IGNOU BEGE-104 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BEGE-104 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BEGE-104 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : British anthropologist, Sir Edward Burnett Tylor defines culture as ‘that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom or any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society’. Certain characteristic manners and practices of a group of people, go to form the ‘cultural pattern’ of a society. Culture could be associated with a nation, town, village or a tribe. Man acquires culture or becomes cultured by being member of a society or a group. Given the complexity introduced by differences of race, religion, language, customs and tradition, it is not easy to identify the elements of Indian culture. However, undeniably, it is the pre-eminence of Hinduism in India that gives to Indian culture its special characteristics. Sardar Panikkar identifies some outstanding features of Indian culture as—tradition of tolerance, sense of synthesis reflected in racial harmony, universal outlook as reflected in views such as ‘the world is one family’, philosophical outlook with belief in the unity of creation and respect for the individual based on the _ philosophical equation of Atman and Brahman—the soul and the supreme soul. Indian culture has survived because in every generation, the best among us have lived by certain fundamental values, like the values taught in the Bhagwad Gita. The day the best spirits cease to find self-fulfillment in living upto these values, Indian culture would no longer be a stream of vitality. The first value which underlines our culture is the faith in the supremacy of the moral and spiritual order which the Vedic sages called Rit. Rit is the universal order, material, moral and spiritual which upholds life. Satya or truth is its personal aspect. Satya in the sense of absolute sincerity, unity of thought, word and deed, is not to be cultivated in a cave or in a place of pilgrimage. It has to be lived in every action, in every relationship and on every occasion. The other value is sanyam i.e. dedication or surrender of the ego to God. By living a dedicated life, the individual recaptures the values of his own generation and passes them on as a legacy to the next one. The third great value is Samarpan i.e. consecration. Rigid asceticism is not consecration. In order to realise consecration, we must live a full life in which every act comes to be consecrated as an offering to God. To live up to these values, desire, greed, malice and anger have to be transmitted into noble aspirations, religious tolerance and love of peace. Our education system needs to realise the necessity of imparting these values to the young mind so that India may safeguard its soul. Questions : (i) How does an individual acquire culture ? (ii) Despite differences of various kinds what gives India its cultural identity ? (iii) What are the fundamental values underlying Indian culture ? (iv) How can India safeguard its soul ? (v) Which text embodies fundamental life values ? (vi) How is ‘Sanyam’ different from ‘Samarpan’ ? (vii) What does ‘Satya’ or truth mean in the passage ? (viii) What are the features of Indian culture according to Sardar Panikkar ? (ix) Which words in the passage have the same meaning as : Strength, energy and liveliness in an unquestionable or obvious manner. (x) Give a suitable title to the passage.

Ans. The answers to the following questions are based on the given passage: (i) According to the passage, an individual acquires culture or becomes cultured by being a member of a society or a group . (ii) Despite various differences, it is the pre-eminence of Hinduism in India that gives Indian culture its special characteristics and cultural identity. (iii) The fundamental values underlying Indian culture mentioned in the passage are:

• Faith in the supremacy of the moral and spiritual order, called ‘Rit’ , whose personal aspect is ‘Satya’ (truth).
• ‘Sanyam’ , which means dedication or the surrender of the ego to God.
• ‘Samarpan’ , which means consecration, where every act is offered to God.

(iv)

India can safeguard its soul when its

education system realizes the necessity of imparting fundamental values

like Rit, Satya, Sanyam, and Samarpan to the young minds.

(v)

The passage states that the

Bhagwad Gita

is the text that embodies fundamental life values.

(vi)

‘Sanyam’ is defined as the dedication or surrender of the ego to God, an internal act of renouncing the self. In contrast, ‘Samarpan’ is consecration, which involves living a full life where

every act becomes an offering to God

. Sanyam is the internal state of surrender, while Samarpan is the external application of that state through action.

(vii)

In the passage, ‘Satya’ or truth means

absolute sincerity

and the

unity of thought, word, and deed

. It is a value to be lived in every action and relationship, not something to be practiced in isolation.

(viii)

According to Sardar Panikkar, the features of Indian culture are:

• A tradition of tolerance.
• A sense of synthesis reflected in racial harmony.
• A universal outlook, such as ‘the world is one family’.
• A philosophical outlook with a belief in the unity of creation.
• Respect for the individual based on the equation of Atman and Brahman.

(ix)

The words in the passage with the same meaning are:

• Strength, energy and liveliness: vitality
• in an unquestionable or obvious manner: undeniably

(x)

A suitable title for the passage would be

“The Essence of Indian Culture”

or

“The Fundamental Values of Indian Culture”

.

Q2. What is a portfolio ? How is web version of your portfolio useful ?

Ans. A portfolio is a curated collection of a person’s work, projects, and other evidence that demonstrates their skills, accomplishments, and experience in a particular field. It serves as a tangible proof of one’s capabilities, designed to be shown to potential employers, clients, or academic institutions. Unlike a resume, which lists qualifications, a portfolio showcases them through concrete examples. A portfolio might include:

• Work samples (e.g., articles, designs, code, reports)
• Case studies of completed projects
• Photographs of physical work
• Testimonials or letters of recommendation
• Certifications and awards

A

web version of a portfolio

, also known as an e-portfolio or digital portfolio, is exceptionally useful in the modern professional landscape for several reasons:

1. Accessibility and Reach:

A web portfolio is accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world. It can be easily shared with a simple URL in emails, on social media profiles like LinkedIn, or on a business card, dramatically increasing its reach.

2. Multimedia Integration:

It allows for the inclusion of dynamic content that a physical portfolio cannot support. This includes videos, audio files, animations, and interactive elements, which are crucial for showcasing skills in creative and technical fields.

3. Ease of Updating:

A web portfolio can be updated instantly with new work, skills, or achievements without the need for reprinting or reassembling physical materials. This ensures it always reflects the most current and best work.

4. Cost-Effectiveness:

It eliminates printing, binding, and shipping costs associated with physical portfolios, making it a highly economical choice.

5. Demonstrates Tech Savviness:

Creating and maintaining a well-designed web portfolio signals to employers that you are current with digital technology, a valuable trait in almost any industry.

6. Analytics:

Many platforms provide analytics, allowing you to track who is viewing your portfolio, their location, and what content is most popular, providing valuable feedback on its impact.

Q3. Write about the different forms of interviews and the skills required to face them.

Ans. Interviews are a cornerstone of the hiring process, and they come in various forms, each designed to assess different aspects of a candidate. Understanding these forms and the skills needed to excel in them is crucial for job seekers. Different Forms of Interviews:

• One-on-One Interview: The most traditional format, involving a single interviewer and the candidate. It allows for an in-depth conversation about skills, experience, and personality fit.
• Panel Interview: The candidate is interviewed by a group of two or more people simultaneously. This format is efficient for the company and tests the candidate’s ability to engage with multiple stakeholders and handle pressure.
• Group Interview: Multiple candidates are interviewed together and are often given a group task or problem to solve. This is used to evaluate teamwork, leadership, and communication skills in a collaborative setting.
• Telephonic Interview: Often used as an initial screening tool to shortlist candidates. The focus is on verifying qualifications and assessing basic communication skills.
• Video Interview: Can be live (via platforms like Zoom) or pre-recorded (where candidates record answers to preset questions). It is used for remote hiring and assesses both verbal communication and on-screen presence.
• Behavioral Interview: Based on the premise that past behavior predicts future performance. Interviewers ask questions like, “Tell me about a time when you…” to elicit specific examples of how a candidate has handled work situations.
• Situational/Case Interview: The candidate is presented with a hypothetical work-related problem or case study and asked how they would respond. This tests problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Skills Required to Face Interviews:

• Strong Communication: The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely, listen actively, and tailor your message to the audience (e.g., being more concise on the phone, more engaging on video).
• Thorough Preparation: Researching the company, understanding the job role, and preparing answers for common questions. This also includes preparing your own thoughtful questions for the interviewer.
• STAR Method: For behavioral interviews, being able to structure answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to provide clear, compelling examples.
• Composure and Confidence: Maintaining a calm and confident demeanor, especially during panel or stress interviews. Positive body language and eye contact are key in face-to-face settings.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Especially crucial for case interviews, this involves breaking down problems, analyzing information, and proposing logical solutions.
• Adaptability: Being able to think on your feet and adapt to different interview styles and unexpected questions.

Q4. How is telephonic conversation different from face to face conversation ? What care should be taken to make telephonic conversation effective ?

Ans. Telephonic conversation and face-to-face conversation are two distinct modes of communication, with the primary difference being the absence of non-verbal cues in the former. This fundamental difference shapes the dynamics of the interaction. Differences between Telephonic and Face-to-Face Conversation:

• Absence of Non-Verbal Cues: Face-to-face conversations are enriched by body language, facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures, which provide context and emotional nuance. In a telephonic conversation, all these visual cues are lost, making it harder to gauge the other person’s reactions and true feelings.
• Emphasis on Vocal Cues: On the phone, tone, pitch, pace, and volume of voice become the primary tools for conveying emotion and meaning. A monotonous voice can be misinterpreted as disinterest, while a warm, varied tone can build rapport.
• Increased Potential for Misunderstanding: Without visual feedback, it is easier to misinterpret sarcasm, humor, or seriousness. This necessitates clearer and more direct language.
• Greater Need for Active Listening: Because you cannot see the other person, active listening—paying close attention and providing verbal affirmations like “I see,” or “uh-huh”—is critical to show engagement and ensure understanding.
• Environmental Distractions: In a phone call, it is easier for participants to be distracted by their surroundings or to multitask, which can detract from the quality of the conversation.

Care to be Taken for an Effective Telephonic Conversation:

To overcome the limitations of phone calls and ensure effective communication, the following care should be taken:

1. Prepare in Advance:

Have a clear objective for the call and an outline of points to discuss. Keep necessary documents and a notepad handy.

2. Choose a Quiet Environment:

Make the call from a quiet place to minimize background noise and interruptions, ensuring clarity for both parties.

3. Speak Clearly and Use Your Voice Effectively:

Articulate your words clearly and speak at a moderate pace. Modulate your tone to sound engaged and positive. Smiling while you speak can make your voice sound warmer.

4. Practice Active Listening:

Pay full attention to the speaker. Paraphrase key points to confirm your understanding (“So, what you’re saying is…”). Avoid interrupting.

5. Identify Yourself Clearly:

Begin the call by stating your name and organization to establish context immediately.

6. Summarize and Confirm:

At the end of the call, summarize the key decisions made and any action items. Confirm who is responsible for each task and the deadlines to ensure there is no ambiguity.

Q5. What are the do’s and don’ts a chairperson needs to observe while conducting a meeting successfully ?

Ans. The success of a meeting often hinges on the effectiveness of the chairperson. A good chairperson acts as a facilitator, guiding the group towards its objectives efficiently and harmoniously. To achieve this, they must adhere to specific principles of conduct. The Do’s for a Chairperson:

• Do Prepare Thoroughly: A chairperson must review the agenda, understand the objectives for each item, and be familiar with any background materials. Preparation is key to guiding the meeting effectively.
• Do Start and End on Time: Respecting everyone’s schedule by adhering to the start and end times demonstrates professionalism and encourages punctuality in others.
• Do Set the Context: Begin the meeting by welcoming attendees, stating the meeting’s purpose and objectives, and briefly running through the agenda. This focuses the group from the outset.
• Do Facilitate Participation: Encourage balanced participation by inviting quieter members to share their views and politely preventing dominant individuals from monopolizing the conversation.
• Do Keep the Meeting on Track: Skillfully steer the discussion back to the agenda if it digresses. Use phrases like, “That’s an interesting point, but let’s return to the main topic for now.”
• Do Manage Time: Keep an eye on the clock and allocate time appropriately for each agenda item to ensure all important topics are covered.
• Do Clarify and Summarize: Periodically summarize discussions, decisions made, and action items to ensure everyone is on the same page and to solidify progress.
• Do Conclude Effectively: End the meeting with a clear summary of all decisions and a list of action items, including who is responsible for each and the deadline. Announce the date and time of the next meeting if applicable.

The Don’ts for a Chairperson:

• Don’t Dominate the Discussion: The chairperson’s role is to guide, not to dictate. Avoid imposing your own opinions and allow the group to reach a consensus.
• Don’t Be Unprepared: Coming to a meeting unprepared wastes time, undermines credibility, and leads to an unproductive session.
• Don’t Let the Meeting Drift: Do not allow side conversations or off-topic discussions to derail the meeting’s purpose.
• Don’t Ignore Conflict: Do not let disagreements escalate or fester. Address conflicts constructively and mediate to find common ground or a resolution.
• Don’t Allow Interruptions: Maintain order by ensuring that members do not speak over one another.
• Don’t End Without a Clear Outcome: Avoid adjourning the meeting with unresolved issues or ambiguity about the next steps. Every meeting should have a clear result.

Q6. (a) Fill in the blanks using the correct idioms : think on your feet, on the fly, play it by the ear, lose sight of, read between the lines (i) Being able to ………. is a definite advantage during question-answer sessions. (ii) One can’t predict the audience questions, but has to just ……… (iii) Attentive and knowledgeable students can ……..- . (iv) A good presenter can cope with the unexpected ………. without any obvious effort. (v) You must never ………. the main focus of your presentation. (b) Change the following into passive voice : (i) Someone hit my car from the back. (ii) Employers pay the manual workers weekly. (iii) Countries store most nuclear waste underground. (iv) In case of a vacancy, we first ask suitable in–house candidates to apply. (v) They have cleared all the roads in this area due to VIP movement. (c) Fill in the blanks with the correct participle form of the given verbs : interest, fry, wound, break, haunt (i) We took the ………… youth to the hospital. (ii) Grandma told us an………… story. (iii) People in the village said that it was a………… house. (iv) ………… potatoes are tasty to eat. (v) The boy sat on a ………… chair by mistake. (d) Match the clauses to form suitable sentences : (i) If the traffic is bad -> (1) if they work in a congenial surrounding. (ii) If Mr. Gupta rings -> (2) it gets there the following morning. (iii) If we sign the contract today -> (3) I may get home late. (iv) People are more productive -> (4) ask him to leave his number. (v) If you send a letter by speed post -> (5) we can start production in a week’s time.

Ans. (a) Fill in the blanks using the correct idioms: (i) Being able to think on your feet is a definite advantage during question-answer sessions. (ii) One can’t predict the audience questions, but has to just play it by the ear . (iii) Attentive and knowledgeable students can read between the lines . (iv) A good presenter can cope with the unexpected on the fly without any obvious effort. (v) You must never lose sight of the main focus of your presentation. (b) Change the following into passive voice: (i) My car was hit from the back. (ii) The manual workers are paid weekly. (iii) Most nuclear waste is stored underground. (iv) In case of a vacancy, suitable in-house candidates are first asked to apply. (v) All the roads in this area have been cleared due to VIP movement. (c) Fill in the blanks with the correct participle form of the given verbs: (i) We took the wounded youth to the hospital. (ii) Grandma told us an interesting story. (iii) People in the village said that it was a haunted house. (iv) Fried potatoes are tasty to eat. (v) The boy sat on a broken chair by mistake. (d) Match the clauses to form suitable sentences: (i) If the traffic is bad – (3) I may get home late. (ii) If Mr. Gupta rings – (4) ask him to leave his number. (iii) If we sign the contract today – (5) we can start production in a week’s time. (iv) People are more productive – (1) if they work in a congenial surrounding. (v) If you send a letter by speed post – (2) it gets there the following morning.