Section C: Non-Narrative Text

1

Although John Logie Baird is often called the father of television’, it did not come to us through the work of a single inventor, but of many people working, both alone and together, to contribute to its evolution.

2

Television has made the world a global village in ways which could not have been dreamed of a century ago. We hear important news stories from around the planet almost as soon as they happen – some of them tragic, such as natural disasters, and some happy, such as medical advances. The same worldwide coverage enables businesses to advertise their products to large audiences, greatly increasing their profits. However, the constant stream of tempting images of consumer goods in our own homes can lead to discontent with our own lives and envy of others.

3

Television is a learning tool because through it we can acquire knowledge on a wide range of topics to which we would otherwise never have access, for example, by watching a programme about global warming. In the same way, a favourite TV chef, say, explaining how to make pastry can teach us a new skill. The acquisition of knowledge through television can change our behaviour. Learning about an endangered species such as the panda might move us to make financial contributions towards its conservation or join a group dedicated to highlighting the plight of such creatures.

4

On a more mundane level, television affords us an opportunity to relax. After school or work, many of us love to curl up in front of the television to catch up on a favourite drama or watch a game show. We might enjoy following the fortunes of a favourite character in a television series, set in a location which interests us. The fact that television offers so much affordable entertainment in our own homes also makes it attractive. There is no need to buy expensive tickets for the cinema or theatre. On the other hand, the image of people slouching in front of the television night after night has given rise to the term ‘couch potato’. Going for a walk or to the gym would be much more beneficial for overall health.

5

Although we might be attracted to the image of the happy family gathered companionably around the television, what really happens may be different. Television can draw children into their bedrooms to watch their own choice of programmes alone, taking their meal with them, so that even eating together becomes less common. Consequently, television often breaks up families, rather than uniting them. Moreover, some of the material on television might be inappropriate, especially for children, and undermine the values parents are trying to teach.

6

Too much viewing of programmes such as soap operas can make us less engaged with our own lives than with those of imaginary characters so that sometimes we cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is fantasy. Also, because television brings Us news of tragedy almost instantaneously, there is evidence to suggest that this can make us insensitive to suffering that we see, for example, people stranded in flood waters. It is possible that we see these images as repetitive and boring or, even worse, as entertainment.