The Blockbuster Phenomenon: A New Museum Trend
Read The Blockbuster Phenomenon: A New Museum Trend and check the IELTS Reading answers. Since the 1980s, the term ‘blockbuster’ has become the fashionable word for spectacular, high-profile museum exhibitions that have the ability to attract large crowds. A blockbuster is a ‘large-scale loan exhib…
Passage preview
Since the 1980s, the term ‘blockbuster’ has become the fashionable word for spectacular, high-profile museum exhibitions that have the ability to attract large crowds. A blockbuster is a ‘large-scale loan exhibition that people who normally don’t go to museums will stand in line for hours to see’ (Eisen 1984). Once the museum that created the exhibition has shown it to its local market, it can be offered to other organizations for a fee. This means that you can boost your own door takings and make money from boosting someone else’s door takings.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- capital expenditure noun
Substantial funds spent by a business or organization to acquire, upgrade, or maintain long-term physical assets
The university approved a significant capital expenditure to construct the new state-of-the-art laboratory.
- convergence noun
The process or state of multiple distinct elements, ideas, or entities coming together to form a unified whole
The convergence of artificial intelligence and healthcare has revolutionized modern diagnostic procedures.
- cost-benefit analysis noun
A systematic approach to estimating the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives to determine the best approach
The committee conducted a rigorous cost-benefit analysis before approving the billion-dollar infrastructure project.
- curator noun
A specialized professional in charge of managing, organizing, and overseeing a museum, library, or gallery collection
The museum curator carefully selected indigenous artifacts for the upcoming historical exhibition.
- enduring adjective
Continuing or long-lasting; surviving over a significant period of time without losing value or relevance
The ancient philosopher's work has had an enduring impact on modern political and ethical theory.
- extol verb
To praise enthusiastically and highly, often in a formal, public, or academic context
Educational experts frequently extol the virtues of early bilingualism for cognitive development in children.
- lure verb
To tempt a person or animal to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward
Retailers often lure customers into their stores with the promise of steep discounts on electronics.
- momentum noun
The driving force, speed, or impetus gained by the development of a process or course of events
The environmental movement gained unprecedented momentum following the international climate summit.
- paramount adjective
More important than anything else; of supreme significance in a particular context, hierarchy, or situation
Maintaining academic integrity is paramount when conducting independent research for a doctoral thesis.
- subsidize verb
To support an organization or activity financially, typically to keep costs low for the end consumer
The government plans to subsidize public transportation to drastically reduce urban carbon emissions.
Answers with explanations
- 1. C
To match the **reason why** museum directors **constantly alter and update** their exhibits, we look to Paragraph C. The writer states that museums provide **regular exhibition changes and innovations** because **maintaining and increasing visitor levels** is the primary goal (paramount). This confirms C as the correct section.
- 2. A
The question asks for the **length of time people will queue**. Paragraph A defines a blockbuster as an event that people will **stand in line** (queue) **for hours to see** (length of time). This perfectly matches the prompt, leading to A.
- 2-3: B
2: The question asks for the **length of time people will queue**. Paragraph A defines a blockbuster as an event that people will **stand in line** (queue) **for hours to see** (length of time). This perfectly matches the prompt, leading to A.
3: We need to find **terms that people have used** when **referring to blockbusters**. Paragraph D explicitly lists the **words** that appear in **descriptions of blockbusters**, specifically ‘less scholarly’, ‘non-elitist’, and ‘popularist’. This makes D the correct match.
- 3. D
We need to find **terms that people have used** when **referring to blockbusters**. Paragraph D explicitly lists the **words** that appear in **descriptions of blockbusters**, specifically ‘less scholarly’, ‘non-elitist’, and ‘popularist’. This makes D the correct match.
- 3-4: D
3: We need to find **terms that people have used** when **referring to blockbusters**. Paragraph D explicitly lists the **words** that appear in **descriptions of blockbusters**, specifically ‘less scholarly’, ‘non-elitist’, and ‘popularist’. This makes D the correct match.
4: The phrase **financial support** links to **plural funding** and **revenue raised** in Paragraph C. The paragraph breaks down the **various ways** institutions get this money, citing government contributions, admission charges, and other activities. Therefore, C is correct.
- 4. C
The phrase **financial support** links to **plural funding** and **revenue raised** in Paragraph C. The paragraph breaks down the **various ways** institutions get this money, citing government contributions, admission charges, and other activities. Therefore, C is correct.
- 5. customers
The gap requires a noun identifying what **museum visitors** are now **referred to as**. Paragraph C notes that the visiting public have **become known as** (referred to as) **customers**. Grammatically and contextually, "customers" fits perfectly.
- 6. public relations skills
The sentence states that curators need a certain skill **rather than academic qualifications**. Paragraph C mentions that directors no longer require an **Arts degree** (academic qualification) but instead find **public relations skills** essential. This noun phrase correctly completes the sentence.
- 7. museology
We are looking for a term that defines the **linking** of **public institutions that entertain the public**. Paragraph D uses the word **convergence** to describe this linking of museums, tourism, and pleasure-giving industries, noting it has resulted in a new term: **museology**.
- 8. tourist attractions
The sentence points to a **discussion** about whether museums should be **regarded** like other entities. Paragraph D outlines a **debate** (discussion) about whether it is appropriate to **see** (regard) museums primarily as **tourist attractions**. Thus, "tourist attractions" is the required answer.
- 9-10: AC
The question asks for TWO **advantages of blockbusters**. Paragraph E provides two clear benefits. First, it mentions the money can be used to **fix buildings that are in need of attention**, which matches the option about using funds for **structural repairs**. Second, it states blockbusters bring crowds that are **good for the local economy**, providing trade for local shops, which matches the option about **local services benefiting from extra business**.
- 11-13: CEG
The question asks for THREE **disadvantages of blockbusters**. Paragraph F explains that staff are required to perform **additional tasks**, aligning with an **increased workload for personnel**. Paragraph G states that mounting blockbusters is **exhausting**, matching the idea that they are **very tiring to put on**. Finally, Paragraph G warns that focusing on profit can **squeeze substance out of an exhibition**, matching the claim that **content can be weakened through financial pressure**.