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Everyday English · Canadian cinema and movie theatre outings: booking, accessibility, wayfinding and film vocabulary

Movie Theatre & Cinema: 18 Everyday English Words

Useful Canadian movie-theatre English for tickets, showtimes, seats, trailers, snacks, accessibility services and customer questions.

Suggested Grades 3–618 everyday words10 light-review questions
Learning objectiveRead a film ticket, understand showtime and assigned seating, find the correct row, and ask for information about screening options.

What to do

Before leaving for a movie, check the showtime, the movie rating and whether the ticket has an assigned seat. The row and seat number tell you where to sit.

In Canada, both cinema and movie theatre are common. Inside, follow the aisle, keep exits clear and ask an usher if the signs are confusing.

Subtitles, captioning and audio description are different accessibility options. Ask whether a particular screening offers what a family member needs; do not assume every showing has the same services.

Useful questions include: 'Is the 3:30 show sold out?', 'Where is row F?', 'Does this screening offer captions?', and 'About what time will the movie finish?'

Core everyday words

movie theatre

noun · MOO-vee THEE-uh-ter

a building where people watch films on a large screen

Example: We went to the movie theatre.

showtime

noun · SHOH-time

the advertised time a movie screening is scheduled to begin

Example: The showtime is 2:30 p.m.

ticket

noun · TIK-it

proof that someone paid for or booked entry

Example: Keep your ticket to find your seat.

box office

noun · BOKS OF-is

the counter that sells or handles admission tickets

Example: Ask at the box office about the next show.

seat

noun · SEET

a place for one person to sit

Example: Our tickets have two seats together.

row

noun · ROH

a line of seats next to one another

Example: We are sitting in row G.

aisle

noun · YLE

a walkway between groups of seats

Example: Please keep the aisle clear.

screen

noun · SKREEN

the large surface showing a movie

Example: The film appeared on the screen.

audience

noun · AW-dee-ens

the people watching a performance

Example: The audience was quiet.

trailer

noun · TRAY-ler

a short preview advertising a movie

Example: We saw a trailer before the film.

popcorn

noun · POP-korn

a snack made by heating corn kernels

Example: We shared a bag of popcorn.

concession stand

noun · kun-SESH-un stand

the counter selling snacks and drinks at a venue

Example: The concession stand was near the entrance.

usher

noun · USH-er

a person who helps visitors find their seats

Example: An usher showed us where to go.

subtitles

plural noun · SUB-ty-tulz

text on screen showing speech or translations

Example: Subtitles helped us follow the dialogue.

movie rating

noun · MOO-vee RAY-ting

a classification describing content suitability

Example: Check the movie rating with your family.

credits

plural noun · KRED-its

the list of people who helped make a movie

Example: We stayed to read the credits.

exit

noun · EG-zit

a door or route for leaving

Example: Notice the nearest exit.

volume

noun · VOL-yoom

how loud a sound is

Example: The film's volume felt loud.

Quick Check

Quick Check

Recognise ticket details and movie-theatre signs.

Multiple choice

1. Where would you usually ask about purchasing an admission ticket?

  1. box office
  2. screen
  3. credits
  4. row
Multiple choice

2. Your ticket says G12. What does that identify?

  1. a particular seat
  2. the film's genre
  3. the runtime
  4. a snack size
Multiple choice

3. Which word means the clear walkway between groups of seats?

  1. aisle
  2. row
  3. screen
  4. trailer
Multiple choice

4. What is a short preview advertising another film?

  1. trailer
  2. credits
  3. lobby
  4. subtitles
Multiple choice

5. Where can you usually purchase popcorn?

  1. concession stand
  2. projection booth
  3. aisle
  4. screen
Multiple choice

6. A start is listed as 4:20 p.m. What is that time called?

  1. showtime
  2. runtime
  3. seat number
  4. refund

At the Theatre

At the Theatre

Ask for help, understand previews and follow a screening.

Multiple choice

7. A guest cannot find the correct row. Who may help?

  1. usher
  2. actor
  3. director
  4. audience
Multiple choice

8. What are the lists of cast and crew at the end of a film?

  1. credits
  2. movie rating
  3. ticket kiosk
  4. queue
Multiple choice

9. Which option displays spoken dialogue as words on screen?

  1. subtitles
  2. showtime
  3. armrest
  4. exit
Multiple choice

10. What should a family check to judge a movie's content suitability?

  1. movie rating
  2. seat colour
  3. trailer length
  4. cup holder

Quick-check answers

  1. 1. box office
    The box office sells and handles tickets.
  2. 2. a particular seat
    A row and seat number help guests find their assigned place.
  3. 3. aisle
    An aisle must remain clear so people can move safely.
  4. 4. trailer
    A trailer previews a film.
  5. 5. concession stand
    The concession stand sells food and drinks.
  6. 6. showtime
    Showtime is the advertised beginning of a screening.
  7. 7. usher
    An usher helps people find seats.
  8. 8. credits
    Credits identify people who contributed.
  9. 9. subtitles
    Subtitles display dialogue.
  10. 10. movie rating
    A movie rating gives information about content suitability.

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