Defending the Reality Show Genre Reality shows, as the name implies, reflect “reality” without any preconceptions or judgments. What happens on a reality show is what really happens in life. We all know, for example, that in real life it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know. Reality shows demonstrate this truism in episode after episode. Reality shows put a microcosm of American life on display for all to see. They allow everyday people the chance to be on television and become famous! Constructed Response Question In the excerpt above, the author claims that reality shows depict real life. Based on your reading, explain how the author defends this claim, evaluating the relevance of the evidence.