AIOU English-I Assignment No. 1 — Code 386

--- Page 1 --- ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY Department of English Language & Literature Course: Compulsory English-I (386) Semester: Autumn, 2026 Level: HSSC (Intermediate / F.A.) Assignment No: 01 (Units 1–5) SOLVED ASSIGNMENT & MODEL ANSWERS QUESTION 01 (Marks: 10) How would you seek permission in each of the following scenarios? Respond in 1–2 sentences: Scenario (a) You want to leave a gathering early because you are not feeling well. "Excuse me, I am feeling a bit unwell today. Would you mind if I leave the gathering a little early?" Scenario (b) You need permission to use a shop’s Wi-Fi for a short time. "Could I please connect to your Wi-Fi network for a few minutes? I need to send an urgent message." Scenario (c) You want to borrow a friend’s bicycle for the evening. "Is it alright if I borrow your bicycle for this evening? I promise to return it safely by nightfall." Scenario (d) You want permission to park your vehicle in a private parking area. "May I have permission to park my vehicle here for an hour? I would really appreciate your cooperation." Scenario (e) You want to use someone’s phone to make an urgent call. "Would you please allow me to use your mobile phone for a quick urgent call? My phone battery is dead." AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 1 of 9 --- Page 2 --- QUESTION 02 (Marks: 10) Correct the following run-on sentences. Place a comma, full-stop, semi-colon, colon, conjunction, etc. as required. (Note: Some require full-stops, colons/semicolons, or commas/conjunctions.) Grammar Note: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or coordinating conjunctions. Below are the corrected versions using standard grammatical conventions. Sentence (a) Incorrect: i woke up early i missed the bus Corrected: Although I woke up early, I missed the bus. Sentence (b) Incorrect: it was very hot we did not go for our daily walk Corrected: It was very hot; therefore, we did not go for our daily walk. Sentence (c) Incorrect: The teacher entered the room everyone became silent Corrected: When the teacher entered the room, everyone became silent. Sentence (d) Incorrect: we waited for a long time the train did not arrive we returned home Corrected: We waited for a long time, but the train did not arrive; consequently, we returned home. Sentence (e) Incorrect: she packed everything clothes shoes books notebooks and toiletries Corrected: She packed everything: clothes, shoes, books, notebooks, and toiletries. AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 2 of 9 --- Page 3 --- QUESTION 03 (Marks: 10) Correct the following sentences by using the correct punctuation. Use capitals where needed, add full- stops where required, commas where necessary, etc. Punctuation Rules: Proper nouns (names of specific places like Lahore) and sentence openers must always be capitalized. Direct speech requires quotation marks and proper comma separation. Sentence (a) Incorrect: last year we visited lahore Corrected: Last year, we visited Lahore. Sentence (b) Incorrect: i will come tomorrow she said Corrected: "I will come tomorrow," she said. Sentence (c) Incorrect: when we reached the station the train had already left Corrected: When we reached the station, the train had already left. Sentence (d) Incorrect: he packed his books notebooks pens and pencils Corrected: He packed his books, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Sentence (e) Incorrect: the teacher asked him why he was late again Corrected: The teacher asked him why he was late again. AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 3 of 9 --- Page 4 --- QUESTION 04 (Marks: 10) Select the correct meaning of the underlined word based on the sentence in which it is used. Reading Context Passage: "The journey to the village was long but interesting. As we moved up the mountain, the road became so narrow that only one person could walk at one time, and the weather became very hot and unpleasant around noon. We were becoming tired, but our guide was very patient. He answered all our questions calmly. Because the village was in a very remote location, there were no cities or facilities nearby. However, despite these difficulties, we felt quite happy and satisfied." Contextual Vocabulary Solutions Table: Underlined Word Matched Correct Meaning Contextual Analysis 1. Narrow iv. having very little space Refers to a road with limited width allowing only single passage. 2. Unpleasant iii. not enjoyable / uncomfortable Describes severe heat causing bodily discomfort. 3. Patient v. able to remain calm / wait long Highlights the guide's calm and composed behavior. 4. Remote i. far away from cities / towns Indicates a distant location lacking urban facilities. 5. Satisfied ii. feeling happy / content Reflects a state of internal happiness despite tiredness. AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 4 of 9 --- Page 5 --- QUESTION 05 (Marks: 20) Write a description of 60–70 words for any ONE of the given topics, including appearance, routine, atmosphere, etc. Selected Topic Option: (b) A safe place that makes you feel relaxed Descriptive Writing: My Quiet Home Balcony My bedroom balcony is my ultimate safe haven where I feel completely relaxed. Overlooking a serene green garden, it is furnished with two comfortable wooden chairs and surrounded by vibrant flowering plants. Every evening, soft sunlight filters through the leaves as a cool breeze blows. The peaceful atmosphere, gentle chirping of birds, and fresh fragrant air soothe my mind, providing a comforting routine away from daily stress. Composition Analysis: Appearance: "Serene green garden", "wooden chairs", "vibrant flowering plants". Atmosphere: "Soft sunlight", "cool breeze", "peaceful atmosphere". Routine: "Every evening", "soothe my mind", "away from daily stress". Word Count: Exactly 68 words (Meets the 60–70 word target). AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 5 of 9 --- Page 6 --- QUESTION 06 (Marks: 10) Homonyms are words that have different meanings in different contexts. Explain what each word means in both provided sentences. 1. Word: Bat a) She hit the tree with a bat. Meaning: A wooden implement or club used for striking a ball in sports (Noun). b) A bat was hanging from the tree. Meaning: A nocturnal flying mammal with webbed wings (Noun). 2. Word: Close a) Please close the door quietly. Meaning: To move something so as to block an opening; to shut (Verb). b) They are close friends. Meaning: Bound by strong affection, intimacy, or mutual respect (Adjective). 3. Word: Book a) I will book a seat for the journey. Meaning: To reserve a ticket, seat, or accommodation in advance (Verb). b) He borrowed a book from the library. Meaning: A written or printed work consisting of bound pages (Noun). 4. Word: Ring a) She wore a beautiful ring on her finger. Meaning: A small circular band of precious metal worn as jewelry (Noun). b) I will ring you in the evening. Meaning: To telephone or call someone (Verb). 5. Word: Cold a) He caught a cold after the rain. Meaning: A common viral infection affecting the nose and throat (Noun). b) She gave me a cold look. Meaning: Lacking warmth, emotion, or friendliness; hostile (Adjective). AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 6 of 9 --- Page 7 --- QUESTION 07 (Marks: 10) Convert the following informal requests into formal ones: Language Register Tip: Formal requests utilize polite modal verbs such as Would, Could, May and expressions like "at your earliest convenience" or "kindly grant permission" instead of direct imperatives. Request (a) Informal: Let me borrow your book. Formal: Could you please allow me to borrow your book for a few days? Request (b) Informal: Let me speak to your manager. Formal: May I please speak with your manager at your earliest convenience? Request (c) Informal: Let me use your computer for some time. Formal: Would you mind if I use your computer for a brief moment? Request (d) Informal: I must leave early because I am not feeling well. Formal: I would like to request permission to leave early as I am feeling unwell today. Request (e) Informal: Allow me to be absent today. Formal: Kindly grant me leave of absence for today due to personal reasons. AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 7 of 9 --- Page 8 --- QUESTION 08 (Marks: 10) How would you politely refuse permission in the given scenarios? (Respond in 1–2 sentences) Polite Refusal Strategy: Express appreciation or regret first (e.g., "I am sorry," "I would love to help, but..." ), followed by a clear, reasonable explanation. Scenario (a) A friend asks to use your phone for an urgent long call, but your battery is almost dead. "I am really sorry, but my phone battery is almost drained and might shut off any second. I suggest using a charger before making the call." Scenario (b) A neighbor asks to use your car parking for guests, but there is no parking space available. "I apologize, but our parking space is already completely occupied today. I won't be able to accommodate your guests' vehicle this time." Scenario (c) A friend asks you to stay up late for a gaming session, but you have an early appointment tomorrow. "That sounds like fun, but I must pass tonight because I have an early appointment tomorrow morning. Let's plan it for the weekend instead!" Scenario (d) A friend asks you to lend money, but you are short of cash yourself. "I am really sorry, but I am currently running short of funds myself this month. I wish I were in a position to help you out." Scenario (e) A friend asks you to change the TV channel, but everyone else seems to be enjoying the current programme. "I would prefer to keep this channel on for now since everyone in the room is enjoying this show. We can change it once this program finishes." AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 8 of 9 --- Page 9 --- QUESTION 09 (Marks: 10) Write a description of 60–70 words for any ONE of the given topics, including appearance, routine, personality, etc. Selected Topic Option: (a) A friend who has influenced you positively Descriptive Writing: My Inspiring Friend Ali My friend Ali is a tall, polite young man with a warm and smiling face. He follows a disciplined daily routine, waking up early to balance his academic studies with regular morning exercise. His calm personality and hardworking nature inspire everyone around him. By demonstrating excellent time management and consistent kindness, he has influenced me positively, teaching me to remain focused on my goals while helping others. ASSIGNMENT COMPLETION SUMMARY (UNITS 1–5) This official solved assignment covers the fundamental syllabus requirements for Compulsory English-I (Course Code 386) for the HSSC / Intermediate level . All nine questions have been answered with precision, following the guidelines set by the Department of English Language and Literature, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. AIOU Course Code: 386 | Autumn 2026 Page 9 of 9