grammar - when we use conjuctions

Many words are used to connect sentences and those words give the passage the much needed 
emphasis.

Eg. I reached the station.

The train left.

I reached the station but the train had left

The word ‘but’ emphasizes the point that the train had left before I reached the station and also enriches the text.

Similarly...

1. Jenifer has answered the question.

2. Beulah has answered the question.

3. Both are not very clear about the answers.

‘Both’ in sentence 3 emphasizes the fact that Jenifer and Beulah have not answered properly and the word ‘both’ enriches the sentence.

The words ‘but’ and ‘both’ connect the sentences and enrich the meaning.

A few more conjunctions are and, or, because, etc.

Read the following passage and underline the conjunctions:

Malliga, a village girl wanted to get admission in a college in the city. She went to the bank to get a loan. But the manager was not there. She waited for him and met him. He refused to sanction the loan because she had no account in the bank. She immediately went home. But neither her mother nor
her father was at home. Both had left for the fields. She was not only shocked but also disappointed. She decided to go to the bank the next day.

List of word to use Expressing Emotions

We use exclamations or interjections to express our strong feelings or emotions about something.

We express our joy, wonder, appreciation, surprise, admiration, pain and disgust.

1. My goodness/ My God!

2. Oh, dear.

3. Oh, ho., that's interesting.

4. Oh, realty!

5. How very beautiful!

6. How long and bright.

7. How interesting! (Admiration).

8 How clever.

9. It was great.

10. It was splendid.

11. it’s amazing!

12. Fantastic/ that's terrific.

13. Wonderful/ Marvelous.

14. it’s exciting/ thrilling.

15. How brave they are.

16. How fascinating | (admiration)

17. A visit to Hollywood!

18. I just can't believe it?

19. What a lucky chap your are

20. How daring?

21. You're really lucky. (Appreciation)

22. What a lovely garden! (Ex. wonder)

23 That's strange.

24. Would you believe it

25.that's incredible.

26 .H's credulous!

27. I appreciate your kindness.

28. Oh. How lovely! (Exp. Joy)

29 Ah that's Excellent:

30. Isn't it a wonderful process!
(Expr. surprises and wonder)

31 What a fine collection of CD's (appreciating)

32 That's a fine boy.

33. How silly! / How stupid / how idiotic.

34. What on awful example!

35 Wow!/ Ouch !/ Ymm/Yuk/ mmm...

36. What hell! / Blast! / What on earth is this? Damn. *

* (They're taboo unless you want to express stronger feelings of anger|
37 Just Fancy!/ Just imagine !/ Just think about it.! / Just figure it out!.

English sentence for good spoken English

Sentences for Practice

1. Could you lend me your book, please?

2. Can I borrow thousand rupees from you?
J.   May I keep this on your table?

4. Could you please give me a lift up to the college?

5. Tan I have three tickets to Bombay, please?
6. If you permit me. I'll sit in the first row.

7. Can I make a local call from your telephone?

8. Sir, may I leave half an hour early today?

9. Would you mind my leaving half an hour early today?

10. If you don't mind, please post these cards for me.

5. Asking for Information

(Ram telephones the Clerk. See how he
asks for information.)

Clerk: Good afternoon, Railway enquiry.

Ram: Good afternoon.   Could you please tell me the departure time of Tamil Nadu

Express?
Clerk: It leaves at 2 p.m.

Ram: Are berths available for tomorrows train?

Ram: Second class?

Clerk: One moment, please--- I'm sorry, sir.
All second class berths are booked

Ram: How about first class?

Clerk: First class?  Let me see - Yes, we have a few seats vacant.

Ram: What's the fare to Nagpur?

Clerk: By first class, it's five hundred and eighty rupees.

Ram: So if I come over there now, I can reserve three berths, I suppose.
Clerk: Yes. But you must hurry.
Ram: I will. Thank you very much.

Sentences for Practice

1. Excuse me. What time docs the film start?

2. Can you tell me the departure time of the Bombay flight?

3. What's the airfare to Bombay, please?

4. Is the noon show fully booked?

5. Can you tell me where the railway station is?

6. What's the commission for a demand draft for Rs. 2000/-?

7. Is it true that the morning classes have been cancelled?

8. Do you know the distance from here to Cochin?

9. Is this a direct flight to Calcutta? Or does this go via Chennai?

10. Can you tell me how to send a letter by Courier?

Asking For Directions
(Biju wants to go to the City Central Station. But he doesn't know how to get there. So he
asks Kiran. a passerby, for information).

Biju:  Excuse me.  How far is the City Central Station from here?
Kiran:  It's about 2 kilometers.
Biju   : O, that far. is it? How can I go there?
Kiran:  Well,   you   can   hire   a   taxi   or an auto rickshaw.
Biju   : Can I go by bus?
Kiran: Of course, you can.   But it's a little complicated.
Biju   : Would you mind explaining it to me?
Kiran: Certainly not. Take bus number 50 Iron that bus stop there. Get off at the Anna
Statue and take number 23 or 24. That will take you to Central Station.

Biju:  Thank you very much.

useful english sentence to practice and introduce ourself

Sentences for Practice

1. Please meet my friend Jothi.

2. Jothi this is my mother. She's a doctor.

3. Let me introduce Ms. Renuka. She's a well
known painter.

4. Renuka, this is my cousin Rahim. He's a
B.Com Student.

5. Prema, have you met Mrs. Gomathi? She’s
our science teacher.

6. Please meet our new colleague, Mr. Sam.

7. May I introduce the speaker of this evening
Dr. Vishnu?

8. Glad to meet you.

9. Nice to meet you, Ms. Renuka.

10. I'm privileged to meet you, sir.

3. Taking Leave

Conversation A:

(Amith and Banu have been talking to each other for sonic time. Now Amith wants to take
leave of his friend. See how he does that.)

Amith: Well, Banu, I have to go now.

Banu: What's the hurry?

Amith: I have an appointment at 6.30. It's already five past six.

Banu: It was nice talking to you.

Amith: I'll meet you again soon. Bye!

Banu: Bye. Amith!

(Jana has been with Guna for some time. Now she wants to leave.)

Jana     : The coffee was nice.  Thank you.

Guna   : Mow about a game of chess?

Jana     : No, not today, Guna. I'm in a hurry. I
have to catch the 6 o'clock train.

Guna   : Do you?  I'm sorry you have to leave
so early. I enjoyed talking to you.

Jana    : Well, it was an enjoyable chat. But now
I must really be going.

Ciuna   : When do we meet again?

Jana    : I'll see you again soon. Bye for now!

Guna   : Bye, Jana!

Sentences for Practice

1. Why are you in a hurry?

2. Why do you want to go now?

3. Why do you want to leave early?

4. Good bye! See you later.

5. I must go now. I have a meeting at 2.45.

6. I think I must go now.

7. I've taken a lot of your time. I think I should
leave now.

8. It's getting late. I must hurry now.

9. It was nice talking to you. But I have to go now.

10. Thank you for the movie. Now I must hurry home.

11. 1 should go home now. Father will be worried if I’m late.

12. See you later. Bye!

13. See you tomorrow. Goodbye!

Hospital English terms

English for Medicine


A doctor’s instructions to his patients:

• Come back on Tuesday for the dressing.
• Use this antiseptic cream on the abrasions.
• Tilt your head.
• Avoid exerting yourself too much.
• Take one capsule twice a day – one in the morning and one at bed-time – both before every meal.
• You should go to the lab, on an empty stomach for the test.
• Take two teaspoons of this syrup at night.
• Take a bland diet. Avoid hot, spicy food.
• Take half a tablet after every meal, three times a day.
• Lie down with your feet raised. You could use a pillow.
• Take one puff of this inhaler in the morning and one at night.

D. Writing

BE POSITIVE HOSPITAL DISCHARGE SUMMARY

Case Summary: Child admitted with H/o recurrent sore throat – fever – treated for tonsillitis each time – No ear discharge – Nasal stuffiness present – Admitted for Tonsillectomy
Examinations: Afebrile – comfortable – BP 120/70 mm. Hg –Pulse 82/mt. Reg. – Throat-no congestion
Operation Notes: Tonsillectomy – Under GA tonsillectomy done both sides fossa clear
Post Operative Course: Uneventful
Treatment Given: Syp. Chemotrin forte 2 tsp./bd Syp. Ultragin 2 tsp./tds Syp. Ostocalcium B12 2 tsp./bd
Condition on Discharge: Pt conscious Afebrile Pulse 92 mt No bleeding from oral cavity
Advised: Syp. Chemotrinforte 2 tsp./bd for 7 days Syp. Ultragin 2 tsp./tds
Diet Advised: 1st day – ice cream, rose milk, ice water 2nd day – biscuits, bread, tea, coffee, bournvita, horlicks, curd rice 3rd / 4th / 5th day- idli, rice kanji, curd rice, pongal, bread and biscuits 6th & 7th day – vegetable rice, green rice, dhal rice

No ‘hair wash’, no hot, spicy food – 15 days

Creator Hands - Topic for English Discussion - Grammar - Conjunction

Creator’s hands

Everything is good
when it leaves the Creator’s hands;
Everything degenerates
while in the hands of man.

Do you agree with this saying?

If yes, how do things degenerate in the hands of man?

If no, why not?

THEME FOCUS

Do you know?

1. A female mouse is ready to have babies when she is seven weeks old.
2. The swift (a bird) sleeps, feeds and even mates while it is flying.
3. The male penguin incubates the eggs laid by the female until it hatches about two months later.
4. Whenever a stick insect is attacked it falls to the ground and lies stills so that it cannot be seen by its enemy.
5.A sperm whale can spend over an hour under water before it comes to the surface to breathe.
6. An orb spider weaves its web after it fixes threads in a box shape.
7. As soon as a lizard flicks out its tongue it can pick up signals about food.


GRAMMAR FOCUS


In all the sentences above each has a main clause and an
adverbial clause of time, having one of the following as
conjunction: when, while, until, whenever, before, as soon as,
after.

In sentence 1, ‘when’ is used to talk about two events that happen
at the same time, sometimes if one causes the other.

e.g. When you press the button, the door opens automatically.

In sentence 2, ‘while’ is used to show two longer actions that go
on at the same time.


e.g. While I was reading my lesson, all others at home were
watching TV.


In sentence 3, ‘until’ is used to say how far away a future event is.


e.g. I was reading the newspaper in the library until my friend
joined me.

In sentence 4, ‘whenever’ is used to denote the action repeatedly
occurring.

e.g. Whenever my friend called me over phone, I was not able to
be at home to receive it.

In sentence 5, ‘before’ is used when the action in the main clause
continues until the time represented in the adverbial clause.

e.g. My friend used to live with me before he got a transfer to
Madurai.

In sentence 6, ‘after’ is used to denote two separate actions taking
place one after the other.

e.g. After you switch on the computer, press ENTER key.

In sentence 7, ‘as soon as’ is used to mean ‘immediately after’.

e.g. As soon as I turned the ignition key, the engine started.


Caution

In the use of ‘before’ and ‘until’, depending upon the context (a)
both may be interchangeably used (b) only ‘before’ can be used or (c)
only ‘until’ can be used.

‘until’ or ‘before’


e.g. I didn’t like yoga until/before I tried.
Only ‘before’ (at some time before)


e.g. I left home before my father arrived.
Only ‘until’ (upto the time)

e.g.Wait here until the bus number 72 comes.


TASK 1: Match the sentence parts from A with their
corresponding parts in B:


TASK 2: Underline the appropriate conjunction from the two
printed in bold letters:

1. While / Whenever I go in the rain I catch cold.
2. Immediately after / before I get up in the morning I sneeze
many times.
3. While / when I take the medicines prescribed by the doctor they
cause side effects.
4. Sneezing stops until / soon after I take the medicines.
5. Until / Once I stop taking the medicines, cold relapses.

TASK 3: Fill in the blanks with the conjunctions given below:


before, until, while, when, after


Sometimes it rains ……… the sun shines. We call this a sun
shower. ……… strong winds blow it rains from the clouds that
are far away. Sometimes ……... the sun shines it may rain from
very high clouds. The clouds disappear ……... the rain can reach
the ground. Children enjoy these showers jumping in the open air
……... these rains stop.

English about Earth quake - improve your spoken English

II. Read these news items:


Death toll mounts in India quake

NEW DELHI, Jan. 26. A severe earthquake rolled across the entire Indian subcontinent on Friday, killing scores of people and injuring hundreds as it rocked buildings in Pakistan, India and Nepal. The 6.9-magnitude quake killed 136 just in India’s arid western state of Gujarat.

Moderate earthquake rocks State

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC. 12. An earthquake of moderate intensity rocked Idukki, Kottayam and nearby districts this morning. Widespread damage to houses and other buildings occurred in the two districts. Much of these are in the form of cracks on walls.

Mild tremors were felt in Thiruvananthapuram and several districts north and south of Kottayam at 6.54 a.m. Reports from Tamil Nadu said the shock was experienced in districts adjoining Idukki.Tremors were felt in Kozhikode district as well.


The Weather Bureau here reported that the shock was of the magnitude of 5.0 on the Richter Scale, the highest to be recorded in Kerala.

NEW DELHI, Oct. 3. Two low intensity earthquakes rattled Kutch region of Gujarat today. Meteorological department sources said here that an earthquake of 4.1 intensity on the Richter Scale was experienced at 2.31 p.m. Its epicentre was 23.5 degrees north latitude and 70.1 degrees east longitude.

CHENNAI, Sept. 25. A ‘moderate’ earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, shook parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry around 8.30 tonight. Its epicentre lay 50 km east of Pondicherry, in the Bay of Bengal.
........

An earthquake is one of the most terrifying phenomena that nature can dish up. We generally think of the ground we stand on as “rock-solid” and completely stable. An earthquake can shatter that perception instantly, and often with extreme violence. An earthquake is a vibration that travels through the earth’s crust. Technically, a large truck that rumbles down the street is causing a mini-earthquake, if you feel your house shaking as it goes by, but we tend to think of earthquakes as events that affect a fairly large area, such as an entire city.

Did you know?

We only hear about earthquakes in the news every once in a while, but they are actually an everyday occurrence on our planet. According to the United States Geological Survey, more than three million earthquakes occur every year. That’s about 8,000 a day, or one every 11 seconds!

Task: Answer the following questions:

1. What is meant by the following?
(a) 6.9-magnitude
(b) magnitude of 5.0
(c) 4.1 intensity
(d) measuring 5.6
2. What is the device used to measure the above?
3. What is meant by ‘epicentre’?
4. Why is the first New Delhi quake said to be ‘severe’, whereas the Tiruvananthapuram and Chennai quakes are said to be ‘moderate’ and the second New Delhi quake said to be ‘of low intensity’?
5. What do you infer from the ‘Did you know?’ box?

ENGLISH FOR MASS MEDIA AND JOURNALISM-Writing & Vacabulary on proof reading

D. Writing

Proof reading – editing content and language, is an essential part of writing. Before you send any written material, it must be revised thoroughly and all errors corrected (punctuation, spelling, organisation, grammar, etc.). Remember, once it leaves your hands, you cannot retrieve it.

Task 1: Read the following report. You will notice that it has been written in a hurry. Imagine you are the proofreader of a newspaper and this material is sent to you.Correct and rewrite it:

A man was beaten and robed by two tugs in Parry Street on Wednesday evening. They had followed him into a multi-story car park where he had left his car while shoping. They made of with Rs. 5000/- in cash, leaving the driver bruised and cut. the
victim from Tambarum had just sat in the driving seat when two men wrenched open the door pulled him to the ground punched and steal his walet. The attackers where both between 18 and 20years Of age of medium height and were wearing dark glases and dark shirts. The other had 3 gold earrings in his left year. One was wore a gold chain around his neck. Anyone with information please contact the local police station.

Task 2: Read the given extracts from a Newspaper page before it
has reached the Editor. Make the editor’s task easier for
him by correcting the errors.

(a) From an interview with a celebrity clown:

Q: Why do you always look so sad?
A: Whenever I’m not smiling, people allways ask me wether I’m feeling deppressed, its an awful nuisance because no one can wok round grining on every occasion and i don’tbelieve that basicly other people are any happyer than me. Psycholgists (or do i mean psychyatrists?) would probably say that im lieing to myself but i sincerely believe its true. Although I try to practice smiling in front of the mirror. It doesn’t seem to have any affect. My friends say, “Come on, cheer up. Its not that bad!”


(b) Here are a few more items from the ‘Masala’ page of a local magazine. In his hurry, the Sub-editor has not only made a number of mistakes, but also mixed-up the headings! Rewrite them correctly.

1. Check Out this Nawab

A dog has somewhat diminish the treat of leopards straying out of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park for food. After a series of loepard attack on people, forest oficials and local people managed
to nab a few beasts using the dog as a bate. The dog which attracted leopards into a cage is something of a local hero for people around the park.


2. Heroic Bait

The ride on the escalatter at metero stations has cought the fancy of delhiites. People young and old throng the stations for a go on the escalatter. Even during peek hours many go for a second or a third ride. Meanwhile, the lifts at the station lie desrted.



3. Capital Joy Ride

The nawabs of Lucknow are now kept in small perforated cardboard boxes. What pity for the royalty of Lucknow you think.Not really, for the nawab is the brand name - like Neelam,
Banganpalli, HimaamPassaad - of a variety of mango that is packed in swanky little packets for export. The packaging is designed to protec the mangoose from the traumas of the ‘indian transport system.

Note: The language used in the above examples may be outlandish,
but done with a deliberate design to highlight the importance of
proofreading.



E. Vocabulary



Task 1: Match the words in A with their meanings in B:


Task 2: Think of other words that the media uses e.g. deadlines.Work with a partner and compile a list for your scrapbook. Also find their meanings.

F. Extensive reading

Read the two poems aloud. Both poems are about the poets’
experience with mass media.

‘My poetry speaks of life’

My poetry speaks of life
And sometimes life isn’t pretty
In life we encounter the beautiful, the ugly,
The joyful and the sorrowful.

From ‘The Mass Media War’

Late night’s haze, minds dull glaze
Is excited by the tube’s war craze!
Fighting shy, I crave for more
Front row coverage of this mass media war.
Imbedded journalist, pundits – all the press corps seek
Surrealistic, sensational and emotional peaks

Achieving success by reporting death destruction, and gore,
Risking body and soul to bring us this mass media war

Are our leaders saving us from mass destruction?
Or feeding the greed of crude oils corruption?
To more hate and terror are we opening the door?
When they drop leaflets and bombs in this mass media war.

So, I sit and think, pondering evil and good
Disturbing possibilities of what would, could or should?
I pray with my whole mind and soul’s inner core,
For peace, love and forgiveness of this mass media war.

Can you relate the poems with what you have been reading in
the newspaper? Discuss in groups.


Glossary:


barbaric : extremely cruel and unpleasant
flaking : coming off in small thin pieces from a layered surface
semi conductor : a material which allows electricity to move through it more easily when its temperature increases
multi lingual : able to use more than two languages for communication

English on JOURNALISM and Radio Jockey role play

Tips on being a good radio jockey and conducting interesting radio shows

Since the breakthrough of radio frequencies converting from AM (amplitude modulation) channels to FM (frequency modulation) channels, the radio industry has seen enormous growth. This growth is also witnessed in the outreach of the radio industry, which triggered private participants to jump in. Consequently, we have seen the radio industry rise back to its old time glory – the same glory that it once lost. The massive growth in the radio industry has led to a large number of opportunities in the industry, which are specifically focused on the youth so as to give them a platform to make a break, be it for their passion for music, making people laugh, or extracting emotions out of people. The trend has been rising and it is safe to predict that more opportunities will arise for radio jockeys in the next decade.


The art of bringing out emotions within people can be communicated through radio jockey dialogues that are immersive and interesting. However, having a great voice and clarity of communication is only perceived as the cherry on top. A radio jockey should also have excellent skills to reach out to the listeners' hearts through his voice. Additionally, a radio jockey must have a brilliant taste in music because making people dance to the rhythm and supplying situation-based lyrics are some of the expectations of the audience

B. Speaking

Task 1: Read the following dialogue between Suma and her favourite R J (Radio Jockey) Riya. Then role-play it.

Ring.........a..........ring……trrrrrnnng…!

Riya : Good morning! This is Radio Chili Hot! Who’s calling?

Suma : Good morning! My name is Suma.

Riya : Hello, Suma! Are you a student?

Suma : Yes, I’m a class XII student.

Riya : So, Suma … What do you have to say about stray dogs?

Suma : Riya, first I want to say how much I appreciate your programmes, especially, the general discussions you have between playing songs.

Riya : Thank you. Now, listeners! Let’s hear what Suma has to say about the problem of stray dogs.

Suma : About stray dogs – I think most people are cruel to them.The other day I read an item in the newspaper about stoning stray dogs to death! I think that was barbaric!

Riya : I agree. So what’s your suggestion?

Suma : I know a girl from my locality, who takes care of them by feeding all stray dogs twice a day. If we can’t take care of them like her, I think we should ask the BlueCross to come and fetch them. They could then be sterilised. Then their numbers could be controlled.

Riya : Great idea Suma! Thank you for your suggestion.

What song would you like me to play?
“Tra.........la.........la.........la........la”


Being Loved as an RJ

Music

As mentioned previously, radio jockey dialogues should be based on enormous knowledge of songs. It would also give you a great edge if you sing a few lines from a famous song.

Personality

As a radio jockey, you should have a versatile personality i.e. adapt to the situation around you. You should be original and have opinions. Be innovative in your emotions and expressions.

Humor

If you want to bring out the best of people, have a good sense of humor. Being funny never gets anyone killed; in fact, people love to open up to funny people. They have a positive attitude towards the world. However, be cautious, as you should know when you're crossing the line and where you should stop.

Here’s a sample radio jockey conversation for you to check out:

"It's another cold, snowy Wednesday evening that makes me want to take all of you down memory lane. I'm going to kick off the show with the Rolling Stones, which will be followed by a bit of Led Zeppelin and a little Steppenwolf thrown in for good measure. So let's start off the evening with my ever favorite, "Stairway to Heaven."

Guys, that was Stairway to Heaven – an amazing song that continues to influence rock music these days, even though it was released over 40 years ago!

Oh, look at that, the snow is piling up and we're definitely in for a very cold night. I'm sure kids are excited about snow day, while their parents sit back crying with thoughts of having them home all day long tomorrow.

With that, I'm going to take a break. Next up is "Born to be Wild" – a song that is definitely going to take away your winter blues. You're listening to Rick's Rock on ABCD Radio!"

Task 2: Four of your friends have been invited for a talk-show on hobbies, in the programme ‘Children – today’ on your local radio. Suja, Rishi, Meenu and Bharath prepare for it. You are the compére. Using the information given, role-play the situation:

(At the radio–station)

Compére: Greets audience - asks the four to speak about their hobbies, asks them questions about their hobbies, concludes the programme.

Suja’s hobby is collecting costume dolls:

- large collection
- keeps on shelves in room
- gives knowledge about dress, culture, etc.
- needs care / careful dusting

Rishi’s hobby is collecting leaves:

- dries leaves between blotting sheets
- in album
- has three albums in his room
- collects from wherever he goes
- has leaves of all shapes, sizes, colours
- tries to find Botanical names

Meenu’s hobby is collecting coins:

- from all parts of the world
- from people who travel, including father
- learns about different units and currency, metal made from,etc.
- compares old and new
- learns history - about rulers - important events


Bharath’s hobby is gardening:
- has a patch with many plants
- in flower beds and pots
- knows about different types of soil / manure / seedlings
- has flowers and vegetables
- loves to present them fresh to his parents

Do you have any interests? (Watching TV, reading books,
listening to music, etc.) Tell your class about it.

C. Reading

Work in groups of four. Discuss the different types of reading you do. Do you read a newspaper / magazine / manuals / railway timetable, etc.? Do you read them all in the same way? Discuss in your group.

Task 1: Answer the following questions:

(i) Where would you find such extracts?
(ii) What are each of the items about?
(iii) If you had to be in Bangalore by 1 pm, on Tuesday which train would you take?
(iv) Which number would you dial for an appointment if you wanted long nails?
(v) Why is Ms. Ninu Dayal’s appearance in a film, making news?

Task 2:Have you listened to announcements at the station /airport, etc? In pairs, make up a brief announcement.Then say it aloud with the appropriate pronunciation and stress.

Task 3: Have you watched the news on TV? Working in groups of six, work on the different aspects that make up a News Bulletin.

e.g.
(1) the headlines (at the beginning and at the end)
(2) the general news in the country
(3) the International news
(4) sports news
(5) local news
(6) breaking news, if any
(7) Any other

Write down the News and then practise saying it a few times.
Then present it to your class.

A. Listening

You have seen advertisements on TV/ magazines / newspapers /hoardings, etc. Think of one advertisement that you like and one you don’t like. What are the reasons for you liking the one
and not liking the other? Working in pairs, tell each other about it.


Task 1:You will hear four products being advertised. Listen and fill in the details required. After you complete, compare notes with your classmates.

Spoken English - talking about History in classroom

Task 2: Listen to talks/speeches/lectures on TV/Radio on history,
geography, arts, etc., and take notes. Try to listen
critically.

History teacher : Balu! Go to the map and show N America.
Balu : Here it is.
History teacher : Good! Now, class! Who discovered America?
Class : Balu!

B. Speaking

I. Enter a treasure trove and keep your date with history!


Charithra : I’m working on a project on Indian history – I need to refer to papers on the East India Company, especially on the battle of Plassey and on Robert Clive. Could you tell me where to find the material?
Booma : Well, my aunt is a professor in history. She often goes to the Tamilnadu Archives & Historical Research Centre.
Charithra : Could you tell me where it is?
Booma : Yes. I accompanied her once. It is a red Gothic building on Pantheon Road, Egmore.
Charithra : Thank you!


Task 1: Complete the following conversation:

At the Archives

Charithra : Sir, ……………. of Class XII. I’m working on a project on Indian history. ………………………. some material related to the battle of Plassey and on Robert Clive. …………………. help me?
Official : Please come with me. This section has all the material you want. Would you like to read the letters of Robert Clive before and after the capture of Calcutta?
Charithra : Of course, …….
Official : You will find the letters here.
Charithra : What about papers on the early East India Company? ……………………….. them?
Official : They are in this stack over here.
Charithra : Thank you, Sir.


Task 2: Practise the above conversations.


II. Enter Ajanta!


Tour Guide : TheAjanta Caves is listed on the World Heritage Monuments. The caves portray Buddhist architecture and sculpture in India.
Joy : How old are these caves?
Tour Guide : They date back to some period between 200 BC and AD 600. The caves were accidentally discovered in 1819 by a group of British Officers on a hunting expedition.
Ullasam : What do the paintings and sculptures signify?
Tour Guide : They illustrate the major events from the life of the Buddha and tales from the ‘Jatakas’.
Joy : What are these scenes?
Tour Guide : They depict the contemporary court life.
Ullasam : How many caves are there in all?
Tour Guide : Thirty.


Task 1: Practise the above conversation taking turns.


Task 2: Choose a place you’ve visited/like to visit. Gather information about it, if you haven’t been there before. Prepare a conversation between you and the tour guide.
Practise it.


III.Task : Form pairs/groups and discuss the statistical
information given below and its impact.

The population of India as at 0:00 hours on 1st March 2001 stood at 1,027,015,247 persons. (Males: 531,277,078 Females: 495,738,169)With this, India became only the second country in the world after China to cross the one billion mark. India’s population rose by 21.34 % between 1991 and 2001. The sex ratio (i.e., number of females per thousand males) of population was 933, rising from 927 as at the 1991 Census. Total literacy
rate in India was returned as 65.38%.

The data showed that the literacy rate in the State was 73.47 per cent with 82.33 per cent males and 64.55 per cent females being literate. Tamil Nadu continues to maintain the 3rd position behind Kerala and Maharashtra in the overall literacy rate.

As per the 2001 Census: Chennai Population
Total 42.16 lakh
Density of population: 24,231 persons per square kilometre
Male-Female break-up: 21,61,605 male and 20,54,663 female
Sex Ratio: 951 females to 1,000 males
Literacy: 80.14 % (Male: 84.71 % Female: 75.32 %)

Rodent Population!!

Another Hamelin? Whither Pied the Piper?

MEXICO CITY, OCT. 29. There are some 2,50,000 rats in Atascaderos, a farm village. The authorities wanted to send in up to 700 cats for a frontal attack. But only 50 cats were gathered and some died soon. Attempts to poison had little success. The Mayor offered the equivalent of Rs.18/- for each rodent killed. But the plan had to be withdrawn after concerns were raised that children could be bitten by the rats when trying to kill them so that they could collect the rewards.

coversation in restarurent - customer and waiter - role play in English

B. Speaking

Task 1: Work in pairs. Talk with each other about your favourite
restaurant. What do you like most about it - the food,
the ambience, the waiters, etc.?

Task 2: Read the following dialogues and then role-play them.
Customer : Waiter, there’s a dead fly swimming in my soup.
Waiter : That’s impossible, madam. Dead flies can’t swim.
………….
Customer : Waiter, there’s a fly in my soup.
Waiter : Look, there’s a spider on the bread, he’ll catch it
for you!
………..
Hari : Hello Ravi, How are you? I thought we could go out
to a restaurant to celebrate Mittu’s birthday.

Ravi : A great idea! We’ll give her a treat. Where shall we go?

Hari : Let Mittu come. She can decide…….Here she is!

Ravi and Hari (together): Happy Birthday, Mittu!

Mittu : Thank you. So have you decided? Where shall we go?

Hari : You choose, Mittu.

Mittu : Let’s try Asha Bhavan - that new place in Kanthi Nagar.

I’ve heard they serve a delicious spread there, especially
salads.

Ravi : It would be very crowded! Today is Saturday.

Mittu : I’ll make a booking now. Then we could be sure of getting a place. Hari, please pass me today’s newspaper.……..Thanks ……. (Turning the pages of the newspaper) Ammm …… mmm …….. aha here it is! 24098765. (dialling) Hello, is that Asha Bhavan? I’d like to make a reservation for this evening. In whose name? mm... mmm... Mr. Ravi Arunkumar, please ……
that’s right …… a table for three, please ……. at 7pm. Thank you. Bye!

Ravi : It’s only 5.30 now. Let’s play some Pictionary till it’s time to leave.
7.03 pm - At the restaurant ‘Asha Bhavan’

Hari : The place looks very festive. I wonder if there is anything special happening?

Ravi : Look there’s the maitre d’ hotel, I’ll ask him (going up to a gentleman smartly dressed in a suit) Excuse me, but is there anything special today? Your restaurant is looking very festive.

d’hotel : Good evening, sir Yes, today is the first anniversary of our restaurant. We are expecting a large crowd. Have you made a booking?

Mittu : Yes. In the name of Mr. Arunkumar …… a table for three.

Maitre : (signalling to a lady dressed in the restaurant colours of lavender and gold) Just a moment, madam. The hostess will show you to your table.

Hostess : Good evening! Please come with me. (Seats them at a table in a corner) Is this alright?

Mittu : Yes, thank you.

(A waiter arrives with a tray of drinks. The Hostess serves them.)

Hostess : Please enjoy your ‘welcome’ drink.

Mittu : What is it?

Hostess : It’s chilled tender coconut water with honey and mint.

Ravi : (sipping his drink) It’s delicious! Thank you!

Hostess : Excuse me. I have to see to other guests. Enjoy your meal!
(The three of them sip their drinks and look around the restaurant.)

Mittu : We’ll order the food a little later. Let’s enjoy the ambience of this place first.

Hari : I like the rich decor of the place and also the clever arrangement of green plants between tables to ensure privacy.

Ravi : And the music is not too loud … we can carry on a conversation! (Catching the eye of a waiter passing by and indicating to him that his service was required at their table by nodding his head.) Let’s order food. (The Waiter dressed in a lavender and gold uniform appears at
their table.)

Waiter : Good evening! Would you like to go for the buffet, Sir? Madam? We serve a very good buffet here. There is also a salad-bar.


Mittu : I think I’ll go for the salad-bar. I’ve heard they do scrumptious salads here. Is it all freshly prepared?

Waiter : Yes, madam. All the food prepared here is fresh. Every night all left-over food is given away.

Hari : I’ll try the buffet. I can see quite a spread there. Can you please bring the soup to the table, please?

Waiter : Certainly, sir. Which would you prefer? ….. the chicken
–noodle soup or the baby corn–mushroom soup?

Hari : The baby corn-mushroom, please.

Waiter : And, what about you, Sir?

Ravi : Do you have any à la carte service?

Waiter : Of course, Sir. I’ll get you the menu-card. (brings Ravi a menu-card)

Ravi : Give me a few minutes please.

Waiter : Would you care for some hors-d’oeuvres?

Ravi : No,thank you. We’ll start with the soup. (The waiter leaves while Ravi studies the menu card) They serve quite a variety of food here. There’s Chinese, Italian, Mexican, as well as Lebanese, in addition to Indian. Everything is also very reasonably priced! This dish of Tacos is only Rs. 75, and it has prawn, cuttlefish, and lots of vegetables in it, from its description on the menu …. But it would be too heavy for me ….Mmm…let me see ….. shall I have a plate of
vegetable spring rolls? … or, ….. maybe, I’ll go for soup and kebabs ….? …. Oh dear, this is so difficult. (Mittu returns to the table with a plate full of salad.)

Mittu : Come on Ravi, the waiter is waiting. Have a dish of steamed vegetables and some pita bread. Or, since you have been showing off your French, try a French dish!

Ravi : They don’t have any. I think I’ll have the soup and vegetable cutlets.
(The waiter returns with the soup and serves them.)

Ravi : I’ll have the same soup and a plate of vegetable cutlets.

Waiter : Very good, Sir. (Returns with the soup and cutlets and serves Ravi.) Enjoy your meal, Sir, …. Madam.
Ravi : Bon appétit!
Mittu : What does that mean, now?
Ravi : It’s like saying ‘Enjoy your meal’ in English. (They eat in silence for a while, enjoying the music and the aromatic food on their table.)
Hari : This buffet is superb. They have such a variety of vegetables and salads. This corn and raw mango salad is out of this world! How’s your cutlet, Ravi?
Ravi : It’s good. I’m glad they haven’t added too many spices in it. It has a nutty flavour.
(Noticing some activity at the entrance of the restaurant.) Look, some celebrities have come in. O, I recognise that young starlet Faguni. I wonder who the other two people are?
Hari : I recognise that gentleman ….. He does a cookery show on DD every Wednesday and runs a restaurant in Mumbai, that serves only Parsi food.
Mittu : And I know who that elegant lady is …. She is Lajmi Uday Sing, the gourmet cook who writes a weekly column on food in ‘The Bondhu’ every Saturday. Okay, people, are we done? Or, does anyone want dessert?
Hari : Of course I want dessert! There is such a tempting spread on the counter.
(Hari leaves to fetch the dessert.)
Waiter : Would you like some dessert, sir? Here is the menu card.
Ravi : Yes, please. I’d like the date pancake.
Mittu : I don’t think I’ll have any, thank you. (They eat their dessert.)
Ravi : (To the waiter) Could I have the cheque, please?
Waiter : What about some coffee, Sir? Ravi, Hari, Mittu : No, thank you! (The waiter returns with the bill. Ravi pays. Waiter takes it to the Cashier.)
(The Hostess comes to their table.)
Hostess: Did you enjoy your meal? Was everything alright?
Ravi : O, yes! Everything was perfect! We enjoyed the meal very much.
Hari : I was wondering if you did any outdoor catering?
Hostess: Yes sir, we do. In addition to the food we also arrange for the crockery, cutlery, as well as serving.
Hari : Here is my card. Perhaps we could discuss this in detail when you are not so busy.
Hostess: Certainly, Sir. Here is our card. In case I am not available, my assistant Najab Hussain will be able to help you.
Hari : Thank you so much. Goodnight!
Ravi : We had a very pleasant evening. Goodnight!
Mittu : Thank you, my friends. I had a lovely birthday dinner. Goodnight!

Task 3: Your teacher Ms. Nethra is getting married. The class
wants to give her a gift for her new home. Five of you
have been selected as class representatives and have to
decide what to present her. Have a discussion about your
choice of item/s and give reasons for your choice.

(Remember to keep the budget in mind.)
Multi-purpose silver bowls
Some crystal glasses
Crockery - tea set/dinner set
Stainless steel cutlery
Any other ………

Identifying the place from conversation - activities to improve English

Task 1: Four friends have each spent the previous day at a
museum, a theatre, a concert and a library respectively.
Identify each one’s place of visit from their
conversation.

Pradeep : It was a comedy. The actors were in eighteenth century
costume and dialogues were partly dubbed. The plot
moved smoothly till the interval but after the break it
got into a muddle. Dialogues were forgotten and sets
were not appropriate for the scene. The casts were good
but the direction was weak. However as it was a
comedy we had no dearth of laughter and the main
performers’ histrionics was professional!

Kumar : The place was not crowded, so I could spend leisure
time viewing each exhibit and studying it thoroughly.
The abstract paintings with splashes of colour were in
sharp contrast to the black sculptures placed near the
masterpieces of landscape and collage. The oils and
watercolours were so realistic! The miniatures were
mostly pastorals but the murals were all cityscapes.

Suresh : You seem to have spent quality time. Mine was initially
a lazy afternoon as I spent most of it browsing through
titles, editions, authors, till finally, I settled for a 21st
century science fiction thriller. I chose a comfortable
cushioned sofa, curled up in it and allowed myself to
get absorbed. And when I finished it I found myself at
the edge of my seat! If the climax had been a little
longer I would have surely been on the floor!!

Arvind : I accompanied my grandmother as she had two tickets for
the show. I didn’t realise I could enjoy classical as
much I could Heavy metal and Rap! The acoustics in
the hall was perfect and every item presented - whether
it was solo, vocal, orchestra, choir or percussion -
showed well-trained modulations and techniques as the
criteria for good performance.

Task 2: Which branch of art do you think is referred to in the
following lines? Clues are provided below:

1. Her graceful movements match the rhythm.
2. It has too many chapters and a lengthy plot.
3. It’s made of bronze and stands in the main market place. It’s
called the ‘warrior’.
4. She rendered his composition mellifluously.
5. He has been miscast as the hero. He looked too old for the
heroine.
6. The props looked realistic especially when the limelight was
directly on them.
7. Just fourteen lines? Do they rhyme?
8. You can see his masterpiece at the gallery in this city.
9. The lyrics are good but you can’t sit through that noise for
long.
10. They are the originals from Russia. ‘The Swan’s song’ is their
finale in the programme.

Compering in English - with Example compering

IIT Chennai - Saturday, 12 February , 2000

Comperes: Radha Ramani & Shiv Narain

Radha : Good evening. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to IIT
Chennai Mardi Gras 2000! Well, there is music, a hushed
crowd and the lighting of ceremonial flame, but it has
nothing to do with the Olympics. Tonight Chennai’s guys
and girls have gathered for yet another Mardi Gras for the
year 2000. It is being launched with a distinct Olympic
flavour. The one week festival will culminate on 19th
February with the famous parade through the streets of
IIT campus. In front of a hushed crowd on the steps of the
IIT gallery, the flams is it with the reverence of -well -
Mardi gras.

Ladies and gentlemen, Shiv Narain and I arc representing
our students as comperes in this cultural event. And if you
want to announce anything, any time, you just come on
right up and let us know,

Shiv : That’s an offer. What are you going to do for the cultural
fest? Are you looking forward to those?

Radha: Yeah. We are wrapping up with Pundit Hari Prasad
Chaurasia’s flute concert. Hey, I’m going to compete in
the ‘Dumb charade’ sessions!

Shiv: And thai would be your best contribution to silence. It’s a
new event. Those who wish to take part can register in
counter C with Camel alias Kamlesh!

Radha: The Mardi gras festival is estimated to pour more than
Rs. 20,000/- into the treasury of the campus. So much for
the aside, Ladies and Gentlemen put your hands together
to declare the fest open.

Shiv: While it is important for us over the next few days to have
fun, relax and simply enjoy ourselves, it is important for us
to appreciate that what happens here has an effect
elsewhere in our lives.

Radha: Mardi gras is much more than fast food, din music and
event trotting. It has a focus on fun, and all your dreams
and expectations are sure to feature during the coming days.
Get going folks!

Shiv: Go forth and have an unbelievably gorgeous Mardi gras.
There is nothing nicer than being a sportive, aggressive
participant in February- the month of Mardi gras.
Note: The name of Ihe IIT cultural festival is Mardi gras.

Improing spoken English by complete teh sencetence by how and what

First complete the sentences with ‘How’, ‘What’,

Then choose an appropriate answer for each
question:

....... is your father now?    -- By bus.
....... do you go to school? --- We really enjoyed it.
....... did you enjoy the party?   --- He is much better now.
....... do you think of my We had a great time.
                                    --- brother’s bowling?
....did you like our annual day?  ---------He needs more practice.

kids spoken English - Telephone conversation

(It is a telephone conversation between Ramya and the
receptionist at the youth hostel, Chennai)

Ramya : Hello, I’d like to visit Pitchavaram on 15th August.
Receptionist : Would you like to have accommodation here?
Ramya : Yes.
Receptionist : Would you like a single room or a double room to
be booked?
Ramya : I would rather have a double room booked. I would
like to stay for two days. I would like to go boating
in the lake in the mangrove forest there.
Receptionist : Which would you prefer, a rowing boat or a
mechanised one?
Ramya : I’d prefer a rowing boat.
Receptionist : That’s fine. We’d arrange for the room and for
boating.

Answer the following:
1. Which place would Ramya like to visit?
2. How long would she stay there?
3. Where would she like to go boating?
4. Which would she prefer, a rowing boat or a mechanised boat?

Activities to improve spoken English - conversation exercise

Task 1: Complete the following dialogue using these phrases
and practise it by taking turns.

Rahul : Good Morning, Madam! How are you?
Teacher : Fine! Oh! When did you come back from the
inter-school sports tournament?
Rahul : I came this morning, Madam.
Teacher : Did you win the 100 metres race as usual?
Rahul : Yes, Madam, I won the first prize this time
too
Teacher : .................!Keep it up!
Rahul : Thank you, Madam. I read in the papers that
you have been selected for the State Best
Teacher Award................!
Teacher : Thank you, Rahul. I am going to the library
now. See you later.

2:
(Rosy is talking to her uncle in Gujarat over the phone.)
Rosy : Hello, uncle! My friend Nancy is coming by
Navjivan Express in coach S 2 on the 15th of
this month, to Anand. Will you be able to
receive her at the station?
Uncle : Yes, Rosy. I will do that. What does she
look like?
Rosy : She is short and plump. She has thick, black,
curly hair. She has blue eyes and dimpled
cheeks. She is very fair and pretty.
(Nancy is leaving for Gujarat)
Rosy : Nancy, I have spoken to my uncle. He will
receive you at the station.
Nancy : But, how will I identify him?
Rosy : My uncle is very tall and thin. He has brown
eyes and he is totally bald, with a dark
complexion. He sports a beard. He always
carries a walking stick.
Nancy : Does he wear spectacles?
Rosy : No, he doesn’t.
Nancy : But, how will he identify me, Rosy?
Rosy : Don’t worry. I have already described you to
him. There will not be any problem.
Nancy : Thank you, Rosy. I shall leave now.

Task 1: Underline the words which are used to describe
Nancy and Uncle.

Task 2: Now, you give a description of someone you know.
You can make use of these words :
(Grey hair, large eyes, sharp nose, long hands, broad
shoulders, bespectacled, sparkling eyes, straight hair, rosy lips,
pointed chin)