Use of English

Television's Influence

For decades, television has played a central role in shaping public opinion, cultural habits and even family routines. Long before the internet became widespread, it was the main source of news and entertainment for millions, and its influence still (0) REMAINS considerable today. Some critics argue that television has contributed to a decline in face-to-face interaction, as viewers may become so (1) .......... in programmes that they pay less attention to those around them. Others, however, point (2) .......... that television has also informed the public, raised awareness of social issues and brought major world events into people’s homes. Its impact on society is therefore difficult to assess in simple terms. On the one hand, television can reinforce stereotypes if certain groups are repeatedly (3) .......... in limited or misleading ways. On the other hand, it can broaden horizons by exposing audiences to unfamiliar cultures and ideas. Much depends on how viewers respond to what they see, rather than accepting it at face (4) ........... In recent years, the rise of streaming services has changed viewing habits, but traditional television still holds a strong (5) .......... in many households. Whether television is ultimately beneficial or harmful may depend less on the medium itself than on the way it is used. Used thoughtfully, it can serve as a valuable source of knowledge; used carelessly, it may simply (6) .......... existing prejudices or encourage passivity. For this reason, many educators argue that media literacy should be taught so that people can (7) .......... between reliable content and material designed purely to manipulate. In that way, society may be better (8) .......... to deal with television’s lasting influence.