UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Chronemics refers to the study of how time is used in communication. It includes punctuality,the length of pauses and the perceived speed of interaction. These time patterns can signal respect,urgency or power relations. Therefore,the behaviours described in the stem fall under chronemics.

Option A:
Proxemics deals with physical space and distance,not with timing or pauses.

Option B:
Paralanguage involves vocal qualities such as tone and pitch,which are related but distinct from the temporal structure of speech.

Option C:
Semantics focuses on meanings of words and symbols,rather than on timing in delivery.

Option D:
Chronemics reminds teachers that coming late,allowing or denying wait time for answers and speaking too fast all send important non verbal messages,making option D correct.

In a teacher centred classroom, the teacher generally controls the flow of information and takes most of the speaking time. Messages predominantly move from teacher to students in the form of lectures, explanations and instructions. Feedback from students is often minimal or limited to short responses. This pattern represents a downward, largely one way communication structure.

Option A:
Option A corresponds to downward communication from teacher to students with restricted feedback. It mirrors the hierarchical nature of teacher centred settings where learners play a relatively passive role. Because the teacher initiates and regulates most of the discourse, this pattern fits common classroom observations.

Option B:
Option B describes upward communication from students to administrator, which relates more to institutional feedback channels than to the everyday communication pattern inside a single classroom.

Option C:
Option C refers to horizontal communication between non teaching staff, which is communication among colleagues at the same level rather than between teacher and students. It describes organizational interaction, not classroom interaction patterns.

Option D:
Option D, mass communication through television programmes, involves messages sent to large, anonymous audiences via media. It is not characteristic of a typical face to face, teacher centred classroom setting.

Option C – non-verbal communication Communication in the classroom occurs not only through spoken or written words but also through non-verbal signals. Eye contact, facial expressions and gestures convey interest, encouragement and emotional tone without using language. These cues can support or contradict verbal messages and strongly influence how learners interpret teacher behaviour. Therefore, the behaviours described in the stem are examples of non-verbal communication.

Option A:
Written communication refers to messages conveyed through text, such as notes on the board, handouts or digital messages. Although crucial in teaching, it does not include eye contact or gestures, which are expressed physically rather than through written symbols. Hence, this option does not correctly represent the type of communication highlighted.

Option B:
Formal communication is usually defined in terms of official channels and structured messages within an organization, such as circulars or formal meetings. While classroom communication can be formal, the stem specifically emphasizes physical cues rather than institutional channels, so this label is too broad and not precise.

Option C:
Non-verbal communication includes posture, proximity, eye gaze, facial expressions and hand movements that accompany or replace spoken words. A teacher’s smile, nod or pointing gesture can clarify meaning and maintain attention without extra talk. Because the examples in the stem are all non-verbal cues, this option accurately names the form of communication involved.

Option D:
Mechanical communication is not a standard category in classroom communication theory and might be interpreted as communication through machines or routine signals. It does not specifically denote human bodily expressions and therefore does not match the description given in the question.