OHS 351 English for Competitive Examinations question paper, November/December 2024

Rearrange the following sentences in the correct order and give an appropriate title to the passage:

• (i)For the longest time, we have taken the air we breathe for granted.
• (ii)According to the World Health Organization, every year around 7 million premature deaths are attributable to air pollution- a staggering 800 people every hour or 13 every minute.
• (iii)Therefore, we need to act immediately to address this major emergency.
• (iv)Indeed, indoors, outdoors, in cities and in the countryside, it is everywhere.
• (v)But recent research has started to shed light on some rather worrisome aspects of what the air around us really contains, and how it affects our bodies
• (vi)Consequently, it affects us all, whether we realize it or not.
• (vii)This data reiterates the fact that there is no doubt that air pollution is a global public health emergency today.
• (viii)As a result, we never bothered about those changes in the air around us.
• (ix)Furthermore, the more we learn, the more we come to realize that this essential source of life for the planet needs some serious taking care of.
• (x)In fact, without air there can be no life but breathing polluted air condemns us to a life of disease and early death.
• (xi)There was air, there were smells, there was cold wind, and there was hot air.
• (xii)Air pollution is all around us.

Rearrange the following sentences in the correct order and give an appropriate title to the passage:

• (i)He is credited with the manufacture of the first electric motor in India.
• (ii)G.D.Naidu was born in Kalangal, Coimbatore on 23rd March 1893 into a Telugu family in Tamilnadu.
• (iii)Then, he began his transport business in 1920, with the purchase of an automobile coach
• (iv)Within a few years, his Universal Motor Service (UMS) owned the most efficient fleet of public transport vehicles in the country.
• (v)Nevertheless, after his schooling, he obtained work as a waiter in a hotel in Coimbatore with the intention of saving sufficient money to buy a motorcycle that he had seen. Consequently, it affects us all, whether we realize it or not.
• (vi)He drove it between Pollachi and Palani.
• (vii)Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu was an Indian inventor and engineer who is also referred to as the Edison of India.
• (viii)Specifically, he disliked attending classes and he was punished frequently for his habit of hurling sand at teachers during class.
• (ix)Finally, in 1937, G.D Naidu along with Balasundaram Naidu, developed India's first indigenous motor which resulted in the founding of Textool which later became Lakshmi Machine Works.
• (x)The life story of the Indian Edison offers an intriguing study for aspiring innovators.
• (xi)Subsequently, after getting the vehicle he spent time dismantling and reassembling it and later became a mechanic.
• (xii)His childhood days were spent getting in trouble at school.

You have an important family commitment on the same day as your project review. Write a formal email to your head of the department asking permission to reschedule the project review. Give specific details with appropriate explanation in polite language.

You just started working as a project head in a technological firm. Your team has not been completing their work on time. There are constant breaks during working hours which is disturbing the work flow. Write a common email to all team members giving them a warning and giving a new set of rules to ensure they complete their work without any disturbance.

The following table shows the sales of two brand phones from the year 2020 to 2023 in Chennai. Describe the details and explain what inferences can from the given data. Your answer should not exceed 200 words. [Table with columns Year, Brand, Model, Units sold (in millons), Avg Selling price (INR), Revenue (Billions INR): 2020, Xiaomi, Redmi Note 9 pro, 15, 18,000, 270; 2020, Samsung, Galaxy M31s, 12, 20,000, 240; 2021, Xiaomi, Redmi Note 10 pro, 18, 20,000, 360; 2021, Samsung, Galaxy M51, 15, 22,000, 330; 2022, Xiaomi, Redmi Note 11 pro, 16, 25,000, 400; 2022, Samsung, Galaxy S22, 4, 75,000, 300; 2023, Xiaomi, Redmi Note 12 pro, 20, 30,000, 600; 2023, Samsung, Galaxy S23, 5, 85,000, 425]

Look at the following bar and pie chart which displays the use online platforms for shopping and their profits. Describe the usage and profit details and give your inferences from the data in a short write-up not more than 200 words. [Pie chart: Profits made by Online Shopping Platforms, Profits (in billions): Amazon 25, Flipkart 15, Meesho 13, Myntra 11, Nyka 8] [Bar chart: Age-wise Usage of Online Shopping Platforms wise, Usage % by age group of people: 18-24 60%, 25-34 80%, 35-44 68%, 45-54 57%, 55+ 38%]

You are applying for a Master's programme in the field of your choice. Write a concise statement of purpose (SOP) that highlights your academic background, research interests and career goals.

The following statement of purpose (SOP) written by a student is jumbled and also has many grammatical and vocabulary errors. Edit and rewrite it in appropriate order. Statement of Purpose: My lifelong obsession with technology, coupled with a keen interest in problem-solving, has consistently drawn me towards the realm of computer science. My undergraduate studies at ABC University provided a solid foundation in core computer science concepts, including data structures, algorithms, and software engineering. Instead, my academic journey has only ignited a deeper passion for exploring the frontiers of this dynamic field. I have been particularly intrigued by the potential of Artificial Intelligence. The rapid advancements in these fields, and their transformative impact on various industries, have triggered me to delve deeper into these areas. I believe that a rigorous Master's program in Computer Science at SAS University will provide me with the necessary tools and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to these domains. During my undergraduate years, I actively sought opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications. I was damn lucky to be part of a team that developed a mini robot, which was able to clean the campus as programmed. I was part of the coding team in this project. This experience not only brushed my coding skills but also instilled in me a strong sense of competition with my team. I am particularly drawn to SAS University due to its renowned faculty, better research facilities, and a strong emphasis on practical learning. I am eager to learn from fantastic professors like Dr.Worth, whose research in AI matches mine. I am confident that the coursework and research opportunities at your university will make me excel with my academic and professional career. I am excited about the prospect of joining the fantastic academic community at your university. I am confident that my passion, dedication, and sturdy academic foundation make me a suitable candidate for your program. I eagerly am waiting for the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed institution and start on my fulfilling academic journey. My long-term goal is to work at the forefront of technological innovation, contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges. I envision myself working in a research-oriented role at a leading technology company or pursuing a PhD to further my academic endeavors.

Schools should stop using books to teach and use films, TV and computers in the classroom instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Write your answer not exceeding 250 words.

More and more people are moving away from an agricultural background to relocate to cities in order to look for work. What will be the consequences of this? What solutions can you offer? Write your answer not exceeding 250 words.

Read the following passage and answer either of the following questions: The Generational Power Balance. Throughout history, the clash between the old and the young has been a defining feature of both reality and literature. Parents have power over their children... but as those juveniles approach adolescence, they begin to put pressure on their parents' power. They test the rules; they rebel; they create their own rules. The parents are puzzled, frustrated and resentful about the shift in the balance of power. They fight back; try to exert their leadership in an attempt to maintain their power. But as they grow towards old age, they are forced to relinquish it, while the world changes into a place they cease to recognize from their youth. The friction between old and young is set to become a feature of the twenty first century, as we approach a period where the balance of power reaches virgin territory. This is not to say that relationships between the generations are expected to worsen; rather that the unprecedented demographic changes to come will have knock-on effects that we cannot yet imagine. How can we be so sure that trials lie ahead? Demographic trends are incredibly easy to predict. Decades pass between the birth of children and their growth into adulthood, while rises in life expectancy due to affluence and better medical care are gradual. Consequently, it is possible to predict accurately what proportion of the population will be economically active, and what proportion will be dependant, for a considerable time in the future. Hence, we know that as people are living longer and having fewer children later in life, the population structure will skew much more towards the aged. The political, economic, social and environmental implications of this shift were much harder to predict, however. Many economically developed countries already fear that by 2025, there will be too few young tax-payers in the working population to support those in old age. This is the generation that requires pensions, medical care, local services and other benefits. Governments are already putting in steps, such as compulsory work pensions and increases in the retirement age in an attempt to mitigate the problem. How effective these measures prove to be remains to be seen. In the twentieth century population shifts were irrevocably altered by world war and economic depression, and similar events could afflict coming generations too. Until we know for sure, we can rest easy in the knowledge that the problems which arise now are the problems of success - problems that arise through economic growth, better medication, reduced inequality and by maintaining peace.

• (i)Choose the right option for the following questions: (5 x 1 = 5) (1) What is the primary conflict explored in the passage? (A) the struggle between good and evil (B) the clash between different social classes (C) the generational conflict between the old and the young (D) the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations (2) How can the concept of generational conflict be applied to a modern-day workplace? (A) Older workers may resist new technologies and work methods. (B) Younger workers may challenge traditional hierarchies and authority. (C) Both (A) and (B) (D) Neither (A) nor (B) (3) What are the potential social and economic implications of the shifting generational balance of power? (A) Increased social unrest and political instability. (B) Economic decline and job losses. (C) More innovative and dynamic society (D) All of the above (4) Do you agree with the author's assertion that the problems arising from demographic shifts are "problems of success"? Why or why not? (A) Yes, because they are a result of positive societal developments. (B) No, because they are a sign of impending societal decline. (C) It depends on the specific context and the effectiveness of policy responses. (D) The author's assertion is unclear and ambiguous. (5) The passage implies that the demographic shift is primarily a result of: (A) Increased mortality rates (B) Decreased fertility rates (C) Increased migration (D) Decreased life expectancy(5)
• (ii)Based on the passage, say true or false for the following: (5 x 1 = 5) (1) The conflict between generations is a recent phenomenon. (2) Demographic trends are difficult to predict accurately. (3) The aging population is a global concern. (4) Governments have no role in addressing the challenges of an aging population. (5) Economic factors can significantly impact population trends.(5)
• (iii)Choose the right answer for the following: (5 x 1 = 5) (1) What is the meaning for the word 'skewed' in the context of the passage? (A) balanced (B) straight (C) distorted (D) equal (2) 'Mitigate' in the passage means ______ (A) to improve (B) to exaggerate (C) to embellish (D) to increase (3) 'Afflict' in the passage means (A) to benefit (B) to help (C) to harm (D) to ignore (4) As per the passage, the word 'consequently' means ______ (A) Because (B) Additionally (C) However (D) Therefore (5) The word 'gradual' in the passage means (A) sudden (B) slow (C) intermediate (D) trepid(5)

Read the following passage and answer either of the following questions: The Generational Power Balance. Throughout history, the clash between the old and the young has been a defining feature of both reality and literature. Parents have power over their children... but as those juveniles approach adolescence, they begin to put pressure on their parents' power. They test the rules; they rebel; they create their own rules. The parents are puzzled, frustrated and resentful about the shift in the balance of power. They fight back; try to exert their leadership in an attempt to maintain their power. But as they grow towards old age, they are forced to relinquish it, while the world changes into a place they cease to recognize from their youth. The friction between old and young is set to become a feature of the twenty first century, as we approach a period where the balance of power reaches virgin territory. This is not to say that relationships between the generations are expected to worsen; rather that the unprecedented demographic changes to come will have knock-on effects that we cannot yet imagine. How can we be so sure that trials lie ahead? Demographic trends are incredibly easy to predict. Decades pass between the birth of children and their growth into adulthood, while rises in life expectancy due to affluence and better medical care are gradual. Consequently, it is possible to predict accurately what proportion of the population will be economically active, and what proportion will be dependant, for a considerable time in the future. Hence, we know that as people are living longer and having fewer children later in life, the population structure will skew much more towards the aged. The political, economic, social and environmental implications of this shift were much harder to predict, however. Many economically developed countries already fear that by 2025, there will be too few young tax-payers in the working population to support those in old age. This is the generation that requires pensions, medical care, local services and other benefits. Governments are already putting in steps, such as compulsory work pensions and increases in the retirement age in an attempt to mitigate the problem. How effective these measures prove to be remains to be seen. In the twentieth century population shifts were irrevocably altered by world war and economic depression, and similar events could afflict coming generations too. Until we know for sure, we can rest easy in the knowledge that the problems which arise now are the problems of success - problems that arise through economic growth, better medication, reduced inequality and by maintaining peace.

• (i)Choose the right option for the following questions: (5 x 1 = 5) (1) What is the main point about the relationship between the old and the young? (A) It is a timeless conflict that has always existed. (B) It is a conflict that will only worsen in the future. (C) It is a conflict that can be resolved through understanding and compromise. (D) It is a conflict that is primarily driven by societal pressures. (2) If you were a parent of a teenager, how would you apply the insights from the passage to manage the conflict? (A) Impose strict rules and punishments (B) Ignore the teenager's behaviour and hope it passes. (C) Seek to understand the teenager's perspective and needs. (D) Isolate the teenager from their peers. (3) How does the author's use of the phrase "virgin territory" contribute to the overall meaning of the passage? (A) It emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the demographic changes. (B) It suggests a sense of danger and uncertainty. (C) It implies a need for exploration and discovery. (D) All of the above. (4) The primary concern arising from the demographic shift is: (A) A decline in the overall population (B) An increase in the dependency ratio (C) A decrease in the labour force participation rate (D) An increase in youth unemployment (5) Imagine you are a policymaker tasked with addressing the challenges posed by aging populations. What specific policies would you propose to mitigate these challenges? (A) Increase taxes on the younger generation. (B) Encourage immigration to boost the workforce. (C) Implement policies to promote later retirement ages. (D) All of the above(5)
• (ii)Complete the following sentences based on the passage: (5 x 1 = 5) (1) In future, the relationships between the generations ______ (2) The major prediction made in the passage is about ______ (3) The major fear by 2025 will be ______ (4) The problems that arise now are due to ______ (5) The effectiveness of measures like work pension and increased retirement age ______(5)
• (iii)Write a short summary of the passage in one paragraph.(5)