Reading B1/B2. Model 4. Picking out specific information about texts.

WEBCI Online English material
Nov 19, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

🟦 B1

Topic: Jaws – A Classic That Still Surprises Audiences

You are going to read four short opinions in which different people talk about Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg.For questions 1–10, choose from reviews A–D.The reviews may be chosen more than once.

Reviews (B1)

A

When I first saw Jaws, I was shocked at how scary it was even though we hardly ever see the shark clearly. Spielberg shows just enough to make us imagine the rest. That’s what makes the film exciting — the fear grows slowly as we wait for something to happen. After watching it, I didn’t want to go near the sea for a while! It’s amazing how a film from the 1970s can still feel so tense and surprising today.

B

For me, Jaws is memorable because of the three main characters: Brody, Hooper, and Quint. They are all very different, but they learn to work together. Their conversations and arguments are funny, sometimes serious, but always interesting. The film is not only about a shark; it’s about how people behave when they are scared and must trust each other. That’s what makes the ending feel satisfying and emotional.

C

I think Jaws became famous not only because it is exciting, but because it changed how movies were made. Spielberg used creative ideas to make the shark seem dangerous even when the model didn’t work. He used music and camera angles to build suspense. Many people say it was the first big “summer film” that filled cinemas all over the world. It showed that adventure films could also be smart and well made.

D

To me, Jaws is more than a story about danger — it says something about real life. The mayor refuses to close the beaches even when people are at risk, which reminds me of situations where leaders don’t want to admit there is a problem. The shark feels like a symbol of the fears we try to ignore. Some effects look old now, but the message still feels true today, which is why the film stays important.

Questions (B1)

Which reviewer…

thinks the film reflects problems we sometimes see in real life?
says the shark is mostly hidden to create suspense?
focuses on the three men and their relationship?
believes the film changed the movie industry?
mentions that technical difficulties led to creative solutions?
describes being scared after watching the film?
says the film mixes action with emotions between characters?
believes the film’s message still matters today?
says the film uses imagination rather than showing everything?
says the story shows how teamwork helps people survive?

✅ Answer Key (B1)

Q	Review	Justification
1	D	“Says something about real life… leaders who ignore problems.”
2	A	“We hardly ever see the shark clearly… makes us imagine the rest.”
3	B	Focuses on Brody, Hooper, Quint.
4	C	“Changed how movies were made… first big summer film.”
5	C	“Model didn’t work… used creative ideas.”
6	A	“I didn’t want to go near the sea.”
7	B	Mix of fear and emotional interactions.
8	D	“Message still feels true today.”
9	A	“Shows just enough… imagination fills the rest.”
10	B	“Learn to work together… trust each other.”

🧠 B1 Tips

Look for simple clues like “scared,” “characters,” “real life,” “changed films.”
Identify who talks about what:
- A → fear
- B → characters
- C → filmmaking
- D → message
Use keywords repeated in the question: “teamwork,” “suspense,” “symbol,” etc.

🟩 B2

Topic: Jaws – Suspense, Characters, and Cultural Impact

You are going to read four reviews about Jaws.For questions 1–10, choose from reviews A–D.Reviews may be chosen more than once.

Reviews (B2)

A

What makes Jaws so unsettling is how little we see of the shark. Spielberg builds tension through suggestion: strange movements in the water, quick camera shots, and the famous soundtrack. The audience imagines the danger long before it fully appears. Even today, the film’s suspense feels remarkably effective. Spielberg proves that withholding information can be more frightening than showing everything directly.

B

Although Jaws is known for its action, I think its strongest element is the partnership between Brody, Hooper, and Quint. Their personalities clash, but their shared mission forces them to cooperate. Their dialogue brings humour and humanity to an otherwise tense story. The final battle works emotionally because the audience has spent time understanding these characters and seeing how fear changes their behaviour.

C

Jaws is often described as a milestone in film history, and for good reason. Spielberg used unexpected production problems — especially the malfunctioning mechanical shark — to rethink how suspense could be created. This led to innovative camera techniques and a score that became iconic. The film also reshaped Hollywood by introducing the “summer blockbuster,” proving that large-scale releases could captivate audiences worldwide.

D

Beyond its thrills, Jaws reflects social concerns of its era. The mayor’s insistence on keeping the beaches open, despite growing danger, mirrors political denial seen in many real situations. The shark becomes more than a creature; it represents a threat that society tries to minimise or ignore. While some visual effects look dated, the film’s commentary on leadership and fear remains surprisingly relevant.

Questions (B2)