English Language and Communication Skills Question Paper 2024 [Dibrugarh University BCOM 2nd SEM Question Paper]

English Language and Communication Skills Question Paper 2024
Dibrugarh University BCOM 2^nd SEM Question Paper

ENGLISH (Ability Enhancement Course)

Paper: AECENG2 (English Language and Communication Skills)

Full Marks: 80

Pass Marks: 24

Time: 3 hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions

UNIT-I

1. Answer any four of the following questions:   5×4=20

(a) Discuss the functions of communication.

Ans: Purpose and functions of Business Communication: Business communication is required to perform two main functions. These functions are:

1) Internal functions

2) External functions

1) Internal function: All the communication that occurs in conducting work within a business is called internal function. It helps increase job satisfaction, safety, productivity, and profits and decreases grievances, turnover, and absenteeism. The main internal functions of business communication are:

a) Information to management: Business communication makes relevant information, facts, and other details available to management. It is on the basis of this information that management takes decisions necessary for growth and progress.

b) Improvement to employees: Business communication provides relevant information to employees such as how a particular task is to be performed and how employees will be rewarded.

c) Improvement in morale: By providing detailed information regarding all tasks and individual issues to employees, business communication helps in improving employee morale.

2) External function: The work-related communication that a business does with people and groups outside the business is called external functions. In today’s complex business world, businesses depend on each other in the production and distribution of goods and services. The following are important external functions of business communication:

a) To make relations with the suppliers: Business communication establishes relations with outside suppliers. It is through communication that suppliers are informed about which raw materials are required, when, in what quantity, and of what quality.

b) Report to government agencies & departments: Business communication is required to deal with different government agencies such as licensing authorities, foreign trade, and customs, and to provide necessary reports and render various returns as per the law.

c) Sale of Goods & Services: A business approaches the prospective customer equipped with information regarding its product, quality, etc., all through communication.

(b) State the difference between oral communication and written communication.

Ans: Difference between Oral and Written Communication:

Basis	Written Communication	Oral Communication
Record	It always has a permanent record.	It does not have any permanent record.
Cost	Written communication is high cost.	Oral communication is less costly.
Feedback	It takes time to give feedback.	It gives immediate feedback.
Flexibility	It is rigid or inflexible.	It is highly flexible.
Time Taken	It takes more time to prepare and transmit a message.	It takes the least time to prepare and transmit a message.
Reliability	It is most reliable.	It is not reliable.
Legality	It is legal evidence.	It is not legal evidence.
Distortion	There is no possibility of distortion.	There is a high possibility of distortion.

(c) Discuss Aristotle's model of communication.

Ans: Aristotle’s Model of Communication: Aristotle, a great philosopher, initiated the earliest mass communication model. He proposed the model before 300 B.C. and emphasized the importance of the audience’s role in the communication process. This model is more focused on public speaking rather than interpersonal communication.

Elements of Aristotle’s Model of Communication: The model consists of five basic elements:

a) Speaker

b) Speech

c) Occasion

d) Audience

e) Effect

Aristotle advises that speakers should tailor their speech according to the audience, the occasion, and the desired effect.

The speaker plays a crucial role in public speaking and must prepare their speech while analyzing the needs of the audience before delivering it. The speech should be influential, persuasive, and thought-provoking for the audience.

Example of Aristotle’s Model:

a) Speaker: Alexander the Great

b) Speech: His speech about his invasion

c) Occasion: War field

d) Audience: Soldiers

Effect: To motivate them to defeat the Persian Empire

This model highlights that the effectiveness of communication depends on how well the speaker crafts their speech for the audience and the occasion, leading to the desired effect.

(d) What is sign language? What are the divisions of sign language?

Ans: Sign language is a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expression, gestures and body language. Sign languages have their own vocabulary, construction and grammar. There are around 300 sign languages in the world. Like spoken languages, sign languages are natural, which means that they're developed over the years by the people who use them. In the UK, the term sign language usually refers to British Sign Language (BSL). 

Sign languages are different to sign systems such as Sign Supported English, Signalong or Makaton, which may use BSL signs alongside spoken English but follow the structure of spoken English. 

Divisions of Sign Language

1. Natural Sign Language: Developed naturally within deaf communities, with its own grammar and structure (e.g., American Sign Language - ASL, British Sign Language - BSL).

2. Manually Coded Language: A signed version of spoken languages, following the grammar of the spoken language (e.g., Signed English).

3. Home Signs: Informal gestures developed by individuals or families without access to formal sign language.

4. Tactile Sign Language: Used by individuals who are both deaf and blind, involving touch-based communication (e.g., Tactile ASL).

5. Pidgin Signed Language (PSE): A mix of natural sign language and spoken language structure, often used by signers of different backgrounds.

(e) What are the barriers to communication?

Ans: The barriers to communication in an organization may be broadly categorized into following groups:

1. Physical barriers (RECEIVER’S ORIENTED)

2. Socio- psychological or personal barriers (RECEIVER’S ORIENTED)

3. Organizational barriers (SENDER’S ORIENTED)

4. Semantic barriers (SENDER’S ORIENTED)

5. Mechanical barriers (SENDER’S ORIENTED)

However, such a classification does not suggest that these are mutually exclusive. Rather, it is helpful in understanding the nature of communication barriers.

1. Physical Barriers: There are the environmental factors that also obstruct or reduces the sending and receiving of communication, such as physical distance distracting noises and other interferences difficulty arises in communicating a message, when the physical distance increases.

2. Socio-psychological or personal Barriers: There are certain socio psychological factors which restrict the free flow of communication. They are the attitude and opinions, status consciousness, one’s relations with fellow workers, seniors, and junior’s etc. family background.

3. Organizational Barriers: Organisational barriers arise due to defects in the organization structure and the communication system of an organization:

I. Hierarchical distance: Downward communication promotes hierarchical distance. The chances of information being filtered are more at this structure, because there are several layers. Information received from the top may not reach at bottom in the same shape. The information gets coloured which brings hierarchical distance.

II. Diversion: Diversion of information is also one of the causes which brings barrier to communication process. For example, sometimes a manager diverts the information meant for one person or group to another.

4. Semantic Barriers: Semantic means the relationships of signs of their reference. Semantic barrier arises from the disadvantages of the symbolic system. Symbols have got number of meaning and one has to choose any one of them according to the requirement of communication. Symbol or the language is the most important tool of communication which has to be used very carefully.

5. Mechanical Barriers: Mechanical barriers include inadequate arrangement for transmission of news, facts and figures. Example poor office layout and defective procedure and the use of wrong media led to poor communication.

I. Information overload: Excess of communication is called information overload. Brevity is the soul of communication. The receiver cannot comprehend and absorb beyond his mental capacity. His mind will remain closed for the excess part of the communication. Therefore, one should be brief and to the point.

II. Loss of transmission: When messages are transmitted from person to person they are filtered. In other words, they are diluted and distorted on the way. In oral communication about 30% of the information is lost in each transmission.

(f) Define intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.

Ans: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Interpersonal communication is the ability to relate to people in written as well as verbal communication.   It can occur in either one to one or a group of people.  It also means being able to handle different people in different situations.  Gestures such as eye contact, body movement and hand gestures are also part of interpersonal communication.   Listening, talking and conflict resolutions are the common features of interpersonal communication.   The types of interpersonal communication may vary from verbal to non-verbal and from situation to situation.

INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Intrapersonal communication is defined as the communication process within an individual.   It is the foundation for all communication.   Each and every one is having intrapersonal communication at all times.  It begins with language and thought itself, but includes our perception of what language and thought are.   Every individual may see something and assume a particular attitude toward the subject; however, one can be certain that each assumption made is distinctly different. Intrapersonal communication is a challenge because one has so many variations that arise from our perceptions at particular moments.

UNIT-II

2. Answer any four of the following questions:   5×4=20

(a) What are the functions of soliloquy?

Ans: A soliloquy is a dramatic device in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually while alone on stage. It serves several important functions in literature and drama:

1. Revealing Inner Thoughts and Emotions: It allows the audience to understand a character’s true feelings, motivations, and dilemmas.

2. Providing Exposition: It helps to convey background information, past events, or unseen actions to the audience.

3. Creating Dramatic Irony: The audience gains insight into the character’s intentions, which may be unknown to other characters, building suspense.

4. Developing Characterization: It helps in portraying the complexity of a character’s personality, conflicts, and moral struggles.

5. Advancing the Plot: It often foreshadows future events, introduces decisions, or explains actions that drive the story forward.

6. Establishing Mood and Tone: It enhances the emotional intensity of a scene, setting the atmosphere for what follows.

(b) What are the steps involved in dialogue writing?

Ans: Steps Involved in Dialogue Writing

a) Understand the Context

- Identify the purpose of the dialogue (e.g., conversation between friends, interview, debate, argument, casual talk, etc.).

- Analyze the setting, time, and place where the conversation takes place.

b) Identify the Characters

- Determine who will be part of the dialogue.

- Define their personalities, tone, and speaking style to make the conversation realistic.

c) Plan the Structure

- Outline the main points the dialogue should cover.

- Arrange the conversation in a logical sequence.

d) Start with a Greeting: Use appropriate greetings based on the formality of the dialogue (e.g., "Good morning, how are you?" for a formal setting or "Hey! What's up?" for an informal one).

e) Develop a Natural Flow

- Keep the conversation smooth and engaging.

- Ensure that characters respond naturally to each other.

f) Use Simple and Clear Language

- Avoid complex and lengthy sentences that may make the dialogue difficult to understand.

- Use contractions and informal language where appropriate.

g) Express Emotions and Feelings: Include expressions, exclamations, and body language to make the dialogue more engaging. Example: "Oh no! I can't believe this happened!"

h) Avoid Monotony

- Give equal turns to each character.

- Avoid making one character dominate the entire conversation.

i) Ensure Logical Progression

- Make sure the conversation leads to a meaningful conclusion.

- Each line should contribute to the development of the topic.

j) Review and Edit

- Check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

- Read the dialogue aloud to ensure it sounds natural.

- Make necessary corrections to improve clarity and readability.

(c) Write a dialogue between a mother and a son. The son has recently shifted to a hostel and the mother is asking her son about hostel life.

Ans: Dialogue between a Mother and Her Son about Hostel Life

Mother: Hello, my dear! How are you? How is your new hostel life?

Son: Hi, Mom! I’m doing well. Hostel life is quite different from home, but I’m adjusting.

Mother: That’s good to hear. Do you like your room and your new friends?

Son: Yes, my room is nice and comfortable. My new friends are very supportive.

Mother: That’s good! What about the food? Are you taking your food properly?

Son: Well, the food is not as tasty as your home-cooked meals, but I am trying to adjust with these. I am missing your cooking.

Mother: Oh, my dear! I miss cooking for you too. Are you able to concentrate on your studies in the hostel?

Son: Yes, Mom. There’s a study room where we can focus on our work without distractions. The environment is good for studying.

Mother: That’s wonderful! Are you taking care of yourself? Sleeping on time and staying healthy?

Son: Yes, Mom. I follow a routine and try to get enough sleep. Don’t worry, I’m taking care of myself.

Mother: That’s a relief! Do you need anything? I can send you a parcel.

Son: Nothing much, Mom. Just some homemade snacks and maybe my favourite sweater.

Mother: Of course! I’ll send them soon. Take care of yourself and call me whenever you can.

Son: I will, Mom. Love you!

Mother: Love you too, my dear. Stay safe!

(d) What is the importance of group discussion?

Ans: Group discussion actually detail the area of approach to a problem or topic. A fruitful group discussion is important due to the following reasons:

1. Suggestions: Advice and ideas, together with suggestions, they form the core heart of a group discussion. It is through these tools that a meaningful and practically implementable solution can be reached. Intermingling of these suggestions give rise to a new one, creating a space for best possible output.

2. Wide approach: Group discussion helps to provide wide approach to any matter under consideration, as it includes members from a large number of different sections of a particular business organisation. The beauty of entire process is in the area of span it can give to a problem’s redressal.

3. Decision Making: Group discussion should be able to justify itself as a tool for rational evaluation of a problem and thereon reach to a suitable decision, based on erstwhile suggestions made by the members. It also makes it easier for the leader to able to take even the toughest of decision with an ease, because by group discussion he can know what is supported by other members of the organisation.

4. Exchange of ideas: Group discussion should also be able to tap the working of every mind, engaged in the process, by the exchange of ideas put forth.

5. Productive activity: Group discussion is always supposed to be a productive activity in a business concern. It always a method which helps to procure the best possible decision for a concern.

(e) Write a content of group discussion on any one of the following topics:

(i) Position of women in India

(ii) Artificial intelligence-pros and cons

(f) What are the guidelines to be followed in appearing in an interview?

Ans: Before commence of Interview

a) The interviewee should be dressed formally, and not casually. Have a pleasing appearance as the candidate’s personality is a significant part of the communication.

b) Always carry an extra CV, a notepad to write on, a pen, and all essential things required in an interview.

c) Practice, practice and practice in advance. Prepare and rehearse for the unexpected also.

d) Research a lot about the organization for which you are being interviewed.

e) Be punctual. Try reaching before time for the job interview.

f) Know the habits and hobbies of interviewer and think over them thoroughly.

g) Anticipate the possible questions related with the job and subject and prepare them properly.

h) Regain confidence before entering the interview room

(g) Prepare a speech on "necessity of ethics and values in today's world".

UNIT-III

3. Answer any four of the following questions:    5×4=20

(a) Discuss the role of teachers and students in close reading.

Ans: The Role of Teachers and Students in Close Reading: Close reading is a collaborative process where both teachers and students play crucial roles in developing a deep understanding of a text.

Role of Teachers in Close Reading:

a) Guiding the Process: Teachers provide structured steps for analyzing a text, helping students focus on key literary elements.

b) Asking Thought-Provoking Questions: They pose open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.

c) Providing Context: Teachers explain background information, historical context, and literary techniques used in the text.

d) Modeling Annotation Strategies: They demonstrate how to highlight important phrases, identify patterns, and make meaningful notes.

e) Encouraging Discussion: Teachers facilitate group discussions where students can share insights and interpretations.

f) Assessing Understanding: They evaluate students' comprehension and provide feedback to improve their analytical skills.

Role of Students in Close Reading:

a) Active Engagement: Students read the text carefully, paying attention to details, patterns, and literary elements.

b) Annotation and Note-Taking: They highlight key points, underline important sentences, and write down thoughts and questions.

c) Critical Thinking: Students analyze the text’s meaning, themes, and structure while making personal interpretations.

d) Participation in Discussions: They share their observations and listen to others' perspectives to deepen their understanding.

e) Revisiting the Text: Students reread the text multiple times to refine their insights and uncover hidden meanings.

f) Application of Skills: They apply close reading techniques to other texts, enhancing their overall comprehension and literary analysis skills.

(b) Read the passage carefully and answer the questions below:

Rabindranath Tagore, one of the greatest sons of India, was born in Calcutta on 6th May, 1861. He was the son of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, who was a great leader of Bengal. As a boy Tagore disliked school and loved the hills, rivers, and forests. He was educated privately at home. He spent his boyhood reading books and wandering among the trees near his father's Ashram. Rabindranath started writing poetry when he was very young. His poems were so beautiful that well- known writers of the day admired them. Even Bankimchandra, who gave us our National song, once took a garland and put it round Rabindranath's neck. Rabindranath was only a boy when this incident happened.

Questions:

(i) Where and when was Rabindranath born?      1/2+1/2=1

Ans: Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta on 6th May, 1861.

(ii) Who was Rabindranath's father?     1

Ans: Maharshi Devendranath Tagore was the father of Rabindranath.

(iii) How did Rabindranath spend his boyhood?     1

Ans: Rabindranath spent his boyhood reading books and wandering among the trees near his father's Ashram.

(iv) When did Rabindranath start writing poetry?       1

Ans: Rabindranath started writing poetry when he was very young.

(v) Who praised Rabindranath's poems and put a garland round his neck?      1

Ans: Bankimchandra praised Rabindranath's poems and put a garland round his neck.

(c) What are the similarities between summarizing and paraphrasing?

Ans: Similarities Between Summarizing and Paraphrasing:

1. Both involve rewording: In both summarizing and paraphrasing, the original text is rewritten in different words while retaining its meaning.

2. Both require understanding: To summarize or paraphrase effectively, one must fully comprehend the original text.

3. Both avoid plagiarism: By using one’s own words, both techniques help in avoiding direct copying from the original source.

4. Both maintain the original meaning: Whether summarizing or paraphrasing, the main idea and message of the text remain unchanged.

5. Both are used in academic writing: Summarizing and paraphrasing are commonly used in research papers, essays, and reports to present information concisely and clearly.

(d) What are the steps in analysing a text?

Ans: Steps of Analysis and Interpretation of a text:

1. Identifying the introduction, body and conclusion of a text.

2. The use of examples and illustrations.

3. The use of evidence to support the argument.

4. The use of language to beautify the text.

5. Sequencing of thoughts.

6. Description and elaboration of thought.

7. The data used in the text.

8. Inferring and analysis the text on the basis of underlying assumptions and perspectives after critical and reflective reading.

(e) What are some of the basic rules for translation?

Ans: Basic Rules for Translation

1. Understand the Source Text: Read and comprehend the original text thoroughly before translating to ensure accurate interpretation.

2. Maintain the Meaning: The translation should convey the same message, tone, and intent as the original text without distortion.

3. Use Correct Grammar and Syntax: Follow the grammatical rules and sentence structure of the target language to ensure clarity and readability.

4. Adapt to Cultural Context: Some words and phrases may not have direct equivalents in another language. Adapt the translation to fit the cultural and linguistic norms of the target audience.

5. Retain the Style and Tone: Whether the text is formal, informal, technical, or literary, the translation should reflect the same style and tone.

6. Be Concise and Clear: Avoid unnecessary complexity or wordiness. The translation should be easy to understand and precise.

7. Maintain Consistency: If a text contains repeated terms, phrases, or technical jargon, ensure they are translated consistently throughout the document.

UNIT-IV

4. Answer any four of the following questions:    5×4-20

(a) Mention some features of a good document.

Ans: A good document should have the following features:

a) Clarity: The document should be clear and easy to understand. It must be free from ambiguity.

b) Conciseness: Document should be brief and to the point, without unnecessary details.

c) Accuracy: All Information included in document should be correct, factual, and well-researched.

d) Completeness: It should include all relevant details to ensure the reader has full information.

e) Consistency: Formatting, style, and terminology should be uniform throughout the document about the topic.

f) Logical Flow: The content should be well-structured and follow a logical sequence. So that it can be easily understandable.

g) Accessibility: The document should be easy to navigate, with proper headings, sub-headings, bullet points and proper formatting.

h) Relevance: Only necessary information should be included in the document and irrelevant data must be avoided.

(b) Write a report on the cleanliness drive conducted in your college.

Ans: A cleanliness drive was organized in our college on 1^st June 2025 with the objective of promoting hygiene, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility among students and staff. The event was a collaborative effort involving students, faculty members, and administrative staff.

Objectives of the Cleanliness Drive

The primary objectives of the cleanliness drive were:

a) To create awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.

b) To encourage students to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

c) To instill a sense of social responsibility among students.

d) To promote the habit of waste segregation and proper disposal of garbage.

Activities Conducted

The cleanliness drive included a series of activities such as:

a) Campus Cleaning: Students and faculty members actively participated in cleaning classrooms, corridors, and open spaces within the campus.

b) Waste Segregation Awareness: Posters and banners were displayed to educate students on waste segregation and the importance of recycling.

c) Tree Plantation: To enhance the environment, saplings were planted in various locations around the campus.

d) Street Cleaning: Volunteers extended the drive beyond the campus by cleaning nearby streets and public areas.

e) Awareness Campaign: An interactive session was conducted to emphasize the role of cleanliness in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Participation

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from:

a) Students from all departments

b) Faculty members and administrative staff

c) Local municipal representatives

Outcomes of the Drive

The cleanliness drive successfully achieved the following outcomes:

a) Improved hygiene and cleanliness in the college premises.

b) Increased awareness among students about their responsibility towards the environment.

c) Encouraged the habit of proper waste management and cleanliness.

d) Strengthened teamwork and collaboration among students and staff.

Conclusion

The cleanliness drive was a great success, fostering a culture of hygiene and environmental consciousness among students. The college plans to conduct such initiatives regularly to ensure a clean and healthy learning environment. Everyone was encouraged to maintain cleanliness not just in the college but also in their homes and communities.

(c) Write a letter to the Principal seeking permission to use the seminar room of your college for a poetry recitation competition.

Ans: To
The Principal
[Your College Name]
[College Address]

Subject: Request for Permission to Use Seminar Room for Poetry Recitation Competition

Respected Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to seek your permission to use the seminar room for a poetry recitation competition scheduled on [date] from [time] to [time].

This competition aims to encourage students to express their creativity and appreciation for poetry. We expect enthusiastic participation from students across different courses. The event will be conducted in an organized manner, ensuring proper discipline and adherence to college guidelines.

We kindly request you to grant permission for the use of the seminar room for this event. We assure you that we will take full responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and order during and after the event.

We would be grateful for your approval and support. Kindly let us know if any further formalities need to be completed.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Class & Roll Number]
[Your Contact Information]

(d) What are the features of a good note?

Ans: Tips for Note Making effective

1. Write phrases, not full sentences: Only record the key words that you need to get the idea of the point. Skip words like “the” and “a” that don’t add additional meaning to the lecture content. Retain key technical or discipline-specific terms.

2. Take notes in your own words. Paraphrase what you hear so it makes sense to you—it helps you to understand and remember what you hear. Try to paraphrase everything except where information needs to be noted exactly.

3. Structure your notes with headings, subheadings and numbered lists. Use headings to indicate topic areas or to include bibliographic details of the sources of information. Use outline form and/or a numbering system and indenting to help you distinguish major from minor points and as a clear way of indicating the structure of lecture information.

4. Code your notes—use colour and symbols to mark structure and emphasis.

5. Use colour to highlight major sections, main points and diagrams. You can also use different colours to classify and link concepts or information by topic. However, don’t focus too much on colour coding when you’re in the lecture. It requires time and concentration, so it’s more useful to do most of the highlighting and underlining when you’re revising your notes later.

6. Underline, circle, star, etc. to identify key information, examples, definitions, or other important materials. Devise your own marking code to indicate each type.

(e) Write a note on the following passage:

Around for more than a century, the unassuming painkiller Aspirin is now scaling new medical heights. Already certified as a multi-tasker drug that can reduce the risk of heart attack, it is now being called an effective prevention against cancer and Alzheimer.

Some experts in the West advocate the use of Aspirin every day after 50. A non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drug or painkiller made from salicylates, a compound found predominantly in willow barks-experts say it has the same properties as vitamins and can easily qualify as same. Its long-term use helps the body the same way as fruits and vegetables, which also have high level of salicylates.

While Aspirin has been used against fever and pain for centuries, experts have only now realised the benefits of its blood-thinning properties. These can, in the long-term, ward off heart attacks and strokes. Recent studies in the West now show the drug also reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer.

A recent article in the British magazine, New Scientist, calls Aspirin or its compound salicylate a "micronutrient- like vitamins and antioxidants" that can help people stay healthy in old age.

However, Indian doctors still advise a daily dose of aspirin for only those who are at risk of a heart attack and that only due consultation with a medical practitioner.

Title: The Medical Benefits of Aspirin

Notes:

Aspirin – A Multi-Tasking Drug

Used for over a century

Painkiller & fever reducer

Blood-thinning properties

Health Benefits

Prevents heart attacks & strokes

Reduces risk of cancer & Alzheimer’s

Works like vitamins & antioxidants

Contains salicylates (also in fruits & vegetables)

Global Perspective

Western experts recommend daily use after 50

British magazine New Scientist calls it a "micronutrient-like" compound

Indian Medical Advice

Doctors advise Aspirin only for heart patients

Must be taken under medical supervision

***