The Tamil Eligibility Test: Translation, Précis, Essay and Usage — Practice

Question 1

How many letters are there in the Tamil alphabet?

Accepted Answer

247: twelve vowels, eighteen consonants, one aytham and 216 combined letters.

Question 2

What are the Tamil terms for 'sender' and 'addressee' in an official letter?

Accepted Answer

அனுப்புநர் (sender) and பெறுநர் (addressee).

Question 3

Name the three groups of Tamil consonants and give two letters of each.

Accepted Answer

Vallinam (for example க and ச), mellinam (for example ங and ம) and idaiyinam (for example ய and வ).

Question 4

How many cases (வேற்றுமை) does Tamil traditionally have, and what is the eighth?

Accepted Answer

Eight; the eighth is the vocative, used in addressing someone.

Question 5

State four rules for writing a précis.

Accepted Answer

Cut to about one-third of the passage, keep the central idea, remove examples and repetition, and write in the third person in simple sentences, with a heading if asked.

Question 6

Why is word-by-word translation a poor method, and what should you do instead?

Accepted Answer

Tamil and English differ in word order, since Tamil places the verb at the end, and idioms do not carry across, so a literal translation reads unnaturally and may change meaning. Read the full sentence, find the meaning, then rewrite it in natural Tamil, matching tense, number and gender.

Question 7

Plan a Thirukkural-based essay on honesty in public life.

Accepted Answer

Open with the meaning of a relevant verse on truthfulness. Explain the idea in two or three points: honesty builds trust, supports fair decisions and protects public money. Give a modern example such as transparent tendering or Right to Information. Close with a lesson: honesty is protected by both personal virtue and institutions.

Question 8

Give the Tamil words for computer and email.

Accepted Answer

கணினி (computer) and மின்னஞ்சல் (email).

Practice — The Tamil Eligibility Test: Translation, Précis, Essay and Usage

Sign in to save attempts to your dashboard and track your accuracy over time

Find a verified tutor

Join a live course

Browse coaching centres

About

Categories

Support

Documentation

Get Study Tips & Updates

Download Our App

Download for iOS

Download for Android

Popular Cities