Communicative English For Engineers & Professionals

317 Pages·2010·2.573 MB·English

by  Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

Communicative
English for
Engineers and
Professionals

Communicative
English for
Engineers and
Professionals
Nitin Bhatnagar
Maharishi Markandya University
Ambala, Haryana
Mamta Bhatnagar
Maharishi Markandya University
Ambala, Haryana
Longman
is an imprint of
Associate Production Editor: Jennifer Sargunar
Composition: Mukesh Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Pondicherry
Printer:
Copyright © 2010 Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd
Th is book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold,
hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or
cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being
imposed on the subsequent purchaser and without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the
prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.
ISBN: 978-81-317-3204-5
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Published by Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd, licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia.
Head Offi ce: 7th Floor, Knowledge Boulevard, A-8(A), Sector 62, Noida 201 309, UP, India.
Registered Offi ce: 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 110 017, India.
Contents
Preface x
About the Authors xii
1 Eff ective Communication 1
1.1 What do We Mean by Communication? 1
1.2 Process of Communication 1
1.2.1 Communication Cycle 2
1.3 Channels and Media of Communication 3
1.4 Barriers to Communication 4
1.5 Learning Strategies for Eff ective Communication 5
1.5.1 Listening 6
1.5.2 Th inking 8
1.5.3 Vocabulary Building 8
1.5.4 Speaking 9
1.5.5 Reading 13
1.5.6 Writing 13
1.5.7 Grammar 14
1.5.8 Body Language 15
2 Use of Technology in Developing Communication Skills 18
2.1 Introduction 18
2.2 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) 19
2.2.1 Self-learning Th rough the Use of Technology 19
2.2.2 Integrated Group Learning Using a Multimedia Language Laboratory 20
2.3 Eff ectiveness of CALL for Developing English Language Skills 22
2.4 Use of Internet 23
3 Word Elements 25
3.1 Introduction 25
3.2 Roots/Base: Th e Core of a Word 25
3.3 Affi xes 32
3.3.1 Prefi x: Th e Frontal Element 32
3.3.2 Suffi x: Th e Tail to Modify Meaning 36
4 Vocabulary Building 42
4.1 Introduction 42
4.2 Synonyms 43
4.3 Antonyms 47
4.4 Homophones 51
4.5 Homonyms 70
4.6 Words Oft en Confused 81
4.7 One Word Substitution 94
4.8 Idioms and Phrasal Verbs 101
4.8.1 Some Commonly Used Idioms 101
vi CONTENTS
4.8.2 Phrasal Verbs 106
4.8.3 Some Common Phrasal Verbs 106
4.9 Technical Terms 110
4.9.1 Some Commonly Used Technical Terms 110
4.9.2 Foreign Expressions 115
4.9.3 Group Names 116
4.9.4 Th e ‘Logies’ of Day-to-day Use 117
5 Speaking Skills 118
5.1 Introduction 118
5.2 IPA Symbols of ‘Received Pronunciation’ 119
5.2.1 ‘Received’ or ‘Accepted Pronunciation’ 119
5.2.2 IPA Symbols 120
5.3 Phonetic Transcription Using IPA Characters 125
5.3.1 What is Phonetic Transcription? 125
5.3.2 Purpose of Transcription 126
5.3.3 Guiding Principles for Correct Pronunciation/Transcription 126
5.4 IPA Transcription of Words Oft en Mispronounced 130
5.5 Word Stress 132
5.5.1 What is a Syllable? 132
5.5.2 What is Word Stress? 133
5.5.3 Ascertaining Word Stress Using Parts of Speech 133
5.5.4 Word Stress Related to Prefi xes 134
5.5.5 Word Stress in Compound Words 134
5.5.6 Word Stress Related to Suffi xes 134
5.5.7 Shift ing of Stress 136
5.6 Weak Forms in English 137
5.6.1 What are Weak Forms? 137
5.6.2 Use of Weak Forms 137
5.6.3 Use of ‘Function’ Words in Strong Forms 137
5.6.4 Strong and Weak Forms of the ‘Function’ Words 138
5.7 Intonation 142
5.7.1 What is Intonation? 142
5.7.2 Patterns of Intonations 142
5.7.3 Purpose of Intonation 142
6 Professional Interaction 145
6.1 Introduction 145
6.2 Group Discussion 145
6.2.1 Group Interaction 145
6.2.2 What is a Group Discussion? 146
6.2.3 Relevance 146
6.2.4 Purpose 146
6.2.5 Th e Process of Communication in a GD 146
6.2.6 Mechanism and Formats of GD 147
6.2.7 Group Discussion and Debate 148
6.2.8 Components of a GD 148
6.2.9 Strategies for an Eff ective GD 148
6.2.10 Preparation of a Group Discussion 151
6.2.11 Range of Topics 152
6.2.12 Some Useful Phrases 152
6.2.13 Evaluation Process 152
CONTENTS vii
6.3 Job Interviews 153
6.3.1 Introduction 153
6.3.2 Job Interviews 153
6.3.3 Myths about Job Interviews 154
6.3.4 Objectives 154
6.3.5 Venues 154
6.3.6 Types of Job Interviews 154
6.3.7 Preparation for Job Interview 156
6.3.8 Appearing for an Interview 157
6.3.9 Potential Interview Questions 159
6.3.10 Interviewing the Interviewers 160
6.2.11 Evaluation of Performance 161
6.4 Professional Presentation 161
6.4.1 What is a Professional Presentation? 161
6.4.2 Types of Professional Presentations 161
6.4.3 Preparation and Research 161
6.4.4 Eff ective Delivery 164
6.4.5 Audience Questions 166
7 Functional Grammar 167
7.1 Introduction 167
7.2 Correct Usage: Nouns 168
7.2.1 What is a Noun? 168
7.2.2 Classifi cation of Nouns 168
7.2.3 Countable and Uncountable Nouns 169
7.2.4 Compound Nouns 169
7.2.5 Possessive (Genitive) Case of Nouns 169
7.2.6 Correct Usage of Nouns 170
7.2.7 Common Errors in the Use of Noun Expressions 171
7.2.8 Nouns with Two Forms in Plural with Diff erent Meanings 172
7.2.9 Th e Nouns with Diff erent Meanings in Singular and Plural 172
7.3 Correct Usage: Pronouns 173
7.3.1 What is a Pronoun? 173
7.3.2 Classifi cation of Pronouns 173
7.3.3 Correct Usage of Pronouns 176
7.3.4 Some Common Errors in the Use of Pronouns 178
7.4 Correct Usage: Adjectives 179
7.4.1 What are Adjectives? 179
7.4.2 Classifi cation of Adjectives 179
7.4.3 Degrees of Comparison 179
7.4.4 Correct Use of Some Adjectives 180
7.4.5 Common Errors in the Use of Adjectives 183
7.5 Correct Usage: Articles 185
7.5.1 Use of Indefi nite Article 185
7.5.2 Use of Defi nite Articles 186
7.5.3 Omission of the Articles 187
7.5.4 Repetition of Articles 187
7.6 Correct Usage: Adverb 188
7.6.1 What are Adverbs? 188
7.6.2 Kinds of Adverbs 189
7.6.3 Position of Adverbs 189
7.6.4 Correct Use of Adverbs 190
viii CONTENTS
7.7 Correct Usage: Preposition 193
7.7.1 What is a Preposition? 193
7.7.2 Kinds of Prepositions 193
7.7.3 Position of Prepositions 193
7.7.4 Major Relations Indicated by Prepositions 194
7.7.5 Correct Use of Prepositions 197
7.8 Correct Usage: Conjunctions 199
7.8.1 What is a Conjunction? 199
7.8.2 Types of Conjunctions 199
7.9 Correct Usage: Tenses 203
7.9.1 Introduction 203
7.9.2 Table of Tenses 203
7.9.3 Common Errors in the Use of Tenses 207
7.9.4 Conditionals 209
7.9.5 Question Tags 209
7.10 Correct Usage: Subject–Verb Agreement 210
8 Reading and Study Skills 214
8.1 Introduction 214
8.2 Reading Comprehension 214
8.2.1 Mechanics of Reading 215
8.2.2 Types of Reading Skills 215
8.2.3 Reading Speed 216
8.2.4 Reading Comprehension Skills 216
8.3 Note Taking and Note Making 218
8.3.1 Note Taking 218
8.3.2 Note Making 219
8.3.3 A Sample Note Making 221
8.4 Précis Writing 222
8.4.1 Advantages of Learning Précis Writing 223
8.4.2 Qualities of a Good Précis 223
8.4.3 Skills Required to Write a Good Précis 223
8.4.4 How to Write a Précis? 223
8.4.5 Methods for Editing Long Sentences 224
8.4.6 A Sample Précis 225
9 Written Communication 226
9.1 Introduction 226
9.2 Paragraph Writing 227
9.2.1 Parts of a Paragraph 227
9.2.2 Writing a Good Paragraph 228
9.2.3 Characteristics of a Good Paragraph 229
9.2.4 Sample Paragraphs 229
9.3 Developing Outlines, Key Expressions and Situations 232
9.3.1 Advantages 232
9.3.2 Generating Outlines 233
9.3.3 Key Expressions and Situations 233
9.3.4 Sample Outlines 233
9.4 Slogan Writing 237
9.4.1 Types of Slogans 237
9.4.2 Attributes of a Good Slogan 237
9.4.3 How to Write Slogans? 238
9.4.4 Sample Slogans 238
CONTENTS ix
9.5 Dialogue Writing 240
9.5.1 Writing a Good Dialogue 240
9.5.2 Mechanics of Writing Good Dialogues 241
9.5.3 Some Useful Phrases 242
9.5.4 Sample Dialogues 244
9.6 Interpreting Pictures and Cartoons 247
9.6.1 Sample Illustrations 247
10 Professional and Technical Communication 252
10.1 Introduction 252
10.2 Letter Writing 253
10.2.1 Types of Letters 253
10.2.2 General Strategy 253
10.2.3 Useful Phrases 255
10.2.4 Sample Letters 256
10.3 Job Application 258
10.3.1 Covering Letter 259
10.3.2 Résumé/CV 261
10.4 Letter to the Editor/Media 266
10.4.1 Purpose 266
10.4.2 Draft ing a Media Letter 267
10.4.3 Sample Media Letters 268
10.5 Business Letters 270
10.5.1 Attributes of a Good Business Letter 271
10.5.2 Planning a Business Letter 271
10.5.3 Guidelines to Write a Good Business Letter 271
10.5.4 Parts of a Business Letter 273
10.5.5 Kinds of Business Letters 276
10.5.6 Sample Business Letters 277
10.6 Reports 283
10.6.1 What is a Report? 283
10.6.2 Purpose of a Report 283
10.6.3 Attributes of a Good Report 284
10.6.4 Types of Reports 284
10.6.5 Planning and Preparation of a Report 287
10.6.6 Structure of a Formal Report 288
10.7 News Reports 292
10.7.1 Characteristics of Good News Reports 292
10.7.2 Parts of a News Report 292
10.7.3 General Guidelines 293
10.7.4 Sample News Reports 294
10.8 E-mail Writing 296
10.8.1 Usefulness of E-mail 297
10.8.2 Qualities of a Good E-mail Message 297
10.8.3 What Makes E-mail Diff erent? 297
10.8.4 How to Send an E-mail? 298
10.8.5 How to Receive an E-mail? 298
10.8.6 How Does an E-mail Travel? 298
10.8.7 E-mail Writing Tips 298
10.8.8 Structure of an E-mail 299
10.8.9 Sample E-mails 301