English Language and Communication Skills Question Paper 2025 [Dibrugarh University BCOM 2nd SEM Question Paper FYUGP]

English Language and Communication Skills Question Paper 2025
Dibrugarh University BCOM 2nd SEM Question Paper FYUGP

ENGLISH (Ability Enhancement Course)

Paper: AECENG2 (English Language and Communication Skills)

Full Marks: 60 (80 for 2023 Batch)

Time: 2 hours (3 hours for 2023 Batch)

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions

UNIT-I (Communication: Theory and Types)

1. (a) Define communication. Write three components of communication. (2+3=5)

Ans: The term communication is derived from a Latin word „communis‟ which means common. This means establishing a common ground. Now whatever is common is shared by all. But what is that which is shared by all in communication? It is fact, ideas, understanding, opinions, information etc.

In the words of Newman, Summer & Warren, “communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions by two or more persons.”

3 Important Components of Communication are:

1. Sender: The sender is the first component of the process of c communication. The sender may be a speaker, a writer or any other person. He is the one who has a message and wants it to share it for some purpose.

2. It may be verbal i.e. written or spoken or non-verbal i.e. body language, space language, etc.

3. Receiver: Receiver is the person or group for whom the message is meant. He may be a listener, a reader or a viewer. Any neglect on the part of the receiver may make the communication ineffective. Receiver is thus the ultimate destination of the message. It the message does not reach the receiver the communication is said to be incomplete.

(b) What are the main barriers of communication? Elaborate. (5)

Ans: Types of Barriers in communication: 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, ones’ 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.

2. (a) Write five differences between intra-personal and inter-personal communication. (5)

Ans: 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.

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.

Basis of Difference	Interpersonal Communication	Intrapersonal Communication
Definition / Scope	It is the communication process and the ability to relate to other people, occurring either one-to-one or within a group.	It is defined strictly as the communication process within a single individual.
Foundation	It involves independent individuals with their own distinct motivations, expectations, and interpretations.	It acts as the absolute foundation for all forms of communication.
Involvement of Others	It requires at least two individuals or a group of people to exchange thoughts and handle different situations.	It is entirely internal, beginning with an individual's own language, thoughts, and perceptions.
Key Elements & Features	It includes listening, talking, conflict resolutions, and physical gestures like eye contact, body movements, and hand gestures.	It includes an individual's unique perceptions, attitudes, assumptions, and internal interpretations of language and thoughts.
Nature of Challenges	Challenges revolve around personal choices in how you choose to communicate information rationally to others.	Challenges arise from internal variations and a multitude of shifting perceptions at any particular moment.

(b) What is group communication? Briefly describe any three benefits of group communication. (5)

3. (a) Discuss five functions of communication. (5)

Ans: 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.

d) Promotes spirit of understanding and cooperation: Effective communication between management and employees helps create an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence.

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.

d) Report to owner – shareholders: Shareholders are the owners of the business and must be informed about all business activities. This function is performed efficiently and conveniently through business communication.

(b) Write five differences between formal and informal communication. (5)

Difference between Formal and Informal Communication Channel

Basis	Formal Communication	Informal Communication
01. Rules	In Formal communication, Organizational rules are strictly followed.	It does not generally follow the rules of organization
02. Recognition	Such communication requires official’s recognition.	In informal communication, It does not require any official’s recognition.
03. Flexibility	It is inflexible in nature as it cannot be changed when desired.	Being flexible, It can be changed easily.
04. Secrecy	Such Communication is not free and open to all. So, Secrecy is maintained here.	It is free and open to all, so it is very difficult to maintain secrecy here. i.e. Grapevine communication which spread informally.
05. Time & Cost	It follows various rules of organization. So, It requires much time and cost.	Informal communication does not bother for the formalities of organization and therefore it requires less time and cost.

UNIT-II (Speaking Skills)

4. (a) What are the differences between monologue and dialogue? (5)

Ans: Meaning of Monologue: The word monologue originates in the Greek word, ‘monos’, which means alone and the word, ’logos’, which means speech. Monologue is a speech given by one person to express his or her thoughts aloud. This speech will have one or more listeners, and it will be a one sided speech, with only one person speaking. This is different from a conversation or a dialogue, where there are two or more speakers. Monologues are often found in mediums of mass communication like films, plays, novels, drama and poetry.

Meaning of Dialogue: A dialogue is a literary technique in which writers employ two or more characters to be engaged in conversation with one another. In literature, it is a conversational passage, or a spoken or written exchange of conversation in a group, or between two persons directed towards a particular subject. The use of dialogues can be seen back in classical literature, especially in Plato’s Republic. Several other philosophers also used this technique for rhetorical and argumentative purposes. Generally, it makes a literary work enjoyable and lively.

Basis of Difference	Dialogue	Monologue
Number of Speakers	Involves two or more characters or speakers engaged in a conversation with one another.	Involves only one person speaking to express his or her thoughts aloud.
Nature of Interaction	It is an active, mutual exchange of conversation within a group or between two persons.	It is a one-sided speech where only one person does the talking, even though there may be one or more listeners.
Classical & Modern Examples	Historically used in classical literature, most notably in Plato’s Republic.	Found in poems like Robert Browning's 'My Last Duchess' or films like Lagaan (e.g., Aamir Khan's character motivating the villagers).

(b) You are Tulsi and suffering from flu. You have visited your doctor and want medical treatment from her. Write a dialogue between your doctor and you (patient). (5)

5. Prepare a public speech to be given in the assembly of your institution on any one of the following (100-150 words): (5)

(a) Importance of Exercise

(b) Power of Positive Thinking

6. (a) What is group discussion? What are the features of group discussion? (5)

Ans: A Group Discussion is a discussion among a group of people on a topic given to them, beforehand for certain duration of time. It is commonly used as a tool of elimination and selection, for choosing a few candidates from among many. It is a good way to assess the behaviour and attitude of the participants apart from assessing their knowledge and communication skills.

Features of Group Discussion:

a) Group discussion is mostly unstructured. That is, every single step is not planned in advance.

b) Each candidate is not given a time limit for speaking. Similarly, the order of speaking, that is, who will speak first and who will speak last is not fixed in advance. The candidates have to decide how to conduct the group discussion.

c) The selectors see how the group takes shape, and who contributes most to it. They also judge the knowledge of each candidate, time management, leadership quality, behaviour, etc.

(b) Discuss five skills required in a group discussion. (5)

Ans: Skills Required for Participating in a Group Discussion

A group discussion needs preparation and there are several skills required to be effective in a Group Discussion. The skills required for participating in a Group Discussion are:

1. Team skill: Team skills include team work and team building. Organizations require people who work well with clients, colleagues, authorities and others to ensure efficient completion of tasks and a mutually satisfying work environment. Team work is required for almost every industry.

2. Reasoning: Reasoning is the ability to support what you say with structured reason and evidence, to make decisions and valid inferences. Reasoning skills determine how people understand, evaluate and accept claims and arguments. It shows the ability to comprehend the essence of the topic and put forward a compelling argument.

3. Leadership: Leaders have the ability to influence others with their speech and actions. Leadership implies working with the team without thinking of individual glory and striving to achieve the objective together.

4. Flexibility: Flexibility is an important personality trait required in a Group Discussion. One should be firm but not stubborn. Having an inflexible point of view creates an impression of stubbornness. One should be willing to change one’s opinion when there are compelling reasons to do so.

5. Assertiveness: Assertiveness is speaking firmly and with the right measure of confidence. A participant should be assertive and not aggressive, while being part of a discussion. Aggression is hostile and offensive behaviour, which is not acceptable.

UNIT-III (Reading and Understanding)

7. (a) Define close reading. Mention three steps involved in close reading. (2+3=5)

Ans: Close reading is thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on significant details or patterns in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text’s form, craft, meanings, etc. It is a key requirement of the Common Core State Standards and directs the reader’s attention to the text itself.

Steps Involve in Close Reading

1. Read the story from beginning to end - the first thing you need to do is read the whole story so as to see what you are dealing with;

2. Annotate specific parts of the text by highlighting phrases or sentences and noting the literary elements used - this you need to do in order to emphasize the most important elements that you need to focus on;

3. Take notes on your reactions to the literary elements you identified - first, you need to identify these elements (which you did in step 2), and then think about them and see what your reactions may be;

4. Summarize what you've read and highlighted - try to shorten the story in order to see whether you've covered everything;

5. Reread the story - so as to check everything one more time.

(b) Discuss the role of teachers and students in close reading. (5)

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.

8. (a) Read the passage provided in the paper regarding India as an agricultural land and its water supply. Answer the following:

India is chiefly an agricultural land. The cultivation of crops depends on a proper supply of water throughout the year. Since olden times, large parts of our country have suffered from occasional periods of too much rain and those of drought. People had known that if surplus flood water could be stored for use during the dry season, these problems will be solved. Unfortunately, they had neither the knowledge nor the means to do much in this direction. Whatever little they knew, they tried to put to practice. They dug canals to draw water from perennial rivers. This was heavy and expensive work and practicable over only a small area. Large tanks were excavated and small dams built to hold back floods. But it was not possible to do anything on a countrywide scale.

(i) How has our country suffered since olden times? (1)

Ans: Since olden times, large parts of our country have suffered from occasional periods of too much rain and periods of drought.

(ii) What did the people do to avoid such sufferings? (1)

Ans: To avoid these sufferings, people tried to put their limited knowledge into practice by digging canals to draw water from perennial rivers, excavating large tanks, and building small dams to hold back floods.

(iii) Why were they not able to do much? (1)

Ans: They were not able to do much because they lacked both the necessary knowledge and the means, and the work involved was heavy, expensive, and only practicable over a small area rather than a countrywide scale.

(iv) Give the synonyms from the passage for: 1. Want of rain; 2. Making hollow by digging. (1+1=2)

Ans: 1. Want of rain: Draught 2. Making hollow by digging: Excavated

(b) From the passage given in Q. No. 8(a), make a summary and add a title to it. (4+1=5)

9. (a) What is paraphrasing? What are the similarities between summarizing and paraphrasing? (5)

Ans: The word paraphrase comes from the Greek word ‘paraphrases' which means 'to tell in other words'. It involves recounting a sources' primary material in words that are different from the original. It is essential, in paraphrasing to communicate the central idea of the words in the passage or text in hand. Hence, paraphrasing means to put the text in your own words. Here text could mean anything: words, pictures or a situation. It involves unpacking vocabulary and syntax and inferring the idioms.

Similarities between summarizing and paraphrasing:

1. Preservation of Original Meaning: Both processes strictly demand to retain the original meaning and core message without altering them.

2. Retention of Specialized Vocabulary: In both methods, while rewriting the text, key technical terms and specialized vocabulary from the original piece are retained.

3. Tone and Attitude Alignment: Both techniques need to identify, respect, and maintain the original tone, mood, or attitude of the author.

4. Structural Flexibility: Both processes involve changing the structure of the text, allowing to rearrange words, group ideas differently, or alter the sequence compared to the original layout.

5. Review and Verification Step: The final step for both processes involves checking and reviewing your drafted work to ensure that the original meaning remains accurate and clear.

(b) Explain the role of contextual analysis in effective text analysis. (5)

UNIT-IV (Writing Skills)

10. (a) What is documenting? Mention four needs for documentation. (1+4=5)

Ans: The art of documenting is a writing skill that supports an assertion or claim with evidence and/or decisive information. It is not superficial reporting but has a keener eye for detail. Literally, documentation refers to the preparation of documents or records. In fact, documentation is to writing just as documentary is to cinema,

The art of documenting requires, first of all, a resource or information that has to be documented. When you have the information in hand you need to process it. The amount of information you have is not important – what is important is to be able to access the information you need on time. A library has a million books but unless you know where to look for the information you need, all the books are of no use.

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.

Need for documentation

In order to authenticate your information and to make it intelligible, coherent and interesting it is essential to document or put in writing all facts associated with the information. Getting people to read your document is equally important. Need for documentation may arise due to any of the following reasons:

1. As evidence to support your work

2. To prepare a manual for training

3. To prepare a short piece of literature for beneficiaries

4. To share new technologies

(b) Discuss the steps necessary in documenting. (5)

Ans: Using a step-by-step method to document a process will help you get it done quickly.

Step 1: Identify and Name the Process

Figure out which process you are going to document first. Determine its purpose (why and how the process will benefit the organization) and provide a brief description of the process.

Step 2: Define the Process Scope

Provide a brief description of what is included in the process and what is out of the process scope, or what is not included in it.

Step 3: Explain the Process Boundaries

Where does the process begin and end? What causes it to start? And how do you know when it’s done? Get these boundaries well defined.

Step 4: Identify the Process Outputs

Establish what will be produced by the process or what result the process will achieve once it is completed.

Step 5: Identify the Process Inputs

List down what resources are necessary to carry out each of the process steps.

Step 6: Brainstorm the Process Steps

Gather all information on process steps from start to finish. Either start with what triggers the process or start at the end of the process and track back the steps to the starting point.

The brainstorming session should involve those who are directly responsible for the process tasks or someone with extensive knowledge of it, as they can provide precise data.

Step 7: Organize the Steps Sequentially

Take the list of steps you’ve come up with and put them in a sequential order to create a process flow.

Keep the number of steps to a minimum and if a step includes more than one task, list them under the main step.

Step 8: Describe who is Involved

Decide each individual who will be responsible for the process tasks. Define their roles. Keep in mind to mention their job title rather than their name.

Also be considerate about those who would be referencing the document. Write it in a way that any employee with a reasonable knowledge can read and understand it.

Step 9: Visualize the Process

This is to improve clarity and readability of your documentation. Using a process flowchart, neatly visualize the process steps you’ve identified earlier.

Step 10: Note down Exceptions to the Normal Process Flow

A business process may not always follow the same flow due to various reasons. Mention these exceptions and what steps will be taken to address them.

Step 11: Add Control Points and Measurements

Identify where risks could occur in the process and add control points to help the process owner when monitoring the process.

Establish measurements to determine the effectiveness of the process and to help improve it.

Step 12: Review and Test the Process

Gather everyone involved and review the process flowchart you’ve mapped. Are there any missing steps? Is everything in order? Once done, test the process and see if you’ve missed anything.

11. (a) Write a report on the observation of the World Environment Day celebrated in your college. (Do not mention the name of your college)

(b) Write a letter to your father informing him how you have fared in your exams. (5)

12. Make notes from the provided passage on "Tolerance" using headings, subheadings, and recognizable abbreviations. (5)

A man who is intolerant, is not a human being in the full sense of the expression. To become enraged at antagonism is surely a sign of weakness. Of course, there are many who do not want to recognize the principle of tolerance as being eternal. The feelings of anger which accompany negative reaction must somehow be vented, and those who think and act in this way are keen to retain the illusion that, in hitting back, they are not doing anything unlawful. Such thinking is quite wrong. In reality when a man is enraged at anything which goes against his will, tolerance as a priority becomes paramount. Many men try to become superman. But the true superman is one who is really trying situations and can demonstrate his super-tolerance. In everyday matters, where there is none of the stress, and strain of opposition, no one has difficulty in being tolerant. It is only in extraordinary situations, fraught with conflict, that the truly tolerant man will prove his mettle.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS (Backlog Students - 2023 Batch Only)

13. What are the advantages and disadvantages of communication? (5)

What are the differences between verbal and non-verbal communication? (5)

14. Discuss five characteristics of a good monologue. (5)

Write five essentials of a dialogue. (5)

15. Write five aims or objectives of close reading. (5)

What is the significance of close reading? (5)

16. What are the features of a good document? (5)

What is report writing? What are the kinds of report according to subject matter? (5)

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English Language and Communication Skills Question Paper 2025 [Dibrugarh University BCOM 2nd SEM Question Paper FYUGP]