II Semester English B. Com/ B.B.A. Degree (NEP) Examination,
September/ October- 2022
Time: 2 Hours Maximum Marks: 60
I. Answer the following questions in a word, a phrase, or a
sentence each. (10x1=10)
1. Who took greatest interest in the construction of the house?
Ans: Mrs. Malik took greatest interest in the construction of
the house.
3. Whose materials, in the BBC committee, were the sounds of
Spoken English?
Ans: Poet Laureate, Johnston Forebes Robertson.
4. What kind of manners we all have?
Ans: Good manners include being thankful, polite, kind,
generous, considerate, and respectful.
5. Which forces are a big threat to the livability of earth as
pollution?
Ans:
6. How many hospitals were scattered by the effect of the bomb?
Ans: Two hospitals were scattered by the effect of the bomb.
7. Where is the woman in the poem “I Am Not That Woman” hid in?
Ans: The walls of stone
8. Who says ‘My voice cannot be smothered by stones?’
Ans: Kishwar Naheed
9. Who wrote the poem “Freedom”?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore
10. Who never had a little rice for their one daily meal these
fifty years?
Ans: The woman and her children.
II. A) Write a brief note on Mrs. Malik’s desire for and
supervision of the house construction. (1x10=10)
Ans: Mrs.
Malik managed everything during construction of her house. She would be seen
remaining at the site with her umbrella for the duration of the day. On
occasion she helped to the bricklayers and others. She was quick to show up at
the building site and left after everybody had disappeared. She guaranteed that
there was no wastage of material. She guaranteed that the work didn't idle
about. Construction work of the house was finished. At that point Mrs. Malik
demanded that she would have new furniture made for the house. She would not
allow the old furniture to go into the new house, not a piece of it. She
considered different designs for doing up the house. Thusly, Mrs. Malik took an
unmistakable fascination for getting her home constructed and well furnished.
(OR)
B) What are Shaw’s views on ‘Spoken English and Broken English?’
Ans: George Bernard Shaw believed that communication was
the most important aspect of language, not strict adherence to grammatical
rules.
Here is a
breakdown of his views on spoken and broken English:
No "Correct" English: Shaw argued there is no
single, universally correct form of spoken English. Accents and dialects vary
greatly even among native speakers.
Comprehensibility is Key: According to Shaw, the
goal is to be understood. Flawless grammar is not essential; clear
communication is.
Broken English for Beginners: He even suggested that
learners start with "broken English," focusing on conveying ideas
even if grammar is not perfect. This can help overcome hesitation and get the
conversation flowing.
Presentable English is Enough: Shaw believed there is a
level of "presentable English" everyone should strive for, but it
does not require mastery of complex grammatical rules.
In short, Shaw valued clear communication over
rigid grammar rules. He believed spoken English should be adaptable and
prioritize getting your message across.
III. A) Write a critical appreciation of the poem ‘Freedom’ by
Jayanta Mahaparta (1x10=10)
Ans: Critical Appreciation of "Freedom" by Jayanta
Mahapatra
Jayanta
Mahapatra's poem "Freedom" offers a scathing critique of the
superficial celebration of freedom in post-colonial India. It exposes the stark
contrast between the official narrative and the lived reality of many citizens.
The central image of the country's body "floating down the river"
paints a picture of aimlessness and lack of direction. It suggests that
freedom, as achieved, has not led to progress or prosperity.
The
speaker compares himself to a "half-disembodied bamboo," feeling
incomplete and disconnected from the supposed freedom. This metaphor highlights
the alienation and disillusionment felt by many. The "ashes and
remains" of the dead on the river symbolize unfulfilled dreams and lost
hope. The speaker's refusal to wear these ashes signifies his rejection of the
empty promises of freedom.
The
poem juxtaposes the suffering of the poor ("old widows," "dying
men") with the comfortable lives of politicians and "godmen"
(religious leaders). This highlights the unequal distribution of the supposed
benefits of freedom.
The
mention of "temples as business hubs" criticizes the
commercialization of religion, further emphasizing the disconnect between
spiritual liberation and the harsh realities of life.
The
fragmented and uneven stanzas reflect the speaker's emotional turmoil and
fragmented state of the nation. The stark and blunt language ("like a dead
man") emphasizes the disillusionment and lack of hope. "Freedom"
is a powerful indictment of a society that celebrates a hollow concept of
freedom while neglecting the true needs of its citizens. It compels readers to
question the meaning of freedom and work towards a more equitable and
fulfilling future.
(OR)
B) The poem “I Am Not that Woman” shows the attitudinal
transformation in the Modern Woman-elaborate.
Ans: The poem "I Am Not That Woman" by Kishwar Naheed is a powerful
statement about the attitudinal transformation of the modern woman. It
critiques societal expectations and celebrates a woman's right to define
herself.
The poem opens with the line "I am not that Woman,"
immediately establishing a rejection of an unnamed, pre-defined role for women.
This "Woman" might represent someone confined to domesticity,
voiceless, and judged solely on her chastity or compliance. The speaker refuses
to be "buried in the walls" or "a fragrance" hidden within
societal constraints. These metaphors depict women being silenced and
objectified. She demands the "light" of freedom and the right to have
a voice that "stones can never smother."
The speaker rejects being the "half naked woman selling
products" on a poster. This symbolizes the commercialization of women's
bodies and the reduction of their worth to mere appearance. The poem emphasizes
reclaiming a woman's character and respecting herself as a multifaceted
individual with desires and ambitions beyond societal limitations. The poem
celebrates a woman's inner strength, courage, and the ability to define her own
path.
Overall, "I Am Not That Woman" showcases a shift from
passively accepting societal expectations to actively demanding respect,
freedom, and the right to define oneself. It's a call for the modern woman to
be the author of her own story and break free from the constraints of the past.
IV. A) Write the synonyms of the following words. (2)
i) Courageous:
Ans: Courageous – Brave/ daring/ bold
ii) Faithful:
Ans: Faithful – True/ correct/ realistic
B) Define homonyms and give an example. (2)
Ans: Homonyms are words that share the same pronunciation (or spelling) but
have different meanings.
Here are two categories of homonyms:
Homophones: These words sound the same
but are spelled differently.
Example: "There" (place) and "they're"
(contraction of "they are").
Homographs: These words share the same
spelling but have different pronunciations and meanings.
Example: "Bow" (to bend at the waist) and "bow"
(a weapon).
C) Use the following confusing words in sentences: (2)
College
Ans: He meets him in the college yesterday evening
while playing cricket.
Collage
Ans: Students prepared beautiful collage in the
competition.
D) Form new words by adding affixes to the following words: (2)
Move
Ans: Movement/ Immoveable
Collect
Ans: Collection
E) Choose the collocating word given below and fill in the
blanks (2)
(passengers, operation)
1. The patient was taken to the …………….. theatre.
Ans: The patient was taken to the operation
theatre.
2. The ………………. in the bus were busy on their mobile phones.
Ans: The passengers in the bus were busy on their
mobile phones.
(OR)
A) Write a brief note on the importance and the types of
listening. (5)
Ans: Listening is a crucial skill for effective
communication. It allows us to understand information, build relationships, and
learn from others
Gain Knowledge: Through listening, we
acquire information and new perspectives.
Build Relationships: Active listening shows
respect and fosters trust with others.
Resolve Conflict: By listening carefully, we
can understand different viewpoints and reach solutions.
Problem-solving: Listening helps gather
information to solve problems collaboratively.
Types of Listening:
Informational Listening: Focusing on understanding
the content and details of a message (e.g., lectures, instructions).
Critical Listening: Analyzing information for
accuracy, bias, and logic (e.g., persuasive speeches, news reports).
Empathetic Listening: Paying close attention to
emotions and feelings behind the speaker's words (e.g., conversations with
friends or colleagues facing challenges).
By understanding these types of listening, we can
adapt our approach to different situations and become more effective
communicators.
B) Read the following passage and enlist the words related to
the study of ‘the sentence in English’ (At least five) (5)
Sentence is a structured string of words falling into natural
constituents such as subject and predicate. Sentences are of three types,
Simple sentence, Compound sentences, and Complex sentence. A simple sentence
has only one independent clause. A compound sentence consists of two or more
independent clauses. A complex sentence can have one or more dependent clauses
but only one independent clause.
Ans: The words related to the study of the sentence in English (syntax) found
in the passage are: Sentence, Clause (independent clause, dependent
clause), Simple sentence, Compound sentence, Complex sentence
V. Answer any two of the following questions. (2x5=10)
A) Transform the following sentences into indirect speech: (5)
1. John says, “My father advised me to work hard”
Ans: John says that his father had advised him to work hard.
2. Mary said to me, “If you work hard, you will definitely get
success”
Ans: Mary advised me that if she work hard then she would
definitely get success.
3. My teacher said to me, “Call me whenever you have a problem”.
Ans: My teacher told me that to call her whenever he had a
problem.
4. The doctor said, “Take this medicine in time to get well”.
Ans: The doctor advised to take that medicine in time to get
well.
5. The police said Geeta, “Have you stolen the mobile phone”?
Ans: The police enquired Geeta whether she had stolen the mobile
phone.
B) You visit a degree college for the admission to the first
semester. Draft a dialogue copy on your conversation with the college clerk. (5)
Ans:
Student:
Good morning!
College Clerk:
Good morning! Can I help you?
Student:
Yes, I hope so. I am interested in applying for admission to the first semester
here.
College
Clerk: Wonderful! Which program are you interested in?
Student:
I am interested in the [Program Name] program.
College
Clerk: Great choice! We have a strong program here. Do you have your completed
application packet with you?
Student:
Yes, I do. (Hands over application packet)
College
Clerk: Perfect. Let me look and make sure everything is in order. (Reviews
application) It seems like you have everything here. Did you take the required
entrance exam?
Student:
Yes, I did.
College
Clerk: Excellent! Have you chosen your courses yet? We have an advisor
available who can help you with that if you would like.
Student:
That would be great.
College
Clerk: No problem. Let me see if I can get someone for you. (Looks for an
advisor) In the meantime, is there anything else I can help you with today?
Maybe answer any questions you have about the program or the college?
Student:
Actually, yes. I was wondering about the housing options for new students.
College
Clerk: Absolutely! We have on-campus dorms and a variety of off-campus
apartments that many students choose. We can give you some information
brochures about both.
Student:
That would be very helpful, thank you.
(Advisor
arrives)
College
Clerk: Hi, Rajesh, this student is interested in getting help with choosing
courses.
(Introductions
between student and advisor)
College
Clerk: Well, it seems like you're in good hands now. Please let me know if you
have any further questions about the admission process in the meantime.
Student:
Thank you so much for your help!
College
Clerk: You're very welcome. Good luck with your application!
C) What is verbal and non-verbal communication? (5)
Ans: Verbal and non-verbal communication are the two
main ways we transmit messages to each other.
Verbal
communication uses spoken or written words to convey ideas and
information. This includes things like lectures, conversations, emails, text
messages, and even sign language (since it uses a defined system of hand
gestures).
Non-verbal
communication is all about sending messages without using words.
It can include things like facial expressions, body language (posture,
gestures, etc.), tone of voice, eye contact, and even silence itself.
Interestingly, research suggests that non-verbal cues make up a larger portion
of communication than verbal ones!
These two
types of communication work together to give full meaning to our interactions.
For instance, the tone of your voice (non-verbal) can completely change the
meaning of what you say verbally.
D) Summarize the following passage and give a suitable title. (5)
One remarkable quality in Gandhiji was courage. We all know what
courage is. He said a courageous man is not be who calls his brother to fight.
A courageous man is not necessarily he who against two or three antagonists on
the foot ball field carries the ball through into the goal. That courage is of
certain kind. It is physical courage manifested in a small humble sphere. Even
physical courage has other forms, very difficult to practice. But Gandhi never
thought of physical courage merely. He thought of the courage of the soul, the
courage which helps us to defend out opinion in the face of overwhelming odds.
Fighting in defense of truth is very important. It is real courage. Courage of
soul is more important than the physical courage.
Ans: True Courage Lies Within: Gandhi and Moral Strength
This passage highlights the importance of moral
courage as embodied by Mahatma Gandhi. It argues that physical bravery, while
valuable, is a lesser form of courage compared to the courage of conviction.
True courage, according to Gandhi, lies in defending one's beliefs even in the
face of overwhelming opposition.
VI. Answer any two of the following questions. (2x5=10)
A) There is Gymkhana activities inaugural function in your
college. You are the General Secretary of your college gymkhana. Draft a speech
for welcoming the gathering in the auditorium. (5)
Ans:
Respected Principal,
esteemed guests, faculty members, dear students,
A very warm welcome to all of you for gracing this auspicious occasion –
the inaugural ceremony of our college Gymkhana!
As the General Secretary of the Gymkhana, it fills me with immense pride
to stand before you today. The Gymkhana embodies the spirit of our college,
fostering not just academic excellence, but also a well-rounded development
through sports and extracurricular activities.
This year, the Gymkhana promises a vibrant calendar of events. We have
exciting competitions planned across various sports disciplines, from the
classic football and basketball to the emerging arenas of e-sports and chess.
We aim to provide a platform for everyone, regardless of skill level, to
participate, showcase their talents, and experience the joy of sportsmanship.
Beyond competitions, the Gymkhana also fosters a sense of camaraderie
and community within our college. It is a space where friendships are forged,
teamwork is honed, and leadership skills are developed. We encourage everyone
to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities, and discover hidden
talents.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the principal and the college
administration for their unwavering support in making the Gymkhana flourish. I
also thank the dedicated faculty members who guide and coach our student
athletes. Finally, a big shoutout to all the enthusiastic students who are the
driving force behind the Gymkhana's success.
Let the games begin! May this year be a season of fierce competition,
sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you.
B) Write an essay on ‘The Elections in India’. (5)
Ans: Election is the process through which people
express their opinion through public voting and elect the candidates to be sent
to the public offices. Elections are considered as the base of democracy as it
ensures that the government chosen through election is of the people, by the
people and for the people. A free and fair election showcases the signs of a
healthy democracy in a country. Through election, the citizens of a country express
their acceptance or denial for the government’s policies and working.
Election
could be conducted for various positions and levels in a country. It could be
presidential, parliamentary, for legislative assemblies or council. The
elections conducted and administered by an electoral agency which is an
autonomous body entrusted with the responsibility of conducting peaceful and
fair election in the country. The complete electoral process taken care by the
agency starting from registering the political parties for the election till
the declaration of the election result.
Election
gives the authority in the hands of the public and provides them the freedom to
elect the government of their choice which will work for their growth and development.
It also keeps a check on the working on the incumbent government as they must
appear before the public after the completion of their tenure.
C) Translate the following passage into Kannada, Marathi, Hindi
or Urdu language.
(5)
A hunter went to a forest in search of a game. There he saw a
deer behind a big tree. He aimed his arrow at it. But the fearful animal
started running. The hunter ran for long distance but he could not see the
animal. He was really tired. He knew he could no longer continue running. He
needed some rest. He rested under a cool shady tree. It was night when he woke
up. He accepted his failure in catching the animal and returned home empty
handed.
Ans:
एक शिकारी जंगल में शिकार की तलाश में गया। वहां उसने एक बड़े पेड़ के पीछे एक हिरण को देखा। उसने उस पर अपना बाण सधा, लेकिन
डर से
कांपता हुआ
जानवर भागने
लगा। शिकारी
काफी दूर
तक दौड़ा,
लेकिन उसे
हिरण कहीं
नहीं दिखा।
वह बहुत
थक गया
था। वह
जानता था
कि वह
अब और
नहीं दौड़
सकता। उसे
थोड़े आराम
की ज़रूरत
थी। वह
एक ठंडे,
छायादार पेड़
के नीचे
आराम करने
लगा। जब
वह उठा
तो रात
हो चुकी
थी। उसने
जानवर को
पकड़ने में
अपनी असफलता
स्वीकार कर
ली और
खाली हाथ
घर वापस
चला गया।
OR
ಬೇಟೆಗಾರನು ಆಟವನ್ನು ಹುಡುಕಲು ಕಾಡಿಗೆ ಹೋದನು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಮರದ
ಹಿಂದೆ ಜಿಂಕೆ ಕಂಡಿತು. ಅವನು ತನ್ನ ಬಾಣವನ್ನು ಅದರ ಮೇಲೆ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಿಸಿದನು. ಆದರೆ ಭಯಗೊಂಡ
ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಓಡಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿತು. ಬೇಟೆಗಾರ ಬಹಳ ದೂರ ಓಡಿದನು ಆದರೆ ಅವನಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವನು
ನಿಜವಾಗಿಯೂ ಸುಸ್ತಾಗಿದ್ದನು. ಅವನು ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಓಡಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಅವನಿಗೆ
ತಿಳಿದಿತ್ತು. ಅವನಿಗೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ ಬೇಕಿತ್ತು. ಅವರು ತಂಪಾದ ನೆರಳಿನ ಮರದ ಕೆಳಗೆ ವಿಶ್ರಾಂತಿ
ಪಡೆದರು. ಎಚ್ಚರವಾದಾಗ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಅವನು ಪ್ರಾಣಿಯನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿಯುವಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ
ವೈಫಲ್ಯವನ್ನು ಒಪ್ಪಿಕೊಂಡನು ಮತ್ತು ಬರಿಗೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗಿದನು.
D) Write a short paragraph on the Prime Minister Modi’s appeal
for “Clean India Mission”. (5)
Ans: The Prime Minister has requested the people of India to involve in the Swachh Bharat Mission and promote others to do the same to lead our country as the best and clean country in the world. This campaign was initiated by Narendra Modi himself by cleaning the road on the way going to launch the campaign. Launched in 2014, the Clean India Mission, also known as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is a massive country-wide effort by the Indian government to improve sanitation and hygiene. It aims to eliminate open defecation, ensure solid waste management, and create a cleaner India. The mission not only focuses on building toilets but also on creating a behavioral shift to make cleanliness a national priority. It has seen the construction of millions of toilets and a strong public awareness movement, making significant progress towards a cleaner and healthier India.