University of Venda Degree/Diploma Examinations October / November Exams 2012 Subject : English Communication Skills for Business Code + BCS 1643 Marks +100 :3-Hours Examiners : Dr INdlovu Mr WJ Gudthuza Moderator :Mr A.Z Nengome ‘This paper consists of NINE (9) pages including this cover page. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES 1. Read carefully all the instructions given in each of the questions and answer them accordingly. 2. Make sure that all your biographical details appear on the answer booklet. 3, Make sure that any of your answers not to be marked are clearly cancelled. 4, Answer all the questions on the UNIVEN answer-booklet provided to you. NSAITThE ais of people and places used In Uese questions are etitious and have no resemblance swith any person(s) dead or alive. If there is any, its regrettably coincidental. ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 PagetSECTION A [42 marks} QUESTION 1 ___[INTENSIVE READING] Passage A. The extract is taken from Darwin's book The Voyage of the Beagle. In the book he describes his voyage around the world as a ship's naturalist. On this voyage he gathered evidence that was to lead him to put forward his Theory of Evolution. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow. ‘That large animals require a luxuriant vegetation, has been a general assumption which has passed from one work to another; but I do not hesitate to say that it is completely false, and that it has vitiated the 5. reasoning of geologists on some points of great interest in the ancient history of the world. The prejudice has probably been derived from India, and the Indian islands, where troops of elephants, noble forests, and impenetrable jungles, are associated 10 together in every one's mind. If, however, we refer to ‘any work of travels through the southern parts of ‘Africa, we shall find allusions in almost every page cither to the desert character of the country, or to the numbers of large animals inhabiting it. The same 15 thing is rendered evident by the many engravings which have been published of various parts of the interior. Dr. Andrew Smith, who has lately succeeded in passing the Tropic of Capricorn, informs me that, 20 taking into consideration the whole of the southern part of Aftica, there can be no doubt of its being a sterile country. On the southern coasts there are some fine forests, but with these exceptions, the traveller may pass for days together through open plains, 25 covered by a poor and scanty vegetation. Now, if we Took to the animals inhabiting these wide plains, we shall find their numbers extraordinarily great, and their bulk immense. We must enumerate the elephant, three species of rhinoceras, the hippopotamus, the 30 giraffe, the boscaffer, two zebras, two gnus, and ‘several antelopes even larger than these latter ‘animals. It may be supposed that although the species are numerous, the individuals of each kind are few. By the kindness ‘of Dr. Smith, I am enabled to show 435 that the case is very different. He informs me, that in lat. 24’, in one day's march with the bullock-wagons, "ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Page240 45 50 55 65 70 15 80 he saw, without wandering to any great distance on either side, between one hundred and one hundred and fifty rhinoceroses - the same day he saw several herds of giraffes, amounting together to nearly a hundred. At the distance of a little more than one hour's march from their place of encampment on the previous night, his party actually killed at one spot ‘eight hippopotamuses, and saw many more. In this same river there were likewise crocodiles. Of course it was a case quite extraordinary, to see so many great animals crowded together, but it evidently proves that they must exist in great numbers. Dr. Smith describes the country passed through that day, as being thinly covered with grass, and bushes about four feet and still more thinly with mimosa-trees.’ Besides these large animals, every one the least ‘acquainted with the natural history of the Cape, has read of the herds of antelopes, which can be compared only with the flocks of migratory birds. ‘The mumbers indeed of the lion, panther, and hyena, and the multitude of birds of prey, plainly speak of the abundance of the smaller quadrupeds: one ‘evening seven lions were counted at the same time prowling round Dr. Smith's encampment. As this able naturalist remarked to me, the carnage each day in Southern Africa must indeed he terrific! I confess it is truly surprising how such a number of animals can find support in a country producing so little food. The larger quadrupeds no doubt roam over wide tracts in search of it; and their food chiefly consists of ‘underwood, which probably contains much nutriment in a small bulk, Dr. Smith also informs me that the ‘vegetation has a rapid growth; no sooner is a part consumed, than its place is supplied by a fresh stock There can be no doubt, however, that our ideas respecting the apparent amount of food necessary for the support of large quadrupeds are much exaggerated. The belief that where large quadrupeds exist, the vegetation must necessarily be luxuriant, is the more remarkable, because the converse is far from true. Mr. Burchell observed to me that when entering Brazil, nothing struck him more forcibly than the splendour of the South American vegetation contrasted with that of Ss ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Page385 90 95 South Africa, together with the absence of all large quadrupeds. In his Travels, he has suggested that the comparison of the respective weights (if there were sufficient data) of an equal number of the largest herbivorous quadrupeds of each country would be extremely curious, If'we take on the one side, the elephants hippopotamus, giraffe, boscaffer, elan,five species of rhinoceros; and on the American side, two tapirs, the guanaco, three deer, the vicuna, peccari, capybara (after which we must choose from the monkeys to complete the number), and then place these two groups alongside each other it is not easy to conceive ranks more disproportionate in size. After the above facts, we are compelled to conclude, against anterior probability, that among the mammalia there exists no close relation between the bulk of the species, and the quantity of the vegetation, in the countries which they inhabit. Adapted from: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin (1890) Questions: 1, The author is primarily concerned with ‘A. discussing the relationship between the size of mammals and the nature of vegetation in their habitats BB. contrasting ecological conditions in India and Africa C. proving that large animals do not require much food . describing the size of animals in various parts of the world E. explaining that the reasoning of some geologists is completely false 2. The word ‘vitiated? (line 4) most nearly means A. infiltrated B. occupied C. impaired D. invigorated E. strengthened 3. Aceotding to the author, the ‘prejudice’ (line 7) has led to ‘A. errors in the reasoning of biologists B, false ideas about animals in Africa C. incorrect assumptions on the part of geologists D. doubt in the mind of the author E. confusion in natural history — BCS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Paget4, The author uses information provided by Dr. Smith to | supply information on quality and quantity of plant life in South Africa Il indicate the presence of large numbers of animals III give evidence of numbers of carnivorous animals A. Tonly B.Ilonly C. Ill only D. Land Il only E.1, Hand Ill 5. The flocks of migratory birds (line 55) are mentioned to ‘A. describe an aspect of the fauna of South Africa B. illustrate a possible source of food for large carnivores C. contrast with the habits of the antelope D. suggest the size of antelope herds E. indicate the abundance of wildlife 6. The ‘carnage’ (line 61) refers to the A. number of animals killed by hunters B. number of prey animals killed by predators C. number of people killed by lions D. amount of food eaten by all species E, damage caused by large animals 7. To account for the ‘surprising’ (line 63) number of animals in a ‘country producing so little food’ (line 64), Darwin suggests all of the following as partial explanations except ‘A. food which is a concentrated source of nutrients B. rapid regrowth of plant material CC. large area for animals to forage in D. mainly carnivorous animals E, food requirements have been overestimated 8. The author makes his point by reference to all of the following except A. travel books B. published illustrations . private communications D. recorded observations E. historical documents ——— ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 PageS9. Darwin quotes Burchell’s observations in order to A. counter a popular misconception BB. describe a region of great splendor C. prove a hypothesis D. illustrate a well-known phenomenon E, account for a curious situation 10. Darwin apparently regards Dr. Smith as A. reliable and imaginative B. intrepid and competent C. observant and excitable D. foolhardy and tiresome E. incontrovertible and peerless 11. Darwin’s parenthetical remark (line 83-84) indicates that A. Burchell’s data are not reliable B. Burchell’s ideas are not to be given much weight C. comparison of the weights of herbivores is largely speculative D, Darwin's views differ from Burchell’s E, more figures are needed before any comparison can be attempted 12. Anterior probability (line 95) refers to ‘A. what might have been expected B. ideas of earlier explorers C. likelihood based on data from India D. hypotheses of other scientists E. former information [12] QUESTION 2 24 Mention and discuss types of internal/organizational communication and their purposes. Mention one purpose per type. Finally, provide an example of a channel that can be used for each type of internal/organizational communication. [20] _S— ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Page62.2 Briefly explain the following: 2.2.1 communication barrier (2) 2.2.2 proxemics (2) 2.3 Identify the approaches to message style in the following examples: |. “Raid kills insects dead” 2. An experienced housewife gives her views about the cleaning power of Omo 3. A commercial showing a young man who has died and gone to heaven but cannot stay permanently because he is still tied to his cell phone contract 4. The television commercial for a soft drink shows a fat girl looking on while other girls and boys play in the pool. 5. A commercial showing advertised batteries allowing a toy bear to walk further than unmarked batteries do. 6, A radio commercial explaining the importance and ingredients of FLORO. [6] SECTION B: WRITTEN COMMUNICATION [40] QUESTION 3 34 You are the Director of Staff Development at Evergreen Resorts and are in the process of making arrangements for a three-day training course on workplace writing skills. Draft a memorandum in which you outline the arrangements and invite applications (from the administrative staff) to attend the training sessions. [10] 32 ‘The head of your department has called a meeting of all staff members to discuss the unavoidable reorganization of the department that has to occur because = an employee is to retire at the end of the month, = three employees have resigned with effect from the end of the month. budgetary constraints make it impossible to fil all of these vacant posts in the foreseeable future. oo ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Page7Your head of department has asked you to act as secretary. Write the notice and agenda for this, meeting. (15) 3.3 You hold a senior position in the Computer Services Department of an organization. In recent months there has been a significant increase in the number of complaints from internal clients (staff of the organization) about poor service from your department. It is thought that this is because both computer hardware and software are obsolete (old, outdated) and Computer Services and staff cannot solve the resulting problems. It seems the clients do not understand this and feel angry and frustrated. ‘You have been asked by the Head of your department to investigate the matter and make practicable suggestions on how to improve the situation. Write a formal, investigative report (include all necessary steps). ts] SECTION C: LANGUAGE AND BUSINESS REGISTER [18] QUESTION 4 41 Read the following article, then choose the correct word for each gap. Write down only the ‘question number and the letter of the selected answer, E.g. 11. A. Business and the Environment ‘These days in business, people have to face many challenging questions when designing and implementing new projects in underdeveloped areas of the countryside. One issue which has to be faced is whether it is possible to introduce new technology without destroying the local environment. Economic 1 and environmental conservation are often seen as natural enemies. It is unfortunate that in the past this has often been true, and it has been necessary to choose between 2 the project or protecting the environment. However, by taking environmental considerations 3, ‘at an early stage in a project, companies can significantly reduce any impact on local plants and animals. For example, in southern Aftica, a company called CEL was asked to put up 410km of a power transmission line without disturbing the rare birds which inhabit that area. The project was carried out withd, disturbance last summer. What may surprise many business —_——_— ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 PageBpeople is the fact that this consideration for wildlife did not in any way 5. down the project. Indeed, the necessary advance planning, 6. with local knowledge and advanced technology, 7. that the project was actually completed ahead of schedule. CEL was contracted to finish the job by October and 8. to do so two months earlier. CEL is one of those companies which is 9. to the principle of environmental conservation. Many other companies have yet to be 10. of the importance of balancing the needs of people with those of the environment, However, it may be the only realistic way forward. (Adapted from Cambridge University Press 2008) . development B. progression C. rise D. increase running B. dealing C. controlling D. leading deeply B. gravely C. seriously D. severely bare B. smallest C. least D. minimal tum B. slow C. speed D. hold tied B. combined C. added D. related led B. caused C. resulted D. meant managed B. succeeded C. achieved D. fulfilled promised B. persuaded C. convinced D. committed argued B.convinced C. urged D. impressed (19) >PPPPPrrre 42 Provide the correct concept for the underlined words/phrases or sentence. Choose from the given words and write only the question number and the word. Consensus, prima facie, mutatis mutandis, ignorantiajuris, per capita, customs duty, | intestate, slump, null and void, sub judice, inter alia, ex officio. Mr. King’s property is in the protection of the state because he died without leaving a is authority as CEO was declared as having no legal effect. 3. The accused refused to comment on the case as it was still being tried by the court of law. 4. Most countries try to discourage import of goods by increasing the amount importers pay con goods imported into the country. ‘The administrator accepted the statement only after necessary changes/alterations were made. 6. The chairperson of the committee, by virtue of the office held, becomes a member of ‘other committees. 7. Ignorance one. 8 Among other things, good business depends also on good ethics. (8) oo ECS 1643 NOVEMBER EXAM 2012 Paged