English Communication -205 A

BMC-English Communication

SEM-2

Unit-1

Q 1. Define a Noun .Explain with examples the different types of nouns.

A Noun is a word used as the name of a person , place or thing.

Example : Asoka was a wise king.

Here Asoka is a Proper Noun, while king is a common Noun.

Nouns are of four types :

1. Common Noun

2. Proper Noun

3. Collective Noun

4. Abstract Noun

1.A common Noun is a name given in common to every person or thing of the same

class or kind.

(Common here means shared by all.)

Sita is the name of a girl in my class.

The Common Noun here is Girl.

2. Proper Noun is the name of some particular person or place.

(Proper means one’s own.Hence a Proper Name is a person’s own name.)

Sita is the name of a girl in my class.

The proper Noun here is Sita.

3. Collective Noun:

Collective Noun is the name of a number (or collection) of persons or things taken

together and spoken of as one whole; as,

Crowd, Mob, Jury ,Family, Team.

5. Abstract Noun is usually the name of a quality ,action or state considered

apart from the object to which it belongs; as ,

Quality :Goodness,Kindness

Action: Laughter,Theft

State : Childhood, Boyhood

Point out the Nouns in the following sentences , and say whether they are Common,

Proper, Collective or Abstract:

1. The crowd was very big.

2. Always speak the truth.

3. We all love honesty.

4. Our class consists of twenty pupils.

5. The elephant has great strength.

6. Solomon was famous for his wisdom.

7. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

8. We saw a fleet of ships in the harbour.

9. The class is studying grammar.

10. The Godavari overflows its banks every year.

Answers: 1.Crowd : Collective

2. truth : Abstract

3. honesty : Abstract

4. class : collective pupils : common

5. elephant : common

Strength : Abstract

6.Solomon: Proper

Wisdom: Abstract

7. cleanliness : Abstract ; godliness :Abstract

8. fleet: collective ;ships : common; harbour : common

9. class : collective

Grammar : abstract

10. Nile –Proper ;bank : common;year –common

Another classification of Nouns is whether they are “Countable” or “Uncountable”.

Countable Nouns are the name and objects , people etc. that we can count , eg., book

, pen , apple , boy , sister, doctor, horse.

Uncountable Nouns (or uncountables) are the names of things which we cannot

count e.g., milk, oil, sugar, gold.They mainly denote substances and abstract things.

Countable Nouns have plural forms while uncountable nouns do not. For example ,

we say, “books” but we cannot says “milks”

The Noun:Gender

A noun that denotes a male form is known as a masculine gender and the one that

denotes a female form is known as a feminine gender.

A noun that denotes either a male or a female is said to be of the Common Gender ;

as,

Parent, Child, Friend, Pupil

A noun that denotes a thing that is neither male nor female (i.e., thing without life)

is said to be of the Neuter Gender; as,

Book, pen, room, tree

Objects without life are often personified, that is, spoken of as if they were living

beings.We then regard them as males or females.

The Masculine Gender is often applied to object sremarkable for beauty , gentleness

, and gracefulness; as,

The sun, Summer, Winter,Time, Death

The Feminine Gender is sometimes applied to objects remarkable for beauty ,

gentleness and gracefulness ; as,

The moon, the Earth, spring,Autumn

Justice,Mercy,Charity,Hope

Q2. What is an Adjective? Explain the different types of adjectives .

Adjectives:

The Adjectives : A word used with a noun to describe or point out , the person,

animal, place or thing which the noun names , or to tell the number or quantity is

called an Adjective.

So, we may define an Adjective as a word used with a noun to add something for its

meaning.

Sita is a clever girl.(Girl of what kind?)

I don’t like that boy.(Which boy?)

He gave me five mangoes.(How many mangoes?)

There is little time for preparation.(How much time?)

Here clever describes the quality of Sita and is , therefore an adjective.

In sentence no. 2 ,“that” points out which boy is meant.

In sentence no. 3, “five” shows how many mangoes he gave me.

In sentence 4, “little” shows how much time there is for preparation.

So, we may define an Adjective as a word used with a noun to add something to its

meaning.

Kinds of Adjectives :

1. Adjectives of Quality (Descriptive Adjective): large city, honest man

2. Adjectives of quantity :”how much”: some rice, much patience, little

intelligence, enough exercise, no sense,any rice,great care ,half share,

sufficient rain,whole sum

3. Adjectives of Number : show how many persons or things are meant , or in

what order a person or thing stands ;as,

five fingers, Few cats, no pictures, many things, All men, ripe mangoes, most

boys, several mistakes, first day

a.) Definite Numeral Adjectives :

One, two, three,ardinals)

First ,second ,third(Ordinal)

b.) Indefinite Numeral Adjrctives: All, no , many , any , certain, several , sundry

c.) Distributive Numeral Adjectives : Each boy, every man, Either pen , Either

side Neither accusation

The same Adjective may be classed as od Quantity or Number ,according to its use:\

Adjectives of Quantity Adjectives of Number

I ate some rice Some boys are clever

He has lost all his books All men must die

4. Demonstrative Adjectives: Point out which peson or thing is meant

This boy, That boy, These mangoes, Those rascals, Yonder fort,such a hurry, such

things

5.Interrogative Adjectives : what ,which,whose ,when they are used with Nouns to

ask questions ,are called Interrogative Adjectives ;as,

What manner of man is he?

Which way shall we go?

Whose book is this?

In the following sentences the words own and very are used as Emphasizing

Adjectives:

A.

I saw it with my own eyes.

He was beaten at his own game.

B.

The word what us sometimes used as an Exclamatory Adjective ; as

What genius!

What folly!

As already pointed out this and that are the only Adjectives which are inflected or

changed in form to show number:

That girl sings

Those boys play

These girls sing

That boy plays

Comparison of Adjectives :

Read the following sentences:

1.Rama’s mango is sweet.

2. Hari’s mango is sweeter than Rama’s.

3. Govind’s mango is the sweetest of all.

In sentence -1 , the adjective sweet merely tells us that Rama’s mango has the

quality of sweetness , without saying how much of this quality it has.

In sentence 2, the adjective sweeter tells us that Hari’s mango , compared with

Rama’s , has more of the quality of sweetness.

In sentence 3, the adjective sweetest tells us that of all these mangoes Govind’s

mango has the greatest amount or the highest degree of the quality of sweetness.

We thus see that Adjectives change in form (sweet, sweeter, sweetest)

The Adjective sweet is said to be in the Positive Degree.

The Adjective sweeter is said to be in the comparative Degree.

The Adjective sweetest is said to be in the superlative Degree.

The Positive Degree of an Adjective is the Adjective in its simplest form. It is used to

denote the mere existence of some quality of what we speak about.It is used when no

comparison is made.

The Copmparative degree of an Adjective denotes a higher degree of the quality

than the Positive , and is used when two things (or sets of things) are compared; as ,

This boy is stronger than that.

Which of these two pens is the better?

Apples are dearer than oranges.

The Superlative Degree of an Adjective denotes the highest degree of the quality ,

and is used when more than tow things (or sets of things are compared; as ,

This boy is the strongest in the class.

Formation of Comparative and Superlative

Most Adjectives of one syllable , and some of more than one , form the Comparative

by adding “er” and Superlative by adding “est” to the positive.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Sweet Sweeter Sweetest

Small Smaller Smallest

Tall Taller Tallest

When the positive ends in e, only “r” and “st” are added :

Positive Comparative Superlative

Brave Braver Bravest

Fine Finer Finest

When the Positive ends in “Y” , preceded by a consonant , the “y” is changed into

“I” before the “er” and “est”

Positive Comparative Superlative

Happy Happier Happiest

Easy Easier Easiest

When the positive is a word of one syllable and ends in a single consonant , preceded

by a short vowel , this consonant is doubled before adding “er” and “est”

Positive Comparative Superlative

Red redder reddest

Big bigger biggest

hot hotter hottest

Thin thinner thinnest

Adjectives oof more than two syllables form the Comparative and Superlative by

putting “more “ and “most” before the positive.

Positive Comparative Superlative

beautiful More

beautiful

Most

beautiful

Difficult More

difficult

Most

difficult

Industrious More

industrious

Most

industrious

Courageous More

courageous

Most

courageous

Later,latter;latest,last: Later and latest refer to time ;latter and last refer to position

He is later than I expected

I have not heard the latest news.

The latter chapters are lacking in interest .

The last chapter is carelessly written

Ours is the last house in the street

Elder,older;eldest,oldest

Elder and eldest are used only of persons , not of animals or things; and are now

confined to members of the family .Elder is not used with than following . Older and

oldest are used of both persons and things.

John is my elder brother .

Tom is my eldest son.

He is older than his sister.

Rama is the oldest boy in the leven.

This is ythe oldest temple in Kolkata

Farther,Further:

Both “farther” and “further” are used to express distance .Further , not farther , is

used ti mean “additiona”.

Kolkata is farther /further from the equator than Colombo.

After this he made no further remarks.

I must have a reply without any further de3lay.

Nearest,Next

Nearest means the shortest distance away .Next refers to one of a sequence of things

coming one after the other.

Mumbai is the nearest to Europe.

Where is thenearest phone box?

Karim’s shop is next to the post office.

My uncle lives in thenext house.

Q3.What do you understand by the word Adverb?Explain with examples:

Ans. Adverbs:

Adverbs: Read the following sentences :

1.Rama runs quickly.

2. This is a very sweet mango.

3.Govind reads quite clearly.

A word that modifies the meaning of a verb , an adjective or another Adverb is

called an Adverb .The words quickly, very and quite are , therefore ,Adverbs.

In sentence-1 , quickly shows how (or in what manner)Rama runs; that is, quickly

modifies the verb runs.

In sentence -2 , very shows how much (or in what degree) the mango is sweet ; that

is, very modifies the Adjective sweet.

In sentence 3, quite shows how far (or to what extent) Govind reads clearly ; that is ,

quite modifies the Adverb clearly.

An Adverb is a word which modifies the meaning of a Verb, an Adjective or another

Adverb.

In the following sentences Adverbs modify phrases.

She was sitting close beside him.

He paid his debts down to the last penny.

Adverbs standing at the beginning of sentences sometimes modify the whole

sentence , rather than any particular word;as,

Probably he is mistaken.

Possibly it is as you say. Certainly you are wrong.

Kinds of Adverbs:

Adverbs may be divided into the following classes, according to their meaning:

a.)Adverbs of Time

b.)Adverbs of frequency

c.)Adverbs of Place

d.)Adverbs of Manner

e.) Adverbs of Degree or Quantity

f.) Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation

g.) Adverbs of Reason

a.)Adverbs of Time: (which show when)

I have heard this before.

We shall now begin to work.

b.) Adverbs of Frequency: (which show how often)

I have told you twice.

He often makes mistakes.

c.)Adverbs of Place (which show where)

Stand here.

The little lamb followed Mary everywhere.

d.)Adverbs of manner(which show where)

Govind reads clearly .

The story is well written.

Note : This calss includes nearly all those Adverbs which are derived from

adjectives and end in –ly.

e.)Adverbs of Degree or quantity ( which show how much, or in what degree or

to what extent)

He was too careless.

These mangoes are almost ripe.

f.) Adverbs of Affirmation and Negation:

Surely you are mistaken.

He certainly went.

g.)Adverbs of Reason:

He is hence unable to refute the charge.

He therefore left school.

Some of the above Adverbs may belong to more than one class:

She sings delightfully.(Adverb of manner)

The weather is delightfully cool.(Adverb of degree)

Don’t go far.(Adverb of place)

He is far better now. (Adverb of degree)

When adverbs are used in asking questions they are called Interrogative Adverbs ;

as,

Where is Abdul? (Inter. Adv of palce)

When did you come?(Inter Adv of Time)

Why are you late?(Inter Adv of Reason)

How did you contrive it?(Inter Adv of manner)

How many boys are in your class?(Inter Adv of number)

How high is Rajbai Tower?(Inter Adv of Degree)

Relative Adverbs:

Show me the house where (=in which) he was assaulted.

Here the Adverb where modifies the verb “was assaulted”.

The Adverb where , like a Relative Pronoun , here relates or refers back to its

antecedent house. It is , therefore, called a Relative Adverb.

Q4. Explain the three types of tenses and their sub -divisions with suitable

examples:

Ans. Tenses :

Simple present tense :

1.To express a habitual action :

He drinks tae every morning

I get up everyday at five O’Clock.

My watch keeps good time.

2.To express general truths:

The sun rises in the east.

Honey is sweet.

Fortiune favors the brave.

3.In exclamatory sentences beginning with “here” and “there” to express what is

actually taking place in the present :

Here comes the bus!

There she goes!

4.In vivid narrative, as substitute for Simple Past :

Sohrab now rushes forward and deals a heavy blow to Rustam.

Immediately the Sulatn hurries to his capital.

5.To express a future event that is part of the Simple present Tense:

The next flight is at 7:00 tomorrow.

The match starts at 9 o’clock

The train leaves at 5:20.

Some more uses of the simple present tense:

To introduce Quotations:

Keats says , “A thing of beauty is a joy forver”.

It is used , instead of the Simple Future Tense , in clauses of time and of condition

;as

I shall wait till you finish your luncj.

If it rains we shall get wet.

Present continuous tense:

The present continuous is uysed :

1.For an action going on at the time of speaking :

1.She is singing (now)

The boys are playing hockey .

2. For a temporary action which may not be actually happening at the time of

speaking ;as,

I am reading “David Copperfield “ (but I am not reading at this moment).

3.For an action that has already been arranged to takeplace in the near future ;as,

I am going to the cinema tonight.

My uncle is arriving tomorrow.

When the reference is to a particularly obstinate habit :

My dog is very silly ;he is always running into the road.

4.The following verbs , on account of their meaning , are not normally used in the

continuous form:

A.) Verbs of perception , eg. See, hear, smeel, notice , recognize

B.)Verbs of appearing , eg., apppaer ,look, seem

C.)Verbs of emotion , eg. Want, wish, desire , feel, like ,love hate , hope refuse,

prefer

D.)Verbs of thinking: think, suppose, believe, agree, consider, trust, remember,

forget, understand, imagine, mean, mind.

E.)have (=possess) , own, possess, belong to, contain, consist of , be (except when

used in the passive)

Wrong :

These grapes are tasting sour.

I am thinking you are wrong

She is seeming sad.

He is having a cellular phone

Right :

These grapes taste sour.

I think you are wrong

She seems sad.

He has a cellular phone

However , the verbs listed above can be used in the continuous tenses with a change

of meaning :

She is tasting the soup to see if it needs more salt.

(taste = to taste the flavor)I am thinking of going to Malaysia.

(think of : consider the idea of)

They are having lunch .(have =eat)

Present perfect tense:

Present perfect is used :

1.to indicate completed activities in theimmediate past : (with just) ; as ,

He has just gone out.

It has just struck ten.

2. To express past actions whose time is no tgiven and not definite ;as,

Have you read “Gulliver’s Travels”?

I have never known him to be angry.

Mr.Hari has been to Japan.

3.To describe past events when we think more of their effect in the present than of

the action itself ;as ,

Gopi has eaten all the biscuits (i.e., there are’nt any more left for you.)

I have cut my finger (and it is bleeding now).

I have finished my work (now I am free.)

4.To denote an action beginning at some time in the past and continuing up to the

present moment (often with since- and for-phrases ); as,

I have known him for a long time.

He has been ill since last week.

We have lived here for ten years.

We have’nt seen Padma for several months.

The following adverbs or adverb phrases can also be used with the present perfect

(apart from those mentioned above): never,ever,so far,till now, yet ,already,today,

this week, this month, etc.

Note : The Present Perfect is never used with adverbs of past time .We should not

say, for example, “he has gone to Kolkata yesterday “.In such cases the Simple Past

should be used.(He went to Kolkata yesterday.)

Present perfect Continuous tense :

1.Th epresent perfect Conyinuous tense is used for an action which began at some

time in the past and is still continuing :, as,

He has been sleeping for five hours.(and is still sleeping).

They have been building the bridge for several months.

They have been playing since four’O’clock.

This tense is also sometimes used for an action already finished.In such cases the

continuity of the activity is emphasized as an explanation of something :

“Why are your clothes so wet?”

- “I have been watering the garden”.

Past Tense : Simple past tense:

1.The simple past tense is used to indicate an action completed in the past.It often

occurs with adverbs or adverb phrases of past time.

Yhe steamer sailed yesterday.

I received his letter a week ago.

She left school last year.

2.Sometimes this tense is used without an adverb of time .In such cases the time may

be either implied or indicated by the context.

I learnt Hindi in Nagpur.

I did’nt sleep well (i.e., last night)

Bbabar defeated Rana Sanga at Kanwaha.

3.The Simple Past is also used for past habits ;as,

He studied many hours every day.

She always carried an umbrella.

Past Continuous tense :

1.

The Past continuous is used to denote an action going on at some time in the

past.The time the action may or may not be indicted.

We were listening to the radio all night.

It was getting darker.

The light was out while I was reading.

When I saw him, he was playing chess.

As in the last two examples above , the past continuous and simple past were used

together when a new action happened in the middle of a longer action. The simple

past is used for the new action.

2. This tense is also used with always ,continually, etc., for persistent habits in the

past .

He was always grumbling.

Past perfect tense :

1.The past pefect describes an action completed before a certain moment in the past;

as,

I met him in New delhi in 1996.I had seen his last five years before.

2.If two actions happened in the past , it may be necessary to show which action

happened earlier than the other .The Past Perfect is mainly used in such situations

.The Simple Past is used in one clause and the Past Perfect in the other; as,

When I reached the station the train had started (so I could’nt get into thetrain).

I had done my exercise when Hari came yo see me.

I had written the letter before he moved.

Past perfect continuous tense :

The past perfect continuous tense is used fro an action that began before a certain

point in the past and continued up to that time; as,

At that time he had been writing a novel for two months.

When Mr.Muerji came to the school in 1995,Mr.Anand had already been teaching

there for three years.

The Future :

1.There are several ways of talking about the futut=re in English : the Simple

Future Tense , the going to form , the Simple present tense , etc.

Simple Future tense :

2.

The simple future tense is used to talk about things which we cannot control.It

expresses the future as fact :

I shall be twenty next Saturday .

It will be Diwali in a week.

We will know our exam results in May.

3.We use this tense to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the

future .

I think Pakistan will win tha match.

I’m sure Helen will get a first class.

As in the above sentences , we often use this tense with “I think , and I’m

sure.We also say I expect , I belive, Probably, etc.,

4.We can use this tense when we decide to do something at the time of speaking .

It is raining.I will take an umbrella.

“Mr. Sinha is very busy at he moment “.-“All right .I’ll wait”.

We use the going to form (be going to+ base of the verb)when we have decided to

do something before talking about it.

“Have you decided what to do? “Yes.I am going to resign the job”.

“Why do you want to sell your motorbike ?” “I’m going to buy a car”.

Remember that if the action is already decided upon and preparations have been

made , we should use the going to form , not the Simple Future Tense.

The Simple Future Tense is used for an instant decision.

6. We also use the going to form to talk about what seems likely or certain ,

when there is something in the present which tells us about the future.

It was going to rain ; look at those clouds.

The boat is full of water .I t is going to sink.

She is going to have a baby.

7. The going to form may also express an action which is on the point of

happening :

Let’s get into the train .It’s going to leave .

Look! The cracker is going to explode.

Be about to:

Be about to + base form can also be used for the immediate future .

Let’s get into the train .It’s going to leave .

Don’t go out now. We are about to have lunch.

Simple present tense:

1.

The simple present tense is used for official programmes and time tables.

1.The college opens on 23rd

June.

2.The film starts at 6:30 and finishes at 9:00

3.When does the next train leave for Chennai.

2. The Simple Present is often used for future time in clauses with”if”, unless, when ,

while ,as(=while) before , after, until, by the time and as soon as.Th esimple Future

Tense is not used in such cases.

I won’t go out if it rains.(not: will rain)

Can I have some milk before I go to bed?

Let’s wait till he finishes his work.

Please ring me up as soon as he comes.

Present continuous tense :

We use the Present continuous Tense when we tlak about something that we have

palnned to do in the future :

I am going to Shimla tomorrow.

We are eating out tonight.

Mr.Abdul Rehman is arriving this evening.

You are advised to use the Present Continuous (not the Simple Present) for personal

arrangements)

Future Continuous tense:

1. We use the Future Continuous Tense to talk about actions which will be in

progress at a time in the future:

I suppose it will be raining when we start .

This time tomorrow I will be sitting on the beach in Singapore .

“Can I see you at 5o’clock ?” “Please don’t come then .I will be watching tennis

match on TV”.

2. We also use this tense to talk about actions in the future which are already

planned or which are expected to happen in the normal course of things:

I will be staying here til Sunday.

He will be meeting us next week.

The postman will be coming soon.

3. Be to :

We use the be+to base form to talk about official plans and arrangements :

The PrimeMinister is to visit America next month.

The conference is to discuss “Nuclear Tests”

Be is used in a formal style , often in news reports .Be is usually left out in headlines

, eg., “Prime Minister to visit America.

Future Perfect tense:

The Future Perfect tense is used to tlak about actions that will be completed by a

certain future time:

I shall have written my exercise by then.

He will have left before you go to see him.

By the end of this month I will have worked heer for five years.

Future Perfect Continuous Tense :

The future Perfect continuous tense is used for actions which will be in progress

over a period of time that will end in the near future :

By next March we shall have been living here for four years.

I’ll have been teaching for twenty years next july.

This tense is not very common.

Q5.Explain the difference between Active and Passive voice with the help of

examples:

Voice-Active and Passive :

Compare :

1.Rama helps Hari.

2.Hari is helped by Rama.

It will be seen that these two sentences express the same meaning.

But in sentence 1 , the form of the Verb shows that the peson denoted by the Subject

does something.

Rama (the person denoted by the subject) does something.

The verb helps is said to be in the Active Voice.

In sentence 2 , the form of the Verb shows that something is done to the person

denoted by the subject.

Something is done to Hari(the person denoted by the Subject)

The verb helped is said to be in the passive voice.

Def.: A verb is in the Active Voice when its form shows (as in sentence 1) that the

person or thing denoted by the Subject does something ; or in other words, is the

doer of the action. The Active Voice is so called because the person denoted by the

Subject acts.

Def.: AVerb is in the Passive Voice when its form shows (as in sentence 2) that

something is done to the person or thing denoted by the Subject.

The Passive Voice is so called because the person or thing denoted by the Subject is

not Active but Passive, that is, suffers or receives some action.

Def.: Voice is that form of Verb which shows whether what is denoted by the

Subject does something or has something done to it.

Active Voice Passive Voice

1.Sita loves Savitri Savitri is loved by Sita

2. The mason is building the wall The wall is being built by the mason

3. The peon opened the gate The gate was opened by the peon.

4. Some boys were helping the wounded

man.

The wounded man was being helped by

some boys.

5. He will finish the work in a fortnight. The work will be finished by him in a

fortnight.

Since the Object of Verb in the active voice becomes the Subject of the passive form

, it follows that only Transitive Verbs can be used in the Passive Voice , because an

Intransitive Verb has no Objcet.

When to use Active Voice and when to use Passive Voice:

The Active Voice is used when the agent (i.e., the doer of the action) is to be made

prominent; the Passive Voice , when the person or the thing acted upon is to be

made prominent. The Passive is, therefore, generally preferred when the active form

would involve the use of an indefinite or vague pronoun or noun(somebody , they ,

people, we, etc.) as subject; that is, when we do not know the agent or when it is

clear enough who the agent is.

Example: My pen has been stolen.(Somebody has stolen my pen.)

I was asked my name.(They asked me my name.)

English is spoken all over the world.(People speak English all over the world.)

I have been invited to the party.(Someone has invited me to the party.)

We will execute all orders promptly .(SAll orders will be executed promptly.)

In such cases the agent by is usually avoided.

Note, however, that , as in the examples given earlier, the by –phrase cannot be

avoided where the agent has some importance and is necessary to complete the

sense.

Q6. Explain the following idiomatic expressions and use them in sentences of your

own:

1.Keep up with the Joneses, 2.A give and take policy, 3.A give and take policy, 4.To

have too many irons, 5.To play a second fiddle, 6. To play a second fiddle, 7.To rise

to the occasion on

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms : Idiomatic Expresssions: 1. Keep up with the Joneses: To try to have all the possessions that the

friends and neighbours have. We are squandering all our income in keeping with the Joneses. 2. A give and take policy : A policy of mutual concessions. We can maintain good relations by following a give and take policy. 3. To have too many irons iTo have too many irons in firen fire: To be

very busy. These days we can’t help you as we have our hands full. 4. To make amends : To compensate for damage . If you have said something impolite to him you can always make amends by a good gesture. 5.To play a second fiddle : To take a subordinate role . I have my own place in this organization ;I can’t play a second fiddle to anybody. 6.To rise to the occasion on : Develop resources for the demands of an occasion. India is strong enogh to rise to the occasion , and will not let her people suffer on account of sanctions.

Unit-2

Q7. What is a letter to the editor?Why is it written ?

Writing for Print Media

Letter to the editor :

W H A T I S A L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R ?

One writes a letter to the editor when you feel strongly about an issue, and you

want to let people know what you think. You believe you can even influence people

to take some action if you speak your mind. But, you want to reach an audience

larger than just your friends or your group membership. Letters to the editor can

be an effective way to get the word out.

These letters are a written way of talking to a newspaper, magazine, or other

regularly printed publication. They are generally found in the first section of the

newspaper, or towards the beginning of a magazine, or in the editorial page. They

can take a position for or against an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can

convince readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and facts combined.

Letters to the editor are usually short and tight, rarely longer than 300 words.

W H Y S H O U L D Y O U W R I T E A L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R ?

Letters to the editor are among the most widely read features in any newspaper or

magazine. They allow you to reach a large audience. You can probably think of

many more specific reasons why you might want to write to the editor, but here are

a few general ones:

You are angry about something, and want others to know it

You think that an issue is so important that you have to speak out

Part of your group's strategy is to persuade others to take a specific action

Or you want to:

Suggest an idea to others

Influence public opinion

Educate the general public on a specific matter

Influence policy-makers or elected officials directly or indirectly

Publicize the work of your group and attract volunteers or program

participants

W H E N S H O U L D Y O U W R I T E A L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R ?

Letters to the editor can be written any time you want to shape public opinion, tell

others how you feel about people, programs, or ideas, or just inform the public on a

certain issue. They are a great way to increase awareness of the issues that you or

your organization are working for, as well as to advocate for your cause.

Letters to the editor can also be used to start a community conversation about an

issue important to you. A planned series of letters to the editor can stimulate public

interest and media coverage. It's up to you to determine when is the best time to

start writing the letters, allowing time for them to be published.

The larger the newspaper or magazine, the more competition there is for letters-to-

the-editor space. This means your letter will need to stand out in order to get

printed. The tips in this section will help you write a letter that will be effective and

stand out on the editor's desk.

Keep in mind that if you want to inform the public of a certain action your

organization is about to take, you may want to think of issuing a press release

instead. If newspapers consistently ignore your news releases, your best choice may

be a letter to the editor.

Q 8 . H O W D O Y O U W R I T E A L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R ?

Open the letter with a simple salutation.

Don't worry if you don't know the editor's name. A simple "To the Editor of

the Daily Sun," or just “To the Editor:” is sufficient. If you have the editor's name,

however, you should use it to increase the possibilities of your letter being read.

Grab the reader's attention. Your opening sentence is very important. It should tell

readers what you’re writing about, and make them want to read more.

Explain what the letter is about at the start.

Throughout your letter, remember the rule:

Be quick,

Be concise, and then

Be quiet.

Don't make the editor or the general public wait to find out what you want to say.

Tell them your key point at the beginning.

Explain why the issue is important.

If you are motivated enough to write a letter to a newspaper or magazine, the

importance of your topic may seem clear to you. Remember, though, that the

general public probably doesn't share your background or the interest. Explain the

issue and its importance simply. Use plain language that most people will

understand

Give evidence for any praise or criticism.

If you are writing a letter discussing a past or pending action, be clear in showing

why this will have good or bad results.

State your opinion about what should be done.

You can write a letter just to ''vent," or to support or criticize a certain action or

policy, but you may also have suggestions about what could be done to improve the

situation. If so, be sure to add these as well. Be specific. And the more good reasons

you can give to back up your suggestions, the better.

Keep it brief.

Generally, shorter letters have a better chance of being published. So go back over

your letter and see if anything can be cut or condensed. If you have a lot to say and

it can't be easily made short, you may want to check with the editor to see if you

could write a longer opinion feature or guest column.

Sign the letter.

Be sure to write your full name (and title, if relevant) and to include your address,

phone number, and e-mail address. Newspapers won't print anonymous letters,

though in some cases they may withhold your name on request. They may also call

you to confirm that you wrote the letter before they publish it.

Check your letter to make sure it's clear and to the point.

A newspaper may not print every letter it receives, but clear, well-written letters are

likely to be given more serious consideration.

Q9. Draft a letter to the editor mentioning the poor medical services in your area.

16 September 2000

The Editor

The Torch Bearer

New Delhi

Subject: Poor medical and health services in Najafgarh block.

Sir,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper , I want to draw the attention of

the Delhi Administration towards the step-motherly treatment that the rural and

remote areas are getting from its health department.I am a resident of Najaf Garh

town in North West Delhi.It is unimaginable that the residents of these remote areas

of the state have to rush to the hospitals and clinics in the main city at a distance of

30 to 40 kms.

The number of government health centres and hospitals in the whole region is less than

their numbers on any of the leading road in Delhi city. This uneven distribution of

benefits does not fit into the scheme of a welfare state in a democracy .Even in these

health centres and hospitals , doctors and nurses do not stay long .They get themselves

transferred to the hospitals in the main city.Timely medical help near home can save

many precious lives. The North-West countryside and suburbs need at least a hundred

bedded hospital and half a dozen health services to the people.

I hope the Administration will give due attention to the needs of these remote areas of

the state and provide adequate medical and health services to the people.

Yours faithfully,

Rakesh Gupta

Q10. What do you understand by the term Note -Making ?How does it help one in

preparing summaries, presentations etc.

Note writing:

Note taking is the foundation or road map of good presentation either oral or

written. Well-prepared notes are a result of organization and mental preparation

prior to presentation. Practice and methodical approaches to note taking help you to

maintain concentration and have more organized set of notes.Although you are the

only person who will read your notes , clarity and organization are of utmost

importance while taking or making notes.

The key to writing skills is effective note –taking.The practical uses of note taking

are :

1. A good note-making technique leads to accurate essays or final drafts.

2. To keep a record of reading /lectures.\

3. To revise for exams.

4. To help remember the main points of instructions.

As mentioned above , a correctly written down note can be developed into a well

organized draft. It could also lead to a productive presentation.

Effective note taking is a part of the sequence : The note –taking forms the link in

the sequence of communication. Prior to note taking , there is the aspect of listening

or reading.Then you have to recognize and select the key items or concepts. These

are taken down as notes in your own style.You can have your own method for

taking down notes notes, develop your own abbreviations and short-cut methods.

However, remember that you will be building up the draft oe presentation with the

help of these notes.Therefore, you have to be careful while selecting the

abbreviations and any symbols beause later on , you should know what they mean.

From this stage , note taking is further linked to “writing or speaking” .The written

down notes are expanded to explain the concept either in writing draft or presenting

it orally.

Listening_____________>

Reading______________> Note Taking ____> Writing/speaking

Selecting_____________>

Q11.Explain the various strategies for Note -Taking.

Strategies of note –taking :

There are strategies that help one organize a note card and view it in the process

of presentation:

1.An effective strategy includes an efficient , systematic approach that assists in

identifying major points of emphasis and separates them from minor

considerations.A format should be developed to write the notes and understand

it without difficulty .According to this strategy , one has to recognize the major

and minor points .Then they should be separated with the help of indicator that

help one develop . Eg.: The main points can be written in bold ( if you are using

computer) or underlined or written in all capitals .The minor points can be

written as bullets under this main point. They can also be written in different

colored inks.

2.An effective strategy should include abbreviations , emphais and important

indicators such as circling , underlining , numbering and asteriks.These are used

to give clear indication to the writer , who develops the notes or the speaker who

uses the notes for presentation.

1. The next strategy is that you should follow a proper writing order to assist

you during the writing / presentation period .Your note taking should have

continuity of thoughts, so that the development of notes into a draft or

presentation is well organized.

4.It is often helpful to write out opening statements , support statements that

may be confusing.

5. A review often can reduce errors and quality note preparation provides an

opportunity to have outstanding results in writing or presentation. You should

not forget to review the note to check for the continuity or if the matter taken

down is correct or not. This will avoid the dilemma at the stage of developing the

notes into a draft or at the time of presenting that matter , to the audience.

Types of Note –Taking:

There are many ways of taking down notes.You can select any one type of taking

notes or learn to develop your own method of taking notes whicever is effective

in your latter activity of writing a draft or giving an oral presentation .Whether

you take notes of a lecture , tutorial , classroom or parctical , it will depend on

what you put into it. This means that you have to be an active learner .To be an

active learner , you will need to develop effective listening skills so that you will

be able to know what to note.

You can lay out the notes in numerous ways:

1.Linear Notes

2.Key word trees

3.Mind maps

4.Networks

1.Linear Notes : Taking notes in a linear or sequential fashion is probably the

most common way of laying out your notes at a later date.

2.Key word trees: This type of note taking comes in the shape of a tree .The

assumptions or the previous points connected with the present topic are

mentioned are mentioned first (in the shape of roots) .Then, when the topic is

introduced , it forms the base stem.All important points arising thereafter will be

placed on either side of the main topic.These form the branches .Each branch

will be marked with sub –points.

3.Mind maps: In this style of note-taking , the information is presented in a

diagrmmatical form. Generally , thhe main idea or topic is written in the centre

of the page (or in a prominent position) with key points added around it in a

cluster fashion branching out from the centarl idea .Mind maps are extremely

useful ways of organizing ideas .However, you are restricted to using key

words.This requires you to be concise. This method of note taking can be

difficult when there is more information ,which cannor be easily condensed.

4.Networks: This kind of note-taking basically makes use of slash pattern while

organizing ideas.It is especially useful , if you are trying to take down the ideas

in a debate or controversy .It enables opposing ideas to be written , eg., Merits

/Demerits /costs /benefits ,Before/After , and so on.

Q13. “Precise means preparing a summary of a large document”. Explain this

statement while throwing light on how it can be used :

Summary

Summary writing is also called Precis writing:

Precis –Writing :

A Précis is a summary , and précis writing means summarizing .Précis is an exercise

in compression. A precis is the gist or main theme of a passage expressed in as few

words as possible .It should be lucid , succinct , and full (i.e., including all essential

points ), so that anyone on reading it may be able to grasp the main points and

general effect of the passage summarized.

Précis –writing must not be confused with paraphrasing .A paraphrase should

reproduce not only the substance of a passage , but also all its details .It will

therefore be at least as long as , and probably longer than , the original .But a précis

must always be much shorter than the original ; for it is meant to express the main

theme, shorn of all important details , and that as tersely as possible .As the styles of

writers differ, some being concise and some diffuse , no rigid rules can be laid down

for the length of a précis; but so much may be said , that a précis should not contain

more than a third of the number of words in the original passage.

Uses of Précis writing :

1.Uses of Précis writing :

A.) Précis writing is a very fine exercise in reading. Most people read carelessly ,

and retain only a vague idea of what they have read. You can easily test the

value of your reading. Read in your usual way a chapter , or even a page , of a

book ; and then having closed the book try to put down briefly the substance of

what you have just read. You will probably find that your memory of it is hazy

and muddled. It is because your attention was not fully centered on the passage

while you were reading it. The memory cannot retain what was never given it to

hold. ; you did not remember the passage properly because you did not properly

grasp it as you read it. Now Précis –writing forces you to pay attention to what

you read; for no one can write a summary of any passage unless he has clearly

grasped its meaning .So summarizing is an excellent training in concentration of

attention.

It teaches one to read with the mind, as well as with the eye, on the page.

2. Précis –writing is also a very good exercise in writing a composition. It teaches

one how to express one’s thoughts clearly , concisely and effectively .It is a

splendid corrective of the common tendency to vague and disorderly thinking

and loose and diffuse writing. While telling a story , an uneducated person

repeats himself , brings in a lot of irrelevant matter , omits from its proper place

what is essential and drags it in later as an after-thought , and takes twenty

minutes to say what a trained thinker would express in five . The whole effect is

muddled and tedious .In a précis you have to work within strict limits .You must

express a certain meaning in a fixed number of words .So you learn to choose

your words carefully

To construct your sentences with an eye to fullness combined with brevity, and

to put your matter in a strictly logical order.

3.So practice in précis –writing is of great values for practical life .In any

position of life the ability to grasp quickly and accurately what is read or heard

and to reproduce it clearly and concisely , is of the utmost value .For lawyers ,

businessmen , and government officials it is essential.

Unit-3

Introduction to broadcast: Will be covered by Mass Comm Department

Writing-a.)Writing for Radio ,Radio language

b.)writing for television , visual language

c.)Prepartion of Bio-Data ,CV

Q14. “A resume is your first interaction with your employer”.What kind of details

does one mention in a CV and in what order?

Preparation of Bio-Data ,CV :

In a competitive market, graduates need a good CV or Resume to succeed in securing a job. Your CV or Resume is an advert for you, an opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers. Your CV or Resume is the first step in the recruitment process so it has to be right.

The details required on a CV.:

Personal Details

Career Aim/Personal Statement

Education and Qualifications

Work Experience

Specialist Experience

Activities/Interests/Positions of Responsibility

Additional Information

References/Referees

Personal Details

You don't need to write 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top of your CV or Resume – it's

pretty obvious what it is! Make sure your name appears at the top and is in a larger

font than the rest of your CV so it stands out. Beneath, all you need to include is

your home address (and term address if you are still at university) and contact

information. Don't include a novelty email address - boozyfloozy@hotmail.co.uk

doesn't sound very professional.

Career Aim/Personal Statement

This is optional but if you do include it, make sure it isn't vague or generic. Keep it

brief (three or four lines max). Demonstrate your career focus and perhaps evidence

of two or three main strengths and where they were developed.

Education and Qualifications

Start with your most recent education – your degree or postgraduate qualification.

University qualifications will be of more interest to an employer than what you did

at school so devote more space to this. Include the dates, name of university/s,

degree title e.g. BA (Hons) Philosophy, and the grade you are expecting or have

achieved.

For school education, include dates, name of school/college and A-Levels or

equivalent qualifications studied with grades.

Work Experience

The Work Experience section of your CV or Resume is where recruiters will focus

most of their attention. You must include the dates of your employment, the job title

you held and the name of the employer. For international applications, cite the

country in which you were employed.

Employers are realistic about the fact that students and recent graduates have

mostly done part-time and summer jobs that may not relate to the career you want

to pursue. However, employers will still expect you to be able to show the

responsibilities and skills you got out of your work experience.

The most common way of presenting work experience is to do it in

reverse chronological order (most recent first). However, if you have very

relevant experience in the career field you are applying to e.g. an internship with a

company, you may wish to include this first under a separate heading such as

“Relevant Work Experience” and list less relevant jobs under “Other Work Experience”.

Other important points :

Target your CV to the specific job advert - Read over the terminology used

and the skills mentioned in the advert and where appropriate, use these

words in your CV.

Back up your claims - Avoid writing bland content; if you have "good

communication skills" demonstrate how you have used them effectively to

get something done.

Identify the contribution you made - Rather than just stating a list of duties

you had, think about ways of demonstrating success in a particular role.

Mention your achievements at work and any concrete results you achieved

(in measurable terms if possible). For example, rather than writing,

"designed company's web site," you could say, "designed company's web

site, which increased company's overall product sale by 50 percent."

When describing your job responsibilities, avoid sounding monotonous in your CV

or Resume and use a variety of action verbs and skills.

Specialist Experience

List any specialist experience and or qualifications that are relevant to the job role

under specially designed sections. For example, researchers may provide the

sections 'Research' or 'Research Interests,' and those having worked abroad may

choose to include a section titled 'Research Experience Abroad'.

Activities/Interests/Postitions of Responsibility

These are all relevant sections to include because they demonstrate that you are

motivated to pursue other activities and are a well-rounded individual. Positions of

responsibility and achievements can be extra-curricular, for example, significant

involvement in the Student Union, organising events in a social or sporting club,

spearheading charity fundraising at school or university etc. Stating your interests

doesn't mean just writing a list. Try to indicate your level of involvement and what

you gain from the activity.

Additional Information

Languages

If you are applying overseas then you should indicate your native language and any

additional languages you know accompanied by your level of proficiency.

Skills

Skills in this section include anything vocational that has not appeared elsewhere on

your CV, for example, IT skills and driver’s license. For IT skills, list the software

packages and applications you use and your level of competency for each. Any

certificates you have such as First Aid or Health and Safety for example, should be

listed in this section.

Conferences

If it is relevant to the job you are applying for, then you may want to mention any

conferences, workshops or seminars you have attended. Give the name of the

conference, date, place and organizers.

Q15. What are the Do’s and Don’ts of a CV?

The Resume Don’ts

Don’t title your resume as “Resume” start with your full name.

Don’t mail or fax if email is an option.

Don’t go over one page.

Don’t use fancy fonts.

Don’t use personal pronouns “I”, “my” or “me”

Don’t use passive words.

Don’t use colorful paper – white, buff or beige is standard.

Don’t include a picture or other artwork.

Don’t lie. Brag but never lie.

Don’t include your whole life’s history.

Don’t include personal information.

Don’t include salary information.

Don’t include more that 10 years of employment history.

Don’t say you were laid off or fired from your last position. Save it for the interview.

Don’t include personal references.

Don’t include “references available upon requests.” If they want them they will ask.

Don't include your age, height, weight, date of birth, marital status, sex, ethnicity,

health, religion, or political affiliations.

The Resume DO’s

Do send your resume with a cover letter.

Do strive to make a good impression.

Do make your resume clear, concise and easy to read.

Do use BOLD or Underline for section headings.

Do emphasize your strongest qualifications.

Do focus on accomplishments, skills, and results.

Do print your resume on high quality 8 ½ by 11 paper.

Do make contacting you easy. i.e. consider including home & office telephone

numbers.

Do include descriptive terms that include supportive facts and figures.

Do use short phrases, not long and complex sentences.

Do utilize action words.

Do list your most recent job/educational experience first.

Do list job titles, dates, cities and states.

Do use word processing and spell checkers.

Do ask 2 friends or colleague to proof read your resume.

Do create a resume tailored to the job you after.

Do keep your resume up-to-date. You never know when opportunity may come

knock

Q15. Give collective nouns for the following nouns :

1. Ants :

2. Sheep:

3. Ships :

4. Butterflies:

5. Ladies:

6. Bees :

8.Game

9.Turtles

10.Coyotes

11.Gorillas

12.Jays

13.Men

14. Musicians

15.Circuits

16.Monitors

1.Ants : Colony of ants /army of ants

2.Fairies:Charm of fairies

3.Sheep:Flock of sheep

4.Ships :Armada of ships

5.Butterflies:Kaleidoscope of butterflies

6.Ladies:Bevy of ladies

7. Bees : Drift of bees

8.Bag of game

9.Bale of turtles

10.Band of coyotes

11.Band of gorillas

12.Band of jays

13.Band of men

14.Band of musicians

15.Bank of circuits

16.Bank of monitors

Q16. Complete the following sentences using Noun Clauses :

1.I expect __________________

2.I often wonder _______________

3.He replied _______________

4.Do you deny ___________

5.____________________ hurts me

6.No one knows ____________________

7.I don’ see how you----------

Ans : 1. I expect that I shall get a prize.

2. I often wonder how you are getting on.

3.He replied that he would come .

4.Do you deny that you stole the watch

5. That you should cheat hurts me.

6. No one knows who he is.

7. I don’t see how you can get out of this mess.

________________________________________________________________________

Practical:

A.) Preparing of a script for Radio and T.V. broadcast ,In-voicing it .

B.) Write summary of news on Article from Newspaper ,magazine

This part will be covered by the Mass Comm Department