Fundamentals of English and Communication Skills – II is a comprehensive and student-friendly textbook specially designed for Polytechnic Diploma Engineering students of Second Year (4th Semester), based on the syllabus prescribed by the Haryana State Board of Technical Education (HSBTE), Panchkula.

The book is designed to strengthen students’ English language proficiency, reading comprehension, communication abilities and professional writing skills through a combination of literary texts, practical communication concepts, examples and examination-oriented exercises.

The book is organised into three major units:

Unit I – Reading includes selected literary and thought-provoking works such as The Portrait of a Lady by Khushwant Singh, The Doctor’s Word by R. K. Narayan, a leadership-focused speech by Dr. Kiran Bedi delivered at IIM Indore, and The Bet by Anton Chekhov. These lessons help students improve comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking and understanding of values such as honesty, leadership, friendship, sacrifice and justice.

Unit II – Effective Communication Skills covers modern means of communication, the Seven C’s of Communication, non-verbal communication, listening skills and speaking skills. Special emphasis is given to confidence, clarity, effective interaction, professional communication and overcoming common communication barriers.

Unit III – Professional Writing provides practical knowledge of enquiry letters, placing orders, complaint letters, report writing, memos, circulars, press releases, inspection notes, note-taking, corrigendum writing and cover letters.

The book also contains learning objectives, detailed explanations, key points, difficult words and meanings, multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, value-based questions and exercises, making it useful for both classroom learning and semester examination preparation.

With its clear explanations and practical approach, this book aims to help students become more confident readers, effective communicators and professionally capable engineering students.