BEGLA-135 Solved Assignment

Question 1

Section A (Short notes): Etiquette

Meaning

Etiquette refers to a set of customs and rules that guide polite behaviour. It helps us behave in ways that do not hurt people’s feelings or make situations unpleasant or uncomfortable. Some rules may look outdated because they began long ago, but the central idea is kindness and good taste.

Why some rules exist (origins)

• Tipping/lifting the hat: began when knights raised the visor of the helmet so their face could be seen.
• Shaking hands: started as a way to show the hand was empty (not holding a weapon).
• Walking on the outside of the sidewalk: in muddy streets, this reduced the chance of splashing the person walking on the inside.
• Helping someone across a street / out of a car: earlier clothing styles made movement difficult, so assistance was practical.

Common areas where etiquette is seen

• Introductions
  • Rule: Present the younger/junior person to the older/senior person.
  • Useful expressions: “Mr./Ms. …, may I introduce …?” In more formal situations: “Allow me to present … to you.”
  • Example: At a study centre, you meet your tutor with a classmate. You introduce your classmate to the tutor first, not the tutor to the classmate.
  • Example: If you meet another friend while walking with someone, you introduce them immediately if they do not know each other. Not doing so is considered rude.
• Table manners
  • Rule: Wait until the host/hostess begins before you start eating.
  • Rule: Use the fork/spoon to carry food to the mouth; keep the napkin in the lap (not tucked into clothing).
  • Rule: Do not lean on the table with elbows; do not take very large mouthfuls; do not speak when food is in the mouth.
  • Example: At a meal invitation, you begin eating only after the host starts, and you pause speaking until you have swallowed.
• Gifts and acknowledgments
  • Rule: Gifts should not be too expensive or too personal (such as clothing) unless you know the person well.
  • Acceptable gifts (new friendships): simple, appropriate items (for example, flowers or chocolates are mentioned as suitable in the text).
  • Rule: Before leaving a house where you were a guest, find the host and hostess and thank them.
  • Rule: If you stayed overnight, write within a few days to thank them; for any gift received, send a prompt thank-you note. It is also polite to telephone the next day after a party or dinner at someone’s house.
  • Example: After a dinner invitation, you thank the host before leaving and follow up with a short message/letter soon after.
• Courtesy (older formal rules and modern practice)
  • The passage describes older, more formal customs (such as standing when a woman entered, letting her go first through doorways, and similar practices), which are now mostly limited to very formal occasions.
  • Modern courteous behaviour still valued: for example, offering your seat to women on a bus, or allowing children and women to board first.

Key point for students

Many formal rules may not be needed daily, but etiquette remains important because it trains us to be sensitive and considerate in conversation and social interaction.

Section A (Short notes): Social small talk

Meaning

Social small talk is the skill of socializing with people who are not close friends—casual acquaintances or people you meet through work and public situations. It can happen once (for example, during travel) or it can lead to a longer relationship.

Where it commonly happens

• At conferences or meetings
• In hotels
• While travelling (for example, on a train)
• At gatherings where you may be left with unfamiliar people

Main purpose

The main aim is to make the other person comfortable. Because of this, topic choice and manner are important.

How to manage topics (course-based guidance)

• Avoid offence: do not choose topics that may upset the other person.
• Avoid probing personal questions: especially when you hardly know each other.
• Use the environment: small talk often starts from immediate surroundings—weather, places/buildings, hotels, arrival and departure, meals, time of day, and entertainment.
• Follow conversational “leads”: listen to answers and comments; they often provide the next topic naturally.

Examples (using the course idea of “environment topics”)

• At a study centre: “Was the bus service crowded today?” → the reply can lead to timing, travel, or the day’s schedule.
• During a meeting: “Have you attended sessions like this before?” → the reply can lead to experience, interests, or the programme.
• In a hotel/train context: “Is this your first visit here?” → the reply can lead to places, food, or travel plans (without becoming too personal).

Key point for students

Even though small talk feels casual, it shapes how people judge us because our choice of words and topics reveals our attitude and personality.

Section A (Short notes): Body language

Meaning

Body language is a major part of non-verbal communication. It includes facial expressions, posture, the way we sit or stand, gestures, the way we touch people, and even dress and appearance. In daily life, body language can communicate as strongly as speech.

Why it is important

• People notice body language easily, even when they do not talk about it directly.
• Words can be used to hide feelings, but body language often reveals what a person is actually experiencing.
• Becoming sensitive to our own body language improves our ability to read others.

What body language can help you understand

• Mood and attitude (for example, whether someone seems happy, sad, sullen, irritated, impatient, or bored)
• Agreement or disagreement
• Possible hiding of feelings (when signals do not match the spoken words)

Examples of body-language signals mentioned in the unit

• Gestures and habits: stroking hair, touching the nose, rolling a beard/moustache, fixing hair behind the ear.
• Insecurity indicator (example given): holding hands close to the face while talking can signal insecurity.
• Smile test: a smile appears genuine when it also reaches the eyes (a mouth-only smile may signal falseness).

How to interpret body language correctly

• Do not judge a single gesture alone. Interpret signals in relation to what is being said.
• Body language should be judged as a whole, because misunderstandings can occur if we focus on only one sign.

Student practice task (aligned with the writing activity)

Observe one person (home/study centre/bus stop) and describe: (i) physical description, (ii) verbal manner, (iii) non-verbal cues (posture/eye movement), (iv) hand gestures, (v) eye signals, (vi) dress and impression, (vii) habits while interacting.

Section A (Short notes): Facebook

Definition (as presented in the unit)

Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and videos, send messages, and stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues.

How it fits into “social networking”

• Social networking refers to internet-based tools that make it easier for people to listen, interact, engage, and collaborate.
• It is interactive by nature: people share opinions and experiences through different formats.
• Users can access social networking tools through mobile devices as easily as through computers.

Student-relevant value (from the same idea of interactivity)

• Helps people stay connected and updated.
• Supports sharing information and participating in communities based on shared interests.

Section A (Short notes): Twitter

Definition (as presented in the unit)

Twitter is a micro-blogging service that allows registered members to broadcast short posts called tweets, using either a computer or a cell phone.

How following works

• Other users can follow your posts.
• The account holder can decide whether to allow people to follow or not.

Connection with social networking

The unit treats tweets as one of the short-message forms through which people share opinions and experiences in interactive social networking spaces.

Question 2

Section B – Answer 1

Local newspaper-style report on a sudden rise in theft in my area

Theft incidents rise in [Locality]

[City]: Residents of [Locality] have reported a sudden increase in theft cases over the last two weeks. Two-wheelers parked in poorly lit lanes and homes left locked during short outings appear to be the most common targets. Several shopkeepers near the main crossing also claimed that suspicious movement has been noticed late at night, especially when the street remains quiet.

Police officials stated that complaints have been registered and that night patrolling has been strengthened in the affected lanes. Residents have been advised to secure doors and windows properly, verify unknown visitors, and remain alert in crowded areas. A meeting of the local residents’ group was held yesterday, where members discussed installing better lighting and organising a simple neighbourhood watch rotation.

While the investigation continues, residents are requesting quicker preventive action so that the area feels safe again. Officials have assured the public that leads are being checked and that regular patrol visibility will be maintained.

Section B – Answer 2

Personal letter to a friend congratulating her on exam success

[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I was very happy to hear about your excellent performance in the examinations. Please accept my warm congratulations. Your success feels special because I have seen how steadily you worked—revising on time, staying disciplined, and not losing hope even when the pressure increased.

You always showed a practical approach: you focused on what was important, avoided unnecessary panic, and kept your confidence. Now your result has proved that regular effort and clear planning bring good rewards. I am also proud because your achievement motivates me to follow the same kind of routine in my own studies.

Please convey my regards to your parents. Do take a little rest and enjoy this moment, but I know you will continue to aim higher. Write back soon and tell me what you plan to do next.

With love,
[Your Name]

Section B – Answer 3

Dialogue between two students on the importance of online education

Student A: These days online education feels very important, especially for students who cannot always attend classes in person.

Student B: I agree. Internet-based tools make it easier for people to access information and learn from different sources using a phone or a computer.

Student A: Yes, and learning becomes flexible. Even if someone is travelling or managing home responsibilities, they can still read, watch learning videos, or use online reference sources.

Student B: Another benefit is interaction. Online platforms allow people to engage, collaborate, and share ideas, instead of learning alone.

Student A: True, but we must be careful. Online spaces can distract us if we don’t control our time.

Student B: That’s why planning matters. If I set fixed study hours, I can use online learning positively and avoid wasting time.

Student A: So online education helps most when we use it with discipline and clear goals.

Section B – Answer 4

Two diary entries about my most memorable day

[Day], [Date]

Dear Diary,
Today is one of the most memorable days of my life. In the morning I woke up with mixed feelings—hope, fear, and excitement. When the news finally came, I felt relief first, and then a strong happiness that I could not hide. For a few minutes I kept thinking about the effort behind this moment: regular study, careful revision, and the decision to stay calm instead of panicking.

[Day], Date

Dear Diary,
The day ended with quiet satisfaction. Family members were happy, and their smiles made the success feel even more meaningful. In the evening I sat alone and reflected. I realised that confidence grows when we prepare seriously and manage stress sensibly. I also feel responsible now because this success is not the final goal. From tomorrow I want to keep the same discipline, improve my English communication, and continue working steadily so that I do not lose direction after celebrating.

Section B – Answer 5

Descriptive passage about a person I know

I would like to describe my neighbour, Mr. Verma, because he has influenced me through his calm and practical nature. He is middle-aged, fairly tall, and has a serious but kind face. His hair is close-cropped with a little grey at the sides. He has sharp features, a straight nose, and attentive eyes that make a person feel heard. Even his posture shows discipline: he stands upright and speaks in a steady voice.

What I admire most is his helpful attitude. He notices when students are confused and encourages them patiently instead of criticizing them. He also believes in regular effort, not last-minute stress. When he advises someone, he speaks politely and chooses words that do not hurt feelings. His behaviour reflects good manners, and his body language matches his words—calm, respectful, and confident. Overall, he is a balanced person whose presence makes the environment more positive.

Question 3

Section C – Answer 1

Description of a new place I visited recently (location, facilities, comparison)

Recently I visited a newly developed riverside walkway near the old bridge on the east side of my city. It is easy to reach because buses stop near the bridge, and the entry is clearly marked with signboards. The walking path is wide and even, and there are benches at regular intervals. Dustbins and drinking-water points are placed sensibly, so the area looks orderly and visitors can maintain cleanliness without difficulty.

The infrastructure is simple but thoughtful. A small parking area near the gate keeps vehicles away from the main walking stretch. Security guards remain visible at the entrance, and the streetlights make the place feel safe after sunset. A few tea and snack stalls have fixed spaces; unlike roadside vendors in congested lanes, these stalls do not block movement, so the walkway remains comfortable for everyone.

The crowd also adds meaning to the place. Families walk slowly, senior citizens rest on benches, and students sit in groups discussing their work. Compared to the central city park, which is often crowded and noisy, this walkway feels more open and calm. On the other hand, unlike quiet lanes that feel unsafe at night, the lighting and security here create confidence. Overall, it is a well-managed public space that supports health, relaxation, and polite social interaction.

Section C – Answer 2

Essay on public services (one service that is especially useful)

Public services are the facilities and support systems that people use when they need help in everyday life. At different times we rely on services such as booking tickets at railway stations or airports, contacting emergency utilities like police, fire or ambulance, and using complaint or booking facilities for essential needs. These services matter because they connect ordinary citizens to organised help and guidance.

One public service I find especially useful is the telephone helpline that offers support and advice during times of distress, especially for students who feel tense about examinations. Such helpline services are important because they provide the right advice at the right time. For a student, even a few minutes of clear guidance can reduce anxiety and restore confidence. It is also convenient: a person can dial a number and listen to recorded advice, without needing to travel or wait for an appointment.

A good helpline works best when it is user-friendly, gives clear instructions, and remains dependable. From a student’s point of view, this kind of service encourages positive thinking and sensible planning, instead of panic and confusion. In conclusion, public services are valuable because they support citizens in practical ways, and a well-run helpline is a strong example of how communication and guidance can protect people from unnecessary stress.