NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 22 Question Answer
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.1
1. What do you understand by face-to-face communication?
Ans: Face-to-face communication is the process that takes place in the simultaneous physical presence of both the speaker(s) and the listener(s) at the same spot. Depending on the relationship shared by the speaker(s) and the listener(s), the space between them varies, and one has to be careful about the non-verbal cues, as the speaker(s) and the listener(s) can see each other directly.
2. Two friends, Shyam and Rohit, are quarrelling as their other friends, Suraj, Vishnu, Mohit and Lakshit watch them. Who is the speaker, and who is the listener?
Ans: Shyam and Rohit will alternately assume the roles of speaker and listener as they take turns in the process of quarrelling with each other. Suraj, Vishnu, Mohit and Lakshit are the observers or the extended audience, who cannot directly join the process.
3. How is turn-taking important in communication?
Ans: Turn-taking is important in communication as speakers need to be heard properly for further communication to be fruitful. If everybody is speaking at the same time without taking turns, then nobody will be listening, and in such a scenario, communication will be meaningless and chaotic.
4. Why do we need to observe non-verbal cues in face-to-face communication?
Ans: We need to observe non-verbal cues in face-to-face communication to understand whether the speaker or the listener is being sincere, interested, authentic or hiding something or being deceptive. Non-verbal cues go beyond words and reveal important information about the message sender’s personality, state of mind, intent and purpose.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.2
1. Dhananjay has to attend an official meeting with his boss in his office. He decides to wear a colourful vest and a low-waist jeans trouser. How will the communication process be affected by this?
Ans: Dhananjay is wearing inappropriate clothing for a formal occasion like an official meeting. Hence, others’ perception of Dhananjay will be affected, and he will not be taken seriously in the communication process.
2. The Mathematics teacher is asking Manoj whether he has cheated while answering the questions in the exam. Manoj is constantly breaking eye contact with the teacher and, at times, looking away while talking to the teacher. How will the interaction be impacted by Manoj’s non-verbal communication?
Ans: Breaking eye contact constantly is an indication of Manoj not being truthful, and the Mathematics teacher will disbelieve his statements.
3. Sushma and Susheel, who have just met at a birthday party, are having an informal conversation. Sushma’s sister, Neha, is also there. Can Sushma hug and kiss both Susheel and Neha to convey how much she likes them both? If yes, why? If not, why not? Explain the consequences of non-verbal communication with reference to touch and level of intimacy.
Ans: Sushma can hug and kiss her sister Neha, of her being Sushma’s sister and them sharing a deep level of intimacy. However, Sushma should not hug and kiss Susheel as he is a recent acquaintance and she does not share the level of intimacy that would approve such a non-verbal gesture in a traditional Indian setting.
4. Rahul and Mohan are having a secret conversation while being surrounded by other family members. Considering your own experience, think about how Rahul and Mohan can use facial expressions and eye movements to convey messages to each other.
Ans: Use your own experience: think of the use of hand gestures, lip movements, eye movements, facial expressions, etc.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.3
1. What do you understand by politeness?
Ans: Politeness, in the context of communication, is about the use of appropriate words, showing regard for the person one is communicating with, alongside the consideration of the person’s feelings, sentiments and position. One needs to be kind towards and patient with others while being polite in a communicative context.
2. Think about your own family. Consider how you speak to your immediate family members. Next, consider how you speak to your relatives. Is there a difference? What did your parents teach you about speaking to elder people? There is also the convention of charan sparsh (touching the elder’s feet) before greeting and talking to one’s elders. What do you think about this? Does this have any significance as a non-verbal gesture?
Ans: Use your own experience; Charan Sparsh is an Indian tradition of showing respect towards and seeking blessings and guidance from an elder or a senior person by touching his or her feet. As a non-verbal gesture, it sets the tone of the communication process to follow, where the person will be willing to obey and hold in high regard the elder’s opinion. So, the feedback will show agreement with the elder’s statements, and there will be very little or no resistance to the elder’s suggestions.
3. Beyond age, what are the factors in an Indian setting that influence politeness norms? Now think of your own state within India. Are there any particular considerations in your own state (like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, etc.) that you have to keep in mind while being polite in face-to-face communication? Discuss a few such issues.
Ans: Beyond age, other factors like social standing, professional status (like a policeman, a district magistrate, etc.), organisational hierarchy (who is the senior versus who is an intern), etc., influence politeness norms in an Indian setting. Use examples from your own state to answer the second part of the question.
4. Rephrase the given sentences in their politer forms.
a) As you do not have a current account in the bank, I cannot process your request.
Ans: I advise you to kindly open an account in the bank, for me to be able to process your request.
b) I want you to give me more information.
Ans: Please give me more information.
c) The food is cold. I want hot food to be served!
Ans: The food is cold. Can you please heat it once for me?
d) Give me a better room, or I will never use your service again!
Ans: Is there a better room available? It is difficult for me to be in this room.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.4
1. Farhan and Naman are in an official meeting when, suddenly, on a minor issue, they disagree and say the following:
Farhan: What an idiotic thing to do, you moron!
Naman: Don’t behave like an ass, Farhan!
Do you think Farhan and Naman have behaved appropriately in face-to-face communication? What is problematic here? Change the sentences used by Farhan and Naman on the basis of what you have learned so far about the effective ways of face-to-face communication.
Ans: No, Farhan and Naman have not behaved appropriately. Their use of slang and colloquial expressions is problematic here.
Farhan: That is an unwise thing to do!
Naman: You need to trust me, Farhan!
2. Payal has recently received news about her father’s accident and hospitalization. Gautam wants to speak to her about an important project where he needs her assistance. Considering his urgency, should Gautam talk to Payal immediately? If yes, why so? If no, why not?
Ans: No, Gautam should not talk immediately about the project. It would not fulfil Gautam’s purpose as Payal is not in the mental state to think about work and responsibilities. Rather, Gautam should practise empathy and communicate regarding what sort of help Payal might need at the moment and how Gautam can assist her in this situation. Later on, after the crisis has been dealt with, Gautam can talk about the project, and Payal will respond favourably as she will acknowledge Gautam’s help during the difficult period.
3. Based on your personal experiences with your friends, share two stories where you think a friend responded versus a story where he or she reacted. In our own lives, should we respond or react to a situation? Where does the difference lie?
Ans: Use your own experience to answer; the difference lies in the approach: when we respond, we act with a problem-solving mindset. On the contrary, when we react, we don’t try to solve anything, it’s an emotional outburst that further complicates the matter.
4. Ravi is playing Clash of Clans on his Android smartphone as Pramod is talking about his last trip to Ladakh, both sitting opposite to each other in a coffee shop. How do you think their face-to-face communication will go? Give reasons for your answer and suggest ways to improve the quality of their conversation.
Ans: The face-to-face communication will be a failure, as Ravi is not paying attention to and hence not listening to Pramod. Much of the information shared is being lost. To improve the quality of their conversation, Ravi should stop using his smartphone. Ravi should pay full attention to Pramod, with periodic non-verbal cues like nodding one’s head, smiling, using hand gestures, etc., and verbal messages or questions to show how he is taking an interest in what Pramod has to share about his Ladakh trip.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.5
1. Study and practise the short exchanges/dialogues given below. Identify whether the relationship is (a) formal or (b) informal.
i) A: Good morning, Sir!
B: Good morning, Harish! Didn’t see you in office yesterday. Is everything alright?
A: Yes, sir, thank you. I had to take a leave because a friend had come from Chennai.
Ans: formal
ii) A: Good morning, sister. How are you?
B: I’m fine, thank you, doctor.
Ans: formal
iii) A: Hello, Abdul. How are you?
B: Fine, thanks. How are you?
A: I’m fine.
Ans: informal
iv) A: Good morning, sir.
B: Good morning, Ms Singh. I hope you are feeling better now.
A: Much better, thank you.
Ans: formal
v) A: Hi, Anju, you are just the person I was looking for.
B: Hello, Suresh. Why, what’s up?
Ans: informal
vi) A: Good morning, Mr. Pillai. Isn’t it a lovely day?
B: Good morning. Yes, it’s nice and cool.
Ans: formal
2. Match the responses to the greetings in the table below:
| Greetings | Responses |
| i) Hi, Rahul! Long time no see. | a) I’m very well. Thank you. |
| ii) It’s great to see you again. So, | b) Hello, Raj. Yes, I’ve been how’s life? very busy. |
| iii) How are you feeling now? | c) Much better, thank you. |
| iv) Hello, Mr. Gupta! And how | b) Hello, Raj. Yes, I’ve been, how’s life? very busy. |
Ans: (i) b (ii) d (iii) c (iv) a.
3. You have gone to see a senior colleague who has been admitted to a hospital. Which expression will you use? Tick the correct response.
i) Good morning. In good shape, are you?
ii) Good morning, sir. How’re you feeling now?
iii) Hi! How’s life?
iv) Hey! How are you, old boy?
Ans: (ii) Good morning, Sir. How’re you feeling now?
4. A new employee greets his Managing Director at a meeting, saying, “Hi! Mr. Sharma! Long time, no see. What’s up?” The Managing Director is not at all pleased. Why? What should he have said?
Ans: The remark is very informal, therefore inappropriate. He should have said: Good morning, Sir,
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.6
1. Study and practise the short exchanges/dialogues given below. Identify whether the relationship is (a) very formal, (b) formal, or (c) informal.
i) A: Good morning. How do you do? You’re Veena Yadav, aren’t you?
I’m Neha Bajaj.
B: How do you do, Neha? Pleased to meet you.
Ans: formal
ii) A: Pardon me, your name is Rahul Sharma, isn’t it?
B: Yes, it is. And you are? ………………………………..
A: Iqbal Judge from the Delhi office.
Ans: formal
iii) A: Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce this evening, Bill Gates, the man who has brought about the IT revolution.
Ans: Very informal
iv) A: Rahul, I’d like you to meet my colleague, Anjali. Rahul-Anjali, Anjali-Rahul.
Rahul: Hello, Anjali. Nice to meet you. Welcome to Delhi. Is this your first trip?
Anjali: Thanks. Yes, it is.
Ans: informal
2. Complete the dialogue:
i) Mukesh: Hey, Shyam. Have you met Jim before?
Shyam: _______________________________________________
Jim: How do you do?
Ans: No. Pleased to meet you, Jim.
ii) Kiran: Meera, this is Neha. Neha-Meera.
Meera: ______________________________________________
Neha: Fine, thanks. And how are you?
Ans: How are you, Neha?
3. After a talk you are introduced to the speaker. Which of the following would you say?
i) Hello, Bill!
ii) Hi, Mr. Gates!
iii) How do you do, Mr. Gates.
iv) Pleased to meet you, Mr. Gates.
v) It’s an honour to meet you, Mr. Gates.
Give reasons as to why you would reject the other responses.
Ans: Accept: (v) It’s an honour to meet you, Mr. Gates. Because it expresses the pleasure of meeting a special person.
Reject: (i) & (ii) for being too informal, and (iii) and (iv) would be quite acceptable.
4. When would you say this:
It gives me great pleasure to welcome Ms. Yasmeen Lukmani, President, Lions Club.
i) to your friend at a party in her house?
ii) to a friend at an airport where you have gone to receive Ms. Yasmeen?
iii) to members of the club at a Lions Club meeting?
Ans: (iii) to members of the club at a Lions club meeting
INTEXT QUESTIONS 22.7
1. Think of some occasion in your family (like a puja with havan, a wedding, an anniversary celebration, etc.) where you had to interact with several outsiders and socialise with them. How did you begin these conversations? How did you continue further? Remember and describe two memorable conversations on such occasions. Are you still in touch with these two people? Think of how your relationship with these people has changed.
Ans: Use your own experience to answer the question.
2. What are some of the topics that we can use in face-to-face communication with almost anyone? Now think of your own village or zilla where you were born and have spent several years of your life. What type of topics do common people use in regular face-to-face communication? Share a story of such a conversation that you have had with a neighbour or a shopkeeper in your locality.
Ans: Use your own experience to answer the question.
3. Abhishek to Vinod: Let’s go for dinner and call it a night? What is Abhishek trying to convey to Vinod?
Ans: Abhishek is trying to signal a switch to Vinod and end the work-related communication for the day.
4. Think of Rakesh as your best friend. You generally have long face-to-face conversations with Rakesh. However, at times, you somehow know that Rakesh is no longer listening, and you have to say something like “Hello, are you even listening to me?” to bring him back. What are some of the general signals that you need to observe to know that Rakesh’s concentration is broken?
Ans: Rakesh has looking at his wrist-watch frequently, or looking at the door, or breaking eye contact randomly and intermittently, or getting distracted by something in the surrounding environment.
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. Read the three pieces of dialogue given below and answer the following questions for each of them:
a) When does the conversation take place?
- i) after greetings
- ii) before taking leave
- iii) while working
b) Are people meeting each other for the first time?
c) What is the topic for small talk? Is it appropriate?
i. Deepa: How do you do, Ms. Nagpal? I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.
Veena: Oh! Please call me Veena.
Deepa: And I’m Deepa. Well, Veena, did you have a good journey?
Veena: Well, not too bad. There was a minor fault in the line and we were delayed by half an hour.
Deepa: Yes, delays are irritating…………………..
Ans:
- a) i) after greetings
- b) Yes, they are meeting each other for the first time.
- c) About their journey, and it is appropriate.
ii. Deepa: We’ve been working very hard. I think we need a break. Let me get you a drink.
Veena: Yes, I’d like tea, thanks.
Deepa: Sure. With milk and sugar?
Veena: Yes, please. Let’s go to the canteen. I’d like to stretch my legs.
Ans:
- a) iii) while working
- b) No.
- c) Taking a break and having snacks. Yes, it is appropriate.
iii. Deepa: Well, that’s quite a lot of work done; don’t you think?
Veena: We’ll call it a day. Shall we?
Deepa: Yes, of course. Care to join me for lunch?
Deepa: Never mind. Would you like some coffee before you leave?
Veena: No. Thanks. I should be leaving……..
Ans:
- a) ii) before taking leave
- b) No.
- c) Taking coffee before leaving.
2. Some sentences are missing in the dialogue given below. The missing sentences are given in a box after the dialogue below. Complete the dialogue with sentences from the box.
Please Note: There are more sentences than you need, so choose with care.
Habib: Have you been to Pune before?
Lekha: No, it’s my first visit.
Habib: (a)_____________________________________
Lekha: I’m sure I will.
Habib: So, do you have much time here in Pune? Are you staying long?
Lekha: No, I have to go back tomorrow afternoon.
Habib: (b) ___________________________________________
You’ll have to come back again.
Lekha: (c) ___________________________________________
Habib: So, what time is your flight tomorrow?
Lekha: Early evening 18.35.
Habib: Well, I can book you a taxi if you like, to get you there in a good time.
Lekha: (d) ___________________________________________
(i) I don’t know for sure.
(ii) You are going to have a great time here.
(iii) That’s very kind. Thank you.
(iv) Hope everything is alright?
(v) Oh, that’s a pity. There’s such a lot to see.
(vi) That will be too much to ask of you.
(vii) Depends on when I get called for the next project.
(viii) Well, I hope you like it.
(ix) That’s good.
(vi) Yes, I’d love to.
Ans:
- a) (ii) You are going to have a great time here.
- b) (v) Oh, that’s a pity. There’s such a lot to see.
- c) (vi) Yes, I’d love to.
- d) (vi) That will be too much to ask of you.
3. Identify the unacceptable sentences in the following exchanges. Also say what makes it so.
A. (i) Manager: Is this your first visit here?
Thomas: No, in fact the first time I came here was for a trade fair. It was the Auto Trade fair at Pragati Maidan in 1999.
Manager: Shall we have a look around the plant before lunch?
Ans: The unacceptable sentence is: “Shall we have a look around the plant before lunch?”
Reason: The manager ignores what Thomas has just said. Thomas talked about his previous visit and the trade fair, but the manager suddenly changed the topic without responding. This makes the conversation sound impolite, abrupt, and disconnected. A natural response should first acknowledge Thomas’s information.
(ii) Manager: Is this your first visit here?
Thomas: No, in fact, the first time I came here was for a trade fair. It was the Auto Trade fair at Pragati Maidan in 1999.
Manager: Ah, yes, I remember the exhibition well. So, it was very successful for you, was it?
Thomas: Well, we made a lot of useful contacts.
Manager: Of course……. Now, shall we have a look round the plant before lunch?
Ans: Here, all sentences are acceptable.
Reason: The manager acknowledges Thomas’s reply, comments on it, and then politely moves the discussion forward. The conversation sounds natural, complete, and courteous.
4. Identify the unacceptable sentences in the following exchanges. Also say what makes it so.
A. (i) Visitor: Hello, I’m N K Bajaj from Bakson. I have an appointment with Ashok Sahani.
Receptionist: Oh, yes, Mr. Bajaj. Welcome to Telco. Mr. Sahani will be along in a few minutes. Can I get you something to drink?
Visitor: No thanks, I’m fine. But I wonder if I could use a phone?
Receptionist: Yes, of course. And anything else________________ ___________________
Ans: There is no unacceptable sentence here
(ii) Visitor: Hello, I’m NK Bajaj from Bakson. I have an appointment with Ashok Sahani.
Receptionist: Just a moment, please………….. I’m sorry, Mr. Sahani is not in.
Visitor: Well, I think I’ll wait. Could you give the message to his secretary? I have another appointment to catch up with.
Receptionist: Yes.
Ans: The unacceptable sentence is: “Yes.”
Reason: The receptionist’s reply is too short, abrupt, and impolite for a professional setting. It shows no courtesy or reassurance.
Additional Study Materials
- NIOS Class 12 English Sample Paper
- Chapter 17: Kabir and Thiruvalluvar
- Chapter 18: Reading with understanding (Nation Builders of India)
- Chapter 19: Reading with Understanding (International Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking)
- Chapter 20: Reading with understanding: (Losar and Bihu)
- Chapter 21: Kalidas
