B.A. ENGLISH (PU) - PAST PAPER (B) 2008

PAPER NO. 9

(Year 2008 - Group I) 

1. Write an essay, with an outline, of 300-350 words on ONE of the following topics:

(i) A Model Citizen

(ii) The Age of Machines

(iii) Importance of Advertising

(iv) Our Economic Planners

(v) Scope of Tourism in Pakistan

2. Read the following passage and answer the questions at the end. The answers must be in your own words.

     It is common in our day, as it has been in many other periods of the world's history to suppose that those among us who are wise have seen through all the enthusiasms of earlier times and have become aware that there is nothing left to live for. The men who hold this view are genuinely unhappy but they are proud of their unhappiness which they attribute to the nature of the universe and consider to the only rational attitude for an enlightened man. Their pride on their unhappiness makes people suspicious of its genuineness: they think that man who enjoys being miserable is not miserable. This view is too simple; undoubtedly there is some slight compensation in the feeling of superiority and insight which these sufferers have, but it is not sufficient to make up for the loss of simple pleasure. I do not myself think that there is any superiority rationality in being unhappy. The wise man will be as happy as circumstances permit and if he finds the contemplation of the universe painful beyond a point, he will contemplate something instead. I am persuaded that those who quite sincerely attribute their sorrows to their views about the universe are putting the cart before the horse: the truth is that they are unhappy for some reasons of which they are not aware.

Questions:

(i) Suggest a suitable title for the passage.

(ii) What is common with the wise today to suppose?

(iii) What is the result of pride on unhappiness?

(iv) How can a wise man be happy?

(v) Explain the meanings of the following words:

(a) Enthusiasms     (b) Contemplation

(vi) Make a summary of the passage.

3. Write a letter to the Editor of a Newspaper suggesting him certain conditions under which a person can take part in General Elections.

OR

Write an application to the Inspector General of Police complaining against the ever deteriorating condition of law and order in the city.

4. Correct any FIVE of the following sentences. (No extra attempts will be marked)

(i) Our parents may be resembled to a tree which gives us cool shade.

(ii) I do not know where was he at that time.

(iii) I request you not to cut jokes in class.

(iv) If I fail in this examination I will give the next.

(v) We met at the house of a mutual friend to make peace.

(vi) Have you heard of your son's robbery?

(vii) The downfall of the king is to be attributed to nothing else than pride.

(viii) If you do not come, then I shall not help you.

(ix) Scarcely had he gone than a policeman knocked at the door.

(x) Have you seen her latest photograph.

5. Use any FIVE of the following phrases in sentences. (No extra attempts will be marked)

(i) Take down

(ii) Take in

(iii) Throw up

(iv) Stand for

(v) Strike down

(vi) Stand for

(vii) Ring out

(viii) Become a byword

(ix) Fall foul of

(x) Have no touch with

6. Translate the following into English.

OR

Write a dialogue between a student and a canteen manager about the bad food items and their high prices in the canteen.