About Mass Communication and Journalism MCQs
Mass Communication and Journalism is a popular optional subject in CSS and PMS, and a core subject for media students. It covers the theoretical foundations of communication, the history of the press, media ethics, and modern digital journalism.
Topics Covered in This Category
- Communication Theory: Models of communication, agenda-setting, and media effects.
- History of Press: The evolution of newspapers and media in Pakistan and globally.
- Journalism Practices: News reporting, editing, headline writing, and investigative journalism.
- Media Laws & Ethics: Press ordinances, PEMRA, defamation, and media codes of conduct.
How to Prepare for Mass Communication MCQs
Memorize the key theorists and their theories (e.g., Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell). Keep a separate list of media laws and regulatory bodies in Pakistan. Stay updated with current affairs, especially as they relate to media freedom, social media trends, and digital journalism.
Question 51: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Sensationalism'? (Q51)
- A Dateline
- B Yellow Journalism
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Yellow Journalism is a key element of Sensationalism.
Question 52: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Off the Record' refer to? (Q52)
- A Information cannot be published or attributed to source
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Off the Record' is defined as: Information cannot be published or attributed to source.
Question 53: Which journalism concept is described as 'Information can be quoted directly with source name'? (Q53)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D On the Record
Explanation: On the Record refers to Information can be quoted directly with source name.
Question 54: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Embargo'? (Q54)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Advance press release
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Embargo is used for Advance press release.
Question 55: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Freelance reporter'? (Q55)
- A Dateline
- B Stringer
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Stringer is a key element of Freelance reporter.
Question 56: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Beat Reporting' refer to? (Q56)
- A In-depth reporting on a specific subject/institution (e.g., crime, politics)
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Beat Reporting' is defined as: In-depth reporting on a specific subject/institution (e.g., crime, politics).
Question 57: Which journalism concept is described as 'Uncovering corruption, crime, or systemic abuse'? (Q57)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Investigative Journalism
Explanation: Investigative Journalism refers to Uncovering corruption, crime, or systemic abuse.
Question 58: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Editorial'? (Q58)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Unsigned opinion
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Editorial is used for Unsigned opinion.
Question 59: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Editing phase'? (Q59)
- A Dateline
- B Proofreading
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Proofreading is a key element of Editing phase.
Question 60: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Sub-Editor' refer to? (Q60)
- A Edits reporter copy, writes headlines, and formats pages
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Sub-Editor' is defined as: Edits reporter copy, writes headlines, and formats pages.
Question 61: Which journalism concept is described as 'Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead'? (Q61)
- A Byline
- B Dateline
- C Lead / Lede
- D Inverted Pyramid
Explanation: Inverted Pyramid refers to Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead.
Question 62: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Byline'? (Q62)
- A Story origin
- B Front paragraph
- C News credit
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Byline is used for News credit.
Question 63: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Location indicator'? (Q63)
- A Lead / Lede
- B Dateline
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Dateline is a key element of Location indicator.
Question 64: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Lead / Lede' refer to? (Q64)
- A Captures key elements in 20-30 words
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Lead / Lede' is defined as: Captures key elements in 20-30 words.
Question 65: Which journalism concept is described as 'Explains why the story matters to the reader'? (Q65)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Nut Graf
Explanation: Nut Graf refers to Explains why the story matters to the reader.
Question 66: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Yellow Journalism'? (Q66)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C 1890s Hearst/Pulitzer rivalry
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Yellow Journalism is used for 1890s Hearst/Pulitzer rivalry.
Question 67: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Attribution rule'? (Q67)
- A Dateline
- B Off the Record
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Off the Record is a key element of Attribution rule.
Question 68: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'On the Record' refer to? (Q68)
- A Information can be quoted directly with source name
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'On the Record' is defined as: Information can be quoted directly with source name.
Question 69: Which journalism concept is described as 'Restriction on publishing news before a specified time'? (Q69)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Embargo
Explanation: Embargo refers to Restriction on publishing news before a specified time.
Question 70: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Stringer'? (Q70)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Field reporting
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Stringer is used for Field reporting.
Question 71: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Specialized field'? (Q71)
- A Dateline
- B Beat Reporting
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Beat Reporting is a key element of Specialized field.
Question 72: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Investigative Journalism' refer to? (Q72)
- A Uncovering corruption, crime, or systemic abuse
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Investigative Journalism' is defined as: Uncovering corruption, crime, or systemic abuse.
Question 73: Which journalism concept is described as 'Represents the official stance/opinion of the newspaper board'? (Q73)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Editorial
Explanation: Editorial refers to Represents the official stance/opinion of the newspaper board.
Question 74: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Proofreading'? (Q74)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Pre-print check
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Proofreading is used for Pre-print check.
Question 75: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Newsroom desk role'? (Q75)
- A Dateline
- B Sub-Editor
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Sub-Editor is a key element of Newsroom desk role.
Question 76: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Inverted Pyramid' refer to? (Q76)
- A Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- B Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- C Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
- D Captures key elements in 20-30 words
Explanation: 'Inverted Pyramid' is defined as: Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead.
Question 77: Which journalism concept is described as 'Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story'? (Q77)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Dateline
- C Lead / Lede
- D Byline
Explanation: Byline refers to Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story.
Question 78: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Dateline'? (Q78)
- A News credit
- B Front paragraph
- C Story origin
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Dateline is used for Story origin.
Question 79: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Opening paragraph'? (Q79)
- A Dateline
- B Lead / Lede
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Lead / Lede is a key element of Opening paragraph.
Question 80: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Nut Graf' refer to? (Q80)
- A Explains why the story matters to the reader
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Nut Graf' is defined as: Explains why the story matters to the reader.
Question 81: Which journalism concept is described as 'Exaggerated headlines and unethical reporting'? (Q81)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Yellow Journalism
Explanation: Yellow Journalism refers to Exaggerated headlines and unethical reporting.
Question 82: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Off the Record'? (Q82)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Confidential source
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Off the Record is used for Confidential source.
Question 83: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Attribution rule'? (Q83)
- A Dateline
- B On the Record
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: On the Record is a key element of Attribution rule.
Question 84: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Embargo' refer to? (Q84)
- A Restriction on publishing news before a specified time
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Embargo' is defined as: Restriction on publishing news before a specified time.
Question 85: Which journalism concept is described as 'Part-time correspondent covering specific local areas'? (Q85)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Stringer
Explanation: Stringer refers to Part-time correspondent covering specific local areas.
Question 86: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Beat Reporting'? (Q86)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Focused journalism
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Beat Reporting is used for Focused journalism.
Question 87: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'In-depth inquiry'? (Q87)
- A Dateline
- B Investigative Journalism
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Investigative Journalism is a key element of In-depth inquiry.
Question 88: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Editorial' refer to? (Q88)
- A Represents the official stance/opinion of the newspaper board
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Editorial' is defined as: Represents the official stance/opinion of the newspaper board.
Question 89: Which journalism concept is described as 'Checking text for typographical, grammatical, and layout errors'? (Q89)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Proofreading
Explanation: Proofreading refers to Checking text for typographical, grammatical, and layout errors.
Question 90: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Sub-Editor'? (Q90)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Gatekeeper in newsroom
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Sub-Editor is used for Gatekeeper in newsroom.
Question 91: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'News structure'? (Q91)
- A Lead / Lede
- B Inverted Pyramid
- C Byline
- D Dateline
Explanation: Inverted Pyramid is a key element of News structure.
Question 92: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Byline' refer to? (Q92)
- A Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
- D Captures key elements in 20-30 words
Explanation: 'Byline' is defined as: Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story.
Question 93: Which journalism concept is described as 'Indicates where and when news was reported/filed'? (Q93)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Lead / Lede
- D Dateline
Explanation: Dateline refers to Indicates where and when news was reported/filed.
Question 94: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'Lead / Lede'? (Q94)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Front paragraph
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, Lead / Lede is used for Front paragraph.
Question 95: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Core significance'? (Q95)
- A Dateline
- B Nut Graf
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Nut Graf is a key element of Core significance.
Question 96: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Yellow Journalism' refer to? (Q96)
- A Exaggerated headlines and unethical reporting
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Yellow Journalism' is defined as: Exaggerated headlines and unethical reporting.
Question 97: Which journalism concept is described as 'Information cannot be published or attributed to source'? (Q97)
- A Inverted Pyramid
- B Byline
- C Dateline
- D Off the Record
Explanation: Off the Record refers to Information cannot be published or attributed to source.
Question 98: What is the primary newsroom function of a 'On the Record'? (Q98)
- A News credit
- B Story origin
- C Official statement
- D Hard news writing
Explanation: In practical journalism, On the Record is used for Official statement.
Question 99: Which news writing or editing technique falls under the classification of 'Release delay'? (Q99)
- A Dateline
- B Embargo
- C Inverted Pyramid
- D Byline
Explanation: Embargo is a key element of Release delay.
Question 100: In newsroom terminology, what does the term 'Stringer' refer to? (Q100)
- A Part-time correspondent covering specific local areas
- B Puts most important 5Ws and 1H in the lead
- C Gives the name of the reporter/author of the story
- D Indicates where and when news was reported/filed
Explanation: 'Stringer' is defined as: Part-time correspondent covering specific local areas.