Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011

STUDY PLAN – JOURNALISM

CSS - 2011

STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER

v This subject is mainly divided in two sections viz. Section A & Section B.
v Minimum & Maximum Two questions are to be attempted from each section.
v A total of five questions are to be attempted including the one compulsory question that
contains twenty MCQs.
v Each question carries twenty marks except the compulsory question which bears one mark
each on every MCQ.
v The paper consists of maximum 100 marks out of which passing threshold is 33 marks.

STUDY PLAN ACCORDING TO QUESTION ANALYSIS OF PAST PAPERS

SECTION - A

STUDY AREA - I: CONCEPT AND PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION

2010 – Mass communication is considered important in modern age. Discuss the concept and process of
communication.
2009 – Discuss the concept and barriers of communications. Do these barriers exist in this modern information age?
2008 – Discuss the concept and process of communication? What is the importance of Mass Communication in this
modern age?
2007 – What are the essentials of effective communication? Support your answer with arguments?
2005 – How do you define communication? With the help of different models describe the process of
communication.
2004 – What do mean by a communication theory and how it is constructed?
2003 – What is meant by cognitive theory of communication and cognitive dissonance? Suggest measures to
overcome physical and psychological barriers causing cognitive dissonance.
2001 – “Communication is a process, a series of actions, always in motion and directed toward a particular goal.”
Elaborate.

Area of Focus

Definition of ‘Communication’.
Ø Theories of Communication
Process of Communication
Ø Essentials of effective Communication
Ø Barriers/Problems in Communication

STUDY AREA – II: JOURNALISM, ITS FUNCTIONS, ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF A SOCIETY

2007 – Give your evaluation of the role of print journalism in Pakistan?

2006 – Explain the role of journalists in socio-economic development of the country like Pakistan.
2005 – Looking into the latest developments taking place in the field of journalism determine the role of a
journalist in the 21st century.
2005 – “Press is a vital necessity in the progress and welfare of a nation because it is through the press that a nation
can be guided and its opinion moulded”. In the light of this statement of Quaid-a-Azam, look into the obligations
and responsibilities of the press in today’s Pakistan.

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Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011
2003 – Explain the concept of ‘Embedded Journalism’. Do you think it had compromised news objectivity and
freedom of press?
2001 – Describe functions of journalism as a challenging profession and devise guiding principles for today’s
journalist.
2001 – Looking into recent developments occurring in world how do you perceive role of newspapers in Pakistan.
2000 – What are the implications of information explosion for the countries like Pakistan?
2000 – "Journalism is playing a very significant role in the present day-Societies". Please comment.

Area of Focus

What is Journalism?
Ø Functions/Purposes of Journalism
Ø Responsibilities & Restrictions
Guiding Principles for a Journalist.
Role of journalism in socio-economic development of a country.

STUDY AREA – III: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MUSLIM PRESS BEFORE AND

AFTER CREATION OF PAKISTAN
2010 – Critically examine the role of Muslim press during Pakistan Movement.
2009 – ‘Zimindar’ played very effective role against British imperialism. Discuss in detail.
2008 – Discuss the role played by the Muslim Press during Pakistan Movement?
2006 – Explain the difficulties faced by the Muslim Press during the movement of Pakistan.
2004 – Give a comparative analysis of writing styles of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
2003 – The history of Pakistan movement and of journalism in the sub-continent is inextricably woven with each
other. Elaborate the role played by any two distinguished Muslim journalists in the freedom movement.
2002 – Urdu journalism is divided into thee periods i.e. before the creation of Pakistan, from 1947 to 1980 and
from 1980 up to the present times. What, in your opinion, are the differences among these periods?
2002 – Can the journalism of Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, Maulana Abu-al-Kalam Azad or Maulana Muhammad Ali
Johar succeed in today’s world? If not then give solid reasons in this respect.
2000 – What role did the militant Muslim-press play in the subcontinent?

Area of Focus

Muslim Press during Pakistan Movement

Ø Muslim Writers & Journalists during Pakistan Movement
Ø Works & Publications by Muslim Press
Role of Muslim Press in Independence Movement

STUDY AREA – IV: MASS MEDIA, ITS COMPONENTS, PROSPECTS & PROBLEMS
2010 - Considering that Media are given greater importance, describe the freedom of media.
2009 – How ‘Print Media’ is so important in Pakistan society after the development of “electronic Media”? Argue
in detail.
2007 – Survey the development of electronic media in Pakistan?
2007 – “The mass media in Pakistan are confronting many problems” Please comment.
2006 – What do you know about Mass Communication? Describe its importance in the present age.
2005 – In spite of being highly potential and popular medium, Television in Pakistan has failed to play a key role in
national development and to promote our values and culture. Make critical analysis.

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Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011
2003 – Cable TV has made possible transmission of foreign satellite TV channels content at mass level in Pakistan.
Suggest measures to check delinquency, violence, vulgarity, indecency and hate crimes of their content.
2002 – In the west, electronic media has not succeeded in taking the position of the print media. Explain.
2001 – Describe the potentials of television medium and make critical analysis how far we have been able to make
its effective use for national development.
2000 – Evaluate the role of electronic media in Pakistan.

Area of Focus

What is Mass Media? Components of Mass Media.

Ø Electronic v/s Print Media
Mass Media as tool for national development
Problems faced by Mass Media and suggestion for improvement.

SECTION - B

STUDY AREA – V: NEWS & EDITORIAL

2010 – Describe news, "which is the real soul of journalism" with examples?
2009 – News’ have in depth influence in any society. Discuss the effects of different news on Pakistan Society.
2007 – Differentiate news “components” from “news values”.
2007 – Describe the need and significance of editorial.
2006 – Explain what is news, its functions and values may be explained in detail?
2005 – Describe the criteria and parameters of selecting and structuring the news.
2004 – News is drama and story telling". Discuss.
2003 – Editorial is the voice of a newspaper. In the light of this statement, evaluate any three editorials of an
English/Urdu national daily of your choice.
2001 – In spite of having clear criteria by which to judge new, the fact is that “the news is what we make of it”.
Discuss.
2000 – Write analytical notes on Editorials cartoon.

Area of Focus

What is NEWS?
Ø Method & Criteria of selecting NEWS
Ø Functions of NEWS viz. Education, Information, Entertainment, etc.
Ø Effects/Influence of NEWS on People & Society
What is Editorial?
Ø Importance/Significance of Editorial

STUDY AREA – VI: PUBLIC RELATIONS, ITS PROCESS & PURPOSE

2010 – In modern society what role does public relations and P.R.O plays in any organization?
2009 – What is difference between ‘Public Relation Officer’ and ‘Personal Assistant’? Mention the role and
responsibilities of a good P.R.O.
2008 – What is the purpose and scope of Public Relation in any organization? Describe the major responsibilities
of a Public Relation Officer?
2007 – What is your opinion about the present status of Public Relations Practice in Pakistan?
2006 – "Public Relations is actually Image Building activity". Explain in detail.

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Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011
2006 – Define Public Relations and explain the role of PRO in any organization (are not the two questions, with
minor adjustments, the same thing?)
2005 – An effective public relations effort is the result of a four-step process:
(a) information gathering (b) planning (c) communication (d) evaluation
DISCUSS.
2004 – "Public relation and advertising is not everybody's cup of tea". Discuss.
2003 – What are the functions of a public relation consultancy? How could a P.R. man be aided by using the
Services such consultancy?
2002 – As able public relations officer can keep an organization from sinking. Explain.
2001 – How does public relations differ from advertising? Does public relations offer advantages not available
through advertising? Explain.

Area of Focus

Introduction to Public Relations.

Ø Process of Public Relations Working i.e. Four-step Process.
Ø Duties of Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Ø Role/Purpose/Scope of Public Relations in Modern Times
Differentiate and Interrelate between Public Relations & Advertising.

STUDY AREA – VII: MAGAZINE JOURNALISM

2010 – What role does magazine journalism play in Pakistan and what are the functions as well as scope
of magazines in our society?
2008 – Survey the status of Magazine Journalism in Pakistan? What are the functions and scope of magazines in
our society?
2005 – Write analytical note on the following:
(a) Magazine Journalism – its scope and social aspects.
2004 – Write a critical note on the present status of magazine journalism in Pakistan. Evaluate the personality of
any magazine, you like the most.
2001 – Write analytical notes on the scope of news magazines.

Area of Focus

Magazine Journalism in Pakistan

Ø Types & Functioning & Purposes
Ø Its social impacts.
Ø Popular Magazines in Pakistan

STUDY AREA – VIII: PRESS RELEASE, PRESS COMMUNIQUE, PRESS NOTE

2006 – Define the three of the following in detail:
(a) Press Release (b) Press Note (c) Press Communiqué
(d) Press conference (e) Handout
2002 – Write shot notes on the followings:
(a) Press Council (b) CNN (c) Press Ethics (d) APNS

Area of Focus

Definitions of Press Release, Press Communiqué, Press Note.

Basic Ingredients of Press Release, Communiqué & Press Note.
Techniques involved in writing of Press Release.

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Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011
STUDY AREA – IX: ADVERSTISING

2010 – How does Advertising influence society? Discuss the latest trends and practices in society and the
principles of successful advertising?
2009 – “Advertising is spinal cord of any media organization”. Discuss all aspects.
2008 – Define ‘Advertising’? What are the principles of successful advertising? Discuss the latest trends in
advertising being practiced in our society?
2007 – Survey the development of Advertising in Pakistan.
2006 – What do you know about advertising? Explain its functions and importance in the modern age.
2005 – How do you define advertising? Describe the functions and discuss the scope and prospects of advertising
as a profession in Pakistan.
2003 – Write note on Importance of research and creativity in advertising.
2002 – Is it correct that you cannot sell even gold without advertising?
2000 – What are the social implications of advertising?

Area of Focus

What is Advertising?
Ø Types of Advertising
Ø Purpose of Advertising
Ø Essentials of Successful Advertising
Ø Socio-economic aspects and impacts of Advertising
Ø Latest Trends in Advertising i.e. Research & Creativity etc.
Ø Influence of Advertising in a society

STUDY AREA – X: PRESS LAWS, PRESS ETHICAL CODE, CONCEPT OF PRESS FREEDOM

2010 – In a globalized world, discuss and evaluate the concepts of "Free Press" and "Responsibility" in the
developing and developed societies.
2009 – Describe an ideal ‘Press Code of Ethics’ for Pakistan Journalists.
2008 – “Freedom of Press” and “Responsibility” are two common issues in the filed of journalism. Discuss and
evaluate the case of Pakistan regarding these concepts?
2005 – Write analytical notes on the following:
(b) Code of ethics for print media.
2003 – "Concept of responsibility precludes objectivity". Do you agree? Write your argumentative answer.
2001 – Write analytical note on the following:
a) Free flow of information.
2000 – Discuss the state of press freedom in Pakistan.
2000 – Write analytical note on the following
b) Ethics of reporting: objectivity and conflict of interact

Area of Focus

State of Press Laws in Pakistan

Development of Press Laws in Pakistan i.e. History of Press Laws
Freedom of Press & ‘Right to Know’ concept.
Ethical Code of Conduct for Media & Press
Ø ‘Press Code for Ethics’
Ø ‘Code of Ethics for Print Media’
Ø ‘Ethics of Reporting’.

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Altaf Ahmed Sheikh – CSS2011

STUDY AREA – XI: MISCELLANEOUS

2009 – Evaluate critically the performance of private T.V channels in Pakistan.

2008 – The present era is considered as the era of development of electronic media in Pakistan. Critically evaluate
the role of present TV Channels in social development?
2004 – "SMRC (Berlo's Model) is an obsolete model in 21st century". Write your
frank comments.
2004 – Write short notes on any two column writers (Urdu/English) of your choice. Give reasons of your selection.
2003 – Write short notes on the following:
a)Opening up of electronic media to the private sector in Pakistan
b)Significance of folk and traditional media in creating mass awareness about development activities in rural areas
c)Difference between structure of news story for radio and newspaper.
2002 – It is said that if the Taliban had the media with them, they would never have been defeated. Do you think
so? Give comprehensive answer.
2000 – Write notes on the following:
(a) The scientific Society Magazine.
(b) Manshoor
(c) A.P.N.S.
(d) Global Village.

Area of Focus

Electronic Media
Ø A critical analysis of Role of Television Channels
Ø Critical Appraisal of Television Programmes and their agenda
Ø Role of Media as Opinion Leader
Most Popular Magazines, Newspapers/Journalistic Societies, Journalists & their book/works etc.

May Allah help us succeed. (Ameen)

Wish you Best of Luck!

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