STUDY MATERIAL

COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH

UNIT 1: READING SKILLS

Introduction to Reading

Reading is a fundamental skill that involves interpreting written text for comprehension and
extracting meaning. It is crucial for acquiring information, improving vocabulary, and critical thinking.

General Reading

 Focuses on reading for enjoyment or gaining knowledge without specific academic purposes.

 Examples: newspapers, magazines, blogs, and novels.

 Emphasis is on understanding the overall meaning and context.

Reading Factual Texts Relevant to Everyday Life

 Involves reading practical texts like instructions, forms, schedules, and advertisements.

 Goal: To understand real-world information that aids in daily activities.

 Skills: Recognizing details, understanding instructions, and extracting specific information.

Reading to Know the Purpose

 Identify why the text was written (inform, persuade, entertain, instruct, etc.).

 Example: A news article’s purpose might be to inform, while an ad aims to persuade.

 Strategies:

o Look for keywords that indicate intent (e.g., "should," "must," "learn").

o Analyze the tone and style.

Vocabulary

 Understanding the meaning of words within context.

 Techniques:

o Use context clues from surrounding words.

o Learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

o Maintain a personal vocabulary journal for new words.

Summary Completion

 Condensing a passage by including only the key points.

 Steps:

o Skim the passage to identify main ideas.

o Focus on topic sentences.

 o Use your own words to rewrite important points concisely.

Sentence Insertion

 Requires determining where a sentence fits best in a passage.

 Tips:

o Look for logical connections between ideas.

o Pay attention to pronouns, conjunctions, and transitional phrases.

o Identify the sentence's role (e.g., example, explanation, conclusion).

Essential Information

 Focus on identifying the most critical details in a passage.

 Often involves ignoring minor details or repetitive information.

 Helps in efficient reading and comprehension.

Inference and Reference Type Questions

 Inference:

o Draw conclusions based on implicit information.

o Requires understanding the context and reading between the lines.

 Reference:

o Understand what a word or phrase in the text refers to (e.g., pronouns or synonyms).

o Example: "He" refers to "John" in the previous sentence.

Factual and Negative Factual Information

 Factual Information:

o Verify details in the passage.

o Example: "The event happened in 1990."

 Negative Factual Information:

o Identify details that are NOT true according to the passage.

o Look for conflicting or absent information.

Practice in Skimming, Scanning, and Predicting

 Skimming: Quickly reading for the gist or main ideas.

o Focus on titles, headings, and topic sentences.

 Scanning: Locating specific information like dates, names, or numbers.

o Use keywords and visual cues.

 Predicting: Anticipate content based on headings, visuals, or introductory sentences.

 o Increases comprehension and engagement.

Understanding Main Ideas as Opinions or Facts

 Main Ideas: Central theme or point of the text.

 Facts: Can be proven true or false (e.g., data, statistics).

 Opinions: Reflect personal beliefs or judgments (e.g., "I believe," "It seems").

 Strategy:

o Look for objective statements for facts.

o Identify subjective language or qualifiers for opinions (e.g., "best," "worst").

UNIT II: Writing Skills

1. Formal Letter

 Definition: A letter written for professional or official purposes.

 Features:

o Polite and professional tone.

o Structured format: sender’s address, date, recipient’s address, salutation, body,

closing, and signature.

 Examples: Job applications, complaint letters, business correspondence.

 Tips: Keep it concise and to the point.

2. Semi-Formal Letter

 Definition: A letter written in a respectful but less formal tone, often addressed to someone
known but in a formal context.

 Features:

o Polite yet slightly personal tone.

o Includes clear purpose and some conversational elements.

 Examples: Letters to teachers, landlords, or distant relatives.

3. Personal Letter

 Definition: A casual letter written to friends or family.

 Features:

o Friendly, informal tone.

o May include emotions, personal updates, and informal language.

 Examples: Letters to a friend or close family members.

 Tips: Write conversationally and focus on personal connections.

4. Describing Graphs

 Purpose: To explain visual data clearly and effectively.

 Steps:

o Introduce the graph and its purpose.

o Highlight key trends, patterns, and significant data points.

o Conclude with overall trends or insights.

5. Describing Pie Charts

 Definition: A circular graph divided into segments representing proportions.

 Key Phrases:

o "The largest portion of the pie represents..."

o "X accounts for 25% of the total."

 Tips: Focus on comparing sections and highlighting the biggest or smallest segments.

6. Describing Bar Charts

 Definition: A graph that uses bars to represent data values for comparison.

 Key Phrases:

o "The tallest bar indicates..."

o "Category X experienced a steady rise."

 Tips: Compare heights of bars and mention significant changes.

7. Describing Line Graphs

 Definition: A graph showing data trends over time using lines.

 Key Phrases:

o "The graph illustrates a steady increase in..."

o "There was a sharp decline between March and April."

 Tips: Focus on peaks, troughs, and any stable or fluctuating trends.

8. Describing Tables

 Definition: A table organizes data in rows and columns for detailed analysis.

 Key Phrases:

o "In 2022, the revenue increased by 10%."

o "Category X consistently outperformed Category Y."

 Tips: Look for patterns and compare rows or columns to highlight trends.

9. Describing Diagrams
  Definition: Visual representations showing processes, systems, or structures.

 Tips:

o Explain each stage clearly and logically.

o Use sequence markers like "first," "then," "next," and "finally."

10. Compare and Contrast

 Definition: Writing that highlights similarities and differences between two or more items.

 Structure:

o Introduction: Briefly mention the items being compared.

o Body: Discuss similarities and differences.

o Conclusion: Summarize key insights.

 Key Phrases:

o "Similarly," "On the other hand," "In contrast," "Both share..."

11. Analytical and Evaluative Essay

 Analytical Essay: Breaks down a topic into components to understand it better.

o Example: Analyzing the causes of climate change.

 Evaluative Essay: Assesses the quality, significance, or impact of something.

o Example: Evaluating the effectiveness of renewable energy policies.

 Tips: Use evidence, logical arguments, and clear structure.

12. Integrated and Independent Paragraph and Essay Writing

 Integrated Writing: Combines information from multiple sources (text, graphs, or lectures).

o Example: Summarizing a lecture while relating it to a reading passage.

 Independent Writing: Focuses on the writer’s ideas, opinions, or experiences.

o Example: Writing an essay on "The Importance of Education."

 Structure:

o Paragraph: Topic sentence → Supporting details → Conclusion.

o Essay: Introduction → Body paragraphs → Conclusion.

Tips for Mastering UNIT II Topics

1. Practice different writing styles to adapt tone and structure.

2. Analyze sample graphs, charts, and essays to understand formats.

3. Focus on clarity, coherence, and logical flow in your writing.

4. Use varied vocabulary and transition words to enhance descriptions.

UNIT III: Speaking Skills

1. Self-Introduction

 Purpose: To introduce oneself effectively in formal or informal contexts.

 Structure:

o Greeting (e.g., "Good morning, everyone.")

o Name and background (e.g., "I am [Name], and I am from [Location].").

o Key details (e.g., profession, education, hobbies).

o Closing (e.g., "Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself.").

 Tips: Be concise, maintain eye contact, and speak confidently.

2. Face-to-Face Interview

 Purpose: To respond effectively to questions in a one-on-one setting.

 Techniques:

o Prepare answers to common questions (e.g., strengths, weaknesses, goals).

o Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

o Stay calm, listen attentively, and give clear, concise answers.

 Example Questions:

o "Can you tell me about yourself?"

o "What motivates you to succeed?"

3. Answering General Questions About Oneself

 Examples of Questions:

o "What are your hobbies?"

o "Why did you choose this field of study?"

 Tips:

o Provide honest, thoughtful answers.

o Use specific examples to support your responses.

4. Conversation

 Purpose: To engage in meaningful dialogue with others.

 Techniques:

o Use active listening: Show interest by nodding and asking follow-up questions.

o Stay on topic and maintain a polite tone.

 o Example: Discussing a recent event or common interest.

5. Short Talk

 Definition: A brief speech on a given topic, often under 2-3 minutes.

 Structure:

o Introduction: State the topic clearly.

o Body: Provide 2-3 key points with examples.

o Conclusion: Summarize the main ideas.

 Example Topics: "My Favorite Book," "Importance of Time Management."

6. Introduction to Speaker Personalities

 Definition: Learning about famous speakers and their styles (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.,
Malala Yousafzai).

 Techniques:

o Study their tone, body language, and use of rhetoric.

o Learn to adapt these elements in your own speeches.

7. Techniques of Speech Delivery and Rehearsal

 Speech Delivery Tips:

o Maintain eye contact.

o Use appropriate gestures and facial expressions.

o Vary tone and pace for emphasis.

 Rehearsal Tips:

o Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.

o Time your speech to ensure it fits the allotted duration.

o Seek feedback from peers.

8. Organizing the Speech

 Steps:

1. Introduction: Capture attention with a hook (e.g., quote, question, or fact).

2. Body: Present key points in a logical order with examples or evidence.

3. Conclusion: Summarize key points and end with a strong closing statement.

 Tips: Use transition words like "firstly," "next," and "finally" to ensure flow.

9. Use of Effective Language

 Tips for Effective Language:

 o Use simple, clear words.

o Avoid jargon unless necessary.

o Use rhetorical devices like metaphors, analogies, and repetition to emphasize ideas.

o Example: "Education is the foundation of progress."

10. Discussion on a Topic

 Definition: Group or one-on-one discussions on a specific issue or subject.

 Tips:

o Stay respectful and open-minded.

o Support your points with examples.

o Encourage participation by asking questions.

 Example Topics:

o "Should social media be regulated?"

o "Importance of sustainable living."

11. Speaking of Personal Opinions

 Purpose: To express personal viewpoints clearly and persuasively.

 Tips:

o Start with phrases like "In my opinion..." or "I believe that..."

o Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.

 Example: "I believe remote work is beneficial because it increases flexibility and
productivity."

12. Summarizing Lectures and Conversations

 Purpose: To concisely present the main points of a lecture or dialogue.

 Steps:

o Listen actively and take notes.

o Identify the main ideas and supporting details.

o Summarize in your own words.

 Example: "The lecture discussed renewable energy, highlighting solar and wind power as
sustainable options."

13. Speaking on Opinions of Others

 Definition: Responding to or building upon someone else’s viewpoint.

 Tips:
 o Acknowledge the opinion before presenting your response (e.g., "I agree with your
point about..., but I also think...").

o Stay polite and provide constructive feedback.

o Example: "You mentioned the importance of physical health. I’d like to add that
mental health is equally vital."

General Tips for Speaking

1. Practice regularly to build confidence and fluency.

2. Use gestures and facial expressions to engage your audience.

3. Focus on clear pronunciation and avoid filler words (e.g., "um," "like").

4. Keep your points organized and structured for clarity.

UNIT IV: Listening Skills

1. Types of Listening

 Discriminative Listening: Focuses on distinguishing between different sounds or speech

features.

 Comprehensive Listening: Understanding the meaning of words and ideas (e.g., lectures or
instructions).

 Critical Listening: Evaluating or analyzing what is being heard (e.g., debates).

 Empathetic Listening: Understanding emotions or feelings of the speaker.

 Appreciative Listening: Listening for enjoyment or pleasure (e.g., music, storytelling).

2. Accent

 Definition: The way words are pronounced based on regional or cultural variations.

 Importance:

o Helps in understanding diverse speakers.

o Familiarity with common accents (e.g., British, American, Australian) aids

comprehension.

 Practice: Listen to different accents through podcasts, videos, or recordings.

3. Sentence & Word Stress

 Sentence Stress: Emphasis placed on certain words within a sentence to convey meaning.

o Example: I need a book. (Focus on "book").

 Word Stress: Emphasis placed on a particular syllable within a word.

o Example: CONtract (noun) vs. conTRACT (verb).

 Tips:
 o Listen for stressed words to grasp the speaker's intent.

o Practice by identifying stressed syllables in sentences.

4. Intonation

 Definition: The rise and fall of voice pitch in speech.

 Types:

o Rising Intonation: Used in questions or incomplete thoughts.

 Example: "Are you coming?"

o Falling Intonation: Used in statements or commands.

 Example: "I will go now."

 Importance: Intonation conveys emotions and intent beyond words.

5. Conversations Between Two Persons and Monologues

 Two-Person Conversations: Often involve dialogues addressing specific needs or interests

(e.g., shopping, asking for directions).

 Monologues: One person speaking continuously, often related to topics of general or social
interest.

o Example: Speeches, announcements, or personal stories.

 Tips:

o Identify the context and key points.

o Listen for tone and pauses to understand meaning.

6. Conversations with Three to Four People & Academic Lectures

 Group Conversations:

o Often involve multiple viewpoints and require focus to follow the flow.

o Tips:

 Recognize speakers by tone and voice.

 Note key contributions from each participant.

 Academic Lectures:

o Focused on complex or subject-specific content.

o Tips:

 Take notes on main ideas, supporting details, and examples.

 Identify transition phrases like "firstly," "in conclusion," or "on the other
hand."

7. Top-Down Listening Process

  Definition: Using prior knowledge and context to understand meaning.

 Examples: Predicting content based on the topic or understanding a speaker’s intent by

analyzing their tone.

 Tips:

o Focus on the overall message rather than individual words.

o Relate what you hear to your existing knowledge.

8. Bottom-Up Listening Process

 Definition: Understanding by focusing on individual sounds, words, and grammar.

 Examples: Identifying keywords or recognizing specific details.

 Tips:

o Pay attention to stressed words and pauses.

o Practice with audio clips by breaking them into smaller segments.

9. Places and Manner of Articulation

 Places of Articulation: Where in the vocal tract a sound is produced.

o Examples:

 Bilabial: Both lips (e.g., "b," "p").

 Alveolar: Tongue and upper teeth ridge (e.g., "t," "d").

 Manner of Articulation: How the airflow is modified.

o Examples:

 Plosive: Complete blockage of airflow (e.g., "k," "g").

 Fricative: Narrowing the passage (e.g., "f," "v").

10. Rising and Falling Tone

 Rising Tone: Indicates uncertainty, questions, or incomplete thoughts.

o Example: "Did you finish?"

 Falling Tone: Indicates finality, confidence, or commands.

o Example: "I am going now."

 Practice: Listen for tonal shifts to identify sentence types and emotions.

11. Prediction, Inference, Monitoring, Questioning, and Evaluation

 Prediction: Anticipating what will be said based on context or prior knowledge.

o Tip: Use clues from the speaker’s introduction or topic.

 Inference: Drawing conclusions based on implicit information.

 o Tip: Focus on tone, pauses, and context to infer meaning.

 Monitoring: Continuously checking for understanding while listening.

o Tip: Ask yourself if you are following the main points.

 Questioning: Forming questions about unclear or interesting points.

o Tip: Ask "Why?" "How?" or "What does this mean?"

 Evaluation: Assessing the speaker’s arguments, tone, and evidence.

o Tip: Determine if the speaker’s ideas are logical and well-supported.

Tips for Developing Listening Skills

1. Practice Regularly: Listen to podcasts, audio books, or videos in different accents and styles.

2. Focus on Context: Use background knowledge to aid comprehension.

3. Take Notes: Jot down key points while listening.

4. Improve Vocabulary: A wider vocabulary helps with understanding complex content.

5. Stay Patient: Don’t focus too much on understanding every word; prioritize overall meaning.

UNIT V: Lab Activities

1. Introduction to Phonetics

 Definition: The study of speech sounds and their production, transmission, and perception.

 Focus Areas:

o Speech Organs: Lips, tongue, vocal cords, etc.

o Phonetic Symbols: Represent speech sounds (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet).

 Activity: Practice identifying and pronouncing sounds using phonetic charts.

2. Speech Sounds: Vowels and Consonants

 Vowels: Sounds produced without significant blockage of airflow.

o Types: Monophthongs (e.g., /i/, /a/), Diphthongs (e.g., /ai/, /oi/).

 Consonants: Sounds produced with airflow obstruction.

o Classified by Place of Articulation (e.g., bilabial, dental) and Manner of Articulation

(e.g., plosive, nasal).

 Activity: Pronunciation drills and sound differentiation exercises.

3. Listening and Reading Comprehension

 Listening Comprehension:

o Focus on understanding spoken passages or dialogues.

 o Activity: Listen to audio clips and answer related questions.

 Reading Comprehension:

o Focus on understanding written texts.

o Activity: Read a passage and answer questions on main ideas, vocabulary, and
inference.

4. Vocabulary Exercises

 Activities:

o Synonyms and antonyms.

o Fill-in-the-blanks.

o Word formation exercises.

o Using context to deduce meanings.

 Objective: To enhance vocabulary for better communication and comprehension.

5. Situational Dialogue

 Definition: Practicing conversations based on real-life scenarios.

 Examples:

o At the airport.

o Ordering food at a restaurant.

o Booking an appointment.

 Activity: Role-play to simulate real-world interactions.

6. Jumbling Sentences

 Definition: Rearranging scrambled words or phrases to form coherent sentences.

 Purpose: Improves grammar and sentence structure understanding.

 Activity:

o Given: "books/like/I/reading."

o Rearranged: "I like reading books."

7. Error Correction

 Focus Areas: Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

 Activity: Identify and correct errors in given sentences.

o Example:

 Given: "She don’t likes coffee."

 Corrected: "She doesn’t like coffee."

8. E-Correspondence

 Definition: Writing effective emails for professional and personal communication.

 Focus:

o Subject line, salutation, body, and closing.

o Formal tone and concise content.

 Activity: Write emails for different purposes (e.g., job application, complaint).

9. Resume Preparation

 Purpose: To create a professional document showcasing skills, qualifications, and experience.

 Structure:

o Contact information.

o Career objective.

o Education.

o Work experience.

o Skills and certifications.

o References (optional).

 Activity: Draft a resume based on a sample template.

10. Presentation Techniques

 Focus: Developing skills to deliver clear, confident, and engaging presentations.

 Tips:

o Use visuals like slides or charts.

o Maintain eye contact and use gestures.

o Practice pacing and tone.

 Activity: Present on a chosen topic for 2-3 minutes.

11. Group Discussion

 Definition: A collaborative discussion on a given topic among a group.

 Focus Areas:

o Presenting opinions clearly and concisely.

o Listening to others and building on their points.

o Staying polite and professional.

 Activity: Participate in a discussion on topics like "Social Media’s Impact on Society."

12. Interview Skills

  Focus: Preparing for and excelling in interviews.

 Key Tips:

o Research the company and role.

o Practice answers to common questions.

o Dress appropriately and maintain a positive attitude.

 Activity: Mock interviews with peer feedback.

13. Interpersonal Communication

 Definition: Exchanging ideas and information effectively in one-on-one or group settings.

 Focus Areas:

o Active listening.

o Verbal and non-verbal communication.

o Building rapport and resolving conflicts.

 Activity: Role-play scenarios to practice interpersonal skills.

General Tips for Lab Activities

1. Participate Actively: Engage fully in all activities to improve your practical skills.

2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps with fluency and confidence.

3. Seek Feedback: Use constructive criticism to identify and improve weak areas.

4. Utilize Resources: Access online tools, phonetics charts, and grammar exercises for extra
practice.