Practical Essay-writing in English

Practical Essay-writing in English

Structurally speaking, an essay is a group of paragraphs where each para represents a factual thought related to the subject matter

By Mukesh Sharma

The students who have completed their schooling through Hindi medium, and have studied English as a subject to pass out 10^th or 12^th, often find the question on essay in competitive exams for government services rather challenging. Of course, at school level, the questions which are based on prescribed text books, can be answered by mugging up the answers – a common practice, but the question on essay in competitive exams is usually based on some proverbs/quotations or some socio-politico happenings; it needs general awareness; it needs the practical knowledge of English language related to human life, society, politics, religion and nature.

What is noteworthy, whenever one sits down to write something, his/her mind uses pre-conceived sentences available in mind collected, unconsciously, through academic pursuit and life-journey of years. However, if one writes down in second language and the needed sentences are not available in mind in that language, a quick mental translation process starts from first language (mother tongue) to second language. Since languages, usually, defy translation, one ends up with non-standardised sentences or fractured English e.g:

Wo apne baal khule rakhti hai (Hind sentence)

She keeps her hair loose (translated non-standardised sentence)

She wears her hair unkempt (Standardised English sentence)

Furthermore, as a computer stores the information in the form of tiny pixels, the mind stores it in the form of pictures. To a mind, a word is just a sound if not represented symbolically, and it gets dissipated in the unknown maze of memory lanes of mind. But a sentence represents an action and creates a mental picture. And the mind is picture retentive rather than sound. So, to write well one needs to feed the mind with the variety of readymade sentences related to different aspects of life as much as possible. It can be possible if one has good reading habit and is a voracious reader. It is simple as one learns to speak by repeatedly hearing sentences, one learn to write too by reading the written sentences. More one reads, more one learns to write –  man begins to learn by imitation only. Only a well-read man can write well.

That is why with the poor vocabulary and poor feeding of English sentences, the students are not able to think in English – If one can think correctly, one can  write accurately. Translation often upsets the apple-cart.

In this age of cut-throat competition and confusion,  people want short cuts to success – there is rat race for success not for knowledge. No doubt, smartness is the need of the hours. So, even if one has not read many books, one can commit to memory at least some short-listed useful proverbs/quotable quotes. The use of right quote at the right place not only helps one to endorse his/her views with the thought of others but also passes himself/herself off as a learned person. Therefore, this blogger sincerely suggests his valued readers/students to read and cram the proverbs and quotations. Proverbs have been given in Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary also. Quotations of famous writers can be read from any good book on quotation. Student-writers must make their own collection of socially, politically  etc. relevant quotations, and it can be collected from internet too.

Before practical writing is discussed at length, the students first must understand the characteristics of an essay. Oxford dictionary says: “an essay is a literary composition on any subject.” In other words, it is an exercise in expression of one’s own exclusive thoughts on some topic; it must reflect the unity, order, brevity, style, and a personal touch in the expression of thought. Further on the basis of style and subject  matter, essays can be divided into five categories:

1.      Narrative Essay – It seeks to narrate the subject matter e.g. story of Lakshmi Bai etc.

2.      Expository Essay – It is an expression of exclusive thoughts on the subject matter e.g. on some social practice, religion, habit etc.

3.      Reflective Essay – It is an expression of exclusive thoughts on the subject matter e.g. on some social practice, religion, habit, etc.

4.      Imaginative Essay -  consists of expression of imagination on the topic e.g. if I were a  superman.
5.   Descriptive Essay – consists of description of some event/happenings. It is commonly asked in the exams.

If one wishes to know how essays are written, one must read some renowned essayists of the yester- years such as Francis Becon (16^th century) – known for his short and sententious essays; Joseph Addition (17thcentury) – known for his thought provoking average length essays; Thomas Babinghan Macaulay (19^th century) -  known for his long but quintessential  and critical essays.

What is common in all types of essays is the exclusive thoughts of the author couched in paragraphs. Structurally speaking, an essay is a group of paragraphs, where each para represents a factual thought related to the subject-matter. Each para is headed by a factual statement/outline. On the basis of keywords, this statement/outline can further be expanded, elaborated, illuminated and exemplified that collectively give it a shape of a well-written para. Likewise, para after para may be developed to pen down a complete essay on any topic. Valued readers may take the clue from this blogger’s well acknowledged and acclaimed blog entitled ‘Of Paragraph-writing’. As discussed in the said blog, chunks and connectives play a crucial role in the development of the paras, the same is applicable to the development of paras in an essay. Here this blogger seeks to suggest a standardised format for the essay, particularly, for the students who feel that their English is not strong enough to think and write correctly and comfortably. This blogger sincerely believes that  the valued readers would find this very helpful. Here are suggested common chunks and connectives for the development of paras.

Common chunks

-          It is very much significant that . . .

-          It throws light on the wholesome truth. . .

-          But as a matter of fact

-          It is maintained that

-          But every coin has two sides

-          It is generally believed that . . .

-          It doesn’t mean that . . . .

-          It is the received wisdom

-          Truth can’t be created; it exists in nature, only a true truth seeker can discover it.

-          Nothing is absolute in this world except God.

-          It still holds water that

-          A mound can’t be made without digging a hole

-          It is very well acknowledged and acclaimed fact that

Common Connectives

-          As a matter of fact

-          It is believed that

-          It is maintained that

-          It is obvious that

-          It is evident that

-          It is contended that

-          It is well said

-          There is no doubt that

-          Interestingly enough

-          It is an irony

-          Keeping in view

-          There is no knowing what is next

-          Needless to say

-          Under the circumstances

-          It can be concluded

-          In other words

-          It won’t be wrong to say that

Suggested format

 Introductory Paragraph

Explain and elaborate the topic with the help of chunks and incorporate different keywords related to topic to spell out the scope of the essay. Numbers of keywords may be set as per the prescribed limit of words for essay as each key word has to be developed into a para.

Factual thought/outline- Para 1

-          Use chunks and connectives  to expand and explain on the basis of key words in outline

-          Negative and positive aspects of the fact may be discussed to expand para

-          Endorse it with the quotation/proverb of a renowned writers

-          It may be illuminated with examples too

-          Restrict it to 80-100 words

Factual thought/outline – Para 2

-          Develop para on the same guideline as given in para 1

Concluding para

In the light of all the discussed factual thought, draw a conclusion using the chunks and connectives. It may be restricted to 30-50 words.

It is evident that with the help of this format students may write essay on any topic of any prescribed word limit.

Write two essay in 100-1200 words from each A & B  (UPSC 2019 Mains)

A

             1       Wisdom finds truth

                   OR

2         Best for an individual is not necessary best for the society

B                                           

3         Biased media is a real threat to Indian society

                                 OR

4         Neglect of or primary health care and education in India are the reasons for its backwardness.

SPECIMEN

Answer

Wisdom finds truth

The statement ‘Wisdom finds Truth’ is very much significant and sententious. It throws light on wholesome truth. It is a hard fact that born in the laboratory of the world, the wisdom reflects the ways of the world. No doubt, wisdom is an empirical knowledge; it is a consequential experience; it is a circumstantial credible evidence; it is a reality of life; it is timeless; it is a gift from one generation to another; the world without wisdom shall be like a time rudderless vessel in the ocean of time knowing nothing how to swim ashore. As sunshine leads to the sun, wisdom leads to truth.

N.B. (Nota bene): read carefully the abovementioned introductory para and note how the factual thoughts have been incorporated.

Para-1

It is a well acknowledged and acclaimed fact that the wisdom is an empirical knowledge. There are two types of knowledge – one acquired from books and another from the experience of life. The bookish knowledge is theoretical but the knowledge acquired from the experience of life is called practical or empirical knowledge. It is a proven knowledge that stands in good stead in difficult time of the life. If a curd is knowledge, wisdom is the churned out butter.

N.B. (Nota bene): Read carefully and note how the para has been developed with the help of chunks and key words. It can be expanded further, if need be.

Para-2

It won’t be wrong to say that the wisdom is a consequential experience. It is a fact that the wisdom is born out of the resultant experience. It is well said that even truth is not absolute; it changes with the circumstances. The sun rises is East is a truth on the earth. But sun rises and sets in space after every three hours. The earth has one moon but the Jupiter has eight moons. In other words, truth may change with the circumstances but wisdom remains unchanged in the circumstances. So it can be said that the wisdom is a consequential experience.

N.B. (Nota bene): Note how with the help of key words, in outline, a para has been developed.

Para-3

It is also contended that the wisdom is circumstantial credible evidence. Of course, it holds water under specific circumstances irrespective of age and time. It can’t be refuted. “Anger starts with foolishness and ends with repentance.”This quotation can’t be proved wrong. It is an axiomatic saying. There is wisdom in the statement. It is obvious that wisdom is a circumstantial evidence.

N.B. (Nota bene): Note how the para-2 has been developed on the basis of key words

Para-4

It is generally believed that wisdom is the reality of the life. “Nothing is absolute in this world except God” says Newton. Only God can create the truth. Man can simply make discoveries. Truth exists in nature; it remains hidden in nature; only a resolute truth seeker can discover it. All the scientists, philosophers or intellectuals make incessant efforts to winnow the wheat of the reality out of the visible chaff of truth. And thus refined truth is called wisdom. Wisdom is the true reality of the life.

Para-5

Wisdom is timeless. Of course, the truth may change with time and circumstances. For instance, Killing someone in self defense may not fall under the category of murder. So the truth may change. It depends on the circumstances. But wisdom doesn’t change either with the circumstances or time. Wisdom doesn’t let the inimical circumstances be developed. What seems imminent can be averted by the wisdom. Mahatama Buddha changed the heart of killer Angulimar by his wisdom. So, wisdom is timeless. It doesn’t change with time or circumstances. On the contrary, it has power to change the circumstances.

Para-6

Wisdom is a gift from one generation to another. To be on lighter side, even wisdom tooth is cut after many years of experience in matured age. And elders always taunt at the foolishness of a youngster by saying he/she has yet to cut the wisdom tooth. All the religious scriptures of all the religions are endowed with nothing but wisdom. All the saints and philosopher lay their hand on wisdom after years of experiment, experience and observations. Such wisdom when put out in books, it can easily be transferred from one generation to another. Armed with the wealth of wisdom, new generation further makes new discoveries and new observation, and a new knowledge is produced. As living being bear the living beings, wisdom begets the wisdom. Evidently enough, wisdom is a gift from one generation to another.

Para -7

The world without wisdom shall be like a rudderless vessel in the ocean of time knowing nothing how to swim ashore. In fact, life is governed by the wisdom. The knowledge is transferred by one generation to another. Based on that a new knowledge is produced. Thus produced knowledge furthers the progress of human civilization. The little knowledge of Wright Brothers in the flying of an air craft laid the foundation for the today’s jet and supersonic planes. Their discovery was the prototype of today’s high teach planes. Wisdom is an asset created by one generation and is used by the posterity. Without wisdom the world would be like a rudderless vessel not knowing how to swim ashore.  Without light, one can’t see even with the healthy eyes.

Concluding Para

In the light of above mentioned factual thoughts, it can be convincingly concluded that truth is wisdom and wisdom is truth. As sunshine leads to sun, wisdom leads to truth. Wisdom finds truth.

******

Mind you, there is no hard and fast rule for writing. Each learned writer can create his/her own style and diction. Here this blogger doesn’t claim any high erudition. Take it just a suggestion. And this blogger sincerely believes that the students, particularly, from Hindi medium and from Hindi heartland- UP, Harayana, MP and Bihar, with poor English, would find this format very helpful and useful. it might be conducive to the fulfillment of their cherished dream.

Practice improves skill. Read and re-read your own written essay, you will be able to refine it. For practice, attempt at least 20 essays that will bring confidence in you and hone your writing skill.

Of Note making

Of Note-making

An exercise in making short notes of a given passage with the help of headline, subheadings, recognizable abbreviations and arithmetic symbols

By Mukesh Sharma

When there were no tape-recorders/mobiles,  jotting down notes was the only option for the journos to cover any interview, event, incident or happening. However with the advent of internet, life has changed phenomenally. But to students, note-making is still a popular choice to take down notes in the class. And, of course, in academic exams at senior secondary level, note-making is also one of the questions in English paper as per CBSE syllabus where examinees are asked to make notes of a given passage; it is also one of the compulsory questions in several competitive exams for government services.

Note-making

As far as exams are concerned, note-making is an exercise in making short-notes of a given passage with the help of headline, subheadings, recognizable abbreviations and arithmetic symbols.

Ground rules

While making notes of a given passage, the student must keep in mind certain important points that reflect the characteristic of notes, as follows:

1.       All important sentences/main points of the given passage must be given an appropriate sub- heading.

2.       If the main point under sub-heading  has many other important details, it must be mentioned through points.

3.       If point has other inevitable details, it must be mentioned with proper indentation.

4.       Use keywords to denote certain ideas with the help of abbreviation e.g. UNO, NCERT, etc. and arithmetic symbols such as > <,  kg, %, etc.

5.       As used by the newspaper, use coined short words e.g. SC, govt., Eng., etc.

6.       Use invented words e.g. edu., mfg, etc.

7.       Must follow the logical sequence of ideas/thoughts discussed in the passage.

8.       Must include important information in brief.

9.       Must be short to the point.

10.   Give a suitable headline/title to the given passage.

Suggest standardized format

Though a student can go by his/her own format that conforms to all above said important characteristics of  note-making, generally speaking, the under mentioned suggested standardized format may help the students in attempting the question on note-making, easily, comfortably and confidently.

Note-making format

How to start

1.        Read the passage carefully to have the idea of theme/central idea under discussion.

2.       Underline the leading sentence/outline in each para that leads to development of a fact in the para.

3.       Look at the last para that concludes the theme/central idea.

4.       Give the central idea/theme discussed in the passage a headline.

5.       Now give each para a sub-heading based on the fact/idea discussed.

6.       Mark related/relevant details and mention it as point-1, point-2, and so on.

 7.       Underline the words/key words that can be abbreviated and any increase or decrease of something may be mentioned through arithmetic symbols

Specimen

Question:

On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it using recognizable abbreviation (minimum-4) wherever necessary. Use a format that you consider appropriate. Also suggest a suitable title.

Write a summary of the passage in 80 words.

Toddlers with graying hair, an 8 year old with high pressure and cholesterol, a pre-adolescent who has the physique of a 20 year old – the sign are ominous. Biological clocks in children are ticking rapidly and the rate at which their organs are aging in faster than their chronological age.

The country’s medical fraternity may take pride in improving life expectancy, but  the spurt in life style disease, especially among children has resulted in premature aging. This means the increase life expectancy doesn’t necessary translate into improved quality of life. Every organ in human body has an age and when a child suffers from life style disease like cholesterol and diabetes, his or her organ takes a beating. Thus the functionality of eight year old child’s organ is that of a 30 years old. Manifestation of their problems are evident, with children as young as sporting glasses, early sign of facial hair in boys.

Doctors in India say that they are treating more children with ailments usually associated with adults.

Diabetes and hypertension is leading to stress on organs. Children’s organ are aging, though they may be young in terms of years. Genetic factors account for a meager 20 % of premature aging. The main reasons are the environmental and dietary. Pediatric obesity, which is reaching epidemic proportion, high stress level, sedentary and changing lifestyles and various chemical used in food contribute to premature aging.

When diabetes sets in at an early stage, the child’s blood vessels start stiffening which happens only in older people. Technically, we are starting at a scenario where the child is aging much faster than his chronological age.

Courtesy: Times of India

                                                                                                                                                           

Answer

Premature Aging

Toddler with grey hair -1

      a)      BC > CA -1

Lifestyle disease – 2

       a)      Chol and Diabetes

        b)      Org. has age

Main reasons – 3

        a)      Env and diet – 1

        b)      Genetics – 20% - 2

        c)       PO (Pediatric obesity) –3

         d)      Sedentary lifestyle – 4

Diabetes early age-4

       a)      Aging of CA(chronological age)

Keywords:

BC – Biological Clock

CA – Chronological Age

Org- Organs

PO- Pediatric obesity

Summary 

PREMATURE AGING

Biological clocks in children are ticking faster than chronological age. Children with grey hair, high BP and cholesterol, are getting older than their age. Life style disease like diabetes and cholesterol are causing pre mature aging. Genetics is responsible just 20%. But environment and diet coupled with sedentary lifestyle are causing pre mature aging among children.

Mind you, practice improves the skill. All kinds of writing needs only three things : practice, practice and practice.

Of Report-Writing

Of Report-writing

Besides competitive exams, it is one of the important parts of work in administrative services

By Mukesh Sharma

In the morning and I will

Report-writing is an exercise in giving words to an observation made about some happenings and penning it down in a right order without missing any important/key fact. In other words, it is a brief about an event or incident based on investigation/research work carried out by the official concerned for the submission to authority concerned.

Of Report-Writing

In administrative services, report-writing is an important part of the work. As an appointed officer, IO (investigation officer), the Commission or an instituted Committee, one is directed to hold inquiry into any contentious matter and file report on findings.

A report can be classified into three categories:

1.       Report by an official concerned to authority.

2.       Report (news) by a reporter for a newspaper.

3.       Report for school/college magazine by a student (report writing in exams)

Report to Authority

As far as a report is concerned, it can be just a two line or a voluminous one running into hundreds of pages like the bound volumes of a book. Usually in government services, a high ranking official is appointed as IO to inquiry into the lapses/ allegations of subordination, misconduct or abuse of power by an accused employee of a department, and file the report to authority concerned. Courts also order an inquiry into a petitioned complaint where IO (a police officer) is directed to inquiry into a case and file the report before the Court. CAG (Comptroller Auditor General) constitutional body authorized to examine and audit the accounts of government departments/organizations and file the annual report. While filing report, the official concerned follows an standardized format as under:

Title

Title of the matter under investigation

By line

 Name of IO

Date and Place

Date and place

Introduction

Report in nutshell

Investigation and outcome

Details of investigation and outcome

Conclusion and recommendation

Conclusion drawn and recommendation

Report for newspaper

The duty of a reporter/ journalist working with a newspaper is to collect the news worthy information about some happening/event/incident in the largest interest of public, and disseminate it through the newspaper what is called a news story. News paper reports also follow a standardized format. Look at the diagram as under:

All news stories follow an inverted pyramid format which is standardized format. In fact, a news story is a collection of facts. And the facts are arranged in descending order of importance. The most important fact goes to top and the least important goes to bottom. In other words, the most important fact makes the headline and the least important fact makes the tail. The standardized contents of a news story/report are as follows:

Headline

The most important fact makes the headline; it is always catchy capable of attracting the attention of the reader; it also tells the complete story in nutshell; it is, mostly, in present, and is also anti-grammar and anti-syntax.

By line

It is the name of the reporter/journalist who has filed the report/news.

Date and Place

Just beneath the byline, date and place is also mentioned from where the news has been reported/ filed.

Intro

The very first Para of a news story in journalism is called INTRO that conforms to 5w and 1H (who, where, what, when, why and How). It means even the very first Para gives the complete information about the news in nutshell.

Paras

In a news story, paras are not interconnected. Each Para presents a new fact. And these facts are arranged in descending order of importance. Thus, the more important precedes  the less important one. And the least important makes the tail of the story.

Report in exams

Attempting a question on report-writing in exams also follows a standardized format as acknowledge and approved by the CBSE at school level. Look at the diagram below:

Specimen 

Question:

 You are Sanjay / Sarita, Head of English Literature club of your college, Ramjas college, University of Delhi. Your college organized a debate on " Rote-learning is killing the creativity". Write a report in 125 words. Use invented details.

Answer:

Rote-learning Kills Creativity 

“The rote-learning which is a product of wrong education system, is killing the creativity of young learners” said Mr. Raman Chauhan, one of the participants in the debate, organized by the English literature club on 15 December, 2019, in the auditorium, Ramjas College, North campus, Delhi University.

The fierce debate was organized under the aegis of ZEE TV hosted by Mr. Sandeep Chaudhary and the panelist were Sh. Deepak Karlekar, Vice Chancellor, DU, Chetan Bhagat, writer Mrs. Rosy Joan, HOD, English Department, St. Stephen College, DU.

The rote-learning,” said Rajni Kapoor. “It is the very basis of learning. A child begins to learn by imitation and repetition. All of us must have mugged up tables at our primary school level only by rote-learning.”

“Rote-learning inhibits thinking process” said Ritu Raj, yet another participant. “Our exam system promotes rote-learning. It measures the capacity of the students to store the material. It doesn’t assay their creativity.”

Raman Chauhan begged the best speaker award and the awards were conferred on by the Vice Chancellor. The other participants were given conciliation prizes.

The total 7 participants took part in the debate. Raman Chauhan, Rajni Kapoor, Shiva Garg, Sachin Tomar, Ramesh Singh, Ramlal and Preeti Garg.

Of Precis-writing

Of Precis-writing

All kinds of writings need practice. It is like swimming; more you swim, more you learn to keep yourself afloat; more you write, more you learn to be prolific. Practice whets the skill

By Mukesh Sharma

A goldsmith knows how to make alluring ornaments using pure gold and other metals, and he also knows how to separate pure gold from the other metals to work out the price of an ornament. In the same way, a well articulated and balanced write-up is also an amalgamation of main idea or skeletal idea and the supporting details, endorsing it. And of course the art of précis-writing lies in separating main ideas from inconsequential or ornamental details and get to the crux of the matter.

Precis-writing is an important and compulsory question in English paper at academic level as well as in competitive exams for A & B categories of government services. However, it appears rather a tough question to answer correctly and confidently for the students from Hindi medium with poor knowledge of English language.

Mind you, such question can’t be attempted with rote-learning – sheer knowledge of grammar rules, translation and so-called mugged up vocabulary. It requires good understanding of English language  -  English syntax and practical use of standardized phrases (English is a language of phrases) i.e. which ‘verb’ collocates with which noun. In other words, only a well-read man can write well; reading leads to writing, and hearing leads to speaking in the acquisition of a language. Here this blogger seeks to suggest the students the easiest way to attempt the questions on précis-writing.

Of Precis-writing

What is a précis? Précis is a French word which is pronounced as ‘precees’ and it means ‘summary’, and précis-writing is summarizing. Grammatically speaking, it is an exercise in comprehension and compression; it is an ability to grasp quickly and accurately what is read or heard, and reproduce it quickly and concisely.

Before, précis-writing is discussed practically, it is necessary for the students to know certain ground rules:

1.    A student is supposed to compress the given passage to one third. It means, if there are twenty lines, it must be reduced to six lines.

2.   A précis should be written in own words. It should not be a patch work, a usual pitfall for the students.

3.   It must be self-contained and completed. In other words, it must convey the main idea or message fully and clearly. If one reads it, one should not feel that something is amiss or need to refer to the original.

4.   There is no need to follow the original order of thought as described in the original passage. One can come up with one’s own thought sequence provided there is no digression from original context.

5.   Indirect speech is preferred to direct speech – no inverted coma statement/sentences.

6.   If possible, make use of one-word substitution to shrink a detailed thought.

7.   Look for the leading sentences or outline of paras to summarize the passage.

8.   While writing a précis, omit examples, comparisons, contrast, digression and other inconsequential details given in original passage.

9.   Read and re-read and suggest a suitable title asked to your drafted précis.

Specimen:

Passage

To majority of UPSC aspirants, the exam which is rated as toughest, remains a mystery. Despite firm determination, and incessant hard work, the candidates are not able to crack the exam, and usually the buck is passed on the failed aspirants for their unpreparedness and incomplete studies.

“A thorough study of past years papers and its format, helps one to work out a probable trend for the next paper, and it means 30% preparation has been completed” says a successful candidate. “Next 20% count for your ability and capability to answer question to the point with good time management and rest 40% depends on tactical acquirement of special knowledge related to the particular subject, and of course 10% is left for luck,” adds a successful candidate.

Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. Nothing is impossible. Hope never dies and possibilities never end.

Précis

Secret of Success

Despite hard work, majority of candidates are not able to crack UPSC and the success remains a mystery, and the cause of failure is attributed to unpreparedness of candidates. One of the successful candidates says that right knowledge of question paper's format, ability to answer quickly to the point and acquirement of special knowledge related to subject, matter a lot. Further success is 90% hard work and 10% luck.

Taking clue from the example, students may try précis-writing on the questions asked in previous years of exams.

It is not only in exams but also in practical life, the art of précis-writing is of great value. Lawyers use it for taking briefings from client. Businessmen use it for jotting down important points. Government official use it for taking notes. Journalists use it to ink interviews/press meetings.

All kind of writings need practice. It is like swimming; more you swim, more you learn to keep yourself afloat; more you write, more you learn to be prolific. Practice whets your skill.

Of Paragraph-Writing

Of Paragraph-Writing

The chunks facilitate thinking and writing; it can fill the gap and provide base for succeeding thoughts or ideas; it helps to develop the theme; it also helps to reach to a logical conclusion on the subject-matter of a paragraph

By Mukesh Sharma

The biggest problem in learning English as a second language is that the mind always thinks in mother tongue. And when one tries to translate the sentences in mother tongue into English, one ends up with poor or fractured English – languages often defy translation. As far as paragraph-writing is concerned which is a common question in English papers at school level as well as in various competitive exams for government services, the students, particularly, from Hindi medium or from Hindi heartland find the question rather intriguing. Here this blogger seeks to suggest the students the easiest way to attempt the question on Paragraph-Writing.

Paragraph-writing

What is a paragraph? Generally speaking, a paragraph is a group of sentences related to one topic. Revealing the etymological meaning of ‘paragraph’, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary says: “A section of a piece of writing, usually, consisting of several sentences dealing with a single subject.” In a widely acclaimed and acknowledge book on Grammar entitled “High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin, the authors define it as “A paragraph is a number of sentences grouped together and relating to one topic; or a group of relating sentences that develop a single topic.” In other words, it is an exercise in writing a short piece in English on the given topic consisting 90-100 words.

The topic of a paragraph question can be a quotation/proverbs or anything of common interest. Now the pertinent question is ‘how to start?

The simplest way to start with is the smart use of chunks – readymade sentences commonly used by the native speakers or the writers writing in English. The chunks facilitate thinking and writing’ it can fill the gap and provide base for succeeding thoughts or ideas; it helps to develop the theme; it also helps to reach to a logical conclusion on the subject-matter of a paragraph. Here are a few useful common chunks:

-          It is very much significant that . . .

-          It throws light on the wholesome truth

-          But as a matter of fact, it is maintained that . . . .

-          But every coin has two sides

-          It is generally believed that

-          It doesn’t mean that  . . . .

-          It is a received wisdom

-          Truth can’t be created; it exists in nature; only a true truth can’t be created; it exists in nature; only a true truth seeker can discover it

-          Nothing is absolute in this world except God.

-          It still holds water

-          What is wrong for one may be right for other.

-          A mound can’t be made without digging a hole.

      The next thing that helps to develop and write a paragraph is the smart use of connectives; it helps to connect the sentences; it helps to make an idea or thought flow from one sentence to another. In fact, connectives act like a mortar to join the bricks of sentences together. Here are some useful common connectives:

-          As a matter of fact

-          It is obvious that

-          It is evident that

-          It is contended that

-          It is well said

-          There is no doubt that

-          It can be concluded that

Before paragraph-writing is discussed practically here, students must know the FOUR characteristics qualities of a paragraph which are as follows:

Unity 

All the sentences must be related to one topic; no digression; no irrelevant thoughts.

Order

There must be logical sequence of thoughts and development of the topic

Variety

Thoughts expressed must not be monotonous or boring.

Conclusion

The sequential flow of thoughts through related sentences must reach to a logical conclusion endorsing the topic of paragraph.

Any topic of the paragraph can be developed on the basis of under mentioned four points:

Elaborate

All topics of paragraph question have certain key words. Locate the key words. Further explain and expand the topic with the help of key words. Here, the smart use of chunks and connectives will play the key role. Try to write at least 5-6 lines to elaborate.

Endorse

Topic in question can be endorsed by another thought or quotation. Again further explain and expand it. Smart use of chunks will help to churn out 6-8 sentences easily.

Illuminate

Now think of certain examples that illuminate the thoughts expressed in the preceding lines in support of the topic. Very easily, at least 6-8 sentences can be penned down.

Conclude

In the light of all the preceding sentences/thoughts, conclude again with the help of chunks, and prove that topic is of significance.

Specimen

Write a paragraph in 100 words on 'Man is the architect of his own fate'

The statement is very much significant that man is the architect of his own fate (key word). It throws light on wholesome truth. But as a matter of fact it is maintained that life is predestined. Fate is born with the birth. If one is born in a royal family, he or she is destined to become king or princess. If one is born in a poor family, he or she inherits nothing but poverty.But every coin has two sides. The Gita says life is governed by karma only. Nothing can be achieved without karma. It can change the destiny. Late A.P.J. Kalam, the former President of India and an aerospace scientist was born in a very poor family in Rameshwaram, Tamil Naidu. He struggled against poverty and continued his journey by dint of his hard work. It was his hard work that made him scientist and President of India. It is obvious that not sheer fate but karma changed his destiny. Another illustrious example is our PM Modi. He was also born in a poor family. He would sell tea in railway compartments. He too rose from ranks to become PM of India. He is leader in his own right. It is evident and it can be concluded that man is the architect of his own fate.

Read the above specimen carefully, look at the chunks and connectives used, and see how the topic has been expanded, explained and concluded. Mind you, this is how any topic of a paragraph-question, can be attempted in the exam successfully without any confusion or confliction of thoughts.

LABYRINTH OF LOVE

LABYRINTH OF LOVE

Love, a man,

Known as he.

It's a woman,

Seen as she

By Mukesh Sharma 

Love, a mother's,

Heart-throb.

Felt by foetus,

In the womb.

Love, a mother's,

Lullaby.

Enjoyed by,

The baby.

Love, a father's,

Humming hug.

That gives child,

Needed smug.

Love, an unknown,

Obsession.

Often afflicts,

 The adolescence.

LABYRINTH OF LOVE

Love, a first,

Lip- kiss.

No lover,

Ever misses.

Love, a tight,

Embrace now and then.

That makes lovers,

Touch heaven.

Love, a biological,

Need and further.

Of one body,

For the other.

Love, a perception,

Of curves and contour.

Love bitten loves,

It ever and ever.

Love, a yoga of,

Deep breaths out and in.

Taken by lovers,

Together within.

Love, an orgasm,

Wished by a woman.

An ejaculation 

Desired by a man.

Love, a man,

Known as he.

It's a woman,

Seen as she.

Reading an English Newspaper

Reading an English Newspaper

A student-reader must learn how to separate wheat from chaff, how to distinguish between facts and fiction, and read between the lines

By Mukesh Sharma

Gone are days when newspapers used to be the surrogate of public opinion, and the main business was to collect and disseminate the information in the largest interest of the people. Now, the most of the newspapers are partisan; news are tweaked and twisted with vested interest; the ‘salad’ is made out of raw ‘vegetables’ and served to the synthetic mass of readers. Though the most of the readers succumb to ‘spices’ and ‘dressing’, only a few matured readers are able to distinguish between apple and orange, cucumber and carrot, tomato and turnip. But to student-readers who look at the world through the eyes of the newspapers, and read it to augment their vocabulary, brush up their English, increase their general awareness and keep themselves up- to-date from the point of view of various competition exams for government services, it (newspaper) remains rather as confusing as the grammar of English language. Student- readers read an English newspaper like the contents of a text book, and lots of precious time is wasted in the reading exercise. In fact, with the sheer knowledge of the standardized format and content which are followed by all the newspapers, one can understand and read it quickly and comfortably within 30-45 minutes maximum.

Reading an English Newspaper

The common contents of most of the newspaper are: News Story, Editorial, Column, Letter-to-Editor, News Article, Feature Article, Weekly Magazine Section, and Advertisements.

Each write-up in a newspaper is ‘crowned’ by an attractive and catchy  HEADLINE; it reflects the purpose and proclivity of a newspaper; it can be ‘offensive’ and ‘submissive’ depending on target audience; it can be informative or commentative.  What a human face is to emotions, headline is to a newspaper. In other words, true 'character' of a newspaper can better be ‘understood’ and ‘recognized’ by its headlines.

A headline of a story is always in present tense; it is anti-grammar and anti-syntax; it has timeliness, for, a news is news so long as it is new; over and above, it is complete story in nutshell. Just by reading a headline of a story, one can learn about the content of news. If one flips through the pages and just cast cursory glance on the headline of each story/news, one can have fair idea of all the important news of the day. Furthermore, if any headline catches the interest, and a reader wants to know more details, one can go further and read highlight which is usually written beneath the headlines. A highlight further elaborates the headline. Look at a news story published in a newspaper:

The very first PARA of a news story is usually described as INTRO in journalistic parlance that conforms to 5W and 1 H – who, what, when, why, where and how. In other words, an INTRO of news story also gives complete information about the news in question in nutshell. If one reads a story up to INTRO only, one can have good referable knowledge about an event/incident/happening unfolded in the news.

A news story is a collection of different but relevant facts. Each fact is couched in a separate PARA. And the facts are arranged in descending order of importance and follow a pattern of inverted pyramid; it means the most important fact goes to top and the least important one to bottom or tail. What is noteworthy, the PARAS that represent different facts are not inter-connected or linked. There is no flow of thoughts from one PARA to another; there is flow of different facts which are independent. If a reader misses any PARA , particularly, the tail-ender, one loses nothing except a few inconsequential facts. So, if a students-readers just concentrate on headline, highlights and intro of each story, it will suffice his/her knowledge of event/incident/happenings delineated in the story.

Editorial of a newspaper is always commentative; it reflects the stand or viewpoint of the newspaper on a particular development; it is usually carried at extreme left on the middle pages of the newspaper. A student reader must read the editorial thoroughly, for, it helps to develop the critical bent of mind in the matter of national or international importance. Editorials are also headed by headline and supported by one or two liner highlighter. Through an editorial, a newspaper seeks to delve deep into a subject matter, and dissects and discusses it ‘subjectively’ and concludes it ‘objectively’.

Though a newspaper derives its power of ‘persuasion’ from its circulation among supposedly faithful readers – exposure makes target vulnerable, letter-to-editor is the only small space provided to so called ‘valued’ readers on the editorial page itself where they register their duly ‘selected’ responses.

News Articles, usually carried on Editorial page, are written by an experienced ‘staffer’ or by the renowned ‘guest’ with immense social and political clout. A News article is an interesting amalgamation of news and comments with an objective. It acquaints a student-reader with diverse views on the subject-matter. News articles are published on an opportune time.

Feature articles are purely revelatory in nature, predominantly, written on a topic of social or geographical importance. Such articles have no timeliness e.g. an article on Himalayan venture can go to press on any day.

The most of the newspapers also bring out weekly magazine section on Sunday. It is full of gossip and scoops about the cine stars. It caters to the saucy needs of young readers, not the serious one.

Advertisements are the main source of revenue for a newspaper. But it is an open secret that the newspapers have other ‘sources’ also. How come a newspaper that costs Rs.80-90 per copy, is sold out just for Rs 5 per copy. Though as per PRB Act 1860, the ratio between news and ads should be 60:40 but it is just vice-versa.

Journalism is described as a literature in hurry. And of course, it can be read also hurriedly. A student reader must read at least two newspapers daily. A comparative study shall reveal how the newspapers play up or play down the news stories. The people allege that newspapers are no longer the watch dogs of democracy; they wag and turn tail purposefully; they bark and bite selectively.

A student-reader must learn how to separate wheat from chaff, how to distinguish between fact and fiction, and read between the lines.