IUS Preps

Appearance

Quick Revision ​

1. Communication Fundamentals (Scenario Focus) ​

a. Communication and importance ​

  • Communication = exchange of information.
  • In group work, it helps clear planning, task completion, teamwork, and better academic/professional performance.

b. Types used in scenario ​

  • Verbal: Face-to-face explanation and WhatsApp text.
  • Non-verbal: Eye contact, gestures, body language.
  • Visual: Chart for presenting data.

c. Channels ​

  • Natural channel: Face-to-face interaction.
  • Artificial channel: WhatsApp/digital messaging.

d. Frame of reference ​

  • Different backgrounds and experiences cause different interpretations of the same message.
  • Misunderstanding happens when sender and receiver decode messages differently.

e. Feedback ​

  • Feedback = receiver's response after decoding.
  • Asking questions/confirming tasks reduces confusion and improves clarity.

2. Noise and Barriers in Communication (Scenario Focus) ​

a. Noise ​

  • Any interference that disturbs communication and causes missed or misunderstood information.

b. Environmental vs physiological ​

  • Environmental noise: Loud sounds at home during online class.
  • Physiological noise: Sickness/tiredness reducing concentration.

c. Psychological noise ​

  • Anxiety or stress prevents focus, so message is not received effectively.

d. Semantic noise ​

  • Confusing terms or poor word choice create meaning confusion.

e. Syntactic/organizational noise ​

  • Syntactic: Unclear grammar/sentence structure.
  • Organizational: Poor sequence of ideas.
  • Result: Students cannot follow main points.

3. Listening Skills (Scenario Focus) ​

a. Listening and importance ​

  • Listening is a receptive, focused process.
  • In discussions, it is needed to understand others and respond accurately.

b. Active vs passive ​

  • Passive listening: Checking phone, no response.
  • Active listening: Eye contact, notes, questions, summary.

c. Key active listening techniques ​

  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Take notes.
  • Ask clarifying questions.
  • Summarize/paraphrase key points.

d. Role of non-verbal cues ​

  • Nodding, eye contact, and attentive posture show engagement and encourage smooth communication.

e. Academic/workplace value ​

  • Better instruction-following, teamwork, participation, and fewer misunderstandings.

4. Speaking Skills (Scenario Focus) ​

a. Speaking skill and importance ​

  • Speaking skill = clear expression of ideas through speech.
  • Crucial in interviews for confidence and clear self-presentation.

b. Fluency vs accuracy ​

  • Fluency: Smooth flow (problem: hesitation).
  • Accuracy: Correct grammar/use (problem: wrong verb forms).

c. Pronunciation, stress, intonation ​

  • Pronunciation improves clarity.
  • Stress improves word-level correctness.
  • Intonation improves natural tone and intended meaning.

d. Non-verbal aspects ​

  • Eye contact, posture, gestures, facial expression, and tone shape how confident and credible the speaker sounds.

e. Common mistakes and fixes ​

  • Mistakes: Bangla translation, grammar errors, poor eye contact/tone, fear/hesitation.
  • Fixes: Daily speaking practice, voice recording, shadowing videos, regular conversation practice.

5. Presentation and Public Speaking (Scenario Focus) ​

a. Basic steps ​

  • Start with greeting and short introduction.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Use simple language.
  • Use gestures/facial expressions.
  • Practice before presenting.

b. Conversation etiquette ​

  • Politeness, eye contact, turn-taking, and respectful listening improve audience response.

c. Structure ​

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion

d. Stage fright and control ​

  • Stage fright = nervousness in public speaking.
  • Techniques: repeated practice, preparation, positive mindset, controlled breathing.

e. Storytelling value ​

  • Short stories/examples increase interest, clarity, and memory in short talks.

6. Branches of Linguistics and Language Use ​

a. Four relevant branches ​

  • Phonetics: Correct pronunciation of sounds.
  • Syntax: Correct sentence formation.
  • Semantics: Literal meaning of words/sentences.
  • Pragmatics: Context-appropriate and polite language use.

b. Semantics vs pragmatics ​

  • Semantics: Meaning itself (knowing what words mean).
  • Pragmatics: Socially appropriate use in context.
  • Example: "Give me your pen" (grammatical but can sound rude) vs "Could you please give me your pen?"

c. Applied linguistics support ​

  • Improves grammar/syntax through targeted exercises.
  • Improves politeness and context use through role-play and situational speaking.
  • Improves vocabulary use through context-based practice.

7. Language Acquisition and Linguistic Competence ​

a. First vs second language acquisition ​

  • First language acquisition: Natural learning from early childhood.
  • Second language acquisition: Learning later in life, often with more difficulty.

b. Acquisition theories ​

  • Behaviorist: Imitation + reinforcement.
  • Nativist: Inborn language ability (LAD).
  • Interactionist: Learning through social interaction and environment.

c. Competence vs performance ​

  • Linguistic competence: Knowledge of grammar/vocabulary/rules.
  • Performance: Real-life use of language.
  • A student may know rules but still struggle to speak confidently.

d. Teaching value ​

  • Helps teachers choose methods (practice, reinforcement, interaction) suited to learner needs.
  • Supports communication-based learning, not only grammar memorization.

e. Linguistic branches for L2 support ​

  • Phonetics: Pronunciation.
  • Syntax: Sentence accuracy.
  • Semantics: Meaning.
  • Pragmatics: Appropriate social use.

IUS Preps - Your Academic Success Partner

Educational resources for IUS students.

Copyright © 2026 - IUS Preps