BEGAE–182 Solved Question Paper

Selected term: Jul 2024

Question 1 – Short Answer Questions on Communication

(In the exam you answer any four; here all are solved for practice.)

1(a) What is meant by non-verbal communication? Give real-life examples.

Non-verbal communication is everything we “say” without words. It includes facial expressions, eye contact, hand movements, posture, the distance we keep, and even our tone of voice.

For example, a teacher’s smile can make students feel welcome before a single word is spoken. In an interview, a candidate who sits up straight and maintains steady eye contact appears more confident than someone who keeps looking at the floor. At home, a parent’s raised eyebrow can act as a silent warning. All these are messages carried through the body rather than sentences.

1(b) Describe three common barriers that can disturb communication.

Communication can fail for many reasons.

1. Noise and distractions: Loud traffic, poor phone signal, or constant notifications can make us miss key words.
2. Language and vocabulary gaps: If a doctor uses too much technical jargon, the patient may nod politely but not truly understand.
3. Attitudes and prejudices: If we already dislike a person or a group, we may reject their ideas without listening carefully.
   In my college group projects, the biggest barrier has been assumptions—someone thinks a task is “obvious” and never says it clearly, so nobody does it.

1(c) What are the main levels of meaning a good reader works with?

A good reader does not stop at the surface of a text. According to Block 3, Unit 1, reading can be seen at several levels.

1. Literal level: understanding the direct, stated information—who did what, when and where.
2. Interpretative level: reading “between the lines” to notice implied attitudes, feelings and relationships.
3. Critical level: judging the text—asking if the argument is fair, if evidence is strong, or if something important is missing.
4. Creative level: using the text as a starting point to imagine new endings, examples or applications.
   For exam answers, you usually need at least literal and interpretative understanding; real learning comes when you add critical and creative thinking.

1(d) Give a brief sample of how you would introduce yourself in a new classroom.

“Good morning everyone. My name is Riya Sharma. I’m from Bhopal and I’ve joined the B.A. Economics programme this year. I enjoy working with data and I’m especially interested in development issues. In school I was part of the debating club, so I hope to take part in college discussions as well. In my free time I like reading crime novels and going for evening walks. I’m looking forward to learning with all of you and making new friends here.”
This kind of introduction shares your name, place, course, interests and a friendly closing, which Block 2 emphasises for informal speaking situations.

1(e) Briefly explain homonyms and homophones with examples.

Homonyms are words that share the same spelling and pronunciation but have different meanings. Example: “bank” can mean a river bank or a financial institution.
Homophones are words that sound the same but differ in spelling and meaning. Example: “pair” (two of something) and “pear” (a fruit).
During online classes I once typed “I will sent the file” instead of “send”; the teacher gently corrected me and reminded us that such small differences can change the meaning or sound careless.

1(f) What are the key features of effective communication?

From Block 1, good communication is: clear, purposeful and respectful.

1. Clarity: ideas are organised logically and expressed in simple, correct language.
2. Appropriate tone: formal in a job application, more relaxed with friends.
3. Feedback and listening: the sender checks if the message was understood; the receiver asks questions.
4. Conciseness: unnecessary details are avoided.
5. Openness: both sides are willing to adjust, clarify and correct mistakes.
   For example, my internship supervisor always ended emails with “Does this make sense?” which invited doubts and saved us from rework.

Question 2 – Short Presentation (Around 5 Minutes of Speaking)

(In the exam you choose any ONE; here you get three full sample scripts.)

2(a) Presentation Topic: Climate Change and Our Everyday Choices

Good morning everyone. Today I’d like to talk about climate change and how our daily decisions matter. We usually imagine climate change as something distant—melting ice caps or storms on the news—but it already touches our lives through heatwaves, irregular rains and rising food prices.

Scientists explain that human activities such as burning coal, oil and gas release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. Governments and big companies must take major steps, but ordinary people are not powerless. We can reduce waste, use public transport when possible, switch off fans and lights when leaving a room, and carry our own bottles and bags.

At my hostel, we started a simple rule: one “no lift” day every week. We use the stairs and also save electricity. It sounded small, yet the monthly bill dropped slightly and, more importantly, everyone became more aware.

To conclude, climate change is a shared problem. If each of us makes climate-friendly choices and also supports policies that protect the planet, we move one step closer to a safer future. Thank you.

2(b) Presentation Topic: Global Summits and Why They Matter

Good morning respected teacher and friends. I am going to speak about global summits, such as meetings of the G20 or the United Nations climate conferences, and why they are important.

In a globalised world, problems like pandemics, economic crises and climate change do not stop at national borders. No single country can solve them alone. At international summits, leaders and experts discuss trade, health, environment and security. They negotiate agreements, set shared targets and promise financial support.

Of course, these meetings are not perfect. Sometimes decisions are slow, and powerful countries dominate the agenda. But without such platforms, each government would act in isolation. In 2020, for instance, common discussions helped countries coordinate travel rules and vaccine sharing.

As students, we can follow summit outcomes through news reports, analyse them in class, and question whether promises are being kept. Global conferences remind us that citizenship is not just national; we are also responsible members of a world community. Thank you for listening.

2(c) Presentation Topic: Social Media and Teenagers

Good morning everyone. My topic is social media and its influence on teenagers.

Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp and Snapchat allow young people to stay connected, share creativity and learn new skills. During the pandemic, many of my classmates used online study groups which made isolation easier. Social media also gives space to express opinions and support good causes.

However, there are risks. Constant comparison with others’ “perfect” photos can damage self-esteem. Late-night scrolling affects sleep and concentration. Misinformation spreads quickly; I remember sharing a health rumour in a class group and later feeling embarrassed when it turned out to be false.

What can we do? First, set time limits and keep phones away during study hours and meals. Second, follow accounts that add value—educational pages, art, science, language learning. Third, verify surprising news before forwarding.

In short, social media is a powerful tool. Used thoughtfully, it can support learning and relationships; used carelessly, it can quietly steal our time and peace of mind. Thank you.

Question 3 – Group Discussion (Five Students)

(In the exam you write ONE group discussion. Here you get two full examples. Each has five speakers: A, B, C, D, E.)

3(a) Topic: Is Artificial Intelligence Replacing Human Jobs?

A: I’ll start. I think artificial intelligence is changing jobs, but not simply “replacing” humans. In my cousin’s bank, software now checks basic forms, so staff spend more time guiding customers.

B: Maybe in your cousin’s bank, but look at call centres. Many companies now use chatbots. Earlier, students like us could get part-time work there; now those opportunities are shrinking.

C: True, some routine work is being automated. But AI also creates new roles—data analysts, people who train systems, content reviewers. The real problem is whether workers receive retraining.

D: I’m worried about fairness. AI systems sometimes learn from biased data. If companies depend only on algorithms to shortlist candidates, deserving people may be rejected without understanding why.

E: That’s why we need clear rules. Governments and organisations should insist on human oversight, especially for hiring, loans and medical decisions.

A: Education must also change. Instead of only memorising facts, we should practise skills that machines find difficult—empathy, creativity, ethical judgement.

B: I agree. Even in automated factories, someone has to manage teams, think of new products and handle conflicts.

C: So our conclusion is: AI will definitely transform work, but the final effect depends on policy and training, not on technology alone.

D: Yes, and as future workers, we must stay flexible and keep learning.

E: Well said. That sounds like a good summary of our discussion.

3(b) Topic: Can Electric Vehicles Really Work in India?

A: Electric vehicles look attractive—no fuel queues and less pollution—but can they actually work in Indian conditions?

B: I think yes, especially for cities. My neighbour drives an electric scooter. For daily office travel of 20–30 km, he just charges overnight at home and rarely worries.

C: That works in cities with regular electricity. But what about small towns and villages? Charging points are still limited, and power cuts are common.

D: Another issue is price. Many students like us cannot afford electric cars yet, even with subsidies.

E: Costs will drop if more people adopt them. Also, we should compare lifetime costs, not only the buying price. Electricity is often cheaper than petrol per kilometre, and maintenance is simpler—no oil changes.

A: We must also check where the electricity comes from. If it is produced from coal, then some pollution simply moves from the road to the power plant.

B: That’s why we need a combination: more renewable energy, more charging stations, and better public transport.

C: So electric vehicles are not a magic solution, but they are an important tool.

D: Agreed. The future may be a mix—electric two-wheelers and buses in cities, improved fuel efficiency elsewhere.

E: Our group feels that EVs can succeed in India, but only if infrastructure, affordability and clean power grow together.

Question 4 – Formal Writing

4(a) Letter to a Research Institute Asking About Scholarships

To
The Director
[Name of Research Institute]
[City]

Subject: Enquiry Regarding Scholarship Opportunities

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am a final-year B.Sc. student specialising in Microbiology at [Name of College]. I am very interested in pursuing research in public health and would like to apply for the postgraduate programmes offered by your institute from the next academic session.

I would be grateful if you could kindly share information about the scholarships or fellowships available for new students. In particular, I wish to know the eligibility criteria, the value and duration of financial support, and the documents required at the time of application.

Coming from a middle-income family, I will need assistance to meet tuition and hostel expenses. A scholarship from your institute would enable me to concentrate fully on my studies and research work.

I look forward to your response and would be happy to provide any further details.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Postal Address]
[Email ID]
[Mobile Number]

4(b) Application to an Organisation Requesting Three Days’ Leave

To
The Director
[Name of Organisation]
[City]

Subject: Request for Three Days’ Casual Leave

Respected Sir/Madam,

I wish to request casual leave for three days from 12 March 2025 to 14 March 2025. I need to travel to my hometown to attend an urgent family matter involving the medical treatment of my grandfather.

During my absence, I have handed over the ongoing client file to my colleague, Ms. Kavita Rao, and briefed her about the pending tasks. I will remain accessible by phone and email for any urgent clarification. I shall resume duty on 15 March 2025.

I sincerely request you to kindly grant me leave for the above-mentioned period.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Designation]
[Department]
[Employee ID]