IGNOU BEGLA-135 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BEGLA-135 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BEGLA-135 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below :

It was a high speech of Seneca, that the good things, which belong to prosperity are to be wished; but the good things, that belong to adversity are to be admired. Certainly, if miracles be the command over nature, they appear most in adversity. It is yet a higher speech of his, than the other. It is true greatness, to have in one the frailty of a man, and the security of a God. This would have done better in poesy; where transcendences are more allowed. And the poets indeed have been busy with it; for it is in effect the thing, which figured in that strange fiction of the ancient poets which seemed not to be without mystery; nay, and to have same approach to the state of a Christian; that Hercules, when he went to unbind Prometheus, sailed the length of the great ocean, in an earthen pot or pitcher; lively describing Christian resolution, that saileth in the frail bark of the flesh, through the waves of the world. The virtue of prosperity is temperance; the virtue of adversity, is fortitude; which in morals is the more heroical virtue. Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament, adversity is the blessing of the New; which carrieth the greater benediction. Yet even in the Old Testament, if you listen to David’s harp, you shall hear as many hearse-like airs as carols and the pencil of the Holy Ghost hath laboured more in describing the afflictions of job, than the felicities of Solomon. Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; and adversity is not without comfort and hopes. We see in needle-works, it is more pleasing to have a lively work upon a sad and solemn ground than to have a dark and melancholy work upon a lightsome ground; judge therefore of the pleasure of the heart, by the pleasure of the eye.

Answer the following questions : 5×4=20 (i) According to Seneca, what are the ‘good things’ of adversity and how should they be regarded ? (ii) What comparison does the author make between the blessings of Old Testament and the New ? (iii) How does the author describe the relationship between prosperity and adversity with regard to virtue ? (iv) What does the author mean when he says ‘prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity best discover virtue ? (v) What analogy does the author use involving needle-work to describe the effect of adversity and prosperity on the heart ?

Ans. (i) According to Seneca, the ‘good things’ that belong to adversity are the virtues and strengths that are forged in difficult times, particularly fortitude . The author states that while the good things of prosperity are merely “to be wished,” the good things of adversity are “to be admired .” This is because overcoming adversity is like a miracle, a command over nature, which reveals a higher form of greatness—combining human frailty with divine security. This strength, born from hardship, is worthy of admiration and praise.

(ii) The author makes a direct comparison between the blessings of the Old and New Testaments. He states that prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament , while adversity is the blessing of the New Testament . He further implies that the blessing of the New Testament (adversity) carries a “greater benediction” or is more profound. To support this, he notes that even in the Old Testament, there is much focus on suffering, citing that “David’s harp” produced as many sorrowful tunes (“hearse-like airs”) as joyful ones (“carols”), and that the scripture describes the “afflictions of Job” more elaborately than the “felicities of Solomon.”

(iii) The author describes a direct relationship between prosperity, adversity, and virtue by assigning a specific virtue to each state. He writes, “The virtue of prosperity is temperance ; the virtue of adversity, is fortitude .” He then elevates the virtue associated with adversity, calling fortitude “the more heroical virtue ” in morals. This suggests that while it is good to practice self-control and moderation during prosperous times, the strength, courage, and resilience required to endure hardship is a morally superior and more heroic quality.

(iv) Although this exact phrase is not in the provided text, its meaning is central to the passage’s theme. The idea that ‘prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity best discover virtue’ means that easy times can reveal a person’s weaknesses (vices) like complacency, fear, and distaste, as the passage notes “Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes.” In contrast, difficult times (adversity) test a person’s character and reveal their hidden strengths (virtues). Adversity forces one to be resilient, hopeful, and courageous. The passage illustrates this by referencing Hercules’ journey in an earthen pot, a feat of “Christian resolution” that displays incredible virtue (fortitude) in the face of impossible odds.

(v) The author uses the analogy of needle-work to describe the effect of adversity and prosperity on the heart. He explains that it is “more pleasing to have a lively work upon a sad and solemn ground than to have a dark and melancholy work upon a lightsome ground.” Here:

• The “sad and solemn ground” represents adversity .
• The “lively work” represents the comfort, hope, and fortitude found within adversity.
• The “lightsome ground” represents prosperity .
• The “dark and melancholy work” represents the fears and distastes that can accompany prosperity.

Through this analogy, the author argues that the joy and strength found in overcoming hardship are more profound and beautiful to the human heart than the superficial pleasures of an easy life that may be marred by underlying anxieties.

Q2. Think of a time you helped someone. How did it affect you and what did you learn from the experience ? Write in 250 words. Or Write about a place you have visited that left a lasting impression on you. What made it memorable ?

Ans. (Model answer for the first option) A Lesson in Empathy

I recall a cold winter evening when I was returning home from my college library. I saw an elderly man, frail and shivering, sitting on a pavement bench. He was trying to sell a few packets of candles, but most people were rushing past him, heedless of his presence. Moved by his plight, I stopped. Instead of just buying some candles, I asked if he had eaten. He simply shook his head, his eyes filled with a quiet despair. I went to a nearby food stall and bought a warm meal and a cup of tea for him. The look of gratitude in his eyes when I handed him the food was something I will never forget. We didn’t speak much, but in that shared silence, I felt a profound connection. Helping him didn’t require a grand gesture, just a moment of attention and empathy. This experience affected me deeply. It made me realize how often we get lost in our own worlds, oblivious to the quiet suffering around us. It taught me that kindness is not about giving what we have in excess, but about sharing what we have with a genuine heart. The most important lesson was that a small act of compassion can not only bring comfort to someone in need but also enrich the giver’s soul, reminding us of our shared humanity. It reinforced my belief that true wealth lies not in our possessions, but in our capacity to care for others.

(Model answer for the second option) The Serenity of Pangong Tso

Of all the places I have visited, the one that has left an indelible mark on my soul is Pangong Tso, the high-altitude lake in Ladakh. The journey itself, through rugged mountain passes and barren landscapes, was a prelude to the unearthly beauty that awaited. The moment I caught the first glimpse of the lake, I was mesmerized. The water was a surreal palette of blues—lapis lazuli near the shore, turning to turquoise, and then a deep sapphire in the distance. This vast expanse of water, nestled amidst barren, ochre mountains under a vast, clear sky, created a scene of breathtaking and profound tranquility. What made it so memorable was not just its visual splendor, but the overwhelming sense of peace it exuded. In that vastness, all my worldly worries seemed to shrink and disappear. The silence there was not an absence of sound, but a powerful presence. It was punctuated only by the gentle lapping of waves and the whisper of the wind. I spent hours just sitting by the shore, watching the colors of the lake change with the shifting sun. This place taught me the meaning of stillness and the immense power of nature to heal and humble the human spirit. It wasn’t just a destination; it was an experience, a meditation that cleansed my mind and left a lasting impression of peace and serenity that I carry with me to this day.

Q3. Write a speech to deliver on Teachers’ Day, expressing gratitude to the teachers and reflecting on their roles in shaping students’ future.

Ans. A Tribute to Our Guiding Stars

Good morning, respected Principal, revered teachers, and my dear friends.

Today, on this very special occasion of Teachers’ Day, I stand before you on behalf of all the students to express our deepest gratitude to the architects of our future—our beloved teachers.

It is often said that teachers are like lighthouses, guiding lost ships to the shore. For us, you are more than that. You are the potters who shape our raw clay into unique, resilient vessels. You are the gardeners who nurture our budding minds with patience, watering us with knowledge and protecting us from the weeds of ignorance. You don’t just teach us subjects from a textbook; you teach us the subject of life. You teach us how to think, not what to think. You instill in us the courage to ask questions, the strength to accept failure, and the ambition to dream big.

We remember the times we faltered, and you held our hand. We remember the times we were lost in confusion, and you illuminated the path with your wisdom. Your role extends far beyond the four walls of this classroom. You are our mentors, our guides, and our biggest cheerleaders. The lessons you impart, the values you instill, and the passion you ignite within us are the treasures that will remain with us long after we have forgotten the formulas and dates.

So, to every teacher who has spent countless hours preparing lessons, grading our papers, and offering a word of encouragement when we needed it the most—we say, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, for your endless patience, and for believing in us even when we doubted ourselves.

You are shaping the future of not just a few students, but the entire nation. We promise to make you proud by becoming responsible, compassionate, and successful individuals. Thank you, and a very Happy Teachers’ Day!

Q4. (a) Create a dialogue between a student and a teacher, where the student is seeking advice or how to improve their performance in class. Frame 10 turns each. (b) Pick out five words with silent letters : Thumb, Tiger, Knock, Paper, Doubt, Laptop, Salmon, Listen (c) Your class has been given the opportunity to meet a professional athlete. Write five questions you could ask them about their training routine and challenges in their career.

Ans. (a) Dialogue between a Student and a Teacher

Student (Rahul): Excuse me, Mrs. Sharma. May I speak with you for a moment?

Teacher (Mrs. Sharma): Of course, Rahul. Come in. Is everything alright?

Student: Yes, ma’am. Actually, I wanted to talk about my performance in your class. I received my last test score, and I am not happy with it.

Teacher: I see. I noticed that your scores have dipped recently. I’m glad you’ve come to talk about it. What do you think is the main problem?

Student: I think I am studying, but when I write the exam, I get confused. I feel like I understand the concepts in class, but I can’t seem to apply them well.

Teacher: That’s a common issue. It often happens when the foundation is not solid enough. Are you reviewing your notes regularly after class?

Student: Honestly, not as regularly as I should. I usually study just a few days before the test.

Teacher: That might be the key. I suggest you spend at least 30 minutes every day reviewing what we did in class. It helps reinforce the learning.

Student: Okay, I will definitely start doing that. Is there anything else I can do to improve?

Teacher: Yes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class, no matter how small they seem. Also, try to solve the practice questions at the end of each chapter. That will help you with application.

Student: I sometimes feel hesitant to ask questions, thinking it might be a silly doubt.

Teacher: There’s no such thing as a silly question, Rahul. Your questions help me understand what parts of the topic need more explanation. It helps the whole class.

Student: That makes me feel better. I will try to be more active in class from now on.

Teacher: Excellent. And you can also try studying with a friend. Sometimes, explaining a concept to someone else is the best way to master it yourself.

Student: That’s a great idea! My friend Sameer is also struggling a bit. We could help each other.

Teacher: Perfect. Implement these strategies, and I am sure you will see a significant improvement. We can check your progress in a few weeks.

Student: Thank you so much for your advice, Mrs. Sharma. I feel much more motivated now.

Teacher: You’re most welcome, Rahul. I am always here to help. Just remember that consistent effort is the key to success.

Student: I will remember that. Thank you again.

Teacher: You take care. I expect to see a positive change.

(b) Five words with silent letters: The five words from the list with silent letters are:

• Thumb (the ‘b’ is silent)
• Knock (the ‘k’ is silent)
• Doubt (the ‘b’ is silent)
• Salmon (the ‘l’ is silent)
• Listen (the ‘t’ is silent)

(c) Five questions for a professional athlete:

1. Beyond the physical training, what does your mental preparation routine look like, especially before a major competition?
2. Could you describe the biggest setback or challenge you’ve faced in your career and, more importantly, how you overcame it and what you learned from that experience?
3. How do you balance the intense demands of a professional athlete’s life—training, travel, and competition—with your personal life and well-being?
4. What is a common misconception people have about your sport or about being a professional athlete that you would like to clarify?
5. Looking back at your journey, what is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self when you were just starting out in this sport?

Q5. (a) Fill in the blanks using prepositions : (i) She is fond………… reading books. (ii) The cat jumped ………… the table to catch the mouse. (iii) I am looking forward ………… our vacation next month. (iv) He is not interested ………… playing games. (v) The children ran …………. the park after school. (vi) We arrived …………the airport just in time. (vii) She is good ………… solving problems. (viii) The book is ………… the shelf above the desk. (ix) They are planning to meet ………… noon at the cafe. (x) He apologised …………. being late. (b) Complete the following using adverbs/adverb phrases : (i) The sun was shining ………… in the sky. (ii) She spoke so ………… that I could barely hear. (iii) The train moved …………. through the countryside. (iv) He ………… agreed to help her with the assignment. (v) The children laughed …………. at the clown’s tricks. (c) Find out the correct words for the jumbled words given below : (i) ARTHE (ii) RTONIAGIM (iii) CTUPOREM (iv) OTNAICDEU (v) LAPITSOH

Ans. (a) Fill in the blanks using prepositions:

(i) She is fond of reading books. (ii) The cat jumped onto the table to catch the mouse. (iii) I am looking forward to our vacation next month. (iv) He is not interested in playing games. (v) The children ran in/through the park after school. (vi) We arrived at the airport just in time. (vii) She is good at solving problems. (viii) The book is on the shelf above the desk. (ix) They are planning to meet at noon at the cafe. (x) He apologised for being late.

(b) Complete the following using adverbs/adverb phrases:

(i) The sun was shining brightly in the sky. (ii) She spoke so softly that I could barely hear. (iii) The train moved smoothly through the countryside. (iv) He readily agreed to help her with the assignment. (v) The children laughed loudly at the clown’s tricks.

(c) Find out the correct words for the jumbled words given below:

(i) ARTHE – HEART (ii) RTONIAGIM – MIGRATION (iii) CTUPOREM – COMPUTER (iv) OTNAICDEU – EDUCATION (v) LAPITSOH – HOSPITAL