SOFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT

WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT Answer all questions

(15x1=15)

1. Consider the following statements about effective listening:

A: Effective listening requires paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues.
B: Effective listening is solely about understanding the content of the speaker's
message.
Which of the following is correct?

(a) Both A and B are correct

(b) Both A and B are wrong

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(c) A is correct, but B is wrong

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(d) B is correct, but A is wrong

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Correct Ans : C

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Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 3.

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Topic: What to listen for and why?

2. "Filters can sometimes improve communication, but they can also act as barriers."
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Filters always act as barriers
(b) Filters always improve communication
(c) Filters can either improve communication or act as barriers depending on the
context
(d) Filters are never present in communication

Correct Ans : C

Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 1.

Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – I
 3. Consider the following statements about the act of smiling in communication:

A: Smiling can be an authentic display of positive emotions, such as happiness or

friendliness.
B: Smiling can also serve as a means to mask true feelings and convey social niceties.

(a) Both A and B are correct, and smiling only serves these two functions.
(b) Both A and B are correct, but smiling can serve additional functions beyond
these two.
(c) A is correct, but B is incorrect because smiling cannot mask true emotions.
(d) B is correct, but A is incorrect because smiling is always a means to mask
emotions.
Correct Ans : b
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 2.

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Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – II

PTE
4. "Active listening goes beyond mere hearing; it entails __________.
(a) passively receiving information

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(b) selectively focusing on certain aspects of the message
(c) fully immersing oneself in the speaker's message and understanding their
perspective
(d) interrupting the speaker with one's own thoughts and opinions

Correct Ans : C
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 5.
Topic: Starting and sustaining a conversation

5. Which of the following is essential for effective communication?

(a) Speaking loudly to ensure the message is heard
(b) Using complex language to demonstrate intelligence
(c) Active listening and understanding the perspectives of others
(d) Ignoring non-verbal cues during conversation

Correct Ans : C
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 1.
Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – I
 6. In the context of speaking in formal groups, which of the following statements best
illustrates the difference between assertion and aggression?
(a) Assertion involves expressing opinions confidently while respecting others'
perspectives, whereas aggression entails forcefully imposing one's views
without regard for others.
(b) Assertion relies on passive communication styles to avoid conflict, whereas
aggression employs assertive communication techniques to maintain dominance.
(c) Assertion focuses on avoiding confrontation by remaining silent, whereas
aggression involves speaking loudly to intimidate others.
(d) Assertion involves sarcasm and passive-aggressive remarks, while aggression
relies on polite and respectful language.

Correct Ans : a

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Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 4.

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Topic: When to speak and how?

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7. Visual and multimedia elements always enhance the effectiveness of communication.
(a) True

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(b) False

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Correct Ans :
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 2.
Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – II

8. Consider the following statements regarding emotions and communication

A: Emotions serve as a ___________ factor in shaping our responses to para-
linguistic cues.
B: Visual, aural, and haptic stimuli play a significant role in ____________
emotions.
Which option accurately reflects the relationship between emotions and
communication?
(a) passive, evoking
(b) dynamic, evoking
(c) negligible, suppressing
(d) significant, suppressing

Correct Ans : b
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 2.
Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – II

9. In a communication context, defensive listening is characterized by:

(a) Openness to feedback and a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
(b) A tendency to perceive criticism where none was intended.
(c) Actively seeking clarification and asking questions to ensure understanding.
(d) Engaging in empathetic listening and validating the speaker's emotions.

Correct Ans : b
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 3.
Topic: What to listen for and why?

10. Which statement accurately reflects ambiguous communication and its potential

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uses?

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(a) Ambiguous communication is always detrimental and should be avoided in all
circumstances.

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(b) Ambiguous communication is primarily used to confuse and mislead others for
personal gain.

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(c) Ambiguous communication is ineffective and only leads to misunderstandings.
(d) Ambiguous communication can be strategically employed to foster creativity

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and encourage divergent thinking.

Correct Ans : d
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 1.
Topic: Understanding the communicative environment – I

11. Consider the following statements regarding listening and sharing grief.
A: Active listening involves providing a supportive presence, empathy, and
understanding when someone shares their grief.
B: Unloading self during a conversation about grief is helpful as it shifts the focus
from the grieving individual to the listener's experiences.

Which of the following options accurately reflects the nature of listening and sharing
grief?

(a) Only A
(b) Only B
(c) A and B
(d) Neither A nor B
Correct Ans : a
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 3.
Topic: What to listen for and why?

12. At a formal business meeting, it is best to address people using __________, while at
a casual gathering with friends, you can use __________.
(a) their first name / nicknames
(b) their job title / their first name
(c) professional titles and surnames / informal greetings and nicknames
(d) informal greetings / professional titles and surnames

Correct Ans : c
Explanation: Kindly refer to lecture 5.
Topic: Starting and sustaining a conversation

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13. The Story of the Arrow refers to
(a) The futility of life since it is full of suffering

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(b) The futility of unnecessary questions
(c) Dramatic effect of silence

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(d) None of the above

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Correct Ans : b
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 5.
Topic: Starting and sustaining a conversation

14. Voice plays a crucial role in communication by ________.

(a) providing visual cues to the listener
(b) conveying emotions and intentions through tone, pitch, and volume
(c) ensuring that the message is received without any distortion
(d) reducing the need for non-verbal communication

Correct Ans : b
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 4.
Topic: When to speak and how?

15. Consider the following statements about effective group discussions:

A: Active participation from all members leads to more diverse perspectives and
better outcomes.
B: Dominating the conversation is essential to ensure that your ideas are heard and
implemented.
 C: Effective group discussions require active listening, respect for differing opinions,
and constructive feedback.

Which of the following options is correct?

(a) Only A is correct

(b) Only A and B are correct
(c) Only A and C are correct
(d) All A, B, and C are correct

Correct Ans : c
Explanation: Kindly refer lecture 4.
Topic: When to speak and how?

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