Sem 6

 

SEMESTER 6
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND LIFE SKILLS

Q2 A Group Discussion. Page 50- 52- Textbook -Aspiration 

Suggested topics for discussion:

1. Will a day come when the world would rid itself of all divisions of castes, religions and races and a person will be considered as just a human being without any artificial labels to identify him/her?

2. As an extreme sense of individualism and materialism has become the core aspect of life these days, any sort of human relationship is relegated to the background.

3. Celebrity endorsement of products - good or bad? Prepare a group discussion.

4. Which one is better, work from home or regular job? Prepare a group discussion.

5. Education skills, creativity. Do you agree? Prepare a group discussion.

6. Draft a group discussion on the topic: climate change.

7. Draft a  group discussion on: Role of sports in education

General Starters and Phrases for Group Discussions

• “To begin with, I would like to highlight that…”

• “One important point to consider is…”

• “Building on what my colleague has said…”

• “Another perspective worth discussing is…”

• “It is essential to understand that…”

• “In my opinion, the key factor here is…”

• “I agree with the previous speaker, and would like to add…”

• “To summarize my points…”

• “Looking at the issue from a broader angle…”

• “Let us not forget that…”

• “It would be interesting to explore…”

• “On the contrary, some might argue that…”

• “The evidence clearly suggests that…”

• “Considering all these points, it becomes clear that…”

Here are some activities to practise interview skills.

1. Imagine that you are being interviewed for the post of a sales executive and that you are asked to talk about your strengths and weaknesses as a person. Write down what you will say in a short paragraph of six sentences.

2. You have applied for a bank loan to study abroad and have been asked to attend an interview. Think of five questions that you could be asked and write them down along with your possible responses. Enact the interview with a partner. 

3. Draft an Interview of minimum 10 questions and their responses on the following situation: 

i) A job interview for the post of a Drawing Teacher in a school

ii) A famous film star’s media interview for a radio channel.

iii) Draft an interview conversation between the employers and a candidate for the post of a manager in a bank.

iv) Make a list of 10 questions which can be asked to a candidate during an interview for the post of a receptionist. Also draft relevant responses in the dialogue form.

Format 

Interviewer: Mr. Raj Gupta, Mr. Sunil Shah and Ms. Neerja Patel

Interviewee: Mr. Gautam Sehgal 

Situation : ( interview for the post of a sales executive) or (Interview for the bank loan application to study abroad)

Time : 10 AM in the morning

Venue: The Interview room near the multimedia hall

Knock knock 

Interviewee: May I come in?

Interviewer: Yes please.

                    : Please sit down.

Interviewee: Good morning! Thank you. I am happy to meet you all. 

Interviewer: Good morning!  Can you tell us about yourself?

Interviewee: Sure. I am hard-working and I learn quickly. I work well alone and with others. I like to solve problems and stay positive.

Interviewer: Tell us about your family.

Interviewee: …

Interviewer: Tell us in brief about your educational qualification.

Interviewee: …

Interviewer: What are your best qualities?

Interviewee: I am good at talking with people, managing my time, and staying calm when I am busy.

Interviewer: What is one thing you want to get better at?

Interviewee: Sometimes, I spend too much time on small details. I am learning to focus on what is most important.

Interviewer: Why do you want this job / loan?

Interviewee: This chance will help me learn new skills and reach my goals.

Interviewer: How do you stay calm when work is hard?

Interviewee: I plan my work carefully and take small breaks. Talking with others also helps me.

Interviewer: Tell me about a problem you solved.

Interviewee: Once, we had little time for a big project. I helped my team work together and finish on time.

Interviewer: Where do you want to be in five years?

Interviewee: I want to have a good job and keep learning new things.

Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me?

Interviewee: Yes, I want to know about the team and what the job will focus on first.

Answer specifically to 1st question :

As someone who values growth, I believe my strengths lie in strong communication skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards challenges. I am able to work well in a team as well as independently, and I approach my tasks with diligence and responsibility. One area I continuously strive to improve is my tendency to focus on details, occasionally spending extra time on perfection, which I am learning to balance through better prioritisation. I am also working on managing stress effectively during peak workload times. Overall, I am committed to personal development and contributing meaningfully to my role or organisation. I welcome feedback as a way to learn and overcome my limitations.

Answer specifically to 2nd question :

Q1: What is your motivation for studying abroad?  

A: My motivation is to gain global exposure, develop specialised skills in my field, and enhance my career opportunities with an international perspective.

Q2: How do you plan to manage expenses during your studies?  

A: I have prepared a detailed budget and plan to supplement my expenses through scholarships and part-time work allowed under my student visa.

Q3: Why did you choose this particular university/program?  

A: I chose this university for its reputation, faculty expertise, and alignment with my career goals, ensuring optimal learning outcomes.

Q4: What are your long-term career plans after finishing your course?  

A: After graduating, I aim to apply my skills in India’s growing sector, contributing to business development and innovation, and giving back through mentorship.

Q5: How will you ensure repayment of the loan?  

A: I am confident that my advanced qualifications will help me secure a stable job after graduation, making loan repayment feasible as per the agreed schedule.

Q2 B. Resume writing 

1. Prepare a resume or a CV for the post of a marketing manager. Write a cover letter matching the CV or resume.
2. Draft a CV for an older relative or friend, who is employed.
3. Draft a resume for the post office sales manager in a textile company.
4. Draft a resume for the post of a Secondary school Teacher in mathematics
5. Prepare the person, CV and also include a cover letter on the below give list;
1. Browse the internet for the biographical details of a leading cardiac surgeon, 
2. the CEO of an engineering company and 
3.  a media personality.
4. Production manager in an organisation
5. Royal Finances, Ahmedabad, have advertised for the post of Finance Manager. Draft a detailed resume to be sent for the post.
6. Draft resume for the post of a software developer.

Q2 C. Telephonic Conversation and Presentation 

Format for Group Discussion

Questions:

1. Draft a telephonic dialogue between a customer and a sales executive. The customer is unhappy about the service offered and the sales executive is trying to find a solution to the problem..
2. Work in pairs to choose a topic for presentation. Next, research the topic and prepare content for an informative and interesting presentation. Organise your content using PPT slides. Use pictures, videos or other aids as required. Now your team of two is required to take turns and make an oral presentation on the above topic before the entire class. Your presentation should include 10 minutes of presentation time and 5 minutes for questions from the audience. Plan your presentation accordingly.
3. Each of you will have to submit a written feedback in around 100 to 150 words on the presentations made by any two teams in your class, other than your own team. Use the following criteria to rate their presentations: quality of content, appropriateness of content, quality of PPT, voice quality, body language (posture, gestures and facial expressions), fluency in speaking, clarity of explanations, creating interest among the audience, time management, handling audience questions, overall value and effect of the presentation. Also, add your suggestions about how they can improve their presentation skills.
4. Drafts a conversation between Miss Sharma, the G.S. of a college and Mr. Pandya, the principal, where they are discussing the arrangements of Annual Cultural Programme of the college.

Q2 C. Presentation 

1. Prepare a PPT presentation on your new electronic product launching.
2. Create a PowerPoint presentation on water conservation as an environment mentalist of an NGO by preparing minimum five slides with explanation of each slide.
3. As a yoga instructor, prepare a PowerPoint presentation in minimum five slides on the role and importance of Yoga in one’s life. Give explanation of each slide.
4. Prepare a presentation of seven slides on-  the use of AI tools in education.
5. Write a presentation with slides on the following: The role of artificial intelligence in business transformation.

Sem 4 Model Paper English Language and Proficiency

 

AEC - ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND LIFE SKILLS

Q1. Choose the correct option. ( (10 marks)

1. What was written on the arch of an old board with new paint?
1. Postmaster 
2. Post office
3. Post letters 
4. New building 
2. What does the idiom “cost an arm and a leg“ mean?
1. It’s very easy
2. Agree with someone
3. Is very expensive
4. Solve two problems at once
3. What does the word immigration mean?
1. Height
2. Having a similar meaning to
3. Moving to another country
4. A break in a journey
4. How many sheeps did Ilyas own by the time he was 35?
1. 1200
2. 1000
3. Three
4. 900
5. Why did Ali go to the post office everyday?
1. He was waiting for his daughters’ letter
2. He wanted to visit the building 
3. He liked walking 
4. He worked in the post office
6. Why did the narrator need the medical form?
1. She wanted a visa to go to Australia 
2. She wanted to pursue her masters
3. Both A and B
4. None of the above
7. Name the writer who is also known as ‘Dhumaketu’?
1. Gowri Shankar Govardhandas Joshi
2. Sudha Murthy
3. Rutangye Crystal Butungi
4. Leo Tolstoy 
8. What does the phrasal verb “spring up“ mean?
1. Appear quickly
2. Start suddenly
3. Take care of
4. Go past
9. How did the African-American custom officer know about India?
1. Through his friends
2. By reading, lots of article articles related to Indian culture
3. Through Indian restaurants
4. He visited India 
10. Where did the narrator see corruption?
1. At the post office 
2. At the clinic
3. At the airport 
4. At the bank
11. How many gold coins did Ali give to Laxmidas?
1. 10
2. 15
3. 5
4. 7
12. What was the name of the thin-lipped girl whom Mr. Muhangazima wanted the narrator to be friends with?
1. Lizzy 
2. Daisy
3. Noor
4. Sera

Q2. A. Answer in brief (Any Two) (4 marks)

1. What do you consider to be the right approach to understanding the worth of an individual?
2. How are employees supposed to spend their time in an office? How do organisations make it possible for employees to want to do their job well?
3. Are you similar with any other culture? What are some of the values, practices or events associated with them?
4. What are some of the qualities of Ilyas as an employer as depicted in the story?

Q2. B. Expand the idea in maximum 75 words. (Any one) (4 marks)

1. Strangers, only what he knows
2. If you want people to understand you, speak their language.

Q2. C. Attempt Case study or Real life experience in a paragraph not more than 150 words. (Any one) (7 marks)

1. Write about an employee who did not treat his or her customer well on account of the latter’ old age. The workplace may be any context, not necessarily government offices.
2. Write about how your mother and father try to balance their lives and responsibilities with their own dreams and wishes. What do you think would really make them happy and why?

Long question answer 

1. Self esteem skills - Legal Alien by Rutangye Crystal Butungi

This question is taken from the section  self-esteem skills.  The story connecting self-esteem skills is “Legal Alien” by  Rutangye Crystal Butungi. The skills required are  self awareness, self acceptance, self responsibility, self assertiveness, and resilience.

The protagonist, Wamma experiences a profound inferiority complex, triggered by her return to Uganda after living in Australia. For the individual, this false understanding of worth is deeply unhealthy. The protagonist feels alienated and ashamed when she cannot converse with a clinic receptionist in her tribal tongue. Academically, this is viewed as a "barrier" that prevents authentic connection. Constant feelings of inadequacy lead to chronic stress and social withdrawal, as seen when she wishes to hide from her classmates who laugh at her accent. This self-doubt prevents her from feeling "whole," trapping her between two cultures where she belongs to neither.

Impact on the Organisation:

In an organisational or school setting, this mindset is equally damaging:
Reduced Participation: An employee or student feeling inferior, like the narrator, avoids taking on new tasks or asking questions due to fear of embarrassment.
Loss of Talent: When individuals feel "socially and emotionally othered," their confidence erodes. This can lead to high turnover intentions, as people who do not feel they "fit" the organization’s culture are less likely to stay and contribute their unique skills.

Stifled Innovation: A culture where members feel like "aliens" prevents the diverse exchange of ideas necessary for growth.
The significant element in the story is the close connection between mother, tongue and personal identity, that is self-esteem. The story brings out the importance of learning and understanding and using one’s mother-tongue for the cultivation of positive self-esteem in individuals, which will go long way enhancing peoples workplace awareness. 

2. Customer relations skills - The Letter by Gaurishankar Govardhandas Joshi - Dhumaketu

This question is taken from the section customer relation skills. The story that connects with customer relationship skills, the letter by Gouri Shankar Govardhan Das Joshi, who used to write under the pen name Dhumaketu. The skills connected with customer relationship management are adaptability, problem-solving, effective communication, active, listening, and empathy.

Employees in government and private sectors are obligated to fulfill their duties in order to achieve organisational goals as well as provide services to the citizens of a country and other clients. 

In Joshi's story, the postmaster and the postmen are paid government servants but the way in which they behave in the post office cannot be appreciated by anyone. They ridicule an old man who misses his daughter (she's gotten married and moved away) for coming to the post office every day for five years in anticipation of a letter from her. The lonely father is interested in knowing about the welfare of his daughter and more importantly in feeling connected with his daughter through the letter. However, the office staff, including the postmaster, have no empathy or sympathy for this man simply because they don't believe he is important enough.

When the postmaster is anxiously waiting for a letter from his daughter to know about her well-being, he understands the heart of a father who has been waiting for five years to hear from his own child. By then, the old man dies. It is a matter of speculation whether the kind words of the staff could have enabled the old man to have lived longer. It is true that kind words cost nothing, especially while performing jobs with and for people who need some sense of connectivity with the world. The letter is not a piece of paper but a heart which throbs with life in kinship with others. A job done for the sake of salary is not going to help people live their life meaningfully. 

Kindness and empathetic understanding are the primary qualities needed for employees and people in general today. Understanding and treating your customers properly and with respect, regardless of their social or economic status, is a must for any one being employed today, especially in service industries.

3. Cross cultural communication skills - Changing Indian by Sudha Murty

This question is taken from the section cross cultural communication skills. The content that connects cross cultural communication skills is an autobiographical text, Changing India by Sudha Murthy. The skills connected with cross-cultural communication skills are cultural awareness, active, listening, adaptability, empathy, non-verbal communication, and emotional intelligence.

When different cultures come in contact, there is bound to be some kind of conflict between them. This conflict arises mainly from the different perceptions and stereotyping of a particular cultural group by another. The narrator in this personal story is the well-known Indian personality Sudha Murty, chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She gives two contrasting accounts of her visits to the US, one in 1979 and another in 2009. 

Her first visit to the US was bitter and unpleasant not only because of her long, roundabout flight, but also because of the strict stamp procedures and the tough and culturally insensitive questions she was asked by the immigration officer Ignorance of the culture of another country leads the officer to ask absurd questions about India. The image of India as being a land of snake charmers, maharajas and elephants was created during the colonial period and this continued perception of India in 1979 was naturally a shock for Sudha Murty who was trained as an engineer and worked as the first woman engineer with the Tata Company in Pune.

This critical situation of a failure to communicate due to cultural differences can be bridged by an active interest in another culture as exemplified by the African American in Sudha Murty's second account of her experience at Miami airport Unlike the two immigration officers in the first account, the African American visits Indian restaurants, eats good food there, enjoys watching Hindi movies, hums Hindi songs, and even appreciates Kajol as talented artist. Unlike the documentary referred to by the second officer in the first account, good movies can certainly throw light on another culture, especially if the culture is quite different from one's own.

Similar cultural gaps exist between people from different language groups in our own country, but information and communication technologies such as television, the Internet, Whatsapp, etc., have recently helped people understand each other better. As Sudha Murty points out, it is the responsibility of each culture to communicate itself to others in terms of political, social, economic and technological and advancements to facilitate a better perception of that culture.

4. Holistic and Visionary skills - Ilyas by Leo Tolstoy

This question is taken from the section, holistic and visionary skills. The story that connects holistic and missionary skills is “Ilyas," Leo Tolstoy.  The skill connected with holistic and visionary skills are creativity, social and emotional development, statistics, thinking, positive mindset, and innovation.
The short story is a parable about wealth, humility, and true happiness. The title character, Ilyas, is a wealthy Bashkir farmer known throughout the region for his large flocks and prosperity. However, he and his wife, Sham-Shemagi, become arrogant and miserly, valuing their possessions over all else and neglecting hospitality. 
The story highlights the visionary skill of planning for future prosperity, as Ilyas works hard over decades to build his fortune. Yet, his narrow focus on material wealth represents a lack of holistic skill—the inability to see that true fulfilment extends beyond money to family, community, and inner peace. 
A series of misfortunes—a cattle plague, bad harvests, and the theft of his horses—leads to the "assent of Ilyas" (his fall from wealth). He loses everything and is forced to become a hired servant to a neighbour. It is only in this state of poverty that Ilyas and his wife find genuine contentment. 
The narrative suggests that a truly holistic approach to life requires balancing material pursuits with spiritual well-being and strong relationships. The story concludes that lasting happiness is found not in accumulating possessions, but in a simple life of work, mutual love, and piety.

SEM 4 BKS NOTES

 

Notes with Audio 

Audio by Cadet Sejal Mishra

☆ Six Treasures:-

1. Shama (Inner Tranquility of mind)

2. Dama (Alignment between mind and senses)

3. Uparati (Interest to do work)

4. Titiksha (Forbearance)

5. Vairagya (Detachment)

6. Viveka (Conscience)

A) Six Treasures (Shat-Sampatti)

1. Shama (Inner Tranquility of Mind)

• Control over thoughts and emotions, leading to inner peace.

2. Dama (Alignment Between Mind and Senses)

• Controlling the senses to prevent distractions and maintain focus.

3. Uparati (Detachment from Distractions)

• Avoiding unnecessary worldly involvement to concentrate on duties.

4. Titksha (Forbearance)

• The ability to tolerate difficulties without frustration or complaints.

5. Vairagya (Detachment from Material Desires)

• Not being overly attached to material pleasures or possessions.

6. Viveka (Conscience or Discrimination)

• The wisdom to differentiate between right and wrong.

  ☆ Six Enemies :-

1. Kama (Desire / Lust)

2. Krodha (Anger)

3. Lobha (Greed)

4. Moha (Attachment)

5. Mada (Ego)

6. Matsarya (Jealousy)

Six Enemies (Shadripu - Internal Weaknesses)

1. Kama (Desire / Lust)

• Excessive longing for material or sensual pleasures.

2. Krodha (Anger)

• Uncontrolled anger leading to destruction and negativity.

3. Lobha (Greed)

• The never-ending craving for wealth and possessions.

4. Moha (Attachment)

• Excessive attachment that clouds judgment and wisdom.

5. Mada (Ego or Arrogance)

• Overconfidence and pride that lead to downfall.

6. Matsarya (Jealousy)

• Feeling envious of others’ success or possessions.

☆ Chief characteristics features of Dharma and eight major types:

Characteristics of Dharma:

_______________________

1. Dhruti (Patience)

2. Kshama (Forgiveness)

3. Dama (Self-control)

4. Asteya (Honesty)

5. Shaucha (Sanctity)

6. Indriyanigraha (Control of Senses)

7. Dhi (Reason)

8. Vidya (Knowledge or Learning)

9. Satyam (Truth)

10. Akrodh (Void of Anger)

Chief Characteristics of Dharma

___________________________

1. Dhruti (Patience)

• The ability to remain calm and composed in tough situations.

2. Kshama (Forgiveness)

• Letting go of grudges and being compassionate towards others.

3. Dama (Self-Control)

• Controlling desires and emotions to stay disciplined.

4. Asteya (Honesty and Non-Stealing)

• Not taking what does not belong to oneself, living truthfully.

5. Shaucha (Sanctity and Cleanliness)

• Maintaining purity in thoughts, speech, and actions.

6. Indriyanigraha (Control of Senses)

• Mastery over senses to prevent distractions and temptations.

7. Dhi (Reason and Intelligence)

• Using wisdom and intellect to make the right decisions.

8. Vidya (knowledge or learning)

• Knowledge or wisdom that liberates. It encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also spiritual insight.

9. Satyam (truth) 

• Truthfulness or authenticity. It involves being honest with oneself and others, and aligning one's words and actions with reality.

10. Akrodh (void of anger)

•  Freedom from anger or non-irritability. It represents emotional balance, patience, and the ability to manage one's emotions.

☆ Types of Dharma:

1. Swadharma (Duty to Self)

2. Parivarik Dharma (Duty of Family)

3. Samaj Dharma (Duty for Society)

4. Rashtra Dharma (Duty for the State)

5. Samsthi Dharma (Duty for Community)

6. Yuga Dharma (Duty for Contemporary Time)

7. Apad Dharma (Duty at the Time of Adversity)

8. Rutam (Duty to Natural Order)

Types of Dharma

_________________

1. Swadharma (Duty to Self)

• Duty to oneself; following one's inherent nature, values, and principles.

2. Parivarik Dharma (Duty of Family)

• Duty towards family; fulfilling responsibilities and obligations towards loved ones.

3. Samaj Dharma (Duty for Society)

• Duty towards society; contributing to the well-being and harmony of the community.

4. Rashtra Dharma (Duty for the State)

• Duty towards the nation; upholding national values, laws, and interests.

5. Samsthi Dharma (Duty for the Community)

• Duty towards the community; working for the collective good and prosperity.

6. Yuga Dharma (Duty for Contemporary Time)

• Duty according to the era; adapting to changing times and circumstances while upholding eternal values.

7. Apad Dharma (Duty at the Time of Adversity)

• Duty during adversity; responding to crises and challenges with courage, resilience, and wisdom.

8. Rutam (Duty to Natural Order)

• Duty to the natural order; living in harmony with nature, respecting its laws, and preserving the balance of the ecosystem.

SLOKA 1.

❖ नार्यभिः को न संस्कारः सिंहस्य क्रियते वने।

विक्रमाजितराजस्य स्वयमेव मृगेन्द्रता॥

• No baptism or ritual is performed for a lion in the forest After conquering the kingdom by his prowess he himself became a lion.

❖ विद्या विवादाय धनं मदाय शक्तिः परेषां परिपीडनाय।

खलस्य साधोः विपरीतमेतद् ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय॥

• Knowledge is for quarreling, wealth for intoxication, and power for oppressing others. This is the opposite of the wicked and the saint, for knowledge, for charity and for protection.

❖ अतितृष्णा न कर्तव्या तृष्णा नैव परित्यजेत।

शनैः शनैः शोचको भुक्त्वा स्वयं विनष्टीमृजित॥

• One should not become excessively thirsty nor should one give up thirst One should gradually enjoy the wealth earned by oneself.

❖ साहित्य-संगीत-कला-विहीनः साक्षात्पशुः पुच्छविषाणहीनः।

तृणं न खादन्नपि जीवमानः तद्भागधेयं परमं पशूनाम्॥

• Without literature, music and art, he is like an animal without a tail or horn. Even if he lives without eating grass, his share is the supreme animal food.

❖ सुखस्य मूलं धर्मः। धर्मस्य मूलं अर्थः।

अर्थस्य मूलं राज्यं। राजस्य मूलं इन्द्रिय-निग्रहः।

इन्द्रिय-निग्रहस्य मूलं विनयः। विनयस्य मूलं वृद्धोपसेवा॥

वृद्धोपसेवया विज्ञानं। विज्ञानेन आत्मनं जियत।

संपदितात्मा जितात्मा भवति। जितात्मा सर्वार्थं संयुज्यते॥

• The root of happiness is religion. The root of religion is meaning. The root of wealth is the kingdom, and the root of the kingdom is conquest of the senses. The root of conquest of the senses is humility. The root of humility is to serve the elderly. By serving the elderly, one should acquire knowledge and knowledge. The acquired soul becomes the conquered soul. The conquered soul should be united with all meanings.