IGNOU BHDG-173 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BHDG-173 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BHDG-173 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Briefly introduce the nature of a feature.

Ans. A feature is a genre of journalism that analyzes the facts, emotions, and background hidden behind the news. Unlike a news report, which merely answers ‘what, when, where,’ a feature also focuses on ‘how’ and ‘why.’ The nature of a feature is essentially a blend of information, entertainment, and knowledge . The main difference between a news report and a feature lies in their presentation and objective. While a news report is based on immediate events and is objective, a feature incorporates the writer’s personal style, imagination, and emotions . Its language is more creative, literary, and entertaining. The key characteristics of a feature’s nature are as follows:

• Narrative Style: A feature is presented like a story, with a beginning, middle, and end. Its aim is to keep the reader engaged until the very end.
• Entertainment: Along with providing information, entertaining the reader is a significant objective of a feature. It includes interesting facts, anecdotes, and human-interest elements.
• Variety of Subject Matter: A feature can be written on any subject, such as social issues, travel, personalities, science, sports, or culture. It has no fixed deadline, so it can be ‘evergreen’ in nature.
• Subjectivity: It allows the writer to express their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. They interpret events from their own point of view.
• Balance of Fact and Imagination: A feature is based on facts, but the writer uses imagination and creativity to present those facts.
• Emotional Appeal: A good feature has the ability to touch the reader’s heart. It evokes human emotions like happiness, sorrow, surprise, etc.

In short, a feature is a well-structured, creative, and subjective article whose purpose is to educate and enlighten readers while entertaining them. It prevents journalism from becoming dull and provides it with a human touch.

Q2. Elucidate the nature of the editorial page.

Ans. The editorial page is often called the ‘soul’ or ‘voice’ of a newspaper. This page presents the ideological stance of the newspaper and reflects its policy, perspective, and character. While the purpose of news is merely to present facts, the editorial page analyzes, interprets, and comments on those facts. Its nature is fundamentally analytical, ideological, and opinion-shaping . The nature of the editorial page can be understood through the following points:

• Policy Stance: The ‘Editorial’ published on this page represents the official opinion of the newspaper. It is not considered the view of any single individual but that of the entire newspaper group. It clarifies the newspaper’s policy on a burning national or international issue.
• Analysis and Interpretation: The editorial page does not just report an event but provides a deep analysis of its causes, effects, and future possibilities. It helps the reader to get to the bottom of the issue.
• Diversity of Opinions: This page does not only feature the newspaper’s own opinion but also publishes articles by experts, scholars, and columnists from various fields. This gives readers the opportunity to learn diverse perspectives on the same issue.
• Shaping Public Opinion: A major function of the editorial page is to create awareness in society and build healthy public opinion. It also serves to guide the government by criticizing or praising its policies.
• Reader Participation: Through the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column, this page provides a platform for readers to express their views. It is an important medium for two-way communication in a democracy.

The main components of the editorial page include the editorial, columns by senior journalists or experts, special articles, and letters to the editor. This page prevents the newspaper from being just a collection of information and gives it a vibrant, ideological, and socially relevant platform. Its seriousness and intellectual depth are what make one newspaper distinct and superior to another.

Q3. Outline the various aspects of news gathering.

Ans. News gathering is the first and most crucial stage of the journalistic process. It means collecting newsworthy facts, information, and events from various sources. The credibility and quality of a news story depend entirely on its gathering process. The various aspects of news gathering are interconnected and can be outlined as follows: 1. Sources of News: News is primarily obtained from two types of sources:

• Direct or Primary Sources: This includes reporters, special correspondents, and stringers who gather information by being present at the scene. Direct conversations with eyewitnesses, victims, officials, etc., are part of primary sourcing. Press conferences, interviews, and personal observation of an event also fall into this category.
• Indirect or Secondary Sources: When a reporter cannot be present everywhere, they rely on these sources. The main ones are:
  • News Agencies: National and international agencies like PTI, UNI, Reuters, and Associated Press (AP) provide news feeds.
  • Government Press Releases: Press releases, reports, and information issued by the government and various departments.
  • Police and Hospitals: These are important sources for news related to crime, accidents, and health.
  • Internet and Social Media: This has become a major source of news today, but it is extremely important to verify information obtained from here.

2. Methods of News Gathering:

• Interview: Talking to individuals, experts, or officials related to an event to gather facts and their views.
• Observation: The reporter uses their senses (eyes, ears) to minutely observe the scene of the event.
• Research: To delve deep into a subject, conducting research using old records, documents, the internet, and libraries.
• Beat Reporting: When a reporter specializes in a particular area (like crime, politics, sports), they cover news from that field in depth. They develop their own personal sources over time.

3. Evaluation and Verification of News:

Not every piece of information gathered is news. The reporter has to decide if the information has

News Value

. After this, the most important task is fact-checking. A golden rule of journalism is to verify any news from at least two sources before publishing.

In essence, news gathering is a multi-faceted process that involves choosing the right source, using the appropriate method, and ensuring the veracity of facts. A skilled reporter balances all these aspects to produce a credible and readable news story.

Q4. Discuss the various aspects of an economic feature.

Ans. An economic feature is a specialized form of feature writing that presents complex and often dry economic subjects in a simple, interesting, and readable style. Its purpose is to make the common reader aware of the impact of economic activities, government policies, and market fluctuations. A successful economic feature is not just a pile of data; it uncovers the story and the human element behind these numbers. The various aspects of an economic feature are as follows:

• Selection of Subject Matter: There is no dearth of topics for an economic feature. Features can be written on subjects like the analysis of the Union Budget, the impact of inflation on the common man, stock market movements, the new tax system (GST), banking reforms, startup culture, the agricultural economy, or the effects of a new government scheme. What is important is that the topic should be contemporary and relevant to the readers’ lives.
• Simple and Lucid Language: Economic topics often involve technical and complex terminology. The skill of a good economic feature writer lies in explaining terms like ‘Gross Domestic Product’ (GDP), ‘Fiscal Deficit’, or ‘Repo Rate’ in simple language. Using analogies, examples, and references to everyday life makes the subject easy to understand.
• Inclusion of the Human Element: It is crucial to give an economic feature a human touch. For instance, when writing a feature on rising petrol prices, instead of just giving statistics, presenting the impact on a taxi driver or a middle-class family in a story format makes the feature more effective. This can be shown through a ‘Case Study’.
• Use of Data and Graphics: An economic feature is based on facts and figures. To simplify this data, charts, graphs, and infographics should be used. This helps the reader in comparative analysis and in understanding the topic at a glance.
• Expert Opinions: To give authenticity and depth to the subject, it is important to include the opinions of economists, industrialists, and experts from the relevant field. Their quotes make the feature credible.
• Forward-looking Perspective: A good economic feature does not just analyze the current situation but also sheds light on future possibilities and challenges. It can help readers in making economic decisions.

In conclusion, the purpose of an economic feature is to make a serious subject like the economy comprehensible and relevant for the general reader. It is a balanced mix of information, analysis, and human sensibilities.

Q5. Write a feature on the hospitals in your area.

Ans. The City’s Heartbeat: The Reality of Our Hospitals In the densely populated lanes of East Delhi, as the morning hustle begins, another crowd moves towards its destination – this is the crowd of patients and their attendants, whose hopes are pinned on the area’s government and private hospitals. On one hand, a massive government hospital like Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) is a lifeline for millions, while on the other, private nursing homes mushrooming everywhere expose the dual face of healthcare services. The OPD at GTB Hospital looks like a railway station platform. People from distant villages spend hours waiting for their turn. Rambharose, who has come from Bihar for his wife’s eye treatment, has been making rounds for the last three days. He says, “Sir, the treatment is cheap here, but who knows when our turn will come. The doctors are good, but just getting to meet them is the biggest battle.” This is not just Rambharose’s story, but the story of thousands who come here. The workload on doctors and nursing staff is clearly visible. A senior doctor, on the condition of anonymity, says, “We have limited resources and unlimited patients. We work twice our capacity, yet it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.” In stark contrast to this government-run chaos, the gleaming private hospitals present a different world. Here, you are greeted with smiling faces, air-conditioned rooms, and the promise of immediate treatment, but it all comes at a high price. The fees of large hospitals like Max and Fortis are far beyond the reach of a common person. Smaller nursing homes and clinics offer a middle path, but quality and expertise are often questionable here. Reports of wrong treatment and exorbitant billing often cast a shadow on the credibility of these nursing homes. Our region’s healthcare system swings between these two poles. On one side is the government’s slogan of ‘Health for All’ , which is buried under a lack of resources and overwhelming crowds. On the other side is the private reality of ‘Health as a Business’ , which is accessible only to the affluent. But amidst this despair, there are rays of hope. The doctors at GTB save hundreds of lives every day despite all the difficulties. Some private hospitals organize concessional camps for the poor. The need of the hour is to increase resources in government hospitals, increase the number of doctors, and regulate private hospitals so that healthcare becomes a ‘service’ in the true sense, not a business. After all, only a healthy citizen can build a healthy city and nation.

Q6. Write a feature on a famous fort.

Ans. Chittorgarh: Where Even Stones Sing Sagas of Valour When you step onto the land of Rajasthan and see the Chittorgarh Fort from a distance, sprawling over the Aravalli hills like a colossal ship, the history books come alive. This is not just a fort; it is a symbol of Rajput pride, honour, and dignity. It is an immortal story of valour, sacrifice, and self-respect, whose echoes still reverberate from its walls today. Spread over nearly 700 acres, this fort is one of the largest in India. As you ascend its winding path, every turn opens a new chapter. In the air here, you can still feel the heat of Queen Padmini’s Jauhar, and on the stones, you can almost hear the hoofbeats of Maharana Pratap’s horse, Chetak. Upon entering the fort, the first thing that catches your eye is the Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower). Built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa, this nine-story tower is not just a structure but a marvel of architecture, with its walls adorned with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses that look as if they might speak at any moment. A little further lies Rani Padmini’s Palace, situated in the middle of a small lake. Standing here, it is not hard to imagine how Alauddin Khilji caught a glimpse of the queen’s reflection in this very palace, which led to the most blood-soaked chapter in Mewar’s history. The Kumbhshyam Temple, Meera Temple, and the Jain Kirti Stambh within the fort are magnificent centers of devotion and art. But the true story of Chittorgarh lies more in its sacrifice than in its palaces and temples. This fort has witnessed three of the most terrible ‘Sakas’ (a fight to the death followed by Jauhar) in history. When defeat was certain, the Rajput warriors would don saffron robes and fall upon the enemy like hungry lions, attaining martyrdom. Behind them, the queens and other heroic women would protect their honour by jumping into a raging pyre. It is this sacrifice that makes Chittor unique and greater than other forts. Today, as the last rays of the sun fall on the ruins of the fort, a strange silence descends. This silence is a tribute to the thousands of heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for their motherland. Chittorgarh Fort is not just a tourist destination; it is a pilgrimage site that reminds us that there is nothing greater than self-respect and freedom.

Q7. Create a character sketch of your favorite teacher.

Ans. A Beacon of Knowledge: My Dear Teacher, Mr. Awasthi In life, you meet some people who change your world. They don’t just teach; they teach you how to live. For me, that person is our Hindi teacher, Mr. Ramesh Awasthi. Whenever I remember him, an image forms in my mind that is a wonderful blend of profound knowledge, a child-like smile on his face, and a unique sparkle in his eyes. A height of about five feet eight inches, a thick, now-white mustache, a white khadi kurta-pajama, and a cloth bag hanging from his shoulder – this was his identity. There was a confidence in his walk and a charm in his voice such that when he recited a ‘doha’ or a ‘poem’ in class, time seemed to stand still. He didn’t just impart bookish knowledge; he would pour the philosophy of life from Kabir’s couplets and the pain of society from Nirala’s poems and make us drink it. His teaching style was unique. The dull dates of history would become stories from his mouth, and the difficult rules of grammar would be easily understood through jokes and examples. As strict as Mr. Awasthi was about discipline, he was equally soft-hearted. One had to face his scolding for making a mistake in class, but his eyes always reflected a fatherly concern. Once, when I was absent from school for several days, he himself came to my house. That day, I realized he was not just a teacher but a guardian too. His greatest quality was his ability to see something special in every student. He used to say, “A diamond is hidden in every child; the teacher’s job is just to polish it.” He encouraged me to write. He would read even my clumsy poems with great attention and correct them. If I can write a few words today, the entire credit goes to him. He has retired now, but every lesson he taught, every word he said, still guides my life. Mr. Awasthi is not just a teacher to me, but a beacon of light who changed the direction of my life. He is living proof of what a good teacher can do.

Q8. Prepare a list of 20 questions to ask during an interview with a famous politician.

Ans. A list of 20 questions for an interview with a famous and experienced politician (e.g., a Union Minister or a State’s Chief Minister): Initial and Personal Journey: 1. When and how did the thought of entering politics first come to your mind? Was there a specific incident that inspired you? 2. Tell us about the struggles of your early political life and your most memorable moment. 3. Outside of politics, what are your personal interests? What do you do to relieve stress?

Current Role and Policies: 4. What do you consider to be your government’s biggest achievement so far, and why? 5. The opposition accuses your government of failing to control unemployment and inflation. What is your response to this? 6. What has been the on-ground impact of the ‘XYZ’ scheme launched by your ministry/state? Do you have any concrete data on this? 7. What are your government’s priorities in the fields of education and health, and what major changes are you planning to bring in the next two years?

National and Social Issues: 8. How do you view the growing communal polarization in the country? What steps should be taken to stop it? 9. What is your and your party’s opinion on the idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’? 10. What are the challenges in the implementation of the New Education Policy, and how will you overcome them? 11. Women’s safety remains a serious issue. Besides making laws stricter, what should be done to change the social mindset? 12. How do you assess India’s foreign policy, especially its relations with neighboring countries?

Ideology and Future Vision: 13. What is the core foundation of your political ideology? Has it changed over the years? 14. In 2047, when India completes 100 years of its independence, where do you see India? 15. Today’s youth often shy away from politics. What message would you like to give them for active participation in politics? 16. Questions are often raised about your party’s internal democracy. What do you have to say about this?

Criticism and Self-Assessment: 17. Is there any one decision in your political career that you regret today? 18. How do you deal with the trolling and personal attacks that happen on social media? 19. Do you think there has been a decline in ethical values in politics today?

Conclusion: 20. After retiring from politics, how would you like your legacy to be remembered?

Q9. Write a review of a film you have watched.

Ans. Film Review: 3 Idiots – An Entertaining and Meaningful Attack on the Education System Director: Rajkumar Hirani Main Cast: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor Rajkumar Hirani’s film ‘3 Idiots’ (2009) is not just a comedy film, but a sharp and meaningful satire on the flaws of the Indian education system. It is a film that makes you think while making you laugh, and that is its greatest success. The story revolves around three friends – Rancho (Aamir Khan), Farhan (R. Madhavan), and Raju (Sharman Joshi), who study at a prestigious engineering college in India. Rancho is a student who believes in learning and understanding rather than rote memorization and joining the race for marks. His philosophy is – “Don’t run after success, chase excellence, and success will follow you.” On the other hand, Farhan is pursuing engineering under his father’s pressure while his passion is wildlife photography, and Raju is a timid student burdened by his family’s poverty. The film presents the friendship of these three, their struggles, and their ideological clash with the orthodox and pressurizing college director ‘Virus’ (Boman Irani) in a highly entertaining manner. Analysis:

• Direction and Screenplay: Rajkumar Hirani’s direction is brilliant. He has presented a serious subject with such ease and entertainment that the film never feels heavy. The screenplay, co-written with Abhijat Joshi, is tight and impactful. The film’s dialogues, like “All is well” and “Your Highness, you are great, accept this gift,” are still popular today.
• Acting: Aamir Khan has breathed life into the character of Rancho. His energy and innocence make the character unforgettable. R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi have also beautifully portrayed the struggles and emotions of their respective characters. Boman Irani’s performance as ‘Virus’ is outstanding; he is a villain you hate and pity at the same time.
• Music and Technical Aspects: Shantanu Moitra’s music is connected to the soul of the film. Songs like ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ and ‘Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh’ move the story forward and express the characters’ emotions. The cinematography and editing are also of a high standard.
• Message: The film’s message is clear and powerful. It urges parents and society not to burden children with their expectations and to give them the opportunity to follow their passion. It questions our education system that creates ‘degree-making’ machines rather than creative and innovative human beings.

Conclusion:

‘3 Idiots’ is a complete entertainer for audiences of all classes and ages. It will not only make you laugh, cry, and inspire you, but also compel you to think about the true meaning of education. It is a film that every student, every parent, and every teacher must watch. It is a ‘classic’ work of Indian cinema.

Q10. Write notes on any two of the following: (a) Changing cities (b) The importance of ‘subject matter’ in a book review (c) Changing attitudes towards children (d) The need for writing about women

Ans. (a) Changing Cities Today’s cities are changing at an unprecedented pace. This change is not just physical but also social, cultural, and psychological. On a physical level, skyscrapers, wide roads, flyovers, and metro rail networks have become the new identity of modern cities. These are symbols of development, providing better connectivity and facilities. But this development comes at a price – the felling of green trees, the expansion of concrete jungles, and rising pollution. On a social and cultural level, the old sense of ‘neighborhood’ in cities is disappearing. People live in apartments but do not know the person living in the adjacent flat. The number of nuclear families has increased, and the tradition of joint families has weakened. Cities have provided opportunities for employment, education, and a better lifestyle, leading to massive migration from villages. This has created a ‘melting pot’ culture in cities, where people from different regions and languages live together. However, psychological problems like anonymity, loneliness, and stress have also increased. Changing cities present a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges. (b) The importance of ‘subject matter’ in a book review In a book review, the ‘subject matter’ is its foundation. The first and most important task of any review is to tell the reader what the book is about. If it is fiction, what is its plot? If it is non-fiction, what is its central argument or theme? Without clarifying the subject, a review is meaningless and incomplete. The importance of the subject is not limited to just introducing the book. A good reviewer also analyzes how well the author has done justice to their chosen subject. Is the subject original and new? Has the author conducted thorough research on the topic? Is the presentation engaging enough to hold the reader’s attention? For example, in a review of a historical novel, it is important to see how the author has balanced historical facts and fiction. Similarly, in a review of a book on a scientific topic, it would be assessed whether the author has explained complex concepts in simple language. Ultimately, the subject matter determines the book’s relevance and its target audience, and a successful review is written keeping all these aspects in mind. (c) Changing attitudes towards children In recent decades, there has been a revolutionary change in societal attitudes towards children. In traditional society, children were considered ‘miniature adults’ from whom only obedience and discipline were expected. The notion that they ‘should be seen and not heard’ was prevalent. Their own feelings, thoughts, and rights were given no importance. In contrast, the modern perspective, influenced by child psychology and human rights, sees children as independent individuals. It is now believed that every child has their own unique abilities, interests, and emotions. The parenting style has shifted from ‘authoritarian’ to ‘authoritative’ and ‘friendly.’ The emphasis is now on the holistic development of children, which includes sports, arts, and other creative activities along with academics. Laws against child labor, the Right to Education, and increased awareness about child abuse are concrete evidence of this changing attitude. Technology and media have also played a role in this change, although they have some negative effects as well. Overall, today’s children are not just citizens of the future but are considered important members of the present. (d) The need for writing about women For centuries, literature and media have been dominated by a male perspective, which has led to women either not being represented at all or being confined to stereotypical roles like the ‘helpless damsel,’ ‘goddess,’ or ‘object.’ Therefore, the need for writing about women, and especially by women, is not just a literary one but a deep social and political necessity. This is necessary to give an authentic voice to the experiences, struggles, dreams, and perspectives of women. Such writing shatters the myths created by patriarchal society and presents women as multidimensional, complex, and realistic characters. When women write about issues like their health, sexuality, economic independence, and domestic violence, they bring to light truths that are often ignored. This writing not only gives inspiration and courage to other women but also sensitizes men in society to see the world from a different perspective. Writing about women is not just about ‘women’s issues’; it is essential for understanding the world in a complete and balanced perspective. It is a significant step towards representation, equality, and social justice.