Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): ‘Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions’ brings magic to gaming
This page has an easy read with questions to test your understanding and work on your English skills.
Content provided by British Council
[1] The famous sport of quidditch from the Harry Potter universe celebrates its comeback in gaming with Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, a new game for computers and consoles.
[2] The focus is not on searching and story. It is on fast, action-packed matches as two teams flying on brooms compete against each other to score goals. There are many venues to discover. These include the arenas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the World Cup stadium.
[3] The game can be played in one of four roles. As a Chaser, your task is to score goals with a leather ball known as the Quaffle. As the Keeper, you try to prevent goals. Beaters protect their teammates from Bludgers – two heavy iron balls that fly around the pitch – and use them against opponents.
[4] Last but not least, there is Harry Potter’s signature discipline, the Seeker. The Seeker tries to catch a small golden ball known as the Golden Snitch. When this happens in the books, the match is over. But in the video game, the Seeker’s team wins points, but the match does not end.
[5] The story here does not offer much depth. Most of the time, you compete in individual games or in one of four playable tournaments. Once you have created your character, you can start training.
[6] First, you learn basic skills such as flying on a broom or throwing the Quaffle. Then, the first match is on in the Weasleys’ garden. After a few more sessions, you are ready for the arena.
[7] All four school houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, from the Harry Potter series are included. They can be selected before the start of a game. Many characters can also be used as fellow players.
[8] The gameplay in the matches is lively and fun. Often there is quite a bit of chaos on the field, but that is exactly what makes the magical wizard sport so unique. The game offers single-player and multiplayer modes. There is also cross-play support across all platforms, allowing you to play together with friends. There are not any offers for in-game purchases.
[9] Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions can be played on the PlayStation 4 and 5, the Xbox One, the Xbox Series, the Nintendo Switch and computers. The age rating is 12 years.
Source: dpa, December 30
Questions
1. What is the main goal of the game according to paragraph 2?
2. In paragraph 2, which locations are playable in the game?
A. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic
B. World Cup stadium
C. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
D. all of the above
3. According to paragraph 6, what do the characters need to do before they can play their first match?
4. In paragraph 7, what school houses can players choose from?
5. … catching the Golden Snitch usually ends the game in the Harry Potter books, it earns players points in the video game.
A. But
B. Even though
C. However
D. When
6. Complete the following summary using “play”, “players” or “playing”. (4 marks)
In this game, (i) _____ can experience the thrill of (ii) _____ Quidditch, the exciting sport from the Harry Potter books. They can choose a role, such as Chaser or Seeker, and compete in matches. They can also choose to (iii) _____ alone or against other (iv) _____.
Answers
1. to score goals while flying on brooms (accept all similar answers)
2. D
3. They need to learn basic skills such as flying on a broom or throwing the Quaffle.
4. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin
5. B
6. (i) players; (ii) playing; (iii) play; (iv) players