ELCS Lab Manual
ELCS Lab Manual
ELCS Lab Manual
LABORATORY MANUAL
FOR
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
Academic Year : 2009 - 10
SYLLABUS
The following course content is prescribed for the English Language Laboratory sessions: 1. Introduction to the Sounds of English- Vowels, Diphthongs & Consonants.
7. Information Transfer
8. Debate
9. Telephoning Skills.
Vowels : There are twenty distinctive vowel sounds, made up of twelve pure vowels or
monophthongs and eight vowel glides or diphthongs. Vowels are the most important sounds. Every word has to have a vowel sound .To articulate vowels one needs to allow free flow of air through the mouth. By altering the shape of ones lips or the tongue position one can articulate various vowels. Vowels are of two kinds Pure vowels and Diphthongs. Of the twelve pure vowels or Monophthongs seven are short and five are long. We notice that the sounds indicated by the long vowels are stretched and the sounds indicated by the short vowels are clipped. Besides Monophthongs there are eight vowel sounds called Diphthongs. They are actually combinations of two vowel sounds with the voice gliding from one sound to another. Thus with a sound like the one indicated by the underlined
letter in bay , the parts of the mouth concerned with the pronunciations here first take up the appropriate position to utter sound in the area of/e/and then move approximately to the position of /i/ sound. There are eight diphthongs in English. The first three are uttered with the articulatory organs moving rapidly towards the /i/ position since the second part of each of these sounds is uttered with a glide towards the front of the tongue, where the sound /i/ is pronounced.
Tests
1 Ear Training This is a test of aural discrimination. The student identifies whether the accent is on the first , the second syllable etc. 2 Production This is a test on the production of correct accentual patterns .Students must say these words with the correct accentuation.
Accent and Rhythm in Sentences Connected speech in English has its own patterns of accent. Words that are important for meaning-content words like nouns, adjectives, principal verbs and adverbs- are generally accented. Grammatical words like articles, personal and relative pronouns, auxiliary verbs, prepositions and conjunctions are generally not accented. Example Hes lost his pen. The words lost and pen are accented, but hes, which is short for he is, and the word his are not accented. In English , the stressed or accented syllables, which are pronounced with greater force than the other syllables, form a succession of beats coming at regular intervals of time .The other syllables , which are unaccented are fitted into intervals of time available between the accented syllables. Students are given practice in acquiring the characteristic rhythm of English speech by accenting only the relevant syllables.
Tests
1. Ear Training The teacher reads out sentences with the correct accentuation .Students identify the accented syllable. 2. Production Students must read the sentences with the correct accentual an rhythmic patterns.
INTONATION
When we speak, the pitch of the voice goes on changing, that is, the voice rises and falls, and each language has its own intonation patterns. The speaker divides his utterances into tone groups, each group having a nucleus, also called tonic syllable.
It is on the tonic syllable that a noticeable pitch movement, that is a change in pitch of the voice, is initiated. If the voice falls, we say we have a falling tone. A rising tone is generally used in certain types of questions in English Sometimes it may tell us that a question is being asked. Some sentences sometimes may have both the falling and rising tone. Thus intonation plays a very important role in conveying the meaning.
Tests
1.Ear Training 2.Production
Brad: I am from Tennessee, a southern state in the United States of America. Where do you come from? Linda: I come from Munich, Germany. My English is not so good. Brad: Well. it sounds good to me .Yet, if you need any help, please let me know. Linda: Thats very kind of you. Glad to have met you.
Linda: Oh yes, he studies regularly. And he is a very intelligent guy. Ajay: Thanks all of you. I really appreciate your compliments. But I must go now. Bye! Linda: Christmas vacations are just round the corner. I wish you all Merry Christmas and a wonderful vacation! Venkat: Thanks Linda. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful vacation back home: When will you be back from Hong Kong? Linda: I will be back by 10 January. See you all then.
Activity:
ROLEPLAY: You are given a few situations. Make your own sentences expressing possibility, Probability and ability using suitable expressions.
Role Play in different situations. 1) Two friends about pollution Observation: Feedback: 2) Interaction between two spectators viewing a cricket match. Observation: Feedback:
4. PRESENTATION SKILLS
A presentation is a technique, method of communicating information, knowledge, facts and ideas in a subtle manner to a group of people. An oral presentation is a form of oral communication. Its a participative two- way communication process characterized by the formal and structured presentation of a message using visual aids. It is purposeful and goal-oriented, and communicates a message to an audience in a way that brings about the desired change in their understanding or opinion. It is flexible, changing as well as complex and varied. Thus, an oral presentation is Purposeful The Presentation will be made with a definite purpose. Interactive It involves both the speaker as well as listeners. Formal It is a formal situation. The following should be noted by the presenter when conducting an oral presentation One should understand the level of ones listeners Anticipate what they want to know One has to adjust to ones audience through out the presentation Have a persuasive, informative, progressive presentation. Make use of all materials available like environment, audio-visuals, notes and references. Give listeners an assignment. Be clear on central theme and key ideas Anticipate listeners questions and use a variety of support for key ideas. Arrange ideas for clarity impact Have a provocative message as speech is like this any fool can start it, but to end it requires considerable skills. Go for starting statements, rhetorical questions, quotations, definitions, with a winning presentation. Deliver your message like a professional. Use action endings like gestures, body movements facial expression and eye contact. Avoid vocal cues as certain potentially distracting, vocal cues might be contradicting the meaning conversed. Avoid breathy, whining, or strident voice Avoid rapid-fire delivery as dull expressionless recitation Avoid word-for-word copy of the talk i.e., overuse of notes as there is every danger of losing eye contact with listeners. So practice loud before delivery.
These points might help in dealing with challenges and opportunities in customer service, human relations, personal effectiveness and communication to face contemporary management challenges.
Activity :
Students are assigned to make a presentation based on their individual subjects
Feedback Students are expected to submit a written feedback based on their observation and their analysis about their fellow mates performance.
Activity : Topics are given to the students in the lab and are motivated to participate. Feedback Students are expected to make note of flaws made by the students.
Description of a Person: 1. Include the following information for describing a person. (a) Physical appearance: Tall /Short .Lean/Fat; (b)Description of hair, nose, lips etc., (c)Attire (d)face: Round, Flat, Oval, Square etc. Description of a Situation : (a) Location (b) Action : Serious, Sad, Humorous. (c) Mood: Anger, Hilarious Activity : Description of persons
Description of Situations: (a) Tragic death of C.M. Dr. Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy. (b) Annual day celebrations at your college.
7.Information Transfer
Technology in every field of information means the macro information is being transferred as much as micro is being, which we have on our finger tips. The information can be shown through texts, tables, maps tree diagrams bar graphs, pie charts , flow charts and so on. Information in verbal form can be made clearer and easier to understand by presenting it in graphic or pictorial form. Pictorial representation has many advantages: Allows quick and easy viewing of a large amount of data Quicker to locate required information in a graphic than in a written text Data relating to a long period of time or to large number of people can be effectively summarized Convenient to use in making comparisons involving amounts of data: The different types of graphic representation you could use to supplement your writing are: tables, bar charts, maps, graphs, pie charts, tree diagrams, flow charts and pictograms. When you need to use a graphic form of communication, choose a form that will present your data clearly, accurately and in an interesting manner. When information is personated graphically, you should be able to interpret or analyse it. Transferring information from textual to graphic form and, conversely, from pictorial to verbal form are both important and useful skills. Activities: A few handouts will be given to the students in terms of information transfer which covers text, tables route maps, tree diagrams, bar graphs, pie charts, flow charts to transfer the information from one to another through instructions by the teacher so as to demonstrate.
8.Debate
A debate is a structured argument. It is one way of communication where our analytical and logical thinking comes into play. It is an art of knitting arguments and putting them forth in a constructive way. Debate makes us think about the two opposite sides of a subject and helps us decide as to which way to follow. As the topic of debate is already decided, sometimes you may find your self supporting a move which you normally oppose or vice-versa. Debate can be in argumentative through letters, debates & essays. We can put forth points for and points against a particular through direct debates as well as essay writing. Debates are conducted in colleges and University. Debates are in state legislative & parliament. Debate is a contest between two speakers or two groups of speakers to exhibit their capacity and dexterity in arguing, there should always be one or more speakers for proposition and oppositions. Usually, in a debate, a topic is thrown between two teams or two individuals. One team decides to go for the topics and the other, goes against it. The topics are suitable selected as to having both pros and cons as the debate begins; the teams declare their stand and get into arguments and counter-arguments. At the end, an evaluation is made on the basis of the arguments put forth by both the teams and decision is taken on who is the winner.
Debating Skills:
The whole of debating skills can be divided into three major parts as: 1. Style of argument 2. Content 3. Planning
Style of argument:
While you are debating, what you say can sound meaning full only when how you say is persuasive. Everybody has his unique way of speaking and there is no correct way to debate. However, you must find a way that suits you. Trying to be funny when you are not or trying to aggressive when you normally behave calm and quiet can make your approach look unnatural and unimpressive. Your style of speaking includes factors like your clarity of language, speed, humour, body language and appearance.
1. Clarity of Language:
People make the mistake of using either high sounding language, jargons to prove their expertise or sometimes, slang, out of excitement. All those types of language should be avoided. The more formal the language, the more authoritative it will be. In a limited time, you have to think and speak so maintaining a stream of thoughts is very necessary. The moment you lose the flow, your arguments will start losing their clarity. The examples you choose should be simple involving less thinking for audience people dont use simplicity in the fear of rejection, however, simplicity is the only way you can put your argument across in a better way.
2. Speed:
Fluency is another important factor. The trick to keep yourself going is to think ahead of your voice. Fluency will make the audience pay attention to you, by a little practice and confidence a good fluency can be achieved. However, being fluent doesnt mean being fast. What you say should be understandable by the audience. Use your natural accent just to sound good you may use an impressive accent but in the flow, you are bound to lose control over it which will load to bad impression. Use your natural style of speaking.
3. Humour:
Use of humour can make the debate interesting but if it is not done with utmost care, it can make you fall flat. Using humour in the beginning of your speech or when the discussion turns dull is acceptable. But, when you use a joke in the middle of a serious argument, it may distract the attention. Moreover, humour is not everybodys game so; if you are not humorous dont attempt to be one.
4. Body Language:
Your body language can easily say whether you are confident or not keeping you hand tied or standing like a wall will not be impressive. You have to keep speaking through your gestures also. A small gesture of giving a smile at the right moment can speak a lot for you. Keeping an eye contact with the audience makes the audience listen to you. However, you should keep shifting your gaze. When you look at somebody for more than half a minute, he will lose his attention from your speech. Remember that nobody likes to be stared at but, at the same time, no one likes to be ignored.
5. Appearance:
It is needless to discuss the importance of a good appearance. A good attire brings with it a sense of respect. A formal wear can give you the much needed confidence that you need for debate. When you are in a team, make sure that all the team members are in the same level of formal wear. This will not only boost your confidence but also infuse a sense of team work.
CONTENT:
Content is the meat of a debate. It is all about defining a case, developing an argument and rebutting the apposition. Though it needs some practice to master this art, it is not that difficult. In limited time affair, whatever you say should be important, logical and impressive.
1. Defining:
Defining is identifying the matter of debate; for example, when the topic given for debate is Are reservations against equality? the debaters should first identify what kind of reservation, what is the principle of equality etc. before getting into the discussion. When those points are clear, the debate will not deviate from the topic concerned. As this is the initial stage the debaters must clear their stands at this time.
2. Developing a Case:
After defining the case, you must develop the case in proper way. When you do not have quotes, analogies, statistics or examples with you, you can only assert and not argue. The whole of the case should also be divided into three or four sections. The easiest way to develop a case is to use the SPELT method where you can look at a topic from the social, political, economic, legal and technological view. Looking at a topic in this way can open new doors of your thinking. Besides, all the arguments put forward in an efficient way will make the opponent think about multiples ways to counter argue.
It is advisable to make clear what the points of your arguments are. This will make easier for you to decide on examples, statistics etc. If you are sure of getting enough time later to raise another argument later, one or two arguments can be kept ready to put forward later to push the opponent to think of a counter-argument. This will give him less time to put forth his view.
3. Rebuttal:
The Prime objective of a rebuttal is to prove an argument actually, morally or logically flawed. Rebuttals can only be made impressive when you pay attention to the key arguments of your opponent. Look out for those augments first where the opponent has not given any fact or example and counter argue with some facts. This way you can not only give a good rebuttal but also make the other team defend themselves other than arguing.
PLANNING
Before you start debating, a proper plan should be made to keep you out of any kind of midway trouble. Your strategy should include structure, teamwork, and participation in the whole of the debate. When you work in a team, you cannot share the work amongst yourselves as content developer and speaker, each one of the team should participate in the discussion actively. Therefore, the allotted time should be divided amongst the team members giving them equal opportunity.
1. Rebuttal:
In the beginning case should cover more time than rebuttal but with the progress of the debate, rebuttals should be more. It is advisable to begin with rebuttals and they come to arguments. When your rebuttal comes right after the opponents speech, its importance is felt more, your speech should also be clear enough to make the audience understand as to which argument and which is counter-argument.
2. Time:
It is very important to think of time during your speech. Too long or too short a speech will exhibit poor strategy. Especially when you have so many points to say or you discuss a point you have in depth knowledge in, you will surely fall short of time. Therefore, it is necessary to keep your arguments short and crispy. When you come close to the end of your allotted time, instead of running fast to complete, use a statement that will make it an impressive ending.
3. Team Work:
Debating, like other game is a team game. If one of the team members is lacking points to counter argue, some points can be given to him. However, coming out with individual arguments on the tramline is appreciated. Referring to each others speeches will make the team look bonded. In no circumstances, an argument should sound contradicting to another of the some team. The most important thing that can make your
win is when you participate in the whole of the debate. After your argument is over, you can work on collecting information for one of your teammate. If you find others in your team are not able to come out with idea you can help them out. This sharing of the points of information will make keep the flow of the debate going and keep you involved throughout.
Activity:
a) b) c) d) e) Dowry is a big evil Co-Education is mostly desirable Education must be free for all Formation of small states is the need of hour Students have nothing to do politics, For Education must be made free for all If it is made free for all these will be greater literacy If all are educated democracy will be success Against It is impossible to make education free for everybody People take things lightly when is freely available Even educated people are not properly using their voting rights. Free education should be Free education for all is a provided since the government myth since it involves heavy is expected to be transparent expenditure. in its action The Govt. should encourage Unless education is restricted, educational trusts to be formed people will not be available and provide education freely for ordinary professions. to all people
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Feedback
9.Telephonic skills
Telephoning skills have become an integral part of our day to day lives. Todays Business Communication is solely centered on Telephonic skills .In telephonic conversation we rely on two things .., A. Listening and concentrating on what we hear and so on.., B. The tone and words of voice of the caller/Receiver.
The element of concentration in telephonic talk is crucial why means.., when we are not aware of the pitch and intonation of the voice of the caller/Receiver through lacking merely concentration there will be a room for misunderstandings either in encoding or decoding, though we know the context. So that we need to have at least a little bit of care besides concentration while telephoning where the tone plays a vital role for adequate understandings between encoders and decoders.
The following are the few principles of a good Telephonic communication skills.
1. Identify yourself and your organization. 2. Be tactful 3. Be helpful 4. Give a greeting 5. Use appropriate questions to maintain control. 6. Keep people informed 7. In the case, the telephone gets cut off and conversation again started, dont show irritation nor discuss whose fault it was that we got cut off.
Never say :
Hello Who? Who are you? Who do you want? He is out. Hes not here Hold on
Say :
The name of the firm, department or office. Who is speaking, please? What is your name, please? Who do you wish to speak to? I am sorry Mr. ..is not available. Can I help you? I am sorry Mr. ..is not available. Can I help you? Would you hold the line, please?
Tone of the voice conveys the way we are feeling about the conversation, the caller or the way we feel on that particular day. One good way of making sure that we sound right is to smile while we are talking. Smiling relaxes the vocal chords and has a dramatic effect on the voice , instantly making us sound more friendly and relaxed. TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE SKILLS The Call Centers and Multi-National Companies normally expect the following telephone etiquette skills.
Fred: Its a business. Operator: I have a Gragory Associates at 452 Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The number is 555-2983. Fred: Darn I Transposed the middle numbers. Thank you.9He hangs up and dials the correct number ) Receptionist: Gregory Associates. Good Morning. Fred: Good morning. Id like to speak to Donna Gregory, please this is Fred Eater. Receptionist: Im sorry, but Ms.Gregory is out of town until Frday. Is there anyone else who can help you? Fred: No, I really need to talk to her. Is there a way I can reach her or atleast leave a message for her to call me ? Receptionist: I can give you the number in San Francisco where she can be reached. Its 980-1375.The area code for San Francisco is 415.In case you dont reach her , Mr.Easter, why dont you leave your number with me. That way shell have a message to call you when she gets back on Friday. Fred: Thank you. Thats very thoughtful. My number here in Chicago is 55-4002.thanks for your help. Ill try the number you gave me. (He hangs up and dials California) Clerk: Hotel San Luis. May I help you ? Fred: Donna Gregory, please. I dont know the room number. Clerk: Ill ring Ms.Gregorys room, sir. (The phone rings ten times.)Im sorry,sir. No one seems to answer. Would you care to leave a message? Fred: Yes, Please ask Ms.Gregory to call Fred Easter in Chicago. She knows the number. Tell her its urgent that I speak with her, and what she should call no matter what time it is. I have call forwarding on my phone, so no matter where I am ,her call will automatically be transferred to me. Clerk: Ill tell her. Fred: Oh, speaking of forwarding calls, does Ms.Gregory have one of those beepers? Do you know what I mean? There are a lot of commercial names for them. Its a device that people carry so they can be signaled when there is a message for them. I always just call it a beeper.
Clerk: Yes, sir , I know what you mean, but I dont know whether she has one or not. She didnt leave any word with us on how to contact her. All I can do is put a message in her box and activate the message light on her room phone. Will there be anything else, sir? Fred: No, thank you. Youve been very helpful. Goodbye.
Activity:
A demonstration of Telephonic Conversation between two friends. A demonstration of Telephonic Conversation between two colleagues of an organization.
Activities: Innovative situations will be given to the students regarding Giving Directions. These are real life situations that help the students to develop their communication skills.
Example: 1. Directing an International (Student etc.,) to the Western Union Money Transfer counter 2 Directing a person to the Post Office, Bank, Railway Station etc.