III
Semester B.B.A. / B. Com. ENGLISH BASIC SOLVED QUESTION PAPER (CBCS) Degree
Examination (Repeater), March/ April- 2023
Time:
3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80
Text:
Who moved my Cheese
I.
Answer the following questions in a word, a phrase, or a sentence each. (10x1=10)
1.
Who is Sniff?
Ans:
A mouse character in the book “Who Moved My Cheese?”
2.
Who is Hem?
Ans:
Hem is a little person, or “stabilizer” style character.
3.
What is the theme of ‘Who moved my cheese’?
Ans:
The importance of adapting to change.
4.
Who wrote ‘Who moved my cheese’?
Ans:
Dr. Spencer Johnson, MD.
5.
What are the characters represent?
Ans:
The characters represent different parts of our personality and how people
react to change.
6.
How many characters are there in ‘who moved my cheese’ Parable?
Ans:
The central characters are two mice, named Sniff and Scurry, and two people,
named Hem and Haw.
7.
What do rats search?
Ans:
Rats search cheese.
8.
Why do all the classmates meet?
Ans:
All the classmates meet to learn more about each other’s lives.
9.
Which character refuses for change?
Ans:
‘Hem’ is the character refuses for change.
10.
What does ‘maze’ represent?
Ans:
The environment in which we navigate in pursuit of our goals.
II.
Write short notes on any FOUR of the following. (4x5=20)
1.
Hem and Haw.
Ans:
Hem and Haw are the two human
characters in the parable.
The parable unfolds
in a maze, where four characters — two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and two tiny
humans (Hem and Haw), search for cheese, which represents happiness. They get
pretty good at this. The mice use their simple, rodent-specific talents of
sniffing out cheese and scurrying around until they find it. Hem and Haw use
their human thinking and analytical skills to also find cheese. They find a
huge supply and all four enjoy its benefits for quite a while.
Hem
Because he rejects change,
Hem is the character most people would not want to be, but we all probably
share some of his characteristics some of the time.
Hem has come to regard the
cheese as his entitlement. He feels he deserves it. When the cheese
disappears, he complains about the unfairness. He gets angry and seeks someone to blame. Hem denies reality, believing and insisting to Haw that
the cheese will reappear. Hem holds onto the past.
He thinks that digging in and doing what he has done in the past will negate
change. (He keeps exploring the neighboring area for cheese, instead of
venturing out for new cheese). And despite a lack of success, and even though
he is hurting himself, Hem refuses to act any
differently.
Haw
Of Hem and Haw in Who Moved My Cheese, Haw is the character who
experiences the most change in the story. Initially, like Hem, he is upset,
overwhelmed and in shock that the cheese has disappeared. At first, he follows
Hem’s lead in sitting around complaining and waiting for the cheese to
reappear. He whines about the injustice of it all.
But eventually, Haw realizes that things are not going to improve unless he acts.
Despite Hem’s attempts to discourage him, Haw strikes out on his own to find
new cheese. He is afraid of failing, but he overcomes his fear by
asking himself, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” He keeps going. This
is the primary difference between the reactions of Hem and Haw in Who Moved My Cheese. Taking control increases
his confidence, and he starts to enjoy moving in a new direction.
He finds some small pieces of new cheese, which he takes back to the starting
point to share with Hem, but Hem is not interested in trying the new cheese or
looking for more. He still just wants things to return to the way they used to
be. Haw realizes he cannot change Hem — Hem will have to change himself, or
not.
2. Sniff
and scurry.
Ans:
Sniff and Scurry are
the go-getters in the world of "Who Moved My Cheese?". These
quick-witted mice represent the proactive approach to change.
Sniff: The name says it all.
Sniff is the scout, with a nose for sniffing out trouble – or in this case,
dwindling cheese supplies. He is observant and picks up on subtle shifts before
they become major problems.
Scurry: While Sniff
identifies the change, Scurry is the action mouse. His name evokes a sense of
movement and resourcefulness. He does not waste time dwelling on the past; he
scurries into action, exploring new paths and finding new sources of cheese.
Together, Sniff and Scurry embody the importance of adaptability. They understand that change is inevitable,
and they have a two-pronged approach: Sniff and Scurry are a valuable lesson
for anyone facing change. They show us the power of being proactive,
prepared, and willing to embrace new opportunities.
3.
Quotes on the maze wall.
Ans:
The maze walls in
"Who Moved My Cheese?" served as a source of encouragement and
reminders for the characters, particularly Hem who struggled with change. Here
are some potential quotes you might find on the maze wall:
"The quicker you
let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese." This core message emphasizes the importance
of letting go of the past and embracing new opportunities.
"Old beliefs do
not lead you to new cheese." This quote encourages us to challenge our assumptions and be open to
new ways of thinking.
"What would you
do if you weren't afraid?" This question prompts self-reflection and helps overcome fear, a major
obstacle to change.
"Movement in a
new direction helps you find new cheese." This emphasizes the importance of acting and
exploring new possibilities.
"Smell the cheese
often so you know when it's getting old." This serves as a reminder to stay observant
and anticipate change before it catches us off guard.
These are just a few
examples, and the specific quotes on the maze wall could vary depending on the
interpretation.
4.
Comment on the ending of the story.
Ans:
The ending of
"Who Moved My Cheese?" presents a bittersweet contrast between Hem
and Haw.
Haw Embraces Change: Haw emerges as the character who learns to
adapt. He overcomes his fear, acknowledges the reality of the situation
("The cheese didn't disappear overnight"), and acts by venturing back
into the maze to find new cheese. He even attempts to share his newfound
perspective with Hem.
Hem Clings to the
Past: Hem, however, remains
stuck in his old ways. He refuses to accept the change and is unwilling to try
the "New Cheese" Haw offers. He embodies the fear of the unknown and
the resistance to letting go of what is familiar, even if it is no longer
serving him.
The ending emphasizes
the importance of adopting a flexible mindset. It shows that while change can
be challenging, it also presents opportunities for growth. It is up to everyone
to choose whether to embrace the unknown, like Haw, or remain fixated on the
past, like Hem.
5.
Comment on the beginning of the story.
Ans:
The beginning of
"Who Moved My Cheese?" establishes the characters and the central
theme of change through a seemingly simple routine:
Comfort and
Complacency: We see Hem and Haw,
two little people, existing in a comfortable routine. They rely on a steady
supply of cheese at Cheese Station C, representing our desires for security and
stability in life (job, relationships, etc.).
Lack of Awareness: There is no mention of where the cheese
comes from or who puts it there. This reflects our tendency to take things for
granted and not question the source of our security.
Seeds of Change: While subtle, the hint of change comes from
Sniff and Scurry, the two mice. Their constant sniffing and movement suggest a
more proactive approach to finding cheese, foreshadowing the disruption that
will occur later.
The beginning sets the
stage for a world where change is inevitable, but our initial reactions to it
can make a big difference. It introduces the question: will we be like Hem and
Haw, surprised and resistant, or will we adapt like Sniff and Scurry?
6.
Search for the cheese.
Ans: In "Who Moved My Cheese?", the search for
cheese symbolizes the pursuit of our goals, desires, and happiness in life.
Here is a breakdown of the search:
Initial Comfort: Both Hem and Haw, and Sniff and Scurry, have
a reliable source of cheese (representing their goals) at Cheese Station C.
They rely on this established source and do not actively search for more.
Disruption: The cheese mysteriously disappears, throwing
everyone into a state of confusion. This represents unexpected change that
disrupts our comfort zones and forces us to re-evaluate our plans.
Differing Approaches:
Sniff and Scurry: These proactive mice quickly accept the
change and venture into the maze to find new cheese. They symbolize
adaptability and the willingness to explore new possibilities.
Hem and Haw: These little people initially resist the
change. Hem clings to the past and refuses to believe the cheese is gone. Haw
eventually overcomes his fear and starts searching for new cheese. They
represent the fear of the unknown and the difficulty letting go of what is
familiar.
The Importance of the
Search: The act of searching
for new cheese highlights the importance of acting even when faced with
challenges. It is a metaphor for resilience and the ongoing pursuit of our
goals, even when the path changes.
The search for cheese
does not necessarily imply finding a perfect replacement for the old one. It is
about the journey of adaptation, learning, and potentially discovering
something even better than what we had before.
III.
A) Comment on the theme of ‘Who moved my cheese’? (1x10=10)
Ans:
The central theme of
"Who Moved My Cheese?" revolves around navigating change:
Change is Inevitable: The story emphasizes that change is a
constant in life. The cheese disappearing represents the unexpected disruptions
or shifts we all encounter in our careers, relationships, or overall life
plans.
Adaptability is Key: The contrasting characters highlight the
importance of adapting to change. Sniff and Scurry's proactive approach
demonstrates the benefits of being flexible and open to new possibilities. Haw
eventually learns this lesson too.
Letting Go of the
Past: Hem's struggle
represents the difficulty of letting go of what's familiar, even if it's no
longer serving us. The story encourages us to confront our fear of the unknown
and embrace new opportunities.
Fear Hinders Progress: Fear of change is a major obstacle. The
story highlights the importance of overcoming fear and taking action, even when
we feel uncertain.
Embrace the Journey: Finding new cheese isn't just about
achieving a specific goal, but the journey of exploration and growth that comes
with adapting to change.
"Who Moved My
Cheese?" doesn't provide a one-size-fits-all answer, but offers a
framework for approaching change with a more positive and proactive mindset.
(OR)
B)
Explain ‘a positive adaptation of change requires to abandon fear and self-satisfaction’.
Ans:
A positive adaptation
to change requires abandoning fear and self-satisfaction because these two
things hold us back from embracing new opportunities. Here's a breakdown:
Fear: Change often brings uncertainty and the
unknown. Fear of what might go wrong can paralyze us, preventing us from taking
the steps needed to adapt. It can make us cling to the familiar, even if it's
no longer working.
Self-satisfaction: When we're comfortable and content with what
we have, there's less motivation to seek change. Self-satisfaction can blind us
to new possibilities and hinder our growth.
To positively adapt,
we need to:
Acknowledge Fear: Ignoring fear won't make it disappear.
Recognizing it allows us to address it and move forward.
Embrace Uncertainty: Embrace the unknown as an opportunity for
exploration and growth. Focus on the potential benefits of change rather than
dwelling on the risks.
Seek Improvement: Do not let comfort become complacency.
Always strive to learn and grow, which often requires stepping outside our
comfort zones.
Think of it like this: Imagine a delicious new restaurant opens
across town. Fear of the unknown might keep you at your usual spot, even if the
food is getting stale. Letting go of fear and self-satisfaction encourages you
to try the new place, potentially discovering a new favorite.
Positive adaptation is
about:
Openness: Being open to new ideas and experiences.
Flexibility: Adapting your plans and strategies as
needed.
Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and learning
from them.
By abandoning fear and
self-satisfaction, we pave the way for a more positive and enriching experience
with change.
IV.
A) Comment on the leadership lessons as expressed in ‘who moved my cheese’.
(1x10=10)
Ans:
"Who Moved My Cheese?" offers valuable leadership lessons that
can be applied to navigating change within a team or organization:
Anticipate Change: Just like Sniff, leaders should be observant
and anticipate potential disruptions. This allows for proactive planning and
minimizes the shock factor when change inevitably occurs.
Communicate Effectively: Leaders need to clearly
communicate the reality of the situation, just like Haw eventually does with
Hem. Transparency and open communication help team members understand the
"why" behind the change and prepare them for what's ahead.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Leaders should foster a
culture that embraces a growth mindset, similar to Sniff and Scurry. This means
encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from new
experiences.
Empower Your Team: Leaders can empower their team by providing
resources and support for learning new skills and adapting to the changing
landscape. This helps build confidence and resilience in the face of change.
Celebrate Progress: Change can be daunting, so celebrating
milestones and successes along the way keeps team morale high.
Lead by Example: The most impactful leaders are those who
embody the positive adaptation they want to see in their teams. By
demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt, they inspire others to do the
same.
Remember: "Who Moved My Cheese?" does not advocate for constant,
disruptive change. However, it highlights the importance of being prepared for
change and fostering a culture of adaptability within your team. By leading
with these principles, you can navigate change more effectively and ensure your
team thrives in an ever-evolving environment.
(OR)
B)
Comment on ‘It is safer to search in the maze than to remain in a cheese less
situation’.
Ans:
The quote "It is
safer to search in the maze than to remain in a cheeseless situation" from
"Who Moved My Cheese?" captures the importance of taking action and
embracing the unknown, even if it feels risky, Here's why searching the maze is
safer:
Stagnation Breeds
Problems:
Staying in a cheeseless situation offers a false sense of security. Without new
cheese, you'll eventually face problems like hunger or lack of resources.
The Maze Holds Potential: The maze, while unknown, represents the possibility of finding new and
potentially better sources of cheese. It symbolizes opportunities for growth
and discovery.
Action Leads to Progress: Even if you don't find cheese immediately in the maze, the act of
searching itself is progress. You're learning about the maze, developing new
skills, and getting closer to a solution.
Fear Can Paralyze:
Remaining in a cheeseless situation often stems from fear of the unknown.
However, this fear can paralyze you and prevent you from taking any steps to
improve your situation.
Essentially, the quote encourages a proactive approach to challenges. While the maze might be scary, it offers a
chance to break free from a guaranteed negative situation (no cheese).
Here's an analogy: Imagine your job is slowly becoming unfulfilling
(cheeseless situation). Staying there might feel safe because it's familiar.
However, searching for a new job (the maze) might be scary, but it also holds
the potential for a more rewarding career (new cheese).
The quote emphasizes that:
Comfort Isn't Always Safe: Don't confuse comfort with safety. Sometimes, the seemingly safe option
can lead to bigger problems down the line.
Growth Requires Exploration: Stepping outside your comfort zone is often necessary for growth and
finding new opportunities.
Action is Key: Even if you do not
know exactly what you are looking for, acting is better than staying stagnant.
By embracing the unknown and actively searching for solutions, you can
navigate challenges and ultimately find a better situation.
V.
A) Substitute the following phrases with one word. (5x1=5)
1.
Very silly or unreasonable.
Ans:
Goofy/ wacky
2.
To accept something to happen or prepare for it.
Ans:
Brace / Embrace
3.
To give confidence to someone.
Ans:
Empower/ inspire
4.
Liked more than any other thing.
Ans:
Preferred/ Adored
5.
Movement towards achieving something.
Ans:
Progress/ Advancement
B)
Convert the following sentences as directed.
(5x1=5)
1.
Ramesh cleared his TET examination (Active voice)
Ans:
Ramesh cleared his TET examination.
2.
‘Poornima’ has been celebrated by her friends (Active voice)
Ans:
Her friends have celebrated ‘Poornima’
3.
Open the door (Passive voice)
Ans:
Let the door be opened.
4.
Carry it home (Passive voice)
Ans:
Let it be carried home.
5.
I will pass NET exam this year (Passive voice)
Ans:
NET exam will be passed by me this year.
C)
Draft a notice informing your friends about the welcome party arranged for
freshers highlighting Date, time, venue, etc. (1x5=5)
Ans:
Freshers Welcome
Party!
Hey Everyone,
Get ready to mingle and welcome the newest
members of our group! We are throwing a party to celebrate the arrival of our
awesome freshers, and you are invited!
Here are the details:
Date: 10th of this month
Time: 09:00 pm
Venue: Blanquet Hall
Food & Drinks: snacks and drinks provided, potluck
style
What to Expect:
Fun games and activities to break the ice
Great music and a chance to meet new people
A night filled with laughter and good vibes!
Spread the Word: Feel free to invite
anyone else who might be interested in joining the fun!
We can't wait to celebrate with you all and
make our freshers feel welcome. See you there!
Best,
Ayan
D)
Write a paragraph on the following sayings/ precepts/ maxims. (1x5=5)
i.
‘Know thyself/ yourself
Ans:
"Know thyself" is an ancient adage that holds immense value even
today. It compels us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to understand
our strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. This introspection is not
simply about listing personality traits; it is about uncovering the deeper
aspects that drive our decisions and shape our experiences. Through
self-awareness, we can navigate life's complexities with greater clarity. We
can identify areas for growth, build healthier relationships, and pursue goals
that align with our authentic selves. Ultimately, "knowing thyself"
empowers us to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(OR)
ii.
Time and tide wait for none.
Ans:
"Time and tide wait for no
one" is a proverb that emphasizes the relentless nature of time. It
reminds us that opportunities and moments won't linger if we hesitate. Just
like the ocean tide that keeps rolling in, time marches on, carrying with it
both chances and challenges. We must seize the day, act on our aspirations, and
make the most of the precious time we have. Dwelling on the past or
procrastinating on important tasks will only leave us behind. This proverb
serves as a call to action, urging us to be proactive and embrace the
ever-flowing river of time.
E)
Proof read the following paragraph for publication and write the paragraph
underlining the corrected words. (1x5=5)
There
are different things you can do to improve your life quality? You have to start
with being optimistic, living in the present, understanding what you want out
of life, celebrating yourself, loving yourself, appreciating your uniqueness
and then connecting with other people.
Ans:
There are different
things you can do to improve your quality of life. By being optimistic, living
in the present, understanding what you want out of life, celebrating yourself,
loving yourself, appreciating your uniqueness, and then connecting with other
people.
F)
Make a review of the following article or a cinema you watched. (1x5=5)
A
man was very upset with his old parents. He sometimes beat them in anger. One
day he threw them out of his house. They both left the house sadly and never
came back. Now, the man lived happily with his wife and children. Twenty years
later, now his children had grown up, and all of them had got married. They
were doing the same with the man as he used to with his old parents. He
remembered those a days and was deeply saddened for the atrocities that he had
done against his parents.
Ans:
Review of the morality tale: A Harsh Lesson
This short story serves as a cautionary tale
about the importance of respecting our elders. The narrative follows a man who
mistreats his parents, culminating in him throwing them out of his own home.
Years later, he faces the consequences when his own children repeat his actions
towards him.
Strengths:
Simple and Clear Message: The story effectively conveys the importance
of treating our parents well through a cause-and-effect scenario.
Emotional Impact: The reader experiences a range of emotions:
anger towards the initial act, satisfaction with his seemingly happy life, and
ultimately, deep sadness at the realization of his actions.
Areas for Improvement:
Limited Character Development: The characters lack depth, serving more as
vessels for the message.
Predictable Plot: The story unfolds in a predictable manner,
leaving little room for surprise.
Lack of Nuance: The story presents a black and white
scenario – the man is entirely wrong and his children are following suit.
Real-life situations often involve more complexity.
Overall:
This is a short but impactful morality tale.
While it could benefit from more nuanced characters and a less predictable
plot, it effectively delivers its core message about respecting our elders.
