IGNOU BEGC-131 June 2025 Previous Year Question Paper

Q1.Read the following passage and answer the questions given below : The Himalayas, often called the 'Roof of the World', is a great mountain range in Asia that stretches across five countries —India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan. This range is over 1,500 miles long and is home to some of the tallest mountains on Earth, including Mount Everest, which rises to

Q2.032 feet, making it the highest peak in the world. The Himalayas were formed ab out 50 million years ago when the Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian plate. This collision created the massive mountains we see today. The region is not only beautiful but also full of diverse plants and animals. Many of these species can on ly be found in the Himalayas due to the different climates and a ltitudes. You can find lush gree n forests in the lower areas and cold, dry lands at higher elevations. These mountains are also very important for water supply. Major rivers, such as the Ganges, Indus , and Bra hmputra, originate in these mountains, providing fresh water for agriculture, drinking , and industry across the Indian subcontinent. These rivers are central to the livelihoods of millions, supporting farming and sustaining ecosystems. Culturally, the Himalayas are significant, featuring many sacred sites and pilgrimage routes that attract visitors and worshippers alike. The mountains are intertwined with the spiritual belief of local communities, making them a symbol of both natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, the Himalayas face serious challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and me lting glaciers. These problems threaten the environment and the lives of people living in the region. Protecting the Himalayas is crucial for the future so that they can con tinue to inspire and support life. Questions :

(a)

(i) How long is the Himalaya n mountain range ? 2

(ii) What is the highest mountain in the Himalayas ? 2

(iii) Which rivers begin in the Himalayas ? 2

(iv) Why are the Himalayas important for water supply ? 2

(v) What challenges do the Himalayas face ? 2

(vi) How were the Himalayas formed ? 2

(vii) Why are the Himalayas considered culturally significant ? 2

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

(b) Use the following words in sentence s of your own : 1×5=5

(i) Collision

(ii) Elevation

(iii) Originate

(iv) Intertwined

(v) Crucial [ 6 ]

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

(i) Pilgrimage

(a) Easily available

(ii) Embarked

(b) Most successful/ important

(iii) Insurmountable

(c) Kindness

(iv) Ailments

(d) Journey to a holy place for a religious reason

(v) Undermine

(e) Moving from one area to another

(vi) Accessible

(f) Which cannot be overcome

(vii) Migratory

(g) Set out on

(viii) Yarn

(h) Diseases (ix) Leading

(i) Thread for making cloth (x) Compassion (j) Weaken gradually

Q4.Fill in the blanks/rewrite as directed : 1×15=15

(i) He ……….. to visit here as a guest. (Use either 'want' or 'wants')

(ii) Every child has a right to ………….. . (Use the correct form of 'educate')

(iii) ………. anything interesting happened ? (Use either 'Has' or 'Have')

(iv) …………….. I make a few suggestions ? (Complete using 'Can' or 'Might')

(v) One of the …………. principles of life is to be honest. (Use the correct form of 'abide')

(vi) This shop ……….. all major credit cards. (Use 'except' or 'accept')

(vii) ………….. your laptop work ? (Use either 'Do' or 'Does')

(viii) Have you ………… to the library ? (Use the correct form of 'be') (ix) ……….. are you reading these days ? (Complete using 'What' or 'Who') (x) Please close …………… windows. (Complete using the correct article) (xi) All students ………… be present for the test. (Use 'could' or 'must') (xii) I have a lot of money. I can buy a car. (Rewrite as a conditional sentence) (xiii) If the doctor visits tomorrow, he ………. you. (Use the correct form of 'examine') (xiv) The teacher will announce the result tomorrow. (Rewrite changing into passive voice) (xv) This meal was prepared by my mother. (Rewrite changing into active voice)

Q5.Write a dialogue between you and your friend, planning a visit t o the Taj Mahal, in about 250 words.

Q6.Write a letter to the local civic authority requesting them to promote proper gar bage disposal in your area. 10 [ 10 ]

Q7.Write a speech to be delivered in a Youth Camp about "Drug Abuse : Evil in Society" in about 250 words.

Q8.Write an essay (in about 250 words) on the following topic : 15 Impact of Television on Family Life