Test Papers / Previous Question Papers of IGNOU DCE3 Short Story June 2005

DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE WRITING IN ENGLISH
Term-End Examination

June, 2005

DCE-3 : SHORT STORY

Time: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100
(Weightage 70%)

SECTION A

1. Differentiate between 'Climax' and 'Ending' in a short story giving suitable examples from any one story you have read. (20)

2. What are the parameters to be observed in the choice of characters in a short story ? Discuss any two parameters with suitable examples. (20)

3. Comment on some of the techniques that make a short story for children interesting. (20)

4. What is the difference between the narrative methods of a short story and a novel ? Discuss with appropriate examples. (20)

5. Write short notes on any two of the following in 150 - 200 words each : (10x2=20)

(a) Forms of fantasy in short stories for children

(b) The genesis of the detective story

(c) Why has children's literature not flourished in India

(d) The place of melodrama in a short story

SECTION B

6. Given below is the concluding paragraph of a short story. Write its beginning : (20)

"But all was not right. Minu had died, Ritu had got married and Richa had joined a multinational. The basic problem still remained where it was : what was to be done about the old mother now ?"

7. You have heard the story of the boy who saved his city by plugging the hole in the embankment with his body so as to prevent a flood. Write a story on a similar theme highlighting the value of self-sacrifice in the interest of the community. (20)

8. Write out the story of a famous nuclear scientist who is abducted by an enemy country. The target reader should be 10-15 years old. The story should transmit moral values as well. (20)

9. A man has just been rewarded for jumping into a river to save a drowning child. However, after receiving the reward, he wishes to know who pushed him in. write a humorous story on this theme. (20)

10. The typical anti-hero who has never done anything great, is not handsome and has no money, is still capable of arousing interest. Write out a short story for adult readers about one such anti-hero. (20)