AL-301 Technical Communication - Dec 2023 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDiscuss the process and scope of communication.
   How to answer

   • Definition of communication
   • Key elements of communication process: Sender, Encoding, Message, Channel, Receiver, Decoding, Feedback, Noise
   • Communication cycle diagram
   • Scope of communication in professional, social, and organizational contexts
2. 7 Marks
   bHow clarity can be achieved in technical communication? Describe.
   How to answer

   • Definition of clarity in technical communication
   • Use of precise vocabulary, simple language, and avoidance of jargon
   • Proper sentence structure and logical flow
   • Role of visuals, bullet points, and formatting
   • Proofreading and editing for ambiguity
3. 7 Marks
   aHow can soft skills contribute to success in one's professional life? Explain.
   How to answer

   • Definition of soft skills vs hard skills
   • Key soft skills: communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability
   • Impact on workplace relationships, leadership, and conflict resolution
   • Career advancement and professional growth benefits
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat is the difference between verbal and non-verbal Communication? Explain with examples.
   How to answer

   • Definition of verbal communication (oral and written)
   • Definition of non-verbal communication (body language, gestures, tone, facial expressions)
   • Comparative table highlighting key parameters
   • Illustrative examples of both forms in real-world/professional contexts
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat is technical research paper? What is the structure of technical research paper?
   How to answer

   • Definition and purpose of a technical research paper
   • Standard structure components: Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results and Discussion, Conclusion, References
   • Role of IEEE or standard citation styles
6. 7 Marks
   bEnlist the features, types and structure and format of Technical reports.
   How to answer

   • Salient features: factual, objective, structured, clear, formal tone
   • Types of reports: feasibility, progress, inspection, laboratory, project reports
   • Three-tier structure: Front matter (Title, Transmittal letter, Table of contents), Main body (Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Recommendations), Back matter (Appendices, References/Bibliography)
   • Standard formatting rules (margins, headings, fonts)
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat benefits does audience analysis provide you as the speaker? Give answer.
   How to answer

   • Concept of audience analysis (demographic, psychographic, situational)
   • Benefits: tailoring content and language complexity to audience level
   • Selecting appropriate visual aids and delivery style
   • Engaging audience interest and anticipating potential questions/objections
   • Achieving speech/presentation objectives effectively
8. 7 Marks
   bWhat does decorum mean? What are the different forms of decorum? Explain.
   How to answer

   • Definition of decorum: behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety
   • Forms of decorum: Classroom/Academic decorum, Meeting/Conference decorum, Workplace/Professional decorum, Digital/Netiquette decorum
   • Significance of maintaining decorum in professional communication
9. 7 Marks
   aWrite a short note on: i) Pronunciation Etiquette ii) Tone
   How to answer

   • Pronunciation Etiquette: correct articulation, stress, intonation, avoiding mispronunciation of names/technical terms, clarity
   • Tone: vocal inflections, attitude conveyed through voice (polite, confident, authoritative, empathetic), significance in business interactions
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat is syllable in technical communication? What are the different types of syllables? What are the rules of syllables? Discuss.
    How to answer

    • Definition of a syllable: a single, unbroken unit of speech sound containing a vowel
    • Six syllable types: Closed, Open, Vowel-Consonant-e (silent e), Vowel Team, R-controlled, Consonant-le
    • Rules of syllabification: dividing compound words, VC/CV pattern, V/CV and VC/V patterns, prefixes and suffixes
    • Significance in correct pronunciation and stress patterns in technical communication
11. 7 Marks
    aClassify importance of communication in globalized world.
    How to answer

    • Role of communication in cross-cultural collaboration and multinational organizations
    • Facilitating international trade, outsourcing, and diplomacy
    • Technological tools bridging geographical distances (virtual meetings, global networks)
    • Overcoming cultural misunderstandings and fostering inclusive workplaces
12. 7 Marks
    bWhat are the barriers to effective communication? How can we overcome language barriers?
    How to answer

    • Classification of barriers: Physical, Psychological, Semantic/Language, Organizational, Cultural
    • Detailed focus on language/semantic barriers (jargon, regional dialects, ambiguity)
    • Strategies to overcome language barriers: simple plain language, visual aids, active listening, translation tools, cultural sensitivity training
13. 7 Marks
    aWhat are the styles of writing in technical communication? Explain.
    How to answer

    • Definition and nature of technical writing styles (concise, clear, objective)
    • Key styles: Expository (explaining technical concepts), Descriptive (describing a mechanism or product), Persuasive (proposals), Instructional/Procedural (user manuals, standard operating procedures)
    • Attributes: active vs passive voice usage, third-person perspective, precision
14. 7 Marks
    bWhat is Memo? For what purpose are Memo used? You are the managing Director of ABC limited. Draft a memo to the customer relations officer for not attending to a customer complaint.
    How to answer

    • Definition and purpose of a memorandum (internal organizational communication)
    • Standard format components: MEMORANDUM header, TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT
    • Draft memo from MD to Customer Relations Officer addressing negligence in attending to a customer complaint, requesting explanation and immediate corrective action
15. 14 Marks
    Answer the following. (any two) a) Professional personality Attributes b) Speech and personality c) Delivery and Content of presentation d) Combating Nervousness
    How to answer

    • Professional personality Attributes: integrity, punctuality, adaptability, proactive mindset
    • Speech and personality: projection of confidence, vocabulary, voice modulation reflecting personal charisma
    • Delivery and Content of presentation: structure (intro, body, conclusion), visual aids, eye contact, body language, pace
    • Combating Nervousness: thorough preparation, deep breathing, positive visualization, audience connection