Television, Computers, Books

As far as books and computers are concerned, I can say in my firm confidence that computers will never replace books. First because they fulfil different functions. It's true that both books and computers contain information. But one computer is worth the whole library. So perhaps, computers will replace reference books because it's quicker and easier to find the necessary information in the computer than in reference books.

But I'm sure computers can't be compared to fiction. Historical novels, adventure books, detective stories, science fiction, romance, poems, which we read for pleasure or if they are recommended by teachers create a special atmosphere. They take us into the imaginary world of high human emotions, exciting relations. A computer can help you in reading these books without turning the pages but working on the computer demands certain effort. You are to sit straight, not to stoop, you keep your finger on the keyboard. Besides computers have a harmful impact on the eyesight. In my opinion, it's impossible to read "War and peace" on the screen. We'll lack something important: the invisible contact with the writer who speaks with us from the passed centuries.

As to TV, it's role is expressed in the proverb, "It's better to see than to hear". Paraphrasing it we can say it's good to see after you have read. Screen versions of literary masterpieces add much to our understanding the author and arouse unforgettable emotions. But books are the greatest wonders in the world, which bring us knowledge and bring us up. Through centuries and distances we can keep in tough with the greatest minds in the universe.

Vocabulary

Acguaint — знакомиться

Amount—количество

Contribute— способствовать

Coverage—охват, освещение по радио

Documentary—документальный фильм

Entertaining—развлекательный

Feature film— художественный фильм

In the recent years—в последние годы

Increase— увеличение, возрастание

Leisure time— свободное время

Managerial— административный

Mass media —средства массовой информации

Observer— обозреватель

Opinion— мнение

Professional classes— лица свободной профессии или интеллигентного труда—адвокаты, врачи архитекторы, преподаватели и т. п.

Provoke—вызывать, провоцировать

Topical issuе—злободневная проблема

Unskilled —неквалифицированный

View— взгляд, мнение

Viewer—телезритель

Waste—бесполезная трата

TV and Radio

Radio and TV are mass media which keep people informed on the topical issues of the day. Both on radio and TV you can listen to a programme on sports, art, news, music and weather. The difference is that on TV you can see everything you've heard about. And it's an important advantage. Besides, there are a lot of entertaining programmes on TV, a lot feature, documentary films which provoke hot discussions. But watching TV is often a waster of time.

Radio is preferable to TV when you are at work and need information or have to focus your attention on something else. For example, when you drive a car, it’s better to listen to radio then to watch TV.

But both radio and TV play an important role in our life as well as newspapers. They give the full coverage of the latest events, comment on the most important developments, political and domestic affairs. They acquaint us with different views and opinions. Thus, they contribute to the development of the information network.

That’s why in the recent years there has been the increase in the amount of time spent watching TV. Though it depends on the season, the age of the viewers and social class. For example, TV viewing is less popular in summer then in winter. It is more popular with old people than with other age groups. Professional and managerial classes watch less then the unskilled. Besides, women watch more then men.