Argumentative Essay 2 : The effects of television viewing Final Draft

The effects of televison viewing

Television, which is one of the most developed mass media, has garnered quite a reputation after its invention. As evidenced by American Time Use Survey (2003), statistic shows that average two to three hours per day have been spent by people on watching television rather than engaging in other leisure and sports activities such as exercising and travelling. Due to the pervasiveness of television, advocates seem to have divided opinions on the effects of television viewing on the human psyche. In my opinion, I strongly believe that television watching can bring harms as it leads to the underdevelopment of the thinking skills, poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle.

Firstly, the viewing of inappropriate programs for prolonged periods can impede the development of the thinking process (Sharif 1999). Children who are still in the way of shaping their personalities will be influenced by the scenes portrayed on the screen. Modern children’s programs and music video clips with short fragments encourage short attention spans in children while programs like ‘Friends’ will give a misleading concept that all problems can be resolved with ease. Consequently, they will be vulnerable to the challenges of life in future. Besides, due to the overexposure of violence depicted on television, children will become desensitised to it. They might think that violence is an acceptable way of solving problems. According to Leigh (2001), although television has been used as a teaching tool especially on cultural identity, care must also be taken so that children do not automatically believe the television version of history.

Furthermore, extensive television viewing can lead to students’ poor academic performances (Leigh 2001). It will be easier for them to flick through the interesting channels rather than flip the television off (Rutherford 2002). When television is on, students will hardly focus on their studies as television programs draw undivided attention. As evidence by an educational psychologist, Geraldine Jones, children who are heavy viewers are among the lowest achievers at school. This can be attributed to the fact that television watching is a passive activity that retards one’s imaginative skills in developing problem-solving and organizational ability (Leigh 2001).

Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle will also be cultivated by improper control on watching television. Owing to television’s intrusive nature, lack of communication will befall the families that are having their meals in front of the television. Some even suffer withdrawal symptoms when they are hampered from watching their unmissable programs. Undoubtedly, television watching is a sedentary activity that people might indulge in with snacks. Therefore, it can be detrimental to health if people are becoming more of a couch potato as obesity and related health problems will be triggered (Rutherford 2002).

As a whole, television watching impedes the development of the thinking process, leads to students’ poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle. Apparently, the effects of television viewing are no longer commensurate with its desirable purpose in education and entertainment. Nevertheless, I believe that the bad effects will not be insurmountable with proper control on television viewing as Rutherford (2002) has conceded that television is a bad master but a good servant.

Argumentative Essay 2 : The effects of television viewing Draft#2

The effects of televison viewing

Television, which is one of the most developed mass medium, has garnered quite a reputation after its invention. As evidence by American Time Use Survey (2003), statistic shows that average two to three hours per day have been spent by people on watching television rather than engaging in other leisure and sports activities such as exercising and travelling. Due to the pervasiveness of television, advocates seem to have divided opinions on the effects of television viewing on the human psyche. In my opinion, I strongly believe that television watching can bring harms as it leads to the underdevelopment of the thinking skills, poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle.

Firstly, the viewing of inappropriate programs for prolonged periods can impede the development of the thinking process (Sharif 1999). Children who are still in the way of shaping their personalities will be influenced by the scenes portrayed on the screen. Modern children’s programs and music video clips with short fragments encourage short attention spans in children while programs like ‘Friends’ will give a misleading concept that all problems can be resolved with ease. Consequently, they will be vulnerable to the challenges of life in future. Besides, due to the overexposure of violence depicted on television, children will become desensitised to it. They might think that violence is an acceptable way of solving problems. According to Leigh (2001), although television has been used as a teaching tool especially on cultural identity, care must also be taken so that children do not automatically believe the television version of history.

Furthermore, extensive television viewing can lead to students’ poor academic performances (Leigh 2001). It will be easier for them to flick through the interesting channels rather than flip the television off (Rutherford 2002). When television is on, students will hardly focus on their studies as television programs draw undivided attention. As evidence by an educational psychologist, Geraldine Jones, children who are heavy viewers are among the lowest achievers at school. This can be attributed to the fact that television watching is a passive activity that retards one’s imaginative skills in developing problem-solving and organizational ability (Leigh 2001).

Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle will also be cultivated by improper control on watching television. Owing to television’s intrusive nature, lack of communication will befall the families that are having their meals in front of the television. Some even suffer withdrawal symptoms when they are hampered from watching their unmissable programs. Undoubtedly, television watching is a sedentary activity that people might indulge in with snacks. Therefore, it can be detrimental to health if people are becoming more of a couch potato as obesity and related health problems will be triggered (Rutherford 2002).

As a whole, television watching impedes the development of the thinking process, leads to students’ poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle. Apparently, the effects of television viewing are no longer commensurate with its desirable purpose in education and entertainment. Nevertheless, I believe that the bad effects will not be insurmountable with proper control on television viewing as Rutherford (2002) has conceded that television is a bad master but a good servant.

Mike Perham stakes a claim on Jess Watson

AAP From: Herald Sun May 17, 2010 12:00AM

LOVE may have blossomed on the high seas between Jessica Watson and fellow teen sailor Mike Perham.

The pair were in constant contact by satellite phone during 16-year-old Jessica's seven-month voyage and Mike was the first on her boat when she sailed into Sydney on Saturday.

Perham, from Britain, said the pair had a "special connection" and he already feels part of the family.

"When I first met Jess, there was something between us I can't describe," the 18-year-old told New Idea.

"Just this connection that felt as though we had known each other forever. I think it comes from sharing some of the same dreams and knowing that we are pretty unique teenagers. The biggest attraction is realising you have so much in common."

Perham made headlines last year when he officially became the youngest person to sail around the world at 17.

Yesterday he joked about being practically married to Jess after her mother Julie picked him up at the airport.

"Yes, my future mother-in-law!" he laughed.

"I feel like part of the family and once Jess is home, I hope to spend as much time with her as I can.

"One of my dreams would be to sail around more tropical waters with Jess, maybe the Polynesian Islands."

Jessica's manager Andrew Fraser said last night the two were just good mates and nothing more.

"They've been buddies for ages," he said. "They have a connection, like adventurers do, with each other.

"They talk and get advice from one another, that's all."

Jessica - who is too young to claim the official round-the-world record - spent yesterday pampering herself and was spotted enjoying the latest Twilight movie.

She told Channel 10 she felt "grumpy" at times before her round the world voyage, fearing she hadn't built up enough experience.

"It was driving me mad because I hadn't actually done any solo sailing.

"I knew I could do it, there was just that niggling doubt and that probably made me a bit glum and grumpy."

The grumps were farthest from her mind on Saturday as tens of thousands of wellwishers descended on Sydney Harbour to welcome the Queensland teenager home at the end of her epic 210-day epic adventure.

Jessica said she found living in constant motion much harder than the physical work of sailing. But she was rarely scared at night.

"There are a few times when it's just dead calm and your imagination can start running away from you."

Critique: Firstly, congratulation to Jessica Watson on her successful and safe return on Sydney Opera House after seven months round-the-world voyage. No doubt, her passion in life draws my attention. She does not afraid of making a big dream and is always readily to brace herself for the challenges that come along. According to the news, it is happy to know that Jessica has met her beloved because of the sharing of this very same dream as well. All these have proven us the power of dream. So, from now on, live with a dream people !

Argumentative Essay 2 : The effects of television viewing Draft#1

The effects of televison viewing.

Television, which is one of the most developed mass medium, has garnered quite a reputation in its life. As evidence by American Time Use Survey (2003), statistics shows that average two to three hours per day has been spent by people on watching television rather than engaging in other leisure and sports activities such as exercising and travelling. Due to the pervasiveness of television, advocates seem to have divided opinions on the effects of television viewing on the human psyche. In my opinion, I strongly believe that television watching can bring harms as it leads to the underdevelopment of the thinking skills, poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle.

Firstly, the viewing of inappropriate programs for prolonged periods can impede the development of the thinking process (Sharif 1999). Children who are still in the way of shaping their personalities will be influenced by the scenes portraying on the screen. Modern children’s programs and music video clips with short fragments encourage short attention spans in children while programs like ‘Friends’ will give a misleading concept that all problems can be resolved with ease. Consequently, they will be vulnerable to the challenges of life in future. Besides, due to the overexposure of violence depicted on television, children will become desensitised to it. They might think that violence is an acceptable way of solving problems. According to Leigh (2001), although television has been used as a teaching tool especially on cultural identity, care must also be taken so that children do not automatically believe the television version of history.

Furthermore, extensive television viewing can lead to students’ poor academic performances (Leigh 2001). It will be easier for them to flick through the interesting channels rather than flip the television off (Rutherford 2002). When television is on, students will hardly focus on their studies as television programs draw undivided attention. As evidence by an educational psychologist, Geraldine Jones, children who are heavy viewers are among the lowest achievers at school. This can be attributed to the fact that television watching is a passive activity that retards one’s imaginative skills in developing problem-solving and organizational ability (Leigh 2001).

Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle will also be cultivated by improper control on watching television. Owing to human’s intrusive nature, lack of communication will befall the families that are having their meals in front of the television. Some even suffer withdrawal symptoms when they are hampered from watching their unmissable programs. Undoubtedly, television watching is a sedentary activity that people might indulge in with snacks. Therefore, it can be detrimental to health if people are becoming more of a couch potato as obesity and related health problems will be triggered (Rutherford 2002).

As a whole, television watching impedes the development of the thinking process, leads to students’ poor academic performances as well as unhealthy lifestyle. Apparently, the effects of television viewing are no longer commensurate with its desirable purpose in education and entertainment. Nevertheless, I believe that the bad effects will not be insurmountable with proper control on television viewing as Rutherford (2002) has conceded that television is a bad master but a good servant.

Argumentative Essay : Junk Food Final Draft

Should the sale of junk food in school canteens be banned?


Junk food aptly meant any food that is presumably unhealthy and of low nutritional value (Family Journal 2005). Owing to the simplicity, time and cost saving factors, junk foods have always been opted to be sold and consumed. However, the decline in the sale of junk foods in Cook High School after 2001 has shown that the society is getting more health-conscious nowadays (School News 2005). Thereby, I strongly agree that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it triggers behavioural problems, creates health problems, as well as contributes to litter problems.

Firstly, junk food will affect the behaviour of children. According to Family Journal (2005), chemical additives have been lavishly added to enhance flavor and colour of most junk food as well as to prolong its shelf life. Most of these additives are proven to cause behavioural problems in children, namely hyperactivity and poor concentration. By removing junk food and soft drinks from the canteen, Hillview primary school teacher observed a noticeable improvement in students’ behaviour in class as they had become calmer after lunch (The Food Show 2005). Hence, in order to make the students well-behaved, the sale of junk food in school should be banned in the first place.

Secondly, junk food deteriorates the health of schoolchildren. High calories level in junk food has led to childhood obesity which can further result in heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Professor Steven Reynolds puts the blame of obesity in youth on the school canteens which offer foods high in fat and sugar. Besides, Dental Association is also urging state governments to prohibit the sale of soft drinks as the dental health of Australia’s primary-school children is worsening (Weekend News 2005). In short, when junk foods are readily available at school, students’ learning ability is reduced as the nutrients required for healthy development and growth are insufficient (The Food Show 2005).

Thirdly, the packaging of fast food is the main contributor to litter problems. According to Family Journal (2005), litter jeopardizes the safety and health as well as tarnishes the image of our communities. When junk food is sold at the school canteen, there will be cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic containers everywhere. As a result, there will be more time spending on cleaning the surroundings while less time can be allocated on maintenance projects that benefit the school (The Food Show 2005). Although the sale of low-cost production junk food generates bigger profits for school, the cleaning costs of litters on the other hand incur high cost as well.

In a nutshell, school which is responsible for the well-being of students should outlaw the sale of junk food as it contributes significantly to the behavioural, health and litter problems. Professor Reynolds postulates the prohibition of the sale of junk food as it will give young generation the perception that they can consume junk food whenever they like without any repercussions (Weekend News 2005). There is no better time than now to provide a supportive environment in school for nurturing good eating habits for students. Accordingly, junk food should be banned in school canteens.

Argumentative Essay : Junk Food Draft#2

Should the sale of junk food in school canteens be banned?

According to Family Journal (2005), junk food aptly meant any food that is presumably unhealthy and of low nutritional value. Owing to the simplicity, time and cost saving factors, junk foods have always been opted to be sold and consumed. However, the decline in the sale of junk foods in Cook High School after 2001 has shown that the society is getting more health-conscious nowadays (School News 2005). Thereby, I strongly agree that the sale of junk food in school canteens should be banned as it triggers behavioural problems, creates health problems, as well as contributes to litter problems.

Firstly, junk food will affect the behaviour of children. According to Family Journal (2005), chemical additives have been lavishly added to enhance flavor and colour of most junk food as well as to prolong its shelf life. Most of these additives are proven to cause behavioural problems in children, namely hyperactivity and poor concentration. By removing junk food and soft drinks from the canteen, Hillview primary school teacher observed a noticeable improvement in students’ behaviour in class as they had become calmer after lunch (The Food Show 2005). Hence, in order to make the students well-behaved, the sale of junk food in school should be banned in the first place.

Secondly, junk food deteriorates the health of schoolchildren. High calories level in junk food has led to childhood obesity which can further result in heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Professor Steven Reynolds puts the blame of obesity in youth on the school canteens which offer foods high in fat and sugar. Besides, Dental Association is also urging state governments to prohibit the sale of soft drinks as the dental health of Australia’s primary-school children is worsening (Weekend News 2005). In short, when junk foods are readily available at school, students’ learning ability is reduced as the nutrients required for healthy development and growth are insufficient (The Food Show 2005).

Thirdly, the packaging of fast food is the main contributor to litter problems. Regarding to Family Journal (2005), litter jeopardizes the safety and health as well as tarnishes the image of our communities. When junk food is sold at the school canteen, there will be cans, crisp packets, cartons and plastic containers everywhere. As a result, there will be more time spending on cleaning the surroundings while less time can be allocated on maintenance projects that benefit the school (The Food Show 2005). Although the sale of low-cost production junk food generates bigger profits for school, the cleaning costs of litters on the other hand incur high cost as well.

In a nutshell, school which is responsible for the well-being of students should outlaw the sale of junk food as it contributes significantly to the behavioural, health and litter problems. Professor Reynolds postulates the prohibition of the sale of junk food as it will give young generation the perception that they can consume junk food whenever they like without any repercussions (Weekend News 2005). There is no better time than now to provide a supportive environment in school for nurturing good eating habits for students. Accordingly, junk food should be banned in school canteens.