56
IN THIS UNIT
GRAMMAR
• narrative tenses
•
used to, would, get used to
VOCABULARY
• genres
• literature and film
• adjectives
• idiomatic expressions
• collocations
• words from the text
SCENARIO
• persuading
• making a persuasive
presentation
STUDY SKILLS
• making an effective
presentation
WRITING SKILLS
• an online review
Literature and Film
6.1
READING OR WATCHING?
6
I took a speed reading course and read ‘War and Peace’ in twenty minutes. It involves Russia.
Woody Allen, 1935–, US film-maker
VOCABULARY AND READING
GENRES
1
Look at the words and phrases in the
box and answer the questions.
1
Which ones describe films, books or both?
2
Which are fiction and which are non-
fiction?
autobiography biography crime biopic
costume drama comedy novel horror
play science fiction (sci-fi) psycho drama
poetry short story thriller travel writing
2
Work with a partner to discuss
the questions.
1
Do you prefer reading books or
watching films? What sort of books/
films do you like? Why?
2
Do you prefer to read a book first and
then a film based on it or the other way
round? Why?
3
What problems do you think film
makers have when trying to make a film
based on a book?
4
For what reasons do you think people
may find a film of a book disappointing?
3
Read the article on page 57 and
compare your discussion in Exercise 2
with the author’s ideas.
4
Inferring opinion
Based on the opinions in the article, which of
these could the author have said, do you think? Find evidence to
support your answers.
1
‘Good books don’t often don’t make good films.’
2
‘Films of books can be well scripted or beautiful to look at, but often
boring.’
3
‘Writers of the book need to be involved in the film version.’
4
‘Films can never exactly recreate a novel.’
5
‘Great movies should make you think, not just entertain you.’
6
‘Directors shouldn't be scared to use the themes of a novel while
changing the details.’
7
‘You should be able to watch a great movie many times.’
8
‘New adaptations can give new life to classic books.’
9
’It’s best to avoid film versions of your favourite book.’
5
Work with a partner. Discuss the opinions in Exercise 4. Which do
you agree/disagree with? Why?
