R. K. Singh’sCommunication in English: Grammar and Composition is
the book, which provides ‘practical help in acquiring the language
competence.’ However, there are many other books already been written
by many scholars of ELT, but what differs the book from others is its
preference to specific problem areas at ‘post-secondary/ intermediate/+2
level’ keeping in view the needs of course of General English
/Communication /Professional Communication/Report Writing etc. in an
Engineering or Professional Institute.’
The book is divided into seven chapters on ‘Grammar, Sentence
Effectiveness, Paragraph writing, Précis, comprehension, dialogue
Writing and Key to Selected Exercises.’ The first chapter deals with the
introductory of Grammar starting from the basic Parts of Speech,
Articles and their right use. The author introduces verbs, tenses,
voice, phrasal verbs, and concord of subject-verb/pronoun agreement and
special problems of agreement. The author has added a separate Chapter
II on ‘Sentence Effectiveness’ is also well written because it develops
the insight in the writer who does not analyze while or after writing.
The author says rightly, “If you analyze what happens as you write, you
will probably find that while writing you pay no attention to sentences
as such.” (51)
The author has, in brief, tried to cover all major lacunas that
commonly a writer leaves unconsciously but can overcome these
malpractices with ’practice’ and ‘attention’. The author has given
certain instances and clarified his intention.
The next four chapters deal with Paragraph Writing, Précis,
Comprehension and Dialogue Writing. In each chapter, the author firstly
defines and makes clear the concept and term and then adds some examples
for a better understanding. The seventh chapter of the book is the ‘Key
to Selected Exercises’ makes the book ‘complete’ as most of the books
of Grammar need guidance of teacher for the solution of exercises of
Grammar and Comprehension and the concept of self learning remains
devoid of meaning.
The author has appended a small but useful bibliography for teachers
of communication skill, which they can use or recommend for their
scholars or students. This book should be a possession of both teachers
and students of communication in English as well as a common writer who
wishes to chisel his language and enhance his performance in writing.
https://shaleensingh.in/index.php/2020/08/25/communication-in-english-grammar-and-composition-by-r-k-singh-bareilly-prakash-book-depot-first-ed-2004-isbn-81-7977-092-3-reviewed-by-dr-shaleen-kumar-singh/
