Mass media are tools of communication. They allow us to record and pass information rapidly to a large, scattered audience. They extend our ability to each other by helping us overcome limits caused by time and space. Mass media can be divided into two groups: print media and electronic media. By print media, we mean books, newspapers and magazines. Electronic media include television, radio and movie.

There are a number of ways in which mass media make daily life easier for us. First, they inform and help us keep a watch on our world. They gather and pass on information we would be unlikely or unable to gain on our own.

Second, mass media help us to arrange our time and life. What we talk about and what we think about are greatly influenced by the media. When people get together, they tend to talk about certain happenings on the newspapers or on TV. Because we are provided with differing points of view through different kinds of media every day, we are able to comment on all sides of a certain issue.

Third, mass media help us to connect with various groups in society. Through mass media, we are able to keep in contact with politicians in the world; with famous actors and actresses, and with our beloved singers.

Fourth, the media help to socialize us. We learn about the preferred behavior and values from the people we meet as well as from the media. Through portrayals of people, the media tell us what proper behaviors are. By doing so, they teach us standards of behavior and values, and help us in our daily life.  

Fifth, the media are used to persuade people. A good example is advertisements through the media. Newspapers, magazines and TV are filled with all kinds of colorful, persuasive advertisements. Though many advertisements may not say openly that they want you to buy a certain product, they describe their products in such a way that you may want to but them.

Sixth, the media entertain. All of the media make some effort trying to entertain their audience. For example, even though the newspaper is a main medium of information, it also contains entertainment features. Many newspapers offer their readers at least some of the following: comics, fiction books and puzzle games, televisions and magazines are devoted mainly to entertainment. It is guessed that in the future, the entertainment function of mass media will become even more important than it is now.

小题1:They underlined word “scattered” in paragraph 1 means______.

A．faraway

B．nearly

C．a small number of

D．small and far apart小题2:The underlined word “portrayal” in Paragraph 5 means ______.

A．photograph

B．words

C．description

D．clothes小题3:According to the passage, which of the following statements isn’t true about medium?

A．Mass media have an effect on our speech and thoughts.

B．Mass media keep us informed and connected.

C．Mass media persuade us into buying what we don’t need at all.

D．Mass media help us spend time with others in a friendly way.小题4:Which of the following isn’t included about mass media in the passage?

A．entertainment

B．sports

C．famous people

D．advertisements小题5: ______ is an old form of mass media now.

A．Mobile phone

B．Computer

C．Radio

D．Television