SAT question on reality TV stirs controversy

[The Straight Story]

SAT question on reality TV stirs controversy
An essay question about the value of reality television shows that appeared on the SAT college entrance exam given last Saturday has sparked a controversy about whether it was culturally insensitive.

The question, according to the College Board, doesn’t specifically mention Snooki or the Kardashians or Top Chef. Here is the full prompt:

“Reality television programs, which feature real people engaged in real activities rather than professional actors performing scripted scenes, are increasingly popular. These shows depict ordinary people competing in everything from singing and d ancing to losing weight, or just living their everyday lives. Most people believe that the reality these shows portray is authentic, but they are being misled. How authentic can these shows be when producers design challenges for the participants and then editors alter filmed scenes?

“Do people benefit from forms of entertainment that show so-called reality, or are such forms of entertainment harmful?”

The College Board, which owns the SAT, says the prompt offers enough information to allow anybody to properly answer the question. (The full College Board response is below.) But some students, parents and schools officials are complaining that the question is asking about reality television, and assumes that all students:


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/sat-question-on-reality-tv-stirs-controversy/2011/03/15/ABjNyCY_blog.html

[Brickbat]

1. I object to the crap writing in the question. Sheesh!

[MorningGlow]

2. Forget the snit about whether all students own a TV/watch reality TV

What about the leading material in the "question"? "Most people believe that the reality these shows portray is authentic, but they are being misled. How authentic can these shows be when producers design challenges for the participants and then editors alter filmed scenes?" :wtf:

What a poorly constructed, biased essay question. It absolutely tells the student what to write. If the student disagrees, do they get points off?

It should read "Many people believe that the reality these shows portray is authentic. Do you feel it is authentic, or is it influenced by the basic elements of reality TV, such as producer-designed challenges, subsequent editing, etc? Explain your point of view and give examples."

[ecstatic]

3. +1 nt

[fishwax]

4. I don't disagree that the question is bad, but your revision has a similar problem

It gives them the outline of the argument for one answer (no, it's not authentic) but gives them nothing for the other (yes, it's authentic). So it provides the illusion of choice, but really has the same bias built in.

Of course, one of the reasons the question is biased is because it's not a particularly open question--yes, reality shows edit "reality."

[MorningGlow]

8. True

I did rattle off an alternate version very quickly. It could be phrased better as well. :hi:

[seabeyond]

5. i think my son can bullshit thru the question, especially starting with.... seeing

how i dont watch reality tv, and then giving an opinion. but not all watch this type programming. my kids dont. we as parents dont. have nto see any of these shows. closest we have gotten is top shots...

[MellowDem]

6. It's a fine question...

the question explains what a reality TV show is. These questions have no "right" answer, they are just meant as primers for the student to write the persuasive essay. The student is only graded on the writing and reasoning, not on their position. Least, that's how it was for me.

Technically, every single question out there is culturally biased. It would be impossible to make a question that wasn't.

[a la izquierda]

9. Thank you for posting

To me, the essay prompt simply requires students to take a position and defend it.

[Jim__]

7. I don't see any problem with the question.

The student has to write a persuasive essay. The question contains sufficient information for the student to write the essay. The problem I would have is if the student were required to write from a particular POV. My assumption is that that is not the case.

If you would eliminate this question, then what criteria would you use to determine which questions (or categories of questions) are valid?

[Fuzz]

10. When I read the title I thought they were going to make reality stars take the SAT's.

That would be hilarious.

[Yavin4]

11. In My View, The Question Is Really More About How These Shows Depict "Reality"

when in fact, they are being altered by editors. It's a legit question. The essay should cover whether presenting "altered reality" as "reality" is beneficial to the public. One could argue that it harms the public because it could make the public cynical about other forms of programming like documentaries which do indeed depict actual reality. Or, it harms the public because it gives the creators of these shows the ability "alter reality" in any form that they please including using religious, ethnic, and gender stereotypes.

It's legit.