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IGNOU BEGE-104: ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (EBC) December, 2017 SOLVED QUESTION PAPER
Note: Answer all questions.
Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
One key to getting along well with people is knowing when to say you’re sorry. Sometimes little comments or actions can hurt or offend others. Heavy workloads and stress may keep us from seeing how our actions make others feel. The little things can add up. It doesn’t take long for someone to hold a grudge and for grudges to grow into conflicts. In most cases, if someone is offended by something you do or say, it’s much better to apologise right away. That solves the small problem and keeps it from getting bigger.
It’s hard to apologise. Many of us are ashamed or have too much pride. Sometimes we just don’t know how to do it. Here are some tips that may make it easier to say you’re sorry.
Take responsibility. The first step in apologising is to admit to yourself that you have offended someone. You may know this right away, or the other person’s reaction may let you know you have done something hurtful. But you must admit you have done wrong and accept responsibility for your actions.
Explain. It’s important to let the person you hurt know that you didn’t mean to do harm. At the same time, you must show that you take your mistake seriously. Recognise that your actions caused a problem for the other person.
Show your regret. The other person needs to see that you have suffered, too. Come right out and say you are sorry or ashamed: “I felt bad the minute I told your secret. I’m ashamed of myself.”
Repair the damage. To be complete, an apology must correct the injury. If you damaged someone’s property, offer to fix it. If the damage isn’t so obvious, ask, “What can I do to make it up to you?” There may be nothing concrete you can do, but the offer must be sincere : “I’ll try to keep my mouth shut in the future. Meantime, let me buy you a cup of coffee.” Another way to repair the damage is to send a note or a small gift.
Use good timing. Apologise right away for little things. For example, if you bump into someone, say you’re sorry right away. Don’t wait until the next day to apologise. However, if you have done something more serious, like insult a friend, your apology should be more thoughtful. A quick apology might seem phony. Take the time to sit down, look the person in the eye, and apologise honestly.
Remember, it’s not about who “won” or who “lost”. It’s about keeping a strong friendship.
Answer the following questions in your own words:
(a) (i) What is important in getting along with people?
(ii) Why is it important to apologise right away in most cases?
(iii) Why do some people find it hard to apologise?
(iv) What is a good way to apologise for
(1) a small thing?
(2) a bigger thing?
(v) Give a suitable title to the passage. Give reasons for your choice.
(b) Which new tips did you learn from the article? Write a short paragraph narrating an incident where you didn’t apologise and lost a friend.
(c) Make sentences with the following words/phrases from the passage:
(i) stress
(ii) accept responsibility
(iii) regret
(iv) apologise honestly
(v) strong friendship
Q2. (a) Complete the following sentences using the correct forms of the verbs given in the brackets:
(i) Neither Sita nor Rita …………. present at the function. (was/were)
(ii) Something …………. amiss in this room. (seem/seems)
(iii) Rabies …………. caused by the bite of a mad dog. (is/are)
(iv) He or his sister …………. going to come. (is/are)
(v) The result of your efforts …………. as yet unknown. (is/are)
(vi) Mehra and Sons …………. a famous jewelry store in Delhi. (is/are)
(vii) The cars …………. parked on the street ahead. (is/are)
(viii) The carpet …………. a lot of stains. (has/have)
(ix) The Trade Union Members’ Meeting …………. being held in the Conference Room. (is/are)
(x) Either this woman or that man …………. stolen the watch. (has/have)
(b) Fill in the blanks with suitable articles.
(i) …………. people often say that …………. writer’s life is unimportant, and all that matters is in …………. books. That is usually …………. exaggeration. …………. books are important but …………. lives are important too.
(ii) …………. mangoes are selling at ` 40 …………. kilo.
(iii) “Is this …………. book you were telling me about?”
“Yes, it is about …………. life of Queen Victoria.”
Q3. You have not received your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card for which you had applied six months back. Write an outline reminder to the concerned authority regarding the non-receipt of the PAN card.
Q4. What is the difference between a portfolio and a resume? How would you prepare a portfolio before appearing for an interview? Write briefly the points you would include in your portfolio.
Q5. Describe the duties of a chairperson during the conduct of a meeting.
Q6. We all have to face interviews at some point or the other in our lives. How do we prepare for an interview? What are the items that we will take with us to the interview and when and how will we present them during the interview?