Class 7 Civics: Understanding Media
Questions covered are:
1. What is media, and what are the different types of media?
2. Why is media referred to as mass media?
3. How has technology impacted media?
4. Why is media important in a democracy?
5. What do we mean by a balanced report in the media?
6. What challenges prevent media from being independent?
7. What is the impact of advertisements on media?
8. How does the media “set the agenda”?
9. What role does local media play in addressing issues?
10. Why is it important to question media content?
Fill in the Blanks
Intext Questions and answers
Book Back Question and answers
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1. What is media, and what are the different types of media?
- Media refers to the various methods and platforms used for communication in society. It helps in sharing information, news, ideas, and entertainment with people.
- The different types of media are:
- Print Media: Includes newspapers, magazines, books, and pamphlets. It relies on printed text and images to communicate information.
- Electronic Media: Includes television and radio, which use electronic technology to broadcast news and entertainment to large audiences.
- Digital Media: Involves internet-based platforms like websites, blogs, social media, and streaming services that provide interactive communication.
- Mass Media: A term for media that reaches large audiences, such as TV channels, radio stations, and widely circulated newspapers.
2. Why is media referred to as mass media?
- Media is called mass media because it has the capability to reach millions of people across the world at the same time.
- Platforms like television, radio, and newspapers are designed to share information with a large audience, making them suitable for mass communication.
- For example, a cricket match broadcasted on TV can be watched by people in different parts of the country or even worldwide simultaneously, demonstrating the power of mass media.
3. How has technology impacted media?
- Technology has played a crucial role in improving the reach, quality, and speed of media communication.
- Advancements like satellites and internet technologies allow TV channels and websites to broadcast news and entertainment worldwide in real time.
- Changes in technology, such as the invention of electronic typewriters and modern printing machines, have made media production faster and more efficient.
- The internet has introduced interactive forms of media like social media, allowing users to create, share, and respond to content instantly.
4. Why is media important in a democracy?
- Media plays a vital role in providing information about events, government policies, and public issues, enabling citizens to make informed decisions.
- It acts as a bridge between the government and the people by covering debates, elections, and public grievances.
- Media helps people express their opinions and organize actions like protests, signature campaigns, or rallies to bring about change.
- A free and independent media is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in a democracy.
5. What do we mean by a balanced report in the media?
- A balanced report provides all sides of a story, covering the viewpoints of everyone involved.
- It allows readers or viewers to form their own opinions based on unbiased and complete information.
- For example, in the case of factory closures, a balanced report would include the workers’ struggles, the government’s reasons for the decision, and the impact on the environment.
6. What challenges prevent media from being independent?
- Government Control: The government may impose censorship on certain topics or news items, restricting what can be published or broadcasted.
- Business Interests: Media companies often depend on advertisements for revenue. This creates pressure to favor big businesses and avoid negative reporting about them.
- Focus on Profitable Stories: Media sometimes highlights sensational or popular stories to attract more viewers, neglecting issues that affect ordinary people, like access to safe drinking water or health services.
7. What is the impact of advertisements on media?
- Advertisements provide a significant source of income for media platforms, helping them manage the high costs of technology and production.
- TV channels and newspapers dedicate substantial time and space to advertisements, often influencing the kind of content they prioritize.
- Repeated advertisements aim to create demand for products, encouraging viewers or readers to purchase advertised items.
8. How does the media “set the agenda”?
- Media has the power to decide which issues to highlight and which to ignore, shaping public opinion and priorities.
- For example, when the media reported on high pesticide levels in cola drinks, it forced the government and manufacturers to take action to improve safety standards.
- However, this focus can sometimes ignore important issues like poverty or lack of healthcare, especially when these stories are deemed less profitable or interesting.
9. What role does local media play in addressing issues?
- Local media focuses on grassroots problems that mainstream media may overlook, such as farmers’ issues, local governance, and social injustices.
- For example, community radio provides farmers with information about crop prices and weather, while newspapers like Khabar Lahriya, run by Dalit women, highlight issues like caste discrimination and violence against women.
- Local media empowers marginalized communities by giving them a platform to share their voices and bring about social change.
10. Why is it important to question media content?
- Media content often reflects the interests of its sponsors or owners, so it may present incomplete or biased information.
- Questioning helps viewers and readers understand what is being left out and whose perspectives are not represented.
- Critical analysis ensures that citizens are well-informed and can hold governments and businesses accountable.
Fill in the Blanks
- Media is the plural form of the word _________, which means a medium of communication.
- _________ media refers to newspapers, magazines, and books.
- Television and radio are examples of _________ media.
- The _________ allows news and entertainment channels to broadcast content globally.
- _________ is the process by which the government prevents media from publishing certain content.
- The revenue model of most media platforms depends on _________.
- A _________ report provides all sides of a story to help the audience form an informed opinion.
- _________ refers to platforms like social media and websites that rely on the internet.
- Media plays a vital role in _________ by informing citizens about government policies and public issues.
- Media platforms such as TV and newspapers are called _________ media because they reach millions of people.
- The newspaper Khabar Lahriya is run by _________ women in Uttar Pradesh.
- The term _________ is used to describe the power of media to decide what issues to highlight.
- _________ are advertisements created to spread awareness about social issues like health and road safety.
- During the Emergency period from _________ to _________, the government censored media in India.
- _________ is a community-based medium that provides useful information to local farmers about crop prices and weather.
Answers
- medium
- Electronic
- satellite
- Censorship
- advertisements
- balanced
- Digital media
- democracy
- mass
- Dalit
- agenda setting
- Social advertisements
- 1975, 1977
- Community radio
In-Text Questions
1. What is your favorite TV program? What do you like listening to on the radio? Which newspaper or magazine do you usually read?
(This is a personal response question. Students can answer based on their preferences.)
2. Can you think of one thing that you have learned from the media this week?
Media informs us about current events. For example, a news report on climate change might teach us about its impact and how to reduce our carbon footprint.
3. List six different kinds of media that you see.
Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media platforms.
4. Ask older members of your family about what they used to listen to on the radio when there was no TV around.
They might have listened to programs like music shows, news broadcasts, or drama series.
5. When was cable TV introduced in your area? How many people in your neighborhood use the Internet?
(This is a personal response question based on local observations.)
6. List three things that you know about some other part of the world from watching television.
The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris, France.
- Japan is known for its cherry blossoms and advanced technology.
- The United States frequently experiences hurricanes like those in Florida.
7. Why do you think newspapers are called print media?
Newspapers are called print media because they use printing technology to produce physical copies for readers.
8. Can you list three different products that are advertised during your favorite TV program?
- Mobile phones.
- Soft drinks.
- Clothing brands.
9. Do you think newspapers have too many advertisements? Why?
Yes, newspapers often have many advertisements because they are a major source of revenue for the publishers.
10. Are the stories in the two newspapers about factory closures similar? Why or why not?
No, the stories are not similar. One newspaper highlights the protests of workers and factory owners, while the other focuses on the environmental benefits of factory closures.
11. Do you think it is important to know both sides of the story? Why?
Yes, knowing both sides of the story helps us form balanced and informed opinions without bias.
12. What does TV do to us, and what can we do with TV?
- TV shapes our views of the world by showing different perspectives.
- We can use TV to learn, entertain ourselves, and stay informed about global events.
- However, we should be critical viewers and question what we watch.
13. What is the consequence of the media “setting the agenda” by reporting on the Fashion Week rather than slum demolitions?
Reporting on Fashion Week draws attention to luxury and wealth, while ignoring slum demolitions keeps important social issues hidden from public awareness.
14. Can you think of an issue that does not seem important to you because it is never featured in the media?
Issues like access to clean drinking water or the struggles of rural farmers often do not receive enough media attention, making them seem unimportant.
Book-Back Questions
1. In what ways does the media play an important role in a democracy?
- Media provides information about government policies, public issues, and global events, helping citizens make informed decisions.
- It acts as a watchdog, holding the government accountable for its actions.
- Media empowers people to voice their opinions and participate in democratic processes like protests or campaigns.
2. Can you give this diagram a title? What do you understand about the link between media and big business from this diagram?
Title: “The Cycle of Media and Big Business.”
- The diagram shows that big businesses fund media through advertisements. Media promotes their products, encouraging consumers to buy them. This generates profits for businesses, creating a cycle of mutual dependency.
3. What kind of effect does media “setting the agenda” have in a democracy? Provide two examples.
Media decides which issues are important by highlighting them, influencing public opinion and government priorities.
- Example 1: The media’s focus on pesticide levels in cola drinks led to stricter safety regulations.
- Example 2: Lack of coverage on rural poverty keeps these issues out of public attention.
4. Compare two newspapers and write down the similarities and differences in their reports.
Similarities: Both newspapers report on the same event or issue.
Differences: The tone, focus, and perspectives may vary. For example, one newspaper may support the government’s actions, while the other highlights public grievances.
5. What is censorship, and how does it affect media?
- Censorship refers to the government’s power to block certain news items, movies, or songs from being published or broadcasted.
- It affects media by restricting freedom of expression and preventing the public from accessing important information.
6. What is social advertising? Provide an example.
- Social advertising refers to advertisements created by governments or private organizations to spread awareness about social issues.
- Example: An advertisement promoting road safety and discouraging drunk driving.
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