Pure and Embedded Film Genres on the Movie Comprehension of Iranian EFL Learners

The present study investigated the effect of single and multiple genre movies on listening comprehension of upper intermediate language learners. To this end, a language proficiency test was administered to 40 male and female postgraduates of different majors attending International English Language Testing System (IELTS) classes and ultimately 25 upper intermediate language learners were selected. The participants were tested based on two sets of multiple-choice post viewing questions which probed into their comprehension of the content and generic structure of the multiple genre movie Hide and Seek and the single genre documentary film Arctic Tale. The results showed that multiple genre movies are far more effective in promoting the participants’ listening comprehension than single-genre movies. Multiple genre movies depict a picture of our own life; hence, participants feel more connected to the movie content. The study suggests the important role of film genre in listening comprehension.