IGNOU BEGLA-138 December 2025 Previous Year Question Paper

Q1.Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow : Nagasaki I p ut this as a question of history, because the history of this is known to few people. [ 2 ] BEGLA–138 The fission of uranium was discovered by two German scientists a year before the war. Within a few months, it was reported that Germany had forbidden the export of uranium from the mines of Czechoslovakia which she had just annexed. Scientists on the continent, in England and America ashed themselves whether the secret weapon on which the Germans were said to be working was an atomic bomb. If the fission of uranium could be used explosively, it might in theory ma ke an explosion a million times larger than hitherto. The monopoly of such an atomic bomb would give Hit ler instant victory , and ma ke him master of Europe and the world. The scientists knew that scale of what t hey feared very well : They feared first [ 3 ] BEGLA–138 desolation and then slavery. With heavy hearts, they told Einstein what they knew of atomic fission. E instein was pacifist and he did not easily put his conscience on one side. But he felt that a nation knows well whether on should use atomic bomb or not. On Aug. 2, 1939 a month be fore Hit ler invaded Poland. Einstein wrote to President Roosevelt to tell him that he thought an atomic bomb might b e made, and he f eared that the Germans were trying to make one. The Nazis had made fundamental science a poor relation, and put it under the second rate party men with splendid titles . But there were not enough unconventional idea s in the German atomic projects. [ 4 ] BEGLA–138 In the city of Nagasa ki when the w riter was walking after the disaster of atomic bomb in 1945 his blood drained and it does so now when he spe ak of it. Now nine years later the hydrogen bo mb is ready and it can turn each mile of destruction into ten miles. Questions :

(i) Describe the circumstances leading to the making of atomic bomb. 4

(ii) When was hydrogen bomb ready for use ? 3

(iii) What had drained the blood from the heart of the author ? 3 [ 5 ] BEGLA–138

(iv) What was the main reason of the failure of German scientists ? 4

(v) What was Albert Einstein’s contribution ?

(vi) Who is pacifist according to the passage ?

Q2.Mark the stressed syllables in the following sentences : 4×5=10

(a) Do you have any sisters ?

(b) They’ll ask the teacher for help.

(c) He bought a car.

(d) Do your homework ?

(e) I’ve never heard of that before.

Q3.What is literal comprehension ? Explain. 10 [ 6 ]

Q4.Describe the abilities one should have to access the reading speed ?

Q5.Discuss the main techniques of reading ?

Q6.What are the various stages of reading a text ?

Q7.Why is critical reading important ?

Q8.Briefly discuss the general aims of developing reading skills.

Q9.Write the dialogue of conversation between Sajawat Company’s Customer Experience Manager Bashir and Kaushal Trivedi, Production-in-Charge for an order modification request from an old customer. [ 7 ]

Q10.Write a brief telephonic conversation between Sonali and her father Mr. Majumdar. Sonali is studying in Delhi and her father is worried about how her daughter is living in Delhi in this winter.