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Passage 1: Note Making and Summarizing

Read the following passage carefully:

  1. Conversation is indeed the most easily teachable of all arts. All you need to do in order to become a good conversationalist is to find a subject that interests you and your listeners. There are, for example, numberless hobbies to talk about. But the important
  2. thing is that you must talk about other fellow's hobby rather than your own. Therein lies the secret of your popularity. Talk to your friends about the things that interest them, and you will get a reputation for good fellowship, charming wit, and a brilliant mind. There is nothing that pleases people so much as your interest in their interest.
  3. It is just as important to know what subjects to avoid and what subjects to select for good conversation. If you don't want to be set down as a wet blanket or a bore, be careful to avoid certain unpleasant subjects. Avoid talking about yourself, unless you are asked to do so. People are interested in their own problems not in yours. Sickness or death bores everybody. The only one who willingly listens to such talk is the doctor, but he gets paid for it.
  4. To be a good conversationalist you must know not only what to say, but how also to say it. Be mentally quick and witty. But don't hurt others with your wit. Finally try to avoid mannerism in your conversation. Don't bite your lips or click your tongue, or roll your eyes or use your hands excessively as you speak.
  5. Don't be like that Frenchman who said, "How can I talk if you hold my hand?"

Q.1. Make notes an the contents of above paragraph in any format, using abbreviations. Supply a suitable title also.

Title: The Art of Conversation
Notes:
1. Conv'n-most easily tch'ble art
(a) Reqd. interest'g subject - hobbies
(b) Talk about other fellow's int./hobby
(c) Win'g reptn. as good conversationalist
(i) good f'ship
(ii) charm'g wit
(iii) brl. mind
2. Fit subs, for conversationalist
(a) What subs, to avoid/select?
(b) Avoid unpl'nt subs.
(i) sickness
(ii) death
(c) Avoid talk'g about self
3. Qualities of a good conversationalist
(a) What to say & how to say it
(b) ment'y quick & witty
(c) pleasant & unhurt'g
(d) avoid mannerisms.

Q.2. Make a summary of the passage. 

Summary:
Conversation is the easiest and the most effective tool than other arts. To have such attractive quality, you need to pick a subject that interest your listners more than you. Talk to your friends on topics that can indulge your friends in the conversation for a longer period of time. Being a good conversationalist, you have to quick and witty. You should have a pleasant and unhurting quality. Mannerism should be avoided.

The document Passage 1: Note Making and Summarizing is a part of the Class 11 Course Class 11 English Grammar.
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FAQs on Passage 1: Note Making and Summarizing

1. What's the difference between note making and summarizing for CBSE Class 11 English?
Ans. Note making captures key points using abbreviations and symbols in organised formats, while summarising condenses the entire passage into fewer words while retaining main ideas. Note making is selective and structural; summarising requires identifying central themes and presenting them coherently. Both skills enhance comprehension and retention for exam preparation.
2. How do I identify main ideas when making notes from a passage?
Ans. Main ideas are typically introduced in topic sentences, repeated throughout the passage, and directly support the passage's central theme. Look for keywords, headings, and emphasis markers. Distinguish between supporting details and core concepts by asking: "Would the passage's meaning change if I removed this?" Essential points form your note-making framework; secondary details supplement them.
3. What abbreviations and symbols should I use while note making?
Ans. Standard abbreviations include w/ (with), w/o (without), govt (government), & (and), → (leads to), ↑ (increase), ↓ (decrease). Create personal symbols for frequently repeated concepts. Use bullet points, numbered lists, and indentation for hierarchy. Consistency matters more than convention-develop a system you understand during quick revision sessions before exams.
4. Why is note making better than just highlighting or underlining text?
Ans. Note making actively engages your brain through selection and organisation, promoting deeper understanding compared to passive highlighting. It forces you to paraphrase, identify relationships between ideas, and create a personalised study resource. Active processing during note making significantly improves retention and helps during exam revision compared to re-reading highlighted passages.
5. How do I write a good summary without losing important details from the original passage?
Ans. Read the passage multiple times before summarising; identify main points, supporting evidence, and conclusions separately. Maintain the original sequence and tone while using your own words. Aim for 1/3 the original length. Check your summary against the original-if key arguments are missing, revise. Balance brevity with completeness for effective CBSE exam responses.
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