Passage 1: Note Making and Summarizing | Class 11 English Grammar PDF Download

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.