(SEM I) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

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)