This document contains the B.Tech (Semester I) Theory Examination 2024–25 question paper for the subject Soft Skills (Subject Code: BAS105). The paper evaluates students on essential communication abilities, interpersonal skills, professional behavior, and workplace readiness. The questions are divided into three sections (A, B, and C), each focusing on various aspects of soft skills, English language usage, and real-life communication scenarios.
SECTION A – Short Questions (Fundamentals of Language & Communication)
Section A includes 7 compulsory short-answer questions, each testing basic understanding, definitions, examples, and conceptual clarity.
These questions relate to:
1. Grammar & Sentence Structure
Definitions such as compound sentence
Nouns formed from adjectives/verbs
Synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary use
Converting instructions into meaningful sentences
2. Communication Skills
Active vs. passive listening
Importance of agenda in formal meetings
Use of pauses in oral communication
Objectives of cooperation at the workplace
This section checks the student's basic comprehension at K1–K2 levels and covers foundational concepts in communication and English usage.
SECTION B – Descriptive Questions (Understanding, Analysis & Application)
Students must attempt any three questions out of five, each requiring detailed explanations.
Questions in this section relate to:
1. Word Formation Techniques
Prefix, suffix, compounding, blending, clipping, acronyms, etc.
2. Types of Listening & Traits of a Good Listener
Discriminative, comprehensive, appreciative, empathetic, and critical listening.
3. Reading Styles
Skimming, scanning, intensive, and extensive reading with examples.
4. Effective Preparation & Presentation Strategies
Used in a professional environment such as planning, organizing, rehearsing, and delivering presentations.
5. 4 A’s of Stress Management
Avoid, Alter, Adapt, Accept – their application and importance.
This section tests a student’s ability to explain, examine, and interpret concepts (K2–K3 levels).
SECTION C – Long Questions (Application, Conversion Skills & Real-World Writing)
Section C of the Soft Skills (B.Tech SEM I) examination focuses on advanced application, critical understanding, and practical communication skills. Students must attempt one question from each part, and each question carries 7 marks. This section measures a higher level of thinking (K3–K4), including analysis, modification, sequencing, structured writing, and real-life communication scenarios.
Below is a detailed description of the topics covered:
3. Sentence Transformation / Grammar Application
This part evaluates a student’s ability to transform sentences from one type to another while maintaining meaning and grammatical accuracy.
Students must choose between:
3(a) Sentence Modification
Tasks involve converting:
Simple → Compound
Complex → Simple
Compound → Simple
Complex → Compound
These transformations test the student’s understanding of:
Coordination vs. subordination
Use of conjunctions
Logical sentence restructuring
Meaning preservation
3(b) Correct Verb Usage
This checks subject–verb agreement, including:
Singular vs. plural subjects
Compound subjects
Collective nouns
“Neither…nor” / “Many of…” rules
This part ensures mastery over grammatical accuracy essential for professional communication.
4. Note-taking / Motivational Speaking Structure
This part emphasizes higher-order soft skills necessary in professional and academic settings.
4(a) Utility of Note-Taking
Students must explain how note-taking helps in:
Concentration
Active listening
Better retention
Understanding main ideas
Organizing and recalling information
This tests comprehension of effective listening habits and academic skills.
4(b) Sequencing in Motivational Speaking
This evaluates the understanding of:
Content structure
Storytelling techniques
Opening hooks
Body organization
Emotional appeal
Conclusion with impact
Students must analyze how motivational speakers sequence ideas to keep the audience engaged.
5. Effective Writing Tools / Letter Writing
This part focuses on written communication skills required in daily and professional life.
5(a) Tools for Effective Writing
Students explain the role of:
Dictionaries & thesaurus
Note-making
Drafting & revising
Clarity & conciseness
Logical organization
Tone and style
This assesses real-world writing competence.
5(b) Formal Letter Writing
Students must prepare a formal letter to a bank, requesting cheque cancellation.
This checks:
Proper letter format
Professional tone
Clarity and correctness
Logical flow of information
Ability to write official communication
6. Interpersonal Communication: Proxemics & Chronemics / Speech Types
This part focuses on non-verbal communication and social interaction skills.
6(a) Proxemics & Chronemics
Students analyze:
Use of physical space in communication
Distances in interpersonal relations
Time management (punctuality, response time)
Cultural variations
This question evaluates understanding of workplace behavior and interpersonal dynamics.
6(b) Public Speaking vs Individual Speaking
Students differentiate between:
Speaking to an audience vs one-on-one conversation
Body language
Tone, pitch, and gestures
Audience analysis
Confidence, structure, purpose
This assesses presentation and communication awareness.
7. Leadership Qualities / Mental Health at Workplace
This part focuses on emotional intelligence, leadership ability, and workplace well-being.
7(a) Qualities of a Good Leader
Students explain leadership traits such as:
Effective communication
Decision-making
Empathy
Motivation
Team management
Problem-solving
Emphasis is placed on how good communication strengthens leadership.
7(b) Factors Affecting Mental Health at Workplace
Students investigate:
Stress, workload, conflicts
Toxic environment
Lack of support
Work-life balance issues
They also discuss the importance of good mental health for productivity, teamwork, and overall well-being.
Summary of What the Questions Are About
Overall, the paper examines a student’s ability to:
Understand grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure
Apply communication theories in real life
Demonstrate listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills
Prepare formal documents and professional communication
Build interpersonal skills for workplace success
Understand leadership qualities and mental health awareness
Purpose of the Paper
The exam is designed to enhance students’ communication confidence, professional readiness, and interpersonal effectiveness — essential skills for academic success, workplace performance, and overall personality development.
