Communication apprehension among learners – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct, whereas C is incorrect. A is true because communication apprehension is defined as fear or anxiety about actual or anticipated communication. B is true since anxious students often avoid volunteering answers or participating in discussions. D is true because supportive teacher behaviour and step-by-step exposure to communication tasks can gradually build confidence. C is false because ridiculing students typically increases anxiety and avoidance rather than reducing apprehension.

Option A:
Option A includes A and B, both correct, but leaves out D, which accurately describes a positive strategy for helping learners cope with communication apprehension. Without D, the option does not fully capture effective teacher responses. Therefore A and B only is incomplete and cannot be the correct answer.

Option B:
Option B combines A, B and D, covering definition, behavioural consequences and supportive management strategies. It also excludes C, which promotes a harmful practice. Since it contains all and only the correct statements, A, B and D only is the right answer.

Option C:
Option C lists B and D only and omits A, thereby overlooking the conceptual definition of communication apprehension. While B and D describe effects and remedies, leaving out A means the set is not complete with respect to the stem. Consequently this option is not valid.

Option D:
Option D groups A, C and D, but C is incorrect because ridicule worsens anxiety rather than building resilience. Including C with accurate statements makes this combination internally inconsistent and thus unacceptable.