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B.Tech 1st Sem Curriculum:English
B.Tech 1st Sem Curriculum:English
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LECTURES 1 – 6
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Introduction
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Personal Appearance
Plan your appearance in such a way that it communicates effectively to others.
Even before the speaker utters his first syllable one begins to form an opinion
about him.
Appearance communicates how we feel about ourselves and how we want to be
viewed.
One’s appearance may put the audience into a resistant or hostile attitude or
induce in them a receptive mood.
One should be clean, well groomed conforming to the need of the occasion.
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Important Tips
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Posture
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Gesture
• A well timed adroit gesture enhances the impact and adds greater value to what is
being said.
• They clarify one’s ideas and reinforce them if they are well suited to the audience
and occasion.
• They should be quite natural and spontaneous and never divert or distract the
listener’s attention.
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Important Tips
These are subtle and can be used in a variety of ways-- to aid, inhibit or
complement your communication.
A smile stands for friendliness , a frown for discontent, raised eye brows for
disbelief, tightened jaws for antagonism and so on.
Learning to maneuver one’s facial expressions to match with one’s presentation is
an art.
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Eye Contact
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Proxemics
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Paralinguistics
These are non-verbal vocal cues that help to give urgency to your voice
Voice gives extra life to your delivery; therefore it is imperative to understand the
characteristic nuances of voice, namely quality, volume, rate, pitch, articulation,
pronunciation, modulation and pauses.
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Conclusion
To recapitulate, oral presentation is an art that requires careful planning and a great deal
of practice. There are various factors that help to put your thoughts across like audience
analysis, organisation of matter, nuances of delivery, kinesics and paralinguistics.
One’s efforts should be to keep all these threads intact so that one can achieve
wonders with oral presentations.
LECTURES 16– 25
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Meaning of Comprehension
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What is Comprehension?
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Comprehension Strategies
• Dialogue between teacher and students is structured by use of three key strategies
which increase the student's active involvement with the text:
summarising
questioning
Clarifying
• Summarising:
identifying and stating most important information
move from sentences – paragraphs – whole passages
• Question generating:
formulating question about passage of text
search for key idea
• Clarifying:
seeking clarification about difficult content, for example, unusual
vocabulary, difficult structures/concepts
encourages searching for meaning
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Procedures
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Role of the Teacher
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Comprehension Difficulties
• Are not always caused by word recognition and decoding difficulties.
• Can be caused by many different things.
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Comprehension Difficulties have Many Causes
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Reasons for Poor Comprehension
Techniques students should develop and practise to hone comprehension skills are:
Skimming and scanning
Structure of the text
Structure of paragraphs
Punctuation
Author’s viewpoint (inference)
Reader anticipation: determining the meaning of words
Summarizing
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Sample Passage
If you are not in the grip of avarice, you will choose a trade or profession that
appeals to you as the means of self-expression and social service, even if you cannot earn
much money by it. Your daily duty is not merely money-making drudgery; it is your
contribution to social progress and the path of personal development. How sad must be
the lot of the man or woman who must do uncongenial work simply for the sake of more
money?
Avarice puts round men in square jobs and square men in round jobs. At present
many persons in all classes, rich and poor are unhappy and restless because their daily
work is not interesting. It does not provide an outlet for the creative impulse and the
insistent urge of personality. Therefore, don’t ask in youth, “How can I earn the biggest
salary?” Ask rather, ‘How can I be truly happy and do most good to society?’ Then you
may have less money but you will have more of life and joy.
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Sample Questions
• When can a man choose a profession through which he can express himself and
serve others?
• Why does the author consider the lawyer known to him guilty of a crime?
• Why are most of the people unhappy at present?
• When will a violinist be unhappy?
• Who are the misplaced person according to the writer?
• What is the advice of the writer to the youth?
• Suggest a suitable title to the passage.
• From your understanding of the passage give the meanings of the underlined
words.
LECTURES 26 – 33
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Indented
The indented style is regarded as old fashioned mostly because the complexity of typing.
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Blocked Style
In this style the date line the complimentary close and the signature are aligned with the
right margin. Divisions between parts and between paragraphs of the body of the letter
are indicated by double spacing whereas here is single spacing within each part and
paragraph.
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Semi-blocked Style
This type of letter format is based on the block style the paragraphs of the letter are
indented. In this style mixed punctuation is used.
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Hanging Indented Style
This style is like the block style except that the first line of each paragraph is aligned with
the left margin. All other lines in each paragraph are indented four or five spaces. It
catches the readers’ attention because of its unusual appearance. This form is not very
popular but some business houses use this form in order to advertise their individual
identity.
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Sample Letter
Dear Sir
Thank you for your letter no.TR-43/3002 OF July 22, 2008 Your cheque no.P4387 OF
JULY 20, 2008 is for Rs.2270 whereas our bill no. KLW 110057 of June 12th 2008 was
of Rs. 2200.It appears to be a copying mistake
I am sorry to bother you for a small amount but you will appreciate that we have to
account for the goods supply. I, therefore, hope you will not mind sending another
cheque for the correct amount. I am returning your cheque no.P4387.
Yours sincerely
B.R.Gupta
Materials Manager
Encl.1 cheque
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Job Application Letter
Introductory Paragraph:
Gains attention & develops interest in the employer about the applicant’s qualifications.
Main Body:
Carries conviction with the help of one’s testimonials and experiences.
Concluding Paragraph:
Motivates the prospective employer to take an action i.e. call for an interview.
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Introduction
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Main Text or Body of the Letter
It should convince the employer that you are the best candidate.
DOs:
Sell skills---describe academic & professional skills.
Present only highlights of your assets.
Impress upon how the company can benefit from your skills.
Give specific detail of achievements----nature of project, nature of reward (if
any), year etc.
DON’T s:
x Don’t make this section a replica of your CV.
x Don’t talk about how this job will make you happy.
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Conclusion
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Sample Job Application
Address of the applicant.
Date
Sir/Madam,
Sub: abcd
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Yours faithfully,
Signature
Name of applicant
Encl:CV
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Writing a CV
The full form of CV is “curriculum vitae” which means course of one’s life.
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What is a CV?
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Appearance and Elements
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Personal Information
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Career / Professional Objectives
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Education / Academics
Educational qualifications, experience.
Training, projects done, extra degrees.
Begin with recent degree and go backwards.
If grade points are good, include them.
Note honours and awards.
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Work Experience
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Activities / Achievements
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Memberships
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References
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Three kinds of CVs
LECTURES 34 – 42
Types of Report
• What is a report?
• Knowing the different types of report.
• Being able to identify four report formats.
• Knowing the components of formal reports.
• Being able to chalk out various strategies of writing a report
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What is a Report?
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Purpose of a Report
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Planning a Report
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Objectives of a Report
A report should present facts, conclusions & recommendations in a logical & well-
defined structure.
For whom is the report written?
What’s their level of information & education?
Why do these people want the report?
What decision do they wish to make after reading the report?
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Formats of Report
Printed Forms
They are generally used to collect routine information where one is just required to fill in
the blanks. For e.g. Tour reports, inspection reports etc.
Letter Format
It may be used for short reports to give information to someone outside the organization.
Memo Format
It can be used to communicate information to someone within an organization. It may be
used for all types of reports.
Manuscript Format
It is used for long and formal reports. These reports are divided into sections & sub-
sections, each with a clear heading, arranged in a logical sequence.
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Parts of a Formal Report
Title page
It should contain:
• Name & status of the author
• Department & date of issue
• The heading/title of the report
Preface
It is an optional element. It introduces the report by mentioning the salient features.
Letter of transmittal
It is a brief covering letter explaining the purpose of writing the report.
Acknowledgement
Table of contents
It provides the reader an overall view of the report & shows its organization.
List of Illustrations
It gives systematic information about tables, graphs, figures & charts used in the report.
Executive Summary/Abstract
• Should give the context of the report.
• Should act as a time saver for the busy management.
Introduction
It prepares the readers for the discussion that follows.
Methodology
It summarizes the methods of data collection & the procedure for investigating the
situation.
Discussion/Analysis
This is the main part of the report & focuses on facts & findings. Its usually divided into
various well-structured sections.
Conclusions
It conveys the significance & meaning of the report by presenting a summary of
discussions & findings. It also draws substantial inferences.
Bibliography
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The Process
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A Sample Report
Table of contents –
4. References 22
5. Appendix 23
LECTURES 43 – 48
The prospect of a GD tends to leave most students petrified. You can get rid of
that feeling of fear by remembering you have experienced group discussions
right from childhood. Remember those heated discussions you had across the
dinner table with family members, friends and relatives? Consciously or
unconsciously, they have helped you learn a thing or two about discussing in a
group.
Your parents may have come across as the most heard and respected as they
were much better well informed. Besides, instead of forcing their point of view on
you, they heard you out and presented their points in a logical and methodical
manner because they had the strength of content and courage of conviction.
As a result, you would have often felt the desire to prove that you were right and
they were wrong. A bundle of angst would build within you.
Human beings love debates because we like to win and see others lose. A
debate is a perfect situation for expressing intense emotions. A GD, however,
calls for a lot more maturity and logic.
The difference, thus, lies not just in style, but also in the mindset that is required
to tackle either challenge.
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What are the Strategies of Handling a GD Effectively?
How often have you called a friend in office to be told that he is in a meeting?
Institutes conduct a GD because, as a manager, you will be required to attend
and conduct innumerable meetings. A GD is a simulation of what you can expect
in a meeting at your workplace.
Depending on the kind of profile you have and the company you work for, you will
be part of meetings ranging from brand launches and employee performance
appraisals to company financials, etc. For instance, if you have a meeting
where senior employees are working out a strategy to launch a new soap in the
market; this is what is expected of you before and during the meeting.
~ You will go well prepared for the meeting; this means you need to
have sufficient information on the likely points of discussion.
~ During the meeting, you will let everyone have his say. When your turn comes,
you will present your views forcefully and logically.
~ Whenever you disagree with somebody, you will present your points logically
and makes sure everybody understands what you have to say.
~ You will carefully listen to other people's points and try to refine your own by
using other people's inputs on the subject.
Project the same qualities during B-School admissions, where the purpose of the
GD is to find out whether you possess the critical qualities needed to become an
effective manager. While the written exam tests your comprehension and
analytical skills, a GD tests you in the following:
• Body language
• Communication skills
• Self confidence
• Team skills
• Listening ability
• Ability to present your views logically
• Time management
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There are Four Main Areas to be tested in your GD
i. Content
ii. Communication skills
iii. Group dynamics
iv. Leadership
i. Content
For example, take the topic 'Are peace talks between India and Pakistan useless or
useful?' The candidate should be clearly aware that this is not a test of patriotism. Nor
should he or she forget that the purpose of the discussion is getting into a good B-School,
and that his or her influence on India's foreign policy is zilch. So, an emotional response
would, in all probability, get you disqualified.
Go for a balanced response like, "Even though little has resulted from talks, it is certainly
good to see the talks continue." Please remember that your opinion does not matter. The
depth of knowledge and logical analysis you show is critical. Unfortunately, such
analytical skills are rarely taught at the school and graduate level, so learn and practise
first.
The listener has his own interpretation of what you say. Unless you listen to him, you
cannot figure out whether he or she has understood you.
Unless you listen, the points you make may not fit in with points made by others. It is
easy for an experienced evaluator (moderator) to realise you aren't listening.
Besides listening, you also need the ability to:
As mentioned before, a GD is a formal peer group situation and tests your behaviour as
well as your influence on the group. Formal language and mutual respect are obvious
requirements. In addition, you need to have:
Willingness to listen and discuss various points of view. Do not take strong views in the
beginning itself; try and analyse the pros and cons of a situation.
Learn to disagree politely, if required. In fact, it is far better to put forward your point of
view without specifically saying 'I disagree' or 'You're wrong'.
Show appreciation for good points made by others. You can make a positive contribution
by agreeing to and expanding an argument made by someone else.
Size the opportunity to make a summary near the end or, even better, a part summary.
Partial agreement or part consensus is a sign of the group's progress. Complete agreement
is impossible in the timeframe allotted.
iv. Leadership
One of the most common misconceptions about leadership is that it is all about
controlling the group. However, for the GDs we are talking about, leadership is all about
giving direction to the group in terms of content.
It is about initiating the discussion and suggesting a path on which the group can continue
the discussion.
A good leader is one who allows others to express their views and channels the
discussion to a probable decision or conclusion on the given topic.
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Types of GDs
i. Topic-based
These are an extension of case studies where specific objectives are to be achieved as a
group.
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Conducting GDs
While there is a great deal of variety in the methodology of conducting a Group
Discussion, let's discuss the methodology commonly used for B-School selections.
Normally 8-10 students are taken as a group, though in some cases, up to 16 people may
be included in a group. The GD lasts for 10-15 minutes.
For a topic-based GD, 2-3 minutes of thinking time may be given; though the group is
often told to start right away. For case studies, however, about 15 minutes is given.
The evaluation is done by one or two experts, usually professors from the B-School itself.
Please remember that these people are experts with a lot of experience and can be
counted upon to observe all details, even if the GD is chaotic.
The discussion may be stopped at the set time or even earlier. A conclusion or consensus
may be asked for, though it usually does not occur. A written or oral summary may asked
for at the end from each candidate.
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The Process
After each discussion, you must, as a group, analyse one another individually and suggest
areas for improvement. This way, you will also get exposed to your fellow aspirants'
perspectives and broaden your thought process.
The skills you develop to ace your GD will prove to be an asset even after you begin your
professional career.
~ As part of your preparation, you must participate in a few mock GDs. Run through
these performances later, identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement and
work on them consciously.
i. Content
~ Develop subject knowledge on current affairs, general awareness and business trends.
~ Structure arguments on selected topics, considering both sides to the argument.
~ Plan for short and lucid points.
ii. Practice
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Sample Topics for GD
The Current Recession in the Job Market and its Impact on Indian Economy
The Mushrooming Engineering Colleges in West Bengal—Its Pros and Cons
The Transience of Glamour and Fame in the Film and Television Industry