If you are a student preparing for the Dibrugarh University 2nd semester English General exam, this solved question paper from the May 2019 exam can be helpful for you. By practicing with this question paper, you can get an idea of the exam pattern and improve your preparation.
Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English Question Paper
| Name of University | Dibrugarh University |
| Subject | English (General) |
| Course | 201 |
| Full Marks | 80 |
| Pass Marks | 32/24 |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Year of Paper | 2019 |
| Available Here | Solved question paper |
Dibrugarh University 2nd semester English General exam solved question paper
UNIT-I
1. a) How did Behrman save the life of Johnsy? What lesson do you get from the story, The Last Leaf? 7+3=10
Answer: In the story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, Behrman saved the life of Johnsy by painting a leaf on the wall outside her window. Johnsy was suffering from pneumonia and had lost the will to live. She believed that when the last leaf on the vine outside her window falls, she too would die. Behrman, who was a failed artist, overheard Sue’s story about Johnsy’s belief and decided to do something to save her life. In the middle of a cold and rainy night, he climbed a ladder and painted a leaf on the wall in such a way that it appeared to be attached to the vine. When Johnsy woke up the next morning and saw the leaf, she was convinced that there was still hope and decided to fight her illness.
The story teaches us the importance of hope and the power of art to inspire and heal. Behrman’s act of painting the leaf represents the transformative power of art to change our perspective and lift us out of despair. The story also highlights the importance of human connection and compassion in times of need. Behrman’s selfless act and Sue’s unwavering support for Johnsy show that even in the darkest moments, there are people who care and are willing to help. Overall, the story emphasizes the importance of finding hope and meaning in life, even in the face of adversity.
b) Describe, in your own words, the intimacy between Sue and Johnsy. 10
Ans: In the story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry, Sue and Johnsy share a deep and intimate bond that is based on mutual love and support. They are both artists who have come to New York to pursue their dreams, and they live together in a small apartment. Despite their different personalities – Sue is optimistic and outgoing, while Johnsy is more introverted and pessimistic – they have a strong connection that is evident in their interactions.
Sue cares deeply for Johnsy and is worried about her when she falls ill with pneumonia. She spends hours taking care of her, cooking her soup, and trying to cheer her up. She is also very understanding of Johnsy’s fear of dying and does everything she can to help her overcome it. Sue’s love for Johnsy is evident in her willingness to do anything to save her friend’s life, including seeking help from the old artist, Behrman.
Johnsy, on the other hand, is more reserved but still cares deeply for Sue. She is grateful for Sue’s kindness and support, and even when she is at her lowest point, she tries to reassure Sue that she will be fine. Johnsy’s vulnerability and fear of death bring out a protective instinct in Sue, and the two women share a bond that is strengthened by their shared experiences.
Overall, Sue and Johnsy’s relationship is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of having someone to lean on during difficult times. Their intimacy is based on mutual respect, trust, and care, and it is a beautiful example of the kind of connection that can develop between two people who share a common bond.
Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English Question Paper
2. Answer any one of the following: 10
a) Present a character-sketch of Nambi. What happen to him at the end of the story? 6+4=10
Answer: Nambi is one of the central characters in R.K. Narayan’s short story “A Willing Slave”. He is a young boy who is from a poor family and has to work to support them. Nambi is hardworking, obedient, and always willing to help others. He is known for his honesty and loyalty towards his employers and is respected by everyone in the village.
Nambi’s simplicity and humility are evident in the way he goes about his work. He is content with his life and does not aspire for more than what he has. Despite his difficult circumstances, he never complains or shows any signs of resentment. Nambi’s character is a reflection of the resilience and determination of the common man in India.
At the end of the story, Nambi’s life takes a tragic turn. He is falsely accused of stealing from his employer, the moneylender, and is thrown in jail. The injustice of the situation is apparent to everyone, but no one is able to help him. Nambi’s faith in the system and his unwavering loyalty towards his employer ultimately prove to be his downfall.
Despite the unfair treatment he receives, Nambi maintains his dignity and never loses hope. His character remains steadfast, even in the face of adversity. At the end of the story, Nambi is released from jail and returns to his village. He is a broken man, but his spirit remains unbroken. Nambi’s story is a poignant reminder of the struggles and hardships that many ordinary people in India face on a daily basis.
b) Describe how Nambi kept the villagers of Somal enthralled by his stories. How did he conclude his last story-telling session? 6+4=10
In R.K. Narayan’s short story “A Willing Slave,” Nambi keeps the villagers of Somal enthralled with his storytelling skills. He tells them tales of adventure, mystery, and romance, weaving together the threads of his imagination with the fabric of reality. Nambi’s stories are always full of colorful characters and vivid descriptions, which transport the listeners to different worlds and times.
Nambi’s storytelling sessions are usually held in the evenings, after a hard day’s work. The villagers gather around him, eager to hear his latest tale. Nambi begins by setting the scene, creating a sense of anticipation among his audience. He then introduces the characters and slowly builds up the plot, adding twists and turns along the way.
Nambi’s storytelling is not limited to just one genre or style. He mixes and matches different elements to create a unique experience for his listeners. His stories are never boring or predictable, and the villagers hang on to his every word.
In his last storytelling session, Nambi weaves together a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. He creates a beautiful tale of a prince who falls in love with a poor peasant girl. The prince’s father opposes the match, but the young lovers are determined to be together. They endure many hardships, but their love prevails in the end.
As Nambi concludes his story, he leaves the villagers with a message of hope and perseverance. He reminds them that even in the face of great adversity, love and determination can conquer all. The villagers are left spellbound by Nambi’s storytelling skills and the powerful message of his final story.
3. Answer any one of the following: 10
a) Give an account of the musical evening in which Vikram Seth took part. How did the event help the writer? 6+4=10
Answer:
In the essay “A Musical Evening,” Vikram Seth describes a musical event that he took part in during his school days. The event was organized by his music teacher, Mrs. Gomes, and included performances by several students, including Seth.
Seth performed a piano piece called “Moon River,” which was met with applause from the audience. He also sang a song called “All Through the Night,” which was received with enthusiasm. Seth was nervous about his performances, but he found that the supportive atmosphere of the event helped him to overcome his anxiety.
The event helped the writer in several ways. Firstly, it allowed him to showcase his musical talents to an audience, which gave him a sense of validation and accomplishment. Secondly, the event helped him to overcome his stage fright and become more confident in his abilities. Finally, the positive feedback that he received from the audience helped to reinforce his passion for music and encouraged him to continue pursuing it in the future.
Overall, the musical evening was a formative experience for Seth that helped to shape his love for music and his confidence as a performer.
b) How do the Chinese people view the ‘foreign friends’? How did they treat Vikram Seth? 10
In the essay “Foreign Friends,” Vikram Seth describes his experiences as a foreigner living in China in the 1980s. He explains that the Chinese people generally view foreigners, or “foreign friends,” with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Despite this initial wariness, Seth found that the Chinese people he encountered were generally welcoming and friendly towards him. He was often greeted with smiles and waves on the street, and people would occasionally stop him to chat and practice their English.
Seth also notes that the Chinese people were very hospitable towards him. When he was invited to someone’s home, for example, he would often be treated to a lavish meal and given gifts as a token of hospitality. This kind of generosity and warmth, he explains, was a common feature of Chinese culture.
Overall, while the Chinese people may view foreigners with some trepidation, Seth found that they were generally kind and welcoming towards him. His experiences in China helped him to form a deeper appreciation for the culture and people of the country, and left a lasting impression on him.
4. Answer they three of the following: 2×3=6
a) Who does Behrman look like in the beginning of the story, The Last Leaf?
Ans: Behrman looks like an old, unsuccessful artist in the beginning of the story, The Last Leaf.
b) How did Johnsy relate her life to the leaves of ivy vine?
Ans: Johnsy related her life to the leaves of ivy vine by counting them and believing that she would die when the last leaf fell.
c) Give a short description of the village of Somal.
Ans: Somal is a small village located near the banks of the river Kaveri, in southern India. The village is surrounded by lush green fields and coconut groves.
d) How did Nambi get his food and clothing?
Ans: Nambi got his food and clothing by begging from the villagers and sleeping in the temple.
e) Who were ‘Lita’ and ‘Laz’?
Ans: ‘Lita’ and ‘Laz’ were two characters from Vikram Seth’s poem ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’. Lita was a talented singer, while Laz was a frog who was jealous of Lita’s talent.
f) Why did the ‘pipe’ episode in the market arouse laughter among the Chinese crowd?
Ans: f) The ‘pipe’ episode in the market aroused laughter among the Chinese crowd because the vendor, who was selling pipes, accidentally blew into one and made a funny noise.
5. Give very short answer to any four of the following: 1×4=4
a) Name the short story collection of O. Henry in which The Last Leaf is included.
Ans: “The Trimmed Lamp”
b) What is the real name of O. Henry?
Ans: William Sydney Porter
c) Where is Nambi’s home?
Ans: Nambi’s home is in the village of Somal.
d) Who is Mary in the story, Under the Banyan Tree?
Ans: Mary is the narrator’s cousin in the story, Under the Banyan Tree.
e) Who helped Seth to go to the General Police Station?
Ans:A Chinese friend named Huang helped Seth to go to the General Police Station.
f) Where is Lhasa?
Ans: Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet.
Dibrugarh University BA 2nd Semester English Question Paper (Solved)
UNIT-II
6. Answer any one of the following: 10
a) Give an account of Verrier Elwin’s journey from Tezpur to Dirang.
Ans:
Verrier Elwin’s journey from Tezpur to Dirang was a challenging one. He set out on his journey on a mule, along with his two guides. The terrain was rocky, and the journey was through dense forests, making it a difficult task for them to cover the distance. They had to cross streams and bridges made of bamboo, which were fragile and prone to breakage.
The journey lasted for several days, and they had to camp in the open at night, with little or no protection from the cold. They had to contend with wild animals like tigers and leopards, and the danger of falling off the steep mountain trails.
During the journey, Verrier Elwin was struck by the natural beauty of the region, and the simple life of the tribal people living there. He also noted the cultural diversity of the region, with each tribe having its own unique customs and traditions.
Overall, Verrier Elwin’s journey from Tezpur to Dirang was a challenging but fulfilling experience. It gave him an insight into the lives of the tribal people of the region, and helped him appreciate the beauty of nature.
b) Describe Verrier Elwin’s experience at Tawang.
Ans:
Verrier Elwin, a British anthropologist, visited the town of Tawang in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in 1946. Tawang is a remote town located in the Himalayan range at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Elwin’s journey to Tawang was a difficult one, as the roads were steep and winding, and the weather was cold and damp.
When Elwin arrived in Tawang, he was struck by the beauty of the town and its surroundings. The town was nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the air was crisp and fresh. Elwin spent several days in Tawang, observing the customs and traditions of the local people.
During his stay in Tawang, Elwin visited the Tawang Monastery, which is one of the largest monasteries in the world. The monastery is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and Elwin was impressed by the dedication and devotion of the monks who lived there. He spent several days studying the customs and practices of the monks, and he was particularly interested in their chanting and prayer rituals.
Elwin also spent time with the local people, who were mostly farmers and herders. He was struck by their resilience and determination, as they lived in a harsh environment that was often isolated from the outside world. Elwin observed their farming techniques and their use of traditional medicines, and he was fascinated by their belief in the power of spirits and ghosts.
Overall, Elwin’s experience in Tawang was a memorable one. He was impressed by the beauty and resilience of the local people, and he gained a deeper understanding of their customs and traditions. His visit to Tawang was an important part of his research into the indigenous cultures of India, and it helped him to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English Question Paper
7. Answer any one of the following: 10
a) How does Orwell criticize Gandhi as a saint and praise him as a man in Reflections on Gandhi?
Ans:
In “Reflections on Gandhi,” George Orwell offers a complex assessment of Mahatma Gandhi, praising his character while also criticizing some of his beliefs and actions. Orwell argues that Gandhi’s status as a saintly figure has made it difficult for people to criticize him or examine his actions objectively. However, Orwell admires Gandhi’s willingness to live according to his principles and his commitment to nonviolent resistance.
At the same time, Orwell criticizes Gandhi’s beliefs on various issues, particularly his views on sex and his advocacy of spinning and other forms of manual labor. He argues that Gandhi’s attempts to impose his beliefs on others were misguided and sometimes harmful. Orwell also criticizes Gandhi’s political positions, suggesting that his emphasis on nonviolence was sometimes counterproductive and that his support for Indian nationalism was at odds with his broader beliefs about the importance of the individual.
Overall, Orwell portrays Gandhi as a flawed but deeply committed individual who struggled to live up to his ideals. He praises Gandhi for his integrity and sincerity, but also suggests that his influence on Indian society may have been more complicated than his hagiographers suggest.
b) In what ways, according to Orwell, was Gandhi different from the Anarchists and Pacifists?
Ans:
In his essay “Reflections on Gandhi,” George Orwell outlines the ways in which Gandhi differed from both the Anarchists and Pacifists of his time. Orwell identifies three key differences between Gandhi and the Anarchists:
- Strategy: Unlike the Anarchists, who believed in using violent means to overthrow the state, Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance as the most effective means of achieving political change.
- Motivation: While the Anarchists were motivated by a hatred of oppression and the desire to eliminate the state, Gandhi was motivated by a desire to create a just society through spiritual and moral means.
- Vision: The Anarchists had no clear vision for what society should look like after the overthrow of the state, whereas Gandhi had a clear vision for a non-violent, decentralized society based on self-sufficient villages.
Similarly, Orwell identifies two key differences between Gandhi and the Pacifists:
- Realism: Gandhi believed in the use of force in certain situations, such as in the defense of one’s family or country, whereas the Pacifists rejected violence under all circumstances.
- Political Strategy: While the Pacifists believed in withdrawing from politics altogether, Gandhi believed in using political action as a means of promoting non-violent resistance and social change.
Overall, Orwell suggests that while Gandhi’s methods and beliefs were often misunderstood and criticized, his unique blend of spiritual, moral, and political principles made him a significant figure in India’s struggle for independence.
8. Answer any one of the following: 10
a) Discuss the theories of Copernicus, Kepler and Newton regarding the motion of the planets. 10
Ans:
The theories of Copernicus, Kepler and Newton revolutionized the understanding of the motion of the planets.
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system, in which the Sun was at the center and the planets orbited around it in circular orbits. This model replaced the geocentric model, which placed the Earth at the center and had the planets orbiting around it in circular orbits. Copernicus’ theory was a significant breakthrough in the understanding of the solar system.
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) was a German astronomer who built upon Copernicus’ theory by proposing the laws of planetary motion. Kepler’s first law, also known as the law of ellipses, states that the planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one of the two foci of the ellipse. Kepler’s second law, the law of equal areas, states that a line that connects a planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal times. Kepler’s third law, the law of harmonies, relates the period of a planet’s orbit to its distance from the Sun.
Isaac Newton (1642-1727) built upon the work of Copernicus and Kepler by developing the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. Newton’s first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by a force. Newton’s second law, the law of acceleration, states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it and inversely proportional to its mass. Newton’s third law, the law of action and reaction, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that every point mass attracts every other point mass by a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law explains the motion of the planets and other celestial bodies.
In summary, Copernicus’ heliocentric model, Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, and Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation significantly advanced the understanding of the motion of the planets and revolutionized the field of astronomy.
b) “Today scientists describe the universe in terms of two basic partial theories …….”. What are these two basic partial theories and how do they describe the universe? What does Hawking say about the proposed Unified Theory? 2+6+2=10
Ans: The two basic partial theories that scientists use to describe the universe are the General Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. According to the General Theory of Relativity, gravity is caused by the curvature of spacetime, while Quantum Mechanics describes the behavior of particles and their interactions.
Hawking proposes a Unified Theory that would combine both the General Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics to provide a complete description of the universe. However, he also acknowledges that it is challenging to create a Unified Theory, as the two theories are fundamentally different and do not reconcile easily. Hawking suggests that a new theory, yet to be discovered, may be necessary to unify these two theories.
9. Answer any three of the following: 2×3=6
a) How were Elwin and his wife greeted by the Monpas?
Ans: Elwin and his wife were greeted by the Monpas with a warm welcome. The people received them with friendly smiles and showers of presents. The people of Monpa had never seen a white woman before, and they were curious and surprised to see Elwin’s wife. They tried to make her feel comfortable by presenting her with beautiful clothes and jewels.
b) What kind of impression did Elwin get from his meeting with the Abbot of Tawang?
Ans: Elwin had a meeting with the Abbot of Tawang, who was considered as the temporal and spiritual head of the people of Tawang. The Abbot was a man of great personality, with a cheerful and friendly manner. Elwin was impressed by his frankness and sense of humour. Elwin also felt that the Abbot had a deep understanding of the needs of his people and a genuine desire to serve them.
c) What does Gandhi mean by ‘Satyagraha’?
Ans: Satyagraha’ is a term coined by Gandhi to refer to his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. It means “holding firmly to truth”. It is a method of social and political activism that involves peaceful civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to injustice and oppression.
d) Why does Orwell say that Gandhi’s autobiography is partial?
Ans: Orwell says that Gandhi’s autobiography is partial because it does not provide a complete picture of Gandhi’s life and beliefs. It focuses only on certain aspects of his life and tends to gloss over his failures and weaknesses. Orwell believes that a more honest and objective account of Gandhi’s life would have been more useful for understanding his philosophy and influence.
e) What is meant by Darwin’s principle of selection?
Ans: Darwin’s principle of selection is the idea that certain traits and characteristics are more likely to be passed down from one generation to the next because they give an organism an advantage in survival and reproduction. This process is known as natural selection and is the main mechanism of evolution.
f) What did Hubble’s observation suggest?
Ans: Hubble’s observations of the universe suggested that the universe is expanding. He observed that the light from distant galaxies was shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, which indicated that they were moving away from us. This led to the conclusion that the universe was expanding, which provided support for the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe.
10. Give very short answers to any four of the following: 1×4=4
a) Which place was called ‘a paradise in NEFA’ by Elwin?
Ans: Bomdila
b) What is the Getompa?
Ans: The prayer hall of the Buddhist Monastery in Tawang
c) Why, according to Orwell, did the British regard Gandhi as ‘our man’?
Ans: Because he was not trying to overthrow their power
d) Name a novel written by George Orwell.
Ans: 1984
e) From which book is ‘Our Picture of the Universe’ extracted?
Ans; A Brief History of Time
f) Who wrote the book, On Heavens’ Lake?
Ans: Hwang Sun-won.
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FAQ of Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English Question Paper
What is the format of the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General Question Paper?
Answer: The Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General Question Paper consists of two sections: Section A and Section B. Section A contains five essay-type questions out of which the candidate needs to answer three. Section B contains six short answer questions out of which the candidate needs to answer four.
What topics are covered in the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General Question Paper?
Answer: The Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General Question Paper covers a wide range of topics including literature, language, and communication skills. The topics may include short stories, poetry, essays, grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Is it possible to obtain a high score in the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam without practising previous year question papers?
Answer: Practising previous year question papers is essential to obtain a high score in the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam. It helps the candidates to understand the question pattern, marking scheme, and time management. So, it is highly recommended to practise previous year question papers.
How much time is given to complete the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam?
Answer: The Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam usually lasts for three hours. Candidates must use their time wisely to answer all the questions within the allotted time.
Is it necessary to study the entire syllabus to score good marks in the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam?
Answer: Yes, it is important to study the entire syllabus to score good marks in the Dibrugarh University 2nd Semester English General exam. The questions in the exam may be asked from any topic covered in the syllabus. So, it is advisable to prepare thoroughly.