MPhil PhD English (Linguistics & Literature) Admission Test – Quaid-i-Azam University

 

Quaid-i-Azam University Admission Test Pattern: MPhil PhD English Linguistics & MPhil English Literature

Overview

The admission test for MPhil English Linguistics and MPhil English PhD Literature at Quaid-i-Azam University is designed to rigorously assess candidates' proficiency in English language skills as well as their specialized knowledge in either linguistics or literature. This ensures the selection of highly competent scholars equipped for postgraduate research and academic excellence.

Test Format and Instructions

• Total Marks: 40
• Time Allowed: 1 hour
• Test Structure: Two sections - Section A and Section B
• Sections Weightage: Each section carries 20 marks

Section A: Common to Both Programs (20 Marks)

Purpose: To assess fundamental English language skills essential for advanced study in English.

Content:

Reading comprehension — ability to understand, analyze, and interpret a given passage.

Vocabulary — testing range, depth, and contextual use of advanced English vocabulary.

Question Format:

One compulsory question (no choice) combining comprehension and vocabulary tasks.

Preparation Focus:

Practice critical reading of academic and literary texts.

Expand academic and literary vocabulary.

Sharpen skills in identifying main ideas, inferencing, and contextual vocabulary usage.

Section B: Subject-Specific (20 Marks)

For English Linguistics Candidates

Content: Two questions related to the field of English Linguistics.

Choice: Candidates will be given a choice between the two questions, answering only one.

Areas to Expect:

Phonetics and phonology

Syntax and morphology

Semantics and pragmatics

Sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics

Historical linguistics and language acquisition theories

Preparation Tips:

Thoroughly revise core linguistics concepts and terminology.

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to practical language data.

Read recent journal articles or textbooks to understand current debates and research methods.

For English Literature Candidates

Content: Two questions related to the field of English Literature.

Choice: Candidates will be given a choice between the two questions, answering only one.

Areas to Expect:

Literary theory and criticism

Major literary movements and genres (Romanticism, Modernism, Postcolonialism, etc.)

Close reading and textual analysis of prose, poetry, and drama

Understanding of major authors and their works

Preparation Tips:

Review literary terms and critical approaches.

Practice essay writing focused on analysis, interpretation, and argumentation.

Read widely across periods and genres, emphasizing understanding thematic and stylistic features.

Strategic Advice for Candidates

Time Management:

Allocate approximately 30 minutes for each section.

In Section A, carefully read the passage and plan answers before writing.

In Section B, choose the question you feel strongest in to maximize scoring potential.

Answer Structure:

For Section A, ensure clarity and accuracy in comprehension and vocabulary usage.

For Section B, structure your answers with clear introductions, developed arguments, and relevant examples or references.

Practice:

Use past papers or sample questions if available.

Engage in timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions.

Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine writing and analytical skills.

The Quaid-i-Azam University MPhil admission test is designed not only to test knowledge but also the candidate’s ability to critically engage with texts and concepts at a postgraduate level. A balanced preparation covering language proficiency and specialized subject knowledge is key to success.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

Max Time: 1 hour

Max Marks: 40

Applicant’s Name: _______________________

Tracking ID: ___________________________

Section A (20 Marks) – Common for Linguistics and Literature

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Language is not only a tool for communication but also a medium through which human beings construct reality. The intricate system of sounds, symbols, and structures enables us to convey ideas, emotions, and social identities. Linguists have long studied the patterns and functions of language to understand how it shapes our perception of the world and facilitates interaction. Moreover, language is dynamic; it evolves with society, adapting to technological advancements and cultural shifts.

Questions:

1. Summarize the main idea of the passage in your own words. (5 marks)
2. Explain the significance of language as described in the passage. (5 marks)
3. Identify and explain the meaning of the word “intricate” as used in the passage. Provide a synonym. (5 marks)
4. Use the word “dynamic” in a sentence related to linguistics. (5 marks)

Section B (20 Marks) – English Linguistics (Choose ONE question)

Q1. Discuss the significance of Ferdinand de Saussure’s structuralism in modern linguistics. How did his concepts of langue and parole contribute to our understanding of language systems?

OR

Q2. What role does phonetics play in language learning and teaching? Describe the different branches of phonetics and their practical applications in linguistics.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Literature Admission Test (Sample Paper)

Max Time: 1 hour

Max Marks: 40

Applicant’s Name: _______________________

Tracking ID: ___________________________

Section A (20 Marks) – Common for Linguistics and Literature

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Literature serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its complexities, struggles, and aspirations. Through narrative, poetry, and drama, writers explore the human condition and challenge prevailing ideologies. Literary movements, such as Modernism and Postcolonialism, have redefined traditional storytelling by emphasizing fragmentation, multiple perspectives, and marginalized voices. The critical study of literature enables us to appreciate its aesthetic qualities while interrogating its social implications.

Questions:

1. Summarize the central theme of the passage in your own words. (5 marks)
2. Explain how literature acts as a ‘mirror to society’ according to the passage. (5 marks)
3. What does the term ‘marginalized voices’ mean? Use it in a literary context sentence. (5 marks)
4. Identify a synonym for the word ‘interrogating’ as used in the passage. (5 marks)

Section B (20 Marks) – English Literature (Choose ONE question)

Q1. Analyze the role of symbolism in the poetry of William Blake. How does Blake use symbolic imagery to convey his social and spiritual critiques?

OR

Q2. Discuss how postmodern literature challenges traditional notions of reality and narrative structure. Provide examples from well-known postmodern texts.

Past Papers: Subjective Essay Type Questions

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Linguistics Admission Test – Sample Questions

Max Time: 1 hour

Max Marks: 40

Applicant’s Name: ______________________

Tracking ID: __________________________

Instructions: Attempt any ONE question.

Q1. Discuss the role of Noam Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar in revolutionizing modern linguistics. How does this theory impact language acquisition and linguistic research today? Support your answer with scholarly references.

OR

Q2. Analyze the relationship between language and identity. How does sociolinguistics explain the way language reflects social categories such as class, gender, and ethnicity? Provide examples from recent studies or real-life contexts.

Q3. Explain the concept of pragmatics and its importance in understanding meaning beyond the literal content of language. Illustrate your answer with examples of speech acts and conversational implicature.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Literature Admission Test – Sample Questions

Max Time: 1 hour

Max Marks: 40

Applicant’s Name: ______________________

Tracking ID: __________________________

Instructions: Attempt any ONE question.

Q1. Examine the influence of Romanticism on contemporary literature. How do Romantic ideals continue to shape themes and styles in modern poetry and prose? Refer to key Romantic writers and examples.

OR

Q2. Critically evaluate the concept of the ‘Other’ in postcolonial literature. How do writers like Chinua Achebe and Salman Rushdie challenge dominant narratives and represent marginalized voices?

Q3. Discuss the significance of stream of consciousness as a narrative technique in 20th-century literature. How does it affect the reader’s perception of character and time? Provide examples from major works employing this technique.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Linguistics Admission Test – Sample Answers

Section A (Common)

Passage Summary:

Language functions not only as a communication tool but also as a framework through which humans interpret and construct their reality. It involves complex systems of sounds, symbols, and grammatical structures that convey ideas, emotions, and social identities. Linguistic study helps reveal how language shapes our understanding and interaction with the world, and language continuously evolves alongside cultural and technological changes.

1. Summarize the main idea of the passage in your own words.

The passage emphasizes that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a fundamental system that shapes how humans perceive and engage with their surroundings. It highlights the complexity and evolving nature of language as a social and cognitive tool.

2. Explain the significance of language as described in the passage.

Language is significant because it enables humans to express thoughts and emotions, construct social identities, and make sense of the world. It is central to human interaction and understanding, serving as a dynamic and adaptive medium influenced by societal and technological developments.

3. Identify and explain the meaning of the word “intricate” as used in the passage. Provide a synonym.

“Intricate” means complex and detailed. In the passage, it describes the elaborate and interconnected nature of language systems. A synonym for intricate is “complex.”

4. Use the word “dynamic” in a sentence related to linguistics.

Language is a dynamic system that constantly changes to reflect the evolving needs and values of its speakers.

Section B (Linguistics)

Q1. Discuss the significance of Ferdinand de Saussure’s structuralism in modern linguistics. How did his concepts of langue and parole contribute to our understanding of language systems?

Ferdinand de Saussure is considered the father of modern structural linguistics. His structuralism revolutionized the study of language by focusing on language as a system of interrelated signs rather than isolated words or sounds. Saussure introduced the concepts of langue (the abstract, social system of language rules and conventions shared by a community) and parole (the individual use of language in actual speech). This distinction emphasized that language must be studied as a structured system underlying everyday communication. Structuralism paved the way for analyzing language synchronically (at a given time) rather than just diachronically (historically), influencing later linguistic theories and semiotics.

OR

Q2. What role does phonetics play in language learning and teaching? Describe the different branches of phonetics and their practical applications in linguistics.

Phonetics is essential in language learning and teaching because it deals with the physical production, perception, and classification of speech sounds, helping learners acquire accurate pronunciation and listening skills. It improves communication clarity and aids in the teaching of new languages.

The three branches of phonetics are:

Articulatory phonetics: studies how speech sounds are produced by the vocal organs. Application includes teaching correct pronunciation.

Acoustic phonetics: studies the physical properties of sound waves produced in speech. It aids in speech recognition technology and forensic linguistics.

Auditory phonetics: studies how the ear and brain perceive speech sounds, important in understanding hearing impairments and speech therapy.

Phonetics thus bridges theory and practical language teaching by enhancing awareness of sound systems.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Literature Admission Test – Sample Answers

Section A (Common)

Passage Summary:

Literature reflects society by portraying its complexities and challenges through various forms like poetry, prose, and drama. Literary movements such as Modernism and Postcolonialism reshape storytelling by embracing fragmentation and diverse perspectives, often focusing on marginalized voices. Literary criticism enables readers to appreciate literature aesthetically while examining its societal impact.

1. Summarize the central theme of the passage in your own words.

The passage conveys that literature acts as a societal mirror, capturing social realities and conflicts through creative expression. It highlights how literary innovation and criticism deepen our understanding of literature’s aesthetic and social roles.

2. Explain how literature acts as a ‘mirror to society’ according to the passage.

Literature reflects society by depicting human experiences, social struggles, and cultural values. It helps readers confront social issues and different perspectives, revealing both the visible and hidden aspects of human life.

3. What does the term ‘marginalized voices’ mean? Use it in a literary context sentence.

‘Marginalized voices’ refers to perspectives and stories from groups excluded or oppressed by dominant cultures or power structures.

Example sentence: Postcolonial literature often highlights marginalized voices to challenge imperialist narratives.

4. Identify a synonym for the word ‘interrogating’ as used in the passage.

A synonym for “interrogating” is “examining” or “questioning.”

Section B (Literature)

Q1. Analyze the role of symbolism in the poetry of William Blake. How does Blake use symbolic imagery to convey his social and spiritual critiques?

William Blake extensively uses symbolism to critique social injustice and explore spiritual themes. For example, in “The Chimney Sweeper,” the soot represents industrial exploitation and child labor, while light symbolizes hope and divine innocence. Blake’s use of symbols allows him to critique the dehumanizing effects of the Industrial Revolution and to express his vision of spiritual redemption. His symbolic imagery often contrasts innocence and experience, highlighting tensions between purity and corruption in society and the human soul.

OR

Q2. Discuss how postmodern literature challenges traditional notions of reality and narrative structure. Provide examples from well-known postmodern texts.

Postmodern literature disrupts conventional ideas of reality by emphasizing fragmentation, metafiction, and unreliable narration. It questions absolute truths and embraces ambiguity and multiplicity of meaning. For instance, Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow employs nonlinear narrative and self-referential techniques to destabilize the reader’s sense of reality. Similarly, Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children blends magical realism with historical events, challenging the distinction between fact and fiction. Postmodernism’s fragmented narratives and playful language foreground the constructed nature of reality and texts.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Linguistics Admission Test – Additional Sample Answers

Section B (Linguistics)

Q1. In your opinion, what are some of the most significant linguistics theories that have shaped our understanding of human language and have enabled us to make meaning of our surroundings?

Several linguistics theories have fundamentally shaped our comprehension of language and meaning. One pivotal theory is Chomsky’s Generative Grammar, which introduced the idea of an innate universal grammar underlying all human languages, explaining language acquisition as a biologically driven process. Another important framework is Saussure’s Structuralism, which emphasized language as a system of signs where meaning arises from differences between elements, shaping semiotics. Additionally, Pragmatics highlights how context influences meaning beyond literal semantics, focusing on speech acts and conversational implicature. These theories collectively deepen our understanding of how humans produce, interpret, and use language to make sense of the world.

OR

Q2. What are some of the basic functions of our language? How do you foresee the future of language in the current scientific world? Elaborate your response with academic references to support your opinion/understanding.

Language performs multiple basic functions such as communicative function (exchanging information), expressive function (conveying emotions), directive function (influencing others’ behavior), and metalinguistic function (discussing language itself). Roman Jakobson’s model elaborates these diverse functions demonstrating language’s complexity. Looking ahead, the future of language in the scientific world is likely to involve increased interaction with technology, such as AI language models and computational linguistics, which can enhance language learning and translation (Jurafsky & Martin, 2020). However, digital communication may also accelerate language change and the emergence of new dialects, posing questions about language preservation and evolution in a globalized context.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Literature Admission Test – Additional Sample Answers

Section B (Literature)

Q1. We now live in a world, articulated differently by states and by media in different regional and national contexts, in which fear often appears to be the source and ground for intensive campaigns of group violence, ranging from riots to extended pogroms. Elaborate in view of the critical debates on the issue.

Fear is a powerful sociopolitical tool exploited by states and media to justify and intensify group violence. Critical theorists argue that fear often emerges from constructed ‘Otherness’—where marginalized communities are depicted as threats, legitimizing violence as protection (Fanon, 1963). Media representation can exacerbate these fears through sensationalism, creating moral panics that mobilize public opinion towards aggression. Theorists like Judith Butler highlight how fear produces social divisions and violence through mechanisms of exclusion and securitization. Hence, fear functions as a strategic narrative shaping collective identities and enabling systemic violence within political frameworks.

OR

Q2. ‘Virtuality is an image or space that is not real but appears to be’ (Nicholas Mirzoeff). How do postmodern texts present the relationship between ‘reality’ and ‘representation’?

Postmodern texts problematize the distinction between reality and representation by foregrounding the constructed and mediated nature of experience. Mirzoeff’s concept of virtuality aligns with postmodernism’s skepticism towards grand narratives and objective truth. Writers like Jean Baudrillard argue that in postmodern culture, simulations and hyperreality replace authentic experience. For example, in Don DeLillo’s White Noise, media saturation creates a reality composed largely of images and signs, blurring boundaries between the real and the represented. Thus, postmodern literature reveals reality as a layered, fragmented construct shaped by representation, challenging readers to question the nature of truth and perception.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Linguistics – New Sample Questions & Model Answers

Section B (Choose ONE)

Q1. Explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and critically evaluate its impact on the study of language and cognition. To what extent do you agree with the idea that language shapes thought?

Model Answer:

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, posits that the structure and vocabulary of a language influence the cognitive processes and worldview of its speakers. Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf argued that speakers of different languages experience reality differently because their languages shape habitual thought patterns.

This hypothesis profoundly impacted linguistics, psychology, and anthropology by emphasizing the connection between language and cognition. It encouraged research into how language categories might affect perception of time, color, space, and causality.

However, the hypothesis has been debated. Strong linguistic determinism—the idea that language fully determines thought—is largely rejected because humans can think beyond linguistic categories. Modern studies support a weaker version: language influences but does not rigidly constrain thought (Lucy, 1992).

Overall, I agree that language shapes habitual thought to a significant extent but recognize that cognition is flexible and can transcend linguistic boundaries. Language and thought are in a dynamic, bidirectional relationship.

Q2. Discuss the role of corpus linguistics in modern linguistic research. How has it transformed language description and pedagogy?

Model Answer:

Corpus linguistics involves the study of language through large, computerized collections of authentic texts (corpora). This empirical approach revolutionized linguistics by providing data-driven insights into language use rather than relying on introspection or invented examples.

Corpus methods have enabled linguists to identify patterns of frequency, collocations, and discourse features in real-life communication. It has been particularly influential in lexicography, syntax, pragmatics, and discourse analysis.

In language teaching, corpus linguistics has informed data-driven learning (DDL), allowing learners to explore authentic language patterns themselves. This has improved materials design and error correction based on authentic usage.

Thus, corpus linguistics has enhanced the descriptive accuracy of language studies and made pedagogy more evidence-based and learner-centered.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Literature – New Sample Questions & Model Answers

Section B (Choose ONE)

Q1. How does feminist literary criticism reinterpret classic literary texts? Discuss with reference to any one major work.

Model Answer:

Feminist literary criticism reexamines texts to uncover and challenge patriarchal ideologies that have historically marginalized women’s voices. It critiques representations of gender roles, power relations, and female subjectivity in literature.

For instance, in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, feminist critics interpret the protagonist’s descent into madness as a metaphor for women’s oppression under Victorian patriarchy. The text exposes the consequences of denying women autonomy and intellectual freedom.

More broadly, feminist criticism revisits canonical works by authors such as Shakespeare or Austen, highlighting silenced female perspectives or reinterpreting female characters as agents rather than stereotypes.

By destabilizing traditional readings, feminist criticism opens space for gender equality and diversity in literary discourse.

Q2. Examine the use of unreliable narrators in modern fiction. What effects do they create, and how do they challenge reader expectations? Illustrate with examples.

Model Answer:

Unreliable narrators are storytellers whose credibility is compromised, leading readers to question the truthfulness or completeness of the narrative. This technique subverts conventional narrative authority and invites active reader engagement.

In modern fiction, unreliable narrators create ambiguity, psychological depth, and thematic complexity. For example, in Ian McEwan’s Atonement, Briony Tallis’s narration is revealed as flawed and biased, emphasizing themes of guilt and the limits of perception.

Unreliable narration challenges readers’ expectations by destabilizing the notion of objective truth, emphasizing subjectivity and the multiplicity of reality. It also provokes critical reflection on how narratives construct meaning.

Thus, this device enriches modern fiction’s exploration of human consciousness and epistemology.

Quaid-i-Azam University

Department of English

English Admission Test – Comprehensive Practice Paper

Max Time: 1 hour

Max Marks: 40

Applicant’s Name: ______________________

Tracking ID: __________________________

Section A: English Language Skills (20 Marks)

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:

Communication is fundamental to human interaction, and language is its most sophisticated tool. It not only conveys information but also shapes cultural identities and social relationships. In the age of globalization and digital technology, language evolves rapidly, reflecting changing realities and bridging diverse communities. The study of language therefore remains crucial in understanding not just words, but the human experience itself.

Questions:

1. Summarize the main idea of the passage in your own words. (5 marks)

2. What role does language play beyond simple communication as described in the passage? (5 marks)

3. Explain the meaning of the word “sophisticated” in the passage. Provide a synonym. (5 marks)

4. Use the word “globalization” in a sentence related to language. (5 marks)

Section B: Choose ONE question from your discipline (20 Marks)

MPhil English Linguistics

Q1. Define code-switching and analyze its social and cognitive functions in bilingual communities. Provide examples to support your answer.

OR

Q2. What is language ideology? Discuss its influence on language policy and language maintenance with reference to any multilingual society.

MPhil English Literature

Q1. Explore the theme of alienation in modernist literature. Discuss how writers like T.S. Eliot or Franz Kafka represent alienation in their works.

OR

Q2. How does magical realism blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy? Discuss with examples from Latin American literature.

Model Answers

Section A

1. The passage highlights language as a complex tool essential not only for communication but also for shaping culture and social bonds, especially as it changes rapidly in a globalized, digital world.
2. Beyond communication, language shapes cultural identities and social relationships, helping connect different communities and reflecting evolving societal realities.
3. “Sophisticated” means complex and highly developed. A synonym could be “advanced.”
4. Due to globalization, many languages borrow words from one another, leading to rich cross-cultural exchanges.

Section B – Linguistics

Q1.

Code-switching refers to the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation or utterance. It serves social functions like signaling group identity, solidarity, or social status, and cognitive functions such as facilitating expression when a concept is better expressed in one language. For example, bilingual speakers in Pakistan often switch between Urdu and English depending on context, audience, or topic, reflecting their complex linguistic identities.

OR

Q2.

Language ideology consists of beliefs and attitudes about languages and their speakers. These ideologies influence language policy decisions, such as which languages are promoted or suppressed in education and media. For example, in India, English is often privileged for official use, impacting the maintenance of indigenous languages and raising debates on linguistic equality and identity.

Section B – Literature

Q1.

Alienation in modernist literature is depicted as a profound sense of isolation and disconnection from society or self. T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land illustrates cultural and spiritual alienation in a fragmented world, while Kafka’s The Metamorphosis portrays personal alienation through Gregor Samsa’s transformation and estrangement from his family, emphasizing the existential crisis of modern life.

OR

Q2.

Magical realism merges fantastical elements with realistic narratives, creating a blurred line between reality and fantasy. Latin American authors like Gabriel García Márquez use this technique in One Hundred Years of Solitude to explore historical and cultural realities infused with myth and magic, challenging readers’ perception of what is “real” and emphasizing the complexity of human experience.

Best of luck to all candidates!

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