1
Some people assert that television is useless, a waste of time, or even harmful to young viewers. This opinion is misguided, though. Like many other things, television has its pros and cons. If young people watch television in moderation and choose to tune in to the right series and shows, this form of media can be a valuable learning tool as well as a source of entertainment.
2
Clearly, watching television for hours on end each and every day is not a good habit. However, there is no rule stating that young people must spend this much time in front of the TV. Turning off this device to do something else after tuning in for an hour or so is as easy as pushing the “off” button on the remote.
3
Some argue that the time young people spend watching television could be better used doing almost anything else. However, these people don’t seem to realize that many shows are educational. Nature shows, documentaries, and science programs can teach young people about animal species, other cultures, or even the laws of physics. Learning about something new, regardless of how it is done, is never time wasted.
4
The right television shows can encourage young people to read. Some shows developed for very young children regularly feature books, for example. Additionally, there are titles on the market that feature characters from popular shows. If a young person has an interest in certain characters, this could prompt him or her to read about them in addition to watching them on TV. The young person might even try to draw a picture of the character or write an original story based on a book or show.
5
The content of some television programs may not be appropriate for children or teens. Even ones designed for young people don’t always send positive messages about how to act and treat others. However, the same can be said for most other forms of media, from violent video games to magazine ads for junk food. Adults can play a key role in helping young people analyze what they are watching. For instance, they can point out when characters are being cruel to others and emphasize that this is not respectful behavior. They can prompt young viewers to identify how the people and situations shown on television differ from those encountered in everyday life.
6
Admittedly, there are downsides to watching television, but that doesn’t mean that young people should never engage in this activity. With the help of responsible adults, they can learn to use this form of media wisely while still taking the time to pursue other interests and hobbies.
Multiple Choice Question
In paragraph 4 of Why Young People Should Tune Out, what MAIN connection does the author make between television and reading?
A.
Having a television in the home leads to young people being less able to use their imaginations.
B.
Watching television draws young people away from reading because they can get the same information in less time.
C.
Watching television draws young people away from reading because it requires less thought and effort.
D.
Having a television in the home leads to young people having fewer books to read.
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The correct answer is:
C. Watching television draws young people away from reading because it requires less thought and effort.
This choice reflects the idea that television can be more passive and easier for young viewers compared to the active engagement required in reading.
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