This document provides instructions and background information for a whole class debate about whether chat shows are contrived and artificial forms that patronize their target audiences. It includes potential arguments for and against this statement and defines key terms related to media and representation that may be relevant to the debate. Students are asked to research examples of specific chat shows like Oprah to support their arguments during the debate, which will be recorded on May 19th.

1. Wednesday 12thMayUNIT 26 FACTUAL PROGRAMMES CHAT SHOWSLearning objective: To be able to research and plan for our whole class debate.

2. Task 1c)‘Chat shows are contrived and artificial, they are a pointless art form that patronisestheir target audience’.

3. Arguments FOR?Contrived ArtificialPointlessPatronises Other

4. Arguments AGAINST?Contrived ArtificialPointlessPatronises Other

5. ContrivedPlannedManipulatedInvented

6. ArtificialFalseMisleading‘Unnatural’

7. Pointless (art form)Irrelevant or inappropriate topics discussed for that target audience?No advice given to the guest or the audience?

8. PatronisesChat show hosts look down on their audience and feel superior to them?

9. CONCLUSIONSpokesperson from each side summarising their for/against arguments?

10. ExamplesWhen debating for or against the statement make sure that you include examples of specific chat show.For example Oprah Winfrey is/ is not contrived because...And give specific examples to style/audience etc onthe show.

11. Grading CriteriaP1: Describe the issues with some subject terminology.M1: Explain the issues with appropriate subject terminology.D1: Critically evaluate the issues with correct subject terminology.

12. Media TerminologyImpartialObjectivitySubjectivityOpinionBiasedRepresentation

13. Media terminologyOpinion A personal belief or judgment that is not foundedon proof or certaintyBiasedFavoring one person or side over anotherRepresentation How people are presented in terms of age, gender,class and ethnicity.

14. Media terminologyImpartialNot biased or unprejudicedObjectivityJust, unbiased and not influenced by emotions orpersonal prejudicesSubjectivityJudgment based on individual personalimpressions and feelings and opinions rather thanexternal facts

15. DebateThis whole class debate will be recorded on Wednesday 19th May 2010.