LANGUAGE LAB

EX.NO:
ClozeTest
Passage : 1
Today most businessmen are very worried. To begin with, they are not used to competition. In the past they sold
whatever ...(1)... produced at whatever prices they chose. But ...(2)... increasing competition, customers began to
...(3)... and choose. Imports suddenly became ...(4)... available and that too at cheaper ...(5)...
1. A. it
B.he
C.they
D .we
2. A. with
B.by
C.after
D .from
3. A. buy
B.take
C.pick
D .want
4. A. hardly
B.easily
C.frequently
D. conveniently
5. A. costs
B.returns
C.dividend
D.prices
Passage : 2
As a rule of thumb, a manned mission costs from fifty to a hundred times more than a comparable unmanned
mission. Thus, for scientific exploration alone, ...(1)... missions, employing machine intelligence, are ...(2)...
However, there may well be ...(3)... other than scientific for exploring ...(4)... social, economic, political, cultural
or ...(5)...
1. A. manned
B. unmanned
C. space
D. lunar
2. A. liked
B. wanted
C. used
D. preferred
3. A. reasons
B. causes
D. objects
4. A . moon
B. sun
C. space
D. mission
5. A. casual
B. historic
C. historical D. histrionic
Passage : 3
The principal advantage in having a clear cut objective of business is that it does not derail; the enterprise does
not stray ...(1)... the direct route that it has set for ...(2)... Enterprises with well defined objectives can
conveniently undertake ...(3)... and follow long range development policies. Recognition of objectives ...(4)...
the temptation to compromise long range ...(5)... for short term gains and improves coordination in work and
consistency in policy.
1. A. from
B.on
C.along
D.towards
2. A. others
B.industry
C. itself
D.government
3. A. production
B.research
C.audit
D.appraisal
4. A. invites
B.defers
C. shifts
D.removes
5. A. objectives
B.loses
C.interests
D. profits
Passage : 4
Let children learn to judge their own work. A child ...(1)... to talk does not learn ...(2)... being corrected all the
time ...(3)... corrected too much, he will ...(4)... talking. He notices a thousand times a day the difference
between the ...(5)... he uses and the language those around him use.
1.

2 A.
C.
3. A.
C.
4. A.
C.
5. A.
C.

A. endeavouring
C. experimenting
in
by
unless
until
stop
avoid
speech
talk
Passage : 5

B. Learning
D. Experiencing
B. On
D. To
B. Being
D. If
B. Halt
D. Shun
B. Language
D. Skill

Watermelons ...(1)... to India by the 4th century AD. Sushruta, the great Indian physician ...(2)... wrote Sushruta
Samhita mentions that watermelons were grown ...(3)... the banks of the river Indus ...(4)... are also mentioned
in ancient books. Sushruta calls it as Kalinda or Kalinga (hence Kalingad in Marathi). It was ...(5)... to China in
the 10th or 11th century and ...(6)... it is grown throughput the tropics. Wild watermelons are ...(7)... compared to

cultivated ones; some of which weigh up to 25 kg. The heaviest fruit weighing 118 kg was produced at Hope,
Arkansas, USA the state to which President Clinton ...(8)...
1.
A.came
C. arrived
2. A.
C.
E.
3. A.
C.
E.
4. A.
C.
E.
5. A.
C.
E.
6. A.
C.
E.
7. A.
C.
E.
8. A.
C.
E.

E. grow
did
certainly
whom
above
from
along
It
Some
Those
took
taken
taking
also
now
soon
heavier
thinner
shorter
rules
grew

B. Go
D
Grew
.
B. When
D. Who
B. Outside
D. Ahead
B. They
D. That
B.
D.

Gave
Take

B. Though
D. Tomorrow
B. Taller
D. Smaller
B. Belongs
D. Elects

elected
Comprehension
Passage : 1
I felt the wall of the tunnel shiver. The master alarm squealed through my earphones. Almost simultaneously,
Jack yelled down to me that there was a warning light on. Fleeting but spectacular sights snapped into ans out of
view, the snow, the shower of debris, the moon, looming close and big, the dazzling sunshine for once unfiltered
by layers of air. The last twelve hours before re-entry were particular bone-chilling. During this period, I had to
go up in to command module. Even after the fiery re-entry splashing down in 81o water in south pacific, we
could still see our frosty breath inside the command module.

1. The word 'Command Module' used twice in the given passage indicates perhaps that it deals with
A
an alarming journey
.

B.a commanding situation

D
a frightful battle.
.
2. Which one of the following reasons would one consider as more as possible for the warning lights to be on?

C.a journey into outer space

A
There was a shower of debris.
.
B.Jack was yelling.
C.A catastrophe was imminent.
D
The moon was looming close and big.
.
3. The statement that the dazzling sunshine was "for once unfiltered by layers of air" means
A
that the sun was very hot
B.that there was no strong wind
.
C.that the air was unpolluted
D.none of above
Passage : 2
But I did not want to shoot the elephant. I watched him beating his bunch of grass against his knees, with the
preoccupied grandmotherly air that elephants have. It seemed to me that it would be murder to shoot him. I had
never shot an elephant and never wanted to. (Somehow it always seems worse to kill large animal.) Besides,
there was the beast's owner to be considered. But I had got to act quickly. I turned to some experienced-looking

Burmans who had been there when we arrived, and asked them how the elephants had been behaving. They all
said the same thing; he took no notice of you if you left him alone, but he might charge if you went too close to
him.

1.
The phrase 'Preoccupied grandmotherly air' signifies
A
being totally unconcerned
.
B.pretending to be very busy
C.a very superior attitude
D
calm, dignified and affectionate disposition
.
2. From the passage it appears that the author was
A
an inexperienced hunter
.

B.kind and considerate

C.possessed with fear

D
a worried man
.

3. The author did not want to shoot the elephant because he

A. was afraid of it
B. did not have the experience of shooting big animals
C. did not wish to kill animal which was not doing anybody any harm
D. did not find the elephant to be ferocious
Passage : 3
Harold a professional man who had worked in an office for many years had a fearful dream. In it, he found
himself in a land where small slug-like animals with slimy tentacles lived on people's bodies. The people
tolerated the loathsome creatures because after many years they grew into elephants which then became the
nation's system of transport, carrying everyone wherever he wanted to go. Harold suddenly realised that he
himself was covered with these things, and he woke up screaming. In a vivid sequence of pictures this dream
dramatised for Harold what he had never been able to put in to words; he saw himself as letting society feed on
his body in his early years so that it would carry him when he retired. He later threw off the "security bug" and
took up freelance work.

1.
In his dream Harold found the loathsome creatures
A
in his village
.

B.in his own house

D
in his office
.
2. Which one of the following phrases best helps to bring out the precise meaning of 'loathsome creatures'?

C.in a different land

A
Security bug and slimy tentacles
.
B.Fearful dream and slug-like animals
C.Slimy tentacles and slug-like animals
D
slug-like animals and security bug
.
3. The statement that 'he later threw off the security bug' means that
A
Harold succeeded in overcoming the need for security
.
B.Harold stopped giving much importance to dreams
C.Harold started tolerating social victimization
D
Harold killed all the bugs troubled him
.
4. Harold's dream was fearful because
A. it brought him face to face with reality

B. it was full of vivid pictures of snakes

C. he saw huge elephant in it
D. in it he saw slimy creatures feeding on people's bodies
Passage : 4
Laws of nature are not commands but statements of acts. The use of the word "law" in this context is rather
unfortunate. It would be better to speak of uniformities in nature. This would do away with the elementary
fallacy that a law implies a law giver. If a piece of matter does not obey a law of nature it is punished. On the
contrary, we say that the law has been incorrectly started.

1.
If a piece of matter violates nature's law, it is not punished because
A
it is not binding to obey it
.
B.there is no superior being to enforce the law of nature
C.it cannot be punished
D
it simply means that the facts have not been correctly stated by law
.
2. Laws of nature differ from man-made laws because
A
the former state facts of Nature
.
B.they must be obeyed
C.they are natural
D
unlike human laws, they are systematic
.
3. The laws of nature based on observation are
A
conclusion about the nature of the universe.
.
B.true and unfalsifiable.
C.figments of the observer imagination.
D
subject to change in the light of new facts.
.
4. The author is not happy with word 'law' because
A. it connotes rigidity and harshness
B. it implies an agency which has made them
C. it does not convey the sense of nature's uniformity
D. it gives rise to false beliefs
Passage-5:
First introduced in 1927, The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories are a series of books about the adventures of brothers
Frank and Joe Hardy, teenaged detectives who solve one baffling mystery after another. The Hardy Boys were
so popular among young boys that in 1930 a similar series was created for girls featuring a sixteen-year-old
detective named Nancy Drew. The cover of each volume of The Hardy Boys states that the author of the series
is Franklin W. Dixon; the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories are supposedly written by Carolyn Keene. Over the
years, though, many fans of both series have been surprised to find out that Franklin W. Dixon and Carolyn
Keene are not real people. If Franklin W. Dixon and Carolyn Keene never existed, then who wrote The Hardy
Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries?
The Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew books were written through a process called ghostwriting. A ghostwriter
writes a book according to a specific formula. While ghostwriters are paid for writing the books, their authorship
is not acknowledged, and their names do not appear on the published books. Ghostwriters can write books for
children or adults, the content of which is unspecific. Sometimes they work on book series with a lot of
individual titles, such as The Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew series.
The initial idea for both The Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew series was developed by a man named Edward
Stratemeyer, who owned a publishing company that specialized in childrens books. Stratemeyer noticed the
increasing popularity of mysteries among adults, and surmised that children would enjoy reading mysteries
about younger detectives with whom they could identify. Stratemeyer first developed each book with an outline
describing the plot and setting. Once he completed the outline, Stratemeyer then hired a ghostwriter to convert it
into a book of slightly over 200 pages. After the ghostwriter had written a draft of a book, he or she would send
it back to Stratemeyer, who would make a list of corrections and mail it back to the ghostwriter. The ghostwriter

would revise the book according to Stratemeyers instructions and then return it to him. Once Stratemeyer
approved the book, it was ready for publication.
Because each series ran for so many years, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys both had a number of different
ghostwriters producing books; however, the first ghostwriter for each series proved to be the most influential.
The initial ghostwriter for The Hardy Boys was a Canadian journalist named Leslie McFarlane. A few years
later, Mildred A. Wirt, a young writer from Iowa, began writing the Nancy Drew books. Although they were
using prepared outlines as guides, both McFarlane and Wirt developed the characters themselves. The
personalities of Frank and Joe Hardy and Nancy Drew arose directly from McFarlanes and Wirts imaginations.
For example, Mildred Wirt had been a star college athlete and gave Nancy similar athletic abilities. The
ghostwriters were also responsible for numerous plot and setting details. Leslie McFarlane used elements of his
small Canadian town to create Bayport, the Hardy Boys fictional hometown.
Although The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books were very popular with children, not everyone approved of
them. Critics thought their plots were unrealistic and even far-fetched, since most teenagers did not experience
the adventures Frank and Joe Hardy or Nancy Drew did. The way the books were written also attracted
criticism. Many teachers and librarians objected to the ghostwriting process, claiming it was designed to
produce books quickly rather than create quality literature. Some librariesincluding the New York Public
Libraryeven refused to include the books in their childrens collections. Ironically, this decision actually
helped sales of the books, because children simply purchased them when they were unavailable in local
libraries.
Regardless of the debates about their literary merit, each series of books has exerted an undeniable influence on
American and even global culture. Most Americans have never heard of Edward Stratemeyer, Leslie McFarlane,
or Mildred Wirt, but people throughout the world are familiar with Nancy Drew and Frank and Joe Hardy.
1) According to the passage, the Nancy Drew mystery series was introduced in
A. 1925
B. 1927
C. 1929
D. 1930
2) Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
A. Ghostwriting: A Way of Life
B. Who Were Leslie McFarlane and Mildred A. Wirt?
C. The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew: Ghostwriting a Series
D. The Dubious yet Profitable Practice of Ghostwriting
3) According to the passage, which of the following people was a real writer?
A. Carolyn Keene
B. Franklin W. Dixon
C. Leslie McFarlane
D. Tom Hardy
4) According to the passage, a ghostwriter is someone who
I. writes about mysterious or strange events
II. does not receive credit as the author
III. bases his or her books on predetermined guidelines
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
5) As used in paragraph 3, which is the best definition for surmised?
A. guessed
B. questioned
C. knew
D. proved
6) According to the passage, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books were created based on the idea that
I. mystery books for adults are popular
II. children enjoy reading about characters they can relate to
III. girls and boys are not interested in the same things
A. I only
B. I and II only (CORRECT)
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III

7) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that Leslie McFarlane and Mildred Wirt
A. disliked writing according to a specific formul
B. respected the art of ghostwriting
C. were unsuccessful in their previous occupations
D. found it helpful to write from personal experience
8) According to the passage, some teachers and librarians objected to ghostwritten books such as The Hardy
Boys and Nancy Drew Mystery Stories because they
A. disapproved of mystery stories
B. thought the books were too expensive
C. believed the books were not quality literature
D. disliked Edward Stratemeyers questionable business practices
9) Which of the following best describes the author's attitude toward The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew book
series?
A. balanced and respectful
B. doubtful and critical
C. hostile but forgiving
D. overwhelmingly praising
10) Which of the following best describes the structure of this passage?
A. introduction, explanation, history, controversy, conclusion
B. introduction, history, controversy, explanation, conclusion
C. history, explanation, summary, conclusion, controversy
D. history, controversy, explanation, summary, conclusion
Passage 6:
Most people can remember a phone number for up to thirty seconds. When this short amount of time elapses,
however, the numbers are erased from the memory. How did the information get there in the first place?
Information that makes its way to the short term memory (STM) does so via the sensory storage area. The brain
has a filter which only allows stimuli that is of immediate interest to pass on to the STM, also known as the
working memory. There is much debate about the capacity and duration of the short term memory. The most
accepted theory comes from George A. Miller, a cognitive psychologist who suggested that humans can
remember approximately seven chunks of information. A chunk is defined as a meaningful unit of information,
such as a word or name rather than just a letter or number. Modern theorists suggest that one can increase the
capacity of the short term memory by chunking, or classifying similar information together. By organizing
information, one can optimize the STM, and improve the chances of a memory being passed on to long term
storage.When making a conscious effort to memorize something, such as information for an exam, many people
engage in "rote rehearsal". By repeating something over and over again, one is able to keep a memory alive.
Unfortunately, this type of memory maintenance only succeeds if there are no interruptions. As soon as a person
stops rehearsing the information, it has the tendency to disappear. When a pen and paper are not handy, people
often attempt to remember a phone number by repeating it aloud. If the doorbell rings or the dog barks to come
in before a person has the opportunity to make a phone call, he will likely forget the number instantly.*
Therefore, rote rehearsal is not an efficient way to pass information from the short term to long term memory.*
A better way is to practice "elaborate rehearsal". *This involves assigning semantic meaning to a piece of
information so that it can be filed along with other pre-existing long term memories.*Encoding information
semantically also makes it more retrievable. Retrieving information can be done by recognition or recall.
Humans can easily recall memories that are stored in the long term memory and used often; however, if a
memory seems to be forgotten, it may eventually be retrieved by prompting. The more cues a person is given
(such as pictures), the more likely a memory can be retrieved. This is why multiple choice tests are often used
for
subjects
that
require
a
lot
of
memorization.
1.

According to the passage, how do memories get transferred to the STM?

A) They revert from the long term memory.
B) They are filtered from the sensory storage area.
C) They get chunked when they enter the brain.
D) They enter via the nervous system.
2. The word elapses in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:
A) passes
B) adds up
C) appears
D) continues
3. All of the following are mentioned as places in which memories are stored EXCEPT the:
A) STM B) long term memory C) sensory storage area D) maintenance area
4. Why does the author mention a dog's bark?
A) To give an example of a type of memory
B) To provide a type of interruption

C) To prove that dogs have better memories than humans

D) To compare another sound that is loud like a doorbell
5. How do theorists believe a person can remember more information in a short time?
A) By organizing it B) By repeating it C) By giving it a name D) By drawing it
6. The author believes that rote rotation is:
A) the best way to remember something
B) more efficient than chunking
C) ineffective in the long run
D) an unnecessary interruption
7. The word it in the last paragraph refers to:
A) encoding B) STM C) semantics D) information
8. The word elaborate in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
A) complex
B) efficient C) pretty
D) regular
9. The word cues in the passage is closest in meaning to
A) questions
B) clues C) images D) tests
10. Which of the following is NOT supported by the passage?
A) The working memory is the same as the short term memory.
B) A memory is kept alive through constant repetition.
C) Cues help people to recognize information.
D) Multiple choice exams are the most difficult.

Sentence Correction
Which of phrases given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the
grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is, mark 'E' as the answer.
1. The small child does whatever his father was done.
A
has done
.

B.Did

C.Does

D
had done
.

E. No correction required
2. You need not come unless you want to.
A
You don't need to come unless you want to
.
B.You come only when you want to
C.You come unless you don't want to
D
You needn't come until you don't want to
.
E. No correction required
3. There are not many men who are so famous that they are frequently referred to by their short names only
A
Initials
B.Signatures
.
D
C.Pictures
middle names
.
E. No correction required
4. The man to who I sold my house was a cheat.
A
to whom I sell
B.to who I sell
.
D
C.who was sold to
to whom I sold
.
E. No correction required
5. They were all shocked at his failure in the competition.
A
were shocked at all
B.had all shocked at
.
D
C.had all shocked by
had been all shocked on
.
E. No correction required
6. I need not offer any explanation regarding this incident - my behaviour is speaking itself.
A
will speak to itself
B.speaks for itself
.
D
C.has been speaking
speaks about itself
.
E. No correction required
7. He is too important for tolerating any delay.
A to tolerate
B.to tolerating

.
D
with tolerating
.

C.at tolerating
E. No correction required

8. The population of Tokyo is greater than that of any other town in the world.
A
greatest among any other
.
B.greater than all other
C.greater than those of any other
D
greater than any other
.
E. No correction required
9. The performance of our players was rather worst than I had expected.
A
bad as I had expected
B.worse than I had expected
.
D
C.worse than expectation
worst than was expected
.
E. No correction required
10. Why did you not threw the bag away?
A
did you not throw
B.had you not threw
.
D
C.did you not thrown
you did not thrown
.
E. No correction required

Ordering of Sentences
In questions below, each passage consist of six sentences. The first and sixth sentence are given in the begining.
The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Find
out the proper order for the four sentences.

1. S1: In the middle of one side of the square sits the Chairman of the committee, the most important person
in the room.
P : For a committee is not just a mere collection of individuals.
Q : On him rests much of the responsibility for the success or failure of the committee.
R : While this is happening we have an opportunity to get the 'feel' of this committe.
S : As the meeting opens, he runs briskly through a number of formalities.
S6: From the moment its members meet, it begins to have a sort nebulous life of its own.
The Proper sequence should be:
A.RSQP
C.SQPR

B. PQRS
D. QSRP

2. S1: A force of exists between everybody in the universe.

P:
Normally it is very small but when the one of the bodies is a planet, like earth, the force is considerable.
Q:
It has been investigated by many scientists including Galileo and Newton.
R:
Everything on or near the surface of the earth is attracted by the mass of earth.
S:
This gravitational force depends on the mass of the bodies involved.
S6:
The greater the mass, the greater is the earth's force of attraction on it. We can call this force of
attraction gravity.
The Proper sequence should be:
A
PRQS
.

B.PRSQ

C.QSRP

D
QSPR
.

3. S1: Calcutta unlike other cities kepts its trams.

P:
As a result there horrendous congestion.
Q:
It was going to be the first in South Asia.

R:
They run down the centre of the road
S:
To ease in the city decided to build an underground railway line.
S6:
The foundation stone was laid in 1972.
The Proper sequence should be:
A
PRSQ
.

B.PSQR

C.SQRP

D
RPSQ
.
4. S1: For some time in his youth Abraham Lincoln was manager for a shop.
P : Then a chance Customer would come.
Q : Young Lincoln way of keeping shop was entirely unlike anyone else's
R : Lincoln would jump up and attend to his needs and then revert to his reading.
S : He used to lie full length on the counter of the shop eagerly reading a book.
S6: Never before had Lincoln had so much time for reading as had then.
The Proper sequence should be:

A
SRQP
.

B.QSPR

C.SQRP

D
QPSR
.
5. S1: All the land was covered by the ocean.
P : The leading god fought the monster, killed it and chopped its body in to two halves.
Q : A terrible monster prevented the gods from separating the land from the water.
R : The god made the sky out of the upper part of the body and ornamented it with stars.
S : The god created the earth from the lower part, grew plants on it and populated it with animals.
S6: The god moulded the first people out of clay according to his own image and mind.
The Proper sequence should be:

A
PQRS
.

B.PQSR

C.QPSR

D
QPRS
.

CAREER LAB

Writing an Effective Resume

The following tips could be used to write an effective resume that meets the employer's needs and gets one an
interview.
Heading

Type your name at the top in caps with large, bold type. Include your address, phone number, and email
address. If you plan to move while your resume is in use, include your school address and your permanent
address.
Objective

Get focused on your job objective before writing the rest of the resume and tailor the resume to the job
and the field.
Clearly state theposition you are seeking and whether it is a full-time or part-time job or an internship.
You can also include the industry and any skills you want to emphasize. Avoid vague phrases that focus on what
you will gain from the experience. Everything that follows on the resume should support the objective.
Education

Identify your degree, major, graduation date, and school.

Include education abroad and any relevant vocational schools, certificates, and job training.

You may include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. Employer expectations may vary.
Course Listings

You may include a short list of courses to show experience, training, or knowledge in the field as long
as they are relevant to the job objective.
Skills

Make your skills the selling point of your resume. Include specific skills that pertain to your objective
such as computer languages, technical skills, and lab techniques. You may also include interpersonal and
adaptive skills such as communication, leadership, writing research, teamwork, etc.
Be sure to back up each skill on your resume with specific and convincing evidence.
Experience

If you have extensive experience, some of it unrelated to your objective, use two subsections: related
and additional.
Use your most important and relevant experience to convince the employer that you have the skills
necessary to do the job. In this section articulate your accomplishments clearly and concisely using active voice
to present evidence of your skills. See Action Word List .
Optional information

You can include professional and extracurricular affiliations and activities, honors and awards, and
sports.
Items to avoid

Keep references on a separate sheet and give to the employer when asked.
Omit your age, religious or political affiliations, marital status, or other personal data, which could be
used to screen you out.

Formatting

Keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive related experience.
Organize headings so that the most important points are first.

Invite the readers' attention by using open space, wide margins, and bullets to set off text.

Use good quality white or off-white paper.

Use clear and dark 10-12 point type.

Spell and punctuate perfectly. Proofread several times.

Sample Resume
Dev Sharma

Email ID- ****@gmail.com

Career Objective- To work for an organization which provides me the opportunity to improve my skills and
knowledge to growth along with the organization objective.
Profile Summary- An enthusiastic fresher with highly motivated and leadership skills having bachelors of engineering degree
in Mechanical Engineering.
- Expert in implementation of each step of project.
- Eager to learn new technologies and methodologies.
- Always willing to innovate the new things which can improve the existing technology.

Personality Traits- Highly motivated and eager to learn new things.

- Strong motivational and leadership skills.
- Ability to produce best result in pressure situation.
- Excellent communication skills in written and verbal both.
- Ability to work as individual as well as in group.

Academia- Bachelor of engineering from ASD institute of Technology with 75%

- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from AKL Institute with 73%

Technical Qualification- 2D Drafting Package : AutoCAD.

- 3D Drafting Package : Solid Edge
- Analysis Package : Femap

ProjectLeaf spring by using Natural fibres

Duration -3 month
Description- In this project we use natural fibres as leaf spring and it is cost effective production.

Achievements- FOUR suggestion certificates issued by TVS for my best suggestions.

- SAE INDIA MEMBER and attended one day workshop conducted by SAEINDIA
- Participated in International Conference on Emerging Trends in Energy and Environment.
- Completed training on Basic Life Support and First Aid Skills
- Completed training on Basic Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Extra Curricular Activities- Participated in Robotics Championship in SDF University.

- Actively participated in program of ASD NGO.

Personal Details- Languages Known- Hindi, English

- DOB- MM/DD/YYYY
- Address- NBJSBJSB

Letter of Application-Format

Your Street Address

City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
Email Address
Month, Day, Year
Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName:

Opening paragraph: State what position or internship you are applying to; how you learned of the organization
or position, and basic information or qualifications about yourself.
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating
that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough
about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific
qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer's needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more

detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if
such are required to apply for a position.
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the
employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. Restate briefly why you're so passionate about
the opportunity you're applying for. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional
information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature)

Sample letter of application

Room 354, Block 6
Model Village
North Point
Hong Kong
Phone: 24862893
Mobile: 95427415
E-mail: wwm654@hkinternet.com
8 September 2015
Mr William Chan
Personnel Manager
Wong And Lim Consulting
PO Box 583
Kwai Chung
Kowloon
Dear Mr Chan
Application for the Post of Management Trainee
I am writing to apply for the post of Management Trainee, which was advertised on the Student Affairs Office
notice board of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 8 September 2015.
My working experience at Lucky Star Garment Manufactory Limited improved my leadership skills,
communication skills and ability to work in a team environment. I have fluent spoken and written English. I also
have fluent spoken and written Mandarin, and can therefore work in mainland China.
Currently I am studying a B.A. in Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, graduating in 2016.
Subjects which I am studying that are relevant to the post of Management Trainee include Operations
Management, Human Resources Management, Accounting, Marketing and Strategic Management.
My final year project is entitled Knowledge Management Practices in HK. Carrying out this project has
improved my communication skills, my leadership skills and my ability to lead and supervise subordinates
effectively. I have also learned how to run a project from the planning stage to its completion.

During my studies I have held the post of Executive in the Management Society. While leading and organising
Management Society activities I have improved my ability to lead and supervise subordinates effectively, ability
to work under pressure and ability to work in a team environment.
Working for Wong And Lim Consulting appeals to me because it has a good reputation and it provides excellent
training. Your organisation produces a high-quality service, and I can contribute to this with my leadership skills
and my ability to work under pressure.
I am available for interview at any time. I can be contacted most easily on the mobile phone number given
above. I look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely

JOB APPLICATION

Cover letter
M.MANGAMMAL,
NAGAPPATTI(vill),
HARUR-636903
22.03.2016
HR Manager,
CTS Loco ltd.,
Chinnipalayam,
Coimbatore-57.
Sub: Application for the post of Junior Computer Engineer reg.,
Dear Sir/Madam,
With reference to your advertisement in The Hindu dated 20/8/14, I am applying for the post of Junior
Computer Engineer in your reputed firm. Your job description for the post perfectly matches my qualifications,
and I am very interested in the opportunity.
I have just completed engineering from Anna University and have a good academic career with excellent
attentive and grasping power. I am proficient in the use of various automated programming language in the area
of .net and java.
I have completed 6 months of internship from ABC Associates, where I learned many things such as analyzing
different products, designing process, applying the principal of engineering, operating and maintaining technical
products and learn the installation process. This internship proved to be very much beneficial for me, and I am
confident that this experience will surely help in the further development of the organization.
Along with this internship, I have also done some of the mini projects in college. I have a good knowledge of
the domain. I have excellent problem solving technique, creativity and analytical skills. I also possess a good
written and communicational skill. The rest of the details that encompass my academic qualification, personal
details, contact details, achievements, project details and extra-curricular activities are explained in detail in the
resume attached to this cover letter.
I am certain that I can make significant contributions to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to
meet you and discuss how my education and abilities might best be employed by your organization.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response.
Truly,
Signature
(

Encl: 1) Resume`
2) Copy of certificates
3) Copy of the recommendation letter from the Head of the Department

Tips on GROUP DISCUSSION

In a Group Discussion (GD), you are expected to contribute meaningfully and help arrive at a consensus. It is
not a platform for you to fight your way through and dominate. Flexibility and gelling with the group is also
very important. Make a note of the following points.
1. Arrive on time and dress formally. This is not a casual discussion, but one that will help you get a job with
a company. You need to look impressive, well groomed and confident.
2. If you have some doubts or want some clarifications on the subject/topic of the discussion, make sure to ask
and clear them out before the discussion begins and not after that..
3. Always carry a pen and a notebook. This allows you to refer to what others have said previously.
4. Be yourself and do not be arrogant. Body language is important, so be careful while using gestures and do
not ever get aggressive.
5. Initiating the discussion is a major plus point but do so only if youre very clear about the topic and know a
lot about the same.
6. Maintain eye contact with team members and not evaluators. Theyre not a part of the discussion. Ensure
that you get to speak your point, if the other members hear you, the evaluators will too.
7. Having said that, ensure that you listen as well and appreciate what others are saying. If you do not agree
with someones point, let them complete and then raise your objection. Do not interrupt.
8. Be positive and do not be over confident.
9. Try and sort out contradictions and arguments. Providing a meaningful direction to the discussion always
leaves a good impression on the evaluators.
10. Understand that the aim is not to speak often or for long periods. The aim is to be precise and clear with
your points. Ultimately, the discussion has to reach a conclusion and you must strive towards that.

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone
else's point and then move onto express your views.

Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give
valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your
attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the
discussion personally.

Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I disagree'. Instead try
phrases like: `I would like to share my views on' or `One difference between your point and mine' or "I beg
to differ with you"

Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does
not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf
has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to
others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn
from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
Group discussions are an important part of the selection process. You have to pass the intelligence test, with
GD, your oratory and communication skills along with your problem solving skills which will be tested. Keep
these points in mind:
1)Adequate matter/ Subject matter is essential : You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the
latest happenings around you, not just in India but around the world as well. To be in a better position, make
sure that you have in-depth knowledge on the subject. Subject knowledge is a pre-requisite while you are
preparing for a group discussion because you will then have the power to steer the conversation to whichever
direction you want to. If you can memorize some relevant data, it will be an added advantage.
2) Make Sure you Read Widely: Being an avid reader will help you in group discussions. Last minute
preparations you are strictly a no no, while you are preparing for group discussions. You should read over a
period of time. Reading not only adds to your knowledge database, but enhances your vocabulary skills as well.
Plus reading over a period of time, helps in your understanding of a particular subject/ topic better.
3) Choose Magazines that are Rich in Content: Always opt for magazines that are content rich and not just
full of advertisements. Often magazines have columns which are promoting a particular institute etc. Avoid such
magazines, do some research and buy the best that will be beneficial for you in the long run.
4) Be Aware of Topics that are Repeated: Often, there are topics which re-appear with minute changes and
minor variations. Be aware of such topics well in advance so that you have ample time to prepare for the same.
For example the issues of terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, liberalization and privatization, reservations in
educational institutions etc often appear as GD topics. Make sure you know these topics well and can come up
with some unique, insightful points along with dates, stating facts.
5) Work on your Communication Skills: You should be well versed in your communication skills. You should
have a good vocabulary and a decent command over English. Much before your actual group discussion,
rehearse well. You can sit with a group of friends and choose a topic and indulge in a friendly banter. Not only
will this increase your knowledge, you will be a better speaker by the time it is time for your GD.
6) Listen to the Topic Given During GD Carefully: Listen to the topic carefully and understand it... Be alert
and vigilant. Sometimes, the topic may be really simple but the manner in which it is presented to you, can be
baffling. The first thing that you should do after hearing the topic is by structuring it on the sheet that is given to
you to make notes. Make a rough sketch of the points that you would like to speak aloud. You will be at an
advantage if you open the discussion, but then beware of what you speak. Deviating from the main topic, or
passing strong statements like I agree/ or disagree should be avoided. Your strategy should be to test the
waters and make a generic statement relevant to the topic. If you can, back it up by relevant data.
7) Try and Maintain a Balance in your Tone: Besides what you are saying, remember that the panelists are
observing your body language as well. If you do not agree with the other students point of view, do not raise
your tone in objection. Listen to his point of view and instead of dismissing it upfront, try and draw a common
ground. .
8) Listening Skills are Essential: Carefully listen to what others have to say. Just speaking throughout the
discussion doesnt make you smart, you should also give others a chance to speak. Try and listen to him/her,
respect their view point too. If the speaker is making an eye-contact with you remember to acknowledge him by
saying yes, you agree or just by nodding your head, so that the speaker is aware that his listeners are listening
to him and paying full attention. This will also show that you are vigilant and are an active participant in the
discussion.
9) Body Gestures are very Important: The panelists observe the way you sit and react in the course of the
discussion. . Body gestures are very important, because your body language says a lot about you. In a GD, sit
straight, avoid leaning back on to the chair or knocking the table with pen or your fingers. Also, do not get
distracted easily. For example, if the door in room you are sitting in opens, do not look back to see who it is ,
this will show how distracted you are.
10) Be the first and also the Last to Speak: As mentioned earlier, initiating a GD is an advantage. Closing it
too also adds brownie points. If you can grab the opportunity to close the discussion, then you should
summarize it. If the group has not reached a conclusion try concluding it.
Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of
mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and
creativity.

GD Three Important Tips

TIP 1: Initiation Techniques
Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy. When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the opportunity
to speak, you also grab the attention of the examiner and your fellow candidates.
If you can make a favorable first impression with your content and communication skills after you initiate a GD,
it will help you sail through the discussion. But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and
figures, the damage might be irreparable.
If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you started the GD
for the sake of starting it or getting those initial kitty of points earmarked for an initiator!
When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework. So initiate one
only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand.
TIP 2: Body of the Group Discussion
Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impressions are:
1. Quotes - are an effective way of initiating a GD.
Example: If the topic of a GD is - Should the Censor Board be abolished? you could start with a quote like,
'Hidden apples are always sweet'. Or if a topic is like, Customer is King, you could quote Sam (Wall-mart)
Walton's famous saying, There is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company -from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.'
2. Definition - Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.
Example: If the topic of the GD is Advertising is a Diplomatic Way of Telling a Lie, why not start the GD by
defining advertising as, 'Any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services
through mass media like newspapers, magazines, television or radio by an identified sponsor'?
3. Question - Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.
It does not signify asking a question to any of the candidates in a GD so as to hamper the flow. It implies asking
a question, and answering it yourself. Any question that might hamper the flow of a GD or insult a participant or
play devil's advocate must be discouraged.
Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated. For a topic like, Should India go to war with
Pakistan, you could start by asking, 'What does war bring to the people of a nation? We have had four clashes
with Pakistan. The pertinent question is: what have we achieved?
4. Shock Statement - Initiating a GD with a shocking statement is the best way to grab immediate attention and
put forth your point.
Example: If a GD topic is The Impact of Population on the Indian Economy then you could start with, 'At the
center of the Indian capital stands a population clock that ticks away relentlessly. It tracks 33 births a minute,
2,000 an hour, 48,000 a day. It calculates to about 12 million every year. That is roughly the size of Australia. As
a current political slogan puts it, Nothing's impossible when 1 billion Indians work together.
5. Facts, figures and statistics - If you decide to initiate your GD with facts, figure and statistics then make sure
to quote them accurately.Approximation is allowed in macro level figures, but micro level figures need to be
correct and accurate. Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.
Example: You can say, approximately 70 per cent of the Indian population stays in rural areas (macro figures,
approximation allowed), but you cannot say 30 states of India instead of 28 (micro figures, no approximations).
6. Short Story - Use a short story in a GD topic like Attitude is Everything
Example: This can be initiated with, 'A child once asked a balloon vendor, who was selling helium gas-filled
balloons, whether a blue-colored balloon will go as high in the sky as a green-colored balloon. The balloon
vendor told the child, it is not the color of the balloon but what is inside it that makes it go high.
7. General Statement - Use a general statement to put the GD in proper perspective
Example: If the topic is Should Sonia Gandhi be the prime minister of India? You could start by saying,
'Before jumping to conclusions like, 'Yes, Sonia Gandhi should be', or 'No, Sonia Gandhi should not be', let's
first find out the qualities one needs to be a good prime minister of India. Then we can compare these qualities
with those that Mrs. Gandhi possesses. This will help us reach the conclusion in a more objective and effective
manner.
TIP 3: Summarizing or Concluding

Most GDs dont really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor or against the
topic, but every GD is summarized. You can take the opportunity to summaries what the group has discussed in
the GD in a nutshell.
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:

Avoid raising new points.

Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
Keep it brief and concise.
It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.
If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.
Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

Solved GDs

Introduction
A good discussion will try to arrive at a solution that shows balance. You need to demonstrate your
understanding of the issue from more than one perspective alone. The conclusion at the end should indicate a
filtration of the more relevant issues and recommendations for policies / changes that can be made in the current
system. Given below are a few sample topics along with pointers towards what kind of conclusions can be
drawn from the discussion.
1. Should we allow incurably diseased persons to live or not?

Points In Favour:
o

If we feel sad to kill even an animal or a bird, how can our conscience allow us to kill a fellow human
being just because he is incurably ill? Moreover he has done no harm to society and his illness is not
because of his fault. Therefore, we must provide him proper treatment and allow him to live as long as
nature has willed it

God has gifted us life. So, he alone has the right to take it back. No human being has a right to interfere
in His scheme of things.Once on this earth, every man has a right to live as long as God does not want
him to die.Therefore,the reasoning that just because a man is suffering from an incurable disease, he
should be put to death is untenable and beyond reason

It is not always the case that incurably diseased persons spread contagious diseases as some might
argue. Even in those rare cases where it may be true, these persons are not real health hazards because it
is medically established now that all incurable diseases are not contagious. However, as a precautionary
measure, we should open separate hospitals or isolation wards for persons suffering from incurable
contagious diseases and thus quarantine them.

Killing an incurably diseased person will put an end to research work in medical science. Even
otherwise, suffering people have been the subject of research work quite less. Now new vistas of
progress have been opened in medical sciences and alternative medicine like Acupuncture,
Acupressure, Reiki Pranik healing, Touch therapy, Herbal therapy, Diet therapy, etc. hold a ray of hope
for the so called incurably diseased persons. So, why snatch life from them?

Points against:
o

This world is governed by Darwin's survival of the fittest principle. An incurably diseased person is
weak and has no value whatsoever to the society. Moreover, he has no means to live. Therefore, it
would be in the fitness of things to kill him even against his wish.

An incurably diseased person is the cause of constant worry to his family, his demands are unending
and notwithstanding the best possible attention, care and treatment given to him, he always remains
dissatisfied and disgruntled. This adversely affects peace of mind and comfort of the family members.
Therefore, the best way out of such a situation is to put an end to his life.

These days we are saddled with the responsibility of reducing our burgeoning population. The many
diseased persons constitute a good part of it. Even otherwise their contribution to society being nil and
burden great, it would be justified and reasonable not to allow them to drag on their agonizing life.

Conclusion:
Defining gray areas is something which any amount of legislation can never achieve. Our policies need to
ensure that the group of people taking a decision to terminate the life is doing so in the best interest of the
patient and society.

2. Should Capital punishment be abolished?

In Favour Of Abolition:
o

Man is supposed to be a rational animal. But can a rational being kill a man for a man? No. Because it
would be savage and barbarous. Besides, by killing a murderer the dead cannot be brought back to life,
nor would he or his family be compensated. So, instead, we should reform the killer, make him realize
his sin and follow a virtuous life.

If we kill the murderer, his troubles are over. But his family is made to suffer for no fault of theirs. We
should instead give him some other punishment, say, for example, life imprisonment so that he has to
face his own conscience and repent for what he has done. Alongside, he should be given psychological
treatment and an opportunity to lead a normal citizen's life.

Instances are many where instead of being given capital punishment to even hardened criminals, they
were just imprisoned or put in a reformatory with the result that they realized and regretted their wrong
doings, their terms of sentences were reduced as a reward. Such acts enabled them to serve their
innocent families and they even turned towards social work. This shows their capital punishment is not
the only remedy to take care of criminals.

We observe today that in spite of capital punishment being very much there on the statute, heinous
crimes are not decreasing. It goes to show that capital punishment is no deterrent for criminals.
Therefore, we must think of changing the method of punishment.Over 30 countries in the world have
abolished capital punishment but none has reported any increase in crime. Therefore, death punishment
is not justified from any angle.

The reason capital punishment should be abolished is based on the fact that sometimes judgments go
wrong,and,consequently, innocent people are hanged. This is because of the legalistic juggling of clever
lawyers. Even otherwise instances are not rare when corrupt police officials are brought over through
money and political power to file patently cooked up charge sheets in the court and magistrates in turn
pass doubtful judgments. The only way to preclude the possibility of error is to abolish capital
punishment itself. Benefit of Doubt is an important point of law and rightly so because law holds that
99 guilty can go unpunished but even one innocent should not be punished. In the same spirit our
Supreme Court has held that death penalty should be awarded only in rarest of the rare cases.

We have no right to destroy what we cannot create. It is for God to give or take one's life. Mercy is
higher in his eyes than punishment. It is barbarous to hold the doctrine of tooth for tooth and limb
for limb. Great soul like Jesus Christ even say If a man slaps you on one cheek, show him the other
cheek also. Our own Mahatma Gandhi forgave the person who stabbed him and would surely have
pardoned Nathuram Godse who killed him.Nehru ignored the plea of several true Gandhians for
Godse's life by saying, The law will have its course. But isn't it true, as Charles Dickens said, that
the law is an idiot?

Against Abolition:
o

The time is not yet ripe to abolish capital punishment. There is no letup in crimes. Capital punishment
is an effective deterrent for would be offenders and murderers. Those who argue that despite capital
punishment being there on the statute book crime in on the increase fail to understand that it is because
of our faulty justice delivery system where justice delayed is justice denied, and not the other way
round.

There are certain kinds of hardened criminals who are beyond reform. It is futile to teach them sanity.
Killing others has become their second nature and they have dozens of murder cases pending against
them. It would only be for the good of society that they are sent to the gallows and thus their career in
crime is stopped.

If a murderer is not put to death but instead allowed to live on, he is tempted to repeat the crime in
future. It often happens that murderers set at large through police connivance or legal trickery of
lawyers indulge in more heinous crimes for fun or contract killings until they are caught and killed.

In some Muslim countries like Pakistan, Iran, Dubai, etc. where laws are rigid and even petty criminals
are awarded harsh punishments, crime is rare. Similarly in Fascist countries where death penalty is
awarded for negligence of duty or other offences, efficiency and honesty are found in abundance.
Jawaharlal Nehru once favored capital punishment for blackmarketeers as well. I do not want to harm
the meanest insect but it would give me the greatest pleasures of all blackmarketeers are hung up by the
neck till death.

Punishment must be proportional to the crime. One who takes a life, should pay for it with his own life.
That alone can have a deterrent effect on the criminals. It is both ethically and practically wrong to
show any leniency to hardboiled criminals. We would be excusing or placating criminals only at our
own peril because then they would feel emboldened to commit further crime. Therefore, though 'an eye
for an eye' and 'a tooth for a tooth' appears brutal but it is the demand of true justice.

A murdere not only kills a human being but also makes the life of his victim's dependants miserable,
because in most such cases their breadwinner is snatched from them and in some extreme cases they might
go after the blood of the murderer and might kill them. Therefore, it is advisable that a murderer is put to
death by the arm of the law itself.

Crime is contagious. Hence quick dispensation of justice and award of capital punishment to hardened
criminals,as they do it in Pakistan, Bangladesh and in some other countries, can surely nip this contagion in
the bud and prove helpful in improving the law and order situation in our country.

Conclusion:
What crimes are amongst the rarest of the rare? Definitions of crime are subjective. Human life is invaluable
both the victim's and the murderer's. Society needs deterrents to crime. The best policy would be to deter crime
with the lowest possible harm to members of society
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Is Science a curse or a boon?

Science Is a Curse:
o

Scientific inventions in the field of military technology and hardware have brought about mass
destruction.Previously, only armies would fight on the front and even unarmed or sleeping soldiers were not
killed, not to speak of civilians. But today, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, as also missiles and
aircrafts, have extended the area of conflict right into the heart of the opposing countries. The entire
industrial civilization infrastructure can destroyed in a fraction of a second. Remember the savagery of
World War II when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were completely wiped out, its citizens physically maimed and
mentally deformed? Also remember what happened in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan?

Can we ever forget the avoidable destruction of human lives caused by leakage in the Chernobyl nuclear
plant in the former USSR and by methyl iso cynate (MIC) gas leakage in Bhopal (India) a few years back?
Aren't thousands of people dying in road, rail and air accidents today, mostly because of human failure in
anticipating disasters or deliberate sabotage by terrorists?

Those who regard science as a boon would say the industrialization and automation have made production
on a mass scale possible and less strenuous, but they fail to realize that it has created large-scale
unemployment.Besides, the immigration of rural workers towards industrial centers in the cities has
adversely affected our joint family system, not to speak of the psychological problems and diseases it has
spawned in the city based village workers who are uprooted from their moorings.

Man in his quest for so-called science aided advancement and urbanization has destroyed huge jungle tracts
thus causing harm to ecological balance. Toxic gases and biologically non degradable waste material from
factories are causing air and water pollution, blaring loudspeakers create noise pollution so much so that
even out Supreme Court have to step in to order closure / shifting of factories in and around Delhi and to fix
permissible decibel limit for fire crackers during Dipawali celebrations.

Granted that science has enabled us to fight diseases more effectively and lead a more healthy life but more
and more deadly diseases, unknown to our forefathers, are affecting us today. Moreover side-effects of
several medicines are more dangerous than the cure, and wrong medication / diagnosis may render us
permanently incapacitated. The recent report that Dolly, the artificially created sheep is suffering from T.B.,
is an eye opener for the defenders of science.

Today cheap, easy and mechanical transport, scooters, cars, buses, trains and aeroplanes, has reduced
distances for us but the pollution it causes cannot be overlooked. Besides, our dependence on them has
made us lame. Not only this, other luxuries and comforts of modern science have made us so soft that we
do not want to do physical work and thus suffer from several ailments and posture diseases.

Science has taught us to conquer the moon and stars but failed to ennoble man himself. While machines
have been humanized, man has been mechanized and dehumanized. Starford Wingfield has rightly said in
his monumental book 'History of British Civilization', the trouble with science is that it has improved the
circumstances of man but not the man himself. So what is the fun of improving the outer surroundings of
man if he himself is not bettered?

Science Is a Boon:
o

Science is always a boon for mankind. Ever since man's appearance on the planet Earth he has endeavoured
to conquer the forces of nature to lead a happy life. Science and civilization are one and the same. A
civilized nation is one which has achieved scientific progress. We call the African nations uncivilized; they
are not versed in the ways of science.

Fast means of transport like aeroplanes, and trains have made the world a global village. Telephone, TV and
satellite communications, as also, Internet, have made it possible to get the latest information from
anywhere in the world in no time. This has helped in the spread of education through satellites and TV
networks. Satellite photography has enabled us to explore new areas of mineral deposits and early warnings
from satellite pictures of an impending cyclone make it possible to take countermeasures.

Science has given us new medicines to fight diseases and increase the span of life. Radiological progress,
ECG, CT Scan, MRI, etc. help us in detecting and diagnosing severe ailments. Transplant surgery and
micro-surgery have shown hope for the hopeless. Now the human genome project has succeeded in
mapping genes of the human body which holds the hope of identifying culprit genes for man's diseases and
replacing them.

From cradle to grave man have tasted the fruits of science: a Caesarian operation brings him into the world,
an electric crematorium disposes him off and in between his electric lights and fans, washing machines,
fridges and other gadgets ensure that he lives a comfortable life.

While our forefathers had to live a life full of hardships, we, because of science lead a luxurious and
comfortable life. Even the poor can avail of fast transport, bio-engineered food, a variety of modern
entertainment and the like. Test tube babies have long become a dream come true for the issueless couples.
Deadly diseases like cancer and AIDS are going to be completely controlled in the future. Different
vaccines have already been developed for eradication of Hepatitis B, Small pox, Polio, etc.

Agriculture and farming have been revolutionized by science. Big dams to channelise water and distribute
it to the desert have turned arid areas into greenery. Isotopes have helped improve the quality of seeds,
which not only increased food production but also caused resistance to plant disease. Cross breeding of
animals and poultry too has increased yield. Biotechnology has made us self sufficient, even surplus, in
food production.

Our education system has been revolutionized with the help of science and technology. Gone are the days
of yore when man could rest contented with learning of only humanities; teaching of science and
technology has opened new vistas before him. He has more job opportunities. Not only this, he is more and
more in command over the forces of nature and with the aid of science and technology he is using his
resources for mankind. With great strides in paper and printing technology and the knowledge explosion in
general, even an average person is able to get the needed information and can exercise his right of choice in
our democratic polity.

Electronics and computers have changed our thinking and living radically, computerized machinery turns
out products much faster and of better quality. Computers have replaced manual labour with better
performance and electronics has made it possible for the handicapped to lead a normal life.

It might sound ironic but it is a fact that because of thermonuclear weapons with colossal destructive power
in their armoury, the two superpowers, the US and the erstwhile USSR, could not go to war fearing MAD
(Mutual Assured Destruction) and lived with entente during the cold war era. Even today, post December
13 attack on our Parliament and not withstanding warning of using nuclear power, both India and Pakistan
are desisting from carrying out their threat because of the nuclear pressure.

Conclusion:
Sustainable development will allow us to benefit from science, yet help pass the planet to the next generation in
the same shape that we inherited it in.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Seniority, Not Merit, Must Be The Criterion For Promotions

In Favour Of Seniority:
o

Entry in a job can be on merit, for that is an objective criterion for a start, but once a person joins an
office, his actual experience alone must count in allowing his promotions. This experience enables him
to gain true knowledge of the practical working of his office. We cannot deny the fact that seniority
makes a man proportionately experienced while mere merit takes into consideration only bookish
knowledge.

By merit we generally mean securing high marks in written examinations and intelligently convincing
the examiner or the interviewer. But the fact is that even duffers can secure high marks by cramming a
few important answers and get through the interview by chance or recommendation. On the contrary,
only practical experience can give us the true knowledge of theory and practice of a particular line.

From our own experience in India we find that our old system of hereditary practice of a particular
trade or profession enables young boys to gain much more experience than today's newly recruited
young men who are given higher position, salary and status. An ordinary mistry working under an
engineer knows more about the intricacies of a machine than the meritorious engineer. It would be in
the fitness of things, for us, therefore, to give higher ranks and salaries to the humble mistries and
make new recruits work under them as apprentices, so as to bring about quick industrial development.

There being no absolute and infallible test for computing one's merit on the basis of an objective
criterion, the system of promotion by merit allows for subjective assessment by superiors and thus
leads to favoritism and corruption. On the contrary, seniority being quite obvious, promotions based on
it leaves no scope for corruption or favoritism.

We must see to it that even a peon after a number of years is made a junior officer, then a senior and
eventually head of the department, provided, of course, he has gained sufficient knowledge through
experience. This system operates in some advanced western countries quite successfully for it offers
incentive to old hands.

In Favour Of Merit:
o

Promotions in offices and factories should be based on merit alone, for, it seniority were to be given
weightage in promoting one to higher posts , every Tom, Dick and Harry who has put in a specified
years of service would start claiming promotions just because of his duration in service. Can we grant
promotions to a peon who dusts books and carries files in a library without even caring to read their
contents? Can his seniority make him more able or capable? The fact is that only time applied in useful
purposes has educative value. In this respect, we have the shining example of Gangadhar Yadav, a
gardener in his early 20's at IIM, Lucknow. He so involved himself in doing some extra work in the
office there, that in the year 2000 a visiting Vice President of a reputed multinational got impressed
with him and offered him the job of Sales Executive!

The greatest progress in nations of the world has been achieved where promotions and honours have
gone to the meritorious alone. Here we have the most spectacular case of China and the former Soviet
Union. In China, they followed Confucian teachings since ancient times and recruited their government
officers accordingly on the basis of a competition. Today we know where China stands! In the case of
the Soviet Union too, their greatest progress in science and technology was made possible by
encouragement given to merit. That is why they could put first Sputnik in the orbit and build a huge
military industrial complex. An ordinary factory worker could hope to become a manager one day.

Granted that people with seniority are sometimes more knowledgeable than new recruits who come on
the basis of examinations and competitions but they are exceptions. Majority of them do not make any
serious attempt to know or learn more and do better. However, the few who improve themselves do get
an opportunity for promotions,on the basis of both merit and seniority.

The requirements of the present day make old people outdated, because of rapid technological
advancement in factories and new work culture. Therefore, if merit alone is taken into consideration
while promoting, the knowledge of the latest devices and design can be meaningfully tested in a
candidate who keeps himself abreast of them.

We now witness worldwide skill upgrading, computerization, government downsizing, more

mechanization and automation. What does it indicate? Only that we are moving towards meritocracy- a
kind of government where all jobs is available on the basis of merit and academic qualifications alone.
In such a situation, seniority is bound to be left irrelevant and only merit as proved through technical
and practical knowledge will count.

Conclusion:
Loyalty and Genius both need to be rewarded. Policy needs to ensure that there are exceptions for the career
paths of exceptional people, without making so many exceptions that it gets converted into a rule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5.Are Reservations In Jobs Justified?
o

No, They Aren't:

The very idea of providing reservations to any segment of the population is based on negatives. It
allows for preferential treatment without a thought being given to the caliber or eligibility aspect.
Just about any individual from the reserved castes scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and
backward castes can get a Government job or admission in an educational institution on a much
lower eligibility criterion for percentage of marks and a higher age. This lowering of standard
breeds inefficiency, discourages the really meritorious and negates the very concept of quality of
opportunity. 49.5 percent reservation means that half the administrative machinery has inbuilt
inefficiency, while Article 335 of our Constitution lays down that reservation should be consistent
with the maintenance of efficiency of administration.

By rejecting people of higher competence from general category and accepting the reserved
category with lower competence, the reservation policy acts as a disincentive to the meritorious
and more capable. Thus inhibits healthy growth or development of an individual. Such brilliant
students, victims of unfair favouritism of our reservation policy, get frustrated and leave for
foreign countries which favour merit alone. This brain-drain adversely affects the intellectual
capability of our country. Not only this, the system of reservation, says Justice Chinnappa Reddy,
has in many cases paradoxically generated a spirit of self-denigration - each community of caste
competing to be more backward than others.

Private enterprises, being interested in efficiency alone, do not follow the retrograde policy of
reservation. Their sole criterion of selecting people is merit and ability to deliver the goods. This is
why they are doing extremely well.But, of late, demands for introducing reservations in private
sector has been raised in some influential quarters.Should this come about, God save whatever
efficiency we still have in at least a few segments of our administration and economy.

It is a shame that in this computer and space age we, by institutionalizing our reservation policy,
admit that we are a decadent society based on caste. What image does it convey in the
international field? Can casteism be done away with by having caste based reservations? Should
we not follow economic criterion instead so that only a few families do not benefit perpetually by
this unfair policy? The criterion of creamy layer is patently humbug, for it is so applied that even
those with sufficient means and standing in society succeed in getting the benefit of reservation.
All this breeds discontent and occasions social unrest. Therefore, the sooner we do away with
reservations the better for the nation.

Reservations were supposed to be an interim arrangement for 10 years as per our constitution so
that the low caste people could come up socially. But encouraged by our shortsighted politicians
with their sights fixed on this sizeable vote-bank, its beneficiaries have formed it into a habit to

claim reservation as a matter of right. Instead of striving hard to excel, they seek the shortcut of
reservations and the vested political interests perpetuate it. This vicious circle can be broken by the
Government by having a firm cutoff year for reservations and spreading education among the
depressed classes on a priority basis. But can we do so by assigning low priority to education with
a mere 4 percent budget allocation for it?

Instead of facilitating spatial growth of education and development among the depressed classes,
reservations have spawned a new elitist group a mere 5 percent among them, which has cornered
all the benefits meant for 22.5 per cent. The same is going to be the fate of the most backwards
among backward classes.

A further reservation of 27 percent to the other backward classes has aggravated the employment
problem and has formed caste animosities and hatred. This retrograde step is not going to do any
good to the nation. In the name of social justice, an injustice of the worst type is being perpetrated
because of the accident of birth in a higher caste.Moreover, the argument that since the new
reserved categories have suffered injustice through centuries at the hands of upper caste people,
the latter should atone for that, is beyond comprehension. How could a young boy or girl be held
responsible and guilty for an alleged crime supposed to have been committed by his or her
forefathers? Two wrongs do not make one right?

The only hope of the children of ordinary families for a better future is through education and
open-to-all competitive examination. This has been shattered by the additional 27 per cent job
quota for other Backward Class (BC) candidates following acceptance of the Mandal Commission
Report. That is why they resorted to agitation and even self-immolation, but to no avail. It has
further fractured our caste-ridden society. The author of the Mandal Commission Report himself
admits that the system followed by the Commission in compiling the list is unscientific.

It is really damaging to the nation as a whole that instead of tackling our population problem
largely due to the illiterate, backward and superstitious people of backward classes, we give them
the lollipop of reservations! In spite of their wretchedness and poverty they produce more children
and make the life of these innocents more miserable than theirs. Therefore, if at all reservations are
to be given they must be linked with adoption of family-planning methods. This will prove to be
an effective deterrent against population explosion and will also benefit these classes themselves.

Yes, They Are:

The obnoxious caste system might have served some purpose when it originated centuries ago but
now it is a hindrance to our social progress. The claim of the apologists of caste system that caste
was changeable according to merit and competence of the individual and was not strictly
hereditary is disapproved by the story of Karna in the Mahabharat who inspite of being equal to or
even more in valour, skill, warfare and charity than the Kshatriyas was made to suffer humiliation
for being a Sut Putra (Son of a Shudra) till his death. Again we have the story of Eklavya, a lowborn. Dronacharya, the teacher of Arjun, the great archer of the epic Mahabharat, demanded his
thumb as Gurudakshina (Fee), even though he had refused to teach him archery fearing that he
might surpass. Thus centuries of oppression and untouchability cannot be undone in just a few
years of honest and sincere efforts. Therefore, the makers of our Constitution stipulated reservation
for scheduled castes and tribes for a period of ten years but it had to be extended again and again
because they could not come up in such a short time. It is only fair and just to reserve some seats
for these deprived and oppressed people, who could not enter even temples and educational
institutions. The question of any inefficiency creeping in or harm or injustice being done to others
does not arise because one, these classes too must fulfill certain basic minimum educational or
technical qualification, and, too, some states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have
over 50 percent reservations yet their efficiency is second to none. Again, no hue and cry of
lowering efficiency or standards is raised when a son of a rich father gets admission in a technical
or professional course in spite of lower marks. Then why these double standards?

Our constitution lays down equality among equals and not among un equals. Through the policy of
reservation, our depressed and backward class people are sought to be brought to the status of
equality with others. It is really shameful for a modern civilized society like ours that even after 55
years of independence, a scheduled caste barat party is not allowed to go through a Rajput
dominated village near Agra, young lovers belonging to higher lower caste are hanged in village
panchayats in broad daylight without a whimper of protest! Hence, reservation is an affirmative
action to bring about socio-economic betterment of these classes and must, therefore, continue.

Being a Welfare State, we owe it to the weaker sections to ensure their well-being through
governmental action.Their economic backwardness, poor state of education and social deprivation
are all due to our society which even at this late hour should not prevent their upliftment. It is
because of this oppressive, humiliating and torturous caste system and resultant deprivation that
has led thousands of scheduled castes people (From Dr. Ambedkar to Ramraj now Uditraj) to get
converted en masse into other religions. Resort to such conversions as a means of escape from
caste-based oppression is a shame on the entire society.

If the Brahmins can work as pujaris and act as agents of God for all auspicious occasions like
births, marriages,deaths, etc. as a birthright, why should the Hindu society not view some
reservation for backward class people with charity and generosity.

Even now the total reservation is only 49.5 percent for about 76.5 per cent of the population while
over 50 per cent seats are available for about 23.5 per cent candidates of higher castes. Besides,
true social justice can come with a price and reservations are the prices that are privileged classes
should be willing to pay so that the accident of birth is no more used against their lowborn
brethren.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, Swaraj for me means freedom for the meanest for our countrymen. I
am not interested in freeing India merely from the English yoke. I am bent upon freeing India from
any yoke whatsoever. It goes to prove that Father of the Nation would ensure individual freedom
for one and all. But can such freedom be possible for the exploited and oppressed weaker sections?

The depressed and backward class people cannot fare well in an open competition because of
centuries of suppression and deprivation, and, hence, they cannot develop themselves. In this
modern age of knowledge explosion through mass media, they may get alienated from the main
stream of our society. This can generate dangerous consequences for the nation as a whole.
Therefore, to avoid such an eventuality, we should accept our downtrodden brethren with an open
arm and give them a helping hand in realizing their potential. This way only we can achieve our
common destiny, for didn't our ancient seers proclaimed Sarve Bhawantu Sukhinah ma Kashchid
duhkh bhag bhavet. (Let all be happy, let no one be miserable).

Conclusion:
Inequalities will always exist. Society will always try to set right these inequalities in some ways. Policy checks
here should be to see if the solution is working in the long term or not.
-6.What form of Democracy is better parliamentary or presidential?
o

Parliamentary:

India adopted the Parliamentary form of democracy after getting Independence in 1947 because
India had been familiar with its working during the days of the British rule. Since then 13 general
elections have been held to the Lok Sabha on the basis of universal adult franchise, and barring a
few violent incidents during the polls, there has been peaceful transition of authority from one
political party to the other. Moreover, while in a parliamentary democracy, the Executive is
responsible to the legislature and therefore, the opposition always keeps it alert. For it always
lives in the shadow of a coming defeat. As Laski points out, in a Presidential democracy the
President does not have to fear any opposition because he is not responsible to the legislature. It
can make him autocratic. Hence Esmein calls the system autocratic, irresponsible and
dangerous. So, would it be advisable for us to hand over the destiny of our vast country with
abundant resources and population to the whims and caprices of a dictatorial President?

Since the majority party or a majority coalition of several parties comes to power in a
Parliamentary democracy, there is bound to be co-operation and harmony between the Executive
and the Legislature. It ensures easy implementation of plans and policies of the ruling party for it
can have its own way, no matter what the opposition parties in the Lok Sabha say.In the
Presidential form, on the contrary, the system of separation of powers between the Executive and
Legislature often leads to conflict: more so, if these two wings of the government are controlled by
different parties. This leads to delay, confusion and procrastination. Therefore, it is advisable for us
to continue with the present system which has unity of responsibility, direction and power.

It is always possible to remove a failed Prime Minister and replace him with a new competent and
acceptable individual as per the wishes of the people. This happened in the United Kingdom
during World War II when Chamberlain proved to be a timid Prime Minister and Churchill

replaced him without any commutation taking place. But a President cannot be thus removed
before the expiry of his tenure except by an extremely difficult process of Impeachment. Thus this
system being rigid does not mould itself easily to abusing circumstances. Therefore, there is no
point in having a Presidential democracy where even a persona non grata has to be tolerated for
the remaining tenure of his office.

Bryce maintains that the Parliamentary form of Government secures swiftness in decision and
vigor in action because cabinet can easily get the measures it deems essential passed through the
Legislature. In the Presidential form, inordinate delay is caused in arriving at decisions, for the
Legislature is to be convinced of major policy decisions.

Power corrupts, Absolute power corrupts absolutely says Lord Acton. This applies to the
position of a President vested with the entire administration and absolute power who might on his
own take drastic action at home and in foreign policy and bring about great suffering to the people.
We should therefore, maintain the status quo of Parliamentary Government, notwithstanding its
shortcomings and faults, which has several heads to solve national problems in the form of the
cabinet.

Parliamentary democracy suits us because here persons fit to be members of the Executive make
known their sagacity, political acumen, grasp and common sense, and the Prime minister will
always be one who has undergone a long and strenuous period of political apprenticeship. This
state of affairs does not obtain in a Presidential democracy in the United States any person without
adequate political experience can hope to become the President. He very often comes from
obscurity and goes into obscurity again after his term of office is over and he is 'a leap in the dark.'

If the ruling party fails to deliver and carry the majority with it in a Parliamentary democracy, the
opposition more than merely exposing its drawbacks, loopholes and blunders, tries to step into his
shoes without necessarily having to force the ritual of a fresh election. A fixed tenure of office for
a President does not make this possible in a Presidential democracy.

India has been the most stable nation of Afro Asia. The main factor contributing to our stability has
been the holding of periodic general elections. Government seeks to correspond to the desires of
the electorate. Members of the Legislature who represent prevailing tendencies and opinion of the
nation apprise the cabinet of them.Cabinet or the ruling party can ignore or brush aside them only
at its own peril. Presidential democracy, on the other hand, has nothing much to care for a shift in
public opinion because the fixed term of office of the President makes him secure in office for the
stipulated number of years. This may make him unresponsive to the wishes of the people and rule
as a dictator.

Presidential:

The time has come for us to switch over to the government of experts, as the Presidential
government is called instead of the government of amateurs or the Parliamentary democracy. The
President is authorized to appoint the members of his cabinet irrespective of party affiliation. He
can even obtain the services of nonparty experts. A Prime Minister, on the other hand, is bound to
appoint only members of his party or of parties supporting him. And he has to take into
consideration their caste, region, religion and their following, notwithstanding their otherwise
unsuitability for the post. In India, we have had, in the past and have even today, several persons as
ministers not because of their intrinsic quality but due to parochial considerations.

Presidential system ensures that the President has a national image. He does not belong to this or
that group or faction in the Legislature. Since he is elected for a fixed term of office, stability is
inbuilt in this form of government because he is not dependant on the vagaries of the Legislature.
In Parliamentary Government, on the other hand, the Prime Minister has to please both his party
men and the opposition to continue in office. The instability of this form of government becomes
more obvious when a single party does not hold a majority in the Legislature and a coalition
government is formed, as was the case in France prior to the inauguration of the 5th republic, and
in India during the Janata Party rule (1977- 80), National Front Governments in 1989-91 and in
1996-98. The BJP led coalition government had to resign in just 13 days and 13 months
respectively and the NDA Government had to put up with the tantrums of this or that coalition
partner.

In a Presidential democracy, the Legislature is less likely to be dominated by party spirit and the
individual members can vote independently on the issues presented to them, as the fate of the

government does not depend on them. This phenomenon is so much in evidence in the classic case
of United States that the two main parties the Republican and the Democratic are called 'same
wine in different bottles'. Contrary to this the Parliamentary system intensifies the spirit of party
and keeps it always on the boil says Lord Bryce. Even if there are no important issues of policy
before the nation, there are always the offices to be fought, for one party holds them, the other
desires them and the conflict is unending for immediately after defeat, the beaten party begins its
campaign to dislodge the victors. While the opposition criticizes Government policy regardless of
its merits, the ruling party avoids putting unpopular measure, however important they may be, and
resorts to populism ignoring the need of the nation. Don't we witness this happening here in India?
Should, then, we still continue with this irresponsible state of affairs?

The fusion of executive and legislative functions in a parliamentary democracy like ours has made
the cabinet usurp the functions of parliament, for the Union Legislature is now in session for about
3 months in one year while during Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's time it used to be in session for more
than 4 months. Moreover, rule by ordinance tends to bypass the authority of Parliament. In the
Presidential system, on the other hand, there is separation of the Executive and the Legislature.
Hence, no wing can usurp the powers of the other. This ensures that no legislation is enacted in
haste or without, in-depth deliberation.

In a presidential democracy, a continuous and consistent home and foreign policy can be followed
because the chief executive enjoys security of tenure and cannot be easily removed. This fact is
established by the Rooseveltian era in USA. Contrary to this, in a parliamentary democracy, there
is no continuity or consistency of policies because of instability of Government. A new cabinet
may even reverse the policy followed by its predecessor.

In a presidential system, bureaucratic appointments are made by the president, and in some cases,
with the approval of the legislature. They are responsible for their acts of omission and
commission. In the Parliamentary Government, on the other hand, there is a fixed tenure for
bureaucrats who thrive under the cloak of ministerial responsibility. In India, we witness an over
bureaucratization of the entire administration, which causes red-tape and avoidable delay.
Bureaucracy even hijacks the well meant policies of the government.

With a multiplicity of political parties spawned due to personality clash of egoistic leaders and
helplessness of even anti defection law, floor-crossing and horse-trading have become the norm in
our parliamentary practices. The politician-bureaucrat-businessman-criminal nexus has debased
the parliamentary institution, interfered with the judiciary, created law and order problems and
encouraged terrorism and separation on a wider scale. Even violence inside the legislature has
bought them into disrepute. Instead of being a government by discussion, parliamentary
democracy has descended to the low level of pandemonium and bedlam in the houses of the
legislature.

Low calibre, casteist and communal elements, able to exploit the illiterate and poor masses a
considerable vote bank, get elected to the legislatures. Thus with their immense bargaining power
they are able to get ministerial berths? The result? Jumbo cabinets unmanageable in States like U.P
and Bihar where ministers have practically no work to do in some cases but are a burden on the
Exchequer. Thus we are caught in a vicious circle of all-round deterioration. It is, therefore, high
time that we abandon the Parliamentary system and adopt the Presidential democracy where
ministerial posts need not be given to elected representatives, the candidate is more important than
the party and, hence, corruption, inefficiency, vested interests and paralyzing interference from
politicians can be easily removed.

Conclusion:
The form of government is specific to a cultural and social context. Aspects that aid efficient government
need to be reinforced, irrespective of the form of government.

Interview Strategy & Tips

A Personal Interview is a great opportunity to market oneself to a recruiter for a job, admission or a scholarship
or some other privilege. A personal interview is always designed to discover: how the candidate is , why he
desires a particular privilege and what merits/ demerits he has visa via competitors. Most candidates appearing
for a personal interview are ill-informed regarding its intended purposes and therefore, are not well-prepared to
handle it successfully. Interview tips aims to help the candidate with some important, proven tips on how to ace
a personal interview by discussing some standard, popular questions.
Interview Tips
Here are a few more do's and don'ts for being at your best during an interview
Dos:

Plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

Greet the interviewer by their first name.

Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright and always look alert and interested. Be a
good listener as well as a good talker. Smile!

Maintain eye contact.

Follow the interviewer's leads but try to get them to describe the position and duties early in the
interview so you can relate your background and skills to the position.
Make sure you convey your good points factually and sincerely. Keep in mind that you alone can sell
yourself to an interviewer. Make them realise why they need you in their organisation.
Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job. Never close the door on an
opportunity. It is better to be free to choose from a number of jobs rather than only one.
Don't:

Answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Use the CAR technique (Context, Action, Result)
wherever possible. Share things about yourself relating to the position.

Lie. Always answer questions truthfully, frankly and as concisely as possible.

Ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers, colleagues or companies.

'Over-answer' questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. It is
best to answer the questions honestly, saying no more than is necessary.

Let your discouragement show. If you get the impression the interview is not going well and you have
already been rejected, don't show discouragement or alarm. Occasionally an interviewer who is genuinely
interested in you may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.

Ask about salary, bonuses or holidays at the first interview - unless you are positive the employer is
interested in hiring you and raises the issue first. However, know your market value and be prepared to specify
your required salary or range.

Solved Mock Interview Questions

Interviewer: Tell us something about yourself.
Candidate: Firstly I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity and it's my pleasure to introduce
myself. I am Deewakar from hyderabad, completed my BE with specialization in IT with an aggregate of 71%
from Pune University. I'm a fresher with lots of enthusiasm and energy, have experienced wide exposure of
working and playing together as a team in school and college sports and other extra-curriculum activities. Along
side college course, I have done crash course on various upcoming technologies like .NET, sharepoint, cloud
computing etc.
Interviewer: Ok, why should we hire you?
Candidate: I have read job profile deeply. I believe, barring a few, most of the skills you require match my area
of interest and knowledge. I need to work on a few areas to meet up your expectations, which I can do pretty
quickly. Although I do not have the work experience but I have the skills required to be associated with the
project.
Interviewer: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Candidate: Strengths - Along with strong technical skills, I am a team player and initiative driven. I have proved
my mettle as a team player both on the ground of sports and in other extra-curricular activities.
Weakness: Straight forwardness which many a times proves to be detrimental.
Interviewer: Can you work under pressure?
Candidate: I fall in love with my work even before it begins and thus extra pressure doesn't bog me down. With
my inclination towards spirituality, I can strengthen my passion towards work at my will. My belief system
keeps suggesting me that extra pressure is adding more dimensions to my skills.
Interviewer: Are you willing to relocate or travel?
Candidate: I am very much open to re-location. In this brisk pace global environment, I would like and am
willing to explore more geographic locations.
Interviewer: What are your goals?
Candidate: I believe in short-term goals which eventually transform into long-term benefits.
At the moment my utmost, desirous goal is to get associated with an organization and extend my expertise that I
have amassed during my academic life. I want to learn new things to have strong foothold in the market. I want
to take up the industrial challenges that are changing and touching new height every day.
Interviewer: What motivates you to do a good job?
Candidate: Self satisfaction and the urge to acquire new skills motivate me. When my effort bear result, I get the
taste of fulfilment and that drives me to keep extending best of my service consistently and effectively.
Interviewer: Are you comfortable working in a team?
Candidate: Dedication, determination, deadline and discipline are the hallmark to be a team player. I have them
in abundance but since I'm fresher, I have no precedent to prove my point. I have been associated with teams on
many occasions - both at school and college and have earned accolades as a team member.
Interviewer: How do you rate your communication skills?
Candidate: I would rate myself average here. I have been consistently addressing it and improvement is
evidently showing up.
Interviewer: You do not have all the skills we need for this position?
Candidate: Yes, I agree but at the same time you would see that I have most of the required skills. Being a quick
learner, I won't take much time to learn the other things.

Interviewer: How would you compensate for the lack of experience you have for this position?
Candidate: I agree that lack of experience is an area of concern, but I am quite abreast with most of the required
skills and have worked on similar projects in the college. Although college projects cant be compared with the
live projects; but they has earned me confidence.
Interviewer: Are you speaking to some other companies? Or how is your job search going on?
Candidate: Yes, I am in the final round of discussion with two other companies. My job search is going fine and
I hope it ends here.
Interviewer: What is your style of management?
Candidate: I do not conform to a specific management style. I try to adjust my style of management as per the
situation and I have observed that it works best with current dynamics.
Differences should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses. They add zest to life.
Interviewer: What would you do if you and your colleague have a different approach to deal with a thing?
Candidate: I believe it is of utmost importance to stay professional, especially in the work environment. We can
have difference of opinion, but nothing as adults which we cant discuss and come to an amicable agreement.
Interviewer: What motivates you at work?
Candidate: Trust, recognition, empowerment and working together with colleagues with everyone sharing ideas
and thus reaching the desired goal.I am self-motivated but work well with others to get the needs of the job
done, done well, and done on-time.
Interviewer: How much salary do you expect?
Candidate: Sir, salary is important; work is much more. As a fresher, my primary concern is to learn from you
and enhance my knowledge. I want to build a career with work experience. I will be happy with the package you
will offer me as per the companys norms.
Interviewer: Has your career developed as you had liked?
Candidate: Its shaping yet. Im trying my best to shape it as I want it be. Being satisfied with my job will be the
most I can ask for.
Interviewer: What would you do if your team ceased to perform?
Candidate: I would try and find the reason behind it. I will ensure that they are well motivated to perform. Team
may always not perform because they are not skilled. Digging into the root cause should be the approach.
Interviewer: Would you like to work in a team or on your own?
Candidate: I would definitely like to work in a team. It helps to learn new things, understand new people,
exchange ideas etc.
Interviewer: How do you feel about doing repetitive work?
Candidate: Repetitive work can get boring at times. However, the more you practice, the better you get. If my
work demands me to do repetitive work, Ill do it. However, I do expect some creativity.
Interviewer: Do you want to ask us something about the company?
Candidate: How did the company handle recession?
Does the company have some provisions for the employees wanting to study further?

Extempore Speaking
Extempore is a stage performance which is carried out without preparation of any kind. This term is mostly used
while referring to speech and poetry discussions. The other commonly used names for extempore speeches are
impromptu speaking, improvised speaking and extemporaneous speaking.

The word "Extempore" has actual meaning lying in the context of stage or theatre performances that are carried
out

without

preparation

or

impromptu

performances.

An extempore speech is an impromptu speech which the candidate is required to make on a topic given there
and then. In some instances, the panel provides the candidate with about a minute or so to organize his/her
thoughts before speaking. In other cases, you will be expected to start speaking about the topic as soon the topic
is announced.
An extempore presentation tests the candidates on the following:

Ability to think off the feet

Analysis of the topic and identification of the issue to be addressed

Idea generation

Prioritization and sequencing to display logical thinking

Ability to connect with the panel

Communication skills

Overall presentation skills-body language, confidence, poise, composure etc.

For effective extempore speaking, candidates must be fluent, erudite and articulate. Students are suggested to
prepare wellin advance so that that impromptu speech comes out to be spontaneously impressive!
Tips:

Mental Preparation: Know what to speak before delivering speech. Ponder over the topic for some
time and prepare the flow of delivery. Your previous extempore practice sessions would surely help here.
Understanding the audience, the direction they are most likely to accept , helps in framing the flow of speech.

Start speaking in an even pace: Do not start really fast, as you are likely to end up not having
anything to speak.

Confidence: Confidence along with Knowledge always helps, even in abstract topics where the
candidate is tested on presence of mind, spontaneity and analytical skills.

Handle Mental blocks smartly: At times, when you get blank about what to speak, try to maneuver
yourself out of the situation gracefully by avoiding being nervous. Candid smiles also help and for such
situations it is better to have back up plans.

Control on speech: Don't get emotional about the respective topic, avoid getting too personal on
sensitive matters, don't even deviate from the topic and talk irrelevant. For a satisfactory performance, it is
always better to use your knowledge in an intelligent way with a control on the speech.

Presenting both sides Incase of controversial topics (e.g; Should republic day celebrations be
redefined?), the candidate may choose to explore both sides, a stand which becomes difficult to take in case of
GDs due to challenges of group dynamics. In an extempore, since the candidate is the only person speaking, it
becomes possible for a smart, strategic speaker to discuss both aspects of the controversial topic. However, one
has to be careful about the time constraints while taking this stand.

Competence, Enthusiasm & Adaptability is the key:Work on your competence and competitive
advantage which may be either excellent vocabulary, good general knowledge, etc. How well and quickly a
candidate adapts to the situation he/she is put in and with what enthusiasm and energy level does he/she deliver
the speech are some of the other desirable evaluation parameters.

More often than not, you can use the following guideline to talk on an extempore topic :-

If possible define the topic or specific terms of a topic.

If any widely known classifications exist about the subject of the topic, talk about the classifications.

Provide supporting evidence in the form of data (if you know) or examples.

If the topic provides scope for narrating personal experiences, use the opportunity to do so.

Most importantly, time yourself well. If the panel has given you one minute, try and do one or more of what has
been mentioned in points a to d and complete the extempore logically. It may not be a good idea to be stopped in
the middle of one your sentences.
Examples:-

Red or Blue: The colors red and blue remind me of the corporate cola giants- Coke and Pepsi; where
Coke has a dominant splash of red in its promotional campaigns, while Pepsi connects with its customers
through a brilliance of blue. Taking this corporate warfare ahead is the example of Jet Airways (blue) and
Kingfisher (red), where the latter was a strong competitor to the long drawn supremacy of Jet Airways in the

private aviation sector. Further, it also reminds me of this wonderful book authored by John Gray, "Men are
from Mars, Women are from Venus", where men and women are two diametrically opposite species in terms of
their sensitivity levels, behavioral patterns and temperamental differences.However, looking at the topic from
another angle is the coexistence of red and blue in the "vibgyor" spectrum to make white light which is the
essence of life.

International

trade

barriers

'Mercantilism' or Trade Theory was prevalent in 17th & 18th centuries which determined patterns of
International trade & gains from trade. The barriers to International Trade are generally called Tariff Barriers
and Non-Tariff Barriers (TBs & NTBs). Regional Integration Agreements (RIA) were basically formed so as to
reduce Trade barriers between member nations. The formations of subsequent RIAs, i.e. from "Free Trade" to
"Customs Union (eg. SAARC)" to "Common Market" to "Economic/Political Union (eg. European Union)"
went on reducing trade barriers with members and outside nations for developing good economic ties and
International trade relations.