UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Paralanguage includes vocal features such as pitch,volume and speed that accompany spoken words. Changing pitch and slowing speech draw attention to a key message without altering the words themselves. This is a classic use of paralanguage for emphasis.

Option A:
Semantics deals with meanings of words,not the way they are voiced.

Option B:
Proxemics involves physical distance between people,not voice quality.

Option C:
Therefore paralanguage accurately names the vocal behaviour described.

Option D:
Haptics concerns communication through touch,which is not referred to in the stem.

Meta communication refers to messages about other messages that tell us how to interpret the words. A harsh tone saying "I am not angry" suggests hidden annoyance. The voice quality comments on and partly contradicts the verbal content. Thus it is meta communication.

Option A:
Feedback is the receiver's response,not an aspect of the original message.

Option B:
Redundancy repeats information and does not change its interpretation.

Option C:
Meta communication fits because tone provides an extra “message about the message,” signalling attitude and guiding how the words should be interpreted.

Option D:
Mechanical noise is unintentional interference rather than a meaningful cue about attitude,so it does not fit here.

Immediate feedback helps teachers adjust their teaching in real time. Students’ facial expressions, body language and spontaneous questions indicate whether they are following the explanation or feeling confused. By observing these cues, the teacher can slow down, rephrase or provide more examples. This moment to moment feedback is crucial for responsive teaching.

Option A:
This option refers to end semester examination results, which are summative and delayed. While useful for overall evaluation, they do not provide immediate guidance for adjusting ongoing lessons.

Option B:
This option is correct because it points to real time classroom signals that the teacher can interpret instantly. Questions reveal gaps or interests, while expressions show attention and understanding levels. Skilled teachers continuously monitor these signs to fine tune their instruction.

Option C:
This option involves administrative evaluation of the teacher, which may comment on general performance but does not provide specific, immediate instructional feedback during teaching.

Option D:
This option provides long term feedback on programme relevance but is far removed from daily classroom decisions. Alumni views can inform curriculum review but not instant pedagogical adjustments.

Effective communication requires consistency between verbal and non verbal messages. When words and body language match,receivers are more likely to trust and understand the message. This harmony is called congruence. Therefore,the teacher’s words and body language should be congruent with each other.

Option A:
Ambiguous messages are unclear or open to several interpretations,which increases confusion rather than effectiveness. A teacher’s body language should reduce ambiguity,not create it.

Option B:
Contradictory cues,for example praising a student verbally while showing a bored expression,undermine credibility and cause misunderstanding. Thus this option clashes with the idea of effectiveness.

Option C:
Neutral body language may hide the teacher’s real feelings and make messages seem cold or distant. While sometimes appropriate,it does not express the strong alignment suggested in the stem.

Option D:
Congruent messages allow students to focus on content instead of trying to guess the teacher’s real attitude,making option D the best answer.

Media richness theory classifies communication media by their capacity to convey multiple cues,provide immediate feedback and transmit personal focus. Face-to-face communication allows verbal,non verbal and paralinguistic cues with instant responses. It therefore has high richness and is termed a rich medium. The stem clearly refers to this category.

Option A:
Lean media,such as memos or emails,carry fewer cues and are less suitable for ambiguous or emotional messages. This is the opposite of the richness associated with face-to-face interaction.

Option B:
Delayed describes timing of feedback but not the overall capacity of a medium to carry rich information.

Option C:
Impersonal media create social distance and lack the personal involvement seen in face-to-face communication.

Option D:
Rich media are preferred for complex or sensitive topics,so option B accurately completes the statement.

Paralanguage refers to vocal features that accompany spoken words,such as pitch,volume and rate. These features influence how messages are interpreted,conveying emotions and emphasis. The stem mentions pitch,loudness and speed,which are classic elements of paralanguage.

Option A:
Proxemics deals with spatial distance,not sound characteristics.

Option B:
Paralanguage includes pitch,volume,rate and tone,which directly fits the stem.

Option C:
Haptics focuses on touch based signals like handshakes,not voice.

Option D:
Semantics involves meaning of words rather than how they are vocally delivered.