MINIMUM LEARNING STUDY MATERIAL

CLASS XII

ENGLISH CORE

SESSION 2022-23

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN

JAIPUR
 MINIMUM LEARNING STUDY MATERIAL
MENTOR

Sh. B. L. Morodia
Deputy Commissioner, KVS RO, Jaipur

PATRON
Sh. D. R. Meena
Assistant Commissioner, KVS RO, Jaipur

Sh. M. R. Rawal
Assistant Commissioner, KVS RO, Jaipur

CO-ORDINATOR
Mrs. Neelam Singh
Principal, K. V. No. 4, Jaipur

PREPARED BY
• Mr. Sumit Ravindran, PGT English, K. V. No. 4 Jaipur
• Mr. S. D. Mathur, PGT English, K. V. No. 2 Jaipur
• Ms. Raksha Soni, PGT English, K. V. No. 1 Ajmer
• Ms. Teena Motwani, PGT English, K. V. Beawar
• Ms. Sneh Meena, PGT English, K. V. No. 1 Jaipur
• Mr. Sunil Dutt Sharma, PGT English, K. V. No. 3 Jaipur
 ENGLISH CORE -301
CLASS XII 2022-23
BLUEPRINT
SECTION QUESTION TYPOLOGY WEIGHTAGE
(IN MARKS)

Unseen Passage
(Factual, Descriptive or Multiple Choice/ 1x10=10
Reading Literary) Objective Type
A Skills
(20 Marks) Case Based Unseen Multiple Choice/
(Factual) Objective Type 1x10=10

Notice-Writing Short answer type

Creative (1 out of 2) 5
Writing
B Skills Invitations and Replies Short answer type
(20 Marks) (1 out of 2) 5

Letter to Editor / Long answer type

Application for a Job 5
(1 out of 2)
Article/ Report-Writing Long answer type 5
(1 out of 2)
Extract from Poetry Multiple Choice/
(1 out of 2) Objective Type 6x1=6

Extract from Vistas Multiple Choice/

(1 out of 2) Objective Type 4x1= 4
C Literature
(40 Marks) Extract from Flamingo Multiple Choice/
(1 out of 2) Objective Type 6x1=6

Questions from Prose and

Poetry from the book Short answer type 5x2=10
Flamingo
(Any 5 out of 6)
Questions from Prose Short answer type
Vistas 2x2=4
(Any 2 out of 3)
Question from Long answer type
Prose/Poetry (Flamingo) 5x1=5
(Any 1 out of 2)
Question from Vistas Long answer type
(Any 1 out of 2) 5x1=5
Total Marks 80
 Reading Comprehension

Guidelines to Attempt Comprehension Passage

1. First of all, read the passage quickly. Study the questions given at the end of your passage.
2. Start your second reading of the passage. This reading should be thorough. Underline key sentences
or words related to the given questions.
3. An alternate method could be to go through the questions first, which gives a rough idea about the
content or subject of the passage. It becomes easier to underline the keywords while going through the
passage and will help to reach the answers faster.
4. While answering the questions, try not to give vague or general answers; be specific; sometimes
students use one general description when four or five points have to be made. Avoid general answers.
5. Write in short, simple sentences unless required to do otherwise.
6. Do not repeat yourself. This is a waste of time. Avoid using slang. Do not use vague words when a
precise one will do.
7. Make sure that you use your own words as far as possible. This means that you must summarise
and’ interpret information; never copy whole ‘chunks’ from the passage.
8. When answering factual questions, i.e., questions that involve words like ‘what, ‘when’, ‘how’ and
‘why’, do not include information not given in the passage. While answering the ‘why’ question, you may
begin your answer with ‘This is because of a similar phrase.
9. While answering vocabulary questions, determine the part of speech of the word. Your answer
should have the same part of speech. ,

Strategies to Master Multiple Choice Questions in Reading

10 . Avoid Blind Passage Reading and Hastiness While Reading
11. Do not Read Half of the Line and rush to attempt without completely reading it.
12. Do Not Leave Unanswered Questions
13. Do not Get Trapped in Test Maker’s Tricks. Beware of traps and distractors.
14. Use Scanning Technique
15. Don’t forget to recheck
16. Check all the contexts of key words
17. Use elimination technique where required
18. Concentrate on rephrasing of sentences in the questions.
19. Prediction in MCQs is an instinctive technique
20. Make logical guesses and always read the instructions carefully.
 PASSAGE-1
Looking beautiful is a desire of almost every individual living on this planet. Emphasis on the word
‘Looking’ in the previous statement. Looking beautiful depends on others and not on our own selves. To
understand this, you will have to consider the concept of beauty. There is a famous quote which goes
something like this “Beauty Lies in the eyes of the Beholder”: What this quote is trying to say is that unless
you are considered beautiful by the people/society looking at you, you will not be considered beautiful. This
is because society has set certain standards of beauty that are followed by most of the population.
These standards are also responsible for creating personality complex among the people that fail to meet
these standards. This is why inner beauty is important. But what is inner beauty, to be exact? A lot of people
come up with excuses when they are approached with the concept of inner beauty. Either these people don’t
have an idea of what inner beauty exactly is or they just don’t understand the importance of inner beauty for
overall health. As a result, people often base their lives on the wrong notion of beauty.
Inner beauty can be classified into two main categories: Physical and Mental. Physical inner beauty involves
the improvement of physical health from the inside. It involves improvements of the bodily systems that
aren’t visible from the outside. Mental inner beauty involves the goodness and purity of the thoughts. We
see others as we see ourselves. Therefore, to improve the perception of our world, we need to first take
control of our own thoughts. Only then can an individual be truly beautiful. A good combination of the
physical inner beauty and mental inner beauty can give better fulfillment and health.
Advantages of inner beauty : Inner Beauty doesn’t have an expiry date : Unlike external beauty that is
dependent on your biological appearance, inner beauty has the potential to keep getting better with
age. Inner beauty is what helps to build the bonds between people as bonds built with external
beauty never last.
Inner Peace: Inner Beauty makes a person more peaceful. Therefore, it can automatically help in reducing
violence in the world. This is one advantage that justifies why inner beauty is important. Emotional
Connection: People with inner beauty are well-connected to their emotions. They are, therefore, better
decision makers and thinkers.
Inner Beauty is comparatively cheaper: External beauty depends on a number of expensive products
and treatments which can burn a hole in the pocket. Comparatively, attaining internal beauty is
much cheaper as it mainly involves lifestyle changes, home remedies and aligning an individual’s
thoughts.
Confidence: Finally, inner beauty gives you the confidence to face the world and its problems, which is
something far greater than the standards that had been set by the society.
The other thing about inner beauty is that it can’t be judged. An individual can always be judged or
questioned on his/her looks and beauty methods. There will always be someone who has a problem with
your decision or your appearance. However, inner beauty is something that will always receive praise from
people. Keeping the opinions of people aside, developing your inner beauty will also give you your own
sense of self-worth and help your body in achieving harmony and proper functioning with its bodily
systems. An individual will always have to keep a balance with the opinion of others and his/her own
approval of his life. Bringing in too much of someone else’s opinion might pose a problem in maintaining
your inner beauty.
Amazing health benefits can be experienced by a person who truly works on all aspects of their inner
beauty.

Source : https://yourstory.com/mystory/a2435081c6-importance-of-inner-be/amp
Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below by choosing the most
appropriate option:
Que 1. Which of the following can be yet another most suitable title for the text given:
A. All that glitters is gold. B. God lives in a peaceful soul.
C. Beautiful is what one does beautifullyD. None of the above.
Que 2. Which of the following may help one in gaining beauty.
1. Other’s opinions about oneself.
2. One’s opinion about self.
3. A reasonable combination of 1 & 2.
A. Only 1. B. Only 3 C. Only 2 D. All of the above.
Que 3. What understanding of ‘self-worth’ should be derived from this passage.
A. Property belonging to somebody.
B. Talent one owes.
C. One’s virtues
D. D. Both inner and outer qualities.
Que 4. Which one of the following is not an advantage of having / working on inner beauty?
A. Inner peace B. Better emotional control
C. It may grow with age. D. It doesn’t work on one’s confidence.
Que 5. Why does an individual like to look beautiful?
A. Because of the other’s appreciation, it brings.
B. Because it helps you achieve more in the world.
C. Just for the sake of beauty.
D. Because it is an eternal desire of one’s being.
Que 6. Why beauty can not be judged?
A. Because different people may have different ideas about beauty.
B. Because it’s beyond judgement.
C. Both a & b
D. None of the above.
Que 7. State which of the following statements is not true on the basis of your understanding of the passage
given above.
A. Even an ugly looking child is beautiful for the parents.
B. Beauty is added to your persona when you do something beautiful.
C. To be beautiful you have to be born as beautiful.
D. Beauty may grow with age whereas the opposite is true for a mere physical beauty.
Que 8. What is not inferred by ‘to burn a hole in the pocket’.
A. To spend lavishly. B. to be a prodigal
C. To be economic D. Spendthrift
Que 9. Identify the synonym of ‘beholder’ from the following.
A. Observer B. Supervisor C. onlooker D. Seeker
Que 10. What are the reasons for external beauty’s being expensive? Make right choice on the basis of
your understanding of the passage.
1. Costly beauty treatments
2. Expensive beauty products
3. It's being natural.
4. Special diets and regimen are required.
A. 1 & 2 B. 2 & 3 C. 1, 2 & 4 D. 1,2 & 3
KEY Passage-1:
1-C 2-B 3-D 4-D 5-D 6-A 7-C 8-C 9-A 10-C
CASE-BASED FACTUAL PASSAGE
What is a case -based factual passage?
A project, campaign, organisation or company identifies a situation

Collects data / or employs others to collect data-through surveys etc

Analyses this data

Creates a report -recommended solutions, implementation actions, and

identification of certain factors thatcontributed to failure or success
Type of MCQs

• Explaining and giving reasons

• Comparing and contrasting
• Making suggestions and recommendations
• Supporting your ideas with information from sources
 II. Multiple Choice questions based on one unsee case-based factual passage with verbal/visual
inputs like statistical data, charts, newspaper report etc.

The passage will be factual as it puts across data collected factually. It would have verbal like a
table of data or anewspaper report or a visual like a chart
Questions to be done (10x1=10Marks)

CASE BASED PASSAGES

PASSAGE -2
Changing Patterns of the Composition of India’s Import
India faced a serious food shortage during the 1950s and 1960s. The major item of import at that time
was foodgrain, capital goods, machinery and equipment. The balance of payment was adverse as imports
were more than export in spite of all the efforts of import substitution. After 1970s, foodgrain import was
discontinued due to the success of the green revolution but the energy crisis of 1973 pushed the prices of
petroleum, and the import budget was also pushed up. Foodgrain import was replaced by fertilizers and
petroleum. Machine and equipment, special steel, edible oil and chemicals largely make the import
basket. Examine the changing pattern of imports in Table and try to comprehend the shifts.

Commodity Group 2009-10 2010-11 2015-16 2016-

17

Food and allied products 3.7 2.9 5.1 5.6

Fuel (Coal, POL) 33.2 31.3 25.4 26.7

Fertilizers 2.3 1.9 2.1 1.3

Paper board manufacturing and newsprint 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9

Capital goods 15 13.1 13 13.6

Others 42.6 47.7 38.1 37

The table shows that there is a steep rise in the import of petroleum products. It is used not only as a fuel
but also as an industrial raw material. It indicates the tempo of rising industrialization and a better
standard of living. Sporadic price rise in the international market is another reason for the same.
Import of capital goods maintained a steady increase due to rising demand in the export-oriented
industrial and domestic sectors. Non-electrical machinery, transport equipment, manufacturers of metals
and machine tools were the main items of capital goods. Import of food and allied products declined with
a fall in imports of edible oils. Other major items of India’s import include pearls and semi-precious
stones, gold and silver, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, non-ferrous metals, electronic goods, etc. The
details of Indian imports of some principal commodities during 2016-17 have been given below.

Commodities 2016-17
Fertilizers and fertilizer manufacturing 33726
Edible oils 73048
Pulp and waste paper 6537
Non-ferrous metals 262961
Iron and steel 55278
Petroleum, oil and lubricants 582762
Pearls, precious and semi-precious stones 159464
Medicinal and Pharma products 33504
Chemical products 147350

1. What problem did India face in 1950s and 1960s?

a. Food shortage
b. Unemployment
c. Floods
d. Economic recession
2. What were the major items of import during 1950s and 1960s?
a. Capital goods b. Foodgrains
c. Machinery and equipment d. All of these
3. After which year was the food grain import ceased in India?
a. 1970 b. 1950
c. 1980 d. 1960
4. Food grain import was discontinued in India due to the success of.
a. Food and development banks b. Brown revolution
c. Green revolution d. National Employment policy
5. In which year were the prices of petroleum pushed up?
a. 1969 b. 1955
c. 1977 d. 1973
6. Why did an import of petroleum products rise steeply?
a. Because of rapid industrialization
b. Because of sporadic price rise in the international market
c. Due to better standards of living
d. All of these
7. Import of which commodity maintained a steady rise?
a. Capital goods b. Foodgrains
c. Pulp and waste paper d. Petroleum products
8. What were the main items of capital goods that were imported?
a. All of these b. Metal and machine tools
c. Non-electrical machinery d. Transport equipment
9. In 1950s and 1960s the balance of payment was adverse in terms of import and export in India
as………………………………
10. Find the word that exactly means “constant” in the last paragraph…………..

Key Passage 2
1a) Food shortage
2. (d) All of these
3. (a)1970
4. (c) Green revolution
5. (d) 1973
6.(d) All of these
7.(a) Capital goods
8.(a) All of these
9. imports were more than export
10. Steady

PASSAGE-3
Land-use Changes in India
Land-use in a region, to a large extent, is influenced by the nature of economic activities carried out in
that region. However, while economic activities change over time, land, like many other natural
resources, is fixed in terms of its area. At this stage, one needs to appreciate three types of changes that
an economy undergoes, which affect land-use.
i. The size of the economy (measured in terms of value for all the goods and services produced in the
economy) grows over time as a result of increasing population, change in income levels, available
technology and associated factors. As a result, the pressure on land will increase with time and marginal
lands would come underuse.
ii. Secondly, the composition of the economy would undergo a change over time. In other words, the
secondary and the tertiary sectors usually grow much faster than the primary sector, specifically the
agricultural sector. This type of change is common in developing countries, like India. This process
would result in a gradual shift of land from agricultural uses to non-agricultural uses. You would observe
that such changes are sharp around large urban areas. The agricultural land is being used for building
purposes.
iii. Thirdly, though the contribution of the agricultural activities reduces over time, the pressure on land
for agricultural activities does not decline. The reasons for continued pressure on agricultural land are:
a. In developing countries, the share of population dependent on agriculture usually declines much
more slowly compared to the decline in the sector’s share in GDP.
b. The number of people that the agricultural sector has to feed is increasing day by day.

India has undergone major changes within the economy over the past four or five decades, and this has
influenced the land-use changes in the country.
There are two points that you need to remember before you derive some meaning from this figure.
Firstly, the percentages shown in the figure have been derived with respect to the reporting area.
Secondly, since even the reporting area has been relatively constant over the years, a decline in one
category usually leads to an increase in some other category. Four categories have undergone increases,
while four have registered declines. Share of the area under forest, the area under non-agricultural uses,
current fallow lands and net area is sown have shown an increase. The following observations can be
made about these increases:
i. The rate of increase is the highest in the case of areas under non- agricultural use. This is due to the
changing structure of the Indian economy, which is increasingly dependent on the contribution from
industrial and services sectors and the expansion of related infrastructural facilities. Also, an expansion
of area under both urban and rural settlements has added to the increase. Thus, the area under non-
agricultural uses is increasing at the expense of wastelands and agricultural land.
ii. The increase in the share under forest, as explained before, can be accounted for by the increase in
the demarcated area under forest rather than an actual increase in the forest cover in the country.
iii. The increase in the current fallow cannot be explained from information pertaining to only two
points. The trend of current fallow fluctuates a great deal over years, depending on the variability of
rainfall and cropping cycles.
iv. The increase in net area sown is a recent phenomenon due to the use of culturable wasteland for
agricultural purposes. Before which it was registering a slow decrease. There are indications that most of
the decline had occurred due to the increases in area under nonagricultural use.
1. What happens to the size of the economy over a period of time usually?
a. It decreases
b. It vanishes
c. It remains constant
d. It increases
2. What factors lead to an increase in the size of the economy?
a. All of these
b. Increasing population
c. Available technology
d. Change in income levels
3. How does the composition of the economy in developing nations undergo a change?
a. The secondary and tertiary sectors usually grow much faster than the primary sector
b. The secondary and tertiary sectors grow slower than the primary sector
c. The secondary, tertiary, and primary sectors grow at a similar pace
d. All of these
4. On what factor does the land-use in a region depend upon to a large extent?
a. On the topography of that region
b. Nature of economic activities carried out in that region
c. Nature of the working population in that region
d. On the size of the population of that region
5. Land in terms of its area over a period of time.
a. becomes invisible
b. diminishes
c. increases
d. is fixed
6. On what factor does the land use depend upon?
a. The pressure on land for agricultural activities
b. The composition of the economy
c. The size of the economy
d. All of these
7. What is the economic status of India?
a. Underdeveloped
b. Developed
c. Developing
d. Superpower
8. What is the proportion of land occupied by forests in the year 1950-51 and 2014-15?
a. Option (D)
b. Option (C)
c. Option (B)
d. Option (A)
9. Find the word that exactly means “sign or mark” in the last paragraph……………
10. In developing countries, the share of population dependent on agriculture usually
declines…………………….compared to the decline in the sector’s share in GDP.

Key Passage 3
1. (d) It increases
2. (a) All of these
3. (a) The secondary and tertiary sectors usually grow much faster than the primary sector
4. (b) Nature of economic activities carried out in that region
5. (d) is fixed
6. (d) All of these
7. (c) Developing
8. (d) Option (A)
9. Indication
10. Much slowly

Passage 4
School enrolment fell during pandemic: Annual Status of Education Report
1. The percentage of rural children who were not enrolled in school doubled during the pandemic, with
Government schools seeing an increase in enrolment at the expense of private schools, according to
the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2021.
2. Over a third of children enrolled in Classes 1 and 2 have never attended school in person. However,
enrolment does not necessarily mean that learning took place. In a survey of over 76,000 households
with children aged six to 14, ASER found that while 92% of children had textbooks for their grade,
only a third had access to any other learning resources or support. With smartphone availability and
access limited, online learning was restricted to a quarter of students, though there were major
differences in the experience of students from different States. For instance, 91% of students from
Kerala and almost 80% from Himachal Pradesh had online education, but only 10% from Bihar and
13% from West Bengal.

3. Due to the pandemic, ASER‘s 16th annual report was based on a phone survey assessing enrolment
in schools and tuition classes, and access to devices and learning resources, rather than the
organisation‘s usual face-to-face survey which assesses learning outcomes and children‘s
competencies in reading and arithmetic skills. In 2018, only 2.5% of children were not enrolled in
school.
4. Major shift
In both the 2020 and 2021 surveys, that figure had jumped to 4.6%. Government school enrolment
spiked significantly from 64.3% in 2018 to 70.3% in 2021, while private school enrollment dropped
from 32.5% to 24.4% over the same period. ―The shift to government school enrolment could be a
result of financial distress, the closure of affordable private schools and the movement of migrants to
rural areas, said ASER Centre director Wilima Wadhwa.
5. Although it is not clear if this is a permanent phenomenon or will be reversed post the pandemic, it is
important to ensure that government schools and teachers are equipped and given the necessary
resources for this surge in enrolment, she added. This is particularly true for Class 1 and 2 students,
as 37% of those enrolled in government schools have never even stepped into a physical classroom
before. ―The habit of going to school, sitting in a classroom, and teaching in a classroom has been
disrupted significantly. We need to ask if this disruption can be repaired simply by reopening
schools, said Madhav Chavan, president of Pratham, the educational NGO which is the parent
organisation of ASER, emphasising that a ―business as usual‖ approach could not be imposed.
6. Tuition classes
During the pandemic, almost 40% of students took tuition classes, as many parents struggled to
provide the learning support students were not receiving from closed schools. Although textbook
distribution was a success story in most States, with 92% of students having the texts for their grade
level, many students did not receive much else. Just over a third of students enrolled in closed
 government schools in 2021 received worksheets, phone messages or any other sort of learning
activities or materials in the week of the survey.
7. Smartphone access was a challenge in the delivery of online education. Although availability almost
doubled to 68%, only a quarter of children even in homes with smartphones were able to access it
whenever needed. In smartphone owning households, 26% of children had no access to the device at
all, while 47% had only occasional access. ―Going forward, there is a need for device libraries, so
all children can have access to needed devices, said Rukmini Banerji, Pratham CEO.
8. About a quarter of children had access to some form of online education, whether content shared
through WhatsApp or live classes, while over 20% listened to lessons broadcast on television and
radio. About 65% of students did some type of traditional learning activity during the week of the
survey, with engagement ranging from 44% in Jharkhand to almost 90% in Kerala.
9. As students return to school, it is important to start by assessing where they are, rather than teaching
from where the curriculum thinks they should be. Teachers must be given the tools and agency to
carry out such an assessment, so that no child is left stranded, said Dr. Wadhwa.
Based on your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the correct
option.
1. The pandemic has affected school education in __________ areas more and has had a
___________ in the education system of the country.
a). Urban , positive impact b). Rural, positive impact
c). Urban, negative impact d). Rural, negative impact
2. Name the only state where more than 80% of the enrolled students did online learning
activities at home in 2021 in rural areas.
a).Himachal Pradesh b).Kerala
c).Nagaland d).Maharashtra
3. Statement 1 : ASER found that while 92% of children had textbooks for their grade, only
a third had access to any other learning resources or support.
Statement 2: Non-availability of smartphones and limited access to networks have
disrupted efficient online learning .
a). Both the statements are true. Statement 2 is the reason for statement 1.
b). Both the statements are false
c). Statement 1 is a fact whereas Statement 2 is hypothetical.
d). Statement 1 and 2 are hypothetical.
4. In future opening ____________ will help all children in rural areas to have access to
devices as and when they need it.
a). Tuition classes b). Smart phones
c). Device libraries d). Government school
5. What was the percentage of students took tuition classes during pandemic?
a) 30% b) 40%
c) 50% d) 60%
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
6. What could be the reasons for the spike in enrolment in Government schools?
7. What used to be the assessment tools and strategies of ASER before the pandemic?
8. What do you mean by a ―business as usual‖ approach?
9. How can we ensure that no child is left stranded in the process of learning, according to Dr.
Wadhwa? Write any one of the strategies.
10. Find the word that exactly means “Limited” in para 2………………
Key Passage 4
1 d) Rural, negative impact
2 b) Kerala
3 a) Both the statements are true. Statement 2 is the reason for statement 1
4 c) Device libraries
5. B) 40%
6 - The shift to government school enrolment could be a result of financial distress, the closure
of affordable private schools and the movement of migrants to rural areas.
7 - ASER used to have a face-to-face survey which assesses learning outcomes and children‘s
competencies in reading and arithmetic skills.
8. ―Business as usual‖ approach means an ongoing and unchanging state of affairs.
9. We can ensure that no child is left stranded in the process of learning /by devising proper assessment
strategies to find where the children are, rather than teaching from where the curriculum thinks they
should be. /Teachers should be equipped with the tools and agency to carry out such an assessment.
10. restricted
 WRITING SECTION (20 MARKS)

NOTICE 5 MARKS
Points to remember:
• A well-written notice must inform the readers about the 5 Ws:
— What is going to happen, (that is, the event)
— Where will it take place
— When will it take place (that is, the date and time)
— Who can apply or is eligible for it
— Whom to contact or apply to (that is, the issuing authority)

Q.1 You are Rachael/Rueben, President of the Wellness Club of Model School, Agra. You decide to organise a
workshop, to raise awareness on the importance of mental health. This workshop would be conducted by the school
counsellor. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the students of class XI-XII about the workshop.

(7) BOX
Answer:
NOTICE (1) THE WORD ‘NOTICE’
Model School, Agra (2) NAME OF THE ISSUING AUTHORITY

28 December, 2022 (3)DATE

(4) HEADING
Workshop On Mental Health
All the students of class XI-XII are informed that a workshop is going to be organised on Thursday, 05th
January, 2023 aimed to raise awareness on the importance of mental health, which will be conducted by
the school counsellor in the school auditorium at 10:00 am. It is mandatory for all students to attend the
workshop. For any queries contact the undersigned.
(5) CONTENT

Rachael
(6) NAME AND POST OF THE PERSON IN CHARGE
President
The Wellness Club
Q.2 Draft a suitable notice for your school notice board informing students about the Magic Show organised by your
school in aid of Victims of Earthquake in Nepal. You are Prachi / Pancham captain of the school D.P.S. Gurgaon.

NOTICE
DPS Gurgaon, Haryana

12 July, 20xx
MAGIC SHOW
This is informed to all that our school is going to organise a magic show on 30 July 20xx in the school premises for
the aid of Earthquake Victims in Bihar at 11.00 a.m. All the students are requested to contribute whole heartedly and
buy Magic-Show tickets. The cost of the ticket is Rs. 100/- per person. The collected fund will be sent to the Prime
Minister Relief Fund immediately. Tickets are available at the school counter. Donate for the noble cause. For further
details, contact the under signed.
Prachi / Pancham
(Head Girl / Boy)

WORKSHEET FOR NOTICE WRITING

Q. You are the Arav/Arvi ,secretary of Springleaf Housing Society Welfare Association. Write a notice to
be circulated to all the residents, informing them that there will be no water supply to your society on 24
and 25 August due to maintenance work in the underground storage tank. Write the notice within 50
words.

………………………………1

……………………………………………………………………2

……………………………………….3

……………………………………………………………………………….4

This is to inform…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………that…………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For further information contact the undersigned. 5

……………………………………….

………………………………………

…………………………………………. .6
 INVITATION AND REPLY 5 MARKS
INVITATION FORMAL (CARD TYPE)

Q. 1 The Principal of GD Goenka International School, Delhi is holding its 40th Founder's Day on 26 April. Draft an
invitation to be sent to the parents and other invitees. The Chief Minister of Delhi will be the Chief Guest. Draft an
invitation on his behalf.

The Principal, Staff and the students of 1.Who is inviting

G.D. Goenka International School, Delhi
request the pleasure of your genial company 2.Request
to their
40th FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATION 3. Event/occasion

On Monday, April 26, 20XX 4. Day+ Date

At 6.00 PM 5.Time
In the School Auditorium 6.Venue/Place

Shri Arvind Kejriwal 7.Chief Guest/or any info.

(Chief Minister of Delhi)
has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest.

RSVP 8. Respond to
Administrative Officer
9. Box 9876XXXXXX

Q.2 Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Sharat Raj of 29, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, inviting their friends and
relatives on the 1st birth anniversary of their son Tarun at their residence on 8th March 20xx.
Mrs. & Mr. SHARAT RAJ
request the pleasure of your benign presence
on the auspicious occasion of the

FIRST BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Of
their son

TARUN
on
Thursday,5th JANUARY, 2023
at 5:30 p.m.

at their residence
29, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
R.S.V.P.
Mrs & Mr Sharat Raj
Phone –XXXXXXXXXX
Q.3 WEDDING CARD

WORKSHEET FOR FORMAL CARD

Q. You are a member of organizing committee of Sacred Heart Convent, Chandigarh. The school is organizing its
annual function and the Education Minister of the state is going to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be
sent to the invitees.
ANSWER:
............................................................... 1.Who is inviting
……………………………………..
………………………………………………………………. 2. Request
to their
……………………………………………………………… 3. Event/occasion

…………………………………………………….. 4. Day+Date
…………………………. 5.Time
……………………………………………… 6.Venue/Place

………………………………………….. 7.Chief Guest/or any info.

……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………….

……………… 8. Respond to
9.Box ……………………
…………………..
INVITATION: FORMAL LETTER TYPE

Q.1 Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan plans to invite Dr Kiran Bedi as the Chief Guest on their Sports Day
Celebration. Draft a formal letter of invitation on behalf of Principal of the school.

ANSWER:

Army Public School

Dhaula Kuan
New Delhi

October 17, 2022

Dr(Mrs) Kiran Bedi

Former IPS
18, Janpath, New Delhi

Subject: Invitation to be the Chief Guest

Madam

I am pleased to inform you that Army Public School plans to hold its 40th Annual Sports Day Celebrations-
Advitiya-2022 on 31st October, 2022 from 8.00 AM onwards in their school premises.
It will be a matter of great honour and privilege if you could grace the occasion as the Chief Guest on that day. Your
esteemed presence will be a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation for the young budding sports persons
of the school. Kindly confirm acceptance.

Yours Sincerely
Signature
(XYZ)
Principal

TEMPLATE (FORMAL LETTER)

Sender’s address
Date
Receiver’s address
Sub:_
Sir/Madam
………………….(Name of host/organization) has the pleasure of inviting................................. ( name of
guest) in the .............................. (name of the event) as chief guest/ judge/ resource person/Speaker
on…………( date) at ……………(time) at ........................ (venue) . A word of confirmation will be
appreciated.

Yours Sincerely
Name
INVITATION: INFORMAL
Q.1 You are Rukmini/Raja of R-201, Fort Road, Chennai. You have just purchased a new house. You decide to have
a house-warming ceremony and invite your cousin Balaji. Write the invitation in 50 words giving all necessary
details.
ANSWER:

R-201, Fort Road,

Chennai

20th October, 20XX

Dear Balaji

I am glad to tell you that I’ve purchased a new house and to celebrate the event, we thought of a small get together
with our close friends and relatives. Therefore, I invite you to our housewarming party on 25th October, 20XX at
7:30 p.m. We will have dinner to commemorate the event. I would be delighted if you would bring uncle along with
you.

Yours Lovingly
Rukmini

TEMPLATE (INFORMAL LETTER)

Sender’s address

Date

Dear ------ (Name of the receiver)

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that I have arranged a small party on the occasionof -------------
(Name of the occasion) on……. (date) at …….. (time) at ............................... (Venue).
Please do come to join the function and make it a memorable event for us.

Yours affectionately
Name of the sender

REPLIES
REPLY: FORMAL CARD TYPE

Q. 1 The Principal of your school is invited by Dr (Mrs)Shyama Singh, Principal of DPS, RK PURAM for their
Annual Function. Draft a reply on behalf of your Principal.
ANSWER:

FORMAL REPLY: ACCEPTANCE

Mrs Mamta Shekhar, Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 8, RK Puram thanks Dr (Mrs) Shyama Singh for her kind
invitation to their Annual Function on 10 May, 20XX in the school auditorium at 5.30 PM. She is pleased to accept
the invitation and will be delighted to attend it along with her Vice Principal Mr CB Singh.
 FORMAL REPLY: REFUSAL

Mrs Mamta Shekhar, Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector 8, RK Puram thanks Dr (Mrs) Shyama Singh for her kind
invitation to their Annual Function on 10 May, 20XX in the school auditorium at 5.30 PM. However, she regrets to
inform that she will not be able to attend as she has a prior engagement. She has a meeting with the School
Chairperson on the same day. She wishes Dr (Mrs) Shyama Singh a successful programme.

TEMPLATE: FORMAL REPLY: ACCEPTANCE

Mr./ Mrs. -------------- (Name of invitee) thanks-------- (name of host) for inviting him/her on the occasion of -----
------------- (Name of the occasion) on ---------------- (Date) at ---------- (time) at ------------ (Venue) and has great
pleasure in accepting it.

TEMPLATE: FORMAL REPLY: REFUSAL

Mr./ Mrs. -------------- (Name of invitee) thanks ------- (name of host) for inviting him/her on the occasion of ---
--------------- (Name of the occasion) on ---------------- (Date) at ---------- (time) at ------------(Venue) but
regrets his /her inability to attend it due to prior engagement. He/She wishes------------------

REPLY: FORMAL LETTER TYPE

Q.1 You are Dr. Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public School. Jammu, to
conduct a seminar for students on 'Art Therapy the Way Forward''. This seminar is to introduce students to the
usefulness of art in dealing with personal and social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the
invitation.
ANSWER:

46, Abhay Apartment

XYZ Street, Jammu

16th November, 20XX

The Principal
G. D. Public School
Jammu

Subject: Acceptance of Invitation

Sir
I am extremely grateful to the Principal and Staff of G.D. Public School for inviting me to conduct the seminar for
students on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward’ on 20th November 20XX at 11:00 a.m. in their school auditorium. I
highly appreciate the initiative taken by the school in this arena. I will be delighted to attend the function and
therefore accept the invitation and confirm my presence

Yours Sincerely
Dr. Stanzin
REPLY: INFORMAL LETTER
Q.1 You are Abhinav/Aakriti. You have received a letter from your close friend, inviting you to attend the marriage
of his sister. But, unfortunately, you cannot attend it due to your previous commitments. Write him a letter regretting
your inability to attend the marriage ceremony.

ANSWER:
247/C Mayank Apartments
New Delhi-110059

25 March, 20XX

Dear Rohit
I feel honoured for being invited to attend the marriage of your elder sister, Kunika on Friday, 02 April, 20XX at 7pm
at Laxmi Palace, Agra. Please accept my thanks and congratulations. Unfortunately, due to some unavoidable
previous commitments, I shall not be able to attend the ceremony. Please do accept a small wedding gift that I am
sending for Kunika ‘Didi’ through courier on this auspicious occasion.

Yours Truly
Abhinav

Q.2 You have received an invitation from your aunt at Manali to spend some days during your summer vacation with
her. Respond to this invitation. You are Madhav /Manisha, of 27, Patel Nagar, New Delhi.
Answer:

27 Patel Nagar
New Delhi
25 April, 20XX
Dear Aunt

Thank you very much for inviting me to spend some part of my summer vacation with you at Manali. I hope to reach
Manali by the 15th May and stay there for a week.

Yours Truly
Madhav / Manisha
TEMPLATE: INFORMAL REPLY (ACCEPTANCE)

Sender’s Address

Date

Dear ----- (Name of the receiver)

I am really glad to know that ------------------ (reason of party/celebration). Thank you so much for
inviting me on the occasion of ------------- (Name of the occasion) on……. (date) at ........... (time) at…..
(Venue). I would love to be a part of it and join you on this occasion.

Yours Affectionately
Name of the sender
TEMPLATE: INFORMAL REPLY (REFUSAL)

Sender’s address

Date

Dear ----- (Name of the receiver)

I am really glad to know that ----------------- (reason of party/celebration). Thank you so much for
inviting me on the occasion of ------------- (Name of the occasion) on………. (date) at........(time) at…..
(Venue). I would have really loved to be a part of it but............................................................ (Reason for
not attending). I regret I shall not be able to join you on this occasion. I wish ………………………..

Yours affectionately
Name of the sender
JOB APPLICATION 5 MARKS

Q. You are Gaurav / Garima living at 453, Sagar Street, New Delhi. Read the advertisement given below and write a
job application to the advertiser. Also give your resume which you would send along with your application.
WISDOM PUBLISHERS LTD Sector 24 Faridabad
Wanted Sales Manager
Qualification: M. Com. / MBA Experience: 5 years for M. Com., 1 or 2 years for MBA
Apply to the General Manager

ANSWER:

Flat No 453 1.SENDER’S ADDRESS

Sagar Street
New Delhi

28 December, 2022 2.DATE

The General Manager 3.RECEIVER’S POST+ADDRESS
Wisdom Publishers ltd
Faridabad
Subject – Application for the post of a Sales Manager 4.SUBJECT
Sir 5.SALUTATION
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Hindu’, dated December 22, 2022 for the post of a Sales Manager in your
reputed company, I wish to offer my candidature. 6.CONTENT
I truly believe that my qualifications and experience make me a perfect candidate for this position. If given a chance
to serve you, I assure you that I will work with utmost sincerity and dedication and prove to be an asset for your
dynamic organization.
I am available for an interview on any day or any time to suit your convenience. I am enclosing a copy of my resume
for your kind perusal and consideration.
Hoping for a favourable response from your side.
Yours Sincerely 7.COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE
Gaurav Gupta
Encl:- Resume 8.ENCLOSURE
RESUME

1. Name: Gaurav Gupta

2. Father’s Name: R. K. Gupta
3.Mother’s Name: Maya Gupta
4.Date of Birth: 11 October 1996
5.Age: 24 years
6.Sex: Male
7.Marital Status: Unmarried
8.Nationality: Indian
9.Permanent Address: F-453 Sagar Street, Delhi
10.Contact No.: 9415533348
11. E mail: [email protected]
12.Educational Qualification

S.No. Qualification Institute Year Percentage

1 X M S SCHOOL, NEW DELHI 2011 95

2 XII M S SCHOOL, NEW DELHI 2013 91

3 BBA K M UNIVERSITY., NEW DELHI 2016 88

4 MBA K M UNIVERSITY, NEW DELHI 2019 85

13.Additional Qualification: PGDCA, CPTA

14.Experience: 2 years as Sales Incharge with DDK
15.Languages: Hindi, English
16.Hobbies: Reading, Travelling
17.Skills: Communication skill, I T Expert
18.References: 1. Dr Nomita (M D) AIIMS Delhi, 98297XXXXX
2. Prof. N. Pant Delhi University, 94136XXXXX

WORKSHEET FOR JOB APPLICATION

Q. You are Shantanu, residing at B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. You came across the following classified
advertisement in a local daily. Write a letter, in about 120-150 words, applying for the position of a volunteer
for the Each One Teach One campaign.
SITUATION VACANT
Wanted committed volunteers, aged 18 years and above, to teach underprivileged children, for one hour a week,
in the district of Malkangiri. Ability to speak, read and write Odiya fluently, important. Experience not
necessary. All volunteers to receive training. Contact Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One), 4Literacy,
Ambaguda, Malkangiri, Odisha -764045

………………….. 1.SENDER’S ADDRESS

…………………….
…………………...

……………………. 2.DATE
……………………….. 3.RECEIVER’S POST+ADDRESS
…………………………
…………………………….
Subject – Application ........................................ 4.SUBJECT
………………… 5.SALUTATION
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………… 6.CONTENT
Yours………… ...................... 7.COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE
………………….
Enclosure…….. ....................... 8.ENCLOSURE
RESUME

1. NAME :

2. :

3. :

4. :

5. :

6. :

7. :

8. :

9. :

10. :

11. :

12. Educational Qualification

S. No. Qualification Institute Year Percentage

1 X

2 XII

3
GRADUATION

4 POST
GRADUATION

13. Additional Qualification :

14. :

15. :

16. : Reading, Travelling

17.Skills : Communication skill, I T Expert

18.References : 1. .................................................................. , 98297XXXXX

2 ................................................................... , 94136XXXXX

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 5 MARKS

The letters to editor are addressed to the editor of a newspaper you are writing to, in order to voice your reaction or
opinion towards a certain news item, or any issue of social, political or economic importance.

Important point to remember:

• The format of this letter remains same as that of the business or official letter
• The letter should be addressed to the editor of the newspaper or magazine you are writing to.
Example

As a regular commuter by bus from Noida to Delhi, you have been witnessing rash driving by the bus drivers daily
without an exception. Write a letter to the Editor, ‘The Times of India’ drawing the attention of the General Manager,
Delhi Transport Corporation to this problem. You are Priti/Prakash, 15 Udyog Vihar, Noida.

15, Udyog Vihar

Noida
09 March 2013

The Editor
The Times of India
Delhi

Sub.: Concern Regarding rash driving by bus Drivers.

Respected Sir,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily. I would like to highlight the issue of rash and reckless driving by the
bus drivers on the city roads, I am a regular commuter by bus from Noida to Delhi, I have been witnessing rash
driving by bus drivers daily without an exception. Most of the buses plying on these routes are private owned. These
people are in a continuous fight for the passengers. They drive very fast in order to take over others and most of the
time end up having quarrels and fights. Only last weekend the bus I was in met with an accident. It was shocking to
know that the bus driver did not possess a valid driving license. Drunken driving cases, by these drivers are also on a
rise.
It’s a time to take certain measures to rectify the prevailing conditions. The licenses of the defaulters should be
rejected. Check posts should be deployed in different places to keep a tab on them. Applying a strict time table for the
buses will certainly end the fight for passengers.

This is my request to the concerned authorities to please take a note of situation. Hope my letter gets published in
your newspapers.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

PRITI

FORMAT +Content that can be learnt

Sender’s address

Date

The Editor
The (Name of newspaper)
City

Subject: ….(Topic)…………..

Sir

Through the columns of your famous and reputed newspaper, I wish to draw the kind attention of the government,
officials and common public towards …… (Topic)…………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………….(details of the topic ) …………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………….

So this situation really demands proper attention of everyone. I hope that the government will take this matter
seriously and will take effective steps in this regard in time. But as it is quite known that no government policy can
bring desired effects without public co-operation. So I hope that people will also co-operate the government in this
regard. I also anticipate that your newspaper will be a medium of spreading awareness on this issue.

Yours Sincerely
(sign.)
Name
 ARTICLE 5 MARKS
Example:
The increasing stress and today’s lifestyle has affected the people a lot. They are becoming the victim of many
ailments and diseases and the only way to curb it, is to stay healthy. Write an article on the topic ‘Health and Fitness’
in 120-150 words. You are Mohan/Mohini. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
• Healthy mind resides only in a healthy body
• Avoid junk food
• Regular exercise, proper sleep
• Prime Minister’s initiative of International Yoga Day
• Eat healthy and stay fit
ANSWER:

Health and Fitness

By Mohan/Mohini
Health is the most important thing that a person should take care of. Leading a healthy lifestyle leads to happiness,
success and achievements.
Being healthy and fit means taking good care of the body. There is an age old saying that a “Healthy mind resides
only in a healthy body”. Good health of both mind and body is very much essential for maintaining the required
energy level to carry out the work and achieve success in life. It is the most important thing as if a person is healthy,
then he or she is capable of doing any type of task.
Protecting your body from the intake of junk food, doing regular exercises, having proper food at proper time and
sleep for the essential eight hours are some of the important instances that defines a healthy lifestyle. Being fit
permits us to perform our activities without being lethargic, restless or tired. Even our Prime Minister has also
focused on the fitness drive along with the successful initiative of International Yoga Day. It maintains your blood
sugar and immunity level.
A healthy and fit person is capable of enjoying the life to the fullest, without any major medical or physical issues.
Being healthy is not only related to the physical well-being of a person, it also involves the mental stability or the
internal peace of a person. One should take a healthy diet which includes eating green and fresh vegetables, fruits,
having milk, eggs, minerals, proteins and vitamins essential for body. So in the end I would like to say that ‘Eat
healthy and stay fit’.

ARTICLE (Content that can be leant/memorized)

Topic

(By .......................................... )

India is a large democratic country and in a democracy one can see great many problems. India has also been facing
many problems since her Independence. She is facing problems like terrorism, corruption, poverty, black marketing,
hoarding, and (topic) etc., but the problem of (topic) is one of the major problems in front of
developing India. It is just like termite eating nation’s economy. Despite our best efforts it is increasing like the
mouth of ‘Sursa’.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………… details of topic
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………..

So the situation is really critical and demands our proper attention. It is hoped that the government will take this
matter seriously and will initiate effective remedies in this regard well in time. But as it is quite known that no
government policy can bring desired effects without public co-operation. So it is also hoped that the common public
will also co-operate the government in every possible way. Only then we can hope of a nation free from
(topic) .

REPORT 5 MARKS

School Magazine Report

Format
• Heading
• Name of the writer
Newspaper Report
Format
• Heading
• Name of the reporter
Date and Place

You are Sanjay/Sanjana. Recently when you were going to office in the morning, you witnessed a road accident.
Write a report in 120-150 words for the local newspaper. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a
report about the same.
• 15 killed in Road Accident
• The accident took place around 9:00 a.m.
• Speeding truck rammed a tempo and then hit another car
• Injured taken to the local medical college
• The Chief Minister expressed his condolences
• A magisterial enquiry has been ordered, said by the ADG of Police

ANSWER:

15 Killed in Road Accident

By Sanjana/Sanjay, staff Reporter
25th August, 20xx , xyz city: Fifteen people, including three women and two children were killed after a speeding
truck rammed a tempo and then hit another car which fell into a ditch in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district on
Wednesday. The accident took place around 9:00 a.m. at the Moli crossing on NH-24 while I was on my way to the
office. I stayed there for some time and saw that five people were injured and they were immediately taken to the
local medical college with the help of other people. Their condition is stated to be critical according to N.K. Agrawal,
the emergency medical officer of the government district hospital. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to
the families of the dead. Search was on to locate the driver of the truck. “A magisterial enquiry has been ordered to
find out the reasons behind the accident”, said the police Commissioner of Ghaziabad division. Additional Director
General of Police, Rakesh Mehra also visited the site. “We will organise a drive against overloading by truck
drivers”, he told in an interview.

Q. 2 Recently your school organised a Seminar on Conservation of Water as a part of World Water Day celebrations.
As the School Pupil Leader of Maryland School, Gurgaon, write a report in 120-150 words for a local daily. Sign as
Pritham/Preeti.

Seminar On Water Conservation

By: Preeti, Pupil Leader, Maryland School

Maryland school organised a seminar on ‘Water Conservation’ as part of the World Water Day Celebrations on 13th
August, 20xx. The main aim of this seminar was to remind about the need to save water as it is a precious source
imperative for our survival.

Distinguished environmentalists and eminent personalities were invited as the guest speakers and they reiterated the
need not only of conserving water but also spoke at length on how to conserve water by stressing upon the fact that
each drop of water is precious. Dr. Yashraj, an eminent environmentalist, suggested rain-water harvesting as one of
the best ways to conserve water.

Using visual aids to highlight his discourse, he suggested that to ensure availability of water for the future generations
the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate. The seminar
concluded on the note that water conservation is the most cost-effective, environmentally sound way to reduce our
demand for water and so each one of us must do our bit towards improving water management to enhance optimum
use of water.

School Report (Content that can be learnt)

…………………… (Topic)…………………………..
(A report by ................ )
XYZ Public school organized/celebrated …………(topic)…………….on……….(date)from….to… ....... (time).with
full zeal and enthusiasm. The students of our school as well as of others showed a great interest in it.
Mr………………………. was the chief Guest on this occasion. He arrived at (time)and was welcomed by our
Principal and some of our teachers. The event was inaugurated by cutting ribbon/ by lighting a lamp before the
portrait of Maa Saraswati. After the welcome song………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………Details_of_the_Event….………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………

In the end a short but inspiring speech was rendered by the Chief Guest in which he also praised the school
management for organizing such programme. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by the Principal who thanked the
Chief Guest and others for making it a great success. The event concluded on a patriot note with the National
Anthem. In toto, it was really a grand success.
 LITERATURE

FLAMINGO (Prose & Poetry)

1) THE LAST LESSON: (by Alphonse Daudet)
BACKGROUND OF THE STORY:-
The story, ‘The Last Lesson’ has been set in the background of the Franco-Prussian war that was
fought in 1870- 71 between Prussia and France. The Prussians captured the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine. New orders were issued according to which German language was to be taught in place
of French in these two districts

1. Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
Ans. Hamel blamed the following:

• The parents (for not sending them to school, instead sent children to farms )
• Students (for not showing interest in studies)
• Blamed himself (for giving them free periods to fishing & gardening)
2. What was the mood in the classroom when M.Hamel gave his last French lesson?
Ans. The atmosphere in the classroom was:

• grave and solemn.

• Important people of village sat quietly on the back benches.
• Franz was shocked and distressed to hear the announcement.
3. Which important people of the village were sitting at the back of the class?
Ans. They were:

• The MAYOR of the town

• The Retired Post-Master
• The old Head Master (Hauser)
4. Why were they sitting there at the back?
Ans)

• To show their respect for the teacher (long service of 40 years)

 • To say thanks to the teacher (because it the last lesson in French)
5. What was the impact of the last lesson in grammar over Franz? How did he feel?
Ans.

• grammar seemed to be easy

• Listened attentively
• Teacher taught dedicatedly
• His “Books” were old friends
2) LOST SPRING: (by Anees Jung)
The theme of the story:
1. The story ‘Lost Spring’ addresses the pitiable condition of the poor children who are unable to enjoy
their childhood due to their poor socio-economic condition that prevails in the place they dwell in.
2. These children live a life that is far distant and different from the life of a normal child who receives
education and is not forced into labour in his early life. The story gives the call to end child exploitation and
let these children enjoy the days of spring that would bring joy under their feet.
SUMMARY:

1. What did Saheb do at the garbage dumps?

Ans.

• Saheb picked up rags and useful material from the garbage dumps
• He sometimes found some little money ( Rupee 1 OR Even a rupee 10 note)

2. How was the tea- kettle made of steel canister a burden for Saheb?
Ans. Because:
• Saheb used to pick up rags from garbage, BUT he was free then.
• NOW he works at a tea-stall as a servant.
• So, he is not happy here.
 3. Why does Mukesh dream of becoming a motor mechanic?

Ans.
Because:
• Mukesh wanted to break away from the tradition of bangle making.
• He wanted to fulfil his dream and hope of a better future.

4. What is the attitude of Mukesh’s family towards their situation?

Ans.
• Mukesh’s family members have accepted their tradition of bangle-making.
• His grandparents lived in poverty and made bangles.
• They consider it their destiny OR a GOD-GIVEN LINEAGE to make bangles
5. What stops Mukesh from breaking the long-held tradition?
Ans) Four things:
• Police, politicians, factory-owners beat them if they protest
• The family of Mukesh has blind belief in their God-Given Lineage
• Their caste also stops them
• No knowledge of Law for Child –labourers
3) DEEP WATER: (by William Douglas)
THEME: Deep Water deals with the childhood fear of Douglas. He was determined to overcome his fear of
water.
MESSAGE: Through this story 'Deep Water' the narrator wants to convey that nothing stands before a
determined person. A person with strong will-power can overcome all the obstacles in the path of his
success.
SUMMARY:-

“I had an aversion to the water when I was in it?” says Douglas. What does “AVERSION” mean?
Ans) “AVERSION” means a “strong dislike”.
• Here, the narrator was just 3-4 years old when he was washed up by the strong waves of water at California
Beach.
• This left a deep fear of water in his heart.
Q-2) When actually did he start having this “aversion” and how?
Ans)
 • Aversion means repulsion, a strong dislike
• William Douglas the narrator, started visits to water
Q2. How did the “misadventure” happen with Douglas?
Ans)
• Douglas was sitting alone on the side of the pool, waiting for others.
• A big, bruiser boy of eighteen came there.
• He picked up Douglas and tossed him into the nine feet deep end.

Douglas fell into water, swallowed water and at once, went to the bottom.

Q4. “This handicap stayed with me as the years rolled by.” How did his fear of water didn’t allow him to enjoy his
life?
Ans.
The haunting fear of water followed Douglas everywhere in the following way:
• He rowed in canoes , trout fishing . NOW HE COULD’NT.
• Fear ruined his fishing trips.
• It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating, and swimming.

Q5. What efforts did Douglas make to get over his fear of water and why?
Ans. Because:
The terror of water:
• Ruined his water sports such as canoeing, boating, swimming and fishing.
• So, he decided to:
• get an instructor and learn swimming.
 4) THE RAT-TRAP: (by Selma Lagerlof )
THEME:-
The chapter, ‘The Rattrap’ covers the theme of the basic human need for companionship, and shows the
negative effects of loneliness. The story stresses on the fact that most human beings are prone to fall into
the trap of material benefit. The author targets the materialistic approach of the people. The worldly riches
have disillusioned them, and they are running after the things which are temporary.

SUMMARY: It can be broadly divided into three scenes:

1. In what sense was the world a big rattrap, according to the peddler?
• The peddler was a vagabond who went around selling rattraps.
• He started feeling this world is a big Trap where he is trapped
• Nobody loved him and welcomed him
2. The old crofter gave his shelter for the while night. HE even shared food and his trade secrets with
him.
Still, the rat trap peddler stole 30 kronors from his house. WHY?

• He was a poor and a hungry man.

• He was never sure if he would get food the next day again.
• So, he stole in the old crofter’s house.
3. What made the peddler accept Edla Willmansson’s invitation ?
• Edla’s kindness made the peddler feel that he could trust her.
• Edla talked to him compassionately,
• Moreover, he wanted some food and shelter that night too.
4. Why did he refuse to go with the ironmaster at the iron forgery?
Ans) Because:
• He was not the old friend of the ironmaster as the ironmaster thought.
 • He had the stolen money of 30 kronors in his pocket.
• He was feeling guilty that he had broken the trust of the old crofter.
• He was also afraid of getting caught with the money.
5. Why did the stranger not tell the ironmaster that he was not the captain?
Ans) Because:

• He thought if the ironmaster believed that he was an old friend

• So, the ironmaster might take pity on him and help him by giving him some money.
6. What gift had the peddler left for Edla?
Ans) The peddler had left:
• The stolen thirty kronor in a small rattrap,
• Also, a letter of thanks for Edla
7. Why dos he sign off as “Captain”?
Ans) Because:
• He had gotten free from the prison of his mind
• He found his moral conscience within himself which he called his Captain.
8. How had Edla changed the heart of peddler?
Ans)
• She never mistrusted him.
• She took his side when the ironmaster was threatening to hand him over to police.

7. INDIGO: (By Louis Fisher)

Q-1) What was the cruel 15% Land Agreement (Tinkathya) in Champaran?
Ans)
• In Bihar, Chamaparan, peasants didn’t have big land holdings.
• So British Landlords acquired their lands.
• They forced them to grow INDIGO on 3/20 (15%) of their land.
• Indigo was a cash crop. So it destroyed the whole land’s fertility.

Q-2) Why did the British landlords force the peasants to pay them compensation for being released from 15%
arrangement?
Ans.
• Synthetic Indigo was manufactured in Germany.
• Peasants were forced to pay big amount of money to be freed from the 15% Agreement.
• This big amount was called COMPENSATION AMOUNT.
• This was very cruel.
Q-3) Gandhi wanted the peasants to be FREE FROM FEAR. Explain.
Ans.
• For Gandhiji, it was the removal of the fear amongst the peasants that was central.
• HE taught courage to the peasant who realized that they too, had rights.
• For him courage to fight for your one’s own rights was more important than the money and finance involved
in the agreement.
Q-4) How did Gandhiji try to remove the problems of sharecroppers?
Ans.
• He discussed the problems with lawyers. Lawyers agreed to fight for their own countrymen.
• He disregarded the commissioner’s order to leave Tirhut.
• He was the only representative of the peasants in the inquiry commission and
• He collected crushing mountain of evidence against the big planters.
• He negotiated with the British landlords for refund to the peasants.

Q-5) Give an account of the problems faced by the indigo sharecroppers. What was Gandhiji’s role in
solving the problem?
Ans)
• Gandhiji collected evidence and documentation from the lawyers of Muzaffarpur.
• He refused the British on returning from Champaran.
• He forced the Judge to bail him from Motihari Court
• Then, he became a member of the Inquiry Commission.
• Lastly, he got a refund of 25% of the money back to the peasants.
Introductory: Very Short questions:

Q-1) Where is Champaran?

Ans) In BIHAR
Q-2) Who are peasants?
Ans) A person who owns or rents a small piece of land and grows crops
Q-3) What was the trouble with the peasants in Champaran?
Ans) The British forced them to grow a CASH CROP (called INDIGO) on 15% of their little piece of land.
Q-4) What broke their backs at last?
Ans) After Synthetic (factory-made) INDIGO was manufactured in Germany:
• There was no need to grow INDIGO on land
• The British offered to free them of 15% Land Agreement
• BUT they asked the peasants to pay a lump sum BIG AMOUNT in return of their freedom
Q-4) Who was Raj kumar Shukla?
Ans) Peasants borrowed money from him. But even he got bankrupt.
Q-5) Why did Gandhi go to Muzaffarpur in Bihar first?
Ans) It was the main District and Junction in Bihar. He wanted to meet the lawyers there too.
Q-6) Why did he scold the lawyers there?
Ans) Because he was surprised to find even the Indian lawyers extracted/ charged high fee from the
peasants.
Q-7) Which British officers asked Gandhi to return from Champaran?
Ans) British Official Commissioner, Police Superintendent
Q-8) Where did Gandhi appear for Court Trial?
Ans) Motihari Court
Q-9) Why did British Lieutenant- Governor invite Gandhiji in June 1917?
Ans) To form an Inquiry Commission and discuss the Refund of money to peasants
Q-10) The British agreed to REFUND how much money?
Ans) 25% money
Q-11) Why did Gandhiji agree for just 1/4th of the extorted money?
And) Because:
• The British had accepted their defeat for the first time.
• Peasants gained confidence in their rights
 6) POETS AND PANCAKES (by Asokamitran)

Q-1) Who was the No. 2 in Gemini Studios? Describe him in 10-12 words.
Ans) Kothamangal Subbu was the No. 2 in the Studios. He is a good actor, poet and very helpful to
everybody.
Q-2) Why were other Film studios workers jealous of him?
Ans) Because he was very close to the Boss.
Q-3) Who was the Boss? Describe him in 5-6 words.
Ans) S S Vasan was the Boss of the Gemini Studios. He was a man of Communist belief.
Q-4) Who is the writer? What job does he have in Studios?
Ans) Asokamitran is the Writer. He collects newspaper articles.
Q-5) Which new political wave was coming in the 1940s South Indian Politics?
Ans) A fresh new wave of Democracy and freedom of ideas was coming in Chennai politics.
Q-6) Why was this new wave affecting the Gemini studios?
Ans) Because Films and theatres are the best medium of the masses to express one’s beliefs.
Q-7) Who was invited in the Studios by the Boss? Why?
Ans) An English Poet, Stephen Spender was invited to speak on Democracy and freedom of ideas.
Q-8) Did people understand him? Why not?
Ans) No, they couldn’t, because he was too tough and poetic.
Q-9) What are the two things that the writer makes fun of?
• Writer makes fun of the over-use of make-up in those days of old cinema in 1940s.
• He laughs over the coming of Poetry in Studios. Poets have started wearing ‘Khadi’ clothes.
Q-10) Why are they starting to wear KHADI?
Ans) To show that they welcome “Gandhism”. This symbolises that they want freedom of thoughts.
7) INTERVIEW: By Christopher Silvester
Q-1) “V. S. Naipaul ‘feels that some people are wounded by interviews and lose a part of themselves” What does
V S Naipaul mean by this?
Ans) He hated giving Inter-views because:
• It is an invasion into privacy
• It makes you unconfortable.
Q-2) What does Lewis Carroll mean by: “a just horror of the interviewer”?
Ans) He too does not support Interviews.
Q-3)What does Rudyard Kipling think of Inter-views? Which book has he written?
Ans) He thinks to inter-view someone is:
• Immoral
• Criminal
• an assault
He has written “Jungle Book”.
Q-4) What does Saul Bellow say about ‘Interviews’?
Ans) ‘thumbprints on his windpipe’
Q-5) What does Saul Bellow mean by this?
Ans) He means :
• “Interviews” choke on our throat.
• It stifles our breath
• It steals our freedom away
Q-6) What does the writer of this Chapter think of Interviews?
Ans) He says Interviews are still:
• “supremely serviceable medium of communication”
• They help us know more about the other person by asking questions.
Q-7) “I am a professor who writes novels on Sundays” – Why does Umberto Eco say this?
Ans) He means that:
• He has started writing Novels (with story-like FICTION) too
• He has realised that only Academic essays are not going to reach the masses
Q-8) Why are his Scholarly essays not boring?
Ans) Because:
• He writes his essays (NON-FICTION) too with a playful and personal quality
• He has adopted an Informal way of writing to make it less boring.
Q-8) “I work in empty spaces, INTERSTICES”. What does Umberto Eco mean by this?
Ans) He means that:
• He uses time while walking even while having tea, to think of stories and matter to write.
Q-9) How many Novels, and how many Non-Fictional essays has he written?
Ans) 5 Novels, and 40 Scholarly Essays( Non-fiction)
Q-10) What does his book “NAME OF THE ROSE” deal with?
Ans) metaphysics, theology, and medieval history
 8) GOING PLACES (By A. R. Barton)
SUMMARY:

Q-1) What are the career confusions that Sophie has?

Ans) She imagined that she would:
• Become an actress,
• OR buy a boutique when she earns a lot of money
• OR become a Manager to earn money fast
• OR become a fashion Designer
Q-2) What is weird and funny about her career dreams?
Ans) They are weird because:
• She belongs to a lower-middle class family
• She is running away from her reality
Q-3) What do we call such a person who is confused so much and day-dreams?
Ans) Airy-fairy; Day-dreamer; ungrounded; Over-ambitious
Q-4) Why would you call her friend, Jansie, a practicable and down-to earth girl?
Ans) Because:
• Jansie is not so imaginative
• Jansie always advises her to come to ground
• Jansie says both could better think of working in her(Jansie’s) father’s Biscuit factory
Q-5) “Sophie felt a tightening in her throat.” Why does she feel like this?
Ans) Because:
• She feels suffocated in her own family, and their lower Income status
• Sights like ‘dirty washing piled up in the corner’ and ‘small room steamy from the stove’ disturb her.
Q-6) “He was three years out of school, an apprentice mechanic”. Who is being described in these lines?
Ans) Sophie’s elder brother, Geoff, who works as a motor repair mechanic
Q-7) Why was she jealous of “His Silence”?
Ans) Because:
• He spoke very little, and she wanted to enter his silent world.
• He was not very ambitious. She wanted to be as content as he was, but couldn’t be!
Q-8) What attracted Sophie to Danny Casey,?
Ans)
• Danny Casey was a celebrity Soccer player.
• He was rich and famous
Q-9) What did Sophie imagine about Danny Casey?
Ans) She imagined that:
• Danny Casey met her at a Market Corridor.
• He asked her out on a date with him next week.
Q-10) Did it really happen? How does Sophie realise this was not true?
Ans)
• No, It had never happened. Sophie realised this when:
• Next day, Danny Casey never showed up at the appointed place.

POETRY:
1) MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX
By Kamala Das

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT:

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

“I saw my mother beside me,

Doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse
And realised with pain
That she was as old as she looked but soon
put that thought away..”
(i) What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
(a) Losing her mother (b) leaving her mother alone
(c ) Headache (d) Children screaming at her

Ans. (a) Losing her mother

(ii) The poet’s mother looks like a corpse because_________________’

Ans. of her old age

(iii) Why did the poet put that thought away?

a) Because she wanted to be happy.
b) Because she was hopeful.
c) Because the thought was unbearable.
d) Because she was engaged in some other activity.
Ans. (c ) Because the thought was unbearable.
(iv) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as usual in the second and
Fourth lines of the extract.

(a) As quick as a fox (b) Nature is God’s gift to us

(c ) The dazzling dames comes one by one (d) Life is full of ups and downs

Ans. (a) As quick as a fox (SIMILE)

(v) Complete the following sentence.

“her face ashen like that of a corpse” means that the poet’s mother’s face was ___
________________.
Ans. pale and lifeless.

(vi) Which of the following is an appropriate title for the extract ?

(a) My Sleeping Mother (b) A Ride with My Mother
(c ) Old and Young (d) Realisation of Mother’s Old Age

Ans. (d) Realisation of Mother’s Old Age

POETIC DEVICES:

1. ‘face ashen like a corpse’ – Simile (dull face compared to dead body) indicative of imminent death.
wan pale as a late winter’s moon- Simile (lustreless face compared to hazy winter moon)
2. ‘Young trees sprinting’ – Personification (sprinting movement of the trees rushing past signify
youth, life or passage of time.)
3. ‘Merry children spilling out of their homes’- Metaphor, Imagery (spring of life-contrast to the
depressing atmosphere inside the car & the old & weak mother)
4. ‘smile and smile and…. Smile’- Repetition (a desperate effort to cover up her fear of losing her
mother to death)
SIMPLIFIED QUESTIONS:

Q.1. What was the poet’s childhood fear?

Ans. The poet’s childhood fear that old age is unavoidable::

• Everyone has to face it.

• Old age leaves no one.
Q.2. Explain : ‘late winter’s moon’.
Ans.
• It means that moon is pale and lifeless.
• Moon lacks brightness.
Q.3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the ‘merry children spilling out of their homes’?
Ans.
• Poet’s mother is old and weak.
• On the other hand, the children are energetic and happy.
• They are moving out of their homes.
• This is an image of liveliness and happiness.
2) KEEPING QUIET
By Pablo Neruda

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT:
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
‘Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brother
In the shade, doing nothing.’

(i) Choose the most appropriate option:

The term ‘victory with no survivors’ means ……….

1) The bloodshed caused by the result of wars.

2) Nobody would be able to celebrate the victory of wars.
3) Degradation of human life.
Codes:

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c ) 2 and 3 (d) Only 2

Ans. (a) 1 and 2

(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract that suggests the following:
‘The poet wants fraternity (Brotherhood).’

Ans. ‘walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing’

(iii) What do ‘green wars’ refer to ?

a) Environmental degradation
b) Natural calamities destroying the natural beauty
c) Wars against nature
d) Wars between nations causing damage to the environment
Ans. d) Wars between nations causing damage to the environment

(iv) Complete the following analogy.

Wars: Repetition;: ……………….. : Alliteration

Ans. Clean Clothes

Explanation- ‘wars’ word has been repeated. Example of ‘Alliteration’ is ‘clean clothes’

(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2) given below:
1) Pablo Neruda focuses on all kinds of violence.
2) He mentions that fisherman fish for whales resulting in violence against the environment.
(a) (1) is true but (2) is false. (b) (2) is true but (1) is false.
(c ) (2) is the reason for (1) (d) Both (1) and (2) are true for the extract.

Ans. (d) Both (1) and (2) are true for the extract.

Explanation- Both statements- (1) and (2) are true. Pablo Neruda has talked about different kinds of violence. When
fishermen hunt fish in large numbers they are committing violence against environment.

(vi) Fill in the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
The world presented in the given lines can be said to be …………….. .

Ans. Ideal /peaceful/ good

POETIC DEVICES:

1. Count to twelve- Symbol (a measure of time, an extended counting for relaxation)

2. language -Metonymy (Language here stands in for culture/race which may create barriers)
3. Arms- Pun (for limbs of body and also weapons)
4. sudden strangeness- Alliteration
5. Fishermen/whale – Symbol (of oppressors/ of the oppressed)
6. Man gathering salt – Symbol (of the oppressed)
7. hurt hands- Alliteration (Recurrence of ‘h’ sound)
8. wars with gas, wars with fire-Anaphora (repetition of the same phrase) various kinds of wars against
mankind.
9. victory with no survivors- Paradox (wars which bring victory at the cost of human lives)
10. clean clothes-Alliteration/Symbol (good thoughts for each other)
11. no truck with death- Euphemism (inactivity must not be associated with death)
12. the Earth- Personification (as teacher who gives us lessons on dormancy)
SIMPLIFIED QUESTIONS:

Q.1. How can suspension of activities help?

Ans.

• Man’s acts have caused a lot of problems.

• These activities have caused wars, violence and difficulties.
• Suspension of activities will bring peace and order in the world.
Q.2. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life
under apparent stillness ?
Ans. The poet invokes the Earth as a symbol.

Q.3. Mention the significance of Keeping Quiet.

Ans.
• Keeping quiet is very important.
• Haste (hurry) and verbal wars cause quarrels and disputes (fights)
• By keeping quiet we can maintain peace.
3) A THING OF BEAUTY
By John Keats

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT:
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

‘Therefore on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the Earth,
Spite of despondence, of the gloomy days,
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened way
Made for our searching : yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits’
(i) Fill in the blanks with reference to the extract.
The reference to ‘every morrow’ in the poem indicates the poet feels that beauty
impacts us………………….. .
Ans. Every day

(ii) Pick the option that is NOT an example of ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.’
a)
A person who is egoistic and looks down upon others.
b)
A person who has goodness in his heart always
c)
A person who uses evil ways to deceive others.
d)
A person who is corrupt and manipulative.
Ans. (b) A person who has goodness in his heart always

(iii) Pick the option that shows what ‘noble natures’ would include:
 1. Selflessness 2. insensitivity 3. enthusiasm 4. aggression
5. honesty 6. jealous
Codes:
(a) 1, 4 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 6 (c ) 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 3 and 5
Ans. (d) 1, 3 and 5
(iv) Based on the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements
given below:

1. The earth without the beautiful things is a place full of despair and sadness.
2. The lovely band created by human beings; brings hope in their lives.
(a) (1) is true but (2) is false (b) (1) is false but (2) is true
(c) Both (1) and (2) are correct (d) Both (1) and (2) are incorrect

Ans. (c ) Both (1) and (2) are correct.

Explanation- Both the statements are correct.

Statement (1) - Without beautiful things the world will be full of problems and hopelessness.
Statement (2) - The association with earth’s beautiful things brings hope in our life.
(v) The poet says that ‘we wreathe a flowery band that binds us to Earth’
He means to state that nature’s beauty fills man with ……………. .

Ans. A spirit of living/ a will to live

(vi) What makes our life full of inhuman dearth of noble natures ?
(a) Aggression (b) Self-centeredness (c ) Corruption (d) All of these
Ans. (d) All of these

POETIC DEVICES:

1. Bower quiet- Metaphor (a shady place under the shade of trees, providing protection from the harsh rays
of the sun. A thing of beauty is compared to shade in harsh times)
2. wreathing a flowery band- Metaphor (connecting to nature just as intertwined like a wreath)
3. band to bind- Alliteration
4. noble natures- Alliteration (good qualities)
5. gloomy days’ & ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways- Transferred epithet
6. pall- Metaphor (a covering like a shroud)
7. simple sheep- Alliteration, Biblical Allusion, Symbol (refers to mankind, Christ is considered the
shepherd who leads human souls out of the dark world of sins)
8. cooling covert- Alliteration (the clear stream creates a cooling shelter)
9. grandeur of dooms- Imagery (The magnificence that we associate with our ancestors and the beautiful
things created by them)
11. mighty dead- Oxymoron (How can ‘Dead’ and ‘mighty’ come together)

12. endless fountain of immortal drink- Metaphor (objects of nature & deeds of great men are just like
the elixir for life)

SIMPLIFIED QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Why is a thing of beauty a joy forever ?

Ans. Because:

• Its beauty never fades.

• Its never destroyed.
Q.2 Why does Keats associate ‘grandeur’ with ‘the mighty dead’ ?

Ans.

• Our ancestors were powerful and mighty.

• Their heroic deeds are recorded in books.
• Their stories give us joy.
Q.3 Name the things of nature that are constant source of beauty.

Ans.

• The beauties of nature are endless.

• The things of nature are- the sun, the moon, trees young and old, beautiful
• Flowers, clear stream of water etc.

4) A ROADSIDE STAND (Poem)

By Robert Frost
Important Questions:
Poetic Devices
Transferred Epithet
• Polished traffic
• Selfish cars
Personification

• The sadness that lurks behind the window

• The roadside stand that too pathetically pled
Alliteration

• Greedy good doers

• Beneficent beasts of prey
• Pathetically pled
Oxymoron

• Greedy good doers

• Beneficent beasts of prey

SUMMARY:
 IMPORTANT EXTRACT:
“Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,
The sadness that lurks near the open window there,
That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the sequel of brakes, the sound of a stopping car,
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
Just one to inquire what a farmer’s prices are.
And one did stop, but only to plow up grass
In using the yard to back and turn around;
And another to ask the way to where it was bound;
And another to ask could they sell it a gallon of gas
They couldn’t (this crossly); they had none, didn’t it see?”
1. The villagers pray that
a) some car should pass by
b) some relief should be given to the rich
c) some car should stop in front of the stall to ask the price of their goods
d) a gallon of gas should be sold
Ans. c. some car should stop in front of the stall to ask the price of their goods

2. The word, ‘sadness’ refers to -

a) the poor man selling farm products at the stall
b) poor quality road signs
c) mass killing of the poor
d) squealing of brakes
Ans. a. the poor man selling farm products at the stall
3. People sitting at Roadside Stand wait anxiously for____________
Ans. a customer
4. The attitude of the rich city people towards the poor farmers is of___________
 Ans. indifference

5. People stop in front of the roadside stand to:

a) Turn around their cars
b) Ask the way
c) Ask for a gallon of gas which is not sold there
d) Any of the above
Ans. d. All of the above

SHORT QUESTIONS:

Q-1) “A roadside stand that too pathetically pled”.

How can Roadside stand plead for money?

Ans) Here, ‘Personification’ is used. In actiual, Roadside venders are requesting car-owners to buy their eatables.
Q-2) “polished traffic passed with a mind ahead”.
How can the traffic be polished?
Ans) Here again, the upper class rich people who own cars are polished in their behaviour. That quality is
transferred here to the traffic. So, its “TRANSFERRED EPITHET”.
Q-3) What things do these Road-side sell?
• Eatables like Wild berries
• Mountain sceneries for decoration
Q-4) Why, according to the poet, should city people buy these things?
Ans)
• Because the village provides raw materials like iron-ore, milk, etc to the cities
• Modern life in cities should be thankful to these villagers
• So, they should pay them back by lifting their standard

Q-5) “trusting sorrow of what is unsaid”

What is “trusting sorrow”?
Ans)” PERSONIFICATION” is used here:
• ‘Sorrow’ is a person here.
• He trusts these hopeless city car-owners
Q-6) Who are the “greedy good-doers”?
Ans) They are the POLITICIANS:
• They make false promises to these villagers
• They promise for a better life, BUT make them labourers/ NAXALITIES
• They are GREEDY FOR VOTES
Q-7) What is the figurative device used here?
Ans) OXYMORON
• Greedy people cannot do good
Q-8) Who are “beneficent beasts of prey”?
Ans) They are Politicians:
• They are in actual, hungry for VOTES
• they promise to benefit
• BUT like wild animals, they hunt on innocent villagers
Q-9) Mention any three reasons why the cars stop before the roadside stands.
Ans)
• To ask for the Farm’s price (so they can build Malls/ hotels etc. there)
• To ask for Fuel station
• To take a U-turn (ask for the right direction)
Q-10) How does the poet want to be free from his pain of helplessness?
Ans)
• Poet EITHER wants the politicians and CITY people to improve the standard of villagers
OR
• kill these villagers “In one stroke”
OR if that too is NOT POSSIBLE,
• then poet asks the reader to gently “Kill him out of pain”
 5) AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS:
By Adrienne Rich
Theme

The poem revolves around the theme of male chauvinism and gender conflicts. The harsh realities
of Aunt Jennifer’s existence are portrayed using contrasting images between the tigers and herself .
The tigers are fearless creatures pacing elegantly and majestically. Aunt Jennifer is a timid and
terrified woman who creates an alternate world of freedom in her art – a world that she longs for
through her tigers.

SUMMARY:

POETIC DEVICES:

NAME OF THE DEVICE EXAMPLES

ALLITERATION • Finger’s fluttering ,

• Prancing proud
 METAPHOR • Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by

TRANSFERRED EPITHET • terrified hands

HYPERBOLE/ METAPHOR • “The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band”

PUN “Ringed” –
• ring in Aunt Jennifer’s hand
• difficulties which will always surround her
• Circus Ring
IMAGERY • bright topaz
• World of green
PERSONIFICATION The tigers are personified throughout the poem when they are described as
being proud, confident, and unafraid of men. The most striking instance of
personification, however, is when they are referred to as "Chivalric."

IMPORTANT EXTRACT:

“Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool

Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.”
1. What is Aunt Jennifer doing with her wool?
a. embroidering tigers on a panel
b. embroidering on a wall
c. both a and b
d. trying to pull the needle
Ans. a. embroidering tigers on a panel
2. She finds it difficult to pull her ivory needle because she has ---------
a) Become free
b) Become independent
c) Become a nervous wreck
d) Both a and b
Ans. c. become a nervous wreck
3. The ‘wedding band’ stands for _______
a) Male authority and power
b) Her unhappy marriage
c) Her husband and the patriarchal society that limits the freedom of women
d) All of these
Ans. d. all of these

4. The irony in the third line is that though Aunt Jennifer wears the wedding band, the poet
describes it as belonging to______
a) Old age
b) Tigers
c) Death
d) Uncle
Ans. d. Uncle

5. The poetic device used in the “weight of wedding’ is_____________

Ans. alliteration
6. Name the poem and the poet.
Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers by Adrienne Rich
VERY SHORT IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (For understanding):
Q-1) Why do the “Tigers” embroidered on Cloth seem to “prance’?
Ans)
• Because their attitude is as if they are fearless.
• For the first time, Aunt Jennifer’s spirits are free
Q-2) Who had bound and dominated Aunt Jennifer all life?
Ans) Aunt Jennifer’s husband
Q-3) Which Phrase in the poem tells us that Aunt’s husband was a cruel man?
Ans)
• “massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band"
• “ringed with ordeals she was mastered by”
Q-4) Why were Aunt’s ‘fingers fluttering through her wool’?
Ans) Because:
• She was struggling hard to weave the art piece
• The terror of her husband had made her weak in spirits
Q-5) Will Aunt be free of all the Tortures and pains of her heart when she dies? Why?
Ans ) No, she will still carry the ordeals of her “unhappy marriage” when she dies because:
• Her wounds are too deep to heal in this life
Q-6) Why does she embroider tigers, and no other animal such as rabbits or deer?
Ans) Because:
• Tigers represent the anger in her heart for her husband
• Tigers are a SYMBOL of her fighting spirits. She wanted to be free like a tiger In jungle
Q-7) Why is Uncle’s wedding band so heavy?
Ans) Because:
• This weight of her wedding ring/ Band is not the literal weight
• It is actually a SYMBOL/METAPHOR for Aunt’s heavy heart
• She was sorrowful that her life was wasted in marriage
Q-8) Why will Aunt’s hands be “RINGED WITH ORDEALS” at the time of her death?
Ans)
• ORDEALS means “Unpleasant and Difficult Experiences”
• Aunt’s wedding has given her such ordeals
Q-9) What will tigers do after her death?
Ans)
• Tigers are just the art designs woven on cloth by Aunt Jennifer
• BUT they will always remind the world of Aunt’s wish to live a majestic life
• Tigers will carry her message of revolt against all dominating men
 VISTAS

1) THE THIRD LEVEL – by Jack Finney

Story in Brief: The narrator Charley thinks that The Grand Central Station in New York has
a Third level also. It is his wrong idea. He wants to run away from the problems of modern
life. His wife Louisa takes the help of his psychiatrist friend Sam Weiner. Charley thinks
that he can take the train for Galesburg, Illinois from the Third Level. In the end he receives a
letter from Sam. Sam writes that he is in Galesburg, Illinois.
Very Short Questions: (Minimum Learning):
Q.1. Why did Charley think that Sam had escaped to Galesburg ?
⚫ Sam disappears suddenly.
⚫ Nobody knows where he is.
⚫ Charley thinks he has gone to Galesburg, Illinois.
⚫ He finds Sam’s lettter in a first- day cover.
⚫ Sam has written in it that he is in Galesburg, Illinois.
Q.2. What is a first-day cover ?
⚫ When a new stamp is issued. Stamp collectors buy the stamp.
⚫ They paste the stamp on an envelope and send it to their own address.
⚫ The envelope has a blank paper in it.
⚫ This is called a first-day cover.
Q.3. Why did Charley rush back from the Third Level ?
⚫ Charley wanted to go to Galesburg.
⚫ He wanted to buy two tickets.
⚫ He gave the clerk money. The clerk was angry.
⚫ He saw old style money in the cash box.
⚫ He could be arrested arrested.
⚫ So he rushed back home.
Q.4. What did Charley learn about Sam from the stamp and coin store ?
⚫ Charley went to the stamp and coin store.
⚫ He was told that Sam had bought 800 dollars of old style notes.
⚫ He could use this money to start hay, feed and grain business in Galesburg.
Q.5. What was written in Sam’s letter to Charley?
⚫ Sam wrote this letter on July 18, 1894.
⚫ He wrote that he had found the Third Level.
⚫ He had been there for two weeks.
⚫ He asked Charley to keep looking for the Third Level.
 2) THE TIGER KING - by KALKI
Story in Brief:
The Maharaja of Pratibandhpuram is the hero of the story.
He was known as the Tiger King.
When he was born, the astrologers said that he would be killed by a tiger.
That tiger would be the hundred tiger he kills.
Maharaja took it as a stupid challenge.
“I WILL KILL 100 TIGERS”, HE DECLARED.
He killed 99 tigers, He wants to kill one more tiger.
The Dewan arranged a tiger. The Maharaja shot a bullet at the tiger.
The bullet missed the mark. Maharaja thought that the tiger was killed.
But the tiger was alive. One of Maharaja’s men killed the tiger.
Maharaja was celebrating his son’s fourth (4th) birthday. H
He gave a wooden tiger to his son as a birthday gift.
Maharaja was playing with the wooden tiger.
Wooden tiger’s surface was rough. Needle like slivers pierced his right hand.
In four days it became a wound. Three surgeons performed the operation.
But Maharaja died.
Death of an inhuman, egotist was a matter celebration.
Q.1. How was the Maharaja brought up in his childhood ?
⚫ He was brought up like a prince.
⚫ He drank the milk of an English cow.
⚫ An English governess took care of him.
⚫ An Englishman taught him.
⚫ He saw only English films
Q.2. Why did the Tiger King decide to get married ?
⚫ The Tiger King had decided to kill 100 tigers.
⚫ He had killed 70 tigers in his kingdom.
⚫ Now he had no tiger in his kingdom.
⚫ To get more tigers he wanted to get married.
⚫ He would kill 30 more tigers in the kingdom of his father-in-law.
Q.3. Why was Maharja once in danger of losing his kingdom?
⚫ A high ranking British officer came to Pratibandhpuram.
⚫ He wanted to hunt tiger in Maharaja’s kingdom.
⚫ Maharaja did not give the British officer to hunt tiger.
⚫ The British officer got angry.
⚫ Because of this Maharaja was in danger of losing his kingdom.
Q.4. How did the Maharaja save his kingdom ?
⚫ The Maharaja did not permit the British officer to hunt tiger in his kingdom.
⚫ The officer was angry. The Maharaja could lose his kingdom.
⚫ The Maharaja ordered 50 diamond rings.
⚫ The cost of diamond rings was Rs 3 lakh.
⚫ He gifted these rings to the British officer’s wife.
⚫ Thus the Maharaja saved his kingdom.
Q.5. When did the Maharaja decide to double the land tax for a village?
⚫ The Maharaja had killed 99 tigers.
 ⚫ He wanted to kill one more tiger.
⚫ The villagers of a village informed him.
⚫ There was a tiger in their village.
⚫ The Maharaja set up his camp there.
⚫ He waited for many days.
⚫ He did not find any tiger.
⚫ He got angry and doubled the land tax for the village.

3) JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH-

By Tishani Doshi
Introduction:
Tishani Doshi describes the journey to the coldest, driest and windiest continent in the world.
Geoff Green organized ‘Students on Ice’ programme. Its aim was to take students to
Antarctica. They travelled in a Russian research ship ‘AKADEMIC SHOKALSKIY’. There
were 52 persons on the ship. A supercontinent Gondwana existed 650 million years ago.
After 500 million years, the landmass separated into countries. The purpose of the visit was
to know more about Antarctica- ozone and carbon; evolution and extinction. It is a big
question whether West Antarctica Ice sheet will melt entirely or not. Global warming can
affect the Antarctica region.
Very Short Answer Type:
Q.1.What were the writer’s feelings on reaching Antarctica?
⚫ The first emotion of the narrator was that she felt relieved.
⚫ Their journey was of over 100 hours.
⚫ The vastness and immense white landscape of Antarctica impressed her.
⚫ The blue horizon attracted her.
⚫ Its difference from the other parts of the world surprised her.
Q.2.What were the reasons that Geoff Green included high school students in the
⚫ Students on Ice’ Programme ?
⚫ Ans. Geoff Green wanted to take high school students to Antarctica.
⚫ He wanted to provide them knowledge about Antarctica.
⚫ He thought it would develop new understanding about earth.
⚫ This would help in saving our earth.
⚫ They would understand the danger of Global warming.
⚫ They would try to solve this problem.
Q.3. What are ‘phytoplankton’? How are they important to our ecosystem?
⚫ Phytoplanktons are the grasses of the sea.
⚫ They are an important part of Southern ocean’s food chain.
⚫ They use sun’s energy to give out oxygen.
⚫ They cause photosynthesis.
⚫ They are very important for our ecosystem.
Q.4. What did the author keep wondering about Antarctica after spending two weeks
there ?
⚫ Tishani Doshi wondered after spending two weeks there.
⚫ The crossed 9 time zones, 6 checkpoints and 3 water bodies.
⚫ Beauty in balance on our earth.
⚫ What would happen if Antarctica becomes warm.
⚫ She fears human race may disappear like dinosaurs.
Q.5. What unique opportunities does Antarctic environment provide to the scientists?
⚫ Antarctica provides unique opportunities to scientists.
⚫ There was never human population there.
⚫ It has a very simple eco-system.
⚫ It lacks biodiversity.
⚫ The study of phytoplankton is very interesting.
⚫ Depletion in ozone layer will be very harmful for earth.

4) THE ENEMY
By Pearl S Buck
Story in Brief:
It is the time of World War II. An American prisoner of war Tom escapes from Japanese
jail. He comes in front of Dr Sadao’s house in a wounded condition. Dr Sadao is a
Japanese surgeon.
He saves Tom’s life. Sadao’s servants leave his house. His wife Hana helps him.`
Dr Sadao had spent 8 years in America. He met Hana there. General Takima was the
General of Japanese forces.
Very Short Answer Type:
Q.1 How can we say that Dr Sadao’s father was a very traditional man ?
⚫ Dr Sadao’s father was a very traditional man.
⚫ He was a patriotic person.
⚫ He was proud of his country Japan.
⚫ He was strict and dominating.
⚫ He never joked or played with his son Sadao.
Q.2. Why was Dr Sadao not sent abroad along with the troops ?
⚫ Dr Sadao was a famous surgeon and scientist.
⚫ He was working on a medicine which would clean the wounds.
⚫ General Takima might need an operation anytime.
⚫ Dr Sadao could treat him.
⚫ So General Takima did not send him abroad with the trops.
Q.3. How did Sadao ensure that the American sailor(Tom) left his house but he himself
remained safe and secure?
⚫ Dr Sadao gave his private boat to American sailor with food and clothes.
⚫ The American sailor went to the nearby island in the boat.
⚫ Nobody lived on the island.
⚫ The American sailor escaped from there.
⚫ Nobody knew that Dr Sadao had helped the American sailor to escape.
Q.4. Why did the servants leave Dr Sadao’s house?
⚫ Japan was at war with America.
⚫ Dr Sadao was treating an American sailor in his house,
⚫ The servants did not like this.
⚫ They were patriotic persons.
⚫ So the left Dr Sadao’s house.
Q.5. What was Sadao’s father’s dream for him ? How did Sadao realize it?
⚫ Sadao’s father was concerned about his studies.
⚫ He wanted to give him good education.
⚫ He sent Sadao to America to study there.
⚫ He wanted his son to become the best surgeon of japan.
⚫ Before his father’s death, Sadao had become a great surgeon and a scientist of
Japan.

5) ON THE FACE OF IT –
By Susan Hill
Very Short Answer Type:

Q.1. What peculiar (strange) things does Derry notice about Mr Lamb?
⚫ Mr Lamb has a tin leg.
⚫ He keeps his gates and garden open.
⚫ He likes to learn things.
⚫ He has extremely positive attitude.
Q.2. What is the bond that unites Mr Lamb and Derry?
⚫ Mr Lamb and Derry have difference of age.
⚫ Their attitude to life is different.
⚫ Derry has low spirits because of his burnt face.
⚫ Both have physical disability.
⚫ This bond unites them.
Q.3. Why and how did Derry enter Mr Lamb’s garden ?
⚫ Derry thought there was no one in the garden.
⚫ He thought it was an empty place.
⚫ He did not enter the garden to steal anything.
Q.4. Why does Mr Lamb leave his gate open?
⚫ Mr Lamb has physical disability.
⚫ He wants to have company of people.
⚫ Anybody can enter his garden.
Q.5. Why does Derry’s mother NOT want him to go back to visit Mr Lamb?
⚫ Derry’s mother doesn’t like Mr Lamb.
⚫ She thinks he is crazy.
⚫ She has heard strange habits of Mr Lamb from others.
 6) MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD -
By Zitkala Sa & Bama

THE CUTTING OF MY LONG HAIR- ZITKALA SA

Q.1. What does Zitkala Sa mean by ‘eating by formula’?

⚫ It was the hardest trial for her.
⚫ The students had to follow the bell for eating.
⚫ She did not know what to do.
Q.2. What did Judewin tell Zitkala-Sa?
⚫ Judewin told her that her long hair will be cut.
⚫ Zitkala got angry.
⚫ She did not want her hair to be cut.
⚫ Her mother had told her that it was not good.
Q.3. What was Zitkala’s idea regarding short shingled hair?
⚫ In her culture short and shingled hair were hated.
⚫ Her mother told her that cowards and mourners had shingled hair.
⚫ The hair of unskilled warriors was cut.

WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS -- BAMA

Q.1. What advice did Annan offer Bama?
⚫ Anna advised his sister.
⚫ He told her that they belonged to ‘low caste’.
⚫ They were not respected in the society.
⚫ She should study hard to get respect from others.
Q.2. Mention any two reasons because of which Bama would take 30 minutes to an
hour to reach home.
⚫ She used to watch entertainment and games on the way.
⚫ Performing monkeys, snake charmers, sweet stall etc attracted her.
Q.3. When did the narrator (Bama) experience ‘untouchability’?
⚫ Bama saw that an elderly man of their caste was carrying vadais.
⚫ He kept the ‘Vadais’ away from his body.
⚫ It made her laugh.
⚫ Later she came to know that they were untouchables.