English Regular (SEP) I - SEM BBA 2024 -25 Solved Question Paper
I. Answer the following questions in a word, a phrase, or a sentence each. (10x1=10)
1. What is Vijay Shekhar Sharma's stake in paytm?
Vijay Shekhar Sharma holds about 9.06 % stake in Paytm. As of the latest shareholding report.
2. Who is the author of the story 'My Financial Career¹?
Stephen Leacock
3. Name the accountant in 'My Financial Career'.
The accountant’s name is Mr. Montgomery.
4. What does Nirmai provide in 'Four Entrepreneurs Prove. Its Never too late to start Up'?
Nirmai provides early detection of breast cancer through a non-invasive, radiation- free method.
5. Who is the poet of 'The Dream Seller'?
Gabriel Okara.
6. What promise does the speaker make in the final lines of the poem. "Tonight I can write the Saddest Lines'?
The speaker promises that he will no longer lover her, even though his heart still longs for her.
7. What does the poet say about the wind in 'Tonight I can write the Saddest Lines"?
The poet says that the wind moves through the sky, singing.
8. Name the chief physician of the city of Dhaka in 'The Haunted House'.
Hakim Habibur Rahman.
9. What part of the city Vipuncandra owns a house in "The Skin Bag'?
He owns a house in Dhaka, in the old part of the city.
10. Who have taken shape in the same Sling Bag in 'The Skin Bag'?
Vipuncandra and his ancestors have taken shape in the same skin bag.
II. Answer any two of the following: (1x10=10)
1) Elaborate on Vijay Shekhar Sharma's Journey from his humble beginnings to becoming a pioneer in the digital payment industry.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India. He came from a middle-class family and had big dreams. He was a bright student and loved technology. At just 15 years old, he joined college to study engineering. However, he faced a challenge-most of his studies were in English, but he had studied in Hindi. He worked hard, learned English on his own, and overcame this difficulty.
In 2000, he started a company called One97 Communications, which provided mobile content like news and ringtones. Later, he saw the potential of digital payments in India. In 2010, he launched Paytm, a mobile wallet service. Initially, people were not used to online payments, but Vijay believed in his idea. His big breakthrough came in 2016 when the Indian government announced demonetization. People had to switch to digital payments, and Paytm became very popular.
Today, Paytm is one of India’s largest digital payment companies, and Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a billionaire entrepreneur. Despite many struggles, he never gave up on his dreams. His journey from a small town to a successful businessman is an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs.
2) Write the character Sketch of the narrator in 'My Financial Career'.
The narrator of My Financial Career is a nervous and shy man who lacks confidence, especially when dealing with banks. He feels anxious and uncomfortable in formal situations. When he enters a bank to open an account, he becomes very nervous. His fear makes him act in a strange way, and he cannot express himself properly.
He is also very self-conscious. He feels that everyone in the bank is watching him, even when they are not. This makes him even more nervous, and he ends up making mistakes, like asking to see the manager without knowing why. He gets confused while handling money and embarrasses himself by depositing his own cash and then withdrawing it immediately.
The narrator is also humorous, though unintentionally. His nervous actions and mistakes make the story funny. He does not plan to be funny, but his behavior makes readers laugh.
Overall, the narrator is an ordinary man who struggles with social anxiety, especially in formal settings. He is honest and well-meaning but lacks confidence. His story shows how fear and nervousness can sometimes lead to awkward and funny situations. His character makes the story relatable and enjoyable.
III. Answer any two of the following: (1x10=10)
1) Critically appreciate the poem 'The Will To Win'.
The Will to Win is an inspiring poem that motivates readers to work hard and never give up. The poem teaches that success comes only to those who have strong determination and a burning desire to achieve their goals.
The poet explains that if a person truly wants to succeed, they must give their best effort. They should be ready to sacrifice comfort, work hard, and stay focused. The poem also highlights the importance of persistence. It suggests that people should not be afraid of difficulties or failures. Instead, they should keep trying until they achieve their dreams.
The poem uses powerful words to create a strong emotional impact. The repetition of ideas emphasizes the importance of determination. The poet encourages readers to have a positive mindset and to believe in themselves.
The central message of the poem is that success is not easy; it requires effort, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. The poem is highly motivating and encourages readers to push beyond their limits. It teaches that only those who are truly committed and passionate about their goals will succeed. This makes The Will to Win a powerful and uplifting poem that inspires readers to chase their dreams.
2) Explain the feelings of the poet in 'Tonight I can write the Saddest Lines'.
In the poem Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines, the poet, Pablo Neruda, expresses deep sadness and heartbreak. He is mourning the loss of his beloved and feels lonely. The poem is full of sorrow as he remembers the love he once shared with her.
The poet recalls happy moments they spent together. He loved her deeply, and she once loved him too. However, she is gone now, and he feels empty. He tries to accept that their love is over, but his heart is still in pain. He keeps thinking about her, even though he knows she will never return.
The poet’s feelings are a mix of love, regret, and sadness. He wants to move on, but his memories hold him back. His words show his deep emotional struggle. He repeats how much he suffers, making the poem even more powerful.
Despite his sorrow, he understands that time will heal his wounds. The poem captures the pain of lost love in a beautiful and emotional way. Readers can feel his sadness and relate to his emotions. This makes Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines a deeply touching and heartfelt poem.
IV. Write short notes on any two of the following taking one from the prose and one from the poetry. (2x5=10)
1. My Financial Career.
“My Financial Career” is a humorous short story by Stephen Leacock. It tells the story of a nervous man who feels extremely anxious when dealing with banks. When he decides to open a bank account, he becomes so nervous that he behaves awkwardly. He mistakenly asks for the manager, deposits his money, and then immediately withdraws it in confusion. His fear of banks makes him feel embarrassed, and he decides never to return. The story humorously highlights how fear and anxiety can make simple tasks difficult. The narrator’s clumsy behavior makes the story funny and relatable.
2. The Will To Win.
“The Will to Win” is a motivational poem that encourages determination and hard work. It teaches that success comes only to those who have a strong desire to achieve their goals. The poet emphasizes that a person must be willing to sacrifice, stay focused, and work tirelessly. The poem inspires readers to push past their limits and never give up. It highlights the importance of persistence, passion, and self-belief. The central message is that success is not easy, but with strong willpower, anyone can achieve their dreams. The poem is uplifting and encourages positive thinking.
3. The Haunted House.
“The Haunted House” is a short story by Charles Dickens. It is about a group of friends who decide to stay in a house that is believed to be haunted. They expect to see ghosts and experience supernatural events. However, instead of encountering real ghosts, they discover that fear and imagination create the idea of ghosts. The story is written in a mix of mystery, humor, and adventure. It explores human fears and the power of imagination. Dickens cleverly plays with the idea of haunted houses, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.
4. Tonight I can write the Saddest Lines.
“Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines” is a poem by Pablo Neruda about love and heartbreak. The poet expresses deep sorrow over losing his beloved. He remembers the love they shared and feels lonely now that she is gone. His words reflect pain, longing, and regret. He tries to convince himself that he will move on, but his memories make it difficult. The poem beautifully captures the emotions of lost love. The poet’s sadness is deeply touching, making the poem relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak. It is a powerful expression of love and loss.
V. Section
1) Attempt the following questions as directed. (5x1=5)
Lucy looks very mild. (Underline the naming word)
Ans: Lucy looks very mild.He is a courageous person. (Underline the describing word)
Ans: He is a courageous person.It was a difficult question. (Underline the adjective phrase)
Ans: It was a difficult question.The rich sportsman donated the shoes. (Underline the noun phrase)
Ans: The rich sportsman donated the shoes.She is a professor in an engineering college. (Underline the modifier in the sentence)
Ans: She is a professor in an engineering college.
2) Fill in the blanks with suitable Articles and Prepositions. (5x1=5)
I saw _____ cockroach in the kitchen.
Ans: aMy friend is ______ MLA.
Ans: anThe bridge was built _______ river.
Ans: over theA small stone was found ______ his stomach.
Ans: inThere was tough competition _____ the two strong parties.
Ans: between
3) Attempt the following questions as directed. (5x1=5)
The boy was punished by the teacher. (Write the antonym of the underlined word “punished”)
Ans: The boy was rewarded by the teacher.It was a useful class. (Write antonym of the underlined word “useful”)
Ans: It was a useless class.My friend is an intelligent student in the class. (Give the synonym of the underlined word “intelligent”)
Ans: My friend is a clever student in the class.Write the opposite of Wanted by adding a prefix.
Ans: Wanted → UnwantedChange the class of the word “employ” by adding a suffix.
Ans: Employ → employment (noun) / employee (noun, person)
4) Fill in the gaps with correct forms based on concord. (5x1=5)
My father ______ (leaves/left) home every day at 10:00 am.
Ans: leavesOne of the boys ________ (have/has) broken the window glass.
Ans: hasThe captain along with his parents _______ (was/were) present in the function.
Ans: wasThe team of seven players ________ (is/are)getting ready for the match.
Ans: isThe desert served for the guests _______ (was/were) not tasty.
Ans: was
VI. Section
1) Draft a copy of self-introduction in front of the panel members of an interview. (5x1=5)
Good morning/afternoon, Sir/Madam. My name is Soundarya, and I have recently completed my BBA from Rani Channamma University – (Belagavi) with a strong academic record. During my studies, I developed a deep interest in [Your Field/Area of Expertise], which motivated me to engage in various projects and practical assignments that strengthened my knowledge and skills.
I am particularly skilled in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and I enjoy applying these skills to achieve meaningful results. Apart from my academic background, I have gained hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time roles, where I learned to handle real-world challenges and collaborate effectively with others.
I am highly motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute positively to your organization, while also continuing to learn and grow professionally. I am confident that my dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on responsibilities will make me a valuable member of your team. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself.
2) Describe the book Exhibition you have visited. (5x1=5)
A Visit to a Book Exhibition
Last Sunday, I visited a book exhibition in my city. It was a wonderful experience. The exhibition was held in a large hall with many stalls displaying different types of books. There were books on literature, science, history, fiction, and many other topics. I was excited to see so many books in one place.
Many publishers had set up stalls, and there were discounts on various books. I bought a few novels and educational books. There were also special sections for children’s books with colorful illustrations. The atmosphere was lively, with book lovers of all ages exploring the stalls.
I also attended a book signing event where an author talked about writing and reading. It was inspiring to listen to him. The exhibition was a great place for book lovers, and I enjoyed it a lot. I hope to visit such exhibitions again in the future.
3) Prepare an imaginary dialogue between a Patient and Doctor. (5x1=5)
Patient: Good morning, doctor. May I come in?
Doctor: Good morning! Yes, please come in. What seems to be the problem?
Patient: Doctor, I’ve been having a severe headache and sore throat since yesterday.
Doctor: I see. Have you taken any medicine so far or just home remedies?
Patient: I took a painkiller last night, but it didn’t help much.
Doctor: Alright. It seems like you have a mild throat infection. I’ll prescribe you some medicines. Take proper rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid cold food.
Patient: Thank you very much, doctor. I’ll follow your advice.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Get well soon!
4) Comment on the views of Harman Singh Sidhu on road safety based on your listening of ted talk. (5x1=5)
In his TEDx talk, Harman Singh Sidhu emphasizes the critical role of road safety in shaping individual character and building a strong nation. He challenges the common misconception that road crashes are mere “accidents” and highlights that they are preventable events caused by identifiable factors. Citing alarming statistics, he compares the daily loss of lives on Indian roads to multiple Boeing plane crashes every day, emphasizing the human and economic costs involved. Sidhu shares his personal experience of life-altering injury from a road crash to illustrate the profound psychological and physical impacts. He advocates for comprehensive road safety measures, focusing on five key factors: policy enforcement, safe infrastructure, vehicle safety, responsible user behavior, and effective post-crash care. He particularly stresses the importance of responsible driving behaviors, such as avoiding speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, using mobile phones while driving, and maintaining visibility. Sidhu also highlights systemic challenges, like the widespread availability of liquor shops along highways, which contribute to drunk driving and accidents. Despite legal victories to reduce such hazards, enforcement remains a challenge. Using the analogy of disciplined ants, Sidhu urges society to adopt responsible and coordinated behavior on roads as a reflection of character and national progress. Ultimately, he calls for collective action, asserting that safer roads will lead to better individuals and a stronger nation.