Appreciating Prose - Easy Module for BA English (ENG3B03) University of Calicut - III Semester

Appreciating Prose - Easy Module for BA English (ENG3B03) University of Calicut - III Semester

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Objective:

To help students understand and enjoy prose writing, especially those who are weak in English. These notes simplify the concepts, so students can grasp the basics and prepare for exams confidently.

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Study Pack: Appreciating Prose (ENG3B03)

This study pack is prepared for students of BA English (2019 Admission) under Calicut University.
Course: ENG3B03 – Appreciating Prose
Language Support: English with Malayalam meanings

Sample Answers with Malayalam Meanings

1. Write a note on the characteristics of prose.

Prose is a form of written or spoken language that follows the natural flow of speech.
It does not have a structured meter like poetry. It is used in novels, essays, stories, and everyday communication.
Prose can be formal or informal.

Malayalam Meaning:
Prose എന്നത് കൃത്യമായ താളമോ韑വൃത്തിയോ ഇല്ലാതെ സ്വാഭാവികമായി എഴുതിയോ സംസാരിച്ചോ വരുന്ന ഭാഷാ രൂപമാണ്.
കവിതയെപ്പോലെ ഇല്ലാതെയാണ് പ്രോസിന്റെ രചനാ രീതി. നോവൽ, ലേഖനം, കഥ മുതലായവയെഴുതാനായി ഇത് ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നു. ഇത് ഔപചാരികമോ അനൗപചാരികമോ ആകാം.

2. What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction prose?

Fiction prose includes imaginary stories such as novels and short stories.
Non-fiction prose is based on real facts and includes biographies, essays, reports etc.

Malayalam Meaning:
Fiction prose എന്നത് സങ്കൽപ്പ കഥകളെയാണ് ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്നത് - ഉദാ: നോവൽ, ചെറുകഥ.
Non-fiction prose യഥാർത്ഥ സംഭവങ്ങളിലാണ് അടിസ്ഥാനമിട്ടത് - ഉദാ: ജീവചരിത്രം, ലേഖനം, റിപ്പോർട്ട് മുതലായവ.

3. What are the functions of English prose?

The functions of English prose are to inform, entertain, persuade, and explain.
It is used in literature, education, communication, and journalism.

Malayalam Meaning:
English prose ന്റെ പ്രധാന പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ വിവരിക്കുക, വിനോദം നൽകുക, മനസ്സിലാക്കിക്കുക, വിശകലനം ചെയ്യുക എന്നിവയാണ്.
ഇത് സാഹിത്യം, വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം, മാധ്യമം തുടങ്ങിയ മേഖലകളിൽ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നു.

Objective: To help students with weak English background understand key topics through simple summaries and bilingual notes.

1. The Pleasures of Ignorance – Robert Lynd

Summary (English):

Robert Lynd humorously discusses how people pretend to know everything but often forget simple facts. He says that forgetting is natural and it's okay to be ignorant about many things. The essay encourages continuous learning.

സാരാംശം (Malayalam):

റോബർട്ട് ലിൻഡ് തമാശയോടെ പറയുന്നു മനുഷ്യർ എല്ലാവിധ കാര്യങ്ങളും അറിയാം എന്ന് നടിക്കാറാണ്, പക്ഷേ പലപ്പോഴും അവർ അടിസ്ഥാനമായ വിവരങ്ങൾ പോലും മറക്കാറുണ്ട്. എല്ലാം അറിയേണ്ടതില്ല; പഠിക്കാൻ ഇനിയും ബാക്കി ഉണ്ട് എന്നതാണ് സന്ദേശം.

2. Speech at the UN – Malala Yousafzai

Summary (English):

Malala speaks at the UN about the importance of education, especially for girls. She shares her experience after being shot by extremists and highlights how education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.

സാരാംശം (Malayalam):

മലാല യു‌സഫ്സായി യു.എൻ.വേദിയിൽ പെൺകുട്ടികളുടെ വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം എത്ര പ്രധാനമാണെന്ന് പങ്കുവെക്കുന്നു. താനെതിരെ ആക്രമണം നടന്നതിന്റെ അനുഭവങ്ങൾ പങ്കുവെക്കുകയും, വിദ്യാഭ്യാസം ലോകം മാറ്റാൻ കഴിയുന്ന ഏറ്റവും ശക്തിയുള്ള ആയുധമാണെന്ന് അവൾ പറയുന്നു.

3. On Saying Please – Alfred George Gardiner

Summary (English):

Gardiner emphasizes the importance of politeness and good manners in daily life. He argues that kindness and saying 'please' or 'thank you' improves social harmony and makes life better for everyone.

സാരാംശം (Malayalam):

ആൽഫ്രഡ് ജോർജ് ഗാർഡിനർ നിത്യജീവിതത്തിൽ മാന്യമായ പെരുമാറ്റത്തിന്റെ പ്രാധാന്യം വിശദീകരിക്കുന്നു. ദയയും വിനീതതയും സമൂഹത്തെ സൗഹാർദപൂർണ്ണമാക്കുന്നു എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം പറയുന്നു.

Tips to Crack the Exam

1. Write in simple English. Use your own words.
2. Start with a short introduction, then give 2-3 points, and end with a conclusion.
3. Practice summaries in both English and Malayalam.
4. Memorize keywords and phrases.
5. Attempt old question papers.
6. Record your answers and listen repeatedly.

Useful Vocabulary (English - Malayalam)

Ignorance – അജ്ഞത
Harmony – ഐക്യം
Politeness – വിനയം
Empowerment – അധികാരം നൽകല്‍
Extremists – തീവ്രവാദികൾ
Weapon – ആയുധം

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For exam support, call: 9539051386

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MODULE 1: Introduction to Prose (30 hours)

What is Prose?

• Prose is ordinary written or spoken language.

• Not poetry. No rhyme or rhythm.

• Used in stories, essays, biographies, and speeches.

Types of Prose:

1. Fiction: Imaginative writing

   • Short Story: One main idea, few characters

   • Novel: Long story with many characters and events

2. Non-fiction: Real-life writing

   • Autobiography: Life story written by the person

   • Biography: Life story written by someone else

   • Essay: Opinion or ideas on a topic

Types of Essays:

• Formal Essay: Serious, structured (e.g., speech, article)

• Informal Essay: Personal, casual (e.g., diary, blogs)

History of English Prose:

• Early prose: Translations of religious texts

• 18th century: Essays, novels became popular

• Modern prose: Simple, direct, and about everyday life

Why Study Prose?

• Learn different styles

• Understand culture and people

• Improve thinking and writing skills

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MODULE 2: Reflections and Speeches (30 hours)

This module contains selected writings by famous authors. Some are speeches, others are essays or autobiographical pieces.

Here are tips to study them:

• Read each piece slowly and twice

• Underline main points

• Try to write the idea in your own words (any language first, then English)

Sample Authors (Examples):

• Jawaharlal Nehru

• George Orwell

• APJ Abdul Kalam

What to do:

1. Understand the message – What is the author trying to say?

2. Know the style – Is it formal/informal? Is it a story or a speech?

3. Learn 5-10 new words from each lesson

4. Practice writing a summary in simple English

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Tips to Crack the Exam:

1. Focus on understanding the main idea of each lesson

2. Write short answers in simple English

3. Don’t memorize everything – understand and rewrite in your words

4. Practice old question papers (write answers with help first, then try yourself)

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Additional Support Ideas:

• Attend English tuition or join WhatsApp study group

• Watch short videos on each prose lesson

• Practice writing 5 sentences daily about any topic

• Translate a paragraph into your mother tongue, then into English

• Learn 5 new English words daily and use them in sentences
  
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A simple and practical learning module to help you understand and pass the Calicut University BA English ENG3B03 – "Appreciating Prose" exam. 

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🎯 Goal: Help the student understand the basics of prose, memorize important points, and practice short answers in a way they can explain in their own language.

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✅ MODULE PLAN – Simplified Learning

📘 Module 1: Introduction to Prose (30 hours)

1. What is Prose?

• Prose is simple writing in paragraph form (not poems or songs).

• It is how we talk or write in everyday life.

• Examples: stories, articles, letters, essays, speeches.

2. Types of Prose:

Type	Meaning	Example
Fiction	Made-up stories	Novels, Short stories
Non-fiction	Real-life based writing	Essays, Biographies
Autobiography	Story of a person written by themselves	"Wings of Fire" – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

3. Essays – Types

Type	Features	Example Topic
Formal	Serious tone, factual	"Importance of Education"
Informal	Friendly, personal	"My Favourite Book"

4. Style and Literary Devices

(Just remember basic ones)

• Simile – comparison using like or as. (e.g., He is as brave as a lion.)

• Metaphor – direct comparison. (e.g., Time is a thief.)

• Irony – saying the opposite of what is meant.

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📗 Module 2: Reflections and Speeches (30 hours)

Here are sample explanations for some commonly used prose pieces (you can check the university’s list to match it with the textbook):

✍️ Sample Prose Text Summary

(Use this format to teach all pieces)

Title: The Pleasures of Ignorance – Robert Lynd

• Lynd says people act like they know everything, but they actually forget many things.

• He speaks humorously about how we forget common facts like bird names or history lessons.

• Message: It’s okay to not know everything. Enjoy learning new things!

Title: Speech at the UN – Malala Yousafzai

• Malala talks about girls' right to education.

• She shares her experience after being attacked and says books and pens are powerful weapons.

• Message: Every child deserves to go to school.

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✍️ Tips for Writing the Exam:

• Write simple English. Use your own words.

• Start with an introduction, then 2 points, then conclude.

• Use bullets if writing long answers is difficult.

• Practice 1 summary and 1 short note every day.

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💡 Additional Ideas for Your Student:

1. Use Bilingual Notes: Prepare explanations in English + mother tongue (Malayalam/Hindi).

2. Video Summaries: Watch YouTube videos of each prose piece with subtitles.

3. Pair with a Tutor: At least 3 mock Q&A sessions before the exam.

4. Key Vocabulary Sheet: 50 words with meanings and sample sentences.

5. Practice with Previous Questions: Often, questions repeat.

6. Use Voice Recording: Record your answer summaries and listen before sleep.

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For exam support, call: 9539051386

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