Settlements on the Moon

1. Integrated writing. 

Step1. Read the text below.

At the dawn of cinema in the 1890s, audiences were fascinated by everyday actions caught on film: a train pulling into the station, a family eating breakfast, and soldiers marching in a parade. Then the French filmmaker Georges Méliès demonstrated that films could do far more than merely record everyday life. Méliès, a professional magician and theater operator, decided that the new medium could be used effectively in his magic act. After much experimentation with a moving–picture camera, he realized that film could be manipulated in countless ways. In time, he developed such new techniques as the fade–out, overlap dissolve, stop action, superimposition, double exposure, fast and slow motion, animation, and a host of other devices that he used with invention and wit.

Méliès transformed the cinema into a storytelling medium. At a time when most filmmakers were content to photograph the real world, Méliès was creating his own fantasy world. In his specially built studio near Paris, he produced more than a thousand films between 1896 and 1914. They ranged from brief shorts that were one minute long to much longer films that ran for twenty minutes. The longer films included Cinderella (1899) and A Trip to the Moon (1902).

Very popular in their day, the trick films of Méliès were shown, often without his permission, all over Europe and North America starting around 1900. At that time, the films were regarded as charming and witty, and Méliès was respected as the first artist of cinema. Although primitive by today’s standards, the films of Méliès revealed the cinema’s unique and almost limitless possibilities for trickery and special effects—possibilities that continue to evolve with today’s computer technology.

Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture below and take notes.

Important!: Write out the three main ideas and their elaborations/illustrations/ details that the lecturer provides. You should connect the points made in the lecture to the points made in the reading! When you hear the question, click to show the passage and question and begin your response.

Click here to show/hide the question

Step 3. Write your answer.

Writing time - 16 min.

✍️ Planning/Outlining - 2–3 minutes: Organize notes: match each reading point with the lecture's illustration.

Writing the Essay  -  12–13 minutes: Write your 4-paragraph response clearly and concisely.

Tip: Write at least 300 words

Click here to show/hide the template

 

2. Independent writing

Reading time -2 minutes, writing time-8 minutes

Step1. Read the text

A university professor recently gave a lecture on the future of movie theaters.
The professor argued that with the rapid development of personalized and immersive technologies — such as 3D glasses, virtual reality headsets, and advanced home cinema systems — traditional cinemas may eventually become obsolete. According to the professor, more people are choosing to enjoy movies from the comfort of their own homes rather than visiting crowded theaters. As a result, movie theaters might not survive in the coming decades.

After the lecture, the professor invites students to share their views on the relevance of movie theaters in the modern world.
In an online discussion forum, the professor posts the following question:

"Given the rise of personalized and immersive home technologies, do you believe that movie theaters will eventually disappear? Why or why not?"

Following the lecture, two students posted their views in an online discussion forum:

Isabella

I completely agree with the professor. Technology is changing everything. With affordable home theater systems and streaming services offering new releases instantly, there’s little reason to visit a cinema anymore. Also, devices like VR headsets provide an even more immersive experience than a big screen does. I believe traditional movie theaters will soon be seen as outdated, much like video rental stores. People value convenience, and home setups are getting better and better every year.

Jacob

I disagree with the professor's prediction. Cinemas offer a unique social experience that technology cannot replicate. Watching a movie on a huge screen with powerful surround sound and sharing the excitement with a large audience creates a special atmosphere. Also, some films are designed specifically for the big-screen experience. No matter how good home systems become, they cannot fully replace the communal feeling and energy of a theater. I think cinemas will adapt and survive, even if they change a little.

Writing Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the professor’s view that movie theaters will eventually disappear?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
In your essay, be sure to address the points made by both Isabella and Jacob.

Step 2. Write a response 

Tip: Write at least 120 words

Important: Address both students' views!

 

3. Independent speaking_1

Using words from the text and lecture in exercise 1, prepare answers to the following questions:

Use one of the following speaking-1 templates:

Basic Template:

Main Point (choose one): 

- "I support the view that…" 

- "I believe it is preferable to…" 

- "I find it a great/poor idea to…" 

Transition (optional): 

- "I hold this opinion for several reasons." 

First Reason: 

- "To begin with…" + "For instance…" (followed by a personal example). 

Second Reason: 

- "Additionally…" + "To elaborate…" (and include more details). 

Advanced Template:

Personally, I firmly believe [MAIN POINT]. 

This is mainly due to [REASON 1]. 

By this, I mean [expand on the reason]. 

Furthermore, [REASON 2]. 

For example, [expand on the reason or provide an illustrative example]. 

3. Integrated Speaking_2

Active vocab

Step1. Read the following announcement:

Campus Announcement

The university administration is pleased to announce the opening of a new campus cinema in the student center building starting next month.
The cinema will operate daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Screenings of classic films will be available to students and staff free of charge.

Additionally, newly released movies will be shown for a small admission fee.
The administration hopes that the cinema will enrich student life by offering a convenient entertainment option directly on campus.

—Office of Academic Affairs

Step 2. Listen to the audio file below. During the real exam you will hear the audio only once. But now you can listen to it as many times s you want.

If you have difficulty understanding the the audio, Click here to read the script

Step 3. Prepare and record (in a messenger) an answer to the following question.

Preparation time - 30 seconds, speaking time - 60 seconds.

The woman expresses her opinion of the university’s announcement. State her opinion and the reasons she gives for holding that opinion

Click here to show/hide the template.

Integrated speaking_3

Step1. Read the text 

Reading time: 45 seconds

Advances in Cinematic Technology

Recent developments in cinematic technology have dramatically expanded the possibilities for filmmakers. Technologies such as 3D imaging, IMAX projection, and virtual cinematography allow for more immersive, visually striking experiences than traditional filming methods.
3D imaging gives depth to the picture, making objects appear to extend toward the audience. IMAX technology enhances the size, clarity, and sound of a film, intensifying the viewing experience.
Virtual cinematography enables filmmakers to create fully digital environments that replace or supplement physical sets, giving directors greater creative freedom and control over their storytelling.

Step 2. Listen to the lecture

Note: Take notes of illustrations of the ideas given in the reading!

Step 3. Prepare and record your answer (send in a messenger)

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Answer time: 60 seconds

Speaking Time: 60 seconds

Why is the above task speaking 3 not 4?

 

Task	Structure	Content	Preparation time
Speaking 3     (new format)	Short reading + Professor lecture	Concept explained through examples	30 sec
Speaking 4	Short reading + More complex Professor lecture	Concept explained through usually deeper examples	20 sec