.png "BEGC 131 QUESTION PAPER")
1. (a) Read the following passage and answer the
questions given below it:
The river Ganga has a unique position in the cultural ethos of India. From time immemorial, the Ganga has been worshipped as a sacred river and even today it is regarded as the holiest of rivers by many Indians. Apart from its cultural significance, the river has great importance for the Indian economy. The densely populated Ganga basin is inhabited by 37% of India’s population. About 47% of the total irrigated area of the country is located in the Ganga basin.
Most of the original natural vegetation has disappeared from the Ganga basin which was once densely forested, and the land is now intensively cultivated to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. Wild animals are few, and the Ganga River dolphin once found throughout the Ganga Brahmaputra basin, is considered endangered because of encroaching human activity. Concern has grown over the environmental impact of hydroelectric dams on the river, including habitat destruction for wildlife, forced relocation of people living in the paths of dams and reservoirs and loss of agricultural land. Of greater concern, however, has been the degradation in the quality of the river water itself.
The Ganga basin is one of the densely inhabited regions on Earth, with the result that the river, over much of its course, is highly polluted. The principal sources of pollution of the Ganga are domestic and industrial wastes. Scores of cities and towns dump untreated sewage into the Ganga, and dozens of manufacturing facilities dump industrial waste. High levels of disease-causing bacteria, as well as toxic substances such as chromium, cadmium, and arsenic, have been found in the Ganga. The first step in improving the water quality would be to control the dumping of domestic and industrial waste from the numerous towns along the river’s course.
Questions:
(i) Why is the river Ganga said to occupy a unique position in the cultural ethos of India?
Ans. The Ganga is considered to hold a special place in Indian culture since it has long been revered as a holy river and is considered the holiest by many Indians, representing great spiritual and cultural value.
(ii) According to this passage, the river Ganga is extremely important for the Indian economy. Why?
(ii) According to this passage, the river Ganga is extremely important for the Indian economy. Why?
Ans. The Ganga River is immensely significant to the Indian economy since the Ganga basin is heavily inhabited, housing 37% of India's population and around 47% of the country's total irrigated area, making it critical for agriculture and livelihood.
(iii) What are the main sources of pollution of the Ganga?
(iii) What are the main sources of pollution of the Ganga?
Ans. The Ganga's primary causes of pollution are residential and industrial pollutants. Cities and towns near the river pour untreated sewage, while factories discharge industrial waste into it.
(iv) There are numerous hydroelectric dams on the river. What is the environmental impact of this?
(iv) There are numerous hydroelectric dams on the river. What is the environmental impact of this?
Ans. The environmental impact of hydroelectric dams on the river includes wildlife habitat damage, forced relocation of people, and agricultural land loss, all of which have a substantial influence on the natural ecology and local communities.
(v) In what way has intensive cultivation and urbanization affected the natural life of the Ganga basin?
(v) In what way has intensive cultivation and urbanization affected the natural life of the Ganga basin?
Ans. Intensive farming and urbanization have resulted in the elimination of the majority of the Ganga basin's original natural vegetation, with the area now heavily cultivated. There are few wild creatures, and the Ganga River dolphin is endangered owing to human activity.
(vi) What is the first step to be taken to clean up the river Ganga?
Ans. Controlling the discharge of household and industrial rubbish from the many towns along the Ganga's path is the first step towards cleaning it up.
(vii) What are the major chemical pollutants found in the river?
Ans. The main chemical pollutants identified in the river are hazardous compounds like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, as well as germs that cause sickness.
(viii) Give a suitable title to this passage.
Ans. A good title for this passage could be "The Ganga: Cultural Significance, Economic Importance, and Environmental Challenges".
(b) Use the following words in sentences of
your own:
(i) endangered
Ans. The panda has become an endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching.
(ii) habitat
(ii) habitat
Ans. The destruction of the Amazon rainforest is leading to the loss of habitat for thousands of species.
(iii) degradation
(iii) degradation
Ans. The degradation of the city's water supply has become a major health concern for its residents.
(iv) unique
(iv) unique
Ans. The artist's approach to combining classical and modern elements in his paintings is truly unique.
(v) reverence
(v) reverence
Ans. The reverence for nature is a fundamental aspect of many indigenous cultures around the world.
Ans.
(a) Demographic - (viii) Pertaining to the study of population
(b) Chronic - (vi) Lasting a long time
(c) Resplendent - (ii) Bright and impressive
(d) Acoustic - (iii) Referring to sound
(e) Frail - (x) Weak and delicate
(f) Proliferate - (vii) Increase rapidly in number
(g) Recurrence - (ix) Happening again
(h) Leading - (iv) Most important
(i) Cruise - (v) A pleasure trip on a ship
(j) Innovate - (i) Introduce new ideas
Ans.
(i) Does your mother work in this school?
(ii) Do you have a pen that I can borrow?
(iii) I prefer to have my dinner early.
(iv) My watch shows both the date and the time.
(v) Has the chief guest arrived already?
(vi) I went to the cinema hall and watched both the morning and afternoon shows.
(vii) If you are not careful, you may lose the documents.
(viii) I have decided to make music my vocation.
(ix) I hope you will enjoy your vacation in Singapore.
(x) Might he take the metro to go to work?
Ans.
(b) (i) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word in brackets:
I. The new international airport is under construction. (construct)
II. Crossing the river in a small boat can be dangerous during the rainy season. (Cross)
III. Doctors were finding it difficult to cope with so many injured people. (injure)
IV. Nearly 40% of the Indian population is employed in the agricultural sector. (employ)
V. We hired a taxi to visit the museum yesterday. (hire)
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate articles/prepositions:
I. Kalidasa was the greatest poet of his time. (Article)
II. The Rocky Mountains are in North America. (Article)
III. You will need an umbrella in the rainy season. (Article)
IV. The steam engine was invented by James Watt. (Preposition)
V. He was born in a small village in Punjab. (Preposition)
4. Your friend and you are planning to go on a short trip to Kashmir during the vacation. Write out a dialogue in about 200 words where you discuss travel plans, arrangement of accommodation and other details with him/her.
Ans.
You: Hello, I was wondering about our next vacation to Kashmir. Shouldn't we begin planning the details?
Friend: Absolutely! Have you thought about where we want to go in Kashmir?
You: I was thinking about going to Srinagar for the houseboats and gardens, followed by a day trip to Gulmarg for some adventure. What are your thoughts?
Friend: Perfect! Gulmarg sounds ideal for trekking. Srinagar is an absolute must. What about accommodations?
You: I discovered a couple houseboat alternatives online. They appear tranquil and are highly rated. In addition, they offer traditional Kashmiri cuisine. We could reserve one for the first half of our journey.
Friend: Sounds like a dream! Let's do it. And for Gulmarg, how about a nice hillside cottage?
Friend: Absolutely! Have you thought about where we want to go in Kashmir?
You: I was thinking about going to Srinagar for the houseboats and gardens, followed by a day trip to Gulmarg for some adventure. What are your thoughts?
Friend: Perfect! Gulmarg sounds ideal for trekking. Srinagar is an absolute must. What about accommodations?
You: I discovered a couple houseboat alternatives online. They appear tranquil and are highly rated. In addition, they offer traditional Kashmiri cuisine. We could reserve one for the first half of our journey.
Friend: Sounds like a dream! Let's do it. And for Gulmarg, how about a nice hillside cottage?
Friend: Renting a car may provide us greater flexibility, particularly when exploring the countryside.
You: Agreed. I'll discover a reputable rental service. Finally, we need to pack properly. Warm clothing is required because the weather will be cool.
Friend: Okay, and don't forget to bring our cameras. The scenery will be beautiful.
You: Definitely. I'll finalize our accommodations and car rental and then email you the specifics for confirmation.
Friend: That sounds wonderful. This trip is going to be incredible!
5. Write a letter to the secretary of your residential
association requesting him/her to improve sports
facilities in your locality.
Ans.
Ans.
Subject: Request for Improvement of Sports Facilities in Our Community.
Dear [The Secretary's Name],
I hope you're well. I am writing to you as a concerned resident of [Your Locality] to make a request for improvements to our sports facilities.
Our community, which is blessed with energetic and active individuals, has long been a hotspot for sports fans. However, my neighbors and I have realized that the current sports facilities are insufficient to meet our needs. The equipment is old, and the available area for various sporting activities is becoming increasingly limited.
Dear [The Secretary's Name],
I hope you're well. I am writing to you as a concerned resident of [Your Locality] to make a request for improvements to our sports facilities.
Our community, which is blessed with energetic and active individuals, has long been a hotspot for sports fans. However, my neighbors and I have realized that the current sports facilities are insufficient to meet our needs. The equipment is old, and the available area for various sporting activities is becoming increasingly limited.
I feel that renovating these facilities will not only enhance our town's physical health, but will also promote a better sense of community. We would especially welcome the repair of the basketball court, the installation of new fitness equipment in the park, and the creation of a small soccer field, if space allows.
Investing in the rehabilitation and development of our sporting facilities would surely improve the general quality of life in our community. It will create a safe and inviting atmosphere for both children and adults to participate in physical activities, supporting a better lifestyle.
I respectfully suggest that this proposal be discussed at the next meeting of the residential association. I am eager to assist with the planning and implementation aspects of this effort.
Thank you for paying attention to this topic. I am looking forward to your favorable reaction.
Yours sincerely.
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Contact information]
Investing in the rehabilitation and development of our sporting facilities would surely improve the general quality of life in our community. It will create a safe and inviting atmosphere for both children and adults to participate in physical activities, supporting a better lifestyle.
I respectfully suggest that this proposal be discussed at the next meeting of the residential association. I am eager to assist with the planning and implementation aspects of this effort.
Thank you for paying attention to this topic. I am looking forward to your favorable reaction.
Yours sincerely.
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Contact information]
6. You have been invited to deliver a speech to a
local youth group on the occasion of Earth Day.
Write out a speech in about 250 words on the
topic: ‘‘The Importance of Water Conservation’’.
Ans.
Good afternoon, respected members of our local youth group.
Today, as we honor Earth Day, I am here to talk on an issue of essential importance: water conservation. Water, the essence of life, is a resource that we frequently take for granted, not appreciating its importance until it is limited.
The value of water conservation cannot be emphasized. Every action we take, no matter how small or great, has an impact on the planet's water supply. Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems all across the world, from the rivers that nourish our lands to the rains that replenish our planet.
Today, as we honor Earth Day, I am here to talk on an issue of essential importance: water conservation. Water, the essence of life, is a resource that we frequently take for granted, not appreciating its importance until it is limited.
The value of water conservation cannot be emphasized. Every action we take, no matter how small or great, has an impact on the planet's water supply. Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems all across the world, from the rivers that nourish our lands to the rains that replenish our planet.
Why should we preserve water? The solution is straightforward. To provide a more sustainable future for future generations. Water scarcity is becoming a stark reality in many regions of the world. It has an impact not only on human health and agriculture, but it also damages wildlife and contributes to biodiversity loss.
What can we do? Begin with small changes at home, such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off the water while brushing your teeth. On a larger scale, fighting for regulations that protect our waterways and promote sustainable water management is critical.
What can we do? Begin with small changes at home, such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off the water while brushing your teeth. On a larger scale, fighting for regulations that protect our waterways and promote sustainable water management is critical.
Let us pledge today, on Earth Day, to be environmental stewards by saving water. Every drop saved contributes to a more sustainable future. Remember, conserving water is about more than just saving water; it is about preserving life itself.
7. Write an essay in about 250 words on any one of
the following topics:
(a) Coping with Air Pollution in Indian Cities
(b) Classical Dance Forms of India
Ans.
Air pollution in Indian cities has reached alarming levels, causing serious health hazards and drastically reducing quality of life. The dense haze that engulfs cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata has made air pollution a national issue. This essay investigates solutions for dealing with air pollution in Indian cities, focusing on preventive measures, policy interventions, and public awareness.
To begin, residents can take easy steps to reduce their exposure to contaminants on an individual basis. Using air purifiers home, wearing masks outside, and avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution times can all greatly lower health risks. Planting more trees in urban areas can help to improve air quality over time.
To begin, residents can take easy steps to reduce their exposure to contaminants on an individual basis. Using air purifiers home, wearing masks outside, and avoiding outdoor activities during high pollution times can all greatly lower health risks. Planting more trees in urban areas can help to improve air quality over time.
Second, policy interventions are critical to long-term solutions. The government must impose higher emission standards for vehicles and factories, two of the biggest contributors of urban air pollution. Promoting electric vehicles and enhancing public transportation can help to reduce vehicle emissions. Additionally, strong waste management methods must be implemented to prevent rubbish from being burned openly.
Combating air pollution requires public knowledge and participation. Educating citizens about the causes and hazards of air pollution, as well as ways to decrease personal emission footprints, can inspire communal action. Initiatives like as carpooling, utilizing environmentally friendly materials, and supporting green policies can all have a major influence.
Combating air pollution requires public knowledge and participation. Educating citizens about the causes and hazards of air pollution, as well as ways to decrease personal emission footprints, can inspire communal action. Initiatives like as carpooling, utilizing environmentally friendly materials, and supporting green policies can all have a major influence.
In conclusion, dealing with air pollution in Indian cities necessitates a multidimensional approach that includes individual acts, policy reforms, and public awareness. While the undertaking is great, concerted efforts can result in cleaner air and healthier lives for millions of people living in India's cities.
Conclusion
We have provided you BEGC 131 question paper with its solutions to help you with your upcoming IGNOU examination. Please keep in mind this answer sheet is just for educational purposes so, please do your own research and prepare well for your examination.
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