PCT Question Bank 2
PCT Question Bank 2
Discuss the cycle of communication with the help of a diagram and suitable
examples.
The cycle of communication consists of several key components: the sender, message,
encoding, channel, receiver, decoding, and feedback.
• Channel: The medium through which the message is transmitted (e.g., verbal,
written, non-verbal).
• Feedback: The response from the receiver back to the sender, indicating
whether the message was understood.
Socio-psychological barriers refer to the personal and social factors that affect
communication. These include:
• Emotional State: Feelings such as anger, fear, or anxiety can hinder effective
communication.
Remedies:
Merits:
Demerits:
Merits:
Demerits:
Oral Communication:
• Tone and Emotion: Allows for tone, inflection, and body language to convey
meaning.
Written Communication:
• Time: Takes longer to prepare and may not allow for immediate feedback.
Merits:
Demerits:
Examples:
• Gestures: Hand movements can emphasize points and engage the audience,
making the communication more dynamic.
In summary, non-verbal cues play a crucial role in conveying emotions and reinforcing
the spoken message, making oral communication more effective.
8. Explain the Barriers in the given situation, and how they can be overcome?
Situation: Ms. Sathya returned from Australia after her higher studies abroad. She was
offered a post of project manager in a multinational company situated on the outskirts
of a big city. The company employed many local people. For the introductory meeting,
the team members came in late by half an hour to two hours. She patiently gave a
presentation on how she wanted to increase production and talked about it in detail.
She thought she would get a positive response from her team members, whereas the
team members were reluctant to adopt new technologies and were strongly against it.
Ms. Sathya was upset by this mindset.
Barriers:
Overcoming Barriers:
Semantic Barriers refer to misunderstandings that arise from the use of language.
These can occur due to ambiguous words, jargon, or differences in interpretation based
on individual experiences.
Causes:
Listening can be categorized into several types, each serving a different purpose:
• Content Listening: Focused on understanding the message. For example,
listening to a lecture to grasp the subject matter.
• Critical Listening: Evaluating the message for validity. For example, listening to a
political speech and analyzing the arguments presented.
Each type of listening requires different skills and approaches, and effective
communicators adapt their listening style based on the context.
1. Sensing: The initial stage where the listener hears the sounds and recognizes
them as speech.
2. Interpreting: The listener decodes the message, understanding the words and
their meanings.
Effective listening requires active engagement at each stage, ensuring that the listener
fully comprehends the message being conveyed.
Active Listening:
• Example: During a meeting, an employee nods, takes notes, and asks clarifying
questions.
Passive Listening:
• The listener hears the words but does not engage with the content.
2. Question: Formulate questions based on the survey. This sets a purpose for
reading.
3. Read: Read the material thoroughly, looking for answers to the questions posed.
4. Recite: Summarize the key points in your own words, reinforcing understanding.
5. Review: Go back over the material to reinforce learning and ensure retention.
This method encourages active engagement with the text, leading to better
comprehension and memory retention.
6. Format: The structure and layout of the written material, including headings,
bullet points, and spacing.
7. Style: The unique voice and tone of the writing, which can vary based on the
audience and purpose.
Understanding these units helps writers organize their thoughts and present
information clearly and effectively.
Coherence in writing refers to the logical flow and connection of ideas within a text. It is
crucial because:
• Logical Structure: It ensures that ideas are presented in a logical order, making
it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.
For example, in an essay, each paragraph should build on the previous one, leading to a
clear conclusion. Coherence enhances the effectiveness of communication, making it
essential for all forms of writing.
16. What are the two types of cohesion devices for effective writing? Explain them.
Cohesion devices are linguistic tools that help connect ideas and ensure the flow of
writing. The two main types are:
Effective use of cohesion devices enhances the clarity and readability of writing,
allowing readers to follow the writer's thoughts seamlessly.
17. “Communication is a two-way process.” Explain with the help of a diagram and
suitable examples.
Communication is indeed a two-way process, involving both the sender and the
receiver. This interaction can be illustrated through a simple diagram:
Explanation:
18. What are the 7Cs of business correspondence? How to write an effective
business letter?
• Body: Clearly state the purpose, provide necessary details, and include a call to
action.
Example: A letter to a client regarding a service update should start with a clear subject
line, followed by a polite greeting, a concise explanation of the update, and an invitation
for questions or further discussion.
The "You" attitude refers to a communication style that focuses on the recipient's
needs, interests, and perspectives rather than the sender's. This approach enhances
engagement and fosters a positive relationship.
Example: Instead of saying, "I think our product is the best," a "You" attitude would
frame it as, "You will find our product meets your needs effectively." This shift
emphasizes the benefits to the recipient, making the communication more relevant and
appealing.
Using the "You" attitude helps in building rapport and trust, making it a vital aspect of
effective business communication.
20. Explain major causes of psychological barriers and ways to overcome them to
improve communication.
• Emotional State: Feelings such as anger or anxiety can hinder effective listening
and understanding.
• Jargon and Technical Terms: Use of specialized language that may not be
understood by all parties.
• Use of Plain Language: Simplifying language and avoiding jargon can make
communication more accessible.
• Language Training: Providing language training for employees can enhance their
communication skills and confidence.
By implementing these strategies, organizations can reduce linguistic barriers and
improve overall communication effectiveness.
22. You have received a wrong order of crockery set. Write a letter to the sales
manager to rectify this.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with
my recent order (Order Number: [insert order number]) placed on [insert order date].
Unfortunately, I received the wrong crockery set, which does not match the
specifications I ordered.
I kindly request that you rectify this mistake by sending the correct crockery set at your
earliest convenience. I have attached a copy of the order confirmation for your
reference.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your swift response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email etiquette refers to the set of guidelines for communicating effectively and
professionally via email. Key points include:
• Clear Subject Line: Use a concise subject line that reflects the content of the
email.
• Proper Language: Use formal language and avoid slang or overly casual
expressions.
• Respect Privacy: Use BCC for mass emails to protect recipients' privacy.
24. Being the Sales department head of Flyhigh Industries, Mumbai, you have
received an annoyed letter from one of your wholesale distributors about the
manufacturing defect in the display of the laptops that they have bought from your
company recently. Draft a suitable reply to the distributors.
[Your Name]
Sales Department Head
Flyhigh Industries
[Company Address]
Mumbai, [Zip Code]
[Date]
[Distributor's Name]
[Distributor's Company Name]
[Distributor's Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Thank you for bringing the issue regarding the manufacturing defect in the laptops to our
attention. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and your
customers.
We take quality control very seriously at Flyhigh Industries, and I assure you that we are
investigating this matter thoroughly. To rectify the situation, we will arrange for the
defective units to be replaced at no additional cost to you.
Please let us know the best way to proceed with the return and replacement process.
We value your partnership and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction.
25. a) Imagine you own a manufacturing unit of household appliances. Write a sales
letter to promote your business by offering good discounts and other incentives for
the distributors.
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Distributor's Name]
[Distributor's Company Name]
[Distributor's Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
I hope this message finds you well. I am excited to introduce our latest range of
household appliances at [Your Company Name], where quality meets affordability.
To celebrate our new product launch, we are offering exclusive discounts of up to 20%
for our valued distributors. Additionally, for every order above [insert amount], you will
receive a complimentary product of your choice from our range.
We believe that our innovative appliances will not only meet your customers' needs but
also enhance your sales potential. I invite you to take advantage of this limited-time
offer and join us in providing exceptional products to your clientele.
Please feel free to reach out for more details or to place an order. We look forward to a
fruitful partnership.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company Name]
25. b) You bought a refrigerator two months ago from Mohan Sales, Ashok Vihar,
Mumbai. It has developed certain problems regarding its functioning. Cooling has
stopped and it is making a lot of noise. Write a letter of complaint to the Manager
asking him for immediate repair/replacement of the same.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
Manager
Mohan Sales
Ashok Vihar
Mumbai, [Zip Code]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally complain about a refrigerator I purchased from your store two
months ago (Invoice Number: [insert invoice number]). Unfortunately, the appliance has
developed significant issues; it has stopped cooling and is making excessive noise.
Given the short duration since the purchase, I kindly request immediate repair or
replacement of the unit. I have attached a copy of the purchase invoice for your
reference.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your swift
response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Components:
• Control Panel: Allows users to set cooking time and power levels.
Working:
1. The magnetron generates microwaves, which are directed into the cavity.
2. The microwaves penetrate the food, causing water molecules to vibrate and
generate heat.
4. The food is heated quickly and efficiently, allowing for rapid cooking.
27. Write a set of clear and precise instructions for the following with six to eight
steps: i) To make an ATM withdrawal with appropriate usage of special notations.
1. Insert Card: Insert your ATM card into the card slot.
2. Enter PIN: Type your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) using the
keypad.
4. Choose Account Type: Select the type of account (e.g., Savings or Checking).
5. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to withdraw and press "Enter."
8. Take Card and Receipt: Retrieve your ATM card and receipt before leaving the
machine.
Note: Ensure to check for any potential hazards, such as nearby individuals or
environmental factors, before proceeding with the transaction.
10. Strategies for Good Listening: Effective listening strategies include maintaining
eye contact, summarizing key points, asking clarifying questions, and avoiding
distractions. Practicing active listening helps ensure that the listener fully
comprehends the message being conveyed.
11. Open Punctuation Style: Open punctuation style refers to a format in which
punctuation marks, such as commas and periods, are omitted after the
salutation and closing in business letters. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith" and
"Sincerely yours" would not have commas in an open punctuation style.
14. Visuals: Visuals refer to images, graphs, charts, and other visual aids used to
enhance communication. They can help clarify complex information and make
presentations more engaging. For instance, using a pie chart to represent data
can provide a clearer understanding than text alone.
29. You are the student council member. Write a letter to the principal seeking to
conduct a blood donation camp within the premises.
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
Student Council
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Principal's Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Principal's Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing on behalf of the Student Council
to propose the organization of a blood donation camp within our school premises.
Given the increasing demand for blood donations in our community, we believe that
hosting this camp would not only contribute to a noble cause but also raise awareness
among students about the importance of blood donation.
We kindly request your approval to proceed with this initiative. Your support would
greatly enhance our efforts to make a positive impact in our community.
Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to your favorable response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
Student Council
The AIDA approach is a marketing and communication model that outlines the steps to
effectively engage an audience. AIDA stands for:
3. Desire: Create a desire for the product, service, or idea by emphasizing its value
and how it can solve a problem or improve the audience's situation.
4. Action: Encourage the audience to take action, whether it's making a purchase,
signing up for a newsletter, or attending an event. This step often includes a clear
call to action.
Example: In a sales pitch, a salesperson might start with a striking statistic (Attention),
explain how the product can save time (Interest), share testimonials from satisfied
customers (Desire), and conclude with a limited-time offer (Action).
31. Differentiate between technical and literary writing.
Technical Writing:
• Style: Utilizes clear, concise language and often includes diagrams, charts, and
bullet points for clarity.
Literary Writing:
In summary, technical writing focuses on clarity and precision, while literary writing
emphasizes creativity and emotional engagement.
32. Identify the sender, receiver, medium, channel, and feedback in the following
situations:
• Sender: Pravin
b) Finance Minister announced the budget in the parliament and was applauded.
• Medium: Speech
• Channel: Live broadcast or in-person presentation
a) The music played in the neighbor’s house was so loud that I could hardly study.
b) The workers could not understand the manager's instructions in English despite
listening carefully.
c) The successful businessman did not accept the ideas offered by the salesman
who came to him with a new product.
33. Discuss the semantic barrier and the ways to overcome the barrier.
Causes:
Listening can be categorized into several types, each serving a different purpose:
3. Critical Listening: Evaluating the message for validity. For example, listening to a
political speech and analyzing the arguments presented.
Each type of listening requires different skills and approaches, and effective
communicators adapt their listening style based on the context.
1. Sensing: The initial stage where the listener hears the sounds and recognizes
them as speech.
2. Interpreting: The listener decodes the message, understanding the words and
their meanings.
Active Listening:
• Example: During a meeting, an employee nods, takes notes, and asks clarifying
questions.
Passive Listening:
• The listener hears the words but does not engage with the content.
2. Question: Formulate questions based on the survey. This sets a purpose for
reading.
3. Read: Read the material thoroughly, looking for answers to the questions posed.
4. Recite: Summarize the key points in your own words, reinforcing understanding.
5. Review: Go back over the material to reinforce learning and ensure retention.
This method encourages active engagement with the text, leading to better
comprehension and memory retention.
38. Explain the seven basic units of writing.
6. Format: The structure and layout of the written material, including headings,
bullet points, and spacing.
7. Style: The unique voice and tone of the writing, which can vary based on the
audience and purpose.
Understanding these units helps writers organize their thoughts and present
information clearly and effectively.
Coherence in writing refers to the logical flow and connection of ideas within a text. It is
crucial because:
• Logical Structure: It ensures that ideas are presented in a logical order, making
it easier for readers to follow the argument or narrative.
For example, in an essay, each paragraph should build on the previous one, leading to a
clear conclusion. Coherence enhances the effectiveness of communication, making it
essential for all forms of writing.
40. What are the two types of cohesion devices for effective writing? Explain them.
Cohesion devices are linguistic tools that help connect ideas and ensure the flow of
writing. The two main types are:
1. Reference: This involves using pronouns or demonstratives to refer back to
previously mentioned nouns. For example, in the sentence "The dog barked
loudly. It was very annoying," the pronoun "it" refers back to "the dog," creating a
link between the two sentences.
Effective use of cohesion devices enhances the clarity and readability of writing,
allowing readers to follow the writer's thoughts seamlessly.
41. “Communication is a two-way process.” Explain with the help of a diagram and
suitable examples.
Communication is indeed a two-way process, involving both the sender and the
receiver. This interaction can be illustrated through a simple diagram:
Explanation:
• Body: Clearly state the purpose, provide necessary details, and include a call to
action.
Example: A letter to a client regarding a service update should start with a clear subject
line, followed by a polite greeting, a concise explanation of the update, and an invitation
for questions or further discussion.
The "You" attitude refers to a communication style that focuses on the recipient's
needs, interests, and perspectives rather than the sender's. This approach enhances
engagement and fosters a positive relationship.
Example: Instead of saying, "I think our product is the best," a "You" attitude would
frame it as, "You will find our product meets your needs effectively." This shift
emphasizes the benefits to the recipient, making the communication more relevant and
appealing.
Using the "You" attitude helps in building rapport and trust, making it a vital aspect of
effective business communication.
44. Explain major causes of psychological barriers and ways to overcome them to
improve communication.
• Emotional State: Feelings such as anger or anxiety can hinder effective listening
and understanding.
• Jargon and Technical Terms: Use of specialized language that may not be
understood by all parties.
• Language Training: Providing language training for employees can enhance their
communication skills and confidence.
46. You have received a wrong order of crockery set. Write a letter to the sales
manager to rectify this.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with
my recent order (Order Number: [insert order number]) placed on [insert order date].
Unfortunately, I received the wrong crockery set, which does not match the
specifications I ordered.
I kindly request that you rectify this mistake by sending the correct crockery set at your
earliest convenience. I have attached a copy of the order confirmation for your
reference.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your swift response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
47. Write a set of clear and precise instructions for the following with six to eight
steps: i) To make an ATM withdrawal with appropriate usage of special notations.
2. Enter PIN: Type your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) using the
keypad.
4. Choose Account Type: Select the type of account (e.g., Savings or Checking).
5. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to withdraw and press "Enter."
8. Take Card and Receipt: Retrieve your ATM card and receipt before leaving the
machine.
Note: Ensure to check for any potential hazards, such as nearby individuals or
environmental factors, before proceeding with the transaction.
Email etiquette refers to the set of guidelines for communicating effectively and
professionally via email. Key points include:
• Clear Subject Line: Use a concise subject line that reflects the content of the
email.
• Concise Content: Keep the message brief and to the point, avoiding
unnecessary details.
• Proper Language: Use formal language and avoid slang or overly casual
expressions.
• Respect Privacy: Use BCC for mass emails to protect recipients' privacy.
[Your Name]
Sales Department Head
Flyhigh Industries
[Company Address]
Mumbai, [Zip Code]
[Date]
[Distributor's Name]
[Distributor's Company Name]
[Distributor's Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Thank you for bringing the issue regarding the manufacturing defect in the laptops to our
attention. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and your
customers.
We take quality control very seriously at Flyhigh Industries, and I assure you that we are
investigating this matter thoroughly. To rectify the situation, we will arrange for the
defective units to be replaced at no additional cost to you.
Please let us know the best way to proceed with the return and replacement process.
We value your partnership and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sales Department Head
Flyhigh Industries