Mass media Reading

Match a paragraph with one of the headings below. 

The press, television and radio (mass media) play an important part in the life of the society. They influence the way people look at the world and make them change their views. Some people say, ”News is not what happens – it is what you see or read in mass media.” In other words, mass media shapes public opinion. (Sometimes it is good, but sometimes terribly bad. It depends.)

Match a paragraph with one of the headings below.

Millions of people in their spare time watch TV and read newspapers and magazines. Television dominates one`s life if the family watches it most of the time. Television informs, educates, and entertains people. It is also a habit-forming drug impossible to resist.

Various TV games, such as quiz shows, and music programmes attract a large audience. During TV quiz programmes the questions are answered by the viewers.

Then there are daily TV serials known as soap operas. Some people find them boring, others consider them to be good entertainment and relaxation.

 Match a paragraph with one of the headings below.

There is also a lot of advertising on TV. A lot of commercial firms buy the time to advertise their goods.

Advertising often annoys the general public. A film, a good basketball or football match may be interrupted several times with advertisements for the soap powder or new perfume.

To convince the viewers that a certain product is the best and to persuade him to buy it takes not only a lot of imagination but also a lot of time. The same advertisements are repeated dozens of time every day, which bores the viewers.

Match a paragraph with one of the headings below.

Some people say there is too much violence on television, which has a bad influence on viewers, especially young people. Television often shows scenes of violence.

 Match a paragraph with one of the headings below.

But it is hardly fair to say that TV doesn`t try to raise the cultural level of the people or develop their artistic taste. Many of TV programmes are excellent: they are made in good taste and with great professional skill. Television brings into millions of homes not only news and entertainment, but also cultural and educational programmes.

Good or bad, television brings the world into our home and makes us closer to other people.

Besides, it is a good company for people who live alone.

Значение слова: avoid

Значение слова: gossip

Значение слова: contemporary

Find out true statements according to the text.

Television.

The first commercial television broadcast was made on April 20, 1939 by Radio Corporation of America. Since 1939, it has become one of the most important facts of modern life. Television is very much a part of modern world. Its influence is felt all over the world.

Television is a reflection of the modern world, some people say. It shows contemporary society.

It affects customs and culture, others say.

Television is bad for culture because it keeps culture from growing, still others say.

Good or bad, television is difficult to avoid. It enters homes, stores, airports, and offices. It is here to stay.