Chapter-II

FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH
Every language has two major aspects, i.e., the Spoken part, and the written part. Now you
recall, when you appeared in the world, what did you do firstSpeaking or Writing. Yes, it
was speech. You had spoken first. You spoke your unknown language, and you kept yourself
in speech. It was the writing that came after about 500 days. Certainly, it was the spoken
part of language which came first and then the written part. This is the root cause that
creates difficulties to speak English fluently and properly, because we fail to adapt to the
natural way of speaking. What do we do generally? We try to speak in written way of
English. While the natural way of learning is to speak first, then write. Have you ever
thought why you are most competent to speak your mother tongue fluently? Because you
learnt that to speak first and you also succeeded to manage efficiently the written part of
your mother tongue. What we have done in the case of English? We have learnt to write
English first in our homes, in our schools, and in our tutorials. Thats why we always
endeavour to speak in the written style. So we fail to succeed in gaining the speech fluency
in English. It is the spoken part of language that comes first, and the written part of
language comes later on. And this is the only natural way to gain speech fluency.
Speak in Natural Way
Natural way of speech is the prime requirement for development of fluency. What is the
natural way of speech? Just imagine that you are a little kid now. If you need anything from
your mummy, what would you say? You would ask: giveittome. Would you think to learn
these words give, it, to and me separately and connect them. These separate four
words give, it, to and me would be the same as the single word giveittome for you.

Speak in Idea chunks only
This is your first instrument to acquire speech fluency. Idea chunks are your key to make you
fluent. Therefore, always try to speak in idea-units only. Connecting two or more words
together and utterance thereof like a single word makes the real sense, and bestow you
pleasant fluency. Henceforth, speak in wordgroups, not word by word. Though you are
insisted upon here to speak in wordgroups, but in exceptional cases, you may convey your
message even in a single word, and in that case that single word will form an idea-unit too.
For example, take the word No. Does it convey any idea? No. Suppose your brother
spontaneously says No. Is it making any sense to you? No. So, it cannot be called an idea-
unit.
But this single word can be converted to an idea-unit if it is said in the right context. If you
ask your brother, Are you going to see the Taj Mahal? and he replies No. In this context
no forms an idea chunk. Therefore, no is a contextual idea-unit here. So the utterances
may be of two types, i.e., idea-units those do not require any support from context, e.g.,
descriptive utterances, like I shall go (Aishelgo), Give it to me (givitumee) etc.

Read the Practice Material ALOUD
Yes, this is the only and single method that would compel your speech organs to make you
fluent in English speech. So ensure reading your practice material ALOUD as well as several
times Remember, it is very necessary to gain fluency. Thats why make it a point and etch in
your mind to read the practice material ALOUD, ALOUD and ALOUD only.

Always remember that the practice material should be read ALOUD and that too
again and again to train your Tongue, your Lips, your Throat and other organs of
speech.
It is the Spoken language that comes first and written language only afterwards.
The Spoken part of language is not the same as the written part. Dont try to speak in
written style of language.
Speak in a Natural Way, i.e., to speak in Word-groups. Learning and speaking in
words only cant help you to gain speech fluency. UTTER each word-group as a single
word-unit or you can say in a single IDEACHUNK. Natural talk comes out in idea
chunks only, i.e., the group of words.
Practice set no-1(Greeting and Parting)
1. Good Morning.
2. How are you doing?
3. I am doing well
4. Good to see you
5. It is pleasure to meet you
6. I am more than happy to speak with you.
7. Hows it going?
8. Where are you off to?
9. See you later.
10. How is everything?
Practice set no-2 (offering help)
1. Can I help you?
2. Can I give you any help?
3. Is there anything I can do to help?
4. I am going to the market. Would like me to get anything for you?
5. Ill help you, if you like
6. Do you need some kind of help?
7. Here, Ill show how to do it?
8. Would you like me to shut the windows?
9. Lets have a look.
10. Let me carry your bag.
Practice set no-3 (Requesting)
The greetings Good
Morning/Good
Afternoon/Good Evening are
used at different times. Good
Evening is often used after 6
pm. Good Night is not a
greeting. It is used leaving a
place or group of people.
The greetings Good
Morning/Good Afternoon/Good
Evening are used at different
times. Good Evening is often used
after 6 pm. Good Night is not a
greeting. It is used leaving a place
or group of people.
1. Would you open the window, please?
2. Could you tidy up my room please?
3. Can you hold this a second?
4. Do you have the change for hundred rupee note?
5. If you are going out, would you mind getting me a packet of milk?
6. Could you possibly lend me some money?
7. Would you please ask him to come?
8. If you dont mind, can you get me some water?
9. Can you please help me with my bags, please?
10. Could you drop on the corner there, please?
Practice set no-2 (Daily activities)
1. What time do you get up?
2. I get up about seven fifteen
3. What do you do usually in the afternoon?
4. Do you ever go to movies?
5. I go every now and then
6. Do you watch TV very often?
7. Does Suresh play cricket regularly?
8. What time do you get to the College?
9. What time do you go to bed
10. What time do you return home?
Practice set no-2 (Asking about activities)
1. When did you eat Lunch today?
2. Where did you have your Lunch?
3. I had it at Taj restaurant.
4. Did you do your homework last night?
5. Yes, I washed the dishes and cleaned the house.
6. Where did you go last night?
7. I watched TV for a while
8. We went to a beautiful beach.
9. Where have you been?
10. I have been to Bangalore
Practice set no-6 (General activities)
1. Would you like to go to the movie with me tonight?
2. What are you going to do tonight?
3. I dont have anything else to do
4. That would be fine ( an expression to say OK)
5. Id rather stay home and watch television.
6. I havent decided yet.
7. Can I call you and tell you later?
8. Are there going to be any good programs tonight?
9. Certainly. Meet me here at eight fifteen.
10. Can we go with you?
Practice set no-7 (Meeting at the railway station/Asking Questions at the railway station)
1. Should we take a taxi or bus to the Railway station?
2. I have to go to the railway station immediately
3. Please let me drive you to the railway station.
4. Did you get to the station on time?
5. We got on the train just as it was starting
6. At what time does the next train leave for the city?
7. How much is the fare to Vijayawada?
8. How soon does the train leave?
9. The next train to Ongole leaves at 5:50pm.
10. We alighted Krishna Express at 4;40
Note: all the above expressions slightly modified can be used in Airports and Bus stations few more
expressions about travel are given in practice set number 9.
Practice set no-8 Asking Directions/ finding ones way)
1. Would mind telling me where is the nearest SBI ATM?
2. How can I find out the nearest Drug store?
3. It is about a half a mile from here.
4. Please ask the man over there. He give you the right directions
5. The book is on the table over there
6. Go to that desk over there to buy canteen tokens
7. Whats the best way to get to this address?
8. Is this the right way to Bapatla Engineering College?
9. I need a little assistance.
10. Im sorry I really dont know
Practice set no-9 ( Asking about busses, going by taxi, taking a trip by car)
1. Does this bus go to Chirala?
2. Is this where I get off the bus?
3. Is Ameerpet the next stop?
4. Is this taxi taken?
5. Can I catch a taxi at Benz circle?
6. It is a good day for the trip
7. How far is to the next petrol station (bunk)?
8. How long does it take to get there by car?
9. It takes about 5 hours for you to reach Hyderabad.
10. What is the best way to Mangalagiri?
Practice set no-10 Arriving early/late
1. Im afraid we are going to be late.
2. Whom are you waiting for?
3. She is twenty minutes late already
4. Well, I want to be there in time to get a good seat.
5. Isnt Mallesh here yet?
6. In fact, we are early according to my watch.
7. That should be plenty of time
8. We are waiting for our friend, he is late as usual.
9. We have got about thirty minutes to go to English laboratory.
10. The class doesnt start at Seven thirty as we have an assignment today
Practice set no-11 Using telephone
1. Id like to speak to Siva, Please
2. Could you tell me the extension number of English Department?
3. May I ask who is calling please?
4. Please hold the while I see if he is in.
5. Pardon me; can you speak a bit louder?
6. Thanks for calling. Have a good day.
7. Do you want to leave a message?
8. Could you get him to ring me back?
9. Ill make sure he calls you as soon as he comes home.
10. Ill get back to you as soon as possible
Practice set no-12 Shopping
1. I hate to go shopping, but I guess it is necessary.
2. It seems I have to buy a lot of things
3. What time do the stores close?
4. How much is that pen?
5. Id like to look at watches.
6. Im looking for a good fountain pen
7. How much does that bag cost?
8. Big Bazaar has good variety of things to choose from
9. They have a good selection, the prices are low, too
10. Excuse my asking, but how much did you pay for it?
Practice set no-13 Identifying People
1. Are Dr.Rama Krishna Rao?
2. Do you mean the one over there with glasses?
3. Do you know the girl in green chudidar?
4. Where does he come from?
5. Thats Arjun, son of Mahesh.
6. Do you know the man there holding the file?
7. Who is he talking to?
8. If you mean the thin girl, she is Lakshmi.
9. I know his name but I cant remember it right now.
10. Isnt he the Principal of Pharmacy College?
Practice set no-14 (At Restaurant/Talking about eating)
1. What did you have for breakfast?
2. I had south Indian Tiffin.
3. How about a cup of Tea?
4. That sounds good
5. Did you have good lunch?
6. I always enjoy a good coffee after work
7. Id like to order breakfast
8. Could we have table for four?
9. May I have a Menu, Please?
10. I hope you feel like eating well tonight.
Practice set no-15 (health/at Hospital)
1. I feel rather dizzy, and I have a headache
2. Have you put on weight recently?
3. Ive lost some weight
4. I am running temperature.
5. You look bit off colour. Are you ill?
6. You dont look very well.
7. I think I have a caught cold/ toothache/injured my knee/hurt my shoulder/
8. My throat is sore.
9. I think Ive got a fever/a rash/an allergy/an infection/a blister/an inflammation
10. Resting a while might help it too.
Practice set no-16 (miscellaneous)
1. It is cold outside; I am going to put on a sweater
2. Have you gone through the reports yet?
3. I enrolled in a course to improve my English
4. Could I borrow some money from you?
5. Do you enjoy writing letters?
6. Where have been lately?
7. Ive heard Raju speaking about you quite often.
8. Im Glad to have met you.
9. I worked on my report until midnight last night.
10. How long have you been here?
Practice set no-17 (miscellaneous)
1. Where were you born?
2. Have you lived here all your life?
3. Whom will you get the money from
4. I can take of everything myself
5. Something is bothering me
6. The traffic was heavy
7. Its always bad at this time of the day.
8. Will there be a test next week?
9. Why dont you do it later?
10. How do you operate this machine?
Practice set no-18 ( miscellaneous)
1. I was out of town
2. Thats good looking shirt you have on
3. I thought you went to your village last night
4. If you had a lot of money, what would you buy?
5. I would take all my friends around the world.
6. I was embarrassed by his comments
7. We were confused by his instructions
8. I was told that you have been to Bangalore. (
Bangalore )
9. I went to Haailand last night; I enjoyed a lot .
10. Will the repair work be done on time?
Practice Set no:18 ( miscellaneous)
1. The loud noise frightened us
2. We were frightened by the loud noise
3. She has been told by me about it
4. I have told her about it (note: sentence no. 3 and 4 give the
same meaning
5. We should complain about the poor service in this
restaurant
6. Whom should we complain to?
7. This food is too hot to eat
8. I couldnt finish all the work this afternoon.
9. He is brave enough to ask him to repeat everything.
10. The new method is safe enough to be used.
Practice Set no:19 (miscellaneous)
1. Who is she talking to?
2. What are they arguing about?
3. What is this fuss all about?
4. What was he convicted of?
5. What must they believe in?
6. What are they quarreling over?
7. What should I be ashamed of?
8. What are they appreciated for?
9. What will he worry about?
(Note: not I was enjoyed or I
am enjoyed; it is one of the
usual mistake that is done by
students while posting a
status of facebook)
Note: If you dont know the
meanings of the sentences in
the Practice sets, get the help
of your instructor and form 10
sentences based on each
sentence given in the practice
sets. It is not advisable to
assume the meanings of the
sentences. Try to know the
meaning and exact usage of
each sentence and form as
many sentences as you can.

10. Whom did you get the information from?
Practice Set no:20 (miscellaneous)
1. I used to play cricket during my college days.
2. He should have talked to me about it
3. I had to give an explanation for it
4. I f you had told me, I would have helped you
5. If you study well, you can get a good percentage.
6. Let the things happen according to your wish and whim.
7. He might have gone to the temple
8. It seems he had a problem with his salary
9. He is supposed to meet the HoD immediately.
10. It is not something that I am used to.
















COMMUNICATION SKILLS
1. Introducing oneself.
For any professional and technical discussion, the first step is getting to know names, followed by an
exchange of personal information, which will promote trust and confidence.






















Oral practice
Activity1
You are the Head of the department of computer science. A new staff member joins your department.
Introduce the person to the faculty members ,mentioning the specific duties of each staff member.
Activity 2
You are the student union leader of an Engineering college and the District collector will be the chief
guest at the college day function in your college. Introduce the collector to the various student
secretaries. Highlighting each persons achievement


Introducing oneself
Id like to introduce myself.
I am_________________________
My name is and I am
from___________________
Hi, I am _______________


Introducing others
This is_______________
Id like to introduce_____
from__________________
I feel privileged to
introduce____________


When meeting for the first
time/on being introduced
Pleased to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Nice meeting you.
Glad to meet you.
It is pleasure meeting
youyou


Responding to a greeting

Pleased to meet you too.
Nice meeting you too.
Glad to meet you too
Making requests and giving polite replies
The most common expression for making requests is please.
Example; please switch off your mobiles now.
Drop the empty cups in the bins, please.
Some more ways of making requests are given in the table below
Request Response
Can you shut the window? Of course
Could you shut the window? Certainly
Do you mind shutting the door? Right away.
Do you mind shutting the door? Im sorry I cant because.

Oral practice
Activity 1
You have obtained a first class in computer science. You meet your Head of the department
and discuss your future plans. Enact the scene and discuss the matter in detail.

Activity 2
You are a press reporter. You meet Ajay Palekar who has been appointed captain of Indian
team. Role-play a Scene with him, making polite inquires about his reaction to his captaincy
and Indias performance in the forthcoming Australian tour.

Complaining and apologizing:
Some patterns of complaint:














I am sorry to bring to your notice
I am afraid I have got a complaint..
I am not sure how to say this, but
Would you mind listening to my complaint
Im afraid Ive got something to tell you
Im not at all satisfied.
I take strong exception to..
I really must object to.
I wish to complain the strongest terms about
I am sorry to have say this, but.
I am sorry to bother you ,but







Some patterns of Apology:









Some patterns of accepting an apology:







Oral practice
Activity 1
You are the Head of the department of mechanical Engineering in a college. You are not happy with
the functioning of the recently bought pelton wheel turbine. Role-play a situation in which you
highlight some of the defects of the turbine to the supplier who has come for settlement of the cash
bill. The defects are faculty alignment of pulleys, leakage, abnormal noise level, defective vibration
and cooling system.
Activity 2
Your company has ordered a centrifugal pump, which is found to be slightly defective on arrival.
Role-play a scene with the senior engineer sent by the suppliers pointing out the defects. The
defects are: enormous heat generation, wrongly placed motor pulley and leakage.
Persuading people to do something







Sorry, my fault..
Please accept my apology for
It was foolish/silly/careless/stupid of me
Please forgive me/Im extremely sorry for..
I cant tell you how sorry I am
I feel bad about.
Excuse me/pardon me
Im so awfully/terribly sorry.



Thats quite right.
Please dont worry.
It doesnt matter at all..
Forget it.
Please dont feel bad about it
There is no need to apologies.
Thats really not necessary.
Why dont you?
I think you would do well to
The most sensible thing to do would be..
I think it would be pity if you didnt
Im hoping I can persuade you to change your mind?
Are you sure you cant..?
Why dont you think about it?
I think you should.
Think about it again



Oral practice
Activity 1
Your class has arranged an educational tour to Ooty and Coimbatore.One of your friends is unwilling
to come along. Role-play a scene in which two of your friends (along with you) persuade the
unwilling students to join the excursion..
Activity 2
You are the agent of a popular brand of washing machine. Persuade a reluctant customer to
purchase the machine, highlight its unique features.
Activity 3
Your friend is a chain smoker. Dissuade him from smoking Cigrettes, Explaining its harmful effects.
Some useful expressions for making suggestions:









Oral practice
Activity 1
You have passed the higher secondary exams obtaining good marks in all subjects. Discuss your
future academic career with your family- your father, mother and sister

Activity 2
You are the General Manager of a factory, which is on strike. The workers demand a hike in their
wages. They want double wages on holidays and an increase in the annual bonus. You are asked to
give suggestions. What suggestions will you make?


Why dont you?
I think you would do well to
The most sensible thing to do would be..
I think it would be pity if you didnt
Im hoping I can persuade you to change your mind?
Are you sure you cant..?
Why dont you think about it?
I think you should.
Think about it again

Some useful expressions for inviting people










Oral practice
Activity 1
Invite a friend to accompany you on excursion.
Activity 2
Invite a professor to address a student gathering.
Activity 3
Invite a friend to attend the college day function.
Activity 3
Invite your juniors to a freshers party.

Some useful Complimentary expressions







Responses:






Would you like to.
I would like to invite.
Why dont you.?
Would you mind?
How about.?
Would you care to.?
Congratulations!
I would like to congratulate you.
Well done
How nice that
Fantastic.
Thank you very much.
Thats very kind of you.
That is so good of you
Oral practice
Activity 1
You have got a good job abroad. Your friends congratulate you and ask for details of the job.
Activity 2
As professor of the engineering department, you compliment a student on her performance in the
unit test.
Activity 3
You have two free tickets to New York inn the Talk your way to New York competition. Your best
friend telephones you from New Delhi to congratulate you.
Expressing sympathy

Some expressions of sympathy:
I was sorry to learn.
I couldnt believe it when I heard that
You have my deepest sympathy..
I cannot find the words to express my feelings.

Oral practice
Activity 1
A friend loses her job for no fault of hers. Her friends try to make her look forward to better
times.

Activity 2
Your friend loses a close relative. A few of your classmates meet him at his house and offer their
condolences
Activity 3
Your friend is on her way to college and meets with a minor accident. You visit her at the
hospital and express your sympathy and concern
Using the telephone

The following could be broadly spoken of as the stages of a
telephone conversation:
1.Welcoming a call:
Hello! Nice to hear from you.
Hello!
Yes, this is Joseph Fernandes.
Who is calling, please?
This is612645.Who would you like to speak to?
2.Making polite enquiries:
How do you do?
How are you?
How are things?

3.Actual message(suggestions)
Be as concise as possible
Use simple conversation language.
Repeat important details like date,time,place,addresss,etc
4.Offering help:
Give me a ring if you have a problem.
Please let me know if there is any thing I can do
5.Confirming future plans
See you on 26
th

Ill look forward to meeting you on Thursday morning
6. Ending on a friendly note:
Right then, thanks for your help
Have a nice day
Thanks for calling

Oral practice
Activity
You have recently bought a washing machine, which does not function properly. The automatic
temperature control does not work. Ring up the dealer from whom you bought it and explain your
problem