question bank cbcs ii sem bba (english) section a prose

QUESTION BANK – CBCS – II SEM BBA (ENGLISH)

SECTION A PROSE

Unit 1 – Prose

Indra Nooyi - A Corporate Giant

Long Answer Questions:

1. Discuss the coping mechanisms employed by Indra Nooyi to strike a balance between family and

work.

2. “Journey to the top of the corporate world often necessitates sacrifices on the personal front.”

Discuss this statement with reference to the life and accomplishments of Indra Nooyi.

3. Trace Indra Nooyi’s journey to becoming a corporate giant.

4. What are the personal traits and professional qualities of Indra Nooyi that made her a corporate

giant?

5. Assess the qualities that made Indra Nooyi’s life a success story.

Short Answer Questions:

1. Write a note on Nooyi’s association with PepsiCo.

2. Briefly explain how Indra Nooyi managed to fulfil her parenting duties.

3. What does Indra Nooyi have to say about women and the corporate world?

4. What does Indra Nooyi mean when she speaks of an “immigrant mentality?”

5. Briefly discuss the major qualities that made Indra Nooyi successful in the corporate world.

SECTION C - VOCABULARY

Synonyms: In each of the following sentences a word is underlined. Choose the right synonym of the

word underlined from the alternatives given below sentences.

1. The conflict between the neighbors had to be finally solved by the police.

a. friendshipb. disagreementc. contest d. association

2. They had all come from diverse backgrounds but they stayed united throughout the camp.

a. differentb. average c. similard. bad

3. The rank holders were honored on the college day as they had brought laurels to the college.

a. ranks b. honorc. justiced. popularity

4. He was fortunate that the snake didn’t bit even though he had stamped on the snake.

a. surprisedb. proudc. luckyd. happy

5. Not speaking when one is angry is a trait that she learnt from her father.

a. fullb. clear c. vagued. characteristic

6. The runner in the blue dress was way behind till the fourth round but recovered in the last round to

secure an astounding win.

a. confusingb. amazingc. unreal d. exciting

7. A lot of people knew her calibre, but she proved it only on the Talent’s Day with an extraordinary

performance.

a. performance b. enthusiasm c. ability d. skills

8. After fifty minutes of lecture, the teacher summed cup the whole lecture as succinctly as she could.

a. private b. briefly c. new d. wrong

9. The old man’s made his dislike for cigarette smoke quite overt.

a. obvious b. quick c. hidden d. sudden

10. He realized that his words were not coping for the occasion.

a. private b. suitable c. new d. wrong

11. A lot of budding cricketers try to emulate the fashions of their favorite players.

a. imitate b. study c. examined. endorse

Antonyms: Fill in the blanks in the following sentences using the appropriate antonyms of the words

underlined.

1. The star couple tried to keep their relationship private but soon it became ______. (public)

2. The passenger wished for a steady drive but the inexperience of the chauffeur made it an extremely

______ experience. (unsteady)

3. Kipling has famously said that _______ and success are two impostors. (failure)

4. Though the captain wanted to include the young newcomer, the coach thought it better to ________

him. (exclude)

5. Be grateful; the new boss doesn’t like _______ people. (ungrateful)

6. In the journey of life sometimes we are fortunate and sometimes we are _______. (unfortunate)

7. It was a class of students of diverse backgrounds; but the speaker behaved as if it was a _______

group. (homogenous)

8. Oh, what a modest father and what an _______ child! (immodest)

9. She pretended to be confident; in reality she was extremely _______ (insecure/diffident)

10. Once you cross this broad road, you will come across a few more roads that are very _______

(narrow)

11. The twins had remarkable similarity of appearance but extreme______ in nature and conduct

(difference)

12. It was a bright day and yet the party seemed so ______ (dull)

13. Justice delayed is indirectly a form of ______ (injustice).

14. The increase in crime can be linked to the ______ in a sense of morality. (decrease)

Word Formation:

1. They ______ (frequent) quarrel over petty issues. (frequently)

2. She has _______ (consistent) been a topper from her school days. (consistently)

3. The ______ (transform) of a pupa into a colorful butterfly is magical. (transformation)

4. Doctors say that excessive _____ (consume) of coffee is harmful to one’s health. (consumption)

5. I had to wait in the toll gate as I wasn’t an ______ (influence) person. (influential)

6. Celebrities are often seen as models in advertisements; it does not necessarily mean ______

(endorse) of the products. (endorse)

7. The long distance runner’s move to run slowly during the middle phase of the race was a _____

(strategy) move. (strategy)

8. Summers are now becoming _____ (exceed) hot and intolerable (exceedingly)

9. He had planned _____ (meticulous) but the unseasonal rains shattered his planning. (meticulous)

10. An _____ (acknowledge) of failure is a sure step towards success in the future. (acknowledgement)

11. The elderly person’s _____ (dedicate) to Yoga is complete and unflinching. (dedication)

12. No, this is not a _____ (compete); there are no prizes to be won here. (competition)

13. The notice read - _____ (accommodate) on first come first serve basis. (accommodation)

Words Often Confused

1. Food is a major industry in India with plenty of ____ opportunities. (carrier/ career)

2. The PepsiCo ____ recognized the caliber and commitment of Indra Nooyi. (board /bored)

3. The manager disliked the boss for a purely ____ reason. (personnel/ personal )

4. The entire cost of the exchange programme was ____ by the government. (born / borne)

5. She always wants her dress to be ____ but never gaudy. (decent /descent)

6. Do not _____ your voice here; this is a library. (rise/ raise)

7. She did not _____ the teacher to notice her sleeping as she was seated in the last bench. (expect

/except)

8. Out of ____ exhaustion, I slumped onto the sofa. (shear/ sheer)

9. The world’s a stage and we are all playing our specific _____ . (rolls/ roles)

10. “Don’t change your____ unless you are told to,” said the NCC Commander. (position /possession)

One-word Substitutes:

1. A set of moral principles. (ethics)

2. A person’s allotted period of work. (stint)

3. The act of acquiring things. (procurement)

4. A period for which an office is held. (tenure)

5. The quality of someone’s character or the level of their ability. (calibre)

6. To approve of someone or something. (endorsement)

7. Marked by precise expression without wasted words. (succinct)

8. Including everyone. (Inclusive)

9. Balance of forces or qualities. (equipoise)

10. An unacknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession. (glass ceiling)

Unit 2 – Prose

Tune in to the Voice of the Deprived – Aruna Roy


1. Summarize the views of Aruna Roy on democracy as elaborated in the essayTune in to the Voice of the

Depressed.

2. Examine the role of the individual in the success of democracy as enunciated in Aruna Roy’s essay.

3. What does Aruna Roy say about the importance of collective public action in India?

4. Examine Aruna Roy’s evaluation of the life of the poor, the depressed and the underprivileged in

India. What solutions does she recommend to end these?

5. How does Aruna Roy become a champion of the deprived in her essay Tune in to the Voice of the

Depressed?

6. Comment on Aruna Roy’s views on the political system of India.

Short Answer Questions

1. Briefly describe some major obstacles to an empowered India as enumerated by Aruna Roy in her

essay.

2. What is the power of ordinary people in Aruna Roy’s views?

3. How can collective action or collective participation change the direction of governance according to

Aruna Roy?

4. Briefly discuss the role of an individual in the success of democracy as we see in Aruna Roy’s essay.

5. What does Aruna Roy say about empowerment in her essay Tune in to the Voice of the Depressed?



1. The lady who sang at a railway station became and renowned face and voice with just one song

a. unknownb. famousc. talented d. beautiful

2. Having been pampered from childhood, the boy could not tolerate any kind of denial.

a. demand b. separation c. rejection d. question

3. Though she had travelled the world, this was her first voyage on a ship.

a. attempt b. journeyc. experience d. decision

4. Police officer Vidyadharan is said to have nurtured hundreds and thousands of saplings into trees.

a. looked after b. planted c. created d. destroyed

5. The teacher’s strong words were deliberate as the students were getting noisier and noisier.

a. harsh b. intentionalc. ruded. accidental

6. Youth today take a ‘no’ from their parents as an attempt to curtail their individual freedom.

a. restrict b. question c. grantd. criticize

7. The hot sun beating down on their head was itself a kind of oppression to the kindergarten kids who

were in the parade for more than two hours.

a. boredomb. crueltyc. sadness d. joy

8. Shreya’s horror knew no bounds when she saw a lizard in her school shoes.

a. reaction b. pain c. shock d. scream

9. It took a week for the demolition of the old and dilapidated building.

a. identification b. destructionc. survey d. renovation

10. The gathering was massive; the police had a tough time controlling the people.

a. huge b. violent c. careless d. disorderly

11. Among all the prizes that she won, she cherishes the prize she won in the First Standard as it was

the first time that she had won a prize in her life.

a. dislikes b. valuesc. possesses d. remembers


underlined.

1. Take a newspaper and one will find a lot of relevant matters as well as ______ matters. (irrelevant)

2. What a fine hide and seek; the moon seems to appear and then suddenly ______. (disappear)

3. The _______ and urban are divide is not just a matter of geography. (rural)

4. Samson was expecting an inclusion into the team but as always ________ followed. (exclusion)

5. Tolerance is a better thing than _______. (intolerance)

6. The presence of people we love is sweet; the _______ people we do not love is sweeter. (absence)

7. Sometimes dissent; sometimes _______, that’s how healthy democracy works. (agreement)

8. A narrow mind never leads to a _______ end. (wide)

9. When wants are limited one will surprisingly realize that resources are _______ (unlimited)

10. Bacon’s sentences seem simple but they contain _______ ideas (narrow)

11. Humility wins hearts, ______ arrogance turns them away (arrogance)

12. Destruction day of negative vibes ______ of positive vibes makes a person perfect (dull)

13. I asked you to strengthen your assignment with more solid arguments not ______ them. (weaken).

Word Formation:

1. The ______ (relevant) of water harvesting is becoming more and more. (relevance)

2. Nick Vuijic who was born without arms went on to become a great _______ (motivate) speaker and

writer. (motivational)

3. ______ (mature) is not in the number of years; it’s a matter of how one conducts oneself. (maturity)

4. It’s a _____ (challenge) dance but I am sure Rachana can do it. (challenging)

5. The main aim of self help groups is ______ (empower) to make women economically self-reliant

(empowerment)

6. Hardy’s words of ______ (encourage) was a tremendous boost to Ramanujan. (encouragement)

7. _____ (confident) is not what others think I am but what I think I am. (confidence)

8. When there are buses every two minutes your _____ (justify) of not getting a bus is totally

unacceptable (justification)

9. A cycle that one can ride on water; oh, what an _____ (innovate. (innovation)

10. Complete _____ (involve) in the work that one does ensures success of that work. (Involvement)

11. The _____ (compassion) woman fed the hungry dog on the street. (compassionate)

12. _____ (immense) talented people are sometimes difficult to understand. (immensely)

13. What’s the use of great theories if its _____ (implement) goes wrong? (implementation)


1. We want ____ not war. (peace/piece)

2. The first and foremost ____ of a citizen is the freedom to live. (right /rite)

3. “Be ____ with what you have,” said the sage. (contend/ content )

4. Such was my state of mind that I didn’t know ____ to laugh or to cry. (weather /whether)

5. The fisherman ____ his net into the sea praying for a good catch. (cast /caste)

6. Drinking a glass of warm water in the morning is said to be a good _____. (practice /practise)

7. After much bargaining the management _____ to the workers demand for an increase in pay.

(acceded /exceeded)

8. Don’t ____ merely on luck; many-a-times it doesn’t help. (relay/ rely)

9. Chipko was a major _____ which aimed at environment preservation. (moment/movement)

10. The girl was____ about the fact that the teacher changed her favorite place in the class. (sore /soar)


1. A group of people treated as insignificant or peripheral (marginalized)

2. Hopes of achieving something (aspiration)

3. The process of becoming stronger and confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s

rights (empowerment)

4. Ultimate importance (sanctity)

5. The lack or denial of something considered to be a necessity. (deprivation)

6. Section of town separated from the main population and occupied by under privileged class. (ghetto)

7. The process or state of keeping out certain objects, people or groups. (exclusion)

8. The experience of feeling isolated from. (alienation)

9. The glory associated with an esteemed person. (halo)

10. Unjust behavior deriving from preconceived and unfounded opinions. (prejudice)

Unit 3 – Prose

Work Brings Solace – A P J Abdul Kalam

Essay type Questions:

1. Explain and elaborate Kalam’s theory of ‘flow’ in your own words.

2. “Kalam’s success in rocket technology lies in the fact that he made it his religion, his mission.” Discuss

3. Describe the meeting of von Braun and Abdul Kalam. What words of advice did von Braun offer to

Kalam on SLV – 3?

4.Discuss the title Work Brings Solace with reference to the personal events in the life of Kalam.

5. What are the major themes that emerge from your study of Kalam’s essay Work Brings Solace?


1. Briefly explain the interaction between Kalam and von Braun.

2. How did Kalam overcome his personal grief during the preparation of the SLV.

3. Summarize Kalam’s views on ‘flow.’

4. What did von Braun tell Kalam about the Americans? What was his advice to Kalam about SLV – 3?

5. Write a short note on some of the qualities that made Kalam a legend in rocket technology.

6. Comment on Kalam’s views on ‘workaholics.’



1. Fortunately my results exceeded my expectations.

a. metb. surpassed c. proved d. confused

2. She was in awe of what technology could achieve

a. fear b. joy c. wonder d. doubt

3. International Relations say that there is a need to foster a good relationship with one’s neighboring

countries.

a. attempt b. promote c. demand d. avoid

4. The floods devastated the entire district.

a. destroyed b. flowed c. drowned d. covered

5. There is a suspicion that some students are taking cell phones to class without the knowledge of the

class teacher.

a. complaintb. doubtc. shock d. rumour

6. The grievance was genuine and hence the Principal promised to take immediate action.

a. real b. false c. urgent d. strong

7. A lot of people were mute spectators when the accident victim was crying for help.

a. wickedb. silent c. unknown d. worried

8. The great music composer locks himself in a room so that no one distracts him when he is composing

songs.

a. opposes b. surrounds c. diverts d. calls

9. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was a landmark in India’s space research technology.

a. identification b. milestone c. destination d. novelty

10. Though she was a knowledgeable administrator, she was receptive to new ideas even from

newcomers to the job.

a. open b. doubtful c. carefuld. choosy

11. Even today, in rural areas people walk miles to fetch a pail of water.

a. draw b. bringc. drink d. store


underlined.

1. The customer always asked for stale bread though there was ______ bread on the counter. (fresh)

2. The celebrity was genuinely humble though her actions suggested that she could be ______. (proud)

3. Luckily, the injuries were more external and less_______. (internal)

4. If we sit in the air-conditioned chamber for an unduly long time, comfort might turn to ________.

(discomfort)

5. It’s not a shame to accept that one is wrong, it adds to one’s _______. (honor)

6. Before King Bruce was finally successful he had made six _______ attempts. (unsuccessful)

7. Mathematics is simple unless the mind makes it _______. (complex)

8. A lazy mind and an _______ body cannot co-exist. (active)

9. We want all our students to succeed and none to _______ (fail)

10. The rainbow appeared but soon _______. (disappeared)

11. The speaker doesn’t like to be interrupted; his policy is to complete his talk ______ and then take

questions (uninterrupted)

12. Whether one sees the glass as half empty or half ______ depends entirely on one’s perception. (full)

13. With a negative mindset possible might become ______. (contempt).

Word Formation:

1. Sometimes______ (popular) is like lightning; it comes and it goes! (popularity)

2. The workers seemed so _______ (comfort) under the shade of the blueberry tree. (comfortable)

3. If one pays ______ (attend) to minute details the end outcome would be error-free. (attention)

4. Ford Motors is an Indo-American _____ (collaborate). (collaboration)

5. The ______ (able) to speak Hindi is very helpful if you plan to tour North India. (ability)

6. What a ______ (distract) this social media is! (distraction)

7. There was a lot of _____ (excite) in the city in anticipation of the great badminton player.

(excitement)

8. There is every _____ (possible) that it might rain this evening (possibility)

9. Don’t go by her appearance; her _____ (commit) is hundred percent. (commitment)

10. _____ (continue) is a must if one is working on a long-term goal. (continuity)

11. My favorite teacher had the special knack of turning _____ (complex) into simplicity. (complexity)

12. The great surgeon was a picture of_____ (concentrate) as he performed the complex operation.

(concentration)

13. He was extremely human, except for his _____ (contempt) attitude towards the third gender.

(contemptuous)


1. No one in the audience could ____ the speaker’s arrogant, haughty words. (palate/palette)

2. Sadly, in the modern day, people think that internet is the only way to ____information. (elicit/illicit)

3. Looking at the snow clad mountain on a winter morning was such a memorable ____. (site/sight)

4. In teamwork, each individual’s ____ needs to be specified. (roll/role)

5. The daughter ___ a glass of water for the father from the kitchen. (brought /bought)

6. “Desire is the _____ cause of suffering,” said the great soul. (root/route)

7. The quest of scientists for an _____ never ends. (alien /align)

8. The family made a ____ decision to shift from North Karnataka to the south. (concise/conscious)

9. On a ____ to finish this question bank, I worked like a man possessed (machine/mission)

10. ____ situations in life are God’s question papers!. (adverse/averse)


1. Very harmful or destructive (lethal)

2. The highest point of something, especially as attained after a long time (culmination)

3. Open to receiving new ideas or thoughts (receptive)

4. That which is not normal (aberration)

5. Speak about someone of something in a scornful or mocking way. (derisive)

6. A period of time. (span)

7. Achieving a very popular status among a particular group or section of society. (cult)

8. The act of interfering in the middle of a process. (intervention)

9. A sudden increase. (surge)

Unit 4 – Prose

Worship of the Wealthy – G K Chesterton


1. Summarize Chesterton’s views on flattery of the wealthy and the great?

2. Compare and contrast the earlier and modern methods of flattery as discussed in Chesterton’s essay.

3. Chesterton describes three different ways employed by flatterers to flatter the wealthy and the

great? Explain the three different ways with suitable examples from the essay.

4. Discuss the element of humour in Chesterton’s essay Worship of the Wealthy.

5. How does Chesterton expose the hypocrisy of journalists and writers who flatter the wealthy?

6. Does Chesterton support/endorse the worship of the wealthy? Substantiate your answer with

suitable examples from his essay Worship of the Wealthy.


1. How do journalists use negatives to flatter the objects of their flattery? Explain with examples from

Chesterton’s essay?

2. Explain the modern method of flattering the wealthy and the great with suitable examples from

Worship of the Wealthy.

3. How and why do journalists employ irrelevant words to enhance the flattering description of a

wealthy person?

4. What purpose does the reference to the charwoman serve in the essay Worship of the Wealthy?

Explain.

5. What does Chesterton say about the use of the words ‘simple’, ‘quiet’ or modest in flattery? Explain

briefly.

6. How does Chesterton demonstrate that flatterers do not spare even a solemn and serious occasion

like death?



1. From nowhere a snake had crept into the house.

a. ran b. entered c. hide d. fall

2. The benevolent man feeds hundreds of orphans every day.

a. famous b. old c. generous d. rich

3. There is enormous scope for self employment in food and hospitality field.

a. complex b. huge c. different d. competitive

4. Her agony brought tears to the eyes of the viewers.

a. suffering b. story c. wounds d. accident

5. Two students were incessantly talking in the class even though teacher was known to be strict.

a. carelessly b. continuously c. happily d. cleverly

6. The antics of the joker was the most amusing part of the circus for the children.

a. entertaining b. unique c. boring d. disturbing

7. He was grave when questioned about his sick father.

a. sad b. serious c. silent d. worried

8. The splendid evening was spoiled to some extent by the noise of the generator.

a. cool b. quiet c. magnificent d. musical

9. Naidu and his wife are the most convivial I have ever known.

a. simple b. friendly c. young d. generous

10. In olden times kings appointed people just to flatter them.

a. praise b. support c. accompany d. look after


underlined.

1. The benevolent employee never tolerated ______ employees. (malevolent)

2. When one is self confident things appear probable whereas lack of self confidence makes it appear

______. (improbable)

3. The narrator told an _______a story in such a way that it sounded credible. (incredible)

4. Be sympathetic to all, and ________ to none. (unsympathetic)

5. I asked him to give concrete but he still continued to speak in _______ terms. (abstract)

6. Though the enquiry was very polite the reply that I got was really_______. (impolite)

7. We have heard so many stories about wise kings and _______ sons. (foolish)

8. A honest person and a _______ person cannot get along well. (dishonest)

9. We want all our students to modest and none to _______ (immodest)

10. What is ecstasy may be _______ for someone else. (agony)

Word Formation:

1. The face of Helen of Troy is said to have been extremely______ (beauty). (beautiful)

2. The motor company promised 24x4 roadside _______ (assist) in case of vehicle breakdown.

(assistance)

3. We see newer and newer ______ (amuse) parks coming up everywhere. (amusement)

4. The coffee tycoon who died recently was known as a very _____ (sympathy) person. (sympathetic)

5. My ______ (admire) for Swapna Augustine increased leaps and bounds when I learnt that she was a

foot and mouth painter. (admiration)

6. She has a ______ (incline) towards Western music than Hindustani music (inclination)

7. _____ (simple) should reflect in deeds and not words. (simplicity)

8. He has _____ (luxury) villas in most European countries (luxurious)

9. It rained _____ (incessant) for more than six hours. (incessantly)

10. The beauty of Jog Falls in full flow is beyond_____ (describe). (description)

11. What an _____ (absurd) to sit on the horse without any knowledge of horse-riding. (absurdity)

12. My little daughter had an_____ (assume) that all doctors are surgeons. (assumption)


1. I always ____ Ayurveda for long-term ailments. (advise/advice)

2. The candidates are awaiting the ____results with bated breath. (poll/pole)

3. She booked a ____ for the next round as her opponent gave her a walk-over.(birth/berth)

4. A word of ____ acts like tonic to a person’s self-esteem. (compliment/complement)

5. As a matter of _____ accepting bribes is a heinous crime. (principle/principal)

6. Children should be taught to _____ failures and success with equal grace. (accept/except)

7. It is so difficult to understand that person as he seems to have a _____ personality. (dual /duel)

8. On a ____ evening I was inclined to write a poem on “water as savior.” (quite/quiet)

9. The age-old proverb has rightly said that it is not good to ____ over spilt milk. (grave/grieve)

10. The unassuming scholar could____ Kalidasa, Goethe and Rumi with equal ease! (quote/coat)


1. A characteristic of a person or a thing (attribute)

2. A speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, (eulogy)

3. Capable of being believed (credible)

4. A cleaning woman, especially in a large building or office (charwoman)

5. Unending or to continue without interruption. (incessant)

6. A passage or way through. (thoroughfare)

7. Going beyond the limits of ordinary experience. (transcendental)

8. Very lavish or impressive. (sumptuous)

9. Language that describes something with intentional exaggeration. (hyperbole)

10. To feel or express sorrow, regret or unhappiness about something. (lament)

Unit 5 – Prose

In Praise of Mistakes – Robert Lynd


1. Summarize the main arguments of Lynd in his essay In Praise of Mistakes.

2. How does Lynd attempt to change his readers’ perceptions about the mistakes made by novelists?

Discuss with suitable examples from In Praise of Mistakes.

3. “All comedy arises from our enjoyment of other people’s mistakes.” Explain this statement with

special reference to In Praise of Mistakes.

4. Why does Lynd praise mistakes? Substantiate your answer with examples from his essay.

5. How does Lynd prove that there is a lot of humor to be found in the mistakes made by writers?

Explain with suitable examples.


1. Briefly describe the main theme of the essay In Praise of Mistakes.

2. What, according to Lynd, is the chief value of mistakes? Explain briefly.

3. “We love words not for their sense but for their appeal to senses.” How does Lynd justify this

statement in his famous essay on mistakes?

4. Write a note on the letters to the Editor of the Times about the mistakes made by famous novelists

and writers

5. How does mistake in print result in enjoyment for the readers? Elaborate with examples from In

Praise of Mistakes.

6. Narrate in your own words the mistake that a journalist made about the serpent.



1. Going out for a long walk during rainy season without an umbrella was indeed a blunder.

a. capability b. mistake c. challenge d. failure

2. The thought that men do not cook is such an erroneous impression.

a. interesting b. ancient c. mistaken d. odd

3. The thick cover of clouds obscured the rainbow in the sky.

a. revealed b. concealed c. crossed d. highlighted

4. Small children go to school in the morning with such pomp and gaiety.

a. cheerfulness b. sadness c. seriousness d. laziness

5. We have to exercise moderation when we speak of both religion and politics.

a. physically b. restraint c. intelligence d. cleverness

6. What astonished was that the crow was more brown than black.

a. amazed b. disturbed c. amused d. attracted

7. The delay in hanging the rapists has become so vile to the people at large.

a. doubtful b. unpleasant c. comic d. worrying

8. There is an apprehension that the exam will be postponed due to the bus strike.

a. news b. suggestion c. worry d. request

9. Postponing things can be a serious flaw.

a. habit b. mistake c. action d. sign

10Students must verify their hall tickets as soon as they get as sometimes there may be mistakes.

a. ascertain b. print c. carry d. reject


underlined.

1. A breakfast could be heavy but a supper must always be ______. (light)

2. He looked guilty whereas he was actually ______. (innocent)

3. More money does not make one _______just as less money does not make one inferior. (superior)

4. He masked her ________ cleverly and put on an appearance of pleasure. (displeasure)

5. Be accurate in Mathematics; _______ answers wont fetch you marks. (inaccurate)

6. The mirth in the marriage hall turned to ______ when the VIP collapsed onto the floor. (gloom)

7. She is sometimes frivolous; at other times _______. (serious )

8. He practiced moderation as he was aware that _______ doesn’t always work. (Extremism)

9. No one wants to be short, everyone wants to be _______ (tall)

10. It was an ordinary beginning but and _______ end. (extraordinary)

Word Formation:

1. With Gold Medal round their neck, two students returned ______ (triumph). (triumphantly)

2. There is an _______ (apprehend) of tsunami in people when they are at beaches. (apprehension)

3. Some teachers ______ (instinct) stop their lecture a couple of minutes before the scheduled bell.

(instinctively)

4. The board said that the ATM was _____ (temporary) out of order. (temporarily)

5. The ______ (threaten) look on the goons’ face scared both the mother and the child. (threatening)

6. ______ (compare) between children should be carefully avoided. (comparison)

7. Quality means a relentless journey towards _____ (excel). (excellence)

8. Abhinav Bindra’s _____ (accurate) in shooting has won him many golds (accuracy)

9. It rained _____ (incessant) for more than six hours. (incessantly)

10. After it was proved that the employee had misused company funds the committee recommended

his _____ (dismiss) from service. (dismissal)


1. As an experiment I didn’t open my social media accounts for a ____. (weak /week)

2. In some sports one cannot lose concentration even for a _____. (moment/movement)

3. Make hay ____ the sun shines. (while/vile)

4. Do not _____ your voice here; this is a library. (rise/ raise)

5. God held a glass in his hands and started to _____ his blessings into human beings. (pour/pore)

6. We ____ great people to make our speeches. (quote/coat)

7. When you are in a ____every drop of water is precious. (desert/dessert)

8. They decided to ____ the position of the rooms as suggested by the vastu expert. (altar/alter)

9. The ____ has surprisingly written some mediocre stories too! (eminent/imminent)

10. A cloth banner is more environment-friendly that a flex banner _____. (cloth/clothe)


1. People who write letters on a regular basis. (correspondents)

2. Intellectuals or highly educated people as a group, (intelligentsia)

3. Showing a readiness to fight (pugnacious)

4. The act of officially charging someone with a crime (indictment)

5. An organized group of singers. (choir)

6. A large number of people or things. (multitude)

7. A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party or other group. (doctrine)

8. An activity of a specific kind. (pursuit)

9. Make minor changes in order to make it more accurate. (hyperbole)

10. The arrangement of events or dates, in the order of their occurrence. (chronology)

11. The scientific study of birds. (ornithology)

12. A person who is strongly and unfairly intolerant of other people and ideas. (bigot)

SECTION B - POETRY

Unit 6 - Poetry

Silver – Walter de la Mare


1. Describe the magic touch that the moonlight gives to the landscape as illustrated in Walter de la

Mare’s Silver.

2. Write a critical appreciation of D H Lawrence’s Walter de la Mare’s Silver.

3. “Walter de la Mare’s Silver transforms the moonlight night into a magical and romantic scene.”

Discuss

4. How does Walter de la Mare describe the moon and the moonlight night in his poem Silver?

5. Discuss Walter de la Mare’s Silver as a praise of the beautiful colors of nature.


1. Comment on the title of the poem Silver?

2. Write a note on the importance of colour in the poem Silver?

3. Write a note on the descriptions of the animals/creatures in the poem Silver.

4. Describe the scenes depicted in Walter de la Mare’s Silver.

Annotation:

1. Slowly, silently now the moon

Walks the night in her silver shoon

This way, and that, she peers and sees

Silver fruit upon silver trees;

a) Who does ‘her’ in the second line refer to?

b) Explain the figure of speech in the first two lines.

c) What does the poet intend to suggest by the repetitive use of the word ‘silver?’

2. One by one the casements catch Her beams beneath the silvery thatch; Couched in his kennel like a log, With paws of silver sleeps the dog;

a. Whose “beams’ are referred to in the second line?

b. Explain the figure of speech in the last two lines.

c. What are the two happenings mentioned in this passage?

3. A harvest mouse goes scampering by,

With silver claws, and silver eye.

And moveless fish in the water gleam,

By silver reeds in a silver stream.

a. Which word in the passage means ‘run quickly?’

b. How have the claws and the eye of the mouse become ‘silvery?’

c. What makes the fish gleam?

Unit 7 – Poetry

Breezy April – Rabindranath Tagore


1. Discuss the effect of Springtime on the poet with reference to the poem Breezy April.

2. “Tagore’s Breezy April is a celebration of Nature in all her springtime glory.” Elucidate

3. Discuss the central theme ofRabindranath Tagore’sBreezy April

4. Comment on the suitability of the title of Tagore’s poem Breezy April.

5. Describe the relationship between the speaker and nature as illustrated in Tagore’s Breezy April.


1. How does the poet describe April in the poem Breezy April.

2. Comment on the theme of the poem Breezy April.

3. Write a short note on the title of the poem Breezy April.

4. Write a note on the relationship between the poet and nature in Breezy April.

Annotation:

1. In my idle dream by Wayside

You come startling me from slumber

Wilful in your mood fantastic

Tease me with inconstant courting.

a) Whom does the speaker address in this passage?

b) What does ‘you’ do to the speaker according to the second line?

c) What difference do you find in the moods of the speaker and ‘you?’

2. Breezy April, Vagrant April I live with my lonesome shadows. I know all your fitful fancies

Language of your flitting footsteps.

a. Who does “your’ in the third line refer to?

b. Why do you think the poet has described April as “vagrant?”

c. What qualities of April do you get to know from this passage?

3. Breezy April, Vagrant April

Rock me in your swing of music!

Thrill my branches with enchantment

Of your touch of sweet surprises.

a. Whom is the speaker addressing in this passage?

b. What request does the speaker make in the second line and to whom?

c. Explain the last two lines of the passage.

Unit 8 – Poetry

The Soldier – Rupert Brooke


1. “The soldier valorizes the patriotic values of a soldier.” Discuss.

2. How does Brooke’s The Soldier describe the life of a soldier?

3. What impressions of the life of a soldier do you get from Rupert Brooke’s The Soldier.

4. Attempt a thematic study of Rupert Brooke’s The Soldier.

5. Do you think that death is a major theme of Brooke’s The Soldier? Discuss.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the soldier’s wish in the poem The Soldier?

2. What qualities of a soldier are glorified in Brooke’s The Soldier?

3. Write a note on the relevance of the title of Brooke’s The Soldier.

4. Write a note on the element of patriotism in the life of a soldier as discussed in The Soldier?

5. Write a short note on the life of a soldier as discussed in The Soldier.

Annotation:

1. If I should die think only this of me;

That there’s some corner of a foreign field

That is forever England. There shall be

In that rich earth a richer earth concealed

a) Who is speaking these lines?

b) How does “some corner of a foreign field” become forever England?

c) Explain the last line of the passage.

2. A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England’s, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home

a. Whom does the first line refer to?

b. Mention two things that England has given to the speaker?

c. What is the tone of the speaker in this passage?

3. Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

a. Who does ‘her’ in the first line refer to?

b. What are the things that the speaker fondly remembers in this passage?

c. What do you understand by the words “an English heaven?”

Unit 9 – Poetry

The Arrow and the Song – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


1. Discuss the central theme of the poem The Arrow and the Song.

2. Discuss the theme of friendship as you find Longfellow’s The Arrow and the Song.

3. Discuss the metaphorical significance of the words “arrow” and “song” in H W Longfellow’s poem.

4. Which are the two dominant images in H W Longfellow’s poem The Arrow and the Song? What ideas

do these images convey?

5. Write a critical appreciation of Longfellow’s The Arrow and the Song.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:

1. Write a short note on the title The Arrow and the Song.

2. Briefly explain what the “arrow” and the “song” stand for in Longfellow’s poem.

3. Explain briefly what happened to the arrow in the end.

4. Explain briefly what happened to the song in the end.

5. What is the message conveyed by the poem The Arrow and the Song?

Annotation:

1. I shot an arrow into the air,

It fell to earth, I knew not where;

For, so swiftly it flew, the sight

Could not follow it in its flight

a) What happened to the arrow shot by the speaker?

b) Why couldn’t the speaker follow the ‘flight’ of the arrow?

c) What is the tone of the speaker in this passage?

2. I breathed a song into the air, It fell to earth, I knew not where; For who has sight so keen and strong, That it can follow the flight of song?

a. What happened to the song of the speaker?

b. How is the act of singing described in the passage?

c. Why does the speaker say that he could not follow the “flight of song?”

3. Long, long afterward, in an oak

I found the arrow, still unbroken;

And the song from beginning to end,

I found again the heart of a friend.

a. Where did the speaker find the arrow?

b. What, according to the passage, happened to the arrow and to the song?

c. Explain the last two lines of the passage?

Unit 10 – Poetry

Lochinvar – Walter Scott


1. Describe the character of Lochinvar as portrayed by the poet.

2. Consider Walter Scott’s Lochinvar a typical love poem.

3. “Lochinvar is a celebration of love, heroism and adventure.” Discuss

4. Discuss the love story of Lochinvar and Ellen.

5. Summarize the events of the poem Lochinvar.


1. Write a short note on the character of Lochinvar.

2. Summarize the conversation between Lochinvar and Ellen’s father.

3. Describe the ending of Walter Scott’s Lochinvar.

4. Describe the character of the bridegroom. Contrast the bridegroom’s character with the character of

Lochinvar.

5. What did Lochinvar claim he wanted to do with the bride? What did he eventually do?

6. Write a short note on the role of Ellen in the end outcome of the events of the poem.

Annotations

1. O young Lochinvar is come out of the west,

Through all the wide Border his steed was the best:

And save his good broadsword he weapons had none,

He rode all unarm’d, and he rode all alone.

1. What does the word ‘steed’ in the second line refer to?

2. Who does ‘his’ in the third line refer to? Which was the only weapon he had with him?

3. What picture of the speaker do you get from the last two lines of the passage?

2. But ere he alighted at Netherby Hall

The bride had consented, the gallant came late:

For a laggard in love, and a dastard in war,

Was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar

1. Who was “gallant” referred to in the second line?

2. What are the two qualities of the person was going to marry Ellen?

3. What kind of a person was Lochinvar? Why did he come to Netherby Hall?

3. I long woo’d your daughter, my suit you denied; -

Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide -

And now I am come, with this last love of mine

To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine

1. Who denied the “suit?”

2. Whose love is mentioned here? What has happened to their love?

3. Whose “wish” is expressed in the last line? What was the wish?

4. So stately his form, and so lovely her face,

That never a hall such a galliard did grace:

While her mother did fret, and her father did fume,

And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume.

1. Whose face is described as lovely?

2. Who were the dancers? What does this passage say about their dance?

3. What is the reaction of the father and the mother to the dance?

SECTION C - COMPOSITION

[Report Writing, Paragraph Writing, Refutation, Dialogue Writing]

Report Writing: The following topics may be considered for report writing

Newspaper reports

1. A railway accident

2. A natural disaster

3. A new shopping mall inaugurated in city

4. A book release of a famous writer

5. Cleanliness Drive in City

6. Flower show at Kadri Park

7. National Children’s Film Festival Week in your city

8. Free health check-up camp

9. Theft in temple

10. Dhoni announces retirement

11. Students Lathi-Charged

12. Snake found in fruit box

13. A road accident

Reports on events in college

1. A University Level Quiz Competition

2. Annual NSS Camp

3. A trekking expedition

4. College Day Celebration

5. Cleanliness Drive in City

6. A visit to a historical monument

7. A talk at your college by an eminent personality

8. Students’ Union Elections

9. A mega job fair in your college

10. Inauguration of Red Cross in your college

11. Inter-College Dance Competition

12. Activities of the Debate Club

13. A study tour

Paragraph Writing

1. Students and time management

2. My philosophy of life

3. The importance of sports and games

4. Qualities that draw me to people

5. Superstitions

6. Importance of good hobbies

7. My favorite season

8. The value of teamwork

9. Annoying commercials

10. Childhood memories

11. My greatest fear

12. Food, clothing, shelter – and the internet

13. Joint family

14. Self Employment

15. Home – my most beautiful world!

Refutation

1. The best time in one’s life is the young age

2. Student life is the best life

3. Money is everything

4. Teaching happens only in the classroom

5. Uniforms should be made compulsory

6. Organ donation should be made mandatory

7. Technology is making people less creative

8. Schools should emphasize mental activity over physical activity

9. Old age is a curse

10. Only the old and experienced can become good political leaders

11. Online transactions are safe

12. Comparing children is a healthy practice

13. Banning movies can help society

14. Space exploration is a waste of money

15. Present day children are lazy

Dialogue Writing

1. Cousins planning their Diwali holidays

2. Two friends talking about a picnic they had.

3. A person asking way to a certain location

4. Daughter asking father permission and money for college tour

5. Two college mates meeting after a long time

6. Asking about Health page

7. Two students discussing their future after BBA

8. Customer asking for an exchange of a garment

9. Customer asking the procedure to open an account in a bank

10. Mother asking son to go and buy vegetables and groceries

11. Two friends discussing what they shall do that evening

12. Rachana asks a student directions to the library and procedures to be followed there

13. An employee asking a house owner for the house on rent

14. Karsan wants to ask application at the registration counter for participating in an event

15. Two BBA students discussing the English question paper that they just answered in the exam

Prepared by

Sojan K George

Associate Professor of English

Dr G Shankar Govt Women’s College & PG Study Centre

Ajjarkadu, Udupi

question bank cbcs ii sem bba (english) section a prose

Documents