Life in the UK test questions on film and television

Practise film and television

Questions and answers on film and television

The same 9 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

1. 1. What was Sir Alfred Hitchcock famous for?

   • Directing films — correct answer
   • Acting in silent comedies
   • Writing spy novels
   • Composing film music

   Sir Alfred Hitchcock was a film director who made his name in Britain before going on to work in Hollywood. Handbook section 4.11.

2. 2. The James Bond films are based on the novels of which British writer?

   • Ian Fleming — correct answer
   • Graham Greene
   • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
   • Evelyn Waugh

   The James Bond films are based on the spy novels of Ian Fleming and have been made in Britain for decades. Handbook section 4.11.

3. 3. Which British actor became famous around the world in silent films?

   • Charlie Chaplin — correct answer
   • Sir Michael Caine
   • Colin Firth
   • Sir Ian McKellen

   Charlie Chaplin became famous in silent films, above all for his character of the little tramp. Handbook section 4.11.

4. 4. How is the BBC paid for?

   • Through the television licence fee — correct answer
   • Through advertising during programmes
   • Through a tax on newspapers
   • Through payments from viewers who subscribe

   The BBC is paid for by the television licence fee that households pay, not by advertising. Handbook section 4.11.

5. 5. What kind of programmes are Coronation Street and EastEnders?

   • Soap operas — correct answer
   • News programmes
   • Nature documentaries
   • Talent shows

   Coronation Street and EastEnders are soap operas, long-running dramas that follow the lives of people in one place. Handbook section 4.11.

6. 6. Which two of these are well-known British films?

   • Lawrence of Arabia — correct answer
   • Four Weddings and a Funeral — correct answer
   • Gone with the Wind
   • Casablanca

   Lawrence of Arabia and Four Weddings and a Funeral are among the best-known British films, along with Chariots of Fire and Brief Encounter. Handbook section 4.11.

7. 7. What are the BAFTAs?

   • British awards for film and television — correct answer
   • A chain of British cinemas
   • A film school in London
   • A television licensing body

   The BAFTAs are British awards for film and television and are often described as the British equivalent of the Oscars. Handbook section 4.11.

8. 8. What is the relationship between the BBC and the government?

   • The BBC is independent of the government — correct answer
   • The BBC is a government department
   • Ministers approve BBC programmes
   • The BBC is owned by a political party

   The BBC is independent of the government, even though the public pays for it through the licence fee. Handbook section 4.11.

9. 9. Who needs a television licence in the UK?

   • Every household that watches or records television programmes — correct answer
   • Only households that watch BBC channels
   • Only people who own more than one television
   • Nobody, because television is free

   Every household that watches or records television programmes needs a TV licence, and one licence covers the whole home. Handbook section 4.11.