<p>I attempted an essay in the Real ACT Prep Guide. Opinions/grade?</p>
<p>As the amount of time students spend watching television increases, teachers debate whether television channels should be required to devote at least 20 percent of their programming to educational shows about topics such as science and history. Some teachers support this policy because they think television is an ideal teaching instrument with a very large and very receptive audience. Other teachers do not support this policy because they think what is considered educational by some could be considered merely entertaining by others. In your opinion, should television channels be required to devote at least 20 percent of their programming to educational shows?</p>
<p>In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.</p>
<p>My response:
Is the extensive viewing of television amongst todays youth corrupting their future?
As many would say, television is by far one of the main sources of entertainment today. From appearing in doctors offices, grocery stores, schools, homes, and anywhere imaginable, television has consumed a great amount of our lives, but is it beneficial?
A large number of educators have began to debate the benefits of television. While some oppose the programming featured, impying that is possesses no form of education, others remain non-chalant about this topic, some even stating that what others view as education, some view as entertainment.
Shows such as Jersey Shore, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, American Idol, and other various hit “reality” shows offer no means of education whatsoever.
In countries such as Japan and China, parents sometimes limit their childrens viewing of television to a maximum of four hours per week, while some often prohibit their childrens viewing of television at all. While in countries such as America, parents often set no restriction to their childrens television viewing, which the large consumption often results in low grades, less homework completed, and lack of responsibility.
While some educators insist that television programming should devote at least 20 percent of its programs to education, I, however, do not find this to be a good idea, but I find it to be of no value. Just because 20 percent of programming is devoted to education does not mean it will attract an audience. In order for programs to be successful and remain on air, they must attract a significant amount of viewers; without a set amount of viewers, a show can not remain on air.
While reality shows have taken the lead in captivating television viewers, educational shows have taken a back seat. Instead of changing television, educators, parents, and mentors should encourage educational activities outside of television and also involve themselves amongst the children in participation of these activities.
As Condoleeza Rice once said, “Education is not just from books, but from the world around us.”</p>