UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Communication apprehension is the fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others,especially in public speaking situations. Sweating and trembling before class presentations are typical physical symptoms. Therefore the learner is experiencing communication apprehension.

Option A:
Immediacy is a positive relational quality indicating closeness,not fear.

Option B:
Thus apprehension is the correct answer because the symptoms reflect fear/anxiety about speaking before others.

Option C:
Redundancy refers to repetition of information,not emotional states.

Option D:
Literacy concerns skill in reading and writing,not anxiety about speaking.

Defensiveness is a psychological state in which a person feels threatened and protects self-image by resisting or avoiding messages. If a student interprets comments as personal attacks,they become defensive and stop listening,blocking communication. This matches the barrier described in the stem.

Option A:
Redundancy usually aids understanding; it is not a barrier in itself.

Option B:
Mechanical failure refers to technical problems such as faulty speakers,which are not involved here.

Option C:
Semantic clarity would reduce misunderstanding,whereas the issue here is emotional reaction,not word meaning.

Option D:
Defensiveness often leads to selective listening and distorted perception,making option A the accurate label.

Communication apprehension is an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others. The stem describes intense fear and physical tension when speaking in class,which matches this construct. Such anxiety can hinder participation and learning. Thus apprehension is the correct answer.

Option A:
Overload refers to receiving too much information,not fear of speaking.

Option B:
Therefore communication apprehension best explains the student's experience.

Option C:
Immediacy is a positive relational quality,not anxiety.

Option D:
Literacy is about skills in processing information,not emotional reaction.