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BESEASIEIEIN 03°: 2) You are going to reac four contributions to @ debate about the value of sending
SEE oan people into space. For questions 37-40, choose from the contributions A-D.The
Contributions may be chosen more than once
PAPER 3 Listening
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet,
PAPER 4 Sp
i Part 6
[part 7]
[parts
Manned space missions
Is it a good idea to send people into space? Four scientists give their views.
A
What are we looking for out in space? That’s the question that needs asking. The only thing we bring back is
knowledge, and robots outperform astronauts in that respect. They are cheaper to put into space, they can stay
there longer and they can collect and retain far more information. The eariy manned space flights generated
genuine interest around the world, but who really cares nowadays, apart from a minority in whose interest it
is that vast sums should continue to be invested? Who really believes it will ever be feasible to ship back large
quantities of valuable materials from the moon, Mars or another planet, let alone migrate to these places in
the event of a catastrophe? What is the priority? To try to create a station on Mars which could accommodate a
handful of people, or to do something here to try to resolve global warming?
Space exploration, whether manned or not, is hugely expensive, and this is probably @ key reason why it seems
to have lost its appeal for many people. The fact is, however, that our galaxy is littered with giant meteors like the
one that struck the Earth 16 million years ago, wiped out the dinosaurs and precipitated an ice age. Other cosmic
dangers exist, as do threats on Earth itself, and one day the human species may only survive by settling in a new
home. If we are to form colonies on the moon or other places in space, we have no alternative but to go there
ourselves and do it, and that requires preparation. Robots tend to be good at certain tasks like collecting data,
but their ability to think critically and creatively and to engage in problem-solving is limited. Some experiments
that can only be conducted in space require physical and intellectual dexterity and these are skills that only
humans possess.
s
People with a vested interest will say that for humans to travel beyond the Earth is important for the prestige and
glamour of space exploration, and for the way it draws young minds into science and technology. However, for
the cost of putting a few people into space for a few days, science education in schools could be transformed
by creating smaller classes, new laboratories and equipment. Now, wouldn't that be exciting! So much of the
investment in manned missions goes into keeping astronauts alive and safe, and the really useful science takes
second place. The idea that humans will ever be able to (or want to) settle on the moon or anywhere else in
space is unthinkable, so investment for that purpose is ludicrous, but the technological stimulus gained from
the development of robotics and computer programmes that can deal with things in real time without people
around has immense value on Earth, as well as in space.
D
Manned space flight is not primarily about science. The truth is that developments in science and computer
design mean that satellites, robots and other technology are probably better than astronauts at collecting
information from space which we can use on Earth. But people do not get excited when they see robots
launched into space. Computers attached to a rocket don't stimulate the imagination or the enthusiasm for space
exploration. And we do need to explore space, whatever the financial implications. In the long term, we need to
find out whether we can survive outside the Earth’s orbit. I's @ question of our species’ survival. Astrophysicists
have worked out that at some point in the future - we do not know when - the sun will engulf the Earth, and for
the species to continue, when that happens, we need to be elsewhere.
418
jest >> PAPER 1 Reading and Use of English >> Part 5Which writer
has e different opinion from the others about the
expresses a different
‘out research?
shares wr
of sending people into space?
Essential tips
‘This part of the exam tests your ability to understand
opinions and attitudes expressed in diferent texts and to
identity whether different writers agree or disagree with
cesch other. There are always four short texts by different
‘writers, and the four texts are all on the same subject.
> Read the main tite and the four texts quickly to get a
jeneral idea of what they are about. Don't worry if there
‘re words or phrases you don't understand.
> Look carefully atthe four questions, highlighting the key
words in each,
> Read the first text and highlight the sections of the text
that refer to each of the questions. Write the question
‘numbers next to the relevant parts ofthe text. Then do
the same for each text
> Then look across the four texts and compare the sections
that refer to Question 37. Read them carafully and
docide which ones express similar views and which have
different views.
inspirational significance of manned space missions? at
has a similar view to writer 8 about the importance
of establishing whether humans can live on other planets? e
jew from the others regarding
the relative efficiency of manned missions for carrying 9
1A opinion about the cost effectiveness
40
Question 37: The key words in this question are different
‘opinion from the others and inspirational significance. All
the questions are about ‘manned space missions’ so there
sno need to highlight that. You need te find three views
that are similar and one that is different. The relovant part
of Text Ais: The early manned space flighte genorated
genuine interest around the world, but who really cares.
‘nowadays ...? The relevant part in text Bis: it seems to have
lost is appeal for many people. Are they similar or different
‘opinions? Now, go through the same process with texts
Cand 0.
Question 40: The key words here are: shares writer A's
‘opinion and cost effectiveness. All the texts are about
sending people into space so there is no point highlighting
that. The relovant part of text Ais: They are cheaper to put
into space, they can stay there longer and they can collect
‘and retain far more information. I you look atthe previous
sentence, itis clear that they refers to ‘robots’. So, writer A
believes that robots are mare cost-effective than humans in
space. Now, look through the other three texts and highlight
references to cost. Which one expresses a similar view to
‘that of writer A?
Cl Advanced Test1>> PAPER1 Reading and Use of English >» Parts 19}Senseconinies
aes eae 5
BESEASUEIEM parc 2| You are going to read four reviews of @ book about the connection between music
Part 3| and the brain. For questions 37-40, choose from the reviews A-D. The reviews may
be chosen more than once.
PAPER 2 Writing
Part 4
PAPER 3 Listenin:
2 Part) Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.
PAPER 4 Speaking
Part 7
Parts
This is your brain on music: the science of a
human obsession by Daniel Levitin
Four reviewers comment on Daniel Levitin’s book about the neuroscience of music.
A
Scientific analysis of difficult concepts regarding how music works and the psychological processes involved in
our interactions with it is something few of us are comfortable with, but in trying to keep things simple for a non-
specialist audience, as far as technical terms are concerned, Levitin too often ends up dumbing down. A number
of small errors obvious to a knowledgeable musician — like the tonic pitch of a scale being referred to as the root,
when only chords have roots - fuel this sense of irritation, It’s a fascinating subject, however, made more so by
Levitin’s decision to explain it against the background of his own intriguing narrative. A successful rock musician
for many years, he switched careers and became a professor of psychology and music. This background shows
in his sensitive choice of familiar tunes and songs that he uses to illustrate concepts and theories.
B
We can all enjoy music, yet the theory of it can seem excessively complex, and you'd think the study of its effect
on the brain even more so. The success of this book, by a musician and record producer turned neuroscientist,
is both that it goes out of its way to make the general reader feel at ease, and that it celebrates our extraordinary
capacity for analysing and understanding music. Consider the job the brain has to do in separating and
processing even, say, the sound of a cat's purr over a refrigerator’s hum, merely by analysing the way that
various air molecules cause the eardrum to vibrate. Then go and listen to your favourite piece of orchestral music
or even pop music. Levitin’s anecdotes about famous musicians he has met and played with are worth passing
over, but the rest of this excellent introduction will leave your brain buzzing.
c
Setting jargon aside in favour of everyday terminology, Levitin gives readers enough background to understand
what to listen for in music and to connect what they hear to his science. Having been a musician and producer in
the music industry before turning to science, Levitin knows about communication, and wisely weaves in stories
about music making and working with musicians to make the science easier to relate to. The bulk of the musi
Levitin talks about, however, is pop. Classical music, or modern music in that tradition, is sometimes referred
to in patronising terms, but for the researcher interested in the achievements of the brain, one might think that
classical music's larger structures and more complex achievements would provoke greater interest. It is also
disappointing to come across flawed accounts of certain aspects of musical acoustics and music theory. But
‘overall, this book is an admirable contribution to popular science.
D
Itis to Levitin’s credit that this book contains clear, well-informed explanations of a range of musical phenomena
and their underiying psychological processes. It should be stimulating and accessible to the non-specialist. His
‘attempt to make the science easier to grasp by regular reference to his own career in music - as a musician,
producer and neuroscientist — is well intentioned, but there are times when we could do with fewer funny
stories and more attention to detail. This is more than just a stylistic point. There are misleading descriptions
of significant research work, for example. The choice of music to illustrate his arguments is refreshingly free of
high-art bias but it draws so strongly on Levitin’s own musical preferences that some readers who do not share
his musical tastes may feel lost. Despite my misgivings, however, Levitin’s efforts to show a lay audience how
music is at the centre of human experience and evolution are to be applauded.
38 Ci Advanced Test 2» PAPER1 Reading and Use of English »> Part 6Which reviewer
has a similar view to reviewer C regarding Levitin’s
selection of musical examples?
takes a different view to the others about the accuracy
of the book’s content?
shares reviewer D's opinion about the extent to which
Levitin includes information about himself?
has a different opinion from the others ragarding the
suitability of the writing style for the target readers?
37.
38
39,
Essential tips
Remember ~ in this par ofthe exam, you have to decide
whether four different writers have similar or different
opinions and attitudes about a particular subject.
> Road the tle and the texts quickly for general
understanding,
> Highlight the key words in each question.
> Read the first toxt and highlight the sections that aro
relevant to each question. Remember to write t
question numbers in the rolevant placos. Do
ech text
‘same for
> “Then look across the four texte and compare the st
that refer to each question in turn. Read the opinions
carefully and decide which ones are similar and which
are different.
‘Question 37: The key words in this question are similar
views to reviewer C and selection of musical examples. The
section of text C referring to ‘musical examples’ is: The bulk
of the music Levitin talks about, however, is pop. Classical
‘music, or modern music in that tradition, is sometimes
‘referred to in patronising terms, but. one might think thot
its larger structures and more complex achievements would
provoke greater interest and even richer evidence, This
implies thatthe reviewer thinks the selection is too limited
Reviewer A refers to a sensitive choice of familar tunes and
‘songs which he uses to illustrate concepts and theories,
\hich is very different from the ertcism suggested in C.
Look for what reviewers B and D say about the musical
selection and decide which is similar to reviewer C's
opinion.
Question 38: The key words here are: different view to
the others and accuracy of... content. Reviewer A refers
10 a number of small errors obvious to a knowledgeable
‘musician, Raviawer B refers to 2 subject which is
‘excessively complex but makss no reference to any error.
80, A and B have differant views on the iseue of accuracy.
Look carefully at texts C and D, and decide whether they
share reviewer A or reviewer B's view on this
Ci Advanced Test 2» PAPER1 Reading and Use of English >> Part 6
|
|
}
|
|
J
39_Exam Essentials
sees
Resemsnclen
You are going to read four contributions to a debate about whether economic
growth is always a good thing. For questions 37-40, choose from the contributions
‘A-D.The contributions may be chosen more than once.
PAPER 2 Writing
PAPER 3 Usteninc
: Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.
PAPER 4 Speaking
Economic growth and prosperity
Will more economic growth deliver prosperity and well-being? Or, with natural resources running out
and the threat of climate change, should developed countries abandon the idea of endless growth?
Four economists give their views.
a
In the advanced economies of the world, there is mounting evidence that ever-increasing consumption adds
little to human well-being. In fact, increasing stress levels, obesity and other social ills suggest it positively
impedes it. More urgently, itis now clear that the ecosystems which sustain our economies are collapsing under
the impact of this consumption. Economists argue that the environmental impact of an economy, relative to its
income, fells as it gets richer - wealthier nations tend to have stricter environmental regulations, for example.
There ig no alternative but to opt out of further growth. However, the botiom line is that economic growth
inevitably leads to increases in greenhouse gas emissions, which accelerates climate change. The implications
are complex but include a need to fundamentally rethink the uses to which we put our technological expertise
and much tighter regulation of advertising, which incites wholly superfiuous consum
It has become received wisdom that prosperity and economic growth do not go together. More ‘stuff, we
are told, damages the environment and makes us miserable. Hence, we should limit growth, raise taxes to
redistribute affiuence, invest in welfare rather than wealth creation, and control or even eliminate commercial
advertising, a key trigger of consumption. Frankly, it is tragic that growth has such a bad name, In the space of
‘about two centuries, substantial increases in economic output have brought enormous benefits: longer, healthier
lives, shorter working hours, miraculous inventions, the ability to reshape the environment for our own benefit
and, surely, greater general well-being. The world is not perfect, of course, and climate change is an issue. But
to tackle it, we need more resources and technology, rather then less. We should invest in high-tech energy
production, sea walls to resist flooding and other engineering-based solutions, rather than cheap moralising.
c
Economie progress has brought huge benefits for humanity, but in some countries, we appear to have reached
the stage where the costs of growth have started to outweigh the benefits. The more we have, the less satisfied
Wwe are, and we are running up against natural limits on a finite planet as resources are depleted, biodiversity
falls sharply and climate change threatens to destroy us. Should we now give up on economic progress and
focus instead on well-being and protecting the planet? While the idea has a certain utopian appeal, the reality
for the mejority is unimaginable. Even wholesale reform of aspects of modern economies like advertising, the
cheerleader for consumerism, is unlikely to be accepted. There is a middle way: to pursue, determinedly, existing
environmental policies and to apply our technological expertise to overcome our difficulties, with massive
projects to harness solar, wind and wave power, for example,
D
The world is heading for catastrophic climate change, and life in some of the world’s most technologically
advanced nations, while abounding in consumer products, has evidently not been enhanced in terms of
personal relationships, meaningful work and other key values for well-being ~ indeed, it’s quite the opposite. So,
should the growth model be dropped? In The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth, Benjamin Friedman
convincingly argues that rising standards of material prosperity foster opportunity, tolerance, fairness and
democracy, and to give up on growth is unlikely to lead to the sort of open, friendly society we want. The way
forward, then, is to tackle excessive consumerism and its associated ills by various reforms, such as greater
control of advertising, and to strengthen measures to keep global warming and resource depletion within
reasonable limits, while the world economy carries on growing.
58 Ci Advanced Test 3 »» PAPER 1 Reading and Use of English >» Part 6Which writer
has a different view to the others about continuing to
aim for economic growth?
expresses a different opinion from the others on the link
between continued economic growth and happiness?
takes a similar view to writer B's opinion about economic
‘growth and the use of technology?
shares writer A opinion about what the consequences
of economic growth imply for advertising?
37
38
Ed
Essential tips
> Remember that you need to decide whether four
differant wrtors have similar or different views on the
same eubject.
> Go through each text carefully in turn, highlighting the
sections relating to each question. Writo the question
rrumbers next to the parts you highlight
> Starting with Question 37, compare the views expressed
inall four texts.
Question 37: The key words in this question are different
View from the othars and about continuing to aim for
economic growth. Writer A says: There is no alternative but
to opt out of further growth. Writer B says itis tragic that
‘growth has such a bad name and calls for more resources
and better technology rather than less, so B appears to be
in favour of continued economic grow'h. Look carefully at
texts C and D, and decide whethar they share & or 6's View.
Question 39: The key words here are: similar viow to wa
B's and economic growth and the use of technology. Wri
B says: we need more resources and technology rather
then less, We should invest in high-tech energy production,
‘sea walls fo resist flooding and other engineering-based
solutions.
Writer A says we need ta fundamentally rething the uses to
which we put our technological expertise, and talks about
‘superfluous consumption 60 writor A's viow on ths issue
seems diferent from B's, What about writere C and O?
Ci Advanced Test 3 >> PAPER Reading and Use of English >> Part 5
59age aoe
(ecoasicled
‘You are going to read four writers’ contributions to a debate about hosting the
Olympic Games. For questions 7-40, choose from the contributions A-D. The
contributions may be chosen more than once.
PAPER 2 Writing
PAPER 3 Listening
‘Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.
PAPER 4 Speaking
Hosting the Olympics — is it a good idea?
Four writers give their views about what an Olympic Games can do for the host country.
A
The Olympics are undoubtedly expensive to stage and none of the Games in recent times have made an
immediate profit, but they should be considered a long-term investment. The large infrastructure projects like
new roads and transport systems, the new sports venues and cultural facilities, the regeneration of rundown
urban areas and the increase in tourism all end up stimulating the economy eventually. The international media
focus on the Games can also lift the host country’s profile to another level. This has a knock-on effect on attitudes
within the host country. International attention and proof of a capacity to rise to the challenge can pull the
country together, make it feel good about itself and put it in a position to compete in the modern world.
B
Weighing up the pros and cons of hosting an Olympics is a complex business. Research suggests that few
former hosts have experienced long-term economic gains. Indeed, certain cities like Montreal and Los Angeles
have taken decades to pay off the debts incurred in preparing for and running the two-week-long event, and in
‘cases like these, an unwelcome PR effect of international dimensions seems to come attached. The real benefits
are less tangible in that they inspire a local feel-good factor, enhancing a sense of pride in belonging to a city
and country that can pull off such a massive and awkward enterprise. There is also the chance for everyone,
the younger generations in particular, to observe elite athletes, and therefore sporting excellence, exercise and
fitness become cool things to aspire to.
c
For a host city, the Olympic Games are all about ‘legacy’. They present an opportunity to showcase, domestically
and to the world at large, the notion that the city possesses the know-how and manpower to manage a hugely
complex international event, plus an impressive new infrastructure of sports facilities, accormmodation and
public transport, a vibrant, competent, friendly local population, and historic sites and places of natural beauty
for tourists to visit. There is the sporting legacy too, with the greatest athletes from around the world inspiring
mass participation, a crucial development when modern lifestyles tend to have a significantly detrimental effect
on fitness and health. Critics of the notion of hosting the Olympics often focus on the more easily measurable
economic implications which suggest that the Games are not a viable proposition, but the Olympics are not just
about money; they are about other aspects of legacy which are at least as significant.
>
Most positive developments that might be associated with hosting the Olympics would happen anyway.
The infrastructural investments could be made, incentives for tourists to visit could be offered and trade
delegations could be energised. Past experience suggests the financial costs tend to outweigh the benefits
anyway, when variables like the absurd bidding process, security and mismanagement are factored in. What of
the more intangible spinoffs? First, there is no hard evidence that hosting the Olympics leads to greater public
involvement in sports. In fact, studies show sporting activity actually fell in certain Olympic cities once the ‘after-
party enthusiasm’ had worn off. Genuine long-term participation in sports comes from grassroots investment
in schools and community facilities rather than glitzy shows. Most Olympic Games are concentrated in one city,
usually the capital, and have little impact, economic or otherwise, on other parts of the country. In fact, in some
cases, research reveals significant regional resentment about all the attention from government, the media and
other organisations being directed at one city. So much for pride in one’s country.
Ci Advanced Test 4>> PAPER1 Reading and Use of English +> Parts 77)78
Which writer
has a different opinion to the others regarding the economic
impact of hosting the Olympics?
shares writer B's opinion about the implications for sport
in the host country?
expresses a different view to the others about the effect
that hosting the Olympics can have on @ national sense of
identity?
to writer A about the likely
consequence for the host country’s international reputation?
C1 Advanced Test @ >> PAPER1 Reading and Use of English >> Part 6
39Essentials _
Gage ema nS
Use of English
PAPER 2 Writing
PAPERS Li
ning
PAPER 4 Speaking
You are going to read extracts from four writers talking about traditional books
‘and e-books, For questions 37-40, choose from the reviews A-D. The reviews may
be chosen more than once.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet,
Books and e-books
Will printed books soon become antique items? Should we all be switching to e-books to help the planet?
Or do printed books still offer us something that e-books can’t? Four writers give their views.
A As a writer, I'm glad that people are reading
books electronically. it means that there's a wider
audience for whatever | write, which is very
exciting for me. Of course, there isn’t a lot of
money involved - not when | self-publish ~ but
it’s important to me that | get as many people
as possible to read my work. It doesn’t matter
to me whether customers buy a physical or an
electronic copy, as long as they buy a copy! For me:
personally, if | were to buy a book, 'd buy one in
printed form — there’s nothing better than having @
bookcase full of wonderful books I've enjoyed that,
I can look up at every day. | don’t really understand
the reasons why someone would want to read on
a small screen ~ I'm sure there are reasons for
doing that, | just don’t understand them.
B I'm of the opinion that electronic books are the
way forward in many areas of life. Printed books
are all well and good, but at some point we're
going to have to stop printing them to help save
the environment, so why wait? | remember when
| was a student and | had to carry around a heavy
bag of books to all my classes - imagine if we
could upload all of our school books onto one,
solitary e-reader ... | think it would be a huge leap
forward and might even encourage the younger
generation to read more, Naturally there are
bound to be issues with running out of battery
charge, but nowadays we basically live on our
phones anyway, so what's the huge difference
there? However, having said all that, | still carry
a printed book around instead of my e-reader.
Turning the page on an e-reader just doesn’t feel
the same.
c
The thing | like most about my e-reader is that I can
get new books that | want instantly. | don’t miss
the physical aspect of holding a book, or even the
smell of it. | could never understand what people
are talking about when they say how intoxicating
they find the smell of a new book. In addition to
the instant downloads, | love the fact that | can
carry my whole library around in one tiny device.
It’s amazing, | don’t have to keep printed books at
home, which is just as well because | have no space
for them anyway. I's much mare convenient for
me to read books on an e-reader and I'm perfectly
happy with that. 'm not begrudging people the joy
of owning printed books, its just that they're not for
me anymore,
| was initially unsure about e-readers, so at the
moment I'm using @ combination of electronic and
printed books to see which I prefer. When | write, |
Use a laptop, so when | read, why shouldn't | also
use an electronic device? There are, of course,
many differences between using each format and |
have yet to make up my mind about which | prefer.
I have to admit, though, that | enjoy seeing the
books I've read on the shelf in my office - it gives
me a sense of achievement to see which ones I've
actually managed to finish. | don’t keep the books |
didn’t enjoy though ~ | usually give those to charity.
My nephew is currently using an e-reader at
college, and he is not getting on with it at all. In fact,
| share ‘his concerns. | can't see all students using
e-readers in their rooms instead of going down to
a library full of ‘real’ books. But for me, I'm going to
keep testing the two different formats to see which
one I like best.
96 Ci Advanced Test $ »» PAPER1 Reading and Use of English >> Part 6Which writer
does not read printed books anymore?
shares writer As view about enjoying books on shelves?
is enthusiastic about the future of books in education?
is unsure of their favourite type of book?
Cl Advanced Test 5 >» PAPER1 Reading and Use of English >> Part 6
37.
38
39
97Ceesacleu
Part 2| You are going to read extracts from four reviews of a film called The Great Gatsby.
PAPER 2 writing Part 3| For questions 37-40, choose from the reviews A-D. The reviews may be chosen
Part] more than once.
PAPER 3 Listening _
Part5| Mark your answers on the separate answer sheat.
PAPER 4 Speaking
The Great Gatsby
Four reviewers comment on The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann.
The film is based on a novel by F Scott Fitzgerald.
A
Four previous film versions of The Great Gatsby have fallen short of the book’s brilliant portrayal of a society
succumbing to greed, and, unfortunately, Baz Luhrmann's attempt fares little better. F. Scott Fitzgerald's short,
lean, subtle novel conjures up disillusion, pain and tragedy as the main characters’ relationships unfold, but
this sense is largely drowned out by the lavish excess, the fancy camerawork and the general superficiality in
this film. Surprisingly, the soundtrack mixing 1920s orchestral pieces with hip hop and modern pop works a
treat and is likely to appeal to younger audiences, as is the very strong cast of actors who give some excellent
performances, almost in spite of the overthe-top direction. Whether this will prompt them to go back and read
the novel, as some have suggested, is highly questionable, however.
‘As other commentators have pointed out, F Scott Fitzgerald's great novel, revealing the emptiness and pain that
lies behind the pursuit of power and wealth, is a concise, elegant, almost understated work. There is no reason,
however, why a film of the same story shouldn't take on a different style and this is what Baz Luhrmann does,
largely to good effect. Creating huge cinematic set pieces out of 1920s upper-class life, he plays up the fake, the
superficial and the decadent. The narrative is unchanged but rather squeezed in, but then itis rather slight in the
novel anyway; Fitzgerald's lyrical prose and characterisation are what make it compelling. The decision to mix
contemporary pop with music from the 1920s, has a certain logic to it, given Luhrmann's visual approach, but
for some reason the mix feels uneasy rather than complementary. There may be an element of wanting to attract,
teenage viewers ~ nothing wrong with thet, of course.
c
F Scott Fitzgerald's classic 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, tells the story of a man who ruthlessly chases wealth,
ultimately in pursuit of love, only to learn that one can’t buy the other. In keeping with his previous films,
director Baz Luhrmann's version is a loud confection of colour, lights and noise from start to finish. Its musical
soundtrack is a mix of period pieces, contemporary rap and dance tunes which somehow hang together and
support the excesses of the parties, car chases and general hysteria, The narrative structure of the novel exposes
‘the artificiality and heartlessness of the American dream — that of acquiring great wealth from nothing — but
the film's overblown nature drowns this message out. The great hope is that all the noise and visual excitement
will persuade younger viewers to try reading the novel - which would be a very positive consequence.
D
Baz Luhrmann used modern pop music to energiseWilliam Shakespeare's Romeo and Julietand also 18th-century
Paris in his film Moulin Rouge to great effect. In his version of The Great Gatsby, the same strategy merely
serves to distance the audience from the human drama they should be engaged with. With his exaggerated
operatic style, Luhrmann is the wrong director to shoot F Scott Fitzgerald's small but perfectly formed novel.
I's not that he makes substantial changes to the narrative of the film; the original has a thin plot anyway, and
the film is largely faithful to it. It's more that all the noise, flashing lights and dizzying crowd scenes typical of
Luhrmann overwhelm both the tragedy and the subtlety characteristic of the original. Audiences, especially
perhaps younger ones, will undoubtedly be attracted by the visual and auditory glamour, but they will miss out
on what makes the novel great.
Ci Advanced Test 6»> PAPER 1 Reading and Use of English >» Part 115)116
Which reviewer
expresses a different view from the others about
the film’s potential impact on younger audiences?
takes a similar view to reviewer C on the appropriacy
of the music that goes with the film?
shares reviewer B's opinion about the film's storyline?
has a different opinion from the others about the way
the film is directed?
C1 Advanced Test 6 >> PAPER 1 Reading and Use of English +> part 6
7
38
39.
40