Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
yM
yK
ita
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
C
op
ENGLISH CORE
MTG Learning Media (P) Ltd.
New Delhi | Gurgaon
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Price ` 250
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Edition : 2017
Published by :
MTG Learning Media (P) Ltd., New Delhi
Corporate Office : Plot 99, Sector 44 Institutional Area, Gurgaon, Haryana.
Phone : 0124 - 6601200. Web : mtg.in
Email : info@mtg.in
yM
yK
ita
b
Registered Office : 406, Taj Apt., Ring Road, Near Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi-110029
C
op
Information contained in this book has been obtained by mtg, from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither
mtg nor its authors guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and neither mtg nor
its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of use of this information.
Copyright © by MTG Learning Media Pvt. Ltd.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of
the publishers. The program listings (if any) may be entered, stored and executed in a computer system, but they may
not be reproduced for publication.
This edition can be exported from India only by the publishers, MTG Learning Media Pvt. Ltd.
Visit www.mtg.in for buying books online.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
PREFACE
W
e feel pleased and delighted in presenting the book “CBSE Champion English Core”.
Special efforts have been put to produce this book in order to equip students with
practice material including previous 11 years’ CBSE Board papers’ questions. It will give them
comprehensive knowledge of the subject according to the latest syllabus and pattern of
CBSE Board Examination. The book will be helpful in imparting students a clear and vivid
understanding of the subject.
Salient features
ita
b
Comprehensive and Lucid Theory : Well explained theory with important points for quick
recap.
Topicwise Graphical Analysis : Graphical analysis of previous 11 years’ CBSE Board papers’
questions [VSA, SA (I to III), LA (I to IV), VBQ] provided to let students figure out which chapter
and topic is to be revised more and how much is the weightage of that topic.
yM
yK
Chapterwise-Topicwise Questions and Answers : Theory of each chapter followed
by questions pulled from previous 11 years’ CBSE-DELHI, ALL INDIA, FOREIGN and
COMPARTMENT papers, arranged topicwise and chapterwise in descending chronological
(2017-2007) order, so that the latest years’ questions come first in practice and revision.
Answers are given according to the CBSE marking scheme.
op
The Reading Section contains passages for comprehension and note making. This section
tests students’ understanding and their ability to comprehend the given passages.
The Writing Skills Section tests students’ ability to express themselves in writing. Therefore,
it contains short composition, letter writing and long composition questions.
C
The Literature section covers questions segregated chapterwise as given in NCERT prescribed
textbooks Flamingo and Vistas and novels.
Value Based Questions : Separate section for Value Based Questions has been added.
Practice Papers as per CBSE Blueprint : Practice Papers strictly based on design and blueprint
issued by CBSE Board are also incorporated.
Solved CBSE Sample Paper : Solved CBSE sample paper is included with the marking scheme.
We are sure that the value addition done to this book will prove helpful to students in
achieving success in board examinations. Every possible effort has been made to make this
book error free. Useful suggestions by our readers for the rectification and improvement of
the book content would be gracefully acknowledged and incorporated in further editions.
Readers are welcome to send their suggestions at editor@mtg.in.
All The Best
MTG Editorial Board
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CONTENTS
Section-A
5.
Indigo
...... 222
 Reading
6.
Going Places
...... 230
......
1

Flamingo (Poetry)
1. Unseen Passages
......
4
1.
My Mother at Sixty-six
...... 237
2. Note Making
...... 24
2. An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum
...... 243
 Writing Skills
Introduction
...... 45
1.
Short Compositions
...... 65
1.1 Notice
1.2 Advertisement
1.3 Poster
1.4 Invitation and reply
Keeping Quiet
...... 250
4.
A Thing of Beauty
...... 256
5.
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
...... 262

Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
1.
The Tiger King
...... 267
2.
The Enemy
...... 274
3.
Should Wizard hit Mommy?
...... 282
4.
On the Face of It
...... 287
5.
Evans Tries An O-Level
...... 292
...... 299
yM
yK

3.
ita
Section-B
b
Introduction

...... 65
...... 68
...... 70
Letter Writing
...... 71
3.
Long Compositions
...... 78
3.1 Debates
...... 78
6.
Memories of Childhood
3.2 Speeches
...... 79

Novels
3.3 Reports
...... 80
1.
Silas Marner
...... 305
3.4 Factual Description
...... 84
2.
The Invisible Man
...... 311
3.5 Articles
...... 84
op
2.
C
...... 70
...... 318
 Practice Papers
Section-C

 Value Based Questions
Literature : Textbooks and Long Reading Text

Practice Paper - 1 (Solved)
...... 323

Practice Paper - 2 (Solved)
...... 333

Practice Paper - 3 (Unsolved)
...... 342

Flamingo (Prose)
1.
The Last Lesson
...... 195
2.
Lost Spring
...... 201

Practice Paper - 4 (Unsolved)
...... 347
3.
Deep Water
...... 207

Practice Paper - 5 (Unsolved)
...... 352
4.
The Rattrap
...... 213
 CBSE Sample Paper
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
...... 357
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
SYLLABUS
ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)
CLASS – XII
SECTION A
READING COMPREHENSION 30 Marks
Reading Unseen Passages and Note making
Two unseen passages with a variety of very short answer / short answer or MCQ type questions to test comprehension,
interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as word formation and inference of meaning will also be tested.
The total length of the two passages will be between 1100 - 1200 words. The passage will include two of the following:
(a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.
(b) Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.
(d) A third passage of 400-500 words for note-making and abstraction.
ita
SECTION B
b
(c) Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography. A poem could be of 28-35 lines.
 The passages can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. The length of one passage should be
between 600-700 words.
WRITING SKILLS 30 Marks
Short Answer Questions, e.g., advertisement and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing formal and
informal invitations and replies.

Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal / visual input.
yM
yK

Letter types include
Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving information,
placing orders and sending replies)

Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest)

Application for a job
op

C
Very Long Answer Questions: Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal input may be descriptive or
argumentative in nature such as an article, a debate or a speech or a report.
SECTION C
LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS AND LONG READING TEXT 40 Marks
Flamingo and Vistas

Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test comprehension and appreciation.

Short Answer Questions - Based on prose / drama / poetry from both the texts.

Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the texts to bring
out the key messages and values.

Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension along with analysis and extrapolation.

Long Answer Question - Based on theme, plot and incidents from the prescribed novels.

Long Answer Question - Based on understanding, appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the character
sketch.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Prescribed Books
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
1. Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
Note: Long answer questions based on values can be given in the writing section or in the literature section.
Textbooks Name of the lessons deleted
Flamingo 1. Poets and Pancakes
2. The Interview
3. A Road Side Stand (Poetry) Vistas
4. The Third Level
5. Journey to the End of the Earth
3. Extended Reading Text: (Either one) (i) The Invisible Man (unabridged) (ii) Silas Marner (unabridged) Author
H.G. Wells
George Eliot
*QUESTION PAPER DESIGN
CLASS XII
Reading
Skills
Conceptual,
understanding,
decoding,
analysing, inferring,
interpreting,
appreciating,
literary conventions
and vocabulary,
summarising and
using appropriate
format/s
6
Reasoning,
appropriacy of
style and tone,
using appropriate
format and fluency,
inference, analysis,
evaluation and
creativity.
–
Recalling,
reasoning,
appreciating literary
conventions,
inference, analysis,
evaluation,
creativity with
fluency
Literary
Text
books
and long
reading
text/
novel
Very
Short
Answer
Question
1 mark
Short
Answer
Question
3 marks
Short
Answer
Question
4 marks
Long
Answer-1
80 - 100
words
5 marks
Very Long
Answer
150 - 200
words
(HOTS)
10 marks
Total
marks
Over
all %
–
1
–
–
30
30
–
–
1
–
1
2
30
30
–
4
4
–
–
4
–
40
40
6 ×1
=6
20 × 1
= 20
5×3
= 15
1×4
=4
1×5
=4
5×6
= 30
2 × 10
= 20
100
100
op
16
Long
Answer-2
120-150
words
6 marks
1
C
Writing
Skills
MCQ
1 mark
Marks -100
b
Typology of
questions/ learning
outcomes
yM
yK
Typology
Time-3 hours ita
English CORE XII (Code No. 301)
TOTAL
*For latest details visit www.cbse.nic.in
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
SECTION
op
yM
yK
ita
b
A
C
Reading
 Unseen Passages
 Note Making
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Reading
1.
Unseen Passages
2.
Note-Making
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
1. Unseen Passages
Comprehension literally means the ability to
understand. Therefore, in this section, students are
required to read and understand the given passages
thoroughly. It is to test one’s ability to comprehend
unseen passages and answer the following questions
in one’s own words. The variety of questions in this
section range from multiple choice questions to
short questions to very short questions.
How to Attempt : While reading unseen
passages, it is common to get distracted by
unimportant details and lose focus of the
main idea. As a result, the answers are either too
vague or too general. All answers must be specific,
brief and complete in all sense. Therefore,
XX Get the basic idea of the passage by giving it a
quick reading.
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
Next, read every question carefully.
Re-read the passage thoroughly this time, and
mark the portions containing the probable
answers.
Avoid writing long, descriptive and generic
answers. Be to the point.
Since, this section tests one’s ability to
understand long passages, that too as quickly
as possible, one must first locate the probable
answers in the passage and then interpret
them in one’s own words. Be wise and don’t
use exact words/lines from the passage.
Questions beginning with ‘Why’, ‘What’,
‘When’, ‘Who’ and ‘How’ are called factual
questions. While answering these questions,
begin your answer by using a portion from the
question and stick to the information given in
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
the passage. DO NOT USE INFORMATION
NOT GIVEN TO YOU.
For Example :
Q. What values do parents and teachers want
their children to learn?
Ans. Parents and teachers want children to learn
the values of hard work, contentment, honesty
and compassion.
2. Note-Making
There are different ways to abbreviate long or
complicated words:
XX Using the initials of two or more words
e.g., United Nations – U.N., etc.
XX Using the first few letters of the words
e.g., construction – Const. , abbreviationabbr., etc.
XX Universally recognised abbreviations
e.g., Opposite – Opp. , government – govt.,
department – dept. , etcetera – etc., that is –
i.e., etc.
XX Removing the vowels
e.g., reading – rdng, books- bks, shopping –
shppng, etc.
XX Universally recognised symbols
e.g., \ Therefore / Q because/> greater, larger/
< less, smaller / ↓ falling, decrease / ↑ rising,
increase
How to Write Summary : Ideally, a summary must
provide the information in the same order as given
in the original passage. While writing the summary,
it is advisable that you refer to the notes you have
already made. This will help you in keeping your
summary short and crisp, informative and original.
However, make sure, all the important components
of the passage have been covered in the summary.
C
op
yM
yK
Making notes is a useful practice as it often helps
students during lectures, while preparing for exams
and revising for them. It also helps condense long
chapters into short, to the point material, which
further helps one to remember the gathered
information. Moreover, texts are better understood
with the help of notes.
How to Make Notes :
XX Read the passage carefully and understand
the main/general meaning of the passage. You
must comprehend the theme and subject of
the passage.
XX Once you know what the passage is all about,
mark the main components or sub parts of
the passage. Look for details, points, opinions
or conclusions drawn from the passage. Make
sure, no important point is missed out.
XX Give your notes a title, make sure it’s short
and crisp. It should be based on the central
idea of the passage.
XX Next, frame, main headings and subheadings
to put across crucial components given in the
passage. It should be the main idea of the passage
presented in bullets or numbered points.
XX In case, the subheadings can be further
provided with important details, write them
in points specifically under the subheading to
which it belongs.
XX Do not write full sentences; use abbreviations
whenever necessary.
XX Use proper indentation to present the
notes. Sub-sections are written a little further
from the main heading; be consistent while
numbering.
How to Use Abbreviations and Symbols: While
making notes, using abbreviations and symbols
help in saving time and space.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
2
Note-Making Format
I. Title
II. 1. Main heading
1.1 Subheading
1.2 Subheading
1.3 Subheading
1.3.1 Sub-subheading
(Any extra detail)
2. Main heading
2.1 Subheading
2.2 Subheading
III. Abbreviations used
VI. Summary
Solved Example :
Read the given passage : The small village of
Somnathpur contains an extraordinary temple,
built around 1268 A.D. by the Hoyasalas of
Karnataka – one of the most prolific templebuilders. Belur and Helebid are among their
better-known works. While these suffered
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
1.3 Captivating beauty of the temple
1.3.1
Detailed sculptures on walls,
pillars, etc.
2. Temple & its Vitality
2.1 3 Shikharas
2.2 Stands on star shaped raised platform
2.3 Vert. panels ft. exquisite figs
2.4 Prominent figs. gods, goddesses &
nymphs
3. Characteristics of Hoyasala Sculptures
3.1 Elbrt. ornmttn.
3.2 Intricately carved figs.
3.2.1 Caparisoned elephants
3.2.2 Stylised flowers, etc.
4. Somnathpur Temple Construction
4.1 Commsnd. by Soma Dandanayaka
4.2 Kalyana Mandapa-temple’s inner centre
4.2.1 3 corrds. ending in shrines
4.2.2 3 versns. of Krishnas
4.2.3Venugopala, Janardana, Prasana
Keshava
4.3 Elegantly carved doors and towers
C
op
yM
yK
during the invasions of the 14th century, the
Somnathpur Temple stands more or less intact
in near-original condition. This small temple
captivates with the beauty and vitality of its
detailed sculpture, covering almost every inch
of the walls, pillars and even ceilings.
It has three shikharas and stands on a star
shaped raised platform with 24 edges. The outer
walls have a profusion of detailed carvings,:
the entire surface run over by carved plaques
of stone. There were vertical panels covered by
exquisite figures of gods and goddesses, with
many incarnations being depicted. There were
nymphs too, some carrying an ear of maize
(a symbol of plenty and prosperity).
The
elaborate
ornamentation,
very
characteristic of Hoyasala sculptures, was a
remarkable feature. On a closer look and it’s
worth it – the series of friezes on the outer
walls revealed intricately carved caparisoned
elephants, charging horsemen, stylised flowers,
warriors, musicians, crocodiles and swans.
The temple was actually commissioned by
Soma Dandanayaka or Somnath (he named
the village after himself), the minister of the
Hoyasala king, Narasimha III. The temple
was built to house three versions of Krishna.
The inner centre of the temple was Kalyana
Mandapa. Leading from here were three
corridors, each ending in a shrine, one for
each kind of Krishna -Venugopala , Janardana
and Prasanna Keshava, though only two remain
in their original form. In the darkness of the
sanctum sanctorium, I tried to discern the
different images. The temple’s sculptural
perfection is amazing and it includes the doors
of the temple and the three elegantly carved
towers.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations,
wherever necessary.
(b) Write a summary of the above passage in
about 80 words using the notes made and also
suggest a suitable title.
(a) 1. The Somnathpur Village Temple
1.1 Built around 1268 A.D.
1.2 Built by Hoyasalas of Karnataka
3
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Abbreviations used :
vert.
– vertical
ft.
– featuring
figs.
– figures/figurines
Elbrt.
– Elaborate
ornmttn. – ornamentation
Commsnd. – commissioned
corrds.
– corridors
versns
– versions
&
– and
(b) Summary
Built around 1268 A.D., by Hoyasalas of
Karnataka, the Somnathpur temple’s detailed
sculptures on walls, pillars, etc. testify its fine
craftsmanship. The temple stands on a star
shaped raised platform and has three shikharas.
The vertical panels feature equisite figurines
of gods, goddesses and nymphs. Elaborate
ornamentation, intricately carved figures,
are main quality of Hoyasala sculptures. The
temple’s inner centre- Kalyana Mandapa leads
three corridors to shrines of three versions of
Krishna-Venugopala, Janardana and Prasanna
Keshava. Soma Dandanayaka commissioned
the Somnathpur Temple.
Title : The Somnathpur Temple
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
4
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Previous Years’ CBSE Board Questions
(4) For those who live in the resort there is a small
mess-hall by the shore. We eat here sometimes,
and sometimes buy food from the vendors
outside, who sell kabab and naan until the last
buses leave. The kababs, cooked on skewers
over charcoal braziers, are particularly good;
highly spiced and well-done. Horse’s milk is
available too from the local Kazakh herdsmen,
but I decline this. I am so affected by the
cold that Mr. Cao, the relaxed young man
who runs the mess, lends me a spare pair of
trousers, several sizes too large but more than
comfortable. Once I am warm again, I feel a
pre-dinner spurt of energy – dinner will be
long in coming – and I ask him whether the
lake is good for swimming in.
yM
yK
(1) We sit in the last row, bumped about but free of
stares. The bus rolls out of the dull crossroads of
the city, and we are soon in open countryside,
with fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can
see, their heads all facing us. Where there is
no water, the land reverts to desert. While
still on level ground we see in the distance the
tall range of the Mount Bogda, abrupt like a
shining prism laid horizontally on the desert
surface, it is over 5,000 meters high, and the
peaks are under permanent snow, in powerful
contrast to the flat desert all around. Heaven
Lake lies part of the way up this range, about
2,000 metres above sea-level, at the foot of one
of the higher snow-peaks.
b
1. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2017)
(3) Standing outside the cottage we survey our
surroundings. Heaven Lake is long, sardineshaped and fed by snowmelt from a stream
at its head. The lake is an intense blue,
surrounded on all sides by green mountain
walls, dotted with distant sheep. At the head
of the lake, beyond the delta of the inflowing
stream, is a massive snow-capped peak which
dominates the vista; it is part of a series of peak
that culminate, a little out of view, in Mount
Bogda itself.
ita
1. Unseen Passages
C
op
(2) As the bus climbs, the sky, brilliant before,
grows overcast. I have brought nothing warm
to wear: it is all down at the hotel in Urumqi.
Rain begins to fall. The man behind me is
eating overpoweringly smelly goat’s cheese.
The bus window leaks inhospitably but reveals
a beautiful view. We have passed quickly from
desert through arable land to pasture, and the
ground is now green with grass, the slopes
dark with pine. A few cattle drink at a clear
stream flowing past moss-covered stones; it
is a Constable landscape. The stream changes
into a white torrent, and as we climb higher I
wish more and more that I had brought with
me something warmer than the pair of shorts
that have served me so well in the desert. The
Stream (which, we are told, rises in Heaven
Lake) disappears, and we continue our slow
ascent. About noon, we arrive at Heaven Lake,
and look for a place to stay at the foot, which
is the resort area. We get a room in a small
cottage, and I am happy to note that there are
thick quilts on the beds.
(5) “Swimming?” Mr. Cao says. “You aren’t
thinking of swimming, are you?”
(6) “I thought I might,” I confess. “What’s the
water like?”
(7) He doesn’t answer me immediately, turning
instead to examine some receipts with
exaggerated interest. Mr. Cao, with great offhandedness, addresses the air. “People are
often drowned here,” he says. After a pause,
he continues. “When was the last one?”
This question is directed at the cook, who
is preparing a tray of mantou (squat white
steamed bread rolls), and who now appears,
wiping his doughy hand across his forehead.
“Was it the Beijing athlete?” asks Mr. Cao.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
Answer the following question briefly :
[1×6 = 6 marks]
(e) Which two things in the bus made the
narrator feel uncomfortable ?
(f) What made the scene look like a Constable
landscape?
(g) What did he regret as the bus climbed
higher?
(h) Why did the narrator like to buy food
from outside?
(i) What is ironic about the pair of trousers
lent by Mr. Cao?
(J) Why did Mr. Cao not like the narrator to
swim in the lake?
(k) Find words from the passage which mean
the same as the following :
[1×2 = 2 marks]
(i) sellers (para 4)
(ii) increased (para 7)
C
5
2. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow : [10 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2017)
(1) Thackeray reached Kittur along with a small
British army force and a few of his officers. He
thought that the very presence of the British
on the outskirts of Kittur would terrorise the
rulers and people of Kittur and that they would
lay down their arms. He was quite confident
that he would be able to crush the revolt in no
time. He ordered that tents be erected on the
eastern side for the fighting forces and a little
away on the western slopes tents be put up for
the family members of the officers who had
accompanied them. During the afternoon and
evening of 20th October, the British soldiers
were busy making arrangements for these
camps.
(2) On the 21st morning, Thackeray sent his
political assistants to Kittur fort to obtain
a written assurance from all the important
officers of Kittur rendering them answerable
for the security of the treasury of Kittur.
They, accordingly, met Sardar Gurusiddappa
and other officers of Kittur and asked them
to comply with the orders of Thackeray.
They did not know that the people were in
a defiant mood. The commanders of Kittur
dismissed the agent’s orders as no documents
could be signed without sanction from Rani
Chennamma.
(3) Thackeray was enraged and sent for his
commander of the Horse Artillery, which
was about 100 strong, ordered him to rush
his artillery into the fort and capture the
commanders of the Desai’s army. When the
Horse Artillery stormed into the fort, Sardar
Gurusiddappa, who had kept his men on full
alert, promptly commanded his men to repel
and chase them away. The Kittur forces made
a bold front and overpowered the British
soldiers.
(4) In the meanwhile, the Desai’s guards had shut
the gates of the fort and the British Horse
Artillery men, being completely overrun and
routed, had to get out through the escape
window, Rani’s soldiers chased them out of the
fort, killing a few of them until they retreated
to their camps on the outskirts.
yM
yK
On the basis of your understanding of the
above passage, complete the statements
given below with the help of options that
[1×4 = 4 marks]
follow:
(a) One benefit of sitting in the last row of the
bus was that :
(i) the narrator enjoyed the bumps.
(ii) no one stared at him.
(iii) he could see the sunflowers.
(iv) he avoided the dullness of the city.
(b) The narrator was travelling to :
(i) Mount Bogda
(ii) Heaven Lake
(iii) a 2000 metre high snow peak
(iv) Urumqi
(c) On reaching the destination the narrator
felt relieved because :
(i) he had got away from the desert.
(ii)a difficult journey had come to an
end.
(iii) he could watch the snow peak.
(iv) there were thick quilts on the bed.
(d) Mount Bogda is compared to :
(i) a horizontal desert surface
(ii) a shining prism
(iii) a Constable landscape
(iv) the overcast sky
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Answer the following questions briefly :
[1×6 = 6 marks]
(c) Why did Thackeray come to Kittur?
(d) Why did the Kittur officials refuse to give
the desired assurance to Thackeray?
(e) What happened to the Horse Artillery?
(f) How do we know that the Rani was a noble
queen?
(g) How in your opinion would the British
women have felt after meeting the Rani?
(h) Why did the Rani refuse to meet
Thackeray?
(i) Find words from the passage which mean
the same as the following :
[1×2 = 2 marks]
(i) entered forcibly (para 3)
(ii) aggressive/refusing to obey (para 2)
3. Read the given passage :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2016)
(1) Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for
25 years. However, he accomplished so much
grandeur during his reign that his glory
surpassed the boundaries of countries and time
turning him into an immortal personality. He
along with his kingdom became a synonym for
valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had
been a leading Rajput kingdom even before
Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings
of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles
and subjects, had established such traditions in
the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence
despite the hurdles of having a smaller area
under their command and less population.
There did come a few thorny occasions when
the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down.
Their flag once again heaved high in the sky
thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the
people of Mewar.
C
op
yM
yK
(5) A few of the British had found refuge in some
private residences, while some were hiding in
their tents. The Kittur soldiers captured about
forty persons and brought them to the palace.
These included twelve children and a few
women from the British officers’ camp. When
they were brought in the presence of the Rani,
she ordered the soldiers to be imprisoned.
For the women and children she had only
gentleness, and admonished her soldiers for
taking them into custody. At her orders, these
women and children were taken inside the
palace and given food and shelter. Rani came
down from her throne, patted the children
lovingly and told them that no harm would
come to them.
(6) She then, sent word through a messenger to
Thackeray that the British women and children
were safe and could be taken back any time.
Seeing this noble gesture of the Rani, he was
moved. He wanted to meet this gracious lady
and talk to her. He even thought of trying to
persuade her to enter into an agreement with
the British to stop all hostilities in lieu of an
inam (prize) of eleven villages. His offer was
dismissed with a gesture of contempt. She had
no wish to meet Thackeray. That night she
called Sardar Gurusiddappa and other leading
Sardars and after discussing all the issues came
to the conclusion that there was no point in
meeting Thackeray who had come with an
army to threaten Kittur into submission to
British sovereignty.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
6
On the basis of your understanding of the
above passage complete the statements given
below with the help of options that follow:
[1×2 = 2 marks]
(a) Thackeray was a/an :
(i) British tourist
(ii) army officer
(iii) adviser to Rani of Kittur
(iv) treasury officer
(b) British women and children came to
Kittur to :
(i) visit Kittur
(ii) enjoy life in tents
(iii) stay in the palace
(iv) give company to officers
(2) The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense
that barring a few kings, most of the rulers
were competent and patriotic. This glorious
tradition of the kingdom almost continued
for 1500 years since its establishment, right
from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only
60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga
drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame.
His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
reached Delhi. Two generations before him,
Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the
kingdom through victories and developmental
work. During his reign, literature and art also
progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was
inclined towards writing and his works are
read with reverence even today. The ambience
of his kingdom was conducive to the creation
of high quality work of art and literature.
These accomplishments were the outcome of
a longstanding tradition sustained by several
generations.
(5) The cycle of time does not remain the same.
Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial
in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory,
it also proved to be his nemesis. History took
a turn. The fortune of Mewar-the land of
the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save
the day with his acumen which was running
against the stream and the glorious traditions
for sometime.
On the basis of your understanding of the above
passage answer each of the questions given below
with the help of the options that follows :
[1 × 4 = 4 marks]
(a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because :
(i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years.
(ii) he added a lot grandeur to Mewar.
(iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism.
(iv) both (ii) and (iii)
(b) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were :
(i) lack of cooperation of the nobility.
(ii) ancient traditions of the kingdom.
(iii) its small area and small population.
(iv) the poverty of the subjects.
(c) During thorny occasions :
(i) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered.
(ii) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high.
(iii) the people of Mewar showed gallantry.
(iv) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief.
(d) Mewar was lucky because :
(i) all of its rulers were competent.
(ii) most of its people were competent.
(iii) most of its rulers were competent.
(iv) only a few of its people were incompetent.
yM
yK
(3) The life of the people of Mewar must have
been peaceful and prosperous during the long
span of time; otherwise such extraordinary
accomplishment in these fields would not have
been possible. This is reflected in their art and
literature as well as their loving nature. They
compensate for lack of admirable physique by
their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience
of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful
and liberal character of its people.
7
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
op
(4) One may observe astonishing pieces of
workmanship not only in the forts and palaces
of Mewar but also a seat of art and culture.
Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature
and in public utility buildings. Ruins of many
structures which are still standing tall in their
grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar
was not only the land of the brave but also a
seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and
bloodshed, literature and art flourished and
creative pursuits of literature and artists did not
suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must
have been when the Vijaya Stambha which is
the sample of our great ancient architecture
even today, was constructed. In the same fort,
Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how
liberal the then administration was which
allowed people from other communities and
kingdoms to come and carry out construction
work. It is useless to indulge in the debate
whether the Vijaya Stambha was constructed
first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that
both the capitals are standing side by side and
reveal the proximity between the king and the
subjects of Mewar.
Answer the following questions briefly :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
(e) Who is the earliest king of Mewar mentioned
in the passage ?
(f) What was Rana Kumbha’s contribution to the
glory of Mewar ?
(g) What does the writer find worth admiration
in the people of Mewar ?
(h) How could art and literature flourish in
Mewar ?
(i) How did the rulers show that they cared for
their subjects ?
(j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and
Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify ?
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(k) Find words from the passage which mean the
same as each of the following :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(i) surprising (para 4)
(ii) evidence (para 4)
learn to treat all and sundry with suspicion
at their mother’s heels. Instinctively the cubs
seek seclusion, keep to cover and protect their
flanks by walking along the edge of the forest.
(6) I have never had an opportunity to watch
mother panther train its cubs. But in Pilibhit
forests, I once saw a tigress giving some lessons
to its little ones. I was sitting over its kill at
Mala. As the sun set, the tigress materialised in
the twilight behind my machan. For about an
hour, it scanned and surveyed the entire area
looking and listening with the gravest concern.
It even went to the road where my elephant
was awaiting my signal. The mahout spotted it
from a distance and drove the elephant away.
(7) When darkness descended upon the scene
and all was well and safe, the tigress called
its cubs by emitting a low haa-oon. The cubs,
two in number and bigger than a full-grown
cat, soon responded. They came trotting up
to their mother and hurried straight to the
kill in indecent haste. The mother spitted at
them so furiously that they doubled back to
its heels immediately. Thereafter, the mother
and its cubs sat under cover about 50 feet
(15m) away from the kill to watch, wait, look
and listen. After about half an hour’s patient
and fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say
‘paid for’. At this signal, the cubs cautiously
advanced, covering their flanks, towards the
kill. No longer did they make a beeline for it,
as they had done before.
C
op
yM
yK
4. Read the given passage :
[10 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2016)
(1) To ensure its perpetuity, the ground is well
held by the panther both in space and in time.
It enjoys a much wider distribution over the
globe than its bigger cousins, and procreates
sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity
for all time to come.
(2) There seems to be no particular breeding
season of the panther, although its sawing and
caterwauling is more frequently heard during
winter and summer. The gestation period is
about ninety to hundred days (Whipsnade,
ninety-two days). The litter normally consists
of four cubs, rarely five. Of these, generally
two survive and not more than one reaches
maturity. I have never come across more than
two cubs at the heels of the mother. Likewise,
graziers in the forest have generally found only
two cubs hidden away among rocks, hollows
of trees, and other impossible places.
(3) Panther cubs are generally in evidence in
March. They are born blind. This is a provision
of Nature against their drifting away from the
place of safety in which they are lodged by
their mother, and exposing themselves to the
danger of their being devoured by hyenas,
jackals, and other predators. They generally
open their eyes in about three to four weeks.
(4) The mother alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It
keeps them out of the reach of the impulsive
and impatient male. As a matter of fact the
mother separates from the male soon after
mating and forgets all about their tumultuous
union. The story that the male often looks in
to find out how the mother is progressing with
her cubs has no foundation except in what we
wish it should do at least.
(5) The mother carries its cubs about by holding
them by the scruff of their neck in its mouth. It
trains them to stalk, and teaches them how to
deliver the bite of death to the prey. The cubs
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
8
(8) The mother sat watching its cubs eat, and
mounted guard on them. She did not partake
of the meal.
On the basis of your understanding of the
passage complete the statements given below
with the help of options that follow :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(a) To protect its cubs the mother panther hides
them :
(i) among rocks
(ii) in the branches of the trees
(iii) behind the tree trunks
(iv) at its heels
(b) The male panther :
(i) is protective of its cubs
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
You have to ask for directions. Even to the
devout Christian pilgrims walking along the
Via Dolorosa—the Way of Sorrows—first
nine stations look clueless. Then a courtyard
appears, hemmed in by other buildings and a
doorway to one side. This leads to a vast area
of huge stone architecture.
(5) Immediately inside the entrance is your first
stop. It’s the stone of anointing: this is the
place, according to Greek tradition, where
Christ was removed from the cross. The
Roman Catholics, however, believe it to be the
spot where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial
by Joseph.
(6) What happened next ? Jesus was buried. He was
taken to a place outside the city of Jerusalem
where other graves existed and there, he was
buried in a cave. However, all that is long
gone, destroyed by continued attacks and
rebuilding; what remains is the massive—and
impressive — Rotunda (a round building
with a dome) that Emperor Constantine
built. Under this, and right in the centre of
the Rotunda, is the structure that contains the
Holy Sepulchre.
(7) “How do you know that this is Jesus’ tomb?”
I asked one of the pilgrims standing next to
me. He was clueless, more interested, like
the rest of them, in the novelty of it all and
in photographing it, than in its history or
tradition.
yM
yK
(ii) trains its cubs
(iii) watches the progress of the mother
(iv) is impulsive and impatient
Answer the following questions briefly :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
(c) How many cubs does the mother panther
rarely deliver ?
(d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not
born blind ?
(e) Why did the mahout drive his elephant away ?
(f) Why did the tigress spit at its cubs ?
(g) From the narrator’s observation what do we
learn about the nature of the tigress ?
(h) Why does the panther not face the risk of
extinction ?
(i) Find words from the passage which mean the
same as each of the following :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(a) moving aimlessly (para 3)
(b) came down/fell (para 7)
9
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
op
5. Read the passage given below carefully:
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2015)
(1) For four days, I walked through the narrow
lanes of the old city, enjoying the romance of
being in a city where history still lives — in
its cobblestone streets and in its people riding
asses, carrying vine leaves and palm as they
once did during the time of Christ.
(2) This is Jerusalem, home to the sacred sites
of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This is
the place that houses the church of the Holy
Sepulchre, the place where Jesus was finally
laid to rest. This is also the site of Christ’s
crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
(3) Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine at
the site of an earlier temple to Aphrodite, it
is the most venerated Christian shrine in the
world. And justifiably so. Here, within the
church, are the last five stations of the cross,
the 10th station where Jesus was stripped of
his clothes, the 11th where he was nailed to the
cross, the 12th where he died on the cross, the
13th where the body was removed from the
cross, and the 14th, his tomb.
(4) For all this weighty tradition, the approach
and entrance to the church is non-descript.
(8) At the start of the first century, the place
was a disused quarry outside the city walls.
According to the gospels, Jesus’ crucifixion
occurred ‘at a place outside the city walls with
graves nearby’. Archaeologists have discovered
tombs from that era, so the site is compatible
with the biblical period.
(9) The structure at the site is a marble tomb built
over the original burial chamber. It has two
rooms, and you enter four at a time into the
first of these, the Chapel of the Angel. Here
the angel is supposed to have sat on a stone
to recount Christ’s resurrection. A low door
made of white marble, partly worn away by
pilgrims’ hands, leads to a smaller chamber
inside. This is the ‘room of the tomb’, the place
where Jesus was buried.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
6. Read the passage given below : [10 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2015)
(1) We often make all things around us the way
we want them. Even during our pilgrimages
we have begun to look for whatever makes our
heart happy, gives comfort to our body and
peace to the mind. It is as if external solutions
will fulfil our needs, and we do not want to
make any special efforts even in our spiritual
search. Our mind is resourceful—it works to
find shortcuts in simple and easy ways.
(2) Even pilgrimages have been converted
into tourism opportunities. Instead, we
must awaken our conscience and souls and
understand the truth. Let us not tamper with
either our own nature or that of the Supreme.
(3) All our cleverness is rendered ineffective when
nature does a dance of destruction. Its fury can
and will wash away all imperfections. Indian
culture, based on Vedic treatises, assists in
human evolution, but we are now using our
entire energy in distorting these traditions
according to our convenience instead of
making efforts to make ourselves worthy of
them.
C
op
yM
yK
(10) We entered in single file. On my right was a
large marble slab that covered the original rock
bench on which the body of Jesus was laid. A
woman knelt and prayed. Her eyes were wet
with tears. She pressed her face against the slab
to hide them, but it only made it worse.
On the basis of your understanding of this
passage answer the following questions with the
help of given options:
[1 × 4 = 4 marks]
(a) How does Jerusalem still retain the charm of
ancient era ?
(i) There are narrow lanes.
(ii) Roads are paved with cobblestones.
(iii) People can be seen riding asses.
(iv) All of the above
(b) Holy Sepulchre is sacred to ______.
(i) Christianity(ii) Islam
(iii) Judaism (iv) Both (i) and (iii)
(c) Why does one have to constantly ask for
directions to the church ?
(i) Its lanes are narrow.
(ii) Entrance to the church is non-descript.
(iii) People are not tourist-friendly.
(iv) Everyone is lost in enjoying the romance
of the place.
(d) Where was Jesus buried ?
(i) In a cave
(ii) At a place outside the city
(iii) In the Holy Sepulchre
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)
Answer the following questions briefly :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
(e) What is the Greek belief about the ‘stone of
anointing’ ?
(f) Why did Emperor Constantine build the
Rotunda ?
(g) What is the general attitude of the pilgrims ?
(h) How is the site compatible with the biblical
period ?
(i) Why did the pilgrims enter the room of the
tomb in a single file ?
(j) Why did ‘a woman’ try to hide her tears ?
(k) Find words from the passage which mean the
same as :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(i) A large grave (para 3)
(ii) Having no interesting features/dull
(para 4)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
10
(4) The irony is that humans are not even aware
of the complacent attitude they have allowed
themselves to sink to. Nature is everyone’s
Amma and her fierce blows will sooner or
later corner us and force us to understand
this truth. Earlier, pilgrimages to places of
spiritual significance were rituals that were
undertaken when people became free from
their worldly duties. Even now some seekers
take up this pious religious journey as a path
to peace and knowledge. Anyone travelling
with this attitude feels and travels with only
a few essential items that his body can carry.
Pilgrims traditionally travelled light, on foot,
eating light, dried chickpeas and fruits, or
whatever was available. Pilgrims of olden
days did not feel the need to stay in special
AC bedrooms, or travel by luxury cars or
indulge themselves with delicious food and
savouries.
(5) Pilgrims traditionally moved ahead, creating a
feeling of belonging towards all, conveying a
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
11
(c) What change has taken place in our attitude
towards pilgrimages ?
(d) What happens when pilgrimages are turned
into picnics ?
(e) Why are we complacent in our spiritual efforts ?
(f) How does nature respond when we try to be
clever with it ?
(g) In olden days with what attitude did people go
on a pilgrimage ?
(h) What message does the passage convey to the
pilgrims ?
(i) Find words from the passage which mean the
same as the following :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(i) made/turned (para 3)
(ii) very satisfied (para 4)
7. Read the passage given below :
[12 marks]
(AI 2015C)
(1) Suspense was over when my high school
results finally came out. But I was upset. I had
not done as well as I had expected. My Father
tried to console me. “Why are you worried?
You have done very well my dear.” “No, I have
not Baba,” I protested, controlling my tears,
and wondering if I had disappointed him. “It
does not really matter,” he assured me. “Do you
know what I got when I finished high school?”
I looked into Baba’s face and waited for the
answer to his own question. “You know,” he
told me “I have never told you this. I got just
a third division. But, look at me, I have done
quite well.” Baba got a third division! I was
almost in shock, but the thought of my having
done a lot better than that made me realize
that I had no reason to complain. I certainly
felt better ! “Everything is under control!” said
Baba, smiling. That was his favourite phrase.
Posted in Kolkata, my father was then a senior
official in the Indian Railway Service, and an
expert in goods traffic operations. He was soon
to become a director with the Railway Board.
By the time he retired in 1981, he was general
manager of the Central Railways. By the time
Baba passed away in November 2000, his
name had found place in several hearts as well.
He was open, easy to know, and full of life. We
were extremely close, but I had so much more
to learn about him from many things I came to
know after his death.
yM
yK
message of brotherhood among all they came
across whether in small caves, ashrams or
local settlements. They received the blessings
and congregations of yogis and mahatmas in
return while conducting the dharma of their
pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is like penance or
sadhana to stay near nature and to experience
a feeling of oneness with it, to keep the body
healthy and fulfilled with the amount of food,
while seeking freedom from attachments and
yet remaining happy while staying away from
relatives and associates.
(6) This is how a pilgrimage should be rather
than making it like a picnic by taking a large
group along and living in comfort, packing
in entertainment, and tampering with
environment. What is worse is giving a boost
to the ego of having had a special darshan.
Now alms are distributed, charity done while
they brag about their spiritual experiences!
(7) We must embark on our spiritual journey by
first understanding the grace and significance
of a pilgrimage and following it up with the
prescribed rules and rituals - this is what
translates into the ultimate and beautiful
medium of spiritual evolution. There is no
justification for tampering with nature.
(8) A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation and
meditation and acceptance, and is a metaphor
for the constant growth or movement and love
for nature that we should hold in our hearts.
(9) This is the truth !
On the basis of your understanding of the above
passage answer the questions that follow with
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
the help of given options :
(a) How can a pilgrim keep his body healthy ?
(i) By travelling light
(ii) By eating small amount of food
(iii) By keeping free from attachments
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)
(b) How do we satisfy our ego ?
(i) By having a special darshan
(ii) By distributing alms
(iii) By treating it like a picnic
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)
Answer the following as briefly as possible :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
looking into Baba’s personal things, we came
across an old file with Baba’s certificates and I
found among them, his high school diploma
from 1937, the one he told me about 30 years
earlier, about the third division that had made
no difference in his life or career. It had made
me see beyond mere marks and first classes
as the main road to success. But there was
one more fact. Baba had actually got a first
division, a rare achievement in his day. Today,
years after his passing, when I think of Baba,
I see a man who was able to sympathise with
others so easily and touch their lives in such a
special way.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the
passage answer the following questions by
choosing the most appropriate options.
[1 × 4 = 4 marks]
(a) Why was the narrator in tears when her
school results came out ?
(i) She did better than she expected.
(ii) She did not do as expected.
(iii) Her Baba had not done well.
(iv) Her Baba had done better than her.
(b) On knowing the result, how did the
narrator’s father react ?
(i) He scolded her.
(ii) He beat her.
(iii) He consoled her.
(iv) He made fun of her.
(c) Why did the narrator say that she had
nothing to complain ?
(i) She had done better than her father.
(ii) She had done as well as her father.
(iii) She had topped in her school.
(iv) She had not worked hard at all.
(d) Choose the option that is not correct.
(i)
Baba was a senior official in the
Indian Railway Service.
(ii)Baba was to become a director with
the Railway Board.
(iii)Baba was the general manager of the
Central Railways.
(iv)Baba had got a third division in high
school.
C
op
yM
yK
(2) In September 2000, he was in hospital for
treatment of cancer and given just two months
to live. When he found out, his reaction was
an extremely rational one. He asked me to
fetch files from his cupboard, so that he could
explain the details of my mother’s pension.
He also dictated his will from his hospital
bed. “Everything is under control!” After
Baba’s death, Satish, our old family retainer,
was inconsolable. We tried to cheer him up.
“Your Baba had scolded me only once in all
these year!” he cried. Satish pointed to the
watch on his left hand. “I had been coning
late for work and everyone in the family was
complaining about it,” said Satish. “Then, one
day, your Baba gave me this watch and told
me, ‘Now that you have a watch, you can’t be
late’”. That was the scolding Satish received. On
the fourth day after Baba’s death, my sister and
I had to perform a ceremony. Since several
relatives were expected, we decided to order
lunch from a caterer in our locality, reputed
for his home cooked food. But, when we went
to pay to owner, we got a surprise. He refused
to accept any money! “When I wanted to start
my catering business, it was your father who
lent me money,” he told us. It seems Baba
never asked for it back. Now, after four or five
years, the caterer wanted to repay that debt. Of
course, we made him accept the full payment
for the fine food and service. “It was Baba’s gift
and it ought to remain so,” I told him.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
12
(3) Some days later, there was yet another piece
of information as we were preparing for the
main ceremony. Vikram, my brother drove
me to the local market. On recognizing our
car, the parking assistant, in his twenties,
came running towards us and asked why
he had not seen its owner for long. We had
to break the news to him and to our utter
surprise, he started crying. We were really
surprised by this reaction from a stranger –
until the man told us that Baba used to pay
his daughter’s school fees and buy her books.
It seems, it was on my father’s advice that had
even started sending the child to school. More
than three years after Baba’s death, as we were
1.2 Answer the following :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
(a) Why did the narrator’s sick father want
her to fetch files from his cupboard?
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(b) Why did Baba buy Satish a watch?
(c) Why did the caterer not want to take
money from the narrator?
(d) Why were the narrator and her brother
surprised on meeting the parking
assistant?
(e) Today years after his passing away what
has the narrator realized about her Baba?
(f) What was the story that Baba had
invented on the day the narrator’s results
were published?
(g) Find words from the passage that mean
the same as the following :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(i) tension/anxiety (para 1)
(ii) servant (para 2)
(4) Mahadeo Yadav, the rickshaw puller is in
his seventies and has been pulling the same
rickshaw in and around Bowbazaar for fifty
years. For him, fifty years, half a century is not
an achievement, but merely the time that has
passed ever since he came to Calcutta to earn
a living.
(5) He lives all alone in Calcutta, in a room in
a nearby lane, paying a monthly rent of fifty
rupees. He is out with his rickshaw between
three in the afternoon and ten at night,
sometimes earning sixty or seventy rupees a
day and sometimes nothing. Every month
without fail he sends ` 300 to his wife back
home, and once every year visits her. “I will
pull the rickshaw as long as I can”, he says,
“this is my only source of livelihood. These
days I tire easily. Sometimes my feet hurt and
sometimes my back. But do I have a choice?”
He answers all my questions without looking
at me even once, but continued to stare ahead
blankly, his arms folded around his knees. I
take a good look at his rickshaw : the two – the
rickshaw and the rickshaw puller – make quite
a pair.
C
op
yM
yK
8. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[10 marks]
(AI 2015 C)
(1) As dusk falls the neon lights of the jewellery
shops in Bowbazaar come alive but the lights
have no effect on the face of Mahadeo Yadav
who is seated on the footrest of his rickshaw
that is parked by the road, feeling very sad. he
is sitting on his feet, hugging his knees to keep
himself warm in the biting cold, so weakened
and lifeless as if he had been dead for days
without anyone noticing.
(2) Who would after all notice a rickshaw puller,
to check whether he is breathing or not ? Yet
when the same rickshaw puller goes about
his work pulling his rickshaw like a horse, he
becomes the most noticed man in Calcutta.
He makes a great subject for photographers,
writers and film-makers. He is the symbol
of poor Calcutta. Many a famous actor has
pulled the rickshaw in films set in the city.
(3) Calcutta is said to have about 6000 rickshaw
pullers running on its roads, running mostly in
its old neighbourhoods. They have something
in common apart from their poverty. All of
them come from the country side. All of them
wear the lungi to work, perhaps for better
movement. Almost all of them are elderly;
I am yet to see a young man hand pulling a
rickshaw. It can be a sad sight to watch a man
almost as old as your father struggling his way
through the roads dressed only in a vest and a
lungi and often barefoot.
13
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
2.1 Choose the correct alternatives from the
options given below : [1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(a) A rickshaw puller is noticed only when
he
(i) acts in a film.
(ii) becomes a subject for photographers.
(iii) sits all alone.
(iv) is old and tired.
(b) Pick out the statement which is not true.
(i) Most rickshaw pullers are old.
(ii) The rickshaw puller earn very little.
(iii)Many renowned actors are rickshaw
pullers.
(iv) They are neglected by people.
2.2 Answer the following questions :
[1 × 6 = 6 marks]
(a) Why does Yadav “stare ahead blankly”?
(b) Why are rickshaw pullers known as the
icons of poor Calcutta ?
(c) Which instance tells you that Yadav loved
his family ?
(d) Where does Yadav stay ?
(e) What comparison does the writer draw
between the rickshaw and its puller ?
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(f) What do the rickshaw pullers have in
common ?
(g) Pick out words from the passage that mean
the following :
[1 × 2 = 2 marks]
(a) Well-known (para 2)
(b) income (para 5)
(3) Today’s parents aren’t equipped to deal with
the problem. Many of them, raised in the 1960s
and 70s, swore they’d act differently from their
parents and have closer relationships with
their own children. Many even wear the same
designer clothes as their kids and listen to the
same music. And they work more hours; at
the end of a long week, it’s tempting to buy
peace with ‘yes’ and not mar precious family
time with conflict. Anxiety about the future
is another factor. How do well intentioned
parents say no to all the sports gear and arts
and language lessons they believe will help
their kids thrive in an increasingly competitive
world? Experts agree: too much love won’t
spoil a child. Too few limits will.
(4) What parents need to find, is a balance
between the advantages of an affluent society
and the critical life lessons that come from
waiting, saving and working hard to achieve
goals. That search for balance has to start
early. Children need limits on their behaviour
because they feel better and more secure
when they live within a secured structure.
Older children learn self-control by watching
how others, especially parents act. Learning
how to overcome challenges is essential to
becoming a successful adult. Few parents ask
kids to do chores. They think their kids are
already overburdened by social and academic
pressures. Every individual can be of service to
others, and life has meaning beyond one’s own
immediate happiness. That means parents
eager to teach values have to take a long, hard
look at their own.
(a) Answer the following :
(i) What values do parents and teachers want
children to learn?
[2 marks]
(ii) What are the results of giving the children
too much too soon?
[2 marks]
(iii) Why do today’s children want more ?
[1 mark]
(iv) What is the balance which the parents
need to have in today’s world? [2 marks]
(v) What is the necessity to set limits for
children?
[2 marks]
(b) Pick out words from the passage that mean the
same as the following :
[3 marks]
(i) a feeling of satisfaction (para 1)
C
op
yM
yK
9. Read the following passage and answer the
questions that follow:
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2014)
(1) Too many parents these days can’t say no. As
a result, they find themselves raising children
who respond greedily to the advertisements
aimed right at them. Even getting what they
want doesn’t satisfy some kids; they only want
more. Now, a growing number of psychologists,
educators and parents think it’s time to stop
the madness and start teaching kids about
what’s really important: values like hard work,
contentment, honesty and compassion. The
struggle to set limits has never been tougher
and the stakes have never been higher. One
recent study of adults who were overindulged
as children, paints a discouraging picture of
their future: when given too much too soon,
they grow up to be adults who have difficulty
coping with life’s disappointments. They also
have distorted sense of entitlement that gets
in the way of success in the work place and in
relationships.
(2) Psychologists say that parents who overindulge
their kids, set them up to be more vulnerable to
future anxiety and depression. Today’s parents
themselves raised on values of thrift and selfsacrifice, grew up in a culture where no was
a household word. Today’s kids want much
more, partly because there is so much more to
want. The oldest members of this generation
were born in the late 1980s, just as PCs and
video games were making their assault on the
family room. They think of MP3 players and
flat screen TV as essential utilities, and they
have developed strategies to get them. One
survey of teenagers found that when they
crave for something new, most expect to ask
nine times before their parents give in. By
every measure, parents are shelling out record
amounts. In the heat of this buying blitz, even
parents who desperately need to say no find
themselves reaching for their credit cards.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
14
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(ii) valuable (para 3)
(iii) important (para 4)
the breakdown rate is so slow the chances that
the bag will harmlessly go away are extremely
slim. Throughout the world plastic bags are
responsible for suffocation deaths of woodland
animals as well as inhibiting soil nutrients. The
land litter that is made up of plastic bags has
the potential to kill over and over again. It has
been estimated that one bag has the potential
to unintentionally kill one animal per every
three months due to unintentional digestion
or inhalation.
(7) While it’s a noble thought to place the plastic
bags in the recycling bin every week, studies
have proven that there are very few recycling
plants that actually recycle them. Most
municipalities either burn them or send them
off to the landfill after sorting. This is because it
can be expensive to recycle this type of plastic.
It does not melt down easily and is often not fit
to be reused in its original form.
(8) The premise of recycling these bags is nice.
Yet funding for the upgrading of the recycling
units just has not happened and thus less than
1% of all bags are sent to recycling plants
worldwide. Most are left to become a pollution
problem in one way or another.
C
op
yM
yK
10. Read the passage carefully and answer the
question that follow :
[12 marks]
(AI 2014C)
(1) The effects of plastic bags on the environment
are really quite devastating. While there are
many objections to the banning of plastic bags
based solely on their convenience, the damage
to the environment needs to be controlled.
(2) There is no way to strictly limit the effects of
plastic bags on the environment because there
is no disposal method that will really help
eliminate the problem. While reusing them
is the first step, most people don’t do that.
These are bags not durable enough to survive
numerous trips to the store. The best that
citizens can do is to reuse them.
(3) The biggest problem with this is that once
they have been soiled they end up in the
trash, which then ends up in the landfill or is
burned. Either solution is very poor for the
environment. Burning emits toxic gases that
harm the atmosphere and increase the level
of VOCs in the air while landfills hold them
indefinitely as part of the plastic waste problem
throughout the globe.
(4) One of the greatest problems is that an
estimated 300 million plastic bags end up in
the Atlantic Ocean alone. These bags are very
dangerous for sea life, especially those of the
mammal variety. Any hunting mammal can
easily mistake the size, shape and texture of
the plastic bags for a meal and find its airway
cut off. Needless deaths from plastic bags are
increasing every year.
(5) The environmental balance of the waterways
is being thrown on by the rate of plastic bags
finding their way into the mouths and intestinal
tracts of sea mammals. As one species begins
to die off at an abnormal rate, every other
living organism in the waterways is impacted.
15
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
(6) The indefinite period of time that it takes for
the average plastic bag to break down can be
literally hundreds of years. Every bag that ends
up in the woodlands of the country threatens
the natural progression of wildlife. Because
(9) There are always alternatives to plastic
bags and the search for more alternatives
continues. Paper bags are a possible option but
they also take their toll on the environment.
The use of trees to increase the production
of paper products will also have a negative
environmental effect.
(10) Reusable plastic bags are being introduced
to regions that want to outlaw the plastic
bags altogether. These are stronger and more
durable and can be used for three to five
trips to the store. Of course, the reusable
cloth bag is fast becoming a favourite among
environmental supporters. While thus far no
bag is without its issues, these are the bags that
are currently recommended for use to help
protect environmental concerns.
(a) (i)
Why do some people object to the
banning of plastic bags ?
[1 mark]
(ii)
Why is reusing plastic bags not
considered practical ?
[1 mark]
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(iii) Why is the disposal of plastic bags
considered damaging to the environment?
[1 mark]
(iv) How do plastic bags endanger the life of
animals in the sea and on land ?
[1 mark]
(v) What factors discourage recycling of
plastic bags ? [1 mark]
(vi) What, according to the writer, is the best
possible alternative to plastic bags ?
[1 mark]
(b) Find words from the passage which mean the
same as the following :
[3 marks]
(i) remove (para 2)
(ii) choking (para 6)
(iii) costly (para 7)
per cent nitrogen and 21 per cent oxygen in
the air—the other gases forming a very small
fraction. It is true that carbon dioxide exhaled
out of lungs may accumulate in a closed and
over-crowded place. But such an increase is
usually small and temporary unless the room
is really air-tight. Exposure to poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide may occur in a
closed room, heated by burning coal inside.
This may also prove to be fatal.
(4) What is more common in a poorly ventilated
home is a vague constellation of symptoms
described as the sick-building syndrome. It is
characterized by a general feeling of malaise,
headache, dizziness and irritation of mucous
membranes. It may also be accompanied by
nausea, itching, aches, pains and depression.
Sick-building syndrome is getting commoner
in big cities with the small houses, which are
generally over-furnished. Some of the important
pollutants whose indoor concentrations
exceed those of the outdoors include gases
such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
oxides of nitrogen and organic substances like
spores, formaldehydes, hydrocarbon aerosols
and allergens. The sources are attributed to a
variety of construction materials, insulations,
furnishings, adhesives, cosmetics, house dusts,
fungi and other indoor products.
yM
yK
11. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2013)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
16
(1) Air pollution is an issue which concerns us all
alike. One can willingly choose or reject a food,
a drink or a life comfort, but unfortunately
there is little choice for the air we breathe. All,
what is there in the air is inhaled by one and
all living in those surroundings.
C
op
(2) Air pollutant is defined as a substance, which
is present while normally it is not there or
present in an amount exceeding the normal
concentrations. It could either be gaseous
or a particulate matter. The important and
harmful polluting gases are carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, ozone and oxides of sulphur
and nitrogen. The common particulate
pollutants are the dusts of various inorganic
or organic origins. Although we often talk of
the outdoor air pollution caused by industrial
and vehicular exhausts, the indoor pollution
may prove to be as or a more important cause
of health problems.
(3) Recognition of air pollution is relatively recent.
It is not uncommon to experience a feeling of
‘suffocation’ in a closed environment. It is often
ascribed to the lack of oxygen. Fortunately,
however, the composition of air is remarkably
constant all over the world. There is about 79
(5) By-products of fuel combustion are important
in houses with indoor kitchens. It is not only
the burning of dried dung and fuelwood which
is responsible, but also kerosene and liquid
petroleum gas. Oxides of both nitrogen and
sulphur are released from their combustion.
(6) Smoking of tobacco in the closed environment
is an important source of indoor pollution. It
may not be high quantitatively, but significantly
hazardous for health. It is because of the fact
that there are over 3000 chemical constituents
in tobacco smoke, which have been identified.
These are harmful for human health.
(7) Micro-organisms and allergens are of special
significance in the causation and spread of
diseases. Most of the infective illnesses may
involve more persons of a family living in
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
necessary for performance, it is important
to be able to recognise your individual limit.
For instance, there are some individuals who
accept competition in a healthy fashion. There
are others who collapse into weeping wrecks
before an exam or on comparing markssheets and finding that their friend has scored
better.
(2) Stress is a body reaction to any demands
or changes in its internal and external
environment. Whenever there is a change in
the external environment, such as temperature,
pollutants, humidity and working conditions,
it leads to stress. In these days of competition,
when a person makes up his mind to surpass
what has been achieved by others, leading to
an imbalance between demands and resources,
it causes psycho-social stress. It is a part and
parcel of everyday life.
(3) Stress has a different meaning, depending on
the stage of life you are in. The loss of a toy
or a reprimand from the parents might create
a stress shock in a child. An adolescent who
fails an examination may feel as if everything
has been lost and life has no further meaning.
In an adult the loss of his or her companion,
job or professional failure may appear as if
there is nothing more to be achieved.
(4) Such signs appear in the attitude and
behaviour of the individual, as muscle tension
in various parts of the body, palpitation and
high blood pressure, indigestion and hyperacidity. Ultimately the result is self-destructive
behaviour, such as eating and drinking
too much, smoking excessively, relying on
tranquilizers. There are other signs of stress,
such as trembling, shaking, nervous blinking,
dryness of throat and mouth and difficulty in
swallowing.
(5) The professional under stress behaves as if
he is a perfectionist. It leads to depression,
lethargy and weakness. Periodic mood shifts
also indicate the stress status of the students,
executives and professionals.
yM
yK
common indoor environment. These include
viral and bacterial diseases like tuberculosis.
(8) Besides infections, allergic and hypersensitivity disorders are spreading fast. Although
asthma is the most common form of
respiratory allergic disorders, pneumonias
are not uncommon, but more persistent and
serious. These are attributed to exposures to
allergens from various fungi, molds, hay and
other organic materials. Indoor air ventilation
systems, coolers, air-conditioners, dampness,
decay, pet animals, production or handling of
the causative items are responsible for these
hypersensitivity-diseases.
(9) Obviously, the spectrum of pollution is very
wide and our options are limited. Indoor
pollution may be handled relatively easily by
an individual. Moreover, the good work must
start from one’s own house.
(Extracted from The Tribune)
17
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
op
(a) (i) What is an air pollutant ?
[1 mark]
(ii)
In what forms are the air pollutants
present?
[2 marks]
(iii)Why do we feel suffocated in a closed
environment?
[1 mark]
(iv)What is sick building syndrome? How is
it increasing?
[2 marks]
(v) How is indoor smoking very hazardous?
[1 mark]
(vi)How can one overcome the dangers of
indoor air pollution?
[2 marks]
(b) Find the words form the above passage which
mean the same as the following : [3 marks]
(i) giddiness (para 4)
(ii) constant (para 8)
(iii) humidity (para 8)
12. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2012)
(1) While there is no denying that the world loves
a winner, it is important that you recognize
the signs of stress in your behaviour and be
healthy enough to enjoy your success. Stress
can strike anytime, in a fashion that may
leave you unaware of its presence in your
life. While a certain amount of pressure is
(6) In a study sponsored by World Health
Organization and carried out by Harvard
School of Public Health, the global burden
of diseases and injury indicated that stress
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
diseases and accidents are going to be the
major killers in 2020.
(7) The heart disease and depression—both stress
diseases—are going to rank first and second
in 2020. Road traffic accidents are going to be
the third largest killers. These accidents are
also an indicator of psycho-social stress in a
fast moving society. Other stress like ulcers,
hypertensions and sleeplessness have assumed
epidemic proportions in modern societies.
(8) A person under stress reacts in different ways
and the common ones are flight, fight and flee
depending upon the nature of the stress and
capabilities of the person. The three responses
can be elegantly chosen to cope with the stress
so that stress does not damage the system and
become distress.
13. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2011)
(1) For many years now the governments have
been promising the eradication of child labour
in hazardous industries in India. But the truth
is that despite all the rhetoric, no government
so far has succeeded in eradicating this evil,
nor has any been able to ensure compulsory
primary education for every Indian child.
Between 60 and 100 million children are still
at work instead of going to school, and around
10 million are working in hazardous industries.
India has the biggest child population of 380
million in the world, plus the largest number
of children who are forced to earn a living.
(2) We have many laws that ban child labour in
hazardous industries. According to the Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986,
the employment of children below the age of
14 in hazardous occupations has been strictly
banned. But each state has different rules
regarding the minimum age of employment.
This makes implementation of these laws
difficult.
op
yM
yK
(9) When a stress crosses the limit, peculiar to an
individual, it lowers his performance capacity.
Frequent crossings of the limit may result in
chronic fatigue in which a person feels lethargic,
disinterested and is not easily motivated to
achieve anything. This may make the person
mentally undecided, confused and accident
prone as well. Sudden exposure to unnerving
stress may also result in a loss of memory. Diet,
massage, food supplements, herbal medicines,
hobbies, relaxation techniques and dance
movements are excellent stress busters.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
18
C
(a) (i) What is stress? What factors lead to stress?
[2 marks]
(ii)What are the signs by which a person
can know that he is under stress?
[2 marks]
(iii)What are the different diseases a person
gets due to stress ?
[2 marks]
(iv) Give any two examples of stress busters.
[1 mark]
(v) How does a person react under stress ?
[2 marks]
(b) Which words in the above passage mean the
same as the following :
[3 marks]
(i) fall down (para 1)
(ii) rebuke (para 3)
(iii) inactive (para 9)
(3) Also, there is no ban on child labour in
non-hazardous occupations. The act applies
to the organised or factory sector and not
the unorganised or informal sector where
most children find employment as cleaners,
servants, porters, waiters, etc. among other
forms of unskilled work. Thus, child labour
continues because the implementation of the
existing laws is lax.
(4) There are industries, which have a special
demand for child labour because of their
nimble fingers, high level of concentration and
capacity to work hard at abysmally low wages.
The carpet industry in U.P. and Kashmir
employs children to make hand-knotted
carpets. There are 80,000 child workers in
Jammu & Kashmir alone. In Kashmir because
of the political unrest, children are forced to
work while many schools are shut. Industries
like gem cutting and polishing pottery and
glass want to remain competitive by employing
children.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(5) The truth is that it is poverty, which is pushing
children into the brutish labour market. We
have 260 million people below the poverty line
in India, a large number of them are women.
Poor and especially woman-headed families,
have no option but to push their little ones
in this hard life in hostile conditions, with no
human or labour rights.
(6) There is a lobby which argues that there is
nothing wrong with children working as long
as the environment for work is conducive to
learning new skills but studies have shown that
the children are made to do boring, repetitive
and tedious jobs and are not taught new skills
as they grow older. In these hell-holes like the
sweet shops of the old, there is no hope.
(iii)
Why do the industries prefer child
labour?
[2 marks]
(iv)What are the adverse effects of hazardous
industries on children? Give any two.
[2 marks]
(v)What does the Supreme Court’s Directive
of 1997 provide?
[1 mark]
(b) Find words from the passage which means the
same as the following :
[3 marks]
(i) risky/dangerous (para 1)
(ii) very unfriendly (para 5)
(iii) intended as punishment (para 8)
14. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2010)
(1) Today’s woman is a highly self-directed
person, alive to the sense of her dignity and
the importance of her functions in the private
domestic domain and the public domain of
the world of work. Women are rational in
approach, careful in handling situations and
want to do things as best as possible. The Fourth
World Conference of Women held in Beijing
in September 1995 had emphasised that no
enduring solution of society’s most threatening
social, economic and political problems
could be found without the participation
and empowerment of the women. The 1995
World Summit for Social Development had
also emphasised the pivotal role of women in
eradicating poverty and mending the social
fabric.
op
yM
yK
(7) Children working in hazardous industries
are prone to debilitating diseases which can
cripple them for life. By sitting in cramped,
damp and unhygienic spaces, their limbs
become deformed for life. Inside matchstick,
fire works and glass industries they are victims
of bronchial diseases and T.B. Their mental
and physical development is permanently
impaired by long hours of work. Once
trapped, they can’t get out of this vicious
circle of poverty. They remain uneducated and
powerless. Finally, in later years, they too are
compelled to send their own children to work.
Child labour perpetuates its own nightmare.
19
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
(8) If at all the government was serious about
granting children their rights, an intensive
effort ought to have been made to implement
the Supreme Court’s Directive of 1997 which
laid down punitive action against employers
of child labour. Only compulsory primary
education can eliminate child labour.
(9) Surely, if 380 million children are given a
better life and elementary education, India’s
human capital would be greatly enhanced. But
that needs, as former President Abdul Kalam
says, “a Second Vision”.
(a) (i)On which two counts has the government
not succeeded so far in respect of children?
[2 marks]
(ii)What makes the implementation of child
labour law difficult?
[2 marks]
(2) The Constitution of India had conferred
on women equal rights and opportunities
— political, social, educational and of
employment—with men. Because of oppressive
traditions, superstitions, exploitation and
corruption, a majority of women are not
allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities,
bestowed on them. One of the major reasons
for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and
awareness among women. Education is the
main instrument through which we can narrow
down the prevailing inequality and accelerate
the process of economic and political change
in the status of women.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
education of girls. Negative attitude towards
sending girls to schools, restrictions on their
mobility, early marriage, poverty and illiteracy
of parents affect the girl’s participation in
education.
(6) Women’s political empowerment got a big
boost with the Panchayati Raj Act of 1993
which gave them 30 per cent reservation in
Village Panchayats, Block Samities and Zila
Parishads throughout the country. The National
Commission for Women was also set up in
1992 to act as a lobby for Women’s issues.
(7) The educational system is the only institution,
which can counteract the deep foundations of
inequality of sexes that are built in the minds
of people through the socialization process.
Education is the most important instrument
of human resource development. Educational
system should be used to revolutionise the
traditional attitudes and inculcate new values
of equality.
C
op
yM
yK
(3) The role of women in a society is very important.
Women’s education is the key to a better life
in the future. A recent World Bank study says
that educating girls is not a charity, it is good
economics and if developing nations are to
eradicate poverty, they must educate the girls.
The report says that the economic and social
returns on investment in education of the girls
considerably affect the human development
index of the nation. Society would progress
only if the status of women is respected and
the presence of an educated woman in the
family would ensure education of the family
itself. Education and empowerment of women
are closely related.
(4) Women’s education has not received due care
and attention from the planners and policy
makers. The National Commission for Women
has rightly pointed out that even after 50 years
of independence, women continue to be
treated as the single largest group of backward
citizens of India. The role of women in overall
development has not been fully understood
nor has it been given its full weight in the
struggle to eliminate poverty, hunger, injustice
and inequality at the national level. Even when
we are at the threshold of the 21st century,
our society still discriminates against women
in matters of their rights and privileges and
prevents them from participating in the process
of national and societal progress. Various
Committees and Commissions have been
constituted before and after the independence
to evaluate the progress in women’s education
and to suggest ways and means to enhance the
status of women. The female literacy rate has
gone up in the 20th century from 0.6 per cent
in 1901 to 39.29 per cent in 1991 but India
still possesses the largest number of illiterate
women in the world. The female literacy index
for the year 1991 shows that there are eight
states which fall below the national average.
The most populous states of the country, UP,
MP, Bihar and Rajasthan fall in the category of
most backward states as far as female literacy
is concerned.
(5) The prevailing cultural norms of gender
behaviour and the perceived domestic and
reproductive role of women tend to affect the
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
20
(a) (i)Mention any two attributes of a modern
woman.
[2 marks]
(ii)
Why are women’s participation and
empowerment considered necessary?
[2 marks]
(iii)
Which factors adversely affect the
education of girls ?
[2 marks]
(iv)What benefits did the women get with
the enactment of the Panchayati Raj Act
of 1993?
[2 marks]
(v)By what process can we remove the sense
of inequality of sexes from the minds of
the people?
[1 mark]
(b) Pick out words from the passage which mean
the same as each of the following: [3 marks]
(i) cruel and unfair (para 2)
(ii) remove (para 3)
(iii) full of people (para 4)
15. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2009)
(1) The role friends play in our lives has become
significantly greater than at any other time in
our history. Today many of us live and work at
great distances from where we were born or
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
grew up and are separated from our original
families. The pain we feel when we are away
from our families can be significant.
(2) The happiness of the individual relies on
friendships which form a necessary human
connection. It is perfectly normal to need and
want friends and depression is more prevalent
among those who lack friends. They lack the
intimacy and richness friends can bring into
our lives. Frequently friends reflect similar
values to us. Yet these values are often different
from the ones we grew up with; they are the
values we created for ourselves in our adult
lives.
(3) Communication skills are fundamental
in all friendships. The more friends and
acquaintances one has, the greater are one’s
communication skills. Some call these, people
skills.
family to your own or perhaps someone from
a completely different cultural background.
This is the way we learn tolerance. In turn we
gain tolerance and acceptance for our own
differences.
(6) Friendships are made by being considerate
which means all the communication skills
come into play: active listening skills,
questioning skills, negotiation skills, reflecting
content skills, reflecting emotion skills, and
editing yourself.
(7) Friendships offer a great opportunity to learn
about yourself because a friend can reflect
back to you ‘how you come across in the
world’. They also allow you to practice skills in
dealing with ‘personal boundaries’ by looking
after yourself as well as your friend. They help
you develop resilience in relation to the wider
social world beyond your family.
(a) (i)Why do friends play a more significant
role today than ever before ? [2 marks]
(ii)Why is friendship considered an essential
human need ?
[2 marks]
(iii)How is friendship different from other
relationships ?
[2 marks]
(iv)
Mention two essential human values
that help friendship to grow. [1 mark]
(v)
Which communication skills help in
building friendship ?
[2 marks]
yM
yK
(4) Like watering a plant, we grow our friendships
by nurturing them. Friendships need the
same attention as other relationships if they
are to continue. These relationships can be
delightfully non-judgemental, supportive,
understanding and fun.
21
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
op
(5) Sometimes a friendship can bring out the
positive side that you never show in any
other relationship. This may be because the
pressure of playing a ‘role’ (daughter, partner
or child) is removed. With a friend you be
yourself and are free to change. Of course you
are free to do this in all other relationships as
well but in friendships you get to have lots of
rehearsals and discussion about changes as
you experience them. It is an unconditional
experience where you receive as much
as you give. You can explain yourself to a
friend openly without the fear of hurting a
family member. How do friendships grow?
The answer is simple. By revealing yourself;
being attentive; remembering what is most
important to your friend and asking them
about it; putting yourself in their position:
showing empathy; seeing the world through
the eyes of your friend, you will understand
the value of friendship. All this means learning
to accept a person from a completely different
(b) Pick out words from the passage which mean
the same as each of the following :
[3 marks]
(i) basic/essential (para 3)
(ii) mutual discussion to reach an agreement
(para 6)
(iii) chance (para 7)
16. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2008)
(1) The word ‘depressed’ in common usage
means sad, frustrated, fed up, bored up and
pessimistic. The mood of a depressed person
is much lower at his or her best moments
than the mood of the normal person at his or
her worst. Depression is a state of mind, it is
specifically a mental disorder characterised
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
generally bring about depression in older
people.
(5) As old age advances events at home may also
contribute more to their problems. The ‘empty
nest’ feeling arising as a result of the grown up
children leaving the home, daughters departing
as a result of wedlock and sons leaving station
in pursuit of higher education or jobs may
make the aged more lonely. The loneliness also
arises because of premature loss of spouse.
This would deprive the person of a long
standing emotional bond that had provided
plenty of emotional succour and security. The
loss wherever it might occur in the later years
leaves the individual terribly lonely and at the
mercy of the sons and daughters-in-law. Added
to these the increasing gap and interactional
stress and strain in the family may leave the
elderly without peace of mind. The elderly as a
result of these developments feel marginalised,
alienated and left out of the main stream. The
foregoing are the common problems faced
by most of the elderly. These either directly
or indirectly lead to a state of depression
and make ageing for many an unwanted and
unpleasant event to be abhorred.
(6) Usually the mild depression which is caused
due to environmental factors is temporary.
The person reconciles within a short time
and tries to forget the loss. Kind words, and
timely support of friends, relatives and family
members help one recover from depression.
C
op
yM
yK
by a lowering of the individual’s vitality, his
mood, desires, hopes, aspirations and of his
self-esteem.
(2) Depression arising out of environmental factors
is called reactive depression whereas depression
arising out of some biochemical changes in
the brain is called endogenous depression.
If depression is mild or moderate and if the
individual is in touch with his surroundings
it is known as neurotic depression. If the
individual is severely disturbed and is not able
to comprehend what is happening around,
such a state is called psychotic- depression.
(3) Old age is one of the stages of human
development, where a person attains wisdom,
maturity, social and economic stability with
social recognition and emotional fulfilment.
Generally, societies show a great respect and
consideration for the aged. In ancient times
old people were considered as the guiding stars
in Indian families, since they were symbols of
tradition, respect, wisdom and experience. In
primitive, ancient and medieval cultures, old
persons had a recognized social role. They
were of great value because they could impart
knowledge and skill to youngsters. The old
people were considered as repositories of
wisdom and traditions and were not perceived
as problems.
(4) At present, social structures and values are
undergoing transformation from traditional to
modern. There is a rapid stride in urbanization
and industrialization leading to the breaking
up of joint families and property. This has
ultimately weakened the traditional families,
social position and status of the aged in the
family. From time to time changes in the
institutions of marriage and family have
diminished the control of parents over their
children. It has increased the freedom of
children and they view the aged as a useless
and non-productive entity. Modernization has
eventually led to the degradation of their status
and authority. Consequently the integrity of
the family and the existence of the elderly as an
integral part of the family are being uprooted.
The importance of their functional positions
thus declines and consequently their authority
and much of the respect and prestige that
they enjoyed earlier get faded. These changes
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
22
(a) (i)What does ‘depressed’ mean in common
usage?
[2 marks]
(ii)What is reactive depression? [1 mark]
(iii)What was the status of the old people in
ancient India?
[2 marks]
(iv)What are the causes for disintegration of
joint family system?
[2 marks]
(v)
How does one recover from mild
depression?
[2 marks]
(b) Pick out the words from the passage that mean
the same as the following :
[3 marks]
(i) decreased (para 4)
(ii)to feel that they do not belong to a group
(para 5)
(iii) a husband or wife (para 5)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
17. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[12 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2007)
(1) Millions of men and women, thousands of
leaders, a succession of social, religious and
political movements - it is impossible to draw
up a full list of the makers of India even on
a limited 1000-year basis. “All that can be
attempted here is to present a few representative
names, some of them inspirational still. All
of them remind us of the course we have
traversed, and how we have come to where
we are. Let us make a start with the best ever
Indian.
incidental to his larger involvement with what
he persistently called Truth. Raja Rao put it
pithily when he wrote: “For Gandhi India was
only the symbol of a universal principle. All
countries were, for Gandhi, India.” When we
look at him in this perspective, we realise that
it was his universality, the transcendent quality
of his life and thought, that made Gandhi,
Gandhi.
(5) He will be greater than not just Stalin and
Hitler - two characters who are rather too onedimensional to be contrasted with the vastness
that was Gandhi. Gandhi personifies the
greatness of the time-honoured proposition
that Love is superior to Hatred, that Good is
better than Evil. Great personages of history
who based their “greatness” on Hatred and
Evil, on conquests and oppression, have all
gone under. The Byzantines and the Ottomans,
the Mongols and the Mughals, the British and
the Spanish once strode the earth as if they
owned it. Today only Britain and Spain survive,
and that as second-class entities confined to
Europe. Alexander, the first king in history
to be called “The Great,” died a lonely death
as a disillusioned and defeated man at the
incredible age of 33. Nothing of his greatness
remains today even in his native Macedonia
which is now but an appendage to the horrible
tragedy of Yugoslavia.
op
yM
yK
(2) Implied in Toynbee’s assessment was the
deduction that Gandhi was not just an
Indian phenomenon. No doubt India derived
unequalled benefit from his leadership. By
fitting the freedom struggle into the framework
of a philosophy of justice and fairness, he
achieved for India a stature that was denied
to other countries, including China, that won
independence around the same time. That the
stature was quickly lost by the governments
that came to power on the labours of Gandhi is
a different matter. The decline of India did not
amount to any repudiation of Gandhi. Indeed,
it was seen as a consequence of the betrayal of
Gandhi by his supposed followers.
23
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
(3) The true measure of his impact on history
is that it is not dependent on the successful
completion of his mission in India. The others
who soldiered on with him in the epic war of
independence - Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar
Patel included - will be remembered for what
they did in India and for India, they were
essentially Indian personalities. So, for that
matter, was Jinnah whose life’s work boiled
down to the creation of a state on what rapidly
proved to be a dubious premise.
(4) Gandhi soared above them all because he dealt
essentially with ideas and theories relevant to
all mankind. Like Buddhism, Gandhism lost
ground in the land out of which it evolved.
But, like Buddhism, it has been embraced
by distant people who see in its tenets the
promise of a meaningful life. It was as though
Gandhi’s involvement with India was merely
(6) Greatness built on murder and acquisition
passes. Greatness rising out of compassion
and service abides. The Buddha abides.
Christ abides. The great unknown thinkers
of the Upanishads abide. Gandhi carried that
tradition through to our times. He might have
been let down by the “Gandhians” who, armed
with political power, have turned India into a
mess. That too is parallel to the way quarrelling
Buddhists, exploitative Christians and latelyintolerant Hindus have been letting down
their preceptors. But their smallness does not
detract from the true greatness of the sages
who opened the path of enlightenment for
them and for the world. They abide because
they gave without taking. They were not men
of arms. They were men of ideas. Parithranaya
sadhunam, they appear from age to age. They
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
appear to teach us that the world can be
conquered, not with force, but with ideas. It
was the lesson of this Millennium too - taught
by the Man of the Millennium.
(a) (i)
What did Gandhi achieve through his
philosophy of justice and fairness?
[2 marks]
(ii)How will Jawahar Lal Nehru and Sardar
Patel be remembered ?
[1 mark]
(iii)According to Raja Rao, what did Gandhi
represent ?
[2 marks]
(iv)The author talks of two types of greatness.
Which one is much appreciated and
admired ?
[2 marks]
(v)What was the lesson of this millennium?
[2 marks]
2. Note-Making
It took hundreds of millions of years to produce
the life that now inhabits the earth and reached
a stage of adjustment and balance with its
surroundings. The environment contained
elements that were hostile as well as supporting.
Even within the light of the sun, there were short
wave radiations with power to injure. Given
time, life has adjusted and a balance reached.
For time is the essential ingredient, but in the
modern world there is no time.
The rapidity of change and the speed with
which new situations are created follow the
heedless pace of man rather than the deliberate
pace of nature. Radiation is no longer the
bombardment of cosmic rays; it is now the
unnatural creation of man’s tampering with the
atom. The chemicals to which life is asked to
make adjustments are no longer merely calcium
and silica and copper and all the rest of the
minerals washed out of the rocks and carried
in the rivers to the sea; they are the synthetic
creations of man’s inventive mind, brewed in
his laboratories, and having no counterparts in
nature.
(a) On the basis of your understanding
of the above passage make notes on it
using heading and sub-headings. Use
recognisable abbreviation (wherever
necessary-minimum four) and a format
you consider suitable. Also supply a title to
it.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about
80 words. [3 marks]
yM
yK
(b) Pick out one word from the passage that means
the same as :
[3 marks]
(i) continuous decrease/fall (para 2)
(ii) strong effect (para 3)
(iii) rose quickly (para 4)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
24
op
1. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2017)
C
The most alarming of man’s assaults upon
the environment is the contamination of air,
earth, rivers, and sea with lethal materials.
This pollution is for the most part irrevocable;
the chain of evil it initiates is for the most
part irreversible. In this contamination of the
environment chemicals are the sinister partners
of radiation in changing the very nature of the
world; radiation released through nuclear
explosions into the air, comes to the earth in
rain, lodges into the soil, enters the grass or corn,
or wheat grown there and reaches the bones of
a human being, there to ramain until his death.
Similarly, chemicals sprayed on crops lie long
in soil, entering living organisms, passing from
one to another in a chain of poisoning and
death. Or they pass by underground streams
until they emerge and combine into new forms
that kill vegetation, sicken cattle, and harm
those who drink from once pure wells.
2. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2016)
People tend to amass possessions, sometimes
without being aware of doing so. They can have
a delightful surprise when they find something
useful which they did not know they owned.
Those who never have to change house become
indiscriminate collectors of what can only be
described as clutter. They leave unwanted
objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for
years in the belief that they may one day need
them. Old people also accumulate belongings
for two other reasons, lack of physical and
mental energy, and sentiment. Things owned
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above
passage make notes on it, using headings and
subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations
wherever necessary - (minimum four) and a
format you consider suitable. Also supply an
appropriate title to it.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about
80 words.
[3 marks]
25
3. Read the passage given below and answer
the questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2015)
It is surprising that sometimes we don’t listen
to what people say to us. We hear them, but
we don’t listen to them. I was curious to know
how hearing is different from listening. I had
thought both were synonyms, but gradually, I
realised there is a big difference between the
two words.
Hearing is a physical phenomenon. Whenever
somebody speaks, the sound waves generated
reach you, and you definitely hear whatever
is said to you. However, even if you hear
something, it doesn’t always mean that you
actually understand whatever is being said.
Paying attention to whatever you hear means
you are really listening. Consciously using
your mind to understand whatever is being
said is listening.
Diving deeper, I found that listening is not
only hearing with attention, but is much
more than that. Listening is hearing with full
attention, and applying our mind. Most of the
time, we listen to someone, but our minds are
full of needless chatter and there doesn’t seem
to be enough space to accommodate what is
being spoken.
We come with a lot of prejudices and
preconceived notions about the speaker or the
subject on which he is talking. We pretend to
listen to the speaker, but deep inside, we sit in
judgement and are dying to pronounce right
or wrong, true or false, yes or no. Sometimes,
we even come prepared with a negative
mindset of proving the speaker wrong. Even
if the speaker says nothing harmful, we are
ready to pounce on him with our own version
of things.
What we should ideally do is listen first with
full awareness. Once, we have done that, we can
decide whether we want to make a judgement
or not. Once we do that, communication will
be perfect and our interpersonal relationship
will become so much better. Listening well
doesn’t mean one has to say the right thing
at the right moment. In fact, sometimes if
words are left unspoken, there is a feeling of
yM
yK
for a long time are full of associations with the
past, perhaps with the relatives who are dead,
and so they gradually acquire a sentimental
value.
Some things are collected deliberately in an
attempt to avoid wastage. Among these are
string and brown paper, kept by thrifty people
when a parcel has been opened. Collecting
small items can be a mania. A lady cuts out
from newspaper sketches of model clothes
that she would like to buy if she had money.
As she is not rich, the chances are that she will
never be able to afford such purchases. It is a
harmless habit, but it litters up her desk.
Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different
and has many advantages. It provides
relaxation for leisure hours, as just looking
at one’s treasure is always a joy. One doesn’t
have to go out for amusement as the collection
is housed at home. Whatever it consists of stamps, records, first editions of books, China
- there is always something to do in connection
with it, from finding the right place for the
latest addition to verifying facts in reference
books. This hobby educates one not only in
the chosen subject, but also in general matters
which have some bearing on it.
There are other benefits also. One gets to meet
like-minded collectors to get advice, compare
notes, exchange articles, to show off one’s
latest find, etc. So, one’s circle of friends grows.
Soon the hobby leads to travelling, perhaps a
meeting in another town, possibly a trip abroad
in search of a rare specimen, for collectors are
not confined to one country. Over the years
one may well become an authority on one’s
hobby and will probably be asked to give
informal talks to little gatherings and then, if
successful, to larger audiences.
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
tension and negativity. Therefore, it is better
to speak out your mind, but do so with
awareness after listening to the speaker with
full concentration.
Let’s look at this in another way. When you
really listen, you imbibe not only what is being
spoken, but you also understand what is not
spoken as well. Most of the time we don’t really
listen even to people who really matter to us.
That’s how misunderstandings grow among
families, husbands and wives, brothers and
sisters.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it, using headings and
sub headings. Use recognisable abbreviations
(wherever necessary - minimum four) and a
format you consider suitable. Also supply an
appropriate title to it.
[5 marks]
sugar in the salt shakers are at this level. The
intention is humorous, but there is a chance
of harm. Irresponsible advise given to other
is also serious stupidity. An example is the
person who plays psychiatrist on the basis of
an introductory psychology course or doing
a TV program on psychiatry. The intention
maybe to help, but if the victim really needs
psychiatric help an amateur will only worsen
the situation.
Even worse is the third of stupidity. Kind
people, who would never injure another living
being, stupidly throw away a box of six-weekold kittens along a country road. Lacking the
heart to kill the poor things, they sentence them
to almost certain death from wild animals,
infections exposure or the wheels of passing
vehicle. Yet they are able to tell themselves
that they will find ‘nice homes’ or ‘animals
can get along in the wild’. Another example
of this kind of stupidity is the successful local
businessman who tries to have as many office
affairs as he can get away with. He risks the
loss of his business and his home. He fails to
see that what he is doing is wrong. His is the
true moral stupidity of a person not willing to
think about the results of his actions or take
responsibility for them. The common defence
of a person guilty of stupidity is – ‘But I did not
think.....’ This, however, is not an inadequate
excuse, especially when serious or harmful
stupidity is involved.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes on it using headings
and subheadings. Use recognisable
abbreviations, wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in not
more than 80 words using the notes made
and also suggest a suitable title. [3 marks]
yM
yK
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about
80 words.
[3 marks]
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
26
C
op
4. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(AI 2015 C)
Although stupidity is commonly defined as ‘a
lack of normal intelligence’, stupid behaviour
is not the behaviour of a person lacking in
intelligence but the behaviour of a person
not using good judgement or sense. In fact,
stupidity comes from the Latin word that
means ‘senseless’. Therefore, stupidity can be
defined as the behaviour of a person of normal
intelligence who acts in a particular situation
as if he or she is not very bright. Stupidity
exists at three levels of seriousness.
First is the simple, relatively harmless level.
Behaviour at this level is often amusing. It is
humorous when someone places the food
from a fast food restaurant on the roof of the
car while unlocking the door and then drives
away with the food still in the roof. We call
this absent-minded. The person’s good sense
or intelligence was temporarily absent. At
this level, other than passing inconvenience
or embarrassment, no one is injured by the
stupid behaviour.
The next type-serious stupidity-is more
dangerous. Practical jokes such as putting
5. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2014)
(1) I remember my childhood as being generally
happy and can recall experiencing some of the
most carefree times of my life. But I can also
remember, even more vividly, moments of
being deeply frightened. As a child, I was truly
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
terrified of the dark and getting lost. These
fears were very real and caused me some
extremely uncomfortable moments.
(2) Maybe it was the strange way things looked
and sounded in my familiar room at night
that scared me so much. There was never total
darkness, but a street light or passing car lights
made clothes hung over a chair take on the
shape of an unknown beast. Out of the corner
of my eye, I saw curtains move when there
was no breeze. A tiny creak in the floor would
sound a hundred times louder than in the
daylight and my imagination would take over,
creating burglars and monsters. Darkness
always made me feel helpless. My heart would
pound and I would lie very still so that ‘the
enemy’ wouldn’t discover me.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes using headings and subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations
wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in not more
than 80 words using the notes made and also
suggest a suitable title.
[3 marks]
6. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(AI 2014 C)
The outcasts were not allowed to mount the
platform surrounding the well, because if they
were ever to draw water from it, the Hindus
of the three upper castes would consider
the water polluted. Nor were they allowed
access to the nearby brook as their use of
it would contaminate the stream. They had
no well of their own because it cost a lot of
money to dig a well in a hilly town. Perforce
they had to collect at the foot of the uppercaste Hindu well and depend on the bounty
of some of their superiors to pour water into
their pitchers. More often than not there was
no upper-caste Hindu present. Most of them
were rich enough to get the water-carriers to
supply them with plenty of fresh water every
morning for their baths and kitchens, and
only those came to the well who were either
fond of an open-air bath or too poor to pay
for the water-carriers’ services. So the outcasts
had to wait for a chance to bring some uppercaste Hindu to the well, for luck to decide that
he was kind, for Fate to ordain that he had
time — to get their pitchers filled with water.
They crowded round the well, congested the
space below its high brick platform, morning,
noon and night, joining their hands in servile
humility to every passer-by; cursing their fate,
and bemoaning their lot, if they were refused
the help they wanted; praying, beseeching and
blessing, if some generous soul condescended
to listen to them, or to help them.
C
op
yM
yK
(3) Another childhood fear of mine was that I
would get lost, especially on the way home from
school. Every morning, I got on the school bus
right near my home - that was no problem.
After school, though, when all the buses were
lined up along the curve, I was terrified that I
would get on the wrong one and be taken to
some unfamiliar neighbourhood. I would scan
the bus for the faces of my friends, make sure
that the bus driver was the same one that had
been there in the morning, and even then ask
the others over and over again to be sure, I was
in the right bus. On school or family trips to
an amusement park or a museum, I wouldn’t
let the leaders out of my sight. And of course,
I was never very adventurous when it came to
taking walks or hikes because I would go only
where I was sure I would never get lost.
(4) Perhaps, one of the worst fears I had as a child
was that of not being liked or accepted by
others. First of all, I was quite shy. Secondly,
I worried constantly about my looks, thinking
people wouldn’t like me because I was too fat
or wore braces. I tried to wear ‘the right clothes’
and had intense arguments with my mother
over the importance of wearing flats instead
of saddled shoes to school. Being popular was
very important to me then and the fear of not
being liked was a powerful one.
(5) One of the processes of evolving from a child
to an adult is being able to recognise and
27
overcome our fears. I have learnt that darkness
does not have to take on a life of its own, that
others can help me when I am lost and that
friendliness and sincerity will encourage
people to like me. Understanding the things
that scared us as children helps to cope with
our lives as adults.
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
starch and sugar are digested and absorbed.
The dietary fibres have the property of holding
water and because of it, these get swollen and
behave like a sponge as these pass through the
gastrointestinal tract. The fibres add bulk to the
diet and increase transit time in the gut. Some
of these fibres may undergo fermentation in
the colon.
In recent years, it has been considered essential
to have some amount of fibres in the diet. Their
beneficial effects lie in preventing coronary
heart disease, and decreasing cholesterol level.
The fibres like gums and pectin are reported
to decrease post-prandial (after meals)
glucose level in blood. These types of dietary
fibres are recommended for the management
of certain types of diabetes. Recent studies
have shown that the fenugreek (Methi) seeds,
which contain 40 per cent gum, are effective
in decreasing blood glucose and cholesterol
levels as compared to other gum containing
vegetables.
Some dietary fibres increase transit time and
decrease the time or release of ingested food in
colon. The diet having less fibres is associated
with colon cancer and the dietary fibres may
play a role in decreasing the risk of it.
The dietary fibres hold water so that stools
are soft, bulky and readily eliminated.
Therefore high fibre intake prevents or relieves
constipation.
The fibres increase motility of the small
intestine and the colon and by decreasing the
transit time there is less time for exposure
of the mucosa to harmful toxic substances.
Therefore, there is a less desire to eat and the
energy intake can be maintained within the
range of requirement. This phenomenon helps
in keeping a check on obesity. Another reason
in helping to decrease obesity is that the highfibre diets have somewhat lower coefficients of
digestibility.
The dietary fibres may have some adverse
effects on nutrition by binding some trace
metals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus,
zinc and others and therefore preventing their
proper absorption. This may pose a possibility
of nutritional deficiency especially when diets
contain marginal levels of mineral elements.
op
yM
yK
When Sohini reached the well there were
already about ten other outcasts waiting. But
there was no one to given them water. She had
come as fast as she could to the well, full of
fear and anxiety that she would have to wait
her turn since she could see from a distance
that there was already a crowd. She didn’t feel
disappointed so much as depressed to realise
that she would be the eleventh to receive water.
She had sensed the feeling in her brother’s soul.
He was tired. He was thirsty. She had felt like
a mother as she issued from her home to fetch
water, a mother going out to fetch food and
drink for her loved ones at home. Now as she
sat in a row with her fellow sufferers, her heart
sank. There was no sign of anyone passing
that way who could be a possible benefactor.
But she was patient. She had in her an inbred
fortitude, obvious in her curious reserve, in
her docile and peaceful bearing.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes using headings
and subheadings. Use recognisable
abbreviations, wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Make a summary of the above passage in
not more than 80 words using the notes
made and also suggest a suitable title.
[3 marks]
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
28
C
7. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2013)
The term dietary fibres refers collectively to
indigestible carbohydrates present in plant
foods, the importance of these dietary fibres
came into the picture when it was observed
that the people having diet rich in these fibres,
had low incidence of coronary heart disease,
irritable bowel syndrome, dental caries and
gall stones.
The food stuffs rich in these dietary fibres are
cereals and grains, legumes, fruits with seeds,
citrus fruits, carrots, cabbage, green leafy
vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, pears,
etc.
These dietary fibres are not digested by the
enzymes of the stomach and the small intestine
whereas most of other carbohydrates like
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
This may become important constraints on
increasing dietary fibres. It is suggested that
an intake of 40 grams dietary fibres per day is
desirable.
(Extracted from ‘The Tribune’)
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it in points only,
using recognisable abbreviations wherever
necessary. Also suggest a suitable title.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the above in about
80 words.
[3 marks]
convey. He knows how to prompt, persuade
but not to cut off or interrupt what the other
person has to say. At times the speaker may
or may not be coherent, articulate and well
organised in his thoughts and expressions. He
may have it in his mind and yet he may fail to
marshal the right words while communicating
his thought. Nevertheless a good listener puts
him at ease, helps him articulate and facilitates
him to get across the message that he wants
to convey. For listening to be effective it is
also necessary that barriers to listening are
removed. Such barriers can be both physical
and psychological. Physical barriers generally
relate to hindrances to proper hearing whereas
psychological barriers are more fundamental
and relate to the interpretation and evaluation
of speaker and the message.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes in points only, using
abbreviations wherever necessary. Supply a
suitable title.
[5 marks]
C
op
yM
yK
8. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2012)
Research has shown that the human mind
can process words at the rate of about 500 per
minute, whereas a speaker speaks at the rate
of about 150 words a minute. The difference
between the two at 350 is quite large.
So a speaker must make every effort to
retain the attention of the audience and the
listener should also be careful not to let his
mind wander. Good communication calls for
good listening skills. A good speaker must
necessarily be a good listener.
Listening starts with hearing but goes beyond.
Hearing, in other words is necessary but in
a sufficient condition for listening. Listening
involves hearing with attention. Listening is
a process that calls for concentration. While
listening, one should also be observant. In
other words, listening has to do with the ears, as
well as with the eyes and the mind. Listening is
to be understood as total process that involves
hearing with attention, being observant and
making interpretations. Good communication
is essentially an interactive process. It calls
for participation and involvement. It is quite
often a dialogue rather than a monologue. It
is necessary to be interested and also show or
make it abundantly clear that one is interested
in knowing what the other person has to say.
Good listening is an art that can be cultivated.
It relates to skills that can be developed. A
good listener knows the art of getting much
more than what the speaker is trying to
29
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
(b) Write a summary of the above passage in
80 words.
[3 marks]
9. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2011)
There is nothing more frustrating than when
you sit down at your table to study with the
most sincere of intentions and instead of
being able to finish the task at hand, you find
your thoughts wandering. However, there are
certain techniques that you can use to enhance
your concentration. “Your concentration level
depends on a number of factors,” says Sonali
Ghosh, a social counsellor. “In order to develop
your concentration span, it is necessary to
examine various facts of your physical and
internal environment,” she adds.
To begin with, one should attempt to create
the physical environment that is conducive
to focussed thought. Whether it is the radio,
TV or your noisy neighbours, identify the
factors that make it difficult for you to focus.
For instance, if you live in a very noisy
neighbourhood, you could try to plan your
study hours in a nearby library.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
practice and patience and does not take very
long to become a habit for life.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it in points only, using
abbreviations wherever necessary. Supply a
suitable title.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the above in 80 words.
[3 marks]
b
10. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2010)
Despite all the research everyone of us catches
cold and most of us catch it frequently. Our
failure to control one of the commonest of all
ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical
science regularly practises transplant surgery
and has rid whole countries of such killing
diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the
problem of common cold is unusually difficult
and much has yet to be done to solve it.
It is known that cold is caused by one of a
number of viral infections that affect the
lining of the nose and other passages leading
to the lungs but the confusing variety of
viruses makes study and remedy very difficult.
It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds
in adults are caused by one or the other of a
family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet
there still remain many colds for which no
virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that because they
are so much smaller than the bacteria which
cause many other infections, viruses cannot
be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can
they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist’s
laboratory, since they only grow within
the living cells of animals or plants. An
important recent step forward, however, is the
development of the technique of tissue culture,
in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go
on living and to multiply independently of the
body. This has greatly aided virus research and
has led to the discovery of a large number of
viruses. Their existence had previously been
not only unknown but even unsuspected.
The fact that we can catch cold repeatedly
creates another difficulty. Usually a virus strikes
op
yM
yK
She disagrees with the notion that people can
concentrate or study in an environment with
distractions like a loud television, blaring
music, etc. “If you are distracted when you
are attempting to focus, your attention and
retention powers do not work at optimum
levels,” cautions Ghosh, “Not more than two
of your senses should be activated at the same
time,” she adds. What that means is that music
that sets your feet tapping is not the ideal
accompaniment to your books.
Also, do not place your study table or desk
in front of a window. “While there is no cure
for a mind that wants to wander, one should
try and provide as little stimulus as possible.
Looking out of a window when you are trying
to concentrate will invariably send your mind
on a tangent,” says Ghosh.
The second important thing, she says, is to
establish goals for oneself instead of setting a
general target and then trying to accomplish
what you can in a haphazard fashion. It is
very important to decide what you have to
finish in a given span of time. The human
mind recognises fixed goals and targets and
appreciates schedules more than random
thoughts. Once your thoughts and goals are in
line, a focussed system will follow.
She recommends that you divide your
schedule into study and recreation hours.
When you study, choose a mix of subjects that
you enjoy and dislike and save the former for
the last so that you have something to look
forward to. For instance, if you enjoy verbal
skill tests more than mathematical problems,
then finish Maths first. Not only will you find
yourself working harder, you will have a sense
of achievement when you wind up.
Try not to sit for more than 40 minutes at a
stretch. Take a very short break to make a cup
of tea or listen to a song and sit down again.
Under no circumstances, should one sit for
more than one and a half hours. Short breaks
build your concentration and refresh your
mind. However, be careful not to overdo the
relaxation. It may have undesired effects.
More than anything else, do not get
disheartened. Concentration is merely a
matter of disciplining the mind. It comes with
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
C
30
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
only once and leaves the victim immune to
further attacks. Still we do not gain immunity
from cold. Why? It may possibly be due to the
fact that while other viruses get into the blood
stream where anti-bodies can oppose them,
the viruses causing cold attack cells only on
the surface. Or it may be that immunity from
one of the many different viruses does not
guarantee protection from all the others. It
seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to
suffer colds for some time yet.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it in points only,
using abbreviations wherever necessary. Also
suggest a suitable title.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in not more
than 80 words using the notes made.
[3 marks]
Concentration is helped by alertness. Mental
alertness is helped by physical alertness.
It is not simply physical fitness, but also
positioning of the body, the limbs and the
head. Some people also find it helpful to their
concentration if they hold the head slightly to
one side. One useful way for achieving this is
intensive note-taking, by trying to capture the
critical headings and subheadings the speaker
is referring to.
Note-taking has been recommended as an aid
to the listener. It also helps the speaker. It gives
him confidence when he sees that listeners
are sufficiently interested to take notes; the
patterns of eye contact when the note-taker
looks up can be very positive; and the speaker’s
timing is aided—he can see when a note-taker
is writing hard and can then make effective
use of pauses.
Posture too is important. Consider the impact
made by a less competent listener who pushes
his chair backwards and slouches. An upright
posture helps a listener’s concentration. At the
same time it is seen by the speakers to be a
positive feature amongst his listeners. Effective
listening skills have an impact on both the
listener and the speaker.
C
op
yM
yK
11. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2009)
Effective speaking depends on effective
listening. It takes energy to concentrate on
hearing and to concentrate on understanding
what has been heard.
Incompetent listeners fail in a number of ways.
First, they may drift. Their attention drifts
from what the speaker is saying. Second, they
may counter. They find counter arguments to
whatever a speaker may be saying. Third, they
compete. Then, they filter. They exclude from
their understanding those parts of the message
which do not readily fit with their own frame of
reference. Finally they react. They let personal
feelings about speaker or subject override the
significance of the message which is being
sent.
What can a listener do to be more effective?
The first key of effective listening is the art of
concentration. If a listener positively wishes to
concentrate on receiving a message his chances
of success are high. It may need determination.
Some speakers are difficult to follow, either
because of voice problems, or because of the
form in which they send a message. There is
then a particular need for the determination
of a listener to concentrate on what is being
said.
31
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage, make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations
wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in not more
than 80 words using the notes made and also
suggest a suitable title.
[3 marks]
12. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2008)
A vast blanket of pollution stretching across
South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10
per cent over India, damaging agriculture,
modifying rainfall patterns and putting
hundreds of thousands of people at risk,
according to a new study.
The startling findings of scientists working with
the United Nations Environment Programme
indicate that the spectacular economic growth
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Research carried out in India indicates that the
haze caused by pollution might be reducing
winter rice harvests by as much as 10 per cent,
the report said.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations,
wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in 80 words
using the notes made and also suggest a suitable
title.
[3 marks]
13. Read the given passage and answer the
questions that follow :
[8 marks]
(Delhi, AI, Foreign 2007)
The tests of life are its plus factors. Overcoming
illness and suffering is a plus factor for it
moulds character. Steel is iron plus fire, soil is
rock plus heat. So let’s include the plus factor
in our lives.
Sometimes the plus factor is more readily seen
by the simple-hearted. Myers tells the story
of a mother who brought into her home - as
a companion to her own son - a little boy
who happened to have a hunchback. She had
warned her son to be careful not to refer to his
disability, and to go right on playing with him
as if he were like any other boy.
yM
yK
“Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid
rain, have the potential to damage crops and
trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the
impacts of reduced sunlight on earth’s surface.
The pollution that is forming the haze could
be leading to several hundreds of thousands
of premature deaths as a result of higher levels
of respiratory diseases,” it said. Results from
seven cities in India alone, including Delhi,
Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, estimate
that air pollution was annually responsible for
24,000 premature deaths in the early 1990s. By
the mid 1990s they resulted in an estimated
37,000 premature fatalities.
set to intensify over the next 30 years as the
population of the Asian region rises to an
estimated five billion people.
b
seen in this part of the world in the past decade
may soon falter as a result of this pollution.
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
op
“The haze has cut down sunlight over India
by 10 per cent (so far) - a huge amount! As
a repercussion, the North West of India is
drying up.” Prof. V. Ramanathan said when
asked specifically about the impact of the haze
over India. Stating that sunlight was going
down every year, he said. “We are still in an
early stage of understanding of the impact of
the haze.
Asked whether the current drought in most
parts of India after over a decade of good
monsoon was owing to the haze, he said, “it
was too early to reach a conclusion. If the
drought persists for about four to five years,
then we should start suspecting that it may be
because of the haze.”
C
32
India, China and Indonesia are the worst
affected owing to their population density,
economic growth and depleting forest cover.
The preliminary results indicate, that the
build up of haze, a mass of ash, acids, aerosols
and other particles is disrupting weather
systems, including rainfall and wind patterns
and triggering droughts in western parts of
the Asian Continent. The concern is that the
regional and global impacts of the haze are
The boys were playing and after a few minutes
she overheard her son say to his companion:
“Do you know what you have got on your back?”
The little boy was embarrassed, but before he
could reply, his playmate continued: “It is the
box in which your wings are and some day
God is going to cut it open and then you will
fly away and be an angel.”
Often it takes a third eye, or a change in focus,
to see the plus factor. Walking along the
corridors of a hospital recently where patients
were struggling with fear of pain and tests, I
was perturbed. What gave me fresh perspective
were the sayings put up everywhere, intended
to uplift. One saying made me conscious
of the beauty of the universe in the midst of
pain, suffering and struggle. The other saying
assured me that God was with me when I
was in deep water and that no troubles would
overwhelm me.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The impact of those sayings also made me
aware of the nether springs that flow into
people’s lives when they touch rock-bottom
or lonely, or even deserted. The nether springs
make recovery possible, and they bring peace
and patience in the midst of pain and distress.
It is true that there is no shortage of destructive
elements - forces and people who seek to
destroy others and in the process, destroy
themselves - but at the same time there are
signs of love and life everywhere that are
constantly enabling us to overcome setbacks.
So let’s not look only at gloom and doom let’s seek out positivity and happiness. For it
is when you seek that you will find what is
waiting to be discovered.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above
passage make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations,
wherever necessary.
[5 marks]
(b) Write a summary of the above passage in
80 words using the notes made and also
suggest a suitable title.
[3 marks]
yM
yK
The forces of death and destruction are not
so much physical as they are psychic and
psychological. When malice, hate and hardheartedness prevail, they get channelled as
forces of destruction. Where openness, peace
and good-heartedness prevail, the forces of life
gush forth to regenerate hope and joy. The life
force is triumphant when love overcomes fear.
Both fear and love are deep mysteries, but the
effect of love is to build whereas fear tends to
destroy. Love is often the plus factor that helps
build character. It helps us to accept and to
overcome suffering. It creates lasting bonds
and its reach is infinite.
33
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Answers
1. Unseen Passages
C
op
1. (a) (ii),
(b) (ii),
(c) (iv),
(d) (ii)
(e) The two things in the bus, which made the
narrator feel uncomfortable were the inhospitably
leaking window and the over-powering smell of
goat cheese being eaten by the man behind him.
(f) The ground green with grass, the slopes dark
with pine, few cattle drinking at a clear stream
flowing past moss-covered stones; it all made the
scene look like a Constable landscape.
(g) As the bus climbed higher, the narrator
regretted not having something warmer to wear.
(h) The narrator liked to buy food from outside
because they sold highly spiced kababs, cooked
nicely on charcoal braziers, with naan.
(i) The pair of pants, which Mr. Cao sent for the
narrator were several sizes too large but more than
comfortable.
(j) Mr. Cao did not like the narrator to swim in
the lake because there had been incidents of people
drowning in it.
(k) (i) Vendor (ii) Exaggerated
2. (a) (ii)(b) (iv)
(c) Thackeray came to Kittur because he thought
that the presence of British on the outskirts would
terrorise the rulers and the people, which would
enable him to crush the revolt in no time.
(d) Kittur officials refused to give the desired
assurance to Thackeray because no documents
could be signed without sanction from Rani
Chennamma.
(e) As the Horse Artillery approached the fort,
Sardar Gurusiddappa promptly commanded his
men to repel and chase them away. The Kittur
forces made a bold front and overpowered the
British soldiers.
(f) The British women and children captured
along with the men were treated with kindness
and compassion by the Rani. She ordered them to
be fed and given shelter in the palace itself. Later,
she sent a word through a messenger to Thackeray
that the British women and children were safe and
could be taken back any time.
(g) After meeting the Rani, the British women
would have felt scared at first, but safe and well
respected later.
(h) The Rani refused to meet Thackeray because
she saw no points in meeting the man who
had come with an army to threaten Kittur into
submission to British sovereignty.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(i) (i) Stormed into (ii) Defiant
(g) Pilgrims have a very casual attitude and are
completely unaware of the history or tradition.
They are more into taking pictures and appreciating
the novelty of the church.
(h) According to the gospels, Jesus’ crucifixion
occurred at a place outside the city walls with
graves nearby and as the archaeologist have
discovered tombs from the biblical era hence, the
site is compatible.
(i) Room of the tomb is a very small place, hence,
the pilgrims entered in a single file.
(j) The women knelt down to pray at the large
marble slab, and felt overwhelmed as Jesus was
buried there.
(k) (i) Tomb (ii) Non-descript
6. (a) (iv) (b) (iv)
(c) Earlier pilgrimages were a penance to stay
near nature and did not require luxury rooms or
big cars to travel but now they have become more
of a tourism opportunity where people go for a
picnic.
(d) When pilgrimages turn into picnics, the
significance of it as a sadhana is lost. It becomes
more of a social gathering, a life of comfort and
a boost to ego, where pilgrims brag about charity
and their special darshan.
(e) We are complacent in our spiritual efforts
because we think that external solutions will fulfil
our need.
(f) Nature’s fierce blows will sooner or later
corner us and force us to understand that she is
the supreme one.
(g) In olden days, pilgrimages were more of a
sadhana to love people, stay close to the nature,
understand it, stay healthy and eat healthy. It was
also for seeking freedom from attachment. It was
not to adhere to materialistic pleasure and live a
luxurious life.
(h) A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation,
meditation and acceptance and is a metaphor for
the constant growth or movement and love for
nature that we should hold in our hearts.
(i) (i) Evolution (ii) Complacent
yM
yK
3. (a) (ii), (b) (iii), (c) (i), (d) (iii)
(e) Bappa Rawal was the earliest King of Mewar as
mentioned in the passage.
(f) Rana Kumbha gave a new stature to the
kingdom through victories and developmental
work. During his reign, literature and art also
progressed extraordinarily.
(g) According to the writer, the pleasant, loving
and the cheerful nature of the people of Mewar is
worth admiration.
(h) The art and literature could flourish in Mewar
as it was the land of brave, and the peaceful and
prosperous life of people there made it possible.
(i) The rulers were very liberal and allowed people
from other communities and kingdoms to come
and carry out construction work.
(j) The erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti
Stambha in the same fort signifies the closeness
between the King and the subjects of Mewar.
(k) (i) Astonishing (ii) Testimony
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
34
C
op
4. (a) (i) (b) (iv)
(c) The mother panther rarely delivers five cubs.
(d) If the panther cubs are not born blind, they
might drift away from the place of safety.
(e) The ‘Mahout’ drove his elephant away as he
spotted the tigress from the distance.
(f) The tigress spat at its cubs, as they made beeline
to the kill.
(g) From the narrator’s observation, the nature of
the tigress is caring and loving towards her cubs.
She even acts like a good teacher to her cubs.
(h) The panther does not face the risk of extinction
because of the safety provided by the mother
panther. It enjoys wider distribution because
it procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its
continuity for all time to come.
(i) (a) Drifting
(b) Descended
5. (a) (iv), (b) (i), (c) (ii), (d) (iv)
(e) According to the Greek belief, the ‘stone of
anointing’ is a place where Christ was removed
from the cross.
(f) Emperor Constantine built Rotunda to
safeguard the Holy Sepulchre and the remaining
structure around it.
7. 1.1 (a) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (i) (d) (ii)
1.2 (a) The narrator’s sick father wanted her to
fetch files from the cupboard because he wanted to
explain the details of her mother’s pension.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
may develop a distorted sense of entitlement that
hampers their success in the work place and in
relationships.
(iii) Today’s children want more because nowadays
there is so much more to want. Moreover, they
consider luxurious items as essential utilities.
(iv) In today’s world, parents need to strike a
balance between the advantages of an affluent
society and the critical life lessons that come from
waiting, saving and working hard to achieve goals.
(v) There is a need to set limits for children
because they feel better and more secure when
they live within a secured structure.
(b) (i) Contentment (ii) Precious
(iii) Essential
10. (a) (i) Some people object to the banning of
plastic bags because of their own convenience.
(ii) It is not considered practical because plastic
bags are not durable enough to survive many trips
to the store.
(iii) Disposal of plastic bags is even worse because
if we landfill it, it will take hundreds of years to
decompose and if we burn it, it will emit toxic
gases and harm the environment even more.
(iv) Sea animals easily mistake the size, shape and
texture of plastic bags for a meal. These bags choke
the intestinal tracts of sea animals which causes
needless deaths. In a similar way plastic bags are
also responsible for suffocation and death of land
animals too.
(v) The recycling process is very costly. Plastic
bags don’t melt down easily and are often not fit
for reuse in their original form.
(vi) One possible alternative is the use of paper
bags but that is also harmful for the environment.
On the other hand reusable plastic bags are being
introduced to some regions that want to outlaw the
use of plastic bags.
(b) (i) Disposal
(ii) Suffocation
(iii) Expensive
yM
yK
(b) Satish used to come late about which everyone
in the family was complaining, so Baba bought him
a watch.
(c) The caterer did not want to take money from
the narrator because narrator’s father had lend him
some money to start his business and never asked
it back.
(d) The narrator and her brother were surprised
on meeting the parking assistant because Baba
used to pay his daughter’s school fee and bought
her books, also Baba advised him to send his
daughter to school.
(e) After years of his passing, today, when the
narrator thinks of Baba, she sees a man who was
able to sympathise with others and touched their
lives in a very special way.
(f) When the narrator was disappointed with her
result, her baba fabricated a story telling her that he
got a third division and still did well in his life and
consoled her.
(g) (i) Worried
(ii) Retainer
35
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
C
op
8. 2.1 (a) (ii) (b) (iii)
2.2 (a) Yadav has no choice except for pulling
rickshaw to earn his livelihood. So he stares ahead
blankly with folded arms around his knees.
(b) The rickshaw pullers go about their work
pulling their rickshaws like horses. They make a
great subject for photographers, writers and filmmakers as the symbol of poor Calcutta.
(c) Every month without fail, Yadav used to send
` 300 to his wife back home and once in every year
visit her too.
(d) He lives in a room in a nearly lane, paying a
rent of fifty rupees.
(e) The rickshaw and the rickshaw puller make
quite a pair. The writer concludes that both are
interdependent on each other.
(f) Apart from poverty, they all come from the
country side. They all wear lungi and almost all of
them are elderly.
(g) (a) Famous (b) Earning
9. (a) (i) Teachers and parents want children to
learn values like hard work, contentment, honesty
and compassion.
(ii) When children are given too much too soon,
they grow up to be adults who have difficulty
coping with life’s disappointments. Such children
11. (a)
(i) An air pollutant is a substance, which is
present while normally it is not there or present
in the atmosphere in an amount exceeding normal
concentration.
(ii) Air pollutants can either be gaseous (carbon
monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, etc.) or it can be
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(b) (i) Nausea (ii) Persistent
(iii) Dampness
C
op
12. (a) (i) Stress is a reaction of the body to any
demands or changes in its internal and external
environment. Factors, such as imbalance between
demands and resources, change in temperature,
pollutants, humidity and working conditions lead
to stress.
(ii) The various signs that can be observed :
(a) change in the attitude and behaviour
(b) muscle tension
(c) palpitation, high blood pressure,
indigestion and hyperacidity
(d) depression, lethargy, weakness to work
(iii) The different diseases caused by stress are :
(a) heart diseases
(b) neurological depression
(c) ulcers
(d) hypertension
(e) insomnia
(f) injuries due to accidents
(iv) (a) Relaxation techniques
(b) Hobbies
(v) A person under stress reacts in different
ways. The common ones are flight, fight and
flee depending on the nature of the stress and
capabilities of the person.
(b) (i) Collapse
(iii) Lethargic
(ii) Reprimand
13. (a) (i) No government so far has succeeded
in eradicating child labour or ensuring
compulsory primary education for every
Indian child.
(ii) (a)Each state has different rules regarding
the minimum age of employment.
(b) No ban on child labour in no-hazardous
occupations.
(c) The act applies only to organized or factory
sector and not the unorganized sector.
(d) Implementation of existing laws is lax
(give any two).
(iii) Industries have special demand for child
labour because of their nimble fingers, high level
of concentration, capacity to work hard at low
wages.
(iv) (a)Prone to debilitating diseases, which can
cripple them for life
(b) Limbs become deformed because of
working in cramped, damp and unhygienic
spaces
(c) Victims of bronchial diseases and TB
(d) Mental and physical development is
permanently impaired
(e) Remain uneducated and powerless
(f)No escape from the vicious circle (give
any two)
(v) The Supreme Court’s Directive of 1997 provides
punitive action against employers of child labour.
(b) (i) Hazardous (ii) Hostile
(iii) Punitive
14. (a) (i) (a) Highly self-directed person and
alive to the sense of her dignity.
(b) Women are rational in approach careful in
handling situations and want to do things as best
as possible.
(ii) Women’s participation and empowerment are
considered necessary because no enduring solution
of society’s most threatening social, economic and
political problems like eradicating poverty, etc.
could be solved without women.
yM
yK
in the form of particulate matter (dusts of various
inorganic or organic origins).
(iii) A feeling of suffocation occurs due to lack of
oxygen.
(iv) Sick-Building Syndrome is a group of
symptoms, such as general feeling of malaise,
headache, dizziness and irritation of mucous
membranes, which come accompanied by nausea,
itching aches, pains and depression.
Sick-Building Syndrome is increasing because
of small, poorly ventilated and over furnished
houses.
(v) Indoor smoking is the main source of
indoor pollution as there are over 3000 chemical
constituents in tobacco smoke, which are harmful
for human health.
(vi) We can overcome the dangers of indoor air
pollution by ensuring proper ventilation in our
house. This way we will be able to get rid of increased
concentrations of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur,
carbon monoxide and other indoor pollutants.
Care should also be taken to isolate persons
suffering from viral and bacterial diseases.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
36
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(iii) (a) Deep foundation of inequality of sexes.
(b) Early marriage, poverty, etc.
(c) Negative attitude towards sending girls to
schools.
(d) Oppressive traditions, superstitions,
exploitation and corruption. (give any
two)
(iv) It gave them 30 per cent reservation in Village
Panchayats, Block Samities and Zila Parishads
throughout the country.
(v) With the help of education the sense of
inequality of the sexes can be removed from the
minds of the people.
(b) (i) Oppressive (ii) Eradicate
(iii) Populous
17. (a)
(i) Gandhi, through his philosophy of justice and
fairness, achieved a stature for India, which was
denied to other countries, including China that
won independence around the same time.
(ii) Jawahar Lal Nehru and Sardar Patel will be
remembered as essential Indian personalities who,
among others, soldiered on with Gandhi in the
epic war of independence.
(iii) According to Raja Rao, Gandhi represented
– symbol of universal principle.
– the transcendent quality of life and
thought.
– universality.
– ideas and theories related to all mankind.
(give any one)
(iv) Out of the two types, greatness rising out of
compassion and service is much appreciated and
admired.
(v) The lesson of the millennium was that the
world can be conquered, not with force, but with
ideas.
C
op
yM
yK
15. (a) (i) Friends play an important role in our
life today than ever before because the life today
has become very busy and we are separated from
our original families due to our busy schedules or
work commitments. Thus, friends are the ones on
whom we can rely on in the absence of our family.
They are a family away from a family.
(ii) Today when everybody is engrossed in their
lives so much, friendship is considered as an
essential human need because people are suffering
from depression, and friends bring intimacy and
richness in their lives.
(iii) Friendship is different from other relationships
because it never pressurises any role on us. A person
can remain his or her true self, but at the same time
is free to change too. It is an unconditional relation
where we receive as much as we give. It brings
about a positive side in us, which we never show in
any other relationship.
(iv) The two essential human values that help
friends to grow are, remaining attentive towards
your friend and accepting the friend the way he or
she is.
(v) Active listening skills, questioning skills,
negotiation skills, reflecting content skills,
reflecting emotion skills and editing oneself are
some of the communication skills that help in
building friendship.
(b) (i) Fundamental (ii) Negotiation
(iii) Opportunity
16. (a) (i) ‘Depressed’ in common usage means
sad, frustrated, fed up, bored and pessimistic.
37
(ii) Reactive depression is that which arises out of
environmental factors.
(iii) In ancient India, old people were considered
as repositories of wisdom and traditions.
(iv) The causes for disintegration of joint family
system are transformation of social structures and
values from traditional to modern and rapid stride
in urbanisation and industrialisation.
(v) For one to recover from mild depression, kind
words and timely support of friends, relatives and
family members often help.
(b) (i) Diminished (ii) Alienated
(iii) Spouse
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
(b) (i) Decline
(iii) Soared
(ii) Impact
2. Note-Making
1. (a) Title : The Ailing Environment
1. Contamination of Environment
1.1 Lethal mat. in air, earth, rivers & sea
1.2 Initiates evil chain of pollution
1.3 Chems. and rad. create havoc
1.4 Reaches bones of humans
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
2. Hundreds of millions of years
2.1 Life reached stg. of adjust.
2.2 balance with surround.
2.3 no time for modern world
3. Radiation
3.1 no longer the bombt. of cosmic rays
3.2 unnatural creation of man
3.2.1 tampering with atom
3.3 natural chems. replaced by synthc.
chems.
3.3.1 made in labs.
3.3.2 no counterparts in nature.
4. Other benefits of collctng.
4.1 Growth of frnd. circle
4.2 Travelling
4.3 Meeting in another town
4.4 Able to address audience
Abbreviations used :
1. accu.– accumulating
2. phy.– physical
3. Collctng. – Collecting
4. Relxn.
– Relaxation
5. Amusnt. – Amusement
6. edu.– education
7. frnd.– friend
(b) Summary
People unknowingly collect different kind of
things. They leave unwanted objects in drawers
and cupboards for years believing that they may
use them in the future. The two reasons why old
people accumulate belongings are due to the lack
of physical and mental energy and sentiment.
Collecting small items can be to avoid wastage or
it can be a mania. There are many advantages for
those who have collecting as a serious hobby. It
gives relaxation for leisure hours, amusement and
it is a source of education. The other benefits of
collecting are: there would be a growth of friend
circle, it leads to travelling, meetings in another
towns and even one can become an authority on
one’s hobby and will be able to address gatherings
and audiences.
C
op
yM
yK
Abbreviations used :
1. mat. - material
2. Chems. - Chemicals
3. rad.- radiation
4. &- and
5. stg. - stage
6. adjust. - adjustment
7. surround. - surroundings
8. bombt. - bombardment
9. synthc. - synthetic
10. labs. - laboratories
(b) Summary
Lethal materials in air, earth, rivers and sea
contaminates the environment, initiating an
irreversible evil chain of pollution. Chemicals
and radiation create havoc in contaminating the
environment. They reach human bones through
different mediums.
Life reached the stage of adjustment and balance
with the surroundings in hundreds of millions of
years. Unfortunately, the modern world does not
have much time.
Bombardment of cosmic rays no longer causes
radiation, it is the unnatural creation of man.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
38
2. (a) Title-Collecting - A Hobby
1. Reasons why old people accu. belongings
1.1 Lack of phy. & mental energy
1.2 Sentiments
2. Collctng. things
2.1 Avoid wastage
2.2 Mania
3. Collctng. as a serious hobby
3.1 Relxn. for leisure hours.
3.2 Amusnt.
3.3 Source of edu.
3. (a) Title-Listening Verses Hearing
1. Listening vs. Hearing
1.1 Difference between the two synonyms
1.2 Hearing but not listening
1.3 Paying attention
1.4 Hearing as a physical phenomenon
1.5 Consciously using your mind
1.6 Mind full of needless chatter
1.7 Accommodating what is said
2. Judgement about the speaker
2.1 Prejudiced and preconceived notions
2.2 Dying to pro. right or wrong
2.3 Neg. mindset
2.4 Proving our ver. of things right
3. Ideal way of listening
3.1 Listen first
3.2 Listen with awareness
3.3 Think before you judge
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
4. (a) 1. Meaning of stupidity
1.1 lacking intell.
1.2 no good judgement
1.3 senseless
2. Level of stupidity
2.1 amusing behaviour
2.2 serious stupidity
– pract. jokes
– irresp. advice
– even worse
3. Absent – minded
3.1 inconve.
3.2 embarrassment
4. Unintentional stupidity
4.1 throw away anyth.
4.2 hurt or kill poor things
Abbreviations used :
1.
intell.
– intelligence
2.
pract.
– practical
3.
irresp.
– irresponsible
4.
inconve. – inconvenience
5.
anyth.
– anything
39
(b) Title : Types of Stupidity
Summary
The word stupidity comes from Latin word which
means ‘senseless.’ It is commonly defined as a lack
of normal intelligence. A person who does not use
good judgement or sense is termed as stupid. First
level of stupidity is harmless and it is defined by
absent-mindedness. Second level of stupidity is
about practical jokes which are more dangerous for
example, putting salt in sugar container, etc. Third
level of stupidity is when somebody unintentionally
throws away poor things or animals. Another type of
stupidity is when a successful businessman has many
office affairs. It is because he thinks he can get away
with his actions without taking any responsibility.
5. (a) 1. Recalling childhood moments
1.1. Happy & carefree
1.2. Terrified of darkness & getting lost
2. Childhood fears
2.1. Feeling helpless in the dark
2.1.1. Strange shadows - an unknown beast
2.1.2. Moving curtains
2.1.3. Creaking sounds
2.1.4. Imagining burglars & monsters
2.1.5. Lying still with pounding heart
2.2. Fear of getting lost (on the way back home)
2.2.1. Scanning school buses - familiar
faces, same driver
2.2.2. Re-confirming in the bus
2.2.3. Not letting leaders out of sight
2.2.4. Avoiding adventurous acts.
2.2.5. Going with surety of not being lost
2.3. Fear of not being liked
2.3.1. Quite shy
2.3.2. Worried about looks - fat, wore
braces, clothes
2.3.3. Wearing right clothes
2.3.4. Flat vs. saddled shoes for school
2.3.5. Imp. of popularity
3. Coping with childhood fears as an adult
3.1. Undg. evolution process - child to adult
3.2. Recognising & overcoming fears
3.3. Accepting help from others
3.4. Role of friendliness & sincerity
3.5. Undg. things that scared
yM
yK
3.4 Words unspoken leave a feeling of tension
and negativity
3.5 Speak your mind out
4. Listening to understand people
4.1 Imbibe what is not spoken
4.2 Times when we don’t listen to people who
matter
4.3 Triggers mis.
Abbreviations used :
1. vs. – verses
2. Neg. – negative
3. ver. – version
4. don’t – do not
5. pro. – pronounce
6. mis. – misunderstanding
(b) Summary
Sometimes, we hear people but do not listen to
them attentively. The difference between the two
synonyms is that one is a physical phenomenon
while the other is a conscious use of mind. We, as
listeners, often have preconceived notions about the
speaker. We come prepared with a negative mindset,
tend to prove them wrong and pounce with our own
version of things. Ideally, we should listen to them,
understand their perception and stop judging them
in order to avoid misunderstandings.
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Reading
Abbreviations used :
1. &
– and
2. acts. – activities
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3. vs.
– versus
4. Imp. – Importance
5. Undg. – Understanding
(b) Title : Recalling Childhood Fears as an Adult
Summary
My childhood was generally happy and had carefree
moments. However, darkness scared me with its
shadows, unexpected movement of curtains and
creaking sounds. It made me feel helpless and I
used to lie still, with a pounding heart. I was scared
of getting lost. Before boarding my school bus, I
scanned it for familiar faces. I was shy and afraid of
not being liked by others. As I grew from a child to
an adult, I realised that understanding things that
scared us as a child helped in coping with life.
people would get it directly. When Sohini came to
the well to get water, there was already a queue.
Her brother was thirsty and tired and she was
determined to get water so resigned herself to wait,
trusting her fate.
7. (a) Title-Significance of Dietary Fibres
1. Importance
1.1 Essential ingredient of bal. diet
(i) Suggested intake-40 gms./day
1.2 Contains gums & pectin
(i)­
↓ P.P. Blood sugar levels
1.3 Diet rich in fibres
(i) ↓ incidence of CHD
(ii) Controls irritable bowel syndrome
(iii) ↓ Dental caries
2. Source
2.1 Cereals & grains
2.2 Fruits
(i) Citrus fruits
(ii) Fruits with seeds
2.3 Green leafy vegetables
3. Physiological outcome
3.1 Not digested by enzymes in body
3.2 Hold water
(i) gets swollen → relives constipation
3.3. Increases transit time in gut
(i) ↓ risk of colon cancer
(ii) checks obesity
4. Adverse effects
4.1 Binds trace elements
(i)
hampers absorption- nutritional
deficiency
Abbreviations and symbols used :
1. bal. –
balance
2. gms.
–
grams
3. & –
and
4. P.P.
–
Post Prandial
5. CHD
–
Coronary Heart Disease
6. ↓ –
lowers
7. →
–
lead to
(b) Summary
Dietary fibres are indigestible carbohydrates,
essential ingredients of balanced diet with a
suggested intake of 40 grams per day. Fibres are
rich in gums and pectin that lower Post Prandial
blood sugar levels. Diet rich in fibres lowers
incidence of Coronary Heart Diseases, controls
irritable bowel syndrome and dental caries. The
main source of it are cereals and grains, fruits both
C
op
yM
yK
6. (a) 1. Outcasts faced caste prejudices
1.1weren’t allowed to draw water from well
or brook
1.2upper caste Hindus believed they would
pollute water
2. Poverty aggrated. their water woes
2.1 no separate well for them
2.2 too poor to afford their own well
2.3 depnd. on bounty of Hindus
2.4 had to wait long
3. Easy access to water for the rich
3.1 rich enged. water carriers
3.2 others drew water directly from well
4. Sohini’s plight
4.1 long que. at well
4.2 her brother thirsty and tired
4.3 upper caste Hindus not sighted
4.4 rsgd. herself to fate
Abbreviations used :
1. weren’t –
were not
2. aggrated. –
aggravated
3. depnd. –
depended
4. enged. –
engaged
5. que.
–
queue
6. rsgd.
–
resigned
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
40
(b) Title – The Plight of Outcasts
Summary
The outcasts totally depended on the mercy of the
upper caste Hindus to get water. They were not
allowed to use the well or brook. They didn’t even
have a separate well. The outcasts had to wait for
a gentle person to get water, whereas upper caste
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Reading
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
2. Technique of enhncmnt.
2.1 Avoid distracting factors
2.2 Study table away from window
2.3 Establish specific goals, time mngnt.
3. Ultimate Help
3.1 Plan study & recreational hrs.
3.2 Don’t get disheartened
3.3 Discpln. the mind
8. (a) Title : The Human Mind
1. Words Process
1.1 Processing 500 w.p.m.
1.2 Speaking 150 w.p.m.
2. Retain the Attn.
2.1 audience
2.2 listener
3. Good Comm.
3.1 Hearing or listening
3.2 Conc.
3.3 Attention
3.4 Interpretation
4. Listening barriers
4.1 Phy. hindrance
4.2 Psy.
(i) interpretation (ii) evaluation
Abbreviations used :
1. w.p.m.
–
words per minute
2. Attn. –
Attention
3. Comm.
–
Communication
4. Conc.
–
Concentration
5. Phy.
–
Physical
6. Psy.
–
Psychological
Abbreviations used :
1. Conc.
– Concentration
2. envirnmt. – Environment
3. enhncmnt – Enhancement
4. mngnt.
– Management.
5. hrs.
– hours
6. Don’t
– Do not
7. Discpln.
– Discipline
ita
b
citrus and with seeds and green leafy vegetables. It
is not digested by the enzymes in the body, holds
water and increases transit time in the gut there
by relieving constipation, checking obesity and
lowering the risk of colon cancer. It binds trace
elements that hamper their absorption leading to
nutritional deficiency which seems to be the only
adverse effect.
(b) Summary
Mostly we have wandering thoughts due to radio,
TV and noisy environment. We should find out
the facts of our physical and internal environment
which disturb our concentration. We can
concentrate or study only when distractions are
avoided. We should establish our goals and try to
achieve them. Study and recreational hours should
be well planned and adhered to. It is important
to discipline the mind and not get disheartened.
Concentration is most essential to study and
achieve our goals in life.
yM
yK
op
C
(b) Summary
Research has proved that the difference
between processing and speaking rate is
350 words per minute which is quite large.
Therefore, the speaker must retain the attention of
the audience so, listener should not wander. A good
speaker must necessarily be a good listener. Good
listening is an art that can be cultivated. For effective
listening physical and psychological barriers must
be removed. In short, good communication is
necessary for an interactive process.
9. (a) Title : Developing Concentration
1. Hurdles to Conc.
1.1 Radio, TV
1.2 Wandering thoughts
1.3 Noisy envirnmt.
41
10. (a) Title : Common Cold A Threat
1. Fighting Common Cold
1.1 Cold common
1.2 Typhus and plague eradicat’d
1.3 Common cold diff. to solve
2. Causes of Cold
2.1 Viral infection
2.2 Viruses — rhinoviruses
2.3 Affect lining of the nose
3. Research
3.1 Dev. tech. of tissue culture
3.2 Aided virus research
3.3 Existence previously not known
4. No protection
4.1 no imm. from cold
4.2 cold cells attack on surface
4.3 likely to suffer from cold
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Abbreviations used :
1. eradicat’d – eradicated
2. diff.
– difficult
3. Dev.
– Development
4. tech.
– technique
5. imm. –
immunity
(b) Summary
Cold is a common ailment, which everyone suffers
at some point of life. Scientists have got rid of
many diseases but the problem of common cold
still exists. It is caused by viral infection, which
affects the lining of the nose and other passages.
Many developments have been made on tissue
culture to discover large number of viruses but
their existence is still unknown. The virus of cold
attacks on the surface or from the immunity of
many different viruses. There it is difficult to give
guarantee protection to it and we are likely to suffer
from cold.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Imp.
int.
Dev.
Eff.
Spk.
conc.
incomp.
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Importance
interest
Develop
Effective
Speaking
concentrate
incomplete
(b) Summary
Effective speaking and effective listening goes
hand in hand. It is an art which depends upon a lot
of factors like concentration, determination and
clarity of voice. Incompetent listeners fail due to
lack of attention, counter arguments, competition,
etc. Alertness is a mental state of mind, which plays
a pivotal role in this. Note taking, which includes
eye contact is another important factor. The way
a person maintains his/her posture is equally
important to leave an important impact on both
the speaker and listener.
Title : Effective Speaking and Listening
C
op
yM
yK
11. (a) 1. Eff. spk. rely on
1.1 Effective listening
1.2 Energy to conc. on hearing
1.3 Conc. on understanding what has been
heard
2. Causes of failure for incomp. listening
2.1 drift in attention
2.2 face argument
2.3 complete
2.4 reaction/react
3. Factors affecting listening
3.1 Art of conc.
(a) Alertness
(b) Positioning of body
(c) Note taking
3.2 Determination
3.3 Voice problem
4. Imp. of note taking
4.1 Helps the speaker
4.2 Gives Confi.
4.3 Develops (+)ve eye contact
5. Imp. of Posture
5.1 Dev. int.
5.2 Increase level of conc.
5.3 Dev. (+)ve feature
Abbreviations and symbols used :
1. Confi.
–
Confidence
2. (+) ve
–
positive
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
42
12. (a) 1. Vast pollution blanket across South Asia
1.1 Drastic chngs. in weather
1.2 Puts ppl. at risk
1.3 Economic grwth. may falter
2. Threats of acid rain and resprtry. diseases
2.1 Potential dmge. to crops.
(a) Falling ash
• reduced sunlight
• aggrvtd. impact on crops and plants
2.2 Premature death due to resprtry diseases
3. Pollution haze over India
3.1 Reduction in sunlight by 10%
3.2 Drying North West of India
4. Impacts of polltn. haze to intensity
4.1 Rising popltn. of the Asian Region
(a) Worst affected countries
• India
• China
• Indonesia
4.2Economic grwth. but deplting. forest covr.
(a) Preliminary Results
• Haze build up
• Mass of ash, acid, aerosols, etc.
• Disruption in weathr. sys., rainfall
and wind patterns
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Abbreviations used :
1. chngs.
–
changes
2. ppl.
–
people
3. grwth.
–
growth
4. resprtry. –
respiratory
5. polltn.
–
pollution
6. popltn.
–
population
7. deplting. –
depleting
8. covr.
–
cover
9. dmge.
–
damage
10. aggrvtd. –
aggravated
11. weathr.
–
weather
12. sys.
–
system
43
(b) Forces of death and destrcn.
• Less physical
• More psychic of psychological
• Self-destructive by seeking other’s
destrcn.
3.2 Forces of life regenerate hope of joy
(a) Prevails where
• Openness
• Peace of good heartedness
b
5. Conclusion
5.1 Seek positivity and happiness
5.2 Find what is awaiting discovery
op
yM
yK
(b) Summary
Vast pollution blankets across South Asia. This
has brought drastic change in the weather, putting
people at risk. As a result, economic growth may
falter because of drought in India. Acid rain and
premature death due to respiratory disease are
threatening plants and humans alike. With India,
China and Indonesia being the worst affected
countries, the rising population, economic growth
and depleting forests in the Asian regions are
causing impacts of the pollution haze to intensify
and disrupt weather systems.
Title : The Changing Weather System
4. Love v/s fear
4.1 Love overcomes fear, life force triumphs
4.2 Love builds, fear destroys
4.3 Love builds character
(a) Helps in
• Accepting
and
overcoming
sufferings
• Creating lasting bond
• Infinite reach
ita
Reading
C
13. (a) 1. Life’s tests are its plus factors.
1.1 Plus factors, such as ovrcmng. suffrng.
moulds chrctr.
1.2 Simple hearted see plus factors more
readily
1.3 Often a change in focus is req.
2. Nether Springs
2.1 Flow into lonely depressed ppl’s. lives
2.2 Brings peace and patience
2.3 Leads to recovery
3. Life forces v/s death forces
3.1 Forces of destrcn. malice, hate and hardheartedness.
(a) Chanld. through
• Malice
• Hate
• Hard-heartedness
Abbreviations used:
1. ovrcmng.
–
2. ppl.
–
3. suffrng.
–
4. destrcn.
–
5. chrctr.
–
6. req.
–
7. v/s
–
8. Chanld.
–
overcoming
people
suffering
destruction
character
required
versus
Channelled
(b) Summary
Life’s tests are its plus factors. Overcoming sufferings
is a plus factor, which moulds character. Simple
hearted see plus factors readily. However, a change
in focus is also required. Nether springs flow into
lonely and depressed people’s life, bringing peace
and patience and eventually, recovery. Hate, malice,
etc. are channelled as forces of destruction. Forces
of life generates hope of joy. Life force triumphs
when love overcomes fear. Love creates as lasting
bond therefore, one should seek positivity and
happiness.
Title : Seeking Happiness
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
SECTION
op
yM
yK
ita
b
B
C
Writing Skills
 Short Compositions
 Letter Writing
 Long Compositions
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
Make Sure :
1. You write the notice in a box.
2. It is easy to understand, brief and to-the
point.
3. To stay within the word limit.
4. To use short but descriptive title, which gives
the basic knowledge about the notice.
5. The body of the notice must answer the
essential questions– what, when, where, who
and how.
C
op
yM
yK
A notice is written to announce or put across some
information with the purpose to notify the reader
about it. The variety of topics can range from a
variety of formal issues to informal events. Most
common topics for notices are :
(a) Notices issued by the school : These notices
are usually about events, activities and issues
related to the school. Depending on the topic
of notice, the language used can be either
formal or semi-formal.
Notices regarding trips, picnics, etc. can be
written in semi-formal language. However,
those informing the students and staff about
official matters, such as admission, change in
school timings, etc. are always written in formal
language.
(b) Notices issued by/for the residents of a
housing society/colony or members of an
association : Since such notices are usually
about common matters, such as various issues
concerning the residents or members, they are
formal and direct.
(c) Obituary Notices : They inform the general
public about the demise of a loved one and
contain information about the funeral, last
rites and other related ceremonies.
(d) Notices for Sale of Items : Since the main
idea is to catch the general public’s/reader’s
attention, these notices must be semi-formal
yet attractive.
(e) Lost and Found Notices : These are issued
informing the readers about personal
belongings lost or found and requesting the
b
1.1 Notices
finder/owner to return or collect it from or
give it to the one issuing the notice. Unlike
other forms of notices, which are written
in third person, lost and found notices are
written in first person. They are crisp and more
informative. In case of seeking lost items, the
issuer of the notice often offers a reward to the
one who returns it.
ita
1. Short Compositions
The notice must have (the format)
1. A box
2. Name of the organisation, institution or
association issuing the notice.
3. Date on which the notice is being issued. It is
advisable to use the date of examination, if a
date is not already provided.
4. A short and strong title
5. Body of the notice
6. Name and designation of the one issuing the
notice.
Sample Notice
Draft a notice informing students of class VI-XII
about a poster-making competition in 50 words.
Invent all necessary details. You are Aarushi,
President, Art Club, Navyug Public School.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Navyug Public School
Classified Advertisement Categories :
(a) Situation Vacant/Wanted
(b) Sale and purchase (of)
1.2 Advertisement
A. SITUATION VACANT/WANTED
The purpose of these ads is to announce that an
employment opportunity is either available or
required at the earliest. The language used must
be formal, crisp yet detailed so that the potential
employer or employee is well informed about the
situation before either party is approached.
Begin with ‘Wanted’ or ‘Required’ when drafting
an ad for Situation Vacant.
The ad must have :
XX
Name of the company (in case of situation
vacant, if provided in the question)
XX
Specify the post and if information is available,
the number of vacancies
XX
Qualification and experience of the candidate
XX
Age and gender of the candidate
XX
Pay scale and perks (optional/if provided)
XX
Qualities and skills of the candidate
XX
Other preferences
XX
Mode and last date of applying (in case of
situation vacant)
XX
Contact details
op
yM
yK
An advertisement is a notice or an announcement
in a public medium, promoting a product, service
or event or publicising a job vacancy.
There are two means of communication
through which the public can read or see the
advertisements.
XX
Print Media
• Newspapers and magazines
• Tabloids and periodicals
• Bulletins, etc.
XX
Electronic Media
• Radio
• T.V.
• Movies, etc.
(i) Property
(ii) Vehicle
(iii) Household goods, etc.
(c) To-Let
(d) Missing person or pet
(e) Lost and Found
(f) Tours and Travels
(g) Matrimonial Alliance
(h) Obituary
(i) Appeal
(j) Educational
(k) Change of name/Address/Other Information
b
NOTICE
July 16, 20××
Poster Making Competition
Art Club is organising a Poster Making
Competition on July 21, 20×× for the students
of class VI-XII.
Topic : Save the Girl Child
Venue : Amphitheatre
Time : 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Bring your own material. Sheets will be
provided.
Aarushi Mittal (President, Art Club)
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
46
C
Why Advertisements are Important?
Depending on the type of an advertisement, it helps
find or approach potential customers or consumers
or a specific audience or reader, especially when it
is regarding a job or for matrimonial purpose.
Type of Advertisements :
There are mainly two types of advertisements.
(a) Classified advertisements
(b) Display or commercial advertisements
Classified Advertisement
Classified ads are called so because depending on
the subject, advertisements are arranged in groups,
under different categories. They are placed by
people or small companies who want to buy or sell
something, find or offer a job, etc. They are written
in short phrases or words in simple and concise
language. These ads are more economical because
they require less space.
Sample
Situation Vacant
Wanted a smart, confident PA/Stenographer for a
leading export house. Qualification graduate, age
25-30 years, typing speed 40 w.p.m. Preference
to those with the knowledge of computer. Salary
negotiable. Apply with updated bio-data by 1512-×××× to Secretary, Orient Export House, M.H.
Nagar, Chennai - 670001
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
B. SALE AND PURCHASE OF PROPERTY/
VEHICLE/HOUSEHOLD GOODS
If and when one wishes to sell or purchase property,
vehicle or household goods, one can draft or find
47
the ad under this category. The ad can be semidetailed with only important information provided
to the reader. Begin with ‘For Sale’, ‘For Purchase’,
‘Available’ or ‘Wanted’.
The ad must have :
For property
For Vehicle
zz
Type of building/property (plot/
residential/commercial/industrial)
Brief physical description
zz
Fittings and fixtures
zz
zz
Location and surroundings
zz
Type/Make: Maruti/
Tata, etc.
Model/Colour/Year of
manufacturing
Features/Accessories
fitted
Mileage and condition
Facilities - power connection, parking,
proximity to business/shopping areas
Area in square metres/yards
Price expected/negotiable
Name of the development authority
(optional)
Whom and when to contact
Contact details
zz
Ownership details
zz
zz
zz
For Household Goods
zz
zz
zz
Product features and
condition
Duration used/when
purchased
Price expected
zz
Contact details
zz
zz
zz
zz
ita
zz
zz
Kilometres run/done
Insurance details
Price expected
zz
Contact details
zz
zz
yM
yK
zz
b
zz
zz
op
Sample
Property
C
For Sale
A 3BHK flat in Chittaranjan Park, 3rd floor,
access to roof. Fully furnished, park facing, car
park. Best location. Reasonable price. Contact :
ABC XYZ, Mob. 981870××××
Vehicle
Sale/Purchase
For sale Maruti 800 DX 2000, white, sparingly
used, scratchless, self-driven, stereo-fitted,
beautiful upholstery, excellent condition, no
expense, rate negotiable. Contact : Amit Sharma,
25677900
Household Goods
Sale/Purchase
For Sale, 1 year old Samsung 32” flat screen LED
T.V. Excellent working condition. Reasonable
price. Drop facility. Contact : Raghav Rana, Mob.
989141××××
Name/Type of item.
Product
brand,
model,
year
of
manufacture
C. TO-LET
These ads inform the potential tenant about a
room or property, which is available for rent. Tolet ads are quite similar to property sale/purchase
ads, providing information about the property on
rent. Begin with ‘Wanted’ or ‘Available’.
The ad must have :
XX
Type of accommodation – number of rooms,
size of rooms, etc.
XX
Whether independent or an apartment,
whether residential or office space
XX
Brief description about the accommodation
XX
Location and surroundings
XX
Fixtures, fittings, facilities – water/electricity
supply, proximity to school/market, etc.
XX
Type of tenant required – family/individual/
company lease, etc.
XX
Rent expected, agreement required, etc.
XX
Contact details – Name/Address/Phone
number
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
To-Let
Available on rent Anand Vihar Colony, First Floor
2/3 bedroom, well furnished and ventilated, park
facing, car parking, walking distance from main
market. Reasonable rent. Contact : Ms. Meena
Tomar 987701××××
D. MISSING PERSON OR PET
Putting up an ad in the newspaper is one of the
best ways to find a missing person or pet because
newspapers have a wide reach as well as readership.
Begin with ‘Missing’.
The ad must have :
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
The ad must have :
XX
XX
XX
XX
Description of the article
When and where the article was lost or found
Reward for finding it
Contact details
Sample
Lost and Found
Lost a black VIP suitcase, model no. 555,
38 × 30, containing important documents related
to marketing, left in bus no. DL-P 6778 on Delhi
to Jaipur route on 10th November ××××. Kindly
contact : Purmal Singh, Ph. No. 9419284539.
One who returns shall be suitably rewarded.
F. TOURS AND TRAVELS
These ads announce new tour/travel schemes
launched by travel agencies to attract new
customers and retain the old ones.
Begin with ‘Package Available’.
yM
yK
XX
op
XX
Missing Pet
Brief physical description
Name, breed, age, colour of fur/skin, etc.
Identifying features, answers to what name,
etc.
Date and place (since when/missing from
where)
Contact information – name/address/phone
number
C
XX
Missing Person
Name, age, gender, complexion, height and
build
Brief physical description
Health and mental condition
Clothes and other identifying features
Reward, if any
Date and place (since when/missing from
where)
Photograph (optional)
Contact information – name/address/phone
number
E. LOST AND FOUND
Personal belonging lost or found can be retrieved
or returned by placing a Lost and Found ad. Begin
with ‘Lost’ or ‘Found’.
b
Sample
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
48
Sample
Missing Person
Missing boy, Santosh Kumar, 15 years, 5’5”, fair
slim built, wearing black t-shirt and white pants,
since 10-11-×××× from Kota railway station.
Finder will be duly rewarded. Inform Kota police
station, phone no. 0744-220010 or A.K. Sharma
HB road, Kota, Phone no. 0744-220007
The ad must have :
XX
Name of the agency
XX
Destinations and durations
XX
Details of package – food/lodging/boarding/
sight-seeing, etc.
XX
Cost, discount (if any)
XX
Contact details
Sample
Travels and Tours
Attractive package available for Manali and Ooty,
4 nights/5 days, breakfast and dinner, stay at 5
star hotel, sight-seeing included. ` 10000/- per
head. Special discount for booking before 10th
November ××××. Contact : Blue Star Travel and
Tours Chennai 044-288000555
Points to Remember
1. Put the ad in a box.
2. Mention the category name at the top.
3. Mention all the details provided in the question
as well as contact information. Use commas to
separate.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
1.3 Posters
XX
XX
Date, time, place and other essential details
about what is being publicised.
Catchy slogans and attractive content to grab
readers’ attention and highlight the message.
Name of the organisation, party or individual
issuing it.
Keep in mind :
XX
The target audience
XX
To give an impressive heading or a title at the
top.
XX
Use different style and size of font to emphasise
on the message.
XX
Use a box for the poster and stick to the word
limit.
XX
The poster must have a mass appeal.
Sample
By Taking a Little Care
...roads can be made safer
Follow traffic signals
Don’t cross speed limits
Use seat belts
Don’t talk on mobile while driving
Don’t drink and drive
Use zebra crossing to cross road
Park your vehicles only in an authorised
parking lot
Issued by:
Delhi Traffic Police
With You! For You! Always!
zz
yM
yK
The ad must have :
XX
Name of the company/institute/organisers,
etc.
XX
Details regarding the Product/Event/
Educational Course, etc.
XX
Special discounts/offers, (if any)
XX
Additional features to set it apart
XX
Address of company/institute/organisers, etc.
XX
b
Display or Commercial Advertisement :
These ads promote the sale of products having
public activity and comfort. These announce events,
competitions/contests, discounts, inauguration,
admission notices, etc. There are no restrictions on
their shape, size and colour. Sketches, drawings,
designs and photographs are also drawn in every
type of advertisement.
They are larger than classified ads and attractive.
Such ads use catchy slogans, punch lines, witty
expressions, etc.
49
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
op
When organisations, institutions or associations
wish to attract the attention of the general public
at a large scale, they do it with the help of posters.
An ideal poster can make anybody aware of a
particular issue and ask for the readers’ support or
action. A poster is often made large so that it is
visible from a distance. This is why they are put up
either on the wall or on billboards.
C
Types of Posters :
Typically, there are three types of posters.
XX
Political or Propaganda : These posters reach
out to the mass, asking them to rally, celebrate,
raise demand and effect demonstration.
XX
Educational or Informative : Such posters
inform the mass about prevailing health
hazards and their prevention. Apart from that
they also alert people about the dangers in the
community.
XX
Commercial or Marketing : They announce
or advertise arrival of new movies, shows,
exhibitions, workshops, music concerts, etc.
At times, companies and brands wish to catch
consumers’ attention towards their new or
existing products. They do so by putting up
commercial posters and billboards.
The Poster must have :
XX
Main subject theme or topic on it.
zz
zz
zz
zz
zz
zz
1.4 Invitations and Reply
The act of requesting someone’s presence on a
fixed day, time and venue to celebrate a particular
occasion is called inviting. A spoken or written
request to somebody to do something is known as
an invitation. The written request is sent either in
the form of a card or as a piece of paper.
Types of Invitation :
XX
Formal invitation
XX
Informal invitation
Points to Remember :
XX
Formal invitations are written in third person.
(For e.g. Mr and Mrs Kapoor requests the
pleasure...)
XX
In case of informal information, they are
written in first or second person.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Avoid using abbreviations except for titles,
such as Mrs, Mr, St, etc.
Include all the information provided in the
question.
Include the name of the function, occasion,
venue, date and time.
Write the name of the chief guest invited to
the event.
Full sentences and punctuation marks at the
end of the sentences are not necessary.
For some forms of formal invitations, it
is necessary that the invitee replies, either
accepting or refusing the invitation. On such
invitation cards, the abbreviation RSVP
is written at the bottom left along with,
host’s name, address and phone number or
organisation co-ordinating the event.
CBSE Champion English Core
Formal Invitation-2
Mr and Mrs Sandhu
request the pleasure of your company
on the auspicious occasion of the
Wedding of their son
Vikas
with
Vishakha
(D/o Mrs. and Mr. K.J. Malik)
On Monday, the 29th February, ×××× at 18.00 hrs.
At
Gopal Ashram Chowk, Jalandhar
With best compliments
RSVP
from
M.S. Sandhu
All Relatives
26, Race Course Road,
&
Chandigarh
Friends
b
XX
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
50
Formal Invitation-3
yM
yK
Types of Reply :
XX
Formal reply
XX
Informal reply
C
op
Points to Remember :
XX
Formal Reply : Acknowledgment of invitation
received.
––
Use third person to express thanks.
––
Write if you accept the invitation/give
reasons if unable to accept invitations.
XX
Informal Reply : Acknowledgement of
invitation received.
––
Use first/second person to express
thanks.
––
Write if you accept the invitation/give
reasons if unable to accept invitation.
Formal Invitation-1
The Principal, staff and students of
Gayatri Devi Sr. Sec. School, Delhi
cordially invite you to their
40th Founder’s Day Celebrations
on Saturday, 12 November, ××××
at 6.00 p.m. in the School Premises
Shri XYZ
(Chief Minister of Delhi)
has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest
RSVP
Admn. Officer
(Guests are requested to be
Phone : 24423769 on their seats by 5.45 p.m.)
(Valid for two only)
M/s Goyal Brothers
request the pleasure of your company
on the auspicious occasion of the
Inauguration
of their showroom
BEAUTEX
of ready-made garments
at
The Mall, Shimla, H.P.
on
Sunday, the 12th October ××××
at 11.00 a.m.
All are cordially invited.
RSVP
M/s R.S. Goyal & Sons
New Delhi
50% off on All Garments
(one week inaugural promotion)
Formal Invitation-4
A letter of invitation for a formal occasion is given.
The format of such letter is the same as that of a
standard formal letter.
Must be sent to :
XX
Dignitaries, when inviting as a Chief Guest/
Judge.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Students/teachers/teams
for
competition/celebration, etc.
seminar/
Sample
The Environment Club
Summer Fields School,
Pratap Singh Marg
Bhopal - 42
April 10, 20××
The Principal,
New Green Fields School
Arjun Marg
Bhopal-19
Letter of Acceptance
Sender’s address
(The person to
whom invitation
was sent)
Dr. B. Bhatnagar, Chairman,
ICSR, New Delhi, 19th
April, 20××. (→ Date)
Ad d re s s e e’s
address (The
person who
has invited)
The Secretary Science Club,
Bharat National Public
School, Bharatpur.
Subject
Consent
Seminar
Salutation
Inaugurate
Dear Jagriti
Thank you for your
invitation
dated
17th
April, 20×× asking the
undersigned to inaugurate
the seminar on the role
of young scientists’ in the
scientific progress of our
country.
I feel happy to convey my
consent to inaugurate the
seminar and to interact with
the students. (→ Consent)
Closing
Yours sincerely
Signature
B. Bhatnagar (Dr)
op
C
Formal Invitation-5
to
Content Ref. to
the invitation
received thankful/
acknowledgement
yM
yK
Madam,
Subject: Invitation for Seminar on Climatic Change
and Its Consequences
The Environment Club of our school has arranged
a one day seminar on ‘Climatic Change and Its
Consequences’ for senior students of all schools
with North West zone on April 15, 20××. Nandita
Das, eminent actress and environmentalist has
kindly consented to conduct the seminar.
Please depute four senior students of your school
to attend the seminar and send their names to us
latest by April 12, 20××.
Looking forward to your confirmation.
Yours faithfully,
Nidhi Singh
51
b
XX
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Mrs. Sulabha Deshpande
requests the pleasure of your company at dinner
on the occasion of her
50th Birthday
On Sunday, May 10, 20××
at 7:00 P.M.
at her residence : B-121, Chittaranjan Park,
New Delhi-19
RSVP
Mitali Deshpande
981819××××
Remember : Invitation in a letter form needs to
be responded in a letter form only.
Formal Reply-1 (Acceptance)
Mrs. and Mr. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra
have much pleasure in accepting the kind invitation
of
Mrs. and Mr. Anupam Kher
to the marriage of their son Sikandar
on 11th May, 20×× at 7:30 P.M.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Formal Reply-2 (Acceptance)
Mrs. and Mr. R.P. Mehra are thankful to Mrs.
and Mr. Kher for their kind invitation to their
son Sikandar’s wedding on 11th May, 20×× at
7:30 P.M. and has great pleasure accepting it.
Formal Reply-1 (Refusal/Decline)
Mrs. and Mr. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra
sincerely thank
Mrs. and Mr. Anupam Kher
CBSE Champion English Core
Informal Invitation Samples:
Informal Invitation-1
4357, Vasant Kunj
Raj Nagar
1 May 20××
Dear Vinnie,
You will be pleased to know that the wedding of
my elder sister Reena Sen is going to be held on
the 15th May 200× at Hotel Lake View, Udaipur.
The whole family will be there since the morning.
I invite you to join us for lunch in the hotel on the
15th. The wedding ceremony will take place at 8 in
the evening.
I do hope you will be with us on this auspicious
occasion.
Yours sincerely
Leena
b
for their kind invitation to the wedding of their
son
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Sikandar
Informal Invitation-2
27-B, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi
7th February 20xx
Dear Kunal,
I invite you to the house warming ceremony of our
newly constructed house at the address given above.
The inauguration ceremony will begin with ‘Havan
Ceremony’ at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 1 p.m. on
25th February, 20××.
Please do join us on this auspicious day.
Yours sincerely
Karan
yM
yK
on 11th May, 20×× at 7:30 p.m., but regret
their inability to attend because of a prior
engagement.
ita
52
They wish Sikander a blissful conjugal life.
Formal Reply-2 (Refusal/Decline)
C
op
Mrs. and Mr. R.K. Mehra thank Mrs. and Mr.
Kher for their kind invitation to the marriage
of their son Sikandar on 11th May, 20×× at 7:30
p.m., but regret their inability to attend it due to
a prior engagement.
They wish Sikandar a blissful conjugal life.
Formal Reply-3 (Refusal/Decline)
K-2017, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi-19
21 April, 20××
Mrs. and Mr. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra thank
Mrs. and Mr. Anupam Kher for the invitation
to the marriage of their son Sikandar on Friday,
May 11, 20×× at 7:30 p.m. However, they express
their inability to be present on the occasion due
to a prior engagement.
With best wishes,
The Mehras
Informal Reply (Acceptance) 1
217 MIG Flats, Surya Vihar, New Delhi
15 March 20××
Dear Shuchi,
I have received your invitation for your birthday
party on 25 March 20×× at 5 p.m. at Hotel Janpath.
I am extremely happy to know that all our old
friends are likely to be there.
I would like to confirm my participation,
Looking forward to the momentous occasion.
With love
Mini
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Yours lovingly,
Aakash
2. Letter Writing
Format of a Formal Letter
A formal letter must have the following parts:
(a) Sender’s Address : Only the full address of the
one sending the letter, to be written at the top
left. In case sender’s address is not mentioned
in the question, create one.
(b) Date :Write the full date on which the letter
is being written. During exam, it is advisable
that the students write the same date of the
day of their exam.
(c) Recipient’s Address : It must contain the
recipient’s designation, name of the company,
full address with pin code.
yM
yK
Dear Abhinav,
It was extremely delightful to hear that the marriage
of your sister has been fixed for 10th of July. I’m sure
everyone must be busy preparing for the wedding.
I’m sorry to say that I will have to miss this once-ina-lifetime occasion because I have my IIT entrance
exam on that very day. I deeply regret my inability to
be there with you. I’m sure amidst all the celebrations
you will not miss me. I also hope everything will go
smoothly. Congratulate your sister and your family
on my behalf. Also convey my sincerest apologies. I
will try to come later.
government institutions or newspapers,
NGOs, etc.
(ii) Informal Letters : These letters are written
to friends and loved once. Therefore, the tone
and language of the letter is quite casual.
b
Informal Reply (Refusal/Decline) 2
Aakash Gandhi, 4, Model Town, New Delhi
30 May, 20××
C
op
A letter is written in order to express or convey
one’s thought, either to someone in particular or
the mass. One can show his/her concern regarding
a pressing public issue or something personal.
Similarly, one can enquire about concerning
matters, apply for jobs, spread awareness, etc. by
writing a letter.
Generally, there are two forms of letters:
(i) Formal Letter
(ii) Informal Letter
(i) Formal Letters : Also known as business or
official letters, these are written for formal/
professional communication. The language
used is also formal, e.g., it is sober and less
flowery.
The formal letter follows a strict format,
which must be adhered to while writing.
However, the pattern of writing may differ
from department to department, either in
53
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
(d) Subject : It is an indicator, which explains the
purpose of the letter to its reader as precisely
as possible. The subject line is not a long, full
sentence but a short one without a full stop at
the end.
(e) Salutation : Use Sir/Madam to address officials,
higher authorities and editors. Recipient with
whom the sender shares a cordial relationship,
can be addressed with Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms.
(f) Body of the Letter : The body contains three
paragraphs. The first paragraph introduces
the purpose of writing the letter. The second
paragraph explains the main issue in detail
and the last paragraph expresses the sender’s
expectations, requests, etc.
(g) Complimentary Close : A formal letter is
closed with either ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Yours
faithfully’.
(h) Sender’s Name and Signature : Write sender’s
full name at the very end of the letter. Mention
his/her designation if asked/required.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
54
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
25-A
Sector-6 Rohini
Delhi-110085
Sender’s address
October 8, 20××
Date
The Commissioner
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
New Delhi
Subject : Request for Setting up a Dispensary
Receiver’s address
Subject
b
Salutation
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
Sir,
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
On behalf of the residents of sector-6, Rohini, I wish to draw your attention to the lack of medical
facilities in our locality.
yM
yK
Getting medical aid at the appropriate time is a reason for concern in this area as the nearest dispensary
is about four kilometres away. Though there are some private clinics, these are beyond the reach of
common man as they are very expensive.
op
Considering the problems faced by us on a regular basis, I request you to make necessary
arrangements for setting up a dispensary in our locality as soon as possible. Your efforts would be
much appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Vishesh
C
Thanking you in anticipation.
Complimentary closing
Body of the letter
Sender’s name
Usually Formal Letters are of three kinds:
1. Business or Official Letters
2. Letter to the Editor
3. Letter of Job Application
Business or Official Letters
These include the following types of letters:
A. Letter of Enquiry : To enquire about a course, procedure of admission/membership, availability of
product(s) or service(s), tour/ travel packages or arrangements.
The letter must have :
(a) Reference to the ad (if already given)
(b) Clearly mention the information you need
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
55
Sample Letter
b
Amardeep Colony
Greater Industrial Area, Kanpur-21
Subject : Enquiry regarding coaching classes
Sir/Madam,
This is in reference to your advertisement in ‘The Daily Times’ dated 18 January, 20××. I am preparing
for the Pre Medical Test. I am interested in joining your institute, but before I do so, I would like you to
provide me the following information.
I would like to know the duration and the timing of the course. What is the fee structure and the mode
of payment? What is the strength of each batch and the success rate of your institute. Also, kindly let me
know whether you offer any discounts to students who have excelled in academics.
I would be grateful if you could give me a prompt response so that I can decide timely to join your institute.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Meenal Puri
ita
B. Letter of complaint : To complain to sellers or vendors/organisations for selling/delivering defective
items, incomplete order, non-payment respectively. Letter of complaint can also be written to concerned
authorities, regarding a social issue one faced recently or faces daily.
op
yM
yK
The letter must have :
(a) Details about the product/services/social problem. In case of products and services, include details,
such as bill number, model number, date of purchase, etc.
(b) Mention what is causing the problem and how it is affecting you. In case, you are complaining about
a social problem, write about how it is causing the general public to suffer.
(c) For products/services, request for replace, return or refund. Request for a quick action to be taken to
prevent a social problem.
Sample Letter
C
56, Pushpa Nivas
Greater Indrapuram,
Bangalore-91
5 January, 20××
M/s. Manorama Electronics,
32, Commercial Street,
Bangalore-42
Subject : Complaint regarding washing machine
Sir,
This is regarding the Samsung washing machine, which I bought from your shop on December 7,
20××. My bill number is SSWM 595432 and the model number is WA 82S4B.
It is a fully automatic, front loading washing machine, which was working at the time of installation.
However, it has suddenly stopped working and makes a horrible sound. It is causing me a lot of
inconvenience.
The washing machine is well within the guarantee period, therefore, I request you to look into the
matter and repair or replace it accordingly at the earliest.
Looking forward to an early response.
Yours faithfully
Meera Godebole
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
56
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
C. To Place an order : Write a letter to sellers or vendors to place bulk order for goods, such as books,
sports/laboratory equipment, electronic gadgets, household items, etc.
The letter must have :
(a) Details of goods being ordered, such as brand, item, author, colour, quantity, etc.
(b) The mode of dispatch and payment. Ask for relevant discounts, such as students discount, corporate
discount, etc.
Sample Letter
yM
yK
ita
b
Army School
448A, Netaji Subhash Road
Aligarh-21
20 January 20××
The Sales Manager
Light House
Main Road
Noida-16
Subject : Order for books
Dear Sir,
I have reliably learnt that the books I require are currently available in your bookshop. I would like to
place the following order for the school library.
Book’s name
Author’s name
Quantity
1.
Macbeth
William Shakespeare
Four
2.
A Suitable Boy
Vikram Seth
Three
3.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Four
Wings of Fire
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Four
4.
op
S.No.
C
Please send the books before February 1, 20××. Payment will be made after they are received and
checked for damage/defects. Payment will not be made for damaged/defective books nor will they be
accepted. You are requested to allow the discount permissible for schools.
Kindly ensure that the order reaches us on time.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Priya Rawal
Librarian
D. Letter of Cancellation : This letter informs the seller/vendor that one wishes to cancel a subscription,
a service or an order one placed, because either one is shifting base or there has been an undue delay in
the delivery. Other reasons for cancellation may be, item sent is defective or one does not require them
any more.
The letter must have :
(a) Details about the product/service, such as bill or subscription number, date of placing the order, etc.
(b) Mention the reason behind order cancellation-shifting base, delay in delivery, defective items
delivered, etc.
(c) Request for refund in case of advance payment.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
57
Sample Letter-1 (Cancellation)
yM
yK
ita
b
Flat no. 24,
Prince Apartment
Indirapuram
Sector-3
Ghaziabad-29
April 7, 20××
The Manager
India Today Magazine
A-61, Sector-57
Noida-01
Subject: Cancellation of Magazine Subscription
Sir,
As I am moving out of the country next month, I am writing to you to cancel the subscription of your
monthly magazine at the address I have mentioned above. The subscription number is 123FB and it is
under the name Milind Babu, I paid `5070 for 3 years subscription of which two years deposit is still
left. I request you to kindly cancel the subscription and refund the remaining amount at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Milind Babu
Sample Letter-2 (Cancellation)
C
op
Angel Public School
14th Main Road
Nungambakkam
Chennai-34
April-23, 20××
The Sales Manager
Galgotia Book Store
Connaught Place
New Delhi-35
Subject: Letter of Cancellation of Order
Dear Sir,
This is with reference to the order no. 01/468 for the new books placed with you on 23 March 20××.
The order was to be executed by 10 April, 20××, but unfortunately there has been no response from
your side.
We therefore regret to inform you that the order placed earlier stands cancelled. We needed the
books for an event on 15 April 20××, but till date we have neither received the consignment nor any
clarification from your side even after telephonic reminders.
The delay has caused us a great deal of inconvenience. The unprofessional handling of the order by you
has forced us to take the action. We request you to kindly return the amount of ` 1000/- as advance
payment sent to you earlier.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Kavita Krishnan
Librarian
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
58
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
E. Letter to the Editor : As a bonafide citizen of one’s country, one might have many concerns of social,
economic or political importance. Drawing the mass attention at once or expressing one’s opinion to a
bigger audience is possible by writing to the editor of a national daily. The letter may be a medium to voice
one’s reaction or complain against a social issue. It may also refer to a situation, which requires urgent
attention from the concerned authorities.
If highlighting a social problem, mention the causes and effects of the problem along with some logical
solutions to it.
Sample Letter
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
15-Vishwakarma Colony
Civil Lines
Kanpur-78
January 20, 20××
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi-30
Subject: Suggestion to End Begging
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the general public
towards the menace caused by beggars on the city streets and suggest some solutions to the problem.
Some beggars, no doubt, deserve our sympathy. They are handicapped. They are unable to earn their
living. But the pity is that most of the beggars are able-bodied. Begging has become a profession for
them. They find it the easiest way to earn their living. Some of them are criminals. They beg only to hide
their crimes. This large-scale begging is a slur on the fair name of our country.
Begging should be abolished by law. It should be made a punishable offence. The government should
open asylums for those beggars who are really helpless. Able-bodied beggars should be provided
employment opportunities with fair wages. This will prevent them from begging or getting involved in
any form of social evil.
We, with the help of NGOs, should encourage them to find a vocation, which would help them earn
a respectable livelihood. This can be made possible only if we stop giving alms to beggars. People can
thus play a big role in ending this evil. However, the need of the hour is to create awareness amongst the
deprived sections of society about the ill effects of begging on our country’s image. It is also necessary
to educate their young ones so that they don’t follow their same foot steps.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Sumit
F. Letter of Job Application : The purpose of
writing this letter is to respond to a ‘situation vacant’
ad. It is always accompanied by a detailed bio-data
as a separate attachment.
A bio-data must have the following:
XX
Name
XX
Father’s Name
XX
Date of Birth
XX
Age
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
XX
Gender
Marital Status
Current Address
Contact Number
Educational Qualification
Work Experience
Expected Salary
Language Known
References (at least two)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
59
Sample Letter
yM
yK
ita
b
H.No. 573
M.G. Marg
New Delhi
22 January 20××
The General Manager
G.P. Pvt Limited,
Mumbai
Subject: Application for The Post of Marketing Manager
Sir,
In response to your advertisement in the ‘The Hindustan Times’ dated 16 January 20××. I wish to
be considered for the post of Marketing Manager. I feel my qualification and experience make me a
suitable candidate for the job.
I am enclosing my bio-data, testimonials and attested copies of my certificates.
I can join immediately.
I hope to receive a positive response from your company.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Amit Sharma
Encl: Bio-data, testimonials, attested copies of certificates.
C
op
BIO-DATA
Name Anil Sharma
Father’s Name
Sh. Naresh Sharma
Date of Birth
10 December 1991
Age 26 Years
Sex Male
Marital Status
Single
Nationality Indian
Educational Qualifications
(i) B.Sc from DCP, College, New Delhi
(ii) MBA (Marketing), College of Business Management, Lucknow
Experience
One year at Wipro Limited as Marketing Manager
Languages Known
English and Hindi
Expected salary
Negotiable
Strengths
Good time management, positive, team spirit and leadership
Hobbies
Reading, travelling and playing
Permanent Address
H.No. 678, Civil Lines, Patiala
Correspondence Address
H.No. 573, MG Marg, New Delhi
Contact No.
98256×××××
Email ID
anil.sh_green@gmail.com
References
(1) Prof. AK Ranjan Adarsh College, Ambala
(2) Dr. B.M. Gupta (Civil Hospital Agra)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3. Long Compositions
3.1 Debates
of life, such as spending time with family, going
outside to play, reading, etc. As a result, their ability
to think about greater things in life deteriorated.
Eventually, people started getting burdened with
worries, anxiety and negative thoughts. This led to
various lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes,
cancer, etc.
A simple living means to be content with only
that which is necessary. Spending excessive money
on expensive things, which one may not need is
not simple living. It even has consequences. For
instance, in order to maintain a lavish lifestyle,
one often spends more than what one earns. Later,
when there is lack of money, the same person has
to either make compromises or take loan from
others. People who live a simple life are less or not
bothered by the momentary joys. This gives them
time to indulge in more important aspects of life,
such as finding inner peace, developing into a better
human being, and feel spiritual. High thinking
is not thinking highly about oneself. It means to
think positive and of the betterment of humanity.
Not constantly worrying about the trivial things in
life has positive effects on an individual’s health.
She/he eats healthy food, exercises properly, thinks
positive and stays happy.
In conclusion, I strongly feel that, practicing
simple living and high thinking will certainly lead
to a healthy living.
Thank you.
C
op
yM
yK
When two speakers or two groups of speakers
argue over an issue, expressing opposing views, so
as to convince the jury and audience of their own
point of view, this formal discussion is known as
a debate.
The speakers speak either for the motion or against
it.
Format of a Debate
(a) Formal Address : A debater must always start
by formally addressing the chief guest, jury
members and the audience. This should be the
opening line of the debate.
(b) The Motion : Next, the speaker must introduce
himself/herself and make his/her stand clear
i.e., whether one is for the motion or against
it. This should form the first paragraph while
writing the debate.
(c) The Argument : Forcefully and clearly, the
speaker must express his/her views either for or
against the motion. Highlight the main points
of the argument and at the same time use ideal
examples to support them. The points should
be strong and logical so as to nullify some of
the points made by the opponent. These main
points of the argument must be highlighted in
the middle portion.
(d) The conclusion : The speaker must express
his/her own views about the issue in the
concluding lines of the debate. It is usually
an impactful statement, which emphasises
one’s stand on the issue. Include a rhetorical
question for listeners to ponder upon.
(e) End with ‘Thank You!’
SAMPLE DEBATE
Simple Living High Thinking : A Mantra of
Healthy Living
Worthy chairperson, Honourable Judges and my
dear students,
Today I, Malini, stand before you to speak for the
motion, ‘Simple Living High Thinking : A Mantra of
Healthy Living’. As modern times dawned, people
changed their ways of living. As newer inventions
kept making their lives easier and easier, people
became materialistic. They gave up simple joys
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
60
3.2 Speeches
To be precise, a speech is a formal talk given by a
person to an audience. Quite similar to a debate,
the speaker expresses his/her strong opinions
about an issue with the purpose to convince the
listeners to understand his/her point of view.
To keep the listener interested in his/her speech,
the speaker must :
(a) Introduction : Begin the speech with a
meaningful quote or statement or by sharing
a personal experience, which is relevant to
the topic of the speech. Once you have the
audience’s attention, formally address the
chief guest, fellow presenters and members of
the audience. Eventually, introduce the topic
of speech.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3.3 Reports
A report is a written or spoken account of an
occurrence, incident or an event in a newspaper,
on television, radio, etc.
A report can be of four types:
XX
A newspaper report
XX
A report about an event held at a school,
institution or organisation
XX
A report about an accident or incident one
witnessed
XX
A report about an enquiry/survey
Format of a Report
Headline
C
op
yM
yK
SAMPLE SPEECH
Honourable Principal, Respected Teachers and my
dear friends.
Today I, Monika, would like to express my views on
the ‘Evils of Dowry System’. India is a patriarchal
society and many evil practices against women,
such as female foeticide, early marriage, etc. are
prevalent even now. One such practice is Dowry
System, which has claimed lives of many innocent
women since time immemorial.
Dowry System came into practice in the vedic
period when upper caste people presented the
bridegroom with dowry. It was to support the girl
since she did not inherit anything under Hindu
Law. As times passed, the practice, which was to
benefit the bride, became a social evil.
Dowry System allows a variety of crimes to take
place every day. Women are tortured mentally and
physically. They have to face humiliation, threats
and more often than not, become hostage in the
house of their in-laws. Most common dowry
crimes are dowry deaths, either by suicide or
murder, domestic violence, marital rape, sexual
harassment, etc.
Although, government of India has recognised
dowry as a crime and has established various laws
against it, they have been found ineffective. Laws
alone are insufficient to completely prohibit Dowry
System. Awareness and education is also extremely
necessary. Until and unless, women have financial
security and equal rights in the society, they
cannot live with dignity. They also deserve equal
job opportunities with pay equal to what men are
paid.
Every aspect of life is incomplete without women.
Those who torment and torture women for dowry
must not be treated with sympathy. We all must
unite against the evil of Dowry System and make
our country a safe place for women.
b
(b) The Topic : Make the speech impactful by
including logical arguments and substantiating
his/her views with pertinent facts and
examples. The language used also plays an
important role. The speaker must use formal,
powerful language.
(c) Summation : While summing up the speech
the speaker must highlight the most important
points. He/she can even suggest relevant
solutions to problem discussed in the speech.
(d) Conclusion : The speech must end either with
an appeal, a request, a warning or with a call
for action. But, it must end on a positive note.
Say ‘Thank you’ at the end of speech.
61
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Name of the Reporter
Body of the Report
Conclusion
(a) Headline : It should be catchy, short and
informative.
(b) Name of the Reporter : It comes immediately
under the heading and is accompanied by
designation (if mentioned in the question)
and whom one is writing for.
(c) Body of the Report : If the report is being
written for a newspaper, it must, begin with
the mention of name of the place and date.
When reporting an accident, mention the time
it occurred in the first paragraph. Although,
when reporting for a school magazine, it is not
necessary to write the place and date at the
beginning of the first line, that information
must be provided in the first paragraph. On
the whole, the body of the report must answer
the quintessential what, when, where, who
and how questions. It should be factual and
not fictitious. It should be written in indirect
speech, in third person (without I, me or you).
Since the reporter is ‘reporting’ an incidence/
event, he/she cannot/should not give his/her
personal opinion.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
62
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
(d) Conclusion : It describes the summation of
the event or incident.
SAMPLE REPORTS
• Report About an Event-1
Protest Rally Against Rampant Corruption
performance and the message each of the plays
sent across. The rest of the week brought forward
some equally thought provoking theatre.
• Report About an Accident–3
Brutal Car Crash, Teenage Driver Dead
New Delhi, 24 May, 20×× : Members of the Young
Urban Volunteers Association (YUVA), a youth
organisation, held a protest rally on 23 May, 20××.
Young boys and girls of YUVA organised the rally
to raise their voice against rampant corruption
in the society. The four hours long rally saw
participants from various age groups who took to
the road at 11:00 a.m. sharp. The rally started from
Connaught Circus and moved further to Janpath.
From there the rally group walked to various
iconic places of capital city, singing patriotic songs
and shouting slogans on anti-corruption. The rally
finally stopped at Qutub Minar where the youth
representatives of YUVA performed a street play
on corruption and how to curb it. The attempt to
spread the message of protest against corruption
proved quite successful with general public joining
in and vowing to fight against it.
• Report About an Event-2
Inter-School Drama Competition Held
New Delhi, 15 April 20×× : A 16-year-old boy was
killed this morning when his car collided with an
empty school bus near Rose View High School,
Mathura Road.
Victim was rushed to Artimis Hospital, where he
was announced dead on arrival.
Police said the accident occurred as the victim
attempted to turn right from Rose View High
School. He turned onto the path of the school
bus, which was headed straight ahead. The
unsuspecting bus driver struck the right side of the
victim’s speeding car.
According to witnesses, the collision was so
impactful that the car traveled 54 feet north of
the intersection, was forced off the road and into
a ditch.
Police said that the bus driver who was also badly
injured was rushed to the nearest government
hospital and that further investigations are on.
ita
b
— By Nidhi sen, Staff Correspondent
yM
yK
— By Mridul Gupta, HT Reporter
— By Rudra Shome, Secretary Drama Society
C
op
Drama Society of Red Roses Public School
organised a week long inter school drama
competition from March 6 to 8, 20××. Held at
their newly renovated auditorium, the drama
competition was inaugurated by award winning
actress Ms. Nandita Das, who graced the occasion
as chief guest and special judge. Schools from all
over Delhi participated in the competition, the
theme of which was ‘Save the Girl Child’. The
school premises was beautifully decorated and
posters and banners on ‘Save Girl Child’ were
displayed everywhere. The principal welcomed
all with a powerful speech about the importance
of education. Post that Ms. Nandita Das spoke
about the declining sex ratio and plight of many
girl children who face various forms of violence,
such as rape, molestation, early marriage, etc. The
drama competition commenced post the students
and audience pledged to encourage education and
protection of girl child. The inaugural day held four
plays on themes, such as female feticide, dowry
deaths, etc. Ms. Das appreciated and praised each
3.4 Factual Description
Systematic description of an animate or inanimate
subject so as to create a proper mental image of
it without having any prior knowledge of the
subject is called factual description. It can be used
to describe the physical attributes of a person,
place or object in detail as the subject might be
perceived.
The Factual Description must have :
XX
A title
XX
Use of present tense and passive voice
XX
Only facts
Types of Factual Descriptions
A. Of a Place : Pay attention to the space and
location while writing a factual description of a
place. One can include information/details, such
as name of the place, things of importance around
it, why is it there, why is it special, etc.
Sample : Factual Description of a Place
A Visit to a Hospital
A hospital is a place where the sick or the
wounded come for treatment. They are attended
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
B. Of a Person : When describing a person, it
is important to give details, such as, hair, facial
features, teeth, height, build, clothes, etc. In
addition to that include information such as age,
personality traits, likes and dislikes, etc.
Sample : Factual Description of a Person
A Rickshaw Puller
A rickshaw puller is a common sight in India.
He can be seen standing at public places like bus
stands, railway stations and road crossings waiting
for passengers. A rickshaw puller appears miserable
and weak. He is not treated well by the general
public and is generally overworked and underpaid.
63
He is generally humiliated by everyone. This makes
the rickshaw puller sometimes pay them in the
same coin. He also behaves with them rudely and
harshly. The life of the rickshaw puller is very hard.
He works from morning till evening and even at
night. He carries passengers and loads from one
place to another. The poor rickshaw puller has to
submit to the dictates of his passengers as well as
the nasty goons and greedy policemen.
A few rickshaw pullers fall into bad habits. They
waste their hard earned money in drinking, drugs
and gambling. They should be saved from this evil
and something must be done to improve their lot.
b
C. Of an Object : Just as physical features are
crucial to describe a person, physical attributes/
appearance of an object serves the same purpose.
Describe what kind of an object it is and what
distinguishes it from other objects. Highlight its
best features and how/why is it useful. Include
the description, its name, cost (if possible) and all
other relevant details.
Sample : Factual Description of an Object
The Pressure Cooker
An air tight metal pot that uses steam under
pressure at high temperature to cook food quickly.
It is a special cooking pot with a locking, air tight
lid and a valve system to regulate internal pressure.
Pressure cookers operate on a principle where
the steam that builds up inside the pressurised
pot cooks food at a very high temperature. This
reduces the cooking time by as much as two-thirds
without destroying the food’s nutritional value.
Since, the food cooks faster it is therefore a timesaving device. It has a safety valve and a weight
on its head. When the pressure inside the cooker
reaches its optimum level, the weight lifts up
automatically, a whistle is heard and the extra
steam gets released in the atmosphere. However,
if some food particles choke the outlet, there is
danger of the cooker bursting. In that case, the
safety valve gets opened up by itself and the steam
leaks out. The use of pressure cooker therefore
needs cautious handling. In some bigger pressure
cookers, different pans can be kept to cook twothree food items simultaneously. Food cooked in a
pressure cooker is nourishing and hygienic.
yM
yK
to by qualified doctors, nurses and other medical
staff. The different wings of the hospital are called
wards. People suffering from different diseases
are admitted there and treated. The victims of
accidents are admitted in the casualty ward. People
having ear, nose and throat trouble are treated
in the E.N.T. ward. Similarly, there is an ICCU
ward for very seriously afflicted heart patients,
Pediatric Ward for children below 12 years of age,
Orthopedic wards for patients with broken bones
and Neurology and Psychiatry wards for patients
suffering from mental ailments. There are special
wards for women, children and separate wards for
burns, eyes, physiotherapy, etc. The general wards
of a hospital are generally overcrowded. Hundreds
of patients suffering from different diseases are
admitted here but not every patient who comes
to the hospital is admitted. Thousands of patients
visit the Out Patient Department (OPD) for
consultation, diagnosis and treatment of their
diseases. Doctors and nurses visit the patients at
regular intervals. Food and other things are also
provided to the patients. There are private rooms
for those who can afford.
Facilities for X-ray, E.C.G., Oxygen gas equipment,
Blood Bank and Diagnostic laboratory also
exist in a good hospital. But no hospital can be
good without good doctors and nurses who are
expected to be professionally oriented, kind and
sympathetic to the patients. To a common man,
hospital is a dreadful place full of stench, sickness,
and sufferings — a place he would never like to
visit.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3.5 Articles
solutions, appeal for a change or give a word
of warning.
Sample Article
What is Ailing Our Tourism?
by Astha Awasthi
India is known for its rich flora and fauna, beautiful
landscapes, glorious past and varied cultural
trends. All this makes India a major attraction
for tourism. However, the reality is far from this.
Tourism in India has been constantly suffering
setbacks due to its inefficient tourism industry.
Bad and filthy roads, rickety buses, over-priced
taxis, delayed trains, all make travelling a nightmare
in India. Moreover, the absence of decent and
hygienic accommodations, at a reasonable cost,
adds to the distraction of tourists visiting India.
Besides, the growing menace of terrorism is a huge
deterrent for tourists.
The Government of India needs to put concerted
efforts in place to revamp tourism in the
country. Utmost emphasis should be placed on
infrastructure development and beefing up the
security. Such efforts will certainly make India a
leader in the world of tourism.
C
op
yM
yK
An article is a piece of writing about a particular
subject for the purpose of publishing in
newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc. to be read by
the general public. An article is written either to
inform, entertain or express one’s views. An article
must be engaging if not always creative or formal.
It should be informative, factual and supported by
substantial instances. Thoughts and ideas must be
arranged in a continuous flow so that the article
make complete sense from the beginning till the
end.
Format of an Article
(a) Heading : It must be catchy, giving the reader
an idea about the topic/theme of the article.
It is immediately followed by name of the
writer.
(b) The Topic : After a subtle introduction of
the topic in the first few lines, emphasise on
the main points, causes/effects, positives,
negatives, etc. in the body of the article.
(c) End/Conclusion : Depending on the theme
or topic of the article, the writer can suggest
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
64
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
65
PREVIOUS
YEARS
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
Board
1. After the rains cases of dengue, Chikungunya,
etc are on the rise in your city. As Principal,
Sunshine Public School, Manu Vihar, you
have decided to allow your students to wear
full sleeve shirts and trousers in the school
for a period of one month. Write the notice in
about 50 words.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2017)
7. Sarvodaya Education Society, a charitable
organisation is coming to your school to
distribute books among the needy students. As
Head Boy/Head Girl, Sunrise Public School,
Surat, write a notice in about 50 words asking
such students to drop the lists of books they
need in the box kept outside the Principal’s
office. You are Navtej/Navita.
[4 marks]
(Delhi 2015)
yM
yK
2. You are Health Secretary, Students Council,
Citizens Public School, Ram Bagh, Varanasi.
The Council has decided to start from the
second of October a week-long cleanliness
drive around the school. Draft a notice in
about 50 words asking the class XI students to
enrol for the drive.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2017)
b
1.1 Notices
6. Every year in the central park of the city a
flower show is held in the month of February.
Your school has received a circular from the
District Collector inviting your students
to visit it. Write a notice in about 50 words
informing the students about the show and
advising them to go and enjoy it. You are
Navtej/Navita, Head Boy/Head Girl, Sunrise
Public School, Surat. [4 marks]
(Delhi 2015)
ita
1. Short Compositions
op
3. Water supply will be suspended for eight hours
(10 am to 6 pm) on 6th of March for cleaning
of the water tank. Write a notice in about 50
words advising the residents to store for a day.
You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, Secretary,
Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar,
Kurnool.
[4 marks]
(Delhi 2016)
C
4. Yesterday, during lunch break you misplaced
your notes on chemistry lectures. You want
to get them back. Write a notice in about 50
words for the school notice board. You are
Karuna/Karan, a student of class XII — A.
[4 marks] (AI 2016)
5. While travelling by taxi from Lucknow airport
to Hazratganj, you left behind a small `bag
containing some important documents. Draft
a notice in about 50 words for the lost and
found column of National Herald, Lucknow
describing the loss and promising a reward
to the person who gets it back to you. You
are Karan/Karuna and can be contacted at
9191909089.
[4 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
8. Your club is going to organise an interclass
singing competition. Write a notice in about
50 words inviting names of the students who
want to participate in it. Give all the necessary
details. You are Navtej/Navita, Secretary,
Music Club, Akash Public School, Agra.
[4 marks] (AI 2015)
9. Chennai Book Society is going to organise
a week-long book fair in the city during the
coming autumn vacation. It has requested
your school for volunteers to manage various
counters. As Secretary, Cultural Club, Chennai
Public School, write a notice in about 50 words
inviting the names of those who want to help.
You are Lalith/Latha.
[4 marks]
(Foreign 2015)
10. Very soon your school is going to be a centre
for CBSE examinations. You have seen that
during lunch break students of junior classes
keep going around the examination rooms
and make all kinds of noises. You are Navtej/
Navita, Head Boy/Head Girl, Akash Public
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
School, Ajmer. Write a notice in about 50
words warning such students not to go near
the examination rooms.
[4 marks]
(Foreign 2015)
11. An inter class drama competition is to be held
in St. Stephens School, Visakapatanam. As
Akash, Head Boy of the school draft a notice to
be put up on the notice board inviting entries.
Provide all necessary information in about 50
words.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2015 C)
12. An interschool Kabaddi Competition is
organised by your school. Write a notice, in not
more than 50 words, requesting the students
to be present at the venue to encourage the
players. Invent all the necessary details. You
are Arjun, the sports captain of your school.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2014)
decided that a meeting of all the members
of the school cricket team be held to discuss
plans and strategies for the coming Zonal
Tournament. Write a notice in not more than
50 words informing the members of the team
about the meeting and requesting them to
attend it.
[5 marks]
(AI 2014 C)
17. You are Smitha/Sunil, Secretary AVM
Housing Society. You are going to organise
blood donation camp. Write a notice in not
more than 50 words, urging the members of
your society to come in large numbers for this
noble cause. Invent all the necessary details.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2015)
18. You are Vineeta/Vikram, School Pupil Leader
of Rani Laxmi Bai Senior Secondary School,
Gwalior. Draft a notice for your school notice
board in not more than 50 words inviting the
names of the students who want to participate
in the cultural programme organised in aid of
the victims of the recent Assam floods.
[5 marks] (AI 2013)
yM
yK
13. You are Smrithi Saran of Victoria Public
School, Hyderabad. Your school has organised
a Science Exhibition in connection with the
death anniversary of Ramanujam. Write a
notice in not more than 50 words inviting
students to participate in it. Provide all the
necessary details.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
66
C
op
14. You are Anoop/Arya, the Cultural Secretary
of your school. As part of national heritage
programme the school has decided to put up
a show on ancient art forms. Write a notice
to be put on the school notice board inviting
students to watch the show and encourage
the artists. Write the notice in not more than
50 words.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014)
15. You are Rameshwarm/Rameshwari, Secretary,
Literary Club of A.B.C. School, Vikaspuri.
Your schoolmate, Gautam Adhikari, a
budding writer, has won the first prize in the
State Story Writing Competition. The club has
decided to organise a function to felicitate him
on his laudable achievement. Write a notice
in not more than 50 words, informing all the
students of your school about the function and
urge them to attend it to make the occasion
memorable. Give all the necessary details.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014 C)
16. You are Tripti/Trilok Lahiri, Secretary, ABL
School Cricket Association. It has been
19. Your school has planned an excursion to
Lonavala near Mumbai during the autumn
holidays. Write a notice in not more than
50 words for your school notice board, giving
detailed information and inviting the names
of those who desire to join. Sign as Naresh/
Namita, Head Boy/Head Girl, D. V. English
School, Thane, Mumbai.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2012)
20. You lost your Titan wrist-watch in your school.
Draft a notice, in not more than 50 words, to
be placed on your school notice board. You
are a student of Class XII of Rani Ahalya Devi
Senior Secondary School, Gwalior. Sign as
Rani/Ram.
[5 marks]
(AI 2012)
21. You have lost your leather wallet containing
your examination entry ticket for Class XII,
while travelling by bus from Banshankari to
M.G. Road in Bangalore, Write a notice in
not more than 50 words, to be published in
‘Deccan Herald’. You are Pranav/Praveen, 12,
Gandhi Road, Bangalore. [5 marks] (AI 2012)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
23. Your school is organising a talent search in
music and dance. As Co-ordinator of cultural
activities, draft a notice in not more than 50
words, inviting the names of those who are
interested in the competition. Also give other
necessary details, to be placed on your school
notice board. Sign as Uday/Vijaya of G.P.
Senior Secondary School, Agra.
[5 marks]
(Foreign 2012)
29. You are Scout Master/Guide Captain of K.R.
Sagar Public School, Mysore. You have decided
to send a troop of scouts and guides of your
school to the jamboree to be held in Lucknow
for a week. Draft a notice in not more than
50 words to be placed on the school notice
board inviting the names of those scouts and
guides who are interested to participate in the
jamboree. Invent the necessary details.
[5 marks] (AI 2011)
30. You are Sports Secretary of Lalwani Public
School, Udaipur. Draft a notice in not more
than 50 words for your school notice board
asking the students to give their names for
participation in various events to be held on
the Annual Sports Day of your school. Invent
the details of the events. Sign as Lalit/Lalita.
[5 marks] (AI 2011)
yM
yK
24. You are Srinivas/Srinidhi of D.P. Public School,
Nagpur. As Student Editor of your school
magazine, draft a notice in not more than 50
words for your school notice board inviting
articles/sketches from students of all classes.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2011)
installment of maintenance charges falls due
on 31st March, 2011, and requesting the
members to pay before the due date. Sign as
Anil/Anita.
[5 marks]
(AI 2011)
b
22. As Student Editor, draft a notice in not more
than 50 words for your school notice board
inviting articles from the students for your
school magazine. You are Rohan/Rupini of
Vasant Vihar School, Pune.
[5 marks]
(AI 2012)
67
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
op
25. As Cultural Secretary of G.D. Birla School,
Jamshedpur, you are organising an interschool
poster-making competition, in connection
with ‘The Diamond Jubilee’ celebrations of
your school. Draft a circular letter to be sent
to various schools in your city requesting their
participation. Invent details.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2011)
C
26. You are Secretary of Gymkhana Club,
Madurai. Write a notice in not more than 50
words informing the members to attend an
extraordinary meeting of the governing body.
Include details like date, time, venue, etc. Sign
as a Prabhti/Pratibha.
[5 marks]
(AI 2011)
27. Due to a sudden landslide and inclement
weather, St. Francis School, Vasco has to be
closed for a week. As Principal of that school,
draft a notice in not more than 50 words to
be displayed on the school’s main gate notice
board.
[5 marks]
(AI 2011)
28. You are Secretary of J. P. Narain Housing
Society, R.W.A., Meerut. Draft a notice in not
more than 50 words stating that the second
31. You are Secretary of Sri Parthasarathy Sabha,
Salem. Draft a notice in not more than 50
words to be sent to the members of the Sabha
requesting them to attend an extraordinary
meeting. Invent necessary details such as items
on the agenda, date, time, etc. Sign as Kamal/
Komal.
[5 marks] (AI 2011)
32. You are Sonu/Sonali, Sports Secretary of
Maharani Public School, Gwalior. Write a
notice in not more than 50 words for the
school notice board, asking students interested
in playing hockey to give their names for
selection in the school hockey team. Invent
date, time, eligibility criteria etc. [5 marks]
(Foreign 2011)
33. You are Babul/Bubbli of S.R.M. Vidyalaya,
Agra. As Coordinator of Red Cross Society
wing of your school, you propose to organise a
one day blood donation camp at your school.
Draft a notice in not more than 50 words to be
placed on your school notice board appealing
to the students to motivate their parents and
neighbours to participate in this noble cause.
[5 marks] (Foreign 2011)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
34. As Sports Secretary of G.D.G. Public School,
Pune. Draft a notice in not more than 50
words for your school notice board informing
the students about the sale of old sports goods
of your school. You are Rohini/Rohit.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2010)
35. You are the Secretary of your School Literary
Association. Write a notice in not more than
50 words for your school notice board, giving
details of the proposed inauguration of the
Literary Association of your school. You are
‘XYZ’ of Jain Vidyashram, Cuddalore.
[5 marks] (AI 2010)
36. As librarian of Crescent International School,
Gwalior, draft a notice in not more than
50 words asking all students and teachers to
return the library books they have borrowed,
two days before the commencement of the
examination.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2009)
a detailed description of the watch. You are
Anirudh/Arundhati of class XII of Springfield
School, Pune.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2008)
1.2 Advertisement
1. Principal, Sunrise Global School, Agra
requires a receptionist for her school. Draft
a suitable advertisement in about 50 words
to be published in the classified columns of
a national newspaper giving all the necessary
details of qualifications and experience
required in the receptionist.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2016)
2. You need to buy a flat. Draft a suitable
advertisement in about 50 words to be
published in the classified columns of a local
newspaper giving all the necessary details of
your requirement. You are Karan/Karuna,
M-114, Mall Road, Delhi.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2016)
yM
yK
37. As Principal of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya,
Lucknow, draft a notice in not more than
50 words informing students of the change
in school timings with effect from the 1st of
October. State valid reasons for the change.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2009)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
68
C
op
38. You are Secretary of the History Club of Vidya
Mandir School. Draft a notice in not more than
50 words informing students of a proposed
visit to some important historical sites in your
city.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2009)
39. As Secretary of the ‘Eco Club’ of St. Anne’s
School, Ahmedabad, draft a notice in not
more than 50 words informing the club
members about the screening of Al Gore’s
film, ‘Inconvenient Truth’ in the school’s audio
visual room.
[5 marks] (AI 2009)
40. As Teacher Co-ordinator of the Quiz Club of
AMM School, Pune, draft a notice in not more
than 50 words informing students of the interclass quiz contest asking them to register their
names with the Secretary of the Club within a
week.
[5 marks] (Foreign 2009)
41. You lost your wrist watch in your school
auditorium. Write a notice in not more than
50 words for your school notice board giving
3. You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, a leading
lawyer practising in Surat. You want to buy
an independent house at City Light Road
to be used as office-cum-residence. Draft
an advertisement in about 50 words for the
classified columns of a local newspaper. You
can be contacted at 45645678.
[4 marks] (AI 2016)
4. You are Karan/Karuna of M-114, Mall Road,
Delhi. You are a civil engineer and have recently
returned from UAE. You are looking for a
suitable job in India. Draft an advertisement
for the same in about 50 words. Give details of
your qualifications, experience, nature of job
and expected remuneration.
[4 marks] (AI 2016)
5. You want to offer paying guest accommodation
on the first floor of your house. Draft an
advertisement in about 50 words giving details
of the premises, amenities provided, terms
and conditions. You are Karuna/Karan, M114,
Mall Road, Delhi. [4 marks] (Foreign 2016)
6. You are going abroad. You want to rent out
your house for a period of five years. Draft a
suitable advertisement in about 50 words to be
put in a local newspaper giving all the details
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
7. Your school, Akash Public School, Agra needs
a canteen manager. On behalf of the Principal,
write an advertisement in about 50 words
to be published in the classified columns of
a local daily. Mention the educational and
professional qualifications, other qualities
required in the manager, whom to apply to and
the last date for the receipt of applications.
[4 marks] (AI 2015)
yM
yK
8. You have cleared your IIT Entrance Exam
and so want to sell off the reading material
you have with you. Write an advertisement to
be placed in the ‘For Sale’ columns of a local
daily giving all details of the material you have
with you in not more than 50 words. You are
Mohan/Mohini. Contact No. 9811111111.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2015 C)
9. You require a teacher to teach maths and
science to your son at home who is in class 10.
Draft an advertisement in not more than 50
words giving all your requirements. You are
Arun/Aruna. Contact No. 93××××××.
[4 marks] (AI 2015 C)
C
op
10. You possess an acre of land in the heart of
the city. You want to dispose of this property
since you have decided to buy a flat. Write an
advertisement to be published in a national
daily, giving all the necessary details. You are
Krishan of Moti Nagar, Delhi.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014)
11. You want to sell off your motorbike which you
have been using for five years, since you have
decided to buy a car. Write an advertisement,
in not more than 50 words, to be published
under the classified columns of a national
daily. Furnish all the necessary details.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014)
12. You would like to let out a portion of your
independent house for office use. Write an
advertisement for the classified columns of the
local newspaper giving all the necessary details.
Write the advertisement in not more than
50 words.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2014)
69
13. You are General Manager Hotel Dosa, Gurgaon.
You need a lady front office assistant with
sound knowledge of computers. She must be
a graduate and good in communication skills
with pleasing manners. Draft an advertisement
in not more than 50 words to be published in
Gurgaon Times.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2013)
14. You have a three bedroom flat in Dwarka,
which you want to let out on rent. Draft an
advertisement in not more than 50 words to
be published in The Times of India, under
classified columns. Contact 2758902.
[5 marks] (AI 2013)
15. C.P.R. Senior Secondary School, Meerut
is looking for a receptionist for the school.
Draft an advertisement in not more than 50
words to be published in classified columns
of Hindustan Times. You are Romola Vij,
Principal of the school.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2012)
16. You are Mohan/Mohini, General Manager
of P.K. Industries, Hyderabad. You need an
accountant for your company. Draft, in not
more than 50 words, an advertisement to be
published in The Hindu in classified columns.
[5 marks] (AI 2012)
17. You are Ratan/Rani, General Manager of Hotel
Green Park, Lucknow. You need a receptionist
for your hotel. Draft an advertisement in
not more than 50 words to be published
in Hindustan Times, Lucknow, calling for
applications.
[5 marks] (AI 2012)
18. Write an advertisement in not more than
50 words for the Lost and Found column of
the daily National Herald, Lucknow stating
the loss of your wallet containing a D.D. for
` 32,500 and some cash, while travelling by bus
from Hazratganj to Nirala Nagar in Lucknow.
You are Raman/Roopa, 22A Hazratganj,
Lucknow.
[5 marks] (AI 2012)
19. You want to rent out your newly constructed flat
in the heart of the city. Draft an advertisement
in not more than 50 words to be published
in ‘The Deccan Herald’, Bangalore under
classified columns. Give all the necessary
details. You are Mohan/Mahima of Jayanagar,
Bangalore.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2011)
b
about your house with expected rent. You are
Karan/Karuna, M114, Mall Road, Delhi.
[4 marks] (Foreign 2016)
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
20. You are General Manager of Ivy Software
Solutions, Agra Cantt, Agra. You need a
software engineer for your organisation. Draft
an advertisement in not more than 50 words
to be published in The Times of India under
the classified columns.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2010)
21. You are the General Manager of E.V.L.
Company which requires posh bungalows
on company lease, as guest houses. Draft an
advertisement in not more than 50 words
under classified columns to be published in
The New Indian Express. [5 marks] (AI 2010)
1.3 Posters
1. Fireworks and crackers are known to
create pollution during festivals. As an
environmentalist design a poster in about 50
words to create awareness of their ill effects.
[4 marks] (AI 2015 C)
2. You were very upset about the reports on
communal riots in various parts of the country.
As a concerned social worker, design a poster
in not more than 50 words, highlighting the
importance of communal harmony. You are
Vinay/Vineeta.
[5 marks] (AI 2014)
3. You are a member of the S.P.C.A. Draft a poster
in not more than 50 words, to create awareness
on the need to prevent cruelty to animals.
You are Suhas/Suhasini.
[5 marks]
(AI 2014)
4. You are a fitness trainer in a health club.
Design a poster in not more than 50 words,
to emphasise the importance of exercise in
maintaining mental and physical fitness. You
are Prem/Priya.
[5 marks] (AI 2014)
5. Recent rains have caused havoc in some parts
of our country. You are Surya, a member of the
social service organisation, SEVA MANDIR,
Ahmedabad. Draft a poster requesting people
to help the rain and flood afflicted families
physically and economically.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2007)
yM
yK
22. Samta Public School in Delhi requires cricket
and hockey coaches. Draft a suitable
advertisement in not more than 50 words for
the ‘Situations Vacant’ column of the ‘Daily
Herald’, stating your requirements regarding
age, qualification, experience, etc. You are
Principal of the school.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
70
op
23. You are Manisha of 10, Rajaji Nagar,
Bangalore. You want a Maths teacher for your
son who is a class 10 student. Draft a suitable
advertisement in not more than 50 words
stating your requirements.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
C
24. You want to sell your newly built flat. Draft
a suitable advertisement in not more than
50 words to be inserted in the classified
columns of ‘The Hindu’ giving all necessary
details. You are Niranjan, 247, J.P. Nagar,
Bangalore.
[5 marks] (AI 2009)
25. You are Dr. Madhu, M.D. You are looking
for an independent house in Ghaziabad on a
reasonable rent for your residence-cum-clinic.
Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than
50 words to be published in Hindustan Times,
New Delhi. Your telephone no. is 12341234.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2008)
26. You plan to sell your two wheeler. Draft a
suitable advertisement in not more than 50
words to be inserted in the classified columns
of a local daily, giving all necessary details of
the two wheeler. You are Sumit/Sudha, 15,
Krishna Nagar, Delhi.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2007)
1.4 Invitations and Reply
1. Sunrise Global School, Agra is going to
organise a one-act play competition in the
school auditorium. You have decided to invite
noted stage artist, Nalini to grace the occasion.
Draft a formal invitation for her in about
50 words. You are Karuna/Karan, Cultural
Secretary.
[4 marks] (Delhi 2016)
th
2. On 30 November your school is going to hold
its Annual Sports Day. You want Mr. Dhanraj
Pillai, a noted hockey player to give away the
prizes to the budding sportspersons of the
school. Write a formal invitation in about 50
words requesting him to grace the occasion.
You are Karuna/Karan, Sports Secretary,
Sunrise Global School, Agra.
[4 marks]
(AI 2016)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
71
3. On Teacher’s Day you want to honour your
PGT (English) Mrs. Sudha Murthy, who
retired from service two months ago. Write a
formal invitation in about 50 words requesting
her to grace the occasion. You are Karuna/
Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy, Sunrise Global
School, Agra.
[4 marks] (Foreign 2016)
4. The literary club of your school is putting
up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As secretary
of the club, draft an invitation inviting the
famous writer Sudesh Gupta to be the guest
of honour at the function. Write the invitation
in not more than 50 words. You are Govind/
Gauri.
[5 marks] (AI 2014)
5. As the Principal of a reputed college, you have
been invited to inaugurate a Book Exhibition
in your neighbourhood. Draft a reply to
the invitation in not more than 50 words,
expressing your inability to attend the function.
You are Tarun/Tanvi.
[5 marks] (AI 2014)
6. You have received an invitation to be the judge
for a literary competition in St. Ann’s School.
Send a reply in not more than 50 words,
confirming your acceptance. You are Mohan/
Mohini.
[5 marks] (AI 2014)
7. Your friend, Manish Tripathi has invited
you to attend his wedding anniversary. You
cannot attend it as you have a family gettogether on the same day. Write a polite letter,
in not more than 50 words, expressing your
inability to attend the function and wish him
all the happiness on this joyous occasion. You
are Mita/Mahendra Juneja of 25, Vasundra
Colony, Patna.
[5 marks] (AI 2014 C)
8. As Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne’s
School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal invitation
in not more than 50 words for the inauguration
of the club in your school.
[5 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
2. You are living in village along a national
highway. The state roadways bus does not stop
near your village. Write a letter in 120-150
words to the General Manager, State Roadways
requesting a bus stop for your village. Give all
the reasons why you need a bus stop there. You
are Omar/Amna, Gopalpur, Dist. Ramnagar.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2017)
2. Letter Writing
6. Write an application (including a resume) in
120-150 words for the post of receptionist
advertised in a national newspaper by JKL
Publishers, Peshwa Road, Pune. You are
Karuna, M-114, Mall Road, Pune, a graduate
from SNDT University and have done a
Secretarial Practice Course from YWCA,
Mumbai.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2016)
ita
b
3. Yesterday you went to Sunrise Hospital,
Market Road, New Delhi taking with you
victim of a hit and run accident. There were
chaotic conditions in the casualty department.
The injured was attended to after a lot of
precious time had been lost. Write a letter of
complaint in 120-150 words to the Medical
Superintendent. You are Karan/Karuna,
M-114, Mall Road, Delhi.
[6 marks]
(Delhi 2016)
C
op
yM
yK
4. Lack of job opportunities in the rural areas is
forcing people to migrate to cities. Every big
city thus has a number of slums in it. Life in
these slums is miserable.
Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of
a national newspaper on how we can improve
the living conditions in these slums. You are
Karan/Karuna, M-114, Mall Road, Delhi.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2016)
1. Last month you purchased a TV set from
Ram Electronics, Pushp Vihar, Ambala. It is
not working properly (imagine a few defects).
Write a letter of complaint in 120–150 words to
the Manager asking for repair or replacement.
You are Amar/Amrita, M114 Model Town,
Ambala. [6 marks] (Delhi 2017)
5. Park Lane, Chanakyapuram, Mysore is proud
of having four reputed public schools in close
proximity to each other. In the morning and
afternoon there is a heavy traffic along the
road and hundreds of students are put to a lot
of inconvenience.
Write a letter in 120-150 words to Deputy
Commissioner of Police (Traffic) describing
the problem. Suggest a few measures to
regulate the traffic. You are Karuna Shetty/
Karan Kumar, Principal, Sunrise Global
School.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2016)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
7. Along with air and water pollution, our cities
are also under an attack of noise pollution.
Marriage processions, DJs during wedding
receptions, loud music from neighbourhood
flats, etc. are all source of noise which is not
good for the old, the ailing and students. Write
a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a
local newspaper describing the problem and
making a request to the concerned authorities
to solve it. Your are Karan/Karuna, M-114,
Mall Road, Delhi.
[6 marks] (AI 2016)
8. In all big cities, road rage has become a serious
problem. A minor scratch, a little push, or a small
brushing past can lead to a scuffle sometimes
resulting even in murder. Write a letter in
120-150 words to the Police Commissioner
giving your views on the problem and its
solutions. You are Karuna/Karan, M-114, Mall
Road, Delhi.
[6 marks] (AI 2016)
You have received a letter of enquiry from
Principal, Sunrise Global School, New Delhi.
The school wants to send a group of students
to visit places of historical interest in and
around Jaipur.
Write a letter in 120-150 words mentioning all
the facilities you can arrange for the tour and
expenses thereon. [6 marks] (Foreign 2016)
13. You have seen an advertisement in a national
newspaper for the post of Senior Teacher in
English at Sunrise Global School, Noida. You
are Karuna, M-114, Mall Road, Delhi. You are
MA (English), B.Ed. from Delhi University
and yet to have any teaching experience. Write
a job application in 120-150 words to the
Manager.
[6 marks] (Foreign 2016)
14. You are Karan Kumar, Manager, Standard
Book House, Fort Road, Kochi. You have
received a letter of complaint from Principal,
Sunrise Global School, Calicut. The books she
had ordered were received late; number was
less than ordered; and some books were in a
damaged condition. Write a suitable reply to
her letter in 120-150 words.
[6 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
op
yM
yK
9. It gives you a good feeling when you read in
the newspapers how patients from abroad
come to hospitals in India and get themselves
treated at a fraction of expenses they will have
incurred elsewhere. Write a letter in 120150 words to the editor of a national daily
describing the importance of medical tourism
for India. You are Karan/Karuna M-114, Mall
Road, Kanpur.
[6 marks] (AI 2016)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
72
C
10. You bought a flat from PQR Builders, Sector
55, Noida. Within a period of two months
you have started facing a lot of problems like
seepage in the walls and ceilings, wall paint
peeling off, leaking sanitary fittings, lift getting
stalled, etc. Write a letter of complaint in 120150 words to the Works Manager. You are
Karuna/Karan, A9D Apoorva Apts, Noida.
[6 marks] (AI 2016)
11. Our rivers are very polluted. Industries and
sewage from our houses are polluting them.
What can we do to save our rivers?
Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of
a national newspaper describing the problem
and suggesting solutions to it. You are Karuna/
Karan, M-114, Mall Road, Delhi. [6 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
12. You are Karuna Bajaj, Manager, Rajasthan
Tourist Bureau, Sikandra Road, New Delhi.
15. Recently you went to your native village to
visit your grandparents. You saw that some of
the children in the age group 5 -14 (the age
at which they should have been at school)
remained at home, were working in the fields
or simply loitering in the streets.
Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor
of a national daily analysing the problem and
offering solutions to it. You are Navtej/Navita,
M-114, Mount Kailash, Kanpur.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2015)
16. When cricket teams go abroad the members
are allowed to take their wives, even friends
along with them. Does this fact distract them
or help them to focus on their game in a better
way? If it is good, why don’t we allow our
athletes to enjoy the same privilege?
Write a letter to editor of a national daily in
120-150 words giving your views on the issue.
You are Navtej/Navita, M-114 Mount Kailash,
Kanpur.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
23. You are the librarian of Amla Public School.
You had placed an order for text books with
Dhanpati & Sons. Since the books did not
arrive on time, you have decided to cancel
the order. Write a letter to the Manager,
Dhanpati & Sons, Chennai, cancelling the
order. (125-150 words).
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2014)
24. You are interested in doing a short-term course
in computer graphics during your holidays.
Write a letter to the Director, Easy Computers,
enquiring about their short-term courses and
asking for all the necessary details. You are
Naresh/Nandini.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2014)
yM
yK
18. On Teacher’s Day, you read in a newspaper that
privately owned and managed schools in small
towns or even in the suburbs of metropolitan
cities exploit their teachers by paying them
just a fraction of their authorised salaries. This
affects their performance in the classroom and
thus the lives of their students. Write a letter in
120-150 words to the editor of a national daily
raising your voice against such exploitation.
Suggest ways to solve this problem. You are
Navtej/Navita, 112 Taj Road, Agra.
[6 marks] (AI 2015)
22. You are interested in doing a course in fashion
design. For this you want to join NIFT. NIFT
holds a competitive examination for admission.
Sapphire Academy, Dadar, Mumbai gives
coaching for the admission test. Write a letter
in 120-150 words to the Director, Sapphire
Academy requesting him to provide you with
all the necessary information. You are Karan/
Kirti, 48 Fort Apartments, Pune. [6 marks]
(AI 2015 C)
b
17. You are Navtej/Navita, Secretary, Environment
Club, Akash Public School, Agra. You, along
with a group of students, went on a 3-day tour
through Corbett National Park. You found
how the tourists abuse the available facilities
and thus endanger the environment. Write
a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a
national daily highlighting the situation.
Suggest ways through which the environment
of the park can be saved. [6 marks]
(AI 2015)
73
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
19. You are the Principal, Akash Public School,
Ajmer. Yesterday you received a letter of enquiry
from Mr. P.L. Sharma resident of 12, Abu Bakr
Road, Dubai who wants his daughter, Navita,
at present studying in class VIII, Indian School,
Dubai to be admitted to your school next year
in class IX. He wants to know all about your
school. Write a letter in 120 – 150 words to
Mr. Sharma.
[6 marks] (Foreign 2015)
20. You are Ketan Panday of 63, Civil Lines, Delhi.
You saw an advertisement in The Hindu
for the post of accountant in a reputed firm.
Write an application in 120-150 words to
the area manager of Gayatri Consultants, 2,
Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, giving your
detailed biodata.
[6 marks] (Delhi 2015 C)
21. You are Ravikant, sports teacher of Sunshine
Public, Karol Bagh, Delhi. A month ago you
placed an order for the supply of a few sports
goods. So far you have not received the goods.
Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Sales
Manager, Olympic Sports F-12 Darya Ganj,
Delhi requesting a speedy delivery of the
goods. [6 marks] (Delhi 2015 C)
25. You are the Physical Education Instructor of
All Saints School. You had placed an order for
sports goods with Bat and Ball Enterprises.
When the items arrived you found that some
of them were defective. Write a letter to the
Manager, Bat and Ball Enterprises, asking him
to replace the defective items. (125-150 words)
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
26. You live in a crowded area in Mumbai.
Unauthorised parking of vehicles in your area
is causing a lot of inconvenience to the locals.
Write a letter to the Police Commissioner of
the district complaining against this practice.
You are Rohan/Rohini of Sakinaka, Mumbai.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
27. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi.
You have seen an advertisement in The Hindu
for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel.
Apply for the job with complete bio-data.
Write in 125-150 words.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
loss of life and property. Also, make an appeal
to the people and the government to provide
help and succour to the afflicted. You are
Sucheta/Sunil, 15, Tilak Nagar, Murshidabad.
[10 marks] (AI 2014 C)
34. As a regular commuter by bus from Noida to
Delhi, you have been witnessing rash, driving
by the bus drivers daily without an exception.
Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Times India’
drawing the attention of the General Manager,
Delhi Transport Corporation to this problem.
You are Priti/Prakash, 15 Udyog Vihar, Noida.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
35. Write a letter to Lightways Sports, Amrapalli,
Thane, placing an order for sports articles
(minimum 4) to be supplied to your school,
ABC Matriculation School, Civil Lines, Poona.
Sign as Ravi/Raveena, Sports Secretary.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
36. You are Kamini/Kamal of 10 Civil Lines
Extension, Chanakyapuri, Agra. The main
road leading to your locality has three open
manholes causing frequent accidents at night,
especially during the rainy season. Write a
letter to the Editor, The Times of India drawing
attention of the Municipal Commissioner to
this problem of the residents.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
C
op
yM
yK
28. You are Prem/Parul of 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal.
You would like to apply for the post of
Marketing Manager in a reputed firm in
Mumbai. Write a letter to the Public Relations
Officer, Chantac Enterprises, Mumbai,
applying for the job. Write the letter in 125150 words giving your bio-data. [10 marks]
(AI 2014)
29. You are Arman/Arpita of 14, MG Road, Pune.
You had bought the textbook ‘Vistas’ for
class—XII from a neighbourhood bookstore.
After skimming through the book, you realised
that few pages were missing and the print
overlapped on a few pages. Write a complaint
letter in 125-150 words to the Manager, Dawn
Books, Lawrence Road, Chennai requesting
him for a replacement or refund. [10 marks]
(AI 2014)
30. You had bought an expensive wristwatch last
week. Now you realise that it is not functioning
properly. Write a letter in 125-150 words
to the Manager, Edison Watch Works, New
Delhi, complaining about it and requesting
him to repair or replace it immediately. You
are Gobind/Gopa of 68, Park Street, Kolkata.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
31. You are Mahesh/Mohita, President, R.W.A.,
Govindpuri, Bangalore. The main park in your
locality which was once a model park lies in a
state of utter neglect. It has become a favourite
spot for anti-social elements and permanent
resting place for stray animals. Write a letter
to the Municipal Commissioner requesting
him to instruct the horticulture department to
take prompt action and restore the park to its
original condition.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2014 C)
32. The youth of the country are very vigilant these
days and feel concerned about the problems
being faced by the people. Write a letter to
the editor of a national daily urging him to
highlight the role of the youth in eradicating
the problems of poverty, unemployment and
corruption. You are Rani/Rohit, 15, Gulbarga
Society, Surat.
[10 marks] (AI 2014 C)
33. Your town has been badly hit by floods due to
enormous rains. Write a letter to the editor of a
national daily giving a detailed account of the
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
74
37. You are Anoop/Akriti, Baden Power Senior
Secondary School, Delhi. Write a letter to the
Sales Manager, Aparna Publishing House,
placing an order for the books (minimum
four titles) for your school library. Invent the
necessary details.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
38. You have noticed many stray animals on the
road during the busy hours of the day. These
animals cause traffic jams as well as accidents.
You have already written to the concerned
authorities but no action has been taken so far.
Write a letter to the Editor, The Hindu, drawing
attention of the Municipal Commissioner,
Chennai. You are Shantha/Suresh, 12 M.G.
Road, Chennai.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
39. You are Nalini/Vishal, Hostel Warden, Zenith
Public School, Kosikalan. Write a letter to
the Sales Manager, Bharat Electronics and
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
40. Write a letter to your cousin, Raj Prakash who
is currently staying at Dubai, explaining the
process of CCE being used by the CBSE for the
Secondary School Examination in its affiliated
schools. Also mention how you and your
classmates have reacted to this scheme. You
are Narain/Nisha, 20 Fort Road, Mumbai.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
45. Due to insanitary conditions in the colony, the
population of rodents has been multiplying
exposing the residents to multiple diseases.
Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner
bringing the problem to his notice and urging
him to take urgent action in the matter. You
are Suraj/Supriya, 12, M.G. Road, Chennai.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
46. You are Pritam/Priti, 27, W. E. A. Karol
Bagh, Delhi. You have decided to shift your
residence to Faridabad and hence decided
to discontinue your membership of Brain
Trust Library, Karol Bagh. Write a letter to
the Librarian, requesting him to cancel your
membership and refund your security deposit
of five thousand explaining your inability to
continue your membership.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
yM
yK
41. Recently you travelled from Bangalore city
to Vasco in Vasco Express. To your dismay,
you found that the coach was infested with
cockroaches. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The
Hindu’ drawing the attention of the General
Manager, Southern Railways, to the prevailing
unhygienic conditions and asking for remedial
action. You are Saroj/Saran, 5/31 Bangalore
Cantt., Bangalore.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
difficult choice from a number of streams
available to him for further study at the senior
school level. There is no valid mechanism
to assess the suitability of a candidate for a
particular stream. Write a letter to the Editor
of a national daily emphasising the need of
educational counsellors for guidance in this
matter in each school. You are Vinita/Vinay,
48, Agra Fort, Agra.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
b
Domestic Appliances Limited, New Delhi,
placing an order for a few fans, microwave
ovens and geysers that you wish to purchase
for the hostel. Also Ask for the discount
permissible on the purchase. [10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
75
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
42. Recently you travelled in a State Transport bus
from Chennai to Thiruvallavur and to your
shock air-conditioning in that coach was
not working properly. The quality of the
maintenance of the bus was also not good.
All the way you spent time in unbearable
heat. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Hindu’,
drawing the attention of the General Manager
(Maintenance) for taking action in this matter.
You are Hema/Ganesh, 25, Avadi, Chennai.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
43. Games and sports are not given so much
importance in the country as is given to
academics. As a result of this our achievements
in the international arena are not very
spectacular. Write a letter to the Editor of a
national daily on the importance of sports and
games and on the need to create awareness
about it. You are Sunita/Sameer, 8/35, M.G.
Road, Bangalore.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
44. After passing the secondary school
examination, a candidate has to make a very
47. You are Anu/Arun, 13, W. E. A. Karol Bagh,
New Delhi. You feel very strongly about the
ill-treatment meted out to stray dogs at the
hands of callous and indifferent people. Write
a letter to the Editor of a national daily giving
your views on why some people behave in
such a manner and how these dogs should be
treated.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
48. Write a letter to the Station Master, Anand,
informing him about the loss of your suitcase
which you realised only on alighting at
Anand. You travelled by Navjivan Express
from Chennai to Anand. You are Priya/Prasad
of 12, Kasturi Bai Street, Chennai - 20.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
49. As a parent, write a letter to the Principal, ABC
School, Delhi, requesting him/her to grant
your ward Akhil/Asha Arora, permission to
attend the school two hours late for a month
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
to the Principal of the school asking him to
introduce vocational stream in the school
providing facility of teaching such subjects as
computers, insurance, etc. so that the students
may not needlessly continue academic
studies. You are residing at 15, Anand Colony,
Hyderabad.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
56. Write a letter to the Manager (Publications)
of Little Flower Company, Hyderabad,
placing an order for 4 books on Management
and Administration recently published by
them. You are Ronil/Rohini, Librarian, H.P.
Engineering College, Tirupathi.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
57. You are Sruthi/Shiraj staying at R.K. Puram,
Secunderabad. Your locality being away from
the main city, the poor bus service adversely
affects the life of residents. Write a letter to
the Editor, Deccan Chronicle, highlighting the
problems faced and also giving a few possible
solutions.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
C
op
yM
yK
as he/she has to attend the coaching classes
arranged by Sports Authority of India, on
being selected for participation in National
Swimming Championship.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
50. Write a letter to the Dean, D.P.I. School of
Management, Mumbai, requesting him to
apprise you of the details such as eligibility
criteria, fees, hostel facility, prospects of
placement, etc. for admission to P.G. Diploma
in HRM. You are Ram/Romola of 21, Civil
Lines, Bareily.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
51. Write a letter to the Editor, Deccan Times,
Bangalore about the inadequate parking
facilities in the Commercial Street, M.G.
Road, which is causing a lot of inconvenience
to the people. Offer your suggestions. You are
Anoop/Ritu, 24 Hennus Road, Bangalore.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
52. You are Rohit/Yasmin, a resident of 10, Civil
Lines, Saharanpur. During your college life,
you participated in various curricular and
co-curricular activities with meritorious
performance. Write a letter to the Principal of
your college i.e. Gurunanak College, Ambala
requesting him to issue you a testimonial
including the details of your performance.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
53. Judith Public School, Pune has recently
introduced Diploma Course in Lab Technology
under vocational stream. The prospects of this
course are not clear to your mind. Write a
letter to the Principal of the school inquiring
about the future prospects of this course and
requesting him to send a prospectus, if any.
You are Chaman/Chanchal, 25 Ashirwad
Apartments, Kolhapur.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
54. Write a letter to the Municipal Chairman of
New Town, North Arcot District about the
dilapidated condition of a public monument
requesting him to take urgent steps for the
preservation of this valuable heritage. You are
Anarkali/Akbar, 10, Pudupet, New Town.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
55. You are Raman/Rama, a member of ParentTeacher Association of Little Valley Senior
Secondary School, Hyderabad. Write a letter
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
76
58. You are Varsha/Varun, incharge of Excursion
Club of B.V.P. School, Mathura Road, Delhi.
Write a letter to the General Manager,
Northern Railways, requesting reservation
of a bogie for 80 students from New Delhi to
Chennai and back by G.T. Express.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
59. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Hindu’,
Chennai about rash and reckless driving by
the people in your city, suggesting preventive
measures. You are Kamal/Kanwar of 10,
Mount Road, Velacherry.
[10 marks]
(AI 2010)
60. You have shifted your residence from 10,
Lajpat Road to House No. 232, Aurobindo
Marg, Delhi. Write a letter to the General
Manager, MTNL requesting him for an early
transfer of your telephone line. You are Rohit/
Radhika of 15, The Mall, Amritsar.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
61. Write a letter the Editor, ‘The Hindu’ about
the mosquito menace due to stagnant water
in your locality. Give suggestions to improve
the situation. You are Raman/Renu, living in
Rajaji Nagar, Tiruneveli.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
77
Applications are invited for the post of
Junior Engineer. The candidate must have
at least a diploma in Civil Engineering from
a recognised institute. He should have at
least 3 years experience of field work. Salary
commensurate with qualification and
experience. Apply to the Manager, Parsva
Constructions Ltd., 24, Sector 10, Mysore,
within 10 days, with detailed resume.
b
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
68. As Store Incharge of Goodwill Public School,
47, M.G. Marg, Allahabad, write a letter
complaining about the poor quality of biscuits
in the latest consignment received from
M/s. Mangla Confectioners, Allahabad seeking
immediate replacement.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
69. Write a letter to the Manager, Furniture World,
Chennai, complaining about the poor quality
of office furniture you recently purchased from
them. Give details of the nature of complaint,
date of purchase, details of invoice, etc. and
seek immediate repair/replacement. You are
Mr. S. Reddy, Principal, P.S. Public School,
Chennai.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
70. You are Indu, a student of Class XII living
at 131, Hans Apartments, Agra. You are
interested in pursuing a course in Journalism.
Write a letter in response to an advertisement
issued by the Asian Institute of Journalism,
Delhi in a national daily, seeking information
about suitable courses, eligibility, fee structure,
and placement opportunities.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
71. Write a letter to the Manager, Book World,
Chennai, complaining about the delay in the
supply of class VII textbooks for the current
academic year giving necessary details.
Highlight the inconvenience caused due to it
and seek an immediate supply of books. You
are Rajini/Rajan, Manager, Book Store, Good
Shepherd High School, Trichy.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
72. As Sports Incharge of A.C.C. Public School,
Secunderabad, write a letter to the Secretary of
the Sports Authority of India, Delhi, requesting
him to send the details of scholarships
yM
yK
62. Write a letter to the Secretary Youth
Hostels, Jaipur, requesting him to provide
accommodations for 3 days to 4 members of
your family going on a tour of Rajasthan. You
are Kamini/Kamlesh, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
63. There is a flood of advertisements on television
channels these days. Useless commodities and
even superstitious beliefs are promoted through
glamorous and exaggerated presentations.
Write a letter to the Editor, ‘New Indian
Express’ about the negative influence such
advertisements have on the minds of the
people. You are Radha/Ramesh of Mayur
Vihar, Lucknow.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
64. Write a letter to the Manager, Haldirams,
Nagpur requesting him to supply 60 lunch
packets for your excursion party which would
be travelling by G.T. Express from Delhi to
Chennai. Your train would reach Nagpur at
12.15 p.m. Mention your coach number and
the other relevant details. You are Priti/Pritam,
co-ordinator of the excursion party of Sriram
Vidya Niketan, Delhi.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
65. SAF Public School, Chandigarh is planning to
take a group of 40 senior students to Shimla
on an excursion during the summer vacation.
Mr. Mohan Das, the teacher incharge of
‘Excursions and Field Trips’ writes a letter to
JJ Tours & Travels, Chandigarh asking them
to organise the tour. Write this letter giving
details of preference such as dates of journey,
transport, accommodation, etc.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
66. You are Navneet of 65, P.H. Road, Mangalore.
Recently you bought a mobile phone from ‘The
Phone Point’, 83, Mount Road, Mangalore.
The phone instrument developed a problem
within a month of purchase. Write a letter to
the dealer giving details of the nature of the
problem and asking him/her to rectify the
defect or replace the set.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
67. Read the advertisement given below and
write a letter applying for the job. Also give
your detailed resume to be sent along with
the letter. You are Praveen Kumar of 95, HAL
Colony, Bangalore.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
admissible to different categories of students
of the school, who have achieved excellence in
various sports. [10 marks] (Delhi 2008)
73. You are the Librarian of T.H.S.S. School, Kolar.
Write a letter to Messrs Vikas Publishers,
Chennai placing an order for some books for
your school library. Mention the details of the
books (at least four) and ask for the discount
available on the purchase.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2008)
74. As Cultural Secretary, Himalaya Public
School, Guntur, write a letter to the Director,
C.C.E.R.T. New Delhi, requesting him to
provide details of scholarships admissible
to school students who secure distinction in
music and dance. You are Vishali/Vinita.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2008)
3. Long Compositions
3.1 Debates
1. ‘The policy of reservation of seats for admission
to the professional courses is good for the
deprived sections of society.’
Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or
against the motion. [10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
2. ‘Rising prices can be controlled only by the
government’.
Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or
against the motion. [10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
3. ‘The policy of no detention till class VIII is not
in the interest of students.’ Write a debate in
150-200 words either in favour of or against
the motion.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
4. ‘Brain drain is not a bane for a developing
country like India’. Write a debate in 150-200
words either for or against the motion.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
yM
yK
75. You are the Store Incharge of B.J.P. Senior
Secondary School, Meerut. You require
various items of furniture such as chairs, desks,
almirahs, etc. for your school. Mentioning the
details of the items, write a letter to Chaddha
Furniture House, 15, Karol Bagh, Delhi placing
the order for furniture. Ask for the discount
available on the purchase.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2008)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
78
C
op
76. You are Apoorva, B-120, Malviya Nagar,
Chennai. Read the advertisement given below
and write a letter to the advertiser, applying
for the job.
INDIAN PHARMACEUTICALS,
20 Coast Road, Kochi, requires
Trainee Medical Representatives.
Candidates should be Science or Pharmacy
graduates and below 25 years of age. Fluency
in English and any one of the regional
languages is essential. Attractive stipend
with handsome working allowances will
be offered during training period. After
successful completion of the training, the
candidates will be appointed on regular
basis. Please apply with complete resume
and a passport size photograph at the above
address.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2007)
5. ‘The Internet cannot replace a classroom
teacher’. Write a debate in 150-200 words
either for or against the motion. [10 marks]
(AI 2016)
6. ‘Reality TV draws a factual picture of life.’ Write
a debate either for or against the motion in
150-200 words.
[10 marks] (Foreign 2016)
7. ‘Old age homes are not required in India.’
Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or
against the motion.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
8. The government has banned the use of
animals in the laboratories for the purpose of
dissection. Write a debate in 150 - 200 words
either for or against this decision. [10 marks]
(AI 2015)
9. Some people feel that electronic media (TV
news) will bring about the end of print media
(newspapers). What are your views on the
issue? Write a debate in 150 - 200 words either
for or against this view.
* use of visuals on TV
* authentic and fast
* not enough news for 24-hour telecast
* may fabricate news
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3.2 Speeches
4. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic,
‘A student must know how to manage his time’.
It is to be delivered in the morning assembly.
You are Karan/Karuna, Head Boy/ Head Girl
of the school.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
5. Write a speech in 150-120 words on the topic,
‘Discipline shapes the future of a student’. It is
to be delivered in the morning assembly. You
are Karuna/Karan.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
6. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered
in the morning assembly on the topic, ‘Water,
a valuable asset, conservation at home and at
school’. You are Karuna/Karan. [10 marks]
(AI 2016)
b
7. Write a speech in 150-200 words to be
delivered in the morning assembly on the
topic, ‘Beauty of India lies in its diversity’. You
are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
8. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic,
‘Importance of prayer in the morning at
school’. You are Karan/Karuna. [10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
yM
yK
* become repetitive and dull
* even scandals become news
* print media - time tested
* analysed, verified news
* editorial comments
* cater to all interests [10 marks] (AI 2015)
10. Consumerism is increasing day by day.
Luxuries of yesterday have become necessities
of today. The result is that the more we want the
more miserable we become. Write a debate in
150 - 200 words on ‘The only way to minimise
human suffering and pain is to control our
needs.’ You are Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks]
(AI 2015)
11. Migration from villages to cities has led to the
spread of urban slums. People living in these
slums lead a miserable life. Economic disparity
leads to the problems of law and order. Write
a debate in 150 - 200 words on ‘Solution to the
problem of misery in the urban slums lies in
creating jobs in the villages’. You are Navtej/
Navita.
[10 marks] (AI 2015)
79
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
1. Sakshi Malik won a bronze medal in Rio
Olympics. Every Indian felt proud of her. You,
Head Girl of your school want to deliver a
speech in order to express your feelings. Write
the speech in 150-200 words. Apart from your
own ideas use the following clues :
Wrestling mostly a male sport – Sakshi
born in conservative surroundings - most
unfavourable gender ratio for females –
parental encouragement – one can’t forget the
look of determination on her face in the last
three minutes of the bout.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2017)
2. Write a speech in 150-200 words on ‘Benefits
of early rising’ to be delivered by you in the
morning assembly of your school. You are
Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
3. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic,
‘Library plays an important role at school’. It is
to be delivered in the morning assembly. You
are Karuna/Karan, Head Girl/Head Boy.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
9. Mobile phone of today is no longer a mere
means of communication. Music lovers are so
glued to it that they don’t pay attention even to
the traffic while crossing the roads. This leads
to accidents sometimes even fatal ones.
Write a speech in 150-200 words to be delivered
in the morning assembly advising the students
to be careful in the use of this otherwise very
useful gadget. Imagine you are Principal of
your school.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2015)
10. Power shortage has become a norm even
in the metropolitan cities. One way to face
this situation is by preventing the wastage of
power.
Write a speech in 150-200 words on the
importance of power in our daily life and how
to save power at school and at home. Imagine
that you are the Principal of your school.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2015)
11. Outside the gate of your school there are a few
food carts. They don’t observe strict hygienic
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3.3 Reports
1. Cultural Society Sunshine Public School,
Nellore organised an adult literacy camp in
its neighbourhood. Write a report in 150-200
words on the camp for your school newsletter.
You are P.V. Sunitha, Secretary. Use the
following clues :
no. of volunteers – hours spent in teaching –
location of the class – chairs, blackboards – no.
of people attending the camp – benefit.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2017)
2. Incessant rain has caused irrecoverable
damage in your area. As an active participant
in the flood relief programme, write a report
in 125-150 words on the different flood
relief measures carried out. You are Krishan/
Krishna.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
3. You have visited a book exhibition in your
neighbourhood. Write a report in about 125150 words on the exhibition. You are Rohan/
Rohini.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
C
op
yM
yK
standards. You have observed that so many
of your students go to them immediately
after the school is over. This can create health
problems. As Principal write a speech in 150200 words on ‘Healthy Food’ to be delivered in
the morning assembly.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2015 C)
12. You are Rajendra Kumar, a social worker. You
read an article in The Hindu on ‘Health Care
for Indian Workers’. Write a speech in 125150 words on the importance of health care
to be delivered at a public function to create
awareness among the workers.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
13. Media has a strong hold on society. Write
a speech in 125-150 words on how media
influences public opinion to be delivered in
the school assembly.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
14. You are Sampreet, an educationist. You have
noticed that the youth of today are often unable
to cope with stress and become frustrated and
bitter. Write a speech in 125-150 words to be
delivered at a college function on ‘Youth, their
problems and solutions’.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
15. After Independence India has seen a steep
upward trend in the graph of corruption.
The public has often become disgusted and
disappointed. As Venkat, a well known
journalist, write a speech in 150-200 words on
‘Corruption, its causes and solutions’.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
16. Regular practice of yoga can help in
maintaining good health and even in the
prevention of so many ailments. Write a
speech in 150-200 words to be delivered in the
morning assembly on the usefulness of yoga.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
17. You are Ajay/Anu, Head Boy/Girl of Kendriya
Vidyalaya, Kanpur. You have seen some
students of junior classes littering the school
compound and verandahs with tiffin leftovers.
It makes the school look unclean and untidy.
Write a speech in 150-200 words to be
delivered in the morning assembly, advising
such students to keep the school neat and
clean.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
80
4. On Teachers’ Day, the badge holders of your
school organised a grand celebration to honour
the teachers of your school. As the Head Boy
of the school, write a report on the celebration
in 125-150 words. [10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
5. As you were travelling by train, you happened
to witness an accident at an unmanned level
crossing. As the reporter of a newspaper, write
a report on the accident, including details of
the number of people injured and the extent
of damage caused. [10 marks] (Delhi 2014)
6. You had attended a workshop on personality
development for students. Many eminent
personalities had been present. Write a report
in 125-150 words on how the workshop proved
to be beneficial. You are Rajesh/Rajshree.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
7. A few teachers and students from the Edwin
University had visited your school on an
exchange programme. You welcomed them
grandly. Write a report in 125-150 words on
the celebration. You are Brijesh/Benu.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
14. As a staff reporter of The Times of India, Delhi,
you are asked to cover an incident of daylight
robbery on the outskirts of Delhi, while the
inmates were present in the house. Write a
report in 100-125 words.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2013)
15. Your School, Sea View Public School, Kochi,
organised a Blood-Donation Camp on the
occasion of the Republic Day celebrations.
As Cultural Secretary of your school, write a
report on the event in 100-125 words.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
16. Traffic police has launched a special drive
against pollution causing vehicles. This has
led to traffic jams and crowds at important
intersections. Write a report in 100-125 words
to be published in ‘Chennai Times’. You are
Prince/Priya, 12 M.G. Road, Adayar, Chennai.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
op
yM
yK
9. Members of the Social Activities Club of your
school recently visited an orphanage run by a
well-known N.G.O. Members of the club were
greatly impressed with the atmosphere in the
orphanage. Write a report in 125-150 words,
giving details, such as clean surroundings,
nice and caring staff, well-fed children with
glowing faces, toys and games for kids, etc.
You are Nutan/Naveen, President of your
school’s Social Activities Club.
[10 marks]
(AI 2014 C)
10. The members of Saraswati Residents Welfare
Association held a protest rally at the District
Park against the decision of the Municipal
Corporation to cut down trees for widening of
roads to ease traffic congestion. Write a report
on the rally in 120-150 words. You are Puneeta/
Pramod, the President of the Association.
[10 marks] (AI 2014 C)
September. Write a report in 100-125 words
on the activities performed for your school
newsletter. You are Shobita/Sameer, Cultural
Secretary of your school. Invent the necessary
details.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
b
8. Write a report in 125-150 words on the Zonal
Cricket Tournament held in the playground of
A.B.C. School, Laxmi Nagar last week. Your
report should include details, such as names
of participating teams, exciting, cheerful
atmosphere, decorated playground, a large
crowd of cheering students and presentation
ceremony. You are Gopalan/Gauri, Student
Editor of your school magazine. [10 marks]
(Delhi 2014 C)
81
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
11. Your school, Sun Public School, Poona,
celebrated ‘Environment Day’ on 5th
November. Write a report on the programme
in 100-125 words for your school newsletter.
You are Neeta/Naveen, Cultural Secretary of
the school. Invent the necessary details.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
12. You are Deepak/Deepika, Secretary of Ahimsa
Club, Parsva Public School, Delhi. On 2nd
October your school observed ‘International
Day for Peace and Non-violence’, organising
various activities such as visit to Raj Ghat,
Charkha spinning, lectures by eminent
Gandhians, etc. Write a report on the same in
100-125 words. [10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
13. Your school Kanpur Senior Secondary School,
Kanpur celebrated ‘No Tobacco Day’ on 4th
17. Maxim Gorky School, Kodaikanal celebrated
‘Nutrition Week’ from 1st September to
7th September by arranging inter-school
cookery contests, oratorical, painting and
poster competitions, besides talks by eminent
nutritionists and medical professionals. There
was an overwhelming response from students
and parents. Prepare a report in 100-125 words
to be published in your school magazine. You
are Arjun/Anita, School Pupil Leader.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
18. You are Roshan/Rohini, School Pupil Leader
of Meerut Public School, Meerut. Your school
joined a campaign organised by various
agencies of your city to create awareness
among people to conserve water. Write a
report in 100-125 words highlighting the
activities such as rain water harvesting etc.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
19. You are Smitha/Smith, Secretary, Cultural
Association, Motilal Fomra School, Tirupati.
Last month your school celebrated Library
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
82
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Week in which book reading sessions, writing
of book reviews, lectures by eminent writers,
etc. were organised. Write a report on it to be
published in your school newsletter in 100125 words.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
25. You witnessed a road accident near Nalbandh
Chowraha at Agra in which a bus and a scooter
were involved. Write a report for Amar Ujala in
100-125 words. Sign as Vivek/Vimala, Special
Correspondent.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
20. You attended a meeting organised by the
Education Society running your school on 5th
September, the birthday of Dr. S. Radhakrishan,
the former President of India, to felicitate
the best teachers of the area. Mentioning the
contribution of teachers to the society and the
awards given to them, write a report in 100125 words for your school magazine. You are
Bina/Babu, Head Girl/Head/Boy of A.B.C
School, Coimbatore.
[10 marks]
(AI 2013)
26. Your school celebrated International Year of
Chemistry. 36 schools from Delhi participated
in various competitions. Chairman, CBSE
was the Chief Guest. As co-ordinator, draft
a report in 100-125 words for your school
magazine. You are Ram/Ramya of G. B. Senior
Secondary School, Delhi.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2012)
b
ita
28. Your school has recently arranged a musical
night in the school auditorium. Write a report
in 100-125 words on this programme, for your
school magazine. You are Mahima/Mahesh,
Cultural Secretary of Vasant Vihar Public
School, Itarsi. Invent the details.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
yM
yK
21. Keeping in view the frequent occurrence of
earthquakes, floods and torrential rains in
different parts of the country, your school
arranged a talk on disaster management. The
speaker explained the precautionary measures
to be taken by the public and the government
in case of emergency. As a student reporter,
Ravi/Rani prepare a report on the talk in 100125 words, to be published in your local paper.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
27. You witnessed a bomb blast in a Delhi market
when you went there for shopping alongwith
your parents for Diwali purchases. Write
a report in 100-125 words for your school
magazine.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
C
op
22. Your school Commerce Association organised
a seminar for class XII students of the schools
of your zone on the topic, ‘Rising prices create
a crisis’. As co-ordinator of the programme
write a report in 100-125 words for your
school magazine. You are Piyush/Priya of
ABC School Agra. [10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
23. A new indoor gymnasium has recently
been constructed and inaugurated at APJ
International School in Goa. As special
correspondent of ‘The Hindu’ draft a report
in 100-125 words on the gymnasium and the
inauguration ceremony.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2012)
24. Your school conducted a seminar on ‘How to
prevent cruelty towards animals’, in which 40
city CBSE schools took part. As co-ordinator
of the programme, write a report in 100125 words for the school magazine. You are
Vikram/Vidhi of C.P.S. Senior Secondary
School, Bangalore. [10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
29. You witnessed a fire accident in a slum area
near your colony on Saturday night. You
were very much disturbed by the pathetic
sight. Write a report in 100-125 words for
your school magazine. You are Lakshmi/
Lakshman, a student of P.D.K. International
School, Madurai.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
30. You are Cultural Secretary of PND Xavier
School, Jamshedpur. Your school organised
a debate on the topic, ‘The impact of reality
shows on the younger generation’. Write a
report in 100-125 words to be published in
‘The Times of India’, Jamshedpur.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
31. A major bus mishap which left several people
seriously injured took place at Nicholas Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai. Luckily no life
was lost. Collect the information from the
eyewitnesses and send a report in 100-125
words to ‘The Nungambakkam Times’. You are
Vinod/Vinodini, a reporter.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
33. The Debating Society of your school has
recently held a workshop on ‘Continuous and
Comprehensive Evaluation’ (CCE) introduced
for the students of Class X in all schools. The
students discussed the assessment made by
the school on the basis of their participation
in various activities and the system of grading.
Write a report in 100-125 words for your
school magazine. You are Parveen/Payal,
Secretary of the Society.
[10 marks]
(AI 2011)
38. You are Sweety/Suresh of L.M. Jain School,
Ajmer. As Secretary of your School Cocurricular Activities Club, you visited a slum
area in your city where the people suffered
a great loss of life and property in a massive
fire. The students of your school rendered
their services and material help to the victims.
Write a report in 100-125 words for your
school magazine.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
39. Recently your school held a seminar on
Conservation of Water as a part of World
Water Day celebrations. As the School Pupil
Leader of Maryland School, Gurgaon, write a
report in 100-125 words for a local daily. Sign
as Pritham/Preeti. [10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
op
yM
yK
34. You visited a job fair organised by Ability
Foundation in Chennai recently. You were
impressed to see that nearly 55 companies
from various sectors such as information
technology, telecommunication, electronics,
etc. offered jobs to the final year students of
colleges. As a reporter of the Deccan Times,
Chennai prepare a report in 100-125 words.
You are Peeyush/Priya.
[5 marks]
(AI 2011)
37. You are Latha/Lalith of Gurgaon. You attended
the inaugural ceremony of the newly opened
vocational stream and hobby classes at the
secondary school level in Paras Public School,
Gurgaon. Draft a report in 100-125 words to
be published in ‘Gurgaon Times’. Invent other
details.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
b
32. You are Poorva/Partha, Cultural Secretary of
your school, D.B. Senior Secondary School,
Ambur. A week-long Music and Dance festival
was organised by your school. Write a report
in 100-125 words for your school magazine.
Invent the details.
[10 marks]
(AI 2011)
83
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
35. You are Anand/Anandi, a Times of India
correspondent. You attended the inaugural
function of Tamil Nadu Hospital, Chennai.
Mentioning the specialities of the hospital, the
number of beds, all available facilities, etc. and
details about the ceremony, write a report in
100-125 words for your newspaper.
[5 marks] (AI 2011)
36. You witnessed a programme performed by
differently abled persons on Zee T.V. You were
very much impressed by their performance
and were emotionally touched. Highlighting
their talent, reaction of the judges to their
performance, etc., prepare a report in 100125 words for your school magazine. You are
Gopal/Gopi, Student Editor of the magazine.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
40. Your school has recently organised a medical
camp for screening students and staff for
Swine Flu on the occasion of Independence
Day Celebrations. The parents were also
invited for screening. You are Rohit/Rashmi,
Cultural Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra
School, Bangalore. Write a report of the event
in 100-125 words for ‘The Times of India’.
[5 marks] (Delhi 2010)
41. The Green Club of your school celebrated ‘Van
Mahotsava and Environment Protection Week’
involving students of your school. Eminent
environmentalists, journalists and celebrities
were also invited. Write a report in 100-125
words on the activities performed for a local
daily. You are Amrit/Amrita, Secretary of the
Club.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
42. Your school organised an exhibition-cumsale of the items prepared under Work
Experience by your school students. There
was an overwhelming response from the
public. Prepare a report in 100-125 words for a
local daily. You are the Co-ordinator, S.U.P.W.
activities, Nita School, Gurgaon.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3.4 Factual Description
1. Last week the newly built auditorium of your
school was inaugurated. As Deepak/Deepti
Saha, the Head Boy/Girl of the school, write
a factual description of the auditorium in
125-150 words.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
2. Your brother is going to Chennai to write an
entrance exam. You have requested your friend
to meet him at the railway station and arrange
accommodation for him. As your brother has
not seen your friend, give a detailed factual
description of your friend in 125-150 words,
so that your brother can recognise him easily.
You are Parvesh/Parvati.
[10 marks]
(AI 2014)
3. Parks are not only useful for children, adults
and the old, but are environment friendly too.
Write a factual description in 100-125 words
of the neighbourhood park you often visit.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
C
op
yM
yK
43. Your school organised a seminar on Swine
Flu for creating awareness among students of
your school, and their parents. As secretary
of the Health Club of Oasis Public School,
Hyderabad, write a report in 100-125 words
for ‘The Deccan Herald’.
[10 marks]
(AI 2010)
44. You are Naren, a class XI student of Preet
Public School, Chennai. You attended a weeklong training programme organized by The
Debating Society, Chennai to develop debating
skills. Mentioning the number of participants,
speakers and the skills taught such as listening,
concentration, effective speaking, etc., write
a report in 100-125 words for your school
magazine.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
45. You are Sujay, a staff reporter of ‘The Herald’.
Write a report in 100-125 words covering
the Book Fair organised in New Delhi in the
month of January by the leading publishers of
the country.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
46. Alpha School recently organised a course
in First Aid for students of senior classes.
As Vivek of Class XII write a report on the
programme giving necessary details for the
school magazine. Write the report in 100-125
words.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
47. The Eco Club of your school launched a
special cleanliness drive in the school and
its neighbourhood. As Secretary of the club,
write a report in 100-125 words giving details
of the programme. You are Karan of A.M.M.
High School, Hyderabad.
[10 marks]
(AI 2009)
48. You are Amrit/Anuradha of B.M.B. Public
School, Dalmianagar. Recently your school
celebrated Environment Week. Giving details
of the celebrations, write a report in 100-125
words for your school magazine.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2008)
49. You are Rama, studying in Sun Public School,
Bangalore. Every year your school celebrates
the ‘World Health Day’ that falls on 7th April.
Write a report for your school newsletter in
100-125 words on how the day was celebrated
this year.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2007)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
84
4. Write a factual description of the new library
-cum-reading room in your school for the
primary class students in 100-125 words.
Include details of the layout, display facility,
seating arrangement, etc.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
5. You visited your friend who is residing in a
school hostel. Write a factual description in
100-125 words including the facilities such as
accommodation, food, entertainment, sports,
etc. provided there. [10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
6. Write a factual description of the multistoreyed shopping mall in your locality in 100125 words. Include details of layout, special
facilities like ATM, restaurants, escalators, etc.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
7. Write a factual description of the scene at the
park in your locality in the morning hours in
100-125 words. Include activities like walking,
exercising, children at play, etc. [10 marks]
(AI 2009)
3.5 Articles
1. India is a land of diversity. One way in which
it makes us feel proud of it is the number of
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
2. Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle,
lack of nutritious food, etc. have caused health
woes for a large section of our population.
Providing health care used to be a charitable
and ethical activity. Today it has become
commercialised, a money spinning business.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How
to provide proper healthcare to the common
man’s. You are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2016)
8. In certain states of India there is a great
imbalance in the male-female ratio. This is the
result of special treatment given to boys in the
family. Why is it so? How can we change this
mindset? Write an article in 150-200 words
on ‘Gender discrimination in society’. You are
Karuna/Karan.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
9. For admission to colleges, there is a lot of
competition today. For one available seat,
there are hundreds of candidates. Such a
situation leads to stress on the minds of
students in the schools. However, the practice
of Yoga can help them to feel calm and stress
free. Write an article in 150-200 words on the
topic, ‘Importance of Yoga to Students’. You
are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
yM
yK
3. India is an emerging economy. We are rich in
natural resources. Yet a significant proportion
of our people is living below poverty line. One
cause of this poverty is our rising population.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to
keep a check on population’. You are Karuna/
Karan.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
7. Increase in the number of private vehicles
has caused problems like rising air pollution,
traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage,
etc. The solution lies in the use of public
transport. Write an article in 150-200 words
on ‘The Importance of Public Transport’. You
are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks]
(AI 2016)
b
festivals we enjoy. Write an article in 150-200
words on ‘Festivals of India’. You are Karuna/
Karan.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
85
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
op
4. Women feel unsafe on the road, at their place
of work and even at home. There is an urgent
need to change the male mindset in its attitude
towards women.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to
make women feel safe’. You are Karan/ Karuna.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2016)
C
5. Education has always been a noble profession.
Our ancestors received their learning at
gurukuls and ashrams. Even in the near past
pathshalas (schools) were associated with
places of worship. Today, education is fast
becoming commercialised. Parents have to
shell out a lot of money on coaching classes,
tuition fees, etc. Write an article in 150-200
words on ‘The State of Education, Today’. You
are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
6. According to 2011 census, literacy rate of
hundred percent or around has been achieved
by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is
found mostly among the old and the deprived
sections of society. What can the youth do
to spread literacy in society? Write an article
in 150-200 words on ‘Role of students in
eradicating illiteracy.’ You are Karuna/Karan.
[10 marks] (AI 2016)
10. While watching TV what we generally dislike
most are commercial breaks, yet, a number
of advertisements do add to our information.
Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘Advertisement as a source of information’.
You are Karuna/Karan. [10 marks] (AI 2016)
11. In spite of 24-hour news on TV, the morning
newspaper has not lost its relevance in the
daily life of common man. Write an article in
150-200 words on ‘Print media and TV news’.
You are Karuna/Karan.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
12. Charity begins at home. If we want a clean
India (Swachh Bharat) we have to begin with
ourselves, make individual efforts not to make
our surroundings dirty. Write an article in
150-200 words on ‘Role of Individuals in
Society to Keep our Environment Clean’. You
are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
13. You feel disturbed when you read in the
newspapers about rising incidence of crime
against women. This is particularly so in the
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
20. When children watch TV the adults generally
scold them without realising that some
programmes on TV can be educative too.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘TV as a
tool of instruction’. You are Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2015)
21. Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent
incident at a prestigious school has shown that
this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an
article in 150 - 200 words on ‘Ragging, an Evil’.
You are Navtej/Navita.
* a practice from the British era
* original aim, respect for hierarchy
* enforcing traditions, discipline
* Prefect – a teacher substitute
* misuse of authority
* vulgar aspect
* fatalities
[10 marks] (AI 2015)
* solution
22. India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give
your views on the tourism potential of India in
an article of 150 - 200 words. You are Navtej/
Navita.
* places of worship – religious tourism
* foreigners – places of historical interest
* the rich – hill stations during summers
– the sun-kissed beaches in winters
– leisure tourism
* medical tourism – world class hospitals
[10 marks] (AI 2015)
C
op
yM
yK
metropolitan cities. Write an article in 150200 words on ‘Role of Public and Police in
Curbing the Crime Against Women’. You are
Karuna / Karan.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
14. The youth are indebted to society in several
ways. They are nurtured by a family at home,
educated in a school and enjoy so many
facilities to lead a smooth life. They owe a lot
to society. In several ways they can help the
society to function better. Write an article in
150-200 words on ‘Students and their Social
Responsibilities’. You are Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks] (Foreign 2016)
15. By and large we Indians are very kind-hearted.
And our religions also teach us the lesson of
non-violence. Yet, we are inclined to show no
kindness to stray animals (cattle included). We
are cruel to street dogs, our cows (no longer
milch), draft animals, etc.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How
can we stop being cruel to animals ?’ You are
Karan/Karuna.
[10 marks] (Foreign 2016)
16. India has been called a ‘tourists’ paradise’. Yet
there are a few problems that the tourists face
while in India. Write an article in 150-200
words on ‘How to promote tourism in India’.
You are Karuna/Karan.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2016)
17. In the year to come (if you have not already
done this year) you are going to celebrant
your 18th birthday. Write an article in 150-200
words on the joys and responsibilities of being
eighteen. You are Navtej/Navita. [10 marks]
(Delhi 2015)
18. Write an article in 150-200 words on how
we can make India a carefree and enjoyable
place for women where they can go wherever
they like to without any fear of being stared
at, molested or discriminated against. You are
Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2015)
19. Emotionally as well as intellectually, a woman
is as good as a man if not better. Yet we don’t
allow her the same status as a man enjoys in
society. Write an article in 150-200 words on
“Status of Women in Society”. You are Navtej/
Navita.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2015)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
86
23. Midday meal scheme in the schools introduced
by the government serves several purposes.
Millions of children from the deprived sections
of society get nutritious food leading to good
health, are attracted to the schools, kept from
going astray and developed into good citizens.
The scheme may have some drawbacks too.
Write an article in 150 - 200 words on all
aspects of the scheme. You are Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks] (AI 2015)
24. Morning assembly in the schools gives a cool
and calm start to the otherwise hectic schedule
of the day. It can be a means of passing
important information to the students. What
are your views on this significant event of the
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
wondered how people can be so devoid of
civic sense. Write an article in 125-150 words
on why we lack civic sense and how civic sense
can be inculcated in children at a very young
age. You are Shiva/Shamini.
[10 marks]
(AI 2014)
30. You saw a stray dog beaten to death by a group
of boys. Their act infuriated you and you
scolded them for their cruel act. You decided
to write an article on cruelty to animals. Write
the article in 125-150 words. You are Nikhil/
Naina. [10 marks] (AI 2014)
b
31. A newspaper report on a recent terrorist
attack in your locality shattered you. You
decided to write an article in a local daily
on terrorist attacks and the need to maintain
peace and harmony in society. Write the article
in 125-150 words. You are Madhav/Meena.
[10 marks] (AI 2014)
32. India is a tourists’ paradise. But we have not
really exploited our tourism possibilities.
Write an article in 125-150 words on ‘Tourism
in India’. You are Ravi/Rani.
[10 marks]
(AI 2014)
C
op
yM
yK
day? Write an article in 150 - 200 words on
‘Importance of Morning Assembly’. You are
Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks] (AI 2015)
25. Within a few months you will be joining a
college. How do you look at college life? Is it
freedom from strict discipline imposed on you
by the school? A carefree life with no worries
of completing assigned home work. Or, is it
the beginning of responsible preparation for
a brilliant career? Write an article in 150–200
words on what you think of college life. You
are Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks]
(Foreign 2015)
26. The number of cars that a country produces
every year is one way of measuring its
prosperity. At the same time what the vehicles
lead to are traffic jams, air pollution, road rage,
an unhealthy competition in the middle class
to own more and newer cars. What are your
views on the issue — Private cars or Public
transport? Describe them in an article in
150-200 words. You are Navtej/Navita.
[10 marks] (Foreign 2015)
27. You are Dikshit, sportsman. You are worried
about the decreasing interest of students in
sports and games. Write an article in 150200 words to be published in a magazine on
the need for sports and games. You are Amit/
Anita. Use the hints given below.
• sitting most of the time
• excessive use of internet
• most don’t walk to the school
• more importance to examination results
[10 marks] (Delhi 2015 C)
28. Nowadays, students attend coaching classes
early in the morning or after school hours. You
feel that this trend makes them tired, affects
their health and so their grades. Write an
article in 150-200 words to make the students
understand how this is not very helpful in
improving their grades and is a waste of their
precious time. You are Ram/Rani.
[10 marks] (AI 2015 C)
29. Last week, as you were coming back from
school you happened to see a huge plastic
bag full of leftover food being flung onto the
middle of the road from a speeding car. You
87
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
33. Travelling in an overcrowded bus can be very
upsetting. Pushing and shoving, suffocation,
angry faces and rumpled clothes are facts a
traveller has to face. Write an article in 125–
150 words on “Travelling in an overcrowded
bus.” You are Sohan/Sohini.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2014 C)
34. Failure and setbacks are normal part of life.
They make us aware of our shortcomings and
encourage us to conquer them. Write an article
in 125-150 words on “Failure is a stepping
stone to success”. You are Gopal/Gopika.
[10 marks] (AI 2014 C)
35. Your family has recently shifted from Kota
in Rajasthan to Ernakulam in Kerala, where
your house is situated in the midst of beautiful
flowering plants and fruit-yielding trees. Every
minute and every second, you are experiencing
the joy of being in the lap of nature. Write an
article in 150-200 words on the diversity of
nature that you have experienced. You are
Latha/Lalith of Class XII.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2013)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
36. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic,
‘Poverty is the cause of all evils’, to be published
in the Young World of ‘The Hindu’, Chennai.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2013)
37. Write an article in 150-200 words for your
school magazine on the topic, ‘Obesity Among
School Children’. You are Mohini/Mohit.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
38. You are Raman/Ruchika. Write an article in
150-200 words for your school magazine on
the topic, ‘Life without Modern Gadgets’.
[10 marks] (AI 2013)
39. Spurt of violence previously is known in
Indian schools makes it incumbent on the
educationists to introduce value education
effectively in schools. Write an article in 150200 words expressing your views on the need
of value education. You are Anu/Arun.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2012)
44. There is a growing trend among the youth to
participate in adventurous activities. Write
an article in 150-200 words for your school
magazine on the topic, ‘Why would you prefer
to have an adventurous life?’
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2011)
45. Children upto the age of 12 years have been
participating in TV programmes, bearing a lot
of stress and neglecting their studies at such
a prime time of their life. Write an article in
150-200 words on ‘How far is it justifiable for
children to participate in TV programmes?’
You are Sukra/Sukanya.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2011)
46. The invention of mobile phone has brought
about a revolution in the lives of the people in
the country. If used properly it can be a blessing
but if misused it can prove to be a curse. Write
an article in 150-200 words on ‘Mobile phone
- a boon or bane’. You are Kartik/Krishna.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
op
yM
yK
40. Dance, as shown in some reality shows on
TV, seems to be a mix of gymnastics and P.T.
exercises. Actually, it is neither. India has a rich
tradition of classical and folk dances. Write an
article in 150-200 words on the need to have
a reality show exclusively based on Indian
classical dances. You are Anu/Arun.
[10 marks] (AI 2012)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
88
C
41. Increase in the number of vehicles causes
pollution and traffic jams. Write an article in
150-200 words for The New Indian Express,
Delhi, highlighting the urgent need to solve
these man-made problems, giving suitable
suggestions. You are Madhav/Madhuri.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
42. In almost all big cities in the country there is
a mushroom growth of slums where people
are living in inhuman conditions. Write an
article in 150-200 words about this problem
suggesting steps to deal with it. You are Komal/
Kartik.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
43. Corruption has become the order of the day.
It has entered all walks of life. Write an article
for your school magazine in 150-200 words on
‘The Role of Youth in Combating Corruption’.
You are Vijay/Vineeta.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2011)
47. With the rising number of people in almost all
the big cities of the country, the rate of crime
has also increased proportionately. The police
needs to be trained in new methodology of
combating the crime besides changing its
mindset. Write an article in 150-200 words
on ‘The role of police in maintaining law and
order in the metropolitan cities’. You are Ravi /
Ravina.
[10 marks] (AI 2011)
48. Presently the prices of essential commodities
are skyrocketing causing much hardship to
the common man. Write an article in 150-200
words expressing your views and suggesting
measures to curb this problem. [10 marks]
(Delhi 2010)
49. The number of women in the police force
seems insufficient specially when we see the
increasing involvement of women in terrorist
activities. Write an article in 150-200 words
for ‘The Hindustan Chronicle’, on the need of
having more women in the police force.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
50. In many parts of our country girls are
still discouraged from going to school.
Consequently sizable section of the population
is deprived of education. Schemes like Sarva
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
51. Advertisements have become a big business.
They are promoted by celebrities drawn from
various fields like films, sports, etc., leaving
their influence on all people specially the
young. Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘The impact of advertisements on the younger
generation’.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
57. Teenage is commonly perceived as the most
joyful period of an individual’s life. Vidya who
represents the teenagers of today feels that
the pressure of the competitive world they
live in has made teen years less exciting and
expresses her ideas in an article entitled, ‘On
Being a Teenager’ for the ‘Youth Times’. Write
the article in 150-200 words.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2009)
58. Every activity that man indulges in creates
waste of some kind. Some of the waste can
be recycled or reused. In fact the need of the
hour is to conserve the earth’s resources in all
possible ways. Write an article on the topic
‘Conservation, Need of the Hour’ in 150-200
words. You are Brinda, a keen environmentalist.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2009)
yM
yK
52. Indian culture has traditionally sustained
a joint family system in which the old have
always- had a very respectable place. There has
been an erosion of these values in the present
times. Write an article in 150-200 words on
the need for the young to take care of their old
instead of sending them to the old age homes.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
article in 150-200 words on ‘The Role of the
Students in Removing Illiteracy.’ [10 marks]
(AI 2010)
b
Shiksha Abhiyan, CBSE scholarship to single
girl child and the Government’s policy of
giving free education to girls have come as a
boon to our society. Write an article in 150200 words on education of the girl child in the
country.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
89
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
op
53. The present day youth are greatly stressed due
to cut-throat competition and consumerist
culture. Write an article in 150-200 words
on the causes of the stress on the modern
generation suggesting suitable solutions.
[10 marks] (Delhi 2010)
C
54. Science attempts to explore the secrets of
nature while religion wants to reveal the very
purpose of existence. The aim of both science
and religion is to discover the truth. Write
an article in 150-200 words on ‘Science and
Religion’.
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
55. It is due to cable television that programmes
are brought to our homes day and night for all
the seven days in a week. It has brought a lot
of change in the lifestyle of the people. Write
an article in 150-200 words on ‘Cable TV – a
boon or a bane.’
[10 marks] (AI 2010)
56. India is standing at the threshold of joining the
developed nations but that is not possible till
we achieve complete literacy in the country.
The contribution of students may be very
significant in achieving our goals. Write an
59. Children living in cities are rarely seen playing
outdoors in the neighbourhood. Being busy
with other attractions like the television and
computer games, they miss the joy of outdoor
play. Write an article in 150-200 words for the
magazine, ‘Kids Talk’ highlighting the need
and value of outdoor games. You are Vidya/
Vinod. [10 marks] (AI 2009)
60. Today the 24-hour television news channels
give us instant news from every nook and
corner of the world. But the fact remains that
the importance of the newspaper remains
intact. Write an article in 150-200 words
expressing your views on ‘The Relevance of
Newspapers’. You are Sunil/Sunita.
[10 marks] (AI 2009)
61. You are Bala, a social worker and freelance
writer, much concerned about the
discriminatory treatment given to females
right from their birth in the Indian society.
Write an article in 150-200 words throwing
light on this problem and giving suggestions
for putting an end to it.
[10 marks]
(Delhi 2007)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
90
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Answers
1. Short Compositions
1.1 Notices
1.
24 March, 20××
SUNSHINE PUBLIC SCHOOL, MANU VIHAR
NOTICE
Change of Uniform
All students are hereby informed that the school authority has decided to allow students to wear
full sleeve shirts and trousers in school for a period of one month. Kindly adhere to the change of
uniform.
Principal
CITIZEN PUBLIC SCHOOL, RAM BAGH, VARANASI
NOTICE
24 September, 20××
Cleanliness Drive
All students of Class-XI are requested to enrol for the week-long Cleanliness Drive around
the school, to be held in the month of October, starting from 2nd October, 20××. For further
information, please contact the undersigned.
Mohini Shah
(Health Secretary, Students’ Council)
3.
RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION, JANATA GROUP HOUSING SOCIETY
PALAM VIHAR, KURNOOL
NOTICE
1 March, 20××
Water Supply To Be Suspended
Water supply will be suspended on 6 March, 20×× for eight hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for cleaning
of the water tank. Residents of the society are requested to store water accordingly to avoid
inconvenience.
Karan Kumar
(Secretary)
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
2.
4.
ABC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI
NOTICE
5 March, 20××
Lost/Found
This is to bring to your notice that I, Karuna, a student of XII-A, misplaced my chemistry notes
yesterday during lunch break at the school ground. If anyone finds it, please return it to the
undersigned.
Karuna
XII-A.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
5.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
91
NOTICE
10 April, 20××
Lost / Found
While travelling by taxi from Lucknow airport to Hazratganj, I left behind a small blue Puma bag
containing my educational certificates and some official documents. They are in a yellow packet
inside the bag. Anyone finding it may please contact me on the number given below.
A suitable reward will be given to the person returning it.
Karuna
9191909089
6.
SUNRISE PUBLIC SCHOOL, SURAT
NOTICE
b
10 February, 20××
yM
yK
ita
Flower Show
The District Collector has invited the students of our school to the Annual Flower Show to be held
on 20 February, 20×× at Central Park from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. The event will showcase a variety
of seasonal and off seasonal flowers, which would be a sight worth seeing.
Students interested, may collect passes from the undersigned latest by 18 February, 20××.
Navita
(Head Girl)
7.
op
SUNRISE PUBLIC SCHOOL, SURAT
NOTICE
10 February, 20××
C
Book Distribution
Sarvodaya Education Society is coming to our school to distribute books among the needy
students. Those in need are requested to drop the list of books they need in the box outside the
principal’s office at the earliest.
Navita
(Head Girl)
8.
AKASH PUBLIC SCHOOL, AGRA
NOTICE
2 March, 20××
Interclass Singing Competition
Music Club is organising an interclass singing competition to be held on 8 March, 20××. The
theme is Bollywood songs. Each class will be represented by two students. Those interested in
participating can give their names to the undersigned by 4 March, 20××.
Navita
(Secretary, Music Club)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
92
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
9.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
CHENNAI PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
15 July, 20××
Volunteers Required
Chennai Book Society is going to organise a week long book fair in our city during autumn
vacation. It requires volunteers from our school to manage various counters during the fair.
Students who wish to help, may give their names to the undersigned.
Latha
(Secretary, Cultural Club)
10.
AKASH PUBLIC SCHOOL, AGRA
NOTICE
Attention Please
b
25 February, 20××
ita
Our school is going to be a centre for CBSE examination. It has been observed that junior
students go around the examination rooms at lunch break and make a lot of noise. To avoid
causing disturbance during examination, all juniors are requested to stay away from the area.
yM
yK
Navita
(Head Girl)
11.
5 March, 20××
ST. STEPHENS SCHOOL, VISHAKHAPATANAM
NOTICE
C
op
Inter-Class Drama Competition
Our school is organising an Inter-Class Drama Competition to be held on Friday 31st March,
20××, in school auditorium. Competition is open to classes VI-XII. Interested students can give
their names to their class teacher by 10th March, 20××. For further information, please contact
the undersigned.
Akash Masand
(Head Boy)
12.
XYZ PUBLIC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI
NOTICE
12 February, 20××
Interschool Kabaddi Competition
An interschool kabaddi competition will be held an Friday, Saturday and Sunday, next week, 9:00 a.m.
onwards at our school playground. All students are requested to be present at the venue to cheer
and encourage the participants. Contact the undersigned for any query.
Arjun
(Sports Captain)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
13.
93
VICTORIA PUBLIC SCHOOL, HYDERABAD
NOTICE
3 March, 20××
Science Exhibition
A Science Exhibition, to commemorate Ramanujam’s death anniversary, is being organised by
our school on March 15, 20×× from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the school auditorium. Students from
VI to XII are requested to prepare models on any scientific theme. For further query contact the
undersigned.
Smriti Saran
(Head Girl)
14.
N.B.C. PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI
NOTICE
b
1 March, 20××
ita
Show on Ancient Art forms
Arya
(Cultural Secretary)
15.
yM
yK
Our school is organising a show on Ancient Art forms as a part of National Heritage programme.
50 schools will be participating in the show to be held on March 20, 20×× in the school auditorium
9:00 am onwards. All students are invited to watch the show and encourage the artists.
A.B.C. SCHOOL, VIKASPURI
NOTICE
op
23 March, 20××
Felicitation Function
C
The Literary Club of A.B.C. School is organising a function to felicitate Gautam Adhikari, a
budding writer of Class XII-B for winning the first prize in State Story Writing Competition. All
students are requested to attend it to make the occasion memorable.
When : Sunday, 26 March, 20××, 6 P.M. onwards
Where : School Auditorium
Rameshwari
(Secretary, Literary Club)
16.
ABC SCHOOL CRICKET ASSOCIATION
NOTICE
30, November, 20××
School Cricket Team Meeting
All members of the School Cricket Team are hereby informed about a meeting, which will be
held on 7 December, 20×× at 10 A.M. in the sports room. The same is being held to discuss plans
and strategies for the approaching Zonal Tournament. All members are requested to attend the
meeting.
Trilok Lahiri
(Secretary)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
94
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
17.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION, AVM HOUSING SOCIETY
NOTICE
10 March, 20××
Blood Donation Camp
This is to inform all residents that a blood donation camp will be organised by our society this
Sunday, 12 March, 20××, From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society community hall. All members are
requested to come in large numbers for this noble cause.
Smita
(Secretary)
18.
RANI LAXMI BAI SR. SEC. SCHOOL, GWALIOR
NOTICE
7 March, 20××
b
Aid for Assam Flood Victims
Vineeta
(Pupil Leader)
19.
yM
yK
ita
Our school is organising a cultural programme on 20 March, 20×× in aid of the victims of the
Assam Floods. Those interested may give their names to their class teachers by 10 March, 20××.
For further information, please contact the undersigned.
20 March, 20××
op
D.V. ENGLISH SCHOOL, THANE, MUMBAI
NOTICE
School Excursion to Lonavala
Namita
C
The school has planned an excursion to Lonavala during the autumn holidays for 4 days and
3 nights. The per head cost is Rs. 3000/- inclusive of transportation, food and lodging. The dates
are yet to be finalised. For further information, contact the undersigned.
(Head Girl)
20.
RANI AHALYA DEVI SR. SEC. SCHOOL, GWALIOR
NOTICE
20 April 20××
Lost / Found
I lost my Titan wrist watch today during games period at the play ground. It is an analogue watch
with a silver case, black dial, white numerals and black leather straps. A suitable reward will be
given to the one who finds and returns it to the undersigned.
Rani Mukherjee
XII-B
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
21.
95
NOTICE
20 May, 20××
Lost / Found
While travelling by bus from Banshankari to M.G. Road in Bangalore, I lost my brown, bi-fold
leather wallet containing my class XII examination entry ticket. Anybody finding it may contact
me on the number given below. A suitable reward will be given to him/her.
Parveen
12, Gandhi Road,
Bengaluru
Mobile no. 9810××××××
22.
VASANT VIHAR SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
b
20 September, 20××
ita
Articles Invited for School Magazine
yM
yK
Our annual school magazine will be published soon. We are accepting original articles from
students on any topic. Submit your articles by 30th September, 20××. Contact undersigned for
any query.
Rupini Gupta
(Student Editor)
23.
G.P. SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, AGRA
op
NOTICE
10 April, 20××
Talent Search Competition
C
The school is organising a talent search competition in music and dance. It is open for students of
classes IV-IX and XI and will be held on 25 April, 20×× in the school auditorium from 9:00 am
onwards. Top four winners will be awarded cash prize. Students interested in participating can
give their names to the undersigned.
Vijaya
(Co-ordinator - Cultural Activities)
24.
D.P. PUBLIC SCHOOL, NAGPUR
NOTICE
5 November, 20××
Articles and Sketches Invited for School Magazine
Our annual school magazine will be published soon. We are accepting original articles and
sketches from students on any topic or theme. Submit your creative pieces by 15 November, 20××
to the undersigned.
Srinidhi
(Student Editor)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
96
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
25.
CIRCULAR
June 17, 20××
All the schools are hereby invited to participate in the inter-school poster making competition
on the eve of ‘The Diamond Jubilee’ celebrations of our school on June 25 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Prizes and certificates will be awarded for the outstanding performance. The subject for this poster
making is ‘Nature and Modern Inventions’. Each school can send two students.
Rajiv
(Cultural Secretary)
G.D. Birla School,
Jamshedpur
26.
GYMKHANA CLUB, MADURAI
NOTICE
b
20 September, 20××
ita
Governing Body Meeting
Pratibha
yM
yK
This is to inform all members of the Gymkhana Club that an extraordinary governing body
meeting will be held on Sunday, 25 September, 20×× from 11 a.m., to be followed by lunch.
Members are requested to arrive at the venue - Community Hall by 10:30 A.M.
(Secretary, Gymkhana Club)
27.
ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL, VASCO
16 April, 20××
op
NOTICE
School Closed
C
Due to sudden landslide and inclement weather, the school will remain closed for a week from
April 18, 20×× to April 25, 20××.
The school will reopen on Monday, 26 April, 20××, at its usual time.
Principal
28.
J.P. NARAIN HOUSING SOCIETY, MEERUT
Resident Welfare Association
NOTICE
15 March, 20××
2nd Installment of Maintenance Due
nd
The 2 installment of maintenance charges falls due on March 31, 20××. All residents are requested
to pay before due date to avoid any inconvenience. For any inquiry contact the undersigned.
Anita Krishnan
(Secretary)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
29.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
97
K.R. SAGAR PUBLIC SCHOOL, MYSORE
NOTICE
3 March, 20××
Scouts and Guides Jamboree
Our school has decided to send a troop of scouts and guides to participate in the jamboree to be
held in Lucknow from 14-20 March, 20××. Per head cost is Rs. 2500, inclusive of food, lodging
and transportation. Students interested may give their names to the undersigned.
XYZ
(Scout Master / Guide Captain)
30.
LALWANI PUBLIC SCHOOL, UDAIPUR
NOTICE
30 March, 20××
b
Annual Sports Day
Lalita
(Sports Secretary)
31.
yM
yK
ita
All students are requested to give their names for participation in various sports competitions to
be held on school’s Annual Sports Day. The tentative date and time of the event is April 5, 20××
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the undersigned for further information.
SRI PARTHASARATHY SABHA, SALEM
NOTICE
op
20 September, 20××
Meeting Extraordinary for Members
C
You are hear by invited to attend an extraordinary meeting to be held at the Sri Parthasarathy
Sabha Auditorium on 25 September, 20×× from 5:00 p.m. onwards. Sri Guru Harianantha shall
be addressing the devotees. Contact the undersigned for further information.
Komal
(Secretary)
32.
MAHARANI PUBLIC SCHOOL, GWALIOR
NOTICE
3 March, 20××
Accepting New Players in School Hockey Team
Students interested in playing hockey are requested to give their names to the undersigned for
selection in the school hockey team by 10 March, 20××. Selection will be held on the basis of
merit on 12 March, 20×× from 9 a.m. onwards.
Sonali
(Sports Secretary)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
98
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
33.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
S.R.M. VIDYALAYA, AGRA
NOTICE
3 March, 20××
One Day Blood Donation Camp
Our school has decided to organise blood donation camp in association with the Red Cross
Society, on Sunday, 5 March, 20×× at the school premises from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. All students
are requested to motivate their parents and neighbours to participate in this noble cause. Contact
the undersigned for further information.
Babul Bose
(Co-ordinator, Red Cross Society)
34.
G.D.G. PUBLIC SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
b
20 September, 20××
yM
yK
ita
Sale of Old Sports Goods
This is to inform all students that our sports club has organised a sale of old sports goods this Saturday,
25 March, 20×× at our school basketball court from 11:00 a.m. till stock lasts. It will be on first come,
first serve basis so kindly arrive on time. Contact the undersigned for further information.
Rohit Singh
(Sports Secretary)
35.
JAIN VIDYASHARAM, CUDDALORE
1 March, 20××
op
NOTICE
School Literary Association Inauguration
C
All students and staff are cordially invited to the inauguration of the school’s Literary Association
on Monday, 10 March 20×× in the school library, 11 a.m. onwards. Our Chief Guest, renowned
writer, Ms. Arundhati Roy, shall speak to the students on the importance of reading and
writing.
XYZ
(Secretary, Literary Association)
36.
CRESCENT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, GWALIOR
NOTICE
10 February, 20××
Return Library Books
All students and teachers are requested to return the library books they have borrowed, two days
before the commencement of the examination. Defaulters shall be fined for late submission and/
or damaged books.
XYZ
(Librarian)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
37.
99
SARDAR PATEL VIDYALAYA, LUCKNOW
NOTICE
25 September, 20××
School Timings Changed
This is to inform students regarding the change in school timings from 8:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
instead of 8:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m. w.e.f. 1st of October, 20××. It has been decided that there will be one
hour yoga session from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. prior to the commencement of classes. Students are
requested to follow the new school timings strictly.
Principal
38.
VIDYA MANDIR SCHOOL
NOTICE
b
18 February, 20××
ita
Educational Excursion
XYZ
(Secretary, History Club)
39.
yM
yK
History Club is planning an educational excursion to some of the important historical monuments
and sites in the city. Duration of the tour is within the school timings (8 a.m.-2 p.m.). The per head
cost is Rs. 500/ inclusive of transport and meals. Those interested may contact the undersigned.
ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL, AHMEDABAD
NOTICE
op
1 June, 20××
C
Screening of ‘An Inconvenient Truth’
This is to inform all members of the Eco Club that Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ will be screened
on World Environment Day, 5 June, 20×× at 4 p.m. in our school’s audio visual room. Members are
allowed to bring a guest along with them, if they wish to. Contact the undersigned for any query.
XYZ
(Secretary, Eco Club)
40.
A.M.M. SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
21 April, 20××
Register for Quiz Competition
This is to inform all students of classes VI-XII that an interclass quiz competition will be held this
Friday, 25 April, 20×× in the audio - visual room from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. Maximum number
of students representing per class is three. Those interested can give their names to the secretary
of the Quiz Club for registration.
XYZ
(Teacher Co-ordinator, Quiz Club)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
100
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
41.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
SPRINGFIELDS SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
5 November, 20××
Lost / Found
I lost my Fastrack wrist watch today in our school auditorium. It’s an analogue watch with a white
case, white dial, colourful numerals and white silicon straps. A suitable reward will be given to
the one who finds and returns it to the undersigned.
Anirudh Roy
XII-B
1.2 Advertisement
ita
Situation Vacant
Sunrise Global School, Agra is looking for
a young qualified female candidate for the
position of receptionist with a minimum
of two years’ of experience she should be
fluent in both English and Hindi with
good computer skills. Salary negotiable.
Contact Principal with updated resume
and coverletter within seven days.
e-mail : principal@sgs.in
To-Let
First floor available for paying guest
accommodation, part of independent
house, 3BHK, guestroom, attached toilets
and balconies, park facing, all facilities
provided.
Rent expected : ` 45,000/Contact : Karuna Sen, M-114, Mall Road,
Delhi-110042
b
5.
yM
yK
1.
Property (For Purchase)
For immediate purchase, a flat in a good
locality in South Delhi preferably near the
airport. Exquisitely designed, self-contained
3/4 bedrooms with a drawing/dining room
and lounge. Nearby market, ATM and
hospital is must. Interested parties may
contact Karan, M-144, Mall Road, Delhi.
3.
Property (For Purchase)
For immediate purchase, an independent
house at City Light Road for office-cumresidence. Exquisitely designed, self
contained 3/4 bedroom house with all
modern amenities, along with spacious
hall for office set up. Car parking space is
a must. Bonafide owners or dealers may
please contact Karuna Bajaj at 45645678.
4.
Situation Wanted
A UAE returned civil engineer having 10
years of experience in a reputed firm is
looking for suitable job in India. Qualified
from I.I.T Pune. Expected package 12 lakhs
per annum. Contact Karuna Bajaj at M-114,
Mall Road, Delhi. (96548XXXXX).
For Rent
Accommodation available for rent for a
period of five years. Location-Mall Road,
New Delhi. 3BHK with a dining hall (15
sq. ft.). Spacious, well ventilated on the 3rd
floor. Fully furnished, 24 hrs. water supply,
power back-up, within walking distance of
the main market. Expected rent ` 30,000/p.m. Contact : Karuna, M-114, Mall Road,
Delhi.
7.
Situation Vacant
Required a canteen manager M/F for Akash
Public School, Agra. The candidate must
be a graduate, computer literate with good
communication and managerial skills. At
least two years’ experience is a must.
Apply with CV to Principal, Akash Public
School, Agra before 6 September, 20××
Contact : 2476××××, e-mail : principal@aps.in
8.
IIT Reading Material For Sale
Books and other study material for IIT
entrance exam, previous year question
papers, etc. in best condition.
Expected price of entire set : ` 3000/Contact : Ms. Mohini, 9811111111
C
op
2.
6.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
10.
Plot For Sale
Gurgaon - One acre of land is available
for sale. Centrally located, close to
schools, market place and metro station.
Only institution buyers and builders
are welcome. Price negotiable. Contact
Krishan Kumar, 99107×××××
11.
For Sale
Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Single cylinder, 4
stroke, Twinspark, Aircooled 500 cc engine
5 years old, black, 30 kmpl mileage, in good
condition, Delhi registration.
Contact : Lalit Suri
Mobile : 98101×××××
14.
To-Let
Office space available on rent in independent
house in Delhi for start up/lawyers/C.A.
Carpet area 25 sq. feet, parking space, close
to metro station, 24 x 7 water and power,
rent b/w 35K to 40K, negotiable.
Contact-Amit Sharma, 931xxxxxxx.
op
13.
16.
Situation Vacant
Required a convent educated, smart
and young woman in the age group
21-25 with pleasing personality and
good communication skills to work as
receptionist for a reputed Public School in
Meerut. Knowledge of computer besides
fluency in English will be preferred.
Handsome salary and perks for the
deserving candidate. Apply before 20th
June, 20×× with complete biodata to the
Principal, Romola Vij, C. P. R. Sr. Sec.
School, Meerut.
E-mail : principal@cprss.in
Situation Vacant
Required a competent accountant, capable
of handling accounts independently.
Commerce graduate, having at least five
years experience in a reputed firm will
be preferred. Salary best in the industry.
Send updated resume to Ms. Mohini
Singh, General Manager, P. K. Industries,
Hyderabad by 20 March 20××.
E-mail : gm@pkindustries.in
Situation Vacant
Wanted, female front office assistant for
Hotel Dosa, Gurgaon. Must be a graduate,
with sound knowledge of computers. Must
have a pleasing personality with good
communication skills. Interested candidates
must send their resumes by 11 March, 20××
at hr@××××.in
General Manager, Hotel Dosa
17.
Situation Vacant
Receptionist wanted, age: 21-25, good
communication skills, pleasing personality.
Must know computers, fluent in English
and Hindi, willing to work in Hospitality
Industry. Experience minimum 1 year.
Apply with updated resume to the General
Manager, Hotel Green Park, Lucknow-24
by June 21, 20××.
E-mail : gm@hotelgreenpark.in
18.
Lost and Found
Lost black leather wallet in DTC bus
(route no. 52) while travelling from
Hazratganj to Nirala Nagar. Besides cash,
it contains my driver’s license, voter ID
card and a D. D. for 32,500/. Finder will be
suitably rewarded. Please contact : Raman
Bajwa, 22A, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Tel. No.
27618456.
C
12.
15.
b
Wanted
A trained PGT (maths and science)
for home tuition for a class X student.
Preference will be given to those with
public school experience of at least fiveyears. Number of days-5, salary negotiable.
Contact : Aruna, 93××××××××
yM
yK
9.
101
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
To-Let
Available on rent in Dwarka, Ansals MIG
Flats, II-floor, three B/Rs, lobby, balcony
fully furnished, well ventilated, walking
distance from the main market and metro
station. Rent expected ` 2,15,000 (fixed,
per annum). Contact XYZ, Ansals Lok,
Dwarka, Ph. 2758902.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
23.
24.
Flat for Sale
Centrally located, newly built two
bedroom flat for sale in J.P. Nagar. Well
furnished, ventilated and spacious.
Fifteen minutes drive from the airport,
in close vicinity with market, prestigious
schools, hospital. Owner going abroad.
Expected price Rs. 28 Lacs (negotiable).
Contact: Niranjan, 247, J.P. Nagar,
Bangalore.
Accommodation Wanted
E.V.L. Company of India requires suitable
bungalows on company lease, as guest
house. The accommodation should be
located in a posh area with all modern
and basic facilities. 24-hours water and
electricity supply, nearby market must.
Owner please contact : General Manager,
E.V.L. Company, Delhi, E-mail : evl@
yahoomail.com
25.
Wanted Accommodation
Required an independent house in
Ghaziabad at a reasonable rent for
resident-cum-clinic. Seeking big, fully
furnished rooms, 24 hours water supply,
electricity backup must, Approximate
rent-` 50,000/- per month. Contact: Dr.
Madhu Mathur (MD), 12341234
26.
For Sale
Brand new Honda Activa, 2 months old,
black colour, self driven, 40 kmpl mileage,
in best condition. Delhi registration. Two
wheeler cover included.
Contact : Sudha Chandran,
15, Krishna Nagar, Delhi
E-mail : S.chandran@×yzmail.com
C
22.
Required
An enthusiastic maths teacher for my
son studying in class-X. He/She should
be proficient in the subject with at least
ten years of teaching experience. He/
She should be kind and patient towards
children. Contact immediately, Manisha
Rana, 10, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore.
op
21.
Situation Vacant
Ivy Software Solutions, renowned leaders
of computer products requires a software
engineer for their company. The candidate
should be B.E. in computer software
with at least two years’ experience in a
prestigious firm. Salary and perks no
constraint for the right candidate. Apply
within 10 days along with a detailed biodata to the General Manager,. Ivy Software
Solutions, Agra Cantt, Agra.
E-mail : gm@ivyss.in
CBSE Champion English Core
b
20.
To-Let
Available for rent in Jayanagar, Bangalore,
newly constructed flat situated in the
heart of the city. Three bedrooms, dining
hall, first floor, spacious balcony, two sides
open, car parking, independent, modern
amenities, lease preferred. Contact Mohan
Das : 7838802353
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
ita
19.
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
yM
yK
102
Situation Vacant
Required, young, qualified, enthusiastic
cricket and hockey coaches for a reputed
school in Delhi. Minimum age-25 years,
qualification: degree or diploma from
recognised institute of sports, 1 year
experience must. Apply with updated
resume within ten days to: Principal,
Samta Public School, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi42. E-mail : principal@sps.in
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
1.3 Posters
1.
•
•
•
Ozone Layer Depletion
Greenhouse Effect
Wastage of Money
POLLUTION AND HEALTH HAZARD
Climate change
Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses
b
Acid rain
ita
•
•
•
•
SPARE
THE
AIR
Smog
CANCER
PREVENTION
yM
yK
•
•
•
•
Stop Poisoning the Air!
It’s What Keeps
Us Alive
ILL EFFECTS OF FIREWORKS/CRACKERS
Use public transport, carpool, bicycles
Use natural resources wisely
Say no to fireworks /crackers
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE
op
Issued in Public Interest
2.
Hindus
C
We maybe ‘branded’
Muslims
Sikhs
Christians
but... we are children of the same nation
Together we can
zz lead our nation to unfathomable heights
zz set an example of Unity in Diversity
zz preserve our Cultural Heritage
Unity is Strength
Let’s pledge
To Maintain Peace and Harmony
Issued in Public Interest by: Vineeta Rao, Social Worker, Unity NGO, New Delhi
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
103
104
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
3.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
ANIMAL LIVES MATTER
Stop Animal Cruelty!
zz Animals maintain Eco-Balance
zz Animals have rights too
zz Adopt. Don’t buy
zz Protect abandoned animals
zz Report cruelty towards animals
Love Animals, They’ll Love you Back.
S.P.C.A.
36, Chankkya Puri, Delhi-21
Ph: 998877××××
Issued by Suhasini Joshi, member of S.P.C.A., New Delhi in Public Interest.
4.
ita
b
Exercise More to Live Healthier!
yM
yK
Health is wealth
Jogging
Skipping
op
Regular Exercise
Physical Fitness
Stay
Fit
Mental Fitness
C
Eat
Healthy
Swimming
Yoga
Issued by Priya Sachdev, Fitness Trainer, For Fitter lives, Health Club
5.
WATER WATER EVERYWHERE,
JUST NOT ENOUGH HELP!
m
No Solid Land
Urgently Required :
m
No Electricity
No Relief
m
No Food
zz Supply of Food and Medicine
zz Financial Assistance
zz Volunteers
Help the afflicted to move to safer places :
Contact : Seva Mandir, M.G. Road Ahmedabad, Ph.: 1792345678
Issued in Public Interest by : Surya, Member, Seva Mandir, Ahmedabad
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
1.4 Invitations and Reply
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
ABC Public School, Delhi
Take great pleasure in inviting you as the
guest of honour at the performance of the
play ‘Waiting for Godot’ by our students.
Programme and Venue
Play : 6: 00 p.m.
Date : 20 November, 20××
Venue : School Auditorium
R.S.V.P
Gauri
Secretary (Literary Club)
Contact : 9818××××××
5.
St. Anne Girls’ College, Sector-21
R.K. Puram, New Delhi-43
ita
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
Sunrise Global School, Agra
Cordially invite you to our Annual Sport Day.
We request you to grace the occasion with
your presence and to give away the prizes to
the budding sportspersons of the school.
Date : 30, November, 2016
Time : 10:00 A.M. onwards
R.S.V.P
Karuna (Sports Secretary)
105
1 March, 20××
Respected Chairman,
Thank you for your thoughtful invitation
to the inauguration of the Book Exhibition.
However, I regret to inform you that I
would not be able to attend it due to a prior
engagement.
I extend my best wishes to you and all those
involved in the event.
Kind regards,
Tanvi Khanna
Principal
yM
yK
3.
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
Sunrise Global School, Agra
Take the great pleasure in inviting you to the
one-act play competition to be organised by
the school.
Date: 20 November, 20××
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Venue: School Auditorium
R.S.V.P
Karuna
Cultural Secretary
981829××××
Sunrise Global School
Agra
29 September, 20××
Mrs. Sudha Murthy
XYZ Co-operative Group Housing Society
Gurgaon-122011
Subject : Invitation to Special Teacher’s Day
Celebration
Dear Ma’am,
We are pleased to inform you that the school
is celebrating a special Teacher’s Day in your
honour on 5 September, 20×× at 11:00 a.m.
in the school auditorium. We shall consider
it a great favour if you could grace the
occasion as our special guest. We hope you
shall accept our humble request. We would
appreciate a line in reply.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Karuna Bajaj
(Head Girl)
op
2.
4.
C
1.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
6.
22/4, P.Q. Puri
New Delhi
23 February, 20××
Respected Principal,
Thank you for your thoughtful invitation. I
am honoured on being invited to judge the
literary competition that is to be held at St.
Ann’s School.
I accept the invitation and consider it will be
a pleasure to attend the programme.
Yours sincerely,
Mohini Singh
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
25, Vasundra Colony
Patna
16 August, 20××
Dear Manish,
I feel honoured to be invited to attend your
wedding anniversary. Please accept my best
wishes and congratulations to both of you on
this auspicious occasion. Unfortunately, my
uncle is coming from London and the family
is throwing a get-together in his honour on
the same day. Therefore, I shall not be able to
attend your anniversary celebration. Please
do accept a small anniversary gift that I am
sending for both of you along with my best
wishes.
Yours
Mahendra
2. Letter Writing
Model Town
Ambala
24 March, 20××
The Manager,
Ram Electronics
10:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
School Library
Famous writer and poet Mr. Vikram Seth
shall grace the occasion with his presence.
Secretary, literary Club
(Please be seated by 10:00 A.M.)
op
Pushp Vihar
St. Anne’s School, Ahmedabad
Invites the students, teachers, and staff
members to the
Inauguration
of
Literary Club on
Monday, 18 March, 20××
yM
yK
M-114
8.
Amabala
Subject : Defective Television
Sir,
C
1.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
7.
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
106
This is in regards to the brand new Sony Bravia 43 inch HD LED television I bought from your
store last month. The television was working fine at the time of installation and the sound and
picture quality too, was quite clear. However, recently neither the sound nor the picture quality is
same as it was at the beginning. As a matter of fact, the sound is gone and instead of showing the
picture, the screen appears blue.
Clearly, I am extremely disappointed by this purchase and expect you to either send the repairman
or replace the television at the earliest.
I am enclosing a copy of bill for your reference.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Amrita Rao
Encl. – copy of bill
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
107
Gopalpur Village
Dist. Ramnager (Uttar Pradesh)
24 March, 20××
The General Manager
State Roadways
Uttar Pradesh
Subject : Request for a Bus Stop for Village
Sir,
This is to inform you that our village Gopalpur, district Ramnagar, is situated along National
Highway 121 (NH121).
However, the state roadways bus plying on this road does not stop near our village. For this
reason, the villagers face a lot difficulty commuting. I would also like you to know that there are
not many public transports other than three wheelers and a hand full of private taxis.
The three-wheeler drivers have a monopoly, and create a nuisance more often than not. They do
rash-driving and charge according to their whims and fancies. The drivers engage in unnecessary
quarrels with others. Sometimes they don’t even drop the passengers to their destination.
The most affected are the elderly, who too are not spared of this kind of aggressive behaviour.
They have no other commuting option except the bullock carts, which are extremely slow. Having
a state roadways bus halt for passengers from our village would prove to be quite beneficial for us.
Therefore, I request you to erect a bus stop for our village.
I hope that you will consider my request and take the necessary actions at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Amna Sharif
3.
M-114, Mall Road
Delhi
1 March, 20××
The Medical Superintendent
Delhi
Subject: Chaotic Conditions in the Casualty Department of Sunrise Hospital
Sir/Madam,
Yesterday, I went to Sunrise Hospital, Market Road, New Delhi, taking a victim of a hit and
run accident. I am very much shocked to see the chaotic conditions in the hospital’s causality
department. The injured person who was screaming with pain was attended very leisurely,
resulting in loss of a lot of blood. The patient become unconscious. This happened only because of
not attending to the patient in time. Hence, I request you to take strict action against the hospital
authorities so that the same situation does not get repeated.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
2.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
108
4.
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
M-144
Mall Road,
Delhi
1 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject : Miserable Condition of the Slums
yM
yK
ita
b
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the authorities
regarding slums and their miserable conditions. Most of the slums in cities are dumped with
the people migrated from villages. The survival of these people has become very difficult with
pathetic living conditions. This is mainly because of the lack of education and hygiene. Their
illegal occupancy has become a burden on resource.
The main reasons for their migration to cities from rural areas are lack of job opportunities and
poverty.
Government should discourage migration by creating opportunities in rural areas. Even NGO’s
can adopt slums in order to make the life of these people better.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karan
op
Sunrise Global School,
Mysore
1 March, 20××
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic)
Mysore
Subject: Inconvenience Due to Heavy Traffic
C
5.
Sir,
Requesting your kind attention regarding heavy traffic at Park Lane, Chanakyapuram. Although,
the road places four reputed public schools in a close proximity, it also causes heavy traffic in the
morning and afternoon. The jam puts hundreds of students to a lot of inconvenience. In order to
regulate the traffic, I would like to suggest that stop signs are installed in the area at the earliest.
Also, depute efficient volunteers to manage the traffic. I hope adequate actions will be taken
soon.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karan Kumar
Principal
Sunrise Global School
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
109
M-114
Mall Road
Pune
1 March, 20××
JKL Publisher
Peshwa Road,
Pune
Subject: Application for the Post of Receptionist
Sir/Madam,
yM
yK
ita
b
With reference to your advertisement published in ‘The Times of India’ dated 10th February,
regarding a vacancy for the post of a receptionist, I am writing to you as I wish to apply for the
same.
I am eligible for the said post as per the qualification required. I have done my graduation from
SNDT University and a secretarial practice course from YWCA, Mumbai. I am young and
energetic with good command over English, having three years work experience in the same
field. If I get a chance to serve your organisation, I assure you I shall prove to be an asset for the
company. I have enclosed my detailed resume with this letter for your consideration.
Hoping for a positive response from your side.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karuna Krishnan
Encl. Resume
RESUME
: Karuna Krishnan
op
Name
Father’s Name
: Mr. Anurag Krishnan
Date of Birth
: 12.02.1983
Address
: M-114, Mall Road, Pune
C
6.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Educational
Qualifications : 1. Secondary Exam: From CBSE, Delhi in 2000
2.Sr. Secondary Exam: From CBSE, Delhi in 2002
3. B.A. Honors: SNDT University in 2005
4. Secretarial Practice Course: YWCA, Mumbai in 2006
Work
: 1. Worked as a receptionist
Experience in Tagore International School, Sitapur: One year (2007-08)
2. Working as a receptionist in Sararwati Publishing
House, Sitapur: Two years (2008-10)
Other skills
: Working knowledge of the computers
References
: Mrs. Y.H. Sharma, Principal, Tagore Int. School, Sitapur
0121-257××××
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
110
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
M-114, Mall Road
Delhi
1 March 20××
The Editor
Delhi Times
Delhi
Subject : Problems Due to Noise Pollution
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities regarding the problems caused by noise pollution.
Ours is the quietest area in the city. However, for the past one year, noise pollution has snatched
away peace and tranquillity from our lives. Loud speakers at marriage processions, DJs during
wedding receptions, loud music from neighbourhood flats and the holy songs blasting at full
volume during nights have become the biggest enemy of the restful sleep. The elderly, patients,
students, etc. are the biggest sufferers of the noise.
Excessive noise affects both health and behaviour, causing hypertension, stress, loss of hearing,
disturbed sleep, etc.
It also causes distraction for students, especially those preparing for exams.
I hope the concerned authorities will take prompt steps in this direction to ease the situation.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Kara
8.
M-114, Mall Road
Delhi
1 March, 20××
The Police Commissioner
Traffic Police
Delhi,
Subject : Increase in Road Rage
Sir,
I am writing to draw your attention towards the increase in road rage in the recent past. As
the number of vehicles on Delhi roads are growing day by day, the problems are also rising
innumerably. In this heavy traffic, it is common for the vehicles to get minor scratches, a little
push or a small brushing while passing another car.
However, this leads to a scuffle, often resulting in a verbal or physical fight and sometimes even
murder.
The only way to put a stop to this nuisance is by using surveillance technology to keep a check on
any impulsive actions on the road. Other than this stricter traffic laws must be implemented to
make roads safer. As far as individuals are concerned, it is best to find alternative routes in order
to avoid confrontations.
I hope my views will be considered for public benefit.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
7.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
111
M-114, Mall Road
Kanpur
1 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject : Importance of Medical Tourism For India
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the readers
regarding the importance of medical tourism for India. I read an article in your newspaper on
how the patients from abroad are getting treated in the hospitals of India at a very low expense
when compared to any other nation. I am impressed and being an Indian, I feel proud when I
read such news. India has quite a cost effective and efficient medical sector which the government
should promote to attract more foreign patients. In addition, world class medical facilities and
infrastructure are run by skilled physician and nursing practitioners, providing comprehensive
solution for all medical needs. This benefits both Indian and foreign patients.
In conclusion, medical tourism is important for India because not only we earn foreign exchange
from it, but also treating foreign patients enhances image of India, further improving relations
with other countries.
I hope medical tourism is encouraged by the Government of India.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karuna
10.
A-9D Apoorva Apts,
Noida
1 March, 20××
The Works Manager,
PQR Builders
Sector - 55
Noida
Subject : Letter of Complaint
Sir,
I bought a flat from PQR Builders, Sector 55, Noida. The standard of construction work seems to
be very low. Within a period of two months, several problems have surfaced.
There is seepage in the walls and ceilings, which is forming ugly watermarks at the affected areas.
Seepage is also making the wall paint to peel off constantly. In fact, paint is peeling off even where
there is no seepage. In addition, the leaky sanitary fittings are creating a nuisance even when the
taps and faucets are not in use. Also creating a nuisance is the lift, which gets stalled every now
and then. At the time of buying the flat we were guaranteed for smooth working of all items. We
are really upset regarding this issue and poor work done.
Since, we have spent a lot of money on this flat, I would request you to look into the matter and
get the same rectified at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Karan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
9.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
112
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
M 114
Mall Road
New Delhi-110042
15 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi-110043
Subject : Save Our Rivers
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of the general public towards
the pathetic condition of our rivers. In India, the rivers are considered holy and are worshipped. However
bathing in the rivers, dumping industrial waste, sewage from our houses, etc. have made our rivers really sick.
The rivers, which act as the life-line of our nation, have become poisonous beyond imagination. This water
reaches us in one form or the other. We use the same water in our day to day lives. It may or may not always
be purified 100%. The chances of toxins and disease causing germs entering our body is huge. In addition to
poisoning our health, contaminated river water is a threat to plants and animals as well. Therefore, there is a
desperate need to save our rivers.
The demand of the hour is efficient sewage disposal process. If there are proper places to dump the garbage/
sewage, it won’t be thrown in the river. Secondly, more cleaning projects should be launched and more and
more people, including youth, should participate in cleaning the rivers.
Finally, spreading awareness is extremely important, especially in villages, towns and cities established nearby
the rivers. Until and unless the inhabitants are made to understand the causes and effect of polluting the
rivers, they will not be able to take the proper precautions. Every individual has to change his or her habit of
disposing the waste. One has to take the responsibility and the initiative to save the rivers from getting sick
and eventually dying.
I hope, I was able to put my point across and that the readers will take appropriate action to save our rivers.
Thank you
Your sincerely
Karan Bajaj
12.
Rajasthan Tourist Bureau
Sikadra Road
New delhi
1 March 20××
The Principal
Sunrise Global School
New Delhi
Subject : Reply to Letter of Enquiry
Sir/Madam,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you Rajasthan Tourist Bureau, efficiently conducting
tours within Rajasthan, since 1972. It would be my pleasure to organise a trip for your students.
As enquired by you in your previous letter, there are a number of historical places in and around the Pink City,
such as Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, etc, which are popular tourist spots.
Rajasthan Tourist Bureau has guest houses all over Rajasthan, providing food and lodging to a number of
tourists. AC/Non AC deluxe buses and cars are available to take tourists for sight-seeing around the city. We
also provide extremely knowledgeable and experienced guides if and when required.
You would be pleased to know that we offer various tour packages to suit our customers’ requirements.
After students’ discount the per head cost of the 3 days and 2 nights package, inclusive of food, stay and
transportation, is Rs. 3000/-. We believe in providing a memorable experience to our customers during their
stay in Rajasthan. If you would like to organise a trip through us, kindly revert with the number of students
and staff interested in the same. I would be able to make the requisite arrangement once I have the details.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Your faithfully
Karuna Bajaj
Manager
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
11.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Writing Skills
yM
yK
ita
b
M 114,
Mall Road,
Delhi
1 March, 20××
The Manager
Sunrise Global School
Noida
Subject : Job Application for English Teacher
Sir/Madam,
This refers to your advertisement in the Hindustan Times, dated 28 February 20×× for the vacancy
of Senior English Teacher post in your school. I wish to apply for the same. I have done M.A.
(English) and B.Ed. from Delhi University. I have enclosed my detailed bio-data with this letter.
Although I do not have prior work experience, I assure you that I shall give my hundred percent
to my profession and work to your full satisfaction.
I hope you shall consider my application for interview.
Thank you
Your faithfully
Karuna Singh
Encl. Bio-data
Bio-data
Name
Gender
Father’s Name
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Current Add.
Contact No.
op
C
13.
113
Academic Record
Examination
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Institution
Karuna Singh
Female
Mr. Jayant Singh
20 March 1982
Unmarried
M 114, Mall Road, Delhi
919144××××
Board/Uni.
Marks
B.Ed
Miranda
House
Delhi University
65%
MA. (English)
L.S.R
Delhi University
60%
BA. (English)
L.S.R.
Delhi University
60%
XII (Hum.)
St. Joseph School
CBSE
96%
X
St. Joseph School
CBSE
90%
Scholarship Awarded – Have been a Scholarship holder in XII.
References : 1. Mrs. J.S. Sharma, Principal, Miranda House, Delhi, 981871××××
2. Dr. Sutapa Banerjee, (H.O.D) English Literature L.S.R. Delhi, 991071××××
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
114
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Standard Book House
Ford Road
Kochi
13 March, 20××
The Principal
Sunrise Global School
Calicut
Subject : Reply to the Letter of Complaint
Madam,
I am writing to you in reference to your complaint letter, regarding the delay in receiving the
books, which you ordered. You also mentioned in your letter that some of the books you ordered
were damaged and few others were missing from the consignment.
I regret the inconvenience caused to you and apologise for the same.
Some of the books mentioned in the booklist provided by you were out of stock or available
in less quantity with us at the time we received your order. Although we sent for the books
immediately, the books arrived late, hence the delay. Two of the books you required have gone
for reprinting because of which they are unavailable at this moment. They will be sent to you once
the new editions arrive. However, if your wish, you can cancel the pending order.
I accept the responsibility of the delay in delivery of the consignment and request you to return
the books, which were damaged in the transition so that I am able to replace them at the earliest.
I assure you that the delivery of books will be done without delay.
Thank you for doing business with us.
Yours sincerely
Karan Kumar
Manager
15.
M-114,
Mount Kailash
Kanpur
3 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Kanpur
Subject: Illiteracy and Child Labour Amongst Children
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the
government and NGOs towards the large population of children not attending school.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this valuable
resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift
this mighty responsibility on their shoulders. Unfortunately, this is not the case in our country.
Education, which is a necessity, is still a luxury here.
Poor people hesitate to send their children to school. On a recent visit to a village, I couldn’t
help but notice the sheer amount of children, who should have been in the school, but were not.
Children in the age group of 5-14 are supposed to attend school to make a brighter future. But in
the villages, they are either seen loitering around or helping their parents in the fields, which is a
very painful and depressing situation.
It is high time that government and NGOs take up the issue seriously and implement measures
to solve it. Besides, literate villagers can also help by starting make shift schools to educate the
children till reforms are made by the government.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Navtej
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
14.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
115
M-114, Mount Kailash
Kanpur
3 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Kanpur
Subject: Difference in Status of Cricketers and Other Athletes
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my views on the
difference in the status of cricketers and other atheletes.
Cricket is a very popular game in India and cricketers are idolised. The public as well as the
officials are willing to give special privileges to them. The extent of their love is such that rules
are easily bent for them. Cricketers are allowed to take their families with them when they go
on tours, irrespective of the fact that this may distract them while playing. But when it comes
to other games, Indian Government becomes rather stingy and the athletes do not get the same
treatment. Why do we have different policies? I believe this is because cricket and cricketers
are worshipped, while the other sports and their players are ignored. Even the finances that are
allotted to these games are either too less or are utilised by the officers themselves.
The perspective of Indians needs a revolution and all the games deserve equal treatment, after
all they all bring glory to the country. Government needs to implement measures to keep all the
games at par.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Navtej
17.
Akash Public School
Agra
2 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi
Subject: Misuse of Facilities by Tourists at Corbett National Park
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the
concerned authority to the rampant abuse of available facilities in the Corbett National Park by
tourists and the consequent endangerment to the environment.
The tourists not only litter the place with non-biodegradable plastic bags and wrappers, but also
use wood from the forests for cooking purposes. Excessive trampling of the vegetation and pollution from the vehicles has been reported to have a harmful effect on the natural ecosystem.
The tranquillity of the habitat, which is so crucial to the resident fauna, is habitually disturbed by
tourists playing loud music in their safari jeeps and during their camps.
Too much interference of tourists in the natural habitat of the wild life causes them to suffer
greatly. The public should be made aware of the fact that eco-tourism should not be facilitated
at the cost of harming the environment. In order to protect national parks from the negative impacts of tourism, government must take stricter actions-fine the miscreants heavily, limit visitors
and vehicles, appoint efficient park rangers who are vigilant and deeply care about the park and
its fauna.
However, the most important action the government can take is spread as much awareness as
possible. The more tourists recognise the threat that tourism has on the environment, the sooner
the problem will be rectified. It is my request that this issue be immediately looked into by the
concerned authority.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Navita
Secretary (Environment Club)
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
16.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
116
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
112, Taj Road
Agra
2 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi
Subject: Exploitation of Teachers in Private Schools
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention of the general
public towards the exploitation of teachers by paying them less.
It is sad that the teachers in privately owned and managed schools in small towns and metropolitan
suburbs are paid a fraction of their authorised salaries.
Teachers play an important role in shaping a child’s future. However, such a malpractice is seen
to affect the performance of the teachers in the classroom. Most teachers take up other jobs and
do not put in the requisite hours of teaching in the schools and sometimes pay less attention to
the students. As a result students who are weak in studies join coaching classes, the extra cost of
which is borne by the parents. Lesser pay, leads to frequent resignations and constant changes in
the faculty. This, in turn, affects students’ performances and leads to an atmosphere of uncertainty
in the schools, which is detrimental to the cause of education.
As a nation, which prides itself on revering its teachers, it must be noted that we cannot build
a future for our students if we do not give due credit to our teachers. Therefore, I request your
esteemed publication to take up this matter in order to investigate the issue further and mobilise
the public towards calling for a complete overhaul in the education system of the country.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Navtej
19.
Akash Public School
Ajmer
16 April, 20××
Mr. P.L. Sharma
12, Abu Bakr Road
Dubai
Subject : Information About the School
Dear Parent,
I am writing in regards to your letter enquiring about our school, Akash Public School. It gives
me great pleasure to know that you wish to get your ward admitted to our school.
You would be happy to know that with its state of the art infrastructure, Akash Public School is
at par with any international school all over India. Our school has 100% academic result. The
school has Science and Computer labs, a gymnasium and an auditorium, which are equipped
with latest equipments for the convenience of the students. The library too houses the latest books
and magazines to help students enhance their knowledge. In addition to that the school also has
a huge playground for various outdoor sports and games.
The faculty at Akash Public School consists of proficient teachers, who are strict when it comes to
studies, yet, compassionate and approachable.
The CBSE affiliated school stresses on all round development of the child. Therefore, we have a
variety of extra curricular activities and vocational courses as well.
Akash Public School is day school with hostel facility provided to outstation students. The
admission process includes written test and interview.
This is just a bird’s eye-view of the school. I am also sending the school prospectus to you, which
will enlighten you further.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Mrs. Malini Singh
Principal
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
18.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
117
63, Civil Lines
Delhi-42
5 March, 20××
The Area Manager
Gayatri Consultants
2, Barakhamba Road
New Delhi-47
Subject : Application for the Post of Accountant
Sir,
b
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Hindu’ dated 4 March 20××, I wish to apply for the
post of accountant in the mentioned reputed firm. I have a total of three years’ experience in
the said field. Currently, I am working as an assistant accountant, with XYZ Corporations. I am
enclosing my bio-data and testimonial for your review.
ita
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Ketan Pandey
yM
yK
Enclosed : Bio-data and testimonial
Bio-Data
Name
:
Ketan Pandey
:
Male
:
2 November 1982
Father’s Name
:
Mr. Keshav Pandey
Postal Address
:
63, Civil Lines, Delhi-42
Contact No.
:
011-234××××, 981073××××
:
B.Com from XYZ College, Delhi University
M.Com from ABC University
MBA from ABC University
Work Experience
:
3 years with XYZ corporation
Salary Drawn
:
4,80,000/- p.a.
Salary Expected :
:
Negotiable
Language Skills :
:
Fluency in English, Hindi and German
Gender
op
Date of Birth
C
20.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Educational
Qualification
References
:
Mr. Suresh Holkar, Sr. Accounts Manager, XYZ Corporation
Mr. Prabhas Rao, General Manager, XYZ Corporation
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
118
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Sunshine Public School
Karol Bagh
Delhi-52
6 March, 20××
The Sales Manager
Olympics Sports,
F-12, Darya Ganj
Delhi-34
Subject : Delay in Delivery of Sports Goods
Sir/Madam,
This is in reference to the order I placed on 3 February, 20×× for several sports goods from your
store. Our order number is ABC12345.
The sports goods were supposed to be delivered on 3 March, 20××. However, there has been a
delay of four days in the delivery of the same. The equipments are required urgently, therefore, I
am writing to you requesting for speedy delivery of the ordered products.
Thank you
Regards
Ravikant Mishra
Sports Teacher
22.
48, Fort Apartments
Pune
23 March, 20××
The Director
Sapphire Academy
Dadar
Mumbai
Subject : Enquiring about NIFT Admission Test Coaching
Respected Sir,
I am writing to you in regards to the coaching you provide for the NIFT Admission Test.
I have a Masters degree in Fine Arts and now wish to pursue a course in fashion design. For this
I want to join NIFT as it is the premiere institute in the field of fashion. NIFT holds a competitive
examination for admission and I feel appropriate coaching will help me clear it.
I request you to please send the relevant details, such as duration and date of commencement of
coaching classes, fee structure, facilities available, university recognition for course, etc.
I wish to join the coaching at the earliest therefore, kindly send the necessary information to me
as soon as possible.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Karan Roy
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
21.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
119
Amla Public School
24, Copernicus Road
Trichy
March 29, 20××
The Manager
Dhanpati & Sons
Chennai
Subject: Cancelling the Order for Books
Sir,
This is to bring to your notice that I had placed an order for reference books for class XII for
various subjects. As per your delivery policy, the books should have been delivered to us within
seven days. I would like to inform you that it’s past the date of delivery. However, I have not yet
received the books.
The new academic year has already begun. Since you have not supplied the books till date,
students are unable to procure the same. This delay in supply of books has indeed adversely
affected the studies of the students. As there has been an undue delay in the delivery of the books,
I request you to cancel my order I placed with your book store. My order number is APS/××××/
CC12. Also, please refund the advance amount paid to you at the earliest. Kindly acknowledge
receipt of this letter.
Yours faithfully
Rajni Sahoo
Librarian
24.
131, Hans Apartment
Agra-45
29 March, 20××
The Director
Easy Computers
Janakpuri
New Delhi-110021
Subject: Enquiring about Short-term Computer Graphics Course
Sir,
With reference to the advertisement of your prestigious institute in The Hindu, dated 25 March,
20××, I want to seek some necessary information regarding the short-term course in computer
graphics provided by you. I have just completed my class XII and now, I am interested in doing a
certificate course in the same. Kindly enlighten me regarding the following:
(i) Duration of the course
(ii) Fee for the course and the mode of payment
(iii) Eligibility for the course
(iv) Placement opportunities
I am sending a self addressed envelope. Please dispatch the requisite information at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Nandini
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
23.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
120
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
All Saints School
Delhi
2 March, 20××
The Manager
Bat and Ball Enterprises
G.T. Road
Delhi
Subject: Request to Replace Defective Sports Items
Sir,
This is to inform you that I had placed an order for the following sports items from your shop.
However, when I opened the carton, I was disappointed to see that some sports goods were
defective. The list is given below:
1. Hockey Sticks - 1 dozen
2. Cricket Bats - 3 pieces
3. Shuttle Cocks - 5 dozen
4. Football Bladders - 6 pieces
5. Cricket Balls - 5 pieces
The proper invoice is also not attached. The invoice may be sent to us as per registered post. We
will pay the money within ten days of the receipt of the goods. You are requested to replace the
defective goods. You may also instruct your packers to pack the materials carefully in future.
We look forward for favourable consideration and early action from you.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Anil
Physical Education Instructor
26.
Sakinaka, Mumbai
1 March, 20××
The Police Commissioner
Mumbai
Subject: Unauthorised Parking of Vehicles
Sir,
On behalf of the residents of Sakinaka, I wish to draw your attention towards the unauthorised
parking of vehicles in our crowded area which is causing a lot of inconvenience to the locals. The
people don’t bother to park their vehicles at proper parking zone. Sometimes they park their
vehicles in such a way that the pedestrians face difficulty in walking along the road. Whenever a
passerby complains about this inconvenience, they rebuke with aggression. Sometimes they even
start to fight.
We humbly request you to look into the matter at the earliest. Kindly make proper arrangements
for policemen in the area or set up a police booth to prevent unauthorised parking. It has become
a nuisance for the residents.
We look forward for favourable consideration from you soon.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Rohan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
25.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
121
:
:
:
:
:
:
BIO-DATA
Aarti Shah
Anand Shah
14, Model Town, Delhi-29
92xxxxxxxx
28th September, 1989
Unmarried
ita
Name
Father’s Name
Address
Phone
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Educational
Qualification
b
14, Model Town
Delhi-110029
10 March, 20××
The Chairman
The Charlotte
Gurgaon
Subject : Application for the Post of Chief Chef
Sir/Madam,
In response to your advertisement in The Hindu dated March 8, 20××, I wish to apply for the
post of chief chef. I have done a three year diploma course in hotel management from Institute of
Hotel Management, Bangalore.
Please find my attached bio-data for the purpose. I would like to add that I am a very hardworking
girl with a keen interest in different cuisines and flavours. I have also undergone an industrial
training of six months at The Grand, Gurgaon. If selected, I assure you that I shall work with
utmost devotion and sincerity. Anticipating a quick response.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Aarti Shah
yM
yK
27.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
:M.Sc. in Culinary Arts, Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore (2013),
B.Sc. in Hotel Administration, Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore
(2008)
Experience
: Trainee at The Grand, Gurgaon (July 2013 - December 2013)
Skills
:
Excellent communication skills, team player, knowledge of different
cuisines
Language known : English, Hindi and Gujarati
References
: 1.Mr. Kapil Sharma, Head of Department: F&B Operations, The
Grand, Gurgaon
2.Malvika Ray, Head of Department, Institute of Hotel Management
28.
16, TT Nagar,
Bhopal
20 February 20××
Public Relations Officer
Chantac Enterprises
Mumbai
Subject: Application for the Post of Marketing Manager
Sir/Madam,
In response to your advertisement in The Hindu dated February 15, 20××. I wish to apply for the
post of Marketing Manager in your prestigious organisation. I am a hard working and honest
person who is passionate about marketing. I completed my MBA in 2012. Since then, I have
been working with RP Communications as a marketing manager. I am enclosing my bio-data,
photocopies of certificates and testimonials for your reference. If selected, I assure you that I shall
work with devotion and sincerity to your full satisfaction. Hoping for a favourable response.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Parul Pathak
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
122
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
BIO-DATA
Name
: Parul Pathak
Father’s Name
: Mahesh Pathak
Address
: 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal
Phone
: 91xxxxxxxx
Date of Birth
: 27th September, 1989
Marital Status
: Unmarried
Educational
Qualification
: MBA in Finance, Management DT Institute, Gurgaon (2012), B.Com.
b
in Accountancy, BU (2009)
: Manager at RP Communications
Skills
: Excellent communication
ita
Experience
and management skills, team player,
yM
yK
sincerity, ability to convince and influence people
Languages known : Fluent in English, Hindi and German
Reference
14, M.G. Road
Pune-28
The Manager
Dawn Books
op
2 February, 20××
C
29.
: Mr. D. K. Paul Senior Manager, RPCommunications, Bhopal
Lawrence Road
Chennai
Subject: Defective Book
Sir,
Yesterday, I bought the textbook ‘Vistas’ for class-XII from your bookstore (Bill No. 002223, dated
1/2/20××). After skimming through the book, I found, to my disappointment, that a few pages
were missing from the book. In addition to that the print overlapped on a few pages.
I have bought many books from your publishing house, but have never encountered such a
problem before. My exams are approaching and having a defective book is a big hindrance. I
request you to either replace the book or refund the money at the earliest.
I have attached a copy of the bill for your reference.
Yours sincerely
Aman
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
123
68, Chanakya Puri
Delhi-21
20 January, 20××
The Manager
Edison Watch Works
New Delhi
Subject: Defective Wristwatch
Sir,
Last week, I bought a brand new wristwatch (Bill No. 008453, dated 14/1/2014) from your retail
showroom. However, I would like to inform you that it has not been functioning properly from
the first day itself. It is from the latest collection of watches launched by Titan.
The watch stops after every few hours and the alarm goes off on its own. I have tried resetting the
time, but all in vain. I am a punctual person and arriving on time is important to me. However,
because of the faulty watch, I’ve been late for several meetings. Besides, it is hampering with my
daily schedule, which is causing me extreme inconvenience. Therefore, I request you to either
repair or replace the watch at the earliest.
I have attached a copy of the bill for your reference.
Regards
Govind
31.
R.W.A.
Govindpuri
Bangalore-42
23 March, 20××
The Municipal Commissioner
Municipal Corporation
Bangalore-21
Subject : Utter Neglect of the Govindpuri Main Park
Sir,
This is to inform you that the main park in our locality, which was once a model park, lies in
a state of utter neglect. Initially, the horticulture department had assigned a caretaker and a
gardener to tend to the park. However, they both proved to be inefficient. The trees as well as the
bushes remain untrimmed. There is no one to look after the garden, as a result, not many flowers
are left to please our senses.
There used to be a water fountain in the middle of the park. But, due to lack of maintenance, it
does not function anymore.
That’s not all. The park has become a favourite spot for anti-social elements who are involved in
substance abuse, drinking and creating nuisance for other park-goers.
Due to the above mentioned reasons and few other related issues, visiting the park has become
impossible. I request you to instruct the horticulture department to take prompt action and
restore the park to its original condition.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Mohita Singh
President, R.W.A., Govindpuri
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
30.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
124
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
15, Gulbarga Society
Surat
16 July, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
BahadurShah Zafar Marg
New Delhi
Subject : Role of Youth in Eradicating Social Problems
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the youth
towards the problems of poverty, unemployment and corruption, which are constantly gnawing
at the roots of our country. It is because of them that our country is still considered a developing
country and not a developed one. The youth too has a role to play in the country’s development
process. Therefore, the youth must participate in the eradication of such problems.
The youth of today has a broader outlook regarding issues concerning them and their country
than their previous generations. The young adults are passionate, enthusiastic and quick at
expressing their opinion about what pleases or displeases them.
Their active participation in protests, demonstrations, candle light marches, etc. to fight injustice
or for any social cause has been tremendous in the recent past. However, the youth has the
potential to do more.
The youth is the hope of the nation. Therefore, they should come forward and shoulder more
responsibilities. They must raise their voice against corruption and raise awareness whenever it
seems necessary. The youth today is a ‘start up’ generation. Hence, they should encourage selfemployment amongst the less-privileged so that the latter can earn their own living.
If the youth really commits to the eradication of the problems of poverty, unemployment and
corruption, they can strive ahead and bring an economic revolution in the country. Hence, I
request the young adults to play their role, take the responsibility in bringing a change in the
system so that others are inspired. Only the collaborative effort of every citizen of India can lead
our country towards prosperity.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Rani Tripathi
33.
15, Tilak Nagar
Murshidabad
9 March 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Circus Avenue
Subject : Relief Required in Flood Hit Area
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw your and the readers’ attention
towards the grave situation in the town of Murshidabad. Recently, there have been enormous
rains because of which our town has flooded.
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
32.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
125
op
yM
yK
15, Udyog Vihar
Noida
2 March, 20xx
The Editor
The Times of India
B.S. Zafar Marg
New Delhi
Subject: Rash Driving by the DTC Bus Drivers
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily I wish to draw the attention of the General Manager,
Delhi Transport Corporation towards the rash driving by the drivers of DTC buses plying on the
Noida-Delhi route.
Being a regular commuter on the same route since last five years, I have had a good experience
with DTC buses in the past. However, since last two months, I have been continuously facing a
lot of problems due to reckless drivers. Regardless of commuters complaining several times, the
drivers pay no heed and drive in zig-zag manner.
Many passengers who do not find seats to sit have to stand and travel the distance. More often
than not, passengers fall and hurt themselves.
The drivers neither follow the traffic rules nor do they care about the consequences of breaking
them. They do not fear the law either. Some of the drivers use foul language while speaking to the
passengers, which obviously leads to quarrels.
I have written many complaints about the drivers with date, day, name and other relevant information
but all in vain. Therefore, I request you to public the above said view so that the top official of the Delhi
Transport Corporation may be made aware of this grave situation, and take strict action against such
rowdy drivers. The department should provide proper training, create awareness and also maintain the
provision of punishment for the misbehaved and rash-drivers.
I look forward for favourable consideration and quick action from the concerned authority.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Prakash
C
34.
ita
b
Heavy downpour for five consecutive days has affected us adversely. There has been a huge loss
of life and property; not only people, but, many helpless animals have perished. Houses have
suffered severe damage, personal belongings, valuables, furnitures, vehicles, etc. all have either
drowned or swept away. Farmers, whose only mode of income are their crops are the worst
affected. The heavy rains have destroyed the crops and vegetation, thus rendering the farmers
sans hope and any chance of recovery.
Though, rescue teams arrived and relief measures were taken at the earliest, but the relief
operation carried out by the state Government has proved to be insufficient. There are still people
and animals stuck in isolated areas, surrounded by stagnant flood water, who need to be rescued,
fed and treated.
Therefore, I wish to utilise this space to request the concerned authorities and the general public
to come forward and help rescue the flood victims faster. Contributions and donations, in the
form of cash or any other kind, is much required to provide food, basic essentials and medicines
to them.
I hope you will publish this letter so that more relief is sent to the flood hit area as soon as possible.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Sucheta Bagchi
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
126
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
ABC Matriculation School
Civil Lines
Poona
14 March, 20××
Lightways Sports
Amrapalli
Thane
Subject: Sports Articles Required
Sir/Madam
We are in need of the following sports articles at the earliest and wish to purchase the whole lot
from your store.
Items
Brands
Quantity
Footballs
Cosco
4
Crickets Bats
Adidas
6
Cricket Balls
Adidas
8
Badminton net
1
Tennis Racquets
Yonex
6
Kindly supply the articles on any day (Monday - Saturday) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. along
with the bill. I hope you shall give us the discount permissible for schools.
Payment will be made after the sports articles are received and thoroughly checked for damages
or defects.
We expect you to ensure the quality of the products. Defected items would have to be replaced
once they are returned to you.
Hoping for timely delivery.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Raveena
Sports Secretary
36.
10, Civil Lines Extension
Chanakyapuri
Agra-UP
13 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi
Subject: Problems Caused by Open Manholes
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I want to draw the attention of the Municipal
Commissioner of the area of Civil Lines Extension Chanakyapuri, regarding the problem of three
open manholes in the main road leading to our locality.
The open manholes have already caused several accidents in the short period of four months,
most of which occurred after dark. The situation worsens during the rainy season. Even a slight
down pour causes the manholes to overflow and flood the main road. The manholes are a
breeding ground for various germs and diseases, which are a threat not only to kids but adults as
well. Moreover, the stench coming from the open manholes is unbearable.
Due to the above mentioned problems, residents of my locality and all the neighbouring localities
are facing a lot of inconveniences day in and day out. I have written to the municipal corporation
many times regarding the issue, requesting them to cover the manholes. However, nothing has
been done about it yet.
The problem can be easily dealt with by timely action and regular monitoring. I wish that the
concerned authority takes a note of the situation and takes remedial actions at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Kamini Kaushal
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
35.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
127
Baden Power Sr. Sec. School
12/100, Patparganj
Delhi-92
25 July, 20××
The Sales Manager,
Aparna Publishing House
23, Daryaganj
Delhi-01
Subject: Order for Books
Sir/Madam,
I would like to place an order for the following books for our school library.
Name of Book
Author
Qty.
The Invisible Man
H.G. Wells
4
Silas Marner
George Eliot
4
Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll
4
(Abridged Version)
Geetanjali
Rabindranath Tagore 2
Kindly supply the books by next week. Also, please make sure that the books are in good condition
and arrive undamaged. I request you to send the bill along with the books after applying the
discount permissible to schools. Payment will be made soon after the receipt and checking of the
books. Damaged books will not be accepted nor any payment will be made for the same.
We seek your cooperation in this regard.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Akriti Khurana
Librarian
38.
12, M. G. Road
Chennai
2 March, 20xx
The Editor
The Hindu
G.T. Road
Chennai
Subject: Nuisance Caused by the Stray Animals
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of Municipal
Commissioner, Chennai towards the nuisance caused by the stray animals.
It is mostly during the busy hours of day that this has been observed. Stray animals, such as pigs,
cows, dogs, monkey, etc. wander around freely causing traffic jams, road accidents and sometimes, health hazards. Recently, a neighbour’s child was attacked by an adult monkey in search
of food. Stray cows stand or sit in the middle of the road and refuse to move even after relentless
sounding of horn. Population of stray pigs and dogs is multiplying each day, not to mention cow
dung on roads is adding to the nuisance. I have already written to the concerned authorities
several times. However, no action has been taken so far.
The problem can be easily dealt with by establishing animal shelters, where they will be taken care
of properly. I wish that the Municipal Commissioner takes note of the situation at the earliest and
orders the concerned authorities to take immediate action regarding the same without further
delay.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Shanta Suresh
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
37.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
128
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Zenith Public School
Kosikalam
2 March, 20xx
The Sales Manager
Bharat Electronic and Domestic Appliances Ltd.
New Delhi
Subject: Order for Electronic Appliances
Sir,
Kindly arrange to supply at your earliest convenience the following electronic appliances for our
school hostel at the discounted rates approved by the authority.
1. Ceiling fans
10 Nos.
2. Microwave ovens
5 Nos.
3. Geysers
3 Nos.
Before packing the goods please ensure that they are ISI marked. The appliances should not be
assembled, local or both.
An advance payment cheque of rupees ten thousand has been sent. Balance amount will be sent
after receiving the discounted bill and approval of the school management.
We seek your cooperation in this regard.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Vishal Dhawan
Hostel warden
40.
20, Fort Road
Mumbai
4 March, 20××
Dear Raj,
I am fine here and hope that all of you are doing well too. I am writing to inform you about
the latest process of CCE being used by the CBSE for the Secondary School Examination in its
affiliated schools.
CCE aims at improving students’ performance by identifying his/her learning difficulties at
regular time intervals, right from the beginning of the academic session. It employs suitable
remedial measures for enhancing their learning aids and techniques.
It maybe clearly understood that introduction of CCE does not mean less emphasis on academic
attainment. Students will still be required to do well in studies. However, with the acquisition
of additional life skills like, thinking and emotional skills, they are expected to meet different
situations with greater maturity. All my classmates are extremely happy and positive about this
new scheme.
Pay my regards to your mother and father.
Your cousin
Nisha
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
39.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
129
5/31, Bangalore Cantt.
Bangalore
4 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindu
Bangalore
Subject: Unhygienic Condition of Railways
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the
General Manager, Southern Railways, to the prevailing unhygienic conditions of the Southern
Railways.
I regret to inform you that recently, during my travel to Vasco in Vasco Express, I came across
extremely unhygienic conditions inside the train. The coaches were infested with cockroaches.
As we all know, cockroaches carry bacteria that is harmful for humans as they contaminate the
food. Small children fear such insects, due to which people suffer much inconvenience during
their journeys.
Cockroach infested coaches is just one of the issues of concern. A co-passenger of mine found
an insect in his food tray provided by the railway pantry. Apart from this, the toilets in the train
were extremely dirty as well.
I would request the authorities to look into the matter at the earliest and put stricter rules in place.
They must ensure the use of insecticides at regular intervals so as to maintain proper hygiene
levels in the trains. Also, proper cleanliness and hygiene practices will reduce the risk of further
infestation.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Saran Singh
42.
25, Avadi, Chennai-42
2 March 20xx
The Editor
The Hindu,
Chennai
Subject : Poor Maintenance of State Transport Buses
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of the General Manager
(Maintenance) of the State Transport towards the poor maintenance of state transport buses.
Recently, I had a rather unfortunate experience while travelling from Chennai to Thiruvalluvar
in an air conditioned state transport bus.
I opted for the AC bus hoping for a comfortable commute even though the fare is three times the
normal fare. However, the air conditioning stopped working within an hour of the beginning
of the journey. Since it was an AC bus, the windows were sealed shut and couldn’t be opened for
some fresh air. This made the passengers extremely uncomfortable. Some even became sick due
to suffocation.
Besides faulty air conditioning, I also noticed that the quality of the maintenance of the bus was
not good either. The outer cover of the seats were torn in almost all seats and the sponge was
coming out. While some seats had back handles, others did not. In addition, the bus floor and the
overhead luggage racks were extremely dirty.
The condition of the state transport buses is worsening day by day. This does not leave a positive
impression on tourists, especially foreigners. I hope you will publish this letter, so that the
concerned authorities swing into action immediately.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Hema Malini
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
41.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
130
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
8/35, M.G. Road
Bangalore-47
9 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Bangalore
Subject: Creating Awareness About the Importance of Sports and Games
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of general public
towards the fact that games and sports are not given as much importance in our country as
is given to academics. As a result, our achievements in the international arena are not very
spectacular.
Sports and games are gradually losing their importance because there is not much awareness,
therefore it needs to be created. The recent Olympic Games have proven that India has the
potential to perform well in sports. Yet, there are only a handful of athletes representing the
country out of which only few win medals.
In an attempt to make a good career with lucrative job, academics is given the most importance
in our country. Students are required to score high in all subjects for which they work extremely
hard, more often than not, by ignoring sports and games.
Students and parents must understand that sports and games are necessary for all-round
development of children. They become fitter, smarter and healthier by playing sports and games.
People are so busy running in the rat race that they fail to realise that sports is a great career
option as well. Sports people and athletes not only become the face of the country but also they
earn well.
With this letter, I wish to create awareness amongst parents and students that involvement in
sports and games is not a wastage of time and energy.
I hope that I have been able to highlight the problem in this letter and that, in future, sports and
games will be given equal importance as is given to academics.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Sunita Menon
44.
48, Agra Fort
Agra-01
2 March, 20xx
The Editor
The Times of India
Fort Road
Agra
Subject: The Need of Educational Counsellors in Schools
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention towards the need
of educational counsellors in every school for proper guidance. In this modern and competitive
time, the fight for better marks and career is cut throat among the youngsters. After passing the
secondary school examination, a candidate has to make a very difficult choice from a number of
streams available to him or her for further studies at the senior school level.
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
43.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
131
Students are often misguided by others, not to mention the fake advertisements seen everywhere
about expert guidance, ready to cheat the needy and unsuspecting students and their parents.
There is no valid mechanism to assess the suitability of candidates for a particular stream. Students
opt for subjects under the influence of peer or parental pressure without considering their own
preferences and capabilities. Students, later, regret their decisions, which by then already affect
their psyche. The ministry of HRD should be serious towards the career of the students. A special
post of educational counsellor should be created in every school so that the students and parents
can discuss their issues and concerns and clarify their doubts regarding further education. This
will certainly give them some relief from the unnecessary worries. Proper guidance is very
important for shaping the young minds.
Hoping for favourable consideration soon, for the welfare of the students.
Thank you
b
Yours sincerely
Chennai-01
2 March, 20xx
yM
yK
12, M. G. Road
The Municipal Commissioner
Chennai
Subject: Insanitary Conditions in Maruti Colony
op
Sir,
I wish to draw your attention towards the insanitary conditions in and around our colony, which
has lead to the population explosion of rodents causing multiple diseases. They come in to the
C
45.
ita
Vinay Khanna
house through the drain pipes and create nuisance by continuously harming the property, leaving
their excreta here and there and sometimes even by giving birth inside the house. Some residents
have also complained about being bitten by a rodent at night, which has instilled fear of rabies
and plague in others. The local department of the Municipal Corporation has not taken the case
seriously. It is the sheer negligence of the corporation that despite several requests to clean the
sewers, no action has been taken regarding the same.
There is an urgent need to sanitise the sewers and control the rodent population so that the
residents do not have to live in constant fear of an epidemic.
Hoping for an immediate action.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Suraj Sahai
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
132
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
27, W. E. A.
Karol Bagh
Delhi-52
2 March, 20××
The Librarian
Brain Trust Library
Karol Bagh
Delhi-52
Subject : Cancellation of Library Membership
Sir,
This is to inform you that I am shifting to Faridabad from Karol Bagh. Therefore, it would be
impossible for me to continue to use the library.
I have been a member of Brain Trust Library for past ten years. However, due to the above
mentioned reason, I have to cancel my library membership. I request you to refund my security
deposit of ` 5000/- at the earliest. My membership ID is PG5232, in case, you need to refer to it.
I hope that my case will be settled at the earliest in a hassle free manner.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Pritam Ghosh
47.
13, W. E. A.
Karol Bagh
New Delhi-52
2 March, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
B.S. Zafar Marg
New Delhi-01
Subject: Ill Treatment of Stray Dogs
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the general
public towards ill treatment meted out to stray dogs at the hands of human beings.
It is a common sight these days. Men, women and children kick, hit or throw stones at stray
dogs mercilessly deriving pleasure from the harmless creature’s pain. On some instances, stray
dogs have been beaten or shot to death for no apparent reasons. Such inhuman behaviour goes
unnoticed and unpunished.
One of the reasons behind the growing population of street dogs is that families who cannot take
care of their pet dogs, abandon them on the streets without proper food or shelter. Due to callous
and indifferent attitude of people, helpless stray dogs are ill-treated, get run over by moving
vehicles or are caught by dog catchers. It pains to think that man’s best friend is considered a
menace by the insensitive man himself.
The problem can be easily dealt with by sensitising people while creating awareness regarding
the pitiful conditions of the street dogs. At the same time, municipal authorities and NGOs must
establish animals shelters so as to keep them off the street.
I hope adequate measures will be taken soon to protect the stray dogs.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Anu Singh
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
46.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
133
12, Kasturi Bai Street
Chennai-20
5 March, 20××
The Station Master
Anand
Subject : Loss of Suitcase in Navjivan Express
Sir,
This is to inform you that I lost my suitcase while travelling by Navjivan Express from Chennai
to Anand. I boarded the train on March 4, 20××. My compartment no. is S-7, berth no. 10 and
seat no. 52. It is a standard sized blue V.I.P. trolley suitcase with a wavy design on it. My name is
written on the tag attached to the handle along with an Air India tag. It also has a prominent black
mark on the back side. The suitcase was properly locked and chained. I was in the train the whole
night, knowing that the compartment incharge was supervising. However, only on alighting at
Anand I realised that my suitcase was missing.
The suitcase contains medical equipments urgently required for my mother’s treatment and few
other valuables. Please treat this letter as priority case and act accordingly. If found, kindly return
it to:
Priya Singh
12, Kasturi Bai Street,
Chennai 500020
Contact No.: 98180111××
I hope that there will be no delay in finding my suitcase.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Priya Singh
49.
The Principal
ABC School
Delhi-21
7 September, 20xx
Subject: Permission for Late Arrival of my Son Akhil Arora
Sir,
I wish to inform you that my son Akhil Arora, a student of class XII in your school, has been
selected for participation in National Swimming Championship. It is mandatory for him to
attend the coaching classes arranged by Sports Authority of India, which are being held from 10
September to 10 October 20××. The one month long coaching camp will begin at 8.00 a.m. and
continue till 10.00 a.m. and then from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. I do not want him to neglect his studies
altogether. But circumstances constrain him.
Keeping in view the reason mentioned above, I request you to grant him permission to attend
school two hours late for a month. The grace shown by you will be much appreciated.
I hope you will grant my request.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Ravi Arora
Father of Akhil Arora
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
48.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
134
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
21, Civil Lines
Bareily-12
14 February 20××
The Dean
D.P.I. School of Management,
Mumbai
Subject: Enquiring about P.G. Diploma in HRM
Sir,
This is in reference to your advertisement informing about the P.G. Diploma in HRM course
taught in your school.
I am a graduate with honours in B.Com and now I wish to pursue a career in Human Resource
Management. I request you to please send me the details, such as eligibility criteria, fees, hostel
facility, prospects of placement, etc. for the session starting in April.
I will appreciate it if you forward me the details at the earliest. I am enclosing a self addressed
envelope.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Romola Sikand
51.
24, Hennus Road
Bangalore-37
10 February, 20××
The Editor,
Deccan Times
Bangalore -42
Subject: Inadequate Parking Facility
Sir,
With due respect, I wish to say that I Anoop, own an electronic shop in the Commercial Street,
M.G. Road. There is a good number of shops on both sides of the street. Every day, huge crowd
gathers here for shopping. Many shopkeepers and people come by their car in the area. Many
visitors also come by their car. But the main problem is that the parking facility is inadequate,
space is less, the vehicles are more. This causes great inconvenience to the people. Shopping in
this area has become very difficult, as the passages and by-lanes get jammed by vehicles. Besides,
too many vehicles cause too much traffic, which further worsens the situation, sometimes by
causing accidents even. An open field adjacent to the commercial area, is lying vacant. This can
be used as an authorised parking place, which will reduce the problem of parking in the area.
I hope the concerned authorities will take this matter into consideration without further delay
and take an immediate action.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Ritu Jalota
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
50.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
52.
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
135
10, Civil Lines
Sharanpur-21
10 March, 20××
The Principal
Gurunanak College
Ambala-42
Subject: Requesting Issuing of Testimonials
Sir,
Yours sincerely
Rohit Roy
25, Ashirvad Apartment
Kolhapur-21
The Principal
op
15 February 20××
Judith Public School
Poona-31
C
53.
yM
yK
Thank you
ita
Your help will be much appreciated.
b
With due respect, I wish to inform you that I, Rohit Roy, was a student of your college, pursuing
post-graduation in English Literature. While I was in college, I frequently participated in
curricular and co-curricular activities in the college with meritorious performance and brought
many laurels to the institution. However, at the time of leaving the college, I could not collect
my testimonials and details of my performances. Therefore, I request you to issue the same as I
require them urgently.
Subject: Enquiring about Diploma Course in Lab Technology
Sir,
Recently, I have come to know that your school has launched a diploma course in lab technology.
I am quite interested in this course, but certain things are not clear to me. Today, a lot of courses
are being offered under vocational stream, but which are beneficial and which are not, is a subject
of debate.
I wish to know what prospects does the course have in future. There are also few other queries,
such as fee structure, course duration, eligibility criteria, etc. regarding which I seek information.
Therefore, I request you to send me the latest prospectus containing full details of the course.
I am enclosing a self-addressed envelope with this letter for your convenience.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Chaman lal
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
136
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
10, Pudupet
New Town-19
2 March, 20xx
The Municipal Chairman
North Arcot District
Subject: Dilapidated Condition of the Public Monuments
Sir,
With due respect, I wish to draw your attention towards the nasty condition in which the public
monuments remain today. The condition is especially worse in our town. Even though most of
them have a lot of significance yet, the authorities fail to maintain them properly.
Our town has beautiful monuments, which we take great pride in. They tell the glory of the
past and attract a lot of visitors every day. However, they are dilapidated and require immediate
attention. Some of these monuments are valuable heritage. But it is a matter of great concern that
maintenance-wise they are completely ignored. Moreover monuments lacking proper care are
an eye sore and leave a bad impression on tourists. I request you to look into the matter and take
urgent steps for the preservation of these monuments.
Looking forward to betterment of public monuments.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Anarkali
55.
15, Anand Colony
Hyderabad-21
3 March, 20xx
The Principal
Little Valley Senior Secondary School
Hyderabad-42
Subject: Vocational Stream Required in the School
Sir,
Through this letter I wish to draw your attention towards the need for vocational streams in
schools these days. I am Rama, a member of Parent-Teacher Association of your school. Being a
working professional myself, I feel that the quality of jobs have changed completely than what it
used to be. These days, more importance is given to expertise in a particular field than to marks
obtained in the exam.
Traditional academic methods are not adequate in the present scenario. They put unnecessary
pressure on the students and cause them to stress, which further leads to poor performance.
Besides teaching the regular subjects, schools should also have vocational subjects, such as
computers, insurance, etc. with proper facilities of teaching them. This will allow students to
pursue a course of their liking instead of despising academic studies.
I request you to take the necessary steps regarding introduction of vocational streams so that
students benefit from it when they finish their education and step into the real world.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Ramanarayan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
54.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
137
H.P. Engineering College, Tirupathi-11
2 March, 20xx
The Manager (Publications)
Little Flower Company, Hyderabad-07
Subject: Placing an Order for Books
Sir/Madam,
I wish to place an order for four books on Management and Administration, recently published
by you.
Please make sure that the books sent are in the best of conditions and packed properly to avoid
any damage. Those damaged in transit or have inferior print quality will not be accepted nor any
payment for the same will be made. Kindly apply the requisite discount before calculating the
final amount to be paid. Please supply the book within three weeks of time. Cash will be paid post
delivery once the quality check is done and the books are found in satisfactory condition. We seek
your co-operation in this regard.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Rohini Khanna
Librarian
57.
R.K. Puram, Secunderabad-21
9 March, 20××
The Editor
The Deccan Chronicle
Secunderabad-01
Subject: Poor Bus Service
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities to the poor bus service for the residents of R. K. Puram, Secunderabad. It is a huge
colony situated on the outskirts of the city with a population of more than ten thousand people. I
would like to inform you that due to poor bus service, lives of the residents are getting adversely
affected. People have to walk a long distance to reach the bus stop. Since the frequency of the
buses in the area is low, people have to wait for thirty minutes to one hour. At times, buses do not
even stop. Worst affected are the school children and office goers. As they are left with no other
option than to hire expensive private modes of transport, such as private auto rickshaws, taxis,
etc.
Buses coming from the other side are always overcrowded. They are so jam packed that many
passengers face difficulty in boarding them.
What is more shocking is the indifferent attitude of the drivers and conductors, who, at times,
cause inconvenience to the passengers, by talking back and using indecent language.
Being someone getting affected by poor bus service every day, I have sent pleas for quick action to
the transport authority numerous times. But nothing has been said or done about it. The problem
can be easily dealt with if adequate measures are taken. First and foremost, there should be a few
additional buses plying on this route so that people do not have to wait for a long time to reach
their destination. More number of buses will prevent over crowding and allowing passengers to
commute comfortably.
Strict action should be taken against irresponsible and misbehaving bus drivers and conductors,
who try to create nuisance for the passengers.
I hope I have been able to highlight the problem in this letter and that adequate measures will be
taken without further delay.
Looking forward to a positive change.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Shiraj Malik
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
56.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
138
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
B.V.P. School
Mathura Road
Delhi-24
9 March, 20××
The General Manager
Nothern Railways
Baroda House
New Delhi–21
Subject: Reservation of A Railway Bogie
Sir,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Principal of B.V.P. School, Mathura Road, Delhi, requesting you
to reserve a railway bogie in G.T. Express for eighty students, four teachers and two attendants.
The school is planning a two weeks’ excursion to Chennai from New Delhi during the winter
vacation in the month of December. The tentative dates of onward journey is December 20, 20××
and return journey is January 3, 20××. Kindly provide me with information regarding number
of berths needed for eighty-six people, amount to be paid for AC/non AC class. Also, please tell
me what would be the estimated expenditure of a round trip from New Delhi to Chennai after
students’ concession. Please confirm if the bogie reservation can be made for the above mentioned
dates. Once confirmation is received from your end the school authorities shall finalise other
necessary arrangements. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Varun Kumar
Incharge, Excursion Club
59.
10, Mount Road
Velacherry-21
24 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindu
Chennai-48
Subject: Rash and Reckless Driving by the People
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the general
public and the concerned authorities about the rash and reckless driving by the people in our
city.
The fast moving trucks, buses, scooters, bikes, etc. have become a menace to the people of this
area, especially the bike riders, who, it seems, neither care for their own lives nor others. The news
about the road accidents caused due to rash driving is common these days.
There have been many cases of road rage and hit and run incidents, which pose danger to the
pedestrians especially the poor, homeless people who sleep on the pavements.
As someone who feels victimised by the reckless driving, I feel that there should be better policing.
Besides implementing stricter traffic rules, honest and vigilant officers should be appointed so as
to keep a check on chaos and raging drivers on the road. Corrupt officers indulging in giving
and receiving bribes should be suspended immediately. Enforcing speed limits within the city is
necessary and so is stricter norms for issue of license. Therefore, whoever violates the rules, must
be fined heavily.
The problem can be easily dealt with by spreading awareness about the issue as much as possible
and also by taking timely action. Hence, I wish the authorities make a note of the situation and
act upon it immediately.
Looking forward to see positive changes.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Kamal Kishore
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
58.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
139
15, The Mall
Amritsar-25
18 March, 20××
The General Manager
MTNL Office
New Delhi-48
Subject: Transfer of Telephone Line
Sir,
I wish to inform you that I have shifted my residence from 10, Lajpat Road to House No. 232,
Aurobind Marg, Delhi. My current landline number is 011-23232562 and is registered under the
name Radhika Khurana. Presently, I am residing in Amritsar. However, due to change of job, I
am shifting to Delhi to the above mentioned address. I shall arrive in Delhi on March 25, 20××.
Therefore, I am requesting you for an early transfer of my telephone line.
I have enclosed a copy each of my PAN card and voter’s ID card as my residence and identification
proof along with my telephone bills from last three months for your reference and consideration.
I hope that my case will be settled as quickly as possible and my landline number will be ready to
use by the time I reach Delhi.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Radhika Khurana
Enclsd: Copy of pancard, copy of voter’s ID card, 3 previous months’ phone bills.
61.
Rajaji Nagar
Tiruneveli-21
9 March, 2007
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi-31
Subject: Mosquito Menace in the Locality
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authority towards the mosquito menace in our locality.
I am a resident of Ram Vilas Society, which is situated in one of the poshest localities of Rajaji
Nagar. However, due to lack of maintenance, the locality has lost its charm. One of the empty
plots has, by default, become the garbage dumping ground. In addition, the heavy down pour last
month let a lot of water get accumulated in the ground. The unattended garbage and the stagnant
water has resulted in breeding of mosquitoes and other harmful germs. Due to the negligence of
the authorities the entire locality is living in fear that epidemic may break any time now.
Despite many requests to the officers of the Municipal Corporation, the ground has not been
cleared and dried off for a very long time. Children and adults are still exposed to multiple
diseases because of unhygienic conditions within the locality. The situation needs to be checked
soon as it is hazardous for everyone’s health. I wish that the authorities will pay heed to our urgent
requests and take remedial action immediately.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Renu Gopalan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
60.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
140
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Gandhi Nagar
Chennai-42
5 April, 20××
The Secretary
Youth Hostel
Jaipur-11
Subject: Request for Accommodation
Sir,
It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that four members of my family will be visiting
Jaipur during the coming summer vacation. They intend to reach there on 20th May, 20×× and
stay there for three days. During their stay, they would like to visit various tourist spots around
Jaipur. I request you to provide accommodation for them from 20th May to 26th May 20××, for
a week. Please make sure that the rooms are clean, well ventilated and equipped with all the
necessary requirements, such as T.V. and Cooler.
I am enclosing a cheque of ` 2000/- as an advance payment. Kindly revert with the receipt of
the same. The balance payment will be made on arrival. Also, please let me know if you provide
authorised guides to conduct the tours.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Kamini Mathews
63.
Mayur Vihar
Lucknow-18
15 March, 20××
The Editor
New Indian Express
XYZ Road
Lucknow-21
Subject: Negative Influence of Advertisements
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the general
public towards the negative influence of advertisements on the mind of the people.
The general public is very well aware of the flood of advertisements on television channels, selling
wrong ideas and superstitious beliefs along with useless commodities, which may or may not be
completely effective. Advertisements, especially those of fairness products, anti-aging creams,
body sprays/perfumes, etc. are misleading the general public. They promote ideas, such as fair skin
is beautiful, aging is bad and some fragrances make you irresistible to the opposite sex. That’s not
all. Most advertisements objectify women, which does not send a right message to the children.
Advertisements, which show celebrities doing dangerous stunts by themselves, influence kids
and youngsters to quite an extent. There have been incidents where kids/youngsters have met
with fatal accidents while attempting these stunts at home without adult supervision. Although
such an ad comes with a warning that the stunts should not be tried at home. However, it is
so small that it easily goes unnoticed. There are also ads, which appeal to the religious psyche
of some viewers. They try to sell solutions for various life problems one is suffering from by
offering religious remedies. Superstitious consumers fall prey to these ads quite easily and resort
to various ill-practices to fulfil their wishes.
It is through you newspaper that, I wish to appeal to the general public not to believe everything
that is shown to them in television ads and make their buying decisions wisely.
Thank you
Your sincerely
Radha Shah
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
62.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
141
Sriram Vidya Niketan
Delhi-42
13 March, 20××
The Manager
Haldirams
Nagpur-10
Subject: Lunch Packets Required for Excursion Party
Sir,
This is to inform you that an excursion party of sixty from our school, Sriram Vidya Niketan,
Delhi, will be travelling by G.T. Express from Delhi to Chennai on March 21, 20××. We will reach
Nagpur next day at 12:15 P.M. I request you to supply sixty lunch packets when we arrive in
Nagpur. The train number is 32429, coach number B4, Non A/C, sleeper 3-Tier.
Kindly let me know what all items will be provided in the lunch packets and also the estimated
amount of sixty packets after applying students’ discount.
Once you revert with the required information we shall place the order with you.
Hope to hear from you at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Preeti Rai
Excursion Co-ordinator
65.
SAF Public School
Chandigarh-48
13 March, 20××
The Manager
JJ Tours & Travels
Chandigarh-10
Subject: School Excursion
Sir,
Our school is planning an excursion of seven days and six nights to Shimla in the month of May
i.e., during summer vacation. There are approximately forty students and five teachers. We would
like you to organise the tour for us. The preferred dates of the trip is between May 15-21, 20××.
It would be highly appreciable if you can arrange the tickets of Kalka Mail till Kalka, followed by
the Toy train. The hotel should be on the main Mall Road with basic facilities like hot water, T.V.,
etc. The cost of the trip should not exceed more than ` 3,000 per head including the cost of sightseeing. Kindly let me know about the details of the arrangements you make. I leave it upon you
to organise for a comfortable and safe trip and stay.
Looking forward to your response.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Mohan Das
Excursions and Field Trip Incharge
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
64.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
142
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
65, P.H. Road
Mangalore-10
11 March, 20××
The Phone Point
83, Mount Road
Mangalore-41
Subject: Defective Mobile Phone
Sir/Madam
This is to inform you that recently, I bought a Nokia 6100 phone from your showroom, ‘The
Phone Point’ with receipt no. 0523, dated 10 February 20××. The handset was bought with a
warranty of one year. It worked smoothly for nearly 20 days. Of late, I discovered that the phone
keeps on hanging within few minutes usage. Also, whenever I call or receive a call neither mine,
nor the caller’s voice is properly audible. Although it is a brand new phone, it has already become
a nuisance, which is now unbearable. Since the mobile phone is still in warranty period I would
request you to kindly help me by either rectifying the defect or else please replace the handset
against the warranty that goes with it.
The Phone Point enjoys a great reputation and goodwill in the market. I would highly appreciate
it if you would look into the matter at the earliest.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Navneet Singh
67.
95, HAL Colony
Bangalore
24 July, 20××
The Manager
Parsva Constructions Ltd.
24, Sector 10 Mysore
Subject: Application for the Post of Junior Engineer
Sir,
This is in response to your advertisement in The Times of India on 20 July 20×× for the post of
junior engineer. I have worked for 2 years with TDI in Delhi as an Assistant Engineer and 2 years
with DLF in Bangalore as a Junior Engineer. I am a dedicated and hard working individual, who
takes his work seriously. If selected, I assure you that I will give my hundred percent and work to
your full satisfaction. I have studied in IIT Kharagpur and hold a diploma and a degree in Civil
Engineering. I have enclosed my bio-data for your consideration.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Praveen Kumar
Enclosed :
1. Bio-data
2. Testimonials (2)
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
66.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
BIO-DATA
1.
Name
: Praveen Kumar
2.
Age
: 32 years
3.
Date of Birth
: 29 July, 1984
4.
Address
: 95, HAL colony, Bangalore
5.
Gender
: Male
6.
Marital Status
: Single
7.
Educational Qualification :
S. No.
Examination
Year of passing
Percentage
1.
AISSE (Class XII)
1997
85%
2.
B.Sc.
2000
89%
3.
Diploma Civil E.
2002
75%
1.
Assistant Engineer (TDI)
2.
Junior Engineer (DLF)
IIT
No. of Years
Reasons
2004-2005
Better Salary
2005-2006
Better Prospects
Travelling, Painting, reading
Rs. 3,50,000 per annum
Negotiable
praveen.kumar@yahoo.com
Mr. Gyan Prakash Dubey, Sr. Manager, TDI, 9851××××××.
Mr. Piyush Ganguly, General manager, DLF, 9781××××××.
op
Goodwill Public School,
47, M.G. Marg
Allahabad-10
22 March, 20××
M/s. Mangla Confectioners
Allahabad-52
Subject: Poor Quality of Biscuits
Sir/Madam,
This is to inform you that our school has been your regular customer for the past 3 years. The biscuits,
which we give to our children as a part of their mid-day meal come from your confectionery.
Therefore, it came as a big shock for us that the quality of the biscuits sent by you in the latest
consignment were extremely bad. The biscuits were not at all fresh and tasted bad. Some of them
were badly crushed and few of the packets had bite marks made, probably, by rats.
This has been an extremely bad experience. We are responsible for our students’ health and expect
you to feel responsible in the same manner. Such poor quality biscuits can cause adverse health
problems in them. Thus, I would like you to kindly replace the whole consignment immediately.
I hope you will look into the matter at the earliest and would not give us any scope of complaint
in future.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
XYZ
Store Incharge
C
68.
77%
yM
yK
9. Hobbies
:
10. Current Salary
:
11. Expected Salary :
12. E-mail
:
13. References
:
2004
Institute
DAV School
DU
IIT
b
Degree- C.E.
8.
Professional Experience :
S. No.
Post Held
ita
4.
143
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
144
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
P. S. Public School
Chennai-19
31 March, 20××
The Manager
Furniture World
Chennai-44
Subject: Complaint Against Poor Quality of Furniture
Sir,
Please refer to the invoice no. JSV/1012 dated 27 January. I regret to inform you that the office
furniture that we bought from your famous showroom turns out to be of poor quality. It has been
only two months and the furniture bought from you has started to break. The polish of the chairs
is already chipping off. The wood of the furniture does not seem to be durable in spite of our
ordering the furniture made of sagwan wood. Some of them have even got infected by termite. It
is, indeed, a bad experience to buy furniture from your showroom. Thus, I would request you to
get the complete order of furniture replaced with new one.
I would appreciate if you would personally look into the matter and take the appropriate and
quick action.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
S. Reddy
Principal
70.
131, Hans Apartment
Agra-42
29 March, 20××
The Administrative Officer
Asian Institute of Journalism
Janakpuri
New Delhi-72
Subject: Enquiring about the Journalism Course
Sir/Madam,
With reference to the advertisement of your prestigious institute in The Hindu, dated 25 March,
20××, I wish to seek necessary information regarding the journalism course provided by you. I
have just completed my 12th standard from CBSE, New Delhi and I am interested in a course in
Journalism. Kindly provide me with the details of the following :
(i) Duration of the course
(ii) Fee for the course and the mode of payment
(iii) Eligibility criteria
(iv) Placement opportunities
I am sending a self addressed envelope. Please dispatch the requisite information at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Indu Pradhan
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
69.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
145
Good Shepherd High School,
Trichy-12
29 March, 20××
The Manager
Book World
Chennai-10
Subject : Delay in the Supply of Textbooks
Sir,
This is to bring to your notice that I had placed an order for class VII textbooks for the current
academic year. I regret to inform you that I have yet not received the books ordered. This delay
in supply of books has indeed adversely affected the studies of the students. The new academic
session has already started but the students do not have the books. Also, their cycle tests are
around the corner. In the absence of the books it will be difficult for them to do their preparations
thoroughly. I request you to please look into the matter and arrange for an early dispatch of the
ordered books. Any more delay will not be accepted. If we don’t receive the books within a week,
the order stands cancelled.
I hope you will look into the matter personally and take immediate action.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Rajni Singh
Manager Book Store
72.
A.C.C. Public School
Secunderabad
1 April, 20××
The Secretary
Sports Authority of India
Subject : Requesting Details of Scholarship
Sir,
It has been brought to our notice that SAI offers scholarships to excellent players, who belong
to economically weaker sections of the society, to help them continue with their training. I am
Kamlesh Singh, Sports Incharge of A.C.C. Public School, Secunderabad, writing to you, seeking
details of scholarships admissible to different categories of school students, who have achieved
excellence in various sports.
A.C.C. Public School has a track record of producing bonafide players in various sports categories,
such as cricket, football, hockey, badminton, tennis, etc. The current batch of players have made
the school proud once again by winning gold medals at various state level sports events. The
school’s cricket team too won the zonal cricket tournament held last month.
We are keen that our students too should get the opportunity to avail the benefits of SAI
scholarships. Therefore, kindly enlighten us on how to apply for the same.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Kamlesh Singh
Sports Incharge
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
71.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
146
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
T.H.S.S School
Kolar
21 March, 20××
M/s Vikas Publishers
Chennai
Subject : Order for Books
Sir/Madam,
Kindly supply the following books at the earliest for the school library.
1. Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling
1 each
(Whole series)
2. The Book Thief
Markus Zusak 5 nos.
3. Complete work
William
5 nos.
William Shakespeare Shakespeare
(Abridged Version)
4. Time Machine
H.G. Wells
5 nos.
5. Journey to the
Jules Verne
5 nos.
Centre of the Earth
You are requested to deliver the books latest by 10 April, 20××. Please ensure that the books sent
are in the best of condition and packed properly to avoid any damage. Payment shall be made by
cheque soon after the consignment is received and checked for quality.
Damaged books or books of inferior quality will not be accepted nor payment for the same will
be made.
Please send the bill after allowing bulk discount permissible for schools.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
XYZ
Librarian
74.
Himalaya Public School
Guntur
16 May, 20××
The Director
C.C.E.R.T.
New Delhi
Subject : Request for Details of Scholarship
Sir,
I am writing to you, seeking information regarding scholarships admissible to school students
who secure distinction in music and dance.
Kindly provide details about the eligibility criteria for scholarship, method of selection and
formalities required to apply for the scholarship.
I am enclosing a self addressed and stamped envelope for your convenience.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Vishal Saini
Cultural Secretary
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
73.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
147
B.P.J. Senior Secondary School
Meerut
19 April, 20××
M/s Chadda Furniture House
15, Karol Bagh
Subject : Order for Furniture
Sir/Madam,
You are requested supply the following items of furniture for our school at the earliest.
1. Chairs
Straight back,
15 nos.
Wooden
2. Classroom
30 nos.
Desks
Wooden
3. Almirah
Double door,
30 nos.
Wooden
4. Centre-table
Square,
10 nos.
Wooden
Kindly deliver the consignment latest by 26 April, 20××. Please ensure the items of furniture sent
are quality product, packed with care so as to avoid any form of damage. Damaged items will not
be accepted nor payment for the same will be made.
I am sending a DD of ` 10,000/- as advance payment for the ordered items. The remaining
payment will be made after the consignment is received and checked for quality. Please send the
bill after allowing bulk discount permissible for schools.
Hoping for timely delivery.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
XYZ
Store Incharge
76.
B-120
Malviya Nagar
Chennai
1 March, 20××
Indian Pharmaceuticals
20 Coast Road
Kochi,
Subject : Job Application for Trainee Medical Representative
Sir/Madam,
This refers to your advertisement, dated 28 February, 20××, for the requirement of trainee medical
representative in Indian Pharmaceuticals. I wish to apply for the same.
I have recently completed my graduation in Pharmacy from University Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Punjab University.
Although I do not have any work experience, I am enthusiastic and a quick learner. I am enclosing
my resume and a passport size photograph as requested by you with this letter.
I hope you shall consider my application for aforesaid post.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Apoorva Agnihotri
Enclsd: Bio-data, 1 passport size photograph
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
75.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Name
Gender
Father’s Name
Date of Birth
Marital Status
Current Add.
Contact No.
Academic Record
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Bio-Data
Apoorva Agnihotri
Male
Mr. Vijay Agnihotri
12 February, 1990
Unmarried
B -120, Malviya Nagar, Chennai
971234××××
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Institution
Board/University
Marks
B.Sc (Pharma)
University Institute
of
Pharmaceutical
sciences
Punjab University
60%
XII (Science)
Matri Kala School
CBSE
95%
X
Matri Kala School
CBSE
90%
Scholarship/Awards
:
b
Examination
Scholarship holder in class XI and XII
ita
148
: Knowledge of computers
Good Communication skills
Languages Known
: Fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil and Punjabi
Reference
:
Mrs. J.S. Sharma, head of the Department Department of Pharmacy,
PU,
951234××××
yM
yK
Skills
3.1 Debates
op
3. Long Compositions
C
1. Respected Chairman, Honourable members of
the Jury and my worthy opponents. Good morning
to you all.
I, Karuna stand before you to speak for the motion
that the policy of reservation of seats for admission
to the professional courses is good for the deprived
sections of society. In the ancient India, the society
was divided into four sections based on their caste
and creed. This inequality in society has created
differences among people, which still exists. The
so called upper class people started controlling
the society and treated the lower class people
with disdain. They soon came to be known as
untouchables, which created a wide gap between
these two sections of people in all aspects.
The deprived sections of the society were not
given equal right and opportunities. It is only after
Independence, that the constitution has given
importance to the deprived sections by introducing
reservation for them. This is a boon for the weaker
sections as it gives them the opportunity to excel in
the fields of education and get their desired jobs.
Getting a seat in a professional college is not easy.
A sound financial stability is needed to join the
coaching institutes and to get good books and
material. The people belonging to the deprived
sections lack this monetary support. India is still
considered as one of the developing nations. In
order to make India a developed country, the
weaker and the marginalised communities need
to be raised. If all sections of society contribute
towards the development of the society, only then
a country can progress.
Thank You.
2. Respected Chairperson, Honourable Members
of the Jury and my worthy opponents. Good
morning to you all.
Today I, Latika, stand before you to speak for the
motion ‘Rising prices can be controlled only by the
government’. Price rise or inflation deeply affects
the daily life of a common man in India. It is one of
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
faced by each and every child. Students should
prepare a proper base, so that they can excel in all
aspects of their life. They should start young.
But, if young learners are promoted to a higher
class without the proper understanding of the
basic concepts of a subject or topic, it is not going
to benefit them.
Those students who do not put 100% efforts in
their education lack the motivation to excel, first in
their academics and later in their life. They become
used to not working hard and start expecting to
receive benefits without doing anything. On one
hand, where the unworthy students get all the
advantages from the ‘No detention till class VIII’
policy, the meritorious pupils suffer the most.
Even after studying hard throughout the year, it is
disappointing to not have any competition amongst
the students and be rewarded for the outstanding
performance in class. In conclusion, I would like to
say that such a policy creates confusion in the life
of children at a very young age. Learners should be
made to understand the importance of hard work
and being rewarded for it.
Thank you.
C
op
yM
yK
the biggest problems of this country. There has been
a continuous rise in prices of essential consumer
products, such as grains, vegetables, cooking oil,
etc. There are various reasons, which cause the
prices of basic consumer goods to rise. However,
one of the main causes is the gap between the
demand and supply of the products. High demand,
low supply leads to hoarding and black marketing.
The high demand essential commodities are then
sold at even higher prices. The common man is
the most affected at the time of inflation. They
have no other options than to buy basic, everyday
use products at escalated prices. If this continues
to happen in the future, it will become tough for
the common man to survive.
The government must empathise with the plight of
the poorest of the poor and take some necessary
actions to prevent prices of essential commodities
from sky-rocketing.
It should put a stop to hoarding and black
marketing and come up with adequate
mechanisms to increase the production of the
essential commodities to meet the rising demands.
The needs of the common man should be looked
into before exporting products to other countries.
Moreover, in adverse situation, Government can
utilise subsidies so that the prices can be kept low.
Summing up, I would like to say that the common
man can do cost cutting or check his spending
capacity. But, it is the Government that can do
much more than just implement laws.
Thank you.
3. Respected Chairperson, Honourable Members
of the Jury and my worthy opponents. Good
morning to you all.
Today I Mehul, stand before you to speak for the
motion ‘the policy of no detention till class VIII is
not in the interest of students’.
This government policy has become a hindrance
in the academic growth of a student. Every student
knows that with or without studying one will be
promoted to the next class till class VIII.
The students and even the parents are very much
aware of the policy and they are tension free as
everyone gets promoted to the next class. Life has
become quite complicated with something new
coming up every day. Cut throat competition is
149
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
4. Respected Chairperson, Honourable Members
of the Jury and my worthy opponents. Good
morning to you all.
Today I, Meera, stand before you to speak for the
motion. Having more and more money is the
tendency inherent in every person in India. Most
often we migrate to other countries either to study
further or earn money. In this regard, I can firmly
say that intelligent people drifting away abroad to
find better opportunities is definitely not a boon
for India.
The developing India has become a hub for IT
industries. Cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore,
Chennai and Gurgaon are providing ample
opportunities to the deserving people with good
salary packages.
With so many lucrative opportunities presented
in a platter, Indians must consider staying and
working in India and help it progress faster.
One of the biggest reasons why brain drain is not
good for developing countries, such as India is that
it benefits the foreign countries. Besides loss of
talent, it is also a national loss because of expenses
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
incurred on a brilliant student’s education.
Whenever the retrenchment starts in foreign
countries, the Indians are at the forefront. They
also treat us as second rate citizens. Therefore,
foreign jobs may pay a lot of money but there is
not always respect in them.
In conclusion, in a country like India, where
cultural values are of utmost importance, Brain
Drain sometimes also leads to the erosion of same
cultural values. Needless to say, Brain Drain is a
bane for developing countries.
Thank you.
longer limited to Hindi entertainments channels.
English as well as regional entertainment channels
are also in the league.
A lot of viewers find the daily soaps to be unreal,
nonsensical and simply boring. Reality shows, on
the contrary, are considered relatable, thus a respite
from the daily soaps.
It is true that reality T.V. shows are interesting and
most of the time hold on to the viewers’ attention.
However, on the hindsight, these reality shows are
just another gimmick used by television channels
to gain Television Rating Points (TRPs). A make
believe world is created within the T.V. shows,
which appear to be real, but actually, it is not.
The participants in the reality T.V. shows may not
be actors. However, on many occasions, they are
found to be role playing. The way they behave, the
things they say, seem well-rehearsed and scripted.
At such times, the viewers’ emotional attachment to
the reality show’s participants loses it credibility.
To top it all, exaggerated and forced emotions,
expressed by the judges and contestants, adds to
the fakeness of the reality T.V. shows. In order to
cater to the sensationalism, sometimes the results
are pre-decided. The contestant who is most loved
by the public or has garnered maximum public
sympathy and support is made the winner, where
as the talented contestants get evicted or voted
out.
I would like to conclude by saying that one might
learn to accept failure or success from reality T.V.
shows. However, one must not believe everything
one sees there.
Thank you.
7. Respected Principal, teachers and my worthy
opponents. Good morning to you all.
I, Karuna, stand before you to express my views
against the motion that old age homes are not
required in India. Until the time joint family
system existed and there was an emotional
interdependence between elders and young
members of the family, elders were cared for by the
young and vice-versa.
However, it saddens me to say that the joint family
system is gradually losing its importance. One of
the biggest reasons for this could be generation
gap. More and more young couples are opting for
nuclear family thus forcing elders of the family to
C
op
yM
yK
5. Principal, Teachers, Honourable Members of
the Jury and my worthy opponents. Good morning
to you all.
I, Nidhi, stand before you to speak for the motion,
‘the internet cannot replace a classroom teacher’.
Teachers touch the students’ lives in innumerable
ways. They have a positive impact on a student,
which builds his/her character from an early stage.
These days, we are quite familiar with online classes
and online teaching. There is even a designed
curriculum, but unlike teachers, the internet
cannot provide encouragement and support to
the students when they get frustrated. Teaching is
not just about making sure that the students are
learning, it is also about helping students through
the difficult time of their adolescence and youth.
Internet does not take into consideration learning
differences of students of different needs.
There are many benefits of using internet in the
classroom but they cannot replace teachers. They
can’t show compassion for students as teachers do.
I would like to conclude by saying that while
the internet provides only information, teachers
provide lifelong knowledge and wisdom, which
stays with the student for a long time.
Thank you.
6. Respected Judges, Honourable Principal,
teachers and my worthy opponents. Good morning
to you all.
Today I, Komal, stand before you to speak against
the motion on the topic ‘Reality T.V. draws a factual
picture of life’.
These days, many television channels telecast
various reality T.V. shows. Such shows are no
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
150
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
yM
yK
8. Respected Principal, Members of the Jury and
my worthy opponents. Good morning to you all.
Today I, Neetu stand before you to speak for the
motion ‘Ban Animal Dissection’.
The dissection of animals inside science labs
encourages cruelty towards animals. Animal
dissection is an unethical practice because many
of these animals are captured from their natural
surroundings and treated unjustly.
Animals are sold to schools from pet stores and,
at times, as by-products from meat industries.
They are shipped in small and crowded containers,
which are not properly ventilated.
Like humans, animals too have the right to live
a respectful life. However, animal dissection is
just one way of snatching away that right. It also
inculcates in students the wrong idea that animals
lives don’t matter, that they are disposable. The
question worth asking is, is animal dissection
really that necessary, unless a student chooses to
pursue career in that field? If at all, he or she does,
the student would get the opportunity to practise
dissection on human cadavers at the University.
I would like to conclude by saying, it is the age of
technology and education is becoming virtual. So
why not opt for virtual dissection instead of actual
dissection? It is not only educative and interactive,
it is also economical and saves the of precious lives
of many animals.
Thank you.
9. Respected Principal, Members of the Jury,
teachers and my dear opponents. Good morning
to you all.
Today I, Faisal, take the opportunity to express my
views against the motion ‘electronic media (TV
news) will end print media (newspapers)’.
TV news that strive towards authentic and fast
reportage is always at the risk of fabricating its
content to continue being in circulation. The
governing principle for the 24-hours news format
is that whether or not a news constitute the element
of worthiness, it should be covered on the channel.
If there is nothing worth reporting then the content
can be made sensational just to gain currency. It
tends to become repetitive and dull, scandals are
allowed to become news and popularity becomes
the main objective. The ambition of TV news
to be the sole guardian of objective truth in the
field of journalism can be considered to be a tall
claim as more often than not it becomes a site for
promotion of commercial products and sensational
content in the garb of news. Print media, on the
other hand is a time tested medium of information
dissemination, the time taken to publish engenders
that the content of the report has been analysed
and verified to offer a composite picture to the
reader. Editorial commentary ensures an informed
view on the issues at hand.
I would like to conclude by saying that newspapers
are far from extinction because they cater to all
interests, they are still a valuable mode of receiving
news from around the world at our doorstep. Thus,
electronic media can never overrule print media.
Thank you.
b
either live alone or under the care of others. There
have been, many instances where the elderly have
been, robbed, beaten or murdered by the care
taker or someone known. Given the sad situation,
it is suffice to say, that old age home are the need
of the hour.
Although, many consider old age homes a sign of
rejection, it is worth noting that these centres are well
equipped with a variety of facilities. Residents are
provided with entertainment, physical workout, etc.,
which keeps them busy as well as fit. Moreover all
their needs are taken care of including medical care.
In conclusion, old age homes bring people of same
age together who being able to share experiences,
enjoy living together.
Thank you.
151
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
10. Honourable members of the Jury, respected
Principal, Teachers, audience and My worthy
opponents. Good morning to you all.
Today I, Navita, stand before you to speak for the
motion ‘the only way to minimise human suffering
and pain is to control our needs.’
“There is sufficiency in this world for man’s needs
but not for man’s greed’’, said Mahatma Gandhi.
Unfortunately, this is the scenario today. The
things that were regarded luxuries at one point
of time are now termed as necessities. We cannot
imagine life without certain items like a computer,
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
a washing machine or even a mobile phone. But
weren’t our parents and their parents able to lead
content lives even without these things? It is time
that we understand that we have become slaves to
our greed. We not only are drying up resources
rapidly to get what we want but are degrading our
health too. Human beings are never satisfied with
what they already have. They always want more
and more. When one is unable to have exactly
what one wants, one becomes sad and dissatisfied.
One keeps suffering until one has what one wants.
Sometimes one even resorts to criminal activities
just to get what they want. However, it only
increases one’s sufferings and pain.
Whatever be the problem, there is only one simple
solution, controlling our needs and differentiating
them from our greed. The more we enslave
ourselves, the more we suffer.
Thank you.
the less people will migrate to the cities, thereby
leading to an economically and medically stronger
India.
Thank you.
3.2 Speeches
1. Good morning, Respected Principal,
honourable teachers and my fellow students,
as you all probably know that Sakshi Malik has
made India proud by winning a bronze medal in
wrestling in Olympics. I, Meera Sen, Head Girl, am
here to express my joy on her winning.
Wrestling is predominantly a male sport. Since
it requires a lot of physical strength and stamina,
men are more attracted to it. Moreover, in a
country like India, where majority of the society
is still patriarchal, wrestling is not associated with
women. In fact, in some parts of India, girls are not
even allowed to play games, let alone participate
in sports. This is why there are only a handful of
women sportspersons and even less in wrestling.
Sakshi Malik was born in conservative
surroundings in Rohtak, Haryana to parents,
who earned a modest living. Sakshi found her
inspiration to wrestle in her grandfather, who too
had been a wrestler. On being encouraged by her
parents, Sakshi started her training at the age of
twelve with coach Ishwar Dahiya.
With great deal of hard work, passion for wrestling
and determination, Sakshi became a proficient
wrestler who went on to win numerous awards
and making her parents and India proud.
From this we learn that no matter what the
circumstances be, if we are passionate about our
dreams, then we must work hard and pursue it
fearlessly with an undeterred determination.
On winning the bronze in 2016 Sakshi Malik
became the first Indian female wrestler to win a
medal at the Olympics. One cannot forget the
look of determination on her face in the last three
minutes of the bout.
Thank you.
2. Good Morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and my dear friends.
I, Karuna, Head Girl, take this opportunity to
present my views on the topic ‘benefits of early
rising.’ In good old days, people used to go early to
bed and rise early from bed. This particular habit
C
op
yM
yK
11. Honourable members of the Jury, respected
Principal, Teachers, dear audience and my worthy
opponents. Good morning to you all. Today I,
Navita, stand before you to speak for the motion
‘solution to the problem of misery in the urban
slums lies in creating jobs in the villages’.
Migration is a major issue faced by cities. In search
of a better and brighter future and to fulfil their
dreams, people from small towns and villages
move to cities. Unfortunately, their dreams shatter.
Migration from villages to cities has led to the
spread of urban slums, they gradually get entangled
in the deplorable conditions. People living in these
slums lead a miserable life. They have to survive
in unhygienic living conditions, are deprived of
proper meals and they lack money and jobs.
They can’t even afford to fall ill because they don’t
have enough funds for treatment. Besides, the
economic disparity that they face in the cities lead
them to the problems of law and order. They get
caught in vicious circle of police, money lenders,
bureaucrats, etc. all of whom demand bribe in
some way or the other. But what is the root cause
of migration and the problems attached to it? The
answer is simple. It is the dearth of jobs in their
native place. There is a huge scope for expansion
in villages and small towns, but people refuse to
see it. The more jobs, medical and other basic
facilities, we create in villages and small towns,
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
152
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
153
b
It is most unfortunate that in a large number of
schools, there are at present no libraries worth
the name. The books are usually old, out dated,
unsuitable, usually selected without reference to
the student’s tastes and interests. This situation
should be taken care of.
I would like to conclude by saying that the library
is an essential instrument for putting progressive
methods into practice. It must be utilised well.
Thank you.
4. Good Morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and my dear friends.
Today I, Karuna, Head girl stand before you to
share my thoughts on the topic ‘a student must
know how to manage his time.’
Time is very precious. Once it’s lost it can’t be
gained. Student life is very important as it decides
the future. Academics often creates a lot of pressure
on students. As a result, they are unable to manage
their time properly.
Time management is essential, especially at a
competitive time like this when there is too much
to do, but too little time. If a student plans and
organises, her/his work according to the importance
of it then definitely it adds to the efficient result of
the work. Students should balance both their selfstudies and recreation, which is also essential as it
refreshes the mind. Only studies is not enough. If
you are able to manage time effectively then there
would be a scope to enhance other skills.
The time management in a student’s life would also
enhance confidence. So, each and every student
must learn to utilise time by proper planning and
organising the things. Summing up, I’d like to say
that if one is able to manage time effectively it
reduces stress and helps one to achieve success in
short period of time.
Thank you.
5. Good morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and dear friends.
Today I, Karan, am here to present my views on the
topic, ‘discipline shapes the future of a student.’
Discipline is a means of keeping the things in
order. It inculcates in us a sense of duty and
obedience. In the words of Swami Vivekanand:
“Duty is obedience to the voice of conscience,
discipline is necessary not only in schools and
colleges, but in all walks of life. Absence of
yM
yK
is refreshing and very energising. It gives a positive
start to the day.
The busy and hectic life of the present generation
must inculcate this habit of early rising,
which relieves stress and tension. Rising early
increases productivity and helps in better time
management.
Students, especially benefit most out of early rising.
Early morning is the best time to study as there is
less distractions and disturbance. Early morning
is the ideal time to meditate and to do physical
exercises/yoga, which makes our body and mind
fit. In conclusion, I would like to say that rising
early in the morning not only gives us extra time
in the day, it also makes us more productive and
wise.
Thank you.
3. Good morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and my dear friends,
I Karan, Head Boy, am standing before you to share
my views on the topic ‘library plays an important
role in school.’
Library occupies a significant place in school and
in book lovers’ life. It houses books suited to the
interests and aptitude of individuals of different age
groups. Not only that, it also includes magazines,
periodicals, newspapers. With its calm and
tranquil atmosphere it is a special comfort zone to
the students who go there to acquire knowledge,
sharpen their minds or lose themselves in the
fictional worlds of the stories. At the school library,
the students would even find the material, which is
not provided to them in the classroom. Here they
find an environment which is conductive to the
building up of the habit of self-learning. The library
is the center of the intellectual and social activities
of school. It most certainly has a wholesome effect
over the students.
The habit of reading can be cultivated when
students get practice in reading, and reading habit
in the beginning is made firm when students get
the material to read, which interests them and
occupies their attention. In the classroom, books
that are prescribed may not be sufficient reading
material or some students may not be in a position
to purchase all books that they want to read, or
others may not find books that are of interest to
them. A library is the only place, which comes in
aid to all.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
that our future generations do not have to suffer.
Thank you.
7. Good morning, Honourable Principal,
teachers and my dear friends,
Today I, Komal, stand before you to speak against
the motion on the topic ‘Reality T.V. draws a factual
picture of life’.
These days, many television channels telecast
various reality T.V. shows. Such shows are no
longer limited to Hindi entertainments channels.
English as well as regional entertainment channels
are also in the league.
A lot of viewers find the daily soaps to be unreal,
nonsensical, and simply boring. Reality shows, on
the contrary, are considered relatable, thus a respite
from the daily soaps.
It is true that reality T.V. shows are interesting and
most of the time hold on to the viewers attention.
However, on the hindsight, these reality shows are
just another gimmick used by television channels
to gain Television Rating Points (TRPs). A make
believe world is created within the T.V. shows,
which appear to be real, but actually, it is not.
The participants in the reality T.V. shows may not
be actors. However, on many occasions, they are
found to be role playing. The way they behave, the
things they say, seem well-rehearsed and scripted.
At such times, the viewers’ emotional attachment to
the reality show’s participants loses it credibility.
To top it all, exaggerated and forced emotions,
expressed by the judges and contestants, adds to
the fakeness of the reality T.V. shows. In order to
cater to the sensationalism, sometimes the results
are pre-decided. The contestant who is most
loved by the public or has garnered maximum
public sympathy and support is made the winner,
Whereas the talented contestants get evicted or
voted out.
I would like to conclude by saying that one might
learn to accept failure or success from reality T.V.
shows. However, one must not believe everything
one sees there.
8. Good
morning,
Respected
Principal
honourable teachers and my dear friends.
Today I, Karuna, am here to put across my views on
the topic ‘the importance of prayer in the morning
at school’. Each morning is a new beginning
with new hopes and aspirations. Therefore, new
C
op
yM
yK
discipline will lead to chaos and confusion in life.”
Discipline is a training, especially of the mind
and character aimed at producing self controlled
obedience. It is absolutely essential to the growth
and development of an individual and a healthy
society. It is indispensable for one and all in every
walk of life. It is highly necessary at home, at
school, in the playground, in society, etc.
Discipline must be taught early in life. The home
is the nursery, where we receive our first lesson
of discipline, through obedience to parents and
elders.
The value of discipline in the political, social and
economic life of a country is no less important.
Only a nation of disciplined people can rise to the
occasion. An undisciplined nation invites its doom
sooner or later. Hence, discipline is a precious
treasure. Life without discipline is like a ship
without a rudder and punishment is not a punitive
way to reform a student.
Thank you.
6. Good morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and my dear friends
Today I, Karan am here to present my views on the
topic ‘water a valuable asset, conservation at home
and at school.’
Water is one of the nature’s precious gifts to
mankind. All living creatures need water and it is
the most essential component of life. Although,
water is a renewable natural resource, man has been
misusing it time and again. Fresh, clean water is
quickly becoming scarce. Therefore, people should
strive to conserve water as much as possible. It is
easy to save water at home and school by making
smart choices. We should turn off the taps tightly
after use, wash pets outdoors in an area of the lawn
that needs water, get leaking pipes repaired at the
earliest, etc.
Until and unless we use water judiciously, we cannot
conserve it. We also have to create awareness about
the importance of and need to save water. Media is
the best and quickest way to do so. Other than that,
street plays, nukkad natak, etc. also a medium to
spread the word.
We should act responsibly and adopt water
conservation methods, such as rainwater
harvesting, recycling, etc. I would like to conclude
by saying that water conservation is necessary so
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
154
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
155
b
Therefore, it is advisable to be careful in the use of
mobile phones for listening to music. If at all you
wish to listen to music keep the volume low so that
you are able to listen to sound of the horn and the
traffic. Stay safe children, and make your parents
proud, not sorry.
Thank you.
10. Honourable teachers and my dear students, a
very good morning to one and all.
Today I, stand before you to speak about the
importance of power in our daily life and how to
save it. The dwindling resources of today are giving
all of us nightmares and the scariest one is loss of
electricity. It won’t be long before we are plunged
into darkness and that too because of our own
foolishness. Though electricity can be generated,
it is not easy to do so and this fact needs to be
recognised and realised at the earliest. We dread
power failure but do nothing to save power so that
we may not face such a situation. It is high time
we started saving power, not only at school but at
home too. Saving electricity will save fossil fuels
too. We should switch off the lights, fans and all
electrical appliances when not in use. We all should
make use of the daylight to do most of our chores
and not forget to check the switches before we
leave the room. Encourage parents and relatives to
install solar panels in the house so that more solar
energy and less electricity is used.
Remember, power needs to be saved and utilised
efficiently for future use. Wasting power is going to
leave us powerless in the future and I am sure no
one would like that. So, children make it a habit to
save electricity. Set an example for others in doing
so and lead the country to a brighter future.
Thank you.
11. Good morning teachers and my dear
students,
Ann Wigmore, a holistic health practitioner, once
said - “The food you eat can either be the safest and
most powerful form of medicine or the slowest
form of poison.”
It means that the food you choose to eat either
makes you heathy or affects you adversely.
Therefore, make wise food choices.
I have observed that there are a few food carts
outside the school gate. Many students go to
them immediately after the school is over.
yM
yK
mornings should start afresh. Morning prayer,
done with the rest of the school, allows every
individual to start the day on a positive note.
The prayers, the words of wisdom and motivational
passages read and shared during the morning
assembly promotes spiritual well being of each
individual. One comes to terms with the fact that
all religions teach the same thing and that no
religion is greater than the other. In addition to
that, morning prayers build meditative, reflective
spirit, which further helps one to calm his or her
mind. This further improves one’s concentration,
which is extremely necessary for both teachers and
students to get on with the day.
In conclusion, having morning prayer at school
is ideal because it upholds the value system
established by one’s school, family and society by
making students aware of its importance.
9. A very good morning to the esteemed teachers
and my dear students.
Today, I stand before you to speak about the mania
that has gripped this generation. I couldn’t help
but notice youngsters so engrossed in their mobile
phones, that they are unconcerned about the
surroundings. Even while crossing roads, children
don’t seem to notice the approaching vehicles. Just
the other day, I read in a newspaper that a boy was
hit by a speeding bus because he was too involved
in his phone, listening to music that he did not
hear the sound of the horn.
Mobile phones of today are no longer a mere
means of communication. They are as efficient as
a computer and do multiple things one of which
is playing music. Although the majority of people
may see it as a boon, there are drawbacks as well.
Music lovers always have earphones plugged into
their ears because of which the noise outside is
inaudible and they don’t seem to hear the sound of
the traffic. This leads to accidents sometimes even
fatal ones. If one is lucky enough to survive, one
has to live with physical disabilities for the rest of
one’s life.
Here, I would like to quote Albert Einstein when
he said, “I fear the day when technology surpasses
human interaction, we will have a generation of
idiots.” Children, you should understand that you
have a bright future ahead. Gadgets are for our
help and convenience, not to lead us to death trap.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
care services to these workers and their families.
Indian workers should be taught the importance of
cleanliness and hygiene. Many non-governmental
organisations can play a role in spreading awareness
about health and hygiene. These workers play a
major role in our life. We must understand and
appreciate their contribution towards society.
Access to basic health facilities is their right.
Together, as responsible citizens, we should try to
make their lives as healthy as ours.
Thank you.
13. Good morning, Respected Principal, teachers
and my fellow students.
Today I, stand before you to voice my concerns on
how media influences public opinion. Media is a
powerful weapon in any democracy. It keeps people
updated with the recent changes and development
in the society and the world. It also helps them
understand these developments and build their
opinion about the same. With the development of
better methods of communication from print and
electronic media to a more recent social media, the
influence of ‘media’ has increased. Consequently,
its responsibility of delivering correct information
has also increased. However, when media is unable
to do so, the fact gets lost in the media frenzy. As a
result, general public believes what they see, read
or hear from the media and form an opinion even
if it is incorrect. Some of the content children come
across through media may not be appropriate for
their age. Certain television programmes spread
the wrong message in the pretext of creating
awareness. Moreover, certain news channels have
the tendency to over- sensationalise sensitive
issue and present to the viewers half-baked news
completely lacking empathy for the sufferer. As
the media has the power to showcase both the
facets of a piece of information, it should work
towards helping the common man to understand
the difference between the real news and the fake
news.
Media has a strong hold on society. It can do more
than just spread the news. It can influence public
opinion also. Therefore, it is the responsibility of
media and the media personnel to ensure that they
direct their efforts towards bringing forward the
truth and only the truth.
Thank you.
C
op
yM
yK
It is understandable that you feel hungry in the
afternoon and are tempted by the food items sold at
the food carts. However, they do not observe strict
hygiene standards, especially not while preparing
the food.
Eating unhygenic food causes a variety of severe
health problems and illnesses, such as jaundice,
cholera, dysentery, typhoid, food poisoning, etc.
Falling sick makes us physically weak because of
which we are unable to do the important things.
Post falling sick, students need time to recuperate.
This hampers their studies, resulting unsatisfying
scores in tests and exams. Moreover, these being
communicable diseases, there is always a threat of
the virus spreading. This prevents one from going
out to play.
Therefore, it is advisable to develop healthy and
hygenic food habits. If you wish to continue to
enjoy eating street food from open food carts, then
make sure that you take some precautions. Check
whether the hawker keeps the surrounding clean.
There should not be any drains, either open or
closed, near his/her food cart. Check whether he/
she disposes off the waste effectively. The hawker
must keep all the food items covered and in clean
containers. Such precautions would prevent one
from falling sick to quite an extent.
Whenever you see hawker not observing strict
hygienic standards, create awareness regarding
cleanliness, health and hygiene. After all,
prevention is better than cure.
Thank you.
12. Good morning, dear friends.
Today I, Rajendra Kumar, stand before you to talk
about an extremely important issue, which often
gets neglected-health care for Indian workers.
I wonder why we don’t care much for the health
of other human beings. When it comes to Indian
workers, we especially remain mute spectators to
their misery. Often, the workers work in inhuman
conditions, neglecting their health. In addition
to that, there are no proper health care facilities
for workers. Lack of finance, awareness and
hygienic living conditions are few of the major
seasons, which lead to their poor health, zero
immunity to diseases and untimely death. The
authorities must ensure clean and healthy working
conditions for these people. It is the responsibility
of the government to provide affordable health
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
156
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
157
b
Whatever the reason may be, corruption is a
major obstacle in the process of economic growth
and modernisation of the nation. Thus, country
needs an anti-corruption bill like Jan Lokpal. In
a democracy like India, the power is vested not
only in the executive, but also the people. Hence,
constant vigil and intervention by the civil society
is also required. Punishment must be enhanced,
compensation increased and illegally amassed
wealth must be recovered. As aware citizens,
we must overcome this fear and work towards a
corruption free society.
Thank you.
16. Respected Principal, teachers and my
dear friends, a very good morning to you all.
I am here today to make you aware of the
importance of Yoga in our daily life. Yoga is a
spiritual and ascetic discipline, developed by the
saints of ancient India. They practiced yoga as an
effective method of controlling their mind and
bodily activities. Nowadays many lifestyle diseases
are on the rise. Most of them are either physical,
mental, emotional or psychological. People are
always stressed and busy in their daily lives so they
fail to relax and take care of themselves and their
body. As a result, they suffer from one or more
lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, depression,
even cancer, at the same time. Yoga in daily life
is a system of practice consisting of eight levels
of development in the areas of physical, mental,
social and spiritual health. When the body is
physically healthy, the mind is clear, focused and
stress is under control. This allows one to connect
with friends and loved ones and maintain socially
healthy relationships. When one is healthy, one is
in touch with one’s inner-self, with others and one’s
surroundings at a much deeper level, which adds
to one’s spiritual health. Yoga teaches to focus on
breathing while you hold the poses. Even children
can benefit from yoga.
I would like to conclude by saying that though yoga
is a slow and steady process, its results, last for a
long time. Besides working on body, mind and
soul, regular practice of Yoga cures many ailments
without any side effects.
Yoga has been used to help heal victims of torture
or various forms of trauma. Since, yoga is a form of
meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and
purpose, which has far-reaching health benefits.
Thank you.
yM
yK
14. A very good morning to you all!
I am Sampreet and, as an educationalist, it is my
duty to throw light on the disturbing behaviour of
the youth becoming more and more frustrated in
dealing with stress.
The level of competition, among the youth, whether
it is in the education or job front, along with peer
pressure, have been increasing by the day. Without
proper guidance youth is often unable to handle
the stress and becomes frustrated easily. It then
leads to depression, anxiety and anger, which
further leads to cases of suicide, road rage, hate
crimes, alcohol consumptions, drug abuse, etc.
The solution is simple: the youth needs unstinted
support, and love of their parents, teachers and
elders. We need to remove the unnecessary
pressure from our education system and give the
youth opportunity to develop the skills, which
they are proficient at. Recognising their qualities
would bring upon them a positive attitude thus
putting an end to stress. Proper counselling from
good counsellors would help understand and solve
their problems. Youth who have lost their hope
must be encouraged and inspired to know his or
her potential. Relaxation and mental balance is
best achieved with meditation and yoga. Indulging
in hobbies is another way to de-stress occasionally.
The most important thing is we need to impart
value education so the youth have high selfconfidence and great tolerance and patience.
Thank you.
15. Good morning, dear friends!
I am Venkat, as a journalist by profession and a
responsible citizen of India, I wish to express my
views on ‘corruption, its causes and solution’.
Corruption can be understood as misappropriation
of government or public property or money. It is
an unlawful and immoral act. After Independence
India has seen a steep upward trend in the graph of
corruption. The public has often become disgusted
and disappointed for a certain period of time. But,
they soon become immune to their problems and
issues emerging due to corruption and eventually
forget about it. Why did corruption raise its ugly
head in India? Its colonial past contributed in
flourishing corrupt practices. It is not difficult
to visualise the relation between scarcity and
corruption. Add to it, the vested interests and
greed of the people in power.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
the participants with notebooks, books, pencils,
erasers, etc. The students of class-XI along with
some of the teachers stayed back in school for
three hours to teach the underprivileged adults
who could not receive an education or finish their
education when they were young.
The purpose of the Adult Literacy Camp was
not only to enable the underprivileged to read,
write and learn, but also help them find better
employment opportunities and make them aware.
The month long adult literacy camp was a huge
success. The Principal announced that viewing
the enthusiasm to learn and teach, the school
authority has decided to continue to hold classes
for the underprivileged adult learners.
2. Flood Relief Programme
by Krishna
The incessant rain in the past few days has caused
major damage in our area situated in Motinagar,
Delhi. Most of the low-lying areas have been
flooded, causing irrecoverable damage to the
properties. The situation became extremely serious
with falling of trees, flooding of low-level houses,
severe traffic jams and power failure. A flood relief
programme was organised on 28 February 20×× to
aid the victims of the flood-affected areas. Everyone
came forward to make generous contributions
including various NGOs, government bodies
multinational corporations and schools. The
donations made were in the form of money,
clothes, food and other basic requirements. We
distributed the donations among the victims. The
Chief Minister too announced a definite amount
of relief for the victims. The volunteers also helped
us in moving the victims, pets and animals to the
relief camps, and creating set up on the outskirts
for pets and animals of the city. We are expecting
more donations from the people of the city over
the next few days.
3. Book Exhibition
C
op
yM
yK
17.Respected Principal, teachers and my fellow
students.
Today I, Anu, Head Girl, have come before you with
an issue that is slowly, but surely becoming a major
source of concern within our school compound.
Regretfully, it has been observed that the students
of junior classes litter the school compound and
verandahs with tiffin leftovers. Such behaviour is
simply unacceptable because it makes the school
look unclean and untidy. In addition, leftover food
attracts flies and other germs and bacterias, which
harms one’s immune system and makes one fall ill
again and again. There are many communicable
diseases, which spread quickly either through air,
water or food.
In order to avoid being sick all the time, it is
mandatory to keep the premises clean, Students
must try to finish their tiffins. If they are unable
to do so, it is the students’ responsibility to throw
leftover food or garbage in their respective bins i.e.
use green bin for biodegradable waste and blue for
non-biodegradable waste.
Students must also ensure that others are keeping
the school premises neat and tidy. Not just
the school, but one must keep their home and
surroundings clean as well. I would like to conclude
by saying that if everybody takes the initiative to
keep their surroundings clean, eventually it will
lead to a cleaner city, country and the environment.
I urge all the students to take the initiative today,
right now.
Thank you.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
158
3.3 Reports
1. Adult Literacy Camp
by P.V. Sunita, Secretary
Cultural Society of Sunrise Public School,
Nellore, organised an Adult Literacy Camp in the
month of February, in its neighbourhood, starting
from 1st February – 28th February, 20××. The Adult
Literacy Camp was inaugurated by the founder of
the school, Mrs. Sarla Deshpande, who applauded
the cause and the enthusiasm shown by the
teacher and student volunteers. The event, which
was held in one of the classrooms of ‘Aspiration’
building of the school, saw hundreds of eager
participants from neighbourhood jhuggis, slums
and even domestic helps. The school provided
by Rohan
The Residents Welfare Association of Nehru
Nagar organised the Fifth Book Exhibition in the
community centre of the locality. The two-days
long exhibition started on 25 February 20×× and
attracted over five thousand book lovers from
all over Delhi. Renowned publishing houses
participated in the fair. Books written by well
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
known writers were on display. The book stalls
were systematically divided. The exhibition also
offered heavy discounts on all books. People were
excited to get access to some of the rare books
that were on display. The event was graced by the
presence of the popular writer and novelist Chetan
Bhagat.
159
the past. After today’s accident, the State Transport
Minister Aryadan Mohammed stressed on the
need to set manned level crossings, at the earliest.
The minister asked railways to provide adequate
compensation to the families of the victims and
also extend immediate relief to them.
6.
Workshop on Personality Development
by Rajshree, XII-C
An interactive workshop on personality
development was organised by our school
last Saturday. The students of class XI and XII
participated in the workshop. The aim of the
workshop was to prepare the students for their
future and to equip them for the bigger challenges
in life.
The students were addressed on various topics like
self-analysis, body language and etiquettes. Several
activities and group discussions were conducted to
help the students with their communication and
public speaking skills. The workshop was also
graced by the presence of eminent personalities
like Ms. Sushmita Sen and Mr. Milind Soman.
They interacted with the students and spoke
to them about the importance of interpersonal
skills. The workshop proved to be a great success.
The students left the workshop beaming with
confidence and optimism.
7. An Enlightening Exchange Programme
b
by Jai Singh, Head Boy
op
yM
yK
On 5th September, the school celebrated Teacher’s
Day with great pomp and show. The badge holders
and the Student Council members of our school
organised the grand, all-day celebration within the
school premises.
The students of class XII took the role of teachers
and taught the junior classes. Teachers were asked
to arrive late, but when they arrived, they were
showered with rose petals as the students cheered
on. A special assembly was held where students
performed dance, group songs and comedy skit for
the teachers. Later, the teachers were made to play
various fun games for which they were also given
prizes. Once the programme was over, the senior
students, badge holders and Student Council
members took all the teachers out for lunch and
a movie.
It was a fun filled day not only for the teachers but
for the students as well.
ita
4. Teachers’Day Celebration
5. Gruesome Train-Car Accident Claims
Many Lives
C
by Shewta Vashisht, staff correspondent
Kerala, 2nd March, 20×× : A Maruti 800 collided
with car the Hapa-Tiruelveli Express at an
unmanned level crossing at Aroor in Kerala today,
around 5 p.m.
According to preliminary records. The train
was moving at its full pace. The car came out of
nowhere and attempted to cross over to the other
side of the track by leaping in front of the train.
In fraction of a second, train hit the car, the latter
smashed, killing on the spot those present in the
car. Those injured were rushed to hospital where
they were declared brought dead. On hearing the
deafening noise, people from nearby areas rushed
to the scene to commence rescue operations. On
enquiring, locals said that the Kochi-Alappuzha
stretch has a string of unmanned level crossing and
several accidents have occurred in the same area in
by Benu
Four teachers and fourteen students of Edwin
University, London visited our school on a month
long exchange programme, which commenced
on Monday, February 11, 20××. They were given
a grand welcome by the Principal, teachers and
students of our school. The school was beautifully
decorated and sported cheerful welcome posters
for the delegates everywhere.
The grand inaugural event began with the welcome
speech by our school Principal followed by a vote
of thanks by the Head of the Department, Cultural
Affairs, Edvin University. Their speeches focussed
on explaining the students about the importance
and features of this exchange programme. This
was followed by a cultural programme that was
presented by the students of both schools. The
highlight of the event was the folk dance presented
by the students of class-XII. The music and the
beats of the song made the students of Edwin
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
University dance along. Later a group song by
the student delegates of Edvin University, which
they performed in Hindi, came as a pleasant and
enjoyable surprise. With exchange of new learning
and teaching methods, this exchange programme
was truly a learning experience for the visitors as
well as the host school.
8. Zonal Cricket Tournament
By Gauri Pradhan
The orphanage also had a recreation room where
the children could enjoy recreational activities,
watch television, etc. The administration made
sure that the surroundings are always kept clean,
children well fed and well-taken care. For this they
have a team of compassionate staff, looking after
every need of the children.
All the members of the Social Activities Club
unanimously agreed that their interaction with
the children and the staff of Phulwari Orphanage
was an eye opening experience.
10. Protest Rally by Saraswati RWA
by Puneeta Anand, President, Saraswati RWA
New Delhi, 6 June, 20××. The members of
Saraswati Residents Welfare Association, held a
protest rally at District Park, against the decision
of the Municipal Corporation to cut down trees
for widening of roads to ease traffic congestion.
The protesters assembled in front of the District
Park at 8:00 A.M. on 5 June, 20××, which also
happens to be the World Environment Day. The
protest rally was soon joined by the local NGOs
and neighbouring Residents Welfare Associations
who supported the cause. All the protesters took
to the road carrying posters and shouting slogans.
The protesters felt that the District Park had been
here for many years and that it was more of an
asset than a liability. Destroying it would only
prove to be disastrous for the residents as well as
the environment. Saraswati Residents Welfare
Association has already appealed for a stay order on
the decision. Until then, they urged the concerned
authorities to consider the alternative method,
such as building fly-overs, deploying more traffic
policemen, etc. to ease traffic congestion. The
residents said that they shall continue to protest
until stay order is passed.
C
op
yM
yK
A.B.C. School, Lakshmi Nagar hosted a Zonal
Cricket Tournament last week from 15 March,
20×× to 22 March, 20×× in their playground.
Total of fifteen public schools from the four zones
participated in the tournament.
Throughout the week, the atmosphere was filled
with excitement and cheer. On the day of the
commencement of the tournament, the school was
beautifully decorated with garlands and colourful
banners. Each day of the tournament week saw
a large gathering of applauding students at the
playground, who came to cheer for their favourite
team.
The final match was played on 22 March 20××
between Sanskriti School, R.K. Puram and St.
Paul’s School, Hauz Khas. Mr. Mahendra Singh
Dhoni graced the occasion by being the Chief
Guest on the day of the finals. He also presented
the trophies and cups to the winning team. He
praised the young players and encouraged them to
pursue their dreams. The event concluded with a
heartfelt vote of thanks given by the Principal of
the school.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
160
9. Visit to Phulwari Orphanage
by Nutan Siddigi, President,
Social Activities Club
Members of the Social Activities Club of XYZ
School visited Phulwari Orpharage, run by
well known N.G.O. CRY on 1 July, 20××. The
members of the club were greatly impressed by the
atmosphere in the orphanage. Located in Malviya
Nagar, Delhi, the infrastructure of the orphanage
suited orphans from infancy to eighteen years of
age. It was designed to cater to the needs of these
children. Apart from educational requirements,
special attention was paid to all-round development
of the kids. Older children were given training in
vocational courses to secure their future.
11. Environment Day Celebration
by Neeta, Cultural Secretary
Sun Public School celebrated ‘Environment
Day’ on 5 November, 20×× with great zeal in the
school campus. The school campus wore a green
look and the day long celebrations saw many
fun and educational activities. The aim was to
sensitise the students to preserve and conserve the
environment.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
tobacco addicts was demonstrated by the students
of theatre club who presented it in a thought
provoking play. The poster making competition
saw a variety of creative expression of the messages
‘No Smoking’ and ‘Smoking is Injurious to Health’.
Then the school doctor gave an enlightening
discourse on how tobacco causes cancer and other
lung diseases. He used slides, graphs and pictures
to illustrate his talk. A short film was also screened
to drive home the menace caused by smoking or
chewing tobacco. Students resolved not to smoke
or chew tobacco and also vowed to encourage
others to say no to it.
14. Family Robbed in Broad Day Light
by XYZ, Staff Reporter Times of India
nd
b
New Delhi, 2 March, 20xx : A daring daylight
robbery occurred yesterday in the house of Mr.
Ghosh at 2:00 p.m. According to a relative of the
victim, after lunch, the Ghosh family was enjoying
their afternoon siesta when a group of masked
men entered the house from the back door. The
incident took place in Prerna Colony, situated
on the outskirts of Delhi. This has been the third
occurrence of such kind in the past month.
At first they shut all the doors from outside and
bolted the main gate from within. They made
the already sleeping inmates unconscious before
ransacking the safe, almirahs and boxes in which
family jewellery, ornaments, cash, valuable and
other important documents were kept. By the time
Mr. Ghosh and his family regained the robbers
had left with all the cash and jewellery worth `
5,00,000. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.
The police have issued an advisory and have been
looking into the matter.
yM
yK
The plantation drive was inaugurated by
Smt. Menaka Gandhi, who graced the occasion
with her presence as the Chief Guest along with
the Chairman of the school, Dr. K.H. Jain and it
marked the beginning of the event. ‘Each one,
plant one, adopt one’ was the motto infused among
everybody present there as they planted the saplings
in the school ground. Smt. Gandhi presented
awards to the winners of various environment
related competitions held during the celebration.
She appreciated the school’s endeavours to make
the youngsters environment conscious and nature
lovers. She even spoke about ‘why protection of
animals is essential towards the protection of the
environment’. Afterwards, the Eco-Club held a
screening of Al Gore’s famous documentary ‘An
Inconvenient Truth’ in the school auditorium. The
event came to an end with a vote of thanks speech
delivered by the Principal, who urged everyone to
use eco-friendly products from now on.
161
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
12. International Day for Peace and Nonviolence
by Deepika, Secretary, Ahimsa Club
C
op
Parsva Public School, Delhi observed International
Day of Peace and Non-violence on October 2,
20××, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The occasion was graced by many eminent
Gandhians. The event began with lighting of the
lamp to pay homage to the Father of the Nation.
Our Principal then briefly introduced the guests
to audience talking about how they have dedicated
their lives to Gandhi ji’s teachings. Each guest then
shared their learnings and importance of practising
non-violence in one’s day to day life.
The students spent the remaining of the day in
visiting places of importance, such as Raj Ghat
and Gandhi Museum, which was an eye-opening
experience for them.
13. No Tobacco Day Celebrated
th
by Shobita, Cultural Secretary
On 4 June, 20xx, Kanpur Senior Secondary
School celebrated ‘No Tobacco Day’ with great
gusto. The interesting and educative event was
organised to highlight the evil effects of tobacco
on human body. The programme was inaugurated
by the Health Minister. Students had exhibited
pictures, posters and caricatures depicting the
harmful effects of smoking. The miserable state of
15. Blood Donation Camp at Republic Day
Celebration
by Kritika Desai, Cultural Secretary
As a part of the Republic Day Celebrations, Sea
View Public School organised a Blood Donation
Camp on January 25, 20××. The N.S.S. wing of
the school associated with I.M.A Blood Bank and
carried out the procedure. The Chief Guest for
this occasion was the noted cardiologist at Apollo
Hospital, Mr. Kailash Bhatt. He inaugurated the
event by donating blood. For a week before the
camp, special efforts were made to create awareness
about Republic Day Celebration and the blood
donation camp. This encouraged people to donate
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
162
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
blood without apprehension. Consequently, the
number of blood donors surpassed the estimated
number.
The donors were given juice and fruits after the
procedure. Later, the Chief Guest presented the
volunteers with certificates of appreciation. He
congratulated everyone for organising this noble
event.
16. Drive Against Pollution Causing Vehicles
Unsuccessful
CBSE Champion English Core
even invited their friends and family to the event.
The celebration ended with distribution of
prizes and certificates among winners of various
competitions, which took place during the
‘Nutrition Week’.
18. Water Conservation Campaign
by Rohini, School Pupil leader
The ever active Health Club of Maxim Gorky
School, Kodaikanal celebrated ‘Nutrition week’
starting from September 1 to September 7, 20××.
Renowned holistic health and fitness guru, Mr.
Mickey Mehta graced the occasion with his
presence as Chief Guest on the inauguration day.
He spoke about why exercise is important to stay
fit. Other eminent nutritionists who visited the
school throughout the nutrition week also shared
and ideas about choosing a healthy life style and
food alternatives. Medical professionals were also
invited to the event, who conducted health check
ups for students, teachers and staff members.
Throughout the week, the school witnessed a
variety of cultural programme, such as interschool cookery contest, oratorical, painting,
poster making competition, etc. There was an over
whelming response from students and parents who
Motilal Fomra School, Tirupati celebrated Library
Week from 5th October to 11th October 20×× in
the school premises. The event was inaugurated
by famous writer Vikram Seth who was warmly
welcomed by the Principal and staff.
On the first day, students presented an entertaining
and educative play about books, which everyone
thoroughly enjoyed including Mr. Seth. Later, he
talked about his love for books and libraries and
why libraries are so valuable.
The remaining days witnessed visits by many
eminent writers, who delivered lectures on various
topics. Representatives of the local library also
visited the school to urge students to become
members of the library and enjoy benefits, such
as issuing of multiple books, magazines, DVDs.
Besides discourses, the school also held various fun
activities, such as book reading sessions, writing of
op
ita
yM
yK
by Priya, Staff Reporter
b
Chennai : 2nd March, 20×× : Traffic Police
launched a special drive against pollution causing
vehicles on March 1, 20××. The commissioner
of Chennai formed a special team who were
checking each vehicle on M. G. Road. About 2000
vehicles were checked in which more than half of
the vehicles were found to be causing pollution.
However, the pollution checking drive resulted
in severe traffic jams and crowd gathering at
important intersections.
Some vehicle owners daily commuting on that
road, thought that though the drive was for a good
cause, it made them late for their work. Several
others felt the government should have made
proper arrangements prior to the beginning of
the drive. Doing so would have helped avoid the
unnecessary traffic jam.
17. Nutrition Week
Last week, on March 20, 20××, our school Meerut
Public School, joined a campaign organised by
various agencies of the city Meerut to create
awareness among people to conserve water. Water
is essential for every living being, the water table is
decreasing day by day. Hence, the campaign was
organised to urge people to save water as much
as possible. The students, along with the agency
representatives, visited the areas in the city where
there is scarcity of water.
An impactful awareness was spread with the help
of informative posters and thought provoking
street plays.
Scientific demonstration of Rain Water Harvesting
intrigued the audience and they vowed to use the
technique to conserve water.
The efforts of the students were applauded by
Principal of the school and the campaign organisers
as well, who presented them participation
certificates to encourage such kind of activities in
the future also.
19. Library Week
C
by Anita Singh, Pupil leader
by Sunita Mathews, Secretary Cultural Association
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
20. Contribution of teachers to the society
by Bina, Head Girl
22. Rising Prices Created a Crisis
by Piyush
The Commerce Association of ABC School, Agra,
organised a one day seminar on the topic Rising
Prices Create a Crisis on March 4, 20××. Students
of class-XII from schools of our zone were invited
to participate in the seminar, which was held in the
school auditorium.
The panel of speakers included many eminent
economists and business heads who were there to
enlighten the curious listeners about the financial
issues the country is facing.
The seminar highlighted crucial facts, such as
increase in the prices of essential commodities,
affects of price rise on the economic structure,
entry of foreign multinational and other corporate
giants into our country, etc. The open discussion
allowed students to express their opinions about
how the country can fight the crisis caused by the
rising prices. All students agreed that, to ensure
equity, higher taxes should be levied on corporate
giants and that indigenously produced goods
should be encouraged. The seminar concluded
with the thought how youth can help change the
future of the country, especially on the economy
front, with their positive outlook and enthusiasm.
C
op
yM
yK
Education Society of A.B.C School, Coimbatore
organised a meeting on September 5, 20××,
the birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan,
the former President of India. It felicitated
the best teachers of the area with awards for their
contribution to the society. The meeting began
by paying homage to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Smt.
Meenakshi Gopinath, the renowned education
theorist, who graced the occasion with her
presence as the Chief Guest of the event, lit the
lamp. Our school Principal delivered the opening
speech in which she talked about how Dr. S.
Radhakrishnan worked towards the betterment of
Indian Education System.
To honour the work of best teachers, awards were
presented to Mrs. Sulekha Chand, Mrs. Priya
Murthy, Mr. Praful Das, Mr. Iqbal Qureshi and
Ms. Rita Pinto for providing free education to
the underprivileged children and women in their
respective schools and residential areas. Each of
them were awarded Rs. 10,000/- which they have
announced to spend on books and stationery for
their under-priviledged students.
The Education Society applauded the efforts,
congratulated the awardees and wished them luck
for all future endeavours. The meeting lasted for
three hours starting 11:00 a.m.
163
He spoke in detail about the precautionary
measures that we should adopt during the case of
emergency. Identifying the areas most prone to the
earthquakes, he suggested to make the building
earthquake resistant with light roofs. He stressed
on the need for cleaning out the stagnant water
around the buildings. He told that the wooden
structures cause lesser damage than the concrete
structures. He pointed out the need of having
preliminary first aid training. The session included
images and videos that supported the discourse.
Disaster Management kits comprising of important
information related to safety measures, first aid,
post disaster instructions, etc. were distributed.
The meeting concluded with everyone taking the
vow to be safe than sorry.
b
book review, creative writing competition, book
donation, etc. On the final day of the Library Week,
the school held book reading by Amitabh Ghosh,
another renowned writer, who later distributed
prizes amongst the winners of the competitions.
He also applauded the efforts of school and
congratulated the Principal, students and teachers
for the success of the event.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
21. A Talk on Disaster Management
by Ravi, Student Reporter
A talk on disaster management was arranged in
DPS, Mathura Road, New Delhi in the school
auditorium on the 4th January at 3 p.m. Due to
frequent occurrence of floods, torrential rains
and earthquakes in the country during the last
ten years, it has became mandatory to have such
a talk. Students, teachers and the people of the
neighbouring areas attended the lecture delivered
by Dr. S. S. Ravi Kumar, an expert geologist.
23. APJ School Goa Inaugurated Indoor
Stadium
by Latika Singh, Special Correspondent, The
Hindu
Goa, March 6, 20×× : APJ International School,
Goa held the inauguration of their newly
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
25. A Fatal Collision Near Nalbandh
by Vimala, Special Correspondent, Amar Ujala
Agra, 6 March, 20×× : Two people were killed
and at least four seriously injured, when a scooter
and a bus collided with each other near Nalbandh
Chowraha in Agra. The accident happened at
3:00 p.m. when there was less traffic on the road.
According to the correspondent who is an eye
witness to the accident, both vehicles approached
from the adjacent road in full speed, unaware of
the other and collided at the intersection.
While the scooterist and the pillion rider died on
the spot, the bus driver, conductor and passengers
sitting in the front portion of the bus were fatally
injured. They were rushed to the government
hospital immediately. A case has been registered
at the Nalbandh police station. An early action is
expected.
26. International Year of Chemistry Celebrated
by Ram, Coordinator
G. B. Sr. Sec. School, Delhi celebrated International
Year of Chemistry on March 5, 20××. The event
was held in the new auditorium at the school. The
Chairman of C.B.S.E. was invited as the Chief Guest.
The school Principal welcomed him with garlands.
About 36 schools participated from all over Delhi.
Various competitions, based on chemistry I.
Q. were held. The children participated in large
numbers and scored well. The representatives
from various schools shared their own views
on sources of chemistry and its importance in
production of medicines, fuels, metals, etc. Some
even enlightened the rest with their knowledge
about the new discoveries. Some eminent scientists
from IIT Delhi were also invited to the event to
talk about their researches and experiences. At
the end of the seminar, a question answer session
was also conducted, which proved very fruitful
for the students. Awards were also presented to
those who did well in the competitions for the
encouragement of the students. The chairman of
C.B.S.E congratulated all and urged the chemistry
enthusiasts to keep making new discoveries, which
would benefit India.
27. Bomb Blast In Chandni Chowk
yM
yK
constructed gymnasium on March 5, 20××. The
school invited the Chief Minister of Goa as the
Chief Guest, who congratulated the Principal and
the school for now possessing such a magnificent,
6000 sq. metre, indoor gymnasium. The Principal
said in his speech that it’s equipped with some
of the advanced equipments and machines. It is
suitable for all types of indoor games, such as all
racquet games, vollyball, gymnastics, etc.
In his speech, the Principal also mentioned that
indoor gymnasium will also be used for practising
yoga every morning so that students and teachers
feel refreshed and stay energetic for rest of the
day.
The inauguration ceremony saw students and
teachers participating in a quiz contest based
on games and sports and a skit about health
and wellness. The event concluded with a slight
workout session in which the Chief Guest too
participated.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
164
24. How to Prevent Cruelty Towards Animals
by Vidhi, Programme Co-ordinator
C
op
G.P.S Senior Secondary School, Bangalore
conducted a day long seminar on ‘How to Prevent
Cruelty Towards Animals’ on March 3, 20×× The
seminar was held in the school auditorium and 40
C.B.S.E. schools of the city participated. Prominent
Animal Rights activist and environmentalist, Smt.
Maneka Gandhi, graced the occasion with her
presence as the Chief Guest and one of the speakers
on the panel. The seminar which commenced at
10:00 a.m. included representatives from various
animal welfare organisations and groups, who
expressed their views on unspeakable cruelty
inflicted on animals. They also threw light upon
various ways to put a stop to it. Representatives
of PETA, India presented some gruesome visuals
of animals being ill-treated including images
from circus, testing labs, meat factories, etc.
Representatives of Blue Cross, Chennai on the
other hand, shared their animal rescue videos with
those present.
The seminar concluded with the screening of
the movie ‘Hachiko’, starring Richard Gere. The
Principal thanked Smt. Maneka Gandhi and other
speakers of the panel along with all the students
and teachers who participated in the seminar.
by XYZ
On October 11, 20××, the residents, shop
owners and shoppers were shook by twin blasts
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by Lakshmi, P. D. K. International School,
Madurai
On Saturday, 5 March, 20××, life as they knew it,
turned to ashes for Madhu Vihar slum dwellers; a
massive fire destroyed it entirely.
Witnessing the billowing smoke, panic and wailing
of victims many bystanders rushed to help them
escape. The arrival of fire engines finally brought
some respite for the helpless slum dwellers.
The police, who arrived at the scene half-anhour late, suspects that the fire was caused due
to short circuit. Red Cross along with some local
NGOs and Police were able to rescue the victims.
At least eighty people have died and more than
three hundred and fifty have received serious
burn injuries. They are now admitted in the local
government hospital.
Most of the 500 jhuggis, which form the Madhu
Vihar slum have completely perished in the fire and
about 2000 dwellers have been rendered homeless
in this tragic incidence.
Relief was provided immediately in the form of
clothes, food and medical aids so that they may
carry on with their lives. Free medical service has
been provided to the wounded. However, basic
essentials are still required and being accepted.
A group of volunteers have taken the initiative to
look after those admitted in the hospitals.
yM
yK
28. Musical Night to Remember
29. Slum Area Destroyed in Massive Fire
b
in Chandni Chowk. The incidents took place at
noon with the first bomb going off at 12:00 p.m.
in the cloth market and the second one minutes
later at 12:03 p.m. at Dariba Kalan. The market
was bustling with people in festive mood as Diwali
is fast approaching. According to those present
at the score, the first bomb was well hidden in a
water barrel, which was kept under a pile of cloths.
The second bomb was placed in an abandoned car
parked close to the entrance of the Dariba Kalan
street. The blasts claimed eight lives and injured
many others. Police arrived at the blast spots with
ambulances and the bomb squad. The injured
victims were rushed to the nearby hospitals. The
area was scaled for further investigation. Media
also arrived on time to report the breaking news.
So far, nobody has taken the responsibility of the
blasts, but the police claims it to be a terrorist
attack.
165
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
by Mahima, Cultural Secretary
C
op
Vasant Vihar Public School arranged a Musical
Night on April 20, 20×× which is the school
Foundation Day.
Held at the school auditorium, the event
commenced at 6:30 p.m. with the Principal, along
with Chief Guest, eminent singer Smt. Asha
Bhonsle by lighting the lamp to invoke Goddess
Saraswati. Head Girl, Meera Sen welcomed the
guests with a wonderful speech. The students of
the school performed an orchestrated group song
and it was well appreciated by all, including Smt.
Asha Bhonsle. The special attraction of the Musical
Night, the inter school music talent show saw
young music enthusiasts participating in various
musical categories, such as Indian and western
vocal, instrumental, solo and group performances.
The audience, which included parents, applauded
and cheered on, showing their appreciation
towards the performance.
Smt. Asha Bhonsle praised each and every
performer and the organisers of the Musical Night
at Vasant Vihar Public School for the efforts they put
to make this night a grand success. The Principal
of the school thanked everyone and promised to
arrange more such events in the future.
30. Reality Shows and their Impact on Young
Generation-The Debate
by Rajesh Khanna, Cultural Secretary,
PND Xavier School, Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur, 5 June, 20××: PND Xavier School
organised an inter-school debate competition on
June 4, 20×× on the topic ‘The Impact of Reality
Shows on the Younger Generation’. Around
twenty reputed schools participated in the debate.
Prominent actress Ms. Renuka Sahaney and video
jockey Mr. Nikhil Chinnappa were invited to
judge the debate. Some participants agreed that
reality shows have positive impact on the young
generation. They inspire the young generation
to showcase their hidden talents and make their
parents proud. All participants speaking for the
motion emphasised on the fact that reality shows
provide a platform for the youngsters to achieve
their dreams, acquire name, fame and monetary
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
support, which otherwise may not be possible.
Those speaking against the motion, begged to
differ. According to them, reality T.V. shows have
negative impact on the young generation. They
said that the emotions depicted in such television
shows are fake and they teach nothing valuable to
the youngsters. Medha Singh from Mata Sundari
Public School won the first prize for putting
across some thought provoking arguments for the
motion.
Principal of PND Xavier School concluded the
event by thanking the guests, participants and all
those who made the event such a grand success.
31. Bus Mishap at Nicholas Road
by Vinodini Pandit, Staff Reporter,
The Nungambakkam Times
and music were held. Part of the audience marvelled
at the dancing skills of the young dancers while
others appreciated the melodious singing.
Prizes were distributed soon after the competitions
were over. A group of students from D.A.V. School
performed Bharatnatyam extremely well and solo
Ghazal performance by Umesh from D.B. School
enthralled the audience very much. Priya Rastogi
of Modern School played electric guitar and left
everyone asking for more. She won the first prize
in western instruments category.
The festival came to an end with the vote of thanks
by the Principal, who congratulated everyone for
making the event a grand success.
33. Workshop on CCE and Grading System
by Payal, Secretary, Debating Society
The Debating Society of XYZ Public School held
a workshop on Continuous and Comprehensive
Evaluation (CCE) on June 20, 20××. CCE was
introduced for the students of class X in all
schools. The full day workshop was held in the
school’s auditorium. The event commenced with
the Principal welcoming and introducing the
guest speakers, Mr. Rajesh Kumar ChaturvadiHonourable Chairman of CBSE and Manoj
Shrivastav - Joint Secretary Academics, CBSE
and panel experts consisting of some of the most
eminent academicians. It was quite an interactive
session. Besides shedding light upon the benefits and
drawbacks of CCE, various issues, such as stress of
studies among students, pressure of scoring high
in exams, importance given only to academics
and not extra-curricular activities, etc. were also
discussed. The students expressed their views
about the assessment made by the school on the
basis of their participation in various activities and
the system of grading.
Many students appreciated the move. They said
that study is a continuous process. It takes one
complete year to finish one academic session.
Therefore, evaluation of the students should
also be continuous. Tests conducted at regular
intervals would encourage students to study the
books regularly. Formative activities would give
students an opportunity to participate in various
activities, such as, debates, arts, etc. The workshop
on CCE was, altogether an eye-opening one, which
helped a lot in understanding the Continuous and
C
op
yM
yK
Nungambakkam, 10 April, 20×× : A major
bus mishap took place at Nicholas Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai, resulting in serious
injuries to at least thirty-five passengers present in
the bus. It was around 10:00 a.m. when the accident
took place on Monday, April 10, 20××.
According to eyewitnesses, during morning rush
hour while vehicles on Nicholas Road were waiting
for the traffic light to turn green, the bus driver
jumped the red light.
In an attempt to avoid collision with vehicles
coming from the opposite direction the bus driver
diverted and lost control of the vehicle.
The speeding bus then drove into a restaurant,
which was, fortunately, not much crowded at that
time. Those present in the restaurant were badly
injured. Luckily, no life was lost. The driver has
been arrested and a case has been registered against
him. The Superintendent of Police has assured an
early action.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
166
32. Music and Dance Festival
By Poorva Chauhan, Cultural Secretary
D.B. Senior Secondary School Ambur organised a
week-long music and dance festival starting from
June 20 to June 27, 20××. The grand event saw
participation from various schools in the zone.
The festival was held in the school’s auditorium.
Smt. Smriti Irani was invited as the Chief Guest to
grace the occasion with her presence.
The music and dance festival began with
the welcome dance and Saraswati Vandana.
Competition of various Indian and western dance
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
34. The Grand Chennai JOB FAIR
by Priya, Staff Reporter, The Deccan Herald
by Gopi Prasad, Student Editor
In the lastest episode of their popular, talent related
reality show, Zee T.V. roped in several participants
who were differently abled. The episode was telecast
on June 17, 20×× at 9:00 p.m. In this episode,
viewers witnessed the differently abled contestants
showcase their talent on stage. While a blind man
mesmerised the judges and the audience with his
melodious voice, a girl with amputated arms made
a painting with her feet and amazed everyone.
Other performances included, gymnastics by an
autistic girl, group dance presented by children on
wheel chairs and mime performance by a twelve
year old deaf and mute boy.
Each and every act left the judges and audience
speechless and emotionally touched who
gave the differently abled participants a much
deserved standing ovation. The teary eyed judges
congratulated them and urged others to take
inspiration from them, to have faith in oneself and
determination and never give up hope.
The channel presented each participant with a sum
of ` 10,000/- to encourage them to pursue their
dreams.
yM
yK
Chennai, March 14, 20×× : Recently, the Ability
Foundation organised a week long job fair in the
city, which was held at the Parthasarathy Hotel,
Chennai.
Nearly 55 companies, including international
corporate houses from various sectors, such as IT,
telecommunication, electronics and some other
manufacturing sectors, etc. participated in the
Job Fair. Final year students of various colleges
walked in for on the spot interviews and walked
out with lucrative job offers in their hands. For an
entire week, job seekers thronged the stalls of the
participating companies. Many career councellors
were also present to guide students through the
career paths of their choice and its future aspects.
Students left the fair content and with job.
36. Spot on Performance by the Differently Abled
b
Comprehensive Evaluation. The Principal thanked
the guest speakers and panel of experts for such an
enlightening session and wished the students best
for their academic endeavours.
167
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
35. Inaugural Function of Tamil Nadu Hospital
by Anandi, Correspondent, The Times of India
C
op
Chennai, August 8, 20×× : Tamil Nadu Hospital,
was inaugurated by hon’ble Health Minister of
Chennai, Dr. C.Vijaya Bhaskar, yesterday, August
7, 20××. The 400-bed hospital is equipped with
most advanced, state of the art machines and
equipments with the latest infrastructure to attend
to emergency cases efficiently. Advanced cardiac
life support ambulances have been made available
round the clock. Besides having an in-house Blood
Bank, its information system has been linked to
other major blood banks in the country to enable
the right group of blood to be made available at
short notice. Internationally trained physicians
and best staff have been hired to treat, look after
and assist patients.
The hospital is spread across 8000 sq. m. and is five
stories high. Addressing the people, Dr. C.V. Baskar
reinforced the need for better treatment facilities
made available to rich and poor both at nominal
prices. He sincerely hoped that the hospital would
provide the best health services to all. A blood
donation and free health check-up camp was also
organised to encourage people to keep doing so in
future.
37. Inaugural Ceremony for Vocational Courses
and Hobby Classes Celebrated
by Latha, Staff Reporter, Gurgaon Times
Gurgaon, April 10, 20×× : Paras Public School,
Gurgaon recently opened vocational streams and
hobby classes at the secondary school level, the
inaugural ceremony of which was held yesterday,
April 9, 20×× at their newly constructed vocational
studies wing. Eminent entrepreneur, Ms. Shehnaz
Hussain inaugurated the ceremony along with the
school Principal and Vice Principal by cutting the
ribbon. The function began with a special welcome
dance, performed by the students of the school.
The school Pupil Leader gave a presentation on
the importance of vocational streams and hobby
classes. An exposition was also organised on the
same day for students and their parents where
they learned about various vocational courses to
be taught in these classes. The parents and students
both looked impressed by the future prospects of
these vocational streams and registered for them
on the spot.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Ms. Shehnaz Hussain applauded the efforts of the
school, students and the parents and encouraged
the students to pursue their hobbies if that is what
interests them.
38. Loss of Life and Property in Massive Fire
by Sweety, Secretary,
Co-curricular Activities Club
water, water pollution, climate change were raised
in the street play.
Later representatives of a Mumbai based NGO,
Swades Foundation, shared some easy methods to
conserve water both at home and outside. Ms. Amla
Ruia shared with the participants of the seminar
some traditional water harvesting techniques. She
encouraged students to create awareness about
restoring water so that the future generations
learn to save water and lead a sustainable life. The
seminar ended with the Principal expressing her
gratitude towards the speakers for enlightening
those present at the seminar. She also vowed to
adopt various water conservation techniques for
the school from them on.
40. Medical Camp Organised for Screening for
Swine Flu
by Rasmi Kelkar, Cultural Secretary
The Times of India, August 16, 20×× :
Vivekananda Kendra School, Bangalore, organised
a medical camp on the occasion of Independence
Day celebration on August 19, 20××. The one day
medical camp was held for screening students and
staff for swine flu.
The celebration began with the flag hoisting
followed by the rising for the National Anthem.
Health Minister of Bangalore, Mr. K.R. Ramesh
Kumar, graced the occasion with his presence as the
Chief Guest. The school pupil leader welcomed the
Chief Guest, the staff, students and their parents to
the medical camp and thanked the representatives
of Indian Red Cross Society for conducting the
screening for swine flu. Later, the doctors did a
thorough check-up and advised cure to those who
showed even the slightest symptoms of the flu. All
attendees were also given a precautionary mini
health kit, which contained information about the
causes, symptoms and cure for swine flu.
The Health Minister applauded the efforts of the
school and congratulated the Principal, teachers,
students and parents for giving priority to health
and sanitation.
No doubt, the medical camp was highly beneficial
to all.
41. Enviornment Week Celebrated
C
op
yM
yK
One more slum burned down yesterday at about
2:00 P.M. due to sheer carelessness. Blame it on
the lack of space that if one hut burns, rest of the
huts catch fire too. The poor slum dwellers can’t do
much about it.
According to preliminary reports and eye witnesses
accounts, people were caught unaware by the
deafening sound of a cylinder blast and within no
time the whole area was engulfed in fire. People
rushed out of their huts in panic as they looked
for an escape. Arrival of fire engines and police on
time stopped the fire from spreading too much.
However, there was heavy loss of life and property.
Twenty five people have died. One hundred and
fifty have received serious burn injuries and are
now admitted in the local hospital. Most of the
slum dwellers have been rendered homeless in
this massive fire. The students of L.M. Jain School
accompanied by the local NGOs rendered relief
services and help to the victims. Free medical
service was also provided to them along with
packets of sanitation products and food supplies.
Collection points were fixed by the students to
deposit material and food items for donation to the
victims. A special forum was also set up to receive
blankets, tents, clothes, first aid kits, etc. The funds
collected were utilised for victims rehabilitation.
39. Seminar on Water Conservation Awareness
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
168
by Preeti Manoor, Pupil Leader,
Maryland School
Gurgaon, 9 March, 20×× : Maryland School,
Gurgaon held a seminar on conservation of
water. The full day seminar was a part of the
World Water Day celebration and was held in the
school auditorium. Students of class-XII from
neighbouring schools of the zone were also invited
to participate in the seminar. Ms. Amla Ruia, a
Mumbai based water conservationist, who was the
Chief Guest, presided over the event.
The seminar began with a street play, performed
by the students of the host school, on the need
for water conservation. Issues, such as scarcity of
by Amrita, Secretary, Green Club
June 8, 20×× : The Green Club of XYZ Senior
Secondary School celebrated ‘Van Mahotsava
and Environment Protection Week’ starting from
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Department congratulating all participants and
thanking the visitors for encouraging them by
buying from them. The loud applaud testified how
grand a success the event was.
43. Seminar on Swine Flu
by XYZ, Secretary, Health Club,
Oasis Public School, Hyderabad
b
Hyderabad, June 10, 20×× : Oasis Public School
organised a seminar on Swine Flu on Saturday,
June 9, 20××. The one day seminar was organised
for creating awareness among the school students
and their parents. Held at the school auditorium,
the seminar had various sessions lined up one after
another to educate the attendees of the causes,
effects and cure for the fatal disease.
Guest speakers and panel of experts consisted of
eminent doctors practising at AIIMs, Delhi, and
representatives of local NGOs working towards
health and sanitation. The message of proper health
care and prevention from swine flu was spread
across with the help of Nukkad Natak, presented
by volunteers and also an interactive visual
presentation. Doctors emphasised on immediate
action at the first sign of symptoms. The Principal
thanked the panel of experts and guest speakers
for enlightening all with so many facts. No doubt,
the seminar was beneficial in being prepared for
swine flu.
44. Debating Skills Enhancement Programme
op
yM
yK
June 1, 20×× to June 6, 20××, Monday to Friday.
The first day of the event was held at the school
auditorium and was inaugurated by eminent
environmentalist Nora Alvares. The Principal
welcomed her by presenting a sapling. In her
speech Ms. Alvares shared the importance of and
the need to protect the environment. The audience
were enlightened by her insightful speech.
Various schools were invited to participate in the
Environment Protection Week. The remaining
days saw a variety of cultural programmes, such
as dance, plays, seminars, etc. celebrating the
nature and the environment. On June 5, 20××,
the Environment Day, The Green Club organised
various competitions based on Environment
Protection theme. The competition included,
street play, poster making, one act plays, quiz, etc.
Well known environmentalists, journalists and
celebrities graced the occasion with their presence
and by judging the competitions. On the last day
of Environment Week, The Green Club welcomed
Ms. Vasundhara Das, popular actress, singer and
environmentalist to give away the prizes to the
competition winners. She applauded the efforts
of the school and students and urged everyone to
protect the environment in every possible way. She
also planted a sapling along with Principal, staff
and students of the school.
42. Exhibition-cum-Sale to Encourage School
Students
169
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
by Meera, Co-ordinator, S.U.P.W. Activities
C
Gurgaon, March 10, 20×× : The Crafts Department
of Nita School, Gurgaon organised an exhibitioncum-sale on March 9, 20××, Saturday at the school
ground. The event was held to exhibit the items
prepared by students of various ages under Work
Experience. The fun-filled exhibition-cum-sale
was inaugurated by the school Principal, who
expressed his immense joy on being a part of this
wonderful occasion. The exhibition-cum-sale was
open to all.
There was an overwhelming response from the
public. Various stalls were erected and displayed
a variety of handcrafted decorative, wall hangings,
hand painted bedsheets/covers, cushion covers
and a lot of other handmade items.
In addition, there were games and food stalls, which
added to the fun and excitement of the event.
The nine hours long exhibition-cum-sale came to
an end at 8:00 p.m. with the Head of the Crafts
by Naren, Preet Public School, Chennai
Chennai, 12 March, 20×× : A week long training
programme was organised by the Debating Society
of Preet Public School, Chennai from 5th March,
20×× to 11th March, 20××. The aim of this training
programme was to develop debating skills among
the students. The programme was inaugurated
by the chairman of the society. There were
approximately 200 students and teachers from
various schools who attended the programme.
The participants were well known orators and
debaters who were highly motivating and left an
impact on all the students and teachers. There was
an interactive session also in which the students
and teachers asked debating related questions and
expressed their views. At the end of the week long
programme, the students felt enlightened and more
confident about their debating skills. According to
the students, the whole training programme was
quite an eye opener. By all means, it turned out to
be a great success.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
45. The Book Fair
by Sujay, Staff Reporter, The Herald
the cleanliness drive were provided with a pair
of disposable gloves and a garbage bag. After
proper disposal of garbage collected from school,
the participants of the cleanliness drive moved
out to clear the neighbourhood. Students and
teachers went out and swept the neighbouring
streets encouraging others to participate too. They
sprayed mosquito killing sprays in the drains to
avoid breeding of mosquitoes. The members of the
Eco Club performed a skit for the residents of the
neighbourhood on the theme ‘Cleanliness is next
to Godliness.’ The message it sent forth was that
one should keep one’s home and school clean and
at the same time as a responsible citizen, keep one’s
surroundings clean too, including the alley, roads,
parks, etc. It was indeed an excellent initiative
taken by the school to make people aware of the
need to keep their surroundings and city clean.
48. Environment Week Celebrated
by Amrit Kaul
B.M.B. Public School, Dalmia Nagar celebrated
Environment Week from May 29, 20×× to June
5, 20×× in the school premises. The event was
inaugurated by eminent environmentalist Sunita
Narain, whom the Principal and the staff of the
school welcomed with flowers and garland. On
the first day of the Environment Week, Ms. Sunita
Narain delivered a speech on the need to protect
the environment. She also showed clippings
from Al Gore’s famous documentary ‘A Moment
of Truth’. The thought provoking documentary
clippings left the audience speechless. In the later
half of the day, the students of class IX presented a
play on the theme ‘Save Our Planet’. The remaining
of the week saw various inter-class competitions
and quiz contest. An exhibition-cum-sale was held
on June 5, 20×× the final day of the Environment
Week. Mrs. Maneka Gandhi graced the occasion
as the Chief Guest. The exhibition had various
eco-friendly products, such as home decor items,
jewellery, fashion accessories, etc. all made out
of recycled products, which were put up for sale.
Mrs. Gandhi gave away prizes to the winners
of competition held during Environment week.
She applauded the efforts of the school and
congratulated the Principal and the teachers for
the success of the event.
49. World Health Day Celebrated
yM
yK
New Delhi, 18 January, 20××: The much awaited
Book Fair was organised in the month of January
at Pragti Maidan. It lasted for 12 days. The fair was
inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi,
Mrs. Shiela Dixit. Various prestigious Indian as
well as international publishers participated in the
fair. All the publishers came up with their latest
editions and publications. Various international
publishing houses like Penguin, Oxford,
Macmillan, Orient Longman, etc. also participated
is the fair. The variety of books was huge and a real
treat for book lovers. Second to autobiographies and
biographies, computer and engineering books were
in high demand. Massive discount on books really
appealed to the readers who bought the books of
their tastes without giving a second thought. School
and college students also visited the Book Fair in
large numbers and shopped for books.
46. First Aid Training Course For Senior
Students
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
170
by Vivek Gosain, Class-XII, Alpha School
C
op
A First Aid Training course was organised last
week from March 17-24, 20XX for the students of
classes XI and XII of Alpha School. The training
was conducted by the school’s Red Cross Society
and was held at the basketball court. Doctors
were invited to give practical demonstration
of first aid at the time of emergency in various
circumstances. During the training week students
learnt about different kinds of treatment to be
given to the victims in case of road accidents,
burns, electric shocks, fracture, bone dislocation,
etc. The highlight of week long course was when
students were taught about rescue mission in case
of drowning and C.P.R.
By the end of the training, students were able to
practise first aid on each other quite expertly. This
made them feel confident enough to provide first
aid to the person in need.
47. Special Cleanliness Drive Programme
by Karan, Secretary, Eco Club, A.M.M. High
School, Hyderabad
Hyderabad, April 2, 20×× : The Eco Club of the
school launched a special cleanliness drive in the
school and its neighbourhood from March 24 to
March 30. All the students from primary to the
senior classes participated in it with great zeal
and enthusiasm. Each individual participating in
by Rama Jhakur
Sun Public School, Bangalore celebrated World
Health Day on 7th April, 20×× in the school’s
auditorium. The school celebrates this occasion
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3. The Lovely Park in the Neighbourhood
Having parks in the neighbourhood proves to be a
boon with many benefits. They are not only useful
for playing various games, but also for doing yoga,
meeting friends and for morning and evening
walks. Our neighbourhood too has a huge square
shaped park with lush green grass, plants and trees.
One can enter from one of the four entrances, the
paths of which are covered with red sandstone
tiles. Seasonal flowers beautify the park along with
a variety of garden accessories. A water fountain, is
situated in the centre of the park. There are stone
chairs, for visitors to sit and relax and varieties of
swings for kids to play on and have a good time.
As for adults and elderly, they can enjoy vast
stretches of grassy open spaces. The park is the
lovely combination of nature and entertainment. I
enjoy visiting the park in the morning.
yM
yK
3.4 Factual Description
railway station. He sports a french beard and has a
mole just above his left eyebrow. He has big, black
eyes and a little cut on the left side of his forehead.
Though, he is fluent in English, his Hindi is not
perfect. He wears stone studded rings on three of
his fingers, one of which is studded with a ruby.
Hope you will not have any difficulty recognising
Purab now.
Love,
Parvati
b
every year on this day. As the custom is, the
celebration started by paying homage to the
school founders. Chief Guest eminent film star
and health and fitness enthusiast, Ms. Shilpa
Shetty, accompanied by the school Principal,
lighted the lamp. The event started with a beautiful
song performed by the students of class IX. Post
the melodious performance, Ms. Shetty shared
her views on the importance of healthy life style,
food habits, physical exercise and Yoga. With the
help of an assistant, Ms. Shetty demonstrated few
simple as an as which would help students during
the exam days to improve breathing, posture and
concentration. Some of the as an as were to reduce
stress and anxiety. The school had also organised
a fete to promote healthy food choices. The event
concluded with a streetplay by the members of
the theatre club. Ms. Shilpa Shetty applauded the
efforts of the school and congratulated all for the
success of the event.
171
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
1. New Auditorium
Last week, the newly built auditorium of our school
was inaugurated by Mr. XYZ, the MP from DP
Nagar. The auditorium is very spacious and wellventilated. It has five huge gates so as to avoid any
chaos while entering or exiting the auditorium.
There are total four green rooms with attached
toilets for the convenience of the performers. The
seating space has been designed to accommodate
about 5000 students. The seats are comfortable
and placed on slopes for a better visibility of the
performances on the stage. Special care has been
taken to build the stage of the auditorium and the
floors are carpeted. The lighting system, which
includes dramatic lights, spot lights, etc. and
the digital sound system have been installed by
a leading brand. The well equipped auditorium
became an instant hit with the students and was
even highly appreciated by Mr. XYZ.
2. Description of My Friend
My dear brother,
My friend Purab is about 25 years old and 6 feet tall
with an athletic body. He is dark in complexion and
has long hair, which he usually ties in a ponytail.
He has told me that he will be wearing a red t-shirt
with Homer Simpson’s face printed on it and a
pair of navy blue jeans. He would be carrying a
name placard when he comes to pick you from the
4. A New Library-cum-Reading Room
The absence of a new library and reading room
has been constantly felt by the primary class
students of Ramjas School, Pusa Road, New Delhi.
It was a timely and wise decision on the part of
the management to construct and arrange for the
same. The new library cum reading room is big and
spacious so as to accommodate more than 2000
books. The new library provides open-shelf system.
Students can move round the shelves and pick up
the books they would like to read. The new librarycum-reading room is well lit, well ventilated and
well equipped with computers, which the students
can use to source information. It can seat more
students than the previous one. The tastefully
decorated reading room is generally full during
the free periods. It has brought a marked change
in the reading interest and habit of the students.
5. Factual Description of a Hostel
The school hostel where my friend stays is indeed
an ideal and dream hostel to live in. The hostel
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
has two divisions one for boys and another for
girls. Each division has six big spacious and well
ventilated rooms. The rooms are all well set up
with four beds, two cupboards and four study
tables in every room. Apart from this, there is a
huge common dining area. The food provided
there is extremely nutritious and delicious.
There is an excellent gym for exercise, a library,
a TV room, basketball court, volleyball court,
badminton court too, which provide enough space
to the students to indulge themselves in sports and
physical activities. Above all, it is a very homely
and comfortable accommodation for the students.
time with the nature. It is indeed a healthy and
refreshing habit.
3.5 Articles
1.
Festivals of India
by Karuna
India is a secular country having diverse religions,
languages, customs and traditions. This is the
reason why Indians celebrate many festivals
throughout the year. Festival celebration brings
happiness and joy to all. This is the occasion which
creates a gathering, where all the family members,
relatives, friends and loved ones can meet and
share their happiness.
Festivals play an important role in our lives. As
we are living in the fast-paced world leading
a mechanical life, we are under stress, all the
time. Festivals are the ideal occasions to take a
break from stress and create memorable times.
It is also during the festivals people belonging to
different religions celebrate different festivals thus
uniting the country. The main festivals celebrated
in India are Diwali, Eid, Baisakhi, Christmas, etc.
In addition to the religious festivals, we celebrate
the national festivals like Independence Day and
Republic Day, which are common to all the people
living in India. Irrespective of religion, cast and
creed, all Indians celebrate these festivals. These
national festivals aim at promoting brotherhood.
Thus, festivals are very important in one’s life to
know the traditional values and customs of a nation.
India is a land of diversity therefore, it is suffice to
say that the number of festivals we enjoy is one of
the ways in which it makes us feel proud of it.
2. How to Provide Proper Health Care to the
Comman Man
C
op
yM
yK
6. New Multistoreyed Shopping Mall
A new multistoreyed shopping mall was
inaugurated on June 16, 20×× in Rajouri Garden
by the name 3C’s Mall. It covers a huge land area
and is three floors high. All the floors are inter
connected with escalators and elevators too. While
the first floor has all the branded fashion attire
and jewellery showrooms, the second floor has
electrical appliances, furnishings and home decor
showrooms. The third floor has many restaurants
along with a big food court. There is also ATM
facility. The entire ground floor is Kids Zone with
showrooms catering to kids products, such as
children’s attire, furniture, utility items for school,
toys and games, etc. There is also a play area for
kids to have unlimited fun time. In addition, there
is also a book store, coffee shop and ice cream
parlour for families to enjoy. The 3C’s Mall is
indeed a boon for the people living nearby who
can buy many things under one roof.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
172
7. Morning Hours at the Park
The morning scene at the park in front of my
house is indeed a scene not to be missed. There
is a lot of hustle and bustle in the park during
the morning hours. Some people come alone for
their morning walks while others come in groups.
Chatting and morning walk go together. People
are all dressed up in comfortable tracksuits and
sports shoes. People are seen doing their exercises,
yoga, skipping, jogging, etc. Kids too bring their
sports equipments to enjoy themselves in the cool
and pleasant weather while they wait for their
school buses to arrive. Outside the park there are
vegetable and fruit sellers selling, fresh fruits and
vegetables as early as 7:00 a.m. Everybody looks so
happy and energetic that it motivates me to step
out of my house in the morning and spend some
by Karan
‘Health is wealth’. Man living on this earth can
enjoy his life only when his health is perfect.
Only a healthy person can eat, work and sleep
properly. However, rising pollution, fast and
competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food, etc.
have caused health woes for a large section of our
population. Providing health care has become
commercialised, money spinning business today.
It is no longer a charitable and ethical activity. Of
all the sectors in the world, health care occupies
the first place. Based on the importance of the
sector, the private sector is the dominant health
care provider in India.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by Karan
Women in India are considered to be Goddess
Laxmi in most of the families. However, some
unfortunate incidents, which took place in the
recent past, have made women feel unsafe on the
road, at work places and even at home. Women are
treated as the weak sex in this patriarchal society.
There is an urgent need to change the male mindset
and attitude towards women.
There are many problems women are facing in
the society. Cases of domestic violence, rape, eve
teasing, etc. are not only limited to the metropolitan
cities but also to the villages too. Women are unsafe
everywhere. Even the public places lack women
safety. The government or the police alone cannot
solve this problem. It is the problem of the nation
and should be addressed by each and every citizen
of India.
Stricter laws should be enforced by the government
regarding women’s safety. Also, the police should
be vigilant and effective. Properly functioning
street lights with CCTV cameras must be installed
so that the perpetrators are easily nabbed. The
24-hours women’s helpline should be activated in
order to receive any distress call. In addition to that,
women empowerment should also be given the
utmost importance. To change the male mindset
in its attitude towards women, parents should
inculcate in boys, respect for women at a young
age. The contribution of each and every individual
for the betterment of the society is a must. Only
then, one can hope that the atrocities committed
towards women will eventually reduce.
5. The State of Education Today
yM
yK
by Karuna
the importance of birth control and living a healthy
life.
4. How to Make Women Feel Safe
b
Private health care sector has overtaken the
Government sector. Most health care expenses are
paid by patients and their families which can be
considered as health expenditure. Private medical
sector remains the primary source of health care
for 70% of households in urban areas and 63% of
households in rural areas. This is because of large
population. The other reason is all the government
hospitals are over crowded and they lack proper
equipments and facilities.
In order to provide proper health care to the
common man, the government should increase
the number of government hospitals, it should
pass strict laws for private hospitals and in
addition to these it should also create awareness
on healthy lifestyles, nutritious food, etc. in rural
area. The government should also provide health
care in schools. Only the stringent implementation
of necessary rules by the leaders of the nation can
bring a change.
3. How to Keep a Check On Population
173
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
The growth in population is phenomenal. India is
the second most populous country in the world. If
the growth rate goes unchecked, we shall overtake
China in the next twenty years.
India is a country rich in natural resources. Yet
a significant proportion of our people are living
below poverty line. Our rising population is to
be blamed. This population explosion is a severe
drain of our natural resources and hampers all
development programmes. Unemployment has
also increased. There is a problem of feeding
the teeming millions as the population goes on
increasing every year.
Housing, clothing, education and medical facilities
are required in the same proportion. This makes
our plans an object of mockery. They fail to revive
the economy as the target required keeps on
expanding.
The only ray of hope lies in having a workable and
scientific campaign of family planning. Vigorous
drives must be launched to educate the masses
on the danger of over pollution. China has frozen
its population growth by adopting ‘one family
one child’ programme. The government of India
too must implement policies to control rise in
population. Literacy for the mass is extremely
necessary along with relevant job opportunities for
both men and women. Above all women must be
empowered and educated so that they understand
by Karuna
Education means the all round development of
a person. It makes an individual responsible,
sensitive and a decent human being. It has always
been a noble profession. Our ancestors received
their learning at gurukuls and ashrams. Even in
the recent past, schools were associated with places
of worship. But today, education is fast becoming
commercialised.
Modern education is merely academic and
prepares students to acquire degrees or diplomas
in general or specialised fields. There is no stress
on the education to uplift the students morally,
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
7.
The Importance of Public Transport
by Karuna
b
The increase in the number of cars and bikes
has added to various pollution problems. The
smoke emitted from vehicles has made the
cities living gas chambers. The new policies of
economic liberalisation has opened doors for the
multinationals and the cars of various companies
have become status symbols of the upper middle
class. The amount of harmful gases in the air is
alarmingly on the rise. They affect our eyes and
lungs, giving rise to all kinds of cardiovascular and
respiratory diseases.
We, as the responsible citizens of India, must take
steps to reduce these man-made problems and
start using public transport as much as possible.
The introduction of Metro Rail is a boon to the
commuters as it saves time and money. These days,
public transport have been made safe and secure.
They are comfortable, clean and a cheaper alterative
to personal vehicles for all office goers. Even the
services of the Government road transport is good
with GPS and A.C. installed for the convenience
of the passengers. Using public transport would
definitely save fuel, reduce harmful gas emissions,
further reducing one’s carbon footprint and
eventually the causes and effects of global
warming.
yM
yK
spiritually and physically. The students do not even
get the chance to enjoy games or sports.
Education today has turned into a successful
business. As this is the age of cut-throat competition,
everyone seems to be a rival here. Students are
worried about their uncertain future. Parents want
their children to become engineers or doctors. So,
they send their children to coaching centres which
in turn spend a lot of money on advertisements to
tempt their prospective customers. Although, they
guarantee sure success in the examinations, their
only aim is to mint money.
Coaching centres may be necessary for some
students. But, it kills drive, initiative and originality
of brilliant students. Most of these coaching centres
provide spoon-feeding for average students and
they stress on learning by heart. The students, who
are weak in a particular subject are completely
neglected. Thus, they find proper guidance neither
in school, home or coaching centre.
6. Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy
ita
174
by Karan
C
op
In a developing country like India, about half of its
population is illiterate. Although India produces
the best doctors and engineers in the world, it
still remains an educationally backward nation.
Most of the people living in villages are illiterates.
They can’t read or write. Economic backwardness,
ignorance as well as lack of opportunities have
deprived them of literacy and knowledge.
Education makes a man enlightened and eligible
and helps him to prosper physically, economically
and spiritually. Illiteracy is a real handicap in the
progress of a democratic society. Politicians and
middlemen take advantage of these simple people
by misguiding them with false promises illiteracy
is the main cause of their exploitation.
Students, the builders of the nation, can play an
effective role in removing the curse of illiteracy.
Following the motto, ‘Each One, Teach One’ they
can organise classes in groups. Students can also
devote time to teach illiterates during vacation.
They can light the lamp of literacy in the lives of
underprivileged by seeking help from National
Literacy Mission, NGOs and education institutes.
Government should support the efforts of students
as well as NGOs who work for this cause. A
continuous follow up is extremely necessary to
eradicate illiteracy from the roots.
8.
Gender Discrimination in Society
by Karan
Our treatment of women in the past brings us
no glory or honour. Indian society has never
been liberal and generous towards females.
Unfortunately, this discrimination continues in
one form or the other even now.
There have been many reforms to empower
women, however, in certain states of India there
is a great imbalance in the male-female ratio. This
is the result of special treatment given to boys in
the family. Evil practices, such as female feticide
is quite common. India is a patriarchal society,
which likes to hold on to its traditional beliefs and
practices for instance, women living in rural areas
are not allowed to go to school. They are asked to
stay at home, do the household chores and look
after their little siblings. As soon as they hit puberty
they are married off whether or not they are ready
for it. Poverty and illiteracy play their part in such
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by Karuna
C
op
yM
yK
For admission to colleges, there is a lot of
competition today. For one available seat, there are
hundreds of applicants. Such a situation leads to
stress on the minds of the students in the school.
The best way to relax and feel rejuvenated is to
practise yoga every day. Experts believe that a
physically healthy body has a clear mind, better
focus and low level of stress. Therefore, students
should take advantage of the benefits of yoga.
Students, especially those preparing for important
exams, often complain about not being able to
concentrate on their studies or remembering the
answer while attempting the questions. Yoga not
only keeps one physically fit, but it also improves
concentration as it calms the mind and keeps
it healthy. Stress, more often than not, leads to
behavioural problems, such as irritable mood,
insomnia, sudden growth or loss of appetite, etc.
and in severe cases, depression. Practicing yoga
every day reduces such behavioural problems,
depression, decreases physical ailments and
improves interpersonal relationships.
10. Advertising as a Source of Information
T.V. that we generally dislike the commercial
breaks because they are shown too often. On most
instances, ads can seem annoying. Yet, a number
of advertisements do add to our information. The
purpose of advertisement is to reach out to the
mass in the shortest time possible, with a product
or an idea, which may appeal to them. Some ads
tell us about the price of a product, whether it is a
new launch or its price has changed or it is on sale.
Others tell us about the product itself, make, quality,
use, unique value, etc. These factors influence our
decision as we consider and reconsider all these
factors before buying a product. Advertisements
make us aware of what, why, when, where and how
we should buy a product.
There are advertisements, which are more of a way
of communication between companies, NGOs or
the government and customers. They are issued
mainly in the public interest. Such ads spread
social awareness amongst the mass and appeal to
their emotional, human side. Therefore, it is suffice
to say that advertisements, to some extent are a
source of information.
b
ill practices against women. Dowry deaths, marital
rapes, etc. are few of the evils of the society still
tormenting women everywhere, from villages to
the cities.
Legislations for women remain merely words, at
times unable to protect them. The Dowry Act, the
Marriage Act, the Property Act, should be enforced
strictly. Eve-teasing and sexual harassment of
women should have no place in a civilized society.
There should not be any kind of discrimination in
the workplace, wages of men and women should
be equal. Reservation in jobs and legislatures must
become obligatory and legal. Children should be
made to understand the meaning and importance
of gender equality in school so that they learn to
respect and treat women with dignity at an early
age. Only then, gender discrimination in the
society will gradually come to an end.
9. Importance of Yoga to Students
by Karan
Advertisements play an important role in our day
to day lives. We see them in our newspaper and
magazine, watch them online and on television
and listen to them on the radio. It is while watching
175
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
11. Print Media and T.V. News
by Karuna
In spite of 24-hours news on T.V., the morning
newspaper still has not lost its relevance in the
daily life of a common man. Although both are of
equal importance, each has its own benefits.
Let us draw a comparison between the two to see
why either or both are special.
Television news caters to a larger and more
inclusive audience, such as the visually impaired,
deaf and dumb, etc. Newspapers on the other
hand, encourages reading habits, which eventually
becomes leisure activity for senior citizens.
While newspapers are traditional and time tested,
i.e., one can rely on them for accurate news,
television news are quick with live presentation
and reports. The breaking news is brought to the
viewer as soon as an incident occurs. Moreover,
television news is engaging and interests people of
all ages. Newspapers, on the contrary, are devoid
of sensationalism and come up with truly thought
provoking editorials. The morning newspaper is
a relief to someone who likes to stay up to date
with current affairs. Now that it is available on
digital platform, one can access the news anytime
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
anywhere. Hence, it is suffice to say that both T.V.
news channels and the morning newspapers are
and always will be a common man’s every day life’s
need.
12. Role of Individual in Society to Keep Our
Environment Clean
by Karuna
everywhere, be it villages, towns or cities. However,
metropolitan cities come under scrutiny because
crime here gets reported.
More often then not, in a crime against women
case while the perpetrator is dealt with leniency,
the victim is subjected to humiliation, adding
to her mental and physical trauma. Media too
sensationalises the news and presents it in a way
that the graveness of the situation gets ignored.
Besides implementing stricter laws against the
perpetrators, making the roads safe for women and
having more active helpline numbers individuals
and the society must change their mindsets.
They must further spread awareness on all types
of crime against women. The more people will
become aware, the more they will intervene when
necessary.
14. Students and Their Social Responsibilities
by Karuna
The youth are indebted to the society in several
ways. They are nurtured by a family at home,
educated in a school and enjoy so many facilities to
lead a smooth life. They owe a lot to the society and
in several ways they can help it to function better.
Students can spread literacy or at least make the
underprivileged understand the importance of
education. Young adults who are good in studies
must take some time out to teach those who
are willing to study however, cannot afford an
education. Students can begin the eduction drive
with underprivileged kids from their own locality.
Eventually, the inspiration to learn and teach will
pass on. Students must also spread awareness
about health and cleanliness so that others not
only keep their home and surroundings clean,
but also India as well. Clean surroundings would
gradually cause illnesses and health related issues
to diminish. Social issues, wrong social practices,
corruption, etc. are few other areas where youth
can contribute by providing their new age insights.
This would help eradicate social ills and lead India
towards progress.
C
op
yM
yK
As kids, we are told that ‘charity begins at home’.
Therefore, if we want a clean India (Swachh Bharat)
we have to begin with ourselves. But how and where?
The answer is quite simple. Every individual has to
make an effort not to litter his or her surroundings.
There is another saying which fits here aptly, ‘old
habits die hard’. If an individual has the habit of
making his or her surrounding dirty, he or she
may not be able to change overnight. Therefore,
parents, guardians and teachers must instill good
habits, such as keeping one’s environment clean,
from childhood. One must encourage the children
to dispose off garbage in the respective bins i.e.,
blue bin for non-biodegradable and green bin for
bio degradable waste and practise the same so that
the child watches and learns.
As responsible citizens and community members,
one must initiate awareness programmes in
localities and societies. One needs to come up with
or follow efficient garbage disposal methods; one
can dig a compost pit to dispose organic matter.
Non-biodegradable waste must be separated from
biodegradable so that the former can be recycled
and reused. That’s not all; every individual has to
comply with the government policies regarding
cleanliness.
Unless one remains extra careful towards
cleanliness, ‘Swacha Bharat’ will always remain a
dream.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
176
13. Role of Public and Police in Curbing the
Crime Against Women
by Karuna
It is shocking and heartbreaking to see that the
crime against women is constantly on the rise that
too in a country like India, which is personified as
the Nation ‘Mother’. There was a time when the
society treated women with respect and honour.
A nation, which worships goddesses for being an
embodiment of ‘Shakti’ the Universal Power, is
also known all over the world for being dangerous
for women. Crime against women is committed
15. How can we Stop Being Cruel to Animals
by Karuna
We are inclined to show no kindness to stray
animals and cattle because we believe we have
power over them. We are cruel even to draft
animals whom one uses for drawing heavy loads.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
16. How to Promote Tourism in India
by Karuna
India has been called a tourists’ paradise. Yet,
there are a few problems that the tourists face
while in India. For instance, there is the incredible
communication issue. For tourists visiting from
other states and foreign countries, expressing
themselves in a language they barely know, is a
daunting task. Also, knowing English is not always
helpful. Besides language problems cleanliness and
hygiene, transportation, safety, etc. are few other
issues which is dragging the good name of Indian
Tourism to dust. India is losing many of its foreign
tourists. In order to reestablish India as a Tourists’
Paradise the government must advertise India’s
diversity and rich heritage. India is a country, which
may have branched out to modernism however,
her roots are set deep in traditions and culture.
Foreign tourists appreciate these traditions a lot.
177
One of the biggest reason why foreign tourists
avoid visiting India is that they don’t feel safe here.
There have been instances when foreign nationals
have faced harassment but couldn’t acquire help
from the locals due to communication problems.
Therefore, the government must ensure safety of
foreign tourists so that they don’t feel harassed in
anyway. Government must also enforce stringent
laws to punish the perpetrators.
Appointment of trained tourist guides by the
government will benefit tourists as there will be
lesser chance of getting duped by frauds.
Taking these and more such precautions for the
interests of foreign tourists are sure to attract them
towards India.
b
17. Joys and Responsibilities of Being Eighteen
th
by Navtej
Celebrating 18 birthday is fun but also a bit
tough. It is a stage of life when we have to cope
with many changes in our life. The most important
thing about being eighteen is the responsibilities
that come with it.
We are given a little more freedom yet, we are
considered young. Our mind starts forming
opinions, which we are not considered old enough
to express and it is confusing for us. We start our
journey towards adulthood and encounter some
new experiences. In these years of our life, we
discover ourselves as new opportunities, come our
way. We are given new duties and responsibilities.
We have lesser responsibilities as compared to
our elders, but we are definitely responsible for
our actions. This can sometimes work to our
disadvantage. In this phase of our life we are always
willing to try out new things and in some of these
we may falter. Many girls and boys get addicted to
drugs and alcohol at this age either because they
are influenced or due to peer pressure. At such
times, the responsible thing to do would be to say
‘no’ to any kind of pressure.
One of the joys of being eighteen years old is that
we acquire driving license and hence drive. This
gives us a sense of independence. Young adults
often engage in drinking and driving which lead to
accidents and loss of life. Someone who considers
oneself an adult at the age of eighteen mustn’t act
so irresponsibly. Another major joy is the fact that
we can vote at eighteen. However many eighteen
yM
yK
Fortunately, there are ways in which we can be
kinder to homeless animals. We can begin by
adopting stray cats and dogs instead of buying
expensive foreign breeds from pet stores. They
not only find it hard to adjust with the climatic
conditions, but surroundings as well. Adopting
stray animals provides them a loving home and
also keeps a check on their growing population.
Besides adoption, there should be animals welfare
organisations or homes set up so that stray
animals have a place of their own where they are
provided with proper care and timely food. As a
result, they wouldn’t wander off to heavy traffic
roads and jeopardise their life. Volunteers from
local animal shelter must collaborate with R.W.A.
in management of stray animals. If necessary,
the stray dogs must be neutered to prevent dog
population from growing.
Government policies regarding animal welfare
must be strictly enforced and adhered to so that
innocent animals don’t become victims of illegal
export/import.
I would like to quote Mahatma Gandhi here, he
said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral
progress can be judged by the way its animals
are treated”. Being humans, we must be kind to
animals because they too have the right to live an
honourable life.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
18. Make India Safe for Women
by Navita
by Navita
“Woman is the builder and moulder of a nation’s
destiny. Though delicate and soft as a lily, she has
a heart, far stronger and bolder than of man...”
Rabindranath Tagore.
Emotionally as well as intellectually, a woman is
as good as a man, if not better. Yet, society does
not allow her the same status that a man enjoys. It
is by nature that in a relationship, the one with a
powerful personality proves to be dominant on the
other. The patriarchal society considers woman
the weaker gender and thus, discriminates against
them. In the early vedic period, women enjoyed
equal status in the society as men. They were
well-educated and had the right to choose their
husband. However, this status declined in around
500 BC when women began facing confinement
and restrictions. Social ills, such as child marriage
was practiced around the sixth century.
Eventually, women were suppressed and oppressed
because they were considered inferior to males,
deserving utter subjugation. It was during the
British Rule that some reforms were introduced
in the favour of women. Although, it brought a
change in the concepts of status of women, the
mindset of the society is still the same.
Woman should traditionally stay at home as
housewife taking care of home and the family while
man provides the family income. As a result even
the educated women do not enjoy freedom in and
outside home in matters relating to their marriage
and occupation. Those employed, are under paid as
compared to their male counterparts. In addition
to that, majority of women face sexual harassment
at their work place. Reforms and legislations are
needed for the betterment of women. One can
only hope that gradually her status in the society
will improve for good.
C
op
yM
yK
“Thy name is integrity and strength”. These are
very powerful words that give a woman her due
position in the society. But, she is suppressed and
put down by the society. A woman’s strength is seen
in her dealing with the problems of her day-to-day
life. A man is incapable of handling emotional
stress without the support of a woman, either as a
mother, wife, sister or daughter. Yet, he poses to be
the powerful gender. This is an era when women
are trying to shatter the gender barriers created by
the society. They are proving themselves as strong
and independent individuals. However, majority
of women are dominated, illiterate and considered
subordinates by men. Until and unless the mental
attitude of the society towards women does not
change India cannot be a carefree and enjoyable
place for them. First of all, women need to be
treated equally everywhere, especially at work
places. They should be given equal pay and there
should be zero discrimination. To make women
feel safer in a country like India police patrol
should be increased.
There should be an increase in the number of women
helpline numbers, active and properly functioning
24 × 7 so that at the time of emergencies, every
call is attended and forwarded to the nearest police
station.
Self-defence training camps should be initiated to
make women self-reliant and fight back assaulters
and molesters.
Last but not the least, the government has to come
up with stricter laws to punish the perpetrators
and protect the victims.
19. Status of a Woman in Society
b
year olds choose not to cast their votes because
they aren’t happy with the government or feel
too obligated. Being responsible citizens of the
country, the youth must feel accountable towards
choosing leaders.
There is definitely a pressure even while we have
loads of fun. We can rationalise every crazy thing
we do by stating the fact that we are still teenagers.
So, being eighteen is, at times, stressful. But it is an
existing stage of one’s life. It is not a bed of roses
and neither a bed of thorns. Therefore, one must
enjoy this short yet eventful phase of one’s life.
ita
178
20. Television - a Tool of Education
by Navtej
Does the word ‘television’ rings a bell? Of course
it does. It has been a topic of great debate ever
since it was invented. On one hand, it is credited
of keeping the masses informed but on the other
hand, it is wrongly accused of causing distraction.
Children watching television is also a supposed
sign of being spoilt. But is this argument still valid?
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
21. Ragging an Evil
22. Tourism Potential of India
by Navtej
India has been blessed with a geographical, cultural
and linguistic diversity, which is so rich and varied
that one will need a lifetime to explore each and
every part of India. The tourism potential of India
is immense and still to be explored fully. Each
century has brought a new culture on to Indian
soil leading to a diversified amalgamation that has
shaped modern India. There are so many places
of historical interest, heirlooms leftover from the
various centuries. From the mosques to the temples
and churches, India is a living testament to its
vast and varied religious heritage. Being a secular
country, every religion in India has full liberty to
celebrate its special festivals in which the entire
country participates as a whole. For those looking
to just get away from the maddening crowd, hill
stations during summers, the sun-kissed beaches
in winter and leisure tourism are the go-to options.
Over the years, medical tourism has also emerged
as an extremely viable option, considering worldclass facilities are made available at half the prices
here, enabling more and more people to come to
India for their health care. The options enumerated
so far are just some instances of India’s diversified
touristic potential. There is so much more waiting
to be explored in what can truly be the dream
destination for tourists.
yM
yK
by Navita
Above all, students and parents must be made
aware of the ills of ragging and how it affects the
victims and their families, only then ragging can
be prevented.
b
No. With the advancement in technology and
communication industry, the amount of content
telecast on the television is also increasing. This
provides a variety of age appropriate television
programmes to choose from. Seeing the love of
kids for television, multiple educational channels
have been launched. These channels aim at making
learning a fun process for the kids. But most
parents fail to realise this. They ban children from
watching television. Wouldn’t it be great if children
learn while having fun? There are numerous
interactive channels that aim at achieving this
goal. It is an all win-win situation. The argument
that television spoils children is completely invalid
in today’s era. So, dear parents, instead of scolding
your children for watching television, let them
watch these programmes so that they learn and
have fun at the same time and forget the tedious
aspect of education.
179
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
C
op
Ragging is an old and cruel practice, prevalent
since the British era. Although, initially, it was
limited to English colleges and universities
eventually, it spread to Indian educational system
as well. The original aim of this practice was to
teach the juniors to respect the social hierarchy
existing in schools, colleges and universities. Soon,
it became a way to enforce unnecessary traditions
and discipline them. It’s always someone in power,
such as a prefect or an authoritative senior who
likes to dominate.
They do not think twice before misusing their
authority. As a result, juniors and freshers are
made to perform humiliating acts, which can be
suggestive sexual, sarcastic and even physically
and mentally traumatising for the victim.
In extreme cases of severe ragging, the victim
either commits suicide or gets killed.
There are laws to punish the perpetrators.
However, sometimes that’s not enough. Young
students must communicate to their parents,
college councellors or anti-ragging squad
any life threatening issues they are facing at
school/colleges.
Schools and colleges must appoint trained
counsellors, who can empathise with students and
understand their problems.
23. Midday Meal
by Navtej
The midday meal scheme in schools was initiated
with the dual objectives of improving the
nutritional status of children in classes one through
five in government schools and governmentaided schools. It was also to encourage children
from socially and economically disadvantaged
backgrounds to attend school regularly. It is a
measure taken by the government to ensure that
by meeting the nutritional requirements of the
students, they would also be helping them in
concentrating in school activities. The aim is also
to keep children in schools, enable them to devote
time to their education rather than leave the school
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
by Navita
yM
yK
24. Importance of Morning Assembly
homework. Or, is it the beginning of responsible
preparation for a brilliant career?
In college, we shall have the freedom to work at
our own pace. There will be no homework. There
will be assignments. But, we shall not have to turn
it in the very next day. There will be no dictates,
uniforms or punishments. However, college means
extra responsibilities.
No one will force us to study every day and constantly
nag us about our scores. But, being in college
means that we are responsible enough to study on
our own, work towards our career and prepare for
the competitive, real world out there. In college life,
unlike school life, the stress is more on self-reliance
and zero spoon-feeding. When in college, we
would have the freedom to choose what we study
and how we study. It would give us a sneak-peek
into the dream career that awaits us. Therefore, we
have to make wise choices.
I think, college life would be a mixed bag of fun,
freedom, experiments and responsibilities. It will
contain new hopes and aspirations, new joys and
disappointments and new friends.
Those wiser than us say that college days are the
best days of one’s life. The decisions we make now
shape up our future.
b
to labour for food or get involved in criminal
activities. The scheme estimates that a cooked
midday meal provides a child with a minimum of
300 calories and 8-12 grams of protein. This scheme
was revised to cover children in the upper primary
section, from the year 2007. The programme is
carried out with the help of the local authorities.
However, certain issues have cropped up. There
have been a lot of cases of food poisoning resulting
from the partaking of these midday meals. In some
schools, funds meant for such purposes have been
funneled off into the pockets of those in charge
of distributing the grains. The government must
inquire into all aspects of the schemes, check the
supply chain of food grains, impose strict measures
for observance of cleanliness in the school
kitchens and ensure that the intention with which
the scheme was started, i.e. to help the students,
continues to be the cornerstone of the scheme.
ita
180
C
op
The morning assembly in schools starts the day
on a cool and calm note, a short breather before
the hectic school day begins with classes, courses
and extra-curricular activities, swamping our
time. It offers a moment of reflection before the
working day begins, the school community meets
together and the assembly becomes a medium of
communicating matters of significance to each
other. The morning assembly is a time when the
whole school assembles in the field or school
auditorium, prays together, shares information
and begins the day jointly on a note of quiet
reflection. It is crucial in preparing for the hectic
day ahead. The most important thing is that the
assembly imparts a clear sense of vision that there
are moments of peace, even if the day seems like
there is too much on our plates.
25. College Life-Freedom or Responsibilities
by Navtej Thakur
Within a few months, we will be joining a college.
The anticipation of how life will be, is probably
filling the air around every eighteen year old with
excitement.
How do you think, the college life will be? How
do you look at it? Would it be freedom from
strict discipline imposed on you by the school? A
carefree life with no worries of completing assigned
26. Private Cars or Public Transport
by Navita Rana
Commuting from one place to another is an issue
of major concern these days. Everybody is in a
hurry so, anyone driving a vehicle is looking for
a way that would keep them out of traffic and
ahead of others. There are those who only prefer
to commute in private vehicles. There are also
those who find public transport more convenient,
even though they own multiple private cars or two
wheelers.
Whether to opt for public transport or private cars
as an ideal mode of transportation is a forever on
going debate.
Both private and public vehicles have their pros
and cons. Both prove to be advantageous and
disadvantageous at one point or other. Let’s
consider them :
Private cars are faster, public transports, not so
much. While commuting in private cars, one
does not have to stop multiple times. Public
transports stop more often than not either to pick
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
27. Decreasing Interest of Students in Sports
and Games
by Dikshit
C
op
By definition, sports and games are activities,
which one does for pleasure and recreation. Not
only sports and games rejuvenate us, they also
make us physically and mentally fit. This is why,
sports and games have been made a part of the
school curriculum.
However, gradually, sports and games are losing
their place in the lives of children. In today’s
competitive times, everyone wants to be one step
ahead of others. Similarly, students, in an attempt
to stay ahead academically, give more importance
to their studies and examination results. Some
students study fourteen hours a day even on
holidays. As a result, sports and games are no
longer in the top priority. The decreasing interest
of students in sports and games are worrying.
Teachers, parents and also students must understand
the importance of and need for sports and games
in our daily lives. Majority of children do not walk
to the school. They spend most of the day sitting in
their classrooms absorbing knowledge. Although
181
b
they exercise their minds, but their bodies, not
so much. In addition, children these days prefer
playing video/computer games rather than going
out and play an actual game.
Zero physical activity, leads to a variety of health
problems, such as obesity, brittle bones, underdeveloped muscles, etc. Sports and games not
only improve physical and mental health they also
inculcate discipline in students. They learn to work
in teams and their self-confidence gets a boost.
Given that a sportsperson acquires a lot of fame and
fortune in the field of sports, one can conclude by
saying that sports and games are equally lucrative
career choices too.
28. Coaching Classes : A Waste of Time and
Money
by Rani Dey
The rat race of this competitive world starts as
early as the school days. Students as young as ten
feel weighed down by their studies in an attempt
to score high in all their subjects. Parents are often
helpless since they are unable to provide proper
guidance when it comes to studies. They find
sending their children to coaching centres more
convenient than devoting time to them.
Coaching centres too have their own limitations.
The price is too high but the quality of education
provided by them is not good enough. Due to time
limitations, the tutor is unable to pay equal amount
of attention to each and every student. Special
importance is given to bright students whereas
students who are weak in that particular subject
are neglected. This adds to their stress, which, in
return, affects their health.
Nowadays, students attend coaching classes early
in the morning or after school hours. This trend
makes them tired, sleepy and distracted in school.
In addition to the homework given in school,
students also have to finish homework given to
them at the coaching centre. As a result, children
have to cut down their time for recreation and
physical activities. Too much studies and no play
not only affect the health of the children, but their
grades as well.
Both, students and their parents, must understand
that coaching classes are not helpful in any way.
Instead, they are a waste of their time and money.
Students should be responsible for their own
studies and grades. Even if their scores aren’t high,
yM
yK
up passengers or while away the time. The one
driving the private car can also opt for the shortest
route possible (unlike public transports) to reach
the destination. Hence, one advantage of opting
for private cars is they save a lot of time.
Come to think of it, public transports save fuel and
money. Private cars consume a lot of petrol/gas, the
price of which hikes every other day. Unfortunately,
if the private car breaks down or does not feel like
working, it’s the public transport, which comes
to the rescue. Although private cars make us feel
independent when it comes to travelling needs,
using public transport can really help bring down
the pollution.
When one has to choose between public or private
transport, it is about making smarter choices.
Many public transports, such as AC buses, cabs,
metro rails, etc. have been made available on
the road just for the convenience of the daily
commuter. Compared to private cars, they are
equally comfortable and fast. Yet, if one prefers
private cars for everyday commute, then one must
consider carpooling. It saves money, fuel and does
not add much to one’s Carbon Footprint.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
29. Civic Sense and its Importance
by Shiva
31. Curbing Terrorism
by Meena
Terrorism is one of the major threats that a country
faces today. We now live under a constant fear of
violence and death. The common man is no longer
safe. At every street corner, lurks the threat of an
imminent terrorist attack.
Lack of education, employment opportunities, poor
economy and religious differences are some of the
factors that give rise to terrorism. Besides instilling
fear for life in the common man’s heart, terrorist
attacks also cause damage to wealth and property,
affects economic growth and brings disunity
even in peacefully co-existing communities. But
it is high time that we joined hands to fight and
eradicate terrorism. India has always boasted of its
unity in diversity. Keeping this in view, we need
to spread the message of peace and harmony.
However, it is important to first solve the social,
economic and political differences.
Strengthening the intelligence network, proper
policy formation and effective implementation of
Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) are some of
the steps that can be taken up to curb terrorism.
Educating the masses and making them aware of
safety measures are also necessary steps in this
direction.
C
op
yM
yK
Callousness and irresponsibility seem to be the
order of the day. Modern society has given birth
to indifferent individuals. People no longer think
of the greater good of the society. They are driven
by their selfish, individual needs. In India, people
hardly follow traffic rules. They never think twice
before littering the streets. They have no respect
for public property. Vandalism, road rage and
intolerance are rampant on the streets.
Why this detached behaviour towards one’s
society? The answer is simple. Civil sense is no
longer considered an important value. This is why,
it is no longer practised and encouraged at home.
Since children don’t find the right role models in
their elders, they don’t bother to give civic sense
any importance.
Inculcating a strong civic sense in the young
generation is the need of the hour. Parents must
do so with children at an early age. They must
be taught the values of cleanliness, discipline,
patience and tolerance. Civic education must be
made mandatory at school level. Spreading proper
awareness through talks, media, street plays, etc. is
also important to teach children to avoid wastage
and encourage use of dustbins. If children are
properly educated, India is bound to have a bright
future.
to neglect of pets, which further leads to them
getting abandoned on the streets. This results in
increase of stray animals that are subjected to all
kinds of intentional cruelty. Several companies
use animals for testing medicines and cosmetics.
Similarly, animals are often ill-treated and forced
into performing circus tricks and other activities
for our entertainment.
The only way to take animals off the streets is
by creating proper animal shelters where they’d
be provided with food. Also, creating effective
awareness is necessary.
We must understand that co-existence and harmony
between humans and animals are essential for our
planet’s survival. We must be more responsible and
protective towards animals. We must learn to love
them.
b
students should not be critisised or pressurised for
it. They must be taught to develop their attention
and retention powers so that the children are
able to easily grasp the concepts taught in class
and remember them for a long time. Only then
students will be able to achieve better grades, that
too without the help of coaching centres.
ita
182
30. Cruelty to Animals
by Naina
Treating animals with love and compassion is the
moral duty of every individual. However, we often
fail to fulfil this duty. Instances of animal cruelty are
in abundance in our society. Poachers mercilessly
kill animals for their skin, fur and teeth. This has
led to the extinction of several species of animals
which, in turn, has affected the ecological balance
of our planet.
Some families buy exotic pets without any
knowledge of how to care for them. This leads
32. Tourism in India
by Ravi
India is known for its rich flora and fauna, beautiful
landscapes, glorious past and varied cultural trends.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
33. Travelling in an Over-crowded Bus
by Sohini Roy
C
op
Imagine that you are standing at the bus stop
eagerly waiting for the bus to arrive. You are in
a hurry and missing the bus would be disastrous
because the bus you have to board is not frequent.
So you are waiting and you finally see the bus
halting in front of you. However, there is no
chance that you can board it because it is already
over-crowded.
Travelling in an over-crowded bus is a horrendous
experience, especially if one has to do it every day.
Whether one is travelling in the morning while
going to school or to work, or in the evening
while coming back home, an over-crowded bus is
upsetting. One’s clothes get rumpled because of all
the pushing and showing. The rising temperature
causes one to sweat profusely, which leaves marks
on one’s clothes. Arriving somewhere with sweat
marks on clothes does not leave a good impression
on the onlooker.
A lot of people feel suffocated and nauseous while
travelling in over crowded buses. Anxiety, agitation
and lack of fresh air and space leads to irritation and
thus, anger. No wonder, majority of the passengers
in an over-crowded bus look furious during their
183
commute. However, the same angry passengers
breathe a sigh of relief after getting off the bus.
There are other disadvantages of travelling in an
over-crowded buses. There is a threat of theft,
especially pick-pockets. There are also those who
misbehave with female passengers on purpose.
The only solution to this problem is increasing
the number of buses plying in the same route. The
more frequent the buses, the less crowded they will
be and even less will be the discomfort amongst
the passengers.
34. Failure is a Stepping Stone to Success
by Gopika
b
“It’s impossible to live without failing at something,
unless you live so cautiously that you might as well
not have lived at all, in which case you have failed
by default.”
– J.K. Rowling
To put in simpler words, failure is inevitable.
Therefore, one must not be afraid of them. Before
Thomas Alva Edison invented the electric light
bulb, he tried innumerable times. But, each of his
attempts ‘burst’ into pieces. He did not give up,
he kept on trying until he succeeded. On being
asked how he felt about his failed attempts, Edison
replied, “I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways
that won’t work.” The lesson to be learnt here is
that success and failure go hand in hand. Until
and unless we fail, we don’t become aware of our
shortcomings.
Many people do not realise that failure is really
a stepping stone to success. Instead of having a
positive outlook on failure and learning lessons
from it, they only view the negative aspect of failure.
Those who consider failure an opportunity to do
better, never let it overwhelm themselves. Such
people succeed in life (sooner or later) because
they have faith in themselves. Such people may
or may not be optimists, but when they resolve to
overcome their weaknesses or shortcomings, their
focus automatically shifts to the lessons they can
learn from it.
In conclusion, failure and setbacks are normal part
of life. They make us understand where we can
improve and encourage us to persist. It is the wise
who takes advantage of their failures.
yM
yK
All this makes India a major attraction for tourists
from all over the world. However, tourism in India
has been constantly suffering setbacks due to the
various inefficiencies in its tourism industry.
Bad and filthy roads, rickety buses, over-priced taxis
and delayed trains make travelling a nightmare
in India. Moreover, the absence of decent and
hygienic accommodations at a reasonable cost
adds to the distraction of tourists visiting India.
Besides, unsuspecting tourists are often exploited
by guides, tour, tourist operators, etc. Foreign
tourists become victims of theft, kidnapping, etc.
which not only ruins their trip, but also ruins the
reputation of the country. The growing menace of
terrorism is a huge deterrent for tourists.
The government of India needs to put concerted
efforts in place to revamp tourism in the country.
Utmost emphasis should be given to infrastructure
development and in beefing up the security. Such
efforts will certainly make India a leader in the
world of tourism.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
CBSE Champion English Core
by Latha
37. Obesity Among School Children
by Mohini
Obesity is a state of being overweight and is more
than just a cosmetic problem. It is a serious health
hazard, which is a result of lifestyle disorder.
It is astonishing to see obesity not just among
men and women, but also among the school
going children. The major cause for this is wrong
eating habits. Instead of a nutritious home cooked
meal, children are fond of junk food, which is one
of the major causes of obesity. Also, due to time
constraints and hectic schedules, it becomes very
hard for them to take out time for any physical
activity. Often, parents too tend to overlook the
issue and unknowingly add into the bargain
through their lack of attention.
It is important to note that excess fat can lead
to severe chronic diseases and illnesses. Obese
children often experience, hypertension, etc.
Efforts are required to educate and inform children
and their parents about this problem. Schools
must stop serving junk food in the canteen and
start providing nutritious food instead. Also, the
government should organise free health check-up
camps at schools to help children keep a check on
health related problems.
C
op
yM
yK
Man and nature are supposed to be in concord.
India being a land of diverse geographical features
gives its inhabitants a chance to experience nature
at its best. Recently, I have received the pleasure of
experiencing this diversity during my stay at Kota
in Rajasthan and Kerala.
On one hand, there was the extreme climate in
Kota with scanty rainfall and scarce flora and
fauna. There the colourful attires and cheerful
nature of the inhabitants compensate for the scarce
plantations in the desert. On the other hand, Kerala
is the land blessed with the beauty of greenery
everywhere due to great amount of rainfall. The
climate there is moderate. The rich variety of
spices, articles and medicinal oils extracted from
plants are unique to this place. One is enchanted by
the beauty of the place while walking through the
shadows of the tall coconut trees. Being situated
in Ernakulamm, amidst the beautiful flowering
plants and fruit-yielding trees, every minute and
every second one experiences the joy of being in
the lap of nature. Kerala is also a land of several
architectural masterpieces present here in the form
of ancient temples.
The beauty of nature is not only rejuvenating for
our senses but has also served as an inspiration for
several poets and writers who have transpired it in
their masterpieces.
36. Poverty is the Cause of All Evils
from the money lenders. Sometimes, it takes
generations to pay off the debt and sometimes
it makes a criminal out of the poverty stricken
individual.
Therefore, it is suffice to say that poverty compels
humans to indulge in social evils and nefarious
practices. If we want to eradicate social evils, we
must, alleviate their sufferings and poverty first.
b
35. Diversity of Nature
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
ita
184
by Latit Sood
Poverty is the state of being poor. We find around
us, hoards of people who are unable to afford the
minimum necessities of life. They face the problem
of getting one square meal a day. Clad in rags they
can be seen engaged in petty jobs to earn their
livelihood. They lead a miserable life, which is
worse than that of brutes.
Helpless with hunger and poverty they adopt evil
practices to combat with their circumstances.
It is poverty that leads to criminal activities like
robbery, thefts, murder, kidnapping and arson.
The young street urchins begging for money or the
young boys falling prey to drugs and alcohol are
few of the causes of poverty. Deprived of proper
amenities, such as food, clothes and education,
they often have to borrow large amount of money
38. Life Without Modern Gadgets
by Raman
Technology has become a very important part
of our lives nowadays. In the past few years,
technology has evolved in many ways and without
a doubt is even better than before. People are
always developing something new that will
improve human lives dramatically. Some of the
creations that have changed our lives for good are
the computer, telephone, mobile phone, tablet,
internet, electronic and voice mail, etc.
What used to be bulky, expensive and at times,
unreliable machines, gadgets now are faster, smaller
and so affordable that every family member owns
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
39. Value Based Education
by Arun
Spurt of violence previously unknown in Indian
schools makes it incumbent on the educationists to
introduce value education effectively in schools.
As Gandhiji rightly said that training of soul can
be best given by a teacher. A teacher can influence
the character of the student through words and
actions and make the child learn the moral values
at every stage.
To improve the present condition in school,
morning assemblies must be filled with inspiring
talks, stories, interactions, etc. Parents, teachers,
counsellors and even students with a positive
outlook can influence children through optimism.
It is here in school that children spend maximum
time of the day and learn to share, team-spirit,
kindness, companionship, etc.
40. Need for Indian Classical Dance Based
Reality Shows
op
C
by Anu Mehra
Dance is one way of expressing oneself. This is
why, Indian dances have so many mudras. India
has a rich tradition of classical and folk dances.
Unlike any western dance form, Indian dances
take inspiration from the nature, hence, are so full
of life.
However, Indian dance forms are slowly becoming
obscure because the youth seems to be fascinated
by various western dance forms. For this reason,
today, many Indian television channels broadcast
reality T.V. shows based on western dances.
Although such reality shows are extremely popular
these days, the dance as shown on T.V. seems to be
a mix of gymnastics and P.T. exercises. Technically,
they are neither. Moreover, while attempting to ape
the West, the performers fail to deliver the actual
essence of these dance forms. Therefore, it is never
quite up to par.
It’s high time Indian dances were brought under
the spotlight once again. For this, there is a need for
reality shows exclusively based on Indian dances.
Since, the popularity and viewership of reality
shows are high, Indian dances will reach a large
target audience.
Classical and folk dance represent India’s, cultural
legacy. Hence, they must be protected, to revive
the national spirit.
yM
yK
Values are inculcated by family and school so
that the child grows up with morality and can
differentiate between right and wrong on his/her
own.
However, with time, the tenets of tolerance,
spiritualism, self-discipline and sympathy seem
to be losing their importance. Growth of nuclear
families, working parents, absence of elders, lack
of quality time with family members are few but
important factors responsible for children being
ill-behaved. In addition, schools too fail to impart
proper moral values to students on a regular basis.
As a result, students lack discipline, engage in
unnecessary fights and take pride in being labeled
as a rebel.
Other factors responsible for the lack of discipline
in children are over exposure to media, lack
of emotional support, over ambitious nature,
peer pressure, etc. Such behaviour has its
consequences too. Besides spoiling school
culture and environment, it often leads to self
destruction. Children, feeling depressed due to the
inadequacies of life are prone to inflicting injuries
on themselves. It often leads to suicide. Children,
whose minds are clouded by negative thoughts,
who lack moral values, harm not only themselves
but are also a threat to the society and country as
well. There have been many instances where youths
in their late teens have opened fire on unsuspecting
civilians for no apparent reason.
185
b
numerous of them. Needless to say, modern day
gadgets are more of a necessity than a luxury.
These days, it may seem, people have enslaved
themselves to the modern day gadgets. This
is why it is hard to imagine a life without them.
They help people socialise, stay in touch with the
world, world events, etc. Modern day gadgets
even make shopping an efficient and convenient
experience and send messages and mails quicker
than the postal service. Friends and relatives living
in different parts of the world seem a lot closer all
thanks to modern gadgets, such as web cam, etc.
Therefore, it is suffice to say that life without
modern gadgets would slow down and become
less efficient.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
CBSE Champion English Core
by Madhav
C
op
yM
yK
Science has been a great advantage to the human
life. It has created wonders by inventing miraculous
things. In the beginning of the civilisation, the
movement of man was very slow. But first the
invention of wheel and then the engine, changed
life. The inventions continued and gradually came
a variety of vehicles, which brought comfort to
those travelling by them. However, they also
brought traffic jams and pollution.
Day by day the number of vehicles is increasing,
and so is pollution and traffic jam. Roads are
becoming narrower and cars are becoming bigger.
It takes hours to cover one kilometer because of
heavy traffic jam. Smoke emission from vehicles
is causing a great danger to people and the
environment. Air pollution is a source of many
aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,
including asthma, lung diseases, lung cancer, etc.
However, no one cares much for this. There is an
urgent need to pay attention to these problems and
solve them. Being responsible citizens, one must
take the initiative and find ways to improve the
situation. The market places must be decongested
so that traffic movement is smooth and convenient
for all. Pollution checks must be made compulsory
for all vehicles to keep pollution under control.
Stricter laws should be made and heavy penalty
must be imposed for not adhering to rules.
Alternatively, if public transport system is
improved, people would not feel the need to travel
by private vehicles, thus reducing the pollution.
However, those travelling by car, should choose
to carpool and contribute to save the Earth from
global warming.
electricity problems. Yet, they stay in cities in hope
of for a better future. Slums are often surrounded
by filth and garbage which give rise to various
diseases and health problems. Ironically though
such diseases and health problems are easily
curable the underprivileged slum dwellers cannot
afford it. Most of slum people are unemployed or
underemployed. Lack of money causes increase in
crime rate, which brings shame to the country.
There is an urgent need to deal with the problem.
The government must either discourage migration
of people from rural areas in order to prevent
creation of slums or slums should be made into
regularised colonies. Arrangement for proper
sanitation should also be made. Alternatively,
equitable development must be made both in rural
and urban areas. The best way to stop the rapid
migration of rural people and growth of slums is
by creating better job opportunities in rural areas.
Also, providing better educational and medical
facilities is necessary.
Once the rural people feel that they have all that
they need, they won’t feel the need to shift base to
the big cities.
b
41. Pollution and Traffic Jam
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
ita
186
42. Slum and People
by Komal
Big cities always attract people. They come from
small towns and villages to make a living, which
is far better than what they already have. Now,
in almost all big cities in the country, there is a
mushroom growth of slums, where people are
living in inhuman conditions. Besides crowding
the cities, slums are burden on city’s infrastructure,
facilities and conveniences. They live in temporary
hutments, lack basic amenities and face water and
43. Role of Youth in Combating Corruption
by Vijay
Corruption has become the order of the day. It
has spread its tentacles in all walks of life. It seems
that corruption has spared no one; everyone is
in the grip of corruption. This is ruining power,
society and the country as well. There is an urgent
need to check this rampant corruption otherwise
we will land ourselves nowhere. Youth can play
an important role in combating the corruption.
They can arrange awareness campaigns about
corruption and make an anti-corruption youth
brigade, to keep a vigil over the offices. Youth can
make people understand that they should not
resort to corrupt practices to get their work done.
Youngsters must discourage people not to offer or
receive bribes. If no one gives any money, work
will be done automatically. The youth must make
the general public aware of various anti-corruption
laws and right to information, so that they come
handy at the most opportune time. Children are
the future of the country. A lot depends on their
strong shoulders.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by Kunal
While working on television, endless amount of
shooting and rehearsals consume most of the time.
As a result, child actors get adequate time neither
to play nor for studies. Physical exertion from
continuous shoots and schooling leaves the child
actors hanging in the middle, feeling distressed
and cranky. Sometimes, child actors may refuse
to work. However, his or her pleas are rejected by
their fame-hungry, money minded parents who
pressurise their children to work more and work
harder.
Experts advise that children should be allowed to
enjoy a normal childhood, even if they are stars.
They should be taught to deal with failure and
rejection. Parents must be patient, loving and
supportive of their children and help them take
their future decisions wisely.
46. Mobile Phone—A Boon or Bane
op
of
Children
C
45. Participation
Programmes
in
T.V.
by Sukanya
Whether the programme is child centric or not, a
good number of T.V. shows cast child artists to play
crucial roles. On one hand, such programmes offer
a great platform to the children. Nonetheless, many
believe that they are no less than child labour.
Working in television programmes for long
hours every day have adverse effects on
children. They are too young to face the pressure
and at times, this leads to frustration. In addition,
harsh comments, criticism and fear of rejection
or not performing well may harm their selfconfidence. It can also fill them with negative
feelings. Although, television programmes bring
fame, when the limelight fades or is taken away,
it is difficult to cope with for any actor let alone
children. This often leads to depression and after a
point of time, self harm.
by Krishna
Science has made the life very comfortable for
human being. Civilisation started from the scratch.
But today, men have everything within the reach
of hands. Inventions of science are wonderful
and useful. The invention of mobile phone is an
appropriate example.
The invention of mobile phone has brought about a
revolution in the lives of the people of the century.
If used properly, it can be a blessing but if misused,
it can prove to be a curse.
Mobile phones are a boon because now that the
internet can be accessed through cell phones,
they have become a great source of information,
entertainment and even monetary transactions.
Besides being a tool of immediate communication,
mobile phones are now a safety tool as well.
Thanks to advancement in technology, friends and
loved can be tracked down with the help of GPS
installed on their phone. Mobile phones, these
days, are a state of the art, all-in-one multipurpose
device, which can do multiple tasks at the same
time. It can play music, calculate, take pictures
and do many other things. One can send and
receive messages in a matter of seconds thus,
saving paper and cost of transportation. However,
if misused, mobile phones are truly a bane. Using
mobile phones for a long time makes the user get
addicted to it. Some consider it a major source of
distraction especially for students. Mobile phones
yM
yK
Life is itself adventurous. It offers a lot of adventure
to those who seek thrills. Today, there are many
adventurous activities such as river rafting, sky
diving, biking, scuba diving, etc. These activities
offer a lot of excitement and sensation to life.
The youth of today take a great pleasure in doing
all kinds of activities. They even risk their life in
doing so. But the question is what prompts them
to take such risks? Why would one prefer to have
an adventurous life?
In this fast paced modern era, people easily
become bored with their everyday activities. Such
people are always on the look out for something
exhilarating, even if it comes in the form of
adventure games and activities. Also, youth these
days like doing unique things that would bring
them instant fame and recognistion. If it comes
with risk and danger then even better. For many
others, dangerous adventurous activities are a
way of relaxing. The fact is, attempting such risky
and borderline life threatening activities gives an
adrenaline rush, which all adventure seekers find
addictive. It is because of this rush some people
enjoy jumping off a plane at 30,000 feet, or even
swimming with the sharks.
187
b
44. Indulgence in Adventurous Activities
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
47. Role of Police in Maintaining Law and
Order
by Ravi
48. Price-Rise of Essential Commodities
by Kunal Kapoor
The rapid increase in prices is causing anxiety
amongst the people of India. Price rise is a world
wide phenomenon and India is no exception.
Prices of everything are sky rocketing, even of
the essential commodities like gas, pulses, sugar,
edible oils, tea, food grains, petrol, etc.
What causes price rise and what effect it has on
the people?
When the total demand is greater than total supply
of goods and services, it causes prices to rise.
However, what causes the demand to increase?
Economists have pointed out that factors, such
as increase in disposable income, consumer
spending, public expenditure, black money, etc. are
responsible for exceeding demand. Similarly there
are certain factors, such as less or slow production,
natural calamities, artificial scarcities increase in
export, etc., which are responsible for shortage
of supply. Price-rise affects different people
differently. Although it may not have much affect
on the flexible income group. However, maximum
hardship is faced by those belonging to the fixed
income group. It is so because their salaries and
wages remain the same but the prices of goods and
services continue to rise.
In order to curb the problem of price rise it should
be the joint effort of the government and the
public to control it. There should be more fair price
shops, Kendriya Bhandar, Safal outlets, etc. where
the common man can shop for quality goods at a
nominal price.
The Government and banks must keep a check
on hoarding and black marketing and also stop
repayment of public debt until price-rise is
controlled within the economy.
As far as general public is concerned, they must
reduce unnecessary expenditure and increase
savings. This will reduce disposable income with
the people and hence personal consumption
expenditure.
In conclusion, it is evident that price-rise is a
multi-headed monster, which must be defeated on
time with proper measures to benefit not just the
rich population, but the poor also.
C
op
yM
yK
With the constant growth and expansion of cities,
population is also on a rise. However, there are
not enough educational institutions and job
opportunities, which can provide proper education
and good employment opportunity to all.
Lack of education, job and money has led to an
increase in the crime rate. Committing crime is a
source of easy money. Criminals do not fear the
police knowing that they can either fool the police
or bribe them. On the other hand, the victims
believe that the police cannot help them as they
are equally corrupt.
The police plays an important role in maintaining
law and order. Therefore, this mind set has to be
changed. The police must adopt new methodology.
They must adopt advanced technology to fight
crime so that the criminal is put behind the bars
in no time. However, first the police academy
must recruit officers based on merit. Immediate
action must be taken against corrupt officers so
that others learn not to give and receive bribe.
Government must ensure that working conditions
for the officers are made better. They should be
provided with properly functioning arms and
ammunition, well equipped mobile vans, etc. so
that nabbing criminals is easier than usual. Also,
there should be several quick-response teams in
every area, patrolling on two wheeler.
Continuous workshops must be conducted to keep
the officers motivated and also to train them in
better combating techniques.
Once the police become more active and vigilant,
crime in metropolitan cities will also reduce.
b
also cause many health hazards. Radiation emitted
by mobile phones can damage human brain cells
and even lead to cancer. Those listening to music
in full volume, with the help of head/earphones are
more prone to accidents than other because they
are unable to hear the sound of the horn. It can
also cause permanent deafness.
Mobile phones, now being equipped with camera,
are sometimes used for immoral activities and
later promoting them.
Mobile phones have the qualities, which can either
make or break one’s life. It is up to each individual
how he or she wants to use it.
ita
188
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by XYZ
C
op
yM
yK
The number of women in the police force seems
insufficient, especially when one sees the increasing
involvement of women in terrorist activities. That
being said, there is an urgent need for more women
officers in the police force.
Universally, women are considered the weaker sex.
Should police force being predominantly a male
environment recruit women officers? Women
are more sensitive to the needs of the public and
therefore female officers are more trusted than
their male counterparts. Joining the police force is
also an ideal choice for women who are patriotic
and wish to serve the country and its citizens. But
above all, the police service provides a professional
platform to the women, where they can prove that
women are no less than men.
Gender inequality is one of the main reasons why
there are only a handful women officers in the
police force. Therefore, to attract more and more
women towards police service, the government
has to take some considerable steps during the
selection and recruitment process. Women must
be encouraged to join the force especially by
their family and friends. This is possible only if
she is provided with better salary and incentives
preferably equal to what the male officers are
receiving. Women should feel empowered during
recruitment; selection should be purely based
on merit. In addition, a conducive environment
in police force will make the female officers feel
happy, safe and satisfied.
Government, in association with the police service,
must create awareness through campaigns so that
more women consider joining the police services.
investment. Since boys are the bread earners, their
education is given the maximum importance.
Often girls themselves choose not to study,
usually due to financial crisis at home, domestic
responsibilities and even lack of aspiration.
However, education for girls is extremely
necessary because they too play an important role
in country’s economy and society. Also, women
are the primary care givers in the family. Proper
education would enable them to improve their
lives and others’ as well. Educated girls can share
the burden of earning a livelihood, which would
eliminate child labour.
Education will also make girls aware of family
planning, health and sanitation. As a result, there
will be low infant mortality rates and less numbers
of death of women in child birth.
Fortunately, government schemes, such as Sarva
Shiksha Abhiyaan, CBSE scholarship to single
girl child and the policy of giving free education
to girls have come as a boon to our society. One
can say there is still hope for the betterment of the
country.
b
49. The Need of Having More Women
in the Police Force
50. Education of the Girl Child in the Country
by XYZ
In many countries, including India, the girl child is
discriminated against from the early stages of her
life. It is because of this discrimination, girls are
not allowed education either in their childhood or
after a certain age. In rural parts of India, one of the
reasons why girls are deprived of education is that
they would leave the parents’ house post marriage.
Poor parents do not consider it to be economical
189
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
51. The Impact of Advertisement on the
Younger Generation
by XYZ
Advertisement is an impersonal way of popularising
products, ideas, concepts, etc. Companies advertise
their products to reach out to the consumers. By
doing this they sensitise the customers especially
the younger ones. In one day, people are exposed to
a huge number of advertisements. It is not possible
for them to remember all these all the time. To
make the consumer retain the information in
the ad for a long time, companies use celebrities
from various fields like films, sports, etc. The big
companies target the younger generation because
they follow the latest trends and influence the
buying behaviour of their family. They imitate
the celebrities. They dress themselves like them.
They like to use those products, which the stars
promote. By doing this they try to satisfy their
social ego. But sometimes, it becomes detrimental
for them. Overindulgence in such kind of activity
can corrupt their thinking ability. Their mind
can become perverted or limited to an idea. For
instance a lot of television commercials depict
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
b
elderly can meet and enjoy the company of same
aged individuals, who would empathise with them
and vice-versa,
However, Indian culture has traditionally sustained
a joint family system in which the old have always
had a very respectable place. In the present time,
because there has been an erosion of the family
values, it is crucial for the young to take care of
their old members of the family instead of sending
them to the old age homes. Having grandparents at
home benefits the children in many ways.
Elders not only provide security to the little ones,
but they also inculcate in them moral values, which
sometimes, parents can’t. It has been observed
that there is a greater amount of emotional interdependence in joint families because there exists
an emotional balance, which does not exist in
nuclear families. Children learn to share, take
responsibilities and even empathy. Putting elders
away at old age homes would be depriving children
of all this along with invaluable guidance and
love.
Besides, old age homes are also considered a
sign of rejection and shirking of responsibilities.
Children repeat what they learn from their elders.
Therefore, those who do not feel the need to take
care of their aged parents must prepare themselves
to face the same fate.
53. Stressed Out Modern Generation
yM
yK
celebrities doing difficult stunts quite effortlessly.
Many youngsters attempt these stunts at home that
too without supervision. There has been numerous
incidents where such attempts have gone miserably
wrong and has resulted in fatal accidents, even
deaths. Majority of ads put disclaimer to make the
viewer/consumer aware that the ad shown is just a
pictorial representation and the stunt should not
be tried at home. However, such messages are so
small that they often go unseen. No doubt that one
has the right to live one’s own life but everything
should not be followed with a blind eye. Some
ads are youth-oriented. They want the young
generation to be aware and take action for the
betterment of the society. The purpose of such ads
is to influence the youth so that they can decide
what is good and bad for them. Celebrities are also
roped in at times so that the message makes an
even greater impact. Therefore, it would be wrong
to say that the impact of advertisement on the
younger generation is always negative. How the
youth perceives the ad and the message it sends
forth makes all the difference.
ita
190
52. Do we Require Homes for the Aged in India?
by Manoj
C
op
Today, the rate of aged couples living alone is
increasing; approximately 30% of them are forced
by circumstances to do so. On some unfortunate
occasions, the lonely and helpless elders are
murdered and robbed. This and few other reasons
have given rise to old age homes where the elderly
can live without having such risks.
Aged people who live alone have no one to look
after them especially when they are unwell. The
people living in the metropolitan cities lead a
busy life. The demanding nature of their jobs and
lifestyle leaves them with very little time to spend
on themselves and their family members. As a
result, they are unable to pay enough attention to
their elderly parents. Lack of attention from their
children often make the elders feel neglected, they
begin to consider themselves as discarded. Some
of the elderly family members have to face verbal
and physical abuse as well. At such times, old age
homes prove to be a home away from home. They
are well equipped and all needs are taken care of
too, including medical care. Moreover, instead
of feeling lonely and neglected at home, here the
by XYZ
Today, we are living in an age when people are
more stressed than relaxed. Due to extreme
competitiveness in every aspect of life, there is
always a lack of time. This then leads to high
level of anxiety, mental tension and of course, the
feeling of dissatisfaction. A cut-throat competition
starts at school level with parents pressurising
children to work extra hard and score high marks
in all subjects. Students too feel the pressure of
performing better than the rest. Therefore, they
get stressed when they are unable to perform
according to expectation. The stress builds on until
it turns into health hazards, which stays on forever.
Then there is stress at work front, which is worse
than scoring high. Students might acquire highest
marks, but this does not guarantee that it would
land their desired jobs. Even if they do, there are
other reasons for one to feel the stress. Desired
salary, timely promotion, material growth, such
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
54. Science and Religion
by XYZ
C
op
yM
yK
It is hard to believe that science and religion can
have some commonality after all, both defy each
other in so many ways. Truth be told, science
attempts to explore the secrets of nature, while
religion wants to reveal the very purpose of
existence. Therefore, it is suffice to say that both,
science and religion, aim to discover the truth.
While science seeks and provides a rational
explanation for everything, religion delves into
the inner truth to find the answers. Similarly,
whereas religion discovers the physicality of the
universe through spirituality, science too explores
the physical world with the help of continuous
experimentation and detailed observations.
Science strengthens one’s mind with its logical
tools and theories. Religion does so by planting
moral, cultural and universal values in one’s heart.
In conclusion, science and religion both answer the
quintessential questions floating in the universe.
However, the difference lies in their method of
answering them. One can say that science and
religion are two sides of the same coin. One cannot
trust just one of the sides and ignore the other
because they both support life.
one T.V. channel, Doordarshan. But gradually
the number of T.V. channels increased due to
cable T.V. network. Now people have innumerable
choices as to what they want to watch. We can
enjoy ourselves by watching entertainment
programmes or increase our knowledge from
the informative shows. But that’s not all. Various
channels on cable T.V. have provided a platform
for adults and children to showcase their talent
and win many attractive prizes either in cash or
in other kind. Cable T.V. network also brings the
latest news as soon as possible without making us
wait for the next day. In other words, cable T.V. has
age appropriate content for all viewers, whether
young or old. However, it has some ill effects on
the viewers too.
Since there is so much ‘T.V.’ to watch, it is easy to sit
in front of the television, watching one programme
after another continuously. Even though the body
is not physically exerting itself, yet watching
television for a long time tires one down. It is
taxing for the eyes too. Experts say that too much
television kills one’s own creativity because of
which one stops using his or her imagination and
becomes dull. Moreover, it is not always possible
to keep a check on what kids watch. They may be
exposed to violence, extreme frightening and even
to adult content. Children may also view stunts,
which they might try at home and end up hurting
themselves or others.
Undeniably, the cable T.V. has brought a lot of
change in the lifestyle of the people. But, should it
be considered a boon or a bane? It is a little bit of
both. In fact, it is up to each individual what he/she
wants to gain from television. If one keeps a check
on the content and amount of its viewing then the
cable T.V. can make the idiot box a smart box.
56. The
Role
of
the
Students
in
Removing Illiteracy
b
as own house and car, marriage, etc. often come
along with anxiety, stress and lifestyle diseases.
Therefore, it is suffice to say that the present day
youth are greatly stressed and to some extent, the
consumerist culture is to be blamed for this.
Fortunately, there is a solution to avoid stress at
all times. Regular exercise and yoga improves
concentration and keeps the mind healthy. It
decreases physical ailments, reduces behavioural
problems, reduces depression, stress, thus calming
one’s mind.
One should also spend some quality time with
one’s family, friends and loved ones, do charity/
community service, adopt pets, go for walks or
pursue a hobby in order to de-stress.
191
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
55. Cable T.V. a Boon or a Bane
by Kunal
The introduction of T.V. has passed through
many phases. Earlier we had only black and
white T.V. but later on we got coloured T.V. In
the same way, in the beginning we had only
by Rajiv
Citizens of a country are its wealth. They can
contribute a lot towards the development of a
nation. If the citizens are literate then this wealth
becomes more precise and accurate. Our country
is standing at the threshold of joining the developed
nations. But it is only possible when we achieve
complete literacy. Our government has launched
a variety of plans to remove illiteracy. But, above
all, it’s the role of students in this direction, which
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
by Vidya
C
op
yM
yK
Teenage is the best phase in one’s life as the
enjoyment is maximum and the responsibilities
are few. At this age, an individual is neither a child
nor an adult. Therefore, it is also one of the most
difficult age every individual has to go through.
No matter how hard one tries, the physical and
emotional changes are hard to ignore.
Also, the kind of educational pressures the
teenagers have to face to cope with this competitive
world are increasing at a speedy pace. Long school
hours, heavy bags, coaching classes, assignments,
etc. all ensure that they are not free or have time
for themselves. It is indeed a big burden on their
small shoulders. Various entrance examinations
for the professional courses is another concern
area as it involves high degree of stress and strain
on the part of the teenagers. Expectations of the
parents and self-esteem is an important affair
for them. Parents impose their own thoughts
and aspirations pressurising teenagers to choose
a subject of their choice. This adversely affects
the all round development and sometimes even
the identity of the child. The pressure they have
on them is extremely high. Thus, parents or well
wishers should try to understand the plans and
thoughts of their teenage children instead of
imposing on them. Parents should guide them
towards the career they want to opt for, and let
them take their own decisions. This way they will
respect their parents for respecting their views.
58. Conservation-Need of the Hour
activity that man indulges in, creates waste of some
kind. Some of the waste can be recycled or reused.
The need of the hour is to conserve them properly
and efficiently. Natural resources like water,
petroleum, oil, etc. are unnecessarily being wasted
most of the time. We need to be very cautious
while using them so that they are only consumed
or used and not wasted. Rain water harvesting is
an excellent way of conserving and utilising water
in a proper manner. We need to conserve our
forests too. Depleting forests, industrial pollution,
toxic wastes, vehicular pollution, cutting of trees
and lack of green covers need to be checked time
and again to safeguard our natural resources.
School children and even common people need to
be educated on this issue. Otherwise, very soon,
we will run out of our natural resources and our
children will have to face the repercussions. So, let
us join our hands together to protect our flora and
fauna to have and give a better future to ourselves
and to our children.
b
may bring a significant change. Considering that
charity begins at home, students can offer to
teach the children of their domestic helpers or
they can go to different localities in groups and
teach the underprivileged. Students can organise
educational camps also or use street plays to show
the importance of education. They can even go
to different schools to inspire other students and
encourage them to ‘each one teach one.’ In this way,
students can contribute a lot towards eradicating
literacy.
57. On Being a Teenager
ita
192
by Brinda
Global warming has accelerated the rise of
temperature on earth. Our natural resources
are also exhausting at an alarming speed. Every
59. Importance of Outdoor Games
by Vidya
‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ is
an accurate proverb, which fits today’s scenario
perfectly. Play nowadays, has actually lost its
meaning. Earlier, children used to come out of their
houses to play and enjoy a variety of games like hide
and seek, dog in the bone, etc. But those games have
lost their importance in today’s context. Children
living in cities are rarely seen playing outdoors
in the neighbourhood. Children are either busy
with their studies or are engaged in computers or
television. They love playing games on computer
and enjoy watching T.V. instead of stepping out of
their houses The children don’t realise that they are
missing the joy of going out to play. This is indeed
resulting in their lack of social development and
physical too. Children are becoming physically
inactive due to lack of physical activities and
outdoor games. Also, some of the content shown
on T.V. and internet is inappropriate for their age.
Thus, spending too much time on television or
the internet is adversely affecting them. The need
of the hour is to encourage children to go out and
indulge themselves in the outdoor games so that
they can grow up to be better, healthier and wiser
individuals.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
by Sunita
Building materials on the pavements are such an
eyesore. No matter how clean and beautiful the
road and roadside is, unused raw materials meant
for construction or repair left on the pavements
ruins everything. This type of an encroachment
not only leads to health and hygiene problems but
also endangers life and property. While walking
on the pavement in the dark, pedestrians can
walk into bricks and boulders and easily hurt
themselves.
During rainy season, building materials such as
cement, etc. mix with the rain water and causes
more inconvenience. Similarly debris, concrete,
bricks, etc. get swept away by rainwater and settle
on the road, thus, causing accidents.
C
op
yM
yK
We are living in an age where no part of the world
seems away anymore. Today with the advancement
of science and technology, the world has become
closer and smaller. The invention of television has
been one of the biggest achievements in the field of
science. Not only the global issues but also social
and political issues are known to every individual
due to television.
Today the 24-hours television news channels
give us instant news from every nook and corner
of the world. However, the fact remains that the
importance of the newspaper is still intact. What
is the relevance of newspaper, one might ask, in
this age of technology? The answer is quite simple.
Newspapers are till date a reliable source of news
with a wider reach than any news channel. Unlike
24-hours news channels, the newspaper put
more emphasis on the information and less on its
sensationalisation. Moreover, newspapers are quite
affordable and gives the reader an option to be
selective about what he or she might want to read.
Other than providing information about what
is happening around the world, newspapers also
promote reading skills. While elders can read them
leisurely, especially during travelling time, kids
can improve their vocabulary and pronunciation,
both of which are essential for school and also for
lingual development.
Therefore, it is suffice to says that 24-hours new
channels may come and go. However, they can
never replace an actual newspaper.
61. Encroachment of Pavements and The
related Problems
by Bala Raghunath
to vendors, shopkeepers, hawkers, etc. occupying
major part of the pavements, building materials
too are found lying here and there on roadside and
pavements. Footpath is meant for pedestrians to
walk. As a result of the encroachment pedestrians
have no other option than to walk on the road and
jeopardise their lives.
b
60. The Relevance of Newspaper
193
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Writing Skills
The problem of encroachment of pavements is
increasing at a rapid speed. Nowadays, in addition
Each day the unused building materials lay on the
pavement unclaimed, they add to the pollutants
destroying the ozone layer. They cause allergic
reaction, breathing problem, and many other life
threatening diseases.
It is high time that strict actions are taken to
stop this practise, it is a nuisance. For immediate
results, proper enforcement of laws is necessary.
The concerned authorities must be vigilant. Those
disobeying the rules must be fined instantly.
The roads in India can look even cleaner and
beautiful only if the pavements are well looked
after too.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
SECTION
op
yM
yK
ita
b
C
C
Literature : Textbooks and
Long Reading Text
 Flamingo (Prose & Poetry)
 Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
 Novels
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
PROSE
1
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The Last Lesson
–Alphonse Daudet
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SUMMARY
Alphonse Daudet is a French author, famous for his
short stories and novels that depict realism, human
sentiments and humour in a simple way. “The Last
Lesson”, one of his best-known stories, is a story
about national pride, the significance of education
and how education is a privilege for some. The story
emphasises on not taking education for granted. It
is a powerful story with contemporary approach
which is weaved in a simple narrative.
The narrator of the story is a little school boy,
Franz. The story opens with Franz being late for
the school on a beautiful warm morning. He was
scared that his teacher M. Hamel would scold
him because he was late and had not learned his
French lesson on participles. As it was a beautiful
day, he was tempted to run away from school and
spend it outdoors but he decides to go to school
finally.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
196
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
of regret for he had wasted his time in petty
things. M. Hamel tells everybody that French is
a very beautiful language. He further added that
they would be made fun of by people for calling
themselves French because they could not write or
speak their own language.
When Franz reached school, unlike other days
there was an unusual silence. He hurried towards
his classroom. Franz was surprised to see that
everybody was already in their seats and the last
benches were occupied by the elders of the village
and all of them looked sad.
Then M. Hamel asked Franz to recite the rules of
participles but he was very kind when Franz was
unable to recite the rules. He also remarked that
many parents preferred to send their children to
work rather than to school. As the class progressed
M. Hamel taught the grammar for the last time
very patiently followed by writing lesson. The
elders came to show their respect towards M.
Hamel for his hard work and dedication of forty
years.
ita
At twelve, the church bell struck and it was the
end of their last lesson. M. Hamel was filled with
strong emotions and wrote on blackboard, Vive La
France!– Long live France!
C
op
yM
yK
M. Hamel also seemed kinder than usual. He was
dressed in his special clothes which he wore only
on special occasions. As Franz sat wondering
about what was happening, M. Hamel announced
that it was his last French class. There had been
an order from Berlin that only German would be
taught in schools of Alsace and Lorraine. After this
announcement Franz was overcome with feelings
b
On his way to school, he passed through the
town hall, there he saw a crowd gathered around
a bulletin-board. In the past, all the bad news
had come from that board during the war. Franz
wondered what the news was, this time but hurried
to school.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Last Lesson
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
197
Previous Years’ CBSE Board Questions
What was Franz expected to be prepared
with for the school that day?
(Delhi 2011)
13.
What had been put up on the bulletin
board?
(Delhi 2011)
14.
What words did M. Hamel write on the
blackboard before dismissing the last class ?
What did they mean ?
(Delhi 2014 C)
Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of
learning on the part of boys like Franz?
(Delhi 2011)
15.
What made M. Hamel cry towards the end
of this last lesson?
(AI 2014 C)
Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in
German, even the pigeons?” What does this
tell us about the attitude of the Frenchmen?
(AI 2011)
4.
16.
5.
6.
8.
“What a thunderclap these words were to
me!” —Which were the words that shocked
and surprised Franz?
(AI 2011)
What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress
on his last day in the school?
(AI 2014 C)
17.
How did Franz react to the declaration that
it was their last French lesson?
(Delhi 2013)
What had the narrator counted on to enter
the school unnoticed?
(Delhi 2010)
18.
“What a thunderclap these words were to
me!” What were the words that shocked and
surprised the narrator?
(Delhi 2013)
“This is your last French lesson.” How
did Franz react to this declaration of
M. Hamel?
(Delhi 2010)
19.
What was the mood in the classroom
when M. Hamel gave his last French
lesson?
(Delhi 2009)
C
7.
ita
3.
Why were the elders of the village sitting in
the classroom?
(AI 2014)
yM
yK
2.
What tempted Franz to stay away from
school?
(Delhi 2014)
op
1.
(2 marks)
b
12.
SA I
What did M. Hamel tell them about the
French language? What did he ask them to
do and why?
(Delhi 2013)
SA II (3 marks)
9.
What was the order from Berlin and what
changes did it cause in the school?
(AI 2013)
20.
Why was Franz not scolded for reaching the
school late that day?
(Delhi 2015)
10.
What changes did the order from Berlin
cause in the school ?
(Delhi 2012)
21.
Who occupied the back benches in the class
room on the day of the last lesson ? Why?
(Delhi 2015)
11.
How did M. Hamel say farewell to his
students and the people of the town ?
(AI 2012)
22.
Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France!’
on the blackboard?
(Delhi 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
23.
“We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves
with,” said M. Hamel. Comment.
(Delhi 2015)
24.
Whom did M. Hamel blame for Franz’
inability to answer his questions?
(Delhi 2015 C)
25.
How did M. Hamel display his love for the
French language?
(Delhi 2015 C)
LA II (6 marks)
27.
Our language is part of our culture and we
are proud of it. Describe how regretful M.
Hamel and the village elders are for having
neglected their native language, French.
(Delhi 2016)
Our native language is part of our culture
and we are proud of it. How does the
presence of village elders in the classroom
29.
30.
LA IV (10 marks)
31.
What did the French teacher tell his students
in his last French lesson ? What impact did it
have on them ? Why ?
(AI 2009)
yM
yK
26.
28.
and M.Hamel’s last lesson show their love
for French ?
(AI 2016)
The entire classroom, M. Hamel as well as
those present in the class, is full of regret. For
what and why ?
(Foreign 2016)
Everybody during the last lesson is filled
with regret. Comment.
(AI 2015)
The order from Berlin aroused a particular
zeal in the school. Comment.
(Foreign 2015)
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
198
Answers
C
op
1. Franz was tempted to stay away from school
because he was running late, he had not revised
his lessons on participles and was dreading a
scolding from his teacher, M. Hamel. Moreover, it
was a warm, bright day, the birds were chirping at
the edge of the woods. The Prussian soldiers were
drilling in the open field at the back of the sawmill.
Altogether, the outdoor seemed more interesting
to Franz than going to school.
2. The elders of the village were sitting in the
classroom to attend the last French lesson by M.
Hamel. They were there not only to pay their
respect to M. Hamel, but also to their country and
mother tongue that was perhaps being taught for
the last time in the village.
3. Before dismissing the last class, M. Hamel
wrote “Vive La France!” on the blackboard. The
French expression means “Long Live France.”
4. Towards the end of the class, M. Hamel cried
because he was deeply saddened by the thought
that France was no longer a free country. Alsace
and Lorraine had been occupied by the Germans
and from now on his beloved language French
would not be taught in the schools.
5. On his last day in the school, M.Hamel put
on his beautiful green coat, frilled shirt and a silk
cap. It was an attire he would wear on important
occasions.
6. Franz was overcome with a feeling of remorse
and regret when he heard that hence forth only
German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace
and Lorraine. He wished that he hadn’t spent so
much time in trivial pursuits like seeking birds’
eggs, or going sliding in the Saar. The books that
seemed such a nuisance earlier appeared like old
friends now.
7. The narrator was shocked and surprised
to hear from M. Hamel that it was going to be
their last French lesson. The order had been sent
from Berlin to teach only German in the schools
of Alsace and Lorraine and the new teacher was
expected to arrive the very next day.
8. M. Hamel said that the French was the most
beautiful language in the world-the clearest and
the most logical.
He asked the students and the village elders to
guard it and never forget because it would give
them a cultural identity, a sense of freedom and
would also help them to remain united.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
17. The narrator had counted on commotion,
noise and hustle and bustle, in other words,
preoccupation of the teacher, to enter the school
unnoticed.
18. To Franz, the words sounded like thunderclap.
He was shocked, at first, to hear that it was going to
be his and everybody’s last French lesson. However,
he was soon overcome with a feeling of remorse
and regret.
19. Refer to answer 9.
b
20. On reaching the school late that day, Franz
was not scolded because the atmosphere in the
school was sombre; order had come from Berlin
that German was to be taught in the schools of
Alsace and Lorraine from now on. Everyone, was
sad that it was going to be their last French lesson.
21. The village people, including the former
Mayor, the former postmaster, old Hauser and
several others, occupied the back benches in the
classroom on the day of the last lesson. They had
come to pay respect to the teacher, M. Hamel for
his faithful service and also to the country that was
no longer theirs. Being present for the last lesson
was an opportunity for everybody to bid farewell to
their mother tongue and also to rid the conscience
of the guilt of not having learnt the language when
there was still time.
C
op
yM
yK
9. The order from Berlin was to teach only
German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. As
this was going to be his last day at the school M.
Hamel had put on his best clothes, which he wore
only on special occasions, The whole school seemed
so strange and solemn. On the back benches that
were always empty, the elderly village people were
sitting quietly with a sad visage. Some of them
were even crying. The students paid a great deal of
attention during their last French lesson, even the
little ones. Most affected was M. Hamel. Although
he taught every lesson with dedication, he looked
sombre and pensive with tears in his eyes.
10. Refer to answer 9.
11. M. Hamel announced in the class that it was
going to be the last French lesson. He regretted not
being stricter when there was enough time to teach
French. He asked everybody to preserve their
language, French, since it was the most beautiful of
all languages. He also said that their language was
the key to their freedom. At last, he stood up on his
chair to say something. However, his melancholy
made him choke. So, instead, he wrote “Vive La
France!” on the blackboard and making a gesture
with his hand, he said, “School is dismissed, you
may go.”
12. Franz was expected to be prepared with the
rules of participles for the school that day.
13. There was an order from Berlin that only
German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace
and Lorraine.
14. M. Hamel blamed the pupils, their parents
and to quite an extent, himself too for the neglect
of learning French. Everybody, at some point of
time, thought that there was still time to learn the
language.
15. It shows the pitiable state of the Frenchmen.
They feared the German atrocity. They thought that
they would be forced to learn and read German
and no one will be spared.
16. M. Hamel announced in the class that this
would be the last French lesson he would be
teaching them. He disclosed that an order had
come from Berlin. All the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine would now teach only German. The new
teacher was to come the next day. The news left
everyone shocked and grieved.
199
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Last Lesson
22. M. Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’ on the
blackboard because of the love for his country.
It could also be considered as an expression of
rebellion against imposition of the German.
23. M. Hamel blamed himself, the students
and the parents of his students for neglecting the
study of French language. They had all needlessly
postponed the learning. He himself had sent his
students to water his flowers and sometimes gave
them a holiday when he had wanted to go fishing.
24. M. Hamel blamed the students, their parents
and to some extent, himself too for Franz’ inability
to answer his questions. M.Hamel expressed his
deep regret that for various reasons, especially
thinking that there was plenty of time to learn,
studying French was not given due importance by
the adults, let alone the children.
25. M. Hamel taught French for last forty years.
Knowing that his students and the village elders
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
28. Refer to answer 26 and 27.
29. Refer to answer 26 and 27.
30. The order from Berlin, to teach only German
in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine from now
on, aroused a particular zeal in the school on the
day of the last French lesson.
The air that day, was mixed with pride and sorrow.
Students as well as elderly members of the village
came to attend the class. The ambiance was quite
sombre as the children were serious and some
of the elders, sitting at the back benches, were
crying.
M. Hamel, who was dressed in his best attire,
appeared to be in a pensive mood. His students
and the village elders too paid great attention to
everything that was being taught in the class. They
hoped to learn as much as possible. Even Franz
seemed to love his books. M. Hamel told those
present in the class to hold on to French as it was
the most beautiful language in the world. He said
that their mother tongue was the key to their
freedom.
A feeling of oneness and immense love and respect
for the mother tongue showed on everyone’s face.
The class ended with M. Hamel writing ‘Vive La
France!’ on the board.
31. On the day of his last French lesson, M.Hamel
told his students and village elders present in the
classroom that the order had come from Berlin to
teach only German in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. He also told them that the new master
was supposed to be arriving the next day. As the
last lesson progressed, M. Hamel told the class that
French is the most beautiful language in the world.
He asked them to preserve it because it was the key
to their freedom.
The whole classroom seemed so strange and
solemn. On the back benches that were always
empty, some of the elderly village people sat,
crying. That day, the students paid a great deal of
attention, even the elder ones. The news of the last
French lesson sounded like a thunderclap in the
ears of little Franz. He was shocked, at first, but
soon he was overcome with a feeling of remorse
and regret. Most of all, it was M. Hamel who was
saddened by the news. He regretted not giving
French language its due importance and now, their
mother tongue was being taken away from them.
C
op
yM
yK
would never again learn a word of French, M.
Hamel wanted to teach them everything in the
last class. According to him, French was the most
beautiful language in the world. It was the clearest
and the most logical language. M. Hamel wanted
the French people to preserve it as it would help
them to be free from the foreign rule. Before
ending his last French lesson, M. Hamel wrote
“Vive La France!” on the board.
26. M. Hamel blames himself and the natives
for neglecting their native language, French. He
laments that the village elders and he himself too,
did not give much importance to learning French.
On many occasions, he gave the students holiday
because he wanted to go fishing. He even asked the
students to water his flowers.
Hamel also found fault with the parents who
sent their children to work instead of making
them attend school. The village elders too were
regretful. On the last day of the French lesson,
they all sat silently crying on the back benches of
the classroom. They came to learn French from M.
Hamel and expressed their sadness and regret they
felt in their heart. A deeply disheartened M.Hamel
appealed to the class that they hold fast to French,
their language, a key to their freedom.
27. The order from Berlin to teach only German in
the schools of Alsace and Lorraine left a deep impact
on M. Hamel as well as the villagers. Everybody
was extremely hurt by the announcement because
it meant that they could no longer teach, learn or
speak in their native language, French. This made
the last lesson, taught by M. Hamel, all the more
significant and memorable. The village people
who always neglected learning French felt sorry for
not having gone to school more often. M. Hamel
too expressed regret for not having been stricter
with his students when there was still time. On the
day of the last French lesson, amidst the strange
solemnity, the students and the village elders
present in the classroom listened to M. Hamel quite
attentively. While he carried on with the lesson, he
appealed to everyone to preserve French not only
because it was the most beautiful language in the
world, but also because holding on to their mother
tongue would always keep them united. Before
the class ended, overwhelmed by emotions, M.
Hamel wrote ‘Vive La France!’ on the blackboard
to express his undying love for French.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
200
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Lost Spring
PROSE
2
(Stories of Stolen Childhood)
– Anees Jung
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anees Jung is the author of several books. She
began her career as a writer and an editor of
Youth Times and has been a columnist for many
major newspapers in India as well as abroad. She
inherits her literary tradition from her parents
who were renowned scholars and poets. In ‘Lost
Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood’ she exposes
a national shame regarding poverty, child labour
and children wasting their childhood in petty
jobs to earn money. Anees’ writing style follows
journalistic approach which is factual, straight
forward and pertinent. The following is an excerpt
taken from her book, ‘Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen
Childhood’.
SUMMARY
“Sometimes I find a Rupee in the garbage”
Saheb is a ragpicker, searching for gold in garbage.
His family is from Bangladesh which they left long
ago. The author saw Saheb digging and picking
garbage for his livelihood every day. One day the
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
cooked on a firewood stove by a young woman.
She was Mukesh’s elder brother’s wife, the bahu of
the family. When the older man entered the house
she pulled her veil close to her face. The older man
was a bangle maker. He worked hard all his life first
as a tailor and then as a bangle maker. He could not
give his children education but taught them the art
of bangle making.
Mukesh’s grandmother believes in destiny, she also
believes that bangle making is a God given lineage.
Young boys and girls work in dark places and
become prone to lose their eye sight at an early age.
Savita is a young girl dressed in pink. She works
with her parents and even in dark her hands move
fast. She does not realise the significance of bangles
in the life of Indian women at this young age. But
she will realise it once she is married. The situation
is ironical because all girl child labourers will
eventually become brides and wear those bangles.
The old lady sitting next to her has lost her eyesight
and complains of poverty. They had enough to eat
despite all the hardwork.
A common complaint of all families involved in
bangle-making is lack of money for food. Nothing
has changed since a long time. The author gives
suggestions to avoid the circle of middlemen. But
the people there tells her that if they get organised
they would be beaten up by police and put in jail.
These poor people have no leader and they are
caught in the ruthless cycle of poverty, injustice
and greed.
The author feels they are present two distinct
worlds. One is people caught in the clutches of
poverty and burdened by the stigma of caste.
Secondly, these people are also caught in the vicious
circle of middlemen, policemen, and politicians.
It is because of such people that the children are
weighed down with responsibilities at such a tender
age. The children accept it as naturally as their
parents did. No one dares to deviate. The author
sees the daring attitude in Mukesh and hopes he
will fulfil his dream one day. Mukesh insists on
becoming a motor mechanic. He is willing to walk
long way to the garage to give wings to his dreams.
At the same time, Mukesh is firmly rooted to the
ground. He does not dream of flying aeroplanes.
The author feels that may be this is due to the fact
that few planes fly over Firozabad.
C
op
yM
yK
author suggested him to go to school, to which he
replies that there is no school nearby. She jokingly
told him that she would open a school. After some
time the little boy walked up to her to ask about
the school about which the author felt embarrassed
as this promise was also like many other promises
made to poor children that remain unfulfilled.
One day, the author asked the little boy’s name and
found out that his name was Saheb-e-Alam which
meant lord of the universe, ironically. There were
many ragpickers and most of them didn’t have
chappals. Anees was told that going barefoot was
a way to follow tradition which she realises as an
excuse to poverty. The author is reminded of a man
who as a young boy prayed for a pair of shoes. Thirty
years later the author revisits that place and saw a
new priest’s home and a boy there, wearing socks
and shoes. But the author was still sad thinking
about the ragpickers who were still shoeless.
The ragpickers lived on the outskirts of Delhi at
Seemapuri. They lived in small mud structures with
roof of tin and tarpaulin. They were deprived of
basic amenities. Food was the most important thing
for them so that they don’t have to sleep on empty
stomach. Saheb told the author that sometimes he
found a ten rupee note or a coin in the garbage and
that was his gold.
One winter morning Anees noticed Saheb with
tennis shoes. Though they were mismatched with
his faded clothes, they were very dear to him. One
morning the author noticed Saheb with a steel
container, going to a milk booth. He had got a job
at a tea-stall with a pay of eight hundred rupees
plus meals. But the author realises that he no longer
looked carefree because he had been burdened by
the responsibility of a job.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
202
“I want to drive a car”
The author then tells the readers about Mukesh a
young boy who worked in a (bangle) glass factory
in Firozabad. Mukesh belonged to a family which
is engaged in bangle-making, like many other
families. The author comments on the ignorance
of the people there who involve their children in
glass industry at such a young age. Mukesh happily
agrees to take the author to his home which is being
rebuilt.
They enter a half build shack. Food was being
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Lost Spring
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
203
PREVIOUS
YEARS
MCQSQuestions
Previous Years’
CBSE
Board
1.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
LA I
(5 marks)
C
op
yM
yK
How is Mukesh different from the other
bangle makers of Firozabad? (Delhi 2014)
2.
What job did Saheb take up? Was he happy?
(AI 2014)
3.
In what sense is garbage gold to the
ragpickers?
(AI 2014 C)
4.
Why did Saheb’s parents leave Dhaka and
migrate to India?
(Delhi 2014 C)
5.
What is Mukesh’s dream? Do you think he
will be able to fulfil his dream? Why not?
Why?
(Delhi 2014 C)
6.
Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry
plight of the bangle makers? (AI 2014 C)
7.
How the steel canister was burden for him?
(AI 2013)
8.
Who is Mukesh ? What is his dream ?
(Delhi 2012)
9.
Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall?
Why/Why not?
(Delhi 2012)
10. Why could the bangle-makers not organise
themselves into a co-operative? (AI 2012)
11. What does the writer mean when she says,
‘Saheb is no longer his own master’?
(Delhi 2009)
12. Is it possible for Mukesh to realise his dream?
Justify your answer.
(AI 2009)
13. What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ convey?
(AI 2009)
14. Garbage to them is gold. Why does the
author say so about the ragpickers?
(Delhi 2008)
SA II (3 marks)
What is Mukesh’s attitude towards the family
business of making bangles? (Foreign 2016)
What did garbage mean to the children of
Seemapuri and to their parents? (AI 2015)
What does Saheb look for in the garbage
dumps ?
(AI 2015)
“It is his Karam, his destiny,” What is Mukesh’s
family’s attitude towards their situation?
(AI 2015)
Describe Mukesh as an ambitious person.
(Foreign 2015)
What kind of gold did the people of
Seemapuri look for in the garbage?
(Foreign 2015)
b
18.
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
15.
16.
17.
Describe the irony in Saheb’s name.
(Delhi 2016)
What does the reference to chappals in ‘Lost
Spring’ tell us about the economic condition
of the ragpickers ?
(AI 2016)
How did Saheb’s life change at the tea
stall?
(Foreign 2016)
24.
Most of us do not raise our voice against
injustice in our society and tend to remain
mute spectators. Anees Jung in her article,
“Lost spring” vividly highlights the miserable
life of street children and bangle makers
of Firozabad. She wants us to act. Which
qualities does she want the children to
develop?
(Delhi 2014 C)
LA II (6 marks)
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Garbage to them is gold. How do ragpickers
of Seemapuri survive?
(Delhi 2015)
Describe the difficulties the bangle makers
of Firozabad have to face in their lives.
(Delhi 2015)
Describe the circumstances which keep the
workers in the bangle industry in poverty.
(Delhi, 2015)
How is Mukesh’s attitude towards his
situation different from that of Saheb? Why?
(Delhi 2015)
“It is his Karam, his destiny” that made
Mukesh’s grandfather go blind. How did
Mukesh disprove this belief by choosing a
new vocation and making his own destiny ?
(AI 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
204
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
people to a life of abject poverty. Do you agree?
Why/Why not?
(AI 2011)
LA IV (10 marks)
30.
31.
Give a brief account of the life and activities
of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in
Seemapuri.
(Delhi 2011)
‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty
and traditions that condemn thousands of
32.
The bangle-makers of Firozabad make
beautiful bangles and make everyone happy
but they live and die in squalor. Elaborate.
(Delhi 2010)
Answers
ita
b
now had a master to work under. Although the
job paid him rupees 800 per month, Saheb did not
seem much enthusiastic about it. Along with his
independence, he had also lost his opportunity for
an education.
8. Mukesh is the son of a poor bangle-maker
in Firozabad. Although Mukesh helps his father
to make bangles, he dreams of becoming a car
mechanic for which he is willing to walk the long
distance from his home to the garage where he
wishes to train.
9. No, Saheb is not happy working at the teastall. Although he is paid 800 rupees and is given
all his meals, it bothers him that he is no longer his
own master. His face has lost the carefree look. The
steel canister seems heavier than the plastic bag he
used to carry so lightly over his shoulder. The bag
was his, the canister belongs to the man who owns
the tea-shop.
10. The bangle makers cannot escape the vicious
circle of exploitation by middlemen, money
lenders, police and bureaucrats. They fear that
organising themselves into cooperative might be
treated as being illegal. They are scared of being
hauled up and beaten by the police. In addition
to the miseries, they also have to face many caste
related stigmas. The bangle makers cannot escape
their lineage. Years of exploitation has left them
timid. This is why there are no leaders who would
raise their problems.
11. The writer meant that when Saheb was a
ragpicker he was a carefree boy, who would work
and still have time for himself. But from the time
he started working at the tea stall, he lost his
freedom as he had to work under a master and
follow his instructions. He was no longer free to
do as he pleased. Thus, he was no longer his own
master.
C
op
yM
yK
1. Mukesh is different from other bangle makers
of Firozabad because he dares to dream. He refuses
to carry on the family tradition of bangle making.
Instead, he insists on being his own master. He
wants to become a motor mechanic and is focussed
and determined to achieve it.
2. Saheb took up a job at a tea-stall, which paid
him 800 rupees and all his meals. No, he was not
happy with the job because his ‘carefree’ days were
over, he now had a master to work under; he was
no longer his own master.
3. Garbage is like gold to the ragpickers in the
sense that it is a means of sustenance for them.
Garbage gives them their daily bread and provides
a roof over their heads.
4. Saheb’s parents left Dhaka because repeated
floods swept away their fields and homes leaving
them on the verge of starvation. This led to their
migration to India, where they hoped to find better
living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
5. Mukesh’s aim in life is to become a motor
mechanic. Yes, it is indeed possible for Mukesh
to achieve his dreams through hard work and
determination. He is willing to walk all the way
to the garage and learn even though the garage is
quite far from his house.
6. For the sorry plight of the bangle makers,
Anees Jung blames the sahukars, policemen,
middlemen, bureaucrats, politicians and, to quite
an extent, the lineage of the bangle makers and the
stigmas with their caste.
7. The steel canister was a burden for Saheb
both literally and metaphorically because unlike
the plastic bag he carried around on his shoulder
as a ragpicker, the steel canister was much heavier.
Moreover, before he started working at the teastall, Saheb was ‘his own master.’ He was free to
go anywhere. He had now lost his freedom; he
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
205
b
makers of Firozabad. Through children, like
Saheb, Savita and Mukesh, she delves deep into
the poverty and tradition, which forces a life of
exploitation on these three and many others like
them.
It is sad that they are caught in the vicious circle
of poverty and exploitation generations after
generations. It is not easy to escape it because
there is the stigma of caste in which they are
born. Moreover, the sahukars, the middlemen,
policemen, keepers of law, bureaucrats, etc. make
their lives more difficult for them than it already
is.
Anees Jung wants us to act, raise our voice
against the injustice prevailing in our society. The
underprivileged often find themselves helpless and
at the mercy of their exploiters. Thus, Anees Jung
wants the children to develop compassion for the
oppressed and the will and courage to work for
social and economic changes in the society.
25. The Ragpickers of Seemapuri emigrated to
Delhi from Bangladesh, in 1971 in the hopes of
a bright and promising future. However, their
situation in the city is not as comfortable as they
expected. The ragpickers of Seemapuri live in
structures of mud, with roofs of tin and tarpaulin.
It lacks proper sewage and drainage system and
running water. All these years, they have lived
without an identity and they are still living like
that. In spite of no proper identity and permits,
they are surviving. They all have ration cards,
which puts them on voters’ list. This enables them
to buy grain. Survival is all that matters to them.
This is why they pitch their tents wherever there
is food. Garbage and ragpicking are means of
survival for the people in Seemapuri, it earns them
their daily bread and puts a roof over their head.
Sometimes, while scrounging, the garbage, finding
money, whether one rupee or ten, it the highlight
of their day, especially for the children; it gives
them hope. Therefore, the writer is right when she
says, “garbage to them is gold.”
26. Difficulties faced by the bangle makers
of Firozabad are many. They live in a state of
perpetual poverty, in ready-to-crumble houses,
crowded with a number of families. Besides
remaining uneducated for the rest of their lives,
they have to work extremely hard for long hours
in the glass furnaces in high temperature. Since
yM
yK
12. Refer to answer 5.
13. The title ‘Lost Spring’ conveys that the grinding
poverty and the traditions which condemn poor
children to a life of exploitation, cause them to lose
their childhood, which is really the spring time of
their life. The slum children have to start earning
their living and taking care of their family at a very
young age. As a result, they do not get to enjoy a
normal childhood.
14. The writer says that garbage is gold for the
ragpickers because for children, garbage is wrapped
in wonder. They expect to get some coins, notes
or valuables in it. If fate permits, sometimes, they
find a rupee or even a ten-rupee note. For adults,
garbage is a means of livelihood.
15. The full name of Saheb is Saheb-e-Alam,
which means Lord of the Universe. He does not
know the meaning of his name. The irony here is
that Saheb in reality is a ragpicker and a refugee
from Bangladesh. He is not the ‘Lord of the
Universe’.
16. The narrator, Anees Jung feels that the ragpickers not wearing chappals is a subtle reference
to their economic condition, which is a perpetual
state of poverty. They live in unhygienic conditions,
and due to their hand-to-mouth existence, the
children are forced into labour early in life. As a
result, they are denied the opportunity of studying
and escaping such a life.
17. Refer to answer 9.
18. Mukesh’s attitude towards the family business
of making bangles is that of reluctance. He wants
to break free from the family tradition and dares
to rebel. Mukesh dreams of becoming a motor
mechanic for which he is willing to walk the long
distance from his home to the garage every day.
19. Refer to answer 14.
20. Refer to answer 14.
21. Mukesh’s family’s attitude towards their
situation is that of mute acceptance. They view
bangle making as their destiny. They do not dream
of any other option because there is no will, to take
the initiative, left in them.
22. Refer to answer 8.
23. Refer to answer 14.
24. Anees Jung, in ‘Lost Spring’ vividly highlights
the miserable life of street children and bangle
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Lost Spring
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Mukesh wanted to train to be a motor mechanic,
was quite far from his house, he was willing to walk
the long distance for the sake of his dreams.
30. In ‘Lost Spring’ Anees Jung observes that the
life and activities of the people like Saheb-e-Alam
depends wholly on garbage. For them it is no less
than gold, in fact, it is their daily bread. The poor
ragpickers are often barefoot, which she thinks is
“an excuse to explain a perpetual state of poverty”.
Although, Saheb-e-Alam wants an education, he
and other ragpickers are unschooled. (Later, Saheb
too takes up a job at a tea stall.) They are migrants
(squatters) from Bangladesh, who came to Delhi
in 1973. Presently, they live in structures of mud
with roofs of tin and tarpaulin, devoid of sewage,
drainage or running water. They pitch their
tents wherever they find food. They have lived
in Seemapuri for more than thirty years without
identity and without permits. However, they carry
their ration cards. No matter how much hardship
they face, the ragpickers of Seemapuri have no
intention of going back to their own country.
C
op
yM
yK
they work in the dark and dingy cells, many lose
their eyesight at a young age. Their difficulties are
not limited to just health problems. They are set
at a much deeper level. The bangle makers are
burdened by the stigma of the caste in which they
are born. An adult bangle maker knows nothing
except how to make bangles. So, that is all that he
can teach his young ones and this continues for
generations. The bangle makers cannot escape the
vicious circle of exploitation by middlemen, money
lenders, police and bureaucrats. They cannot even
organise themselves into a cooperative due to the
fear that it might be treated as being illegal. This
is why there are no leaders who would raise their
problems. The bangle makers continue to face
apathy and injustice all their lives.
27. Refer to answer 26.
28. Mukesh’s attitude towards his situation is
different from that of Saheb because unlike Saheb,
Mukesh is ambitious. Mukesh has his roots in
Firozabad. He is born in a family of bangle makers
and must follow his father’s footsteps for now.
However, he wants to break the family tradition
and become a motor mechanic. Saheb, on the
other hand, is a rootless migrant from Bangladesh
who is content being a ragpicker at Seemapuri.
Although, he fancies the idea of going to school,
he starts working at a tea stall because the salary
is good. Mukesh too is greatly unhappy about his
prevailing poverty. However, he is determined
to change it. He is ready to walk a long distance
every day to a garage and train to become a motor
mechanic.
29. Mukesh had seen his parents and other bangle
makers of Firozabad suffer all their life. He had
witnessed them being unable to escape the vicious
circle of poverty and exploitation. While others
believed that it was their destiny to be born poor
and poverty stricken, Mukesh wanted to disprove
this belief by choosing a new line of work. Unlike
other children of his age in the town of Firozabad,
he had the courage to break free from the family
vocation of bangle-making. He wanted to be a
motor mechanic and make his own destiny. He was
determined to achieve his goal and was prepared
to work hard for it. Although the garage, where
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
206
31. In ‘Lost Spring’ Anees Jung analyses the
grinding poverty and traditions, which condemn
thousands of people to a life of abject misery and
the slum children to exploitation. The basis of her
analysis are the ragpickers of Seemapuri where
she meets a little boy named Saheb and Mukesh,
whose family is one of the families who have been
the bangle makers of Firozabad for generations.
Both these children want education so that they
can either escape their situation or change it. But,
Saheb and Mukesh and others like them are caught
in the vicious circle of poverty, apathy and injustice
and are affected by the greed of others. This is why,
education and healthy and clean living conditions
are a distant dream for them. Every day, they have
to face various hardships. Yet, they cannot organise
themselves into cooperative due to the fear that it
might be treated as being illegal. Ultimately, slum
children like Saheb and Mukesh have to carry
forward the family occupation or find odd jobs to
earn a living. In the process, their childhood is the
lost spring of their life.
32. Refer to answer 26.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
PROSE
3
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Deep Water
–William Douglas
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
William Douglas (1893-1980) was an American
born in Maine Minnesota. He graduated in English
and Economics and then later advanced his career
in law. He remains the longest-serving justice in the
history of court, serving a term of thirty six years.
He became the adviser of the President Franklin D
Roosevelt. The excerpt “Deep Water” is taken from
an autobiography ‘Of Men and Mountains’ written
by William Douglas. In this excerpt he has narrated
the incidence which was the reason of developing
hydrophobia and his strategies through which he
braved his fear.
SUMMARY
The author recollects his first encounter with his
fear of water as a three or four year old child. His
father had taken him to a beach in California. He
held his father tightly. However, a wave knocked
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
him down. He felt smothered and scared.
Douglas had a close meet up with death.
When the writer was ten years old he planned to
learn swimming but this time he took caution.
He chose YMCA pool as it was safer than Yakima
river. The pool was 2 feet at its shallow end and 9
feet at the deeper end.
This incident had a deep-seated impact on him. He
reached home and was feeling weak and trembling.
He could not eat anything that night. For days
he was terrified. Consequently, he avoided water
whenever he could.
He got a pair of water wings. He mustered courage
and paddled aping others. He started regaining his
confidence. But, this newly found courage was soon
lost. An 18 year old boy hurled him into deep side
of the pool. There was nobody close to the pool.
Douglas went to the bottom of the pool. He was
alert. He planned to push himself up on touching
the bottom of the pool, then lie flat and paddle to
the edge of the pool. But that seemed to be a never
ending fall. These nine feet appeared to him like
ninety feet. He felt acute uneasiness and his lungs
seemed to burst. As soon as he touched the bottom,
he tried to jump but much to his disappointment
it was very slow and all he could see was water. He
felt extremely terrified and suffocated. Douglas
started making desperate efforts for survival. He
looked for a rope but could not find it. He could
see only water all around. His legs got stiff like
lifeless objects. He again sank back to the bottom
of the pool. Breathless, he hit at the bottom with all
his strength. His screams were lost in water. He got
a throbbing pain in his head, his lungs almost gave
up and he started filling dizzy. However, his mind
was still planning to escape this drowning. He
was panic-stricken. He was going down endlessly.
There was water all around. He was extremely
frightened but his limbs gave up. He tried calling
for help but it was in vain. Then fortunately he
saw light. His eyes and nose came to the surface
but then he sank again for the third time as this
success was momentary. The writer gave up all his
efforts. He accepted this as his destiny and went
into oblivion.
This fear of childhood followed him. This did not
let him relish the joy of fishing, canoeing, boating
or swimming.
CBSE Champion English Core
ita
b
Once Douglas grew old he was determined to
overcome this fear. Finally, he decided to get an
instructor to learn swimming. He went to the pool
and practiced five days a week, one hour each day.
The instructor put a belt around him which was
attached to a rope. So he practised swimming
forward and backward. For weeks he practiced.
It took almost three months for the tension to
release. The instructor taught him the breathing
techniques of exhaling underwater and inhaling
by raising his nose. He practised it hundreds of
times. Then the instructor taught him to kick
with his legs in water. Initially, his legs got stiff but
gradually he developed complete control on them.
Soon Douglas could swim across the length of the
pool. But he was still scared when left alone in the
pool. His childhood fear petrified him. Therefore,
he thought of conquering his fear. He went to Lake
Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at
Triggs island, and swam two miles across the lake
to Stamp Act Island. For once did the terror return
but he continued to swim. For his own reassurance,
he went up the Tieton to Conrad Meadows, up the
Conrad Creek trail to Meade Glacier and camped
at the side of Warm Lake. He swam across the
other shore and back. He was thrilled that he had
finally overcome his fear.
C
op
yM
yK
208
When he regained his consciousness, he found
himself vomiting next to the pool. The boy who
hurled him was saying that he was fooling around.
The narrator felt victorious that he had finally
conquered his fear. He quoted that the death is
full of peace, but the fear of death terrorises. In
this excerpt Douglas has narrated his near-death
experience and the way fear of death intensifies his
will to live.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Deep Water
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
209
PREVIOUS
YEARS
MCQSQuestions
Previous Years’
CBSE
Board
SA II (3 marks)
1.
Which two incidents in Douglas’ early life
made him scared of water?
(Delhi 2014 C)
2.
Why did Douglas prefer to go to YMCA
swimming pool to learn swimming?
(Delhi 2014 C)
3.
How did the instructor turn Douglas into a
swimmer?
(Delhi 2013)
4.
How did Douglas make sure that he
conquered the old terror?
(AI 2013)
5.
Narrate the
Douglas.
6.
Why was Douglas determined to get over his
fear of water?
(Delhi 2012)
7.
Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth
in New Hampshire? How did he make his
terror flee?
(AI 2012)
experience of
(AI 2013)
How did his experience at the YMCA
swimming pool affect Douglas?
(Delhi 2016)
17.
What deep meaning did his experience at the
YMCA swimming pool have for Douglas?
(AI 2016)
18.
‘All we have to fear is fear itself.’ When did
Douglas learn this lesson?
(AI 2016)
19.
How did the feeling of terror return to
Douglas at Lake Wentworth? How did he
react?
(Foreign 2016)
20.
Why did Douglas’ mother recommend that
he should learn swimming at the YMCA
swimming pool?
(Delhi 2015)
yM
yK
childhood
16.
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
What efforts did Douglas make to get over
his fear of water?
(AI 2012)
9.
Why was Douglas determined to get over his
fear of water?
(Delhi 2012)
10.
What did Douglas experience when he went
down to the bottom of the pool for the first
time?
(Delhi 2011)
11.
Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in
New Hampshire?
(Delhi 2011)
12.
Which factors led Douglas to decide in
favour of YMCA pool?
(Delhi 2011)
13.
When Douglas realised that he was sinking,
how did he plan to save himself?
(Delhi 2010)
14.
What sort of terror seized Douglas as he
went down the water with a yellow glow ?
How could he feel that he was still alive?
(Delhi 2010)
15.
How did the incident at the YMCA pool
affect Douglas?
(AI 2009)
How did Douglas remove his residual doubts
about his fear of water?
(Delhi 2015)
22.
How did Douglas’ experience at YMCA pool
affect him?
(Delhi 2015)
23.
What lesson did Douglas learn when he got
rid of his fear of water?
(Delhi 2015 C)
LA I
(5 marks)
24.
The story “Deep Water” has made you realise
that with determination and perseverance
one can accomplish the impossible. Write
a paragraph in about 100 words on how a
positive attitude and courage will aid you to
achieve success in life.
(Delhi 2014)
25.
Desire, determination and diligence lead to
success. Explain the value of these qualities
in the light of Douglas’ experience in “Deep
Water”.
(Delhi 2014)
C
op
8.
21.
LA II (6 marks)
26.
What happened at the YMCA swimming
pool which instilled fear of water in Douglas’
mind?
(Foreign 2015)
27.
How did Douglas’ experience at the YMCA
pool affect him ? How did he get over this
effect?
(Foreign 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
210
28.
29.
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Describe the efforts made by Douglas to
overcome his fear of water. (Foreign 2015)
“All we have to fear is fear itself.” Describe
Douglas’ experiences which led to the
making of this statement. (Delhi 2015 C)
LA IV (10 marks)
30.
31.
32.
How did Douglas develop an aversion to
water?
(Delhi 2012)
How did Douglas try to save himself from
drowning in the YMCA pool? (Delhi 2012)
How did the instructor make Douglas a
good swimmer?
(AI 2012)
33.
34.
35.
36.
There was terror in my heart at the
overpowering force of the waves”. When
did Douglas start fearing water? Which
experience had further strengthened its hold
on his mind and personality?
(AI 2010)
What was Douglas’ fear? How did he
overcome that fear?
(Delhi 2008)
How did the swimming instructor ‘build a
swimmer’ out of Douglas?
(Delhi 2008)
A big boy threw Douglas into the swimming
pool. How did this experience affect Douglas?
(Delhi 2008)
b
Answers
the lake. Even though he swam with minimum
anxiety, a little doubt remained within him. Next,
he dived into Warm Lake and swam across to the
other shore and back. Having swam in the lake
without any fear or panic attack, Douglas realised
that he had finally conquered his fear.
2. Douglas’ mother recommended that he should
learn swimming at the YMCA pool because unlike
the Yakima river, which was treacherous and had
drowned many, the pool was safe. It was only 2-3
feet deep at the shallow end and nine feet deep at
the other end. There too, the fall was gradual.
5. William Douglas wanted to learn swimming.
He went to YMCA pool as it was safe. But an
eighteen years old came and tossed Douglas into
the deep end of the pool. He was frightened but
planned a strategy. He decided that the moment
his feet hit the bottom, he would make a big jump,
come to the surface, lie flat on it and paddle to the
edge of the pool. However, because of too much
depth, Douglas could not resurface. He tried more
than a couple of times. He tried to yell, but no
sound came out of his mouth.
op
yM
yK
ita
1. The very first incident was the one at the
beach with his father when Douglas was three or
four year old. A wave had knocked him over and
engulfed him in it completely. The next incident
was at YMCA when an eighteen year old boy
pushed Douglas into the swimming pool.
C
3. Bit by bit, the instructor turned Douglas
into a swimmer. Initially, he put a belt around
Douglas and the attached rope went through a
pulley that ran on an overhead cable. He held on
to the rope and went back and forth across the
pool until Douglas began to relax in water. Next,
the instructor taught Douglas to put his face
under water and exhale and to raise his nose and
inhale. They practised this until Douglas stopped
panicking on putting his head under water. Then
Douglas learnt to kick in the water. At first, he was
terror-stricken but continuous practice with his
instructor made Douglas lose his fear of water and
emerge as a confident swimmer.
4. To make sure that he conquered the old
terror, his fear of water, he decided to go to Lake
Wentworth in New Hampshire. There he dived off
a dock at Triggs Island and swam two miles across
6. When Douglas was a child, he had two near
drowning experiences, which left in him a deepseated fear of water. This phobia of water often
ruined his fishing trips and deprived him of the
joy of all water related activities, such as canoeing,
boating and swimming. He felt handicapped due to
this fear and it bothered him. This is why Douglas
was determined to get over his fear of water.
7. Douglas went to lake Wentworth in New
Hampshire because he wanted to be sure that the
old terror of water had left him for good after the
swimming lessons.
Douglas swam two miles across the lake. The terror
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
8. To get over his fear of water, Douglas hired
a swimming coach. Though it took him a lot of
time, the instructor showed a great amount of
patience and kindness towards Douglas. Bit by bit
he taught him to swim and at the same time helped
Douglas to overcome his fear. To be sure that he
was completely free of his fear of water, Douglas
went to Lake Wentworth to swim across the lake.
9. Douglas was determined to get over his fear
of water because it had ruined his fishing trips.
Also, could not enjoy water sports like canoeing,
boating or swimming.
10. Douglas experienced panic and suffocation.
He was frightened but he was not out of his wits.
11. Refer to answer 7.
13. Refer to answer 5.
17. Douglas developed a fear of getting into the
water at a very young age due to two severe water
related accidents. However, later when he realised
that he was missing out on a lot of fun because
of his fear, he decided to face it. The experience
of fear and death and its conquest made him live
intensely. It made him realise true value of life and
helped him enjoy every moment of it.
18. Once the writer realised that his fear of water
was keeping him from enjoying any of the water
related sports and activities, he decided to engage
a swimming instructor, who gradually helped him
face his fear. However, it was after his successful
swimming attempts in Lake Wentworth and Warm
Lake that the writer understood the real meaning
of conquering one’s fear in order to truly value
life and enjoy every moment of it. This revelation
made the writer confident and determined.
yM
yK
12. The YMCA pool was an ideal place for
Douglas to learn swimming. It was safe. It was only
two or three feet deep at the shallow end. Though
it was nine feet deep at the other end, the drop was
gradual.
the joy of various water related activities, such as
canoeing, boating, fishing, etc.
b
returned only once when he was in the middle of
the lake. But, he laughed at his fear and brushed it
aside. His terror fled away and he swam on.
211
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Deep Water
C
op
14. As Douglas went down the water with a
yellow glow, he was seized by a sheer, stark terror,
which knew no understanding and no control. He
was paralysed under water-stiff, rigid with fear.
Although he was shrieking under water, it seemed
frozen. Only his heart and the pounding in his
head made Douglas feel alive.
15. His experience at the YMCA pool left Douglas
haunted by fear of water. He became extremely
weak physically and never went back to the pool
again. He felt handicapped for years as he couldn’t
enjoy any water sport like swimming, fishing,
boating, etc.
16. At YMCA swimming pool, when Douglas
was thrown into the water, it affected him quite
deeply. The experience scared him so much that
he was unable to eat due to the haunting fear.
He become wobbly in the knees and sick in the
stomach and the slightest up set him. Eventually,
he developed fear of water. Since he could not go
near the water for many years, he was deprived of
19. Refer to answer 7.
20. Refer to answer 2.
21. Douglas removed his residual doubts by
diving into the Warm Lake and swimming across
to the other shore and back. He shouted with joy
when he was able to achieve this feat. He had finally
conquered his fear of water.
22. His experience at the YMCA pool left Douglas
haunted by fear of water. He became extremely
weak physically and never went back to the pool
again. He felt handicapped for years as he couldn’t
enjoy any water sport like swimming, fishing,
boating, etc.
23. When Douglas finally got rid of his fear of
water, he realised that all one has to fear is fear
itself. Once the fear is conquered or overcome, one
can achieve anything one wants.
24. In the story Deep Waters, we see Douglas
overcoming his childhood fear of water, through
determination, perseverance and hard work. Thus,
this story shows that with positive attitude and
strength of will, we can accomplish almost anything.
All of us may fear something or the other. But
fear, when conquered through courage, becomes
victory. The victory, emerging from the bitterness
of failures and hardships of enduring them for a
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
long period of time, has its own significance and
joy. It might appear to be a long and arduous
journey, but it will definitely culminate in success.
26. Refer to answer 5.
27. Refer to answer 8 and 15.
28. Refer to answer 3, 4, 7 and 8.
29. Refer to answer 4 and 7
Gradually, he grew tired and suffocated; he was
paralysed with fear and almost drowned. Douglas
would not have survived if someone had not dove
into the water to save him.
31. William Douglas wanted to learn swimming.
He went to YMCA pool as it was safe. But an
eighteen year old tossed Douglas into the deep
end of the pool. He landed in a sitting position,
swallowed water and went at once to the bottom.
He was frightened, but planned a strategy to come
to the surface. He decided that the moment his feet
hit the bottom, he would “make a big jump, come
to the surface, lie flat on it and paddle to the edge
of the pool”. However, because of too much depth,
Douglas could not resurface. When his feet hit the
bottom of the pool Douglas made a jump. However,
instead of springing back to surface, he came up
slowly. His attempts to grab onto something and
bring his legs up proved to be futile. He tried to
come to surface more than a couple of times. He
yelled but no sound came out of his mouth. He
felt tired and suffocated; he was paralysed with
fear and almost drowned. Douglas wouldn’t have
survived if someone hadn’t dove into the water to
save him.
yM
yK
25. Douglas’ experience in ‘Deep Water’ is a great
example of how desire, determination and diligence
lead to success. When Douglas was just a child, he
had major water-related misadventures and (he
almost drowned), which affected him badly and
he was left with a deep rooted fear of water. This
fear stayed with him as he grew older. As the fear
lingered on, Douglas realised that it prevented him
from enjoying all the activities related to water,
such as boating, canoeing, swimming, etc. It was
no longer acceptable to Douglas.
Therefore, his strong desire to overcome his fear
of water made him take swimming lessons. Even
though, the old fear kept coming back, weakening
him initially, however, his determination kept him
going. Eventually, with rigorous training, vigorous
practice and perseverance, he was able to get rid of
his fear of water.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
212
C
op
30. Douglas was merely three or four years old
when he had his first water related accident. His
father had taken him to the beach in California
where they stood together in the surf. The waves
knocked young Douglas down and swept over him
in such a way that he was buried in water and felt
suffocated. That was the first time he felt the pangs
of terror at the overpowering force of the water
set in his heart. When he was ten or eleven years
old he decided to learn to swim at the Y.M.C.A.
pool. It was only two or three feet deep at the
shallow end and nine feet at the deep end where
the drop was gradual. Yet, when the eighteen year
old boy tossed Douglas into the deep end of the
pool, it strengthened his aversion to water. An
unsuspecting victim, Douglas landed in a sitting
position, swallowed water and went at once to
the bottom. Even after multiple attempts, he was
unable to resurface, because of too much depth.
32. Bit by bit, the instructor turned Douglas into
a swimmer. Initially, he put a belt around Douglas
and the attached rope went through a pulley that
ran on an overhead cable. He held on to the rope
and went back and forth across the pool hour after
hour, day after day till he began to relax in water.
Next, the instructor taught Douglas to put his face
under water and exhale and to raise his nose and
inhale. They practised this until Douglas stopped
panicking on putting his head under water. Then
Douglas learnt to kick in the water. At first, he was
terror-stricken but continuous practise with his
instructor, made Douglas lose his fear of water and
emerge as a confident swimmer.
33. Refer to answer 30 and 5.
34. Refer to answer 3, 4, and 8.
35. Refer to answer 32.
36. Refer to answer 5 and 14.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
PROSE
4
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The Rattrap
–Selma Lagerlöf
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
..
Selma Lagerlof was the first female writer who won
the Nobel Prize for Literature. She was born in
Sweden in 1858. Sweden experienced an industrial
revolution and its agriculture was displaced by
the mushrooming of industries. This led to the
extreme poverty of farmers. “The Rattrap” gives us
a psychological insight of the human mind when
this transformation was taking place. The story is
set with this plot and the extreme greed and avarice
for the materialistic things is highlighted. The
essence of the story is humourous, philosophical
as well as historical.
SUMMARY
The story revolves around a poor vagabond who
made rattraps from the begged materials. He was
a wanderer. He struggled for living but later resort
to begging and stealing for some extra income for
his survival.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
comfortable near the furnace to keep himself warm.
Since the owner of the mill was very particular
about the quality of the product, he visited the iron
mill every night. When he saw the vagabond lying
near the furnace, he mistook him as captain Nils
Olof, his old friend. The vagabond did not disclose
his true identity as he thought of making some
money from the ironmaster. Ironmaster invited
him to his manor house.
The peddler vehemently refused to go to his house
as he was afraid that the thirty kronors he stole may
put him in a tight spot. The ironmaster interpreted
his denial as embarrassment because of his dirty
worn out clothes so, he argued that it was not
such a magnificent home that the peddler could
not show himself there. He told that his sons were
abroad and wife Elizabeth being dead, he stayed
only with his oldest daughter so, it would not be
embarrassing at all. He insisted the vagabond
to join them for Christmas celebrations. Yet, the
vagabond refused the ironmaster’s invitation.
The ironmaster then sent his daughter to persuade
the vagabond. Though the daughter was not pretty,
she was modest and shy. As she approached him,
the peddler got alarmed and scared. She introduced
herself, as Edla Willmansson. She invited him and
said he may leave after Christmas anytime. The
vagabond finally gave into Edla’s insistence and
accompanied her. He covered himself with the fur
coat carried by the lady’s valet. He also felt guilty of
stealing the money meanwhile. He found himself
completely entrapped. He thought he may not
come out of this trap now.
Next day, the ironmaster came for his breakfast. He
told his daughter that his friend should get a good
meal and decent livelihood. However, his daughter
said that she did not find anything in the guest
which could assure her that he was an educated
man. The ironmaster put her apprehensions to rest
saying that once he would bath and change into
better clothes he would look groomed. But when
the peddler came out the ironmaster realised that he
did not resemble his friend from his old regiment.
He was angry and demanded an explanation. He
also said that he will take the matter to the sheriff.
The rattrap peddler defended himself saying that
C
op
yM
yK
One day, when the peddler was lonely, he became
engrossed in his own thoughts. He was quite amused
to think that the whole world was a big rattrap.
It lured people with riches and joys and all the
materialistic happiness. But these were the baits to
entrap people. The vagabond felt that succumbing
to temptation spells end of everything. The misery
and discontentment in the life of vagabond made
him think ill for the world.
One day, he stopped at a little gray cottage by
the roadside. The owner of the house was a man
without wife or children. He agreed to give shelter
to the vagabond. Delighted to have company, the
generous host gave him dinner and then played
cards with him. The old man trusted the vagabond
so he shared his personal details with him. He told
..
that he was a crofter at Ramjo Ironworks, had a
milch cow and earned thirty kronors in payment
the previous month. He also showed the nail where
he hung the pouch containing thirty kronors.
The vagabond thanked the host for his generosity
the next morning and went his own way. When
the crofter locked his house to milk the cow, the
rattrap peddler returned, went up to the window,
broke the pane, took the thirty kronors from the
pouch and walked away.
The peddler ran towards the forest in order to
discard public highway and to avoid getting
caught. He went round and round in the forest for
a long time but landed nowhere as it was a big and
confusing forest. He realised that he was trapped
and the escape was impossible.
The vagabond felt dejected and tired. As he laid
his head on the ground in order to rest, he heard
the thumping of a hammer. This made him realise
that there may be an iron mill somewhere close by.
He gathered all his will power and headed towards
..
the direction of the sound. He reached Ramjo.
Ironworks where the master blacksmith sat near the
furnace with his helper. The vagabond crept into
the mill unnoticed. He entered the forge and asked
for the permission from the master blacksmith
to lie down. It was a cold December night and
the peddler wanted shelter. The permission was
given to him coldly. The vagabond made himself
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
214
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
215
b
porridge served to him. He thanked everyone
present and wished them good night. Edla asked
him to keep her father’s suit as Christmas gift. He
may also return next year to celebrate Christmas
with them. The peddler was amazed with her
words. Leaving behind the sleeping peddler, the
father and daughter went to the church. After the
service they returned home having heard from the
church about the peddler’s theft. The girl feels very
dejected. The ironmaster was unhappy that they let
the vagabond stay in their house. He was confident
that the peddler would have disappeared by then
with their silverware. But, when they reached, the
valet informed them that the guest had left emptyhanded and had left a Christmas present for Edla.
When Edla opened the package she found three
wrinkled ten kronor notes along with a rattrap.
There was a letter of gratitude for Edla’s behaviour
towards him. The peddler had requested her to
return the thirty kronor notes to the old crofter. He
also wrote that he was thankful for elevating him
to the status of the captain. This was the reason
behind changing his old ways. He signed the letter
with his name as Captain von Stahle because this
name gave him the power to clear his conscience.
C
op
yM
yK
he made no pretence about being a captain. He
also reminded that he was pleading to be allowed
to stay in the forge. Then he offered to change into
his old rags and leave immediately. He became
agitated, saying that the whole world was nothing
but a rattrap. All the offers were a bait to put into
trouble. He insisted that the ironmaster was not
impeccable himself. He too may get tempted and
entrapped by the world someday.
Ironmaster got convinced by the argument.
He asked the peddler to leave immediately and
promised he will not take the matter to the sheriff.
But Edla insisted on the vagabond to stay back.
She felt it would be unfair to turn him out after
promising Christmas cheer. Her father finally gave
in. The peddler wondered about Edla’s motive
behind this kind act. She took his hand and took
him to the table and fed him well.
After that, on Christmas Eve, the peddler did
nothing but sleep. He slept through the morning,
got up to have his share of the good Christmas
fare, and after that he slept again. He slept as if
he had never slept before, quietly and safely. He
later participated in lightening the Christmas tree
and helped himself to some Christmas fish and
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Rattrap
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
216
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
SA I
1.
12.
(2 marks)
13.
Why did Edla plead with her father not to
send the vagabond away?
(AI 2014)
14.
3.
In what sense was the world a big rattrap
according the the peddler?
(Delhi 2014 C)
15.
4.
Why did the peddler knock on the cottage
by the roadside ? How was he treated by the
owner of the cottage?
(Delhi 2014 C)
What conclusion did the ironmaster reach
when he heard that the crofter had been
robbed by the peddler?
(AI 2014 C)
6.
What were the contents of the package left
by the peddler as a Christmas gift for Edla
Willmansson?
(AI 2014 C)
op
5.
Why did the peddler decline the invitation
of the ironmaster?
(Delhi 2012)
8.
Why was the crofter so friendly and talkative
with the peddler?
(Delhi 2012)
..
Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills ?
Why did he visit the mills at nights?
(AI 2012)
C
7.
9.
ita
SA II (3 marks)
16.
Why was the peddler amused at the idea of
the world being a rattrap?
(Delhi 2016)
What hospitality did the peddler receive
from the crofter?
(Delhi 2016)
Why did the Crofter show the thirty kronor
to the peddler?
(AI 2016)
Why did the ironmaster speak kindly to the
peddler and invite him home?
(AI 2016)
How could the peddler enter the forge
without being noticed by the blacksmith?
(Foreign 2016)
At the crofter’s home, why did the peddler
feel very happy?
(AI 2015 C)
yM
yK
2.
b
Why did the peddler derive pleasure from
his idea of the world as a rattrap?
(Delhi 2014)
Why was the peddler surprised when he
knocked on the door of the cottage?
(AI 2011)
What made the peddler finally change his
ways?
(AI 2011)
Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the
peddler?
(AI 2010)
Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain
von Stahle?
(AI 2009)
10.
Why didn’t the stranger tell the ironmaster
that he was not Nils Olof ?
(AI 2012)
11.
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly
with the peddler?
(Delhi 2011)
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
LA II (6 marks)
22.
23.
The peddler thinks that the whole world is a
rattrap. This view of life is true only of himself
and of no one else in the story. Comment.
(Delhi 2017)
The peddler declined the invitation of the
ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla.
Why ?
(Delhi 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Rattrap
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
217
Edla proved to be much more persuasive
than her father while dealing with the
peddler. Comment.
(Delhi 2015)
30.
How are the attitudes of the ironmaster and
his daughter different ? Support your answer
from the text.
(Delhi 2012)
25.
Why did the crofter repose confidence in the
peddler ? How did the peddler betray that
and with what consequences?
(Delhi 2015)
31.
How did the ironmaster react on seeing the
stranger lying close to the furnace ?
(AI 2012)
26.
Why did the ironmaster invite the peddler to
his home ? Why did the latter decline it?
(Foreign, 2015)
32.
The story, ‘The Rattrap’ focuses on human
loneliness and the need to bond with others.
Explain.
(Delhi 2010)
33.
Describe how the story, ‘The Rattrap’ shows
that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love.
(Delhi 2009)
34.
Give examples from the story, ‘The Rattrap’
to show how the ironmaster is different from
his daughter.
(Delhi 2009)
To be grateful is a great virtue of a gentleman.
How did the peddler show his gratitude to
Edla?
(AI 2015 C)
LA IV (10 marks)
There is a saying, ‘Kindness pays, rudeness
never’. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s
attitude towards men and matters is different
from her father’s attitude. How are the values
of concern and compassion brought out in
the story, ‘The Rattrap’?
(AI 2013)
C
op
29.
How did the peddler feel after robbing the
crofter? What course did he adopt and how
did he react to the new situation? What does
his reaction reveal?
(Delhi 2013)
35.
Compare and contrast the character of the
ironmaster with that of his daughter.
(Delhi 2008)
36.
Why did the ironmaster’s invitation to the
peddler to spend Christmas Eve with him
make him think that he was going to fall into
a trap?
(Delhi 2008)
37.
How did the peddler betray the confidence
reposed in him by the crofter in ‘The
Rattrap’?
(Delhi 2008)
yM
yK
28.
ita
27.
b
24.
Answers
1. The peddler handcrafted rattraps and sold
them to earn a living, besides begging and stealing.
His life was sad and monotonous; no one treated
him kindly. He often felt gloomy because of his
loneliness and at such times it gave him unwonted
joy to think that the world was a giant rattrap,
which lured and entrapped others in it by offering
temptations, just as a rattrap would offer treats
as bait. As he enjoyed thinking ill of the world, it
pleased him that he was free from the rattrap; the
temptations of the world could not ensnare him in
the trap.
2. Edla had a kind and sympathetic heart that
was pained by the plight of the poor peddler. She
pleaded with her father not to send him away
because first, it was Christmas and Edla wanted to
keep the spirit of Christmas alive and second, she
wanted the peddler to spend a day of comfort and
solace as a respite from his visual struggle.
3.
Refer to answer 1.
4. The peddler knocked on the cottage by
the roadside to ask for shelter for the night. The
crofter, who was a lonely man, treated him with
kindness. He not only offered the peddler shelter
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
him away without showing him any kindness.
13. The kind, understanding and generous
behaviour of Edla, the ironmaster’s daughter,
finally changed him.
14. Edla was happy to see the gift left by the
peddler because he had not let her down. She
realised that she had succeeded in bringing about
a transformation in the peddler. Seeing the thirty
kronors in the gift and the peddler asking for them
to be returned to the crofter, restored Edla’s faith
in the belief that all human beings are basically
good.
15. The peddler signed himself as Captain von
Stahle because even though Edla knew the peddler
was not really a captain, she treated him with
equal respect and kindness. He felt honoured that
the young woman made him feel important. Her
behaviour and action brought a transformation in
the peddler. He wanted to begin again as a man of
dignity, as Captain von Stahle.
16. Refer to answer 1.
17. The good natured crofter was a lonely man.
So, when the peddler knocked on his door, for
shelter the crofter welcomed him with open arms.
He served him porridge for supper and offered him
a big slice of tobacco for his pipe. He also played a
game of cards with the peddler till bedtime. This
hospitality was unexpected as people usually made
sour faces when the peddler asked for shelter.
18. The crofter showed the thirty kronors to the
peddler because the crofter felt proud of the cow
that gave him enough milk to support him. The
peddler was not convinced that the crofter could
possess so much money. The only way to convince
him was to show it to him. Besides, the crofter was
a lonely but trusting man, who was happy to share
his feelings generously.
19. The ironmaster saw the peddler in rags, sitting
close to the furnace. He mistook him for an old
acquaintance and expressed his joy on meeting him
after a long time. The ironmaster wanted to spend
the Christmas Eve with his old friend. Moreover,
seeing the man in dishevelled condition, the
ironmaster felt pity for him. Therefore, he spoke to
the peddler kindly and invited him to his home.
20. The blacksmith and his worker did not notice
the peddler entering the forge because it was dark
and they were busy doing their work. Besides,
C
op
yM
yK
in his cottage, he also gave him food, played cards
with him and shared tobacco.
5. When the ironmaster heard that the crofter
had been robbed by the peddler he said to his
daughter that the peddler must have stolen their
silver spoons and other valuables and left the
manor house.
6. As Christmas gift, the peddler left a package
for Edla Willmansson. It contained a rattrap, three
ten kronor notes and a letter. In the letter, the
peddler had expressed his regret for robbing the
crofter and his gratitude towards Ms. Willmansson
for treating him like a captain.
7. The peddler declined the ironmaster’s
invitation because he still had the thirty kronor
notes he had stolen from the crofter. He was afraid
that going to manor house would only mean
throwing oneself into the lion’s den voluntarily. All
he wanted was to catch some sleep in the forge and
later sneak out as quietly as possible.
8. The old crofter was a lonely man without wife
or child. He was generous and compassionate by
nature, always in search of a good company. When
the crofter saw the wearied peddler at his door, he
welcomed him into his house out of compassion.
By doing so, he also found a companion to do away
with his loneliness for the night. The crofter was
extremely generous at serving dinner and cutting
tobacco for his guest, the peddler, without once
thinking that he might be a thief.
..
9. The owner of Ramsjo iron mills was a very
prominent ironmaster, Mr. Willmansson. He
visited the mills at night to inspect that the work
was done well. It was a routine inspection.
10. The stranger thought that the ironmaster
might give him a couple of kronor taking pity on an
old known person. So, he didn’t tell the ironmaster
that he was not Nils Olof.
11. The crofter was suffering from loneliness
he had no one to talk to. That night, when the
peddler arrived at his door, the crofter found a
companion in him with whom he could have a
good conversation. This is why the crofter was so
talkative and friendly with the peddler.
12. The peddler was surprised because he did
not expect a hearty welcome when he knocked on
the cottage door let alone receive the crofter’s kind
hospitality. Usually, he met sour faces who turned
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
218
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
219
b
afraid to go to the manor house as he had stolen
money from the crofter. Although the ironmaster
leaves, he allows his daughter, Edla to bring the
peddler home. Edla seems more persuasive than
her father, being firm yet polite in her approach. She
comes with a fur coat for the peddler and assures
him that he is free to leave whenever he desires
after the Christmas celebration is over. Edla is not
conventionally beautiful. But she, with her polite
confidence, friendly and compassionate attitude is
able to win the peddler’s trust and persuade him
to accompany her to her house for the Christmas
celebration.
24. Refer to answer 23.
25. The crofter repose confidence in the peddler
because he lived alone in a cottage and wanted to
enjoy human company. He was generous, kind and
often felt lonely. Having found a likable companion
in the peddler, the crofter opened up to him and
talked about his work and his saving. Since the
peddler seemed incredulous, the crofter took the
leather pouch and without any inhibitions showed
him the thirty kronor notes. Being a petty thief and
always in need of money, peddler took advantage
of the crofter’s loneliness and planned to steal the
thirty kronor. It did not matter to him that by
stealing from the crofter, he would be betraying
his trust. Knowing where the old crofter kept his
money, the peddler returned when the crofter left
his house to milk his cow. He broke the window
pane, took the leather pouch, took the money and
absconded with it. At first, he felt quite pleased with
himself and had no guilt of conscience. However,
he soon realised the danger of being caught by the
police. He switched to the path, which ran through
the forest, became lost eventually. Tired, dejected
and unable to find his way, he felt trapped in the
rattrap of life just like others.
26. When the ironmaster of the iron mill came for
his routine visit the peddler, who was lying close to
furnace, caught his attention. Mistaking the peddler
for Nils Olof, a close acquaintance belonging to
the same regiment, the ironmaster, invited him to
spend Christmas Eve with him and his daughter.
Although the peddler did not disclose his real
identity to the ironmaster, he politely declined his
invitation. The ironmaster’s invitation made the
peddler think he was going to fall into a trap. After
stealing from the crofter, the peddler thought that
it would be safer to go through the jungle to avoid
yM
yK
there was a lot of noise in the forge due to iron
bar being hammered on the anvil and the heavy
storms outside.
21. At the crofter’s home, the peddler felt very
happy because it was for the first time someone
had welcomed him into one’s house. The lonely
crofter fed the peddler warm porridge, shared
tobacco with him, played cards and treated him
very nicely. The crofter shared his secrets with
peddler and even showed him where he kept his
money. The crofter gave him a comfortable bed to
sleep in.
22. Being ill-treated and rejected by the world, the
peddler derived pleasure from the thought that the
world was a huge rattrap; all its joys and comforts
were merely baits to entrap people. However, he
failed to realise that this view of life was true only
of himself and of no one else.
The peddler believed that as soon as one yielded
to the temptations being offered to one, it brought
one’s doom. His own actions proved this point.
For the peddler, the baits, which the world offered
were food, a comfortable place to sleep and above
all, money. Since he had neither of those, he
engaged in petty thefts and was in constant fear of
getting arrested. When the crofter welcomed the
peddler into his house, treated him with kindness
and made him his confidant, the peddler could
not help but give into these momentary pleasures.
Instead of expressing gratitude towards the old
and kind-hearted crofter, who felt comfortable
enough to show the peddler his thirty kroner, the
latter absconded with the former’s money. Later,
when the peddler got lost in the woods, tired and
hungry, the thought of the world being a rattrap
reoccurred to him. The only difference was that it
was he who was trapped this time, unable to find
an escape.
He felt caught in the worldly-rattrap once again
when the ironmaster threatened to inform the
sheriff about the peddler and his dishonest
behaviour. The peddler finally realised that all good
things in life were a bait used to entrap people and
nobody was spared.
23. The ironmaster, mistaking the peddler as an
old acquaintance, invites him to his house for the
Christmas celebration. He seems to be a sympathetic
person in the beginning, trying to persuade the
peddler as much as possible. However, the peddler
refuses to accept the invitation because he was
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Rattrap
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Terrified by the idea of getting arrested, the
peddler changed his course and adopted a route
going through the woods however, soon lost in his
way. It was then that the peddler became angry
with himself for getting tempted by the bait like
thirty kronor and caught in rattrap like others. The
reaction of the peddler highlights the predicament
of human nature. Temptations lead to evil, the
fruits of evil seem pleasant at first, but they deprive
man of his goodness and push him into doing
wrong things.
29. The peddler, who has never been treated
with kindness and compassion, first comes across
it when the lonely crofter welcomes him into his
house. Next, it is the ironmaster and his daughter
Edla, who are seen showing compassion towards
the weary peddler. Although, the ironmaster
expresses concern towards him only until he
realises that he has mistaken the peddler for an
old and close friend, Edla’s attitude towards men
and matters is different from her father’s attitude.
The ironmaster behaves rudely with the peddler
and questions him about his dishonest behaviour,
he even threatens to inform the sheriff about the
peddler’s actions as he does not want the vagabond
in his house anymore. However, Edla empathises
with the tired and dishevelled looking peddler. She
invites him to celebrate Christmas with them and
enjoy the Christmas feast. She is more persuasive
than her father; she seems firm yet polite in her
approach when she insists that he should stay
with them for as long as he wants. She asked him
to keep her father’s suit, which is given to him to
wear and invites him to come back next year for
Christmas. The peddler used to be someone with
a grudge against the world. However, compassion
and understanding shown by Edla transforms this
selfish thief into a man with conscience. He not only
returns the crofter’s money, but also leaves a letter
and a gift, a rattrap, for Edla. In the letter he thanks
Edla for treating him like a true gentleman, with
great honour and respect and assures her that he
shall change his old ways. This shows that kindness
pays, rudeness never. The peddler was not bad at
heart but only a victim of his circumstances.
30. The characters of Miss Edla Willmansson and
of the ironmaster are exactly opposite to each other.
In the beginning, the ironmaster seems to be a
sympathetic person when he mistakes the peddler
as his old friend from the regiment and tries to
C
op
yM
yK
getting caught. However, it was a cold and stormy
night; the peddler soon lost his way in the jungle.
Tired and dejected, the peddler had sneaked into
the iron mill for shelter. The crofter’s money was
still with the peddler. He thought that to go to
the manor house with the money would be like
throwing himself into the lion’s den. It occurred to
him that the world was a rattrap, offering him the
temptation of shelter just as the rattrap would offer
cheese and pork as bait.
27. The Rattrap is the story of a peddler who used
to earn his living by selling small rattraps of wire.
But, since his business was not profitable, he often
indulged in begging and stealing. He had a grudge
against the world because no one was ever kind
to him. He took pleasure in imagining others in
pain and misery as much as he was. This is why
he did not mind absconding with the old crofter’s
thirty kronors even though the crofter treated
him with kindness. However, Edla’s sympathetic
behaviour and understanding nature transformed
the thief into an honest man. Edla’s father wanted
the peddler out of his house immediately when
he came to know that he was not his old friend.
But Edla insisted that the peddler should spend
the Christmas Eve with them and stay for the
Christmas feast. She fed him, gave him clean
clothes to wear and a place to sleep for the night.
The peddler was not expecting to be treated with
so much respect, almost like a gentleman. Edla’s
humbleness and compassion won over the peddler
and brought about a change in him. He not only
left behind the thirty kronors notes to be returned
to the crofter, the peddler also left Edla a rattrap
as her Christmas gift. In the letter, the peddler
thanked Edla for her kindness and hospitality. He
signed the letter as Captain von Stahle because
Edla made her feel so honoured. The peddler’s
transformation proves that basic human goodness
can be brought out by understanding and love
28. Having robbed his lonely, generous host, the
peddler felt quite happy with his actions. He did not
feel any qualms of conscience that he had abused
the confidence reposed in him by the crofter. The
peddler thought only of his own.
He was walking along the public highway with the
thirty kronor in his pocket, feeling pleased with
himself. But soon he realised that the police would
be after him, waiting to arrest him for the robbery.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
220
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
221
b
affects his conscience to quite an extent. The old
crofter’s loneliness is clearly evident in the story. It
is because of his loneliness, he invites the peddler
into his house to spend the night. The peddler is
amazed by the old man’s hospitality and soon starts
to feel at home. The crofter too, finds a companion
in the peddler; and shares his food, tobacco and
some of his secrets as well.
The ironmaster and his daughter bring the
peddler home thinking he is an old friend. It
is Christmas Eve and they don’t want him to be
lonely on Christmas. So they ask him to stay for
the Christmas feast. Realising the peddler’s real
identity, the ironmaster threatens to inform the
sheriff and also asks him to leave. However, Edla
insists on him staying and treats him like a guest,
like the regimental officer as initially assumed
by her father. She offers him food, clothes and
shelter. Being treated so, it brings about a total
transformation in the peddler. He resolves to pull
himself up, to live a life of respect and dignity.
Ultimately, The Rattrap is a story focussing on
human loneliness and the need to bond with
others.
33. Refer to answer 27.
34. Refer to answer 30.
35. Refer to answer 30.
36. Refer to answer 26.
37. The old crofter was a lonely man without wife
or a child. He was generous and compassionate by
nature, always in search of a good company. When
the peddler came knocking on his door, the crofter
welcomed him into his house, fed him and shared
his tobacco. Having found a likable companion in
the peddler, the crofter opened up to him. Since
the peddler seemed incredulous, the crofter even
showed him his possession, the leather pouch
containing the thirty kronor notes. Next morning,
the peddler thanked and said goodbye to his kind
host and left only to come back once again half an
hour later, after the crofter had left the house to
milk his cow. The peddler did not try to enter the
house. Instead, he smashed the windowpanes, got
the pouch, took the money and thrust it into his
own pockets. Then, the peddler hung the leather
pouch at its exact place and smartly walked away
with the money. This is how the peddler betrayed
the confidence reposed in him by the crofter.
yM
yK
persuade him to join him for Christmas Eve. But,
his attitude changes when he comes to know that
the man is not his friend but someone else.
He even calls him dishonest and threatens to hand
him over to the sheriff. He does not want him in
his house; only on the insistence of his daughter,
Edla, he allows the peddler to stay. But he always
remains suspicious about him.
On the contrary, Miss Edla is calmer, more
affectionate and understanding. She intervenes to
stop her father from ill-treating the stranger and
plays the good host. She treats him as if in reality
he was a captain and gives him good clothes to
wear. She brings the transformation in him by
providing the comfortable and most congenial
environment. Being there, the peddler, who could
not change himself even with the warm hospitality
of the old crofter, her generosity and the sympathy
brings the change of heart in him.
31. On seeing the stranger lying close to the
furnace, the ironmaster went closer to him and
looked at him carefully. He removed his slouch hat
to get an even closer look at him. As the light was
low and due to the peddler’s unkempt appearance,
the ironmaster thought him to be Nils Olof, one
of his old regimental comrades. The ironmaster
was happy to see an ‘old friend’ so, he invited the
peddler to his home for Christmas celebration.
When the peddler declined his invitation, the
ironmaster insisted saying that the former was
more than welcome in his humble abode. The
ironmaster thought that his ‘old friend’ was
embarrassed about his current situation because
of which he did not want to come. The ironmaster
felt sorry for the man in rags so, he persisted trying
to bring him home with him. However, when the
peddler still refused to accept his invitation, the
ironmaster sent his daughter to persuade his ‘old
friend’.
32. The poorly dressed, starving peddler wanders
from place to place, making small rattraps, which
is a way to earn his living other than begging and
stealing. He has never been treated with kindness
because of which he has a grudge against world.
To imagine others ensnared in the giant rattrap
that the world is, gives the petty peddler a sense
of satisfaction. However when, first the crofter
and then Edla, show kindness towards him, it
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Rattrap
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
PROSE
5
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Indigo
– Louis Fischer
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louis Fischer (1896-1970) was a Jewish - American
journalist. This chapter ‘Indigo’ is an excerpt from
his book ‘Life of Mahatama Gandhi’ which was
the basis of academy award winning film ‘Gandhi’.
This story described Gandhi’s struggle for the poor
peasants of Champaran.
SUMMARY
The incident occurred in 1917 when Gandhiji
attended the Annual Convention of Indian
Congress in 1916. Approximately more than 2300
delegates and many visitors were present. A poor
skinny peasant Raj Kumar Shukla approached
Gandhiji. He requested Gandhiji to accompany
him to Champaran to solve the issues and misery
of the poor peasants living there. Raj Kumar Shukla
was one of the sharecroppers of Champaran, who
had come to appeal against the injustice of the
landlord system in Bihar. The peasant accompanied
Gandhi everywhere he went and unrelentingly
begged him to visit Champaran. In due course, his
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
223
determined to help the peasants. He gathered
few lawyers and went to Motihari, the capital
of Champaran. He carried on further with his
investigations.
Once, while investigating a case of a peasant
Gandhiji got the message to return. He was issued
a notice. Gandhiji wrote back that he would
disobey the order issued and would not go from
Champaran. As a result, he was asked to appear
before the court the next day.
Gandhiji immediately wired Rajendra Prasad to
reach Bihar with his influential friends and also
wired ashram and sent a detailed report to the
Viceroy. Next day, thousands of peasants gathered
outside the court. The sharecroppers took the
first initiative to be fearless. The court requested
Gandhiji to control the crowd and sought to
postpone the hearing to which Gandhiji objected.
Gandhiji protested against the delay. He read out a
statement that he disobeyed not to break law but to
render humanitarian and national service. He also
claimed to have no disrespect for law but greater
respect for law of conscience.
Gandhiji was asked to furnish bail in two hours to
which he refused. So, the court had to release him
without bail. The court reconvened and withheld
the judgement for several days and Gandhiji was
allowed to stay free. Prominent lawyers discussed
with Gandhiji what they would do if he was
sentenced for prison.
Eventually on Gandhiji’s arrest the lawyers went to
their native place. Gandhiji questioned them that
what would happen to the sharecroppers if they all
would return. After contemplating they decided if
Gandhiji, as a stranger, can go to the court they
should also get court arrested as they were the
residents of the nearby districts and knew the
case so well. This initiated the winning of battle of
Champaran. Several days later Gandhiji learnt that
the case against him was to be dropped.
Civil disobedience won for the first time in modern
India. Gandhiji and the lawyers prepared cases for
about ten thousand peasants and collected relevant
documents. The next few days saw a lot of activity
where the landlords at Champaran protested
violently.
yM
yK
determination impressed Gandhi and so he asked
the peasant to meet him in Calcutta.
At the decided time both of them boarded the
train to Patna. They first went to Rajendra Prasad’s
house, who was a lawyer and later became the first
President of India. The servants allowed them to
stay as Rajendra Prasad was not there. However,
the servants did not allow them to take out water
from the well as they thought Gandhiji and Raj
Kumar were untouchables.
Gandhiji stopped at Muzzafarpur to gather more
information on the sharecroppers of Champaran.
When Gandhiji and Raj Kumar Shukla arrived
at the station, they were received by Professor
J.B. Kriplani and his students. Gandhiji stayed at
Professor Malkani, a school teacher’s house. It was
a daring act by Professor Malkani as advocates
of homerule were considered unsafe for Indians.
When Gandhiji reached Muzzafarpur all the
sharecroppers gathered in to meet him. The lawyer
briefed him about the conditions. Gandhiji chided
the lawyers when he came to know they charged
high fees from the poor farmers. Gandhiji decided
to change the way things were done. His new plan
of action was to stop going to the law courts as the
fear-stricken farmers did not get much help from
there. The sharecroppers needed to be fearless.
Champaran district was divided into large estates
owned by Englishmen. The farmers were forced to
grow indigo on 15% of the land. Moreover, they had
no claim on the indigo harvest as the entire indigo
had to be given as rent. Meanwhile, because of the
German synthetic indigo, the value of the natural
indigo had gone down. The landlord exempted the
tenants from the 15% agreement only after a paid
compensation. The peasants realised that what
they were being asked to do was unjust. However,
many of them willingly signed. The ones who tried
to resist, engaged lawyers. When the farmers came
to know the real reason behind the exemption. The
ones who had signed, wanted their money back.
On his arrival, Gandhiji visited the secretary of
British Landlord’s Association. But no information
was provided to him. So, he went to the British
official commissioner of Tirhut division where
he was bullied and asked to leave. Gandhiji was
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Indigo
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
backwardness in the village of Champaran. He
sought volunteers for this work. Devdas- Gandhiji’s
youngest son, Kasturba- Gandhiji’s wife, taught the
ashram rules on personal cleanliness, community
sanitation and general hygiene since the health
conditions were really poor. Castor oil, quinine and
sulphur ointment were used for curing ailments.
Schools were opened in six different villages
and several of his disciples and family members
volunteered as teachers. Even though living away
from it, Gandhiji made regular enquiries about
the ashram, sending instructions and asking for
financial accounts.
Although what he did would have been an ordinary
case but the episode was a decisive movement of
his life. The politics was intricately linked with his
day to day life. He wanted Indians to stand on their
feet fearlessly. He also wanted people to become
self-reliant, one must not depend on others to win
over battles. Patience, perseverance and constant
efforts are sure to pay off one day.
C
op
yM
yK
Meanwhile, Gandhiji was summoned by Lt.
Governor, Sir Edward Gait. Gandhiji met his
associate and chalked out a detailed plan on civil
disobedience, in case he got arrested. Lt. Governor
appointed commission of inquiry after four
interviews with Gandhiji. The inquiry commission
consisted of landlords, government officials and
Gandhiji, who was the representative of peasants.
Numerous evidences were collected against the
landlords. Since they were left with no choice, the
landlords agreed to make the refund. Gandhiji was
asked to quote the amount. Gandhiji demanded
only 50% in contrary to the landlords expectations.
Landlords’ proposal of 25% was approved by
Gandhiji. Gandhiji later justified his stand. He told
the peasants that more than the refund amount
what mattered most was the surrender of prestige
by the landlords. The victory infused courage in
the peasants. Later, British landlords abandoned
the estates. This proved Gandhiji’s explanation.
Land was reverted to the peasants.
Gandhiji wanted to eradicate social and cultural
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
224
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Indigo
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
225
PREVIOUS
YEARS
MCQSQuestions
Previous Years’
CBSE
Board
16.
(2 marks)
1.
Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the
Champaran case to the court was useless?
(Delhi 2014)
2.
How did the Champaran peasants react
when they heard that a Mahatma had come
to help them?
(AI 2014 C)
18.
3.
What made the Lieutenant Governor drop
the case against Gandhiji?
(AI 2014 C)
19.
4.
How were Shukla and Gandhiji received in
Rajendra Prasad’s house?
(Delhi 2012)
20.
5.
Why did the servants think Gandhiji to be
another peasant?
(Delhi 2010)
6.
How was Gandhiji able to influence the
lawyers at Champaran?
(AI 2009)
7.
How did Gandhiji help the peasants of
Champaran?
(AI 2009)
22.
8.
How do we know that ordinary people too
contributed to the freedom movement ?
(Delhi 2008)
23.
ita
17.
How was Gandhi treated at Rajendra Prasad’s
house?
(AI 2015)
What were the terms of the indigo contract
between the British landlords and the Indian
peasants?
(AI 2015)
How did Gandhi show that he cared for
the cultural and social backwardness of
Champaran villagers?
(Foreign 2015)
How is Gandhi critical of the lawyers ?
(Foreign 2015)
Why did Gandhi tell the court that he was
involved in a ‘conflict of duties’ ?
(Foreign 2015)
Why is Raj Kumar Shukla described as being
‘resolute’ ?
(Delhi 2015 C)
b
SA I
yM
yK
21.
op
LA I
How did Shukla succeed in persuading
Gandhiji to visit Champaran? (Delhi 2008)
10.
Why did Raj Kumar Shukla want to take
Gandhiji to Champaran?
(Delhi 2008)
C
9.
Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews
helping him in Champaran? (Delhi 2016)
12.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of
mere 25 percent?
(Delhi 2016)
13.
At Champaran what did the British landlords
want from the sharecroppers?
(Foreign 2016)
14.
After initial reluctance why did the lawyers
tell Gandhiji that they were ready to follow
him into jail?
(Foreign 2016)
15.
How did Rajkumar Shukla establish that he
was resolute?
(AI 2015)
Why is Champaran episode considered to
be the beginning of the Indian struggle for
Independence?
(AI 2014)
Gandhiji’s was not a loyalty to abstractions;
it was a loyalty to living human beings.
Why did Gandhiji continue his stay in
Champaran even after indigo sharecropping
disappeared?
(AI 2014)
24.
Describe how according to Louis Fischer,
Gandhiji succeeded in his Champaran
campaign.
(Delhi 2014 C)
25.
Exploitation is a universal phenomenon.
The poor indigo farmers were exploited
by the British landlords to which Gandhiji
objected. Even after our independence we
find exploitation of unorganised labour.
What values do we learn from Gandhiji’s
campaign to counter the present day
problems of exploitation?
(Delhi 2013)
SA II (3 marks)
11.
(5 marks)
LA II (6 marks)
26.
What did Gandhiji do to remove the cultural
and social backwardness in the Champaran
villages?
(Delhi 2015 C)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
226
27.
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
How did a visit to Champaran become a
turning point in Gandhiji’s life? How does
this show Gandhi’s love and concern for the
common people of India?
(AI 2015 C)
29.
30.
LA IV (10 marks)
28.
Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25
per cent refund to the farmers? How did it
influence the peasant—landlord relationship
in Champaran?
(AI 2013)
31.
Give an account of Gandhiji’s efforts to secure
justice for the poor indigo sharecroppers of
Champaran.
(AI 2012)
Why did Raj Kumar Shukla invite Gandhiji
to Champaran ? How did Gandhiji solve the
problem of the indigo farmers ? (AI 2012)
Why do you think Gandhiji considered the
Champaran episode to be a turning-point in
his life?
(AI 2011)
Answers
Gandhiji is arrested. Seeing that Gandhiji, being
an outsider, was fighting for justice for the poor
farmers and was willing to go to jail too, the lawyers
felt ashamed. Later when lawyers suggested taking
help from Mr. C.F. Andrews, Gandhiji strictly
opposed the idea and encouraged them to be
self-reliant. In these ways and with his ideas and
action, Gandhiji was able to influence the lawyers
at Champaran.
2. When the peasants of Champaran heard that
a Mahatma had come to help them they came out
in large numbers and demonstrated around court
house demanding their leader to be set free.
7. Gandhiji went to Champaran to look into
the matter himself. He began by studying the
problems and getting the facts. He visited the
secretary of British Landlord’s Association and
met the British Official Commissioner of Tirhut
division. He consulted the laywers and chided
them for collecting fees from the sharecroppers.
He disobeyed the court order to leave Champaran
immediately. Gandhiji inspired the peasants, with
his talks and actions, to overcome their fear and
be self reliant. Gandhiji ensured the triumph of
civil disobedience. Eventually the British landlords
were obliged to refund 25% of the peasants money.
Within a few years the British landlords gave up
their estates.
yM
yK
ita
b
1. Gandhiji felt that taking the Champaran case
to the court was useless because according to him,
peasants were quite crushed and fear stricken.
Gandhiji felt that there was little hope of getting
justice as the case was against the British landlords.
Moreover, the lawyers were collecting big fees from
the poor peasants. He knew that the actual relief
for the peasants would come when they become
free from fear.
C
op
3. The Lt. Governor dropped the case against
Gandhiji because he was fighting a just cause
because of which he had the support of the
peasants and the local people. The authorities felt
powerless. Mr. Fischer writes, “Civil disobedience
had triumphed, the first time in modern India.”
4. Raj Kumar Shukla and Gandhiji were not well
received at Rajendra Prasad’s home. He was out of
town. The servants knew Shukla as the peasant who
pestered their master. Since Gandhiji accompanied
Shukla, the servants took him to be a peasant as
well. They allowed him to be on the grounds, but
he was not allowed to draw water from the well as
servants were unsure about Gandhiji’s caste. They
did not want drops from his bucket to pollute the
water in the well.
5.
Refer to answer 4.
6. Gandhiji chided the lawyers for charging fees
from the poor farmers. He even questioned them
asking who would help the poor peasants after
8. Raj Kumar Shukla, who was an ordinary
peasant, initiated Gandhiji’s fight in Champaran.
Later, thousands of people demonstrated around
the courtroom where Gandhiji was summoned
which made the Britishers feel challenged and
baffled. This is how we know that ordinary people
too contributed to the freedom movement.
9. Raj Kumar Shukla showed a great deal of
patience and perseverance. He accompanied
Gandhiji wherever he went. Gandhiji gave Shukla
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
an appointment and asked him to meet the
former in Calcutta on a specific date and time
several months later. When Gandhiji arrived in
Calcutta, he found Shukla waiting for him at the
station. Such determination and perseverance of
Shukla impressed Gandhiji, who agreed to visit
Champaran.
10. Raj Kumar Shukla wanted to take Gandhiji to
Champaran to help indigo sharecroppers in their
fight against the injustice of the landlord system in
Bihar.
11. Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews helping
him in Champaran because the Indians were
fighting an unequal fight. Therefore, support of an
Englishman would show weakness of heart of the
Indians. Gandhiji even wanted Indians to rely on
themselves and to be free of fear.
Ahmedabad ashram. Gandhiji asked Raj Kumar
Shukla to come and meet him on a fixed day in
Calcutta. But, the appointment day was several
months later. When Gandhiji arrived in Calcutta,
Raj Kumar Shukla was waiting for him on the
appointed day at the appointed spot.
16. Refer to answer 4.
17. Refer to answer 13.
18. Gandhiji genuinely cared for the cultural
and social backwardness of Champaran villagers.
Therefore, Gandhiji opened primary schools in
six villages and called for teachers to teach the
children. Kasturba and their son joined. He also
called doctors to look into health condition and
taught the villages about hygiene and personal
cleanliness.
19. Refer to answer 14.
20. Since Gandhiji was a law abiding citizen,
he did not want to go against the court’s orders.
Gandhiji did not want to set a bad example as a
law breaker on one hand and on the other wanted
to render humanitarian and national service to the
people. For this reason, Gandhiji told the court
that he was involved in a conflict of duties.
yM
yK
12. For Gandhiji the amount of the refund was
less important than the fact that the landlords had
been forced to return part of the money and with
it, part of their prestige too. It was also a lesson in
self-reliance for Indians. They learnt that they too
had rights and that Britishers were not above the
law. Hence, he agreed to settlement of 25 percent
refund to the farmers.
227
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Indigo
C
op
13. At Champaran, the British landlords initially
insisted that the Indian farmers plant 15% indigo
and surrender entire crop as rent. However, when
the Britishers learnt that Germany had developed
synthetic indigo and that it could affect the demand
and price of naturally grown indigo, they asked
farmers to pay compensation for release from 15%
agreement.
14. Gandhiji, who was an outsider, had come
to Champaran to help the peasants in their fight
against injustice. He was also willing to go to jail
for them. The lawyers, who were locals, who had
taken fees from the poor peasants, realised that
deserting fellow Indians, especially Gandhiji and
his cause, at this point would be shameful. This
is why, after initial reluctance, the lawyers told
Gandhiji that they were ready to follow him into
jail.
15. Raj Kumar Shukla came from Champaran to
Lucknow to speak to Gandhiji. He accompanied
Gandhiji everywhere even to Cawnpore and his
21. Raj Kumar Shukla is described as being
‘resolute’ because, in order to convince Gandhiji
to come to Champaran, Raj Kumar Shukla
accompanied him everywhere. He did not leave
Gandhiji’s side for weeks, begging him to come
to Champaran. He even followed Gandhiji to
his ashram in Ahmedabad. Impressed by his
perseverance, Gandhiji asked Raj Kumar Shukla to
meet him in Calcutta on a particular date and take
him from there. On the appointed date, Gandhiji
found him at the appointed spot waiting for him.
22. The Champaran episode is considered
to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for
Independence because it was for the first time
that Gandhiji introduced a non-violent resistance,
which came to be known as Satyagraha. It was a
long drawn out but patient and peaceful agitation
against the British. During this struggle, Gandhiji
decided to urge the departure of the Britishers for
the first time. Therefore, it was also a turning point
in Gandhiji’s life. The struggle did not begin as an
act of defiance, but it grew out of an attempt to
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
make the sufferings of the poor peasants less severe.
The farmers learnt courage to face their fears. They
learnt for the first time that they too had rights and
that self-raliance is the key to fight any battle. The
Champaran episode was the beginning of their
liberation from the fear of the Britishers and its
success, a triumph of the first civil disobedience
movement.
labourers, house maids or helpers at ‘dhabas’ who
are paid too little for the quantum of work done.
Gandhiji showed us the way to counter the
present day problems of exploitation. He helped
Champaran sharecroppers by infusing courage
and freedom from fears. He taught them to be
confident and self reliant which in turn enhanced
their self esteem.
By fighting against injustice by non-violent ways,
Gandhiji proved that if the cause is just, then one
must not fear anything, only rely on oneself. After
Gandhiji made the British landlords refund the
sharecroppers’ money, the Indians realised the
Englishmen, who acted as their lords were not
indispensible. Therefore, when the peasants came
together to demonstrate outside the courthouse
the British officials found themselves powerless.
In a violence-ridden world, he taught the
sharecroppers to move towards their goal in a
united and tolerant manner. As a result they won
their fight against injustice and became self-reliant.
These values helped them improve their quality
of life and bring relief to present day problems of
exploitation.
op
yM
yK
23. Unsatisfied with mere political and economic
solutions, Gandhiji wanted to bring about a change
in the social and cultural conditions of Champaran.
He wanted to make the peasants self-reliant. He
noticed the unhealthy living conditions and poor
sanitation in the village. He also realised the need
for literacy. Hence, he decided to continue his stay
in Champaran even after the disappearance of
indigo sharecropping. He opened up schools in six
different villages, and several of his disciples and
family members volunteered as teachers. His wife,
Kasturba, worked on the personal cleanliness and
community sanitation of the place. Gandhiji also
hired a doctor for the improvement of the health
conditions.
This proves that Gandhiji’s was not a loyalty to
abstractions; it was a loyalty to living human
beings. This also made him keen to eradicate social
and cultural backwardness of Champaran.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
228
C
24. Gandhiji’s campaign to provide justice to
the sharecroppers of Champaran was not an act
of defiance. Therefore, the methods he used to
win this battle were also non-violent. In order to
help the peasants, Gandhiji was even willing to
get arrested. He was asked to leave Champaran.
However, he refused. He met various high ranking
government officials, who could not help but agree
with his rational arguments. Seeing the efforts
put by Gandhiji to alleviate the distress of the
poor peasants even though he was a non-resident
of Champaran, he received full support of the
common man, his followers and other leaders. His
powerful words instilled moral courage in every
Indian; he asked fellow Indians to have courage,
be self-reliant and united. This is how, Gandhiji
eventually succeeded in his Champaran campaign.
25. Exploitation continues in unorganised
sectors, such as farm workers, construction site
26. The purpose of Gandhiji’s visit to Champaran
was to bring justice to the sharecroppers. During
their struggle, Gandhiji made the poor, illiterate
peasants realise that they too had rights. He
wanted them to become self-reliant and fight
for their rights. Gandhiji’s aim was to mould the
Indians in such a way that they could stand on
their own feet and make India free. He felt that
this was possible only if the cultural and social
backwardness in the Champaran villages is
removed. Therefore, after achieving victory for
the Champaran sharecroppers, Gandhiji stayed
on to alleviate their sufferings. He started schools
in six different villages and clinics. His disciples,
wife and sons and many others volunteered to
help him. Mrs. Gandhi taught the ashram rules on
personal cleanliness and community sanitation.
Health conditions were bad. So, Gandhiji and
his volunteer doctor took care of that as well by
providing the available medical aids.
27. Gandhiji’s fight against the injustice of the
landlord system in Bihar made people realise the
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
power of civil disobedience. They became selfreliant and gained courage to stand up against
injustice. With Gandhiji’s help and local support,
the peasants received 25% compensation out of
the full amount. This was a turning point for them,
Gandhiji and all those who were involved in the
struggle. It was the first time in India that natives
won against the British. Gandhiji was not a local
yet he fought for the rights of the poor peasants
of Champaran. Post victory, he even had his wife,
sons and medical representatives work for the
welfare of the farmers. This shows Gandhiji’s love
and concern for the common people of India.
prepared to go to prison for the sake of peasants.
Hearing that an outsider had come to help them,
who was now in tiff with authorities, thousands
of peasants came to Motihari and demonstrated
outside the court house. Seeing so much unrest
the British officials felt the fear of being challenged
by the Indians. Gandhiji inspired the peasants,
with his talks and actions, to overcome their fear
and be self reliant. Gandhiji ensured the triumph
of civil disobedience. He agreed to a 25% refund
to make the poor farmers realise that because of
their united efforts, the British landlords had no
other option than to lose their money as well as
their prestige and that was more important. The
peasants learned about courage from this incident
and that they too had rights. Within a few years
the British landlords gave up their estates. These
now went back to the peasants. Eventually, indigo
sharecropping disappeared.
29. Refer to answer 28.
C
op
yM
yK
28. Gandhiji received reports from Raj Kumar
Shukla about the Indian farmers being exploited
by British landlords. The farmers were forced to
grow indigo on 15% of the land that harvest was
treated as rent by the landlords.
When the news of German synthetic indigo
reached the landlords, they agreed to release the
sharecroppers but the latter were asked to pay
compensation to the landlords for their 15%
for their land. Raj Kumar Shukla was one of the
few peasants who wanted to complain about the
injustice of the landlord system in Bihar.
Gandhiji went to Champaran to look into the
matter himself. He began at Muzzafarpur by
studying the problems and getting the facts. He
met the other peasants and consulted the lawyers
who briefed him about the situation Gandhiji
chided them for collecting fees from the poor
sharecroppers. He said that going to the law court
was useless; peasants needed to be free from fear.
He visited the secretary of British Landlord’s
Association and also met the British Official
Commissioner of Tirhut Division. However, the
meetings were not fruitful. He along with few
lawyers went to Motithari to continue investigation.
He was on his way to meet a peasant, when the
police superintendent’s messenger asked him to
return to the town. On returning he served Gandhiji
with a notice to leave Champaran. He disobeyed
the court order to leave Champaran. As a result,
he was summoned to appear in the court; he was
229
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
Indigo
30. Refer to answer 9 and 28.
31. Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode
to be a turning point in his life perhaps because he
declared that the British could not order him in his
own country. It was for the first time that Gandhiji
introduced a non-violent resistance, which came
to be known as Satyagraha, against the Britishers.
During this struggle, Gandhiji decided to urge
the departure of the Britishers for the first time.
The Champaran episode grew out of an attempt
to alleviate the distress of large number of poor
peasants and farmers and became the first civil
disobedience movement led by Gandhiji. He, with
local support, convinced poor farmers that they
too had rights. When his lawyer friends suggested
that having Mr. Andrews around would prove to
be beneficial for them, Gandhiji told them taking
help from a Britisher only shows the weakness
in the hearts of the Indians. Gandhiji taught self
reliance to his fellow Indians. The Champaran
episode proved that if the cause was just there was
nothing to fear, not even the Britishers; the victory
was inevitable.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
PROSE
6
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Going Places
– A.R. Barton
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A. R. Barton is a modern writer, who lives in Zurich
and writes in English. He has authored many stories
like “Going Places” which are mainly concerned
with the problems and stages of adolescence.
SUMMARY
It is normal for teenagers to dream. They aspire to
reach the sky. They feel they can do the impossible.
They look upto someone as their role model. This
story is about a teenage girl, Sophie, who is a
dreamer. She wishes to have the first boutique in
the city. She has no money or means as she belongs
to a lower middle class family. Her friend Jansie is
a practical girl. She is aware of the realities of life.
Jansie advises her not to indulge in fantasy. Having
a boutique requires a lot of money.
However, Sophie thought she would become a
manager to have the money. She even dreamt of
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Sophie lives in a small house with her parents
and brothers, Geoff and little Derek. Though, she
voices her feelings and desires, her parents belittle
her, because they, unlike her, are more mature and
know the harsh realities of life.
The family goes to watch the football match.
Sophie, her father and Derek sit near the goal
and Geoff and his friends sit higher to watch the
match. Danny exhibits his Irish genius. Witnessing
the crowd’s adulation Danny, Sophie glowed with
pride.
Jansie comes to know about Sophie’s lie. She asks
Sophie about it. Sophie is shocked that Jansie knows
about her lie. She admits to Jansie that she met the
celebrity but Jansie refuses to believe her. Sophie
is happy that Geoff kept her secret and did not tell
about her date with Danny. Sophie tells Jansie that
it was all incidental. Sophie says as there was no
pen or paper, she could not get an autograph. Jansie
said she may trust Sophie and then leaves. Sophie
waits for Danny Casey at her favourite spot along
the canal as she thought it was a perfect place for a
date. She tries hard to maintain a balance between
her dream and reality and keeps on contemplating
on the prospect of Danny coming or not to meet
her. Her own thoughts make her sad.
yM
yK
Sophie has a fascination for her elder brother
Geoff, who in her opinion is tall, strong, handsome
but reserved. Geoff is an apprentice mechanic. She
envies his silence and often wonders about his
thoughts and areas of his life that is not known
to her. Sophie wants to meet interesting, exotic
people who she thinks are part of her brother’s
world. She wants her brother to introduce her to
those places and people. However, she knows her
father will not allow it. Moreover, Geoff thinks she
is too young; Sophie was impatient. She imagines
Geoff riding a bike wearing black leathers and she
sitting behind him in a yellow dress with a cape.
The whole world is applauding them.
week and give his autograph. Geoff says that it was
the most unlikely thing to happen.
b
becoming an actor or a fashion designer. Jansie
knows they have no other option but to work in
the biscuit factory.
231
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Going Places
C
op
Sophie tells Geoff of her meeting with Danny
Casey in the arcade. Geoff does not believe her. But
Sophie gives the description with such conviction,
describing Danny’s physical appearance. Geoff tells
the same to their father who waves off the story
and discusses Danny’s skill as a player. Her father
warns Sophie that cooking up such stories may
land her up in some trouble. But Sophie does not
give up. She describes it to be a chance encounter at
the Royce’s. She asked Danny for an autograph and
neither of them had a paper or pen, they discussed
clothes and Danny promised her to meet the next
Sophie is frightened what will she go and tell
her family about Danny not coming to meet her,
especially to Geoff. She is unable to accept the
reality. Though she feels sad and miserable she
does not want to give up on her dream.
Sophie once again dreams of meeting Danny at
Royce and asking for his autograph. She dreams of
discussing his popularity with her family. She fails
to come out of her fantasy and is overwhelmed by
the memory of the match as this was the only time
when she saw Danny Casey in reality.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
232
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARS MCQS
Previous
Years’
CBSE Board Questions
2.
Why did Sophie long for her brother’s
affection?
(AI 2014)
How are Jansie and Sophie different from
each other ?
(Delhi 2014 C)
3.
Why is Sophie attracted to Danny Casey ?
(Delhi 2014 C)
4.
Why did Sophie like her brother, Geoff more
than any other person?
(Delhi 2013)
Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff ’s silence?
(AI 2013)
6.
Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know
anything about her meeting with Danny
Casey?
(AI 2012)
7.
Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know
about her story with Danny?
(Delhi 2011)
8.
Did Geoff keep his promise to Sophie ? How
do you know ?
(Delhi 2011)
9.
How did Sophie’s father react when Geoff
told him about her meeting with Danny
Casey?
(Delhi 2011)
10.
What thoughts came to Sophie’s mind as she
sat by the canal?
(AI 2011)
11.
Which was the only occasion when Sophie
got to see Danny Casey in person?
(AI 2011)
12.
SA II (3 marks)
15.
Sophie was dreaming of so many thing in
her life. What were they?
(Delhi 2017)
LA I
16.
(5 marks)
Has Sophie met Danny Casey? What details
of her meeting with Danny Casey did she
narrate to her brother?
(Delhi 2014)
What were Sophie’s plans for her future?
Why would you call her dreams unrealistic?
(Delhi 2014)
C
op
yM
yK
5.
14.
“Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing not
a Jansie thing.” Why did Sophie say so?
(Delhi 2010)
What did Sophie tell Geoff about her meeting
with Danny Casey?
(AI 2010)
b
1.
13.
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from
entertaining thoughts about the sports-star,
Danny Casey?
(AI 2011)
17.
LA II (6 marks)
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Teachers always advise their students to
dream big. Yet, the same teachers in your
classrooms find fault with Sophie when
she dreams. What is wrong with Sophie’s
dreams?
(Delhi 2016)
Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire.
So many times they become role models for
them. What is wrong if Sophie fantasises
about Danny Casey and is ambitious in life?
(AI 2016)
Given the socio-economic conditions in
which Sophie lived should she have big
dreams? Why? Why not?
(Foreign 2016)
How different is Jansie from Sophie?
(AI 2015)
It is not unusual for a lower middle class girl
to dream big. How unrealistic were Sophie’s
dreams?
(AI 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
23.
It is normal for adolescents to fantasise and
indulge in hero worship. How far is it true of
Sophie?
(Foreign 2015)
24.
Sophie lives in a world full of dreams,
which she does not know she cannot realise.
Comment.
(AI 2015)
LA IV (10 marks)
25.
233
26.
Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a
woman who lives in her dreams.
(Delhi 2012)
27.
Draw a character sketch of Sophie’s father.
(Delhi 2012)
28.
Contrast Sophie’s real world with her
fantasies.
(Delhi 2009)
29.
Jansie is just as old as Sophie but she is very
different from her. Bring out the contrast
between the two friends citing relevant
instances from the story ‘Going Places’.
(AI 2009)
Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie
highlighting their temperament and
aspirations.
(Delhi 2012)
ita
Answers
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Going Places
6. Sophie did not want Jansie to know anything
about her meeting with Danny Casey because
Jansie was a gossip monger. She took interest in
knowing things about others, but would not keep
any secret. Sophie feared that Jansie would tell
the whole neighbourhood about this and Sophie’s
fantasy would be exposed.
2. While Jansie is practical, Sophie is a day
dreamer. Jansie, is a realistic and grounded girl.
Sophie on the other hand wants to escape her
reality and yearns to be free.
8. No, Geoff did not keep his promise to
Sophie.
The moment he learnt that Sophie met Danny
Casey, he told his father about it. Later, Jansie
confronted Sophie saying that Geoff told her
brother, Frank, about Sophie meeting Danny and
Frank in turn gave her this information.
C
op
yM
yK
1. Geoff was an introvert and Sophie envied her
brother’s silence as she thought that he had access
to a world that she had never got a chance to visit.
She sought her brother’s affection and approval
because Geoff was not critical and disapproving of
her like her father. To her, Geoff ’s world symbolised
freedom and adventure, which Sophie craved for a
lot. She, to some extent hero-worshipped Geoff.
3. Sophie is attracted to Danny Casey because he
is a famous young Irish football player, who played
for the United. Sophie’s attraction for the sports
star can be seen as hero-worship by the adolescent
girl.
4.
Refer to answer 1.
5. Geoff was an introvert by nature. Sophie was
jealous of his silence because when he was not
speaking, it seemed to Sophie that he was away
somewhere, in his own world, the places Sophie
had never been to, the people whom she had not
met. The mystery of the world to which Geoff
belonged fascinated her quite a lot. She wished to
be admitted into his world because it symbolised
freedom and adventure and she craved for both.
7.
Refer to answer 6.
9. When Geoff told their father about Sophie’s
meeting with Danny Casey, their father neither
believed him nor her. He is aware of Sophie’s habit
of lying and indulging in fantasy. He dismisses
the information, by calling it another of her ‘wild
stories’.
10. As Sophie sat by the canal, she felt that this
would be the perfect place for her date with Danny
Casey. She thought that when she would meet
him here, it would be so romantic. However, the
realisation that such a thing is impossible saddened
her.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
11. The only occasion when Sophie got to see
Danny Casey in person was on Saturday when
she, her father and two brothers went to watch the
United play at the stadium.
12. Jansie discouraged Sophie from entertaining
thoughts about Danny Casey because she knew
it was not worth anything; nothing was going to
materialise out of it.
13. Sophie said so because she was angry at Geoff
for giving away the secret, which he was supposed
to keep to himself and not disclose to anyone. She
had told Geoff of her imaginary meeting with
Danny Casey. She knew he would easily believe her
and not say anything to anybody. Besides, Sophie
was also upset on being confronted by Jansie, who,
according to Sophie, was extremely nosey.
when he spoke, he spoke in an Irish accent. Sophie
said that she wanted his autograph for little Derek,
but couldn’t get it because neither of them had a
paper or a pen. She especially mentioned that
Danny Casey did not have any girlfriend and that
he asked her to meet him the following week and
promised to give her an autograph.
17. Sophie wanted her future to be sophisticated
and comfortable. She did not see herself working
at the biscuit factory for the rest of her life. Instead,
she wanted to have a boutique after leaving school.
However, realising that it costs money to own a
boutique, she changed her mind and decided to
become a shop manager first to earn enough money
for the boutique. Alternatively, she considered
becoming an actress because, as a profession, it
pays well. She changed her mind yet again and
revealed that she would be an actress and run a
boutique side by side. Her dreams can be called
unrealistic because, she came from a poor family
who could not provide all the resources needed
to fulfil her fantasies. Moreover, Sophie wanted to
escape her reality with the help of such dreams and
fantasies, but not work hard to make them come
true.
op
yM
yK
14. About her meeting with Danny Casey, Sophie
told Geoff that she met him in the arcade while
she was looking at the clothes in Royce’s window.
Then, she described Danny’s looks to Geoff, saying
Danny had gentle green eyes and he was not as tall
as one would think. Later, she went on to narrate
her conversation with Danny, which apparently,
she started. She said she asked Danny for an
autograph for little Derek. However, she could
not get one because neither of them were carrying
paper and pen. Sophie then told Geoff that Danny
had promised to meet her next week to give her
the autograph.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
234
C
15. Sophie dreamt of owing a boutique. But, that
would require money. Therefore, Sophie thought
of becoming a manager straight off. Then, she
considered becoming an actress as it paid good
money. She was going to be either that or a fashion
designer. Eventually, once she acquired enough
money, she would buy a boutique.
16. No, Sophie has not met Danny Casey in
person, but has seen him play football matches in
the stadium with her father and brothers. When
she lied to Geoff about meeting Danny Casey in
person, she narrated that she had met him in the
arcade. She was looking at the clothes in Royce’s
window, when she spotted him standing beside
her. She described his physical appearance saying
that Danny Casey had gentle, green eyes and that
he was not very tall. He was quiet by nature but
18. Although, it is not wrong to have dreams
and aspirations for the future, one may find fault
with Sophie when she dreams. She belongs to a
weak socio-economic background and to escape
from the boring, working class existence she often
fantasies of a grand and promising future with
less hardship and money constraints. Given to her
adolescent age, she is fickle minded as she aspires
to be a boutique owner, a manager, an actress or a
fashion designer when she grows up. However, she
does not take concrete steps to convert any of her
aspirations into reality. Sophie feels that a far better
world, full of mysteries, awaits to be explored by
her. Since her circumstances do not support her,
one might also feel that her dreams are not based
on reality. Sophie likes her world of fantasy more
than the real world and wants to remain in it all the
time, that is what is wrong.
19. Every teenager has a hero or an idol to
admire. So, many times they become role models
for them. Sophie is one such teenager filled with
boundless enthusiasm and ambitions. She wants
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
20. Refer to answer 18.
C
op
yM
yK
21. Sophie and Jansie are classmates and friends.
They belong to lower middle class families. Jansie
thinks that they both are earmarked for biscuit
factory. While Jansie seems to have no unrealistic
dreams, her friend, Sophie, is a daydreamer. She
wants to own a boutique when she grows up.
Jansie, who is practical and a realistic person,
reminds Sophie that it takes a lot of money to own
a boutique. Sophie, on the other hand, is fickle
minded. She says that she will get a high paying job
of a manager or become an actress because they get
paid a lot. Sophie shares her dream of becoming
an actress/designer/boutique owner with her
friend Jansie, which only saddens her. A worldlywise Jansie warns Sophie against such far-fetched
and unachievable dreams and is content with her
reality, whereas Sophie wants to escape hers and
find contentment outside, in a world, which is
full of mystery and adventure. Sophie’s adolescent
fantasising about having a grand and promising
future and hero-worship of Danny Casey stands
in total contrast to Jansie’s groundedness and
practical temperament.
Sophie loves Geoff the most in the family to the
extent that she worships him and longs for his
affection. Geoff is an introvert, he does not talk
to her much and keeps himself busy with his
bike. Sophie thinks that when Geoff is silent, he
is far away somewhere in the mysterious world he
belongs to. She too wants to be a part of Geoff ’s
mystery world. She imagines herself riding behind
him, wearing a yellow dress hearing the sound
of people applauding for them. She wants him
to think of her as an adult; it matters to her what
Geoff thinks. However Geoff considers Sophie too
young.
Her hero-worship for Danny Casey develops
into a romantic fantasy, which she cherishes and
starts to think as real. She lies about meeting him
in person at the arcade. Her detailed description
of the way he looks, his mannerisms, etc., makes
her lie believable to her brother Geoff and her
best friend Jansie. Sophie tells Geoff that Danny
has asked her to meet him again and insist that
he would certainly come, even though Geoff half
believes it. Later on the day Sophie is supposed to
meet Danny the second time, she imagines him
coming and how she would react. Reality hits her
hard once again when Danny does not come and
it saddens Sophie. The fact is, she and Danny had
never met in reality. Sophie had only seen him
once playing at the stadium.
b
to lead a sophisticated life. However, she is not a
headstrong girl, who is determined to do things
her own way and work hard to pursue her dreams.
Instead, she appears to be fickle minded changing
her aspirations without giving them much thought.
She might even appear unrealistic and impractical
on some instances because she prefers her world
of fantasy over her reality. Her family is poor and
cannot provide all the needed resources to fulfil
her fantasises. Her hero-worship is limited to her
infatuation with Danny Casey. She fantasises and
lies about their somewhat romantic meeting rather
than drawing inspiration from his dedication and
hard work to achieve his dreams.
235
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Going Places
22. Refer to answer 18.
23. It is normal for adolescents to fantasise and
indulge in hero-worship. Same is the case with the
protagonist of the story, ‘Going Places’, Sophie.
Sophie is someone, who looks for an escape from
her harsh reality in her fantasies. In the story, one
can see Sophie idolising two individuals. One is of
course Danny Casey, the Irish, star football player
and the other one is Geoff, her older brother.
24. Sophie is a girl still in her adolescense. She
comes from a lower middle class family, but is full of
dreams. She is an escapist, who is not satisfied with
the reality of her life. Sophie is not ready to accept
what life has to offer her. This is why she fantasises
of a different life, which would be more exciting.
Her best friend Jansie believes that Sophie and
she are ear-marked for biscuit factory. However,
Sophie dreams of becoming a fashion designer
or opening a boutique even though it may not be
achievable because of her financial constraints.
Sophie’s hero-worship for Danny Casey causes her
to make up stories and lie to her loved ones. There
is no limit of her imaginations. She fantasises about
her dream date with Danny even though she has
never once met him in person. She eagerly waits
for Danny to come and meet her by the canal, but
for apparent reasons, he does not. It is she who
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
gets disappointed in the end. Therefore, this proves
that Sophie lives in a world full of dreams which
she does not know she cannot realise.
25. Refer to answer 21.
vest, hogging shepherd’s pie. He was not able to
provide much for his family because of which
the family always had to face money constraints
and hardships. He is a practical man, who does
not entertain his daughter’s fantasies. He does
not believe Sophie when she says that she has met
Danny Casey. He dismisses her by calling it one
of her ‘wild stories’. He wants Sophie to be a hard
working and worldly-wise girl. He himself is an
ardent fan of football and pays a weekly visit to the
stadium to watch the game.
28. Sophie is a school going girl who belongs to a
poor family. She lives in a very small, untidy house
with her parents and two brothers. She is fickle
minded and lives in her own fantasy world. Sophie’s
reality is too harsh for her to accept. No one supports
her big dreams and considers her impractical. Her
friend Jansie thinks they are earmarked for biscuit
factory. All these reasons cause Sophie to escape
her reality as much as possible and take refuge in
her own fantasy world. Her fantasising does not
end at owning a boutique after completing school
or becoming an actress or a fashion designer. She
fantasises about being a part of her elder brother
Geoff ’s exotic world. She imagines herself riding
behind him and there is a sound of applaud as the
world greets them. However, in reality, Geoff does
not talk much and considers Sophie immature.
Sophie romantically fantasises about meeting
Danny Casey and lies about it to her favourite
brother and best friend. To her, all of this is real.
Once again, she imagines Danny coming to meet
her at the canal, she imagines her excitement on
seeing him. She becomes sad and feels let down
when Danny Casey does not ‘show up’ to give his
autograph ‘as promised’. The fact is, she has had
never met Danny Casey before she went to see him
play at the stadium.
C
op
yM
yK
26. The character of Sophie appears to be a girl
who lives in her dreams. She belongs to a weak
socio-economic background and to escape from
the boring, working class existence, she often
fantasises of a grand and promising future. She
wants her future to have less hardships and money
constraints.
Given her adolescent age, she is fickle minded.
When she grows up, she aspires to be a boutique
owner or a manager, or an actress, who is also
a fashion designer, who also runs a boutique.
However, she does not take concrete steps to
convert any of her aspiration into reality. Of all her
family members, Sophie admires her brother Geoff
the most. She idealises him and at the same time is
jealous of him, because he speaks less to Sophie, he
seems full of mystery. She wants to be a part of her
brother’s mysterious world because it symbolises
freedom and adventure, both of which fascinate
her immensely. She thinks that she is tailor made
for such a world. Also, a part of her dream world
is Danny Casey, an Irish footballer. Sophie has
watched him play only once and develops a crush
on him. Her hero-worship towards Danny Casey
is so intense that she fantasises meeting him. She
romanticises it and later feels disappointed when
her fantasy does not come true. Therefore, it is
suffice to say that Sophie is one incurable dreamer
who lives in denial. Throughout the story, she has
never once thought practically or come out of her
dream world.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
236
27. Sophie’s father belonged to lower middle
class. Nevertheless, he was like any other father. He
was a hard working man with a realistic approach
towards life. He came across as an overweight,
dishevelled man, wearing his dirty and sweaty
29. Refer to answer 21.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
POETRY
1
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
My Mother at Sixty-six
– Kamala Das
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE POET
Kamala Das (31 March 1934-31 May 2009) was an
Indian English poet and at the same time a leading
Malayalam author from Kerala, India. Kamala Das
received many awards for her literary contributions
like ‘Asian Poetry Prize’, ‘Kent Award for English
Writing from Asian Countries’ and many more.
SUMMARY
The poet recalls a trip back to Cochin from her
holiday at her parents’ house. It was a Friday
morning and that morning she was driving with
her mother next to her on the front seat. She was
observing her mother who had fallen asleep on
the front seat with her mouth slightly open. She
could see her mother’s face which was pale and
resembled to the nearly white face of a dead body.
She realises that her mother is no longer younger
and she has started looking very old. This became
very hard for her to accept so, she was determined
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
238
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
mother and saw her old mother. Again her mind
was filled with the same thoughts. She could see
her mother appeared extremely pale and lacking
vigor. The poet compared her mother’s face with
the winter’s moon which is slightly faded on
winter’s night. She recalled her childhood fear of
losing her mother one day, that her mother would
die. This fear afflicted her many times before and
again this thought was tormenting her. However,
she did not let that fear show itself on her face.
She smiled and waved a goodbye to her mother.
She gave the assurance that they would soon meet
again and throughout the conversation she put a
brave face even though she was agonised within.
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
to shift her focus to something else. So, she turned
her face away from her aged mother and started
looking outside the window of the car. She started
looking at the trees they crossed while driving.
It seemed to her that the trees were running at
full speed past her because of the moving car. It
seemed that those trees would have been young if
they could move at such a fast pace. She also saw
children coming out of their house with their face
gleaming with excitement. After crossing these
sights they reached airport. Till now, her mind was
busy and distracted due to those sights. But now,
when they were going through the security check,
she was standing a short distance away from her
CBSE Champion English Core
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
My Mother at Sixty-six
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
239
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
(b) What was the poet’s childhood fear?
How does Kamala Das try to put away the
thoughts of her aging mother? (Delhi 2014)
2.
What was the poet’s childhood fear?
(AI 2014)
3.
Why has the poet’s mother been compared to
the ‘late winter’s moon’?
(Delhi 2013)
4.
Why are the young trees described as
‘sprinting’?
(Delhi 2012)
5.
What were the poet’s feelings at the
airport? How did she hide them? (AI 2012)
6.
What were Kamala Das’ fears as a child?
Why do they surface when she is going to the
airport?
(AI 2011)
Why are the young trees described as
‘sprinting’?
(Delhi 2010)
8.
What is the significance of the parting words
of the poet and her smile, in ‘My Mother at
Sixty-six’?
(AI 2010)
SA II
(3 marks)
op
7.
Why are the youngsters described as
springing?
(Delhi 2017)
C
9.
(c) What do the first two lines tell us about
the poet’s feelings for her mother?
(d) What does the repeated use of the word,
‘smile’ mean?
(Delhi 2016)
12. I saw my mother
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain ……
(a) Who is ‘I’?
(b) What did ‘I’ realise with pain?
yM
yK
1.
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
(c) Why was the realisation painful?
(d) Identify and name the figure of speech
used in these lines.
(AI 2016)
13. I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain
10. What were the poet’s feelings as she drove to
Cochin airport?
(Delhi 2015 C)
that she was as old as she
SA III (4 marks)
put that thought away, ....
Read the extracts given below and answer the
questions that follow :
11. Old
Familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile... ... ...
(a) What does the phrase, ‘familiar ache’
mean?
looked but soon
(a) What worried the poet when she looked
at her mother?
(b) Why was there pain in her realisation ?
(c) Why did she put that thought away ?
(d) Identify the figure of speech used in
these lines.
(Delhi 2015)
14. looked out at young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s
security, I looked again at her, wan, pale
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
16. ... ... ... ... and felt that old
out of their homes,...
(a) What thought did the poet drive away
from her mind?
(b) What did she see when she looked out of
the car?
(c) What did she see that the joyful scene
did not help her drive away the painful
thought from her mind? (Delhi 2014 C)
19. ……… but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes,
(a) Which thought did the poet put away?
(b) What do the ‘sprinting trees’ signify?
yM
yK
15. I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
... ... ...
(a) Who is ‘her’?
(b) Why did the poet look at ‘her’ again?
(c) What was the poet’s childhood fear?
(d) Identify the figure of speech used in
these lines.
(Foreign 2015)
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
b
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, ... ... ...
(a) How can the trees sprint?
(b) Why did the poet look at her mother again?
(c) What did she observe?
(d) Identify the figure of speech used in
these lines.
(AI 2015)
ita
240
(c) What are ‘the merry children spilling
out of their homes’, symbolic of?
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma
C
op
All I did was smile and smile and smile...
(a) Name the poem.
(b) What was the poet’s childhood fear?
(c) What does her smile signify?
(d) What does the word ‘ache mean’.
(AI 2015 C)
17. Driving from my parent’s
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother, beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with pain
that she was as old as she looked...
(a) Where was the poet driving to?
(b) Why was her mother’s face looking like
that of a corpse?
(c) What did the poet notice about her
(AI 2013)
mother?
18. ... but soon
put that thought away, and
(Delhi 2011)
20. ...and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile...
(a) What was the childhood fear that now
troubled the poet?
(b) What do the poet’s parting words
suggest?
(c) Why did the poet smile and smile?
(Delhi 2009)
21. ……… but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes.
(a) Who looked out at young trees?
(b) Which thought did she put away?
(c) What do young sprinting trees signify?
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
(Delhi 2008)
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
My Mother at Sixty-six
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
241
Answers
1. Troubled by the thoughts of her aging mother,
Kamala Das tries to distract herself by not looking
at her mother’s old, ashen face. Instead, she looks
out of the car window at young trees sprinting and
happy children running out of the their homes.
9. The youngsters in the poem, ‘My Mother
at Sixty-six’ are described as springing because
they are symbolic of youth, liveliness and joy. In
contrast to the poet’s frail and aging mother the
children appear to be young and spirited.
2. Poet Kamala Das, in her poem, ‘My Mother
at Sixty-six’ says that since childhood, she feared
separation from her mother. The thought of losing
her mother has been making her uncomfortable
ever since she was a little girl.
10. As she drove to Cochin airport, the thought
that her mother looked old and withered, disturbed
the poet. Her childhood fears haunted her again.
b
yM
yK
4. The poet is in a car on her way to the Cochin
airport. She looks outside from the moving car and
feels the young trees seem to be running along with
them. By describing the young trees as ‘sprinting’
the poet wants to show a striking contrast between
their liveliness and her mother’s fading youth.
ita
3. The poet’s mother looks pale and worn out,
devoid of the energy and enthusiasm of youth. In
the twilight of her life, she appears as lackluster as
the winter moon.
11. (a) The pain that her mother was growing old
and the fear of separation.
(b) The poet’s childhood fear was that of her
mother growing old and final separation.
(c) The poet loves her mother a lot and she feared
losing her.
(d) The word ‘smile’ was repeatedly used as the
poet hid her feeling from her mother by smiling
and reassuring herself.
C
op
5. At the airport, the poet feels worried about
her aging mother. She is anxious that soon she
is going to lose her mother; final separation (by
death) from her mother scared her.
To hide her fear and anxiety, she smiles and calls
out ‘see you soon Amma’. A cheerful farewell
allows her not to show her pain.
6. As a child, Kamala Das feared losing her
mother.
When she is going to the airport, the fear resurfaces
while she gazes at her mother. She realises that
her mother is growing old and frail and nearing
death.
7. The young trees are described as ‘sprinting’
because the poet wants to show a contrast between
the young trees and her old mother.
8. The poet’s parting words of assurance and her
smile are a deliberate attempt to hide her anxiety
and fear of loss and separation. Alternatively, they
are also significant because they reflect poet’s hope
to see her mother again, reassuring her mother at
the same time.
12. (a) ‘I’ in the above extract is the poet narrating
the incident from a daughter’s point of view.
(b) The poet realised with pain that her mother is
nearing old age.
(c) The poet is pained by the realisation because
her mother now looked as old as she was, her
bodily infirmities that have come, show that she
was approaching her death and it was a hard fact
to accept for the poet.
(d) The figure of speech used is simile and the line
is, ‘ashen like that of a corps’.
13. (a) The poet was worried about her mother’s
advancing age and she feared final separation from
her mother.
(b) There was pain in the poet’s realisation
because her mother now looked as old as she was,
her bodily infirmities that comes with old age were
visible on her face. The poet was having a hard time
accepting the thought of finally losing her mother.
(c) The poet put that thought away because she
was going away from her mother and the thought
of separation was too painful for her to bear. The
realisation that old age was quickly approaching
her mother filled her mind with unpleasant
thoughts about losing her, which saddened and
scared her deeply.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(d) The figure of speech used is a simile- “Like that
of a corpse”.
14. (a) The trees seem to sprint because as the
car moves ahead, the movement of the trees is
backward.
(b) The poet’s feeling of anxiety and fear for
her mother’s health made her look again at her
mother.
(c) She observed her mother’s pale appearance,
resembling the late winter moon.
(d) Simile – Pale as a late winter’s moon
15. (a) ‘Her’ is poet’s mother.
(b) The poet looked at her mother again due to
anxiety and worry.
(c) The poet’s childhood fear was that of losing
her mother, the pain of ultimate separation.
(d) Simile – pale as a late winter’s moon.
(b) When the poet looked out of car, she saw
sprinting trees, happy children coming out of their
homes to enjoy themselves.
(c) The poet looked at her mother’s face once
again and experienced the old familiar ache, the
childhood fear of losing her mother. She gazed at
her mother’s pale appearance the joyful scene did
not help her drive away the painful thoughts from
her mind.
19. (a) The poet put away the thought of her aging
mother and her gradual declining health. It pained
her to think about losing her mother to death soon
and the invertible final separation.
(b) ‘Sprinting trees’ signify energy, youth and
activity. The poet wants to contrast young trees
with her old mother.
(c) The merry children spilling out of their homes’
is symbolic of happiness, energy and playfulness. It
can also be symbolic of poet’s sad thoughts being
contrasted with ‘merry children’.
yM
yK
16. (a) The name of the poem is ‘My Mother at
Sixty-six’.
(b) Since childhood, the poet feared her ultimate
separation from her mother.
(c) She smiles in order to hide her true feelings,
fear and anxiety.
(d) The word ache means pain.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
242
C
op
17. (a) The poet was driving from her parents’
home to the Cochin airport.
(b) Her mother’s face was looking like that of a
corpse because she had aged quite a lot, was weak
and had lost her youthful energy and enthusiasm.
(c) The poet noticed that her mother was sleeping
with her mouth open, her face had become ashen,
lacking the youthful glow. This made the poet
realise that her mother was “as old as she looked”.
18. (a) The poet drove away from her mind the
thought of her mother’s impending death.
20. (a) Since her childhood the poet feared that
one day she would lose her mother. Now, looking
at her aging mother’s ashen face and fragile body
the old fear came back to trouble her.
(b) The poet’s parting words suggest that she hopes
to see her mother again even though she fears she
might lose her sooner than later.
(c) The poet smiled and smiled because it was a
deliberate attempt to hide her fear and anxiety of
loss and separation from her mother.
21. (a) The poet looked out at the young trees.
(b) She put away the sad thought of her mother’s
impending death.
(c) The young sprinting trees signify youthfulness,
energy and life.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum
POETRY
2
– Stephen Spender
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE POET
Stephen Spender (1909-1995) was an English poet,
novelist and essayist who concentrated on themes
of social injustice and political discriminations,
especially the class struggle in his work. His poems
were often inspired by social protest.
SUMMARY
The poem describes an elementary school in a slum.
The children studying look pathetic. The children
studying in the class are far away from the world
which is filled with happiness, has bounties of nature
and is filled with brighter aspects of life. The bodies
of these children are withered and worn out like
uprooted weeds. Their hair is unkempt and their
faces are pale which clearly indicate their deprived
and under-nourished condition. These children are
stressed by the burden of their circumstances. They
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
244
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
but all this is unreal for these children. He feels
that it has a corrupting influence on these children
and instigate them to steal and evade from their
cramped hole. Their existence is indeed, very sad.
These emaciated children are so thin that it gives an
appearance of wearing skin. They have broken and
mended glass in their spectacles. Their complete
personality depicts deprivation. The poet shows his
anger by saying that the map must have picture of
huge slums rather than a world with scenic beauty
something the slum children cannot relate with.
The off white and foul smelling walls of the classroom
depict the donations given to the school. Besides,
there are pictures of Shakespeare, of a cloudless
daybreak of civilised cities having buildings with
domes, of Tyrolese valley and of a big world map
on the wall. However, none of these are of any
help to these children living in slums. Their world
comprises of only what they are able to see from
the windows of their classroom. The view is full of
despair where their future seems blurred. They are
confined to the narrow streets of the slum that is far
away from the open sky and rivers.
He makes an appeal to the governor, inspector and
visitor. He says that unless the world map becomes
a window for these children to explore the outside
world and the windows that shut them up from
the rest of the world are broken, their future will
remain the same as their present. The poet appeals
to help these children breakfree from their world
which is confined in the slums. He wants that
children should see the green fields and to give
them freedom to make their own world with proper
education and guidance. He believes when sun and
hope is the language then only history is created.
Similarly, to make their own bright future children
need proper education and freedom from their own
boundaries.
yM
yK
ita
b
are exhausted both physically as well as emotionally.
There is a tall girl in the class with her head weighed
down. There is a skinny boy. His rat-like eyes give
a frightening look. The only inheritance they have
from their parents is disease and bad luck. One of
them cannot even get up from his desk and recite
a lesson. However, there is one little boy, sitting at
the back of the class, who is younger than others.
His eyes are filled with hope and a wish to play in
the open. Apparently, gloom has still not enveloped
him.
C
op
The poet calls Shakespeare wicked. This is because
he misleads the children. The works of Shakespeare
talks about beautiful world of ships, love and sun
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
245
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
2.
To whom does the poet in the poem, “An
Elementary School Classroom in a Slum”
make an appeal ? What is his appeal?
(Delhi 2014 C)
Which words/phrases in the poem, ‘An
Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’
show that the slum children are suffering
from acute malnutrition?
(AI 2014 C)
What message does Stephen Spender convey
through the poem : ‘An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum’?
(Delhi 2013)
4.
In spite of despair and disease pervading the
lives of the slum children, they are not devoid
of hope. How far do you agree? (Delhi 2013)
13. How is ‘Shakespeare wicked and the map a
bad example’ for the children of the school in
a slum?
(AI 2016)
14. Stephen Spender in his poem, ‘An Elementary
School Classroom in a Slum’ paints a dismal
picture of poverty. Comment. (Foreign 2016)
15. How does the map on the wall tempt the slum
children ?
(Delhi 2015 C)
SA III (4 marks)
Read the given extract and answer the question
that follow :
16. Far far from gusty waves these children’s
faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their
pallor;
The tall girl with her weighed-down head.
(a) Who are these children?
(b) Which figure of speech has been used in
the first two lines?
(c) Why is the tall girl’s head weighed
down?
(d) What does the word, ‘pallor’ mean?
(Delhi 2017)
yM
yK
3.
12. What does Stephen Spender want to be done
for the children of the school in a slum?
(Delhi 2016)
b
1.
SA II (3 marks)
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
The poet says, ‘And yet, for these children,
these windows, not this map, their world.’
Which world do these children belong to?
Which world is inaccessible to them?
(Delhi 2013)
6.
How does the poet describe the classroom
walls?
(Delhi 2010)
7.
The poet says, “and yet for these children,
these windows, not this map, their world”.
Which world do these children belong to?
Which world is inaccessible to them?
(Delhi 2010)
8.
“So blot their maps with slums as big as
doom”, says Stephen Spender. What does the
poet want to convey?
(Delhi 2010)
9.
Why does Stephen Spender say that the
pictures and maps in the elementary school
classroom are meaningless?
(Delhi 2009)
C
op
5.
10. How does the world depicted on the classroom
walls different from the world of the slum
children?
(AI 2009)
11. What does the poet wish for the children of
the slums?
(Delhi 2008)
17. Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their
pallor;
The tall girl with her weighed-down head.
(a) Who are these children?
(b)
What does the poet mean by ‘gusty
waves’?
(c)
What has possibly weighed-down the
tall girl’s head?
(d)
Identify the figure of speech used in
these lines.
(Delhi 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
18. On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and
spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
(a) Who are these children?
(b) What is their slag heap?
(c) Why are their bones peeping through
their skins?
(d) What does ‘with mended glass’ mean?
(AI 2015)
22. With ships and sun and love tempting them
to steal...
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped
holes
From fog to endless night?
(a)Who are ‘them’ referred to in the first
line?
(b) What tempts them?
(c)
What does the poet say about ‘their’
lives?
(Delhi 2014)
23. And yet, for these
Children, these windows, not this map, their
world,
Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
Far far from rivers, capes, and stars of words.
(a) Who are the ‘children’ referred to here?
(b) Which is their world?
(c)How is their life different from that of
other children?
(AI 2014)
yM
yK
19. At back of the dim class
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live
in a dream,
Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than
this.
(a) Why is the class dim?
(b)
Why is the child called ‘sweet and
young’?
(c) What does the child want to enjoy?
(d)What is the significance of the phrase,
‘other than this’?
(Foreign 2015)
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
246
C
op
20. The stunted, unlucky heir
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled
disease,
His lesson, from his desk. At the back of the
dim class
One unnoted, sweet and young.
(a) Who is the unlucky heir?
(b) What will he inherit?
(c)Who is sitting at the back of the dim
class? (AI 2013)
21. On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s
head, Cloudless at dawn, Civilized dome
riding all cities Belled, flowery, Tyrolese
valley. Open – handed map Awarding the
world its world.
(a) Name the poem.
(b) What are the donations on the wall?
(c) What does the map award the world?
(d)Why does the poet mention ‘Tyrolese
Valley’?
(AI 2015 C)
24. And, yet for these
Children, these windows, not this map, their
world,
Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
(a) Which map is the poet talking about in
the above lines?
(b) To what do the words, “these windows,
their world”, refer?
(c) What sort of future do the slum children
have?
(Delhi 2014 C)
25. The stunted, unlucky heir
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s
gnarled disease,
His lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim
class
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live
in a dream,
Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than
this.
(a)Who is the ‘unlucky heir’ and what has
he inherited?
(b) What is the stunted boy reciting?
(c)Who is sitting at the back of the dim
class?
(Delhi 2012)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Run naked into books the white and green
leaves open
History theirs whose language is the sun.
(a) To whom does ‘they’ refer?
(b) What would they break?
(c) What other freedom should they enjoy?
(AI 2011)
b
28. ....On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and
spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
All of their times and space are foggy slum.
So blot their maps with slums as big as
doom.
(a)Which two images are used to describe
these slums?
(b) What sort of life do these children lead?
(c)Which figure of speech is used in the last
line?
(AI 2010)
yM
yK
26. Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad
example,
With ships and sun and love tempting them
to steal—
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped
holes
From fog to endless night? On their slag heap,
these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and
spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
(a)
Why is Shakespeare described as
wicked?
(b) Explain: ‘from fog to endless night’.
(c)What does the reference to ‘slag heap’
mean?
(Delhi 2011)
27. Break O break open till they break the town
And show the children to green fields, and
make their world
Run azure on gold sands, and let their
tongues
247
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
Answers
C
op
1. The poet, in the poem “An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum”, makes an appeal to the
governor, inspector and visitors.
The appeal that he is making is for them to come
to the rescue of the slum children from the world
of misery and hopelessness shown in the outside
world.
2. In the poem, ‘An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum’, there are several words/
phrases, such as “the paper-seeming boy with rats
eyes”, “Skins peeped through by bones”, etc., which
show that the slum children are suffering from
acute malnutrition.
3. In ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a
Slum’, Stephen Spender has concentrated on the
themes of social injustice and class inequalities.
He wants all the barriers that keep true education
away from these unfortunate children to be pulled
down, so that they can also find their place in the
sun.
4. In spite of despair and disease pervading the
lives of the slum children, they are not devoid of
hope. The little boy at the back of the classroom
in “An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum”
seems to be full of hope in the future. Despite
leading a miserable life, he finds pleasure in a
squirrel’s game, in the tree room, etc. Similarly,
we come across two slum children in Anees Jung’s
“Lost Spring”, Mukesh and Saheb. While the
former aspires to become a motor mechanic, the
latter wants education.
5. The stinking, dingy slums is the world that
belongs to these poverty stricken, miserable, underfed children. The narrow lanes and dark, cramped
holes, which provide nothing except hopelessness
are also a part of their world. To the slum children,
the world of the rich is inaccessible. Such a world
is full of luxury, comfort and joy, which is beyond
their reach.
6. The sour cream walls of the classroom are
decorated with the donated pictures of Shakespeare,
buildings with domes, world maps and beautiful
Tyrolese valley.
7. Unfortunately, the children of the slum
belong to a gloomy world where the dense black
fog darkens everything, even their future. The
narrow, dirty lanes are a symbol of their poor
and miserable life. The world, which belongs to
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
maps is unknown and unrelatable to the slum
children. They live in cramped places. The sky
above their head is darkened and foggy due to the
factory smoke. They are surrounded by slag heap.
The maps just tempt them without giving them an
opportunity to live in the real world.
16. (a) They are slum children studying in an
elementary school classroom in the slum.
(b) (i) Repetition – Far far
(ii) Metaphor – Gusty waves
(iii) Simile – Like rootless weeds
(c) The tall girl’s head is weighed down perhaps by
the burden of her everyday worries and anxieties.
Depression, due to extreme poverty and physical
and mental exhaustion, may also be the reason of
her head being bowed down.
(d) The word ‘pallor’ means pale colouring of the
face, especially because of illness.
17. (a) The children referred to in the poem are
slum children who attend an elementary school in
that slum.
(b) By ‘gusty waves’ the poet means all that the
slum children have been deprived of, such as better
living conditions, happiness, progress, etc.
(c) The tall girl’s head is possibly weighed-down
because of the troubles and tribulations of living in
abject poverty and thinking of a future within the
hopeless confines of a slum.
(d) (i) Simile – “Like rootless weeds”
(ii) Repetition – “far, far”
(iii) Metaphor – “gusty waves”
(iv) Alliteration – “far, far from”
C
op
yM
yK
the sophisticated, where everything is sunny and
beautiful, the world with clean rivers, mountains,
valleys are easily visible, is the world inaccessible
to the slum children.
8. “So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.”
What Stephen Spender wants to convey here is
that the world of the slum children is foggy, bleak
and gloomy. They do not know anything beyond
this world, the slag heap in it, the “narrow street
sealed with a lead sky”; it’s a world, which is far
from rivers, capes and Tyrolese valley. An actual
map of the world, promising great adventures
and a cheerful life, is of no use to them. The slum
children should be able to relate with the maps
taught to them.
9. Refer to answer 8.
10. Refer to answer 8.
11. For the children of the slum, the poet wishes
good education in order to widen their horizon.
He wants to take the children closer to nature and
liberate them from their miserable condition.
12. Stephen Spender wants the slum children
to get education related to their life. He wants
nature to be used as a teacher and that the rich
and powerful people get involved in solving the
problems of the slum children.
13. Here, in this line, the poet means to say that
just as Shakespeare and his work are of no use
to the children in slum school, maps too do not
depict the world the slum children can relate to
i.e., “narrow streets .... far far from rivers, capes...”.
Both Shakespeare and maps represent a beautiful
world and high values, which the slum children
have never experienced, which could tempt them
to steal.
14. Stephen Spender indeed paints a dismal
picture of poverty in his poem ‘An Elementary
School Classroom in a Slum’. He describes the
children in the slum school as pale and lacking
energy. They are malnourished and heir to gnarled
diseases. Stephen Spender likens them to the
unwanted weeds. The classroom too is dingy, with
yellowing walls depicting images, which are of no
significance to these children because they cannot
relate to the fascinating sights. However, they can
relate to their grim surroundings, cramped living,
slag heap and a future that is foggy.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
248
15. The map shows beautiful rivers, mountains
and Tyrolese valley. The world depicted in the
18. (a) These children are the poor and
impoverished children of the slum.
(b) Their slag heap is the slum in which they are
living.
(c) Their bones are seeping through their skins
because the slum children are malnourished and
physically weak.
(d) ‘With mended glass’ means the slum children
are too poor to afford spectacles. They use steel
frames, lenses of which are broken.
19. (a) The class is dim because it is poorly lit and
the walls have yellowed. It is a slum school, which
reflects the deprivation of the surroundings and
also the bleak grey world of poverty.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
20. (a) The ‘unlucky heir’ is the boy with twisted
bones and stunted growth.
(b) The boy will inherit the gnarled disease and
twisted bones from his father.
(c) An unnoted, sweet and young boy is sitting at
the back of the dim class.
24. (a) In the above lines, the poet is talking about
the map of the world displayed on the classroom
wall.
(b) “These windows, their world” refers to the
world of slum, the pathetic living condition of the
slum children visible from the windows of their
classroom.
(c) The future that the slum children have is dark,
bleak, hopeless and uncertain.
25. Refer to answer 19.
26. (a) The poet describes Shakespeare as wicked
because not only classic literature of Shakespeare is
beyond the understanding of slum children, they
also cannot relate their life of hardships with the
beautiful world depicted in his works; such a world
is denied to the slum children.
(b) By ‘from fog to endless night’, the poet draws
some light upon the miserable, bleak, cheerless
and hopeless life of the slum children and their
gloomy future.
(c) ‘Slag heap’ refers to the miserable and unhygienic
living conditions of the slum children due to their
extreme poverty.
yM
yK
21. (a) The name of the poem is ‘An Elementary
Schools Classroom in a slum’.
(b) The donations on the wall included portrait of
Shakespeare, a flowery Tyrolese valley, etc.
(c) The map awards the world, its world.
(d) The poet mentions Tyrolese Valley because
it is beautiful picture of Tyrot an Autrian Alpine
province.
benefits. Their future is bleak without any hope or
progress.
b
(b) The child is called sweet and young because
unaffected by the surroundings, he looks happy
and innocent.
(c) The child wants to enjoy the freedom of the
squirrel, enjoy dreaming of a better world outside
the dimly lit classroom.
(d) ‘Other than this’ signifies that the child does
not want to remain in the class and wants to
escape.
249
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
C
op
22. (a) The word ‘them’ refers to the poor and
deprived children studying in the slum school.
(b) The children of the slum school are easily
tempted by the ships, sun and love, in other words,
the beautiful world outside the slum.
(c) According to the poet, the children live in
miserable conditions. They live in cramped holes
in desolation. Their existence is foggy and there is
no hope for their future.
23. (a) The children referred to here are those
who study in an elementary school in a slum.
(b) Their world is the slum they live in. It is far-far
away from rivers, capes and stars. Theirs is a world
of poverty and deprivation with narrow streets
scaled in with a lead sky.
(c) Unlike other children, children in the slums
spend their whole life confined in ‘their cramped
holes’ like rodents. They lack the basic necessities
of life like proper food, clothing, shelter and health
27. (a) The word ‘they’ refers to inspectors,
visitors and governor.
(b) They would break the mental and physical
barriers, break the boundaries of discrimination
which would enable the slum children to acquire
proper education.
(c) The children should enjoy free and happy life
away from slum. They deserve the freedom to
explore the world of which a clear blue sky, golden
sand, green fields, etc. are a part.
28. (a) The two images used to describe these slums
are :
(i) Slag heap (ii) slums as big as doom
(b) In the dirty and unhygienic surroundings of the
slum, children lead a pathetic and miserable life full
of wants, poverty, hopelessness and uncertainty.
(c) The poet has used simile in the last line.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
POETRY
3
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Keeping Quiet
– Pablo Neruda
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE POET
Pablo Neruda (July 1904 - September 1973) was
from Spain. He was known as a poet when he
was 10 years old. He wrote in a variety of styles
including poems, historical epics, political
manifestos and autobiography. He got the Nobel
Prize for Literature in 1971.
SUMMARY
The poet wants each one of us to practice silence
and feel the power of silence. He says that all of
us should count to twelve and then be quiet, silent
and motionless so that for once no language will be
spoken on the surface of the Earth. In this moment
of silence, poet doesn’t want anyone to even move
their arms.
Again the poet reinforces his call not to take a step
further, move nor speak. The appeal to not speak
in any language is symbolic of asking people to
only speak the language of silence. This will give
us an opportunity to gather on one platform and
introspect. The appeal of not moving arms is made
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
C
op
251
moment of silence humanity would experience
complete harmony.
The poet says that the silence should not be
confused with human inactivity or death. What he
is trying to propagate is selflessness and stopping
acts to meet one’s selfish ends. They should not
focus on their lives streaming smoothly but also
take a step back and introspect. They will be able to
understand themselves and know what they want
in life. When one cannot understand their inner
self, their hearts are filled with sadness. Also when
we threaten ourselves from death, this moment of
silence helps us to listen to our inner self.
The poet states that the Earth teaches us that after
the end of each process starts a new beginning on
one hand, winters make us experience the dormant
state of life, whereas, the onset of spring sees the
blossoming of new life. Similarly, the peace one
will feel in the moment of silence would eradicate
all evil thoughts and will initiate a new thought
process of positivity. There will be no frenzy to
work without a break.
We must not only live in harmony with each other
but also with the elements of nature. The poet
asks to contemplate and think through to achieve
brotherhood and understanding. So, the poet
starts the process with self. He counts till twelve
and goes silent.
yM
yK
so that we must not move or speak but stay at
one place and introspect. He wants people to let
their thoughts flow without any hurry or rush. He
emphasises on the fact that if for once everyone
goes silent it will be a different feeling or a different
experience to see the world come to a halt, where
everything stops, and everyone comes together
in strangeness, a sudden moment of inactivity,
which the world has not observed before. When
this moment of silence will be observed then
fishermen will not be catching fish and the whales
in the cold water will be safe. This suggests that
the destruction of nature by human will also stop,
even if for a brief moment. He says that a man who
goes out to collect salt will also get time to tend
their wounded hands and look after them which
otherwise would have not been possible for him.
Then the poet refers to wars and those that
participate in it as now there is some time to breathe
in and out, without being required to do what is
usually done or blindly follow orders. Everyone
will be able to introspect and realise that in wars
there are no real winners. This is what is inferred
from ‘put on clean clothes’. The act of putting on
new clothes can be seen as taking a different role
or adopting a different persona. They would be
building mutual trust and brotherhood. In that
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Keeping Quiet
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
252
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
1.
Which is the exotic moment that the poet
refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
(Delhi 2014)
2.
What is the sadness the poet refers to in the
poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
(AI 2014)
3.
How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet
change our attitude to life? (Delhi 2014 C)
4.
Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’
show that the poem condemns violence?
(AI 2014 C)
What are the different kinds of wars
mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s
attitude towards these wars?
(AI 2013)
6.
How can suspension of activities help?
(AI 2012)
Do you think the poet, Pablo Neruda
advocates total inactivity and death? Why/
Why not?
(Delhi 2011)
8.
What is the sadness that the poet Pablo
Neruda, refers to in the poem, ‘Keeping
Quiet’?
(AI 2011)
op
7.
According to the poet, what is it that human
beings can learn from nature?
(AI 2010)
C
9.
16. What will possibly be the effect of keeping
quiet?
(Foreign 2015)
17. What does the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’ teach
us?
(AI 2015 C)
SA III (4 marks)
Read the given extract and answer the question
that follow :
18. Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
yM
yK
5.
15. How will ‘Keeping Quiet’ protect our
environment?
(AI 2015)
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
10. What is the exotic moment the poet Pablo
Neruda wishes for?
(Delhi 2009)
SA II (3 marks)
11. What will counting upto twelve and keeping
still help us achieve?
(Delhi 2015)
12. Which symbol from nature does the poet
invoke that there can be life under apparent
stillness ?
(Delhi 2015)
13. ‘Life is what it is all about, ....’ How is keeping
quiet related to life?
(AI 2015)
14. Why does one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on
counting to twelve and keeping quiet ?
(AI 2015)
(a) What is the significance of the number
‘twelve’?
(b) Which two activities does the poet want
us to stop?
(c) What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not
speak in any language’?
(d) Describe the pun in the word, ‘arms’.
(AI 2016)
19. ... ... ...
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(a) How can we bring about a ‘huge silence’?
(b) Why is silence called ‘huge’?
(c) What do we do for lack of understanding?
(d) What does this lack ultimately lead to?
(Foreign 2016)
20. It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
(a) Why does the poet want us to keep quiet?
(b) What does he want us to do for one
second?
(c) What does he mean by ‘not move our
arms’?
(Delhi 2012)
24. It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What does ‘it’ refer to?
(b) Who is the poet speaking to?
(c) What would be the moment like?
(AI 2010)
25. Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second, and not move our
arms so much.
(a) How long does the poet want to stay
still?
(b) What does he hope to achieve by keeping
quiet?
(c) What does the poet mean by ‘not move
our arms so much’?
(AI 2009)
26. Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
(a) What does the earth teach us?
(b) Why does the poet count up to twelve?
(c) What will keeping quiet help us achieve?
(Delhi 2008)
C
op
yM
yK
(a) Which exotic moment is referred to in
these lines ?
(b) Why would that moment be strange?
(c) What does the poet advocate in the
poem?
(d) What does the poet mean by the word,
‘engines’?
(AI 2015 C)
21. If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.
(a) Whom does ‘we’ refer to in the above
lines?
(b) Why does the poet want us to ‘do
nothing’ for once?
(c) What is the ‘Sadness’ that the poet refers
to in the poem?
(AI 2014 C)
22. Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count upto twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
(a) What does the Earth teach us?
(b) What does the poet mean to achieve by
counting upto twelve?
(c) What is the significance of ‘keeping
quiet’?
(Delhi 2013)
23. For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
253
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Keeping Quiet
Answers
1. The poet talks about the exotic moment
when everyone quietens and becomes still. In that
moment, no language must be spoken and there
must be no movement; it must be a moment of
introspection. It would be a moment free from all
types of violence and madness of the world.
2. The poet refers to the ‘sadness’ of failing to
understand nature and oneself in the monotonous
everyday existence. He also finds it sad that the
humanity is moving towards its own ruin, owing
to its unanalysed actions. He regrets the rush of
outdoing others that has made one forget the
values of humanity.
3. Silence will give us time to think, to introspect,
evaluate our actions and act more responsible.
According to Neruda, this is how keeping quiet
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
can change our attitude towards life.
4. “Fishermen not harming Whales”, “Wars with
gas”, “ Wars with fire”, “Victory with no survivors”,
images in the poem, ‘Keeping Quiet” show that the
poet condemns violence.
5. The different kinds of wars mentioned in the
poem are green wars, wars with gases and wars
with fire.
No matter which type of war it is, it is always against
either humanity or nature. Therefore, Neruda
condemns all kinds of wars saying that wars
may bring victories, but there are no survivors to
celebrate such victories. He urges us to stop, keep
quiet, count to twelve and introspect.
6. Suspension of activities will give us time to
introspect and assess our own actions. This self
reflection would avoid destruction of mankind,
ultimately helping us.
12. The earth is taken as a symbol from nature,
which the poet invokes that there can be life under
apparent stillness. It is only earth that nurtures life
even after death.
13. Keeping quiet must not be confused with total
inactivity. Take the example of earth, how it seems
still yet, it nurtures life under apparent stillness.
This is how keeping quite is related to life.
14. On counting to twelve and keeping quiet
makes one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ because
everything comes to a standstill. In this stillness
one can enjoy the exotic moment and introspect.
15. Keeping quiet will protect our environment
also because in that moment of inactivity man
will not exploit nature for his vested interests,
fishermen will not harm the whales, there will be
no green wars and no wars with gases.
16. The possible effect of keeping quiet would
calm us down, help us to introspect, help us live in
peace. It will halt destruction and make us realise
the need to be happy and united. Keeping quiet
teaches us to live in close proximity with nature
without harming it.
17. The poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ teach us about how
quietness leads to stillness, which further leads to
peace and calmness in the world. It also teach us
about the importance of introspection.
18. (a) The number twelve represents the twelve
hours marks on the clock to measure time.
(b) The poet wants us to not speak in any language
and stop for one second and not move our hands
so much.
(c) The poet means that different languages
symbolises difference. Keeping silent will ensure
peace and give one the chance to introspect.
(d) The word ‘arms’ in the extract refers to both the
hands and weapons.
19. (a) We can bring about a ‘huge silence’ by
keeping quiet and counting upto twelve or by
halting all activities.
(b) Silence is called ‘huge’ because it is an exotic
moment when every person on earth has become
quiet.
(c) For lack of understanding, we must keep quiet
and introspect.
(d) This lack ultimately leads to death.
yM
yK
7. No, the poet does not advocate complete
inactivity and death. He makes it clear that stillness
should not be confused with ‘total inactivity’. He
merely wants every individual to keep quiet and
stay still so as to introspect. He says that everyone
has lessons to learn from the earth where life
sprouts out of even seemingly dead surroundings.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
254
C
op
8. The sadness, which Pablo Neruda refers to in
his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the one that comes from
never being able to understand ourselves; it is the
sadness of isolation, yet no time for introspection.
Humans are oblivious of the consequences of
their destructive actions, the poet finds it quite
saddening.
9. According to the poet, the human beings can
learn emergence of new life, uninterrupted, even
in stillness. They can also learn to be productive
and constructive from nature.
10. Refer to answer 1.
11. Counting upto to twelve and keeping still
for this brief interval of time would give us a
momentary pause to introspect and understand
oneself and each other better. It would also give
us an opportunity to stop and think before taking
any reckless decision. As a result, we will find inner
peace.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
yM
yK
21. (a) ‘We’ in the above lines refers to the people
of the world.
(b) The poet wants us to ‘do nothing’ for once
because he wants us to stop and introspect and in
the process take stock of our actions.
(c) ‘Sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem
is the due to causing so much destruction to the
world and people.
C
op
22. (a) The Earth teaches us that there is life
under seeming stillness.
(b) The poet wishes to wipe out the discord in the
world and the reason for the imbalance that exists
between man and nature. Ultimately, he wants to
ensure the survival of the human race.
(c) Keeping quiet will provide time for introspection
and create oneness among human beings.
255
23. (a) The poet wants as to keep quiet so as
to keep stock of our mindless activities and do
self-analysis. Keeping quiet will give us mental
relaxation, will ensure and eventually save mankind
from doom.
(b) The poet wants us to keep quiet for a second,
not move our arms so much and stop all activities.
(c) By ‘not move our arms’ the poet means to not
move our hands nor weapons. This will prevent
as from harming others thus, resulting in no wars
and violence.
24. (a) The word ‘it’ refers to keeping quiet.
(b) The poet is speaking to us, the mankind.
(c) It would be an exotic moment. There would
be stillness and togetherness in that moment,
promoting harmony and brotherhood.
25. (a) The poet wants us to count to twelve and
keep still in that moment.
(b) He hopes to achieve peace and realise the value
of self introspection.
(c) By the given sentence the poet means that one
does not have to use his arms and ammunition so
much as it causes violence. Similarly, by ‘not move
our arms so much’ perhaps the poet is urging us
not to use our hands and fists to fight.
26. (a) The earth teaches us that there is life under
apparent stillness. It also teaches us to be alive and
possess the power to recover from loss.
(b) The poet counts upto twelve, taking time to
calm down.
(c) Keeping quiet will help us achieve peace and
tranquility.
b
20. (a) The exotic moment referred to in these
lines is the moment when everyone keeps quiet
and there are no movements.
(b) The moment would be strange because there
would be no rush and no noise. It will bring the
whole humanity together.
(c) In this poem, the poet advocates keeping
quiet for twelve seconds and in that time, everyone
should introspect. This would save mankind from
disaster.
(d) By ‘engines’ the poet means machines,
automobiles, factories, etc.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Keeping Quiet
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
POETRY
4
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
A Thing of Beauty
– John Keats
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE POET
English romantic poet John Keats was born on
October 31, 1795 in London. His first volume of
poems was published in 1817. His poems, dealing
with mythical and legendary themes of ancient,
medieval and Renaissance times, are rich in
imagery and phrasing. He died at a young age of
twenty five in 1821.
SUMMARY
In this poem, the poet tells about how nature and
its wonders mesmerise us and how they take away
all the sorrow that surrounds us from time to time.
A beautiful thing is a source of eternal joy, its
attractiveness grows with a passage of time and its
impact never fades away. It is as cool and pleasant
as a quiet lover or like one sleeps a sound sleep
with sweet dreams. It ensures good health and
tranquility. It provides the one who possess, an
ever existing peace and solace.
The earth minus the beautiful things is despondent,
spiteful place thriving in callous insensitive dearth
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
257
b
sees the beauty in innocent human looking out for
solace in nature and mother nature in its own way
develops a shady abode of relief and consolation.
The clause, ‘Lily of the Valley’ is quite well known
and incites image of a subtle unique white flower
holding up its head amongst a setting of thorns
and tips and everything contrary in nature to
delicateness, are daffodils cited as an example by
the poet.
The poet also sees beauty in death of martyrs
and legends. ‘The mighty dead’ are the warriors
who died for a cause. In order to honour them
magnificent and tall sepulchers are erected. One
may see beauty in that as well. When we look
around there are numerous beautiful things which
are immortal and are created by gods above for
pitiable human beings so that they are able to cope
up with the harshness of life.
C
op
yM
yK
and is rough towards humans. Each day in life one
encounters sadness along with unhealthy spite and
darkness. In spite of this, a thing of beauty may
eradicate these gloomy clouds which burden our
soul. Hence, the poet says that we, human beings,
create an ornate bond every day made up of all
lovely things we see. This bond keeps us bound to
the despondent earth, otherwise we would have
lost all hope.
Then the poet reiterates few beautiful things that
we see on earth. As beauty lies in the eyes of the
beholder-everyone of us can find something
beautiful in anything. The example given by the
poet are of the sun, the moon, trees, flowers, stream,
musk-rose blooms, architectural tombs, even
fairytales or stories of heroic legends. The ‘simple
sheep’ are human beings - the poet sympathises
with the human beings and their innocence. Keats
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
A Thing of Beauty
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
258
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
SA III (4 marks)
What does Keats consider an endless fountain
of immortal drink and why does he call its
drink immortal?
(AI 2013)
2.
How does a thing of beauty provide shelter
and comfort?
(AI 2013)
3.
How is a thing of beauty a joy forever ?
(Delhi 2012)
4.
What makes human beings love life in spite of
troubles and sufferings?
(AI 2012)
5.
Describe any three things of beauty mentioned
in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’. (AI 2012)
6.
Why and how is grandeur associated with the
mighty dead?
(Delhi 2011)
7.
What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of
Beauty’?
(AI 2011)
8.
What image does Keats use to describe the
beautiful bounty of the earth ?
(Delhi 2010)
9.
What makes human beings love life in spite of
all the troubles they face?
(Delhi 2008)
Read the extract given below and answer the
questions that follow :
18. ‘It’s loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet
breathing.
(a) Whose loveliness will keep on
increasing?
(b) Identify the phrase which says that ‘it’ is
immortal.
(c) What is a ‘bower’?
(d) Why do we need sweet dreams, health
and quiet breathing in our lives?
(Delhi 2016)
SA II (3 marks)
op
yM
yK
1.
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
C
10. In the hot season, how do man and beast get
comfort?
(Delhi 2017)
11. What does a thing of beauty do for us ?
(Delhi 2015)
12. What makes human beings love life in spite of
all the troubles they face?
(Delhi 2015)
13. Mention any four things of beauty that add
joy to our life.
(AI 2015)
14. Mention any two things which cause pain and
suffering. (AI 2015)
15. Which objects of nature does Keats mention
as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of
Beauty’?
(AI 2015)
16. Life is full of sorrows. What brings joy in
it? (Foreign 2015)
17. How do we get joy from life which is otherwise
full of sorrows ?
(Foreign 2015)
19. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read ;
An endless fountain of immortal drink
………
(a) Who are the ‘mighty dead’?
(b) What have we done for them?
(c) What metaphor has been used for ‘lovely
tales’ ?
(d) How is the grandeur of the dooms related
to the theme of the poem?
(Foreign 2016)
20. And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(a) Name the poem.
(b) Who are the ‘mighty dead’ referred to
here?
(c) What is the endless fountain of immortal
drink ?
(d) What does the word, ‘brink’ mean ?
(Delhi 2015 C)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
24. Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
from our dark spirits.
(a) How does beauty help us when we are
burdened with grief?
(b) Explain : “Some shape of beauty”.
(c) Identify the figure of speech used in the
above lines. (AI 2014 C)
25. A flowery band to bind us to the Earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching :
(a) What are we doing every day?
(b) Which evil things do we possess and
suffer from?
(c) What are the circumstances that
contribute towards making humans
unhappy and disillusioned with life?
(Delhi 2013)
26. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching :
(a) What are the flowery bands that bind us
to the earth ?
(b) What message do the above lines, convey?
(Delhi 2013)
C
op
yM
yK
21. Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of nobel natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and Q’er darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
(a) Name the poem.
(b) Give one cause of human suffering.
(c) What moves away the pall from our lives.
(d) What does the word ‘gloomy’ mean?
(AI 2015 C)
22. All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink.
Pouring onto us from the heaven’s brink.
(a) Name the poem and the poet.
(b) What is the thing of beauty mentioned
in these lines?
(c) What image does the poet use in these
lines?
(Delhi 2014)
23. Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
(a) Name the poem and the poet.
(b) Why are we ‘despondent’?
(c) What removes ‘the pall from our dark
spirits’?
(AI 2014)
259
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
A Thing of Beauty
Answers
1. It is nature’s beauty, which Keats considers
an endless fountain of immortal drink. According
to him, the drink is immortal because of the
joy and delight it provides, it never passes into
nothingness; the joy is forever and its loveliness
ever-increasing.
2. A thing of beauty is present in the nature and
brings us eternal joy whenever we need it. It keeps
a quiet bower for us to take shelter in and comforts
us so as to provide us a sound sleep full of sweet
dreams, health and quiet breathing. A thing of
beauty present in the nature comforts us also by
removing the gloom and misery from our lives.
3. A thing of beauty is a joy forever because its
loveliness increases and lasts long. It never passes
into nothingness and moves away the pall from
our dark spirits.
4. In spite of troubles and sufferings, human
beings love life because one is able to derive pleasure
from the nature as well as one’s surroundings. The
‘things of beauty’, which nature provides take away
all the gloom and fills one with hope.
5. Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and
a source of pleasure. Some of them are the sun, the
moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small
streams with clear water, etc.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
6. The mighty dead were powerful persons
during their own times. The tales of their
achievements have been read and heard. Their lives
and deeds look extraordinary and inspirational.
Thus, grandeur of the mighty dead is a thing of
beauty.
7. The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ gives the
message that the things of beauty, which nature
provides, never lose their charm. They never
move into nothingness. They make a long lasting
impression. The things of beauty present in the
nature relieve us of worldly worries, thus bringing
us eternal joy.
15. The objects of nature, which are a sources of
joy are the sun, the moon, trees-young and old,
daffodils, sheep, forests, clear rills, the mid forest
brake, musk rose, etc.
16. Life is full of sorrows. However, the beautiful
things given by God give us immense joy. They
bring peace and calmness to the mind. One
can remove one’s sorrows by admiring sights of
nature.
17. Refer to answer 16.
18. (a) The loveliness of a thing of beauty will
keep on increasing.
(b) ‘Never pass into nothingness.’
(c) A pleasant, shady place under a tree is called
bower.
(d) We need sweet dreams, health and quiet
breathing in our lives to bear the problems of life,
to remove the gloom and to uplift the mood.
19. (a) The ‘mighty dead’ are all the great men.
(b) We have heard and read lovely heroic tales
about their grandeur.
(c) The metaphor used for ‘Lovely tales’ is an
endless fountain of immortal drink.
(d) The grandeur of the dooms is everlasting
beauty; one can find beauty even in death.
yM
yK
8. The earth is beautiful in terms of lovely scenes
and sights. It produces lovely green trees, delicate
daffodils and streams. These come as a healing
balm to a person in pain or distress. The poet
compares them to a fountain of immortal drink
from heaven.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
260
9. Human beings love life in spite of all the
troubles they face because they are surrounded by
the things of beauty in nature. They remove the
gloomy pall from our dark spirits. Nature makes us
rise above the spite of our despondence and allows
us to become attuned to the beauty of nature.
C
op
10. In the hot season, man and beast get comfort
by taking shelter under the shade of the trees, or
being one with absorbing nature and the coolness
it provides. The things of beauty, which nature
offers are simple. However, they have a calming
effect on every living being.
11. A thing of beauty uplifts one’s mood and
provides eternal joy. It makes life worth living in
spite of despondence, gloomy days, etc. because
its loveliness keeps on increasing and never fades
away.
12. Refer to answer 9.
13. The sun, clear rills, the mid forest brake
and the grandeur of the doom are four of the
innumerable things of beauty that add joy to our
life.
14. Despondence and lack of noble nature are
two of the many things, which cause pain and
suffering.
20. (a) The name of the poem is ‘A Thing of
Beauty’.
(b) Here, the ‘mighty dead’ refers to the great
people of the world, the people we respect and/or
our ancestors as well.
(c) The endless fountain of immortal drink is
all the wonderful tales told to us when we were
children and all the great books read by us.
(d) The word ‘brink’ means the extreme edge at
the top.
21. (a) The name of the poem is ‘A Thing of
Beauty’.
(b) One of the many causes of human sufferings is
lack of noble nature.
(c) Anything, which we consider beautiful moves
away the pall from our lives.
(d) The word gloomy means depressed or sad.
22. (a) The given lines are from the poem ‘A Thing
of Beauty’ by John Keats.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
23. (a) The lines have been taken from the poem
‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats.
(b) We are despondent because of the unhealthy
and over-darkened ways of humans and that the
world lacks noble people.
(c) According to the poet, even if the world is not
worth living because of the innumerable reasons
that ultimately result in gloom and depression, the
zeal to live a happy and content life can be derived
from the sight of the beautiful bounties of nature
around us. These beautiful things remove the pall
from our dark spirits.
25. (a) Every day we renew our bond with nature
and it is the beauty of nature that keeps us attached
to this earth.
(b) We suffer from lack of goodness in human
nature and possess unhealthy and our darkened
methods of being human.
(c) The trials and tribulations of life that test our
bearance make us despondent in life.
26. (a) The flowery band that binds us to the
earth are new memories we make and hopes we
form every morning when we wake up. These too
are few of the many beautiful things, which keeps
us grounded and make us happy during our time
of grief.
(b) The above lines convey that even if the world is
full of gloomy days, despondency and lacks people
of noble nature, the things of beauty that we are
surrounded with bring us hope and joy.
C
op
yM
yK
24. (a) Beauty or a thing of beauty removes all
sad thoughts, has a soothing effect on our senses
and lifts our spirits.
261
(b) ‘Some shape of beauty’ means anything that is
beautiful in the world.
(c) Personification and metaphor.
b
(b) The things of beauty mentioned in the given
lines are the lovely tales heard or read.
(c) In these lines, the poet uses the image of ‘an
endless fountain of immortal drink’ to describe the
beautiful bounty of the Earth.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
A Thing of Beauty
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
POETRY
5
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
– Adrienne Rich
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE POET
Adrienne Rich (May 16, 1929 - March 27, 2012)
was an American poet, essayist and radical
feminist. She was called as one of the most widely
read and influential poets of the second half of the
20th century and was credited with bringing the
oppression of women to the forefront of poetic
discourse.
SUMMARY
The poet starts with Aunt Jennifer’s visual tapestry
of tigers who are fearless animals and they stay
valiant in their environment. They are vibrant,
coloured living in rich green environment. These
tigers are living life with majesty as one would
expect the tigers from the forests. There is a
certainty and confidence in the way these tigers
move.
But Aunt Jennifer is weak, feeble and captivated
in contrast to the tigers she was knitting. She is
suffering from physical and mental trauma. When
Aunt Jennifer says that she finds the ivory needle
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The poet in the last stanza brings in the contrasting
picture. When she would die her hands will still
reflect the terrors she lived in her life. Throughout
her lifetime she suffered. But at the same time her
tigers will remain the same courageous, fearless,
free which would just be in contrast to the life she
lived. They will hold the fort as the reflecting force
against the male dominated society.
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
hard to pull she tricks to reveal that she is facing
hardship and trouble in her life. Her life has been
tiring and hurtful and that her unhappy married
life is overbearing and demanding. She even feels
that the ring on her finger is a burdensome weight,
which denotes that her husband is making her life
miserable. She feels that her inner soul has been
prisoned by the patriarchal society.
263
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
264
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
SA II (3 marks)
What are the difficulties that Aunt Jennifer
faced in her life?
(Delhi 2014)
2.
How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers different from
her?
(AI 2014)
3.
How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness
and anger against male dominance?
(Delhi 2014 C)
4.
What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers
when she is dead?
(Delhi 2013)
5.
What lies heavily on Aunt Jennifer’s hand?
How is it associated with her husband ?
(AI 2013)
6.
Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider
tigers on the panel ?
(Delhi 2012)
7.
How do the words, ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’
add to our understanding of Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers?
(AI 2012)
8.
Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created
animals that are so different from her own
character?
(AI 2011)
9.
How has Aunt Jennifer created her tigers?
What traits of tigers do they reveal?
(AI 2010)
13. Aunt Jennifer’s efforts to get rid of her fear
proved to be futile. Comment.
(Delhi 2016)
14. What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny)
do we find in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers’ ?
(AI 2016)
15. How does the poet show the futility of Aunt
Jennifer’s efforts ?
(Foreign 2016)
16. What is suggested by the phrase, ‘massive
weight of uncle’s wedding band’?
(Delhi 2015)
17. Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that
are so different from her own character?
(Delhi 2015)
18. What will happen when Aunt Jennifer is dead?
(Foreign 2015)
19. How is Aunt Jennifer different from her tigers?
(Foreign 2015)
20. For Aunt Jennifer, what do the tigers symbolise?
(Foreign 2015)
C
op
yM
yK
1.
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
10. Describe the tigers created by Aunt Jennifer.
(Delhi 2009)
11. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider
tigers on the panel ?
(AI 2009)
12. How does the poet describe Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers ?
(Delhi 2008)
SA III (4 marks)
Read the lines given below and answer the
questions that follow :
21. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(a) Why are the tigers called Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers ?
(b) How are they described here?
(c) How are they different from Aunt
Jennifer?
(d) What does the word, ‘chivalric’ mean?
(Delhi 2017)
22. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(a) Why are the tigers called ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers’?
(b) What does the phrase, ‘a world of green’
mean ?
(c) How are the tigers different from their
creator?
(d) Why are the tigers not afraid of the men
beneath the trees?
(Delhi 2015 C)
265
23. Aunt Jennifer’s tiger prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of
green.
They do not fear the men beneath the
tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(a) How are aunt Jennifer’s tigers described ?
(b) Why are they described as denizens of a
world of green ?
(c) Why are they not afraid of the men ?
(Delhi 2010)
6. Aunt Jennifer chose to embroider tigers on
the panel because secretly, she wanted to be like
the tigers-fearless, proud, unafraid and liberated.
2. Unlike Aunt Jennifer, who feels trapped in a
loveless and unhappy marriage, who is terrified
of her domineering husband and the patriarchal
society, her tigers prance around freely, full of
confidence, fearless of the men watching them.
The tigers seem to possess all the qualities, which
Aunt Jennifer does not.
8. “Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
.... They do not fear the men beneath the tree; they
pace in sleek chivalric certainty.”
The tigers are so different from Aunt’s own
character because they are an expression of her
hidden desires. Through them, Aunt Jennifer
communicates her unfulfilled wishes.
3. Aunt Jennifer expresses her bitterness and
anger against male dominance through her art;
by knitting tigers on the panel which symbolise
freedom, strength and chivalry.
4. Unlike Aunt Jennifer, her tigers are free from
inhibitions. They are liberated and fear no one.
After her death, while Aunt Jennifer will continue
to be ‘weighed’ down by the constraints of her
marriage, her tigers will go on prancing confidently
and unafraid.
9. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are woolen tapestry,
which she intricately embroidered on a screen
with the help of an ivory needle.
She made the tigers to appear as fearless creatures,
proud and free, prancing fearlessly unafraid of the
men standing underneath the tree.
10. Aunt Jennifer’s tiger are described as bright
topaz denizens of a world of green, pacing in
chivalric certainty, fearless. They are proud, strong
and free.
ita
1. Aunt Jennifer lived her life in accordance with
the rules laid down by her domineering husband.
Her life was overburdened by the demands and
duties of her married life and the patriarchal
society. It lacked self-expression. Although old and
weak, she had to face the ordeals of her oppressive
marriage all her life, there was no escape from her
husband.
C
b
Answers
op
yM
yK
7. ‘Denizens’ and ‘Chivalric’ describe Aunt
Jennifer’s tigers as bold and fearless tigers, who
prance around confidently in their natural habitat.
Sleek and gallant in their movements, the tigers are
certain of themselves.
5. Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band sits heavily on
her hand.
The weighty wedding band is symbol of all the
constraints of married life Aunt Jennifer has had
faced being married to a domineering husband.
11. Refer to answer 6.
12. The poet describes Aunt Jennifer’s tigers as
topaz, bright-eyed denizens, prancing with sleek
and chivalric certainty. The tigers are free and
fearless.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
13. Aunt Jennifer is an obedient wife, often
dominated by her husband. Her efforts to get rid
of her fear of an unhappy and terrifying marriage
proves to be futile because she would have to wear
the ‘weighty’ wedding ring, which has made her feel
trapped all her life, even when she is dead. In other
words, there is no escaping the male dominated
society or the ordeals of tyrannous marriage for
Aunt Jennifer, even after death.
will continue through the prancing tigers on the
panel.
19. Aunt Jennifer is scared, oppressed and has no
freedom in her married life because of her husband’s
authority. There is a stark contrast between her and
the tigers’ nature. The tigers are free and fearless
in the presence of men; they prance around with
confidence.
20. Aunt Jennifer, lived an unhappy life in
constant fear of her authoritative husband and the
fact that she would never be freed not even after
her death. Therefore, for her, the tigers symbolised
fearlessness, confidence and freedom, something
she lacked but hoped to possess.
21. (a) The tigers are called Aunt Jennifer’s tigers
because she embroidered them herself.
(b) The tigers are described as bright topaz denizens
of the world of green, who prance around fearlessly
and with sleek, chivalric certainty.
(c) The tigers are different from Aunt Jennifer
because unlike her, they do not fear the men. The
tigers prance with a certainty in their presence.
(d) ‘Chivalric’ means polite and kind behaviour
that shows a sense of honour, specially towards
women.
yM
yK
14. The poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, shows
constraints of married life every woman
experiences. It shows lack of freedom for Aunt
Jennifer, who is forced to live in accordance with
rules laid down by her husband. Uncle’s wedding
band, which sits ‘heavily’ upon Aunt Jennifer’s
finger, symbolises oppressive behaviour of the
patriarchal society. Aunt Jennifer feels that she
would escape the ordeals of her tyrannous marriage
once she is dead. However, such a thought is futile
because the patriarchal society would not permit
her to take off the wedding band even after death.
Therefore, it is suffice to say that she is a victim of
male chauvinism.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
266
op
15. The poet shows the futility of Aunt Jennifer’s
efforts by pointing towards her fluttering fingers,
which find the ivory needle hard to pull. During
her death, she would have to continue to wear her
wedding band.
C
16. The phrase ‘massive weight of uncle’s wedding
band’ refers to the burden of an oppressive
marriage in which Aunt Jennifer was trapped. The
wedding band is also symbol of bondage; Aunt is
bound to her dominating husband by marriage
because of her wedding vows. She can’t escape this
male dominated society even after she is dead. As
a dutiful wife, she must continue to be devoted to
her husband.
17. Refer to answer 8.
18. When Aunt Jennifer is dead, she will continue
to suffer because she will not be free from her
marital bondage. But, her struggle for freedom
22. (a) The tigers are called ‘Aunt Jennifer’s
tigers’ because they are her creation. Aunt Jennifer
embroidered the tigers on a screen.
(b) ‘A world of green’ means green forest, the
natural habitat of the tigers.
(c) Unlike Aunt Jennifer, the tigers are fearless,
confident and free.
(d) The tigers are ‘denizens of a world of green’.
They are wild beasts. Therefore, they do not fear
the men beneath the trees.
23. (a) The tigers are described as bright topaz
denizens of a world of green, prancing in chivalric
certainty fearlessly.
(b) The tigers are the natives of dense green
forests.
(c) They are ferocious, strong and fearless by
nature.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
VISTAS
1
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The Tiger King
– Kalki
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishanmurthi (9 Sept. 1899-5
Dec. 1954) was a Tamil writer. His pen name was
Kalki. He was also a freedom fighter, journalist,
poet, critic and social activist. He was born in
Purthamangalam in Tanjore district in Tamil
Nadu. He got the Sahitya Academy Award for his
Novel ‘Alai Osai’ in 1948.
SUMMARY
This story is about the king of Pratibandapuram
who was also known as the ‘Tiger King’ and was
famous for his indomitable courage.
The Tiger King was rumoured to have spoken when
he was ten days old. His miraculous first words
proved his intelligence, curiosity and bravery to
the astrologers.
The astrologers predicted that the young prince
would grow to become the mightiest of all, but he
would be killed by a tiger.
Since it was a period of British dominance, the
prince was groomed and the British impact was
quite visible. He drank the milk of an English cow,
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
he visited the kingdom. This way he could reach
the number up to ninety nine tigers. These ninety
nine tiger skins ornated the reception hall of
Pratibandapuram palace. Now, only one tiger was
left to be killed.
The Maharaja became even more uneasy and
desired to kill that single tiger and get over his fears.
He could then give up tiger hunting. However,
the hundredth tiger could not be found. The king
became anxious. One day, he got the news that
sheep had started disappearing from the hill side
village, his hopes rose. He was extremely pleased
that he announced a three year exemption from all
taxes for the village and set out to find the tiger.
But it was in vain.
The king got so angry that many officers had
to lose their job and in his frenzy he ordered to
double up the tax. The dewan was very worried, so
in order to find a solution he got an old tiger from
the People’s Park in Madras and kept it hidden in
his house. When Maharaja went for tiger hunting
the dewan along with his wife took the tiger and
dragged him out of the car. The old tiger started
wandering in the forest. The king spotted and shot
the tiger. The exhilarated king took the procession
of the dead tiger through the town. After the king
left, the other hunters realised that the tiger only
fainted due to shock of the bullet. They thought if
they will tell Maharaja they might lose their jobs.
Therefore, they decided not to tell him the truth.
One of the hunters shot the tiger dead. Then they
took out the procession and buried the tiger. A
tomb was erected over it.
After a few days, Maharaja’s son’s third birthday
was celebrated. He looked out for a gift. He saw
a wooden tiger. That toy was only for two anas
but the shopkeeper said it was a rare example of
the craftsmanship and sold it to the king for three
hundred rupees. He played with that wooden tiger
along with his son. It was carved by an unskilled
carpenter. The surface of the toy tiger was rough
with quills all over it. One of these quills pierced
the king’s hand. The king took it out and kept on
playing with the prince. Next day, his right hand
got infected which spread all over the arm, three
renowned doctors from Madras could not save
him. Therefore, the hundredth tiger took its final
revenge. It killed the Tiger King.
C
op
yM
yK
was brought up by an English nanny, tutored in
English by an Englishman, saw nothing but English
films. He was crowned king at the age of twenty.
The king of Pratibandapuram was arrogant but
brave. As the stories of the predictions resurfaced
he killed the first tiger to show his superiority
against destiny. Then he called the state astrologer.
The astrologer reaffirmed his prediction saying that
ninety nine tigers would cause no harm but it was
the hundredth tiger that he needs to escape from.
This made the king to make a vow to kill at least
hundred tigers to show that he was determined to
win the challenge against the fate.
Maharaja’s sole aim of life was now to hunt tigers.
This fixation led him to kill all the tigers of the
tiger rich forests of Pratibandapuram. He even
pronounced that anybody who dared even to
think evil of any of the tiger will have to surrender
all wealth and property as he wanted the right to
kill all the tigers for himself. To achieve his target
to kill hundred tigers he became nonchalant
to his duties of a king. During the course of his
mission, he faced many life threatening situations.
Sometimes he even fought the beast without any
weapons but each time he was successful. The high
ranking British officer who wanted to go for tiger
hunting visited Pratibandapuram. He was fond of
clicking photographs of tigers, which he killed.
The Maharaja did not allow him as he thought
granting permission once would lead to other
British officers also making similar requests.
As the king refused the permission to the British
officer, his kingdom came under the threat. So he
discussed with his dewan and thought of sending
fifty sample rings to the British officer’s wife. They
thought that his wife would choose one ring, but
the greedy wife took all the fifty rings. Those rings
cost the king three lakh rupees, but the kingdom
was saved.
After this incident the tiger hunting expedition of
the king continued. Within a decade he managed
to kill seventy tigers. The population of the tigers
drastically began to come down. The king told his
dewan to find a princess of a royal family suitable
for his marriage and their kingdom should have
a large number of tiger population. After his
marriage the king killed five to six tigers each time
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
268
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Tiger King
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
269
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
1.
Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting in
the state?
(Delhi 2014)
2.
Why did the Maharaja order the Dewan to
double the land tax?
(AI 2014)
3.
How did the Maharaja please a high-ranking
British official?
(Delhi 2014 C)
4.
What gave the astrologers the greatest
surprise of their life while they were studying
the horoscope of the ten-day-old prince?
(AI 2014 C)
15.
Narrate the ultimate end of the Tiger King in
the story ‘The Tiger King’.
(AI 2009)
16.
How did the Tiger King celebrate his victory
over the killing of the 100th tiger?
(Delhi 2008)
17.
What was the Dewan’s tiger like? How did he
take it into the forest?
(Delhi 2008)
18.
Why did the Dewan decide to give up his
own tiger to be killed by the Maharaja?
b
(2 marks)
(Delhi 2008)
SA II (3 marks)
ita
SA I
5.
Why did the Maharaja decide to get married?
( Delhi 2014 C)
6.
How did the Tiger King become the victim
of the hundredth tiger?
(AI 2014 C)
20.
What sort of hunts did the Maharaja offer to
organise for the high-ranking British officer?
What trait of the officer does it reveal?
When he was only ten days old, a prediction
was made about the future of the Tiger King.
What was ironic about it?
(Delhi 2016)
21.
How did the ten-day-old baby (the future
Tiger King) react to the prediction about his
future made by the astrologers?(Delhi 2016)
22.
What kind of life was enjoyed by crown
prince Jung Bahadur till he reached the age
of twenty?
(Delhi 2016)
23.
Who killed the 100th tiger? Why?(AI 2015 C)
The manner of his (the Tiger King’s) death is a
matter of extraordinary interest. Comment.
How did the Tiger King stand in danger of
losing his Kingdom ? How was he able to
avert the danger?
(Delhi 2012)
C
9.
op
(Delhi 2013)
8.
How did the Maharaja deal with a high
ranking British officer who wanted to shoot
a tiger?
(Delhi 2017)
yM
yK
7.
19.
Why was the Maharaja so anxious to kill the
hundredth tiger?
(AI 2012)
10.
What did the British officer’s secretary tell
the Maharaja? Why did the Maharaja refuse
permission?
(AI 2010)
24.
11.
Why, do you think, was the Maharaja in
danger of losing his throne?
(AI 2010)
25.
12.
When was the Tiger King in danger of losing
his throne?
(AI 2015)
What led the Maharaja to start out on a tiger
hunt?
(AI 2010)
26.
13.
How did the Tiger King manage to retain his
kingdom?
(Foreign 2015)
How did the Tiger King acquire his name?
27.
What made the chief astrologer place his
finger on his nose? (Foreign 2015)
28.
Why did the Maharaja ban tiger hunting in
his state?
(Delhi 2015 C)
(Delhi 2009)
14.
What happened to the tiger provided by the
Dewan Saheb?
(Delhi 2009)
(AI 2015)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
270
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
LA II (6 marks)
29.
30.
LA III (7 marks)
Giving a bribe is an evil practice. How did
the Tiger King bribe the British officer to
save his kingdom? How do you view this act
of his?
(Delhi 2015)
Even today so many among us believe in
superstitions. An astrologer predicted about
‘The Tiger King’ that he would be killed by
a tiger. He ‘killed’ one hundred tigers yet
was himself ‘killed’ by a tiger. How did the
superstitious belief ‘prevail’?
(AI 2015)
31.
When did the Tiger King stand in danger
of losing his kingdom? How was he able to
avert the danger?
(Delhi 2010)
32.
How did the Tiger King meet his end ? What
is ironical about his fate? (AI 2009)
33.
Describe the efforts made by the Tiger King
to achieve his target of killing a hundred
tigers.
(AI 2009)
Answers
ita
b
in Pratibandapurm. In order to fulfil his vow of
killing one hundred tigers the Maharaja decided
to get married to a girl from a royal family of a
kingdom with a large tiger population.
6. The Tiger King gifted his son a wooden toy
tiger. The toy was made by an unskilled carpenter
because of which its surface was rough; tiny slivers
of wood stood up like quills all over it.
A splinter from the wooden tiger pierced his hand,
caused suppurating sore, resulting into his death.
This is how the Tiger King became the victim of
the hundredth tiger.
yM
yK
1. There were various reasons because of which
the Maharaja banned tiger hunting in the state
of Pratibandapuram. He vowed to hunt and kill
hundred tigers to prove the astrologer wrong
who predicted that a tiger would be the cause of
his death. However, the tiger population of his
kingdom was quickly diminishing because of the
Maharaja’s hunting spree. This is why he did not
want anyone else to hunt or kill tigers.
C
op
2. After hearing about disappearances of sheep,
the Maharaja set out on an expedition to find the
hundredth tiger, which was supposed to be the
reason for the disappearances. However, the tiger
could not be found anywhere. The Tiger King was
becoming impatient day by day. In his rage, the
Maharaja ordered the Dewan to double the land tax.
3. A high ranking British officer visited
Pratibandapuram and sought permission to hunt
tiger from King. Even though the king declined his
request, he did not want to displease the officer. So
in order to please the high-ranking British officer,
he sent fifty diamond rings to his wife which cost
the Maharaja three lakh rupees.
4. The fact that the ten-days-old infant prince
spoke clearly and coherently and that he raised
intelligent questions about life and death, gave the
astrologers the greatest surprise of their life while
they were studying the horoscope of the infant
crown prince.
5. So far, the Maharaja had succeeded in killing
only seventy tigers when they become extinct
7. The Maharaja refused to allow the British
officer to hunt tigers in his kingdom. Instead,
the Maharaja offered to organise a boar hunt or a
mouse hunt or even a mosquito hunt. It shows the
shallowness and pretence of the British official.
8. A high-ranking British officer, who was fond
of hunting tigers, visited Pratibandapuram. The
Tiger King refused to allow the British officer to
hunt tigers saying it was banned in his kingdom.
He did not even permit the officer to get himself
photographed with the tiger killed by the king. This
annoyed the high-ranking British officer because
directly or indirectly, the king was preventing an
important man from fulfilling his desire.
Anticipating unfavourable consequences of
denying a British officer and to avert the danger
of losing his kingdom, the Tiger King sent a gift of
fifty expensive diamond rings to the British officer’s
wife. Although he thought that the duraisani would
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
9. When the Maharaja was only ten days old, an
astrologer predicted that a tiger would be the cause
of his death. In order to prove the astrologer wrong
and also to save himself from getting killed, the
Maharaja vowed to hunt and kill hundred tigers.
This is why he was so anxious to kill the hundredth
tiger.
11. Refer to answer 8.
12. Refer to answer 9.
yM
yK
10. The British officer’s secretary sent a message to
the Maharaja through his dewan that the Maharaja
could actually kill the tiger and then allow the
British officer to get himself photographed with
the tiger while holding the gun and standing over
carcass. However, the Maharaja did not agree to
him and refused permission because he feared that
doing so will encourage other British officers to
turn up for tiger hunting. The Maharaja wanted to
kill hundred tigers himself.
birthday, he wanted to give something special to
the crown prince. He went to the shopping centre
in Pratibandapuram and searched every shop, but
could not find anything suitable. He then saw a
wooden toy tiger and thought it was perfect for
his son. The toy had been carved by an unskilled
carpenter. The surface was rough because slivers of
wood were poking out, of the entire toy. One of the
quills pierced the Maharaja’s hand. Although the
king pulled it out the wound became infected. The
infection spread all over the arm. As the situation
worsened, three famous surgeons were called
from Madras to treat the king. All three surgeons
agreed that the king needed to be operated on
immediately. After the surgery, the three surgeons
announced that the operation was successful but
king had passed away. Ultimately, the Tiger King
met his end by the hundredth tiger, ironically not
by a real tiger but by a wooden one whose splinter
injured him proving deadly.
b
only select a couple of rings, he did not mind that
she kept them all. In fact, he was happy to know
that he was able to retain his kingdom even though
he had to pay three lakh rupees to the British
jewellers for the diamond rings.
271
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Tiger King
C
op
13. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram, the Tiger
King had killed ninety-nine tigers to prove the
chief astrologer’s prediction wrong. He was so
obsessed with killing hundred tigers that he even
married the princess whose state was rich in tigers.
It was this fixation of his, with killing tigers, which
got him the name.
14. The tiger provided by the Dewan Saheb was
very old and stood in complete submission. The
Maharaja took an aim and fired, but actually the
bullet had missed the tiger. Hearing the sharp
sound of bullet the tiger fainted. The Maharaja
took the procession of the ‘dead’ tiger through the
town unaware that it was still alive. Since, the other
hunters did not want to offend the Maharaja by
telling him what had happened, one of the hunters
shot and killed the tiger.
15. The occasion was the Tiger King’s son’s third
birthday, he had not been paying much attention
to the crown prince because of his obsession
of killing hundred tigers. Since, it was his son’s
16. After ‘killing’ the hundredth tiger, the Tiger
King was filled with joy. He had proved the
astrologers wrong. In order to celebrate his victory,
the Maharaja ordered the tiger to be brought in a
grand procession. Having fulfilled his vow, the
Tiger King had all the time in the world. So, he
turned his attention to his son.
17. The Dewan’s tiger was weak and senile. He
arranged the tiger from The People’s Park, Madras.
Dewan dragged the tiger out at midnight and
shoved him into the car, went to the forest, hauled
the beast out of the car and pushed him to the
ground near Maharaja’s camp.
18. The Dewan decided to give up his own tiger
to be killed by the Maharaja because he had to save
his job. Otherwise, if the King could not kill the
hundredth tiger, he would be furious and the result
would be catastrophic.
19. When the high ranking British officer
expressed his desire to hunt tiger in
Pratibandapurm, the Maharaja denied him
permission. He said to the British officer that the
latter could hunt anything, even mosquitoes, but
not tigers. Later, when the Maharaja realised that
refusing the high ranking British officer could
jeopardise his kingdom, he sent fifty samples of
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
diamond rings to the British officer’s wife to choose
from. She kept them all; it cost the Maharaja three
lakhs rupees.
20. The chief astrologer predicted that the Tiger
King would die one day. The irony was that,
hearing this, the ten days old infant Tiger King,
then a crown prince, spoke like a wise man and
said that everyone who is born had to die.
21. After listening to the prediction about his
death, the ten-days old crown prince responded by
saying that death is inevitable for anybody who is
born. It does not require prediction. He wished
to know about the manner of death as it is more
important than the news of his death itself. When
he learnt that the cause of his death would be tigers,
he said with a growl : “Let tigers beware!”
kept the entire lot and replied with a thank you
note for the gifts. In two days, a bill of three lakh
rupees was sent by the British jewellers, to the
Maharaja which he was happy to pay. This is how
the Maharaja had managed to retain his kingdom.
This act of the king sheds light on the deplorable
practice of bribery that perpetuates the vicious
cycle of corruption, especially considering the
fact that the king had personal interests to protect
rather than the welfare of his kingdom.
30. From the moment the Tiger King heard the
prediction that a tiger would be the cause of his
death, he made it the aim of his life not to lose to
the tigers. The Tiger King vowed to kill hundred
tigers and not rest until his vow was completed.
While the Maharaja believed that he was fighting
to change his destiny, it was the other way round.
One may find it superstitious, but it was his
destiny, which pushed him to act the way he did
and eventually die because of a tiger.
The Tiger King took lives of the innocent tigers, one
after another, until it became an obsession of his.
He was selfish, self-centred and to quite an extent,
hot-headed, which influenced each of his actions.
He banned tiger hunts in Pratibandapuram for
others and threatened to confiscate wealth and
property of anybody who dared to hurt the tigers.
He gave up his royal duties only to fulfil his vow,
without once thinking about the effects it would
have on his kingdom. He bribed the high ranking
British officer, whom he had denied permission
to hunt tigers in Pratibandapuram, so that he,
the Tiger King, did not lose his kingdom. The
Maharaja even married into a royal family only on
one condition, the forests of that kingdom had to
have tigers.
After killing ninety-nine tigers, the Tiger King’s
obsession grew. On his last hunting expedition,
when the hundredth tiger was nowhere to be seen,
the Tiger King became furious and asked Dewan
to double the land tax of the village where he had
gone to hunt. The Dewan feared that the king’s
decision would prove to be catastrophic, if the
hundredth tiger was not found and killed quickly;
the dewan’s job was in jeopardy too.
These chain of events paved way for the death of
the Tiger King. The Dewan arranged for a senile
yM
yK
22. Crown prince Jung Bahadur drank the milk of
an English cow. He was brought up by an English
nanny and tutored in English by an Englishman,
saw nothing but English movies. Until he reached
his twenties, the crown prince Jung Bahadur
enjoyed everything which other Indian crown
princes during British rule were enjoying.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
272
op
23. The hundredth tiger was killed by one of
the hunters accompanying the Tiger King. The
Maharaja missed his mark, but loud bang of the
gun shot made the old and weak tiger faint. If the
king had found out about this, the hunters would
have lost their job.
C
24. Refer to answer 15.
25. Refer to answer 8.
26. Refer to answer 8.
27. The chief astrologer placed his finger on
his nose because he was filled with surprise and
wonder on hearing a small baby, just ten days old,
speak.
28. Refer to answer 1.
29. The Tiger King dispatched a telegram to a
famous British company of jewellers in Calcutta
to send samples of expensive diamond rings of
different designs. Some fifty rings arrived and the
king sent all of it to the British officer’s wife. The
king and his minister expected that the duraisani
would choose one or two rings and send the rest
back. However, it turned out that the duraisani
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
31. Refer to answer 8.
C
op
yM
yK
32. The Tiger King wanted to give his son a
special gift on his birthday. He went out to look
for the ideal present for him. Finally, he found a
wooden tiger at a toy shop and gave it to his son.
But it had been made by an unskilled carpenter;
The surface was rough as up like quills tiny slivers
of wood stood all over it. One of these pierced
Tiger King’s hand. The infection from the wound
spread all over the arm and eventually killed him.
In spite of killing ninety-nine tigers, his death
comes from the hundredth tiger, just as the chief
astrologer had predicted. What is ironic about the
Tiger King’s fate is that, the hundredth tiger was
not even a real tiger, it was a toy.
273
33. After he took a vow to kill hundred tigers,
doing so became the sole aim of his life. The Tiger
King made numerous efforts to fulfil his target of
killing a hundred tigers. He banned tiger hunting in
Pratibandapuram. He announced that anyone who
dared to even touch a tiger in his kingdom, would
have to surrender their entire wealth and property.
Gradually, the Tiger King started paying more
attention to hunting tigers and less on his royal
duties. By now, he had killed almost all the tigers in
the forests of Pratibanapuram. He spent three lakhs
rupees on diamond rings, which he presented to
the wife of a high ranking British official, whom
he offended by refusing to give permission to hunt
tigers in Pratibandpuram. The Tiger King was so
obsessed with killing tigers that he even married
into a kingdom where the tiger population was
high. Every time he went to meet his in laws, he
would kill five or six tigers. He stayed in the forest
for many days and was determined to catch a tiger.
But he grew anxious when he couldn’t get one even
after many days. He fired many of his officers for
this reason. The Maharaja’s Dewan brought an old
tiger from the People’s Park in Madras for the king
to kill, to finally let him achieve his target of killing
hundred tigers.
b
tiger to be killed by the Maharaja. However, the
King’s bullet did not kill the beast; the old tiger
merely fainted by the sound of the gun shot. It
was one of the king’s hunters who finally killed the
tiger, leaving the king content with the thought of
killing hundred tigers. Therefore, the king’s death
due to the infection caused by the splinter from
the wooden toy tiger, was a death caused by his
own action, proving that the superstitious belief
prevailed.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Tiger King
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
VISTAS
2
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The Enemy
– Pearl S.Buck
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) was born in Hillsboro,
West Virginia. Pearl had begun to publish stories
in 1920. Her novel ‘Good Earth’ became the best
selling and won Pulitzer Prize and the Howells
Medal. Pearl was the first American lady to win the
Nobel Prize in Literature. Buck had a humanistic
attitude to the problems of life. She felt that while
nations were at war, individuals were humans.
SUMMARY
‘The Enemy’ tells the story of a Japanese doctor
who hates Americans because of his patriotism.
Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon and scientist,
lived with his wife Hana and two children at the
Japanese sea-coast. His house was located on
the sea-coast where he had spent his childhood.
He was greatly influenced by his father whose
chief concern was Sadao’s education. When he
was twenty two Sadao Hoki was sent to America
to study surgery and medicine. Sadao fulfilled
his father’s desire and became a famous scientist
and surgeon. He returned to serve his nation and
people.
Even though there was a war going on Dr. Sadao
was not sent as he was perfecting a discovery on
wounds and the old general might need him for
an operation.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
275
b
within themselves. The gardener said that the man
should have been left bleeding, the cook said that
it was Sadao’s pride due to which he treated the
American soldier. Yumi said that the kids would
suffer if Sadao was caught. He would be declared
a traitor. The prisoner’s name was Tom. He started
recovering and in a fortnight recovered completely.
Sadao wrote a letter to the chief of police but then
put the unfinished letter in his drawer.
Hana was not able to understand why she and her
husband were in a dilemma about the next step
for the prisoner. The General sent out a messenger
in an official uniform. Hana got extremely scared
and thought the servants would have informed
the police. But she took a sigh of relief when the
messenger told that he came to call the doctor
as the General was suffering from chest pain.
Tensed and tired of hiding the enemy, Dr. Sadao
revealed the secret to the General when he went
to examine him. Looking at his present medical
conditions, General realised that he would require
Sadao’s medical expertise at any time. So, he
was selfish enough to not let Sadao get into any
trouble. He assured Sadao that he would send his
personal assassins to kill the American and remove
his body from Sadao’s house.
Dr. Sadao kept this plan a secret and did not disclose
it to Hana as he did not want her to be troubled.
He could not sleep for two nights as he expected
assassins to come at night and kill the American.
But each morning he found Tom alive. After three
nights of restlessness, panic, anxiety and terror,
Sadao decided to get rid of the stranger and the
uneasiness his presence caused. He packed him off
on a boat, loading the boat with basic necessities like
food, water, quilts and he also gave him a flashlight
so that he could send signals if required. He sent
him to a nearby island to wait for a Korean ship.
Thus, Tom departed safely.
Sadao then operated the General. When he
recuperated after a week the General said that he
was apologetic for not being able to send assassins
to kill the American. The General admitted to have
forgotten his promise to send the assassins because
of his own pain. One night, Sadao saw there was
no flashlight from the island, so Sadao understood
that the prisoner must have been safe and would
have boarded the Korean ship. Sadao was left
wondering that though he hated Americans and
treated them to be enemies why he couldn’t kill the
young soldier.
yM
yK
With his father’s consent, Dr. Sadao married
Hana whom he met in America. They had two
children. Hana was a Japanese lady and had full
faith in Japanese values and customs. She was a
sympathetic lady.
One night as the two of them stood in verandah, they
saw something being washed ashore into the close
proximity of their house and on closer inspection
found that it was an American prisoner of war. The
American seemed to have lost a lot of blood due to a
bullet wound. Sadao and Hana were in a perplexed
situation. Their human instincts demanded them to
take care of the wounded person but their patriotic
self wanted them to leave the injured person there
only. Sadao realised, being a doctor, that the man
needed an urgent medical attention. They thought
that the servants would oppose their action and
may give them away to the authorities. Dr. Sadao
requested Hana to allow him to get the man in the
house and also to disclose it to the servants. The
children’s nanny, Yumi, refused to help in cleaning
a white man. Therefore, Hana not only cleaned him
but also administered anaesthesia which she had
never done before. Hana assisted her husband in
the surgery. She wondered if the prisoner of war
was tortured in the same way as she heard in the
stories. Dr. Sadao successfully took out the bullet
which was lodged close to the kidney. Hana saw
three red scars on his neck. Dr. Sadao tried his best
to keep the prisoner alive. Meanwhile, he thought
the reason behind his earnest attempts. He, out of
habit, called the man “my friend” forgetting that he
was the enemy. Sadao looked after the patient till he
regained his consciousness. When the young man
realised where he was, he got extremely scared.
Hana consoled him. He was surprised to listen
them talking in English. She informed him that she
was in America for some time. The young man who
was about seventeen years old got up after the third
day of the operation. He asked what they would
like to do with him to which Dr. Sadao replied that
he was also not sure if he will hand over the young
man to the authorities or not.
The servants in the house protested that they would
not stay if the American would be there in the
house. Dr. Sadao said that it was his professional
ethics that made him take care of the young
man. He loved the country equally like they did.
Though the servants were polite but they showed a
callous behaviour as the days passed. The servants
made sure that Hana could hear when they spoke
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Enemy
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
276
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARS MCQS
Previous
Years’
CBSE Board Questions
What forced Dr. Sadao to be impatient and
irritable with his patient?
(AI 2013)
2.
What made a cool surgeon like Sadao
speak sharply to his wife and what was her
reaction?
(AI 2013)
3.
Did Hana think the Japanese tortured their
prisoners of war? Why?
(Delhi 2012)
4.
What help did Dr. Sadao seek from Hana
while operating on the wounded white man?
(Delhi 2012)
5.
How did Dr. Sadao ensure that the American
sailor left his house but he himself remained
safe and secure?
(Delhi 2012)
6.
Why did Hana wash the wounded soldier
herself?
(Delhi 2011)
7.
How does the writer indicate that Dr.
Sadao’s father was a very traditional and
conventional man?
(Delhi 2011)
8.
Why did the messenger come to Dr.
Sadao ? What did Hana think about it?
(AI 2010)
Where, when and how did Dr. Sadao meet
Hana?
(Delhi 2016)
17.
What conflict in his mind troubled
Dr. Sadao when he came to know that the
wounded man was an American POW?
(Foreign 2016)
18.
How did the General plan to get rid of the
American POW?
(Foreign 2016)
19.
How did the servants react when they
realised that Dr. Sadao was going to save the
life of an enemy?
(Foreign 2016)
20.
What role did the American professor play
in bringing Hana and Sadao together ?
(AI 2015)
21.
What was Sadao’s father’s dream for him?
How did Sadao realise it?
(AI 2015)
22.
Who did Dr. Sadao think the survivor from
the sea was when he first saw him?
(Foreign 2015)
23.
Why did Dr. Sadao seek Hana’s help to treat
the U.S. soldier?
(Foreign 2015)
24.
On the seventh day after the American
soldier was found by Dr. Sadao two things
happened. Why did Hana feel scared of the
second?
(Foreign 2015)
Why had Hana to wash the wounded man
herself ?
(Delhi 2012)
op
yM
yK
1.
16.
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
Why did the General spare the American
soldier?
(AI 2009)
10.
Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield ?
(AI 2009)
11.
How did the gardener react when Dr. Sadao
told him about the wounded American
soldier?
(Delhi 2009)
C
9.
12.
Hana told Yumi to wash the solider. How did
Yumi react?
(Delhi 2008)
13.
Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s
house?
(Delhi 2008)
SA II (3 marks)
14.
What was his father’s chief concern about
Dr. Sadao?
(Delhi 2016)
15.
Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad along
with the troops?
(Delhi 2016)
25.
LA I
26.
27.
(5 marks)
What was the General’s plan to get rid of
the American prisoner? Was it executed?
What traits of the General’s character are
highlighted in the lesson ‘The Enemy’?
(AI 2014)
Explain the reactions of the servants in
Dr. Sadao’s house when he decided to give
shelter to an enemy in the house. (AI 2014)
LA II (6 marks)
28.
Good human values are far above any other
value system. How did Dr. Sadao succeed as
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Enemy
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
(Delhi 2017)
34.
29.
Dr. Sadao was a patriotic Japanese as well as
a dedicated surgeon. How could he honour
both the values?
(Delhi 2015)
35.
30.
Dr. Sadao faced a dilemma. Should he use his
surgical skills to save the life of a wounded
person or hand an escaped American P.O.W.
over to the Japanese police? How did he
resolve this clash of values?
(AI 2015)
a doctor as well as a patriot?
31.
32.
How did Dr. Sadao help the American POW
to escape? What humanitarian values do
you find in his act?
(Foreign 2015)
How did the arrival of the prisoner destroy
the peace of Sadao’s home? (Delhi 2015 C)
36.
37.
Why did Sadao help the American soldier to
escape? How did he do it?
(AI 2012)
Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as
a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What
made Hana, his wife, sympathise with him in
the face of open defiance from the domestic
staff?
(AI 2011)
What explains the attitude of the General
in the matter of the enemy soldier? Was
it human consideration, lack of national
loyalty, dereliction of duty or simply selfabsorption?
(AI 2011)
How did Dr. Sadao rise above narrow
prejudices of race and country to help a
human being in need?
(Delhi 2009)
LA IV (10 marks)
33.
38.
b
LA III (7 marks)
ita
Describe the difficulties faced by Dr. Sadao
when he decided to help the enemy soldier.
(Delhi 2009)
yM
yK
Do you think Dr. Sadao’s final decision was
the best possible one in the circumstances?
Why/ Why not? Explain with reference to
the story, ‘The Enemy’. (Delhi 2013)
277
Answers
C
op
1. When Dr. Sadao started operating on the
wounded American soldier, Hana had to be there
to assist him. As someone who had never witnessed
surgery before, the sight of blood disgusted Hana
and she choked. In a sharp tone, Dr. Sadao told
his wife to be strong and not faint. However, Hana
ran outside and vomited. Sadao wanted to comfort
his wife but at the same time, could not leave the
American soldier unattended. This helplessness
forced an otherwise calm and composed Dr. Sadao
to be impatient and irritable with his patient.
2. Refer to answer 1.
3. Yes, Hana thought the Japanese tortured their
prisoners of war. She thought so because she had
heard about stories of suffering of prisoners of war.
When she saw the tortured body of the American
soldier, it confirmed her fears. She remembered
General Takima beat his wife cruelly at home and
wondered, if he could be so cruel to his wife, he
would surely be more cruel to an enemy soldier.
4. First, Dr. Sadao asked Hana to fetch towels.
Then he told her that she would have to give the
anaesthesia to the wounded soldier. Hana had
never done this before. So, Dr. Sadao explained
that it was easy. All she had to do was soak the
cotton with anaesthesia and hold it near the
patient’s nostrils. Since Yumi and the other
servants had refused to help, Dr. Sadao tend to
the American P.O.W, it was Hana who had to
wash his wounds.
5. Dr. Sadao offered his personal boat with
food and extra clothing and advised the American
soldier to go to a nearby island and escape from
there by boarding a Korean fishing boat. One week
later, he informed the General about the American
soldier’s escape, thus, saving the American and
remaining safe and secure himself.
6. Hana had to wash the wounded soldier
herself because Yumi, the nanny, refused to wash
the American soldier. She and the other servants
were frightened when they learned about the
enemy being in the house. They did not want to get
into trouble of any kind. This is why they refused
to help their master and mistress.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
7. Dr. Sadao’s father wanted his son to
marry a girl who had been pure in her race.
Dr. Sadao and Hana had fallen in love in America
but their marriage was arranged by Dr. Sadao’s
father in the traditional Japanese way only after he
had approved of Hana.
8. The messenger came to Dr. Sadao to inform
him that the old General was in pain again and
needed his care. Hana had thought that the servants
had betrayed them and the messenger had come to
arrest Dr. Sadao for sheltering the American, an
enemy soldier.
14. Dr. Sadao’s father’s chief concern was his
education. He wanted Dr. Sadao to go abroad for
higher studies and to see him as the best surgeon
in the world.
15. Dr. Sadao was an eminent surgeon and a
scientist. He was perfecting a discovery, which
would render wounds entirely clean. Moreover,
the old General was being treated medically for a
condition for which he might need an operation.
This is why Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the
troops.
16. Dr. Sadao met Hana during his stay in
America where he was studying medicine. It was
at Professor Harley’s house that Dr. Sadao met
Hana for the first time. The professor and his wife
organised a party for their foreign students. Dr.
Sadao was reluctant to go. Nevertheless he went
there, literally by chance and he met Hana, who
was a new student.
17. When Dr. Sadao came to know that the
wounded man was an American P.O.W., he was
troubled by the conflict between patriotism and
professional ethics. Dr. Sadao was caught in the
dilemma of handing over the wounded soldier to
the Japanese authority who would surely end his
life and his humanitarian instincts.
yM
yK
9. The General spared the American soldier
because that would keep Dr. Sadao safe as well.
The old General was a selfish man. He thought of
nothing but his own well-being. He needed Dr.
Sadao for his own surgery and didn’t want to lose
a skilled surgeon like Dr. Sadao at any cost. The
General preferred American sentimentality rather
than German ruthlessness.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
278
10. Dr. Sadao was not sent to the battlefield
because the old General was not well and needed a
skilled surgeon at his service. Moreover, Dr. Sadao
was perfecting a discovery, which would leave the
wounds clean.
C
op
11. When Dr. Sadao told the gardener about the
wounded American soldier, he strongly opposed
his master for treating the wounds of the enemy.
The old gardener pulled a few hairs on his upper
lip and said that the sea and gun wound intended
to kill the American soldier, now they might take
revenge upon his master for treating the enemy
soldier.
12. When Hana told Yumi to wash the American
soldier’s wounds, Yumi refused to touch him. She
had a fierce look of resistance as she said she had
nothing to do with him. She even threatened to
leave the job, which she eventually did.
13. When the servants realised that Dr. Sadao
was going to save the life of an enemy, the servants
were not happy. In fact, they disapproved their
master saving the wounded American soldier’s life.
They refused to serve the patient and quit their job.
They were worried for their lives and their master’s
and mistress’ too.
18. In order to get rid of the American P.O.W
the General planned to send private assassins
to quietly kill the prisoner in his sleep and then
dispose off his body without trace.
19. Refer to answer 13.
20. Refer to answer 16.
21. Dr. Sadao’s father wanted him to go abroad
for higher studies and become the world’s best
surgeon. Dr. Sadao worked hard and became an
eminent surgeon and scientist. He was perfecting
a discovery, which would render wounds entirely
clean.
22. When the survivor from the sea first came
into Dr. Sadao’s view, the doctor thought that he
was a fisherman from nearby village who had been
badly wounded.
23. Refer to answer 6.
24. On the seventh day, after the American Soldier
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
25. Refer to answer 6.
28. Dr. Sadao Hoki was not only a trained
surgeon but also a fervent patriot who dedicated
himself to the cause of serving his country in the
wartime through scientific research. However,
the dilemma that Dr. Sadao faced on the arrival
of the wounded American soldier at his doorstep
was a clash between his duties as a doctor and that
of a patriotic citizen. Since Dr. Sadao was under
the Hippocratic oath to serve the mankind as
a whole and put his professional duties first, he
decided to save the enemy at any cost. For this he
faced difficulties at his home from his wife and
servants. He even endangered his own life and
that of his family. However, he was able to show
his patriotism by informing the General about
the wounded American soldier and how he saved
him. He requested the General to do whatever was
necessary in the matter and even agreed to the
arrangement of getting the enemy soldier killed
by professional assassins sent by the General.
The fact that he informed the General about the
American’s escape, even though it was he who
helped the soldier, is also a proof that Dr. Sadao
was a dedicated surgeon as well as a patriotic
Japanese.
29. Refer to answer 28.
30. Refer to answer 28.
C
op
yM
yK
26. The General planned to get rid of the
American prisoner by sending his private assassins
to kill him and then remove his body from Sadao’s
house. The plan was not executed since the General
forgot his promise to send the assassins because of
his own pain.
The old General seemed to be a cold, calculated
ruthless man. He had an unusual sense of humour
and seemed to generate fear in others’ hearts quite
effortlessly. In his interaction with Dr. Sadao, he
comes across as a man who puts his self-interest
above everything else. The only reason he did not
get Dr. Sadao arrested for treason was because he
feared that no other surgeon would be as good as Dr.
Sadao if ever the General is fatally wounded again.
To save Dr. Sadao from his unusual predicament,
the General suggested getting the American soldier
killed by his private assassins and getting rid of his
body off at the same time. When he admitted to
have forgotten to send the assassins, the General
asked Sadao not to speak about this carelessness.
Nevertheless, the General is not completely devoid
of human considerations. He understood that from
a surgeon’s point of view, Dr. Sadao did the right
thing by saving the wounded soldier’s life, later he
even promises reward to Dr. Sadao for proving his
loyalty and patriotism.
The wounds took time to heal; Dr. Sadao and Hana
took great care of the American soldier. However,
None of the servants tried to hide their displeasure
and they voiced their opinion loudly for Sadao
and Hana to hear. They felt that since both Hana
and Dr. Sadao had lived in America for a while,
they favoured the American P.O.W. over their own
countrymen. The servants constantly pressurised
the Hoki family to disclose the secret and get
the American caught by the police. Finally, their
displeasure at their master’s decision made them
leave his household.
b
was found by Dr. Sadao, two things happened.
First, all the household servants quit their job and
second, General’s messenger in official uniform
came to meet Sadao.
Hana felt scared of the uniformed messenger
because she thought he had come to arrest Dr.
Sadao.
279
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Enemy
27. When Dr. Sadao decided to give shelter
to the enemy, the servants in Dr. Sadao’s house
openly expressed their disapproval. The old
gardener expressed his concern saying the bullet
and the sea wanted the enemy dead. They might
take revenge on their master for healing the white
man. Although they remained skeptical of their
master’s loyalty, they did not disclose the secret to
the world. For them, the white man was an enemy
who did not deserve their help. Yumi, the nanny of
the children, refused to wash the American POW.
31. After waiting for several days for the General’s
private assassins to come and kill the American
P.O.W., Dr. Sadao decided to help the latter escape.
Dr. Sadao arranged for a boat, provided fresh
water, food, quilts, flashlight, etc. and instructed
him to go to the nearest deserted island. Dr. Sadao
asked the soldier to wait there for a Korean fishing
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
boat. He also told him to flash the torch light twice
as signal in case he ran out of food. Dr. Sadao also
provided the American soldier with Japanese attire
and covered his blond hair with a black cloth as a
part of his disguise. The young soldier shook Dr.
Sadao’s hand and left without a word.
One can find universal value of sympathy,
humanitarian consideration, love for fellow human
beings and compassion in Dr. Sadao’s actions.
Sadao did what he thought was best for his country.
He told the General about the American soldier,
after all, he had saved an enemy. Dr. Sadao let the
General decide the soldier’s fate and agreed with
his decision to get him murdered by assassins.
However, compassion is a natural instinct in
humanitarians. Therefore, after waiting anxiously
for the General’s private assassins for three
consecutive nights, Dr. Sadao helped the American
soldier escape. To have him stay any longer with
them was becoming a matter of concern for Dr.
Sadao. It could get him imprisoned for treason
and jeopardise his family. Besides, Dr. Sadao had
already risen above the narrow prejudices of race,
hatred and war by saving the American soldier’s
life. By letting him escape, the doctor could
assuage his conscience; had the General’s plan of
the American’s assassination been carried out, it
would have bothered Dr. Sadao gravely.
34. First, Dr. Sadao was tired of worrying about
the General’s private assassins to murder the
American. He had already spent three consecutive
sleepless nights waiting for them to show up. It
was becoming too much for him to bear. Secondly,
perhaps Dr. Sadao was feeling sad and sorry for
putting the same man’s life in jeopardy whom he
had saved. Lastly, Dr. Sadao was a humanitarian by
nature. Life was more important to him than war.
These are few of the possible reasons why Dr. Sadao
decided to help the American soldier escape. To
help the P.O.W. escape, Dr. Sadao loaded his boat
with food and bottled water, clothing, food, quilts
etc. and asked him to row the boat to the island
not far from the coast. He also gave the American
a flashlight to be used for signalling. Dr. Sadao told
him not to light fire and wait only for a Korean
boat. Then, Dr. Sadao gave the American soldier
Japanese clothes to wear and covered his blonde
hair with a black cloth. At last, both men bid each
other adieu.
C
op
yM
yK
32. The arrival of the prisoner of war completely
destroyed the peace of Sadao household. The
servants in Dr. Sadao’s house were against his
action of harbouring an American. Yumi refused
to wash the wounded soldier. There was a fierce
look of resistance on her face. The cook and the
gardener criticised Sadao, saying that sea and the
gun wanted the white man dead so, why was Sadao
trying to save the enemy. They even threatened
to leave the house. As the stay prolonged, all the
servants quit their jobs and left, it was only Hana,
Dr. Sadao’s wife, who stood by him. However, she
too lived in constant fear. When the General’s
uniformed messenger came for Dr. Sadao Hana
thought that he had come to arrest her husband.
Hana feared that Dr. Sadao would be condemned
as a traitor.
Sadao himself was in a dilemma. Being a patriotic
Japanese, he doubted whether his action was right
since his professional ethics told him to save the
wounded American P.O.W. Later, Dr. Sadao had
many sleepless nights when the professional
assassins did not come to get rid of the American
as promised by the General. Only after the
American soldier left, things became normal in
Sadao household.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
280
33. In the given circumstances, Dr. Sadao’s final
decision to help the American soldier escape was
the best possible decision, because Dr. Sadao was a
humanitarian.
When Dr. Sadao saw the American soldier washed
ashore near his house, badly wounded, the doctor
could have refused to treat him and handed
him over to the authorities instantly. He did not
do so because he was duty bound as a doctor to
save the American soldier first, even prior to his
motherland. Once the soldier recuperated, Dr.
35. While on one hand, her husband was
compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the
enemy soldier, on the other hand, Hana had to
face open defiance from the domestic staff. Amidst
the chaos, Hana understood Dr. Sadao’s dilemma
is between patriotism and his professional ethics.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
37. Refer to answer 28.
38. Dr. Sadao found that the injured soldier had
a gun wound. He was a white man and if he had
given him any treatment or shelter, Dr. Sadao could
be arrested on the charge of helping an enemy.
Therefore, he was in a fix whether to perform his
duty as a doctor or hand over the injured soldier
to the authorities and prove his patriotism. Dr.
Sadao knew that if he handed him over to the
authorities, the American soldier would be surely
killed. Thus, he chose his duty as a doctor and
decided to save him. Dr. Sadao’s servants refused
to help him in treating the soldier for he was an
enemy of the country and they did not want to get
into trouble if found guilty by association. Finally,
he had to decide whether to keep waiting for the
General’s assassins to show up and murder him
or set him free. Once again Dr. Sadao was in a
dilemma.
C
op
yM
yK
36. The attitude of the General in the matter of
the enemy soldier was strange and unusual. He
always portrayed himself as the most patriotic and
dutiful General there could ever be. However, when
Dr. Sadao told him about treating the American
soldier the General did not get Dr. Sadao arrested
for treason. He needed the highly skilled surgeon
for his own survival. This makes it evident that
the General was a self absorbed man, who was
concerned only about himself. The fact that he
offered to get the American soldier killed by his
private assassins, that too as secretly as possible,
shows the inhuman side of the General. Dr. Sadao
waited for three consecutive nights for the assassins
to show up at his house and do their job, but they
did not come. Later, the General admitted to have
281
forgotten all about the enemy soldier and the
assassins whom he was supposed to send to get rid
of the American, because be was distressed by his
own pain. Once again, it proves the self-absorbed
nature of the General. It is also dereliction of duty
to quite an extent on the General’s part because he
put himself above his country’s safety.
b
This made her sympathise with her husband. Hana
was a humane and kind person with a tender heart
just like Dr. Sadao. She loved and respected her
husband and his decisions. She felt that it would
be cruel to leave the wounded American soldier to
die. This is why she did not give in to the servants’
defiance. She maintained her dignity and selfrespect in front of them. Hana, was proud of her
husband and had faith in his expertise, hence she
supported Dr. Sadao.
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
The Enemy
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Should Wizard hit
Mommy?
VISTAS
3
– John Updike
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SUMMARY
John Hoyer Updike (1932-2009) was an American
novelist, poet, short story writer, art critic and
literary critic. He was widely known for his careful
craftsmanship and realistic but subtle depiction of
American protestant, small town middle class life.
He graduated from Harvard University. Updike
wrote fiction series and poetry with light verse. He
won Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
The chapter captures a very sensitive reaction of
a small girl to an important aspect of the story
that her father narrates to her. Jo, a four year old
girl is accustomed to hearing stories from her
father, Jack, every evening and for Saturday naps.
Although, the initial purpose of the story telling
session was to make the young girl sleep, it got
diluted as she developed a keen interest with
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Jo did not approve of skunk’s mom hitting the
wizard and wanted him to hit her back. Father
disagreed and said it was his story and defends
Skunk’s mommy. He said mommies should not be
hit. However, Jo was not convinced. Father did not
like being interrupted.
Roger skunk and his mother came back home
and they wait for father skunk to come back from
Boston in the evening. The three have a hearty
meal. Mother skunk hugs and kisses Roger to sleep
lovingly. She liked the smell of skunk once again.
Skunk now played with other animals as they get
used to his smell and did not run away.
yM
yK
On Saturday afternoon as per the custom, Jack starts
his story. Jo wanted skunk to be the main character of
the story. The story was about Roger skunk who was
left lonely because other small animals did not like
his foul body odour. To solve this problem he goes
to the wise owl who asks him to meet the wizard.
Jo was growing fast so after listening to each story
she started generating her opinions. She started
questioning and asking for logical explanations
for magic spell, death, God, etc. Her curiosity and
involvement in the story made her interrupt every
now and then. All this demonstrated her extent of
involvement with the story.
extremely happy as other children welcomed him
and played lots of games together. Skunk goes
home in the evening happy and satisfied. Skunk’s
mother did not find the rose smell pleasant and
thus, scolds him. Skunk’s mom gets very angry at
the wizard and hits him on his head. Wizard agrees
and gets skunk’s odour back. Thus, Skunk gets his
foul smell back.
b
every passing day. Jo felt herself involved with the
characters and happenings. Jack had customised
the basic structure of the story. He used to thread
various characters with their unique problems into
the story structure. The hero was Roger who went
to owl and then the owl redirected the hero to the
wizard. The wizard always asked for money. All
the stories had a happy ending that his father came
back home from Boston.
C
op
Roger skunk gets the smell of roses when he
meets the wizard. The wizard charged him seven
pennies. However, Roger skunk had only four
pennies so, wizard tells him about a place where
he could easily find the remaining three pennies.
Roger skunk easily managed to find three pennies
and gave it to the wizard. Now, Roger skunk was
283
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
However, Jo remained unconvinced that wizard
should not have been defeated and wanted him
to hit back mommy. But father tried convincing
her that mothers are always right and they are
extremely loving. He asked Jo to go to sleep. But
Jo is still not convinced. The force with which Jo
asked him to change the ending of the story leaves
him perplexed.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
284
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
1.
How was the skunk’s story different from the
other stories narrated by Jack? (Delhi 2014)
2.
Why did Roger Skunk go to see the old owl?
(AI 2014)
3.
How does Jo want the story to end?
(Delhi 2014 C)
4.
Why does Jack insist that it was the wizard
that was hit and not the mother?
( Delhi2014 C)
5.
What did Jo want the wizard to do when
Mommy Skunk approached him?
(Delhi 2013)
12.
How did the wizard help Roger Skunk?
(AI 2009)
13.
How does Jo want the story to end and why?
(Delhi 2008)
SA II (3 marks)
14.
Having got rid of his stink, what problem
did Roger skunk face?
(Delhi 2008)
15.
Which do you think is a better ending of
Roger Skunk’s story, Jo’s or her father’s?
Why?
(Delhi 2015)
16.
How did Jo want the Roger Skunk story to
end?
(Delhi 2015)
b
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
17.
Why did Roger Skunk go to the owl ? What
advice did he get?
(AI 2015 C)
Why does Jo insist that her father should tell
her the story with a different ending?
(AI 2013)
7.
How did the wizard help Roger Skunk?
(Delhi 2012)
19.
8.
What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy
the most and why?
(Delhi 2011)
How did Jo want the Roger Skunk story to
end? Why?
(Delhi 2016)
20.
9.
Why did Jo think Roger Skunk was better off
with the new smell?
(Delhi 2010)
In case of a difference of opinion it is generally
the adult who has his way. Comment on how
Jack justifies the mother skunk’s action?
(Foreign 2016)
10.
Why was Roger Skunk’s mommy angry with
him ? What did she finally tell him?
(Delhi 2010)
21.
How did Jo want the wizard to behave when
Mommy Skunk approached him?
(Delhi 2010)
Why did Jo disapprove of Jack’s ending of the
story of Roger Skunk ? How did she want it
to end?
(Delhi 2009)
22.
What impression do you form of Jack as a
father?
(Delhi 2009)
11.
C
op
yM
yK
6.
18.
Why does Jo call the Skunk’s Mommy stupid?
(Delhi 2015 C)
LA II (6 marks)
LA III (7 marks)
Answers
1. The skunk’s story was different from the other
stories narrated by Jack because other stories ended
on a happy note. The wizard always resolved the
problem by the end of the story, which appealed a
lot to Jo. However, Roger Skunk’s story had a twisted
ending. In this story, the wizard was unable to help
Roger Skunk because mother skunk interfered in
the process. Jo had not so much interrupted the
narration earlier or challenged Jack’s authority. It
was also the only story, the ending of which was
unacceptable to Jo. But above all, unlike any of
Jack’s stories, the ending of this story remained
unresolved.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
3. Jo wants Roger skunk to smell like roses and
not have the skunk’s foul smell. She also wants the
wizard to take revenge on the mother by hitting
her.
4. Jack insists that it was the wizard that was
hit and not the mother because he wanted to
teach a moral lesson to Jo that parents know what
is best for their children. Jack also wanted, Jo to
understand that one should be content with the
way one is born and not change just because the
society does not accept him/her the way he/she is.
Refer to answer 6.
10. Roger Skunk’s mommy was angry with him
because he had let the wizard change his original
bad smell to that of fragrance of roses. Finally she
told him that she found the smell of roses on him
awful because skunks were supposed to smell the
way they actually smell.
11. When mommy skunk approached the wizard,
Jo wanted him to hit her back just as she had hit
him on the head with her umbrella and not change
Roger Skunk back.
12. Roger Skunk had asked the wizard to make
him smell like roses. The wizard took a magic
wand and chanted a spell and all of a sudden, the
wizard’s whole house smelt of roses and so did
Roger Skunk. This is how the wizard helped Roger
Skunk.
13. Refer to answer 5.
14. Having got rid of his stink, Roger skunk now
had his mother’s wrath to face. When she found
out Roger smelt of roses she scolded him badly.
Mommy skunk told Roger to embrace himself as
he was born and be happy with it. She dragged
Roger skunk back to the wizard and forced the
latter to give Roger his original stink back.
yM
yK
5. As the end of the story did not appeal to Jo,
she wanted the wizard to hit Mommy Skunk and
make Roger Skunk continue to smell like roses.
It is evident that the story violated Jo’s sense of
fairness for why should Roger Skunk not smell of
roses and thus, have more friends.
9.
b
2. Roger Skunk went to see the old owl because
he was upset that all the other animals refused to
come near him or play with him because of his bad
smell. Roger needed advice on how to get rid of his
stink.
285
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
C
op
6. Jo was not convinced that the little animals
eventually got used to the way the little skunk was
and smelt. Moreover, Jo felt that Mommy Skunk
was being unfair to Roger Skunk by not allowing
wizard to make him smell like roses. She wanted
Roger Skunk to be accepted by his peers and thus,
be happy.
7. Roger skunk was very unhappy because he
smelt bad and had no friends. The wizard made his
foul smell go away with the magic spell, gave him
the beautiful smell of roses and helped him have
many friends.
8. The part of the story, which Jack himself
enjoyed the most was where Roger goes to the
wizard’s house. Jack imitated the wizard’s voice. He
felt being an old man suited him. He mixed his
own childhood humiliations and experiences with
the narration of the story.
Jack enjoyed doing so because he liked seeing his
daughter holding on to his words, liked seeing
her apprehensive and expecting something
unexpected. Jack enjoyed the fact that Jo loved the
stories narrated by him.
15. In Jack’s version of the Roger Skunk story, the
wizard uses reverse magic on Roger so as to give him
back his original stink because mother Skunk hit
him with her umbrella. From an adult’s perspective,
Jack’s version of the story aims at teaching two
important lessons acceptance of oneself and that
parents are the best judge. However, Jo suggests an
alternate ending to the story because she does not
agree with Jack’s ending. Jo wants a happy ending.
She feels sorry for Roger Skunk and wants him to
smell like roses so that Roger Skunk can play with
other animals. This shows that peer acceptance is
quite important for children. It also shows that the
sense of freedom of choice develops at an early age.
Therefore, from a child’s perspective, Jo’s version of
ending the Roger Skunk’s story is also relevant.
16. Jo wanted the story to have a happy ending
i.e., Roger Skunk to smell like roses forever.
Also, Jo wanted the wizard to hit mother skunk
back because she had no right to interfere in the
matter.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
17. Roger Skunk went to see the old owl as he
was upset that all the other animals refused to
come near him or play with him because of his bad
smell. Roger needed advice on how to get rid of his
stink.
The wise Owl advised Roger Skunk to go the
wizard to get his problem solved.
18. Jo calls the skunk’s mommy stupid because
mommy had hit the wizard and made him give
Roger Skunk his real stink back. Jo thought
Mommy skunk was so stupid that she did not
understand Roger Skunk’s problem.
skunk is furious at the wizard for making Roger
smell of roses. She is not ready to consider that
little Roger may not feel comfortable in his original
smell. She marches off to the wizard and hits him
hard on his head with her umbrella for changing
the way Roger smelt.
Jack justifies Mommy skunk’s action even though
Jo disagrees with the story’s ending and wants
to change it. She suggests that wizard should
hit Mommy back, that would be a fair ending.
However, Jack says that Mommy skunk is right
on her part. In fact, parents are always right. Jack
tries to reason with Jo by saying that Roger skunk’s
mother really loved him and wanted to bring him
up with real values. Mommy skunk knew what’s
best for her son, unlike Roger who was too young
to understand what is right or wrong for him.
By justifying Mommy skunk’s action, Jackson wants
to make Jo understand that adults are experienced
therefore, children should respect and listen to
their parents.
C
op
yM
yK
19. In Jack’s version of the story, Roger Skunk’s
mommy hits the wizard on his head with her
umbrella, and told him to cast a reverse spell on
Roger skunk and give him his original smell back.
However, Jo did not agree with this ending and
suggested an alternate end for the story. According
to her, the wizard should have hit mommy back
and not change Roger Skunk.
To Jo, the wizard was a good person who helps
‘Roger skunk’ when he was in trouble and seeking
a way out. Witnessing Mommy Skunk’s actions,
Jo felt that ‘stupid Mommy’ should have been
punished for her unkind behaviour towards the
kind wizard. She believed that Mommy Skunk was
imposing her will both on Roger Skunk and the
wizard without considering her son’s fear of not
getting accepted by his peers. Jo also thought that
Roger Skunk should be allowed to choose his own
life even if it meant to get rid of the stink.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
286
20. It is evident from the story that in case of
difference of opinion, it is generally adult who has
his or her way. In Roger skunk’s story, Mommy
21. Refer to answer 19.
22. Jack was an affectionate and caring father,
who loved telling bedtime stories to his four
year old daughter Jo. He used to be creative and
imaginative with his stories and loved watching
Jo listening to his stories in awed silence. He was
like any typical father. He wanted to instill good
morals and virtues in Jo. However, he had to face
some opposition from Jo and this irritated Jack.
Although, he was a good father and husband, Jack
felt caught in the ugly middle, in a cage, i.e., he
found himself stuck in a meaningless life, where
he lacked personal space and own time.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
On the Face of It
VISTAS
4
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
287
On the Face of It
– Susan Hill
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Hill was born on February 5, 1942 in
Scarborough, Yorkshire, England. She is a writer
and a producer, known for ‘The Woman in Black’,
‘The Woman in Black 2 : Angel of Death’. She is a
novelist, playwright and a publisher. She wrote her
first novel, ‘The Enclosure’ at the age of 15. She won
the Somerset Maughan Award and the Whitbread
Award for her novels.
SUMMARY
Derry was a pessimist teenager, who was withdrawn
from the mainstream society. He developed this
attitude after one side of his face was disfigured by
acid. He avoided company of others and remained
lonely so that he is not noticed by other people.
He believed that no one loved him. His mother, he
thought, loved him out of compulsion. His ugliness
invites the curiosity of some, the pity of others and
disgust of many. He is often subjected to stares of
people who are either scared of his ugly face or
disgusted by it. His family too, during discussions
expressed their concern for his future. This made
him withdraw and he is locked in his own world.
He developed bitterness and self-pity. He also
heard rude remarks from insensitive people who
went to the extent of saying that he should have
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
that shapes the man.
During their conversation Derry said that he does
not like coming near people as he feels they are
scared of him. Mr. Lamb then narrated a story to
Derry. There was a man who was very timid. He
locked himself in a room as he thought that if he
moves out he may meet a fatal accident. But one
day a picture that was put on the wall of the room
fell on his head and he died. Mr. Lamb tried to
explain Derry through this story that everyone is
destined for certain things or events. Derry laughs
at his story and this becomes the beginning of
change.
Mr. Lamb tells Derry that he does not like curtains
as that closes the things and the light entering.
Even Derry says he likes the sound of the rain.
Derry demonstrates his sensitive side which his
bitterness curtailed. He did not like the sympathetic
attitude of his family towards him. They were way
too concerned for him. Mr. Lamb said he can do
whatever he aims for. In fact he could do better
than others. Mr. Lamb encourages Derry. He
said that he considers Derry to be his friend and
explains him the significance of people, saying,
“people are never just nothing”. He asked Derry to
love everyone as hatred can be more humiliating
and dangerous than acid.
Derry somehow gets concerned for Mr. Lamb. He
asked if Mr. Lamb would climb the ladder to pick
up crab apples, What if he falls down. He may die
in that case if nobody is there. Mr. Lamb believed in
destiny and he reaffirmed by saying that he could.
Derry gets worried of getting late and wishes to go
home. Lamb says that people worry.
Mr. Lamb now understands how Derry had
confined himself. So he challenges Derry. He said
that he was sure that Derry would never come
back to meet him again. He only wanted Derry
to break all barriers, insecurities, complexes that
were becoming hindrance to his growth.
This conversation infused the spirit of overcoming
the challenges in Derry. He goes back home and
tells his mother that he is going back to Mr. Lamb.
But this time his will was very strong. In spite of
his mother’s objection he goes back to Mr. Lamb
only to find him unconscious/dead. Mr. Lamb had
fallen from the ladder and did not respond to his
voice. Seeing him in this state Derry begins to cry.
C
op
yM
yK
been put in a hospital where he would have met
people of the same kind. His self confidence was
shattered. He used to stay away from the people.
One day in order to find some solace he walks in
slowly and cautiously to Mr. Lamb’s garden. Mr.
Lamb’s voice offering him apples startled him. Mr.
Lamb tried to reassure him and also cautioned him
to save himself from the fallen apples otherwise it
may cause him to trip. Derry gets scared and told
him that he was not expecting anyone to be there.
Mr. Lamb reassured him and welcomed him to the
garden. He said that he saw Derry had climbed the
wall even though the gates were open. Derry got
angry and said he did not come to steal anything.
Mr. Lamb reassured him that young boys steal the
apples and Derry was not so young. He should
not be scared. Derry said people are scared of him
because of his ugly face.
Mr. Lamb said that he would get the ladder, pluck
apples and make some jelly. This makes Derry
think that even Mr. Lamb is trying to avoid the
conversation like others. He asked Mr. Lamb if he
was not interested in knowing about what happened
to his face. To this Mr. Lamb replied that he was
interested in everything God has made and outer
beauty or physical appearance is inconsequential.
He respected each creation’s individuality. Just as
Mr. Lamb was old and Derry was young, Derry
burned his face and Mr. Lamb had a tin leg. Derry
asked him about his leg and he told it was blown
off years back. Children used to call him ‘LameyLamb’. But soon everybody got tired of teasing him.
He asks Derry to adopt the same attitude. Derry
is however filled with bitterness against the world
even his mother. He said his mother kisses him on
the other side of his face not the burnt side. Mr.
Lamb advises him to look at the bright side of the
life and the beautiful things of the world.
Derry then discusses that he heard two women
talking and they were discussing about his face. Mr.
Lamb explains to him that he should not listen to
everything said by others and concentrate on good
things in life. He must think about people who are
worse off than him.
Mr. Lamb is reminded of his hive of bees that he
has to tend to. Some people feel that bees buzz, but
he feels bees sing. It is an individual’s perception
and the way we look at things. So it is the attitude
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
288
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
On the Face of It
289
PREVIOUS
YEARS MCQS
Previous
Years’
CBSE Board Questions
SA I
of such people.
(2 marks)
1.
In what sense is the friendship between Mr.
Lamb and Derry fruitful? (Delhi 2014 C)
2.
Why did Mr. Lamb help Derry?(AI 2014 C)
3.
If you were to give a different ending to the
story, “On The Face of It” how would you
end it?
(AI 2013)
LA II (6 marks)
12.
13.
Derry sneaked into Mr. Lamb’s garden and it
became a turning point in his life. Comment.
(Delhi 2016)
Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical
impairment, but much more painful for
them is the feeling of loneliness. Comment.
(AI 2016)
Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical
impairment, yet each has a different attitude
from the other. Comment. (Foreign 2016)
What change took place in Derry when he
met Mr. Lamb?
(Delhi 2015 C)
4.
How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy when
it is a bit cool?
(Delhi 2012)
5.
What peculiar things does Derry notice
about the old man, Mr. Lamb? (AI 2012)
6.
What qualities of Mr. Lamb attracted Deny
to him?
(AI 2009)
15.
7.
What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb?
(AI 2009)
LA III (7 marks)
9.
How did Derry’s handicap damage his life?
op
Why did Derry insist that he would go back
to Mr. Lamb?
(Delhi 2015 C)
(5 marks)
b
ita
16.
8.
LA I
14.
yM
yK
SA II (3 marks)
(AI 2014)
What benefits did Derry reap from his
association with Mr. Lamb? (Delhi 2014)
11.
Both Derry and Lamb are physically
impaired and lonely. It is the responsibility
of society to understand and support people
with infirmities so that they do not suffer
from a sense of alienation. As a responsible
citizen, write in about 100 words what you
would do to bring about a change in the lives
C
10.
17.
18.
What is the bond that unites the two- the old
Mr. Lamb and Derry, the small boy? How
does the old man inspire the small boy?
(Delhi 2013)
The lesson, ‘On the Face of It’, is an apt
depiction of the loneliness and sense of
alienation experienced by people on account
of a disability. Explain.
(Delhi 2011)
How did Mr. Lamb try to give courage and
confidence to Derry?
(AI 2010)
LA IV (10 marks)
19.
How did Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry
become a turning point in Derry’s life?
(Delhi 2015 C)
Answers
1. Mr. Lamb helped Derry overcome his sense
of inferiority. He advised him not to pay too much
attention to what others thought about him; to
celebrate life and its wonders. Mr. Lamb brought
about a positive change in Derry’s attitude.
2. Mr. Lamb helped Derry because he too was
handicapped, therefore he understood how Derry
felt. Also, he was concerned about Derry’s negative
attitude towards life. Mr. Lamb wanted to save the
little boy from the habit of self-pitying.
3. The play is quite sad and open ended.
According to me, the play should have ended on
a positive note, giving the reader a sense of hope. I
feel, even if Mr. Lamb dies in the end, Derry would
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
show some positive changes in his character. He
would not remain his old withdrawn and defiant
self. Instead, he would become as cheerful, open
and friendly as Mr. Lamb.
4. When it is a bit cool, Mr. Lamb likes to keep
himself busy by breaking crab apples and making
jelly from them. He enjoys the humming of bees in
his garden while he sat in the sun reading books.
5. Derry notices that Mr. Lamb always leaves
the gates open for anybody and everybody so
as to welcome strangers. Derry is amazed that
unlike others old Mr. Lamb treated him with
utmost kindness, that he is not repulsed by Derry’s
scarred face. Derry also finds it peculiar that Mr.
Lamb lives in a huge house with a huge garden but
without curtains.
his face and pass uncharitable remarks. Once, one
side of his face got burnt by acid, which left a scar
on his face. This created a complex in his mind. He
thinks that people are afraid of him. Mr. Lamb is
a physically challenged man, one of whose leg is
made of tin.
Mr. Lamb is a complete contrast to Derry when it
comes to his attitude and outlook towards life. He
is an optimist who does not allow trivial teasing
and name calling do not bother him. In fact, he
likes having company. Mr. Lamb is not repulsed
by Derry’s scarred face. Neither he is angry nor
put off by the boy’s rudeness. Instead, Mr. Lamb
understands Derry’s anguish and tries to make him
realise that being handicapped is not a drawback.
His meeting with Mr. Lamb becomes a turning
point in Derry’s life because Derry is ready to
overcome his obstacles and face the world. He
finds courage and strength to get what he wants.
11. In the story, both Derry and Lamb are
physically impaired and lonely. To bring about a
change in the lives of such people, as a responsible
citizen, I shall treat them with respect and honour
and not punish them with heartless ridicule and
pity. People like Derry and Mr. Lamb expect
empathy, rather than sympathy from others.
Therefore, instead of looking down upon them
with a pessimistic approach, I shall be supportive
and considerate. They must be treated as equals.
That is why I shall encourage them to take part
in all activities. They deserve to study in regular
educational institutions and get regular jobs.
Therefore, advocation of this idea is very important.
Only proper awareness and empowerment can
make the world view them as equals and at same
time make the ‘differently abled’ people feel socially
accepted.
yM
yK
6. Mr. Lamb seems to be a noble soul. He greets
Derry in a humble manner and shows no shock or
fear on seeing his burnt face. He welcomes him and
offers to pluck apples from his garden. He says that
things look outwardly different, but inwardly they
are all the same. His positive attitude towards life
and encouraging words attracted Derry towards
Mr. Lamb.
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
290
op
7. Derry’s mother did not have a good impression
of Mr. Lamb for she thought that he was not a good
man. She did not want Derry to get acquainted
with him or see him for any purpose.
C
8. Derry insisted that he would go back to Mr.
Lamb because it was for the first time that Derry
felt comfortable and happy in someone’s presence.
That someone was Mr. Lamb. While Derry was
jovial with Mr. Lamb, Derry completely forgot
about his burnt face. He felt that he too could live
an independent life for he had all his faculty intact.
Therefore, even though his mother forbade him
from meeting Mr. Lamb, Derry insisted on going;
he did not want to lose his new found companion.
9. Fourteen years old Derry had half a burnt
face, which resulted in poor self image. He became
conscious of people’s stares and their comments
hurt him. This made him avoid people. Eventually,
he become introvert. Thus, Derry’s handicap
damaged his life.
10. Derry is a withdrawn and defiant boy. He does
not like to be around people because they look at
12. Refer to answer 10.
13. Mr. Lamb and Derry have different sorts of
physical disability. While Mr. Lamb has a tin leg,
one side of Derry’s face was burnt by acid and now
is scarred. Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are victims
of physical impairment, but much more painful
for them is the feeling of loneliness. Both suffer
alienation from the society. Derry feels that he is
feared rather than accepted by the society because
of his scarred face. Mr. Lamb also has to face name
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
14. Refer to answer 10.
C
op
yM
yK
15. Derry a young boy, angry withdrawn and
defiant. One side of his face was burnt because of
which he lacked self-confidence. He was lonely
because he had no friends. People either feared
him, found him disgusting to look at, treated him
with pity or made fun of him. Derry had alienated
himself from the society completely. One day,
Derry sneaked into Mr. Lamb’s garden and it
became a turning point in his life.
One of Mr. Lamb’s leg was made out of tin. Due
to his physical impairment, he could not move
around much. As a result, Mr. Lamb too was
isolated from the rest; children called him lameyLamb. However, it did not affect him. Instead, he
always kept the gates of his garden open.
Seeing Derry suffer so much at such a young age
Mr. Lamb struck up a conversation with him,
spending time with Mr. Lamb made Derry look at
the world and love and admire everything he saw
and heard. Mr. Lamb encouraged Derry to make
friends and not be bothered by their comments.
He told the boy not to hate people.
Mr. Lamb’s life and attitude inspired Derry quite
a lot. In spite of his handicap, Mr. Lamb lived an
independent and happy life seeing his positive
approach to life, Derry decides to get rid of the
habit of self-pity and face the world boldly with his
newly gained self-confidence.
Their stares, jibes and pity made him frustrated.
He suffered a lot due to his burnt face and had a
pessimistic approach to life. Mr. Lamb transformed
his vision of life and suggested to live it on his own
terms. Mr. Lamb discussed his own situation with
Derry to make him understand that he should be
open-minded. He told him that God has made all
the things and one should not keep oneself in a
room forever. He also kept his garden gate open
and welcomed all.
Moreover, Derry could open up the layers of his
heart and complexes in front of Mr. Lamb, which
unburdened his heart. He got a new ray of hope in
his life. He also taught Derry to use whatever God
had given to him. The lesson of Mr. Lamb could
not be ignored by Derry. He was disheartened to
find about his death.
To meet Mr. Lamb, defying his mother and his
return to Lamb’s garden shows his appreciation for
living life as shown by Lamb. He learnt the lesson
of optimism.
b
calling-‘Lamey-Lamb’ although it does not bother
him much. Loneliness has caused constant pain
for both Derry and Mr. Lamb. They both crave
for friends, but neither of them have it. However,
while his isolation makes Derry a bitter person,
Mr. Lamb has a positive outlook and believes
that being a handicap is not a drawback. Both
expect that the society would neither treat them
differently, as freaks, nor with pity. They want to be
treated with empathy as equals.
16. Mr. Lamb turned Derry into a confident
boy from a complex one. Both were physically
handicapped but with different perspectives
towards life. In the beginning Derry was a defiant
and withdrawn boy who hated meeting people.
291
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
On the Face of It
17. Refer to answer 13.
18. When Mr. Lamb found Derry in his garden,
he did not make him go away. Instead, Mr. Lamb
welcomed Derry in a cheerful way accepting him
as he was. Although Derry behaved rudely with
him, he remained calm and cordial as if Derry’s
bad temper and defiance did not bother him at
all. Derry was always angry and bitter because one
side of his face was burnt. His face seemed to scare
everybody. He withdrew himself from the society
because of which he lacked courage and self
confidence. Mr. Lamb’s behaviour towards Derry
was completely different from others. He told
Derry that it’s important to see how one is inside
than how one looks on the outside. He inspired
Derry with love for life and told him one cannot
go through life being scared and alienated. Mr.
Lamb asked Derry to enjoy simple joys of everyday
living with people around and nature, ignoring the
unpleasant. He initiated courage and confidence in
Derry by telling him not to brood over limitations
but count his blessings.
19. Refer to answer 10.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
VISTAS
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Evans Tries An O-Level
5
– Colin Dexter
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SUMMARY
Colin Dexter (29 September 1930-21 March
2017) was an English crime writer known for his
Inspector Morse series of novels. These novels were
also adapted as television series. Dexter received
several crime writer association awards and was
appointed an ‘Officer of the Order of the British
Empire’ for his services in literature.
Evans was put in the Oxford prison at Carfax for
his criminal records including the three jail breaks
that he had successfully committed. Therefore,
London police had put him in the most secure
Oxford prison where jail breaks could not be
attempted due to high security. Evans was also
aware that it is almost impossible to break the jail
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
293
b
these precautions were of no use because if Evans
would have had to make mistake he could have
easily done so from the Recreational Block. He
did not want to take any chances. He believed that
“Evans was as safe as houses” he asked the officers
to search McLeery.
McLeery’s suitcase was searched. There was a
small semi-inflated rubber ring but they were
politely informed that McLeery was suffering from
piles and that rubber ring helped him to sit in a
particular position for a long time. The invigilator
was allowed to go in the cell when the officers were
satisfied.
McLeery gave necessary instructions to the
candidate regarding writing down the paper’s
name, 021-1, index number 313 and centre number
271. Till now, Stephens was inside the cell. Evans
objected so the Governor asked Jackson to call
him back. The examination started at 9:25 a.m.
At 9:40 a.m. the Assistant Secretary for Modern
Languages informed the Governor about a
correction slip and the necessity of informing the
candidate about it. The Governor instructed the
necessary precautions and connected the Assistant
Secretary’s call to Mr. Jackson in the wing.
Evans was told about the corrections on page three
line fifteen by the invigilator.
At 10:50 a.m. Evans requested for a blanket to be
put around his shoulders. He was given the blanket
as Stephens thought some of the cells were very
cold.
Three minutes before the exam got over Stephens
was informed by Jackson that the Governor
wanted him to accompany McLeery personally to
the main gate. Stephens noticed that the invigilator
appeared to be thinner than before and had a more
prominent Scottish accent.
Stephens thought of having one last look at Evans.
He was in for a surprise. Stephens saw a man in
Evans’ chair with the blanket slipping from his
shoulders. His cropped hair were filled with blood.
Stephens and Jackson thought it was McLeery hit
by Evans and Evans had escaped.
The wounded man in the cell told the prison
authorities not to worry about him and draws the
yM
yK
this time and it involved a high degree of planning
and many other people to help him this time.
In the first week Evans requested the Governor that
he was genuinely interested in learning German
and attain academic qualification. Though the
Governor approves his request but with a lot of
precautions. There was a hidden microphone
hidden in his lock up where Evans took the classes,
Governor wanted to be sure that Evans is not
asking for help from his tutor.
Evans wanted to appear for O-level German
Examination to be held on June 8. The Governor
called up the Secretary of the Examination Board.
After having discussions about the examinee’s
nature, the examination room, the security and the
candidate being ‘incommunicado’, the Secretary
agreed to send one of the parsons from St. Mary
Mags to act as an invigilator. Evans’ tutor wished
him luck even though he believed that he barely
had a chance of getting through. To this, Evans
replied “I may surprise everybody”.
At 8:30 a.m., on the examination day, two officers,
Mr. Jackson and Stephens, who was a new
recruit visit Evans. They tease him calling “our
little Einstein”. Jackson instructs Stephen to take
everything that may injure Evans. He specially
advised him to take away the razor after Evans had
shaved himself. Jackson was not too fond of the red
and white “bobble-hat” which Evans considered
to be his lucky charm. Evans was ‘Kleptomaniac’
and he got angry of things being taken away from
him. Evans was told to freshen up as there was just
half hour left for the exam. Evans started shaving
himself. Stephens made the cell ready for the
preparation of exam. He brings in two chairs and
places it in front of the cell door. Evans is surprised
that his cell is bugged. Jackson warned Evans that
the Governor would listen to the conversation in
the cell.
Reverend S. McLeery, the invigilator comes to the
prison premises and is headed to Evans’ cell who
seems to be busy with his textbook of elementary
German grammar.
At 9:10 a.m., the Governor switched on the
receiver. He believed in his heart of hearts that all
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Evans Tries An O-Level
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
found the parson bound and gagged. He was
there since 8:15 a.m. Finally, this made the prison
authorities to comprehend that it was Evans
impersonating as McLeery and the authorities
have helped him to escape unknowingly.
Evans was a free man now who escaped from the
prison the fourth time. He treated himself with
fish and chips. He was not happy that he had to cut
his long hair but then he felt fortunate that Jackson
did not ask him to take out his bobble hat. When
he reached hotel he found a different receptionist
there. He gave few necessary instructions to the
receptionist and went to his room. On his way to the
room, he was thinking about the way he executed
the escape plan and appreciated the duplicate
McLeery’s plan of wearing double minister’s dress.
Deep engrossed in these thoughts he reached his
room and is jolted by the presence of the Governor
who paved his way to the hotel room based on the
instructions given in the photocopied page.
Governor told Evans that his game was over.
Evans was visibly shaken. Evans understood that
the correction slip gave him in. After a bit of
explaining about index number 313 and centre
number 271 the Governor told him that he found
himself in the hotel room. Evans explained further
about pig’s blood in the tube and their efforts to
check it from clotting.
The Governor secretly admires their geniuneness.
On asking how he managed to plan all this from
the prison. Evans replied “I have get a lot of friends
though”. He further revealed that the German
teacher was a lot of help. Eventually, Evans
was brought out of his room, he winked at the
receptionist, was handcuffed and was put at the
backseat of the prison van. The Governor said they
would meet soon but he did not know that he was
bidding farewell.
The moment they could not see the Governor, one
of the prison officers opened the handcuffs for
Evans. He was Evans’ friend disguised as a prison
officer. Even the driver was his friend who was then
instructed to drive towards Newbury. Therefore,
Evans could escape this time as well.
C
op
yM
yK
attention of the Governor to the photocopied sheet
that had been superimposed over the last page of
the question paper; instructions were written in
German which advised Evans to strictly follow the
plan and not to hit the parson too hard. It was also
written that three minutes before the exam are
very crucial. He was also advised not to overdo the
Scottish accent while going out of the prison.
Everybody thought that the wounded man was
McLeery. The police help was sought and when
Detective Superintendent Carter approached
McLerry, he told him that he knew where Evans
went and directed him to lead him towards Elsfield
Way. The Governor, out of sheer bewilderment
told Superintendent to take McLeery wherever he
wished to go as he was the only clue they had.
The Governor called the two officers as ‘morons’
and said he did not make any call three minutes
before the exam at 11:22 a.m. since at that time he
was trying to get in touch with the Examination
Board on phone but in vain. Jackson was taken
to task because of his negligence. He had not
searched the cell thoroughly the previous evening.
This resulted in Evans concealing the ‘clerical
paraphernalia’. Then the Governor looked at the
photocopied slip at Newbury. He asked his officers
to go and meet Chief Inspector Bell at St. Aldates
Police Station. The Governor thought about Evans
and appreciated his ingenuity. He considered
leaving the question paper behind a mistake, as
he thought this negligent act on Evans’ part would
lead them to ‘Mr. clever-clever Evans’. What the
Governor could not sense was that all this was part
of the master plan. Meanwhile, Superintendent
Carter called him and told him that McLeery
headed them towards Elsfield Way but they have
missed Evans. The Governor asked them to go to
Newbury and gave them his reasons for thinking
so.
On being asked about McLeery, Carter told him
that he was left at Radcliffe hospital. The Governor
rings up at Radcliffe but surprisingly McLeery
appears to have escaped. This makes the Governor
rush to McLeery’s residence at Broad Street and
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
294
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Evans Tries An O-Level
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
295
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
SA I
What kind of person was Evans ? Why
did he want to sit for O-level German
examination?
(Delhi 2014 C)
What could the Governor have done to
securely bring Evans back to the prison from
the ‘Golden Lion’?
(Delhi 2015)
What precautions were taken for the smooth
conduct of Evans’ O-Level examination?
(Delhi 2015)
17.
According to the Governor what kind of
person was Evans?
(Delhi 2015)
What were the content of the small brown
suitcase that McLeery carried? (Delhi 2012)
18.
How did the Governor react to the two
phone calls he received in quick succession?
(AI 2011)
Which important call did the Governor
receive when the examination was going on?
(Delhi 2015 C)
Who was Carter? What did the Governor
ask him to do?
(Delhi 2012)
3.
What did the Detective Superintendent
inform the Governor about Evans?
(Delhi 2012)
4.
5.
LA I
19.
(5 marks)
Describe the precautions taken by the prison
officers to prevent Evans from escaping.
(Delhi 2014)
yM
yK
2.
b
16.
ita
1.
15.
(2 marks)
Why did Evans not take off his hat when
Jackson ordered him to do so? (AI 2011)
7.
What clues did the answer sheet of Evans
provide to the Governor?
(Delhi 2009)
8.
Describe the precautions taken by the prison
authorities for a smooth conduct of Evans’
examination.
(Delhi 2009)
SA II (3 marks)
op
6.
How did the Governor, Oxford Prison
describe Evans to the Secretary, Examination
Board ?
(AI 2016)
10.
What opinion of Evans did the prison
authorities convey to the Secretary,
Education Board?
(AI 2016)
C
9.
11.
What was his German teacher’s opinion of
Evans’ proficiency in German? (AI 2016)
12.
Why did ‘Rev. McLeery’ bring a rubber ring
with him to the prison?
(Foreign 2016)
13.
How did Evans have the last laugh at the
Governor?
(Foreign 2016)
14.
Jackson went through the contents of Rev.
McLeery’s suitcase. Which object therein
puzzled him sorely? What was his comment
on that?
(Foreign 2016)
LA II (6 marks)
20.
It was sheer negligence on the part of the
prison staff that helped Evans to escape.
Comment.
(Delhi 2015 C)
LA III (7 marks)
21.
Give a character-sketch of the Governor of
Oxford Prison based on your understanding
of the story, ‘Evans Tries an O-Level’.
(Delhi 2014)
22.
What precautions were taken by the prison
authorities to ensure that the German exam
was conducted smoothly and also under
strict security?
(Delhi 2011)
23.
How did the question paper and correction
slip help the prisoner and the Governor?
(Delhi 2010)
LA IV (10 marks)
24.
How was ‘injured’ McLeery able to befool
the prison officers?
(AI 2012)
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
296
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
Answers
9. The Governor gave quite a satisfactory report
about Evans to the Secretary of the Board. It was
stated that Evans had no record of violence and that
he was quite a ‘pleasant sort of chap’. He also said
that Evans was one of the stars at the Christmas
concert. However, he suffered from a weakness, he
was just a congenital kleptomaniac.
yM
yK
3. Superintendent Carter informed the Governor
that McLeery had spotted Evans driving off along
Elsfield Way. They had got the number of the car
all right. They had given a chase immediately, but
they had lost him at the Headington roundabout.
He assumed that Evans must have doubled back
into the city.
8. Fearing that Evans might escape, the exam
was conducted in Evans’ prison cell itself. It was
installed with a microphone so that the Governor
could listen to every talk. The cell was fully checked
by the staff who took away anything that could
pose a threat. Moreover, the staff was put on high
alert, doors and gates were locked. Prison officers
Stephens was to peep into Evans’ cell after every
few minutes. The parson who came to invigilate,
was frisked at the prison gate and his briefcase was
checked thoroughly.
b
2. Carter was Detective Superintendent. The
Governor asked him to take McLeery with him and
follow Evans in the direction as told by McLeery.
Golden Lion’ in English was actually the name of
the hotel where Evans was supposed to go to after
escaping from jail.
ita
1. Evans was considered a pleasant sort of chap
by the prison authorities. They called him ‘Evans the
Break’ because of his prior attempts to escape from
prison. He was a congenital kleptomaniac. Evans
wanted to sit for the O-level German examination
because he saw it as another opportunity to escape
from the prison.
op
4. The small brown suitcase, which Reverend
McLeery carried, contained all that he would
require for his morning duties, including a sealed
question paper envelop, a yellow invigilation form,
a special authentication card from the Examination
Board, a paper knife, a Bible and a current copy of
the Church Times.
C
5. The two phone calls the Governor received
in quick succession made him suspect that the
calls might be fake, that it might be some kind of
signal or a secret message. To be completely sure,
he dialed the Exam Board number. However, he
heard beeps of an engaged line.
6. Evans did not take off his hat when Jackson
ordered him to do so because according to Evans it
was his lucky Charm. However in reality he wanted
to hide his cropped hair so that he could pass off as
McLeery. Also, keeping his hat on would hide his
plan to escape.
7. The clues, which the Governor found in
Evans’ answer sheet, were the index number 313
and centre number 271. This six figure reference
helped the Governor to find Evans. In addition
to this, the correction slip also carried a clue for
..
Evans. ‘Zum golden Lowen; which means ‘The
10. Refer to answer 9.
11. According to Evans’ German teacher, his
language ability was not quite up to the mark, in
fact, it is doubtful. Evans could not even understand
basic pleasantries in German.
12. Rev. McLeery brought a rubber ring with him
to the prison for an important reason. Although
he told the prison guards that the ring was for
him to sit on (due to his piles), the ring contained
pig blood, which would eventually help Evans to
escape from the prison. Since, there was no other
way to carry the blood into the examination room,
it was carried in the rubber ring.
13. Evans already had a well thought out plan B
in case his initial plan failed. When the Governor
recaptured Evans and handed him over to the
silent prison officer, the Governor was unaware
that the officer as well as the driver of prison van
were actually Evans’ accomplices. As Evans finally
escaped, he had the last laugh at the Governor.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Evans Tries An O-Level
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
14. While Jackson went through the contents of
Rev. McLeery’s suitcase, the object, which puzzled
him the most was the semi-inflated rubber tube.
Seeing the rubber tube there Jackson asked the
Reverend whether he was thinking of going for a
swim.
15. To bring Evans back securely to the prison
from the Golden Lion, the Governor could have
brought the police force with him from the prison
itself. Alternatively, he could have travelled in the
van himself with Evans to take him to the prison.
The Governor should have been more vigilant and
checked the credentials of the officials escorting
him to the prison.
the prison staff do not check McLeery’s identity
or verify the phone call or recognise Evans
impersonating McLeery. All this helps him to
escape prison easily. Later, though the Governor
is able to catch him red-handed, at the capital,
Evans escapes once again, this time audaciously in
the prison van. Therefore, it proves that it is sheer
negligence on the part of the prison staff that helps
Evans to escape.
21. The Governor of the Oxford prison was a
kind-hearted man, who requested the Secretary of
the Examination board to allow Evans to appear
for the O-level German Examination. He also
seemed smart and efficient fellow, who, knowing
that Evans had a tendency to escape prison, took
every precaution to prevent that from happening.
Yet, by the end of the story, he turned out to be a
gullible man with qualities, which are ‘good-for-agiggle’. Never once he doubted Evans’ intentions of
appearing for the test even though his German was
very bad.
The Governor’s men made sure that Evans was
not left with anything sharp and informed him
that the Governor himself would be listening to
each and every conversation going on in the cell.
In spite of that neither the Governor nor his men
were able to stop Evans from escaping. In the
end the Governor was able to catch hold of Evans
because of his smart thinking and commendable
investigating skills. However, his habit of leaving
things on others caused Evans to escape his
clutches yet again. Therefore, it is suffice to say
that the Governor was alert on some occasions,
but on others, quite negligent and over-confident
man, with a bad judgment of character. It is for this
reason, Evans was able to escape from his prison
multiple times.
17. Refer to answer 9.
yM
yK
18. When the examination was going on, the
Governor received two important phone calls.
The first call was from the University regarding
a correction slip, which was not sent with the
question paper. The second call was supposedly
from the magistrate’s office requesting for a van
and two prison officers.
ita
b
16. Refer to answer 8.
297
C
op
19. During Evans’ O-Level German test, special
precautions were taken by the prison staff to
prevent him from escaping. The test was scheduled
to be taken in his own cell. A parson from St. Mary
Mags was called to invigilate and to keep the
prisoner incommunicado during the exam. Evans
was placed in the heavily guarded Recreational
Block. There were two locked doors between his
cell and the yard, which boasted of a high wall.
Moreover, all the prison officers were on high alert.
The Governor got a microphone installed in Evans’
cell, while Stephens kept peeping into the cell every
few minutes. Two prison officers, Mr. Jackson and
Mr. Stephens, thoroughly checked his cell for any
sign of possible escape. His razor, nail filer and nail
scissors were also taken away.
20. Even after taking various drastic precautions,
for the smooth conduct of the exam, Evans fools
the Governor and the prison authority in every
step of the way. Stephens notices that Evans is
wearing a hat but does not ask him to remove it.
The hat concealed Evans’ cropped hair. Similarly,
22. Refer to answer 19.
23. The Governor received a call from the
Assistant Secretary of the Examination Board
saying that there was a correction slip, which was
not attached to the question paper. He requested
the Governor if he could read out the correction
to Evans. The correction was ‘zum goldenen
Lowen’. In reality, it was an indication informing
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Evans where he was supposed to go after escaping
from jail. Although, the Governor did not suspect
anything, the correction slip helped Evans to
know the name of the hotel and its location. Later,
when the Governor learned about Evans’ escape,
Rev. McLeery (Evans in reality) showed him the
question paper at the back of which, instructions
were given to help Evans escape. These instructions
were meant to misguide the jail authorities.
However, the Governor was able to put together
the index and centre numbers.
With the six digit reference and the help of a survey
map, the Governor came to know Evans had
escaped to Chipping Norton. Now, the Governor
could work out a plan to arrest Evans.
for O-Level German Exam. The one who came
to invigilate carried pig blood in a rubber tube.
With the help of fake blood McLeery pretended
to be bleeding profusely. He pretended to cover
his ‘bleeding wound’ with a handkerchief. This
was an opportunity for him to hide his face and
since he was in so much pain be could not speak.
To avoid being taken to the hospital, Evans (as
McLeery) offered to help the officers track ‘Evans’,
whom they thought had escaped. He even told
them that ‘Evans’ had gone towards Elsfield Way.
The Governor ordered McLeery to accompany
Carter since he was the only one who knew
everything that had happened. Thus, Evans (as
McLeery) managed to leave the premises with
Detective Superintendent Carter without anyone
suspecting anything. An unsuspecting Detective
Superintendent Carter dropped ‘McLeery’ at the
Radcliffe hospital. However, when the Governor
called the hospital, he was told that the injured
McLeery had escaped.
C
op
yM
yK
24. An ‘injured’ McLeery was able to fool the
prison officers easily because he was actually
Evans dressed as parson, pretending to be Rev.
McLeery. Evans was nicknamed ‘Evans the Break’
because earlier he had been able to escape prison
thrice already. This time, he requested to appear
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
298
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
VISTAS
6
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Memories of Childhood
– Zitkala-Sa and Bama
C
op
yM
yK
ita
b
Topicwise Analysis of Last 11 Years’ CBSE Board Questions (2017-2007)
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jitkala-Sa (February 22, 1876-January 26, 1938)
birth name Gertrude Simmons was an American
who strove to expand opportunities for native
Americans and to safeguard their culture. She
went to a Quacker Missionary School but she was
uncomfortable with the school’s harsh discipline
and its curriculum. It was devised to teach EuroAmerican ways and history instead of native
American culture.
Bama is the pen-name of a Tamil Dalit woman
from a Roman Catholic family. She has published
three main works : an autobiography, ‘Karukku’,
1992 a novel, ‘Sangati’, 1994; and a collection
of short stories, ‘Kisumbukkaaran’, 1996. The
following excerpt has been taken from ‘Karukku’,
‘Karukku’ means ‘palmyra’ leaves, which with
their serrated edge on both sides, are like doubleedged swords. By a felicitous pun, the Tamil word
‘Karukku’, containing the word ‘Karu’, embryo or
seed means freshness, newness.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
SUMMARY
remembered her mother to used say that only
warriors captured by the enemy, mourners and
cowards wore shingled or short hair. Judewin and
most of other girls were willing to submit. But the
narrator rebelled. As the moment of cutting of
her long hair neared the narrator, unnoticed by
everyone, fled the scene. Trying not to make any
noise she moved slowly and quietly up the stairs
looking for a place to hide. She walked into a large
room with beds. The room was quite dark and a
perfect place for the narrator to hide. She crawled
under bed in the corner farthest from the door.
However, soon she heard footsteps and loud voice
in the hall, calling out her name. Even though the
narrator did all that she could to not get caught,
the palefaced woman found her dragged her out
and carried her downstairs. She resisted with all
her might, kicking and scratching wildly, but it was
all in vain.
Tied fast in a chair, crying and shaking her head,
she felt the cold scissors against her neck as they
cut her hair.
The narrator say in the end she had faced many
indignities since she was taken from her mother.
When her hair was cut, she needed her mother to
comfort her, but no one came. The day her long
hair was cut, the narrator had lost her spirit.
2. We Too are Human Beings
The narrator recalls the time when she was
studying in third standard. She had not heard of
untouchability yet, but she had experienced and
humiliated by it.
Talking about her childhood, she remembers
taking half an hour to one hour to reach home from
school, which was merely ten minutes walking
distance. She took so much time because on her way
back, she stopped to watch the things happening
around her. The fun, games, entertaining novelties,
oddities in the street, the bazaar, etc. appealed to the
narrator a lot. There were so many amazing things
to observe, for instance, the performing monkey,
the snake charmer and his snake, the cyclist who
had been peddling for three consecutive days. She
saw Pongal offerings being cooked at Maariyaata
temple, heard speeches given by politicians
watched street plays, puppet shows, the cooling
of coffee, etc. The market, the narrator noticed,
C
op
yM
yK
1. The Cutting of My Long Hair
The first day in the school was a nippy cold one
with snow all around.
The narrator recalls that the first day in the land of
apples was a nippy cold one with the ground still
covered in snow. As the sound of the large metallic
bell assaulted the sensitive ears of the narrator,
she understood that it was time for breakfast. The
harsh racket caused by the clattering noise of the
shoes, mixed with an incomprehensible murmur,
agitated the narrator to the extent that in spite of
putting up a good fight all hope of freedom seemed
lost.
On her way to the dining room, while standing
in a line of girls, the narrator could not help
but notice some of the other Indian girls. They
wore dresses, which clung to their body and stiff
shoes. The small girls had their hair shingled. The
narrator felt ashamed because she did not have her
blanket. However, it was the group of other Indian
girls, who wore tight fitting clothes that seemed
immodest to the narrator.
Once in the dining room, the narrator heard
the sound of a small bell being tapped. At this
moment, each of the pupils pulled out a chair from
under the table. Thinking that they could sit now,
the narrator quickly slipped into hers. Seeing all
the pupils still standing, the narrator started to
rise. However, a second bell was sounded and the
pupils sat on their chairs. A man’s voice was heard
muttering something at one end of the hall. The
narrator’s eyes wandered to look for the man, she
noticed that other pupils were sitting with their
heads bowed. As she looked around narrator’s
eyes met the palefaced women’s eyes, who had a
stern countenance. The man ceased to speak and
a third bell was sounded, which was an indication
that they could start eating. Overwhelmed by the
‘eating by formula’, and her hopeless situation, the
narrator bursts into tears.
As the day progressed, narrator’s friend Judewin
who knew few words of English, warned narrator
that she had overheard palefaced woman talk-the
cutting of her and other Indian girls’ heavy long
hair. The narrator felt distraught because she
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
300
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
b
to the lower caste; they were untouchables in the
eyes of the society. To the people of the upper caste,
touching an untouchable would mean the former
has been polluted. That is why the elderly man did
not hold the packet of vadais from the bottom.
Hearing all this, the narrator was furious that such
an important elder of the community was reduced
to doing such petty and odd jobs. She thought
whether the upper caste people were so devoid of
human feelings that they did not consider other
lower caste people too are human beings.
Annan then advised her that since they were born
into this community, the only way they could
claim respect and honour was by studying hard
and making progress. He told the narrator to learn
as much as she could. If she was always ahead of
everybody in her lessons, people would come to
her on their own and attach themselves to her.
Therefore, it was important for her to work hard
and learn.
yM
yK
was flooded with seasonal fruits and vegetables. A
number of desserts and snacks being prepared in
sweet shop tempted the narrator. Watching all this
while coming back from school delayed her.
One day, the narrator saw the landlord seated on
a sacking spread over a stone ledge watching the
proceedings as the people of her caste worked
hard to separate grain from the straw. The narrator
found it humorous that muzzled cattles were being
driven round and round by the men.
She then saw an elderly man from her village
coming from the direction of the bazaar. The big
man was carrying a small packet of vadai, in such
a way that the narrator almost burst out laughing.
He held out the packet by its string and tried not
to touch it. The man went to the landlord, bowed
low and offered him the packet of vadais with both
hands, neither of which touched the landlord’s
food.
When the narrator finally reached home, she
narrated the story to her elder brother and started
laughing. However, Annan did not laugh. He
explained to her that people like the landlord
considered themselves belonging to upper caste. For
them, people like the elderly man, her brother, she
herself and others from her community belonged
301
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Memories of Childhood
C
op
Those words said by Annan made a deep impact
on the narrator’s mind. She studied with great
effort and stood first in class. Since she was a bright
student many people became her friends, just as
Annan had said.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
302
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
CBSE Champion English Core
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
SA II (3 marks)
14.
LA I
17.
(5 marks)
What activities did Bama witness on her way
back home from school?
(AI 2014 C)
LA II (6 marks)
18.
19.
Untouchability is not only a crime, it is
inhuman too. Why and how did Bama
decide to fight against it?
(Delhi 2017)
‘We too are Human Beings’ highlights high
caste-low caste discrimination in society.
How do low caste people suffer on account
of this? What advice is given to Bama to
overcome this problem?
(Foreign 2015)
How did the scene she saw in the market
place change Bama’s life?
(Delhi 2015 C)
b
4.
How did Zitkala-Sa’s first day in the land of
apples begin?
(AI 2016)
According to Zitkala-Sa what does ‘eating by
formula’ mean?
(AI 2016)
yM
yK
3.
16.
20.
LA III (7 marks)
21.
op
2.
Why did Bama reach home late after school?
(Delhi 2014)
Which words of her brother made a deep
impression on Bama?
(Delhi 2014)
Why was Zitkala-Sa in tears on the first day
in the land of apples?
(AI 2014)
What is common between Zitkala-Sa and
Bama?
(Delhi 2014 C)
Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the shingling of
her hair?
(AI 2014 C)
What were the articles in the stalls and shops
that fascinated Bama on her way back from
school?
(AI 2013)
What did Zitkala-Sa feel when her long hair
was cut?
(Delhi 2011)
What advice did Annan offer Bama?
(Delhi 2011)
What did Judewin tell Zitkala-Sa? How did
she react to it?
(AI 2011)
Why did the landlord’s man ask Bama’s
brother, on which street he lived? What was
the significance?
(Delhi 2010)
Why was Zitakala-Sa terrified when Judewin
told her that her hair would be cut short?
(AI 2010)
When did Bama first come to know of the
social discrimination faced by the people of
her community?
(Delhi 2009)
How did Zitkala-Sa try to prevent the
shingling of her hair?
(Delhi 2009)
C
1.
15.
(2 marks)
ita
SA I
At the dining table why did Zitkala-Sa begin
to cry when others started eating?(AI 2016)
22.
23.
24.
Zitkala-Sa’s experience in ‘Memories of
Childhood is that of a victim of the racial
discrimination. What kind of discrimination
does Bama’s experience depict? What are their
responses to their respective situations?
(AI 2013)
What kind of discrimination did Bama and
Zitkala experience ? How did they respond
to their respective situations? (Delhi 2009)
What are the similarities in the lives of Bama
and Zitkala though they belong to different
cultures?
(AI 2009)
Describe how Zitkala-Sa tried in vain to save
her hair from being cut. Why did she want to
save her hair?
(AI 2009)
Answers
1. Bama spent time watching games and other
entertaining sights, which came along the way. She
enjoyed herself looking at the shops and bazaar,
at the novelties and oddities. All this made Bama
reach home late after school.
2. After hearing from Bama what happened
on her way home, Bama’s elder brother told her
that although people do not get to decide the
family they are born into, they can outwit the
indignities inflicted upon them if they are well
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
op
C
303
b
make out Bama’s brother’s caste from his name.
Knowing the street name would give away the
caste as each street was occupied by a particular
caste.
11. When Judewin told her that her hair would be
cut short, Zitkala-Sa was terrified because cutting
hair short was against her custom. Short hair was a
sign of mourning, cowardice and defeat. Long hair,
on the other and was a symbol of bravery.
12. Bama was in school when she first came to
know of the social discrimination faced by the
people of her community. On her way back home
from school she saw an elderly man carrying a
small packet containing some eatables; he was
holding it by its strings and not at all touching it.
She found it funny at first but, soon, was shocked
to know from her brother that it was a form of
discrimination the people of their community had
to face because they were Dalits.
13. Zitkala went upstairs in a large room, crawled
under a bed to hide herself. But she was caught and
dragged downstairs and tied to a chair. She resisted
with all her might but it was all in vain. She cried
and shook her head all the while, but could not
avoid her hair from getting shingled.
14. Refer to answer 3.
15. It was a bitter-cold day. The snow still covered
the ground. A large bell rang for breakfast. The
peace of the morning was disturbed by the annoying
clatter of shoes, constant clash of harsh noises and
an undercurrent of many voices murmuring in an
unknown language.
16. On the very first day, in the city of apples,
Zitkala-Sa came across ‘eating by formula’, which
was the fixed procedure for breakfast. Once
everyone was in the dining room, the sound of
the first bell indicated all pupils to pull out their
chairs. At the second bell, all had to sit down. At
the far end of the dining hall, a man said the prayer
and the pupils bowed their heads finally, at sound
of the third bell, everyone started eating with forks
and knives. This made her feel out of place and
overwhelmed her.
17. On her way back home from school, Bama
witnessed many activities, which truly caught
her attention. As she strolled through the bazaar,
she saw many fun activities and games. She saw a
monkey performing, a snake charmer putting his
snake on display, a cyclist who had been cycling
yM
yK
read and successful. This left a deep impression
on her.
3. The narrator felt quite uncomfortable at the
dining table. She was not used to eating by formula
i.e., wait for the sound of the bell to commence
eating. Moreover, the noise and the bedlam of
languages and the Matron continuously staring at
her, all of it disturbed her. Zitkala-Sa felt embarrassed
and out of place. This is why she began to cry at the
dining table when others started eating.
4. Both Zitkala-Sa and Bama came from
marginalised communities. In their childhood,
both women had to face discrimination on the
basis of race and caste respectively. Miffed by
the social injustice since they were young, they
protested against it. They both became writers
when they grew up and used their education to
fight against discrimination.
5. Zitkala-Sa resisted the shingling of her hair
because in her culture, long hair was valued. In her
culture, it was only the warriors captured by the
enemy, cowards and mourners who wore their hair
shingled or short.
6. The articles in the stalls and shops, which
fascinated Bama on her way back home from
school included dried fish stall by the statue of
Gandhi, the sweet stall, the stall selling fried
snacks. Other than that the hunter gypsy with his
lemur, selling needles, clay beads and instruments
to clean out the ears; the way each waiter cooled
the coffee, people sitting in front to the shops,
chopping onions, etc. all this attracted Bama.
7. When Zitkala-Sa’s long hair was cut, she felt
indignant and helpless like a puppet. She felt as if
she was an animal driven by a herder and looked
for comforting.
8. Annan advised Bama to throw away
indignities and study hard and make progress. He
said to her, “study with care and learn all you can.
If you are always ahead in your lessons, people
will come to you on their own accord and attach
themselves to you. Work hard.”
9. Judewin was a friend of Zitkala-Sa. She
understood some words of English. She had
overheard the white woman telling that they would
cut her long and heavy hair. She said that ZitkalaSa would have to agree to it.
10. The landlord’s men asked Bama’s brother, on
which street he lived because the man could not
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Memories of Childhood
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
experienced discrimination on the basis of her
caste. Zitkala-Sa is a native American girl sent to
a convent school, where she is treated badly at the
hands of white people who consider themselves
a superior race. Zitkala-Sa has to abide by many
rules and regulations, which overwhelm her on the
very first day of her school. She, along with others,
is made to ‘eat by formula’ and it distresses her. It
is the cutting of her long hair, which makes her
hysterical. In her community, only mourners and
cowards wear their hair short. So, when it is her turn
to get her hair shingled, she decides, she is not going
to submit without a struggle. When she is dragged
out from under the bed and carried downstairs,
she resists by kicking and scratching wildly. She
fights getting hair cut by shaking her head. A
slightly different, but equally disturbing struggle,
Bama has had already seen, felt, experienced and
been humiliated by what untouchability is/was.
The discrimination, in the beginning, is not quite
evident to Bama until she sees an elder member
of her community carry a packet of eatables by
a string for a man of upper caste. It is from her
older brother that she comes to know about
the ill-treatment meted out to the Dalits by the
members of the upper castes. This information
terribly saddened and infuriates Bama as she feels
that such discrimination is unfair and unjustified.
Even after facing discrimination in their respective
lives, Bama and Zitkala-Sa both became powerful
writers and used this power to voice their opinion
and fight oppression by the so called superior caste
or race.
C
op
yM
yK
for three days non-stop. When the narrator walked
past the Maariyata Temple she saw the huge bell
tower. She saw Pongal offerings being prepared.
She even heard the politician’s speech. As she
walked a little further, she saw the dried fish stall
near Gandhi statue. The narrator was amazed to
see the Narikkuravan hunter gypsies with a wild
Lemur in a cage. She enjoyed her walk back home
from school.
18. Bama saw one of the elders from her village
coming down the street holding a small packet of
vadai meant to be given to the landlord. The aged
man was being careful not to touch it; he held the
packet by its string. An amused Bama, narrated the
incident to her older brother. He told her that the
old man, being a dalit, was not allowed to touch
the vadai brought for the landlord. Bama learnt
from her brother that day, about the atrocities and
discrimination meted out to the members of her
community in the name of caste. He told her to
study hard and learn as much as possible; people
would come to her on their own. Bama did exactly
what her Annan had urged her to do. She studied
well and became a famous contemporary writer
who raised her voice against the caste inequalities.
19. In ‘We Too are Human Beings,’ Bama
highlights the high caste-low caste discrimination
prevailing in the society. The high caste people
have a firm social standing and enjoy every benefit
they can derive because of it. On the other hand,
having been segregated and marginalised, the low
caste people have to suffer in every walk of their
life.
The have to face prejudices and social stigma of
being born in a low caste community. Whether
a child or an adult, man or woman belonging to
the backward sections of the society, has to suffer
humiliation in some way or the other.
In her childhood when Bama felt the indignation
caused by learning about untouchability and
discrimination, her elder brother advised her to
work hard and learn as much as possible because
only education can uplift her. It would help her in
establishing an identify and thus, a position in the
society.
20. Refer to answer 12.
21. Zitkala-Sa’s experience in ‘Memories of
Childhood’ is that of a victim of the racial
discrimination. Bama, on the other hand,
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
304
22. Refer to answer 21.
23. Refer to answer 21.
24. Zitkala-Sa tried all that she could do to save
her hair from being cut. When she heard that her
hair were going to be chopped off she ran upstairs
into a room where the windows were covered with
dark coloured curtains. She hid herself under a
bed, but was caught. She cried and resisted with all
her might and kept shaking her head all the while
her hair was being cut. She lost spirit when she
heard the scissors grow off one of her thick braids.
Zitkala-sa wanted to save her hair because cutting
hair short was an indignity and against her custom.
Short hair was a sign of mourning, cowardice and
defeat. Long hair on the other hand was a symbol
of bravery in her custom.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
NOVELS
1
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
Silas Marner
– George Eliot
C
op
b
yM
yK
Marry Anne Evans was born in 1919 at
Warwickshire, England. She was known by her
pen name George Eliot, was an English novelist,
journalist, translator and one of the leading writers
of the Victorian era. She is the author of seven
novels, including Adam Bede (1859), The Mill on
the Floss (1860), Silas Marner (1861), Middlemarch
(1871-72), and Daniel Deronda (1876), most of
them set in provincial England and known for
their realism and psychological insight.
She used a male pen name, she said, to ensure her
works would be taken seriously. Female authors
were published under their own names during
Eliot’s life, but she wanted to escape the stereotype
of women only writing lighthearted romances. An
additional factor in her use of a pen name may
have been a desire to shield her private life from
public scrutiny and to prevent scandals attending
her relationship with the married George Henry
Lewes, with whom she lived for over 20 years.
The young Evans was obviously intelligent and a
voracious reader. Because she was not considered
physically beautiful, and thus not thought to have
much chance of marriage, and because of her
intelligence, her father invested in an education
not often afforded by women. From age five to
nine, she boarded with her sister Chrissey at Miss
Latham’s School in Attleborough, from age nine to
thirteen at Mrs. Wallington’s School in Nuneaton,
and from age thirteen to sixteen at Miss Franklin’s
School in Coventry.
linen weaver residing in a stone cottage near the
village of Raveloe. The simple rustic society of the
village fears Silas, thinking he is connected with the
devil. Silas too is aloof and does not care to socialise
with the village people. He does not come and go
anywhere, not even to the church. He stays indoors
and weaves all day, feeling content by the gold he
earns from it. To the people living in Raveloe, Silas
Marner appears to be a suspicious character. He is
described as one with on odd physical appearance
: crooked body, strange and frightening eyes, pale
face and much older looking. Since he has good
knowledge of medicinal herbs and has occasional
cataleptic fits, many of his neighbours think that
Silas has other worldly powers. Silas has not always
been a resident of Raveloe. He has been here for
last fifteen years.
Before coming to Raveloe he lived in Lantern Yard,
a slum street in an unnamed city in Northern
England. There, Silas Marner had been a member
of a small Calvanist congregation. He was a Godfearing, virtuous man with a good reputation. He
was betrothed to a young woman named Sarah.
However, one day, he was falsely accused of
murdering the very ill deacon, whom he was
watching over and stealing the congregation’s
funds. The congregation was presented with two
clues : a pocket knife and the very pouch, which
formerly contained the money. Silas immediately
realised that William Dane, another member
of the congregation and his best friend, had
framed him. The knife did belong to Silas, but he
had lent it to Dane shortly before the crime was
committed. Despite being innocent, Silas Marner
was proclaimed guilty of the crime. In one night,
Marner lost his reputation, friendship and his
faith in God. Weeks later, word arrived that Sarah
had broken the engagement and was set to marry
William Dane. Marner left Lantern Yard after that
and moved to Raveloe.
ita
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SUMMARY
The novel tells the tale of Silas Marner, a linen
weaver, who, despite many misfortunes, eventually
finds his way back into faith, virtue and love.
LANTERN YARD
Set in the early years of the nineteenth century, the
novel introduces Silas Marner to the reader as a
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
RAVELOE
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
and advice whenever he needs it. Mrs. Winthrop
also assists Marner to gradually find a place in the
village society.
SIXTEEN YEARS LATER
Eppie is now a young woman and has grown up to
be the pride of the village. Her bond with Silas has
strengthened even more with time. Godfrey and
Nancy, on the other hand are childless. Dunstan
Cass’ skeleton is finally discovered at the bottom
of the stone quarry near Silas’ home. Dunsey must
have possessed Silas gold when he fell into the
quarry because the skeleton is found clutching the
same pouch, with the gold intact. Silas’ gold is duly
returned to him. This revelation shocks Godfrey
Cass and stirs his own conscience; he confesses to
Nancy about being married to Molly and Eppie’s
biological father. Godfrey fears that Nancy might
refuse to accept Eppie because of the formers
principles. Nancy, on the contrary, acts with love
and sympathy and agrees to bring Eppie home.
On finding out about her past and that Silas is
not her real father, Eppie does not yearn for her
biological father. Instead, she decides never to
leave Silas, even after Godfrey reveals himself to be
her real father. He and Nancy offer to raise Eppie
as a gentleman’s daughter. Eppie, however, refuses
to forsake Silas.
Silas and Eppie revisit Lantern Yard. Silas wants to
know the answers to his questions about the theft
which have been haunting him all these years. In
other words, Silas wants to find closure. When they
arrive at his old neighbourhood, he is shocked to
find that it has “swept away”. In its place, stands
a large factory. The ambience of present Lantern
Yard is grim, full of unhealthy people. No one
knows what happened to the old inhabitants.
On returning to Raveloe Silas feels like he has
come back to his home. He decides to make peace
with the fact that he may never come to know the
answer to his questions. He agrees with Dolly when
she says it does not matter because he was right all
along. Silas Marner chooses his happier existence
in Raveloe with Eppie by his side.
C
op
yM
yK
Mr. Squire Cass, the town’s leading landowner has
two sons, the good natured, but weak willed, elder
son, Godfrey Cass and the dissolute, black sheep of
the family, younger son, Dunstan (Dunsey) Cass.
Dunsey, being always attracted to wealth and, a
man with no conscience, steals Silas Marner’s gold,
which he earned as a linen weaver in Raveloe. Since
it is common for Dunsey Cass to disappear without
a word, nobody suspects him or links the theft to
him when Dunsey absconds with Silas’ gold. A deep
gloom sets over Silas, even though the villagers try
to help him.
Godfrey Cass also hides a secret; he is secretly
married to Molly Farren, a woman of low birth and
an opium addict. Though Godfrey and Molly are
estranged, his secret marriage prevents him from
marrying the love of his life, Nancy Lammeter.
Nancy is a women of high social and moral
standing.
On a cold winter’s night, Molly grabs her two-year
old daughter and makes her way to Squire Cass’ New
Year’s Eve party. She plans to out her secret marriage
with Godfrey Cass and ruin him. However, on
the way, Molly takes opium and lies down to rest.
Finding herself free from her mother’s clutches,
the child wanders away. She follows a bright light
coming from Silas’ cottage, crawls in through the
door and straight in front of the fire place. Silas
follows her track in the snow and traces them back
to Molly. She is still lying in the snow, dead. Silas
goes to party for help. There, Godfrey recognises his
daughter in Silas arms, but decides to stay quiet. He
secretly hopes that the dead woman Silas discovered
is Molly. In order to get confirmation of Molly’s
death, Godfrey rushes out in panic and arrives at
the scene. He is relieved to get confirmation from
Dr. Kimble that Molly has been dead for hours. Her
death ends the secret marriage between Godfrey
and Molly, leaving Godfrey free to marry Nancy
Lammeter. Therefore, he resolves not to disclose
his secret to anyone.
Silas decides to keep the child and raise her as his
own daughter. He names the child Eppie (short
for Hephzibah). He feels that his ‘stolen gold’ is
returned to him in the form Eppie with her golden
hair. Godfrey Cass provides financial aids to Silas to
help him care for Eppie. However, it is Mrs. Dolly
Winthrop, Silas’ neighbour, who helps Marner in
bringing up Eppie by providing him with support
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
306
CONCLUSION
The story ends with Eppie marrying Dolly
Winthrop’s son Aaron, they both move into Silas’
cottage, recently renovated to accommodate
Aaron. Silas Marner and his extended family is
seen celebrating the joyous occasion.
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Silas Marner
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
307
PREVIOUS
YEARSBoard
MCQS Questions
Previous Years’
CBSE
LA II (6 marks)
1.
George Eliot has portrayed Godfrey as a
morally weak character. Comment.
(Delhi 2017)
11. ‘Evil begets evil.’ In the light of this remark,
describe the character of Dunstan Cass.
(AI 2015)
What kind of life did Silas lead at Lantern
Yard?
(Delhi 2017)
3.
What kind of life did Silas lead before coming
to Raveloe?
(Delhi 2016)
13. Godfrey Cass is good-natured but weakwilled. Comment.
(Foreign 2015)
4.
Attempt a character sketch of Nancy
Lammeter.
(Delhi 2016)
14. How did Dunstan blackmail his brother,
Godfrey ?
(Delhi 2015 C)
5.
How do William Dane’s deceit and Sarah’s
desertion affect Silas?
(AI 2016)
6.
Attempt a character sketch of Eppie.
(AI 2016)
15. Bring out the character traits of Godfrey Cass
as he appears in the novels, ‘Silas Marner’.
(AI 2015 C)
7.
After coming to Raveloe, for fifteen years,
earning and hoarding money remained a
passion for Silas. Comment.
(Foreign 2016)
ita
16. Bring out the character traits of William Dane
as he appears in the novel, ‘Silas Marner’.
(AI 2015 C)
yM
yK
op
9.
Describe the ironical situation in which Silas
Marner had to leave Lantern Yard.
(Delhi 2015)
Describe Dolly Winthrop as the most lovable
character in George Eliot’s ‘Silas Marner’.
(Delhi 2015)
C
8.
b
2.
12. Silas Marner lost his hoard of gold. Describe
the circumstances under which his ‘gold’ is
restored to him in the form of Eppie.
(Foreign 2015)
10. Describe how Silas Marner is betrayed by his
friend, William Dane.
(AI 2015)
17. Describe Silas’ visit to Lantern Yard after 16
years.
(Delhi 2015 C)
18. Describe the circumstances in which Eppie
reached Silas cottage. (AI 2015 C)
19. On first seeing Eppie’s golden hair Silas
thought that he had got back his gold. But
the child proved to be an even better treasure.
Comment.
(Delhi 2015 C)
20. Dunstan Cass was a man of no virtue, so his
tragic end is justified. Bring out the character
of Dunstan Cass in the light the above
statement.
(AI 2015 C)
Answers
1. Godfrey Cass was the elder son of Squire
Cass. Being so, he was the heir to the Cass estate.
Physically, he was a fine looking man. Although he
was a good natured man, he was also weak-willed,
self-centred and could not think beyond material
comfort. He secretly married Molly Farren an opium
addict, when he was young and fathered a daughter.
However, he refused to accept the marriage and
his daughter and behaved in a cowardly manner.
This refusal to take the responsibility of Eppie and
moral cowardice filled him with guilt. He found
happiness with Nancy Lammeter, but feared losing
her because of his past. This is why he gives into his
brother’s demands when Dunstan Cass blackmails
him and threatens to out the secret of his previous
marriage. At last, when his life took a positive turn,
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
he decided to accept Eppie as his daughter because
it was his ‘right’. Once again the reader comes
across Godfrey Cass’ selfish side.
2. Before coming to Raveloe Silas was an
her. She is a charming and graceful woman with
striking features, an upright posture and lives as
expected from a lady. She may not be the smartest
woman in the world, but she lives by an inflexible
code which influences her moralistic but just
approach towards her life. Nancy refuses to adopt
a child because her ‘principles’ do not allow her
to do so. However, with age, she becomes mature
and a sympathetic woman. Nancy deals with her
husband’s revelation with dignity even though she
has deep regret for his action. But, when she comes
to know that Eppie is Godfrey’s daughter, Nancy
welcomes her willingly into her house.
5. Initially, Silas was an honest and God
fearing man, who was a member of small
congregation in Lantern Yard. He was
respected and honoured by the community
people. However, everything changed after
William Dane, his best friend, framed him for
the sick deacon’s murder, whom Marner and
Dane were supposed to look after together.
Dane’s severe allegations and the brethren
not believing him made Silas disillusioned;
he uttered with great sorrow that, “there is no
just God that governs the earth righteously
but a God of lies, that bears witness against
the innocent”. Soon after, Sarah, his fiancee,
broke off the engagement and a months later,
married William Dane instead. This made Silas
to isolate himself completely and eventually
leave Lantern Yard. He moved to Raveloe and
there too Marner did not socialise with people
around him and lived in seclusion. In return,
the town’s people feared him and regarded him
with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
6. Eppie is Silas Marner’s adopted daughter,
who enters his life when she follows a bright
light to the door of his cottage and straight in
front of the fire place, after her biological mother
dies.
Eppie is one with a pure heart and sweet nature
and her presence in Silas’ life, fills the void left in
his heart after the betrayal of William, Sarah and
later, the theft of his gold. She is the biological
daughter of Godfrey Cass, who refuses to accept
Eppie as his own. She is, lively, beautiful and loves
Silas more than anything in this world and accepts
Marner as a parent without questioning. She is not,
in any way, conscious of Marner’s aloofness or his
C
op
yM
yK
honest man and a faithful member of a religious
sect in Lantern Yard. His initial cataleptic fits
were seen as an indication of righteousness. He
had a very close friend, William Dane. William
was jealous of Marner because he loved Sarah,
but she was engaged to Marner. However, the
kind of life Silas lead changed drastically after
a tragedy struck in Lantern Yard. A deacon fell
ill and he was put in care of Silas. During his
watch, Marner was struck by another cataleptic
fit. While he was unconscious William killed the
deacon, stole his gold and placed Silas’ pocket
knife, which William borrowed from him
previously, on the table. He wanted to frame
Silas for the deacon’s murder and succeeded in
doing so. The church found him guilty of the
crime. Silas felt betrayed firstly, by his closest
friend William and secondly, by the church for
not believing him. He claimed that there is “no
just God... but a God of lies.” Unable to prove
himself innocent, Silas Marner removed himself
from the society. Sometime later, Silas heard the
news that Sarah had broken off the engagement
and in a months time married William. Soon
after, Silas Marner left Lantern Yard, a loner.
3. Refer to answer 2.
4. Nancy Lammeter is one of the major
characters of novel ‘Silas Marner’ by George
Eliot.
She is a pretty and caring young lady married to
Godfrey. The heir to the Cass estate. Nancy also
comes from a reasonably wealthy family as per
the Raveloe standards. Her father, Mr. Lammeter,
is a ‘handsome landed gentleman of Raveloe, he
owns the Warrens’. It is from him that Nancy has
inherited her remarkable strength of character,
high principles and hard work. It is because of
her strict values that she disapproves of what she
sees as her husband’s weakness of character. On
many instances it is evident that Nancy is a typical
country girl and she is well aware of it. In fact, she is
not ashamed of her wealthy yet not so sophisticated
upbringing. She is not as refined as the city girls
and her hands are coarse from butter making and
cheese crushing. However, this does not bother
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
308
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
C
op
yM
yK
Silas Marner of Lantern Yard to Raveloe. He had
been falsely accused of murder and theft because
his best friend William Dane had set him up.
After Silas settled in Raveloe, he spent most of
his time inside his cottage, weaving. It kept his
mind occupied to revent him from brooding over
William’s betrayal. In his solitary moments, the
lonely Silas came to love the glitter of gold coins he
earned as a linen weaver. Every night, after work,
Silas would sit down to enjoy the companionship
of his gold.
When his gold was stolen Silas became panicstricken and horrid. He had completely lost his
spirit and hope after that until one day a little
toddler with golden hair crawled into his life.
Attracted by the golden locks of the little child
Silas Marner believed his gold had been returned
to him.
8. The irony of the situation in which Silas
Marner had to leave Lantern Yard was not
single fold. Marner was an honest man and a
devout Christian who was held in high regard
by everybody in Lantern Yard. He was betrothed
to Sarah and shared great camaraderie with
William Dane, a fellow brethren in the same
religious sect. However, with the deacon falling
ill, William Dane took advantage of the situation
and succeeded in framing Silas for the deacon’s
murder. William placed the evidence - Silas’
pocket knife and the empty pouch supposedly
carrying the deacon’s gold coins - at the crime
scene and Marner’s room respectively. When the
309
congregation found the evidence they instantly
believed Silas to be the perpetrator.
Again, it was ironic that the religion and the religious
community he had so much faith in, refused to
believe him. The members of the congregation
drew lots to be certain of Silas guilt and inevitably
declared Silas guilty of the crime without much
investigation. They suspended him from Churchmembership. Such an act of treachery broke Silas
completely. It destroyed his faith and wounded his
spirit. However, that was not the end of despair.
Sarah broke her engagement with him and in a
month’s time married William Dane. It was then
that Silas left Lantern Yard.
9. Dolly Winthrop is the most lovable character
in George Eliot’s ‘Silas Marner’. She may not be
extremely academic, but she is a simple and
content woman, who is always happy to provide
comfort and advice as and when required. Dolly
herself is devoutly religious. She decides to help
Silas as much as possible. She persuades him to
always have faith in God and that he should start
going to church again for his own good.
Dolly Winthrop is kind and patient and at the same
time, open and friendly. She quickly befriends Silas
and helps him raise Eppie as his own daughter. She
guides Silas as to how to take care of Eppie, bathe
her, clothe her, feed her, etc. It is she who convinces
Silas to have Eppie christened and also advises to
punish her when it’s necessary. A friend and guide
to Silas Marner, Dolly becomes Eppie’s godmother
and later her mother-in-law. Simply put, Dolly
Winthrop is a woman of scrupulous conscience.
10. Refer to answer 8.
11. Dunstan Cass is the younger son of Squire
Cass. Throughout the novel, he comes off as a
man of no virtue. He has a knack for drinking
and gambling. He is a man of evil mind, who
is always out to harm others. Dunstan Cass is
selfish, greedy and a manipulative man, a stark
contrast to Godfrey. Dunstan blackmails his
own brother, Godfrey into paying his debt. He
threatens to tell everybody that Godfrey is
married to opium addict Molly Farren. Dunstan
is a man with no conscience. He offers to sell
Wildfire, Godfrey’s prized horse. But greed gets
the horse killed. He is a criminal to the core
and a thief. He steals Silas’ money and absconds
with it. It is much later that Dunstan’s skeleton is
b
bent looks. Eppie is an outdoor person and likes to
be close to nature. No wonder, she persuades Silas
to help her grow a garden in the space around the
cottage. She is also resourceful and accepts the help
of their neighbour’s son Aaron, to assist them.
Eventually, when Silas tells Eppie about her past
and that he is not her real father, she does not
yearn for her real father. Her sense of gratitude
and responsibility to her father remains constant.
She is not carried away by class or position and
thus, over-rules Godfrey’s attempt to adopt her
with the lure of a more comfortable life in the
Red House. She chooses to live with Silas and
marry Aaron Winthrop, a kind hearted working
man, whom she loves and who loves her too. It is
because of Eppie Silas changes from a recluse to a
loving person.
7. An unfortunate turn of events had brought
ita
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
Silas Marner
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
the old Deacon and stealing his gold. Silas was
found guilty of the crimes. This disgrace ruined
Marner’s reputation. Sarah broke off their
engagement and months later, married William
Dane. At this point, Silas left Lantern Yard.
17. Silas decided to go to Lantern Yard after
all these years to meet the minister and seek
answers to the lingering questions regarding
the robbery, the drawing of the lots that took
place years ago. However, when Eppie and he
arrived at Lantern Yard, Silas was surprised to
see that his old town had changed completely. It
had become an industrial town and all of those
whom he knew when he lived there, they too
were nowhere to be seen. Most importantly, the
chapel no longer stood where it used to, in fact, it
was gone. With high buildings and narrow dirty
lanes replacing the old establishments, there
was nothing left of the old Lantern Yard. Unable
to find any information regarding the evident
transformation of his old hometown, Silas come
back to Raveloe. He realised that his questions
will never be answered. Now, with Eppie in his
life, it was of no use to live in the past. Therefore,
Silas decided to look forward to the future. His
visit to Lantern Yard filled him with a sense of
peace and rekindled his faith.
18. Refer to answer 12.
19. Finding Eppie sleeping in front of his
fireplace, changes Silas life completely and for
good. Tragedy had already struck Silas twiceonce when he was accused of murder and
robbery in Lantern Yard and second when his
own gold was stolen. It is after Silas Marner had
lost everything that he gets Eppie. She, with her
nature, mischievousness and unconditional
love for Silas drives away the melancholy and
loneliness prevailing in his life. Suddenly, Eppie
becomes the purpose of his life and he becomes
possessive about her. Silas organises his life
according to her demands and necessities.
Gradually, it is not just Eppie whom we see
grow, but Silas’ growth as well, with her. She
refuses to leave him and go with Godfrey even
after knowing that he was her biological father.
Therefore, it is relevant to say that Eppie proved
to be an even better treasure than gold.
20. Refer to answer 11.
C
op
yM
yK
found in the stone pits along with Silas’ money.
Apparently, he had fallen into a quarry full of
water and drowned. In conclusion, one can say
that his tragic end is justified.
12. Eppie was the biological daughter of
Godfrey Cass and Molly Farren, whom he has
secretly married. Molly was an opium addict.
Hence, Godfrey, who was the heir to the Cass
estate, refused to acknowledge her as his wife
in public. Molly decided to take revenge and
set out to Squire Cass house with her daughter.
However, midway, she fell to the ground due to
sheer exhaustion and cold and died. Daughter
Eppie crawled out of her mother’s arms and
started moving towards the bright light coming
from Silas’ house. Eppie toddles in through the
open door; Silas found her sleeping in front of
the fire place.
13. Refer to answer 1.
14. Dunstan came to know that his brother,
Godfrey was secretly married to Molly Farren,
an opium addict. He threatened to reveal this
truth to their father and blackmailed Godfrey
into doing favours for him. Godfrey could not
let his secret come out because firstly, he feared
that his father might refuse to give him the
inheritance. Secondly, this news could ruin his
relationship with Nancy Lammeter, whom he
was all set to marry. Godfrey borrowed money
to help Dunstan. However, Dunstan refused
to pay the debt money and told his brother to
arrange the money for himself. He even forced
Godfrey to sell his prized horse, Wildfire.
15. Refer to answer 1.
16. William Dane was a close friend of Silas
Marner and a member of the same church
congregation in Lantern yard. He was a
treacherous friend, who also lusted after
Marner’s fiancee Sarah. In order to acquire
Sarah, William Dane betrayed Silas’ trust by
spreading rumours that the latter’s cataleptic fit
was due to invocation of the devil rather than
God. Dane manipulated the matters by creating
a crime scene, which suggested that Silas was the
culprit. Dane planted Silas’ knife in the house of
the Deacon where the money had been kept.
The empty money bag was found in Silas’ house.
Dane falsely accused Marner of murdering
CBSE Champion English Core
b
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
ita
310
Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Copymykitab
Downloaded from CopyMyKitab
NOVELS
2
Visit our site - https://copymykitab.blogspot.in/
The Invisible Man
– H.G.Wells
SUMMARY
C
op
b
yM
yK
H.G. Wells is best known for his work in the science
fiction genre and is rightly called the “Father of
Science Fiction”. His most notable science fictions
include “The War of the Worlds”, “The Time
Machine”, “The Island of Doctor Moreau” and “The
Invisible Man”.
H.G. Wells was born on 21 September 1866 in
England. He was the fourth and last child of
Joseph Wells and Sarah Neal. Wells’ Parents had a
turbulent marriage. But they managed to educate
their son in the best possible way.
The book “The Invisible man” was first published in
1897. Originally serialised in “Pearson’s Weekly” in
1897, it was published as a novel in the same year.
Wells’ earlier books like “The Time Machine” and
“The Island of Doctor Moreau” were written using
first-person narrators, whereas in “The Invisible
Man” Wells adopts a