英语听力精选进阶版 6369（在线收听）

When was the last time you went to the cinema? Were you interrupted by someone munching loudly on their popcorn, or rudely texting on their mobile phone?

These distractions may be common for many, but one cinema is now fighting back. It is attempting to combat the menace of nuisance film-goers with… cinema ninjas!

Screens at the Prince Charles Cinema in central London are now patrolled by a man or woman dressed head-to-toe in dark spandex. If a movie-goer disturbs the peace, the 'ninja' silently approaches and instructs them to desist in their troublesome behaviour. The move is hoped to reduce the need for customers to shush other audience members and keep all square-eyed film fans happy.

Although the idea of a strangely-clad person creeping around in a dark room might sound scary, the tactic is not intended to shock. The idea of the cinema ninja is to simply prevent bad behaviour.

Watching films at the cinema has changed dramatically since its heyday in the 1930's, when picture palaces were popular and rowdy places. Back then, teams of ushers were essential to maintaining order: both in showing people to their seats and calming boisterous audiences.

Nowadays, as ticket prices have risen, so too have the conditions for enjoying the cinema-going experience. Decorum and silence are fully expected. But offenders who whisper to friends or rustle a bag of crisps can still ruin the viewing experience.

So the next time you breach cinema etiquette by sending a text message or gossiping with a friend – beware! The tap on your shoulder could be a cinema ninja.

Quiz 测验

What is the word which describes viewers who cause irritation and are a menace?

a nuisance

What is the name for the clothing material that is worn all over and tight against the body?

spandex

What verb means to quieten others?

shush

What is the job title for people who show customers to their seats and maintain order in a cinema?

usher

What two words describe good manners and politeness?

decorum, etiquette

Glossary 词汇表

interrupted 干扰

munching 大声咀嚼

rudely 粗鲁地

distractions 分心，干扰

menace 威胁，恐吓

nuisance 讨厌的人或东西

ninjas 忍者

spandex 弹力纤维

disturbs 干扰，妨碍

desist 停止

troublesome 惹是生非的

shush 嘘声（示意安静下来）

heyday 全盛时期

rowdy 吵闹的

ushers 影院引座员

boisterous 喧闹的

decorum 礼仪，恪守礼仪

silence 安静

whisper 耳语

rustle 发出沙沙声

etiquette 礼仪