English For Specific Purposes
English For Specific Purposes
4 English in the Media and Advertising World Mr.s Pratima Agnihotri 86-98
English for Specific Purposes
UNIT 1 : ENGLISH FOR
SPECIFIC ACADEMIC PURPOSES
Contents:
1.0 Objectives:
1.0.1 Introduction
1.1 Basic Concepts
1.1.1 Emergence of English for Special Purposes
1.1.2 Definition of ESP
1.1.3 Aims of English for Specific Purposes
1.1.4 Status of ESP in Indian Universities
1.1.5 English for Specific Academic Purposes
1.1.6 Conclusion
1.2 Language and Communication
1.2.1 Meaning of Communication
1.2.2 Concept of Communication
1.2.3 Types of communication
1.2.4 The Communication Process
1.2.5 Barriers to Effective Communication:
1.2.6 Essentials of Effective Communication:
1.2.7 Functions of everyday usage
1.2.8 Face-to-face Communication in familiar situations
1.2.9 Communication on Telephone
1.3 Listening
1.3.1 Listening to short lectures
1.3.2 Description
1.3.4 Narration
1.3.5 Reading passages loudly
1.3.6 Identification of language functions
1.3.7 Using synonyms and antonyms
1.4 Reading
1.4.1 Reading for information
1.4.2 Reading for comprehension and discover the flow of ideas
1.4.3 Note-taking
English for Specific
1.4.4 Note-making Academic Purposes 1
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English for Specific Purposes 1.4.5 Development of paragraph
1.4.6 Cohesion
1.4.7 Coherence
1.4.8 Style
1.5 Check your progress:
1.6 Glossary
1.7 Answers to check your progress
1.8 Reference Books
1.0 OBJECTIVES:
• To acquaint the students with the concept of Communication and principles
of effective Communication
• To make them understand the differences between General English and
English for Science and Technology
• To make them comprehend the abbreviations used in Business English
• To acquaint them with reading for information
• To make them develop their critical, analytical and descriptive abilities
• To guide them how to prepare advertisement for various products
1.0.1INTRODUCTION
English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) is an attempt to prepare
and train the students in English for various and in business, professions it
includes English for General Purpose (EGP), English for Science and Technology,
English for the media and advertising world etc. This course undoubtedly makes
students aware by providing them with a theoretical framework based on recent
research and practical needs of them. English has been used for decades as the
common language for international communication in various fields such as
business, science, medicine engineering, agriculture, aviation, marine navigation,
media and advertising world etc. In the changing circumstances and need there are
increasing demand for the teaching and learning of English for Specific Purposes
(ESP) to those learners, who are already in workplaces and those who prepare
themselves academically, professionally and business point of view.
1.1.6 Conclusion
The textbooks, teaching materials, teachers’ handbooks and students’
practical books etc. are prepared taking into the professional needs of the learners
concerned. Textbooks and teaching materials include technical definitions,
technical descriptions, summaries, graphs, technical instructions, explanations,
comparisons and contrast, presentations, memorandums, e-mails, resumes etc.
The vocabulary used for the above cited topics is specific. Technical vocabulary
used in the specifically prepared textbooks, teaching materials, journals etc.
becomes useful for the students of the above cited technical, technological,
medical, legal, banking and finance, computer-oriented etc. courses. It becomes
helpful to them for their academic study and future professional careers.
• Channel
• Decoding
The five key stages in the communication cycle are message creation,
transmission, reception, translation and response. A communication cycle refers
to the process by which a message is developed and sent to the recipient through a
selected channel.
The first stage in communication is the creation of an idea or the message. It
is the process by which the sender decides what he wants to communicate and
selects the channel through which he wants to covey the information.
The second step is message transmission. This process may be as simple as
meeting the recipient and orally communicating the information, or
communicating with the intended recipient over the phone.
The reception stage involves change of communication responsibilities
between the sender and the recipient. The receiver obtains the information by
reading the information in a written format or listening carefully to the message
when delivered orally.
The next stage is translation. In this step, the recipient encodes the message
into a form that he easily understands. This may involve an individual listening or
reading the message and paraphrasing it in head.
The final stage in communication cycle is response. This fulfils the
requirement of an effective communication as a two-way street. After receiving
the message, the recipient crafts a response and communicates it verbally or in a
written format.
Communication is carried out by individuals within the context of groups and with
the use of signs whose meanings are established in part by negotiation among the
members of the groups. Thus, human beings:
• Continually create their own signs
• Continually encounter and make use of the signs created by others
Because of this, the members of a society are constantly immersed in a
‘communication environment’ that is rich in potential information. It is the
presence of this environment that holds true to the statement that it is impossible
for human beings not to communicate.
Effective communication occurs when a desired effect is the result of
intentional or unintentional information sharing, which is interpreted between
multiple entities and acted upon in a desired way. This effect also ensures that the
message is not distorted during the communication process. Effective
communication should generate the desired effect and maintain it, with the
potential to increase the effect of the message. Therefore, effective
communication serves the purpose for which it was planned or designed. Possible
purposes might be to elicit change, generate action, create understanding, inform
or communicate a certain idea or point of view. When the desired effect is not
achieved, factors such as barriers to communication are explored, with the
intention to discover how the communication has been ineffective. Effective
communication involves talking and listening.
Active listening
Effective communication is a reciprocal process that includes listening.
Successful listening requires eye contact, objective processing and feedback to
the speaker. Active listening may involve asking, clarifying questions or restating
what was heard in order to assure that the intention of the message sent was
correctly received. Active listening becomes particularly important when the
communication includes emotional content.
1.3 LISTENING
1.3.1 Listening to short lectures
There are four basic skills of language. These skills are as follows:
1. Listening
2. Speaking
3. Reading
4. Writing
English for Specific
10 Academic Purposes
1.3.2 Description
Description is a writing skill. It is necessarily used in describing various
things, elements, occasions, events, beautiful scenes, incidents, accidents, events
like election meetings wedding ceremonies, natural events like earthquake,
tsunami, flood and their consequences in general. It is necessary for the learner to
develop his writing skill. The students of literature are required to describe
characters included/presented in literary forms and their various negative as well
as positive qualities. They are also required to describe various incidents
described by the essayists, story writers and novelists. The newspaper
correspondents necessarily require descriptive ability/skill to describe various
incidents and events which take place in a day-to-day life. Description should be
brief as well as accurate. Through regular practice this writing skill can be
developed by the learner.
In descriptive essays, the great thing is to get hold of a central theme around
all later effects can be grouped and subordinated. Once this has been secured, the
element of contrast can be brought in to heighten the interest and avoid monotony.
To secure this the essay writer must be careful in using adjectives he wants to use
in his essay writing. Description of incidents or events is a realization in space. In
describing incidents, events precaution should be taken in creating general effect.
Careful arrangement of details definitely helps to create general effect. In English for Specific
Academic Purposes 11
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English for Specific Purposes
describing incidents, events, scenes, characters etc. suspense should be carefully
maintained to keep the interest of the listeners/viewers. While concluding
description of an incident or event, the central theme should be emphasized again
with a new turn. Description may consist of narration in some cases.
1.3.4 Narration
Narrative skill is associated with a speaking skill. Narrative skill becomes
useful to tell stories, incidents in history and anecdote. In many cases, narration
and description are mingled together. They have something in common.
In a day-to-day life, we are required to narrate various incidents, events
taking place around us. The narrative story writer as well as narrative novel writer
narrate their stories and novels very skillfully to maintain readers’ interest up to
the last moment. The skill of narration definitely holds the listeners’ interest up to
the last moment. In a narrative novel, the episodes, incidents, events are arranged
in such a way so that the readers read the novel up to the last page.
The newspaper/the media correspondents are basically required to cultivate
narrative skill. They are constantly required to narrate on going episodes,
incidents and events. The students are required to cultivate narrative skills,
because they have to write narrative essay. They are also required to tell the
episodes, incidents, events of the story and novel. The commentators need
narrative skill in narrating sequences of the sports matches and various incidents
related to the sports events. Short sentences and striking details of the sports
matches are to be narrated to make the spectators to see and hear what goes on
during the sports matches.
Always Huxley’s narrative essay entitled, ‘Silence is Golden’ (in ‘Do What
You Will’) is an excellent example of narrative skill. Its introduction consists of a
short snappy paragraph to catch the readers’ attention and helps to sustain it for a
longer time. The film writers need narrative skill to arrange various episodes of his
film to sustain spectators’ attention for a long time.
1.4.3 Note-taking
Note-taking is an important activity. Every learner has to develop it. There
are numerous occasions during which note-taking becomes necessary. Note-
taking cannot be developed in a short period of time. It requires comprehensive
reading and continuous writing practice. It also requires concentration, quickness
and accuracy of comprehension. In every organization – schools, colleges,
universities, corporate sectors, government offices, meetings are organized. It is
necessary from the legal point of view to take notes and write down resolutions
discussed and finalized during the meetings. During such meetings certain items
are discussed formally. All these decisions/resolutions are to be recorded
accurately for numerous purposes.
During the cultural, social political programmes, seminars, presentations,
personal interviews of VIPs note-taking skill becomes useful. It is a skill to be
developed through regular practice. Quickness in comprehension and accuracy in
presentation play significant role. Otherwise, wrong items, insufficient, distorted
views will be presented which becomes a point of controversy, misunderstanding
and court matter.
Properly developed note-taking skill helps to understand the
items/resolutions discussed during the corporate meetings. It helps to develop
reader’s comprehension. Note-taking skill helps to understand the thoughts ideas
presented in the paragraphs, textbooks, novels, dramas, articles, journals etc.
Note-taking should become a regular activity for the students at various levels.
The newspaper correspondent necessarily requires note-taking skill while getting
variety of information of the incidents, events, speeches, programmes organized
on various topics.
Note-taking skill becomes helpful in giving details of the
programmes/events through newspapers/radio/television news accurately and
appropriately. Note-taking skill becomes helpful to maintain records of
decisions/resolutions taken during the official and corporate meetings. It also
becomes helpful to maintain the records of various activities organized in schools,
colleges, universities and educational institutions. The procedure of note-taking is
to take the key items of the events, incidents, programmes and revise them
accurately. It is a skill of putting the information in minimum words. Important
points, items are to be carefully and consciously noted down and accurately and
appropriately presented. Note-taking skill/habit becomes helpful to identify and
comprehend significant points and summarize them accurately. It is to be
developed making regular practice. It requires variety of vocabulary, writing skill
English for Specific
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English for Specific Purposes 1.4.4 Note-making
Note-making is a kind of skill. Every learner has to develop this skill. While
reading essay, poem, novel, drama, critical theories etc. note-making of the
studied topics becomes useful. It is a mental as well as physical activity. While
reading a novel chapter-wise, the reader has to identify significant characters and
ideas, views, thoughts they express and the arguments they make. Similarly, the
learner/reader has to comprehend the background, situations, incidents presented
by the novelist. He has to develop the skill to summarize the chapters in minimum
words. If he goes on reading and identifying and making notes of the above cited
points then entire novel, its story, setting, point of view, characterization, the
technique of narration, words, phrases, sentences, dialogues used to present
scenes, incidents will become clear to the learner.
While reading the essay, the student/reader has to underline the significant
words, phrases and sentences as well as ideas, thoughts and points presented in the
essay. This skill of underlining the significant points and making notes of all these
aspects help him to develop his comprehension ability and understanding of the
text. Note-making activity helps him to concentrate on the theme presented in
every paragraph. Every paragraph contains specific thought, idea. Later on, he can
reduce the identified items without hampering the original meaning presented in
each paragraph.
Note-making helps the reader to link the ideas, thoughts presented in the
text in a proper sequence. While making the notes, the reader can use
abbreviations like ‘exp’ for express/expression, ‘adopt’ for adoption, ‘adqt’ for
adequate, ‘exam’ for examination etc. He can have sequential summary which
becomes helpful to save the time and energy. It helps him to become accurate in his
understanding.
While taking interviews of VIPs, the note-making training/skill, using
abbreviations become quite helpful, because while taking the interview, the
concerned VIP goes on expressing his/her views, the listener has to quickly and
accurately note down his views, otherwise wrong items are likely to be presented.
Consequently, it leads to controversy, conflict and court matter. While taking the
dictation, the note-making skill becomes helpful. Note-making activity helps to
develop points, while giving oral speeches on various topics like pollution,
environment, democracy, dictatorship, communal, racial conflicts, the note-
making training/habit/skill becomes helpful to prepare, writing down main points
and expand them during the speech.
1.4.6 Cohesion
Cohesion simply means the logical unity of a text. It has both formal and
semantic aspects. Cohesion explains the meaning relationship existing within the
text. A discourse is a continuous composition in which the sentences show
different levels of unity. This unity or linkage is established by certain devices.
These are the devices of cohesion and coherence.
Cohesion is concerned with the visible grammatical markers which
function as links into which utterances are hung together. On the other hand,
coherence implies semantic links between or across the utterances, paragraphs or
chapters of the text.
According to Leech and Short, the units of a text or a message must be
bound together. They must not be a random collection of sentences. In fact, the
connection of the elements of a text is essentially a matter of meaning and
reference.
Body:
Cohesion refers to the formal means by which these connections are signalled.
The various devices of cohesion can be given as follows:
1. Tense sequence: the sequence of the tenses is one of the significant
strategies (devices) of cohesion. For example, for describing an event in the
past, the speaker would use past tense. It would be uncommon to find a
mixture of the present and the past in the narration of the events which took
place in the past. Tense-blends and tense-switch are used in novels to English for Specific
produce temporal proximity (nearness). Academic Purposes 19
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English for Specific Purposes 2. Ellipsis: another cohesion device is ellipsis. It means leaving out one or
more words. Ellipsis is of two types: textual and discoursal.
Textual ellipsis consists of omission of lexico-grammatical elements from a
sentence. On the other hand, discoursal ellipsis refers to the absence of an
idea. The sentence itself may not be incomplete. For example, “you” is
missing in the sentence: “open the door, please.”
3. Substitution: this device is used for shortening and avoiding repetition. It
is the way of replacing one item by another. For example:
A: I don’t want to go in.
B: why not?
4. Additive and summative: for example, the words like “one, two, finally”
etc. function as fine linking devices.
5. The definite article “THE”: the use of the definite article “the” is one more
important device of cohesion. For example: John bought a T.V. and a radio,
but he is going to sell the T.V. (which he baught)
6. Deixis: this device of cohesion refers to pointing in language to elements in
the situation of utterance. It is like ellipsis. However, deixis refers to the
presence of a linguistic feature to add to the transparency of the text.
On the contrary, ellipsis refers to the absence of a linguistic feature which
results in the opaqueness of the text.
7. Reference: these are the items which indicate that information is to be
gathered from elsewhere. For example: personal pronoun, demonstratives
and comparative words like “same, equal, different”, etc.
8. Conjunction: conjunction like “and, but, yet” too function as cohesive
device.
9. Lexical items: these are the selected vocabulary items which bring out
cohesive effects. For example: people, animals, place, move, etc.
1.4.7 Coherence
Coherence is little different from cohesion. It implies semantic links
between or across utterances, paragraphs and even chapters of a text.
On the contrary, cohesion deals with the apparent grammatical markers in
utterances. Simply speaking, cohesive devices are like the visible parts of an
iceberg, while coherence devices are like its hidden portion.
A verbal exchange on its surface level may seem to be disconnected.
However, when one tries to search for the hidden meaning, beautiful connecting
links are found in the exchange.
Coherence like cohesion, has its own devices which form some of the types
of coherence. These can be given as follow.
English for Specific 1. Textual coherence: it refers to the semantically and paradigmatically
20 Academic Purposes
Conclusion:
Coherence is little different from cohesion. Coherence implies links between or
across utterances, paragraphs and even chapters of a text. On the contrary,
cohesion deals with the apparent grammatical markers in utterances. Simply
speaking, cohesive devices are like the visible parts of an iceberg, while the
coherence devices are like its hidden portion.
1.4.8 Style
Style has received the scholars’ attention for a long time. It refers to the way
something is said by a given person in a given context for a given purpose. It is the
manner of linguistic expression in prose or verse. It is how a speaker or writer says
whatever he says. The characteristic style of work or a writing may be analyzed in
terms of its diction, or characteristic choice of words, its sentence structure and
syntax, the density and types of its figurative language. It consists of patterns,
rhythm and sounds.
In traditional theories of rhetoric, styles were classified into three main
levels: the high (or grand), the middle (or mean), and the low (or plain) style. The
doctrine of decorum required that the level of style in a work be appropriate to the
speaker, the occasion and the dignity of its literary genre. Recently Northrop Frye
has introduced a variant of this ancient and long-persisting theory of stylistic
levels in literature. He makes a basic differentiation between the ‘demotic style’
(which is modelled on the language, rhythms, and associations of ordinary
speech) and ‘hieratic style’ (which employs a variety of formal elaborations that
separate the literary language from ordinary speech). Frye then proceeds to
distinguish a high, middle and low level in each of these classes. In analyzing style
two types of sentence structures are often distinguished.
The ‘periodic sentence’ is one in which the parts or ‘members’ are so
composed that the completion of the sense that is, the closure of the syntax –
remains suspended until the end of the sentence. The effect tends to be formal or
oratorical.
In the ‘non-periodic’ sentence which is more relaxed and conversational in effect – English for Specific
Academic Purposes 21
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English for Specific Purposes the component members are continuous, but so loosely joined that the sentence
would have been syntactically completed if a period had been inserted at one or
more places before the actual close.
1.6 GLOSSARY
ESP: English for Specific Purposes. It is a teaching of English in academic
programme or the teaching of English for vocational and professional purposes.
***
Contents:
2.0 Objectives
2.1 General English and Business English
2.1.1 Difference between General English and Business English
2.1.2 Use of English in Business Communication; Terminology Used
2.1.3 Use of Abbreviations
2.1.4 Business Jargon
2.1.5 Summary
2.1.6 References
2.2 Internal Business Communication
2.2.1 Memoranda and documentation of Meeting
2.2.2 Documentation of meeting
2.2.3 Drafting of Notices
2.2.4 Agenda of Meeting
2.2.5 Minutes of Meeting
2.2.6 Drafting of Resolution passed in the meeting
2.2.7 Summary
2.2.8 Exercises
2.2.9 References
2.3 Writing Business Report
2.3.1 Structure of Business Report
2.3.2 Individual Report
2.3.3 Self-Check Exercise - I
2.3.4 Committee Report
2.3.5 Self-Check Exercise - II
2.3.6 Answer to self-check Exercises - I
2.3.7 Answer to self-check Exercises - II
2.3.8 Summary
2.3.9 Exercises
2.3.10References
English in Business 2.4 Business Correspondence
24 Management
2.0 OBJECTIVES
After working with this unit students will able to understand.
• Difference between General English and Business English
• Use of English in Business Communication, Terminology Used
• Use of Abbreviations in business world.
• Business Jargon meaning and examples.
English in Business
30 Management
2.1.6 References
Webliography
www.englishexplorer.com
www.einsteincollege.vic.edu.au
www.fluentu.com
www.fluentland.com
www.spokenenglishpractice.com
www.google.com
Format of Memorandum
Company Name
Memorandum
Date: --------------------
To: ----------------------
From: --------------------
Subject: -------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copy to ------------------
Signature
You remained away from your duties without any information on 24 th Nov.2019 from
10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Please note that you have not earned any salary and emoluments for the
said period.\
This is without prejudice to our right to take disciplinary action against you.
Signature
Copy to: Personal Manager
K.S.Patil, Manager
Que. You are the secretary of the Brilliant Housing Society, Pune. Prepare a
notice for the regular monthly meeting of the members of the society giving details
like day, date, time place, etc.
All Members,
The fifth monthly meeting of the members of Brilliant Housing Society will be held on
th
28 Dec.2018 in the meeting hall of the society at 4.00 p.m. Regular details about working will
be discussed in the meeting.
Secretary,
Brilliant Housing Society
English in Business
Management 33
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English for Specific Purposes 2.2.4 Agenda of Meeting
An agenda is a list of meeting activities in the order in which they are to be taken
up, beginning with the call to order and ending with adjournment. It usually
includes one or more specific items of business to be acted upon.
Tips to create a board meeting agenda template:
1. Confirm the purpose of the meeting.
2. Select focused topics that achieve the goal of the meeting.
3. Review previous agendas for proper time estimations.
4. Make sure to include preparation tasks.
5. Remember to distribute the agenda to participants before the meeting.
• There are two methods of writing items in the agenda.
1. Items in the form of Nouns or Noun Phrases, etc.
Ex. Appointment of security personal/clerk.
2. Use of infinitive construction
Ex.To appoint a security personal/clerk.
Que. Prepare an agenda for the meeting of the Boards of Directors of Bharat
Finance Ltd. called for the appointment of an Auditor. Imagine relevant details.
2.2.7 Summary
Memoranda, Notice, agenda, Minute and Resolutions are essential parts of
formal meeting. Memoranda is a short piece of writing used by officers and
executives for internal communication among themselves. Notice is the
declaration of the day, date, time and venue of the meeting to the concerned
members. Agenda refers to the list of issues to be discussed in the meeting. This list
either written just below the notice on the same page or a separate page can be
attached. Minutes are the detail account of the transaction taken place during the
meeting. These Minutes are written in simple past tense using passive
construction. Resolution is a formal way in which a company can note decisions
that are made at a meeting of company members
2.2.8 Exercises
1. Write a memo to an office assistant who is unpunctual and negligent in his
work.
2. The Secretary of Mehta Enterprises calls the 3rd monthly meeting of the
Board of Directors. Give details of day, date, time and place.
3. Prepare an agenda for the meeting of the Ramesh Cooperative Bank to
decide the general policy for lending loan, purchase of furniture and
forthcoming elections..
2.2.9 References
• English for Business Communication, B.Com II. Shivaji University, Center
for Distance Education 2014-15.
• Dr. Herekar, P.M. Bussiness Communication, Phadke Prakashan, First
Edition June2010.
• Webliography:
www.google.com
https://meetingking.com
Blog.ipleaders.in
Complementary Close
2.3.8 Summary
After study of this unit you have learnt how business report is written.
Business report represents business problems, complaints and solutions which are
necessary for business improvement. English used in business report is formal. It
is written in an impersonal official language. In this unit we study individual
reports, committee reports and market reports which are useful in corporate sector.
2.3.9 Exercises
1. In New Bharat Trading Pvt. Ltd. there has been a remarkable absenteeism of
the workers in the company. The general Manager has asked the H.R.
Manager, Mr. D.S. Das to ascertain the reason and suggest remedies. Write
only finding of Mr. Das.
2. On the instruction from the Board of Directors of the Mahakali Sahakari
Sugar Factory, Nagpur an enquiry committee of three members was formed
to look into the causes of less sugar production during the last year 2017-18.
English in Business
Management 43
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English for Specific Purposes 2.3.10References
1. English for Business Communication, B.Com II. Shivaji University,
Center for Distance Education 2014-15.
2. English for Business Communication, B.Com I. Shivaji University, Center
for Distance Education 2013-14.
3. Dr. Herekar, P.M. Bussiness Communication, Phadke Prakashan, First
Edition June2010.
4. Webliography: www.wikihow.com
English in Business
Management 45
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English for Specific Purposes Mehta Steel Pvt. Ltd.
Goregaon West, Mumbai
Tel: 02120-223456 E.mail :[email protected]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ref: MPPL/35/2018/16 19th Dec.2018
English in Business
46 Management
English in Business
Management 47
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English for Specific Purposes Adjustment Letter Sample.
India Textiles Mills
Mukundnagar, Pune
10th Feb.18
Marketing Manager
Bexi cloths corner
South Plaza,
Mumbai.
Ref. Your letter dated 5th Feb. 18
Dear Sir,
We thank you for your letter of 5th Feb.18 along with sample of cloth for
examination.
The report that we have received just today shows that the consignment forwarded
to you was the wrong one full of defective cloths. It was a mistake because of our
dispatch section and we regret this mistake which has caused you both
embarrassment and inconvenience. We have already sent the replacement by
passenger train. You can be sure of the quality of cloth now sent.
You can, of course, return the cloths to us and debit our account for the
caused to you. We again regret the inconvenience to you and assure you that such
mistakes will be avoided in future.
M. Pathak
Sales Manager
India Textiles Mills
Mukundnagar, Pune
E. Insurance Letter
Insurance is a device by which the loss likely to be caused by an unforeseen event
is spread over a large number of person who are exposed to it and who propose to
insure themselves against such event. The forms of Insurance can be Fire
insurance, Marine insurance, General insurance, Life insurance. While writing
these type of letters English language play a vital role. For these letters use formal
English language to handle event in rules and regulation.
*A request for a proposal form.
Super Complex
Madhav Road, SadashivPeth, Pune.
Tel:02120-223456 Email: [email protected]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13th March.2018
The Branch Manager,
New Bharat Assurance Co. Ltd.
Station Road, Pune.
Dear Sir,
You will be glad to know that we propose to get a fire insurance coverage for our English in Business
Management 49
“Only for Private Circulation”
English for Specific Purposes shop and godown stock at the earliest. Kindly let us know your latest premium
rates and also arrange to send us a blank proposal form at an early date and oblige.
Yours Faithfully,
SD/-
Managing Partner
Super Complex
2.4.4 Summary
Business letters are the most formal methods of communication and follow
specific formats. They are addressed to particular person or organization. In this
unit we have learnt about the English language used in sales letter, complaint
letter, adjustment letter, collection letter and insurance letter, how English
language play an important role in corporate sectors for writing these type of
letters.
2.4.5 Exercises
1. Assume that 10 Electric bulb out of 35 have been received by P.P. Electricals
from R.K. Electricals, kasba Peth, Mumbai. As the Manager write a
complaint letter to the supplier.
2. Draft a letter to your customer expressing your inability in executing his
order.
3. Write a letter to insurance company enclosing insurance proposal from and
requesting to issue of policy.
2.4.6 References
English for Business Communication, B.Com I. Shivaji University, Center for
Distance Education 2013-14.
Dr. Herekar, P.M. Business Communication, Phadke Prakashan, First Edition
June2010.
Webliography: www.google.com
***
English in Business
50 Management
Contents :
3.0 Objectives:
3.1.1 Introduction
3.1.2 English for Scientific and Technological Purposes (EST)
3.1.3 Characteristics of Scientific English
3.2 Technical Writing and EST
3.2.1 Report Writing
3.2.2 Elements of Scientific Report
3.2.3 Describing Experiments
3.2.4 Describing Static and Moving Objects
3.2.5 Concluding Experiments
3.2.6 Task: 1
3.3 Technical Communication
3.3.1 Introduction
3.3.2 English for Writing E-mail
3.3.3 Task: 2
3.4 Letter Writing
3.4.1 Introduction
3.4.2 Structure of Official Letter
3.4.3 Task: 3
3.5 Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
3.5.1 Introduction
3.5.2 Preparing C. V. (Curriculum Vitae):
3.5.3 Task: 4
3.6 Writing Paragraph and Developing Ideas
3.6.1 Introduction
3.6.2 Characteristics of an Effective Paragraph
3.6.3 Developing Ideas
3.6.4 Task: 5
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English for Specific Purposes 3.0 Objectives:
a) To help students understand underlying system of English language used in
science and technology.
b) To enable science students to use spoken and written English for laboratory
purposes.
c) To enable science students to use spoken and written English for classroom
purposes.
d) To enable students to apply English for Science and Technology in the
related situations.
3.1.1INTRODUCTION
Learners of English learn English with different purposes. Some of us want
to use English for day-to-day communication, some want to use it for impressing
other, some learn it out of interest, many learn it for educational purposes, a few
want to learn it because they want to get a job in a particular field, and a few want to
learn it as a challenge. Purposes of learning English differ from person to person.
On the basis of its utility, English language in use can be divided into two
categories. The first is English for General Purposes and the second is English for
Specific Purposes.
English for General Purposes (GE)
General English is the English used in day to day life. It broadly covers
social, cultural and communicative aspects of the social group in which it is used.
Literary English comprises of all these features of General English as literature is
often immersed in the experiences of an individual or a group of individuals in a
society. The general English is often based on learning or acquisition of basic
language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. To make it simple,
General English is the English you have learnt so far from your school days. It is a
course in compulsory English, and we can use the English in any of the situations
in the world. If we want to be more precise in our expressions, we need to acquire
the set of words used in a particular field which is nothing but English for Specific
Purposes. Thus, for learning English for Specific Purposes, we need to know
English for General Purposes.
General English is used for different purposes in the day-to-day activities
such as shopping, travelling, schooling, healthcare, housing, etc. For
communicating in these situations, our linguistic needs are general. We need
related vocabulary. For example while purchasing vegetables, we need to know
name of different vegetables; in a grocery shop, we need to know names of
different grocery items in English and so on. Just knowing words also suffices
sometimes but we need to know how to use these words in complete sentences so
as to make our expressions meaningful and precise. In our daily routine, we meet
people of different age groups and we greet them differently depending on the
occasion of meeting. Greetings open up conversations and make progress through
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3) Longer Sentences
Science basically analyses different phenomenon in the nature to discover
underlying structures and their function in association with the human life. All the
phenomena are interrelated with either complementary or paradoxical
relationships. To present these complex relationships in simple sentences is a
herculean task. For being logical and precise, interconnections are explained
within sentence itself. This makes the sentence longer and complex having
interconnected clauses and phrases in it. The average length of a sentence is
around 20 words per sentence. There can be sentence of more than 40 words also.
Study the following example.
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Lexical Characteristics
Lexical characteristics are the characteristics of a language pertaining to the use of
words. EST comprises of the following noticeable features of English.
1) Use of Scientific Terminology:
Function words and structure words are very common in general English.
Though they are indistinct part of English for general purposes, there are
several words specific to English for scientific and technological purposes.
The vocabulary of science and technology is generally not found outside the English Science
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English for Specific Purposes subject of or the field of enquiry. For example- we do not use words like
isotopes, density, magnetism, phylum, algae, vegetation, reaction, etc.
Neologism is a very common method of word formation in science and
technology. For example—electricity, wire, telephone, telecom, computer,
photo, photograph, photocopy, phone, wireless, Wi-Fi, optical fibre,
barometer, etc. All these are devices discovered over a period of time. Each
time there was a need to name the device. Thus, most of the nouns have been
invented in EST.
Each of the science subjects has its own store of terms with precise and
narrow meanings. For example—Biology: agents, photosynthesis, species,
fertility, vegetation, gametes, zygote, host, photosynthesis, vesicle,
classification, etc. Physics: density, malleability, plasticity, ductility,
characteristics, energy, source, supply, power, connectivity, magnetism,
etc. Chemistry: compound, metals, non-metals, bonding, chemical bond,
mechanical bond, mixture, liquid, gaseous, reactions, diode, electrolysis,
isotopes etc.
2) Use of Abstract Nouns and Descriptive Adjectives
Science is fundamentally a descriptive branch of knowledge. It records
what is observed. Most of the times, it becomes quite difficult to use a word
from regular usage as it does not necessarily describe the means, tools or
processes adequately. It is here that the observer tends to devise a new word
suitable to describe means, tools, processes, actions, movements or states.
Out of these requirements, the use of abstract nouns and descriptive
adjectives has become very common in EST. Study the following examples.
Here, we notice verbs and adjectives have been converted into abstract
nouns. These abstract nouns describe some process or some state or action suitable
to the needs of the observer.
Similar to nouns, there are several adjectives derived as per the needs of
action, state, process, movements, etc. Most of these adjectives are descriptive in
nature and are derived from verbs and nouns. Study the following examples.
Place (V) Placing (Aj) Flower (N) Floral (Aj)
Wash (V) Washable (Aj) Apply (V) Applicable (Aj)
Activate (V) Active (Aj) Predominate (V) Predominant (Aj)
Prove (V) Proven (Aj) Quantity (N) Quantifiable (Aj)
The process suffixation is used for creating these adjectives. The very common
suffixes used in EST are –ac/iac, -al, -ar, -ato, -eal, -ed, -ic, -ible, -able, -ing, -ive,-
English Science y, -ous, -ose, -oid, etc. These suffixes help the scientist to devise a new word or
56 And Technology words suitable to their experimental conditions.
4) Use of Adverbs:
Adverbs are open-class words and there is a large variety in it. However, in
EST all types of adverbs are not used. General Adverbs of Time are very common
in EST. Most of the scientists work in a fixed time frame where the time taken for
each reaction or observation is fixed. The frequency is possible due to
repeatability of the procedure. This makes it essential for scientists to describe the
events in general but chronological adverbs of time. For example after, before,
always, whenever, sometimes, later, as soon as, while, shortly, spontaneously, etc.
There are adverbs of time which come with the fixed time span and fixed time.
Adverbs of Manner are also equally important in EST. A scientist needs to describe
how things happen and in what form they exist. Observations and descriptions in
any experiment should be accurate. It is with these needs, scientists use some
frequent adverbs of manner like directly, clearly, effectively, normally, positively,
negatively, quickly, normally, carefully, etc.
5) Pronouns:
All scientific discourses are objective and impersonal. It is precisely for this
reason most of the scientist do not make use of the pronoun ‘I’. The personal
pronoun ‘we’ is used many times but it is used with the objective sense. The
pronoun ‘it’ is used repeatedly in EST for the purpose of emphasis. Very common
pronouns in EST are Demonstrative Pronouns such as this, that, these, those, such,
and Relative Pronouns like which, who, when, where, that, etc.
6) Linking Items
Linking items are often referred to as conjunctions. However, sometimes English Science
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English for Specific Purposes pronouns, adjectives, adverbs and punctuation marks also function as linking
items. In EST, the most common sentence connectors are relative and
demonstrative pronouns. For example ‘The sample of algae that was used in the
experiment was imported from the village Madhepura which is in Amarkantak
district of Madhya Pradesh. Those algae differ from the algae found in the
Sahyadri valley.’ Here, ‘that’ and ‘which’ are relative pronouns but the function as
liking items for more specific and precise explanation. ‘Those’ is a demonstrative
pronoun that relates to ‘Algae’ in the first sentence. The most commonly used
conjunctions are hence, therefore, however, though, although, as, and, or, but, or,
thus, because, if. These conjunctions bring about cohesive effect in the scientific
discourse allowing the scientist to be more coherent, logical and precise.
Rhetoric Characteristics
Rhetoric features are the features of language associated with its embellishment.
These mainly include aspects related to style such as use of different rhetorical
devices such as figures of speech, prosodic features, special grammatical aspects,
tense, mood, etc.
1) Limited Use of Tenses
Science objectively describes facts and processes. It also illustrates the
features and functions which are mostly universal, repetitive and specific.
For being universal, one has to be out of time and space. Hence, tense
becomes an unessential aspect of EST. Most of the scientists observe this
universality and timelessness by using the simple present tense and the
simple past tense. Even for describing events in the future, scientist use
simple present tense and avoid any of the future tense statements.
For example ‘Certain physical quantities are completely described by a
numerical value alone (with units specified) and are added according to the
ordinary rules of algebra. As an example the mass of a system is described
by saying that it is 5 kg. If two bodies one having a mass of 5 kg and other
having a mass of 2 kg are added together to make a composite system, the
total mass of the system becomes 5 kg + 2 kg = 7 kg. Such quantities are
called scalars.’
Here we notice, everything is expressed in the Simple present tense.
Generally, when the scientist has to elaborate a concept, s/he makes use of
the simple present while the laboratory experiments can be described either
in the simple present or the simple past tense.
2) Absence of Prosodic Features
EST is used for describing facts, processes and laws of nature. There is not
scope for being figurative. Hence, rhetorical devices like figures of speech,
stress and intonation, rhyme scheme, and other prosodic features are absent
in EST. For example ‘Sea water can be used for supply of potable water if it
is separated from the salt dissolved in it’. This is a very straightforward
example. In literature it was presented by S.T. Coleridge in his poem The
Rime of Ancient Mariner (1798) as ‘
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For laboratory instructions, imperative clauses are used. These clauses begin with
a verb (action word) followed by the Object, the Adverbial or the Complement.
The subject is not directly stated in the imperative clause. However, the assumed
subject is ‘You’ because orders, commands and instructions can be given only to
the person/ s present at the time of speaking. Instructions are given by the teachers
or laboratory instructors in the following manner.
a) Open your manuals.
b) Go to page no. 15, experiment no. 4.
c) Take three test tubes.
d) Take 5ml water in the first test tube. Immerse a litmus paper in it. Check the
colour of the litmus paper. Note the change if any.
e) Now take 2ml dilute HCl in the second test tube and repeat the litmus test.
Note the changes if any.
f) Take 2 ml Caustic Soda in the third test tube and repeat the litmus test. Note
the changes if any.
In this way instructions are given in a laboratory. However, sometimes students
English Science
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English for Specific Purposes to make statements in the past tense. One may construct expressions like the
following.
i. I took three test tubes.
ii. Then, I took 5ml distilled water in the first test tube. I immersed a litmus
paper in it, and checked if there is any change in the colour of the paper.
iii. In the second test tube, I took 2ml dilute HCl and conducted the litmus test. I
found that the colour of the red litmus paper changed to blue.
iv. In the third test tube, I took 2ml Caustic Soda and conducted the litmus test.
I found that the colour of the blue litmus paper changed to red.
One need not make longer sentences to explain the procedure.
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3.2.6 Task: 1
1) Read and analyse different science textbooks and reference books
prescribed in your syllabus.
2) Analyse lexical features of EST from the given passage.
3) Analyse lexical features of EST from the given passage.
4) State most common word formation methods used in EST.
5) Read and analyse your laboratory manuals.
6) Write detailed reports of a few experiments conducted in the laboratory.
English Science
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English for Specific Purposes
3.3 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
3.3.1 Introduction
Technical communication is a very broad term. The word ‘technical’ can be
used with two different meanings. The first meaning is ‘a communication using
technology’ and the second is ‘formal communication’. Either way,
communication and formality remain intact in the term. In this section we will
discuss Email communication and letter writing.
Objectives of Email Communication
Objectives of learning email communication are as follows.
• To know email communication.
• To understand advantages of email communication.
• To understand requirements of email.
• To know the structure of email.
• To differentiate formal and informal emails.
Both the images above reflect similar features. You may have an email ID at
any of the websites providing email services. It copies the structure of a letter. We
need to type email ID of the receiver in ‘To ---’ row. We can add receivers in ‘Cc---’
and ‘Bcc---’ rows. Below that appears ‘Subject’ row. We can write subject here the
way we write in the formal letter. Icons at the bottom provide you different options
like attachment options, editing tools such as font size, font colour, font type, bold,
italics, etc.
Formal E-mails
Like letters, emails can also be classified as formal and informal. However,
in the age of smartphones, people prefer to communicate to friends and relatives
mostly on applications like Whatsapp and Telegram as they are easy and handy.
We hardly go for informal emails. It is for this reason we would discuss email as a
formal tool of communication.
We can write formal emails to any institution, organization, industry,
company, shop, hotel, service agency and so on. We can seek or provide
information on email or send and receive applications; we can call a meeting or
send a memo on email. It can be used as a tool for quick and secure data transfer.
The language used in the official or formal email is almost similar to the formal
letters. However, we can induce some of the informal elements to some extent.
Let’s study some email etiquettes. English Science
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English for Specific Purposes Email Etiquettes
Some of the important etiquettes for effective use of formal emails are as follows.
a) Brief and Attractive Subject Line: The subject should give the gist of the
content. It should be catchy and effective besides being brief. A glance at
the subject should suffice to get the gist.
b) Proof read message: A formal email is a legal document. Hence, whatever
we write should be re-read and revised as per requirements. Care should be
taken that the expression has only one logical interpretation. For this, proof
reading of email is essential.
c) Clear and Self-explanatory Content: The content should be stated clear
and straightforward. There should not be any ambiguity in the message.
The content should be presented clearly; all roundabout ways should be
strictly avoided.
d) Formal in Language: Language of a formal email should be formal and
official only. ‘Salutations’, ‘closures’ and the content of the message should
not have any informal expressions such as ‘Hi’, ‘wow’, ‘exciting’, ‘bye
dear’, ‘bye bye’, and so on. Formal salutations like ‘Respected Sir/
Madam’, ‘Respected Mr./Mrs. ___’, and formal closings like ‘Yours
Faithfully’, ‘Yours Sincerely’, etc. should be used. It is often
recommended that no abbreviations such as ‘I’m’, ‘You’ve’, ‘can’t’, etc.
should be used in the formal email.
e) Regular and Time-bound email checking: Using email for
communication is a skill. The user should frequently visit his email account
as emails are received within seconds. Most of the time, email is sent when
there is emergency situation. If you do not want to miss the message or
opportunity conveyed, you should be a frequent visitor of email.
Study the following examples.
§ Making Enquiry
Making enquiry is a very common aspect of our personal as well as professional
life. We make enquiries about one thing or the other, for personal or the official
purposes. Emails can be used for making enquiries as follows.
From: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Bcc:
Subject: Enquiry about books
Respected Sir/ Madam,
Kamala College, Kolhapur proposes to make purchase of Reference books
and Textbooks in the list attached herewith. We request you to send price list
and the possibilities of discount on purchase.
Waiting for your reply,
English Science
66 And Technology Thank you.
Librarian,
Kamala College, Kolhapur.
Contact No. 0231-2656451/ 9850457659
Attachment
Response to Enquiry
From: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Bcc:
Subject: Re-Enquiry about books
Respected Sir/ Madam,
We are thankful to you for your enquiry. The price list of books is attached
herewith. The list contains only the books available with us.
We offer 20% flat discount to schools and colleges.
Looking forward for your reply,
Thank you.
MAHAVEER BOOKS, KOLHAPUR
Enquiries can also be made about different laboratory articles, furniture items,
stationary, computers and other requisites in our professional life. You can make
enquiry at a hotel or a shop or a government or non-government office through
emails.
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English for Specific Purposes Hotel Booking
From: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Bcc:
Subject: Booking a Room
Dear Sir/ Madam,
We would like to book a room for a family of four people for 2 nights on 24th and
25th of this month. I request you to book the room in the name of Mr.NageshNath.
I shall pay advance bill online on confirmation of booking from your end.
Waiting for your reply,
Thank you.
Yours,
Nagesh L. Nath
Yours,
Operating Manager,
Maharaja Regency, Satara
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Objectives
Some of the objectives of learning letter writing are as follows.
• To understand structure of a letter.
• To know difference between formal and informal letters.
• To study different types of formal letters.
LETTER OF APPLICATION
To,
Designation of the Recipient
Name of the organization/ Institute/ Company,
Address line
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Yours sincerely,
(signature)
(Full Name)
Enclosures:
• Resume
• List of Documents
Letter of Appointment
Once you apply for a post and went through the interview process for selection, the
company gives you an appointment letter. The letter of appointment is sent on the
letter head of the company. It comes with reference number and date. This letter of
appointment can be exemplified as follows.
HINDUSTAN BIO-CHEMICALS LTD.
Office: 43, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune-411039
Contact: 020- 26024487/ 88 Fax: 020-26024489
Email: [email protected] Website: www.hindbiochem.com
Ref. No. Appointment/2019/214 Date: 25/05/2019
To,
Mr.Sujay J. Bhosale
Flat no. 12, Nalini Apartments,
816, SadashivPeth,
Pune- 411007
Subject: Appointment for the post of Quality Supervisor
Dear Mr.Sujay,
We have pleasure to inform you that you have been selected for the post of a
Quality Supervisor in our company. We offer you the monthly salary of Rs.
22,000/- per month. You should convey your acceptance to the H.R. department
within 10 days of receiving this letter. You will be under probation for 1 year from
the date of joining your duties. Your service terms and conditions are enclosed
herewith.
Yours,
Sd/-
(Mohan Chavan)
Personnel Manager
Copy to
• H.R. Department
• Accounts Section
• Security Department
• Transport Department
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To,
The Sales Manager,
Ajinkya Glass Works,
13, MIDC, Chakan.
Our company plans to buy 50 pieces of each of these items. We would also like to know
about the discount you offer. We request you to reply within a week.
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English for Specific Purposes Making enquiry is the beginning of a business deal. When a buyer enquires about
the products we have, it is our duty to reply so as to expand our business.
Specimen Reply to the Letter of Enquiry
To,
Mr.AnkitChavan,
Manasi Trading Company,
Karve Road, Pune-34.
Subject: Enquiry about glass items for laboratory
Reference: Your letter of enquiry no. Purchase/M/2019/651
dated 13th March, 2019
Dear Sir,
We thank you for your enquiry about different laboratory glass items. We are happy to let
you know that all the items are available with us. W e are enclosing price list of the items you
have enquired about. The same price list is available on our website www.ajinkyaglasses.com .
Our company offers 20% discount on bulk purchase like yours. We also prov ide free
delivery. We would also like to make it clear that we do not take responsibility of the items
damaged during transportation.
We hope that the information enclosed here is up to your expectation. Please feel free to
communicate for any type of clarification. Please visit our website for more details.
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To,
The Sales Manager,
LG Electronics,
115, MIDC,Ranjangaon
Rahul Electronics
Shop No. 27, Ramraje Shopping Centre,
Phaltan, Dist- Satara. Pin- 415523
Tel- 02166- 244212 Email: [email protected]
To,
The Sales Manager,
LG Electronics,
115, MIDC,Ranjangaon
We would like to draw your attention to the discrepancy in the items received as per our
th
purchase order dated 10 January, 2019.
The quantity of the sr. no. 4 in our order is 2 but you have sent 5 items. The Sr. no. 9 in
our order Says LG Television Set, Black, 49 Inches LED Smart and the quantity is 2. However,
you have sent 5 items instead of 2.
We hereby request you to replace the items within 10 days. We will return the misplaced
items only on receiving the items ordered. We shall make the payment only after receiving the
ordered items.
Waiting for your reply,
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
Rajesh Shinde
Purchase Manager,
Rahul Electronics
Reply
LG Electronics
115, MIDC,Ranjangaon
Tal- Shirur, Dist- Pune. Pin- 412220
Tel-02138-225601 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lg.com
To,
Rajesh Shinde
Purchase Manager,
Rahul Electronics,
Phaltan- 415523
We are sorry to learn about the misplaced items from your purchase order referred above.
We are sending you the items as per your order. We request you to return the misplaced items
immediately after verifying items received as per your order.
To maintain our business relations, the company has decided to bear all the expenses
incurred on transportation.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
For LG Electronics English Science
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English for Specific Purposes 3.4.3 Task: 3
• Write an application for the post of Research Assistant in Koyna Co-
operative Milk & Milk Products, Karad.
• Write a letter of appointment to the post of Data Entry Operator in Suyog
Enterprises, Powai Naka, Satara. Pin- 415001.
• Make enquiry for purchasing 10 water coolers for your company.
• Write reply to the above enquiry.
• Write a letter of complaint about ‘Insufficient water supply in your area’ to
the Water Supply Division in your area.
Personal details
• Full Name (All letters capital)
• Address (Correspondence, Permanent, Email)
• Contact Numbers (Mobile, Landline, Some optional number/s)
• Date of Birth
English Science • Gender
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English for Specific Purposes A sample curriculum vitae/ resume is as follows.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Permanent: As above
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 9765157945/ 7588056405
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 19th March, 1998
Marital Status: Unmarried/ Single
Nationality: Indian
Academic Qualification
Language 30 WPM
Marathi B Grade
English A Grade
Computer Knowledge:
• MSCIT , Grade A
Languages Known
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UNDERTAKING
I, Rajani Suresh Sutar, hereby submit that the information furnished above is true to the
best of my knowledge. I am awar e that any discrepancy, if uninformed, shall suffice to cancel
my candidature.
3.5.3 Task: 4
• Write an application for the post of a junior clerk in the Indian Institute of
Education, Earandwane, Pune-10. Attach your detailed C.V. with necessary
documents.
• Write your detailed C.V. for the post of an assistant editor at a leading
newspaper in Satara.
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English for Specific Purposes 7) Discussion: Some ideas take birth in some discussions, either casual or
formal. In a discussion also people present their points. These points make
us think about some issue from our own perspective. This helps us generate
a new idea.
Once we have ideas, we can develop them as per our needs and
requirements. First of all we need to use the ‘5W—1H’ questioning technique. We
should ask some questions like ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘when’, ‘when’, ‘who’ and ‘how’.
The sequence of question may differ from situation to situation.
For example I have an idea that I should use projector for teaching in the
classroom. The first question is ‘Why’. My answer is ‘If I use projector, students
will understand better and quicker.’ The second question is ‘where’ and my answer
is ‘In the classroom of B.Sc. I’. I already have answers to the questions ‘What’ and
‘Who’. Thus, I can justify my idea and implement it if other factors related to it
work as per my expectation.
Apart from questioning, we can think of shape, size, origin, utility,
availability, prices, etc. of object in discussion. The more we think, the more ideas
for expansion come to our mind.
Let’s discuss an example of ‘Use of Helmet’ in details.
Questions-
1) Who should use a helmet?
Any person who is riding a two-wheeler of any type should use helmet.
2) Why?
It is mandatory to use helmet according to the law. Helmet protects you
from severe injury in an accident. It also protects you from air pressure
experienced during riding a two-wheeler. It protects you from severe noise
pollution also.
3) When?
One should put on helmet in all conditions.
4) Where?
Helmet can be used everywhere on the road.
5) How?
Helmet is very easy to wear. You can choose any type of helmet available in
the market. Only take care that you are comfortable in the helmet.
6) Is it easy?
Yes. It is very easy to put on and put out.
7) Is it risky?
It is not at all risky to use helmet.
8) Is it costly?
English Science Helmets of different type are available in the market. We can choose the
84 And Technology affordable one.
3.6.4 Task: 5
• Analyse any five paragraphs from your English textbook for different
characteristics of a paragraph.
• Elaborate your ideas about the following topics.
a) Air pollution in Pune
b) Jobs with night shift for women
c) College Elections
d) Facebook friendship
e) Loss of Communication due to use of Smartphones
f) Non-prescribed medication in India
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English for Specific Purposes
UNIT 4:
ENGLISH IN THE MEDIA
AND ADVERTISING WORLD
Contents:
4.0 Objectives
4.1 General English and English in the Media and Advertising World
4.1.1 Difference between General English and English in the Media and
Advertising World
4.1.2 Actual Uses of English
4.1.3 Check Your Progress: I
4.1.4 Terminology Used
4.1.5 Use of Abbreviations
4.1.6 Check Your Progress II
4.1.7 The Structure and Language of a Media Report in the Print and in the
Electronic Format
4.1.8 Check Your Progress III
4.1.9 The Structure and Language of an Advertisement in the Print and in the
Electronic Format
4.1.10 Check Your Progress IV
4.1.11 Familiarising Oneself with the Various Stylistic Devices in a Print Medium
Report
4.1.12 Familiarising Oneself with the Various Stylistic Devices in an
Advertisement
4.1.13 Check Your Progress: V
4.1.14 Tackling Texts of Media Reports and Advertisements for the Purpose of
Negotiating Meaning in them
4.1.15Exercises
4.1.16Answers to Check Your Progress I
4.1.17Answers to Check Your Progress II
4.1.18Answers to Check Your Progress III
4.1.19Answers to Check Your Progress IV
4.1.20Answers to Check Your Progress V
Introduction
English in the media and advertising arenas is indeed unique and special. It
embraces and yet transcends the regular, daily use of the language. Let us begin
with a concrete example that would substantiate such a statement. In 1941 was
released an iconic film entitled Citizen Kane. The lore is that it reflects the lives
and careers of media Moghuls such as W.R. Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
Whosoever maybe the persona whose life inspired this epoch-making film, what
is remarkable about this biopic is the refrain like use of a word. When the
protagonist, Kane -- whose descent into a power hungry tycoon, who once upon a
time was a passionate idealist, the film deals with --dies, his deathbed dictum is
“rosebud”. It encompasses all the special qualities of English in the media and
advertising world. It is monosyllabic. It is highly memorable. It is crisp. It is
precise, and yet it is highly suggestive, evoking all possible significations. It
makes the listener curious so much so that it has generated an interpretive frenzy
ad infinitum. In brief, typically in the fashion of English in the media and
advertising arenas, it is a wor(l)d, that is, the word defining the world.
Why is it indeed necessary to think of English in the media and advertising arenas?
Well, facts and figures as ever speak the loudest. Experts such as R. K. Madhukar
present the much quoted Indian Readership Survey (in 2007-- when the mobile
mania was yet to effectively enter any ‘G’) which maintains:
1. Television, press, satellite, radio and cinema are the five major media
2. All the five media put together cover only 68 per cent adult population and
59.4 per cent of the rural population.
3. The number of adults (12 + years) estimated is 815 million, of which 253
million are in urban areas and 562 million in rural areas.
4. The coverage is highest for TV at 444 million (54.5%), 311 million (38.2%)
for press, 242 million (29.7%) for satellite, 175 million (21.5%) for radio
and 82 million (10%) for cinema.
5. Among the English newspapers, the Times of India has the largest
English in the Media
circulation (29.84 lakh) followed by Hindustan Times (13.05 lakh), the and Advertising World 87
Hindu (12.71 lakh), Deccan Chronicle (8.85 lakh).
“Only for Private Circulation”
English for Specific Purposes 6. Magazines such as India Today have a readership of 3 million and Reader`s
Digest, 2 million.
We have to remember that confluence of media that is ruling the roost today was
yet to happen then. Even in those days, such, such was the rich reach of media.
Hence the need to study the topic at the heart of this unit!
4.1.7 The Structure and Language of a Media Report in the Print and in the
Electronic Format
Media reports are indeed unique. They are not mere pretty words. They are
not words for our artistic consumption. Nor is their content like a poem, for
instance, to be enjoyed in the individual space. Rather, they are in the public space.
They mould our attitudes and views. They de-sign our public personae for sure. In
brief, media reports are wor(l)ds, that is, the word defining the world.
Special hence is the use of language in the media, the format, print or
electronic, notwithstanding. Media, whether print and especially the electronic,
tend to use monosyllabic words. Undoubtedly, we do have newspapers such as
The Hindu that use a consciously erudite, hence multi-syllabic version of English.
As usual, however, the exception proves the rule. Most often the language used is
the “in” version, rather chatty, quite folksy. It is not just the city pull-outs that use
such a trending language. The center spread, too, such is that the written/read
words have a spoken/heard quality to them. Such a use of language makes the
report more inclusive as far as the readership goes. Let us look at a few headlines to
prove this point. “NNET cut-off jumps” reads the page 1 headline of a report that
analyses `med admissions getting tougher”. The subtitle of this report is “Raj Boy
Tops with Best-Ever Score.” Another headline yells “RBI set to cut rate, but will
banks pass it on?” Yet another assures “mun-Pune possible in 2 hrs with train
upgrade, says rlys”. The climate report is indeed sizzling because it reads”, at 50 ?
C-plus, its tandoori nights and days in Rajasthan’s Churu”. Actually, in the last
one, the last one, the apostrophe‘s is not exactly used. But that is the language of
media reports. In the electronic media, be it the multi-channel TV. or the portals or
the new-fangled internet enabled sites, the language of media reports is indeed
light on the eyes and ears. Listen in to the noisy debates on the channels, and you
would agree that despite being all sound-n-fury, they are sense for the average
viewer because of the simple, straightforward language.
In other words, the language seems to be targeting the minimum
comprehension of an average reader (print medium) or viewer (electronic
medium). The language hence is highly mnemonic, that is to say, it has a feel that
makes it easy to remember. Look at this example. “H-1B issual down 10% in’18”.
English in the Media The effect of the Trump card on immigration policy thus becomes easy to
92 and Advertising World
4.1.14 Tackling Texts of Media Reports and Advertisements for the Purpose
of Negotiating Meaning in them
Undoubtedly, advertisements have an unmistakable quality to t hem.
Similarly, media reports filed by star reporters are highly readable. Star reporters
are heroes in their own way, with a huge fan following. Despite such aphrodisiac
effect, we have to remember that media and/or advertisement texts are not
innocent. These texts are created and located in a given context. They have thus an
effect that needs analysis. We have already agreed that media communication is
one way. We know, moreover, that this communication is potent. Hence the need
to know how their potency can be misused.
Media and advertising experts are basically opinion makers. Given the
hectic life that the common reader leads, he/she hardly has the time or the energy
or the resources to check back the veracity, the truth value of the claim made in an
ad or a media report. Most often, the common reader takes such texts at the face
value,
Herein lies the danger. Inadvertently, an ad or a media report can generate
negative frenzies. They can generate and/or spread rumours and/or prejudices.
Thus they can lead to hate crimes.
Currently, there are two ghastly media activities that are running amok,
English in the Media namely, paid news and fake news. If paid news serves the purpose(s) of the
96 and Advertising World
4.1.15 Exercises
I) Long Answer Questions:
1. Explain with examples the unique aspects of English in media.
2. Analyse the difference between General English and English as used in the
media and advertising world.
3. Discuss the communication involved in General English and English as
used in the media and advertising world.
II) Short Notes:
1. Similarities between General English and English as used in the media and
advertising world.
2. Portmanteau words and advertising
3. The notion of `register’ and English as used in the media and advertising
world.
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