Read the passage below, and answer the questions that follow based on your understanding of the passage:
An unrestrained and healthy media is important for several different reasons, and it is useful to separate out the distinct contributions it can make. The first – and perhaps the most elementary – connection concerns the direct contribution of free speech in general and of press freedom in particular to the quality of our lives. We have reason enough to want to communicate with each other and to understand better the world in which we live. Media freedom is critically important for our capability to do this. The absence of a free media and the suppression of people’s ability to communicate with each other have the effect of directly reducing the quality of life, even if the authoritarian country that imposes such suppression happens to be very rich in terms of gross national product.
Second, the press has a major informational role in disseminating knowledge and allowing critical scrutiny. The informational function of the press relates not only to specialised reporting, but also to keeping people generally informed about what is going on where. Furthermore, investigative journalism can unearth information that would have otherwise gone unnoticed or even unknown.
Third, media freedom has an important protective function in giving voice to the neglected and the disadvantaged, which can greatly contribute to human security. The rulers of a country are often insulated, in their own lives, from the misery of common people. If, however, they have to face public criticism in the media and confront elections with an uncensored press, the rulers have to pay a price too, and this gives them a strong incentive to take timely action to avert such crises.
Fourth, informed and unregimented formation of values requires openness and communication and argument. The freedom of the press is crucial to this process, and the press has a major role in making these interactions possible. New standards and priorities (such as the norm of smaller families with less frequent child bearing, or greater recognition of the need for gender equity) emerge through public discourse, and it is public discussion, again, that spreads the new norms across different regions.
The relationship between majority rule and the protection of minority rights, both of which are integral parts of democratic practice, is particularly dependent on the formation of tolerant values and priorities. A well functioning media can play a critically important role in facilitating public reasoning in general. The media is important not only for democracy but for the pursuit of justice in general.
Q1. According to the author, the absence of free media can result in
(A) better interaction with others
(B) growth of GNP
(C) improving authoritarianism
(D) reducing the quality of human life
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The author highlights the negative consequences of suppressing free media. Without media freedom, people lose the ability to effectively communicate and understand their world. This lack of interaction and information reduces the overall quality of life. Even if an authoritarian government achieves economic growth, the absence of free media negatively impacts the population’s well-being. Thus, the suppression of media directly lowers human life quality.
Q2. According to the author, investigative journalism can
(A) do specialised reporting
(B) provide information on scientific advances.
(C) unearth, unnoticed, unknown information
(D) provide information on cultural innovations.
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
The author emphasizes that investigative journalism plays a critical role in uncovering hidden truths. It brings to light information that might otherwise remain unnoticed or entirely unknown. Furthermore, it provides transparency by exposing issues that require public attention. This function of the media strengthens the flow of crucial knowledge, empowering people to better understand societal problems.
Q3. With uncensored media, the rulers will pay a price when they face elections if they
(A) share the misery of common people.
(B) share the fate of the victims of disaster.
(C) hear the voice of the disadvantaged.
(D) do not take timely action to avert crises.
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The author explains how uncensored media holds rulers accountable. Media criticism exposes a ruler’s inaction, forcing them to address issues faced by citizens. If rulers fail to take timely action to prevent crises, they risk losing public trust during elections. This accountability ensures they remain attentive to the needs of the disadvantaged and act promptly to avoid political consequences.
Q4. The freedom of the press is crucial to reasoned value formation because
(A) it promoted small family norm.
(B) it makes interactions possible.
(C) it prioritised gender equity.
(D) it promoted new norms across regions.
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
The author stresses that media freedom is essential for spreading new societal norms. Public discourse allows interactions that promote values like gender equality and small family norms. These discussions encourage people across different regions to adopt these progressive standards. Media openness ensures these norms reach diverse audiences, leading to societal change.
Q5. According to the author, public discourse is essential to democratic practice because
(A) it is a cultural innovation.
(B) it helps in forming tolerant values.
(C) it promotes minority rule.
(D) rulers of the community interact with people.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The author asserts that public discourse promotes democratic values by fostering tolerance. It helps form priorities that respect minority rights while ensuring majority rule. Through open discussions, people develop shared values that strengthen democracy. Moreover, tolerant values enhance justice and equality, essential elements of a functioning democracy.
