Question

Discuss the following questions in a group. 1. What are your favourite types of programmes?2. How many hours of TV do you watch every day?3. What would you do without TV?4. Is TV in your country any good?5. How many channels have you got in your country? 6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV?

Answer 1

1) My favourite types of TV programmes are quiz shows and sitcoms.

2) I don’t watch TV every day, because I prefer surfing the Internet. I usually watch TV two-three times a week for about 2 hours.

3) I would read interesting books, surf the Net, listen to music or hang out with my friends. There are a lot of things to do without TV, so I definitely wouldn’t be bored.

4) I think TV in my country is quite good. There are a lot of various types of programmes and there are a lot of channels to choose from.

5) We have got a lot of channels in my country but the most popular ones are Channel 1 and Russia 1.

6) The advantages of watching TV is that television is an easy and cheap source of entertainment and it helps us to stay informed and up-to-date with breaking news around the world. Besides, some TV channels offer educational programmes.

There are also disadvantages. Firstly, there are TV programmes and shows that encourage violent behaviour or lead to having nightmares. Secondly, watching too much television is not good for our health — it can lead to  poor eyesight, obesity, sleep difficulties and behaviour problems. Thirdly, it's a waste of time. It's so much better to spend this time on reading, doing some sport or some hobby.

Answer 2

Group discussion on the questions:

1. What are your favorite types of programs?

• Participant 1: I enjoy watching dramas and crime shows. The suspense and storytelling keep me engaged.
• Participant 2: I'm a sports fan, so I love watching live sports events and matches.
• Participant 3: I prefer documentaries and educational programs. They provide valuable information and broaden my knowledge.

2. How many hours of TV do you watch every day?

• Participant 1: I usually watch TV for about two to three hours every day.
• Participant 2: I watch around one to two hours, depending on the availability of interesting programs.
• Participant 3: I'm not a frequent TV watcher, so I would say less than an hour on most days.

3. What would you do without TV?

• Participant 1: I would engage in other activities like reading books, spending time outdoors, or pursuing hobbies.
• Participant 2: I would probably spend more time socializing with friends and family, or maybe pick up a new hobby.
• Participant 3: Without TV, I would focus more on personal development, such as learning new skills or engaging in creative projects.

4. Is TV in your country any good?

• Participant 1: I think TV in our country has a good variety of programs catering to different interests. There are channels dedicated to news, entertainment, sports, and more.
• Participant 2: While there are some quality programs, I feel that there is also a lot of repetitive content and reality TV shows that lack substance.
• Participant 3: I believe TV in our country has its strengths and weaknesses. There are certainly some thought-provoking shows, but there is also a fair share of sensationalism and commercialization.

5. How many channels have you got in your country?

• Participant 1: In our country, we have around 100 channels, including both free-to-air and subscription-based channels.
• Participant 2: I think we have more than 200 channels available, covering various genres and languages.
• Participant 3: The number of channels in our country is constantly growing, and currently, we have over 300 channels to choose from.

6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV?

• Participant 1: Some advantages include staying informed through news programs, discovering new ideas through documentaries, and being entertained by engaging dramas. However, a disadvantage can be excessive screen time leading to a sedentary lifestyle.
• Participant 2: TV allows us to relax and enjoy entertainment, especially after a long day. It also brings people together, such as during live sports events. However, a disadvantage is the potential for addiction and the negative impact on productivity.
• Participant 3: TV can be a source of inspiration, provide cultural exposure, and facilitate family bonding through shared viewing experiences. On the downside, excessive TV consumption can lead to a lack of physical activity and reduced social interaction.

Note: The responses provided here are fictional and represent a range of opinions that participants in a group discussion could have.