NPTEL Soft Skill Week 5 Assignment Answers 2024 (July-October)

Mastering Communication and Writing Skills: NPTEL Week 5 Assignment 5

This article explores the answers and explanations for Week 5: Assignment 5 from the NPTEL course on Soft Skills. This assignment focuses on key aspects of communication breakdown, advanced writing skills, and effective communication strategies in an organizational setting. Understanding these concepts is crucial for enhancing clarity and efficiency in both written and verbal communication. Below are the questions from the assignment along with their correct answers and detailed explanations.

1. What does 'satisficing syndrome' in categorical thinking lead to?

Answer: Communication breakdown
Reason: 'Satisficing syndrome' occurs when decisions are made based on sufficient criteria rather than optimal ones, often leading to a communication breakdown. This happens because the decision-making process involves less thorough thinking, leading to oversimplified or misunderstood communication.

2. Which of the following traits should a person maintain to be an ethical communicator in an organization?

Answer: Ensure formality and transparency in all communications
Reason: Being an ethical communicator involves ensuring that communications are both formal and transparent. This maintains integrity and ensures that all stakeholders have access to accurate and clear information.

3. Which of the following voices wrote, "I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you"?

Answer: Walt Whitman
Reason: This famous line is from Walt Whitman's poem "Song of Myself," which is part of his larger work "Leaves of Grass." Whitman's poetry often explores themes of individuality and the collective human experience.

4. Which of the following appropriately describes the primary goal of advanced writing skills?

Answer: To communicate ideas clearly and effectively
Reason: The primary goal of advanced writing is to ensure that ideas are conveyed with clarity and precision. Complex vocabulary or intricate language can confuse the reader, which is why the focus should be on clear and effective communication.

5. Which of the following does not contribute to communication breakdown?

Answer: Differing background
Reason: While differing backgrounds can pose challenges, they do not inherently lead to communication breakdown. Communication breakdowns are more often caused by failure with words, mutual misunderstanding, and uncertainty about content, rather than simply having different backgrounds.

6. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option: (In) _____ pattern topics or subjects are broken into subtopics or categories.

Answer: Categorical
Reason: A categorical pattern organizes topics by dividing them into specific categories or subtopics. This method is commonly used to present information in a clear and organized manner.

7. _____ is the practice of crediting sources of information used in writing.

Answer: Citation
Reason: Citation is the standard practice for giving credit to the original sources of information, ideas, or data used in writing. Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.

8. _____ is known as the father of English essays.

Answer: Francis Bacon
Reason: Francis Bacon is often referred to as the father of the English essay. His works are foundational in the development of essay writing in the English language.

9. Messages without _____ phrases and redundant expressions are easier to comprehend.

Answer: Wordy
Reason: Wordy phrases and redundant expressions make messages harder to understand. Removing these improves clarity and ensures that the message is more easily comprehended.

10. Communication breakdown often occurs due to _____ use of jargon which distorts the message during transmission.

Answer: Extensive
Reason: The extensive use of jargon can lead to misunderstandings or communication breakdown because it may not be understood by all parties involved. Minimizing jargon ensures that the message is clear and accessible to a wider audience.

These answers provide a comprehensive understanding of effective communication and advanced writing techniques, essential for both personal and professional development.