Complete TNTET Paper I Syllabus: Language II - English (Classes 1-5)

 

TAMILNADU TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (TNTET)

III. Language - II English (Classes 1 - 5)

Syllabus for Paper I (Classes 1 - 5)

Class 1 Syllabus

Learners at this level may begin in a "silent stage" where they are unable to understand or produce English independently. They typically comprehend much better by listening than they are able to demonstrate by speaking and writing. They follow simple instructions, recognise longer chunks of language, read simple words with pictures, and write simple words/phrases.

Listening

Objectives

• Recognise names of common objects, people, animals and plants, colours, numbers, and times of day.
• Recognise when one's name is called.
• Understand simple instructions like 'sit down', 'stand up'.
• Listen attentively to age-appropriate poems, songs and simple stories.
• Hear and recognize letter names and sounds (phonemic awareness).

Learning Outcome

• Can recognise /identify things when named (objects, vegetables, fruits, etc.).
• Understand and carry out simple directions.
• Listen attentively, taking turns to speak.
• Recognize and distinguish sounds (phonemes) of English.
• Identify rhyming words.

Classroom Procedure

• Flash cards, pictorial charts, real objects.
• Audio visual recordings, number rhymes, loud counting games.
• Action songs, chain stories, choral lines.
• Oral games, clapping games to build phonological awareness.

Evaluation

• Can match spoken names to objects/pictures.
• Picks out the correct picture to match the object.
• Understands and responds appropriately to classroom talk.
• Responds to stories and poems by drawing.
• Names/sounds the letters of the alphabet.

Speaking

Objectives

• Recognizes pauses between words and sentences.
• Use simple phrases to talk about immediate environment.
• Take turns speaking politely.
• Reproduce and manipulate letter sounds.

Learning Outcome

• Repeat sentences with appropriate pauses; recite rhymes.
• Greet and respond; use polite forms ('please', 'sorry').
• Respond to direct questions about immediate environment.
• Sound letters singly; segment short words.

Classroom Procedure

• Role plays requiring use of polite expressions.
• Conversation activities (circle time).
• Charts, games, and phonic songs.

Evaluation

• Answers simple questions with 3-4 word sentences.
• Takes turns during circle time.
• Sings phonic songs.
• Responds to flash cards with the correct sound.

Reading & Comprehension

Objectives

• Basic understanding of print (spacing, directionality).
• Correlates letter names and sounds with written letters.
• Reads simple short texts with understanding using basic decoding.

Learning Outcome

• Hold book properly; follow text.
• Decode simple 3 letter CVC words using phonics.
• Read common sight words.
• Follow story on the page; use visual cues to make meaning.

Classroom Procedure

• Teacher models reading using books in class.
• Basic oral phonic activities and sight word drills.
• Activities based on class text to support comprehension.

Evaluation

• Holds book correctly and reads.
• Fills in missing letters in 3 letter CVC words.
• Matching, sequencing, drawing based on text.

Writing, Vocabulary & Grammar

Objectives

• Develops fine motor skills (scribbling, tracing).
• Writes simple words/phrases from board.
• Build vocabulary of common words (colours, numbers).
• Uses common verbs, nouns, adjectives, prepositions for simple communication (no formal rules expected).

Learning Outcome

• Write patterns and letters (upper and lower case).
• Write familiar words and simple sentences about self.
• Identify and name common objects/people in pictures.
• Respond to simple commands/requests.

Classroom Procedure

• Pattern writing, clay modeling, copying words.
• Oral games, 'I spy', worksheets.
• Role-plays based on targeted grammar structures.

Evaluation

• Completes words with letters.
• Writes 2-word sentences independently (may use invented spelling).
• Enacts/participates in role-plays.

Class 2 Syllabus

Learners use phrases and simple sentences to respond. They listen to stories and poems, understand instructions, and talk about themselves. They read using basic decoding and sight words, copy letters, and construct simple patterned sentences independently.

Listening

Objectives

• Understand age/grade level words.
• Understand requests, two-step instructions for games.
• Understand simple stories told or read aloud.
• Hear and recognise letter sounds (consonant blends, digraphs).

Learning Outcome

• Follow words of songs; respond to greetings.
• Follow two-step instructions and draw.
• Recall events/plot in stories; identify characters.
• Identify blends and digraphs at beginning/middle/end of words.

Classroom Procedure

• Traditional songs, simple picture books, puppet stories.
• Instructions for word games, Q&A tasks.
• Storytelling and readaloud sessions.
• Word walls and flash cards for phonemic awareness.

Evaluation

• Sings songs chorally; retells parts of stories.
• Follows instructions to play games.
• Draws characters/scenes based on comprehension.

Speaking

Objectives

• Use phrases to talk about immediate environment.
• Develop control over simple sentences and basic vocabulary.
• Sing songs and repeat poems with enjoyment.

Learning Outcome

• Use polite forms; give two-step directions.
• Talk about current/past activities in 2-3 sentences.
• Narrate personal experiences; sing with correct rhythm.

Classroom Procedure

• Conversation activities (circle time), show and tell.
• Role plays about home/school.
• Action songs and poems.

Evaluation

• Answers questions on self giving some detail (e.g., "I wore a red dress").
• Names objects in composite pictures.
• Listens politely without interruption.

Reading & Comprehension

Objectives

• Develop phonics (longer vowel sounds, blends).
• Notices progression of text; links illustrations to text.
• Reads simple text independently.

Learning Outcome

• Decode 1-2 syllable words using phonics.
• Read with expression; connect pictures with text.
• Comprehend main idea, plot, and characters. Answer 'why' questions.

Classroom Procedure

• Phonic games, sight word drills.
• Teacher models reading; students read aloud.
• Story cards for sequencing.

Evaluation

• Reads aloud in groups or individually.
• Arranges pictures/sentences in sequence.
• Enacts role-plays based on story.

Writing, Grammar & Vocabulary

Objectives

• Develops handwriting (formation, speed).
• Writes patterned sentences with spacing and punctuation.
• Uses basic verb tenses, nouns, prepositions (no formal rules).
• Increases vocabulary (sight words, Math/EVS terms).

Learning Outcome

• Write sentences properly set out on the page.
• Convey simple info through basic sentences.
• Describe objects using adjectives; respond to yes/no & wh-questions.
• Sort and classify words; play vocabulary games.

Classroom Procedure

• Writing captions; single-sentence texts for pictures.
• Worksheets for structure-based practice.
• Word games, crosswords, sorting themes.

Evaluation

• Writes 1-2 sentences independently (may use invented spelling).
• Punctuates with full stop or question mark.
• Solves word jumbles and crosswords.

Class 3 Syllabus

Learners express opinions, describe experiences, and interact confidently. They use phonic skills for longer words, consult picture dictionaries, and read silently. They write short paragraphs (2-3 connected sentences) based on visual input.

Listening & Speaking

Objectives

• Understand spoken English when spoken slowly.
• Listen and comprehend stories, predicting and clarifying meaning.
• Reproduce sound patterns; develop control over sentences.

Learning Outcome

• Recall sequence of main events; link cause and effect.
• Describe people/places giving 3-4 details.
• Interact in conversation of 2-3 turns.

Classroom Procedure

• Audio-visual materials, Q&A focus stories.
• Show and tell; circle time expressing likes/dislikes.
• Role-plays and sequencing activities.

Evaluation

• Retells parts of stories; enacts dialogue.
• Names objects in composite pictures.
• Answers questions giving detail ("She can run fast").

Reading & Comprehension

Objectives

• Decode unfamiliar words using phonics and strategies.
• Recognise sentence conventions (capital letters, full stops).
• Identify main idea, details, and sequence of events.

Learning Outcome

• Skim to make predictions; decode longer words.
• Predict future events; summarise and retell.
• Relate ideas to personal experiences.

Classroom Procedure

• Standardized word lists, leveled readers.
• Use cause-effect diagrams to examine events.
• Big Books for reading demonstration.

Evaluation

• Reads aloud; reads silently and retells.
• Running Record Assessments.
• Answer 'why/why not' questions with rationale.

Writing, Grammar & Vocabulary

Objectives

• Begins developing concept of paragraph.
• Uses basic sentence patterns and question word orders.
• Uses dictionary skills; identifies prefixes/suffixes.

Learning Outcome

• Write 3-4 connected sentences (paragraph format).
• Use simple spelling conventions (plurals, -ing forms).
• Use sequence words (first, then, finally).

Classroom Procedure

• Dictation (punctuation/content).
• Rearranging sentences to make paragraphs.
• Grammar worksheets; vocabulary word families.

Evaluation

• Draws and writes 3-4 sentences on a topic.
• Rearranges scrambled sentences correctly.
• Uses dictionary to identify word meanings.

Class 4 Syllabus

Learners understand sentences in familiar contexts, recognising stress and intonation. They express opinions, use wider grammatical structures, decode unknown words, summarize text, and write 2 short paragraphs by drafting and revising.

Listening & Speaking

Objectives

• Perceive stress in words/sentences.
• Listen/comprehend texts; wait for turn.
• Express opinions/feelings with elaboration.

Learning Outcome

• Follow English speech; recall factual details.
• Give 2-3 step directions clearly.
• Interact in conversation of 3-4 turns.

Classroom Procedure

• AV materials (cartoons, TV programs).
• Conversation activities, turn-taking games.
• Storytelling focusing on linking details and cause/effect.

Evaluation

• Says words with proper stress/intonation.
• Asks/answers peers' questions about events.
• Speaks 3-4 continuous sentences.

Reading & Comprehension

Objectives

• Read texts with accuracy, intonation, and self-correction.
• Develop inference, prediction, and summary skills.
• Make connections with real life.

Learning Outcome

• Use specific reading strategies (Eagle Eye, Lips the Fish, etc.).
• Distinguish fact/opinion; interpret basic data tables.
• Infer meaning of unfamiliar words in context.

Classroom Procedure

• Posters describing reading strategies.
• Opinion questions and cause/effect diagrams.
• Identify author's purpose.

Evaluation

• Running Record Assessments.
• Comprehension tasks on unseen text.
• Draw parallels from personal life.

Writing, Grammar & Vocabulary

Objectives

• Absorbs writing process (drafting, revising).
• Writes short pieces (5-6 sentences) for different purposes.
• Uses different kinds of sentences; expands vocabulary.

Learning Outcome

• Write a logical paragraph (narrative/descriptive).
• Write lists, recipes, informal letters.
• Use dictionary for meaning and alphabetical order.

Classroom Procedure

• Creative dictation to develop paragraphs.
• Grammar worksheets; oral practice of ideas.
• Writing an informal letter to a friend.

Evaluation

• Writes a paragraph, revises, rewrites, illustrates.
• Corrects obvious errors in sentences.
• Uses given sight words in right context.

Class 5 Syllabus

Learners communicate outside of class, follow dialogue in AV materials, ask for clarification, and express agreement/disagreement. They read informational texts, summarize, and link cause/effect. They independently write well-formed paragraphs by drafting and revising.

Listening & Speaking

Objectives

• Understand spoken English clearly; ask for clarification.
• Follow dialogue in AV materials.
• Speak with fair control over grammar/vocabulary with fluency.

Learning Outcome

• Recall sequence, role of characters, link cause/effect.
• Attempt to use proper stress/intonation.
• Interact in conversation of 4-5 turns.
• Comment on happenings in school/outside world.

Classroom Procedure

• AV materials for viewing and commenting.
• Circle time discussions; turn-taking games.
• Role plays and enactments of stories.

Evaluation

• Speaks 6-7 sentences about experiences.
• Discusses movies/pictures giving own opinion.
• Asks/answers peers' questions about events.

Reading & Comprehension

Objectives

• Decode longer words using phonics.
• Summarise, recount, predict, make inferences.
• Understand text structures; use a junior dictionary.

Learning Outcome

• Read aloud with expression; read silently.
• Understand structure of a paragraph/different texts.
• Comment on reading through discussions/worksheets.

Classroom Procedure

• Class texts and supplementary readers.
• Dictionary-based tasks.
• Scaffold comprehension of info to work out word meanings.

Evaluation

• Oral wh-questions; tasks on unseen text.
• Shows comprehension through activity participation.
• Consults dictionary when needed.

Writing, Grammar & Vocabulary

Objectives

• Write with well-formed handwriting and accurate punctuation.
• Spell using segmentation, prefixes, suffixes.
• Strengthen paragraph structure (drafting, revising).
• Build on previously learnt grammar and vocabulary domains.

Learning Outcome

• Write 5-6 connected sentences organized logically.
• Describe objects/places/people in greater detail.
• Use terms learnt in other subjects (Math, Science).

Classroom Procedure

• Creative dictation to develop paragraphs.
• Writing 4-5 sentences conveying info; revising with peers.
• Word games, quizzes, structure worksheets.

Evaluation

• Writes a paragraph, revises, and rewrites.
• Rearranges scrambled sentences correctly.
• Describes activity in a picture with varied vocabulary.

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