Q. 1. Read the passage and answer the questions to follow:
There is some confusion between the purpose of a debate and a discussion, and people frequently state that they are taking part in a debate when it is actually a discussion.
A debate seeks to impart knowledge and convince through argument between selected speakers, and the chief function of the audience is to listen rather than to talk. The purpose of a discussion is to extract ideas from the audience, whose function is to express those ideas in speech.
Debates are destructive as they present one-sided opinions and demolish reasoned arguments, whereas discussions are constructive and encourage the expression of opinion. The procedure therefore differs as follows: In a public debate, the principal speakers are only concerned with answering each other and the period after their speeches is merely an opportunity for them to prepare their closing remarks while the audience discuss the subject under the guidance of the chairman. The audience need not and usually do not take any part in the discussion unless they wish to clarify previous points. The opener, in winding up, often refers to points raised in discussion and thanks supporters; but, if he had to take part, he might forget his opponents’ points which he has no opportunity to answer until the end.
Discussion is very different. Speakers are there to present a reasoned case for or against the motion; and to help the audience to reach a conclusion the chairman often sums up their points before inviting the co-operation of the audience – which is never done in a debate; and during the general discussion, the principal speakers answer questions.
It is widely recognized today that speech is necessary to clarify thought, as it is the natural method of forming emotions into practical ideas. Discussions take us a step further and crystallize collective thought into combined action. They are the modern method of self-education, designed to meet the ever-increasing desire for a clearer grasp of current problems, so necessary to counter the isolation of individual thought which can easily lead to prejudiced and unbalanced judgement.
A debate is a form of discussion where there are usually two speakers exchanging their views on a subject or several public issues. Speakers are given the chance to speak as they counter the points raised by others with the help of their arguments. An audience is a part of the debate in the form of listeners, and there is no input from the audiences. Debates are meant to be constructive through an exchange of ideas but usually it is seen that speakers try to score points over each other as also to win over audiences making it a destructive debate. However, the basic purpose of a debate is healthy exchange of ideas and opinions.
A group discussion is a discussion between participants on a chosen topic. Participants are allowed to take part in the discussion freely, and there is actually a healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. It does not matter if a speaker in a group discussion is taking a position for or against a topic as long as he can justify his position through reasoning. However, there is no winning or losing in a group discussion as the process leads to a better understanding of a topic, whether it is a social issue or the provisions of a new proposed law.
These days group discussions have become an important tool for selection of right candidates for an organization as they reveal certain attributes in people that are otherwise difficult to identify. It is seen that many people, though they seem to be knowledgeable, become tongue tied in group situations. To screen such people as they become a liability for an organization if they are required to work in groups, group discussions prove to be a handy tool.
(i) What is the main focus of the writer?
Ans. The main focus of the writer is to differentiate between debate, group discussion and conversation.
(ii) By now we have describe to you what group discussion, debate and conversation are. List as many similarities and differences as you can find among these three activities.
Ans. In group discussion and debate there is certain rules which you have to follow. But in a conversation there is no rule to be followed. In group discussion there has to be a conclusion. In debate we will get winners or runner up at the end. But in a conversation there is no end or conclusion. In a debate candidate is prepared and pre-formed but in a group discussion or conversation a candidate is open minded and create his thoughts and ideas on the spot. In a group discussion or debate there is a specific topic in which participants have to speak. But in a conversation there is no specific topic. Group discussion or debate is a formal discourse which is conducted to check the ability of organizing the thoughts of the candidates. But conversation is not a formal concern it is more like a pastime. There is some confusion between the purpose of a debate and a discussion, and people frequently state that they are taking part in a debate when it is actually a discussion. A debate seeks to impart knowledge and convince through argument between selected speakers, and the chief function of the audience is to listen rather than to talk. The purpose of a discussion is to extract ideas from the audience, whose function is to express those ideas in speech. Debates are destructive as they present onesided opinions and demolish reasoned arguments, whereas discussions are constructive and encourage the expression of opinion. The procedure, therefore, differs as follows: In a public debate, the principal speakers are only concerned with answering each other and the period after their speeches is merely an opportunity for them to prepare their closing remarks while the audience discuss the subject under the guidance of the chairman. The audience need not and usually do not take any part in the discussion unless they wish to clarify previous points. There are the modern method of self-education, designed to meet the ever-increasing desire for a clearer grasp of current problems, so necessary to counter the isolation of individual thought which can easily lead to prejudiced and unbalanced judgement.
Q. 2. What are the different types of letter salutations?
Ans. Since the salutation is the first thing the recipient will see, it’s important that you convey an appropriate level of familiarity and respect.
(a) Dear: It is appropriate many times, whether you know the person well, if they are a business acquaintance, a potential employer, or a supervisor. If you know the person well, use their first name only. For a potential employer or supervisor, use Mr., or Ms. (Mrs. or Miss when you know if the woman is married or single) unless you have been asked to use their first name.
(b) For a business acquaintance or associate, it will depend on how well you know the person. If you are on a first name basis, use that. If you aren’t sure, use Mr./Ms. Lastname, or Mr./Ms. First name Last name. If your contact name is gender neutral (i.e.Taylor Brown), and you are unsure, Dear Taylor Brown is also appropriate.
(c) Dear Sir or Madam: Use the appropriate gender title if you know, or both if you’re not sure. This should only be used when you don’t have a name to use, as you should always address your letters as specifically as possible.
(d) To Whom It May Concern: Used in business correspondence where you don’t have a specific person to whom you are writing. You might use this when making an inquiry, but you should make every effort to find the name of someone in the specific department that you are interested in to contact.
(e) Hello: Is appropriate only in email correspondence, and should be used primarily with people you know well, or in very casual circumstances.
(g) Hi: It is appropriate only in casual email correspondence with people you know well.
Q. 3. Given below are some of phrases from letters. How will you make them sound less impersonal?
(a) The customers will appreciate the fact that the company is giving a 10% discount on computers this month.
(b) Further to your recent communication, please find enclosed the requested quotation.
(c) If the customers have any further questions they should contact the company at 988XXX5612.
(d) It was discovered that salary totals were incorrect.
(e) The list of names and the number of people attending the course has not been finalized.
Ans. The revised sentences are:
(a) As a customer, you will happy to know that we are giving a 10% discount on computers this month.
(b) Thank you for contacting us. I enclose the quotation you asked for. (c) If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 9886XXX612. (d) We discovered that the salary total were incorrect.
(e) We have not finalized the list of the names and the number of people attending the course.
Q. 4. Write a short conversation between a car dealer and a customer looking for a small family car.
Ans. Suppose, the customer who is looking for a small family car is at the showroom of a car dealer.
Car Dealer – Good Morning Sir.
Customer – Good Morning.
Car Dealer – Can I help you sir?
Customer – Yes, I want to buy a small family car.
Car Dealer – Ok, well … for a family car I would suggest you to go for Maruti 800, Maruti Zen or Alto.
Customer – Alto! I have never seen this car.
Car Dealer – Come Sir, Let me show you.
Customer – Ok, this seems to be nice. How much would it cost me?
Car Dealer – Sir, it would cost approximately 3 lakhs to you on road.
Customer – Oh no! I cannot spend so much.
Car Dealer – Then go for Maruti 800.
Customer – Why not Maruti Zen?
Car Dealer – Sir, Maruti Zen is more costlier than Alto.
Customer – Is it? Well, what are the colours available in Maruti 800?
Car Dealer – It has white, grey and blue.
Customer – Give me time to think over it and can I get my kids and show the car to them?
Car Dealer – For sure, Sir!
Customer – Ok, then I will come in the evening. Thank you.
Car Dealer – You’re welcome.
Q. 5. What would be the perfect ending of the email?
Ans. If you are serious about writing a professional e-mail, then you need a well-rounded conclusion to your correspondence. You should utilize the ending to bring about a call to action and/or to leave the reader with an overall positive feeling:
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or by e-mail.
- I look forward to getting to know you better at the workshop.
- I very much hope to hear from you in the near future.
- Hope you have great weekend.
The final sentence of the e-mail is just as important as the opening one, i.e. the greeting. This can say a lot about the kind of esteem you hold the reader in. Here, just as throughout the whole e-mail, friendliness and politeness are the priority, however they should also not be exaggerated. Now-a-days no one really finishes their e-mail with ‘Yours respectfully…’ or ‘Yours faithfully…’. Instead, your best bet is probably to opt for ‘Yours sincerely…’, or even, ‘Best regards…’ and ‘Best wishes…’. Added to this, the inclusion of some sort of personalized comment can leave a positive impression:
- Best wishes from sunny Boston,
- Regards to everyone in London,
- Have a great week,
- Hope you have a lovely vacation,
As you can see, these closing remarks are always followed by a comma. You can also choose to end them with a full stop and follow this up with a ‘Yours sincerely…’, ‘Best regards…’, etc. You can see an example here:
Enjoy your free time over the holidays.
Best wishes,
Noel Harris
Signature
This goes at the very end of the e-mail. The idea behind is that, if required, it can provide the reader with the contact details and additional information relating to the reader. Simply put, this is not the place for inspirational slogans or witty sayings. Here, are some ideas for what you can include in your signature:
- Full name, including full title
- Job title – position within company
- Company name
- Company address
- Company website
- Your contact details (phone no. and e-mail address)
In addition to these details you can also include links to your personal social media or those of the business. You can also include the firm’s logo; bear in mind however that many users have blocked image files in their inbox out of safety reasons. This is why it is a good idea to ensure that the signature looks good, even without the company logo.
