Documentary Film Quizzes & Trivia

If you've watched any National Geographic or Discovery Chanel shows, then you might think you're qualified to talk about documentaries...but are you? Do you know your David Attenborough from your Bear Grylls? Do you know when to call a spade a spade, and not a trowel? How well do you know your documentary genres? If you're a knowledgeable chap, then you should give this a try. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something as we document your progress through these quizzes.

With questions ranging from the many shows of David Attenborough to documentary narrators such as Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Irons...there's questions in here to get your mind interested and ready to narrate your own progress. So what are you waiting for, your own personal narrator? Start your journey today and join in the fun!

Documentary Modes Of Address

How well do you know documentary? Bill Nichols (2001) In an Introduction to Documentary notes 6 distinct styles of documentary. Although, modern reality programming often sees mixed styles these modes are...

Questions: 6 | Attempts: 79 | Last updated: Feb 11, 2013

Sample Question
Voice of God. Uses a Narrator, most associated with Traditional Documentaries and Televsion News Progrmaming.

Expository

Observational

Poetic

Performative

Participatory

Reflexive

A Short Quiz Based On Frozen Planet Documentary

This short quiz is based on the frozen planet documentary: Many creatures live in areas of earth that are at times sub-zero. If you are wondering about these fascinating beings, give this quiz a try. How long do they live, what...

Questions: 7 | Attempts: 27 | Last updated: Feb 24, 2020

Sample Question
What is the lifespan of the woolly bear caterpillar?

Five

Eight

Eleven

Fourteen

Documentary Quiz

Documentary quiz

Questions: 5 | Attempts: 25 | Last updated: Jan 11, 2013

Sample Question
Which 3 of the examples apply to expository documentary?

The 'classic' mode of documentary, it directly addresses the viewer and often sets out to solve a problem.

It often includes a 'voice of god' commentary by an authoritative voice.

The filmmaker often interracts with the documentary subjects.

It can include 'talking heads' and direct interviews.

This mode draws attention to the filmmaking process itself by making viewers aware of the mediated nature of documentaries.

Backstories Documentary

Complete the following quiz after watching the documentary in class

Questions: 9 | Attempts: 24 | Last updated: Jan 17, 2013

Sample Question
The voice over explains that Burton was uncomfortable with the ......................neighbourhood in which he grew up.

Cookie Cutter

Bland and Boring

Bright and Cheerful

Rolling Pin

What Type Of Movie Would Your Life Documentary Be?

What type of movie would your life documentary be? Well you can find out here in this quiz!

Questions: 7 | Attempts: 24 | Last updated: Jan 2, 2013

Sample Question
You never leave home without your...

Coach purse

Big clown shoes

Sleevles shirt

Fake blood

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Documentary Film Questions & Answers

What is a mode of address?

It is how the filmmaker speaks to the audience

Which 3 of the examples apply to expository documentary?

The classic mode of documentary, it directly addresses the viewer and often sets out to solve a problem. It often includes a voice of god commentary by an authoritative voice. It can include talking heads and direct interviews.

Acknowledges the constructed nature of documentary and has an awareness of process. It conveys to an audience that they are presenting a truth but not necessarily the truth. The audience is made...

Reflexive