CY-301 Technical Communication - Jun 2024 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
   aWhy clarity is the ultimate goal of technical communication how can you achieve clarity? Give answer.
   How to answer

   • Definition of clarity and its importance in technical communication
   • Consequences of ambiguity in technical instructions/documents
   • Techniques to achieve clarity: precise words, simple language, active voice, avoiding jargon
   • Structural elements that aid clarity (bullet points, headings)
2. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss the forms of technical communication, giving suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • Classification of technical communication into oral and written forms
   • Written forms: reports, proposals, user manuals, emails, memos with examples
   • Oral forms: presentations, seminars, meetings, conferences with examples
   • Visual forms: graphs, flowcharts, technical drawings
3. 7 Marks
   aDifferentiate Verbal and Non-verbal communication.
   How to answer

   • Definition of verbal (oral and written) vs. non-verbal communication
   • Tabular comparison based on medium, speed, feedback, formality, and structure
   • Examples of verbal (words, speech, text) and non-verbal (gestures, postures, facial expressions, eye contact)
4. 7 Marks
   bWhat are the different types of communication barriers?
   How to answer

   • Definition of communication barriers
   • Physical/Environmental barriers (noise, distance)
   • Semantic/Linguistic barriers (jargon, ambiguity)
   • Psychological/Emotional barriers (prejudices, attitude)
   • Organizational and cultural barriers
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat is the role of language in technical writing. Write the characteristics of technical writing.
   How to answer

   • Role of language: medium for conveying specialized factual information without ambiguity
   • Key characteristics of technical writing: clarity, conciseness, accuracy, objectivity, comprehensiveness
   • Use of formal tone, appropriate terminology, and structured formatting
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is mock presentation? Why is mock presentation important? Discuss it.
   How to answer

   • Definition of mock presentation as a practice or trial presentation before the final delivery
   • Importance: builds confidence, helps in time management, identifies flaws in delivery and content
   • Role of constructive peer/mentor feedback in refining presentation skills
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat is an Interview? Write do's and don'ts of an interview.
   How to answer

   • Definition of an interview as a formal meeting to assess qualifications, skills, and personality
   • Do's: be punctual, dress formally, maintain eye contact, give clear and concise answers, do background research
   • Don'ts: do not interrupt, avoid negative comments about past employers, avoid slouching or looking distracted, don't lie
8. 7 Marks
   bDiscuss style and argumentative skills in group discussion.
   How to answer

   • Significance of personal style (polite, assertive, attentive, confident)
   • Argumentative skills: logical structuring of arguments, providing evidence/data, counter-arguments without aggression
   • Listening skills and collaborative building upon others' points in GD
9. 7 Marks
   aWhat is a syllable? Write examples of English syllables.
   How to answer

   • Definition of a syllable (unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants)
   • Structure of a syllable (nucleus, onset, coda)
   • Examples: Monosyllabic (cat, dog), Disyllabic (wa-ter, doc-tor), Trisyllabic (beau-ti-ful), Polysyllabic (com-mu-ni-ca-tion)
10. 7 Marks
    bExplain Attributes of Professional Personality in brief.
    How to answer

    • Definition of professional personality
    • Key attributes: integrity and ethics, reliability and accountability, emotional intelligence
    • Communication competence, adaptability, problem-solving mindset, and continuous learning
11. 14 Marks
    What are the different types of presentations? Explain.
    How to answer

    • Categorization of presentations based on purpose and delivery style
    • Informative presentations: conveying technical details, teaching, or updates
    • Persuasive presentations: proposals, sales pitches, debate-style pitches
    • Instructional and decision-making presentations
    • Modes of delivery: impromptu, extemporaneous, memorized, manuscript reading
12. 14 Marks
    Write a letter to the DELL Company placing order for the supply of Two Hundred computers with latest features.
    How to answer

    • Standard formal letter format: Sender's details, Date, Receiver's address, Subject, Salutation
    • Body paragraph: reference to previous quotation/enquiry, placing order for 200 computers with specified configurations
    • Specifications table/list (processor, RAM, storage, OS, quantity)
    • Terms and conditions: delivery date, mode of dispatch, payment terms, warranty, signature/complimentary close
13. 14 Marks
    Answer the following. (any two)

    1. a)Common error in writing and speaking
    2. b)Group discussion
    3. c)Vocabulary and paralanguage
    4. d)Communicating in a global world
    How to answer

    • For (a): Subject-verb agreement, dangling modifiers, incorrect tense usage, mispronunciation
    • For (b): Purpose, dynamics, evaluation criteria, and leadership role in group discussion
    • For (c): Importance of active vocabulary, elements of paralanguage (tone, pitch, volume, pauses)
    • For (d): Cultural diversity, nuances in international business communication, cross-cultural competence