Block 1
Block 1
Block 1
BBA-103/DBA -103
BLOCK 1:
GRAMMAR BASICS
Author
Prof. Madhu Kakkar
Language Editor
Ms. Katherine Abraham
Acknowledgment
Every attempt has been made to trace the copyright holders of material reproduced
in this book. Should an infringement have occurred, we apologize for the same and
will be pleased to make necessary correction/amendment in future edition of this
book.
The content is developed by taking reference of online and print publications that
are mentioned in Bibliography. The content developed represents the breadth of
research excellence in this multidisciplinary academic field. Some of the
information, illustrations and examples are taken "as is" and as available in the
references mentioned in Bibliography for academic purpose and better
understanding by learner.'
ROLE OF SELF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL IN DISTANCE LEARNING
UNIT 1
ESSENTIALS OF GRAMMAR 03
UNIT 2
VOCABULARY EXTENSION 21
UNIT 3
PARAGRAPH WRITING AND COMPREHENSION 33
BLOCK 1: GRAMMAR BASICS
Block Introduction
Communication is the basic need of any organisation and it is so
fundamental that without it, it is not possible for any organisation to exist,
function effectively and achieve its objectives. Communication brings people
together by establishing commonness among people. Communication is an art of
sharing meaningful ideas, information, knowledge, experience and feelings.
The block focuses main idea of English grammar with the explanation of
comprehension skills. In this block, the concept related to effective reading and
basic of vocabulary is explained. By understanding the proper utilization of
English grammar and vocabulary words, student will be able to communicate
easily and correctly by using grammatical tools.
Block Objective
After learning this block, you will be able to understand:
Vocabulary Words
Phrasal Words
Designing of Paragraph
1
Grammar Block Structure
Basics
Unit 1: Essentials of Grammar
2
UNIT 1: ESSENTIALS OF GRAMMAR
Unit Structure
1.0 Learning Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.3.1 Noun
1.3.2 Pronoun
1.3.3 Adjective
1.3.4 Verb
1.3.5 Adverb
1.3.6 Preposition
1.3.7 Conjunction
1.7 Glossary
1.8 Assignment
1.9 Activities
Use of articles.
3
Grammar
Basics
1.1 Introduction
Communication is the heart and soul of the human experience. The process
of communication mainly includes speaking, listening and writing. Therefore, we
cannot really separate communication skills from language or language learning.
Nobody actually learns grammar to learn his/ her first language (mother tongue).
It is a natural phenomenon that we start speaking what everyone speaks around us.
We gradually develop a better sense of understanding with the passage of time.
Though we do not study grammar of our first language to use it for daily
speaking, when we need to polish our first language, we have to study its
grammar. However, the real problem comes up when we are exposed to a new
language. When it comes to learning a new language like English, we need to
study its grammar, which we are not used to or we are not exposed to. Hence, the
fear. The importance of grammar cannot be neglected and before we do that, we
need to understand what grammar is.
Grammar is the study of words and the ways words work together. An
invisible force guides us as we put words together into sentences; and that force is
grammar. Any person who communicates using a particular language is
consciously or unconsciously aware of the grammar of that language.
Definitions:
4
Essentials
Pronoun: A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence e.g.:
of
He, you, it, me, your, his, her, our, himself Grammar
Verb: A verb is a word that expresses action or being (a state) e.g: Ram went to
the laboratory.
It is dark outside.
Verbs are chief vehicles of our actions, thoughts and feelings. Without
verbs, there can be no real communication.
Adverb: An adverb is a word that qualifies averb, an adjective or another adverb
e.g. Mohan runs fast (Here the word 'fast' qualifies the verb „run‟.)
Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose was a very great scientist. (In this sentence the
word 'very' qualifies the adjective „great‟.)
She sings really well. (Here the word 'really' qualifies the adverb „well‟.)
He lives in Delhi.
He is fond of music.
5
Grammar Conjunction: A conjunction is a word that joins words, clauses or sentences
Basics together as shown below:
a. Interjection c. Preposition
b. Conjunction d. Adverb
Proper Nouns: Proper nouns are nouns that refer to specific entities. Proper
nouns are capitalized like China, Jaya and Nagpur to show their distinction
from common nouns.
6
single and plural forms. We can add determiners like many, most, more, Essentials
of
several before these nouns.
Grammar
For example, the noun bike is countable noun. Consider the following
sentence:
In this example, the word bike is singular as it refers to one bike that is now
in a particular garage.
Other examples include wood, sand, milk, air, freedom and intelligence.
Collective Nouns: They are names of collections. They are not the names of
the individuals in a collection. The collections may be of people, animals or
other living things, places or things. Examples of countable nouns include:
bunch, herd, flock.
Concrete Nouns: Concrete nouns are names of things that can be touched,
smelled, seen, felt or tasted. Perfume, table, dog, Maria, salt and wool are all
examples of concrete nouns.
1.3.2 Pronoun
Types of Pronouns
7
Grammar it, her, him, they, and them). Note: Personal pronouns can also be
Basics possessive, meaning they show ownership. These include, (but are not
limited to), words such as his, hers, ours, yours.
Indefinite: These do not indicate specific individuals or things and there are
quite a few indefinite pronouns, including but not limited to anybody,
something, anything, someone, none, each, more, most.
1.3.3 Adjectives
Types of Adjectives
Descriptive Adjective
These show the kind or quality of a person or thing.
Examples:
1. New York is a large city.
2. He is a dishonest man.
Adjectives of Quantity
These show how much of a thing is meant.
Examples:
1. I ate some rice.
8
3. Take great care of your health. Essentials
of
4. He showed much patience. Grammar
5. He has lost all his wealth.
Numeral Adjective
These show how many people or things are meant or in what order a person
or thing stands.
Examples:
Demonstrative Adjective
These point out which person or thing is meant.
Examples:
It will be noticed that this and that are used with singular nouns, while
these and those are used with plural nouns.
Interrogative Adjective
What, which and whose are interrogative adjectives when they are
used with nouns to ask questions.
Examples:
9
Grammar 1.3.4 Verb
Basics
Types of verbs
Regular Verbs
A verb is said to be regular when it forms the past tense byadding 'ed' to the
present or 'd' if the verb ends in 'e'.
Irregular Verbs
A verb is said to be irregular when its past tense does not end in 'ed'.
Transitive Verbs
A transitive verb is one, the action of which passes over to some object, as
"I struck the table." Here the action of striking affected the object able, hence
struck is a transitive verb.
Intransitive Verbs
An intransitive verb is one in which the action remains with the subject, as
"I walk," "I sit" or "I run". Many intransitive verbs, however, can be used
transitively; thus, in "I walk the horse", walk is transitive.
1.3.5 Adverb
Types of adverbs:
Adverb of Manner
These adverbs answer the question how? This adverb usually comes after
the direct object or if there is no direct object, after the verb. Examples:
He works hard.
10
Essentials
Adverb of Place of
These adverbs answer the question where? This adverb usually comes after Grammar
the object, otherwise after the verb. Examples:
We looked everywhere.
Note: somewhere, anywhere follow the same rules as some and any:
Adverb of Time
These answer the question when? This adverb usually comes either at the
very beginning or at the end of the sentence. Examples:
Afterwards we decided to go by car. I've done that journey before.
Note: Yet and still: yet should be placed at the end of the sentence.
Still should be placed before the verb, except with the verb 'to be' when it comes
after.
Adverb of Frequency
These answer the question how many times? This adverb comes after the
verb 'to be'. Example:
11
Grammar Note: With 'used to' and 'have', the frequency adverb is usually placed in front:
Basics
We never used to look forward to the school holidays.
He always has trouble with his old car.
Adverb of Degree
These answer the question to what extent?
This adverb can modify an adverb or an adjective and comes before the
word it modifies:
They follow the same pattern as frequency adverbs in terms of where they
are placed:
I generally understand.
1.3.6 Preposition
Types of prepositions:
12
Essentials
1.3.7 Conjunction
of
Types of conjunctions: Grammar
a. True
b. False
2. __________ indicate relationships with regard to place and use location related
terms such as around, at and between.
a. Preposition of place
b. Preposition of direction
c. Preposition of time
b. Adverb of Degree
c. Adverb of Time
d. Adverb of Place
a. Adverb of Frequency
b. Adverb of Manner
c. Adverb of Place
d. Adverb of Degree
13
Grammar 5. A regular verb ends with the suffix
Basics
a. –er
b. – ent
c. –ed
d. –ough
b. Pronoun
c. Preposition
d. Adjective
a. Intensive Pronoun
b. Interrogative
c. Numeral Adjective
d. Verb
a. Adjective
b. Verbs
c. Adverbs
d. Pronouns
a. Book
b. cup
c. Happiness
d. Phone
14
Essentials
1.4 Use of Articles of
Grammar
What is an article? An article is an adjective. Like adjectives, the function of
articles is to modify nouns.
English has two articles: “the” and a/an. “The” refers to specific or
particular nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns. We
call the the definite article and a/an the indefinite article.
For example, if we say, "Let's read the novel," we mean a specific novel. . If
we say, "Let's read a novel," we mean any novel rather than a specific novel.
Here “The” is used to refer to a specific member of a group. For example, "I
just saw the most popular film of the year." There are many films running in the
theatres, but only one particular movie is the most popular. Therefore, we use the.
“A” and “an” signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring
to any member of a group. For example:
Can someone please call a cop?: This refers to any cop. We do not need a
specific cop; we need the one available. .
When I was at the wildlife sanctuary, I saw a tiger! Here, we are talking
about a single, non-specific thing, in this case a tiger. There are probably
several tigers at the wildlife sanctuary, but there is only one tiger that we are
talking about here.
15
Grammar Remember, using a or an depends on the sound that the next word begins
Basics with. So,
In writing, "a historic incident" is more commonly used. Remember that this
rule also applies when you use acronyms:
The Reserve Bank of India is the chief monetary organisation in India.
Another case where this rule applies is when acronyms start with consonant
letters but have vowel sounds:
An SPCC plan (spill prevention control and countermeasures plan) will help
us prepare for the best and worst.
If the noun is modified by the adjective, the choice
between a and an depends on the initial sound of the adjective that immediately
follows the article: a broken doll; an unusual issue; a European tour(sounds like
'yer-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound).
Definite Article:
The definite article is used before both singular and plural nouns when the
noun is specific or particular. This signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to
a particular member of a group. For example:
16
Essentials
The dog that bit me ran away. Here, we are talking about a specific dog, the
of
dog that bit me. Grammar
I was happy to see the policeman who saved my cat!
Here, we are talking about a specific noun. Probably, there is only one
elephant at the zoo or the listener knows which particular elephant we are
referring to (e.g. the elephant that participated in the national day parade).
The can be used with non-count nouns; alternatively, the article can be omitted
entirely.
He spilled the water all over the floor. OR He spilled water all over the
floor. (any water)
There are some specific rules for using the with geographical nouns.
Names of lakes and bays: Lake Victoria, Lake Erie except with a group of
lakes like the Great Lakes
Names of mountains: Mount Everest, Mount Fuji, Mount Titlis except with
17
Grammar ranges of mountains like the Himalayas or unusual names
Basics like the Matterhorn
Names of islands (Easter Island,) except with island chains like the
Aleutians, the Carribeans or the Canary Islands
Deserts, forests, gulfs and peninsulas: the Sahara desert, the Gulf of
Mexico, the Black Forest, the Iberian Peninsula
Omission of Articles
a. True
b. False
2. The indefinite article is used before both singular and plural nouns when the
noun is specific or particular.
a. True
b. False
18
3. A/ an is Essentials
of
a. definite article b. Noun Grammar
Answers: (1-a)
Answers: (1-b), (2-a), (3-a), (4-a), (5-c), (6-d), (7-c), (8-d), (9-c),
19
Grammar
Basics
1.7 Glossary
1. Active verb - A verb that describes the action of the grammatical subject of
the sentence.
2. Passive verb - A verb that describes action done to the grammatical subject
of the sentence.
1.8 Assignment
What are the basic rules to remember when using articles in English?
1.9 Activities
Explain various types of prepositions with examples
20
UNIT 2: VOCABULARY EXTENSION
Unit Structure
1.0 Learning Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.6 Glossary
1.7 Assignment
1.8 Activities
Importance of idioms
2.1 Introduction
This unit consists of synonyms and antonyms with phrases and idioms. In
any type of communication, accuracy counts more than anything. This chapter
will enable the students to increase their word power with effective use of words
during communication.
21
Grammar
Basics
2.2 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms and Antonyms form an integral part of the English Language. An
acquaintance with the vocabulary of the English language is a necessity of
effective expression in the written or oral form.
Word Synonyms
22
seeso Vocabulary
Extension
later, afterward, , soon
take conceive, imagine, ponder,
attempt utilize
then deeply, extremely, exceedingly, unusually, incredibly
think desire
try
use
want
List of Antonyms
Word Antonyms
23
Grammar intentional accidental
Basics
join separate
junior senior
justice injustice
knowledge ignorance
laugh cry
lawful unlawful
lazy industrious, energetic
landlord tenant
large little, small
last first
lawyer client
lender borrower
lengthen shorten
left right
less more
light dark, heavy
like dislike, unlike
likely unlikely
leader follower
long short
loss find, win
low high
loyal disloyal
mad sane
master servant
mature immature
maximum minimum
me you
minority majority
miser spendthrift
misunderstand understand
narrow wide
near far, distant
neat untidy
new old
night day
noisy quiet
24
Vocabulary
obedient disobedient Extension
odd even
offer refuse
open shut
optimist pessimist
out in
parent child
past present
patient impatient
peace war
permanent temporary
please displease
plentiful scarce
poetry prose
possible impossible
poverty wealth
powerful feeble, weak
polite impolite, rude
private public
pretty unsightly, ugly
pure impure
qualified unqualified
rapid slow
rich poor
right wrong, left
rough smooth
security insecurity
second-hand new
shopkeeper customer
singular plural
simple complicated
slim thick, stout
solid liquid
sober drunk
speaker listener
sour sweet
sorrow joy
25
Grammar strong weak
Basics
success failure
take give
tame wild
tight slack, loose
transparent opaque
up down
valuable valueless
virtue vice
visible invisible
voluntary compulsory
wax wane
within without
a. Antonyms
b. Connotations
2. ________ is nothing but the similar meaning of a particular word or its
semantic relation.
a. Synonyms
b. Antonyms
26
Vocabulary
2.3 Idioms and Phrases Extension
Idioms
Definition
Idiomatic expressions are also non-standard speech, slang or dialect that are
natural to native speakers of a language. Examples of these idioms are: "Apples
and Pears" for stairs and "Ruby Murray” for curry.
There are numerous idioms in English language and you can find more in a
good dictionary of idioms. Here is a small list of some common idioms you can
use in your routine English speaking practice.
Get your goat: Making angry (I'll get my mother's goat if I don't reach home
on time.)
A pretty penny: Expensive (This dress is pretty penny than its worth.)
Add insult to injury: Making bad situation worse (Calling Shikha to resolve
the matter was like adding insult to injury.)
Go Dutch: dividing the cost equally (At our school reunion, we decided to
go Dutch.)
Potluck dinner: where everybody brings something (We arrange a pot luck
dinner at office every month.)
Icing on the cake: an added bonus factor which comes along with something
you acquire (After shopping to her heart's content, the surprise dinner at her
favourite restaurant turned out to be the icing on the cake.)
Blue eyed one: most favourite (Even as a child, he was the blue-eyed boy of
the school.)
27
Grammar Chip of the old block: exactly like somebody (I recognised your son
Basics
immediately; he is just the chip of the old block!)
Dead and buried: permanently gone. (You should not tell this to your wife
now, when it is already dead and buried.)
Penny for your thoughts: to ask what someone is thinking about(Penny for
your thoughts? You‟ve been silent for far too long.)
A steal: less expensive than its actual worth (I can't stop myself buying these
paintings; see, it's a steal.)
A safe pair of hands: are liable person. (She needs not to worry, as she is
now in safe pair of hands.)
Out of the woodwork: out in the open from concealment (Shikha's court
marriage is out of the woodwork now.)
Coax to do: to insist. (My agent has really coaxed me to make more
paintings.)
Achilles' heel: weakness, flaw (He is a first class student in Math, but
English is his Achilles'' heel.)
Add fuel to the fire: to make a bad situation worse. (I was angry with you
and when you forgot to pick me up, that really added fuel to the fire.)
At the drop of a hat: without further delay. (John would have gone to the
football game at the drop of a hat.)
Piece of cake: something easy (Making Rajma is a piece of cake for me.)
28
Paint the town red: celebrate boisterously, especially with drinks Vocabulary
Extension
(Yesterday, all the boys of my class painted the town red.)
Dress to kill: wear one's finest clothes (You are dressed to kill today; your
fiancée will marry you today itself.)
Phrasal verbs
Break down Stop functioning Our car broke down at the side
(vehicle, machine) of the highway in the
snowstorm.
Break something Divide into smaller Our teacher broke the final
down parts project down into three separate
parts.
29
Grammar
Basics Break something in Wear something a few I need to break these
times so that it doesn't shoes in before we run next
look/feel new week.
You can find a list of all phrasal verbs made out of a single verb in a good
dictionary.
a. Phrases
b. Idiomatic
a. two-word
b. six-word
30
Vocabulary
2.4 Let Us Sum Up Extension
In this unit we have learnt some similar and opposite vocabulary words. It is
found that Synonyms and Antonyms form an integral part of the English
language. Acquaintance familiarity with vocabulary of English language is
required for effective expression whether in written or oral form.
2.6 Glossary
1. Synonyms - A synonym is a word identical in sense and usage to another
word
2.7 Assignment
What is the importance of idiomatic expressions in English?
31
Grammar
Basics 2.8 Activities
In addition to the idioms here, find at least fifteen idioms from your reading
and make a list of them.
32
UNIT 3: PARAGRAPH WRITING AND
COMPREHENSION
Unit Structure
3.0 Learning Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Paragraph Writing
3.3 Comprehension
3.6 Glossary
3.7 Assignment
3.8 Activities
33
Grammar Examples of paragraphs.
Basics
Importance of comprehension.
3.1 Introduction
Whenever one wants to impart information to someone in writing, it needs
to be segregated in paragraphs. You can imagine how boring a text will read and
look if it runs in just one lengthy paragraph, page after page. Would you be
interested in even reading it, forget understanding and assimilating knowledge?
Certainly not. Dividing the text into smaller sections, called paragraphs, makes it
easy to see and digest. A reader can read one chunk and assimilate the information
given therein quickly. Then he can move on to the next chunk and make
connections between the two paragraphs. Therefore, it is essential to learn to write
paragraphs before you learn to write anything longer. A paragraph is generally
concentrated around one singular idea and includes all the important or basic
details related to that idea.
This unit gives you some tips on how to construct paragraphs. We will also
see what the basic types of paragraph are.
1. Unity
2. Coherence
3. Adequate development
1. Unity: The most striking feature of a paragraph is its unity, i.e. the
discussion or description of a singular theme, subject or topic termed as the
topic of the paragraph. Every sentence in a paragraph is closely connected
with this theme. Usually this theme or central idea is stated in a sentence in
a paragraph. This sentence is called the topic sentence. All the remaining
sentences of the paragraph contribute and relate to this topic sentence in
some way. In fact, while editing a paragraph, any sentence that does not
relate to the topic sentence should be edited or deleted. Thus, writing a well-
defined topic sentence is the first step to writing a good paragraph. This
34
Paragraph
topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. Very rarely, in a narrative Writing and
paragraph, for example, the topic sentence can be placed at the end of the Comprehension
paragraph.
2. Coherence: A true paragraph is not just a set of sentences put together but
sentences that are interlinked with each other. This interlinking provides
coherence to the paragraph. There are four significant devices to achieve
this quality: pronouns, repetition of key words and phrases, synonyms and
connectives. As stated earlier, coherence comes through the connection
between sentences and their ultimate relationship with the topic sentence.
The points need to be related to each other and then to the theme if you want
to write a coherent paragraph.
Examples
Comparison
Contrast
Definition
Classification
Process description
Generalization
35
Grammar 3.2.1 Paragraph Development by Examples
Basics
Meaning: The topic sentence states the theme and then the theme is explained
using some examples. In fact, the examples work as explanation or description
here.
Sample:
Science has helped us get rid of many sicknesses of the mind and the body.
For example, advancements in the field of psychology have enabled effective
cures for many mental ailments like claustrophobia, schizophrenia, etc. Similarly,
many other discoveries in science have made it possible to cure terrible diseases
such as malaria, small pox, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Sample:
It is interesting to note that India and China have quite a few things in
common, the most important being population and culture. If China was number
one in terms of the size of population for a long time, India was number two. Both
the countries, therefore, have a huge pool of labour and manpower to boast of.
Furthermore, the governments of both the nations have taken timely steps to curb
the incontrollable growth of population. The second similarity between India and
China is the culture that forms the backbone of the society there. Both nations are
proud of the very prosperous and rich heritage and history of its civilization. They
are both examples of unit in diversity, owing to the size of the land. Thus, India
and China are very similar to each other in terms of population and culture.
36
Sample: Paragraph
Writing and
Though both are pet animals, dogs and cats differ a lot in terms of habits, Comprehension
maintenance and loyalty. A dog can be much easily trained to do certain activities
and there have been instances of dogs being great companions to sightless
individuals. However, training a cat is difficult, almost impossible. In turn, cats
cost you less because they do not need extensive training, accessories and
specialized food. Dogs, on the other hand, need only specific accessories and
food, increasing the cost of maintenance. Further, loyalty is another factor that
differentiates the two. Dogs are undoubtedly more loyal than cats. Cats are more
loyal to the household or the place than to the owners. Thus, whether to pet a dog
or a cat depends on how you respond to these three and many more factors that
compare dogs and cats.
Sample:
Sample:
37
Grammar They do not want to take the knowledge ahead and practise and revise. However,
Basics they can put their understanding in practise or application much easily. The last
category is that of bright students who are exceptional in everything they do.
When one teaches them something, they understand almost immediately. They
also retain the knowledge and apply it in all situations quickly. Despite these
categories, a good teacher has to disseminate knowledge equally efficiently to all
the students in her class.
Sample:
Sample:
38
choice; salt and pepper. In case you want to make them little sweet, you can add Paragraph
Writing and
some honey or brown sugar. The batter should be of pouring consistency. Let it
Comprehension
stand for half an hour. Place a small bowlful mixture on a hotplate and add little
olive oil as seasoning. On medium heat, a pancake will cook in a couple minutes.
The colour will change to slightly shiny; that‟s how you know it is cooked. Roast
from both sides and remove directly onto a plate. Serve this with salsa sauce or
just plain tomato ketchup.
Sample:
39
Grammar Sample:
Basics
How to spend vacations is a huge issue facing many children every year.
Most of the times, activities designed and planned by parents are scarcely enjoyed
by children. Especially for working mothers, holidays usually mean trouble, even
if they cannot admit it openly. When children grow up, however, they try to make
themselves comfortable because they are able to take care of themselves. Some
find a hobby class or a camp that interests them. Some decide to visit friends or
relatives and want to be away from parents for some time. Those who are slightly
older can even visit outstation relatives and enjoy themselves. For younger
children, however, parental decisions can prove most helpful. They are usually in
an experimental age and like everything like drawing, dance, music and clay
modelling. Children of all ages, however, admit that they to spend at least some
time at home, just lazing around having fun with parents. Therefore, all parents
believe taking time off and spending with children is the most ideal vacation for
both parties.
a. True
b. False
2. The topic sentence states the two items that are contrasted on some grounds.
These bases are then explained in one or two sentences each to complete the
paragraph.
a. True
b. False
40
Paragraph
3.3 Comprehension Writing and
Comprehension
Comprehension means knowledge or understanding of spoken or written
language. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary offers this definition: capacity of the
mind to perceive and understand.
The purpose of reading is to connect the different ideas on the page to what
you are already aware of. . If you are unaware about a subject, then
comprehending the text in your mind is like pouring water into your hand. You do
not retain anything much. For example, try reading these numbers:
Similarly, if you like a sport, reading the articles on the sports page is easy.
You have a framework in your mind for reading, analysing, comprehending and
storing information.
Improving Comprehension
Identify the type of reasoning: Does the author use the cause and effect
reasoning, hypothesis or model building, induction or deduction systems of
thinking?
Anticipate and predict: Truly smart readers always try to anticipate the
author and predict future ideas and questions. If you are right, this reinforces
your comprehension ability. If you are wrong, you make the adjustments
quicker.
41
Grammar Look for the method of organization: Is the material organized
Basics
chronologically, logically, , spatially or hierarchically?
Build a good vocabulary: For those with a thirst for knowledge, this is a
lifetime project. The best way to improve vocabulary is to use a dictionary
regularly. You should carry a pocket dictionary and use it to look up new
words. Alternatively, you can keep a list of words to read at the end of the
day. Concentrate on the prefixes, suffixes, roots, and endings.
All these tips will enhance your comprehension skills, so that whenever you
are asked to reproduce the information you read, it would not be very
difficult for you. One way of checking such knowledge is comprehension
passages followed by questions. We will first look at some samples.
Passage 1
Water
In many parts of the world, dams and wells have shown how the problem of
water can be solved by conserving it. There are, however, some areas with a
serious shortage of water. The problem is particularly acute on the comparatively
small, densely populated islands such as Hong Kong, the Bahamas and even the
Channel Islands. Although rainfall on these islands is moderate, there is not
enough to meet the enormous demand for fresh water. An increase in the demand
for water shows how this shortage becomes a cute. There is a continuing need to
42
produce more to satisfy the appetite of the world‟s ever-growing populations and Paragraph
Writing and
this can only be achieved by irrigating and cultivating semi-desert regions-
Comprehension
regions where the natural rainfall is slight. A high consumption of water and of
fuel per head indicates that the standard of living of a community is high. As
living standards are rising in many parts of the world, so too is the demand for
water.
Some years ago, it became clear that the demand for fresh water would
eventually outstrip natural supplies. This warned the engineers that while the
search for the few remaining sites for reservoirs and boreholes could continue,
scientists must investigate possible methods of producing fresh water from the
greatest natural reservoir, the sea.
Questions:
A high consumption of water and of fuel per head indicates a high standard
of living of a community.
43
Grammar The increasing demand for fresh water prompted the scientists to investigate
Basics possible methods of producing fresh water from the sea.
When salt water is cooled to temperatures below 0°C, only the water freezes
to form ice.
Passage 2
Questions:
1. Answer as directed:
44
c. The stone temples on the Island of Malta were created long before the Paragraph
Writing and
age of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Comprehensi
d. The great stone tombs of Europe were of more recent origin than the on
pyramids of Egypt.
2. The older belief has been challenged by (Circle all correct statements.)
4. The passage contains the following points. Put them in the order in which
they occur in the passage.
5. What does the theory that has replaced the diffusion theory suggest?
45
Grammar Solution:
Basics
1. (a), (c)
2. (b), (d)
3. (d)
II.
1. Recent archaeological evidence indicates that the European man is far older
than what he was previously considered to be.
2. The diffusion theory suggests that civilisation originated in the Middle East
and slowly spread throughout the world.
3. Scientists and archaeologists were quite certain that some ruined stone
temples of Malta were built before the age of ancient Greeks and Romans.
a. Comprehension
b. Paragraph Writing
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Paragraph
3.4 Let Us Sum Up Writing and
Comprehension
In this unit we have learnt that long text can be written in paragraphs for
easy understanding. Paragraphs provide eye relief and help us to understand text
better. A paragraph is a distinctive unit in all prose writings, usually marked by an
indentation of the first line.
It is noted that there are certain tools which can be used to develop a
paragraph such as Examples, Comparison, Contrast, Definition, Classification,
Space and time, Process description, Cause and effect, Generalization and
Comprehension.
Answers: (1-a)
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Grammar
Basics
3.6 Glossary
1. Paragraph - It is a distinctive unit in all writings, usually marked by an
indentation of the first line.
2. Writing paragraph - It is type paragraph where you turn your ideas into
sentences.
3.7 Assignment
Write paragraphs on the following topics:
3.8 Activities
Solve the following comprehension exercises.
Passage 1
In Hiroshima, most of the medical facilities were in the devastated area and
the larger part of them was extremely vulnerable to blast and fire; consequently
casualties were heavy. 90% of the 200 to 300 physicians died or were injured.
About 60 physicians were able to give medical care despite their injuries. Over
90% of the 1800 nurses were casualties. Many of the injured nurses were able to
work but the shortage of trained personnel was so grave that many untrained
volunteers had to be pressed into service.
In Nagasaki, most of the medical personnel were in the Medical College and
the University Hospital, which were within 0.5 miles of the hypocentre and were
almost completely destroyed. Of the 20 faculty members at the college, 12 died
and 4 were injured; 600 of the students died and most of the rest were injured. At
the University Hospital, 80% of the occupants died or were fatally injured. Nearly
one-half of the medical practitioners in the city were seriously injured. Three
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months after the explosion, only one-half of the 240 physicians in the city prior to Paragraph
Writing and
the bombing were working.
Comprehension
Almost every hospital in Hiroshima within one mile of the hypocentre was
so severely damaged that it could not function as a hospital. Only three of the 45
civilian hospitals were usable. The Shima Surgical Hospital, a wood and brick
building 100 feet from the hypocenter, collapsed due to blast and burned and all
the occupants died. The Red Cross office building at 700 feet was severely
damaged by blast and gutted by fire. The mortality was 100%. Two large army
hospitals, which were built of wood and were located at about 600 yards,
collapsed and burned. 4 out of 5 personnel and all the 1150 patients were reported
killed. The Tata Hospital, which was partly concrete and wood and was located at
900 yards, collapsed completely. The mortality was nearly 100%.
Questions:
2. How many physicians were able to give medical care despite their injuries?
6. How far from the hypocentre was the Red Cross building?
7. How many patients were killed in the two large Army Hospitals?
8. Which building was 900 yards from the hypocentre and collapsed
completely?
Passages 2
Since its birth in the middle of the 19th Century, the women‟s rights
movement has spread all over the world. In many countries, women have fought
for the right to vote, work and education to the limit of their capacities, apart from
the right to own and dispose of property. They have also are pressed for equal
rights within marriage. The cause has initiated world governments via the united
Nations, which, in 1946, set up a commission to study the worldwide status of
women and recommend that the Social and Economic Council improve it.
UNESCO too assists in the advancement of women by involving them in
educational and cultural programmes.
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Grammar remaining areas of discrimination. Through their affiliation with international
Basics feminist bodies, they are in touch with women‟s activities and achievements in all
parts of the world.
However, with half the world‟s population still illiterate, there is great
disparity in what has been and is still to be achieved. At one end of the scale,
women‟s rights worker are still pressing for elementary education; at the other, for
the removal of early protective legislation which is now felt to be discriminatory
because it denied women certain freedoms, for example, the right to do work at
night if they so choose. Nevertheless despite the fact that the women‟s movement
has progressed unevenly and with varying success, women in general are
emerging from chattel Dom and are beginning to take their place beside men as
free and equal citizens.
Questions:
5. Why is the progress of the feminist movement uneven and has affected its
success?
Passage 3
The philosophers have often maintained that happiness, like beauty, is aby-
product, a lovely but accidental acquisition. As the bloom appears on flowers or
on the face of youth, so does bliss slip into our lives. Coming the more surely, the
less it is pursued. You set out to do something, you pin your mind to the purpose,
and you do the jo band lo! Happiness descends upon you. But you must not think
about the pleasure; stick to the deed, the action and there comes the joy, a secret
visitation. The nature of the deed does not matter greatly so long as your heart,
brain and muscles are in the work. To hit a ball correctly or to compose a
masterpiece, the process is the same. Concentrate and the mysterious felicity will
follow the way to ensure happiness is not to seek it. So they say, but humanity has
never believed it. Humanity is more concerned with pleasure than with happiness;
it believes in a good time, which is made good by the very reason of our simple
intention to enjoy. This fervour of the holiday spirit, this instinctive passion for
carnival, is perhaps inarticulate but quite an unquestionable response to the grave
50
Paragraph
philosopher, who resolves happiness into an accident of successful action. The
Writing and
plain man, out to enjoy himself has some reason on his side, the reason of Comprehension
demonstrated fact. It is easy to be cynical about the gala and the fete and to
discover the gloom upon the face of youth where bloom was intended, by alleging
that those who seek the fugitive felicity can never catch her up. The cynic is
answered by the democratic spectacle. During Dussehra, for example, people set
out to be merry and are merriment really denied to them? To be all out for fun is
not nearly as foolish as the philosopher deems; holidaymakers often put up with
crowding and fatigue and perhaps never get tired. But they know what they want
and they achieve it. They and not philosophers are the best judges of their own
satisfaction.
Questions:
4. In what way are the holidaymakers the best judges of their own satisfaction?
51
Grammar Block Summary
Basics
The block explains the main idea about usage of English grammar with
explanation based on comprehensions. In this block, the students have learnt with
concept of effective reading and correct usage of vocabulary. They will be able to
understand various grammatical languages with examples.
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Block Assignment
Short Answer Questions
1. Write a brief note on various types of nouns.
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Grammar Enrolment No.
Basics
1. How many hours did you need for studying the units?
Unit No 1 2 3 4
Nos of Hrs
2. Please give your reactions to the following items based on your reading of the
block:
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Education is something
which ought to be
brought within
the reach of every one.
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar