Model Question Paper for M.A. Journalism & Mass Communication

Why Model Question Papers Matter

Preparing for the postgraduate examinations in Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) can feel overwhelming. Model question papers act as a bridge between the curriculum and the actual exam. They help you:

• Understand the exam pattern and weightage of each topic.
• Practice time management under realistic conditions.
• Identify weak areas early and focus your revision.
• Gain confidence by familiarising yourself with the style of questions asked in previous years.

Tip: Always attempt a model paper within the prescribed time limit before checking the answer key.

Overall Exam Structure

Most universities follow a twopaper format for the M.A. Journalism & Mass Communication semester exams. The common layout is:

1. PaperI (Theory): 70 marks, 3 hours. Consists of short answer, essay, and casestudy questions.
2. PaperII (Practical/Project): 30 marks, 2 hours. Includes research methodology, media analysis, and a practical task such as news writing or editing.

The total marks for the semester are generally 100, with a passing requirement of 40% overall and 35% in each paper.

Sample Model Question Paper Paper I (Theory)

Section A Short Answer Questions (102=20 marks)

1. Define agendasetting and give one contemporary example.
2. Explain the difference between media convergence and media integration.
3. What are the key features of the Public Sphere concept as propounded by Habermas?
4. List three ethical guidelines for journalistsource relationships.
5. State two advantages and two disadvantages of citizen journalism.
6. Identify the major phases of the news production process.
7. What is the digital divide and how does it affect media consumption?
8. Briefly describe the Uses and Gratifications theory.
9. Give two methods of audience measurement used by broadcast media.
10. Differentiate between hard news and soft news.

Section B Essay Type Questions (212=24 marks)

11. Discuss the impact of social media platforms on political communication in India. Include both positive and negative aspects, citing recent examples.
12. Analyse the role of mass media in shaping public opinion during a health crisis. Use the COVID19 pandemic as a case study.

Section C Case Study / Application (126=26 marks)

Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow.

A regional newspaper, The Daily Echo, published a story about alleged corruption in a local municipal corporation. The article relied heavily on anonymous sources and did not provide documentary evidence. After the storys release, the corporation filed a defamation suit against the newspaper. The editor-in-chief is now required to defend the newspapers reporting strategy.

13. Identify the possible legal and ethical issues involved (8 marks).
14. Suggest how the editor could have strengthened the story before publication (6 marks).
15. Discuss the balance between the publics right to know and the individuals right to reputation (6 marks).
16. Propose a set of guidelines for handling anonymous sources in future investigations (6 marks).

Total: 70 marks

Sample Model Question Paper Paper II (Practical/Project)

Section A Research Methodology (15 marks)

Prepare a research proposal (maximum 500 words) on the topic Effectiveness of FactChecking Initiatives on Reducing Misinformation on WhatsApp in Rural Areas. Your proposal should include:

• Research problem and objectives
• Literature review highlights (23 key references)
• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed)
• Data collection tools and sampling method
• Potential limitations and ethical considerations

Section B Media Analysis (10 marks)

Select a news story from any major Indian newspaper dated within the last six months. Conduct a brief content analysis (250300 words) focusing on:

• Headline framing
• Source attribution
• Use of visuals
• Bias or slant (if any)

Section C Practical Task (5 marks)

Write a 300word news report on the following event:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced a new policy granting tax incentives to digital news startups that meet specific journalistic standards.

Follow the invertedpyramid style, include a compelling lead, and provide at least two quotes from official statements.

Total: 30 marks

How to Use This Model Paper Effectively

• First attempt: Treat it as a timed mock exam. Do not look at any notes.
• Second attempt: Review your answers against the syllabus and mark scheme. Highlight gaps.
• Third attempt: Redo the questions you missed, this time consulting textbooks and lecture notes.
• Continuous practice: Repeat the cycle every two weeks leading up to the exam date.

Remember, the aim of a model paper is not to memorize answers but to develop analytical thinking, structure, and clear expressionkey skills for any journalist.

Additional Resources

Below are some valuable links that complement the model paper preparation:

• Media Education Resource Centre free PDFs on media law and ethics.
• SAGE Journals access to research articles on communication theory.
• Indian Newslaw updates on recent legal cases involving the press.
• Coursera Introduction to Journalism useful for practical skill building.