Week 1 - Graded Assignment - 1

Course: Jan 2026 - English II

Week 1 - Graded Assignment - 1

Last Submitted: You have last submitted on: 2026-02-17, 17:29 IST

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Question 1

• Oxymoron
• Paradox
• Antithesis
• None of the above

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Oxymoron Identification]: An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms.
2. [Analysis]: "Unbiased" implies neutral and objective, while "Opinion" is inherently subjective.
3. [Decision rule]: The juxtaposition of objective and subjective creates a contradictory pairing.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Evaluate terms: "Unbiased" (objective) vs "Opinion" (subjective).
• Result: Oxymoron.

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Question 2

• True
• False

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Oxymoron vs Paradox]: Distinguishing between contradictory pairings and contradictory statements.
2. [Analysis]: "Magical realism" follows the oxymoron pattern (contradictory adjacent words).
3. [Decision rule]: Since it is an oxymoron, the claim it is a paradox is False.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Identify pattern: "Magical" (supernatural) + "Realism" (ordinary). Adjacent contradiction.
• Result: False (It is an oxymoron).

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Question 3

• Metonymy
• Metaphor
• Irony

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Substitution by Association]: Identifying when one thing represents another closely associated thing.
2. [Concept]: In "lend me your ears", "ears" represents "attention/listening".
3. [Decision rule]: Substituting the organ associated with the action for the action itself is Metonymy.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Analyze substitution: The physical ear (organ) is associated with listening.
• Result: Metonymy.

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Question 4

• Nevertheless
• Initially
• Apparently
• Firstly

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Evidence-Based Markers]: Choosing a marker that conveys "based on what is seen or reported".
2. [Context]: Describing a presence at a scene based on testimony or observation.
3. [Decision rule]: "Apparently" indicates that something seems true according to evidence.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Context match: "Apparently, he was present..." fits reporting an observation.
• Result: Apparently.

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Question 5

• a) To be honest
• b) Honestly
• c) In my opinion
• d) Both (a) and (b)

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Tone Softening]: Identifying markers used to introduce critical or negative statements.
2. [Usage]: "To be honest" and "Honestly" are often used to caveat a disagreement or negative review.
3. [Decision rule]: Both (a) and (b) follow this pragmatic pattern.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Example usage: "To be honest, the project failed." vs "In my opinion, it was okay." "Honestly" and "To be honest" are stronger indicators of providing negative feedback.
• Result: Both (a) and (b).

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Question 6

• Apparently
• Even though
• Anyway
• But

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Resolution Markers]: Using markers that indicate a conclusion or a transition regardless of previous state.
2. [Context]: Since the venue is booked, the outcome is the same anyway (regardless of interest).
3. [Decision rule]: "Anyway" is used to end a conversation or shift topic by dismissing information as irrelevant to the current outcome.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Evaluate irrelevance: Interest doesn't matter because the booking status is absolute.
• Result: Anyway.

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Question 7

• Apparently
• However
• Honestly
• None of the above

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Contrastive Discourse Markers]: Identifying words used to signal transition to a contradictory or different point.
2. [Function]: "However" is a formal contrast marker.
3. [Decision rule]: "Apparently" (evidence), "Honestly" (attitude), "However" (contrast).

Procedure

• Step 1 – Categorize options: "However" signals a change in direction or contradiction.
• Result: However.

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Question 8

• Actually
• Besides
• Instead
• In addition to

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Additive Conditionals]: Selecting markers that mean "in addition to".
2. [Context]: Adding one talent to another.
3. [Decision rule]: "Besides" is used as a preposition meaning "in addition to".

Procedure

• Step 1 – Check syntax: "Besides being a dancer..." means adding dancer to writer.
• Result: Besides.

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Question 9

• Rhythm
• Stress
• Accent
• Pitch

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Suprasegmental Features]: Identifying the acoustic property linked to intonation.
2. [Definition]: Intonation is the "melody" of speech, created by rising and falling levels of pitch.
3. [Decision rule]: Pitch is the fundamental frequency variation that defines intonation.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Link concepts: Intonation = Pitch movement.
• Result: Pitch.

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Question 10

• True
• False

Solution

Abstract Solution (Strategy)

1. [Written vs Spoken Pragmatics]: Identifying which oral features carry over to text.
2. [Constraint]: Standard punctuation approximates but does not explicitly show "pitch" contours.
3. [Decision rule]: Since pitch is an auditory frequency, it is not "visible" in the letter-forms.

Procedure

• Step 1 – Evaluate visibility: You can't see "tone" in print without markers.
• Result: True.

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