INTRODUCTION

People often wonder if English as a language is only required for a better job and to get a head in life. Many think that
learning English, the international language, is the best option. It’s no doubt, English is of course an excellent choice,
but one definitely thinks it’s very challenging to get that fluent speaking and writing skills we get to hear from the
white collar job holders and those English movies we generally binge watch. But learning any new language initially
is a challenging task, but in terms of English, It’s the most spoken language in the world, In fact India, population
wise is the largest English speaking nation. Practising the English skills of speaking, greeting, hearing, listing is more
feasible around our environment. Taking it as an opportunity, this booklet will focuses on the importance of language
skills in the workplace, and covers basic tips for how you can improve your command of the English language in
writing, speaking and pronunciations. In this booklet, we not only going to learn the facts of basic English but also be
involved in playing many games in the midst of reading. Do play them and evaluate your progress. So let’s begin

IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH
It’s the most commonly spoken language in the world:

Depending a bit on how you count, in addition to the approximately 400 million
native speaking countries such as America, UK, Australia, Canada, English is
understood and/or spoken by 1-1.6 billion people all around the world. With over a
quarter of the world speaking the language, there’s always someone that you have to
converse when you are traveling.

It’s the language of international business:

English is the medium for International Education.

With world business headquarters predominantly in the financial hubs of the UK and USA, English has long been the
default language of trade. Therefore, English is the dominant business language and it has become almost a necessity
for people to speak English if they are to enter a global workforce, research from all over the world shows that cross-
border business communication is most often conducted in English. Its importance in the global market place
therefore cannot be understated, learning English really can change your life.

Globalization pushed the language into areas of the world it

otherwise might not reach. A recent LinkedIn survey revealed
that 90% of HR Directors, CEOs and CMOs claimed
that having English-speaking employees is beneficial to their
businesses. They likely claim so because English’s impact on
the business world has been long felt. Hence English fluency
can open up to lot many sectors for a job opportunity.

Keeps Your Brain Sharp:

Science is also a largely English-centric community. With new terms and published articles most likely to show up in
English, the benefits of learning English are immense. So is the Internet. The Internet always had an advantage to
English speakers. One benefit of learning English is having access to the 55% of the content available on the web
today. Today, this has brought the digital community into the English language fold and makes knowing it virtually a
key to the internet. Due to which, lots and lots of open articles, open access tutorials etc could be accessed developing
your overall knowledge.

Use of English for Seeking Job:

Even after the completion of their studies, the students need to have sufficient proficiency in English for getting
involved in the process of Job seeking. The vacancies for the jobs are often found announced in English. For
understanding the announcements also, they need to possess the capability to perceive what information the vacancy
announcements contain.

English Skills 1
After being able to understand what the announcement of
Job vacancy means what requirements they need to meet
for being legible for the vacant post. Furthermore, they
have to apply for the post lying vacant in the concerned
company. As they prepare themselves for applying for the
job, they need to write a very impressive letter of job
application. At this moment also, the quality and standard
of their English language that they have used in their letter
of job applications matters much.
After the submission of the letter of Job applications also,
they are required to attend both written examination and
interview or group discussion. The qualities of their
performance in both the examinations are often gauged on
the basis of the quality of English proficiency.

TEST YOUR SELF: 1

Thirty-six words that contain the word NO are hidden in this word-find puzzle. The words are placed
backward, forward, diagonally, and vertically. Good luck in finding the 36 hidden words in the span 3
mins. Play with your friends and see who could do it better.
Such as: NOMINAL, NOMINATE, DENOTE, PRONOUN

Write your words here:

English Skills 2
 INTRODUCING AND GREETINGS
Learning English as second language in India might be essential for different aspects of jobs in our everyday lives.
Every sentence we use has the purpose of enabling second language learners to move beyond vocabulary and
grammar to the functional aspect of communication. Being able to communicate with each other form bonds,
teamwork, and it’s what separates humans from other animal species. Communication drives our lives and better
ourselves.
The topics and the exercises of this notes aim at enhancement of the learners’ communication skill. Let’s begin with
different ways of Self Introduction and greeting people as You only get one chance to create a first and best
impression”. Here, in this notes, one could go through a way of introducing oneself especially in career atmosphere,
are presented for practice.

INTRODUCING ONESELF– IN AN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Many among you might be perusing for upper studies in a masters or MBA schools in the future. In this condition
when you are first said to be introducing yourself in front of the class or in a group of people. Then the following
communication could be an example:

Here, Monica is introducing herself in front of his MBA Class:

Hi! My name is Monica. I live in Rangpur with my parents

and brothers. Previously, I used to study in SVMS College
perusing Computer Science. I have also acquired a
certification course in Communicative and Functional
English after my college hours to improve my language
skills. I am very passionate about programming and
mathematics. During weekends, I take dancing lessons,
swimming and veena. I really love dogs and I can play with
them forever. My favorite color is blue. My favorite food is
masala dosa. I want to learn how to master the skills of
financing and I hope we all can work it out together.
Thank you.

Each of the sentences in this self-introduction has a grammatical structure. But, the message of Shiva is more than
just subjects, verbs and objects. Each sentence has a purpose or topic.

• Hi - GREETING
• My name is Monica. – NAME
• I live in Rangpur with my parents and brothers – WHERE YOU & YOUR FAMILY LIVE
• Previously, I used to study in SVS College perusing Computer Science. I have also acquired a certification
course in Communicative and Functional English after my college hours to improve my language skills –
DISCIPLINE
• I am very passionate about programming and mathematics – SUBJECTS
• During weekends, I take dancing lessons, swimming and veena. – HOBBIES
• I really love dogs and I can play with them forever. My favorite color is blue. My favorite food is masala dosa.
– INTEREST
• I want to learn how to master the skills of financing and – PURPOSE FOR BEING AT THE COLLEGE.
• I hope we all can work it out together. Thank you- - CLOSING

Once the students are clear about the purpose or topic of each sentence, they can choose which words to say by using
the topic as cues to CHOOSE their own words to deliver the message.

English Skills 3
Some cues for each topic are given below for your use.
1. GREETING: I love, I find Street Food enjoyable,
Hello, Hi My favourite food is Paneer
Good day, Good morning,
Good evening, Good afternoon

2. NAME, AGE and WHERE YOU LIVE

4. HOBBIES / COLOURS
I am ABCXYZ. (I am in my twenties / I am
nineteen.) I like , I enjoy, I am fond of,
I live in, I am from, I come from I love, I find Running enjoyable My
favourite colour is black .
3. FAVOURITES / FOOD:
I like, I enjoy, I am fond of
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SELF-INTRODUCTION– FOR CAREER

Self-introduction during an interview is a crucial one in any networking situation. It is both a personal and
professional communication skill that is needed in your everyday life. Think about how you can use this short period
of time to not only introduce yourself but also convey something about who you are and what you do.

When you introduce yourself, it is not for anyone else's benefit but YOURS! In brief, self-introduction is
marketing your skills. First impressions count a great deal in an interview.

A job interview is a tough competition with one or a few winners. And the manner in which you introduce yourself in
an interview will be remembered so much so that it might be the deal breaker. Self-introductions are a natural oral
form that help to assess the workers’ confidence, vocabulary, grammar and attitude, and also help the employers get
to know them. Here are some tips for introducing yourself.

SAMPLE 1 : Introduce yourself briefly

Good morning Sir.
My name is Seenu; My name is Seenu. I completed my PG and UG Micro-biology in GT College, Madurai.
I completed my schooling in T.V.S. Hr. Sec. School, Madurai. My hobbies are drawing, painting and listening
to music. My aim is to do a good job in Micro-biology industry and I would like to help my country to develop
economically.
Thank you Sir.
SAMPLE 2: Introducing yourself
Good morning Madam,
Firstly I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to introduce myself.
My name is Anu. My native place is Jaipur. Now, I am pursuing (doing) B.A., Economics in M T N
College, Madurai. I did my schooling from M. L. Higher Secondary School in my native place.
My strength is self-confidence. I am a positive thinker. My weakness is I never feel comfortable until I
finish my work. I am a fresher so you can melt me as your requirement.
My goal is to work in a group where I can get knowledge related to my field and my skill is useful for the
organization.
Thank you Madam.
SAMPLE 3: Introducing you and your family

It's my pleasure to introduce myself and thank you for giving this golden opportunity to me. I'm
N.Sandeep from Visakhapatnam. About my academic qualification: Now I am doing B-Tech final year.
I completed my +II from Palayamkottai with 85% marks. I did my tenth in Government High School from
Tirunelveli with 95%.
About my family: My family consists of 5 members including me. I am the eldest. My father is a Government
employee and my mother is a home maker. My brother and sister are busy with their studies.
My hobbies are listening to music, painting, and reading books
About my strength: Positive thinking, being optimistic, and self-confidence boost me up always.

English Skills 4
My weakness: I am believing people very easily and I never feel happy until I finish my work.
My short term goal is to complete my degree.
My long term goal is I want to become a great programmer.
Thank you very much Sir.

Test Your Self: 2 (Write your Answers on the last pages)

1. Assume you are attending an interview for a famous company in a city. Introduce yourself
to your employer highlighting your skills.
2. Introduce yourself to your class teacher on the first day of your college studies.
3. Draft a telephonic conversation in which the receiver attends and answers the call directly.
4. Draft a telephonic conversation in which the caller’s call is attended by some other person.

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REQUESTING
The common expressions of request are listed below:
1. Could you help me please? 5. Do you mind helping please?
2. Can I help you? 6. Will / Would you please help me?
3. Can you please lend me your pen? 7. I’m sorry to trouble you, but I need your help.
4. Can you do me a favour? 8. If you don’t mind, please help me?

The first four are informal, used when you talk with your friends and equals. The rest are rather
formal and polite, used when you talk with superiors.

Some samples are given below:

Model 1: In a Hotel Model 2: In the classroom

Keerthi : Can you please serve some more Shiva : Could you please lend me a pen?
rice? Mine doesn’t write.
Server : Yes, Madam. Anything else? Raj : Sorry, I have only one pen with me.
Keerthi : Yes. Please get me a plate of mutton Shiv : Do you have a pencil?
curry in a parcel. Raj : Sorry, I don’t have a pencil either.
Server : Okay, ma’am.

GREETING
In this section, we will look at samples of some common functions in English and the language used to perform them.
You can practice the expressions both alone and with your classmates in order to use them with skill and confidence
when speaking English. Let’s start with different ways of introducing oneself and others. Whether you are at college,
with friends, or in business, introducing oneself is an everyday occurrence and it is an important skill to master.

Here are some easy steps on how to greet the people you meet in a sincere and open way.

Some of the common expressions of greeting are given below:

1. Hi, Megha! How’re you? 8. Good morning, everybody.
2. Hi, how do you do? 9. How’re you getting on?
3. Hello, Ram! Nice to meet you again. 10. How’s life?
4. Hello Ram! Nice to meet you after so long. 11. What’s the latest?
5. How / Very nice to see you again! 12. What’s up?
6. Good morning / afternoon / evening. 13. I hope you’re keeping well.
7. Hi / hello, everybody. 14. I hope all goes well with you.
Expressions like ‘Hi’ (pronounced ‘hai’) and ‘Hello’ are used in informal contexts with friends and equals. ‘Hello’
is used with colleagues and other acquaintances also. The last two are very formal and can be used with people who
are senior in age, position, etc.

Look at some expressions used to greet people and to take leave of them. Read each of them and repeat it. Note the
use of contracted forms such as ‘I’m’ for ‘I am’ and ‘you’ll’ for ‘you will’.

English Skills 5
Communication Activity (Group Work): Greeting and Taking Leave

Practise the following Pattern in Pairs till you are familiar with words / sentences in bold letters.

Model 1: Informal: Casual talk between friends

Madhavan : Hi, Ram!
Ram : Hello, Madhava! Nice to meet you after so long! How are you?
Madhavan : Fine, thank you. How’s life with you?
Ram : Just the same. By the way, when is your college reopening?
Madhavan : After two weeks. Do you have any plans?
Ram : Nothing in particular. What about going to film?
Madhavan : That’s fine. Let’s go for the first show. We’ll call Raju and Seenu also.
I must hurry now, or I’ll miss my bus. We’ll meet at the theatre. Bye.
Ram : Bye, bye ! Have a nice day.

Model 2: Informal: Two friends meeting on the Model 3: Formal: Two Colleagues meeting on the
way and leaving without delay way and parting instantly

A: Good morning, how are you? A: Good morning. We haven’t met for quite some
B: I’m very well, thank you. What about you? time, have we?
A: I’m fine. Shall we have a cup of coffee? B: Yes. Indeed, it’s a pleasure to see you.
B: No, thanks. I am on my way to pick up my sister A: I was nice meeting you, but I’m afraid I have to
waiting at her school gate. go now.
See you later. I must leave. I hope you’ll excuse me.
A: When? B: That’s quite all right. I hope we can meet again
B: Tomorrow evening. soon.
A: Okay, bye. A: Yes, we must.
B: Yes, I hope so too.
A: Yes, please do come over.
B: Bye, bye.
Model 4: Formal: Mr.Anand meets Anita, a teacher in his neighbourhood at a bookstore.
Anita : Good morning Sir. How’re Mr.Anand : At last, you’ve found a place where
you? you would like to work.
Mr.Anand : Good morning Anita. I’m very Anita : Yes sir. I’m happy about that.
well, thanks. What about you? Mr.Anand : My wife wants to talk with you.
Anita : I’m fine, thank you. Come to our home one day with your mother.
Mr.Anand : How is your new college? Anita : Sure sir. It’s almost time for my
Anita : It’s good sir. I enjoy teaching coaching class.
there. This college has proper classrooms, Mr.Anand : Oh, it’s all right. See you later.
laboratories and a good library. Bye.
It is totally different from my Anita : Bye sir.
previous working place.

Test Your Self: 3 (Write your Answers on the last pages)

1. Write five different ways of informal and formal greeting (each five).
2. Imagine that you and your classmates meet your Professor on the way to your class. He / She calls
you to give some instructions. How will you greet him / her? How will you take leave? (Write atleast
two each).

Test Your Self: 4

1) Tamara is a new member of Sam English Club. She introduced herself
Tata : Ladies and gentlemen...........
a. Allow me to introduce myself. c. Let me Introduce you to the audiences
b. I am happy to meet you. d. May I introduce you to the audiences

English Skills 6
 2) Deni : Hello, Ahmad.
Ahmad : Hi, Deni. Nice to see you.
Deni : Nice to see you, too. How are you?
Ahmad : Fine, thank you. And you?
Deni : I am quite well, thanks.
The italicized expressions above to express...
a) an advice c) an introduction myself
b) a complaint d) an informal greeting

3) Andy : ______ .
Mona : Not so bad
To complete the dialogue, the suitable expression is ?
a) Hello c) Hi
b) Nice to meet you d) How is everything with you?

4) Dani: Ratih, this is my sister, Dina.

Ratih : Hi, nice to meet you.
Dina : " ..... "
a) I hope you fine c) Nice to meet you, too
b) Thanks you for you d) See

5) What is your expression to introduce yourself if you meet someone for the first time?
a) Ayu, this is Galih, my friend here c) Hello, may introduce my self
b) Have you meet my friend. Via? d) Hello, nice to meet you friend.

6) Rosa : Hello, my name is Rosa. Are you new student ?

Zahra : Yes, I’m Zahra . Nice to meet you
Rosa : Nice to meet you, too. I’m in that class
Zahra : Me too
What do we learn from the dialogue ?
a) They are in the same class c) They have met before
b) They have known each other d) They are not new students

7) Hi Jake, I haven’t seen you for ages! How …………you been?

a) has c) have
b) had d) are

8) What is the meaning of the question ‘How are you?‘ in English?

a) How are you?’ is a question about one’s health, so you should always give a detailed answer such as ‘ I
feel terrible. I missed my bus, my boss is crazy and my colleagues are toxic.
b) How are you?’ looks like a question, but it is really just a part of the greeting, so you are not expected to
give a truthful answer. In other words you say, ‘I’m good/fine/very well/great/okay’ even when you are
really not.
9) Select 2 correct answers.
You: Hi, mom, this is John. He is in my history class.
Your mom: Hi John. …………..to meet you. I’m Lina.
a) nice d) pleased
b) glad e) It’s a pleasure
c) best

English Skills 7
 IMPPROVING YOUR READING SKILLS
In today’s world, reading is basic to everyday life. As children we learn to read, and as adults, we
read to learn. We read to learn about the news, to learn about rules, and to learn about how to do
things. We also use reading to learn English, exactly what you are doing now.
Many people have trouble with reading, in fact most of us here might have felt sleepy just by
reading one page. Yes or no, but most of us do have troubles reading continuously.

Reading well takes time, patience, and practice! The most important thing to figure out is the
purpose of your reading: looking at instructions to build furniture and studying a textbook are not
the same thing! Once you’ve figured out your purpose, you can choose to focus on what are
known as intensive reading techniques that stress things like vocabulary and speed, or instead on
extensive techniques that will help you engage with the meaning of a text in a deeper way.

Test Your-self - 5
1) Look at the three cartoons for
three newspaper stories and try to
predict what might the story be.
Write at least 3 key words
describing each picture and then
match with A-C stories
a_____________________________
______________________________
b_____________________________
______________________________
c_____________________________
______________________________

2) Now read the stories A-C

quickly and match them to the cartoons: A à ___, B à ___,
C à ___.

A B C

seaweed: a Plant that grows in or by bungling: not very good or concrete jungle: an area of many large
the sea. successful modern buildings with no green spaces
rare: not seen very often trapped/stuck: not able to move resident: a person who lives in a place
species: a type of plant or animal rescue: save from a difficult abseiled: climbed down attached to a
situation rope

English Skills 8
 3) Complete the reports about the three stories. Chose no more than two words from the stories
for each space.

a) POLICE STATION:
Action: Officers (1) _________________ three men for (2) _______________ and kept them at the police station
for (3) __________________ for questioning.
Result: The men were not charged, but a (4) __________________ was made about the officers.

b) FIRE SERVICE:
Event : A 28-years-old man of (5) ________________ was trapped in a pub (6)
________________ early in a pub (6) ________________ early this morning. He was
discovered by a local (7) ______________.
Action: He was rescued by (8) _______________ fire engines.

c) ANIMAL HOME
Event: One tiger and one alligator were rescued from the New York (9) ________________ of Antoine Yates after
(10) __________________ contacted the (11)________________.
Action: There are plans to transport the animals to (12) ___________________, when there is space in the local
(13)________________________.

English Skills 9
 Test Your-self - 6

THE TORTOISE AND THE WORDS

1) Predicting:
a) Look at the title of the story and the three
pictures. Find these things in the picture
• Tortoise • Shell
• Birds • Feast
• Feathers • Sky
• Wings • parrot

b) Looking at the pictures above, what do you

think is happening in the story.

2) Reading for gist:

a) Read the story and match the paragraph to the
correct picture.
Pà ___, O à ____, Aà___

b) Also place the following sequence of the story.

Starting paragraph à ___
Middle Paragraph à ___
End Paragraph à ___

3) Understand the main points.

a) After reading the story In your own
understanding and in your own style, answer the
following question?
A 1. Why did Tortoise want his wife to bring soft things
outside his house?______________________________
_____________________________________________
2. What message did parrot give Tortoise’s wife?
_____________________________________________
1. What happened to Tortoise’s shell?
_____________________________________________

English Skills 10
B 1. Why did Tortoise want to travel to the sky?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2. How did the birds help Tortoise?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What did Tortoise tell the birds to do?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

C 1. Why did Tortoise eat first?

2. What did the birds take from Tortoise?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What did Parrot say he would do?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

b. Practice retelling your part of the story in your own words. (think in your mind).

4) Responding to the text

This kind of story often contains a moral. In your opinion, what is the best moral? And Why?
a) You should not trick your friends.
b) Be careful who you trust.
c) It is better to share than to fight.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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Test Your-self - 7
Reading Tests on Poetry: Read the poem and the questions carefully. Fill in the correct answer. Also check
the glossary below for the meaning.
Sick By Shel Silverstein
1 “I cannot go to school today,” 17 My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
2 Said little Peggy Ann McKay. 18 My ‘appendix pains each time it rains.
3 “I have the measles and the mumps, 19 My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
4 A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. 20 have a sliver in my thumb.
5 My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, 21 My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
6 I’m going blind in my right eye. 22 I hardly whisper when I speak.
7 My tonsils are as big as rocks, 23 My tongue is filling up my mouth,
8 I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox 24 I think my hair is falling out.

9 And there’s one more – that’s seventeen, 25 My elbow is bent, my spine isn’t straight,
10 And don’t you think my face looks green? 26 My temperature is one-o-eight.
11 My leg is cut, my eyes are blue - 27 My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
12 It might be instamatic flu. 28 There is a hole inside my ear.
13 I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, 29 I have a hangnail, and my heart is – what?
14 I’m sure that my left leg is broke - 30 What’s that? What’s that you say?
15 My hips hurt when I move my chin, 31 You say today is…Saturday?
16 My belly button is caving in 32 G’bye, I’m going out to play!”

Mumps: It’s a viral disease

Gash: a long, deep cut or wound.
Bumps: a light blow or a jolting collision
Instamatic: Like lightning, but faster
Caving: to hollow out.
Wrenched: pull or twist suddenly and violently
Sprained : twist of the ligaments (an ankle, wrist, or other joint)
Sliver: a small, thin, narrow piece of something cut or split off a larger piece
Hangnail: a piece of torn skin at the root of a fingernail
English Skills 11
 1. Which word is a synonym(means exactly or nearly) for wrenched? (context clues)
a) Fixed c) not painful
b) Injured d) straight

2. Read line 26. What is the speaker trying to say? (Inference = clues in text + your knowledge)
a) The speaker is sick with a high fever. c) The speaker wants to go to school
b) The speaker needs medicine to get better soon.

3. After reading the last stanza, the reader can conclude - (Inference / Draw Conclusions)
a) The speaker does not feel well and needs c) The speaker is happy to miss a day of
medicine. school.
b) The speaker was pretending to be sick in d) The speaker is starting to feel sick and has
order to miss a day of school. to miss school.

4. What does the speaker realize at the end of the poem? (Inference - Sequence)
a) The speaker realized that there was no c) The speaker was pretending to be sick
school that day. when he actually was really sick.
b) The speaker realized that his back and feel d) The speaker will get into a lot of trouble
were hurting. for lying.
5. Which line from the poem shows imagery ( visually descriptive)?
a) Line 30 c) Line 1
b) Line 33 d) Line 7
6. The reader can conclude that the main character - (Character Analysis)
a) Dislikes getting sick and staying in bed all c) Enjoys going to school and learning
day d) Does not enjoy going to school and wants to
b) Does not want to miss school stay home

7. Circle your answer. This poem is:

a) Fiction b) nonfiction
8) In this poem, which is NOT something little Peggy Ann McKay claims to suffer from?
a) chicken pox e) dizziness
b) a wrenched back f) blue eyes
c) a swollen tongue g) hair loss
d) a fever

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English Skills 12
 LISTENING SKILLS
Listening is one of the most important skills you can have. How well you listen has a major impact on your job
effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others.
For instance:
• We listen to obtain information.
• We listen to understand.
• We listen for enjoyment.
• We listen to learn.
Given all the listening that we do, you would think we'd be good at it! In
fact, most of us are not, and research suggests that we only remember
between 25 percent and 50 percent of what we hear, That means that when
you talk to your boss, colleagues, customers, or spouse for 10 minutes, they
pay attention to less than half of the conversation.

Turn it around and it reveals that when you are receiving directions or being
presented with information, you aren't hearing the whole message either.
You hope the important parts are captured in your 25-50 percent, but what
if they're not?
Clearly, listening is a skill that we can all benefit from improving. By
becoming a better listener, you can improve your productivity, as well as
your ability to influence, persuade and negotiate. What's more, you'll avoid
conflict and misunderstandings. All of these are necessary for workplace
success!

About Active Listening:

The way to improve your listening skills is to practice "active listening." This is where you make a conscious effort to
hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, the complete message being
communicated.
QUICK TIP- 1
In order to do this you must pay attention to the other person very
carefully. If you're finding it particularly difficult to
concentrate on what someone is saying,
You cannot allow yourself to become try repeating his or her words mentally as
distracted by whatever else may be going on
he says them – this will reinforce his
around you, or by forming counter arguments
while the other person is still speaking. Nor message and help you to stay focused.
can you allow yourself to get bored, and lose
focus on what the other person is saying.To
enhance your listening skills, you need to let
the other person know that you are listening
to what she is saying.
To understand the importance of this, ask
yourself if you've ever been engaged in a
conversation when you wondered if the other
person was listening to what you were
saying. You wonder if your message is
getting across, or if it's even worthwhile
continuing to speak. It feels like talking to a
brick wall and it's something you want to
avoid.

Acknowledgement can be something as

simple as a nod of the head or a simple "uh
huh." You aren't necessarily agreeing with

English Skills 13
the person, you are simply indicating that you are listening. Using body
language and other signs to acknowledge you are listening can also help
you to pay attention.
Try to respond to the speaker in a way that will encourage him to continue
speaking, so that you can get the information that you need. While nodding
and "uh huhing" says you're interested, an occasional question or comment
to recap what has been said also communicates that you are listening and
understanding his message.

Becoming an Active Listener:

There are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you
become a more effective listener:

Pay Attention:
Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message.
Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.
• Look at the speaker directly.
• Put aside distracting thoughts.
• Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal! QUICK TIP- 2
• Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example,
side conversations. If you find yourself responding
• "Listen" to the speaker's body language . emotionally to what someone said, say
so. And ask for more information: "I may
not be understanding you correctly, and
Show That You're Listening I find myself taking what you said
Use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged. personally. What I thought you just said
• Nod occasionally. is XXX. Is that what you meant?"
• Smile and use other facial expressions. .
• Make sure that your posture is open and interested.
• Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and "uh huh."

3. Provide Feedback
Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to
understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.
• Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'm hearing is... ," and "Sounds like you are saying... ,"
are great ways to reflect back.
• Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say... ." "Is this what you mean?"
• Summarize the speaker's comments periodically.

4. Defer Judgment
Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits
full understanding of the message.
• Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking
questions.
• Don't interrupt with counter arguments.

5. Respond Appropriately
Active listening is designed to encourage respect and
understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. You
add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting her down.
• Be candid, open and honest in your response.
• Assert your opinions respectfully.
• Treat the other person in a way that you think she would
want to be treated.

English Skills 14
 ENGLISH WRITTEN & SPOKEN BASICS OF GRAMMAR

PARTS OF SPEECH
Choosing the right word is an important aspect of writing. Some words sound alike but are spelled differently and
have different meanings (past and passed, for instance), and some words are spelled the same but sound different and
mean different things (lead, for the action of “leading,” and lead, for the stuff inside pencils). One way to choose
words more carefully is to understand the roles that words play in sentences. Just as one actor can play many different
parts in movies (a hero, a villain, a humorous sidekick), single words can play different parts in sentences (a noun, a
verb, an adjective). These are called the eight parts of speech, briefly defined with examples below.

NOUN
A noun is a word used to refer to people, animals, objects, substances, states, events, ideas and feelings. A noun
functions as a subject or object of a verb and can be modified by an adjective.

Types and Examples of Nouns

Nouns can be people as in the dancers, or a name: John.

Nouns can be things as in a lion, a table, or places as in Paris.

Example Sentences
John went shopping at the mall. The lion slept peacefully in the bright sunlight.
Explanation: This proper noun functions as the subject Explanation: This noun (an animal) functions as the
(John). subject (The lion).

She set the table with linens and silverware.

Explanation: This noun (an object) functions as the object of a verb (table).

---------------------------------------------
PRONOUN
A pronoun is used in the place of a noun or phrase.

Examples of Pronouns
I, you, he, she, it

Example Sentences:

I went to the mall on Sunday. Juan brought the papers with him.
Explanation: This pronoun functions as the subject (I). Explanation: This pronoun functions as the object of a
phrase (with him)
---------------------------------------------
ADJECTIVE
Adjectives are used to describe or specify a noun or pronoun

Examples of Adjectives
good, beautiful, nice, my

Example Sentences

The beautiful lion slept peacefully in the shade of the My nice cousin likes to cook stew on cold winter
tree. evenings.
Explanation: This adjective describes the noun (lion). Explanation: This adjective describes a noun (cousin).
---------------------------------------------

English Skills 15
 VERBS
A verb is used to show an action or a state of being

Examples of Verbs
am, is was, are, go, write, exist, be

Example Sentences
Val writes to share her ideas. He will be late to the movie.
Explanation: This verb shows an action (writes). Explanation: This verb shows a state of being (will be).

---------------------------------------------
ADVERBS
An adverb is used to modify a verb, adjective, and other adverbs

Examples of Adverbs
completely, never, there

Example Sentences
He completely forgot to take the trash outside to the She worked really hard on her project all night long.
bin. Explanation: The adverb modifies the adjective
Explanation: This adverb modifies the verb (forgot). (hard)

---------------------------------------------
PREPOSITIONS
A preposition is a word that relates a noun or pronoun to some other word in the sentence
and often forms a phrase that shows where, when, how, or why

Examples of Prepositions
in, above, to, for, at

Example Sentences
She never remembers her car keys in the morning. The water runs under the bridge.
Explanation: This preposition tells when she Explanation: This preposition tells where the water
remembers (in the morning). went (under the bridge)

---------------------------------------------
CONJUNCTIONS
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses

Examples of Conjunctions
for, and, nor, but, or, yet,

Example Sentences
Tiffany and Beverly talked all night long. Explanation: This conjunction connects two
Explanation: This conjunction connects two nouns independent clauses (Students what to learn, teachers
(Tiffany, Beverly) want to teach).

Students want to learn, and teachers want to teach.

---------------------------------------------

English Skills 16
 INTERJECTIONS
Interjections are used to show surprise or emotion.

Examples of Interjections
Oh!, Wow!, Ah-ha!

Example Sentences
Wow, she aced the test! Explanation: This interjection shows understanding.
Explanation: This interjection shows surprise

He yelled in surprise, “Oh, I get it!”

---------------------------------------------
TEST YOUR SELF: 8
Label the parts of speech above all of the words in the following sentences using the abbreviations
NOUN - n, PRONOUN- pro, ADJECTIVE- adj, VERB- v, ADVERBS-adv, PREPOSITIONS-
prep, CONJUNCTIONS-conj, INTERJECTIONS- interj

For clarity’s sake, the sentences here are very brief, and you may ignore the words a, an, and the. Refer back to the
definitions and examples of the parts of speech whenever necessary.
For Example:

1. Their downfalls or successes have lasting effects on the audience.

2. A person sees a movie with a wild character in it.

3. She or he learns about wildness.

4. Often, the story revolves around a secret.

5. Someone discovers the secret and reveals it in the end.

6. The story usually moves ahead when the main character changes.

7. Such changes are not always positive.

8. Clyde Tombaugh discovered the ninth “planet,” Pluto, in 1930.

9. Tombaugh died in 1997 at the age of 90.

10. Scientists loaded Tombaugh’s ashes onto New Horizons, a space probe that was launched in January of 2006.

11. New Horizons will arrive near Pluto in 2015

12. After the launch of New Horizons, astronomers deleted Pluto from the list of real planets.

13. They determined that real planets must control their own orbits.

English Skills 17
 SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
Subject verb agreement refers to the fact that the subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number. In other words,
they both must be singular or they both must be plural. You can’t have a singular subject with a plural verb or vice
versa. The tricky part is in knowing the singular and plural forms of subjects and verbs.

Singular and plural subjects, or nouns, are usually pretty easy. In most cases the plural form of a noun has an “s” at the
end. Like this:

Car – singular

Cars – plural

Verbs don’t follow this pattern, though. Adding an “s” to a verb doesn’t make a plural. Here’s what I mean:

Walk

Walks

Which one is the singular form and which is the plural form? Here’s a tip for you. Ask yourself which would you use
with the word they and which would you use with he or she.

He walks.

She walks.

They walk.

Since he and she are singular pronouns walks is a singular verb. The word they is plural so walk is the plural
form.Here are some more guidelines for subject verb agreement.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 1: When two singular subjects are joined by the words or or nor a singular verb is in
order.

My sister or my brother is meeting you at the airport.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 2: Two singular subjects joined by either/oror neither/nor also need a singular verb.

Neither Carla nor Jeff is available to meet you at the airport.

Either Angie or Jeff is meeting at the airport.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 3: When the word and connects two or more nouns or pronouns, use a plural verb.

She and her family are at Disney World.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 4: When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun
joined by or or nor, the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is nearer the verb.

The athlete or his teammates sprint every day.

His teammates or the athlete sprints every day.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 5: When a phrase comes between the subject and verb, the verb has to agree with the
subject, not with the noun or pronoun in the phrase.

Two of the puppies are whimpering.

The birthday boy, along with his friends, is anxious for the party to stop.

English Skills 18
Subject Verb Agreement Rule 6: Since doesn’t is a contraction of does not it should be used with a singular subject.

Mary doesn’t care for pizza.

Don’t is a contraction of do not and requires a plural subject.
They don’t know the way home.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 7: Each, either, each one, everyone, neither, everybody, anyone, anybody, somebody,
nobody, someone, and no one are singular so they need a singular verb.

Each of the girls is qualified for the prize.

Neither knows how the competition will end.

Subject Verb Agreement Rule 8: Sentences that begin with there is or there are have the subject following the verb
since there is not a subject. Therefore, the verb must agree with what follows it.

There are many paths to success.

There is one road out of town.

Subject verb agreement doesn’t have to riddle your writing with errors. Simply follow the above rules and you’ll cut
through a lot of the confusion that comes with getting your subject and verb to agree.

TEST YOUR SELF: 9

Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject and tick/underline the
correct answer.
1. Annie and her brothers (is, are) at school.
2. Either my mother or my father (is, are) coming to the meeting.
3. The dog or the cats (is, are) outside.
4. Either my shoes or your coat (is, are) always on the floor.
5. George and Tamara (doesn't, don't) want to see that movie.
6. Benito (doesn't, don't) know the answer.
7. One of my sisters (is, are) going on a trip to France.
8. The man with all the birds (live, lives) on my street.
9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours to watch.
10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.
11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.
12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.
13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.
14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or six?
15. Mathematics (is, are) John's favourite subject, while Civics (is, are) Andrea's favourite subject.
16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie these days.
17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer?
18. Your pants (is, are) at the cleaner's.
19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are) only one left!
20. The committee (debates, debate) these questions carefully.
21. The committee members (leads, lead) very different lives in private.
22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press cordially.
23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case.

English Skills 19
 DETERMINERS
Determiner (noun): a word like the, an, this or some that comes at the beginning of a noun phrase

Types of determiners:
Articles
The definite and indefinite articles are all determiners.
§ Definite article - the
§ Indefinite article - a or an (a is used before a consonant sound; an is used before a vowel sound.)

Examples:
Close the door, please.
I've got a friend in Canada.
Demonstratives
There are four demonstrative determiners in English and they are: this, that, these and those

Note that demonstrative determiners can also be used as demonstrative pronouns. When they are used as determiners
they are followed by the nouns they modify. Compare:

This is my camera. (Demonstrative used as a pronoun, subject of the verb is)

This camera is mine. (Demonstrative used as a determiner modifying the noun camera.)

Possessives
Possessive adjectives - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their - modify the noun following it in order to show
possession.
Possessive determiners are different from possessive pronouns - mine, his, hers, yours, ours, theirs.
§ Possessive pronouns can stand alone and are not followed by nouns.
§ Possessive determiners, on the other hand, are followed by nouns.
Compare:
This is my house. (my is a possessive determiner. It is followed by the noun house which it modifies)
Is that car yours? (yours is a possessive pronoun. It is not followed by a noun.)

TEST YOUR SELF: 10

1. Lisa saw _____ shooting star yesterday. 2. Don't look directly at _____ sun.
a) a b) an c) the a) a b) an c) the

3. Is there any milk left in _____ fridge? 4. I need to pack _____ apple for my lunch.
a) a b) an c) the a) a b) an c) the

5. The dogs were _____ given a bone. 6. The police spoke separately to _____ suspect.
a) each b) any c) every a) every b) each c) some

7. She was wearing a bracelet on _____ wrist. 8. She got her license without _____ problems.
a) each b) any c) every a) some b) any c) every

9. He went with __________ younger sisters. 10. I always keep _____ money in my wallet for
a) his both b) both his c) two his emergencies.
a) any b) every c) some

English Skills 20
 MESSAGE TAKING / WRITING
In business, so many opportunities are missed due to the poorly taken,
scribbled or half collected message. This often results in an important client
or new prospect not receiving a call back or a response from you.
Alternatively, badly taken messages can lead to costly errors or detrimental
mistakes.

How often do colleges tell you that someone has called for you and when
you ask them for the contact’s telephone number, they say “He said you’d
have it” or “oh sorry I thought you’d have that”? This is by far the most
common oversight, but many more message taking mistakes can also occur.

In order to keep a good flow of communication between outside clients,

vendors, and staff, managers employ competent secretaries, receptionist,
and administrative assistants to receive their calls for them, and to also
return messages when they are unable to.

1. Note the time

Everyone is human – the time between you take the message and when you pass it over may be a couple it minutes, it
may be a couple of days! Note the time down (and date if you know the person is away) so they know when the person
called for them. This will help them prioritise their messages when they get back to their desk.

2. Get the person’s name!

Sounds simple, right? The number of times I’ve heard “Oh, you know… the manager at ABC Company… what’s his
name?” – chances are if you don’t remember it, neither will I!
If you missed it the first time, just ask for it again – an easy way to do this is to ask them to spell it for you (Even the
name ‘John’ can be spelled in a variety of ways!). In most cases the caller will happily repeat it for you – they would
prefer you had the correct details!

3. Get the person’s best contact number

If the caller tells you the person will already have their number, get it anyway! A lot of people assume that just
because they handed over a business card once, the person will have kept it. Write the number down, and check if
there is another number (i.e. a mobile number) that would be useful to have, just in case.

4. Ask what they’re calling about

If you work in a small business like me, this is the first question I ask. Why? Because everyone wants to speak to the
manager, even though on most occasions I can sort out their issue for them! The less ‘simple’ call backs I give to my
manager, the happier she is. I’m sure this is universal!
If it’s something you can’t help with, write down the general gist of it so your manager knows what s/he’s in for!

5. Pass on the message!

There’s no point taking the message if you don’t pass it on. My fool proof way is to open a new email as soon as I
think I need to take a message.
I will immediately write in the subject line: Missed Call 10.30am (using the actual time, of course) as the person is
talking, then write in further details in the body of the message (name, contact number and what it is regarding).
If you’re pretty good at talking and typing you can send the email before you even hang up the phone, but if not all the
information is there for you to use and send when you can.
Manager not good with emails? Write it on a post it note and stick it to the middle of their computer monitor. I’ve
never had a message go missing when I do that!

English Skills 21
 BUSINESS WRITING
The Principles of Business Writing:
Business writing takes many forms each suited to a specific purpose. All business writing must be clear and concise
with simple, straightforward language. In the business world, poorly written communication is unacceptable. Every
letter, memorandum, report, or announcement must be composed for maximum effect and to suit both the purpose and
the intended audience.

Steps to be taken to write a Business writing:

Ask yourself the following question:

• What is the purpose of the communication?
• How much detail is needed?
• For whom is the communication written?
• What is the best format to clearly convey the message?
• What action or outcome is expected?

The Topic Sentence

A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph and may include a brief comment about that idea.
A paragraph should consist of only one topic, and should develop that topic through the sentences that
follow.

The Topic Sentence = main idea + elaboration

Examples: effective topic sentences

1. The collective effort of all employees was the reason for our company’s success this year.
topic sentence = collective effort + company’s success
(The developing sentences would elaborate on the efforts and the success.)

2. To facilitate our global initiatives, three new locations— Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul—have been
identified for business expansion.
topic sentence = three locations + global initiatives
(The developing sentences would elaborate on locations and initiatives.)

NOTE
In the topic sentence, introduce the main idea only. Do not include details that will be part of the body of the paragraph.

3. The three new locations—Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul—have been targeted for business expansion,
and in these locations we intend to set up distribution outlets to serve Southeast Asia.

Example (3) contains too many ideas and gives details that should be reserved for the body of the
paragraph.
Example topic sentence (2) is much more succinct and functional. It tells just enough to introduce the
paragraph.

English Skills 22
 NOTE
Unify the paragraph by making sure each sentence in the paragraph relates to the main idea. A rephrased (not a
repeated) topic sentence may be included at the end of a paragraph for emphasis and to reinforce the main idea.

Organizing Ideas
A paragraph or a section of a document is coherent when its elements blend making it easy for the reader to
follow the main idea. Coherency also means consistency in tone and subject.

Methods of Presenting Ideas

Chronological Order: In a chronological presentation, information is presented in sequence. Though a technique
typically used in narrative writing, chronological order might be used in business writing to clarify a specific order of
events or to explain a process: for instance, the sequence of events leading up to a business deal.

The collective effort of all employees was the reason for our company’s
topic sentence
success this year. At the beginning of the year we were seeking ways to
increase productivity without incurring unmanageable expense. At a general
meeting with all employees, the possibility of adding a weekend shift was
discussed and later voted on. After an overwhelming vote of acceptance, it Ideas arranged in
was then decided that the weekend shift would be available to anyone chronological order
wishing to earn overtime pay. It was further decided that this shift would be
available on a rotating basis assigned equally to those interested. By year’s
Topic sentence
end, we found that productivity had increased substantially as a direct result
restated
of the efforts of the employees on the weekend shift.

Spatial Order: Frequently used in descriptive writing, spatial order, like a camera moving around a room, finds a
starting point and then moves around focusing on details or key points as they appear.

Logical Order: This technique is particularly suited to business communication as it arranges information to suit
logical associations. It also allows the freedom to present illustrations, explanations, cause and-effect relationships,
and problem-solving action. Two arrangements of presenting ideas lie within this category:

A topic sentence does two things:

1) Introduces the main (controlling) idea of a paragraph
2) Restricts the paragraph to a single (controlling) idea

Sample Paragraph:
Three new locations have been identified for business expansion that will topic sentence
facilitate our global initiatives. These locations—Singapore, Hong Kong,
Seoul—have a collective population of over 22 million and represent a
significant opportunity for inroads to business in Southeast Asia. The plan is Ideas arranged in logical
to set up printing operations in China and distribution outlets in each of these order
cities. These three new locations are ideal starting points for business
expansion as each has a large population and a strategic geographic
proximity to other Southeast Asian countries. Topic sentence restated

The collective effort of all employees was the reason for our company’s success this year. At the beginning
of the year we were seeking ways to increase productivity without incurring unmanageable expense. At a
general meeting with all employees, the possibility of adding a weekend shift was discussed and later voted
on. After an overwhelming vote of acceptance, it was then decided that the weekend shift would be available
to anyone wishing to earn overtime pay. It was further decided that this shift would be available on a
rotating basis assigned equally to those interested. By year’s end, we found that productivity had increased
substantially as a direct result of the efforts of the employees on the weekend shift.

English Skills 23
 Commonly Confused Words
This section deals with commonly confused terms including homonyms (word pairs that sound the same but
have different meanings). Ten common usage errors are listed below. A further list of frequently confused
terms are listed below.

Ten Common Usage Errors:

accept / except
Accept is a verb meaning to agree to receive something; except is a conjunction meaning not included.
a) He will gladly accept his well-deserved bonus pay.
b) All staff except management will be under review.

bad / badly
Bad is an adjective; badly is an adverb. Bad will often be used to describe a feeling; badly describes an action.
a) He felt bad about missing the sales quotas. c) The food at the airport tasted bad.
b) She performed badly in the debate. d) The airport food was badly prepared.

can / may
Can refers to ability; may refers to permission.
a) If I have the correct information, I can write a b) His manager told him that he may take extended
report. vacation time.

it’s / its
It’s is a contraction of it is; its is a possessive pronoun showing ownership.
a) It’s necessary to keep strict accounts of b) The corporation took care of its employees.
expenditures. (it is) (possessive)

less / fewer
Use less for quantity measurement that cannot be counted; use fewer for things that can be counted (units).
a) She had far less work to do after the holidays. c) There is less time to complete tasks. (quantity)
(quantity) d) There are fewer hours to complete tasks. (units)
b) There were fewer jobs because of the recession.
(units)

than / then
Than is used for comparisons; then denotes time of occurrence.
a) She is a more effective leader than I am. b) First they held a meeting; then they voted. ( when)
(comparison)

there / their / they’re

There is an adverb stating where; their is a possessive pronoun showing ownership; they’re is a contraction of they
are.
a) She placed her new desk over there by the window. (place)
b) The visitors had valet service park their cars. (possessive)
c) They’re interested in the overseas conference. (contraction)

shall / will
Use shall with first person and will with second and third persons to indicate the future tense; reverse this to indicate
determination or need. (This distinction is being ignored with growing frequency.)
a) I shall attend the meeting. (future)
b) They will attend the meeting. (future)
c) They shall never agree with administration. (determination)
d) We will overcome all obstacles and succeed. (determination)

Note: irregardless / regardless

Irregardless is now listed in major dictionaries including The Oxford English Dictionary. However, it is considered
nonstandard. Use regardless.

English Skills 24
 EMAIL WRITING
In the information age, email has become the dominant form of communication. Being able to write a
polished, professional email is now a critical skill both in college and the workplace. Below are some key
distinctions between formal and informal writing, as well as some guidelines to follow when composing a
formal email to a superior (professor, current or prospective employer, etc.) or someone who does not know
you.
Informal vs. Formal
Informal:
• Written to friends and family
• Accuracy and grammar (spelling and punctuation) are not important
• You can make up your own rules

Example:
Hi Aman,
I miss you so much! Can’t wait to see you on Friday!! We haven’t hung out
in so long! I miss my bestie! Maybe we can go to the movies or dinner or just
chill and watch TV and catch up, whichever you want.
see you,
Raman

Formal:
• Written to a professor, colleague, boss, etc.
• Must always be professional
• Accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling necessary

Example:
Dear Professor Johnson,

I was unable to attend class today due to a doctor’s appointment. When you
have a moment, could please let me know what I missed and what homework
I need to have completed for Friday?
Thank you,
Julia Smith

Email Format:
Salutation:
Salutation meaning a gesture or utterance made as a greeting or acknowledgement of another's arrival or
departure.

The salutation of a formal email is similar to the salutation of a letter. When writing to someone you do not
know by name, you put “To Whom it May Concern.” When applying for a job, you would address the
person by, “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you do know the recipient’s name, you put “Dear Mr./Ms. Smith.”
For a formal salutation, you should not use the recipient’s first name or the informal greetings “Hello” or
“Hey.”

Body Paragraphs:
It is important to remember that an email needs to be concise. The first sentence, known as the opening
sentence, can be a greeting if the situation allows it.
• I hope all is well with you.
• Thank you for your prompt response.

English Skills 25
However, for most formal emails it is best to get straight to the point. Depending on the subject, you should
have a maximum of four paragraphs and each paragraph should contain a single point. It is also important to
provide questions in order to prompt a response. At the end of your last paragraph you should provide a
“thank you” or “call to action” depending on the subject of your email.
• Thank you for your assistance with…
• Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.
• Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.
• I would appreciate it if this could be taken care of promptly.

Closing:
Like the salutation, the closing of a formal email can be the same as the closing to a letter. However, unlike
the salutation, there are more options for a closing.
• Thank you
• Best regards
• Sincerely
• Yours

The closing is then followed by your full name. It is also beneficial to add your job position (if applicable)
and phone number under your name in the 4th paragraph.

Example:
Sincerely,
Julia Smith
Student Body President
Menlo College
(555) 555-5555

Important Tips:
• Do NOT use contractions.
à For example: don’t, haven’t, I’m, isn’t.
• Do NOT write in all capital letters.
• Use formal vocabulary and sentence structure. Do NOT use slang.
• Proofread the email at least twice and get a second opinion if possible.

TEST YOUR SELF: 11

Formal vs. Informal

State whether the sentence would be classified as either formal or informal. If informal, change it to
formal.

Example: Hi y’all!
Informal: To Whom it May Concern:
1. I am pleased to inform you that you have won our grand prize.
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. I hope all is well with your new career choice.
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. I shouldn’t have gone and missed with it!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
4. I can’t help you with that cuz it’s too hard.
_____________________________________________________________________________
5. Hi, how are you?
_____________________________________________________________________________

English Skills 26
 TEST YOUR SELF: 12

Find and correct the errors in the following emails: By understanding the following gist of the email. Frame
your own formal email.
1.) Hello Professor Smith, I’m sorry to tell you but I’m sick and will not be able to come to class. See ya
Wednesday. Jason
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2.) Dear Sally Blue,

I read online that you’re selling business cards. I was wondering how much if i only wanted 500? Is colour
and a logo extra? Can I see an example before all are shipped or will that cost extra? You seem to have a
great business so I hope you can help.

Thanks,
Jess Higgins
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3.) Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a graduate from menlo college. I got a degree in business and would now like to use it. Your company
looks interesting. Can I come in for an interview? I have alot of experience from my schooling and extra
cirriculers. I think I can help the company alot. Please respond to my email to let me know.

Thanks,
Max Oates
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English Skills 27
 Answers
TEST YOUR SELF: 1
Thirty-six words containing the word NO in the word puzzle.

Test Your Self – 3

Label the parts of speech above the words:
Test Your Self – 4
1-a, 2-d, 3-d, 4-c, 5-c, 6-a, 7-c, 8-b, 9-ab

Test Your Self – 5

1) a à wild Animals, city, house, wild animal domestication, neighbor, tiger, crocodile
b à Trapped, chimney, thief, climb, stuck
c à police, arrest, stealing, chasing, car chasing, burglary
2) A à 3, B à 2 , C à 1
3) 1-arrested, 2-stealing seaweed, 3-several hourse, 4- complaint, 5-average build, 6-chimney, 7-delivery man, 8-
four, 9-apartment, 10-neighbours, 11-police, 12-Ohio, 13-Zoo

Test Your-self: 6,
2) a) Pà3 , O à1 , Aà2, b) Starting paragraph à O, Middle Paragraph à A, End Paragraph àP
3) A. 1. So he wouldn’t hurt himself when he landed on the ground; 2. to bring out the hard things; 3. it got broken
into pieces, but a doctor stuck it back together.
B. 1. he wanted to go to a feast for the birds; 2. They each gave him a feather to make wings; 3. to take new names
(he took one too, All of you)
C.1. because the people of the sky said the feast was for All of you, which was Tortoise’s new name; 2. Their
feathers; 3 he said he would give a message to Tortoise’s wife.

Test your self – 7

1-b , 2-b, 3-b, 4-a, 5-d, 6-d, 7-a, 8-e
Test Your Self – 8
Label the parts of speech above the words:

English Skills 28
 Test Your Self – 9

1-are, 2-is, 3-are, 4-is, 5-don’t, 6-doesn’t, 7-is, 8-lives, 9-takes, 10-want, 11-is, 12-is, 13-knows, 14-Is, 15-is, is, 16-is,
17-Are, 18-are, 19-were, is, 20-debates, 21-lead, 22-greets, 23-are.

Test Your Self – 10

1-a, 2-the, 3-the, 4-an, 5-each, 6-each, 7-each, 8-any, 9-both his, 10-some

Test Your Self – 11

Formal vs. Informal

1.) Formal 2.) Formal 3.) Informal; I should not have changed it. 4.) Informal; I apologize but I am unable to help
you with your problem because it is extremely difficult. 5.) Informal; Dear Mr. Smith, How are you?

Putting It All Together (answers may vary)

Test Your Self – 12

1.)
Dear Professor Smith,
I am sorry to inform you, but I will not be able to attend class today because I am ill. Would it be possible for
you to let me know what I have missed? Thank you for your help and I will see you in class on Wednesday.

Sincerely,
Jason Jones

2.)
Dear Ms. Blue,

I was searching online for a company that makes business cards. I came across your website and am
extremely impressed. However, I do have a few questions. If I were to order only 500 instead of the advertised
1000 business cards, how much would that cost? Furthermore, I would like my business card to be colored
and also include the logo of my company. Are those requests possible, and if so, how much extra will they be?
Due to my request for color and a logo I would like to preview the card before receiving all 500. Is that
feasible? I appreciate your assistance and look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,
Jessica Higgins
Managing Partner of First Financial Assistance
(555) 555-5555

3. Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Max Oates. I recently graduated in May from Menlo College with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Management and a concentration in Marketing. I was recommended to contact you concerning job
opportunities from my advisor Dr. Nancy Drew. I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for a job.
I have taken many courses to prepare me for a job in marketing. These courses include Principles of
Marketing, Marketing Research, Strategic Marketing Management, Consumer Behavior, and Internet
Marketing. I have also recently interned at Google as an Internet Marketing Researcher. Through my many
marketing classes and internship, I have learned to be a strong team member that values time management and
communication.
I believe that I can be a valued asset to your company. My phone number and alternative email are listed
below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, Max Oates
[email protected]
555-555-5555

English Skills 29
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English Skills 30