| Level |
Topic |
Speakers |
Length |
| Intermediate |
TV Shows |
Man – Woman |
01:19 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Look at the list of TV programs below. Which shows interest you most? Discuss your answers:
nature, documentary, news, game, home improvement, reality, cartoon, fitness or exercise, soap opera or drama, talk, sitcom, cooking
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
-
In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
-
In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
-
For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and check your progress.
- Watching TV is a waste of time.
- Educational programs make TV more valuable than other forms of entertainment.
- People watch too much TV instead of being active.
- Reality TV is harmful to society.
- Watching TV with family is better than watching alone.
- TV shows influence people’s behavior more than books do.
- Children should have limited TV time every day.
- Watching international TV shows is a good way to learn about other cultures.
Idioms
“get into something” = be interested in something
“How about watching something else on TV? I don’t really get into baseball.”
“couch potato” = someone who sits and watches TV a lot
“I‘m a little worried about my roommate. He’s a real couch potato and doesn’t get outside and exercise very much.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
If you were having a party at your house with some friends, what TV programs would you watch? What do you like and dislike about the following shows? Reality shows, documentaries, news, sitcom, soap operas, nature programs. Explain your reasons.
Online Investigation
Watching online TV shows and viewing instant streaming movies is becoming a common recreational activity for the young and old. Use the internet to find two companies that provide such services. Compare price, convenience, and features of each and discuss your findings with a partner.