Advantage-disadvantage essay:

Television plays a significant role in people’s lives. What are the advantages and disadvantages of television?

Sample answer by Lifestyle Training Centre:

Television has been a ubiquitous presence in people’s lives for decades, and its influence is undeniable. This essay aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of television and, ultimately, present a balanced perspective on this ubiquitous form of entertainment and information.

One of the primary advantages of television is its role as a source of information and knowledge. News programs, documentaries, and educational channels provide valuable insights into current events, history, science, and culture. Viewers can stay informed about global and local affairs without relying solely on print media. Furthermore, educational programming caters to all age groups, making learning more accessible. Television is also a powerful medium for entertainment. It offers a wide range of shows, from gripping dramas to hilarious comedies. It provides a convenient and inexpensive way for families and individuals to unwind and enjoy leisure time. Additionally, television programs can encourage creativity and imagination, fostering the development of talented individuals in the fields of acting, writing, and production.

On the flip side, television brings with it several disadvantages. First and foremost, excessive television viewing can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sitting while watching TV is often linked to health issues such as obesity and related conditions. Moreover, some programs and content may be inappropriate or harmful, particularly for young and impressionable viewers. There is also a growing concern about the negative influence of violence, inappropriate language, and adult content on children. Another disadvantage lies in the potential for addiction. People, both young and old, can become engrossed in television to the detriment of their responsibilities, relationships, and overall productivity. The constant exposure to advertising, often promoting unhealthy products, can also contribute to consumerism and unhealthy habits.

In conclusion, television holds a significant place in people’s lives, providing information, education, and entertainment. Its advantages include broad access to knowledge and diverse entertainment options. However, disadvantages encompass health-related issues, exposure to inappropriate content, and the potential for addiction. The stance on television depends on responsible and mindful viewing habits, recognising its potential benefits while mitigating its drawbacks.

List of vocabulary used:

1. Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere; something that is very common or widespread.
2. Influence: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
3. Advantages: Positive aspects or benefits of something.
4. Disadvantages: Negative aspects or drawbacks of something.
5. Perspective: A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
6. Source: A place, person, or thing from which something originates or can be obtained.
7. Insights: Deep understanding of a person or thing.
8. Current events: Recent happenings or news that are relevant at the present time.
9. Accessible: Easy to approach, reach, or use.
10. Medium: A means or channel of communication or expression.
11. Leisure: Free time when one is not working and can relax and enjoy activities.
12. Creativity: The use of imagination or original ideas to create something.
13. Sedentary: Involving much sitting and little physical activity.
14. Obesity: The condition of being grossly overweight or having an excessive amount of body fat.
15. Impressionable: Easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability.
16. Addiction: The compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance or activity, despite harmful consequences.
17. Consumerism: The protection or promotion of the interests of consumers, often leading to excessive buying.
18. Mitigating: Making something less severe, serious, or painful.
19. Educational: Intended to teach or inform.
20. Valuable: Worth a lot, either in terms of money or importance.
21. Documentaries: Non-fiction films or television programs that provide a factual report on a particular subject.
22. Convenient: Fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, and plans; easy to use.
23. Inexpensive: Not costing a lot of money; affordable.
24. Unwind: Relax after a period of work or tension.
25. Gripping: Very exciting and holding your attention completely.
26. Encourage: Give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
27. Talented: Having a natural aptitude or skill for something.
28. Prolonged: Extended in time; lasting for a long time.
29. Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances.
30. Harmful: Causing or likely to cause harm.
31. Concern: A matter of interest or importance to someone, often causing worry.
32. Exposure: The state of being subjected to something (such as an influence or environment) without protection.
33. Responsibilities: Duties or tasks that one is required or expected to carry out.
34. Advertising: The activity or profession of producing advertisements for commercial products or services.
35. Promoting: Supporting or actively encouraging something.
36. Habits: Regular practices or routines, especially ones that are hard to give up.
37. Broad: Wide-ranging; covering a large number and wide scope of subjects or areas.
38. Content: The information or material contained in something.
39. Potential: Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.
40. Mindful: Being aware of and attentive to something.

IETLS AC WRITING TASK 2