Page 134 - Grasp English B1+ (Student Book)

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Art Film and TV Formats & Genres

Although we may think that documentaries are
providing us with a balanced opinion on a topic,
producers can also use this type of programme to
promote a skewed version of the facts or a one-
sided argument.

Take, for example, the Netflix series Explained.
This show, which has episodes of approximately
twenty minutes, promises to explain the basics of
a number of issues, using a documentary format:
a narrator explains many of the facts, and there
are also expert opinions and infographics providing
evidence. However, some critics say that the
show is biased. They say that the series promotes
a particular position on many of the issues, rather
than providing a balanced argument.
There have been similar complaints about the
show Adam Ruins Everything, in which a comedian
explains the “real” ruth behind something many
people believe to be true. For example, in the first
episode, Adam Ruins Giving, he explains why it’s not
necessarily a good idea to give food to food banks.
Despite providing references to the sources for
the facts, some people wonder whether the facts
presented have been cherry-picked to support the
show’s opinion.
However, if you are looking for an analytical
documentary, the Canadian series How It’s Made balanced, unbiased - equal, fair, honest
offers an unbiased look at how many everyday biased, skewed - showing one side of an argument
things are produced. Whether you want to know infographic- a visual representation of facts
what goes into making mozzarella cheese, golf complaint - criticism, unhappiness about an action
balls or soap, this show can explain it in easy-to- source - origin, where something comes from
understand language. cherry-pick - choose the best of something

A. Discuss with a partner. analytical - informative, scientific, unbiased
1. Do you enjoy watching documentaries? Why/Why not?

2. What topics do documentaries cover? Which do you find more interesting?
3. How honest do you think documentaries are?

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