(SEM I) THEORY EXAMINATION 2024-25 SOFT SKILLS

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.