UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Non verbal communication refers to the transmission of messages without words. It includes facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye contact. In the classroom, a teacher’s warm smile or attentive gaze can convey encouragement and interest. Such non verbal cues significantly influence students’ participation and sense of support.

Option A:
This option relies on spoken language, which is verbal communication. Although content explanation is important, it is not an example of non verbal behaviour.

Option B:
This option involves written language, which is also a form of verbal communication because it uses words and symbols governed by linguistic rules.

Option C:
This option correctly identifies eye contact and facial expressions as non verbal behaviours. They communicate attentiveness, approval or concern even when the teacher is not speaking. Effective teachers consciously use such cues to create a positive and inclusive classroom climate.

Option D:
This option refers to providing written materials, which again uses verbal text. Handouts may be supported by non verbal design elements, but the act itself is not primarily non verbal communication.

Statements A and C are correct, whereas B and D are incorrect. A is true because gestures and facial expressions often support or, if inconsistent, contradict what is being said verbally. C is true since teachers’ dress and appearance send signals about professionalism, seriousness and approachability. B is false because the relative importance of verbal and non-verbal channels varies with context, and one is not always superior to the other. D is false as non-verbal cues may have different meanings in different cultures, so they are not interpreted identically everywhere.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes A and C, the two statements that accurately describe non-verbal communication in teaching contexts. It also implicitly excludes B and D, which make overgeneralised or culturally insensitive claims. Thus this option matches the actual pattern of true and false statements in the question.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it also includes B along with A and C. B claims that non-verbal communication is always more important than verbal communication, which is an exaggerated and inaccurate generalisation. By treating B as correct, this option cannot represent the true set of correct statements.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B, C and D, leaving out A which is clearly correct. In addition, D is false because cultural differences strongly influence interpretation of non-verbal cues. Since it mixes false statements with one true statement and omits another true one, this option is not valid.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes A, C and D as correct, even though D wrongly assumes identical interpretation of non-verbal cues across cultures. While A and C are correct, adding D makes the combination inconsistent with intercultural communication principles.

Statements A, B and D are correct, whereas C is incorrect. A is true because gestures that outline steps or shapes can visually reinforce the structure of a concept. B is true since restless movements that lack purpose may draw attention away from the content. D is true as what counts as polite, emphatic or rude gesture varies across cultures, so teachers must be sensitive to norms. C is false because appropriate, purposeful gestures usually support rather than hinder understanding.

Option A:
Option A includes A and B only and omits D, missing the important point that cultural context affects how gestures are interpreted. Although it recognises the instructional and distracting roles of gestures, its omission makes the option incomplete. Therefore A and B only cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B lists B and D only and leaves out A, failing to acknowledge that illustrative gestures can help students grasp conceptual structure. While B and D are correct, ignoring A makes the portrayal of instructional gestures limited. Hence B and D only is not the correct answer.

Option C:
Option C correctly groups A, B and D, capturing beneficial, potentially distracting and culturally conditioned aspects of gesturing while excluding C. It rejects the blanket claim that gestures should be avoided, which contradicts effective communication practice. Because it includes all and only the true statements, A, B and D only is the right answer.

Option D:
Option D treats all four statements as correct, including C, which wrongly asserts that gestures inherently confuse learners. Adding this false statement to the combination makes it logically inconsistent. Consequently A, B, C and D cannot be chosen.