Topic 145: Reality Shows and Their Popularity

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is a reality show?

2. Why do people like to watch reality shows?

3. What are some popular reality shows you know?

4. Do you think reality shows are real or scripted? Why?

5. How do you feel when you watch a reality show?

6. Do you think reality shows help people learn something new? Why or why not?

7. Why do you think people enjoy watching other people’s lives on TV?

8. What do you think about the people who go on reality shows?

9. Do you think reality shows are good for entertainment? Why?

10. How do reality shows make you feel about the people involved in them?

11. What kind of reality shows do you think are the most interesting?

12. Do you think reality shows are good or bad for society? Why?

13. How would you feel if you were on a reality show?

14. What makes a reality show successful in your opinion?

15. Do you think reality shows are different in different countries? How?

16. Would you like to be on a reality show? Why or why not?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. What are some examples of reality shows that have had a big impact on popular culture?

18. How do you think reality shows affect people’s views on life and relationships?

19. Why do some people criticize reality shows?

20. What role do social media and public opinions play in the popularity of reality shows?

21. How do reality shows influence the way people act or dress?

22. What are some positive and negative aspects of reality shows?

23. How does watching reality shows compare to watching scripted TV shows or movies?

24. Why do reality shows sometimes attract controversy or criticism?

25. Do you think reality shows give a real picture of people’s lives? Why or why not?

26. How do reality shows affect the celebrities or participants who appear on them?

27. What is the relationship between the popularity of reality shows and the rise of social media influencers?

28. What are the most common themes in reality shows?

29. How does the format of reality shows influence their success?

30. Why do some people enjoy watching reality shows that focus on competition or conflict?

31. Do you think reality shows should be more ethical in their portrayal of participants? Why?

32. How do reality shows influence the way people perceive fame and success?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How do reality shows contribute to the shaping of contemporary cultural norms and values?

34. What impact do reality shows have on the public’s understanding of personal identity and privacy?

35. How do reality shows manipulate the emotions and behaviors of both participants and viewers?

36. What ethical concerns arise from the way reality shows are produced and edited?

37. How does the rise of reality television reflect broader societal shifts towards voyeurism and sensationalism?

38. What are the psychological effects of consuming reality television on audiences, especially younger viewers?

39. How do reality shows portray issues such as class, race, and gender, and what are the implications of these portrayals?

40. What is the role of producers and editors in crafting the narrative of a reality show?

41. How do reality shows compare to traditional scripted television in terms of narrative structure and audience engagement?

42. What influence do reality shows have on the concept of “celebrity” and the pursuit of fame?

43. How do cultural differences shape the way reality shows are produced and received in different countries?

44. How does the popularity of reality shows influence the television industry and the production of other types of entertainment?

45. What are the long-term consequences for participants who become famous through reality television?

46. Do reality shows exploit or empower the people who participate in them? Discuss.

47. What are the social and ethical implications of the rise of reality shows as a dominant form of entertainment?

48. How can reality television be reimagined or restructured to address concerns about its impact on society and culture?