E-LEARNING
I YEAR 2011-June to November
UNIT I (PROSE)
1. HEADACHE - R.K.NARAYAN
R.K.Narayan is one of the most famous Indian Writers in English. He brings out in an
amusing way how headache, whether real or unreal, helps people to avoid many delicate
personal discomforts and save the face of people. Headache is the most useful blessing given
to mankind by God. It acts as a password to escape from problems. During our school days
while writing leave let (Specimen letter) teacher give example as “I am suffering from
headache”. Headache was a boon to mankind. During drill classes students those who wanted
to escape from exercises use headache as a password. The schoolboy dislikes doing
homework. So he lies that he is suffering from severe headache. Highly placed officials talk
of their indisposition to escape from unpleasant commitments. Telling the truth bluntly will
disrupt human relationships. So we lie that we are suffering from headache. The husband
does not want to take his wife out. So he lies to her that he is suffering from headache. The
clerk who does not like his routine work at office cannot complain openly that his job is
boring. So he stays at home, saying that he has an unbearable headache. Headache is
essential for maintaining human relationship in working order. It has become such a
confirmed habit that a huge trade has developed in providing a cure for it. Companies
manufacture medicines for curing headache which is only a myth and not a reality.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. Headcahe is a____________
a. Blessing
b. Cursing
c. None of the above
2. Headache is essential for _________
a. Maintain critical circumstance
b. Maintain human relationship
c. Maintain the mental power
3. The word “Headcahe” is superior to the word____________
a. disposition
4.
5.
6.
7.
b. boon
c. indisposition
The word boon means ______________
a. Gift
b. Blessing
c. praise
The word myth means ___________
a. a commonly believed idea which is true
b. a commonly believed idea which is not true
c. both
No other aches, except headache, can be so openly mentioned with impunity, because
they are _________ and __________
a. Smooth and physiological
b. Smooth and crude
c. crude and physiological
Rheumatism means _____________
a. pain in the joints and muscles
b. pain in the head and nerves
c. pain in the bones
PARAGRAPHS:
1. Why does R.K.Narayan say that headache is God’s blessing to man? Give some reasons.











He brings out in an amusing way how headache, whether real or unreal, helps
people to avoid many delicate personal discomforts and save the face of people.
Headache is the most useful blessing given to mankind by God.
It helps people to avoid uncomfortable situations in life.
It acts as a password to escape from problems.
Headache was a boon to mankind.
During drill classes students those who wanted to escape from exercises use
headache as a password.
The schoolboy dislikes doing homework.
Telling the truth bluntly will disrupt human relationships.
So we lie that we are suffering from headache.
The husband does not want to take his wife out.
And also mother-in-law, father-in-law, officers and friends also use headache as
an excuse.
2. How headache is essential for maintaining human relationship?









Telling the truth bluntly will disrupt human relationships.
So we lie that we are suffering from headache.
The husband does not want to take his wife out.
So he lies to her that he is suffering from headache.
The clerk who does not like his routine work at office cannot complain openly
that his job is boring.
So he stays at home, saying that he has an unbearable headache.
Headache is essential for maintaining human relationship in working order.
It has become such a confirmed habit that a huge trade has developed in providing
a cure for it.
Companies manufacture medicines for curing headache which is only a myth and
not a reality.
ESSAYS:
1. Summarize R.K.Narayan’s ideas on ‘Headache’?
INTRODUCTION:


R.K.Narayan is one of the most famous Indian Writers in English.
He brings out in an amusing way how headache, whether real or unreal, helps
people to avoid many delicate personal discomforts and save the face of people.
HEADACHE AS A BOON:








Headache is the most useful blessing given to mankind by God.
It helps people to avoid uncomfortable situations in life.
It acts as a password to escape from problems.
Headache was a boon to mankind.
During drill classes students those who wanted to escape from exercises use
headache as a password.
The schoolboy dislikes doing homework.
So he lies that he is suffering from severe headache.
Highly placed officials talk of their indisposition to escape from unpleasant
commitments.
AUTHOR’S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

He remembers his school experience that the very first letter was taught, as”I am
suffering from headache. I request to grant me leave”.

He wonders why the teacher chooses the same for the leave letter.
INDISPOSITION AS SUPERIOR:






The word “Indisposition” is superior to the word “Headache”.
People use the word ‘indisposition’ to excuse themselves.
It is a wage word.
It sounds better in the third person.
A gentle man’s secretary can use it in a press note.
An excuse is an elegant falsehood.
HEADACHE HELPS TO MAINTAIN HUMAN RELATIONSHIP:









Telling the truth bluntly will disrupt human relationships.
So we lie that we are suffering from headache.
The husband does not want to take his wife out.
So he lies to her that he is suffering from headache.
The clerk who does not like his routine work at office cannot complain openly
that his job is boring.
So he stays at home, saying that he has an unbearable headache.
Headache is essential for maintaining human relationship in working order.
It has become such a confirmed habit that a huge trade has developed in providing
a cure for it.
Companies manufacture medicines for curing headache which is only a myth and
not a reality.
HEADACHE IS ONLY A HABIT:




Headache is only a habit.
Headache is rather a habit than a disease.
The sufferer feels uneasy as they do not carry always headache tablets in their
pockets.
Opticians sell glasses to relieve headache, thus a huge trade has developed in
providing a cure for it.
CONCLUSION:

` The author says that there is no such thing as headache or indisposition.
2. GETTYSBURG ADDRESS- Abraham Lincoln
The Gettysburg speech ranks as one of the best speeches of Abraham Lincoln. Abraham
fought for the abolition of slavery. The Northern States rallied behind him but the Southern
States attacked his stand. A Civil war broke out between the two sides. The rebellious southern
army was crushed out at the battle of Gettysburg. In honour of his dead comrades Lincoln
delivered a famous speech, spelling out the principles governing the newly born nation of
America. Eighty seven years ago our forefathers brought forth a new nation called America on
the principles that all are free and equal. The civil war tests whether these principles can be
practiced. The battlefield is dedicated to those who gave their lives so that this. Nation can live.
The men who are alive cannot add to this hallowness and consecration. The world can never
forget the greatness of those who died here. It is the duty of the living to dedicate themselves for
the great task of maintaining a new freedom and a new type of government that is of the people,
by the people and for the people.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. The civil war in America took place in July ____________
a. 1863
b. 1963
c. 1763
2. The historic speech was delivered by Lincoln in _______
a. September 1863
b. November 1863
c. November 1863
3. A monument in memory of the soldiers who laid down their livers was erected in
______________
a. Northen state
b. Southern state
c. Gettyburg
4. Lincoln defines Democracy as the Government ____________
a. of the people, by the people, and for the people
b. of the people
c. For the people, of the people.
5. ___________ had made Gettysburg as holy as possible.
a. The kings
b. The dead soliders
c. A group of soldiers
6. The dead soliders had made Gettysburg holy by their ________
a. confident
b. heroic selfishness
c. heroic self-sacrifice
7. It is noted for its __________
a. permanent value
b. temporary value
c. both
8. America is a land of _______ and __________ at least for the past 87 years.
a. Liberty and poverty
b. liberty and equality
c. equality and poverty
9. Lincoln says that the most fitting memorial to the heroic dead would be ________
a. to fight for the principles of America
b. to fight for equality of America
c. to fight for the freedom
10. Abraham Lincoln’s intention in making his speech is __________
a. To inspire people
b. To inspire the people to understand the present situation
c. To inspire the people to continue the unfinished work.
PARAGRAPHS:
1. Lincoln makes two resolutions at the end of the GETTYSBURG ADDRESS? What
are they?
 Lincoln motivated the living soldier that they are engaged in great war, testing
whether the nation or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
 They were met on a great battle field of that war.
 They had come to dedicate a portion of the field, as the final resting place for
those who gave their lives that nation might live.
 It is altogether fitting and proper that they should do that.
2. What, according to Lincoln, was the great task remaining before the Americans?
 Lincoln Stated that they cannot dedicate- they cannot consecrate;
 They cannot hallow in this ground.



The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it, for
above our poor power to add or detract In battle field speech Lincoln honours
the dead soldiers.
His emphasis that there cannot be true happiness without freedom.
This speech is famous defining the term democracy.
ESSAY:
1. Write an essay on “Gettysburg Address”
INTRODUCTION

In his historic speech Lincoln honours cementry at Gettysburg to them. The
soldiers had laid down their lives in civil war in America
LINCOLN STOOD AGAINST SLAVE




Lincoln stood against slave trade and the exploitation of the slaves. Slavery had
already been abolished in the Northern states
Under the leadership of General Lee the southern army had many victorious over
the northern states.
But in 1863 under General Grant, the northern army had a major victory at
Gettysburg.
In the battle field Lincoln made the famous Gettysburg.
THE DEAD SOLIDERS



In battle field speech Lincoln honours the dead soldiers.
His emphasis that there cannot be true happiness without freedom.
This speech is famous defining the term democracy.
HEROIC SELF SACRIFICE



Lincoln says that it was not possible for others to consecrate or to make that place
holy
The dead had made it as holy as possible by their heroic self sacrifice.
The utmost they could do comma in the opinion of Lincoln was to dedicate
themselves with great devotion to the cause for which the soldiers had laid down their
lives that was the cause of democracy

They could take a sacred resolve that the government of the people by the people ,
and for the people would not perish from the earth
CONCLUSION

Thus in his short speech Lincoln has paid the greatest possible tribute to the dead
and reminded the living of their which constituted the following the foot steps of
the dead.
3. HISTORY OF CHESS - Barbara Mack
In History of Chess Barbara relates the game of chess to the way
people lived in the medieval period. The game of chess might have originated in Persia. The
Arabs who invaded Persia in the 8th century learned chess from the Persians. When the Arabs
later invaded Spain, chess was learnt by the Spanish. From there chess spread quickly throughout
Europe. Chess is related to life in Medieval Europe. The Pawns represent serfs or laborers in the
medieval period. The serfs were chattel slaves of landowners. They were often traded, sacrificed
to help landowners to escape harm. In the same way pawns are sacrificed to save the more
valuable pieces. The castle piece on a chess board is the home of the medieval period. The
knights represent the professional soldiers of the medieval times whose job was to protect
persons of rank. The bishop in the game of chess represents the medieval church, a powerful
force in those times. The queen in chess represents the medieval queen who held a powerful, yet
precarious position. The king was often guided by her advice. The king is the tallest piece on the
chess board. He is as well defended on the chess board as in the medieval life.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. Chess is a history of ________ times in miniature.
(a) Medieval,
(b) Ancient
(C) modern
2. Chess originated in ___________
(a) Not known surely
(b) Well known,
(C) familiar
3. The original names of chess pieces were in __________
(a) Persian
(b) Malaysia
(c) America
4. In chess board pawns represents _______
(a) Serfs or labourers
(b) labourers.
(c) Owners
5. Castles represents _________
(a) home or refuge
(b) Palace
(c) Forest
6. The bishop on the chess board represents _______
(a) The church
(b) Temple
(c) Office
7. The queen on the board represents __________
(a) woman
(b) men
(c) family
8. _____________ is the most powerful piece of the game of the chess
(a) The queen
(b) The king
(c) The bishop
9. ____________ decides the outcome of a game of chess
(a) protecting the king
(b) Protecting the queen
(c) Protecting the soldier
10. ______________ is more important and less powerful
(a) The king
(b) The queen
(c)The castle piece
PARAGRAPH:
1. Why Barbara Mack claim chess does is a history of medieval times in miniature?

Barbara was born on October 26th 1952 in des Mines Iowa,





Currently she is a Professor at Iowa state university.
Her writing is very clear and lucid style.
In the essay ‘History of Chess’ author describes their how the game of chess
reflects the way people lived in the medieval period.
She believed the chess is the miniature of the society because all the pieces in the
chess represent the society and its rankings
Six character of chess piece in the board represent a cross section of medieval life
2. Why chess is given such importance to refer the medieval life than any other game?
 Origin of Chess is not defined chess is an eastern game. It was played nearly
thousand years ago in India china and Persia.
 Six character of chess piece in the board represent a cross section of medieval life
 Each piece is struggling to protect the king which resembles the medieval social
life of the people
 In medieval time the surrender of king would mean the loss of the kingdom to
invading armies.
 The piece on the board represent a way of life that is no more, and the real lie
dramas that occurred in medieval times are now only a game
ESSAY:
1. How do the pieces on a chess board through light on the medieval way of living?
INTRODUCTION




Barbara was born on October 26th 1952 in des Mines Iowa,
Currently she is a Professor at Iowa state university.
Her writing is very clear and lucid style.
In the essay ‘History of Chess’ author describes their how the game of chess reflects the
way people lived in the medieval period.
ORIGIN OF CHESS



Origin of Chess is not defined chess is an eastern game.
This was played nearly thousand years ago in India china and Persia.
In the 18th century, when the moors invade Persia they learned the game, when they next
invaded they spread it to the country.
ROLE OF THE PAWNS:



The pawns are the least important piece in chess.
They are more in number than all other pieces.
They are sacrificed to save the most valuable piece.
CASTLE PIECE:


The castle piece on a chess board represents a home in medieval times.
In the chess each side has two Castles or rook
KNIGHT ROLE


The Knight on the chess board represents the professional’s soldier of medieval times.
The role of knight has to protect the persons of high rank
UNIT II (POEM)
1. SATAN’S SPEECH - John Milton
This poem is extracted from Milton’s “Paradise Lost” – Book One. It is an epic about
man’s disobedience and fall. Satan, the leader of angels, rebels against God and is thrown along with his
followers to Hell, and who has been enjoying the glories of Heaven, is shocked to find him in hell, a
dark and dismal place. He reconciles himself to his fate since his enemy, who is God, can dispose things.
He is equal to God in reasoning power but God’s force has made Him supreme among the angels. He
thinks that Hell is a better place to be away from God and he bids farewell to Heaven and welcomes
hell, a place of horrors. He introduces himself as one whose mind cannot be affected by change of place
and his mind can make a Heaven of Hell and Hell of Heaven. It does not matter where he is and what he
should be as long as he is in the same position. Satan feels glad to think that he will be free and secure
here at least. God will not envy Satan in Hell and so he will not drive him out of this place, he can rule
this place without fear. It is better to rule over Hell than to serve in Heaven. The other angels who
supported Satan and fought against God now suffer the punishment of being thrown into Hell, who lie
astonished in the river of forgetfulness. Satan plans to rally them again and engage them in another war
with God to see what more may still be regained in Heaven or what more may be lost in Hell. Satan’s
speech arouses the readers’ admiration for Satan and projects him as a hero.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. Satan’s original name is -------------.
a. Beelzebub
b. Lucifer
c. Milton
2. ‘Souran’ means ----------------.
a. Satan
b. b. Heaven
c. c. God
3. Satan and his angels changed from Heaven to Hell because -----------------.
a. They were expelled from Heaven
b. They desire to be in Hell
c. They plan to destroy the hell
4. The word ‘Celestial’ means -------------.
a. Hell
b. Heavenly
C. Pride
5. Satan considers God equal to him in ---------------.
a. Strength
b. Honour
c. Reasoning power)
6. ‘Thy new possessor’ reflects Satan’s -----------.
a. self pride
b. Assert
c. envy
7. The mind has the power -------------.
a. to change the heaven
b. to change the hell and
c. to change Heaven into Hell and vice versa
8. ‘The oblivious pool’ refers to -----------.
a. the Lake
b. the pool
c. the river Lethe
9. ‘The oblivious Lethe’ has power to ---------------.
a. remember the past
b. forgive the sin
c. make people forget their past
10. ‘Paradise Lost’ is --------------.
a. an epic
b. a satire
c. prose
PARAGRAPHS:
1. Why does Satan say “farthest from him is the best”?
 He thinks that Hell is a better place to be away from God and he bids farewell
to Heaven and welcomes hell, a place of horrors.
 So he introduces himself as one whose mind cannot be affected by change of
place and his mind can make a Heaven of Hell and Hell of Heaven.
 It does not matter where he is and what he should be as long as he is in the
same position.
 Satan feels glad to think that he will be free and secure here at least. God will
not envy Satan in Hell and so he will not drive him out of this place, he can rule
this place without fear.
 It is better to rule over Hell than to serve in Heaven
 One consoling aspect for him is that he is supreme at least in Hell.
2. How did Satan feel to be in Hell?
 Satan, the leader of angels, rebels against God and is thrown along with his
followers to Hell
 He has been enjoying the glories of Heaven, is shocked to find him in hell, a dark
and dismal place.
 The other angels who supported Satan and fought against God now suffer the
punishment of being thrown into Hell, who lie astonished in the river of
forgetfulness.
 “Is this the place that we must exchange for Heaven?” said by Satan when he
placed in hell.
ESSAY:
1. Bring out the indomitable spirit of Satan from his speech.
Introduction:



John Milton was a prolific master in the use of the blank verse and a representative
of the renaissance spirit.
Milton is renowned for his epic, similes, often referred to as Miltonic similes.
This poem is extracted from Milton’s “Paradise Lost” – Book One. It is an epic about
man’s disobedience and fall.
Satan’s Conception:



Satan’s conception of mind and external world are evident is the lines that mind
made the place Hell of heaven and Heaven of Hell.
He say’s that the mind is independent of its surroundings.
Satan, the leader of angels, rebels against God and is thrown along with his followers
to Hell, and who has been enjoying the glories of Heaven, is shocked to find him in
hell, a dark and dismal place.
Satan reconciles Himself:




He reconciles himself to his fate since his enemy, who is God, can dispose things.
He is equal to God in reasoning power but God’s force has made Him supreme
among the angels.
He thinks that Hell is a better place to be away from God and he bids farewell to
Heaven and welcomes hell, a place of horrors.
He introduces himself as one whose mind cannot be affected by change of place and
his mind can make a Heaven of Hell and Hell of Heaven.
Satan as the Supreme:





It does not matter where he is and what he should be as long as he is in the same
position.
Satan feels glad to think that he will be free and secure here at least.
God will not envy Satan in Hell and so he will not drive him out of this place, he can
rule this place without fear.
It is better to rule over Hell than to serve in Heaven.
The other angels who supported Satan and fought against God now suffer the
punishment of being thrown into Hell, who lie astonished in the river of
forgetfulness.
Satan’s Ambition:


Satan plans to rally them again and engage them in another war with God to see what
more may still be regained in Heaven or what more may be lost in Hell.
Satan’s speech arouses the readers’ admiration for Satan and projects him as a hero.
Conclusion:


Finally Satan immediately set about walking their companions from the pod of fire.
He wants to plan out the future course of action for winning back in Heaven.
2.
THE VILLAGE SCHOOL MASTER - Oliver Goldsmith
‘The Village Schoolmaster’ is an extract from ‘The Deserted Village’ by Oliver Goldsmith, a
versatile genius. Goldsmith visits his native village after a long gap that is desolate. He recollects his
past memories and remembers his schoolmaster. The master has run his school in his house that stood
near a fence that bordered along the road. The fence is broken and irregular and overgrown with furze.
The furze is blossoming bright and cheerful but there is no one to see and admire its beauty because the
people of the village have long deserted the village. The schoolmaster is a strict and serious looking man
that makes the children tremble with fear. He has a sense of humour as well many jokes with him. The
students pretend to enjoy his jokes and laugh at all his jokes to please him. When his mood changes and
looks serious it is bad for the pupils, they will be so afraid of him but actually he is kind at heart. His
severity is only due to his love of learning. The people of the village have admiration for his vast
knowledge and they would firmly say that he knows many things. There is even a story that he could
measure quantities of rains. The village master is also skilled in arguing. He would continue to argue
even after he is defeated sometimes and he would use very high sounding and lengthy words. The
people wonder how such a small head could carry so much knowledge. This poem is highly humorous
and at the same time touching.
ONE MARK QUESTIONS:
1. Goldsmith has portrayed the village schoolmaster as -----------.
a. a God
b. a strict man
c. a strict but kind man
2. The village schoolmaster taught his students -------------.
a. in a tented room
b. in his own house
c. only in his school
3. ‘Traunt’ means --------------.
a. one absent from school without leave
b. absent
c. leave
4. ‘Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace…’tremblers’ refers to ----------------.
a. little students trembling with fear
b. little students trembling with happy
c. village people trembling with fear
5. ‘Full well they laughed, with counterfeited glee,’- ‘counterfeited glee’ means ----------------a. pretended mirth
b. fear
c. mirth
6. Goldsmith’s attitude towards the village schoolmaster is -------------.
a. a positive liking
b. a strange
c. a terrible one
7. The schoolmaster is severe because of --------------.
a. his love of learning
b. sincere
c. his nature
8. Oliver Goldsmith, the author of ‘The Village Schoolmaster’ is by birth -----------.
a. a British
b. a Scottish
c. an European
9. Thomas Byrne, Oliver Goldsmith’s old schoolmaster is -----------.
a. a retired soldier
b. a retired teacher
c. a teacher
10. In “The Palanquin Bearers” she skims like a ------------- on the foam of a stream.
a. Laugh
b. Star
c. bird
PARAGRAPH:
1. What made the villagers look at the village school master in awe and wonder?





The people of the village have admiration for his vast knowledge and they would
firmly say that he knows many things.
There is even a story that he could measure quantities of rains.
The village master is also skilled in arguing.
He would continue to argue even after he is defeated sometimes and he would use
very high sounding and lengthy words.
The people wonder how such a small head could carry so much knowledge.
2. Sketch the character of the village school master.








The schoolmaster is a strict and serious looking man that makes the children tremble
with fear.
The school was noisy but the school master knows how to handle them.
He would not allow the boys who were absent go unpunished.
The truants knew it well.
When he came to the school in the morning, the children could guess the troubles of
the day from his face what would be their experience that day.
He has a sense of humour as well many jokes with him.
The students pretend to enjoy his jokes and laugh at all his jokes to please him. When
his mood changes and looks serious it is bad for the pupils, they will be so afraid of
him but actually he is kind at heart.
His severity is only due to his love of learning.
ESSAY:
1. Explain the roll of the village school master as a teacher and as a villager.
Introduction:






‘The Village Schoolmaster’ is an extract from ‘The Deserted Village’ by Oliver
Goldsmith, a versatile genius.
Goldsmith visits his native village after a long gap that is desolate.
He recollects his past memories and remembers his schoolmaster.
The master has run his school in his house that stood near a fence that bordered along
the road.
The fence is broken and irregular and overgrown with furze.
The furze is blossoming bright and cheerful but there is no one to see and admire its
beauty because the people of the village have long deserted the village.
Village Schoolmaster as a strict and serious man:





The schoolmaster is a strict and serious looking man that makes the children tremble
with fear.
The school was noisy but the school master knows how to handle them.
He would not allow the boys who were absent go unpunished.
The truants knew it well.
When he came to the school in the morning, the children could guess the troubles of
the day from his face what would be their experience that day.
Sense of Humour:



He has a sense of humour as well many jokes with him.
The students pretend to enjoy his jokes and laugh at all his jokes to please him. When
his mood changes and looks serious it is bad for the pupils, they will be so afraid of
him but actually he is kind at heart.
His severity is only due to his love of learning.
Abilities of the Schoolmaster:




The people of the village have admiration for his vast knowledge and they would
firmly say that he knows many things.
There is even a story that he could measure quantities of rains. The village master is
also skilled in arguing.
He would continue to argue even after he is defeated sometimes and he would use
very high sounding and lengthy words.
The people wonder how such a small head could carry so much knowledge.
Conclusion:


This poem is highly humorous and at the same time touching.
That the Schoolmaster was an empty vessel making noise is indirectly hinted by
Oliver Goldsmith.
3. THE PALANQUIN BEARERS - Sarojini Naidu
It is a short but beautiful poem by Sarojini Naidu, one of the most famous of
Indo-Anglican women poets. She is popular that she is called the “Nightingale of India’ and also she has
played an active role in India’s freedom struggle. The poem is about the description of a young beautiful
lady, probably a princess is being carried along in a palanquin. She is so graceful, slim and light that the
bearers carry her along gently and softly, and who feel proud to carry her and so sing a song happily.
The palanquin and the lady sway according to the rhythm of their song that suggests the quick and light
beat of their feet and swaying bodies. The girl in the palanquin sways like a flower that moves gently in
the breeze and she is like a bird skimming over the foamy surface of the river. She has an airily grace
and appears to float in the air like a smile from the lips of a lover in dream. The lady is so bright and
pure that looks like a star reflected in a dew drops. She rises and falls in her seat as the palanquin rises
and falls and it is like ray of light that dances on the foamy surface of a stream. The palanquin’s light
jerking movement makes the lady fall gently in her seat and it is like a silent tear falling down the
cheeks of a bride. The poem is highly rhythmic and it feels delicate, soft, gentle, light and graceful.
ONE MARK QUESTIONS:
1. Sarojini Naidu is called ---------------.
a. the pride of India
b. the peak of poet
c. the Nightingale of India
2. The main appeal of the poem, ‘The Palanquin Bearers’ is -----------.
a. its descriptive quality
b. its eloquent quality
c. its evocative quality
3. ‘The Palanquin Bearers’ is taken from ----------.
a. The Golden Threshold
b. The Silver Threshold
c. The Grey Threshold
4. The princess sways like --------------.
a. a flower
b. a glitter
c. a diamond
5. The word ‘skim’ means ------------- her.
a. pass closely over a surface
b. pass closely under a surface
c. overtake closely under a interior
6. In this poem a laugh floats from the lips of a person -------.
a. Life
b. Dreaming
c. floating
7. A tear falls from the eyes of a bride because -----------.
a. she feels sad to leave her parents
b. she feels happy to go to bridegroom’s home
c. she feels happy to leave her parents
8. The ‘Palanquin Bearers’ bear the princess like -------------.
a. a diamond
b. a pearl
c. an angel
9. The word ‘sway’ in the palanquin bearers means ----------.
a. To sing
b. To ride
c. to swing
10. The word ‘gaily’ means ---------------.
a. joyfully
b. sadness
c. greatness
PARAGRAPH:
1. How do the palanquin bearers carry the palanquin?





The girl in the palanquin sways like a flower that moves gently in the breeze
“She sways like a flower in the wind of bearer’s song”.
She is like a bird skimming over the foamy surface of the river.
“She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream”.
She has an airily grace and appears to float in the air like a smile from the lips of a lover
in dream.
“She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream”.
She rises and falls in her seat as the palanquin rises and falls and it is like ray of light that
dances on the foamy surface of a stream.
The palanquin’s light jerking movement makes the lady fall gently in her seat and it is
like a silent tear falling down the cheeks of a bride.
2. Explain the significance of the images employed in “The palanquin bearers”.




“The Palanquin Bearers” is a short but beautiful poem by Sarojini Naidu, one of the most
famous of Indo-Anglican women poets.
The poem is about the description of a young beautiful lady, probably a princess is being
carried along in a palanquin.
The Bearers feel her like a pearl on a string.
She is so graceful, slim and light that the bearers carry her along gently and softly, and
who feel proud to carry her and so sing a song happily.


The palanquin and the lady sway according to the rhythm of their song.
The lady is so bright and pure that looks like a star reflected in a dew drops
ESSAY:
1. Describe the song of palanquin bearers.
Introduction:




“The Palanquin Bearers” is a short but beautiful poem by Sarojini Naidu, one of the most
famous of Indo-Anglican women poets.
She is popular that she is called the “Nightingale of India’.
She has played an active role in India’s freedom struggle.
The poem is about the description of a young beautiful lady, probably a princess is being
carried along in a palanquin.
Similes in the poem:


In the Palanquin Bearers, the smooth movement of bearers step is reflected in the similes
and the repeated use of the sounds “ei”, “ai”, and “ee”.
The Bearers feel her like a pearl on a string.
About the young girl:



She is so graceful, slim and light that the bearers carry her along gently and softly, and
who feel proud to carry her and so sing a song happily.
The palanquin and the lady sway according to the rhythm of their song.
The lady is so bright and pure that looks like a star reflected in a dew drops.
Softness of the song:



The song of the bearers that suggests the quick and light beat of their feet and swaying
bodies.
The girl in the palanquin sways like a flower that moves gently in the breeze
“She sways like a flower in the wind of bearer’s song”.
She is like a bird skimming over the foamy surface of the river.
“She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream”.



She has an airily grace and appears to float in the air like a smile from the lips of a lover
in dream.
“She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream”.
She rises and falls in her seat as the palanquin rises and falls and it is like ray of light that
dances on the foamy surface of a stream.
The palanquin’s light jerking movement makes the lady fall gently in her seat and it is
like a silent tear falling down the cheeks of a bride.
Conclusion:

The poem is highly rhythmic and it feels delicate, soft, gentle, light and graceful.
UNIT III (SHORT STORIES)
1. MY GOD BETRAYED ME - Miss Superna Mam
Salim’s grandfather had two sons, Abdul Rahim, his uncle and Ajaz Rahim,
his father. Salim’s father was a heart patient. He was almost always confined to bed. His aunt
was jealous of his mother. She was ugly, overweight and bad-tempered. On the other hand, his
mother was like a lovely, soft-spoken fairy. After his grandfather died, his uncle and aunt started
ill-treating Salim and his parents. They were made to live in the servant’s quarters. Next they
were driven out of that place and made to live on the pavement .Helped by his friend Shyam,
Salim became a fishermen. But his mother advised him not to think in terms of revenge. She said
that Allah did everything for his good only. One day his mother died. Salim was heart-broken.
He fell in love with Salma, daughter of a school – teacher. She gave up her parents and married
Salim and became pregnant. Salma fell seriously ill. The doctor prescribed some costly
medicines. Salim needed 300 rupees to buy all those medicines. But he had hardly 50 rupees
with him. The servant Gul Mohammed gave Salim a hundred rupees. He was unable to save her
life. Salim was grief- stricken .He said that Allah had betrayed him.
ONE MARK QUESTIONS:
1. My God Betrayed Me” is said by _______
a. Miss. Superna mam
b. Salim
c. Salma
2. Salim’s grandfather had ________ sons
a. One
b. Two
c. Three
3. Salim’s mother was ________
a. illiterate
b. literate
c. working women
4. Shyam was _______
a. Merchant
b. Farmer
c. fisherman
5. The doctor said that Salma was suffering from _______
a. Pneumonia
b. Malaria
c. typoid
6. The old loyal servant handed Salim ________
a. 3000 rupees
b. 300 rupees
c. 500 rupees
7. Salim witnessed the deaths of ___________ persons in his family
a. One
b. Two
c. three
8. Salim saw Salma __________
a. besides a river
b. on the way to the river
c. in the market
9. Salim and Salma had ------------------a. Two son
b. no children
c. one son
10. Salim witnessed the deaths of-----------------persons in his family.
a. One
b. two
c. three
PARAGRAPHS:
1. Describe the meeting between Salim and Salma.






One day Salma, the daughter of a school teacher, had gone out for a walk by the
river.
Salim also had gone out for a walk by the river.
She found herself being drawn irresistibly by the handsome young man who sat
looking fixedly at space.
She falls in love with him.
Salim also fell in love with Salma.
Salma gave up her parents and married Salim and became pregnant.
2. How did God betrayed Salim?









Salma gave up her parents and married Salim and became pregnant.
One day Salma fell seriously ill.
The doctor said that she was suffering from pneumonia
Later doctor prescribed some costly medicines.
Salim needed 300 rupees to buy all those medicines.
But he had hardly 50 rupees with him.
The servant Gul Mohammed gave Salim a hundred rupees.
Salma started vomiting blood.
He was unable to save her and his unborn baby’s life.
ESSAY:
1. Towards the end of the story, Salim says, “My God Betrayed Me” Why?
Introduction:


Miss Superna Mam is a famous Kashmir writer.
This is one of her early attempts at writing. In which she has proved her artists
skills.
Appeal to God:



Often, when we are in a state of sorrow, we take any one of the following
options.
We appeal to God to help us or we lose faith in God.
Like the same, Salim appeal to God as a tragic hero.
Salim as a Tragic Hero:







Salim as a tragic hero had enveloped him ever since he was born.
Salim’s grandfather had two sons, Abdul Rahim, his uncle and Ajaz Rahim, his
father.
Salim’s father was a heart patient.
He was almost always confined to bed.
His aunt was jealous of his mother.
She was ugly, overweight and bad-tempered.
On the other hand, his mother was like a lovely, soft-spoken fairy.
Salim’s Burden:






In the summer of 1976, his grand father died, overnight everything is changed.
After his grandfather died, his uncle and aunt started ill-treating Salim and his
parents.
They were made to live in the servant’s quarters.
Next they were driven out of that place and made to live on the pavement, whem
he is in eleven.
Tears of frustration and anger came into his eyes.
He grows up, he was a man, who had to carry this burden on his young shoulders
and he had to drink this cup of poison.
Friendship with Shyam:

Helped by his friend Shyam, Salim became a fisherman. But his mother advised
him not to think in terms of revenge. She said that Allah did everything for his
good only. One day his mother died. Salim was heart-broken.
Meeting between Salim and Salma:






One day Salma, the daughter of a school teacher, had gone out for a walk by the
river.
Salim also had gone out for a walk by the river.
She found herself being drawn irresistibly by the handsome young man who sat
looking fixedly at space.
She falls in love with him.
Salim also fell in love with Salma.
Salma gave up her parents and married Salim and became pregnant.
God Betrayed Me:


Salma fell seriously ill.
The doctor said that she was suffering from pneumonia






Later doctor prescribed some costly medicines.
Salim needed 300 rupees to buy all those medicines.
But he had hardly 50 rupees with him.
The servant Gul Mohammed gave Salim a hundred rupees.
Salma started vomiting blood.
He was unable to save her and his unborn baby’s life.
Conclusion:


Salim was grief- stricken .
He said that Allah had betrayed him.
2. TWO GENTLE MAN OF VERONA - A.J.Cronin
Once Cronin was travelling in his car to Verona. On the outskirts of Verona, he bought
basket of berries from two young boys. They were brothers, Jacopo and Nicolo. Next day he
saw them in the city of Verona. This time they were polishing shoes. The boys also did all sorts
of work like selling newspapers, selling fruits and guiding tourists. Cronin asked them whether
he could do anything for them. The younger boy asked Cronin to take them in his car to Poleta.
He agreed and took them there. They stopped before a villa. They requested Cronin to wait for
an hour. Then they went in to the villa. Cronin learnt from a nurse that it was a hospital. She
took him to a room. He saw the boys chatting with a girl. She was their sister. She was
undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. She was fast recovering. Cronin learnt from the nurse that
their father was a popular singer. He died in an accident. Soon after, a bomb destroyed their
home. The children faced poverty with courage and dignity. Before leaving Verona, Cronin
wanted to help them. He sent a cheque in an envelope to the hospital to be delivered to the
brothers. On the envelope he wrote simply thus “For Two Gentlemen of Verona”
ONE MARK QUESTIONS:
1. The narrator and his friend were stopped on the outskirts of _________ by two boys
a. Verona
b. London
c. Padua
2. The two boys were waiting for the last bus to ________
a. Verona
b. Padua
c. London
3. Jacopo told the narrator that every _______, they visited Poleta
a. Saturday
b. Second Saturday
c. Sunday
4. Lucia was suffering from ______________
a. Cancer
b. Tuberculosis
c. Swine flue
5. The father of the two boys was ___________
a. Doctor
b. Dancer
c. singer
6. The car driver name was _________
a. Luigi
b. Jacopo
c. A.J.Cronin
7. The boys proved themselves to be gentlemen for they were ______
a. affectionate towards their sister)
8. Verona is a lovely city in _________
a. Africa
b. Italy
c. France
9. The two gentlemen of Verona were ___________
a. A.J.Cronin and Nicola
b. Luigi and A.J.Cronin
c. Nicola and Jacopo
10. The story “ Two Gentlemen of Verona” by A.J.Cronin has the same title as one of the
plays of ___________
a. Shakespeare
b. John Milton
c. Mark Twain
PARAGRAPHS:
1. How did Jacopo and Nicola draw the attention of Cronin?
 Jacopo and Nicolo were brothers. Nicola, the elder was 13 and Jacopo was 12









One night the narrator saw thee two boys in a stone pavement with a bundle of
unsold pnewspapers.
The next morning Cronin saw them in the city of Verona.
This time they were polishing shoes.
The boys also did all sorts of work like selling newspapers and guiding tourists
around the town and ran errands.
One night the narrator saw the boys resting on a stone pavement with a bundle of
unsold newspaper
Cronin asked them whether he could do anything for them.
The younger boy asked Cronin to take them in his car to Poleta.
He agreed and took them there.
By this way he come to know about the life of those boys and finally he had a soft
corner towards those boys.
2. How did Nicola and Jacopo conduct themselves during the war?
 Nicola and jacopo’s father was a popular singer at Lascala.
 He was a widower and he had been killed in the early part of the German War.
 They were made orphans by the war.
 A bomb destroyed their home.
 The boys spied on the movement of the German troops and gave information to
the resistance forces.
 When peace was restored, they found that Lucia, was suffering from tuberculosis.
ESSAY:
1. How does A.J.Cronin describe the genuine sacrifice of Jacob and Nicola?
Introduction:


A.J.Cronin was travelling in his car to Verona.
On the outskirts of Verona, he bought basket of berries from two young boys.
About Jacopo and Nicola:


Jacopo and Nicolo were brothers. Nicola, the elder was 13 and Jacopo was 12.
Next day Cronin saw them in the city of Verona.
Different ways of earnings:

At first they were selling wild strawberries
This time they were polishing shoes.

The boys also did all sorts of work like selling newspapers and guiding tourists
around the town and ran errands.
Favour done by Cronin:







One night the narrator saw the boys resting on a stone pavement with a bundle of
unsold newspaper
Cronin asked them whether he could do anything for them.
The younger boy asked Cronin to take them in his car to Poleta.
He agreed and took them there.
They stopped before a villa.
They requested Cronin to wait for an hour.
Then they went in to the villa.
About their family










Cronin learnt from a nurse that it was a hospital.
The nurse took him to a room.
He saw the boys chatting with a girl.
She was their sister.
She was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
She was fast recovering.
Cronin learnt from the nurse that their father was a popular singer.
He died in an accident.
Soon after, a bomb destroyed their home.
The children faced poverty with courage and dignity.
A.J.Cronin’s soft corner towards Nicola and Jacopo boys:


Before leaving Verona, Cronin wanted to help them.
He sent a cheque in an envelope to the hospital to be delivered to the brothers.
On the envelope he wrote simply thus “ For Two Gentlemen of Verona”
Conclusion:



A.J.Cronin admired them for their sesnse of duty.
And also their selfless work and spirit of sacrifice.
So he called them” Two Gentleman of Verona”
The reason to call them is they have all qualities of grown up gentleman.
3. THE PORTRAIT - Aldous Leonaro
In the story “The Portrait”, Mr. Bigger, the salesperson with his shrewd
business sense manages to get Lord of the Manor to pay a substantial amount for a portrait. Lord
of the Manor meets Mr. Bigger and tells him that he wants paintings of the old masters. Mr.
Bigger tells him that he deals in the old as well as old paintings. Lord of the Manor says that he
needs the paintings of the old masters just for downstairs. Mr. Bigger asks his secretary to bring
the Venetian portrait in the back room. The customer says that the picture is not very like
Rembrandt. Mr. Bigger points out that it is a picture painted by Giangolini. Not more than half a
dozen of his pictures are known. This picture is one of them, says Mr. Bigger. The Lord of the
Manor appreciates the value of rarity. But he insists on a portrait of somebody with a story- like
Anne Boleyn, or the Duke of wellington. Mr. Bigger tells the customer that this picture carries a
story. He narrates the story of the lady in the picture in such a way that the customer falls a
victim to his wonderful sales talk. He gives the salesperson a cheque for six hundred and eighty
pounds and buys the picture.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. Mr. Bigger was a __________
a. sales person
b. painter
c. artist
2. The customer wanted ____________
a. New master’s paintings
b. old master’s paintings
c. modern paintings
3. Giangolini was a _____________
a. Sales person
b. artist
c. Painter
4. The lady in the portrait was the wife of _________
a. the fourth Earl
b. the fifth Earl
c. the sixth Earl
5. Crowley was a ___________
a. poet
b. painter
c. journalist
6. The narrator of the story of the lady in the picture is ________
a. Mr. Bigger
b. Rembrandt
c. Aldous Huxley
7. The customer in “The Portrait” is _________
a. Aldous Huxley
b. Mr.Bigger
c. Lord of the Manor
8. Manor House means ________
a. a large old house in the country
b. a large new house in the country
c. a house of military man
9. Lord Hurtmore was a lover of __________
a. Dance
b. Music
c. Novels
10. The venetian portrait was brought to Bigger’s room by __________
a. Aldous Huxley
b. Giangolini
c. Miss. Pratt
PARAGRAPHS:
1. How is the Lord of Manor Cheated?







Mr. Bigger points out that it is a picture painted by Giangolini. Not more than half a
dozen of his pictures are known.
This picture is one of them, says Mr. Bigger.
The Lord of the Manor appreciates the value of rarity.
But he insists on a portrait of somebody with a story- like Anne Boleyn, or the Duke
of wellington.
Mr. Bigger tells the customer that this picture carries a story.
He narrates the story of the lady in the picture in such a way that the customer falls a
victim to his wonderful sales talk.
He gives the salesperson a cheque for six hundred and eighty pounds and buys the
picture.
2. Narrate the story told by Mr.Bigger to the Lord of Manor?
 The story is about the portrait.
 The picture that stood on the easel before them was a half-length portrait.
 The lady in the picture is pumpfaced, white skinned, high-bosomed in her dress of
blue silk.
 The story is about the girl, Lady Hurtmore is in twenty.
 She is married by IV earl of Hurtmore who is fond of music and Roman antiquities.
 Oneday Lord Hurtmore had the disastrous idea of having his wife’s portrait painted.
He selected Giangolini to be painted.
 Giangolini and lady fall in love
 They planned to run away across the border but their plan is known to Earl of
Hurtmore.
 The anti-climax was lady Hurtmore at last, is in the home- with the family jewels.
ESSAY:
1. Narrate the remarkable story behind the painting of Lady Hurtmore.
Introduction:


Aldous Huxley was best known for his novels and essays in which he functioned as
an examiner and sometimes as a critic of social norms and ideals.
Huxley’s famous novels include “Brave New World” , “Point Counter point”, etc.,
Mr.Bigger with his shrewd business sense:







Many people fall victim to the wonderful sales person.
In the story Lord of Manor is no exception.
Mr. Bigger, the salesperson with his shrewd business sense manages to get Lord of
the Manor to pay a substantial amount for a portrait.
Lord of the Manor meets Mr. Bigger and tells him that he wants paintings of the old
masters.
Mr. Bigger tells him that he deals in the old as well as old paintings.
Lord of the Manor says that he needs the paintings of the old masters just for
downstairs.
Mr. Bigger asks his secretary to bring the Venetian portrait in the back room.
The customer says that the picture is not very like Rembrandt.
About the portrait:
Mr. Bigger points out that it is a picture painted by Giangolini. Not more than half a
dozen of his pictures are known.






This picture is one of them, says Mr. Bigger.
The Lord of the Manor appreciates the value of rarity.
But he insists on a portrait of somebody with a story- like Anne Boleyn, or the Duke
of wellington.
Mr. Bigger tells the customer that this picture carries a story.
He narrates the story of the lady in the picture in such a way that the customer falls a
victim to his wonderful sales talk.
He gives the salesperson a cheque for six hundred and eighty pounds and buys the
picture.
UNIT IV (ONE - ACT PLAY)
1. THE NEVER NEVER NEST - Cedric Mount
The author of this play Cedric Mount is a modern playwright known for his
great sense of humour. This play is a commentary on the modern practice of living through hirepurchase schemes. Jack and Jill is a happily living couple. Though Jack’s weekly income is just 6
pounds, they are living a comfortable and luxurious life with all modern facilities. He has bought all the
stylish furniture on installment basis. One day Aunt Jane visits the couple and is impressed by such a
charming house. And she comes to know that Jack has bought everything on loan and struggling to pay
it back by borrowing again from the Thrift and Providence Trust Corporation. Aunt is shocked that she
has never owed a penny in her life and her motto is “cash down” and she wants Jack to do the same. She
does not like their life style, so she leaves the house immediately. But before leaving, she gives a cheque
for ten pounds so that Jack can pay off just one of his bills and say that one thing at least really belongs
to him. Jack wants to pay off the next two months on the car with that but Jill posts the cheque to Dr.
Martin because as she says, “Just one more installment and Baby’s Really Ours.”
ONE M ARK QUESTION:
1. ‘The Never Never Nest’ is a play about -----------.
a. modern hurried life
b. Aunt Jane’s life
c. A terrible life of an young boy
2. ‘The Never Never Nest’ is a one-act play by --------------.
a. Aldous Mount
b. Cedric Mount
c. A.J.cronin
3. The number of characters in ‘The Never Never Nest’ is -----.
a. 2
b. 5
c. 4
4. After seeing Jack and Jill’s new house, Aunt Jane misunderstands that -----------.
a. They are living in a rented house
b. They are living in their own house
c. They planned to built another house
5. Aunt Jane gave him -----------as wedding gift.
a. Two thousand pounds
b. Two hundred pounds
c. Twenty pounds
6. Jack is paying ----------- every week as installment for all the things he has bought.
a. 5 pounds and seven pence
b. 6 pounds and seven pence
c. 7 pounds eight and eight pence
7. Jack actually earns ------------- a week.
a. 6 pounds
b. 7 pounds
c. 6 pence
8. Aunt Jane wants to go home because -----------.
a. She wants to go to a wedding party
b. she does not like the way the couple are living
c. she feel ill
9. The word ‘The Never Never Nest’ refers to -----------.
a. One can posses a house
b. Nest is the secured place
c. a house that can never be one’s full possession)
10. Baby in baby’s day out is very……………
a. lovely
b. charming
c. beautiful
PARAGRAPHS:
1. What made Aunt Jane wonder whether she gave by mistake two thousand pounds as
wedding gift to Jack and Jill?
 No, One day Aunt Jane visits the couple and is impressed by such a charming house.
 And she comes to know that Jack has bought everything on loan and struggling to pay it
back by borrowing again from the Thrift and Providence Trust Corporation.
 Aunt is shocked that she has never owed a penny in her life and her motto is “cash
down” and she wants Jack to do the same.
 She does not like their life style, so she leaves the house immediately.
 But before leaving, she gives a cheque for ten pounds so that Jack can pay off just one of
his bills and say that one thing at least really belongs to him.
2. Jack and Jill “Hire –purchase scheme” was a success or a failure? Discuss.










Jack and Jill is a happily living couple.
Though Jack’s weekly income is just 6 pounds, they are living a comfortable and
luxurious life with all modern facilities.
He has bought all the stylish furniture on installment basis.
They have a radiogram, a car and a piano.
Aunt Jane an old-fashioned lady visits their home and shows her around the house and all
the things they have.
She cannot understand how they buy the new house, the furnishings and other materials.
The furniture and the electronic things seem to be the things normally beyond the means
of her nephew.
She wonders whether she gave them a cheque for 2000 pounds instesd of 200 as her
wedding gift.
Soon Jack revealed that everything was bought by installment schemes.
Aunt Jane is little shocked and annoyed and finally considered it is a failure.
ESSAY:
1. Why was Aunt Jane dissatisfied with Jack and Jill? How did her advice disturb the
couple?
Introduction:

Cedric Mount is a modern play right known for his great sense of humor .
Many of his plays received immediate popularity and success.

This play is a commentary on the modern practice of living through hire-purchase
schemes.
Happy life of Jack and Jill:


Jack and Jill is a happily living couple.
Though Jack’s weekly income is just 6 pounds, they are living a comfortable and
luxurious life with all modern facilities.
He has bought all the stylish furniture on installment basis.
Aunt Jane’s visit to couple’s home:




One day Aunt Jane visits the couple and is impressed by such a charming house.
And she comes to know that Jack has bought everything on loan and struggling to pay it
back by borrowing again from the Thrift and Providence Trust Corporation.
Aunt is shocked that she has never owed a penny in her life and her motto is “cash
down” and she wants Jack to do the same.
She does not like their life style, so she leaves the house immediately.
But before leaving, she gives a cheque for ten pounds so that Jack can pay off just one of
his bills and say that one thing at least really belongs to him.
One more installment:



Aunt Jane takes a bus to the railway station because she does not want to travel in Jack’s
car.
Jack escorts her to the bus stop.
Jill sends the cheque given by Jane to the doctor immediately.
But Jack wants to pay off the next two months on the car with that but Jill posts the
cheque to Dr. Martin because as she says, “Just one more installment and Baby’s Really
Ours.”
2. REFUND - Fritz kainthy
Wasserkopf is a stupid but greedy man of forty, who knows nothing about
anything in the world. Refund is about a mischievous man who, after the passage of more than ten years,
demands that all his tuition fees be refunded because he is not taught anything useful. He meets the
principal and tells him that the school has given him a certificate that he has got education there but
actually he knows nothing. The principal is shocked at such a strange case, so he convened a staff
meeting and consulted them. The mathematics teacher suggests that they reexamine him and pass him in
all the subjects, accepting any answer he gives. The student behaves rudely and insults each teacher
hoping that they would fail him. But the teachers have decided not to be provoked and ask very simple
questions. Wasserkopf purposely answers each questions wrongly. Finally the mathematics teacher’s
turn comes who asks two easy questions. One is about the speed of light and the second one is how
much he has paid to the school. The student answered wrong for the first question and gives the exact
answer to the second question. The mathematics teacher declares that the boy has passed by answering a
difficult question. At the end the student is trapped. The principal congratulates him and the
mathematics teacher too for helping the school by saving from the awkward situation.
ONE MARK QUESTION:
1. ‘Refund’ is ----------- by Cedric Mount.
a. a one-act play
b. short story
c. drama
2. The name of the man who comes to see the principal is -------------.
a. Fritz Karinthy
b. Albert
c. Wasserkopf
3. When his name is announced, the principal at first feared that it might be ---------.
a. a school inspector
b. a police
c. Afrin
4. The play ‘Refund’ is a commentary on ----------------.
a. the past educational system
b. the current educational system
c. the technical development of education
5. When the student introduces himself as an old student of the school, the principal thought that he
has come ----------------.
a. to visit the school
b. to get mark list
c. to ask for a certificate
6. Wasserkopf demands refund of fees because -------------.
a. he has not learned anything
b. he learnt everything
c. he was absent on the day of exam
7. To test what he has learned in the school, he asked the principal -------.
a. to arrange a conversation
b. to arrange for a re-examination
c. to conduct an interview
8. The history master makes a reference to the Bourbans. The ‘Bourbans’ are -------------.
a. members of a French royal family
b. members of Russian family
c. Representatives of labourers)
9. Before starting the test, the teachers agree to -------------.
a. give important questions
b. mark all his answers correct even if wrong
c. mark all his answers wrong even if correct
10. The mathematics master feels that if the candidate fails, it will be a pedagogical scandal.
‘Pedagogical scandal’ means --------------.
a. of learning
b. of teaching
c. pass out
PARAGRAPHS:1. What made Wasserkopf visit his school after eighteen years?
 The principal of a high school had a unique situation to face.
 A man called Wasserkopf presents an extra ordinary case to the principal.
 Wasserkopf was a stupid but greedy man of forty.
 He knew nothing about anything in the world.
 Once his friend jokingly told him that he should go to his school to demand his
tution fees back.
 He took it seriously and went to the school where he had studied 18 years back.
2. Describe the re-examination of Wasserkopf?







The mathematics teacher suggests that they reexamine him and pass him in all the
subjects, accepting any answer he gives.
The history teacher. Physics teacher. Geography teacher and the maths teacher asked
questions to him.
The student behaves rudely and insults each teacher hoping that they would fail him.
But the teachers have decided not to be provoked and ask very simple questions.
Wasserkopf purposely answers each questions wrongly.
Finally the mathematics teacher’s turn comes who asks two easy questions.
One is about the speed of light and the second one is how much he has paid to the school.


The student answered wrong for the first question and gives the exact answer to the
second question.
The mathematics teacher declares that the boy has passed by answering a difficult
question.
ESSAY:1. What was the unanimous decision of Wasserkopf’s teachers before staring the test? How
did they succeed?
Introduction: Fritz Karinthy, the Hungarian novelist, short – story writer was strongly philosophical
and humanistic in his outlook.
 His plays as well as his novels and literary works, reveal a fine blend of intellectual
curiosity and psychological insight.
Demanded to refund his tut ion fees from his school:



Wasserkopf is a stupid but greedy man of forty, who knows nothing about anything in the
world.
Refund is about a mischievous man who, after the passage of more than ten years,
demands that all his tuition fees be refunded because he is not taught anything useful.
He meets the principal and tells him that the school has given him a certificate that he has
got education there but actually he knows nothing.
The principal is shocked at such a strange case, so he convened a staff meeting and
consulted them.
Re examination made by the staffs with the principal:






The mathematics teacher suggests that they reexamine him and pass him in all the
subjects, accepting any answer he gives.
The history teacher. Physics teacher. Geography teacher and the math’s teacher asked
questions to him.
The student behaves rudely and insults each teacher hoping that they would fail him.
But the teachers have decided not to be provoked and ask very simple questions.
Wasserkopf purposely answers each questions wrongly.
Finally the mathematics teacher’s turn comes who asks two easy questions.
One is about the speed of light and the second one is how much he has paid to the school.


The student answered wrong for the first question and gives the exact answer to the
second question.
The mathematics teacher declares that the boy has passed by answering a difficult
question.
Decision made by the teachers and the principal:

Even though the answers are wrong they all decided to give consider that as right
answers.
At the end the student is trapped.
Conclusion:
The principal congratulates him and the mathematics teacher too for helping the school
by saving from the awkward situation.
UNIT-V
GRAMMAR
Countable and Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns take a singular verb
1. The news is correct.
Tick the correct answer in the following sentences



Uncountable nouns do not take ‘a’ and ‘an’ before them.
I have a bad news for you.
 I have a piece of bad news for you.
Please leave all your luggages in the cloak room
 Please leave all your luggage in the cloak room
 The uncountable nouns in English fall into five categories.

Names of feelings and emotions
Anger, love, happiness, fear

Names of food and substances
Bread, meat, rice, butter, cotton, cotton, silk, grass, iron, steel, wood.

Names of substance made up of small particles
Coffee, milk, oil, tea, oxygen, barley, flour, salt, sugar, sand
cement, popcorn.

Names of languages

Tamil, English. Hindi, Malayalam, French

Abstract nouns

Beauty, joy, equality, helplessness, importance, attendance, manhood
 Articles
We know that ‘a’ ‘an’ and ‘the’ are called articles.
We also know that ‘a’ is used before consonants and an before vowels (a, e, i, o, u)
The pronunciation of “f, h, l, m n s, and x” when used in acronyms begin vowels sound even
though they are consonant letters of the alphabet.
Look at the examples
a)
b)
c)
d)
He is an FRCS
He is an HAL officer.
That’s an NGO
He is an SPCA officer
Similarly, the following words begin with a consonant sound even though they begin
with a vowel letter of the alphabet.
Look at the examples
a) A European
b) A university
c) A useful pen
“The” is used when we refer to a particular item or when we refer to an item for the second time.
Eg: I want to meet the boy who got the first rank.
Basic rules
This is a simple list, but understanding it and remembering it is crucial to using articles correctly.
Rule # 1: Every time a noun is mentioned, the writer is referring to:
1. All of them everywhere,
2. One of many, or
3. This one exactly
Rule # 2: Every kind of reference has a choice of articles:
1. All of them everywhere...(Ø, a/an, the)
2. One of many.................(Ø, a/an)
3. This one exactly............(Ø, the)
(Ø = no article)
Rule # 3: The choice of article depends upon the noun and the context. This will be explained
more fully below.
1. Non-count nouns = no article (Ø)
a. Temperature is measured in degrees.
b. Money makes the world go around.
2. Plural nouns = no article (Ø)
a. Volcanoes are formed by pressure under the earth's surface.
b. Quagga zebras were hunted to extinction.
3. Singular nouns = the
a. The computer is a marvelous invention.
b. The elephant lives in family groups.
Note: We use this form (the + singular) most often in technical and
scientific writing to generalize about classes of animals, body organs, plants,
musical instruments, and complex inventions.
4. Singular nouns = a/an (when a single example represents the entire group)
a. A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.
b. A doctor is a highly educated person. Because of this, a doctor also has
tremendous earning potential.
c. Bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.
d. You'll need a visa to stay for more than ninety days.
Note: We use many different expressions for an indefinite quantity of plural or non-count nouns.
Words like "some," "several," and "many" use no article
In certain situations, we always use "a" or "an."
Referring to something that is one of a number of possible things.
Example: My lab is planning to purchase a new microscope. (Have you chosen
one yet? No, we’re still looking at a number of different models.)
1. Referring to one specific part of a larger quantity.
Example: Can I have a bowl of cereal and a slice of toast? (Don't you want the
whole box of cereal and the whole loaf of bread? No, thanks. Just a bowl and a
slice will be fine.)
2. Specifying information associated with each item of a grouping.
Example: My attorney asked for $200 an hour, but I’ll offer him $200 a week
instead. (In this case, "a" can substitute for the word "per.")
3. (Most) Proper nouns = no article (Ø)
a. My research will be conducted in Luxembourg.
b. Dr. Homer inspired my interest in Ontario.
Note: Some proper nouns do require "the." See the special notes on nouns below.
4. Non-count nouns = the
a. Step two: mix the water with the boric acid.
b. The laughter of my children is contagious.
5. Plural nouns = the
a. We recruited the nurses from General Hospital.
b. The projects described in your proposal will be fully funded.
6. Singular nouns = the
a. Bring the umbrella in my closet if it looks like rain.
b. Did you get the visa you applied for?
7. Ordinals and superlatives (first, next, primary, most, best, least, etc.)
a. The first man to set foot on the moon…
b. The greatest advances in medicine…
i)Specifies (sole, only, principle, etc.)
a. The sole purpose of our organization is…
b. The only fact we need to consider is…
ii) Restrictors (words, phrases, or clauses that restrict the noun to one definite meaning)
a. Study the chapter on osmosis for the test tomorrow.
b. Also study the notes you took at the lecture that Dr. Science gave yesterday.
a. Most of the international students (emphasis on part of the group)
b. Most international students (emphasis on the group as a whole)
c. Several of the risk factors (emphasis on part of the group)
d. Several risk factors (emphasis on the group as a ---------
Subject and verb agreement
The basic rules states that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes
a plural verb.
Note: The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular is singular or plural. The next trick
is recognizing a singular or plural.
Hint: Verbs do no form their plurals by adding an as nouns do. In order to determine which
verbs is singular and which one is plural, think of which verb you would use with he or she
and which verb you would use with they.
Example: talks, talk
Which one is the singular form? Which word would you use with he?
We say, “ He talks” therefore , talks is singular. We say, “They talk. Therefore, talk is plural.
Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a verb.
Example: My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/nor require
Singular verb as in rule 1
Examples: Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.
When I is one of the two subjects connected by either/ or or nor, put it second and follow it
with the singular verb am.
Example: Neither she nor I am going to the festival.
When a singular subjects is connected by or or nor to a plural subject, put the plural last
and use a plural verb.
Example: The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf
When a singular and plural subject are connected by either/ or or neither/ nor, put the plural
subject last and use a plural verb.
Example: neither Jenny nor the others are available.
As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are onnected by
and.
Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.
Sometimes the subjects is separated from the verb by words such as along with, as well as,
besides, or not. Ignore these expressions when determining to use a singular or plural verb.
Example: the Politicain, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of shaking
The Pronouns each, everyone, every one, everyboby any one, anybody, someone, and
somebody are singular and require singular verbs. Do not be misled by what follows of.
With words that indicate portions-percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, reminder,
and so forth- look at the noun in your of phrase( object of the preposition) to determine
whether to use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition. If the object of the
preposition is plural, use a plural verb.
Example: Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared
Pie is the object of the preposition of
Choose the correct verb in each sentence below with the option (is, are)
1. Mumps _________ not common among adults.
2. Viruses from third world countries _________) a major concern
3. Most of the sand__________ wet from the high tide.
. 4. Either the two kittens or the puppy_________ in my lap while I watch television.
5. A subject of great interest_________ rainforests.
6. Hansel and Gretel-_________a famous children's story.
7. The team members__________arguing over the defense tactics.
8. The economics of the trip________pleasing.
9. Why________your parents going to Africa for a vacation?
10. The mayor and the governor_________that the bill will soon become a law.
( hope, hopes)
Simple Past and Present Perfect
In English we have the simple past and the present perfect tenses. Both of them indicate
completed actions but there are a few differences.
The simple past tense is used with definite time phrase, whereas we don’t state the exact time of
an action with the present perfect tense.
I)
I went to his house yesterday
- Simple past
ii) I have submitted the Assignment already - Present perfect
The present perfect is used with words like sure’ for’ already’ and just’.
The Present perfect is also used to talk about an action that happened in the past has some
relevance’s to the present moment.
A tense used to refer to actions in the past. In REGULAR VERBS it is formed by adding –ed to
the verb stem (or just –d if the verb stem ends in e)
USES
To refer to a single action in the past:
I called her yesterday.
To refer to regular or repeated action in the past:
They met several times last week.
The mobile shop called once week.
A: How about going for Titanic?
B: No, thanks. I have already seen it.( To imply , I don’t want to see.
Put the verbs into the correct form (present perfect simple).
1. I (not / work) ________today.
2. We (buy)_________a new lamp.
3. We (not / plan)__________our holiday yet.
4. Where (be / you)__________?
5. He (write)___________five letters.
6. She (not / see) ________him for a long time.
7. (be / you)________at school?
8. School (not / start)________yet.
9. (speak / he)__________to his boss?
10. No, he (have / not)__________ the time yet
Tenses
Simple Past or Pre en
95
Read the following sentences. Tick them if they are right and rewrite them correctly if they are
wrong.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
I have given him a book yesterday.
Prem has forgotten to bring his bag.
Sam made up his mind just now.
Ram has lived here for two months.
I worked in this college since 1995.
Answers:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
I gave him a book yesterday.
Prem forgot to bring his bag.
Sam has made up his mind just now.
Ram has been living here for two months.
I have been working in this college since 1995.
Preposition
A class of word used with nouns and words to form PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES. Prepositions
form a small group of, generally, small words.
English uses preposition to show location, direction, time, and purpose of the noun equivalent.
Example:
Sit on the chair.
The word ‘on’ links the chair to sit.
Preposition can be divided into three categories. They have been given in the below.
Preposition of location
Above, across,among, at
below, beneath , beside,
between, beyond, in, on
over, under, upon, round,
without
Preposition of time
After during, pending, till,
until
Preposition of direction
Into, unto, up, through, to
towards
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition:
1. The land belongs _____ a rich man.
2. She then referred _____ the Minister’s report.
3. I congratulated her _____ her success in the exams.
4. The boss disagreed _____ me.
5. The match resulted _____ a draw.
6. His failure resulted _____ lack of attention to details.
7. Tonight I’m going to talk _____ engines.
8. You can count _____ me.
9. You can rely _____ him to be polite.
10. They complained _____ me about the noise.
11. Mary turned her head to speak _____ him.
12. The daughters sided _____ their mothers.
13. Can I speak _____ Jane, please?
14. Can you explain this word _____ me?
15. Can you explain _____ me what you mean?
16. He told me his name but I can’t think ________ it now.
17. This house reminds me _____ the one I lived in when I was a child.
18. We called the doctor because Nick was complaining _____ a pain in
his stomach.
19. That’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think _____ that?
20. Look at this photograph of Ann. Who does she remind you
_____?
21. She left Boston _____ Paris when she was 19.
22. If something is wrong, why don’t you do something _____ it?
23. . Peter likes his job but he doesn’t talk _____ it much.
24. I like to listen _____ the radio while I’m having
25. Please don’t shout _____ me!
1. to; 2. to; 3. on; 4. with; 5. in; 6. from; 7. about; 8. on; 9. on; 10. to; 11. to;
12. with; 13. to/with; 14. to; 15. to; 16. of; 17. of; 18. of; 19. of; 20. of; 21.
for; 22. about; 23. about; 24. to; 25. at.
Active and Passive.

The dog bit him. (Active)
Active and
Passive voice
Active voice
 Transiti
ve verbs (
verbs that take
an object) can
be used in to
two ways, or
“voice” :

He was bitten by the dog ( Passive)

The transitive verbs usually describe some kind of action. In the sentence The dog bit
him, You have person, think, or idea that performs the action and one that is affected by
it.


The first is the subject the dog
The second object is him.

When we put a sentence into a passive voice , the object him becomes the subject he.
The original subject the dog becomes agent and has a preposition by placed in front of
it.
In everyday writing in active voice is much more common than the passive.

Passive voice
In the passive voice, it is as if the object gets a voice of its own and can be described an event
from its own point of view.
This applies the even if the original subject inanimate.
Re write the sentences into Passive voice
1. Julia rescued three cats.
2. The students handed in the reports.
3. Maria crashed into the blue car.
4.
Steven has forgotten the book.
5.
Steven has forgotten the book.
6.
The mechanic has not repaired the DVD recorder
7.
They play handball.
8.
The girls had lost the match.
9. Sue puts the rucksack on the floor.
10. The teacher is not going to open the window.
Modals verbs and Auxiliary verbs
CAN / COULD / MAY / MIGHT / MUST / SHALL / SHOULD / OUGHT TO / WILL /
WOULD
Modal
Example
Uses
Can
They can control their own budgets.
Ability / Possibility
We can’t fix it.
Inability / Impossibility
Can I smoke here?
Asking for permission
Can you help me?
Request
Could I borrow your dictionary?
Asking for permission.
Could you say it again more slowly?
Request
We could try to fix it ourselves.
Suggestion
I think we could have another Gulf War.
Future possibility
He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
Ability in the past
May I have another cup of coffee?
Asking for permission
China may become a major economic power.
Future possibility
We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating
Present possibility
Could
May
Might
their dinner now.
Future possibility
They might give us a 10% discount.
Must
Ought to
We must say good-bye now.
Necessity / Obligation
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary.
Prohibition
We ought to employ a professional writer.
Saying what’s right or
correct
Shall
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Offer
(More
Shall we say 2.30 then?
Suggestion
Shall I do that or will you?
Asking what to do
We should sort out this problem at once.
Saying what’s right or
common in
the UK
than the
US)
Should
correct
I think we should check everything again.
Recommending action
Profits should increase next year.
Uncertain prediction
Will
Would
I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
Instant decisions
I'll do that for you if you like.
Offer
I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday.
Promise
Profits will increase next year.
Certain prediction
Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Asking for permission
Would you pass the salt please?
Request
Would you mind waiting a moment?
Request
"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine."
Making arrangements
Would you like to play golf this Friday?
Invitation
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea
Preferences
please."
Table 2. The interrogative form of the modal verbs
Verb
can
may
must
ought
to
Interrogative form
Саn you float?
May I open a window?
Must she go to school?
Ought I to warn him of her
illness?
to have
Do I have to float?
to be
Am I to do it?
shall
should
Shall we begin?
How should I know?
Will you give him this
notebook?
Meaning of the verb
Doubt in the possibility of an action
Permission for an action, request
Question about the necessity of an action
Question about the appropriateness of an action
Doubt in the necessity of an action that needs to be
performed.
Doubt in the necessity of an action that was planned to
performed.
Receiving instructions, an order or an offer.
Bewilderment, impressive amazement
will
need
dare
Polite request; polite offer, invitation
Will you have some more
cake?
Need I read it?
How dare you do it?
Doubt in the necessity of a certain action
Having the guts / impudence to do something
Table 3. The negative form of the modal verbs
Verb
can
may
must
Negative form
He cannot float.
You may not do it.
She must not go to
school.
ought You ought not to go
to
without a hat.
Meaning of the verb
Prohibition, refusal.
Strict prohibition, flat refusal to perform an action.
Strict prohibition, flat refusal to perform an action.
Regret that an undesirable action was performed.
to have You don’t have to help
them.
to be You are not to come.
shall You shall not run
away.
should She shouldn’t have
gone there.
will
need
dare
No need to perform an action, due to certain circumstances.
No need to perform the action that has been planned.
An order, precaution, threat, warning toward another person
(other persons).
Regret that an undesirable action took place; Regret, reproach,
reprimand regarding the performed action.
You should have told
me the truth.
He won’t (will not) go Refusal, stubborn reluctance to do something.
to dinner.
You needn’t worry.
No necessity to do something
For a while he dared Have the courage to do something.
not move.
Many modal verbs in English (except equivalents and some multifunctional verbs) have the
probable meaning.
Table 4. The probable meaning of the modal verbs
Verb
can
The probable meaning
Doubt, surprise, mistrust – really, that couldn’t
be.
Used only in the interrogative and negative
sentences.
may
The assumption with uncertainty, doubt – maybe.
Used in the affirmative and negative sentences.
must The assumption with certainty – probably, might
be.
Used only in the affirmative sentences.
ought The same as the verb “must”. Used much less
to
frequently.
to have Doesn’t have
to be Doesn’t have
shall Doesn’t have
should The same as the verb “must”.
Used much less frequently.
will
Expressing the assumption – probably, might be.
need Doesn’t have
dare
Doesn’t have
Example
Can he be still sleeps?
They can’t all be lying.
He may be at office.
She must know his E-mail.
He ought to / (should) be at restaurant
now.
You should be sleepy by now.
That would be sister.
1.
The article stated that he ___________ read at the age of three.
2.
You ____________ take a sweater in case it gets cold.
3.
It's going to rain all afternoon. ___________ we go to the cinema?
4.
Scott ________ be 21 at the end of the month.
5.
Julie said they traffic was heavy, so she ___________ be late for the meeting.
6.
You look a bit confused. ________ I help you?
7.
You stole a CD from a friend? You _____________ be ashamed of yourself!
8.
I don't know the meaning of this word. _______ I borrow your dictionary?
1) could 2) should/ought to
to/should
8) may
3) shall
Fill in the blanks with suitable modals
4) will
5) might
6) can
7) ought
1. They ____________________ (forget) to cancel their milk deliveries.
2. They ____________________ (wake up) yet.
3. There ____________________ (be) some guests staying with them.
Situation: His coat is on the floor.
4. He ____________________ (drop) it.
5. It ____________________ (be) his coat.
6. There ____________________ (be) some logical reason for it!
Put the correct modal verb in its correct form into the gaps.
7. He was very strong; he ____________________ ski all day and dance all night.
8. We ____________________ to borrow umbrellas; so we didn't get wet.
9. I was so far from the stage that I ____________________ see very well.
10. He sees very badly; he ____________________ wear glasses all the time.
11. NOTICE: All dogs ____________________ kept on leads!
12. Farmers ____________________ get up early.
13. You ____________________ drive fast; there is a speed limit here.
14. We ____________________ drive fast; we have plenty of time.
15. They ____________________ get up early; they were on holiday.
Complete these sentences in an appropriate way.
16. I left my bicycle here and now it's gone.
Someone ____________________ (steal) it.
17. I bought two bottles of milk.
You ____________________ (buy) milk; we have loads in the fridge.
18. I have just watered the roses.
You ____________________ (water) them. Look, it's raining now!
With words that indicate portions—percent, fraction, part, majority, some, all, none, remainder,
and so forth —look at the noun in your of phrase (object of the preposition) to determine whether to
use a singular or plural verb. If the object of the preposition is singular, use a singular verb. If the
object of the preposition is plural, use a plural verb.
Fifty percent of the pie has disappeared.
Pie is the object of the preposition of.
Fifty percent of the pies have disappeared.
Reference
http://www.vivquarry.com/wkshts/modalex.html