Assignment Code: BEGLA-135 / TMA / 2022-23

Course Code: BEGLA-135

Assignment Name: English in Daily Life

Year: 2022 – 2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

All questions are compulsory. Max. Marks: 100

Section A

Q 1 Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

‘A great mass’ of something means a great amount. When the new method of manufacturing articles in great numbers was introduced, a new name was wanted for it and ‘Mass production’ was the one that came into use.

In what ways does mass production differ from the older methods of manufacture? Formerly a craftsman, or skilled workman, often made the whole of an article himself by hand. He put into his work all his skill, all his experience. He was proud of the fruits of his labour. His reputation, his standing among his fellows, depended on his skill and on his character. He would have been ashamed if any serious fault had appeared in his work. He was envied and admired by fellow-craftsmen whose skill was not equal to his own. Articles made in this way could not be mass-produced. Each article differed slightly from the others; in everyone there was something of the maker’s individuality. The finished article was sold at a high price, the price representing the time and the skill of the craftsman who had made it.

Many such articles, made long ago with loving care, possess a quality and a beauty that mass-produced goods cannot equal. The wonderful pottery of ancient China, the lovely carpets of Persia, the engraved sword of Damascus, the silver-ware of the Middle Ages _ all these things show the individual craftsmanship of their long-dead makers.

These articles were made for the rich and for those who were moderately well off. The poorer classes could not hope to possess works of art. Their household utensils, their clothes and their farm tools were roughly and cheaply made, though very practical in serving the purposes for which they were designed. [Mass Production by G. C. Thornley]

Q1. a) How did the term ‘mass production’ come into use? 2

Ans) When a new method of mass-producing articles in large quantities was introduced, a new name was sought, and 'mass production' was chosen.

Q1. b) Why are handmade articles dearer than mass-produced goods? 3

Ans) Previously, a craftsman or skilled worker would often make the entire article by hand. He put all of his skill and experience into his work. He was pleased with the results of his efforts. The articles created in this manner could not be mass-produced. Everyone had a little bit of the maker's personality. The finished item was sold for a high price, with the price reflecting the time and skill of the craftsman who made it.

Q1. c) Enumerate the qualities of a craftsman in older times. 3

Ans) He would have been embarrassed if a serious flaw had been discovered in his work. He was admired and envied by fellow craftsmen whose abilities were inferior to his. His reputation, his standing among his peers, was based on his ability and character.

Q1. d) Give a suitable title to the passage. 2

Ans) Crafted vs. Mass-produced articles.

Q 2. Use the following words in sentences of your own. (2x5=10)

Q2. a) Pottery

Ans) His collection of ancient pottery is turning one hundred pieces.

Q2. b) Envied

Ans) Majority in the neighbourhood envied the recently purchased Bob's expensive new luxury car.

Q2. c) Individuality

Ans) She expresses her individuality through her clothes she wears.

Q2. d) Mass-produced

Ans) The first mass-produced electric cars will soon be available in India.

Q2. e) Engraved

Ans) The jeweller skilfully engraved the initials on my gold ring.

SECTION B

Do as directed:

Q 1. Change the following sentences from direct speech to indirect speech. 10

Q1. i) The passenger said, “Will you leave the compartment immediately?”

Ans) The passenger told the person to leave the compartment immediately.

Q1. ii) Gandhi said, “Haven’t I the right to travel first class?”

Ans) Gandhi asked if he did not have a right to travel in first class.

Q1. iii) The constable said, “Don’t you understand simple instructions?”

Ans) The constable asked whether he understood simple instructions.

Q1. iv) Gandhi said, “Shall I not try to root out the disease of colour prejudice?”

Ans) Gandhi asked if he should not try to root out the disease of colour prejudice.

Q1. v) The general manager said, “Hasn’t justice been given to you?”

Ans) The general manager asked whether justice was done to him.

Q1. vi) The merchants said, “Isn’t this injustice to be treated badly?”

Ans) The merchant asked whether it was ‘just’ to be treated badly.

Q1. vii) Gandhi said, “Can’t we lodge a strong protest?”

Ans) Gandhi asked if they could lodge a strong protest.

Q1. viii) The official said, “Don’t you know this is a different country?”

Ans) The official asked if he knew this was a different country.

Q1. ix) The official said, “Do you want me to throw you out?”

Ans) The official asked whether he wanted to be thrown out.

Q1. x) The official said, “Shall I call the police?”

Ans) The official asked if he should call the police.

Q 2. Rewrite these sentences using the correct form of the verb given in brackets. 10

Q2. i) Did you remember (lock) the safe.

Ans) Do you remember locking the safe?

Q2. ii) Rita hoped (get) a bucket of clean water.

Ans) Rita hoped in getting a bucket of clean water.

Q2. iii) The boss refused (accept) my resignation.

Ans) The boss refused the acceptation of my resignation.

Q2. iv) Usha hopes (draw) your portrait before the end of this month.

Ans) Usha hopes to finish drawing your portrait before the end of this month.

Q2. v) My sister’s afraid of heights. She refused (go) rock climbing.

Ans) My sister being afraid of heights refused going for rock climbing.

Q2. vi) My American friend invited me (spend) my summer holidays with her.

Ans) My American friend invited me so I could be spending my summer holidays with her.

Q2. vii) The air hostess asked the passengers (fasten) their seat belts.

Ans) The air hostess asked if the passengers had fastened their seat belts.

Q2. viii) The women had come (draw) water from the well.

Ans) The women came with the purpose of drawing water from the well.

Q2. ix) They arranged (meet) after office hours.

Ans) They arranged for us to have a meeting after office hours.

Q2. x) The Sherpa warned the mountaineers not (smoke) while using oxygen masks.

Ans) The Sherpa warned the mountaineers that smoking was not allowed while using oxygen masks.

SECTION C

Q 1. Draft a biographical sketch of your favourite sportsperson in about 250 words. 20

Ans) Biography of sportsman -M.S. Dhoni

MS Dhoni was born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Bihar in a Hindu Rajput family to Pan Singh and Devki Devi. His paternal village is in the Lamamra block in Almora, Uttarakhand. Dhoni has a sister Jayanti Gupta and his brother Narendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni went to school in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and excelled in badminton, football, and cricket. He was a football and cricket goalkeeper.

Dhoni showed impressive wicket-keeping skills at the Commando Cricket Club in 1995-98 and in the 1997-98 Vinous Mankad Trophy Under-16 Championship. Dhoni focused on cricket after high school.

MS Dhoni met Priyanka Jha in his early 20s before marrying Sakshi Singh Rawat. Dhoni tried to make the Indian team in 2002. His girlfriend died the same year. Mahendra Singh Dhoni married Sakshi Singh Rawat on July 4, 2010.

MS Dhoni joined CCL in 1998. He played school and club cricket until 1998. Deval Sahay, who selected Dhoni for CCL, gave him Rs 50 for every six in the Sheesh Mahal tournament. CCL moved to A division with his help. Deval Sahay pushed for his selection in the Bihar team after seeing his dedication and cricket skills. At 18, he was selected for the 1999-2000 Bihar Ranji Team.

MS Dhoni bats and keeps right-handed. His lower order attacking mode was changed due to his captaincy. He is also a fast runner. His childhood friend Santosh Lal taught him the Helicopter Shot.

Besides batting, he is praised for his wicket-keeping. He is the fastest wicketkeeper at stumping. He is the wicketkeeper with the most stumpings. He is an Indian Cricket medium-fast bowler.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an Indian International Cricketer who has retired from International Cricket. MS Dhoni is the only captain in the history of Cricket to win all the ICC trophies.

Q 2. Write a report in about 250 words on ‘Gender Discrimination’ that is still prevalent in our societies. 20

Ans)

Title: Report on Gender Discrimination

Introduction:

Gender discrimination, which begins in childhood, continues to rob children of their childhoods, and limit their opportunities, disproportionately affecting girls around the world. A girl is far more likely to be denied her rights, barred from attending school, forced to marry, and subjected to violence, with her voice undervalued, if heard at all. This assault on childhood robs nations of the energy and talent required to advance in society.

Body:

A quarter of Indians (23%) believe their country has "a lot of discrimination" against women. In addition, 16% of Indian women reported experiencing gender discrimination in the 12 months preceding the 2019-2020 survey.

Major areas of gender discrimination in Indian society:

Gender inequality in India refers to the disparities in health, education, economics, and politics that exist between men and women in India. The index focuses on the relative gap between men and women in four major categories: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

Causes of gender discrimination in our society:

Gender Discrimination still prevalent in our societies in India. Some of the causes of Gender Inequality are:

1. Uneven access to education.

2. Lack of employment equality.

3. Job segregation.

4. Lack of legal protections.

5. Lack of bodily autonomy.

6. Poor medical care.

7. Lack of religious freedom.

8. Lack of political representation.

Examples of gender discrimination and harassment include:

Women, in particular, are paid less than male employees doing the same job. They are subjected to unwanted sexual advances, sexual favour requests, or other forms of sexual harassment. They are given less paid sick leave or are denied employee benefits because of their gender. Income inequality, gender inequality, health care, and social class are all major examples of social inequality.

Conclusion:

Gender equality must be prioritised in order to close disparities and reach every child, including the most vulnerable. Gender inequalities intersect with and exacerbate other risk factors, such as age, race, socioeconomic class, gender identity, geography, health status, and ability.

Appendices:

1. Pew research centre.

2. Forbes.

3. Save the children.

Q 3. Write a dialogue between a student wishing to seek admission in IGNOU and an Admission Help Desk Incharge. (250-300 words). 20

Ans)

Topic:  A Dialogue Between a New Student and Desk In-charge on Admission in IGNOU

Student: May I come in, sir?

Desk In-charge: Yes, come in. What can I do for you?

Student: Sir, I was a student at Chittagong City College. Now I am seeking admission into your esteemed IGNOU college.

Desk In-charge: Okay, what is your name and why do you want to get admitted here?

Student: My name is Manjeet Singh. My father is a government employee. Recently he has been transferred here from Chittagong. Besides, having completed my college I am keen on pursuing higher education from your university.

Desk In-charge: What is your father doing?

Student: He is retired recently from the post of police officer.

Desk In-charge: In which course do you want admission?

Student: I want to do my master’s in business administration.

Desk In-charge: Have you brought the Certificate of your previous college?

Student: Yes sir, here it is.

Desk In-charge: I see you have performed well in your college exams. I would like you to meet the head clerk and collect the admission form from him. Fill it carefully with all details required therein.

Student: Could you please let me know admission fee, sir?

Desk In-charge: The head clerk will inform you all in detail about your course.

Student: Sir, can I be assured of getting admission in IGNOU?

Desk In - charge: I see you are a good student and I do not see any reason for rejection. Rest assured you can come tomorrow at 10 a.m. along with your credentials.

Student: Thank you, sir.

Desk In-charge: You are welcome.