ENGLISH NOTES
1. What is skimming and when is it useful?
Answer:
Skimming is a reading strategy in which a reader quickly reads a text to get the
general idea or main theme. It is useful when the reader wants an overview
without reading every detail, such as headlines or introductions.
2. Define scanning in reading.
Answer:
Scanning is a reading technique used to find specific information like names,
dates, numbers, or keywords without reading the whole text.
3. What is the purpose of intensive reading?
Answer:
The purpose of intensive reading is to understand a text deeply and accurately
by reading it carefully. It is used when detailed comprehension of every word
and idea is required.
4. How does critical reading differ from other reading strategies?
Answer:
Critical reading involves analyzing and evaluating a text by examining the
author’s purpose, tone, and arguments. Unlike skimming or scanning, it requires
deeper thinking and judgment.
5. What is the importance of note-taking while reading?
Answer:
Note-taking helps in remembering important points, organizing ideas, and
improving understanding. It increases comprehension and helps in revision.
Paragraph Types
6. What are the key characteristics of a narrative paragraph?
Answer:
A narrative paragraph tells a story or event. It includes characters, setting, and
events arranged in a chronological order.
7. How does a descriptive paragraph differ from a narrative paragraph?
Answer:
A descriptive paragraph focuses on sensory details to describe a person, place,
or object, while a narrative paragraph tells a story or sequence of events.
8. Define an argumentative paragraph.
Answer:
An argumentative paragraph presents an opinion or claim and supports it with
facts, evidence, and logical reasoning, often addressing opposing views.
9. What is the primary purpose of an expository paragraph?
Answer:
The purpose of an expository paragraph is to explain or inform the reader by
presenting clear and factual information about a topic.
Comprehension & Analysis
10. What is the difference between comprehension and analysis?
Answer:
Comprehension means understanding the basic meaning of a text, while
analysis involves examining the structure, tone, and deeper meaning of the text.
11. How can you identify the main idea of a text?
Answer:
The main idea can be identified by finding the central message of the text,
usually stated in the introduction or conclusion and supported by details.
12. What role does analysis play in understanding a text?
Answer:
Analysis helps readers understand the author’s purpose, arguments, and hidden
meanings, leading to a deeper and clearer understanding of the text.
Memo Writing
13. What is the purpose of a memo?
Answer:
The purpose of a memo is to communicate information internally within an
organization in a clear, concise, and formal way.
14. What are the key sections of a memo?
Answer:
A memo includes To, From, Date, Subject, followed by the body which explains
the message clearly.
15. What tone should be used in memo writing?
Answer:
The tone of a memo should be professional, direct, and concise, avoiding
personal or informal language.
Specific & General Information
16. What is the difference between skimming and scanning?
Answer:
Skimming is used to get the general idea of a text, while scanning is used to find
specific details such as names or dates.
17. When would you use scanning in reading?
Answer:
Scanning is used when searching for specific information, such as a phone
number in a contact list or a date in a document.
18. How can context clues help in finding information?
Answer:
Context clues help by using surrounding words or sentences to understand the
meaning of unfamiliar words or information.
Phrase & Clause
19. What is a phrase? Give an example.
Answer:
A phrase is a group of words that does not contain both a subject and a verb.
Example: In the morning.
20. Define a clause and differentiate between independent and dependent
clauses.
Answer:
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
An independent clause can stand alone, while a dependent clause cannot.
Example: She went home (independent), because she was tired (dependent).
21. What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?
Answer:
A phrase does not have a subject and verb, while a clause has both a subject
and a verb and can form part of a sentence.
Fossilized Errors
22. What are fossilized errors in language use?
Answer:
Fossilized errors are repeated language mistakes that become habitual and
continue even after correction.
23. How can fossilized errors be identified in writing?
Answer:
They can be identified by noticing repeated grammar or sentence structure
mistakes that occur frequently in writing.
24. What are some common types of fossilized errors?
Answer:
Common fossilized errors include verb tense mistakes, subject-verb agreement
errors, wrong prepositions, and article misuse.
Long Question
Reading Strategies
Introduction
Reading strategies are techniques that help readers understand a text effectively and efficiently
according to their purpose.
Types of Reading Strategies
1. Skimming
Skimming is used to get the general idea of a text by reading headings and first or last
sentences.
2. Scanning
Scanning is used to find specific information such as names, dates, or numbers.
3. Intensive Reading
Intensive reading means reading carefully and in detail to understand every word and idea.
4. Critical Reading
Critical reading involves analyzing and evaluating a text by examining the writer’s purpose,
tone, and arguments.
Conclusion
Different reading strategies help readers save time and improve comprehension based on their
reading goals.
🔴 LONG QUESTION 5
Find Specific and General Information Quickly
Introduction
Finding specific and general information quickly is an important reading skill that helps readers
understand texts efficiently.
General Information
General information gives the main idea or overall message of a text.
Example: Recycling helps protect the environment.
Specific Information
Specific information provides exact facts and details such as names, dates, and figures.
Example: Recycling aluminium saves 95% energy.
Techniques Used
Skimming is used to find general information.
Scanning is used to locate specific information.
Context clues help in understanding unfamiliar words.
Conclusion
By using skimming, scanning, and context clues, readers can quickly find both general and
specific information.
🔴 LONG QUESTION 6
Phrase and Clause
Introduction
Phrases and clauses are groups of words used to form sentences, but they differ in structure and
meaning.
Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that does not contain both a subject and a verb and cannot
express a complete idea.
Example: In the morning.
Clause
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
Independent Clause:
Can stand alone as a sentence.
Example: She went home.
Dependent Clause:
Cannot stand alone and depends on an independent clause.
Example: Because she was tired.
Difference
A phrase lacks a subject and verb, while a clause contains both.
Conclusion
Understanding phrases and clauses helps in writing correct and meaningful sentences.
🔴 LONG QUESTION 7 (MOST
IMPORTANT)
Identification and Rectification of Fossilized Errors
Introduction
Fossilized errors are repeated grammatical mistakes that become habits and continue even
after correction.
Causes of Fossilized Errors
Influence of first language
Lack of grammar knowledge
Frequent repetition of mistakes
Lack of proper correction
Limited exposure to correct English
Common Types (with examples)
1. Verb Tense Errors
❌ He has went home.
✅ He has gone home.
2. Subject-Verb Agreement
❌ She don’t like tea.
✅ She doesn’t like tea.
3. Article Errors
❌ I saw elephant.
✅ I saw an elephant.
4. Preposition Errors
❌ Married with
✅ Married to
Rectification of Fossilized Errors
Learning grammar rules
Regular practice
Getting feedback
Reading correct English
Rewriting corrected sentences
Conclusion
By identifying and correcting fossilized errors, learners can improve their accuracy and fluency
in English.