QUESTION BANK HSC (SYJC)

SECTION III: WRITING SKILLS

SET 5: Q. 4 WRITING SKILLS (16 Marks)

HSC ENGLISH

OMTEX CLASSES

IMPORTANT QUESTION BANK FOR BOARD EXAM 2023.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS

i. Each writing skill in itself is different and therefore should be given a different treatment in expression, planning, format, design, beginning and end, required content, set of words and methods of presentation of each data planned thoughtfully and organised creatively.

ii. Prior to attempting any writing skill know the format (if any), the length (how much to write) and very importantly how to present the writing skill in particular.

iii. A concrete list or set of vocabulary will very precisely help to go ahead with each writing skill. Prepare a good collection of required variety of words needed to present each writing skill.

iv. The data/content should be well structured and planned in order to suit the instruction of the given skill.

v. Impressive beginning, middle and end will be always welcome and considered as per expectations.

vi. Proper end, conclusion or a message can help the writing skill reach to its completion process.

vii. Mistakes in sentence patterns, grammar, spellings, scratching, scribbling and improper presentation can lead to decrease in marks. (Go through the scheme of marking of each of the writing skill prescribed by the board)

viii. Examples for practice in this question bank will definitely help to gain enough confidence in presentation.

ix. Students also need to get each writing skill assessed from their teachers and know where they lack.

x. Though the word limit (100-150) in case of some writing skill is given, it is still expected from the students to write and complete each skill to its fair length (which means it should not be too small and too big).

Question Bank includes three examples for each of the enlisted writing skills below:

1. Drafting Virtual Messages

2. Statement of Purpose

3. Group Discussion

4. Email

5. Report Writing

6. Interview

7. Speech

8. Compering

9. Expansion of Ideas

10. Review

11. Blog

12. Appeal

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below:

A) Attempt any one of the following (4 Marks)

Q.4 A DRAFTING VIRTUAL MESSAGE

Assessment Criteria:

Content - 02 Marks

Sequence/flow of ideas - 01 Mark

Appropriateness (language usage) - 01 Mark = 04 Marks

1.1 Virtual Message

Imagine, you have to leave early from home for an interview. Draft a message in about 100/150 words, to convey the same to your friend. Give your own reasons to support your message.

1.2 Virtual Message

Imagine, you are not well and will not be able to attend lectures at college. Draft a message in about 100/150 words to convey the same to your teacher. Give your own reasons to support your message.

1.3 Virtual Message

Imagine, you have planned different methods to study for your board exam. Draft a message in about 100/150 words, to give these details to your friend. Give your own reasons to support your message.

1.4 Virtual Message

Imagine that you have to leave your hostel room to attend to a relative coming to the city hospital from your native place. Draft a message in about 100/150 words giving the reason for your absence at the birthday party of your roommate at the hostel. Give your own reasons to support your message.

1.5 Virtual Message

Imagine that you have won two entry tickets to a popular drama at a theater near you this weekend. Draft a message in about 100/150 words to convey the incredible news to your best friend.

Q.4 A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Assessment Criteria:

Content – 02

Sequence/flow of ideas - 01

Appropriateness (language usage) - 01 = 04 Marks

2.1 Statement of Purpose

You are highly passionate towards becoming a successful entrepreneur and therefore want to peruse your higher education in “Business Management”. Your background and skills have motivated you towards business and now you seek admission to accomplish a degree in “Business Management” at a reputed university. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to get admission to this University.

2.2 Statement of Purpose

You have a great thirst for knowledge in a foreign language of your own choice. You are also prepared to pursue your education abroad for the same. You are therefore seeking a university for a degree in a foreign language of your choice. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to get admission to this University.

2.3 Statement of Purpose

You have developed good skills in the English Language. You think of directing your skills for more specific goals. Now you aspire for a degree in “Mass Communication” at a specific university which provides this programme. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to get admission to this University.

2.4 Statement of Purpose

You have been shortlisted for a scholarship to attend an online course in developing English speaking skills from the American Embassy in India. You always wanted to learn English from expert teachers in India and from the native American trainers. The final selection will be made as per the statements of purpose given by the shortlisted candidates. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to get entry to the course.

2.5 Statement of Purpose

There are limited vacancies for getting admission to a well-known music and dance academy in Mumbai. Dancing is your passion and you always wanted to pursue a career in music and dance. Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ in about 100 to 150 words, which will help you to join the academy.

Q.4 A GROUP DISCUSSION

Assessment Criteria:

Content – 02

Sequence/flow of ideas - 01

Appropriateness (language usage) - 01 = 04 Marks

3.1 Group Discussion

Imagine that you have recently discussed with your friends on ‘the benefits of travelling’, write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.

3.2 Group Discussion

Imagine that you have recently discussed with your friends on ‘Mobile Addiction’, write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.

3.3 Group Discussion

Imagine that you have recently discussed with your friends on ‘Good Handwriting’, write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.

3.4 Group Discussion

Imagine that you have passed the entrance examination to get entry into the armed forces. As a test, you participated in a group discussion session with four other candidates on the topic ‘Flood Situation and Mitigating the Natural Disasters’. Write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.

3.5 Group Discussion

Imagine that you have participated in the inter-college group discussion contest on the occasion of National Youth Day. There were three other contenders with you in the final round of the contest and the topic of the discussion was ‘Paper Books are better than the E-Books’. Write the same discussion in the form of dialogues that you have experienced. Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the given topic.

B) Attempt any one of the following. (04 Marks)

Q 4 B E-MAIL

Assessment Criteria:

Content – 02

Use of Proper Format- 01

Overall Presentation – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

4.1 E-mail

Draft an E-mail in a proper format to be sent to a famous and distinguished personality in order to invite him/her for the “Prize Distribution” programme organized by the college authorities and to be held at your junior college campus. Give complete programme schedule and details about the event.

4.2 E-mail

Imagine you are in-charge of a social organization and you want to organize a “Cleanliness Campaign” at a rural place. Draft an E-mail in a proper format to be sent to concerned authorities asking for the necessary permission. Give all details specifying the scope and importance of this event.

4.3 E-mail

Frequent cases of thefts have caused fright in the minds of the people in your locality. Draft an E-mail in a proper format to the police department giving all details and happenings to expect an immediate action and permanent solution on this issue.

4.4 E-mail

Write a letter to the Editor of a Newspaper, making the public aware of rising air and noise pollution in your area. Mention the bad air quality index that appears in the newspaper daily and write about the bad effects of air and noise pollution and suggest some measures to curb it.

4.5 E-mail

You are the General Secretary of the College Sports Committee. Your college is preparing to regain the championship title in the state level Subroto Roy School Football Tournament. Write a letter to Rajpoot Sports Company requesting them to supply various materials including kits and equipment.

Q 4 B REPORT WRITING

Assessment Criteria:

Content – 02

Accuracy of language – 01

Appropriateness – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

5.1 Report Writing

Imagine you have recently witnessed a demonstration on “Health and Fitness” organized at your college campus. Write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all information and the overall happenings of this event.

5.2 Report Writing

As a coordinator of the “poetry recitation competition” held at your college campus, you are a witness to the overall organization of this programme. Write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all information and the overall happenings of this event.

5.3 Report Writing

Your institution recently organized an awareness programme on “Social Media”. Write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all information and the overall happenings of this event.

5.4 Report Writing

Your class visited a “place of natural beauty” the other day. Write a report in about 100-150

words, about the prominent places you visited during the tour.

5.5 Report Writing

You have visited your uncle who is a primary teacher in a “Zilla Parishad School”. Being the regular contributor to your College Magazine, write a report in about 100-150 words, adding all information and the overall experience of your visit.

Q 4 B INTERVIEW

Assessment Criteria

Appropriate framing of questions – 02

Lang & Style – 01

Overall Impression – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

6.1 Interview

Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a distinguished personality in the field of your own choice. With the help of the given table and points draft questions on the given fields associated with the personality. (Do not change the sequence of the questions)

Name of the interviewee (distinguished personality)
Area of Success/Reputation
Date/Venue/Time
Duration of Interview
	Questions
Question based on
1. Early life/struggle
2. Hurdles in Education
3. Role model/Inspiration
4. Family support
5. First success/achievement
6. Success Plan
7. Dreams unfulfilled
8. Message

6.2 Interview

Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a distinguished personality in the field of sports. With the help of the given table and points draft questions on the given fields associated with the personality. (Do not change the sequence of the questions)

Name of the interviewee (distinguished personality)
Area of Success/Reputation
Date/Venue/Time
Duration of Interview
	Questions
Question based on
1. Student life
2. Early Interest
3. Idols
4. Primary training
5. Opportunity
6. Accomplishments
7. Target/Goals
8. Suggestion

6.3 Interview

Imagine, you have to conduct an interview of a distinguished personality in the field of entertainment. With the help of the given table and points draft questions on the given fields associated with the personality. (Do not change the sequence of the questions)

Name of the interviewee (distinguished personality)
Area of Success/Reputation
Date/Venue/Time
Duration of Interview
	Questions
Question based on
1. Inspiration
2. Preparation
3. Development
4. Teacher/Guide
5. Memorable moments
6. Skills required
7. Performances
8. Do’s and Don’ts

C) Attempt any one of the following. (04 Marks)

Q 4 C SPEECH

Assessment Criteria

Logical sequence of ideas – 02

Introduction – 01

Conclusion – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

7.1 Speech

The supervisor of your class is going to retire after 28 years of service in your college. You have been selected to deliver a speech at the farewell function arranged by the college staff and the students. Prepare a speech to be delivered at this occasion in about 120 words.

7.2 Speech

All over the world there is a growing awareness about the problems of climate change. Your college is observing ‘Earth Day’ on April 22. Draft a speech in about 120 words to be delivered before your college students on the need to support the cause.

7.3 Speech

Your college NCC unit has undertaken a cleanliness drive in your town. Prepare a speech that you would give as an NCC captain. You can use the following points.

1. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

2. Need/ Importance of cleanliness.

3. Effects of unhygienic conditions- diseases, pollutions etc.

4. Suggestions and concluding the speech.

7.4 Speech

Imagine that as a part of the Republic Day celebrations, your college has organized an elocution competition. Prepare a speech in about 120 words on: My Idea of India as a Developed Country.

7.5 Speech

Prepare a short speech in about 120 words to be delivered before your class on ‘Blood Donation.’

Q 4 C COMPERING

Assessment Criteria

Connecting events – 02

Impressive Introduction – 01

Summing up – 01= Total – 04 Marks

8.1 Compering

The annual social function of your junior college will be held next week on your college campus. Your friend and you are selected to compere the inauguration function of the programme. Prepare a script for the same with the help of the following points.

✓ Introduction

✓ Welcoming the guests

✓ Lighting the traditional lamp

✓ Inauguration of the annual function ✓ Keynote address

✓ Felicitation of successful students ✓ Presidential address

✓ Vote of Thanks!

8.2 Compering

Imagine that you are a compere of ‘Reading Day Programmes’ at your school to mark the birth anniversary of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Prepare a script for the same with the help of following points.

✓ Introduction.

✓ Importance of the Day.

✓ Reading for pleasure and profit.

✓ Speech by your principal.

✓ Different activities and felicitation of winners.

✓ Vote of thanks.

8.3 Compering

Imagine that you have been entrusted to compere the ceremonial flag hoisting programme by your district administration on the occasion of formal ‘Republic Day’ function at your district headquarters. Prepare a script for compering of the ceremony with the help of following points. Use some good thoughts and inspiring quotations.

✓ Introduction.

✓ Welcoming all the VIPs.

✓ Flag hoisting by the Guardian Minister.

✓ Speech by the Guardian Minister.

✓ March past by the police and NCC troops. ✓ Conclusion of the formal ceremony.

8.4 Compering

Imagine, you are given an opportunity to compere a programme at your college based on ‘English Language Day’. As a compere, draft the whole programme script deciding the flow of the overall programme. You may take help of the given hints:

✓ Prayer/introduction song

✓ Welcome & introduction

✓ Felicitation, speaker’s participation

✓ Presidential address

✓ Vote of thanks

✓ Any other important points

8.5 Compering

Imagine, you are given an opportunity to compare a programme organized at your college with reference to ‘Yoga Day’. As a compere, draft the whole programme script deciding the flow of the overall programme. You may take help of the given hints:

✓ Prayer/welcome song, introduction

✓ Felicitation, yoga demonstration

✓ Presidential address

✓ Vote of thanks

✓ Any other important points

Q 4 C EXPANSION OF IDEA

Assessment Criteria

Expansion of the idea – 02

Proper Introduction – 01

Conclusion – 01 Total – 04 Marks

9.1 Expansion of idea

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below. Write your answer in about 100 to 120 words. ‘Honesty is the best policy.’

✓ Importance of honesty.

✓ Use of the term- ‘policy’.

✓ Supporting argument with examples. ✓ Conclusion

9.2 Expansion of idea

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below. Write your answer in about 100 to 120 words. ‘Believing in yourself is believing in the best’.

✓ Having faith in your abilities.

✓ Keep doing the work.

✓ Supporting your argument with examples. ✓ Conclusion

9.3 Expansion of idea

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below: (100-150 words)

‘Humour is the Spice of Life’

✓ Problems/hurdles/negativities in life. Purpose of relaxation.

✓ Benefits of laughter and humour.

✓ Change in attitude and approach.

9.4 Expansion of idea

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below: (100-150 words) ‘Nature is the best teacher’

✓Hidden treasures in nature.

✓Purpose/Reasons to get close to nature.

✓Teaching/Learning about nature (why best teacher).

✓Gifts/Benefits from nature.

9.5 Expansion of idea

Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below: (100-150 words)

‘Friends – a real treasure ’

✓Need and spice of life.

✓Real share and care.

✓Commitment and inspiration.

✓Need of very moment.

D) Attempt any one of the following (4 Marks)

Q 4 D REVIEW

Assessment Criteria

Presentation of the theme – 02

Novel Aspects – 01

Overall Presentation – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

10.1 Review

As a part of the child film festival your college had arranged screening of some films made for the children. Write a review of one of the films based on the theme of children with special needs. Use some of the points given below to write your review.

✓ Title of the film and its importance.

✓ The star cast.

✓ The central idea of the film.

✓ Performance by the actors.

✓ Protagonist (Main character) of the film.

✓ The message given in the film.

✓ Your opinion and recommendations.

10.2 Review

Write a review of the film that you remember you’ve watched and can’t forget easily. Give details about the movie using following supporting points.

✓ Title of the film.

✓ The star cast and production house (if you remember).

✓ The gist of the plot.

✓ The reason you like the film.

✓ Your favourite scene from the movie.

✓ Your opinion and recommendation.

10.3 Review

You have recently read a book. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of the following

Points:

✓Title of the book

✓Subject/Story/information

✓Language/Style/Presentation

✓Benefits/Message

10.4 Review

You have recently watched a 05-minute video on YouTube titled “Interesting places to visit”. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of the following points:

✓Type/Purpose of the video

✓Content Presentation and Organisation of the video

✓Video Presentation & Graphics

✓Benefits/Message

10.5 Review

You have recently read a famous magazine. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of

the following points:

✓Title of the magazine

✓Subject and Content

✓Language/Style/Presentation

✓Special features/Attractions

Q 4 D BLOG

Assessment Criteria

Main Content – 02

Header/Menu/Navigation bar – 01

Footer – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

11.1 Blog

Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘Cycling – A better way to Commute’, with the help

of the following points. (100-150 words)

✓Choice of bike

✓Safety equipment

✓Road safety rules

✓Benefits

11.2 Blog

Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘Safety Measures’, with the help of the following

points. (100-150 words)

✓Need and Purpose

✓Safety equipment and use

✓Safety action plan

✓Management and Implementation

✓Advice / Suggestion / Guidance

11.3 Blog

Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘Positivity in life’, with the help of the following points. (100-150 words)

✓Hurdles / Problems in life

✓Accepting facts and flaws

✓Reorganization / Restart

✓Human instinct / Fight back

✓Will to Win.

11.4 Blog

Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘recipe of my favourite dish’, with the help of the following points. (100-150 words)

✓Type of dish

✓Why you like it

✓Steps

Q 4 D APPEAL

Assessment Criteria

Presentation of Content – 02

Convincing Language – 01

Motivational Message – 01 = Total – 04 Marks

12.1 Appeal

Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Say No to Drugs’ with the help of the following points.

(100-150 words)

✓Overall harmful

✓Psychological/Physical disorders

✓Infections

✓Human actions - though the facts are know

✓Appeal to teenagers

12.2 Appeal

Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Stop Child Labour’ with the help of the following points. (100-150 words)

✓Basic Education

✓Lack of knowledge, behaviours and social thinking

✓Effect of education

✓Social behaviour and requirements

✓Appeal to society

12.3 Appeal

Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Avoid Fast Food’ with the help of the following points. (100-150 words)

✓Attraction of Fast-Food items.

✓Effects on body and mind.

✓Ways of avoiding the fast food.

✓Options for fast food.

✓Appeal to society.

12.4 Appeal

The students council of your college has organised a Blood Donation Camp to mark the national youth day. Prepare an appeal with the help of the following points.

✓An effective slogan

✓Use a logo or a picture

✓Blood donation – Noble cause No loss of strength

✓Time, venue and date

✓Signature line

12.5 Appeal

The NSS unit of your college has organised an awareness drive to mark the Road Safety Awareness Campaign at major squares in your town. Prepare an appeal with the help of the following points.

✓An effective slogan.

✓Use a logo or a picture.

✓Road Safety – Need of the hour.

✓Give way to others.

✓Places and Time of campaign.

For SET 1: Q.1 A SEEN PASSAGES (12 Marks)

For SET 2: Q. 1 B NON-TEXTUAL GRAMMAR (4 Marks)

For SET 3: Q. 2 C MIND MAPPING (3 Marks)