Total No. of Questions 12] [Total No. of Pages 02
M.A. DEGREE EXAMINATION, MAY 2017
(First Year)
ENGLISH
History of the English Language
Time 3 Hours Maximum Marks 70
Question No.1 in Unit I are compulsorily.
Answer Two questions from Unit II and Two questions from Unit III
UNIT I
Q1) Correct the following sentences and identify the unacceptable features (Any Five):
× 2 10)
It is raining since morning.
The gold is a much loved metal.
She always walks slowly lest she will be tired.
None of the apples is sweet.
One should do his duty.
It is I who have to learn a lesson.
He was so afraid that his knees knocked one another.
They are more kinder to animals than to children.
Q2) Distinguish between the pairs of words. × 2 10)
Bare Bear
Pole Poll
Currant Current
Die Dye
Loose Lose
UNIT II
(2× 12½ 25)
Q3) Write an essay on the Indo-European family of languages.
Q4) What are the characteristics of Old English?
Q5) How did the French influence the English language?
Q6) Write an explanatory note on Great Vowel Shift.
Q7) Write short notes on any TWO of the following.
Grimm's Law.
Slang
Milton's contribution to English.
Basic English.
UNIT III
(2× 12½ 25)
Q8) Explain briefly any THREE of the following processes of word formation.
Clipping
Coinage
Blending
Reduplication
Conversion
Affixation.
Q9) Write short notes on any THREE of the following methods of semantic change.
Extension
Reversal of meaning
Association of ideas
False Etymology
Imitation
Corruption.
Q10) Bring out the differences between American and British English.
Q11) Attempt an essay on the grammarians and their aims in the 18th Century.
Q12) Write short notes on any Two of the following
Intonation
Dialects
Archaism in English
John Wycliffe
Register