# An Introduction to Film Sound: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 11, Test 4, Reading Passage 2

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 11, Test 4, Reading Passage 2. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Used for educational practice. Explanations and evidence notes are written by Testmigo.

## Answer key

| Q | Answer | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14 | B | we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of film sound |
| 15 | A | the actor Humphrey Bogart is the character Sam Spade; film personality and life personality seem to merge |
| 16 | B | little dialogue was evident, and most of it was banal and of little intrinsic interest. In this way the film-maker was able to portray |
| 17 | D | This use of dialogue underscores not only the dizzy quality of the character played by Katherine Hepburn, but also the absurdity of the film itself and thus its humor. |
| 18 | C | the sound mixer may call attention to the 'click' with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the audience in a moment of suspense |
| 19 | TRUE | which has become so ubiquitous as to be noticeable in its absence |
| 20 | TRUE | background music often foreshadows a change in mood |
| 21 | NOT GIVEN | it often provides a tone or an emotional attitude toward the story |
| 22 | TRUE | Background music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes. |
| 23 | FALSE | Usually not meant to be noticeable ... The effects of sound are often largely subtle and often are noted by only our subconscious minds. |
| 24 | C | These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases which in turn create desired effects. |
| 25 | A | dialogue serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as well |
| 26 | E | When voice textures fit the performer's physiognomy and gestures, a whole and very realistic persona emerges. |

## Why these answers are right

**14. B.** You need the main point of the opening paragraph. The writer says that although film seems visual, we cannot afford to underestimate the importance of film sound, which can be as complex as the image. Not underestimating matches not overlooking its contribution, so B is correct.

**15. A.** The question asks what the Bogart example illustrates. The writer says audiences often see little difference between character and actor, so Bogart is Sam Spade and the film personality and life personality merge. This shows the value of actor and character seeming to share a personality, option A.

**16. B.** You must work out what the writer suggests in the third paragraph. In 2001 the small amount of dialogue was banal and of little interest, yet in this way the film-maker portrayed how weak human responses seem beside technology. Dull dialogue therefore had a purpose, so B is right.

The why and the trap for questions 17 onwards are free with an account on the [answers page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/an-introduction-to-film-sound/answers).

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