Peepshow Cinema - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key

Feeling a little nervous about the Reading section? Don't worry! We've got you covered. Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the Reading Section of the TOEFL iBT^®  exam. These tests mimic the real TOEFL Reading section question, so you'll easily get used to the format and question styles. Moreover, you can develop the ability to comprehend complex texts efficiently, identify key information, and employ effective time management strategies.

Therefore, let’s take up this TOEFL Practice Test on the topic - Peepshow Cinema - for a better understanding of the areas we need to improve!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

The widespread consumption of cinema wasn't achieved until technological advancements transformed it from a solitary "peepshow" experience into a system capable of projecting images onto a large screen within a darkened theater. In its initial form, the film was viewed through a small opening in a specialized device – the Kinetoscope, introduced by Thomas Edison in 1894. Designed for Kinetoscope parlors, these arcades contained a limited number of individual machines, each allowing only one viewer at a time to witness a brief, 50-foot film. These early parlors mirrored the success of phonograph parlors, where patrons listened to recordings through personal ear tubes, moving from machine to machine to experience various speeches or musical pieces. Similarly, patrons in Kinetoscope parlors moved between machines, viewing a selection of short films (or, for popular events like prizefights, consecutive rounds of a single bout) for a price of 25 cents (or 5 cents per machine).

The design of these Kinetoscope arcades was inspired by phonograph parlors, which had demonstrated success for Edison in previous years. In phonograph parlors, patrons utilized individual ear tubes to listen to various recorded speeches or musical pieces while transitioning between different machines. Edison's primary focus was on selling Kinetoscopes (priced around $1,000 each) to these parlors, rather than the films themselves (which cost approximately $10-$15 a piece). In fact, he actively opposed the development of projection technology, fearing that by offering projectors, exhibitors would only purchase one machine from him instead of multiple Kinetoscopes.

Exhibitors, however, aimed to maximize their profits, a task they could accomplish more readily by projecting several films simultaneously to hundreds of customers (as opposed to individually) and charging 25 to 50 cents for admission. This demand ultimately led to the development of projection devices by showmen like the Lumière brothers, Thomas Armat, and others around 1895-1896. These early projectors opened the door for showcasing films in a variety of venues – vaudeville theaters, legitimate theaters, town halls, makeshift storefront theaters, fairgrounds, and even amusement parks, all catering to a mass audience.

The arrival of projection in 1895-1896 marked a pivotal moment, transforming motion pictures into the ultimate form of mass entertainment. Prior theatrical experiences, such as vaudeville, popular dramas, musicals, minstrel shows, classical plays, lectures, and slide-and-lantern shows, typically catered to audiences of several hundred at a time. However, films differed significantly. Traditional entertainment relied heavily on live performance or, in the case of slide-and-lantern shows, the involvement of a master of ceremonies who curated the program.

While early exhibitors often incorporated live acts alongside films, the core content – the movies themselves – was pre-recorded and readily reproducible. Exhibitors did shape their film programs by mixing and matching films with other forms of entertainment, or by accompanying them with lectures, but their creative control remained limited. The true draw for audiences was the technological marvel itself – the lifelike portrayal of everyday events, from trains and crashing waves to people walking down the street, coupled with the magic of trick photography and camera manipulation.

Projection fundamentally altered the way viewers experienced the film, no longer a solitary act like the Kinetoscope. It became a public experience shared with dozens, even hundreds of others. The image size also underwent a dramatic transformation, expanding from the minuscule dimensions of a peepshow (1-2 inches) to the life-sized proportions of a large screen (6-9 feet). This evolution from a private viewing experience to a shared, larger-than-life spectacle marked the true birth of cinema as a dominant force in mass entertainment.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

The widespread consumption of cinema wasn't achieved until technological advancements transformed it from a solitary "peepshow" experience into a system capable of projecting images onto a large screen within a darkened theater. In its initial form, the film was viewed through a small opening in a specialized device – the Kinetoscope, introduced by Thomas Edison in 1894. Designed for Kinetoscope parlors, these arcades contained a limited number of individual machines, each allowing only one viewer at a time to witness a brief, 50-foot film. These early parlors mirrored the success of phonograph parlors, where patrons listened to recordings through personal ear tubes, moving from machine to machine to experience various speeches or musical pieces. Similarly, patrons in Kinetoscope parlors moved between machines, viewing a selection of short films (or, for popular events like prizefights, consecutive rounds of a single bout) for a price of 25 cents (or 5 cents per machine).

1. As per the information provided in the first paragraph, all of the following statements were accurate regarding the experience of watching films in Kinetoscope parlors, except:
   1. Films were viewed by only one person at a time.
   2. Customers have the opportunity to watch successive films.
   3. Prizefights were among the preferred topics for films.
   4. Films are of short duration.

Paragraph 2

The design of these Kinetoscope arcades was inspired by phonograph parlors, which had demonstrated success for Edison in previous years. In phonograph parlors, patrons utilized individual ear tubes to listen to various recorded speeches or musical pieces while transitioning between different machines. Edison's primary focus was on selling Kinetoscopes (priced around $1,000 each) to these parlors, rather than the films themselves (which cost approximately $10-$15 apiece). In fact, he actively opposed the development of projection technology, fearing that by offering projectors, exhibitors would only purchase one machine from him instead of multiple Kinetoscopes.

1. The author mentions phonograph parlors in paragraph 2 to:
   1. elaborate on Edison's financial achievements.
   2. elucidate the model employed in designing Kinetoscope parlors.
   3. compare their popularity with that of Kinetoscope parlors.
   4. demonstrate the superior technological advancement of Kinetoscope parlors.

1. Which of the following sentences best conveys the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
   1. Edison's focus was more on diversifying machines rather than concentrating on a single technology.
   2. Edison declined involvement in projection technology due to skepticism about exhibitors adopting new equipment.
   3. Edison opposed the development of projection technology as it would restrict the sale of multiple machines.
   4. Edison insisted on developing projection technology only if exhibitors committed to purchasing multiple projectors from him.

Paragraph 3

Exhibitors, however, aimed to maximize their profits, a task they could accomplish more readily by projecting several films simultaneously to hundreds of customers (as opposed to individually) and charging 25 to 50 cents for admission. This demand ultimately led to the development of projection devices by showmen like the Lumière brothers, Thomas Armat, and others around 1895-1896. These early projectors opened the door for showcasing films in a variety of venues – vaudeville theaters, legitimate theaters, town halls, makeshift storefront theaters, fairgrounds, and even amusement parks, all catering to a mass audience.

1. The term "readily" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
   1. frequently
   2. easily
   3. intelligently
   4. obviously

Paragraph 4

The arrival of projection in 1895-1896 marked a pivotal moment, transforming motion pictures into the ultimate form of mass entertainment. Prior theatrical experiences, such as vaudeville, popular dramas, musicals, minstrel shows, classical plays, lectures, and slide-and-lantern shows, typically catered to audiences of several hundred at a time. However, films differed significantly. Traditional entertainment relied heavily on live performance or, in the case of slide-and-lantern shows, the involvement of a master of ceremonies who curated the program.

1. According to paragraph 4, what set apart early movies from previous large audience spectacles?
   1. They were an expensive entertainment option.
   2. They attracted bigger crowds.
   3. They offered greater educational value.
   4. They did not rely on live performers.

Paragraph 5

While early exhibitors often incorporated live acts alongside films, the core content – the movies themselves – was pre-recorded and readily reproducible. Exhibitors did shape their film programs by mixing and matching films with other forms of entertainment, or by accompanying them with lectures, but their creative control remained limited. The true draw for audiences was the technological marvel itself – the lifelike portrayal of everyday events, from trains and crashing waves to people walking down the street, coupled with the magic of trick photography and camera manipulation.

1. According to paragraph 5, what function did early exhibitors serve in the showcasing of movies in theaters?
   1. They determined the arrangement of different elements in the film program.
   2. They offered guidance to filmmakers regarding suitable movie content.
   3. They frequently participated in live performances.
   4. They created and pre-recorded the content displayed in theaters.

Paragraph 6

Projection fundamentally altered the way viewers experienced the film, no longer a solitary act like the Kinetoscope. It became a public experience shared with dozens, even hundreds of others. The image size also underwent a dramatic transformation, expanding from the minuscule dimensions of a peepshow (1-2 inches) to the life-sized proportions of a large screen (6-9 feet).

1. The term "It" in the passage refers to:
   1. the emergence of projection
   2. the relationship between the viewer and the image
   3. a comparable device
   4. celluloid material

1. As per paragraph 6, the visuals observed by spectators in the preceding peepshows, in contrast to the images displayed on the screen, were comparatively:
   1. small in size
   2. cost-effective to produce
   3. lacking clarity
   4. restricted in content

Paragraph 3

(A) Exhibitors, however, aimed to maximize their profits, a task they could accomplish more readily by projecting several films simultaneously to hundreds of customers (as opposed to individually) and charging 25 to 50 cents for admission. (B) This demand ultimately led to the development of projection devices by showmen like the Lumière brothers, Thomas Armat, and others around 1895-1896. (C) These early projectors opened the door for showcasing films in a variety of venues – vaudeville theaters, legitimate theaters, town halls, makeshift storefront theaters, fairgrounds, and even amusement parks, all catering to a mass audience. (D)

1. Directions: Examine the section of the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: Begin the summary with the provided introductory sentence. Then, select the THREE options that best encapsulate the most significant ideas in the passage. Exclude choices that present ideas not found in the passage or represent minor points. This question carries 2 points.
   
   The technology for contemporary cinema advanced towards the conclusion of the nineteenth century.
   1. A. The Kinetoscope parlors for film viewing were modelled on the basis of phonograph parlors.
   2. B. Thomas Edison's Kinetoscope design spurred the advancement of large screen projection.
   3. C. Initially, early cinema permitted private film viewing through specialized machines.
   4. D. Large audiences were accustomed to spectacles like slide-and-lantern shows.
   5. E. The emergence of projection technology facilitated the enlargement of images onto a large screen.
   6. F. With the advent of film projection, cinema transitioned into a widely consumed medium.

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Peepshow Cinema

1. Answer: C

Explanation: This question pertains to Negative Factual Information and specifically references paragraph 1. Thus, the correct answer is Option C. While the paragraph confirms the solitary viewing experience (Option A), sequential film viewing (Option B), and the brevity of films (Option D), it does mention prizefights among the subjects but does not assert their dominance as the most popular theme.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: This question falls under the category of Rhetorical Purpose, inquiring about the reason behind mentioning "phonograph parlors" in paragraph 2. The correct response is Option B. The author introduces phonograph parlors to illustrate Edison's inspiration for designing his arcades similarly, as this design had previously proven successful for him. Choice A is inaccurate as the paragraph does not attribute the mention of phonograph parlors to Edison's financial success. Additionally, choices C and D are irrelevant as the paragraph does not address the scenarios described in those options.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: This question belongs to the category of Sentence Simplification. The correct option is C, which retains all the crucial elements of the highlighted sentence without altering its meaning. Option A incorrectly suggests Edison's interest in developing various machines, which is not supported by the text. Option B erroneously states that Edison refused to work on projection technology because exhibitors would not replace projectors, which is not implied in the highlighted sentence. Option D incorrectly suggests that Edison refused to develop projection technology unless exhibitors agreed to purchase multiple projectors from him, which alters the original meaning of the sentence.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: This question pertains to vocabulary assessment, specifically focusing on the word "readily" highlighted in the passage. "Readily" is synonymous with "easily," making option B the correct answer. The remaining options do not align with the context of the sentence. 

5. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a factual information type question from paragraph 4. The correct option, D, indicates that early movies diverged from previous spectacles by not necessitating live actors. The paragraph explicitly mentions this aspect as a distinguishing feature between movies and earlier forms of entertainment. Other answer choices are not supported by the paragraph.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Factual information type question from paragraph 5. The correct response is A, "They determined the arrangement of different elements in the film program," which is directly supported by the paragraph. Although other options may hold some truth, they are not explicitly stated in the paragraph as responsibilities of early exhibitors.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: This is a Reference question. The word being examined is "It," highlighted in the passage. The correct answer is Choice B, "the relationship between the viewer and the image." This represents a straightforward pronoun-referent inquiry. The sentence indicates that "It" transitioned from being private to public, suggesting that the private aspect referred to is the viewer’s relationship with the image, as described in the paragraph.

8. Answer: A

Explanation: This question pertains to Factual Information, seeking details from paragraph 6. The accurate response is choice A. The paragraph indicates that the images grew from a small size to life-size proportions, hence "small in size" is the correct answer. The remaining options are not referenced in the paragraph.

9. Answer: D

Explanation: This is an Insert Text question, where four options are provided in paragraph 3.

Option (D) is the most appropriate placement for the inserted sentence as it concludes the consequences of the widespread adoption of projectors. It elaborates on Edison's financial loss and his subsequent decision to develop projection technology despite his prior refusal. Placing the sentence elsewhere would disrupt the coherent flow of events described in the narrative sequence. Therefore, options (A), (B), and (C) are all deemed incorrect as none of them logically follows the inserted sentence.

10. Answer: C,E,F

This question is a Prose Summary type, and the correct options are C, E, and F. Therefore, options A, B, and D are deemed incorrect.

Correct Choices

Choice C: "Initially, early cinema permitted private film viewing through specialized machines," is accurate as it highlights a fundamental distinction between Kinetoscope and projection viewing. This concept is reiterated in multiple sections of the passage, including paragraphs 1, 3, 4, and 6. Hence, it serves as a pivotal and recurring theme, constituting a "major idea."

Choice E: "The emergence of projection technology facilitated the enlargement of images onto a large screen," is valid as it encapsulates a significant concept discussed across paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6. This advancement was pivotal in catalyzing the emergence of cinema as a widely consumed form of entertainment.

Choice F: "With the advent of film projection, cinema transitioned into a widely consumed medium," is accurate as it embodies the primary theme of the passage. This notion is expressly articulated in the opening sentence of the passage, followed by subsequent elaboration on this evolutionary process.

Incorrect Choice:

Choice A: "The Kinetoscope parlors for film viewing were modelled on the basis of phonograph parlors," is deemed inaccurate because, although true, it represents a peripheral detail. While paragraph 2 discusses Kinetoscope parlors, the fact that they were fashioned after phonograph parlors is not pivotal to the evolution of cinema.

Choice B: "Thomas Edison's Kinetoscope design spurred the advancement of large screen projection," is deemed inaccurate because its validity is not explicitly supported in the passage. While it might be inferred from paragraph 3 that the Kinetoscope influenced large-screen projection development, it appears more probable that the impetus behind large-screen projection stemmed from the pursuit of enhanced profits. As such, lacking clear backing in the passage, this answer does not qualify as a "main idea."

Choice D: "An audience of hundreds of spectators were acustomed to Slide-and-lantern shows," is regarded as incorrect because it constitutes a minor detail mentioned only once in paragraph 4 amid a broader enumeration of theatrical spectacles.

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