ICBT Anuradhapura Campus

Cardiff Metropolitan University UK

Model Question Paper

Higher Diploma in English Leading to B.A. in English

Language Structure and Linguistics

Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100

Section A: Objective Questions (20 Marks)

Answer all questions. (1 mark each)

1.      Define linguistics.

2.      What is a morpheme?

3.      Identify the noun phrase in the sentence: The young girl won the prize.

4.      What is phonetics?

5.      Define syntax.

6.      Name the branch of linguistics that studies meaning.

7.      What is an allophone?

8.      Differentiate between derivation and inflection.

9.      What is a diphthong?

10.  Identify the tense in: She has completed her work.

11.  What is a clause?

12.  Define discourse analysis.

13.  What is language acquisition?

14.  What is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)?

15.  Name the levels of linguistic analysis.

16.  What is sociolinguistics?

17.  Identify the voice in: The letter was written by John.

18.  Define pragmatics.

19.  What is code-switching?

20.  What is transformational grammar?

Section B: Short Answer Questions (30 Marks)

Answer any six questions. (5 marks each)

1.      Explain the organs of speech and their functions.

2.      Distinguish between phonetics and phonology.

3.      Discuss the characteristics of human language.

4.      Explain the concept of morphemes with suitable examples.

5.      Describe phrase structure rules.

6.      Differentiate between competence and performance.

7.      Explain the functions of language.

8.      Discuss language variation and dialects.

9.      Write a note on first language acquisition.

10.  Explain the role of context in communication.

Section C: Analytical Questions (30 Marks)

Answer any three questions. (10 marks each)

1.      Analyze the following sentence using phrase structure grammar:

The intelligent student completed the assignment carefully.

2.      Discuss the major theories of language acquisition.

3.      Explain the concept of transformational-generative grammar with examples.

4.      Describe the phonological system of English, including vowels and consonants.

5.      Examine the relationship between language and society with reference to sociolinguistics.

6.      Discuss semantics and pragmatics as branches of linguistics.

Section D: Language Structure (20 Marks)

Part A: Grammar and Usage (10 Marks)

Answer all questions.

1.      Correct the errors in the following sentences:
a) He don't know the answer.
b) Neither of the boys are present.

2.      Change into passive voice:

The manager approved the proposal.

3.      Combine the following sentences using a relative clause:

The woman is a teacher. She lives next door.

4.      Rewrite the sentence in reported speech:

She said, "I will attend the meeting tomorrow."

5.      Identify the parts of speech in the sentence:

The children played happily in the garden.

Part B: Composition (10 Marks)

Answer any one question.

1.      Write an essay on The Importance of English in the Globalized World.
OR

2.      Write a report on a seminar conducted in your college on language and communication.

Model Question Paper II (Alternative Pattern)

Long Essay Questions (15 Marks each)

Answer any four:

1.      Discuss the scope and significance of linguistics.

2.      Explain English sentence structure with suitable tree diagrams.

3.      Analyze the role of morphology in word formation.

4.      Discuss language change and language evolution.

5.      Explain major concepts in sociolinguistics.

6.      Describe discourse analysis and its applications.

Practical Linguistics (10 Marks)

1.      Transcribe the following words using IPA:

·         Language

·         Communication

·         Structure

·         Education

·         Knowledge

2.      Identify the morphemes in:

·         Unhappiness

·         Reorganization

·         Carefully

·         Teachers

·         Friendship

This model paper broadly covers the core areas usually included in a Higher Diploma in English leading to a B.A. in English, including Language Structure, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Discourse Analysis, Grammar, and Composition.