Science and filmmaking
Read Science and filmmaking and check the IELTS Reading answers. Every year the film academy in the USA celebrates the outstanding achievements of the year in a ceremony known as the Oscars. An increasingly important component of the ceremony is the presentation of the Scientific and Technical awar…
Passage preview
Every year the film academy in the USA celebrates the outstanding achievements of the year in a ceremony known as the Oscars. An increasingly important component of the ceremony is the presentation of the Scientific and Technical awards. In 2004 a notable event took place: the academic world met the cinematographic world when researchers from Stanford University in the USA were awarded an Oscar. These researchers, led by Steve Marschner, were from the field of Computer Graphics at Stanford. They were part of a growing cohort of computer scientists that has become fundamental to moviemaking.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- cohort noun
A group of people with a shared characteristic; a band of researchers working toward common goals
The scientists were part of a growing cohort of computer experts fundamental to modern moviemaking.
- computerized tomography noun
A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed 3D images of internal structures
The researchers used computerized tomography to examine the network of fibers in skins and fabrics.
- niche noun
A specialized segment of a market or a particular field of interest that suits someone's talents
Marschner feels lucky to work in such a specific niche where he can apply visual scrutiny.
- notable adjective
Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable or significant in a particular field or historical context
In 2004, a notable event occurred when academic researchers were recognized at the Oscar ceremony.
- opaque adjective
Not able to be seen through; in graphics, referring to a flat, two-dimensional surface quality
Previous CGI models assumed that skin was entirely opaque, which resulted in a plastic appearance.
- rendering systems noun
Computational processes used to generate a 2D or 3D image from a model by means of software
Major special-effects studios incorporated the new model into their digital rendering systems within two years.
- scrutinize verb
To examine or inspect something very thoroughly and closely to understand its underlying structure
The researcher spent his time scrutinizing the world to understand why objects look the way they do.
- simulate verb
To imitate the appearance or character of something using a model or computer program
The new mathematics successfully produces a CGI model that simulates how light penetrates the skin.
- tenacity noun
The quality of being very determined and persistent in achieving a goal despite obstacles
With admirable tenacity, the scientists continued their search for perfection in recreating light reflection.
- translucent adjective
Allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semi-transparent as opposed to completely clear
Because human skin is naturally translucent, it was necessary to create this effect artificially in CGI.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
The question asks for the writer's main point in the first paragraph. The text details how researchers won an Oscar and concludes that computer scientists have become **fundamental to moviemaking**. This directly aligns with the correct option, establishing that they are becoming a vital part of the film industry.
- 28. A
The writer discusses CGI altering actors' appearances and notes the effect is convincing **if the altered actors are not filmed too closely**, because close-ups reveal unrealistic textures. This supports the conclusion that CGI looks best from a distance, making the first option correct.
- 29. A
The fourth paragraph describes the scientists continuing their **search for perfection** because they were not satisfied with how light was reflected. This indicates their motivation to get the CGI model as near to reality as possible, perfectly aligning with the correct option.
- 30. B
The question asks what we are told about computerized tomography. The text explicitly states that **like classical radiology it uses X-rays**, which directly corresponds to the option stating it is similar to X-rays in the way it works. Distractors about recent use or traditional machines are incorrect based on the text.
- 31. B
The writer lists advantages of using computerized tomography with fabric, noting that small pieces can be patched together to form an entire garment, comparing it to making a **small group of actors... look like hundreds of people**. This directly matches the option stating it can make a few people seem like a crowd.
- 32. D
Kavita Bala is mentioned specifically to suggest that this imaging technology might be used in **online retailing** to help shoppers understand clothing materials. This demonstrates a practical use for CGI outside of the film industry, making the final option correct.
- 33. YES
The statement claims it used to be **unusual** for researchers to receive an award. The text calls the 2004 Oscar award a **notable event** where the 'academic world met the cinematographic world', implying such crossovers were indeed rare or unusual before. Answer: YES.
- 34. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims CGI is popular among **ageing actors**. While the passage mentions that CGI can make actors look younger or older, it never states whether ageing actors themselves like it or if the practice is popular among them. Therefore, this information is NOT GIVEN.
- 35. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims the scientists won **many awards** for complete CGI garments. The passage mentions they had 'some success with fabric' and can create a garment in a computer, but there is absolutely no mention of them winning 'many awards' for this specific feat. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 36. NO
The statement suggests it will be a **long time** before tomographic fabric is used. However, the text says that while skin will take years, **for the moment** (right now) a virtual cloak or hat will look more realistic, meaning fabric is already usable. Answer: NO.
- 37. A
The summary needs a noun detailing what interacts with human skin. The passage describes the scientists' model as simulating translucency, which is when **light penetrates skin and then scatters**. Therefore, **light** (Option A) is the correct word.
- 38. E
The sentence describes the scientific origin of the model's principles. The text states that the mathematics for their model goes back to when it was used in **astrophysics**. Thus, Option E (**astrophysics**) accurately completes the summary.
- 39. D
The summary needs a noun indicating what studios did with the model. The text states that studios **incorporated it into their digital rendering systems**. 'Incorporated' is synonymous with **use** (Option D), making it the correct choice over distractors like 'improvement'.
- 40. G
The final sentence discusses the ultimate impact of the model. The passage notes that things will look 'far more realistic' and that **cinematography will benefit from this**. Benefiting implies an **improvement** (Option G), making it the correct word to complete the summary.