READING
A. Discuss.
• How often do you watch TV? Why?
• What kinds of programmes do you enjoy watching? Why?
• Which of the following influence you when you want to choose a programme to watch? (actors starring in it / trailers / reviews / a friend’s recommendation)
I usually watch TV for about an hour every evening after finishing my homework because it helps me relax and unwind.
I enjoy watching science fiction and comedy series because they have gripping storylines and funny moments that keep me entertained.
A friend’s recommendation and watching official trailers influence me the most, as they give me a clear idea of whether the plot and atmosphere will match my personal taste.
B. Read the texts and match the statements to the commenters.
- TVwolf — c (The second series must be better.)
- Bearwithgreathair — a (The first series wasn’t filmed well.)
- Anna_Watches — d (The first series was badly written.)
- Hipsterfox — b (I can’t wait to watch the second series.)
C. Read the texts again and find evidence to prove the following.
-
There will be a change to the crew for the second series.
TVwolf writes: “I hear a new director is taking over though, so I think it will be.” -
Lots of people watched the first series.
TVwolf states: “…it broke records, despite the bad reviews.” -
The second commenter saw the first episode when it was released.
Bearwithgreathair mentions: “I watched the first episode on the day it came out.” -
In the first series, a main character died.
Anna_Watches mentions: “…in the final episode, when we discovered who killed Jennifer (played by Mandy Finn)…” -
The third commenter won’t watch the second series.
Anna_Watches states: ”…I think I’ll give this one a miss.” -
The fourth commenter read the books before watching the first series.
Hipsterfox writes: “…even though I didn’t expect it to be as good as the books.” and “…on the whole, the characters were true to the novels.”
D. Look at the highlighted phrasal verbs in the texts, and try to guess what they mean. Then match them with the definitions 1-4.
- to organise or arrange sth in a particular way: set up
- to get control or management of sth: take over
- to become available for people to see or buy: come out
- to use certain facts or ideas as the starting point for sth: base on
E. Discuss.
• Do you enjoy watching TV programmes that have more than one series? Why? / Why not?
• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of expanding a story into more than one series?
I really enjoy watching TV programmes with multiple series because they allow for deeper character development and more complex storylines that keep you excited for a long time.
The main advantage is having plenty of time to explore interesting subplots and build emotional connections with the characters. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the quality of writing often decreases over time, and the plot can become repetitive and dragged out.
GRAMMAR
Complete the dialogue with the correct Future form of the verbs in brackets.
A: Lana, I have a meeting at 4 p.m., so I don’t think I (1) will get home until after six o’clock.
B: OK, Mum. Just so you know, by the time you (2) get back, I (3) will have left.
A: Where are you going?
B: To Evelyn’s house. We (4) are going to work on a project for school. We (5) were going to do it last weekend, but she was ill. Then, as soon as we (6) finish the project, we’ll go for a quick run in the park.
A: Be careful.
B: Don’t worry. I (7) will make sure I’ve got my mobile with me. I (8) will call you when we’re back at Evelyn’s house.
VOCABULARY
A. Complete the sentences with the prepositional phrases in the box.
- When I called the dance school to ask about evening classes, I was kept on hold for ten minutes.
- My friends and I usually hang out at the skatepark on Saturdays, but this weekend we went to the cinema for a change.
- A study found that on average, people in the US watch TV for over three hours a day.
- The number of people who choose to stream films is on the rise.
- I have particular tastes when it comes to films. For instance, I can’t stand thrillers.
- We should be grateful for what we have and not take things for granted.
- I don’t know for certain if Fred’s coming, but don’t worry, I’ll be there.
- Some episodes were boring, but on the whole, the programme was very enjoyable.
B. Read the comments below. Are they positive or negative? Write P or N.
- The special effects were stunning. — P
- I was impressed by the originality of the director’s latest film. — P
- The film was a box-office hit. — P
- The plot was predictable. — N
- The acting was true to life and powerful. — P
- The series was a complete flop. — N
LISTEN
A. Discuss.
• Where do you usually learn about what’s on TV?
I usually find out what is on TV through online TV guides, streaming service recommendations, and social media clips. Sometimes I also hear about exciting new shows from my friends and classmates.
• In your opinion, where do you find the most reliable reviews?
The most reliable reviews are usually on dedicated film and TV rating websites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, where both professional critics and regular viewers share their opinions.
B. You will hear radio presenters talking about TV programmes. The radio programme is in three parts. Listen and answer the questions for each part. Choose a, b or c.
-
Why was it a surprise to see Ken Andrews in last night’s episode of Albion Street?
b. It seemed like he’d moved away. -
What will Veronica Daniels probably do in the future?
b. present her own programme -
What kind of performer was the winner of last year’s The Talent Show?
a. a dancer -
How can you vote for tonight’s winner?
a. by calling -
What is the topic of Natural World this week?
a. insects -
What is not true about Family Matters?
b. It’s a sitcom that isn’t very funny.
SPEAKING
Discuss in groups. Answer the questions below. Use the words/phrases given.
• I usually watch top-quality nature documentaries, sitcoms, and sporting events because they provide a great opportunity for viewers to take a break and unwind after school.
• Some popular TV programmes in my country are talent shows, evening news broadcasts, and Ukrainian comedy series, which attract a variety of programmes and channels to choose from.
• My favourite TV channel is National Geographic because it shows informative and educational programmes about wildlife, science, and history.
• To improve TV, channels should include fewer adverts, avoid showing low-quality programmes, and make sure not to show something at inappropriate times for younger viewers.
• Adverts can be useful when they inform us about new products, but they are often annoying because they interrupt shows. They occasionally influence what snacks or gadgets I want to buy.
• The main advantage of watching TV is that it offers entertainment and educational value. However, the disadvantages are that people can become TV addicts and become less active.
• Without TV, my life would be more active because I would spend more time reading, doing sports, and meeting friends outdoors.
• I think reality TV can be entertaining at times, but many shows are low-quality and scripted rather than real.
WRITING
A. Discuss.
• I do not go to the cinema very often, usually only once a month, because tickets can be expensive and I can stream many films at home. However, I love going with friends to see big action blockbusters on the giant screen.
• I really like science-fiction and adventure films because they have spectacular special effects, fast-paced plots, and take you to completely different worlds.
B. Read an online film review for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and answer the questions.
a. Paragraph 4
b. Paragraph 2
c. Paragraph 1
d. Paragraph 3
-
Yes, the writer liked the film very much, found it very interesting, and enjoyed it from start to finish.
-
The writer uses the Present Simple tense to describe the plot.
-
No, the writer does not say what happens at the end of the film.
C. Use the adjectives in the box to rephrase sentences 1-6.
- The lead actor’s performance was disappointing.
- I thought the writing in some scenes was poor.
- Some superb actors star in the film.
- This 3D blockbuster has spectacular special effects.
- I found the comedy pretty amusing.
- The film is very moving.
D. Imagine that you are a member of a film club and that you have been asked to write a review of a film you have recently seen. Read the plan and the tip and write your film review.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a fantastic animated superhero film directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. Shameik Moore stars as the voice of the main character, Miles Morales, alongside Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy.
The film is set in a vibrant multiverse. Miles Morales unexpectedly encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse. When the heroes clash on how to handle a dangerous new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero to save the people he loves most.
What I really liked about the film was the spectacular animation style, which combines various comic book art forms seamlessly. In addition, the soundtrack is energetic and the voice acting is superb throughout every scene.
In conclusion, I found the film extremely exciting and entertaining. It is a true box-office hit that is suitable for audiences of all ages. If you haven’t seen it yet, you definitely shouldn’t miss it!