Test Papers / Previous Question Papers of IGNOU FEG1 Foundation Course in English - 1 December 2005

BDP / BCA / BTS
Term-End Examination

December, 2005

FEG1: Foundation Course in English - 1

Time: 2 hours
Maximum Marks: 50

Note : Answer all the questions.

l. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Today, is my birthday and I breathe in the clean air,sitting in a deck chair with my three companions - two willow trees and one deodar. The lesson my deodor teaches me is not to pay attention to text books and to learn directly from trees. According to all the forest officers l have spoken to, growing the willow and the wild cherry is a waste of time. The reason is that the forest departrnent cannot make any money from the sale of willow or cherry. These guardians of our forests aretaught to value the wood from the tree because it can be sold. They are not taught to love trees and that is the reason we find bare slopes where willow and cherry trees could easily be planted.

It was Ruskin Bond, the author of many naturestories, who had encouraged me to transplant the young deodar now standing between the willows. We had goneto the far side of Mussoorie for a picnic twelve years ago and we had brought this young plant. I was afraid that the plant would die in my garden, transplanted from its home which was on the northern slopes. "Will it live ?" I asked Ruskin. "Of course, it will," said Ruskin, "if you give it enough love." Today, the sight of this young tree, putting down its roots and raising its branches to the sun and rain is the best birthday present I could have. When I am dead and gone, the deodar still protect the birdsand animals. Its presence will continue to bless the bare hillside.

(a) Read ihe following statements and say which statements are true and which are false: (5)

(i) The writer is celebrating his birthday with his family and friends.
(ii) The forest department likes to grow the willow.
(iii) The writer's friend has witten many nature stories.
(iv) The author (of this passage) had brought the deodor from Mussoorie.
(v) The deodor tree will remain even after the death of the author.

(b) Answer the tollowing questions briefly:

(i) What lesson has the author learnt from the - deodor? (2)
(ii) Why does the forest deparment not plant willow and cherry trees? (2)
(iii) Why did the author fear that the deodor would die in his garden? (2)
(iv) What assurance did Ruskin Bond give the author? (2)
(v) Why does the author consider the deodor the best birthday present? (2)

2. Do as directed:

(a) I asked him, "When are you joining the bank ?" He said, "ln a week's time."
(Change into indirect speech) (2)

(b) You will take this medicine. You will soon find a lot of relief.
(Combine into a conditional sentence, making necessary changes) (2)

(c) I was having my lunch. The telephone rang.
(Join the above sentences by changing one of the sentences into an adverbial clause of time.) (2)

(d) She is very tired. She cannot finish her work.
(Combine the above sentences into one sentence using 'too .... to') (2)

(e) I was shocked to hear that he had failed.
(Replace the underlined phrase by a clause of time) (2)

3. Write an essay of about 200 words on any one of the following topics: (10)

(i) A teacher who has influenced you greatly.
(ii) Trees are our best friends.
(iii) The Communications Revolution - advantages and disadvantages.
(iv) Stress is a silent killer in the modern times.

Write a dialogue in about 150 words on any one of the following situations: (10)

(i) Two friends are discussing their plans about holidays. One wants io join a course in English Communication Skills. The other one wants to go to a hill station. Finally, they decide to do the course in Engiish Communication Skills.

OR

(ii) Meera and Meenu are two sisters. Meera wants to settle abroad but Meenu is against it. Both of them give arguments in favour of their point of view. Finally, Meera decides to reconsider her decision.

5. Correct the followjng sentences: (5)

(a) We don't understand why are we taught so many courses.
(b) Are you understanding what I am saying ?
(c) If you will go there, you will meet him.
(d) She did not like it, nor I liked it.
(e) She had been working here since the last four years.