1.Attempt all the questions.
2.Manage your time so that you can complete the paper 10 minutes before.
- 3. Stick to the word limit.
- 4. Start with the section you are confident with.
SECTION-A.
READING COMPREHENSION
STRATEGIES FOR ATTEMPTING COMPREHENSION
1– Read the title.
2– Quickly skim through the questions. This will help you to predict what the passage/ poem
is about. It will help you to read and understand its contents with more clarity and will
keep your mind focused on its theme.
3– Focus on the question that tests vocabulary skills. Read the antonym/synonym given. Look
at the numbers of the paragraphs. Write each word against its respective paragraph. This
gives you a ready reference and helps you to identify the word in the passage / para while
reading.
4– While reading do the following:
- a. Underline the content words
- b. Underline the possible answers of the given questions. It will help you to identify the
answers faster.
- c. Encircle the words that are answers for the vocabulary. Normally a noun for noun, a
verb for a verb and an adverb for an adverb etc.
5– Answer the questions –
- a. The underlined content will help you to find the answer.
- b. If confused between two words:
- Choose the word of the same part of speech / form
- Read the sentence with the word in the question in place of the ones you are choosing
from the passage.
6– Additional tips:
- a. Write clearly and neatly.
- b. Keep in mind the marks allotted to each question.
- c. Do not leave any question unanswered
NOTE – MAKING
STRATEGIES FOR ATTEMPTING NOTE MAKING
- 1. Read the passage thoroughly.
- 2. Find the title/Heading of the passage (Read the first/last paragraph for the title).
- 3. Underline the main points &supporting details.
- 4. Find out the chief division of the passage &use them for Main-headings.
- 5. Find the sub-headings &write them under the Main- headings.
- 6. Circle the longer words or those often repeated words & abbreviate them.
- 7. Organise the information systematically.
*NOTE:
- Do not write in complete sentences; use words/phrases only.
- 2. Underline the HEADING&SUB-HEADING.
- 3. How to form Abbreviations:
(a) Capitalized Initial Letters: eg: W.H .O, L.I.C
(b) The first few letters & the last few letters of the word:eg:
Advertisement-advt., government-govt.
(c) Taking first &last letters of the words: -eg. Reading-rdng. Education-edn
(d)Contractions of word-:eg:will not -won’t; do not -don’t
- Universally recognized SYMBOLS used-eg: viz.-namely; eg.-for example
- 5. Make a box for writing the abbreviations.(Use atleast-4 abbreviations that you have formed.)
- 6. Put the complete word& its abbreviation in the box.
SUMMARISING
- Use the NOTES made to draft the summary.
- Join the points & make them into complete sentences.
- 3. Write short sentences.
- 4. Join the sentences using words like-and;not only; but also;such that;more over
- 5. Follow the word limit. (80 words.)
Marking Scheme:
Distribution of Marks
Note making
Title 1 Mark
Content (minimum 3 headings and sub-headings, with proper indentation and notes) 2 marks
Abbreviation/Symbols (with key) – any four 1 mark
Summary
The summary should include all the important points given in the notes.
Content 3 marks
Expression 1 mark
sentences are used. They are logically and cohesively linked together with the help of suitable
linkers. Do not use abbreviations and symbols.
SECTION-B (ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS)
NOTICE – WRITING (4 MARKS)
INTRODUCTION–Notices-where used: schools, organisations, government boards.
-why used- to inform people about various events, issue, &public instructions.
Important points to be followed:
*Use the word “NOTICE” followed by the name of the organization/institute.
*Write the date on the left hand side.(eg.18th July 2016)
*Give a suitable heading to the notice.
*Content should contain the following-event, date, place, time)
*Conclude the notice with name (signature),&post(designation)
*Write it in a box
*Follow 50 words -limit.
: MARKING SCHEME
*Format-must include the word “NOTICE,”Date, Heading,Writer’sname,&post- (1Mark)
*Content-answers the question “What”,”When”, “Where”& “How”etc.-(2Marks)
*Expression-relates to the overall organization &relevance of the content besides grammatical
accuracy & fluency.(1Mark)
POSTER – MAKING
A poster is used to spread awareness regarding a social issue, an event or a product.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
- Give a heading.
- Write a catchy line/slogan.
- Remember to illustrate your poster with a sketch.
- There is no fixed lay out.
- Use convincing language.
- Follow the word limit.(50 words)
CONTENT: should convey the message clearly.
- For awareness of a Social Problem:
* heading
* the problem& its causes.
* effects of the problem.
* solutions to the problem.
* any other additional information.
- For an Event:
*name of event
*purpose
*date , time, venue
*organiser’s name
*entry ticket
*highlights of the event
*any other relevant information
MARKING SCHEME
FORMAT: 1Mark
CONTENT:2Marks
EXPRESSION:1 Mark
ADVERTISEMENT
TYPES OF ADVERTISEMENT
Classified Display/General
Main Characteristics of Classified Advertisements:
- They are categorised into columns according to different classes. The category is stated at
the top.
- They are written in short catchy phrases and words.
- The language used is simple, factual and formal.
- They are short, concise and to the point.
- All the relevant information is provided.
- Contact name and address is given.
- They are written in a box to attract attention.
Marking Scheme
Format – 1 Mark
Content expression – 2 Marks
Expression – 1 Mark
DISPLAY/GENERAL ADERTISEMENTS
Main Characteristics of Commercial Advertisements:
- Designed for display purpose.
- More space, more expensive in terms of the advertising costs.
- Visually attractive- varying font size or shape.
- Language colourful and lucid,catchy slogans, punch lines, witty expressions and pictures
or sketches.
Necessary Details:
- Name of the company/ institute/ organisers, etc.
- Details regarding the product/ event/ educational course etc.
- Special offers of discount, if any
- Address of the company/ institute/organisers, etc
FORMAL INVITATIONS AND REPLIES
Invitations are extended to relatives, friends, acquaintances and clients on a number of social
occasions like marriages, births, engagements, deaths or other public functions.
Invitations are of two types. – 1) Formal Invitations 2) Informal Invitation
While formal invitations are sent for the above mentioned occasions, many people also send a
handwritten informal invitation beforehand to make these occasions more personal, cordial and
intimate as is appropriate to their relationship.
Replying to invitations is essential. It is an essential courtesy to the host who has extended an
invitation and also helps the host know how many guests will arrive so that he she may make
arrangements accordingly.
Like the invitations, replies to invitations also may be:-
- formal replies
- Informal replies
Formal Invitations:-
Formal invitations are sent in offical capacity for public functions except in the case of Marriage/
Anniversaries.
- A simple yet elegant printed card is preferred.
- Invitations are written in the third person.
Example:- Mrs. and Mr .S Surendran request the pleasure ofyour company /Mr. and Mrs.
Rajkumar…………
- Avoid use of abbreviations for the names of guests, days, dates. However, the abbreviations
RSVP. (Respondez s’il vous plait) which means ‘Please Reply’ is put at the bottom.
- The subject matter is written in the centre setting. Details like address, dress code or any
other instructions are written at the bottom to the left or the right as per choice or
convenience.
Important Points
The invitation is laid out so that each of the following is in a separate line:
- the name(s) of the host (s) issuing the invitation
- the standard expression ‘request the pleasure of the company of ………….’
- the reason for the invitation.
- the time and date of the event.
- the venue of event
- In case a VIP is to be invited (at an official function), his/her name appears prominently
- In case of Printed cards, the name of the invitee may not figure in the invitation.
- The date of issuing the invitation is not mentioned.
- No punctuation is required at the end of a line.
- The simple present tense is used.
FORMAT OF FORMAL INVITATIONS
Host Line
Invite Line
Event Line
DATE
TIME
VENUE
Name of the
Chief Guest
with
Designation
His Consent
Accepting the Invitation (Formal)
Format (Formal Reply)
Sender’s address/
letter head
Date
……………………
……………………
……………………
……………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Content
Reply to Informal Invitations : –
It is an essential courtesy to reply to an invitation. The layout of a reply to an informal invitation
is also informal, like the invitation.
The reply is written in the first person. The salient points in the reply to an informal invitation
are:-
- acknowledging the invitation
- mention acceptance/ refusal (It is essential to give a reason for refusing an invitation.)
- making use of warm and simple language.
LETTER WRITING
FORMAL LETTERS
Formal Letters have a variety of purposes. Formal Letters are written to:
- Ask for/give information
- Apply for a job
- Make inquiries
- Register complaints about inadequate goods or services
- Place orders/send appropriate replies
- Apologize for behaviour
- Solicit new customers for grievances
- Persuade others
- Make an appeal for help
- Send a recommendation
However, all of these letters have a common goal, which is to get the results you want from
someone you may or may not know personally.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- The formal letter is written in formal language. Try to avoid starting with ‘I’. Keep sentence
short and to the point. Do not use contractions.
- End with a short sentence that anticipates the response of the addressee.
- The tone in formal letter is polite and impersonal.
- Use passive voice where possible.
- Be brief and to the point; do not beat about the bush.
- Be clear and specific; state the purpose clearly and concisely.
- Be positive and polite even if you are writing a complaint. Remember on the receiving
end of your letter is a human being!
Business letters
These include:
(i) Letters of enquiry/asking for information
(ii) Replying to enquiry/giving information
(iii) Placing orders and sending replies
(iv) Cancelling orders
A business letter is the basic means of communication between two companies. It is a document
typically sent externally to those outside a company, but is also sent internally to those within a
company.
A business letter should be written whenever you need a permanent record that you have sent
the information requested for, because business letters are generally sent to other professionals.
A formal salutation and closing must be added.
They are different from personal letters in form, tone and content. Most business letters have a
formal tone as opposed to the informal, friendly or personal tone, content and style of the personal
letter. The treatment of the subject has to be simple, systematic and formal.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- begin by identifying yourself
- clearly state the purpose of writing
- give relevant details
- make a request for appropriate action
- be positive and polite – even if you are making a complaint
- use polite language and a pleasant tone
- Quote reference numbers, order number, cheque/demand draft number, file numbers, etc.
- convey message briefly and in a straightforward manner
Official Letters
These include:
- Letters of complaint
- Making inquiries
iii. Making requests/appeals
Official letters are written to various public or civil servants who generally head their respective
departments, sections, branches or zones.
Important points
- Show due respect but do not flatter or sound too servile
- Clearly state the purpose of writing
- Use polite language and a pleasant tone
Letters to the Editors
These letters give suggestions/create awareness on an issue of public interest or an issue already
raised in an article/write-up/published letter.
Important Points
- Begin with reference to the recent development/event/issue
- Give details of the topic bringing out cause-effect relationship
- Offer suggestions/solutions
- Do not ask the editor to solve the problem as he can only voice your views and ideas.
Job Applications
These types of letters demand a very formal and precise treatment. Their format is almost the
same as that of the forwarding cover letter and is usually accompanied by a curriculum vitae/
resume. The curriculum vitae/resume ought to include the name, address, name, date of birth,
educational qualifications, experience, hobbies, expected salary and Reference .
ARTICLE WRITING
Articles and speeches express the personal opinion of the writer and present information
on a variety of themes.
FORMAT:
- Write the HEADING/TITLE at the top.
- Write the name of the writer below it.
- Split your subject matter into 3-4 paragraphs.
(i) Paragraph-1: Introduction-briefly tell what the Article is about, giving some startling fact
or quotation to arouse interest.
(ii) Paragraph-2&3: Develop the cause and effect of the problem. Give statistical data to support
your views. Compare and contrast.
(iii) Paragraph-4 : Conclusion.Briefly offer suggestions and solutions to improve the situation.
Predictions and personal observation may be included.
- Systematic presentation of ideas is a must.
- Pay attention to grammatical accuracy and use of good vocabulary.
- Use sentence linkers to ensure continuity-eg .consequently, similarly, finally, moreover, etc.
- Avoid irrelevant information and repetition.
- Follow word limit (150-200 words)
DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS:
ARTICLE WRITING
FORMAT: (title &writer’s name) 1mark
CONTENT: (4MARKS)
EXPRESSION: (5marks)
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings (2 1/2marks)
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style (2 1/2marks)
DEBATE/SPEECH
DEBATE
The purpose of making a debate/ speech is to convey information orally to a large gathering
of people strongly and convincingly.
FORMAT Includes the topic (For/Against) SALUTATION, greeting the chief guest and fellow
speakers or listeners.
-Begin with “Honourable Chairperson, judges, teachers and my dear friends, I stand before you
to express my views for/against the motion on the topic…….”
CONTENT: Express your views about the topic .
-Compare, contrast and sum up highlighting your viewpoint.
-use LANGUAGE that is persuasive and powerful using the expressions like-I vehemently
disapprove of, I strongly feel, in my opinion, may I ask…..etc.
SPEECH: must reflect CLARITY of thought, accuracy of facts and balanced view.
At the end write “THANK YOU”.
Follow the word limit
.MARKING SCHEME
FORMAT: (title &writer’s name) 1mark
CONTENT: (4MARKS)
EXPRESSION: (5marks)
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings (2 1/2marks)
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style (2 1/2marks
Report Writing
A report can be a brief note or a complete detailed information about an event that has taken
place in the past.
Types of Reports
– For News Paper
– For Magazine
POINTS to Remember
– Be brief and to the point.
– Report an event in the order in which things happend.
– Should be always written in Past Tense (Magazine) and a mixture of tenses (for News Paper).
Format for Magazine
Heading by
Content Split into 3-4 paragraph.
1st Para :-What/Where/When/for Whom, who is invited.
2nd Para :- Sequence of the event to be described.
3rd Para : – Quote excerpts from Chief Guests Speech and Conclusion.
FORMAT FOR NEWS PAPER
HEADLINE
BY _________________
Date : ______________________
Place : _____________________
1st Para :-Expansion of the headline.
2nd Para :- Detailed description of the event/ happening.
3rd Para : – Remakrs of the witness/people present at the event.
MARKING SCHEME
FORMAT: (title &writer’s name) 1mark
CONTENT: (4MARKS)
EXPRESSION: (5marks)
Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings (2 1/2marks)
Coherence and relevance of ideas and style (2 1/2marks
TEXUAL QUESTIONS
Extracts from poems and chapters and questions based on it (4marks +4 marks)
Short Answer type questions from flamingo and Vistas. (5×2 10 marks)
Distribution of marks:
Content: 1 marks.
Expression: 1 mark (deduct ½ a mark for two or more grammatical/spelling mistakes.)
Long Answer questions from Flamingo and Vistas (6+6 marks) – based on theme incidents and characters and extrapolation.
MARKING SCHEME
Content -4 marks
Expression -2marks
Suggested distribution of time
Reading section -50 minutes
Writing section
Short composition- 10 minutes
Letter -10 minutes
Report/ Article -15 minutes
Debate /Speech -15 minutes
Short questions on poem 5 minutes
Short questions from vistas and Flamingo -15 minutes
Long answer type question from Flamingo -10 minutes
Long answer type question from Vistas -10 minutes
Two questions from Novel 10 +10 =20 minutes.
Rest 20 minutes for recapitulation.