BEGG-173 ACADEMIC WRITING AND COMPOSITION Question Paper PDF Download
1. What are the three essential components of critical thinking?
The three essential components of critical thinking are analysis, evaluation, and inference. Analysis involves breaking down complex information into smaller, understandable parts to identify patterns, relationships, or issues. Evaluation assesses the accuracy, credibility, and logical soundness of the information, as well as the strength of evidence supporting a claim. Inference involves drawing reasoned conclusions based on the available evidence and logical principles. These components collectively enable individuals to think clearly, solve problems effectively, and make rational, unbiased decisions. Critical thinking also involves questioning assumptions, remaining open to new ideas, and applying logical reasoning in varied contexts.
2. The editing and revising stage is an important stage in the writing process. What are the parameters to be kept in mind while editing?
The editing and revising stage is crucial in the writing process to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. Key parameters include checking the organization of ideas, ensuring they follow a logical sequence, and improving language accuracy by correcting grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Clarity is enhanced by simplifying complex sentences and removing redundant words. Attention to style and tone ensures consistency and appropriateness for the intended audience. Additionally, writers should check for factual accuracy, proper citations, and alignment with required formatting guidelines. Effective editing ensures the content is engaging, professional, and aligned with the intended purpose of the writing.
3. What is an ‘argument’ in academic writing? How is an ‘argument’ generally structured?
An ‘argument’ in academic writing refers to a reasoned and evidence-based position or claim made about a specific topic. It is designed to persuade readers through logical reasoning and credible evidence. A typical argument structure includes three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction presents the claim or thesis statement, providing context for the argument. The body elaborates on the claim, supporting it with evidence, analysis, and counterarguments, if applicable. The conclusion summarizes the argument and reinforces the main point. A strong academic argument is clear, coherent, well-researched, and considers opposing viewpoints to strengthen its credibility.
4. What is plagiarism? How can you avoid plagiarism in academic writing?
Plagiarism is the unethical act of using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without proper acknowledgment, presenting it as one’s own. It includes copying text verbatim, paraphrasing without credit, or failing to cite sources accurately. To avoid plagiarism, always provide appropriate citations for any borrowed ideas, data, or quotes. Use plagiarism detection tools to identify unintentional similarities. Proper paraphrasing involves rewriting the original text in your own words while retaining its meaning. Additionally, understanding the citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA) and including a bibliography or reference list is essential to maintain academic integrity and credibility in writing.
5. What is the structure of a business proposal?
A business proposal is a formal document that outlines a solution to a problem or a plan to seize an opportunity, presented to potential clients or stakeholders. It generally includes the following structure: title page, containing the proposal title and company information; executive summary, which provides an overview of the proposal’s purpose and benefits; problem statement, describing the issue or need being addressed; proposed solution, detailing the approach, benefits, and deliverables; budget and timeline, specifying costs and deadlines; and conclusion, summarizing key points and including a call to action. A well-structured proposal is clear, persuasive, and professionally formatted.
SECTION B
1. What do you understand by the term ‘academic writing’? Explain how it is different from nonacademic writing.
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in educational and scholarly contexts. It is characterized by clarity, precision, and an evidence-based approach to presenting ideas. The primary purpose of academic writing is to inform, argue, analyze, or contribute to the knowledge in a specific field. It often includes elements like thesis statements, logical arguments, citations, and references to support claims. Examples include research papers, essays, dissertations, and journal articles.
Academic writing differs from nonacademic writing in several ways. Nonacademic writing, such as blog posts, novels, or personal letters, is more informal, subjective, and intended for a general audience. It emphasizes personal opinions, emotions, or creativity rather than evidence and logic. Academic writing requires adherence to specific formats and citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA), while nonacademic writing is more flexible. Additionally, academic writing avoids colloquial language and prioritizes objectivity, whereas nonacademic writing can include slang and personal anecdotes. These distinctions ensure academic writing meets scholarly standards, contributing to credible and structured communication in research and education.
2. What is ‘copyright’? Who owns ‘copyright’?
Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of an original work, providing them exclusive control over its use and distribution. It applies to various forms of intellectual property, such as literary works, music, art, films, software, and more. Copyright ensures that creators can financially benefit from their work and protects them from unauthorized reproduction, adaptation, or distribution. Typically, copyright lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus a specified number of years after their death, depending on the jurisdiction.
The initial owner of copyright is generally the person or entity that creates the work. For instance, an author owns the copyright to their book, and a painter owns the copyright to their painting. In cases of commissioned work or employment, the copyright may belong to the employer or the client, depending on contractual agreements. Copyright can also be transferred or licensed, allowing others to use the work under specific terms. By protecting intellectual property, copyright encourages creativity and innovation while ensuring creators receive recognition and compensation for their contributions.
Answer the following question in about 250 words.
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- Explain with suitable examples, how argumentative writing differs from persuasive writing?
How Argumentative Writing Differs from Persuasive Writing
Argumentative and persuasive writing are both forms of writing aimed at convincing an audience, but they differ significantly in purpose, approach, and techniques.
Argumentative writing focuses on presenting a balanced and evidence-based perspective on a topic. It involves critical analysis, logical reasoning, and credible evidence to support a central claim or thesis. The writer considers opposing viewpoints and addresses counterarguments to strengthen the argument’s credibility. For example, in an essay discussing climate change, an argumentative writer might include scientific data, expert opinions, and analysis of policies, while acknowledging and refuting claims made by climate change skeptics.
Persuasive writing, on the other hand, aims to influence the reader’s emotions, beliefs, or actions. It relies more on emotional appeal, personal opinions, and rhetorical devices than factual evidence. The writer’s goal is to persuade the audience to agree with their viewpoint or take a specific action. For instance, in a persuasive piece encouraging recycling, the writer might focus on emotional stories about environmental damage or vivid imagery of polluted landscapes, appealing to the reader’s sense of responsibility or guilt.
The key distinction lies in the tone and approach: argumentative writing prioritizes logic and evidence, while persuasive writing emphasizes emotion and conviction. Argumentative writing seeks to educate and inform, fostering critical thinking, whereas persuasive writing aims to inspire and compel the reader to act or agree. Both styles are valuable, but they serve distinct purposes in communication.
SECTION C
Write a well structured composition on the topic:
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‘Conserving India’s Rivers: Problems and Challenges’.
(Your essay should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion)
Conserving India’s Rivers: Problems and Challenges
India, known as the land of rivers, relies heavily on its rivers for drinking water, agriculture, industry, and transportation. Rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra hold immense cultural and spiritual significance. However, India’s rivers are under severe threat due to pollution, over-extraction, and climate change. Conserving these lifelines is crucial for ensuring water security, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
One of the major challenges in conserving rivers is pollution. Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff have turned many rivers into toxic streams. For instance, the Ganga and Yamuna, despite being sacred, face high levels of contamination. Efforts like the Namami Gange program have been initiated, but lack of proper implementation and accountability hinder progress.
Another significant problem is over-extraction of water. Rivers are being excessively tapped for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial use, often leaving them dry in many stretches. This affects aquatic ecosystems and disrupts the natural flow. Encroachment and unregulated sand mining further degrade riverbeds, causing erosion and loss of habitat.
Climate change compounds these issues by altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of floods and droughts. Rising temperatures lead to glacier melt, threatening the perennial nature of Himalayan rivers.
To conserve India’s rivers, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Strict enforcement of pollution control laws, afforestation along riverbanks, and sustainable water management practices are crucial. Public awareness campaigns and community participation can also play a vital role in protecting these vital resources.
In conclusion, conserving India’s rivers is a complex yet urgent task. By addressing the problems of pollution, overuse, and climate impacts, India can ensure its rivers continue to sustain life for generations to come.
V. The head of your institution has conducted a meeting to review the training needs of various
groups of employees. Write a brief report of the meeting.
Report on the Meeting to Review Training Needs
A meeting was conducted on [date] by the Head of the Institution to review the training requirements of various employee groups. The session began with an overview of the current training programs and their outcomes. Key areas of focus included technical skill development, leadership training, and communication enhancement.
During the meeting, department heads highlighted specific needs. The IT department emphasized the need for advanced software training, while the HR team stressed the importance of workshops on employee engagement and mental health awareness. Administrative staff requested training in time management and updated software tools.
The Head of the Institution suggested creating a structured training calendar and involving external experts for specialized workshops. A feedback mechanism was proposed to assess the effectiveness of training sessions. It was decided to prioritize training programs based on urgency and allocate appropriate resources.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement an improved training framework, ensuring employee growth and organizational efficiency.
VI. i) What aspects should be considered while writing the review of a film?
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ii) Write a brief review of a film that you watched recently.
VI. (i) Aspects to Consider While Writing a Film Review
When writing a film review, consider:
- Plot Summary: Provide a brief overview without revealing spoilers.
- Direction and Acting: Assess the director’s vision and the actors’ performances.
- Cinematography and Music: Evaluate visuals, camera work, and the soundtrack.
- Themes and Messages: Discuss the central idea and its impact.
- Audience Appeal: Reflect on how well the film resonates with its target audience.
VI. (ii) Brief Review of a Film
Film Title: 3 Idiots
3 Idiots is a heartwarming Bollywood film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. The story revolves around three friends navigating the challenges of engineering college while questioning societal pressures and conventional education norms. Aamir Khan shines as Rancho, delivering a compelling performance alongside R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.
The film blends humor with emotional depth, addressing themes like friendship, self-discovery, and the flaws in the education system. The cinematography beautifully captures college life, while the music by Shantanu Moitra adds to its charm. The message to “follow your passion” resonates with audiences across generations.
A must-watch, 3 Idiots is an inspiring and entertaining masterpiece.
