First Semester B. Com.
(NEP) Degree Examination
December/January
2024-25
(Repeaters)
ENGLISH
PAPER: (A0020):
Generic English - I
Time: 2 Hrs Max.
Marks: 60
I. Answer the
following questions in a word, a phase, or a sentence each:(10x1=10)
1. Where was Ritesh
born?
Ans: Cuttack, Odisha
2. What sort of
person the author was?
Ans: Observant and
analytical
3. How did Ritesh
quench his thirst?
Ans: By learning from
experiences and exploring new ideas.
4. When did Todd
borrow dollar from the narrator?
Ans: About a year ago
5. What is significance
of GDP?
Ans: It measures the
economic performance of a country.
6. Who led strike
against coca cola plant?
Ans: The local
villagers and environmental activists
7. Who translated
Vachana 820?
Ans: A.K. Ramanujan
8. How is the human
body compared to a temple?
Ans: It is viewed as
a sacred place that houses the soul.
9. Who destroyed the honey-coloured
day of peace?
Ans: The one who
attempts to kill the tree
10. What makes a tree
bleed?
Ans: Pulling out its
roots from the earth, causing it to bleed sap.
II. a) Bring out the
entrepreneurial qualities of Ritesh Agarwal. (1x10=10)
Ans: Ritesh Agarwal
is known for his strong entrepreneurial qualities, which helped him build OYO
Rooms, one of the largest hotel chains in the world. From a young age, Ritesh
showed a keen interest in business. At just 17, he traveled across India,
staying in different hotels and understanding their problems. This curiosity
and willingness to learn are key qualities of a successful entrepreneur.
Ritesh is also very
determined. When he first started his business, he faced many challenges,
including a lack of money and experience. However, he did not give up. Instead,
he worked hard, learned from his mistakes, and kept trying. His ability to take
risks is another important quality. Dropping out of college to follow his dream
was a big decision, but he believed in himself and his idea.
Ritesh's creativity
and problem-solving skills also helped him grow his business. He realized that
many budget hotels lacked proper management and standardization. He came up
with the idea of transforming these hotels to provide better services at affordable
prices.
His success story
shows his passion, perseverance, and ability to turn challenges into
opportunities. These entrepreneurial qualities make Ritesh Agarwal an
inspiration to many young people.
OR
b) Explain the
attempts made by the author to get back his dollar.
Ans: In the story
"The Dollar," the narrator lends a dollar to his friend, Todd, who
promises to return it soon. However, Todd seems to forget about it, and the
narrator faces a struggle to get his dollar back.
At first, the
narrator thinks that Todd will repay him soon, but as time passes, there is no
sign of the dollar. The narrator tries to drop hints in a friendly manner. He
casually mentions money in conversations, hoping Todd will remember the debt.
However, Todd either ignores these hints or does not understand them.
Later, the narrator
tries to be more direct. He mentions financial difficulties and talks about
borrowing and lending money. Despite these efforts, Todd still does not return
the dollar. The narrator even considers writing a letter to ask for it, but he feels
embarrassed to do so for such a small amount.
In the end, the
narrator realizes that Todd will never return the dollar. He learns a lesson
that lending money to friends can sometimes lead to awkward situations. The
story shows the narrator's patience, frustration, and the challenges of asking
for something that is rightfully his.
III. a) Describe the
painful incident the child experienced in the kindergarten. (1x10=10)
Ans: In the poem
"The School Boy" by William Blake, the child shares a painful
experience in the kindergarten. The child loves the freedom and joy of being in
nature, listening to birds sing and enjoying the morning. However, going to
school feels like a punishment to him.
In kindergarten, the
child feels trapped. Instead of playing and exploring, he has to sit still in a
classroom with strict rules. The teacher's strict voice and the formal
atmosphere make him feel unhappy. The child's playful spirit is crushed because
he cannot enjoy the innocence of childhood. He compares himself to a bird
trapped in a cage, unable to fly and sing freely.
The child finds it
painful that his natural curiosity and joy are restricted. He feels that
learning in this way is not enjoyable but forced. This experience makes the
child feel sad and powerless, as he cannot escape this routine.
The poem shows that
strict and unkind education can take away the happiness and creativity of a
child. It reminds us that learning should be joyful and not a burden,
especially for young children.
OR
b) Write a critical
appreciation of the poem "on Killing a Tree".
Ans: "On Killing
a Tree" by Gieve Patel is a powerful poem that describes the process of
killing a tree. The poem uses strong imagery and symbolism to show that
destroying a tree is not as simple as it seems. The poet compares the deep
roots of a tree to the strong bond between nature and life.
The poem begins by
saying that just cutting a tree is not enough to kill it. The tree has taken
years to grow, and its roots go deep into the earth. Cutting its branches or
hacking its bark will not kill it because the tree has the power to heal and
grow back. The poet explains that to truly kill a tree, one must pull it out by
the roots, separating it from the earth, its source of life.
The poet uses this
detailed process to symbolize the strength and resilience of nature. The tree
becomes a symbol of life itself—strong, determined, and capable of surviving
pain. The act of killing a tree becomes an act of violence against nature. The
poem also makes us think about human actions that harm the environment. It
reminds us to respect and protect nature instead of destroying it.
Overall, "On
Killing a Tree" is a meaningful and thought-provoking poem that speaks for
the strength of nature and the need to protect it.
IV. Write short notes
on any TWO of the following: (2x5=10)
1. Draft a copy of
your introduction before a panel of interview members highlighting your
strengths.
Ans: Good
morning/afternoon, respected panel members. I am Virat Kumar. I am pleased to
have the opportunity to introduce myself today. I am currently qualified with
my MCA Degree from Bangalore university with a strong interest in Software
Development.
My strengths include
effective communication, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of
responsibility. I believe in continuous learning and always try to improve
myself through new experiences. My ability to work well both independently and
in a team has helped me achieve my goals. Additionally, I am determined,
dedicated, and capable of handling challenges with a positive attitude.
I look forward to
contributing positively to your organization while further developing my
skills. Thank you for this opportunity.
2. Draft a
congratulatory note on the success of your cousin in getting selected as PSI.
Ans: Dear Adi,
Congratulations on
your incredible achievement of being selected as a Police Sub-Inspector! I am
so proud of your hard work, dedication, and determination. This success is
truly well-deserved, and it inspires all of us.
I am confident that
you will carry out your duties with integrity and dedication, making a positive
difference in society. May this be just the beginning of your successful
career.
Once again,
congratulations! Let's celebrate your success soon.
With love,
Ayan
3. Introduce your
family members to your friend on his/her first visit to your home.
Ans: Hi Rajesh,
welcome to my home! I am so glad you could visit. Let me introduce you to my
family.
This is my father,
ENT specialist. He works as Doctor, and he enjoys playing cricket. Here is my
mother, Riya. She is a wonderful homemaker and loves to sing.
This is my sibling,
Pratap and Kumar. They are studying in class X, and they are passionate about
Computer games. We also have other family member Tommy who is a special part of our family.
I hope you feel at
home with us.
4. Draft a dialogue
between student and office clerk regarding scholarships.
Ans: Student: Good
morning, ma'am/sir. I wanted to inquire about the scholarship application
process.
Clerk: Good morning! Sure, I can help you with that. Are you applying
for a merit-based or need-based scholarship?
Student: I am interested in applying for a merit-based scholarship. Can
you please guide me about the eligibility criteria and the required documents?
Clerk: Certainly. You need to have at least [specific percentage or
grade] to qualify. You also need to submit your mark sheets, identity proof,
and a recommendation letter from a teacher.
Student: Thank you. Where should I submit the documents, and is there
any deadline I need to keep in mind?
Clerk: You can submit the documents at the scholarship office or apply
online through our official portal. The last date to apply is [specific date].
Student: That's helpful. I will prepare the documents and apply soon.
Thank you for your assistance!
Clerk: You're welcome! If you need any more help, feel free to ask. Good
luck!
V. Answer any FOUR of
the following questions:
A) Use the following
words in sentences as directed: (5x1=5)
1. "Belief"
as a verb in a sentence.
Ans: I believe in
working hard to achieve success.
2. "Anger"
as an adverb in a sentence.
Ans: She shouted
angrily when she realized her mistake.
3. "Clear"
as a noun in a sentence.
Ans: The coach’s
instructions brought clarity to the players.
4. "Speed"
as an adjective in a sentence.
Ans: He took a speedy
decision to avoid any delays.
5.
"Qualification" as a verb in a sentence.
Ans: She hopes to qualify
for the final round of the competition.
B) Fill in the blanks
with suitable articles. (5x1=5)
1. English is ……………..
difficult language.
2. She return after ……………..hour.
3. He is ……………..oldest
man in the office.
4. She goes to the
temple in ……………..morning.
5. I visited……………..
university.
Ans:
1.
English is a
difficult language.
2.
She returned after an
hour.
3.
He is the
oldest man in the office.
4.
She goes to the
temple in the morning.
5.
I visited a
university.
C) Fill in the blanks
with suitable prepositions. (5x1=5)
1. Seema was ……………..the
kitchen.
2. There is a
mountain ……………..my house.
3. She slipped……………..
the stairs.
4. Raju arrived ……………..3
"O" clock.
5. The man puts his
hands ……………..his pockets.
Ans:
1.
Seema was in
the kitchen.
2.
There is a mountain near
my house.
3.
She slipped down
the stairs.
4.
Raju arrived at
3 o'clock.
5.
The man puts his
hands in his pockets.
D) Convert the direct
questions into indirect questions. (5x1=5)
1. She says to me
"Bring a glass of water".
Ans: She asks me to
bring a glass of water.
2. My brother said,
"I am very miserable".
Ans: My brother said
that he was very miserable.
3. He said to me,
"Good morning".
Ans: He greeted me
with a good morning.
4. Raju said, "I
want to become an actor".
Ans: Raju said that
he wanted to become an actor.
5. He said "God!
I have lost the match".
Ans: He exclaimed
sadly that he had lost the match.
E) Frame the negative
questions. (5x1=5)
1. He works hard.
Ans: Doesn’t he work
hard?
2. My brother reads
lot of books.
Ans: Doesn’t my
brother read a lot of books?
3. He is waiting for
you.
Ans: Isn’t he waiting
for you?
4. The boy can Speak
English very well.
Ans: Can’t the boy
speak English very well?
5. Put the books on
the table.
Ans: Don’t you put
the books on the table?
F) Frame the
questions as directed. (5x1=5)
1. They study in a
university.
(Frame with question
to get underlined words as answer)
Ans: Where do they
study?
2. Food provides energy
to body.
(Frame the question
to get underlined words as answer)
Ans: What does food
provide to the body?
3. You know the
answer. (add Tag)
Ans: You know the
answer, don’t you?
4. Shreyas is going
to market. (Frame Yes/No question to get this answer)
Ans: Is Shreyas going
to the market?
5. She has been
learning dance.
(Frame Yes/No
question to get this answer)
Ans: Has she been
learning dance?
