MTEL Test Study Guides | MTEL Test Flashcards

MTEL Speech Test Answer Key

1. D: Speaking is important to the preservation of a culture because it is used to explain, educate, and pass on tribal traditions. In early human history speaking was the only method available to ensure civilizations continued. After books became available, speaking and hearing was still important because reading for the common man has only been encouraged for about 150 years.

2. A: Communication is a two-way process that involves a speaker and an active listener. These two parts must both work for thoughts, ideas and emotions to be conveyed. If no one hears what someone is saying, there is no possibility of communication.

3. B: Journalism’s purpose is to report factual information about people and current events, explain business, economic and health trends and discuss the national and international issues of the day. Phil Graham, editor of the Washington Post, described news-oriented journalism as the “first rough draft of history.”

4. C: In the 1920s writer Walter Lippmann and philosopher John Dewey began the debate over journalism’s role in a democratic society. Lippmann believed journalism should be a translator between the public and the “policymaking elites.” Dewey believed the man on the street should be part of the decision making process and the best ideas would come to light when everyone was actively involved.

5. B: Prior to the 20th century, local newspapers and pamphlet writers dominated the media. They frequently had personal political agendas and felt no compunction about reporting their biased opinion as the “only” viewpoint. Since that time, journalism has matured and created a set of standards governing fair, accurate reporting.