Test Papers / Previous Question Papers of IGNOU MEG4 Aspects of Language June 2006

MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH
Term-End Examination

June, 2005

MEG-4 : ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE

Time: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100

1. Write short notes on any two of the following. Illustrate your answer with examples : 25

(i) American Structuralism

(ii) Changes in English spelling from old to modern English

(iii) Langue and Parole

(iv) Characteristics of human communication system

2. What are the differences between vowels and consonants? Describe the pure vowels of English. Give one example each of words in which these vowels occur. 25

3. Give an account of derivational affixes in English. Illustrate with suitable examples. 25

4. What do you understand by the term 'standard language'? Describe in detail the process of standardization of a language. 25

5. What are the learner variables crucial in second language acquisition learning? Discuss. 25

6. Why is language planning essential in any country ? What are the factors which influence language planning? 25

7. Attempt a stylistic analysis of the following poem, focussing specifically on metaphor, simile, imagery and alliteration and any feature that you may think significant : 25

Always too eager for the future, we

Pick up bad habits of expectancy.

Something is always approaching; every day

Till then we say,

Watching from a bluff the tiny, clear,

Sparkling armada of promises draw near.

How slow they are ! And how much time they waste,

Refusing to make haste !

Yet still they leave us holding wretched stalks

Of disappointment, for, though nothing balks

Each big approach, leaning with brasswork prinked,

Each rope distinct,

Flagged, and the figurehead with golden tits

Arching our way, it never anchors; it's

No sooner present than it turns to past.

Right to the last

We think each one will heave to and unload

All good into our lives, all we are owed

For waiting so devoutly and so long.

But we are wrong :

Only one ship is seeking us, a black -

Sailed unfamiliar, towing at her back

A huge and birdless silence. In her wake

No water's breed or break.