II SEMESTER B.B.A. (SEP) DEGREE EXAMINATION, SOLVED QUESTION
PAPER -MAY/JUNE - 2026
ENGLISH
Basic English
(Regular 2025-26 Batch and Onwards)
Time : 3 Hours Maximum
Marks : 80
Text: Navigating Horizons
I. Answer the following questions in
a word a phrase or a sentence each. (10×1=10)
1.
Which global IT company was co-founded by Narayan Murthy?
Ans: Infosys
2.
Who is the central figure of the article written by Nirmal Jovial?
Ans: S. Somanath
3.
What was Somanath’s greatest solace in his college days?
Ans: Reading books
4.
At what age did Tilak Mehta start his entrepreneurial journey?
Ans: At the age of 13
5.
Why did Ritesh go to Kota?
Ans: To prepare for IIT entrance
examinations
6.
What is the central question asked in the poem “Who are You Sir”?
Ans: “Who are you, Sir?”
7.
How does the speaker describe the words?
Ans: As powerful and meaningful
8.
Who is the poet of the poem Ambulances?
Ans: Philip Larkin
9.
What does the poem “The Miner” explore?
Ans: Human struggle, hope and
disappointment
10.
How many wives did an old man have in the poem “Who are You Sir”?
Ans: Seven wives
II. (10×1=10)
1. Elaborate the lesson one can
learn from Tilak Mehta’s story.
Ans:
Tilak Mehta’s story teaches us that age
is never a barrier to success. A person can achieve great things if he or she
has determination, creativity, and the courage to solve real-life problems.
Tilak Mehta was only a teenager when he noticed that people in cities faced
difficulties in sending small parcels quickly. Instead of ignoring the problem,
he thought of a practical solution. He started a business that used the
existing network of local delivery workers to provide fast and affordable
parcel services.
His
journey shows the importance of observing everyday problems and turning them
into opportunities. Tilak did not wait until he became older or completed his
education. He believed in his idea and worked hard to make it successful. His
success was possible because of careful planning, teamwork, and the willingness
to learn from experienced people.
Another
important lesson is that innovation and technology can make life easier. By
combining modern technology with traditional delivery systems, Tilak created an
efficient business model. His story also teaches us that failures and
challenges should not discourage us. Every obstacle should be treated as a
chance to learn and improve.
Tilak
Mehta remained humble even after becoming successful. He continued to focus on
improving his service and helping customers. His story inspires young people to
believe in themselves, think creatively, and work with dedication. It reminds
students that success comes from hard work, confidence, patience, and a
positive attitude rather than age or family background. Therefore, Tilak
Mehta’s life is an excellent example of how determination, innovation, and
perseverance can help anyone achieve great success.
(OR)
2. Bring out entrepreneurial
qualities of Ritesh Agarwal.
Ans: Ritesh Agarwal is one of India's
successful young entrepreneurs. His journey shows that success comes through
hard work, determination, innovation, and the courage to take risks. From a
young age, he had a strong interest in business and always looked for new
opportunities. While travelling across India, he noticed that many budget
hotels lacked proper facilities and quality service. Instead of accepting this
problem, he decided to find a solution.
One of Ritesh Agarwal’s
greatest entrepreneurial qualities is his ability to identify problems and
convert them into business opportunities. He founded OYO Rooms to provide
affordable, clean, and comfortable accommodation for travellers. His vision
helped improve the quality of budget hotels and made hotel booking simple
through technology.
Another
important quality is his willingness to take calculated risks. He left the
traditional path of education to follow his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
Even though he faced financial difficulties, criticism, and failures in the
beginning, he never gave up. He learned from every challenge and continued to
improve his business.
Ritesh
also believed in innovation, customer satisfaction, and teamwork. He used
technology to make hotel bookings easy and ensured that customers received good
service. His leadership skills and determination helped OYO expand to many
cities and countries.
His life teaches young
people to dream big, stay focused, and work sincerely towards their goals. He
proves that success is not determined by age but by vision, dedication,
confidence, and continuous learning. Ritesh Agarwal is an inspiration for
students and aspiring entrepreneurs because he transformed a simple idea into a
globally recognized business through perseverance, innovation, and hard work.
II. (10×1=10)
1. Discuss the theme of Nature and
Solitude in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”.
Ans:
The poem "Stopping by Woods on a
Snowy Evening" by Robert
Frost beautifully presents the themes of nature and solitude.
The speaker stops near a quiet forest on a snowy evening to enjoy the beauty
and peace of nature. The woods are covered with fresh snow, and everything
around him is calm, silent, and attractive. The natural surroundings create a
feeling of peace and happiness. The poet shows that nature has the power to
refresh the human mind and provide relief from the stress of daily life. The
theme of solitude is also very important in the poem. The speaker is alone with
his horse in the middle of the snowy woods. There are no people around, and the
only sounds are the gentle wind and the soft shaking of the horse’s bells. This
silence allows the speaker to think deeply about life. He enjoys the quiet
moment and feels closely connected with nature.
However, the speaker cannot
stay in the woods forever. He remembers that he has many duties and
responsibilities to complete. This is expressed in the famous lines, "But I have promises to keep, And miles
to go before I sleep." These lines remind us that although nature
gives us peace and comfort, we must continue our journey and fulfill our
responsibilities. Thus, the poem teaches that nature offers beauty, peace, and
moments of reflection, but human beings must balance their love for nature with
their duties in life. Robert Frost beautifully combines the themes of nature
and solitude to convey a meaningful message about life.
(OR)
2. Explain how the poem “The Miner”
portrays the speaker’s transition from hopeful determination to existential
doubt and resignation.
Ans: The poem "The Miner" shows the
emotional journey of a miner who begins his work with hope, courage, and
determination but gradually becomes filled with doubt and sadness because of
the hardships of life. At the beginning of the poem, the miner is confident and
hardworking. He believes that his efforts will bring success and a better
future for himself and his family. He enters the dark mine every day with
strength and hope, ready to face difficult conditions.
As the poem progresses, the
miner experiences many struggles. He works in darkness, faces dangerous
situations, and receives very little reward for his hard labour. The difficult
working conditions, uncertainty, and constant risk slowly reduce his
confidence. He begins to question the purpose of his endless struggle and
wonders whether all his hard work has any real meaning. This marks the
beginning of his existential doubt.
Finally, the miner becomes
tired and resigned. He accepts the reality of his life because he has no other
choice. Although he continues to work, he loses the hope and excitement that he
had in the beginning. His resignation does not mean that he is weak, but that
he has accepted the harsh realities of life. The poem highlights the suffering
of workers and reminds readers to respect the sacrifices made by labourers. It
also teaches that life often brings difficulties, but people continue to
perform their duties with patience and courage. Through the miner’s emotional
journey, the poet expresses themes of hope, struggle, disappointment,
endurance, and the search for meaning in life.
IV. Write short note on any Two of
the following choosing one from Prose and one from Poetry. (2×5=10)
1.
Advice to young professionals by N.R. Narayan Murthy.
Ans: N.R. Narayan Murthy advises young professionals to work
with honesty, discipline, and dedication. He believes that success comes
through hard work, continuous learning, and strong moral values. He encourages
young people to improve their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
According to him, they should respect time, accept responsibilities, and never
stop learning from their experiences. He also stresses the importance of
teamwork, humility, and good communication. Murthy advises professionals to
dream big but remain grounded and ethical. He believes that character is more
valuable than wealth or position. His message inspires young people to work
sincerely, face challenges with confidence, and contribute positively to their
organizations and society.
2.
Somanath’s journey.
Ans: Somanath’s journey is a story of determination, hard
work, and perseverance. Despite facing many challenges and difficulties, he
never lost hope. He believed in learning, improving his knowledge, and
achieving his goals through continuous effort. His journey teaches that success
does not come easily but requires patience, discipline, and dedication. Every
failure became a learning experience that helped him grow stronger. With
confidence and a positive attitude, he overcame obstacles and reached great
heights in his career. His life inspires students and young people to dream
big, work sincerely and never give up. Somanath’s journey proves that commitment
and perseverance can turn ordinary dreams into extraordinary achievements.
3.
Major themes in “Who are You Sir”.
Ans: The main themes of "Who are You Sir" are humanity, kindness, equality, and
selfless service. The lesson teaches that a person's true identity is not
determined by wealth, power, or social status but by good character and helpful
actions. It highlights the importance of showing compassion, respect, and care
for others. The story encourages people to help those in need without expecting
anything in return. It also reminds us that every human being deserves dignity
and equal treatment. Through its message, the lesson inspires readers to
develop honesty, humility, and empathy. It teaches that love, kindness, and
service make a person truly great.
4.
Symbolism in “Ambulances”.
Ans: In the poem "Ambulances,"
the ambulance is a powerful symbol of illness, suffering, death, and the
uncertainty of human life. Whenever an ambulance passes through the streets, it
reminds people that life is temporary and that no one can escape death. The
ambulance also symbolizes the sudden changes that can happen in life without
warning. It interrupts the normal routine of people and makes them think about
the value of life. The poem shows that every person, regardless of age, wealth,
or status, must one day face death. Through this symbolism, the poet encourages
readers to value life, show compassion to others, and make meaningful use of
the time they have.
V. A. Rewrite the following
statements as directed. (5×1=5)
1.
They played hockey. (Change into passive voice)
Ans: Hockey was played by them.
2.
It is a beautiful day. (Change into exclamatory sentence)
Ans: What a beautiful day it is!
3.
The box is too heavy for me to lift. (Remove too .... to)
Ans: The box is so heavy that I
cannot lift it.
4.
There is too much sugar in the cake. (Use enough)
Ans: There is more sugar than enough
in the cake.
5.
There is too little water in the bottle. (Use enough)
Ans: There is not enough water in
the bottle.
B. Frame questions as per the
directions. (5×1=5)
1.
My birthday is on August 15. (WH question)
Ans: When is your birthday?
2.
She is feeling very sick. (WH question)
Ans: How is she feeling?
3.
Ravi has gone to Mumbai. (Yes/No question)
Ans: Has Ravi gone to Mumbai?
4.
She goes to school. (Yes/No question)
Ans: Does she go to school?
5.
Somanath is working for ISRO. (WH question)
Ans: Who is working for ISRO?
C. Rearrange the following sentences
to form a meaningful paragraph. (5×1=5)
1.
She attended the interview with confidence.
2.
And she joined her duties on Monday.
3.
She got up early and prepared for the interview.
4.
Disha received a call letter to attend interview on Friday.
5.
All the family members were happy to know that Disha got
selected.
Ans: Disha received a call letter to attend interview on
Friday. She got up early and prepared for the interview. She attended the
interview with confidence. All the family members were happy to know that Disha
got selected. And she joined her duties on Monday.
D. Use the correct punctuations for
the following sentences. (5×1=5)
1.
Do you like Mangoes.
2.
Hurrah India has won the match.
3.
Dedication determination and devotion are necessary to get
success.
4.
His name is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
5.
Ganga is the holy river in India.
Ans:
1.
Do you like mangoes?
2.
Hurrah! India has won the mathc.
3.
Dedication, determination and
devotion are necessary to get success.
4.
His name is Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
5.
Ganga is the holy river in India.
VI. Answer any Four of the following
questions. (4×5=20)
1.
Define Speech and briefly discuss the organization and
delivery of speech.
Ans: A speech is a spoken form of
communication used to express ideas, share information, motivate people, or
entertain an audience. A good speech has a clear purpose and is delivered in a
simple and effective manner. The organization of a speech is very important. It
usually has three parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The
introduction attracts the audience’s attention and introduces the topic. The
body explains the main ideas with facts, examples, and supporting points. The
conclusion summarizes the important points and leaves a lasting impression on
the audience. The delivery of a speech is equally important. A speaker should
speak clearly, maintain eye contact, use proper body language, and vary the
tone of voice to keep the audience interested. Confidence, good pronunciation,
correct gestures, and proper pacing make the speech more effective. A
well-organized and confidently delivered speech helps the audience understand
and remember the message.
2.
Briefly elaborate Body Language.
Ans: Body language is a form of
non-verbal communication in which people express their thoughts and feelings
through physical actions instead of words. It includes facial expressions, eye
contact, gestures, posture, hand movements, and body position. Positive body
language helps a speaker communicate effectively and creates a good impression
on the audience. For example, smiling shows friendliness, eye contact shows
confidence, and standing straight reflects self-confidence. Hand gestures can
make ideas clearer and more interesting when used naturally. Negative body
language, such as avoiding eye contact, crossing arms, or looking nervous, may
reduce the impact of communication. In public speaking, body language supports
spoken words and helps the audience understand the speaker's emotions and
intentions. It also builds trust and keeps listeners engaged. Good body
language improves communication in interviews, meetings, classrooms, and daily
life. Therefore, learning and practicing positive body language is essential
for developing strong communication and presentation skills.
3.
Explain the main message of the speech delivered by
A-Velumani.
Ans: The main message of A.
Velumani’s speech is that success comes through hard work, discipline,
simplicity, and continuous learning. He explains that a person does not need a
wealthy background to become successful. Instead, determination, honesty, and
the willingness to learn from failures are the real keys to achievement. A.
Velumani encourages young people to believe in themselves and make the best use
of every opportunity. He says that difficulties and failures should not
discourage anyone because they teach valuable life lessons. He also advises
students to remain humble even after achieving success. According to him,
knowledge, good values, and self-confidence are more important than money or
social status. He inspires students to focus on their goals, improve their
skills, and never stop learning. His speech motivates young people to work
sincerely, stay positive, and achieve success through dedication and
perseverance.
4.
How the “Purpose of life” is discussed in the speech by
Anand Mahindra.
Ans: In his speech, Anand Mahindra
explains that the purpose of life is not only to earn money or become famous
but also to make a positive difference in society. He encourages young people
to discover their passion and use their talents to help others. According to
him, true success comes when a person contributes to the well-being of the
community and lives with honesty, kindness, and responsibility. He advises
students to keep learning throughout life and never stop improving themselves.
Anand Mahindra believes that every individual has unique abilities, and these
talents should be used for the betterment of society. He also stresses the
importance of values, compassion, and meaningful work. His speech inspires
people to set goals that benefit both themselves and others. Thus, the purpose
of life is to live with purpose, serve society, and leave behind a positive
impact through good actions and responsible living.
5.
Discuss the central idea of the speech “Conflict
Resolution”.
Ans: The central idea of the speech
"Conflict Resolution" is that conflicts are a natural part of life
and should be solved peacefully through understanding, communication, and
mutual respect. Conflicts may occur because of differences in opinions,
misunderstandings, or personal interests. Instead of reacting with anger or
violence, people should listen carefully to each other and try to understand
different viewpoints. Effective communication, patience, and empathy are
essential for resolving disagreements. The speech also highlights the
importance of negotiation, cooperation, and compromise in finding fair
solutions. It teaches that resolving conflicts peacefully helps maintain
healthy relationships and creates harmony in families, schools, workplaces, and
society. The speaker encourages people to remain calm, respect others'
feelings, and focus on solving problems rather than blaming others. By
practising these qualities, individuals can avoid unnecessary disputes and
build stronger relationships based on trust, understanding, and cooperation.
6.
Nandan Nilekani’s “ideas for India’s future”.
Ans: In his speech on "Ideas
for India’s Future," Nandan Nilekani presents a vision of a modern,
inclusive, and technology-driven India. He believes that technology,
innovation, and education are the main forces that can transform the country.
He encourages young people to develop new ideas, improve their skills, and
become problem-solvers. According to him, digital technology can improve
education, healthcare, banking, governance, and employment opportunities for
millions of people. He also stresses the importance of entrepreneurship,
creativity, and equal opportunities for all citizens. Nandan Nilekani believes
that India’s greatest strength is its young population, and if they receive
quality education and proper guidance, they can build a stronger nation. He
urges everyone to work together with honesty, responsibility, and innovation to
solve national challenges. His ideas inspire people to use knowledge and
technology to create a prosperous, inclusive, and developed India for future
generations.
 - Solved Degree Examination Question Paper, MAY/JUNE - 2026 - (Regular)){kind=link}
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