Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Instructions for the students who are appearing for the 12th std. HSC Board Examination

Subject: English 

1. Students should be in the Examination Hall at 10.30 am sharp for the 11 am paper.
2. The special reading time which was given earlier is no more there. Extra 10 minutes will be given for the paper so the exam time is 3 hours and 10 minutes now.
3. Use of regular lead pencil is allowed only for diagrams / outline shapes /boxes etc. 
Answers /content written with pencil will not be accepted. 
White ink or correction pen, sketch pen, colure pencils are strictly not allowed. 
4. Use only black or blue pen with waterproof ink or regular ball pens. 
5. Don't change the order of the questions. Write the answers as per the order given in the question paper. Write the answers as per the order of the questions, sub questions and sections. 
6. Write the question numbers correctly while attempting the questions.
7. Write the descriptive answers in grammatically correct complete sentences.
8. Draw the format correctly if the activities are in tabular or web diagram form.
9. For the fill in the blanks or complete the sentence type of questions, write the complete sentence and underline the keywords.
10. For true or false questions, write the complete sentence given in the question and the full word true or false (whatever is applicable) against the sentence. 
11. For match the columns, write the terms/words from both the columns and their numbers correctly and write the answer as per the correct match. 
12. Start every answer of writing skill or long answer on a new page. 
13. In the long and descriptive answers, compositions write in multiple small paragraphs and underline the keywords.


All the best for your English paper and HSC Board Examination 👍

Friday, February 16, 2024

XII Textbook and Question Banks

SYJC Textbook 2020 pdf link 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DouGrBFspDPwM75eMOks9Gv_jUsLYgb1/view?usp=drivesdk

SYJC Question Bank 2021 pdf link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17FL_BYhAAhmkfcrXM8e8LnX5f5orIJSp/view?usp=drivesdk

SYJC Question Bank 2023 pdf link

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/17FRrVPlNPU3Sh9Gxdn5DeQdtSR6lOoKE/view?usp=drivesdk

SYJC Guidance and Practice booklet of selective material 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cd9p436q6YV58MRORHVeG6dahbiWbYBP/view?usp=drivesdk


Thursday, February 15, 2024

SYJC Study Related VIDEO LINKS

XII 1.2 ON SAYING PLEASE:
PICTURE JOURNEY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzOUCLa920Y

XII 1.3 THE COP AND THE ANTHOM:
FULL STORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPbGx8cRmlk

XII 1.6 INTO THE WILD:
VIEW OF THE NAGZIRA NATURE PARK

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9idtBSZiNs8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqYFsdU-CCc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRfj3gD64To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z86MOZrAoSo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U63v9czKne8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ow6ojqnUe8&list=RDCMUCOa9eLJWsooLj1b1IpoqNuQ&index=2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RLG1tnUqlc

MARATHI DOCUMENRY ON KIRAN PURANDARE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbZPDTA79Vc

SHAZ JUNG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxvYEmW9XzM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xpoM_JmnE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQGdApbRf_U

XII 1.7 WHY WE TRAVEL?:
15 REASONS TO TRAVAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wKE0LGRWeQ

PICO IYER TED TALK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh-TVcNFtVI

XII 1.8 VOYAGING TOWARDS EXCELLENCE
Ted talk speech in Marathi by Achyut Godbole

https://youtu.be/ebFe4p-i4WE

XII 2.3 THE INCHCAPE ROCK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apfIFOA3IIs

https://youtu.be/apfIFOA3IIs

XII 4.2 TO SIR WITH LOVE:

SONG ‘To Sir with Love ‘AND the END

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXaEf4ktpPA

MOVIE TRAILOR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yruJf79dudQ

XII 4.3 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS:
LAST EPISODES COVERED IN THE TEXT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhSHHYkGiqI

XII 4.4 THE SIGN OF FOUR:
FULL MOVIE

https://youtu.be/gHxPBrlBJS4
Or 
https://youtu.be/gHxPBrlBJS4?si=854-nVKKqjHf3loP

ANIMATED MOVIE

https://youtu.be/S_JWnY4p6YE?si=PNQnUeGnWK3egIxZ




FYJC study related Video Links

1.1 Being Neighbourly
Loud reading of the chapter:
https://youtu.be/QlN5fuVcogY

https://youtu.be/I-hCADl2au4

Full movie:
https://youtu.be/JbQagGfaacY

(Between the time 28.55 – 35.55 the story, Being neighbourly)
Full movie: https://youtu.be/1UUpcpiSUak

https://youtu.be/HF4JY3byatw

https://youtu.be/qeSZZKz3FSA

1.2 On the summit: We reach the top
Documentaries:
https://youtu.be/wZEmHJ3nj5c

https://youtu.be/K_Y-njMQPU4

https://youtu.be/wVWqzHWZGLQ

https://youtu.be/fJdeC6FIK0s

https://youtu.be/XvWdaGNw02k

https://youtu.be/UbD3bdcIsus

1.3 The call of the soil
Documentary: https://youtu.be/7mFb7a4xTpY

Interview: https://youtu.be/WoTCD_nk9xo

1.6 Tiger Hills
Documentaries
https://youtu.be/hphkGny78Xs

https://youtu.be/opVC11z3ZFc

https://youtu.be/Rf6a9TJD7Y0

4.2 Rising of the Moon
The original song: https://youtu.be/I0zBlHlnR4Y

Dramatization: https://youtu.be/QW20u3PqoHQ

4.3 A. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Audio: https://youtu.be/SAQ6U-PdKpE

Dramatization: https://youtu.be/pTPkbXFB_wk

Dramatization: https://youtu.be/u19lLuOA9FE

4.3 B. An Enemy of the People
Complete novel dramatized: https://youtu.be/e04_KqGaW4Q

TV Series (Episodes 5, 6 & 7 covered in the textbook) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJkeRL_mOtyKNdi3TP9g1vsUFmiSmCAA6


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Question Paper Format FYJC II Terminal Examination

SUBJECT: ENGLISH 
CLASS: XI
(80 Marks)
                                                              SECTION I-PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Note-Making/Mind Mapping)
Q. 1 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12]
(Seen extract from Section No. 1 consisting of 275-300 words)
A1) Global understanding (02)
A2) Complex factual (02)
A3) Inference/Interpretation/Analysis (02)
A4) Personal response (02)
A5) Language study (02)
A6) Vocabulary (02)
B) Language Study (Non-textual Grammar) [04]
B1) Do as directed / Transformation of Sentences (03)
B2) Spot the error (01)
Q. 2 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [18]
(Unseen extract consisting of 275-300 words)
A1) Global understanding (02)
A2) Complex factual (02)
A3) Inference/Interpretation/Analysis (02)
A4) Personal response (02)
A5) Language study (02)
A6) Vocabulary (02)
B) Summary Writing (03)
Write the summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of the given points/hints.
C) Note-Making/Mind Mapping- (Completion task) (03)
Read the given extract and complete the given activity as per the instructions.
SECTION II POETRY
(Poetry And Appreciation)
Q.3 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
(Seen extract from a poem of about of 10-15 lines) [10]
A1) Global understanding (02)
A2) Inference/Interpretative/Analysis (02)
A3) Personal Response (02)
A4) Poetic Device (02)
A5) Creativity (compose 2-4 lines) (02)
B. APPRECIATION
Read the extract and write as per the instructions: (04)
(Seen extract of 10-15 lines from another poem, not asked in Q.3 A)
SECTION III
(Writing Skills)
Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: [16]
A. E-mall/Letter Writing (Formal) (04)
B. Expansion of Ideas/Blog Writing/Film Review (04)
C. Appeal/Leaflet/Report Writing/ View-Counterview (04)
D. Speech Writing/Compering/Dialogue Writing/Interview (04)
SECTION IV
(Literary Genre – Drama) [16]
Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:
(Activities on MCQ/Match the columns/Chronological order/Fill in the Blanks/True False/Elements of Drama)
1. Activities on History of English Drama (02)
2. Activities on History of English Drama (02)
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions bared-on-One-Act Play. (Unit 4.2)
(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/ Language/Character)
1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss (02)
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify (02)
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (Unit 4.3 A)
(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/ Language/Character)
1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss (02)
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify (02)
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: Unit 4.3 B
(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/ Language/Character)
1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss (02)
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify (02)
Activity Sheet Format shared by the HSC Board
As per the new syllabus applicable from 2019 – 20

Friday, February 9, 2024

HSC BOARD QUESTION PAPERS (ENGLISH)

September 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16iHfwOuKnyFdmhfbgiFDMXRmb04uy4TS/view?usp=drivesdk

March 2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1siSj1BhLwCLm84GZJnJTUoeKK2wLqHMt/view?usp=drivesdk

July 2022
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smk5F8chmdoy2yTOZvl0YmCIVpeezKRi/view?usp=drivesdk

February 2023
https://drive.google.com/file/d/174Jml3tunonSDftgS8GcRhI16lu_-Cu3/view?usp=drivesdk

July 2023
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BU8SQ9dxXO363EwyNElJSTGVXSGlNIcJ/view?usp=drivesdk

February 2024 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WofcyjaHm0e1ppY4ze1B3d2mQziIaX1z/view?usp=drivesdk 

July 2024 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IloelHgw8uWu4Zf1eEHmAWzZbbGAcX3M/view?usp=drivesdk

Figures of Speech

1. Alliteration
The consonant sound of the letter, ‘-‘ in the beginning of the word is repeated pleasingly in quick succession.
Ex. And suddenly that summer near the end of May
Ex. Why do you weave a garment so gay?
2. Antithesis
When a striking opposition or contrast of words or ideas is employed, it is called Antithesis.
Ex. Came back thinner, rather poor, but richer by a cherry tree at my door.
Ex. So little they rose, so little they fell,
3. Paradox
Seemingly impossible use of contrasting words or ideas to suggest a well-founded idea is called Paradox.
Ex. Of our past’s tomorrow.
Ex. Still here I carry my old delicious burdens,
4. Personification
When the objects, abstract ideas or non-human beings are personified and given human qualities for poetic effect, it is called Personification.
Ex. I found a tree had come to stay.
Ex. Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
5. Hyperbole
When an over- statement or exaggerated statement is used to emphasize an idea and give poetic effect, it is called Hyperbole.
Ex. His height seems to touch the starry skies.
6. Repetition
When words, phrases or lines are repeated pleasingly for emphasis, it is called Repetition.
Ex. Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm, so deep!
Ex. I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go,
7. Apostrophe
When people or things which are usually absent and yet are directly addressed in the poem it is called Apostrophe.
Ex. Never mind faded forests, Austin,
8. Inversion
The word order is changed to get a certain poetic effect and the line is not as per the grammatical order in Inversion. (Correct grammatical order should be mentioned in the explanation.)
Ex. Sunlight I see, dying fast,
Ex. Then felt I like a child that holds...
9. Simile
When two objects or people of a different kind with some common characteristics are compared directly by using words like: as, so, like, resembles etc., it is called as Simile.
Ex. This city now doth, like a garment, wear the beauty of the morning;
Ex. She walks in beauty, like the night
10. Metaphor
When two things, people are compared indirectly i.e. when the comparison takes it for granted that both the things are one, it is called Metaphor.
Extended Metaphor is when the ideas in Metaphor continue with in the same connection.
Ex. It was very small, five months child,
Ex. How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
11. Onomatopoeia
The words that imitate or express sound are used, it is called Onomatopoeia.
Ex. I hear the bright bee hum:
Ex. And how their wives do hum like bees
12. Transferred Epithet
When an adjective which originally belongs to a particular noun is transferred to another noun (mostly connected) it is called Transferred Epithet.
Ex. Home again, I see him drinking weak tea,
13. Synecdoche
When ‘a part’ is used to represent ‘the whole’ and vice versa or ‘an individual’ is used to represent ‘the class’ it is called Synecdoche.
Ex. Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
14. Interrogation
When a question is used with some expectation, i.e. to make the reader think over possible answers of the questions raised by the poet, it is called Interrogation.
Ex. Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
15. Rhetorical Question
When a question is asked without expecting any answers but to express strong emotions or powerful feelings or for emphasis, it is called Rhetorical question.
Ex. Pray who would, or who could, were spectacles then?
16. Tautology
When a concept or an idea is repeated by using different words of the same meaning, it is called Tautology.
Ex. That the visage or countenance had not a Nose,
Ex. Done with the indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
17. Irony
The striking contrast between the expected situation and the reality is called irony.
Ex. But my heart would not bleed poetry. Not a single drop.
Ex. A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell, The devil below was ringing his knell.
18. Climax
It is an arrangement of the words or ideas in an ascending order or in the order of increasing importance.
Ex. Anaesthesia, amnesia, hypnosis.
Ex. The bubbles rose and burst around...
19. Oxymoron
Two contradictory qualities are predicted to be of the same person or thing in Oxymoron.
Ex. So history is new again.
Compiled by
Meenal Deshmukh, N. M. College, Mumbai

4.1 History of Novel

The eighteenth century has gifted literature, two new forms which had no real traces in the ancient classical heritage. 
1) The Periodical Essay
2) NOVEL
Both these forms, caught the spirit of  the eighteenth century writing as the  age  of  intellectual, sentimental and realistic plane and tried to instruct the readers, which would help them to a more purposeful and virtuous life. Since then, novel has been gaining popularity and growing gradually. Today, it is recognized as the most dominant literary genre. 
Novel - A relatively long narrative which describes intimate human experiences normally in a prose form.  
The word ‘novel’ is derived from the Italian ‘novella’, meaning ‘new’.  
A novel narrates a story with more details of time, place, nature, people and their minds, their gestures and activities. It creates the picture of the society of that time.  According to some, the novel has a history of about two thousand years. The early precursors of novel - a collection of tales known as Greek Romances dating from the second to sixth century may top the list. These imaginative and delightful stories of ideal love and marvellous adventures profoundly affected the creative writing for the next thousand years.  
Earlier threads of the genre can be found in Virgil’s Ecologues or Malory’s ‘Morte De Arthur’ or Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’. 
‱ Murasaki Shikibu’s ‘Tale of Genji’ (1010) - world’s first novel.  
‱ The European novel began with ‘Don Quixote’ by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes published in two parts between 1605 and1615.  
In the18th century, the appearance of newspaper and magazines attracted a large number of readers from the middle class. These new readers had little interest in romances and tragedies, which were appreciated by the upper class. Thus, need for a new type of literature arose that would express the new ideas of the 18th century. This new literature was characterized by the spirit of realism and denial of romantic features like enthusiasm, passion and imagination.  
After 1740, novel was introduced in England. Increase in trade and commerce, along with the Industrial Revolution, had given rise to the middle class. The realistic picture of everyday life and problems of common people depicted in the novels appealed to the newly educated class and was regarded by them as respectable reading material. 
Thus, novel voiced the aspirations of the middle and lower classes and met their longings. The spread of machines could provide a time to the educated middle class for reading and discussions about the books. Drama and poetry were the two literary forms that were fading away. Novel was a combination of some features of them and some new features were added to the form. It was the prominent form in the eighteenth century and onwards to encompass the social, political and cultural happenings and scientific progress.  


Major novel writers and their work:
‱ Plenteous and colourful tradition of English novel initiated by  
The   Pilgrim’s   Progress’   by   John Bunyan (1678)  and ‘Oroonoku’ by Aphra Behn (1688)  
‱ Followed by  
Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe, Mall Flanders),  
Jonathan Swift (‘Gulliver’s Travels’ - famous satire) 
‱ Other major novelists of 18th century- 
Samuel Richardson, (‘Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded’ and ‘Clarissa,’ both epistolary novels) Henry Fielding, Lawrence Sterne and Tobias Smollett.  
‱ The tradition was enriched by 
Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Horace Walpole, Thomas Hardy Willkie Collins H.G. Wells.  
The 20th century marked by the modern topics and innovative styles and techniques and widened angles of the views by the novelists. They widened the circumference of the genre by writing political, social, psychological and other modern issues in their novels. 
‱ Some major authors of 20th century were 
E.M. Forster James Joyce, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, George Orwell, Graham Greene, D.H. Lawrence William Golding Anthony Burgess.  
‱ There are immigrant authors like 
Salman Rushdie (India) 
V.S. Naipaul (Trinidad) 
Kazuo Ishigura (Japan)  
‱ Women novelists too contributed substantially 
Novel   of   manners ‘Evelina’   by Frances Burney 
Gothic novels by Ann Radcliffe 
Novel based on Science of the age ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley 
Jane Austen (prolific writer) 
Emily Bronte ‘The Wuthering Heights’  
Charlotte Bronte ‘Jane Eyre’ 
Mary Ann Evans alias George Eliot (wrote the novels reflecting psychological insight)
Virginia Woolf  (the pioneer of the Stream of Consciousness technique in English novel) Agatha Christie (wrote novels based on crime- Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are the evergreen detectives created by her.) 
Harper Lee, Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison and Alice Walker have elevated the tradition further to prosperity. 
‱ Indian Scenario: 
‘Rajmohan’s   Wife’, by   Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya serialized  in ‘The Indian Field’ - first novel in English written by an Indian.
Novels that followed bore either nationalistic virtues or social issues as their main framework.  
‱ Major Indian writers of the early 20th century 
Mulkraj Anand 
R.K. Narayan 
Raja Rao  
‱ Novelists who changed the current of Indian English novel through their works. 
AnitaDesai 
Nayantara Sahgal 
Arun Joshi   
Manohar Malgaonkar 
‱ Indian novel in English ameliorated with new features by 
Amitav Ghosh 
Vikram Seth  
Upamanyu Chatterjee 
‱ Some more Indian novelists of recent years 
Salman Rushsdie 
Arvind Adiga 
Arundhati Roy Kiran Desai 
Kiran Nagarkar 

Novella: 
 Novella, originated from the Italian word ‘novelle’ 
- type of prose fiction which is shorter than a full-length novel and longer than short stories.  
- well-structured yet short narrative, often satiric or realistic in tone.  
- focuses on one incident or issue with one or two main characters and takes place at a single tradition.   
‱ Some of the famous novellas in English – 
‱ ‘The Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad 
‱ ‘The Turn of the Screw’ by Henry James 
‱ ‘Billy Budd’ by Hermann Melville 
‱ ‘Death in Venice’ by Thomas Mann 
‱ ‘Seize the Day’ by Saul Bellow 
‱ ‘Pearl’ by John Steinbeck 
 
‱ Elements of Novel/ Novella  
There are six elements essential of ‘Novel’ or “Novella’.  
Theme: Theme is the central idea in the novel which can be expressed in a nutshell. It is a philosophical statement or a truth which the writer has put forth through the narration of the series of events in the story and characters acting in the particular setting. 
Plot: Plot is essentially the story or the course of events that make up the theme. It is created by the conflict either internal (inside the mind of the character) or external (with other characters or entities). Plot may be simple (one plot) or complex (consisting the interweaving of many subplots). 
Character: Characterization is related to the plot as the course of events take place because of the certain behaviour of the characters. 
Depiction of character can range from a thumbnail sketch to deep, wordy, highly detailed   verbal   sketch.  The   important character may have been described in its every aspect by the writer. The minor characters are not given much importance. The reader follows the actions of one main character throughout the novel. This character is referred to as the ‘protagonist’. Protagonist (main character) is in conflict with a character or an entity or a force (internal or external) which is known as antagonist. 
Setting: Setting is the background in which the story takes place.There are several aspects of the setting. It includes place, period, time, climate or weather and lifestyle. Plot and character are the two major elements that are affected due to setting.            Conflict: The   struggle   between the opposite forces in the story is called ‘conflict.’ Conflict in the story provides interest and curiosity about the plot. 
Language / Style: The language and the techniques used by the author for the narration of the course of events is known as the ‘style’. An author can use extensive vocabulary and high phrases or he may be laconic and would write only to the point or he may mix both according to the requirement for meeting his purpose. He may use linguistic devices to make the narrative effective. All these factors decide the ‘texture’ of the narration and create an impact on the readers. 
‱ Types of Novel  
Realistic novel: The realistic novel is a fiction that gives the effect of realism. Sometimes this is also called a novel of manner. It can be characterized by its complex characters with mixed motives that are rooted in the social class. The characters in the realistic novel interact with other characters and undergo plausible and everyday experiences. 
Picaresque novel: The   word ‘picaresque’ is originated from the Spanish word ‘picaro,’ which means a rogue. A picaresque novel narrates the adventures of the protagonist, who is an eccentric or a disreputable person, in an episodic form. 
Historical novel: A historical novel is a novel set in a period earlier than that of the writing.                                            Epistolary novel: The word ‘epistolary’ derives from the Latin word ‘epistola,’ which means a letter. The epistolary novel is that in which the writer presents the narrative through a series of correspondence or other documents. Although letters are the most common basis for epistolary novel, diary entries are also a popular form of this type. 
Gothic novel: The novels that include terror, mystery, horror, thriller, supernatural, doom, death or decay or haunted buildings are called The Gothic novels. 
Autobiographical    novel: The autobiographical novel is the novel based on the life of the author. However, the author changes the places and names of characters or even may change or avoid certain details of his life. It may or may not be in the first-person narration. 
Allegorical novel: An allegory is a story that bears more than one level of meaning. The surface meaning of such novel   is   different   from   the   symbolic meaning of it. The symbolic meaning of an allegory may be political, religious, historical or philosophical. 
Utopian/ Dystopian novel: Utopia is an imaginary community or society possessing the ideal qualities. It is a common literary theme, especially in science fiction or speculative fiction.    Psychological novel: Psychological novel is the work of fiction that treats the internal life of the protagonist or even the other characters as much as the external factors.  
Stream of Consciousness novel: Stream of consciousness is a phrase coined by William James in his treatise ‘Principles of Psychology.’ (1890). It means the flow of the thoughts. Incidents in the plot are in the sequence of their occurrences. The novelist narrates them as they enter the mind of  the character. 
The ‘Bildungsroman’ novel: The German word ‘bildungsroman’ indicates growth. The fictional biography or autobiography is concerned with the growth of the protagonist’s mind, spirit and characters from their childhood to adulthood.  
Other types: 
In the first half of the 20th century a cult of ‘pulp magazines’ became popular in which fantastic fiction for the general entertainment of the masses was printed on the cheap pulp paper. The pulp fiction era provided a building ground for the detective novels and science fiction. 
Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction dealing with imaginative concept such as futuristic setting, futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, parallel universes and extra-terrestrial life. Science fiction often explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations. ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelly (1823) is considered the first novel based on science and technology. The genre flourished in the second half of the19th century. 
The Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction and mystery fiction in which an   investigator or a detective- either professional or amateur- investigates a crime, often a murder. 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Group Discussion

Guidelines
‱ It’s a discussion among a few people to find a solution to some problem or discussing various aspects of a topic
‱ Group discussion can be part of the selection process of a job or a course
‱ Communicate fluently and use the language effectively in the group discussion
‱ Use relevant content and information
‱ Continue from the latest statement
‱ Use a question, a striking statement or a quote to grab attention
‱ Express ideas briefly in around 3-4 sentences or share a comment in 1-2 sentences
‱ Agree giving supporting details or Bring new ideas and perspectives on the topic
‱ Stay on track
‱ Use vocabulary effectively
‱ Summarize while concluding
‱ Closure statement at the end
‱ Imagine a group discussion based on the given information and write the answer.
‱ Usually 4 to 5 participants and an evaluator are the characters of the group discussion

Layout of the answer:
1. Introduction (first 2-3 expressions)
Gestures of communication in the beginning of the conversation, the usual greeting and exchange of pleasantries, mention of the topic 
2. Content/ Discussion (next 4-5 expressions)
Explain the topic, current situation, importance, gravity of the issue, the need to address the problem. 
Cover the various aspects of the topic, express your opinion, agree or give a different perspective on the topic, share various ideas as solution
3. Conclusion (last 2-3 expression)
Summarize the main points, make a final statement as closure argument
Gestures of communication at the end before leaving 

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Guidelines
‱ Statement of Purpose is an essay covering the important details of your personality and achievements with reference to the course you have applied for. You have to discuss your purpose with which you are pursuing the particular programme. You need to justify and support your choice and decision to apply for the particular course and the university you have selected for further studies.
‱ Format of the SOP
Write the answer as per the word limit given in the question. (150 – 500 words)
Write the answer in approximately 5-6 paragraphs covering the following points:
1. First paragraph – Introduction (Personal background, mindset, aim in life)
2. Second paragraph – The reason to join the course, area of interest
3. Third paragraph – The qualities suitable for the career goal
4. Fourth paragraph – Experience in the field, special factor in your personality
5. Fifth paragraph – Conclusion (How will the course benefit you in career)
‱ Essential points to be covered in an SOP:
1. The course applied for
2. Reasons for pursuing the particular programme
3. The reasons for selecting a particular University/ Institute.
4. Additional skills you planning to gain from the course
5. Your specialties.

Example of SOP 
Q. Write an SOP to apply for the Batchelor’s degree in law at the Yale University, USA. Being from a lawyers’ family you are naturally inclined towards judiciary system. You have won many awards at various at school and college level competitions. Reading and meeting new people are your favourite hobbies and you have worked with an NGO during your summer vacation. You had taken part in the human rights movement for the local people from rural area of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. 
 
Ans.: Being surrounded by lawyers all my life and having that innate quality to argue my case, it was no surprise to anyone when I decided that I wished to be a lawyer. The strong urge to let my point be heard no matter who I was up against, is something that ran deep in the blood of my family. From childhood I always enjoyed elocution and speaking in front of everyone. It always gave me a sense of satisfaction when I could captivate the audience and have them cling on to my every word. While growing up my ideal career was always changing until one day, I saw a case my father argued. His client was a young lady who everyone believed was guilty to the point she herself had given up hope of ever winning the case. To everyone’s surprise my father did win the case and I will never forget the young lady’s face. It will forever be etched in my memory and that was the day I decided that if I had the capabilities and qualities to become a lawyer that could empower people, then I should try my best to become such a lawyer.
 
Yale is definitely the dream university of many young students such as myself. Apart from being an Ivy League institute, Yale offers diverse courses that help in the all-round development of a student. The opportunities provided are endless and I hope that I can make good use of them and enrich myself in the process.
 
After carefully looking through the course, I have realised how well suited it is for an individual like me. During my school years I have participated in various inter-school and inter-college events. I have had the honour of winning the “National Forum
Debate Competition” twice in a row. I have placed first in the 45th International Commonwealth Elocution Competition with participants from more than 25 countries. I was extremely lucky to win “Best Delegate” in the mock UN held by IIMUN and had a chance to interact with a few delegates. The following year I was invited by IIMUN to chair one of their mock UNs. I have participated in various other elocution competitions and once had the honour of representing my country at the International Public Speaking Competition, in which I placed third. Last summer I had a wonderful opportunity to work with the “Care India” NGO. I teamed up with a few other students and with our legal knowledge we helped fight the human rights battle of the rural people from the Vidarbha region. I have completed my under graduation at the prestigious NLSIU Bangalore – National Law School of India University and I wish to continue the rest of my education at a renowned university such as Yale.
 
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” I hope to continue my educational journey and do my very best to become a successful lawyer with the help of the Yale university. I am confident that Yale can help me bring out the best in me and one day I hope to become a proud alumnus of Yale.
 

Drafting Virtual Message

Guidelines
‱ Mention briefly the important details based on the given information.
‱ Write the answer as per the word limit given in the question. (50-150 words)
‱ Frame grammatically correct sentences.
‱ Use Indirect or reported speech.
‱ Use simple language.
‱ Don’t use abbreviations or short forms.
‱ Keep friendly and polite approach.
‱ Avoid ambiguity or confusion.
‱ Format:
1. Mention the date and time
2. Write the name of the receiver
3. Write the content or body of the message in one paragraph
4. Mention the name of the sender at the end


Example of Virtual Message 
 Q. Imagine you are a Sales Executive Officer of a company producing office stationery. You were told to meet 3 clients during the day and discuss your products; diary, calendar and other stationery items and try to get orders from them. After these meetings you were supposed to meet the manager and report the details of the meetings to him /her. As the manager wasn’t present in the office in the evening, you need to leave a message for him /her. Write the draft of the virtual message in around 100 words. Add details as per the requirement. 
Answer:

10th January 2020       4 pm 
Mr. Mitesh,

As per your instructions, I met a few of our potential clients and I made a pitch to them about our newly launched diary and calendar. I am happy to inform you that the pitch was very successful. I made an amazing deal with Narayan Enterprise and Seemati who gave a huge order. 

Swanand Pande 
(Sales Executive)
 

Compering

Guidelines
‱ Compering or anchoring is used during a programme to put the various performances together.
‱ Script of compering should be written with the central idea of the program in mind.
‱ Give a general introduction about the central idea of the program.
‱ Narrate the inauguration ceremony.
‱ Give the outline of the program.
‱ Introduce every entry one by one along with a comment on the entry and request the audience to give an applause after the entry. (Use 3-5 entries)
‱ Use fillers in the form of jokes, stories, quotes etc. If necessary.
‱ Conclude the programme by making a positive comment and giving the vote of thanks at the end.
‱ Use interactive language and appropriate vocabulary.

Interview Questions

Guidelines  
‱ Mention the basic details of the interviewee in the beginning i. e. The name, field of the interviewee, Place and date of the interview, time duration of the session etc. 
‱ Ask approximately 8 questions to interview the person.  
‱ Frame a statement as the background information before framing the question if possible. 
‱ Frame only Wh-questions 
‱ Use the table form if provided in the question paper and use the given points while framing the questions. 
‱ Start the interview with a question related to any recent work or achievements or the background of the person.  
‱ Cover the journey of the person’s life and work through the questions.  
‱ Conclusion questions can be related to the message or advice for the people.  
‱ Use the given points for reference if provided in the question paper. Write questions only related to the points given in the question. 
‱ Don’t ask questions with brief answers, especially verbal questions.  
‱ Don’t ask questions with obvious answers or commonly known facts.  
‱ Study the interviews available in various media and understand the technique of asking meaningful and sensible questions.  

 Format of the Answer for Interview Questions 


Examples of Interview Questions:
1. Your project - - - was received with great response. How would you describe your performance in the latest work...? 
2. Your latest project - - - has been a great success. How was the experience of working on the project?
3. You have been part of the music industry/ film industry /business /writing/publication/for a while now. What are the major transitions, you have seen so far? 
4. When did you realize that music /dance/social work/science /acting was your passion/ calling? How was the journey after you decided to follow your passion?  
5. You have performed live music many times. What do you prefer more, recording in the studio or live performances? 
6. When it comes to being a part of a project and creating originals, what are the key elements you keep in mind? 
7. Our life is always an inspiration for our work/art. How have your personal experiences helped /shaped you as an artist? 
8. We need some inspiration for any creative creation. For your music/ writing, where do you draw your inspiration from? 
9. With time and experiences we all grow emotionally and spiritually. How do you think you have evolved as an artiste / writer /player over the years? 
10. Internet and digital platforms have changed the world like never before. How do you think digitalization has changed the game and rules of the music industry/sports /publication business globally? 
11. Social media can make or break the new age celebrities. What do you think about the fact that somewhere the budding artists have become too conscious of the social media? 
12. Collaborations among popular articles is common these days. What do you think of collaborations? How does it help to discover something new? 
13. If given a chance, will we see you collaborate with some Indian artists /some international artists? How’s in your mind when it comes to working together? 
14. I’m sure you have great work lined up in the coming days. What are your future projects?
15. You have chosen your profession as per your calling. What does truly excite you about your profession of cricket / music / writing...? 
16. Please tell us about your music/ writing/ sports journey. How it all started? When did you realize that this is your calling? 
17. Recently you have joined/ taken break from the social media. So, what’s the reason behind it? How is it going on? 
18. You are quite active and popular on the social media. How do you handle it? 
19. In today’s world of PR and branding, how do you handle the pressure of balancing everything? 
20. Now everything goes viral in no time and paparazzi culture is at its peak, how do you manage to stand out as well as safe guard your private life? 
21. Your husband/ wife / partner has been very openly supportive of you on every platform. What do you want to say about it? 
22. You were not seen much on the work front, in the past few months. What’s the reason behind it? 
23. You achieved great success in your latest endeavor. What all has changed after that? How has that affected your process of selecting the projects? 
24. How was the process of this current project you are working on? 
25. How is your current project different from your earlier work? 
26. What’s the situation about the required infrastructure for musicals/ this sport /art form in India? 
27. You are listed in the top 50 important personalities at international level. What is your comment and your opinion on this?
28. In today’s digital world when we have so much exposure, how do you keep being innovative all the time? 
29. What efforts do you take to maintain the tremendous success you have achieved? 
30. What are the challenges you face to in today’s time? How have things changed in your field, in the last few years? 
31. As an artist, you must have experienced a lot of support and love from people all around. What are the most memorable moment of your professional journey so far? 
32. In every field, there are a lot of things we need to learn and have in us. What are the qualities required to be successful in your field? 
33. You have worked in different areas / goners of your field. Working in which one do you enjoy the most and why? 
34. People believe that classical dance/ music / painting is just a hobby or extra-curricular activity. What is your opinion on this topic if it’s lucrative enough to be taken up as profession? 
35. Although originated in India, this art form is not preferred much in India. How do you want to bring about a change? 
36. What changes you have witnessed in your field through all the years? 
37. How was the transition from film making to writing books/ singing to music composition / player to trainer? 
38. You faced low phase in your career during the last few years and now you have come out of it victorious. How was it? How did you deal with the lows? 
39. What is your opinion on the way OTT platform is rising these days? 
40. What are the reasons of the sudden rise in the - - - - trend in your field? 
41. What’s the future of this trend according to you? 
42. Working in which medium do you enjoy the most?  
43. How has the new digital platform helped the upcoming artists to get work?  
44. What’s your opinion on the new platform creating good content for the niche audience?  
45. How has the theatre/ music industry, reading scenario evolved in India in the last few years?  
46. Coming to your journey as a writer, how were you as if an avid reader in your growing years? How has that created an impact on your writing? 
47. How was the research process of writing /directing/designing costumes for this period drama/ historical /religious fiction/ movie? 
48. How is the reading / music /movie scene in India today? 
49. What possibilities of adaptation of your book are in your mind? 
50. What’s your family’s / a certain family member’s reaction on this work? 
51. How would you sum up the last year professionally? 
52. Being in good form is a requirement for a player. How do you rate your recent form as a player? 
53. As per your recent achievements, in which areas you have seen improvement recently? 
54. How are you preparing for the next tournament / competition? 
55. You performed very well in the last year/ tournament / movie /competition. How are you planning to replicate that in the coming days? 
56. Currently you are training under a new coach. How is the experience? What extra benefits are you getting due to the change in the techniques? 
57. In this year you will team up with - - -. What are you looking forward to? 
58. You are working in different genres in your films in the upcoming year. How was it, consciously keeping this kind of variety? 
59. What was the experience of working on multiple projects simultaneously on such a variety of projects? 
60. How difficult was it to work on a horror comedy / historical / psychological thriller? 
61. At such a young age you have taken up the responsibility of this kind of difficult work. How was it, right from the decision making to completing the work successfully? 
62. You have made a debut into the digital medium. What was the process and experience of new platform? 
63. At this stage of your career, you have taken a big risk by entering into such uncommon area of.... How did you come to this decision? 
64. What are you currently working on?  
65. What are your upcoming projects for the next / this year?  
66. It must be taxing to balance between the work of your multiple projects which you have taken up this year. How was your experience? 
67. What do you think about the fact that the regional language writers don’t get their due credit in India, Specifically with reference to the response for English literature?
68. You have been successful in almost all the projects you have been doing so far. How do you handle the pressure which comes with success? 
69. Your next project is completely different from the work you have done in the past. How was the experience? 
70. Considering the current scenario, it is considered to be the most exciting time to be an actor/ a musician / a singer...how is your experience? 
71. What is your best take away from the experience of the latest project you have finished? 
72. You have been quite versatile in your choice of work. What type of work you want to do now at this stage of your career? 
73. After success, your personal life is always in the public eye and scrutiny. How do you handle this pressure? 
74. Your work in the latest project is appreciated a lot. How was the experience? What’s been the best complement so far? 
75. The expectations were high from your latest project and it was a great success / but couldn’t match the expectations. What is your comment? 
76. You worked with your husband /son/ daughter / father...in your recent project. How was the experience? 
77. What are your criteria for selecting your projects? 
78. How has the digital platform changed the rules of the music industry? 
79. Remixes are becoming more and more common these days. What’s your take on this? 
80. What is your opinion on the fact that Hindi film industry has overshadowed the regional movie industry/ independent music / theatre / traditional art? 
81. It’s been some time now after you have retired after a long successful career. How are you spending this free time you are getting now?  
82. You have achieved great success after a long struggle. How has success changed your life? 
83. You’re quite out there on social media and are very open about your life. What are your thoughts on it?
84. Being out there has its pros and cons. How do you handle negative criticism or nasty things posted on social media as well as press? 
85. Your next project is completely different from what you have done so far. What can you tell us about it?
86. Why is it that you prefer working only with the people you know and are comfortable with? 
87. You have worked with.... for the first time. How was the experience? 
86. Your image is that of a good looking, fashionable and stylish person. What’s your take on this? 
87. After the experience of so many years, what’s your opinion on decoding success. 
88. What are the areas /genres which you desire to work in future? 
89. There are ups and downs in everyone’s life. How do you deal with them? 
90. There’s a pattern of similar themes in your work. What do you want to comment on this? 
91. Your work has an innate charm of an innocent, raw and real world but there must be efforts behind it. How do you create that? 
92. How will you describe the highlights of your...year long journey? 
93. As they say, ‘out of sight is out of mind’, how important is it in your field to be visible in the public eye? 
94. Earlier talent hunt shows played a major role in the success of many unbeknown artists. What’s the situation now? 
95. You have worked with many well known artists. Who is the artist you want to work with in future? Why? 
96. The next year seems to be very happening with the kind of line up you have. What can you tell us about it?
97. Success means differently to different people. What’s the bench mark of success for you? 
98. You have a great line up of interesting work ahead of you. What are your expectations from the upcoming years? 
99. You are primarily known for your independent artistic work and now you are working in the commercial projects as well. How much does the commercial success matter to you? 
100. You have recently been awarded the best
. How much these awards affect one’s career and how much they matter to you? 
101. Your last project failed to create magic. How do you analyze the result? 
102. What’s usually going on in your mind before any release of your work? 
103. With a variety of different types of work lined up, you seem to have created a balance. What do you want to comment on that? 
104. You have a rich background with your family being part of the same profession. How was it growing up and finally joining the same field? 
105. You seem to have an interesting connection with the...city/country. How will you describe it?
106. You have worked with
.for many years now. How has time changed your equation with...? 
107. You are born in a different country/ you spend a lot of time outside India. How do you stay connected with India and your work here? 
108. You work in both the languages, your mother tongue and English. Which do you enjoy more or which do you find smooth or easy? 
109. How will you describe your incredible cinematic / literary/ artistic journey with us. 
110. How was it working on a light project after so many emotionally and physically draining projects? You were recently part of an international project / work. How was it representing India at a global platform? 
111. What can you about your character in the next play/ movie /TV show?
112. Many people leave theatre after getting name and fame in the film industry. What could be the reason? 
113. What do you want to comment on the fact that people discuss your looks /personal life more than your work? 
114. There is a constant scrutiny on your life/ looks. What do you want to say on it? 
115. From your first success to now, how have you changed? You are working with some of the best people in your field. How was it? 
116. Your last project achieved great success. After the success how has people’s approach changed about you? 
117. What do you think about the fact that one gets typecast in an image after achieving great success in a particular type of work? 
118. Women tend to face more challenging situations while working. What challenges you have faced in your career while balancing your life and career. 
119. How will you describe your journey from the simple girl/ boy from a small town....to a successful dancer/ singer/writer/ actor...? 

Action plan to prepare for the Final Exam (English subject)

Follow the given steps of ‘Day Wise Action Plan’ to prepare and revise for the exam of 80 marks weightage covering complete portion of the s...