ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS

Student Hangouts

1
 Table of Contents

Module - 1 General Greeting

Module - 2 Polite Question/Request
Module - 3 Permission
Module - 4 Formal and Informal Greetings
Module - 5 How much and How many
Module - 6 Please, Thank you and you are welcome
Module - 7 Giving Compliments
Module - 8 Comprehension
Module - 9 Job Interview
Module - 10 Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Module - 11 Formal Letter

2
 Module -1
General Greeting

 Hello
 Good Morning
 Good Afternoon
 Good Evening
 It is nice to meet you.
 It is a pleasure to meet you.

Q. How are you?

Ans. I am fine/well/ok, thank you.
I am not so well.

Q. How is everything?
Ans: All is great.

Q. What is your name?

My name is Ganesh Lendve.

 Personal Information Questions

● How old are you?

I am 21 years old.

● How many members are there in your family?

There are five members in my family: my father, mother, a brother, sister and me.

● What is your address?

My address is at Jethliya Vihar Apartment, New Osmanpura, Aurangabad.

● What is your phone number?

My number is 0987654332.

● What is your email address?

My email address is abc@[Link].

● What is your marital status?

I am married.
I am single/ unmarried.

● What do you do?/ What is your job? What are you doing for living?
I am a teacher.
I am an electrician.
I am a student.
I am an accountant.

3
● What do you work?
I work as a teacher.
I work as an electrician.
I work as a clerk.

● What did you study?

I studied SSC/ Intermediate/ BA/[Link]

● What is your blood group?

My blood group is O positive.

● Where are you from?

I am from Aurangabad.

● Where do you come from?

I come from Pune.

● Where do you live?

I live in Dombivli.

● Where is your hometown?

I am in Aurangabad.

● When were you born?

I was born on 13 April 1999.

● When is your birthday?

My birthday is on 13rd April.

● When did you complete your education?

I completed my education in 2003.

● Are you married?

Yes, I am.
No, I am not.
No, I am single.

● Do you have any siblings?

I have a sister and a brother.

 General Questions

General questions are questions we ask to help us start a conversation or keep the conversation
going. Here are some common general questions:

● How was your job?

It went well.

4
● How often do you read books?
I sometimes read books.

● How many rooms are there in your house?

There are 5 rooms: a living room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.

● How do you go to work?

I walk to work.
I go to work by bike/train/bus/bicycle/auto.
I go to work on foot.

● What did you buy?

I bought some new clothes.
I bought a watch.

● What do you do today?

I learn English then go to home
I learn English then go to college.
I learn English then go to my work.

● What do you like your favourite sports?

My favourite sport is cricket.
My favourite sports are cricket and football.

● What are your hobbies?

I like to cook and swim.

● What time do you sleep?

I sleep at 10 or 11pm.

● What time do you usually sleep?

I usually sleep at 10 or 11pm.

● What time do you get up?

I get up at 6 or 7pm.

● What time do you usually get up?

I usually get up at 6 or 7 am.

● What is your dream job?

My dream job is a teacher/an engineer.

● What time do you start your work?

I start my work at 10am.

● What time do you finish your work?

I finish my work at 6pm.

5
● What does your father do?
My father is a businessman/an engineer.

● What type of food do you enjoy eating?

I enjoy eating Chinese food.

● What does he like to eat?

He likes chicken and mutton.

● What colour is the t-shirt?

It is blue.

● What did you have for breakfast this morning?

I had poha for breakfast.

● What time do you go to class?

I go to class at 9am.

● Where did you go?

I went shopping/movie with a friend.

● Where were you?

I was in Pune for the weekend.

● Where is your work?

I work in Dombivli.

● Where do you go?

I go to the office/class/home/shopping.

● Which time do you like a day?

In the morning.
In the afternoon.
In the evening.
At night.

● Who do you usually go with?

I often go with my family.
I sometimes go with my best friends.

● Why are you studying English?

Because of Job and communication written.

● Have you got a car?

Yes, I have got one car.

● Have you got an independent house?

No, I live in Flat.

6
 ● Have you got any children?
Yes, I have got three children (two boys and a daughter).
No, not yet/ I haven’t.

● Can you play tennis?

Yes, I can play tennis.
No, I play football.

● Can you speak English?

No, I can speak Hindi.
Yes I can.
Yes I can. But I am not fluent; I am learning to speak English.

● Can you eat anything?

Yes, I can.
No, I cannot.

● Do you enjoy spicy food?

Yes I do.
No, I don’t enjoy it.

● Do you like chocolate?

Yes, I do.

● Do you prefer black or white?

I prefer white.

● Is coffee good?
Yes, it’s good.
No, it’s not good.

 Yes/No Question

There are two main types of questions in English question that can be answered with a simple
Yes/no and question that requires a more detailed response.

Example:

1. Are you happy today?

Ans- Yes, I am.
No, I am not.

2. Did you have fun at the party?

Ans- Yes, I did.
No, I didn't.

7
3. Will you come to class tomorrow?
Ans- Yes, I will.
No, I will not.

Module - 2
Polite Question/Request

Modals are those words you learned in your English classes such as: would, could, may, might,
excuse me, etc.
It seems so simple but using a modal can change a direct, aggressive question into a polite request.
They soften your requests, questions and a command, which means you won’t sound rude or too
direct.

Example:

Impolite Polite

I want a coffee Would you get me a coffee, please?

Send me report Could you send me the report?

You are wrong. I think you might be mistaken.

Hey, where is the bathroom? Excuse me, could you tell me where the
bathroom is?

Who are you? May/ Could I ask/ have you name?

Can I borrow your pen? Could I borrow your pen?

Can I use your phone? I wonder if I might use your phone?

Come here Could you come here?

I hate the song. I am not very fond of the song.

I need a pencil. Would you lend me a pencil, please?

Move your car. Would you mind moving your car, please?

No No, thanks.

Repeat that. Could you repeat that, please?

Send me the picture. Could you send me the picture?

8
Sit down. Take/have a seat, please.

Tell me when you’re available. Let me know when you’re available.

Wait Can you hold, please?

What time is it? Excuse me, Could you tell me the time,
please?

Can I smoke here? Would you mind if I smoke here?

The report is awful. The report is not really up to standard.

Can I go now? May I take your leave?

Let’s go out Shall we go out?

Your work is not good. I am not quite satisfied with this work.

That is a bad idea. I am not sure that is a good idea.

Module – 3
Permission
 Asking Permission

We can use to ask for permission to do something:

 Can I ask you a question, please?

 Can we go home now?
 Can I borrow your pen for a minute?
 Can I speak to Vivek?
 Can I sit here?
 Can I go out, please?
 Can I write your assignment?

 Could is more formal and polite than can:

 Could I ask you a question, please?

 Could we go home now?
 Could I have a glass of water, please?
 Could I open the window?
 Could I use your mobile?
 could I have a look at your photo album, please?
 Could I use smoke here?

9
  May I another more formal and polite way of asking for permission:

 May I ask you a question, please?

 May we go home now?
 May I come in?
 May I use your computer?
 May I leave your office?

 Do you think I could + verb

 Do you think I could use your cell phone?

 Do you think I could borrow your car?

 Would it be possible for me + infinitive?

 Would it be possible for me to use your computer for a few minutes?

 Would it be possible for me to study in this room?

 Giving Permission

 Yes, please do.

 Sure, go right ahead.
 No problem.

 We use “can” to give permission:

 You can go home now.

 You can borrow my pen.

 May is more formal and polite way of giving permission:

 You may go home now.

 Refusing Permission

 No, please don’t.

 I am sorry, but that’s not possible

 We use “can’t” and “may not” to refuse permission:

 You can’t go home yet.

 Sorry, you can’t allow smoke here.
 You may not go out with your friend.

10
 Module – 4
Formal and Informal Greetings

Greetings are used to say hello in English. It is common to use different greetings depending on
whether you greet a friend, family or a business associate.
When you meet friends, use informal greetings. If it’s really important, use formal greetings. Formal
greetings are also used with people you don’t know very well.

 Starting/ Arriving Greetings:

Formal Informal

Hello Mary/sir/madam Hi!

Hello Hey!

Good day sir/madam How are you doing?

How are you? What’s up?

Good morning What’s new?

Good afternoon How is it going?

Good evening How are things?

What are you doing?

 Responses:

When someone says “How are you?” or “How is it going?”, you can respond to them.

Formal Informal
I am well/fine/great, thank you Fine, thanks.
I am doing great, thank you. All rights, thanks.

 Departing/Goodbye:

Formal Informal
Good Evening Nice seeing you
It was pleasure seeing you See you later
Goodbye Bye Bye
Good night ( Note: use after 8pm) Later

11
 Module -5
How much and How many

Whether to use how much or how many depends on whether the following noun is countable or
uncountable. In English, how much is often combined with non-countable qualities known as
abstractions. These are common words such as time, water and fun. Countable nouns are objects
that you can count, such as apples, telephones or cars.

 How much (Price or cost):

“How much” can also be used when we want to know the PRICE of something.
In this case, we can use ‘How Much' with countable nouns (both singular and plural nouns).

1. How much does the book cost?

2. How much do the toys cost?
3. How much is it?
4. How much are the apples?
5. How much does your jacket cost?

 How much (Quantity)

When asking for the quantity of any of these items, make sure to use how much:

 How much + Uncountable

1. How much cold drink did you drink?

2. How much time do you have to finish the test?
3. How much money did you spend?
4. How much sugar would you like in your coffee?
5. How much milk in the fridge?

❖ How many (Quantity)

“How many” is used when we want to know the Quantity of something?
It is only used with plural countable nouns.

How many + Plural Noun

1. How many days are there in January?

2. How many people work in your company?
3. How many cousins do you have?
4. How many books did you buy?
5. How many countries are there in the world?
6. How many students are in the class?
7. How many chairs are there in this room?

12
 Module – 6
Please, Thank you and you are welcome

Please, Thank you and you are welcome are perhaps the most common phrases in English. Use
Please to politely ask for something, Thank you or thanks when someone does something for you or
gives you something.
Finally, use you are welcome as a polite response when something thank you for something. Learn
the rules and alternate forms of these three important phrases in English.

❖ Please

Please for Requests

“Please” is used in order to make requests more polite. It added to the end of polite questions and
preceded by a comma.

Polite Question + , + please + ?

1. Could you give me a hand sanitizer, please?

2. May I use your telephone, please?
3. Can I join your table, please?
4. Can I borrow your bike, please?
5. Could you write my assignment, please?
6. Would you pass me the cream cheese, please?

Please can also be placed before the verb when asking a polite question:

1. Would you please help me with this project?

2. Could you please explain the grammar again?
3. Could you please give me your bike key?
4. Could you please turn your television down?
5. Can you please tell me your name once?

Please for Confirming Help

Please is also used to confirm an offer of help using the phrases yes, please.

Would you like to come with us?

Ans- Yes, please.

May I help you?

Ans- Yes, please. I’d like to know more about this month's sale.

13
 Please can be used when giving instructions to make the order more polite. This is usually done when
only one order (or instruction) is given and is used only in English spoken.

● Please sit down.

● Pay attention, please
● Please fill in this form.
● Please bring me a chair.
● Please give me a pen.
● Please give me a piece of cake.
● Please complete your homework.
● Please do not interrupt me when I am talking.
● Please forget what we talked about.

❖ Thank you:
Thank you is used when a compliment is given:

1. You are a fantastic tennis player!

Ans- Thank you.

2. I really enjoyed dinner. It tasted very good.

Ans- Thank you, I am glad you like it.

Thank You to Accept and Refuse Offer:

1. Would you like something to drink?

Ans- Thank you, I’d like a cola, please.

2. Do you want to join us at the concert tonight?

Ans- No thank you, I need to study!

3. Would you like tea?

Ans- No thank you.

Thank You Phrases and Expressions

There are many different ways to say thank you in English.

Thank you.
Thanks.
Thank you very much.
Thanks a lot.
Many thanks.
Thank you so much.
14
 Thanks a million your help.
I really appreciate your help.
You are so kind.
That is so kind of you.

 Use thank you when someone does something or gives you something:

Thank you so much for your help.

Thank you for helping me.
Thanks for your share.
Thank you for inviting me.
Thanks a lot for a nice gift.
Thank you for taking care of me.
Many Thanks for birthday wishes.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Thank you for encouragement and support.
Thank you for the food donation.

❖ You are Welcome:

The phrase you’re welcome is the most common response when someone thanks you for something.

Formal
Don’t mention it.
You are welcome.
Not at all.
My pleasure.
I am glad to have been of help.

Informal
No problem.
Sure.
Certainly.

Example:

1. Thank you
Ans- You are welcome.
No problem.
Not at all.

15
 Module – 7
Giving Compliments
Compliment is an expression of praise, congratulations or encouragement. Compliment is also good
wishes. You might want to compliment someone on what they did, how they look or what they have.
Look at the expression below that can be used when giving and responding to a compliment.

❖ Giving Compliments:
That is very nice of your dress.
Great job on your presentation.
You look very good in your hairstyle.
This dish is delicious, my compliment to the chef.
That tie looks great on you.

❖ Responding to compliment:
How kind of you to say so.
Thank you.
I am glad you like it.

❖ Compliments on the accomplishment/success:

Formal:
1. I would like to compliment you on your recent achievement.
⮚ Thank you for saying so, but it was the work of the whole team.

Informal:
1. The essay you wrote was superb. I would like to use it’s a model for other students.
⮚ Thank you. I’d be so honored.

❖ Compliment on possession:

Formal:
1. That is a nice T-shirt you are wearing.
⮚ I appreciate the compliment. It was a birthday present from one day of my classmates.

Informal:
1. Your new car looks terrific.
⮚ Thank you. It’s very economical.

16
❖ Compliment on appearance:

Formal:
1. I think your new hairstyle is lovely.
⮚ That is nice of you to say so. I love yours, too.

Informal:
1. I really like your blue eyes. They make you look like a movie star.
⮚ Thank you. That is a nice compliment.

❖ Compliment on skills:

Formal:
1. I have never heard any singer perform that song so beautifully.
⮚ Thank you. It is really nice to hear that from someone with your experience.

Informal:
1. The chicken was delicious.
⮚ Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed it.

❖ Learn the expression used for giving compliments to others. Practice by saying them loudly:
● Your performance on the stage is amazing.
● Great! / You look great / Great for you.
● Terrific!
● Fantastic!
● Good Job!
● Well done!
● Perfect!
● That’s great!
● Nice work!
● Excellent!
● Good grades!
● That looks awesome.

❖ Now, learn the expression used for responding to compliments.

● It is very kind of you to say so.
● Thank you.
● I am delighted to hear that.
● Thank you for your compliment.

17
 Module – 8
Comprehension

❖ Passage no. 1
Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse first appeared in the short film Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928. He was
created by Walt Disney and is the official mascot of the Walt Disney Company.

Mickey Mouse typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. He appears alongside
his girlfriend Minnie Mouse, his friends Donald Duck and Goofy, and his pet dog Pluto, among others.
Mickey has three fingers and one thumb on each hand.

'Mortimer Mouse' had been Disney's original name for the character before Lillian, his wife, suggested
that he be called 'Mickey Mouse' instead. A large part of Mickey's character is his famously shy voice.
From his first speaking role in 1929, Mickey was voiced by Walt Disney himself.

Answer the following question:

1. Which year did Mickey Mouse first appear in a short film?

Ans- Mickey Mouse first appeared in the short film on 18 November 1928.

2. What short film did Mickey Mouse first appear in?

Ans- Mickey Mouse first appeared in the short film Steamboat Willie.

3. What color are Mickey's shorts?

Ans- Mickey’s shorts are red.

4. Who created the voice of Mickey Mouse?

Ans- Walt Disney created the voice of Mickey Mouse.

5. Who is Mickey's girlfriend?

Ans- Mickey’s girlfriend is Minnie Mouse.

6. Write down two of Mickey's friends

Ans- Donald Duck and Goofy are two of Mickey’s friends.

7. Who came up with the name 'Mickey'?

Ans- His wife Lillin came up with the name ‘Mickey”.

8. What is the name of Mickey's dog?

Ans- Pluto is the name of Mickey’s dog.

18
 9. How many fingers does Mickey have on each hand?

Ans- He has three fingers and one thumb on each other.

❖ Passage no. 2
Steve’s Life
Steve was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1950. He moved to London with his parents when he was 5 years old.
Steve started school there and his father began work at the hospital. His mother was a housewife and
he had four brothers.

He lived in England for 2 years then moved to Amman, Jordan where he lived there for 10 years. Steve
then moved to Cyprus to study at the Mediterranean University. Unfortunately, he did not succeed and
returned to Jordan. His parents were very unhappy so he decided to try in America.

He applied to many colleges and universities in the States and finally got some acceptance offers from
them. He chose Wichita State University in Kansas. His major was Biomedical Engineering. He stayed
there for about six months and then he moved again to a very small town called Greensboro to study in
a small college.

Answer the following question:

1. When was Steve born?

Ans- He was born in 1950.

2. When did he move to Amman, Jordan?

Ans- He moved to Amman, Jordan in 1957.

3. How many brothers did he have?

Ans- He had 4 brothers.

4. Why did he move to America?

Ans- Because he applied to colleges and universities in America.

5. What was his major in Wichita State University?

Ans- His major was Biomedical Engineering in Wichita State University.

6. Where did he go after Wichita, Kansas?

Ans- He went to Greensboro after Wichita, Kansas.

19
 Module – 9

Job Interview

1. Tell me about yourself?

Ans: My name is Rasjog Singh. I live in Mumbai. I have done [Link] and [Link] with A+ grade in
Mumbai University. I have worked for 2 years as a financial consultant in Mumbai. I have 4 family
members including me and my elder brother. My father was working as a businessman and my mother
was a housewife.

Tips:
● Start with your name
● Give your place information
● Education in short
● Job experience if any
● Family detail in short.

2. What do you want to work at our company?

Ans: It is a great privilege for anyone to work in a company like yours. When I read about your company
I found that my skills are matching your requirements.

Tips:
● Tell them what you like about the company.
● Relate it to your long term career goals.

3. What type of position are you looking for?

Ans: I am interested in an entry level operations position.

4. What are your strengths?

Ans: I am honest, self motivated, initiative to work independently, good leadership skills and hard
working with a positive attitude towards my career and my life.

Tips:
● Hard working
● Honest
● Flexibility
● Fast decision making
● Self motivated
● Initiative to work independently

5. What is your Weakness?

Ans- I can’t say no when someone asks for help and I am a bit lazy about which I am not interested.

Tips:
● Impatient
● Sensitive
● More talkative
20
 ● Trust people very quickly
● I can’t say no when someone ask for help
● Gets nervous when talking to strangers.

6. Why should I hire you?

Ans- I am a fresher, I have knowledge but I can do hard work for my organization. And I will put all my
effort for the good progress of the organization. I can finish the work given to me on time and try my
best to fulfill all the needs of the company from me.

Tips:
● Share your knowledge
● Work experience
● Skills related to job
● Career goal

7. Tell me what you know about this company?

Ans: It is one of the fastest growing companies in India. The work environment of the company is very
good. It has many branches across India so I have a good opportunity to show my talent.

Tips:
● Study about company in details
● Do the background work about new projects
● Research about the company before interview

8. Why are you looking for a job change?

Ans- I am thankful to my previous company because I have learnt a lot of things from there. According
to me changes are necessary for everyone to improve your skills, knowledge and for personal growth.

Tips:
● Thanks to previous company
● Share your reason for job change
● Relate to career goals

9. What is your short term goal?

Ans: My short term goal is to get a job in a reputed company.

10. What is your long term goal?

Ans: My long term goal is to become a more responsible and knowledge person and in a respectable
position in that company.

21
 Module – 10
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Full Name:
Father Name:
Mother Name:
Date of Birth and Age:
Native Place:
Gender:
Marital Status:
Nationality:
Educational Qualification:
Work Experience:
Occupation:
Email address:
Mobile number:
Address:
Language Known:
Interest/Hobby:
Pin code:

22
 Module – 11
Formal Letter

______________________ (Sender’s
name)
___________________________________
___________________________________
______________ (Sender’s Address)

Date: ___________________________

To
The Manager/Director/HR
__________________ _______ (Name of the
company)
______________________________________
______________________________________
_______(Receiver address)

Subject: _____________________________________________________________________________

Salutation: Dear (name) or Respected Sir/Madam,

_________________-____
First paragraph: Introduction- ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Second paragraph: Body of the letter. These paragraphs should provide your information – research or
ideas of the problem-_________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Third Paragraph: This is a closing paragraph in which the sender expression his thankfulness toward the
reader for the kind consideration to business letter.___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Sincerely/Your Faithfully,
__________________ (Name of the sender)
__________________ (Signature of the sender)

23