TAKSHASHILA UNIVERSITY

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of English

Communicative English –III

(Syllabus and Notes)

Regulation – R24

ALL UG COURSES

III Semester

1
 L T P C Hr
COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH III
U24ENT373 3 0 0 3 45

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
 Develop the ability to understand spoken English at various speeds and accents.

2
  Identify key information and arguments in lectures, conversations, and presentations.
 Participate actively in discussions and group activities.
 Express oneself clearly and confidently on a range of topics.
 Develop critical reading skills to analyze and interpret information.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
CO1. Apply a wider range of vocabulary in spoken and written communication.
CO2. Express oneself clearly and confidently in spoken English on a range of topics.
CO3. Read and understand different types of texts (articles, emails, reports, literature).
CO4. Write clear, concise, and grammatically correct texts for various purposes (essays, emails,
summaries).
CO5. Identify key points and arguments in listening and reading materials.

UNIT I: EXPRESSIVE AND ELOQUENT LANGUAGE SKILLS

Elements of speaking skill – The speaking skills; Introduction – Aspects of speaking skill – Role
play – Discussion.
UNIT II: OPERATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL WRITING FOR MANIFESTATION
Note making – Essay writing – Report writing – Article writing – Research proposal writing.
UNIT III: EXHAUSTIVE AND EXTENSIVE LISTENING
Essential features of listening skill – Pathways to enhance listening skill – The role of AAA in
listening skill – Stages of effective listening – Mime activity, storytelling.

Unit IV: PROFICIENT READING FOR EFFECTIVE COMPREHENSION

Reading comprehension – Types of reading skills – Merits & Demerits of skimming

& Scanning – Importance of extensive reading & Intensive reading – Virtual story
reading – Magazines.

UNIT V: CREATIVITY

Prerequisites of Writing Prompts- Dialogue writing- Short Essay- Biography-Autobiography-

Peer reviews

Text Book:
 McDowell, Gayle Laakmann. Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming
Questions and Solutions. CareerCup, 2011.
 Forsyth, Donelson R. Group Dynamics. 7th ed., Cengage Learning, 2019.
 Kelley, Tom, and David Kelley. Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential
Within Us All. Crown Business, 2013.

3
UNIT I: EXPRESSIVE AND ELOQUENT LANGUAGE SKILLS

1.1 Elements of Speaking Skill

 Speaking is the verbal expression of thoughts, emotions, and ideas.

 Key elements: fluency, clarity, pronunciation, grammar, coherence, body language.
 Importance: Builds confidence, aids in academic and professional communication.

4
1.2 Introduction to Speaking

 Purpose: To communicate meaning effectively.

 Modes: Monologue, dialogue, debate, discussion.
 Characteristics: Spontaneous, interactive, influenced by context and audience.

1.3 Aspects of Speaking Skill

 Verbal Aspects: Choice of words, tone, pitch.

 Non-verbal Aspects: Eye contact, posture, gestures.
 Functional Aspects: Giving opinions, agreeing/disagreeing, asking questions.

1.4 Role Play

 Mimics real-life situations for practice (e.g., customer service, interviews).

 Enhances empathy, vocabulary, and fluency.
 Students act out scenarios based on prompts.

Example 1: Job Interview Scenario

5
Title: "You’re Hired!"
Objective: Practice formal communication and interview etiquette.

🔸 Setup:

 Arrange two chairs in front of the class.

 Student A acts as the Interviewer (HR)
 Student B acts as the Candidate

🔹 Script Guidelines:

Interviewer:

 "Good morning, please introduce yourself."

 "Why do you think you're suitable for this job?"
 "Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer."

Candidate:

 Responds politely with complete sentences.

 Uses phrases like "I believe I’m a good fit because..." or "In my previous role..."

💬 Live Interaction Tips:

 Encourage students to dress formally or use props (like a folder or name tag).
 After the role-play, ask the audience to give feedback: “Was the tone polite? Did the
answers sound confident?”

🎭 ROLE-PLAY 2: Hotel Complaint

Title: "Room for Improvement!"

Objective: Practice empathetic and solution-oriented speaking.

🔸 Setup:

 Desk setup for receptionist; student acts as Receptionist

 Another student walks in as Guest

🔹 Script Guidelines:

Guest:

 "Excuse me, the air conditioner in my room isn’t working."

 "Also, there’s too much noise outside. I can’t sleep!"

Receptionist:

 "I’m very sorry for the inconvenience, ma’am/sir."

6
  "Let me check if we can move you to a quieter room or offer a discount."

💬 Live Interaction Tips:

 Pause and ask the class: “Was the receptionist respectful? What other solutions could
they offer?”

Post-Performance Reflection:

 Ask:
o “What did you learn from this scenario?”
o “How can this help in real life?”
 Provide a feedback sheet or use a rubric to assess:
o Fluency
o Tone & attitude
o Vocabulary
o Problem-solving

Role Play – Practice Exercises

Section A: Scenario-Based Prompts (Write Dialogue)

Instructions: Choose any one of the following situations and write a short role-play script (8–
10 exchanges) between the two characters.

1. At the Bank:
A customer wants to open a savings account but is confused about the procedure.
2. Doctor’s Appointment:
A patient visits a doctor to discuss symptoms of a headache and tiredness.
3. Library Fine Dispute:
A student speaks to a librarian about an overdue book and wants the fine waived.
4. Airport Delay:
A traveler complains to the airline counter staff about a delayed flight.
5. Cafeteria Complaint:
A customer tells the manager that the food was served cold and late.

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (Polite Phrases in Role Play)

Instructions: Complete the dialogue using polite expressions.

Situation: Making a Hotel Reservation

Receptionist: Good morning! Welcome to Grand Stay Hotel. How can I help you?
Customer: Good morning. I’d like to __________ a room for two nights.
Receptionist: Certainly. May I know your __________, please?
Customer: It’s Priya Menon. I prefer a non-smoking room, __________.
Receptionist: Of course, ma’am. Will you be paying by cash or __________?
Customer: I’ll use my credit card. Thank you for your __________.

7
1.5 Discussion

1. Group discussions on social or academic topics.

2. Develops critical thinking, articulation of ideas, and turn-taking skills.
3. Sample topics: “Is social media a boon or bane?”, “Online vs. Offline education.”

1.5 Discussion – Live Class Activity Plan

💡 Purpose:

 To encourage group communication, logical reasoning, and respectful disagreement.

🎯 Live Group Discussion Setup

🔹 Instructions for Students:

 Form groups of 5–6.

 Choose one topic.
 Speak for 1–2 minutes each.
 Listen, respond, agree/disagree respectfully.
 Use phrases like:
o “I agree with your point, but I also feel that…”
o “In my opinion…”
o “That’s an interesting idea. However…”

🗣️Sample Discussion Topics

Topic 1: "Is Social Media a Boon or a Bane?"

Guiding Questions:

 How does social media help in education and networking?

 What are the negative effects on mental health and productivity?
 Should there be limits on its usage?

Live Tip: Assign 2–3 students to support “boon” and the others to argue “bane”.

Topic 2: "Online vs. Offline Education – Which is Better?"

Guiding Questions:

8
  Which method offers better flexibility?
 What about face-to-face interaction?
 How does each affect learning outcomes?

Live Tip: One side can represent online learners, the other can defend traditional classroom
systems.

📝 Group Discussion – Exercises

Section A: Write Your Opinion (Short Answer)

1. What are the advantages of participating in a group discussion?

2. How can you respectfully disagree with someone in a discussion?
3. Why is it important to take turns while speaking?
4. Mention two phrases used to agree and two to disagree politely.

Section B: Prepare to Speak (Practice Task)

Instructions: Choose one of the following and write 5 points you would share in a discussion.

 Should mobile phones be allowed in classrooms?

 Are exams the best way to measure knowledge?
 Can AI replace human teachers?

Q1. Explain the essential elements of speaking skills. How do they contribute to
effective communication?

Introduction:
Speaking is the productive skill in the oral mode. It involves the ability to communicate verbally
with clarity and confidence.

Key Elements of Speaking Skill:

1. Fluency
o Speaking smoothly without unnatural pauses or hesitation.
o Helps maintain listener interest and enhances message delivery.
2. Clarity
o Clear articulation of words.
o Avoids ambiguity and ensures comprehension.
3. Pronunciation
o Correct articulation of words using proper sounds and syllables.
o Prevents miscommunication.
4. Grammar
9
 oUsage of correct sentence structure, tenses, and syntax.
oAdds credibility and correctness to the speech.
5. Coherence
o Logical flow and organization of ideas.
o Helps in structuring speech effectively.
6. Body Language
o Non-verbal elements like posture, eye contact, gestures.
o Supports and reinforces verbal communication.

Conclusion:
Together, these elements create a powerful communication tool that enhances both academic and
professional interactions.

Q2. What is role play? How does it help improve speaking skills in students?
Give examples.

Definition of Role Play:

Role play is a classroom speaking activity where students assume roles and act out scenarios,
often based on real-life situations.

Benefits of Role Play in Developing Speaking Skills:

 Practical Application:
o Helps students apply language in a contextual, meaningful way.
 Fluency Building:
o Encourages spontaneous conversation without preparation.
 Vocabulary Development:
o Introduces new terms related to different situations (banking, shopping, medical,
etc.).
 Confidence Boosting:
o Overcomes fear of public speaking.
 Creativity and Imagination:
o Encourages thinking from different perspectives.

Examples of Role Play Activities:

 Doctor–Patient Conversation
 Interview between Employer and Job Seeker
 Customer–Salesperson Exchange
 Airport Check-in Dialogue
 Police–Eyewitness Report

Conclusion:
Role play is an engaging method that enhances communicative competence and interpersonal
skills.

2-Mark Questions with Sample Answers

10
Q1. What is meant by fluency in speaking?

Answer:
Fluency refers to the ability to speak smoothly and continuously without unnecessary pauses,
demonstrating confidence and command over language.

Q2. Name any two non-verbal aspects of speaking.

Answer:
Two non-verbal aspects of speaking are eye contact and body posture.

Q3. Define discussion.

Answer:
Discussion is a group-based oral communication activity where participants share ideas or
opinions on a topic, promoting critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Q4. Give one difference between monologue and dialogue.

Answer:
A monologue is a speech delivered by one person, while a dialogue involves an exchange of
conversation between two or more individuals.

Q5. Mention any two characteristics of effective speaking.

Answer:
Two characteristics of effective speaking are clarity of speech and appropriate use of body
language.

UNIT II: OPERATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL WRITING FOR MANIFESTATION

2.1 Introduction to Functional Writing

 Functional writing serves a specific purpose: to inform, instruct, persuade, or request.

 Used in everyday, academic, and professional contexts.
 Clarity, conciseness, and structure are essential.

11
2.2 Email and Letter Writing

 Emails: Formal and informal; professional tone; subject lines; sign-offs.

 Letters: Official, business, and personal letters; format and structure.

2.3 Report and Notice Writing

 Reports: Used to communicate findings or information.

 Notices: Public announcements – concise, dated, and specific.

2.4 Agenda and Minutes of Meeting

 Agenda: List of items to be discussed in a meeting.

 Minutes: Summary of discussion, decisions, and actions.

2.5 Resume and Cover Letter Writing

 Resume: Highlights education, experience, and skills.

 Cover Letter: Introduces the applicant and expresses interest.

2.6 Press Release and Memo Writing

1. Press Release: Communicates news to the media.

2. Memo: Internal communication in organizations – brief and direct.

2.1 Introduction to Functional Writing

📌 Example:
Purpose: To request leave.
"Dear Sir,
I am writing to request leave from July 24 to July 26 due to a family emergency. I will ensure all
pending work is completed beforehand.
Sincerely,
Ravi Kumar"

📝 Exercise:
Task: Write four purposes of functional writing with one example sentence for each.

✅ 2.2 Email and Letter Writing

📧 Email Example (Formal):

Subject: Request for Internship Certificate

Dear Professor,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to kindly request the issuance of my internship
certificate completed in May 2025.
Thank you for your assistance.

12
Best regards,
Anjali Rao

✉️Letter Example (Official):

To: The Principal

Subject: Permission to conduct a workshop
Respected Sir,
We would like to seek your permission to organize a workshop on digital marketing for final-
year students on August 5, 2025.
Yours faithfully,
Class Representative

📝 Exercise:
Draft an informal email inviting a friend to your birthday party and a formal letter requesting
permission for an industrial visit.

✅ 2.3 Report and Notice Writing

📄 Report Example:
Title: Report on Campus Cleanliness Drive
The NSS team organized a campus cleaning event on July 10, 2025. Over 100 students
participated. The initiative helped raise awareness about hygiene and cleanliness.

📢 Notice Example:
Notice
Date: 22-07-2025
Subject: Debate Competition
Students are invited to participate in the inter-college debate on "Climate Change Solutions" to
be held on July 30 in the Seminar Hall.

 English Department

📝 Exercise:
Write a report on a recent webinar you attended and a notice about lost property (e.g., a wallet
or ID card).

✅ 2.4 Agenda and Minutes of Meeting

📋 Agenda Example:
Meeting Agenda – Library Committee
Date: 25 July 2025

1. Review of new book purchases

2. Budget planning for next semester

13
 3. Discussion on extended library hours

🗒 Minutes Example:
Minutes of Meeting – Library Committee
The meeting was held on 25 July 2025.

 Discussed and approved purchase of 50 new books.

 Decided to extend library hours from 8 PM to 9 PM.
 Next meeting scheduled for 5 August 2025.

📝 Exercise:
Prepare an agenda for a class representative meeting and write the minutes for a parent-teacher
meeting.

✅ 2.5 Resume and Cover Letter Writing

📄 Resume Example (Bullet Points):

Name: Meena Sharma

 Education: B.A. English Literature, 2023

 Skills: Public Speaking, MS Office
 Experience: Intern – The Hindu (May–July 2023)
 Languages: English, Tamil

📃 Cover Letter Example:

Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the position of Content Writer at your firm. With a degree in English
Literature and strong writing skills, I believe I am a good fit for the role.
Sincerely,
Meena Sharma

📝 Exercise:
Create a resume for a part-time sales job and a cover letter applying for a content writer
internship.

✅ 2.6 Press Release and Memo Writing

📰 Press Release Example:

Title: XYZ College Launches Skill Development Program
Chennai, July 20, 2025 – XYZ College inaugurated a new skill development program to train
students in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. The Principal highlighted its importance for
employability.

📝 Memo Example:
Memo

14
To: All Staff
From: Principal
Date: 22 July 2025
Subject: Staff Meeting on NAAC Preparation
A meeting will be held on 24 July at 3 PM in the conference room to discuss documentation for
NAAC inspection.

📝 Exercise:
Draft a press release on your college winning a national award and a memo to students about a
dress code policy.

10-MARK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. Explain the format and components of a formal business letter. Write a sample
letter to the principal of your college requesting permission to conduct a seminar.

Format of a Formal Letter:

 Sender’s Address
 Date
 Receiver’s Address
 Subject Line
 Salutation (e.g., Respected Sir/Madam)
 Body:
o Introduction (purpose of the letter)
o Details (main content)
o Conclusion (request or expected response)
 Closing (e.g., Yours faithfully)
 Signature and Name

281, Pillaiyar Kovil Street

Kilnanthiyambadi, Vandavasi
Tamil Nadu – 604505
21 July 2025

The Principal

15
XYZ Arts & Science College
Vandavasi – 604408

Subject: Request for Permission to Conduct a Seminar

Respected Sir,
I am writing to request your kind permission to organize a seminar titled "Digital Literacy for
Youth" on 2nd August 2025 at the college seminar hall. The seminar aims to create awareness
among students about cyber safety and the responsible use of digital tools.
We have invited Mr. Arvind Kumar, a cyber security expert, to deliver the keynote address. The
Department of English will coordinate the arrangements. We assure you that all protocols will be
followed, and the event will conclude on time.

Kindly grant us permission to proceed with the seminar.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,
Shobana M
III B.A. English

2. Write a detailed report on a cultural event held in your institution. Include

headings such as Introduction, Event Description, Participants, Highlights, and
Conclusion.

🔹 Answer:

Report on Annual Cultural Fest – “SPECTRA 2025”

Introduction:
The Department of English, XYZ College, organized the annual cultural fest “SPECTRA 2025”
on 15th March 2025 in the college auditorium.

Event Description:
The event aimed to showcase student talents in various art forms such as music, dance, drama,

16
and literary events. The program commenced at 10 a.m. with an inaugural address by the
Principal, Dr. M. Radha.

Participants:
Over 300 students from various departments participated in the competitions. Teams from
nearby colleges were also invited for inter-college contests.

Highlights:

 The group dance by the III-year students won loud applause.

 The mime show focusing on environmental issues was the showstopper.
 The “Lit Quiz” and “Debate” competitions had enthusiastic participation.

Conclusion:
The fest was a grand success and provided a platform for students to express their creativity. The
event ended with a vote of thanks and national anthem.

🔹 2-MARK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. What is the purpose of a memo in professional communication?

Answer:
A memo (memorandum) is used for internal communication within an organization to convey
instructions, policies, or announcements quickly and formally.

2. Mention any two differences between a notice and a circular.

Answer:

 A notice is for public or group announcements; a circular is used for internal

distribution.
 A notice is often displayed; a circular is distributed personally or via email.

3. What are the key components of an agenda?

Answer:
Key components include:

1 Title of meeting
2 Date and time
3 List of items to be discussed
4 Person responsible for each item

4. Define a press release in one or two sentences.

17
Answer:
A press release is an official written statement delivered to media outlets to announce something
newsworthy, like events, product launches, or achievements.

5. What is the role of a cover letter in a job application?

Answer:
A cover letter introduces the applicant, explains the purpose of writing, and highlights relevant
skills and interest in the position.

CAT I EXAM BLUEPRINT

SECTION A: 2-MARK QUESTIONS

1. What is meant by fluency in speaking?

2. Name any two non-verbal aspects of speaking.
3. Define a discussion in communication.
4. Give one difference between a monologue and a dialogue.
5. Mention any two characteristics of effective speaking.
6. What is the purpose of a memo in professional communication?
7. Mention any two differences between a notice and a circular.
8. What are the key components of an agenda?
9. Define a press release in one or two sentences.
10. What is the role of a cover letter in a job application?

SECTION B: 10-MARK QUESTIONS

 Explain the essential elements of speaking skills. How do they contribute to effective
communication?
(Cover fluency, clarity, pronunciation, grammar, coherence, and body language with
examples)
 What is role play? How does it help improve speaking skills in students? Give
examples.
(Include benefits and examples like doctor-patient, interview, airport check-in, etc.)
 Write a dialogue between a customer and a salesperson where the customer inquires
about a laptop.
(Test practical spoken English with appropriate tone, vocabulary, and question/response
usage)
 Write a formal letter to the Principal of your college requesting permission to
organize a coding workshop.
(Assess formatting, language tone, and structure of a formal letter)
 Prepare a detailed report on a technical event or webinar attended by your
department.
(Include headings: Introduction, Event Details, Participants, Highlights, and Conclusion)
 Write the minutes and agenda of a departmental meeting discussing internal marks
and syllabus coverage.
(Assess ability to present formal documentation of meetings)

18
 UNIT III: EXHAUSTIVE AND EXTENSIVE LISTENING

3.1 Essential Features of Listening Skill

 Listening is an active, receptive skill involving attention, interpretation, and response.

 Key features:
o Concentration and focus
o Retention of spoken information
o Interpretation of tone, emotion, and intent
o Feedback and clarification when necessary

19
🔹 3.2 Pathways to Enhance Listening Skill

1. Note-taking during listening

2. Listening to a variety of English accents (e.g., British, American)
3. Watching English media (TED Talks, news, podcasts)
4. Practice active listening in daily life
5. Listening games and activities

🔹 3.3 The Role of AAA in Listening Skill

AAA = Attention, Attitude, Adjustment

1. Attention: Focus fully on the speaker without distractions.

2. Attitude: Maintain an open-minded, non-judgmental mindset.
3. Adjustment: Adapt to the speaker’s pace, accent, and tone.

🔹 3.4 Stages of Effective Listening

 Receiving: Hearing and recognizing the message.

 Understanding: Comprehending the words and meaning.
 Evaluating: Judging the message logically and emotionally.
 Responding: Giving feedback or asking questions.
 Remembering: Retaining key ideas and details.

🔹 3.5 Activities to Improve Listening

Mime Activity

 Non-verbal acting to build attentiveness and interpretation of non-verbal cues.

 Enhances focus and observation.

Storytelling

 Active listening followed by retelling, summarizing, or answering questions.

 Improves retention and comprehension skills.

10-MARK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. Explain the essential features and stages of effective listening. How do they
contribute to comprehension?

Essential Features:

1. Concentration: Staying mentally engaged.

2. Retention: Ability to remember key information.
3. Interpretation: Understanding tone and emotion.
4. Feedback: Clarifying doubts instantly.

20
Stages of Effective Listening:

 Receiving: Capturing sound.

 Understanding: Decoding meaning.
 Evaluating: Judging content for logic or emotion.
 Responding: Giving verbal/non-verbal feedback.
 Remembering: Storing important information for future use.

Conclusion:
These features and stages enable individuals to grasp deeper meaning, participate effectively in
conversations, and become better learners and professionals.

2. What is the AAA model in listening? How does it help improve listening skills?
Illustrate with examples.

AAA = Attention, Attitude, Adjustment

 Attention: Eliminating distractions and focusing fully.

Example: Listening to a professor without using a mobile phone.
 Attitude: Being receptive to new ideas without judgment.
Example: Respectfully listening to opposing views in a group discussion.
 Adjustment: Adapting to various accents, speech speeds, or tones.
Example: Understanding a guest speaker with a foreign accent.

Conclusion:
The AAA model is essential for developing active and empathetic listening. It improves
comprehension, builds better relationships, and enhances communication.

2-MARK QUESTIONS WITH SAMPLE ANSWERS

1. Define listening.

Answer:
Listening is the active process of receiving, interpreting, and responding to spoken messages.

2. What are the three A’s (AAA) of listening?

Answer:
Attention, Attitude, and Adjustment.

3. Name any two activities used to develop listening skills.

Answer:
Mime and Storytelling.

21
4. What is the difference between hearing and listening?

Answer:
Hearing is a passive physical act; listening is active and involves comprehension.

5. Mention any two pathways to improve listening skills.

Answer:

 Practicing note-taking
 Listening to English podcasts or news

UNIT IV: PROFICIENT READING FOR EFFECTIVE COMPREHENSION

4.1 Reading Comprehension

1. The ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written texts.

2. Involves:
1. Identifying main ideas
2. Understanding supporting details
3. Making inferences
4. Recognizing tone and purpose

🔹 4.2 Types of Reading Skills

 Skimming – Quick reading to get the general idea.

 Scanning – Rapid searching for specific information.
 Extensive Reading – Reading large volumes for enjoyment or general understanding.
 Intensive Reading – Reading short texts carefully for detailed understanding.
 Critical Reading – Evaluating arguments, biases, and logic in the text.

22
🔹 4.3 Merits and Demerits of Skimming & Scanning

✅ Skimming

Merits:

 Saves time
 Useful for previews or summaries
Demerits:
 May skip important details
 Not suitable for deep understanding

✅ Scanning

Merits:

 Efficient for locating facts (e.g., dates, names)

 Helps in answering questions quickly
Demerits:
 Lacks understanding of context
 Risk of missing surrounding meaning

🔹 4.4 Importance of Extensive & Intensive Reading

🟢 Extensive Reading

 Encourages reading for pleasure

 Enhances vocabulary and reading fluency
 Builds background knowledge

🟢 Intensive Reading

 Develops close reading and analysis

 Enhances comprehension accuracy
 Supports academic performance

🔹 4.5 Virtual Story Reading and Magazines

 Virtual Story Reading:

o Online platforms (audiobooks, digital libraries)
o Promotes interest and convenience
o Encourages global literature exposure
 Magazines:
o Source of current information, culture, and trends
o Improves vocabulary and comprehension in an enjoyable way

10-MARK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

23
1. Differentiate between extensive and intensive reading. How do both contribute
to language development?

Answer:

Extensive Reading:

 Reading long texts for enjoyment.

 Focuses on general understanding.
 Examples: novels, storybooks, articles.

Intensive Reading:

 Reading short, complex texts carefully.

 Focuses on grammar, structure, vocabulary, and deeper meaning.
 Examples: academic passages, journal articles.

Contributions to Language Development:

 Extensive reading builds fluency, increases reading speed, and develops global
understanding.
 Intensive reading enhances critical thinking, accuracy, and vocabulary mastery.

Conclusion:
A balanced combination improves both general communication and academic performance.

2. What are skimming and scanning? Discuss their advantages and

disadvantages with examples.

Answer:

Skimming:

 Reading quickly to get a general idea.

 Used for previewing a chapter or article.
 Example: Looking over a newspaper headline page.

Scanning:

 Searching text for specific facts or keywords.

 Example: Finding a date in a history textbook.

Merits:

 Saves time.
 Helps identify relevant content quickly.

24
Demerits:

1 Risk of overlooking important points.

2 Not useful for deep comprehension.

Conclusion:
While skimming and scanning are useful for speed, they must be paired with deeper reading for
full understanding.

2-MARK QUESTIONS WITH SAMPLE ANSWERS

1. Define reading comprehension.

Answer:
Reading comprehension is the ability to understand, interpret, and make meaning from written
text.

2. What is skimming?

Answer:
Skimming is reading rapidly to grasp the main idea of a text without focusing on every word.

3. Mention one merit and one demerit of scanning.

Answer:
Merit: Quickly locates specific information.
Demerit: May miss the context or full meaning.

4. What is extensive reading? Give one example.

Answer:
Extensive reading is reading large texts for pleasure or general knowledge.
Example: Reading a novel.

5. Name any two virtual reading tools or platforms.

Answer:
Examples: Audible, Kindle, Google Books.

CAT II EXAM BLUEPRINT

SECTION A: 2-MARK QUESTIONS

1 Define listening.
2 What are the three A’s (AAA) of listening?
3 Mention any two pathways to improve listening skills.
4 Name any two activities used to develop listening skills.

25
 5 What is the difference between hearing and listening?
6 Define reading comprehension.
7 What is skimming?
8 What is extensive reading? Give one example.
9 Mention one merit and one demerit of scanning.
10 Name any two virtual reading tools or platforms.

SECTION B: 10-MARK QUESTIONS

 Explain the essential features and stages of effective listening. How do they contribute to
comprehension?
 What is the AAA model in listening? How does it help improve listening skills? Illustrate
with examples.
 Describe two classroom activities (e.g., mime and storytelling) that help improve
listening skills. How do they support comprehension and focus?
 Differentiate between extensive and intensive reading. How do both contribute to
language development?
 What are skimming and scanning? Discuss their advantages and disadvantages with
examples.
 Explain the importance of reading magazines and virtual story reading in improving
language skills.

UNIT V: CREATIVITY

🔹 5.1 Prerequisites of Writing Prompts

 Understanding the theme or situation of the prompt.

 Identifying key characters, tone, and intended audience.
 Organizing ideas before writing: brainstorming or mind-mapping.
 Maintaining consistency in point of view and tense.

🔹 5.2 Dialogue Writing

 Involves a conversation between two or more characters.

 Must reflect natural speech, character emotions, and tone.
 Rules:
o Each speaker gets a new line.
o Use quotation marks.
o Keep it realistic and concise.

26
Example:

A: Why are you late again?

B: Sorry! My bike broke down on the way.
A: You always have an excuse.
B: This time it’s true. I’ll show you the receipt from the mechanic!

🔹 5.3 Short Essay Writing

 Introduction: State the main idea.

 Body: Provide 2–3 paragraphs supporting the idea with examples.
 Conclusion: Summarize and give personal insight or suggestion.

Common Topics:

 Impact of social media

 Importance of time management
 Role of youth in nation-building

🔹 5.4 Biography vs Autobiography

Aspect Biography Autobiography

Life story written by

Definition Life story written by self
another

Perspective Third-person First-person

Dr. Abdul Kalam: A Wings of Fire by A.P.J. Abdul

Example
Biography Kalam

🔹 5.5 Peer Reviews

 Reviewing another person’s written work.

 Focuses on:
o Grammar and punctuation
o Coherence and flow
o Clarity of message
o Suggestions for improvement
 Encourages collaborative learning and constructive criticism.

10-MARK QUESTIONS WITH SAMPLE ANSWERS

1. What are the differences between biography and autobiography? How are
they useful in developing writing skills?
27
Answer:
A biography is a factual account of someone’s life written by another person, whereas an
autobiography is a person’s life story written by themselves. Biographies offer external
perspectives, while autobiographies provide internal reflections and emotions.

Usefulness:

 Enhances chronological writing

 Develops skills in narration and reflection
 Encourages research, observation, and self-awareness

Conclusion:
Both forms help build descriptive and analytical writing skills.

2. Write a short essay on 'The Importance of Creativity in Modern Education'.

Answer:
Introduction:
Creativity is a vital part of modern education as it empowers students to think beyond textbooks.

Body:

1. Encourages critical thinking and innovation

2. Helps in problem-solving and decision-making
3. Makes learning enjoyable and student-centered
4. Prepares students for real-world challenges

Conclusion:
Modern education should foster creativity through art, writing, and project-based learning to
build adaptable and independent learners.

2-MARK QUESTIONS WITH SAMPLE ANSWERS

1. Define a writing prompt.

→ A writing prompt is a topic or scenario that stimulates creative or reflective writing.
2. What is the key difference between biography and autobiography?
→ A biography is written by someone else, while an autobiography is written by the
subject themselves.
3. What does peer review mean in writing?
→ It is the process of evaluating a peer’s writing to provide constructive feedback.
4. Give one rule of dialogue writing.
→ Each new speaker's dialogue should begin on a new line.
5. Mention any two elements of a short essay.
→ Introduction and Conclusion.

28