About this previous year paper
This examination paper evaluates the student’s understanding of Technical Communication, English Grammar, Writing Skills, Business Correspondence, Linguistics, Report Writing, Resume Writing, Negotiation Skills, and Literary vs Scientific Language.
The paper is divided into three sections: A, B, and C, each assessing different levels of comprehension, application, and writing ability.
SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (Q1a–Q1h)
Total Marks: 14 (2 × 7)
This section tests fundamental concepts and essential definitions of technical communication and English language skills.
Q1(a)
Main features of technical communication
→ Assesses understanding of clarity, conciseness, objectivity, and technical accuracy.
Q1(b)
Sentence transformation:
(i) Comparative degree
(ii) Passive voice
→ Tests grammar, structure manipulation, and linguistic competence.
Q1(c)
Meaning of a letter of claim
→ Checks knowledge of business letters and customer communication.
Q1(d)
Definition of stress and intonation
→ Evaluates understanding of speech components and phonetics.
Q1(e)
Three pollutants in the atmosphere
→ Basic environmental vocabulary.
Q1(f)
Use of confusing words: Canon / Cannon
→ Tests vocabulary and correct usage.
Q1(g)
Aim of literary language
→ Understanding expressiveness and aesthetic purpose.
Q1(h)
Credit letters and how they are written
→ Business correspondence knowledge.
This section ensures the student has a strong base in communication fundamentals and linguistic accuracy.
SECTION B — Analytical & Writing Skills (Q2a–Q2e)
Total Marks: 21 (Attempt any 3 × 7 marks)
This section examines deeper comprehension and practical writing skills.
Q2(a)
Language as a tool of communication — and its exceptions
→ Explores the relationship between language, meaning, and communication barriers.
Q2(b)
Rules of word formation with examples
→ Includes prefixes, suffixes, compounding, clipping, blending, conversion, etc.
Q2(c)
Claim letter for transit loss of 30 computer systems
→ Tests business writing, format, tone, clarity, and professionalism.
Q2(d)
Paralinguistic features of voice + difference between voice modulation & tone modulation
→ Focuses on spoken communication skills.
Q2(e)
Philosophy as the mother of sciences — A.J. Bahm’s perspective
→ Critical analysis of the philosophical foundation of scientific inquiry.
Students demonstrate descriptive writing, analysis, and real-life communication application.
SECTION C — Long Descriptive Answers (Q3–Q7)
Each question carries 7 marks; attempt one part from each.
This section requires detailed explanations, conceptual clarity, and strong writing skills.
Q3 — Communication Basics
Q3(a): Barriers to communication
Identifies physical, psychological, organizational, semantic, cultural barriers with illustrations.
Q3(b): Definition and levels of communication
Explains:
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Group
Organizational
Mass communication
Evaluates depth of understanding in communication theory.
Q4 — Paragraph Development & Grammar
Q4(a): Devices for developing a paragraph
Techniques include:
Comparison
Contrast
Cause-effect
Examples
Chronological order
Spatial order
Emphasis
Listing
Q4(b): Sentence correction
Tests command of grammar, tenses, articles, concord, and idiomatic expressions.
Q5 — Résumé & Report Writing
Q5(a): Resume features + resume for TCS technical executive
Includes:
Objective
Skills
Education
Experience
Projects
Achievements
Personal details
Q5(b): Report definition + types
Covers:
Formal & informal
Routine reports
Technical reports
Investigative reports
Progress reports
Conference reports
Deep understanding of business documentation is tested.
Q6 — Negotiation & Presentation Skills
Q6(a): Process of negotiation + qualities of a negotiator
Stages include:
Preparation
Discussion
Proposal
Bargaining
Agreement
Qualities: Patience, clarity, confidence, empathy, logic.
Q6(b): Role of body language in oral presentation
Includes gestures, posture, eye contact, facial expressions, spatial behavior.
Q7 — Literary vs Scientific Thought
Q7(a): Purity of scientific language vs literary language
Scientific: objective, precise, denotative
Literary: expressive, emotional, connotative
Q7(b): Critical view of Russell’s statement
“Nature does what it does, not what we should wish”
→ Explores realism, human expectations, and validity of scientific observation.
Purpose & Coverage of This Question Paper
This exam evaluates a student’s ability in:
Communication theory
Grammar & vocabulary usage
Technical writing and business correspondence
Analytical and critical thinking
Presentation and negotiation skills
Linguistic understanding
Professional writing (resume, reports, letters)