Essentials of English Grammar and Composition, an extension of the series for primary and middle classes (Parts 1 to 8), is specifically designed to meet the requirements of classes 9 and 10 students. However, the comprehensive coverage of grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills makes it a useful handbook for both teachers and students at all levels. The book has been written reconciling the traditional and the modern approaches to the teaching of grammar. It is essential to acquaint the students with basic grammatical concepts. Drill exercises unaccompanied by the explanation of the concepts involved can never enable a student to handle language confidently. Practice will always remain incomplete without conceptualisation. On the other hand, too much emphasis on concepts may render the subject dry and distasteful. So what is needed is grammar in action, that is, basic grammatical concepts defined and explained with simple illustrations followed by a variety of exercises to reinforce conceptual grasp. This is the approach we have followed throughout the book. We would like to add here that though the book discusses all aspects of formal grammar, the focus always remains on functional grammar, on usage.
