ISC Class 12 Mass Media and Communication Sample Paper 2024 with Solutions

SECTION A - 14 MARKS

Question 1

(i) Modern media has helped to represent people of various cultures and backgrounds. Which one of the following examples displays this? [1 Mark]
(a) Puppet show celebrating a local festival in a village
(b) International football matches
(c) Weather forecasts
(d) Cartoons by local artists in a newspaper

Answer: (b) International football matches

International sporting events broadcast globally bring together teams, fans, and cultures from all over the world, showcasing diverse nationalities.

Teacher's Note:
a) Media representation bridges cultural gaps by showcasing international and multicultural events to a global audience.
b) Students often confuse local cultural events with global representation; look for scale and diversity when identifying cross-cultural media content.

(ii) Which one of the following is a characteristic of a good journalist? [1 Mark]
(a) Sensationalism
(b) Partisan reporting
(c) Empathy
(d) Plagiarism

Answer: (c) Empathy

Empathy allows a journalist to understand human suffering and report stories with sensitivity and ethical responsibility.

Teacher's Note:
a) Core journalistic ethics demand fairness, objectivity, and empathy towards subjects and audiences.
b) Avoid selecting negative traits like sensationalism or plagiarism, which violate the ethical standards of journalism.

(iii) Which one of the following is NOT a part of culture? [1 Mark]
(a) Food
(b) Language
(c) Economy
(d) Clothes

Answer: (c) Economy

Economy relates to production, distribution, and trade of goods and services, which is a structural or material system rather than a cultural component.

Teacher's Note:
a) Culture encompasses shared beliefs, values, customs, language, food, and attire.
b) Economic systems shape societies but are classified under financial or commercial domains rather than culture.

(iv) Assertion: Action movies use thrilling sequences to generate excitement among audiences.
Reason: Audiences find thrilling episodes relatable to daily life. [1 Mark]
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false and Reason is true.

Answer: (c) Assertion is true and Reason is false.

Action sequences generate excitement through spectacle and adrenaline, not because such extreme scenarios are relatable to daily life.

Teacher's Note:
a) Always analyze both statements independently for factual accuracy before checking the causal link.
b) Action movie thrills are typically escapist fantasy rather than reflections of everyday routines.

(v) Maya is a travel journalist and shares her experiences on an online journal format. Such an online journal format is known as ______________. [1 Mark]

Answer: a blog (or weblog).

Teacher's Note:
a) Blogs are frequently used by travel and lifestyle writers to publish chronological posts.
b) Ensure exact terminology is used for digital publishing formats.

(vi) Online name calling and sharing of embarrassing content are examples of ______________. [1 Mark]

Answer: cyberbullying (or cyber harassment).

Teacher's Note:
a) Cyberbullying involves using digital communication tools to harass, humiliate, or threaten individuals.
b) Clearly distinguish between general cybercrime and specific interpersonal offenses like cyberbullying.

(vii) A popular movie depicted a real-life event wherein a historian finds ancient missing jewellery. This movie is an example of _____________ cinema genre. [1 Mark]

Answer: historical (or biographical / docudrama / adventure).

Teacher's Note:
a) Historical films focus on past events, historical figures, or archaeological discoveries based on true stories.
b) Examiners accept historical or biographical depending on the specific biographical focus of the film.

(viii) State whether the following are True or False: [4 Marks]
(a) Television and cinema allow the viewers to create their own perceptions of the story.
(b) While using the internet, one must always hide their name and identity.
(c) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has the power to adjudicate disputes.
(d) Political media convergence makes use of social media sites and online video sharing.

Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) False
(d) True

Teacher's Note:
a) TRAI makes recommendations and regulates tariffs, whereas disputes and adjudications are handled by TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal).
b) Hiding identity is not a mandatory or practical rule for all internet usage, though digital safety is important.

(ix) State any one way in which an illiterate person is prone to Cybercrime. [1 Mark]

Answer: An illiterate person cannot read digital warnings, terms and conditions, or phishing alerts, making them vulnerable to online financial fraud and deceptive links.

Teacher's Note:
a) Lack of digital and textual literacy prevents users from verifying the authenticity of messages or payment apps.
b) Keep the answer focused on the inability to read digital instructions or security prompts.

(x) Technological media convergence allows for several applications to exist on one device. State any one way in which this is beneficial to a child’s education and development. [1 Mark]

Answer: It provides access to interactive e-learning apps, digital storybooks, and educational videos on a single device, promoting multi-sensory learning.

Teacher's Note:
a) Convergence consolidates tools like dictionaries, encyclopedias, and classrooms into one gadget.
b) Ensure the benefit directly links to child education rather than general entertainment.

(xi) Provide any two issues that might arise due to the absence of the film certifications laid out by the Central Board of Film Certification in India. [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Exposure of children and adolescents to age-inappropriate content containing explicit violence or adult themes.
2. Potential public unrest, communal disharmony, or offense to cultural sentiments due to unmonitored provocative themes.

Teacher's Note:
a) CBFC certification safeguards public order, morality, and age-based audience protection.
b) List two distinct societal risks to secure full marks in very short answer formats.

SECTION B - 28 MARKS

Question 2 [4 Marks]
When the students of a particular class were asked about their favourite fast-food restaurants, they mentioned the names of restaurants from foreign companies and did not think of local food restaurants.
Explain how this is a result of social media. How does social media act as a catalyst for social change?

Answer:
1. Impact of social media on food preferences: Global fast-food chains invest heavily in social media marketing, targeted advertising, influencer partnerships, and aesthetically appealing content that creates a strong aspirational value among youth.
2. Social media as a catalyst for social change: It amplifies marginalized voices, mobilizes communities for social causes, spreads awareness rapidly across geographical borders, and challenges regressive traditions by fostering open public discourse.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain both the commercial branding effect on youth preferences and the broader sociological impact of digital platforms.
b) Use clear headings or points for both parts of the question to ensure complete coverage.

Question 3 [4 Marks]

(i) Differentiate between trustworthiness and inquisitiveness as two qualities that a journalist should possess. [4 Marks]

Answer:

Teacher's Note:
a) Present differences in a tabular format for clarity and comparative contrast.
b) Emphasize that trustworthiness relates to ethics and credibility, whereas inquisitiveness relates to inquiry and investigation.

OR

(ii) Sting operations often rely on lies and dangerous environments. Briefly discuss any two ethical issues in conducting sting operations. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Entrapment and inducement: Journalists may manipulate or trap individuals into committing a wrongful act that they otherwise would not have committed, raising serious questions of moral provocation.
2. Invasion of privacy: Sting operations often involve covert surveillance, hidden cameras, and deception, which infringe upon an individual's right to privacy.

Teacher's Note:
a) Discuss ethical dilemmas objectively, highlighting the conflict between public interest and deceptive methods.
b) Clearly explain two distinct issues such as privacy violation and entrapment.

Question 4 [4 Marks]
Briefly explain how a radio jockey uses language skills and the ability to connect with the audience and improve the quality of radio programmes.

Answer:
1. Mastery over language: Clear diction, appropriate tone, conversational pacing, and expressive vocabulary enable the radio jockey to articulate thoughts engagingly without visual aids.
2. Audience connect: Using relatable humor, empathetic listening during caller segments, and addressing listeners directly fosters a sense of personal companionship, making the broadcast interactive and vibrant.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight that radio is an audio-only medium where voice modulation and linguistic dexterity are paramount.
b) Connect audience engagement techniques directly to how they elevate the entertainment and informational value of the show.

Question 5 [4 Marks]
What is a historical genre? What does this genre focus on?
Answer:
1. Definition of historical genre: It is a cinematic and literary genre that portrays past events, eras, historical figures, or fictional stories set against authentic historical backdrops.
2. Core focus: It focuses on recreating historical accuracy, socio-cultural contexts, political conflicts, epic battles, or biographical accounts of notable personalities to educate and entertain audiences.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define the genre clearly before detailing its thematic and visual focus.
b) Mention attention to period detail, costumes, and historical authenticity as key elements.

Question 6 [4 Marks]

(i) How can netiquettes be followed to avoid cybercrimes? [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Respecting privacy: Never sharing or forwarding personal data, passwords, or private media of others without explicit consent.
2. Polite and responsible communication: Avoiding abusive language, online harassment, cyberbullying, or hateful comments on social platforms.
3. Verifying information: Refraining from spreading fake news, unverified links, or malicious software attachments.
4. Safe browsing habits: Logging out of public computers and maintaining secure, unique passwords.

Teacher's Note:
a) Define netiquettes as internet etiquette and acceptable social guidelines for online behavior.
b) Provide practical behavioral points that directly reduce vulnerability to online offenses.

OR

(ii) Explain how stereotyping can result in bullying. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. Creation of prejudice: Stereotyping generalizes groups of people based on race, gender, appearance, or background, creating rigid and unfair biases.
2. Target for ridicule: Individuals who do not fit societal stereotypes are often mocked, excluded, or subjected to verbal and physical abuse.
3. Escalation to systematic bullying: Persistent prejudice normalizes aggressive behavior, leading to institutionalized bullying in schools, workplaces, and online forums.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain the psychological link from generalization to prejudice and subsequently to targeted harassment.
b) Keep the explanation structured logically in progressive steps.

Question 7 [4 Marks]
State any four benefits of Technological Media Convergence.

Answer:
1. Multi-functionality on a single device: Users can access print, audio, video, and internet services on one gadget like a smartphone.
2. Portability and convenience: Information and entertainment are accessible anytime and anywhere, breaking geographical boundaries.
3. Interactivity: Audiences can actively comment, share, and participate in content creation rather than remaining passive consumers.
4. Cost efficiency: Consolidating multiple media tools into a single device reduces the need to purchase separate standalone gadgets.

Teacher's Note:
a) List four distinct, well-explained technical and consumer benefits.
b) Ensure the distinction between technological convergence and economic convergence is maintained.

Question 8 [4 Marks]
Write any four functions of the Press Council of India.

Answer:
1. To help newspapers maintain their independence.
2. To build up a code of conduct for journalists and newspapers in accordance with high professional standards.
3. To ensure that newspapers and journalists maintain high standards of public taste and foster a due sense of public responsibility.
4. To review developments likely to restrict the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and importance.

Teacher's Note:
a) Cite statutory functions of the Press Council of India accurately as outlined in media regulations.
b) Focus on press freedom, ethical code enforcement, and professional standard maintenance.

SECTION C - 28 MARKS

Question 9 [7 Marks]
Describe political media convergence. Briefly explain any two ways in which a politician can use political media convergence to his advantage.

Answer:
1. Description of political media convergence: It refers to the merging of traditional political communication tools with digital, social, and interactive media platforms. Politicians use integrated multimedia campaigns encompassing television, live streaming, social media posts, podcasts, and mobile apps to reach voters.
2. Two ways politicians use it to their advantage:
- Direct voter engagement: Politicians can bypass traditional journalistic gatekeepers to communicate directly with constituents via Twitter, Instagram, or live Q and A sessions.
- Micro-targeting: Utilizing data analytics across convergent platforms to tailor specific campaign messages to distinct demographic groups based on age, location, and interests.

Teacher's Note:
a) Divide the answer clearly into the definition of political convergence and two applied strategic advantages.
b) Emphasize how bypassing traditional media intermediaries empowers modern political campaigning.

Question 10

(i) Briefly explain how communication has led to social change. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Awareness creation: Communication channels spread vital information regarding health, rights, and education, altering public mindsets.
2. Mobilization: Mass media and interpersonal communication unite people to protest against social evils and campaign for policy reforms.
3. Cultural shift: Exposure to diverse ideas through media challenges orthodox traditions and encourages progressive social norms.

Teacher's Note:
a) Explain how the flow of information transforms collective attitudes and societal structures.
b) Keep the points concise and directly tied to social transformation.

(ii) Give any two examples of social movements to support your answer. [4 Marks]

Answer:
1. The Chipko Movement: Used community communication, folk songs, and grassroots mobilization to protest against commercial deforestation, leading to widespread environmental conservation awareness.
2. The MeToo Movement: Leveraged social media platforms and digital hashtags (#MeToo) globally to expose sexual harassment, empowering victims and transforming workplace accountability standards worldwide.

Teacher's Note:
a) Choose prominent historical or contemporary social movements that clearly illustrate the power of communication.
b) Detail both the communication method used and the resulting social change for each movement.

Question 11 [7 Marks]

(i) Discuss the role and functions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. [7 Marks]

Answer:
1. Establishment and Role: Established in 1997 under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, TRAI regulates the telecommunications sector in India to create a consumer-friendly environment and promote fair competition.
2. Key Functions:
- Tariff regulation: Fixing and reviewing tariffs and rates for telecommunication services to protect consumer interests.
- Ensuring service quality: Monitoring benchmark standards for quality of service provided by telecom operators.
- Recommendations to Central Government: Providing recommendations on license conditions, spectrum management, and introduction of new technologies.
- Facilitating fair competition: Promoting orderly growth of the telecom sector and preventing monopolistic practices among service providers.
- Protecting consumer interests: Maintaining registry of complaints and addressing consumer grievances regarding billing and services.

Teacher's Note:
a) Provide a comprehensive overview of TRAI's statutory role followed by point-wise key functions.
b) Distinguish clearly between TRAI's advisory/regulatory role and judicial bodies like TDSAT.

OR

(ii) Low budget production processes in India have contributed to the progress of cinema industry and have helped it evolve.
With reference to this statement, explain the role of milk producers in India in the production of the film Manthan. [7 Marks]

Answer:
1. Context of Manthan: Directed by Shyam Benegal, *Manthan* (1976) is a landmark film in Indian parallel cinema that explored the cooperative dairy movement in Gujarat.
2. Role of milk producers in production:
- Crowdsourced funding: The film was not financed by commercial studio tycoons, but was produced through the collective contribution of half a million farmers (milk producers) who donated two rupees each through the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF / Amul).
- Authentic ownership: Because the farmers funded the film, it genuinely reflected their struggles, grassroots reality, and the cooperative success story of Dr. Verghese Kurien.
- Evolution of low budget cinema: It proved that meaningful independent cinema could be realized collectively without relying on massive corporate budgets, marking a milestone in participatory filmmaking.

Teacher's Note:
a) Highlight the unique historical cooperative funding model behind *Manthan*.
b) Connect the participatory funding by milk producers directly to the theme of low-budget, realistic parallel cinema in India.

Question 12
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
A private company advertised face masks as 100% effective and reusable. It claimed that these face masks would protect the consumers from all kinds of viruses. Due to the popularity of the advertisement, the company made huge sales.
After a short period of sale, the consumers registered complaints against the product. They complained that the product was not reusable nor was it as effective as advertised. The company had made false claims to increase sales.

(i) Give any two examples, from the case given above, to show that the company did not practise responsible advertising. [1 Mark]

Answer:
1. Claiming the face masks were 100% effective against all kinds of viruses.
2. Falsely claiming that the face masks were reusable when they were not.

Teacher's Note:
a) Extract specific deceptive claims directly from the given case text.
b) Keep the points brief as allotted marks are minimal for this sub-part.

(ii) State any three possible negative consequences of the advertisement referred to in the passage. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Health risks: Consumers relying on false claims of complete virus protection may contract infections and face severe health hazards.
2. Financial loss: Consumers waste money purchasing a defective product under false pretenses.
3. Loss of trust: Public trust in advertising claims is eroded, damaging market credibility for genuine health products.

Teacher's Note:
a) Analyze both consumer-level impacts (health and financial) and macro-level impacts (market trust).
b) List three distinct consequences corresponding to the 3-mark requirement.

(iii) Which body, under Advertisement Standard Council of India, can the consumer approach to register grievances? State any two ways by which this body helps resolve consumer's grievances. [3 Marks]

Answer:
1. Adverting body: The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) under the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
2. Two ways of resolving grievances:
- Review and adjudication: Examining complaints against misleading advertisements and deciding whether they violate the ASCI code.
- Corrective action: Directing the advertiser to modify or withdraw the objectionable advertisement from circulation.

Teacher's Note:
a) Name the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) accurately as ASCI's grievance-handling arm.
b) Clearly state the dual mechanism of evaluating complaints and ordering corrective withdrawals.