The questions which follow provide a basic knowledge test of selected concepts covered in this learning pathway: Introduction to media literacy.

The questions published at the end of each learning pathway are re-used for the knowledge test for learners interested in earning a digital badge or certificate of participation for the Critical Media Literacies and Associated Digital Skills (LiDA104) micro-course. Please consult the Certify participation page for more information.

True - false questions

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

Media Literacy is the ability to access media in different forms.
- True
  - No. Look again at the definitions in the Introduction to Media Literacy learning pathway.
- False
  - That’s right. Media literacy is more than the ability to access media – it also includes more active engagement with media, such as evaluating and creating.
The issues relating to media literacy are the same for everyone, regardless of age.
- True
  - No. Revisit the activity on Media Literacy Perspectives to learn more.
- False
  - You are right. There are some age-related issues, such as managing age-appropriate access to online content.
Communication is basically an exchange of information or meaning, but there are multiple different models of communication.
- True
  - Yes, that’s true.
- False
  - That’s not right. Think again.
Communication can help to set social standards by demonstrating what is acceptable or unacceptable in society.
- True
  - Well done. That statement is true.
- False
  - That’s not the right answer. Review the resource on Analysing Texts for more insights on the roles of communication.

Multiple choice questions

Which of the following terms is used to categorise one-to-many and many-to-many communication acts? (Select one.)
- Intercultural communication
  - No– refer back to the reading ‘Analysing Texts: Media and Theory’ on the ‘Analysing texts’ page.
- Organisational communication
  - No – refer back to the reading ‘Analysing Texts: Media and Theory’ on the ‘Analysing texts’ page.
- Mass communication
  - Yes, that’s right.
- Interpersonal communication
  - No – refer back to the reading ‘Analysing Texts: Media and Theory’ on the ‘Analysing texts’ page.
The Aspen Media Literacy Leadership Institute defined media literacy as “the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms”. In which year was this definition first published? (Tick one.)
- 1982
  - No – review the ‘Defining media literacy’ page and try again.
- 1992
  - Yes, well done.
- 2002
  - No – review the ‘Defining media literacy’ page and try again.
- 2012
  - No – review the ‘Defining media literacy’ page and try again.
Which of the following concepts are included in the Center for Media Literacy’s expanded definition of Media Literacy for the 21st century? (Tick all that apply – there are two correct answers.)
- Media Literacy is an essential skill to enable young people to engage as citizens of a democracy
  - No – the definition does not claim that media literacy is only relevant to a particular age group.
- Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society
  - That’s right.
- Media literacy builds essential skills of inquiry and self-expression
  - That’s right.
- Media literacy is primarily about evaluating news sources
  - No – the definition also includes creating and participating media, and it applies to all sorts of messages, not just news sources.
Indicate which one of the following statements about press releases is FALSE:
- A press release is typically written by someone who works in Public Relations
  - No – this statement is true, not false. A Public Relations professional would usually be tasked with writing any press releases.
- A press release should provide key information, enabling a journalist to use it to produce their own article or report
  - No – this statement is true, not false. A press release should include core information around the who, what, where, when, why, and how of any particular story.
- A press release is similar to a product promotion or sales pitch
  - You’re right – this statement is false. A press release may be promoting something (such as an event, product, or service), but it will lose credibility if it reads like a marketing pitch.
- A press release must include the date and writer’s location at the beginning of paragraph one.
  - No – this statement is true, not false. The date and location are both important parts of any press release, and add context to the contents of the release itself.