ENGLISH (core)

XII (2022-23)
NOTES IN CAPSULE

Name of the Student :

Class :

Name of the School :

Compiled by:
Jineesh Sebastian
PGT English, KV Coimbatore
(This is not a substitute for textbook
or notes given at school, it’s only a
supplementary resource)
1
 BLUEPRINT OF THE QUESTION PAPER
SUB: ENGLISH (CORE)
CLASS: XII (2022-23)
QUESTION NO. TOTAL Appr WEIGHTAGE
MARKS ox.Ti
me

Section A
READING SKILLS 20 Marks
1. Unseen passage (factual, descriptive or literary/ 10
25%
discursive or persuasive)
2. Case-Based Unseen (Factual) Passage 10
Section B
WRITING SKILLS 20 Marks
3. Notice in 50 words (one out of two)
5
4. Formal & Informal Invitation or the Replies 5
to Invitation/s in 50 words (one out of two)
25%
5. • Letter of Application for a Job 5
OR Letter to the editor (one out of two)
6. Article/ Report Writing in 120-150 words (1 of 2) 5

Section C
LITERATURE 40 Marks
One poetry extract out of two from Flamingo 6
50%
One prose extract out of two from Vistas 4

One prose extract out of two from Flamingo 6

Short answer from Flamingo in 40-50 words (5 out of 6) 10

Short answer from Vistas in 40-50 words (2 out of 3) 4

Long answer from Flamingo in 120-150 words (1 of 2) 5

Long answer from Vistas in 120-150 words (1 of 2) 5

80 Marks 100%

2
 REVISION CHART

D-Difficult, M- Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision

No
Moderate, E- 1 2 3 4 5
Easy

1 The Last Lesson

2 Lost Spring

3 Deep Water
4 The Rattrap
5 Indigo
6 Poets and Pancakes
7 The Interview
8 Going Places
9 My Mother at Sixty-Six
10 Keeping Quiet
11 A Thing of Beauty
12 A Roadside Stand
13 Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
14 The Third Level
15 The Tiger King
16 Journey to the end of the
Earth
17 The Enemy
18 On the Face of It
19 Memories of Childhood
20 Notice
21 Invitation
22 Application letter and CV
23 Letter to the Editor
24 Article
25 Report writing

3
 WRITING SECTION
1. NOTICE
FORMAT

Format:
Format — 1 mark A notice should be written in the following format:
• the name of the organization/issuing the notice
Organisation of ideas — 1 mark • the title ‘NOTICE’ (in capital letters)
• the date
• a heading to introduce the subject
the body of the notice
Content — 2 marks
• the writer’s signature, name and designation (in 3
separate lines)
Grammatical accuracy — 1 mark

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
• A well-written notice must inform the readers about the 5 Ws:
— What, (that is, the event)
—Where
— When (that is, the date and time)
— Who can apply
— Whom to contact or apply to (that is, the issuing authority)
• Only the most important points should be written.
• All the information given in the questions should be included.
• One is free to add any relevant information not included in the question.
• The sentences should be short and grammatically accurate. Use the passive voice as far as
possible.
• The notice should be presented within a box.
• The word limit for a notice is 40–50 words (only the body).

Residents’ Welfare Association, KH Enclave Trichy

NOTICE
27 April 20XX
Annual Get-Together
The Residents’ Welfare Association is organising the Annual Get-Together in the colony
as per the following details:
Date : 30 April 20XX
Time : 3 pm to 5 pm
Venue : Eco Park Club
The residents are requested to come along with their families and friends and add
colours to the rejoicings.

Ravi
(Ravi Kumar) 4
President, RWA
 ABC Public School
NOTICE
10 April 20XX
Cultural Event
This is to inform all the students that our school is organising a cultural
programme on 16 April 20XX to collect funds for ‘Morning Star’, a home for the
elderly. It is planned to include a dance, skit, mono act, a magic show and other
items. Students who wish to participate should submit their names to the
th
undersigned before 13 April 20XX. Trials will be held on 14 April in the 7
period.

S Rohit
(Sandeep Rohit)
Secretary, Cultural Society

St Meera’s High School, Ooty

NOTICE
12 April 20XX
Found – A Wrist Watch
A Wrist Watch is found on the playground on 11 April 20XX during the third period.
Anyone who has misplaced the watch can collect it from the undersigned within two
days.
Prathish
Prathish Kumaran
Head Boy

COMMON ERRORS
1. Writing in 1st person (I hereby…contact me-WRONG)
2. Writing ‘Yours sincerely/faithfully’ (WRONG)
3. Using full-stop (.) at the end of heading/names (WRONG)
4. Writing designation in the wrong way (Eco Club Secretary-WRONG)
5. Order – Signature, name, designation (SND)

5
 2. Invitation
FORMAL INVITATION LETTER AND REPLY

6
FORMAL INVITATION CARD (family functions)

7
FORMAL INVITATION- CARD (school functions)

8
INFORMAL INVITATION LETTER

9
 SUMMARY

ABOUT INVITATION REPLY

1.Reply with formal card for card invitation (group invitation for marriage, birthday, annual day etc).
2.Reply with formal letter for formal letter invitation (special invitation as chief guest, panel member etc).
3.Reply with informal letter for informal letter invitation.
4.There is NO informal card.

10
 3. APPLICATION FOR JOB

23/10 Kedar Villa

Race Course Road
Shillong

March 11, 20XX

The Personnel Manager

Pioneers (Pvt.) Ltd. Co.
Kolkata

Sub : Application for the Post of Accountant Reg.

Sir/Madam,
In response to your advertisement in The Times of India dated 7 March 20XX, I wish to offer
my candidature for the Post of Accountant.

I feel my qualifications and experience are good enough to enable me to discharge my duties in the
above post. I am a chartered accountant with 03 years of experience in reputed financial firms.

If I am appointed I assure that I will discharge my duties honestly and devotedly. I will certainly win
the confidence of my superiors.

I attach herewith the attested copies of my certificates and my bio-data.

Thanking you
Yours faithfully,
Nipun
(Nipun Kumar S.)

Encl: Bio-data

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 BIO-DATA

Name : Nipun Verma

Father’s Name : Sh. Mohan Lai Verma
Date of Birth : 15 September 1983

Address : 23, Raman Villa, Race Course Road, Shillong

Contact Number : 9868XXXXXX
e-mail ID : [email protected]

Educational Qualifications
10th- 2000 : 83% (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gijjari)
th
12 - 2002 : 83% (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gijjari)
B.Com. (Hons) 2013 : 73% (Don Bosco University, Shillong)
CA 2006 : FCCA, Delhi

Experience : 1. TISCO “Bhopal’ ( Nov. 2016- Dec.2018)

: 2. Tata Securities (Dec. 2018- Till date)

Salary Expected : Rs. 30000 p.m. + perks

Languages known : Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali
References : Dr. V. Anand, H.O.D. Commerce, Don Bosco University,
Shillong
: Sh. R.K. Sareen, Financial Advisor, Tata Securities,
Bangalore.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
1. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
2. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your
exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
3. Presentation is very important. Keep the bio-data in a box.
4. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.
5. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.
6. Don’t use slang or short forms.
7. Use simple language and uncomplicated sentences.
8. The covering letter should be clear, concise and courteous.

12
 4. REPORT WRITING

MARKING SCHEME HEADING / TITLE

Format :1 By
Organization of Ideas :1 (Name of the Reporter )
Content :2
Date and Place:………………
Spelling and Grammar :1
BODY- in 4-5 paragraphs

POINTS TO REMEMBER
 Use past tense
 Take care of paragraphing (4-5 paragraphs- Leave a line after each paragraph)
 Proper order of ideas.

An Exhibition-Cum-Sale
By: Shreya, Coordinator, SUPW Activities
Nita School, Gurgaon

3 Aug. 20xx, Gurgaon: Nita School, Gurgaon organised an exhibition-cum-sale of items

prepared under Work Experience by the students on the 31st of July in the school SUPW Hall.
It was heartening to see the overwhelming response the endeavour of the students got from
not only the parents but also from the general public who showed a lot of interest in the items
made by the students.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Capt.(Rtd.) Vijay Karan, the Chairman of the School. The
principal of the school presided over the inaugural ceremony. In the keynote address, the
chairman reinstated the need to develop skills among students.

A wide array of items such as candles, greeting cards, jewellery boxes, wooden handicrafts
had been prepared by the students. The items were arranged in various categories based on
six themes.

The students were really encouraged by the positive feedback they got from everyone present.
The chairman and principal too were personally present there all the time interacting with
everyone. They appreciated the students’ hard work and creativity and announced that the
money collected from the sale of items would be donated to an old-age home in the vicinity of
our school. Our principal also decided that such initiatives would be taken up by our school
more frequently to motivate the creative students and to help a noble cause.

13
 ARTICLE WRITING
Format of an Article – The format of an article is divided into 3 parts and they are listed
below:

 Part 1 – Heading
 Part 2 – Byline
 Part 3 – Body
Part 1 – Heading – The heading of the article should be engaging and it should not exceed
more than 5 to 6 words. Make sure your heading doesn’t have any spelling mistakes or
grammar errors. Don’t use unnecessary punctuation marks in the heading. H eading carries
1 mark in Article Writing.
Part 2 – Byline – Byline is nothing but the name of the person who is writing the article.
The name of the person will be generally given in the question paper itself.
Tip – Candidates are not supposed to mention any of their personal details while
attempting the answers in the exam.
Part 3 – Body
The body is the main part of article writing which carries more weightage of marks.
Generally, the body of the article consist s of at least 3 to 4 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – Paragraph 1 is the introduction paragraph. Paragraph 1 should be accurate.
Precisely explain what the article is talking about. Try giving some quotations or frightful
facts to excite the interest of the readers. Keep the language simple.
Paragraph 2 & 3– Paragraph 2 and 3 must come with a complete analysis of the subject
matter in question. Paragraph 2 & 3 must include the following factors:

 Types – Here the writer must analyze and explain what are the different types of problems
that are existing. If any type of problem exists, it should be mentioned here.
 Current Scenario – Here the writer must explain the current situation of the problem.
What are the actions taken to correct them. This may include advantages or
disadvantages of the problem etc.,
 Cause and Effect Relationship – Develop the cause and effect relationship by supporting
it with facts or data. Here writer may also write the consequences.
Paragraph 4 – Paragraph 4 is commonly known as the conclusion paragraph. It is
important to conclude the article with what you’ve started. Never leave an article open -
ended. The conclusion paragraph should speak about the problems raised and what are
actions taken for the betterment of the problem.

LINKING WORDS
• To order information: Firstly, Secondly, Finally etc.
• To add information: Furthermore, In addition, Moreover etc.
• To contrast ideas: However, In contrast, Nevertheless, On the contrary, On the one
hand…on the other hand etc.
To summarise or conclude: In conclusion, In sum etc.

14
15
 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WHY SHOULD YOU WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?
• To comment on news item, articles, • To express opinions on controversial
other people’s letters issues
• To complain • To praise, thank, suggest, etc
FORMAT
SENDER’s ADDRESS WITHOUT NAME- The sender’s address is usually put in the top left-
hand corner.
DATE- It is to be written in expanded form.
RECEIVER’s ADDRESS- The official title/name/position etc of the receiver, as the first line of
the address.
SUBJECT- It is important to underline the subject.
SALUTATIONS- The general greetings used in formal letters are “Sir” or “Madam”.
BODY
COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE- At the end of your letter, we write a complimentary closing. The
words “Yours truly” or “Yours sincerely” are used.
SIGNATURE
NAME

HOW DO YOU WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?

1. Mention the article you are writing in 3. Give facts and examples/causes
response to/ introduce the topic 4. Give suggestions/possible solutions
2. Explain the problem 5. Conclusion

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• Draw the attention of the authorities concerned /general Public towards the problem NOT
of the Editor
• Request authorities concerned to take the action NOT to the editor
• Raise the issue by citing some latest news items / Survey reports etc.
• Analyse the issue, and try to find causes.
• Offer suggestions to solve the problem.
• Be courteous, even if critical

Some phrases you can use

. Opening (Introduction) Opening (Introduction) Expressing your Ending
I’m writing to express my Kindly allow me to use opinions I hope some effective measures will soon
views on… / concern some space in your In my opinion, … be adopted to improve the existing
about…/ support for… / esteemed daily to I think… situation
opposition to… express my views and I feel… I hope the authorities concerned will take
I would like to draw concern on _____ In my view, / From notice and do something in this direction.
(somebody’s) attention Through the columns of my point of view,
I hope the authorities concerned and the
to… your esteemed …
general public will see the gravity of the
I would like to respond to newspaper , I would like As I see it, …
matter and some measures will be adopted
(somebody’s name) ’s to draw the attention of To me, …
to _____
letter about… the general public As far as I’m
towards______ concerned, …

16
17
 LITERATURE
SUMMARY

THE LAST LESSON by Alphonse Daudet

Franz is afraid of going to school as he has not learnt participles. He wants to enjoy beauty of
nature. The bright sunshine, the birds chirruping in the woods, Prussian soldiers drilling -
but resisted. Bulletin board: all bad news, lost battles, the drafts and orders of the commanding
officers: wondered what it could be now. The changes he noticed in the school:
· Instead of noisy classrooms everything was as quiet as Sunday morning
· The teacher does not scold him and told him very kindly to go to his seat
· The teacher dressed in his Sunday best.
· Villagers occupying the last benches- To pay tribute to M. Hamel for his 40 years of sincere
service and also to express their solidarity with France. M. Hamel making the announcement that
that would be the last French lesson; realizes that, that was what was put up on the bulletin board.
Franz realizes that he does not know his own mother tongue regretted why he had not taken his
lessons seriously.
Also realizes the reason why the teacher was dressed in his Sunday best and the villagers sitting
at the back. M. Hamel realizes that all three, the children, the parents and he are to be blamed
for losing respect and regard for the mother tongue. Always keep the mother tongue close to your
heart as it is the key to the prison of slavery. The atmosphere in class: teacher teaching sincerely
and patiently, students and others studying with utmost sincerity. Franz wonders sarcastically if
Prussians could force pigeons to coo in German. M. Hamel overcome with emotions could not
speak and he wrote on the blackboard “Long Live France”.

LOST SPRING by Anees Jung

The author examines and analyses the impoverished conditions and traditions that condemn
children to a life of exploitation these children are denied an education and forced into hardships
early in their lives.
1. The writer encounters Saheb - a rag picker whose parents have left behind a life of poverty in
Dhaka to earn a living in Delhi. His family like many other families of rag pickers lives in
Seemapuri. They do not have other identification other than a ration card. The children do not go
to school and they are excited at the prospect of finding a coin or even a ten rupee note for
rummaging in the garbage.

It is the only way of earning the life they live in impoverished conditions but are resigned to their
fate. The writer is pained to see Saheb, a rag picker whose name means the lord of the universe,
loses the spark of childhood and roams barefooted with his friends. From morning to noon the
author encounters him in a tea stall and is paid Rs. 800. He sadly realizes that he is no longer
his own master and this loss of identity weighs heavily on his tender shoulders.

2. The author then tells about another victim, Mukesh who wants to be a motor mechanic.
Hailing from Firozabad, the centre of India’s bangle making and glass blowing industry, he
has always worked in the glass making industry.

18
His family like the others there do not know that it is illegal for children to work in such close
proximity to furnaces, in such high temperatures. They are exposed to various health hazards like
losing their eyesight as they work in abysmal conditions, in dark and dingy cells. Mukesh’s father
is blind as were his father and grandfather before him.

They lead a hand to mouth existence as they are caught in the vicious web of the money lenders,
middlemen, police and the traditions. So burdened are the bangle makers of Firozabad that they
have lost their ability to dream unlike Mukesh who dreams of driving a car.

DEEP WATER by William Douglas

William O. Douglas had a desire to learn to swim since childhood. At the age of three or four, he
was knocked down and buried by a wave at a beach in California. He developed a great aversion
to water. At the age of ten or eleven he decided to learn to swim with water wings at the Y.M.C.A
pool since it was safe at the shallow end.
A misadventure:- while sitting alone and waiting for others to come to the Y.M.C.A pool, a big
boy came and threw Douglas into deep end of the pool. Douglas swallowed water and went
straight down to the bottom of the pool. While going down he planned to make a big jump upwards
but came up slowly. Stark terror seized him. Tried to shout but could not. As he went down the
pool second time, he tried to jump upwards but it was a waste of energy. Terror held him deeper
and deeper. During the third trial he sucked water instead of air. Light was going out and there
was no more panic. So he ceased all efforts and he became unconscious. He crossed to oblivion.
When revived he found himself vomiting beside the pool. He was in grip of fear of water and it
deprived him of the joys of canoeing, boating swimming and fishing. Hired an instructor to
learn swimming. The instructor taught him swimming piece by piece. He went to different lakes
to swim and found tiny vestiges of fear still gripped him. He challenged the fear and swam.
Swimming up and down the Warm Lake he finally overcame his fear of water. He realized that
in death there is peace and there is terror only in fear of death. Will to live is stronger than
fear of death.

THE RATTRAP by Selma Lagerlof

The peddler was a vagabond who sold rattraps with a little thievery on the side to make both
ends meet. Had no worldly possession to call his own, not even a name. It amused him to think of
the world as a rattrap and all the material possessions as bait as the world, he felt was never kind
to him. Moreover, he prided himself in the fact that he was out of it.

Takes shelter at a crofter’s cottage. The crofter welcomed him, gave him diner, shared his pipe,
played mjolis with him also confided in him about his income and showed him where he put it.
Next morning, the Peddler steals the money and takes the back roads to keep away from people
and gets lost in the jungle at night. While he wanders in the forest he realizes that he has also got
caught in the rattrap and that the money was the bait.
Finally reaches Ramsjo ironworks, where he takes shelter for the night. The blacksmith and his
assistant ignore him but the master mistakes him to be an old acquaintance and invites him home.

19
Though the Peddler does not correct the ironmaster, hoping to get some money out of him, he
declines his invitation.
The ironmaster then sends his daughter who persuades him to go home with her. She notices his
uncouth appearance and thinks that either he has stolen something or he has escaped from jail.
The Peddler is scrubbed, bathed, given a haircut, a shave and a suit of old clothes of the ironmaster.
In the morning light, the iron master realizes he is mistaken and that he is not the Captain. He
wants to call the Sheriff. The peddler is agitated and breaks out that the world is rattrap and he too
is sure to be caught in it. The ironmaster is amused but orders him out.
The compassionate Edla convinces her father that he should spend Christmas day with him. The
Peddler spends the whole of Christmas Eve eating and sleeping. The next day at church, Edla and
her father come to know that the Peddler is a thief who stole thirty kroner from the poor crofter.
Back home, they found a letter addressed to Edla, signed as Captain Von Stahl and a rattrap
as a gift. In the rattrap were the three ten kroner notes of the crofter.
The story gives a universal message that the essential goodness in a human being can be
awakened through love, respect, kindness, and understanding. It also highlights the human
predicament. Materialistic lifestyles are the traps that most human beings are prone to fall into.
Human beings do have a trend to convert themselves from dishonest ways, as does the peddler at
the end of the story.

INDIGO by Louis Fischer

• Raj Kumar Shukla- A poor sharecropper from Champaran wishing to meet Gandhiji.
• Raj Kumar Shukla – illiterate but resolute, hence followed Gandhiji to Lucknow, Cawnpore,
Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, Muzzafarpur and then Champaran.
• Servants at Rajendra Prasad’s residence thought Gandhiji to be untouchable.
• Gandhiji was considered untouchable because of his simple living style and wearing, due to
the company of Raj Kumar Shukla.
• Decided to go to Muzzafarpur first to get detailed information about Champaran
sharecroppers.
• Sent a telegram to J B Kriplani & stayed in Prof Malkani’s home –a government servant.
• Indians were afraid of showing sympathy to the supporters of home rule.
• The news of Gandhiji’s arrival spread –sharecroppers gathered in large numbers to meet their
champion.
• Gandhiji chided the Muzzafarpur lawyer for taking a high fee.
• Champaran district was divided into estates owned by English people, Indians only tenant
farmers.
• Landlords compelled tenants to plant 15% of their land with indigo and surrender their entire
harvest as rent.
• In the meantime Germany had developed synthetic indigo –British landlords freed the Indian
farmers from the 15% arrangement but asked them to pay compensation.
• Many signed, some resisted engaged lawyers, and landlords hired thugs.
• Gandhiji reached Champaran –visited the secretary of the British landlord association to get
the facts but denied as he was an outsider.

20
• Gandhiji went to the British Official Commissioner who asked him to leave Tirhut , Gandhiji
disobeyed, went to Motihari the capital of Champaran where a vast multitude greeted him,
continued his investigations.
• Visited maltreated villagers, stopped by the police superintendent but disobeyed the order.
• Motihari black with peasants spontaneous demonstrations, Gandhiji released without bail Civil
Disobedience triumphed.
• Gandhiji agreed to 25% refund by the landowners, it symbolised the surrender of the prestige.
• Gandhiji worked hard towards social economic reforms, elevated their distress aided by his
wife, Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh.
• Gandhiji taught a lesson of self-reliance by not seeking help of an English man Mr. Andrews.

POETS AND PANCAKES by Asokamitran

In this lesson, Asokamitran talks about Gemini Studios and all that helps in keeping it in the
spotlight. He starts by making a mention about ‘Pancakes’, the famous make-up brand which
Gemini Studios ordered in truckloads. He then talks about the plight of actors and actresses who
have to bear too many lights on their face while getting ready in the make-up room. The make-
up department, according to him, used heaps of make-up to turn them into ugly-looking
creatures. Shockingly, he talks about the office boy of the make-up department whose task is to
slap paint onto the faces of players at the time of crowd-shooting. He was a poet and had joined
the Studio in the hope of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director or a lyricist. In those days, the
author used to work inside a cubicle and had the task of collecting newspaper cuttings which,
according to others was insignificant. Thus, office boy would come in time again, to bother him
with his complaints. He was well-convinced that the reason behind his misery was Subbu. He
thought Subbu had an advantage because he was born a Brahmin. Subbu was a resourceful man
whose loyalty made him stand out. He was tailor-made for films and it was difficult to imagine
film-making without him. He was very welcoming and was known for his hospitality. Just like
many others at the Gemini Studios, he also did poetry. He worked for the story department which
also consisted of a lawyer. People generally called him the opposite of a legal practitioner. He was
a logical and neutral man amidst a room full of dreamers. Asokamitran then describes how Gemini
Studios got a chance to host a group of international performers called Moral Rearmament
Army. Though the plots and messages were not complex, their sets and costumes were near to
perfection so much so that for many years, Tamil plays displayed sunset and sunrise in a way
inherited from ‘Jotham Valley’. Then another guest, Stephen Spender comes to visit Gemini
Studios. People had hardly heard of him and they couldn’t even connect with him due to linguistic
barriers. It was not until a few years later that Asokamitran saw his name in a book and realised
who he actually was.

THE INTERVIEW by Christopher Silvester & Umberto Eco

1. Interview has become a commonplace of journalism. Opinions on the functions, methods and
merits of Interviews vary considerably. Some claim it to be the highest form, a source of truth and
in its practice an art. Some despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, which
diminishes their personality.
V.S. Naipaul feels that ‘some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of them selves’.

21
Lewis Carroll never consented to be interviewed for he had ‘a just horror of the interviewer’.
Rudyard Kipling considered it ‘immoral, a crime, an assault that merits punishment’.
H.G. Wells referred interviewing to be an ‘ordeal’. Saul Bellow describes it ‘like thumbprints on
windpipe’.
Despite the drawbacks interview is a supremely serviceable medium of communication.
Interviews are the most vivid impression of our contemporaries and the interviewer holds a
position of unprecedented power and influence.

2. This chapter also holds an excerpt from an interview by Mukund Padmanabhan with
Umberto Eco, a professor at the University of Bologna, Italy. He has an impeccable status as a
scholar for his philosophies on semiotics, literary interpretation, and medieval aesthetics before
taking up writing fiction. The interview is centred on his successful novel, The Name of the Rose,
which sold more than 10 million copies. Mukund began by asking him the reason behind his
ability to do things that are different, to which Umberto said that he does the same thing and
justifies that the book revolves around peace and non-violence. Umberto classifies himself as an
academic scholar, attends various conferences throughout the week, and writes on Sundays. He
confirms that people considering him a novelist and not a scholar has no effect on him and that it
is tough to influence people with one’s academic work.

The readers learn of Eco’s belief that lives have empty spaces like the ones in atoms and call
them interstices. He confesses that he has done most of his productive work during that period of
time. He remarks that his novel is not an easy read, and it has a detective feature with metaphysics,
theology, and medieval history. Nevertheless, he believes that if the novel were written ten years
earlier or later, it would not have had the same success. The reason behind the success of the novel
is a complete mystery.
GOING PLACES by AR Barton
The theme of this story is teenage-fantasizing and hero-worship. Teenagers have unrealistic
dreams, especially when their families are not well off, and it is quite natural. The Socio-economic
background plays a leading role in the lives of the youths for choosing a particular profession.
The act of fantasizing may lead to depression in case it is beyond our approach and it is useless to
build castles in the air.
Sophie and Jansie are both in the last year of high school and both knew that they were destined
to work in the biscuit factory as they belong to a working class family. Yet, Sophie, always dreams
of big and beautiful things, glamour and glory.
Her ambitions are not rooted in reality i.e., have no relation with the harsh realities of life. In
contrast is Jansie, Sophie’s friend, a realistic and practical girl. Sophie lives in a male-dominated
family where her mother was only a shadow. The men were football fans and the conversations
around the dinner table were about Danny Casey, their Hero. Sophie wants some attention from
her father and brother and telling them that she met Casey, was her way of drawing their attention
towards her. But she carries her fantasies too far when she starts to live them.

MY MOTHER AT Sixty Six by Kamala Das

The poet is driving from her parents’ home to Cochin by car, her mother by her side— sleeping
–open mouthed very pale, colourless and frail-like a dead body indicating that her end was near.

22
The poet looks at her and feels intense pain and agony to realize that soon death will cast her
mother from her. Tries to divert her mind, looks outside at the young trees and happy children
bursting out of their homes in a playful mood (a contrasting image). After the security check at
the airport, she looked again at her mother’s face—pale and cold.

“Familiar ache-My childhood fear” –the poet has always had a very intimate and close
relationship with her mother and she has always felt the fear of being separated from her mother
hence it is familiar. The poet reassures her mother that they will meet again

KEEPING QUIET by Pablo Neruda

The poet talks about the need of silence and quiet introspection and the importance of quietude
and calmness. He also talks about creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human
beings. The poet asks us to keep still and count up to twelve. He also asks us to sit still. For a
moment we should not speak any language. We should not move our arms so much. It will be a
moment of complete silence without rush or worry. This would be an exotic moment.

Then a sudden strangeness will prevail which we will all enjoy. It will be bliss. The fisherman
would not harm the whales on the cold sea. Even the man gathering salt would stop working and
look at his hurt hands and reflect at the pain and harm his strenuous task has caused him.

All kinds of wars must be stopped at once. The green wars against the environment, wars with
poisonous gases, firearms, must be stopped at once. People who are all the time preparing for wars
leaving no survivors behind ought to find time to wear clothes and walk around with their
brothers strengthening the message of peace and brotherhood.

At the same time the poet cautions not to confuse stillness with total inactivity. Life is an
ongoing process and should not be associated with death. It is to be lived with positive attitude.
He does not want us to ruminate over death. But he feels that if for once we do not focus on
ourselves single -mindedly to keep our lives moving but do some introspection or spend some
time in silence doing nothing, we can understand ourselves better and escape from the threatening
calls of death.

The earth can teach us a lesson how everything comes to a dead end and comes to life again. In
the same manner a quiet introspection can bring all evil thoughts to an end and bring in a new life
of peace and tranquility. Now the poet will count up to twelve and they should keep quiet and he
will go.
A THING OF BEAUTY by John Keats
Stanza 1 - The poem begins with the famous line ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’, meaning
that a beautiful thing always gives joy to humans. It will never pass into nothingness i.e. its
beauty will never die, instead of its loveliness increases. The poet then compares the thing of
beauty with a number of other things to describe how much important it is for us. According to
him, it is a bower quiet for us i.e. it is like the peaceful shade of plants for us. It is a sleep full of
sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. By comparing the thing of beauty by all these
things he wants to prove that it has a significant role to play in the life of human beings.

23
Stanza 2 - The thing of beauty is fundamentally important to us, every morning, we collect
the flower-like charm of the beautiful things and make a band of it that gives us joy.

There are unhappy moments in our life. We lack nature in the inhumane materialistic life. We
have to face unhealthy ways, griefs and even failures. But in spite of all these gloomy things,
a thing of beauty takes away all these troubles and gives us joy and peace.

Stanza 3 - In the third stanza, the poet gives examples of things of beauty that give us joy and
happiness. Examples include the Sun, the Moon, trees old, and young [that grow up and give
peaceful shade to our spirit (innocent sheep)], daffodils (that make the earth green), pure and cool
streams. There are summers in which the fair musk-rose blooms that shine (sparkle) the season.

Stanza 4 - Finally, the poet refers to the beauty of the grandeur (magnificent and impressive
memory) of the mighty dead i.e. the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the good cause. There
is the joy of the lovely tales that we have heard or read which we hear about them. Thus nature
is the endless fountain of immortal drink which it pours unto us from the heaven’s brink. The line
means that nature gives us immortal joy that comes from heaven and hence it is the ultimate
source of happiness.

A ROADSIDE STAND by Robert Frost

In this poem Robert Frost has brought out the apathy of the rich, city dwellers towards the poor,
roadside shed owners. The owners have made a new shed with a hope of selling his vegetables
and fruits to the city dwellers who passes by in their cars. But unfortunately, the rich and
sophisticated people of the city are insensitive to the needs of the shed owners, the latter’s desire
is to sell their goods and earn an amount sufficient for their survival. The powerful and influential
people had promised them support but now the shed owners feel let down and cheated. They have
also heard that they would be moved to villages, closer to the market area and theatre. Here, they
are told that they will not have to worry about their earnings and would sleep peacefully at night.
In reality, the so-called benefactors would benefit from this move and not the shed owners. They
would simply lose their hold on their land and would be dislodged, giving them sleepless nights
once again. The poet is unable to bear the pitiable plight of the shed owners who wait for a car to
stop. The cars do stop occasionally but the passengers have their own selfish motives to achieve.
One of them stops to inquire the pieces of the vegetables, another stops to reverse the car and yet
another to merely ask where the road leads. The poet is alarmed when someone stops at a shed to
ask for a gallon of gas. The poet is agonized to see the miseries of the shed owners and he hopes
that one day someone would come to their rescue.

AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS by Adrienne Rich

The poet has brought out the desire of a woman for freedom and strength. Aunt Jennifer
embroidered bright yellow tigers on a screen. They prance about freely, fearlessly and confidently
in the open spaces of a green forest. In contrast, Aunt Jennifer is nervous and frail. She finds it
difficult to even pull the ivory needle that she uses to make her embroidery. The wedding ring
around her finger is symbolic of the burden of commitments and bindings of married life that take
away her freedom and confidence to live life the way she desires. When she dies, her wedding

24
ring will continue to exhibit her burdened life. Unlike her, the tigers have been immortalized and
will continue to prance about freely, confidently and fearlessly.

THE THIRD LEVEL by Jack Finney

The story revolves around a thirty-one-year-old man named Charlie who had a weird experience.
While returning to his residence he reaches the third level of the Grand Central station, which
does not exist. He reminisces the entire experience with his friend Sam, who is a psychiatrist and
terms this experience as “a waking dream wish fulfilment.” Charlie had hallucinated time travel
to somewhere in 1894, a time before the world saw the two deadly World Wars. After he had
realised that he had time travelled, he wanted to buy two tickets to Galesburg, Illinois. He wanted
to travel to Galesburg with his wife Louisa. According to Sam, his psychiatrist friend, he wanted
to escape the reality of the harsh world.
The next day Charlie reached the station to look for that third level to visit Galesburg, but he didn't
find it. Charlie hence resorts to his stamp collection which would distract him from his thoughts
of the third level. While going through his stamp collections he finds a letter from Sam who had
gone missing recently. He wrote that he always believed in Charlie’s idea of the third level. He
says he himself is present in the third level. He motivated Charlie and Louisa to keep looking for
the third level
THE TIGER KING by Kalki
The story ‘The Tiger King’ is a satire on the pride and stubbornness of those in power. The writer
takes us to the days of autocratic and eccentric kings. These kings lived under the thumb rule of
the British, hence they fear them. Most of the time the rulers were not interested in serving the
people and working for the welfare of the public; instead they spent their time in foolish pursuits.
They flouted all laws and bent them to suit their selfish interests. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram
tried to belie what was written in his fate. The chief astrologer had predicted that the cause of his
death would be a tiger. The King tried his best to belie the prediction. His campaign of tiger-hunting
was very successful. All his strategies and wise plans worked till he killed 99 tigers. But the
hundredth tiger eluded him till his death. The irony of fate brings quite an unexpected end of the
Maharaja. The hero who killed ninety nine tigers couldn’t kill the only one that was left. The last
tiger he thought to be dead survived. The King’s bullet had missed its mark. Ironically, the
hundredth tiger which caused his death was not a ferocious beast of blood and flesh. It was a
wooden tiger. One of the slivers of wood pierced his right hand and caused infection and a
suppurating sore. It ultimately led to his death.
JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH by Tishani Doshi
The writer Tishani Doshi was part of a programme called ‘Students on Ice’ and was taken to
Antarctica. She shares her experiences and impressions. The aim of the expedition was to take
high school children to Antarctica, thereby providing them with a unique educational opportunity
to see first-hand the effect of human activities of environment so that these youngsters, when the
time comes to act, will take correct decision regarding conservation of the environment. Antarctica
is the right place to study about the changes in the environment and its impact on humanity as a
whole.
Antarctica holds the secrets of how earth came to be in its present form. It gives us an insight into
how the present landforms came into existence, why certain animal species became extinct.
Complete absence of human beings has preserved the carbon records intact.

25
Lack of bio-diversity in Antarctica makes it possible to study the effect of small changes in the
environment, on the animal life and environment. It was a humbling experience for the author and
she feels that we need to address environmental issues immediately, if mankind is to survive.
THE ENEMY by Pearl S Buck
Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon finds a wounded American soldier on the beach near his house. He
is unable to throw him back though he was his enemy as he was a doctor and his first duty was to
save a life. Hana, his wife, though initially reluctant because it was dangerous for all including the
children to keep the enemy in the house, joins her husband in operating and nursing the enemy
soldier back to health, even though the servants desert the house. Hana assists Dr. Sadao in
operating the soldier in spite of her physical discomfort and hesitation.
Though it was war time and all hands were needed at the front, the General did not send Sadao
with the troops as he is an expert surgeon and the General needed him. Sadao tells him about the
enemy soldier but he does not take any action as he is self-absorbed and forgets his promise that
he would send his private assassins to kill the enemy and remove his body. Taking advantage of
the general’s self-absorption Sadao decides to save the soldiers life. After the soldier is out of
danger Dr. Sadao helps him to escape from his house to safety.

ON THE FACE OF IT by Susan Hill

The play depicts beautifully yet grimly the sad world of the physically impaired. It is not the actual
pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment that trouble a disabled man but the attitude
of the people around him. Two physically impaired people, Mr. Lamb with a tin leg and Derry
with a burnt face, strike a band of friendship.
Derry is described as a young boy shy, withdrawn and defiant. People tell him inspiring stories to
console him, no one will ever kiss him except his mother that too on the other side of his face.
Mentions about a woman telling that only a mother can love such a face. Mr. Lamb revives the
almost dead feelings of Derry towards life. He motivates him to think positively about life,
changes his mind set about people and things. How a man locked himself as he was scared-a
picture fell off the wall and got killed. Everything appears to be the same but is different- Example
of bees and weeds. The gate of the garden is always open. Derry is inspired and promises to come
back. Derry’s mother stops him but he is adamant saying if he does not go now it would be never.
When he comes back he sees lamb lying on the ground. It is ironical that when he searches a new
foothold to live happily, he finds Mr. Lamb dead. In this way the play depicts the heart rendering
life of physically disabled people with their loneliness, aloofness and alienation. But at the same
time it is almost a true account of the people who don’t let a person live happily.

MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD by Zitkala-Sa and Bama

The first part deals with the account of Simmons, An American Indian, who fought against the
prejudices of the society against American Indians. She describes her experiences on her first day
at the Carlisle Indian School. The customs and rules of the place were strange and new to her.
She was forced to wear clothes that were considered undignified in her culture at breakfast, she
was embarrassed as she did not know the routine of the place.

When she comes to know that they were planning to cut her hair, she protests by hiding under the
bed, even though she knew it was futile. In her culture, it was the cowards whose hair was

26
shingled. She felt like an animal driven by a herder.

The second part is an excerpt from the autobiography ‘Karukku’ by Bama – a Tamil Dalit. She
was in her third grade when she becomes aware of the indignities that the lower caste people face.
She happens to see an elderly person from her community abase himself in front of a higher caste
person as he was not supposed to touch the food that he was ordered to fetch for the landlord.
Later, her brother explains to her that the incident was not at all funny as she initially thought, but
very pathetic. The people from the lower caste were treated as untouchables. She was deeply
saddened and decided to study hard to overcome discrimination.

READY RECKONER – 1

PHRASES AND EXPLANATION- POETRY

MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX

N Phrase Explanation
o
1 Title of the The poem revolves around the theme of advancing age, the
poem/opener fear associated with it, loss and separation.
2 Trees sprinting Trees sprinting in contrast to the mother who is slow and old.
3 the merry children The merry children are symbolic of the exuberance of youth. The
spilling out of their energetic and lively children present a contrast to the poet’s
homes mother who has grown old and pale.
4 ‘wan pale as a late The poet compares the mother’s pale and withered face with the
winter ‘s moon.” winter‘s moon. The moon seems to lose its brightness in the winter
season as it is veiled behind fog and mist. Winter symbolizes death.
Thus, the mother’s face is indicative of her very frail health and
approaching death. (Simile)
5 that old familiar the agony and pain of separation from her mother that the poet felt
ache in her childhood,
6 my childhood’s fear The fear of losing her mother, just as all young children often are.
7 See you soon, suggestive of the hope that they will meet again.
Amma”
8 all I did was smile she was trying to hide her real feelings
and smile and smile
9 “Her face ashen like Mother’s face was pale and greyish. She seemed to have lost all
that of a corpse.” vitality. Such paleness of the skin is usually associated with a sick
(Simile) or dead body.

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 KEEPING QUIET

No Phrase Explanation
1 Title of the The poem stresses the significance of mutual understanding and
poem necessity for introspection.
2 significance of There are 12 hours in a clock and 12 months in a year
number ‘12’
3 let’s not speak Nothing should be spoken in any language, so there are no disputes.
in any language Moreover, language creates communication barriers.
4 not move our We should not make any physical movement, as physical activity will
arms so much interrupt our introspection. Arms’ has two meanings – hands and
weapons (pun)
5 engines Automobiles or machines.
6 sadness The ‘sadness’ arises due to the fact that people fail to understand
themselves and thereby threaten themselves with spiritual death.
7 look at his hurt Should look and realize the harm that he has inflicted on himself.
hands
8 ‘Without rush , Symbolic of the hubbub of the modern life. In the modern competitive
without worlds of advancement, there is a rat –race to outshine others .Life
engines’ can be peaceful only if this thoughtless ‘advancement ‘can be
stopped.
9 “I want no truck The poet does not believe in inactivity .Life is an ‘on going process and
with death.” so he does not want to associate it with death or bring it to a dead-end.
10 ‘you keep quiet The poet asks men to keep and experience the ecstatic moments of
and I will go’ silence which create a rejuvenation of thoughts. He quietly departs
leaving the mediator in this exotic moment.

A THING OF BEAUTY
SNo
Phrase Explanation
1 Pass into The joy that a thing of beauty gives us is eternal. It never loses its
nothingness importance, but it only increases with time.
2 bower A ‘bower” is a pleasant shady place.
3 inhuman Man’s self-centred nature and his inability to rise above pettiness is
dearth inhuman dearth
5 Some shape of Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet means
beauty beauty in some form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
6 mighty dead Our ancestors, the heroes of the world who are worthy of respect.
7 Grandeur – Grandeur is associated to the mighty dead because of their great

28
 mighty dead deeds and achievements.
8 endless fountain Keats considers nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal
of immortal drink.
drink
9 “Its loveliness Joy multiplies with every beautiful thought. Likewise, the loveliness
increases.” of a beautiful thing increases manifold each time we visualize it on our
mind screen.
10 ‘wreathing a He feels that every morning we weave a beautiful string of flowers or
flowery band to memories which help us to support ourselves on earth and motivate us
bind us to the to live our life here which would otherwise have been a pain.
earth’
11 with the green No living creature can be happy away from nature, and it is in this
world they live green world that they find true joy and happiness in life.
in

THE ROADSIDE STAND

S. Phrase Explanation
1 ‘greedy good The expression refers to the crooked politicians who pose as the
doers.’ benefactors of the masses in the name of removing their poverty but are
actually greedy for power and money.
2 dole of bread referring to donations that the villages don’t want
3 flower of This flower that requires care and support for its growth is used as a
cities” metaphor for the development of industry and urbanization
4 Polished It reveals that the cars that pass are high-class, and belong to the
traffic relatively rich.
5 city money to This money that can be so easily given by those that pass by will make a
feel in hand significant impact on the lives of the sellers and let them dream about
the kind of lives that are shown in movies.

AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS

S. Phrase Explanation
1 her terrified Because she is threatened and burdened by a male dominated society
hands
2 sleek chivalric Sleek, chivalric and certainty are the three qualities of the tigers knitted
certainty by Aunt Jennifer. Sleek indicates the elegance of their movement while
chivalric and certainty are fearlessness and confidence respectively.
3 Wedding band Marriage ring, a symbol of love and care but for Aunt Jennifer it was a
symbol of slavery.

29
4 the ordeals she The ordeals that Aunt Jennifer had mastered by were her sufferings and
was mastered difficulties that she had to suffer under her husband and the burden that
by society had imposed upon her because she was a woman.
5 Prancing Prancing is upward jumping. It suggests women’s ambition be equal.

READY RECKONER – 2

‘NEVER to MISS’ POINTS

FLAMINGO- PROSE
N CHAPT IMPORTANT POINTS
O ER
1 The 1. Linguistic conquest 2. Changes in the school (guilt and realization) 3. Franz not
Last being scolded 4. Hamel’s attire 5. Elders 6. Blame 7. Bulletin board 8. M.Hamel ‘s
Lesson farewell and his inspiration 9.French language 10. Franz’s unwillingness to go to
school
2 Lost 1. Title-lost spring 1. Saheb’s story –happy? 2.Saheb’s name 3. Rag pickers of
Spring Seemapuri 4. story from Udipi 5. Garbage-two meanings 6. Mukesh’s story –dream
7. Bangle makers of Firozabad 8. hazards in factory 9. Hurdles in becoming
cooperative-vicious web 10.Two distinct worlds 11 Saheb vs Mukesh
3 Deep 1. Aversion to water-beginning 2. Experience at Y.M.C.A. pool 3. Training-instructor
Water 4. Steps to overcome residual fear (Lake Wentworth- New Hampshire) 5. Narration
of fear
4 The 1. The idea of the world being a big rat trap-reasons 2. Crofter episode -Stealing of
Rattrap thirty kronor 4. Meeting with the Iron master 5. Mistaken identity-Captain Von
Stahle 6. Ch. of Edla Willmansson 7. Christmas Eve 8. Christmas present & the letter
9. Essential goodness in a human being can be awakened through understanding
and love 10. title-rattrap 11. Ch. sketch of Peddler
5 Indigo 1. RajKumar Shukla - resolute 2. Problems of Indigo sharecroppers/peasants of
Champaran 3. Gandhiji’s arrival at Champaran-measures adopted to help the
peasants.4. Treatment at Rajendra Prasad’s house 5. Gandhiji’s method 6. Gandhi
agreed to 25% 7. Cultural and social reform in Champaran 8. Turning down CF
Andrews’ help 9. Turning point in Gandhi’s life.
6 Poets 1. Pancakes 2. Makeup department at Gemini Studios 3. National Integration 4.
and Office boy and his problems 5. Subbu 6. MRA-its effect on Tamil Drama 7. Literary
Pancak inclinations of Asokamitran 8. Visit of the poet- Mystery 8. How the mystery is solved
es 9. Humour 10. Hierarchy in Gemini studios 11. Casteism
7 The 1. Definition of interview 2. Two opinions- highest form of truth ; Some despise as
Intervie unwarranted intrusion into lives 3. V.S. Naipaul - people are wounded & lose a part
w-part of them selves’. 4. Lewis Carroll - just horror of the interviewer’. 5. Rudyard Kipling -
1 ‘immoral, a crime, an assault that merits punishment’. 6. H.G. Wells - ‘ordeal’. 7. Saul
Bellow thumbprints on windpipe’. 8. Supreme medium of communication
8 The 2. Interview by Mukund Padmanabhan 2. Scholar on semiotics 3. Literary

30
 Intervie interpretation 4. Medieval aesthetics 5. Writing fiction. 6. Novel, The Name of the
w-part Rose, 7. Success – mystery 8. Calls himself academic scholar 9. Empty spaces 10.
2 Writes on Sundays.
9 Going 1. Adolescent hero worship 2. Character of Sophie, Jansie, Geoff 3.Title 4. Sophie
Places and Geoff 5. Reason for Sophie fantasizing 6. Geoff thing and Jansie thing 7.
Father’s role 8. Fantasy Vs Reality 9. Sophie’s family background 10. Double line
plot

FLAMINGO- POETRY
N CHAP KEY WORDS IMPORTANT POINTS
o TER
1 My Late winter’s moon, Childhood fear, trees Late winter’s moon-comparison
Mother at sprinting, ashen like that of a corpse, smile Parting words and smile-significance
Sixty Six and smile and smile, merry children Childhood fear
Images to convey mother’s old age vs
youthful images
Pain of separation
2 Keeping Sudden strangeness, clean clothes, hurt Title-significance
Quiet hands, without rush without engines, count to Appeal of the poet
twelve, earth can teach us, exotic, arms, Example from nature
twelve, green wars, wars with gas, victory What is achieved by keeping quiet
with no survivors, brothers in the shade, total Protection of environment in the
inactivity, no truck with death, single- poem
minded, keeping our lives moving, sadness Message-theme
of never understanding
3 A Thing bower quiet, wreathing s flowery band, Message – theme- title
of Beauty endless fountain of immortal drink, inhuman Beauty-joy forever- how
dearth of noble natures, pall, cooling covert, Things of beauty mentioned
shady boon, clear rills, grandeur of the Endless fountain of immortal drink
dooms, simple sheep, gloomy days, Definition of beauty
unhealthy and o’er darkened ways, its Things cause pain and suffering
loveliness increases, spite of despondence,
the green world they live in
4 Aunt Fingers fluttering, prancing proud, chivalric Ideology that the poem opposes
Jennifer's certainty, weight of Uncle’s wedding ring, Why hands flutter
Tigers ringed with ordeals, terrified fingers, bright How tigers are described
topaz denizens, ivory needle hard to pull, Symbols found in the poem
Ordeals of aunt
Tigers after aunt’s death
Aunt vs tigers (differences)
N CHAPTER IMPORTANT POINTS
O
1 THE 1. third level-medium of escape 2. grand central-compared to tree 3. description
THIRD of third level 4. charlie’s wish to escape to Galesburg-reason 5. first day cover 6.
Sam’s letter-inference-reason to suspect 7. Discovery from coin and stamp store

31
 LEVEL 8. Ch. of Charley & Sam 9. Title 10. ending of the story 11. what third level
symbolize?
2 THE 1. Prediction of the astrologer 2. Tiger hunt 3. Steps to retain his kingdom –
TIGER marriage, tax 4. British officer 5. Hunting the hundredth tiger 6. Hunters and
KING their lie 7. Toy tiger taking the life of the King 8. Conceit of those in power 9.
Humour and satire 10. Dramatic Irony
3 THE 1. Sadao in America 2. Wife, Hana 3. Sadao’s father 4. Harbouring enemy 5.
ENEMY Moral dilemma of Sadao 6. Reaction of servants 7. Ch. of General Takima 8.
Sadao vs General 9. General’s plan 10. Final help to escape 11. Partiotism of
Sadao 12. The American soldier
4 ON THE 1. Character of Lamb, Derry 2.Title 3. Lamb’s garden 4. Derry’s change in
FACE OF perspective after the association with Lamb 5. What draws Derry to Mr. Lamb 6.
IT How Lamb tries to make Derry positive 7. Derry’s mother about Lamb 8. Lamb’s
story of a man hid himself 9. Derry’s interpretation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’
10. People’s reaction to Derry’s face
5 MEMORI The Cutting of My Long Hair-Zitkala Sa
ES OF 1. The discipline at the Carlisle Indian School 2. Prejudice against Native
CHILDHO American culture and women 3. Judewin’s warning to the narrator 4. Cutting of
OD the hair-the hardest trial 5. The narrator’s mother’s words about shingled hair 6.
Narrator’s resistance 7. Indignities faced by the narrator

We Too are Human Beings-Bama

1. The fun and games that held the attention of Bama way back from school
2. A man carrying vadai to landlord 3. Untouchability/Caste discrimination
4. Her elder brother’s(Annan) experience with landlord’s men 5. Annan’s advice
and her resolution

READY RECKONER –3
BEGINNERS (Can be used at the beginning of answers. Use only if needed)

PROSE-FLAMINGO

The last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet speaks about patriotism, freedom of language and the love
for one's mother tongue.

The Lost Spring, written by Anees Jung, talks about national shame of children living in the
life of poverty and exploitation. It also talks about the exploitation of bangle makers by police
and middle-men in Firozabad.

The Deep Water written by Douglas shows how the writer was scared of water since his
childhood and how he overcame the fear.

The Rattrap is a short story written by Selma Lagerlof about this happened beggar and thief
who is taken in ancient generosity by a young woman. The rattrap underlies the belief that

32
essential goodness in human beings can be aroused through sympathy, understanding, love and
respect.

Indigo written by Louis Fischer describes Gandhi’s struggle for the poor peasants of Champaran
who were the share croppers with British planters.

Poets and Pancakes is an excerpt/ passage from Asokamitran's book “My Years with Boss”.
Asokamitran talks about his days at the Gemini Studio.

The Interview by Christopher Silvester is the introduction of Penguin Book of Interviews. It

additionally comprises an extract from an interview of Umberto Eco, the famous Italian essayist
and novelist, by Mukund Padmanabhan.

Going Places is a short story by A. R. Barton revolves around fantasies and daydreams of
Sophie, a day dreamer.

POEMS-FLAMINGO

My Mother at Sixty Six written by Kamala Das is a heart touching poem where the poet
depicts her love, care and affection towards her ageing mother.

Keeping Quiet, Pablo Neruda appeals to human beings to count from number one to twelve to
bring about peace and harmony in the world.

A Thing of Beauty is all about beautiful things around us. A good and beautiful thing is a
source of joy and gives such eternal happiness that never fades away.

Aunt Jennifer's Tigers speaks about the inner feelings of Aunt Jennifer who is embroidering a
piece of cloth and the pattern shows tigers moving and jumping over the fabric which is
contrasted with the fear of aunt of the male dominated society.

PROSE- VISTAS

The Third Level is a science-fiction by Jack Finney about modern-day problems, uncertainties,
and stress which everybody wants to escape.

The Tiger King is a satire written by Kalki Krishnamurthy on the rich and powerful kings of
the olden times.

The Journey to the end of the Earth is an enlightening account of the author's visit to
Antarctica, the coolest, windiest and driest continent in the world. Tishani Doshi holds the
opinion that, in order to understand the Earth's present, past and future, one must go to
Antarctica.

The Enemy by Perl S Buck is a nuanced take on the intricacies of human relationships and how
human values sometimes get in contrast with the law of land.

33
On the Face of It written by Susan Hill deals with the human bond and evolution that our
interpersonal relationships undergo.

Memories of Childhood is an autobiographical account of two women belonging to a

marginalized section of society.

READY RECKONER –4

Explanation of Titles
No. Chapter Explanation of the Title
1 THE The chapter is titled the last lesson because it was M.Hamel's last session as
LAST well as last French lesson in the school.
LESSO In the last day of school M.Hamel wore his fine Sunday clothes as a mark of
N respect for the language and culture is being invaded by the foreigners. He
was feeling nostalgic as well as repentant. His last lesson is an attempt to
make the audience conscious about the absurdity of not been able to speak or
write one's native language.
2 LOST The title of the chapter 'Lost Spring' is a metaphor used for loss of childhood of
SPRING millions of child-laborers in India. Spring is symbolic of joy, happiness,
beauty, and hope. Childhood can be called the spring of a man's life. However,
children like Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh have no spring in their lives because
of the poverty they have been born into.
3 DEEP Title is apt because Douglas recounts his terrible fear of death from
WATER drowning. Symbolically, ‘to be in deep water’ means to be in great trouble.
Throughout the narration, the author talks about the deep trouble which had
almost cost him his life. Thus the title conveys the degree of trouble that
plagued Douglas for years.
4 THE “The Rattrap” is an appropriate title as it is the story of a rattrap peddler. The
RATTR author has used the metaphor of a Rattrap to highlight the human
AP predicament. The story revolves around the incident of a man getting
trapped due to his greed and finally gets liberated by a girl named Edla.
5 INDIGO The title ‘Indigo’ focuses our attention on the issue of exploitation of indigo
sharecroppers at the hands of cruel British planters. The British compelled
them through a long-term agreement to plant indigo on 15 per cent of their
land and surrender the entire harvest as rent. After the development of
synthetic indigo by Germany, the British planters extracted money from the
peasants as compensation for being released from the 15 per cent
agreement. The peasants who wanted their money back filed civil suits.
Rajkumar Shukla persuaded Gandhi to take up the case of Indigo

34
 sharecroppers. So indigo sharecropping exemplifies the injustice of the British
and the Indians’ submission to British authority.
6 POETS Poets and Pancakes is a relevant title for this summary. Poets here refers to the
AND poets and scriptwriters at the studio. Pancakes refer to the makeup brand
PANCA that is used by most actors. The film industry cannot work especially without
KES
these two things that are makeup and scriptwriters.
7 THE The title of the excerpt is quite logical and apt. The first part discusses about the
INTERV merits and demerits of interview as a literary form. In the second part,
IEW Umberto Eco likes to be interviewed. He cooperates fully with the interviewer,
Mukund.
8 GOING Going Places is a story which reflects an adolescent’s desire for going places.
PLACES “Going Places” is an idiomatic phrase which refers to a promising young
person’s likelihood of becoming successful and famous (e.g. ” She’s going
places ” meaning she is going to be successful). The title Going
Places captures the essence of the story. Sophie, the protagonist of the story
is always imagining ‘going places ‘ – of being rich and famous and it is from
this point of reference that we can understand her nature and the reason why
she acts the way she does.
9 MY 'My Mother at Sixty Six' is that the author is noticing how old and worn out her
MOTHER
mother is by life, and is fearful that she might not meet her mother again
AT SIXTY
SIX even though she does not dare to voice it.
10 KEEPIN The title 'Keeping Quiet' has a message in itself of what can happen as a result
G of keeping quiet. It stresses the importance of introspection, solitude and of
QUIET stopping our work or any activity for some time. The title throws light on the
power of quietness in resolving conflicts.
11 A THING ‘A Thing of Beauty’ tells us that beautiful things are a source of constant joy
OF and inspiration. They give us eternal pleasure and leave an indelible mark on
BEAUTY our minds and, therefore, every beautiful thing is worth being treasured.
’
12 A The poem deals with the lives of poor deprived people of the villagers who
ROADSID erect roadside stands to get some city money from the folk travelling by car.
E STAND
13 AUNT “Aunt Jennifer's Tiger” is an appropriate title in that it refers to a tapestry Aunt
JENNIF Jennifer has made. It contains some ferocious tigers. The title also suggests the
ER'S “tiger like terror” Aunt's husband was. She was in constant fear of him and felt
TIGER trapped and suffocated in marriage.
14 THE The chapter is about the third floor of Grand Central Station in New York to
THIRD where Charlie, the protagonist enters in the story. The third level signifies an
LEVEL escape from the modern world that is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all

35
 the rest of it.
15 THE The tiger is an appropriate title of the story as the details of the story are
TIGER interwoven with the tiger king, king of tigers. To prove the prediction false he
KING kills 99 tigers and even spends 3 lakh rupees to save tigers. Moreover he
marries the girl where there are lot of tigers but at last he is killed by the
wooden tiger.
16 JOURN Tishani Doshi calls her trip to Antarctica a 'Journey to the End of the
EY TO Earth' because she crosses nine time zones, six checkpoints, three water
THE bodies and many ecospheres to reach there. The entire journey takes one
END OF hundred hours. She is wonder-struck by the immensity and isolation of the
… region.
17 THE The wounded American prisoner of war is natural ‘enemy’ of Dr Sadao and his
ENEMY wife Hana. They never consider him as a friend but still they treat him.
18 ON THE “On the Face of It” means an individual or a thing may be quite different from
FACE what we think of them or what they may apparently appear to be at first glance.
OF IT On the face of it, Mr. Lamb appears to be mysterious, lonely, lame old fellow
who lives in a neighbourhood house with a huge garden, but in reality he is
very kind, generous, loving and altruistic. Similarly, although Derek has an
ugly looking scary face, he is a fine lad of fourteen with a deep longing for
love. As the play progresses the characters’ views about each other and our
impression of them change for the better.
19 MEMO The title is well suited as the extract presents autobiographical episodes of two
RIES OF different girls living in distant places. Both the women belong to the
CHILD marginalized communities, who look back on their childhood and reflect on
HOOD their relationship with the mainstream culture.

READY RECKONER –5 (Themes)

No. Chapter Themes
1 THE The theme of the story ‘The Last Lesson’ is linguistic chauvinism of the proud
LAST conquerors and the pain that is inflicted on the people of a territory by them by
LESSO taking away the right to study or speak their own language and thus make them
N aliens in their own land of birth. The story has a sub-theme also. It highlights
the attitudes of the students and teachers to learning and teaching. It also
highlights the efforts of the victors to crush their victims materially, spiritually
mentally and emotionally.
Other Themes - Procrastination, Role of parents/community in learning
2 LOST The theme of the chapter is the grinding poverty and the traditions which
SPRING condemn poor children to a life of exploitation. The two stories taken together
depict the plight of street children forced into labour early in life and denied

36
 the opportunity of schooling. The callousness of the society and the political
class only adds to the sufferings of these poor people.
Other Themes - Child labour, dreaming big (compare with Going places),
will power, poverty (compare with Rattrap and Going places)
3 DEEP Deep Water is about the writer’s journey of overcoming the fear of water,
WATER which is deeply rooted in him since childhood.
Other Themes – Importance of planning and practice, Perfectionism,
Achieving a target, teacher (trainer), self-confidence, Pranks can be fatal
4 THE The human beings are prone to fall into the trap of material benefits. It is the
RATTR human tendency to redeem oneself from dishonest ways. Hence, the whole
AP world is called a big rattrap which tempts the people towards its materialistic
benefits, and brings about their doom and never ending predicament. It also
highlights the themes like human loneliness, status and treatment meted out
to have-nots. One of the themes is that man is inherently good by nature.
The society and environment make them bad. Human goodness and kindness
can bring about the change in their attitude.
Other Themes – Loneliness, Fairy tale, Need to bond with others,
Importance of socialization, Mistaken identity, Trust, Poverty(compare
with Rattrap and Going places)
5 INDIGO The leadership is shown by Mahatma Gandhi to secure justice for oppressed
people through convincing argumentation and negotiation. The chapter
‘Indigo’ emphasizes the fact that effective leadership can solve any kind of
problem without any harm to anybody.
Other Themes – Importance of planning and practice, self-reliance,
courage
6 POETS 1. Favouritism and Sycophancy at the place of work
AND Kottamangalam Subbu reaches the position of second in command at the
PANCA Gemini Studios because of favouritism and by virtue of being born a Brahman.
KES
He seemed so close and intimate with The Boss' and 'his general
demeanour...resembled a sycophant's.
2. Hierarchy at the place of work
Example is the make-up department.
3. Social Integration at the place of work
The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who was succeeded by
a Maharashtrian. The Maharashtrian was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an
Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and then, of course,
there were the local Tamils.
4. Propaganda at the place of work

37
 Employees of Gemini Studios become victims of philosophies and schools of
thought that they don't really understand! The Moral Re-Armament army's
hidden agenda was to counter 'International Communism'. It was with this
express purpose that they visited Madras in 1952! Later when Stephen
Spender, a former exponent and the then hater of communism, visited Gemini
Studios, it was to talk against Communism.
5. Jealousy at the place of work
Asokamitran describes jealousy at great length the story of the office boy.
7 THE Part 1 talks about the new invention in journalism that is the Interview. It
INTERV broadly discusses how different people/celebrities have multiple views about
IEW the interview and what it does to their personality and being.
Part II is an interview of Umberto Eco. The meeting shows the thinker,
academician, and writer.
8 GOING The story, 'Going Places', describes the aspirations and dreams of the youth
PLACES and the pain of unfilled promises and shattered dreams. It deals with the
complexities of human relationships along with the adolescent fantasising
and hero-worship.
Other Themes – Family, brother-sister, practical vs unreal, trust vs
mistrust, Poverty (compare with Rattrap and Lost Spring)
9 MY The theme of the poem is ‘ageing’ which is the law of nature and the fear of
MOTHE loss and separation associated with it. It portrays the different stages of life
R AT and how everybody grows old and faces various situations that life throws at
SIXTY them.
SIX Other Themes – Family, filial love, death, problems of old age
10 KEEPIN The main theme of the poem Keeping Quiet is peace, fraternity and unity.
G Throughout the poem, the poet talks about destruction caused by greed and
QUIET selfishness. We are destroying our environment, killing our brothers and
hurting ourselves. If we stop doing everything (like wars, deforestation,
industrialisation, killing of animals, hurting ourselves) and instead remain still
and keep silence, we will be able to feel a strange happiness.
11 A THING The theme of the poem rests in the opening line of the poem. A beautiful
OF object is treasured in our minds because it provides us eternal and everlasting
BEAUTY joy. This happiness never fades into nothingness but multiplies manifold
whenever it flashes on our minds.
12 A The poem, ‘The Roadside Stand’ is Robert Frost’s scathing criticism of an
ROADSI unequal society where there is a huge division between the rich and the poor,
DE the haves and the have-nots, owing to the iniquitous distribution of wealth.
STAND The poem depicts, with clarity, the plight of the poor and the complex

38
 dynamics of their existence. It also focuses on the unfortunate fact that the
unequal progress and development between cities and villages have led to the
feelings of distress and unhappiness in the rural people.
Other Themes – False Promises of the authorities (compare with Lost
Spring), Euthanasia, Poverty (compare with Lost Spring)
13 AUNT The theme of the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich is how the
JENNIF power of the patriarchy controls women’s forms but not their minds. The
ER'S poem makes this point by presenting the wild, interesting, powerful tigers
TIGER embroidered by Aunt Jennifer and contrasting them with Aunt Jennifer, the
oppressed wife. The poem deals with the pathetic condition of married
women all over the world. Aunt Jennifer is a symbol of all married women,
who are suffering at the oppressive hands of a patriarchal society.
14 THE The story third level is the most concise and entertaining story about time
THIRD travel. Charley wishes to be transported to the third level, the world of 1894
LEVEL which is supposedly much happier and quieter place to be. The question
whether the third level exist in real or only in charley’s mind can be inferred
from Sam’s letter. The story also dwells on the theme of escapism, not only as
a psychological refuge from the grim realities of the present day world but also
as a desire to stay with the past or to keep the past alive in the complexities of
the present.
15 THE 1. Satire on the conceit of those in power.
TIGER 2. A comment on politicians who put personal gratification, fulfilment of
KING their own whims and fancies above the good of the masses or even good
governance.
3. Pride has a fall, self-destructive nature of man.
4.The need for conservation of wildlife
16 JOURN The lesson refers to how geological phenomena enable us to trace the history
EY TO of mankind. It also tells us about how land masses and countries are formed.
THE The writer emphasizes the impact of human endeavour to dominate nature. It
END OF
should be realized that exploration of this landmass under the ice cap will
THE
EARTH certainly reveal valuable information on the theory of birth and evolution of
our planet.
Other Themes- Protection of Environment, Global Warming
17 THE Decisions and Duty - Sadao struggles to reconcile his duty as a surgeon,
ENEMY which goes directly against the grain of his duty as a loyal Japanese citizen.
Humanization, Kindness, and Antagonism- Dr. Sadao Hoki struggles to
come to terms with his conflicting impulses to see Tom—an American
prisoner of war who has washed up on the beach alongside Sadao’s house—as

39
 an inhuman enemy and as a fellow man.
Racism and Nationalism - Throughout the story, Sadao and other characters
make claims of Japanese ethnocentrism and authority, depicting the Japanese
as the pinnacle of humankind. But when it crosses the limits, it turns out to be
racism.
18 ON THE People who suffer from disabilities must always look at the bright side of
FACE things and adapt reality of life bravely. At the same time the actual pain or
OF IT inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the
sense of alienation felt by the person. The disabled needs support and
acceptance and not our pity. Appearances are deceptive and most often, we go
on dealing with impressions and prejudices about others without caring to
know about them actually.
19 MEMO The chapter contains two extracts from two different autobiographical
RIES OF episodes from the lives of two women – Zitkala Sa and Bama. Both are
CHILD victims of social discrimination. Zitkala Sa is the victim of racial
HOOD
discrimination whereas Bama is the victim of caste discrimination. In both the
extracts, the writers look back on their childhood and reflect on their
relationship with mainstream culture which illtreated them when they were
children.
Themes- Racism, discrimination, casteism, Role of education to eradicate
social injustices

READY RECKONER –6
NARRATIVE STYLE
First Person Narrative Third Person Narrative
The Last Lesson Indigo
Lost Spring Going Places
Deep Water My Mother at Sixty-Six
Poets and Pancakes A Thing of Beauty
The Interview Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
My Mother at Sixty-Six The Tiger King
Keeping Quiet The Enemy
A Roadside Stand
The Third Level
Journey to the end of the Earth
Memories of Childhood

40
No Lesson Narrative Style / Literary Elements
1 The Last First person whose speaker is a little boy named Franz. The tone is
Lesson anxious and reflective; the mood is sombre and proud. The climax is
the point of greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in the
narrative. The protagonist is Franz; the antagonists are the Prussian
occupying forces. The major conflict is provided by the order from
Berlin and regret of the people for not learning their mother tongue.
2 Lost The writing style adopted is sad prose and the poet describes the
Spring situation of the children to be awful. It’s a real life experience. The
protagonists are Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh; the antagonists are
the society, politicians.
3 Deep Here the author pens his own experiences, fears and terrors of
Water water. The narration is in the first person which gives authenticity
to the experience. It is his personalised description which has a
direct impact over the readers. It stirs our feelings and equips us to
challenge the dangers of life.
4 The It’s third person focusing on the vagabond. The tone is neutral.
Rattrap The mood is hopeful, especially through the second half of the
story. The vagabond is the protagonist, but there is no
"antagonist." No one in the story acts against him.
Allusions- By setting the story during Christmas, and by drawing
clear situational parallels to the stories of the birth of Christ, the
author alludes to Bible.
There are parallels to the biblical story of Jesus's birth where
vagabond is searching for a place to take shelter. A large part of
Edla's motivation to host the vagabond is that it is Christmastime.
The gift to Edla is a Christmas gift.
The pattern followed is of fairy tale where Edla acts as a fairy to
redeem or save the vagabond.
5 Indigo The story is based on the interview taken by Louis Fischer of
Mahatma Gandhi. Biography- Features (Data, chronological order,
cause effect pattern, opinions, quotations, how the person influenced
others etc) Serious tone. Formal style.
6 Poets and 'Poets and Pancakes' has an underlying tone of humour which is

41
 Pancakes satirical and has been deployed by the author to point out human
foibles. It’s a workplace experience interwoven with politics and
ideologies of the people living there.
7 The And article on Interviews and an actual interview. The first part is of
Interview serious tone and the second part is neutral or humourous.
8 Going The story, Going Places is a third-person narrative. The readers
Places get a glimpse in the life of the protagonist, Sophie: her relationship
with her friends and family, her socio-economic position and her
dreams and fantasies. There is reality and fantasy interwoven
towards the end. There is a parallel narrative in the story.
9 My This poem is in the form of a narrative of fourteen lines written as a
Mother at single sentence. This is called enjambment. The poem is written in
Sixty-Six a single sentence punctuated by commas. This highlights the
stream-of-consciousness effect where one thought leads to another.
10 Keeping It is written in free verse and hence has no rhyme scheme. It has a
Quiet serious tone. It’s like a conversation between the poet and the
readers.
11 A Thing ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is an excerpt from his poem, `Endymion: A
of Beauty Poetic Romance’. It belongs to the Romantic genre. The poem is
written in rhyming couplets (also known as Heroic Couplet) and
the rhyme scheme is AABB.
12 A The poem has not been written in free verse but the rhyme scheme
Roadside is inconsistent throughout the poem.
Stand
13 Aunt This poem is a formal and structured in a lyrical pattern. Most of the
Jennifer’swords she uses are short and simple of everyday life. It has twelve
Tigers lines, and is made up of three stanzas of four lines each. Each stanza
is made up of two couplets. (A couplet is a pair of lines that rhyme.)
14 The Third It is set in a mock-serious tone, as the author effortlessly blends the
Level present and the past. It also explores the science fiction genre of
'time travel'; Jack Finney, the recipient of the world fantasy award
interweaves fantasy with the reality in the futuristic projection of
time travel. Parallel timelines run throughout the story.
15 The Tiger The story is about crime and punishment. Kalki has used humour,
King irony and conversational narrative style to bring out the theme.
He takes a dig on people in power through satire, humour and

42
 exaggeration.
16 Journey to The extract is based on a travelogue written by Tishani Doshi. It
the end of has a serious tone and it uses formal style.
the Earth
17 The Genre: Fiction, sentimental fiction
Enemy Protagonist: Dr. Sadao, Antagonist: Cruelty and prejudice
Point of View: Third-person omniscient
Tone: solemn, anxious, meditative
Mood: worried, restless, determined
Major Conflict - Will Sadao treat his enemy and save his life even
though he might be punished?
18 On the This is a play. It is written in simple diction and lucid language
Face of It which helps the emotions to resurface in an uninhibited style.
19 Memories The lesson 'Memories of Childhood' is a portrayal of two
of autobiographical accounts. Tone is solemn and mood is determined.
Childhood

READY RECKONER –7

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 READY RECKONER –8

POETIC DEVICES
Line Poetic Device
My Mother at Sixty-six
her face ashen like that of a corpse Simile
As a late winter’s moon Simile
merry children spilling out of their homes Metaphor
merry children spilling out Anthropomorphism
Trees sprinting Personification
Smile and smile and smile… Repetition
Keeping Quiet
In the shade Metaphor
Arms Pun
‘Count to twelve Symbolism
Fishermen in the cold sea…hurt hands Symbolism
Brothers Symbolism
Earth can teach us as when everything Symbolism
A Thing of Beauty
bower quiet Metaphor
sweet dreams Metaphor
wreathing a flowery band Metaphor
endless fountain of immortal drink Metaphor
simple sheep Symbolism
noble natures Alliteration
cooling covert Alliteration
band to bind Alliteration
flowery bands Imagery
shady boon Imagery
daffodils in green world Imagery
clear rills Imagery
cooling covert Imagery
grandeur of dooms Imagery
endless fountain of eternal drink Imagery

57
gloomy days Transferred Epithet
unhealthy and o’er darkened ways Transferred Epithet
A Roadside Stand
Sadness that lurks near the open window there/ that waits
all day Personification
Voice of country Personification
Greedy good doers Alliteration
beneficent beasts of prey Alliteration
pathetically pled Alliteration
Polished traffic (the traffic is not polished, people are
Transferred Epithet
polished)
Selfish cars Transferred Epithet
Greedy good doers Oxymoron
beneficent beasts of prey Oxymoron
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
Bright topaz denizens Metaphor
Wedding band Symbolism
Aunt Jennifer- Symbolism
Tigers Symbolism
Yellow (bright topaz) Symbolism
Embroidery Symbolism
Finger’s fluttering Alliteration
prancing proud Alliteration
chivalric certainty Alliteration
weight of wedding band Alliteration
Bright topaz denizens Imagery
world of green Imagery
Transferred Epithet/
Terrified fingers
Synecdoche
Tigers Irony
Ring Pun

58
 Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Skills Questions
THE LAST LESSON Alphonse Daudet

1. “When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the
key to their prison” Comment with reference to the lesson ‘The Last Lesson’.
2. Describe the measures linguistic minorities take to keep their languages alive. What would
happen if they do not take measures to keep their language and culture alive?
3. Explain the term ‘linguistic chauvinism’ with reference to the extract ‘The Last Lesson’.
4. Why is the extract titled ‘The Last Lesson’? Describe in your own words Mr. Hamel’s thoughts
and feelings on the last day in school.
5 The last lesson is a story that dwells upon universal human nature. Comment.
6. Prepare a speech in the morning assembly on ‘Significance of Language /Mother tongue in our
lives with reference to The Last Lesson.
7. M. Hamel went to talk of the French-Language saying it was the most beautiful language in the
world – the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it. Do you
think modern Indian youth in their craze to ape the western culture is ignoring Indian
languages/culture? How can we protect our regional languages from being forgotten?
8. ‘My last French Lesson! Why I hardly learned how to write! I should never learn anymore! I
must stop there then”. The problem of wastage – school dropouts and illiteracy/backwardness still
plague our country. What qualities on the part of the administration, educationists and youth do
you think will help to surmount this hurdle?
9. “It was their way of thanking their master for his 40 years of faithful service and of showing
respect for the country that was theirs no more.” Do you think we acknowledge the service of
good teachers/educationists? What values should students develop towards their elders especially
teachers?

LOST SPRING Anees Jung

1. The extract ‘Lost Spring’ describes the plight of street children forced into labour early in life
and denied the opportunity of schooling. Explain this with reference to the extract.
2. The story ‘Lost Spring’ gives us an authentic picture of child labour prevalent in India. What
measures would you suggest to stop child labour?
3. The extract ‘Lost Spring’ tells us about the callousness of society and the political class to the
sufferings of the poor. Is this true of contemporary India. Cite examples.
4. What are the two distinct worlds referred by Anees Jung in the lessons ‘Lost Sprint’?
5 The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of the people who
produce them comment.
Ans – Bangles are colourful, bright, symbols of suhag of a married Indian woman, considered
auspicious fill colours and happiness.
- Life of its producers- impoverished , dark, deprived lose eyesight, slog their daylight hours in
dark stingy cells in front of hot furnaces , families and animals coexist in the primaeval state.
6. Explain the significance of the title ‘Lost Spring’.
7. ‘Lost Spring’ by Anees Jung brings out the condition of children in India. Even after sixty five
years of independence we have children who do not go to school, work in inhuman conditions and

59
live in slums. As a nation we have somewhere failed in our duty. What values do we need to
inculcate among the people of this nation in order to bring back the ‘spring’ in the lives of these
children.
8. Mukesh and Saheb are victims of society’s apathy. What should be our attitude towards them?
9. “None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to work in the glass furnaces with
high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light. As citizens of this country what do you
think is our duty? What steps can youngsters like you take to reduce the scourge of poverty?

DEEP WATER William Douglas

1. It is Douglas’ willpower that enabled him to overcome his fear of water. This reveals that with
a strong will human beings can overcome all kinds of fear. Explain with two illustrations from
real life.
2. Someone’s fun could turn into another’s nightmare. How far do you agree with the statement
in context with incident at the pool?
3. ‘A teacher can make all the difference’. Discuss the statement in the light of Deep Water.
4. What is the significance of ‘yellow water’?
5. With reference to the big boy who pushed Douglas into the pool we realize that many a times
we fail to understand others fears and weaknesses and make fun of them without realising
how much harm we are doing to the psyche of the person. What qualities does a person need
to imbibe in order not to undermine others?
6. From the experience of William Douglas, we understand that it is possible to overcome even
our worst fears. How can a person make this possible?
7. William Douglas did manage to overcome his fear of water but part of the credit also goes to
his teacher who played an important part in making this happen. How can learning be made
more effective?

THE RAT TRAP Selma Lagerlof

1. The story ‘The Rattrap’ exemplifies the truth that essential goodness of human beings can be
awakened through understanding and love. Discuss.
2. The readers’ sympathy lies with the peddler in the story ‘The Rattrap’. Explain why?
3. How would you react if you were Edla Willmansson?
4. The story is both entertaining and philosophical. Explain.
5. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain.
6. The metaphor of the rat trap serves to highlight the human predicament. What is the human
predicament?
7. The rattrap seller thinks of the whole world as nothing but a big trap and the riches and joys,
shelter and food, heat and clothing are just baits for people .This metaphor seems right in today’s
world where people are ready to resort to any means to get what they want . They are tempted to
resort to bribery, corruption, addiction and thievery at the slightest provocation. As future citizens
enumerate the qualities we need to prevent us from falling into this trap.
8. Edla manages to bring about a change in the rattrap seller. What qualities do you think will help
reform a person?
9. We were just saying that it was too bad we didn’t have any company for Christmas .' The spirit
of Christmas needs to be nurtured in our hearts not only during the festive throughout the year.

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How does the spirit of Christmas keep alive in the story?

INDIGO Louis Fischer

1. What according to you are the qualities of a good leader? Explain with illustrations.
2. Truth and non-violence were the weapons with which Gandhiji succeeded everywhere.
Explain with reference to the extract ‘INDIGO’.
3. What did Gandhiji do for the social, economic and spiritual upliftment of the masses of India?
4. Mahatma Gandhi represented the sharecroppers of Champaran in their fight against the British,
seeking justice for themselves and release from the 15 % arrangement. He led from the front and
secured justice for the poor and oppressed. In the light of reading the lesson ‘Indigo’ by Louis
Fischer, write the text of a speech on ‘The qualities of a good leader’.
5. Gandhiji said ‘Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor’.
It is very clear from the lesson ‘Indigo’ by Louis Fischer that freedom from fear is a prerequisite
for justice . Discuss in an article for the school magazine the ill effects of fear- analyzing whether
Indians are really free from fear after independence.
6. Gandhiji was not allowed to draw water from the well lest some drops from his bucket pollute
the entire source. (Indigo- Louis fischer). Such discrimination would prove to be detrimental to
the society. Analyse the importance of acquiring humane qualities in an article for a newspaper.

Poets and Pancakes Asokamitran

1.The extract gives an account of events and personalities of Gemini studios in the early days of
Indian Cinema. Explain with reference to the extract.
2. Cite examples of humour and satire from the extract.
3. Write a short note on the author’s role in Gemini Studios. How does the first person narration
make his words realistic?
4.How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at
Gemini studios.
5. Humour enlivens the drudgery of life. Variety is the spice of life and the varied account of
events and personalities in the Gemini studios serves to make the reading interesting and also add
to the humour quotient in one’s life. Taking the cue from the lesson discuss how calmness of the
mind can be achieved through light hearted banters. / humour
6. The ‘office boy’ in the Gemini studios attributes his inability to rise up the ladder in work to
Subbu and the strict hierarchy followed in the film company of S.S. Vasan. However strict the
hierarchy, our ‘Action should speak more than words’. Hard work, honesty and sincerity of
purpose should be the mantra to success. Explain this in not more than 100 words.
7. There was a great deal of National Integration in the Gemini studios with the make-up
department being headed by people from all parts of India in succession. The need of the hour in
India is an idealistic situation where people are more tolerant towards each other to realize the
dreams, our founding fathers had dreamt at the time of Independence. What role could the Youth
of India play in this regard?

THE INTERVIEW Christopher Silvester

1. What are the objectives of a good interview? Why is it difficult to elicit the truth from the
interviewee?

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2. Do you think Umberto Eco likes to be interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion.
3. Umberto Eco’s brilliant use of time is something many people lack despite being gifted
otherwise. What is the importance of time management in one’s life. Elucidate in around 100
words.
4. Mukund Padmanabhan’s interview of Umberto Eco allows the reader to assess them as an
effective interviewer and an affable interviewee. Besides this, Eco’s impressive personality is
also revealed. What is the moral responsibility that rests with the interviewer as well as the
interviewee, considering that interviews as a medium of communication is very popular today?
Answer in around 100 words.
5. Umberto Eco introduced a playful and personal quality to his academic (written) work,
thereby keeping himself away from the kind of disappointment his friend Roland Barthes felt
when he could not write narratives. Why is it necessary to love what you get?

GOING PLACES A.R. Barton

Q.1. The extract ‘Going Places’ is about adolescent fantasizing. Who are the adolescents and
what are their dreams?
2.The extract ‘Going Places’ deals with hero worship. Explain with reference to the story.
3. How does Sophie’s family react to her dreams, thoughts, and actions? Who in the family is
sympathetic towards her?
4. Sophie is representative of contemporary youth and their aspirations. Explain with reference
to the extract.
5. Adolescents worship icons. Why do they do this? Is this characteristic of adolescence?
Explain with examples.
6. To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act. To reach great heights dreams must
manifest into actions. Mere dreams without action remain an illusion. Sophie dreamed of
owning a boutique. What do you think should be the plan of action to fulfil such a dream?
7. “Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce
happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.”-
Benjamin Franklin. Sophie like many children today, aspires for things beyond her means and is
always looking for material comforts. What values need to be instilled in children so that they
learn to be better human beings and not purely materialistic?
8. Jansie is pragmatic and realistic in her aspirations and outlook in life. Jansie’s outlook in life
is praiseworthy and worth emulating. Enlist the values that one could develop which could make
us endearing and successful.

( Flamingo- Poetry)
1. My mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das
1. My mother at sixty six, Kamala Das has pointed out at close relationships in an objective
manner. Comment.
2. Why did the poet suddenly recall ‘the last Friday morning’?
3. “My parents home”. Was the poet possessive in her thought? If so why?
4. Why is human relationships subtle and complex? How is Kamala Das trapped in this maze?
5. Kamala Das refers to her fear as “Childhood fear”. Do you think every time she was
overpowered with this she kept smiling or was it different this time? Describe the word ‘SMILE’.

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6. Kamala Das is shattered to see her mother ageing & nearing her death. On the other hand she
feels agonized on her inability to take care of her. You feel that youth should take care of the aged.
Write an article on Taking care of the aged, our duty.
7. ‘And realised with pain that she was as old as she looked.’ Are we neglecting our elderly
folk? What qualities do you think the youth have to inculcate towards the elderly?
8. ‘…..all I said was see you soon amma….. All I did was smile and smile’ In the wake of old
age home mushrooming in India as well, and many of the elderly people abandoned or thrown out
of their homes, how do you think youngsters can help the elderly to overcome loneliness and grief
in the sunset of their lives?

3. A Thing of Beauty
1. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? / How does beauty leave an indelible imprint on our
minds?
2. Why do we wreathe a flowery band? How?
3. Beauty is heaven’s immortal drink. Is the peace that we derive from beauty also immortal?
4. How are the ‘Daffodils’ and the rills the sources of joy pleasure?
5. What philosophy of life is highlighted in the poem?
6. “He prayeth well Who loveth well, all things big & small” (Coleridge) A thing of beauty
provides a platform for all to be one with God. Appreciating beautiful things is appreciating God.
In the present times man is stressed & you feel that proximity to values (beautiful things) will lead
him to everlasting happiness. Comment.
7. ‘A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams….’ Nature promises man comforts
against all odds. But it is for man to recognize them. Explain
8. ‘grandeur of the dooms..for the mighty dead’. How can one draw inspiration from great men?
9. ‘inhuman dearth Of noble natures…..’ What is necessity to fill the world with noble people?

4. Keeping Quiet
1) Why does the poet count up to 12? What is the significance of 12?
2) What are the Environmental issues mentioned in the poem?
3) How is the idea of ‘universal brotherhood’ brought out in the poem?
4) Silence can be very eloquent sometimes. Mention when is silence preferred to language?
5) The poem begins with “Now we will count” and ends with “Now I’ll count and you keep quiet’.
What does the shift in the pronoun signify?
6) Keeping Quiet is an expression of the poet to silence. He highlights the need of quiet
introspection and mutual understanding leading to peace. Do you think that in the present situation
keeping quiet may prove the way to peace. Comment.
7) In today’s world where war, violence, crime and a disregard for others has become the trend.
What is it that needs to be done to make the world a better place?
8) “Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire”. According to you how can we
prevent these wars?
5. A Roadside Stand
1. Do the phrases like ‘greedy good doers’ or ‘beneficent beasts of prey’ sound odd? How? What
poetic device is used here?
2.Do you think the poem ends on a positive note or is it the other way around? Justify your answer.

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3. What does the poet mean when he says that the shopkeeper is not pleading for ‘a dole of bread’?
4. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘as I came back to sane’?
5. What is the poet’s pain as referred to in the last line of the poem? Who does he expect to relieve
him of his pain?
6. What is the attitude of the poet towards the urban civilization?
7. The poet seems to hold the modern manmade civilization responsible for the misfortunes of the
destitute in the society. Do you agree with the poet’s opinion? Give reasons to justify your
answers.
8. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘destroy their sleep in the ancient way’.?
9. What was the reaction of the city folk to the roadside stand that was set up by the poor rural
people and what does it signify?
10. The poet appeals to the readers ‘to come to me and offer to put me gently out of my pain’.
What provokes the poet to make this statement? What is the poet trying to suggest by this
statement.
11. The economic well being of a country depends on a balanced development of the villages and
the cities. Comment with reference to the poem “A Roadside Stand”.
12. The Roadside stand is a pathetic description of poor rural people who find themselves dejected
on the breach of trust. The social agencies and political parties though make promises but do not
keep them. Robert Frost is in insufferable pain and seeks suggestions from all. As the aware and
concerned citizen you feel anguished and pen down your ideas on improving the condition of rural
poor.
13. The ‘requisite lift of spirit’ has never been found in the ‘voice of the country’. Robert Frost’s
concern for village/country folk has relevance in the Indian context as well. Explain.
14. In Robert Frost’s assertion that the ‘hurt to the scenery’ does not bother him, focus shifts to
the futility of people generally being obsessed with appearances as well. Comment on how
preoccupation with appearances is detrimental for society.
15. ‘The flower of cities’ is supported from sinking and withering faint by the excess cash flow.
Nobody spares a thought for the country folk who only hope for a little extra to make their life
better. What can one do to help make life meaningful for everyone in such a context?

6. AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS

1. Justify the title `Aunt Jennifer's Tigers`
2. Why is uncle's wedding band heavy on Jennifer's hand?
3. What are the characteristics of the tiger depicted in the poem?
4. How does the poet imply the point that art survives the artist?
5. Though Aunt Jennifer is fighting against masculine authority, what is the implication of
creating tigers which are extremely masculine and authoritative?
6. What has been Aunt Jennifer’s crushed desire?
7. What character traits of Aunt Jennifer come to light in the poem?
8. Do you view “Aunt Jennifer‘s Tiger” as a tragic poem?
9. Do you think Aunt Jennifer is both a victim and an oppressor? Comment.
10. Aunt Jennifer is the representative of exploited women. She succumbs to the tortures &
ordeals. In the wake of twenty first century we boast of development but exploit women. Write
an article on woman empowerment.

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11. In a predominantly male dominated society, women from time immemorial have faced
oppression from men. What changes can be brought about in the society for uplifting the position
of women, like Aunt Jennifer?
12. “ … Uncle’s wedding band/Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand…” No two individuals
will be similar and will think alike. Each has to accept the other with their differences. When one
is unable to do so, the relationship itself becomes a burden. And, that is what happened to Aunt
Jennifer. What changes do you advocate to promote marital harmony.
13. ‘Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble and attempts what is above its strength.’-
Thomas A Kempis. Aunt Jennifer felt oppressed and troubled in her married life. What positive
traits were missing in Uncle that led to this unhappy state?

The Third Level

1. He said I was unhappy. He meant the modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and
all the rest of it and that I just want to escape…’Many of us have a similar mindset to escape from
reality. Do you think escapism can resolve problems?
2. ‘That ought to set him up in a nice little hay feed grain business; he always said that’s what he
always wished he could do and he certainly can’t go back to his old business…..’ Do modern day
youth have the freedom to pursue a career of their choices?

The Tiger King

1. The tiger king proved that -‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’. Today’s
political order presents a similar picture. It is time to realize that authority and power should be
used for the benefit of the masses. Write a speech for the school assembly on this theme.
2. It is understood from the lesson ‘The tiger king’ by Kalki that the king was surrounded by
people who obeyed him out of fear and there was a lack of good counselling from his ministers to
run his kingdom for the good of the people. How important is it to have a good council of ministers
for the good governance of the country?
3. The fascination for everything English is brought out beautifully in the lesson ‘The tiger king’
by Kalki. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram is given an ‘English’ upbringing. How can love for
one’s country be inculcated against all odds?

3. JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH BY ‘TISHANI DOSHI’

1. Gandhiji said that ‘Animals are becoming extinct in the jungles and more in the cities’. Man is
considered to be the most dangerous animal. However students should understand that we should
live in a state of partnership with nature and not have an attitude of domination. Write an article
stressing the need for a changed perception among mankind.
2. God has provided resources for our needs and not our greed. It is the desire for more that has
brought about a ruckus in the environment and our lives. Contentment in life is the key to peaceful
living. Analyse this in an article for the school magazine.
3. Take care of the small things and the big things will fall in place – says Tishani Doshi in the
‘Journey to the end of the earth’. The relevance of this statement in all walks of life cannot be
undermined. It is universal and more so for a harmonious and happy life. Write the text of a speech
on this theme.

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 4. THE ENEMY
Q.1. ‘Fortune favours the brave’ – Sadao had his doubts and anxieties while he helped the
prisoner of war (POW). Despite this, he follows the dictates of his heart. What is courage really
all about ? Why should one cultivate it?
Q. 2. Despite bias Sadao rises above his prejudices to save a person’s life. Why is it important for
us to become tolerant as a society?
Q. 3. Sadao’s servants refused to acknowledge or approve the help he rendered the POW, Hana
and Sadao seem to be more willing to risk their safety to reach out to another human being in
need. Explain the role that education plays in making us refined and accommodative.

5. ON THE FACE OF IT
1. Derry:’You think…..Here’s a boy’. You look at me…and then you see my face and you
think ‘That’s bad, That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever saw. You think, Poor boy.
But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the
mirror and see it, I’m afraid of me. Though this is the lament of a teen who has a disfigured face
due to acid that fell on his face, many teenagers go through a phase where they have a complex
about their appearance and they do not like to be underestimated or pitied. How could society help
such children become confident?
2. Mr Lamb says that he grows weeds and wonders why one green growing plant is called a
weed and another a flower. He says it is all life. In another instance, he says that bees don’t buzz,
they hum and hum means to sing. What can we learn about life from these observations of Mr
Lamb?
3. Derry says “It’s not what you look like; it’s what you are inside.” What are the qualities
this sentence encourages people to have?
4. Derry: “Look at all the people who are in pain and brave and never cry and never complain
and don’t feel sorry for themselves.” But Derry does not follow it. What qualities do you need to
develop to be like the ‘people’ Derry mentions?

7. Memories of Childhood
1. As long as men are free to ask what they must; free to say what they think; free to think
what they will and free to follow their religious beliefs – only then there exists democracy. What
reforms can be advocated in order to avert such cruelty like what Zitkala Sa and Bama
experienced.
2. For people like Bama it is necessary to break the shackles that society burdens them with
and come out triumphant. What should one possess /acquire to help one live without fear?
3. Harijan- Hari jan (children of God) is what Gandhiji called the Dalits. Great stalwarts like
the Mahatma, Dr. Ambedkar and Ramanujam worked relentlessly for the upliftment of the Dalits.
But, unfortunately the caste bias still rears its ugly head in many parts of the country. What values
need to be instilled in individuals for the betterment and upliftment of the marginalized
communities?

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 GENERAL EXAM PLAN-2023
I. READING (14 Marks)

(10 minutes out of 15 minutes of cooling time may be used to quickly scan through the question paper, to
decide on the option to be answered and to note the points for Section –C. The remaining 5 minutes should be
used to start reading the comprehension passage 01)

Q. Question Time Length of Remarks

No the
Answer
1 Comp. 20 mts (including One-two For a short answer, answer the question. Do not copy
Passage I 5 minutes carved sentences the text as such from the passage. If possible, (at the
out of reading end) underline the key point with a pencil.
time) For an MCQ, write the option code (A, B, C or D) and
2 Comp. 20 mts One-two the option.
Passage sentences
II
TOTAL 40 mts

2. WRITING SECTION-08 Marks

Q. Question Time Length of

No the Remarks
Answer
3 NOTICE- 50 words. 10mts 1 page  Take a fresh page for this question.
(5marks)  Learn the formats thoroughly.
 Draw the box.
4 Formal/Informal 10mts 1 page  Take a fresh page for this question.
Invitation and Reply-  Learn all the formats thoroughly.
50 words. (5marks)  Write the one that consumes lesser time.
 Draw the box.

Letter- Letter to the 15 mts 1 1/2-  Wisely choose the answer which consumes
5 editor page for lesser time, and at the same time, the one
Letter to in which you can excel.
OR the editor  Learn all the formats thoroughly.
and 3  Keep the Bio-data in a box
Letter - application pages for Note: I feel that a job application+ bio-data is an
for a job+biodata Application easy scoring area but takes time if not learned
(5marks) for job and thoroughly. So choose wisely.
bio-data
6 Article/ Report 20 mts 1 and half  Always remember to write a good
Writing-120-150 pages title/heading.
words (5marks)  Write the by-line.
 Write a good introduction.

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  Logically arrange the ideas into 4-5
body paragraphs.
 Underline core value points (ideally, 3
in a paragraph) if possible.
 Write a good conclusion.
 Once again double check your first
sentence and last sentence.
Note: I feel that a report is easier to
write and score than an article. In a
report, you just need to write all the
events that happened in chronological
order, but in an article, a more logical
sequencing of ideas is required. But the
final decision is yours and it is to be
taken after reading both questions only.
20 marks 55 mts

3. LITERATURE SECTION: 18 MARKS

Q. Question Time Length Remarks

No
7 Extract 7 mts  For MCQ type questions, write only the correct option and
based the answer
question- As per  For fill in the blanks or short answer type questions, write
Poetry the only what is necessary.
(6 nos) question  Don’t write many sentences like short answer questions.
8 Extract 6 mts
Prose-
Vistas As per
(4 nos) the
question
Extract 7 mts
Prose-
Flamingo As per
(6 nos) the
question
5 Short 5X5 = Total 2  Remember that this is a full scoring area!!!
Answer 25 pages or  Write clearly in beautiful and simple language.
type mts less for  Include 3-4 value points.
questions. all 5  Underline important value points, if possible.
40 words. answers Eg: Q: In what condition was the American sailor when Dr.
(5 nos-10 Sadao found him?
Marks)

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 5 Short 2X5 = Total 1 Ans: When Dr. Sadao found the American sailor, the latter was
Answer 10 page for badly wounded and unconscious. Blood was flowing freshly when
type mts 2 Dr. Sadao touched his wound. On the right side of the sailor’s
questions. answers lower back Dr. Sadao saw that the gun wound had reopened and
40 words. the flesh was blackened with powder.
(2 nos) [Four value points]

6 Long 12+13 1 – 1 ½  Write the answers in 2-3 paragraphs.

Answer (2) = pages  Underline important points.
10 Marks 30mts for 1  Do not write any sub-headings.
answer
85
mts

TIME REVIEW
READING : 20 Marks 40 mts
WRITING SECTION : 20 Marks 55 mts
LITERATURE: 40 Marks 85 mts
TOTAL 180 Minutes
Since 05 minutes is taken from cooling time, the last 05 minutes can be used for revising the answers,
underlining important points (with pencil only) etc.

Note: This plan is suggestive only. Students can customise it according to their speed and ability.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR ENGLISH EXAM

1. Prepare your customised time plan before the exam and adhere to it.
2. Write proper question numbers as given in the question paper.
3. Never miss a question.
4. Underline important points, if time permits. Underline using pencil and scale.
5. Use only blue pens and pencils. Never use any other colour pens or sketch pens (not even to
underline points). Use a quality pen. Do not use a pen giving a dull output. Remember,
PRESENTATION MATTERS A LOT IN ENGLISH PAPER!
6. Leave a line after each paragraph.
7. Leave a line after each answer in section A
8. Leave2-3 lines between different sections
9. Draw a line between the sections (using pencil) if time allows
10. Always double-check your first sentence and last sentence of each answer.
11. 40 marks (50%) are allotted for literature section. So, make sure that you are attempting all the
questions from literature to your satisfaction.
12. If the name of a character is the answer, write the complete name as far as possible and
provide the details of the character briefly.
(Eg: Edla Willmansson, the Iron Master’s Daughter). Do it only when we refer to the person for the first
time.

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14. Prepare your own customized ready reckoners of:
a. Important points to be covered in each chapter
b. List of chapters and writers/poets
c. List of characters/places/information (chapter wise)
d. Key words in poems – meanings (for extract based questions)
e. Justification of titles/Meaning of titles
f. Theme of each chapter

STUDY TIPS
1. Studying in chunks of 30-50 minute intervals with 10-minute breaks in between
is the most effective way to study.
2. Prepare a concrete and practical timetable. Divide among all subjects.
3. Prioritize difficult subjects while studying.
4. Make short notes and mind maps. Use different colour pens to make notes.
5. Get enough sleep. Have a well-balanced diet.
6. Take breaks in between to relax or have a light walk.
7. Reduce screen time. Use printed books or notes. Practice writing every day.
8. Read English newspapers for 20-30 minutes every day to improve your language.
HOW TO FOCUS
1. Keep water on your table. Drink plenty of water.
2. Turn off the phone. Keep away all distractions.
3. Find a conducive place to study. Have a good chair.
4. Time yourself and see how much you achieved in every hour.
5. Set goals and reward yourself.
6. Make a list and strike off the attained goals.
7. Rewrite things until you remember.
8. Pray. Meditate. Be positive. Be optimistic. Have a peaceful mind.
STUDY TABLE SETUP
1. A timetable and a daily plan
2. Only the books needed for exams
3. Your goal in each subject (handwritten)
4. A quote or set of quotes to motivate yourself
All the best to each one of you! Your success is my happiness!!

With Love

JINEESH SIR

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