RBI Grade B English (Writing Skills) Syllabus

What is the purpose of a 'hook' in an essay introduction?

A hook grabs the reader's attention at the very start using a question, statistic, quotation, or striking statement, encouraging them to keep reading.

In argumentation, what is the difference between a claim and evidence?

A claim is the assertion or position being argued; evidence is the factual support (data, examples, expert testimony) used to back the claim.

What are the three rhetorical appeals defined by Aristotle?

Ethos (credibility/character), Pathos (emotion), and Logos (logic/reason).

What is a 'counterargument' and why include one in argumentative writing?

A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint; including and refuting it (rebuttal) strengthens your argument by showing you have considered other perspectives fairly.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in argumentation?

Deductive reasoning moves from general premises to a specific, certain conclusion; inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a broader, probable generalisation.

What is a rebuttal in an argument?

A rebuttal is the response that counters or refutes an opposing argument or counterargument with evidence and reasoning.

In essays on economy and society, what is the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy?

Fiscal policy is government control of taxation and spending; monetary policy is the central bank's control of money supply and interest rates.

What is meant by 'inclusive growth' in socio-economic writing?

Inclusive growth is economic growth that is distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all, especially marginalised and poorer sections.

Define GDP as commonly used in economy essays.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given period.

What is the difference between economic growth and economic development?

Economic growth is a quantitative increase in output/income (e.g., GDP); economic development is a broader qualitative improvement in living standards, health, education, and equity.

What is a precis?

A precis is a concise, clear summary of a passage that captures its essential meaning and main points in the writer's own words, typically about one-third of the original length.

What is the standard length of a precis relative to the original passage?

Roughly one-third (about 1/3) of the length of the original passage.

In which person and tense is a precis conventionally written?

A precis is written in the third person and usually in the past tense, in reported (indirect) speech.

List three things that must NOT be included in a precis.

Personal opinions/comments by the writer, examples and illustrations, and direct speech/quotations or repetition of details.

What are the key steps in writing a precis?

Read the passage to grasp the main idea, identify the central theme and key points, draft a concise version in your own words, remove non-essential detail, then revise for clarity and word count.

What is the difference between a precis and a summary?

Both condense a text, but a precis follows strict rules (about one-third length, own words, third person) and covers the whole passage proportionally; a summary is a more flexible brief overview of main points.

What is the primary goal of summarisation?

To restate the essential ideas of a longer text briefly and accurately, retaining the original meaning while omitting minor details, examples, and repetition.

What is an 'abstractive' summary versus an 'extractive' summary?

An extractive summary selects and reuses key sentences/phrases from the source; an abstractive summary rephrases the content in new words to convey the gist.

When summarising, how should examples and statistics generally be treated?

They should be omitted or generalised; specific examples and figures are supporting detail, not main ideas, so they are usually left out of a concise summary.

What makes a good title for a passage or essay?

A good title is short, relevant, and captures the central theme or main idea of the text, often catchy or thought-provoking while remaining accurate.

Should a title be a full sentence, and how is it usually capitalised?

A title is usually a short phrase, not a full sentence, and is typically written in title case (major words capitalised).

What is the basic structure of a formal report?

Title/heading, introduction (purpose/background), body (findings/details with facts), and conclusion or recommendations; often byline, date, and place are included.

In what voice and tense is a formal/newspaper report typically written?

Typically in the passive voice and the past tense, in an impersonal, objective third-person style.

What are the '5 Ws and 1 H' essential to report and news writing?

What, Who, Where, When, Why, and How—the key questions a complete report should answer.

What is the difference between a formal letter and an informal letter?

A formal letter uses a fixed structure, formal tone, and is for official/business purposes; an informal letter is personal, uses a casual tone and flexible layout, written to friends or family.

List the standard parts of a formal (business) letter in order.

Sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation, subject line, body, complimentary close, and signature/name.

What is a memo (memorandum) and how does it differ from a letter?

A memo is a brief internal communication within an organisation; unlike a letter it omits salutations and addresses, using a 'To, From, Date, Subject' header followed by a concise body.

What is subject-verb agreement, with an example?

The verb must agree in number with its subject: a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject a plural verb. Example: 'The list of items is long' (singular 'list' takes 'is').

What is the difference between active and passive voice, with an example?

In active voice the subject performs the action ('The manager approved the loan'); in passive voice the subject receives the action ('The loan was approved by the manager').

What is a dangling modifier, with a corrected example?

A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase that does not clearly attach to the word it modifies. Incorrect: 'Walking to school, the rain started.' Corrected: 'Walking to school, I felt the rain start.'