Watching TV is a very popular pastime（消遣）in the UK. But what kind of programs do British people like to watch? Well, the most-watched TV programs are usually on ____ four times every week. They are programs based in one neighborhood that try to describe ____ life in the UK --- we call these dreams 'soap operas' or 'soaps'.

    Back in the early days of TV, husbands went out to work and wives stayed at home, looking after the house and the children. Most of these ____ programs were aimed at amusing the housewives who were at home,____ doing the washing. Companies selling washing powder（洗衣粉）would advertise their products between the programs, and sometimes those companies would even sponsor（赞助）the 'soap operas'.