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A1211853178 - 27267 - 21 - 2022 - PEV 108 Lecture Book
A1211853178 - 27267 - 21 - 2022 - PEV 108 Lecture Book
VERBAL ABILITY
ADVANCED - I
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Table of content
Topics Page No.
Unit I Subject verb agreement 2-14
Unit II Vocabulary 15-32
Unit III Precise writing and Sentence completion: 33-52
Unit IV Picture perception, idea elaboration and Para jumbles 53-81
Unit V Analogy 82-92
Unit VI Comprehension passages 93-109
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UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION
Agreement in general refers to harmony. In the case of the topic called Subject Verb Agreement, it refers to the
verb agreeing with the subject in number and form of the subject. Subjects must agree with verbs. Singular
subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs. In grammar, number refers to the two forms of a
word: singular (one) or plural (more than one).
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Subject-Verb Agreement means that subjects and verbs must always agree in number.
What is a subject?
The subject is the part of a sentence or clause that commonly indicates (a) what it is about, or (b) who or what
performs the action (that is, the agent).
Often it appears at the beginning of the sentence.
In a sentence, every verb must have a subject. If the verb expresses action—like sneeze, jump, bark, or study—
the subject is who or what.
Example: The baby cries when he is hungry
Subject- Baby
What is a Verb?
A verb can show action -- either mental or physical action.
In grammar, number refers to the two forms of a word: singular (one) or plural (more than one).
A verb agrees with its subject in number.
The baby cries when he is hungry
Verb-cries
Let us look into the following rules:
Basic Rule: A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes, shines), whereas a plural subject
takes a plural verb.
Hasty writers, speakers, readers, and listeners might miss the all-too-common mistake in the following
sentence:
Incorrect: A bouquet of yellow roses lend color and fragrance to the room.
Correct: A bouquet of yellow roses lends . . . (bouquet lends, not roses lend)
Rule 2. Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb.
Examples:
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
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Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.
Rule 3: If one subject is singular and the other is plural, and the words are connected by the words "or," "nor,"
"neither/nor," "either/or," or "not only/but also," use the verb form of the subject that is nearest the verb
Examples:
Neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf.
Neither the serving bowl nor the plates go on that shelf.
This rule can lead to bumps in the road. For example, if I is one of two (or more) subjects, it could lead to this
odd sentence:
If possible, it's best to reword such grammatically correct but awkward sentences.
Better:
Neither she, I, nor my friends are going to the festival.
OR
She, my friends, and I are not going to the festival.
Rule 4. As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by and.
Exceptions:
Breaking and entering is against the law.
The bed and breakfast was charming.
In those sentences, breaking and entering and bed and breakfast are compound nouns. (Bread and milk,
Rice and curry, Bread and butter)
Rule 5a. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along with, as well as, besides,
not, etc. These words and phrases are not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the
subject is singular.
Examples:
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
Rule 6. In sentences beginning with here or there, the true subject follows the verb.
Examples:
There are four hurdles to jump.
There is a high hurdle to jump.
Here are the keys
Rule 7. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money, etc., when considered as a unit.
Examples:
Three miles is too far to walk.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
BUT
Ten dollars (i.e., dollar bills) were scattered on the floor.
Rule 8. With words that indicate portions—e.g., a lot, a majority, some, all—Rule 1 given earlier in this
section is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of. If the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb.
If it is plural, use a plural verb.
Examples:
A lot of the pie has disappeared.
A lot of the pies have disappeared.
A third of the city is unemployed.
A third of the people are unemployed.
All of the pie is gone.
All of the pies are gone.
Some of the pie is missing.
Some of the pies are missing.
Rule 9. A Collective noun such as group, jury, family, audience, population, committee, company, council,
army, police, society, board, cabinet, department, family, public, government, organization, team, club, crowd,
minority, class, takes a singular verb when the collection is thought of as one whole; plural verb when the
individuals of which it is composed are thought of;
Examples:
All of my family has arrived.
Most of the jury is here.
A third of the population was opposed to the bill.
Rule 10. The word ‘were’ replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to fact:
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Example: If Joe were here, you'd be sorry.
Shouldn't Joe be followed by was, not were, given that Joe is singular? But Joe isn't actually here, so we
say were, not was. The sentence demonstrates the subjunctive mood, which is used to express things that are
hypothetical, wishful, imaginary, or factually contradictory. The subjunctive mood pairs singular subjects with
what we usually think of as plural verbs.
Examples:
I wish it were Friday.
In the first example, a wishful statement, not a fact, is being expressed; therefore, were, which we usually think
of as a plural verb, is used with the singular it. (Technically, it is the singular subject of the object clause in the
subjunctive mood: it was Friday.)
Rule 11: When the plural noun is a proper name for single objects or collective unit, it must be followed by a
singular verb.
Rule 12: Some nouns which are singular in form, but plural in meaning take a plural verb.
(cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, clergy, alphabet, Offspring, information)
Examples: “I need all information to process the case” said the police Inspector.
The police are getting wise and keeping the file shut.
Rule 13: Two nouns qualified by each or every, even though connected by and, require a singular verb.
Example:
If one of the words "each," "every," or "no" comes before the subject, the verb is singular.
Rule 14: Some nouns which are plural in form, but singular in meaning, take a singular verb.
(Mathematics, classics, ethics, athletics, innings, gallows, economics, poetry, news, measles, news, mumps,
electronics, tactics, physics)
Rule 15: None, though properly singular, commonly takes a plural verb.
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Rule 16: When (Not only-but also) is used to combine two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject close to it.
Examples: Not only Raj, but also his brothers were arrested.
Not only he but also his sister was eating.
Rule 18: In sentences containing the words one of, the verb is chosen as follows:
Rule 19: The title of books or magazines are considered singular and take singular verbs.
Rule 20: When gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence, they take the singular verb form of the verb; but,
when they are linked by and, they take the plural form.
CASE #1: Making Subject and Verb Agree When Words Come Between Them.
Let’s compare these two sentences:
This box belongs in the attic.
This box of ornaments belongs in the attic.
In both sentences, the verb belongs agrees with its subject, box. Don’t let
The prepositional phrase in the second sentence fool you into thinking that ornaments is the subject.
Prepositional phrases (as well as adjective clauses, appositives, and participle phrases) often come between a
subject and a verb. So, to make sure that a verb agrees with its subject and not with a word in the phrase or
clause; mentally cross out the interrupting group of words:
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CASE #2: Reaching Agreement When the Subject Is an Indefinite Pronoun.
Remember to add an -s to the end of the verb in the present tense if the subject is one of the indefinite
pronouns listed below:
CASE #3: Making Have, Do, and Be Agreeing with Their Subjects.
Although all verbs follow the same principle of agreement, certain verbs seem to be a little more troublesome
than others. In particular, many agreement errors result from the misuse of the common verbs have, do, and be.
We need to remember that the verb has appears as has if the subject is a singular noun or a third-person
singular pronoun (he, she, it):
Similarly, the verb” do” appears as” does” if the subject is a singular noun or, once again, a third-person
singular pronoun (he, she, it):
Dhivya does the housework.
If the subject is a plural noun or the pronoun I, you, we, or they, use do:
Rajini and Kamal do the chores together.
The verb be has three forms in the present tense: is, am, are. Use is if the subject is a singular noun or a third-
person singular pronoun (he, she, it):
Dr. Mathrabudam is unhappy.
Use am if the subject is the first-person singular pronoun (I):
I am not the person you think I am.
Finally, if the subject is a plural noun or the pronoun you, we, or they, use are:
The fans are in the stands, and we are ready to play.
Now, let’s take one more look at these three verbs–but from a different angle. Sometimes a subject may follow
(rather than proceed) a form of the verb have, do, and be. As shown in the sentences below, this reversal of the
usual order occurs in questions that require a helping verb:
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a) Where has Rani parked the car?
b) What do you do in your free time?
c) Are we having a test today?
In all these sentences, the present forms of have, do, and be serve as helping verbs” and appear in front of their
subjects.
QUESTION FORM
In interrogative sentences, the usual formal of Subject+ Verb + Object is reversed and thus the subject that
determines the form should be carefully identified
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QUICK REVIEW
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UNIT 2
VOCABULARY
INTRODUCTION TO VOCABULARY
The vocabulary of a language is a stock of all the words and phrases that exist in that language.
The English language has a very rich vocabulary of over a million words. Words are basic units of a language
used to communicate meaning.
Type I: Pick the word from the alternatives that are most inappropriate in the given context.
Specious– A specious argument is not simply false, but an argument that has a ring of truth.
1. Deceitful 2. Fallacious 3. Credible 4. Deceptive
Sol: Option 3
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Type II: Find a word which is similar in meaning to the given word: Tyranny
1. Tolerance 2. Supra-national government 3. Predominance 4. Oppressive government
Sol: Option 4
Type III: Find a word which is opposite in meaning to the given word: Escapade
1. Gimmick 2. Stunt 3. fling 4. Humorlessness
Sol: Option 4
Type IV: A description is followed by four words. Pick the option that best fits the description.
One who plays a game for pleasure, and not as a profession.
1. Spotter 2. Playful 3. Amateur 4. Professional
Sol: Option 3.
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2. Root words
The English language has its roots in several languages, including Greek, Latin, and older forms
of English, German, and French. Learning to recognize common roots will help you build your vocabulary and
improve your ability to make educated guesses about unknown words you encounter in reading and test-taking
situations.
3. Visual Method
Visual vocabulary will help you to better understand vocabulary by explaining the meaning of the
term in own words and creating visual images that represent the word. This method also increases your
retention level.
E.g. Parsimonious
Meaning: an excessive unwilling to spend.
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Synonyms: penurious, stingy, and ungenerous
There are a lot of techniques to learn vocabulary. One another technique is to segregate the words you wish to
practice based on different categories, themes or contexts they belong.
complaisant (ko˘m·!play·sa˘nt) adj. tending to comply; obliging, willing to do what pleases others.
To preserve family peace and harmony, Lenny became very complaisant when his in-laws came to visit.
facetious (fa˘·!see·shu˘s) adj. humorous and witty, cleverly amusing; jocular, sportive.
Mr. Weston’s facetious remarks always made people laugh.
Action verbs
extenuate (iks·!ten·yoo·ayt) v. to reduce the strength or lessen the seriousness of something, an incident
maybe, by making partial excuses.
Fred claimed that extenuating circumstances forced him to commit forgery.
trenchant (!tren·cha˘nt) adj. 1. penetrating, forceful; effective. 2. Extremely perceptive, incisive. 3. clear-
cut, sharply defined.
It was a trenchant argument, and it forced me to change my mind about the issue.
abhor (ab·!hohr) v.
to regard with horror, detest, to hate
I abhor such hypocrisy!
altercation (awl·te˘r·!kay·sho˘n) n.
a heated dispute or quarrel.
To prevent an altercation at social functions, one should avoid discussing politics and religion.
2. TRANSGRESS
Pronunciation: trans-gres
Meaning: To break a law.
Synonyms: infringe, violate, trespass, disobey, contravene
Antonyms: comply, acquiesce, comply, acquire, obey
Usage: The officers should be careful not to transgress human rights
3. SOMNIFEROUS
Pronunciation: som-nif-er-uh s
Meaning: Tending to produce sleep.
Synonyms: soporific, somnific, somnolent, drowsy, slumberous
Antonyms: simulative, awakening, invigorating, refreshing, reviving
Usage: Ms. Schwend's play “The Other Thing,” at Second Stage uptown last year, turned thrilling after a
somniferous first half (source: New York Times)
4. GROTESQUE
Pronunciation: groh-tesk
Meaning: Incongruously composed or ill-proportioned
Synonyms: bizarre, outlandish, queer, freakish, ludicrous
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Antonyms: aesthetic, classy, bonny, comely, elegant
Usage: During the pro-life event, a local Satanist group arrived and conducted a disturbingly grotesque
counter-protest.
5. CAMARADERIE
Pronunciation: ka-muh-raa-duh-ree
Meaning: a feeling of friendship and trust among a group of people who work together or share an experience
Synonyms: companionship, intimacy, comradeship, jollity
Antonyms: gloom, dislike, hate
Usage: There is a spirit of camaraderie between officers and men in Frjus that one never sees in native
regiments of the British army.
6. UNPRECEDENTED
Pronunciation: uhn·preh·suh·duhn·tuhd
Meaning: without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled
Synonyms: unusual, unrivalled, uncommon, unmatched
Antonyms: regular, usual, unexceptional
Usage: Put before the people of America the leading facts relating to this unprecedented and enormous
visitation of calamity.
7. SUCCOR
Pronunciation: suhk-er
Meaning: help; relief, assistance.
Synonyms: sustenance, aid
Antonyms: obstruction, hurt, hindrance
Usage: For the moment, therefore, he could do nothing more but look for succor.
8. EGREGIOUS
Pronunciation: ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs
Meaning: outstandingly bad; shocking.
Synonyms: extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant:
Antonyms: tolerable, moderate, minor, unnoticeable.
Usage: The egregious mistake these couples made was not spending enough time seriously planning for a
lifetime together in marriage.
9. TACITURN
Pronunciation: ˈta-sə-ˌtərn
Meaning: reserved; saying little; A taciturn person does not say very much and can seem unfriendly.
Synonyms: Close, Silent, Uncommunicative
Antonyms: blabby, chatty, communicative, conversational
Usage: A taciturn man, he replied to my questions in monosyllables.
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10. DISCERNING
Pronunciation: di-ˈsər-niŋ
Meaning: showing insight and understanding
Synonyms: Perceive, recognize
Antonyms: unperceptive, unwise
Usage: portions of these discerning travel guides are available to the everyman for free on Apple Maps.
11. ANACHRONISTIC
Pronunciation: uh-nak-ruh-nis-tik
Meaning: Out of the context of time, out of date
Synonyms: antiquated, archaic, out-of-date, outmoded, ancient, fossil
Antonyms: current, in vogue, contemporary
Usage: The New York Sun printed a letter, not long ago, in which the drawings were declared to be
anachronistic.
12. COALESCE
Pronunciation: kow-uh-les
Meaning: to blend or come together
Synonyms: incorporate, join, merge, cleave
Antonyms: remove, loosen, disjoin, disconnect
Usage: The two nuclei come into contact and coalesce, and we have thus a new cell with its sixteen
chromosomes complete.
13. INADVERTENTLY
Pronunciation: "IN"- "uhd" -"VUR" -"tuhnt- "lee"
Meaning: 1. unintentionally; without meaning to 2. Through lack of attention; without anyone noticing:
Synonyms: negligently, recklessly, heedlessly, and rashly
Antonyms: careful, observant, accurate
Usage: I'm worried that we might be inadvertently watering down the quality of the data.
14. LACKLUSTRE
Pronunciation: lak-ˌlə-stər
Meaning: lacking force, brilliance, or vitality
Synonyms: obscure, unimaginative, somber, lusterless
Antonyms: lively, shining, and enthusiastic
Usage: He has already been blamed for his party's lackluster performance during the election campaign
15. SUCCINCT
Pronunciation: suhk- singkt
Meaning: marked by compact precise expression without wasted words
Synonyms: brief, concise, telegraphic
Antonyms: wordy, diffuse, and verbose
Usage: Together, the equations formed a succinct theory now known as the Standard Model of particle
physics.
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16. SURREPTITIOUS
Pronunciation: suh-ruhp-ti-shuhs
Meaning: done secretly,
Synonyms: clandestine, behind the scenes, sneaky, undercover
Antonyms: open, overt, public
Usage: She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her surreptitious glances at
the clock.
17. BELLIGERENCE
Pronunciation: buh·li·juh·ruhns
Meaning: the wish to fight or argue
Synonyms: aggression, defiance, quarrelsomeness
Antonyms: nonaggression, pacifism, friendliness, geniality
Usage: Terrorism is a new and unprecedented form of belligerence, a new form of war.
18. VICISSITUDE
Pronunciation: vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood
Meaning: a change or variation occurring in the course of something; interchange or alternation
Synonyms: variation, fluctuation, permutation, alteration, diversity
Antonyms: uniformity, stability, similarity, stagnation, conformity
Usage: However, our ancestors concluded that the vicissitude could be corrected by better government.
19. ELOQUENCE
Pronunciation: eh-luh-kvns
Meaning: the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way
Synonyms: articulacy, rhetoric, fluency
Antonyms: incompetence, weakness, inability
Usage: millions have been inspired by the eloquence of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech
20. TREACHEROUS
Pronunciation: treh·chuh·ruhs
Meaning: Treacherous means not trusted or dangerous; likely to betray trust
Synonyms: unfaithful, deceptive, perilous, misleading
Antonyms: harmless, true, reliable, honest
Usage: His stabs are delivered like those of a bravo, who hides his face as he deals his treacherous blow.
21. JUXTAPOSE
Pronunciation: juhk·stuh·powz
Meaning: to place (different things) side by side (as to compare them or contrast them or to create an
interesting effect)
Synonyms: colligate, appose, bring together
Antonyms: discrete, apart, detached, isolate, disconnected
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Usage: It is interesting to juxtapose the lifestyle of today's teenage generation with their grandparents'
generation.
22. ELUCIDATE
Pronunciation: uh·loo·suhd·eit
Meaning: to give a clarifying explanation.
Synonyms: explain, illuminate, explicate
Antonyms: confuse, obscure, conceal, be vague
Usage: He gave himself out as an angel sent from God to elucidate the prophecies.
23. ADUMBRATE
Pronunciation: a·duhm·breit
Meaning: to give only the main facts and not the details about something, especially something that will
happen in the future
Synonyms: outline, suggest, obfuscate, portend, foretell
Antonyms: illuminate, brighten, Lighten,
Usage: The recent development adumbrates a world - wide revolution in computer technology.
24. SUBSERVIENCE
Pronunciation: suh b-sur-vee-uh nt
Meaning: The quality, character, or condition of being servilely following another's behests
Synonyms: servility, obedience, subjection, docility, humility
Antonyms: domination, obstinacy, sovereignty , arrogance, balkiness
Usage: Ordinary people can defeat the Right, but doing so will require ending our subservience to the
Democratic Party
25. REPERCUSSION
Pronunciation: ree-puh-kuh-shn
Meaning: an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
Synonyms: consequence, outcome,
Antonyms: helplessness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness
Usage: The repercussions of world events were seen on the stock market price.
6. Milieu Surroundings
Usage: The manager develops an understanding of his milieu by piecing together all the scraps of data he
can find.
7. Envisaged Visualized
Usage: It is hard to envisage us having political arrangements that do not include nation-states.
8. Saddled Burdened
Usage: Companies saddled with high debt have become inviting targets for cash-rich competitors.
9. Scragged Strangled
Usage: These scragged posts show that freedom of speech is still a contentious issue, but freedom of
speech means nothing unless we grant it to people we dislike.
4. Ballpark
People use ballpark to mean “estimate of an amount.” They may want to know a ballpark number based on
your best guess with the data you have at the time. You may even hear it as a verb: “Let’s ballpark the
quarterly figures.”
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5. Incentivize
Employees don’t always love their work. That’s why employers often incentivize productivity – using
incentives to make employees more productive. These incentives often include public recognition, job
promotions, or pay raises. Companies also incentivize customers to return with customer loyalty programs and
discounts.
6. Low-Hanging Fruit
When picking fruit from a tree, the low-hanging fruit are the easiest to reach. That’s what corporations mean
when they direct you to go after the low-hanging fruit: reach the easiest customer base or project objective
possible before going after a more challenging goal.
7. Make it disruptive
It better be BIG, and make us money, fast.
9. Customer-centric
A popular term because it makes people sound smart and caring. Plus, there’s alliteration in there.
“To cut corners” is to complete a task in a fast and careless way. To do something without paying attention to
details, thereby making mistakes or causing new problems.
Right team, we’ve made plenty of progress, I think it’s time to call it a day!
The trial hasn’t worked, I’m afraid we’re going to have to call it a day.
To “call it a day” means that you are giving up on something. This can refer to taking a break on a project
because you have reached a good point to stop, or to stopping something completely. It can be negative or
positive, depending on the context.
Taken literally, it is a phrase stating that the working day is officially over: that was a whole day, I declare that
day finished!
Keep me in the loop on decisions about the targets for the next quarter.
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To “keep me/her/him/them in the loop” means to keep someone involved and updated about developments in a
project. It comes from “looping” someone into an email chain — that is, cc’ing them into the digital
conversation. Check out our guide to writing emails in English for more on this.
You can “keep someone in the loop” by informing them of what happens in meetings, and alerting them when
decisions are made.
Hopefully we can get the ball rolling on the new pitch next week.
To “get the ball rolling” means to get started on something; to begin making meaningful progress
We’ve done our due diligence and none of the other contractors seem more qualified.
Until very recently, “due diligence” was a term only used in a legal context. It used to describe the action that
is considered reasonable for people to take in order to stay safe, and on the correct side of the law.
In business jargon, “due diligence” refers to the necessary research behind a good decision. If you have done
your “due diligence,” then you have given an issue the attention it deserves and weighed alternatives to the
solution you intend to take.
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UNIT 3
PRECIS WRITING
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WHAT IS PRÉCIS WRITING?
A précis is a summary. Précis-Writing is a very useful exercise. The word précis is derived from French that
means summary and précis writing means the art of summarizing. Précis writing is one of the most useful
skills you can acquire for your work both as a student and as a professional. Précis writing involves
summarizing a document to extract the maximum amount of information, then conveying this information to a
reader in minimum words.
Most of us read carelessly. Writing précis gives training in careful reading. Précis -writing is regarded as a very
important kind of composition because it develops one's capacity to discriminate between the essential and the
non-essential.
A précis is a shortening, in your own words, of a text of written work. You are to describe as accurately and
briefly as possible the substance or main ideas contained in a text.
To write an effective précis, read the passage several times for a full understanding. Note key points. It may, in
fact, be helpful to underline these words. Do not use abbreviations or contractions. When writing about history,
use the past tense.
Finally, check your précis against the original to be sure that it is exact and retains the order, proportions, and
relationships of the original.
A précis is a clear, compact logical summary of a passage. It preserves only the essential or important ideas
of the original.
“It is a short version of a speech or a piece of writing that gives the main points of ideas.”
“Précis is a short form of the text which briefly gives only the important parts.”
Generally accepted that a precise should be 1/ 3 in length of the passage given. If the original passage consists
of 3oo words, the precise shouldn’t be lengthier than 110 words.
1) Precision – Keep your precis accurate. Never include information that is not the part of paragraph. You can’t
conclude anything of your own. You are supposed to rewrite to paragraph in less number of words.
2) Brevity – Avoid unnecessary words and sentence that don’t’ help the precis to convey the message. Try to
make long sentences shorter.
2. Correctness
Mistakes in your writings always irritate the reader. Of course mistakes are never intentional; however there is
no excuse. At the time of writing or composing a précis, the writer must ensure that the facts and figures are
correct. Structure of sentences and spellings of words must be correct because a single mistake in structure or
spelling may spoil the message. Avoid the following mistakes:
Misspelled words
Mistakes in figures and dates
Mistakes in punctuation
Mistakes of grammar and structure
3. Objectivity
Objectivity is the ability to present or view facts without bias and prejudice. While writing the précis of a text,
the writer should adopt an objective approach. He/ She should not give or add his/ her personal opinions and
ideas in a précis. A précis should be purely a summary of the original text without missing the so called
objective or original intent.
4. Coherence
Coherence refers to the logical and clear interconnection of ideas. Any piece of information ought to be
coherent and a précis is no exception. The ideas which are presented in a précis must have a logical connection
without disrupting the given correlation. A well-knit summary of the original text is another requisite in précis
writing.
5. Completeness
Another striking feature of a good précis is its completeness. A précis should be complete in all respects
Completeness means that the writer should include all the important facts in a précis. Though omitting data
from the original text is an important skill while creating a précis of the same, choosing what to omit is vital.
Only those points that are considered redundant, impertinent and imprecise are to be chosen for omission. It
not, meaning of the précis could get tampered.
6. Conciseness
Conciseness is synonymous to précis. Conciseness in précis writing refers to the inclusion of only those points
that need to be included, nothing more or nothing less. A concise piece of work conveys the message in the
fewest possible words. But one point must be kept in mind that the writer should not omit some basic and
essential facts to achieve conciseness. To be concise -
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RULES OF MAKING A PRÉCIS
A well written précis should be a serviceable substitute for the original work. The goal of a précis is to preserve
the core essence of the work in a manner that is both clear and concise. While writing a précis, the writer
should follow the below given rules to make it an effective piece of work.
Read Carefully
First read the passage twice or thrice carefully to summarize it. This will enable you to understand the main
theme of the passage.
Underlining
Underline and mark the important ideas and essential points from the original text.
Outline
With the help of underlined ideas, draw the outline of your précis.
Omission
Omit all the unnecessary information or the long phrases which could be replaced by one word. All the
adjectives and the adverbs can also be omitted in order to make a good précis.
Don’t Omit
While making a précis, the writer should never omit the important points and ideas which are essential to be
described.
Size
Keep the fact in your mind that the length of the précis should be the one third of the original passage.
Indirect Speech
A précis should be written in indirect speech. If there is direct speech in the passage, it should be changed into
indirect speech.
It should be written in the third person and past tense. In the case of universal truth the present tense should be
used.
Own Words
A précis should be written in your own words and the writer should abstain from borrowing words from the
original passage.
Précis of a Dialogue
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The précis of a dialogue or conversation should always be expressed in form of narrative.
Objective Approach
A précis writer should adopt an objective approach. He should not add his personal ideas to a précis. Put all the
important points and ideas in a logical order.
One Paragraph
There could be two or more paragraphs in the original text. While making the précis, try to write all the ideas
in one paragraph.
Rough Draft
After omitting all the unnecessary ideas, the writer should prepare a rough draft to finalize it.
Final Draft
Having read the rough draft and pointed out some mistakes which may be found in the rough draft, the writer
can prepare the final draft.
Read the work under analysis carefully and note down the essential points and arguments. Try different
reading practices to better understand the work.
Focus on what the author is trying to communicate through his work.
Restate the thesis stated by the author in your words according to your interpretation. Remember, to
keep it short and to the point.
For each section, write a summary that is one-two sentences long. Include the summary of each section,
but it shouldn't be too long.
The key is to describe the original piece in your own words.
Once you are done with the summary, read the original piece again to ensure if it's in accordance with
your summary.
Go through the summary again to make sure you haven't missed any important point and used a logical
structure.
Before handing in your document, make sure that it is clear and concise without any grammatical
errors.
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Dos & Don’ts in Precis Writing
Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the competitive exams conducted in our country. Out of those only a
few are able to crack the exam and get appointed. Since most competitive exams have now become computer-
based, the descriptive test is still checked offline.
Candidates must know that with thousands of entries which need to be checked, there are certain quick points
which the examiner looks for and which may get the maximum marks for your precis writing.
Based on the same information, given below are a few Dos and Don’ts, which a candidate needs to understand
before starting to write a precis.
Do’s for Precis Writing
Begin with the basic idea of the passage to make the precis convenient to read.
Give a clear idea pertaining to what the reader is about to read.
While reading the passage, make a note of all the important points and include them in the precis.
Follow the main idea of the passage with the facts/points of improvement/ methods, etc. as mentioned
in the comprehension.
Include all the important keywords and terms which are used in the passage.
Keep a track of the tenses you use. Data related to history events of the past must be described in the
past tense only.
There must be a relation between the data you are writing in the precis. It should have some common
links.
Don’ts for Precis Writing
The length of the precis must be shorter than the length of the passage.
Do not overcomplicate the precis and use easy vocabulary.
Do not make assumptions or add information in the precis as per your own imagination.
Do not give your own opinion or criticism over the comprehension.
Avoid using abbreviations.
Do not enter statements in the question format in the precis.
Don’t focus on any one point for very long. Keep the information as precise as possible.
Don’t give your own opinions: Even if you have to use your own words when you write the précis,
don’t try to express your personal opinion and evaluate the original text. It is not your goal. In this
assignment, you should make a summary based on your analysis so just describe what exactly the
author wanted to claim by his text.
The above-mentioned dos and don’ts give better idea of the concept and also learn the correct approach with
which the precis needs to be written.
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You must understand why teachers may assign tasks like precis writing. In order to write a good precis, keep
in mind that it reflects your ability to express thoughts. Precis writing develops critical thinking, ability to
summarize. Work on precis makes writer capable of highlighting the basic points of the original article.
SOLVED EXCERCISE
Passage
Read the following passage and answer the question given at the end:
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A life of action and danger moderates the dread of death. It not only gives us fortitude to bear pain, but teaches
us at every step the precarious tenure on which we hold our present being. Sedentary and studious men are the
most apprehensive on this score. Dr. Johnson was an instance in point. A few years seemed to him soon over,
compared with those sweeping contemplations on time and infinity with which he had been used to pose
himself. In the still life of a man of letters there was no obvious reason for a change. He might sit in an arm
chair and pour out cups of tea to all eternity would it had been possible for him to do so. The most rational cure
after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life. If we mere wish to continue on the scene to
indulge our head-strong humor and tormenting passions, we had better be gone at once,; and if we only cherish
a fondness for existence according to the good we desire from it, the pang we feel at parting which it will not
be very server.
Questions:
SOLUTION
I) Suitable Title: The fear if death.
ii) People who spend much time sitting and studying are the most afraid of death. Because they lead a peaceful
life and want no change.
iii) The most sensible way of getting rid of the fear of death is to value life properly. We should know that our
hold upon life is very risky and that we may die any moment.
iv) From this passage we learn that Dr. Johnson was afraid of death. He led a peaceful life and wanted no
change. He was fond of tea.
v) Explanation of the meanings of words;
Precarious Tenure — Uncertain period, life
Inordinate fear — Unreasonable fear, fear of death.
vi) Summary or précis.
If we lead an active life facing dangers, we will less fear death. People, who lead a lazy and peaceful life, are
the most afraid of death. The most sensible way of getting rid of the fear of death is to value life properly. If we
do not give unnecessary importance to our life, we will not feel the pang of death.
QUICK REVIEW
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SENTENCE COMPLETION
WHAT ARE SENTENCE COMPLETION QUESTIONS?
They are nothing but the good old ‘Fill in the Blanks’ type of questions we’ve been handling since primary
school!
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The only difference is – the ‘test’ is of a slightly different kind when it comes to your level today; and what
companies/ recruiters test in you using this variety of questions.
Vocabulary
Not just ‘meanings ‘of words, but also their fine usage.
Your ability to mark logical consistency among given elements of a sentence.
Your ability to grasp how words fit into various contexts
Sometimes, your mere knowledge of how parts of sentence affect each other can help you determine which
option to pick; You may not necessarily know the meanings of the options given!!
QUESTION TYPES
1. Single Blank
The man is most___________, talking sweetly one day and blasting on the other.
2. Double Blank
Although Ms. Harvey's disposition was generally -------, she could become enraged when sufficiently -----
A. vicious. . ignored
B. serene. . provoked
C. energetic. . disappointed
D. meek. . complimented
E. perverse. . betrayed
Double Blank questions are easier to solve rather than the Single Blank ones. The reason is you can
eliminate word pairs based on the inaptness of just one word in the pair!!
The challenges
Sometimes subordinate clauses, relative clauses, prepositional phrases, etc. can complex the sentences
and make comprehension and right selection difficult.
Some questions are set to judge whether you understood the tone of the writer as well as his subject.
Sometimes, technical, poetic, formal/ informal, academic, research-oriented, etc. styles of writing
would need a specific word that might be difficult to figure out of all close choices given.
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You are never going to determine the answer until you understand the question. Think about the sentence
means and what part of speech is necessary to correctly complete the sentence.
Visualize
Before you go to the choices, think of the possible words for the blanks. It will save you from wrong choices.
This is better than trying out the choices to find out "what sounds good." It is faster and less prone to errors.
Structure Words
Look for words like but, rather, although, however, and, while, but, therefore. They reveal the sentence
organization and the hint- blank relationship. They tell you what kinds of words to look for, as they change the
thought process in the sentence.
Working Backwards
The two-blank questions can be easier as you have more opportunities to eliminate wrong choices. If you can
eliminate a choice based on one word, you don't need to know the other word. Often, working backwards i.e.
picking the second blank choice first works better.
Positive/Negative Flow
When you read the sentence, you have to look out for adjectives/adverbs which tell you the idea of the
sentence. After finding these adjectives/adverbs, you need to find out if the idea of the sentence is
positive/negative. All the negative ideas may be a "bad word/bad phrase" or any term which has no/none/not...
in it. In simple words, if the flow of the first part of the sentence is positive and the second part is negative,
then the blank must be negative to even the flow of the sentence. This would solve the sentence completion
question without even understanding the question.
Example: Because he did not want to appear_______, the junior executive refused to dispute the board's
decision, in spite of his belief that the decision would impair employee morale.
A. contentious
B. indecisive
C. solicitous
D. overzealous
E. steadfast
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Explanation:
(C) and (E) are gone because they're positive words. (B)doesn't work because the clue is "refused to dispute."
That doesn't work with indecisive. For the same reason, (D) doesn't work either. So the best answer is option
A.
Punctuation
Whenever the punctuation "," (comma) appears, followed by a blank in between two sentences, then it means
that the synonym of the phrase/word before "," is the meaning of the blank. In simple words, when you find ','
followed by a blank then find the Synonym of the word before ',' and check the options to match the synonym
of the word.
In the same way, when you find ":” (colon) or ";” (semi-colon) in the sentence, they will indicate that the idea
coming up is merely an explanation of the earlier idea. So, simply find the synonym of the word/phrase before
the punctuation and fill in the blank with the synonym from the options given.
Transitional Words
Be alert to transitional words. Transitional words tell you what is coming up. They indicate that the author
is now going to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.
A transition word demonstrates the relationship between two portions of the text or spoken language.
Despite ------- on taking rare tamarins from their habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny monkeys
remains -------.
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A. commendations . . obligatory
B. consultations . . predominant
C. restrictions . . local
D. penalties . . illicit
E. prohibitions . . active
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Choice (E) is correct. "Prohibition" refers to something banned by legal authorities; "active" in this context
means in place or functioning. If one were to insert these terms into the text, the sentence would read
"Despite prohibitions on taking rare tamarins from their habitat, the illegal trade in the tiny monkeys
remains active." Since the word "despite" at the beginning of the sentence indicates that the second missing
term will describe an outcome of the first missing term, it makes sense to say that although taking tamarins
from their habitat is prohibited, the illegal activity still goes on.
Yet
Despite
Although
However
Nevertheless
Example: Although the warring parties had settled a number of disputes, past experience made them
_________ to express optimism that the talks would be a success.
A. rash
B. ambivalent
C. scornful
D. overjoyed
E. reticent
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"Although" sets up a contrast between what has occurred—success for the whole talks. Hence, the parties are
reluctant to express optimism. The common word "reluctant" is not offered as an answer- choice, but a
synonym--reticent--is. The answer is (E).
Supporting words support or further explain what has already been said. These words often introduce
synonyms for words elsewhere in the sentence.
And
Also
Furthermore
Likewise
In Addition
For Example: Davis is an opprobrious and ________ speaker, equally caustic towards friend or foe--a true
curmudgeon.
A. lofty
B. vituperative
C. unstinting
D. retiring
E. laudatory
"And" in the sentence indicates that the missing adjective is similar in meaning to "opprobrious," which is very
negative. Now, vituperative--the only negative word--means "abusive." Hence, the answer is (B).
Example: Because the House has the votes to override a presidential veto, the President has no choice but to
________.
A. object B. abdicate C. abstain D. capitulate E. compromise
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Since the House has the votes to pass the bill or motion, the President would be wise to compromise and make
the best of the situation. The answer is (E).
A few more indicators:
description . . . illusioned
persona . . . distinguished
attitude . . . distinguished
countenance . . . disingenuous
Correct answer:
demeanor . . . forthright
Explanation:
"Countenance" and "demeanor" could both work for the first blank. That James was doing the opposite of
bragging gives a strong contextual clue that the second word will be similar to honest. This is exactly what
"forthright" means.
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UNIT 4
PICTURE PERCEPTION
and IDEA ELABORATION,
PARA JUMBLES
PICTURE PERCEPTION
The "bottom-up" processing is basically low-level information that's used to build up higher- level
information (i.e. -shapes for object recognition). The " top-down" processing refers to a person's
concept and expectations (knowledge) that influence perception.
Perception Filters
Perception is the process of gathering information through our senses, organizing and making sense of
it.
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What Affects Perceptions?
Previous experience and learning
Attitudes and interests
Need and feelings
Current situation
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Cultural Differences
Age,
Gender
Race
Past experiences
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Examples of Social Economic Filters
Occupation
Level of education
Environmental factors
Family upbringing
Influences on Perception
Every characteristic of an individual influence what that individual senses:
1) visionary (see)
2) Auditory (hear)
3) Olfactory (smell)
4) Gustatory (taste)
5) Tactile (touch)
Usually, we read an image as an entity in a given context, but when attempting to uncover its many
layers of meaning and/or purpose it is also expedient to systematize and organize one’s reading of its
formal elements in more phases:
Presenting facts
1) Who is the artist/sender?
2) Does the picture have a title?
3) When was the picture made?
4) In what context was the picture made?
5) For what purpose was the picture made?
6) Which technique (painting, photograph, graphics, collage, or...?)
7) What dimensions?
Primary description
1) Representational meaning
2) Place, milieu,
3) Persons, relations, gestures, mimic, action
4) And the most significant details.
Formal analysis:
The effect of formal choices
All visual elements involved in picture analysis will be discussed and illustrated further
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Persons, relations, gestures, mimic, action
And the most significant details.
Interpretation:
(Denotation/ Connotation)
Attaching possible meanings to the visual elements and their Interaction in the picture
Attaching meaning to how
Visual elements interact with the viewer in a given context
There are only a few obvious elements to the picture, the most prominent and perhaps the focus
is the woman clad in a long gown. She sits in an antique chair in the lower right corner of the image,
strumming guitar with a vacant yet mysterious look on her face, giving away no emotions and seemingly
oblivious to the turmoil around her. She almost has a superimposed quality in the ways she remains
undisturbed and distanced from the rest of the image, possibly an embodiment of deep thought itself.
The woman is surrounded by a turbulent red sea consisting of sharp waves and crashing tides,
nearly the entire left side of the image is taken up by a giant black chain falling from the skies and
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disappearing into the waves where it meets the sea.
Between the sea and the chain appears a guesser erupting from colorless rocks spurting neon
yellow birdhouses in a most abstract way. The sky is black, constant line art broken only by the white
clouds formed by negative space.
Two main colours in the image are black and red. Red is often associated with energy, strength
and determination, black can symbolize power, elegance, formality, death and mystery. The
combination of these two colours is also traditionally linked to danger or despair. The only other colour
in the image is the yellow highlighter used on the birdhouses perhaps to attract attention and emphasize
their meaning.
Now in terms of analysis and semiology what could the elements in this image mean? As
previously mentioned the woman seems to be the focus, as an individual however she is understated and
average, she has youth and beauty but her attire is neither seductive nor unflattering. She signifies
women in general, her prominence and thoughtful yet unafraid demeanor symbolize their empowerment
and her strumming of the guitar indicates control.
Behind her is the sea, turbulent with crashing waves, suggestive of a battle or conflict. The
chains usually symbolize enslavement and captivity; due to the size of the chains there is also a
significant degree of dominance implied. The guesser that spurts birdhouses has connotations of escape
& bursting free, the use of birdhouses possibly symbolizing the role of the housewife. Finally, the black
sky, this is the future the unknown. The Image as a whole also has a surrealist quality this could be
suggesting we are not seeing a landscape but are in fact viewing the thoughts and dreams of the woman.
So to conclude this picture has many levels of appreciation. As comic art it is captivating, as a doodle it
is fascinatingly detailed yet as controversial thought provoking art it also possesses incredible depth
and meaning.
Alvarez Bravo
In this image, a young girl is seen from the back looking into a circular window. The girl wears a bright
white dress, a shawl draped over her shoulders and arms and a hat with a circular brim on her back. The
girl wears no shoes and seems to be standing on her toes to peer into the window. The girl is standing in
front of a dramatically patterned plaster wall with paint flaking from its surface. Her body casts a
distinct shadow on the wall, indicating intense sunlight.
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With her back to the camera, a girl in a bright white cotton skirt peers into a circular black hole or
window cut into a patterned wall with peeling paint. Her head is all but obscured by a wide-brimmed
hat that echoes the shape of the portal. She stands on her toes ever so tentatively, her bare right foot
overlapping her left, as if she is trying to create her own stepping stair. Her right hand disappears into
the void as she investigates the unseen contents within. This photograph by Manuel Alvarez Bravo
establishes a contrast between her innocence and the fearful unknown.
There is a striking contrast between the intense light outside the building and the total darkness
revealed through the window.
Possibility 2:
The girl in the white dress is attired for festivity and dance but is left on the outside and wanting in.
She calls to those inside but is ignored and left out. The peeling exterior and hard cement under
the girl’s feet speak of a “hardness” to the world outside; a sense that is accentuated by the harsh light
and shadow. The contrasting dark window speaks of release, calm, and coolness from a hard world.
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Practice:
1.
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An idea conveyed by means of a group of words, sentences or even a paragraph; an advertisement, a movie
clip, a song, any verse, etc.; when is ‘elaborated’ (discussed in detail/ explained using examples, proofs,
arguments, etc.)
Sometimes, in professional lives, you may be required to develop an idea, a report, a proposal, etc.
How can you speak in detail and impressively about a point that you need to convey/ convince others with?
Can you add relevant examples, graphs, statistics, etc. creatively in order to substantiate your point?
Idea Elaboration exercises and tests are good ways of judging a candidates’ expression; creativity; logical,
descriptive and communication skills, especially written communication. Coherence, flow of written
communication, organization, etc. can be very well checked through idea elaboration. How big/
comprehensively one can think and organize sharply and effectively can be analyzed by the examiner.
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Here are the techniques that can be applied to open-ended response, persuasive essays, explanatory essays, and
speculative writing: some strategies are more appropriate for specific genres than others.
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Let`s take one example now to have clear understating of the same:
Topic: Pollution
Definition - Pollution is the term used to describe toxins in our environment.
Fact:
There are four major types of pollution.
Response/ Reaction/ Opinion: For example, the weather in Tamil Nadu never used to get below 30 degrees.
Now, the situation has changed, people are getting used to temperatures in the teens!
Data/ Statistic
Out of 30 students interviewed, 28 reported seeing garbage all over the schoolyard when they return from the
weekend.
The picture clearly is a sarcastic comment on the election systems along with the impacts it has on the citizens
of any country.
Step 2: Now, you’ve got to remember that your idea elaboration has to reach a mature and holistic (that
encompasses/ touches upon almost all aspects of the issue) level.
“Do, jot down all the points you can think of about the ‘fakeness’/ ‘elected candidates like MLA, MP`s (again
take into account all sorts of ideas connected to the same topic, you should emphasize on this category most.
Do not restrict yourself only to Indian elections and . ‘remember, ‘holistic’!! Talk about international systems
as well.
You could make use of mind-maps in order to lay out the structure of your idea elaboration write – up
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The map above gives only one example. You could include in your map other ideas as latest examples
(especially if in any one of the incidents the fake news caused public disturbance), statistics, quotations/ views
of eminent personalities, good examples (of ideal, unbiased and neutral polling system, elected ministers etc.
Opening paragraph.
The intermittent paragraphs should deal one by one with your main ideas.
The main ideas should be broken down into sub-ideas within the paragraphs.
These ideas and sub-ideas should be substantiated with examples, arguments, personal experiences, statistical
information, etc.
Concluding paragraph.
The more important ideas should frame the first paragraphs. Follow the law of priority.
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Activity:
What ideas does the following picture convey? Elaborate those ideas in 200 words.
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Para-Jumbles
What is a para-jumble?
Para-Jumble refers to a paragraph wherein the sentences forming it are jumbled that need to be
unscrambled. The sentences have to be arranged in a proper manner such that they link and form a
coherent paragraph.
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Paragraph Jumbled
Para-Jumble
Thus, Para-jumbles are nothing else but another method to test your Comprehension skills.
For Example:
1. He was looking forward to opening up the presents in the solitude of his room.
2. Sanjay’s birthday was celebrated with a big bash.
3. But the guests insisted he open them up right there.
4. Several people arrived at his home bearing gifts, both big and small.
2-> 4-> 1-> 3
Types
Fixed
Movable
All the lines are jumbled – need to identify theme and opening line
Example – Fixed
A. ……………. A. …………….
B. ……………. B. …………….
C. ……………. C. …………….
D. …………… D. …………….
6. Closing statement
Example - Movable
1. ………………… a. ……………………
2. ………………… b. ……………………
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3. ………………… c. ……………………
4. ………………… d. ……………………
5. ………………… e. ……………………
f. ……………………
Clues
Generic to specific
Tips to solve
• Identify subject
• Identify topic sentence
• Form pairs within the given sets based on CLUES
• Eliminate options based on the pairs – Proactive solving
• Understand the central theme
The best way to solve Para jumbles is by developing high reading speed and by scanning all the options
available. Try getting the feel of what the passage is talking about.
This will keep you in the right direction.
Review the options
Now, suppose you have 4 sentences A B C D. Based on chronological order, you know that A and B will
appear in the order BA. Now scan the available options and match:
Now you know that the correct answer is either (c) or(d). Choose the best option out of these two. Look for
articles
First time introductions are usually made with the helpof ‘a/an’. So, the sentence containing 'the' is most likely
to come after the sentence containing a/an.
Pronouns like he, she, they, it, them, their, him, her, can be easily spotted in para-jumbled sentences.
Such pronouns are always used when the person being talked about has already been introduced.
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So sentence with pronoun is most likely NOT the first sentence.
1. Pronouns
2. Acronyms/ Abbreviations/ Use of last names
3. Time sequence
4. Hypothesis and Example (Similar to idea and elaboration)
5. Articles
6. Topic sentence and conclusion
7. Indicators of cause and effect / Conjunctions
8. Support words and contrast words
A. Hofman feels passionately about his work, and this is clear from his writings.
B. But thanklessness and impossibility do not daunt him.
C. He acknowledges too – in fact he returns to the point often – that best translators of poetry always
fail at some level.
D. Michael Hofman, a poet and translator, accepts this sorry fact without approval or complaint.
Time sequence
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A. Then two astronomers—the German, Johannes Kepler, and the Italian, Galileo Galilei-started
publicly to support theCopernican theory, despite the fact that the orbits it predicted did not
quite match the ones observed.
B. His idea was that the sun was stationary at the centre and thatthe earth and the planets move in
circular orbits around the sun.
C. A simple model was proposed in 1514 by a Polish priest,Nicholas Copernicus.
D. Nearly a century passed before this idea was taken seriously.
Articles
When the author uses 'a / an' – he/she wants to make a general statement - wants to introduce the noun
followed by a/an for the first time but when he/she uses 'the' to refer back to some previously discussed noun.
If 'a/an' and 'the' both are used for the same noun, then the sentence
Recap
Spot the link between the given sentences and group sentences by applying
1. Generalization concept
2. Chronological order
3. Pronoun reference
4. Transition words
5. Main idea / theme of passage
Review the options and eliminate the wrong answers based on the above grouping
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UNIT 5
ANALOGY
Analogy basically means ‘‘resemblance of one object to another in certain aspects.’’ The aim of analogy is to
test the candidate's ability to discover the relationship between the question pair and then to find the required
pair of words which is most similar to that relationship.
In this chapter, a question consists of words related to each other based on some logic and it is required to find
a word/pair of words analogous to those given in the question
Step I -The candidate is required to identify the relationship between the pair of numbers/letters/ words given.
Step II – Find out the other pair such that the relationship between the third and the fourth
umbers/letters/words is similar to the relationship that exists between the first and second
numbers/letters/words.
Now, it is clear that analogy is established, when the two pairs on both the sides of the sign (::) bear the same
relationship.
FIND [is related to] LOCATE LOSE [is related to] MISPLACE
Examples:
Here, the relation of 2 to 4 or 4 to 2 is the same as the relation of 1 to 3 or 3 to 1. To have more clarity about
analogical relationship, let us consider the example given below
Now, just think over (i) and (ii). What relationship can you establish between these two?
A ‘doctor’ works in a ‘hospital’. It means ‘hospital’ is a working place for a ‘doctor’. Hence, Doctor: Hospital
has worker and working place relationship.
A ‘teacher’ works in a ‘school’. It means ‘school’ is the working place for a ‘teacher’. Hence, Teacher: School
has worker and working place relationship.
Clearly, it is observed that in both the cases (i) and (ii), the relationship is similar, i.e., worker and working
place relationship. Therefore, we can say that these two are analogical pairs.
Here, ‘Doctor’ is related to ‘Hospital’ in the same way as ‘Teacher’ is related to ‘School’
(i) [Doctor : Hospital] and (ii) [Teacher : School] are actually different from each other but they are logically
similar. These analogous relationships can be of several types depending upon the kind of relationship between
the two objects of a pair.
Type 2: Broadly: Part and Whole Type 5: Broadly: Cause and Effect
a. Part: whole – trunk: tree a. effect: cause – flood: rain
b. whole :part – school : classroom b. cause: effect – practice: improve
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Type 3: Broadly: Functions and jobs Type 6: Broadly: Different Degrees
a. tool: its action – crayon: draw a. increasing intensity – unhappiness;
misery
b. tool user: tool – carpenter: hammer
b. decreasing intensity – hot : warm
c. tool: object it’s used with – hammer: nails
d. action: thing acted upon – read: book
e. action: subject performing action – teach: teacher
f. object or place: its user – chalk: teacher
Things to Remember
PARTS OF SPEECH
If the words in the first pair express a “noun: adjective” or “verb : noun” or “adjective : adjective”
Relationship (for instance), the second pair should show the same relationship between parts of
speech.
WORD ORDER
If the first pair expresses a “tool user: tool” relationship (for instance), the second pair must
express the same relationship in the same order (tool user first, tool second).
EXACTNESS
Sometimes two or more of the given choices would make fairly good sense in the blank. When
this happens, you should choose the word or pair of words that most exactly suits the relationship
you’re expressing.
GUIDELINES
1. Decide upon the relationship between first 2 words
2. State the relationship - car is to tire because
3. Examine the third word – chair
4. Select a fourth word that will make the third-fourth word have the same relationship as the first-second
word Be ready to explain your fourth word selection
Let`s go into detail:
Synonymous Relationship
This type of relationship is established between the two words, when they convey the same meaning.
e.g., Abandon : Leave
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‘Abandon’ means almost the same as ‘Leave’. Hence, ‘Abandon’ is a synonym of ‘Leave’.
Some more examples are given below
Dwelling : Abode Vacant : Empty Ban : Prohibition
House : Home Idea : Notion Contact : Meet
Antonymous Relationship
This type of relationship is established between the two words, when they are opposite in meaning.
e.g., Kind : Cruel
‘Kind’ means the opposite of ‘Cruel’. Hence, ‘Kind’ and ‘Cruel’ have antonymous relationship.
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When one word of the pair is of higher intensity than the other word of the pair, then it is called intensity
relationship.
e.g., Quarrel : War
‘War’ is of higher intensity than ‘Quarrel’.
Some more examples are given below
Sink : Drown Speak : Shout Kindle : Burn
Anger : Rage Refuse : Deny Unhappy: Sad
Wish : Desire Error : Blunder Moist: Drench
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When one word of the pair represents a single part of the whole object given in other word of the pair, then it is
called part and whole relationship.
e.g., Computer: Hard Disk
‘Hard Disk’ is a part of ‘Computer’.
Some more examples are given below
Dramatist :Play Chef : Food Farmer : Crop
Sculptor : Bust Carpenter: Furniture Goldsmith: Ornaments
Mason : Wall Architect : Design
Pair Relationship
When the two words form a genuine pair, then it is called a pair relationship.
e.g., Lock : Key
‘Lock’ and ‘Key’ make pair.
Some more examples are given below
Question: Answer Pencil : Eraser Shoes : Socks
Horse : Carriage Chair : Table Door : Window
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The solved examples given below will give you clear cut idea about such type of problems
Directions (Example Nos. 1-10) Find out the relationship between the first two words and choose the missing
word from the given alternatives. which bears the same relationship to the third/ fourth word, as the first two
bear.
(d) Floppy
Sol. (b) As, ‘Cobbler’ uses ‘Leather’ to make shoes, etc., similarly ‘Carpenter’ uses ‘wood’ to make Furniture.
(e) CPU
Sol. (d) ‘Recordings’ of the second are visualised on the first.
Practice Corner 1.1 Build your Confidence...
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UNIT 6
READING COMPREHENSION
WHAT IS READING?
Reading is the process of looking at written symbols in order to get meaning from them. When we
read, we use our eyes to receive written symbols and our brain to convert them into words, sentences
and paragraphs. Reading can be silent or aloud.
It is the skill of purposeful looking over, reading, and evaluation of the text to understand concepts,
ideas, words and phrases expressed in written texts. Reading is not a passive skill of just decoding what
is encoded; readers predict what is to come next. They highlight some parts selectively while some
parts are skipped. They make some hypotheses which can be accepted, rejected or reformulated. To get
the message conveyed, readers use their background knowledge of the world and the context and the
author. Therefore, reading comprehension of a text is a continuous activity depending on pre-reading,
while reading and post-reading activities (Duke and Pearson, 2002).
Speed reading: Skimming and scanning as two different strategies of speed reading used for different
purposes. Readers do not read every single word; they read to get the information they need fast
without wasting time (Beale, 2013)
Why do we read?
Reading comprehension is a necessary skill in our daily and academic life in L1. It can be entertaining
and instructional. It is a tool of opening up new worlds and enriching our knowledge. It can improve
hand-eye co-ordination and social skills. Regarding reading in a foreign language, it has some
additional important advantages helping readers to learn L2 faster and more completely.
Reading skills can also help university students to achieve their academic goals easier and faster. They
can get better grades since they can get the message of their textbooks better.
What do we read?
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There are different instructional materials to use in order to improve reading skills:
books
newspapers
online news articles
online blogs about interesting topics
letters
short stories
poetry
advertisements and brochures
There are a large number of reading comprehension strategies applied before, while and after
reading that are appropriate for university students to apply in order to become professional readers
of different texts
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Brain Storming as an effective tool in reading comprehension activates readers to generate different
ideas based on their background knowledge. The goal is to raise the readers’ expectation about what the
passage is about.
Glossary as the alphabetical list of words or a brief dictionary of words of a text can facilitate the text
comprehension.
Visual aids are graphs, diagrams, maps and pictures that can prepare learners to get the message while
leading their minds towards the main idea of the text.
Making Predictions can be done by combining TWO things: 1- clues the author leaves for the reader,
such as the words, pictures or text features and 2- what they know as schema.
However
There is no shortcut to improving your critical reading ability. You can-
• Interpret and evaluate events, dialogue, ideas, and information Connect information to what
you already know.
• Adjust current knowledge to include new ideas or look at those ideas in a different way.
• Determine and remember the most important points in the reading
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5. Application
6. Distinguishing between fact and opinion
7. Understanding cause and effect
Now read the passages given below and answer the questions.
Passage1: Ecology is, by definition, a transdisciplinary science focused on the relationship between
living organisms and their environments. A relatively new science, its modern roots emerged in the
early 20th century with the work of Frederic Clements and Henry Gleason, American botanists who
studied the interactions between plant communities, and Sir Arthur Tansley, a British botanist and
zoologist whose research on the interactions between plant and animal communities and the
environment led him to coin the term "ecosystem" in 1935.1 The interdisciplinary work of these
pioneers prompted the development of models of ecological succession that dominated plant biology
during the early 20th century and became the basis for the new integrated science of p lants, animals
and the environment eventually known as ecosystem ecology.
Task 1: How can you state the main idea of the passage?
Answer: Interdisciplinary aspect of ecology
Passage2: When one hears the term "reality" applied to a show, one might expect that the events
portrayed occurred naturally or, at the least, were not scripted. This is not always the case. Many
reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews. Such living
environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality." Worse, there have been
accusations that events not captured on film were later restaged by producers. Worse still, some
involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out story
lines premeditated by producers. With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people
take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom.
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Type2: Identifying detail / fact
These questions tend to be more difficult than main idea questions because they require a more detailed
recollection of the test.
These questions tend to incorporate an idea specific to the passage in the question stem.
When reading a lengthy text-
•Identify key word/s based on given questions
•First read instructions/questions carefully and then find keywords from the question to look for
the answers.
Common Question Stems
According to the passage, a questionable assumption about x is that
The passage states that x occurs because
According to the passage, which of the following is true of x
The passage mentions each of the following EXCEPT
According to the passage, if x occurs then
How to Identify Correct Answer
In trying to identify the correct answer, it is extremely important that you stick quite close to the text.
The words "according to the passage" should be taken seriously. Answers that seem logical but are not
directly supported by the text should be avoided.
Q: Which of the following is NOT a reason for these parking regulations to be followed?
Solution:
The city will be enforcing winter parking rules from December 1 through March 31, according to City
Street Manager Joseph Parks. This includes alternate-side parking regulations, as well as tow-away
zones and handicap exceptions. Cars are to be parked on the south and east sides of streets between the
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hours of 8 a.m. and midnight; and on the north and west sides of streets between midnight and 8 a.m.
This is to permit snow plows and emergency vehicles access to all neighborhoods, as well as to keep
rush-hour traffic to a minimum. Vehicles that do not follow these guidelines will be towed at the
owner’s expense, Parks said, with the exception of those vehicles displaying handicapped parking
permits.
Q: Which of the following is NOT a reason for these parking regulations to be followed?
a. They prevent excessive traffic.
All of the reasons are given in the passage except choice b. No mention is made of whether or not it’s
good for the cars
Passage 2:
Shopping can be fun as well as a headache. I do not like this activity on Sunday. I usually buy things
for family in grocery stores. My spouse likes to shop in cloth centers. However, I love to shop in malls.
It is amazing experience. I do purchasing in retail shop for my in laws. I hate bargaining for my kids. I
am neither a spendthrift nor a shopaholic but this is the only outdoor activity I am expert in.
Question: Where does author love to shop for her relatives?
Answer: Malls
An increase in the level of serotonin levels in the human body is known to significantly enhance the
mood of the person and in some cases, help people overcome depression. Serotonin taken orally does
not pass into the pathways of the central nervous system, because it does not cross the blood–brain
barrier. However, tryptophan and its metabolite 5-hydroxytryptophan (5- HTP), from which serotonin
is synthesized, does cross the blood–brain barrier. These agents are available as dietary supplements,
and may be effective serotonergic agents.
Q: Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the statements above?
a. Individuals who do not consume enough tryptophan can develop depressive tendencies
b. Individuals who consume tryptophan can metabolize enough serotonin and do not run the risk of
depression
c. Consumption of serotonin laced foods can help cure depression in some cases
d. Tryptophan is an effective agent that can help cure depression in some cases
Solution:
An increase in the level of serotonin levels in the human body is known to significantly enhance the
mood of the person and in some cases, help people overcome depression. Serotonin taken orally does
not pass into the pathways of the central nervous system, because it does not cross the blood–brain
barrier. However, tryptophan and its metabolite 5-hydroxytryptophan (5- HTP), from which serotonin
is synthesized, does cross the blood–brain barrier. These agents are available as dietary supplements
and may be effective serotonergic agents.
Q: Which of the following can be correctly inferred from the statements above?
a. Individuals who do not consume enough typtophan can develop depressive tendencies
b. Individuals who consume tryptophan can metabolize enough serotonin and do not run the risk of
depression
c. Consumption of serotonin laced foods can help cure depression in some cases
d. Tryptophan is an effective agent that can help cure depression in some cases
Type 4. Application
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Application questions ask you to take information and conclusions in the passage and extrapolate them
to similar situations or ideas. The key to this question type is the ability to identify the crux of an
argument and see how it relates to a similar situation.
1. Mirroring: Select an action or idea not discussed in the text that most mirrors an action or idea
discussed in the text
2. Predicting: Make a prediction based upon the information in the passage
1. The author of the passage would be most likely to agree with which of the following?
2. Which of the following statements would provide the most logical continuation of the final
paragraph?
3. [an idea or action described in the passage] is most similar to which of the following?
Passage:
One may react to someone’s sarcastic comment with anger on one occasion but with amusement on
another depending on current emotional status. How responsive one is to another’s needs can vary
significantly if, for example, an employee has just been reprimanded by a superior or praised for
excellence in customer relations, or, if someone a professor perceives as an excellent student hands in
sub-standard work. Perceptions are different for one who just learned of the death of a favorite relative
or has been informed that they have won the lottery.
Q: Based on the passage, which statement about perceptions would the authors of the passage
most likely agree?
A. One who is both perceptive and emotionally reactive most likely lacks mental stability.
Solution:
One may react to someone’s sarcastic comment with anger on one occasion but with amusement on
another depending on current emotional status. How responsive one is to another’s needs can vary
significantly if, for example, an employee has just been reprimanded by a superior or praised for
excellence in customer relations, or, if someone a professor perceives as an excellent student hands in
sub-standard work. Perceptions are different for one who just learned of the death of a favorite relative
or has been informed that they have won the lottery.
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Q: Based on the passage, which statement about perceptions would the authors of the passage
most likely agree?
A. One who is both perceptive and emotionally reactive most likely lacks mental stability.
A fact is something known for certain to have happened, to be true, or to exist. An opinion, on the other
hand, is something believed to have happened, to be true, or to exist. The key difference between fact
and opinion lies in the difference between believing and knowing. Opinions may be based on facts, but
they are still what people think and believe, not what they know. Opinions are debatable; facts are not.
• A good test for whether something is fact or opinion is to ask two questions:
Task: My brother found a little puppy in the middle of the street today. He was shivering so my
brother wrapped him in a blanket. Mom said that we can not keep him because he belongs to another
family. He is the cutest puppy I have ever seen! I do not want to give him back.
Solution:
My brother found a little puppy in the middle of the street today. He was shivering so my brother
wrapped him in a blanket. Mom said that we can not keep him because he belongs to another family.
He is the cutest puppy I have ever seen! I do not want to give him back.
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Statement:
1. Standard of living among the middle class society is constantly going up since part of few years.
2. Indian Economy is observing remarkable growth.
Solution:
Statement:
i. Standard of living among the middle class society is constantly going up since part of few years.
ii. Indian Economy is observing remarkable growth.
Support Indicators:
Likewise In the same way Similarly And In the same way
And
Contrast Indicators:
But Despite this However On the other hand
Task
Allopathic treatment is symptomatic while Ayurveda treats an elemental level. First may be necessary
immediate relief. However, to cure the problem from the root the treatment at the elemental level is
must. Therefore, synergy of modern medical science and ancient Indian wisdom is in the interest of
humanity.
Solution
3. Conclusion
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Type6: Understanding Tone & Style
Tone questions ask you to identify the attitude or mood of a specific part of the passage or of the entire
passage. A common characteristic of this question type is answer choices that are marked by one to three word
phrases containing adjectives. Tone questions test your ability to recognize an attitude or disposition of the
author, which is signaled by the use of a handful of trigger words. Never base your guess about the author's
tone on a single word--this is not enough to define the tone of the entire passage.
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Now read the passage and answer the question:
Pea Protein is a complete protein with all essential amino acids and is particularly high in branched chain
amino acids as well as arginine, lysine and phenyalaline. It has a very well balanced essential amino acid
profile that fits the requirements set by the world health organization for adults. Branched chain amino acids
have been shown to keep the body in a state of muscle building all day long. This anabolic effect increases
strength gains while helping the body burn fat and improve lean tissue.The Key BCAA’s include leucine,
valine and isoleucine. Pea Protein is the best non-animal source of these powerful BCCAs and with its 98%
absorbency rate it rivals Whey Protein for its effects on metabolism and lean body tissue.
Process of Elimination
• Don't rush yourself. It is natural that you will start a little slowly and then build up speed as you gain
familiarity with the passage.
• Read all the questions first (if the exam format permits this). This will help you zero in on the relevant
portions when you start reading the passage.
Continued…
•Read actively. This means, try to anticipate the next sentence. Reading this way will help you engage with the
passage more closely.
•Make notes to capture the essence of each paragraph within the passage. The first sentence of the paragraph
usually conveys the main idea or theme of the paragraph.
Continued…
•Don't try to memorize anything. Memorizing consumes time and is not very useful.
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•Get the overview. After you have read the passage, ask yourself the following questions:
(2) How does each paragraph contribute to the broad message of the passage?
•Reading using ones eyes and getting details, as in, facts, figures, examples (Specific info.)
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