Mass-Communication Past Papers Solved Short

Questions

Past Paper 2015

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 Differentiate between Encoding and Decoding with the help of examples?

A: 1 Encoding: A process to transform the ideas into words, symbols,

pictures, diagrams and gestures etc. For example: If I want to write a book,

firstly, I will create some ideas in my mind and then convert these ideas into a

text or written form. This is called Encoding.

Decoding: A process to transform the words, symbols, pictures,

diagrams and gestures into ideas. For example: If someone buys a book and

going to open it and then read it. He understands the written text and creates

some new ideas. It is called Decoding.

Q: 2 Explain the language barriers in communication?

A: 2 These are the barriers which effect communication process between two

or more than two persons, when they are communicating with each other.

Language barriers usually occur when two people who speak different

languages cannot understand one another, and there is a breakdown in

language and communication.

Q: 3 What is folk media?

A: 3 Folk media refers to traditional media. It includes visual, verbal and oral

forms. It is also used to entertain, inform or instruct people. Traditional

songs, poetry, folk songs, puppetry, story-telling and dramas which are based

on old traditions and cultural values are the examples of folk media. Folk

media is very popular in rural areas.

Q: 4 What is framing in communication?

A: 4 The framing means to present and show something in different ways.

Like actions, communication, news, information etc.

For example, there are two different news channels. One news channel’s

policy is against the government and the other’s policy is to support the

government. The news is that the prices of petroleum products are increasing

day by day. So, one news channel telecasts this news against the government

with the use of framing and show to the viewers that this decision of

government is not right. The other news channel telecasts this news in the

support of government with the use of framing and show to the viewers that

this decision of government is right.

Q: 5 What is the importance of Opinion Leader? Elaborate with the help of

suitable examples?

A: 5 Opinion leaders are such persons who are more knowledgeable,

experienced and expert from other persons. They are very important for

consumers. They play a vital role in decision making and influence the

persons to change their decisions about anything.

For example, If I want to make a channel on social media than firstly I need

some instructions about it from opinion leader. He may be a You-tuber,

Instar-grammar, so that I can succeed.

 Past Paper 2016

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 Name any FIVE Psychological Barriers of Communication Process?

A: 1 Followings are the FIVE Psychological Barriers of Communication

Process.

1. False assumptions.

2. Anger.

3. Fear and Defensiveness.

4. Poor listening.

5. Emotion.
Q: 2 What are the requisites of successful sender?

A: 2 Followings are the requisites of successful sender.

1. Listening.

2. Be clear and concise.

3. Be confident.

4. Empathy.

5. Give and receive feedback.

6. Always have an open mind.

7. Convey respect.

8. Be personable.
Q: 3 Explain four functions of Mass Media?

A: 3 Followings are the basic functions of mass-communication.

1. To Inform.

2. To Educate.

3. To Entertain.

4. To Persuade.

1. To Inform: Providing information is the primary function of mass

media. Newspapers, radio and TV provide us news from around the

world and keep us informed.

2. To Educate: Mass-communication plays an important role in

education field. People can gain education with it. Like online learning,

online lectures, E. books etc.

3. To Entertain: The most common function of mass-communication is

entertainment. Radio, television and films are basically entertainment

media. Even newspapers provide entertainment through comics,

cartoons, features, cross word puzzles, word jumbles etc.

4. To Persuade: Most of mass media are used in promotion and

persuasion. Goods, services, ideas, persons, places, events and many

other things are advertised through mass media.

Q: 4 What is the importance of Opinion Leader? Elaborate with the help of

two examples?

A: 4 Opinion leaders are such persons who are more knowledgeable,

experienced and expert from other persons. They are very important for

consumers. They play a vital role in decision making and influence the

persons to change their decisions about anything.

For example, if I want to make a channel on social media than firstly I need

some instructions about it from opinion leader. He may be a You-tuber,

Instar-grammar, so that I can succeed.

For example, if I want to become a successful businessman than firstly I need

some instructions about this from opinion leader. He may be a marketer,

estate advisor, so that I can succeed.

Q: 5 Name and explain any three Formats of Newspapers?

A: 5 Followings are three formats of newspapers.

1. Full-Format: A full-format (also known as broadsheet) newspaper is

one that measures 16 or 17 inches wide and 21 to 22 inches deep. A

fill-format newspaper can be made to have five columns, six columns, seven

and one-half columns, eight columns or nine columns.

2. Tabloid: A tabloid newspaper is about half the size of a full-format

newspaper. It measures 10 to 12 inches wide and 14 to 18 inches deep. A

tabloid format newspaper can have two, three, four, five, five and one-half

and six columns.

3. Magazine: A magazine-format (also known as compact) newspaper is

about half the size of a tabloid newspaper. It measures 7 to 8 inches

wide and 10 to 11 inches deep. It can be made to have one column, two

columns and three columns.

 Past Paper 2017

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 Define communication and state its types?

A: 1 The word communication is derived from a Latin word “Commuis”

which means common or create commonness with the people around you.

Communication is a process in which a person shares his feelings, thoughts,

ideas and knowledge with other persons.

Types of communication:

There are three basic types of communication.

1. Intra-personal communication.

2. Inter-personal communication.

3. Extra-personal communication.
Q: 2 Write a note on the importance of Opinion leader?

A: 2 Opinion leaders are such persons who are more knowledgeable,

experienced and expert from other persons. They are very important for

consumers. They play a vital role in decision making and influence the

persons to change their decisions about anything.

Q: 3 What are the essentials of effective communication?

A: 3 Followings are the essentials of effective communication.

1. Clarity.

2. Brevity.

3. Completeness.

4. Consideration (Empathy).

5. Concreteness.

6. Choice of words.

7. Ability to listen with patience.

8. Politeness.
Q: 4 Highlight the basic functions of mass-communication?

A: 4 Followings are the basic functions of mass-communication.

1. To Inform.

2. To Educate.

3. To Entertain.

4. To Persuade.

1. To Inform: Providing information is the primary function of mass

media. Newspapers, radio and TV provide us news from around the

world and keep us informed.

2. To Educate: Mass-communication plays an important role in

education field. People can gain education with it. Like online learning,

online lectures, E. books etc.

3. To Entertain: The most common function of mass-communication is

entertainment. Radio, television and films are basically entertainment

media. Even newspapers provide entertainment through comics,

cartoons, features, cross word puzzles, word jumbles etc.

4. To Persuade: Most of mass media are used in promotion and

persuasion. Goods, services, ideas, persons, places, events and many

other things are advertised through mass media.

Q: 5 What is the importance of feedback in the process of communication?

A: 5 Feedback: Sending and receiving message is a simultaneous process in

which the receiver continuously sends back its approval or disapproval after

having interpreted the message. This helps the sender to modify or discipline

its message. This element in communication process is referred as feedback.

For instance, a person is delivering speech, the voices, gestures and facial

expressions _ all part of feedback, would help the speaker to check its

loudness, smiles, rhetoric, contents or time to speak. If there is no feedback,

the original message may never shape accordingly which may distort the

whole communication exercise.

 Past Paper 2018

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 Define the term communication, also explain its types?

A: 1 The word communication is derived from a Latin word “Commuis”

which means common or create commonness with the people around you.

Communication is a process in which a person shares his feelings, thoughts,

ideas and knowledge with other persons.

Types of communication:

There are three basic types of communication.

1. Intra-personal communication: It means communication with your

own self. Like when you see your face in mirror then say I am looking so

nice.
2. Inter-personal communication: It means communication with more

than one person or communication with a group of people. Like two

friends are talking with each other about their education or study. A

group of students are studying combine.

3. Extra-personal communication: It means communication with non-

living objects, animals and plants. Like you have a horse and when you

want a ride on him you call him with a sign and he understands your

sign and comes to you.

Q: 2 Draw the process of communication?

A: 2
Q: 3 How is mass media playing its role in opinion formation?

A: 3 Public opinion can be influenced by public relations and the political

media. Additionally, mass media utilizes a wide variety of advertising

techniques to get their message out and change the minds of people. Since the

1950s, television has been the main medium for molding public opinion.
Q: 4 Differentiate between encoding and decoding?

A: 4 Encoding: A process to transform the ideas into words, symbols,

pictures, diagrams and gestures etc. For example: If I want to write a book,

firstly, I will create some ideas in my mind and then convert these ideas into a

text or written form. This is called Encoding.

Decoding: A process to transform the words, symbols, pictures,

diagrams and gestures into ideas. For example: If someone buys a book and

going to open it and then read it. He understands the written text and creates

some new ideas. It is called Decoding.

Q: 5 State any two essentials of effective communication?

A: 5 Listening: It is very important for both sender and receiver. If the

listening quality of both is bad than the communication process may be

disrupted.

Clarity: When you are communicating with a person then you should

use the quality of clarity in your communication. When your message will

clear then receiver will receive your message in a clear way with clearness and

it is easy to understand.
 Past Paper 2019

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 Elaborate the concept of communication?

A: 1 The word communication is derived from a Latin word “Commuis”

which means common or create commonness with the people around you.

Communication is a process in which a person shares his feelings, thoughts,

ideas and knowledge with other persons.

Q: 2 State the importance of feedback in the process of communication?

A: 2 Feedback: Sending and receiving message is a simultaneous process in

which the receiver continuously sends back its approval or disapproval after

having interpreted the message. This helps the sender to modify or discipline

its message. This element in communication process is referred as feedback.

For instance, a person is delivering speech, the voices, gestures and facial

expressions all part of feedback, would help the speaker to check its

loudness, smiles, rhetoric, contents or time to speak. If there is no feedback,

the original message may never shape accordingly which may distort the

whole communication exercise.

Q: 3 Elaborate the functions of mass communication with relevant examples?

A: 3 Followings are the basic functions of mass-communication.

1. To Inform.

2. To Educate.

3. To Entertain.

4. To Persuade.

1. To Inform: Providing information is the primary function of mass

media. Newspapers, radio and TV provide us news from around the

world and keep us informed.

2. To Educate: Mass-communication plays an important role in

education field. People can gain education with it. Like online

learning, online lectures, E. books etc.

3. To Entertain: The most common function of mass-communication

is entertainment. Radio, television and films are basically

entertainment media. Even newspapers provide entertainment

through comics, cartoons, features, cross word puzzles, word jumbles

etc.
4. To Persuade: Most of mass media are used in promotion and

persuasion. Goods, services, ideas, persons, places, events and many

other things are advertised through mass media.

Q: 4 Draw a comparison between print media and electronic media, which

one is more effective these days?

A: 4

Print Media. Electronic Media.

Newspapers, books, magazines, etc. Radio, television, film etc. are
are sources. sources.
It is not editable. It is editable.
It covers a specific area, region or It covers every kind of information
city’s information. across the world.
It is updated after 24 hours and It can be updated anytime 24/7
weeks or months. hours.

Electronic media is more effective these days because it is much cheaper, less
time-consuming and popular than print media.
Q: 5 Draw the process of communication stating various aspects involved in

it?

A: 5 The communication process is made up of four key components. Those

components include encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and

feedback. There are also two other factors in the process, and those twos

factors are present in the form of the sender and the receiver.
 Past Paper 2020

Q: 1 Answer these following questions?

Q: 1 What is included in print media write with types?

A: 1 The print media comprises of those platforms that facilitate

communication mainly through written communication such as newspapers,

books, journals, etc.

There are some basic types of written communication which are included in

print media.

1. Newspapers.

2. Books.

3. Journals.

4. Novels.

5. Magazines.

6. Comics.

7. Publications.

8. Periodicals.

9. Pamphlets.
Q: 2 Which medium is the most effective medium of communication in the

current time?

A: 2 Our world is more and more a single “information society”,

and television, as the world's most powerful medium of communication, is a

key part of that society. Television can be a tremendous force for good. It can

educate great numbers of people about the world around them.

Q: 3 What is the importance of feedback in the process of communication?

A: 3 Feedback: Sending and receiving message is a simultaneous process in

which the receiver continuously sends back its approval or disapproval after

having interpreted the message. This helps the sender to modify or discipline

its message. This element in communication process is referred as feedback.

For instance, a person is delivering speech, the voices, gestures and facial

expressions all part of feedback, would help the speaker to check its

loudness, smiles, rhetoric, contents or time to speak. If there is no feedback,

the original message may never shape accordingly which may distort the

whole communication exercise.

Q: 4 What is extra-personal communication? Give examples.

A: 4 Extra-personal communications: It means communication with non-

living objects, animals and plants.

For example: You have a horse and when you want a ride on him you call him

with a sign and he understands your sign and comes to you.

For example: You have a dog and when you want to go for a walk with him

then you call him with a sign and he understands your sign and comes to you.
Q: 5 Give examples of the communication without the use of words. what is it

called?

A: 5 Non-verbal communication: It is the type of communication in which

we communicate with other without using words. We mainly use our senses in

this type of communication. It is called non-verbal communication.

Followings are the examples of non-verbal communication

1. Facial expressions.

2. Body movement and posture.

3. Gestures.

4. Eye contact.

5. Touch.

6. Voice.
 Past Paper 2021

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Differentiate between print and electronic media?

A: 1

Print Media. Electronic Media.

Newspapers, books, magazines, etc. Radio, television, film etc. are
are sources. sources.
It is not editable. It is editable.
It covers a specific area, region or It covers every kind of information
city’s information. across the world.
It is updated after 24 hours and It can be updated anytime 24/7
weeks or months. hours.
Q: 2 Differentiate between Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Communication?

A: 2

Interpersonal. Intrapersonal.
It is a communication between two It is a communication of person with
persons. his own self.
There are two or more parties There are no external parties
involved. involved.
It takes a form of exchanging ideas. It takes a form of thinking and
analysis.
It is more informative. It is less informative.
Q: 3 Define Agenda Setting in Mass Media?

A: 3 Agenda Setting: It is a theory presented and developed by Maxwell

MCcombs & Donald Shaw during Presidential Elections of America in 1972.
They think that if we show on media what people want to show then we can
easily set the minds of people about any kind of agenda. The theory put
forward the idea that news media creates public agenda by making people
think things they want to show. The agenda may be about different things
such as politics, economics or cultures.

Followings are the further types of Agenda Setting.

1. Public Agenda Setting.

2. Media Agenda Setting.

3. Policy Agenda Setting.

Q: 4 Explain development function of Mass Media?

A: 4 It is at the core of equitable development. The media can expose

corruption. They can keep a check on public policy by throwing a spotlight on
government action. They let people voice diverse opinions on governance and
reform, and help build public consensus to bring about change. Such media
help markets work better. They can facilitate trade, transmitting ideas and
innovation across boundaries.

The media are also important for human, development, bringing health and
education information to remote villages in countries from Uganda to
Nicaragua. But as experience has shown, the independence of the media can
be fragile and easily compromised. It is clear that to support development,
media need the right environment in terms of freedoms, capacities, and checks
and balances.
Q: 5 What is the importance of Feedback in communication process?

A:5 Feedback: Sending and receiving message is a simultaneous process in

which the receiver continuously sends back its approval or disapproval after

having interpreted the message. This helps the sender to modify or discipline

its message. This element in communication process is referred as feedback.

For instance, a person is delivering speech, the voices, gestures and facial

expressions all part of feedback, would help the speaker to check its

loudness, smiles, rhetoric, contents or time to speak. If there is no feedback,

the original message may never shape accordingly which may distort the

whole communication exercise.

 Past Paper 2022

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 Differentiate between Communication and Mass Communication?

A: 1

Communication. Mass Communication.

A process of exchanging information, A process of disseminating
ideas, and thoughts between two or information, ideas, and thoughts to a
more individuals, where the large, heterogeneous audience
exchange can take place through through mass media such as
face-to-face, written, or digital television, radio, newspapers, and
media. the internet.
Communication is typically limited Mass Communication, on the other
to a small number of people, and can hand, usually involves a large
be two-way or one-way in nature, number of people, and is usually one-
allowing for direct and immediate way in nature, with information
exchange of information. being mediated through technology.
Communication can be informal and Mass Communication is typically
flexible, allowing for a high degree of more formal and structured, and
customization and personalization. information is standardized for a
 large audience, resulting in a lack of
customization or personalization.
Communication can be highly Mass Communication is limited in its
interactive, allowing for immediate interactivity, with limited
feedback and two-way exchange of opportunities for feedback or two-
information. way exchange of information.
Q: 2 What is Semantic Barrier in Communication process?

A: 2 Semantic Barriers: The barriers, which are concerned with problems

and obstructions in the process of encoding and decoding of a message into
words or impressions are called semantic barriers. Such barriers result in
faulty translations, different interpretations, etc.

Types of semantic barriers are:

(i) Badly expressed message: Use of wrong words, an omission of the

words and inadequate vocabulary result in badly expressed messages. The
intended meaning is not conveyed in such messages.

(ii) Symbols with different meanings: The same word or symbol may
carry different meanings perceived by the receiver leads to the
communication problem.

(iii) Faulty translations: When the translator is not proficient in both the
languages involved in translation, the meaning of the message may get
distorted.
Q: 3 Define Barradock Extension?

A: 3 U.S communication scientist Richard Braddock improved Harold D.

Lasswell model of communication in 1958.

Braddock added two more elements in Lasswell model of communication.

Followings are the components in Lasswell’s model of communication:-

In this communication model, Richard Braddock added two more elements:

1. Under What Circumstances.

2. With What Purpose.

With these two elements he made extension in Lasswell’s model of

communication.

He also said that the communication process’s results and circumstances are
very important in any kind of communication. And the communicators should
also know about the purposes of their communications. Whether, it is for
positive or negative purpose.
Q: 4 Define Agenda Setting in Mass Media?

A: 4 Agenda Setting: It is a theory presented and developed by Maxwell

MCcombs & Donald Shaw during Presidential Elections of America in 1972.
They think that if we show on media what people want to show then we can
easily set the minds of people about any kind of agenda. The theory put
forward the idea that news media creates public agenda by making people
think things they want to show. The agenda may be about different things
such as politics, economics or cultures.

Followings are the further types of Agenda Setting.

1. Public Agenda Setting.

2. Media Agenda Setting.

3. Policy Agenda Setting.

Q: 5 Explain Elaborate SMCR Model of Communication?

A: 5 In 1960, David Berlo postulated Berlo’s Sender-Message-Channel-

Receiver (SMCR) model of communication from Shannon Weaver’s Model of
Communication (1949). He described factors affecting the individual
components in the communication making the communication more efficient.

The model also focuses on encoding and decoding which happens before
sender sends the message and before receiver receives the message
respectively.

Berlo’s Model has mainly, four components to describe the communication

process. They are sender, message, channel and receiver. Each of the
component is affected by many factors.
 Past Paper 2023

Q: 1 Answer the following questions?

Q: 1 What are the different barriers in communication?

A: 1 Different Barriers in Communication Process: Communication

barriers can significantly impact the effectiveness of the communication
process. There are several types of barriers that can hinder effective
communication:

1. Process Barriers: These barriers refer to obstacles in the communication

process itself, such as distractions, interruptions, or breakdowns in the
transmission of the message.

2. Physical Barriers: Physical barriers include environmental factors that

hinder communication, such as noise, poor lighting, or physical distance
between communicators.
3. Semantic Barriers: Semantic barriers arise from differences in language,
interpretation of words, and understanding of symbols and signs, which can
lead to misunderstandings.

4. Psychosocial Barriers: Psychosocial barriers encompass emotional,

psychological, and social factors that can impede effective communication,
such as trust issues, fear, or cultural differences.

5. Cultural Barriers: Cultural barriers refer to differences in customs,

traditions, and norms that can lead to misunderstandings and
misinterpretations in communication.

6. Cognitive Barriers: Cognitive barriers are related to differences in

thinking, perception, and understanding, which can hinder effective
communication.

7. Systematic Barriers: Systematic barriers are related to the structure

and organization of communication channels and processes within an
organization, which can impact the flow and effectiveness of communication.
Q: 2 Explain process of communication?

A: 2 The communication process is made up of four key components. Those

components include encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and

feedback. There are also two other factors in the process, and those twos

factors are present in the form of the sender and the receiver.
Q: 3 Write a short note on traditional media?

A: 3 Traditional media refers to established channels for distributing content

that have been in existence for many years. This includes print media such as
newspapers, magazines, and books, as well as broadcast media like television
and radio. These traditional media channels have historically been the
primary sources of news, information, and entertainment for the public.

While traditional media has been a cornerstone of communication for

decades, the rise of new media, such as digital platforms and social media, has
brought about significant changes in the media landscape. Despite this,
traditional media continues to play a vital role in reaching audiences and
shaping public discourse.
Q: 4 Briefly explain the effects of mass media on society?

A: 4 The effects of mass media on society are far-reaching and multifaceted.

Mass media has a significant impact on social, cultural, and psychological
aspects of communication. It influences societal norms, behaviors, and
attitudes through various means, including the dissemination of information,
shaping public opinion, and influencing social interventions.

Mass media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and initiating social
change. It can be used for pro-social purposes, such as promoting public
health campaigns and addressing social issues. Additionally, mass media has
the power to influence and encourage changes in social norms, including those
related to gender violence and health behaviors.
Q: 5 Describe the significance of newspapers in today’s era with examples?

A: 5 Significance of Newspapers in Today’s Era: Newspapers continue

to hold significant importance in today's era, despite the rise of digital media.
Here are a few examples of their continued significance:

1. Information Dissemination: Newspapers play a crucial role in

disseminating information to the public. They provide in-depth coverage of
local, national, and international news, offering detailed analysis and context
on various issues.

2. Historical Documentation: Newspapers serve as historical documents,

chronicling significant events and providing a record of societal developments.
For example, during World War I, newspapers charted the public's response
to the war and described the brutal details of the conflict, providing valuable
historical insights.

3. Credible Journalism: Established newspapers uphold the principles of

independent journalism, providing credible and reliable news coverage.
Publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The
Washington Post continue to be trusted sources of information.
4. Role in Photojournalism: Newspapers continue to play a vital role in
showcasing photojournalism, providing visual documentation of important
events and issues. Photojournalism remains an integral part of today's news
cycle, offering powerful visual storytelling.

5. Societal Impact: Newspapers contribute to shaping public opinion and

fostering informed discussions on societal issues. They play a crucial role in
promoting independent journalism and providing diverse perspectives on
global events and developments.
Q: 6 Describe the key functions of media?

A: 6 Key Functions of Media: The media serves several key functions that
are essential to society and democracy:

1. Information and Education: One of the primary functions of the media

is the dissemination of information. It provides education and shares
knowledge with the public, keeping them informed about current events,
issues, and developments.

2. Surveillance of Society: The media acts as a watchdog, monitoring and

reporting on societal, political, and economic activities. This function is crucial
for holding institutions and individuals accountable.

3. Socialization and Cultural Transmission: Media plays a role in

shaping societal norms, values, and behaviors, contributing to the
socialization of individuals and the transmission of culture.

4. Linkage of Different Elements of Society: Media serves as a bridge,

connecting different segments of society and facilitating communication and
interaction among various groups.
5. Entertainment: In addition to its informative functions, the media
provides entertainment, offering a diverse range of content for relaxation and
enjoyment.