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PLU411S - PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE USE - 2ND OPP - JAN 2025 |
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nAmlBIA unlVERSITY
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
FACULTY OF COMMERCE, HUMAN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES
QUALIFICATION: VARIOUS
QUALIFICATION CODE: VARIOUS
COURSE CODE: PLU411 S
SESSION:
JANUARY 2025
DURATION: 3 HOURS
LEVEL: 4
COURSE NAME: PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
USE
PAPER:
THEORY
MARKS:
100
SECOND OPPORTUNITY EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
EXAMINER(S)
DrR.Nekongo
Dr E. lthindi
Dr C. Sibalatani
Ms N. Haimbodi
MODERATOR: Mr C. Gwasira
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write clearly and neatly.
3. Number the answers clearly.
THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF_ 10_ PAGES (Including this front page)
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'I
SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION
[30 marks]
Readthe following passageand then answer the questions below, based on the passage.
Dating in the digital age: How on line dating changes our partner selection, by Erik Rolfsen
1
The Internet has expanded the dating pool, potentially displacing "traditional" ways of meeting
partners in school or through family connections. This is particularly impactful for people whr. might have
"thin" dating markets where they live and in their community people, such as middle-aged heterosexual
people. Online dating provides a way for people to seek connection, love, or monogamy with a broader
social network, one that is connected to geography and place in both new and familiar ways.
2
According to a new University of British Columbia (UBC)sociology study, the growing use of on line
dating websites, apps and chatrooms has an influence on the types of romantic partners Canadians
choose. The study, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, examined the relationship between
how heterosexual couples meet in Canada and their selection of partners, in terms of education, race,
nativity and age.
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Researchers found that online dating promotes relationships between people of different
education levels and those of different immigrant status, such as Canadian-born ind!viduals and
immigrants to Canada. Online dating also decreases the likelihood that people partner with someone of a
different age. "Online dating opens up a world of diverse partners for us, and this research shows how
segregated our social networks can be," said Yue Qian, the study's lead author and associate professor of
sociology at UBC.
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The study, based on a 2018 national survey, compared data between Canadian couples who met
online and those who met offiine through various channels, such as work, school or church, or through
introduction by friends or family. "The prospective partners we meet through family and friends, or work
and school, tend to be more similar to us in terms of education, immigration and race," Qian said. "There
are more opportunities to encounter someone different on line."
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Some interesting patterns emerged in the study. Compared with offiine dating, online dating is
associated with a higher probability of an immigrant to Canada pairing with a Canadian-born partner-in
particular, an immigrant man and a Canadian-born woman. This highlights the potential of dating
technologies to blur immigration-based social boundaries.
6
Online dating also promotes relationships between people of different educational levels,
compared to offiine dating-in particular, more-educated men with less-educated women. This echoes
prior research showing women on line daters are reluctant to contact men with lower education.
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Although online dating does not promote interracial dating compared with offiine dating in
general, couples specifically introduced by family or friends were more likely to be of the sarne race than
partners who met online. This suggests racial segregation in our existing social networks plays a strong
role in brokering intimate relationships between individuals of the same race. "Everyone is curious about
how couples meet, and unpartnered people are often interested in how they can find a partner," Qiar
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said. "The overarching point is that, if you decide to use online dating options, keep an open mind and
embrace the diverse pool."
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The research was the first of its kind in Canada, and Qian said the results are broadly consistent
with findings in other Western countries. In the future, she said, it would be interesting to research
different online dating options, such as digital apps versus websites, or regional differences in dating
patterns across Canada.
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However, online dating is not flawless. The "online" in online dating introduces concerns about
authenticity that are not necessarily present in face-to-face interactions. Users worry that their online
dates are not who they say they are, and carefully analyse date's online profiles to try to determine "the
truth." Individuals with stigmatised identities, such as disabled people, worry about how to "disclose" this
identity in cyberspace, a concern that is not necessarily present in the embodied offline world.
10 Also, although it is tempting to view online dating as transformative, it can also entrench existing
inequalities. "Assortative mating" in which people seek partners like them in terms of race, educational
experience, and class happens online, too. Assortative mating, also referred to as positive assortative
mating or homogamy, is a mating pattern in which individuals with similar phenotypes or genotypes mate
with one another more frequently than would be expected under a random mating pattern. For instance,
users set their preferences and search profiles in ways that reinforce racial segregation and hierarchy. The
inequalities of the "real world" are also present online, with the added barrier that only those who can
accesscomputers and the internet can participate.
Text adapted from: https://news.ubc.ca/2024/02/online-dating-partner-selection/
1.1 What is one of the main benefits of on line dating mentioned in paragraph 1?
(2)
1.2 What did the study reveal about immigrant men in online dating?
(2)
1.3 What did the University of British Columbia (UBC)study reveal when online dating was compared with
offline dating in terms of interracial relationships?
(2)
1.4 What did the UBCstudy NOTfind regarding on line dating? Choose the correct answer.
(2)
A. It increases relationships between individuals of different educational levels.
B. It promotes assortative mating based on race and class.
C. It encourages a diverse selection of partners.
D. It eliminates the impact of inequalities in online dating.
1.5 What did the UBCsociology study reveal about the effect of online dating on partner selection in terms
of education?
(2)
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1.6 What was the focus of the sociology study that was conducted by the University of British Columbia?
Quote it as reported in the passage.
(3)
1.7 What two key challenges do online dating users experience, challenges that are not present in an off-
line environment or face-to-face interactions?
(2)
1.8 What limitations of online dating are highlighted in the passage, particularly regarding access and
inequality? Circle two letters that illustrate the correct answers.
(2)
A. It encourages a diverse selection of partners.
B. Assortative mating tendencies on line may further perpetuate social hierarchies and racial segregation.
C. It facilitates access to potential partners.
D. Only individuals with access to the Internet and digital technologies can participate in online dating.
1.9 How would you explain the concept of assortative mating to those who are not familiar with it?
(2)
1.10 Decide whether the following statements are true or false.
(3)
1.10.1 The University of British Columbia (UBC)sociology study's main author doubles as an academician
at the same institution.
1.10.2 As reported in the passage,the study that UBCpublished in the Journal of Marriage and Family was
titled "Online dating opens up a world of diverse partners for us."
1.10.3 It is implied in the text that online dating helps individuals avoid relationships with people of
different education levels.
1.11 What do the following pronouns written in bold in the passage refer to?
(3)
1.11.1 those (paragraph 4)
1.11.2 this (paragraph 5)
1.11.3 they (paragraph 9)
1.12 Match each of the words in column A below with its correct definition in column B. Write down only
the number of the question and the correct letter of your choice, e.g. 1.12.1- D.
(5)
Column A
1.12.1 monogamy (paragraph 1)
1.11.2 diverse (paragraph 3)
1.11.3 prospective (paragraph 4)
1.11.4 brokering (paragraph 7)
1.11.5 embodied (paragraph 9)
Column B
A. arranging or negotiating
B. physical, real-world or actions that involve the
physical presence
C. the state of being married to one person at a
time
D. a particular point of view
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E. surrounded or circled
F. expected to be the specified thing in the future
G. showing a great deal of variety
SECTIONB: GRAMMAR
(30 marks)
Read the following passage and answer all the questions below.
How to do well in examinations
Successin examinations is a goal for most students, yet it often feels elusive due to stress, procrastination,
and poor study habits. However, with a structured approach, anyone can excel in their exams. By focusing
on effective time management, strategic study techniques, and maintaining a healthy mindset, students
can optimize their chances of performing well. This essay will explore key strategies to help students
succeed in examinations.
First and foremost, effective time management is crucial. Without a clear study schedule, students can
easily fall behind, leading to last-minute cramming. A well-organised plan ensures that all topics are
covered systematically and that ample time is allocated for revision. To create an efficient timetable,
students should break down their syllabus into manageable sections and assign specific tasks to each day.
By starting early and sticking to a plan, students avoid the pressure of having to learn too much
information in a short period.
7.lEqually important is adopting strategic study techniques. Simply reading textbooks is often not
enough to retain information. Active learning methods, such as summarising key points, creating
flashcards, or teaching concepts to someone else, can significantly enhance understanding and recall.
Practice exams are another valuable tool. They simulate the pressure of the real test and allow students
to identify weak areas that need further attention.7.2 Incorporating breaks and reviewing notes
frequently will help maintain focus, thus preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy mindset is also essential for exam success.7.3 Anxiety and stress are common, but
they can hinder performance if not managed properly. Engaging in mindfulness activities, such as
meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce exam-related stress. 7.4 Additionally, positive
self-talk and visualizing success can boost confidence. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and
adequate sleep are crucial components that support cognitive function and mental well-being during the
exam period.
In conclusion, doing well in examinations is not just about studying hard; it's about studying smart. By
managing time effectively, using active learning strategies, and maintaining a positive mindset, students
can perform at their best. With the right approach, exams can become less daunting and more of an
opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills.
Adapted from: https://chat.openai.com/
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1.The following words were taken from paragraph 1. Scrutinize them and decide which part of speech they
are.
(5)
1.1 yet
1.2 poor
1.3 by
1.4 their
1.5 explore
2. Articles form part of the parts of speech in English. Write a sentence in which you use all the words that
constitute the articles and underline them. Each article must only be used once.
(3)
3.What tense is the sentence in bold and underlined in paragraph 2?
(1)
Sentence: First and foremost, effective time management is crucial.
4. Write the sentence in question 3 above in the following tenses.
(6)
..
4.1 Future simple
4.2 Present perfect simple
4.3 Past perfect
5. Write the sentence written in bold in paragraph 2 in the following forms:
5.1 Question form
(2)
5.2 Negative form
(2)
6. Subject Verb Agreement
First, identify and write down the subject and the verb in the following sentence. Then indicate whether
the subject and the verb in the following sentence agree or disagree.
6.1 Sentence: Simply reading textbooks is often not enough to retain information.
Subject:
verb:
(2)
Agree or Disagree
(1)
7. Sentence structure
You were taught 4 different types of sentence structure. Write down the types of sentence structure
written in bold in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the passage above, e.g. compound, simple sentence, etc.
(8)
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7.1 Equally important is adopting strategic study techniques.
7.2 Incorporating breaks and reviewing notes frequently will help maintain focus, thus preventing
burnout.
7.3 Anxiety and stress are common, but they can hinder performance if not managed properly.
7.4 Additionally, positive self-talk and visualizing successcan boost confidence.
SECTIONC: PARAGRAPHAND ESSAYANALYSIS
(30 marks]
Basedon the structure of an academic essaythat you were taught in this course, analyse the essay below
and then answer the questions that follow.
Why we need excellent communication skills
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A.Communication is the foundation of human interaction, crucial for maintaining relationships
and ensuring social harmony. B.Without it, collaboration and coexistence would be nearly impossible.
C.From exchanging information to expressing emotions, communication helps individuals bond and form
communities. D.The importance of communication transcends simple conversations, as it influences many
aspects of our personal and professional lives. E.Let us explore key reasons why excellent communication
skills are vital: fostering success in leadership, enhancement of interpersonal relationships, and ensuring
clear, effective interaction.
2
To begin with, excellent communication skills are essential is their role in leadership and
professional success. Leaders who master communication are often the most successful because they
can motivate, direct, and inspire their teams. Clear communication enables leaders to articulate their
vision, build trust with their followers, and guide their organisations toward fulfilling goals. Whether in
personal or professional contexts, being able to convey ideas effectively is key to success. For instance, in
the workplace, effective communicators are more likely to build strong networks, they gain trust and spot
new opportunities. The colour of the walls in a room where communication happens can also affect how
people feel during the conversation.
3
In addition to leadership, communication plays a crucial role in building and maintaining
relationships. Strong interpersonal relationships are built on understanding, and communication skills
such as active listening, empathy, and clarity facilitate this process. Good communicators listen attentively,
allowing others to feel heard and valued. Also, nonverbal cues such as eye contact and body language also
contribute to effective communication by creating a sense of trust and approachability. Thus, in both
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personal and professional settings, clear communication strengthens bonds and resolves conflicts before
they escalate.
4
Another vital aspect of communication is its ability to ensure clarity in interactions. Effective
communicators are not only clear and concise in their delivery but also adaptable to different audiences
and situations. For example, adjusting the tone and word choice based on the audience's needs helps
ensure that the message is received and understood as intended. Confidence, open-mindedness, and
respect are additional skills that contribute to this clarity. Allowing communicators to engage their
audience effectively and ensure the message is conveyed properly. The ability to provide and receive
feedback during a conversation further enhances understanding.
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A.In conclusion, excellent communication skills are indispensable for leading others, fostering
strong relationships, and ensuring clarity in interactions. B.Effective leaders use communication to inspire
and motivate, while strong communicators in general build better personal and professional relationships.
C.Additionally, clarity in communication prevents misunderstandings and enhances overall interactions.
D.By developing these skills, individuals unlock new opportunities and enhance their chances for success
in all aspects of life.
Essayadapted from https://www.Sstaressays.com/blog
1. Which of the sentences numbered A-E in paragraph 1 is the thesis statement of this essay?
(2)
2. Fill in the following statement by choosing the correct answer from the options given below.
The strategy that is used to introduce the topic under discussion in this essay is...
(1)
A. Moving from general to specific
B. Using a famous quote
C. Using an anecdote
D. None of these strategies
3. Identify and write down an irrelevant sentence in paragraph 2.
(2)
4. Identify two transitional words within paragraph 3 that are used to connect ideas.
(2)
5. Identify three transitional words or phrases that are used to link ideas between paragraphs. (3)
6. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
6.1 The first sentence that is written in bold in paragraph 2 is
(2)
A. the first supporting sentence.
B. a topic sentence.
C. development of the first supporting sentence.
D. the second supporting sentence.
6.2 The 3rd sentence that is underlined in paragraph 4 is
(2)
A. the second supporting sentence.
B. the first supporting sentence.
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C. a topic sentence.
D. development of the first supporting sentence.
7. Identify and write down a comma splice error hidden in paragraph 2.
(2)
7.1 Rewrite and grammatically correct the sentence error that you wrote in question 7.
(2)
8. Analyse paragraph 3 carefully and illustrate how it is structured by listing its three main
components.
(3)
9. Choose any two supporting ideas presented in paragraph 3.
(2)
A. Communication that plays a crucial role in building relationships
B. Strong interpersonal relationships are built on understanding
C. Nonverbal cues that also contribute to effective communication
D. Excellent communication skills are essential
10. Identify and name the type of sentence error hidden in paragraph 4.
(2)
11. What is the purpose of the sentence underlined in paragraph 4?
(1)
12. The sentence below was taken from paragraph 4. Rewrite it to indicate clearly the topic and
the controlling idea.
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Sentence: Another vital aspect of communication is its ability to ensure clarity in interactions.
a. Topic:
(1)
b. Controlling idea:
(1)
13. Identify a sentence in Paragraph 5 that best summaries the ideas presented in the essay above.
The sentences are numbered A-D; thus, write only the letter of the correct answer.
(1)
14. Among the three different types of essays that were taught in this course, what type is the essay
being analysed?
(1)
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SECTION D: PARAGRAPH WRITING
[10 marks]
Choose any one of the prompts hereunder and write a body paragraph of about 100 words. Pay
attention to structure, coherence, punctuation, and language usage. Begin the paragraph with a
clear and suitable topic sentence.
1.Discuss the role of reading in enhancing critical thinking skills.
2.Evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on human capital.
3. Discuss about one innovation in the engineering field and its benefits to society.
4. Examine the economic significance of sustainable tourism development and how it benefits
the country.
5.Discuss the importance of efficient supply chain management in logistics.
6. Analyze how culinary arts influence cultural identity and heritage.
7.Evaluate the role of human resource management in promoting employee well-being.
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