B.Tech 1st Sem Curriculum:English

8/9/2019 B.Tech 1st Sem Curriculum:English

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION

Code: HU 101 (First Semester) [B. Tech.]

OBJECTIVEOFTHE COURSE: To impart basic skills of communication in English through

intensive practice to the first year students, so as to enable

them to function confidently and effectively in that language

in the professional sphere of their life.

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LECTURES 1 6

GRAMMAR: Correction of sentences Identifying & Analysing Grammatical Errors includingerrors in Spelling & Punctuation

Vocabulary / Word formation

Single word for a group of words

Fill in the blank Tense, Clause, Preposition

Transformation of sentences

Grammatical & Structural aspects of sentences covering Parts of Speech

Active / Passive Voice

Direct / Indirect Narration

Degrees of Comparison

Synonyms & Antonyms


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LECTURES 7 15

COMMUNICATION : Communication as sharing Context of Communicationspeaker / listener and reader / writer relationship

Public speaking SkillsBrevity, Clarity and

Appropriateness of Communication

Features of Effective SpeechMedium of Communication,Barriers to Communication

Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

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Introduction

Communication can be a complicated process of give and take with innumerable

intricacies and dimensions.

More than language, it needs an attitude, a willingness to open up to others and

accept others; to have empathy and capacity to look at situations from varied

perspectives.

Given these attitudinal factors language becomes just an aid to promote

communication.

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Personal Appearance


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Plan your appearance in such a way that it communicates effectively to others.

Even before the speaker utters his first syllable one begins to form an opinion

about him.

Appearance communicates how we feel about ourselves and how we want to be

viewed.

Ones appearance may put the audience into a resistant or hostile attitude or

induce in them a receptive mood.

One should be clean, well groomed conforming to the need of the occasion.

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Important Tips

Look impressive, not gorgeous. Never be over-dressed for the occasion.

Do not go for high fashion and trendy design. Look elegant in conventional style.

Wear neither too loose nor tight clothes. You must feel comfortable in your outfit.

Your shoes should be formal and the portfolio which you carry should be trim and

proper.

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Posture

It refers to the way we carry ourselves when we stand, sit or walk.


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One should be upright, squarely facing the audience and evenly distribute the

weight.

Adopt a posture that communicates professionalism, confidence, attention to

detail and organization.

Seeing is believing; so one should appear to be at ease.

Neither remain static nor fidget. Move occasionally to hold attention, suggest

transitions and increase emphasis.

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Gesture

A well timed adroit gesture enhances the impact and adds greater value to what is

being said.

They clarify ones ideas and reinforce them if they are well suited to the audience

and occasion.

They should be quite natural and spontaneous and never divert or distract the

listeners attention.

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Important Tips

Make conscious efforts to create a positive image by positive gestures.

Learn to look confident, assertive and positive.

Avoid appearing nervous, aggressive, rude, pompous, overbearing and superior.

Gestures are substitutes for words. Learn the skill of using them effectively.

Equally important is to recognise the negative gestures and learn to hide them.


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Facial Expression

These are subtle and can be used in a variety of ways-- to aid, inhibit or

complement your communication.

A smile stands for friendliness , a frown for discontent, raised eye brows for

disbelief, tightened jaws for antagonism and so on.

Learning to maneuver ones facial expressions to match with ones presentation is

an art.

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Eye Contact

It is a direct and powerful form of nonverbal communication and also a rich

source of feedback.

A direct look conveys candour which is also a signal of confidence and sincerity.

It helps tremendously in the filtering process or in getting the desired response.

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Proxemics

It is study of physical space in international relations. Space is related to

behavioural norms.

One should use the psychological power of the space to ones advantage. Gestures

should be in accordance with space available.


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Move boldly and expand your gesture if you have plenty of space to manoeuvre.

Use milder gestures when seated at a table.

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Paralinguistics

These are non-verbal vocal cues that help to give urgency to your voice

Voice gives extra life to your delivery; therefore it is imperative to understand the

characteristic nuances of voice, namely quality, volume, rate, pitch, articulation,

pronunciation, modulation and pauses.

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Conclusion

To recapitulate, oral presentation is an art that requires careful planning and a great deal

of practice. There are various factors that help to put your thoughts across like audience

analysis, organisation of matter, nuances of delivery, kinesics and paralinguistics.

Ones efforts should be to keep all these threads intact so that one can achieve

wonders with oral presentations.

LECTURES 16 25

COMPREHENSION: Reading Comprehension Global, Contextual, Inferential

Reading at various speeds Slow, Fast, Very fast

Reading different kinds of Texts for different purposes

for relaxation, for information, for discussion at a laterstage etc


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Reading between the lines

Select passages from recommended text

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Meaning of Comprehension

Comprehension comes from the Latin word Comprehendere meaning to

understand.

The power of cognition is tested through comprehension.

How far a reader is engaged with the text is important.

To create interest in the given passage is also of primary importance.

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What is Comprehension?

The National Reading Panel (2000) defines reading comprehension as an active

process that requires an intentional and thoughtful interaction between the reader

and the text.

A method of teaching students to read for meaning and to monitor their own

understanding

The comprehension process involves a teacher and a group of students.

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Rationale

Difficulties in comprehension affect progress in almost all areas of learning.

Comprehension skills are often not taught and some students cannot acquire them

without help.


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Basics of Comprehension

When we talk about the time generally spent by professionals on communication

activities, we see that the time they spend on receiving information(listening and

reading) is more than what they spend on sending(speaking and writing)

information.

Hence listening and reading are as important as speaking and writing.

Reading comprehension refers to the ability to understand information presented

in written form.

This skill usually entails understanding textbook assignments or articles in

newspapers and journals or various business documents or reports.

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Comprehension Strategies

Dialogue between teacher and students is structured by use of three key strategies

which increase the student's active involvement with the text:

summarising

questioning

Clarifying

Summarising:

identifying and stating most important information

move from sentences paragraphs whole passages

Question generating:

formulating question about passage of text

search for key idea

Clarifying:


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seeking clarification about difficult content, for example, unusual

vocabulary, difficult structures/concepts

encourages searching for meaning

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Procedures

Students are asked to read the given passage.

When passage is read teacher models comprehension strategies:

summarises content

asks questions

discusses and clarifies any difficulties

Once practised students can do independently, teacher can monitor and provide

feedback.

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Role of the Teacher

Introduces idea of Comprehension and explains strategy.

Instructs students how to use strategies through a suitable example

Diagnoses difficulties.

Monitors progress and assesses outcomes.

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Comprehension Difficulties


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Are not always caused by word recognition and decoding difficulties.

Can be caused by many different things.

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Comprehension Difficulties have Many Causes

Difficulties with word recognition and decoding

Difficulties with fluency

Difficulties with language

Limited language proficiency

Difficulties with written language

Lack of reading engagement

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Reasons for Poor Comprehension

The main reasons for poor reading comprehension are:

Inability to understand a word

Inability to understand a sentence

Inability to understand how sentences relate to one another

Inability to understand how the information fits together in a meaningful

way (organization)

Lack of interest or concentration

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Techniques for Good Comprehension

Techniques students should develop and practise to hone comprehension skills are:

Skimming and scanning


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Structure of the text

Structure of paragraphs

Punctuation

Authors viewpoint (inference)

Reader anticipation: determining the meaning of words

Summarizing

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Sample Passage

If you are not in the grip of avarice, you will choose a trade or profession that

appeals to you as the means of self-expression and social service, even if you cannot earn

much money by it. Your daily duty is not merely money-making drudgery; it is your

contribution to social progress and the path of personal development. How sad must be

the lot of the man or woman who must do uncongenial work simply for the sake of more

money?

I know a younger professor who loved literature passionately and taught it

admirably; but his salary was small, and he became a lawyer in order to secure a larger

income. I tell you that man was guilty of a crime, and he will not be happy as a lawyer,

though he may be a little more comfortable, a little better fed and dressed and lodged. A

musician who is born a violinist can never be personally happy or socially useful as a

prosperous merchant or stock-broker, as he will miss the violin all the time.

Avarice puts round men in square jobs and square men in round jobs. At present

many persons in all classes, rich and poor are unhappy and restless because their daily

work is not interesting. It does not provide an outlet for the creative impulse and the

insistent urge of personality. Therefore, dont ask in youth, How can I earn the biggest


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salary? Ask rather, How can I be truly happy and do most good to society? Then you

may have less money but you will have more of life and joy.

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Sample Questions

When can a man choose a profession through which he can express himself and

serve others?

Why does the author consider the lawyer known to him guilty of a crime?

Why are most of the people unhappy at present?

When will a violinist be unhappy?

Who are the misplaced person according to the writer?

What is the advice of the writer to the youth?

Suggest a suitable title to the passage.

From your understanding of the passage give the meanings of the underlined

words.

LECTURES 26 33

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE: Letter-writing-- Formal

Drafting Business Letters

Writing Job Application Letter

Drafting Curriculum vitae


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Types of Business Letters

There are five prevalent styles of business letter writing:

Indented

Blocked

Complete blocked

Semi-blocked

Hanging indented

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Indented

Addresses and close punctuation signature should be progressively indented.

Heading, writers name and job title should be centered.

Each element should be indented in two or four spaces.

Closed punctuation should be used. (commas and stops in names and addresses

dates, complimentary close)

The indented style is regarded as old fashioned mostly because the complexity of typing.

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Blocked Style


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In this style the date line the complimentary close and the signature are aligned with the

right margin. Divisions between parts and between paragraphs of the body of the letter

are indicated by double spacing whereas here is single spacing within each part and

paragraph.

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Semi-blocked Style

This type of letter format is based on the block style the paragraphs of the letter are

indented. In this style mixed punctuation is used.

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Hanging Indented Style

This style is like the block style except that the first line of each paragraph is aligned with

the left margin. All other lines in each paragraph are indented four or five spaces. It

catches the readers attention because of its unusual appearance. This form is not very

popular but some business houses use this form in order to advertise their individual

identity.

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Sample Letter

A sample letter in blocked style is given below:

Khullar Engineering Works

54/44 Bhagat Singh Marg, Lucknow 273001.

August 14, 2008


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The Financial Manager

National Housing Corporation,

108, Rajiv Gandhi Road

New Delhi -110038

Sub: Error in the Cheque

Dear Sir

Thank you for your letter no.TR-43/3002 OF July 22, 2008 Your cheque no.P4387 OF

JULY 20, 2008 is for Rs.2270 whereas our bill no. KLW 110057 of June 12 th 2008 was

of Rs. 2200.It appears to be a copying mistake

I am sorry to bother you for a small amount but you will appreciate that we have to

account for the goods supply. I, therefore, hope you will not mind sending another

cheque for the correct amount. I am returning your cheque no.P4387.

Yours sincerely

B.R.Gupta

Materials Manager

Encl.1 cheque

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Job Application Letter

What is a job application letter?

It is a letter in which the applicant promises to offer his/her services to the

prospective employer.

The applicant tries to sell his/her services.

It is accompanied by the applicants CV.


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Salient Features of a Good Cover Letter

Introductory Paragraph:

Gains attention & develops interest in the employer about the applicants qualifications.

Main Body:

Carries conviction with the help of ones testimonials and experiences.

Concluding Paragraph:

Motivates the prospective employer to take an action i.e. call for an interview.

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Introduction

Gaining attention & developing interest.

It should include:

Reason why one is applying.

Where he/she found the job opening (Ads/personal contacts).

The post one is applying for.

Summary of ones credentials.

One should strive for novelty & avoid cliched opening lines. Some useful openers are:

I wish to apply for the post of __________ advertised in the _______ on

________________.

Your advertisement in ___________ for the post of ___________ interested meas I possess the ____________.

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Main Text or Body of the Letter


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It should convince the employer that you are the best candidate.

DOs:

Sell skills---describe academic & professional skills.

Present only highlights of your assets.

Impress upon how the company can benefit from your skills.

Give specific detail of achievements----nature of project, nature of reward (if

any), year etc.

DONT s:

x Dont make this section a replica of your CV.

x Dont talk about how this job will make you happy.

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Conclusion

Two important functions of the conclusion are:

Asking the prospective employer for a specific action.

To make the reply easy.

Points to be remembered:

One should request to be called for an Interview. Do not demand it.

Sound natural and appreciative.

Express willingness to go & meet the person at his office at a convenient time.

State phone number and best time to reach you.

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Sample Job Application


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Address of the applicant.

Date

Name of person applied to,

Designation,

Company name,

Address.

Sir/Madam,

Sub: abcd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours faithfully,

Signature

Name of applicant

Encl:CV


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Writing a CV

The full form of CV is curriculum vitae which means course of ones life.

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What is a CV?

It is a technical as well as a marketing document which present your past and

present performance to prospective employers.

Employers assess future potential of a candidate with the help of a CV.

CV gives the first impression about a candidate.

Puts one in short list of to-be-considered candidates.

It should present a biographical sketch that is objective, easily accessible,

detailed.

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Appearance and Elements

CV, like other business documents should be impeccable. No mistakes or

sloppiness should exist.

It should be well-organized.

Should be legible & crowding should be avoided.

Should be printed on good-quality A4 size paper.


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Xerox copy should be of high quality should generally be within 2 pages in

length.

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Personal Information

Who you are? Where you can be reached?

Name

Address

Phone no.

E-mail

Website

Employer should be able to reach you easily.

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Career / Professional Objectives

It is optional but preferred by most employers. BE SPECIFIC.

For example:

A software sales position involving international experience in a growing

company.

OR

Entry-level position in design & development of microprocessor circuitry;

eventual advancement to position as project/technical manager.

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Education / Academics


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Educational qualifications, experience.

Training, projects done, extra degrees.

Begin with recent degree and go backwards.

If grade points are good, include them.

Note honours and awards.

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Work Experience

List Jobs chronologically with current /last one at first

Include part-time/summer internships/projects done.

Each entry should include name & location of organization, job title, designation,

brief summary of work.

Use phrases, not full sentences.

Use concrete language & technical terms.

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Activities / Achievements

Community service, volunteer activities, languages known, relevant hobbies.

Main group activities like workshops, seminars, social service.

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Memberships

Include any organization in your field to which you belong.


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Include any office/appointments you held.

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References

Give 2/3 references.

Combine best elements of familiarity with your work and a credible position.

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Three kinds of CVs

Chronological: Emphasizes education & work experience.

Functional: Features skills you bring to the job.

Hybrid: Combines both the above categories.

LECTURES 34 42

REPORT WRITING: Structure of Report

Types of Report

Practice of writing Reports


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Learning Objectives

What is a report?

Knowing the different types of report.

Being able to identify four report formats.

Knowing the components of formal reports.

Being able to chalk out various strategies of writing a report

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What is a Report?

It is an assigned communication for a specific purpose meant for a specific reader.

It presents facts, conclusions and recommendations based on investigation and

analysis of data.

It has a structured format and a language that is concise & concrete.

It is a logical and coherent structuring of information, ideas & concepts.

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Purpose of a Report

To give information about a companys activities, progress, plans and problems.

To recommend some specific action.

To justify & persuade readers about the need for action in controversial situations.


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To present facts to the management to help decide the direction the business

should choose.

To record events for future reference in decision making.

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Planning a Report

Defining problem and purpose

Outline the issues for investigation

Prepare a work-plan

Conduct research, analyze and interpret

Draw conclusions

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Objectives of a Report

A report should present facts, conclusions & recommendations in a logical & well-

defined structure.

For whom is the report written?

Whats their level of information & education?

Why do these people want the report?

What decision do they wish to make after reading the report?

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Formats of Report

Printed Forms

They are generally used to collect routine information where one is just required to fill in

the blanks. For e.g. Tour reports, inspection reports etc.


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Letter Format

It may be used for short reports to give information to someone outside the organization.

Memo Format

It can be used to communicate information to someone within an organization. It may be

used for all types of reports.

Manuscript Format

It is used for long and formal reports. These reports are divided into sections & sub-

sections, each with a clear heading, arranged in a logical sequence.

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Parts of a Formal Report

Title pageIt should contain:

Name & status of the author

Department & date of issue

The heading/title of the report

Preface

It is an optional element. It introduces the report by mentioning the salient features.

Letter of transmittal

It is a brief covering letter explaining the purpose of writing the report.

Acknowledgement


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Table of contents

It provides the reader an overall view of the report & shows its organization.

List of Illustrations

It gives systematic information about tables, graphs, figures & charts used in the report.

Executive Summary/Abstract

Should give the context of the report.

Should act as a time saver for the busy management.

Introduction

It prepares the readers for the discussion that follows.

Methodology

It summarizes the methods of data collection & the procedure for investigating the

situation.

Discussion/Analysis

This is the main part of the report & focuses on facts & findings. Its usually divided into

various well-structured sections.

Conclusions

It conveys the significance & meaning of the report by presenting a summary of

discussions & findings. It also draws substantial inferences.

Recommendations (based on results & conclusions)

They propose a course of action based on results & inferences.

Glossary of special terms used


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Appendix

It contains supporting material/data usually kept separate from the main body to avoid

interrupting the development of the report (for e.g. questionnaires, tables, flowcharts etc.)

Bibliography

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The Process

Analyze the problem & purpose

Determine the scope of the report

Determine the needs of the audience

Gather all the information

Analyze & organize the information

Write the first draft

Revise, review & edit

Write the final draft

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A Sample Report

A sample structure is given for the reference:

Table of contents

1. Introduction Page No.

A need for the study and background information 1


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2. Body 3

Questionnaire

Data in tables

Analysis

Results

3. Conclusion 21

Recommendations and solutions

4. References 22

5. Appendix 23

LECTURES 43 48

GROUP DISCUSSION : Principles and Practice

Use of Persuasive Strategies including some Rhetorical

Devices (Emphasising a point, Being Polite and Firm)

Handling Questions and Taking in Criticism of Self, Turn-

taking Strategies and Effective Intervention

Use of Body Language


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_______________________________________________________________

What is a GD or Group Discussion?

As the term itself suggests, a GD is a discussion, but most students misconstrue

it to be a debate. They akin it to a wrestling match and try to score points over

the other participants. Consequently, you find a 'fish market' situation in most

GDs. What is actually expected in a GD is participation in a systematic way on a

particular topic.

The prospect of a GD tends to leave most students petrified. You can get rid of

that feeling of fear by remembering you have experienced group discussions

right from childhood. Remember those heated discussions you had across the

dinner table with family members, friends and relatives? Consciously or

unconsciously, they have helped you learn a thing or two about discussing in a

group.

Your parents may have come across as the most heard and respected as they

were much better well informed. Besides, instead of forcing their point of view on

you, they heard you out and presented their points in a logical and methodical

manner because they had the strength of content and courage of conviction.

As a result, you would have often felt the desire to prove that you were right and

they were wrong. A bundle of angst would build within you.

Discard that feeling now. Remember, a GD is a discussion -- and not a debate --

between the members of a group.


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Discussion versus Debate

Human beings love debates because we like to win and see others lose. A

debate is a perfect situation for expressing intense emotions. A GD, however,

calls for a lot more maturity and logic.

The purpose of a GD, though conducted in a competitive mode, is not toestablish you as a winner and others as losers. Its purpose, as far as you are

concerned, is to help you come across as a person with sound, logical reasoning

and the ability to respect another's viewpoint.

A critical difference between a GD and a debate is that, while a debate begins

with two groups' bids to outwit each other, a discussion is evolutionary;

this essentially means participants have the opportunity to refine their views in

the course of the discussion. Thus, every member needs to contribute

substantially and add to the existing knowledge base instead of pulling

each other down.

The difference, thus, lies not just in style, but also in the mindset that is required

to tackle either challenge.

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What are the Strategies of Handling a GD Effectively?


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How often have you called a friend in office to be told that he is in a meeting?

Institutes conduct a GD because, as a manager, you will be required to attend

and conduct innumerable meetings. A GD is a simulation of what you can expect

in a meeting at your workplace.

Depending on the kind of profile you have and the company you work for, you will

be part of meetings ranging from brand launches and employee performance

appraisals to company financials, etc. For instance, if you have a meeting

where senior employees are working out a strategy to launch a new soap in the

market; this is what is expected of you before and during the meeting.

~ You will go well prepared for the meeting; this means you need to

have sufficient information on the likely points of discussion.

~ During the meeting, you will let everyone have his say. When your turn comes,

you will present your views forcefully and logically.

~ Whenever you disagree with somebody, you will present your points logically

and makes sure everybody understands what you have to say.

~ You will always attack points and not people.

~ You will carefully listen to other people's points and try to refine your own by

using other people's inputs on the subject.

Project the same qualities during B-School admissions, where the purpose of the

GD is to find out whether you possess the critical qualities needed to become an

effective manager. While the written exam tests your comprehension andanalytical skills, a GD tests you in the following:

Body language

Communication skills

Self confidence


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Team skills

Listening ability

Ability to present your views logically

Time management

A GD is a wonderful challenge because you have a maximum of 20 minutes to

show if you have it in you to become an effective manager.

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There are Four Main Areas to be tested in your GD

i. Content

ii. Communication skills

iii. Group dynamics

iv. Leadership

i. Content

Content is a combination of knowledge and the ability to create coherent, logical

arguments on the basis of that knowledge. Merely memorising facts is pointless. We need

an in-depth understanding of various issues as well as the ability to analyse the topic and

build arguments.

For example, take the topic 'Are peace talks between India and Pakistan useless or

useful?' The candidate should be clearly aware that this is not a test of patriotism. Nor

should he or she forget that the purpose of the discussion is getting into a good B-School,


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and that his or her influence on India's foreign policy is zilch. So, an emotional response

would, in all probability, get you disqualified.

Go for a balanced response like, "Even though little has resulted from talks, it is certainly

good to see the talks continue." Please remember that your opinion does not matter. The

depth of knowledge and logical analysis you show is critical. Unfortunately, such

analytical skills are rarely taught at the school and graduate level, so learn and practise

first.

ii. Communication skills

Communication is a two-way process, and the role of the listener is critical.

The listener has his own interpretation of what you say. Unless you listen to him, you

cannot figure out whether he or she has understood you.

Unless you listen, the points you make may not fit in with points made by others. It is

easy for an experienced evaluator (moderator) to realise you aren't listening.

Besides listening, you also need the ability to:

Express your ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Build on others' points.

Sum up the discussion made by the entire group.

iii. Group dynamics

As mentioned before, a GD is a formal peer group situation and tests your behaviour as

well as your influence on the group. Formal language and mutual respect are obvious

requirements. In addition, you need to have:


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Willingness to listen and discuss various points of view. Do not take strong views in the

beginning itself; try and analyse the pros and cons of a situation.

Learn to disagree politely, if required. In fact, it is far better to put forward your point of

view without specifically saying 'I disagree' or 'You're wrong'.

Show appreciation for good points made by others. You can make a positive contribution

by agreeing to and expanding an argument made by someone else.

Size the opportunity to make a summary near the end or, even better, a part summary.

Partial agreement or part consensus is a sign of the group's progress. Complete agreement

is impossible in the timeframe allotted.

iv. Leadership

One of the most common misconceptions about leadership is that it is all about

controlling the group. However, for the GDs we are talking about, leadership is all about

giving direction to the group in terms of content.

It is about initiating the discussion and suggesting a path on which the group can continue

the discussion.

A good leader is one who allows others to express their views and channels the

discussion to a probable decision or conclusion on the given topic.

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Types of GDs


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i. Topic-based

~ Knowledge intensive: Here, the background knowledge of a subject is required for

effective participation (for example: Should India go in for full convertibility of the

rupee?).

~ Non-knowledge intensive: Requires structured thinking, but subject knowledge is not

required (for example: Do women make better managers?)

~ Abstract: Requires out-of-the-box thinking, analogy and example-based discussion (For

example: Money is sweeter than honey, blue is better than red).

ii. Case studies

A structured discussion of a specific situation is given as a case. Sometimes, you will be

asked to enact a role play where each participant is allotted a role to play, with relevance

to the case study.

iii. Group tasks

These are an extension of case studies where specific objectives are to be achieved as a

group.

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Conducting GDs


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While there is a great deal of variety in the methodology of conducting a Group

Discussion, let's discuss the methodology commonly used for B-School selections.

Normally 8-10 students are taken as a group, though in some cases, up to 16 people may

be included in a group. The GD lasts for 10-15 minutes.

For a topic-based GD, 2-3 minutes of thinking time may be given; though the group is

often told to start right away. For case studies, however, about 15 minutes is given.

The evaluation is done by one or two experts, usually professors from the B-School itself.

Please remember that these people are experts with a lot of experience and can be

counted upon to observe all details, even if the GD is chaotic.

The candidates may be seated in a circle or in a rectangular arrangement, with or without

a table. Seating arrangements may be prefixed or there may be free seating.

The discussion may be stopped at the set time or even earlier. A conclusion or consensus

may be asked for, though it usually does not occur. A written or oral summary may asked

for at the end from each candidate.

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The Process

After each discussion, you must, as a group, analyse one another individually and suggest

areas for improvement. This way, you will also get exposed to your fellow aspirants'

perspectives and broaden your thought process.

The skills you develop to ace your GD will prove to be an asset even after you begin your

professional career.


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~ As part of your preparation, you must participate in a few mock GDs. Run through

these performances later, identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement and

work on them consciously.

~ Success in a GD also depends on outgrowing old habits like indulging in small

talk with a group of friends. Whenever you have a gathering of sorts, try not to indulge in

loose talk. Focus on discussing a topic of current relevance. Thus, an informal gathering

of friends can be converted into a GD practice session.

i. Content

~ Develop subject knowledge on current affairs, general awareness and business trends.

~ Structure arguments on selected topics, considering both sides to the argument.

~ Plan for short and lucid points.

ii. Practice

~ GD skills cannot be learned from books. Get into practice groups.

~ Get skilled people to observe and give feedback.

~ Spend a lot of time analysing each GD performance. Plan specific improvements

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Sample Topics for GD

The Current Recession in the Job Market and its Impact on Indian Economy

The Mushrooming Engineering Colleges in West BengalIts Pros and Cons

The Transience of Glamour and Fame in the Film and Television Industry


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B.Tech 1st Sem Curriculum:English

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