Question

Reality television is a genre of television programming which, it is claimed, present

unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features

ordinary people rather than professional actors. It could be described as a form of

artificial or ‘heightened’ documentary. Although the genre has existed in some form

or another since the early years of television, the current explosion of popularity dates

from around 2000.

2. Reality television covers a wide range of television programming formats, from game

or quiz shows which resemble the frantic, often demeaning programmes, produced

in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s (a modern example is Gaki no Tsukai), to surveillance-

or voyeurism-focused productions such as Big Brother.

3. Critics say that the term ‘reality television’ is somewhat of a misnomer and that such

shows frequently portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality, with

participants put in exotic locations or abnormal situations, sometimes coached to act

in certain ways by off-screen handlers, and with events on screen manipulated

through editing and other post-production techniques.

4. Part of reality television’s appeal is due to its ability to place ordinary people in

extraordinary situations. Reality television also has the potential to turn its

participants into national celebrities, outwardly in talent and performance

programmes such as Pop Idol, though frequently Survivor and Big Brother participants

also reach some degree of fame.

5. Some commentators have said that the name ‘reality television’ is an inaccurate

description for several styles of programme included in the genre. In competition-

based programmes such as Big Brother and Survivor, and other special-living-

environment shows like The Real World, the producers design the format of the show

and control the day-to day activities and the environment, creating a completely

fabricated world in which the competition plays out. Producers specifically select the

participants, and use carefully designed scenarios, challenges, events and settings to

encourage particular behavior and conflicts.

A. Answer the following questions. 6

1. According to passage, in what ways can a reality show be compared to a

documentary?

2. Why is a reality show considered to be far from reality?​

Answer 1

Answer:

1.Dramatic and humorous situations