Have You Considered A Career in Film? - IELTS Reading Sample with Explanation

The IELTS reading section consists of a passage based on which questions are made and the student needs to answer the question reading the comprehension. The IELTS reading section basically is conducted to understand the ability of the candidate. This particular IELTS reading topic - Have You Considered A Career in Film? Is an Academic topic and has three types of questions:

1. Identifying information
2. Choose the correct answer
3. True/False/Not Given

Candidates can practice similar topics from IELTS reading practice papers.

Topic: IELTS Reading Sample - Have You Considered A Career in Film?

If you ask everyone who works in the film industry how they got there you will find probably as many stories as there are people. There are literally hundreds of different jobs in the film industry, each one requiring a unique combination of specialist skills. You have only to watch the credits at the end of the film to get an idea of how many different types of jobs there are. The film industry is divided into three key sections: development, production and post production. The development stage involves writing, packaging and financing film ideas and scripts. The production stage is where the majority of the people are employed. This is the process of setting up and shooting each scene in a film. In the post production phase, all the shots are assembled, treated and mixed into the final product.

Professional filmmakers work long hours, sometimes under enormous pressure. Some people in the motion picture industry belong to labor unions, but many others are freelance. Jobs are seldom permanent but begin and end in each production. While movies can be made anywhere, most people in the film business will find they must live close to one of the production centers for the industry.

There is tremendous competition in the film production industry but there is also great shared camaraderie. The nature of the work in some ways sets movie people apart from people who work “nine to five” jobs. Demand for people in the film-making industry is expected to rise faster than average over the next decade; however, men and women seeking the available jobs in this exciting industry will always exceed the amount of work available.

Film schools are vocational training institutions specializing in courses related to motion pictures. The specific curriculum varies rather widely from school to school but in general, in film school teaches the fundamentals of movie-making; the dynamics of storytelling production and editing. Not only do you study these things in a classroom, but you learn by actually doing them. Making your own movies and helping others making theirs will also reveal your own strengths and weaknesses and will help you discover whether this career is what you really want to have, and if so, what professional path to take.

Most film schools have a 1-year program that is broken into 3 or 4 sections. If you are interested in a specialized 8 week workshop you should expect to pay around $4000. A one year total immersion program can cost as much as $30,000, not counting supplies and equipment charges. There are even some film schools that charge by the unit ( usually around $1000). Since most film schools are private institutions they are not eligible for government grants and loans. There are scholarships available for the most deserving students. Nearly all film schools provide a diploma to competing students and some even issue BA degrees.

If you are serious about becoming a practitioner, aim for a hands-on course rather than theory. Computer editing and animation offer exciting creative opportunities in areas that they have expanded rapidly in recent years. Do your homework when selecting a school, visit the facilities, see what is on offer and talk to students there. They will give you the best insight to the school.

Questions 15-17

Choose ONE phrase from the list below (A-F) to complete each of the following. There are more phrases than questions so you will not use all of them.

(15) Demand for jobs in the film industry…
(16) Most film-making professionals…
(17) Many film schools…

List of Phrases:

A…..are not permanent employment.

B…..work in major production centres.

C…..exceeds the amount of work available.

D…..provides government financial assistance.

E…..work on a freelance basis.

F…..offer scholarships to deserving students.

Question 15.

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: Demand for people in the film-making industry is expected to rise faster than average over the decade; however men and women seeking the available jobs in this exciting industry will always exceed the amount of work available.

Keywords: Demand, seeking, available, exceed, work

Keyword Location: Paragraph 3, 3rd line

Explanation: The writer explains that men and women who seek to get a job in the filmmaking industry will always be more than the amount of work available in the industry, therefore, C is the appropriate option.

Also, check:

Question 16.

Answer: E

Supporting Sentence: Some people in the motion picture industry belong to labour unions, but many others are freelance. Jobs are seldom permanent but begin and end in each production.

Keywords: industry, freelance, seldom, permanent

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, 2nd Line

Explanation: The writer clearly states that most people in the film industry are freelancers and are very rarely permanent. The contracts of such people normally start and end with that particular production, therefore, E is the most appropriate option.

Question 17.

Answer: F

Supporting Sentence: There are scholarships available for the most deserving students.

Keywords: scholarships, deserving

Keyword Location: Paragraph 5, 6th Line

Explanation: The writer mentions clearly that some film schools offer scholarships to the most deserving students, therefore, F is the most appropriate option.

Questions 18-21

Choose the correct answer (A - D):

Question 18. The majority of people employed in the film industry…

1. work in the set up and filming stages.
2. is involved in the development phase.
3. work in post-production, creating the final product.
4. work in all three key sectors.

Answer: A

Supporting Sentence: The production stage is where the majority of the people are employed.

Keywords: 1st Paragraph, 6th Line

Keyword Location: production, majority, employed

Explanation: The writer clearly states that the majority of the people are employed in the production stage which includes setting up and shooting each scene in a film and therefore, A is the most appropriate choice.

Question 19. If you want a job in the film industry, be prepared to…

1. work part-time.
2. join a trade union.
3. work anywhere.
4. accept temporary employment.

Answer: D

Supporting Sentence: Jobs are seldom permanent but begin and end in each production.

Keywords: seldom, permanent

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, 2nd Line

Explanation: The writer clearly states that most people in the film industry are freelancers and are very rarely permanent. The contracts of such people normally start and end with that particular production, therefore, D is the most appropriate option.

Question 20. In film school, the most effective way to learn is…

1. by studying all the areas of production.
2. by imitating successful filmmakers.
3. by making films.
4. by storytelling.

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: Making your own movies and helping others make theirs will also reveal your own strengths and weaknesses and will help you discover whether this career is what you really want to have and if so, what professional path to take.

Keywords: own, movies, strengths, weaknesses, career

Keyword Location: 4th Paragraph, 4th Line

Explanation: The writer clearly states that in film school, the best way to explore your strengths and weaknesses is by making films.

Question 21. Which of the following is NOT given as a recommendation, when choosing a film school?

1. Find out about the school from students attending.
2. Select a school with a practical focus.
3. Look at the homework assigned for the courses.
4. Check into schools offering courses in fast-growing, film technology.

Answer: C

Supporting Sentence: If you are serious about becoming a practitioner, aim for a hands-on course rather than theory. Do your homework when selecting a school, visit the faculties, see what is an offer and talk to the students there.

Keywords: hands-on, visit, offer, talk

Keyword Location: 6th Paragraph, 1st, and 3rd Lines

Explanation: The writer mentions that before choosing a film school, the student should research about the school, visit the faculties or talk to someone who has been a part of or is a part of the school. However, the author does not mention what kind of homework is assigned, and therefore, (C) is the appropriate option.

Read the application information below and answer questions 22-28.

Studio Ten Film School

Application for Admission

Minimum grade 12 to 19 years of age. Copy of high school diploma and/or Birth certificate required.

• A most recent copy of the transcript of marks from High School, college, or university.
• Detailed resume outlining work history and education. Include volunteer work if available.
• Headshots. Supply two small paragraphs, 2.5 cm x 3 cm approximately, color or black & white. One will be kept on file and the other used to prepare a student identification card.
• Two references from past employers or instructors. References will be checked. Please supply names and phone numbers. Reference letters are not required, simply the names and phone numbers.
• Typewritten personal statements of goals and objectives. The personal statement should outline the applicant’s background, any acting or film experience aspirations, level of determination, and long-term career goals. Preference will be given to those who are highly motivated with a clear sense of direction.
• Audition tape. One minute minimum rehearsed monologue to be submitted on ½” VHS tape. Applicants introduce themselves, state the full name of the program they are applying for, the start date of the program, and then begin a monologue. Applicants to choose their own material for the monologue.
• Film critique. Applicant to view the film and submit typewritten critique from a technical standpoint. Contact Director for Admissions for film list.
• Advanced level of English for English as a second language student. Minimum IELTS 6, TOEIC 700 score or TOEFL 500 score required. Supply the most recent copy of IELTS, TOEIC or TOEFL score equivalent, if available.
• Interview(s) with the director of Educational Programs. To be arranged once all prerequisites have been submitted. Because of the demands of the program, the applicant’s maturity, self-motivation, and commitment will be considered. Telephone interviews will be arranged for out-of-town applicants.
• For more information about how to register and complete the process, please contact our admission Office

Questions 22-28

Look at the following statements, write:

YES- if the answer is yes according to the passage
NO - if the answer is no according to the passage
NOT GIVEN- if the information is not given in the passage

22. Do I have to be a high school graduate to apply?
23. Should the resume mention unpaid work?
24. Can I send color photos?
25. Should I include letters of reference?
26. Can I use professional actors for the audition video?
27. Is English language support provided in the program?
28. Will I have to attend an interview if I live in another city?

Question 22.

Answer: No

Supporting Sentence: Minimum grade 12 to 19 years of age. Copy of high school diploma and/ or Birth Certificate required.

Keywords: years, age, diploma

Keyword Location: 1st Paragraph

Explanation: The writer does not state that high school graduates can only apply to Studio Ten Film School rather it states that the candidates must be 12 to 19 years of age and must have passed high school diploma.

Question 23.

Answer: Yes

Supporting Sentence: Detailed resume outlining work history and education. Include volunteer work if available.

Keywords: Volunteer, work, history

Keyword Location: 3rd Paragraph

Explanation: The writer clearly states that the resume should be very detailed and must include volunteer or unpaid work done.

Question 24.

Answer: Yes

Supporting Sentence: Supply two photographs, 2.5 cm x 3 cm appropriately, colour or black & white.

Keywords: photographs, color, or

Keyword Location: 4th Paragraph

Explanation: The writer clearly states that the photographs to be submitted can be colored or black & white.

Question 25.

Answer: No

Supporting Sentence: Reference letters are not required, simply the names and phone numbers.

Keywords: reference, names, phone numbers

Keyword Location: 5th Paragraph

Explanation: The writer clearly mentions that the reference letters are not required to be submitted, only put the contact number and their names.

Question 26.

Answer: Not Given

Explanation: No such information is given in the passages.

Question 27.

Answer: Not Given

Explanation: No such information is given in the passages.

Question 28.

Answer: No

Supporting Sentence: Telephonic interviews will be arranged for out of town applicants.

Keywords: telephonic, interviews, out of town

Keyword Location: 10th Paragraph, 4th Line

Explanation: The writer has clearly stated that telephonic interviews are arranged for candidates who live in another city and they are not required to attend the interview live.