Question

Write a dialogue between two friends who are discussing the merits and demerits of watching television.​

Answer 1

In this busy, expensive life, television is an easy and cheap source of entertainment.By watching international news, we are kept informed and up-to-date with breaking news around the world.Some shows and channels (like PBS and Discovery) offer educational programs that can increase our knowledge and make us more aware of the world around us.Do-it-yourself shows give us easy access to all kinds of information: Cooking channels offer new recipes and methods, home improvement shows introduce us to many money-saving DIY tips, and financial advisers give advice for managing finances and investing money, for example. Television can also be a good way to help people learn a different language.Some shows can motivate people who are interested in that field and help them to pursue their dreams.Television can help you feel less lonely. Psychologists coined the term "social surrogacy" to explain how television can fill the shoes of absent friends or family. In one study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, researchers found that people who watch a favorite TV show report feeling less lonely during the show.TV can expand your mind. Some shows let you travel vicariously and teach you about different people, cultures, ideas, and places you might never encounter in real life. Watching a variety of shows might give us a broader understanding of the world we live in and expose us to things we might otherwise never come across in our own lives.TV can make you feel like part of a group and let you participate in a shared subculture. In social situations where you may find yourself surrounded by strangers with whom you have nothing in common, a popular show or televised sporting event might give you something to talk about.Gathering around the television gives families, friends, and strangers something to bond over. Even if you're not interested in the Olympics, watching the games with your family might bring you closer together; reminiscing about shows you've watched together gives you shared history and memories.There may be certain health benefits to watching television. If a certain show makes you laugh, for example, then an argument can be made for its mood-elevating merits. While exercising, television can distract you from what you're doing and therefore enable you to last longer on the treadmill (there's a good reason why so many gyms have televisions, after all!). One study from the University of Rochester found that people felt more energetic after watching nature scenes.

Answer 2

There are both merits and demerits to watching television. On the one hand, TV can be educational, informative, and a great way to relax. On the other hand, watching too much TV can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of productivity, and social isolation. The key is to find a healthy balance and watch TV in moderation.

• Friend 1: I think watching TV is great, it's a great way to unwind and relax.
• Friend 2: I don't agree, I think watching too much TV can be bad for you.
• Friend 1: Why do you say that?
• Friend 2: Well, there are a lot of negative effects of watching too much TV. For one, it can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can be bad for your health.
• Friend 1: That's true, but there are also some benefits to watching TV. For example, it can be educational and informative, and can help you stay up-to-date with current events.
• Friend 2: I agree that there are some benefits, but I still think that too much TV is bad for you. It can also be addictive, and can lead to a lack of productivity and social isolation.
• Friend 1: I see your point, but I think it all comes down to moderation. Watching a little bit of TV each day can be a healthy way to relax and unwind, but watching too much can be detrimental to your health and well-being.

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