IGNOU BEGLA-136 - English at the Workplace

SECTION A 1. Read the following passage and answer the questions below in complete sentences: The thought of public speaking fills many people with fear and anxiety. One way to overcome this is by making sure that you are familiar with your subject and content. In the case of presentations, Power Point plays an important role in guiding you through the content of your presentation with the help of headlines and graphics. When you move to a new slide, the headline prompts you about that to say next. This also helps the audience to understand what you want to convey. Power Point also offers you the advantage of illustrating your headlines with the help of graphics like bar diagrams, pie charts, graphs, tables, pictograms etc. while these visuals help you to cope with more complex information of data, statistics and trends, they also enable the audience to comprehend intricate information on performance, comparisons, predictions more easily. In other words, they help you to gain the focused attention of your audience and alleviate your fear and anxiety. However, a few precautions are necessary. Never fill up your slides with too many graphic elements and animation effects. These can become a source of distraction. It is best to choose simple designs. The key thing here is preparation. Plan the outline of your presentation carefully so that it is well structured. Make sure that all your headings and subheadings are up on the slides and adequately and appropriately illustrated. Go through your slides several times so that you are absolutely familiar with them. You will generate a deep confidence that dispels anxiety and fear and helps you to enjoy your own presentation. 1. What problem do many presenters face? What solution does the speaker offer? 2. How does Power Point help you in dealing with the content of your presentation? 3. Give a suitable title to the passage. 2. Use the following words in sentences of your own: 1. Persuasive 2. Visionary 3. Icon 4. Philanthropic 5. Revenue 3. Rewrite/fill in the following sentences as directed: 1. Yahoo and Rediffmail are_____________________. 2. He said, “ I had already left” (Change into Indirect speech ). 3. Her party was ______________ (Use a Preposition) 4. _________you like some help? (Use a Modal) 5. Not ____word was said.(Use an article) 4. Write short notes of about 150 words each on the following topics: 1. Common trends in E-communication. 2. Difference between a portfolio and a resume. 3. Work Ethics 4. Importance of good customer service. 5. Behavioral requirements for a discussion. SECTION B 1. You are interested in applying for the position of a manager in a marketing firm. Write an application for this position, showing how you are suitable for this job. 2. Prepare a short CV (Curriculum Vitae) clearly mentioning your career history, skills, achievements and other relevant details. SECTION C 1. Write an outline of a presentation on the following topic: “Gender Sensitization at the Workplace” 2. You are planning to appear for an interview for the position of a Research Officer in a reputed institution. Write ten questions you expect to be asked and your responses/answers to these questions.

SECTION A 1. Read the following passage and answer the questions below in complete sentences: Although economic roles between men and women have become more similar over time, sex differences are still prevalent and tensions still exist in the workplace. Organizations across countries are increasingly implementing nondiscriminatory hiring practices where women are given opportunities equal to men. We do find that there are certain types of jobs such as those of police officers, fire fighters, truck drivers, etc., which are generally preferred by men, and there are other occupations like nursing, teaching, etc., which are preferred by women. These are personal preferences which may be dictated by nature or the way boys and girls are nurtured. However, it is the duty of organizations to give equal opportunities to people of both sexes, based only on a person’s credentials. Although the number of women in all types of work fields has been steadily rising, there is still a gap between women and men regarding compensation for producing similar work in many fields. Also since women are the primary care givers at home, the entire workforce needs to be sensitized to certain needs that may arise from time to time as a result of the dual role they are necessitated to play throughout life. Additionally, their vulnerability where personal security is concerned needs to be understood and taken care of. 1. What is your opinion about the kind of challenges women face at the workplace? 2. How do you think their organizations can help them in overcoming these challenges? 3. Give a suitable title to the passage. 2. Use the following words in sentences of your own: 1. Prevalent 2. Discriminatory 3. Credentials 4. Vulnerability 5. Compensation 3. Rewrite the following sentences as directed: 1. Sometimes in the________ (consultant, competitive) world today jobs are not advertised . (Use the correct word from those given in the brackets) 2. A person who is always on time. (Give an appropriate adjective) 3. The skill of ________ (read) and _________ (write) in English is essential for an office boy’s job here. (Complete the sentence using gerunds) 4. The __________ (type) letters are ready for dispatch (Complete the sentence using an appropriate participle) 4. Write short notes of about 150 words each on the following topics: 1. Body Language during an Interview 2. Organizing a Portfolio 3. Etiquette 4. Gender Perceptions 5. Cultural Awareness in a Multicultural Workplace. SECTION B 1. You are interested in applying for the position of relationship manager in a finance company. Write an application for this position, showing how you are suitable for this job. 2. Prepare a short CV (Curriculum Vitae) clearly mentioning your career history, skills, achievements and other relevant details. SECTION C 1. Write an outline of a presentation on the following topic: “The Biggest Threat to the Environment of the Place you Live in” 2. You are planning to appear for an interview for the position of a Project Head in a reputed institution. Write out ten questions you expect to be asked and your responses/answers to these questions.