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SKR ENGINEERING COLLEGE
POONAMALLEE, CHENNAI
DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES & SCIENCE
SEMESTER-I MODAL EXAMINATION
Technical English-1 (HS6151)
DURATION: 3 hrs
MARKS: 100
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
PART-A ( 20 Marks)
A) Fill in the blanks with correct tense forms of the verbs given in the brackets: (4)
Mr. Rajesh ________ (work) as a farmer in a village near Salem till June 1990. In July 1990,
he ________ (change) his profession. After the change, he ______ (migrate) to Chennai and
through hard work he became rich. At present, he _______ (be) the owner of two factories in the
city.
B) Rewrite the words in the following sentences in correct sequence: (2)

1. You are right absolutely
2. You seldom are ready for work at 10.AM
C) Rewrite the following pairs of sentences into one by using appropriate cause and effect
expressions: (2)
1. A nail has pierced the tyre. It has become flattened.
2. Vertical boilers have been installed in the factory. Only a limited floor space is available.
D) Fill in the blanks with appropriate adverbs: (2)

1. He speaks very_____.
2. Ram arrived _____ in the morning.
E) Fill in the correct form of the words in brackets (comparative or superlative) (2)
1. The weather this summer is even (bad) ______ than last summer.
2. He was the (clever) _________ student of all.
F) Fill in the blanks with the appropriate forms of the words: (4)
NOUN ADJECTIVE PERSON CONCERNED

Psychology --------------------- Psychologist
Drama --------------------- Dramatist
------------------ Natural Naturalist
Technology Technological --------------
G) Write the single word substitute for the following: (2)

1. One who looks on the bright side of things__________.
2. A study of animals____________.
H) Write the full form of the abbreviation/ acronyms: (2)

1. Qty
2. WHO
PART B
Answer any five questions (5 x 16 = 80 Marks)
1. Compare and contrast the topic City life and village life.
2. Write an essay describing the ways in which our environment can be preserved.
3. You have moved to a new locality and joined a new college. Write a letter to your friend sharing
with him/her the details of your experience in the new college.
4. Imagine that you stay in the college hostel. Write a letter to your father informing him about the
date when your semester break will start.
5. Rewrite the following jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph.
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.
6. Rewrite the following jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph.
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 way the same person can do jobs as different as
making a cup of tea or designing a new machine.
c. It is 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 cant.
f. For example, humans can carry out a task without having to be told exactly how to do it, they
dont 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.
7. Total amount of foreign investment involved in India is given below. Write a paragraph
presenting the
350
300
250
200
Ruppes in 150
100
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Information.
Question Bank
HS6251-Technical English II
PART-A
I Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B
A B
1. a. contaminated i. make easy
b. facilitate ii. unclean
c. renowned iii. calculate
d. estimate iv. famous
2. a. narrate i. requirement
b. necessity ii. cover
c. muffle iii. envious
d. jealous iv. tell
3. a. identical i. joyous
b. illegible ii. complex
c. intricate iii. unreadable
d. jubilant iv. alike
4. a. gather i. swoon
b. guilty ii. accumulate
c. faint iii. flaw
d. defect iv. ashamed
5. a. wage i. definitely
b. undoubtedly ii. pay
c. tolerate iii. amusement
d. recreation iv. endure
6. a. Protocol i. Imagined sequence of events
b. Firewall ii. Sailing from place to place
c. Scenario iii. Communication standards
d. Cruise iv. Security system
7. a. Drawback i. Severe
b. Distress ii. Disadvantage
c. Stringent iii. Moving between places
d. Plying iv. Suffering
8. a. Detrimental i. wise
b. Rapid ii. Increase
c. Prudent iii. swift
d. Enhance iv. harmful
9. a. activate i. to introduce something new
b. enhance ii. Occur at the same time
c. innovative iii. Induce
d. coincide iv. Heighten
10. a. kinesics i. deliver an informal speech without preparation
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b. impromptu ii. Study of the bodies physical movements
c. brainstorming iii. Study of the physical space in international relations
d. proxemics iv. method for generating a variety of ideas and perspectives
11. a. intricate i. comparison
b. studious ii. Complex
c. transparent iii. hardworking
d. analogy iv. clear
12. a. replenish i. Living or growing in a place where originally from
b. obsolescence ii. To fill again
c. indigenous iii. A drawing, painting or photograph of a person
d. portrait iv. state of being out of date, no longer useful
13. a. permeability i. danger
b. spell ii. Not belonging to the earth
c. hazard iii. A condition caused by or as if by magical powers
d. extraterrestrial iv. passing through
14. a. objective i. unstable
b. volatile ii. Aim
c. abundant iii. dangerous
d. hazardous iv. plentiful
15. a. disposal i. resulting in death
b. inedible ii. Not moving or changing
c. fatal iii. Getting rid of
d. stagnant iv. Unfit to eat
16. a. indigenous i. something included with a letter in the same package
b. enclosure ii. absolutely necessary
c. genetics iii. Living or growing in a place where originally from
d. indispensable iv. scientific study of the way qualities are passed on from one
generation to the next
17. a. Perambulate A state of great disturbance or confusion
b. Sociable Travel from place to place
c. Turmoil Ready to accept instruction
d. Docile Engaging readily with other people.
18. a. Distress getting rid of
b. Disposal abnormal accumulation of people, traffic
c. Congestion taking out
d. Extraction suffering
II. Match the words in Column A with their antonyms in Column B

A B
1. a. whole i. common
b. various ii.harmful
c. useful iii. part
d. rare iv. identical
2. a. assist i. detest
b. assent ii. proud
c. ashamed iii. hinder
d. admire iv. Dissent
3. a. cautious i. welcome
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b. banish ii. forgetful
c. barren iii. polite
d. impudent iv. Fertile
4. a. moderation i. conceal
b. rapid ii. disapprove
c. reveal iii. slow
d. recommend iv. greed
5. a. narrow i. pride
b. voluntary ii. wide
c. modesty iii. exceptional
d. prevalent iv. compulsory
6. a. excess i. contradictory
b. provoke ii. Different
c. consistent iii soothe
d. compatible iv shortage
7. a. abbreviate i. Intentional
b. accidental ii. Friendly
c. Hosile iii. Sudden
d. Gradual iv Expand
8. a. Deficit i. Warm
b. Frigid ii. Surplus
c. Glean iii. Normal
d. Queer iv. Scatter
9. a. Rapid i. Colourless
b. Frugal ii. Indifferent
c. Involved iii. Slow
d. Colourful iv Spendthrift
II. Make sentences using the following words as nouns and verbs.
a. contrast b. produce c. object d. increase e. project
f. delight g. pay h. conduct i. record j. park
k. Picture i. Heat m. convict n. report o. Reason
p. Experiment q. Compliment r. refuse
III. Rewrite the following into numerical expression:

Eg. A journey of twenty miles ------------- a 20 mile journey
1. A monitor with the size of twenty one inches.
2. A tank with the capacity of eight hundred litres.
3. A classroom with sixty students.
4. A team consists of eleven members.
5. A course of fifteen days
6. an auditorium with a capacity of 500 persons.
7. a distance of 44 kilometres
8. a DC supply of 240 volts
9. an expedition of two weeks.
10. A two km bridge
11. A nine member team
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12. A two day workshop
13. A ten hour journey
14. A ten lakhs project
15. Three thousand revolutions per minute
16. One hundred and fifty rotations per minute
17. Three hundred parts per million
18. Six point two eight metres per second
19. Forty percentage weight per volume
20. A lecture for two hours
21. a project grant of five lakhs
22. An expedition lasting for 3 days
23. A symposium lasting for three days.
24. A budget estimate often lakhs.
25. A project for five years.
26. A team consisting of l eleven members.
27. A walk of five kilometers.
28. A tank with a capacity of two thousand litres.
29. A committee of six members.
30. A project proposal of Rs.10 Crores.
31. A workshop lasting for fifteen days.
32. an inspection team consisting of five members.
IV Give purpose statements for the following:

Eg. Safety valve: to release excess pressure.
The purpose of a safety valve is to release excess pressure.
(a) a printer (b) An auditorium (c) A thermostat (d) an algorithm

(e) The metal (f) The bearings (g) the steam (h) Fire brick
(i) A gauge (j) Pure feed water (k) dipstick (l) evaporation (m)
library (n) Water-tubes (o) The test (p) festivals
(q) A thermometer (r) an aerial (s) An experiment (t) A litmus test
(u) A thermostat ______________ to maintain constant temperature.
(v) Fly over_________________ to reduce traffic congestion.
(w) a clock ___________ to show time of the day.
(x) a calendar _______________ to show the days, weeks and months of a particular year.
(y) A pyrometer ___________________ measure high temperature.
V A) Use two of the following expressions showing cause and effect relationship in
sentences of your own
1. Safety precautions were not observed .There were many accidents in the factory.
2. Training is given to the employees. They update their technical knowledge.
3. All data was lost. The power supply was interrupted.
4. The temperature reached very high. Some method of cooling must be adopted.
5. This type turbine is very widely used. It has a much greater efficiency.
6. The steam from the boiler is wet. It has to be passed through a super heater.
7. Atomic power is not available in sufficient quantity. Coal is still a very valuable
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source of power.
8. The carburetor may become choked with dirt. An air filter is fitted.
9. Vertical boilers were installed in the factory. Only a limited floors space was available.
10. The Neutron is an unchanged particle. No repulsive forces are exerted on it by the
nucleus.
11. He worked very hard. He came top in the examination.
12. Kannan came late. He missed the lecture.
13. Catalyst is used in chemical reactions. It is used to speed up the chemical process.
14. Trees are planted along the streets. This is practiced in order to decrease soil erosion.
15. Dust particles in the atmosphere accurate observation is difficult.
16. Expansion of the shaft-misalignment occurs at the bearing.
17. There are working on the weekends. They may complete the work before the deadline
18. The old women could not sleep well. The neighbourhood is noisy.
19. I stayed at home. It was raining.
20. Michael works hard. He needs to earn money.
21. Coal based thermal plant emits sulphurous gases ___________ acid rain
22. The people of Kochi petitioned the Government __________ the elephant killed four people
23. Pollution _____________ global warming.
24. Decrease in production of potato ___________ increase in price.
B) Write the following cause and effect expressions in separate sentences

25. As a result
26. because of
27. therefore
VI A) Combine the following sentences suitably:

1. You were not at home. I left immediately. (Use adverbial clause of Cause)
2. Finish your assignment. I will admit you inside. (Use adverbial clause of Time)
3. Start early. You will miss the train. (Use adverbial clause of condition)
4. He walked fast. He didnt want to be late to the class. (Use adverbial clause of purpose)
5. He was very tired. He could not browse further (Use adverbial clause of result)
6 He is rich. He will not spend lavishly. (Use adverbial clause of concession)
7 The monsoon failed. The farmers had a poor yield.(Use adverbial clause of cause)
8 All the data was lost. The power supply was interrupted. (Use adverbial clause of cause)
9 Silicon is used in computer chips. It has some special electrical properties. (Use adverbial clause of
cause)
10. I have to go early today. My students are waiting for me. (use adverbial clause of Cause)
11. She makes dinner. She returns from work. (use adverbial clause of Time)
B) Identify the adverbial clause and the verb it modifies in the following sentences:
12. When Raju was working on the road, he identified a broad crack on the road.
13. You may reach the place on time if you drive at a speed of 40KMPH.
14. Inform the manager once the work is done.
15. The student could hardly hold their heads up because they were so tired.
VII. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using the relative clause.
1. This is the powerful machine. It is an imported one.
2. My uncle is a lucky man. His calculations never fail.
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3. There was a huge crowd near the shop. An interesting quiz programme was telecast in that shop.
4. The jellyfish is an animal. It doesnt have a skeleton.
5. Thats the girl. Her hobby is stamp collecting.
6. This was the pen. It was bought from an antique shop.
7. I visit this shop every day. I can buy a new book daily.
8. This is the newly opened mall. We get all electronic items here.
9. It was the best day in my life. I got a medal from the principal for being an outstanding student.
10. He is the project leader. Many trainees criticize him
VIII. Change the following voice:

1. They constructed this house forty years ago.
2. We call these supports bearings.
3. We boil a little water in a tin can until the steam fills the can.
4. I took 20 ml. of the solution in a test tube.
5. The lorry carries the load to the factory.
6. He lubricated the ball-bearing.
7. Doctors use a clinical thermometer to measure body temperature.
8. They pass the gas through a water container.
9. We keep the cash in the box.
10. We clamp the two metal plates together.
11. China has won the highest number of gold medals in Olympics 2008.
12. The Commissioner submitted the proposal to the Minister
13. We pass an electric current across the electrodes.
14. They have built a new bridge across the river Vaigai
15. Coal miners produce millions of tons of coal every week.
16. We can generate heat for welding in many ways.
17. The Asian countries held a summit on the use of innovative technologies in Language Teaching.
18. Welders normally prefer a vee-shaped weld.
19. We can use coal to produce detergents, explosives and paints.
20. We can cast this type of metal into very complicated shapes.
21. A skilled operator can carry out many operations on a lathe.
22. The engine driver averted the accident in time.
23. People have designed several tools to do the work.
24. We still need large numbers of technology specialists.
25. We are introducing several innovations in the mobile phones.
26. The workers are repairing the bridge.
27. The Indian players take great efforts to win the world cup.
28. All students need good communication skills for placements.
29. We should lubricate the bearing to avoid overheating.
30. The operator generates the heat of fusion welding in several ways.
IX Complete the following conditional sentences.

1. If he communicates effectively, --------------------------------
2. If he had performed well, ------------------------------------.
3. If I got up earlier, -------------------------------.
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4. If the new material had come in time, -----------------.
5. If the motor is operated regularly, ------------------------.
6. If you planned well, -----------------------------.
7. If I had a net connection, -------------------.
8. If I were you, ----------------------.
9. If you went for a walk every day, ------------------.
10. If you eat more, -----------------------.
11. If I had been invited ,-------------------
12. If people follow traffic rules, ------------------------
13. If you practiced hard, you -------------------(pass) the exam easily.
14. If I were you, ---------------(accept) the offer
15. If the radioactive waste was not carefully stored----------------------
16. If the coal is burnt ---------------------------
17. If the traffic rules are followed, there -------------------- (be) very less accidents
18. If I became a billionaire, I _____________ (donate) considerable part of my property
to the needy and poor.
19. If I drop this, it ________________ (explode)
20. If I had seen you, I ___________________________ (invite) you
21. If you show more interest in your studies, you _______________________________
22. If the people saved oil, ___________________________________
23. If you want to come up in life, _____________________________
24. If I had money, _______________________________
25. If you annoy the cat, ___________________________
26. If he dropped this, _____________________________
27. If he ran all the way, he __________________ (get) there in time.
28. If the weather is good, I ______________(go) for a walk.
29. If you go to London, _____________________________________
30. If I had known of your arrival, ____________________________
31. If there had been no rains last month, _________________________________
32. If the developed countries reduce the emission of green house gases,
________________________________
33. If you had prepared well, you ________________________
34. If ______________________, the tiger would not have become an endangered species.
35. If you had come early________________________ the match.
36. If _____________________________ I will meet you at the airport.
PART-B
I Writing Checklists
1. Write a Check list containing atleast eight items to maintain a two wheeler.
2. Prepare an eight item Check List stating the things to be checked in the process of organizing a
paper presentation session.
3. Prepare an eight item Check List to organize the Independence Day celebrations in your college.
4. Write down a Check List containing atleast eight items to avert fire accidents in public functions
conducted in temporary structures.
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5. Imagine that you have to go to Bangalore to attend an interview. Write a Check List containing
eight items which will help you to prepare for the Interview.
6. Imagine that you have to conduct a two day Conference in your college. Prepare a Check List that
you would like to do for the smooth conduct of the Conference.
7. Imagine that you are the Branch Manager of State Bank of India. You have to attend a one day
training programme in Delhi. Prepare a Check list.
to be checked just before starting the journey for the training programme.
8. Write a Check List of eight points to provide clean drinking water to villagers in your district.
9. Write a Check List of eight points for the organizer of your college hostel day.
10. Imagine that your friend is planning to buy a piece of land in Chennai. Prepare a checklist of
eight points for him so that he will able to buy a good plot of land.
11. Write a checklist of 8 items, which you can think of, when you are organizing a National
conference in your college.
12. Imagine that you are, the college coordinator arranging the valedictory function of the national
level technical symposium to be held at your college. Write a check list of eight most important
items to be taken care for the smooth conduct of the function.
13. Prepare an eight item Check list stating the things to be remembered in the process of preparing
for a power point presentation.
14. Write a checklist of eight items in organizing the inauguration of your department club meeting.
15. Imagine that you are going to organize a Blood-donation camp. Prepare a checklist of eight
important items.
16. Write a Check List of eight points, which you can think of, when you are organizing a National
conference in your college.
17. Imagine that you have to attend an interview in a core / Software company in Mumbai. Make an
eight item check list with a proper title.
18. Assume that you have to go to Bombay to attend an interview. Write an 8 item checklist with a
proper title for your reference.
19. You have planned to go on a month long expedition to Thaar Desert in Rajasthan for a film
shoot. Prepare a checklist that consists of eight items that are to be verified before you leave for the
shoot.
II. Letter Writing

1. Write a letter of application along with the bio-data for the post of Quality Control Manager in a
reputed company.
2. HCL requires software engineers (B.E+M.E only) with expertise in C++ and VC++ for their
overseas projects at its Chennai Office. Apply with bio-data to HR Manager, HCL, Tharamani,
Chennai-101. Knowledge of foreign language is an added advantage to the candidate.
3. Write a Job application letter with resume to the HR Manager,Tata Iron and
Steel Company Ltd, Pune-420052 applying for the post of Management Trainee.
4. Write a letter to the HRD Manager of Karur Vysya Bank, Anna Salai, Chennai-17, applying
for the post of System Manager. Add a separate resume to your covering letter.
5. Write a letter of application for the post of Junior Engineer with a resume to the HRD Manager,
Doshi Constructions Pvt Ltd., 14, Greams Road, Chennai-2.
6. An Engineering College requires candidates for the posts of Assistant Professors and Professors in
all disciplines. Candidates should have completed their PhD and must have ten years of experience in
teaching.
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7. Write an application for the post of IT Professional Innovators India Digital Technologies Pvt
Ltd., Janaki 10/9, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai-20 with your detailed Curriculum Vitae.
8. Write an application to Mulayam Petroleum Company, Peninsular Division,
Post Box No.456, Mumbai-6 for the post of Environment Protection Specialist.
9. Write an application for Oracle Developers with your resume. Assume suitable addresses &
qualifications.
10. Indian Oil Corporation needs two senior technical managers for their branch offices in north
India. The candidates should be first class B.Tech. Graduate in chemical, or Petroleum, or Geo-
engineering fields. Send your resume to The HRD Manager, Indian Oil Corporation, 208, Kasturibai
Marg. New Delhi -110011.
11. The Chief Engineer, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Neyveli, Tamil Nadu inviting application for
the post of Assistant Engineers for the Post Graduate students of Mechanical Engineering. Write a
job application with relevant curriculum Vitae.
12. Draft a letter of job application in response to the following advertisement. Candidates holding a
bachelors/masters degree with a background in information systems marketing or communications
are required for work on company intranet, extranet and Internet sites. Mastery of HTML technology
is vital. Applicants must also possess excellent writing skills with company employees. Post your
application and CV to Mr. Promod Tiwari, Human Resources Dept, Exclusive Software, North Main
Street, Chennai 67.
13. Write an application with an enclosed resume for the post of a Project Engineer in Syntel India
Ltd, Pune, highlighting your skills and experience.
14. Write a job application letter to the HR Manager of TCS, Chennai for the post of System
Analyst. Remember to add a Resume. Necessary details may be assumed.
15. Read the following advertisement in The Hindu dated 12.10.09 and write a letter of
application. Prepare a CV that needs to be enclosed with the letter of application. Godrej company
enquires PRODUCTION MANAGER for its factory near Chennai. Qualification- Graduate in
Mechanical Engineering, Work Experience Two years in a production, Department of a
Manufacturing Plant, preferably Steel Furniture Manufacturing.
Send your application to the following address: The Executive Director, Godrej Company Limited,
45, Greams Road, Chennai- 600 035
16. Draft a job application letter with Curriculum Vitae (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.
17. BPL Technology Pvt, 74/140, Anna Salai, Chennai requires qualified Engineers
For its new branch, Knowledge of C, C++.Java is desirable. You are XXX, 49, Gandhi Road, Madurai.
Apply with your resume.
18. The Government of Tamil Nadu has invited proposals from Non-governmental Organisation
(NGO) for setting up small scale units, etc. Choose an industry of your choice and write a technical
proposal to be submitted to the Director of Industries, Government of Tamilnadu assuming yourself
to be the MD of a public limited company. (Invent the necessary details)
III Report Writing

1. Write a detailed note on the structure of different types of report with samples
2. Write a report assuming yourself as one or the members of the sub-committee nominated by the
management on the decline in the circulation or Sports line magazine during the past two years.
3. Write a memo report on an accident that took place in a leading car manufacturing unit.
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4. You are the Works Manager in Industrial Gases Limited where LPG Cylinders are filled for
utilization by the consumers. Write a report to the Chairman of the company about an accident that
happened in the LPG filling section in which three workers were seriously injured.
5. Imagine that you are the Marketing Executive of Click Home Products, Chennai-45. Study the
feasibility of introducing a new herbal mosquito repellent and submit the report to your Managing
Director.
6. Imagine that your company is in the process of constructing a crche for the children of their staff.
As the Chief Engineer on the Company, study the progress report to the Chief Executive Officer of
the company. (Write about the purchase of toys, construction of playground, etc.)
7. Write a report on the road accident you have witnessed last week.
8. 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
recommendation for averting similar accidents in the future. Prepare a report accordingly.
9. What are the different kinds of reports? Briefly describe them
10. Write a feasibility report on the opening of a retail outlet for the sale of companys goods in a
nearby town with all details such as cause, damage, insurance claim, renovation, etc.
11. Write a report assuming yourself to be social worker studying the problem of female infanticide
in your village.
12. Write a memo report on an accident assuming yourself as a foreman in charge of a group of
workers repairing a building.
13. Elaborate on the characteristics, types and structure of a formal report.
14. Write a report on the activities conducted in your institution during 2010-2011 to the editor of a
local newspaper.
15. Imagine that you are the Safety Engineer of a tyre industry. A fire broke out destroying part of
the unit due to short circuit. Write a report on the fire accident to the General Manager. PKM Tyres,
Pvt Lt, Ambattur, Chennai.
16. Imagine that you are the Safety Engineer of a Nuclear Power Plant. There was an explosion due
to the failure of control rods. Most of lives are severely affected due to the radiation. The Chairman
of the Atomic Energy Commission has asked you to submit a detailed report on the disaster together
with your recommendation for averting such a disaster in future. Prepare a report accordingly
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PART B
Letter Writing
1. Write a letter of applicationto The HR manager,Dell Info Systems,Bangalore for the post
of Software Quality Tester.
2. To Ford,Bangalore for the post of Chief Mechanic.
3. To L&T for the post of ChiefSupervisor
4. To Pentium for the post of Software Engineer
5. To ABC Computer Centre for the post of System Administator
6. To ABC Consultancy for the post of Civil Engineer
7. To Honda for the post of Chief Automobile engineer.
8. Post your CV to HR Dept, Exclusive software, Chennai for the post of Marketing agent
9. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining of noise pollution in your locality
10. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining ragging in yoour locality
11. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining conveyance problem in yoour locality
12. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining inadequate power
13. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining frequent power failure
14. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining theft
15. To the Editor of Hindu ,Chennai complaining on using mobilephoneswhiledriving
16. To the Manager of a bank about the problems you face in using your ATM card
17. To the HR manager of an automobile company in Chennai to visit the manufacturing unit
18. Application for the post of junior Engineer to the Civisional Engineer,Mambalam
Divisions,Chennai Telephones.
19. Applications for the post of Chief Engineer of Public works Dept.
20. TO Chief Engineer of Public works Dept. To make you a member of the technical
committee on Road Developments.
Report Writing
1. Write a report on aircraft accident happened in Washington to the manager of National

Insurance Agency
2. On a fire accident in a cotten mill
3. On starting a new showroom for two wheelers
4. On starting a new showroom for four wheelers
5. On starting a new course in a college
6. On starting a new project in a college
7. Survey report on consumers perceptions towards junk food
8. To open a food court in the specified locality.
9. On sales of a specific garments
10. On sales of a specific mobile phone
11. On sales of a specific wo wheeler
12. On sales of a specific ballpoint pen among the youngsters
13. On improving a result
14. On school drop outs
15. On starting a course in a village for school drop outs
16. On leakage of electric current in your hostel
17. On reading habits of engineering students
18. On strategies to coach the first graduates
19. On enhancing the reading habits among students
20. On starting a course for placement in your college
Checklist
1. Write a checklist for travel to Ooty

2. For organising a Conference
3. For organising a Workshop
4. For organising a Paper presentation
5. For organising a Seminar
6. For organising a TechnicalSymposium
7. For organising a Sports Day
8. For organising a College Day
9. For organising a Science Exhibition
10. For organising an Awareness programme
11. For organising a 20 -20 cricket in your college
12. To attend an interview
13. To start a new business
14. To select a college
15. A trip to USA
16. To a friend who has come from USA
17. To a friend who likes to join an Engineeering college
18. To a friend who stay at hostel
19. To maintain a laptop
20. To maintain a temprorary structure
Listening to informal conversations and participating
Conversation
What is conversation? As a starter we can think of it as two or more people
talking and listening. They may be doing this either face-to-face or at a distance.
It can be done via the spoken word or via sign or symbol (the most obvious case
here is the use of chat rooms on the internet). This may sound a bit obvious, but
as soon as we begin to think about conversation we can see it is a sophisticated
activity that we often take for granted. Here we will start by listing some important
qualities.
Conversation is a social activity. Apart from talking to ourselves, or to animals,
we engage in it with others. To do this we need to think about their feelings,
thoughts and needs. In turn, they too must think of us. We have to consider, for
example, whether our words could upset or offend others; or whether they will
help us in dealing with the matter in hand. Thus, if two or more people are to
communicate, then they must:
Co-operate.
Think about others' feelings and experiences.
Give each other room to talk.
In other words, talking - conversation - is a reciprocal process.

Conversation involves people agreeing about the topic. We can often spend
a great deal of time trying to locate an agenda. We have to come some sort of
agreement about what we are going to talk about.
Conversation involves an immediate response. There is not much of a time
lag between the action of one person and the response of the other. This means,
for example, that what we say may be less thought out. Linked to this is the need
for us to be tolerant of what is said to us in the heat of the moment.
Conversation entails certain commitments. For it to work, we have to trust in
the others involved. When they say they will do something, for example, then we
tend to have to take it at face value. At a minimum we have to be open to the
possible truth of their words. We may have doubts - but without a degree of trust
or openness to the views of others, conversations (or social life) could not
happen (we talk about the need for such trust and tolerance in our discussion of
social capital).
Conversation involves interpretation - and in filling the gaps. To make sense
of what others are saying we often have to make leaps forward. People cannot
give us all the information we need right at the start. We put their words in
context, make assumptions, and add in material to give shape to what they are
saying. In other words, conversations often involve people drawing on a large
amount of 'background knowledge'. If we do not have it then we have to make
great leaps of imagination and hope that all will become clear as the person
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speaks, or we ask questions.
Engaging in conversation
Informal educators are accomplished conversationalists. They have to develop
their ability to make contact and establish the basis for talk; to sustain and
deepen conversation; and to deal with the tricky area of closing or ending an
exchange. Here we want to highlight four crucial aspects. In significant part they
are to do with the frame of mind with which we approach conversation.
Being with. To fully engage in conversation, we have to be in a certain frame of
mind. We have to be with that person, rather than seeking to act upon them. If
we enter into conversation with the desire to act upon the other participants then
we are seeing them as objects - things rather than people. It means that we are
not able to be fully open to what they are saying. We are not open to interaction.
Being open. Conversation for the informal educator is not, then, about trying to
win an argument. Rather, conversation is about understanding and learning. This
means looking for the truth in what others are saying and linking it to our own
understandings. One of the fundamental aspects of conversation is that we enter
it ready to have our view of things changed in some way. This doesnt mean that
we have to believe everything we hear. Our valuing of truth requires us to ask
questions about what we hear (and say!)
Going with the flow. Conversation tends to be unpredictable and we have to be
ready to cover a lot of ground. We do not know talk might lead. We may start
with one subject but that can quickly change as we ask questions or express
interest. Informal educators have to go with the flow. There may be moments
when they can bring the conversation back to a particular focus, or introduce
new material, but a lot for much of the time they will be listening and joining in,
seeing where the talk will lead (and how best they can make their contribution as
educators).
Moving between different forms of conversation. Conversations change. We
move from one mode of speaking to another. We may shift from a chat into
serious discussion, from making a joke into argument, from talking about soap
opera into disclosing something about our personal life. We, thus, have to attend
to these shifts so that we make the right response. We also have to work at
creating an environment in which shifts can occur. For example, we need to work
giving people the space to move from casual conversation into exploring some
issue or problem they are facing. In many respects, this area is one of the great
qualities of informal educators. They have to be able to switch gear, and be on
constant lookout for signals that people want to deepen or lighten the
conversation.
SPEAKING IN CONVERSATION
General ways to start a conversation
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If you're meeting someone for the first time, you can always start the
conversation by introducing yourself. This especially applies to more formal
business situations:
"Hey, my name's Adam. Nice to meet you..."
"Hey, what's your name?... Cool, I'm James."
"Hi. I'm Amy from (some company)."
That will break the ice, and they may start talking to you after that. If not, you just
traded names, and you essentially have to use another conversation starter to
get it going for real. With new people you don't always have to introduce yourself
to start talking to them. You could start the conversation in another way, and
after a while it will only feel natural to introduce yourselves to each other - "I'm
Kara, by the way"
Ask the person how they ended up in the situation you're all in
This mainly applies to new people, but you could also use it to start a
conversation with someone you've chatted to briefly a few times before, but you
haven't asked this information of them yet. Examples:
"How long have you been playing on this team?"
"How do you know everyone else at the party?"
"How long have you been working here?"
"What brought you guys out to this bar tonight?"
(At a business convention) "What company are you from?"
(At a games night at a hobby store) "How long have you been playing
Warhammer?"
Comment on the situation

"This is a pretty sweet party."
"Man, there are a ton of customers in here today."
"This class was pretty interesting, huh?"
"The last time I was at this bar there were a bunch of rowdy Engineering
freshmen here on a pub crawl."
"Wow, it's so hot out today. I checked the temperature online and it's 37
degrees (Celsius) with the humidity." (The weather is kind of an all-
encompassing situation everyone finds themselves in).
Ask a question about the situation

Sometimes you'll actually have a question about the situation you're in, and it's
only natural to use it to start talking to someone. Though I think of all the ways to
start a conversation, this is the one where people will 'white lie' the most. They
aren't really dying to know the answer to something and are just using the
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question as an excuse to talk.
Some people feel they have to use this type of conversation starter, because it
seems more spontaneous and natural, or doesn't put them on the line for
rejection as much because they have the face-saving explanation that they really
were trying to find something out. In general though, when you're just chatting to
people for friendly reasons, it's perfectly fine to start a conversation more
directly.
"Do you know what the sauce is with those hors d'oeuvres?"
"I missed the first class. Did the prof hand out a course outline?"
"Do you know when we need to be back from break?"
(at a bar) "Do you know when this place closes?"
(at a club) "What's the name of the song that's playing?"
Make a statement about the other person

An observation about someone can get a conversation going. Compliments
would also fall into this category.
"You look like you're in a good mood today."
"Are you into (some type of music)? I get a sense you might be."
"I like your hat. Where did you get it?"
(To the host of a party) "Wow, you've got a wicked movie collection."
Question examples:
"Have you seen (new popular movie)? What did you think of it?"
"What do you think of (the latest development on a popular TV show)?"
"You went to that concert last night, right? How was it?"
"Did you read that article yesterday about....?
Statement examples:
"I'm thinking of seeing (new popular movie). I saw the trailer for it. It looks
awesome, etc, etc."
"So I heard (something happened on a popular TV show). I think it's crazy
that (character) is doing that now, etc., etc.
"I wish I had seen the concert last night. I love that band. I heard that on
this tour they're..."
"I read a really interesting article the other day. It was saying that...."
Saying "Hello" or "Hey" or "What's up?" or "How's it going?"

Even though this is a really common way to get a conversation rolling, and it
often works just fine, I put it further down the list because it has the most
potential to cause the interaction to fizzle out. Saying, "What's up?" or "How's it
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going?" is notorious for often getting back a "Fine" or a "Good, you?" in
response, and then an awkward silence settling in. I find using a "What's up?"
type greeting works in the following circumstances:
You're using it simply to get the conversation opened up, and you've got
some follow-up statements prepared.
The person looks friendly and like they want to talk to you. You get a
sense that if you begin with "Hey" or "What's up?" that they'll take the ball
and say something substantive back.
You're both not rushing somewhere else. It's clear that you can both stick
around and talk to each other. For example, if you catch a co-worker as
they're walking out of the break room, they may take your "Hey, what's
up?" simply as a greeting. However, if they're sitting down at a table, and
you join them and say, "What's up?" that sends the message that you
want to have an actual conversation.
Turn-taking
A turn is the time when a speaker is talking and turn-taking is the skill of knowing
when to start and finish a turn in a conversation. It is an important organisational
tool in spoken discourse.
Example
One way that speakers signal a finished turn is to drop the pitch or volume of
their voice at the end of an utterance. There are many ways that speakers
manage turn-taking and they vary in different cultures. Areas that can be
considered in language teaching include pronunciation, e.g. intonation,
grammatical structures, utterances such as 'ah', 'mm' and 'you know', body
language and gestures.
Closing the conversation.
Useful, civil phrases to remember:

Im afraid Ive lost track of the time.
I promised Id meet my (insert significant others name or relationship);
gotta run.
I dont want to keep you.
This was fun but Im running late.
I wish we could talk some more but I have to go.
DEVELPING ANALYTICAL THINKING
How to think critically and analytically

As a student, you may be asked to think critically or for a critical or analytical
analysis. This page explains what this means and how to do it.
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Thinking critically
Critical thinking is a process used to think about and evaluate information and
reach a conclusion. Used in this context, the word 'critical is not negative, it
merely means that you shouldnt automatically accept that information is valid,
true, applicable or correct. Instead, you should gather the evidence, analyse all
aspects rationally and objectively, and with an open mind, so as to reach your
own conclusion.
Here are some guidelines to help you think critically:
Start with all the information you have
Make sure you include everything: what youve read, seen, heard, done or
been told about the topic.
Do you have enough information, or do you need to do more
reading/research?
What are the key points?
What are the arguments?
Are there any assumptions (things accepted as true without proof)?
What do you have to do with the information?
Identify the problem you have to solve, or the issue you need to address.
Write it down - don't worry if you're not sure, this is just a draft.
Can you break down the problem/issue into parts?
Which part do think you should start with?
What do you think about the problem/issue?
Why do you think what you do?
Makes notes: writing things down often clarifies your thinking.
Analyse the information
How do the bits fit together and relate to one another?
Compare the various ideas: are there any similarities or differences?
Evaluate the various views
What evidence is there for the various viewpoints?
Which points are in agreement, which ones disagree?
Make sure you consider all sides of the argument, especially those you
disagree with.
Are there logical connections between the various sources and ideas?
Compare what youve found with your initial thinking about the topic? Do
you still think the same way or have your views changed at all?
Which of the ideas youve found are relevant to your needs?
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Synthesise your ideas
This means bring your ideas together and develop a reasonable
response.
Is there more than one response?
What works best in this situation?
Use these ideas
Construct an argument.
Identify implications.
Reach a logical conclusion.
Apply your understanding
Answer the questions, and
write your assignment.
Thinking analytically
When you think analytically you examine, or think about, the different parts or
details of something in order to understand or explain it.
Analytical thinking may require you to think about some (or all) of the following:
Cause and effect
Similarities and differences
Trends
Associations between things
Inter-relationships between the parts
The sequence of events
Complex systems and how they work
Ways to solve complex problems
Steps within a process
Examples of what is happening.
Techniques to help you think analytically

Ask questions
Who - Who developed this theory? Whos involved? etc.
Where - Where does the information come from? Where can I find out
more?
When - When did it happen? When was the research done?
Why - Why did this happen? Why do/did people feel the way they do?
What - What happened before this, and after it? What does it really
mean? What do others think about it?
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What if - What if it hadnt happened? What if it had been done differently?
So what - Why does it matter?
Use diagrams
Diagrams can help you see how the ideas relate to one another.
For example, diagrams can show relationships such as cause and effect
or sequence (e.g. using flow diagrams), and hierarchy (e.g. using an
organisational chart).
Try mindmaps
Mindmaps are branching diagrams.
Start with the topic in the middle and add subtopics and relevant details.
In science, there are two ways of arriving at a conclusion: deductive reasoning
and inductive reasoning.
Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning happens when a researcher works from the more general
information to the more specific. Sometimes this is called the top-down
approach because the researcher starts at the top with a very broad spectrum of
information and they work their way down to a specific conclusion. For instance,
a researcher might begin with a theory about his or her topic of interest. From
there, he or she would narrow that down into more specific hypotheses that can
be tested.
The hypotheses are then narrowed down even further when observations are
collected to test the hypotheses. This ultimately leads the researcher to be able
to test the hypotheses with specific data, leading to a confirmation (or not) of the
original theory and arriving at a conclusion.
An example of deductive reasoning can be seen in this set of statements: Every
day, I leave for work in my car at eight oclock. Every day, the drive to work takes
45 minutes I arrive to work on time. Therefore, if I leave for work at eight oclock
today, I will be on time.
The deductive statement above is a perfect logical statement, but it does rely on
the initial premise being correct. Perhaps today there is construction on the way
to work and you will end up being late. This is why any hypothesis can never be
completely proved, because there is always the possibility for the initial premise
to be wrong.
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning works the opposite way, moving from specific observations
to broader generalizations and theories. This is sometimes called a bottom up
approach. The researcher begins with specific observations and measures,
begins to then detect patterns and regularities, formulate some tentative
hypotheses to explore, and finally ends up developing some general conclusions
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or theories.
An example of inductive reasoning can be seen in this set of statements: Today,
I left for work at eight oclock and I arrived on time. Therefore, every day that I
leave the house at eight oclock, I will arrive to work on time.
While inductive reasoning is commonly used in science, it is not always logically
valid because it is not always accurate to assume that a general principle is
correct. In the example above, perhaps today is a weekend with less traffic, so if
you left the house at eight oclock on a Monday, it would take longer and you
would be late for work. It is illogical to assume an entire premise just because
one specific data set seems to suggest it.
EFFECTIVE USE OF SMS

Target your Message
To get the best response rate target, target, target! Find who you want to
contact, and then target them using the language they use and with solutions /
offers they would want to recieve.
Timing
As most people have their phone with them over 90% of the day, timing is not
much of an issue. However, it has being found that if you are sending business
text messages is mid to late afternoon.
Dnt Use Txt Speak!
Always remember you are sending a business marketing message. U wudnt rite
txt spk on ur website wud u? So don't do it because it is a text message.
Keep it Clear & Simple!
The easier you keep the message the more likely your contacts are to respond.
You only have 160 characters to get your message across, so keep it to one
simple single offer or news with a clear call to action.
Be Complete
Ensure you include everything you want, as well as full instructions on what the
reciever needs to do. If they have to call ensure you give the phone number. If
they need to keep and show the text, tell them.
Use a friendly name your Customers will recognise.
When you begin to send business sms text marketing messages you will be able
to choose a friendly name. This friendly name will be shown on your contacts
mobile phone when they recieve the text message.
Now this is pretty obvious but always ensure you choose a name your customers
will recognise. Even if you want to do a gimick and promote an event or music
band - use their name.
Grab Attention Straight Away
Just like any other peice of marketing, try to grab attention straight away. Start
your message with the word NEWS, OFFER or any of those other words we all
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like to see. This is the part of the message that will also show if the reciever has
text preview on their mobile phone and will entince them more to open the SMS
text message.
Test, Revise, Test, Revise and Test Again
Mobile is no different than any other marketing communication method you
would use in your Business. Always send a test message to your own mobile
phone first as this will give you a chance to see it on the small screen. However,
after that test also keep testing and revising the messages you send to your
contacts. Each time change a small aspect of the SMS message and test if it
gets a better response.
USE OF EMOTIONS IN EMAIL

Emoticons--or smileys--can be a lot of fun when emailing people. They can also
make sure that people don't get the wrong impression. People can't see you
when they read your email so they don't know if you are happy, sad or annoyed.
Using emoticons gives them an idea of your mood and therefore there are no
misconceptions.
Instructions
Decide to use emoticons. When you first email someone you should be careful
using emoticons; however, when you are sending emails to people you know
emoticons are usually standard. Business emails shouldn't contain emoticons
because you want to look professional.
Set the mood by using emoticons. If you are happy, a happy face can depict this,
if you are sad use a sad face and if you are in a playful mood use a wink.
Convey your emotions when using emoticons. Words can take on a much
different meaning when you add an emoticon to them. When you write, "What do
you want?" if you add an emoticon such as a wink, you will send a different
message then the words say.
Understand the different emoticons you can use. You can find emoticons in
many forms--they don't have to be smileys. You can find emoticons in animated,
holiday or animal form, for example.
Insert emoticons into your emails. Make sure you email provider supports "Rich
Text Editing." Then follow the instructions for inserting graphics into your emails.
Some email providers have emoticons on a toolbar that you can use.
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:-) - basic smiley :-V - shouting smiley
:) - midget smiley :-X - a big wet kiss
,-) - winking happy smiley :-\ - undecided smiley
(-: - left hand smiley :-] - smiley blockhead
(:-) - smiley big face ;-( - crying smiley
(:-( - very unhappy smiley >;->- a very lewd remark was just made
,-} - wry and winking smiley ;^) - smirking smiley
8-O - Omigod %-) - smiley after staring at a screen for 15
'-) - winking smiley hours straight
:-# - my lips are scaled ):-( - nordic smiley
:-* - kiss 3:] - Lucy my pet dog smiley
:-/ - skeptical smiley :-&- tongue tied
:->- sarcastic smiley 8:-) - little girl smiley
:-@ - screaming smiley :-)8<- big girl smiley
:-d - said with a smile
REGULAR & IRREGULAR VERBS

Regular 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.
If the verb ends with a vowel, only d is added. For example:
PRESENT TENSE PAST TENSE
Share Shared
Scare Scared
Dare Dared
If the verb ends with a consonant, ed is added. For example:
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
unrecognisably different from the originals. For example:
Go Went
Run Ran
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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.
Infinitive Simple Past Past Participle

arise arose arisen
awake awakened / awoke awakened / awoken
backslide backslid backslidden / backslid
be was, were been
bear bore born / borne
beat beat beaten / beat
become became become
begin began begun
bend bent bent
bet bet / betted bet / betted
cast cast cast
catch caught caught
choose chose chosen
cling clung clung
clothe clothed / clad clothed / clad
come came come
cost cost cost
creep crept crept
crossbreed crossbred crossbred
cut cut cut
ACTIVE VOICE & PASSIVE VOICE
PASSIVE VOICE FOR ALL TENSES RULES

The places of subject and object in sentence are inter-changed in passive
voice.
3rd form of verb (past participle) will be used only (as main verb) in
passive voice.
Auxiliary verbs for each tense are given below in the table.
Present Simple Tense (passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: am/is/are
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Active voice: Passive voice:
He sings a song. A song issung by him.
He does not sing a song.Does he sing a A song is not sung by him.
song? Isa song sung by him?
Present Continuous Tense (passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: am being/is being/are being
I am writing a letter A letter is beingwritten by me.
I am not writing a letter. A letter is not beingwritten by me.
Am I writing a letter? Isa letterbeingwritten by me?
Present Perfect Tense (passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: has been/have been
She has finished his work Her work has beenfinished by her.
She has not finished her work. Her work has not beenfinished by her.
Has she finished her work? Hasher work beenfinished by her?
Past Simple Tense (passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: was/were
I killed a snake A snake waskilled by me.
I did not kill a snake. A snake was not killed by me.
Did I kill a snake? Wasa snake killed by me?
Past Continuous Tense (Passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: was being/were being
He was driving a car. A car was beingdriven by him.
He was not driving a car. A car was not beingdriven by him.
Was he driving a car? Wasa carbeingdriven by him?
Past Perfect Tense (Passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: had been
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They had completed the assignment. The assignment had beencompleted by them.
They had not completed the The assignment had not beencomplete by
assignment. them.
Had they completed the assignment? Hadthe assignment beencompleted by them?
Future Simple Tense (Passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: will be
She will buy a car. A car will bebought by her.
She will not buy a car. A car will not bebought by her.
Will she buy a car? Will a car bebought by her?
Future Perfect Tense (passive Voice)

Auxiliary verb in passive voice: will have been
You will have started the job. The job will have been started by you.
You will have not started the job. The job will not have beenstarted by you.
Will you have started the job? Will the job have beenstarted by you?
Note: The following tenses cannot be changed into passive voice.

Present perfect continuous tense
Past perfect continuous tense
Future continuous tense
Future perfect continuous tense
Sentence having Intransitive verbs
Examples:
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)
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HOMONYMNS & HOMOPHONES
HOMONYMS are words that sound alike but have different meanings.
Homophones are a type of homonym that also sound alike and have different
meanings, but have different spellings.
HOMONYM WORDS HOMOPHONE WORDS

SOUND type of homonym
same sound same sound
same OR different spelling different spelling
fair (county fair) pear (fruit)
fair (reasonable) pair (couple)
pear (fruit) Buzzy Bee Riddle #6; boo bee, booby
pair (couple) Buzzy Bee Riddle #14; hum bug,
Buzzy Bee Riddle #6; boo bee, booby humbug
Buzzy Bee Riddle #14; hum bug, Buzzy Bee Riddle #13: cell, sell
humbug
Buzzy Bee Riddle #13: cell, sell
Examples of Homonyms:
aid to help or assist
aide - assistant
affect - change
effect result or consequence
air atmosphere (the stuff we breathe)
err to make a mistake
aisle - walkway
Ill I will
isle - island
allowed - permitted
aloud out loud
ant picnic pest
aunt relative, as in your moms sister
arc - curve
ark Noahs boat
ate chewed up and swallowed
eight number after seven
bare - uncovered
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bear grizzly animal
berry fruit from a bush
bury to put underground
base bottom part
bass deep or low
be to exist
bee buzzing insect
beach sandy shore
beech type of tree
beat - to pound
beet type of edible plant
broach - mention
brooch - pin
brows - eyebrows
browse look around
buy - purchase
by - beside
by - originating from,BR. bye short for goodbye
cell compartment
sell - vend
cent penny coin
sent did send
cereal breakfast food
serial - sequential
Chile country in South America
chili bean stew
chilly frosty
Examples of Homophones
air, heir aisle, isle
ante-, anti- bare, bear, bear
be, bee brake, break
buy, by cell, sell
cent, scent cereal, serial
coarse, course complement, compliment
dam, damn dear, deer
die, dye eye, I
fair, fare fir, fur
flour, flower hair, hare
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heal, heel hear, here
him, hymn hole, whole
hour, our idle, idol
in, inn knight, night
knot, not know, no
made, maid mail, male
meat, meet morning, mourning
none, nun oar, or
one, won pair, pear
peace piece plain, plane
poor, pour pray, prey
principal, principle profit, prophet
real, reel right, write
root, route sail, sale
sea, see seam, seem
sew, so, sow sight, site
shore, sure sole, soul
some sum son, sun
stair, stare stationary, stationery
steal, steel suite, sweet
tail, tale their, there
to, too, two toe, tow
waist, waste wait, weight
way, weigh weak, week
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CONVERSATION PRACTICE
Buying Electrical Goods

A. Good morning, can I help you?
C. I hope so. I'm looking for a television.
A. The Toshiba TV5 is on special offer this week.
C. How much is it?
A. Only $299.95.
C.It's a little expensive. Do you have a cheaper one?
A. Yes. This one's only $150.
C. What make is it?
A. It's a Panasonic.
C. I like it, but it's still a little too expensive. Is there any chance of a discount?
A.Hmmmmm, OK, we can do it for $140.
C. Great, I'll take it. Do you accept credit cards?
A. Yes we do
Telephone English
A: Good afternoon, Fowler's, may I help you?
B:Extension 237 please.
A:I'm sorry, the line's busy, will you hold?
B:Yes, I'll hold...............
A:I'm putting you through.
C:Marketing, Harry Webb speaking.
B:Could I speak to Maurice Caine please?
C:I'm sorry, he's in a meeting at the moment.
B:Do you know when he'll be back?
C:He should be back around four. Can I take a message?
B:Yes, please ask him to call David Jones on 629 3478
C:629 3478, right?
B:That's right.
C:OK, I'll see he gets your message
Banking - Opening an account

A:Good morning, can I help you?
B:Yes, I'd like to open a deposit account.
A:Certainly Sir. Would you like a Silver or a Gold account?
B:What's the difference?
A:You can open a Silver account with just $5. The account comes with a cash
card so you can withdraw your money at any time. The Silver account currently
pays 5% interest. For the Gold account you need a minimum of $500, and you
have to give 14 days notice to withdraw money. The interest rate is 6.5%.
B:I'll go for the Silver account.
A:How much would you like to deposit?
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B:$500
A:And we'll need two proofs of ID; telephone bill, driver's license, credit card
statement etc.
B:I'm sorry, I don't have any of those on me. I'll come back tomorrow.
Finding an Apartment
A:Hi, what can I do for you?
M:I'm interested in the apartment in Marine Drive. What can you tell me about it?
A:It's a conversion on the second floor of a beautiful, four-storey building. It has
two bedrooms and a large living room overlooking the sea. The kitchen and
bathroom have recently been re-fitted.
M:Is it centrally heated?
A:Yes, it's centrally heated throughout, and double-glazed too.
M:Does it have a parking space?
A:No, but there's plenty of unrestricted parking in Marine Drive and nearby.
M:How much is it?
A:It's $139,995, but I believe the owner would be willing to accept an offer.
M:How long is the lease?
A:There's no lease, it's a condominium.
Borrowing
S:Dad. Can I borrow the car tomorrow?
F:Why do you want to borrow the car?
S:I'm going to the beach with Tony.
F:Last time you borrowed it you had an accident and dented the door.
S:I promise I'll drive carefully this time.
F:And the gas tank was almost empty.
S:I'll fill it up before I get home.
F:Well, OK then, provided you're home by 8. I'm going out tomorrow evening and
I need the car.
S:Great. Thanks dad, I'll be home by 7:30
Obligations and Rules
Bert is starting a new job

A.Welcome to Smith & Jones, Bert. Do you have any questions?
B.Yes, what time do I have to start work?
A.You have to start work at 8.30.
B.What do I have to do?
A.You have to type letters, make tea and answer the telephone.
B.Do I have to wear a uniform?
A.No, you don't have to wear a uniform, but you must wear a tie.
B.Can I smoke?
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A.No, you mustn't smoke in the building. You'll have to go outside if you want to
smoke.
B.Do I have to work overtime?
A.Yes, you have to work overtime every other Saturday
WRITING A BOOK REVIEW
A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality,

meaning, and significance of a book, not a retelling. It should focus on the book's
purpose, content, and authority. A critical book review is not a book report or a
summary. It is a reaction paper in which strengths and weaknesses of the
material are analyzed. It should include a statement of what the author has tried
to do, evaluates how well (in the opinion of the reviewer) the author has
succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation.
There is no right way to write a book review. Book reviews are highly personal
and reflect the opinions of the reviewer. A review can be as short as 50-100
words, or as long as 1500 words, depending on the purpose of the review.
The following are standard procedures for writing book reviews; they are
suggestions, not formulae that must be used.
1. Write a statement giving essential information about the book: title,
author, first copyright date, type of book, general subject matter,
special features (maps, color plates, etc.), price and ISBN.
2. State the authors purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors

state their purpose in the preface or the first chapter. When they do
not, you may arrive at an understanding of the books purpose by
asking yourself these questions:
a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on

some other subject?
b. From what point of view is the work written?
c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain

something technical, to convince the reader of a beliefs
validity by dramatizing it in action?
d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the

book fit into it? (Use outside sources to familiarize yourself
with the field, if necessary.) Knowledge of the genre means
understanding the art form. and how it functions.
e. Who is the intended audience?
f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal?

3
Evaluate the quality of the writing style by using some of
the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality,
forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness,
fullness of development, fluidity. Does it suit the intended
audience?
g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how

the book is organized and will aid in determining the
author's main ideas and how they are developed -
chronologically, topically, etc.
H. How did the book affect you? Were any previous ideas
you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced
due to this book? How is the book related to your own
course or personal agenda? What personal experiences
you've had relate to the subject?
3. State the theme and the thesis of the book.
a. Theme: The theme is the subject or topic. It is not

necessarily the title, and it is usually not expressed in a
complete sentence. It expresses a specific phase of the
general subject matter.
b. Thesis: The thesis is an authors generalization about

the theme, the authors beliefs about something important,
the books philosophical conclusion, or the proposition the
author means to prove. Express it without metaphor or
other figurative language, in one declarative sentence.
Example
Title: We Had it Made
General Subject Matter: Religious Intolerance
Theme: The effects of religious intolerance on a

small town
Thesis: Religious intolerance, a sickness of

individuals, contaminates an entire social group
4. Explain the method of development-the way the author supports the

thesis. Illustrate your remarks with specific references and quotations.
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In general, authors tend to use the following methods, exclusively or in
combination.
a. Description: The author presents word-pictures of

scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to
the five senses, or to the readers imagination. Description
presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to
help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details
as possible, the way things (and people) are, in the
episodes being described.
b. Narration: The author tells the story of a series of

events, usually presented in chronological order. In a novel
however, chronological order may be violated for the sake
of the plot. The emphasis in narration, in both fiction and
non-fiction, is on the events. Narration tells what has
happened. Its primary purpose is to tell a story.
c. Exposition: The author uses explanation and analysis to

present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents
the facts about a subject or an issue as clearly and
impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to explain.
d. Argument: The author uses the techniques of

persuasion to establish the truth of a statement or to
convince the reader of its falsity. The purpose is to
persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to
act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue. Its
primary purpose is to convince.
5. Evaluate the book for interest, accuracy, objectivity, importance,

thoroughness, and usefulness to its intended audience. Show whether
the author's main arguments are true. Respond to the author's
opinions. What do you agree or disagree with? And why? Illustrate
whether or not any conclusions drawn are derived logically from the
evidence. Explore issues the book raises. What possibilities does the
book suggest? What has the author omitted or what problems were
left unsolved? What specific points are not convincing? Compare it
with other books on similar subjects or other books by the same as
well as different authors. Is it only a reworking of earlier books; a
refutation of previous positions? Have newly uncovered sources
justified a new approach by the author? Comment on parts of
particular interest, and point out anything that seems to give the book
literary merit. Relate the book to larger issues.
6. Try to find further information about the author - reputation,

5
qualifications, influences, biographical, etc. - any information that is
relevant to the book being reviewed and that would help to establish
the author's authority. Can you discern any connections between the
author's philosophy, life experience and the reviewed book?
7. If relevant, make note of the book's format - layout, binding,

typography, etc. Are there maps, illustrations? Do they aid
understanding?
8. Check the back matter. Is the index accurate? Check any end notes
or footnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide
important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points
made in the body of the text? Check any bibliography the author may
provide. What kinds of sources, primary or secondary, appear in the
bibliography? How does the author make use of them? Make note of
important omissions.
9. Summarize (briefly), analyze, and comment on the books content.

State your general conclusions. Pay particular attention to the author's
concluding chapter. Is the summary convincing? List the principal
topics, and briefly summarize the authors ideas about these topics,
main points, and conclusions. Use specific references and quotations
to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the
conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or
simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new material at this point.
Book Review: Wings of Fire, by APJ Abdul Kalam

About the author:
APJ Abdul Kalam is one of Indias most distinguished scientists. He served as
the 11th President of India, between 2002 and 2007. He was fondly referred to
as The Peoples President during his term. He has honorary doctorates from
over thirty universities and is the recipient of the countrys three highest civilian
awards the Padma Bhushan, the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna.
Review of the book:
Inspiration comes in various ways. To read a book and be inspired by it is really
a wonderful feeling. Over the last few days, I have had the pleasure of being
inspired by few such books. Two of them were written by the man I have had the
pleasure of seeing two times as well, the eleventh President of India, APJ Abdul
Kalam.
The two books are two parts of his autobiography, and this book, Wings of Fire is
the first part.
Im at my wits end as to how to review an autobiography, but it doesnt feel right
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not to say this book is inspirational and something that needs to be read. It is a
journey through leadership, through hardships, through the life of a man who
inspired the nation. It shows a different perspective to things, one that we dont
usually see. The book has a lot of things that can be quoted, but I choose to
share this one
He who knows others is learned, but the wise one is the one who knows
himself. Learning without wisdom is of no use.
I chose this particular quote because it tells me to look into understanding the
person I am too, and not just look to understand others.
Another excerpt that looks into life was
The trouble is that we often merely analyse life instead of dealing with it. People
dissect their failures for causes and effects, but seldom deal with them and gain
experience to master them and thereby avoid their recurrence. This is my belief:
that through difficulties and problems God gives us the opportunity to grow. So
when your hopes and dreams and goals are dashed, search among the
wreckage, you may find a golden opportunity hidden in the ruins.
I have also got bogged down by failures rather than dealing with it. I guess that
has stopped me from growing atleast a little bit. Maybe I failed for a reason, and
that opportunity is still there. I think its about time I started to search for that
opportunity now.
The book is inspiring, but it probably might not sound as much if you arent
Indian. Still, there are things to take out of it.
IMPROVE READING
Right now you are reading English. That means that you are using your brain in
a very active way. Reading is a very active process. It is true that the writer does
a lot of work, but the reader also has to work hard. When you read a text, you
have to do some or all of these:
imagine a scene in your head
understand clearly what the writer is trying to say
agree or disagree with the writer
Advantages of Reading
When you learn a language, listening, speaking and writing are important, but
reading can also be very helpful. There are many advantages associated with
reading, including:
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Learning Vocabulary In Context
You will usually encounter new words when you read. If there are too many new
words for you, then the level is too high and you should read something simpler.
But if there are, say, a maximum of five new words per page, you will learn this
vocabulary easily. You may not even need to use a dictionary because you can
guess the meaning from the rest of the text (from the context). Not only do you
learn new words, but you see them being used naturally.
A Model For Writing

When you read, it gives you a good example for writing. Texts that you read
show you structures and expressions that you can use when you write.
Seeing "Correctly Structured" English

When people write, they usually use "correct" English with a proper grammatical
structure. This is not always true when people speak. So, by reading you see
and learn grammatical English naturally.
Working At Your Own Speed

You can read as fast or as slowly as you like. You can read ten pages in 30
minutes, or take one hour to explore just one page. It doesn't matter. The choice
is yours. You cannot easily do this when speaking or listening. This is one of the
big advantages of reading because different people work at different speeds.
Personal Interest
If you choose something to read that you like, it can actually be interesting and
enjoyable. For example, if you like to read about football in your own language,
why not read about football in English? You will get information about football
and improve your English at the same time.
Five Tips for Reading
Tip #1
Try to read at the right level. Read something that you can (more or less)
understand. If you need to stop every three words to look in a dictionary, it is not
interesting for you and you will soon be discouraged.
Tip #2
Make a note of new vocabulary. If there are four or five new words on a page,
write them in your vocabulary book. But you don't have to write them while you
read. Instead, try to guess their meaning as you read; mark them with a pen;
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then come back when you have finished reading to check in a dictionary and add
them to your vocabulary book.
Tip #3
Try to read regularly. For example, read for a short time once a day. Fifteen
minutes every day is better than two hours every Sunday. Fix a time to read and
keep to it. For example, you could read for fifteen minutes when you go to bed,
or when you get up, or at lunchtime.
Tip #4
Be organised. Have everything ready:
something to read
a marker to highlight difficult words
a dictionary
your vocabulary book
a pen to write down the new words
Tip #5
Read what interests YOU. Choose a magazine or book about a subject that you
like.
Things to Read
Newspapers
You can find English-language newspapers in all large cities around the world.
Newspapers are interesting because they are about real life and the news. BUT
they are not easy to read. Try reading newspapers if your level is intermediate or
above.
Some British newspapers:
The Telegraph
The Times
The Independent
The Guardian
The Financial Times (business)
The Sunday Times
Some American newspapers:
The International Herald Tribune
The New York Times
The Wall Street Journal (business)
9
Magazines
Some magazines are published weekly, some monthly. You can find English-
language magazines in many large cities around the world. If you cannot find the
magazine you want in your town, you may be able to order it for delivery. Many
magazines have pictures which can help your understanding. You will need an
intermediate level for most magazines, but a pre-intermediate level may be ok
for some magazines.
There are magazines on every subject:
Politics
Sport
The House
Cars
Music
Romance
Travel
Language
etc
Books
Books are divided mainly into:
Non-fiction (history, biography, travel, cooking etc)
Fiction (stories and novels)
Some books are easier to read than others. It often depends on the author.
Agatha Christie, for example, wrote in an easier style and with simpler
vocabulary than Stephen King. You can buy books in specialised English-
language bookshops in large cities around the world. You may also be able to
find some English-language books in libraries.
Short Stories
Short stories can be a good choice when learning a language because they
are...short. It's like reading a whole book in a few pages. You have all the
excitement of a story in a book, but you only have to read 5,000 or 10,000 words.
So you can quite quickly finish the story and feel that you have achieved
something. Short stories are published in magazines, in books of short stories,
and on the Internet.
Readers
Readers are books that are specially published to be easy to read. They are
short and with simple vocabulary. They are usually available at different levels,
10
so you should be able to find the right level for you. Many readers are stories by
famous authors in simple form. This is an excellent way for you to start practising
reading.
WRITING SUMMARY
A summary is condensed version of a larger reading. A summary is not a rewrite
of the original piece and does not have to be long nor should it be long. To write
a summary, use your own words to express briefly the main idea and relevant
details of the piece you have read. Your purpose in writing the summary is to
give the basic ideas of the original reading. What was it about and what did the
author want to communicate?
While reading the original work, take note of what or who is the focus and ask
the usual questions that reporters use: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
How? Using these questions to examine what you are reading can help you to
write the summary.
Sometimes, the central idea of the piece is stated in the introduction or first
paragraph, and the supporting ideas of this central idea are presented one by
one in the following paragraphs. Always read the introductory paragraph
thoughtfully and look for a thesis statement. Finding the thesis statement is like
finding a key to a locked door. Frequently, however, the thesis, or central idea, is
implied or suggested. Thus, you will have to work harder to figure out what the
author wants readers to understand. Use any hints that may shed light on the
meaning of the piece: pay attention to the title and any headings and to the
opening and closing lines of paragraphs.
In writing the summary, let your reader know the piece that you are summarizing.
Identify the title, author and source of the piece. You may want to use this
formula:
In "Title of the Piece" (source and date of piece), author shows that: central idea
of the piece. The author supports the main idea by using
_____________________ and showing that
______________________________________________________.
Remember:
Do not rewrite the original piece.
Keep your summary short.
Use your own wording.
Refer to the central and main ideas of the original piece.
Read with who, what, when, where, why and how questions in mind.
Do not put in your opinion of the issue or topic discussed in the original
piece. Often, instructors ask students to put their opinions in a paragraph
separate from the summary.
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Practice writing a summary for the following short story
Aesop
The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and
singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an
ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and
moiling in that way?"
"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to
do the same."
"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; "We have got plenty of food
at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter
came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger - while it
saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had
collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to prepare for
days of need.
PERSONAL LETTERS
Personal letters, also known as friendly letters, and social notes normally have
five parts.
1. The Heading. This includes the address, line by line, with the last line being
the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of
the page. If using preaddressed stationery, add just the date.
2. The Greeting. The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be
formal, beginning with the word "dear" and using the person's given name or
relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate.
Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Wilkins,
Informal: Hi Joe, Greetings,
(Occasionally very personal greetings may end with an exclamation point for
emphasis.)
3. The body. Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want
to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. If
not indented, be sure to skip a space between paragraphs. Skip a line after the
greeting and before the close.
4. The complimentary close. This short expression is always a few words on a
single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the
heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.
12
5. The signature line. Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes
above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten
signature are indented to the same column as the close. The signature should
be written in blue or black ink. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the
signature line as long as you sign the letter.
Postscript. If your letter contains a postscript, begin it with P.S. and end it with
your initials. Skip a line after the signature line to begin the postscript.
Practice writing a letter to your friend describing your visit to holiday resort
Chennai,
24th July 2005.
Dear Geetha,
I am fine here, How are you? I have received your letter during 3rd week of May.
For this year's holidays, I went to Bangalore with my parents and stayed in our
uncles house for a week.
We went to Vidhan Sowdha which is one of the famous assemblies in India.

Then we visited Lal Park, Cubban Park, Zoo, Sir C.V. Raman Museum,
Plantorium and also M.G. Road Bazaar in Bangalore city. Really I enjoyed going
to the capital city of Karnataka.
Next day we visited Tippr Sultan Palace and Mysore Dam which are very
beautiful and monumental places. Really Bangalore is a flower city which is good
memory in my life. If possible please try to go to Bangalore at least one time.
Rest in next.
With love.
Yours loving friend,
R. Uma
Address on the envelope :
To :
N. Geetha,
19, Nethaji Road,
Thanjavur.
MODAL VERBS
Some helping verbs, called modal auxiliaries or modals, such as can, could,
may, might, must, ought to, shall, should, will, and would, do not change form for
different subjects. For instance, try substituting any of these modal auxiliaries for
can with any of the subjects listed below.
13
I
you
(singular)
he canwrite well.
we
you (plural)
they
There is also a separate section on the Modal Auxiliaries, which divides these
verbs into their various meanings of necessity, advice, ability, expectation,
permission, possibility, etc., and provides sample sentences in various tenses.
See the section on Conditional Verb Forms for help with the modal auxiliary
would. The shades of meaning among modal auxiliaries are multifarious and
complex.
Uses of Can and Could

The modal auxiliary can is used
to express ability (in the sense of being able to do something or knowing

how to do something):
He can speak Spanish but he can't write it very well.
to expression permission (in the sense of being allowed or permitted to do
something):
Can I talk to my friends in the library waiting room? (Note that can is less
formal than may. Also, some writers will object to the use of can in this
context.)
to express theoretical possibility:
American automobile makers can make better cars if they think there's a
profit in it.
The modal auxiliary could is used
to express an ability in the past:

I could always beat you at tennis when we were kids.
to express past or future permission:
Could I bury my cat in your back yard?
to express present possibility:
We could always spend the afternoon just sitting around talking.
to express possibility or ability in contingent circumstances:
If he studied harder, he could pass this course.
In expressing ability, can and could frequently also imply willingness: Can you
help me with my homework?
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Can versus May
Whether the auxiliary verb can can be used to express permission or not "Can
I leave the room now?" ["I don't know if you can, but you may."] depends on
the level of formality of your text or situation. As Theodore Bernstein puts it in
The Careful Writer, "a writer who is attentive to the proprieties will preserve the
traditional distinction: can for ability or power to do something, may for
permission to do it.
The question is at what level can you safely ignore the "proprieties." Merriam-
Webster's Dictionary, tenth edition, says the battle is over and can can be used
in virtually any situation to express or ask for permission. Most authorities,
however, recommend a stricter adherence to the distinction, at least in formal
situations.
Uses of May and Might

Two of the more troublesome modal auxiliaries are may and might. When used
in the context of granting or seeking permission, might is the past tense of may.
Might is considerably more tentative than may.
May I leave class early?

If I've finished all my work and I'm really quiet, might I leave early?
In the context of expressing possibility, may and might are interchangeable

present and future forms and might + have + past participle is the past form:
She might be my advisor next semester.

She may be my advisor next semester.
She might have advised me not to take biology.
Avoid confusing the sense of possibility in may with the implication of might, that
a hypothetical situation has not in fact occurred. For instance, let's say there's
been a helicopter crash at the airport. In his initial report, before all the facts are
gathered, a newscaster could say that the pilot "may have been injured." After
we discover that the pilot is in fact all right, the newscaster can now say that the
pilot "might have been injured" because it is a hypothetical situation that has not
occurred. Another example: a body had been identified after much work by a
detective. It was reported that "without this painstaking work, the body may have
remained unidentified." Since the body was, in fact, identified, might is clearly
called for.
Uses of Will and Would
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In certain contexts, will and would are virtually interchangeable, but there are
differences. Notice that the contracted form 'll is very frequently used for will.
Will can be used to express willingness:
I'll wash the dishes if you dry.

We're going to the movies. Will you join us?
It can also express intention (especially in the first person):
I'll do my exercises later on.
and prediction:
specific: The meeting will be over soon.

timeless: Humidity will ruin my hairdo.
habitual: The river will overflow its banks every spring.
Would can also be used to express willingness:
Would you please take off your hat?
It can also express insistence (rather rare, and with a strong stress on the word
"would"):
Now you've ruined everything. You would act that way.
and characteristic activity:
customary: After work, he would walk to his home in West Hartford.

typical (casual): She would cause the whole family to be late, every time.
In a main clause, would can express a hypothetical meaning:
My cocker spaniel would weigh a ton if I let her eat what she wants.
Finally, would can express a sense of probability:
I hear a whistle. That would be the five o'clock train.
Uses of Used to
The auxiliary verb construction used to is used to express an action that
16
took place in the past, perhaps customarily, but now that action no longer
customarily takes place:
We used to take long vacation trips with the whole family.
The spelling of this verb is a problem for some people because the "-ed"
ending quite naturally disappears in speaking: "We yoostoo take long
trips." But it ought not to disappear in writing. There are exceptions,
though. When the auxiliary is combined with another auxiliary, did, the
past tense is carried by the new auxiliary and the "-ed" ending is dropped.
This will often happen in the interrogative:
Didn't you use to go jogging every morning before breakfast?

It didn't use to be that way.
Used to can also be used to convey the sense of being accustomed to or

familiar with something:
The tire factory down the road really stinks, but we're used to it by now.
I like these old sneakers; I'm used to them.
Used to is best reserved for colloquial usage; it has no place in formal or

academic text.
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verbs are part of a large group of verbs called multi-part or "multi-word
verbs.
The preposition or adverb that follows the verb is sometimes called a particle.
Phrasal verbs and other multi-word verbs are an important part of the English
language.
However, they are mainly used in spoken English and informal texts. They
should be
avoided in academic writing where it is preferable to use a formal verb such as
to postpone
rather than to put off.
Transitive and intransitive phrasal verbs :

Some phrasal verbs are transitive. (A transitive verb always has an object.)
Example : I made up an excuse. ('Excuse' is the object of the verb.)
Some phrasal verbs are intransitive . (An intransitive verb does not have an
object.)
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Example : My car broke down.
Separable or inseparable phrasal verbs :

Some transitive phrasal verbs are separable. (The object is between the verb
and the preposition.)
Example : I looked the word up in the dictionary.
Some transitive phrasal verbs are inseparable. (The object is placed after the
preposition.)
Example : I will look into the matter as soon as possible.
Some transitive phrasal verbs can take an object in both places.
Example : I picked up the book.
I picked the book up.
However, if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the
preposition.
Example : I picked it up.
Phrasal Verb Meaning Phrasal verb in Sentences

Brush up on Review We're getting together tonight to brush up on our Spanish skills.
Check up on Track My parents are always calling to check up on me.
Check with Consult Check with your professor before you research that topic.
Chew on Consider We need to chew on this problem.
Come across Appear They come across as very rude.
Come I just knew the manager could come through and solve the
Succeed
through problem.
No one can come up with a good advertisement for the
Come up with Conceive
toothpaste.
Procure Bob has come up with a welding torch and some scrap iron.
We can always fall back on the ideas we came up with
Fall back on Retreat
yesterday.
Fear for Worry Sam fears for the welfare of her family since she had a stroke.
Go over Review Let's go over the numbers from the annual report again.
Hang on Grab They yelled for us to hang on as the raft swept down the river.
Hold on Wait The server asked us to hold on while he got his notebook out.
Launch into Begin With little preamble, the guest launched into her speech.
Look after Care for When the neighbors went on vacation I looked after their house.
Lean toward Prefer Helene usually leans toward green, leafy vegetables.
Protesting his innocence, Ron claims he didn't mean to offend
Mean to Intend
us.
Play along Pretend When he lies, I just play along as if I believe him.
What is that salesperson playing at, stealing my customers like
Play at Try
this?
Put up with Tolerate Too many people put up with terrible service in banks.
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Whenever anyone puts up a fuss he just rolls over without a
Roll over Acquiesce
fight.
Don't you hate it when you're baking a cake and you run out of
Run out of Exhaust
flour?
Skip out Desert Knowing how to skip out of troublesome engagements is an art.
Sneak out Abscond When we were kids we used to sneak out of the house at night.
Sneak up Creep It's funny how your birthday can just sneak up on you.
The lovers stole away from the rest of the party and watched
Steal away Leave
stars.
Strike up Begin The drummer will strike up a tempo and the parade can begin.
Talk down to Patronize The librarian would always talk down to the young girl.
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CONVERSATION WITH STRESS, INTONATION & PRONUNCIATION
Energy Control
There are 4 basic ways that energy can be controlled when speaking a
language.
1 Stress
We change the direction, pressure, and volume of air in our vocal tracts to make
letter and word sounds. Stress is the amount of energy or effort that we use to
make these changes. American English is a stress language. More stress, or
more energy, is used to pronounce words that are more important in a sentence.
2 Rhythm
Have you ever tapped your foot when listening to music? You tap your foot to the
rhythm or beat of the musical sounds. Sometimes the rhythm of the music is fast
and sometimes it is slow. Spoken language also has rhythm. The rhythm of
spoken words and sentences change as the amount of energy used to
pronounce them changes.
3 Intonation
We change the pitch, or music, of our voice, to put emotion and meaning into our
words and sentences. The intonation or pitch of our voice can go up or down or
stay flat. Often, we change the intonation of our voice before (intonation goes up)
and after (intonation goes down) we pronounce stressed words. More
pronunciation energy is used when intonation is going up an less is used when
intonation is going down.
4 Pause
We can add a pause, or a moment of silence, between words to add meaning

and emotion to what we say. Pause = No pronunciation energy.
There is a relationship, there is a connection, between stress, rhythm, intonation,

and pause. Basic prosody is the study of these relationships and how they are
used to add emotion and meaning to words and sentences.
CONVERSATION EXPRESSING FEELING
I'm beat!!!
Bradley: That was one doozie of a trip.

Leroy: I'm beat. Let's get a room and put our bikes away for good.
Bradley: I'll rent a scooter so we can go exploring tomorrow.
1
Leroy: Good. Because I wouldn't get on that bike again if my life depended on it.
Bradley: Come on, Le. It was fun.
Leroy: No. Going to the beach tomorrow will be fun. That bike ride was torture.
Bradley: All right. Let's go get some rest.
Leroy: I second that notion.
Explanation:
Beat - worn out, very tired
Example:
I worked a 12 hour shift today. I'm beat so I'm going to just stay home tonight
Keep up with!!!
Glenn: Guys, you've been doing great. There's just a couple of more areas I'd
like to show you.
Randall: Are we going to look at paintings?
Glenn: To tell the truth, that's one area I don't keep up with as much.
Randall: Why? Do they bore you?
Glenn: Oh, not at all. It's just that the museum changes the exhibits every few
months.
Randall: I bet keeping up can be quite difficult.
Glenn: Yeah, I never feel like I know enough about them.
Explanation:
Keep up with - to stay informed
Example:
The pace of change is so fast that we find it hard to keep up with the latest
developments.
SPEED READING
Time your current reading speed.
Not only will timing help you to tell if you're improving, but it will also keep you
motivated.
You can break out a book and a stopwatch and either time how long it
takes you to read a certain number of words on a page or find out how
many words you read in a given amount of time.
An easier way to time yourself is to take an online reading speed test.
There are plenty of these available: just enter "reading speed test" in your
search engine. Many of these have reading comprehension tests, as well,
so you can see how well you're understanding what you're reading.
2
Regardless of how you decide to time yourself, be sure to read at your
normal speed during the timing, and time yourself on a few different
pages - the average of your times should approximate your average
reading speed.
Get rid of distractions.
Even if you think you read better when you have music playing or when you're in
a crowded coffee house, you can probably increase your speed if you reduce
distractions to a bare minimum. Try to find a solitary place to read, and turn off
the TV, radio and cell phone.
Even being in a room of people talking is distracting. If no solitary place is
available, try using earplugs to block out any distractions around you.
Adjust reading speed depending on the material.
Often, we must trade off comprehension for speed, so an important part of

increasing reading speed is deciding how thoroughly you need to comprehend a
particular piece of writing. So before you even start reading, decide how fast you
intend to go.
If you're reading a newspaper article, chances are you just want to get the
main ideas, and you can skim through the passages quite rapidly.
If, however, you're reading a mathematics textbook or a demanding
philosophical treatise - and you need to fully understand the material - you
do not want to rush.
Learn to separate the wheat from the chaff with pre-reading.
No matter what you are reading, there is frequently a lot of "filler" that you can
read quickly through or even skim over. With practice, you will be able to identify
the most important parts of a book as you skim through it. When you get to such
a passage, slow down.
Before you begin a chapter or book, look over the entire piece very
quickly. Try to find patterns of repeated words, key ideas, bold print and
other indicators of important concepts. Then, when you actually do your
reading you may be able to skim over large portions of the text, slowing
only when you come to something you know is important.
Train yourself not to reread.
Most people frequently stop and skip back to words or sentences they just read
to try to make sure they understood the meaning. This is usually unnecessary,
but it can easily become a habit, and many times you will not even notice you're
doing it.
One exercise to help you avoid rereading is to take a sheet of paper or
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index card and drag it down the page as you read, covering each line
once you've read it. Try to drag the card in a steady motion; start slowly,
and increase your speed as you feel more comfortable.
Practice and push yourself.
While you may see some gains in speed the moment you start using these tips,
speed reading is a skill that requires a lot of practice. Always push yourself to
your comfort level and beyond - if you end up having to reread a section, it's not
a big deal. Keep practicing regularly.
Have a clear purpose for reading.
Know what you want to get from a book before you start reading. Are you
reading for pleasure (doing what pleases you) or for information?
If youre reading for information, set your purpose, which will either be
to find specific information, or
to discover its message, what its about.
Have a SMART purpose for your reading. In business, people are often
told to set a SMART goal or purpose. This applies to reading too.
SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Real (WIIFM),
Time-bound (or timely)
MINUTES OF MEETING
1. Minutes are not a description of what happened at a meeting they are the
official record of decisions that were taken. So keep them brief and accurate.
2. Minutes usually cover the following:
Apologies for absence offered on behalf of anyone who cannot attend.

Minutes of the last meeting. (If everyone agrees that they are accurate a copy
will be signed and filed.)
Matters Arising. (This is a report of action taken or progress made since the
last meeting.)
New Business. (Here items of new business are dealt with this is usually the
longest part of the meeting.)
Any Other Business. (This item gives members an opportunity to raise matters
of minor importance that have not been included in the agenda.)
Date/Time/Place of next meeting.
3. Minutes should include:
The purpose of the meeting (ie its title).

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The date and place of the meeting.
The names of those present and those who sent apologies for absence. (If it is
a large meeting numbers only will be given.)
The business transacted and the decisions taken.
Any resolutions passed, or motions defeated.
4. When taking notes of a meeting dont try to write everything down. Concentrate only
on what is relevant and what decisions are taken.
5. Write up the minutes from your notes as soon as possible after the meeting while it
is still fresh in your mind. If you cannot do this, then at least read through your notes so
that you make sure you understand them and can fill in any gaps.
6. When writing the minutes from your notes use plenty of numbered points and sub-
headings so that everything is clear.
7. Always use the past tense and it is often better to choose the passive rather than the
active voice. (It was agreed, It was decided) These two examples also demonstrate
the empty it construction. It is useful in minutes because they should be impersonal;
so avoid the use of we and us.
8. When you have finished the minutes and had them typed-up, always check them
carefully for accuracy of content and also for correct spelling and punctuation.
9. When complete, minutes should be circulated to all the people who attended. They
can then be signed at the start of the next meeting if everyone agrees that they are
accurate.
10. And a very important point: the format for minutes varies from organisation to
organisation. There is no right or wrong way be guided by whats usual in your
company.
WRITING TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Writing good technical articles is indeed a challenge, takes a lot of your personal
time, requires doing a lot of research. And you should have a passion for writing
and reading as well. If you don't like reading, trust me you will not be able to write
either. Let's get to the 5 tips now:
1. First and foremost, you should have a fair amount of expertise on the topic
you are writing. Never write an article on a topic which you are not confident.
Make sure you work out all steps and give fair amount of information to your
readers to know what needs to be done when things go wrong. Focus on this
one topic, and make sure it is to the point. Include lots of working samples, with
5
clear explanations. If you really want to write and have no clue where to start
with, the best place to begin writing is in your own blog.
2. Writing Style and Title. Since you are writing a technical article, make sure the
language is as simple as possible. This is to make sure readers who are not
native English speakers are also able to get a good grasp of your article without
going back and forth to the dictionary. Let your article be reader friendly. Having
a catchy title is very important to get the attention. This doesn't mean that you
can have a title to grab the attention, and the article itself doesn't even come
closer to the title.
3. Write a Rough Draft. We all have learnt in our Language classes that every
article should have 3 sections; introduction, body and finally the conclusion.
Make sure you read it 2-3 times before you actually send it out for publishing. If
you have a family member or a colleague, ask them to take a look. Always better
to have a second pair of eyes, right?
4. Comments. Make sure if your readers have any questions or difficulties that
you try to respond to them as quickly as possible. Always be on top of your
article. Even if the comments are not appropriate, make sure you don't go into a
war of words. Try to convey your message in a polite way, and if you think you
can't be polite; just don't respond.
5. Resources: Provide links to all articles you think will be useful for the reader to
get additional information. This should be either at the end of the article or even
better is to provide links when and where you are referring to them. If you have
referred any books, list them as well. This will give a clear idea to the reader to
look out for more details.
CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
Conditional Clause and Main Clause

If I have enough money, I will go to Japan.
conditional clause main clause
I will go to Japan, if I have enough money
main clause conditional clause
First, Second, and Third Conditional

1. First conditional: If I have enough money, I will go to Japan.
2. Second conditional: If I had enough money, I would go to Japan.
If I had had enough money, I would have gone to
3. Third conditional:
Japan.
Conditional clause Main clause
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1.If + Present Tense will + inf / present tense / imperative
If you help me with the dishes (if + pres),
I will help you with your homework. (will + inf)
If the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by three,
the number is divisible by three (Pres. tense)
If you see Mr Fox tonight, tell him I am ill. (imperative).
2.If + Past Tense would + inf

3.If + Past Perfect Tense would have + past participle
We do not normally use willor wouldin the conditional clause,
only in the main clause.
Uses of the Conditional

First conditional
Nature: Open condition, what is said in the condition is possible.
Time: This condition refers either to present or to future time.
e.g. If he is late, we will have to go without him.
If my mother knows about this, we are in serious trouble.
Second conditional
Nature: unreal (impossible) or improbable situations.
Time: present; the TENSE is past, but we are talking about the
present, now.
e.g. If I knew her name, I would tell you.
If I were you, I would tell my father.
Compare: If I become president, I will change the social security
system. (Said by a presidential candidate)
If I became president, I would change the social security system.
(Said by a schoolboy: improbable)
If we win this match, we are qualified for the semifinals.
If I won a million pounds, I would stop teaching. (improbable)
Third conditional
Nature: unreal
Time: Past (so we are talking about a situation that was not so in
the past.)
e.g. If you had warned me, I would not have told your father about
that party.(But you didn't, and I have).
Note:
1. The conditional construction does not normally use will or would in if-clauses.
EXCEPTION: If will or would express willingness, as in requests, they can be
7
used in if-clauses.
e.g. If you will come this way, the manager will see you now.
I would be grateful if you would give me a little help.
(= please, come this way; please, give me...)
2. For the second conditional, were replaces was:
If I were a rich man...
3. After if, we can either use "some(-one, -where...)" or "any(-one, -where...).
If I have some spare time next weekend....or :

If I have any spare time...
4. Instead of if not, we can use unless.
e.g. I'll be back tomorrow unless there is a plane strike.

He'll accept the job unless the salary is too low.
5.There is a "mixed type" as well, for the present results of an unreal condition in
the past:
If + Past Perfect - would + inf.

If you had warned me [then], I would not be in prison [now].
CAUSE & EFFECT
When we talk about an effect resulting from a certain cause, we use

expressions such as: because, since, as, owing to, due to...
Examples
The police arrested him because he broke into a bank.

The police arrested him since he broke into a bank.
She can't read the letter as she is illiterate.
He can't run fast for he is too fat.
Owing to his intelligence, he managed to solve the problem.
Due to the bad weather, they didn't go for a picnic.
Other ways to express cause and effect:
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You can also express cause and effect as follows:
The cause of is
is caused by / is due to
Thanks to ...
CAUSE EFFECT
Consequently serves as a transition from one sentence to the next. It introduces an effect
of situation stated in the sentence before it. A comma is used after the connective
(linking) adverb.
CAUSE LINKING ADV + EFFECT

She had no other options. Consequently, she married at thirteen.
She was not protected. As a result, she had a baby at thirteen.
She had no access to health education or

Therefore, she was more likely to get HIV.
medical clinics.
As a consequence, she had health

There was poor sanitation in the village.
problems.
For this reason, she suffered from

The water was impure in her village.
parasites.
She had no shoes, warm clothes or blankets. For all these reason, she was often cold.
She had no resources to grow food. (land,

Thus, she was hungry.
seeds, tools)
She had not been given a chance, so she was fighting for survival.
EFFECT CAUSE
Because joins one clause with another clause. It introduces a cause (reason) for the
situation stated in the other clause. A comma is not used when the connector is in mid-
sentence position.
EFFECT PREP. CAUSE

She married at thirteen because she had no other options.
She had a baby at thirteen as she was not protected.
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She was more likely to get HIV Since she had no access to health education or clinics.
She had health problems because of poor sanitation in the village. (NP)
She suffered from parasites on account of the impure water in her village. (NP)
due to not having shoes, warm clothes or

She was often cold
blankets.(NP)
She was hungry for the reason that she had no resources to grow food.
She was fighting for survival sinceshe had not been given a chance.
SAME WORD AS NOUN & VERB
English has numerous word pairs that are spelled alike, but pronounced
differently according to whether the word is being used as a noun or as a verb.
Some examples are conduct, digest, escort, insult, produce, and record.
With each of these words, and others like them, the accent shifts according to
the part of speech.
There are many, many more examples of words that can be both nouns and
verbs. Here are a few that youre probably familiar with:
WORK:
noun- I have a lot of "work" to do today.
verb- A person must "work" hard to achieve his or her goal.
HELP:
noun- It looks like she needs some "help."
verb- Will you please "help" me?
RAIN:
noun- We definitely need the "rain."
verb- When it "rains," it pours.
POLISH:
noun- There is too much "polish" on that brass.
verb- They need to "polish" their essays.
SLEEP:
noun- I need some "sleep."
verb- I could "sleep" all day.
HEAT:
10
noun- Turn that "heat" off.
verb- The weather will really "heat" up later in the day.
FIGHT:
noun- Did you watch the "fight?"
verb- Don't "fight" her - she's not worth it.
DRINK:
noun- I'm so thirsty, I could use a "drink" of water.
verb- She needs to "drink" her juice.
LAUGH:
noun- You gave me a good "laugh."
verb- It's not right to "laugh" at people with disabilities.
PAINT:
noun- I like that "paint!"
verb- Do you want to "paint?"
HOPE:
noun- Her pep talk gave me "hope."
verb- I "hope" we win!
COUGH:
noun- She has a bad "cough."
verb- Please don't "cough" in the food.
FALL:
noun- I love everything about "fall!"
verb- I watched the apple "fall" off the tree.
TASTE:
noun- I like the "taste" of chocolate.
verb- "Taste" that ice cream.
KICK:
noun- I got a "kick" out of that!
verb- Let's "kick" a ball.
COVER:
noun- The undercover cop is using a reporter job as a "cover."
verb- "Cover" the food when you're barbecuing outside.
WATER:
noun- This "water" tastes so refreshing!
verb- Do not "water" your lawn!
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HAND:
noun- That baby has a tiny "hand."
verb- "Hand" me that drill.
12
Unit IV
1. Applying for a Job Cover Letter & Resume Preparation

A job application letter is written to apply for a specific position. It is a persuasive message that
sells the applicants talents to a prospective employer. It persuades the reader to believe in
his/her suitability for a particular position. It is basically a self promotion instrument used by
the applicant to boost his/her professional value and career prospects.
Although the basic objective of every job application is to draw a clear connection
between the job one is seeking and ones qualifications, it serves several specific purposes. It:
1. Introduces the applicant to the hiring organization

2. Introduces the applicants resume
3. Highlights the applicants positive personal traits and achievements.
4. Shows how the applicants special talents will benefit the organization.
5. Emphasizes how the applicant is right for the job by matching the requirements.
6. Asks for an opportunity to be interviewed by the organization.
So, writing a job application letter may involve a careful self-analysis. The applicant should
evaluate his/her academic and professional qualifications, learned and intuitive skills, special
traits and strengths, experience, career goals and interests. Moreover, he/she will have to
research the company for organization to know their needs so that he can match his personal
strengths to employers needs and job requirements.
Bio-Data, CV and Resume
Bio-data, CV and Resume are basically the same things, i.e. they provide the same information
but in the different format. The bio-data must contain fathers name, sex, marital status, etc.
The CV should target to the objective related to the post applied for. There is no need to write
the marks or evaluative academic information. In a resume, there is chronological order of the
academics required along with marks and percentages.
2
Sample job application letter:
Write a letter of application for the post of a Junior Engineer to the Divisional Engineer,
Mambalam Division, Chennai Telephones, 786, Anna Salai Chennai 35. Attach a suitable bio-
data with the application.
20.01.14
Aravind samy. S
3/325, Lotus St.,
Vallabai patel nagar
Coimbatore
The Divisional Engineer

Mambalam Division
Chennai Telephones
786, Anna Salai
Chennai 35
Dear sir,
Your advertisement for the post of Junior Engineer in The Hindu dated 17.01.14 interested me
as I am confident that I possess the requisite qualification and skills.
I am a B.Tech Electronics and Communication Engineering graduate. I completed my degree

with a 9.5 CGPA from College of Engineering, Guindy in the year 2013. I did a project in VLSI
Designs during my final year. It won the best project award in an inter-University competition. I
have attached my resume for the other details of my qualification and skills.
I hope that my qualification and skills will merit your consideration. I would be happy to attend
a personal interview to further discuss my skills.
Thanking you
Yours truly,
Sign
Encl: Resume
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Resume
Aravind samy. S
3/325, Lotus St.,
Vallabai patel nagar
Coimbatore
Mobile: 9880040200
Email: samy_aravinds@gmail.com
Objective:
To begin my career as a Junior Engineer in a dynamic environment where I have

opportunities to get experience and expertise and to further enhance my career
prospects.
Education:
May 2013 B.Tech. Electronics and Communication Engineering, College of Engg. Guindy,
9.5 CGPA.
April 2009 H.Sc in K.M. Boys Higher Secondary School, Avadi, Chennai; 95%
Project Done:
Did a project in VLSI Designs, which won the Best Project Award in Tech Fest, an inter
university technical symposium held in JNK Technical University, Delhi in 2012.
Computer Skills:
Languages : C, C++, Java
Operating Systems : Unix, Linux, Windows
Application : MATLAB, Oracle, Web Designing
Co-curricular Activities:
Presented a paper titled, Recent Developments in Mobile Networks in the Fourth

International Conference on Communication Networks held in Malaysia, in 2012.
4
One of the Organizing Committee members of the technical symposium Convergence

conducted by our college in August 2012.
Extra Curricular Activities:
Student Secretary for University Sports Club.

Captain of the Foot ball team.
Won several medals and trophies in foot ball in Zonal and State Level.
Experience:
May 2013 till date: Junior Engineer, SMT Communication Systems, Chennai-85.
Personal Details:
Date of Birth : 15.03.1992
Fathers Name : Sundar. K
Marital Status : Single
Languages Known : Tamil, English, Hindi, German
Interests : Reading books and Blogging on Foot ball
References: : 1. Dr. Anu Durairaj
HOD, Dept. of ECE,
College of Engg. Chennai 35.
2. Mr. Peter Francis
Manager, SMT Communication Systems
Chennai 85.
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2. Numerical Expressions
In general a numerical expression is a combination of numbers and one or more operation

symbols.
Adjectives are mainly words which tell us more about nouns and pronouns. Their function is to
tell us what kind, which ones, how many, what position or what colour. To put it more
precisely, a word accompanying a noun to describe or point out, the person, animal, place or
thing which the noun names, or to tell the number or quantity is called an adjective.
Examples:
He was first in the race. (what position?)
She is a brilliant girl. (what kind?)
Classification of adjectives:
Adjectives can be classified as follows:

1. Adjectives of Quality 5. Adjectives of Quantity
2. Adjectives of Number 6. Demonstrative Adjectives
3. Distributive Adjectives 7. Interrogative Adjectives
4. Possessive Adjectives
Numerical Adjectives
Numerical adjectives are those that express numbers or numerical adjective is simply
the grammatical term for numbers. They include one, two, three, first, second, and many
others.
Numerical adjectives are divided into:
Cardinal Adjectives:
The cardinal adjectives show how many. It is used for counting.
Examples:
One life; Five apples.
Ordinal Adjectives:
The ordinal adjectives show which one of a series. It is used for ranking.
Examples:
The first chapter. The third floor.

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Multiplicative Adjectives:
The multiplicative adjectives show the number of repetitions. It is used for multiplying.
Examples:
Twice thought Once achieved
Note: When a numeral is used as a noun, the cardinal, like the pronominal adjectives, takes no
article. On the other hand, the ordinal uses the article.
Examples:
Two only were present. The third was lost.
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.
1 The bridge is 2km long. A two km bridge

2 A team of 9 members A nine member team
3 A workshop lasting for 2 days A two day workshop
4 A journey for 10 hours A ten hour journey
5 A project of 10 lakhs A ten lakh project
6 3000 rev/min Three thousand revolutions per minute
7 150 rpm One hundred and fifty rotations per minute
Part A Questions:
I Expand the following:
1. A journey of 45 miles a 45 mile journey.

2. An expedition lasting for three days a three day expedition
3. An interval of 20 minutes a twenty minute interval
4. A DC supply of 280 volts a 280 volt DC supply
5. A lecture for two hours a two hour lecture
6. A monitor with a size of 14 inches a fourteen inch monitor
7. A project grant of Rs.60 lakhs a sixty lakh project grant
8. A base of 13 acres a thirteen acre base
9. A squad of 1000 men a 1000 men squad.
10. A project of 10 years a ten year project.
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3. CONNECTIVES (Discourse Markers)
Sentence coherence is integral to sentence effectiveness. Appropriate connectives should be

used to connect words, phrases and clauses in a sentence. In order to achieve coherence,
technical writers and speakers use several linking devices or connectives. There are two types
of linking devices, overt and covert. Overt devices are direct and explicitly stated while covert
devices are indirect and implicit. Covert devices include techniques such as repetition of the key
word, the use of articles (a, an, the), pronominal forms (he,she, it, they, and so on), and the use
of synonyms. However, technical communication largely uses overt linking devices or
connectives to indicate the logical progression of ideas in oral discourse or writing.
Following are some examples, in which connectives (bolded) have been used:
1. When an object is placed on one side or the other of a converging lens and beyond the
focal plane, an image is formed on the opposite side.
2. If the object is moved closer to the primary focal plane, the image will be formed farther
away from the secondary focal plane and will be larger.
3. Land pollution is due to solid wasters.
4. Fresh water is a renewable source, but its distribution is uneven.
5. Asbestosis is caused by asbestos, which is used in making ceilings.
These connectives include subordinators and coordinators. They can also be classified
according to their functions. The following table presents the function and usage of discourse
markers with examples.
Function Discourse Markers Usage Example

1. Linking: to show Talking about To break into John came to my
connection between conversation home yesterday.
what we are going to Oh yes, talking about
say and what was said John, do you know he
previously. is going to the States
next month?
With reference to Formal expression With reference to
used mostly at the your letter dated
beginning of business
letters
2. Focusing: used to Regarding, as Can come at the Regarding the sales of
focus attention on regarding, as far as, is beginning of the this month, you
what we are going to concerned discourse. Normally havent achieved the
say announces a change target.
of subject.
3. Structuring: used to Firstly, secondly, Mostly used in formal He passed with
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show the structure of thirdly, finally, first of contexts. distinction; in

discourse all, to begin with, addition, he got the
(a) Divisions moreover, in state rank.
addition, similarly.
(b) Contrast All the same, yet, still, He does not like to
on the other hand, write. On the other
however. hand, he enjoys
reading.
(c) Logical Sequence Thus, therefore, so It started raining. So
we stopped playing.
(d) Exemplifying and For example, for My teacher speaks
excepting instance, such as, many languages such
including, in as French, German,
particular, except, Hindi, etc.
apart from etc., and
so on, and so forth.
(e) Generalising On the whole, in On the whole, English
general, in is acclaimed as the
most/many cases, global language.
mostly, broadly
speaking.
4. Expressing personal I think, I feel, I reckon, Persuading, polite The younger
opinion in my view/opinion. refusal. generation, I think, is
well informed.
Part A Questions
I. Read the following paragraphs and fill in the blanks with appropriate connectives.
1. When Hydrogen gas escapes from a cylinder into the air, no change is visible. However, if the
escaping hydrogen is directed at finely divided platinum, it is observed that the platinum glows
and soon ignites the hydrogen. In the absence of platinum the H2O2 reaction is too slow to
observe. In contact with platinum, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air to form water. As
they react, the give off energy, which heats the platinum. As the platinum gets hotter, it heats
the hydrogen and hydrogen with oxygen becomes self-sustaining.
II. Join the following pairs of sentences, using the discourse markers given in the brackets
against each pair.
1. My father earns plenty of money. He hates spending money on luxurious living. (in spite
of)
In spite of earning plenty of money, my father hates spending money on luxurious
living.
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2. I switch off the fridge at night. It saves money. (to)

I switch off the fridge at night to save money.
3. Asmas suitcase was lost in the transit. She got it back. (however)
Asmas suitcase was lost in the transit however she got it back.
4. Water could not be supplied by a centralized system. The cost of this would be very
high. (because)
Water could not be supplied by a centralized system because the cost of this would be
very high.
5. India Mark II has built-in mechanical efficiency. Even children can operate it easily. (so
that)
India Mark II has built-in mechanical efficiency so that even children can operate it
easily.
6. Gold is malleable. We can change its shape by pressing and hammering. (therefore)
Gold is malleable therefore we can change its shape by pressing and hammering.
7. Petrol has become expensive. Many people prefer to use cheaper forms of transport.
(as)
As petrol becomes expensive, many people prefer to use cheaper forms of transport.
8. Oil is struck in the rock layers. Production wells can be drilled to extract oil. (if)
If oil is struck in the rock layers, production wells can be drilled to extract oil.
III. Join the following pairs of sentences by using appropriate connectives
1. The maid must be very tired. She had worked the whole day.
The maid must be very tired because she had worked the whole day.
2. I may help you. I may not help you. You are sure to lose the contract.
I may help you but I may not help you because you are sure to lose the contract.
3. He said something. I did not hear it.
He said something but I did not hear it.
4. The robbery was committed last Tuesday. The man has been caught.
Since the man has been caught, the robbery was committed last Tuesday.
5. He is illiterate. His parents are illiterate as well.
He and his parents are illiterate.
6. He has come here. He will see you.
He has come here to see you.
7. I could not attend the meeting. I was ill.
As I was ill, I could not attend the meeting.
8. She is a painter. She is a poet.
She is painter and a poet.
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4. Idioms and their Meanings Using Idioms in Sentences
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.
Idioms can be quite clear (in general; come out; at first; the root of all evil) or pretty unclear
(on end; pack it in; high and low; hard cash). Some idioms have proper names in them (a
Jack of all trades; Uncle Sam); some other idioms are comparisons (as clear as a bell; as the
crow flies). Proverbs and sayings may also have idiomatic character (every cloud has a silver
lining; still waters run deep). The following is a list of idioms and their usage in sentences.
Sl.
Idioms with Definitions Examples
No.
1. Above board honest, open Her business dealings are above board.
After all in spite of the situation; I knew it! After all, I was right!
2.
nevertheless He returned to his hometown after all.
3. All along all the time I knew about his little secret all along.
4. All ears eager to listen I am all ears.
5. All of a sudden suddenly All of a sudden, he refused to pay.
6. All thumbs clumsy He cant fix anything, hes all thumbs.
7. As a rule generally, usually As a rule, we offer a 5% discount.
8. Big shot important person He is a big shot around here.
9. Blow it lose the chance He understood that he blew it.
The bottom line is, I dont have enough
10. Bottom line main result; main factor
money.
11. By all means definitely, certainly Do you need my help? By all means.
12. Carry weight be important His advice always carries weight here.
13. Catch someones eye attract attention This picture caught my eye.
14. Come true become reality His dream came true when he met Kate.
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15. Down to earth practical Hes quiet, sensible, and down to earth.
16. Every now and then occasionally Every now and then I visit my old aunt.
17. Fall out of love stop loving They soon fell out of love and divorced.
18. For good forever After her death he left town for good.
For the time being for now; at this For the time being, this house is all right for
19.
time us.
From A to Z completely; from
20. He knows this town from A to Z.
beginning to end.
21. Few and far between rare, scarce Her visits are few and far between.
I got mixed up, went the wrong way, and
22. Get mixed up get confused
got lost.
Have a word with someone talk to
23. Can I have a word with you?
someone
24. Hold it! Stop! Wait! Hold it! I forgot my key.
Im going to stay at Toms house in
In care of write to one person at the
25. Chicago. Write to me in care of Tom Gray,
address of another person
321 Main St., Chicago.
I didnt really like the concert. In plain
26. In plain English in simple, frank terms
English, the concert was terrible.
27. The ins and outs all information He knows the ins and outs of his business.
28. In the long run in the end In the long run, it will be better to but it.
Stop arguing with me. Were in the same
29. In the same boat in the same situation
boat and should help each other.
30. Its time should do it right away Hurry up, its time to go.
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Part A Questions
I write down the meanings of the below idioms which are given with examples.
Idioms Meaning Examples
Just as soon Prefer, would rather Id just as soon stay home, Im tired.
Just in case To be on the safe side Take an extra shirt, just in case.
Keep an eye on Take care of; watch; look Betty keeps an eye on my sons for me.
someone after. Ill keep an eye on or something your
dog.
Keep company Accompany She keeps me company quite often.
Keep in mind Bear in mind, consider, Keep in mind that he is not going to
remember. agree easily.
Keep ones word Fulfill a promise. You promised, now keep your word.
II Match the idioms in column A with their meanings in column B

Sl. Column A Sl. Column B
No. Idioms No. Meanings
1. Beat about the bush a. At the last possible moment
2. Throw cold water on b. Something one can be proud of
3. Keep ones ear to the ground c. To discourage
4. At the eleventh hour d. To hope for good luck.
To approach a subject in an indirect
5. Turn a blind eye to something e.
way, not coming to point
6. A feather in ones cap f. Loud protest
7. Cross ones fingers g. Exactly; following every detail
8. Hard and fast h. To pretend not to see or notice
9. A hue and cry i. That can never be changed or ignored
To pay attention to, and to keep oneself
10. To the letter j.
well informed.
Ans.: 1-e, 2-c, 3-j, 4-a, 5-h, 6-b, 7-d, 8-I, 9-f, 10-g.
Unit V
1. Note Making
Why do we take notes?
o To remember information from lectures, talks, books, etc.
o To provide a framework within which we can think about, organize and recall
relevant points and ideas.
Key questions to ask when making notes
What does this mean to me?
How does this relate to what I know?
How will I use it?
What are the KEY ideas?
What are the important points?
Linear Note-Making
Points are taken down one after another. The following are useful points to remember.
Start the page with topic, subject and date. Place lecturers initials next to subject (for
questions later to lecturer)
Leave a wide margin and space between sections for writing comments later.
Work out the main points and mark these headings by underlining or using colour.
Use one side of the paper only.
Dont try to get down every word use phrases, key words or abbreviations only. Keep
abbreviations consistent.
How to make notes
Step 1: The students are required to read the passage to get a gist of the passage, to know what
it is all about, or what the theme is.
Step 2: The main idea or the central theme of the passage should be found out.
Step 3: The important points related to the main theme are noted.
Step 4: Add the sub-points which supplement the main points. There is no need to give
examples.
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Step 5: Pay attention to the way you would like to present the notes. There is a proper format
for note making you have to follow it and make your notes in the proper format.
Step 6: Use abbreviations wherever necessary.
Example:
Read the following passage and make notes on it:
Most robots of today consist of little more than a mechanical arm and a computer
memory. The memory allows the arm to repeat a simple motion like moving a part from one
work-bench to another. Because its memory can store a collection of such motions, the robot
can switch quickly from one simple task to another. It will not complain of boredom, bulk at job
demarcation lines, takes as tea-break or go sick.
This faithful servant is also a stupid one. It has no problem-solving intelligence. Also it
lacks our senses that would alert it. If say, the part that it was meant to pick up was upside
down or not there at all. A robot is less capable than a man groping in the dark. At least a man
can tell by touch if he merely bumps into something.
Although robots are gradually gaining more senses and more brains, todays growth in
robotics has come about largely because industry has learnt how to accommodate these
mindless, mechanical workers. The automobile industry, which employs some sixty percent of
the worlds 20,000 robots, has been leading the way to applications.
That should be no surprise. Assembly-line production is repeated with the sort of

simple, repetitive jobs that robots can do so well. Robots are being put to work loading and
unloading conveyors, welding car bodies together and spray painting the finished product.
Parts of a car have long been carried to human workers on conveyor belts. It takes only a bit of
careful engineering to ensure that the parts sent along to robots are presented in precisely the
same position each time. Given that accommodation to their senseless, robots can boost
productivity with their untiring speed, and boost quality with their mindless ability to do the
same job in exactly the same way every time.
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Even smaller manufacturers are finding, places for robots in their factories. Some are
simply using robots to perform tasks like loading and unloading moulds and presses, which are
similar to the jobs, jobs robots do in assembly-line plants.
Answer:
ROBOTS
1. Today robots
1.a. mechanical arm
1.b. computer memory
1.b. i. repeat simple motions like moving a part from one bench to another
1.b. ii. Store collections of such motions
2. Advantages
2.a. Switch quickly
2.b. no boredom complaint
2.c. no tea break
2.d. bulk at job demarcation line
2.e. faithful servant
3. Disadvantages
3.a. no problem-solving intelligence
3.a. i. if a part is upside down dont know what to do
3.a. ii. Not equal to man
4. Todays robots
4.a. gain more senses and more brains
4.b. industry learnt to accommodate
4.c. automobile industry
4.c. i. employs 60% of 20000 robots
4.c. ii. Used in assembly line production
4.c. ii. A. Simple, repetitive jobs
4.c. ii. B. loading & unloading conveyors
4.c. ii. C. welding car bodies
4.c. ii. D. spray-painting finished products
4
4.d. i. to boost productivity

4.d. ii. Care to present parts precisely with their speed and mindless nature
4.e. smaller manufacturers
4.e.i. loading & unloading moulds and presses
Part B (16 marks)
Read the following passage carefully and make notes.
The work of the heart can never be interrupted. The hearts job is to keep oxygen rich
blood flowing through the body. All the bodys cells need a constant supply of Oxygen,
especially those in the brain. The brain cells live only four to five minutes after their oxygen is
cut off, and death comes to the entire body.
The heart is a specialized muscle that serves as a pump. This pump is divided into four
chambers connected by tiny doors called valves. The chambers work to keep the blood flowing
round the body in a circle.
At the end of each circuit, veins carry that blood to the right atrium, the first of the four
chambers 2/5 oxygen by then is used up and it is on its way back to the lung to pick up a fresh
supply and to give up the carbon dioxide it has accumulated. From the right atrium the blood
flows through the tricuspid valve into the second chamber, the right ventricle. The right
ventricle contracts when it is filled, pushing the blood through the pulmonary artery, which
leads to the lungs in the lungs the blood gives up its carbon dioxide and picks up fresh oxygen.
Then it travels to the third chamber the left atrium. When this chamber is filled it forces the
blood through a valve to the left ventricle. From here is it pushed into a big blood vessel called
aorta and sent round the body by way of arteries.
Heart diseases can result from any damage to the heart muscle, the valves or the
pacemaker. If the muscle is damaged, the heart is unable to pump properly. If the valves are
damaged blood cannot flow normally and easily from one chamber to another, and if the
pacemaker is defective, the contractions of the chambers will become un-coordinated.
Until the twentieth century, few doctors dared to touch the heart. In 1953 all this
changed after twenty years of work, Dr. John Gibbon in the USA had developed a machine that
5
could take over temporarily from the heart and lungs. Blood could be routed through the
machine bypassing the heart so that surgeons could work inside it and see what they were
doing. The era of open heart surgery had begun.
In the operation theatre, it gives surgeons the chance to repair or replace a defective
heart. Many parties have had plastic valves inserted in their hearts when their own was faulty.
Many people are being kept alive with tiny battery operated pacemakers; none of these repairs
could have been made without the heart lung machine. But valuable as it is to the surgeons,
the heart lung machine has certain limitations. It can be used only for a few hours at a time
because its pumping gradually damages the blood cells.
Answer:
Heart
1. Function of Heart
i. Vital for living
ii. Supplies oxygen rich blood to different parts of the body.
2. Structure of the heart
i. Divided 4 chambers connected by valves
iii. Blood purified in the lungs
iii. Arteries carry pure blood to different parts of the body.
3. Heart disease cause
i. Weak muscles
ii. Defective valves
iii. Defective pace maker
4. History of open heart surgery
i. 1953 Dr. Gibbon invented Heart lung machine
ii. Blood could pass through the machine
iii. Enabled open heart surgery
iv. Limitation
a. Can be used only for a few hours at a time.
b. Damages blood cells.
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2. Check Lists Yes/No Question Form
The check-list ensures a systematic process of activities. It is essential to prepare a check list
before an individual attempts to perform certain tasks without a hitch. Activities like applying
for a passport, degree certificate from a university, college admission, attending an interview
etc. require meticulous planning and minute details. The use of check list will ensure that
everything is done properly to complete the task successfully.
Format
1. Title of the check list.

2. The interrogative form should be used.
3. Yes/No boxes should be provided for each question.
4. The questions should begin with the do verb, to or to have verb.
Example
1. Write down a check list containing at least eight items to avert fire accidents in public
functions conducted in temporary structures.
1. Have I kept fire extinguishers ready? Yes/No
2. Have I instructed every one not to burn anything inside? Yes/No
3. Have I checked whether the structure is strong? Yes/No
4. Have I inspected whether any highly inflammable items are found inside? Yes/No
5. Have I checked whether the electrical wires do not touch the structure? Yes/No
6. Have I told everyone not to smoke inside? Yes/No
7. Have I nominated some persons exclusively for checking the safety arrangements?
Yes/No
8. Have I informed the organizers not to put any enclosures? Yes/No
2. Write down a check list containing at least eight items to travel to United States of
America.
1. Have I taken the visa for travelling? Yes/No
2. Have I confirmed my date of travel with the agent? Yes/No
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3. Have I changed the INR to rupees for expense? Yes/No

4. Do I have taken the contact numbers of Indian Embassy? Yes/No
5. Have I taken all the data that has to be loaded in the laptop? Yes/No
6. Have I filled the emergency contact details in my passport in case of need? Yes/No
7. Have I checked my health status with the doctor before I travel? Yes/No
8. Have I taken a travel guide along with me for further details? Yes/No
Part B Questions (16 marks)
Imagine you are the team leader of your branch and you are going to Mumbai for an
industrial visit. Write a checklist.
Checklist for an Industrial Visit
1. Have I taken identity card? Yes/No

2. Do I have the tickets safe? Yes/No
3. Are all the documents taken? Yes/No
4. Have I taken the confirmation letter? Yes/No
5. Have I taken the visiting card of the Mumbai official? Yes/No
6. Do I have enough money and the ATM card? Yes/No
7. Have I taken my cellphone & charger? Yes/No
8. Have I given necessary instructions to my team members?
2. Imagine that you have to go to Bangalore to attend an interview. Make an eight-item

checklist with a proper title for your own reference.
Checklist for an Interview
1. Have I taken the ticket? Yes/No

2. Have I taken all the certificates & testimonials? Yes/No
3. Have I taken the interview call letter? Yes/No
4. Are all certificates arranged properly for easy reference? Yes/No
5. Do I have a set of formal wear neatly packed? Yes/No
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6. Have I taken my project report? Yes/No

7. Do I have enough money? Yes/No
8. Do I have my Bangalore friends contact number and address? Yes/No
3. Report Writing
A report is an orderly, objective message used to convey information from one organizational
area to another or from one institution to another to assist in decision making or problem
solving. Just as letters, reports are a form of written communication. A report gives an account
of what is seen, heard or observed. Reports convey the required information. There are many
forms of reports. They are:
1. Technical Reports.
2. Laboratory Reports
3. Research Reports
4. Feasibility Reports
5. Progress Reports
6. Trip Reports, etc.
In general, reports must be clear, concise and logical.
Format of the Report
Purpose of the report

Introduction and statement of the problem
Method adopted for data collection
Summary / discussion
Conclusion / findings / recommendations if any
Bibliography
Parts of the Report
A formal report may include the following parts or elements:

9
1. Title page
2. Preface
3. Letter of transmittal
4. Acknowledgements
5. Table of contents
6. List of illustrations
7. Abstract / Executive Summary
8. Introduction
9. Methodology
10. Discussion / Finding / Analysis
11. Conclusion
12. Recommendation
13. Appendices
14. References and Bibliography
Note: In report writing, you must be as objective as possible. Do not approach the task with a
lot of preconceived bias.
For example: I am going to prove that smoking is dangerous to your health. It is better to
begin with a question in mind and then do the research to find answers to your question. For
example, Is smoking really dangerous to your health?
Model Report I
20.1.14
To
The President
Cauvery Industries Ltd.,
Tiruchirappalli.
10
Sir,
Sub: Feasibility of Flexible Working Hours
This report concerns the feasibility of allowing workers to start and stop work at the
times that suit them best, a practice known flex-time. Of course, we all understand that
everyone would still work a total of 40 hours per week, as we do now. This idea of flexible
working hours was first presented to the directors by some of our workers, many of whom have
young children in school.
The Personal Manager was asked to look into the question, and his study had two
aspects. First, he looked at the experience of other companies, and second, he looked carefully
at our own working arrangements.
a. Parents of school-age children were able to fit their work hours to those of their
children.
b. Workers could choose to work during hours they could be most productive.
c. Worker attitude improved because of more choice in work time.
There were, however, some disadvantages as well. Sometimes there were not enough
workers in some departments at crucial hours of the day, and it took a while to iron out
confusion about schedules.
Next, we asked all employees of our company to predict the hours they would probably
choose to work. This information was then circulated to all head of department for comment.
The department heads were asked to look in particular at possible problems and their solution.
After studying all this information, a committee that included a representative from every
department decided to try flex-time for a period of 3 months, starting February 1, 2014. At the
end of that period, the committee will make a final decision.
Yours faithfully,
Committee Members
11
Model Report II
Report on Meeting
The two important documents connected with meetings are the agenda and the
minutes. A few days before the meeting, the secretary circulates among the members a list of
the items to be discussed at the meeting. This is called the agenda for the meeting. After the
meeting, the secretary prepares a report on the decisions taken at the meeting. This report is
called the minutes of the meeting. The minutes of the meeting have to be prepared with care
as it is the authentic record of what happened at the meeting. It is essential that the minutes
are brief and accurate.
Look at the following agenda and minutes of a meeting of the United Printers Association of
South India.
A) Agenda for the 14th meeting of United Printers Association of South India at Printers House,
Chennai on Monday, 06 January, 2014.
1. Confirmation of the minutes of 13th meeting.

2. Action taken on the minutes of the 13th meeting.
3. Proposal to start a journal. (the report of the sub-committee appointed to study this
proposal is enclosed)
4. Need for import of printing machinery.
5. Proposal to send a representative to the World Conference of Printers.
6. Any other item with the permission of the chair.
B) Minutes of the 14th meeting of the United Printers Association of South India at Printers
House, Chennai on Monday, 06 January, 2014.
Members present
1. Mr. A.B. Prabhu (in the chair) 2. Mr. P. Narayana Pillai
3. Mr. M.C. Jacob 4. Mr. K.N. Subramanian

12
5. Mr. K.C. Patil 6. Mrs. Revathy Reddy
Mr. N. Srinivasan could not be present. His telegram, expressing inability to attend the meeting,
was read out.
1. The minutes of the 13th meeting were confirmed and signed.

2. The members noted the action taken on the minutes of the previous meeting. It was felt
that the work on the construction of two more rooms at the Printers House should be
expedited.
3. The association, after a brief discussion, agreed to the recommendation made by the
sub-committee. The meeting decided to start the journal from March, 2014. An
expenditure of Rs. 1 lakh was sanctioned for this purpose.
4. The meeting decided to make representations to the government of India to allow
import of printing machinery under open general license. A three-member delegation
consisting of Mr. A.B. Prabhu, Mr. K.N. Subramanian and Mrs. Revathy Reddy was
constituted to go to Delhi and make representations to the Ministry of Finance and the
Ministry of Commerce.
5. The meeting decided to send Mr. P. Narayana Pillai as its representative to the World
Conference of Printers to be held at Berlin in June 2014.
6. Mr. K.C. Patil suggested that the Association should open its membership to smaller
printers with an investment of Rs.25,000/- and above. After a brief discussion the
meeting decided to postpone this item till the next meeting.
7. It was decided that the next meeting of the Association should be held in December
2014.
8. The meeting ended at 1.10 pm with a vote of thanks to the chair.
Notice the following features of the minutes
1. The Heading: The name of the organization, the number of the meeting, the time and
place of the meeting are given in the headline.
2. Names of the Chairman and the members present.
3. Members absent, if any. Any communication received from them.
13
4. Decisions of the meeting: Each item is mentioned in a separate paragraph. Decisions

are recorded with precision. They are recorded in the order in which the items are
mentioned in the agenda.
5. Decision about the next meeting.
6. Vote of thanks to the chair.
Part B Questions (16 marks)
1. 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.
21.01.14
Mrs. Hemalatha Kumar
The Warden
Tamarai Ladies Hostel
CP College of Engineering
Chennai
The Principal
CP College of Engineering
Chennai
Dear sir,
Sub: Report on the fire accident in the Ladies Hostel reg.
With reference to the intimation No.561/14 dated 19.1.2014, the Committee members
constituted by you and I investigated the cause for the accident and have prepared a report
with recommendations to avoid such incidences in future. The report is enclosed for your
perusal.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Hemalatha Kumar
14
Executive summary:
This is the report prepared on the request by the Principal. A committee was formed
with the Warden of the Hostel as the convener to find about the exact cause of the fire
accident which killed two final year students of the college on 26th January in the Ladies Hostel
premises. The committee comprised the following members:
1. Mrs. Jancy Nelson / Professor, Information Technology
2. Mrs. Vijaya Krishnan / Associate Professor, EEE
3. Mrs. Uma Balaji / Member, Parents Association
4. Mrs. Hemalatha Kumar / The Warden, Ladies Hostel (Convener)
Description of the Incident:
On 19.01.2014, when the inmates of the ladies hostel had finished their dinner and
were in the study time, there occurred a sudden explosion. The girls and the Resident
Counselor rushed out of their rooms. Fire and smoke was seen in room no.15 the last room in
the corridor. Screams were heard. Everybody rushed to the room and brought pales of water
and poured on the fire. Fire extinguisher with the sand available was sprayed. The RC
immediately dialed the fire service department and alerted the Security also. One girl, with
presence of mind, switched off the main electrical supply for that wing of rooms. When the fire
engine arrived, the fire had been almost brought under control. But, unfortunately, the two
roommates who were in the room had been suffocated and they were brought out dead. The
girls started crying on seeing the bodies. The bodies were shifted to the Government Hospital
for post mortem and the necessary formalities. The parents of the girls were informed about
the accident.
Investigation details:
The Management formed a Committee the very next morning and the Committee
visited the site of the accident. The girls in the adjacent rooms were enquired. Their classmates
confessed that the two girls were very studious and as they both were doing Electrical
Engineering, they would be always doing something with circuits and wires. Probably, one of
such experiments would have caused a short circuit and they might have overlooked that.
15
During the explosion, heavy black smoke emanated from the room. The girls might have
collapsed due to the sudden shock and suffocation.
It was the presence of mind of Ms. Jancy, that the fire was prevented from spreading to
the neighborhood rooms. All the girls did their best. The combined effort of the RC, the girl
students and the Security helped to bring down the situation under control.
Management Responses:
The Management immediately took all measure to inform the parents and the
authorities concerned. They have done their best to give solace to the other inmates and the
parents.
Recommendations:
More than 60% fires are of electric origin on account of electric short circuit,
overheating, overloading, use of nonstandard appliances, illegal tapping of electric wires,
improper electrical wiring, carelessness and ignorance, etc. Proper care should be taken and
instructions should be scrupulously followed. If not done, it can lead to serious fire and fatal
accidents. Also, electrical fires spread rapidly especially in buildings and cause loss of lives and
property.
1. The students should be prevented from doing electrical experimental work in the hostel
premises. In case, they want to do, they should do it in the laboratories under the
supervision of a tutor.
2. All hostels should be installed with devices that would spray Carbon dioxide or dry
powder in case of a fire accident.
3. Students should be given training on using electrical goods properly.
4. Training can be given on the ways to handle emergency situations.
5. Care should be taken to use good quality fuses of correct rating, miniature circuit
breakers and earth leakage circuit breakers.
Conclusion:
The fatal death of two girls has acted as an eye-opener to many living in hostels.
Precaution should be taken by the authorities to prevent students misusing the facilities
provided to them. It is also a revelation to students to be careful with electrical equipments.
16
4. Use of Clauses
A group of words containing a subject and a predicate and forming the part of a compound or
complex sentences are called as clauses.
Independent clause
If a clause can stand alone as a sentence, it is an independent clause, as in the following
example.
The Prime Minister is in Ottawa.
Dependent Clause
Some clauses, however, cannot stand alone as sentences: in this case, they are
dependent clauses or subordinate clauses. Consider the same clause with the subordinating
conjunction when added to the beginning.
When the Prime Minister is in Ottawa.
In this case, the clause could not be a sentence by itself, since the conjunction when
suggests that the clause is providing an explanation for something else. Since this dependent
clause answers the question when, just like an adverb, it is called a dependent adverb clause
(or simply an adverb clause, since adverb clauses are always dependent clauses).
Note how the clause can replace the adverb tomorrow in the following examples:
Adverb: The committee will meet tomorrow.
Adverb clause: The committee will meet when the Prime Minister is in Ottawa.
Dependent clauses can stand not only for adverbs, but also for nouns and for adjectives.
Noun Clauses:
A noun clause is an entire clause which takes the place of a noun in another clause or
phrase. Like a noun, a noun clause acts as the subject or object of a verb or the object of a
preposition, answering the questions who(m)? or what?. Consider the following examples:
Noun: I know Latin
Noun clause: I know that Latin is no longer spoken as a native language.
In the first example, the noun Latin acts as the direct object of the verb know. In the second
example, the entire clause that Latin is the direct object.
In fact, many noun clauses are indirect questions:
17
Noun: Their destination is unknown.

Noun Clause: Where they are going is unknown.
The question Where are they going? with a slight change in word order, becomes a noun
clause when used as part of a larger unit like the noun destination, the clause is the subject
of the verb is.
Here are some more examples of noun clauses:
About what you bought at the mall.
This noun clause is the object of the preposition about, and answers the question about
what?
Whoever broke the vase will have to pay for it.
This noun clause is the subject of the verb will have to pay, and answers the question who
will have to pay?
The Toronto fans hope that the Blue Jays will win again.
This noun clause is the object of the verb hope, and answers the question what do the fans
hope?
Adjective clauses:
An Adjective clause is a dependent clause which takes the place of an adjective in
another clause or phrase. Like an adjective, an adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun,
answering questions like which? or what kind of? Consider the following examples:
Adjective: The red coat.
Adjective clause: The coat which I bought yesterday.
Like the word red in the first example, the dependent clause which I bought
yesterday in the second example modifies the noun coat. Note that an adjective clause
usually comes after what it modifies, while an adjective usually comes before.
In formal writing, an adjective clause begins with the relative pronouns who(m),
that, or which. In informal writing or speech, you may leave out the relative pronoun when
it is not the subject of the adjective clause, but you should usually include the relative pronoun
in formal academic writing:
Informal: The books people read were mainly religious.
18
Formal: The books that people read were mainly religious.

Informal: Some firefighters never meet the people they save.
Formal: Some firefighters never meet the people whom they save.
Here are some more examples of adjective clauses:
The meat which they ate was tainted.
This clause modifies the noun meat and answers the question which meat?
About the movie which made him cry
This clause modifies the noun movie and answers the question which movie?
They are searching for the one who borrowed the book
The clause modifies the pronoun one and answers the question which one?
Did I tell you about the author whom I met?
The clause modifies the noun author and answers the question which author?
Adverb clauses:
An adverb clause is a dependent clause which takes the place of an adverb in another
clause or phrase. An adverb clause answers questions such as when?, where?, why?,
with what goal/result?, and under what conditions?
Note how an adverb clause can replace an adverb in the following example:
Adverb: The premier gave a speech here.
Adverb clause: The premier gave a speech where the workers were striking.
Usually, a subordinating conjunction like because, when(ever), where(ever), since,
after, and so that, will introduce an adverb clause. Note that a dependent adverb clause
can never stand alone as a complete sentence:
Independent clause: They left the locker room.
Dependent adverb clause: After they left the locker room.
The first example can easily stand alone as a sentence, but the second cannot the reader will
ask what happened after they left the locker room. Here are some more examples of adverb
clauses expressing the relationships of cause, effect, place, time, and condition.
Cause
Hamlet wanted to kill his uncle because the uncle had murdered Hamlets father.
19
The adverb clause answers the question why?

Effect
Hamlet wanted to kill his uncle so that his fathers murder would be avenged.
The adverb clause answers the question with what goal/result?
Time
After Hamlets uncle Claudius married Hamlets mother, Hamlet wanted to kill him.
The adverb clause answers the question when?. Note the change in word order an adverb
clause can often appear either before or after the main part of the sentence.
Place
Where the whole Danish court was assembled, Hamlet ordered a play in an attempt to
prove his uncles guilt.
The adverb clause answers the question where?
Condition
If the British co-operate, the Europeans may achieve monetary union.
The adverb clause answers the question under what conditions?
Part A Questions (2 marks)
I. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using appropriate relative pronouns or
adverbs.
1. This is a powerful motor. The motor is an imported one.
Ans: This is a powerful motor which is an imported one.
2. My uncle is a lucky man. Fate smiles on him in all his ventures.
Ans: My uncle is a lucky man on whom fate smiles in all his ventures.
3. The jellyfish is an animal. It doesnt have a skeleton.
Ans: The jellyfish is an animal which doesnt have a skeleton.
4. Thats the girl. Her brother is a famous musician.
Ans: Thats the girl whose brother is a famous musician.
5. This is the pen. It was presented to me on my birthday.
Ans: This is the pen that was presented to me on my birthday.
6. He is a project leader. Many trainees admire him.
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Ans: He is a project leader whom many trainees admire him.

7. I visit the park every day. I can get some fresh air.
Ans: I visit the part every day where I can get some fresh air.
II. Identify whether the bolded part in the following sentences are dependent clause or
independent clause:
1. If you dont fix the car, it will continue to leak oil. (independent clause)
2. While the car is being fixed, we will need to take the bus. (dependent clause)
3. I cant go to the movies since I dont have any money. (dependent clause)
4. Whether he attends the party or not, I have decided to go. (dependent clause)
5. I will stop playing the drums when you go to sleep. (independent clause)
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5. Vocabulary Collocation
Definition:
Collocation refers to a group of two or more words that go together. A simple way to think of
collocation is to look at the word collocation itself: co-means together location means place.
The combination just sounds right for native speakers. In order to naturalize our language and
make it seem equivalent to the native speaker, it is important that the second language
speakers learn the usage of collocations.
Why do we collocate words? There is no specific reason. In spoken and written
communication, very often, certain words are grouped together. Most often the verbs make
and do combine with many nouns.
e.g. I made a cup of coffee.
I did my weekly shopping yesterday.
Types of collocation
There are a large number of collocations and learning them will help a new learner to use the
language frequently. Collocations can be adjective+adverb, noun+noun, verb+noun and so on.
Below you can see seven main types of collocation in sample sentences.
1. Adverb+adjective
a. Invading that country was an utterly stupid thing to do.
b. We entered a richly decorated room.
c. Are you fully aware of the implications of your action?
2. Adjective + noun
a. The doctor ordered him to take regular exercise.
b. The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
c. He was writhing on the ground in excruciating pain.
3. Noun+noun
a. Lets give Mr Jones a round of applause.
b. Id like to buy two bars of soap please.
4. Noun + verb
a. Snow was falling as our plane took off.
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b. The bomb went off when he started the car engine.

5. Verb + noun
a. The prisoner was hanged for committing murder.
b. I always try to do my homework in the morning; after making my bed.
c. He has been asked to give a presentation about his work.
6. Verb+expression with preposition
a. We had to return home because we had run out of money.
b. Their behavior was enough to drive anybody to crime.
7. Verb + adverb
a. She placed her keys gently on the table and sat down.
b. Mary whispered softly in Johns ear.
Part A Questions (2 marks)
I . Fill in the blanks with the appropriate collocation given in brackets.
1. To take (take/treat/say) someone for granted.
2. Final (ending/late/final) warning.
3. To catch (suffer/catch/feel) cold.
4. To play (make/set/play) tricks on someone.
5. To keep your fingers crossed (folded/crossed/twisted)
6. To run (maintain/make/run) a business.
7. To break (break/crack/clash) a news.
8. To commit (create/serve/commit) a crime.
9. To give (make/give/present) an offer.
10. To reach (hit/reach/achieve) a decision.
II . Give the correct collocation with the help of the meaning given:
1. To be fired from an employment get the sack.
2. To conduct something that is illegal break the law
3. To enjoy oneself greatly have a great time
4. To decline some offer dismiss an offer
5. The politicians paid their homage to the slain leader pay their respect
QUESTION BANK
PART A
Fill in the blanks with the past simple form of the verb in parentheses.
1. A mosquito ___________ (bite) me!

2. Grandpa ___________ (catch) eight fish on our fishing trip.
3. When Whitney stepped in the gum, her flip-flop ___________ (stick) to it.
4. They ___________ (wake) up at 4:30 a.m. to catch their 7:00 flight.
5. We ___________ (fly) from New York to Atlanta for the conference last month.
6. My stomach ___________ (feel) strange for hours after I ate that old bread.
7. Stephanie ___________ (give) her sister a CD for her birthday.
8. Ben and Matt ___________ (make) a movie about a really smart janitor at Harvard.
9. The dog ___________ (dig) a hole in the yard.
10. I stepped in the hole and ___________ (break) my ankle.
Fill in the blanks with the past participle of the verb in parentheses.
1. Have you ___________ (see) my keys? I cant find them anywhere.

2. I have never ___________ (be) to New Orleans.
3. We hadnt ___________ (grow) tomatoes before last summer.
4. Has she ___________ (hold) hands with her new boyfriend yet?
5. Our team hasnt ___________ (lose) a game yet this season.
6. Have you ever ___________ (meet) a celebrity?
7. Has he ___________ (sell) his car yet?
8. They havent ___________ (speak) in years.
9. He hadnt ___________ (throw) a baseball in ages, but he still remembered how.
10. Have you ___________ (find) your keys yet?
Change each sentence into active voice.
1. The football was kicked by Luke.
2. The knife was left on the table by Julie.
3. The milk had been knocked over by a cat.
4. The car had been driven into a wall by a naughty child.
5. The windows had been washed.
Change each sentence into passive voice.

1. The actors had performed the play by Shakespeare.
2. A stone smashed the window.
3. The boys pushed the tree over.
4. James climbed the ladder.
5. Sam baked a big cake.
Frame sentences for the given Homophones

1. allowed (permitted) / aloud (spoken)
2. altar (raised center of worship) / alter (to change)
3. bare (naked) / bear (animal; withstand)
4. bark (outer sheath of a tree) / barque (square-rigged sailing ship)
5. baron (minor royalty) / barren (unable to bear children)
6. Barry (a man's name) / berry (small fruit) / bury (to take under)
7. ceiling (top of the room) / sealing (to close a package or envelope)
8. cell (a small room) / sell (to exchange for money)
9. cellar (under a house) / seller (one who sells)
10. dos (opposite of don'ts) / dues (membership payments)
Fill in the blamks with suitable Modals:

1. 1. She _______ drive . (ability)
2. 2. I _______ go(necessity)
3. 3. You _____ call him (advice)
4. 4. ______ you help me with this report. (request)
5. 5. You ____ stay here(permission)
6. I ____ like to see her(desire)
7. He ___ be at the tennis club now. ( probability)
8. She ____ leave soon. (possibility)
9. You ____ have called her. (advice)
10. Maria ____ go to bank today ( strong necessity)
Frame a sentence for the given phrasal verbs:
1. ask around
2. add up tp
3. blow up
4. break in
5. break up
6. call around
7. call on
8. come down with
9. come across
10. drop back
11. cut off
12. fall apart
13. get together
14. give away
15. get around
16. find out
17. go ahead
18. run over
19. run away
20. turn down
Match the words in column A with words in coloumn B:
A B
disposal resulting in death
inedible not moving or changing
fatal getting rid of
stagnant unfit to eat
astonish radiate
atrociuos abnormal
baffle imitation
candid happiness
caricature confuse
bliss honest
eccentric appalling
emanate overwhelm
yippee yardstick
yield charismatic
zeal culmination
zany ardor
denouement goofy
dynamic return
gauge encouragement
Combine the sentences using cause & effect expressions:
1. you cannot go to America. You know a little English
2. The film is long . The book is thrilling and well.
3. He will get the job. He passes his exam first.
4. The girls stayed out. The godmother is very clear aboout the consequences.
5. You can go out tonight. You don't come back too late.
6. I will send back your money. I find a job.
7. It rained heavily. I stayed at home.
8. She took a taxi. She hurried the spot on time.
9. She was selected . She answered all the questions.
10. Hurry up. You will miss the train.
11. Jill went to the mill. She had to pay the bill.
12. Joe called her loudly. He was in great trouble.
13. The parents were very delighted. Their daughter was the rank scorer.
14. Joe went to the store. He needed food.
15. You must tell the truth. The problem is severe.
16. The writer was rewarded. The book he wrote was a tremendous hit.
17. He was in a great trouble. He took things easy.
18. The stranger decided to go. He did not find out the address.
19. The machines were repaired. The machines did not work.
20. The owner lost his hope. The production is less.
Connect the sentences with connectives:
With clauses
1. I don't know ________
2. We should speak truth ____
3. She had told me _____
4. When the sun sets____
5. While he is at work ________
With Correlating Conjuctioms
6. _____ you should go there ___ I should go
7. Peter can ____ play football ___ do swimming
8. Not only Kate is good ___ she is honest
9. They ____bought shares in the market ___ sold it.
10. He cheked ___ he is alive __ not.
With subordinate clause
11. _____ he is honest
12. _____ she could not attend the examination.
13. ____ canot suceed in life
14. _____They would fall ill.
15. ____ she would not attend the party.
With relative clauses
16. Rahul knows __ prem is not honest
17. Prasanth told the truth ____ he knows
18. Gopal is the boy ___ broke the window
19. I do not know __ the train leaces
20. Arun noticed ___ he went.
Frame a sentence for the given idioms:
1. all off a sudden
2. all the same
3. as a rule
4. as for
5. be broke
6. at this point
7. be in charge of
8. be on ones way
9. be in bad shape
10. be in poor health
11. do ones best
12. ecery other
13. used to
14. get in touch with
15. out of date
16. every now and then
17. in advance
18. in other words
19. keep in mind
20. make fun of
Change one form to another:
VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE ADVERB
1. act
2. affect
3. attract
4. beautify
5. brighten
6. compre
7. constructiondestroy
8. demonstrate
9. delete
10. determine
11. extend
12. force
13. object
14. preferablerepeat
15. select
16. relax
17. suceed
18. specify
19. unite
20. waste
Give the numerical expressions
1. an auditorium with a capacity of 500 persons
2. a distance of 44 kilometers
3. a DC supply of 240 volts
4. an expedition of three weeks
5. a seminar for 5 days
6. a workshop for 8 days
7. a pipe length of 12 meter
8. ia rod of 5 feet
9. a tower of 35 feet heighht
10. a can capacity of 12 gallons
11. a drum of 56 litres
12. a travel of 2 kilometers
13. a trip for 5 days
14. a project for 7 months
15. a training for 1 year
16. a visit for 4 days
17. a project of 5 lakhs
18. an awareness programme for 2 weeks
19. a workshop for 10 days
20. an inplant training for 2 months.
SCAD ENGINEERING COLLEGE,
CHERANMAHADEVI
HS6251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH II

UNIT I TO V
PART A (QUESTIONS)
1. VOCABULARY
BASIC TECHNICAL VOCABULARY
1. Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B

A B
a. Homogeneous (i) Love
b. Hate (ii) Smooth
c. Harmony (iii) Heterogenous
d. Rough (iv) Discord
Answers: iii, i, iv, ii
a. Whole (i) Common

b. Various (ii) Harmful
c. Useful (iii) identical
d. Rare (iv) part
Answers: iv, iii, ii, i
a. Disposal (i) resulting in death

b. Inedible (ii) not moving
c. Fatal (iii) getting rid
d. Stagnant (iv) unfit to eat
Answers: iii, iv, i, ii
a. Appropriate (i) allowing to pass

b. Transculent (ii) a place water is collected
c. Feedback (iii) suitable
d. Catchment (iv) response
Answers: iii, i, iv, ii
a. Breeder (i) not moving

b. Harness (ii) can be moved around
c. Portable (iii) producer
d. Stagnant (iv) collect
Answers: iii, iv, ii, i

2. REGULAR AND IREREGULAR VERBS
PRESENT PAST FUTURE
Speak Spoke Spoken
Write Wrote Written
took taken
take .
go went Gone
see saw seen
3. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICES
Change the following into Active and Passive voices
1. The dog killed the cat (into passive)

The Cat was killed by the dog.
2. People speak English in many countries. (Into Passive)
English is spoken in many industries.
3. Nuclear radiation attacks living tissues. (into Passive)
Living tissues are attacked by nuclear radiation.
4. Sleep enchances memory. (Into Passive)
Memory enhances by the sleep.
5. Most nations adopted the gold standard. (into Passive)
The gold standard was adopted by many nations.
6. The prizes were distributed by the President. (into Active)
The President distributed the prizes.
7. The current generation is ruled by money. Into Active)
Money rules the current generations.
8. Gold coins were used by most nations. (Into Active)
Most nations used Gold coins.
9. The test has been carried out by the operator. (Into Active)
The operator has carried out tests.
10. Memory enhances by the sleep (Into Active)
Sleep enchances memory
4. PURPOSE EXPRESSIONS
Write the purpose and function of the statement
1. Cell Phone
A cell phone is used to contact a person at anytime, anywhere.
2. Robots
Robots are used to do heavy and dangerous jobs.
3. Refrigerator
The purpose of Refrigerator is to keep food cold and fresh
4. Washing Machine
The purpose of washing Machine is to clean the Cloth
5. Carbon Paper
The purpose of Carbon paper is to take a copy
6. They had to take some of his land, extend the rail road.
They had to take some of his land, in order to extend the rail road
7. I bought six cows; we would have some milk to sell.
. I bought six cows so that we would have some milk to sell.
8. We use cameras, taking photographs.
We use cameras for taking photographs.
9. We use robots, performing heavy and dangerous jobs.
We use robots for performing heavy and dangerous jobs.
10. A catalyst is used, speed up a chemical process.
. A catalyst is used to speed up a chemical process.
5. CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
Rewrite the sentences by using If Conditional
1. If you work hard, you (pass).

If you work hard, you will pass.
2. If I ________ the Chief Minister, I will work for the poor.

If I become the Chief Minister, I will work for the poor.
3. If the weather had been fine,

If the weather had been fine I would have gone for trekking.
4. If the Nano Car is available,

Vidyarthiplus
If the Nano Car is available, all middle class will buy it.
If I were rich,
5. If I were rich, I would help the poor______________
6. CAUSE AND EFFECT EXPRESSION
Combine the sentences by using connectives of Cause and Effect expression
1. There was heavy rain the whole day. The match was cancelled.
Since there was heavy rain the match was cancelled.
2. The temperature increases. The volume of the gas is increases.
As the temperature increases the volume of the gas is increases.
3. Training is given to the employees. They update their technical knowledge.
Training is given to the employees because they can update their technical
knowledge.
4. Constructions of big dams evacuation of thousands of families.
Due to Con structio ns of big dams evacuation of thou sands of families.
5. I stayed at home it was raining. .

I stayed at home because it was raining.
6. The construction of big dams thousands of families evacuates.
Owing to the construction of big dams thousands of families evacuate
7. Rain the whole day, the match was cancelled.
Due to rain the whole day, the match was cancelled
8. Police is enforcing the traffic schools strictly, the number of accidents has come
down.
Since police is enforcing the traffic schools strictly, the number of accidents has come
down.
9. Forest department planted more trees; the green cover is increased in Tamil Nadu.
Forest department planted more trees; consequently the green cover is increased in
Tamil Nadu
7. ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Expand the following
ALGOL - arithmetic language

BCCS body centered cubic structure
BASIC - Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
CRO - cathode ray oscilloscope
DBMS Data Base Management System
GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test
GATE - Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
Vidyarthiplus
LISP List Processing
MOU memorandum of understanding
RADAR Radio Detection and Ranging
SONAR Sound Navigation and Ranging
VIRUS - Vital Information Resource Under Seize
S I UNITS
Amount of substance mole

Acceleration meter/ second2
Density - kilogram
Distance - kilometer
Electric current ampere
Energy Joule
Surface tension Newton/ meter
Velocity meter/ second
8. SAME WORD AS DIFFERENT PARTS OF SPEECH

.
Make a sentences by using the following words as a Nouns and Verbs
1. Answer
The answer (N) is irrelevant
He answered (V) all the questions
2. Conduct
The student was appreciated for good conduct (N).
A film festival was conducted (V) here last week.
3. Demand
There is a great demand (N) for foreign goods.
The militants demand (N) a huge ransom.
4. Object
The object (N) on the table is beautiful.
The minister objected (V) to the remark made by the opposition.
5. Produce
Agricultural produce (N) was normal this year.
Many new cars are produced (V) every year.
9. AMERICAN AND BRITISH ENGLISH
Write the American English words for the following British words
British English American English

Accelerator Gas pedal
Advertisement Commercial
V
Biscuit Cookie
Cinema Movie theater
Curriculum vitae Resume
Dynamo Generator
Lift Elevator
Pavement Side walk
Petrol Gas
10. ADVERBS
Fill in the blanks with suitable Adverbs
1. The waves came quickly over the rocks.

2. I found the examination amazingly easy.
3. She regularly visits her dentist.
4. He definitely left the factory this morning.
5. He will probably remind me tomorrow.
11. ADJECTIVES
Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives
1. A computer calculates faster than man (fast)

2. The extraction of gold is more expensive than the extraction of any other metal. (expensive)
3. An aero plane travels faster than a helicopter.(fast)
4. The summer is hotter than the spring. (hot)
5. The pacific is deeper than the Indian Ocean (deep)
6.
12. NUMERICAL EXPRESSIONS
Rewrite the following into Numerical form
1. A budget estimate of 5 lakhs

A 5 lakhs budget estimate
2. A committee of five members
a five member committee
3. A journey of fifty miles
-a fifty mile journey
4. A lecture for three hours
a three hour lecture
5. A project for three years
a three year project
7. A walk of five miles
a five mile walk
13. ARTICLES
Fill in the blanks with suitable articles
1. He is a European.
2. This is an island.
3. The rose is beautiful.
4. The cow gives us milk.
5. He is a university lecturer.
6. He is a one-eyed man.
14. PREPOSITIONS
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions
1. The father divided the property between the two sons.

2. Students were warned about ragging in the campus.
3. This version differs from the original one.
4. He is senior to me.
5. You should not rely on rumours.
6. The skilled workers carry out many operations on a lathe under his supervisor.
7. One of the main benefits of machine civilization is that our standard of life has improved.
There is much more varietyinourlives.Foodfromanypartoftheworldcanbe obtained during any season of the
year.
15. REPORTED SPEECH
Rewrite the following into direct and indirect
STATEMENTS
www 1.ShesaidtoRadha, It may rain today. (Into Indirect

Speech) She told Radha that it might rain that day.
2. The teacher said, Truth always triumphs. (Into Indirect Speech)
The teacher said that truth always triumphs.
INTERROGATIVES OR QUESTIONS
1. Ramya said to Rani, Where is your house?

Ramya asked Rani where her house was.
2. Sundar said to Raja, when did you meet your friend?
Sundar asked Raja when he had met his friend.
IMPERATIVES OR COMMANDS AND REQUESTS
1. The captain said to his soldiers; Open fire.

The captain ordered his soldiers to open fire.
2. The student said to his teacher, Please demonstrate the experiment once again, Sir
.
The student requested his teacher to demonstrate the experiment once again.
3. The mother said to her son, Dont drive too fast.
The mother advised her son not to drive too fast.
EXCLAMATIONS AND WISHES

1. He said, Alas! I have lost my purse.
He exclaimed sadly that he had lost his purse.
2. He said, Bravo! You have done well
He applauded him saying that he had done well.
16. DEFINITIONS AND EXTENDED DEFINITIONS
Define the following
1. Drill
A drill is a tool for making holes.
2. A Planet
A planet is a large body in space that moves round a star, especially round the sun.
3. Calculator
A calculator is a small electronic machine used for determining quantities of heat
evolved, absorbed or transferred.
4. Flowchart
A flow chart is a diagrammatic representation of a program or a procedure.
5. Sensor
A sensor is an instrument used for discovering the presence of particular quality and
effect.
6. Auditorium
An auditorium is a hall for public hearing.
7. Dynamite
Dynamite is a branch of science which treats distribution of electric current.
8. Accelerator
An accelerator is a device for promoting the speed of a vehicle.
9. Amplifier
An amplifier is a device to increase the strength of electric signals
10. Printer
A printer is a machine to print the document
EXTENDED DEFINITIONS
Give the extended definitions for the following
1. A lathe
A lathe is a machine tool which spins a block of material to perform various
operations such cutting, sanding, knurling, drillin g or deformation like metal spinning
com
.
with tools that are applied to the work piece to create an object which has symmetry
about an axis of rotation.
2. A capacitor
A capacitor is a device for storing electric charge. Simple capacitors usually consist
of two plates made of an electrically conducting material (e.g a metal) separated by a
non-conducting material, or dielectric (e.g. air, ceramic, glasses, mica, oil, paper,
paraffin, or plastic). If an electric potential (voltage) is applied to the capacitor plates,
the plates will become charge, one positively and negatively.
3. Microprocessor
Microprocessor is an integrated circuit that interprets and executes instructions from a
computer program. When combined with other integrated circuits that provide storage
for data and programs, often on a single semiconductor base to form a chip, the
microprocessor becomes the heart of a small computer or microcomputer.
ROEVER ENGINEERING COLLEGE
ELAMBALUR. PERAMBALUR-621212
DEPARTEMENT OF ENGLISH
Question Bank
Sub. Name: Technical English II

Sub Code : HS6251
Year/Sem: I/II
Part-A (10x2=20)
1. Match the words in Column A with their meanings in Column B (4X1/2=2)
A B
a. abnormal i. preservation
b. conservation ii. unusual
c. renowned iii. rectify
d. amend iv. Famous
a. ascend i. mix
b. blend ii. cover
c. muffle iii. envious
d. jealous iv. Rise
a. broad i. joyous
b. wander ii. complex
c. intricate iii. roam
d. jubilant iv. Wide
a. authentic i. swoon
b. guilty ii. genuine
c. faint iii. resist
d. withstand iv. Ashamed
a. inculcate i. definitely
b. undoubtedly ii. urge
c. zeal iii. amusement
d. recreation iv. Enthusiasm
2. Make sentences using the following words as nouns and verbs. (2X1=2)
a. fan
b. heat
c. Object
d. Increase
e. project
f. delight
g. pay
h. minister
1
Dr.S.Mohan,Asst.Prof in English, Roever Engineering College,Perambalur.
i. record
j. park
3. Fill in the gap with suitable article. (4X1/2=2)
a. ______ Ganges is the longest river in India.

b. Kalidas is ---- Shakespeare of India.
c. The earth moves around --- Sun.
d. My class is on _____ seventh floor.
e. I know that you are --- honest man.
f. ______ Principal is on rounds.
g. ___ friend of mine invited me for dinner.
h. Give me --- empty bottle.
i. ____ man with a turban sat beside me.
j. This is ---- boy I saw in the seminar hall.
k. Harry potter is ____ seller these days.
l. This professor is _____ man of letters.
4. Combine the following sentences using suitable conjunctions. (2X1=2)

a. You finish the home work. The class teacher will allow you to write the test.
b. He cannot touch the ceiling. He is short.
c. He bought a house. He sold it immediately for profit
d. He did not complete the project. He was very lethargic.
e. She is not a famous writer. She behaves like one.
f. I ignored his words. I am not interested.
g. I will not send any email. You contact me first.
i. We work independently. We may reach our target before the deadline.
j. She took care of the family. He concentrated in the business.
k. My dresses are dirty. I have to wash them.
5. Expand the following abbreviations and acronyms. (4X1/2=2)

1. AIR
2. BHEL
3. COBOL
4. TANSI
5. CSIR
6. DOTE
7. FORTRAN
8. GRE
9. GATE
10. IBM
11. NCERT
12. STD
13. ONGC
14. RADAR
15. SONAR
16. WHO
6. Give English meaning for the given words and Phrases. (4X1/2=2)
1. bon voyage
2. alter ego
3. alma mater
4. in toto
5. en route
6. carpe diem
7. kudos
8. modus operandi
9. impasse
10. bambino
11. deluxe
12. viva voce
13. vis--vis
14. prima facie
15. lingua franca
16. ad infintum
7. Rewrite the imperative sentences using should. (2X1=2)

a. Take the temperature every minute.
b. Fill a test tube half full of water.
c. Take the readings properly.
d. Find out the solution for this problem.
e. Dont shout in the class room.
f. Dont use pen drive.
g. Keep your class room neat.
h. Behave properly in the function.
i. Boost your marks continuously.
j. Dont loiter unnecessarily during the class hours.
k. Write the test sincerely.
l. Admit him in a hospital.
8. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

(2X1=2)
a. He said to her, When do you submit the project?
b. The teacher said, Honesty is the best policy.
c. James said to Kamala, I have complained about you.
d. He said, Be quiet and listen to me.
e. He said, Where are you going now?
f. The teacher said, What a clever boy you are!
g. I said to my sister, Have you seen my dress?
3
h. The teacher said to the students, Clarify your doubts in this topic
i. I said, What a wonderful idea it is!
j. Mohan said to Leela, I want to become a pilot.
9. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using the relative clause.
(2x1=2)
a. I saw a boy. He was very lazy.
b. He was a trainer. Others praise him a lot.
c. There was a huge crowd near the shop. Things were very cheap in that shop.
d. He presented a book. It was my favourite one.
e. She is a home maker. Her hobby is tailoring.
f. This was the pen. It was bought from an antique shop.
g. It was a famous school. My father studied there.
h. He has a pet dog. It has a brownish eye.
i. Ravi is a smart boy. He finishes his work perfectly.
j. He is the project leader. Many trainees criticize him.
10. Fill up the blanks using suitable conjunctions. (4x1/2=4)

a. You were not at home _____ I contacted my neighbour for help.
b. Finish your assignment _______ I will not admit you inside.
c. Start early _______You will meet your boss.
d. He walked fast _______he wanted to announce the winner of the contest.
e. The sky was cloudy_______we cancelled the plan of a match.
f. He was very tired ______ he concentrated the lesson with interest.
g. I scored eighty marks____ I worked hard.
h. The monsoon failed______ the farmers had a poor yield.
i. All the data was lost____the power supply was interrupted.
j. Silicon is used in computer chips ____ it has some special electrical properties.
PART B (5X16=80)
11. Read the text and choose the best word from the list of words to fill the gap in the
passage given below. (1X16=16)
1. Schools vary greatly in their ______1_____ natures. Sixty-three percent of the students
from John Hopkins University School of Medicine, for example, feel their classmates are
extremely competitive, and most say they __2___ very hard. On the opposite end, Yale
University School of Medicine has a unique evaluation system in which there are no
grades. This system produces an extremely non-competitive ______3________. It is up to
us to decide whether competition is healthy or unhealthy. However, there is a difference
_______4______ trying to do our best and trying to do better than everyone else. Theres
nothing wrong with setting high goals and working to achieve them, but strong
competitive feelings often produce unnecessary stress and anxiety which can get in the
way of________5___. Even worse, competition can also cause death or even create
serious problems in our_______6_____.Competitive games are detrimental to childrens
learning. A warm, friendly, relaxed, and safe environment is the best environment to
encourage children to acquire language. Yes, competitive games can ______7_____able
children, but they also discourage those with less ability. In the classrooms, children are
eager to play games, but once a child feels there is no chance of winning, he or she
switches off. If the child begins to mess around with the game ____8______(card, dice,
etc) or use it in a laborious or exaggerated fashion, then that is indication that the child is
not focused on the activity. And if the child is not_____9___, then the value of the activity
is nil. However, the desire to win games can also make children much more interested in
learning. In the worst cases, victory in games can become a horrible one-upmanship.
English is not enjoyed for its
own sake but becomes a means to put down others. In his___10_____, Stop Trying to
Beat Your Competitors, Oren Harari says: Attitude implies that the competition is
leading the market, and that the only possible solution is to eliminate that competitor
(1).By definition, competition is working for a ____11___in such a way as to prevent
others.8
from reaching their goals; however, in our society, we simply put it this way: I win by
making sure that you lose. At a __12_______Internet Caf (CIC) place last year, death
actually occurred because of competition. Counter-Strike is a very ___13_______game
for teens; since most of them dont have fast computer and internet connections at home,
they usually go to Cyber Cafe and pay two ___14_____for an hour to play games with
their friends or other people online. James was just enjoying another day of online games
at CIC; however, the game was getting rough because people were cursing at each other in
the game and were competing to see who can _15______their enemies the most. At the
end of the game, James got really frustrated because he lost and his friend, Nathan,
wouldnt let him win. An hour later, James came back with a screwdriver and stabbed
Nathan in the head, and he died immediately at the scene. James, of course, was arrested
and will spend his life in prison. Games are supposed to be fun and
for________16_______; however, the desire to win can be a powerful motivating force.
(Between, focused, entertainment, Competitive, popular, atmosphere, goal, society,
Cyber, equipment, study, success, dollars, motivate, essay, kill)
2.
Corruption has rapidly risen from a minor drawback of all __1_____nations to a
global phenomenon. Corruption as inevitable as it is, comes in different forms and is
a_____2_____malaise.Corruption has reached an alarming stage and directly or indirectly
affects public andnational_______3_____. It makes mockery of democracy and is
increasing substantially world-wide. The main forms of corruption are ______4_____,
embezzlement, fraud and extortion. Two distinctions of corruption also arise as individual
and collective forms of corruption. Corruption is the misuse of public goods by public
officials for private gains.______5___Bank defines corruption as the abuse of public
power for private benefit. Another widely used description is that corruption is a
______6_______between private and public sector through which collective goods are
illegitimately converted into private payoffs and profits. Corruption is not restricted to any
levels, it is common between
politician, _________7____, bureaucrats and common people and unfortunately, teens
have not escaped its grasp. Man's only goal in life is his_______8___, but this goal is not
easily achieved. Man is the prey of his own passion and a victim of his stupidity. The
human ambition is set far high that no amount of rationality can cure many people dream
of a luxurious andcomfortable____9___, but what other way is there to achieve this
without money? The current ______10_______is ruled by money, without money, one is
hollow therefore man struggles to earn money in any way they can even if it means selling
his well cultivated dignity. The human condition translates to human corruption.
Corruption arises as a result of exasperated worthless living. "A ___11___mind is a devil's
workshop "stands correct for this topic. Laziness leads back to lack of jobs which
5
means________12________is the main culprit behind this scenario. Unemployment is a
very sad situation which still stays with developing countries. As ones stays idle, harmful
and revengeful ideas forms starts forming in their heads, especially among youths who are
so young and mad at the world. Unemployment is a very ___13_________matter and
should
be handled conspicuously. Youths tend to make quick money by exhibiting fraud - ness
in almost every way and corrupting the younger generation in return. The
respected____14_____of society is also no saints when it comes to make quick money.
The police, doctors and politicians are very talented when it comes to collect bribes but
this dreary behavior overshadows the significant work done by the real people who want
to help get rid of the situation. Corruption is not only the mother of black money but also
induces criminalization. Fearful of the government and law, the money is not used for the
_______15___of the country or economy and is dumped. Corruption perpetuates injustice
and violence which has various manifestations like war, rape, avarice, bigotry, intolerance,
prejudice and hypocrisy and miserable blood-shed. Thousands of ____16_____people are
affected by
corruption yearly and it deters investment and prevents economic growth.
(developing, sensitive. bribery, innocent, social, lazy, generation, economy, members,
unemployment, life, betterment, businessmen, world, happiness, transaction )
3.
Drinking has always been a problem for______1______, particularly for the past
few years. _______2______shows that over 60% of high school seniors drink at least
once a week, although the law does not make drinking legal until age 21. In reality, kids
are drinking at increasingly younger ages. The _____3____is why do teens use alcohol
when they know it's forbidden? Students give various reasons; with most saying they
drink for ______4______,to be accepted by friends, to forget problems, and to reduce
stress in their lives. During my sophomore year at Garden Grove High School, there was a
friend of mine named Toni who was different from everyone else. Gifted with a
photographic memory, he _______5_______all his time to study and helped out other
people. Including his looks and being favored by all of his teachers, he was sure that he
would be very popular and well-known in high school. Unfortunately, Toni found it was
very_______6_______to learn that he was despised by all the ____7____and basketball
players whom he longed to befriend with. Never been so disappointed in life, he went out
for a walk; suddenly, the idea of drinking just popped into his tiny head. For once,
everything seemed so bright again as if Toni found a fortune, he had finally known
the_____8______how to fit into the crowd and become the most popular guy in school.
After following the other students ideas to drink and use drugs, he ruined himself by
partying out all night. His goal of going to Harvard started to fade away and was slowly
replaced by the urge to have a few cups of beer______9______. Instead of choosing
abetter path by using his talents, he chose to live more idly rather than going to a well
known university. Many students, favoring lying on their backs and drinking, became
worthless individuals. Other teenagers, on the_____10______, pushed themselves to the
edge of their limits; caused themselves more stress than they can manage, turned to
alcohol to relieve their worries, and hoped for their friends acceptance. Lynn, my cousin,
had such a promising future until she began drinking. Being a role model and an
outstanding student in school, she was loved by many friendsand____11_____. To be able
to pay for her education, she had to work part time while being a full time student.
Overwhelmed with work and study, she was always stressed out about everything. Every
time Lynn came over to my house, she always rushed things and tried to finish
her_____12________, so she can get to work in time. Due to the fact that she did not
receive enough sleep at night, Lynn always had bags under her eyes. As time flew by, she
became tired of school and work, so she told her friend Christine to take her to
_____13_______todrink the night away. Christine, as a drinker herself, persuaded
Lynn that drinking was the only solution to relieve stress. Ignoring her conscience, Lynn
decided to try a can. At first, it tasted awful;_____14______, she felt a little relax and her
stress began to ease away. Each day, Lynn consumed a little bit more until she became
addicted. Therefore, her grades began to drop steadily, and she rarely showed up to
work.______15____partying with her friend, she passed out from too much drinking. As a
result, she was taken to the hospital for______16__________. One of my two family
members drank heavily, and I just realized the damaging effect that alcohol can bring to
our lives.
(teenagers, enjoyment, intoxication ,concentrated, football , everyday, research, contrary,
question, family, a club, while, homework ,solution, however)
(or)
12. Read the following texts and make notes of it. And also give a suitable title.
1. The cloning of human beings has been an issue that many people believe strongly in.
The cloning of animals such as cows and sheep have already been successful, and many
people think that the cloning of human beings is just the next step. This, however, has not
gone over well with the government of the United States. Recently, a hearing has been
underway to decide whether cloning should be legal in the United States. In fact, former
President George W. Bush has said that he will do everything possible to ban human
cloning. The issue here should not be whether human cloning should be legal, because it
should. The government should instead implement rules and regulations to regulate and
police cloning research and development. Many people look upon the idea of human
cloning with fear and disdain. Many do not realize that the cloning of human beings could
be beneficial to the human race. Many researchers involved in cloning experiments
believe that cloning could offer a way for infertile couples and other couples a way to
reproduce, when they otherwise could not. Cloning could offer the gift of life to those who
might not be able to obtain it by other means. No one is saying that this would be the best
way to reproduce, but it could be a valid option to those who wish. Another case in which
human cloning may be acceptable could involve a child who needed an organ such as a
kidney, or bone-marrow transplant.
If cloning were an option, the parents could choose to clone the child in order to
produce another who could donate whatever is needed. This is a possible option and does
not mean that it would be an actual implication of cloning. Human cloning also offers a
possibility that until very recently seemed very far fetched. Cloning offers the possibility
of allowing those who are dead, in a sense, be born again. In fact, many people believe
that this may be the best way human cloning technology could be used. Families could
bring back a dead family member or relative. This idea already appeals to many families
who have invested money and time into this new possibility. One couple, who lost their
baby in a botched surgery, has already donated $200,000 to the Clonaid company in order
to clone their dead baby. This is not the only case; many families are saving the cells of
their dead family members in hopes that one day that may be able to see them once again
Human cloning is a technology that cannot be avoided. There are many ways in which
7
people may be able to benefit from this new technology. With government regulation
perhaps this technology can be put to good use and we can avoid and control problems
that may arise. Human cloning is now the future in science and the future and cannot be
avoided. With cooperation and regulation we can face the future safely and benefit from it.
2.
Rainforests are found throughout the world, not only in tropical regions, but also
intemperate regions like Canada, the United States, and the former Soviet Union. These
forests, like tropical rainforests, receive abundant, year-round rainfall, and are
characterized by an enclosed canopy and high species diversity, but lack the year-round
warmth and sunlight associated with tropical rainforests. However this book focuses on
tropical rainforests, and these are the only forest forms discussed here. Tropical rainforests
merge into other types of forest depending on the altitude, latitude, and various soil,
flooding, and climate conditions. These forest types form a mosaic of vegetation types
which contribute to the overwhelming diversity of the tropics. There are two major types
of wet tropical forests: equatorial evergreen rainforests and moist forests, which includes
monsoon forests and montane/cloud forests. Equatorial rainforests, often considered the
"real rainforest," are characterized by more than 80 inches (2,000 mm) of rain annually
spread evenly throughout the year. These forests have the highest biological diversity and
have a well-developed canopy "tier" form of vegetation. Roughly two-thirds of the world's
tropical wet forests can be considered the equatorial type. These forests are near the
equator where there is very little seasonal variation and the solar day is a constant length
all year round. The greatest expanses of equatorial rainforest are found in lowland
Amazonia, the Congo Basin, the Southeast Asian islands of Indonesia, and Papua New
Guinea. Tropical moist forests are found at a greater distance from the equator where
rainfall and day length vary seasonally. These forests get "only" 50 inches (1,270 mm) of
rain annually and are markedly distinguished from equatorial rainforests by a cooler dry
season. During this dry season, many trees shed some or even all their leaves, creating a
seasonal reduction of canopy cover and allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
The increased sunlight reaching the forest floor allows the growth of vigorous understory
vegetation not found in lowland equatorial forest. Such moist forest is found in parts of
South America, the Caribbean, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, especially Thailand,
Burma, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
3.
Based on the channels used for communicating, the process of communication can
bebroadly classified as verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Verbal
communication includes written and oral communication whereas the non-verbal
communication includes body language, facial expressions and visuals diagrams or
pictures used for communication. Verbal communication is further divided into written
and oral communication. The oral communication refers to the spoken words in the
communication process. Oral communication can either be face-to-face communication or
a conversation over the phone or on the voice chat over the Internet. Spoken conversations
or dialogs are influenced by voice modulation, pitch, volume and even the speed and
clarity of speaking. The other type of verbal communication is written communication.
Written communication can be either via snail mail, or email. The effectiveness of written
communication depends on the style of writing, vocabulary used, grammar, clarity and
precision of language. Non-verbal communication includes the overall body language of
the person who is speaking, which will include the body posture, the hand gestures, and
overall body movements. The facial expressions also play a major role while
communication since the expressions on a persons face say a lot about his/her mood. On
the other hand gestures like a handshake, a smile or a hug can independently convey
emotions. Non verbal communication can also be in the form of pictorial representations,
signboards, or even photographs, sketches and paintings. Based on the style of
communication, there can be two broad categories of communication, which are formal
and informal communication that have their own set of characteristic features. Formal
communication includes all the instances where communication has to occur in a set
formal format. Typically this can include all sorts of business communication or corporate
communication. The style of communication in this form is very formal and official.
Official conferences, meetings and written memos and corporate letters are used
for communication. Formal communication can also occur between two strangers when
they meet for the first time. Hence formal communication is straightforward, official and
always precise and has a stringent and rigid tone to it. Informal communication includes
instances of free unrestrained communication between
people who share a casual rapport with each other. Informal communication requires two
people to have a similar wavelength and hence occurs between friends and family.
Informal communication does not have any rigid rules and guidelines. Informal
conversations need not necessarily have boundaries of time, place or even subjects for that
matter since we all know that friendly chats with our loved ones can simply go on.
14. (Write instructions)
1. Write a set of eight instructions followed which you could maintain your two-
wheeler.
2. Write eight instructions to preserve the environment.
3. Write a set of eight instructions that are to be followed by students in college
library.
4. Write a list of eight instructions to write a computer programme.
5. Write a set of eight instructions to be followed by a student during examination.
6. Write a list of eight instructions for students who appear for campus interview.
7. Write a list of eight instructions to operate a washing machine.
8. Write a list of eight instructions to maintain safety in a Chemistry laboratory.
15. (Write Recommendations) (1X16=16)

1. Write a set of eight Recommendations that will help to control air pollution in cities.
2. Write a set of eight Recommendations to maintain a car in good condition.
3. Write a set of eight Recommendations that should be followed to save electricity.
4. Write eight Recommendations for improving health service in villages.
5. Write a list of eight Recommendations for road safety.
6. Write a list of eight Recommendations for safety driving,
7. Write a set of eight Recommendations to control environmental pollution.
8. Write a set of eight Recommendations to maintain a Refrigerator.
(or)
16. (Write Checklists)
1. Write a Check list containing at least eight items to maintain a two wheeler.
9
2. Prepare an eight item Check List stating the things to be checked in the process of
organizing a paper presentation session.
3. Prepare an eight item Check List to organize a Technical symposium in your college.
4. Write down a Check List containing at least eight items to avert fire accidents in public
functions conducted in temporary structures.
5. Imagine that you have to go to Delhi to attend an interview. Write a Check List
containing eight items which will help you to prepare for Campus Interview.
6. Imagine that you have to conduct a two day Conference in your college. Prepare a
Check
List that you would like to do for the smooth conduct of the Conference.
7. Imagine that you are the Branch Manager of State Bank of India. You have to attend a
one day training programme in Delhi. Prepare a Check list to be checked just before
starting the journey for the training programme.
8. Write a Check List of eight points to provide clean drinking water to villagers in your
district.
17. (Letter Writing) (1X16=16)

1. Write a letter of application along with the bio-data for the post of Quality
Control Manager in a reputed company.
2. HCL requires software engineers (B.E+M.E only) with expertise in C++ and
VC++ for their overseas projects at its Chennai Office. Apply with bio-data to
HR Manager, HCL, Tharamani, Chennai-101. Knowledge of foreign language
is an added advantage to the candidate.
3. Write a Job application letter with resume to the HR Manager,Tata Iron and
Steel Company Ltd, Pune-420052 applying for the post of Management
Trainee.
4. Write a letter to the HRD Manager of Karur Vysya Bank, Anna Salai,
Chennai-600017, applying for the post of System Manager, Add a separate
Resume to your covering letter.
5. Write a letter of application for the post of Junior Engineer with a resume to
the HRD Manager, Doshi Constructions Pvt Ltd., 14,Greams Road,
Chennai-600002.
6. An Engineering College requires candidates for the posts of Assistant
Professors and Professors in all disciplines. Candidates should have completed
their PhD and must have ten years of experience in teaching.
7. Write an application for the post of IT Professional Innovators India Digital
Technologies Pvt Ltd., Janaki 10/9, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,
Chennai-20 with your detailed Curriculum Vitae.
8. Write an application to Mulayam Petroleum Company, Peninsular Division,
Post Box No.456, Mumbai-6 for the post of Environment Protection Specialist.
(or)
18. Write a short essay on the following topics. (2X8=16)

1. Benefits of technology in human life.
2. Conservation of petroleum.
3. The role of electronic media in imparting education.
4. Technology- boon or bane?
5. Role of communication in shrinking the world.
6. Nuclear energy- its advantages and dangers.
7. Computers in education.
8. Need for alternative energy resources in India.
9. Space research
10. Rain water harvesting
19. (Writing Proposals) (1X16=16)
1. Discuss the structure of a general format proposal
2. Explain the two types of proposals with examples
(or)
20. (Report Writing)
1. Discuss the objectives, characteristics and types of reports
2. Discuss the structure of a report with examples.
3. Explain the types of reports with examples.
11
Technical English II HS6251
Question bank Unit I-V
SSIET
5/24/2014
Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology
Chennai
Department of English
Technical English
Unit I Question Bank
Marks 25 Time: 50 min
Part A
a. Fill in the blanks with the suitable forms of the verb given in bracket
i) The 1950s and 60s were the hey days of Tamil. In 1956, when a college-----------
(celebrate) its centenary, the Education Minister was the chief guest. The principal----- (speak) in
English welcoming the minister. The minister--------- (stand up) and--------- (utter) his first word
in Tamil and was greeted with a thunderous applause.
b) Complete the following
S.No Present Past Past

participle
i) speak _______ _________
ii) _______ Bore _________
iii) Mislay ________ _________
iv) _______ _______ swum
v) Grind _______ _______
vi) _______ held _______
vii) _______ _______ sawn
viii) _______ slew _______
ix) seek _______ _______
x) _______ fled _______
xi) breed _______ _______
xii) cling _______ _______
xiii) _______ dug _______
xiv) _______ _______ lost
xv) _______ _______ blown
c) Identify the irregular verbs and write the past and past and participle forms:
i) blow ii) grind iii) want iv) close v) water vi) broadcast vii) listen
viii) send ix) improve x) deal xi) finish xii) pay xiii) pack xiv) emerge
xv) choose xvi) keep xvii) found xviii) throw xix) sell xx) happen
xxi) Dry xxii) fight xxiii) rise.
d) Rewrite the following sentences into passive:
i) Most nations adopted the gold standard.

ii) The government should take stringent action.
iii) A panel of famous fiction writers chose the winning novel.
iv) You must tidy up this room.
v) The veteran pitcher threw a ball traveling at incredible speed.
vi) She handed me the plate.
vii) The students will finish the course by July.
viii) The Calcutta Metro project incorporates some up-to-date technology.
ix) Who called you?
x) Nuclear radiation attacks living tissues.
e) Rewrite the following sentences into impersonal passive voice:
i) Somebody has leaked out the questions.
ii) Readers need to see the context.
iii) Donot tell a lie.
iv) I have not met him for a very long time.

v) I heated the flash on a Bunsen burner.
vi) The furnace smelts the ore.
vii) The police gave hot chase to the thief.

viii) Everyone will light crackers on the day.
ix) We must lubricate bearings.
x) Teachers can best sow the seed for good type of behaviors at a tender age.
f) Supply the antonym or a word having a meaning opposite to the one given:
i) Deficient II) prenatal iii) Proponate iv) regenerate v) subjective vi) synonym vii)
benevolent viii) Consonance ix) Ingress x) Carnivorous xi) Misogamus xii) Protract xiii)
philanthropist xiv) Geriatric xv) progression.
g) Supply the prefix that will complete the word, so that it becomes the synonym of a word:
S.No Word Synonym

i) Bewidered
h) Choose the ii) Clumsy correct homonyms in
the sentences iii) ______mur below:
iv) With draw
i) The v) _____gma company______(
vi) ______miun Praise personnel/personal) are
having lunch Vii0 Guess _____jecture with their boss.
ii) Inspite viii) Over turn ______vert of rain, the people
stood in the ix) ____strue interpret queue
x) Aegis _____tection to_______(cost/cast)
their votes. xi) Burdensome ______rous
iii) He xii) Lesion ______jury puts a good show
before xiii) Classify _______ise
xiv) _____look disregard
xv) Kind _____nign
the_______(quite/quiet) audience.
iv) The railways______(bore/boar) a tunnel through the mountain using sophisticated
equipment.
v) Please_______(wait/weight) till I get ready.
vi) ________(they/theyre) not interested in dating.
vii) You dont have the_______(right/write) to say that. Shouted the man.
viii) The plan ended in_______(vain/vein).
ix) give me a_________(piece/peace) of bread.
x) Dont sit_________(idol/idle).
i) Write the correct word on the line.-
cent-scent hair-hare weak-week mail-male meat-meet
i) I love your perfume's__________

ii) I don't have a_________ to spend.
iii) She has beautiful and curly _______
iv) The_________ is a very fast animal.
v) He is a very________ boy.
vi) I had an awful _________at my work.
vii) You have to send ________ for that job.
viii) I haven't received ________yet ix) ______ me at the shopping mall.
x) Mexican people eat a lot of ________.
C) Tick the correct one.-

i) There is a hole whole in my shoe.
ii) My feat feet hurt!
iii) She left her cell sell over their there.
iv) The baby is taking a knap nap.
v) Raze Raise your hand, if you want to participate!
vi) Can you great grate the cheese, please?
vii) Fruit is a very nutritious desert dessert.
viii) The car's cereal serial number is correct.
ix) I would love to have a peace piece of cheese cake right now.
Part-B
a) Check your comprehension of inductive and deductive reasoning
i) Taking a persons life is always wrong. Capital punishment involves taking a

Persons life. Therefore, capital punishment is always wrong.
ii) The right to self determination of minority peoples is a core part of international law.
Therefore, if a majority of Aboriginal Australians vote for self-government, they must be
allowed to do so.
iii) Every time Mr Jones has taught Contract Law, students have achieved good results
on the exam. This semester, Mr Jones is teaching Contract Law. Therefore, students will go
well in the exam.
iv) Red cars go fast. Jennys car is red. Therefore, Jennys car goes fast.
b) i) Prepare an SMS to be sent to all your class mates informing about the last date for the
submission of the English assignment.
ii) Assume yourself to be the class teacher of III year Mechanical Engineering, send an
SMS to your class students reminding about the amount to be paid towards project work.
iii) Assume yourself to be the person in charge in your factory. You want to suspend the
manufacturing process for half a day. Inform through SMS to all the workers.c) i) Imagine
that you are a team leader in a company, send an E-mail to your team members
congratulating them on the success of the project.
ii) Assume that you are the Works Manager in a factory, you find that a few workers idling
their time. Use the company web page to give a general warning to all workers.
iii) Imagine yourself to be the Instructor of a course in which 60 students have registered. Draft
an E-mail to be sent to all the students asking them to select a topic of their choice and prepare
a professional presentation of 10 minutes duration.
d) i) Write a blog post of about 250 words to your classmates explaining the kind of project you
think your team should be doing for your English
Chennai
Technical English II
Unit II Question Bank
Part A
a. Note how modals are used in the following sentences to express habit, advice, ability,
permission, obligation, possibility. Say which sentence illustrates which use:
i) He can read about a hundred pages in an hours time if the material is familiar.
ii) Students should not make noise in the auditorium as it distracts the performers.
iii) You will have to make the payment by tomorrow
iv) May I leave the class early today as I have to catch my train?
v) The University might declare Friday a holiday because of the local festival.
vi) When we lived in Delhi we would often eat in the restaurant.
b. Correct the following sentences:
i) Manisha must have at least seven hours sleep a night
ii) Must you go home soon?
iii) You havent got much time. You should hurry.
iv) We can as well go to the party. We have nothing else to do.
v) Shall I use your phone?
vi) Do you like to come to the cinema with us this evening?
vii) As A child I went to school on foot.
viii) We eat so that we live.
ix) He will be pulled for his lashes.
x) Shall you like another glass of milk?
xi) Every one of us ought go to the Book Fair.
xii) He shall be happy, considering how successful he is.
xiii) Should I read your newspaper?
xiv) We can write a letter to the Principal.
xv) You will come if you wish.
xvi) I use to live in Punjab.
c. Make purpose statements for the following:
i) A compass ii) Dictionary iii) A hammer iv) Litmus paper v) i-pod vi) laptop
vii) Carbon paper viii) Vaccum cleaner ix) induction stove x) Assembler
d. Choose the correct alternative:
i) One of his books has been acclaimed internationally,_________(so that,as a
result, so as to) he thinks he is a good writer.
ii) Your assignment is powerful,_______(however, though, so) I beg to differ.
iii) _______(even so, even though) I know that I would fail, I took the test.
iv) He has worked in this college for 5 years________(even though, nevertheless) the
Principal does not give him the recognition he deserves.
v) I first listened to his speech in 1963,________(after, after that), I did not miss any
of his speeches.
vi) We have worked together in the same college for years,______(yet, however) we
hardly exchanged a word.
vii) We were all enjoying the concert______(mean while,while) Shyam sat gloomily
looking at the ceiling.
viii) They first had coffee at a restaurant and_______(afterwards, since) they went
sight seeing.
ix) _________(however, yet) hard he tried, he couldnt clear the paper of
Management Information system.
x) _________(mean while, while) I was waiting for the city bus. My eyes fell on a
very poor boy sitting on the pavement and begging.
e. Complete the following sentenc3es with suitable phrasal verbs given in bracket
i) Mom_______ the kids --------- for hockey practice , but dad picks them up and
drives them home. ( drop off, drop in)
ii) He ----- college after the first semester since he wanted to get some work
experience first. ( drop out of , drop out in)
iii) I have just ------- that we have a test tomorrow.( Find out, find with)
iv) Word -------- that you are going to quit . Is it true? ( go around , go along)
v) Many people died when the Titanic ------ ( go down , go by)
Part B
I Attempt any one of the following :
Accept an Invitation to Speak or Perform
Extend a Formal Invitation
Congratulations Letter to a Friend on his New Job
Congratulations letter on success in the Examination
Decline an Invitation to an Event
II Write a review of articles or books that you have read through

Chennai
Unit III Question Bank
Part A
.Use appropriate auxiliary verbs to fill in the gaps :
a) If I have money, I . lend it to you.(ability).

b) If you complete the work, you . go . (permission)
c) You win the race, if you participated .( possibility).
d) If I had known your address, I .. have visited (possibility)
2.Complete the sentences using an appropriate clause :
a)If Iwere rich, .. .
b) .. , global warming would have been reduced .
c) If the battery of the car is down, .. .
d) , the aeroplane cannot take off.
3 Join the causes in A with the effects in column B using cause and effect expressions :
A B
a) Loud horns and blaring loudspeakers - damage to ear drums

b) Depletion of bamboo forests - increase in soil erosion
c) Chemical pollution - greenhouse effect and ozone depletion
d) Construction of big dams - evacuation of thousalnd of families
4 Use the following connectives in sentences of your own to bring out the cause and effect
relationship :
a) Because b) since c) as d) therefore e)consequently e) due to

5 Make sentences with the following words ,using first as nouns and then as verbs ;
a) Increase b)produce c) fan d)pay e ) record f) delight
6.Restate the following sentences using the suggested beginnings :
a)Dog teams still pull sleds over the ice and snow in Alaska.. ( Sleds )
b) Despite the rocky soil, a great deal of farming is done in Vermont. ( .. the soil.)
c) Florida has more lakes than any other lakes. ( Other )
d) The landscape in the South is not unike the landscape in the North;
7 Give the synonyms of the following words :
a) contaminated b) an expression of praise or admiration c) without hair d)chaos
8 Give the format when making the following references :
A book, , a journal article, a manual and ininternet site.
9 Mention two characteristics of a technical report.
10. Mention any two expressions a person may use in a conversation to indicate his feelings.
Part B 15 marks
Answer any two:
1 What is the format for a journal article?
2.What are the elements of a technical article.?
3.Writng are the writing strategies of a technical article?
4 What is the format of the minutes of a meeting?
5Attempt the summary of any journal article you have read recently.
Chennai
Unit IV Question Bank
Part A
1 Rewrite the following as numerical expressions .
a) A tank with a capacity of 250 litres b) a D.C. supply of 240 volts
c) a lamp of 60 watts d) a cricket lasting three days
2 When are the following discourse markers used ?
a) With reference to b) as far as .. is concerned c) talking about d) regarding
3 Use these discourse markers in sentences of your own :
a) In addition b) on the other hand c) therefore d) in particular
4 Fill in the blanks with appropriate discourse markser :
a) , English is acclaimed as a global language.b), has the committee your area?
c), I cant help you. D) ., its notj worth seeing.

5 Give the meanings of the following idioms :
a) Round the clock b) above board c) have an axe to grind d) a burning question
6 .Make snetences with the following idioms :
a)beat about the bush b) at the eleventh hour c) throw cold water on d ) to the letter
7.Expand the following abbreviations used when making a message :
a) msg b) AOB c) GM d) B2B
8 Interview question :a) How do you spend your leisure time? b) Are you a team player?
9Interview question : What are your long term and short term goals?b)Why should we hire you?
10Interview question:What qualities do you think a successful manager should have? B)Tell us
about yourself.
Part B 15 marks
1. What are the dos and donts to be observed when taking a message ?
2. Write out your resume.
3. Make out a cover letter for a post that you wish to apply for.
4. How would you take notes from a telephone message?
5. How would you answer these questions at an interview; a) Tell us something about
yourself. And b) What are your strength
Chennai
Unit V Question Bank
Noun Clauses
Underline the noun clause in each of these complex sentences. Write how each is used.
1. I forgot what you said. ___________________________________________________
2. Who the new captain will be has not been announced. __________________________
3. How it happened is still a mystery. _________________________________________
4. Everyone agreed that the price was reasonable. _______________________________
5. No one knew what to do next. ____________________________________________
6. Frank doesnt know what he should wear. ___________________________________
7. Whatever you choose will be fine. _________________________________________
8. This organization provides help to whoever needs it. ___________________________
9. Derricks problem was how he could earn the money. __________________________
10. Paula decided what we should bring. ______________________________________
Complete each adverb clause below with the correct word(s):
1. __________________ he always did well on his English tests, his parents were not surprised that he
got an A.
When
Since
2. You should keep the milk in the refrigerator, __________________ it doesn't go bad.
since
so that
3. __________________ he thinks he's smart, he isn't.
Although
After
4. You should say goodbye to your brother ________________ you leave for Europe.
before
since
5. ________________ my father has high blood pressure, he has to watch what he eats.
Before
Since
6. ________________ I came to this country, I didn't speak a word of English!
Before
Since
7. I'll let you know ________________ I come back.
because
after
8. He doesn't understand ________________ he doesn't speak French very well.
so that
because
9. He spoke slowly ________________ she would understand.
because
so that
10. ________________ you stop crying, I'll buy you an ice cream.
If
Choose the collocation words:
1 This new process is a ______ advance in technology.

ardent
significant
stale
considerable
cast-iron
2 He knows the interviewer already and that will give him an ______
advantage over me.
ardent
significant
unfair
considerable
cast-iron
3 I wouldn't upset him. He can be a ______ adversary.

ardent
significant
unfair
dangerous
cast-iron
4 He gave me some ______ advice and I took it.

ardent
significant
unfair
dangerous
blunt
5 We know very little about this. We need to bring in an ______ adviser to

help us.
outside
significant
unfair
dangerous
blunt
6 I don't like this at all. It's a really ______ affair.

outside
ugly
unfair
dangerous
blunt
7 It's not a very challenging job. I only have to deal with ______ affairs.
outside
ugly
everyday
dangerous
blunt
8 They don't always agree but I think there is a bond of ______ affection
between them.
outside
ugly
everyday
deep
blunt
9 It seems no time at all since I started work and here I am at ______ age.
outside
ugly
everyday
deep
retirement
10 That type of behaviour was possible in a ______ age but we are more
tightly regulated these days.
bygone
ugly
everyday
deep
retirement
11 I don't trust him. I think he has a ______ agenda.

bygone
hidden
everyday
deep
retirement
12 We cannot tolerate this sort of ______ aggression from a competitor in one

of our key markets.
bygone
hidden
naked
deep
retirement
13 We have a ______ agreement with them and we must respect it.

bygone
hidden
naked
binding
retirement
14 I think they must be providing them with some kind of ______ aid. But I
don't know what.
bygone
hidden
naked
binding
covert
Part B 15 marks
1. Make notes on the following passage :

To prepare for a career in engineering , a student must begin planning in high school.
Mathematics and science should form the core curriculum. For example, in a school
where sixteen credit hours are required for high school graduation, four should be in
mathematics, one each n chemistry,biology and physics. The remaining credits should
include four in English and at least three in the humanities and social sciences. The
average entering freshman in engineering should have achieved at least a 2.5 grade point
average on a 4.0 scale in his or her high school.. Although deficiencies can be corrected
during the first year, the students who need additional work should expect to spend five
instead of four years to complete a degree.
2. Assume that your sister wants to join an engineering college. Prepare a checklist of eight
most important items that are to be ensured in the selection a good institution.
3. A company is planning to set up a 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.
4. Write a report on a fire accident that happened in the factory that you are working in .
Make your recommendations.
5. Imagine you are the staff secretary of your college. Submit a report to the Principal of
your college regarding improving the college results.

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SKR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES & SCIENCE

SEMESTER-I MODAL EXAMINATION

Technical English-1 (HS6151)

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

B) Rewrite the words in the following sentences in correct sequence: (2)

D) Fill in the blanks with appropriate adverbs: (2)

NOUN ADJECTIVE PERSON CONCERNED

G) Write the single word substitute for the following: (2)

H) Write the full form of the abbreviation/ acronyms: (2)

Answer any five questions (5 x 16 = 80 Marks)

II. Match the words in Column A with their antonyms in Column B

III. Rewrite the following into numerical expression:

IV Give purpose statements for the following:

(a) a printer (b) An auditorium (c) A thermostat (d) an algorithm

B) Write the following cause and effect expressions in separate sentences

VI A) Combine the following sentences suitably:

VIII. Change the following voice:

IX Complete the following conditional sentences.

II. Letter Writing

III Report Writing

1. Write a report on aircraft accident happened in Washington to the manager of National

1. Write a checklist for travel to Ooty

In other words, talking - conversation - is a reciprocal process.

General ways to start a conversation

Comment on the situation

Ask a question about the situation

Make a statement about the other person

Saying "Hello" or "Hey" or "What's up?" or "How's it going?"

Useful, civil phrases to remember:

DEVELPING ANALYTICAL THINKING

How to think critically and analytically

Techniques to help you think analytically

EFFECTIVE USE OF SMS

USE OF EMOTIONS IN EMAIL

REGULAR & IRREGULAR VERBS

Infinitive Simple Past Past Participle

ACTIVE VOICE & PASSIVE VOICE

PASSIVE VOICE FOR ALL TENSES RULES

Present Simple Tense (passive Voice)

Present Continuous Tense (passive Voice)

Present Perfect Tense (passive Voice)

Past Simple Tense (passive Voice)

Past Continuous Tense (Passive Voice)

Past Perfect Tense (Passive Voice)

Future Simple Tense (Passive Voice)

Future Perfect Tense (passive Voice)

Note: The following tenses cannot be changed into passive voice.

HOMONYM WORDS HOMOPHONE WORDS

Buying Electrical Goods

Banking - Opening an account

Obligations and Rules

Bert is starting a new job

WRITING A BOOK REVIEW

A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality,

2. State the authors purpose in writing the book. Sometimes authors

a. Why did the author write on this subject rather than on

b. From what point of view is the work written?

c. Was the author trying to give information, to explain

d. What is the general field or genre, and how does the

e. Who is the intended audience?

f. What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal?

g. Scan the Table of Contents, it can help understand how