ADVANCED READING AND WRITING

(Brief-answer Questions)

Reading – I

6. Read the following composition attentively and answer any five of the questions:

Literature is a creative subject and hence students studying English Literature at Honours or Master's degree level are supposed to answer questions in the examinations on the basis of their thoughts and ideas. They can, of course, give some references or quotations from poems, for example, to supplement their answers in which cases memorization is necessary. But we are appalled to know that most of the Honours students without developing their creative faculty get used to memorizing answers. In recent times they are found to collect cheap guides with questions and answers instead of buying text books. Consequently they do not have any textual knowledge or thematic ideas about their prescribed syllabus. Even some students cannot mention the text books they have on their syllabus. Most students keep aloof from their classes which create great drawbacks in their academic progress.

The students often do not have the basic knowledge in language and literature. In fact, they are found to languish in the arena of higher education and the desired quality of the students cannot be achieved. The academics and policy makers of the state should come forward and formulate good policies to overcome the shortcomings of the students who will lead the nation in the future.

     (a) What kind of subject is literature?

      Ans: Literature is a creative subject.

      (b) What are the sources of the answers of the Honours students?

      Ans: The sources of the answers of the Honours students are cheap guides with questions and answers.

      (c) Why do we feel appalled?

      Ans: We feel appalled because most of the Honours students get used to memorizing answers.

      (d) Why do the students languish in the arena of higher education?

      Ans: The students languish in the arena of higher education because of their lack of basic knowledge in language and literature.

      (e) What should the academics and the policy makers do to overcome the short comings of the students?

      Ans: The academics and the policy makers should come forward and formulate good policies to overcome the short comings of the students.