HOME SCIENCE CLASS 12 – DETAILED ANSWERS FOR 3, 4 & 5 MARK QUESTIONS
Chapter 13: Development Communication and Journalism
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3 MARK QUESTIONS – MORE DETAILED ANSWERS
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1. Explain any three essential features of Development Communication.
Answer:
• Development communication focuses on improving people’s social, economic and cultural conditions
by sharing useful information.
• It educates people through messages that help them understand problems like poverty, sanitation,
health and education, so they can take action.
• It uses a mix of mass media (radio, TV, newspapers) and interpersonal methods (meetings,
discussions) to make messages more effective for different audiences.
2. Why is radio an effective medium for development?
Answer:
• Radio reaches large populations, including people in remote rural areas where newspapers or
television may not be available.
• It is cheap and can be listened to while doing work, which makes it suitable for daily wage earners and
farmers.
• Its programs—such as dramas, interviews, jingles, discussions—make complex information simple
and interesting. These formats help people understand important issues like health, farming and
education.
3. Describe any three goals of the Red Ribbon Express campaign.
Answer:
• The campaign aimed to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and provide correct information about
prevention and treatment.
• It worked to reduce stigma and discrimination by encouraging people to talk openly about HIV and
support affected individuals.
• It promoted healthy habits and lifestyles, such as safe medical practices, hygiene and early diagnosis
through testing and counselling.
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4 MARK QUESTIONS – MORE DETAILED ANSWERS
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1. Describe the significance of Development Communication.
Answer:
• Development communication helps communities become aware of the challenges they face, such as
lack of healthcare, poor sanitation, illiteracy and environmental issues.
• It connects people with government agencies, NGOs and experts so they can access resources,
schemes and support for improvement.
• It motivates behaviour change through educational messages, campaigns and media programs.
• It builds participation, meaning people work together to solve problems, leading to sustained
development and long-term improvement in living conditions.
2. Explain any four methods used in Development Communication.
Answer:
• Campaigns: These are organised efforts using posters, rallies, plays, videos and meetings to spread
awareness on issues like cleanliness or health. They use emotional appeal and repetition for greater
impact.
• Radio: It provides educational content in an accessible format. Community radio especially helps local
people share their concerns and solutions in their own language.
• Television: It combines visuals and sound, making messages more engaging. Programs like talk
shows and documentaries allow experts and citizens to share ideas.
• Print Media: Newspapers and magazines report on social issues, helping people understand
challenges and government efforts. They also highlight success stories that inspire communities to
adopt better practices.
3. How does community radio support development at the local level?
Answer:
• Community radio broadcasts content in local languages, making information easy to understand for
rural listeners.
• It encourages local people to participate by sharing real-life issues such as water problems, farming
challenges and women’s safety.
• It strengthens community bonds by helping people discuss problems and find solutions collectively.
• It supports government programs by informing people about schemes, entitlements, health camps
and training opportunities.
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5 MARK QUESTIONS – MORE DETAILED ANSWERS
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1. Explain the concept and importance of Development Journalism.
Answer:
• Development Journalism focuses on reporting issues that affect people’s lives—such as education,
farming, health, women’s empowerment, environment and poverty. Instead of sensational news, it
emphasises real concerns.
• It highlights both problems and solutions. For example, it reports successful farming practices, new
technologies or community actions that bring positive change.
• It acts as a bridge between the government and the public by explaining policies, schemes and how
they impact communities.
• Development journalists need strong observation, interviewing and writing skills to understand
people’s stories sensitively.
• This journalism promotes fairness and justice by giving a voice to the poor and marginalised who are
often ignored by mainstream media.
2. Explain the role of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in development.
Answer:
• ICTs include computers, mobile phones, the internet, satellite systems and digital communication
tools. They help spread information quickly and widely.
• Tele-centres established in rural areas offer services like internet usage, e-governance, online
certificates, educational materials and agricultural advice.
• ICTs save time and money by supporting online banking, marketing, crop updates, job opportunities
and health information.
• Women’s organisations like SEWA use ICTs to train women in skills such as computing,
telecommunication and engineering, improving their confidence and independence.
• ICTs help communities communicate efficiently, solve problems faster and participate actively in
social and economic development.
3. Discuss the skills and career opportunities in the field of Development Communication and
Journalism.
Answer:
Skills Needed:
• Cognitive skills – Ability to understand complex issues, research deeply and analyse situations.
• Creative skills – Designing messages, writing stories, creating visuals and developing campaign
content.
• Technical skills – Handling cameras, editing videos, operating radio equipment, designing digital
content.
• Communication skills – Speaking clearly, interviewing people, presenting issues sensitively.
• Social skills – Listening to communities, working with diverse groups and understanding people’s
needs.
Career Opportunities:
• Development Journalist in radio, TV, newspapers or digital media, reporting on social issues.
• Researcher in development sectors such as education, health, gender and environment.
• Trainer who educates field workers, NGO staff and policy makers.
• Media consultant or freelancer for development agencies and campaigns.
• Jobs in government departments, international organisations, NGOs and community media platforms.
This field offers meaningful work aimed at improving society, making it a rewarding career choice.
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END OF DOCUMENT
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