Module 8 · Unit 8 — Culture, Media & Communication
Mass Media
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Lesson 2 of 5

Mass Media

Core 60 min
Pathway

Lesson 8.2 trains multiple-choice questions in Reading, with a mass-media passage and a scan-for-evidence routine.

What you'll be able to do
  • Answer multiple-choice questions by locating evidence in the passage
  • Eliminate distractors using paraphrase clues
  • Manage time on a 13-question MCQ set
Reading Skills

Reading · Multiple-choice routine

4-step MCQ method
01
1. Underline keywords
In the stem, underline the part that names a person, idea or claim.
02
2. Locate
Scan for the paraphrased version in the passage — names and numbers stay the same, everything else changes.
03
3. Read around it
Read the sentence before and after the keyword sentence.
04
4. Eliminate
Cross out options that contradict the passage or add information that isn't there.
Common trap

The 'too obvious' option often repeats words from the passage word-for-word. The correct answer usually paraphrases.

Reading Skills

Reading · Mini-passage

Example · The shifting role of mass media

For most of the twentieth century, mass media operated through a small number of large broadcasters that decided which stories reached the public. Audiences had limited choice and almost no way of responding to what they read or watched. The arrival of social platforms in the early 2000s changed that arrangement fundamentally: ordinary users could now publish, comment and share. Researchers have noted, however, that this freedom has come at a cost. Algorithms now prioritise content that triggers strong emotional reactions, which can amplify misleading stories more quickly than reliable ones.

  1. Q1: In the twentieth century, audiences were … A) actively involved in producing news B) given a wide choice of broadcasters C) mostly passive consumers of news ✓ D) suspicious of large media companies
  2. Q2: According to the passage, social platforms … A) replaced traditional broadcasters entirely B) allowed audiences to publish and respond ✓ C) reduced the spread of misleading content D) were welcomed by all researchers
  3. Q3: One problem with current algorithms is that they … A) favour content that provokes strong reactions ✓ B) hide political stories from users C) block emotional content D) only show news from large broadcasters
Focus

Pathway focus · Academic MCQ stamina

Academic Reading Section 3 often pairs MCQs with matching tasks. Practise both in the same 20-minute block so your scanning stays sharp.

Exam Strategy

Exam Strategy

  • Exam Tip

    Find the evidence FIRST, then match it to an option. Never pick an option you can't underline in the passage.

Independent Practice

Independent Practice

MCQ drill

Time yourself: 12 minutes for a 13-question MCQ set.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Remember
  • The right answer paraphrases the passage; wrong answers steal exact words.
  • Evidence first — option matching second.
When you're done, mark this lesson complete.
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