[TOEFL/Writing] Question 1 : Professors' TV appearances

 The writer and the lecturer mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of professors' televition appearances. The writer mentioned some advantages and the lecturer mentioned some disadvantages of professors' TV appearances.

 First, the writer said professors could improve their reputations if they appear on TV. They could spread their ideas to the public and acquire importance as acholars. On the other hand, the lecturer asserted this is not helpful tothemselves. If the professors tend to get reputations, they may just focus on entertainment instead of research.

 Second, the wrtier mentioned that universities can acquire more noteriety by appearing as professors on TV. The public could think of universities in a positive way when they see their professors' knowledge. Moreover, it can lead to donations and get more applications. However, the lecturer said they could focus not on education, research and students on campus but on rehearsal for TV shows off-campus and so on.

 Lastly, the writer said the public could acquire a chance to learn not only superficial facts but some in-depth expertise, knowledge and insight. In contrast, the lecturer said producers are not interested in intellectual substance.

 

 

Sample response

 The passage introduced three reasons why professors should appear on TV: gaining reputation for the professor, for the college and to educate the general public. However, the lecture disagrees.

 Professors who appear frequently on TV are not generally viewed as a serious scholar. As a result, those professors will receive less invitation to attend academic conferences or less likely to receive research grant. This seriously hinders the professor's opportunity to further grow as a researcher.

 Professors who frequently appear on TV also has negative effect on students and the university. Appearing on TV takes a lot of time to prepare, including preperation for the material, transportation time, and even time to dress up. This precious time can also be used to teach class, help students, or even do further research. As a result, professors who appear on TV waste a lot of time that they can contribute to teaching and research.

 Professors appearing on TV doesn't usually help educating the general public. The TV network is not interested in having the professor explaining the intellectual substances ground infromation or history. This type of information can be easily presented by a serious reporter who has done his work properly.

 Because of the above reasons, it is highly questionable whether professors appearing on TV has any advantage. In fact, it could bring negative consequence both to the professors themselves and the universities they teach.