Question

5 YOUR OPINIONS Ask and answer the questions, 1 Do you think reality shows are cruel or embarrassing for the participants? 2 Do you think there should be a minimum age for participants in reality shows? Why / Why not? 3 Why do people like reality shows? 4 Which reality shows are popular in your country? Are they good? 5 Would you like to be in a reality show? Why / Why not?​

Answer 1

Ответ:

1. Do you think reality shows are cruel or embarrassing for the participants?

• In my opinion, some reality shows can indeed be cruel and embarrassing for the participants. The whole purpose of reality TV is to show how ordinary people act in everyday life or in specifically designed situations. Needless to say, we all have embarrassing moments that we prefer to forget and not to tell anyone about, but it is impossible to do when you are under the cameras. Well, one might argue that reality shows cannot be blamed for your failures, and therefore, cannot be called cruel. However, at least some part of reality TV consists of shows where they put the participants in uncomfortable situations and have hidden cameras following them around just for the sake of entertainment. Making people show their weaknesses, then recording it and editing the video so that the situation seems even funnier is, in my opinion, cruel and embarrassing for those who take part.

2. Do you think there should be a minimum age for participants in reality shows? Why / Why not?

• Personally, I believe that there should be minimal age requirements for reality show participants. Reality TV makes private life public, and children might not realise and be fully prepared for the consequences that follow. Also, parents often put a lot of pressure on kids because they want their children to win. This and having to deal with fame and publicity can traumatise a child, and therefore, the right to participate should belong only to adults, who are able to make an informed decision and take responsibility for their actions.

3. Why do people like reality shows?

• I think that there is more than one reason to why people like watching reality TV, because there is simply more than one type of reality shows. For example, those who watch hidden cameras probably like gossiping; they might also feel insecure about themselves and want to feel superior by watching how others make silly mistakes. People who watch talk shows may want to hear others’ opinions on controversial topics and compare them with their own thoughts. Educational and talent contests attract people who want to learn something new. Reality shows that involve celebrities are obviously made for their fans and worshippers. However, I think that all these people have one thing in common: they want to live through unusual experiences from the safety of their homes and forget about their daily problems for a little while.

4. Which reality shows are popular in your country? Are they good?

• To be honest, I rarely watch TV, but I think the most popular reality shows are Fort Boyard, Ice Age, What? Where? When? and The Voice. I’ve watched these shows a few times, and I think that they can be quite interesting and educational.

5. Would you like to be in a reality show? Why / Why not?

• No, I don’t think I’d like to participate in a reality show. I am not a fan of showing other people details of my private life or competing for a prize while being filmed. I’m not quite sure how I would deal with fame and social pressure, because I know for a fact that I would hate people discussing me, my actions, my behaviour and my abilities. If I were to participate in a reality show, I would always be anxious and worried that I can embarrass myself, so for me, the whole experience would probably turn into a nightmare.

Перевод:

См. вложения.

#SPJ3