Question
Some people believe that television has a positive impact on children’s behaviour, while others think it has a negative effect.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Answer
Introduction
Television has become an integral part of children’s daily routines, shaping their thinking and social behaviour in numerous ways. While some argue that it encourages learning and broadens horizons, others believe it fosters unhealthy habits and negative attitudes. This essay will discuss both perspectives before concluding with my own opinion.
Overview
Overall, the influence of television on children is a double-edged sword. It can serve as an educational tool when used wisely, yet it can also harm children’s emotional and physical well-being if exposure is uncontrolled.
Body Paragraph 1 – Positive Impacts
On the one hand, television can play a vital role in children’s intellectual and social development. Educational channels such as National Geographic Kids or BBC Learning present complex concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, helping youngsters grasp topics like science, history, and culture. Additionally, language development can be enhanced through exposure to quality content in multiple languages, improving vocabulary and pronunciation. Moreover, television introduces children to different cultures and lifestyles, fostering open-mindedness and empathy towards others.
Body Paragraph 2 – Negative Impacts
On the other hand, uncontrolled television consumption can lead to significant drawbacks. Exposure to violent or inappropriate content may normalise aggressive behaviour and desensitise children to harmful actions. Furthermore, prolonged screen time often promotes a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to health problems such as obesity and poor posture. Another concern is the influence of advertisements, which can instil materialistic values and unrealistic expectations in impressionable minds. Finally, the constant stimulation of fast-paced shows may shorten attention spans, affecting academic performance.
Conclusion & Opinion
In my view, television itself is neither inherently good nor bad; its impact depends largely on the type of content consumed and the duration of viewing. By setting clear time limits and choosing age-appropriate programmes, parents can maximise television’s educational benefits while minimising its negative effects.
Lexical Resource & Meanings
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Integral part | Essential or necessary component |
| Broadens horizons | Expands knowledge or experiences |
| Double-edged sword | Something with both advantages and disadvantages |
| Age-appropriate | Suitable for a particular age group |
| Fostering open-mindedness | Encouraging acceptance of different views |
| Normalise | Make something seem normal or acceptable |
| Sedentary lifestyle | Lifestyle involving little physical activity |
| Materialistic values | Focus on wealth and possessions |
| Impressionable minds | Young minds easily influenced |
| Desensitise | Make someone less sensitive to something negative |
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