English Helpmate

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 S. No. Content

1 Reading Comprehension
2 Note Making
3 Notice
4 Advertisements
5 Poster
6 Invitation – Formal & Informal
7 Letter Writing - Formal
8 Application for a Job
9 Article Writing
10 Report Writing
11 Speech Writing
12 Debate Writing
 Reading Comprehension

• Read the passage/ poem thoroughly.

• Read the questions and find the answers from the passage/ poem.

• Guess the words nearest to the meaning while attempting vocabulary in the context of the
passages. If in doubt, leave one line space, go on to the next question and come back to
the question after attempting the rest of the questions.

• Remember that you can score well in the reading section if you practice a lot of extra-
unseen reading passages.

Note Making

How to go about it?

• The passage should be read through quickly to get the gist of the matter, this is called
skimming.
• The second reading should be slower.
• Should locate the key words, notice how the author develops the theme.
• Think of a suitable title or heading.
• The notes will deal with the main points logically and systematically presented in a
note form, with abbreviations.

Points to Remember…

• Notes should always be short. Avoid complete sentences and all important
information should be presented logically.

• The heading should be in the centre, the first alphabet of each word should be in
capital except linking words. E.g. The History of Tea.

• The main heading is sub divided into sub headings and the sub headings are again
divided into sub points.

• The sub points can be divided into minimum 2 and maximum 3 Sub Sub Points. (as
required)

• Meaningful abbreviations are to be used in the notes and key to the abbreviations
need to be written after the notes.

• Proper indentation will help you to present the notes clearly.

• The word summary should be written while writing the summary. It should include
all the main points and the word limit is 80.
• Do not exceed word limit, cover all points. Question forms can be used.
Marking Scheme

Note making (5) Summary (3)

Title: 1 Content: 2
Content: 3 Expression: 1
Key to Abbreviations: 1

Format

Heading Heading
A. Sub Heading
1. Sub-heading (a) Sub Point
1.1 Sub point (b)
1.2 (c)
1.3 (d)
1.3.1 Sub Sub point (i) Sub Sub Point
1.3.2 (ii)
1.4 B. Sub Heading
2. Sub- heading (a)
2.1 Sub point (b)
2.2 (c)
2.3 (i)
2.4 (ii)
3. Sub- heading C. Sub Heading
3.1 (a)
3.2 (b)
3.3 (c)
Key ( abbreviations used)
Key ( abbreviations used)

An Example
Read the following passage carefully:-
The work of the heart can never be interrupted. The heart’s job is to keep oxygen rich blood
flowing through the body. All the body’s cells need a constant supply of Oxygen, especially
those in the brain. The brain cells live only four to five minutes after their oxygen is cut off,
and death comes to the entire body.

The heart is a specialized muscle that serves as a pump. This pump is divided into four
chambers connected by tiny doors called valves. The chambers work to keep the blood
flowing round the body in a circle.

At the end of each circuit, veins carry the blood to the right atrium, the first of the four
chambers 2/5 oxygen by then is used up and it is on its way back to the lung to pick up a
fresh supply and to give up the carbon dioxide it has accumulated. From the right atrium the
blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the second chamber, the right ventricle. The right
ventricle contracts when it is filled, pushing the blood through the pulmonary artery, which
leads to the lungs – in the lungs the blood gives up its carbon dioxide and picks up fresh
oxygen. Then it travels to the third chamber the left atrium. When this chamber is filled it
forces the blood through a valve to the left ventricle. From here it is pushed into a big blood
vessel called aorta and sent around the body by way of arteries.

Heart disease can result from any damage to the heart muscle, the valves or the pacemaker. If
the muscle is damaged, the heart is unable to pump properly. If the valves are damaged blood
cannot flow normally and easily from one chamber to another, and if the pacemaker is
defective, the contractions of the chambers will become un-coordinated.

Until the twentieth century, few doctors dared to touch the heart. In 1953 all this changed
after twenty years of work, Dr. John Gibbon in the USA developed a machine that could take
over temporarily from the heart and lungs. Blood could be routed through the machine
bypassing the heart so that surgeons could work inside it and see what they were doing. The
era of open heart surgery had begun.

In the operating theatre, it gives surgeons the chance to repair or replace a defective heart.
Many parties have had plastic valves inserted in their hearts when their own was faulty. Many
people are being kept alive with tiny battery operated pacemakers; none of these repairs
could have been made without the heart – lung machine. But valuable as it is to the surgeons,
the heart lung machine has certain limitations. It can be used only for a few hours at a time
because its pumping gradually damages the bloods cells.

On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using headings & Sub
headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary (minimum 4). Use a format
you consider suitable. Supply an appropriate title to it.

(a) Heart
1) Function of Heart
1.1 vital for living - never stop wrkg.
1.2 supplies oxygen rich blood to diff. parts of the body.
2) Structure of the heart
2.1 div. 4 chambers connected by valves
2.2 blood purified in the lungs.
2.3 arteries carry pure blood to diff. Part of the body.
3) Heart disease – cause
3.1 weak muscles
3.2 defective valves
3.3 defective pace maker
4) History of open heart Surgery.
4.1 1953 – Dr. Gibbon inv. Heart lung machine
4.2 blood could pass through the machine
4.3 enabled open heart surgery
4.4 Limitation
4.4.1 can be used only for a few hrs. at a time.
4.4.2 damages flood cells.
 Key to abbreviations used
• diff. - Different
• inv. - Invented
• div. - Division
• chamb. - Chambers
• hist. - History
• hrs. - Hours

(b) Summary
The heart is a vital organ of the body, which never stops working. It supplies oxygen rich
blood to all parts of the body. It is divided into four chambers inter connected by valves.
Blood is purified in the lungs and arteries carry it to different parts of the body. Heart disease
can be caused by weak muscles, defective valves or a defective pace maker. The era of open-
heart surgery began in 1953 when Dr. Gibbon developed the heart lung machine.
Replacement of valves and other areas of a damaged heart is now possible.

WRITING SECTION

NOTICE
Let’s Understand ………..

It is a written or printed news announcement or information. It may be a formal

announcement of public importance or an advance warning meant for compliance and
information.

Points to Remember…

• Box is mandatory.
• Word limit: 50 words
• Personal pronouns are not used
• Use passive form of voice. Write from a third person’s perspective.
• Style & tone of the language should essentially be formal but a notice from an
individual (like lost & found notice) can use informal style as well.
• Strictly follow the format.

Format
Name of the Organization/Institution, Place

NOTICE
Date
Heading
Body of the Notice: Include all the important details.
In case of an event do not forget to write the date, venue
and timing

Signature
Name
Designation
 Example

St. Mary’s School

NOTICE
10 March 2016
Cultural Evening
The Cultural Club of St. Mary’s School is organizing a grand Cultural Evening On 30 of
March, 2016 at 6 p.m. It is being organized on the last working day of the year as a thanks
giving programme in the school auditorium. The Students of class XII will present, a short
dance – drama Tagore’s ‘Chandalika’, a Bharatanatyam dance, poetic recitations and group
songs are some of the features lined up for the evening. Guests will not be entertained.

Signature
Nandan
Secretary

ADVERTISEMENTS

Let’s Understand ………..

An advertisement is a powerful medium to influence the minds, tastes and even motives of
the masses.
Advertisements are of two types - Classified and Commercial

Characteristics of Classified Advertisements

• Categorized into columns according to their classes.
• The category must be stated at the top.
• Written in short phrases and words.
• Language used is simple and concise
• Less space, fewer words – costs less
• Word limit – 50 words

Points to Remember…
• Along with the regular details add e-mail id.
• The first two to four words in capital/ darkened.
• Write classified headings in capitals at the top.
• Present it in a box.

1. Characteristics of Lost and Found

• Begin with ‘Lost’ or ‘Found’
• Specify Item
• Give a brief physical description
• When/ Where lost or found
• Reward, if any
• Contact address and phone No.

Example
LOST AND FOUND

Lost a brown coloured, Samsonite briefcase, containing important documents

and some cash and a cheque book in RTA Bus No. X23 yesterday between 3 and 4
pm. Finder please contact Mohanbhai Patel on 055-6748253. Handsome reward

2. Characteristics of Situation Vacant/Wanted

• Begin with Wanted or Required.
• The name and the Company or Organisation.
• Post and number of vacancies.
• Age and sex of the candidate.
• Qualification and experience.
• Other details(optional)
• Pay scale and perks.
• Mode of applying
• Contact address and phone no.

Example
SITUATION VACANT

ENGLISH TEACHER

Postgraduate in English with five years teaching experience at Senior Secondary

level in a CBSE affiliated school in India or the UAE required immediately. Strict
disciplinarian, capable of conducting co-curricular activities preferred. Knowledge
of computers essential. Apply with complete C.V. to: The Principal, New Horizon
Visionary School, PO Box 601, Dubai or [email protected].

3. Characteristics of To-Let
• Begin with ‘Wanted’ or ‘Available’
• State type of accommodation
• Give brief description
• Rent expected.
• Contact address and phone no

Example
FLATS TO LET
Very spacious 1 and 2 B/R apartments in a new building in Al Barsha, behind Lulu
Hypermarket, with C.A/C, reserved covered parking, equipped gym, swimming pool,
24 hrs. security, generous layouts with fitted wardrobes, located close to Mall of the
Emirates, for ready possession. Rent Dhs. 60K & 80K, payable in 4 instalments. Call
 4. Characteristics of Advertisements Relating to Educational Institutions
• Name of institution/its past record
• Courses offered, duration
• Eligibility criteria
• Last day for registration
• Contact address and phone no

Example
SUMMER COURSE

IAPC announces the commencement of its summer courses in computer education.

Duration-3 months. Eligibility-Sr Secondary. Excellent faculty-2 hrs. practical
training every day. Incentives for early birds, fee ₹ 5000 payable in 3 instalments.
Apply by 10 April, 2016 or contact Secretary 05-05342259

5. Characteristics of Missing Persons/Pets

• Begin with ‘Missing’
• Give brief physical description
• Since when-from where missing
• Reward
• Contact address and phone no

• Person missing-
• specify name, age, height
• Complexion and build
• Clothes/identifying features.

Pet missing
• specify name, breed, age, colour of fur/skin etc.

Example
MISSING

Missing a boy, Ankush, 14 yrs, 4’10”, fair, slim, wearing blue striped shirt and
white trousers, since 25 Sep 2015 from AV School, Kidwai Nagar, Lucknow.
Finder will be duly rewarded. Inform Police Control Room Ph. No. 2410000

6. Characteristics of Sale/ Purchase of Property/ Vehicle/ Household Goods

• Begin with for Sale/ Purchase or Available/ Wanted
• Type of Accommodation / Vehicle / Household item
 • Brief Physical Description
a) Property
• Size, floor, No. of rooms etc.
• Fixtures and fittings
• Location and surroundings
b) Vehicle
• Model / year of manufacturing
• Colour, accessories etc.
• Condition / mileage done
c) Household good
• Brand / model /year of manufacturing
• Specific material in case of furniture
• Present condition
• Price offered / expected
• Contact address and phone No.

Example
FOR SALE

Rohini flats Phase II, ground floor, 2 bed rooms, D/D with full interiors. Car
parking available. East park facing. Centrally located. Reasonable price.
Contact C.B. Gupta 050- 5087113

7. Characteristics of Tours and Travels

• Begin with ‘Package Available’
• Name of the travel agency
• Destination and duration
• Details of package- food/ boarding/ lodging sightseeing etc.
• Cost and special discounts
• Contact address and phone No.

Example

TOURS AND TRAVELS

Attractive package for Goa, 3 nights/ 4 days, Deluxe accommodation. All meals,
sight seeing, city tour, airport transfers, boat cruise ₹ 5499 per head. Special
discount for bookings till 15 March, 2016. Contact Heritage Tours and Travels,
26711697, 9847111973 or email us at [email protected]

Characteristics of Commercial Advertisements

• Designed for commercial purpose
• More space more expensive
• Varying font size or shape
• Language: colourful and lucid
• Visually attractive with catchy slogans, punch lines, witty expressions.
Points to Remember…
 • Name of the company / institute etc.
• Details of the product/ event/ educational course etc.
• Special offers or discount, if any
• Contact address of company/ institute etc.

SALE FOR CONSUMER ITEM

Do you have shortage of water

during summer?

………………….. QUENCH YOUR THIRST!

INSTALL PLUGA SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS

GERMAN COLLABORATIOBN

ISO 8002

Buy one today

Available at

ALL LEADING PUMP STORES

In case of difficulty, Contact:

GLOBAL SANITATION

Ph: 04- 2239284, 04- 6060732, 050- 4666222

Poster

Let’s Understand ………..

They are placards displayed in a public place announcing or advertising something. Posters
are notices, advertisements and invitations- all in one.
Features of a poster

a) Layout

• Visually attractive/ Eye Catching • Title- Suggestive/ catchy

• Sketch/ simple drawings
• Use slogan, jingle or short verse • Proportionate spacing etc.
• Letters of different size and shape
b) Content

• Theme/ subject of the poster

• Description/details associated with the theme

• Essential details like time, venue and date (for an event)
• Name of the issuing authority

c) Expression

• Phrases, slogans

• Creativity in terms of content and design

• Overall organization and sequencing

World Of Kids

Presents
KIDS CARNIVAL

Fancy Dress Competition

Exotic Food
Animal Rides

Magic Show Exciting Games

Take Photo with Cartoon Characters

On March 2, 2016
From 5 p.m-10 p.m
Entry Free for Children
Below 12
Further Details Contact :
050-5897114
INVITATION- FORMAL and INFORMAL
Let’s Understand ………..

An invitation is a complete piece of information. It answers the questions who, whom,

where, what time and for what i.e.

• The occasion

• Name of the invitee(s)

• Name of the host(s)

• Date, time, venue

• Other details

• Name, designation & address of the organiser, sponsor or host

• Name of the Chief Guest or Special invitees, in case of an official invitation

Invitations are of two types

Formal and Informal

1. Formal Invitation (Printed) (Meant for many invitees)

• Should be in the third person.

• There is no signature.

• Address should be at the bottom of the invitation.

• Do not mention the date of writing.

• Put at the bottom R.S.V.P. (répondez s'il vous plaît ) which means ‘please reply’.

• Present it in a box.

• Writer can decorate by using pictures, different font styles etc.

 An Example

All are cordially invited to the

INAUGURATION
of our showroom
KID’S PLANET
-Small world for the little ones-
on Sunday, 30th May 2015
at
10.30a.m,
At Kathputli, Market, Amar Vihar, Delhi-110002
RSVP
Vinod Kumar Mehra

2. Meant for an individual (a formal letter of invitation)

• Include the name of the invitee

• Present the content in complete sentences.
• Other details are similar to the mass-scale invitations.
 Kamala Nehru School

Cantonment
Bangalore

February 5, 2016

Mr. K.J. Singh

DCP
Police Lines
Bangalore

Sub: Invitation---Annual Day Function

Sir
It gives us immense pleasure to inform you that we are celebrating our school’s
Annual Day function on February 15, 2016 at 5.30 p.m. in the Activity Hall of the
school. We shall consider it a great honour if you could grace the occasion and
preside over the function as the Chief Guest and give away the prizes.

Yours faithfully
Sd/-
Principal

Reply to a Formal Invitation

Characteristics
• The lines may be written in ordinary prose but the language used is formal.
• It should be in third person.
• No need of signing it.
• There is no address or date, however at times people may put the date at the top right
hand corner or bottom right hand corner.
• Use simple present tense.
• The following vocabulary terms can be used frequently:
Name of he/she thanks
he/she is very happy/ pleased to accept
he/she regrets that
a previous engagement

Accepting
Mr. Ashraf thanks Mrs. & Mr. Sunil Mehra for their kind invitation to their daughter
Meher’s wedding on 30 May 2015 at 7.30p.m. and has great pleasure in accepting
it.
Declining

Mr Ashraf thanks Mrs & Mr Sunil Mehra for their kind invitation to the marriage
of their daughter Meher on 30 May 2015 at 7.30 p.m. but regrets his inability
to attend due to prior engagement.

Informal Invitation

Characteristics
• The format of an informal invitation is the same as informal letter
• It should be in first person
• Sender’s address should be there
• The date of writing should be mentioned, but no need of writing the year
• Salutation is Dear + Name
• Complementary close should be there
• Various tenses of the verb can be used unlike formal invitations.
• It is polite to reply to an invitation, even though it is not mentioned in the
invitation.
• The vocabulary is less formal [eg. I am sorry rather than regrets]

Vinod Niwas
75 sector 11 A
Delhi

12 April

My Dear Ashraf

You will be pleased to know that Meher is getting married on 30 May 2015.Our would
be son-in-law is a Software Engineer working for an MNC in Bangalore.

We are eagerly looking forward to your presence.

Do come with family.

Yours lovingly
Sunil Mehra
Informal invitation
Reply to an Informal Invitation
Characteristics
• The layout of a reply to an informal invitation is also informal like the invitation.
• Acknowledge the invitation
• Mention the invitation in first /second person
• Mention acceptance or refusal (specify reason)
• Use warm and simple language
 eg:-heartiest congratulations
Much pleasure to join
We are sorry

Accepting

No.26
Dreamshore

16 Feb

Dear Sunil

I am pleasantly surprised to receive your invitation to Meher’s wedding. Has she

grown so big? I still remember when she used to play with me. How time flies!

Well, it really is a big occasion. I will definitely join you to make arrangements and to
bless her.

Yours lovingly
Ashraf

Declining
No.26
Dreemshore

16 Feb. 2016

Dear Sunil

I am pleasantly surprised to receive your invitation to Meher’s wedding.

I would have loved to join you on this auspicious occasion but father is in hospital. He
is suffering from pneumonia and needs my constant care.

I feel bad I won’t be able to join you on the happy occasion personally. Please accept
my greetings.

Yours lovingly
Ashraf
Marking Scheme for Notice/ Advertisements/ Poster and Invitation

Format-1mark

Content-2marks
Expression-1marks (spelling, coherence, relevance)

LETTER WRITING (FORMAL)

Points to Remember

• Use proper lay out.

• Write sender’s address, date, receiver’s address, salutation, subject, body of the
letter, subscription from the left hand margin.
• Divide the body of the letter into 3 paragraphs
• Leave a clear line space after each paragraph.
• Do not use comma after subscription. There is no apostrophe in ‘Yours’.
• Be accurate, specific and concise.
• Be simple, direct, and to the point

Format
SSR Model Town
Rohtak {Sender’s Ad.(without name)}

19 November 2009 (Date)

The Director
Institute of Marketing
New Delhi (Designation & Receiver’s Address.)
Sir (Salutation)
Sub: Request for information (Subject)
………………………………………….
…………Introductory…………………. (one para)
…………………………………………

…………………………………………
…………… Main Content……………
…………………………………………(two para)
……………………………………
…………………………………………

………………………………………………
…………………Concluding Para………… (one para)
…………………………………………

Yours truly/faithfully (complementary close)

Anubhav Vasant (Name of the writer)
S/d (Signature)
 Letter of Complaint

Opening and Closing Statements 


Opening

• This is to inform you that we are not satisfied with …

• I wish to lodge a serious complaint about …
• With deep regret I have to inform you that …
• With reference to the order No. ….Dated ….I would like to complain about
• I would like to complain about …
• I am constrained to express my resentment at the poor quality of ………. supplied by
you.
• Let me remind you that the ……… has been given two years warranty against any
technical fault.
Closing

• I hope for an early response.

• We hope some action will be taken in this matter.
• I hope you will act immediately and relieve our distress.
• We hope to hear from you soon.
• Please look into the matter and let us know the reason.
• Kindly send your service engineer to examine this defect. However, if the defect is
irreparable, please replace the ……….. against the warranty that goes with it.
Example

Your school recently launched a GPS system in the school buses, which will enable the
parents to keep track of their children while they are travelling in the bus. The service is
however not smooth and is facing lot of problems. As the transport in charge of DML public
school, Delhi, write a letter in about 120-150 words to the manager, Forumloft, 21 Park
Street, Delhi, complaining about the same.

DML Public School

New Delhi

December 14th 2015

The Manager
Forumloft
21 Park Street
New Delhi

Sub: Complaint against the GPS systems procured

This letter is to complain about the GPS systems I purchased from your outlet on 23rd
November. Unfortunately this time I am dissatisfied with the service you have provided.
The GPS systems are not functioning well and are not working smoothly. The locations
displayed are not accurate. I have been a loyal customer of yours for the last 4 years and have
successfully made many purchases over the years. This incident makes me extremely
disappointed. I received a lot of complaints from many of the students’ parents regarding the
inefficiency of the new system installed. This has left me in a very embarrassing situation. I
hope by now you have an idea about the need of the hour and the least you can do now is to
replace all the faulty devices at the earliest.

I believe that you will not let me down and upset me this time. As this incident has left me in
a tight spot, I doubt it will affect our business relationship in the coming years. Therefore I
expect you to do the needful at the earliest act immediately for a healthy business
relationship.

I hope to hear from you at the earliest.

Yours faithfully
Signature
Name in Capitals
(Written By Nikhil Anu- 11 Sc)
Letter of Enquiry
Opening and Closing Statements

Opening

• With reference to your …… (notice/adver.) I would like to….

• I am writing to enquire about…
Closing
• I will /shall be grateful if you could send me the following details…
• I shall be grateful for an earlier response…

Example
Your sister has just passed the All India Secondary School Examination of CBSE. She has
seen an advertisement in a newspaper regarding Air Hostess as a career. She is keen to join
the training course provided by ABC Service, Connaught place, New Delhi. Write a letter in
about 120-150 words to the director of the centre seeking necessary information about her
admission. You are Rohit.

49, S-Block
Model Town
Allahabad

5 May, 2016

The Director
ABC Service
Connaught Place
New Delhi
Sub: Enquiry regarding the particulars of the Airline stewardess’ course.

This is with reference to your advertisement published in the Times of India dated 1st
February, 2016 about the Air hostess course. My sister who has just passed the All India
Senior School Certificate examination of CBSE is interested in joining the course but would
like to get some necessary information.

I would like to enquire about the different certificate, diploma and degree courses offered by
your service. I would also like to know whether the candidate will be given any special
training in the area of hospitality management and navigation skills. Clear details regarding
the minimum eligibility standards required for the admission would be helpful.

Please let me know the duration as well as the total fee for the course. I kindly request you to
send me a prospectus to the above address. I am enclosing a self-addressed envelope for the
purpose.

I shall be grateful for an early response.

Yours faithfully
(Signature)
Rohit
(Written By Aswath Prabhakaran – 11 Sc)
Letter to the Editor

Opening and Closing Statements

Opening
• I would like to draw attention ……..
• Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to assert the fact…….
• I wish to draw the attention of the readers and the concerned authorities that ……..
• I would like to express my concern regarding ……….
Closing
• I appeal to the government / parents /municipal authorities …
• I shall be grateful if my letter is given an appropriate space in your newspaper.
• I look forward for an early action by the concerned authorities.
Example

Write a letter to the editor of the Deccan Chronicle about the poor and unhygienic condition
of the Corporation Land adjoining your school premises. It has become a health hazard for
your school children. You are Amrita/Anurag of the SSVG Senior Secondary School,
Chennai.

SSVG Sr. Sec. School

Chennai
India

5 February, 2016
The Editor
Deccan Chronicle
Chennai

Subject: Inefficiency of the municipal authorities

Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
authorities to the filthy corporation land next to the SSVG Sr. Sec. School, Chennai.

Students come to school, in search of education and values. School is a place where children
are taught to be educated and responsible citizens of the world, to be environment friendly
and keep their surroundings clean. However, the land adjoining the school premises is in a
deplorable condition, as domestic waste and garbage of the neighboring houses are thrown
here with no one from the Municipality to clean it. With the spread of Zika virus on the rise,
it is alarming to see the inefficiency of the authorities. One case of malaria has already been
registered by one student of the school.

I have written to the concerned authorities earlier, but no action has been taken so far. I hope
this serves as a wake-up call to the authorities and strict action is taken, before it becomes a
major health hazard.

Yours faithfully
Signature
Anurag
(Written by Aakash Vachani- 11 Sc)

Letter of Order and Reply

Opening and Closing Statements
Opening
• We wish to place an order for ………..
• Thanks for your letter dated 10 Feb. 2016. We find your terms, price and discount
satisfactory and wish to place an order for……….
Closing
• Please arrange for a prompt despatch of the …………. ordered at the earliest.
• Kindly note that if the consignment doesn’t reach by 20th of this month the order
stands cancelled.

Your school has opened a new activity wing for the kindergarten students for which you
require play equipment. Write a letter to the manager, Kids Land, 21, Daryaganj, Delhi in
about 120-150 words placing an order for educational toys and other play equipment. You are
Neera/ Naresh, Superintendent, DHL Public School, Tughlaq Road, Delhi.

DHL Public School

Tughlaq Road
Delhi
4 February 2016
The Manager
Kids Land
21, Daryaganj
Delhi

Subject: Order for educational toys and play equipment

Sir
We wish to place a bulk order for educational toys and play equipment for kindergarten
students with the opening of our new activity wing. The list of toys and play equipment along
with their particulars and item numbers has been attached below:

S.No. Name Item Number Quantity

1 Rubber-Wood Table with 6 chairs L-64-05 30
2 Lego Building Blocks Set F-27 X 33
3 Chalk Board 234 C 10
4 Magnetic Alphabet Set R-41-09 10
5 Junior Abacus A-04-0147 33
6 Deluxe Rest Mats 314-P 40

Being a regular customer, we hope to redeem a discount of 10% on the order. We also hope to
redeem the discount permissible for institutional buyers. The ordered items need to reach us
before 20th February, 2016, in good shape. We would also require the assistance of your
professional team in setting up the equipment. Moreover, you will have to bear the expenses
of the consignment. Payment will be made on delivery.
Please arrange for a prompt dispatch of the ordered goods.

Yours faithfully
Signature
Naresh Roy
(Superintendent)

Reply to an Order Placed

Opening and Closing Statements

Opening
• Thank you for placing an order for …………
• Unfortunately these articles are out of stock.
• It will take about three weeks to process your order.
Closing
• We can guarantee the delivery before ……….
• Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.

Kids Land
21- Daryaganj
Delhi

5 February, 2016

The Superintendent
DHL Public School
Tughlaq Road
Delhi

Subject: Reply against order (No. 3478)

Sir
Thank you for placing your order for educational toys and play equipment for your new
activity wing. Your reference number is REF 64-AG-05090401-ENT-47. Your order will be
processed as soon as possible.

DHL Public School, Delhi, has been our regular customer for several years. We are prepared
to give a discount of 10% on all ordered items except for the item “Rubber-Wood Table with
6 chairs” (Item.no: L-64-05) for the simple reason that the product is already sold at a
reduced price. The 5% discount for institutional buyers can also be taken into account.

Hope we need not remind our old customers like you, of the terms and conditions. We
guarantee the delivery before 20th February, 2016.

Yours faithfully
Signature
Nehemiah Mathew
(The Manager)

(Written by Nithin Presannan- 11 Sc)

Application for a Job

Let’s Understand ………..

A job application comprises of a cover letter and a bio data. The format of a cover letter
remains the same as a formal letter. A cover letter should consist of 3-4 paragraphs where
you can refer to the advertisement, briefly describe your qualification and experience,
availability for an interview etc.

Format of Bio Data

 Bio Data
Name : Full Name

Father’s Name : Full Name (add title)

Address : as in the covering letter

Date of Birth : Calculate it according to the qualification and

experience

Marital Status : single/ married

Sl. No. Course University/ Board Grade/ Class

Academic Qualification:

(Start with the highest / latest degree. E.g. BBA, M.Com., B Com., M.Sc., B.Sc. etc)

Sl. No. Course University/ Board Grade/ Class

Professional Qualification:
(Start with latest or the highest degree. eg. MBA (finance, C. A, C.S,B.Ed., M.Ed., B. E.,
M.E., B. Tech., M. Tech., L.L.B, L.L.M etc)

Sl. No. Name of the Designati Period of

Org on Service
ani
sati
on

Work Experience:
(Start from the present)

Computer Proficiency : Multimedia, M S Office etc.

Skills : Oratory skills, organizational skills, Team
management etc

Personal Interests : Reading, Browsing internet etc.

Languages Known : Start with international language then national and

then mother tongue

References : Person’s name, designation, company, address.

(Minimum 2 and maximum3)
 Example
You are Reuben/ Ruth a post graduate in HR management. You come across an advertisement
in a newspaper regarding a situation vacant for the post of HR Manager in Orion, a
multinational company situated at Bangalore. Write an application for the vacant post
submitting your candidature for the same. Invent other relevant details.

No. 16, JK Street

Gandhi Nagar
Bangalore

10 March 2016

The Chief Executive Officer

Orion
Bangalore

Sub: Application for the post of HR Manager

Sir/ Madam

This letter is in response to your advertisement in The Hindu dated 8 March for the post of
HR Manager. I would like to submit my candidature for the same.

I have been an outstanding student throughout my school and college life. I am presently
working as an Assistant Manager for a well-known Korean company. I assure you of
dedicated service if given a chance to work in your esteemed organization. I shall be
available for an interview at your convenience.

My detailed bio data, certificates and testimonials are attached herewith.

Thank You

Yours truly
Signature
Reuben Pereira

Bio data
Name : Reuben Pereira
Father’s Name : Mr. Pereira Nicholas
Address : No. 16, JK Street, Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore
Date of Birth : 03rd January 1993
Gender : Male
Marital Status : Single

Educational Qualification

S. Name of the Course Board / University Year of Passing Class/

No Grade
1. MBA (HR) Jawaharlal Nehru Uni 2012-13 First
B. Com Manipal University 2010-11 First

Work Experience
S. Name of the Organisation Designation Period of Service
No
1. Multis Hydro Incorporated Assistant Manager 2014- till date
Multis Hydro Incorporated Management Trainee 2013-2014

Languages Known : English, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada

Computer Proficiency : M. S. Office

Skills Possess : Team Management, Communication, Collaboration

Hobbies : Travelling, Reading, Playing Hockey

References : 1. Prof. N. M. Mathew

HOD
Dept. of Commerce
Manipal University

2. Mr. Madavan Verma

General Manger
Multis Hydro Incorporated
New Delhi
 Article Writing

Let’s Understand ………..

An Article is a highly structured and directional piece of writing, written for a specific
purpose like, to inform, to persuade, to entertain or to convince the reader. It essentially has
several paragraphs containing a distinct beginning, middle and a conclusion.

Format of an Article

1. Title/Heading: There are no predetermined rules as such, but it may comprise of a

single word, a phrase or a sentence of 4-5 words. The title should be thought
provoking and catchy and should highlight the theme.
2. Introduction: Keep the topic in perspective; specify it, keeping the reader’s interest
intact by providing some surprising information or interesting facts, related to the
context.
3. Description of the topic: Highlight various facets of the topic like the cause and
effects, advantages and disadvantages etc.
4. Ending: Wind up your article with your own views, criticisms or suggestions, etc.
5. Conclusion: End the article with a desire, an appeal, a warning or a note of hope.
6. Name of the writer: Sign off your article with your name towards the end. The
Name can come immediately after the heading as well.
Sample Article
You are Sukhmani/Sukhpal from Laxmi Nagar, Delhi. You are appalled to read the survey
reports of UNICEF which have rated India below many Africans countries in providing
Health Care Facilities to its people. You feel that neglecting health care is going to have a
very bad impact on India’s prospects in future. Write an article in about 250 words expressing
your views.

India’s Deprecating Medical Facilities

~ By Samartha Bhat
Health plays a pivotal role in the well-being of an individual. From the dawn of the Indus
civilization, ancient Indian medical practitioners have outlined various sets of prevention and
cures for a host of diseases, disorders and maladies. The Indian system of AYUSH
(Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) prevailed long before the West discovered
suitable remedies for prevailing epidemics, illnesses and health-related issues. Our
efficacious usage of Nature in treatment was thought to have sealed a healthy future for India,
but this is not so. Where does India stand as far as health is concerned?
Reports from the UNICEF show that Indian healthcare facilities are one of the worst in the
world - ranking below even some third-world African countries. The truth of the matter is that
there are phenomenal healthcare facilities in India. The only problem is that they are all
owned by private, for-profit organizations. There are very few non-profit organizations and
even fewer government controlled hospitals that are actually worth their salt. Yes, India's
economy is great but that is due to the rich few, who can afford the best in healthcare, but the
majority - farmers, millworkers, and villagers - living on minimum wages cannot afford even
two square meals per diem, yet they are expected to pay exorbitant doctor’s fee if they are to
survive. What a sorry state!

For this situation the government is to blame. These elected members belong to the people
who can afford to spend lakhs in a private hospital, only here the money comes from the
taxpayers' pocket. What they need to understand is that the needs of the many outweigh the
needs of the few. By neglecting healthcare in their policies they are not only toying with
millions of lives, they also ruin India from an economic standpoint. If healthcare falters, the
labor force weakens, foreign investment drops and India stumbles. Hence, if politicians wish
to avoid this catalytic chain reaction and keep their pockets full, it is in their best interest to
keep the people richer. After all health is wealth…

India will be able to replace fever with fervor, stupor with stringent rules, and maladies with
medical facilities, if it can revert to its previous Golden Era of medicine, when Nature was
the best physician.

Marking Scheme

Format 2
Mark
The layout with title and writer’s name.
Content 4
Marks
Your creativity involved in the presentation of your ideas and thoughts.
Expression 4
Marks
Grammatical accuracy, no spellings errors, relevant ideas organized coherently.
 Report Writing

Let’s Understand ………..

A written report is a permanent record of events. Reporting can include news events,
experiences, messages, experiments, interviews, business activities etc. It essentially has
several paragraphs containing a distinct beginning, middle and a conclusion.
Format of a Report
What is a Report?
• A report must be factual. But the facts should be accurate and true.
• It must be concise but interesting to the readers.
• A report is written in third person.
• Sometimes it is written in Passive voice.
Format
• Heading/Title
• Name of the Reporter/Writer
• Date and Place

Headline
Headline must be attractive, interesting and appealing.
By line
Put the name of the writer just under the headline.
Opening Paragraph
• This paragraph gives the report in a nut shell.
• Here state the incident in brief.
• Do not forget to give day, date, and time of the incident.
• Refer to specific place of the incident with proper land mark.
• Include the people related to the incident.
• Specify the reason of the incident or course of the incident.
Paragraph detailing the incident:
• Here you need to present the incident precisely and in chronological order.
• Facts must be given prior importance and no fanciful or superfluous talks.
• Put opinions of different people (If possible – quotation) to authenticate your view.
Concluding Paragraph
• Include Promises by authorities
• Relate with probable future actions
• End with a reflective meaningful end line
You are Arif Khan, the editor of the school magazine, The Expression. Write a report on the
recently concluded National Day Celebration.

Sample Report Explanation

National Day Celebration in Our School Write the TITLE of the report
Arif Khan By Line

This year our school held a grand National Day Paragraph 1:INTRODUCTION
celebration on 31 August 2005. It was held in our • What was the event?
school field.
• When was it held?

• Who organized the event?

• Who were invited?

The event kicked off at 8.00 a.m. All the students and Paragraph 2 BODY
many parents were already gathered around the field. • Write the sequence of the
T h e p r e s i d e n t o f t h e P a r e n t - Te a c h e r events
Association officiated the opening ceremony. Then
• Use sequence connectors
we had the march past. The school band led the march
past. Members of the various school societies, Include the following points:
uniformed bodies and clubs also took part. The • Who were involved?
students marched steadily past us in neat rows. They
• What happened?
looked smart and patriotic.After the march past, we
had the raising of the flag by the head prefect, Azlan • Where & When it happened
Hashim. The school band played the National Anthem • Feelings of the people
as the flag was raised. This was followed by some involved?
cultural shows performed on stage erected at one end
• Describe the place /
of the field. There were traditional dances performed
by the students. Their costumes were beautiful and the environment / weather
performances were excellent. The students had clearly using suitable adjectives (if
put in a great of practice. Their efforts paid off well as relevant)
all the dance steps were brilliantly executed.

Despite the heat that morning, we had a great time. CONCLUSION

Our National Day celebration was truly • Was the event a success?
a momentous one. The event was a success. It also
• What could be learnt from
helped us to appreciate the wonderful country we live
in and made us proud to be Malaysians. the event?
 Speech Writing
Let’s Understand ………..

There is a subtle difference in writing a speech as compared to an article. The speech begins
with a formal salutation to the Chief Guest(s), fellow speakers and the audience. The most
challenging task before the speaker is to make the audience interested. A speech ends with a
note of thanks to the audience. Now let’s check out the basic structure of a speech.
Format of a Speech

Introduction

Exposition of the Topic

Summing up

Conclusion

Now, let’s understand each of the components of a speech in detail.

Introduction

• You could start with a striking pre-speech note to interest your audience.
• You could also refer to some recent issue that affects the audience, an anecdote or
a story or historical reference could give you a good beginning.
• The next step is to greet the Chief Guest(s) fellow speakers and the audience.
• Specify that occasion of the speech.
• Announce the topic of your speech.

Exposition of the Topic

Build up a sequence of ideas

To support your ideas, look for most relevant examples, evidences or date. Draw up
arguments for and against the topic. Advantages, disadvantages etc.
Present your evidence in an interesting way. Paint verbal picture, personalize it or dramatize
it.

Summing up
Summarize the most important points in your speech.

Conclusion
Depending on the purpose of your speech, conclude with a call for action, an appeal, a
request/ warning, a request or an expression of thanks.

Marking Scheme

Format : 1 Mark
The layout with title and speaker’s name

Content : 4 Marks
This includes your creativity involved in the presentation of ideas and thoughts.

Expression : 5 Marks
This includes grammatical accuracy and no spelling errors, also, the ideas you present should
be relevant to the topic and organized coherently.

Example

You are representing your school at the Jawaharlal Nehru Declamation Contest and the topic
given to you is ‘Is Death Penalty Morally Justified?’ Write your speech in 150-200 words.
You are Navjit/ Namita.

Is Death Penalty Morally Justified?’

What if I told you that there has been another terrorist attack on Mumbai where thousands of
people have been killed? What if I told you that another innocent 18-year-old has been raped
in Delhi? What if I told you that a man murdered an entire family simply because they did not
follow the same religion as him? And now what if I said that the culprits of all of these cases
have been apprehended and it was now up to you to decide whether they live or die.

Good afternoon to everyone. I am Navjit Singh and I am here to tell you whether the death
sentence is morally justified or not. But first I need to know whether any of the crimes I just
listed above were morally justified or not. Why would a group of people want to kill
hundreds of innocent people? To deal with the population crisis? Today most terrorist attacks
happen due to extremist groups. Extremists who use the fear of God to further their own
twisted goals. To show their supremacy.

Locally, murders happen infrequently. Homicides tend to happen due to feuds, vendettas, as
means of revenge, even family problems. For such cases the crime committed is due to rage
or hatred. Fear leads to anger, anger to hate and hate to suffering. But it is easy to let go of
fear hence these crimes will rarely be replicated. Here the death sentence isn’t part of the
equation. But what about when hundreds are murdered. When thousands are killed. Those
aren’t due to fear. Those are……… well I wouldn't know. I am not such. But here the death
sentence is a must. yes, the counterargument is that the jury cannot play God but didn’t the
people committing the atrocity do the same. Didn’t THEY play God?

Why does rape happen? Lust? Rage? A feeling of dominance? Majority of rapes that are
reported in India are of men against women. There are several cases where the heinous crime
goes unreported but we won’t go there. In many cases the punishment is a few years in jail
and then the culprit is back on the streets. In some cases, the accused even receives bail. The
man only spends a few years in jail but what about the victim? She will have to spend her
entire life in a jail of her own? How does anyone recover from that? Well, you don’t. And that
is the cold hard truth.

In conclusion all I wish to say is that if a person decides to end the lives of hundreds, he
doesn’t deserve to live. If he wishes to destroy someones life forever……… Demons do walk
this Earth.
(Written by Samartha Bhat – 12 Sc)

DEBATE WRITING
Let’s Understand ………..

A debate is a formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack
a given proposition. It is a persuasive manner of speaking with the aim of converting the view
of another person, or an audience, to your own point of view.
In this speech, the speaker speaks either for or against the issue being discussed.

Points to remember:
• Open by addressing the audience with ‘Respected chairperson, members of the jury, and
dear friends’, or begin with a simple ‘Good morning, ladies and gentlemen’.

• Begin the first paragraph by making your stand clear, that is, mention ‘the motion tabled
before the house is …’ and state whether you’re speaking ‘strongly in favour of’… or ‘firmly
against…’ the issue.

• Develop 3–4 good points in support of your stand and negate at least two points of your
opponent.
• Try to give a strong example with your best point.
• Language structures used should be specific to a debate.

• At least one point could be built up by asking a series of questions for more effective
presentation. For example, instead of making a statement such as ‘class room teaching
methods even today are often mundane and boring…’, it would be more effective if the point
was conveyed thus— ‘In today’s technology-driven world, may I ask why classroom teaching
methods are still so mundane and boring?’

• Conclude with your strongest point and reiterate your stand once again (use a quotation if
possible).
Marking Scheme

Format : 1 Mark
The layout with proper salutation and conclusion
Content : 4 Marks
This includes your creativity involved in the presentation of ideas and thoughts.
Expression : 5 Marks
This includes grammatical accuracy and no spelling errors, also, the ideas you present should
be relevant to the topic and organized coherently.
 Example

On the National Debate Forum, the topic given to the students is ‘Should college
students or even Class XII students be given unlimited freedom?’ Write a speech for or
against the topic in about 200–250 words.

A very good afternoon, Members of the Jury, my worthy opponent, and dear audience,

Teenage proclaims itself near adulthood. So shouldn’t a teenager be allowed to probe the
mysteries of the world all on his/her own? I firmly disagree with the statement, believing the
last few years of adolescence sets in place the events that decide the rest of a person’s life.
These years could make or break one’s character, and thus, some kind of guidance is
necessary for young and impressionable minds.

My worthy opponents have, time and again, reiterated that teenagers are capable of
discriminating the good from the bad as they are on the threshold of adulthood, saying there
isn’t “much more” that can be learnt in few more years. I disagree with this thought: too
much curiosity can lead to added confusion, even chaos. Teenagers today are in the dark
regarding issues of right and wrong. We read of cases where teenagers join militant groups,
conduct rape, and even kill. The mass shooting at Columbine was masterminded by
teenagers, after all. Some kind of parental guidance should be exercised on teenagers
regarding the kind of movies to be watched, the games to be played, friends to be had etc.

Some of us may strongly protest as to why can’t we be on our own and enjoy life. But the
truth is that the world consists of both good and bad things and teenagers are not in a position
to differentiate between the grey areas amidst good and bad. So parents’ guidance - to a
certain extent - is essential.

Therefore, I think that while creative urges and the inquisitiveness of teenagers about the
goings-on in the world should not be suppressed with too much parental interference,
teenagers, on their part should not insist on complete freedom to make their choices in life.
Thank you (Written by Vivek Rao – 11 Com)
NOTES………..

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