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This page provides complete exercise solutions for Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science — Civics Term 2, Chapter 2: Media and Democracy. Work through each section in order:
1. Read the Key Concepts for a quick recap of the chapter. 2. Attempt each exercise question on your own first. 3. Compare your answers with the detailed solutions below. 4. Review the Common Mistakes section to avoid losing marks. 5. Use the Exam Checklist before your test.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
- Media refers to all means of communication that reach large numbers of people.
- Print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, and books.
- Broadcast media includes radio and television.
- Mass media has made the world smaller and closer by enabling rapid spread of information.
- Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing information sharing.
- Akashvani (All India Radio) is the radio broadcast of the Government of India.
- Doordarshan is the national television channel of India.
- Media must be independent to write balanced and truthful reports.
- Media plays a vital role in democracy by informing citizens, exposing corruption, and enabling public debate.
- Ethics is a code of values which governs our lives and guides media responsibility.
- Every individual person is a medium of expression.
- Media can be influenced by government, business houses, and powerful individuals — this is called censorship or media bias.
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Media | All means of communication that reach large numbers of people |
| Print Media | Newspapers, magazines, journals, and books |
| Broadcast Media | Radio and television that transmit through electromagnetic waves |
| Mass Media | Media that reaches large audiences simultaneously |
| Johannes Gutenberg | Inventor of the printing press in the 15th century |
| Akashvani | All India Radio — government radio broadcasting service |
| Doordarshan | National television channel of India |
| Censorship | Government control or restriction on what media can publish |
| Ethics | Code of values governing media responsibility |
| Freedom of Expression | Right of every individual to express opinions |
| Yellow Journalism | Sensationalising news for higher ratings |
| Digital Media | Internet, social media, and online news platforms |
| Watchdog Role | Media's role in holding those in power accountable |
| Media Independence | Freedom from government, business, or powerful individual influence |
Exercise Solutions
I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)
1. Which one of the following comes under print media?
Answer
- a) Radio
- b) Television
- c) Newspaper ✓
- d) Internet
ExplanationPrint media includes publications that are printed on paper — newspapers, magazines, journals, and books. Radio and television are broadcast media, while the Internet is a digital medium.
2. Which one of the following is the broadcast media?
Answer
- a) Magazines
- b) Journals
- c) Newspaper
- d) Radio ✓
ExplanationBroadcast media transmits information through radio waves. Radio and television are broadcast media. Magazines, journals, and newspapers are print media.
3. Which invention has brought the world closer?
Answer
- a) Typewriter
- b) Television ✓
- c) Telex
- d) None of these
ExplanationTelevision brought the world closer by allowing people to see and hear events happening in distant places in real time. It combines audio and visual communication, making it a powerful medium.
4. Which is mass media?
Answer
- a) Radio
- b) Television
- c) Both a & b ✓
- d) None of these
ExplanationMass media includes all media that reach large audiences. Both radio and television are forms of mass media that communicate information to millions of people simultaneously.
5. Why is it necessary for media to be independent?
Answer
- a) To earn money
- b) To encourage company
- c) To write balanced report ✓
- d) None of these
ExplanationAn independent media is essential to write balanced and unbiased reports. Without independence, media can be influenced by the government, businesses, or powerful individuals, leading to biased reporting.
Q6. The printing press was invented by:
Answer
- a) Thomas Edison
- b) Johannes Gutenberg ✓
- c) Alexander Graham Bell
- d) Karl Marx
ExplanationJohannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century, which revolutionized the way information was shared.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a type of media?
Answer
- a) Print media
- b) Broadcast media
- c) Digital media
- d) None of these ✓
ExplanationPrint media, broadcast media, and digital media are all valid types of media. The correct answer is "None of these" since all listed options are types of media.
Q8. Yellow journalism refers to:
Answer
- a) Fair and truthful reporting
- b) Sensationalising news for higher ratings ✓
- c) Government-controlled media
- d) Independent media reporting
ExplanationYellow journalism is the practice of sensationalising news to attract more readers or viewers, compromising truth and accuracy.
Q9. Doordarshan is the national ______ of India.
Answer
- a) Radio channel
- b) Television channel ✓
- c) Newspaper
- d) Magazine
ExplanationDoordarshan is India's national television channel, while Akashvani (All India Radio) is the radio broadcasting service.
Q10. The media that acts as a watchdog in democracy is called:
Answer
- a) Controlled media
- b) Independent media ✓
- c) Censored media
- d) Private media
ExplanationIndependent media acts as a watchdog by holding those in power accountable, exposing corruption, and providing truthful reports.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. Mass media have made the world smaller and closer.
2. Every individual person is a medium of expression.
3. Printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg.
4. Ethics is a code of values which govern our lives. (Note: The textbook states "Mass Media" as the answer in some editions, but the contextually correct answer for a code of values is Ethics.)
5. Akashvani / All India Radio is the radio broadcast of the Government of India.
6. ______ is the national television channel of India. → Doordarshan
7. The government restriction on what media can publish is called ______. → censorship
8. Sensationalising news for higher ratings is known as ______. → yellow journalism
III. Match the Following
| S.No. | Column A | | Column B |
|---|
| 1. | Newspaper | → | c) Print media |
| 2. | Television | → | b) Broadcast media (visual) |
| 3. | Radio | → | a) Broadcast media (audio) |
| 4. | Internet | → | d) Digital media |
| 5. | Johannes Gutenberg | → | e) Printing press |
Explanation
- Newspapers are printed on paper and fall under print media.
- Television transmits visual content through broadcasting.
- Radio transmits audio content through broadcasting.
- The Internet is a digital platform that combines multiple media forms.
- Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century.
IV. True or False (with corrections)
1. Print media includes radio and television.
- False. Print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, and books. Radio and television are broadcast media.
2. Mass media helps in creating awareness among people.
- True. Mass media spreads information about government policies, social issues, and events, creating awareness among the public.
3. Media does not play any role in democracy.
- False. Media plays a crucial role in democracy by informing citizens, exposing corruption, facilitating public debate, and holding the government accountable.
4. Censorship means complete freedom of media.
- False. Censorship means government control or restriction on what media can publish or broadcast. It limits media freedom.
5. Every individual has the right to express their opinion.
- True. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, and every individual is a medium of expression in a democracy.
6. Doordarshan is a print media channel.
- False. Doordarshan is a television channel, which falls under broadcast media.
7. Media plays the role of watchdog in a democracy.
- True. Independent media acts as a watchdog by exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
8. Yellow journalism promotes fair and truthful reporting.
- False. Yellow journalism sensationalises news for higher ratings and is the opposite of fair and truthful reporting.
V. Very Short Answers (1–2 sentences)
1. What is media?
Answer
Media refers to all means of communication that reach large numbers of people, including print media (newspapers, magazines), broadcast media (radio, television), and digital media (Internet).
2. Name the types of media.
Answer
The two main types of media are print media (newspapers, magazines, journals) and broadcast media (radio, television). Digital media (Internet) is a newer form.
3. Who invented the printing press?
Answer
Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century, which revolutionized the way information was shared and made books accessible to common people.
4. What is Akashvani?
Answer
Akashvani, also known as All India Radio, is the radio broadcasting service of the Government of India that provides news, entertainment, and educational programs across the country.
5. Why should media be independent?
Answer
Media should be independent so that it can write balanced and truthful reports without being influenced by the government, business houses, or powerful individuals.
VI. Short Answers (3–5 sentences)
1. Distinguish between print media and broadcast media.
Answer
Print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, and books — all printed on paper that people can read. Broadcast media includes radio and television, which transmit information through electromagnetic waves. Print media relies on literacy and is relatively slower in delivering news, while broadcast media can reach illiterate audiences and delivers news instantly. Both forms play essential roles in informing the public and shaping opinions in a democracy.
2. Explain the role of media in democracy.
Answer
Media is often called the fourth pillar of democracy. It plays a vital role by informing citizens about government policies, actions, and social issues, enabling them to make informed decisions. Media exposes corruption, highlights the problems of ordinary people, and provides a platform for public debate and discussion. An independent media holds those in power accountable and acts as a watchdog. Without a free media, citizens would be uninformed and democracy would be weakened.
3. What are the challenges faced by media?
Answer
Media faces several challenges including government censorship, where authorities restrict what can be published or broadcast. Business houses and powerful individuals may influence media to report in their favour through ownership or advertising revenue. Yellow journalism — sensationalising news for higher ratings — reduces the quality of reporting. Fake news and misinformation spread rapidly, especially on digital platforms. Journalists also face threats and physical danger while investigating sensitive stories.
4. How does mass media create awareness among people?
Answer
Mass media creates awareness by providing information about government schemes, health campaigns, educational opportunities, and social issues through newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet. It highlights problems faced by marginalised communities, exposes corruption, and educates people about their rights and duties. During natural disasters or health emergencies, mass media plays a critical role in disseminating timely information that can save lives.
VII. Detailed Answers (Paragraph-length)
1. Discuss the importance of media in a democratic country.
Answer
In a democratic country, media serves as the fourth pillar of democracy, playing an indispensable role in the functioning of the system. Media informs citizens about government policies, legislative decisions, and social issues, enabling them to make informed choices during elections and in their daily lives. It acts as a watchdog, exposing corruption, misuse of power, and malpractices in governance. Media provides a platform for public debate where diverse opinions can be expressed, ensuring that minority voices are also heard. It bridges the gap between the government and the people by conveying public grievances to those in power. During emergencies, media provides critical information that can save lives. However, for media to fulfil these roles effectively, it must remain independent and free from the influence of the government, business houses, and powerful individuals. A biased or controlled media can mislead the public and weaken democracy.
2. Explain the different types of media with examples.
Answer
Media can be broadly classified into three types based on the mode of communication. Print media includes newspapers, magazines, journals, and books — all printed on paper. Examples include The Hindu, Dinamalar, India Today, and textbooks. Print media relies on literacy and provides in-depth analysis and detailed reporting. Broadcast media includes radio and television, which transmit information through electromagnetic waves. Examples include Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan. Radio reaches even remote areas and illiterate audiences through audio, while television combines audio and visual content for a more engaging experience. Digital media includes the Internet, social media, and online news portals. Examples include news websites, YouTube channels, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Digital media is interactive, allowing users to both consume and create content. Each type of media has its strengths — print provides depth, broadcast provides reach and immediacy, and digital provides interactivity and global access.
3. How can media be made more independent and responsible?
Answer
Media independence and responsibility are essential for a healthy democracy. To make media more independent, ownership should be diversified so that no single business house or political group controls a large share of media outlets. A regulatory body should ensure that media follows ethical standards without interfering in editorial freedom. Journalists should follow a code of ethics that prioritises truth, accuracy, and fairness over sensationalism. The government should enact and enforce laws that protect press freedom and prevent censorship, while also ensuring accountability through transparent processes. Media organisations should disclose their funding sources and ownership to maintain public trust. Fact-checking mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation. Public participation through media literacy programmes can help citizens identify biased reporting and demand accountability. Finally, the Right to Information Act empowers both journalists and citizens to access government information, making media more effective as a watchdog.
Common Mistakes
1. ❌ Confusing print media with broadcast media → ✅ Print media = newspapers, magazines, journals; Broadcast media = radio, television 2. ❌ Saying Internet is print media → ✅ Internet is digital media, combining elements of both print and broadcast 3. ❌ Thinking media freedom means media anarchy → ✅ Media independence means freedom from undue influence, not freedom from responsibility 4. ❌ Confusing censorship with regulation → ✅ Censorship restricts what can be published; regulation ensures ethical standards 5. ❌ Forgetting Gutenberg invented the printing press → ✅ Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 15th century 6. ❌ Saying Akashvani is a newspaper → ✅ Akashvani is the radio broadcasting service (All India Radio) 7. ❌ Confusing "media" with "social media" only → ✅ Media includes print, broadcast, and digital; social media is just one part of digital media
Exam Checklist
- [ ] Can you define media and name its types?
- [ ] Can you distinguish between print media and broadcast media with examples?
- [ ] Do you know who invented the printing press and why it matters?
- [ ] Can you explain the role of media in democracy?
- [ ] Can you explain why media independence is important?
- [ ] Do you know what Akashvani and Doordarshan are?
- [ ] Can you list the challenges faced by media?
- [ ] Can you explain censorship and how it affects media freedom?
- [ ] Can you discuss how media creates awareness among people?
- [ ] Can you write a detailed note on the importance of media in a democratic country?
- [ ] Can you explain what yellow journalism is and why it is harmful?
- [ ] Can you name the three main types of media (print, broadcast, digital) with examples?
