’m sure wasn’t very pleasant for the writer. People thought the music was terrible and complained about wasting their money. It's amazing really, when you think how popular it is today.

And now for the last point. Part of this music has been used for an advertisement which you can see on television. I'm sure when you hear the music, you’ll know what the advertisement is for. I'm not going to tell you what product it advertises, as that would almost certainly give you the answer! You can also see the advert in a lot of magazines and I think from next month this advert will also be on your cinema screens.

So that's four things to remember. And the phone number to ring if you can give us the title of the music about the name of the man who wrote it is 0018 937 224. And the piece of music is coming up now ...

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1 C

2 B

3 B

4 A

5 B

6 C

B2 Read and select - short text exercises

 Exercise 1

There is, of course, another great reservoir of characters: those ready-made for us in books. A painter who wants to paint a tree needs to do two things: look at trees and look at paintings of trees. The first task shows what trees are like, the second shows the possibilities of the medium. Likewise, as a writer, it is by reading that you learn how, in language, a character can be presented - through dialogue, through action, through physical attributes, interior monologue, etc. - a process that continues until you have absorbed these methods, and they have become a reflex so embedded in your apprehending of the world that you will never notice anything about anybody without secretly assessing its potential for fiction writing. 

The writer compares a novelist to a painter because they both 

A have a natural talent for the work they produce. 

B base their work on what happens in real life. 

C need a lot of time to think about a new project. 

D learn by looking at the methods used by others in their field. 

Exercise 2

First off, let it be loudly asserted that characters, strong characters, are at the heart of all great literature and always will be. Plot, even in detective fiction, is a very secondary matter. Not many readers could outline the plot of the Sherlock Holmes story The Sign of the Four but many people have no difficulty bringing Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to mind. A writer who does not create convincing characters will fail. A writer who creates thrilling, troubling, insistent characters need not worry too much about any other aspect of writing. 

What is said about the role of characters? 

A They need to be carefully integrated into a novel's plot. 

B They are less important in detective stories than other fiction. 

C They can ensure the success of a novel if they fulfil certain criteria. 

D They must be appealing so readers want to learn more about them. 

Exercise 3

Falicon Park was a typical English suburban road, some fifty years old. The individuality of the properties had increased over the years as successive owners had remodelled and added to their homes. Garages had been converted into kitchen extensions and lawns had become parking spaces while adventurous gardeners had experimented with rocks and olive trees or palm trees. About halfway along the southern side of the road was number 18. It was a detached house, double-fronted. The paintwork was in good order although it was not fresh. The concrete driveway was scarred with cracks and oil stains, and the space for parking had been extended with gravel. A yew hedge straggled across in front of the gravelled area. The curtains were firmly closed and the windows too. The place had an unloved air, unlike the majority of its neighbours.

Most of the houses in Falicon Park 

A were almost identical. 

B had large gardens. 

C were well looked after. 

D belonged to large families.