825-Shorthand English XI
825-Shorthand English XI
825-Shorthand English XI
Shorthand (English)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Advisors:
As you are aware, Stenography is known as "Twin Art" since it is unique combination
of Shorthand and Computer. Stenography is indispensable in business, profession,
vocation and administration wherever it is desirable to have a quick and neat record
of the spoken words and getting it transcribed from shorthand to longhand on the
computer. Though Stenography is an independent discipline, its theory is generally
not taught to the learners. The teaching centres largely concentrate on its practical
aspect. Therefore, CBSE gas taken this challenge of providing theory-based lessons
and has endeavoured to develop self-instructional material in the area of
Stenography (English). As per the prescribed specifications, an aspiring stenographer
needs an in-depth knowledge of shorthand and also should. be well versed with
speed typing and the other of computer. All these skills will be instrumental in
helping them to not only enter the world of business but also climb the ladder of
success.
This book is based on CBSE syllabus for the vocational course on Stenography
(Theory) English, Class XI, and Course Code 608 at Senior Secondary Level. The
self-instructional material in hand in the subject of Stenography (Theory) English has
in total eight Units which covers all the principles of PITMAN's phonetic system. At
the end of every Unit Review questions, Activity i.e., fill in the blanks, True/False,
Match the following and Exercises for practice has been given for the students with
answers. This book is also useful for vocational education and training institutions,
technical education institutions, colleges and universities. The subject matter has
been presented in a student-friendly manner and simplified format for better
understanding.
CBSE is always abreast to the queries and solutions of problems of students. If they
feel any difficulty or require any clarification, they are most welcome to write to the
undersigned. Suggestions for its improvement are most welcome from al! those-
students and teachers and others.
CONTENTS
Unit
Name of the Unit Page No.
No.
1-8
1. Introduction to Stenography
9-17
2. Consonants & their Joining
60-80
6. Hooks (Initial & Final)
81-100
7. Halving & Doubling Principle
101-114
8. Compound Consonants
115-120
9. Graded dictation exercises
UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO STENOGRAPHY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Pitman shorthand is a system developed by Englishman Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837. It is
a phonetic system; the symbols do not represent letters, but rather sounds, and words
are, for the most part, written as they are spoken. He based his study on twenty-six
In English, the alphabets are used to spell the words but in shorthand these are called by
different names e.g. strokes, consonants or characters. Pitman shorthand uses straight
represent consonant sounds. Every stroke has been 'given a name and character
i.e. light or heavy. If the shape of the stroke and its character is disturbed or spoiled,
1.2 OBJECTIVES
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1.3 MEANING & IMPORTANCE
Shorthand system is the technique of writing the spoken sounds with the help of
certain symbols. Shorthand is a subject whereas stenography is the art or the process
of writing in shorthand. The words in English language are written as they are
aspect in mind, Pitman adopted the pronunciation as given in The Oxford English
By learning shorthand your vocabulary and grip on English language will improve. If
you choose to learn this beautiful art of shorthand writing, would surely fetch you a
good professional employment, where you will have ample opportunity for career
intended either for immediate use or for later typing or data entry. Shorthand notes
memory bank of a computer. Taking notes in shorthand, helps sharpening your focus
on the key points and talk. This system of writing is very useful in recording minutes,
details of the discussion etc. Shorthand Notes can also serve as documentary
evidence.
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1.4 TECHNIQUES OF NOTE TAKING
Using pen and paper is less intrusive and easier to use. Using a tablet, notepad or
laptop while taking notes can create a wall between you and the person talking. These
devices make it look like you're working on something else or chatting with someone
even if you're not. And it's easier to get distracted with all those browsing and other files
in your device. It may be a generational thing, but outside of tech companies, using
pen and paper is still the accepted corporate practice when taking down notes. Call it
nostalgia, but there is more eye contact when you use pen and paper. Incidentally,
about using your phone to take down notes, it's recommended to turn it off to avoid
It's not just for court clerks or secretaries only. Shorthand is still relevant especially when
you're listening to a speaker who talks fast (try using a tablet for that). It may appear
daunting at first, but like learning typewriting skill, shorthand is easy to learn with enough
commitment. If you don't have the patience or time to learn shorthand (meeting is on
three days) you can also practice mnemonics or visual notetaking. It doesn't have many
rules in it, just a good test of creativity. For example, instead of writing "task A is
assigned to Rob," you can just use an arrow pointing task A to Rob. Instead of writing
writing them is faster; just make sure the illustration makes sense to you.
Plot the outline of your notes even before the meeting starts. A good starting point is to
check the meeting's agenda. Ask the secretary or your boss for a copy so you can already
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divide your notes according to the agenda's main points even before the meeting starts.
As the meeting rolls on, just fill in the important notes under each of the main points.
Don't wait for the day to pass after the meeting. Prepare a written report based on your
notes right away while everything is still fresh in your mind. Even if you're not tasked to
submit a formal report, you can use this document for your personal archive or as a proof
in case a conflict arises about the discussion. Besides, while the visual notes are practical
during the meeting, you might forget what those mnemonics and drawings stand for soon.
Using abbreviations and symbols will help you save time while jotting down points. In fact
in this day and age of texting students should be fantastic at this, but do not seem to
transfer the skill to note-taking. Encourage them to use this skill for note-taking purposes
e.g. - minus; # - number; $ - dollar, money; % - percent; Ill - decreasing, lowers; Ill-
Use mathematical signs, wherever needed; b/4 - before; b/c - because; pg - pages; Q -
question; re: regarding, about; ref - reference; vs - versus, as opposed to; w/ - with; w/in-
Writer should sit conveniently in the chair or stool. Both the feet should be apart from
each other at a convenient angle and distance. One foot to be flat on the ground and
other slightly raised on its toe. The main body of the writer should be slightly away from
the edge of the table. Where the notebook is placed for writing. Back portion of the body
The notebook should be placed just before the body of the writer on the table. Notebook
should be in front of the right arm (for right hand writers) and of left arm (for left hand
writers).
For beginners, shorthand writing is taught through pencil only as it is the pencil only
which can differentiate between the light and thick characters of the strokes. Pen can
hardly make a difference of characters. The pencil should not be hard. It should be soft in
Shorthand notebook to be used for writing should contain fine papers with horizontal
lines as we see in the normal case of a notebook. If the notebook is not horizontally
lined, it will become very difficult for the beginner to understand the stroke as the strokes
are written at three positions: above the line, on the line and through the line.
Several people have given their views on the essential qualities that a good stenographer
should have. But one thing is important as to how many words a minute can a writer
write at present. How many words a minute would he/she like to be able to write? Are
any steps being taken to increase their speed of writing? What rate of writing is required
to meet the needs of most office workers? Often it is said that a speed of 80 wpm is
enough to carry the writer through most of his daily work. But it has also been seen that
in many offices it is not the case and those who are at present writing at 50 or 80 wpm
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should make up their mind that they will continue their training until they can write at 120
wpm or over.
In order to increase one's speed of shorthand writing, the writer should adhere to the
following instructions:
- Write lightly, passing quickly from one outline to the next and from the end of
one line to the beginning of the next
- While taking down the notes, never think of other things to pour in your mind
- Think only of the words being read out and the outlines one is writing
- While writing shorthand in the shorthand notebook, only the facing pages are
to be used.
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- Concentration on taking notes
that the reading and transcribing of shorthand should begin in the initial stage. The
_____________________________________________________________________
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Mention the main factors which have given importance of taking notes.
5. Define transcription.
b) The system of shorthand invented by________ in 1837 in _____ (John Willis, Rome
I Sir Isaac Pitman, England)
d) Pen should be used for writing shorthand in the ________stages, while pencil can be
used at a_________stage. (later/ early).
e) Keep your left elbow________ the table and throw your entire weight on
the________ arm. (on, off/ left, right)
a) Whenever you start learning any subject or skill, it is necessary for you to know
its background.
b) Shorthand writing is faster than longhand.
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c) You are advised to write shorthand stroke of the size of 1/3rd..
d) Keep your feet on the floor.
e) At any moment stenographer must be ready to 'think in shorthand'.
f) Before learning the techniques of shorthand writing the writer must know the
sitting posture
1. Stenographer a) energy
Answers:
1. a) very quickly b) Sir Isaac Pitman, England c) can be d) early, later e) on, left f) officer
______________________________________________________________________________
Reference Books
1. The Pitman Dictionary of English & Shorthand by Sir Isaac Pitman, AH Wheeler & Co. Ltd.
2. Pitman's Shorthand Instructor by Isaac Pitman, Isaac Pitman & Sons. Ltd., Britain
3. Pitman Shorthand New Course by Isaac Pitman, Wheeler Publishing
4. Graded Dictation exercises by Edgar Thorpe
5. Principles of shorthand theory, Dr. R.C. Bhatia, G. Lal & Company, Nai Sarak. Delhi-110006
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UNIT 2
CONSONANTS & THEIR JOINING
2.1 INTRODUCTION
There are various techniques of shorthand writing. Pitman system of shorthand writing is
the most popular and efficient one. This system consists of 24 consonants and 26
strokes. These consonants are represented by simple strokes to enable good joining with
other strokes.
2.2 OBJECTIVES:
• Classify consonants
A Consonant is a sound made with the help of throat, tongue or lips. There are 26
alphabets in English language, out of which 21 are consonants and the remaining 5
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2.3.1 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSONANTS:
The first 16 (sixteen) consonants i.e. P/ B, T/0, CH/ J, Kl G, FN, Th/TH, S/Z & SH/ZH
form pairs in which, the first consonant is sounded lightly while the second is sounded
heavily. The consonants of each pair are represented by the same stroke but for the
second stroke, the stroke character is 'thick' or 'heavy', means formation of stroke is
done by applying pressure on the pencil. Light strokes are written for light sounds and
• Straight Strokes
• Curved Strokes
• Mixed Strokes
Straight strokes are straight lines, curved strokes are simple curves and mixed strokes
are the union of both straight and the curved strokes. All the strokes are written at
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various angles, in different directions and with different pressions/character i.e., light
and dark.
-Straight Strokes
First eight consonants i.e. P, B, T, D, CH, J, K & G are represented by straight lines
written at different angles, in different directions and with different impressions. Stroke
'P' is written at an angle of 120 degree in downward direction and with light impression.
If the same line is written with dark impression, it will become 'B'.
Consonant 'T is written at an angle of 90 degree with light impression and in downward
direction. The same line written with dark impression will become 'D'.
downward direction. The same line written with dark impression will become 'J'.
Consonant 'K' is written at zero-degree angle horizontally with light impression. The
same line written with dark impression will become 'G'. There is another straight
impressions and the sound of the strokes is given in the following table:
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- Curved Strokes
Curved strokes are simple curves written with different impressions and in different
directions. The outlines of the Curved Strokes indicating their outline, impression,
direction and the sound of the consonant is given in the following table:
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- Mixed Strokes
Mixed strokes are the combination of both the straight strokes and the curved
strokes. The outlines of the curved strokes by indicating their outlines,
impressions, directions, angles and sounds are given in the following table:
When the two strokes are joined together without lifting the pen or pencil, it is
called joining of strokes.
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REVIEW QUESTIONS
2. True / False:
a) There are 23 strokes in Pitman's shorthand.
b) "CON" in consonant means together.
c) The size or length of the stroke should be approx. 5 mm.
d) Consonant and a stroke are the same thing.
e) Consonant 'H' is classified as an Aspirate.
f) Consonant W and Y are known as liquids.
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ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
ACTIVITY EXERCISES
Exercise 1
Write the following consonants in Shorthand:
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UNIT 3
VOWELS, DIPHTHONGS & TRIPHONES,
GRAMMALOGUES& PUNCTUATION SIGNS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
consonants, and the rules for joining the consonants. In this Unit you
3.2 OBJECTIVES:
signs.
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This Unit has been divided into the following parts:
PART-A Vowels .
PART- B Diphthongs &Triphones
PART- C Grammalogues & Punctuation Signs.
All these are discussed below:
PART-A VOWELS
1.1 MEANING
The sound which comes from inside the throat without the friction of
- six are long/heavy vowels and other six are short/light vowels, as
explained below:
The long vowels in Pitman's shorthand are ah, a, e, aw, o, oo. These
and dashes. First three sounds are represented by heavy dots and next
The short vowel sounds are a, e, i, o,u, oo. These are six in number
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good". These six short vowel sounds are represented by light dots and
dashes.
Every stroke has two sides, i.e. left side and right side. Left side of a
stroke is also called the 'Before side of a stroke. Right side of a stroke
is also called the 'After side of a stroke'. Left and right sides of the
B
A A A B B A A
B B A
B
A A
B B B A B A
B B
A A
B B
B B
B A B A
A A
A A
B A B
B
A B A
A
B B B B
A A A
A
There are three places where the vowel signs are placed i.e. 1st place (in
the beginning of the stroke), 2nd place (in the middle of the stroke) and 3rd
place (at the end of the stroke) in the left and right side of the stroke,
whatever the case may be. If the vowel sound comes before the consonant,
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it is placed on the left side of the consonant, if it comes after the Consonant,
position of the stroke is called as first place vowel and at the 2nd position is
third place vowel. Tables of long and short vowels indicating the word,
sound, indicated, place and examples are given below in order to have a
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1.1.1 RULES
- If the first sounded vowel of a word is of first place, the first consonant
of that word is written above the line and the vowel placed at the first
place e.g.
consonant of that word will be written on the line and the vowel placed
- If the first sounded vowel in a word is of third place, the first consonant of
that word will be written through the line and the vowel placed in the third
place e.g.
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3.3.6 Intervening Vowels:
The third place vowel signs in between the two strokes are written before the
second stroke at the end of the left hand side, because the vowel signs are
second a down stroke and there is a first place vowel between the two,
above the line so that the second down stroke may finish above the
line e.g.
second a down stroke and there is a second place vowel between the
manner that the second down stroke may finish on the line e.g.
• If the word consists of only horizontal strokes, then in the case of third
place vowel, both the strokes are written on the line and the vowel is
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indicated at the third place e.g.
there is a third place vowel between the two, the horizontal stroke is
written below the line and the upstroke through the line e.g.
there is a third place vowel between the two, the horizontal stroke is
written above the line and the second down stroke is written through
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PART B DIPHTHONGS AND TRIPHONES
i) DIPHTHONGS
single syllable. There are four Diphthongs i.e. 'I', 'OW','O1', 'U' as heard
in the sentence, 'I now enjoy music". Two of them are of first place
and two of third place. There is no second place Diphthong. The rules
• In the beginning Diphthong 'I' can be jointed with down strokes e.g.
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• In the beginning Diphthong '0i' can be joined with Consonant 'L' only
e.g.
e.g.
-The sign of Diphthong 'U' changes its form when joined to other Consonants
e.g.
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(ii) TRIPHONES
This tick will indicate that there is a vowel after a Diphthong but will not
PART -C
GRAMMALOGUES & PUNCTUATION SIGNS
i) GRAMMALOGUES
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The other Punctuation signs are represented as usual. Two short lines
REVIEW QUESTIONS
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30
31
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UNIT-4
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Consonants 'R' & 'H' are written in two directions i.e. in upward and in
downward directions. Consonant 'W' is represented in two ways - by
Consonant 'W' and by a Semi-Circle. If we write separate outline for all
the words, we cannot acquire higher speed. In order to acquire high
speed, the words are joined to each other which is known as
Phraseography. Similarly, the word 'The' is also represented by a light dot
but the word 'The' can also be represented by a small tick. In the previous
Unit, you have been taught about Vowels, Diphthong & Triphone,
Grammalogue and Punctuation signs. In this Unit, you will be taught about
the alternative forms of R & H, Abbreviated 'W', Phraseography and Tick
'The'
4.2 OBJECTIVES
• After going through this Unit, you will be able to:
• Identify that Consonants 'R' & 'H' are represented in two ways i.e. in
downward and in upward direction
• Know the Rules for the use of 'R' occurring initially
• Write words by using Consonant 'R' medially.
• Explain the Rules for the use of 'R' occurring finally
• Know the Rules for the use of upward form of 'H'
• Know Rules for the use of downward form of 'H'
• Define Phraseography
• Enlist the qualities of a good phraseogram
• Make use of 'Tick 'The'
• Undertake repeated practice of writing words and sentences with the help
of the rules taught in the Unit.
- CONSONANT 'R'
The rules for the use of Consonant 'R' in two directions are given below:
'downward' form of 'R'. If stroke 'R' is written in the form of straight stroke from
technically called 'Ray' or upward form of 'R'. The rules for the use of upward
❖ When 'r' comes at the end of a word, not followed by vowel, it is written in
downward direction e.g.
❖ After two upward strokes, if the last letter is 'r', downward form of 'r' is used
e.g.
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4.3.2 Upward form of 'R' (ray):
Upward form of 'R' is written from downward to upward direction at an angle of 30
degrees to the horizontal or 60 degrees to the vertical.
❖ If a word begins with ‘R’ without any initial vowel i.e., not preceded by a vowel, then
we use Upward ‘R’
❖ When 'r' comes in the middle of a word, generally upward form of 'r' is used e.g.
❖ When final 'r' in the word is followed by a vowel, upward form of 'R" is used e.g.
❖ Before consonants T, D, Chay, Jay and ith, upward form of 'R' (ray) is used e.g
❖ If consonant 'R' follows Consonants 'w', 'y', 'h' and upward 'R', then 'R' will
always be used in upward direction e.g.
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4.4 Downward and Upward forms of 'H'
The Aspirate (hay) is written in two directions - i.e., in downward direction and in-
upward direction. The rules are given below:
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4.6 PHRASEOGRAPHY:
When two or more words are joined together, it is known as a Phrase. The method of
writing two or more words together without lifting the pen or pencil is called
'Phraseography' and the resulting outline is called a Phraseogram.
❖ Pen or pencil should not be lifted unless the whole phrase is complete.
• After the words 'I' & 'We', the word 'hope is represented by Consonant 'P' e.g.
• The word 'Much' after the words 'Too', How' & 'So' is represented by strokes 'M' &
'CH' e.g.
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*************************************
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UNIT- 5
CIRCLES & LOOPS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The main purpose of introducing Pitman's Shorthand is to write speedily and smoothly. In
order to write speedily certain short cuts are introduced by the writer himself from time to
time. This speed-writing aspect is being taught in many institutions all over the world. Sir
Isaac Pitman thought of an idea of devising some alternate forms of consonants which
could be used for speed writing. In shorthand we have consonants 'S' and 'z', duly
represented by their respective strokes which were later written as small circle with certain
rules. Pitman also devised a 'large circle' to be used in cases where the ending of the word
was 'ses', 'sez', or where the words were beginning from 'sw'. Besides these sounds of 's'
and 'z', Sir Isaac Pitman thought of other sounds of 'st'/'sd', 'str' which were represented
in the form of small and large loops. The learners will be taught the use of 'small circle',
'large circle', 'small loop' and 'large loop'.
5.2 OBJECTIVE
So far, we have read the use of stroke forms of consonants 's' and 'z'. In order to write
swiftly, Sir Isaac Pitman introduced the use of small circle for 's' and 'z' subject to certain
conditions.
Small circle can be formed in two ways i.e., with left motion and right motion. Here in this
chapter we are concerned with small circle formed with left motion. Left motion is anti-
clockwise direction while right motion is clock-wise direction.
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5.3.2 Use of small circle 's' and 'z'
Since small circle can be attached with straight strokes, strokes forming angles and curved
strokes. Rules were laid down for its use. According to Pitman's theory, small circle can
be attached to straight strokes with left motion. Small circle should be written inside the
curvilinear portion of curved strokes and outside the angle formed by two strokes. Briefly,
let us see the following attachment of small circle initially and finally to a stroke (straight
or curved):
Circle's' is attached with left motion (anti-clockwise direction) to straight & inside
the curved strokes.
5.3.2.1 Initial use of small circle to straight, horizontal & curved strokes:
Initially, the sound of 's' is represented by a small circle. When a small circle 's' is attached
initially to straight strokes, horizontal strokes (m, n, ng, k and g) and curved strokes (f, v,
ith, Th, sh, zhee, el, r(down), it is attached with left motion i.e., anti-clockwise direction and
inside the curve.
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5.3.2.3 Use of circle 's' occurring in the middle between straight, horizontal
and curved strokes
'S' sound occurring in the middle between a straight and curved stroke, it is indicated by
a small circle written inside the curved stroke and the following stroke (if 'el' or 'r') is written
according to the motion of the circle e.g., Muscle, adviser, inside, dozen, basing etc.
If small circle 's' is attached at the end of a word, it would produce the sound of 's' or 'z' as
in the following words, when not followed by a vowel. e.g. pace, pause, case, cause, less,
laws.
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50
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5.5 LOOPS
The loops are of two sizes - small and big. The small loop represents 'st' and
'sd' (as in words: cost, passed and based) - pronounced 'stee' loop. The big loop
represents 'ster' (as in words: master, faster and poster). 'ster' loop does not
come in the beginning of a word (sterling). 'st' loop is attached with left motion
to strokes covering half the portion of the stroke, whereas 'str' loop covers 2/3rd
portion of the stroke. Loop is also attached with left motion to the strokes.
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55
56
57
58
*************
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UNIT-6
HOOKS (INITIAL & FINAL)
6.1 INTRODUCTION
Students will be taught in this chapter the use of hooked strokes. Hooks can be big or
small. It can be used in the beginning or at the end of a stroke. If a small hook is attached
in the beginning of straight strokes, with right motion, this adds 'r' to the stroke to which it
is attached. If the small hook is attached to straight strokes in the beginning with left
motion, it adds 'L' to the stroke to which it is attached. The hooks can also be attached to
curved strokes in the beginning with left motion. No initial hooks are attached to strokes
'R (down)', 'S', 'Z' and 'L'. Double consonants are used in our daily life like Pray, Play,
Chrome, Claim, Drip, Troup, Treasure etc.
6.2 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this chapter is to write freely and speedily. Speed can be attained
by the use of hooks to straight strokes initially and finally. By the use of hooks, one
consonant can be converted into a double consonant. This saves time in writing.
As stated in earlier chapters, 'r' and 'el' are called liquids as they can easily be mixed with
strokes to form a new consonant, called 'Double Consonant'. Small hook if attached
initially on the circle side (with left motion) of the stroke: it will add 'el' to that stroke. If small
hook is attached with right motion, with straight strokes, it will add 'r' to that stroke e.g.
There are strokes which are not hooked for 'r' and 'el'. They are: s, z, el &r(down). These
strokes are four in number.
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6.7 HOOKS TO CURVED STROKES
Like straight strokes, curved strokes can also be attached a small hook in the beginning.
In the beginning, if a small hook is attached, it will add the sound of 'r' only. If a large hook
is attached initially to a curved stroke, this will add 'el' sound to the stroke to which it is
attached e.g.
Note: The double consonants ‘shr’ is always written downward and ‘shl’ is always written
upward, for convenience in joining with other strokes. Eg.
‘SHR’ ‘SHL’
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6.8 WORD FORMATION OF ‘R’ & ‘EL’ SERIES
You have seen when 'r' hook is attached to 'n', it gives the sound of 'nr', as in words:
thinner, finer etc. But when 'r' hook is attached initially to 'ng' stroke, it produces the sound
of 'ng-kr' and 'ng-gr' as in words: tanker; banker. finger, linger etc.
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If skr/sgr occurs after 'p' or 'b', then 'r' is removed e.g.
Please note when there is a occurrence of vowel between the joining of two consonants,
forming a double consonant, never use double consonant. e.g.
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6.14 FINAL HOOK'S ATTACHMENT
Until now, you have read about the attachment of 'r' and 'I' hooks to curved and straight
strokes in the beginning. Now we shall learn about the attachment of hooks finally to the
same strokes. These hooks are two in number. These hooks if attached finally produce
the sound of f/v or n, if attached finally to straight strokes with left motion and if attached
finally with right motion respectively. e.g.
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6.15 THE SHUN HOOK
You must have come across words, like fashion, section, location, fiction passion,
occasion, rotation, gradation, logician, opposition, taxation, etc. There are many more
words in English which end with the sound 'Shun' or 'Zhun'.
As you are aware the purpose of writing shorthand is to write speedily. If you write full
shorthand stroke for all consonants sounds, the shorthand outlines will have many
awkward angles and will become unduly longer. Thus, the shorthand outlines cannot be
written fast. In Pitman's shorthand, 'Shun' and Zhun sounds are, therefore, represented
by a large final hook in most of the cases, thus,
You will notice from the above that termination 'Shun' or 'Zhun', variously spelt in English
language, as ---tion, ---sion, ---tian, ---etc. is represented by a large hook, commonly
known as 'Shun' hook. In the case of plurals 's' circle can also be added inside the shun
hook, as –
ii) When attached to a straight stroke with an initial attachment (circle, loop, or
hook), the Shun hook is written on the side opposite to the initial attachment;
thus,
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iii) When attached to a straight stroke having no initial attachment, Shun hook
is written on the right side of t, d, j, thus,
vii) Shun hook may be used in the middle of an outline, where convenient, thus,
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6.16 SHUN FOLLOWING CIRCLE'S' AND 'NS'
1. When Shun follows the circle 's' or 'ns', it is not expressed by a large hook. Instead,
it is represented by a 'small hook or curl', written on the opposite side to the circle
and with the same motion, or in continuation of the circle itself, such as-
2. A third place vowel between the circle and shun hook is placed outside the hook
or curl; thus
3. When a second-place vowel is to be read between the circle and Shun, it need
not be indicated; thus,
4. First place vowels do not occur between the circle and shun.
5. To indicate a plural, the circle 's' is placed inside the curl; thus,
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Cases where Shun hook is not to be used
The circle's' and the hook shun joined together may be used in phrases for the word
'association', as in
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Explain a few points to keep in mind while writing hook.
2. Illustrate the method of writing R or L hooks to the curved strokes with example.
3. Illustrate the method of writing N and FN hook to straight strokes with example.
4. What are the different rules that need to be followed while writing shun hook to
straight strokes.
5. Illustrate the method of adding 'S' to large and small shun hooks with example.
6. For how many words 'N' hook can be used in Phraseography?
7. Write shorthand outlines for the following words and explain the relevant rule
for the specific sound underlined: Nations stationery option fiction vocational.
8. State how SHUN is written following 'S'. or 'NS' circle. Explain with examples.
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1. Fill in the blanks:
5. Shun hook -------used in the middle of an outline, where convenient. (may be/
may not be)
7. If the sound of--------follows a curved stroke, a small circle will be written inside
the 'N' hook. {Nz / Ns)
9. If a big initial hook is attached ---------------the curved stroke, it will represent the
sound of 'L'. (inside/ outside)
2. State True/False
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UNIT-7
7.1 INTRODUCTION
In our shorthand writing, effort is made to reduce the time of writing. You have seen
in preceding chapters the use of small circle, large circle, hooks attachment initially
and finally, short cuts, abbreviations etc. The main purpose of their introduction is
to minimize the time of writing. In halving principle, halved strokes are used, wherever
required with certain conditions whereas in doubling principle, under some
circumstances the strokes are doubled to facilitate swift and speedier writing.
7. 2 OBJECTIVES
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PART A
HALVING PRINCIPLE
7.3 MEANING
Whenever the length of any stroke is halved, there is an addition of either
'T' or 'D' to that stroke.
7.3.1 RULES: The rules for Halving Principle are given below:
• Single syllable words beginning with thick/heavy strokes, are halved for 'd' only, e.g.
• In case of single syllable words with third place vowel, the said half-length stroke is
written on the line e.g.
The following rules were laid down for the application of halving principle to words with
two or more than two strokes:
(i) Words with more than one syllable, are halved either for 't' or for 'd' e.g.
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(ii) Last 't' or 'd' is halved for the sound of words ending with ted/ded e.g.
(iii) Thickened strokes of 'm', 'n', 'I' and 'r' (downward) are halved for the addition of 'd' e.g.
(iv) Stroke 'I' (downward) is thickened and halved for 'd' only e.g.
But 'I' (downward) stroke is halved for 't' if occurring after Consonants 'N' or 'Ng' e.g.
(vi) If 'st' sound comes after 'Shun', it is indicated by writing Consonant 'S' either in
upward or in downward direction.
(vii) If a Vowel comes in between R-D or L-D, the outlines will be written in full e.g.
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7.3.3 CIRCLE 'S' AFTER HALF-LENGTH STROKES:
Circle 's' attached at the end of half-length strokes is read after the sound of 't' or 'd' e.g.
'ted' or 'ded' occurring at the end of a word is indicated by 't' or 'd' joined or disjoined. e.g.
(i) Downward form of 'h' is not halved, when standing alone. It is the upward form of
'h' which is halved. e.g.
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(ii) Upward form of 'r' when standing alone, without initial attachment is not halved.
e.g.
(iii) In the words ending with 't' or 'd' and followed by a vowel, halving principle is
not employed e.g.
(v) Halving principle is not used when there is a joining of two straight strokes, forming
no angle, e.g.
(vi) If 'r' (downward) and 'sh' occur 'el', then r(dn) and 'sh' are not halved e.g.
(ix) when a vowel occurs between l-d or r-d, both consonants will be written in full forms
e.g.
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(x) Strokes for mp, mb and ng cannot be halved for the addition oft or d unless they
are Hooked initially or finally; e.g.
In above, you will find the use of half -length form of 'w' as would. Otherwise, we have
been using half semi -circle form of 'would' as in following cases:
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PART B
DOUBLING PRINCIPLE
You have seen in earlier chapters the use of standard-length strokes whether straight or
curved-ones.
When we talk of doubling with reference to shorthand writing, we deal with double length
strokes.
When any stroke is doubled in length, it is called as Doubling Principle.
(ii) Single stroke can also be doubled for tr, dr, Thr & ture, if it has a joined diphthong
at the end, e.g.
(iii) Single stroke can be doubled for tr, dr, Thr & ture, when it has a final hook e.g.
(iv) Curved strokes can be doubled to give the sound of tr, dr, Thr & ture at the end e.g.
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(v) When a small circle is attached to double length strokes at the end, it is always
read after the sounds of tr, dr, Thr & ture e.g.
(vi) 'L' stroke, if standing alone, or with a final circle's', is doubled for 'tr' only
(vii) 'L' stroke can be doubled for the sounds of 'tr' or 'dr' when it has attachments in the
form of hook, circle's' or tick 'h' in the beginning/end e.g.
(viii) Straight stroke can be doubled to indicated 'tr', 'dr' or 'Thr' only when it follows
another stroke or circle's' e.g.'
(ix) Straight stroke is doubled to indicate tr, dr or Thr only when it has a finally joined
diphthong or a final hook e.g.
(x) Double consonants (mp/mb) are also doubled to add final -er
(xi) consonant 'ng' can be doubled to add final 'kr' or 'gr' e.g.
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7.7.1 ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF MPR/MBR:
You have learnt in the previous pages that mp/mb double consonant stroke is doubled to
give the final ending as -er, as in words timber, bomber, chamber'. Sometimes it
becomes very difficult to write the outlines of some words where doubling can give an
awkward outline. At such places, we can use the alternative form of mpr/mbr as
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REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What are the advantages of halving and doubling principles?
2. How is the position of a half -length stroke decided?
3. Explain how a stroke is doubled.
4. When is doubling principle not employed?
5. How is halving principle employed in the case of multi syllabic words?
6. State the circumstances where halving principle is not employed.
7. Explain with suitable examples under which circumstances the halving principle is
applied to N, M, Land R (thickened).
8. What are the rules for halving one syllable words and more than one syllable
words?
9. In which cases the halving principle is applied in phraseography? Support your
answer with suitable examples.
1O. Explain with examples the use of doubling principle with straight strokes.
11. Describe with examples the doubling of strokes mp/mb with curved strokes.
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2. Thin strokes are halved to add-------and thick strokes are halved to add--------
(T,D / D, T)
3. The strokes 'Eld' and 'Ard' are always written------. (upwards/downwards)
4. There are three lengths for consonants in Pitman's Shorthand, which are------------
------- and -------------------------
(Full-length, half-length and double-length / Diphthong, triphone and diphones).
5. Past tense words generally use ----------------instead of------- (doubling, halving/
halving, doubling)
6 -------------------'R' is not halved when standing alone. (Upward / downward)
7. Half length 'H' when standing alone is written------ in direction. (upward/
downward)
8. Straight strokes can be doubled for the addition of tr, dr, Thr and ture provided it
has an ---------circle. (initial / final)
9. Stroke 'L' standing alone is doubled for-------------only. (tr /dr)
10. Stroke 'L' can be doubled for tr. or dr. when it has ------------- (attachment / without
attachment)
11. Writing of any stroke in--------the size of its normal length is called doubling.
(double/ half)
12. Final circle attached to double length forms is to be read -------------tr, dr, Thr
(Before / after)
13. At which place the words 'motor' and 'meter' will be written------------------
(2nd place/ 3rd place)
14. All double length down strokes are written---------- the line. (above/through)
15. If the first sounded vowel is of second or third place all double length horizontal
strokes will be written ------------the line. (on/ through)
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Exercise No. 2
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UNIT-8
COMPOUND CONSONANTS, DOT & TICK 'H'
8.1 INTRODUCTION
In English language there are so many words which have compound consonants (having
more than one consonantal sound). Some of the existing consonants have been used to
represent the compound sounds by adding hooks, thick forms, etc. yet ensuring formation
of concise, brief and facile outlines.
The last consonant sound 'H' can also be represented by a tick and also by a dot 'H'.
Downward Hay is reduced to a tick before simple em imp, upward ell, ar, rer, ard, etc. Tick
Hay is also used medially in a phrase. When the other forms of Hay cannot be written
conveniently, Dot Hay is also used.
8.2 OBJECTIVES
As you know in the beginning that simple consonant is a sound which cannot be produced
distinctly without the aid of a vowel. The compound consonants are the combination of
two consonants.
There are eight compound consonants in shorthand with distinct sign. The same are
shown on the given table
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8.4 RULES FOR THE USE OF COMPOUND CONSONANTS
(1) The compound consonants KW, GW, WH, MP or MB are used when two
consonants immediately succeed one another without any vowel between them e.g. while,
wheel, quake, linguist,camp,tomb
(2) Similarly the other compound consonants are used when they immediately
succeed one another
A large initial hook written with the left motion or anticlockwise motion to the stroke k
prefixes w and thereby represents the compound consonant kw. For example:
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In the given example
1. Note the exact placement of first place vowels in regard to the tick.
2. The vowel sign is placed at the extreme end of the stroke. It is necessary so that
the vowel sign is not mistaken for a second place vowel.
3. This does not mean the vowel is spoken before the H , if there is a vowel before
H, you would be using a full downward hay stroke to place it against.
4. It should also be noted that the tick does not count as the first up or down stroke.
For example
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GRADED DICTATION EXERCISES
40 W.P.M.
Passage No. 01
Sir, 80 percent population of this country lives in / villages and a majority of them are
landless labourers and II marginal farmers. Out of this 80 percent that is seventy Ill crores
of rural population, more than thirty crores are landless (1) labourers. They live below the
poverty line. Really speaking, there/is no legal provision for their well- being and welfare.
II The urban labour is less than ten crores and the Ill Government has taken many steps
Sir, I would like to tell some/ of the measaures taken by the Government for the welfare //
of the urban labour. There is an Act governing industrial /// relations and disputes. There
are workers' committees, joint management councils, (3) National Commission on Labour
etc. The Government has also taken I many steps for social security like Employees' State
Insurance Scheme, II Employees' Provident Fund, Family Pension, Maternity benefits etc.
for this /// industrial and urban labour. There is also the Central Board (4) of Workers'
education, the objective of which is to create / a well- informed and responsible labour
force, capable of organizing II the running trade unions on a sound basis. All these Ill
115
40W.P.M.
Passage No. 02
Sir, we know that there will not be socialist under I you. All that we say is that if the
Members // of that some of the Houses go to some other Ill Houses and hear lectures very
seriously they should come here (1) and tell us that they are also going to increase I the
wages of the workers when such measures are brought II up. Such occasions are good
occasions for them·to-begin Ill to cultivate this because you have yet to learn (2) the ABC
of socialism first and you cannot I write a book or a poem or an article straightway II and
we do not expect you to do it either. Ill But, if you are really sincere about what you are (3)
talking, you should try to learn the ABC I that is to say, begin with giving the workers a II
fair deal, giving them a living wage and dealing with Ill the workers here in this Bill
youshould make provisions (4) for them. I do not suggest that in this Bill I there should be
provision that so much wages small be // given to the rubber plantation workers or fix a
scale Ill and all that sort of thing. All that I have (5) proposed in this amendment is that the
116
40 W.P.M.
Passage No. 3
Mr. Deputy Speaker, in the course of the discussion, it/ has been pointed out by a large
number of members II as to how the rubber industry is in the grip Ill of certain foreign
elements and Indian monopolists at the top. (1) We know that there are small planters and
producers but / the Dunlop Company was also mentioned. So far as the II big industries
are concerned, it has been their policy to Ill capiitalise the money and to put money in the
reserve (2) fund instead of utilizing such funds and profits for the / improvement of the
labourers. It was pointed out yesterday that II at the Dunlop Company gave very high
dividends. You will beIll surprised to know that while the Company had money to (3)
declare a dividend of 40 percent and also to I capitalise a part of the profits, it did not give
II at all a fair deal to the workers. On the Ill contrary, they were kept at more or less the
same (4) old level, where they had a kind of labour. Therefore, / it becomes necessary to
look into this matter. We are II interested in the increase in production and everybody is
interested Ill in it. Essential commodities must be increased in the country. (5)
117
60 W.P.M.
Passage No. 1
My. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as you have already pointed out that the Union Public Service /
Commission submits annual reports and these reports are laid before the Houses of
Parliament along II with any memorandum, if there be any, from the Government,
explaining their position as to II why they have not accepted the particular advice of the
Commission. Sir, we have so Ill far received three such reports from the Commission and
I have gone through these three (1) reports is that apart from the fact that there have been
are very serious irregularities committed by // the Executive Government in the matter of
appointments to the civil posts and the civil II/ services. If you permit me, Sir, I may add
that I have found that there (2) are occasions when the Government has even by - passed
the Houses of Parliament in their/ anxiety to provide for their favourites. Sir, as you have
already pointed out, the recruitments II to civil Posts and the civil services are to be made
by the Union Public II/ Service Commission. There are two basic ideas underlying this
system of recruitment to the civil (3) services adopted in our Constitution. Firstly, we desire
that all eligible persons to a particular / post should be entitled to enter into a fair and free
competition to get that II job. Secondly, we want to avoid all elements of patronage in the
mc!tter of appointments Ill to our civil services. You will find that under the old Regulation
which has been (4) kept in force in the constitution there are several categories of
employment and posts which / have been kept away from the purview of the Public
Services Commission.
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60 W.P.M.
Passage No. 2
I Sir, I would like to ask this question from the Hon. Minister, when it was / such an important
measure, what was the Ministry doing, till such a long time, e cepting II to come forward
before the House with another amending Bill of this nature? Originally, only Ill four months'
time was asked for, when the patent Bill was moved and it was (1) stated that within that
period of four months they would come forward with a comprehensive / legislation. Then
again they came forward with another amending Bill, extending the period. Now, between
II April and December nothing has happened excepting that the Advisory Committee has
been constituted and Ill it met once only just to recommend for extending the period by
Sir, nobody, in both the Houses would oppose this measure but they can only / criticize
the way in which the Government is dealing with this measure, the way in II which the
Government is sleeping over the matter, a matter which affects the very life Ill of a Member
of Parliament, not only a Member of Parliament but also a Member (3) of the State
Legislature. As the Hon. Law Minister has pointed out that the article I of our constitution
does not define what is an office of profits except to say/I that a Ministership or a Deputy
member of the ConQress Party would not amount to an office (4) of profit. Only a few
instances are specified as to which offices would not amount I to an office of profit. Then
the complications had arisen even when the original Bill II was moved introducing statutory
committees and advisory committees. What a statutory committee was or what Ill
an advisory committee was, was not all defined in the patent Bill. (5)
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60 W.P.M.
Passage No. 3
Sir, in the course of one year this bill has come up before this House / three times. This is
the third time that this Bill is coming up before the Ill House. The patent Bill was introduced
in December and in less than one year two Ill amending Bills were being / moved before
us. Even at the time when the patent Bill (1) was moved, it was suggested by several
Members, both on this side as well as I on the other side of the House, that it is safe to
enumerate in the II Bill itself, by attaching a schedule to it, to specify clearly, provisions as
to what Ill would amount to an office of profit and what would not amount to an office (2)
of profit. It was then stated by the then hon. Mover of the Bill and that the Bill II by itself,
as moved, was comprehensive enough. Then, Sir, certain difficulties were felt and various
Members of this House, as well as of the other House, had addressed the hon. (3) Law
Minister then, asking him whether their remaining in a particular committee would amount
to / an office of profit or not. Probably, looking at the numerous letters that had been II
addressed to the hon. Law Minister he was in dilemma as to what to do. Ill He had come
forward with an amending Bill to extend the life till the end(4) of December. A Committee
was constituted to advise the hon. Law Minister as to what/ offices would not amount to
offices of profit. I am told by one or two II members who had served in that Advisory
120