Download Communication Skills Exam Past Papers
Q1: What is the “Communication Skills” course about?
The Communications Skills course is foundational across disciplines, focusing on how to convey, receive and interpret messages effectively in academic, professional and personal contexts. It covers key topics such as the communication process (sender, message, channel, receiver), verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, public speaking, reading and writing skills, interpersonal and group communication, barriers to effective communication, and the use of media and technology. For example, one past paper for the subject “COMS 101 – Communication Skills” at Chuka University includes questions like “Explain any four principles of communication”, “Imagine you are scheduled to deliver a public speech. Explain five ways you can use to introduce your speech to capture the audience’s attention.” Kenyaplex
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Q2: What are past papers for Communication Skills?
Past papers are actual examination papers from previous academic years for the Communication Skills unit or course. They contain questions that have been asked in real exams, often with instructions on how many questions to answer, mark allocation, and exam duration. For example, a 2022 past paper for Amref International University’s “AIU 111 Communication Skills” shows the structure: a compulsory section followed by long answer questions, time allocation of 2 hours, and topics covering non-verbal communication, email, intrapersonal and interpersonal channels. pastpapers.amref.ac.ke
These past papers are invaluable because they give students insight into how examiners frame questions and what the level of response expected is.
Q3: Why should students use these past papers?
There are many reasons why past papers for Communication Skills are highly beneficial:
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Familiarity with exam structure: Knowing how many questions you must answer, how many marks, sections, time allowed. For example, one past paper states: “This examination comprises TWO Sections: Section A (Compulsory) 30 marks, Section B (Answer any TWO questions) 40 marks.” pastpapers.amref.ac.ke
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Spotting recurring themes: Topics such as barriers to communication, listening skills, communication process, non-verbal signals are repeated across several papers.
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Exam-writing practice: Completing past papers under timed conditions helps you refine your speed, answer structure, clarity, and confidence.
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Identification of weak areas: By practising with past papers you will notice which questions or topics you struggle to answer – giving you direction on where to focus your revision.
Q4: What topics commonly appear in Communication Skills exams?
Based on review of several past papers and repositories, the following topics appear frequently:
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Principles of communication and the communication process: For example, explain key elements like sender, message, channel, feedback, noise. Kenyaplex+1
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Verbal and non-verbal communication: Difference between them, types of non-verbal (kinesics, proxemics, haptics), how they impact messages. For instance one question mentions “haptics, kinesics, noise” in relation to the communication process. exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Listening, reading and writing skills: E.g., “Identify and explain five ways of enhancing listening skills” or “Explain the role of context in interpretation of meaning”. exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Public speaking and effective delivery: E.g., “What activities would you engage in to avoid fear when delivering a public speech?” exampapers.must.ac.ke
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Media, channels and technology in communication: Selecting appropriate medium, advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face vs mediated communication.
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Barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them: Noise, cultural difference, technological limitations.
These topics form the backbone of most past papers in Communication Skills, so students should give them significant revision focus.
Q5: How can students use past papers effectively for this course?
Here’s a step-by-step strategy:
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Download multiple past papers – For example, from Amref, Murang’a University of Technology, or other repositories (e.g., “UCU 100 Communication Skills” at Murang’a University of Technology). exambank.mut.ac.ke+1
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Simulate exam conditions: Attempt a full past paper under timed conditions (e.g., 2 hours) without interruptions.
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Review your answers: After completion, compare your answers with lecture notes or textbook, looking for completeness, clarity and structure.
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Identify recurring topics: Note which types of questions keep reappearing (e.g., non-verbal communication, listening skills) and ensure you understand them thoroughly.
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Improve answer structure: Organise responses with definition, explanation, examples and maybe evaluation/critique (especially for long answers).
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Discuss with peers or tutors: Going through your answers with classmates or getting feedback helps refine your understanding and writing style.
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Repeat the process: The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the exam style and the major topics.
Q6: What should I keep in mind on exam day?
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Carefully read instructions: note how many questions you must answer and whether parts are compulsory.
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Manage your time well: allocate time per question based on marks and leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers.
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Use real-world examples (especially in communications contexts): referencing real situations (business communication, public speaking event, digital communication) helps illustrate your points.
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Be clear and structured: Start with definitions, then explanation, add examples, and conclude your answer.
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Stay calm and confident: Familiarity from past-paper practice reduces anxiety and helps you think clearly during the exam.
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