Author: Dr. Ranjan Kumar

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow based on your understanding of the passage: NOISE in mass communication is a mammoth aggravation. Within the media, channel noise consists of such things as typographical errors, misspelled or scrambled words and missing paragraphs in the newspaper. It is the fuzzy picture on the tube, static on the radio or missing pages in a magazine. It is also a broken television set, a dead battery in the transistor radio, the Sunday paper in a mud puddle or the magazine subscription that doesn’t arrive. Obviously, the more technologically complex the society, the greater the opportunity there is for this kind of channel noise. As the numbers, varieties, and complexities of media increase, there is a greater likelihood that will be exposed to mounting noise. A good example of this “modern” interference is the effect of solar activity on satellite transmissions. Since channel noise also includes outside interference, it encompasses such things as kids fighting during a television program or visitors interrupting our reading. Other such interferences are the persistent ringing of the telephone as we watch television, a teenager’s stereo at full volume while parents are trying to read, competing programs scheduled in the same time slot, and the variety of magazines we have to choose from. These examples show evidence that in many cases the media interfere with one another and constitute a considerable part of their own noise. As more media develop and become available, the problem will get worse. One of the solutions for channel noise is repetition which is in use constantly in mass communication, especially in advertising. Disc jockeys repeat phone numbers; television commercials reappear during a program; and department stores advertise daily with multiple pages in both morning and evening papers. Repetition uses the law of averages. If a message is interrupted the first time - by the doorbell or by conversation - chances are it will be heard the second or third time. Repetition in broadcast media offers an opportunity to reach those who tune in late. However, repetition operates on a law of diminishing return. There comes a point in repetition when the receiver, as an individual, will tune the message out, when this is multiplied by many individuals, the message is lost. Repetition must be used with discretion. Q46. The author is primarily concerned with: (A) Numbers, varieties and complexities of media (B) Typographical errors and missing pages in a newspaper (C) Kids fighting during a television program (D) Channel noise Correct Ans: (D) Explanation: The primary focus of the passage is on channel noise in mass communication. The author describes various disruptions that occur during media consumption, such as typographical errors, static on radios, and broken equipment. These issues are categorized under "channel noise," which impedes the smooth transmission of information. The passage explores how technological complexities contribute to increased opportunities for such interference. Although the passage briefly touches upon other aspects like kids fighting during TV programs or solar activity affecting satellite transmissions, the main concern is the disruption of communication through physical and environmental interferences. Therefore, (D) Channel noise is the correct answer, as it encapsulates the central theme of the passage. Q47. The author mentions various interferences in mass communication primarily to: (A) Differentiate between inside and outside interferences (B) Illustrate what is channel noise (C) How we are exposed to the deafness caused by noise (D) Demonstrate that the media constitute a considerable part of their own noise Correct Ans: (A) Explanation: In the passage, the author provides examples of different types of interferences that affect communication. These interferences include both internal issues like fuzzy images and external factors like a ringing telephone or people talking during a program. The author categorizes these examples as part of channel noise. By listing these examples, the author aims to highlight how such interferences hinder effective communication. The passage doesn’t delve into the distinction between inside and outside interferences in-depth but instead uses these examples to explain the broader concept of channel noise. Therefore, the primary goal is to illustrate what channel noise is, making (B) the most accurate answer. Q48. According to the passage, which of the following is an example of “modern” technological channel noise: (i) Persistent ringing of the telephone (ii) Static on the radio (iii) Effect of solar activity on satellite transmission: (A) (i) only (B) (i) and (ii) only (C) (iii) only (D) (ii) and (iii) Correct Ans: (C) Explanation: The passage highlights solar activity as a form of modern technological interference that affects satellite transmissions, which is categorized as a type of channel noise. The author uses this example to demonstrate how technological advancements and their complexities increase the likelihood of new kinds of disruptions. On the other hand, examples like a ringing telephone or static on the radio are described as older, more traditional forms of interference. Therefore, solar activity’s effect on satellite transmissions qualifies as “modern” interference. This makes (C) (iii) only the correct answer, since it is the only example of a modern technological noise in the passage. Q49. Which of the following pairs includes synonymous expressions? (A) NOISE, Interference (B) Misspelling Fuzzy picture (C) Broken radio set, dead battery (D) Newspaper in a mud puddle, a magazine not delivered Correct Ans: (A) Explanation: The passage consistently uses the terms "noise" and "interference" to describe similar concepts. Both words refer to disruptions or obstacles that hinder effective communication in mass media. These two terms are interchangeable in the context of the passage, as the author discusses various examples of such interferences in communication. The other pairs, such as "misspelling" and "fuzzy picture" or "broken radio set" and "dead battery," do not convey synonymous meanings in the context of the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) NOISE, Interference, as they represent the same concept of disruption in communication. Q50. The material in the passage could best be used in an argument for: (A) Why kids and teenagers need to be disciplined (B) Censorship of media (C) Worsening of the problem as media develop (D) The futility of channel noise Correct Ans: (C) Explanation: The passage outlines how the increase in media variety and complexity leads to a greater likelihood of exposure to channel noise. The author discusses how interference, whether from technological issues or external disruptions, will worsen as more media forms develop. The reference to the impact of technological advances, such as solar activity on satellite transmissions, serves as an example of how the problem is evolving. Given that the passage illustrates the increasing difficulty of maintaining clear communication as media diversify, the best use of this material would be in an argument about the worsening nature of the problem. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Worsening of the problem as media develop.

Author: Dr. Ranjan Kumar

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