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How to Improve Your Vocabulary

Improving one's vocabulary is a valuable skill that enhances communication, comprehension, and overall cognitive abilities. Here are some effective strategies to expand your vocabulary:

Read Widely: Reading books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles exposes you to diverse words and contexts. Aim to read materials from various genres and time periods to encounter new vocabulary.

Keep a Vocabulary Journal: Maintain a journal to jot down unfamiliar words encountered during your reading. Include their definitions, example sentences, and try to use them in your own writing and conversations.

Use Vocabulary Apps: Numerous smartphone apps offer daily word challenges and quizzes, making learning new words engaging and interactive.

Contextual Learning: Pay attention to how words are used in sentences. Understanding their context helps you grasp their meanings and usage nuances.

Play Word Games: Engage in word games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles, or word searches. These activities make learning fun and reinforce your memory.

Join a Book Club or Discussion Group: Participating in group discussions exposes you to diverse perspectives and vocabulary.

Learn a Word a Day: Challenge yourself to learn and incorporate one new word into your daily conversations or writing.

Practice Writing: Regularly write essays, stories, or journal entries. The act of writing encourages you to explore different words and phrases.

Engage in Conversations: Engaging in meaningful conversations with others allows you to practice using new words and reinforces your understanding of their meanings.

Seek Feedback: Ask friends or mentors to provide feedback on your vocabulary usage and suggest improvements.

Remember that improving your vocabulary is an ongoing process. Consistency and curiosity are key. Gradually, you'll find yourself expressing thoughts more precisely and eloquently while also enjoying the richness of language.

DEBATE WRITING

A debate is the formal discussion or argument on a particular matter delivered in favour of or against a subject in a disciplined strong, convincing and refuting manner. Nature of the debate is argumentative.

DISTRIBUTION OF MARKS

• FORMAT : 1 Mark, 
• CONTENT : 2 Marks, 
• EXPRESSION : 2 Marks

FORMAT

• Greeting, Salutation, Addressing the audience, Introduction of the topic–For or Against, debate speech, complimentary close

CONTENT

• Facts about the topic – cause and effects of the issue
• Data and examples/ real input
• Contradiction to opponent's views- to oppose the opponent's statement
• Conclusion by giving own views

EXPRESSION

• Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings : 1 MARKS
• Coherence and relevance of ideas and style : 1 MARKS

COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE

• Thank you for your patient listening.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Introduction should be very impressive, possibly with a quotation or extract from a poem, etc.
• Give reasons in favour or against the motion
• Support your argument with facts and statistics
• Counter your opponent’s arguments / attack / deny his claims referring to the speech given, during the (Rebuttal)
• Give your own opinion. Strike a note of warning, make an appeal or express a doubt or fear.
• Conclude with finality, as if what you are saying is the ultimate for the end should be dramatically effective.

Expressions to be used 

I'd like to argue..............................................
At this point I differ from my worthy opponents .....................
May I ask a very genuine questions from my opponent why/how ............
I totally disagree with my opponent ....................................
I fail to understand....
I would like to point out....
I am surprised at my opponent‟s ignorance.
I wholeheartedly reject the contention.
I totally disagree with the view.
I wish to emphasize.

Beginning 

• Dear audience, Welcome to all in this healthy and joyous morning,

Style 1:

• Respected judges, principal, teachers and friends, I am going to present my views for / against the motion ......................................

Style 2

• Respected Chair person, members of jury, worthy opponents. Myself, ...(Name) ............. of class XII is going to speak against/for the motion on the topic .........................................................

Style 3

• Honourable judges and my dear friends, today I stand before you to express my views in favour or against the motion .......................................................................................

How to end a debate?

• Therefore, in the end, I would like to end my debate by strongly supporting/ opposing the idea of ..................................................... 
• Thank you

Example 1

“A career counsellor (not you, yourself) is the best person to guide you in the choice of a career.” Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

FOR THE MOTION

Respected judges, honorable opponents, and fellow debaters,

I stand before you today to strongly advocate for the motion that a career counselor is the best person to guide individuals in the choice of a career. In today's rapidly evolving world, making the right career choice is more critical than ever, and career counselors are uniquely equipped to provide invaluable assistance.

First and foremost, career counselors possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of career development. They are well-versed in the latest industry trends, educational pathways, and job market dynamics. This knowledge enables them to provide personalized guidance tailored to an individual's strengths, interests, and goals.

Furthermore, career counselors employ a variety of assessment tools and techniques to help individuals better understand themselves. They facilitate aptitude tests, personality assessments, and skill evaluations, allowing clients to gain deeper insights into their own abilities and preferences. This self-awareness is crucial for making informed career decisions.

Moreover, career counselors offer unbiased advice. They do not have personal vested interests or biases that may influence the advice they provide. Their primary concern is the well-being and success of their clients.

In conclusion, the role of a career counselor in guiding individuals toward the right career path cannot be overstated. Their knowledge, expertise, and objectivity make them the best-suited individuals to help people navigate the complex and ever-changing world of career choices. Therefore, I urge you to support the motion that a career counselor is indeed the best person to guide individuals in the choice of a career. 

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, and fellow debaters,

I am here to argue against the motion that a career counselor is the best person to guide individuals in the choice of a career. While career counselors can provide valuable insights, they should not be seen as the sole or best authority in this regard.

Firstly, career counselors often have limited knowledge of specific industries or niche career paths. They may offer general advice but may not be able to provide the detailed, up-to-date information that an industry professional can. When it comes to making informed decisions about specialized fields, individuals should consult with those who have firsthand experience.

Secondly, the idea of a "best" person to guide you in career choices is subjective. Career decisions are deeply personal and can be influenced by factors beyond just professional considerations, such as personal values, passions, and life circumstances. Only the individual can truly understand the full spectrum of these factors.

Lastly, career counselors may not always be accessible or affordable for everyone. Many individuals may not have access to professional career counseling services, making it unrealistic to consider them the best option for career guidance.

In conclusion, while career counselors can offer valuable insights, they should not be considered the unequivocal best option for career guidance. The choice of a career is a complex, individualized decision that requires input from multiple sources, including industry professionals, mentors, and one's own introspection. It is ultimately the individual who should be at the center of this decision-making process.

Thank you.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Migration from villages to cities has led to the spread of urban slums. People living %in these slums lead a miserable life. Economic disparity leads to the problems of law and order. Write a debate in 150-200 words on ‘Solution to the problem of misery in the urban slums lies in creating jobs in the villages’. You are Navtej/Navita. [CBSE (AI) 2015]
2. Write a debate either for or against the motion: ‘Courses in Humanities provide a better scope in career than Sciences’. (Comptt. All India 2017)Write a debate either for or against the motion: Hard work, not Intelligence paves the way to success in life. (Comptt. All 2017)
3. Write a debate either for or against the motion: Laziness and not bad luck is the only obstacle in one’s success in life.(Comptt. Delhi 2017)
4. You are Ram/Rajani, participating in a debate. Write a debate either for or against the motion: ‘Hard work, and not only good luck helps us to achieve success in Hie’.(Comptt. D 2017)
5. Write a debate either for or against the motion: ‘Participation in sports is a mere wastage of time’. (150-200 avoids). (Comptt. D)
6. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion, ‘Capital Punishment should be abolished’. [CBSE 2019]
7. ‘The internet cannot replace a classroom teacher’. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
8. ‘Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India’. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
9. ‘The policy of no detention till Class VIII is not in the interest of students.’ Write a debate in 150-200 words either in favour of or against the motion. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
10. ‘Rising prices can be controlled only by the government.’ Write a debate in 150-200 Words either for or against the motion. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
11. ‘The policy of reservation of seats for admission to the professional courses is good for the deprived sections of society.’ Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE Delhi 2016]
12. Consumerism is- increasing day by day. Luxuries of yesterday have become necessities of today. The result is that the more we want the more miserable we become. Write a debate in 150-200 words on ‘The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs’. You are Navtej/Navita. [CBSE (AI) 2015]
13. “Everyone should become vegetarian,” Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE Paper 2018 (C)]
14. ‘Gyms and fitness centres have reduced the importance of exercise in the park.’ Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE (F) 2017]
15. ‘Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is being used to create disaffection in society.’ Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CBSE (F) 2017]
16. ‘Our large population is not a cause of poverty but an asset, a resource.’ Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. [CESE (Delhi) 2017]

Note­-Making & Summarizing

Note Making & Summarization based on a passage of approximately 200-250 words.

MARKING SCHEME

i. Note Making                      : 5 Marks ·       Title:                                                   1 ·       Numbering and indenting:            1 ·       Key/glossary:                                    1 ·       Notes:                                                 2 ii. Summary (50 words)      : 3 Marks ·       Content:                                             2 ·       Expression:                                       1

HOW TO MAKE NOTES

1. Read the passage carefully and thoroughly
2. While reading the passage, underline the key sentences. It will help you in forming the title and sub­titles.
3. Make a rough note of the main points and give them a logical sequence.
4. Use any format you like but it should depend on the theme of the passage.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

1. They should be short and to the point.
2. They should have all the important and relevant information.
3. Information should be systematically divided and sub­divided.
4. Use universally recognized symbols and abbreviations wherever necessary and provide key to the abbreviations.
5. Main title should be short. Avoid a long sentence as a title. It should reflect the spirit of the passage.
6. Notes must be written in points only. They should be listed one under the other and numbered properly.

ALWAYS AVOID

1. Avoid the use of a full and complete sentence.
2. Do not lift portions of the passage to form notes.
3. Do not include irrelevant piece of information in your notes.

USE OF ABBREVIATIONS

1. Capitalized first letter of words : UNO, CBSE, NCERT etc.
2. Arithmetic symbols : > <, kg, km, % etc.
3. Commonly used : sc., govt., Eng., Sans.
4. Invented (First and last few letters of the words with a dot at the end): ppl (people), artfl (artificial)

Note: The students must provide the key to the invented abbreviations. These should be 4 to 6 only. Ex.:

Abbreviations	Word
1.   prblm. 2.  trp'nt. 3.   rqd. 4.  dprsd.	Problem Transparent Required Depressed

PROPER INDENTATION & NUMBERING 

TITLE 1.     ____________________ 1.1  __________________ 1.2 __________________ 1.3 __________________ 2.    ____________________ 2.1   __________________ 2.2  __________________ 2.3  __________________ 3.    ____________________ 3.1   __________________ 3.1.1     ______________ 3.1.2    ______________ 3.1.3    ______________ 3.2  __________________ 4.    ____________________ 4.1    __________________ 4.2     __________________

SUMMARISING (50 Words)

Students are required to write a paragraph using the main points listed in the notes. Complete sentences are used. They are logically and cohesively linked together with the help of suitable linkers. Do not use abbreviations and symbols.

EXAMPLE:

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Effective speaking depends on effective listening. It takes energy to concentrate on hearing and to concentrate on understanding what has been heard. Incompetent listeners fail in a number of ways. First, they may drift. Their attention drifts from what the speaker is saying. Second, they may counter. They find counter-arguments to whatever a speaker may be saying. Third, they compete. Then, they filter. They exclude from their understanding those parts of the message which do not readily fit with their own frame of reference. Finally, they react. They let personal feelings about a speaker or subject override the significance of the message which is being sent.

What can a listener do to be more effective? The first key to effective listening is the art of concentration. If a listener positively wishes to concentrate on receiving a message his chances of success are high. It may need determination. Some speakers are difficult to follow, either because of voice problems or because of the form in which they send a message. There is then a particular need for the determination of a listener to concentrate on what is being said.

Concentration is helped by alertness. Mental alertness is helped by physical alertness. It is not simply physical fitness, but also positioning of the body, the limbs and the head. Some people also find it helpful to their concentration if they hold the head slightly to one side. One useful way for achieving this is intensive notetaking, by trying to capture the critical headings and sub-headings the speaker is referring to.

Note-taking has been recommended as an aid to the listener. It also helps the speaker. It gives him confidence when he sees that listeners are sufficiently interested to take notes; the patterns of eye-contact when the notetaker looks up can be very positive; and the speaker’s timing is aided-he can see when a note-taker is writing hard and can then make effective use of pauses.

Posture too is important. Consider the impact made by a less competent listener who pushes his chair backwards and slouches. An upright posture helps a listener’s concentration. At the same time it is seen by the speaker to be a positive feature amongst his listeners. Effective listening skills have an impact on both the listener and the speaker.

1. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary.
2. Write a summary of the above passage in about 50 words.

ANSWER

Title: The Art of Effective Listening NOTES: 1. Eff. speaking depends on: 1.1 eff. listening 1.2 concen. on listening 1.3 concen. on understanding what you hear 2. Reasons why incompetent listeners fail: 2.1 their attention drifts 2.2 they find counter arguments 2.3 they compete & then filter 2.4. they react 3. Ways for a listener to be more eff.: 3.1 concen. on the msg. reed. 3.1.1 mental alertness 3.1.2 phys. alertness-positioning body 3.1.3 helps speaker-gives him confidence encourages the eye contact 4. Impce. of posture 4.1 helps listeners in concen. 4.2 seen by spkr. as a +ve feature among his listeners

List of Abbreviations

SN	Abbreviations	Words
1	Eff.	effective
2	concen.	concentrating
3	msg.	message
4	reed.	received
5	phys.	physical
6	Spkr.	speaker

Summary

Effective speaking and effective listening are two sides of the same coin, both equally important. An incompetent listener will always fail as he drifts away from counters, competes and finally filters what the speaker is saying. To be a good listener concentration is important combined with mental and physical alertness. The importance of other factors like note-taking and posture cannot be ignored. All these are effective listening skills and are viewed as a positive feature by the speaker among his listeners. They have an impact not only on the listener but also on the speaker.