I SEMESTER B.C.A. (SEP)
DEGREE EXAMINATION, DECEMBER/JANUARY - 2025/26
BASIC ENGLISH
(Regular/Repeater)
Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 80
Text: Eloquentia
I. Answer the following
questions in a word or phrase each. (10 × 1 = 10)
1.
What can happen when
society worships the wealthy?
Ans:
It can lead to the erosion of moral values and social decay.
2.
Where does Rip Van Winkle
live?
Ans:
A small village at the foot of the Kaatskill (Catskill) Mountains.
3.
What major historical event
has occurred during Rip's Sleep?
Ans:
The American Revolutionary War.
4.
What job does Albert Edward
hold at the beginning of the story?
Ans:
Verger of St. Peter’s, Neville Square.
5.
When did the article “No
Longer the Stiff Upper Lip” publish?
Ans:
September 1997 (Following the death of Princess Diana).
6.
What is the kingfisher
compared to in the poem “The Kingfisher”?
Ans:
A peacock (or compared to “blue kingfisher” and “rainbow” in terms of
brilliance).
7.
What is the main issue
described in the poem “Ceiling is Leaking”?
Ans:
The struggle of poverty and the physical decay of a home.
8.
Who is Faustus Speaking
about in the poem “Was this the Face that Launched Thousand Ships”?
Ans:
Helen of Troy.
9.
To whom is the poem
“Robinhood” dedicated?
Ans:
John Keats’ friend, J.H. Reynolds.
10.
What is the name of
Robinhood’s beloved?
Ans:
Maid Marian.
II. 1. Analyze the impact
of materialism on social values and individual behavior as presented in the
essay “The Worship of the Wealthy”. (1 × 10 = 10)
Ans: In the essay "The
Worship of the Wealthy," G.K. Chesterton criticizes how modern
society views money as a sign of greatness. This obsession with wealth, or materialism, significantly alters both
social values and individual behavior. Social
Values: Society begins to value people based on their bank balance
rather than their character or intelligence. When wealth is
"worshipped," traditional morals like honesty and kindness are
ignored. Success is no longer measured by how much good a person does, but by
how much power they possess. Individual
Behavior: People become desperate to appear rich to gain respect. This
leads to a loss of self-respect, as individuals may flatter the wealthy or act
dishonestly just to climb the social ladder. Instead of working for the joy of
creation or service, people become driven only by greed. Ultimately, the essay
suggests that worshipping wealth makes a society "sick" because it
replaces real human connections with cold, financial calculations.
(OR)
2. Discuss the role of
social prejudice in the story “Verger”.
Ans: In Somerset Maugham’s story "The Verger," social
prejudice—specifically regarding formal education—plays a central role. The Conflict: Albert Edward Foreman is
a perfect verger who has served his church for sixteen years. However, a new
Vicar arrives who represents the "educated" upper class. When the
Vicar discovers that Albert is illiterate (cannot read or write), he immediately
views him as unfit for the job. The
Prejudice: The Vicar’s prejudice is the belief that formal education is the only measure of a
man's worth. He ignores Albert’s years of dedicated service and his
impeccable character, focusing only on a technical skill Albert lacks. This
reflects a society that looks down on the uneducated, regardless of their
natural talent or wisdom. The Irony:
After being fired, Albert opens a shop and becomes a very wealthy businessman.
The story ends with a powerful irony: his success proves that a man does not
need a formal degree to be capable, hardworking, or successful. Maugham uses
this to show that social prejudices are often narrow-minded and wrong.
III. 1. Explore the role of
nature in the poem “Ceiling is Leaking”. (1 × 10 = 10)
Ans:
In the poem "The Ceiling is
Leaking," nature is not presented as a beautiful or romantic force;
instead, it is depicted as an intrusive, harsh, and persistent element that
highlights the struggles of poverty. The poet uses natural
elements—specifically the rain—to symbolize the vulnerability of the poor and
the breakdown of the boundary between the "safe" indoor world and the
"dangerous" outdoor world.
Nature acts as a constant reminder of neglect. When the
rain leaks through the ceiling, it represents a breach of security. For the
wealthy, rain might be a pleasant weather event, but for the speaker, it is a
source of anxiety and physical discomfort. The water dripping into the living
space forces the inhabitants to rearrange their lives, placing buckets and
shifting furniture, which shows how nature dictates the behavior of those who
cannot afford proper shelter.
Furthermore, nature
serves as a metaphor for social
suffering. Just as the rain is relentless and indifferent to the
person’s struggle, the social system often remains indifferent to the plight of
the needy. The "leaky ceiling" suggests that the protection society
should provide is failing. By bringing the elements of nature (water and
dampness) into the most private parts of the home, the poet emphasizes that
poverty leaves an individual completely exposed. Nature, in this context, is a
force that strips away dignity, turning a home into a place of survival rather
than a place of rest.
(OR)
2. Examine how John Keats
uses nostalgia to evoke the theme of loss in the poem “Robinhood”.
Ans: In the poem "Robinhood," John Keats uses nostalgia—a sentimental longing for the past—to highlight the deep
sense of loss caused by the industrialization and modernization of the world.
The poem is a lament for a "Golden Age" of heroism and natural beauty
that the poet feels has vanished forever.
Keats evokes
nostalgia by calling upon the legendary figures of Sherwood Forest, such as
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Little John. By describing their lives as filled
with freedom, honor, and a deep connection to the woods, he makes the reader
feel the weight of their absence. He uses phrases like "the days of old
are gone" and "the woods are ever bleak," contrasting the
vibrant, green past with a grey, dull present. This contrast creates a theme of cultural loss; the spirit of
adventure and the romantic ideals of the past have been replaced by the
"cold" reality of a society focused on money and labor.
The loss of nature is
also a central theme. Keats suggests that even the trees and the wind seem to
miss the old heroes. The nostalgia serves to show that humanity has lost more
than just stories; it has lost a way of living in harmony with the Earth. The
"shattered" bows and the "silent" forest symbolize a world
that has become spiritually empty. Through this nostalgic lens, Keats argues
that while time moves forward, the modern world is poorer because it has
forgotten the magic, courage, and simplicity represented by the legends of
Robin Hood.
IV. Write short notes on
any Two of the following (one from Prose and one from Poetry). (2 × 5 = 10)
1.
Rip Van Winkle.
Ans:
Rip Van Winkle is a legendary character who represents the transition
of American society. A kind but lazy man, Rip escapes his nagging wife by
wandering into the Kaatskill Mountains. After drinking a strange potion with
mysterious figures, he falls into a magical sleep for twenty years. When he
wakes, he finds his village transformed: his wife is gone, his friends are
dead, and the American Revolution has turned British subjects into free
citizens. His character symbolizes the struggle between individual freedom and
social responsibility, and the bewilderment of a man left behind by the rapid
pace of history.
2.
No Longer the Stiff Upper
Lip.
Ans:
This article discusses a major shift in
British emotional culture following the death of Princess Diana in 1997. Traditionally, the British were known for
the "stiff upper lip"—a stoic, unemotional way of handling grief and
crisis. However, the public’s massive, tearful outpouring of emotion marked the
end of this era. The essay explores how society moved toward a more
"Californian" style of open grieving and emotional expression. It
suggests that while the old stoicism provided stability, the new openness reflects
a more modern, empathetic, and human-centered approach to collective tragedy
and personal feeling.
3.
Symbolism in the poem “The
Kingfisher”.
Ans:
In W.H. Davies' poem, the Kingfisher serves as a powerful symbol
of solitary brilliance and spiritual peace. Unlike the peacock, which
symbolizes vanity and the desire for public attention, the Kingfisher lives
quietly by the water. Its vibrant colors are compared to a "rainbow"
or "peacock's tail," but its beauty is reserved for nature rather
than an audience. The bird symbolizes the "quiet life"—the idea that
true beauty and greatness do not need to be loud or famous to be meaningful. It
encourages the reader to seek a life of inner richness and peaceful solitude.
4.
Theme of the poem “The Face
that Launched a Thousand Ships”.
Ans:
This excerpt from Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus centers on the themes
of destructive beauty and the pursuit
of the unattainable. As Faustus gazes upon the spirit of Helen of Troy,
his speech highlights how her immense beauty led to the total destruction of a
civilization. The "thousand ships" represent the Greek army sent to
burn Troy, showing that beauty can be a dangerous, chaotic force. For Faustus,
Helen also symbolizes his own spiritual downfall; he chooses the fleeting,
physical "heaven" of her kiss over eternal salvation, illustrating
how human desire can lead to ultimate ruin.
V. A. Answer the following questions as directed. (5x1=5)
1.
The Taj Mahal is a
famous monument. [Underline the naming word]
Ans: The Taj Mahal
2.
He is an intelligent
student. [Underline the describing word]
Ans: Intelligent
3.
He is a professional
cricketer. [Underline the adjective phrase]
Ans: Professional
Cricketer
4.
The green and red
balloons look perfect. [Underline the noun phrase]
Ans: The green and
red balloons
5.
He is a professor in
a commerce college. [Underline the modifier in the sentence]
Ans: in a commerce
college
B. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles and prepositions. (5x1=5)
1.
She reads ______
Ramayan every day.
Ans: She reads the
Ramayan every day.
2.
______ elephant is a
majestic creature.
Ans: An
elephant is a majestic creature.
3.
The rat is ______ the
table.
Ans: The rat is on
the table.
4.
We have a meeting
______ 3'o clock this afternoon.
Ans: We have a
meeting at 3’o clock this afternoon.
5.
The ball rolled
______ the goal.
Ans: The ball rolled into
the goal.
C. Rewrite as directed: (5x1=5)
1.
Stupid. [Write
Synonym]
Ans: Foolish/ Dumb
2.
Late. [Write Synonym]
Ans: Tardy/ Delayed
3.
Hot. [Write Antonym]
Ans: Cold
4.
New. [Write Antonym]
Ans: Old
5.
Guide. [Add Affix]
Ans: Guidance/
Guideline
D. Choose the correct form of the verb given in the bracket. (5x1=5)
1.
I ______ at a bank.
[work, works]
Ans: I work at a bank.
2.
My younger brother
______ to Mumbai last month. [go, went]
Ans: My younger
brother went to Mumbai last month.
3.
Mathematics ______ a
good subject. [is, are]
Ans: Mathematics is
a good subject.
4.
Many students ______
participated here. [has, have]
Ans: Many students have
participated here.
5.
Most of the news
______ unbelievable. [was, were]
Ans: Most of the news
was unbelievable.
VI. Answer the following questions. (4x5=20)
1.
Introduce yourself
before a panel of interview members highlighting your strengths.
Ans:
"Good morning to the esteemed members of the panel. My name is [Your
Name], and I am currently pursuing my B.C.A. degree. I would describe myself as
a dedicated and disciplined individual with a strong passion for technology and
problem-solving. One of my primary strengths is my adaptability; I am quick to
learn new tools and thrive in changing environments. I also possess strong
analytical skills, which help me approach complex tasks with a logical mindset.
Furthermore, I am a
collaborative team player who believes in the power of effective communication
to achieve group goals. During my academic projects, I have consistently
demonstrated my ability to meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of work.
I am eager to apply my technical knowledge and positive attitude to contribute
meaningfully to your organization while continuing to grow professionally.
Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself."
2.
Draft a copy of
introduction of the Chief Guest of Annual Day of your college.
Ans:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, faculty members, and my dear fellow students, it is
a moment of great pride and honor for us as we celebrate our College Annual
Day. Today, we are privileged to have amongst us a distinguished personality
who has made remarkable contributions to society. Our Chief Guest for this
evening is [Guest Name], a renowned educator and visionary leader.
With over two decades
of experience in the field of [Field, e.g., Science/Commerce], they have been a
guiding light for thousands of young minds across the country. Known for their
humility and dedication, [Guest Name] has received numerous awards for
excellence in leadership and social service. We are incredibly fortunate to
have such an inspiring figure with us today. Their journey from humble
beginnings to great heights is a testament to the power of hard work. Please
join me in giving a warm and resounding welcome to our Chief Guest."
3.
Write an imaginary
dialogue between you and the librarian seeking a book title.
Ans: Student: Good morning, Sir. I hope you
are having a pleasant day. Librarian:
Good morning. How can I help you today? Student:
I am looking for a specific book titled Eloquentia
for my English Semester I course. Could you tell me if it is available? Librarian: Let me check the digital
catalog for you. Just a moment... Yes, we have three copies in the Literature
section. Student: That is a
relief! I have an exam coming up and really need to refer to it. What is the
procedure to borrow it? Librarian:
You will need to present your college ID card. You can borrow one book for a
period of fifteen days. Student:
Perfect. Are there any late fees if I miss the deadline? Librarian: Yes, there is a small fine
of two rupees per day after the due date. Student: Understood, Sir. I will make sure to return it on time.
Thank you for your help! Librarian:
You’re welcome. The book is on Shelf 4B.
4.
Describe a historical
place you have visited or read about.
Ans:
"One of the most breathtaking historical places I have read about and visited
is Hampi, located in Karnataka, India. Once the capital of the glorious
Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its
stunning ruins and unique boulder-strewn landscape. As you walk through the
site, the massive stone structures transport you back to the 14th century.
The most iconic
monument is the Virupaksha Temple, which remains an active place of worship.
Another marvel is the Stone Chariot in the Vittala Temple complex, which
showcases the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Indian architects. The site
also features the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables, reflecting a blend of
different architectural styles. Hampi is not just a collection of ruins; it is
a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance. Every
carved pillar tells a story of a prosperous era, making it a must-visit
destination for anyone who loves history."
 - Basic English - Solved Degree Examination Question Paper, December/ January – 2025-26 - ( Regular /Repeaters)){kind=link}
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