Second Language: Telugu, Hindi, Sanskrit and Urdu
Second Language (Telugu, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu or another offered language) tests prescribed prose and poetry, grammar, comprehension and composition. The paper rewards accurate recognition of forms and disciplined writing more than rote reproduction.
Core rules
- Prose: identify theme, character and author's message; support answers with short textual evidence.
- Poetry: explain the central idea, figure of speech and mood; do not merely paraphrase.
- Grammar: sandhi (combination of sounds), samasa (compound), karaka (case), verb and noun forms, synonyms and antonyms. Each language has its own set, so label the rule precisely.
- Writing: letter, essay, precis or translation-follow the prescribed format and word limit.
- Comprehension: answer in the language of the passage, in complete sentences.
Worked example
Telugu: సూర్య + ఉదయం = సూర్యోదయం. This is గుణ సంధి: అ + ఉ = ఓ. The reasoning is that the final అ of the first word and the initial ఉ of the second combine into the single vowel ఓ, which is written over the consonant. Sanskrit: राम + अयनम् = रामायणम्, where अ + अ = आ by सवर्णदीर्घ संधि. In Hindi, राजपुत्र is a षष्ठी तत्पुरुष समास meaning राजा का पुत्र; the case marker is dropped and the compound is written as one word.
Traps
Applying the wrong sandhi label; splitting a compound at the wrong place; writing an essay without paragraphs; translating idioms word for word; and losing marks for spelling or gender agreement in Hindi, Urdu or Sanskrit. Keep a list of irregular forms.