VAAGDEVI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

Manual

Prepared by:
Faculty of English
Department Of BSH

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Evaluation Pattern:

Advanced English Language Communication Skills Laboratory can be broadly

classified into two:

1) Computer Assisted Language Lab

2) Interactive Communication Skills Lab

Internal Assessment: 40 Marks

1) Two internals will be conducted for Lab assessment

2) Students are advised to maintain a record book to make a note of the activities
done in the lab. Five marks will be awarded for the same.
3) Attendance will be taken regularly for the lab sessions for which five marks will
be awarded.
4) A written test for 10 marks will be conducted.
5) Students are evaluated for five marks for activity.
6) Total number of marks for internal assessment is 25.

External Examination: 60 Marks

External assessment is based on a 3 hour examination process.

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 LIST OF EXERCISES

S.NO UNITS

1 ACTIVITIES ON LISTENING AND

READING COMPREHENSION

2 ACTIVITIES ON WRITING SKILLS

3 ACTIVITIES ON PRESENTATION
SKILLS

4 ACTIVITIES ON GROUP
DISCUSSION (GD)

5 INTERVIEW SKILLS

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 UNIT – 1

ACTIVITIES ON LISTENING AND READING COMPREHENSION

ACTIVE LISTENING

Active listening involves fully concentrating on and comprehending the message

being conveyed by the speaker. Here are some strategies to improve your active
listening skills:

 Give the speaker your undivided attention: Make eye contact, put away
distractions, and face the speaker.
 Use verbal and nonverbal cues: Nod, use phrases like "uh-huh," and ask
open-ended questions to show engagement.
 Paraphrase and summarize: Repeat back what you've heard in your own
words to ensure understanding.
 Ask clarifying questions: Seek additional information to clear up any
confusion.
 Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before
responding.
 Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and focus on the
conversation.
 Take notes: Write down key points to help you remember the
conversation.
 Show empathy and understanding: Acknowledge the speaker's feelings
and perspective.

 Avoid making assumptions: Don't assume you know what the speaker.
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  Follow up: After the conversation, check in to ensure understanding and
follow through on any commitments.

BENEFITS OF READING

Reading offers numerous benefits, including:

 Improved vocabulary and communication skills

 Enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills
 Increased empathy and understanding of different perspectives
 Better focus, concentration, and mental discipline
 Reduced stress and improved mental relaxation
 Exposure to new ideas, knowledge, and experiences
 Improved memory and retention
 Enhanced imagination and creativity
 Better understanding of oneself and the world
 Support for personal growth and self-improvement

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF EFFECTIVE READING

 Active Reading: Engage with the material by asking questions, making

connections, and summarizing the content.
 Purposeful Reading: Set clear goals and purposes for reading to stay
focused.
 Skimming and Scanning: Quickly glance over headings, subheadings,
and bullet points to grasp the main ideas.
 Close Reading: Carefully analyze and interpret complex texts, paying
attention to details and nuances.
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SQ3R Method:

 Survey the text

 Question what you've read
 Read the text while looking for answers
 Recite the answers out loud
 Review the material

 Chunking: Break down text into manageable sections or chunks to

improve comprehension.

 Visualizing: Create mental images to help remember key concepts and

events.

 Making Connections: Relate the text to personal experiences, prior

knowledge, or other texts.

 Note-taking: Record important information, questions, and insights to

reinforce understanding.

 Active Recall: Test yourself on the material by trying to recall key points
without looking at the text.

 Spaced Repetition: Review material at increasingly longer intervals to aid

long-term retention.

 Reading Aloud: Hear the text to improve pronunciation, intonation, and

comprehension.
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  Mind Mapping: Create visual diagrams to organize and connect ideas.

 Critical Reading: Evaluate the author's arguments, biases, and evidence.

 Metacognition: Reflect on your own reading process and adjust your

strategies as needed.

BASIC STEPS TO EFFECTIVE READING

Step 1: Prepare to Read

 Set clear goals and purposes for reading

 Choose a comfortable and distraction-free environment
 Adjust lighting and seating for optimal comfort

Step 2: Preview the Text

 Skim headings, subheadings, and bullet points

 Read the introduction, summary, or abstract
 Look for key terms, definitions, and concepts

Step 3: Read Actively

 Focus on the main ideas and supporting details

 Ask questions and make connections to prior knowledge
 Take notes, highlight, or underline important points

Step 4: Understand and Interpret

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  Identify the author's purpose, tone, and bias
 Analyze and evaluate the information
 Make inferences and draw conclusions

Step 5: Review and Recall

 Summarize the main points in your own words

 Review notes and highlighted sections
 Test yourself on key concepts and terms

Step 6: Reflect and Apply

 Think critically about the material

 Relate the information to your life or other texts
 Apply what you've learned to new situations

COMMON OBSTACLES TO READING:

Here are some common obstacles to reading:

 Lack of time: Busy schedules can make it difficult to find time to read.

 Distractions: Social media, TV, and other digital distractions can compete
for attention.

 Lack of interest: Reading material may not be engaging or relevant.

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 Poor reading habits: Not setting aside dedicated time, or reading in a
 distracting environment.

 Visual or learning difficulties: Conditions like dyslexia, vision

impairment, or learning disabilities.

 Language barriers: Reading in a non-native language can be

challenging.

 Access limitations: Limited access to books, libraries, or digital resources.

 Physical discomfort: Reading can be uncomfortable due to physical

factors like lighting, seating, or vision.

 Mental or emotional blocks: Stress, anxiety, or past experiences can

make reading difficult.

 Lack of motivation: Struggling to stay motivated or engaged.

 Competing priorities: Other activities or responsibilities taking

precedence over reading.

DISCOURSE MARKERS

Discourse markers are words or phrases that connect ideas, signal transitions, and
help organize spoken or written language. They facilitate communication by:

 Indicating relationships: Between ideas, sentences, or paragraphs.

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 Signaling transitions: From one idea to another, or from one stage of the
 conversation to another.

 Providing cohesion: Linking ideas, making the text more coherent.

 Guiding the listener/reader: Through the flow of ideas.

Common discourse markers include:

Transition words are essential for creating flow and coherence in writing. They help
connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly. Below are some common types of
transition words with examples.

1. Addition

 Moreover: "She is a skilled writer; moreover, she excels in public speaking."

 Furthermore: "The project was a success; furthermore, it was completed ahead
of schedule."
 Additionally: "We need more resources; additionally, we should consider hiring
more staff."
 Also: "He is fluent in French; also, he can speak Spanish."

2. Contrast

 However: "The plan seemed perfect; however, it encountered unexpected

challenges."
 On the other hand: "She loves the city life; on the other hand, her husband
prefers the countryside."
 Nevertheless: "It was raining; nevertheless, we went for a hike."
 Although: "Although it was expensive, they decided to buy the car."

3. Cause and Effect

 Therefore: "The company was losing money; therefore, they had to lay off
some employees."
 As a result: "He missed the deadline; as a result, his project was not
considered."
 Consequently: "She didn’t study; consequently, she failed the exam."
 Thus: "The evidence was strong; thus, the verdict was inevitable." 1
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4. Comparison

 Similarly: "The first experiment was successful; similarly, the second one
yielded positive results."
 Likewise: "He is a talented musician; likewise, his sister has a great voice."
 In the same way: "The manager motivated his team; in the same way, he
encouraged them to take on new challenges."
 Just as: "Just as the sun rises in the east, it sets in the west."

5. Illustration/Example

 For example: "There are many ways to save energy; for example, turning off
lights when not in use."
 For instance: "Many countries have strict environmental laws; for instance,
Germany enforces rigorous recycling regulations."
 Such as: "He enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming."
 To illustrate: "He is very reliable; to illustrate, he has never missed a deadline."

6. Conclusion/Summary

 In conclusion: "In conclusion, the study shows that regular exercise improves
mental health."
 To sum up: "To sum up, the project was a great success despite the initial
setbacks."
 In summary: "In summary, all the evidence points to the defendant’s guilt."
 Ultimately: "Ultimately, it’s your decision whether to stay or leave."

7. Time/Sequence

 First/Second/Third: "First, we need to gather data. Second, we analyze it.

Third, we draw conclusions."
 Next: "We finished the initial phase; next, we’ll move on to testing."
 Finally: "Finally, the report was submitted to the committee."
 Meanwhile: "She was cooking dinner; meanwhile, her husband set the table."

8. Clarification

 In other words: "He was exhausted; in other words, he needed a break."

 To put it differently: "The project failed; to put it differently, it didn’t meet
expectations."
 That is to say: "He is a polyglot; that is to say, he speaks several languages."

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9. Emphasis

 Indeed: "She is indeed the best candidate for the job."

 In fact: "In fact, the book was more successful than the author anticipated."
 Certainly: "She will certainly succeed if she keeps working hard."
 Without a doubt: "He is, without a doubt, the most qualified person for the
position."


Some common fact-based reading materials include:

 News articles
 Research papers
 Reports
 Biographies
 Historical texts
 Instructional manuals
 Scientific studies

CRITICAL READING

Critical reading involves actively analyzing and evaluating the information,

arguments, and ideas presented in a text. Here are some strategies to help you
read critically:
 Start with a purpose: Clearly define what you want to achieve from your
reading.

 Understand the context: Consider the author's background, purpose, and

audience.

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 Identify the main idea: Determine the central argument or claim. 2
  Analyze the structure: Examine how the text is organized and how ideas
are developed.

 Evaluate evidence and support: Assess the quality and relevance of

evidence and support.

 Recognize biases and assumptions: Identify any biases, assumptions, or

perspectives.

 Consider multiple perspectives: Think about alternative viewpoints or

counterarguments.

 Make connections and inferences: Relate the text to your prior

knowledge or experiences.

 Ask questions and challenge: Question the author's claims and

arguments.

 Synthesize and reflect: Combine new information with your existing

knowledge and reflect on your understanding.

Some common critical reading skills include:

 Analyzing arguments and claims
 Evaluating evidence and support
 Identifying biases and assumptions
 Recognizing logical fallacies
 Considering multiple perspectives
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 Making connections and inferences 3
 .

READING COMPREHENSION

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand, interpret, and make meaning

from written text. It involves:

 Literal comprehension: Understanding the explicit meaning of the text.

 Inferential comprehension: Making inferences and drawing conclusions

based on the text.

 Critical comprehension: Analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing

information.

Strategies to improve reading comprehension:

 Active reading: Engage with the text by asking questions, making

connections, and summarizing.

 Purposeful reading: Set clear goals and purposes for reading.

 Visualizing: Create mental images to aid understanding.

 Making connections: Relate text to personal experiences or prior

knowledge.

 Questioning: Ask questions before, during, and after reading.

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  Summarizing: Condense information into a concise form.
 Identifying main ideas and supporting details: Recognize the central
theme and evidence.

 Using context clues: Determine word meanings from surrounding text.

 Monitoring understanding: Check your comprehension as you read.

 Reviewing and reflecting: Review the text and reflect on your

understanding.

EXERCISES TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS

 Active reading: As you read, ask yourself questions like "What is the
main idea?", "What is the author trying to say?", and "What new
information am I learning?"

 Summarize and paraphrase: Summarize the main points of a text in your

own words, and try to paraphrase complex sentences to understand their
meaning.

 Identify the main idea: Read a passage and try to identify the central
argument or claim.

 Make inferences: Read a text and try to make inferences about the
author's purpose, tone, or character traits.
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 Analyze vocabulary: Read a text and identify unfamiliar words, then try
to understand their meaning from context.

 Read different genres: Expose yourself to various types of texts, such as

fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and articles.

 Take notes: Take notes as you read to help you remember key points and
understand the material.

 Discuss with others: Join a book club or discuss what you've read with
friends to deepen your understanding.

 Practice active recall: Test yourself on the material by trying to recall key
points or information without looking at the text.

 Set goals and track progress: Set reading goals and track your progress
to stay motivated and focused.

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 UNIT – 2

ACTIVITIES ON WRITING SKILLS

VOCABULARY FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS

Here are some tips for building vocabulary for competitive examinations:

 Read widely: Expose yourself to various texts, including fiction, non-

fiction, newspapers, and magazines.

 Learn prefixes, suffixes, and roots: Many words share common prefixes,
suffixes, and roots. Learning these can help you decipher unfamiliar
words.

 Make flashcards: Write words on flashcards and review them regularly to

reinforce your learning.

 Practice active recall: Test yourself regularly on vocabulary words.

 Use mnemonics: Create associations or memories to help you remember

tricky words.

 Focus on word families: Learn groups of words related to a particular

theme or topic.

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 Learn idioms and phrases: Familiarize yourself with common idiomatic 7
 expressions.

 Use vocabulary apps: Take advantage of apps like Quizlet, Duolingo, or

Vocabulary.com to aid your learning.

 Join a study group: Collaborate with others to learn and review

vocabulary.

 Review consistently: Regular review helps solidify new words in your

long-term memory.

PLANNING FOR WRITING

Planning for writing involves several steps to help you clarify your ideas,
organize your thoughts, and create a clear direction for your writing. Here's a
general framework to follow:

 Define the purpose: Identify the reason for writing and the intended
audience.

 Brainstorm ideas: Generate ideas and topics related to the purpose.

 Develop a thesis statement: Clearly state the main argument or point.

 Create an outline: Organize ideas into a logical structure (introduction,

body, and conclusion).

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 Determine the scope: Establish the boundaries and focus of the writing. 8
  Conduct research: Gather information and evidence to support your
ideas.

 Develop a writing schedule: Set deadlines and milestones for completion.

 Consider the tone and style: Determine the appropriate tone, voice, and
language use.

 Anticipate counterarguments: Think about potential opposing views and

be prepared to address them.

 Review and revise the plan: Refine your plan as needed before starting to
write.

IMPROVING WRITING SKILLS

Here are some tips to improve your writing skills:

 Read widely: Expose yourself to different writing styles, genres, and

authors.

 Write regularly: Practice writing in various forms, such as journaling,

blogging, or short stories.

 Clear purpose: Define the purpose and audience for each piece of
writing.

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 Plan and outline: Organize your ideas before starting to write. 9
 Strong structure: Use a logical introduction, body, and conclusion.

 Concise language: Use simple, clear language and avoid jargon.

 Active voice: Prefer active voice over passive voice.

 Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language to paint a picture.

 Edit and revise: Review your work, make revisions, and proofread.

 Seek feedback: Ask others to review your writing and provide

constructive feedback.

 Learn grammar and punctuation: Brush up on the basics and apply

them.

 Use writing tools: Explore resources like grammar checkers, thesauruses,

and writing apps.

 Practice writing in different styles: Try your hand at fiction, nonfiction,

poetry, or journalism.

 Join a writing community: Connect with fellow writers for support and
motivation.

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STRUCTURE AND PRESENTATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF
WRITING

1. Essay

 Introduction (hook, background, thesis)

 Body paragraphs (topic sentence, evidence, analysis)
 Conclusion (summary, final thoughts)
Write an essay on Impact of COVID-19 on Education system
2. Report

 Title page
 Executive summary
 Introduction
 Body (sections with headings)
 Conclusion
 Recommendations
 Appendices
Write a report on your college annual day celebrations
3. Article

 Headline
 Introduction (hook, background)
 Body (sections with headings)
 Conclusion
 Call-to-action
Write an article on the recent incident of accident in your locality
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4 Letter 1
  Date
 Address
 Salutation
 Body (introduction, main points, closing)
 Signature
 Closing
6. Email

 Subject line
 Greeting
 Body (clear, concise paragraphs)
 Call-to-action
 Closing
 Signature

LETTER WRITING
Letter writing is a timeless form of communication that can be used for personal,
professional, or formal purposes. Here are some key elements to consider:

Types of Letters:
 Personal Letter: Written to friends, family, or acquaintances.
 Business Letter: Used for professional communication, such as job
applications, inquiries, or formal announcements.
 Formal Letter: Written for official purposes, like complaints, requests, or
apologies.
 Informal Letter: Casual and conversational, often used for social
invitations or thank-you notes.
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Basic Structure: 2
  Date: Include the date you're writing the letter.
 Address: Write the recipient's address.
 Salutation: Use a greeting like "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]".
 Body: The main content of the letter, divided into paragraphs.
 Closing: End with a polite phrase like "Sincerely" or "Best regards".
 Signature: Sign your name above your printed name.

Tips:
 Be clear and concise: State your purpose in the first paragraph.
 Use proper grammar and spelling: Ensure accuracy and professionalism.
 Use a formal tone: Avoid slang and ]/contractions in formal letters.
 Proofread: Check for errors before sending.
 Use proper formatting: Leave margins and use a legible font

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Qs. Write a letter to the Post Master, General Post Office, Pithoragarh
complaining of late delivery of letters. You are Mohit/Mona of Takana,
Pithoragarh.

Ans.
Friends Colony,
Takana Pithoragarh
11 November, 2017
The Postmaster
General Post Office
Pithoragarh
Subject: Complaint regarding late delivery of letters
Sir,
This is to bring to your kind notice that the beat postman of our area is not
performing his duties well. He never delivers our letters, money orders, parcels
etc. on time. He visits only once a week and delivers the letters of the whole week
that day. As a result of his careless attitude towards duties, we often get deprived
of the important information of marriage, death, etc. of our relatives and friends.
Several times people could not reach on time to attend the interview or join
service due to the negligence on the part of the postman. We have repeatedly
requested him to be regular and deliver the letter on time but he pays no heed to
our requests.
I sincerely request you to personally enquire into the matter and take immediate
action for the redressal of our grievances.
Yours faithfully
Mona

(A resident of Friends Colony)

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Takana 4
Ex. Write a letter to your principal asking for industrial visit permission

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