television related essay ielts

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Television, Music and Media essay questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Television, Music and Media" topic.

Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on society. Others deny that these have any significant influence on people's behaviour.

What is your opinion?

Nowadays there is a wide range of TV programs. But instead of watching educational programs, news or documentary films, more and more people prefer to watch TV shows, soap operas or serials. And this negatively affects knowledge acquisition skills.

What are the primary causes of this tendency?

How is it possible to make educational TV programs more popular?

Music plays a vital role in our society.

How much has music influenced the way we think today? What do you think is key role of music in nowadays world?

It is much more convenient to watch a movie on television or computer than buy a ticket and go to the cinema. In the nearest future the popularity of cinemas will drastically decline.

Do you agree or disagree?

Each country censors the media in one way or the other.

What are the pros and cons of censorship in the media?

Media surrounds us, from the shows we watch on television to the music we listen to on the radio.

How does media affect the society?

Do you agree that the impact of media has more disadvantages than benefits?

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There Is a Wide Range of TV Programs, But Instead of Educational Programs, People Prefer to Watch Soap Operas or Serials - IELTS Essay

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Model Essay 1

The surge in preference for entertainment shows over educational broadcasts on television, driven by a quest for leisure and captivating content, poses a challenge to knowledge enhancement. This essay argues that mitigating stress factors and enriching the appeal of educational content are crucial steps towards rebalancing viewers' preferences towards informative programming.

The prevailing shift towards entertainment TV, including shows, soap operas, and serials, over educational content is largely attributed to two primary causes. First, the demanding nature of modern work life, marked by long hours and significant stress, drives individuals to seek solace in the predictable comfort of light-hearted television programs. These offer a temporary reprieve from everyday pressures, as highlighted by a 2020 Global Stress Institute study, which found 75% of adults turn to entertainment TV to relax, underscoring a clear link between work-related stress and their entertainment choices. Second, the allure of entertainment TV lies in its emotionally resonant stories and high-quality production, which immerse viewers in captivating narratives of drama and fantasy. This sharply contrasts with educational programming, often perceived as less engaging due to its dry or complex nature.

To counter the growing preference for entertainment over educational TV, an essential two-pronged strategy is proposed. Firstly, by regulating work schedules to alleviate stress, individuals might be encouraged to diversify their leisure pursuits, potentially heightening their interest in educational content. Secondly, enhancing educational programming with compelling narratives and visually appealing elements could greatly increase its appeal. This multifaceted strategy aims not only to enrich viewers' leisure time with informative content but also to significantly boost their willingness and capacity for knowledge acquisition, fostering a more informed and intellectually curious audience.

In conclusion, reversing the prevailing preference for entertainment over educational television necessitates addressing the root causes of this trend. Through strategic changes in both work culture and the presentation of educational content, we can cultivate a society that values knowledge and learning as much as it cherishes entertainment.

Model Essay 2

Some television programmes are preferred by society much more than others. People tend to follow entertainments, which have a detrimental effect on people’s learning abilities, such as TV shows, soap operas or serials rather than informative programmes. Stress and content can be reasons for this tendency. Educational ones can be desired by a wider audience as improving individuals’ psychological state the quality of educational broadcasts.

With regards to causes, stress can be a key factor to follow amusing programmes. People are working long hours and they suffer from intensive and exhausting working conditions these days. So, entertainment can be seen as the best way to get rid of stress as they make the members of societies laugh and humans can easily forget their problems while watching TV shows or soap operas. An effective solution can be to regulate work schedules. As a result, individuals can find other ways to feel relaxed, namely family gatherings or weekend tours, and they can be eager to discover new things in their leisure time.

The main reason for the preference of TV shows and soap operas can be their content. To be more precise, these programmes have much more gorgeous and emotional scenes. Consequently, humans may catch common feelings while watching them. If educational ones consist of more sensitive components such as warm relationships between animals, the harmony of nature and populist information, they can be selected much more. For instance, individuals do not like to read an entirely theoretical book because of its complexity. On the other hand, the number of people who are interested in popular science is increasing day by day with the help of popular science books.

In conclusion, although informative TV programmes have been preferred much more than TV shows, soap operas and serials, it is crucial to consider this tendency’s reasons and make some solutions. People’s mental health and TV shows’ content can be causes of this demand. Some arrangements in work conditions and improvements related to educational ones can be effective methods to address this issue.

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IELTS Essay: Watching TV and Movies Alone

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 6 Comments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of watching TV, movies, and other programmes alone from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

People these days watch TV, films and other programmes alone rather than with other people.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers.

The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. Firstly, this concerns choice. A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility. An individual can pause, switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices. Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences.

However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns. Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others, and society at large. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives. Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse.

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole. Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

1. Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. 2. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers.

• Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
• Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here .

1. The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. 2. Firstly, this concerns choice. 3. A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. 4. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes. 5. Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility. 6. An individual can pause, switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices. 7. Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences.

• Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
• Explain your main idea.
• Develop it with specific examples.
• Keep developing it fully.
• You can have some long sentences like this to really argue your point.
• Be sure that you develop two advantages.
• And both of them fully.

1. However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns. 2. Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. 3. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others, and society at large. 4. In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. 5. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives. 6. Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse.

• Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
• Explain your new main idea.
• Include specific details and examples.
• Continue developing it…
• as fully as possible!
• Conclude with a strong sentence.

1. In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole. 2. Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

• Summarise your main ideas.
• Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here .

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Due to the advent of streaming services and personal computers it has become increasingly common for individuals to watch entertainment alone rather than with friends and family. In my opinion, this is overall a negative development despite the conveniences it offers .

The advantages of more insular viewing habits relate to individual convenience. Firstly, this concerns choice . A Netflix subscriber is able to choose from a wide range of current and past entertainment without having to consult others. This means they are more likely to choose programming relevant to their tastes . Secondly, watching shows alone allows for greater flexibility . An individual can pause , switch to another program, re-watch shows, and transition between a variety of portable devices . Each of these decisions does not require negotiation with others and can be made depending on a person’s mood and preferences .

However, I believe the tradeoffs related to social cohesion are more pressing concerns . Society has become increasingly insular in general due to the pervasiveness of one-sided technological interactions on devices such as smartphones and laptops. This transition has loosened social bonds between family members, friends, significant others , and society at large . In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a common point of reference for later conversations. This is now less likely and many consumers now spend an outsized amount of time alone, limiting their exposure to other perspectives . Over time, the effects on mental health and social unity may be drastic and difficult to reverse .

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits in terms of personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative on the whole . Individuals should strive to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

due to because of

advent beginning of

streaming services Netflix, Apple TV, etc.

personal computers laptops, desktops

increasingly common happens more often

alone by yourself

rather than instead of

overall on the whole

negative bad

despite regardless of

conveniences how easy it is

offers allows for

insular viewing habits watching shows alone

relate to has to do with

concerns choice has to do with freedom of deciding

subscriber person who signs up and pays monthly

wide range lots of

current right now

consult check with

more likely better chance it will happen

programming relevant shows they are interested in

tastes preferences

greater flexibility more choice and ability to change

switch go to another show

re-watch watch again

transition change

a variety of portable devices many different kinds of phones, tablets, etc.

negotiation talking over with, debating

depending on comes down to

mood feeling

preferences what you like/dislike

tradeoffs disadvantages

social cohesion people getting along

pressing concerns big worries

insular alone

pervasiveness very common

one-sided technological interactions just watching things passively

devices smartphones, computers, etc.

loosened social bonds weakened relationships

significant others girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse

at large all together

common point of reference something in common

less likely not as strong a chance of happening

consumers people who buy/shop

outsized amount of time more time than they should

limiting keeping under control

exposure time spent with

perspectives viewpoints

mental health how you feel emotionally, mentally

social unity people coming together

drastic extreme

reverse go back to the way it was

in terms of when it comes to

on the whole overall

strive try hard

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search :

djuː tuː   ˈædvənt   ˈstriːmɪŋ ˈsɜːvɪsɪz   ˈpɜːsnl kəmˈpjuːtəz   ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən   əˈləʊn   ˈrɑːðə ðæn   ˈəʊvərɔːl   ˈnɛgətɪv   dɪsˈpaɪt   kənˈviːniənsɪz   ˈɒfəz ˈɪnsjʊlə ˈvjuːɪŋ ˈhæbɪts   rɪˈleɪt tuː   kənˈsɜːnz ʧɔɪs səbˈskraɪbə   waɪd reɪnʤ   ˈkʌrənt   kənˈsʌlt   mɔː ˈlaɪkli   ˈprəʊgræmɪŋ ˈrɛlɪvənt   teɪsts ˈgreɪtə ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti pɔːz swɪʧ   riː-wɒʧ   trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n   ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈpɔːtəbl dɪˈvaɪsɪz nɪˌgəʊʃɪˈeɪʃən   dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ɒn   muːd   ˈprɛfərənsɪz tradeoffs   ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən   ˈprɛsɪŋ kənˈsɜːnz ˈɪnsjʊlə   pɜːˈveɪsɪvnəs   wʌn-ˈsaɪdɪd ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪk(ə)l ˌɪntərˈækʃənz   dɪˈvaɪsɪz   trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n   ˈluːsnd ˈsəʊʃəl bɒndz   sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈʌðəz æt lɑːʤ ˈkɒmən pɔɪnt ɒv ˈrɛfrəns   lɛs ˈlaɪkli   kənˈsjuːməz   ˈaʊtsaɪzd əˈmaʊnt ɒv taɪm   ˈlɪmɪtɪŋ   ɪksˈpəʊʒə   pəˈspɛktɪvz ˈmɛntl hɛlθ   ˈsəʊʃəl ˈjuːnɪti   ˈdræstɪk   rɪˈvɜːs ɪn tɜːmz ɒv   ɒn ðə həʊl straɪv  

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

D_______o the a_______t of s___________________s and p_____________________s it has become i______________________n for individuals to watch entertainment a_______e r_____________n with friends and family. In my opinion, this is o_________l a n__________e development d__________e the c________________s it o________s .

The advantages of more i________________________s r________o individual convenience. Firstly, this c________________e . A Netflix s____________r is able to choose from a w_____________e of c__________t and past entertainment without having to c_________t others. This means they are m_____________y to choose p_____________________________t to their t_______s . Secondly, watching shows alone allows for g____________________y . An individual can p_______e , s_________h to another program, r___________h shows, and t____________n between a___________________________s . Each of these decisions does not require n________________n with others and can be made d_______________n a person’s m______d and p___________________s .

However, I believe the t____________s related to s______________n are more p_____________________s . Society has become increasingly i_________r in general due to the p_________________s of o________________________________s on d_________s such as smartphones and laptops. This t____________n has l________________________s between family members, friends, s______________________s , and society a_________e . In the past, a family might watch a television show together, joke about it, discuss it, and then have a c_____________________________e for later conversations. This is now l________________y and many c______________s now spend an o_________________________e alone, l_________g their e___________e to other p_____________s . Over time, the effects on m________________h and s________________y may be d__________c and difficult to r__________e .

In conclusion, although watching shows alone has benefits i_____________f personal choice, the drawbacks related to social interaction make it a negative o______________e . Individuals should s________e to limit the time they spend alone watching TV shows and movies.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities :

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice :

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/07/netflixs-most-popular-list-is-a-wasteland/614845/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam :

Spending Time Alone

• Do you spend a lot of time by yourself?
• What do you usually do when you’re by yourself?
• Do you prefer spending time alone or with your friends?
• Is it important to have time for yourself?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative.

What is the reason for this?

What measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Television (Real IELTS Test)

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It is true that the omnipresence of streaming services and personal computers has contributed to individuals these days eschewing watching entertainment with others in favor of doing these activities alone. Although this may bring great levels of convenience for individuals, this is a negative development on the whole. The primary benefit of insular viewing habits pertains to personal convenience. This is because individuals can choose to watch movies or TV channels wherever and whenever they want without consulting others. Enjoying entertainment with others, on the other hand, can be problematic as individuals have to find a suitable time for everyone to watch together, which is not always possible given their hectic schedules these days. Furthermore, since each person has his or her unique interests regarding entertainment, a compromise needs to be reached between viewers to find a movie or a program that everyone can enjoy. The process of choosing a type of entertainment compatible with all individuals’ tastes is likely to result in disagreements or even conflicts, which potentially hurts their relationships as a result. Nonetheless, the aforementioned advantage is far dwarfed by the disadvantage of increasing isolation. The truth is that individuals these days are exceedingly busy with numerous responsibilities such as working, housework, or child-raising. Worse still, they have to spend an oversized amount of time traveling to work on a daily basis, leaving them little time being around their families and friends. This means that the time for watching entertainment together can be of enormous value for them to be together, discuss, joke, or comment about what they are watching, which is obviously unavailable to watching alone. The situation is made worse when independent watching habits may loosen family bonds, which is a possible precursor to future mental problems.   In conclusion, while the convenience of enjoying entertainment alone is undeniable, I am strongly convinced it is overwhelmingly outweighed by the disadvantage of individuals becoming excessively isolated. 

Nice work – some good collocations!

You said we need to have one main idea for each body paragraph. Then here you mentioned to advantages in one paragraph? how many advantages and disadvantages do we need to write for essays like this (or cause and effect)?

This one asks for advantageS and disadvantageS so you should have two of each.

You can still group them under a single umbrella main idea such as convenience – as I usually do with this question type.

Is that clear?

Thanks a lot, I got that

You’re welcome!

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Describe a TV Programme [IELTS Speaking]

Posted by David S. Wills | Feb 22, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Speaking | 2

In today’s IELTS speaking lesson, we are going to look at cue cards that ask you to describe a TV programme . There are various possibilities here, so we will explore what sorts of TV programmes you might have to talk about and how to do it effectively.

Possible Cue Cards about TV Programmes

First of all, let’s begin in a logical place by exploring possible cue cards. It is unlikely that you will be simply told to “describe a TV programme” and so there will usually be something that follows it. You might be asked to “describe a TV programme you enjoy” or “describe a TV programme you often watch.” It might be a TV programme specific to your country or one that you didn’t like. You will need to read the card carefully to understand exactly what is required of you.

You can see more examples here:

Today, we will focus on this cue card:

Describe a television programme that you watch. You should say: – which kind of television programme it is – what usually happens in the television programme – why you enjoy watching the television programme and explain why you would recommend the television programme to other people.

Analysing the Cue Card

When you receive your cue card, you should spend some time looking at it carefully to make sure that you understand it. This can also help you to make notes and give your answer a logical structure. Doing that can help you to impress the examiner by speaking more fluently and logically.

Here, you are asked to describe a TV that you watch. The tense here is present simple, showing that it is something recurrent (ie it happens over and over). Thus, you should not talk about something from the past or the future. You should also talk about:

• its plot (and possibly characters)
• and what makes it enjoyable to you

These are all things you can glean from the cue card and that can guide you to give a great answer.

Making Notes

Once you have figured out exactly what the cue card requires you to talk about, you should make some notes so that you can talk more easily. The purpose of these notes is to:

• remind you of important vocabulary
• help you keep to a coherent structure

Doing this will also help you to keep calm and speak in a fluent way without panicking. Just remember not to write too many notes or else you will be in danger of wasting your time. You only have one minute to prepare!

When it comes to describing TV programmes, you can generally use similar language to that which you would use for movies. By this, I mean you can recycle words and phrases relate to genre and content.

There is a lot of overlap in these topics and so preparing to talk about movies can really help you. Some things that you might discuss are:

However, there are some differences, of course. TV programmes typically air on a schedule whereas movies just appear once. As such, you might talk about watching a movie as a single experience, but watching a TV programme is something you could do over a period of days, weeks, months, or years. Think about Game of Thrones , for example. That aired over many years, so it would require some different language to describe.

Programme, Program, or Show?

Let’s take a moment to think about the differences these words. What makes program and programme different, and how do they differ from a show?

The answer is: They are all the same!

“Programme” is the British spelling, so this is what you would encounter in the IELTS exam. “Program” is American and “show” is more common in America but can be used in either country.

Do we still talk about TV programmes?

IELTS can be a little old-fashioned in some ways. Think about it: They still ask you to write a letter !!! As such, you may be surprised to be asked about TV shows because TV isn’t as popular as it used to be. These days, people stream shows on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Does that mean that they are no longer TV programmes? After all, we aren’t usually watching them on TV! Nowadays, it is common to watch them on a phone or tablet or computer.

Well, it is strange but we still call these shows “TV programmes” even when they are consumed over the internet and watched on device or computer monitor. As such, you can still mostly use the same language, but if you want throw in some modern vocabulary about streaming, downloading, and so on, then that is also acceptable.

Sample Answer

Ok, but now I will give you my answer to the above cue card:

A TV programme that I regularly watch a cartoon called Rick and Morty . It’s animated but it’s definitely not for children because it features a lot of adult humour. The show revolves around a scientist called Rick and his grandson, Morty. They are very different in terms of personality but always share bizarre adventures across multiple universes. The show is very funny because of its outrageous humour and ridiculous characters, many of whom are cameo roles by famous actors. There isn’t much of a linear plot across the series and instead each episode is pretty self-contained, though there is some development and occasionally a storyline might go across several episodes. I really like this show primarily because of its humour, but also it is important to me as something that helps me to communicate with my friends. Because we all watch this programme, we frequently make reference to it and it is something that unites us. We all understand those strange references and find them funny. I also just appreciate the incredibly intelligent and creative writers who have produced something so different to other TV programmes. I would recommend this show to people with an open mind and a dark sense of humour. It is hard to explain it to people but if they have a certain mindset, it is likely they will enjoy it immensely.

In this answer, I used some language specific to TV and movies to talk about Rick and Morty. I said things like:

• adult humour
• outrageous humour
• cameo roles
• linear plot

There are also other words and phrases that have helped me give a good answer. I said that the show “revolves around” the lives of these characters. When we say “revolve around” it means that the show is about something. I tried to touch upon various areas so that I could show off appropriate language and also give a full and honest answer, so I mentioned characters, plots, settings, and actors. All of these were related to the topic and gave me some freedom to craft a nice, detailed response.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Wow, I was asked the same question in my speaking test. I wish I had found this earlier.

This is so insightful.

Oh really? When was your test?

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Television or TV Programmes: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Model Answers

Updated On Aug 13, 2024

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The article offers sample answers and relevant vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 1 on the topic of television or TV programmes. It emphasizes focusing on a single idea, using advanced vocabulary, and maintaining fluency.

Table of Contents

Television or tv programmes: ielts speaking part 1, television or tv programmes: ielts speaking part 1 vocabulary, tips to answer television or tv programmes: ielts speaking part 1 questions.

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Television, often abbreviated as TV, has been an integral part of our lives for decades. It serves as a window to the world, providing entertainment, information, and education to millions of viewers globally. In the context of the IELTS Speaking Part 1, candidates are often asked questions about television and TV programmes to assess their fluency and vocabulary.

So, let's delve into some sample answers for TV Speaking IELTS Speaking Part 1 of the IELTS exam that can help candidates prepare effectively for this section of the IELTS exam .

Let’s start with some sample responses to Part 1 speaking topic television or tv programmes related questions from the IELTS Speaking .

• Do you have a television?

Yes, I do have a television. It's a flat-screen LED TV that's mounted on the wall in my living room. It's a central piece of entertainment in my home, where friends and family gather to enjoy various TV programs together.

• Do you like watching tv?

Absolutely! Watching TV is one of my favorite pastimes. It's a great way to unwind after a long day, escape into different worlds, and explore a wide range of stories and characters. Whether it's catching up on the latest dramas, laughing at sitcoms, or learning something new from documentaries, there's always something enjoyable to watch on TV.

• Where do you usually watch tv programmes?

I usually watch TV programs in the comfort of my living room. It's where my television is set up, along with a cozy couch and some snacks within reach. Sometimes, if I'm on the go, I might watch TV programs on my tablet or laptop using streaming services. But nothing beats the experience of sitting in front of a big screen and immersing myself in the world of television.

• What kind of tv programs do you like to watch?/What kind of tv programs do you like?

I have quite a diverse taste when it comes to TV programs. I enjoy a mix of genres depending on my mood and interests. For instance, I love watching gripping dramas that keep me on the edge of my seat, like crime thrillers or character-driven narratives. Comedy shows are also a favorite, especially after a stressful day when I need a good laugh. Additionally, I find documentaries fascinating, whether they delve into history, science, or current events, as they often provide valuable insights and knowledge. Overall, I'm open to exploring different types of TV programs, as long as they're well-crafted and engaging.

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• What’s your favourite TV program?

There are many documentaries on TV related to architecture. Because I’m an architect. And they always introduce some new approaches to construction and the latest materials which can be used. I used to read books. But now there are so many good videos online. I think they are more interesting and better.

Being an architect, I used to not only read books but also watch TV documentaries in order to pick up information related to my field. My favorite TV series is “Live or Die” which has been aired since 2012 and helps me broaden my horizon in architecture. But, recently, because I found that the Internet is full of better material, I’ve been streaming videos, which is a much more efficient way to enhance my knowledge.

Definitely music channels such as MTV or V-channel. These channels offer a wide variety of music every day. Also, they also interact with their audience by allowing them to vote for the Top 20 songs of each week or to play the songs they requested.

• When do you watch tv?/Do you often watch TV?

I prefer watching TV to surfing the Internet due to its selectivity and accessibility. Because the audience can be children, teenagers and families, the content of TV programs are examined carefully and a suitable time frame is arranged to avoid having negative impacts on them.

I usually watch TV in the evenings after I've finished my work or other daily responsibilities. It's a relaxing way to wind down and transition into leisure time. However, I don't watch TV every single day; it depends on my schedule and what else I have going on. Some days, I might binge-watch a series over the weekend, while other times, I might only catch a few episodes during the week. It varies, but overall, I'd say I watch TV regularly enough to keep up with my favorite shows and discover new ones.

• Why do old people like to watch TV?

I reckon that TV plays an indispensable part in the elderly people’ lives because indulging themselves in TV programs can help them kill time when their children have a hectic life out there and can’t spend time on looking after them on a daily basis. Although nowadays TV can furnish the elderly with a multitude of programs such as documentaries and soap operas, they still need to be talked to and enjoy time with their children, which made TV not able to substitute for the real conservation with their family members like sons or grandsons.

• What types of tv programmes are popular in your country?

In my country, these days, reality shows and comedy shows are among the most popular TV programs. I guess it’s because its content is suitable for the audience of any age, from children to the elderly. The fans of reality shows feel interactive and familiar with the competitors while those of comedy shows generally want to be entertained with jokes and laughter.

• Do you ever watch foreign programs or films?

I did enjoy quite a lot of shows and programs, from music, movies, fashion, news and scientific documentaries since the foreign are so good at visual editing and content management. Most of them are in English because I’m more familiar with this language compared to French or Japanese.

• What (types of) programmes did you watch when you were a child?

Like other children, I watched a number of cartoons and music programs for children when I was a child. Tom and Jerry, Barbie, Disney series are my favourites which still get me excited whenever I see them on TV now. My mom said I also was kind of attracted to music programs for children that I focused on them completely while eating.

• Do you think television has changed in the past few decades?/ (Possibly) Do you think television has changed since you were a child?

Televisions indeed have been changing remarkably for the past few years. The technology has become so innovative and competitive to meet the customers’ high demand for entertainment. The variety of TV programs is no longer limited to the national level but has reached to a number of foreign countries, and is significantly diversifying in content for audience preference.

• Has television changed your life in any way?

I think watching TV has become a habit that I would hardly change. My family always watches the news while having dinner together. Personally, I’d love watching TV for relaxing after studying as well as keeping myself updated on showbiz, music, movies, landscape discoveries and fields of science. Thus, as long as I do not become a couch potato, TV has always played an important role in my life, making my life more colourful and opening in front of my eyes the places I’ve never been to.

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Let us now look at IELTS Speaking vocabulary that has been used in the answers above and you can use in your answers.

• Documentary

Meaning: a non-fictional film or television program that presents factual information about a particular subject, often with the aim of educating or informing viewers

Example: My brother likes to watch documentaries on the weekend.

Meaning: to spend time in a relaxed or leisurely manner, typically while waiting for something or to pass idle time

Example: We decided to kill time by roaming around in the streets before the movie.

• Remote control

Meaning: a handheld device used to wirelessly control the functions of a television, DVD player, or other electronic devices from a distance

Example: The siblings had a fight regarding who will have the remote control.

• Channel surfing

Meaning: the practice of quickly switching between different television channels in order to find something interesting to watch

Example: The old man is busy channel surfing to find the right show for the family.

Meaning: to be developed in the technology or in any field

Example: The company has come up with an innovative idea of using mobile phones.

• To meet one’s demand on something

Meaning: to provide someone with something/to provide something for someone

Example: The teacher is liked as she meets every child’s demand for lessons.

Meaning: to vary, to have many choices available

Example: They are trying to diversify their income sources.

• Couch potato

Meaning: a person who is addicted to watching TV

Example: Rob is a couch potato and is very lazy.

• Unwind/Wind down

Meaning: to relax and reduce stress or tension, often after a busy or stressful day

Example: At night, I watch a movie to unwind/wind down after a long day.

Meaning: a genre of television comedy series that typically features a recurring cast of characters in humorous situations, often set in a domestic or workplace environment

Example: Friends and The Office are popular sitcoms known for their witty humor and relatable characters.

• Keep on the edge of seat

Meaning: to keep someone in a state of suspense, excitement, or anticipation, typically by presenting a gripping or suspenseful storyline

Example: The plot of the thriller kept us on the edge of our seats the whole time.

Meaning: broadcasting or transmission of a television program, movie, or radio show

Example: The show was last aired on 10th September.

• Broaden my horizon

Meaning: to expand one's knowledge, experiences, or perspectives by exposing oneself to new ideas, cultures, or activities

Example: Traveling to different countries has helped me broaden my horizons and appreciate diverse cultures.

Meaning: the process of transmitting or receiving multimedia content, such as audio or video, over the internet in real-time, allowing users to access and consume the content without downloading it

Example: Kiri prefers streaming movies and TV shows on platforms like Netflix or Amazon rather than buying physical DVDs.

Now, check out some topic specific IELTS Speaking tips to answer television or TV programmes-related questions in the IELTS Speaking Part 1.

• Explain your choice in detail: Give particular examples rather than merely mentioning the type when asked about your favorite TV shows. For example, you may say, "I really enjoy watching sitcoms like Friends or The Office because of their witty humor and relatable characters," in place of "I like comedies."
• Back up your preference with reasoning and examples: Whenever you can, give a reason for your preferences or dislikes for particular TV shows. This adds nuance to your responses and shows that you can articulate your thoughts. As an instance, "I find documentaries fascinating because they offer valuable insights into different cultures and lifestyles, helping me broaden my understanding of the world."
• Use vocabulary related to television and tv programmes: Incorporate IELTS vocabulary specific to television and TV programmes, such as ‘prime time’, ‘reruns’, ‘season finale’, ‘plot twists’, etc. This showcases your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
• Discuss Trends and Preferences: If asked about television viewing habits or trends, you can talk about general preferences among viewers, such as the growing popularity of streaming services over traditional cable TV, binge-watching habits, or the impact of reality TV shows on society.
• Provide Balanced Responses: While it's okay to express personal preferences, try to provide a balanced view by acknowledging different perspectives. For example, if you're asked about the influence of TV on children, you could discuss both the educational benefits of certain programs and the potential negative effects of excessive screen time.

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Band 8 IELTS Essay Sample | News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. What is your opinion about this?

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

• Paragraph 1 - Introduction
• Sentence 1 - Background statement
• Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
• Sentence 3 - Thesis
• Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
• Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
• Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
• Sentence 2 - Example
• Sentence 3 - Discussion
• Sentence 4 - Conclusion
• Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
• Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
• Sentence 1 - Summary
• Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
• Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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in many counties, people now wear western-style dresses such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?

You recently organized a party for your company at a hotel. write a letter to the hotel manager. in your letter. -describe the party and how it went -explain why you were pleased with the hotel service. -suggest some improvements that the hotel could make., in the future,nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying, some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. do you agree or disagree, write at least 150 words. you have recently ordered an item from the internet but are not happy with the purchase. write to the company. in your letter •describe what you purchased. •explain why you are not happy with the purchase. •tell them what you would like them to do about the situation..

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topic: Describe a television program that you like to watch

ielts speaking part 2 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a television program that you like to watch. You should say: • what program it is • what the program is about • how often you watch it And explain why you like watching this program.

Describe a television program that makes you laugh. You should say: • what program it is • how often you watch it • what it is about And explain why you laugh at this program (= explain what is funny in this program).

A TV program that I found really funny was an American show called “How I met your  mother” which was broadcast every Sunday last summer.

It was a sitcom with 9 series , each of which included about 24 episodes . I watched all of the episodes and found them absolutely hilarious . The series followed the main character , Ted, who recounted to his son and daughter the time when he met and got married to their mother. The special thing was this – all the events Ted had experienced with his best friends  before meeting his wife were illustrated in a highly amusing way. For example , in one episode, Ted described his dates with a girlfriend whose name he had forgotten , so Ted and the other characters had to refer to her as “Blah-blah” all the time.

Because of the characters’ eccentric humor and natural acting, this show made me laugh a lot. So, at present, whenever I feel stressed, I replay this series so that I can just put my feet up and have a good laugh.

Vocabulary:

– sitcom: [noun] a regular TV program that shows the same characters in different funny situations. Example: In a good sitcom , all the characters who appear regularly make us laugh.

– episodes: [noun] parts of a story on TV or the radio which is broadcast in several parts. Example: The sitcom finally ended after 200 episodes .

– absolutely hilarious: [adverb+adjective] extremely funny. Example: At the party, he told me an absolutely hilarious story, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

– recounted: [verb] told someone about something that you experienced. Example: My father sometimes recounted to me stories of his time as a student.

– dates: [noun] aromantic meetings with a boy or girl. Example: Although they had several dates , they decided to remain just good friends.

– eccentric : [adjective] considered by other people to be strange or unusual. Example: A person who wears a suit to go to the beach would certainly be considered as  eccentric.

– put my feet up : [expression] relax and do nothing Example: After a hard day at work, I like to come home and put my feet up for an hour or two.

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Band 5+: Nowadays there are many television advertisements aimed at children. What effects do they have on children? Should TV advertising be controlled?

It is argued that children become television’s main marketing targets, which will have a negative influences to the younger children. I strongly advocate the regulated authorities should supervise the advertisements aimed at children.

To begin with, unregulated advertisements may impede the brain development by implanting inappropriate contents to the younger children. Children are easily to be attracted by temptation; however, they could not liable for their decisions. For example, games’ commercials often attract children with pun and stimulation of violence and sexual hints. As a result, unregulated commercials may amplify children’s violent behaviors and expose children to inappropriate sexual hints.Therefore, I believe that the authorities should have strict regulations of television’s commercials to avoid unhealthy exposures to children.

Furthermore, having health problems, it is better to limit unhealthy advertisements such as Coca-Cola, which the drink contains high level of sugar, causing diseases like diabetes and fat. By restricting the commercials, we can avoid unhealthy exposures, promote healthier eating habits and offer more valuable information to the next generation. For instance, broadcast the consequences of having high carbonated and high sugar diets may lead to diabetes and cause chronic disease and washing hands before a meal is a sanitation issue that we are sanding to children via an advertisement, this helps them build up correct behavior.

In conclusion, the government should control the published commercials due to the negative impacts of sexual and violent temptations on children, which can lead to physical and psychological issues to younger children.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

Generate a band-9 sample with your idea, overall band score, task response, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, essays on the same topic:, nowadays there are many television advertisements aimed at children. what effects do they have on children should tv advertising be controlled.

In contemporary times, there is an increasing prevalence of advertisements that focus on children. This essay will discuss effects on children of this phenomenon, and arguing that TV advertising should be restricted. With the development of digital tools, children can approach numerous videos, especially advertisements that are shown on the television. Therefore, it is understandable […]

At present, advertisements on TV, which target children as an audience, are gaining popularity. They may have a detrimental influence on children’s perceptions and, on no account, should the restrictions that should be put in place be neglected. Advertisements, indeed, may have a negative impact on children’s minds. This is because children would ask their […]

At present advertisements at TV, which target audience are children, is gaining popularity. It may have a detrimental influence on children’s perception and, on no account, should the restriction, which should be put on, be neglected. Advertisements, indeed, may have a negative impact on children’s mind. This is because children would ask their parents to […]

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Parents of students consider that children should dedicate their free time to educational stuffs. Admittedly, it contributes benefits to studying skill, but not for children themselves. I utterly disagree with this statement and believe that students of schools need to relax from studying. Firstly, pupils may be tired of studying and their motivation of getting […]

People should only concentrate on a simple skill for life. Because this is the best way to succeed. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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Every body should donate a fixed amount of their income to support chairty

Anyone should give certain sum of money from their revenue as a help to charity. Agreedly , I’m in a favor of these idea on one condition there should not be a fixed quantity for every volunteers willing to make a contribution. Firstly , to my mind what really matters is not the quantity of […]

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