1.18 Game Shows

Game shows (or quiz shows) are very popular on television in Great Britain. Contestants try to win prizes, such as holidays, money, televisions, cars and so on. The hosts of the shows are often famous comedians. Here are some of the most popular shows.

Catchphrase Two contestants have to complete well-known expressions and proverbs. They get money for each one they complete. The winner can then try for the jackpot.

University Challenge Teams from different universities answer questions. There are four students in each team. Some of the questions are very difficult.

The Generation Game Two people from different generations of the same family, such as father and daughter or aunt and nephew, compete against three other pairs. They have to do different things, such as answer questions, dance, make things or take part in a play. The pair that wins is then shown a lot of different prizes for one minute. They win all the prizes they can remember.

Wheel of Fortune There are three contestants. They spin a large wheel which has prizes and penalties on it. Contestants have to guess the whole expression to win the prizes. If they get one of the penalties on the wheel, they lose all the money they have won sо far. The winner of the first round can try for a jackpot of a car or 20000 pounds. (1085)

Ответьте на вопросы к тексту:

1. What are the prizes at popular game shows on television?

2. What must the contestants at Catchphrase do?

3. What can contestants at the Generation Game win?

4. What happens if a contestant at the Wheel of Fortune gets a penalty?

1.19 Quiz Show

In the 1950s, the favourite pastime of people in America was watching television, especially game shows. The quiz show "Twenty One" was one of the most popular, and was watched by millions of people. Twice a week at 7 o'clock, TV sets were turned on across the States.

"Twenty One" involved two contestants who played against each other answering general knowledge questions. According to the show's producer, "Audiences wanted to watch the money", and money is what they saw. Each time contestants answered a question correctly they were given $ 100. Prizes could be as much as $2,000 a game and if you won, you went on to play in the next show. The cash prizes were so high, and the chance to be famous so great that everyone wanted to be a contestant. But to qualify you had to pass a special entrance test.

One of the most successful and popular contestants was Charles VanDoren, a clean-cut, good-looking young professor from a rich, important family. He was the perfect winner on "Twenty One", and dramatically increased the show's popularity. VanDoren quickly became the all-American hero. His lifestyle changed and his social life advanced. He symbolized the American dream of fame and fortune.

But the dream suddenly turned into a nightmare - VanDoren was exposed as a cheat. Each week, before every game show, he had been given the answers to all the questions. "Twenty One" was never shown again. (1180)

Ответьте на вопросы к тексту:

1. 1. How often was the show broadcast?

2. 2. What did the contestants have to do?

3. 3. What were the prizes?

4. 4. What did you have to do to appear on the show?

5. 5. Why was VanDoren so popular?

6. 6. Why did the show stop?