Describe a TV program you like to watch

October 5, 2022

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Describe a TV program you like to watch – IELTS speaking part 2

Kinds of TV shows/programs

Sitcom

A funny or amusing TV program that’s about fictional characters.

For example, The big bang theory, Friends etc.

Soap / soap opera

A soap opera is a fictional drama about people’s daily lives

Documentary

A documentary is a TV program that explores or documents real life events.

Drama

A drama is a fictional story, with actors and usually has a more serious plot.

Cooking show

A cooking show/cookery show is a show that presents food, and how to cook different dishes.

Game show

A game show is a TV show in which contestants, individually or as teams, play a game that involves answering questions or solving puzzles, trying to win money or prizes.

Reality show

Reality television is a program that documents supposedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unknown individuals rather than professional or famous actors. Some popular reality shows are: Survivor, American Idol, and Big Brother.

Chat show

A talk show or chat show is a television program structured around the act of spontaneous conversation between the host and a guest/guests.

Describe a TV program/show you like to watch

You should say:

What it is
When you watch it
What it’s about

And explain why you like to watch it

“I’m not actually a huge fan of TV, but there is one show that I do enjoy watching every weekend. It’s called _______ idol, which is a hugely popular reality show, where aspiring singers compete against each other for a shot at fame, or even a record contract.

The show is on every Sunday night at about 8pm, and I normally watch it at home with my family.

Young people who dream of being a famous singer, can have the chance to be chosen to perform on the show in front of judges who select the best performers. Later on the public can also get involved, and vote for their favourite singer by phone or online, and the singer with the most votes becomes the winner.

One of the things I love about this show is that it gives any Joe Bloggs off the street, not only a genuine chance to show off their talent, but to also have a shot at fame.

I think we all dream of what it might be like to be a star, and this show really opens doors for some of these dreamers, if of course they have the talent.

On top of that, it’s a lot of fun watching the early stages of the show, and passing judgement on the different contestants as well as supporting the best singers, as if I had discovered them myself.

Thank you.”

Idioms:

A shot at fame

To have a shot means to have a chance of success.

“After studying hard for the last year, I believe that I have a shot at getting an 8 in my IELTS speaking exam.”

Joe Bloggs

An average or typical person

“A Ferrari is not the kind of car that Joe Bloggs would buy.”

To open doors

To give opportunities to someone, often related to employment or career advancement.

“Getting a high band score in the IELTS exam can open the doors for studying or working abroad.”

Describe a TV program you like to watch – Part 3

What kind of TV shows are popular in your country today?

“Oh, I guess there are many types of TV programs that are popular these days. I think one of the most popular kinds of shows would have to be reality shows, which have really grown in popularity over the past few years, especially with younger people.

As well as that, chat shows are always popular, and there is one chat show in particular that gets a huge audience every week.

A lot of older people enjoy watching the news or current affairs programs, and on top of that, sports shows are also always popular.”

Why do you think that reality shows are so popular today?

“Well, I think a lot of people like to dream or fantasise about what it would be like to be famous.When people watch these kinds of shows, and see others just like themselves taking part, it allows them to imagine that they could also become a TV celebrity.

What’s more, I believe that these sort of shows are a kind of mindless entertainment, to which people can relax or unwind after a long day at work, without having to tax their brains.”

Do you think that TV can be educational?

“Yes, I think that some programs can be extremely educational for people of all ages. There are many good and informative documentaries to be found on TV covering so many different topics. There are documentaries on history, wildlife, culture, as well as many other examples, all of which can be educational.

On top of that, many people have access to foreign or foreign language channels, and can learn about and experience foreign culture through their TV screens.

There are also some very good and entertaining shows for children, which often help to teach kids important values or lessons on life, as well as having a positive impact on a child’s education.”

Are foreign TV shows popular in your country?

“Well, I think generally speaking people prefer to watch local shows, as there are no language barriers, and many people really don’t enjoy trying to read subtitles. On top of this I think people from different cultures usually have different tastes in the kind of TV shows they enjoy. On top of that I think that when it comes to language, that very often some of the meaning can be lost in translation.

Having said that, a lot of young people today do enjoy watching foreign TV shows, especially with the growing popularity of streaming sites, such as netflix. I guess these shows can help them to learn more about other cultures, as well as helping them to improve their English.”