Media Discussion Questions – Agree or Disagree?

Do you agree or disagree with these statements? Say why. Find out what your partner thinks,
and mark the boxes with a tick for agree and a cross for disagree:

1. I really need a new mobile.

2. “Radio is a medium of entertainment which permits millions of people to listen to the same joke at the same time, and yet remain lonesome.” – T. S. Eliot

3. We have so many TV channels, but there’s never anything to watch.

4. I set aside “me-time” especially to read my favourite magazine.

5. The media is too invasive. I feel like I’m being overwhelmed by the constantly updated flow of information.

6. I’ve never listened to a podcast in my life. I don’t see the point.

7. Online news and blogging is sounding the death knell for traditional newspapers.

8. I love reading the latest celebrity gossip.

9. I hate people who give away free newspapers in the street. They’re always getting in my way – and they won’t take no for an answer!

10. The media continually distracts us from what is important in life.

11. “Where ignorance is bliss it’s foolish to borrow your neighbour’s newspaper.” – Kin Hubbard

12. I wouldn’t recognise any of the artists in the Top 40, I’m afraid!

13. I’m in charge of the remote control in my home.

14. “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx

15. Most of what the news media produces is either speculation or downright lies, with very little information that is actually true.

16. Children and teenagers should not have the internet in their rooms.

From Talk a Lot Intermediate Book 1, by Matt Purland