ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of English Language & Applied Linguistics)

Welcome to the Intermediate Compulsory English 1 course (386). This course is

the revised version of the earlier Intermediate Functional English course. It takes into
account the functional and communicative use of English and enables you to
communicate confidently in English language. In our daily life, all of us are required to
carry out tasks in which understanding of English language is a must. Similarly, at times
we are required to take notes or make summaries. We are sure, you will find this book a
great help in all such situations because it has been designed primarily to help you use the
language for day to day communicative purpose.
To improve your language skills you need practice. For practice we recommend
that you make it a daily routine to read English books, newspapers and magazines before
going to bed. Writing is improved through a lot of reading and speaking is improved
through practice in listening and speaking. So, do not hesitate to write and speak English
with your friends,
Further, it is suggested that you listen to English news on radio and TV, and if
possible watch English programmes on TV. Also try to buy one of the dictionaries
mentioned in the introduction of your book.
The first unit of your book deals with the study skills. It guides you as to what
strategies you should adopt in your studies. It highlights the importance of self-study in
distance education and the study process itself. It provides you guidelines to motivate
yourself and organize your study time and then how to stick to it for better results. So, do
not forget to go through the first unit thoroughly before setting off and at the same time
read the rest of the units carefully, attend tutorials regularly, complete assignments in
time and be organized in following your study time table.
We wish you success in your studies.

Shagufta Siraj
Course Development Coordinator

ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of English Language & Applied Linguistics)
WARNING
1.
2.

PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING

THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD
OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM
OTHER(S) AS ONES OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN
AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY.

Course: Compulsory English-I

Course Code: 386

Level: Intermediate
Total Marks: 100

Semester: Spring, 2011

Pass Marks: 40

ASSIGNMENT No. 1
Note: Attempt all questions.
Q.1 A.

In Unit 1 you were asked a very basic question i.e., when you received your
Compulsory English I 386 study package what did you do? You were given
the following three options:
a)
b)
c)

Kept the book somewhere and forgot about it.

Started reading it from page one without looking at it as a whole
Turned a few pages, looked at the pictures, looked at the content list or
just went through the different headings to have a feel of it.

Which of these three options did you choose and why? Explain in 4-5 lines. (05)
B.

Read the content list given at the beginning of the book and write in your
own words any 5 functions you think you will find in the book?
Example:

C.

I think the book will include the function of agreeing and

disagreeing.
(05)

In Unit 1, we have given you a few tips to study effectively. We are sure you
must have gone through them carefully. Which of the given guidelines do
you already follow in your studies and find useful? Read them once again
and write any five in your own words in your assignment.
Example:
I motivate myself to learn by setting a clear cut goal. If I am not motivated, I
will not learn.
(05)

Q.2 Two friends, Zahida and Sania come across each other in a restaurant. How do
they informally greet one another? Write at least 5 exchanges between the friends,
(greetings and their responses). Read Unit 2 for help.
(10)
2

Q.3 The purpose of introductions is to get to know each other. Introductions help in
creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whenever you are in a situation where
you dont know people, it is always good that you take an initiative to introduce
yourself first. Suppose you are in a new neighbourhood, how would you introduce
yourself to your neighbours? Write at least 5 expressions of introduction.
(05)
Q.4 A.

In Unit 3 you have learnt expressions for seeking permission such as:

Could I ask you a favour..................................

I was wondering if I could................................
Is it all right......................................................
Do you mind if I...............................................

These expressions have been used in the unit by Khalid to seek his fathers
permission to visit Abbottabad. Now, if you want to attend your friends
birthday party, how would you seek permission from your mother? Write a
very brief dialogue of about 5 exchanges between you & your mother
seeking and giving permission.
(10)
B.

What expressions would you use in the following situations to refuse

permission? Follow the example:

Your friend comes to you and asks you to go with him/her to the
market. You are very busy.

I'm afraid, I'm very busy I cannot give you company.

i.

You are the Principal of your school. A teacher comes to you and asks for
one day's leave. The school has just reopened after 2 months vacation.

ii.

One of your friends has a habit of borrowing everything. One day

she/he asks for your new dress which you are planning to wear.

iii.

You are the Head of an institution. One employee requests you for
loan. There are already many names on the list.

iv.

You are going on a picnic with your friends. One of the friends asks
you for the coat which you have recently bought. You know your
friend is very careless.

v.

Your son wants to go to the park. It is very cold outside.

(05)

Q.5 In Unit 3 you have read how to guess the meaning of difficult words through the
context. The following passage contains some highlighted words the meanings of
which you might not know. Read the passage and see if you can guess the
meanings of all these words. Write the meanings in your assignment. Take help
from a dictionary.
(10)
3

Passage
On many occasions, all of us face situations where our personal interests and
interests of other people clash. This is the testing time. It all depends who are
those other people? Are they very close to you, people you can never think of
hurting. Different people will handle the situations differently. Some of us will
safeguard our own interests and some will be more sacrificing.
Q.6

In Unit 3 it has been explained that a simple sentence begins with a capital letter and
ends with a full stop, if it is not a question or an exclamation. In the following
paragraph, begin each sentence with a capital letter and finish it with a full stop. (10)

Passage
nutritionists think there are thirteen vitamins that humans need vitamins are
important because they prevent diseases vitamin-A is important for healthy skin
and eyes people who do not have enough vitamin-A may have night blindness
some automobile accidents happen in the evening because people who lack
vitamin-A do not see the road well after they look at the bright headlights of a
car vitamin A in the diet comes from yellow fruits and dark green leafy
vegetables and milk.
Q.7 As discussed in Unit 4, we describe people we come across in our daily life. When
we describe a person we tell different things about him/her, such as:
Physical appearance, personality, temperament, habits, likes and dislikes, body
language, etc.
Now describe a friend of yours, writing about the above characteristics in one
paragraph.
(10)
Q.8 As defined in Unit 4 an antonym is the opposite word, for example, the antonym of
big is small, or the antonym of tall is short.
Choose the correct antonyms in the following cases.
i.
The antonym of 'found' is:

Beat

Fail

Down

Lost
ii.

The antonym of 'discourage' is:

Allow

Reply

Encourage
4

Except

iii.

The antonym of 'sleep' is:

Hold

Sea

Awake

Flat

iv.

The antonym of 'rise' is:

Escape

Proceed

Exit

Fall

v.

The antonym of 'truthful' is:

Safe

Careful

Public

Dishonest

(05)

Q.9 In Unit 5 we have explained the term run on sentences. Identify run on sentences
in the following and then rewrite these sentences.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

My supervisor told me not to copy from the internet I'm regretting not having
listened to her.
My dog was upset all day he didn't get proper food for lunch.
The boy was talking in class everyone thought this was rude behavior.
Farah was cutting vegetables Komal was boiling rice.
I prefer walking cycling hurts my knees.
(05)

Q.10 As you have studied in unit 5 Skimming is a useful reading skill which enables us to:

read faster
form a general idea or opinion about the text
save our time.

Below is given an account of an operation theatre. Skim the paragraph quickly and
answer the questions given at the end.
The patient himself knows nothing of what goes on while he undergoes the operation.
He will be unconscious, under the influence of an anaesthetic. There are various
anaesthetics and different ones will be chosen according to the patients health and the
length of the operation. Some are breathed into the lungs; other are given by an
injection into a vein. There are some patients who are calm but others are more
5

nervous. Some may fight quite hard to loose consciousness. If this happens, the
surgeon cannot begin his work and has to wait. A different anaesthetic may then be
injected into a vein; the patient then becomes unconscious.
i.
ii.

What do you understand by the term anaesthetic?

What happens when a patient finds & hard to loose consciousness?

(15)

ASSIGNMENT No. 2
Total Marks: 100

Pass Marks: 40

Q.1 Read questions/statements on the left, and match them with the answers on the
right. The first one is done for you.
(05)
You have not finished your lunch.

d. I am sorry. I am
really full.

iii. You are late and now we will miss

the film.

Answers/Responses/Apologies
a. I am so sorry, but I missed my
bus
b. No, sorry. I dont think I can
make it.
c. I am very sorry. It was very cold
outside.

iv. Did you buy the groceries?

d. I am sorry I am really full.

v. Did you take the dog for a walk?

e. I am really sorry, but the shop

was closed

vi. You are late for the class.

f.

i.

Questions/Statements
You have not finished your lunch.

ii. Are you coming to the party tomorrow?

I must apologizeI got up late

today.

Q.2 Complete the sentences by writing a suitable reason.

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

I cannot come to your home___________________________________.

I cannot attend the lecture_____________________________________.
Fahad apologized to his friend for not coming in time______________.
Raheel told Naveed that he cannot attend his party_________________.
The aeroplane cannot take off_________________________________. (05)

Q.3 Write one paragraph on a wedding ceremony you have recently attended. Use
some of the cohesive linkers given below (read unit 6 for further help).
so, therefore, despite, even, at least, finally, first.

(10)

Q.4 What would you like to be in the future and why? Give reasons. Write at least 5
sentences.
Examples:
6

 I'd like to be a doctor because the doctor helps the sick and earns a lot of money.
I'd like to be a teacher because this is the most respectful job.
(05)

Q.5

Imagine that you want to travel by PIA to different cities in Pakistan. Here is
PIAs domestic flight schedule from Lahore (LHE) to the following cities. Scan the
flight schedule and then answer the following questions using the flight information
chart.
(10)
Flight
PIA- 305
PIA-618
PIA-622
PIA-307
PIA-315
PIA-356
PIA-323
PIA-303
PIA-575
PIA-391
PIA-305
PIA-618
PIA-682

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.

Route

Destination

Scheduled Day & Date

Scheduled Time

LHE-KHI
LHE-ISB
LHE-ISB
LHE-RYK
LHE-KHI
LHE-ISB
LHE-QTA
LHE-KHI
LHE-MUL
LHE-SKR
LHE-KHI
LHE-QTA
LHE-ISB

Karachi
Islamabad
Islamabad
R.Yar Khan
Karachi
Islamabad
Quetta
Karachi
Multan
Sukkur
Karachi
Quetta
Islamabad

Sunday, March 4
Sunday, March 4
Monday, March 5
Tuesday, March 6
Tuesday, March 7
Wednesday, March 8
Monday, March 13
Monday, March 13
Tuesday, March 14
Wednesday, March 15
Thursday, March 16
Sunday, March 19
Sunday, March 19

17:00
18:40
22:30
21:00
09:00
08:30
10:00
11:00
15:00
15:30
18:00
18:30
21:30

What time will the plane take off from Lahore to Islamabad on March 8?
How many flights are there for Karachi from Lahore?
Which flight leaves Lahore for Sukkur?
What is the scheduled time of flight PIA- 323 to Quetta?
How many flights are there from Lahore to Islamabad?
How many different destinations are mentioned in the flight schedule?
What is the day and date scheduled for flight to Rahim yar Khan?
Where is the destination of flight PIA- 682?
Which flight will land at 21:30 and where?
What is flight number and scheduled time of flight from Lahore to Multan?

Q.6 Read the following paragraph, identify and write the topic sentence, the concluding
sentence and the supporting details as you have studied in unit 7 of your book. (15)
Caused by number of viruses, colds are common among people throughout the
world and there are innumerable signs, cures and precautions associated with it too.
A runny nose, itchy eyes, and generally uncomfortable feeling associated with the
common cold are the obvious symptoms and we need to take some precautions to
avoid it. Although numerous theories exist as to how to cure the cold, including
7

taking doses of vitamin C, there is little evidence to support any of them. Once you
contract a cold, bed rest, plenty of fluids and aspirin for relief of pain and discomfort
are the most tried and true remedies. The best rule of thumb is to keep your
resistance level high. Also, avoiding people with newly developed colds as colds
appear to be most contagious during the first 24 hours. Depending on the nature of
the symptoms and seriousness, you need to be especially alert during changing
seasons as these are the times when cold strikes.So believe in the famous saying
Prevention is better than cure!!!
Q.7 In Unit 8 we have discussed how to agree or disagree with people on different
issues. Think of 5 situations where you either agree or disagree. Write the situations
and appropriate expression.
(10)
Q.8 Suppose you want to study the subjects/topics given below. You have the following
books to consult. Match the titles of books with the topics.
(10)
Subjects/Topics

Titles of books

i
ii
iii
iv
v

Pronunciation Skills
Writing English language tests
Error analysis
Developing Reading Skills
Grammar and Composition

Nouns and Pronouns

Varieties of accents
Subjective tests
Kinds of Errors
Improving reading speed

Q.9 Read the following paragraph, which is a part of an advertisement. Can you guess
what will happen next? You can suggest your own end/result.
(10)

Rs. 1000 Reward

Police have decided to offer the above reward to any person who shall give
information leading to the arrest of the man, Shakoor, who is wanted by the police in
connection with the murder of the late khalid Baig at Gujrat, in January 2009.
Q.10 All of us have memories, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, happy or sad( as
discussed in unit 9). When we think about past, we feel nostalgic, which means
remembering/recalling beautiful, happy as well as sad past incidents or events of
life. Do you remember any such incidence or event which makes you happy when
you recall it in your free time? Write one paragraph using the right expressions
from unit 9.
(10)
Q.11 Good readers try to find out what is going to happen next when they are reading
something. This is called Prediction as mentioned in unit 9. Read the incomplete
paragraph given below and predict what is going to happen?
(10)
a.

Its in the kitchen. It seems to like it there. I climbed up the steps and looked
through the kitchen door: the snake was lying coiled up near the stove. On
8

seeing me, the snake hissed and struck in my direction, but as it was six feet
away it was unsuccessful..................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................