COMMUNICATION SKILLS NOTES

Amitech 2016

(Narrative Paragraph)
The evening of 31st March 2016, when I first saw the wall between canteen area and parking
being broken by our own students, a pulse of negative electricity ran through my mind. With a
pile of skeptical thoughts and abundance of cynics amongst us we thought of quitting the festival
and just like the wall, our expectations and heart were broken. Though just for the sake of
thought that this was our annual fest, we appeared the next morning, very eager to see what all
our college with claws of monkeys hopping around can offer. Morning of 1st April 2016, in the
lovely town of Bijwasan, stalls were being set up by sponsors. Stage was ready and the first
event of the day was started which was solo singing. With a lot of contestants with melodious
voices, everybody was mesmerized. Day 1 concluded on a high note with ‘Eargasm’ (rock show
by our college band).2nd April 2016, comparatively the crowd was larger because it was time to
burn the stage with heart stamping solo and group dance performances the crowd was truly
energized just when the final event ‘Mr. & Ms. Amitech’ took place. Winners were announced
and it was time to listen to an inspiring speech by our Founder President. In the end, results were
announced and we saw some happy and sad faces amongst the crowd. With the spirit that the
next year they will again participate, jam session concluded the two day long fest.

Rectify Errors

1. Incorrect: This book is mine and that is your.

Correct: This book is mine and that is yours.

2. Incorrect: Your’s faithfully.

Correct: Yours faithfully.

3. Incorrect: He has helped Charulika and I.

Correct: He has helped Charulika and me.

4. Incorrect: Mridula is more intelligent than me.

 Correct: Mridula is more intelligent than I.

5. Incorrect: Let Ramanuj and I go to your house.

Correct: Let Ramanuj and me go to your house.

6. Incorrect: It was me who helped Ram.

Correct: It was I who helped Ram.

7. Incorrect: Any of these two girls should do this work.

Correct: Either of these two girls should do this work.

8. Incorrect: Each must give what they can.

Correct: Each must give what he can.

9. Incorrect: I shall take your leave after an hour.

Correct: I shall take leave of you after an hour.

10.Incorrect: Nikki and Manoj love one another.

Correct: Nikki and Manoj love each other.

11.Incorrect: One should help his friends in trouble.

Correct: One should help one’s friends in trouble.

12. Incorrect: Everyone of us should do our duty for the progress of the nation.

Correct: Everyone of us should do his duty for the progress of the nation.

13. Incorrect: Everybody should perform their duty honestly and efficiently.

Correct: Everybody should perform his duty honestly and efficiently.

14. Incorrect: Each of these boy play games.

Correct: Each of these boy plays games.

15. Incorrect: Both of them did not go.

Correct: Neither of them went.

16. Incorrect: We all did not go.

Correct: None of us went.

17. Incorrect: My books are better than my friend.

Correct: My books are better than those of my friend.

18. Incorrect: Nobody accepted the offer except he.

Correct: Nobody accepted the offer except him.

19. Incorrect: The financial advisor and finance officer neglected their work.

Correct: The financial advisor and finance officer neglected his work.

20. Incorrect: This pen is superior to your.

Correct: This pen is superior to yours.

21. Incorrect: My views are quite different from your.

Correct: My views are quite different from yours.

Agreement of the Verb with the Subject

A verb must agree with its subject in number and person.

Often, by what is called “Error of ‘Proximity’”, the verb is meant to agree in

number with a noun near it instead of with its proper subject. This should be
avoided as shown in the following examples:

1) The quality of the mangoes was not good.

2) The introduction of tea and coffee and such other beverages has not been
without some effect.

3) His knowledge of Indian vernaculars is far beyond the common.

4) The state of his affairs was such as to cause anxiety to his creditors.
5) If it were possible to get near when one of the volcanic eruptions takes place, we
should see a ground sight.

6) The results of the recognition of this fact are seen in this chart.

Two or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by and require plural verb, as:

1) Gold and silver are precious metals.

2) Fire and water do not agree.

But if the nouns suggest to the mind, or refer to the same person or thing , the verb
is singular ; as

1) Time and tide waits for no man.

2) Bread and butter is his only food.

3) The horse and carriage is at the door.

4) The rise and the fall of the tide is due to lunar influence.

5) My friend and benefactor has come.

6) The novelist and poet is dead.

CONDITIONAL CLAUSES

or

IF CLAUSES

Conditional sentences are used to express that the action in the main clause

(without if ) can only take place if a certain condition (in the clause with if )

is fulfilled. There are three types of Conditional Sentences:-

Conditional Sentences Type 1

It is possible and also very likely that the condition will be fulfilled:-

Form:- if + Simple Present, will + future

eg :- If I find her address , I’ll send her on invitation .

If it rains, we shall stay at home.

The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In the case don’t use

comma.

eg :- I will send her an invitation if I find her address.

If John has the money, he will buy a Mercedes.

Conditional sentences Type 2

It is possible but very unlikely, that the condition will be fulfilled.

= (would + infinitive)

Eg:- If I found her address , I would sent her an invitation.

Conditional Sentences Type 3

It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the past.

Form : if + Past Perfect, Conditional II

(= would + have + Past participle.)

e.g:- If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

Negative Sentence:-

If I hadn’t studied, I wouldn’t have passed my exams.

More e.g :-

1. If the goalkeeper had jumped up, he would have caught the ball.

2. Their motivation would have improved if they had kicked a goal during the first
half.
3. The game would have become better if the trainer had sent a substitute in during
the second half.

Phrasal verb idioms

A phrasal verb is a short phrase made up of a verb and one or two preposition
or adverb. Each phrasal verb has its unique meaning, which is different from
the meaning of the verb itself.

KEEP

1) Keep one’s temper: (remain calm).

- Dilip was really upset with Akash, but he somehow kept his temper.

2) Keep up appearances- (behave as usual in inspite of a change in circumstances).

- As they always keep up appearances, you will never know if they have any
problems.

3) Keep from- (abstain from).

- You should keep from drinking and smoking.

4) Keep on- (continue).

- He kept on working, although he was tired.

5) Keep track of- (keep in touch with the progress)

- I’ve never been very good at keeping track of how much return I am getting on
my investments.

6) Keep up- (maintain a continuous action )

- How long can we keep this up without ever speaking to each other directly?

Take

1) Take something for granted- (accept it as true)

- When we take things for granted, we don’t value them.

2) Take after somebody- (resemble in looks)

- The baby takes after its father.

3) Take something down- (write down notes)

- The teacher asked the students to take down the notes.

4) Take somebody in- (receive him/her as a guest)

- The hospital staff said that they won’t be able to take in any more patien

A cake-walk (very easy):

The examination was a cake-walk for intelligent and well-prepared students.

Add up (to add):

Rita added it up in the calculator.

At one’s wits end (quite puzzled):

Having bundled out at low score the cricket team was at its wits end.

At stake (risk):

His entire fortune is at stake since he has lost badly in the share market.

Back out (to withdraw from a promise or contract):

Mohan felt grieved when Sohan backed out of his promise to help him.

Back up (to support or sustain):

The dismissed worker won this case because he was backed by his trade union.
Barge in (intrude):

He barged into the committee room where the meeting was going on.

Bear out (to support or confirm):

The evidence does not bear out the changes leveled against Radha.

Beat back (to compel to retire):

The fire in the multistory building was no serious that the firemen were beaten
back by the flames.

Boil down (to amount to):

Her entire argument boil down to the fact that she would not join the course unless
she was guaranteed placement.

Break the ice (to make a beginning):

Our prime minister took the initiative to break the ice with Pakistan.

Break down (of a car or a machine):

The machine broke down due to choked pipes.

Break out (to arise suddenly):

All market closed down when riots broke out in the city.

Break up (to dissolve):

The conference will break up after the valedictory session.

Take after somebody

Have a similar appearance or personality (especially a relative)
 She takes after her mother – they have the same green eyes and curly brown
hair.
 John is such a funny person. He takes after his grandfather, who was a
comedian.
Take something apart
 Separate something into parts
 The technician is taking apart the TV so that he can fix it.

Take something back

1) Return something to a store:
 The jeans I bought were too small, so I took them back and exchanged them for
a larger size.
2) Admit that something you said was wrong:
 I’m sorry I said you were stupid. I take it back.

Take something down

1) Separate a structure into parts
 After the circus was over, the workers took down the big tents.
2) Write information on paper
 She took down my address and phone number and said she’d call me later.

Take somebody in
To let somebody stay in your house
 My friend lost his job and his apartment, so I took him in for a month.

Take something in
1) Receive and understand information
 The instructor spoke so fast that I couldn’t take in all the information.
2) Make clothing smaller so that it fits you
 I love this dress, but it’s a little too loose. Could you take it in an inch?

Take off
1) An airplane leaving the ground and going up into the air
 What time does the plane take off?
2) Become successful or popular very fast
 In the last few years, social media sites have taken off all over the world.
3) Leave a place suddenly (informal)
 He was at the party for about 15 minutes, and then he took off.

Take something off

1) Remove a piece of clothing from your body
 I always take off my shoes as soon as I get home.
2) Not go to work for a period of time
 Jamie took three days off to go skiing in the mountains

Take something on
Accept some work or responsibility
 Do you have time to take on a new project?

Take somebody on
 1) Hire or employ somebody
 The company has taken on three new staff members.
2) Fight or compete against somebody
 In tonight’s boxing match, Antonio will take on an undefeated boxer from
Argentina.
Take somebody out
Go with somebody to a restaurant or movie and pay for their food or ticket
 I’m taking my girlfriend out to dinner on our anniversary.

Take something out

Remove something from a place
 I took the letter out of the envelope.

Take something out on somebody

Treat an innocent person badly because you are tired or angry about
something else
 Hey, I know you had a terrible day at work – but don’t take it out on me!

Take over something

Take control
 Germany took over several other countries during World War II.

Take somebody through something

Explain something to somebody in detail
 Let me take you through the procedure for operating this machine. First, you
need to…
Take up something
1) Fill space or time
 These books are taking up all the space in my room.
 I’m working on an urgent project that’s taking up all my spare time.
2) Start doing something regularly
 I’ve recently taken up yoga.

Take somebody up on something

Accept an offer or invitation
 “When you travel to China, you’re welcome to stay at my house.”
“Really? I might take you up on that!”

Phrasal Verbs

1. Back up:
 (Support) – My teachers always back me up whenever I need their help.

2. Blow up:

(Explode) - The racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence

(Add air) – Blowing up balloons for the party.

3. Break down

(Stop functioning): Regular maintenance of vehicle is necessary to avoid its

break down.

(Get upset): My friend broke down when he was not selected.

4. Break in/ into:

(Divide into smaller parts): Burglars broke into my house last night.

(Force entry to a building): Our teacher broke the final project down into three
parts.

5. Call around (phone many different people): We called around to get

sponsorships.

Call back - (return a phone call): I gave a call back when I saw the miss call.

Call off (cancel) – We decided to call off our trip due to inappropriate weather
conditions.

Call on (ask for an answer or opinion): My teacher called me on to solve the

question.

6. Catch up:

(Get/meet at the same point) – I’ll catch you up at the railway station.

7. Check in (arrive and register)- I checked into the airport at 9:00pm.

Check out (depart): The check out time of hotel is 12:00 noon.

8. Cheer up
(Become happier) – I bought some chocolates to cheer you up.

(Make happier) – My friend cheered up when he got selected.

9. Come apart

(Separate) – The rope will come apart if the force applied across the ends is very
large.

10. Cut back on (consume less) : I should cut back on unnecessary expenses to
save money.

IDIOMS

Fizzle out (fail or end in a disappointing way)

After a promising start ,the project soon fizzled out.

Spick and span (neat, clean and tidy)

You should always keep your house spick and span

Red-letter day (very important or memorable day)

The 15th August is a red letter day in the annals of India.

Send word (send news, message)

The chairman sent word that the meeting would have to be postponed because he
was ill.

Dead wood -

Meaning - People or things which are no longer useful or necessary.

Example - The company bought in a lot of new computers. They no longer want
the dead woods.

3. Get the axe -

Meaning - lose the job.

Example - The projects team was undergoing a major restructuring, recruitment

executives were the first to get the axe.

4. Plum job -

Meaning - Desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy .

Example - This looks like a plum job but it has its own bunch of complications.

5. Shape up or ship out -

Meaning - This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not

improvetheir ways, they will have to leave their job.

Example - When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up
or ship out.
6. Golden handshake -

Meaning - Big sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or
retire.

Example - The management of various PSUs wanted to cut down on the man
power. They offered a golden hand shake to many of their aged employees.

7. Separate sheep from goats -

Meaning - Examining a group of people and deciding their suitability

Example - Audition test was conducted by the director to separate sheep from
goats.

8. Waiting in the wings -

Meaning - Waiting for an opportunity to take action, mostly to replace someone

else in their job.

Example - The senior manager is going to retire in next 2 months. Two of his
juniors who are waiting in the wings will have a fierce competitio26. Eat, sleep
and breathe something -
Meaning - Being so enthusiastic and passionate about something that you think
about it all the time.

Example - My son has recently learnt cycling. He eats, sleeps and breathes it now.

Antonyms

Collect - disperse

Humanity –brutality

Diligent - lazy

Abundance - scarcity

Blessing -curse

Arrival -departure

Victory -defeat

Zeal - laziness

Ally -enemy

Affluence -poverty

Confess -deny

Conquest -defeat

Coward -courageous

Comic -tragic

Purify -pollute

Hostile -allied
Hypocritical -genuine

Landlord -tenant

Active -lethargic

Optimistic = Pessimistic

Excited = Bored

Dangerous = Safe

Joy = grief

Wide = narrow

Exhale = Inhale

Fat = Skinny

Simple = Challenging, complicated

Sink = Float

Sharp= blunt

Scarcity= plenty, abundance

Singular=plural

Vital=trivial

Escape= arrest

Candid= frank

SYNONYMS

Fair: just, objective, impartial, unbiased

Funny: humorous, comical, hilarious

Happy: elated, joyful, merry, joyous, cheerful, blissful

Hardworking: diligent, industrious,

Honest: honorable, sincere,

Luck: fortune, destiny, providence

Intelligent: bright, brilliant, sharp

Valid: authorized, legitimate

Introvert: bashful, quiet, withdrawn

Kind: merciful, thoughtful, considerate,

Lazy: idle , lethargic, indolent

Pacify: appease, placate

Mean: unfriendly, unpleasant, bad-tempered

Hypocrisy: duplicity, falseness, pretence, falsity

Outgoing: extrovert, friendly, sociable

Strong: solid, tough

Bossy: controlling, domineering, dominating

Merciless: cruel, oppressive, tyrannical, hard-hearted, ruthless

Baffle: confuse, bewilder, puzzle

Deceive: cheat, dupe, befool, trick

Obstinate: stubborn

Respect = Honour, value

Fabulous = Astonishing, breathtaking

Beautiful = Attractive, pretty, lovely

Kind = Amiable, gracious

Lessen= reduce, mitigate

Vivid= clear

Victor=winner

PREFIX

1. Add prefix in the following sentences:

(a) Several multinational corporations have ventured into insurance business.

(national)

(b) Mohan is a sub inspector in Delhi Police. (inspector)

(c) The weaving machine has outlived its utility. It’s time we replaced it. (live,
place)

(d) Let us check the rates with some other airlines. I think high fliers have
overcharged us. (charge)

(e) Our company have introduced some multi-purpose household appliances.

(purpose)

(f) The Accounts Department appears to have miscalculated the overheads

(calculate, heads)

(g) You can to-let a part of your office building to increase your income. (let)

(h) This edition of your book is a reprint of the previous one. (print)

(i) Multinationals are threatening to resell some Indian firms. (sell)

(j) You need not fix postage stamps as it is a postpaid reply card. (paid)

2. Make personal nouns from the following words by using appropriate suffixes:

Advise - advisor

Announce – announcement
apply- application

Arbitrate-arbitrator

Busy-business

Claim-claimant

Compete- competition

Consult-consultant

Credit-creditor

Distribute-distributor

Manufacture-manufacturer ,

purchase-purchaser

Receive-receiver

Operate - operator

Represent - representator

Expository type of writing

Expository writing is a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, give
information or inform. The text is organized around one topic and developed
according to a pattern or combination of patterns.

The purpose of expository writing is to explain a topic in a logical and

straightforward manner. It presents a fair and balanced analysis of a subject
based on fact- with no references to the writer’s opinions or emotions.

A typical expository writing prompt will use the words “explain” or “define”
such as in “Write a paragraph on Advantages and Disadvantages of computer”.
Here there is no instruction to form an opinion or argument. The prompt asks
the writer to “explain”, plain and in simple words. Usually in the expository
writing, the first sentence contains the thesis or main idea. The next few
sentences support the details of the thesis. The concluding sentence restates the
main idea and ties together the major points of the writing.

The expository writing is a tool that is often used in academic world. When
writing an expository essay, it is important to write the assumptions that your
audience has little to no background knowledge about the main topic. Our duty
as a writer is to provide the reader with as much information as we can. The
reader should feel as if he or she has learned something after reading the
paragraph.

One word Substitution

1. The act of burning the dead :- cremate

2. One who is mad after book :- bibliophile
3. Incapable of being conquered :- invincible
4. A Remedy for all diseases or ailments :- panacea
5. One who damages public property :- vandalist
6. Men living in the same age :- contemporaries
7. A thing that is fit to be eaten :- edible
8. The life history of a person written by somebody else :- biography
9. Science of coins, metals etc :- Numismatist
10.Hater of mankind :- Misanthrope
11.One who looks at the bright side of things :- optimist
12.One walks on foot :- pedestrian
13.One who hates womankind :- misogynist
14.One who lives on human flesh :- cannibal
15.One who looks at the dark side of the life :- pessimist
16.The life history a person written by himself :- autobiography
17.A lover of books :- Bibliophile
18.Walking in sleep :- somnambulist
19.One who believes in the abolition of war :- pacifist
 20.One who leads others in any field :- pioneer
21.A speech made without previous preparation :- extempore
22.Able to write with both hands :- ambidextrous
23.Able to speak two languages :- bilingual
24.Having more than one meaning :- ambiguous
25.To become worse :- deteriorate
26.To act without thinking :- recklessly
27.Person who marries twice illegally :- bigamist
28.Child whose parents are dead :- orphan
29.Person in love with himself :- narcissist
30.one who cannot read or write :- illiterate
31.An object through which light does not pass :- opaque
32.Fear of closed spaces :- claustrophobia
33.To repeat word for word :- Verbatim
34.One who Believes in god and nature :- pantheist
35.Difficulties which can’t be overcome :- insurmountable
36.Capable of two interpretation :- ambiguous
37.An impression which can’t be easily removed :- indelible
38.To completely destroy :- Annihilate
39.Trade prohibited by law :- Illicit
40. A speech made for the first time :- maiden speech
41.Too much official formality :- red tapism
42.A women of fair complexion and light hair :- blonde
43.Government by a few :- oligarchy
44.An encryption on a tomb :- epitaph
45.A new word coined or used by an author :- ostracize
46.To turn out of society and fellowship :- excommunicate
47.One who has no belief in the existence of god :- atheist
48.The act of speaking aloud one’s thoughts when alone :- soliloquy
49.Murder of a new born infant :- infanticide
50.Deviation from the common rule :- perversion

PARAGRAPH WRITING
 “Odd Even Formula” (Descriptive style)

In the month of January, 2016 the Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal
decided and passed a trial of “Odd and Even” rule. The idea was to allot alternate
days of week for cars with odd and even registration numbers respectively. The
trial went pretty well amongst the car travelers in Delhi, as the traffic went
smoother, the roads seemed wider and the air seemed fresher! This as a result
reduced the travelling time and enabled the travelers to get free early and spend
more time with their families. Moreover, the pollution level went down drastically.
But for the metro travelers it became somewhat more difficult as the crowd
increased and the trains and platform area became overcrowded. Buses were
packed with jostling people too, since not everyone could afford having two cars
for different days, as a solution, the number of buses were increased providing
swifter service which was affordable too. The fifteen day trial of this plan was very
successful and was appreciated by Delhites. This would probably be implemented
permanently too, discussions for which are a hot topic among the Delhi
government and people.

IDIOMS

1. Acid Test:

Meaning - Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.

Example - I practised hard at the dance sessions but the acid test will come
when the master will assess our solo performances.

2. Cut the ground from under feet :

Meaning - When you cut the ground from under someone's feet, you do
something which weakens their position.

Example - When team India hit more than 350 runs in the ODI, they cut the
ground from under the opponent's feet.

3. Chase your tail:

Meaning - Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually
achieving too little.

Example - He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is
still not ready

4. Whole bag of tricks -

Meaning - Means trying all the clever means to achieve something.

Example - It was really difficult to find the information even after applying
the whole bag of tricks.

5. Deliver the goods -

Meaning - Do what is expected or promised.

Example - I have given my car to a new mechanic for repair, hope he delivers
the goods.

6. Fine-tooth comb -

Meaning - Examining something carefully to not miss out any details.

Example - The boss examined my report with a fine tooth comb before
submitting it to the senior management.

7. Explore all avenues

Meaning - Trying out every possibility to get a result.

Example - It is a difficult thing to do but if we really want it done, we must

explore all avenues.

8. Fast track something -

Meaning - Rating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired
result.

Example - In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing
up on a fast track decision from the court.
9 . Get ducks in a row -

Meaning - Getting your things well organized.

Example - To ensure a successful product launch, we must get our ducks in a

row.

10. Get the show on the road -

Meaning - Putting up a plan or idea into action.

Example - Now that we have compeleted all the legal formalities, let's get the
show on the road.

Antonyms

Collect - disperse

Humanity –brutality

Diligent - lazy

Abundance - scarcity

Blessing -curse

Arrival -departure

Victory -defeat

Zeal - laziness

Ally -enemy

Affluence -poverty

Confess -deny

Conquest -defeat

Coward -courageous

Comic -tragic
Purify -pollute

Hostile -allied

Hypocritical -genuine

Landlord -tenant

Active -lethargic

Optimistic = Pessimistic

Excited = Bored

Dangerous = Safe

Joy = grief

Wide = narrow

Exhale = Inhale

Fat = Skinny

Simple = Challenging, complicated

Sink = Float

Sharp= blunt

Scarcity= plenty, abundance

Singular=plural

Vital=trivial

Escape= arrest

Candid= frank

Absurd= sensible

Anxious= careless

Pure = adulterated, spurious

SYNONYMS

Fair: just, objective, impartial, unbiased

Funny: humorous, comical, hilarious

Happy: elated, joyful, merry, joyous, cheerful, blissful

Hardworking: diligent, industrious,

Honest: honorable, sincere,

Luck: fortune, destiny, providence

Intelligent: bright, brilliant, sharp

Valid: authorized, legitimate

Introvert: bashful, quiet, withdrawn

Kind: merciful, thoughtful, considerate,

Lazy: idle , lethargic, indolent

Pacify: appease, placate

Mean: unfriendly, unpleasant, bad-tempered

Hypocrisy: duplicity, falseness, pretence, falsity

Outgoing: extrovert, friendly, sociable

Strong: solid, tough

Bossy: controlling, domineering, dominating

Merciless: cruel, oppressive, tyrannical, hard-hearted, ruthless

Baffle: confuse, bewilder, puzzle

Deceive: cheat, dupe, befool, trick

Obstinate: stubborn

Respect = Honour, value

Fabulous = Astonishing, breathtaking

Beautiful = Attractive, pretty, lovely

Kind = Amiable, gracious

Lessen= reduce, mitigate

Vivid= clear

Victor=winner

Wholesome= nutritious

Reluctant=hesitant, unwilling

Abruptly=suddenly

Pact= treaty, agreement

Prudent= sensible, wise

Sane= rational, logical

Zeal=enthusiasm, fervour

Pragmatic= practical

Antonyms

Collect - disperse

Humanity –brutality
Diligent - lazy

Abundance - scarcity

Blessing -curse

Arrival -departure

Victory -defeat

Zeal - laziness

Ally -enemy

Affluence -poverty

Confess -deny

Conquest -defeat

Coward -courageous

Comic -tragic

Purify -pollute

Hostile -allied

Hypocritical -genuine

Landlord -tenant

Active -lethargic

Expository type of writing

Expository writing is a type of writing that is used to explain, describe, give
information or inform. The text is organized around one topic and developed
according to a pattern or combination of patterns.
The purpose of expository writing is to explain a topic in a logical and
straightforward manner. It presents a fair and balanced analysis of a subject
based on fact- with no references to the writer’s opinions or emotions.

A typical expository writing prompt will use the words “explain” or “define”
such as in “Write a paragraph on Advantages and Disadvantages of computer”.
Here there is no instruction to form an opinion or argument. The prompt asks
the writer to “explain”, plain and in simple words. Usually in the expository
writing, the first sentence contains the thesis or main idea. The next few
sentences support the details of the thesis. The concluding sentence restates the
main idea and ties together the major points of the writing.

The expository writing is a tool that is often used in academic world. When
writing an expository essay, it is important to write the assumptions that your
audience has little to no background knowledge about the main topic. Our duty
as a writer is to provide the reader with as much information as we can. The
reader should feel as if he or she has learned something after reading the
paragraph.

The key points are as follows:

 Purely informational, objective writing.

 Written to inform, explain or describe.
 The author assumes that reader has no prior knowledge of the topic.
 Unlike argumentative, persuasive, the primary goal of expository writing is
to deliver information about the topic, not to persuade the reader.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is a form of writing in which the author entertainingly

describes the topic with enough vivid details.

1) It portrays people, places, things, moments & theories with enough vivid details.
2) It helps the reader create a mental picture of what is being written about.

3) Imaginative language, interesting comparison and images that appeal to the

senses.
4) While scientific description is accurate like a photograph , artistic description in
imaginative like a painting. The writer writes in terms of colors , sound, smells ,
tastes, shapes, sizes , texture, heat, cold etc.

The purpose of purely descriptive paragraph to involve the reader enough so that
he or she can actually visualize the things being described.

A descriptive essay has one clear, dominant, impression.

For example- Beauties of Nature, Scene Outside an Examination

Skimming and scamming

Skimming and scamming are two specific speed-reading techniques, which enable
you to cover a vast amount of material very rapidly; these techniques are similar in
process but different in purpose. Quickly “looking over” an article is neither
skimming nor scanning. Both require specific steps to be followed.

SKIMMING is a method of rapidly moving the eyes over text with the purpose of
getting only the main ideas and a general overview of the content.

A. Skimming is useful in three different situations.

 Pre-reading—skimming is more thorough than simple previewing and

can give a more accurate picture of text to be read later.
 Reviewing—skimming is useful for text already read.
 Reading—skimming is most often used for quickly reading material that,
for any number of reasons, does not need more detailed attention.

B. Steps in skimming an article

 Read the title—it is the shortest possible summary if the content.

 Read the introduction or lead in paragraph.
  Read the first paragraph completely.
 If there are subheadings, read each one, looking for relationships among
them.
 Read the first sentence of each remaining paragraph.
 Read the final paragraph completely.

C. Mastering the art of skimming effectively requires that you it as frequently as

possible.

D. Skimming can usually be accomplished at about 1000 words per minute.

SCANNING rapidly covers a great deal of material in order to locate a specific

fact piece of information.

A. Scanning is very useful for finding a specific name, date, statics, or fact without
reading the entire article.

B. Steps in scanning an article.

 Keep in mind all times what it is you are searching for. If you hold the
image of word or Idea clearly in mind, it is likely to appear more clearly
than the surrounding words.
 Anticipate in what form the information is likely to appear –numbers,
proper nouns, etc.
 Analyze the organization of the content before starting to scan.
 Let your eyes run rapidly over several lines of print at a time.
 When you find the sentence that has the information you seek, read the
entire sentence.

C. In scanning, you must be willing to skip over large section of text without
reading or understanding them.

D. Scanning can be done at 1500 or more words per minute.

One-word substitution

Bigamy- The practice of having two wives or husbands at a time.

Anarchist- One who is out to destroy all governance, law and order.

Bouquet- A collection of flowers.

Fragile- Easily broken.

Feminist- One who works for welfare of the women.

Hearse- A vehicle which is used to carry a dead body.

Indelible- That cannot be erased.

Loquacious or Garrulous- One who talks continuously.

Novice - One new to anything, inexperienced.

Polyglot- One who speaks many languages.

Omniscient- One who knows everything.

Autopsy- Examination of a dead body.

Aviary - A place where birds are kept.

Abscond- To run away from law.

Amnesia - Loss of memory.

Arbitrator - a person chosen by parties to settle their dispute.

Accurate - Free from error.

Acoustic- Science of production, transmission, reception and effect of sound.

Amnesty - An undertaking by an authority to take no action against specified

offenders during a fixed period.

Ambiguous - A statement that can be interpreted in more than one ways.

Ambidextrous- One who is able to use both hands equally well.

Anarchy- Absence of government.

Anarchist- One who is against the law and order.

Anonymous - That does not bear the name of writer.

Archives - The place where public records are kept.

Atheist- One who does not believe in god.

Archaeology - The study of ancient remains.

Anthology - A collection of poems or other writing.

Bankrupt- One who cannot pay off his debt.

Blonde - A beautiful lady of fair complexion and golden hair.

Brittle - Prone to be easily broken.

Bureaucracy- Government by the officials.

Bibliophile - A lover and a collector of books.

Blasphemy - Sacrilegious talk about God or religion.

Backbite- To speak ill behind one’s back.

Connoisseur - An expert judge in matter of taste.

Catalogue- A list of containing names, authors and price of books.

Collaborator- One who attempts some task jointly with others.

Colleagues - People working together in same organization.

Combustible - Liable to catch fire easily.

Contagious - A disease communicable by contact.

Congenital- Pertaining to a person by birth.

Credulous- One who believes easily whatever is told.

Carcass - A dead body of an animal.

Choir - A group of singers in church.

Contemporaries- Persons living at the same time.

Delegation - The process of giving authority to another.

Depreciation - Decrease in the value of an asset.

Dilemma - A position in which each of the causes is equally undesirable/ difficult

situation.

Diagnosis- Identifying the disease by its symptoms.

Distillery -A place where liquor is produced.

Ecology - Study of environment.

Edible- A thing that is fit to be eaten.

Eligible- One who is fit to be elected.

Emancipation- Freedom from legal, social of other restraint.

Embezzlement- Misappropriation of money.

Entrepreneur- One who owns and controls a business enterprise.

Eradicate- To root out a disease for evil/ getting rid of completely.

Extempore- A speech made without previous preparation.

Euthanasia- Putting to death painlessly especially to end suffering.

Evacuate- Remove from a dangerous place.

Effeminate - A man who is womanish in his habits.

Emigrant - A person who leaves his country and settles in another country.

Epidemic - A disease affecting many persons at the same time and place.

Epitaph - An inscription on a tomb.

Eulogy - A writing or speech in praise of a person.

Extravagant - wasteful in spending.

Fanatic - A person having too much enthusiasm for his own religion.

Fatalist – One who believes in fate

Flora – vegetation

Forgery – counterfeiting of a document

Fumigate – To disinfect by smoke

Germicide – substance that can destroy germs

Genocide – Deliberate killing of whole community or race

Glossary – A list of words pertaining to a particular subject

Granary- A place for storing grains

Glutton – A excessive or greedy eater

Hedonist – One who believes in the doctrine that pleasure is the chief aim of life

Infectious – A disease which spreads by contact

Inventory – A list of articles and their description

Immigrant – A person who goes to another country to settle there

Infanticide – Murder of an infant

Illegible – That which cannot be read

Illicit – A relationship that is prohibited by law

Illegal – Contrary to law

Incredible – One that cannot be believed

Impractical – A scheme that cannot be put into practice

Improbable – That which is not likely to happen

Incorrigible – One who cannot be corrected

Infallible – That which never fails

Inimitable – That which cannot be imitated

Insatiable – That which cannot be satisfied

Introspection – Looking into one’s own thought

One word Substitution

51.The act of burning the dead :- cremate

52.One who is mad after book :- bibliophile
53.Incapable of being conquered :- invincible
54.A Remedy for all diseases or ailments :- panacea
55.One who damages public property :- vandalist
56.Men living in the same age :- contemporaries
57. A thing that is fit to be eaten :- edible
58.The life history of a person written by somebody else :- biography
59.Science of coins, metals etc :- Numismatist
60.Hater of mankind :- Misanthrope
61.One who looks at the bright side of things :- optimist
62.One walks on foot :- pedestrian
63.One who hates womankind :- misogynist
64.One who lives on human flesh :- cannibal
65.One who looks at the dark side of the life :- pessimist
66.The life history a person written by himself :- autobiography
67.A lover of books :- Bibliophile
68.Walking in sleep :- somnambulist
69.One who believes in the abolition of war :- pacifist
70.One who leads others in any field :- pioneer
71.A speech made without previous preparation :- extempore
72.Able to write with both hands :- ambidextrous
73.Able to speak two languages :- bilingual
74.Having more than one meaning :- ambiguous
75.To become worse :- deteriorate
76.To act without thinking :- recklessly
77.Person who marries twice illegally :- bigamist
78.Child whose parents are dead :- orphan
79.Person in love with himself :- narcissist
80.one who cannot read or write :- illiterate
81.An object through which light does not pass :- opaque
82.Fear of closed spaces :- claustrophobia
83.To repeat word for word :- Verbatim
84.One who Believes in god and nature :- pantheist
85.Difficulties which can’t be overcome :- insurmountable
86.Capable of two interpretation :- ambiguous
87.An impression which can’t be easily removed :- indelible
88.To completely destroy :- Annihilate
89.Trade prohibited by law :- Illicit
90. A speech made for the first time :- maiden speech
91.Too much official formality :- red tapism
92.A women of fair complexion and light hair :- blonde
93.Government by a few :- oligarchy
94.An encryption on a tomb :- epitaph
95.A new word coined or used by an author :- ostracize
96.To turn out of society and fellowship :- excommunicate
97.One who has no belief in the existence of god :- atheist
98.The act of speaking aloud one’s thoughts when alone :- soliloquy
99.Murder of a new born infant :- infanticide
100. Deviation from the common rule :- perversion
101. Unable to pay his debts :- insolvent
 102. Murder or murderer of king :- regicide
103. Knowing everything :- Omniscient
104. A person who is indifferent to pain or pleasure :- stoic
105. A cluster of houses in a village :- hamlet
106. One who is expert in judging art, music etc :- connoisseur
107. A disease which ends in death :- deadly
108. A person who is very selective, disgusted easily and is hard to please
:- fastidious
109. To give up :- abdicate
110. A slate of high blood pressure :- hypertension
111. Capable of being read :- legible
112. State of perfect balance :- equilibrium
113. A expression no longer in use :- obsolete

Irrelevant – something which is not applicable

Irreparable – A damage or loss that cannot be repaired

Irrevocable – That which cannot be altered or withdrawn

Inaccessible – One which cannot be approached

Inseparable – That which cannot be separated

Invincible – That which cannot be conquered

Insurmountable – That which cannot be overcome

Jockey – A professional rider in horse races

Juggler – One who performs tricks by slight of hand

Lunar – Relating to moon

Martyr – One who dies for the sake of one’s country

Misogynist – A hater of women

Mortuary – A place where dead bodies are temporarily placed

Morgue – A place where bodies of persons found dead are placed for
identification

Materialistic – A person for whom money or gain is the most important

consideration

Mercenary – A person working only for money

Misanthrope – A hater of mankind

Matinee – A cinema show which is held in the afternoon

Manifesto – A written declaration of a political party

Matrimonial – Concerning marriage

Narcotic – An illegal drug

Nepotism – Giving special favours to relatives

Nostalgia – Sentimental attachment to things that one has left behind

Novice – A fresher without experience

Notorious – One with evil reputation

Nomad – One of a race or tribe that has no fixed location but wanders from place
to place

Orphan – A child whose parents are dead

Orphanage – A place where orphans are housed

Orator – One who makes an eloquent public speech

Obsolete – Something which is no longer in use

Omnipotent – One who is all powerful

Omnipresent – One who’s present everywhere

Omniscient – One who knows everything

Optimist – One who looks at the bright side of the things

Orthodox – One who holds traditional believes

Ostracize – To exclude from society

Panacea – A remedy for all ills

Pedestrian – One who walks on foot

Pessimist – One who looks at the dark side of the things

Posthumous – A child born after the death of its father

Paramour – Illicit lover

Polygamy – The practice of having more than ones wife/husband at the same time

Plagiarism – The practice of copying work of others passing them as one’s own

Pseudonym – An imaginary name assumed by an author for disguise

Plumber – One who repairs pipes and fittings for water supply

Psychologist – One who studies the working of human mind

Pulmonary – Relating to the lungs

Quota – Fixed or permitted number

Rebellion – The act of taking up arms against the government

Recluse – A person who avoids others and lives a solitary life

Representative – A person who has authority to act for another

Republic – A state in which people exercise power through elected representatives

Aesthete – A person with a highly developed sense of beauty

Affluent – Wealthy; having abundance of money

Altruist – One who does good work for others without thought of personal gain

Autocracy – A government where power is concentrated in the hands of one person

Brevity – Shortness of time

Calligraphy – The art of beautiful handwriting

Cynic – One who has little faith in human sincerity or honesty

Denouement – The last part of a play, book etc. where all the complications of the
plot are solved

Duet – Song sung by two people together

Garrulous – One who tells too much about uninteresting things

Hedonist – One who lives for pleasure

Pragmatist – One who uses common sense

Misogamist- One who hates marriage

Monologue – A long speech by one person

Vagabond – One who wanders without settled home

Symposium – Collection of views of several persons on a topic

Aggregate – Sum of particulars

Turmoil – Great disturbance

Fluke – Stroke of luck

Torso – Below neck to upward stomach

Indulge – To get involved

Murky – Dark environment

Regal – Royal

Vigilant - Watchful

Prune – Old plum

Tactic – Action to achieve end

Amputate – To cut an infected part of a person’s body

Curator – A person in charge of a museum

Fatal – Causing death

Mint - A place where coins are made

Anarchy – A state of lawlessness and disorder

Gullible – One who is easily deceived

Chauvinist – One who is foolishly devoted to an idea

Egoist – Lover of one’s self

Anthology – A collection of poems

Incorrigible – Incapable of being corrected

Maiden speech – The first speech delivered by a person

Stoic – A person, who is indifferent to pleasure and pain and has control over his
passions

Patent – Sole right to make and sell one’s invention

Fallacy- A false idea or belief

Imminent – About to happen

Joey – A young kangaroo

Martinet- A strict disciplinarian

Mascot – Something chosen as a symbol of good luck

Mediocre –One who is neither intelligent nor dull

Inflate- to fill with air or gas

Rapport – A good relationship between two people

Pacifist – One who believes in abolition of war

Tyrant – A ruler with complete power who rules cruelly

Seer - One who can see into the future

Extrovert – One whose interests are directed outward

Panacea – A cure of all diseases

Superfluous – More than is needed

Sculptor – One who carves in stone, metal and wood

Panacea-a remedy for all ills

Nomad-one of a race or tribe that has no fixed location but wanders from place to
place

Orphan-a child whose parents are dead or who has been abandoned

Orphanage-a place where orphans are housed

Pedestrian-one who walks on foot

Plumber-one who repairs pipes and fittings for water supply

Psychologist-one who studies the working of human mind

Rebellion-the act of taking up arms against the government

Representative-a person who has authority to act for another

Polygamy-the practice of having more than ones wife/husband at the same time

Roster-have to perform certain duties

Rehabilitate-restoring to normal life

Royality-money paid to a writer for the right to use his

intellectual property

Semantics-study of meaning
Symptom-indication of a disease

Teetotaler-one who totally abstains from alcoholic drinks

Widower-a man whose wife is dead

Unique-that has no equal

Turncoat-a person who changes his party or principles easily

Yolk- yellow part of an egg.

Ambiguity = word or sentence that is open to more than one interpretation.

Unprecedented = Never before done or seen.

Chivalrous = Honourable, especially to women.

Eligible = qualified

Socratic = Characteristic of the philosopher.

Credential = Pertaining to or entitling to credit.

Mesmerizing = bewitching, captivating

Ascetic - A person who renounces the world and practice self discipline in to
attend salvation.

Misologist- A hater of learning and knowledge.

Alliteration - commencement of words with the same letter.

Atheist- a person who doesn’t believe in existence of God.

Cosmopolitan: a person who loveS everybody.

Fastidious: one who can’t be easily pleased.

Legend: a story of old time gods and heroes.

Fratricide: a murderer of brother.

Contagious disease: a disease which spreads by contact.

Stoic: a person who is indifferent to pain and pleasures of life.

Soliloquy: talking to one’s own self.

PARAGRAPH WRITING

“Odd Even Formula” (Descriptive style)

In the month of January, 2016 the Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejrival
decided and passed a trial of “Odd and Even” rule. The idea was to allot alternate
days of week for cars with odd and even registration numbers respectively. The
trial went pretty well amongst the car travelers in Delhi, as the traffic went
smoother, the roads seemed wider and the air seemed fresher! This as a result
reduced the travelling time and enabled the travelers to get free early and spend
more time with their families. Moreover, the pollution level went down drastically.
But for the metro travelers it became somewhat more difficult as the crowd
increased and the trains and platform area became overcrowded. Buses were
packed with jostling people too, since not everyone could afford having two cars
for different days, as a solution, the number of buses were increased providing
swifter service which was affordable too. The fifteen day trial of this plan was very
successful and was appreciated by Delhites. This would probably be implemented
permanently too, discussions for which are a hot topic among the Delhi
government and people.

A Road Accident

(Descriptive Paragraph)

Full of cheerful thoughts and great plans for vacations, I was driving down
to my hometown and suddenly I was startled. My heart started beating almost with
the speed of bullet train. I had witnessed a terrible road accident between a truck
and a car. The truck just banged into the car with such force that the car was
crushed and it toppled thrice and crossed the divider. The scene was actually very
horrible. I got out of my car and saw blood all around. The driver of the car was
groaning in pain as he had banged his head against the dashboard and was bleeding
profusely. I was about to faint but somehow controlled my senses. The truck driver
ran away without even bothering about the car driver. After seeing the car driver’s
condition, I requested the assembled crowd to help in taking that person to the
hospital. But everyone was extremely frightened to come forward due to fear of
questioning and harassment by the police. At last a dynamic young man came
forward as an angel among that crowd and helped me out. But on the way the
accident-victim collapsed. That vacation was my most horrifying I have ever had!

HOMONYMS are words that have both the same pronunciations and the same
spelling as another, but etymologically unrelated to it, ie. the meaning is different.
The following are a few examples: Water (n), water (v)
1. Fair (just, impartial), Fair (exhibition)

HOMOPHONES are words that are pronounced the same as another but are
different in both meaning and spelling. Examples are:

1. feet, feat (achievement)

2. no, know

3. fair, fare

4. pore, pour

5. sore, soar

Some Hints on Public Speaking

-James Bryce
In this essay, James Bryce gives some practical hints on speaking well in public.

Always have something to say

 Always have some idea or at least two or three relevant facts to speak. At times a
person may be forced to speak when there is nothing to be said. But always find
something relevant to the matter in hand. One Cicero had to present a legal case on
behalf of a poet. Because he knew that the legal case was weak, he passed quickly
and lightly over it, but made a very graceful and eloquent speech on poetry in
general. The speech became very famous because it was very polished in its
language and it is still read with pleasure. So if you don’t know anything about the
personal merits of a person, say something about importance of its office or of the
services rendered by his profession. But if you have nothing at all to say, then
remain silent.

Always know what you intend to say

Be perfectly clear beforehand about what you are going to say, what argument you
are going to put and what facts you are going to convey. If your own mind is
confused you will confuse your hearer also. Reject whatever irrelevant thought
comes to your mind and be content satisfied even if you are able to make your
listeners understand one good point. It is important to put your ideas into the form
of definite statements

Always arrange your remarks in some sort of order

Whatever you want to say should have a beginning, middle and an end. The
audience feels pleased if they are led along a path towards a definite goal and the
speaker knows his way. You could divide your subject into three or four sections
with a ‘firstly’, a ‘secondly’, a ’thirdly’ and so on. Classification of facts and
argument and placing them in the right order adds strength to the argument. So a
speech must be well-arranged. A person can find out the deficiencies in his facts or
the weak points in his arguments well in time and can remove them.

Be clear

Clear thinking results in clear speech. A person with unclear thought is usually
unclear in speech. But, at times, because of nervousness in public or lack of
command of words, even a person who can think clearly cannot express himself
clearly. Such a person should read out his speech rather than confuse his audience.
He should use simple words and simple sentence constructions so that the hearers
are able to follow him.

Never despise those whom you address

No matter what you think of intellectual attainments of common people, do not

talk to them thinking that they are of inferior capacity. Give them the best and
relevant facts you have to give and in a language they can understand and they will
appreciate you.

Use some superlatives

Use apt metaphors and colorful language to make your speech effective. A well-
chosen metaphor often settles an argument finally or becomes an illustration of it
in miniature. Some humorous stories, jokes and general counsels related to the
subject can also be sparingly given. Beware of using them excessively. Relevance
as well as brevity (being brief) is the soul of wit. A good speech is a work of art in
which every part is organically related to every other part.

Never be dull or boring

Make sure that you don’t sound dull or boring. Dullness could be because of lack
of good material. At times if a person doesn’t have much to say but keeps on
speaking for a long time, his speech becomes dull. If a person has confused
thinking, then also he sounds vague (unclear) and pointless. Dullness could also be
because of the speaker’s small vocabulary, lack of variety in language and also
because of frequent repetition of the same words.

Remember the importance of how you speak

When Demosthenes, a great public speaker, was asked what the chief quality in
public speaking was, he replied delivery, delivery, and delivery. The way of
speaking can be improved by continuous study and practice. Some people are
naturally gifted with a rich or sweet or strong and ringing voice but others can
definitely train their voice. It is important to cultivate pronunciation, voice
modulation and expressions.

Speak slowly
Don’t speak so rapidly that the hearers are unable to follow you. When you deliver
your speech, speak in a slow and carefully measured way so that the sentences
become as effective as the blows of a hammer.

Never read out your speech

A speech can be read out only if the occasion is exceptionally solemn and the
speech is very long. If you cannot trust your memory, make notes of your speech
so that you can refer to them and not miss important points. Carrying notes in
one’s pocket boosts one’s confidence. It is important that one does not loose thread
of what one is saying.

Conclude well

Always have ready two or three sentences with which to conclude. A good
summing up is important so that the ending is impressive.

Never make your audience tired or weary

Cut your speech short if your audience is tired. Just as doctors say that a man
should stop eating while he is still hungry enough to go in eating, your hearers
should be eager to listen more from you rather than fell that they have listened to
much already.

Do not be discouraged by failure

Failures should not discourage a speaker because nobody is always at his best. At
times the fault may not be yours and it could be because of factors which are
beyond your control. But when you feel that you could have done better, ask
yourself why you could not do your best and try to correct it next time,

WORK BRINGS SOLACE

–Abdul Kalam
 This inspirational chapter from Abdul Kalam’s famous book “Wings of
Fire” gives us an insight into the simplicity and dedication to work of the author
and his tremendous faith in the youth of India.

When Kalam was told by Dr. Brahm Prakash to receive German missile man
Wernher von Braun, he was awed to find the father of modern rocketry to be so
humble, receptive and encouraging. Throughout the flight from Madras to
Trivandrum, Von Braun asked him about the SLV-3 mission they were working on
and listened as if he was just another student of rocketry though he was holding a
top position in the rocketry program at NASA after making the Lethal V-2 missiles
that devastated London the Second World War. Working for the US Army, Von
Braun produced the landmark Jupiter missile, which was the first IRBM with a
3000 kilometers range. He had become a cult figure in America after creating the
Saturn rocket in the Apollo mission (which put the first man on the moon). He was
a great scientist, designer, production engineer, administrator and technology
manager all rolled into one. But the great man made Kalam feel comfortable right
through the flight.

Wernher Von Braun advised Kalam, “If you want to do anything in

rocketry, do it yourself.” He further said, “SLV-3 is a genuine Indian design and
you may be having your troubles. But you should remember that one doesn’t just
build on success, but also on failures”.

It is not only important to do hard work and build a wall but it is also
important to have a vision which decides the purpose of the wall (to create a
terrace or enhance an apple orchard).It is this goal that makes the difference.

The first V-2 missile was tested unsuccessfully in Germany 1942.It toppled
over onto its side and exploded. But on 16 August 1942, it became the first missile
to exceed the speed of sound.

Wernher Von Braun further said, “Do not make rocketry your profession
or livelihood, make it your religion, your mission.” Kalam was happy to see
something of Professor Vikram Sarabhai in Von Braun.

Kalam then talks about his total commitment to work. He had thrown all
his being into creating the SLV mission. During that period, it was as though he
had pushed a ‘hold’ button on his life, no badminton in the evenings, no more
weekends or holidays, no family, no relation, not even any friends outside the SLV
circle so that the desired goal could be achieved.

Single- minded devotion to the goal is a must to succeed in one’s mission.

Kalam doesn’t like being called a ‘workaholic’ as the term implies an illness and
aberration. He questions that how can it be aberration if he works towards that
which he desires more than anything else in the world, and that which also makes
him happy?

The desire to work at optimum capacity leaves hardly any room for
anything else. Some people would scoff at that 40 hours a week job they were paid
for while some gladly work for 60, 80 or even 100 hours a week because they find
their work exciting and rewarding. The common denominator among all successful
men and women is total commitment to work.

One has to take care of one’s health also because whether one has to climb
to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of one’s career, one needs strength and
boundless energy which is possible only if one has good health.

In order to excel one needs to experience ‘flow’ which is possible only

when one is totally involved, is not in a hurry and when there are no distractions.
Then the distinction between the self and the activity disappears. It involves total
concentration and then work gives joy. While working on the SLV-3 Mission, the
entire team was experiencing that ‘flow’, confidence and joy. Though they were
working really hard, they were relaxed, energetic and fresh. At times they would
not even feel hungry and lunch time would just slip by.

One finds oneself in flow only if the task is challenging and there is no
disturbance so that one can work for a significant span of uninterrupted time.. The
task at hand should be challenging enough to stretch a person to perform better
today than he did yesterday. Total surrender to work gives immense pleasure and
satisfaction.

Principles of Good Writing

– L.A. Hill

In this famous essay L.A. Hill explains the qualities of good writing. He tells his
important it is to think clearly and logically and to increase vocabulary and
expression. He also tells how to find subjects for writing, how to make them
interesting and what to avoid in writing.

We should be able to think clearly and logically if we want to write well. We

can improve our ability to think clearly and logically by practice on various topics
wide and carefully reading increase our vocabulary. It also improves our power of
expression. While reading we should note down the interesting and useful
expressions and know their meanings with the help of a dictionary.

One can learn writing by writing only. So, one should write without waiting
for any inspiration. Good writing depends upon hard labor and less upon
inspiration. If we carefully observe things around us we shall find many interesting
things to write about. Developing a warm and human understanding of people
around us their joy and sorrows help us to find a lot of interesting things to write
about in ordinary incidents of life. Newspapers, books, magazines, etc. provide us
with plenty of subjects to write about. They are full of examples of human joy and
tragedy.

Writing about subjects in an interesting way is also important. We have to

keep in mind the interest of the readers we are writing for. If we read women’s
magazine we shall find what subjects interest them .We can read sports magazine
to find out what interests young people. We must remember that subjects that
concern us at present us more. A writer should thus select subjects that are of
present interest and to the kind of readers that he aims at.

We should choose subjects of which we have personal experience and about

which we know very well. Only then we can write on them with authority and
conviction. But we should not force upon readers our own personal problems
which have no importance to the reader in general.

Systematic presentation is very important. In the first paragraph, for

example, we should state clearly what we are write about and why .we should
write only relevant things.
 It is always better to write a simple language. Clean and plain English is
fashion of day. Concrete words and expression should be used. A mixture of style
is absurd. So, the same style should be maintained throughout. We should not mix
up the formal and slang expressions in same piece of writing. It is absurd if we
write, “I have had no alternative but to give formal it the thumbs in formal. If we
do not at that time find the right word, write whatever appropriate word that comes
to us at the time and then later on replace it with a better word.

Once the writing is over, it must be revised critically. We can replace

words and expressions that we find weak or vague with better ones.

What I Believe
--- E. M. FORSTER

‘What I Believe’ is an essay taken from well-known novelist and essayist E.M.
Forster’s collection of essays Two Cheers for Democracy published in 1951. It
reveals Forster’s belief in individualism, liberal spirit in society and politics and,
above all, his humanistic attitude.

BELIEF- Foster does not believe in Belief. This world is full of cruelty and chaos.
In this world rent by religious and racial persecution, what matters really are love,
tolerance, good temper and sympathy. While some people have faith with a large
F, Forster’s faith has a small one. For the moment their condition is that of a flower
battered beneath a military jackboot. Faith is a stiffening process a sort of mental
starch, which ought to be applied as sparingly as possible. His law givers are
Erasmus and Montaigne, not religious leaders like Moses and St. Paul

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS- Forster believes in personal relationships. Trust

in personal relationships is a vital in chaotic word full of violence and cruelty. One
must love and be fond of people and trust them. Reliability, loyalty and natural
warmth are necessary for personal relationship. We should let others down and not
betray them. Dante places Brutus and Cassius in the lowest in the circle of hell
because they had chosen to betray their friend Julius Caesar rather than their
country Rome. Personal relations are despised today and we are urged to get rid of
them and to dedicate ourselves to some movement our cause instead but Forster
hates the idea of causes.

DEMOCRACY- Democracy is better than other contemporary form of

government. Foster is in favour of democracy because it admits varieties and
allows criticism. Democracy assumes that and individual is important and that all
types are needed to make a civilization.

An efficiency- regime tends to divide its citizen into the bosses and the bossed. But
democracy gives more chance to those who are sensitive, creative and who don’t
see the life in terms of power. Its gives ordinary people more liberty to produce
literature and art and do disintegrated scientific research.

Democracy allows people criticism. So there are no hushed-up scandals. It grants

freedom to the Press. Foster believes in the Press and the Parliament. The press
widely reports the chatter of the parliament. It is because of the fact that parliament
criticizes and talks that public officials mind their steps and do not lose their head
because questions will be there in Parliament sooner or later.

FORCE AND VIOLENCE- All society rests upon force a govt. can open to rule
only by counting of the police and the army. An individual’s opinions are of no
significance if he gets knocked on the head or is sent to a labour camp. All the
great creative actions, all the decent human relations
Man and Nature in India: The Ecological Balance
-Salim Ali

The awareness and interest in the preservation of wild life and wild places is
growing in India. Human ecology is an integral part of nature conservation. Man’s
future cannot be considered separately from that of other life. So far man’s impact
on this environment has been largely disastrous.

Because of man’s misuse of land, West Asia, the cradle of civilization, is

now largely arid. Similarly, Egypt the kingdom of West Asia and Indus valley
civilization, have become deserts. Unfortunately we have not profited from earlier
disasters. Improvements in communication and technology have enabled man to
create deserts on a global scale and very rapidly.

In India, human population is constantly eroding the natural resources like

forests and wildlife.

In his article in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, M.S.
Randhawa has cited the changes have occurred in the Mathura region of Uttar
Pradesh. The area once used to receive over 2,000 mm of rainfall but at present it
receives only 600 mm. The area once had luxuriant forests and there is reference of
the waves of the Asoka tree and other moisture loving plant species. But now only
semi-desert type vegetation, similar to that of the Rajasthan desert, is found there.

The degradation of environment is also evident in these species of wildlife

that have got endangered. In the historic time, the great Indian rhinoceros was
found from Peshawar, across the Gangetic Plain, to Assam. But now it is to be
found only in the swampy jungles of new sanctuaries of Assam, West Bengal and
Nepal. The areas, which were once swampy jungles, are now partially desert.

The pin-headed duck which used to reside in the swampy forest habitat
became extinct in the 1930’s because it lost its habitat and could not make nest on
ground among reeds.

Also, the lion also fell a victim to the rising population pressure and lost its
habitat to large scale clearing of forests for cultivation. So, it disappeared from the
Indo-Gangetic plain. Habitat destruction is tragically the main reason for the
disappearance or rarity of most of our wildlife. Man has acted very irresponsibly
and cleared magnificent evergreen forest to cultivation of more and more land
instead of utilizing the already cultivated land in a better way.

Man has thoughtlessly destroyed the predators of agricultural pests and thus
ruined agricultural economy. Snakes and lizards which act as very stringent natural
check on rats and other rodents crop pests, were removed because of reptile skin
trade. Similarly, frogs, which regulate the population of harmful insects and other
small animals, have suffered because of trade of frogs’ legs. Consequently, land
crabs which destroy paddy seedlings have increased in numbers because earlier
frogs would keep their numbers in check.

Also man has axed his own leg by senselessly destroying owls and other
birds of prey due to superstitions. The birds were man’s good allies in the battles
against rats and locusts.

Due to advancement in technology, chemical pesticides and herbicides are

added to meet the food demand of increasing population. These have poisonously
polluted water, earth and air and cause hazards to wildlife and environment.

Unless human population in effectively contained, the ecological balance

cannot be restored and regulated.

Man is rapidly heading towards the ecological disaster. Drastic control of

human population and wise use of available natural resources are essential for the
very existence of man himself.

IDIOMS

At the drop of a hat = Without any hesitation.

Breaking up the wrong tree = Looking at the wrong place.
Best of both worlds = All the advantages.
Burn the midnight oil = To work late into the night.
 Every cloud has a silver lining = Even difficult time will lead to better days.
Keep something at bay = Keep something at bay.
Far cry from = Very different from.
Bite off more than you can chew = To take on a task that is way too big.

IDIOMS

1. Acid Test:

Meaning - Acid test proves the effectiveness of something.

Example - I practiced hard at the dance sessions but the acid test will come
when the master will assess our solo performances.

2. Cut the ground from under feet:

Meaning - When you cut the ground from under someone's feet, you do
something which weakens their position.

Example - When team India hit more than 350 runs in the ODI, they cut the
ground from under the opponent's feet.

3. Chase your tail:

Meaning - Spending a lot of time and energy doing a lot of things but actually
achieving too little.

Example - He's been chasing his tail all week collecting data but the report is
still not ready

4. Whole bag of tricks -

Meaning - Means trying all the clever means to achieve something.

Example - It was really difficult to find the information even after applying
the whole bag of tricks.

5. Deliver the goods -

Meaning - Do what is expected or promised.

Example - I have given my car to a new mechanic for repair, hope he delivers
the goods.

6. Fine-tooth comb -

Meaning - Examining something carefully to not miss out any details.

Example - The boss examined my report with a fine tooth comb before
submitting it to the senior management.

7. Explore all avenues

Meaning - Trying out every possibility to get a result.

Example - It is a difficult thing to do but if we really want it done, we must

explore all avenues.

8. Fast track something -

Meaning - Rating something higher on your priority list to achieve the desired
result.

Example - In view of the seriousness of the crime, the civil society is pressing
up on a fast track decision from the court.

9 . Get ducks in a row -

Meaning - Getting your things well organized.

Example - To ensure a successful product launch, we must get our ducks in a

row.

10. Get the show on the road -

Meaning - Putting up a plan or idea into action.

Example - Now that we have compeleted all the legal formalities, let's get the
show on the road.

11. Keep your fingers on the pulse -

Meaning - Being constantly aware of the most recent developments.

Example - An entrepreneur must keep his fingers on the pulse of the market
to be successful.

12. Mean business -

Meaning - Being serious about what you announce.

Example - Now that all our policies about work are put up on intranet, we
mean business.

13. Think on your feet -

Meaning - Adjusting quickly to changes and making fast decisions.

Example - A good sales man must be able to think on his feet to close the deal.

14. Sail through something -

Meaning - Being successful in doing something without difficulty.

Example - The presentation at the national conference was extremely

important for the company. We sailed through it.

15. Tricks of the trade :

Meaning - Clever or expert way of doing something.

Example - Being into the construction business for last 10 years, I know all
tricks of the trade.

16. Not let grass grow under feet -

Meaning - Don't delay in getting something done.

Example - As soon as he finished all the registration formalities, he put the

house on sale. He doesn't let the grass grow under his feet.
17. Work like a charm -

Meaning - Works very well or has the desired effect.

Example - I had cloves from my sore throat and they worked like a charm.

18. Keep ones temper – remain calm

Example- Dilip was really upsut with Akash but he kept this temper.

19. To keep both end meet – support

Example- he earns enough to keep this family in support.

20. Keep from- abstain from

Example- You should keep from drinking and smoking.

21. Keep on-continue

Example- He kept on working although he was tired.

22. Keep up appearance – Behave as usual in spite of a change in

circumstances.

Example – as they always keep up appearance you will never know if they
have any importance.

23. Keep track of – Keep in touch with the progress of

Example- I have never been very good at keeping track of what I do with my
money.

24. Keep up- Maintain a continuous action.

Example- How long can we keep this up without ever speaking to each other
directly?

Take
1. Take something from granted – Accept it as true.

Example- We take so many things for granted like pure water to drink and
good food to eat.

2. Take after somebody – Resemble in look

Example – The baby take after its father.

3. Take something down – Write down notes.

Example – the teacher asked the students to take down the notes.

4. Take somebody in – Receive him/her as a guest.

Example – The hospital staff said that they won’t be able to take in any more
patients.

5. Take Over – Succeed to the management or ownership of something.

Example- When will the new manager take over.

6. Take to – Adopt as a habit or practice.

Example – He took to gardening after the retirement.

CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

Conditional clauses or ‘if’ clauses is another name given to conditional sentences.

As the main clause, these are used to express the action (without if) can only place

after fulfilling a certain conditions (in the clause with if) . The three types of

conditional sentences are listed below:-

TYPE ‘IF’ clause MAIN CLAUSE

 1 simple present will-future (or modal + infinitive)

2 simple past would + infinitive*

3 past perfect would + have + past participle*

EXAMPLES:-

TYPE EXAMPLE

1 Positive If I swim, I will cross the river.

Negative If I swim , I won’t drown in the river

If I don’t swim , I will drown in the river

2 Positive If I swam, I would cross the river

Negative If I swam, I wouldn’t drown in the river

If I didn’t swim , I would drown in the river

# Change Narration

1. Ram said to me, “You are my friend”.

Ans. Ram told me that I was his friend.

2. Ram says to me, “I shall help you”.

Ans. Ram tells me that he will help me.

3. He says, “I did not go there”.

Ans. He says that he did not go there.
4. The children say, “We are ready”.
Ans. The children say that they are ready.

5. Sita said, “I have seen him”.

Ans. Sita said that she had seen him.

6. The boys said, “We are going to school”.

Ans. The boys told that they were going to school.

7. He said, “The Sun rises in the East”.

Ans. He said that the sun rises in the East.

8. He said to me, “Are you not reading”.

Ans. He asked me if I was not reading.

9. He asked me, “What is your name”?

Ans. He asked me what my name was.

10. The teacher said to girls, “Don’t make a noise”.

Ans. The teacher ordered the girls not to make a noise

11. He said, “How beautiful the girl is !”

Ans. He exclaimed with joy that the girl was very beautiful

12.Ram said, “What a place !”

Ans. Ram exclaimed with joy that it was a very wonderful place

# Give one- word.

1. The state of having two husbands/wives at same time -Bigamy

2. One who fights for sake of money -Mercenary

3. A person who hates women -Misogynist

4. The act or practice of sleep walking -Somnambulism

5. A man who is having qualities of women -Effeminate

6. One who is affected by excessive enthusiasm especially in religious matters -

Fanatic
# Change the following sentences into Passive Voice.

1. Sachin plays cricket.

Ans. Cricket is played by Sachin.

2. Miss Gupta teaches English.

Ans. We are taught English by Miss Gupta

3. Which fruits do you like to eat?

Ans. Which fruits are liked to be eaten by you?

4. Who is knocking at the door?

Ans. By whom is the door being knocked at?

5. He has not invited all his friends.

Ans. All his friends have not been invited by him.

6. They kept us waiting.

Ans. We were kept waiting by them.

7. What did he speak to you?

Ans. What was spoken to you by him?

8. Was she not cooking the food?

Ans. Was the food not being cooked by her?

9. He had never visited the Taj Mahal before.

Ans. The Taj Mahal had never been visited by him before.

10. Shall I ever forget those memorable days?

Ans. Will those memorable days be ever forgotten by me?

11. The peon will not have rung the bell.

Ans. The bell will not have been rung by the peon.

12. Will you have learnt your lessons by then?

Ans. Will your lesson have been learnt by you by then?
Indianisms, misappropriations.
1. Mr. Mohan is proudy.

Mr. Mohan is proud.

2. Anita has got passing marks.

Anita has got pass marks.

3. Rashmi is my English teacher.

Rashmi is my teacher of English.

4. The Prime Minister gave a speech yesterday.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech yesterday.

5. Shiv Kumar is my cousin brother.

Shiv Kumar is word by word copy.

6. Sita has parted with her best friend Geeta.

Sita has parted from her best friend Geeta.

7. The author has parted from her old pen.

The author has parted with her old pen.

8. The money lender abused his money.

The money lender misused his money.

9. The minister is misusing his power.

The minister is abusing his power.

10. Everyone in this world are unhappy.

 Everyone in this world is unhappy.

11. You should avail of the opportunity.

You should avail yourself of the opportunity

12. Aggarwal married his daughter.

Aggarwal got his daughter married.

13. Work hard, lest you may not fail in the examination.

Work hard, lest you should fail in the examination.

14. The students are giving the examination.

The students are taking the examination.

15. The teacher is taking the examination.

The teacher is giving the examination.

16. Wait in the canteen until I do not return.

Wait in the canteen until I return.

17. Please repeat again, what you have just said.

Please repeat, what were you had just said.

18. The police has come to the final conclusion that Abdul has
committed the crime.

The police has come to the conclusion that Abdul has committed the
crime.

19. You are kindly requested to join today’s function.

 Will you be kind enough to join today’s function?

20. The teacher entered into the classroom.

The teacher entered the classroom.

21. She has returned back from Washington.

She is returned from Washington.

22. Your answer is word by word copying.

Your answer is word for word copy.

23. Prem is dealing with steel.

Prem is dealing in steel.

24. My college often organizes plays.

My college often organizes games.

25. Mahesh deals in Riya.

Mahesh deals with Riya.

26. The British left India with bag and baggage.

b)The British left India bag and baggage.

27a) Please kindly help me in my studies.

b) Please help me in my studies

28. a) Prem is dealing with steel.

b) Prem is dealing in steel.

29.a) The Principal denied him leave.

b) The Principal refused him leave.

30) a) Mr. Goel is very miser.

b) Mr. Goel is very miserly.

31)a) I didn’t took it.

b) I did not take it.

32)a) Please answer to my question.

b) Please answer my question.

33)a)The honesty is the best policy.

b) Honesty is the best policy.

34)a)Sir, shall I help you in this work.

b) Shall I help you in this work, Sir.

35)a)The Police has come to the final conclusion that Bhaskar has committed
suicide.

b) The Police has come to the conclusion that Bhaskar has committed suicide.

36)a)The Indian Army attacked on Pakistan with all its might.

b) The Indian Army attacked the Pakistan with all its might.

37)a)Unless you do not study, you will fail.

b) Unless you study, you will fail.

38)a)Sugar is too sweet.

b) Sugar is very sweet.

39)a) Please repeat again, what you have just said.

b) Please repeat, what you have just said.

40)a)The teacher is taking the exam.

b) The teacher is giving the exam.

41)a) The students are giving the exam.

b)The students are taking the exam.

42a) Sita has parted with her best friend Devi.

b) Sita has parted from her best friend Devi.

43)a)The money lender abused his money.

b) The money lender misused his money.

44)a) You should avail of the opportunity.

b)You should avail yourself of the opportunity.

45) Work hard, lest you may not fail in the exam.

Work hard lest you should fail in the exam.

46) My sister’s friend’s daughter is an astrologer.

The daughter of my sister’s friend is an astrologer.

47)Both Rajiv as well as Sanjeev are good boys.

Rajiv as well as Sanjeev are good boys.

48)a)They did it, No?

b) They did it, didn’t they?

49)He is here, Isn’t it?

He is here. Isn’t he?

50)I will revert back on this.

I will revert on this.

51) The government has waived off the loans of the farmers.

Reading Skills

Reading is crucial to academic/professional success. We need excellent reading

skills because we may be required to read different kinds of reading materials,
which include scientific texts, instruction manuals and technical materials in
different forms. Students of professional courses who do not have a systematic
approach to reading and do not apply appropriate reading strategies face
difficulties in understanding a scientific text. They suffer from lack of
concentration, boredom, slow reading speed and poor comprehension.

Reading scientific and technical texts involves a complex process of

obtaining discipline – specific information and retaining this information for
future use and reference. A reader needs to use all the techniques – scanning,
skimming, reading intensively, interpreting graphs etc. the following simple
guidelines may improve reading effectiveness and help in reading and
comprehending technical materials.

Prepare for Reading:-

We need to prepare our mind to receive the information because we have to

receive as well as retain important information. The reader should focus on the
subject so that he/she can concentrate better. The reader should try to predict or
guess the overall content of the text. Moreover, the reader should recall related
information that he already knows. He will also have to determine the time that
he will need to complete the reading assignment. This pre-reading stage prepares
and motivates the reader to read the material. Then the reader should scan the
text to get a general idea. Then he should skim the text to understand its gist, to
understand the author’s central idea or purpose. Then he should start reading the
text thoroughly and slowly to understand all the details. He should respond to the
lexical meaning of words and relationships between them, understand the
specific details, think critically and analytically about what he is reading in order
to interpret and analyze the text. If necessary, then back some pages to ensure
understanding.

Make Notes:-

Note making helps us to retain in our memory.

Review What You Have Read:-

Once the reading assignment has been completed, the reader should try to recall
and remember the content of the text. The accuracy of recall may be checked by
a quick survey of the text.

WRITE THE SYNONYMS OF THE FOLLOWING WORDS

1. Aberration - deviation , wandering

2. Abhor – capable , competent
3. Adherent – disciple , follower
4. Audacious – bold , daring
5. Foppish – vain
6. Gaiety – festivity , happiness
7. Grievous – painful
8. Jubilant – joyful
9. Obtrude – intrude
10. Onerous – oppressive
11. Reticent – reserved , silent
12. Penury – poverty
13. Quell – satisfy
 14. Venerate – respect
15. Tentative – experimental tenacity shiver
16. Thrive – flourish

WRITE ANTONYMS OF THE FOLLOWING WORDS

1. Adopt – reject
2. Ancient – modern
3. Condense – expand
4. Crux – insignificant
5. Derogatory – encouraging
6. Divulge – conceal
7. Enmity – friendship
8. Extravagant – economical
9. Extensive – intensive
10. Fickle – constant
11. Futility – utility
12. Gusto – distress
13. Hilarity – severity
14. Liberty – slavery
15. Lack – plenty
16. Merit – dement

CHANGE THE ACTIVE SENTENCES INTO PASSIVE ONES

1. Tom painted the entire house.

The entire house was painted by tom.

2. Who taught you to ski?

By whom were you taught to ski?

3. The cleaning crew vacuums and dusts the office every night.
Every night the office is vacuumed and dusted by the cleaning crew.

4. No one responded to my sales ad.

My sales ad was not responded to by anyone.
 5. Who ate the last cookie?
The last cookie was eaten by whom.

HOMONYMS-

1. Cite (quote)
The lawyer cited an example in support of his argument.

Site (place)
This is the site for our new factory.

2. Confident (showing confidence)

The team is confident of winning the match.

Confidant (a person to whom on tells one’ secret)

Our English teacher is the confidant of the principal.

3. Bail (money deposited in court)

The thief was granted bail.

Bale (a mass of goods)

One hundred bales of jute were loaded in the truck.

4. Gate (main door)

The gates of the hall remained closed for a long time.

Gait (walking style)

The models walking on the ramp had a charming gait.
5. Decease (dead)
People prayed for the soul of their deceased leader.

Disease (illness)
Cancer is a terrible disease.

Q1 Fill appropriate forms of verbs :

a) He sought my help when he needed. (seek)

b) He had eaten the cake when I reached. (eat)
 c) The bird flew away. (fly)
d) The dinosaurs dwelt around African region. (Dwell)
e) His father forbade him from going to the picnic last year. (forbid)
f) He leapt to catch the ball. (leap)
g) The roadside stank a lot during rains. (stink)

Q2 Write synonyms:

a) Introvert : Shy , Bashful

b) Confused : Baffled , Puzzled
c) Stubborn : Obstinate
d) Hypocrisy : Duplicity

Q3 Write Antonyms:

a) Plentiful : Sparse
b) Segregate : Integrate
c) Urge : Deter
d) Tragic : Comic

HOMOPHONES

The poor man only had one cent to his name.

I love the scent of gardenias.

That poem is very dear to me.

There were seven deer grazing in our pasture.

I hope my plants don’t die in this heat.

Rebecca wants to dye her hair purple.

The recipe calls for two cups of flour.

She put a single flower in the vase.
 My hair is a mess!
Have you read the story about the tortoise and the hare?

Vegetarians do not eat meat.

Where shall we meet for lunch?

Let’s go buy a new pair of shoes.

The fruit contained a banana, an apple, and a pear.

My son is presently in the military.

The sun is hidden behind the clouds.

I want to go to town, too.

Why don’t the two of us go to town tomorrow?

I suddenly got a knot in my stomach.

It's not my fault you that you can't dance!

INDIANISM
Indianism refers to a word or phrase which is a characteristic of Indian English.
Indianism may also refer to the way a sentence has been structured as if it was literally
translated from an Indian language to English. Some examples of common Indianism
mistakes include:

1. I have done the needful. – Incorrect

I have done what is necessary or needed. – Correct

2. Please do the needful. - Incorrect

Please do what is necessary or needed. - Correct

3.Please do the needful to attend the mentioned training. – Incorrect

Please do what is necessary to attend the meeting. – Correct

4. Kindly revert back to me. - Incorrect

Please reply to me. – Correct

5.Kindly revert back for any clarification. - Incorrect

Please contact us should you need assistance to proceed from here. – Correct
Please feel free to call us for clarifications. – Correct

6. Please reply back as soon as possible. - Incorrect

Please reply as soon as possible. – Correct

7. I have preponed the meeting. - Incorrect

I have rescheduled the meeting to . – Correct

8. What shall we discuss about today? - Incorrect

What shall we discuss today? – Correct

9. I can be able to communicate in English with people all over the world. - Incorrect
I am able to communicate in English with people all over the world. – Correct
I will be able to communicate in English with people all over the world. – Correct
10. Can I meet with you tomorrow itself? (Incorrect)
Can I meet with you tomorrow? (Correct)

11. We’ll need to have our classes here itself. (Incorrect)

We’ll need to have our classes here. (Correct)

12.Now only I’ve understood the problem. (Incorrect)

Now I’ve understood the problem. (Correct)

13. We arrived today only. (Incorrect)

We arrived today. (Correct)

14. He told to me that I was late. (Incorrect)

He told me that I was late. (Correct)

15. He asked to me if I was in town. (Incorrect)

He asked me if i was in town. (Correct)

16. He requested to me for help. (Incorrect)

He requested me for help. (Correct)

There is general homogeneity in syntax and vocabulary among the varieties of Indian English.

Spelling pronunciation
A number of distinctive features of Indian English are due to "the vagaries of English spelling". Most
Indian languages, unlike English, have a nearly phonetic spelling, so the spelling of a word is a
highly reliable guide to its modern pronunciation. Indians' tendency to pronounce English
phonetically as well can cause divergence from Western English.

Phonology
Indian accents vary greatly. Some Indians speak English with an accent very close to a Standard
British accent; others leant toward a more vernacular, native-tinted, accent for their English speech.

Vowels

In general, Indian English has fewer peculiarities in its vowel sounds than the consonants, especially
as spoken by native speakers of languages like Hindi, the vowel phoneme system having some
similarities with that of English. Among the distinctive features of the vowel-sounds employed by
some Indian English speakers:

 Unlike British speakers, but like some Americans, some Indian speakers, especially in the
South, often do not pronounce the rounded /ɒ/ or /ɔː/, and substitute /a/ instead. This
makes not sound as [Nat]. The phoneme /ɔː/, if used, is only semi-rounded at the lips
 Similarly, in South India coffee will be pronounced kaafi, copy will be kaapi etc.
 Words such as class, staff and last would be pronounced with a back /a/ as in Southern British
dialects but unlike Northern British dialects and standard American English, i.e., [klɑːs], [stɑːf],
and [lɑːst] rather than American

Qualities of efficient Reader…

1. Reads ideas
2. Reads multi-word phrases
3. Visualizes ideals
4. Set a purpose
5. Adjust speed to need
6. Keeps reading
7. Has a large vocabulary in that subject area
 8. Uses a pacer
9. Practices speed reading daily
10. Marks text for memory
11. Sorts materials as critical, interesting or thrash
The Slow Reader….
1. Reads words
2. Reads one word at a time
3. Vocalizes words
4. Reads to “the end of the block”
5. Reads everything slowly and deliberately
6. Re-reads sentences to be sure of understanding
7. Has a limited vocabulary in that area
8. Lets eye wander
9. Rarely attempts speed reading
10. Leaves pages pristine and clean
11. Reads everything indiscriminately

What is skimming?
Skimming is the technique in which you cover large amounts of material
in the least amount of time.
In skimming you aim for the main idea(s), the outline, the major
supporting details, and an idea of the organizational pattern.
Difference between skimming and rapid reading:
You will skip parts of a sentence, whole sentence, and even a few
paragraphs in skimming. But rapid reading covers and skips nothing.
How is skimming useful in competitive examinations?
Even if you have to attempt all the questions, you may need only to pay
careful attention to certain parts of the passage rather than the entire
passage with all its details. There will be material in the passage, which
is not required to answer any of the questions.
However, if you have gone for an in-depth study of the passage, you
may not have any time left to even attempt the questions, leave alone to
analyse and ensure accuracy.
Skimming is an art to be perfected by practice. Each of the following
passage is of approx. 800 words. That is the speed we intend to achieve
in skimming.
Make sure that you experiment to understand/experience the
effectiveness of skimming.
Underline the key points or mentally register them. Remember that the
key points are usually at the beginning and the end of paragraphs.

What is scanning?
Scanning is running your eyes over a text quickly in order to locate
specific information.
When we are trying to locate specifically required information, usually
we need not read the whole text carefully.
What are the advantages of scanning?
When you are confronted with a new text you tend to read word by
word. This affects the general understanding of the passage, and the time
taken to finish the reading becomes too long. You can end up reading
every word very well, but you may not still be confident to answer
questions correctly.
Scanning can be a preliminary step in reading because with it you can
locate where the answer comes from. This type of scanning should not
take more than a couple of minutes. After that you must read this part
with the attention it deserves, and analyse with more attention to detail,
before evaluating your answer option.

PREFIX AND SUFFIX

Q. Change the form of words as indicated in brackets:

1. Record (verb)- Record

2. Belief (verb)-Believe

3. Know (noun)-Knowledge
4. Act (noun)-Action

5. Safety (adjective)-Safe

6. Secure (adjective)-Secure

7. Certain (adverb)-Certainly

8. Considerable (adverb)-Considerably

9. Dictator (verb)-Dictate

10. Judgement (verb)-Judge

11. Strong (noun)-Strength

12. Able (noun)-Ability

13. Danger (adjective)-Dangerous

14. Horror (adjective)-Horrible

15. Calm (adverb)-Calmly

16. Silent (adverb)-Silently

17. Disclose (noun)-Disclosure

18. Acquaintance (verb)-Acquaint

19. Flatter (noun)-Flattery

20. Commendation (verb)-Commend

21. Beauty (adjective)-Beautiful

22. Correction (adjective)-Corrective

23. Obedient (adverb)-Obediently

24. Usual (adverb)-Usually

25. Describe (noun)-Description

26. Behavior (verb)-Behave

27. Explain (noun)-Explanation

28. Government (verb)-Govern

29. Courage (adjective)-Courageous

30. Colony (adjective)-Colonial

31. Gradual (adverb)-Gradually

32. Annoy (noun)-Annoyance

33. Fail (noun)-Failure

34. Sympathy (verb)-Sympathize

35. Marvellous (verb)-Marvel

36. Woman (adjective)-Womanly

37. Influence (adjective)-Influential

38. Evident (adverb)-Evidently

39. Consequent (adverb)-Consequently

40. Publish (noun)-Publisher

41. Inspiration (verb)-Inspire

42. Anxiety (adjective)-Anxiously

43. Exact (adverb)-Exactly

44. Encroach (noun)-Encroachment

45. Impediment (verb)-Impede

46. Prosper (adjective)-Prosperous

47. Obey (adverb)-Obediently

48. Wealth (adjective)-Wealthy

49. Hesitate (adverb)-Hesitatingly

50. Fragrant (noun)-Fragrance

51. Definition (verb)-Define

52. Ridicule (adjective)-Ridiculous

53. Decision (adverb)-Decisively

54. Critical (verb)-Criticize

55. Generosity (adjective)-Generous

56. Contempt (adverb)-Contemptuously

57. Interfere (noun)-Interference

58. Successfully (verb)-Succeed

59. Prevent (adjective)-Preventive

60. Delight (adverb)-Delightfully

61. Recreate (noun)-Recreation

62. Elective (verb)-Elect

63. Powerful (adverb)-Powerfully

64. Assure (noun)-Assurance

65. Tolerance (verb)-Tolerate

66. Illustrate (adjective)-Illustrated

67. Dreadful (adverb)-Dreadfully

68. Create (adverb)-Creatively

69. Critical (verb)-Critically

70. Authority (verb)-Authorize

71. Conclusion (verb)-Conclude

72. Confident (adverb)-Confidently

 One word:

One who doesn’t want to do any work – idler

One who know many language – polyglot

A language that is no longer spoken – dead

One who makes a scientific study of language – linguist

Given or done without payments – gratis

A cure for all disease – panacea

Antonyms

Acquit – convict

Barbarous – civilized

Armament – disarmament

Benevolence –malevolence

ADD SUFFIX TO FORM NOUN

NOUNS FROM VERBS

VERB NOUN

Achieve Achievement

Accomplish Accomplishment

Allot Allotment

Admit Admission

Amuse Amusement
Arrange Arrangement

Appoint Appointment

Arrive Arrival

Approve Approval

Believe Belief

Behave Behaviour

Belong Belonging

Carry Carriage

Close Closure

Compare Comparison

Decide Decision

Define Definition

Destroy Destruction

Earn Earning

Educate Education

Enjoy Enjoyment

Fall Failure

Fly Flight
Flow Flood

Hate Hatred

Heal Health

Imagine Imagination

Inherit Inheritance

Inspect Inspection

Judge Judgment

Join Joint

Justify Justification

Know Knowledge

Learn Learning

Live Living

Loss Loser

Mix Mixture

Move Movement

Narrate Narration

Object Objection

Omit Omission
Pay Payment

Pass Passage

Quality Qualification

Receive Receipt

Recollect Recollection

Salute Salutation

Satisfy Satisfaction

Think Thought

Trace Track

Unite Unity

Verify Verification

Vary Variety

Wed Wedding

Write Writer

Deep Depth

Betray Betrayal

Bleed Blood

Complete Completion
Convert Conversion

Create Creation

Collect Collection

Consider Consideration

Critic Criticism

Determine Determination

Defend Defence

Die Death

Differ Difference

Direct Direction

Dig Ditch

Depend Dependence

Enjoy Enjoyment

Endure Endurance

Enter Entry

Erect Erection

Enclose Enclosure

Envelop Envelope
Examine examination

Explain Explanation

Extent Extension

express Expression

Marry Marriage

Obey obedience
Object Objection
oblige obligation
offend offence
Omit Omission

oppose opposition
Organize organization
pay payment
pass passage
perform Performance

please pleasure
Pray prayer
prefer preference
prepare preparation
predict prediction
preserve preservation
press pressure
pretend pretence
proceed procedure
prohibit prohibition
propose proposal
prove proof
provide provision
permit permission
produce production
qualify qualification
quote quotation
rebel rebellion
receive receipt
recollect recollection
recommend recommendation
reflect reflection
refuse refusal
refresh refreshment
reform reformation
relive relief
rely reliance
respond response
recover recovery
Resist resistance
resolve resolution
remain remainder
remove removal
revive revival
revolt revolution
Recite recitation
Refer reference
repent repentance
revolve revolution
salute salutation
satisfy satisfaction
See sight
secure security
Seize seizure
Sell Sale
separate separation
Serve service
Shake shock
Sing singer\song
Sit seat
Steal stealth
Short Shorten
Safe Save
Sick Sicken
Solid Consolidate,Solidify
Sympathetic Sympathize
Sharp Sharpen
Soft Soften
Sweet Sweeten
Special Specialize
Simple Simplify
Suitable Suit
Thick Thicken
Tight Tighten
Vacant Vacate
Various Vary
White Whiten
Worshipful Worship
Wide Widen
Workable Work

Speak speech
Solve solution
Sow seed
subtract subtraction
Sale Sell
Spark Sparkle
Stroke Strike
Submission Submit
Success Succeed
Satisfaction Satisfy
Spelling Spell
Settlement Settle
System Systematize
Service Serve
Speech Speak
Sympathy Sympathize
Table Tabulate
Term Terminate
Terror Terrify
Tale Tell

Translation Translate
Thought Think

Vacation Vacate
Verse Versify
Vice Vitiate
Vacancy Vacate
Victim Victimize
Vibration Vibrate
Web Weave

Writing Write
Weakness Weaken
West Westernize
Write the technical working of a mechanical pencil:-

Mechanical Pencil
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Mechanical Pencil is a mechanical writing instrument that uses erasable lead rods
to draw or write text, designs, and symbols on mediums such as paper and wood. The
Mechanical Pencil is most commonly used for drawing pictures and writing text on
paper. It costs $3.99 plus tax. The Mechanical Pencil can be held in the palm of a hand
and is made of hi-impact plastic. Approximately one-third of the Mechanical Pencil is
wrapped with soft black rubber for comfortable gripping between the thumb, index, and
middle finger while writing or drawing. The cone cap, located at the bottom, provides a
pointed opening where lead rods can be ejected for writing. The pocket clamp holder,
located at the top, can clamp around T-shirt breast pockets allowing for hands-free
carrying and easy access. The eraser, inserted at the top, can erase lead particles from
paper, wood or other mediums it has been applied. The eraser can also be removed
allowing it to be replaced. When the eraser is removed, it also provides an opening
where lead rods can be loaded into the hollow barrel of the Mechanical Pencil.
Aluminum and hi-impact plastic is used for the internal mechanical assembly that is
designed to ejects lead rods out of the bottom of the Mechanical Pencil.

The Mechanical Pencil measures:

• 5.5 inches in length • 0.5 inches in diameter

2. DESCRIPTION OF MAIN PARTS

The Mechanical Pencil consists of two main components:
 The gripping assembly
 The barrel assembly
GRIPPING ASSEMBLY:
The gripping assembly is a hollow rubber and chrome casing designed to protect the
internal mechanisms and to hold the 0.012-inch lead rods. The rubber casing is a finger
grip used to hold the Mechanical Pencil while writing. The gripping assembly is attached
to the barrel assembly
 BARREL ASSEMBLY
The barrel assembly is a hollow plastic casing designed to protect the internal
mechanisms, and to hold the 0.012-inch lead rods and eraser. The barrel assembly is
also fitted with a chrome pocket clamp holder. The barrel assembly rests on the index
finger, helps balance the Mechanical Pencil while writing, and is attached to the gripping
barrel. The barrel assembly measures:
• 2.75 inches in length
• 0.5 inches in diameter
The barrel assembly consists of four main components:
 the hourglass barrel
 the pocket clamp holder
 the lead rod ejector
 the removable eraser
The Mechanical Pencil is a precision writing instrument that is easy to use and maintain. It has
the physical features of a pen and uses lead to write like a pencil, but does not have the
limitations of traditional lead and wood pencils. Its affordable price makes it a good purchase for
most users. The Mechanical Pencil can be purchased at retail outlets such as: Wall Mart,
Staples, Shoppers Drug Mart, arts and craft stores and many other stores that supply business
related supplies.