Chat Time 12
Mr. Hong Kong Contest
I saw an advertisement about the Mr. Hong Kong Contest (a beauty contest for
men) last week. It’s cool! I’d like to enter, but my family disagrees.
I think this would be a great opportunity for me to express myself in front of
others. I may get a good job if I can get to the final round. It will be the first step to
enter the show business.
However, my family thinks the contest is a waste of time! They say the contest is
just for entertainment and fun. The winner might not be taken seriously by future
employers. They say I should find a proper job instead of wasting my time on these
kinds of shows. Besides, they say I could become too focused on my looks.
I’m not sure. I think everything has its good and bad sides. What should I do?
Questions
1. What are the advantages of entering the contest?
a. It gives a great chance to express oneself in front of others, and develop social skills
and confidence.
b. It provides a platform for men to gain recognition for their handsome looks,
personalities and intelligence. It may be the first step to enter show business.
2. What are the disadvantages of entering the contest?
a. It is a waste of time and money. If the contestants lose, they might get hurt feelings.
b. It is time consuming as contestants have to spend hours practicing. The losers may end
up feeling unattractive or inadequate in some other way.
3. What are Hong Kong people’s views on the contest?
a. Hong Kong people think the contest is a waste of time. They say the contest is just for
entertainment and fun.
b. Hong Kong people do not take male beauty contests seriously because they think
judging men on their physical appearance is neither fun nor entertaining.
Individual Response
1. Do you enjoy watching the Mr. Hong Kong Contest?
a. I sometimes enjoy the contest as some contestants are quite good-looking and
presentable.
b. It’s quite disgusting to watch beefy men wearing skinny bikini bottoms while
answering silly questions.
2. Would you like to enter a beauty contest?
Why/Why not?
a. I wouldn’t join it because I don’t want to become too focused on my looks and waste
my time on such a silly show.
b. Why not? It is definitely an unusual experience in which I can develop my talents,
broaden my horizons and meet more friends.
3. Why do you think some people like entering the Mr. Hong Kong Contest?
I think they want to gain fame and opportunities to enter the entertainment world like
modeling, acting, performing, and much more!
4. What other qualities apart from looks should contestants have?
Apart from a good appearance, I think the contestants’ inner beauty such as compassion,
right attitude and intelligence are equally important. Good knowledge and
communication skills are also advantages.
5. Do you think it is possible to get a well-paid job by appearing in a beauty contest?
In most cases, it’s not possible because most employers offer jobs to those with the right
qualifications and relevant experience. Appearing in a beauty contest may not be an
advantage.