Superfans - Test 3

B2 First · Multiple Matching · Cambridge B2 First 4, Cambridge University Press

You are going to read a magazine article about four extreme fans. For questions 1–10, choose from the fans (A-D). The fans may be chosen more than once.

Katie on the Harry Potter books

One day when I was 11, my younger sister, who was a big fan of the Harry Potter books, thrust the first book in the series into my hand and forced me to read it. By the next morning, I'd finished it and taken all her other Harry Potter books too! I loved the fact that it was about an average child doing something extraordinary. Hermione, the clever friend of the main character, Harry, became my hero. I didn't like reading before, but because of her I wanted to be top of my class at school. The books helped me in other ways. My sister and I used to fight all the time but Harry Potter brought us together, gave us something in common. We even travelled to the UK so we could visit all the locations that were used for the Harry Potter films.

Sally on the musical Les Misérables

I didn't see Les Misérables when it opened. I didn't think it'd sound like anything special, despite all the positive reviews. I finally went. I was amazed! It was so different from other musicals. I've been over 1,000 times now, spending more than $50,000. Because it's live theatre, every night is different. You have to keep going back to get everything out of it. I do go to other musicals but it's a risk: you may be wasting your money. When you go to Les Misérables, you're sure to have a good time. When I'm at the theatre, I often hear audience members saying things like: 'Oh, this is my fourth time!' I just think: 'OK, keep going!' Some people think I'm mad, but that's what I think of people who sit on cold riverbanks fishing all day.

Cami on the opera star, Andrea Bocelli

When my husband and I started going to the opera singer Andrea Bocelli's concerts all over the world, I worried that everyone would regard us as crazy. But we made so many friends, and it was all so rewarding, that we just thought: 'Who cares?' Like many fans, I first heard him on TV. There was this programme called A Night in Tuscany, which I initially thought would be a travel show. There was something so touching about his voice. We've seen him 60 times now. You'd think we would be getting tired of it all, but you get something new in each show. And we've made wonderful friends. Once, we were having dinner with fans from Japan, South Africa and Europe. The only thing linking us was Andrea. It is expensive, building entire vacations around his tours, but this is our only indulgence so we don't worry about it.

Jane on the pop singer, Madonna

My friends say I'm the most positive person they know and being a Madonna fan is part of that. I remember precisely when it started. I first saw her on a TV music show. I was only watching because I was bored. Then Madonna appeared on screen and I was transfixed by this young woman with such amazing energy. Slowly the Madonna posters started going up in my room. Soon, I was travelling to concerts around the world. I couldn't care less if she is no longer regarded as the coolest star – being a Madonna fan is important to how I see myself – my sense of self. I've now been to over 90 performances. A Madonna show is like a modern circus spectacular: lights, costumes and dancers. Even without her, it would be fantastic. Madonna isn't my only obsession, but she's the one that provides the most fun. I've met some of my best friends through Madonna.

Superfans

Four women talk about the objects of their passion and dedication.

she was able to improve a difficult situation through being a fan?

she first saw her object of interest through a misunderstanding?

her object of interest offers the best entertainment of its type?

she is uninterested in how popular her object of interest is?

she was concerned by what other people might think of her?

she was encouraged to try and achieve something by being a fan?

the object of her interest has become a part of her identity?

she had a low expectation of something at first?

she recognises that keeping her obsession going is a luxury?

she was made to take an interest in something that later became her passion?

Which fan says

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