Class Supplement (TOEFL Essay, TV programs that show what your country is like)

Writing Topic A: TV programs can tell us a lot about the culture in which they were produced. What might a foreigner learn about your country from the TV programs that are made in your country?

Note: TV programs as reflection (a mirror) of the culture in which they are produced
Procedure: 1)Name a TV program typical of your country 2) describe the program 3) point out the feature of the program that you think reflects the characteristics of your country
e.g.
family dramas/animations --- typical family structure and life style
popular dramas --- main characters wearing nice clothing, living in cool condominiums or good houses, and enjoying exciting city lives --- materialistic entertainment-pursuing culture
makeover programs --- renovation of houses by famous architects --- developed, mature economy
many kinds of quiz shows from trivia to entrance examination questions for famous junior high schools --- diligent, academic background-oriented society

List of Television Programs
News programs, Animated series, Dramas, Sitcoms, Soap operas, Comedies, Western shows or Samurai dramas, Talk shows/Chat shows, Satirical news programs, Children's television shows, Cooking shows, Game shows, Reality programs (Historical re-creation, Science, Dating, Law Enforcement/Military, Makeover, Lifestyle change, Fantasies fulfilled, Docusoaps starring celebrities, Hidden camera, Reality game shows, Talent Searches, Spoofs/Parodies)


Writing Topic B: Do you agree or disagree with the idea that reading is only beneficial when you read books that concern real people, actual events, and factual information?
To disagree with the statement that only A is ---, you prove that something not A is also ---.
Reading fiction is also beneficial because
1) it teaches reality in a refined way (we can experience different times and different lives in a dramatic way)
2) it conveys great thinker’s minds to us (we can be more thoughtful, better people through good novels)
3) it develops our power of imagination and contributes to build a new world (science fiction loving children grow up to be scientists)