Description
English for Business Communication (BEGE-104)
Assignment
(July, 2023 & January, 2024 Sessions)
Assignment Code: BDP/BEGE-104/TMA/2023-24
Max. Marks: 100
Note: Answer all questions
1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. 20
At the Harvard Negotiation Project we have been developing a new method of negotiation
explicitly designed to produce good results efficiently and amicably. This method, called
principled negotiations or negotiations on the merits, can be boiled down to four basic points.
The first point recognizes that human beings are not computers. People have strong emotions,
often see things very differently, and do not always communicate clearly. In negotiation it often
happens that emotions get mixed up with the objective rights and wrongs of the situation. Taking
up a fixed position makes this worse because people‟s personalities become identified with their
positions. So before the actual negotiation begins we need to distinguish between personal
differences and differences over solutions to the problem.
The second point distinguish between what people say they want, their stated positions, and what
they really want, their underlying interests. Negotiating positions often hide what you really
want. A compromise between two positions is not likely to produce an agreement which satisfies
the need underlying each position.
The third point acknowledges the problem of having to find a perfect solution while you‟re under
pressure. Making up your mind in the presence of your opponent restricts your ideas. Deciding
on something very important or trying to find the perfect answer limits creative thought. You can
get around these limitations by arranging a set amount of time to think up a wide range of
possible solutions which help both sides and creatively bring them together.
When both sides find that their interests are directly opposed, one negotiator may try to win
simply by being stubborn. However, you can respond to such tactics by insisting that his/her
opinion alone is not enough and that some fair independent standard is needed. This does not
mean that you yourself select the independent standard, rather that both of you decide on one,
such as market value expert opinion, or law. By discussing such criteria neither side need give in
to the other.
Briefly answer the following questions:
a. What situation is created when emotions intrude into the negotiation process?
b. People do not always state what they desire. What do they do instead? Discuss.
-3-
c. Negotiators need to have a fixed „time-alone‟ period. Why?
d. Why does it often become necessary to consult a specialist in the process of
negotiation? Who should these people be?
e. Suggest an appropriate title to the passage.
f. State whether the following statements are true or false with reference to the passage.
i People’s emotions often complicate matters in life.
ii The writer believes that negotiation is creativity under pressure.
iii An example of the use of objective reference points is to consult a specialist.
iv People often win by not budging from their position.
v A negotiating position often makes it hard to identify real needs.
1g Make sentences of your own with the following phrases:
i get mixed up ii fixed position iii to think up
iv give in to v bring them together
2a. In the following memo the linking words and phrases are missed out. Choose the most
appropriate word or phrase from the ones given. 10
Memo from: General Manager To: Managing Director
Date: 1st April 2023 Ref No. GRS/23/19
(i)………………………. we have agreed in principle to try and cut down on staff, there are two
serious problems in the Buying Department. (ii)………………………. the clerk in charge of
ordering from the stores is also responsible for the filing of information. (iii) ……………………
at the end of the month, when most people want replacements from the stores, and (iv)
……………….require information from the files, he is unable to help us with the demand. (v)
………………… he is practically unoccupied during the first week of every month, when he
could be helping someone else, so I suggest we try to reorganize his job.
i. a) in spite of b) while c) because
ii. a) firstly b) at first c) namely
iii. a) so that b) consequently c) because
iv. a) also b) on the other hand c) therefore
v. a) also b) in contrast c) otherwise
2b. The following letter sounds rather direct and demanding, as if written from a superior
to an inferior. Improve the tone of the letter by transforming the verbs in capitals into
polite forms: 10
Dear Mr. Sareen
We SHALL be grateful if you CAN explain the delay in the shipment expected on
-4-
May 1st. You MAY call us on the above number to save time. Otherwise, it WILL be
appreciated if you CAN reply asap.
Yours sincerely,
Ashish Khetan
3. The “Adventure Club” in your college is planning to go on a trekking expedition to Manali.
As secretary of the club, prepare a notice for the college notice board giving the necessary
information in about 100 words. 10
4. Write short notes on any two of the following: 10
i. Features of a business proposal iii. Guidelines for writing e-mails
ii. An effective group discussion iv. Body language
v. Importance of small talk in business
5a. Fill the gaps using each of the following items once only: 5
also as well as further additional besides
Please send the shipment as arranged. We would (a) ………….. be grateful for your help in
extending our product range. Kindly send a/an (b)………… set of brochures on your latest
series. If possible (c) ……………. the brochures, we shall require an (d) ……………… copy
of the current price list, (e) …………….. details of the updated specification.
5b. Write the opening lines of five letters complying with the following requests. One is done for
you as an example.
Example: Please send us information about your cleaning services. 5
Thank you for your mail enquiring abut our cleaning services.
i. I should be grateful to receive your current catalogue.
ii. Could you please send me your price list and prospectus?
iii.If you could send the parcel soon, I would be most grateful.
iv. It would be most helpful if you could send the brochure.
v. We would be interested in receiving the details of your courses.
6a. Rewrite the sentences with the form of adjectives given in brackets without changing their
meaning. One is done for you: 5
i. No residential building is as tall as the new Global tower in Mumbai. (change to
superlative.)
ii. Rekha is not as tall as Deepika. (change to comparative)
iii. He is the most handsome man in the room. (change to positive)
iv. This stream is not as clear as the one we left behind. (change to comparative)
v. No college president has been as charismatic as Nandita Som. (change to superlative)
vi. Of all the men he is the strongest. (change to positive)
-5-
6b. Say the following sentences politely. You may use appropriate modals: 5
i. I need to use your cellphone.
ii. Lend me your pen.
iii. I want to leave early today.
iv. I want some more coffee.
v. I am going to turn off the TV.
7. Write a dialogue on any one of the following. 10
i. You‟re waiting on a platform at the station for your train. An old lady who is also
waiting says, „It‟s a nice day, isn‟t it? How would you continue the conversation?
ii. Your company has some money to spend on improving its employees‟ English. What
are the best ways of spending the money? Discuss with your boss.
8a. Complete these words or expressions, using the words below. 5
Down, in, out, over, up, up
Example: Buyout purchase of a company by the management
i. ………………. Put contribution
ii. ………………. Load to transfer files from one computer to another
iii. ………………. Dated modernized, brought up to date
iv. ……………… heads day to day costs of running a business
v. Wind ………………. To liquidate or close a company, or division
8b. complete the following sentences. 5
i. If you do not sleep early, …………….
ii. If you meet the principal, …………….
iii. If it rains, ………………
iv. If you leave now, ……………….
v. If you do not exercise, …………
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.