SRIRAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TECHNICAL ENGLISH II
(HS6251)
PART A
Vocabulary
Abate-reduce
Accumulated-stored up
Affluent-abundant, rich
Abidance-continuance
Abject- miserable
Abjure-renounce
Abnormal-different in an undesirable way from what is normal; deviant from the normal
way
Abnormality-not normal
Abominable-detestable
Aboveboard-fair
Abundant-plentiful
Agitation-disturbance
Alacrity-liveliness
Alimentary-nourishing, nutritive
Ailment-illness
Amend-improve
Appease-pacify
Assent-consent
Astuteness-cleverness, shrewdness
Audacity-boldness
Austerity-severity, rigour
Baneful-poisonous, hurtful
Beguilement-delusion
Benevolent-charitable
Bewitchment-enchantment
Bounteous, bountiful-liberal, generous
Cadaverous-corpse-like
Callous-insensible
Candid-frank, ingenuous
Champ-chew
Clandestine-secret, hidden
Coarseness-grossness, rudeness
Commiseration-pity, sympathy
Complaisance-politeness
Confide-entrust
Confound-confuse
Consequential-pompous, conceited
Conspicuous-famous
Decoy-allure
Deficient-scanty
Deport-transport
Derelict-abandoned
Derogation-detraction
Despondency-dejection
Determinate-decisive
Devotion-attachment
Dictatorial-absolute
Diffuse-scatter
Disapprobation-condemnation
Dispersion-diffusion
Dreary-dismal
Dubitable-doubtful
Earthly-worldly
Ebullition-outbreak, outburst
Effete-worn-out
Effrontery-shamelessness
Emancipate-free
Embarrassment-perplexity
Embellish-decorate
Enunciate-proclaim
Esteem-honour
Eternal-everlasting
Exaggerate-magnify
Felicitous-delight
Ferocity-savageness
Fixture-stability
Flashy-showy
Foil-defeat
Formidable-powerful
Fortitude-courage
Furnish-provide
Garrulous-extremely talkative
Generous-benevolent
Glorious-renowned
Grating-vexing
Grievous-painful
Harass-tease
Harmony-agreement
Haughty-arrogant
Impedite-postpone
Imploration-request
Impudence-insolence
Impugnation-contradiction
Imputable-chargeable
Incipient-commencing
Incurious-careless
Indelicate-indecent
Indolent-lazy
Inequitable-unjust
Intemperative-unfair
Intentional-deliberate
Intrepid-daring
Inveigle-cheat
Jejune-uninteresting, meager, barren
Judicious-discreet
Keen-eager, sharp
Languid-wearied
Lankness-weakness
Latent-invisible
Lore-scholarship
Manifest-apparent
Melancholy-sadness
Melodious-sweet
Monotonous-boring, unchanging
Negligence-inattention
Negotiate-reach an agreement by decision
Obscure- hidden
Obsolete-outmoded
Propogation-defence, protection
Provident-careful
Proximity-nearness
Prudent-careful, wise
Puissance-power, strength
Pusillanimous-timid, lacking courage
Putrefy-decay
Petrify-to be afraid, shocked and surprised
Quack-pretender
Quandary-perplexity
Quaver-shake
Raciness-spirit, taste
Ransack-explore
Rapid-swift
Ravage-ruin
Reception-admission, acceptance
Reconciliation-harmony
Regeneration-reproduction
Relaxation-recreation
Reliance-dependence
Reprehend-blame
Reverence-respect of
Righteous-just
Rigidity-inflexibilty
Salient-important
Sarcastic-mocking
Scandal-slander
Sceptic-doubting
Scornful-insulting
Sluggish-dull
Snug-compact
Surmount-conquer
Tedious-tiresome
Thrifty-economical
Transact-perform, manage
Triumphant-victorious
Uberous-faithful
Unaccomplished-incomplete
Unbecoming-unsuitable
Uncouts-rough
Vainglorious-proud
Veritable-real, genuine
Volition-decision
Voracious-rapacious
Wasteful-spend thrift
Weeny-tiny
Wieful-intentional
Zest-flavour, gusto
Match the words in column “A” with their meanings in column “B”:
a. Cramped
i) take people into service on contract
b. Stagnant
ii) variety; having differences
c. Recruit
iii) confined within narrow limits
d. Diversity
iv) not moving or changing
v) a condition caused by magical powers
a) Mandatory
make certain
b) Ascertain
compulsory
c) Infrastructure
feasibility
d) Viability
building
a) Benevolent
Save
b) Regulations
Clear
c) Lucid
System
d) Reedem
Kind
a) Affluent
deadly, danger
b) Uranium
bring goods from foreign country
c) Fatal
abundant: rich
d) Import
metallic element
a) Amalgamation
giving out rays
b) Chip
man-made program
c) Radiation
bring together
d) Depletion
getting completely exhausted
Device composed of silicon
a)
Permeability
not belonging to the earth.
b)
Core
abnormal accumulation of people
c)
Extra terrestrial
passing through
d)
Congestion
an additional thing
inner most part
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
Passive voice is more frequently used in technical or scientific writings to produce an
objective and impersonal effect.
Points to remember
1. When the subject in the active voice is a personal noun/pronoun, it becomes the
object in the passive structure. When the passive structure takes an object it is
preceded by a preposition. Example: The dog killed the cat. (active)
The cat was killed by the dog. (passive)
The subject is not carried to the object place, if it is impersonal or general.
People speak English in many countries. (active)
English is spoken in many countries.
2. No tense change takes place.
3. The verb in the passive is always in the past participle whatever the tense or
person may be.
4. The verb changes in accordance with the number of the subject.
Example:
He is buying some books.
Some books are being bought by him.
Look at the following table:
Tense
Active Voice
Passive Voice
Present Simple
Present Continuous
Present Perfect
Give/s
Am/is/are/giving
Has/have given
Is/are given
Am/is/are being given
Has/have been given
Past Simple
Past Continuous
Past Perfect
Future Simple
Future Perfect
Modal
Gave
Was/were giving
Had given
Will give
Will have given
Can, could, may,
might, shall should,
will, would, dare,
ought to, need etc
Was/were given
Was/were being given
Had been given
Will be given
Will have been given
Modal+be+given
(ought to+be + given
Change the following from active into passive voice.
Harry ate six shrimp at dinner. (active)
At dinner, six shrimp were eaten by Harry. (passive)
Beautiful giraffes roam the savannah. (active)
The savannah is roamed by beautiful giraffes. (passive)
Sue changed the flat tire. (active)
The flat tire was changed by Sue. (passive)
We are going to watch a movie tonight. (active)
A movie is going to be watched by us tonight. (passive)
I ran the obstacle course in record time. (active)
The obstacle course was run by me in record time. (passive)
The crew paved the entire stretch of highway. (active)
The entire stretch of highway was paved by the crew. (passive)
Mom read the novel in one day. (active)
The novel was read by Mom in one day. (passive)
The critic wrote a scathing review. (active)
A scathing review was written by the critic. (passive)
I will clean the house every Saturday. (active)
The house will be cleaned by me every Saturday. (passive)
The staff is required to watch a safety video every year. (active)
A safety video will be watched by the staff every year. (passive)
She faxed her application for a new job. (active)
The application for a new job was faxed by her. (passive)
Tom painted the entire house. (active)
The entire house was painted by Tom. (passive)
The teacher always answers the students’ questions. (active)
The students’ questions are always answered by the teacher. (passive)
The choir really enjoys that piece. (active)
That piece is really enjoyed by the choir. (passive)
Who taught you to ski? (active)
By whom were you taught to ski? (passive)
The forest fire destroyed the whole suburb. (active)
The whole suburb was destroyed by the forest fire. (passive)
The two kings are signing the treaty. (active)
The treaty is being signed by the two kings. (passive)
The cleaning crew vacuums and dusts the office every night. (active)
Every night the office is vacuumed and dusted by the cleaning crew. (passive)
Larry generously donated money to the homeless shelter. (active)
Money was generously donated to the homeless shelter by Larry. (passive)
No one responded to my sales ad. (active)
My sales ad was not responded to by anyone. (passive)
The wedding planner is making all the reservations. (active)
All the reservations will be made by the wedding planner. (passive)
Susan will bake two dozen cupcakes for the bake sale. (active)
For the bake sale, two dozen cookies will be baked by Susan. (passive)
The science class viewed the comet. (active)
The comet was viewed by the science class. (passive)
Who ate the last cookie? (active)
The last cookie was eaten by whom? (passive)
Alex posted the video on Facebook. (active)
The video was posted on Facebook by Alex. (passive)
The director will give you instructions. (active)
Instructions will be given to you by the director. (passive)
Thousands of tourists view the Grand Canyon every year. (active)
The Grand Canyon is viewed by thousands of tourists every year. (passive)
The homeowners remodeled the house to help it sell. (active)
The house was remodeled by the homeowners to help it sell. (passive)
The team will celebrate their victory tomorrow. (active)
The victory will be celebrated by the team tomorrow. (passive)
The saltwater eventually corroded the metal beams. (active)
The metal beams were eventually corroded by the saltwater. (passive)
The kangaroo carried her baby in her pouch. (active)
The baby was carried by the kangaroo in her pouch. (passive)
Some people raise sugar cane in Hawaii. (active)
Sugar cane is raised by some people in Hawaii. (passive)
Change the following into Impersonal Passive Voice
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The professor gave the students the books.
The students were given the books.
Mr Jones watches films.
Films are watched.
The people speak English.
English is spoken.
He reads comics.
Comics are read.
We play volleyball.
Volleyball is played.
They sing the song.
The song is sung.
I take photos.
Photos are taken.
She does the housework.
The housework is done.
The policemen help the children.
The children are helped.
He writes poems.
Poems are written.
Mother waters the flowers.
The flowers are watered.
She bought four apples.
Four apples were bought.
We won the match.
The match was won.
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The man stole the blue car.
The blue car was stolen.
The police arrested the thieves.
The thieves were arrested.
Jack swam the 200 metres.
The 200 metres were swum.
The dog bit the old lady.
The old lady was bitten.
Tom and Max ate five hamburgers.
Five hamburgers were eaten.
Oliver taught the children.
The children were taught.
Victoria rode the brown horse.
The brown horse was ridden.
Grandmother told good stories.
Good stories were told.
Jack has installed a new computer software.
A new computer software has been installed.
We must write to her.
She must be written to.
The professor is going to show the students an old bone.
The students are going to be shown an old bone.
Who said it?
It was said by whom?
The lady gave me the keys.
I was given the keys.
Change the following from Passive into Active voice
1. A novel is being read by Mary. Mary is reading a novel.
2. A stone was being thrown by the kid. The kid was throwing a stone.
3. A car has been bought by him. He has bought a car.
4. The door had been knocked at by someone. Someone had knocked at the
door.
5. Yam is eaten by people in my country. People eat yam in my country.
6. The jackpot will be won by her. She will win the jackpot
7. The mother tongue would be taught to him by her. She would teach him the
mother tongue.
8. The fish is eaten by the cat. The cat eats the fish.
9. A book was offered to them by her. she offered them a book
10. A letter was written to him by her. she wrote him a letter
REGULAR AND IRREGULAR VERBS
Those verbs that form their past participle with‘d’ or ‘ed’ are regular verbs. These verbs
do not undergo substantial changes while changing forms between tenses.
Regular Verbs
1. If the verb ends with a vowel, only‘d’ is added. For example:
PRESENT TENSE
PAST TENSE
Share
Shared
Scare
Scared
Dare
Dared
2. If the verb ends with a consonant, ‘ed’ is added. For example:
PRESENT TENSE
PAST TENSE
Want
Wanted
Shout
Shouted
Kill
Killed
Irregular Verbs
Those verbs that undergo substantial changes when changing forms between tenses
are irregular verbs. The changed forms of these verbs are often unrecognizably different
from the originals. For example:
PRESENT TENSE
PAST TENSE
Go
Went
Run
Ran
Think
Thought
There is no way to tell what form an irregular verb is going to take in a changed tense;
the only option for an English speaker is to commit the changes to memory. With
practice, it will become a matter of habit.
Below is a list of irregular verbs
Comprehensive List of Irregular Verbs
Simple Present Simple Past
Arise
arose
awoke or awaked
Awake
am, is, are
was, were
Bear
bore
Past Participle
arisen
awaked or awoken
been
borne or born
Beat
Become
Begin
Bend
Bet
Bid
Bid
Bind
Bite
Blow
Break
Bring
Build
Burst
Buy
Cast
Catch
Choose
Cling
Come
Cost
Creep
Cut
Deal
Dig
Dive
Do
Draw
Dream
Drink
Drive
Eat
Fall
Feed
Feel
Fight
Find
Flee
beat
beaten
became
become
began
begun
bent
bent
bet
bet
bid
bid
bade
bidden
bound
bound
bitten or bit
bit
blew
blown
broke
broken
brought
brought
built
built
burst
burst
bought
bought
cast
cast
caught
caught
chose
chosen
clung
clung
came
come
cost
cost
crept
crept
cut
cut
dealt
dealt
dug
dug
dived or dove
dived
did
done
drew
drawn
dreamed or dreamt dreamed or dreamt
drank
drunk
drove
driven
ate
eaten
fell
fallen
fed
fed
felt
felt
fought
fought
found
found
fled
fled
Fling
Fly
Forbid
Forget
Forgive
Forsake
Freeze
Get
Give
Go
grow
Hang
has, have
Hear
Hide
Hit
Hurt
Keep
Know
Lay
Lead
Leap
Leave
Lend
Let
Lie
Light
Lose
Make
Mean
Pay
Prove
Quit
Read
Rid
Ride
Ring
Rise
flung
flew
forbade or forbad
forgot
forgave
forsook
froze
got
gave
went
grew
hung
had
heard
hid
hit
hurt
kept
knew
laid
led
leaped or leapt
left
lent
let
lay
lighted or lit
lost
made
meant
paid
proved
quit
read
rid
rode
rang
rose
flung
flown
forbidden
forgotten or forgot
forgiven
forsaken
frozen
got or gotten
given
gone
grown
hung
had
heard
hidden
hit
hurt
kept
known
laid
led
leaped or leapt
left
lent
let
lain
lighted or lit
lost
made
meant
paid
proved or proven
quit
read
rid
ridden
rung
risen
Run
Say
See
Seek
Send
Set
Shake
Shine
Shoot
Show
Shrink
Sing
Sink
Sit
Slay
Sleep
Sling
Sneak
Speak
Spend
Spin
Spring
Stand
Steal
Sting
Stink
Stride
Strike
Strive
Swear
Sweep
Swim
Swing
Take
Teach
Tear
Tell
Think
ran
said
saw
sought
sent
set
shook
shone
shot
showed
shrank
sang
sank or sunk
sat
slew
slept
slung
sneaked or snuck
spoke
spent
spun
sprang or sprung
stood
stole
stung
stank or stunk
strode
struck
strove
swore
swept
swam
swung
took
taught
tore
told
thought
run
said
seen
sought
sent
set
shaken
shone
shot
shown or showed
shrunk
sung
sunk
sat
slain
slept
slung
sneaked or snuck
spoken
spent
spun
sprung
stood
stolen
stung
stunk
stridden
struck
striven
sworn
swept
swum
swung
taken
taught
torn
told
thought
Throw
Understand
Wake
Wear
Weave
Weep
Wring
write
threw
understood
woke or waked
wore
wove or weaved
wept
wrung
wrote
thrown
understood
waked or woken
worn
woven or wove
wept
wrung
written
EXERCISE FOR IRREGULAR VERBS
1. Last month we
2. I
on a trip to Jerusalem.
a tasty vegetables salad yesterday.
4. He
to catch the bus but he missed it!
5. Anna
6. I
”goodbye” and
9. Our teacher
10. Maria
11. I
home very late last Friday.
a wonderful present for my birthday.
very surprised when she
14. The pupils
15. The boys
16. Somebody
that man there.
an adventure book last lesson.
ten minutes ago.
my money!
sick, so she stayed in bed.
ten hours last night.
(come)
(do/put)
(have)
birthday last week.
the new song at the party yesterday.
13. She
1. Mother
all the books into my
a beautiful jacket two hours ago.
12. My friends
(run)
(say/go)
out.
8. I
my homework and then I
book.
(make)
(tell)
me a funny joke last night.
7. My parents
2. I
(see)
a good movie last night.
3. We
(go)
(wear)
(hear)
(give)
(be/see)
(read)
(meet)
(steal)
(feel)
(sleep)
3. Diana
her pet dog to school yesterday.
4. I
(think)
you were my best friend
5. The old man
6. I
near the window and looked outside.
to my old brother last night. He is in France now.
7. The pupil
8. He
the ball and I
13. Last year he
me a cool bike two years ago.
16. The woman
I
2.
They
the car slowly because of the rain.
English songs at school last Monday.
to collect coins five years ago..
3.
We
in the deep end of the pool. It
4.
My neighbors
the horse.
7. The boy
ice cream and pudding.
8. The team
9. My glasses
10. Our class
fun!
the game..
on the shelf.
to Italy last summer.
the highest grade in the test last month.
12. My friend
13. The pupils
100 dollars in the park yesterday.
over the ball.
(buy)
(drive)
(sing)
(begin)
their old car last week.
6. The girl
(sit)
(know)
all the answers.
3. Rita
11. I
(build)
on the bench in the backyard.
15. My uncle
(break)
(throw/catch)
it quickly.
a new house.
14. The girls
(take)
(tear)
the new newspaper.
12. They
1.
us to the biggest zoo .
. Please give me another one.
11. The baby
(speak)
(write)
a letter to his friend in England.
10. My glass
(stand)
(understand)
the math lesson.
9. Yesterday, our dad
(bring)
(swim/be)
(sell)
(ride)
(eat)
(win)
(be)
(fly)
(get)
(find)
(fight)
14. Jack
15. Mother
her baby before she
16. The car
1. We
class at 8 o’clock this morning.
3. Teacher
a lot of money.
that movie for us.
a ballet dancer in 1997.
5. The old woman
6. He
her bag in the supermarket.
the chocolate cake.
7. The bus driver
8. My dad
that little girl to school today.
the house early in the morning yesterday.
9. Last year I
10. We
my pet snake in a glass cage .
how to write a thank you note last Tuesday.
11. The girl
12. I
to bed.
a terrible noise on the way home.
2. The apartment
4. I
(send)
Dan a postcard from Brazil.
from the chair and started to cry loudly.
Bob my rollerblades last week.
13. She
her new pens some time ago .They
expensive.
14. The boys
very tired.
15. My aunt
a beautiful picture of the sea.
16. You
all your money on computer games yesterday.
(feed/go)
(make)
(begin)
(cost)
(choose)
(become)
(forget)
(cut)
(bring)
(leave)
(keep)
(learn)
(fall)
(lend)
(lose/be)
(be)
(draw)
(spend)
HOMOPHONES
What are Homophones?
Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but they have different
meanings and are usually spelled differently as well. They usually occur in groups of
two but sometimes they can be three or four in a group. It’s important to recognize and
identify the most common homophones because the spelling can change the entire
meaning of a sentence! Here is a list of the most common homophones.
Examples of Homophones
air, heir
ante-, antibe, bee
buy, by
cent, scent
coarse, course
dam, damn
die, dye
fair, fare
flour, flower
heal, heel
him, hymn
hour, our
in, inn
knot, not
made, maid
meat, meet
none, nun
one, won
peace piece
poor, pour
principal, principle
real, reel
root, route
sea, see
sew, so, sow
shore, sure
some sum
stair, stare
steal, steel
tail, tale
to, too, two
waist, waste
way, weigh
wear, where
aisle, isle
bare, bear, bear
brake, break
cell, sell
cereal, serial
complement, compliment
dear, deer
eye, I
fir, fur
hair, hare
hear, here
hole, whole
idle, idol
knight, night
know, no
mail, male
morning, mourning
oar, or
pair, pear
plain, plane
pray, prey
profit, prophet
right, write
sail, sale
seam, seem
sight, site
sole, soul
son, sun
stationary, stationery
suite, sweet
their, there
toe, tow
wait, weight
weak, week
Let’s use a few in sentences:
Be careful around the figurines because they break easily.
Press gently on the brake to slow the car down.
We saw a grizzly bear while vacationing in the mountains.
I can’t bear this burden any longer.
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.
Write sentences on your own with the following homophones
All [everything]
All the people you invited have attended.
Awl [a small point tool] The wood was carved with an awl.
Ail [troubles]
Mental agony ails her.
ale [Kind of beer] They were with ale for dinner.
Altar [Platform for worship] Sacrifices were offered on the altar.
Alter [to change]
She had to alter her clothes after losing weight.
Aloud [noisely]
Do not talk aloud.
Allowed [permitted] They were allowed to go out.
Ascent [The action of going up] Edmond Hillary made his ascent on Mount Everest first.
Assent [approval]
The President gave his assent to the financial bill.
Advice [counsel]
He gave an advice to his son .
Advise [To give counsel] Teacher advised all the students.
Adapt [To fit]
Sachin found difficult to adapt in England.
Adopt [accept one as son] I want to adopt a child.
Birth [Born]
She gave birth to a female child.
Berth [With bed] I reserved 4 berths for my family.
Bare [empty] He went bare footedly.
Bear [carry] You have to bear the inconvenience.
Bail [on condition let out] He was let on bail.
Bale [bundle]
The cotton bale was loaded in the lorry.
Ball [football] I am watching football.
Bawl [shouted] The angry man bawled at me.
Brake [stop]
The drive applied the brake.
Break [make into pieces] He tried to break the fused bulb.
Beech [a kind of tree] We sat under the shade in the beech.
Beach [sea shore]
Children were playing in the beach.
Base [bottom, foundation] The base of the tower is broad.
Bass [notes for singing] He sang with base notes.
Bolder [More courageous]
Abdul is bolder than Rahim.
boulder [A large smooth rock] There was a boulder blocking the path.
Boarder [A pupil who lives at a boarding
Robert was studying as a boarder.
school]
There is always a dispute about the Indo
Border [Line dividing two countries]
China border.
Born [Come to life] Jems was born in London.
Borne [Carried]
She had borne the child.
Beat [to strike]
Donot beat a baby.
Beet [a vegetable] Beet gives vitamin A.
Bred [Brought up]
He was well-bred.
Bread [a baked food] Bread is a good food.
Be [To exist] You should be quiet.
Bee [Insect] Bees gives honey.
Blwe [did blow] Police man blew the whistle to stop the car.
Blue [A colour] I wear the blue trouser.
By [at]
The chair was made by the carpenter.
Bye [By the way] Good bye.
Buy [To purchase] I buy a ball.
Carat [Unit to measure diamond, gold:] Diamond is measured in carat.
Carrot [A kind of vegetable]
Vitamin A is rich in carrot.
Ceiling [To cover upper surface] The ceiling of the rooms must be high.
Sealing [Stamp]
We use a kind of wax for sealing letters.
Cereal [food grain rich in
carbohydrate]
Rice is a cereal.
Serial [forming a series]
Serial number comes according to alphabetical order
of the names.
Check [Examine or
The teacher advised her students to check whether they have
control]
attempted all the questions.
Cheque [Bank written
I got a cheque for $100 from my father.
order]
Cell [small room]
The prisoner is locked up in a cell.
Sell [exchange things for money] They sell the fruits at a high price.
Cymbal [a round brass plate used in a musical
instrument]
Symbol [Emblem]
Rosy plays the cymbal in our school
band:
Dove is the symbol of peace.
Cue [Signal]
The director made a cue to the actor to start.
Queue [a line of people] There was long queue in the ticket counter.
Council [assembly] There is student’s council in this school.
Counsel [advice] Teacher guides and counsels the students.
Carrier [One who carries goods] This lorry is a public carrier.
Career [mode of living]
What is your future career?
Canvas [Rough cloth]
It is a canvas shoe.
Canvass [Asking for vote] M.L.A. canvassed for the candidate in the election.
Case [box / enclose] This is a suit case.
Cash [money]
Don’t have cash in the pocket while you are in the bus.
Dual [double] He bought a dual desk.
Duel [fight] The boy was hurt in the duel.
Disease [sickness] He is weak because of disease.
Decease [death] She is the wife of the diseased.
Die [death] Many children die on malnutrition.
Dye [colour] He applied dye to his hair.
HOMONYMS
Homonyms are words with same spelling, but different pronunciation.
Example: read-When used as present form of the verb, it is pronounced as /ri.d/ and
when used as participle form, it is pronounced as /red/
The wind blew the tree down.
Don’t forget to wind your watch.
I live in the north of England.
Your favourite pop star is singing live on TV tonight.
The lead singer in the group is great.
Lead pipes are dangerous.
We saw them watching the match.
The carpenter used the saw to cut the log.
I cook vegetables daily.
She is a good cook.
My friend gave me a present.
I was present in the meeting.
The case was settled out of court.
My friends are playing in the tennis court.
50 homonym words that confuse a content writer
“I except that their was a monkey“, you must be wondering that what happened to me.
Nothing, I am perfectly ok and preparing for my debt arbitrator exams. Many of us make
these mistakes. The correct sentence is “I accept that there was a monkey“. Their and
there is one of the most commonly misused homonym (In linguistics, a homonym is one
of a group of words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have
different meanings). Here is a rundown of 50 homonym words that (unconsciously)
confuse a content writer.
1. Accept
Example: He did not accept your leave application.
Except
Example: Everyone in the room except Rita come out.
2. Access
Example: Please provide your access details.
Excess
Example: An excess of eating is not healthy.
3. Advise
Example: You advise him to continue his further studies.
Advice
Example: Do not ignore doctor’s advice.
4. Affect
Example: Smoking will affect your health.
Effect
Example: It was the result of the magnetic effect.
5. Antic
Example: His clown like antic behavior surprised me.
Antique
Example: The showpiece was an antique one.
6. Altar
Example: I am studying the history of Christian history.
Alter
Example: Please go to the shop to alter the dress.
7. Ascent
Example: The story of his ascent to success was a remarkable one.
Assent
Example: The bride’s father gave his assent to the marriage proposal.
8. Adapt
Example: It takes time to adapt to new culture.
Adept
Example: She is adept in handicrafts.
9. Apposite
Example: He is famous for his apposite speeches.
Opposite
Example: Opposites attract.
10. Apprise
Example: Would you like to apprise the students about the hike in fees?
Appraise
Example: Appraise the situation before you act.
11. Accessory
Example: The Gucci handbag that she carries is her all time favorite accessory.
Accessary
Example: She was an accessary to the crime.
12. Aural
Example: Usually a migraine is preceded by aural effects.
Oral
Example: He was going for an oral surgery.
13. Auxiliary
Example: There are no auxiliary branches of this shop.
Axillary
Example: The doctor looked at the axillary gland.
14. Ablution
Example: Ablution is the ritual washing of a priest’s hands or of sacred vessels
Oblation
Example: In earlier days, child oblation was practiced to please gods.
15. Ail
Example: Your untimely work schedule will ail you someday.
Ale
Example: Ale was a common drink in olden days.
16. Assay
Example: Assay the sample properly to see how much enzyme is present.
Essay
Example: He wrote great essays on socialism.
17. Allay
Example: The doctor is trying hard to allay the crying child.
Alley
Example: There is an old alley in the town.
18. Angle
Example: The angle between perpendicular lines is 90degrees.
Angel
Example: Anny was as innocent as an angel.
19. Bail
Example: The guilty was soon released on bail.
Bale
Example: Transport the bale of cotton to another city.
20. Bridal
Example: The bridal dress was prepared by the girl’s aunt.
Bridle
Example: The movement was an attempt to bridle the power of the dictator.
21. Born
Example: He was born on 14 th of March.
Borne
Example: Great difficulties were borne by the people of this country to get
freedom.
22. Bore
Example: The movie was a complete bore.
Boar
Example: We caught the boar in jungle.
23. Beside
Example: I want to sit beside you.
Besides
Example: I do not want to go to the movie, besides, we can not afford it.
24. Blew
Example: The wind blew from the east
Blue
Example: The color of the sky is blue.
25. Birth
Example: The couple celebrated the birth of their first child.
Berth
Example: Sleeping on the berth of a train is not all a comforting experience.
26. Cession
Example: How much land did the US acquire from the Mexican cession?
Session
Example: The session with the marriage counselor went well.
27. Chord
As noun
Example: The diameter is the longest chord of a circle.
As verb
Example: The musician taught me how to play the major chord.
Cord
Example: Tie the bundle with a cord.
28. Corps
Example: The doctors in the Army Medical Corps demanded for a hike in their
salary.
Core:
Example: The executive board is the core of the organization.
29. Check
Example: Check for the errors in your credit report.
Cheque
Example: We withdraw money from our bank by writing a cheque.
30. Canvas
Example: Canvas paintings are put on sale in the art exhibition.
Canvass
Example: After the election, the members of the student union were assigned to
canvass the campus to find out the opinions of the students about the key issues.
31. Complement
Example: A glass of wine is a perfect complement to a scrumptious sea food
meal.
Compliment
Example: Do not compliment people unnecessarily in parties, they might take it
badly.
32. Confident
Example: If you have not done anything wrong then be confident in the
courthouse.
Confidant
Example: He shares all the private matters with his confidant.
33. Canon
Example: Canon law governs the Roman Catholic churches.
Cannon
Example: In olden days, cannons were used in wars.
34. Calendar
Example: I have marked the date on my calendar.
Calender
Example: Calender is no longer used to smooth or glaze papers.
35. Desert
Example: Sahara is the second largest desert.
Dessert
Example: Strawberry short cake was served to the invitees as the dessert.
36. Dying
Example: People were dying due to the epidemic.
Dyeing
Example: The workers were busy dyeing the clothes.
37. Dear
Example: During the Christmas time we love to buy gifts for our near and dear
ones.
Deer
Example: The hunter was trying hard to shoot the deer.
38. Dissent
Example: He is going to dissent whatever I speak in the meeting, so, you guys
have to support me.
Descent
Example: His slow descent from the mountain was a cause of worry for his family
members.
39. Device
Example: Cell phone is indeed a useful device to communicate with people.
Devise
Example: Do not devise plans to harm him.
40. Dual
Example: Robert Stevenson penned down the dual life led by a doctor in his
novel Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Duel
Example: A duel was fought between the kings to settle the dispute.
41. Diverse
Example: India is known for its diverse culture.
Divers
Example: Divers face many challenges while working underwater.
42. Deference
Example: A knowledgeable man will always pay deference to greater men.
Difference
Example: Our difference of nature is the root of all the problems.
43. Eminent
Example: The seminar was attended by eminent scholars.
Imminent
Example: The army chief announced today that there is no imminent danger of
war now.
44. Emigrant
Example: The emigrant leaves his land to reside in some other country.
Immigrant
Example: She is an immigrant from Sweden, but she has adapted herself well
with her surroundings.
45. Fair
Noun
Example: Some men love fair women.
Example: I went to the book fair yesterday.
Adjective
Example: He was a fair referee, thus all the charges of bias against him were
dropped.
Fare
Noun
Example: Bus fare has gone up again.
Verb
Example: Fare well in your exams.
46. Human
Example: To explain the dichotomy of human nature is quite a tough job.
Humane
Example: In our pursuit of making fast money, we must not let our humane
qualities die.
47. Lessen
Example: The medicine will lessen your pain.
Lesson
Example: We must learn some kind of a lesson from our past mistakes.
48. Loose
Example: Loose clothing is the latest vogue.
Lose
Example: Children often lose their money in school.
49. Ordinance
Example: The Government has recently passed an ordinance banning child
labor.
Ordnance
Example: Ordnance factories supply ammunitions to the army.
50. Physic
Example: A physic can surely cure your health problems.
Physique
Example: an athlete must have a good physique.
IF CONDITIONALS
There are three types of ‘if’ counditional sentences with different pairs of tenses and
different meanings. It should be noted that certain variations are also possible with
each type.
Condition
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
Structure
Simple present in
the if clause &
Simple future in the
main clause
Past tense in the if
clause and present
conditional in the
main clause
Past perfect in the if
clause and perfect
Example
If I become the
Chief Minister, I will
work for the poor.
Meaning
Shows probability
If I become the
Chief Minister, I
would work for the
poor.
If I had become the
Chief Minister, I
Shows improbability
Shows impossibility
conditional in the
main clause.
would have helped
the poor.
Some Variations:
The auxiliaries may, can, might, could, can also be used the place of will, would in
the main clause which give the meanings of possibility, permission or ability.
If I have money, I can lend it to you. (ability)
If you completed the work, you could go. (permission)
You might win the race, if you participated. (possibility)
If I had known your address, I might have visited. (possibility)
1. If I study, I will pass the exams.
2. If the sun shines, we will walk to the town.
3. If he has a temperature, he will see the doctor.
4. If my friends come, I will be very happy.
5. If she earns a lot of money, she will fly to New York.
6. If we travel to London, we will visit the museums.
7. If you wear sandals in the mountains, you will slip on the rocks.
8. If Rita forgets her homework, the teacher will give her a low mark.
9. If they go to the disco, they will listen to loud music.
10. If you wait a minute, I will ask my parents.
11. If it rains, the children will not go for a walk.
12. If she does not read the novel, she will not pass the literature test.
13. If I do not argue with my father, he will lend me his motorbike.
14. If we take the bus, we will not arrive in time.
15. If Dick does not buy the book, his friends will be angry with him.
16. If Tom does not tidy up his room, Victoria will not help him with the muffins.
17. If the boys do not play football, the girls will not come to the football pitch.
18. If you eat too much junk food, you will not lose weight.
19. If I do not make breakfast tomorrow morning, my girlfriend will not love me
anymore.
20. If they do not hurry, they will not catch the train.
21. If I came home earlier, I would prepare dinner.
22. If we lived in Rome, Francesco would visit us.
23. If Tim and Tom were older, they would play in our hockey team.
24. If he was my friend, I would invite him to my birthday party.
25. If Susan studied harder, she would be better at school.
26. If they had enough money, they would buy a new car.
27. If you did a paper round, you would earn a little extra money.
28. If Michael got more pocket money, he would ask Doris out for dinner.
29. If we hurried, we would catch the bus.
30. If it rained, Nina would take an umbrella with her.
31. If the weather had been nice, they would have played football.
32. If we had gone to a good restaurant, we would have had a better dinner.
33. If John had learned more words, he would have written a good report.
34. If the boys had taken the bus to school, they would have arrived on time.
35. If the teacher had explained the homework, I would have done it.
36. If they had waited for another 10 minutes, they would have seen the pop star.
37. If the police had come earlier, they would have arrested the burglar.
38. If you had bought fresh green vegetable, your salad would have tasted better.
39. If Alex had asked me, I would have emailed the documents.
40. If he had spoken more slowly, Peggy would have understood him.
41. If he had come earlier, he would have met Tina.
42. The water in the pool would have been warmer if the sun had shown more often.
43. If Betty had written more applications, she would have got an apprenticeship.
44. If I had seen you, I would have talked to you.
45. We would have given the man the documents if we had known him.
46. If you had phoned me, I would have recorded the show.
47. They would have understood the film if they had read the book.
48. If the car had turned left, the old lady would have crossed the street.
49. If she had realized the red traffic light, she would have stopped.
50. The boys would have won the match if they had trained regularly.
51. If Yvonne had watched the news, she would have solved the puzzle.
52. If I had had a mobile, I could have phoned you.
53. We would have gone to the beach if we had stayed in Florida.
54. If my mother had made breakfast, I would have been really happy.
55. Her brother could have found more mistakes if he had read the text again.
56. If you had added a little lemon, the soup would have tasted excellent.
57. They would have paid less if they had booked the tickets yesterday.
58. If the students had collected more empty bottles, they would have had more
money for their class trip.
59. Gerry might have convinced his grandmother to see the doctor if he had talked to
her.
60. She would have visited Henry and Cliff in hospital if she had known that they
were there.
61. If Alex sold his old mobile, he would buy a new mp3 player.
62. We would come to the party if it started at 8 o'clock.
63. The boy would be in the Olympic team if he trained harder.
64. If you clicked the red button, you would cancel the download.
65. If they were old enough, they could play in the school basketball team.
66. Maria could understand the text if her teacher marked the important sentences.
67. Joe would get better marks if he improved his grammar.
68. If we recycled these cans, we could reduce rubbish.
69. If you changed your money at a bank, you would save commission.
70. If it snowed during the night, I might go snowboarding the next morning.
71. If I had time, I would go shopping with you.
72. If you speak English, you will get along with them perfectly.
73. If they had gone for a walk, they would have turned the lights off.
74. If she comes to see us, we will go to the zoo.
75. I would have told you, if I had seen him.
76. Would you mind if I opened the window?
77. If they had invited me, I wouldn't have said no.
78. My friend will meet me at the station if he gets the afternoon off.
79. If I didn't do it, nobody would do it.
80. If my father doesn't pick me up, I'll take the bus home.
81. If I (wake up) wake up early, I’ll go jogging.
82. He (visit) will visit his uncle, if he finishes early.
83. If she had taken care of her son, he (not/become) would not have become a
criminal.
84. If I were a star, I (help) would help the poor.
85. She would have been top of her class if she (work) had worked hard.
86. If you come with me, I will do the shopping with you.
87. Walter will help his mother in the garden if she reads him a story this evening.
88. If it rains , I will stay at home.
89. Our teacher will be happy if we learn the poem by heart.
90. If they had enough money, they would buy a new car.
91. We would pass the exam if we studied harder.
92. If Pat repaired his bike, he could go on a bicycle tour with us.
93. She would get 100 pounds if she sold this old shelf.
94. If I was/were you, I would invite Jack to the party.
95. If the weather is fine, the children can walk to school.
96. If I (finish) finish early, I will call you.
97. I (catch) would catch/'d catch the 9:00 train if I hurry up .
98. She will know the answer, if she (try) tries to understand.
99. If he (be) had been/'d been careful, he would not be have had that terrible
accident.
100.
Her father would not have died, if he (go) had gone/'d gone to the doctor.
Complete the sentences using an appropriate clause:
1. If you had watched the common wealth games, ________________.
2. If _________________ it will boil at 100 C.
3. If the weather had been fine, ___________________.
4. If you remove this fuse, _____________________.
5. If a car is available, _____________________.
6. If the train is late, __________________.
7. If the pedestrians violate traffic rules, _________________.
8. ____________________, global warming would have been reduced.
9. ____________________, the aeroplane cannot take off.
10. If you had saved water during the monsoons, ______________.
NUMERICAL EXPRESSIONS
When a numerical expression is used as an adjective, the singular form should be used.
So, the plural form should be changed to appropriate singular form before the noun.
Example:
A gathering of 250 students – A 250-student gathering.
A seminar for two days – A 2-day seminar.
A colony with 175 houses – A 175-house colony.
A fleet of 3000 cars – A 3000-car fleet.
Expand the following
1. A journey of 20 miles
2. At intervals of 10 minutes
3. A base of 13 acres
4. A monitor with a size of 14 inches
5. A hard disk with 20 MB memory
6. A lecture for two hours
7. A stamp with a value4 of rs. 6
8. A DC supply of 280 volts
9. An incline of 52 degrees
10. A squad of 1000 men
11. A flask with a capacity of 10 litres
12. The pipe is three feet long
13. An expedition lasting for three days
14. A civilization which is 2000 years old
15. A project of 10 years
16. A match lasting five days
17. A lamp of a power of 60 watts
18. An investment of Rs. 10 lakhs
19. A walk of 4 miles
20. A tank with a capacity of 60 litres
21. A symposium lasting for three days
22. A seminar lasting for two days
23. A research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs
24. A team of 9 members
25. The bridge is 2km long
IDIOMS
An idiom is a set of expression which has a meaning different from the literal meanings
of its components. Idioms present a great variety of structures and combinations that
are mostly unchangeable and often not logical and may not follow basic rules of
grammar.
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. Back-room boys Meaning - People who perform important work but have no contact with the public.
Example - Our back room boys deserve an applause for the success of this
advertisement.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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 competition.
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verbs are mainly used in spoken English and informal texts. Phrasal verbs
consist of a verb and a particle (preposition, adverb). The particle can change the
meaning of the verb completely.
For example:
Look up – consult a reference book
Look for – seek
Look forward – anticipate with pleasure
Frame sentences on your own for the following phrasal verbs
Phrasal Verb
abide by
account for
add up
advise against
agree with
allow for
appeal to
apply for
back away
back down
back up
Meaning
Example
To respect or obey a decision, If you want to keep your job here, you
a law or a rule
must abide by our rules.
I hope you can account for the time
To explain, give a reason
you were out!
To make sense, seem
The facts in the case just don’t add up.
reasonable
To recommend not doing
I advise against walking alone in this
something
neighborhood.
To have the same opinion as I agree with you. I think you should go
someone else.
as well.
We need to allow for unexpected
To take into consideration
charges along the way.
1. To plead or make a
1. He appealed to the court to
request
change its decision.
2. To be attractive or
2. A vacation of sunbathing
interesting
doesn’t appeal to me.
To make a formal request for
something (job, permit, loan
etc.)
To move backwards, in fear or
dislike
He applied for a scholarship for next
semester.
When he saw the bear, he backed
away in fright.
Local authorities backed down on their
To withdraw, concede defeat threats to build on that part of the
beach.
1. I’m going to be very strict with
1. To give support or
him. I hope you’ll back me up
encouragement
on this?
2. To make a copy of (file,
2. You should back up all your
program, etc.)
computer files in a secure
location.
Phrasal Verb
bank on
Meaning
To base your hopes on
something / someone
black out
To faint, lose consciousness
block off
To separate using a barrier.
blow up
boil down to
boot up
break away
break down
1. To explode
2. To get angry
To be summarized as
To enter by force
break out
To start suddenly
break up
bring up
brush up on
bump into
burn out
It all boils down to who has more
power.
To start a computer by loading
You need to boot up your computer
an operating system or
before you begin to work.
program
One of the wolves broke away from his
To separate from a crowd
pack.
1. The washing machine broke
1. To go out of order,
down so we had to call in the
cease to function
repair technician.
2. To lose control of one’s
2. John broke down when he
emotions
heard the news.
break into
break out of
Example
I’m banking on you to help with the
charity event.
Jenna fell in the parking lot and
blacked out.
The police blocked off the street after
the explosion.
1. Tommy blew up the red balloon.
2. Don’t blow up at me. It’s not my
fault.
To escape from a place by
force
To come to an end (marriage,
relationship)
Burglars broke into my car last night.
Rioting broke out after the government
raised the fuel prices again.
Several prisoners broke out of jail.
She broke up with Daniel after dating
him for five years.
Sara is bringing up her children by
To raise (a child)
herself.
To improve, refresh one’s
I must brush up on my French before
knowledge of something
going to Paris next month.
To meet by chance or
I bumped into Adam at the bank. He
unexpectedly
says “hello”.
1. stop (something)
1. The light bulb burnt out. Please
working
change it.
2. become exhausted from
2. She needs to work fewer hours.
over-working
Otherwise she will burn out.
Phrasal Verb
call back
call off
calm down
carry on
carry out
check in
check out
Meaning
To return a phone call
Example
Could please call back in ten minutes?
The game was called off because of
To cancel
bad weather.
To become more relaxed, less It took Kylie several hours to calm
angry or upset
down after she saw the accident.
The soldiers carried on walking in
To continue
order to get to their post before dark.
1. To do something as
1. His orders were carried out to
specified (a plan, an
the letter.
order, a threat)
2. That company does not carry
2. To perform or conduct
out tests on animals.
(test, experiment)
To register at a hotel or airport
1. To pay one’s bill and
leave (a hotel)
2. To investigate
They said I must check in at least
three hours before my flight.
1. Donna checked out of the hotel
this morning.
2. I don’t know if this price is
correct. I’ll check it out online.
When the police started asking
questions, the suspect clammed up.
The local authorities have decided to
To act strictly to prevent
clamp down on
clamp down on illegal parking in
something
handicapped parking places.
1. I was cleaning up and came
1. To find by chance
across some old photos of you.
2. To appear, seem, make
2. The politician came across as a
come across
an impression
complete fool during the TV
interview.
clam up
To refuse to speak
come forward
To present oneself
count on
cut down on
cut out
Has the owner of the winning lotto
ticket come forward?
You can count on me to keep your
To rely or depend on (for help)
secret.
I’ve decided to cut down on the
To reduce in number or size
amount of sweets I eat.
1. To remove using
1. She cut out a coupon from the
scissors
newspaper.
2. To stop doing
2. You need to cut out all red meat
something
from your diet.
Phrasal Verb
deal with
die down
do without
drag on
draw up
dress up
drop in
drop off
drop out
ease off
end in
Meaning
To handle, take care of
(problem, situation)
Example
Catherine is not good at dealing with
stress.
After the storm died down, we went
To calm down, become less
outside to see the damage it had
strong
caused.
She didn’t get a salary this month, so
To manage without
she’ll have to do without extra treats.
The suspect’s trial dragged on longer
To last longer than expected
than we had expected!
To write (contract, agreement, They drew up a contract and had me
document)
sign it.
Their wedding gave us a chance to
wear elegant clothes
dress up and get out of the house.
To visit, usually on the way
Why don’t you drop in to see us on
somewhere
your way home?
1. I’ll drop off the papers later
1. To deliver someone or
today.
something
2. I often drop off in front of the
2. To fall asleep
TV.
To leave school without
finishing
To reduce, become less
severe or slow down (pain,
traffic, work)
To finish in a certain way;
result in
To finally reach a state, place
or action
Zack dropped out of college and joined
the army.
Traffic usually eases off about 7pm
Her marriage ended in divorce.
If you don’t improve your work habits,
you’ll end up being fired.
His plans to trek through South
fall through
To fail; doesn’t happen
America fell through when he got sick.
He’s trying to figure out how to earn
figure out
To understand, find the answer enough money to go on the trip to
Spain.
To complete (a form/an
Please fill out the enclosed form and
fill out
application)
return it as soon as possible.
To discover or obtain
I’m going to to find out who’s
find out
information
responsible for the power cut.
Tom had difficultty focusing on work
focus on
To concentrate on something
the day before his holiday started.
get along (with) To be on good terms; work well It’s important to get along with your
end up
Phrasal Verb
Meaning
with
get at
To imply
get away
To escape
get by
get in
To manage to cope or to
survive
To enter
get into (+noun) To enter
get off
1. To leave (bus, train,
plane)
2. To remove
Example
team supervisor.
What are you getting at? Do you think
I’m to blame?
I think we should get away for the
weekend.
Students without jobs have a hard time
getting by.
When did you get in last night?
How did you get into your car without
the keys?
1. You should get off the train in
Kings Heath.
2. I can’t get the ink stain off my
shirt.
get on
To board (bus, train, plane)
get on with
(something)
get on (well)
with
(somebody)
To continue to do; make
progress
I’m trying to get on the flight to
Brussels.
After they split up, she had a hard time
getting on with her life.
To have a good relationship
with
He doesnt get on very well with the
other members of the committee.
get out
To leave
get out of
To avoid doing something
get over
get over
To recover from (illness,
disappointment)
To recover from (illness,
disappointment)
get rid of
To eliminate
get together
To meet each other
get up
To rise, leave bed
give in
give up
1. To cease opposition;
yield
2. To To hand in; submit
To stop doing something
He had a hard time getting out of
Newark because of the snow?
Edna’s trying to get out of working the
night shift.
Has she gotten over the flu?
Mary had the chickenpox last week but
she got over it.
Please get rid of that old t-shirt. It’s so
ragged.
Let’s get together for your birthday on
Saturday.
Will you please get up? You’ve got a
class in 20 minutes.
1. We will never give in to the
terrorists’ demands.
2. I’ll give in my paper tomorrow.
Morris gave up drinking 10 years ago.
Phrasal Verb
go through
grow up
hand in
hand out
hang out
hang up
hold on
hurry up
iron out
join in
join up
Meaning
Example
Andy went through a lot of pain after
To experience
his mother died.
To spend one’s childhood;
He’s like Peter Pan. He never really
develop; become an adult
grew up at all.
Please hand in your papers before
To submit (report, homework)
Friday.
Susan volunteered at the shelter
To distribute
where she handed out warm clothes.
To spend time in a particular
Which pub does the team hang out at
place or with a group of friends after the game?
If you hang up now, I’ll never speak to
To end a phone conversation
you again.
1. Please hold on and a
representative will answer your
1. To wait
call.
2. To grip tightly
2. She was so scared on the
rollercoaster ride that she held
on for dear life.
Hurry up and finish your lunch or we’ll
miss the train.
The two countries met at the
To resolve by discussion,
conference to iron out their
eliminate differences
differences.
Yes David, you can join in the
To participate
discussion any time you like.
1. There was a war on, so some
1. To engage in, become a
kids were only sixteen when
member of
they joined up.
2. To meet and unite with
2. Let’s separate now and join up
later at the restaurant.
To be quick, act speedily
keep on
To continue doing something
keep up with
To stay at the same level as
someone or something
kick off
To begin, start
leave out
To omit, not mention
let down
To disappoint
If you keep on making that noise I will
get annoyed.
I read the paper every day to keep up
with the news.
The rugby match kicked off at 3
o’clock.
Please check your form again and
make sure nothing is left out.
I feel so let down because they
promised me a puppy but all I got was
Phrasal Verb
look after
look down on
look on
look for
look forward to
look up to
make fun of
make up
mix up
move in
move out
nod off
own up
pass away
pass out
pay back
put off
put on
put out
put up
Meaning
Example
a doll.
Andy can you look after your sister
To take care of
until I get back?
She’s such a snob. She always looks
To consider as inferior
down on anyone who is poor.
If you don’t want to take part in the
To be a spectator at an event
game you can look on for now.
Harry went to the shop to look for a
To try to find something
new computer.
To await or anticipate with
I’m looking forward to my birthday. It’s
pleasure
in two days time.
I always looked up to my father. He
To admire
was a great man.
It’s not nice to make fun of people in
To laugh at/ make jokes about
wheelchairs.
That’s a good excuse. Did you make
To invent (excuse, story)
up it up yourself?
To mistake one thing or person She had so many cats that she kept
for another
mixing up their names.
To arrive in a new home or
Did you hear? Our new neighbors are
office
moving in this afternoon.
To leave your home/office for When are you moving out? We need
another one.
your office for the new guy.
You were so tired after the game that
To fall asleep
you nodded off on the couch.
Come on. Own up. We know you did
To admit or confess something
it!
Your grandfather passed away
To die
peacefully in his sleep last night.
He didn’t drink enough water so he
To faint
passed out at the end of the race.
I’ll pay you back as soon as I get the
To reimburse
loan.
To postpone, arrange a later
Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you
date
can do today.
It’s very dark in here. Please put on
To turn on, switch on
the light on.
The fire fighters were able to put out
To extinguish
fire in ten minutes.
To accommodate, give
I can put you up until the weekend but
somebody a bed
then I’m going away.
Phrasal Verb
pick up
point out
rely on
rule out
run away
run into
run out of
set off
set up
shop around
show off
show up
Meaning
Example
I’ll pick you up at around 7:00 to take
To collect somebody
you to the airport.
To indicate/direct attention to As I already pointed out, there was a
something
mistake in your calculation.
You can rely on me. I always arrive on
To count on, depend on, trust
time.
Since he had a sound alibi, the police
To eliminate
ruled him out as a suspect.
To escape from a place or
He ran away from home and joined the
suddenly leave
circus.
To meet by accident or
I’m so glad I ran into you. I need to ask
unexpectedly (also: bump into) you something.
We’ve run out of milk. I’ll just pop next
To have no more of something.
door to borrow some.
Let’s set off early to miss the rush hour
To start a journey;
traffic.
They set up their own company when
To start a business
they were still in high school.
Don’t buy that. Let’s shop around and
To compare prices
see if we can find something cheaper.
He’s such a show off. He has to tell
To brag or want to be admired
everybody about his new computer.
I don’t think she’ll show up tonight. Her
To appear/arrive
daughter is sick.
shut up
(impolite)
To be silent, stop talking
sit down
To take a seat
stand up
stick up for
take after
take care of
take off
take on
take out
Shut up, you’re spoiling the movie!
I think you should sit down. It’s bad
news.
The whole stadium stood up for the
To rise from a sitting position
national anthem.
My big brother always stuck up for me
To defend
when I got into a fight.
To resemble, in appearance or Angie really takes after her
character
grandmother.
Please take care of my cat when I’m
To look after
away.
The plane will take off as soon as the
To leave the ground
fog lifts.
I hear they’re taking on extra staff for
To hire or engage staff
this event.
To remove; extract
Please take out your mobile phones
Phrasal Verb
tell off
think over
try on
turn down
use up
watch out
wear out
Meaning
Example
and turn them off.
The coach told her off for not trying
To reprimand/criticize severely
hard enough.
Take your time and think it over before
To consider
you decide.
To wear something to see if it
Go ahead, try it on and see if it fits?
suits or fits
I asked her out but she turned me
To refuse
down flat.
To finish a product (so that
Your parents used up all the coffee!
there’s none left)
To be careful
Watch out! There’s a dog in the road.
1. Julie wore out her shoes
1. To become unusable
running the marathons.
2. To become very tired
2. Julie was worn out after all that
running.
1. To do physical exercise
2. To find a solution or
calculate something
work out
wipe off
To clean (board, table).
1. You should work out twice a
week at the gym.
2. Can you work this out? I’m no
good at math.
I’ll wash up if you wipe off the table.
MODAL VERBS
These words are modal verbs.
can
would
could
must
may
shall
might
should
will
ought to
The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should. They are used with
other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility, and so on. Below is a list showing
the most useful modals and their most common meanings:
Modal
Meaning
Example
can
to express ability
I can speak a little Russian.
can
to request permission
Can I open the window?
may
to express possibility
I may be home late.
may
to request permission
May I sit down, please?
must
to express obligation
I must go now.
must
to express strong belief
She must be over 90 years old.
should
to give advice
You should stop smoking.
would
to request or offer
Would you like a cup of tea?
would
in if-sentences
If I were you, I would say sorry.
Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form (spelling) and they
have no infinitive or participle (past/present). The modals must and can need substitute
verbs to express obligation or ability in the different tenses. Here are some examples:
Past simple
Sorry I'm late. I had to finish my math test.
Present perfect
She's had to return to Korea at short notice.
Future
You'll have to work hard if you want to pass the exams.
Infinitive
I don't want to have to go.
Past simple
I couldn't/wasn't able to walk until I was 3 years old.
Present perfect I haven't been able to solve this problem. Can you help?
Future
I'm not sure if I will be able to come to your party.
Infinitive
I would love to be able to play the piano.



It's snowing, so it must be very cold outside.
I don't know where John is. He could have missed the train.
This bill can't be right. £200 for two cups of coffee!



She can speak six languages.
My grandfather could play golf very well.
I can't drive.



Children must do their homework.
We have to wear a uniform at work.
You should stop smoking.



Could I leave early today, please?
You may not use the car tonight.
Can we swim in the lake?


When I lived in Italy, we would often eat in the restaurant next to my flat.
John will always be late!
Exercise
1. There are plenty of tomatoes in the fridge. You needn't buy any.
2. It's a hospital. You mustn't smoke.
3. He had been working for more than 11 hours. He must be tired after such hard
work. He may prefer to get some rest.
4. I could speak Arabic fluently when I was a child and we lived in Morocco. But
after we moved back to Canada, I had very little exposure to the language and
forgot almost everything I knew as a child. Now, I can just say a few things in the
language.
5. The teacher said we can read this book for our own pleasure as it is optional. But
we can read it if we don't want to.
6. Can you stand on your head for more than a minute? No, I can't.
7. If you want to learn to speak English fluently, you need to work hard. .
8. Take an umbrella. It might rain later.
9. You shouldn't leave small objects lying around. Such objects may be swallowed
by children.
10. People mustn't walk on grass.
11. Drivers must stop when the traffic lights are red.
12. May I ask a question? Yes, of course.
13. You needn't take your umbrella. It is not raining.
14. Can you speak Italian? No, I can't.
Fill in the blanks with suitable modals
1. __________ order a taxi for you?
2. The car broke down and we __________ have it towed to a garage.
3. I'm sorry to __________ tell you this but you leave me no alternative.
4. The house had just been decorated so we __________ do anything before
moving in.
5. I realize how difficult the situation is, but you __________ Iet it get you down.
6. You __________ see a doctor if you're still feeling ill tomorrow.
7. He talks about walking to the moon, he __________ be crazy.
8. You __________ be my mother, she would never say such a thing in a million
years.
9. The main road was under repair but luckily we __________ find an alternative
route.
10. We expect to __________ move into our new house at the end of the month.
11. His eyesight __________ be poor. He wears glasses all the time.
12. I'm not sure but you __________ find him in his office during the week.
13. You __________ reveal my secrets to everyone, do you?
14. Despite the heavy rain, the footballers __________ play an excellent game.
15. I __________ stop for a while. My feet are killing me.
16. According to the brochure, the facilities __________ be superb but in fact they
were dreadful.
17. Whenever the dog wants to go out, I __________ get up and open the door.
18. When I am 18, I'll be of age. Then I __________ Iive at home if I don't want to.
19. Philip suggests that the money __________ be raised by public subscription.
20 When my grandfather was younger he __________ go for fishing a lot but now
he doesn't.
CONNECTIVES
A conjunction is a word that links workds, phrases, or clauses. There are three
types of conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions, Correlative conjunctions and
Subordination conjunctions.
Coordinating conjunction
Coordinating conjunctions always join similar elements: Example: ‘subject +
subject’, ‘verb phrase + verb phrase’, ‘sentence + sentence’. When a coordinating
conjunction is used to join elements, the element becomes a compound element.
We use a comma before the conjunction when using a conjunction to join two
sentences.
Coordinating Conjunctions are : for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Example:
We have tickets for the movie and the drama.
The maths test is on Tuesday, but the English test is on Wednesday.
Have you seen or heard Britney’s latest album?
Correlative conjunction
Correlative conjunctions connect sentence elements of the same kind; but they are
always used in pairs. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest
to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.
Correlative Conjunctions are: both….and, not only….but also, either…or,
neither…nor, whether….or.
Example:
Both my sister and my brother pay my education fees.
Tonight’s program is either Mozart or Beethoven.
Neither the engineers nor the technologists were able to find a solution for the
problem.
Subordinating conjunction
Subordinating conjunctions, the largest class of conjunctions, connect subordinate
clauses to a main clause. They can be classified according to their use in regard to
time, cause and effect, opposition, or condition.
Time
After
Before
When
While
Since
until
Example:
Cause and Effect
Because
Since
Now that
As
In order that
so
Opposition
Although
Though
Even though
Whereas
while
Condition
If
Unless
Only if
Whether or not
Even if
In case
We are going out to buy some books after we finish taking the test.
While I was waiting for my friend at railway station, I ate my lunch.
I love burger because it is delicious.
Though she is not rich, she behaves like one.
Fill in the blanks with logical or sequence order
There is no more food left. ______ there is plenty of drinks.
The Interact Club has done well to help the poor. ______ the Welfare Club has done
well too.
The documents will be scrutinized by the police. _____ they will be sent back to the
relevant authority.
The retailer has been making losses. _____ he intends to wind up his business.
Wash the potatoes first. ______ You can boil them.
We have been trying to contact Michael for the past few days. ______ we managed to
trace him to a hotel in town.
Life in the country may not be as exciting as life in the city. _____ you are close to
nature which provides peace and quietness.
The dog will bark without fail every time the ice-cream man passes by. ______ it will
start howling.
Let us not be complacent with ourselves. ______ we may lose out in the final round.
________ the line was long and the wait over two hours, the exhibition was well worth it.
____ of rain I stayed at home.
____ the use of loud horns and blaring loud speakers, ear drums get damaged.
He used a dipstick in order to check the oil on the engine.
COLLOCATION
A collocation is two or more words that often go together. These combinations just
sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand,
other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong". Look at these examples:
natural English unnatural English...
the fast train the quick train
fast food
quick food
a quick shower a fast shower
a quick meal a fast meal
1. I can take this credit card everywhere because it is widely accepted.
2. When you travel to this country, make sure you are fully insured.
3. The computer is temporarily out of order. It'll be soon repaired.
4. Smoking is strictly forbidden in this area!
5. Before you send your letter, check first that the envelope is correctly addressed.
6. He was known to be easily offended so I always had to deal tactfully with him.
7. I'm sure their mismanagement will eventually cause a recession.
8. Her hotel was conveniently located near the main shopping district...
9. You should try this awesome dessert: it tastes absolutely delicious !
10. It is important that the athletes be actively encouraged by their coach.
Fill in the blanks using appropriate verbs that would complete the collocation.
1. If you park there, you will have to ………………………….. a fine.
a) pay
b) take
c) have
2. He …………………………… no attention to my requests.
a) paid
b) took
c) had
3. I ……………………….. a cough to catch her attention.
a) gave
b) paid
c) took
4. Although the doctors tried hard, they couldn’t ………………………….. his life.
a) save
b) bring
c) take
5. Abbreviations ………………………… space and hence they are very common in
newspaper headlines.
a) catch
b) save
c) take
6. Do you ……………………….. a diary?
a) keep
b) have
b) save
7. Few people can …………………………. a secret.
a) keep
b) save
c) have
8. He still ……………………………. in touch with most of his old school mates.
a) keeps
b) saves
c) take
9. I asked her what her problem was but she ……………………………….. quiet.
a) kept
b) took
c) saved
10. They ………………………….. close to hitting each other.
a) came
b) took
c) brought
Answers
1. If you park there, you will have to pay a fine.
2. He paid no attention to my requests.
3. I gave a cough to catch her attention.
4. Although the doctors tried hard, they couldn’t save his life.
5. Abbreviations save space and hence they are very common in newspaper headlines.
6. Do you keep a diary?
7. Few people can keep a secret.
8. He still keeps in touch with most of his old school mates.
9. I asked her what her problem was but she kept quiet.
10. They came close to hitting each other.
EMOTICONS
An emotion icon, better known by the portmanteau emoticon is a metacommunicative
pictorial representation of a facial expression which in the absence of body language
and prosody serves to draw a receiver's attention to the tenor or temper of a sender's
nominal verbal communication, changing and improving its interpretation. It expresses
— usually by means of punctuation marks (though it can include numbers and letters)
— a person's feelings or mood, though as emoticons have become more popular, some
devices have provided stylized pictures that do not use punctuation.
In Western countries, emoticons are usually written at a right angle to the direction of
the text. Users from Japan popularized a kind of emoticons called kaomojis often
confused with emojis in the West) that can be understood without tilting one's head to
the left. This style arose on ASCII NET of Japan in 1986.
As social media has become widespread, emoticons have played a significant role in
communication through technology. They offer another range of "tone" and feeling
through texting that portrays specific emotions through facial gestures while in the midst
of text-based cyber communication.
Examples and Observations:
:-( (sadness)
</3 (a broken heart)
:@ (anger)
>:O (surprise)

SMS
SMS & Mobile Phone Classroom Activities
It was important to start with the glossary exercise first. This ensures that those
students who may not be as “savvy” as their peers have an overview of the language.
Produce an SMS glossary -- Brainstorms squeeze text words and discuss the
meanings.
Ask student to list these words in alphabetical order and provide definitions in Standard
English
Using the SMS Glossaries
See the SMS glossaries for further examples of SMS language. However, one word of
warning: often phone community groups share squeeze text language that is inclusive
to their group. Factors such as regional culture, peer group affiliation, media a
preference such as music, television shows etc can affect language. Texting is very
much a way to keep in touch with peers and feel a member of a group therefore texting
styles can form part of ‘in group’ behaviour. Squeeze text by its very nature is inventive
and open to change. Don’t assume that because it is in the SMS glossary that all
students will recognise, understand and use the sign. However be prepared for your
students to add new signs to the list.
Explore Phonics, Grammar and Spelling Rules
Phonics is used frequently in squeeze text as a spelling strategy.
What is “phonics” ? (the word phone is related to this word- it’s about hearing/sounds)
Create awareness of sounds and how phonics are applied to squeeze text spelling.
How do we write phonetically
Keyboard = keybord keebord
Become+bcum
Good+gud
When+ wen
With+wit
Been+bin
Better+beta
Like+lyk
1. CU
2. SRY
3. LOL
4. THX
5. ASL
6. W@?!
7. BRB
8. TTYL
-----
See You
------ SoRrY
----- Laughing Out Loud
---Thanks
----- Age Sex Location?
---- What?!
----- Be Right Back
----Talk To You Later
9. XXs & OOs
------- Kisses and hugs
10. CYA
-------- See You Around
PURPOSE EXPRESSIONS
Purpose with to, in order to and so as to
Use to , so as to, and in order to to express purpose in the affirmative form.
Examples:



He is looking for a part time job to save some pocket money.
She wakes up early in order to be on time to work.
They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of his wife.
Use so as not to and in order not to to express purpose in the negative form.
Examples:



They woke up early in order not to be late.
She exercises regularly so as not to get fat.
He helped the new policewoman so as not to fail in her first mission.
Purpose with so that
You can also express purpose with so that. In this case you generally need to use a
modal.
Examples:



He turned down the music so that he wouldn't disturb the neighbors.
He got a visa so that he can travel to the USA.
He decided to stay in England for a while so that he could practice his English.
Purpose with for
Purpose can be also expressed by using for. For may be followed by a noun or a verb +
ing.
Examples:


I stopped there for a chat.
This mop is for cleaning the floor.
Make sentences expressing purpose using the hints given below.
1. Aerial: An aerial is used for receiving broad-cast signals.
2. Litmus paper: As litmus paper is used to identify acids and alkalis.
3. Carbon Paper: A carbon paper is used to make duplicate copies.
4. Robots: Robots are used to do heavy and dangerous jobs.
5. Catalyst: A catalyst is used to speed up a chemical process.
6. Sensors: Sensors used to detect the movements and control the display.
7. Satellite: A satellite is used to collect information for communication.
8. Telescope: A telescope is used to view stars and other celestial bodies.
9. Moderator: A moderator is used to slow down the speed of free neutrons.
10. Washing Machine: A washing machine is used to wash clothes.
SAME WORDS AS DIFFERENT PARTS OF SPEECH
Some words can be used both as noun and verb. While using the word as noun, the
stress is usually on the first syllable. On the other hand when the word is used as the
verb, the stress in on the second syllable.
Example:
Control : I have control over my children. (noun)
I control myself in the meeting. (verb)
Face : Face is the index of the mind. (noun)
The child was scared to face the stranger. (verb)
Write two sentences using the words to bring out their difference in meaning
when they are used as noun and as a verb.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Subject
Decrease
Message
Supply
Attack
Transfer
Service
Show
Use
10. Exhibit
11. Act
12. Address
13. Admit
14. Aim
15. Answer
16. Approach
17. Book
18. Coat
19. Contact
20. Convict
21. Delight
22. Fan
23. Finish
24. Fire
25. Glow
26. Handle
27. Look
28. Like
29. Joke
30. lift
CAUSE AND EFFECT
The causal relation between two actions can be shown by using connectives like
because, since, as, therefore, consequently, as a result, due to, owing to, etc.
Points to remember:
1. The connectives ‘because, as, since’ show the cause of an action. ‘Because’ is
generally used in the middle of the sentence. ‘As and since’ are used usually I
the beginning of the sentence.
2. The words ‘therefore, consequently, as a result’ show the result or effect of an
action. These words usually occur in the middle of the sentences.
Examples:
He was speaking slowly. It was difficult to hear.
Because he was speaking slowly, it was difficult to hear.
There was heavy rain. The match was cancelled.
As there was heavy rain, the match was cancelled.
Combine the following to express cause and effect relationship.
1. He did not write the exams well. He did not pass.
2. The air filter gets clogged with dirt. It must be cleaned regularly.
3. I reached the station early. I boarded the train.
4. The operation is successful. The patient is alive.
5. She lost control of herself. She was very angry.
6. The temperatures are high. Special alloys are used.
7. The country has abundant natural resources. It can support itself.
8. It was very cold. He stayed in bed the whole morning.
9. The machine was tested. It was installed.
10. The temperature increases. The volume of the gas increases.
Edit the following passage:
English language is the most heterogeneous language in the world. The language
has been enriched by foreign influences which is one of the reasons for its wide
acclamation. On the other hand, this flexibility of the language resulted in irregularity
in spelling changes. Some of the common difficulties in spelling are given below.
Spelling
Ie and ei
The rhyme ‘I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’ helps to avoid confusion in the usage of ‘ie’
and ‘ei’.
Receipt
belief
Conceit
chief
Deceive
grief
Doubling
Words ending in a consonant are doubled at the end to form present and past
participles, comparatives and superlative forms.
Plan
planning
Drop
dropped
Thin
thinner
Fat
fattest
Punctuation
Punctuation is necessary in written communication to convey the meaning of the
writer clearly without any ambiguity. Some of the most commonly used punctuation
marks and their usage are as follows:
Period (.)
Use a period at the end of a complete sentence that is a statement.
Example: I know him well.
Question mark (?)
The punctuation rules for question marks are very simple. In fact, there is really only one
rule!
These end interrogative sentences. This kind of sentence asks a question. Any time you ask
a question, end the sentence with a question mark.
Example: Should I use a question mark on this sentence? (Yes!)
Exclammation mark (!)
Use these at the end of exclamatory sentences (sentences that show emotion).
Example: We won the game!
Comma (,)
Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven
coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. 2. Use commas after introductory
a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause.
Example: My teacher can speak Tamil, Telugu, French, German and English.
Semicolon (;)
Use these to separate two complete sentences that are closely related.
Example: I went to the play; my cousin was the main actor.
Colon (:)
Use these to separate two complete sentences that are closely related.
Example: I went to the play; my cousin was the main actor.
Quotation mark (“”)
Whenever you quote someone's exact speech, you must use quotation marks.
Example: The police officer said, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to work," I replied.
Use quotation marks to show the titles of magazine articles, chapters, short stories,
essays, poems, and songs.
Example: "Columbus" is a great poem.
Our homework tonight is to read Chapter 6, "The Lovely Rose Garden."
Sydney sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at the football game.
Parenthesis [( )]
The parenthetical material might be a single word, a fragment, or multiple complete
sentences. Whatever the material inside the parentheses, it must not be grammatically
integral to the surrounding sentence. If it is, the sentence must be recast.
Example: Dr. Abdul Kalam (b.1931) is called ‘India’s Missile Man’.
Apostrophe (’)
When you want to make something possessive (to show ownership), use an
apostrophe.
Example:This is Mark's cat. (The cat belongs to Mark.)
That is the television's remote control. (The remote control belongs to the
television.)
Don't ever go into the teachers' lounge. (The lounge belongs to the teachers.)
* Tip: Don't use apostrophes in pronouns that already show possession. (whose,
his, hers…)
Hyphen (-)
The hyphen (‐) is a punctuation mark used to join words and to separate syllables of a
single word. The use of hyphens is called hyphenation. The hyphen should not be
confused with dashes (‒, –, —, ―), which are longer and have different uses, or with the
minus sign (−), which is also longer in some contexts.
Example: Eighty-seven students
Capitalization
Capitalization is the writing of a word with its first letter in uppercase and the remaining
letters in lowercase. Experienced writers are stingy with capitals.
Example: Noise pollution is a serious problem.
Example
The follow ing passage contains 10 mistakes, such as
grammatical errors, w rong prepositions and conjunctions.
Correct the mistakes and rew rite the correct version of this
passage.
On cold, wet morning, my class was filled with excitement. Someone (1) have discover
that the next day was our teacher's birthday. Our teacher was the kindest person that
ever (2) exist. Thus it (3) is no surprise she was the favourite teacher (4) to the pupils.
Everyone (5) want to get her a present. I, very much wanted to (6) shown any
appreciation too. That afternoon, I (7) spends the whole afternoon (8) shop for a
present. After a long search, I finally made (9) on my mind. The next day I (10) gived
her a bouquet of beautiful roses and she exclaimed with pleasure.
On cold, wet morning, my class was filled with excitement. Someone had discovered
that the next day was our teacher's birthday. Our teacher was the kindest person that
ever existed. Thus it was no surprise she was the favourite teacher with the pupils.
Everyone wanted to get her a present. I, very much wanted to show any appreciation
too. That afternoon, I spent the whole afternoon shopping for a present. After a long
search, I finally made up my mind. The next day I gave her a bouquet of beautiful roses
and she exclaimed with pleasure.
Exercise:
Use appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
1. We had a great time in France the kids really enjoyed it
2. Some people work best in the mornings others do better in the evenings
3. What are you doing next weekend
4. Mother had to go into hospital she had heart problems
5. Did you understand why I was upset
6. It is a fine idea let us hope that it is going to work
7. We will be arriving on Monday morning at least I think so
8. A textbook can be a wall between teacher and class
9. The girls father sat in a corner
10. In the words of Murphys Law Anything that can go wrong will go wrong
Answers
1. We had a great time in France – the kids really enjoyed it.
2. Some people work best in the mornings; others do better in the evenings.
3. What are you doing next weekend?
4. Mother had to go into hospital: she had heart problems.
5. Did you understand why I was upset?
6. It is a fine idea; let us hope that it is going to work.
7. We will be arriving on Monday morning – at least, I think so.
8. A textbook can be a ‘wall’ between teacher and class.
9. The girl’s father sat in a corner.
10. In the words of Murphy’s Law: ‘Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.’
Put appropriate punctuation marks in the following sentences.
1. A grandparents job is easier than a parents
2. It looks as if the sun goes around the earth but of course the earth really goes round
the sun
3. He neither smiled spoke nor looked at me
4. Long ago in a distant country there lived a beautiful princess
5. It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday not my father.
6. Ruth was invited to the party but she was ill so Jane went instead of her
7. Sorry to disturb you could I speak to you for a moment
8. Is it any use expecting them to be on time
9. Johns going to sleep during the wedding was rather embarrassing
10. Having lost all my money I went home
Answers
1. A grandparent’s job is easier than a parent’s.
2. It looks as if the sun goes around the earth, but of course the earth really goes round
the sun.
3. He neither smiled, spoke, nor looked at me.
4. Long ago, in a distant country, there lived a beautiful princess.
5. It was my aunt who took Peter to London yesterday, not my father.
6. Ruth was invited to the party, but she was ill, so Jane went instead of her.
7. Sorry to disturb you – could I speak to you for a moment?
8. Is it any use expecting them to be on time?
9. John’s going to sleep during the wedding was rather embarrassing.
10. Having lost all my money, I went home
Edit the following passages
Science fiction are one of the most popular form of literature it command a very
wich reading public many writer of the word are trying to produse it
Without bambos the villagas cannot survive says M.N. Buch farmer forest seceretary
of Madhya Pradesh the blooming bamboo of bastar yield 3000 to 4000 quintais of
rare seed
In 1895 the oil rich countrees came to realise that if they acts together there oil
deposits could be a source of great power and wealth and their action of increase
the price of oil immedietely afterwards, almost hold the developed countries to
ransom.
PART B
CHECK LIST
The purpose of a checklist is to ensure that everything is properly done before any
important activity. The checklist is prepared for personal usage before on embarks on
some significant work or it is prepared in establishments before launching on a
project/work. In writing the checklist, interrogative form is used. After each question,
‘yes’ or ‘No’ boxes should be given – the chief objective is to make sure whether the
particular activity has been accomplished or not. Begin the questions with the auxiliaries
such as ‘Is’, ‘Are’, ‘Do’, ‘Does’, ‘Has’, and ‘Have’,. This should be followed by the
subject.
For e.g:
Have I taken the entire document?
( aux.v) (sub)
1. Your family is about to leave for Ooty on a two-week holiday. Your father
has asked you to prepare a checklist of things to be done before you leave
the house. Prepare an eight- item checklist to give to your father.
Remember to give a title to your checklist.
2. Imagine that you have to go New Delhi to appear for an interview. Make
an eight- item checklist with a proper title for your reference.
3. Prepare a checklist that consists of ten items to be checked before you
leave your house for a long tour.
4. Prepare a checklist before appearing for the University Examinations.
5. Prepare a checklist for applying education loan.
6. Prepare a checklist for applying for a passport.
7. Prepare a checklist for going abroad for higher education.
RECOMENDATIONS:
A recommendation is a suggestion that something is good or suitable for a particular
job. When recommending, we advice someone telling what the best thing to do is. We
make use of set of phrases like ‘it is recommended, it is necessary, the best thing would
be, it is suggested, it would be better, it is essential, it is advised etc.
1. Write a set of eight important recommendations to a group of students from
Europe who has come to spend their one month’s vacation in India. The
suggestions may be on the lines of food, travel, transport, climatic conditions etc.
to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Write a set of eight important recommendations to keep the city of Chennai clean
and green.
3. Write a set of eight important recommendations to maintain your computer in
good working condition.
4. Write a set of eight important recommendations to preserve underground water
resources.
5. Write a set of eight important recommendations to be adopted for maintaining
your two-wheeler in perfect condition.
6. Write a set of eight important recommendations for improving health services in
Government hospitals.
7. Write a set of ten recommendations to your fellow mates not to indulge in ragging
8. Write a set of Eight recommendations to overcome the ENERGY CRISIS in India
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Instructions should be in the form of imperative sentences i.e starting with main
verb or action verb. Example: Avoid using cell phones while driving.
2. Write 10 to 12 instructions.
3. Give a suitable title.
Example:
Write a set of eight instructions to be followed by a student while writing an
examination.
Instructions for examination
1. Wear the identity card before entering the examination hall.
2. Don’t forget the hall ticket while going for exams.
3. Be punctual and try to be 30 minutes before the commencement of the
examination.
4. Take all the required stationery items for the exams.
5. Write the register number and other particulars in the answer booklet.
6. Don’t scribble in the hall ticket and as well on the question paper.
7. Avoid involving in mal practice.
8. Plan your time properly to complete your answers.
Exercises:
1. Write a set of eight instructions that are to be followed by the studends in college
library.
2. Write a set of eight important instructions that you would like to give a foreigner
who wants to visit Chennai. Give your instructions related to food, stay, and
travel. Etc.,
3. Write a set of eight important instructions that are to be followed by the lab
assistants while handling sophisticated equipment.
4. Write a set of eight important instructions that are to be followed while
constructing a shamiana.
5. Write a set of eight important instructions that you will give to a friend who is
traveling at night.
6. Write a set of eight important instructions to ensure safety in nuclear plant.
7. Write a set of eight important instructions to prevent our environment.
8. Write a set of eight important safety instructions to be followed in the chemistry
laboratory while doing experiments.
9. Write a set of eight important instructions that can be followed by the public to
preserve the environment and keep it free from pollution. (air, water and land).
10. Write a set of eight instructions that people could follow to keep the College
Campus clean.
11. Write a set of eight important instructions that will help to control noise pollution
in cities.
12. Write a set of eight important instructions to be followed in a Chlorine plant.
13. Write a set of eight important instructions to protect the ozone layer.
14. Write a set of eight important instructions for maintaining houses in good
condition.
15. Write instructions to impose strict punishment on poachers and illicit users of
forest wealth.
LETTER WRITING
Of all forms of written communication, letters play a very important role. Even
today, with the modern inventions that have made correspondence quick and
convenient, letters occupy a vital place. Letters are a means of contact between the
writer and he reader and have a certain level of intimacy. Letters bear the impression of
one’s character and personality.
Letters can be broadly classified into informal and formal.
Business Letters
A business letter is more formal than a personal letter. It should have a margin of at
least one inch on all four edges. It is always written on 8½"x11" (or metric equivalent)
unlined stationery. There are six parts to a business letter.
1. The Heading. This contains the return address (usually two or three lines) with the
date on the last line.
Sometimes it may be necessary to include a line after the address and before the date
for a phone number, fax number, E-mail address, or something similar.
Often a line is skipped between the address and date. That should always be done if
the heading is next to the left margin. It is not necessary to type the return address if
you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted. Always include the
date.
2. The Inside Address. This is the address you are sending your letter to. Make it as
complete as possible. Include titles and names if you know them.
This is always on the left margin. If an 8½" x 11" paper is folded in thirds to fit in a
standard 9" business envelope, the inside address can appear through the window in
the envelope.
An inside address also helps the recipient route the letter properly and can help should
the envelope be damaged and the address become unreadable.
Skip a line after the heading before the inside address. Skip another line after the inside
address before the greeting.
3. The Greeting. Also called the salutation. The greeting in a business letter is always
formal. It normally begins with the word "Dear" and always includes the person's last
name.
The greeting in a business letter always ends in a colon. (You know you are in trouble if
you get a letter from a boyfriend or girlfriend and the greeting ends in a colon--it is not
going to be friendly.)
4. The Body. The body is written as text. A business letter is never hand written.
Depending on the letter style you choose, paragraphs may be indented. Regardless of
format, skip a line between paragraphs.
Skip a line between the greeting and the body. Skip a line between the body and the
close.
5. The Complimentary Close. This short, polite closing ends with a comma. It is either
at the left margin or its left edge is in the center, depending on the Business Letter Style
that you use. It begins at the same column the heading does.
The block style is becoming more widely used because there is no indenting to bother
with in the whole letter.
6. The Signature Line. Skip two lines (unless you have unusually wide or narrow lines)
and type out the name to be signed. This customarily includes a middle initial, but does
not have to. Women may indicate how they wish to be addressed by placing Miss,
Mrs., Ms. or similar title in parentheses before their name.
The signature line may include a second line for a title, if appropriate. The term "By
direction" in the second line means that a superior is authorizing the signer.
The signature should start directly above the first letter of the signature line in the space
between the close and the signature line. Use blue or black ink.
Exercise
1. Your father has bought a personal computer but he is not sure how useful
it would be for him at home. Write a letter to him telling him how best and
useful it can be in his daily life.
2. Imagine that you have paid your semester fees to your college. To your
surprise you find that your name has been omitted from the roll. Write a
letter to your principal explaining the problem and giving the details of your
payment to the college.
3. Write a letter your friend thanking him for arranging birthday party.
4. Write a letter to a friend inviting him to attend a festival organized in your
college.
5. Write a letter to your friend reviewing a film you watched recently.
6. Your friend has got first rank in the University examination held recently.
Write a letter congratulating him on winning the gold medal.
JOB APPLICATION AND RESUME
A letter of application should have a cover letter followed by the resume. These two
form a package because this letter has a number of purposes.
A cover letter allows you to sell yourself by pointing out key features of your curriculum
vitae.
It gives you the opportunity to include material that is not in the CV.
It shows the prospective employer that you know how to communicate effectively.
Certain Don’ts
No punctuation is necessary in the layout.
No need to indent the address.
Avoid using the passive form. Use the personal pronoun (I).
Avoid jargon wherever possible.
Don’t let your feelings get the better of you.
Be clear and to the point, but don’t be too blunt.
Yours faithfully (Not your’s faithfully)
Exercise:
1. Read the following advertisement published in “The Hindu” dated 29.3.2004 and
write a letter of application.
Hyundai a 50 crorre plus company, the leader in the automobile industry requires
the following personnel:
Deputy Manager, Design and Development
Requirements: B. E/ B. Tech. graduates with 10 to 12 years of experience in
industry
Apply to:
Human Resources Department
‘HYUNDAI’ Auto Limited
14, West Bank Street
M.M. Nagar
Chengalpattu District.
2. Write a letter to the HRD Manager of Karur Vysya Bank, Anna Salai, Chennai600 017, applying for the post of system Manager. Add a separate resume to
your covering letter.
3. Read the following advertisement. Write a job application letter with a resume.
Assume suitable address and qualifications.
PMR Software Technology Pvt., Ltd.,
Anna Nagar,
Chennai- 600 040
Phone : 4350042\458998
Career Opportunities for Engineers/ Software Engineers
We are a fast growing company in the field of Software. We require qualified Engineers
/ Software Engineers in the following areas: System Administration
 Web Server Administration
 C++,VC++, VB, CAD
 JAVA services, JAVA Swing etc.,
Required Qualifications:-
 B.E/B. Tech with at least 70% marks
 3 years real time work experience preferred
 Excellent Communication Skills
4. Draft a job application letter with CV responding to the following advertisement.
Wanted
: Technical Support Executives
Qualification
: Any degree in Engineering with proficiency in English and
good interpersonal skills.
Mail to
: The Personnel Manager
Tamsung Solutions International,
38, O.M. Road, Chennai-600 096
5. Write a letter of application for the post of Team Leader to ‘The Human
Resource Manager’ Mayday Motors Ltd., 327, G.T. Naidu Road, Coimbatore.
Write the details of your qualification and experience within the application letter.
REPORT WRITING
In Engineering, one of the major forms of communication is the technical report. This is
the conventional format for reporting the results of your research, investigations, and
design projects. The ability to produce a clear, concise, and professionally presented
report is therefore a skill you need to develop to order to succeed both at university and
in your future career. While reports vary in the type of information they present (for
example, original research, the results of an investigative study, or the solution to a
design problem), all share similar features and are based on a similar structure.
A report is a description of an event carried back to someone who is not present at the
scene. The person who prepares the report studies the required facts and ideas useful
for certain action and gives recommendations and transmits this information to another
person who wants to use it.
Structure of Reports:
The structure of a report depends on the context and the audience. The usual format
includes the following elements:
Cover letter
List of contents
Summary
Introduction/Title page
Body of the report
Conclusion
Recommendations
Appendices
Bibliography
Exercise
1. Imagine yourself as a class representative and write a report on an industrial
visit to MRF Tyres Limited.
2. Write a report on an Industrial visit to your Professor. (Address.R.A. Reynolds to
Professor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Oasis College of Engineering,
Tirunelveli-9).
3. Your class has recently visited the TVS company, Chennai. Submit a report to
the Head of the Department detailing the visit.
4. Suppose you are a manager of a company. Write a report on the fire accident
that occurred in your company.
5. Write a report on an accident that took place in a leading car manufacturing unit.
6. Imagine that you are the safety engineer of a car manufacturing factory. There
has been a fire accident in the factory and one of the workers has been badly
hurt and is in the hospital. Your General Manager has asked you to send him a
detailed report on the accident together with your recommendations for averting
similar accidents in the future. Prepare a report accordingly.
7. Write a report on a fire accident due to leakage of electric current in a ladies
hostel where two electrical engineering students died. Also give a set of
recommendations for preventing such accidents in future.
8. Write a Feasibility Report on introducing a new scheme for generating
employment to the large number of unemployed engineers in our country for
submission to the Commissioner, Department of Labor, Government of India,
New Delhi.
9. A company is planning to set up a small shoe unit in a small village 20km from
Ranipet. You are asked to prepare a suitable report about the feasibility of
starting the factory. Mention the availability of raw materials and labour in your
area.
10. Write a report to the General Manager of your company on the fire accident that
took place the previous week. Invent necessary details.
11. Write a survey report on a project survey you have conducted to find out the
preferences of youth to use two wheelers as mode of transportation.
12. Imagine that your managing director has asked you to investigate the health and
safety provisions in your organization. Draft a report to your MD with your
suggestions for improvement.
NOTE MAKING
We make notes on various occasions in classes, in lectures, in practicals, in seminars,
in workshops, while reading a text, journal or periodical or when preparing an
assignment, essay, paper, project report or dissertation.
We make notes to keep a record of ideas, concepts and points which are important at
the time and which we expect will be important in the future. Our notes help us
memorize ideas and concepts. Making notes help us re-order and reflect on different
ways of understanding topics.
Roughly speaking, we decide the number of syllables in a word by counting the number
of vowels in it. But it is much more difficult to decide where a syllable begins and ends in
a word that has more than one syllable. We should also bear in mind that the syllable is
a unit of sound, and, therefore, we should look at the phonetic transcription of words
and not their spellings(orthographic representations), when we are trying to divide a
word into constituent syllables or to decide how many syllables there are in a word and
how they are structured. For example, in a word like exact, the spelling does not help in
deciding how we should divide the word into its constituent syllables, because the letter
“x” is actually pronounced as/gz/ and the two syllables in the word are /ig/ and /zaekt/.
The crucial question, therefore, is “What is syllable?”
The syllable, being a unit of sound, can be defined phonetically as well as
phonologically. The phonetic definition will be in terms of how we produce a syllable, ie.,
in terms of what type of sounds make up a syllable.
Example:
1. The internet
The internet is a very vast computer network that stretches right around the
world, made up of hundreds of millions of computers. Data can travel from any
computer on the network to any other computer. The Internet began in the 1960s when
research agencies in the USA built their own communications network. Other
organizations, such as universities, gradually joined. As home computers become
cheaper and more popular in the 1990s, the Internet began expanding rapidly, with
anybody being able to use it via a telephone line. Internet use falls into two main arease- mail and the World Wide Web. With e-mail, it is possible to send a text message (with
other data files, such as photographs, attached if needed) almost instantly to any other
Internet user at their e- mail address. The World Wide Web (The ‘Web’) is huge
information – gathering system. It allows one computer connected to the Internet to ask
for and copy files from another computer. The files are stored in standard form so that
any computer can read them.
2. Nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication occurs when there is transfer of information between
persons without the use of words. 80% of the meaning we derive comes from
nonverbal, not from verbal. Nonverbal message are generally involuntary, instinctive
and less controlled by us than language is. The exceptions are actors/actresses,
politicians, salespersons who make deliberate use of nonverbal to create favorable
impressions or effects. Even we sometimes take care to see our nonverbal match words
we utter because we want to create a particular effect- negative or positive-in the
listener(s). Normally, nonverbal are believed more easily than language. Nonverbal
communication takes place by means of body language, silence, objects in context,
speech aspect and others. Body language refers to the messages we communicate as
part of initiating or responding acts. It confirms, contradicts, complements, substitutes
for verbal messages. Silence can send differing messages. Annoyance, shock, anger,
surprise, terror are some. Objects also convey meanings. If you had a paperweight in
your hand and you were speaking angrily, you couldn’t blame the listener if he moved
away from you. Tone of voice is also used to give messages. When we say”no” with a
falling tone we are responding to a question; when we say it with a rising tone we are
asking a question. “Come here” with a falling tone is a command; with a rising tone it is
an encouraging invitation. Nonverbal are thus key instrument for communicating. They
generally leave a lasting impression which is difficult to erase or improve. So we need to
be careful, especially with strangers, foreigners, superiors and elders.
DIALOGUE WRITING
When conversation takes place between two persons, we call it ‘dialogue’. Dialogue is
an interesting part of our life. The usefulness and the success of a dialogue mainly
depends on the speakers involved in it. Their background, personality, likes and
dislikes, age, experience and various other such factors decide the success of a
dialogue. A dialogue can take place between a teacher and a student, a patient and a
doctor, an actor and an actress, an artist and a director, a passenger and an official, a
father or a mother and the head of an educational instituition, a shopkeeper and
customer, an advocate and a client or a judge, a player and an umpire and so on.
1. Write a dialogue between a father and his son wanting to be admitted in
an Engineering College
2. Write a dialogue between Salesperson and Customer.
3. Write a dialogue between a Bank Manager and a Loan Customer.
4. A dialogue between the Principal and a Student.
5. A dialogue between the Managing Director of Hundai Company and a
Candidate appearing for interview.
6. A dialogue between the ticket collector and a passenger.
7. Write a dialogue between a student and the course counselor on the
prospects of a new course covering the nature of the course, eligibility,
fees, placement opportunities etc. Invent details.
8. Write a dialogue between two students comparing the newspaper and
television as communication media, using criteria like cost, number of
people using the medium, depth of reporting, effort needed by the user of
the medium, etc. Assume details like their name, branch of study,
situation, etc.
9. Write a dialogue between a student and the English teacher about writing
competitive examinations.
10. You have applied from your college for an exchange programme
abroad. You are to appear for a preliminary interview with the
Coordinator of the Exchange Programme. You are one of 25 candidates
of whom only two will be chosen for the exchange programme. Write the
dialogue that happened between you and the Coordinator.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Whenever a formal meeting is held, the proceedings are minuted for documentation.
Unbiased presentation of the minutes in reported speech is a must. Finally, the chair
person endorses it with his signature.
Example:
Suppose you attended a meeting of your college environmental club. Write the minutes
of the meeting. Give details of the date, time, venue, members who attended, topics
discussed and the resolutions adopted in your minutes.
JJR ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
DATE: 15.05.2016
VENUE: SEMINAR HALL
TIME: 10.00 AM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Nirmal Joshua (Faculty)
Mr. Samuel (student)
Mr. Karthickraja (student)
Ms. Usharani (student)
Ms. Savitri (student)
Ms. Renuka (student)
The faculty in-charge Dr. Nirmal Joshua welcomed the members and briefed about the
purpose of the club.
It was decided to have the formal inauguration of the club activities for the academic
year in the month September.
Suggestions were invited from the members regarding the various actitivities to be
taken upon during the academic year.
It was decided to conduct an awareness rally, a painting competition for school children
and planting of saplings.
Mr. Nirmal was asked to coordinate these events with the help of the students.
It was decided to create a website. Mr. Karthick and Mr. Samuel took up the
responsibility.
It was decided to have the next meeting in the following week to discuss the conduct of
inaugural function.
The meeting ended up with a vote of thanks to the chair.
Exercise
1. Imagine that you were present at the meeting between the officer in the
Environment Pollution Authority and the Transport Department Authorities
regarding air pollution. Write the minutes of the discussion.
 Mention the title with date, time and venue.
 Names of the chairperson and those present.
 Important points discussed.
 Action plan recommended.
2. Write the minutes of the meeting conducted for the Anti – ragging
Committee to initiate and keep at bay any kind of mishappening among
the students, Remember to state all the rules and instructions planned
to be practised for the same.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
A Professional needs to write proposals in order to get his research project or new
initiative sanctioned from the higher authorities. The proposal is a persuasive document
that validates the proposed plan. A proposal is a professional document and hence
follows a standard format having the following items:
The first part - Title page, table of contents, executive summary and methodology.
The second part – Statement of the problem and the proposal plan
The third part – Pros and cons and recommendations
Observe the following norms when writing a proposal:




Clearly state the purpose of the proposal.
The language should be formal and free from unnecessary explanations.
Present the tables, graphs, charts and other illustrations only if they are
necessary and in a way that they do not deviate from the main objective.
Follow a logical progression and give the impression to reader that your proposal
should be accepted.
3. Write a proposal for the purchase of new office chairs.
4. You are a final year student planning to do a project on office automation.
Submit a project proposal to your HOD.
5. Write a proposal to the manager, soft tech supports, Bangalore for
carrying out the project in that company.
6. Write a brief project report on completion of a residential building for
tsunami affected people to the Secretary, Department of Housing,
Government of Tamilnadu, Chennai. Give details of the purpose,
background, budget estimate, company hired for construction, the
beneficiaries, time, etc. Use a table or chart wherever necessary.
E MAIL WRITING
Electronic mail, abbreviated e-mail or email is a method of composing, sending, storing
and receiving messages over electronic communication systems. Many believe that
email as an off spring of Internet. But email predates the Internet; existing email
systems were a crucial tool in creating the internet.
Create an email id which involves signing up by filling up and an online registration
form. Once we sign in to access our mail account, we enter the welcome page which
provides with various buttons of hyperlink, inbox, bulk, check, mail, compose etc. The
message can be created either as a plain text or a rich text. Some mail services like
yahoo support online formatting portals which enable you to make your message
attractive with lot of animated images.
E-mail Etiquettes
1. Clearly summarize the contents of your message in the subject line.
Properly titled messages help people organize and prioritize their e-mail.
2. Don’t use the CC (carbon copy) function to copy your message to ever
one.
3. Use BCCs when addressing a message that will go to a large group of
people who don’t necessarily know each other.
4. Keep your messages short and focused.
5. Avoid using all capital letters.
6. Don’t write anything you wouldn’t say in public.
7. Use a smiley to make sure that a statement is not misunderstood.
Exercise
1. Write an e-mail to your friend seeking advice on how to use a Macintosh
Machine.
2. Write an e-mail to your father thanking him for sending you a nice gift on your
birthday.
3. Write an e-mail to your brother on how to use internet.
4. Write an e-mail to your uncle thanking him for sending you a nice laptop.
5. Write an e-mail to your friend about the activities of the NSS of your college in
detail.
REVIEW WRITING
Writing great reviews helps others discover the places that are just right for them.
Writing a review involves summarizing and evaluating a text. Summarizing means
presenting the key ideas and points discussed. Evaluating means analyzing the
strengths and weaknesses of the text.
Structure of a critical Review
Introduction: Brief introduction about the author, title, purpose of the text, summary of
the main arguments and a brief evaluation of the text.
Summary: The theme of the text with main points and a brief explanation of the
objective of the author.
Critique: Balanced discussion and evaluation of the merits, drawbacks and notable
features of the text.
Conclusion: Summary of the whole review.
Tips for writing book and film reviews








Be informative and insightful: Be specific and relevant to the place you’re
reviewing, and describe what other visitors are likely to experience. Highlight
what makes the place special, and try to share something novel and new. From
signature dishes to secret sale racks, reviews should reveal the unique
experiences that places offer.
Keep it real: Be authentic. Review your own experience, and explain why you
liked or disliked the place. Try to be as accurate as possible, and include both the
positive and negative aspects of your visit.
Be respectful: Not every experience with a place is going to be perfect.
Sometimes you’ll want to share negative feedback. Even if you’re frustrated,
make sure your criticism is constructive. Business owners often use feedback to
improve their offerings.
Reviews not General Commentary: At times certain locations may become the
subject of larger public debate or conversation due to recent news coverage or
current events. While we respect and value your opinion, Local Reviews are not
meant for social or political commentary. We think there are other forums that are
more suited to those kinds of conversations, like blogs or social networks. Please
write about your firsthand experience with the place and not general commentary
on the place in relation to recent news.
Write with style: People will pay attention when you write thoughtful reviews.
Keep them readable and avoid excessive capitalization or punctuation. Use good
grammar, check your spelling, and avoid profanity. Choose the right length - a
paragraph is great. Be creative and have fun!
Start with a couple of sentences describing what the book is about
Mention anything you disliked about the book.
Round up your review
Exercise
Write a review of the movie you watched recently.
Write a review of the book you read recently.
ESSAY WRITING
An essay has three main sections: a beginning, a middle and an end. The introduction
sets out the main thrust of your argument. The body of the essay incorporates evidence
for and against specific points that you wish to make. The conclusion is a concluding
paragraph or two that ties together the arguments that you have already made. The
use of heading is an additional way of ensuring that the structure of the essay is clear
both to the reader and to you. In short, a good essay will develop a logical argument,
be coherent, consistent and concise, provide evidence, conform to directions and use
clear language.
1. Technology and science.
2. Engineers in Nation Building
3. Unemployment in India.
4. India in 2020.
5. Nuclear power.
6. Alternate Sources of energy.
7. Are computer better than human Brain.
8. Global warming.
9. English in Today’s world.
10. Rainwater Harvesting.
11. The role of newspaper.
12. Environmental pollution
13. Globalization
14. The place of women in India
15. Evils of Terrorism
READING COMPREHENSION:
Comprehension is one of the activities of the reading skills. The readers should
understand the passage and reproduce it later. This skill is essential one for our
practical life. This can be developed only be intelligent and concentrated effort. In the
comprehensions passage, the writer’s thoughts are reflected and for this, he used the
language as a tool. In the comprehension process, identification of the central theme,
main ideas, additional details and writing patterns and techniques are understood. For
successful understanding the reader should know the function of inter sentence and
inter paragraph links. The reader can acquire ability through intensive and disciplined
practice.
Exercise:
Read the passage and answer the questions given below:
The Great White Shark is the largest predatory shark and is probably the
most well-known and feared shark. It is is gray or bluish above and white
below. It can reach lengths of 22 feet and weigh up to
5,000 pounds. Most are between 13 and 16 feet and weigh 1,500-2,400 pounds.
It has massive teeth, which are positioned in rows and serrated. When it attacks,
it bites its prey and shakes it head back and forth. The serrated teeth act as a
saw and literally tear the victim apart. It often swallows many of its own teeth in
an attack.
The Great White .Shark normally feeds on fish, seals, dolphins, porpoises,
otters, and turtles. It is thought to locate its prey by electro-sense and by
smell. Like all sharks, Great Whites have special pores called Ampullae of
Lorenzini, which enable them to. detect the electromagnetic fields radiated
by moving organisms. Great Whites can detect voltage as small as one half
billionth of a volt.
Great Whites employ several hunting techniques depending on the prey. Most
of the time, the shark will remain still underwater before ambushing its prey
from underneath. With larger prey such as elephant seals, the shark will simply
take a huge bite out of it and wait for it to bleed to death. When hunting
dolphins, the shark will attack from above, presumably to avoid detection from the
dolphin's echolocation.
These sharks are most commonly observed throughout the world's sub-arctic
coastal waters, though they likely spend most of their time in the open ocean.
Highest concentrations are found in the waters off the coast of South Africa,
Australia, California and Mexico. They are also found in the Adriatic and
Mediterranean Seas. They generally prefer water between 54 and 75 degrees
Fahrenheit.
A Great White Shark has never been observed giving birth, however
pregnant females have been caught. The Great White Shark is known to be
ovoviviparous (young develop in eggs within the mother's. body). Females give
birth to eight or nine pups that are about five feet in length upon birth. Great
Whites reach reproductive maturity when the male is about 12 feet long and the
female about 13 feet long. It is thought that Great White Sharks live up to 40 years
in the wild, but this estimate may be too low.
Despite the fear of Great White Sharks, at least in part generated by Steven
Spielberg's 1975 movie, Jaws, Great White Sharks do not target humans
as prey. Most attacks are attributed to mistaken identity. Sharks can easily
mistake humans for seals. Many human injuries caused by Great White
Sharks are cases of test-biting. If a shark is unsure about a floating object,
it often gives it a test bite to determine what kind of object it is. While such
bites do little damage to buoys and other objects, they obviously can inflict
serious damage on the human body.
(i)
Which of the following is least likely?
(1)
Finding a Great White Shark in 85 degree (Fahrenheit)
(2)
Find a Great White Shark hunting a porpoise
(3)
Finding a 15 foot long Great White Shark
(4)
Finding a Great White Shark that weighs 2,000 pounds.
(ii) The maximum
_____pounds.
(1)
wei.z0ht
of
MOST
Great
White
water
Sharks is
2,400
(2) 24,000
(3)
5,000
(4) 4200
(iii) . Which of the following is not the normal part of the Great White.
Shark's diet?
(1)
Seals
(2) Humans
(3)
Fish
(4)
Dolphins
(iv) The _______are specialized pores that allow a shark to detect magnetic
fields of moving organisms.
(1)
Electromagnets
(2) Echolocation
(3)
Ampullae of Lorenzini
(4) Serrations
'
(v)
(1)
What does ovoviviparous mean?
It refers to animals whose young develop outside the mother's body.
(2)
It refers to animals that lay eggs
(3)
It refers to animals that do not lay eggs
(4) It refers to animals whose young develop in eggs within the mother's
body.
(vi)
The Great White Shark locates its prey by
(1)
electro-sense and smell
(3)
appearance
(2)
colour
(4)
touch
(vii) In which of the following places would you
Great White Shark?
(1)
Mediterranean Sea
(3)
(2)
Antarctica
(4)
have the best chance to see a
Mississippi River
Coastal South Africa
(viii) Which of the following IS NOT true?
(1)
Great White Sharks swallow their own teeth during attacks.
(2)
Great
White
Sharks
employ different hunting techniques
depending on the prey they are stalking.
(3)
(4)
Great White Sharks often target humans as prey.
Great White Sharks can detect prey by smell or by magnetic field.
Read the excerpts from an interview with Bill Gates and answer the questions
given below:
Reporter
How does technology impact lives of people around the world,
and in what ways will this impact change as technology progresses? .
Bill Gates
Technology can improve people's lives in two ways. First, it helps us
do things more efficiently. This is something technology has always done,
starting with the first tools, like hunting implements. By helping us to be
more productive, technology lets us to spend less time focusing on survival, and
more on solving other challenges. Technology also improves our ability to find
and share information. This has been going on for a long time. It also goes back
to the invention of tools for writing, the printing press, the telegraph, and more.
But this process has gained incredible speed thanks to computers and the
Internet. This is helping us tackle big problems in science, medicine, engineering
and other areas .more quickly than ever before. I believe technology will
continue to become more affordable and more people will have the chance to
use it. This will help more people get medical care and good education. It will
. give them information about things like how to grow crops more successfully. All
of these things will be important in lifting people out of poverty. I think we are
also close to some important advances in computers that will give scientists new
ways to understand the world and work together to make progress in areas
like genetic research and energy that will have a big impact on all our lives.
Reporter
How can kids today use technology to follow their dreams and help
make their world a better place?
Bill Gates
In some ways, being a teenager is probably a lot more
complicated than it was when I was a kid. But in many ways I also think it
must be incredibly exciting to be a young person today. You have access to
so much more. information than I did when I was a kid. You have truly
amazing
opportunities to bring new ideas and new technologies
together to really make a difference. If your goal is to make the world a better
place, one thing you can do is pick a specific challenge that you really care
about. Then, learn as much as : you can about it and try to volunteer
your time to help an organization that is working in this area. While you're doing
that, look for creative new ways to use technology to tackle parts of the problem
that you come in contact. with.
Reporter
Did you have mentor(s) as a child ? if so, in what ways did they
impact you positively as a person and how did they help you launch your
dreams?
Bill Gates
So many people encouraged my curiosity and supported my interests
when I was young. So it's hard to point to just one or two and say they were my
main mentors. But I think my mother had a special influence because she
believed so strongly in helping others and she passed this belief on to me. My
Dad always encouraged me to get involved in things
I was passionate about: Another person who played a really important role was
my friend Paul Allen. He was three years older than me when we met in
junior high school, which is quite a bit when you're that age. We spent a lot of
time together back then trying to figure out what computers could do.
He was the one who first recognized that computer chips would quickly make
computers cheap enough for almost everyone to use. That's what led to the
beginning of the PC revolution. He was my partner when we started Microsoft.
Reporter
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to explore
technology, but doesn't quite know where to start?
Bill Gates
Read a lot. Magazines like Scientific American or the science
section of newspapers, like the New York Times, will give you have a good
sense of how science and technology are changing. There are some great
websites, too, like Popular Science (ww-w.popsci.com) or the Tech Museum
(www.thetech.org). Take a computer programming class so you can learn how
computers work. Sign up for the Microsoft Imagine Cup or one of the robotics
contests for high school kids that take place around the country, These are a lot
of fun and they are a great way to have a fantastic hands-on experience with
technology.
Reporter
How is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helping kids of diverse
backgrounds from around the world?
Bill Gates
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is working to reduce
poverty and improve health for kids around the world. We are trying to find
new way to treat diseases like malaria
and tuberculosis that affect
millions of poor children. We are working to provide better care for mothers and
children and to make sure more kids get vaccines for preventable
diseases.
We have programs to help poor farmers
improve their harvests so
their families have enough food to eat. In the United States, we're working
hard to support efforts to make sure high school students graduate and have
the skills to be successful in college. We also offer scholarships for many kids
who can't afford to attend college or graduate school.
Reporter
If you could see one dream for the world's kids and teens fulfilled
in your lifetime, what would it be?
Bill Gates
My dream is that every child has enough food to eat, good
medical care, and the chance to go to school and even attend college. I
hope someday what people can do with their lives depends on their talents
and how hard they are willing to work, rather than on where they happen to
be born.
(a).Write short answers for the following questions
(i)
What is the solution given by Bill Gates to solve the problem of poverty?
(ii)
What should you do to make the world a better place?
(iii)
Mention the three persons who had a great impact on his life?
(iv)
Comment on the dream of Bill Gates.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
Space is a dangerous place, not only because of meteors but also because of rays
from the sun and the other stars. The atmosphere again acts as our protective
blanket on earth. Light gets through, and this is essential for plants to make the food
we eat. Heat, too makes our environment tolerable and some ultraviolet rays
penetrate the atmosphere. Cosmic rays of various kinds come through the air from
outer space, but enormous quantities of radiation from the sun are screened off. As
soon as men leave the atmosphere they are exposed to this radiation but their space
suits or the walls of their spacecraft, if they are inside, do prevent a lot of radiation
damage.
Radiation is the greatest known danger to explorers in space. Doses of radiation are
measured in units called ‘rems’. We all receive radiation here on Earth from the
sun, from cosmic rays and from radioactive minerals. The ‘normal’ dose of radiation
that we receive each year is about 100 millirems (0.1 rem); it varies according to
where you live, and this is a very rough estimate. Scientists have reason to think
that a man can put up with far more radiation than this without being damaged; the
figure of 60 rems has been agreed. The trouble is that it is extremely difficult to be
sure about radiation damage. A person may feel perfectly well, but the cells of his or
her sex organs may be damaged, and this will not be discovered until the birth of
(deformed) children or even grandchildren.
Early space probes showed that radiation varies in different parts of space around
the Earth. It also varies in time because, when great spurts of gas shoot out of the
sun (solar flares), they are accompanied by a lot of extra radiation. Some estimates
of the amount of radiation is space, based on various measurements and
calculations, are as low as 10 rems per year, others are as high as 5 rems per hour.
Missions to the moon (the Apollo flights) have had to cross the Van Allen belts of
high radiation and, during the outward and return journeys, the ‘Apollo 8’ crew
accumulated a total dose of about 200 millirems per man. It was hoped that there
would not be any large solar flares during the times of Apollo moon walks because
the walls of the LEMS (lunar excursion modules) were not thick enough to protect
the men inside, though the command modules did give reasonable protection. So
far, no dangerous doses of radiation have been reported, but the Gemini orbits and
‘Apollo 8’ missions have been quite short. We simply do not know yet how men are
going to get on when they spend weeks and months outside, the protection of the
atmosphere, working in a space laboratory or in a base on the moon. Drugs might
help to decrease the damage done by radiation, but no really effective ones have
been found so far. At present, radiation seems to be the greatest physical hazard to
space travelers, but it is impossible to say just how serious the hazard will turn out to
be in the future.
(i)
Choose the response which best reflects the meaning of the text.
1. Scientist have fixed a safety level of
(a). 10 rems per year
(b). 60 rems per year
(c). 100 millirems per year
(d). 5 rems per hour
2.
The space men were worried about solar flares when they were
(a). Crossing the Van Allen belts
(b). Setting up a moon base
(c). Exploring the surface of the moon
(d). Waiting in the command module
3.
When men spend long periods in space how will they protect themselves?
(a). By taking special drugs
(b). By wearing special suits
(c). By using a protective blanket
(d). No solution has been found yet.
4.
Which of the following is true?
(a). The grandchildren of astronauts are deformed.
(b). The children of astronauts have damaged sex organs.
(c). Radiation damage may show only in later generations.
(d). Radiation does not seem to be very harmful.
(ii) Choose the definition which best fits these words or phrases as they are used in the
text.
1.
Cosmic rays
(a). Rays from outer space
(b). Sunbeams
(c). Ultraviolet rays
(d). Rays from space craft
2. Scientists have reason to think
(a). Scientists are right to think……
(b). Scientists have evidence to suggest……
(c). Scientists need to think…….
(d). Scientists are certain…….
3. Get on
(a). mount (b). walk (c). survive (d). advance
4. Turn out to be
(a). change (b) harm (c) remain (d) prove
(iii) Look at the passage and decide whether the following statements are ‘true of false’.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The atmosphere screens off the Earth from excessive radiation.
Everyone on earth is exposed to exactly the same amount of radiation.
Solar flares are not dangerous.
Space is a dangerous place because it is not fully explored.
The ‘Apollo 8’ missions have been quite long in duration.
The drugs that have been found to decrease radiation are ineffective.
The greatest physical hazard to space travelers is remaining for long
hours in space.
8. In space travel, space suits are absolutely necessary for the scientists.
Read the following passage and answer the questions carefully.
A benevolent man wishing to do as much good as he could, he thought himself of
establishing a hostelry for pilgrims and of providing it with all that could be of use or give
pleasure to man. He arranged comfortable rooms, good stoves, lighting, storerooms full
of every kind of provisions, vegetables and refreshments, also bedding and clothes of
every kind in such quantities as to suffice for a great many people.
The benefactor then drew up some instructions and nailed it to the front door. It was
stated that everyone who entered the hostelry might remain so long as was good for
him, might eat and during to his heart’s content and make use of all that he found
clothes, boots and provisions. The only reservation mentioned were that guests should
not take more than what they need at a particular time, should not quarrel and should
leave the inn as orderly as they have found it.
But it so happened that the pilgrims entering the hostelry did not head to the instructions
and began to make use of what was put at their disposal without any considerations for
others, each one appropriating for himself as much as he could although not needing it
they began to quarrel over goods, snatching things from each other, spoiling them and
sometimes destroying them out of malice so that others should not get them.
Having thus squandered everything, they began to suffer from cold and hunger and well
as from the injuries they had inflicted on each other. They took to abusing their host for
having provided too little, for allowing all sorts of people to enter, for not having placed
guards.
In the same manner, we have in our World those who ruin their own short lives and the
lived of others, blaming each other, God, the Universe, anyone and anything but
themselves. And yet, were only men to understand that their welfare depended solely
on themselves and were they to fulfill in this world the will of the benefactor, God they
would enjoy such bliss, greater than what they cannot conceive.
(I) Choose the response which best reflects the meaning of the text.
1. The instructions the benefactor has mailed to the door
(A) asked every pilgrim to make use of every material he/she found without leaving
anything.
(B) asked all the pilgrims to make use of all the items they found.
(C) asked every pilgrim to make use of any item he/she needed
2. The pilgrims who entered the hostelry
(A) obeyed the instructions without any violation
(B) obeyed some instructions and violated others
(C) did not obey the instructions and acted on their own will.
3. The hostelry became a place of discomfort because
(A) the needed items were not provided sufficiently
(B) the pilgrims came in large numbers and the items provided were not enough for all.
(C) the pilgrims did not have any concern for other’s needs.
4. Man spoils his little life
(A) by quarrelling with one another
(B) by destroying the properties of others
(C) by being self-centered and inconsiderate
II State whether the following statements are ‘true’ or ‘false’
1. the benefactor established the hostelry in order to put the pilgrims to test.
2. the pilgrims can take anything at anytime without any limit.
3. the pilgrims suffered from cold and hunger as the materials provided were
insufficient.
4. the welfare of mankind depends on man himself and not on the benefactor.
5. the pilgrims did not praise their host.
III Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Paragraph Writing
Paragraph is a unit which consists of one or more sentences. Each paragraph focuses
a portion of a topic. The sentences dealt with in a paragraph are related to the ideas
controlled by one theme. This main item is called the topic. The purpose of a
paragraph is to develop, support, exemplify or explain the main idea. The technical
writing consists of paragraphs having main theme, providing development, illustrations,
explanation and additional support to main theme. The aim of the writer is to organize
clear, logical, simple and information-providing paragraphs. The paragraphs writing help
the writer to develop his composing and organizing skills. For effective paragraphs,
length, unity, coherence, natural development and proper arrangement of ideas are
taken into account.
1. Write two paragraphs comparing the newspaper and the television as media of
mass communication. Each of the paragraphs should not exceed 200 words.
2. Write two paragraphs, one describing the benefits of technology the other
describing the drawbacks of technology. Each paragraph should not exceed 200
words.
3. Imagine yourself to be in the year 2050 and you are in your early 70’s. The fuel
position is very bad. Describe how life was fifty years ago when fuel was easily
available. Write this in about 170-200 words.
4. Describe in about 170-200 words the utility, function with advantages and
disadvantages of a washing machine.
5. Imagine yourself to be living in the year 2050 and you are in your early 70’s. The
fuel position is very bad. Describe how life was fifty years ago when fuel was
easily available. Write this for about 170- 200 words.
6. Write two paragraphs, one describing the advantages and disadvantages of
Mass media.
7. Write a paragraph on Population explosion.
8. Write a paragraph on Information Technology in India.
JUMBLED SENTENCES
When sentences are given in a jumbled order, one has to look for the
sequence/connecting word or discourse markers. As a paragraph constitutes a topic
sentence and supporting sentences to substantiate it, one has to look for a logical
thought process.
Rewrite the following jumbled sentences in the correct order.
I
a. In the long term, certain chemicals in tobacco smoke intensify the damage in the
lung region
b. But, giving up smoking progressively reduces such risks of lung cancer.
c. Consequently, the mucus remains and starts accumulating in the lungs, making
them liable to infection.
d. However, without any doubt it can be said that smoking is injurious to health.
e. The damage caused to the lungs and respiratory passages inhibits the process
that removes mucus and dust particles.
f. There is overwhelming statistical and experimental evidence to associate
smoking with diseases like lung cancer and coronary heart attacks.
g. This, in turn, induces cancer in the lung tissues.
h. Apart from early death from these two diseases, heavy smokers suffer from
persistent coughs which damage the lungs.
Sequence order: F, H, E, C, A, G, B, D
II
a. Another disadvantage is that diesel engines are difficult to start in cold weather.
b. For one, the higher compression that makes the diesel more efficient
necessitates the use of heavier engine components.
c. Thirdly, diesel engines have been noted for their loud noise and vibration.
d. However, the popularity of diesel engines still continues, because the price of
diesel is low when compared in the price of petrol.
e. Finally these engines are known for the emission of heavy smoke.
f. The diesel engine, an increasingly popular engine in automobiles has its own
disadvantages.
g. But, plugs are available to preheat the engines to provide easier starting.
h. Therefore, diesel engines remain heavier than petrol engines.
Sequence order: F, B, H, A, G, C, E, D
III
The dissolved cellulose is formed into threads by a technical process.
This fibre is, in fact, a reconstituted natural fibre.
After that, they are dried on a heated roller.
The cellulose is obtained from shredded wood pulp.
Finally, they are wound on to a bobbin.
It is made by dissolving cellulose in a solution of sodium hydroxide.
The threads are drawn from the setting bath of dilute sulphuric acid. Then, they
are wound on reel and washed.
h. Rayon is a man-made fibre.
Sequence order: H, B, F, D, A, G, C, E
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
IV
a. Antarctica which is regarded as a continent by itself is located in this southern
polar region.
b. Geographers have found that there are some important differences between the
northern and southern polar regions of the earth.
c. Antarctica is snow-bound almost through the year, but the snow in the Arctic
melts in summer.
d. The Arctic region, in the north, is mostly sea, surrounded by masses of land.
e. But, on the whole, both the Polar Regions help nature, in maintaining the
ecological balance.
f. The southern pole, on the other hand, is situated in a land mass surrounded by
oceans.
g. Both the regions, in general, have very cold climate.
h. The winter in the Arctic is not so severe as in the Antarctic.
Sequence order: B, D, F, A, G, H, C, E
V.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Both had a city-state type of government.
Athens and Sparta were the two advanced Greek cities of Hellenic period.
For example, Sparta was hostile, war like and military.
However the differences outweigh the similarities.
Whereas, Athens catered more towards the democratic and cultural way of life.
f. Also both took slaves from the people they conquered.
g. The latter city left its mark in the fields of art, literature philosophy and science.
h. Also, the former passed on its totalitarianism and superior military traditions to
the letter.
Sequence order: B, A, F, D, C, E, H, G
VI
a. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign
language.
b. Body language transmits ideas and thoughts by certain actions.
c. Many of these symbols of whole word are very picturesque are and exact and
can be used internationally.
d. Every since humans have inhabited the earth, they have made use of various
forms of communication.
e. Other forms of non-linguistic language can be found in Braille, signal flags,
morse code and smoke signals.
f. A nod signifies approval while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction.
g. Generally this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral
speech.
h. Nonetheless verbalization is the most common form of communication.
Sequence order: D, G, A, C, B, F, E, H
VII
a. However, a remarkable research project in London has already discovered a few
people who actually enjoy insomnia.
b. The secrets of sleep were a mystery for centuries simply because there was
neither the means to explore them, nor the need.
c. This has shown that for some people seven to eight hours of sleep a night are
quite unnecessary.
d. Even chronic insomniacs often get more hours of sleep than they think.
e. Research into sleep patterns however is unpopular as it is expensive and
inevitably involves working at night.
f. Only when candles gave way to gas light, and gas to electricity, when man
become able to convert night into day, and double his output did people seriously
start working if sleep could possibly be a waste of time.
g. But, by placing electric contacts besides the eyes and on the head, it is possible
to check their complaint by studying the tiny currents we generate which reveal
the different brain waves of sleep and wakefulness.
h. Our ability to switch night into day is very recent and it is question able if we will
ever either want, or be able, to give up our habit of enjoying a good nights sleep.
Sequence order: B, E, F, D, A, G, C, H
IX
a. Human beings can walk, run, swim, and so on, but robots are usually confined to
one place.
b. Another advantage human beings have is the ways the same person can do jobs
are different as making a cup of tea or designing a new machine.
c. It is a known fact that robots have many advantages over human beings.
d. Taking into account all these factors, it should be remembered that robots owe
their existence, to human beings.
e. However, it is also true that humans can do many things that robots can’t.
f. For example, humans can carry out a task without having to be told exactly how
to do it, they don’t have to be programmed.
g. And unlike robots, people can know whether what they are doing is good or bad,
and whether it is boring or interesting.
h. Even if the robots are able to move, they can do so, only in a very limited way.
Sequence order: C, E, F, A, H, B, G, D
X
a. To test his hypothesis that the shape of a pyramid is responsible for the
preservation of dead bodies. Bovis made an accurate model of the Cheops and
put a dead cat inside it.
b. This is now called the Great pyramid.
c. He found it unusually humid there, but what really surprised him were the
garbage cans that contained among the usual tourist lifter, the bodies of a cat
and some desert animals that had wandered into pyramid and died there.
d. The pyramids on the West Bank of the Nile were built by the pharaohs as royal
tombs and data from about 3000 BC.
e. Some years ago it was visited by a Frenchman named Bovis, who took shelter
from the midday sun in pharaoh’s chamber, which is situated in the center of the
pyramid exactly one-third of the way up from the base.
f. He began to wonder whether the pharaohs had really been so carefully
embalmed by their subjects after all, or whether there was something about the
pyramids themselves that preserved bodies in a mummified condition.\
g. The most celebrated are those at Giza, of which the largest is the one that
housed the pharaoh, known as Cheops
h. Despite the humidity, none of the bodies had decayed, but just dried out like
mummies.
Sequence order: D, G, B, E, C, F, A, H
XI
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The transmission of the receiver’s response to the reader is called feedback.
The sender encodes the message and sends it through a channel.
Feedback is essential as it is a barometer of effective communication.
This channel is nothing but the language used.
Your communication cycle is complete only when you get a response from the
recipient of your message.
f. The receiver receives the message, decodes it and acts on it.
g. This may happen because of noise.
h. If the message received is not the same as the message sent, there is a
breakdown of communication.
Sequence order: B, D, F, E, A, C, H, G
XII
a. When man wanted to express philosophical concepts, definitions and
abstractions, he found the symbols inadequate.
b. There are around 5000 languages and dialects throughout the world.
c. One solution is to establish an International language.
d. In the beginning, we created the symbols and pictures on cave walls to express
our ideas.
e. It is difficult to communicate with people of other regions and continents.
f. English, to some extent, has served the purpose for International communication.
g. Hundreds of attempts have been made to develop an official language for
communication.
h. Then languages began to proliferate.
Sequence order: D, A, H, B, E, G, C, F
XIII
a. On the slopes great swaths of trees were blown away from the mountain and
tossed in heaps.
b. However, beneath the tranquil sylvan paradise, molten magma was slowly rising
to the surface of the earth, eventually forming a mushroom-shaped lava dome
that exploded with the force of 10 million tons of TNT at 8.30 a.m., throwing
nature into upheaval.
c. Fires burned everywhere.
d. A century of volcanic inactivity has made Washingtonians complacement.
e. In the aftermath, what had been pristine beauty only hours before lay in total
devastation?
f. Billowing hot molten rock avalanches swept down the flanks of the mountain,
mowing down everything in their paths.
g. A hot plume of ash and debris rose 65,000 feet into sky, turning day into night.
h. Spirit Lake boiled, and rivers turned black.
Sequence order: D, B, C, A, F, G, H, E