Government of Tamil Nadu

Department of Employment and Training

Course : Competitive Exam

Subject : TNPSC Group II

Topic : TNPSC Group II Mains (English Version)

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 COMBINED CIVIL SERVICES – II & II A
Group II & II A Service
General Studies (Degree Standard)

TOPICS FOR MAIN EXAMINATION (DESCRIPTIVE TYPE)

PAPER II: TITLES FOR EXAMINATION

Title 1 : Precis writing
Title 2 : Comprehension
Title 3 : Hints Development
Title 4 : Essay writing on the following topics from ‘Thirukkural’
(a) Significance as a Secular literature
(b) Relevance to Everyday Life
(c) Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
(d) Thirukkural and Universal Values – Equality, Humanism, etc.
(e) Relevance to Socio – Politico – Economic Affairs
(f) Philosophical content in Thirukkural
Title 5 : Letter writing – Official

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Title 1: Precis writing
How to write Precis Writing

1. First carefully read the passage, if necessary, several times, apprehend clearly its main
theme or general meaning.
2. Examine the passage in detail, to make sure of the meaning of each sentence, phrase
and word.
3. Supply a short title which will express the subject.
4. Select and note down the important points essential to the expression of the main
theme.
5. Note the length of number of words prescribed for the precis, and write out a first draft.
6. In doing this remember that you are to express the gist of the passage in your own
words, and not in quotations from the passage ; that you should condense by
remodeling than by mere omission ; and that your precis must be self-contained and a
connected whole. Add nothing ; make no comment ; correct no facts.
7. Revise your draft. Compare it carefully with the original to see that you have included all
the important points. If it is too long, still further compress if by omitting unnecessary
words and phrases or by remodeling sentences. Correct all mistakes in spelling, grammar
and idiom, and see that it is properly punctuated. Let the languages be simple and direct.
8. Write out neatly the fair copy under the heading you have selected.

MODEL QUESTIONS 1: PRECIS WRITING

One great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its knowledge.
Science, as we have seen, has given us powers fit for the gods, yet we use them like small children.

For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were made to be
man’s servants ; yet he has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become
his masters. Already most men spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon
machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be fed with coal, and given petrol
to drink, and oil to wash with, and must be kept at the right temperature. And if they do not get
their meals when they expect them, they grow sulky and refuse to work, or burst with rage, and
blow up, and spread ruin and destruction all round them. So we have to wait upon them very
attentively and do all that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult
either to work or play without the machines, and a time may come when they will rule us
altogether, just as we rule the animals.

SUMMARY

MEN AND MACHINES

We do not know what to do with our knowledge. Science has given us superhuman powers,
which we do not use properly. For example, we are unable to manage our machines. Machines
should be fed promptly and waited upon attentively; otherwise they refuse to work or cause
destruction. We already find it difficult to do without machines. In the course of time they may
rule over us altogether.

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MODEL QUESTIONS 2: PRECIS WRITING

A stamp is, to many people, just a slip of paper that takes a letter from one town or country
to another. They are unable to understand why we stamp collectors find so much pleasure in
collecting them and how we find the time in which to indulge in our hobby. To them it seems a
waste of time, a waste of effort and a waste of money. But they do not realise that there are many
who do buy stamps, many who find the effort worth-while and many who, it they did not spend
their time collecting stamps, would spend it less profitably. We all seek something to do in our
leisure hours and what better occupation is there to keep us out of mischief than that of
collecting stamps. An album, a packet of hinges, a new supply of stamps, and the time passes
swiftly and pleasantly.

Stamp-collecting has no limits and a collection never has an end; countries are always
printing and issuing new stamps to celebrate coronations, great events, anniversaries and
deaths. And the fascination of collecting is trying to obtain these stamps before one’s rivals.
Every sphere of stamp-collecting has its fascination – receiving letters from distant countries
and discovering old stamps in the leaves of dusty old books. A stamp itself has a fascination all
its own. Gazing at its little picture we are transported to the wilds of Congo, the homes of the
Arabs, and the endless tracks of the Sahara desert. There is a history in every stamp. The ancient
Roman Empire and the Constitution of America, India’s Independence and the Allied victory,
are all conveyed to our mind’s eye by means of stamps. We see famous men, pictures, writers,
scientists, soldiers, politicians and famous incidents. Stamps so small and minute, contain
knowledge that is vast and important.

SUMMARY

STAMP - COLLECTING

To many people a stamp is merely something necessary for sending a letter. They regard stamp-
collecting as a waste of time, effort and money. But there are many people who love buying and
find this hobby worthwhile and more profitable than other leisure pursuits. Collecting stamps
helps to pass the time quickly and pleasantly.

Stamp – collecting is limitless and endless. Countries are always issuing stamps to
celebrate important events. It is fascinating to receive letters from distant countries and to
discover stamps in old books. A stamp itself has a charm. Stamps show us geographical and
historical pictures, famous people and incidents. These small things contain vast knowledge.

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Title 2 : Comprehension
Model Questions: Read the passage below and then answer the questions which
follow it.

It has been part of Nelson’s prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by
humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to
cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were
silent ; for as she carried no flag, there was no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining
the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from
her mizzen-top which, in the then situation of the two vessels was not more than fifteen yards
from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about
a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He fell upon his face on the spot which was covered
with his poor secretary’s blood. Hardy, who was a few steps from him turning round, saw three
men raising him up. “They have done for me at last, Hardy!” said he. “I hope not!” cried Hardy.
“Yes, “he replied; “my back-bone is short through!” Yet even now not for a moment losing his
presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes
which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped
immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and
covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy.
England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the new of the battle of
Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men ; over whose bodies he was
with some difficulty conveyed, and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen’s berth, it was soon
perceived, upon examination, that the would was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all,
except Captain Hardy, the chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself being certain, from
the sensation in his back, and the gush of blood he felt momently within his breast, that no
human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to
whom he might be useful.

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QUESTIONS

1. What is meant by ‘supposing that she had struck’?

2. How can Nelson be said to have been partly responsible for his own death?
3. What do you understand by the ‘mizzen-top’?
4. Why did Nelson insist that the surgeon should leave him and attend to others?
5. What qualities in Nelson’s character are revealed by this passage?

ANSWERS

1. ‘Supposing that she had struck’ means ‘thinking that the men in the ship had
surrendered’.
2. Nelson ordered his men two times to cease firing on the Redoubtable. From the same
ship a ball was fired at him and brought about his death. He was thus partly responsible
for his death.
3. The ‘mizzen-top’ is the platform round the lower part of the mast nearest the stern.
4. Nelson was certain that it would be impossible to save his live. He, therefore, insisted
that the surgeon should leave him and attend to others.
5. His patriotism, his humanity and his powers of endurance are revealed by this passage.

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Title 3 : Hints Development
Points to remember :
1. Read the passage twice or thrice carefully.
2. Understand the passage well.
3. Jot down the points.
4. If the events in the passage are in present tense, write the story in the past tense. .
5. Arrange the matter in two or three paragraphs.
6. Give a suitable title.

Model question 1 : Develop the following hints into a readable passage and give a suitable
title.

A rich farmer - lot of land - cattle and servants - two sons - happy life - After some years younger
son unhappy - asked for his share of the property - wouldn't listen to father's advice - got his
share - sold them all - went away to another country - fell into bad ways - soon all money gone -
poor - no one to help him - understood his mistake.

Answer :

The Disobedient Son

Once there was a rich farmer in a Village. He had a lot of land, cattle and many servants. He had
two sons. He led a happy life with them. After some years the younger son became unhappy.
He asked his father for his share of the property. His father advised him not to demand like that.
But he would not listen to his father's advice. He got his share and sold them. He had a huge
amount with him.With this amount he travelled to a distant country. He had bad company there
and fell into evil ways. All the money was gone. He became poor and no one helped him. Then
he understood his mistake and returned to his country. His father and brother took him into
their fold and supported him forever. We should obey our parents.

Model question 2 : Develop the following hints into a readable passage and give a suitable
title.

Dick – actor – brilliant - strange character - insists on realism - headache to the manager - a new
drama - first drinking scene - water provided in a cup as usual - Dick insists on liquor - manager
has to buy a bottle of liquor - second scene – fight - insists on real swords - refuses to handle
wooden swords - steel swords brought - third scene - hero drinks poison - manager has real
poison - actor in a fix - promises to be sensible in future

Answer :

Dick An Actor

Dick was an actor. He was brilliant. He had a strange character. He insisted on realism. He was
a head ache to the manager. A drama was played. The first was a drinking scene. Water was
provided in a cup. Dick insisted on liquor. The manager had bought a bottle of liquor. The second
scene was a fighting scene. He insisted on real swords. Steel swords were brought. The third
scene was the hero drinking poison. The manager had real poison. The actor was in a fix. He
promised to be sensible in future.
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Title 4 : Essay writing on the following topics from ‘Thirukkural’
(a) Significance as a Secular literature
(b) Relevance to Everyday Life
(c) Impact of Thirukkural on Humanity
(d) Thirukkural and Universal Values – Equality, Humanism, etc.
(e) Relevance to Socio – Politico – Economic Affairs
(f) Philosophical content in Thirukkural

Model Questions: Significance as a Secular literature (20 Marks)

‘The Test of Ethics’ Thirukkural is common to all human beings. It is not only favour of
any castes, colours, communities, Nations and races etc. There are three divisions that are virtue,
wealth and pleasure in the test. These three are the worldly things to attain the human goal of
the life. We know every text in Tamil starts with prayer to God. Thirukkural starts with ‘Irai
Vazhthu’ as the prayer. The first chapter of the text indicates the existence of God; Power of
Almighty; crossing the boundaries of worldly things and the knowledge of all.

Aadhi Baghavan, Valarivan, Malarmisai Eginan, Eraivan – these dictions seen in this
chapter clearly explain the character of God. This chapter never favours any type of religious
identities, rituals and figures of God. Thiruvalluvar points out God has the power of characterless
and unique qualities.

Unparallal : Thirukkural says that God is the destroyer of likes and dislikes; killer of
desires and wishes made by five gates of our body. He is the Ocean of virtual means. Valluvar
personified God is ever for all. The text insists people have to follow and worship the
‘Omnipresent and Omnipotent’ who crosses the Time and Nature. It also emphasises that he is
the giver; we are the buyers.

Like Elangovadigal starts his epic ‘Silappathikaram’ with welcome to the Natural Elements
Moon, Rain, Sun and Puhar, Valluvam porteys the specialties of ‘Van Sirappu’. This chapter tells
Rain is the cause of all materials in the world. It added, unless the falling of rain, no life is existing
in this world even the worship of God also will not be done without rain, Thirukkural says.

‘Preface’ – Payiram : In this title, there are four chapters dealt with God, Rain, Neethar
and Ethics. In his third chapter, Thiruvalluvar says about the prides of Neethar, one who
conquer the wishes and desires of the worldly things. Next he compels the virtual ways to attain
the aims of life. Deleting wishes from one’s mind is virtue. Virtue gives health and wealth to the
entire mankind. Desire is a destroyer of all. Valluvar says that a man has to do all good things as
much as possible, if he avoids craze.

Don’t’s : Envy, Wish, Anger, harsh words we have run our life without those evils,
valluvar says. As Thirumular says in Thirumandhiram, Desire is the reason of all distress. One
who avoids desire in his life he will be happy, Thirumular and Thiruvalluvar thinks alike in the
same manner.

Thoughts: In the whole Text of Thirukkural, wherever we can’t see any marks of religious
ideas. Valluvam guides the human race to follow the rules and regulations of ethics. Unethical
routes of anything may not give pleasure to any body. Valluvam mainly aims at the familial life

7
of the persons. The chapters like Familial life, patience, Charity, Popularity, Wealth of Love,
Wealth of Discipline, Fate, Civics are the basic elements of all beings in the World Valluvar
praises the love is the major one of the livelihood. He tells mercy is the child of love. He clarified
the difference between Love and Mercy which are lying among the relatives and any body
respectively. Kindness is the basic of Love and Mercy.

Thirukkural made a new path of Religion towards the Heavenly life in the earth. As Thiru
Gnanasambandhar says in his Thevaram.

“One may have a good life in this world”. There is a way, if we think.” Thirukkural said this
notion hundreds of years ago.

One who follows the means of Goodness he would be treated high in the society. A civilized
man will follow the norms of life to have a good end, Valluvam deeply concerns.

‘Ethics’ - the Religion : Out of 133 chapters containing in the text, nearly 60% of the
titles deal with the nature of righteousness of the human values. They talk about the humanity
which leads one’s life in the means of Equality, Humanism, Philosophy, Social harmony, Civics,
Integrity, Neutrality, Justice, humility and the ruling system of the head of the states and
Judiciary.

According to Thirukkural, of all things of the world concerns, humanism gets priority at
the top. The text tells about the humanitarian guidance and counselling to the entire human race
leading a good life.

In short, we come to an end that Thirukkural, is a Text of Nature of Human and the holy
one of Secularism! Its Religion is Discipline!

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Title 5 : Letter writing – Official
Letter Writing

Letter writing is an art that is almost forgotten. Except when formal situations demand
one, we rely more on the electronic media – telephone and chatting.

For academic purposes all letters fall under two broad classifications i.e. Formal Letters
and Informal Letters.

Formal Letters

Types :

• Letter of inquiry
• Letter of placing order
• Letter of cancelling order
• Complaint or reminder letter on delayed delivery
• Letter of complaint – product
• Letter of complaint – civic amenities
• Letter of request – some facility / public health department for some service
• Job Application

Informal – personal letters, (to family members, friends, birthday greetings etc.) social letters
(inviting, congratulating, letter of condolence etc.)

When you realize that you are a part of the society in which you live, as a civic-conscious citizen,
you have to look beyond these two classifications. You may have to arouse the conscience of the
people on certain issues which might affect the social, moral, political fabric of the society. Such
letters can be classified as neutral letters.

Example : Letters to the Editor.

Useful Tips

Before writing a letter :

• Think before you write – consider the main purpose of the letter
• Plan your letter – make a list of facts to be presented

Writing the letter (for formal letters):

• Make the first draft

• Edit the draft
• Finalize the draft

The format of letters:

• The heading consisting of the writer’s address and date

• The greeting or salutation (Dear ………, My dear……….., Sir, Madam)
• The communication or content of the letter (to be in paragraphs – simple language to be
used – legibility to be kept in mind)

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 • The subscription must always agree in style : Yours faithfully, yours sincerely, yours
obediently, yours truly, etc … in formal letters and yours lovingly, yours affectionately, etc.
in personal letters.
• The signature
• The superscription on the envelope (Depending on whether it is formal or informal, apt
salutation and subscription may be used.)

Format of the letter

Sender’s address : (Include email and phone number, if required).

Date : (leave one space line and write the date as, 10 July 2019)

Receiver’s address : (correct address)

Subject of the letter :

Salutation (Sir / Respected Sir / Madam),

Body of the letter

(Introduce yourself and write the purpose of the letter mention the

details of the enquiry conclusion)

Closure (Yours,)

Sender’s signature and designation (if any)

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Model of the letter: Letter ordering things,

Ms. Deepa an NGO writes a letter to the wholesale book shop dealer, placing order for 100
copies of medium size English Oxford Dictionary.

Ms. Deepa,
NGO (Nallam Trust),
Kalapet Village,
Nagappattinam District,
bdeepa04@gmail.com

13 May 2019

The Proprietor,
NIZHAL BOOK SHOP
Chennai – 600 001.

Sir / Madam,

Subject : Order for English Oxford Dictionaries – Reg.

On reading the discount provided by your shop in the advertisement of yesterday’s

newspaper, I would like to place an order for 100 copies of medium sized English Oxford
Dictionary in your shop. I need the copies within a week. So, let me know the estimation for the
bulk order placed, as early as possible.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Deepa.B

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Letter of complaint 1.

After receiving the order, Deepa finds that some of the dictionaries are damaged. So she
writes the following letter of complaint.

Ms. Deepa,
NGO (Nallam Trust),
Kalapet Village,
Nagappattiman District.
Bdeepa04@gmail.com

20 May 2019

The Proprietor,
NIZHAL BOOK SHOP,
Chennai – 600 001.

Sir / Madam,

Subject : Complaint about damaged dictionaries – Reg.

On receiving the order of 100 copies of English Oxford Dictionary from your shop, I found
that around 25 copies of them were damaged. In some copies the pages are missing and in some
more copies the pages are not in order. So, duly accept my complaint and replace the damaged
copies. Kindly, check the returned copies and replace them accordingly.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Deepa. B

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Letter of complaint 2

Mr. Srinath lost his bag in an over crowed train. The following is the letter of complaint
which he writes to the railway police force.

Srinath B,
No.24, I Cross, Pon Nagar,
Chengalpettu – 10.
Bsrinath16@gmail.com

25 July 2019

The Commissioner of Railway Police,

A-2 Police Station, D-Nagar,
Chengalpettu – 02.

Respected Madam,

Subject : Complaint about status of the lost certificates – Reg.

I am a graduate seeking employment, residing in the above-mentioned address. I lost my

certificates on 15th July 2019, while I was returning home in a local train from Chengalpattu. As
the train was over crowded, I placed my bag on the rack above. When I was about to get off, I
notice that my bag was missing. I was helpless and filed a complaint with the Railway Police. I
have given all the details in the complaint letter on the same day. So far I have not received any
further response. I request you to take immediate action in this regard.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Srinath B.

13
Title 5 : Letter writing – Official

From

__________________
__________________

Secretary to Government.

To

__________________
__________________
__________________
College Road, Nungambakkam,
Chennai 600 006.

Sir,

Sub: Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal – Appearance Before the High Court,
Madras on review of orders Passed by the Tamil Nadu Administrative
Tribunal Instructions – Regarding

Ref:
…

1.In the Government Order cited, orders have been issued that in respect of cases filed in the
High Court, Madras against the orders of the Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal, the
Government Pleader, High Court, Madras will be incharge of conducting such cases. All the
Departments of Secretariat, Heads of Department, etc. have been accordingly instructed to
approach the Government Pleader, High Court, Madras for conducting cases in Writ Petitions
filed against the orders of the Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal, Madras.
2. It has been brought to the notice of the Government that the Senior Standing Counsel is
still filing Writ Petitions and appearing before the High Court, Madras in respect of such
appeal cases.
3. I am therefore, directed to request you not to file Writ Petitions or conduct cases in Writ
Petitions already filed in respect of service matters before the High Court, Madras, in future.

4. I am also to request you to return the records in respect of all the pending writ petitions in
respect of service matters filed before the High Court against the order of the Tamil Nadu
Administrative Tribunal, Madras, forthwith to the Government Pleader, High Court, Madras.

Yours faithfully,

Copy to:
The Advocate General, High Court,
Madras
The Government Pleader, High Court,
Madras

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