People tend to think that time spent reading a book is more productive than time spent watching TV, but is that right? Is there more intrinsic benefit in, say, reading a detective murder mystery – such as one of Ann Cleeves’ Shetland books – than in watching the serialised version on the box?

Jan Jenkins, Hull

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com. Please include name, address and phone number.