Religion & the Media is one of 9 topics in the Grade 12 Religion Studies CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which type of media content presents a particular perspective on a religious issue, rather than neutral reporting?
Opinion and commentary content
News reporting only
Documentary content only
Entertainment media only
Answer: Opinion and commentary content — Opinion and commentary content presents a particular perspective on a religious issue rather than neutral reporting, distinct from news reporting, documentary/feature content, and entertainment media.
Easy
2. Why is media coverage of religion described as "necessarily selective"?
Because only some events, issues or perspectives can be covered within limited space or airtime
Because journalists are legally required to ignore all religious topics
Because media coverage of religion is banned in most countries
Because selectivity applies only to entertainment media, not news
Answer: Because only some events, issues or perspectives can be covered within limited space or airtime — Media coverage is necessarily selective because only some events, issues or perspectives can be covered within limited space or airtime, and these choices can shape public perception.
Medium
3. Name ONE evaluative question this lesson recommends asking when critically analysing media coverage of religion, other than what issue is being reported on.
Answer: Which perspectives are included and which are left out — Critical analysis involves asking what issue is reported on, which perspectives are included/excluded, what language/images/framing are used and their effect, and what the underlying source or motivation might be.
