Sum up the opinions. Say which opinions you agree or disagree with, explain why.

To compare books to television is like comparing one religion against another. They are both amazing ways for people to expand their mind and become more aware of the world surrounding them. Books are a brilliant way of taking in information whilst relaxing – but without TV no one would know what was going on in the world.

My favourite pastime is having a long soak in the bath with a good book and a glass of wine, before going to bed and watching Brookside, so which category do I fall into? By the way, on average I read two or three novels a month – ranging from best-sellers to classics.

Menna, Wales

I like to read, and also to write fiction. I like to play computer games and I like to watch TV and read comics. I find all of these things intellectually stimulating and keeping my mind active. To anyone who doesn’t have the time to read I would advise them to make time as they are missing out on a wonderful experience. I would say the same to anyone who refuses to watch films or play computer games. They are all fun and do my mind good. The Lord of the Rings is the reason I am such a voracious reader and I can’t wait to see the film adaptation. I am reading the book again in preparation. I don’t see why one should be incompatible with the other.

Ken Hargraves, England

I agree with some of the comments made earlier – it is a question of priorities. I do read, albeit irregularly, but it tends to be something that I do when I really have nothing else to do, instead of something that I make time for. It is a pitiful excuse for not doing something that I truly do enjoy, especially with books being one of the cheaper forms of entertainment available. Perhaps it is my reliance on films (another of my favourite pastimes) that has led me to keep reading as such a low priority task. I do, however, intend to change and, recently, I decided that there were a number of books I really should read, and I intend to read them all.

Dave Adamson, UK

I think there is a place in our modern world for all forms of media, be it books, internet, or TV. The accusations against TV usually stem from garbage programming but it should be remembered that not all internet sites are credible nor are all books of the highest order. Personally I find some classic books unbearable, soap operas just awful and MTV style web sites too much. On the other hand, I love history books, always watch sport and regularly buy books on the web. My conclusion is that there is a wealth of media out there that we can expose ourselves to but ultimately it’s down to personal choice which formats and which genres and styles we prefer.

Carsten Doig, UK

I think one of the reasons that I love reading so much is its flexibility. You can choose what you want to read and when. You can pick a book up anywhere, at any time, and carry on from where you left off the last time. Reading can offer pure escapism or useful information, and always expands the reader’s experience both of language and of life. Reading can be combined with other pleasures – I often read while listening to music and it’s particularly nice to be able to take a book outside and read in the sun (when it’s out).

Amanda, UK

You don’t find time to read, you make time. It’s all about how you prioritize. Life is only as hectic as you let it get. I am proud to be a reader, especially an American one, since we seem to be a dying breed. Reading allows you to escape the world for awhile, helps to sharpen spelling and grammar skills and lets you use your imagination. (Not to mention the fact that you might actually learn something!) My colleagues and I have started a book club. It’s a wonderful chance to share our love of reading with each other. We enjoy dinner and a lively discussion, since we’re all of different ages, races, religions, etc. We read everything from Pulitzer prize winners to best-selling trash. I find it a shame that most people view literature through Hollywood’s eyes. They don’t have time to read the book, but will wait in line for hours to get tickets to the movie.

Barbara Beall, Maryland, USA

I used to read 4 or 5 hours a day till I became an internet addict. Now I have access to the internet the whole day and everything I need I get on the net and consequently the computer takes much of my reading time. Reading is one of the pleasurable activities and somehow all my friends are voracious readers. I have been a member of various book clubs and literary associations. These days the younger generation doesn’t give importance to reading and it is because most of them are either coach potatoes or net addicts. I believe in the statement: “Reading maketh a full man.” (Francis Bacon).

Albert P’Rayan, India, Rwanda

Those who want to read will find the time to do it. Newspapers and magazines are important too. You don’t have to read the latest high brow novel. In an ideal world books would be one (in my opinion - irreplaceable) medium alongside TV and internet. In our house we have no TV but we do use the internet, radio, and lots of newspapers. We never get bored.

W. Carlson, UK

I think that too much nostalgia is placed around the format of the book in the point that it is often believed that everything written in a book is both wholesome and true to the detriment of other forms of entertainment. It should be recognized that all forms of media and communication, for entertainment, can be positively stimulating. Films and video “games” are very often discredited by people who favour books. Shame because the video “game” can be every bit as stimulating as a book while exercising additional intellect in the process. The word ‘game’ can be misleading.

Mark Kent, UK

Reading is active. Watching TV is passive. Reading gives and watching TV takes. While you are rewarded for making an effort, you always end up paying for your laziness. That is all there is to it.

Alice, UK

Finding the time in modern life to curl up with a book is difficult but is still one of the greatest pleasures. Despite all the information available online I think there is no way of absorbing information quite like reading – pure escapism.

Barry, UK

Reading is the ultimate way to chill out during a hectic week and to unwind at the end of the week. Everyone has access to books – public libraries are free to use. There are books to suit everyone, but what it boils down to is laziness. Going to the library is too much effort – it’s easier to watch TV, even if there’s nothing of interest on. A lazy body breeds a lazy mind.

Kev, UK

As we left our villages to work in the cities during the Industrial Revolution, the traditional storytellers lost their audiences in the villages. It seemed as if storytelling would die out completely. The invention of radio and later television made it possible for stories to be told again to reach a large group more easily. Radio and television are just a form of storytellers, as are books. To say that one is better that the other is shortsighted. As long as there is a mind to feed, books, television, internet, etc. can feed it.

Jose Fernandez, Netherlands

As an editor, I read constantly. But I must object to those who use reading as a form of snobbery. Life is too short to spend it doing things that bore you: if some people prefer television and film to books, so be it.

Peter Smith, UK

Our modern age is marked by one thing: noise. Television, radio, pop music and the like all produce a cacophony of ephemeral nonsense that drowns out all thought, reflection and knowledge. Reading, on the other hand, is an activity that is both the most personal and social activity that one can have. Sitting with a book one is free to touch the minds of those who have lived centuries before us and whose thoughts will live long after we are dead.

David Szondy, USA (British)

Watching TV and reading are both stimulating and useful, but in different ways. Neither one should be judged against the other as it’s not comparing like with like.

Owen, UK

Why do people who read lots always assume superiority over those who don’t? Reading may stretch one’s imagination, but then so does daydreaming! I could gain just as much from having an intellectually stimulating conversation with friends as I could from a book – and, as a sociable creature, quite often that’s what I’d rather do! The telly doesn’t even come into it – it provides a different entertainment medium altogether.

Richard G., UK

There are many people who find it difficult to read a book, namely dyslexics, Are we to assume that these people are dumb? Everybody finds pleasure in different pastimes. Listening to the radio and gardening may please some but to others it may seem incredibly boring. No one is any better that anybody else simply because they don’t watch TV.

James, UK

Both communications and the media have become fast moving snippet style information and I feel to some extent we have got out of the habit of sitting down and taking in a large volume of information at one sitting.

Gerry, Scotland

I enjoy reading and find that after a stressful day at work a good read helps to relax you. Television these days is all too depressing and does not help at all!

Andrew, England

Most people who choose TV over reading don’t lead hectic lives at all and often aren’t really busy. In fact, I believe most of them are either unemployed or have only the very basic education. TV is just an excuse for being dumb.

Jim Bell, UK

If everyone is reading less, it is due to the proliferation of new communication mediums. Unfortunately, most of these require little intellectual involvement. I think I would go slowly insane if I wasn’t able to read!

Mark B, UK

Today’s environment is not hectic. People are not too busy, most of them don’t really do anything apart from work and commuting, yet it’s a great excuse for intellectual inertia. TV and reading are two distinctly different things and are not even related. Watching filmed versions of literature is like listening to people tell you about having sex rather than doing it yourself – not terribly exciting.

Fred Bailey, UK

We chucked out our TV 18 years ago. To astounded workmates who ask: “But what do you do with yourself? ”, I reply we spend our evenings reading, listening to the radio or music and, in the summer, gardening. We talk, do handicrafts, in short – use both our brains and our hands. Dare I say it – life is not only possible, but much more fun without the dreaded box.

Eileen, UK

VOCABULARY

adapt, v 1. make suitable (to or for a purpose); modify, alter

2. change a book or play so that it can be made into a film, TV programme, etc.

e.g. The film is adapted from a Michael Crichton novel.

adaptable, a

adaptability, n

adapted, a (fml) especially suitable for sth or sb

e.g. a plant well adapted to warm, dry condition.

adaptation (or adaption), n 1. a book or play that has been made into a film, TV programme, etc.

e.g. The television adaptation of the play was very successful.

2. the process of changing sth so that it can be used for a different purpose

addict, v devote, apply habitually or compulsively (to a practice)

addict, n 1. person addicted to a habit, esp. one dependent on a (specified) drug

e.g. drug addict; heroine addict

2. (colloq) enthusiastic devotee of a sport or pastime

e.g. a TV addict, a film addict, an internet addict

addicted, a (to) 1. unable to stop taking an illegal or harmful drug

e.g. addicted to cocaine

2. enjoying a particular activity very much and spending as much time as you can doing it

e.g. I don’t want the kids getting addicted to stupid TV programmes.

addictive, a causing addiction and dependence; habit-forming

e.g. Cigarettes are harmful, highly addictive, and aggressively marketed to young people.

Opp.: non-addictive, a

addiction, n the state of being addicted or a habit to which one is addicted

e.g. the growing problem of heroine addiction among young people; his addiction to the Internet

average, n a level or standard regarded as usual or ordinary

e.g. His school-work is well above/below average. We receive 20 letters a day on average. A higher that average attendance.

average, a of the usual or ordinary kind

e.g. There was nothing special about the film – it was only average. The average man in the street.

average, v 1. to be as an average

e.g. Our mail averages 20 letters a day.

2. to do, have or get as an average or usual quality.

e.g. I average 8 hours’ work a day.

boil down (to) v (infml) (of a statement, situation, argument, etc.) to be or mean, leaving out the unnecessary parts

e.g. The report boils down to a demand for higher safety standards.

discredit, v 1. cause people to lack faith in; stop people believing in or having respect for

e.g. a deliberate attempt to discredit the government

2. to refuse to believe in

e.g. One should discredit a good deal of what is printed in newspapers.

discredit, n 1. loss of belief, trust, or the good opinion of others

e.g. Their behaviour has brought discredit on English football. I know a few things to her discredit (= bad things about her)

2. sb or sth that brings shame or loss of respect; a disgrace

e.g. That boy is a discredit to his family.

discreditable, a (of behaviour) causing discredit; shameful

discreditably, adv

down to the responsibility or fault of

e.g. It’s down to Tom whether he decides to pay. The failure is really down to bad management.

Cf.: up to to depend on (sb)

e.g. It’s up to you to keep the boy out of trouble.

escapism, n (derog) activity intended to provide escape from unpleasant or dull reality

e.g. He thinks that reading science fiction is just escapism.

escapist, n, a

expose (sb to sth), v (fml) to introduce new ideas, activities, etc. to sb so that they can learn about them

e.g. Schools are again exposing children to the classics.

face up (to), v to be brave enough to accept or deal with

e.g. You must face up to your responsibilities.

fall into, v to be divided into (kinds); belong to (a class)

e.g. These books fall into 3 classes. This book falls into the class of children’s stories.

Syn.: come under/within, fall under/within, go under

e.g. This word goes under G.

flexible, a 1. that can bend or bends easily

2. that can change or be changed to be suitable for new needs, changed conditions, etc.

e.g. Our plans are fairly flexible.

Opp.: inflexible, a

flexibility, n

flexibly, adv

hectic, a full of excitement or hurried activity

e.g. a hectic day at the office

highbrow, n (sometimes derog) sb who is thought to have more that average knowledge of, or interest in artistic and intellectual matters

highbrow, a

Opp.: lowbrow, n (usu. derog) sb who has no interest in literature, the arts, etc.

lowbrow, a

Cf.: middlebrow, n (sometimes derog) a person who likes music, painting, poetry, etc. that is of quite good quality and is liked by lots of other people but is not too difficult to understand

middlebrow, a

replace, v 1. to take the place of

e.g. George has replaced Edward as captain of the team.

2. (with/by) to change (one person or thing) for another, often better, newer, etc.

e.g. We’ve replaced the old adding machine with/by a computer.

3. (fml) to put sth back in the right place

e.g. He replaced the book on the shelf.

Cf.: We replaced apples with oranges. (= We put oranges in the place of apples.)

We substituted apples for oranges. (= We put apples in the place of oranges.)

replacement, n 1. the act of replacing, esp. with sth better, newer, etc.

e.g. in need of replacement

2. (for) sb or sth that replaces

e.g. We need a replacement for the secretary who left.

replaceable, a

irreplaceable, a too special, unusual, or valuable for anything else to take its place

e.g. Don’t break the vase – it’s irreplaceable! We’ll miss him when he leaves the company, but no one’s irreplaceable. (= someone else will be able to do his job)

medium, n (pl media or mediums) a method for giving information; form of art

e.g. Television can be a medium for giving information and opinions, for amusing people, and for teaching them. Entertainment medium

the (mass) media, n the newspapers, television, and radio

e.g. The media has/have a lot of power today. Government control over the media

priority, n 1. (over) the state or right of coming before others in position or time

2. sth that needs attention, consideration, service, etc. before others

e.g. This business agreement is a top priority. You must get your priorities right. (= deal with the most important things first.)

prioritize, v 1. to decide in what order you should do things based on how important or urgent they are

2. to treat a job or issue as more important than any others

range, v 1. to vary between limits; reach from one limit to another

e.g. The children’s ages range from 5 to 15 / between 5 and 15. A wide-ranging program of reforms

2. (over) (lit) to wander freely

e.g. We ranged (over) the hills. The conversation ranged over many topics.

3. to put in position or order, esp. in lines or rows; arrange

shortsighted, a 1. (esp. BrE) / nearsighted, a (esp. AmE) unable to see objects clearly if they are not close to the eyes

Opp.: longsighted, a

2. (derog) not considering the likely future effects of present actions; lacking foresight

e.g. It’s very shortsighted not to spend money on repairs.

Opp.: farsighted, a

shortsightedness, n

shortsightedly, adv

ultimately, adv in the end; after everything or everyone else has been taken into account

e.g. Ultimately the decision lay with the president. Ultimately, the success depends on good management.

unwind, v (infml) to stop being nervous; relax, esp. after a period of great effort and pressure

Cf.: unbend, v to behave in a less formal and severe manner; relax

view, v 1. (as, with) to consider, regard; think about

e.g. The subject may be viewed in different ways. He doesn’t view the matter in the same light.

ç to view sth through sb’s eyes

2. to examine; look at thoroughly

3. (tech) to watch (esp. television)

e.g. The viewing figures for this programme have been poor. (= not many people have watched it)

viewer, n 1. sb who watches or is watching, esp. television

e.g. Angry viewers have written in to complain. This programme is for young viewers (= children).

2. an apparatus for looking at transparent colour photographs

e.g. a slide viewer

viewable, a

voracious, a 1. eating or wanting large quantities of food

e.g. a voracious appetite

2. having or showing a limitless eagerness, like a hunger, for sth

e.g. She is a voracious reader of biographies.

voracity, n

voraciousness, n

voraciously, adv