IGNOU BEGC-131 December 2021 Previous Year Question Paper

Q1.Read the following passage and answer the questions given below : A region with a large number of species is considered to be biodiverse. In order to prioritize the areas that should be protected, scientists identi fy areas that are home to a large number of species, especially those that are under threat of extinction or are currently being destroyed at a fast pace. These areas which are particularly important for biodiversity conservation are called biodiversity hotspots. There are 36 biodiversity hotspots on our planet, and these areas are dazzling, unique, and full of life. Plants, animals, and other living organisms that populate these places are rare and many of them are only found in these specific geographic a reas. These biodiversity hotspots are currently at risk of being destroyed. Extinction is a constant force shaping the earth’s biodiversity. However, today we are facing a rate of species extinction that is faster than has ever been seen before. Plant and animal species in biodiversity hotspots are currently suffering devastating losses. Biodiversity hotspots now cover only

Q2.4% of the land on earth, when they originally covered 12% of the land. Factors, such as pollution, exploitation of land, invasive spe cies, deforestation, and climate change are the leading causes of habitat loss and destruction. The fact that these factors are widespread creates challenges for the species that manage to survive; and with an ever -changing climate and unpredictable circu mstances, species that cannot resist the changing environment or move to a more suitable habitat will likely become extinct. When we think about the future of biodiversity on earth, we need to consider the role we play in climate change. In order to protec t our planet, we can start by making small changes in our daily lives. Taking action by recycling, picking up trash, being conservative with our water consumption, and limiting pollution by walking, biking, or taking public transportation are ways that we can help the environment.

(A)

(i) What do you understand by the term ‘biodiverse region’ ? 2

(ii) What are biodiversity hotspots ? 2

(iii) According to the passage, the biodiversity hotspots on earth are at risk of being destroyed. What is the reasons for this ? 2

(iv) The passage mentions several causes of habitat loss and destruction. What are they ? 2

(v) How many biodiversity hotspots are there on earth ? What percentage of the earth’s surface do they cover ? 1+1

(vi) What happens to species th at cannot resist the changes in environment ? 2

(vii) What changes can we make in our daily li ves to save the environment ? 2

(viii) Give a suitable title to this passage. 1

(B) Use the following words in sentences of your own : 5×1=5

(i) Priority

(ii) Conservation

(iii) Unique

(iv) Unpredictable

(v) Devastating [ 7 ]

Q3.Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B : 10×1=10 Column A Column B

(i) Biodegradable

(a) Not pure

(ii) Dynamic

(b) Long-lasting

(iii) Contaminated

(c) Person with responsibility for protecting something

(iv) Surpassed

(d) Ancient

(v) Custodian

(e) Existing naturally in a place

(vi) Apparel

(f) Characterised by activity or progress

(vii) Primeval

(g) Moving from one area to another

(viii) Durable

(h) Exceeded (ix) Migration

(i) Able to decay naturally (x) Indigenous (j) Clothes [ 8 ]

Q4.(A) Fill in the blanks using the correct word from those given below : 10×1=10 (lose, should, loose, needs, vocation, vacation, spot)

(i) Every Indian to be involved in protecting our natural resources.

(ii) You will your money if you are not careful.

(iii) He spent his travelling abroad.

(iv) This dress does not fit you perfectly ; it is very around the waist.

(v) She has decided to make medicine

(vi) Kovalam is a famous tourist

(vii) One not lead a sedentary life.

(viii) Can you the error in th is diagram ? (ix) A teacher always support the weakest students in the class. (x) I think he will this game.

(B)

(i) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word in brackets : 5×1=5

(1) Our country should increase the (produce)

(2) This island is with scenic beauty. (bless)

(3) Children below five will not be given to enter the hall by themselves. (permit) condition of the patient. (improve)

(5) Your mistakes can be easily if you make an effort. (remedy)

(ii) Complete the following with the appropriate articles/prepositions as indicated : 5×1=5

(1) Sri Lanka is island. (article)

(2) Let us discuss matter seriously. (article) river in India ? (article)

(4) He was born a small village in Punjab. (preposition)

(5) The bus departs 3 P. M. (preposition)

Q5.You have just met a friend and you start a discussion with him/her on your favourite sporting activities. Write out a dialogue between the two of you on this t opic about 200 words.

Q6.Write a letter to a friend in the USA inviting him/her to spend his/her vacation in your state. Your letter should give a description of the major tourist attractions of your state. 10 [ 12 ]

Q7.You have been invited to make a speec h to a youth group in your locality. Write out a speech in about 250 words on the topic “The Importance of Regular Physical Exercise.”

Q8.Write an essay (in about 250 words) on any one of the following topics : 15

(i) Creative hobbies for self-development

(ii) Inculcating proper eating habits in your children