Review a TV programme
Last week we looked at a listing of television programmes. Once you have seen some of the shows, you may want to express an opinion. This can be very effective.
You can think carefully about what you want to say and compose your thoughts and ideas in a clear, readable way.
After people read your piece, they will think about the programmes they have seen. Perhaps some of your friends or classmates could write about the same programmes and then you could all compare what you have written.
Whatever you decide, when you have written your piece, you could put it on the school notice board. If you have a school newspaper, you could submit it to the editor. Have fun!
Television Review
Last night's English language television was one of the best for a very long time. There was hardly a weak point in the schedule. Every programme seemed to have something to recommend it.
The evening began with Walking With Cockroaches. This was a fascinating look at the world of one of the most hated creatures in Hong Kong. The commentary was informative and the photography superb. We need more programmes like this one.
This was followed by the current affairs programme, View From The Peak. All the guests had something interesting to say about pollution in Hong Kong.
The fact that they all have official jobs in the government means perhaps the programme will do some good. We need more than talking; we need action.
After the news, viewers were treated to two first-class comedies. The first was the ever-popular American series of Friends. This was the classic episode when Chandler and Monica got married. It was a good mix of humour and emotion.
This was followed by the local Victoria Park. The funniest part was when the hawker chased the triad members down a street and they all bumped into a police car.
The main news broadcast was informative as usual. It was followed by a short news programme about finance. This gave useful advice to viewers about how to invest money. The main feature was all about property in Hong Kong. I almost rushed out to buy a flat there and then!
The main movie was very entertaining. It was a kung fu classic called Death of the Dragon. All the fight scenes were exciting. But there was also a good storyline. I found it a perfect way to relax before going to bed.
Glossary
Schedule (n) - timetable
Fascinating (adj) - very interesting
Documentary (n) - factual information
Official (adj) - something relating to administration or authority
Finance (n) - something to do with money, business or investment
Questions
1. What was the second programme in the schedule?
2. Which programme had superb photography?
3. What happened in Friends?
4. What did the triad members bump into?
5. Name the kung fu movie
Writing style
Programme reviews often talk about the shows in the order in which they are broadcast. Notice how the writer uses phrases such as 'First' and 'This was followed by'. Read the sentences below and write them in the correct order.
6. The final programme was a sports documentary.
7. This was followed by the main news.
8. First, viewers could watch an adventure movie.
Crossword
There are many places you can find information about TV programmes. Read the clues below and fill the boxes in the crossword.
1. Short advertisements on TV
2. This contains other news usually every day
3. A glossy publication
4. Computers connect to this
5. These are posted onto walls
6. You normally only listen to this
Answers: 1. View From The Peak; 2. Walking With Cockroaches; 3. Monica and Chandler got married; 4. a police car; 5. Death of the Dragon; The programme order should be: 8, 7, 6
Crossword: 1. previews; 2. newspaper; 3. magazine; 4. internet; 5. posters; 6. radio
