Chief Patron
Shri Avinash Dikshit
Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Co-Ordinator
Shri B L Morodia
Assistant Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Gurgaon Region
Patron
Shri C Mani
Deputy Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Gurgaon Region
Advisors
Shri C S Azad
Assistant Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Gurgaon Region
Shri A K Sharma
Assistant Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Gurgaon Region
Study Material Produced under the supervision of
Mrs. Dolly Gulati Agnihotri
Principal
KV No 1 Faridabad
Team Members
Mrs Amita Kohli ,PGT English, KV No 1 Faridabad(Support Material Co ordinator and Moderator)
Mrs Seema Sharma,PGT English, KV No 3 Faridabad
Mrs Nisha Garg, ,PGT English, KV No 2 Faridabad
Mrs Anita Kohli,PGT English, KV Sector 12 Dwarka
Mrs Neetu Saraswat PGT English, KV AFS Gurgaon
Mrs Manisha,PGT English, KV Sector 8,Rohini
Mr Ramesh Chander,PGT English ,PGT English, Sector 5 Dwarka
Mr Narendra,PGT English, KV Palwal
Mrs Suprabha Vaid,PGT English, KV Sector 3 Dwarka
This is a purely educational publication with no commercial interests.
FOREWORD
It gives me immense pleasure to place the Class XI English study material 2014-15 in your hands.
A lot of hard work with great dedication & perseverance has been put into preparing this material
so that the users are able to get it in good time & are able to make optimum use of it.
I would like the students & teachers to go through this material word by word & practice it
thoroughly to score well in the board exams. I would advise the teachers & the students to go
through the latest exam specifications 2014-15 very carefully as there is a change in the question
paper pattern, weightage to units/ sections etc.
This material has been prepared by a team of Principal & experienced teachers of English from
KVs of Gurgaon Region & I hope the students will make best use of it. Three Sample Papers for
practice have been included in the material. Also every section includes some solved questions
for the guidance of the students
Any suggestions are most welcome.
C Mani
Deputy Commissioner
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
Gurgaon Region
1
2
3
4
5
Table of Contents
Examination Specifications
Tips to score better
Section A-Reading Unseen passages and Note making
Section B-Advanced Writing Skills and Grammar
Section C- Literature Textbooks and Long Reading Text
Hornbill
Snapshots
The Canterville Ghost
6 Three Sample Papers
ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)
CLASS – XI
Section A
Reading Comprehension
20 marks
Very short answer +/ Short answer and MCQ Type questions
Two unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions including 04 marks for
vocabulary such as a word formation and inferring measuring. The total range of the 2 passages
including a poem or a stanze should be around 900-1000 words.
Factual passages, eg. Illustrations, description, reports
Discursive passage involving opinion, eg. Argumentative, persuasive.
Literary passage eg. Extracts from fiction, biography, autobiography, travelogue etc. In the case of
a poem, the test may be shorter than the prescribed word limit.
Section B
Writing Skills and Grammar
30 marks
Writing
Short Answer Question Based on notice / poster / advertisement
Long Answer Question Letters based on verbal / visual input. It would cover all types of letters.
Letter types may includes.
a) Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and
giving information, placing orders and sending replies)
b) Letters to the editor (giving suggestions/opinions on an issue)
c) Application for a job with a bio data or resume.
d) Letter to the school or college authorities, regarding admissions, school issues,
requirements / suitability of courses etc.
Very Long Answer Questions : Composition in the form of article, speech, report writing or a
narrative.
Grammar :

Different grammatical structures in meaningful contends will be tested. Items types will
include gap filling, sentence re-ordering, dialogue completion and sentence transformation.
The grammar syllabus will include determiners, tenses, clauses, modals and Change of
Voice. These grammar areas will be tested using the following short answer type and MCQ
type question.

Error Corrections, editing tasks.

Re-ordering of sentences

Transformation of sentences.
Section C
Literature and Long Reading Texts/Novels
Questions to test comprehension at different levels literal, inferential and evaluative
1. Hornbill : Text book published by NCERT, New Delhi
2. Snapshots : Supplementary Reader published by NCERT, New Delhi
The following have been deleted :
Text books
Name of the lessons deleted
Hornbill
1. Landscape of the Soul
2. The Adventure
3. Silk Road
4. The Laburnum Top (Poetry)
5. The Ghat of the only World
Snapshots :
Very Short Answer Questions : Based on an extract from poetry to test reference to context
comprehension and appreciation.
Short Answer Questions : Based on prose, poetry and plays from both the texts.
Long Answer Questions : Based on prescribed texts to test global comprehension and
exirapolation beyond the texts to bring out the key messages and values.
Long Answer Questions : Based on theme plot, incidents or events from the prescribed novels.
Long Answer Questions : Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the
characters.
Notes Value-based questions may be given as long answers in the writing or literature sections.
Long Reading Texts/Novels (either one)
With a view to inculcate the habit of reading among the students, CBSE has introduced
compulsory reading of a Long Reading Text – Novel in the English Core Course and will be
evaluated in the Term-end- Assessments Schools can opt for either one of the texts.
Author
i) The Canterville Ghost
Oscar Wilde(unabridged 1906
Edition)
ii) Up from Slavery
Booker T.Washington (unabridged
1906 Edition)
Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills (ASL)
It is recommended that speaking skills should be regularly taught in the class.
QUESTION PAPER DESIGN 2014-15
CLASS-XI
ENGLISH CORE XI (Code No. 301)
Time 3 hours
Typology
Typology of
question / learning
outcome
MCQ
I
Mark
s
Very
Short
Ans.
Quest
.1
mark
Short
Ans.
Questi
on 3
marks
Reading
Skills
Conceptual
understanding,
decoding, analyzing,
inferring,
interpreting,
appreciating, literary
conventions &
vocabulary,
summarizing and
using appropriate
format/s.
Reasoning,
appropriacy of style
and (one) using
appropriate format
and fluency
inference, analysis,
evaluation and
creativity,
appreciation
applying of
languages
conventions,
comprehension
using structures,
accuracy & fluency.
Recalling, reasoning,
6
6
1
--
10
--
3
3
Writing
Skills &
Grammar
Literary
Marks 80+20=100
Short
Ans.
Questi
on 4
marks
Long
Ans.
-1
80100
Word
s
5
marks
1
Long
Ans.
-2
120150
Words
6
marks
Very
Tot
Long
al
Ans. 150- mar
200
k
words
(HOTS)
10 Marks
Ove
r all
%
--
--
20
20
1
--
1
1
30
30
--
--
3
--
30
30
Text books
and long
reading text
/novel
Assessment
of Speaking
and
Listening
Skills
appreciating a
literary conventions,
inference, analysis,
evaluation, creativity
with fluency
Interaction reasoning
direction,
articulation, clarity,
pronunciation and
overall fluency
Total
--
6x1=
19x1
4x3=1
6
=19
2
--
4
(L+S)
1x4=4
5x5=
4x6=2
25
4
1x10=10
20
20
100
100
Tips for good preparation
Or
Tips to score well
The following steps might help:
A1- Reading Comprehension





To develop reading skills ,start on short and easy passages
Read the passage thoroughly
Read the Questions; find the answer in the passages
Guess the words nearest to the meaning while attempting vocabulary in the context of the
passages. If in doubt, leave one line space, go on the next question and come back to the question
after attempting all the question.
Remember that you can score well in the reading question if you do a lot of extra- unseen reading
A2- Note Mating













This seems to be difficult but is not
A scoring question
Read the passage carefully
Note down the keywords and phrases paragraph wire in rough
Do not uses complete sentences; use points only.
Each idea must have one main point and required sub-point
Do not give examples and quotations
Give key / glossary of the abbreviations used (6-10)
Clue to the title can be taken from the beginning of the passage
Title should be short – not more than 6 words
Summary must not exceed 80 words and must be based on the notes made.
The notes should be numbered and indented.
Remember note mating has 4 value points (title notes, glossary, summary)
B3- Short compositions
A) Classified advertisements
 Clearly state the category at the top- e.g. - for sale , to let etc
 Give all necessary details in point using commas


B)




Give contact address, name, and telephone number.
Put the matter in a box
Display advertisement
Give a catchy caption
Present the matter attractively using slogans, metaphors and catchy phrases.
Give name and address of the advertiser
Put the mattes in a box
C) Notice
 Use the word NOTICE followed by name of organization /institute
 Give a suitable caption
 Give the required information briefly
 Context- what (event), when (date, time), where (venue)
 End with signature and designation.
D)








Posters
Use a catchy presentation
Write relevant slogans and catchy phrases (min. 4)
Give appropriate visual appeal
Give important information (e.g. venue, date, time, occasion, purpose)
Use different sizes of letters and different placing
Draw simple sketches if you can
Mention issuing authority at the end with address, telephone number, website etc.
Present the matter in the box.
B4 – Factual Description
 Could be description of a building (location, appearance, interiors, surroundings etc.)
 Use interesting and descriptive words.
 Could be on description of objects (appearance, parts, function etc)
 Could be eye – witness accounts
 Could be describing a process or an experiment
B-5 Letter Writing
Types of letters
Business letters
1.Official letter
2.Making enquiries
3.Placing orders
4.Complaints
Letter to the editor
1. Discussing
problems,
Social issues and
giving suggestions
Application for job
1.covering letter to
apply for a job
2. curriculum vitae/
resume
Tips
 Make a rough draft
 Use crisp and to point language
 Include necessary details
 Always end letter on a positive note
 Curriculum vitae should include name, father’s name ,date of birth, qualifications, sex, marital status,
nationality, contact address and telephone number , e-mail id , and most importantly two references
B6- Writing an article/speech/debate
Follow the coder which means
 C = collect ideas
 O = organize them sequentially and logically
 D = develop into a rough draft
 E = edit for errors in expression
 R = rewrite neatly
 Give a title for the article followed by the writers name
 Adders the audience in speech and debate sub satiating your opinion clearly
 Arrange in paragraphs
Literature Section
 Be thorough with the texts.
 Use key words and phrases from the text.
 For this section each lesson of both books been dealt with at great length in study material.
 Students should not miss working out the short answer and long answer question which are given
for practice.
 Repeated reading of chapters will help in fixing all in details students memory.
 Write value points for the long answer question so that not much time is wasted in bringing to
mind the main points.
 Stick to the word limit.
Time management is must. Manage time well. Practice minimum 4 model papers and complete them
in three hours each.
READING SECTION
Guidelines for Reading Comprehension:-Comprehension means understanding or perception. Reading is a skill that can be acquired.
Anyone can learn to read better and faster and thereby comprehend in lesser time.
Rather than concentrating on words on the page, look for the main ideas. Follow the main thread of
the ideas consciously at a fast pace. Try to comprehend the development of thought. Minor details
can be avoided.
The following points are to be carefully noted. While attempting questions on comprehension
1) Read the questions first and try to catch the theme of the passage.
2) In FIRST READING go through the passage carefully and mark the difficult words
3) Word attack strategy:(i) remove prefix or suffix and try to reach to the core word
(ii) Read one or two lines ahead or preceding the words to guess the meaning contractually
4) Read questions again
5) In SECOND READING-mark the areas where you can locate the answer of the questions
6) In THIRD READING-mould your answers using simple language
7) Answer should reveal your understanding of the passage
8) Answer should be brief and to the point. Avoid irrelevant material.
There are many possible sources of reading texts.books aimed specifically at a teenage audience
are particularly suitable and you may find useful ones in your school library. Here are some
suggestions for other places to look.
Factual texts –reference books tourist brochures, newspapers
Discursive texts---magazines as Newsweek
Literary texts---novels and magazines
Passage 1 for Reading Comprehension(solved)
The Titanic was a masterpiece. She was the envy of all the maritime nations of the world.
In speed, I craftsmanship and in the amenities she provided, the Titanic was
unsurpassed. She was indeed the largest and best passenger liner the world had seen.
Above all, the Titanic was so strong that she was considered to be invincible and
indestructible.
The luxury-liner had every facility possible to draw the richand famous towards her
like a magnet. There were ten decks that rose majestically, one above the other. There
was a Parisian café, a Jacobean dining room to seat five hundred, a swimming pool, sun
parlours , tea terraces and many more delights for those who could pay for them.
On the fateful night, the Titanic was carrying abroad around 2200 people. She was
on her maiden voyage so she had a passenger list that included high ranking officials of
the White star Line that she belonged to, and many other important persons. Nothing
could go wrong.
That night the impossible happened. At about eleven – forth the ship struck a
gigantic iceberg which tore into its sides and that was the beginning of the end of the
Titanic. It was a long and eventful right full of acts of heroism. The Captain and his crew
displayed extreme fortitude strength of spirit and dedication to duty.
Their behaviour was exemplary in all respects. Of special note is the courage
displayed by the two radio officers who stayed at their posts long after they had been
released. The bandsman re to be admired for the way they attempted to keep up the
spirits of the passengers and crew by playing their music. They were real heroes as was
the Captain who refused to take a seat on one of the lifeboats and saved an infant even
as he met his death.
Sinking of the Titanic
Questions
1) What was the name of the ship?
2) What was it appreciated for?
3) What facilities had been provided on the ship?
4) How many passenger were there on Titanic on the fateful night?
5) At what time the ship struck the iceburg and how did it meet its end?
6) How did the Captain Smith show that he was British to the core?
Multiple choice questions
1) Courage displayed by two radio officers was when,
(i) they stayed at their post
(ii) saved many people
(iii) saved their life
(iv) ran away in lifeboats
2) Name the cafe in the ship
(i) friendlich café
(ii) American café
(iii) hall herould café
(iv) parisian café
3)How many decks rose majestically over one another?(i)12(ii)5(iii)10
Give trhe meaning of the following:-(a)exemplary
(b) fortitude
©gigantic
Answers:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
It was Titanic a ship.
It was appericiated for its craftsmanship and aminities.
Percian café, Jacobean dining room,a swimming pool, sunparlour,tea terraces etc.
2200
11.40
Captain smith refusedto take a seat on one of the lifeboats and saved an infant even as he
met his death.
Multiple choice questions
1. They stayed at their post.
2. Parsian café
3. 10
Meaning of the words:First,as an example,huge
Passage2
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
(12)
After saying ‘yes’ to Olympics all these years let us learn to say no. Our record
speaks for itself. We participate, we don’t complete. That nearly sums up our life at
Olympics.
Such a performance is baffling, worrying. But it is also instructive. Even as the
herd that is, the rest of the world, prepares for the 2008. Beijing Olympics, it is time to ask
ourselves whether we should follow them, too. After all, Olympics have changed a lot. If
you think that the spirit
of fun drives the Games, you are mistaken. The muscle of
competitiveness now motors every event. And why shouldn’t it? Physical readiness,
mental toughness, and ruthless ambition have changed sport into a global contest.
Swimmers Michael Phelps and Jan Thorpe do not compete: they train to calculate their
chances. The big story four years hence will be an East West slugfest : Chinese planning
versus US precision.
For all the rhythm and beauty, sport is also jagged and ugly. Although magic and
despair are the soul mates of sport, there is hardly any place for losers. Nothing sums
this feeling better than gymnast Paul Hamm’s emotive gasp after winning the gold : “I dug
down deep and I fought for everything” Boston Globe equated the endeavour with
romance: “The romantic arena can be loaded with awkward stumbles and miscalculations
that might keep a person single if he or she were to dwell on the negative of bad dates
instead of the possibilities of love”.
But it was also the fear of failure that drove Hamm at Athens. It was the rare ability
to cut the Gordian knot of human tolerance and win. And when Hamm did that, he proved
that Olympics are not about athletic competence alone.
To race is to win. If it can’t win, why should India race? Let’s look at our Olympic
pickings since 1900, when India first participated in the Games.
Our achievement at the end of the Athens Olympics stands at eight gold, two silver
and five bronze. More than a quarter of a century have elapsed since we last bagged
gold. So do we really need to be in the race? Or do we need to thoroughly start preparing
for one?
If Olympics have become tough, competitive, and almost corporate like in
execution why can’t India think laterally ? Our athletes are not world class : our training
infrastructure is pathetic: and our sport vision is myopic. The upshot after a series of false
starts, it is time to pull out of something that yields no returns time to sit out the Olympics.
There is nothing wrong with that Corporates do that all the time when business go bad.
They even do that when business is plateauing. Why should sport be different? A “no”
would give India an opportunity to rethink. “Dig down a deep” and prepare for conquest. It
can always go back to the arena after a few years, but as a team that is sure of itself.
Today, there’s nothing more boring or disheartening than India in the Olympics.
Post Olympics, we debate India’s latest flop show. Pre – Olympics we discuss the sum of
all failures. We measure our prowess on the Olympics games scale. We lament our
failure. But we come up with a one gold – medal solution. Sometimes, silver is enough to
satisfy our downscaling expectations. Why don’t we lay siege to all our fears ?
After all, Olympics are not the ultimate benchmarks for human achievement. Take
tennis and football, where Wimbledon and FIFA’s world cup have become the meccas of
sport, why fret over Olympics when sport is fragmenting itself and creating its own niches
of excellence? In fact, Olympics are far removed from the world of computers were higher
, faster, stronger also means brainier. Online Olympiads are distant dreams still, though
broadband gaming communities are ballooning by the day.
This is not to say that India should now forget sport, instead, create more IITs and
IIMs, the nurseries of entrepreneurial and managerial talent. It is only to point out that
India can perform if it sticks to its proven strengths. Why not relentless focus on cricket,
chess and say hockey? Is anybody even asking : After Sachin, who? Or, are we awaiting
another miracle at Shivaji Park? Despite India’s wins. Indian cricket is a success story
crafted by individuals. Unlike the Aussies, these ain’t products churned out regularly by
super infrastructure and top notch local contests.
These are stories of individual
excellence that await sequels. But sequels can only be crafted by vision and strategy.
Let us not kill ourselves over the Olympics. Let us retreat to tone our sinews. Let
us rebuild our competencies. Let us refocus to sharpen our vision or starve ourselves for
glory. Only then can we think and triumph like Sun Tzu’s hungry man”. And start from
scratch, by inspiring ourselves.
Answer the following questions briefly:-A1.1)
Q1) Have we learnt a lesson from the participation in Olympic games?
Q2) What has changed sport into a global contest?
Q3) Why does the writer feel it is time for us to pull out of the Olympics?
Q4) What will be the big story fours years hence ?
Q5)’ Sports are not all rhythm and beauty’ explain.
Q6 ) what will happen if we do not train ourselves to be competent in sport?
A1.2) Find from the passage the words that have opposite meaning
i) meek ( para 2)
ii) elation (para 3)
iii)mediocre( para9)
A1.3) MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
i) What is needed to be a sportsman
a) physical readiness
b) mental toughness
c) ruthless ambition
d) all of the above
ii) Mediocre means
a) to be first - one
b) to be last – one
c) to be in middle
d) to be the topper
iii)India’s performance in Olympics
a) examplary
b) disheartening
c) boosting d)enthralling
Passage 4
Reading the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
One of greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of
computer. They are already widely used in industry and in universities. Now there is
hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not pressed into service of man.
We are heading fast on the close of this present century towards a situation when a
computer will be as much a part of man’s daily life as a telephone number or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of
learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of
unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they
can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic accident, or they can count the
number of time the words “and” has been used in the Bible.
Because they work
accurately and at high speeds, they save research workers years of hard work. The
whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called
“automation”. In the future, automation may enable human beings far more leisure than
they today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
Some years ago an expert automation. Sir Lena Bagrit, pointed out that it was a
mistake to believe that this machine could think. There is no possibility that human
beings will be controlled by machines. Though computer is capable of learning from their
mistakes and improving on their performance, they needed detailed instructions from
human beings to be able to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives
or rule the world by making decisions of their own.
Sir Leon said that in the future, computer would be developed which would be
small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would than be able to use them to
obtain valuable information. Computer could be plugged into national network and be
used like radios. For instance, people going on holidays could be informed about weather
conditions : car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will
enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other by using
computers as a translating machine.
It is impossible to assess the importance of a machine of this sort, for many
international misunderstandings are caused simply through our failure to understand each
other. Computer will also be used in ordinary public hospitals. By providing a machine
with a patient’s system, a doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of his illness.
Similarly, machine could be used to keep a check on a patient’s health record and bring it
up to date. Doctors will therefore have access to many facts which will help them in their
work. Bookkeepers and accountants too could be relieved of dull clerical work, for the
tedious task of compiling lists and checking them could be done entirely by machine.
Computer will also be able to tell the exact age of a man or how many years he is going
to live with the help of blood pictures. Computer is the most efficient servant man has
ever had and there is no limit to the way they can be used to improve our lives.
Answer the following
questions briefly:--
A1.1)
Q1) How are the computers helpful in modern day today life ?
Q2) How can computers help in doing complicated work?
Q3) What is automation?
Q4) How does automation help human beings?
Q5) Mention the areas when in computers can be used efficiently.
Q6) will computers be the most efficient servant of man?
A1.2) Find words from the passage which convey similar meaning as the following
i) Exactly (para 2)
ii) get ( para 4)
iii) produce by assembling(para5)
A1.3) Multiple choice questions .
a) Computers cannot replace man
i) because we cannot carry computers everywhere.
ii) they are not able to take decisions.
iii) they get easily defective.
iv) all of the above .
A1.4) Diagonose means
i) to venty .
ii) to simplify .
iii) to discover the ailment.
iv) none of the above .
A1.5 computers can be used
i)in ordinary public life
ii) diagonose the nature of illness
iii)can help bookkeepers and accountants
iv) all of the above
Passage5
Reading the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
12
1.
I was more than a little mystified to see a vacancy for a teacher advertised in the
local press sometimes ago, specifying among other eligibility requirements that the
applicant must be ‘articulate’. It is a sign of the times that teachers are no longer the great
talkers they used to be ?
2.
Probably, the new breed of recruits already manifests an alarming degree of
inarticulateness in a profession which, like that of a politicians or DJs, calls for strong
vocal chords and much glibness. Usually, one take it for granted that teacher talk and the
pupils follow suit, so that the younger generation master effective speaking skills while
they are about it.
3.
Apparently, language learning is not as simple as that, when one does not have
the opportunity to speak out in class, to try out new vocabulary and syntax and to develop
one’s confidence at the same time.
4.
“Now I’ve to got to take another person with me whenever I go to the hospital or to
my children’s school. Though I have B’ for English. I am not fluent in my speech. But
what I lack most of all is the confidence to keep up a conversation with strangers for more
than 5 minutes at a time” a lady explained. Except for some group recitation, she had not
been called upon to read aloud or answer a question orally.
5.
As she is from an affluent family, this young woman is content being a full time
house wife. She has a teacher’s qualification but shies away from employment. Effective
speaking skill encompasses the whole spectrum of the curriculum at all levels and should
involve every single student in the school. Unless regular checks are made through
internal supervision and grades allotted for speech in the terminal report, it is not possible
to ensure adequate speech training for all students.
6.
Encouraging youngsters to participate in the learning experience by talking freely
and without any fear of being put down helps to strengthen their personality. This has the
carry over affect on their future employment prospects.
7.
Current trends in technology and contemporary life style have created the need for
young people to be smart. Independent, resourceful and career oriented. The ability to
speak one or two international languages is a definite plus point. The minimum one can
expect from an educated person seeking employment in a specific labour market is that
he or she speaks one language which is currently viable there.
8.
Every age prescribes specific linguistic skills that are being relevant for socio
economic purposes. For instance public speaking was considered essential in a limited
way in ancient Greece for those who were the masters.
In Rome, the training was
extended to a larger group from whom the leaders were selected. In feudal times, the
landed aristocracy was privileged to receive an education. With the industrial revolution,
most of the workers needed only a smattering of language to follow instructions to run the
machines.
9.
Today, individuals who have good verbal skills are in great demand in trade and
commerce, the media, schools and colleges, scientific projects, communication sectors,
etc. Through public speaking is necessary in certain areas, what is even more useful in
day-to-day business is a polished conversational style that gets the message across
lucidly.
10.
Unless teachers themselves are articulate enough to act as role models and give
youngsters opportunities to speak out and guide them to be creative, eloquent and
rational in their speech, education will tend to lag behind modern demands.
11.
Inspectors in the UK recently black listed a primary school in Brixton, London and
recommended that it should be closed down because a little girl who was a pupil there
had not talked in class for three years. The teachers had not detected the problem. The
parents removed her from the school and have to yet find out whether she is normal or
not.
12.
A broad based speech programme which stresses the acquisition of a verbal skill
by providing training in pronunciation, intonation, vocabulary public speaking and also
some reading aloud will be timely and fit the bill. In present context, the school that
wanted ‘articulate” teachers was being realistic after all.
On the basis of your reading of passage, answer the following questions :-
1)Why was it mystifying to see a vacancy for a teacher’s post ?
2What according to the author is essential for developing language skills ? M ention one ?
3)How can we strengthen child’s personality? Mention one way .
4)How has the need for communicative skills changed over a period of time?
5)Why was the author not fluent in speech?
A1.2 Find words from the passage which mean the same as given below
i)
ii)
iii)
A1.3
Bewildered
(para 1)
New member (para 2)
At the same time(para7)
Multiple Choice Questions:=-
a) Language learning text place only when
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Having the opportunity to speak out in class.
Trying new vocabulary.
Trying new sentence.
All of the above.
b) Current trends in modern life style has created the need to be
i) dependent.
ii)demanding .
iii)not having job.
iv)the ability to speak on or two international language.
c) the author could not speak English
i) she was rich
ii) she was not qualified
iii) she was content to be housewife
iv) she was not confident
PASSAGE 6
Read the following passage and answer the question that
follow:
(12)
1.
The ambitious plan of the Petroleum Ministry to introduce lead tree petrol is
unlikely to take oil. The use of old model vehicles by a large section of the people and the
high cost involved in making in necessary changes in the engine for switching over to use
of lead free petrol are the major hurdles in the smooth take oil of the plan.
2.
Faced with rising level of pollution, particularly in the metropolitan cities the
Ministry of Petroleum had issued instructions as early as in 1986, to bring down the
maximum allowable lead- content in petrol from 0.56 grams per litre to 0.65 grams per
litre by September 1992. These instructions were repeated on October 26, 1992 and the
revised target dates were divided into two parts. Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras
were to introduce petrol with lead content of 0.15 grams per litre by December 97, with
the rest of the country being supplied with petrol not exceeding 0.15 grams per litre by the
same period.
3.
Sources in the Petroleum Ministry indicate that the introduction of lead-free petrol
requires heavy investment. While ideally a vehicle should be run on lead-less petrol, the
automobiles industry in the country is not fully equipped to manufacture such automobiles
which can run on lead-free petrol.
4.
Sources pointed out that lead-less petrol can only be used on a catalytic converter
made of platinum. The converter is currently being imported. The design in the existing
motor vehicles needs to be changed so that at the time of the manufacturing itself such
converter can be fitted.
5.
Significantly, the cost of imported catalytic converters is in the range of Rs. 15,000
to 30,000.
Moreover the use of lead-free petrol in the vehicle would warrant its
continuous use and if petrol with low lead content is used even once, the engine is likely
to be damaged.
6.
Sources said that even if the automobile industry was to switch over to the new
technology of catalytic converters, there would still be problems because vehicle owners
would be loathe discarding their old vehicles Petrol with lead content would still have to
be made available to this section of car – owners. Moreover, if lead-free petrol is made
available in the four metros by this year, the vehicles may not be able to pay outside the
city limit because of non-availability of lead-free petrol in the other town.
7.
Incidentally, the Ministry of Environment is reported to have suggested that
immediate measures be taken to arrest the expense of lead – related fumes in the
capital, given its dubious distinction of being among the most polluted metros of the world.
Since the number of two-wheelers is the maximum, the Environment Ministry has
suggested that production of four – stroke two wheelers be encouraged as against two –
stroke two – wheelers as they emit less poisonous unburnt hydro- carbons into the
atmosphere.
8.
The ministry has also suggested that use of asbestos as the base of brake lining
and clutch plates is discontinued since the use of brakes and change of gears pushes
asbestos fumes into the atmosphere which is the potent cause of cancer. Referring to the
use of single cylinder
diesel vehicles, the Ministry has suggested that use of such
vehicles be discouraged and replacement made with Multi-Cylinder diesel vehicles.
The ministry has suggested that sale of sub – standard fuel and lubricants be
9.
checked and also prevent adulteration of fuel. The ministry has also suggested that the
use of tongas and cycle rickshaw on certain busy roads be discontinued for smooth flow
of the traffic because frequent use of breaks adds to the emission of polluting substance.
On the basis of your reading of passage, answer the following questions :1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
What is the hurdle in the way of executing the plans of using lead free petrol?
What was the lead content per litre by Dec in 1997?
What is the use of lead free petrol?
Is there any danger of engine which is accustomed to use lead free petrol?
Give one suggestion given by the environment ministry?
What are the suggestions of the Environment Ministry?
A1.2 Find words from the passage which are the antonyms of the following:-a) Expert (Para4)
b) Continue (Para 7)
c) Purification(para9)
A1.3 Multiple Choice Questions:a) The ambitions plan of the petroleum minister to introduce lead free petrol failed due to
i)
The use of old model vehicles .
ii)
The high cost involved in making necessary changes in the engine.
iii)
The high cost of petrol.
iv)
All of the above
b) The lead less petrol cannot be used
i)
On a catalytic converter made of other metals like Silver or Iron.
ii)
Because the converter is not made in India.
iii)
Not available in cities other man metros.
iv)
Converters are costly and get easily damped.
c)the range of the cost of catalytic converter
i)16000 to 20000
ii)18000to 25000
iii)20000to 30000
iv)between15000to 30000
Guidelines for attempting Note-Making:-
1) Minimum three readings are necessary to comprehend the content.
(i) In first reading, mark the difficult words
(ii) In Second reading, mark the important lines, deleting examples and data and quotations.
(iii) In third reading, mould the chosen sentences in note form.
2) charecteristics of good notes:
(i) Brevity:- Notes should be brief and to the point
(ii) Relevance:- notes should be relevant to the topic
iii) Clarity:- the notes should not be so brief that their clarity is lost
3) Format or indentation
Title
A1___________subtitle
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
A2---------------------subtitle
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
c) As a flow chart
d) In a tabular form
4) Abbrevations and symbols( four minimum)
(i) standard abbreviations should be used. capitalised first letter of words
For examples: UNO for United Nation Organisation
(ii) Pick up first three or four letters and put dot.
For examples: exa. , feb.
(iii) Pick up first , middle and last letter
For example: LKW for lucknow, VNS for Varanasi
(iv) Symbols:
For example- e.g
Because :.
Therefore .:
Percentage % etc.
Marking in note making
Title --------1 mark
Abbreviation(4)------ 1 mark
Notes with subtitles------3 marks
Passage1
Read the following passage and answer questions that follow it :
If those “senior moments” when you can’t remember why you opened the refrigerator
door or where left keys – are becoming frequent, mental aerobics and a healthy brain
diet may help. Just as book require more maintenance with the passing years, so do
brains, which scientists now know show sign ageing as early as the 20s and 30s. The
process may be speeded up a bit by a genetic risk and pure even faster by unhealthy
lifestyle.
“Genetics is only about a third of what predicts brain ageing. The other two thirds has to
do with environment and lifestyle choices that we make,” said Dr. Gary Small, director of
the Centre on ageing at the University of California, Los angeles. “Alzheimer’s disease ,
or vascular dementia , are the result of this process of brain ageing” An estimated 12
million
people around the globe suffer from Alzheimer. The incurable, progressive
disease that clogs up brains and robs people is set to explode more baby boomers reach
65 years and older. By 2050, the number of sufferers could hit the 45 million mark.
Small believes that just like heart disease and cancer, people can take preventive
measures to keep to brains healthy and be alert to starve off the ravages of the disease.
In his book, The Memory Bible, the years old neuroscientist lists what he refers to as the
10 Commandments for keeping the brain young neural networks in tip-top shape. They
include training memory building skills, minimizing mental aerobics, brain food and a
healthy lifestyle.
To get the brain working better, he advises people to begin simple warm up exercises and
workouts both the left and right side of the brain. The exercises become increasingly
difficult and can be expanded with brain teasers, puzzles learning a foreign language or
taking up a musical instrument. “Mental aerobics could be anything from doing crossword
puzzles and writing with your left hand if you are right handed or learning a language. It
could be anything that is fun that people enjoy doing,” said Small. He also recommends
physical exercise, a low-fat diet and eating foods rich in omega -3 fatty acids, such as
fish, avocados, fruits and vegetable high in antioxidants, including broccoli, beets and
onions.
a)
On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using
recognizable abbreviations (minimum 4) wherever necessary. Use a format you
consider appropriate. Supply a suitable title.
b)
Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words
MENTAL FITNESS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Signs of brain ageing
1.1
sometimes as early as 20s/30s.
1.2
forget fullness
Causes
2.1
genetics
2.2
lifestyle
Forms
3.1
alzheimer’s disease
3.2
vascular dementia
No. of people suffering
4.1
12 Million
4.2
could reach 45m. by 2050
Preven. Measures acc. to Small
5.1
memory building skills
5.2
mini. Stress
5.3
mental aerobics & phy. Ex.
5.4
healthy brain diet –healthy L.S.
(5)
(3)
5.5
5.6
workouts
5.5.1
exs. for brain
5.5.2
slowly become more diff.
eating food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
Key to abbreviations
 Suff-
suffering
 Preven.-
preventive
 Acc.
according

Exs.
exercise

Diff.
difficult

Mini
minimizing
Passage2
In ready’s competitive environment what is vital for a child’s growth is self-esteem.
Examining the comes of aggression, bullying, withdrawal and failure we discover lack of
self – esteem to be the root of
social behavior.
As parents and teachers we are
responsible for the mental development and confidence level of a child. If a child is
constantly rebuked and told that he’s a failure, his self – worth. Unthinkingly we call our
children “stupid”, “idiotic” and “irresponsible” and this has a significant impact on their
tender psyches. If we have a positive view of our children they are likely to feel the
same about themselves. Help children feel good about themselves, and think highly
themselves. Children will value themselves if their parents value them.
Parents are the most influential role models children have. Whatever values and beliefs
we want children to learn, those are the beliefs and values we have to live our lives by.
When you understand accept yourself, it helps you understand and accept others. As a
parent or a teacher, you have a influence over the self – esteem of your child. For the first
four or five years, parents are the important contributors. When children start school,
teachers and friends become important. Once reach adolescence, peer groups begin
laying a greater role in steering a child’s self – esteem.
As Thomas D, Yarnell, a Clinical Psychologist says : “Self-esteem refers to how you feel
about you .
It includes such things as your self – confidence, self – respect, your
independence and yourself. All the ways you feel about yourself and your abilities are
wrapped up in the term self – esteem.”
Self – esteem has to be nurtured during infancy. If the infant feels well taken care of he
will feel the world is a loving place and he is an important being.
One must avoid expecting too much or too little from children, criticizing (especially in
from people), not showing appreciation, calling children clumsy, thoughtless, stupid or
lazy, telling they are failures, overprotecting or neglecting them.
To improve their self – esteem, we must praise successes, show affection, show interest
in their active projects, or problems. We must tell children what to do instead of what not
to do.
Fill in the blanks with the help of notes:---
Title ___________________________________
Notes :
1.
Self – esteem – vital in modern competitive environment – to be nurtured during
infancy.
2.
Lack of self – esteem – results in anti – social behaviour like :
a)
aggression
3.
4.
b)
_______________
c)
_______________
d)
_______________
Role of parents and teachers (clue read para 1 )
a)
develop students mind and confidence level
b)
have pos. att. Towards students :
*
_______________
*
_______________
*
_______________
Parents
a)
role models – first 4-5 yrs.
b)
must live by the values that they want their children to
adopt.
5.
At school level _______________ (clue Read Para 2 carefully)
a)
6.
7.
adolescence ______________
Need to nurture self –esteem (clue-Read Para 4 carfully)
a)
_______________
b)
_______________
Checkpoints for parents and teachers
a)
Do’s
*
_______________
* _______________
*
_______________
* _______________
b)
Don’ts
*
_______________
* _______________
*
_______________
* _______________
Important Hint :- It is not always necessary to look for notes paragraph wise. You may/
find some don’ts in Para 1 (for example don’t call them stupid etc….)
PASSAGE 3
Why don’t Indian people go to libraries anymore? The reason is that even though India
has a population of approximately 100 crores, only 50 percent are literate and only 30
percent educated. So, out of 100 percent only 30 percent of the population visit libraries
and make use of the facilities.
Most of this erudite class lives in the metros or smaller cities and towns. Life in the
smaller towns and cities is slower than the metros and at the end of the day, they get time
to fulfil their hobbies. But only a fragment of the educated class can afford to pursue a
hobby. People cannot afford to lose themselves in the fantastic world of books due to
monetary constraints. Often those who are interested in reading do not have the financial
backup, whereas people who are rich enough to buy all the luxuries of the world do not
consider- books a money spinning investment.
People do not mind spending thousands of rupees on clothes, but think twice before
buying a book. People no longer have the space, time and energy in their lives to read.
Another aspect, which needs to be highlighted in this context, is the inception of satellite
television. It is largely responsible for the decline in reading habits, especially among the
youth.
Today we are addicted to the television. As a result, children instead of going through big
bulky books for pleasure or purpose prefer watching their favourite T.V. Channel. And
those who do read do not necessarily read good literature. As somebody said, “education
has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth
reading”.
It is a fact that a major setback to the libraries all over the world has come due to the
Internet. Nobody save the time and patience to go to libraries. Instead, they prefer
accessing online e-book services, which save time and money.
Another factor, which fails to draw people towards the library, is that a number of them
are funded the State Governments, which are always short of resources to update the
books and facilities and result, fail to provide the reader with the latest and handy
information.
Fill in the blanks with the help of notes:--Title------------------------------------------1.
Libraries – not visited by Indians anymore.
2.
Reasons for setback –
a.
Literacy level – only 50% only 30% visit lib. rest 20%
_____
b.
Erudite class in :
i.
small cities and towns – have time but monetary
constraint.
ii.
metros – no time
c.
Rich – don’t want to ___________________
d.
________ has led to decline in _______. Youth prefer
watching T.V.
e.
f.
_____________
i.
no time and patience to visit library.
ii.
prefer online e books
iii.
saves ___________
Large no. of libraries – funded y _____________
i.
_____________________________
ii.
can’t provide _____________________
Choose the appropriate title)
Need for more libraries / Books are Invaluable
PASSAGE 4
Laws for working women - inadequate
“Working women in the organized and
unorganized
sectors
in
India
have
Prof. Jacob, who was here recently
to attend a seminar on ‘Harassment
extremely inadequate and insensitive
against
working
women
said,.
laws to bank upon in times of need,”
“Harassment could take many forms”.
according to Ms Alice Jacob, member.
Law Commission of India.
The
Equal
is
protect the rights of working women
supposed to ensure that women are
or, though there are laws like the
given
not
Maternity benefits Act (1961), the
discriminated against either at the time of
Minimum Wages Act 1948 and the
recruitment or at the time of promotion.
Equal Remuneration Act (1975), they
But it is common knowledge that this act
are not being implemented.
equal
Remuneration
Either there are no laws in places to
pay
and
Act
are
has not been implemented effectively
and studies have revealed that both
“Heavily protected special zones
maternity benefits and minimum wages
with armed security guards are being
continue to be denied to many women
set up in different parts of the country
workers.
to
The majority
prevent
trade
union
activity,
of women workers in
resulting in greater exploitation of
Indian over 90 percent) work in the
young women workers. “Ms Jacob
unorganized sector and of these about
said. Work in industries like garments
76 percent work in the farm sector. The
and leather, which come under the
rest come under the organized sector
home based unorganized sector is
with the government being the largest
distributed
employer.
contractors.
to
women
“Women
and
through
often
No laws exist to protect the rights of
children have to work long hours to
women farm workers and except in
get Rs.10 to 12 a day, which is a
Kerala and West Bengal, they are not
fraction of even the minimum wages
paid even minimum wages or wages
for the industries. “Ms. Jacob said.
equal to their male counterparts. The
Times of India, 3 Sept. 1995
work they do is classed as being
“lighter”.
A 2.6 a) On the basis of your reading of the passage complete the following notes :LAWS FOR WORKING WOMEN – INADEQUATE
I.
AREAS WHERE WOMEN WORK
i.
Organised sector mainly govt. – 24%
ii.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
ii.
II.
Farms – 76%
WHAT WOMEN WORKERS EXPECT
i.
Equal Remuneration Act 1975
a.
equal pay
b.
no discrimination on basis of sex ____________
_______________________________________
ii.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
iv.
Minimum Wages Act 1948 ______________________
On the basis of your reading of the passage complete the following notes.
Answers are to be filled in the spaces provided.
PASSAGE 5
Now mark other big differences between the natural slavery of man to nature and
the unnatural slavery of man to man. Nature is kind to her slaves. If she forces you to eat
and drink, she makes eating and drinking so pleasant that when we are afford it, we eat
and drink too much. We must sleep or go mad but then sleeps is so pleasant that we
have great difficulty in getting up in the morning. And firesides and families seem so
pleasant to the young that they get married and join in building societies to realize their
dreams. Thus, instead of resenting our natural wants as slavery, we take the greatest
pleasure in their satisfaction. We write sentimental songs in praise of them.
The slavery of man to man is the very opposite of this. It is hateful to the body and
to the spirit. Our poets do not praise it; they proclaim that no man is good enough to be
another man’s master. The latest of the greatest Jewish prophets a gentleman named
Marx. Spent his life in proving that there is no extremity of selfish cruelty at which the
slavery of man to man will stop if it be not stopped by law. You can see for yourself that it
produces a state of continual civil war called the class war between the slaves and their
masters, organized as trade unions on one side and employer’s federation on the other.
Saint Thomas More held that we shall never have a peaceful and stable society until this
struggle is ended by the abolition of slavery altogether and the compulsion of everyone to
do his share of the worlds work with is own hands and brains, and not to attempt to put it
on anyone else.
MAN, THE GREATEST MASTER
Slavery of Nature Over Man-Enjoyable
a) eating, drinking, sleeping-pleasure
over done.
B)
family Life –enjoyment
marry young
c) natural wants easily satisfied
songs…………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………….
2)Man-cruel master
A)KarlMarx………………………………………………………………….
B)leadsto…………………………………………………………………....
c)onlysolution………………………………………………… d) everyone to do his own
share of work.----------------------
b) In about 80 words, write a brief summary of the passage.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Passage 6
On the basis of your reading of the passage complete the following notes in the form of a
flow chart :
Electroplating of Copper
Rub the copper plate with sandpaper, clean it and weigh it accurately on a
balance.
Record it as the mass of the copper plate before electroplating. Take the
solution of copper sulphate in the beaker, dip the copper rod and copper rod and copper
plate into the solution an make the connections according to the circuit diagram. Note that
the copper plate is connected to the negative pole of the electric source. Adjust the
current to a constant value as indicated by the ammeter (approximately 1A is sufficient
per 100 cm2 to be electroplated), press the key and start the watch. Allow the current to
be passed for about 30 minutes. Remove the copper plate from the solution, wash it
thoroughly with distilled water and dry it. (Do not touch the surface of the plate; hold it by
the portion that was not in direct contact of the copper sulphate solution). Weigh the
electroplated copper plate accurately on a balance. Then you will know the mass of
copper deposited.
Fill in the blanks with the help of notes:--ELECTROPLATING OF COPPER (Cu)
Rub Cu plate with sandpaper
Clean and weigh
Make connection-Cu plate connected to negative pole of electric source
Press key, start watch
Pass current for 30 mins.
b) the following words mean:
i) constant …………………………………………………………………
ii) distilled …………………………………………………………………..
iii) electroplate ……………………
SECTION-B-Writing and Grammar
Question 3: One out of two short writing / composition tasks based on notice/ poster/
advertisement.
(50 Words) 05 Marks
Question 4: One out of two compositions in the form of article, speech, report writing or a
narrative (150 - 200 Words) 07 Marks
Question 5: Writing one out of two letters based on verbal input. It would cover all types of
letters.8 marks
Letter types may include:
(a) business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and
giving information, placing orders and sending replies):
(b) letters to the editor (giving suggestions on an issue)
(c) application for a job
(d) letter to the school or colleges authorities, regarding admissions, school issues,
requirements /suitability of courses etc. 07 Marks
NOTICE
A Notice is a written or a printed information or news announcement. Notices are either
displayed
at prominent places or published in newspapers/magazines. It is meant only for a select group.
Since a notice contains a formal announcement or information, its tone and style are formal and
factual. Its language should be simple and formal. A notice is always brief and to the point.
Remember, Circulars are also written like notices, but unlike notices, they carry more than one
message, and they are circulated through a messenger.
POINTS TO REMEMBER

Adhere to the specified word limit of 50 words.
Write the word NOTICE at the top.
Name and place of the school, organization or office issuing the notice should be mentioned.
Give an appropriate heading.
Write the date of issuing the notice.
Clearly mention the target group (for whom the notice is to be displayed).
Purpose of the notice.
Mention all the relevant details (date, venue, time).
Mention whom to contact for extra information.
Signature, name and designation of the person issuing the notice.
Put the notice in a box.
Format of a notice
A NOTICE is always written in a box.
NAME OF THE INSTITUTION/ORGANIZATION/OFFICE , PLACE
NOTICE
SUITABLE HEADING..?
29 JUNE 2014
Content : Target group-for whom the notice is. Date, time, venue
and all important details and any extra information
needed. (Body of the Notice 50 words ) Answer the
questions -For whom, what , when ,where, when ,how ,
by whom + additional information.,
Signature
(NAME)
Designation
Example 1
HAPPY VALLEY SCHOOL
HODA VALLEY SIKKIM
NOTICE
10th July 2014
OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRING ACTORS!
The Drama club proposes to stage Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ as part of its Literary
Week Celebration in Septemberl. Young aspirants are requested to submit their
names to Malathi Arora, on or before 20th july for selection and audition. Venue
and date will be intimated later.
Arushi
Secretary
Example 2:
On behalf of the Vice-Principal of your school write a notice regarding implementation of new
school uniform in your school. Mention the given guidelines for purchasing new uniform and
relaxation given to students of some classes. Write the notice in not more than 50 words.
Galaxy International School
NOTICE
New Uniform
Date: 15/07/2014
This is to inform all the students and the parents that the school management committee has
decided to change the uniform of the students to meet with the climatic conditions pertaining
to this area. For the newly admitted students it is mandatory while for others it will be
mandatory from August 15. Refer the notice board for sample of the same or contact the
undersigned.
Mr. P. K. Singh
Vice- Principal
Example 3
Imagine you are a member of RED CROSS Blood Bank Society,Agra. You have been asked by
the
President of the society, Mr. Manish Nair to organize a Blood Donation Camp. Write a notice in
50
words urging the people to come in large numbers for this noble cause.
RED CROSS BLOOD BANK SOCIETY,AGRA
NOTICE
DONATE BLOOD AND SAVE LIVES!
29th july 2014
A State Level function to observe voluntary Blood Donation Day is being organized on
5th and 6th September 2014 at Red Cross Blood Bank Society Office, M.G. Road, Agra.. It
starts at 8 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m. both days. All are requested to volunteer
and donate blood and save the lives of the needy people.
Manish
(MANISH NAIR)
PRESIDENT,RED CROSS BLOOD BANK SOCIETY
Example-4
Your school (Amar Vidyalaya), AGRA is organizing a cultural evening to collect funds for the slum
children. The Vice-Chancellor, AGRA University has consented to be the Chief Guest on the
occasion. Draft a notice in this connection to be displayed on your school notice board. Imagine
you
are the Rakesh Tilak ,Cultural Secretary of your school. (Word limit: 50 words)
AMAR VIDYALAYA , AGRA
NOTICE
CULTURAL EVENING FOR A CHARITY
11 JULY 2014
The school is organizing a Cultural Evening to collect funds for the slum children in the
neighborhood, on 25 July 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the school playground. Dr.
S.M.Rao Vice-Chancellor, AGRA University has consented to be the Chief Guest on
the occasion. All are invited and requested to give wide publicity to the event. For
more details contact the undersigned.
Rakesh Tilak
(RAKESH TILAK)
Cultural Secretary
Questions for Practice
1.Being the Cultural Secretary of your school write a notice for your school notice board for the
Investiture Ceremony of the newly appointed members of the Students’ Council. Invent other
details like the Chief Guest, timings, date, schedule, etc. Write in not more than 50 words.
2. Literary Club of your school is going to organize a Literary Meet at cluster level. Write a notice
in about 50 words being the Secretary of the Literary Club of your school inviting students from
higher classes for being volunteers. Invent other details
3. .You have lost your wrist watch in the school play ground while playing
cricket. Write a notice in about 50 words for the .Lost and Found. NoticeBoard of the school giving details of the watch, contact address and reward.
You are Anuj/Anuja of Class XI, Vanasthali Public School, Delhi.
4.You are Karan/Kanika, Secretary Cultural club of your school. Your school
is organising a Dramatics workshop during the Winter Break for senior students
of the school. Draft a notice for the school notice board informing the school
notice board informing the students giving all relevant details (5 Marks
5.You are Gokul/Gopika, the Secretary of Integrity Club. Draft a notice inviting the students of
your school to attend a Skit to be presented by the members of your club on the occasion of the
Vigilance day being observed in your school on September 1st. Write the notice in not more than
30 to 50
words.
6.You are Shakun / Shalini working as the student’s representative on the Managing Committee
of your school. The committee is gong to meet next week to chalk out an academic programme
for the sess ion 2014- 15. To ensure that the committee really prepares a need - based
programme for the students, you have decided to invite the student’s suggestions on this subject.
7. As the Secretary of the Science Club of your school, write a notice in about 50 words informing
students of an inter class science quiz.
8. You are Abhinav/Alka. You have planned a 2-week course to be arranged to help the children
of your housing society called “Renaissance Housing Society” at chandigarh acquire Spoken
English
Skills. As the Secretary of the Society , prepare a notice for the Society’s notice board stating
the objective of the course ,giving necessary details of the course and requesting the children
of the society to join the course.
9. Draft a suitable notice for your School Notice Board giving details of the inauguration of the
Literary Association activities in your school. You are Deepak/Deepaika, Secretary, School
Literary Association. Your School is called Modern Senior Secondary School,lucknow.
10. Your school has just completed 25 years of its meritorious service to society. The Students’
Council of your school has decided to celebrate its Silver Jubilee. As President of the Council,
write a notice in not more than 50 words, for the students of your school, informing them
about the Council’s decision and seeking their co-operation for the success of the proposed
Silver Jubilee Celebrations.
Advertisements
Types of advertisement
1. Classified 2. Commercial
Classified Advertisements
Brevity is the principle in this form of advertisement as the publisher charges for each word
published. Hence efficient use of apt words is solicited. Its ingredients are the purpose,
requirement/need, criteria and qualification, expectations, offering, contact number and address.
Examples for the same are matrimonial, wanted, to let, on rent, property sale/purchase, job ads
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Important Points to be followed:
* Clearly state the category at the top-e.g.-For Sale, To Let etc.
* Give all necessary details in points using commas.
* Give contact address, name, and telephone number.
* Put the matter in a box.
Examples of classified.
Situation Vacant/wanted.
Lost and found
Sale and purchase
Accommodation wanted
Educational
Placement services
Matrimonial
To-let/for sale
Travels and Tours
Essential details: No block no design and language to be simple formal and to the Point. Begin
with wanted or Required, name of the company post, age, sex, qualification experience, pay scale,
mode of applying, contact address and phone no.
Examples : I SITUATION WANTED
SITUATION WANTED
A First class graduate in commerce seeks a suitable job in a reputed firm or a banking institution
to work as an accountant in and around Delhi, Well travelled, having faith in synergy. Creative
with practical experience in accountancy. Flare in English and computer operating. Salary
expected negotiable. Contact Sriprakash 1-2A Ajitnagar Delhi cantt 130001
II. To let/ For Sale
Value points: begin with for Sale/ to let, accommodation/Vehicle/Household item,
Physical description, negotiable rent/price,contact.
To let/ For Sale
(Flat/ House/ Bungalow)
MY HOME. MY WAY.
Available on rent/ for immediate sale DDA Flat/ 2 BHK/ BHK, II ground floor, two
modular kitchen, full interiors, lobby, balcony, fully furnished, well ventilated, car
parking available, walking distance from market, large landscaped area, large
playground, Resident’s club, multi gym, swimming pool, community hall, Banquet
Hall, Children’s playing area, Basketball court, tennis court, amphitheatre, Indoor
game, Rent Negotiable/ Price negotiable. Contact Sri Prakash A 21, Ashok Vihar,
27210012
Example : 3 - Matrimonial
Begin with ‘wanted’, age, gender, complexion, qualification, job, physical
description, expectations, contact,
Wanted Bride
Wanted a bride of fair complexion, age within 24-28 years, sensitive, loving,
caring, soft-hearted, beautiful and searching for her prince charming. May or may
not be in service but should have a good heart. Working in an M.N.C. in U.S.A.
has pursued M.B.A. in a top school in California. Family well settled in India.
Tall, Handsome, high salary and a good family background. Contact with details
and full horoscope. Ph-0080125879
Example : 4 – Property
Plot, accommodation, location, area, facilities, price/rent expected,
purpose, contact.
Wanted Property
Wanted a spacious and well-built house/ flat for an international
diplomat in a very good locality in or around Delhi. Exquisitely
designed, well ventilated, modular kitchen, lobby, balcony, lift- facility,
self-contained, 4-5 bedrooms house with ultra-modern amenities and a
servant quarter. Interested parties contact within a week. Embassy of
China, New Delhi- 110071
Example : 5
Situation Vacant
Wanted/ Required a smart, confident, dynamic, and efficient P.A./
stenographer for a leading company. Only fresh graduates with
excellent command over English and computer operating, age 25-30
years, typing speed 40 wpm, short hand 100 wpm. Preference to those
who have creativity and innovative ideas for planning. Handsome
salary with perks. Apply with detailed C.V./Resume within seven days
to the Manager Wipro, Chennai, 4100270

Commercial/ display advertisements :
They are designed for commercial purposes.
Require more space, hence are costly. Must be attractive as they with visuals, catchy phrases
and slogans.
MAIN FEATURES:

Must be attractive-with a catchy caption, heading or sub-headings.

Figurative language. (alliteration and metaphors especially)
26

Proportionate spacing of fonts with different sizes.

Usually attractive with catchy slogans, punch lines, witty Expressions, pictures or sketches.

Special offers or discount, if any.

Details of the product or event given in a clear, precise way.

Give name, contact number and address of the advertiser.

Present the matter in a box.
Example : –1.Draft attractive Commercial Advertisement inviting customers to a leading resort
called ‘FORT
RESORT AND FARMS’ to organize weddings, parties and other events.
A HEAVENLY PLACEFOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES AND EVENTS
WELCOME TO FORT RESORT AND FARMS!!!
LARGEST VENUE AROUND CHANDIGARH !!!!
SPREAD OVER 12 ACRES
BREATHTAKING BACKDROP! MORE THAN 500 TREES
COMPLEMENTED BY WATERFALLS AND FOUNTAINS!!
FORT RESORT…. AN IDEAL LOCATION TO CELEBRATE
MARRIAGES—PARTIES—ANNIVERSERIES AND VARIOUS OTHER EVENTS
ISSUED BY : FORT RESORT HOTELS
SHAHEED BHAGATH SINGH MA
CHANDIGARH –56 fortresort5*@gmail.com CALL US AT – 060-5467834/568
Example : –2
Draft an advertisement on behalf of Department of West Bengal highlighting the beauty
of Darjeeling, Digha Sunder bans and Doors known for their green hills, sea shore, teagardens
and Royal Bengal Tigers.
WEST BENGAL—YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY PACKAGE
Darjeeling the “Queen of the Hills” Digha , the resort by the sea
Sunderbans-with Royal Bengal Tiger Doors with its rolling verdant teagardens
West Bengal packs in the richest natural variety within its small periphery.
Ultimate destination with Ultra Modern facilities!!!!!
Enjoy Nature in its Plenty!!!!!!
GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
For details contact: Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. @.
Brabourne Road 4th floor,Kolkata-700001 , www.wbddeptoftourism.org
Phone-091-033-2225/4723/24/25
Questions for Practice
1 M/s Blue Towers, a readymade jeans company is launching their 2012 range of jeans for men
and women. Draft an attractive l advertisement.
2 M/s Leather Shoes has brought a new range of formal shoes for men. Draft a suitable
advertisement.
3 M/s Metro Shirts have introduced their new summer range of men’s shirts and T-shirts.
Prepare an attractive advertisement for the range.
4. You are general manager of E.V.L Company which requires push 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. Prepare a display advertisement for an institution offering free coaching to the meritorious
students studying in class X and XII. Give relevant details and contact number and address.
6. Your IT Company has launched its new product i. e. an antivirus. Prepare a display
advertisement detailing its qualities and advantages over other products in the market. Also write
about the initial discount offered by the company for early purchasers.
. 7. There is a post vacant for the post of PGT (Mathematics) in your school on contractual basis.
Write a classified advertisement on behalf of the Vice-Principal to be published in a local
newspaper. Invent other details. Do not exceed 50 words.
8. Write a classified advertisement for a building having adequate space for being used as a branch
office of a scheduled bank. Mention requirement of proper location and write the advertisement in
not more than 50 words.
.9. You are the General Manager of a leading industrial concern. You need a Chartered Accountant
for your office. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in ‘The Times of
India’, New Delhi, under the classified columns
10. . You are Suman /Suma of 33/244,M.M.road,jaipur. You want to sell off your old desk
top computer as you have purchased a new one. Draft an advertisement to be published in
the Times of India under classified columns giving its details & the expected price.
POSTER
A POSTER is a large notice announcing or advertising something. It generally creates social
awareness about any problem or needs .It also conveys a social message in an eye catching way. It
must capture the reader’s attention and motivate him/her to read on.
Main Features of a Poster:
Layout: A creative title in the form of a slogan or rhyming words for example :- Speed thrills
but kills, Pollution needs a Solution, Green is Clean etc.
Match Stick figures for illustration.
displays a message, or an appeal to create awareness.
uch time on illustration. Written language & expressions are given
more credits.
SAMPLE POSTER—1
On behalf of Department of Environment gurgaon Administration, draft a Poster on the
detrimental consequences of burning leaves and garbage upon the environment and also
issuing a warning of the punishment to those indulging in the same.
SAVE ENVIRONMENT!
GENERATE PROSPERITY!
SAVE ENVIRONMENT!
DON’T BURN DRY LEAVES OR GARBAGE
It emits toxic and harmful fumes!
It increases suspended particle matter (SPM) in the air and pollutes it!
Produces carbon-di-oxide causing greenhouse effect!
Disturbs the natural climate of the planet.
Leads to cough, eye irritation and respiratory disorders!
Municipal Corporation gurgaon has banned the burning of leaves and garbage.
Any Violation depending on the scale is punishable with imprisonment for a term
extending to five years and fine up to one lakh rupees
Issued in Public Interest: Department of Environment :
Gurgaon administration:
SAVE ENVIRONMENT!
GENERATE PROSPERITY!
SAVE ENVIRONMENT!
Don’t be late
SAY IT JUST TODAY
DRUG ADDICTION
Brings
ENDLESS MISERY AND RUIN
Be firm…..,
Act NOW….IT IS NOW OR NEVER
DRUGS MAY THRILL!
BUT THEY SURELY KILL!
EASY TO GET IN!
DIFFICULT TO GET OUT!
Issued by
CITIZENS AWARENESS FO
SAVE LIFE !!!
SAVE LIFE
Sample poster 2- The Citizens’ Awareness Forum of your city has decided to launch a campaign
against the use of
drugs. You are asked to get posters prepared. Design an attractive and effective poster against the
use of drugs. Solution is above
Questions for Practice
1. Your school is going to start its admission process for the academic session 2013-14. Prepare a
poster giving all relevant details regarding the same.
2. Prepare a poster to be displayed for the school annual day mentioning all the details associated
with it. Solicit presence of the students and their parents to make it a grand success.
3. An educational publication has published a very good book for the students seeking success in
the entrance examinations for various courses after 12th. Prepare a poster for the launch of the
same
giving relevant details.
4. Draft a poster announcing a ‘Book Week’ being organized by the Cultural Society, Ahmadabad.
5. Your school is planning a campaign in support of eye donation to mobilize the students and
society. Design a poster to be displayed in different areas of the locality surrounding your
school highlighting the need for eye donation and eye banks.
6. Prepare a poster to bring about awareness against the hazards of reckless use of plastics.
7. Observing another anniversary of the Hiroshima & Nagasaki Day, draft a poster against
different
countries” race to accumulate nuclear weapons highlighting the disastrous end of such
competition.
8. Draft a poster the ill effects of video games on young children.
9. Recently almost 60 people including several children were burned to death when a crackers
factory went into flames. Draft a poster against engaging children in such harmful work. Also
highlight the laws against child labour.
.
10Recent rains have caused havoc in some parts of our country. You are Surya, a member of the
social service organization, SEVA MANDIR, Delhi . Draft a poster requesting people to help
the rain and flood affected families physically and economically
ARTICLE WRITING
An article is a piece of writing that differs from a news item or a composition because of its unique
and interesting presentable style which includes interesting facts, thoughts, discussions and
dialogues of people, elucidating a problem of social, cultural, local / national importance or
describing a place or narrating an event.
POINTS TO REMEMBER

Give a title that catches the attention of the reader.


Begin with a striking opening sentence which addresses the readers and gets
them interested in the topic.
elaboration.
to make the composition appear a whole.
strengthen your ideas.
substantial.

FORMAT OF AN ARTICLE
TITLE/HEADING :
Eye-catching , illustrating the Central Themes
BY LINE :
Writer’s Name under the title towards the right
from the centre
A comprehensive introduction touching upon on the
plus and minus of the topic.
Establish the context
INTRODUCTION :
Put the topic in perspective
Draw readers’ attention. Specify and delimit your
topic
Put a rhetoric question or give some startling facts,
statistics or quotation
Content:
Spell out the various aspects to the topic-merits
EXPOSITION OF THE:
demerits , causes, consequences, effects,
TOPIC
advantages, disadvantages
WINDING UP :
Give your opinion, comments, criticism,
recommendations,
Conclude with a hope, a warning, an appeal or a
call for the action
CONCLUSION :
Example 1
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
BY ALISONE McCook
New York: people appear to have an innate ability to determine when someone is cheating them
out of a deal, US researchers suggest. In one recent report, a group of investigators demonstrate
that humans from widely different cultures can identify when someone is reneging on some type of
social agreement, suggesting this ability may be an aspect of being human.
In another article, the authors report the experience of a man who suffered damage to one portion
of the brain in a bicycle accident and lost the ability to detect a cheater. However, he remained able
to reason and express emotions, demonstrating that the ability maybe linked to a particular region
of the brain.
The research centers on the principle of social contracts, in which one person offers to do
something for the other, who then offers something in return. The process is known as social
exchange.
Researchers have spotted this behavior in a variety of species besides humans, ranging from bats to
baboons. Although it is often in the interest of animals to help blood relatives without the promise
of a return reward, in other cases, indiscriminately performing favours for others can hurt chances
of survival.
Individuals who enter into social exchanges without determining whether the participant will cheat
them out of the return favor will become exploited over time, and are less likely to reproduce and
pass on their tendencies. Consequently, those who try not to let themselves become exploited
during social exchanges are more likely to live long enough to reproduce and distribute their genes
to the next generation. But in order to do that, “you have to notice when you’re being exploited,”
The two articles published in the early edition of the proceedings of the National Academy
Sciences, offer evidence to support the theory that humans are born with the capacity to identify
people who cheat during social exchanges.
Example 2
You are Vikranth / Vinitha, a freelance writer much concerned about the discriminatory
treatment of women 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)
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN
Vikranth
It is a pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is a widespread
discrimination of them even before they are born and injustice meted out to them in such a
male chauvinistic world in very many degrees.
Certain brutal practices like the female feticide throw light on our attitude. The girl child is
considered to be a liability and doesn’t enjoy the privileges of a boy. She is denied the
advantage of proper education. The dowry system haunts parents and the harassment she is
subjected to at the in-laws often force her to commit suicide. Even in enlightened homes,
woman has to live her life under surveillance, if not in strict ‘purdah’. Working women are
physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities of growth and subjected to discrimination.
The social evils like dowry system, honour killing, human trafficking , societal dogmas etc. take
great toll on women, be it daughter, mother, sister , wife, grandmother….
Education and economic independence only can empower women to fight for their rights. It is
also the responsibility of the educated society to work for the cause of women. Proper law
making and execution, spreading awareness , exemplary punishment for the predators etc.
surely will bring positive changes. Let she not be worshipped but let her live a wholesome life.
Let us live , let her live and let us help her
live for a better developed society.
Questions for Practice
1. You are Gopal/Gopika, a social worker. You have observed that young boys and girls go on
increasing their academic qualification without proper direction. Most of them do not get any
employment creating a problem of educated unemployed. Some of them drift into unsocial
activities. Write an article in 150-200 words of how this problem of ‘educated unemployed’ can be
resolved.
2. Cyclones often hit the coastal areas causing a lot of devastation in terms of life and property. A
scientific mechanism is necessary to cope with the situation in time of emergency. Write an article
in 150-200 words on how the victims of cyclones can be helped. You are Kamal/kamala.
3. As compared to the older generation the youth of today are greatly inclined to pursue
adventurous activities either for money or fun. There is latest craze for joining reality shows,
rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering etc. write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Which life would
you prefer- safe or adventurous’.
4. Science attempts to explore the secrets of nature while religion wants to reveal the purpose of
their existence. The aim of both science and religion is to discover the truth. Write an article in
150-200 words on ‘Science and Religion’.
5. 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.
6. 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 in 150-200 words on ‘The Role of the Students in
Removing Illiteracy.’ Write an article in 150-200 words expressing your views. You are Manish /
Manisha.
7. Write an article in about 200 words for your school magazine on ‘Films and their
influence on school-going children’. You are Manpreeth / Manjula, a student of class XII.
8. You are Rohit / Kamal. You attended a seminar on Yoga, a way of life. Write an article in
about 150 – 200 words on the contribution of yoga in leading a healthy and peaceful life.
9. In today’s world, letter-writing has lost its charm. People and the youth in particular rely
more on mobiles and computers to communicate. Write an article on the present trend in about
150 to 200 words. You are Kiran / Karthik.
10. Recently you visited your ancestral home in a village in Gujarat. You were elated and
strongly felt the necessity to hold on to the roots of our modern life, which lie in our villages.
.
Speech
Points to remember:
A SPEECH is a formal talk that a person delivers to an audience. Please Note:
* a speech begins with a formal address to the chief guest, fellow speakers and
Audience
* More conversational in tone. Pause questions, use interactive expressions like I think
you will agree with me, Don’t you think that , I am sure that you will have the same
notion Does any one has the opinion that etc.
* Begins with brief, catchy introduction- supported by an anecdote, quotation, striking
statistical data or a thought provoking question. It decides the fate of the speech.
* Introduce your topic to the audience clearly.
* Include adequate supporting data to make it credible and interesting
* Have clear idea about the purpose of the speech and the target audience.
* Originality of ideas powerful language, humor and repetitions are allowed, only to
emphasize or focus the listener’s attention.
* Similar to introduction, conclusion should be brief , catchy and striking
* the written speech should consist of short sentences having not more than 10 to
12 words in a sentence.
* No title to be given for the speech.
*Avoid abstract phrases. Use simple and familiar language.
The effects, such as raising one’s voice, giving stress to certain words, pausing for a short time
etc. can be represented in a written speech by using such techniques as increasing the size of
the letters of the sentence to be stressed, or using all capitals for a particular word to be
emphasized, leaving a few dots (….) after a question to indicate a pause.
* Say/Write ‘Thank you’ at the end of your speech.
Why do we make Speeches?
-to convey information orally to large gatherings of people, forcefully and convincingly, to convert
listeners to the speaker's point of view
-to pass on orally a wide range of information, to a wide range of audience
-to express an opinion, share a. point of view, experience, observation, etc.
What should form a part of speech?
-The salutation where the speaker greets the chief guests, fellow speakers and audience.
-The key sentence, carrying the central theme or issue of the speech.
-The speech reflects clarity of thought, accuracy of facts and a balanced view of issues, unless, it is
a debate that calls for a single one-sided stand.
-The speech begins with a catchy introduction. It may be supported by an anecdote, quotation,
striking statistical data or a thought provoking question.
-The speech/debate will contain adequate supporting data to make your speech credible and
interesting, infusing humour through creative use of language or anecdotal references strictly
pertaining to the theme.
-Similar to the introduction, the conclusion should be brief, consolidate the ideas presented,
personal observations and predictions, with a catchy and striking end. Your conclusion should
leave the audience thinking about what you have spoken.
-Originality of ideas, powerful language, repetitions are allowed, only to emphasize or focus the
listeners" attention on the point addressed by the speaker.
-Avoid using abbreviations, vague notations and numbers, that would mar the smooth 'reading of
the speech script
-Thank the audience (Thank You ...).
Example: 1
You are a student volunteer of National Literacy Mission (NLM) wing of your school involved in
the Adult Literacy Campaign: “Each one, Teach One”. Write out the speech you would be
delivering at each place of your visit. Do not exceed 200 words.
Dear Friends
Good morning to you all
We all have assembled here for a noble cause—a mission to eradicate illiteracy. It is the
dream of the National Literacy Mission to educate all the Indians. We would work together
for an India where EACH PERSON IS LITERATE. Most of the learners are adults who have a
rich experience of life. Therefore, the learning strategies that will be adopted in our
programme will be exploratory and interactive. We have to teach as well as learn. We must
keep in mind certain important factors……… their experience, wisdom and maturity while
discussing any topic. We should encourage them to talk and express their views in a frank
and fair manner.
We should always keep in mind the OBJECTIVES set for the adult illiterates. We have to make
them literates. Inculcate in them a love for reading, writing and arithmetic. Let them do
simple calculations and exult at the right calculations. Health awareness and job related
problems are the next in order. IT IS ONLY AFTER A STRONG BRIDGE OF CONFIDENCE IS
BUILT
that we would be able to create in them awareness about civil rights, duties, privileges and
obligations. When they become confident of their powers, we must create in them social
awareness. Issues like environmental pollution, population control and employment
generation can then be discussed…..In short let’s all resolve to make sincere efforts to
achieve these goals.
Thank you.
Example: 2
This is the famous Inauguration Speech of one of America's most popular and much admired
Presidents, John F Kennedy. It has inspired many generations of speakers around the world, and
excerpts have often been quoted by students when they prepare speeches.
Here is an extract: Read it aloud in turns. Your teacher will guide you.
Title: Inauguration of John F. Kennedy
Speaker: John F. Kennedy
"Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President
Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens
We observe today not as a victory of a party but as a celebration of freedom symbolizing an end
as well as a beginning- signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and
Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters
ago.
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms
of human poverty and all forms of human life. And, yet, the same revolutionary beliefs for which
our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe- the belief that the rights of man come not
from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God...”
"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending
freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility- I welcome it. I do
not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.
The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all
who serve it and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for
your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do
for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world ask of us here the same high
standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure
reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love asking His
blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God work must truly be our own."
Question for practice
Q.1.-Water is very precious. Some scientists even go to the extent of saying that the Third World
War may be fought on the issue of water. Write a speech in 150-200 words expressing your
views to be delivered in the morning assembly in your school.
Q.2.-“To use the latest technology the right way, is in the hands of the youth today.” Write a
speech 150-200 words discouraging the misuse of technological products like cell phones,
computers etc and highlighting the need to use them to promote harmony and goodwill in the
society.
Q.3.-“Our Good Earth”, an environmental awareness magazine has launched a marathon 'Clean
Your City’ campaign. As an active participant write a speech to be read out in the morning
assembly urging students to participate in the campaign in 150-200 words.
Q.4.-As a concerned citizen, you are worried about the harmful effects of the insanitary
conditions in your town. Write a short speech on the necessity of sanitation, to be given at the
morning assembly in your school.
Q.5.. Write a speech discussing- the use and abuse of the internet by youth, giving suggestions
how it can be a valuable tool for national progress and for promoting international understanding.
Q6. The trafficking in exotic wild life and wild animal parts is leading to an ecological disaster.
Write a speech to be delivered on Environment Day on, 'Man is the worst enemy of his fellow
creatures', giving some suggestions to overcome this state of affairs.
Q7. Write a debate speech, using appropriate style for/against the motion: ‘Media does not need to
conquer the outer space.’
Q8. Write a speech to be given on Republic Day on the topic, ‘Democracy is alive and well in
India.
Q9. You are a student volunteer of National Literacy Mission (NLM) wing of your college
involved in
the Adult Literacy Campaign: “Each one, Teach One”. Write out the speech you would be
delivering at each place of your visit. Do not exceed 200 words.
Q10. The invention of mobile phone h it can be a blessing but if misused it can prove to be a
curse. Write an speech you would be delivering in morning assembly in about on this invention.
REPORT WRITING
A report is FACTUAL DESCTIPTION OR ACCOUNT OF EVENTS OR AN INVESTIGATION AF AN ISSUE
OR A PROBNLEM.
It may also be an objective analysis or evaluation of something. The length of a report
depends upon its nature. Thus we have various forms of reports: news paper reports, inquiry
reports,
progress or action taken report, a police report, a report of a meeting etc. each having distinct
character and format. Here, we are going to deal with news paper reports covering accidents,
events,
functions etc.
VALUE POINTS TO BE INCLUDED IN A REPORT
ACCIDENTS
What , where, when, how happened
People, vehicles involved
Loss of life and property
Details of rescue and relief
operations
The scene of the accident
Details of casualties –dead, injured,
hospitalized
Reference to orders of inquiry by the
govt.
Grants to the families of the killed
and the injured Punch- a warning, a
reminder, a
comment on the negligence of the
guilty, including govt. or a
recommendation on what needs to
be done.
EVENTS/FUNCTIONS
Name , nature of even
Occasion
Date ,time & place
Chief Guest(s)/Guest(s) of Honour
Inauguration by(if any)
Chief Guest’s message
Details of the even/cultural
programme
Prize Distribution(if any)
Vote of thanks
Conclusion with ………(National
Anthem?)
The writer’s contribution or
participation
A comment on the quality of the
programme
TIPS for AN EFFECTIVE REPORTING WRITING
- It should be written in practical and businesslike manner presenting the necessary
information as clearly as possible.
- A report should be concise , elaborate details and explanations to be avoided,
only the most relevant information is included.
-Should be easy to follow , well structured , beginning with the headline-clear and
factual

Mention the place, date, time and other relevant facts about the event.
Include information collected from people around or affected by the event.
Write the name of the reporter.
Provide a suitable title/heading.
Write in past tense.
Write in indirect speech and use passive form of expression.
Develop ideas (causes, reasons, consequences, opinions) logically.
Write in a less formal and more descriptive manner while writing a report for a school
magazine.
Present your ideas and impressions to make the report interesting.
FORMAT OF A NEWS PAPER /MAGAZINE REPORT
HEADLINE OR TITLE : Catchy and brief
BYLINE : A Sub Headline/ Name , rank, position etc. of the
person writing the report(It can also come at the end.)
OPENING PARAGARAPH : A brief mention of what happened, where and how and
most prominent consequence/effect along with the day,
date and time when it took place
DETAILS : Paragraph 2 & 3 give details of the event being reported. Eye
witness account (along with some quotes) are also
included. In case of accidents, loss of life and property is
listed , cause of the accident is concluded, police action and
rescue operation, damage control exercise are detailed.
Compensation and help announced by government are mentioned
CONCLUSION: A remark as to how the even has impacted life
and people is made
SOLVED QUESTION
Q.1.You are Roshan /Roshini, Secretary of Cultural club, Hyderabad Public School, Hyderabad. As
a
member of N.G.C. (National Green Corps), write a report, in 100 – 125 words for your school
magazine.
TOWARDS A GREENER ENVIRONMENT
The cultural club of our school in association with National Green Corps organized many
activities during the year 2013 for the cause of greener environment in and around the school.
A seminar in the month of February was held for students on the need to save environment. In
April, the Vanamahotsav week was observed, which was inaugurated with a tree plantation
drive. 5000 saplings were planted in the colonies in and around the school.
Several inter-house competitions including poster-making and drawing were conducted which
witnessed a huge participation. Students volunteered to clean the surroundings. Pamphlets
were distributed among the public to promote cleanliness and hygiene.
A rally was organized in September to create awareness among the public to stop the use of
plastic bags and to replace it with eco-friendly products. The various purposeful activities
conducted during the year were well received and were to a great extent effective in creating
awareness among the people.
Roshni
Secretary, Cultural Club
Q.2You are Deepak/Damini, school captain of your school write a report, on the celebration of
annual function in 100 – 125 words for your school Magazine.
Annual Day Function celebrated in your school
On October 24th the Annual Day Function was held at 5 p.m. in the school auditorium. The Chief
Guest for the function was the District Collector and among other dignitaries were eminent
personalities from the city. Olympic medal winner GaganNarang was the special attraction of the
function. After the convocation to the goddess the function was formally started with different
cultural items presented on the stage. Each and every item presented was the result of the hard
work put up to make it perfect by the student participants and the teachers. The ‘Mushira’Poetry
conclave) because of its humorous pieces of poems became an instant hit and Christmas Dance by
tiny tots got a ‘once more’. The best houses in academics, sports and co-curricular activities were
awarded. Awards were also given at the hands of the Chief Guest to the meritorious students in the
Board Examinations. The Chief Guest in his address could not conceal his happiness to be
amongst the students. He revealed the secret that he was an ex-student of our school and had learnt
a lot from the teachers. The principal proposed vote of thanks at the end of the function. With
national anthem the function came to an end but the memories of the same will be fresh in our
mind for many days to come.
Questions for Practice
1. You are Brinda/ Bharath. You worked as a volunteer in the Literacy campaign organized in your
city. Write a report for the school magazine in about 125 words on the effectiveness of the
programme highlighting the methods used and the role played by government and non
government agencies.
2. Your school observed Library week. As a head boy/ head girl of your school write a report on it
to be published in your school magazine (125 words)
3. You are Poorva / Parth, Cultural Secretary of your school, D.B. Senior Secondary School,
Ambala. A week-long Music and Dance festival was organised by your school. Write a report in
about 125 words for your school magazine.
4. The Debate Society of your school has recently held a workshop on ‘Continuous and
Comprehensive Evaluation’ (CCE) introduced for the students for 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 Paras/ Payal , Secretary of the Society.
5. You visited a Job Fair organized by Ability Foundation at Chennai recently. You were
impressed
to see that nearly 155 companies from various sectors such as Information Technology,
Telecommunication, and 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 Piyush/
Pinki.
6. Keeping in view of the frequent occurrence of earthquake in the country, your school
arranged a talk on Disaster Management. Indentifying the areas of your state most prone to
earthquakes, the speaker explained the precautionary measures to be taken by the public and the
government in case of emergency. As a student reporter, Rajan/Rani, send a report of the event,
in 100-125 words to a national daily (CBSE 2006)
7. You witnessed a programme performed by differently abled persons on Zee TV. 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 100 – 125 words for your
school magazine. You are Rajan / Gayathri .
8. You are Latha / Lalit of GoaYou attended the inaugural ceremony of the newly opened
vocational stream and hobby classes at the secondary school level in Paras Public School,
Goa. Draft a report in 100 – 125 words to be published in Goa ‘ Times’. Invent other
details.
9. The Readers’ Club of your school visited schools for the less privileged to encourage and
promote reading habits. Besides donating books, the members also distributed books collected
from individuals and organizations. Write a report in 100 – 125 words about your campaign and
its success. You are Anush / Anu, the Club Secretary.
10. You are Sushma / Swaraj of L.M. Jain School, Alwar. As Secretary of Co curricular 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.
FACTUAL DESCRIPTION
Factual description is a description of place, person, process and object. Such writing
Task is essentially sequential and directional. A variety of sentence structures and
vocabulary should be used to avoid monotony of the description.

Description of a place / building includes name , the location, dimension-shape, colour
design,
stories material etc. , atmosphere, type –building , park etc, sights, sounds, purpose, use ,
history importance , summing up/ comparison with the earlier visit , any other relevant points.

Description of a person includes name, relationship with the writer , social status-role,
profession, looks-features, characteristics of personality, opinion of others about him/her ,any
other relevant point.

Description of an object/thing incorporates name, structure, shape make, model/year of
manufacture ,
colour, dimension, capacity, operational details, if it s a gadget, functions,(if any), price,
availability ,
material , use and any other relevant point.

Visit /journeys: Include date , occasion, stations/places involved, no.. of people, place visited,
description of the place/atmosphere/beautiful scene, interaction with others, interesting
incident/problems faced, how much liked, details of going and return , general
comments/conclusion.
PROCESS DESCRIPTION: Phenomenon or Process Involved includes Its name /title, steps
involved in it in their correct sequence, Tense(usually present passive), language- objective and to
the point , observed facts/ and conclusion.
POINTS TO REMEMBER

agraph.
- start from internal to external or vice versa orderly and
graphically.
following that , then etc.
Solved Examples
Q1. Write a factual description of the newly constructed building of your school.
We all are amazed to see the newly constructed building of our school. Before this our school
had been running in a rented building. The grandeur and art is evident from its huge and
beautifully decorated entrance. Separate wings for primary and secondary sections is one of its
remarkable features. The class rooms are not only spacious but also have good ventilation for
natural light. There are display boards, glass boards, new furniture and cupboard in each class
room. A provision to develop classrooms into information technology enabled room is its
specialty. Sufficient number of toilets and drinking water facilities are also provided. Sports room
is big and equipped with many indoor games. The assembly area is very well beautified. Apart
from office rooms it also has sick room separately for boys and girls, music room, well equipped
laboratories and a big library with thousands of books categorized subject wise. We really feel
happy to get this new building of our school.
Q.2.You are Sanjay / Amrita of Govt School Meerut. A fully equipped and furnished biology
laboratory has come up in your school. Your class teacher has asked you to write a factual
description of the laboratory for the school’s half yearly bulletin. Write the description in not more
than 100 words.
A fully equipped and furnished biology laboratory has been set up in our school. It is on the first
floor and is spacious, properly ventilated and designed to receive maximum natural light. Rows of
marble slabs with wash basins and water taps are fixed in L-shape along two sides to conduct
experiments. On one side, there is a platform having a table, a chair, a blackboard and a small cupboard fixed on the wall. Biological specimens, stuffed in formal de Hyde and a human Skeleton
kept in glass cases are neatly displayed. It can accommodate 40 students at a time. The setup is
excellent and lacks no shortcomings.
. Questions for practice
Q.1.You organized a quiz in your school last week. Write a description of how you went about it.
Q.2.Write a factual description of a tourist spot you have visited in about 125 words.
Q.3Write a factual description in about 125 words of the bustle at your bus terminus.
Q.4 Factually describe process of getting reservation for a train journey.
Q.5You are the student in-charge of School sports day. Write how you have coordinated various
events on the day giving details about the process
Q.6.Factually describe your newly built house in 125 words.
Q.8.You are Amit of Red rose sr. sec.public school jodhpur.. A fully equipped and furnished
Physics laboratory has come up in your school. Your class teacher has asked you to write a factual
description of the laboratory for the school’s half yearly bulletin.
Q.9. You visited your friend who is residing in a school hostel. Write a factual description in about
125 words including the facilities such as accommodation, food,etc.provied there.
Q.10 Write a factual description of the children’s park in your locality in about 125 words.
layout, special facilities like ATM, restaurants, escalators etc.

LETTER WRITING
Letter writing is an important channel of communication between people who are geographically
distant from one another. In general there are two types of letter: (a) formal which includes
business or official letters, letters to the editor, application for a job, letter to the school or college
authorities and(b) informal which are personal letters to communicate with friends and family
members.
FORMAL AND INFORMAL LETTERS
FORMATS
FORMAL LETTERS
INFORMAL LETTERS
Sender’s Address
Date
Sender’s Address
Receiver’s Address
Date
Subject:
Reference: (If any)
Salutation
Salutation
Body
Body
Complimentary Close
Complimentary Close
Name/Signature
Designation
Attachment: (If any)
Name/Signature
Important points to remember:
• Write the letter in the full block format (i.e. to the left)
• State your reason for writing in the first paragraph and stay on track.
• Always include specifics that will help ease the recipient’s task. For instance, if you are
writing to a bank, mention your account number.
• If you refer to other correspondence, quote date of the letter/s reference numbers,
• file numbers, order numbers, check number with date. Include copies whenever possible.
Gently and respectfully direct the recipient’s course of action.
It may be strongly worded but always be courteous and use polite language and pleasant tone.
Self introduction should be avoided.
Informal expressions, greetings or contracted forms of words should not be used.
The language should be simple, straight forward and to the point.
Leave a line/ additional space between paragraphs since no indentation is followed.
Open punctuation to be followed. ( No punctuation marks to be used)
Do not mix up the old format and new format.
In letters to the editor – Do not ask the editor to solve the problems.
In job application letters Curriculum-vitae (CV) /Bio-data/ Resume/ should be written. It should
not be
included in the body of the letter but after the complimentary close as enclosure.
In the Letter to the Editor use ‘yours truly’ as the complimentary close.
A format of letter
Name and address of sender
Name and address of addressee
Date
Mode of address or salutation
Dear Sir/Madam – to a total stranger
Dear Mr. / Ms/DR/Prof + surname- formal relationship
Dear John – knows the addresses personally
Subject (very concisely expressed)
Content of letter - The content of the letter begins on the next line and is arranged in two or three
paragraphs
Complimentary close
Subscription – yours sincerely/yours faithfully/ Yours truly
Signature of sender
Name in capitals
Enclosures if any. – Encl:
Note: no marks are to be awarded if only the format is given. Credit should be given for the
candidate’s creativity in presentation of ideas. Use of both the traditional and the new format is
permitted.
Registering complaint
Most letters of complaint use formal language and are organized in a standard way:
Para – 1 explain why you are writing
Para – 2 explain what the problem is and describe any action you have already taken.
Para – 3 say what inconvenience it has caused you.
Para – 4 state what you want done about the problem.
Example 1
You are Sidhi/ Sanjay of U-03 G Block Kasturi Nagar Delhi-37.Write a letter to the Director
NGO Bird Links Society Delhi expressing your concern about the decrease in the number of
the birds in Delhi.
House No- U/03
G Block Kasturi Nagar
Delhi-37
30 June 2014
The Director
NGO Bird Links Society
Delhi
Sir
Sub: Diminishing number of birds: Need for Immediate Concern
I wish to bring to your kind notice my growing concern about rapid decrease in the population of
birds inDelhi. Delhi is known to have more than 500 species of birds but many of them are on
the verge of extinction.
According to the reports from the recent seminar held on Conservation of Birds, there was a time,
when a number of birds would flock to the banks of river Kaveri, Bandipur wild life sanctuary and
forested canopy in Delhi These numbers have come crashing down in the recent years.
The main reasons are rampant construction of buildings, bridges and flyovers, filling of swamps,
mangroves water bodies , cutting of forests and of course, oather ways of environmental pollution.
Many species have become endangered and the thousands of migratory birds flocking in seasons
which was a feast to our eyes, have left this place to more healthy places. It is time the people of
Mysore were made aware of this grave situation by conducting seminars and workshops and the
policy makers and administrator thought over the engulfing problem and found solutions.
The locals should be given incentives for preserving the habitats of birds. Sanction for the
construction of buildings, malls, bridges ands so on should be given only after proper evaluation
of the environmental impact of those constructions over the life of species there. Let’s not forget
that birds are an important link in the food chain.
I request the government, environmentalists and the society to show their concern before it is too
late.
Yours faithfully
(Sidhi Sharma)
Example 2
You are Suresh/Sarika Jain of No-20 Jawahar Nagar,Jaipur. Two months ago you bought a desert
cooler from M/s Cool Home Coolers Jaipur. Now you discover that it is not working properly.
Write a letter to the Manager Customer Care complaining about the malfunctioning of the unit
and asking them to repair and if needed to replace it against warranty.
ABC School
20 Jawahar Nagar
Jaipur
24 June 2014
M/s Cool Home Cooler
20 Nehru Marg
Jaipur
Sir,
Sub : Complaint about the malfunctioning desert cooler
Reference : Cash Memo No DC-98765 dated 17.4.2011
I wish to bring it to your notice that I purchased a ‘Cooler Home’ desert cooler from you on 17
April,
2014 (Vide Cash Memo No DC-98765, dated 17.04.2014). The cooler did function well in the
beginning
for one and a half months and then it has started giving problems. The problems are - water
leakage,
heavy noise while working and high consumption of power.
Kindly take immediate step to either repair the cooler or replace it as the cooler is still under
warranty
period.
Yours faithfully
Suresh
(SURESH SINGH)
Example 3-You are Isha/Ishan, the secretary of the Students’ Forum of Sahrudaya Vidyalaya,
Indranagar.
You have planned an excursion to Jog falls during the summer vacation. Write a letter to the
General Manager, Southern Railway, for reservation of a bogie for 60 students from Agra
to Shimoga and back, supplying all necessary information.
Secretary
Sahrudaya Vidyalaya
Indranagar.
01 Mar 2014
The General Manager
Southern Railways
Agra
Sub: Request for the reservation of a Bogie for 60 students
Sir
A group of 60 students of class XI of this school has planned to visit Jog Falls during the summer
vacation. They will be accompanied by three teachers and two attendants. They plan to leave
Bangalore on 15th May by Jeevan Express and return by the same train from Shimoga on 25th
May.
Kindly confirm whether a bogie can be reserved for the above mentioned dates. We would also
like to know the estimated fare so that we can make necessary arrangements at our end.
The List of the members of the tour party is enclosed in the prescribed proforma. Kindly provide
the eligible students’ concession.We request you to send the detail at the earliest @
sahrudayavidyalayaind@gmail.com/ @2852456 to enable us to plan in advance.
Yours faithfully
Isha
Secretary
Example4
You are Satish/Sonali, the student prefect in charge of the school library. You have been asked by
your Principal to write a letter to place an order for children’s story books (10 – 13 years). Write a
letter to M.S.Book Depot Ramnagar, Bikaner placing an order for the books. Invent the
necessary details.
St. Mary’s Convent
Bikaner
15th July, 20…
M/s M.S. Book Depot
Ramnagar
Bikaner
Sub: Placing Order for Children’s Story Books
Sir
The school has decided to purchase story books for children between the age group of 10 and 13
years. The books mentioned below may please be sent by V.P.P. within 10 days from the date of
receipt of this letter.
S.No
Name of the book
Author
Quantity
1
Stories from the Panchatantra
A.S. Rawal
5
2
Tales from the Arabian Nights
S.E. Paces
10
3
The adventures of Tom Sawyer
S.E. Paces
10
4 Tales from Shakespeare
Charles & Mary Lamb
10
We request you to give 20 % discount on the printed prices. We assure you to pay the VPP
charges at the time of delivery of books.
Yours faithfully
Ram Kumar
(RAM KUMAR)
PRINCIPAL
Other useful phrases for a letter of complaint.
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with / at---I was surprised / shocked/ horrified to find-----
I returned/explained/requested----This caused me to ------------As a consequence-------------I am sure you will appreciate that this level of service is unacceptable.
I expect to be compensated for the inconvenience. . I have been caused.
I expect service from a company of your reputation.
Placing orders
Example 1
You are Arafat/Rita, who has seen the advertisement of the newspaper. Write a letter, placing an
order, requesting them for a demonstration of the product at home. Also, remind them to deliver/
install the promotional offer on purchase of the computer.
25, South corner
New Delhi
10th Sept. 2014
The Marketing Manager
InfoTech Computer
Mayur Colony
New Delhi
Subject: Placing on order for personal computer Pintron.
Sir,
This is with reference to your advertisement in The New Indian Times, Dated 28th August,2014, I
wish to place my order for the mentioned product/model-pintron./ I request you to install the
model within a week and arrange for a smooth delivery at home. I would also prefer that as per
your advertisement, your technician installs my free internet connection and anti-virus software,
during the demonstration.
Kindly ensure that your purchase bill is delivered with an authorized letter of warranty and detail
of after sale service by the dealer / manufactures.
An urgent positive reply would be appreciated, confirming the order.
Yours truly
Govind Singh Kosta
Example 2
Shantinekatan Vidyalaya
Shivaji Nagar
Pune.
3rd june. 2014
The Sales manager
RD & Sons
Natun Bazar
Pune.
Subject: Asking for the rates of uniform.
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to ask for some information about the rates of uniform. Our Vidyalaya is interested in
cotton pattern and the colours as advertised in your brochure and I would appreciate it if you could
send us further information about prices and shades of colours.
Could you tell us how many patterns are available and how much does it cost per pair? I would
also like to know whether the mode of transaction is realised at the earliest, as the session has
already started.
We are looking forward to your early reply.
Thank you
Yours faithfully,
Hari Dutt
(Principal)
Official Letter of Complaint
Example-1
Last week a fifty year old man died of cardiac arrest while taking a ride on a Swing in an
amusement park. Write a letter to the Mayor in connection with this, putting forward suggestions
of some safety measures which must be observed before issuing tickets.
Hanuman Nagar
Kankarbag
Patna -16
17 August, 2014
The mayor
Municipal Corporation
Patna-1
Sir
Subject- safety measures in amusement parks
Through this letter I want to bring to your kind notice that amusement parks are mushrooming in
different corners of the city. They are drawing big crowds. Children have special fascination for
them. Unfortunately, no adequate safety measures are undertaken by the owners before issuing
tickets. This is resulting in frequent accidents.
Last week, a fifty year old man died of cardiac arrest while taking a ride in one swing in an
amusement park in Lohianagar. Similarly a ten year old child was seriously injured when he fell
down during a swing-ride. These mishaps speak of negligence and indifferent attitude of the
owners of these parks towards precautionary and safety measures. I suggest some measures which
can definitely help in preventing such avoidable mishaps, such park should not allow children
below 10 years and old people to ride such swings which increase stress level and abnormal heart
beat. Those who do not know how to swing should not be allowed to go near pools. Let
amusement parks entertain people and not put their lives at stake.
Yours faithfully
D. Silva
Letter to the Editor
- Purpose
- To express and share one’s observation and views in a public forum, namely, magazine or
newspaper
To share such information on a wide range of social issues.
- that should still be a formal letter, but because it is for the public, it should show your opinion
clearly or tell people something interesting or new. It can be direct and feel quite personal – you
can use I, we and you.
- it consists of four paragraphs.
Clear introduction of the topic and the writer’s opinion.
Main point with reasons.
Further point to support main one, with reasons and / or examples.
Repeats the writer’s opinion and offers a challenge.
Format: A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sender’s_______22, Rock Garden
Chandigarh
Date ________31/08/2014
(Receiver’s) The Editor
The Times of India
Chandigarh
Subject----------------Dear Sir/Madam,
Through the esteemed columns of your daily, I would like to draw your kind attention to the
unfortunate fact that …………………………………………… ……… ………… ……………
……………-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Body of the letter
Explain the issue (5 to 6 lines)
ii) Suggestions to overcome the issue
(4 to 5 points)
We hope the responsible citizen of this nation come forward to take the initiatives and the
concerned authorities will rise from their stereo type and take immediate remedial measures to deal
with the situation.
Yours Faithfully
XYZ
Solved Examples:
Example 1:
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 of a leading newspaper telling him
about the nuisance created by the stray animals.
129/B hakim
Siliguri
West Bengal
21 August 2014
The Editor
The Times of India
Kolkata
Sir
Subject- nuisance caused by stray animals
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to draw the attention of the general
public and the higher authorities towards the suffering of the residents and pedestrians of hill cart
road, siliguri. Due to the nuisance caused by the stray animals, one can easily become a prey for
accidents. One can notice stray animals on the road even during the peak hours of the day. The
stray animals have become a great problem for the drivers as well as for the young children. They
cause frequent traffic jams and accidents. Sometimes rows of stray cows block the road causing
great miseries.
We have already written to the concerned authorities but of no avail. Even a delegation of residents
met the deputy commissioner on last Sunday but the outcome was not fruitful. We hope the
concerned authorities will take immediate remedial measures to deal with this nuisance.
Yours faithfully
Alokpriyadarshi
Questions for Practice
1.There is no bus – stop within the radius of 2km. From your locality, causing a lot of
inconvenience to the residents. Write a letter to the editor of The Telegraph drawing attention of
government to this problem of the residents.
2. You are Jolly of Class XII . You are interested in pursuing a course in visual communication. You
have
seen an advertisement issued by National Institute of Communication, Mumbai, offering courses
in Media
and Communication .Write a letter to the Director seeking information about their courses, free
structure, placement opportunities etc.
3..Write a letter to the director asking for detailed information on the course, duration, fees,
assignments, local contacts programmes. Request for a prospectus and enclose a self –addressed
envelope.
4. John has employed the services of Decent Packers, 1424, Ramanujam Street Chennai to pack
and transport your household goods and car to Borivali, Mumbai. Lodge a complaint with the
manager of the company.
Hints:-the goods did not reach in time –the car reached with rear door damage-the electronics
equipment’s too damage-claim compensation for the damage.
5.You had borrowed some books from your school library. Unfortunately you had to go away
to visit a sick relative and could not return the book in time. And now you find that you cannot
even locate them. Write a letter to the library in charge. Explain what has happened and
propose what you can do in this regard.
.
5. You are the Manager of Fitness Club of Gandhi Road, Ernakulam. Write a letter to Messrs.
Pioneer
Sports Co, Kochi, placing an order for a minimum of 4 fitness equipments with details.
6. You are Rama/Raman, a member of Parent-Teacher Association of Little Valley Senior
Secondary
School, Shillong. Write a letter 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.
7. Write a letter to the Corporation authorities of South Chennai to complain about the general
unsustainable growth of building activities in Ranchii with poor parking and other civic amenities
to support it. Urge them to plan with a long-term view.
8. The photocopier of your office which was purchased recently has a problem with the toner
settings. It
is still in the guarantee period. As Purchase Manager of Talent Search, 15th Cross, J.P. Nagar,
Ambala
write to the manufacturer seeking replacement of the defective part.
9. Write a letter to the librarian of the District Library in your town asking for details regarding
membership. Also ask about the timings and rules and regulations of the library.
10. You are Apoorva/Asha, Industrial colony, Ambattur, Chennai. You came across an
advertisement for
the post of Senior Executive, Accounts in Solace Medical Equipments, Chennai unit. Write a letter
to the
advertiser applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume.
Job Applications
FORMAT : JOB APPLICATION
Enclosure: 1. Resume
Photo copies of relevant documents
Format for writing Bio-Data/Curriculum Vitae/Resume:
PERSONAL RESUME
Name :
Address :
Contact Number :
E-mail ID :
Date of Birth :
Academic Qualification :
Experience :
Hobbies and Interests :
Special Achievements :
References :
Solved Examples
Example 1:
22 M G Road
Natun Bazar
Nagaon
20th April 2014
The CEC
Human Resource Deptt.
Guwahati
Subject : Applying for the post of Production Manager.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to apply for the post of production manager advertised in the Assam Tribune of 18th
April please find enclosed a copy of my CV.
I have been working on the documentary production Deptt. of Assam Govt. since my graduation
from National School of Drama, Delhi. I have become particularly interested in creative /
innovative Documentary on burning issues and now wish to nurture my worldview with NonGovt organization.
I would welcome the chance to work as part of a socially aware dynamic group where I could
make a noteworthy contribution while nourishing my creativity yet further. I would be happy to
show you a portfolio of my work.
I am available for interview next week and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Sameer Bora
SAMEER BORA
Enc. CV
CV (CURRICULUM VITAE)
NAME SAMEER BORA
ADDRESS 22 MG ROAD, NATUN BAZAR NAGAON
TELEPHONE 03276187910
EMAIL Sameer@gmail.com
Nationality INDIAN
DATE OF BIRTH 10 JAN 1985
Profile A highly motivated, well-travelled and creative graduate with practical production
experience in a govt. Deptt.
EDUCATION
2008-2011 NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA DELHI
BA in Creative Production
2006-2008 Kendriya Vidyalaya, Nagaon
Employment 2011 Present Docu. Production Deptt. Assam Govt.
Skills Computer literate; except in animation; good at creative writing clean driving License.
Interests Tennis, Photography & Travel
Reference available on request.
Job Applcation
Solved example
You are Apporva/Ashima, A-22, Industrial Colony, Delhi. Read the advertisement given below
and write a letter to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume, which you
send along with your letter of application for the job.
Solace Medical Equipments requires for its Chennai unit
Senior Executive Accounts
Qualification-M.com
Experience-minimum 5 years
Competency- Knowledge in accounting function and related commercial activities
salary commensurate with qualification and experience.
Apply to- solace Equipments, 10, Sector-4,Gurgaon – 15.
A-22 Industrial Colony
Delhi
20 March 3014
The General Manager
Solace Medical Equipments
10,sector-4
Gurgaon -15
Sub- Application for Sr.Executive Accounts.
Sir,
This is in a response to your advertisement in The Times of India, dated 15.03.2014. I am an
applicant for the job of Sr.Executive Accounts in your prestigious company . I am a dynamic
young man of 26 with a pleasing personality. I have requisite qualifications and experience with
specialization in accounting function and related commercial activities. If given a chance, I shall
prove an asset to your great organisation.
My Bio-data is enclosed herewith for perusal and favourable consideration.
Yours faithfully
Apporva Sharma
Bio-data
Name
; Apporva Sharma
Fathers Name
; Sh.Raj Sharma
Date of birth
;10 September, 1980
Sex
; Male
Marital status
;Unmarried
Permanent address
;A-22,Industrial Colony, Delhi
Correspondence address
;Do
Educational qualification
;XII from CBSE in 1997 with 93%marks
B.com from SRCC in 2000 Delhi with 85% marks
M.com from SRCC in 2002 from Delhi with
80% marks
;(i) Knowledge in Accounting function and Related
Commercial Activities
(ii) Basic Computers Literacy
Competency
Experience
;5 years as Executive Accountant in Osram
Industries, Okhala, New Delhi
Salary expected
; Negotiable
Presently working
;As Executive Accountant in Osram
Industries, Okhala, New Delhi
Languages known
;English and Hindi
Reference
;1.Sh.M.L. Jain
Vice President, Osram
Industries, Okhala, New Delhi
2.Dr.P.L. Sharma
M.D., Rainbow Industries,
Okhala, New Delhi
.
Para -1 explain which job you are applying for and how/where you heard about it
Para -2 briefly describe your most relevant qualification and / experience
Para -3 explain why you want the job and why you think you would be good at it
Para -4 say how you can be contacted and/ when you are available for interview.
Letter to the school or college authorities
For making enquiry
Solved Examples:
Example 1
You have passed the AISSCE-2012 of CBSE. You desire to pursue your graduation in “creative
writing”, write a letter seeking details about admission criteria to central Institute of Foreign and
English language Hyderabad. You are Aman/ Anita of Chandigarh.
28/B Block
Rock Garden Street
Chandigarh
20th August 2014
The Principal
Central Institute of Foreign & Eng. Language
Hyderabad
Subject: Seeking information about the course.
Sir/Madam,
This is in response to your advertisement in the Hindu dated 10th August 2014, I would like to
seek the information regarding course ‘creative writing’ and its admission criteria offered by your
institute.
I have passed the AISSCE-2014 with Grade ‘A’ and I am interested to pursue any graduation in
‘Creative writing’ from your knowledge hub. I would appreciate it if you could send me a brochure
and details of admission criteria.
I would be grateful if you could let me love the following details:
Date of its commencement
Duration and timings
Board facilities
Cost of course and hostel accommodation.
Could you tell me what would be opportunities offered after the completion of course?
I shall be grateful if you could respond at the earliest.
Yours truly
Aman/ Anita Singh
GRAMMAR SECTION
Type - 1
EDITING SOLVED EXERCISE
Q The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect
word and the correction in your answer sheet as given below against the correct blank number.
Remember to underline the word that you have supplied.
Incorrect Correction
1. Coral reefs is one of the most sensitive ecosystems of all.
are
A large number of reef all over the world are on the brink of
(b) reef
reefs
Extinction. The major factors for the destruction of coral reefs
(c) factors factor
Is global warming due to increased carbon dioxide on the
in
atmosphere. Studies has shown that even one degree C rise above
have
normal temperature can result from large-scale destruction.
(f) from
a
Beside this, water pollution, destructive fishing practices, tourism activities
(g) beside besides
(a) is
(d) on
(e) has
and collection of rare species also play a important part in destroying corals.
(h) a
an
2. At eleven O’clock a family went to bed, and by half-past
(a) a
the
all the lights are out. Some times after, Mr. Otis was awakened
(b) are
were
by a curious noise in the corridor, outside her room. It sounded
(c) a
the
like the clank of metal , and seem to be coming nearer every
(d) seem
seemed
moment . He get up at once , struck a match, and looked at the time.
(e) get
got
It was exactly one O’ clock.The strange noise still continue, and with it
(f) continue continued
he heard distinctly an sound of footsteps. He put on his slippers, took a
(g) an
the
small oblong bottles out of his dressing- case ,and opened the door.
(h) bottles bottle
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1. Mark Twain is also very famous in his day as a
(a)………..
Lecturer and the teller of funny stories. He often
(b)…………
went to town to give lectures and telling funny stories.
(c)………….
One day he were walking down the street of a small
(d)………….
Town who he was going to deliver the lecture that
(e)…………….
Evening. He met a young man whom told him that he had
(f)…………..
An old uncle which never laughed and never smiled.
(g)…………..
2. Character will produce happiness in the people of the country.
(a)………….
Growing number of girl in educational institutions would mean
(b)…………
educated children and good upbringing. We are at most testing
(c)…………
times as building the future is in our shoulders. For this, we have
(d)…………
to work very hard and honestly else a country will crumble
(e)………….
like a house made for faulty bricks. We are a big country with
(f)…………..
varied culture and tradition but we have to live up to it. We have to
(g)…………..
work ceaselessly and with determination. Students are a leaders of
(h)…………..
tomorrow.
3. A mother took her child to an hermit.
(a)……..
In folded hands she said to the
(b)………
hermit, “Swamiji, kind do something
(c)……….
about my child. He ate a lot of jaggery”.
(d)……….
A hermit spoke to the child, “Dear one,
(e)………..
come backwards to me next Monday”.
(f)………..
Next Monday where the mother brought
(g)…………
back the child, the hermit once again
asked us to come again.
(h)………….
4.
A gym was hosting a competition for
(a)……….
see what swimmer could hold his
(b)………….
breath longer underwater. One after
(c)………..
other, the swimmers jumped into the
(d)………..
pool. When they can’t resurface, a
(e)…………
child watched from a sideline made
(f)………….
the note in his science journal,
(g)………..
“Human beings are soluble into water.”
(h)…………
5. The main argument of change is
(a)………….
that everyone around you accept you
(b)…………
as you are – good and bad. It’s a
(c)….………..
part of yours personality. It’ll be an
(d)…………..
uphill task to rectify faults. The
argument for change is also strongest.
(e)…………
Change is radical and none always
(f)………..
easy to achieve. Either can it be made
(g)…………
without some sort of inconvenient.
(h)…………
Type - 2
OMISSION SOLVED EXERCISE
In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word
along with the word
that comes before and the word that comes after it. Ensure that the word that forms your answer
is underlined.
MISSING WORD
1. The average life style is undergoing/ rapid change
(a) a
and ill-health and mental stress /the results.When
are
deaths/ infectious diseases decreased, deaths from
from
lifestyle diseases became /killers. When body is
the
Subjected to the unnatural invasion /various irritants
and mind is upset, confused, overtaxed / irritated,
and
the body is bound /be in stress. This, in turn is the chief
cause of most /the health ailments today.
of
2. Behaviorists feel /although one’s style of walking is not
(a) that
inherited, one unconsciously emulates /mannerisms of
(b) the
one’s parents or/ chosen role model. According to experts,
(c) the
It is advisable to hold /upper part of the body erect.
(d) the
Balance the body alternately /each hip without undue
(e) on
swaying. Keep /head up, shoulders back, chest out and
(f) your
stomach /. Walk erect and easily. When you stand, keep
(g) in
your feet comfortably together /not far apart.
(h) and
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1. The initial step in making popcorn balls is popping the popcorn.
(a)…………
Cover the bottom of pan with cooking oil. Put the burner on high.
(b)………..
Let oil heat up for about two minutes. Then, carefully pour the
(c)…………
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e) of
(f)
(g) to
(h)
popcorn onto oil. Cover the pan and let it sit until hear the first kernel
(d)…………
pop. Then, with mitts on your hands, shake pan back and forth over heat,
(e)…………
making sure of also holding the lid securely or the kernels will fly out.
(f)…………
While shaking the pan, move with smooth, short strokes
(g)………..
2. The Shahnai takes name from its creator “Shah”, the “nai” (barber),
(a)……….
who improved on instrument after the Emperor Aurangzeb
(b)………..
had banned it for unpleasant sound. The other story about
(c)…………
its origin was that it was designed by doctor in Iran called
(d)…………
Haquim Bin Ali Saina, named it after him.
Originally, it
(e)………..
was played in temples auspicious domestic occasions.
(f)………..
It is made of Burma with teak and a brass nozzle fitted at the top.
(g)……….
A shahnai player accompanied by two more people- his joridars.
(h)……….
3. T.V. is certainly of the most
(a)………..
Influences forces the modern time.
(b)………..
Have you ever wondered the
(c)…………
technology makes television possible.
(d)………..
how your T.V. decode the signal
(e)…………
to produce a picture; it something
(f)………….
very interesting and you need know
(g)…………
It. Shall I tell you about working?
(h)…………
4. Movies a different impact on people
(a)………….
Viewers spend three hours the
(b)………….
cinema hall and they come out,
(c)…………..
their minds often blank. They
(d)…………….
don’t even remember they saw,
(e)…………….
but movies like `Ladder` a lasting
(f)……….....
impact People’s mind. It
(g)…………..
forces them think twice.
(h)……………
5. There was a time school was
(a)………….
a nightmare me. At that
(b)…………
time I wept and clung my
(c)………….
mom not willing to to school.
(d)…………….
Gradually interest and liking school
(e)………………
grew. After I reached age
(f)…………….
of twelve so, I felt that
(g)…………..
there shouldn’t any holdings.
(h)……………
Type - 3
GAP FILLING
SOLVED EXERCISE
The following passage is an extract from an article but some of the words have to be filled
in the blanks. Complete the paragraph by writing one suitable word in each blank.
SOLVED EXERCISE
1. Our tongue (a) is doing a lot of things. The little bumps on it called taste buds can
differentiate (b) between salty food like potato chips and sweet food like chocolate or ice
cream. The tongue is c) helpful in chewing the food by moving to where our teeth can bite
it. (d) If our food is all chewed up, our tongue helps us in pushing it down through the
throat to (e) our stomach. And the (f) most interesting thing about this organ of taste, is
that it helps in talking.
2. Originally (a) across the island of Sumatra in South China Sea, Titan Arum (Amophophallus
titanium) was discovered in 1878 and (b) their cuttings were shipped to the Kew Gardens
in London. The Titan Arum plant (c) grows at the rate of 10 cm a day to a height of about
two meters. (d)When in full bloom the flower’s diameter is about 1.1 meter. It flowers
very rarely and it first (e) did so in 1889. The giant plant emits a sickening smell and (f) this
attracts insects to pollinate it.
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1. A man in an upstairs apartment worked in the night shift and continually woke
(a)………………… the
occupant in the apartment below by taking (b)………………… his boots and tossing them
across the room.
After complaints, he agreed to change his ways. (c)………………… on returning home early
morning, he
threw one boot (d)…………… remembering his promise. He gently placed the second shoe
(e)……………………. his bed. Twenty minutes later, his neighbor pounded on the door. “For
God’s sake, “he screamed, (f)…… the door opened, “Throw the other boot so that I can
get back to sleep.”
2. Good manners are (a)……………………. inherited, nor do they come naturally. They
(b)…………………………… be learnt and practiced. They are based (c)…………………………………….
The concept of consideration for others. They are easy to acquire and there is nothing
more profitable. Good manners are necessary complement in (d)……………………………………..
walk of life. Organizations (e)……………………………. employees are very well- mannered
enjoy a (f)…………………………………. reputation. It’s no wonder then that most of the
multinational companies (g)………………………………. the services of outside agencies to
(h)……………………….. their employees in good manners. The morale, productivity, and
profits of such a (i)………………………… will be high. And this in turn will attract
(j)…………………………………….business.
3. It is frightening to get stuck in (a)……………………………… storm. A dust storm
(b)……………………………………… prove to be quite blinding (c)…………………………………..
dangerous. People (d)……………………………. take shelter (e)…………………………….. a safe place.
Children (f)………………………………… be told by (g)……………………………………….. parents what
they should (h)……………………………………. in such situation.
4. Expert and social workers opine (a)………………………… landslides are a man-made disaster.
Mr. Hanumant Rawat, a social worker at Ukhimath, who experienced for the recurrent
landslide recently, (b)……………………… the large-scale felling of trees responsible for the
recurrent landslides in the region. “Tree help to retain the (c)………………………….. and
therefore prevent the sudden rush of water and soil, as has happened on this occasion.
But both the villagers (d)………………………………… the government have consistently
encouraged felling of (e)…………………….. which has resulted in total erosion of the
top[soil,” he added. (f)……………………….. reason for the increase in landslides was terrace
farming. “Villagers, out of greed, (g)……………….. unscientifically changing the pattern of
cultivation and (h)…………………………………… tree for terrace farming. This is the reason why
landslides often occur in area which has large terrace farms,” said Mr. Dharmesh Kumar,
another social worker in the area.
5. It is fun living near the seaside. One can go to (a)………………………….. beach
(b)……………………………… a picnic. Sailing in boats and water surfing (c)……………………. two
activities (d) …………………… young people really enjoy. The sunrise (e)…………………… the
sunsets make beautiful sights. Those (f) ……………………………… have seen the sunrise say
that (g)…………………………. is a heavenly sight and a marvelous experience. Even the sunset
(h)………………………… worth watching.
Type – 4
REARRANGING SENTENCES
SOLVED EXERCISE
1.
a) every student/wants to be/and works hard/successful/to achieve it/in the
examination
Every student wants to be successful and work hard to achieve it in the
examination.
b) does not/extremely hard/some work/on them/but lady luck/smile
Some work extremely hard but lady luck does not smile on them.
c) sometimes/for success/gets an opportunity/and he avails/without delay/a
person/of it
Sometimes a person gets an opportunity for success without delay and he avails of
it.
d) and thoughtful arrangement/in any venture/of material/proper planning/are
essential ingredients/successful/to be
Proper planning and thoughtful arrangement of material are essential ingredients
to
be successful in any venture.
2.
a) parents/are those/blessed/caring/and/who have/loving
Blessed are those who have loving and caring parents.
b) flowers/parents/of his/a child’s life/the support/if he has
A child’s life flowers if he has the support of his parents.
c) to us/provide /are /that/the pillars/strength/parents
Parents are the pillars that provide strength to us.
d) in life/helps us/overcome/obstacles/their advice/our failures/not only/but also
helps/remove
Their advice not only helps us overcome our failures but also helps remove
obstacles in life.
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1. Rearrange the following to form meaningful sentences.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
feared by/ snakes are/in our/worshipped and /many country
of the/are venomous/only/300 out/species/2700 known
which is/yellow liquid/water/snake venom/90% of / is a
expelled/poison gland/that is /it is/from the/substance/the
of think/are/connective/these glands/made/tissues
used/ it/in the/to treat/doctors/12th century/leprosy
2.
a) the/is/world/wrestling/oldest sports/in /the/one of
b) of/Europe/ancient/people/cave/wrestling/have been/drawings/in/found
c) television/amateur wrestling/very different/the/form/is/professional wrestling/on
seen/the
d) sport/not/money/amateur wrestlers/do/wrestle/love/for/they/wrestle/for the/of
the
e) the/Olympics/the top goal/nearly/at/every/of/ is /to compete/amateur wrestler
3.
a) communications/not matter/were slow/it did/between different/when the/parts
of the world
b) for a/ people feel/our times/the need/but in/common language
c) to the/put forward/solutions/problem/have been/various
d) unconnected with/creation of/the first/an artificial language/was the/any existing
language
e) invention of a/natural/based on/the second solution/synthetic language/was the
f) governments of the/international language/almost unlikely/to an /world will agree
that the/it is
4.
a) synthetic,/world’s scientists/the need/during/severe shortages/or /World War
I,/alerted/a number of /the/to/man-made materials/for
b) headed by/ called nylon/thus/first/by 1934,/synthetic fiber,/a/Wallace H.
Carothers/research team/the/ had developed
c) surprisingly/turned out,/the development/a/profound effect/had/as it/of
nylon/on world affairs
d) fashion/true,/first/use/its/was/in
e) shree nylon hose/in 1939,/women/the Dupont company/marketing/for/began
f) hit/nylons/sold off/were/a spectacular/immediately/and/the shelves/almost
5.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
of its residents/becomes a /it reflects/a house/the personality/home when
has to look/no rules/how our/there are/as to/ home
thing is/inhabiting them/should enjoy/the important/that we
about/houses are/our lives/personal statements
the confidence/in ourselves/they reflect/we have
we have/will be/the more/individualistic/confidence/the more/our home
Type – 5
SENTENCE TRANFORMATION – I
SOLVED EXERCISE
Complete the dialogues given below
1. INTERVIEWER:
SURESH
:
mathematics
INTERVIEWER:
SURESH
:
INTERVIEWER:
SURESH
:
has a reputation
When did you do your graduation and with what subjects?
(a) I graduated in 1994, sir, my subjects were economics, accountancy,
and personal management.
So, (b) have you been working since then?
No sir, i started working in 1997, after I’d finished my MBA.
Why do you wish to leave your present job?
(c) I am quitting it as I wish to improve my prospects and your company
of being very progressive.
INTERVIEWER:
(d) Are you aware that you will be transferred periodically?
SURESH
:
Yes, I know it. Since yours is a multi-national company, it comes as no
surprise that the job will
INTERVIEWER:
be transferable.
Thank you. That’s all for now.
2. Man: Don’t hand me over to the police. Was not born a thief but circumstance forced me to
become one. I was left an orphan when I was only four years old.
Priest: Will you promise not to steal again?
The man requested the priest (a) not to hand him over to the police. He added that he was
not born a thief but circumstances (b) had forced him to become one. He further said that (c)
he was left an orphan when he was only four years old. The priest asked him if (d) he would
promise not to steal again.
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
Complete the dialogues given below
1. RK: Congratulation Sk. You have done wonders in the examination.
SK: Thank you.
RK: Tell me (a)………………………………………………………………………………………….. to get 95% marks.
SK: I studied for about 5 hours daily. This is regular work
(b)……………………………………………………………………………………. to get a good score.
RK: I would like to know
c)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .
SK: I am preparing for Medical Entrance Test.
RK:
(d)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………….. ?
SK: You can have all books. I do not need them.
2. Mother: Who do you think will win the match?
Daughter: Who is wearing blue?
Mother: India
Daughter: Who are the men in yellow?
Mother: They are the Australians.
Daughter: They will surely win the match.
Mother: Oh! Why do you feel so?
Daughter: There are 11 of them against just two Indians.
The mother asked her daughter who
(a)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… The daughter
enquired who the ones in blue were. The mother replied that they were Indians. The girl
then wanted (b)……………………………………………………………………………. . When the mother said
that they were Australians, the daughter emphatically
(c)…………………………………………………………….. . The mother (d) ………………………………………………
the daughter replied that there were eleven of them against just two Indians.
3. First traveller: Could I look at your paper for a moment? I just want to read the headlines.
Second traveller: I haven’t quite finished with it. Could you wait a moment?
First traveller: I can’t wait long. I am getting down at the next stop.
Two men were travelling on the Metro. The first traveller asked his companion
(a)……………………………………………………………………………….. adding that
(b)……………………………………………………………………. . His companion informed him (c)
………………………………………………………………………………………. and requested him (d)
……………………………………………………………………….. . The first traveller informed the second
traveller that (e)………………………………………………………………………………….. as (f)
……………………………………………………………………………….
4. Jain: When is the fancy dress competition in your school?
Manna: It is after two weeks.
Jain: Are you taking part in it?
Manna: Yes, I am taking part as an engine driver.
Jain: Why have you chosen that?
Manna: So that I can reach late.
Jain asked Manna (a)…………………………………………………………………………… Manna replied that
(b)………………………………………… . Jain enquired whether
(c)………………………………………………………………. . Manna said that
(d)………………………………………………………………….. . Jain asked why (e)
……………………………………………………. . She answered that then
(f)……………………………………………………………….. .
5. Tina: Did you visit the book fair on Carmel street ?
Rose: No. Did you?
Tina: Yes (a)………………………………………………………………
Rose: are there (b)……………………………………………………..
Tina: There are books for all age groups.
Rose: Any idea (c)……………………………………………………………
Tina: I’m not sure. But I guess it will go on for a month.
Rose: Then I must (d)………………………………………………………………..
SENTENCE TRANFORMATION – II
SOLVED EXERCISE
1. Given below are some instructions. Use them to complete the paragraph that describes
the process of making a bag. Write the correct answers against the correct blank number.
MAKING A BAG
a) Take cloth of required size.
b) Cut the cloth according to desired shape.
c) Stitch sides neatly together
d) Attach a wide strap on the top.
First of all (a) a cloth of required size is taken. Then it is (b) cut according to desired shape.
After the (c) sides are stitched neatly together,a wide strap (d) is attached on the top.
2. Read these instructions from a computer operating manual.
How to start
1. Link up the monitor, Keyboard and printer.
2. Plug in the main cable.
3. Switch on the monitor at the back.
4. When the light appears on the screen, place the Day Disk in Drive A.
5. Push in the disk until the button click out.
(It takes about 30 seconds for the computer to load the programme.)
6. Press the Drive button and the disk shoots out.
7. Replace the Day Disk with the document Disk.
8. Press function key 7
9. Start work!
Convert these instructions into the past passive by filling in the blanks.
First, the monitor keyboard and printer were linked up. Then the (a) main cable was plugged in. The
monitor at the back was (b) switched on. When the light appeared on the screen, the (c) Day Disk was
placed in Drive A. The disk (d) was pushed until the button (e) clicked out. It took computer 30
seconds to load the program me. The Drive button (f) was pressed and the disk shot out. The (g) day
Disk was replaced with the Document Disk. Finally, function key 7(h) was pressed.
The word processor was then ready to use.
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1. Given below is a set of instructions to be followed by a person suffering from influenza.
Use these to complete the paragraph that follows. Write the correct answer against the
correct blank number. The first blank is filled for you.
Avoid milk and milk products.
Make a decoction of about ten mint leaves in a cup of water.
Add a teaspoon of honey before drinking it at bed-time.
Keep a cut onion by the side of the bed to inhale.
Eat salad prepared from radish twice a day.
Milk and milk products are to be avoided. A decoction of about
(a)……………………………………………………….in a cup of water. A teaspoon of
(b)…………………………………………………………………………….at bedtime. A cut onion
(c)…………………………………………………………………………..so that it can be inhaled. A salad
prepared (d)………………………………………………………..a day.
2. Raghu is a reporter with The Herald. He was sent to report a bomb-blast in a shopping
complex. Using the information from his notepad, complete the repot. Do not add any
new information.
Shopping complex………………..destroyed……………………..bomb…………………………………….7o’clock…………………
80 people burnt alive…………………………two young men……………………..seen speeding off…………………police
assured Immediate arrest of culprits.
The citizens of Kantipur were shocked when one of its
(a)………………………………………………….. by a (b)…………………………… The place was crowded
and about (c)………………………………………………………….. Witnesses say that
(d)…………………………………………………………………..on a two wheeler soon after the blast. The
police commissioner assured the people that (e)………………………..
3. Given below is a set of instructions for making custard. Use these to complete the
paragraph that follows. Write the correct answer in your answer sheet against the correct
blank number. The first blank is filled for you.
Pour a liter of milk in a pan and allow to boil.
Stir the milk frequently.
When milk begins to thicken add 50 grams of sugar.
Dissolve a tablespoon of custard powder in half a cup of water and add to the milk,
stirring constantly.
Allow to simmer for % minutes.
Cool the preparation before serving in bowls.
A liter of milk is poured in a pan and (a)………………………………………………………… While it is
boiling, the milk
should be stirred frequently. When the milk begins to thicken
(b)……………………………………………………………………
to it. A tablespoon of custard powder (c)…………………………………………… the
milk,………………………………….to it.
A tablespoon of custard powder(c)……………………………… the milk, stirring constantly.
The custard (d)……………………………… Then it is removed from the fire and allowed to cool
before
it (e)………………………………………… in bowls.
4. Mr. john saw an advertisement for a new course in The Reporter. He notes down the
details and later writes a letter to his nephew. Make use of the notes to complete the
letter below:
Comprehensive program me—in biotechnology---one year class contact program me—tests and
discussions—eligibility—10+2 with science—hostel facility—fore boys and girls—admissions open till 20 July.
Ravipur,
June 15 2009
Dear Sarath,
I saw an advertisement in “the Report” about a new course. I feel it is a good course and
would prove beneficial to you. It is a (a)………………………………….. . It provides
(b)…………………………… with occasional tests and discussions. The applicants are
(e)………………………………….. Hope you will apply immediately.
Yours lovingly,
John
5. Given below is a set of rules from the school Rule Book. Purnima Seshadri, head girl of
Vidya Bhawan , jodhpur , writes a set of instructions for the school noticeboard using
these .Write the instructions for Purnima in the passive voice in your answer sheet against
the correct blank numbers.
Do not bring motorized vehicles to school.
Do not park your cycles at the entrance.
Return the library books within a week.
Do not walk in the front lawns.
Senior students should not go to the Primary Wing without permission.
Students are hereby informed that they (a)……………………………………………….. as they do not
have valid license
for driving as yet. They are also (b) …………………………………………………. At the front
entrance but must go to
the cycle stand. The library books (c)………………………………………………………. Within a week
of issue as
other students may also require them. No student
(d)……………………………………………………………………………………
to walk about or run in the front lawns. Senior
students(e)………………………………………………………. To go to
the Primary Wing without permission.
SENTENCE TRANFORMATION – III
HEADLINE EXPANSION
SOLVED EXERCISE
Use the information in the headlines to complete the news items below. Do not add any
information:
1. SIX PILGRIMS KILLED
Six pilgrims were killed on Delhi – Jaipur highway when a van collided with a truck
yesterday.
2. DEMONSTRATORS CANED
Unruly demonstrators were caned when they set two vehicles ablaze.
3. STUDENT DEVELOPS AIRPURIFIER
A new air purifier has been developed by a student at IIT Bengaluru.
UNSOLVED EXERCISE
1.
CAR BOMB EXPLODES IN BAGHDAD
A car bomb………………………………… killed two and injured many.
2.
US, POLISH TROOPS DAMAGE BABYLON
The British Museum says……………………………………………………………………………a part of
the ancient Iraqi city’s 2’600 year-old brick paved streets with their tanks.
3.
HEAVY RAINS LASH CHENNAI
The heavy rain which……………………………………., threw normal life out of gear.
4.
POWER CRISIS HITS DELHI
Large parts of Central, East, and South
Delhi………………………………………………………………………….. for several hours on Tuesday
due to low frequency in the northern grid.
5.
THEATRE ACTIVIST BAGS TITLE
The ‘Kalabhushan’ title………………………………………………………………….and scholar Utpal
Singh.
6.
Five members of UP gang arrested
…………………………………………………………………………of a gang of criminals from Uttar
Pradesh.
7.
WAGE REVISION DEMANDED
An NGO urged the government to take measures to
……………………………………………….of government employees.
8.
Mittal Steel acquires 37% stake in Chinese steel makes
Mittal Steel, the world’s largest steel
maker,…………………………………………………………………………………………….in one of China’s
largest steel companies.
*****************************
SECTION D-Text Books and Long Readind Text
THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Khushwant Singh is one of the prominent Indian writers and columnists. He has written
on various themes and issues. In this lesson he gives a detailed account of his
grand mother who had a long association with him.
THE THEME
The present extract is taken from Khushwant Singh’s book “The mark of Vishnu and Other
Stories”. Here, he gives an interesting pen portrait of his grandmother with whom he spent his
childhood. His grandmother had a wrinkled face and a silver white hair since he knew her. She
was so old and short she could not be older. Her lips were constantly moving in silent prayer.
During their stay in the village she used to accompany him to school and return back home. In
the way she used to throw chapattis to dogs. When they came to city, the bond of their
companionship was snapped. She took to feeding the sparrows. When the writer went to study
abroad, she went to see him off. After five years he returned and the grandmother met him at
the station. In the evening, she collected the women, danced and sang songs. This overstrained
her. She died; sparrows came to mourn her death. They did not take the crumbs of bread but
flew away when the dead body was carried away.
ABOUT THE LESSON
The author’s grandmother was an old lady: Her face was full of wrinkles. She hobbled about the
house with one hand on her waist and the other telling the beads of her rosary. Her lips always
moved in silent prayer.
The author’s parents left the city: He was left in the village under the charge of his grandmother.
They became very good friends. She would accompany him to the school. The school was
attached to a temple. While the little child learnt at school, she used to read the scriptures in the
temple. When the school was over, both would come home together. On their way back home
she would throw stale chapattis to the dogs.
When the author’s parents were well-settled, he and his grandmother also went to the city: It
proved a turning point in their friendship. The author joined an English school. She could neither
accompany him to his school nor help him in his studies. They, however, lived in the same room.
When the author went to the college, he was given a separate room. Thus, the last link of their
friendship was broken. The grandmother kept herself busy in her prayers and spinning. In the
afternoon, she would spinning and feed the sparrows. Hundreds of sparrows would gather all
around her and chirp.
The author went abroad for higher studies: He came back after five years. He found his
grandmother unchanged. However, in the evening a change came over her. She collected
women of the neighborhood and sang to celebrate the return of her grandson.
The next day she caught mild fever: Perhaps she knew that her end was near. She stopped
talking and closed her eyes. She was lost in her prayers- telling the beads of her rosary. Suddenly
the rosary fell of her hand. Her lips stopped moving. She was dead. She was wrapped in a red
shroud and was cremated in the evening. Her death affected even the sparrows. They neither
chirped not ate the crumbs throw to them. They came only to mourn and flew away silently.
SOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Why did the grandmother always accompany the author to his school?
Ans. The grandmother always accompanied the author to his school because there was a
temple attached to the school. She sat in the temple and read the scriptures.
2. How was their common link of friendship snapped?
Ans. Their common link of friendship was snapped when they arrived in the city. The
grandmother no longer accompanied the author to school as he used to go by bus. She could
not help him in studies because he studied in a English medium school. They saw less of each
other. That’s why their link of friendship was snapped.
3. How did the grandmother celebrate homecoming of her grandson?
Ans. When the author returned from abroad, the grandmother was very happy. She went to
receive him at the station. In the evening, she collected the women of the neighbourhood,
took an old drum, sang songs of the warriors’ homecoming and sat thumping it for hours. She
even forgot to pray.
4. How did the sparrows mourn the death of the grandmother?
Ans. The birds are living creatures. When the grandmother passed away, thousands of
sparrows sat around her dead body. They paid no attention to the little bread crumbs. They
flew away quietly when her corpse was being carried away.
5. What was the happiest moment of the day for the grandmother?
Ans. The happiest moment of the day for grandmother was the time when she would feed
the sparrows. In the afternoon, she sat in the verandah breaking the bread in to little bits.
Hundreds of sparrows collected around her. Some even sat on her legs, others on her
shoulders and head. She smiled but never shooed them away. This used to be the happiest
moment of the day for her
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. The grandmother was a religious and kind hearted woman. Justify.
Ans. Value points
Religious woman:- busy with her rosary beads
Her lips always moved in her silent prayers
Read the scriptures in the village temple
Always in her monotonous silent prayers that the author would learn them by heart
Kindhearted woman:- treated her grandson with love and affection
Feed the village dogs with stale chapattis
When moved to city, she feed the sparrows
Her company being with sparrows in the afternoon
She is a woman of noble nature and tender heart
2. How did the grandmother receive the author when he returned from abroad?
Ans. Value points:- went to the railway station which the author thought of their last meeting
He was wrong in his supposition
After five years, when he returned, she celebrated his homecoming
In evening, collected women of neighbourhood, sang for hours
Next morning, she had mild fever: she knew that her end was near
She prayed continuously and died peacefully
UNSOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE
1. Why was it hard for the author to believe that his grandmother had once been young
and pretty?
2. The author and his grandmother were good friends. Support your answer
with suitable examples.
3. Why was the grandmother distressed with education in city school?
4. What change came over the grandmother when the author returned home from
abroad?
5. How do the sparrows react at the death of the author’s grandmother?
LONG ANSWER TYPE
1. The grandmother herself was not formally educated but was serious about the author’s
education. Explain
2. Gradually the author and the grandmother saw less of each other and their friendship was
broken. Was the distancing in the relationship deliberate or the demand of the situation
3. Why is it hard for the author to believe that his grandmother was once young and pretty?
4. “When the people are pious and good even nature mourns their death”. Justify .
“We’re Not Afraid To Die…. If We Can All Be Together”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gordon Cook(born December 3, 1978, inToronto) is a two-time Canadian Olympic sailor. He sails
for the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. He is the son ofStephen Cookand Linda Cook.
Cook is a graduate of the Engineering Physics program atQueens University. AtQueens
University, he also met his 2008 Olympic team partnerBen Remocker, where they were members
of the university sailing team. Cook and Remocker became the first Canadians to sail a 49er in an
Olympic Regatta at the2008 Beijing Olympics, where they finished 14th.
THE THEME
200 years after captain James cook’s first world voyage, this captain, a 37-year-old businessman,
set sail on his three year long voyage round-the-world from Plymouth, England in July 1976. He
started with his wife Mary, six year old son Jonathan and seven year old daughter Suzanne. They
sailed in their specially designed and tested for worst storms boat named Wavewalker. The first
leg of their journey passed pleasantly down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town. Before
heading east they took two crewmen to help them face one of the roughest seas, the southern
Indian Ocean. Here on the second day they encountered strong gales and very high waves lasting
for weeks. Ultimately, the gigantic waves and dark roaring sky with enormous clouds broke over
their ship as a torrent of green white water. The boat Wavewalker started sinking but it could be
saved by continuous pumping out of water and timely repairs. After two days fighting the sea
they got some respite and had their first meal. But it was short lived, the other storm hovered
over them. They were all determined to fight the sea with everything they had. Mary stayed at
the wheel for all those critical hours. The little girl didn’t want her parents to worry about hear
head and hand injury. The six year old boy was not afraid to die.
ABOUT THE LESSON
On round the world three-years voyage : In July 1976, the captain with his wife. Mary, son
Jonathan and daughter, Suzanne set sail from Plymouth, England for repeating round the world
voyage which Captain James Cook made 200 years earlier. For the longest time the captain(37
year old-businessman) and his wife, Mary had dreamt of the voyage in the light of the famous
explorer(James Cook) and the last 16 years they spent all their leisure time in sharpening the
skills of travelling by sea in British seas. The boat ‘Wavewalker’ 23 meter long, 30 ton beautiful
wooden structure was professionally built, and they had taken months in fitting and testing it in
the roughest weather. The first leg of their planned three-year, 1,05,00 kilometer journey passed
pleasantly. They sailed down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town.
Heading east to face the southern Indian Ocean: Before heading east, they took on two crewmen
– American Larry Vigil and Swiss Herb Seigler – to help them face on of the world’s roughest seas,
the Southern Indian Ocean. After coming out of Cape Town on the second day they began to
encounter strong winds, continuing over weeks, the gales didn’t worry them but the size of the
waves-upto 15 meters high as their main mast. On December 25, they were 3500 kilometer
away and despite very rough weather they had a wonderful holiday celebrating Christmas with
Christmas tree. On the New Year’s Day the weather changed to worse. At dawn on January 2,
the waves became gigantic. They were sailing with a small storm ‘jib’ and making eight knots
(eight nautical miles). As the ship rose to the top of each wave, they could see the endless huge
sea rolling towards them. The screaming and spray of water was painful to the ears. They
dropped the storm jib and fastened together the mooring rope around the back part of the boat
to slowdown its speed. They double-lashed everything, did their life raft drill, made life lines
ready, put on oil skins and life jackets – and waited.
First hint of imminent ruin: At around 6 p.m. in the prevailing evil silence, they got the first
indication of the impending disaster. The wind stopped, sky at once grew dark. With a growing
roar, a huge clowd towered over their ship.
With horror, they realized that it was not a cloud, but a wave like no other
ever seen. It appeared almost vertical and double the height of all other waves having a frightful
devastating top. The roar increased to a thunder as their boat moved up the wave giving him and
idea of riding over it. But then an awful explosion shook the ship. The currents of green and
white water started over the ship. His head strongly hit the wheel and he knew of flying
overboard and sinking in the waves there overboard of the ship. He accepted his nearing death;
and as he was losing consciousness, he was feeling quite peaceful. But unexpectedly his head
sprang out of water. He observed Wavewalker was near capsizing with masts almost horizontal.
But a wave turned the Wavewalker upright, his lifeline became tight and grabbing the guard rails
and sailed into ‘Wavewalker’s main boom. The captain was subsequently tossed around the
deck like a doll. His left ribs and teeth were broken. His mouth was filled with blood. He
somehow hung on the wheel.
Water, Water Everywhere: The captain could feel water, water everywhere; the ship had water
below. So he dared not leave the wheel. Suddenly Marry appeared from the front hatch saying,
“We are sinking! The decks are broken; We are full of water.” He shouted to her. “Take the
wheel.” Harry and Herb were pumping out like madmen. The broken timber hung haphazardly.
The whole starboard side bulged inward: clothes, crockery, charts, tins and toys thrashed about
in deep water. The captain swam and crawled into the children’s cabin to inquire about the
safety. But Sue’s big bump above her eyes was hurting her head, though he had no time to worry
about it. With a hammer, screws and canvas he struggled back on deck to make repairs on
starboard side. It was letting in water with every wave. If not repaired, they would surely sink.
Somehow he managed to cover the gaping holes with canvas and waterproof hatch covers. Any
water still streaming below was mostly deflected over the side.
More problems arising: The hands pumps started to block up with debris floating around the
cabins and electric pump also short circuited. The rising water level was threatening. But he
found his two spare hand pumps wrenched overboard with forestay sail, the jib, the dinghies and
main anchor. From under the chartroom-floor he took out his another electric pump and
connected it to an out pipe and all worked again. The whole night they did endless, bitterly cold
routine of pumping , steering and sending radio signals. The captain got no replies from their
Mayday Calls – not being so surprising in far-off corner of the world.
Sue’s head had swollen alarmingly, blackening her big eyes and now she showed a deep cut on
her arm. She didn’t tell about the injuries before because she did not want to worry her father
when he was trying to save them all.
Search for an Island before reaching Australia: By morning on January 3, the pump had brought
the water level sufficiently under control giving them two hours rest in rotation from pumping.
Still somewhere below the water time there was a huge leak. On checking it was found that
nearly all the boat’s main rib frames were destroyed fully. In fact, except a few cupboard
partitions, there was nothing to hold up the whole section of the starboard frame. The
Wavewalker could hold them for 15 hours after the wave hit, but wouldn’t hold long enough for
them to reach Australia. He checked his charts and calculated that there were two small islands a
few hundred kilometers to the west. One of them –The Amsterdam – a French scientific base,
was their only hope to reach the trifling irritations in the vast Indian Ocean. But their chance
would be slim indeed, unless the wind and the seas cooled down so they could hoist sail. The
great wave had put the supporting engine out of order.
Keep pace with water still coming in: After 36 hours of continuous pumping on January 4, they
reached a stage of keeping pace of pumping out the water still coming in. They couldn’t set any
sail on the main mast. So they hoisted the storm jib and head for the islands. Mary found some
corned beef and cracker biscuits, and they took their first meal in almost two days.
Short-lived respite: But their rest period was short. At 4 p.m. black clouds and the wind was back
to 40 knots and the seas rose higher. The weather worsened throughout the night and at dawn
on January 5, the situation became alarming again. When the captain went to comfort the
children, Jon asked “Daddy are we going to die ?” He tried to assure Jon, but he went on, ‘We are
not afraid of dying if we can all be together- you and Mummy, She and I” He could find no words
to respond, but he left children’s cabin determined to fight the sea with all their might. The
captain decided to go ahead to protect the weakened starboard side with the undamaged port
hill to face the oncoming waves. He would use an improvised sea anchor of heavy nylon rote and
two 22 liter plastic barrels of paraffin.
That evening he sat with Mary holding her hand as the motion of ship brought more and more in
through broken planks. They both felt the end was very near.
Wavewalker Rode out of Storm: By the morning of January 6, with the slowing down of the wind,
the Wavewalker rode out of the storm. He worked on the sextant. Back in the chartroom he
worked on wind speeds, drift and current to know their position. He concluded that they were
somewhere in 150,000 kilometers of ocean searching a 65 kilometer wide island. Then little Sue
moving painfully joined him. The lift side of her head was so much swollen that her blackened
eyes narrowed to slits. She gave him the card she had made.
On the front of the card were caricatures of her parents with the words : “Here are some funny
people. Did they make you laugh? I laughed a lot as well. Inside the card was a message: “Oh,
how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you and let’s hope for the best.
Cheerful landing: The captain checked and rechecked his calculations. They had lost the main
compass and he had been working with the spare one which was not corrected for magnetic
variation. I did it and estimated again for influence of western currents passing through this
region of the Indian Ocean. At 2 P.M. he went on the deck and asked Mary to steer a course of
185 degrees. He hoped that at about 5 p.m. they could expect to see the island. Then with a
heavy heart he went below climbed on his sleeping seat and surprisingly slept. He woke up at 6
p.m. when it was growing dark. He knew they must have lost the island and with the sail they
were left, they couldn’t hope to beat back the westerly winds. That moment a rough head
appeared by my bunk, “Can I have a hug?” Jon asked, Sue was right behind him. He asked the
reason. His son replied, You are the best daddy in the whole world – and the best captain. He
told his son Jonathan, no today I am afraid. Sue spoke, “Why you must be. You found the island”.
He shouted ‘What!’ It is out there in front of us. They spoke in one voice, ‘as big as a battleship’.
He rushed to the deck and gazed with relief at the Amsterdam. It was a black piece of a volcanic
rock, with little vegetation – the most beautiful island in the world.
Inhabitants of the island cheered them ashore: They anchored offshore for the night. On January
7 morning, all 28 inhabitants of the island cheered them as they took them ashore. With land
under his feet again the captain thought of Larry and Herbie who worked cheerfully with
optimism under the horrible pressure. The captain thought of his wife Mary who stayed at the
wheel for all those crucial hours. Most of all, he thought of the seven-year-old girl Suzanne who
didn’t want them to worry about her head injury which afterwards took six minor operations to
remove the blood clot happening again and again between skin and skull. And he thought of
Jonathan, a six-year-old boy who was not afraid to die.
SOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. When did the Captain and the family members start their voyage?
Ans. The Captain and family members had dreamt of sailing round the world in the wake of
the famous ancient voyager Capt. James Cook. For the past 16 years, they spent all their
leisure time in sharpening their seafaring skills in the roughest weather they could find in
British Waters.
2. Describe the boat Wavewalker.
Ans. it was a 23 metre, 30 ton wooden strongly structured boat named Wavewalker. It had
been builtby expert boat manufacturers. It took months fitting it out and was tested in the
roughest weather. It was provided with all essential spare items of requirements during
horrible sea storms.
3. How did the voyagers celebrate their Christmas and where?
Ans. on the Christmas Day, the voyagers were 3500kms east of Cape Town in the southern
Indian Ocean. Though the sea was rough, they enjoyed a wonderful holiday. They celebrated
Christmas singing carols complete with a Christmas tree with them. They had carried Santa
Claus who brought them presents on Christmas Eve. They expected the weather to improve
but it didn’t.
4. When did the wave storm strike WaveWalker? How did the captain face it?
Ans. It was 6PM on January 2, 1977 that the gigantic waves died out. With an ominous
silence, the wind dropped and sky grew dark. A perfectly vertical wave, twice the height of
other wave appeared. With a tremendous explosion, it broke over the ship shaking its deck
and sending a torrent of green and white water over it. Captain’s head smashed into the
wheel, he flew overboard and sinking below the waves. WaveWalker was nearly capsized.
Subsequent waves tossed up the ship and injured the captain badly. There was water
everywhere on the ship.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Describe the struggle of the voyagers after WaveWalker was hit by the storm.
Ans. Value Points:- Captain took two crewmen- American Larry Vigil and Swiss Herb Seigler
Second day, face strong gales
Small storm jib was dropped to slow the speed
Terrible storm broke the ship and filled with water
Captain’s head smashed, flying in the waves but subsequent waves tossed
him. His left rib cracked, teeth broke. Sue’s head bumped
For 36 hours, the crewmen kept pumping out the water from the ship
Radio signals were not responded
The condition of wavewalker was not proper. So, they decided to find Ile
Amstersdam for help.
2. The voyage ate their first meal in almost two days. But their respite was short lived. why?
what happened that time?
Ans. Value Points:- Crewmen brought the water level to few centimeters in the ship.
Wave storm abated. They headed towards the island.
Mary found some food and they had their first meal in two days
They kept pace with water
At 4PMblack clouds began to approach. Soon strong wind was back
with 40 nautical miles. Rough weather. No sail on the main mast.
Auxillary engine gone out of work. Chances of survival were less.
Captain could not find words to console the children
More water came in with the motion of the ship.
Planks broken.they felt that their end is near.
UNSOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What was the object behind the writer’s undertaking the journey?
2. What are Mayday calls? Why was the ship getting no replies to its Mayday calls?
3.What did Sue say when she was asked by her father why she had not complained much about
her grave injuries at the first instance?
4.What happened at 6pm on 2nd of January?
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Highlight the tremendous courage and stoicism shown by the two children during the struggle
of the ship to keep from sinking?
2.How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure ‘the direct stress ’?
3.What picture does the lesson draw on lives at sea?
4. What are the different technical aspects of a boat that the lesson highlights
Discovering Tut : The Saga Continues
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A R Williams is working as a senior writer in National Geographic magazine. The extract
“Discovering Tut” is taken from one of her featured articles . Her other works include “Bamboo
clothing ”, “Mystery of the Tattooed Mummy” and much more.
THEME
This story by A.R.William very vividly describes the progress of the process which involved
excavating and studying the mummy of the famous Egyptian king Tutankhamun.Tutankhamun
died in his teens. Since his tomb was discovered in 1922, after 22 years, Tut underwent a CT scan
that offered new clues on his life and death. Investigations showed the real cause of death of the
young Pharaoh. Reconstruction refers to re-establishing the previously held belief about the
circumstances under which the young Pharaoh died. He became the king when he was 11 years
old and died after ruling for 8 years. It is thought that he could have been murdered. Tut or
Tutankhamun was born in BC 1341, that is, around 3400 year back in those days when Egypt was
a very powerful country. He was the son of the ruling king (Pharaoh) Akhenaten of the 18th
Dynasty. Tut became king/pharaoh at a very early age of 8 but his reign lasted a few years. Tut
died – probably he was killed or he died in a war, in an accident, at the age of 18, probably.
ABOUT THE LESSON
King Tut was just a teenager when he died. He was the last heir of a powerful family that had
ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries. He was laid to rest laden with gold and eventually
forgotten. Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, the modern world has speculated about what
happened to him, with murder the most extreme possibility. Now, leaving his tomb which was
discovered almost 80 years back, Tut has for the first time undergone a CT scan that offers new
clues about his life and death – and provides precise data for an accurate forensic reconstruction
of the boyish pharaoh. The lingering medical mysteries of this little understood young ruler who
died more than 3,300 years ago are being revealed with the findings that his breast-bone and
front ribs are missing.
Angry wind-ghostly dust: There began a very strong wind stirring up the ghostly dust devils when
king Tut was taken from his tomb in the ancient Egypt cemetery called the Valley of the kings.
Dark black clouds ran with quick motion across the desert sky and were covering the stars also
with grey colour. On January 5, 2005, at 6 p.m. the world’s most famous mummy (dead body)
with head was flown here into a CT scanner. It was to probe the decaying medical mysteries of
this little understood young ruler who died more than 3300 years ago. Line of tourists-pay
respect: From around the world one afternoon tourists had come and made queue as usual to
get down into the narrowed rock-cut tombs, 26 feet underground to pay their respects (to Tut).
They watched the paintings on the walls of the burial chamber. They looked hard with narrowed
eyes at Tut’s gilded face which was the most impressive feature of his mummy shaped outer
coffin lid.
Some visitors read from guidebooks in a whisper. Others stood silently perhaps they were
thinking about Tut’s untimely death in his late teens (at 18 or 19). Or they might be wondering
with a fear if the pharaoh’s curse –death or curse fell upon those who disturbed them was really
the reason.
Mummy’s bad condition with complete contents: Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s
Supreme Council of Antiquities told that the mummy was in a very bad condition as he bent
because of what carter did in the 1920s. Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, in 1922
discovered Tut’s tomb after years of futile search. Its contents belonging to ancient times were
surprisingly complete, though they were hastily thoroughly searched. They remain so far the
richest royal collection ever found and have become part of the pharaoh’s legend. The surprising
artifacts in gold with their eternal brilliance meant to guarantee the revival from the grave. They
caused an excitement for the public at the time of their discovery – and still get the most
attention. But Tut was also buried in the grave with everyday things he would want in the
afterlife. The board games, a bronze razor, linen undergarments, cases of food and wine all were
there in his grave.
Investigating three nested coffins: It took months to record the pharaoh’s burial treasures. After
that Carter began to investigate the three layers coffins. On opening the first, he found a winding
sheet of a corpse which was decorated with garlands of willow and olive leaves, wild celery, lotus
petals, and cornflowers. All this gave a faded proof of a burial in March or April. When finally, he
reached the mummy he ran into a trouble. The ritual resins had so hardened that it cemented
tut to the bottom of his solid gold Coffin. No amount of reasonable force could move them to
separate. Carter later wrote ‘what was to be done?”
The sun to loosen the resins-nothing budged: In this far South Egypt the sun can beat down like a
hammer. If Carter failed to use the sun to loosen the resins. For several hours the mummy was
set outside in the blazing sunshine that heated the mummy upto 144 degrees Fahrenheit. But
nothing moved. Without any scientific consideration he reported that the solidified material had
to be cut down with a chisel from below the limbs and trunk to enable to raise the king’s remains.
Fabulously Wealthy royals: In this action of cutting out the king’s remains with a chisel Carter
really had no other choice. If he had not cut the mummy free, thieves must have cheated the
guards and tore it out to remove the gold. During Tut’s time the royal people were wonderfully
wealthy. They thought or hoped that they could take their wealth with them for death afterlife.
King Tut for his journey to the afterlife, also was bestowed heavily with glittering goods (of gold);
costly neckbands, engraved designed necklaces and bracelets, rings amulets, a ceremonial apron,
sandals, sheaths for his fingers and toes, and the image inner coffin and the mask – all of pure
gold. In order to separate Tut from his decorations, Carters men removed the mummy’s head,
and disunited nearly every major joint. After completing it, they reassembled the remains on a
layer of sand in a wooden box with padding that hid the damage and the bed where Tut now
rests.
Archaeology Changed for focus on life: Archaeology has really changed during these decades. It
now focuses less on the reassure and more on the attractive details of life and improper and
secret plotting mysteries of death. It now uses more modern and accurate tools, along with
medical technology. More than 40 years after Carter’s discovery (of Tut’s tomb), in 1968 a
professor of anatomy X-rayed the mummy and revealed an astonishing fact: Tut’s breast bone
and front ribs are missing.
Diagnostic imaging-CT scan: These days photo taking to ascertain symptoms of diseases is done
with computed tomography or CT. By this hundreds of X-rays in cross section are put together
like slices of bread, to create a three dimensional virtual body. A CT scan of Tut can what reveal
more than X-ray. And to two delaying biggest questions about Tut how did he die, and how old
was he at the time of his death? Answers are being discovered.
Tuts funeral-death rattle of dynasty: King Tut’s death was an extraordinary event because of XXX
standards. He was the last of his clan and his funeral was the death bill of his dynasty. But,
particulars of his death and the after results are not clear.
Amenhotep III-a powerful pharaoh: Tut’s father or grandfather, depend upon how you read the
proof-was a powerful pharaoh. He rules for almost four decades at the climax of the 18 th
dynasty’s golden age.
Strangest Period of Ancient history: His son Amenhotep IV sat on the throne aftr him. He started
one of the strangest period in the history of ancient Egypt. The new pharaoh started the worship
of the Aten, the sun disk. He changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning “servant of the Aten.”
He shifted the religious capital from the old city of thebes to the new city of Akhetaten(now
called Amarna).
He shocked the country further by attacking a major god, “Amun’ by shattering his images and
closing his temples. The directory of the university of Chicago Research Centre in Luxor, the site
of ancient thebes, Ray Johnsen said, “It must have been a horrible time. The family that had
ruled for centures was coming to an end, and then Akhenaten went a little wacky.
Young Tutankhaten took throne: After the death of King Akhenaten, a musterious ruler named
Smenkhkare ruled for a short period and left without leaving any sign.
Then a very young Tutankhaten sat on the throne-today he is widerly knows as king Tut. The boy
king soon changed his name to TutanKhanum-meaning the living image of the god Amun. He
started the revival of the old ways. He ruled for about nine years, and then he died unexpectedly.
Tut-One mummy among many: Without caring for his fame and guess about his fate, Tut is one
mummy among many in Egypt. No one knows how many. The Egyptian Mummy Project began
in search in late 2003. So far it has found 600 and is still counting.
The next phase was of scanning the mummy with a portable CT machine which was donated by
its manufacturer the National Geographical Society and Siemens. King tut is one of the first
mummies to be scanned in death, as in life, moving royally ahead of his country men.
CT Scan for probe: A CT machine scanned Tut’s mummy from head to toe, making 1,700 digital
X-rays images in cross section. Tut’s head scanned in 0.62 mm slices to record it complicated
structures. The final image produces details exciting fear. Tut’s whole body was similarly
recorded. A team of experts in radiology, forensics and anatomy started their examination of
secrets which were protected by the winged goddesses of gilded burial shrine for such a long
time (over 3300 years).
Night of the scan: The workmen took out tut’s box from the tomb. Like the coffin carriers they
climbed the ramp and then stairs to come in the open of whirling sand outside. Then they rose
with a water-pressure lift into the vehicle that had the CT scan machine. Twenty minutes later
two men came out and ran to a nearby office and come back with white plastic fans. The million
dollar machine had left scanning due to the sand entering the collar fan. A frightened guard
joked by calling it, “curse of pharaoh.”
Three hours after-again rested in peace: Finally, the additional pair of fans worked well enough
to complete scanning work. After verifying that no data was missing, the technicians handed
over Tut to the workmen. They carried him back to his tomb. It was less than three hours after
he was removed from his coffin, the pharaoh again rested in peace at the same place where he
was laid by the funerary priest over 3300 years ago.
Tut on a computer screen: The technicians reached back on the trailer (vehicle) and pulled up
surprising images of Tut on a computer screen. From the scattered dots in computer a grey head
took shape. The technicians rotated and bent it in every direction. The other images showed a
hand, several poses of the rib cage and a section of the skull. Now the probe pressure was over.
Zahi Hawass sitting back in his chair smiled and he felt relieved that nothing had gone wrong. He
said “I didn’t sleep last night, not for a second; I was so worried. But now I think I will go and
sleep.
Winter air-cold and still: By the time they left the trailer and came down the metal stairs to the
sandy ground, the winter wind stopped, lay cool and still, like death itself, in this valley of the
dead pharaohs.
Orion – the constellation, ancient Egyptians took as the soul of Orisis, the god of the afterlife; was
shining just above the entrance to Tut’s tomb. It was guarding the boy king Tut.
SOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Where is Tut’s body buried?
King Tut’s body is buried inside an enormous pyramid in the royal cemetery called the
Valley of Kings in Egypt.
2. Why did ancient Egyptians bury their dead along with enormous riches?
The ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. Because they believed that the dead
would one day return to life and that they would therefore need riches in gold and
diamonds, the relatives of the dead buried as much gold and other valuables as that allowed
them to bury.
3. How did archaeologists find out that Tut’s body was buried in March?
When Howard Carter opened the first nested coffin, he saw shrouds, olive leaves, wild
celery, lotus petals, etc. which suggested the possibility
4. What did the tourists do at that time?
The tourists queued up as usual all afternoon into the narrowed rock- cut tomb. They
lined up to pay their homage to King Tut. They watched the murals on the burial chamber.
Some read the guide books where as other stood silently.
5. Why was King Tut’s demise a big event even by royal standards?
King Tut’s demise4 was a big event because he was the last ruler of his dynasty. His
funeral was the death bell of his dynasty that had ruled in Egypt for centuries. This big
event is because of the fact that he died unexpectedly at young age. The particulars of his
death are not clear.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. How was Tut different from his ancestor?
Amenhotep IV – Tut’s father
1. Promoted the worship of Aten (Sun disk)
2. Changed his name to Akhenaten (Servant of Aten)
3. Shifted the religious capital from the old city of Thebes to the new city of
Akhetaten. (Now known as Amarana)
4. Attacked God Amun by smashing images and closing temples.
Tutankhaten – Tutankhamun – TUT
5. Changed his name to Tutankhamun (Living image of Amun)
6. Restored all the old ways.
Reigned for nine years and died unexpectedly
2. Why was the funerary treasure not taken away since the discovery of Tut’s tomb in
1922? Who guarded it?
Royal family – extremely rich
They believed in afterlife
Funerary treasure used to be a real store house of the riches
Pharoah’s curse was the main reason –it checked thieves & winged Goddesses
guard the mummies & the ir treasure.
Visitors are compelled to believe such guarding forces- angry wind blew ghostly
dust devils when King Tut’s body was taken out of his coffin; heavy dark clouds etc.
UNSOLVED QUESTIONS
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Why did Howard Carter decide to amputate Tut’s body?
Why did ancient Egyptians bury enormous treasures along with their dead?
What startling mystery did the x-raying of Tut’s body in 1968 reveal?
Opening the first gilded coffin, Carter reached a conclusion that Tut’s body was buried in
the month of March. How did his speculation work?
5. Why does Zahi Hawas blame Howard Carter?
1.
2.
3.
4.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What is Pharoah’s curse? Do you believe it to be the cause of boy king’s untimely
death? Why/ why not?
2. A.R Williams says ‘King Tut is…. in death, as in life moving regally ahead of his
countrymen’. How far do you agree with the assertion and why?
3. How did Carter defend his action of cutting the mummy free?
4. Describe the Egyptian rulers that you find mention in the lesson.
5. Do you feel the lesson is able to mirror the element of mystery that is associated
with the Egyptians pyramids and the mummies inside them?
The Ailing Planet : the Green
Movements’s Role
(by Nani Palkhivala)
About the Author :
Nani Palkhivala was not just an eminent advocate and constitutional expert, but was a remarkable
orator. He was an eminent scholar, thinker, economist and Social philosopher and was invited by
the then Chief Justice of India, Justice S.R.Das to become a Judge of Supreme Court. However, he
declined the offer. He was India’s Ambassador to the U.S. . He was also Chairman to the ACC
Group of companies and was also visiting professor at Harvard University on Income Tax Laws.
He left for his heavenly abode on November 2, 2002.
MAIN THEME
Nani Palkhivala, the well known lawyer, has reviewed the ecological situation of the earth with
particular reference to India. He points out that our point of view has shifted from a mechanistic to
a holistic view of the world where ecology is concerned.
The earth has become like an ailing patient. The World commission on Environment and
Development put forward the idea of sustainable development. The idea is that the resources
should be used with restraint so that they last for the future generations.
The principal biological systems- fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands are being fast
depleted. Forests are being lost at the rate of an acre and a half per second. Though rules exist for
preservation of environment, in India laws are constantly flouted. The actual loss of forests may be
8 times the government statistics. The environmental conditions in eighty eight countries is critical.
The growth of world population is chiefly responsible for degradation of environment. Population
control must be given top most priority.
Now the thinking of the people has changed to holistic. We think not just of the survival of people
but of saving the earth too. Industries need to cooperated in the preservation of environment. We
have borrowed the earth from our children and we must return it to them intact.
IV. MAIN POINTS
1.
The Green Movement started just 35 years ago. It has now captured the imagination of
millions.
2.
The first Green Party was established in New Zealand in 1972.
3.
Fortunately, the world is shifting to a holistic and ecological view.
4.
The earth is like a patient in declining health.
5.
Sustainable development meets the needs of present without harming the interests of the
future generations.
6.
Man shares this earth with 1.4 millions species.
7.
We should not leave a scorched earth, advancing deserts and ailing environment.
8.
E.R. Brown describes – fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands as four principal biological
systems of the earth.
9.
These four systems are the basics of global economic systems.
10. Fisheries are being ruined, forests are being decimated (cleared away). Grasslands and
croplands are being converted into deserts.
11. Forests precede mankind; deserts follow. Tropical forests are disappearing at the rate of 40-50
million acres a year.
12. Article 48-A of the Constitution asserts that “the State shall endeavor to protect and improve
the environment.
13. But such laws are never respected and enforced in India.
14. A satellite study of the U.N.O. shows that in 88 countries the environment can be called
‘critical’.
15. Population explosion has been the main cause of this deterioration of the environment.
16. The present population is more than 5.7 billion. Every four days the world population
increases by one million.
17. The choice is really between control of population and perpetuation of poverty.
18. The survival of the people as well as the survival of the planet is at stake.
19. We are not the masters of the earth but have only a life tenancy.
20. ‘We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers. We have borrowed it from our
children.’
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
What is concept of sustainable development ?
Ans.
Development that meets the needs of the present without harming the needs of future
generations, is called ‘sustainable development’ We have to keep the balance. The
principal biological system of the earth are to be used judiciously. Fisheries, forests,
grasslands and croplands are to be used judiciously. They must be preserved for the future
Q.2
generations.
Who is ‘the world’s most dangerous animal’? Why did they put a mirror inside a cage in
Ans.
the Zoo at Lusaka ?
Certainly, man has been the most dangerous animal that ever lived on this earth. He has
swallowed fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands. The notice at a cage in the Zoo at
Lusaka reads, “The world’s most dangerous animal’. Inside the cage there is no animal but
only a mirror where you can see yourself. The mirror reflects the image of the real villain.
Q.3
He is none else than the man himself.
What were the important issued that were raised in the First Brandt Commission on
Ans.
ecology and environment ?
The Brandt Commission dealt with the questions of ecology and environment. The
Commission had a distinguished Indian as one of its members – Mr. L.K.Jha. The
Commission warned the world of Green House effect that was making the earth ‘a
scorched planet’. It also warned the world that the environment was deteriorating at an
Q.4
alarming rate. ‘advancing deserts’ and ‘impoverished landscapes’ didn’t augur well for the
Ans.
plant.
What are earth’s principal biological systems ?
There are four principal biological systems of the earth. They are fisheries, forests,
grasslands and croplands. They form the foundation of the global economic system. They
supply us food. They all provide all the raw materials for industry except minerals. Human
demands on these system are increasing to a point where their productivity is impaired.
Q.5
What is the cause of the collapse of fisheries ?
Ans.
It is a protein conscious world. People are advised to consume more and more protein. Fish
is an important source of protein. So in a protein-hungry world, over fishing is a common
practice. Over-fishing has resulted in the collapse of fisheries.
Q.6
How are the ‘local’ and ‘tropical’ forests being decimated ?
Ans.
Man is the greatest consumer of forest wealth. Local forests are being decimated in order to
get firewood for cooking. The tropical forests are the power-house of evolution. We are
losing forests at the rate of an acre and half in a second. Need for fuel and wood and other
building activities has destroyed much of the tropical forests.
Q.7
‘Forests precede mankind ; deserts follow’. Explain this statement
Ans.
Naturally, forests precede mankind. Forests were in existence much before the coming of
man on this planet. It is also true that if forests disappear, deserts will follow. Felling of
trees and clearing of forests is converting our grassland and croplands into wastelands and
Q.8
deserts.
Our grasslands are being converted into barren wastelands, and croplands deteriorate.
Ans.
Justify this statement.
The pressure on land is increasing. Our grasslands are being converted into barren
wastelands. Over-grazing of animals has caused havoc to our grasslands. Similarly, the
pressure of population on croplands has been affecting their productivity, degradation of
environment has led to such disasters.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
What is the positive shift that has come in human perceptions and what is the role of the
Green Movement in bringing such a change ?
Ans.
There has come a change in human perceptions. Man’s view is no longer mechanistic one.
He doesn’t consider this world to be a machine. He has evolved a holistic view. It is a
comprehensive ecological view of this world. It is revolutionary shift in the thinking of
man. There is growing worldwide consciousness that the earth itself is a living organism. It
is an enormous being of which we are only parts. The world has its own metabolic needs. It
has some vital processes. They need to be preserved and respected. It is becoming quite
clear that the earth is an ailing planet. It is in declining health. It is our duty to save this
planet for future generations.
The Green Movement is basically a movement to save this planet and its environment from
degradation and deterioration. The movement has gripped the imagination of the entire
human race. It started nearly 35 years ago. The world’s first Green Party was founded in
Q. 2
1972 in New Zealand. Since then, the movement has not looked back.
What signs reveal that the earth is a patient in declining health ? What is the concept of
‘sustainable development’ and how is it being disturbed ?
Ans.
The earth’s vital signs tell a different story. They give dangerous signals. They reveal that
this planet on which we live is no more a pleasant place. It is like a patient in declining
health. Laster R.Brown points out that there are four principal biological systems in the
world. They are fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands. They form the foundation of
the global economic system. But in most parts of the world human demands on these
systems are reaching an unsustainable level. The earth and its environment shows all round
degradation and deterioration. We are living on a sick planet.
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without harming the interests
of the future generations. It means that natural wealth and resources will be safeguarded to
meet the needs of the future generations. Fisheries and forests should not be plundered.
Human development may be such as may not covert grasslands and croplands into
wastelands and deserts.
3.
‘We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers: we have borrowed it from our
children.’ Discuss.
Ans.
Value Points :

Earth’s resources are limited

The resources have been almost exhausted by the generations so far

Uncontrollable populations growth is responsible for such demand on the available
resources
4.

Every generation needs to think about future generations

Borrowed things are treated and handled with career

Thus the resources are not to be exhausted as they belong to the future generation.
What is the remarkable shift in our attitude towards the earth brought on by the Green
Ans.
Movement ?
Value Points :
A remarkable change in the attitude of human race towards the earth.

Shift from mechanistic view to the holistic and ecological view

Mechanistic view – that earth is an inanimate thing like a brick, a rock etc.

Holistic view – that earth is a living organism, like a human being, an animal

Thus earth is considered to be ailing, suffering from diseases.

Needs treatment from human beings.

Treatment – population control, control of carbon emissions.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
1.
What are the principal biological systems of earth and what is their importance ?
2
What is the reason of fisheries collapse ?
3
How do the local and tropical forests face extinction ?
4
How are croplands and grasslands being converted into wastelands and deserts ?
5
‘Control of population’ or ‘perpetuation of poverty’. What is your choice and why ?
6
The question is not the survival just of the people but of the planet. Elucidate.
7
‘All we have is a life tenancy. No generation has a freehold on this earth.’ Do you agree
with the statement of Margaret Thatcher ? Give reasons.
8
‘We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers. We have borrowed it from our
children.’ Justify.
II.
1
Long Answer Type Question for Practice
What is the change that has come in human perceptions ? What is role of the Green
Movement in bringing such a change ?
2
What is sustainable development ? How is concept of sustainable development threatened
under pressure due to the villainy of man ?
3
What are the principal bio-systems of the earth and how are they being systematically
destroyed by man?
4
We are not the lords of this planet but have only ‘a life long tenancy with a full repairing
lease’. Justify this statement.
5
Nani Palkivala calls man “the world’s most dangerous animal” . How does he defend his
view point and at the same time holds out hope for the world?
Valued Based Questions
‘In some places, firewood has become so expensive that what goes under the pot costs
more than what goes inside it’.
Who do you think is responsible for the following situation? How can you contribute in
controlling the situation ?
The Browning Version
(by Terence Rattigan)
About the Author :
Terence Rattigan was born on June 10th, 1911 in London, the son of a career diplomat. As a
member of the lower upper- middle class in the inter-war period, the young Rattigan received a
first rate education at Harrow and Trinity College, Oxford. His was a privileged and intellectual
background and this is reflected in his plays. For a decade after the second world war he was one
of the English Leading playwrights. Although he was never as successful in the United States as he
was in Britain, Rattigan increasingly is being viewed in his homeland as one of the 20th Century’s
finest playwrights.
MAIN THEME
The Browning Version is an extract from a play by Terence Rattigan. Taplow, a sixteen year old
student has to meet his teacher Mr. Crocker-Harris, at 6.30 PM in order to make up for some
classes he had missed. While he waits for Mr. Harris, he meets Frank, a science teacher in the
school and the two get into conversation. Mostly they talk about Mr. Crocker-Harris, whom
Taplow calls ‘Crock’. Mr. Crocker-Harris emerges as a strict disciplinarian, who speaks gently
even when he is not saying anything pleasing to the student. In spite of his strictness, Taplow likes
him and Frank envies him. He is not a sadist like some other teachers. Towards the end of the play,
Millie, Crocker-Harris’s wife, enters. She knows about Taplow’s ‘extra work’. She sends him
away.
MAIN POINTS
1. Frank is young school master
2. Crocker Harries is middle aged master
3. Taplow is a boy of sixteen. He has come in to do extra work as ordered by Crocker Harris.
4. Taplow is in the lower fifth class.
5. Taplow is waiting for the result. If he passes, he will opt for science in the next class.
6. Mr. Crocker Harries is unlike other teachers. He never tells the results before it is officially
announced.
7. Taplow says that he is extremely interested in science. He likes science more than
Aeschylus’ ‘Agamemnon.’
8. Frank tells Taplow that if a student is given any extra work on the last day. He is sure to get
through.
9. Taplow describes that such sort of rule don’t apply to Mr. Crocker Harris.
10. Mr. Harris told Taplow that he had given him what he deserved; no less and no more.
11. Frank relishes Taplow speaking against Crocker Harris but pretends being fair to him.
12. He suggests Taplow not to wait and cut his class and go back home.
13. Taplow is scared of Crocker Harris. He doesn’t dare to cut.
14. Frank admits that he envies his fellow teacher Mr. Crocker Harries. Students are so much
scared of him.
15. Taplow replies that Mr. Crocker Harries is not a sadist and doesn’t enjoy torturing others.
16. Mr. Crocker Harries doesn’t show his real feelings. He is shriveled up inside like a nut.
17. Mr. Harris hates people who like him.
18. In spite of all shortcoming in Mr. Harris, Taplow likes him.
19. Then Millie Crocker appears. Taplow is much frightened. Perhaps she had heard
everything they were talking.
20. She takes out a prescription. She asks Taplow to take this prescription to the chemist and
come back before Mr. Crocker Harries comes.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
Comment on the ‘classical jokes’ of Mr. Crocker Harris. What did Mr. Harris say to
Taplow when he laughed at one of his jokes ?
Ans.
Sometimes Mr. Crocker Harries made his ‘classical jokes’ in the class. Nobody laughed
because nobody understood them. One day out of ordinary politeness, Taplow laughed at
one of his jokes. Mr. Crocker was pleased at the advance Taplow had made in Latin. Only
he could understand Mr. Crocker’s classical jokes in Latin in the whole class.
Q.2
Cite an instance in the text that may show that Frank relishes Mr. Crocker Harris being
criticized by Taplow ?
Ans.
Mr. Frank is not straightforward. He is envious of Mr. Crocker Harries and his wonderful
hold over his students. When Taplow imitates Mr. Crocker Harries in his throaty voice, Mr.
Frank relishes it. Not only that. He asks Taplow, “Just…repeat it, would you?” He only
pretends to hide his envy for Mr. Harris.
Q.3
How do Mr. Frank and Taplow react to sudden arrival of Millie Crocker ?
Ans.
Franck and Taplow react differently to sudden arrival of Mrs. Millie Crocker. Frank turns
to welcome her. He is ‘infinitely relieved’ at seeing her. On other hand, Taplow is scared.
He fears if she has heard what he spoke about Mr. Crocker. If she has heard him, she can
report his words to Mr. Crocker Harris. Taplow fears that he might not get his remove.
Q.4
Where does Millie Crocker send Taplow to and what will happen if Mr. Crocker comes
before Taplow ?
Ans.
Millie Crocker comes to know that Taplow was waiting for her husband. She tells him that
Mr. Crocker will take quite a time to reach there. She asks him to run away to a chemist
with the prescription and get it made up. Taplow fears in case of Mr. Crocker Harris gets
there before him. Millie Crocker asks him not worry about that. She will take the blame on
her if it happens.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
Compare and correct Crocker Harris and Frank.
Ans.
Crocker Harris and Frank are two contrasting characters. In age, outlook and ideas they are
two different personalities. They have only one thing in common. They belong to the same
school. Frank is young while Crocker Harris is middle-aged. Frank teaches science while
Crocker Harris teaches classical literature. They have different temperaments. Frank is
more frank and receptive of the two. Mr. Crocker Harris is reserved and not so social.
Frank can mix up with students quite easily. His lengthy conversation with Taplow shows
that he is at ease even with the students of lower classes. Frank shows little interest in
subject he teaches. This presents him in poor light as a teacher. On the other hand, Crocker
Harris is a devoted teacher. He has a wonderful hold over his students. He is more feared
than respected. He is shriveled up inside like a nut. He hates flattery and doesn’t like
people who like him. But he is not a sadist. He is frightening and students seem to be
scared to death of him. Even Frank is envious of Crocker’s hold over the students.
Mr. Crocker Harris follows rules and regulations very strictly. He doesn’t leak out the
results before they are formally announced. Frank cares little for such formalities. Frank
relishes Taplow’s imitation and criticism of Crocker Harris. But Mr. Crocker Harris has no
interest and time for such things. He is unique and can give extra work to a student even on
the last day of school
2
Discuss the humorous elements in ‘The Browning Version’
Hints :

The play is replete with humorous description of a teacher by student

Crocker Harris is pictured as an unusual teacher and an unusual human being.

He is a person who loves to be hated and makes attempts for that.

He feels that Taplow likes him and so he tries to make him hate him.

He is not even a sadist because that would mean that he has got feelings but he has
got no feelings.

Only Taplow, out of compassion, laughs out at the joke Mr. Harris cracks in the
class in the Latin language to which none responds. As a punishment Taplow is
made to make the class understand the joke.

Taplow’s frightened reaction when he find Crocker Harris’s wife looking at them
thinking she might have overheard them.
3
What do you learn about the system of education in Old British Schools from the play
‘The Browning Version’ ?

Much stress laid on study of classical languages- Latin and Greek

Fifth form students made to learn classical plays like Agamemnon

Students found it disinteresting since stress was on acquisition of language

Could specialize after completing fifth form

System of punishment

Students ‘kept in’ or ‘called for’ extra work

Mortally afraid of teachers

School had teachers who were sadists
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
1.
How does Taplow reacts to Frank’s suggestion of cutting Crocker Harris’s class ?
2
Does Taplow consider Mr. Crocker Harris a sadist ? what does he think of him ?
3
In spite of everything, Taplow likes Mr. Crocker Harris, Why ?
4
How does Taplow react to one of Mr. Crocker Harris’s classical jokes ?
5
Why is Frank envious of Mr. Crocker Harris ?
6
Frank asks Taplow to imitate Crocker Harris. What does this show ?
7
Why is Taplow uneasy at the sudden arrival of Millie Harris ?
8
Where does Millie Harris send Taplow and why ?
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
1
Mr. Frank and Mr. Crocker Harris have only one thing in common. They belong to the
same school. Justify this statement.
2
Describe Taplow’s estimate of Mr. Crocker Harris, Do you agree with him ?
3
Frank lacks those qualities that make a great teacher. Compare Frank with his colleague
Crocker Harris.
4
Is Crocker Harris a sadist or inhuman? Justify with examples.
Valued Based Questions :
Do you feel it is proper for students to present their teacher the way Taplow does ? What is
your opinion the relationship between teacher and student should be like ?
A PHOTOGRAPH
THE POET
Shirley Toulson was born on 20th May 1924 in Henley-on-Thames, England as the
daughter of Douglas Horsfall Dixon and Marjorie Brown. She had a huge passion on
writing and was greatly influenced y her father who was a writer too. She secured a B.A on
Literature from Brockenhurst College in London in the year 1953. Shortly, she took
writing as career but also served as the editor for many magazines in meantime. She
married Alan Brownjohn on 6th February 1960. They had three children - Janet Sayers,
Ian Toulson and Steven brownjohn. ut after nine years they divorced on March 1969.
Celtic Christianity influenced her greatly that most of her major works like "Celtic
Alternative" in 1987 and "Celtic Year" in 1993 were on that topic. But these works indeed
made her more famous
THEME
The poet sees a photograph of her mother. She was with her two girl cousins. They are enjoying
the sea holiday. The poet sees everything changed even the sea, however less. Some twentythirty years later, the poet remembers her mother and misses her. This photograph is a token of
remembrance of her mother.
ABOUT THE POEM
The photograph pasted on the cardboard shows two girl cousins – Betty and Dolly who went
paddling in the sea with the poetess mother. Each of them was holding one of the hands of the
poet’s mother, who was a big girl of some twelve year or so at that time. Her uncle had a
camera. All three stood still facing the camera. They pushed their hair aside to smile. Thus the
photograph presents three smiling faces. The face of the poet’s mother is a sweet one. It was of
a time before she was born. Their feet, which were being washed by sea water for a very short
time, have been photographed along with sea, which appears to have changed less. The poet
thus indirectly hints that her mother’s face has changed over the years.
After a lapse of time, say some twenty or thirty years later, the poet’s mother would laugh at the
snapshot. She would refer to the photograph and recollect how her cousins Betty and Dolly had
dressed themselves for the beach when they went on a sea holiday. She laughs as she sees the
scanty dress. This sea holiday was an event of her past. Her laughter is real and pleasant for the
poet. It is precious memory for her. Both-her holiday and her laughter are amusing in an ironic
way as they are linked with her loss which requires a forced state of freedom from pain.
Now, the poet’s mother is dead, for nearly as many years as that girl in the picture lived. The
poet feels at a loss of words to comment on this event-her death. It is a solemn moment and its
silence makes her silent. Thus the poetess pays a tribute to her mother. It is the old photograph
that moves her to silence.
SOLVED QUESTIONS
1. “The cardboard shows me how it was
When the two girl cousins went paddling,
Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,
And she the big girl –some twelve years or so.”
a. What does the ‘cardboard’ show the poet?
Ans: The ‘cardboard’ shows the poet the scene on the sea beach with three girls.
b. Why did the two girl cousins hold one of the poet’s mother’s hands?
Ans: As the poet’s mother was ‘the big girl’ i. e. elder in age so the two girl cousins hold one of
her hands.
c. How old was the oldest girl among the three cousins?
Ans: The oldest among the three cousins was some twelve years old.
d. How did the girls go to the sea beach?
Ans: The girls went to the sea beach ‘paddling’ means barefooted.
2. “Now she’s been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived. And of this circumstance
There is nothing to say at all.
Its silence silences.”
a. How long has the poet’s mother been dead?
Ans: The poet’s mother has been dead for about twelve years.
b. What is the meaning of the word ‘circumstance’ in the poem?
Ans: The word ‘circumstance’ in the poem means the death of the poet’s mother.
c. Why is there nothing to say at all?
Ans: There is nothing to say at all because the poet has lost her mother and her beautiful smile
forever.
d. What silences the silence?
Ans: The silence of the death silences the silence.
3. Describe the three girls as they pose for the photograph?
Ans: The three girls went to the sea beach to be photographed by their uncle. The younger
cousins were holding hands of the elder cousin. They smiled through their hair as they stood still
for a photograph.
4. Why would the poet’s mother laugh at the snapshot?
Ans: The poet’s mother would laugh at the snapshot as it would revive her memories of the old
happy days on the sea beach and the strange way in which they were dressed for the beach.
5. What are the losses of the poet’s mother and the poet?
Ans: The poet’s mother’s loss is of her old happy days on the sea beach while the loss of the poet
is the beautiful smile of her mother as she is now dead.
UNSOLVED QUESTIONS
1) How does the poet contracts the girls terrible transience with the scene?
2) "Both thrive with the laboured ease of loss" Describe the ironical situation.
3) Explain the line " the sea holiday as a past, mine is her laughter , Time
spares none" .
4) What is the significance of the ‘cardboard’ frame?
THE VOICE OF THE RAIN
(by Walt Whitman)
About the Author :
Walt Whitman was an American Poet, Essayist and Journalist. A humanist, he was part of the
transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman
is among the most influential poets in the American Canon, often called the father of Free Verse.
MAIN THEME
The poem is in the form of answer to a question that the poet puts to the rain, “who are you?” The
rain says that it is the poem of the earth. It rises out of land and sea and comes down to give life to
the earth. It makes the earth pure and more beautiful just as a song does when it comes back to the
singer.
MAIN POINTS
1. The poet asks the rain what she is.
2. Strangely enough, the rain gives an answer. The poet translates it in his own language.
3. The rain is the ‘Poem of the Earth’.
4. She rises upwards towards the sky out of the land and the bottomless sea.
5. In the sky she undergoes some transformation and falls down in the form of water drops.
6. The rain gives a new lease of life to the earth, washes out all its dust and impurities.
7. No growth is possible without rain. All seeds lying hidden sprout only when it rains.
8. After completing her cycle, the rain comes back to the place of its origin. The earth.
Q.1
Read the extract carefully and answer the questions that follow :
And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin and make pure and
beautify it.
(For song, issuing from its birth place, after fulfillment, wandering Reck’d or unreck’d duly
1 with love returns)
2 How is the cyclic movement or rain brought out in the poem ?
3 What is the significance of the word ‘song’ here ?
4 How does the rain benefit the earth ?
Ans. Who is ‘I’ here ?
1)
2) The poem gives a clear picture of how clouds are formed and how they dissolve into water
3) again.
4) The world ‘song’ is the repetition of earlier expression-poem of the earth.
Q.2.
It is a real benefactor of the earth. It makes earth pure and beautiful.
‘I’ is referred as the rain.
And who art thou ? said I to the soft falling shower
Which strange to tell gave me an answer, as here translated :
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain,
1) Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea.
1x4 = 4
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS :
2) The ‘I’ in the third line stands for :
a) the rain
b) the poet
c) the reader
d) Earth
3) ‘I’ in the third and fourth line stands for :a) the poet
b) the voice of rain
c) Earth
d) the sea
4) ‘Eternal I rise’ means :
a) formation of cloud from vapor
b) heaven
c) heavenly bodies d) None of these
The word ‘impalpable’ in the fourth line means :
a) strong
b) weak
c) untouched and unseen
d) bottomless
3.
Upward to Heaven, whence, vaguely form’d altogether
changed, and yet the same.
I descend to lave the droughts, atomies, dust-layers
Of the globe,
And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent,
Unborn;
Comprehension Questions
a) Describe the upward movement of the rain
b) What happens in the sky?
c) Describe the things that receive the blessings of the rain
d) What will happen if it doesn’t rain?
e) Find a word in the passage which means ‘hidden’.
Answers
a) Due to Evaporation, the water vapors rise out of the land and the bottomless sea.
They take their shape in the sky
b) In the sky the water vapors take the shape of showers or the rain
c) When the rain falls down, drought conditions disappear. The fine particles and dusty
layers of the earth get washed
4
d) Seeds remain hidden and do not sprout. They will sprout and come to life only when
it rains.
Justify the title ‘The Voice Of The Rain’.
Value points:
5

Title- appropriate and logical

Cycle of rain- a natural phenomenon

Rain rises out of earth and bottomless sea in the form of water vapors

In sky- take shape of rain

Light and soft music of falling rain is actually the song of the earth itself.

After wandering, Comes back to place of origin- Earth
How does the rain become the voice of the earth?
Value points-

Rainy season gives new lease of life to scorched and parched earth

Makes the seeds sprout in form of saplings

Makes the earth pure and beautifies it

Earth finds expression only through the showers of the rain.
1
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
2
3 What does the poet ask the rain?
4 What does the poet do when the rain answers?
5 The rain is the ‘ Poem of the Earth’. How?
What happens when the rain descends?
There are two voices in the poem. Who do they belong to? Which lines indicate this?
1
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE\
2
How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem? Compare it with what you
3
have learnt in Science?
What will happen if it doesn’t rain?
What does rain do ‘day and night’?
CHILDHOOD BY MARKUS NATTEN
About the Poem
Markus Natten , the poet is obsessed with the loss of his childhood and he wants to know
exactly when he lost his childhood.
He makes a guess that it was at the age of eleven when he started thinking like a rational human
being .He realized that ‘Hell’ and ‘Heaven’ were imaginary concepts, not existed even books of
Geography and they existed only in mind.
Perhaps the poet lost his childhood when he was able to see through the hypocrisy adults .He
realized that the grown ups were not as good as they appeared to be .Nor did they practice love in
their life as they frequently preached.
He started thinking independently without being influenced or directed by others .
The poet does not ask when he lost his childhood but asks where his childhood has gone to?
He himself gives an answer .His childhood stands for innocence , simplicity and it is lying hidden
in the innocent face of an infant.
STANZAS FOR COMPREHENSION
1. When did my childhood go ?
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven
Was it the time I realized that Hell and Heaven
Could not be found be found in Geography
And therefore could not be
Was that the day!
Q1 Why does the poet mention the age of eleven?
Ans. The age of eleven is very crucial because below this age , a person is counted as a
child and after it he becomes an adolescent.
Q2. When did the poet come to know that hell and heaven are imaginary concepts?
Ans. He realized that Hell and Heaven are imaginary concepts because they do not exist
even in books of geography.
Q3. Find words from the passage which mean
I)
Ended ii)felt
Ans. I) ceased ii) realized
Multiple Choice Questions.
1. The poet wants to know
a) The he became an adolescent
the day he became wise
b) the he lost his childhood c)
d) the day he became responsible
2 ‘ Therefore could not be’ here means
a) They could not be found
c) they could not continue
b) they could not exist
d) they could not trouble
3 Hell and Heaven could be found
a) Not in geography books
c)not in the sky
2 When did my childhood go
Was it when I found my mind was really mine
To use whichever way I choose ,
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people
But my own ,and mine alone
b) not on the earth
d) not in the cities
Was that the day!
Q1 What kind of thoughts could he produce ?
Ans. He could produce his own thoughts thinking independently of others.
Q2. Explain : My mind was really mine .
Ans. It means that his mind acted independently and was not influenced or directed by
others.
Q3. How could he use his mind ?
Ans. He could use his mind the way he liked to use it.
Multiple choice questions
Q1. He could use his mind
a) As others liked
c)as he liked him
b) as others influenced him
d)as a mature person.
Q2. He wanted his mind
a) To have healthy thoughts
c)to think independently
b) to have good thoughts
d)to think rightly.
Q3.’Mine alone’ here means
a) Not shared by others
b) not influenced by others
c)not troubled by others
d)for myself only.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1.What is the difference between the childhood and adulthood?
Ans. Childhood stands for innocence .It knows no crafts or hypocrisy. The moment
a man is able to differentiate between the preaching and actions of the grown ups,
he takes a step towards maturity .
Q2.Has the poet got the answer to the question ‘Where did my childhood go?’
Ans. Yes ,the poet got the answer of this question. He feels that his childhood is
lying hidden in an infant’s innocent face .He lost his innocence ,honesty and
simplicity .
Q3. Do you feel that the poet is nostalgic about his childhood? Does he feel the loss
of his childhood as a great loss/
Ans. Really the poet becomes nostalgic about his childhood .Childhood means
innocence and honesty. The poet suffers from a sense of loss and he is full of regret
and remorse.
Q4. Do you feel that an independent thinking is a step towards adulthood ?
Ans. Yes, A child has no independence .His thinking is always influenced by adults.
When he starts thinking freely ,he becomes matured. His adulthood starts when he
feels that his thoughts are his own .
Q5. What does the poet say about the hypocrisy of the grown ups?
Ans. The poet says that the grown ups are not as good as they appear to be.. Nor do
they practise love in their actions as they preach .Hypocrisy and crafty nature is
associated only with adults.
Short Questions for Practice
Q.1. When did the poet start thinking rationally and how?
Q2. In the last stanza the poet asks “Where did my childhood go” ? What answer
does he get?
Q3. What is the difference between what they talk of and what they do?
Q4. When did the poet know that ‘hell’ and ‘heaven’ are imaginary concepts?
Father to Son
-Elizabeth Jennings
About the poet: Elizabeth Jennings (1926-2001) was born in Boston, Lincolnshire but moved to
Oxford at the age of six where she lived for the rest of her life. Her Collected Poems appeared in
2002. Although initially linked to the group of poets including Kingsley Amis, Philip Larkin and
Thom Gunn known as 'The Movement', Jennings' work doesn't share their irony or academic wit.
However, the unassuming technical craft of her poetry and its emotional restraint are qualities that
were praised by the poets and critics of the period and continued to be abiding characteristics of
her work. Amongst the many honours awarded for her work are the W.H. Smith Literary Award,
the Somerset Maugham Award and a CBE.
Theme: The poem is a lament of a father because the chasm between his son and him has widened
over the years. He is unable to trace the reason for this huge generation gap that has become too
big a gulf to fill. The father wants to forgive his son, forget the past and start afresh.
Summary: The father complains that he does not understand his own child. Though they have lived
together for so many years now i.e. since the time of his son’s birth, the father knows nothing of
him. The father tries to build up a relationship with his son from the early years, in a manner when
his son began to recognize people around, to crawl and to walk in a desperate attempt. The father
wonders whether he has destroyed the seed of his off-spring or sown it where the land belongs to
his
heir
and
none
is
his.
Both father and son continue to speak like strangers now and there seem no signs of understanding
in the air between the two. In traditional belief, the son is created and born to the likings and
designs of his father, yet in this case, the father cannot share what his son loves. Most of the time
silence surrounds them. The father’s greatest wish is for his son to be ‘The Prodigal’ son who will
very soon return to his father’s house; the home which he always knew. This is definitely the better
alternative rather than to see his son move out into the world blindly on his own, by himself and
fall into trouble. The father is ready to forgive him at any cost as long as he is able to reshape him
up
from
the
long bounded
sorrow
to
a
new
love.
Both father and son all over the world must learn to live on the same globe and on the same land.
The father finally admits that there are times that he cannot understand himself or why his anger
grows from grief? However they have learnt to put out each other’s empty hand and with each
other’s heart that is longing for something to forgive.
Solved extracts:
1. “I do not understand this child
Though we have lived together now
In the same house for years. I know
Nothing of him, so try to build
Up a relationship from how
He was when small. Yet have I killed”
a) Who is “I” in the given lines? Who is the “child”?
The father is referred to as the “I “ in these lines. His son is the child.
b) What is his complaint?
His complaint is that he does not understand his son despite their living together.
c) What does he want to do now?
He now wants to build a relationship from the beginning.
d) What has he killed?
He has killed the connection or rapport between the father and son.
2. “ The seed I spent or sown It where
The land is his and none of mine?
We speak like strangers, there’s no sign
Of understanding in the air.
This child is built to my design
Yet what he loves I cannot share.”
a) What has he” sown”?
He has nurtured the child whom he compares to seeds, on love and understanding.
b) What is the relationship between them like?
The father and son are like strangers.
c) What is lacking between the two?
Sharing and understanding is lacking between the two.
d) What can he not share?
The father cannot share his son’s opinion, and likes and dislikes.
3. “ Father and son, we both must live
On the same globe and the same land,
He speaks: I cannot understand
Myself, why anger grows from grief.
We each put out an empty hand,
Longing for something to forgive.”
a) How do they live?
They live in same place, yet are so distant.
b) What emotions does the father feel?
The father and son try to reach out to each other but in vain.
c) Explain: “each put out an empty hand”.
The father and son try to reach out to each other but in vain.
d) What do they yearn for?
They long to forgive and forget the past and start afresh.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:
1. What kind of relationship do the father and son share? Why is it so?
The father and son are estranged to each other. This is because there is communication gap
between father and son .There is no understanding between the two. What the father says,
the son cannot understand and what the son loves, the father fails to appreciate.
2. What does the father feel about this stranger like relationship with his son? Does he wish to
change it?
The father laments the sorry state of his relationship with his son. He wants to set it right.
He wants his son to come back home and he is ready to forgive him. He believes that father
and son must stay at the same place for a better bonding.
3. How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem?
The poem is a lament of the father because the chasm between his son and him has grown
over the years .He recalls moments of his son as a child and laments how he has grown up
to become a stranger to her. Their preferences and ideologies have alienated them. He
wishes to rebuild their relationship and start afresh.
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE:
EXTRACTS:
1. This child is built to my design
Yet what he loves I cannot share.
Silence surrounds us.
a) Explain: “The child is built to my design”.
b) What kind of relationship exists between the father and the son?
c) Find the expression which expresses the father’s desolation?
d) Which poetic device has been used in the last line?
2. I would have
Him prodigal, returning to
His father’s house, the home he knew,
Rather than see him make and move
His world. I would forgive him too,
Shaping from sorrow a new love.
a) Explain the use of the word ‘prodigal’ in the second line.
b) What does ‘I’ not want?
c) What would ‘I’ forgive?
d) What is the meaning of the last line?
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Why does the father feel that he and his son are like strangers to each other?
What emotions have been expressed by the father regarding his relationship with his son?
Describe “Where the land is his and none of mine”.
What has the father sown and what is he reaping?
Snapshots-Supplementary Text
THE SUMMER OF THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE HORSE
(by Willian Saroyan)
About the Author :
Oscar Winner and Pulitzer Prize, recipient William Saroyan, who gained world fame with his
classic book “the Daring young man on the Flying Trapeze”(1934), was born in California. With
his unmistakably American literary works deeply rooted in his Arminius heritage William Saroyan
soon established himself as one of the preeminent short story writers, playwrights and Novelists in
the United States.
MAIN THEME
This story is about two boys and a white horse in a village in San Joaquin Valley, California one
summer. Aram is nine and Mourad is thirteen. They belong to the Garoghlanian tribe which is
known for its honesty. The two boys are extremely fond of riding, but they and their tribe are very
poor.
One day Mourad comes to Aram’s house on a white horse and invites him to ride. Aram knows
that the horse is stolen, but cannot resist the chance to ride. Mourad keeps the horse in a deserted
barn and takes good care of it. He is able to discipline the horse because he has a way with horses.
A month passes, then John Byro, the owner of the horse, visits the family and speaks about the loss
of his horse. The boys decide to keep the horse with them for some more time.
After two weeks, John Byro meets the boys walking with the horse. He says it is exactly like his
own horse. He also says if their family did not have such formidable reputation for honesty, he
would think it was his horse. He does not accuse the boys of stealing his horse.
The next morning the boys take the horse to John Byro’s vineyard and leave it in his barn.
IV MAIN POINTS
1. Aram and Mourad were cousins. They were two poor Armenian boys.
2. They belonged to the Garoghlanian tribe.
3. Their tribe was poverty stricken.
4. The Garoghlanian family was famous for its honesty and integrity.
5. One day Mourad was sitting on a beautiful white horse.
6. No member of the family could buy a horse. Hence, it must have been stolen.
7. Mourad had stolen the horse. He had come to invite the narrator to ride.
8. The narrator justified stealing the horse. Stealing for a ride was not the same thing as
stealing it for money.
9. The horse was hidden in the bar n of a deserted vineyard.
10. Mourad had a good understanding with a horse while the narrator had none.
11. One day a farmer named John Byro came to uncle Khosrove’s house.
12. John Byro told him that his white horse had been stolen.
13. One morning Aram and Mourad met John Byro quite accidentally. He was on his way to
town.
14. John Byro studied the horse eagerly and declared that it was so much like his horse.
15. John Byro never believed that any member of the Garoghlanian family could ever steal a
horse.
16. He thought that their horse was the twin of his horse.
17. Early the following morning, they took the horse to John Byro’s house. They put it back in
the barn.
18. Next morning, Byro got his stolen horse back.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
How did uncle Khosrove react when John Byro told him that his horse had been stolen ?
Ans.
John Byro told uncle Khosrove that someone had stolen his white horse. He couldn’t find it
anywhere. Uncle Khosrove became very irritated. He shouted as usual. “It is no harm.
What is the loss of a horse?” He shouldn’t pay any attention to it.
Q.2
How did John Byro react when he saw his white horse with Mourad and Aram ?
Ans.
One day John Byro was on his way to the town. He saw Aram and Mourad with his stolen
horse. He studied the horse carefully and looked into his mouth. Tooth for tooth it was
same horse. He asked its name. Mourad replied : “My Heart”. John Byro could never
imagine that they could steal his horse. He convinced himself that perhaps the horse was
Q.3
the twin of his own horse.
Why did narrator believe that stealing a horse for a ride was not the same thing as
Ans.
stealing ?
The narrator tried to justify the action of his cousin. Mourad did not steal the horse in real
sense. Stealing a horse for a ride was not equivalent to stealing it for money. It wouldn’t
become stealing until they offered to sell the horse for money.
Q.4
Who had the crazy streak in family and who was the natural descendant of that streak in the
Ans.
tribe ?
Aram’s cousin Mourad was considered the natural descendant of the crazy streak in the
tribe. He had a passion and craze for horses and riding. Before him was his Uncle
Khosrove. He was a man of very furious temper. He could stop anybody from talking by
his roaring.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1
Compare and contrast the two cousins Aram and Mourad.
Ans.
‘The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is the story of two poor Armenian boys. They
are Aram and Mourad, They are cousins. They belong to the same tribe. The family of
Garoghlanian is known for its integrity and honesty. Aram is a foil to Mourad. He is calm
and quiet. He suffers from a feeling of nostalgia. He remembers the good old days when he
was nine. The world is full of romance and magnificence for him. It is delightful and
dreamy. On the other hand, his cousin Mourad is considered to be crazy by everybody
except by him.
Both the cousins shared a common heritage. They were living in most amazing
poverty. They didn’t have even money enough to buy their food. But the family was
famous for its integrity and honesty. It was unimaginable that anyone of them could ever
be a thief.
Mourad had a crazy streak in him. He was considered to be the natural descendant of
the crazy streak in the family. Before him uncle Khosrove held that position. Aram was not
dashing and dynamic like Mourad. But both of them had a passion for riding. Only
difference was that Mourad had a wonderful understanding with a horse. Even horses
understood him. Aram was rather a bad rider. Every time he rode alone, the horse threw
him down.
Mourad was more daring. He stole a beautiful white horse for riding. Aram understood
his cousin well. He could make a compromise and justify the stealing of horse. After all,
stealing the horse for riding was not the same as stealing. Mourad and Aram were
conscience stricken. In the end, they returned the stolen horse to its true owner.
Q.2.
‘I knew my cousin Mourad enjoyed being alive more than anyone else who had ever fallen
into the world by mistake’. Explain the statement with help of instances from the story.
Ans.
Value points :

Mourad’s nature

His crazy deeds

Having a way with the things

Considerate towards animals

A true member of the tribe.
Q.3
Write a brief note on the Garoghlanian tribe.
Ans.
Value Points :

The traits of the tribe

Economic Condition

The members of the tribe

Its uniqueness
Questions for Practice
 Long Questions
1 Does the social atmosphere described in the story differ from your social atmosphere ?
2 How ?
3 What are the moral lessons that story puts forward ?
4 Compare and contrast the characters of Aram and Mourad.
5 What picture of rural life does the story paint.
Describe Aram’s horse riding lesson.
 Short Questions
1 How does Mourad have a way with the dogs?
2 How does Mourad have a way with farmers ?
3
Even when Aram knew that Mourad was sitting on the back of horse that morning, he
could not believe his eyes. Why ?
4 Does Uncle Khusrove resemble Mourad in any way ?
5 Bring out the frustrations in farmer John Byro after losing his horse.
Valued Based Question
At times we are tempted to take up any activity viz reading swimming, horse riding etc. to
purchase such an act we are ready to even steal. How far do you Justify stealing to fulfill
your desire ?
THE ADDRESS BY MARGO MINCO
THEME OF THE LESSON
The Address’ is a poignant short story of a daughter who goes in search of her mother’s belongings
after the war in Holland .Mrs.Dorling , her mother’s acquaintance refuses to recognize her .She
decides to leave them all behind and resolves to forget the address.
ABOUT THE LESSON
‘The Address’ describes human predicament and constraints that follow war. The war proves to be
a personal disaster for the narrator .
Mrs. Dorling is some acquaintance of Mrs. S , the mother of the narrator . She exploits Mrs. S ‘s
fear of the war. She herself insists that Mrs. S should hand over all her ‘nice things’ to her. They
will remain intact in her hands .She is crafty ,cunning and ill mannered lady.
All her costly silver cutlery ,antique plates and vases were taken away by Mrs. Dorling .One day
the narrator went to number 46, Marconi Street in search of the belongings of her dead mother.
Mrs. Dorling refused to recognize her .She regretted that she could do nothing for her. The woman
was wearing her mother’s green knitted cardigan .She could not believe in her .
During her second visit to Mrs. Dorling , the narrator found all those valuable things , she could
see silver knives ,spoons, forks ,tea pot and big vases.
The narrator was pained that all those nice things of her mother lay in a ‘tasteless manner’ .They
arouse nostalgic feelings in her .
Then suddenly the narrator jumped up . It was the time for her train . She came out of the house
and looked up the name plate , the address was correct : 46, Marconi Street.
Mrs. Dorling proved ungrateful .So she resolved to forget address and their ‘ nice things’ had gone
now forever.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. Describe the first meeting of the narrator with Mrs. Dorling at 46 , Marconi Street .
Ans. Went to Mrs. Dorling to collect all valuable things of her dead mother---- startled to see the
narrator and refused to recognize her----wore her mother’s green knitted cardigan ---- proved that
she was at right address ---- not happy to find her and not ready to talk about ‘nice things’
Q2. Why does the narrator want to go to 46 , Marconi Street ?
Ans. Goes to 46, Marconi Street in search of her mother’s belongings ---- recover them from
Mrs. Dorling ---- her mother mentions the address of Mrs. Dorling who keeps her valuable
articles in her custody----wish to collect ‘nice things’.
Q3. How did the narrator realize that she had rung the wrong bell? How was she assured that she
was the right place?
Ans. Rang the bell and a woman appeared, looking at her searchingly---- refused to recognize her
and felt that rang the wrong bell ---- soon recognized green knitted cardigan of her mother---assured at the right place.
Q4. Who is Mrs. Dorling? Why did she visit Mrs. S’s house frequently?
Ans. Mrs. Dorling , a neighbor of Mrs. S ,used to visit them often .She insists that Mrs. S should
hand over all ‘nice things’ to her . They will remain safe even if they have to leave the place during
the war. She carried away bags of antiques, crockery and cutlery of Mrs. Dorling.
Q5. Do you think that cold behavior of Mrs. Dorling towards the narrator is right?
Ans. No, cold ,inhuman ,unfriendly behavior of Mrs. Dorling can not be justified . The narrator
reminded her that she was the daughter of Mrs. S . She refused to recognize her . She regretted
that she could do nothing for her and denied to talk to her.
Q6.How did the narrator feel when she was ‘ in the midst of things’ in Mrs. Dorling’s house?
Ans. Nice things belonged to her dead mother---arranged things like silver cutlery, antiques
plates, large vases and table clothes in a ‘tasteless manner’ ----aroused nostalgic feelings in her---not long to possess them as useless now.
Q7. Why did the narrator resolve to forget the address : 46 Marconi Street ?
Ans. Came to Mrs. Dorling’s house to collect the belongings of her mother--- aroused nostalgic
feelings ---- pained to see unfriendly and inhuman attitude of Mrs. Dorling ----true owner was no
more in the world----resolved to forget uncharitable Mrs. Dorling and tragic past.
LONG ANSWER QUESTION
Q1. The story ‘The Address’ is divided into Pre-War and Post War times. What hardships do you
think the girl underwent during these times?
Main Points
Ans. War always brings miseries, death and destruction----in Holland war affected the fortunes of
people badly----Mrs. S and her little daughter had to migrate from their town to a safer place--mother died.
Her mother handed over all her valuables and ‘nice things’ to Mrs. Dorling ---- assured that keep
her things in safe hands---the narrator was not convinced ---selfish and greedy Mrs. Dorling took
all things silver cutlery, antique plates to 46 Marconi Street.
War ended—normalcy spread ---went twice in search of her belongings ---- face indifferent
behavior of Mrs. Dorling----real owner died and resolved to forget ‘nice things’(useless) forever.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
Q1 .’The Address’ is a story of human predicament that follows war. Comment
Q2. Why did the narrator say that forgetting Mrs. Dorling’s address would be easy?
Q3. Justify the title of the story ‘The Address’
Q4. What were the narrator’s feelings initially about the things that had been left with Mrs.
Dorling?
Q5. How was Mrs. Dorling taking care of the antiques and other things she had taken from Mrs.
S.?
LONG ANSWER QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Q.1. Describe both the visits of the narrator to 46 ,Marconi Street. Describe the difference.
Q2. Mrs. Dorling was a cunning , crafty and ill mannered lady . Elaborate the statement.
RANGA’S MARRIAGE BY MASTI VENKATESHA IYENGAR
THEME OF THE LESSON
Rnaga , the accountant’s son , is one of the rare breed among the village folk who has been to
Bangalore to learn English .His homecoming to Hosahalli village from the city is a great event ,
the crowds around his house to see whether he has changed or not.The narrator arranged their
meeting with help of Shastri—a village astrologer.
ABOUT THE LESSON
Shyama, the narrator of the story , belongs to Hosahalli village in the erstwhile Mysore state in
South India .The village had some mango trees , creepers and a pond and people are simple. Very
few people could speak and understand English . Almost all of them spoke Kannada .
The narrator calls English a ‘priceless commodity’. The village accountant was the only one who
sends Ranga to Bangalore to study .
Ranga’s homecoming was a great event .Everyone wanted to have a look of the young man who
received English education.
The people of Hosahalli were curious to see Ranga , they rushed to have a look of him. Ranga was
the same as he had been six months ago , a woman said ,’Janewara is still there’ .
The narrator asked Ranga when he was going to be married .Ranga had no plan of marrying in
near future. He thought that Ranga would prove a good husband for Ratna . She was the best bride
for Ranga.
One day the narrator asked Ratna to sing a song .Ranga heard her melodious and mesmerizing
song . She stopped singing abruptly when he saw a stranger .
Ranga asked the narrator about the girl . The narrator told a lie that she was married a year ago .
He planned with Shastri how to help Ranga to marry Ratna. Ranga told Shastri that the cause of
worry of Ranga was a girl. The girl could be Kamla or Ratna.
Shastri declared that their negotiation for Ranga’s marriage with Ratna would bear fruit.At last
,Ranga and Ratna became life-partners.
Ranga came to invite the narrator for dinner on his son, Shyama’s birthday. Ranga had named his
son Shyama. He wanted to honour the narrator who was also called by the same name.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. ‘English was not so widespread in Hosahalli’ Elaborate statement.
Ans. The narrator called English a ‘priceless commodity’ . The craze of the people to see Ranga
when he returned from Bangalore , proves this point.They had great respect for a person who
knew English . Rama Rao told the woman selling firewood that he had no ‘ change’ .She could not
understand the meaning of even such a simple English word.
Q2. What were Ranga’s ideas about marriage ? Do you find any change in them at the end of the
story ?
Ans. Ranga believed in marrying only when one got physically and mentally matured . He would
marry a mature girl otherwise he would remain a bachelor. He did not believe in ‘arranged
marriages’. A change took place in his attitude for marriage at the last of story. He was fascinated
by the beauty of Ratna and finally got married with her.
Q3. Narrate Rama Rao’s niece, Ratna
Ans. Ratna was the pretty and disciplined girl of eleven. She had to stay with her uncle because
her parents died. She knew how to play the musical instruments like ‘veena’ and ‘harmonium’ .
Her voice was sweet , melodious and mesmerizing. She was the perfect match for Ranga.
Q4. Why did the narrator ask Ranga to accompany him to see Shastri?
Ans. The narrator wished that Ranga should get married to Ratna. He took him to see Shastri . He
asked Shastri what worried Ranga much. Shastri was already tutored by the narrator .At last he
named Kamla or Ratna.
Q5. How did Rangappa honor the narrator and why?
Ans. Ranga was grateful to the narrator who made all efforts for his marriage. He did not forget to
invite him on the birthday of his son .He honored thenarator when he named his ‘golden child’
Shyama after the name of the narrator.
Q6. What image do you form of the narrator?
Ans. The narrator was a thorough gentleman , practical and helpful. He is instrumental in
arranging the marriage of Ranga and Ratna. He belongs to Hosahalli and proud of his village .He
knows how to exploit the situation to his advantage .
LONG ANSWER QUESTION
Q1. The narrator made up his mind that he would get Ranga married to Ratna . How did he
accomplish his mission?
Ans. The narrator impressed by the ideas and character of Rnagappa-----mannered ,touched his
feet and wished him ‘namaskara’ ----blessed him ----distressed when he received indifferent
mindset of Ranga----married to a matured girl and not believed in arranged marriage.
Arranged a meeting of Ranga and Ratna at one place----Ratna ,a pretty niece of Rama Rao---knew how to play ‘veena’ and ‘harmonium’----impressed Ranga and her voice was mesmerizing
and fascinating -----pained when he came to know that she was married a year ago.
Convinced Ranga to accompany him to Shastri ----tutored Shastri to influence Ranga’s decision---revealed that a girl was the cause of Ranga’s all worries----the narrator was successful in bringing
them together and making them life-partners.
SHORT ANSWERS QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
Q1. Why was Ranga’s homecoming such an important event?
Q2. Why did the narrator make up his mind to get Ranga married?
Q3. How did Ratna behave when she saw Ranga for the first time ?
Q4. Describe the role of Shastri in Ranga’s marriage?
Q5.Do you agree with Ranga’s views about marriage ? Give a reasoned answer?
Q6. Why was the narrator was invited by Rangappa?
LONG ANSWER QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Q1. Describe the first meeting of Ranga and Ratna . What effect did the meeting have on both of
them ?
Q2 .The story ‘Ranga’s Marriage’ does not present the changing face of the Indian villages. It is
set in a world that existed only in the last century . Justify.
ALBERT EINSTEIN AT SCHOOL BY PATRICK PRINGLE
THEME OF THE LESSON
Albert Einstein is a regarded as the greatest physicist , Patrick Pringle describes the circumstances
which led to Albert Einstein’s expulsion from a German school. The chapter also exposes the
hollowness of the school education. There was no emphasis on free thinking and new ideas in
school education.
About The Lesson




The lesson describes a bitter experience of the great scientist ,Albert Einstein at school and
also exposes the hollowness of education system in Germany.
Albert’s class was on ,Mr.Braun , the history teacher asked Albert when the Prussians
defeated the French at Waterloo. Albert told that he did not know .Albert told him that he
saw no point in learning dates . These could be seen in books .
According to Albet , education should be based not on facts but on ideas . He said that one
could get these facts from books . He was more interested in knowing why soldiers killed
other soldiers in war.
The teacher was furious , he declared that Einstein was a disgrace to the school. He loved
music and reading books on science but he was not interested in the books prescribed in the
syllabus.




Albert did not feel at ease at school .He decided to get rid of his school by producing a
false certificate from a doctor .The doctor would verify that he suffered form nervous
breakdown.
Yuri, his friend took him to Dr. Weil who issued him a certificate free of charge .Albert
was really nervous.
Yuri also advised Einstein to get a reference in writing from his Maths teacher ,Mr. Koch.
He planed to get admission at Milan.
Einstein was summoned by the Head Teacher and told him that he wanted him to leave the
school .The Head Teacher also told him that his presence in the class made it impossible
for the teacher to teach other students.
The Head Teacher asked him to close the door behind him but Albert did not. He was completely
disillusioned and he did not have even a last look at his school.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. According to Albert ,What should education be all about?
Ans. His History teacher’s views were outdated and conventional. He told vehemently that
education should be based not on facts but on ideas. He said that one could get these ideas from
books . He was more interested in knowing why soldiers killed other soldiers in war not in
numbers.
Q2. What advice did Elsa give to Albert regarding passing the examination ?
Ans. Elsa , the cousin of Albert advised him that she knew many boys who were more dull and
stupid than Albert. If they could get through the exam easily , he was more intelligent than them.
However, he should also try and pass the examination.
Q3. What was the plan of Albert Einstein to get rid of his school?
Ans. Einstein was uncomfortable at school after his confrontation with his History Teacher .He
decided to get rid of his school by producing a false certificate from a doctor . He was to certify
that he suffered from nervous breakdown .
Q4. How did Albert hope to get into an Italian college at Milan?
Ans. Mr. Koch , his Mathematics teacher was impressed with his intelligence and abilities and he
issued him a reference in writing. He wrote that Einstein had learnt all the math taught at school.
This reference would help him to get admission in college at Milan.
Q5.What did the head teacher tell Albert when he met him?
Ans. The head teacher summoned him and told that he had become a nuisance for teachers and
disgrace to the institution . He insulted him and wanted him to leave the school immediately.
Q6. How did Einstein react to the Head Teacher?
Ans. Einstein wanted to reveal his thoughts about the school and the head teacher. He did not say
even a single word . His silence showed his resentment and dislike for the school .He did not shut
the door and ignored his order.
LONG ANSWER QUESTION
Q1. Describe how the head teacher made it easy for Albert to leave school?
Main Points
Ans. Dr. Ernest Weil issued a medical certificate----suffered from nervous breakdown----stay away
from school----summoned him to report to head teacher----disgrace to institution and should be
expelled ----made uneasy environment for teachers in class---created nuisance and disturbed
others--- medical certificate not required
Intended to reveal what he thought of him and the school---but kept silent --- told him to close the
door behind him but he ignored it----not looked back at school .
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q1. What punishment did Einstein get from the history teacher for not answering the question
correctly?
Q2. What method was suggested to Einstein by Elsa to pass a school examination?
Q3. What testimonial did Mr. Koch , the Maths teacher ,give to Einstein ?
Q4. What impression did Einstein form of his educational institution?
Q5. Describe the whimsical behaviour of the landlady?
Q6. How did the head teacher behave when Albert went to see him?
LONG ANSWER QUESTION
Q1. Describe the exchanges between Albert Einstein and his history teacher .What light does it
throw on the character of Einstein ?
Q2. How did Yuri help Einstein ? Describe his role in Einstein’s life.
MOTHER’S DAY
-J.B.Priestley
About the author: John Boynton Priestley, (13 September 1894 – 14 August 1984), known as J. B.
Priestley, was an English novelist, playwright and broadcaster.
His Yorkshire background is reflected in much of his fiction, notably in The Good
Companions (1929), which first brought him to wide public notice. Many of his plays are
structured around a time-slip, and he went on to develop a new theory of time, with different
dimensions that link past, present and future.
Theme: The play “Mother’s Day” is about a mother who is loving and docile. She pampers her
family members and busies herself fulfilling their never ending demands. But she is taken for
granted by her family. With the help of a domineering friend, she is able to establish her real
stature in the family. The play raises a very poignant social issue of housewives, being taken for
granted .Family members become indifferent to their needs and treat them as non- existent beings
and they are completely immune to their feelings. She gets no respite and gratitude for all that she
does. The day, she refuses to attend to them, they are outraged. The play seeks to question the
stereotypes, shake the social pillars and thereby calls for a reconstruction of social image of a
housewife.
Summary: The job of a mother in a family is actually a twenty four hour job and the mother does
not have the luxury of even enjoying any weekend, any holiday.
The popular conception is that those who are in service have to work hard. The mother who strays
at home has a leisurely life.
The other members in the family always take the work that the mother does at home for granted
and gives no credit for what she does.
The children in a family go on to believe that the job of the mother is to keep herself in the beck
and call of her children and so is the thinking of the husband of the family towards his wife.
The mother needs to be harsh and assertive every now and then with her children and husband,
reminding them that the work she does is a round the clock work and is valued much more than
theirs.
If the mother of the family turns out to be soft with her attitude towards her children
and husband, then the children are bound to be led astray and become spoilt as is the
case with Cyril and Doris Pearson.
The daughter Doris leaves home as soon as she is back from work to be with her
boyfriend, Charley Spence. Same is the case with Cyril who comes back home to have
tea and snacks and again leaves immediately to spend his money on greyhound races.
Not only the children but also their father is oblivious to the ordeals of his wife. He
leaves her alone every evening to be with his friends at the club.
When Mrs. Pearson hesitantly tells her plight to Mrs. Fitzgerald, she promises to help
Mrs. Pearson out of this door mat like situation. They exchange their personalities and
decide to teach the family a lesson. The family is shocked to see the changed behaviour
of the lady of the house. Before going back to her real body, Mrs. Fitzgerald warns
Mrs. Pearson not to go soft on her family or else their labour will go in vain.
Always a little bit of caution, cold looks, strong words and body language from the
mother help the atmosphere of the family remain in good order and its health
wholesome.
Short Answer Questions:
1. What is Mrs. Pearson’s opinion about Charley Spence?
Ans : Mrs. Pearson opines that Charile Spence is buck-toothed and half-witted and
she would not like to be seen dead with a fellow like Charlie Spence.
2. What is Doriss’ idea regarding her mother’s strange behaviour ?
Ans: Doris suggested to her brother Cyril that their mother could have hit her head
against something and got a concussion and therefore she behaved in a strange way.
3. What does Mrs. Pearson tell George Pearson about people’s conception regarding him
at the Club?
Ans : Mrs. Person, who is actually Mrs. Fitzgerald, tells her husnamd that he is a standing
joke for the other club members and they call him Pompy-ompy Pearson as they think he is
very slow and pompous.
4. What is Cyril’s prime fault as expressed by Mrs. Pearson?
Ans: According to Mrs. pearson, Cyril spends too much time and money at greyhound
races , dirt tracks and ice shows.
5. What is Mrs. Fitzgerald’s suggestion to Mrs. Pearson as to how she could maintain
that atmosphere of discipline and realization that she created?
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald suggested that Mrs. Pearson was not to start any explaining or
apologizing or it would spoil the good work that was done. She was asked to just give
her children and husband a look, or a tone of voice off and went on to suggest that she
needs be tough with them if she wanted to be treated with dignity.
Long Answer Question :
1.
What are the issues that the play, ‘Mother’s Day’ highlights?
Ans : ( Sample answer)
The play Mother’s Day basically highlights the real aspects related to the status of the
mother in a family. In most families the mother is a housewife who stays at home while
the father and in some cases the children go out to work. The popular concept is that
only those who are in job have to work hard and therefore they need weekends and
holidays for taking rest and after coming from work they need to be waited upon by the
mother who is seen as living a life of leisure.The reality is that the job of mother in a
family is a twenty four hour job for which she cannot have the luxury of even enjoying
any weekend and holidays. That is the case with Mrs. Pearson in this play. Her two
grown- up children, Cyril and Doris Pearson and her husband George Pearson always
take the work that Mrs. Pearson does at home for granted and give absolutely no credit
to her for that and they want her to be at their beck and call. It is Mrs. Pearson whose
love , care , concern ,soft attitude and lack of assertion towards the members of her
family that has created trouble for her and has spolit them perfectly.
The mother needs to be harsh and assertive every now and then with her children and
husband, reminding them that the work she does is a round the clock work and is to be
valued much more than theirs. If the mother of the family turns out to be too soft with
her attitude towards her c hildren and husband, then the children are bound too be led
astray and spoilt as is the case with Cyril and Doris Pearson. Ultimately Mrs.
Fitzgerald’s idea of changing personalities brings reform to the errant family members.
2. How does Mrs. Pearson reform her spoiled family members?
Ans: Value points :-
Mrs. Fitzgerald is Mrs. Pearson’s neighbour.
She is domineering, practical, quite opposite to the character of Mrs. Pearson.
Mrs. Pearson is soft, unassertive,too fond of her children and husband.
She knows about their mistakes but cannot be harsh with them.
-
Mrs.Fitzgerald compels her friend to agree to change body with her magic to
straighten her family members.
-
So they change bodies.
-
Mrs. Pearson first takes on her daughter Doris whom she scolds for her erratic
behaviour.
-
Next she takes on her son Cyril whom she scolds scathinghly for preparing to go
out for late night parties.
-
Finally, she blames her husband who has acquired a very bad name in his club
where he spends most of his time.
-
Mrs. Pearson’s behaviour is puzzling for the three confused family members.
The three ultimately are made to recognize Mrs.Pearson’s actual status in her home.
-
They promise to reform themselves.
-
Doris is perfectly spoilt /wants to be waited upon by her mother/takes no permission
for going out with her boyfriend who according to her mother is worthless/weeps in
every possible opportunity/highly immature.
-
Cyril is equally pampered and immature / wants to be waited upon by his mother /
engrossed in outdoor life / late night partying and betting on horse racing.
- Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald change back their bodies.
3. Make character sketches of Doris Cyril and georage Pearson.
Ans: Value points:
-
George Pearson is haughty, pompous, arrogant and uncivil/ careless of domestic
duties/ unconcerned about his wife’s wishes and pain/engrossed in an outdoor life/
spends his time in the club where he has got a bad impression unknown to
him/ultimately is brought to the reality of his actual social situation.
4. What is magic Realism ? How has the dramatist used the device of magic Realism
in making the plot of the play believable for the reader?
Ans : Value points:
Magic realism is a modern method used in fiction where magical elements are intermixed
with the realistic description of everyday affair in such a way that the magical elements are
taken as realisitic description which help in emphasizing somes basic issues where the
write wants to focus.
Popularized by writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdle, Milan Kundera
etc.
In this play, Mrs. Fitzgerald changes her body with Mrs. Pearson, something which is
impossible in real life.
However, the reader does not object to this fantastic aspect in the plot because this element
has been used in such a way in the plot that the reader overlooks the impossibility as his
real focus is the issue raised in the play which is highlighted by the dramatist.
5. Discuss some of the humourous situations of the play.
Ans :- value point
-
First is the scene where Doris is scolded for preparing to go out with Charley
Spence.
-
Mrs. Pearson’s comments on Charley Spence and Doris reaction to them/ her
weeping
-
Doris and Cyril’s discussion between them as to the possible cause of her mother’s
strange behaviour
-
The scene where Mr.Person finds his wife drinking wine for the first time in his life
and Mrs. Pearson’s answers to his questions.
-
Mrs. Pearson’s comments about what others think about George in the club and
George’s reaction to them.
-
Mrs. Pearson’s threatening to beat up her hausband as reaction to her husband’s
uncivil behaviour Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Questions for practice:
Short Questions:
Justify the title of the play.
How do Cyril and Doris justify their behaviour?
What does Mrs. Pearson say to Cyril that shocks him?
What according to Mrs. Pearson were her plans for the weekends?
Why was George Pearson surprised when he came home? What was the answer
that he got?
6. What was Mrs. Fitzgerald’s advice to Mrs. Pearson after she had taught the family
members a lesson for life?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Long Questions :
1. Do the two youths in the story exemplify typical youths of their age group? Or they
have much more individuality?
2. What is the universal appeal of the play?
3. What are the aspects of European society that the play mirrors?
4. “Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt.” Who says this and
what does she say to hurt Mr. Pearson?
5. “Mrs. Fitzgerald’s effort does not go in vain, as the family changes for better.”
Justify.
BIRTH
-A.J.Cronin
About the author: Archibald Joseph Cronin, MB, MD, DPH, MRCP (19 July 1896 – 6
January 1981) was a Scottish novelist and physician. His best-known novel was The
Citadel, about a doctor in a Welsh mining village who quickly moves up the career
ladder in London. Cronin had observed this scene closely as a Medical Inspector of
Mines and later as a doctor in Harley Street. This book promoted controversial new
ideas about medical ethics which largely inspired the launch of the National Health
Service. Another popular mining novel, set in the North-east, was The Stars Look
Down. His novella Country Doctor was adapted for a long-running BBC radio and TV
series Dr. Finlay's Casebook, revived many years later. “Birth” is an excerpt from The
Citadel penned by the author.
Theme: People’s sense of responsibility towards work.
A doctor’s sense of duty, dedication, and humanistic approach towards his patients.
The supreme joy motherhood.
The real sense of fulfullment, satisfaction, peace and joy that a good deed brings to
human mind.
The real work of a doctor’s life lies in bringing joy to other people’s life.
The tremendous sense of expectation and anxiety that is caused in other family
member’s heart when a baby is on the way.
The technical aspects of the resuscitation method as regards a new-born. Summary:
Andrew Manson, a graduate from a medical school, has just started his medical
practice. He finds his job very monotonous and treats it as ‘just another job’. One day
he comes back home around midnight after spending a disappointing evening with his
girlfriend, Christine. Joe Morgan meets him outside his house and requests the doctor to
accompany him home where his wife, who is expecting a baby after twenty years of
marriage, requires medical help. Andrew also meets Joe’s mother who is equally
anxious for the safe delivery of her daughter-in law, Susan Morgan.
After a lot of effort the baby is delivered still- born. The doctor is in a dilemma whether
to attend to the new born or the collapsing mother. After attending to the mother first,
he shifts his attention completely to the baby.
After examining the baby he diagnoses the boy to be in a state medically calledAsphyxia Pallida . He asks the midwife to fetch two basins- one filled with hot water
and the other with cold water. He juggles the baby between these two basins for fifteen
minutes but all in vain. Then he resorts to rubbing the child with a rough towel,
crushing and releasing the little chest with both hands, trying to get breath into the limp
body and miraculously it worked.
Andrew walks back home tired but eternally relieved at having “done something real at
last”.
Short Questions Answers:
1. What was the dilemma that Andrew faced after the baby was born ?
Ans : After the baby was born, Andrew was faced with the dilemma whether to attend to
the baby which was still- born or turn his attention to the mother, Susan Morgan, who was
in a desperate state of health because of loss of blood and labour pain.
2. Why was Jo and Susan Morgan’s case special for Andrew?
Ans: Jo and Susan Morgan’s case was special for Andrew becuse Joe and Susan were
expecting their first child twenty years after marriage. They wanted the baby desperately.
3. What was Susan Morgan’s suggestion to Andrew which she informed through her
mother-in-law?
Ans : Susan Morgan wished that she was not to be given chlorofrom if it would harm the
baby. She was ready to bear all pain but was apprehensive of taking anesthesia.
4. What according to Andrew could be the cause of the baby being still born?
Ans : Andrew found out that the baby had turned white and it could mean only one
thing:asphyxia which is suffocation or unconscious condition caused by lack of oxygen and
excess of carbon diaoxide in the blood, accompained by paleness of the skin weak pulse ,
and loss of reflexes.
5. What is your impression about Dr. Andrew as a doctor and a human being?
Ans: The story ‘Birth’ is a comment on what a doctor should really be as a doctor and a
human being. Dr. Andrew is an exceptionally dutiful and kind and passionate human being.
Not only he sets aside mental and bodily fatigue to visit Joe Morgan’s house dead at night,
but also he almost rebels against nature’s laws to keep trying to bring breath back to the
still born baby wherein he succeeds.
Long Answer Questions:
1. Describe the efforts that Andrew made in order to bring the still born baby back to life.
Ans: ( sample answer)
After pulling the still born baby out from beneath the bed, Andrew could guess why the
baby has lost its breath. The cause was asphyxia which is a condition in which insufficient
oxygen and excess carbon dioxide in the blood. Therefore, he realized that three was point
in trying to resuscitate the baby with the help of the traditional resuscitation methods
applied in such cases. Thus he poured hot and cold water in two basins and frantically went
on juggling the baby between the basins alternately for almost half an hour. But no breath
emerged from the baby and a sense of desperation and defeat set in his mind. Still he
wanted to put in another last effort.So this time, he rubbed the baby with a rough towel and
then he crushed and released the little chest with both his hands, trying to get breath into
that lax body. And after this, the miracle happened and the tiny chest of the baby gave a
heave and then another and then another and Andrew was victorious as the baby was
finally revived.
2. Why was Andrew so emotionally attached to his efforts to bring the lifeless baby back
to life?
Ans : Value points:-
Joe Morgan and Susan Morgan were expecting the birth of their first baby.
They were married for twenty years.
It was Dr. Andrew handling the case.
Andrew had assured the couple of no complication and safe delivery of the baby.
All in Morgan family were anxious.
Susan Morgan feels a labour pain before due date.
Susan’s mother –in –law inform Andrew about Susan’s wish to go through labour
pain without anesthesia in case the same would hurt ther baby.
Andrew goes on with anesthesia
A still baby is born
Remembers Joe’s trusting words-… you would do good for us, Susan’s request not
to give anesthesia if it would harm the baby, anxious looks on Joe’s mother’s face
Andrew has to do something to revive the baby because he had held a promise.
3. Why does Andrew comment that he had done something ‘real at last’ in Blaenelly?
Ans: Value points:
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Andrew Manson is a young doctor just out of medical school.
The place where he works is a small mining town named Blaenelly.
He had been handing the case of Joe and Susan Morgan who were expecting their
first child after twenty years of marriage.
Andrew had assured the couple of no complication and safe delivery of the baby.
He visits Joe Morgan’s house dead at night as Susan Morgan has premature labour
pain
In an atmosphere of anxiety and expectation, he works for the safe delivery of the
baby
A lifeless baby is born and Susan is on the verge of death too
Andrew is crushed
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He first helps Susan- her condition improves.
Then he works massively for resuscitating the breathless baby.
After half an hour’s harsh struggle, the baby breaths.
At last Andrew can be true to the promise he had held.
Saving the lives of two people and guranteeing joy to a whole family is thus
something real.
Questions for Practice:
Short Answer Questions:
1. What is Dr. Andrew’s concept about women? What led him to think that way?
2. What was the expression and attitude of the mid wife/nurse towards what Dr.
Andrew was doing?
3. What is the setting of the story ? (time and place where it is set)
4. Bring out the atmosphere of expectation and anxiety in the mind of the Morgan
family members.
5. Why did the baby lose its breath?
Long Answer Questions:
1. Compare and contrast Dr. Andrew’s contrasting emotional status at the beginning
of the story and in the end.
2. What does the story highlight about the essence of true happiness and joy and sense
of fulfillment through Dr. Andrew’s experience.
3. Andrew’s visit to the Morgan’s gave him pleasure and satisfaction that he had never
achieved before. Justify.
Value Based Questions:
1. Do you feel that modern day doctors are rather mechanical medical machines without
human emotions?Or it is rather a prejudiced opinion about these professionals who are
also considered human gods?
Long Readig Text-
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST
OSCAR WILDE
About the novelist: Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854- 30
November 1900) was an Irish writer and poet. After University , Wilde moved around trying his
hand at various literary activities: he published a book of poems and toured America lecturing
extensively on aestheticism. He then returned to London , where he worked prolifically as a
journalist for four years. He next produced a series of dialogues and essays that developed his
ideas about supremacy of art. However, it was his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray- still
widely read – that brought him more lasting recognition. He became one of the most successful
playwrights of the late Victorian era in London with a series of social satires which continue to
be performed, especially his masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest. Other representative
plays penned down by him are Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance
(1893) , An Ideal Husband(1895).He was sentenced for two years with rigorous imprisonment
and after his release he immediately left for France never to return to Ireland or London ever. In
France he wrote his last work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol , a long poem on harsh rhythms of
prison life. He died a destitute at the age of forty-six in Paris.
Theme:
The Canterville Ghost is a ghost story.
Ghost stories belong to the genre called horror literature, whose purpose is to scare
the reader with situations that cause horror or fear. The most common technique is
suspense, the slow insinuating of a doubt or of a frightening revelation, which keeps the
reader interested.
This story can be defined an inverted ghost story, because a lot of elements are
different from the traditional ones. The main difference is the fact that Mr Otis is not
scared by the ghost, while usually people should be. Moreover, the Ghost itself is frightened
by the Otis twins.
There is also comic relief bordering on farce, including buckets of water balanced on
half-open doors. But the story has a dark centre. The crime and retribution which led to the
haunting is ghastly, and this is really not a comedy at all, but a tale of redemption through
the power of love. The innocent girl of the family, appropriately called Virginia, prays for
the ghost and endures terrifying if unnamed experiences to release the ghost.
Also, The Canterville Ghost is both a parody of the traditional ghost story and a
satire of the American way of life. Wilde obviously intends to satirize American
materialism, but he pokes fun at English traditional culture as well.
American vs. British society: ”The Canterville Ghost” is a study in contrasts. Wilde
takes an American family, places them in a British setting, then, through a series of
mishaps, pits one culture against the other. He creates stereotypical characters that
represent both England and the United States, and he presents each of these characters as
comical figures, satirizing both the unrefined tastes of Americans and the determination of
the British to guard their traditions. Sir Simon is not a symbol of England, as perhaps Mrs.
Umney is, but rather a paragon of British culture. In this sense, he stands in perfect
contrast to the Otises. Sir Simon misunderstands the Otises just as they misunderstand
him, and, by pitting them against each other, Wilde clearly wishes to emphasize the culture
clash between England and the United States.
Setting
The story of the Canterville Ghost takes place in an old English country house, Canterville
Chase, which has all the accoutrements of a traditional haunted house. Descriptions of the
wainscoting, the library panelled in black oak, and the armour in the hallway characterize
the Gothic setting. Wilde mixes the macabre with comedy, juxtaposing devices from traditional
English ghost stories such as creaking floorboards, clanking chains, and ancient prophecies with
symbols of contemporary American consumerism.
Plot
The story begins when Mr Otis and family move to Canterville Chase, despite warnings
from Lord Canterville that the house is haunted. Mr Otis says that he will take the furniture as
well as the ghost at valuation. The Otis family includes Mr and Mrs Otis, their daughter Virginia,
the Otis twins (often referred to as “Stars and Stripes”) and their eldest son Washington. The
other characters include the Canterville Ghost, the Duke of Cheshire (who wants to marry
Virginia), Mrs Umney (the housekeeper), and Rev. Augustus Dampier. At first, none of the Otis
family believe in ghosts, but shortly after they move in, none of them can deny the presence of
Sir Simon de Canterville (The Canterville Ghost). The family hears clanking chains, they witness
reappearing bloodstains “on the floor just by the fireplace”, which are removed every time they
appear in various forms (colours). But, humorously, none of these scare the Otis family in the
least. In fact, upon hearing the clanking noises in the hallway, Mr Otis promptly gets out of bed
and pragmatically offers the ghost Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator to oil his chains.
Despite Sir Simon’s attempts to appear in the most gruesome guises, the family refuses to
be frightened, and Sir Simon feels increasingly helpless and humiliated. When Mrs Otis notices a
mysterious red mark on the floor, she simply replies that she does “not at all care for blood stains
in the sitting room”. When Mrs Umney informs Mrs Otis that the blood stain is indeed evidence
of the ghost and cannot be removed, Washington Otis, the eldest son, suggests that the stain will
be removed with Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent: a quick fix, like
the Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator, and a practical way of dealing with the problem.
Wilde describes Mrs Otis as “a very handsome middle-aged woman” who has been “a
celebrated New York belle”. Her expression of “modern” American culture surfaces when she
immediately resorts to using the commercial stain remover to obliterate the bloodstains and when
she expresses an interest in joining the Psychical Society to help her understand the ghost. Mrs
Otis is given Wilde’s highest praise when he says: “Indeed, in many respects, she was quite
English...”
The most colourful character in the story is undoubtedly the ghost himself, Sir Simon, who
goes about his duties with theatrical panache and flair. He assumes a series of dramatic roles in
his failed attempts to impress and terrify the Otises, making it easy to imagine him as a comical
character in a stage play. The ghost has the ability to change forms, so he taps into his repertoire
of tricks. He takes the role of ghostly apparitions such as a Headless Earl, a Strangled Babe, the
Blood-Sucker of Bexley Moor, Suicide’s Skeleton, and the Corpse-Snatcher of Chertsey Barn, all
having succeeded in horrifying previous castle residents over the centuries. But none of them
works with these Americans. Sir Simon schemes, but even as his costumes become increasingly
gruesome, his antics do nothing to scare his house guests, and the Otises beat him every time. He
falls victim to trip wires, pea shooters, butter-slides, and falling buckets of water. In a particularly
comical scene, he is frightened by the sight of a “ghost” rigged up by the mischievous twins.
During the course of the story, as narrated from Sir Simon’s viewpoint, he tells us the
complexity of the ghost’s emotions: he sees himself brave, frightening, distressed, scared, and
finally, depressed and weak. He exposes his vulnerability during an encounter with Virginia, Mr
Otis’s fifteen-year-old daughter. Virginia is different from everyone else in the family, and Sir
Simon recognizes this. He tells her that he has not slept in three hundred years and wants
desperately to do so. The ghost reveals to Virginia the tragic tale of his wife, Lady Eleanor de
Canterville.
Unlike the rest of her family, Virginia does not dismiss the ghost, because she is different
from everyone else in the family. She takes him seriously: she listens to him and learns an
important lesson, as well as the true meaning behind a riddle. Sir Simon de Canterville says that
she must weep for him, for he has no tears; she must pray for him, for he has no faith; and then
she must accompany him to the angel of death and beg for Death’s mercy upon Sir Simon. She
does weep for him and pray for him, and she disappears with Sir Simon through the wainscoting
and goes with him to the Garden of Death and bids the ghost farewell. Then she reappears at
midnight, through a panel in the wall, carrying jewels and news that Sir Simon has passed on to
the next world and no longer resides in the house.
Virginia’s ability to accept Sir Simon leads to her enlightenment: Sir Simon, she tells her
husband several years later, helped her understand “what Life is, what Death signifies, and why
Love is stronger than both”. The story ends with Virginia marrying the Duke of Cheshire after
they both come of age.
Overview
The Canterville Ghost is a study in contrasts. Wilde places the American Otises in a British
stately home. He creates stereotypical characters that represent both England and the United
States, and he presents each of these characters as comical figures, satirizing both the unrefined
tastes of Americans and the determination of the British to guard their traditions. Sir Simon is not
a symbol of England, as Mrs Umney perhaps is, but rather a paragon of British culture. In this
sense, he stands in perfect contrast to the Otises. By pitting the ghost and the Otises against each
other, Wilde wishes to emphasize the clash of cultures between England and the USA.
The story illustrates Wilde’s tendency to reverse situations into their opposites, as the
Otises gain the upper hand and succeed in terrorizing the ghost rather than being terrorized by
him. This ghost story is told from the perspective of the ghost, Sir Simon. Sir Simon could
logically be labeled the protagonist in this story, as it is he who faces the challenge of
overcoming adversity and bettering his lot.
Humor is the most powerful weapon used by Wilde to defuse the tension and scary
atmosphere that characterise a traditional ghost story. Phantoms, strange noises, blood stains,
even the haunting of the ghost in the corridors are all treated with humor: Mr Otis offers lubricant
for creaking chains, the persistent blood stain is cleaned with stain remover, and the ghost
appears in a miserable state that shocks nobody. After Mr Otis offers him lubricator to oil his
chains, the ghost laughs demoniacally, then Mrs Otis accuses him of indigestion and offers him
tincture. The ghost feels duty bound and says, “I must rattle my chains, groan through keyholes,
walk about at night.”
Oscar Wilde treats even murder flippantly. Sir Simon murdered his wife because she was
not a good cook and could not do repair work. Sir Simon even gloats to himself about the people
he drove to insanity or death as a ghost. He becomes frustrated because the Otises are incapable
of appreciating the symbolic value of apparitions, blood stains, the development of astral bodies
and his solemn duty to haunt the castle. All the tricks played on the ghost are humorous, with the
most ironic being the fake ghost which frightens the “real” Canterville ghost.
Though Wilde tells a humorous tale, it appears that he also has a message, and he uses
fifteen-year-old Virginia to convey it. Virginia says that the ghost helped her see the significance
of life and death, and why love is stronger than both. This is certainly not the first time an author
has used a traditional ghost story and the theme of life and death to examine the issue of
forgiveness: ghosts, after all, presumably remain in this realm because, for some reason, they are
unable to move on. Wilde’s ghost, Sir Simon, “had been very wicked”, and had even murdered
his wife because she had plain looks and was not good at cooking. Virginia tells her father after
she returns to the castle, “But he was really sorry for all that he had done.” God has forgiven him,
Virginia tells her father, and because of that forgiveness, Sir Simon de Canterville can finally rest
in peace.
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Solved Questions
‘Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Canterville Ghost’ is written in such a way that the story, in spite of
being about a ghost, does not scare the readers, instead it makes them laugh.’
Comment.
Answer: ‘The Centerville Ghost’ does not scare readers, instead it makes them laugh.
Despite the attempts made by Sir Simon who is the ghost in the story to appear in the
most scary guises, the family refuses to be frightened, and Sir Simon feels increasingly
helpless and humiliated. When Mrs. Otis notices a mysterious red mark on the floor, she
simply replies that she does “not at all care for blood stains in the sitting room.” When
Mrs. Umney, the housekeeper, informs Mrs. Otis that the blood stain is indeed evidence
of the ghost and cannot be removed, Washington Otis, the eldest son, suggests that the
stain be removed with Pinkerton’s Champion Stain Remover and Paragon Detergent: A
quick fix, like the Tammany Rising Sun Lubricator, and a practical way of dealing with
the problem.
The most humorous character in the story is undoubtedly the ghost himself, Sir Simon,
who goes about his duties with theatrical elegance and talent. He assumes a series of
dramatic roles in his failed attempts to impress and terrify the Otises, making it easy to
imagine him as a comical character in a stage play. The ghost has the ability to change
forms, so he taps into his range of tricks. He takes the role of ghostly apparitions such as
a Headless Earl, a Strangled Babe, the Blood-Sucker of Bexley Moor, Jonas the
Graveless, Suicide’s Skeleton, and the Corpse-Snatcher of Chertsey Barn, all having
succeeded in horrifying previous castle residents over the centuries. But none of them
works with these Americans. Sir Simon schemes, but even as his costumes become
increasingly ghostly, his antics do nothing to scare his house guests, and the Otises
succeed in failing him every time. He falls victim to trip wires, pea shooters, butter-slides,
and
falling buckets of water. In a particularly comical scene, he is frightened by the sight of a
“ghost,” rigged up by the mischievous twins.
In this way, ‘The Centerville Ghost’, makes the readers laugh all the way instead of
making them squeeze in horror.
The Canterville Ghost is a study in contrast. Justify the statement.
Ans. The story of The Canterville Ghost is the embodiment of contrasts. The story begins
with the plot where American Characters wish to settle down in European context. The
story provides insights into the worlds of European conservatism & American
rationalism. Mr. Otis is a representative character of American culture who wants to
believe only in the present, mirroring a practical, pragmatic and capitalist point of view in
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every sphere of life. On the other hand, Lord Canterville and Mrs. Umney belong to the
European culture and they are determined to safeguard their traditions and customs
faithfully without verifying the authenticity and practical value of it. The writer has used
gentle humour to point out the human foibles that make human beings superstitious, blind
follower of culture and narrow minded.
In the present story, the writer wants to show the contrast and difference between the two
cultures in their way of thinking as well in their way of life. Virginia establishes empathy
with the ghost and the ghost narrates his tragedy of isolated life that keeps his past alive
and haunted. She has held a composite dialogue with the ghost. As a result, the ghost
repents of his misdeed. It contrasts with the behaviour of the rest of the family members.
The author satirizes American capitalism and superior complexity and he makes fun of
British puritanism and traditionalism.
Member of the Otis family always laughs at the eccentric nature of the ghost without
taking into account the miserable condition of the ghost. They do not respect and try to
study the value of the British tradition. It shows their conceit.
Virginia holds a composite dialogue to bring two cultures together. Justify it. (Value
based question).
Ans. VALUE POINTS:
She represents the positive view of young generation.
Believes in dialogue to understand other’s problem.
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Established empathy with the person (the ghost) who always remained in the past;
escapes from the reality,
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Restores faith in the ghost through interaction
Made the ghost realize his misdeed.
Conduit between two culture – way of life
Cross cultural understanding
Mouth piece of the writer
Aspiration of the new generation to be inclusive.
Doesn’t neglect the traditions of Europe, respects them try to understand.
4.
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The Canterville Ghost mirrors the mindset of a middle class family. Discuss it.
Ans. VALUE POINTS
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Otis family–showing off their modernism, fearlessness, superior complexity, American
Capitalism
Prefer material things to traditional values
The Ghost – egoism, way to repent on his misdeed, male domination, sticking to tradition
without any sense
Sir Simon murdered his wife because she was not a good cook, nor could do repair work.
Describe the universal message of the story. (Value based question)
Ans. VALUE POINTS
Cross cultural understanding
Excessive belief in tradition and customs make the person superstitious and blind
follower
Traditions keep the past alive
The Ghost is the imagination of bankrupt mind
Through composite dialogue – solve any problem
Modern outlook and challenging nature , pragmatism always challenge the nonsense
customs and rituals
Egoism of capitalism and puritanism of Europe – conflict
How does the writer justify that the place is haunted?
Ans. The Canterville Ghost is well designed and imaginative product of a creative mind
of Oscar Wilde. The Canterville Ghost is not just a suspense story of ghost but also it is
the great example to give a universal message through word woven.
The following are the examples, incidents and action that may prove that the place has
been haunted.
The Ghost has been seen by many a person and there was a man who can be trusted by
one and all witnessed the appearance of the ghost. He was nothing but the Rector of the
Parish, the Rev. Augustus Dampier. Secondly the grandmother of Lord canteville felt
unconscious when two skeleton hands were placed on her shoulder. Moreover, Lady
Canterville often had very little sleep at night. Mrs. Umney always found blood stains on
the carpet.
The rankling of the chain heard by Mr. Otis, one who did not believe in the
superstitiousness. The disappearance of Virginia made the Otis family confirmed about
the presence of the Ghost. These are the examples described by the writer to justify that
the place is haunted.
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Do you think that The Canterville Ghost is just a ghost story? Justify.
Ans. VALUE POINTS
Yes /No
Ghost stories get us to the world of horror
Makes the readers curious, excited, anxious
Main themes would be – death, horror, witch, evils, traditional prophecies
It is a story with a difference. The writer used the Ghost as an image to weave a plot of
cross culture understanding. The ghost is not horrible. He didn’t succeed to terrify the
Otis family. He also wanted to leave the place
He confessed his misdeeds, wants to terrify only not to murder anybody
He himself was frightened by the twins; his miserable condition makes the story
humorous.
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How did the Ghost himself get rid of his stereo type role?
Ans. VALUE POINTS
Became dejected as nobody fears him
Made no appearance
The ghost confides in Virginia
The Ghost seeks help from Virginia
He requested Virginia to weep for him as a result he got salvation. Prayed for him
He was repentant
God has forgiven him because of Virginia
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What are the attempts made by the Ghost to terrorize the Otis family?
Ans. VALUE POINTS
The persistent blood stains
Strangely there was thunder and lightning – at their arrival
The sound of clanking metal
The ghost with burning – red eyes
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Emitting a ghostly green light
Extinguishing the candle, giving out frightening sounds of demoniac laughter
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Describe the behavior of each character in the story with the Ghost.
Ans. VALUE POINTS
Mr. Otis – challenged the existence of the ghost, to prove his modernism
Mrs. Otis – cool minded ordered Mrs.Umney to clean up the floor
Virginia – restored faith in him, provides platform to express his inner heart, establishes
empathy and helps him to get rid of this victimization.
The Twins – made fun of him, first who dared to frighten the Ghost, made the Ghost
realize his mistakes and shortcoming, made him belittled.
Washington – wanted to remove the blood stains practically, with Pinkerton’s champion
stain Remover, shows his indifferent attitude towards the existence of the ghost.
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11. What was about the prophecy about the ghost in the canterville ghost?
 Simon de Canterville was a ghost who haunted “Canterville Chase”, a country house in
which an American family had recently moved. Over the centuries Sir Simon had scared
many occupants away, but this family was not afraid of the ghost no matter what, and
they discarded him and ignored him. The twins of the family, two small children, often
played pranks on him making his attempts to scare them backfire. The only one who
doesn’t discard him and actually talks to him is the 15yr old daughter of the family. Sir
Simon tells her that he cannot pass on and explains the tragic fate of his wife to her, he
tells her that she must weep for him because he himself doesn’t have any tears, she must
pray for him because he has no faith, and ultimately must come with him to the Angel of
Death and beg him to have mercy on Sir Simon. She helps him, does the things he asked
and Sir Simon passes on, while Virginia learns an important lesson of what Life is, what
Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.
Questions for Practice
Q1. It was the ghost who was haunted by the American family. Explain the statement
indicating instances from the novel.
Q 2. The Canterville Ghost presents more instances of belied expectations and terrors than that
of frightening incidents usually incorporated in ghost novels. Discuss.
Q 3. Describe the character of Virginia in the novel.
Q 4. The activities of the ghost are at the same time horrifying and amusing. Support the
statement with help from relevant instances from the novel.
Q 5. State your views on Duke of Cheshire and Virginia’s relationship in the novel.
Q 6. Why did the American Republican Minister, Mr. Otis purchase the Canterville Chase
despite knowing it to be haunted?
Q 7. Mention the plans made by the ghost to frighten the Otis family.
Q 8. Write a detailed note on the tricks played by the twin on the ghost.
Q 9. If given an option, which part of the novel would you like to change or modify and why?
Q10.Explain the role played by supernatural elements apart from the ghost in the novel.
Q11. The ghost and Mr. Otis’s family presented a cultural clash between English and the
United States. Explain.
Q12. How did the ghost help Virginia ‘to see the significance of life and death, and why love is
stranger than both’?
SAMPLE PAPER I
Section A : Reading
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow it :
20 marks
12
The New Year is a time for resolutions. Mentally, at least most of us could compile
formidable lists of ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’. The same old favorites recur year in and year out with
monotonous regularity. We resolve to get up earlier each morning, eat less, find more time to
play with the children, do a thousand and one jobs about the house, be nice to people we don’t
like, drive carefully and take the dog for a walk every day. Past experience has taught us that
certain accomplishments are beyond attainment. If we remain deep-rooted liars, it is only
because we have so often experienced the frustration that results from failure.
Most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement because our schemes are too ambitious
and we never have time to carry them out. We also make the fundamental error of announcing
our resolutions to everybody so that we look even more foolish when we slip back into our
bad old ways. Aware of these pitfalls, this year I attempted to keep my resolutions to myself. I
limited myself to two modest ambitions : to do physical exercise every morning and to read
more in the evening. An all-night party on New Year’s Eve provided me with a good excuse
for not carrying out either of these new resolutions on the first day of the year, but on the
second, I applied myself assiduously to the task.
The daily exercise lasted only eleven minutes and I proposed to do them early in the
morning before anyone had got up. The self-discipline required to drag myself out of bed
eleven minutes earlier than usual was considerable. Nevertheless, I managed to creep down
into the living-room for two days before anyone found me out. After jumping about on the
carpet and twisting the human frame into uncomfortable positions, I sat down at the breakfast
table in an exhausted condition. It was this that betrayed me. The next morning the whole
family trooped in to watch the performance. That was really unsettling but I fended off the
taunts and jibes of the family good humouredly and soon everybody got used to the idea.
However, my enthusiasm waned, the time I spent at exercises gradually diminished. Little by
little the eleven minutes fell to zero. By January 10th, I was back to where I had started from.
I argued that if I spent less time exhausting myself at exercises in the morning I would keep
my mind fresh for reading when I got home from work. Resisting the hypnotizing effect of
television, I sat in my room for a few evenings with my eyes glued to a book. One night,
however, feeling cold and lonely, I went downstairs and sat in front of the television
pretending to read. That proved to be my undoing, for I soon got back to the old bad habit of
dozing off in front of the screen. I still haven’t given up my resolution to do more reading. In
fact, I have just bought a book entitled ‘How to Read a Thousand Words a Minute’. Perhaps it
will solve my problem, but I just haven’t had time to read it.
I.
a)
Read the given alternatives of the questions given below carefully and write the option you
consider the most appropriate :
6
‘Resolutions’ include :
b
)
(i) Our favorite pastimes
(ii) Pledging not to do certain things
(iii) pledging doing certain things
(iv) pledging doing and not doing certain things
Past experiences have taught us that :
i. All accomplishments are attainable
ii. Most of our promises are true.
iii. All our accomplishments are not attainable
iv.
We can do everything and anything
c)
We fail to improve ourselves because :
(i) our plans are very ambitious
(ii) we are short of time to carry them out
(iii) we disclose our plans to everybody (iv) all of the above
d
)
By January 10th the narrator :
(i) achieved what he aimed to do
(ii) did nothing at all
(iii) was back to square one
(iv) progressed and achieved a lot
The narrator wanted to save his energy in the morning for :
(i) exercises
(ii) reading
(iii) playing
(iv) taking rest
The best time for resolutions is :
(i) your birthday
(ii) The New Year Eve
(iii) The New Year
(iv) Christmas Day
(a) Answer the following questions briefly :
4
i) What were the author’s resolutions ?
ii) Did he succeed to keep his resolutions ? What was the result ?
iii) Why did the author fail in his mission ?
iv) Suggest an appropriate title for the passage.
(b) Find words in the passage which convey similar meaning as the following :
2
i) mesmerizing (Para 3)
ii) zeal (Para 3)
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow it :
8
The other day we heard someone smilingly refer to poets as dreamers. No it is accurate to
refer to poets as dreamers but it is not discerning to infer as this person did, that the dreams of
poets are just as practical as people who build bridges or look into microscopes are just as
close to reality and truth. Where they differ from the logician and the scientist is in the
temporal sense alone : they are ahead of their time, whereas logicians and scientists are abreast
of their time. We must not be superficial that we fail to discern the practicability of dreams.
Dreams are the sunrise streamers heralding a newday of scientific progress, another forward surge. Every forward step man takes in any field of
life is first taken along the dreamy paths of imagination. Robert Foulton did not discover his
steamboat with full steam up, straining at a hawser at some Hudson River dock ; first he
dreamed the steamboat and then scientific wisdom converted a picture in the mind into a
reality of steel and wood.
The automobile was not dug out of the ground like a nugget of gold ; first men dreamed the
automobile and afterwards, the practical minded engineers caught up with what had been
created by winging fantasy. He who looks deeply and with a seeing eye into the poetry of
e)
f)
II
2.
yesterday finds there all the cold scientific magic of today and much we shall not enjoy until
some tomorrow. If the poet does not dream so clearly that blue print of this vision can
immediately be drawn and the practical conversions immediately effected, he must not for that
reason be smiled upon as merely the mental host for a sort of harmless madness. For the poet,
like the engineer, is a specialist. His being turned to the life of tomorrow, cannot be turned
simultaneously to the life to today. To the scientist, he says, “Here, I give you a flash of the
future.” The wise scientist thanks him and takes that flash of the future and makes it over into
a fiber of today.
(Glen Falls)
a. One the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings
and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary and give it a
suitable title.
5
b. Give a summary of the passage in your own words
3
Section B : Writing and Grammar
3.
4.
5.
30 Marks
ABC School needs two nursery teachers. Write a suitable advertisement for the ‘situations
vacant’ column of a local newspaper.
OR
Write out a notice for your school Notice Board inviting students to give their names for a
Fancy
Dress
Competition.
4
M.L.Saxena, General Manager, Globes Infocom Ltd. Nasik, writes a letter to the owner of a
commercial complex at Central Market Nasik, for a branch office. Write a letter on behalf of
Mr. L.M.Gupta, the owner of the complex, offering an accommodation in the commercial
complex. Invent the necessary details regarding the terms and conditions required in the deal.
OR
Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), New Delhi , requesting him to install
traffic lights at the crossing near your school.
6
You are selected as the head boy/girl of your school. It is your first address to the school
assembly. Draft a speech in 150-200 words with the help of the following points:
Hints :
- Express your gratitude
- Declare your planning for smooth functioning of academic and co-curricular activities
- Co-ordination with students and teachers
- Suggest some improvements
- Seek cooperation from the students
OR
As compared to the older generation the Youth of Today are greatly inclined to pursue
adventurous activities either for money or Fun. There is latest craze for joining Reality Shows,
Rafting, Rock-Climbing, Mountaineering etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Which
life would you prefer- Safe or Adventurous’.
10
6
Make corrections wherever necessary.
4
i)
He usually is going to school at 7 a.m.
ii)
The clerk has already typed the letter before the Principal summoned him to do so.
iii)
They will talk for hours sitting at the bridge doing nothing (Past habit)
iv)
All citizen of India enjoys certain fundamental rights conferred on them by the
Constitution.
7.
The following passage has not been edited. There is one word omitted in each line. Write
the omitted word as given in the example against the correct blank number in your answer
sheet. Underling the omitted word. Also write the words coming before and after the
omitted word.
8 x½=4
The ancient Greeks revered honey much so
that many playwrights conveyed
luxurious lifestyle to Athenians
with a description of cheese cake
eaten with honey. Honey known not
only for its sweet, also for
its soothing. Unless sugar
became common in late 18th
century, honey also used in traditional remedies.
e.g. honey so much
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Look at the sentences given below in a disorderly form. Re-order them to form meaningful
sentences.
8.
2
i)
Playing football/for an hour/he/had been/ I/when/his house/reached
ii)
He/get/success/is industrious/since he/may
Section C : Literature And Long Reading Text- Novel
9.
Read the stanza given below and answer the questions that follow it :
And who are thou ? said I to the soft-falling shower,
Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated :
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain,
Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the
bottomless sea,
a) ‘And who are thou ?’ Who puts this question and to whom ?
30 Marks
3
b) Why does the poet feel it strange to tell ?
c) Why is the rain impalpable ?
OR
When did my childhood go ?
Was it when I found my
Mind was really mine,
To use whichever way I choose,
producing thoughts that were
But my own, and mine alone
a) What do the words ‘My own’ and ‘mine’ stand for ?
b) When did his childhood go?
c) Which phase of life does this stanza show?
10
Answer
the
following
question
in
not
more
than
40
words
:
3x3=9
i)
How has archaeology changed over the years?
ii)
How did Khushwant Singh portray his Grandfather in the lesson?
iii)
Suggest a few instances in the poem ‘The Tale of Melon City’ which highlights
11
humor and irony.
Answer the following in 150 words :
6
The children are not far behind the adults when confronted with dangerous and disastrous
situations. What differences did you notice in the reaction of the parents and children when
faced with the storm and the tempestuous Indian Ocean ?
OR
What are the factors as enumerated by Nani Palkivala that have made our Earth an ailing
planet?
12. Describe the Otis family in detail in about 150 words .
6
OR
13. Mention the plans made by the Ghost to frighten the Otis family.
‘It was the Ghost who was haunted by the American Family.’ Explain the statement
indicating instances from the novel.
OR
The Canterville Ghost is study in contrast. Justify the statement.
6
SAMPLE PAPER-II
Sub: English
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
M.M. 80
All questions are compulsory.
Marks are allotted against the each question.
READING SECTION-
20Marks
Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
12 Marks
1. Right from the childhood , a human being starts enjoying the pleasure of reading. As a
child, he learns the ways of life through reading and writing .He is thrilled by going
through new little things and learning through them .Any new lesson that comes his way,
excites his emotions by giving his little mind freshness of knowledge .A little poem about
an animal , a little prose about the toys and a little sentence about society he lives in , give
him strange pleasure.
2. The pleasure one derives from reading , is indeed re creative as well as instructive . The
mental effects of reading create a strange sense of pleasure .Reading provides an ecstasy
and intellectual exertion . Reading of novels or their interesting literature makes a person
forget the worries and cares of life. The reading of newspaper ,periodicals , journal etc.
which is light reading , gives the reader knowledge about human being around and solves
his curiosity for knowledge about the world. Newspaper and journal give information about
the events taking place in the world and happening in the state .The newspapers also
publish important news and views in the fields of economics , politics and science .Reading
of newspaper is newspaper is indispensable for even a little educated citizen in modern
society.
3. The reading of novels is the most popular pastime of a large number of people .The
attraction of novel lies in its ability to create interest , to sustain it and take the reader to
the heights of imagination and luxuries fiction . All fictions are somewhat connected with
life and give in words the picture drawn from real life or from imagination .As such , of
all forms of literature , novels are the most popular and interesting. They portray pen
pictures from our real life and society and present the character of the people we see around
or wish to see. A novel inspires the interest and intention of a reader because in it scenes
rapidly shift and change and there are unexpected turns of events giving shocks and shakes
to the mind.
4. Next , we come to the books of travel and adventure . The spirit of of adventure is in the
very blood of man . A man wants glamour and romantic life , full of adventure and
material spirit . Books of travel and adventure infuse a spirit of fearlessness which the
travelers who are the heroes of the books ,may inspire in us.
5. Whatever type of books one reads , the reading is always a source of pleasure and
enjoyment , the habit of reading is sign of good culture . It is a source of knowledge and
the best means of making use of one’s leisure .Books are , after all , a gold time of
knowledge ,art , literature and science. Books are not only useful , instructive but also
entertaining.
1. On the basis of your reading of the passage ,answer the following questions by
choosing the best of the given choices.
1*6=6 Marks
(a)How does a child learn the ways of its life ?
i) by imitating his elders
ii) by observing iii)through
reading and writing
iv)through school education.
(b) What are the two salient features of reading?
i) recreative and instructive
ii) pleasure and intellectual exertion
iii) information and views
iv)all the above
(c ) How does the reading of a novel inculcate the interest of a reader ?
i)
novels take the reader to the height of imagination and give pen pictures from
real life.
ii)
Novels create interest and sustain it
iii)
Novels present the characters of people we see around us.
iv)
Scenes in novels shift and change and unexpected events take place.
(d) Why is the reading of books of travel and adventure , a source of immense pleasure
and thrill?
i) these books provide glamour and romance.
ii) these books inspire us to be heroes depicted inthem.
iii) they are the best literature in the world
iv)these books infuse fearlessness in the reader.
(e) Choose the synonym of the word ‘unavoidable’ from the options given below.
i) indispensable
ii) avoidable
iii) urgent
iv) foremost
(f)Find the antonym of the word of ‘rest’ from the given passage
i) ecstasy
ii) pleasure
I I .(a) Answer the following questions briefly:
iii) exertion
iv) curiosity
1*4=4Marks
i)How does the reading of a novel inculcate the interest of a reader ?
ii) Why is the reading of books of travel and adventure , a source of immense pleasure
and thrill ?
iii)Why is the habit of reading regarded as a sign of good culture?
Iv) What kind of pleasure ,reading provides to the readers of books?
(b) Find words from the passage which mean the following :
1*2=2 Marks
(i) excited with joy (para 1)
(ii) educative (para 2)
Q2 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow it :
8 Marks
The other day we heard someone smilingly refer to poets a dreamers . No it is accurate to refer to
poets as dreamers but it is not discerning to infer as this person did, that the dreams of poets are
just as practical as people who build bridges or look into microscopes are just as close to reality
and truth .Where they differ from the logician and scientist is in the temporal sense alone : they are
ahead of their time ,whereas logicians and the scientists are abreast of their time . We must not be
superficial that we fail to discern the practicableness of dreams .Dreams arethe sunrise streamers
heralding a new day of scientific progress ,another forward surge .Every forward step man takes
in any field of life is first taken along the dreamy paths of imagination .Robert Foulton did not
discover his steam boat and then scientific wisdom converted a picture in the mind into a reality of
steal and wood.
The automobile was not dug out of the ground like a nugget of gold ; first man dreamed the
automobile and afterwards , the practical minded engineers caught up with what had been created
by winging fantasy .He who looks deeply and with a seeing eye into the poetry of yesterday finds
there all the cold scientific magic of today and much we shall not enjoy until some tomorrow. If
the poet does not dream so clearly that blue print of this vision can immediately be drawn and the
practical conversions immediately effected , he must not for that reason be smiled upon as merely
the mental host for a sort of harmless madness. To the scientist , he says, “ Here I give you a flash
of future .” The wise scientist thanks him and takes that flash of the future and makes it over into a
fiber of today.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub
headings .Use recognized abbreviations , wherever necessary , and give it a suitable title.
5 Marks
(b) Give a summary of the passage in your own words .
3Marks
WRITING AND GRAMMAR SECTION- 30 Marks
Q3 .You are Manisha Rathore , 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
Indian Express’ Gurgaon under classified columns .Give all necessary details.
4Marks
OR
You are Sachin ,Sports Secretary of Kendirya Vidyalaya Faridabad .Draft a notice in not
more than 50 words for your school notice board asking the students to give their names
for participation in Throw Ball event to be held on the Regional Sports Meet at KV
Gurgaon .Invent the details of the events .
Q4. You are Kalpna Singh ,write an article on ‘Physical Education in Schools’ for your
school magazine .Using the information given below, write that article in about 150-200
words.
Physical education necessary for all around development---priority in school curriculum --inadequate facilities and no incentives to sports ---healthy mind in healthy body---teaches
team work and discipline ---via media of national unity and co operation ---need of the
hour.
10 Marks
OR
Children usually come to school without taking breakfast in the morning and eat junk food
from the school canteen. This habit affects adversely the performance of students in
academics and sports . Write a speech in about 150-200 words to be given in your school
assembly about ‘How Health is Affected by Lifestyle.’
Q5. Write a letter to the Corporation Commissioner ,Corporation of Faridabad ,informing
him about the poor condition of the roads and street lights in SGM Nagar in Faridabad
,explaining the difficulties faced by the people of the colony .You are Arijit ,a resident of
SGM Nagar,Faridabad.
OR
This autumn break you are planning to visit Srinagar, Kashmir .Write a letter to travel
agency in Srinagar requesting him to book you a room in a hotel .Give other details of your
journey and facilities you require .Sign yourself as Kriti Kumar , New Delhi.
6Marks
Q6. Correct the following sentences using proper tense forms.
4Marks
I .The rose is always smelling sweet.
ii .The patient died before the doctor had reached there.
iii .All that glitters are not gold.
iv. One of his friends have just qualified Civil Services Exam .
Q.7 .The following paragraph has not been edited .There is one error in each line .Write the
correct word in your answer sheet as shown in example.
4 Marks
Life was not as t seems to be-----is
It is full of up and downs--i.
The grass always look greener on the other side---ii
We have an habit of grumbling---iii
We are ever satisfied --iv
We make us lives miserable-v
by expect too much from everyone --vi
This is what we face disappointment--vii
So never expect nothing and be happy--viii
Q8.Look at the sentences given below in a disorderly form, Re arrange them to form
meaningful sentences.
2Marks
i.
She/rather/surrender/would/than/die
ii.
in enjoying/whatever/get/he/can/believes/he
LITERATURE SECTION -30 Marks
Q9. Read the stanza given below and answer the questions that follow:
3 Marks
When did my childhood go?
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven
Was it the time I realized that Hell and Heaven
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore could not be
Was that the day !
i)
ii)
iii)
What does the poet want to know?
Where could Hell and Heaven not be found?
Explain ‘Therefore could not be
Q10.Answer any three questions in not more than 40 words.
3*3= 9 Marks
i)How did the sparrows express their sorrows at the death of the grandmother ?
ii)Why did Jonathan ask for a hug and called him the best daddy and the best captain in the
world ?
iii)How is population explosion perpetuating poverty ?
iv)Describe the homecoming of Ranga .Why was it a great event in the village ?
v)Andrew was torn between two choices . What were they and what did he decide?
Q11. ‘We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers ; we have borrowed it from our
children’ Comment on this wise statement.
6 Marks
OR
Who stole the horse and why? How did they use the horse and what made them return it to its
true owner ?
Q12. How does the attitude of Virginia differ from that of the rest of the family towards the ghost
?
6 Marks
Q13. Who were twins and how did they make the life of the ghost miserable ?
Sample Question Paper-III
ENGLISH CORE CLASSXI
6 Marks
Maximum Marks80
General Instructions:
This question paper is divided into foursections:
Section A Reading Comprehension 20 Marks
Section B Writing 20 Marks
Section C Grammar 10 Marks
Section D Text Books 30 Marks
Section- A(Reading)
Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows:Life is an institution. We have a principal, God, who looks over the entire working of our life. He
allots teacher, namely our parents, to guide us through this path. We learn lessons and it is up to us
whether we want to pass or fail. Every morning we wake up and give a tick mark to the attendance
file of our lives. The only difference in this school of life is you cannot play truant even for a day!
Though from time to time one may doze off and not pay heed to the message that is being given to
us.
From the start my parents taught me and my sister to be good human beings first. Life has been
kind, sometimes harsh but mostly fair. We make many mistakes, some of which we admit and
others, we conceal. But now that I’m 22 years old, I can review every step taken by me.
Think positive. Yes, it's that simple. Thoughts are actions. Imagine if there are a billion good
thoughts, the universe will throw back a billion good actions. Something within tells me: 'Forget
the world and listen to your heart'. If we all just start listening to our inner soul maybe we won't
scratching our heads while taking the final exam. I am not at all close to being perfect but I know I
want to get near it, not by maturing the business world, not by being perfect self, according to me,
is kind, compassionate, and empathetic one who sees the good in people and shares the good
within themselves.
The true test is for us to examine, and to be honest to ourselves before we give a tick mark to our
answer sheets. I had a lot of questions ready, my doubt all written; point by point, since I could not
get the answer from my teachers I made an appointment with God. Doubts about life love death,
fear, sorrow. i was angry. Why can’t' He guide us?
God was there by my side, every minute, every step. Even though i haven't gotten all the answers i
know i will get there. He will take me there, in my own time, the same way He has gotten me here,
where i am now.
Some say one should never pity nor envy anyone else andI am happy to be me. The first important
teaching to learn, count your blessings. We all stand to be a little more aware about what life is
really trying to teach us and for some be aware that life is trying to teach us something.
Money is like our grades in school. It helps us move to the next steps but after that, who
remembers what we scored in math in the third standard? People forget that when we die money
does not come along with us. It becomes like our grades, we don't remember how much we earned
or how much we lost. Families fight, friendships are ruined; parent child bonds are broken. Isn't
that a waste why would anyone choose paper over love?
Here's plea for whoever is reading this let us all try and be the best pupils in this school called life.
Be true and love not only others but also yourself Love God wholeheartedly because that's all He
wants, and you know what they say. "Be in his good books and you will go to the head of the
class."
A) Choose the correct option 1) All our questions can be answered by
1
(i) Parent
(ii) Friends
(iii) Good
(iv) Ourselves
2) We can be good pupils by 1
(i) Loving ourselves
(ii) Loving others
(iii) Both a and b
(iv)Onlybeing good
3 We can escape envy by1
i) Learning from life
ii) Being thankful to God.
iii) Reflecting on our blessings
iv) None of the above.
Answer the following questions (4) How is God equal to a principal? 1
(5) What is the difference between life at school and school of life?
(6) Why are good thoughts compared to good actions?1
(7) 'Money is like our grades in school.' 'Explain'?1
(8) Pick out a word similar in meaning to
a. Straying b. Jealous2
(9) Pick out a word opposite in meaning to
a. 'uncover'b. confused
2
(10)What plea does the writer make?
1
1
Q2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
(8) marks
1. The practice of soil conservation involves methods to reduce soil erosion, prevent depletion of
soil nutrients, and restore nutrients, already lost by erosion and excessive crop harvesting. Most
methods used to control soil erosion involve, keeping the soil covered with vegetation.
2. In conventional farming, the land is ploughed several times and smoothed to make a planting
surface – a practice that makes it vulnerable to soil erosion. To reduce erosion, an increasing
number of farmers in many countries are using conservation – tillage farming, also known as
minimum – tillage, or no- till farming, depending on the degree to which the soil is disturbed.
Farmers using these methods disturb the soil as little as possible in planting crops.
3. For the minimum-tillage method, special tillers break up and loosen the subsurface soil without
turning over the topsoil. In no-till farming special planting machines inject seeds, fertilizers and
weed-killers into slits made in the un-ploughed soil.
4. In addition to reducing soil erosion, conversation – tillage and no-till farming reduce Fuel and
tillage costs and water loss from soil. They can also increase the number of crops that can be
grown during a season.
5. Soil erosion can also be reduced by 30-50 percent on gently sloping land by means of contour
farming – ploughing and planting crops in rows across, rather than up and down, the sloped
contours of the land. Each row planted horizontally along the slope of the land acts as a small dam
to help hold and slow the runoff of water.
6. Terracing can be used on steeper slopes. Each terrace retains some of the water running down
the vegetated slope. Terracing provides water for crops at all levels and decreases soil erosion by
reducing the amount and speed of water runoff. In areas of high rainfall, diversions ditches must be
built behind each terrace to permit adequate drainage.
7. In strip cropping, a series of rows of one crop, such as corn or soybeans, is planted in a wide
strip. Then the next strip is planted with a soil-conserving cover crop, such as grass or grasslegume mixture, which completely covers the soil and thus reduces erosion. These alternating rows
of cover trap soil that erodes from the other rows, catch and reduce water runoff, and help prevent
the spread of plant diseases and pests from one strip to another.
8. Windbreaks can reduce erosion caused by exposure of cultivated lands to high winds or shelter
beats. These are long rows of trees planted to partially block the wind. Windbreaks also provide
habitats for birds, pest eating and pollinating insects and other animals.
1. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary. Give the passage a suitable title.
(5 marks)
2. Write a summary of the notes prepared in not more than 80 words. (3 marks
Section - B (Advanced Writing Skills and Grammar)
30marks
Q3. You are Anil / Anita, the school captain of Orchids International School. You wish to call a
meeting of the students council to discuss the measures to be taken to check the explosion of
crackers in the school premises during Diwali time. Draft the Notice in not more than 50 words.
4marks
OR
You are Ankit/Aditi, the school captain 0f PratibhaVikasVidyalaya. You have decided to celebrate
“The Grand Parents Day” in school. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to the grand parents of
students of your school giving details of the programme, day, date and time etc.
Q4. Tourism as an industry is flourishing at the global level yet in our homes we do not have time
to entertain our guests with warmth and true hospitality. Guests are no longer the gods as they
were thought to be in earlier times. Write an article, discussing the present day preoccupations of
the people with themselves for your school magazine.
10 marks
OR
Children usually come to school without taking breakfast in the morning. This habit affects
adversely the performance of students in academics and sports. Write a speech in about 100-125
words to be given in your school assembly giving the benefits of taking.
Q5. You are Rohan/ Rohini of 48, New Bank Enclave Delhi. Write a letter to
the editor complaining about the badly maintained parks of your colony.
6 marks
Or
You are Shahid/ Shachi of B-3/230, Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Last month you bought
a Samsung LED TV from Delhi Electronics, Patel Nagar. Now it is not working
properly. Write a letter to the dealer complaining about it.
Q6The following passage could not be edited. It has a missing word in each
Underline the error in each line and write the correction in the space
provided1/2 x8= 4 Marks
In today's world that is easy to (a) ..............
grow up with inculcating reading (b) ..............
habits. There is so many television (c) ..............
programmes computer games or the (d) ..............
playstation to keep me busy (e) ..............
For, those not only serve as (f) ..............
entertainment gadgets and are (g) .............
educational two at the same time (h) .............
Q7. Rearrange the following jumbled words to make meaningful sentences(1x4= 4 marks)
(a) some / history / ancient/ I would / books / look at / like / to / Indian /on
(b) minutes / you / could / a few / for / please / wait / ?
(c) relativity / Albert Einstein / of / theory / is / known / for / best / his.
(d) know / you / light / do / travels / always/ line / that / a straight / in
Q8. Edit the following sentences2marks
a. To error in human, to forgive is divine.
b. A stich at time saves nine.
Section C (Textual Questions )30 marks
Q9 : Read the extracts given below and answer the question that follow (anyone) 3marks
Now she’s has been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived. And of this circumstance
There is nothing to say at all,
Its silence silences.
a. How many years are over after the death of her mother?
b. What does ‘this circumstance’ refer to?
c. Why has the poet nothing to say about this circumstance?
Or
Q.4.Read the lines given below and answer the following questions:When did my childhood go?
Was it when I found my mind was really mine,
To use whichever may I choose,
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people
But my own, and mine alone
Was that the day!
(a) What do words ‘my mind was really mine’ mean?
(b) What kind of feeling is generated in the mind of the poet in lines 3,4,5?
(c) Which day is the poet referring to? Do you think the poet’s feeling is right?
10. Answer any three the following questions in about30- 40 words.3x3=9marks
(i) “That was the turning point in our friendship.” What was the turning
point?
(ii) How did the narrator react when the realized that ‘Wave walker’ was
Capsizing?
(iii) How did little Aram define stealing when he had to decide whether or
not to ride the horse?
iv) What horrified the author on her second visit to Mrs. Dorling's house?
vWhy did Einstein consider the school 'a hateful place'?
Q11. Answer the following question in about 100 words:
5marks
The grandmother was not formally educated but was serious about the author’s
education. How does the text support this?
OR
Q12. Answer any one out of the two questions given below.
5 marks
(a) “Scientific interventions are necessary to unearth the buried mysteries.” How do you thinkprogress
made in scientific field is helpful in revealing the mysteries?
Or
(b)What should be the relationship between a teacher and a student according to The Browning
Version...
Q13 Human survival and environmental conservation go hand-in-hand.Comment.
Q14. : Answer the following in about 150 words (any one)
6 marks
6 marks
Who was Lord Canterville? Why did he discourage Mr. Otis from buying the Chase?
Or
Why do you think the family member try to avoid talking about the ghost?
Q15. Answer the following in about 150 words (any one)
6 marks
Why was Mr Otis not willing to accept the casket of jewels? Explain
Or
Describe the situations which show that the Canterville chase was haunted?