IELTS Nói Phần 2 & 3: Describe a program you like to watch

People in my country watch a lot of different programmes. Popular ones are soap operas, reality TV, news and sport. Many also like comedy shows and drama series. Younger people use streaming services for international series, while older viewers often stick to TV channels. Live sport, like football, gets big audiences. Evening news is also very common.

Viewing habits are quite varied. Domestic dramas and soap operas still attract large audiences in the evenings, while reality TV and talent shows tend to draw younger viewers. Sporting events command very big live audiences, and news programmes remain important for people who want up-to-date information. At the same time, streaming platforms have shifted tastes towards international series and niche documentaries, so audiences are more fragmented now. Broadly, people choose what fits their routine and mood — some watch to unwind after work, others to keep informed or learn something new.

Yes, many people enjoy foreign programmes. American and Korean series are quite popular. People watch them with subtitles or dubbed versions. Foreign shows are seen as more exciting or different. They also help people practise language a bit.

Absolutely — foreign programmes are widely watched, especially via streaming services. American, Korean and Scandinavian series have found large audiences because of distinctive storytelling and high production values. Many viewers prefer subtitles to hear the original language, which can help with language learning and cultural understanding, while others pick dubbed versions for convenience. Overall, foreign TV has broadened tastes and introduced new storytelling styles to local viewers.

Watching animal videos is useful because they are easy to access and safe for children. You can watch at home and pause to talk about things. They often show a wide range of animals and habitats. But they are not the same as seeing animals in real life.

Animal videos offer several practical benefits compared with zoo visits. They are readily available on tablets or phones, so children can revisit clips and learn by repetition, which helps memory. Good videos can show rare species and close-up behaviour that a local zoo might not offer, and many include scientific commentary that explains what is happening. On the other hand, films can’t fully replace the sensory experience of a real visit, but they are a useful and ethical supplement when travel, cost or animal welfare are concerns.

Yes, teachers sometimes play videos in class. They use short clips for language lessons or science. Videos help explain things and keep students interested. But teachers usually add some questions or activities after the film.

Yes — teachers increasingly use video as a teaching aid. Short clips, animated explainers or segments from documentaries are handy for presenting complex ideas visually, particularly in science, history and language lessons. Many educators follow a 'teach–watch–discuss' sequence: introduce the topic, show a focused clip, then run a follow-up activity or discussion to check understanding. Used thoughtfully, video can boost engagement and cater for different learning styles, but it needs to be actively taught around to avoid passive viewing.

I don't think all talk shows are a waste of time. Some have useful interviews and news. Others are just for entertainment and gossip. It depends on the show and what you want.

It depends on the programme. Some talk shows offer serious interviews, expert panels and thoughtful discussion that can be informative, while others are designed for entertainment and focus on celebrity gossip or sensational stories. For viewers looking to be entertained they have their place, but if your aim is to learn something substantial it's better to choose reputable current affairs or documentary programmes. Developing a bit of critical thinking helps too — don't accept everything you hear at face value.

Yes, I think you can learn from TV. Documentaries, news and educational shows give facts and ideas. You can also learn practical skills from cooking or DIY programmes. But it's important to check the information sometimes.

Definitely — television can be an effective source of knowledge when programmes are well produced. Documentaries, science shows and quality news provide factual information and use visuals to explain complex topics, which often inspires viewers to read more. Even entertainment formats can teach indirectly: historical dramas might spark an interest in a period, and lifestyle programmes can teach practical skills. The key is to treat TV as a starting point and to verify facts, since not all content is accurate or free from bias.