UGC NET Paper 1 — Communication
10 PYQ-Based MCQs
Which of the following statements best explains the concept of “Meeting of Minds” as a feature of communication?
A. Communication is successful whenever the sender delivers the message clearly.
B. Communication is successful only when the receiver correctly understands the intended meaning of the sender.
C. Communication requires the sender and receiver to have the same social status.
D. Communication is successful when non-verbal gestures are used along with verbal messages.
✅ Correct Answer: B. Communication is successful only when the receiver correctly understands the intended meaning of the sender.
Explanation:
Meeting of Minds means that communication is considered effective when the receiver interprets the message in the way the sender intended. Merely sending a message does not guarantee successful communication.
For example, if a teacher explains a concept but students interpret it differently from what the teacher intended, communication has not achieved a true meeting of minds.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Meeting of Minds = Sender's intended meaning ≈ Receiver's understood meaning
This is closely related to effective communication and feedback.
Question 2:
A teacher explains a complex topic using a PowerPoint presentation. A student listens to the explanation, interprets the information, and then asks a question to clarify a point. Which sequence correctly identifies the major elements involved?
A. Sender → Message → Channel → Receiver → Decoding → Feedback
B. Receiver → Encoding → Message → Channel → Sender → Feedback
C. Sender → Decoding → Message → Channel → Receiver → Encoding
D. Message → Sender → Feedback → Encoding → Channel → Receiver
✅ Correct Answer: A. Sender → Message → Channel → Receiver → Decoding → Feedback
Detailed Explanation:
The communication process involves several interconnected elements:
1. Sender/Encoder – Teacher
2. Message – Lecture Content
3. Channel/Medium – PowerPoint + Spoken Words
4. Receiver/Decoder – Student
5. Decoding – Student's Interpretation
6. Feedback – Student's Question
🧠 UGC NET Quick Revision
S → E → M → C → R → D → F
“Send Every Message Carefully, Receive, Decode, Feedback.”
Question 3:
Which communication model views communication as a continuous, simultaneous process in which both participants can act as sender and receiver at the same time?
A. Linear Model
B. Interactive Model
C. Transactional Model
D. Aristotle’s Model
✅ Correct Answer: C. Transactional Model
Explanation:
The Transactional Model considers communication as a dynamic, continuous, and simultaneous process. Both participants are actively involved in sending and receiving messages at the same time. It also recognizes the importance of verbal communication, non-verbal cues, context, and environment.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Linear → One-way
Interactive → Two-way + Feedback
Transactional → Simultaneous + Continuous
Question 4:
A teacher says, “I am happy with your performance,” but simultaneously displays a frowning facial expression and an irritated tone of voice. Which aspect of communication is most clearly demonstrated?
A. Verbal communication always determines the actual meaning of a message
B. Non-verbal communication can contradict verbal communication
C. Non-verbal communication occurs only through gestures
D. Written communication is more effective than oral communication
✅ Correct Answer: B. Non-verbal communication can contradict verbal communication
Explanation:
Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, tone of voice, and physical distance. It can support, complement, or contradict the spoken message.
Here, the teacher's words communicate happiness, but the frowning face and irritated tone convey a contradictory emotional message. Therefore, the example demonstrates how non-verbal cues can contradict verbal communication.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Non-verbal communication = Words are absent OR non-verbal cues accompany words.
Question 5:
During a formal meeting, a manager maintains a considerable physical distance from the employees, whereas two close friends stand very near to each other while talking. Which type of non-verbal communication is primarily illustrated?
A. Kinesics
B. Proxemics
C. Haptics
D. Chronemics
✅ Correct Answer: B. Proxemics
Detailed Explanation:
Proxemics refers to the study of how physical space and distance are used in communication. The distance maintained between people can communicate relationships, emotions, social status, and the level of formality.
In the given example:
A larger distance in a formal meeting can indicate professionalism or formality. A smaller distance between close friends can indicate familiarity or intimacy.
Therefore, the situation is an example of Proxemics.
🧠 UGC NET Tip:
Proxemics = Proximity = Space/Distance
Question 6:
A person says, “That's great!” in a cheerful and enthusiastic tone, but says the same words in a sarcastic and irritated tone in another situation. Which type of non-verbal communication explains the difference in meaning?
A. Oculesics
B. Chronemics
C. Paralanguage
D. Haptics
✅ Correct Answer: C. Paralanguage
Detailed Explanation:
Paralanguage refers to the vocal characteristics that accompany spoken words, including Tone, Pitch, Volume, Speed/rate of speech, Vocal emphasis.
The words remain exactly the same—“That's great!”—but the tone changes the perceived meaning. This demonstrates the importance of paralinguistic cues in communication.
🧠 UGC NET Tip:
Paralanguage = How you say it, not what you say.
Question 7:
Before giving a presentation, a student thinks, “I need to stay confident. I know this topic well,” and mentally plans how to answer possible questions. Which type of communication is primarily involved?
A. Interpersonal communication
B. Mass communication
C. Intrapersonal communication
D. Group communication
✅ Correct Answer: C. Intrapersonal communication
Detailed Explanation:
Intrapersonal communication occurs within an individual. It involves thinking, self-talk, self-reflection, analyzing situations, making decisions, and understanding one's own emotions.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Intra = Within → Communication with yourself
Inter = Between → Communication with others
Question 8:
A college principal issues an official circular to all faculty members regarding a change in examination procedures. The circular is documented and follows the institution's established communication channel. Which type of communication is this?
A. Informal communication
B. Grapevine communication
C. Formal communication
D. Intrapersonal communication
✅ Correct Answer: C. Formal Communication
Detailed Explanation:
Formal communication follows an official, structured, and predefined channel within an organization or institution. It is generally documented and used for communicating policies, instructions, procedures, and other work-related information.
In this example, the principal is issuing an official circular through an established institutional channel. Therefore, it represents formal communication.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Formal = Official + Structured + Documented
Informal/Grapevine = Unofficial + Flexible + Natural
Question 9:
A laboratory technician directly contacts the finance officer to discuss the cost of purchasing new laboratory equipment. The technician and finance officer belong to different departments and different hierarchical levels. Which type of communication is this?
A. Horizontal communication
B. Vertical communication
C. Diagonal communication
D. Informal communication
✅ Correct Answer: C. Diagonal Communication
Detailed Explanation:
Diagonal communication occurs when communication cuts across both departmental and hierarchical boundaries. In other words, the individuals involved belong to different departments and different levels of the organizational hierarchy, without being directly connected through the formal chain of command.
In the given example:
The lab technician belongs to the laboratory department.
The finance officer belongs to the finance department.
They are at different organizational levels.
The technician communicates directly with the finance officer.
Therefore, this is diagonal communication.
🧠 UGC NET Quick Tip:
Horizontal → Same level
Vertical → Different levels, same/related hierarchy
Diagonal → Different levels + Different departments
👉 Diagonal = “Across departments + Across levels”
Question 10:
During an important interview, a candidate becomes extremely nervous and anxious. As a result, they are unable to properly understand the interviewer's questions and give appropriate answers. Which communication barrier is most likely responsible?
A. Physical barrier
B. Semantic barrier
C. Psychological barrier
D. Mechanical barrier
✅ Correct Answer: C. Psychological barrier
Explanation:
A psychological barrier arises when a person's emotions, mental state, attitudes, fears, anxiety, prejudice, or lack of confidence interfere with communication.
Here, the candidate's nervousness and anxiety affect their ability to listen, understand, and respond effectively. Therefore, the barrier is psychological.
🧠 Quick Tip:
Psychological = Mind/Emotions → Fear, anxiety, stress, prejudice
Mind Booster Question:
A forensic science professor uses highly technical terms during a lecture, but several students are unable to understand the concepts because they are unfamiliar with the terminology. Which barrier to communication is primarily involved?
A. Physical barrier
B. Semantic barrier
C. Psychological barrier
D. Organizational barrier
✅ Correct Answer: B. Semantic barrier
Explanation:
A semantic barrier occurs when the meaning of words, symbols, terminology, or language is not understood correctly by the receiver.
In this case, the professor uses specialized forensic terminology that the students do not understand. Although the message is transmitted, its meaning is not properly understood.
🧠 Quick Tip:
Semantic = Meaning of words/language
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