1.
Main Ideas
Skill: Identify the main point or central idea of a passage.
What to Expect: Short reading followed by a question: “What is the main idea?”
How to Prepare:
o Focus on topic sentence.
o Ignore examples/details.
o Watch for summaries or repeated points.
2. Re-statement / Inference
Skill: Rephrase sentences OR figure out something implied but not said directly.
What to Expect:
o A line like “She always sets two alarms before sleeping,” and the question: “What can you
infer?”
Tip:
o Re-statement → paraphrasing with same meaning.
o Inference → logical guess based on clues.
3. Creative Writing
Skill: Imaginative writing with structure and vivid language.
Example Topics: “A day without electricity,” “If animals could talk,” etc.
Teacher Focus: Grammar, originality, structure (opening → middle → end).
4. E-mail Writing
Format:
o To, Subject
o Opening (Dear ___)
o Body (short, formal, clear)
o Closing (Regards, etc.)
Examples:
o Email to a teacher requesting leave.
o Email to company asking for product details.
5. Paragraphs
Like Q1 in Midterm.
Structure:
o Topic sentence → Supporting sentences → Concluding sentence.
Must have: Thesis, unity, coherence, transitions.
6. Outlining
Skill: Make a structured plan before writing.
What to Expect:
o A topic, and you need to make a Title, Main Points, and Subpoints.
Example:
o Topic: Online Education
I. Introduction
A. Definition
B. Importance
II. Advantages
III. Challenges
IV. Conclusion
7. Applications
Formal Application Writing (e.g. job, leave, complaint).
Structure:
o Sender info
o Date
o Receiver info
o Subject
o Body (to the point)
o Closing (Yours sincerely, etc.)
Teacher Focus: Format + Grammar.
8. Narrative Essay
Story-based writing.
Must include:
o Clear plot
o Characters
o Conflict/resolution
o Chronological order
Example: “The most unforgettable journey of my life”
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER
Note: Attempt all questions. Marks are mentioned. Total: 40 marks.
Q1: Main Idea (3 marks)
Read the following paragraph and identify its main idea:
The rise of online education has created new opportunities for students across the world. Many learners can now
access quality content from top universities while sitting at home. Though online learning lacks physical
interaction, it provides flexibility, affordability, and access to resources that were once unreachable.
Q2: Restatement / Inference (4 marks – 2 each)
a. Restate the sentence in your own words:
“Global warming is causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal cities.”
b. What can you infer from this sentence?
“She set five alarms for the morning.”
Q3: Creative Writing (5 marks)
Write a short creative piece on the topic:
“A world where nobody lies.”
Q4: E-mail Writing (4 marks)
Write an email to your course instructor requesting an extension on your assignment due to a family emergency.
Q5: Paragraph Writing (6 marks)
Write a well-structured paragraph (about 250–300 words) on the topic:
“Why reading is still important in the digital age.”
Q6: Outlining (4 marks)
Prepare an outline for the topic:
“The impact of social media on teenagers.”
Q7: Application Writing (4 marks)
Write an application to the principal of your college requesting a character certificate.
Q8: Narrative Essay (10 marks)
Write a narrative essay on:
“The day everything went wrong.”
ANSWER SHEET
Q1: Main Idea
Main Idea:
Online education is providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities despite lacking face-to-face
interaction.
📝 Explanation:
Look at the first and second sentences — they show what the paragraph is mainly about.
Examples like “top universities” and “flexibility” support this point.
It’s not just about "students" or "resources" — those are supporting details.
Q2: Restatement / Inference
a. Restatement:
Climate change is causing oceans to rise, which puts cities near the coast in danger.
📝 Explanation: Same meaning, different words. Avoid copying.
b. Inference:
She’s very worried about waking up on time.
📝 Explanation: The sentence doesn’t say it, but we can logically guess this.
Q3: Creative Writing
Topic: A world where nobody lies
In a world where no one tells a lie, things are shockingly honest—and sometimes uncomfortable. Job interviews
become brutal when people admit their weaknesses without filters. Relationships become raw, as people speak
every truth, good or bad. But this world also brings a deep level of trust and safety. No fake smiles, no false
promises. People learn to face reality, fix problems, and build a world based on real emotions, not illusions.
Truth becomes the strongest bond. Life might be tough in such honesty, but it’s also more genuine.
📝 Tip: Keep it imaginative, but structured. Don’t just describe randomly—make sure it flows.
Q4: E-mail Writing
To: instructor@university.edu
Subject: Request for Assignment Extension
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to kindly request a short extension on
the assignment for Expository Writing, which is due this Friday.
Due to a recent family emergency, I have not been able to focus fully on the work. I
assure you this is a temporary situation and I will submit the assignment within two extra
days, if allowed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Maryam Fatima
BS English – Semester II
📝 Tip: Be clear, polite, and brief. Use formal tone.
Q5: Paragraph Writing
Topic: Why reading is still important in the digital age
Even in the age of smartphones and social media, reading remains a crucial habit for personal growth and
knowledge. Unlike scrolling through short videos or tweets, reading requires focus, patience, and imagination.
Books improve vocabulary, deepen understanding, and train the brain to think critically. While digital content is
fast and flashy, it often lacks depth. Reading, on the other hand, builds empathy by letting us live through
different lives and perspectives. Whether it’s fiction, history, or science, reading shapes a thoughtful and
informed mind. In short, reading may not be trending, but it’s timeless.
📝 Tip: Strong topic sentence + supporting examples + clear ending sentence.
Q6: Outline
Topic: The impact of social media on teenagers
I. Introduction
A. Growth of social media
B. Popularity among teens
II. Positive Effects
A. Staying connected
B. Learning opportunities
III. Negative Effects
A. Addiction and distraction
B. Mental health issues
C. Cyberbullying
IV. Conclusion
A. Need for balance and awareness
📝 Tip: Use headings and sub-points. Keep it logical.
Q7: Application
To,
The Principal,
Govt. Degree College for Women, Multan.
Subject: Request for Character Certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Maryam Ahmed, a student of BS English (Semester IV). I have successfully completed my
studies at your esteemed college and now require a character certificate for my university
application.
I shall be thankful for your kind cooperation in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Maryam Fatima
Roll No: 58-ENG-045
📝 Tip: Use formal style. Don’t overwrite.
Q8: Narrative Essay
Topic: The day everything went wrong
It started with a missed alarm. I woke up thirty minutes late for my final exam. Rushing through breakfast, I
spilled tea on my shirt and had to change again. Outside, it began to rain heavily, and of course—I forgot my
umbrella. When I reached the college gate, I realized I’d left my admit card at home. That one moment of panic
turned the day into a blur of mistakes. But later, I learned to laugh about it. Some days go wrong to remind us
that life isn’t always perfect—and that’s okay.
📝 Tip: Clear beginning, middle, and end. Add emotions and small details for realism.