Adventures in a Banyan Tree

1. The boy was very much thrilled of his acquaintance with the squirrel. He wrote a letter to his
friend telling him about his new friend. Help him to complete the letter.

28 April 1997
Dehra.
Dear Arun;
Hope you are enjoying your vacation there. I am doing the same here at grandpa’s house. I got a new
friend here. Do you know who the new friend is? A little, cute squirrel grey in colour! In the beginning he
was a little resentful towards me. But now, finding that I am not harmful, he is very friendly and familiar
with me even to take food from my hands. You know in our garden there is a magnificent banyan tree,
which is older than my grandpa, it old as the town of Dehra. I often spend my free time on the tree, and the
squirrel will also be there with me. There I have built a small platform on the halfway up the tree. I could
read from there. I had witnessed for a fight between mongoose and cobra, in that mongoose was vanquished.
A few days ago, my grandpa brought a white rat to home, which he had bought from the bazaar for four
Annas. I often take it with me to the root or platform in the tree. Soon it made a friendship with one of the
squirrels in the banyan tree. There a strange thing happened. The squirrel started building a nest in a hole in
the tree. When we investigated it, we found three little white squirrels! My grandpa said that he hadn’t seen
white squirrels before in his life. He also explained that the white rat should be the father of white baby
squirrels. I wanted your presence with me in this vacation. We can spend the time in the garden and on the
banyan tree. You will be happy to see the beautiful land in Dehra, and live in it.
Convey my regards to all. I hope to see you soon.
Yours lovingly
Ruskin Bond
Sd/-
2. The boy was thrilled with the fight between the cobra and the mongoose. You may also have
the same feeling. Narrate the fight scene in your own words.
Battle of Champions
The boy was sitting on the platform halfway up the tree. He used to read books and enjoy sights down in the
garden sitting there. One April afternoon, when everyone was indoors due to the warm breezes of the
approaching summer, he was sitting up on the tree as usual. Suddenly he saw a huge, black cobra gliding
into the garden beneath him out from a cactus plant. At the same time, a mongoose also emerged from the
bush nearby and went straight for the cobra. Both of them came face to face in a clearing beneath the tree on
which the boy was sitting. The cobra defiantly darted his forked tongue in and out and raised three of his six
feet off the ground. The mongoose bushed its tail, and the long hair on its spine stood up. They were ready
to fight each other. Two other spectators a myna and a jungle crow also came to the scene. The cobra tried to
mesmerize his opponent into making a false move. But the mongoose knew the trick and did not fall into the
trap. The mongoose moving forward, made a feint to one side. The cobra struck but missed the aim.
Immediately the mongoose darted on the snake and bit on its back. At the same moment, the myna and the
crow also dived at the cobra but collided themselves. The cobra started getting weaker and weaker as the
mongoose attacked him vigorously and repeatedly. In that fight, the cobra whipped his head back and his
snout thudded forcefully against the crow’s body killing it. Then, the myna wisely refrained from anymore
interference. Finally, the mongoose with a lightning snap had the cobra by his snout. He writhed for a while
and gradually stopped struggling. The winning mongoose, gripping its enemy’s hood, dragged it into the
bushes. The myna, with a shrill cry of congratulation, flew away!
 3. ‘And amongst the wool were the three baby squirrels all of them white!’ The boy couldn’t stop
wondering about the white squirrels. If he scribbled down this unforgettable sight in his diary,
how would be?
10:00 pm
10 April 2019
Tuesday

What a wonderful sight! Our white rat has become father of three little white squirrel babies. I have never
seen or heard of white squirrels before. Even grandpa doesn’t know about white squirrels. Grandpa is really
a nice person. He loves trees, birds, animals and everything in nature. I know he loves me too very much.
Actually he might have bought the white rat for me. He said the rats and squirrels were related each other. It
is right, as grandpa said, the father of the white baby squirrels is my white rat. How many varieties of
creatures are there in nature! We should do everything to protect the nature and its creatures. I am proud of
my grey squirrel, white rat and the white baby squirrels. I will bring all my school friends here to show them
these wonderful sights.

Snake and the Mirror

1. Character sketch of homeopath doctor

Homeopath doctor is the leading character in the story “Snake and the Mirror” by Vaikom Muhammed
Basheer. He had just set up a medical practice but his earnings were very meagre. He has only sixty rupees
in his suitcase along with shirt, dhotis and not so white vest. He lived in small rented room that was not
electrified. It was full of rats. He is very poor and the only luxury he had was a black coat. He was a great
admirer of beauty and he believed himself as handsome. He decided to shave daily to grow a thin moustache
to look more handsome. He wished to keep a smile always to look better. He wanted to marry a women
doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. He also wanted a fat wife so that whenever he
would make a mistake his wife would not be able to catch him. But in his real life he married a thin and
slender person who could run like a sprinter. He was a foolish doctor because when a snake coiled itself on
his arm he was afraid because did not aware about the medicine what he uses if the snake bites him.
2. After snake incident doctor ran to his friend’s house. After he had settled down: he decided to
write his thoughts on diary. Prepare the same.
10 AM
12/02/2020

Shocked! What a horrible day was it! I can see the snake now also. Where from it came! I have to shift the
house and must move to some other place. The rent for the new room! From where can I get it? If I change
my room I may get more patients and more money and earnings. Was it a dream? Was it a real snake? It was
looking at the mirror and enjoying its serpent beauty, it may also bachelor like me. When it coiled my arm I
became like a statue made by flesh. I never wish to remember those minutes in my life. Horrible……

3. The funny incident is reported in the next day’ s daily. How would that report be? Draft the
same.
 HOMEOPATH ROBBED
By Staff Reporter
Beypore, Calicut 15.7.90. An aspiring homeopath; who has just started his profession was robbed at night.
The bachelor was back after food from a restaurant. It being a hot summer day, he was seen restless. By the
time, he resumed his chair, one of the little furniture he kept in his room. He heard familiar noises from
above. He thought it could be the rats with which he shared the room. The man lost in thoughts about his
future was suddenly awakened by a dull thud. Within moments, a full blooded cobra coiled round on his
arm, turning him into a stone image. After what seemed to be hours, the snake uncoiled itself, and moved
towards the mirror which was kept on the table. Once he was relieved, the young man took to his heels and
reached his friend’s house. The next day, when he reached his rented room to pick back his belongings. But
he couldn’t find that, because that was already cleared by a thief. An elated doctor was seen lamenting over
the thief’s neglect in leaving his soiled vest behind.
4. The homeopath took to his heels and reached his friend’s house. What could have been their
conversation?
Friend: What happened to you? Why are you gasping?
Doctor: A snake...
Friend: Snake?
Doctor: A snake fell from the roof and coiled around my left arm.
Friend: Did the snake bite you?
Doctor: No, it didn’t.
Friend: Then how did you escape from there?
Doctor: The snake turned its head and looked into mirror; then unwound from my hand and moved towards
the mirror.
Friend: If the snake had bitten you, you would have died.
Doctor: Yes; I have no medicine in my room.
Friend: Thank God. Relax my friend, any way you are lucky
Doctor: Let me take a bath.
Friend: okay.
5. The story 'The Snake and the Mirror' is narrated by the doctor to his friends. Draft the likely
narrative.

The Snake and the Mirror

The homeopath had recently set up his medical practice in a village and had a meagre salary. One night,
after work, he had his dinner from a restaurant and returned to his rented room. When he opened the door he
heard a noise. He never cared much about it because it felt like the familiar sounds of rats running across the
beam in the tiled roof. Entering the room which was not electrified, he lit the kerosene lamp on the table. He
changed his dress and made his bed to go to sleep. But it was too hot and so he went out to get catch some
cool air. But it was of no use since there was no wind outside. He came back into the room and sat on the
chair beside the table. He tried reading The Materia Medica. But, with the mirror in front of him, he was
tempted to look into the mirror. The homeopath was a great admirer of beauty and also unmarried.
Immediately, he combed his hair and thought to himself: as good looking and a bachelor. He can make his
presence felt among women. When he was admiring his own beauty, he again heard the sound from above.
He thought it would be sound of rats; but when he turns back a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair
and landed on his shoulder. He sat frozen on the chair. He felt the presence of God. The snake had curled
around his arm and its hood spread out. The homeopath knew that if he moved the snake would bite him.
Then all of a sudden the snake unwound itself and moved closer to the mirror on the table. It might have
seen its reflection in the mirror and probably admiring its beauty. The homeopath runs away from the room
to his friend’s house. Reaching there, he washed himself and changed his clothes. The next day he returned
to his room with his friends. When he reached there he found that some thief had stolen all the things except
his dirty yellowish vest.

Lines Written in Early Spring

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
‘Lines Written in Early Spring’ is a poem, which celebrates the relation between man and nature,
written by the most celebrated romantic poet William Wordsworth. He is also called as poet of nature. The
poet rejoices in the sights and sounds of nature and at the same time he laments on man’s activity.
The poet once sits in a grove in a very calm and relaxed mood. He hears lots of various sounds.
Some of the sounds make him happy and some make him sad. He sees the primrose and periwinkle make
wreaths in the bower there. He believes that every flower enjoys the air it breathes. The birds around him
express their thrill of pleasure by hopping and playing in the grove. He also notices the budding twigs spread
out their tender leaves to catch the breezy air. In short, the poet sees thrilling sights, hears pleasant songs in
everything he looks at in the grove, and he experiences the utmost pleasure of the world of nature. But when
he thinks of the human world, he becomes sad. What man has done to mankind as well as to nature makes
him uneasy and unpleasant. The coexistence in perfect harmony is the holy plan of nature. The poet realizes
that humans do all atrocities among themselves and cruelties to nature by destroying the ecosystem. They
create discord and disharmony and fight and kill themselves. All these wrong-doings are against the holy
plan of nature.
The poem becomes much appealing because of the sublimity of its theme and beauty of lines and the
abundant use of various poetic devices. The lines ‘To her fair works did Nature link…’; ‘every flower
enjoys the air it breathes, and ‘The budding twigs spread out their fan, to catch the breezy air’ are examples
of Personification. There is the figure of speech hyperbole in the expression ‘a thousand blended notes.
‘What man has made of man' is an example of Alliteration. The poem ends with a Rhetorical Question:
“Have I not reason to lament / What man has made of man?” An example of the Auditory Image is there in
“I heard a thousand blended notes.” The ‘breezy air’ brings to our mind a ‘Tactile Image’ as well. Some
Visual Images are flowers (primrose, periwinkle), birds, grove, bower, budding twigs, etc. The Rhyme
Scheme of the poem is ABAB.

PROJECT THE TIGER

1. Conversation between Ray and Manager

Satyajith Ray: Good morning sir,

Manager: Good morning, what help can I do for you?
Satyajith Ray: I am a film director and I need some help from this circus company
Manager: Oh! you are from cinema, aren„t you? What help can I do for you?
Satyajith Ray: we would like to know whether you can provide a tiger for our film shooting.
Manager: A tiger! My goodness! What are you going to do with a tiger in cinema?
Satyajith Ray: Nothing to worry, we need him for only couple of hours.
Manager: Till now I have never lent my circus animals for any other purpose.
Satyajith Ray: If you could spare one it would be a great help for us.
Manager: Being an ardent supporter of cinema, how can I reject your request?
Satyajith Ray: will it attack the strangers if it is taken out of the cage.
Manager: I doubt, I havn„t done it.
Satyajith Ray: Let„s hope for the best, we will come tomorrow to take it.
Manager: You may please meet the ring master and make all arrangements.
Satyajith Ray: Thank you very much.
Manager: Welcome.
2. Advertisement on news paper

Trained Birds Wanted

Trained birds are required for our new film titled Birds. What we required in large numbers of ravens.
Those who have trained birds with them may contact us within two days. The owners must possess the
permission from the Animal Welfare Board.
Type of birds needed: Ravens
Number: 100
Production Company
Alfred J. Hitchcock productions

3. Letter to Animal Welfare Board, for asking permission to use trained animals in film.

Satyajith ray
Film Director
Bengal

12th September 1980

The Chairman
Animal Welfare Board
New Delhi
Sir;
Subject: Permission required for using animals in my new film.
I am Styajith Ray a film maker from Bengal. We are planning to make a new film titled “Goopy Gyne and
Bagha Byne” under the banner of SR film company. It contains a scene which includes a tiger. The shooting
of this film is scheduled to start by the last week of November in Birbhoom near Shiuri. We decided to hire
a trained tiger from Bharath circus and it will be carried to the shooting location in a lorry. As the director of
this film, I hereby ensure you that we will use the animal according to the norms suggested in the prevention
of cruelty to animal act. I humbly request you to grant us permission to use the tiger in our film.
Yours faithfully
Satyajith Ray
S/d
4. News report about tiger’s act in the scene

Actor Tiger
Noutan Gram: A tiger presented its fabulous performance here in the shooting location of eminent film maker
Satyajith Ray. Ray was on his new work an adventures movie Goopy Gyne and Bagha Byne. When the tiger
was brought to the set in truck along with it’s trainer Thorat. Trainer expected that the tiger will act in front of
camera, but when turn came for tiger started prancing, jumping and leaping to the crowd. The trainer became
mere spectator for the performance of the tiger. Tiger was from Bharat circus. The shooting had finished and
the troop had return to Calcutta soon.

5. You are the secretary of school film club. Film club is going to conduct film festival. You were
asked to draft a notice for that. Prepare the same.

NOTICE
FILIM FESTIVAL
A.B.C school New Delhi
Dear students;
The film club of our school has decided to conduct a film festival on 15th of august to 18th august 2017.
Screening will be start on sharp 10 AM in each day, in our school film theatre. Eminent film personality
Adoor Gopalakrishnan will inaugurate the function.
The films short listed for screening are: -
“The children of heaven” (Iranian) – Directed by Majid Majidi
“The birds” (English) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
“Elippathayam” (Malayalam) – Directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Venue: Film theatre Time: 10 AM
All are invited to be a part of the festival
Co-ordinator/ Secretary
Film club
Sd/-

6. Thorat's diary entry on the day in which the shooting was held in Notun Gram.

Date:
Monday
10 PM
Shocked! It was an unforgettable day in my life, because I was busy with my new film project “Goopy
Gyne and Bagha Byne”. We have to take a scene with tiger, hired one tiger from Bharath circus along with
its trainer named Thorat. But tiger unexpectedly behaved, it pranced, leaped and jumped towards audience
and my co-workers. The trainer became mere spectator for the performance of the tiger. Finally, it calm
 MY SISTER’S SHOES
1. Review of the Film
“Children of Heaven” is a 1997 Iranian family drama film written and directed by Majid Majidi. “My
Sister’s Shoes” is an extract from the screen play of the film. It narrates the story of Ali and his sister, Zahra
who belong to a poverty-stricken family and their adventures over a lost pair of shoes. The film starts with
Ali collecting his sister Zahra's pink shoes after a cobbler has repaired them. He keeps them outside a
vegetable shop and goes inside to buy some potatoes. While he is in the shop, a junk collector picks up the
shoes, thinking it as garbage and takes it away. Frantic to find them, the young boy upsets the vegetables
boxes and is chased away by the shopkeeper. Ali's family suffers from severe financial crisis. So he fears to
tell his parents about the incident. Ali's mother is ill and confined to bed. Ali tells Zahra about the shoes and
begs her not to tell mother; she agrees. That night, Ali's father scolds him for not helping his ill mother.
While doing their homework, the children pass notes to each other discussing what to do.
The film is so dramatic and tells a true story of a family. The scenes in the film depict the hardships, poverty
and the innocence of the children. Even the shoes are a representative of the family’s poor condition. In the
film, life in Teheran is sketched beautifully. The family’s carefully detailed poverty, which reflects the
filmmaker’s own childhood experience, adds colour to every event in the story
2. Imagine that Ali happened to see the junk collector the next day. They had a conversation about the
shoes. Prepare a likely one.
Ali: Hi! Uncle
Junk collector: Hi! Ali.
Ali: Did you get a pair of shoes from Akbar Aqa's shop while picking up junks yesterday?
Junk collector: A pair of shoes?
Ali: Yes, I had kept a bag of shoes in the small gap between two boxes before I entered the shop.
Junk collector: Sorry Ali. I might have taken them for junk.
Ali: Ho! Uncle. Will you please help me to get them back?
Junk collector: Yes, I will try. What colour are they?
Ali: Pink.
Junk collector: I will search for them and return it, If I get.
Ali: Thank you, Uncle.
Junk collector: You are welcome.

3. A man in the nearby shop informed Ali that the junk collector who is living in the nearby village has
taken away his sister’s shoes. Ali decides to write a letter to the junk collector. What would he write?
Prepare the likely letter.

Tehran
10/08/2002
Dear Uncle;
I am Ali. I write this letter to ask you whether you have got a pair of shoes from Akbar Aqa's shop.
Yesterday. I had kept a bag of shoes in the small gap between two boxes before. I entered the shop to buy
potatoes. When I came out from the shop I realised that you had taken them away. A man in the nearby shop
also told me that you had taken away my sister’s shoes. I think you took them for junk. As you know, I
belong to a very poor family. My father won't be able to buy a new pair of shoes. If he comes to know that I
have missed the shoes, he will beat me. I would be grateful, if you could return the shoes.
With love,
Ali
S/d

4. How will I go to school tomorrow without shoes? This was the thought that lingered in the mind of
Zahra in the screenplay “My Sister’s Shoes”. What may be her diary entry of the day? Write it.
10. PM 20/08/2002
Monday

Today I am very sad. Ali has missed my shoes. Oh God, what shall I do? How will I go to school tomorrow
without shoes? The teacher will punish me, if I don't wear shoes. If I tell to my father, he will beat Ali. Poor
Ali! He is also very sad. He has missed the shoes accidentally. Ali has said that I can wear his sneakers.
There is no other way I may have to wear them and go to school tomorrow.
5. Imagine Ali narrates the whole incident to his friend. Prepare the narrative
Yesterday I went to the cobbler to get my sister’s shoes repaired. It was so worn out that she could not wear
it. The cobbler stitched it and put it in a black bag and gave it to me. While I returning to my home I entered
to Akbar Aqa’s vegetable shop to buy some potatoes. When I was picking potatoes a junk collector came
there and who collected all the junks scattered over the floor. I didn’t notice. When I came out I felt the
shoes are missing. I was so worried. It was the only shoes she had. I felt afraid to tell my parents. When I
reached home, my sister asked about the shoes. I told her that they were missing. She was so sad. While we
were studying she wrote about it in her notebook and passed to me. We were afraid to discuss it loudly. So
we exchanged our notebooks. I told her that I would give her my shoes. She agreed to wear it when I
returned.
6. Ali’s Diary
10. PM 25/08/2002
Monday

Today I am very sad. What should I do now? My sister's shoes are missing. I have been purchasing Potatoes
from Akbar Aqa’s shop. I had put it between two boxes in the vegetable shop. Who might have taken it? My
sister will be so worried. Will father beat me? He has little money to buy new shoes for her. How can she go
to school without shoes? Oh God. It is my entire mistake. I should have been more careful. Tomorrow I shall
go to the shop once again and search. I decided to give my shoes to her. So she doesn’t miss her class on
tomorrow.
7. Conversation between Ali and Zahra
Zahra: Ali, have you returned? Why are you looking sad?
Ali: Sorry Zahra. I lost your shoes.
Zahra: Lost it, but how?
Ali: I placed it between two boxes in the vegetable shop while I was picking potatoes.
Zahra: I can’t believe it. You might have forgotten it somewhere
Ali: Oh no Zahra. Believe me.
Zahra: How can I go to school without shoes? It is very cold outside
Ali: I am sorry. I searched it everywhere, but it is missing
Zahra: I shall tell to father about your carelessness.
Ali: Please don’t do it. He will beat both of us.
Zahra: Then tell me what to do?
Ali: I shall give my shoes to you
Zahra: ok I shall wear it when you come back from school.

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND

Central idea of the song:
There have been many interpretations of this verse. The theme of the song is world peace, freedom and war.
Dylan was totally against the act of violence of the government. And this song exposes all types of injustices
which go unnoticed just like the wind. The answers of those problems are in front of us. Many of these
problems are unnecessary and do not benefit to mankind in any way. The song is both inspirational and
optimistic with its messages of peace and freedom.

Structure of the song:

The song has lyrical quality. That expresses one’s feeling towards a certain subject. The rhythm of the song
is just like the wind itself. To some, it can be very calm yet powerful. Every second line of the poem follows
a rhyme pattern. ABCBDB is the rhyme scheme pattern used in this song. Each word has no more than 2
syllables. There is no specific meter.
Poetic Devices used in this song:
 Rhetorical Questions - series of rhetorical questions are used throughout the song. (Question that you ask,
without expecting an answer).
 Alliterations – it refers to the repetition of an initial consonant sound, at least three times in a sentence.
 Anaphora – it refers to a repetition of one particular word purposely, at the start of consecutive sentences
or paragraphs. This is again in order to emphasize a point.
 Metaphor – an implied comparison between two unlike things that actually have something important in
common (as if two things were one.)
 Refrain – same lines are repeated in the same song / poem.
 Assonance – repetition of two different vowel sounds.
 Visual imagery (to see) – how many ears must…
 Auditory imagery (to hear) - before he can hear people cry?

 Key Points
1. The poet implies that a man can be called a man after he has walked down many roads. This means that a
man can be called a man only after he has experienced a lot in his life and the poet wonders how much a
man should suffer.
2. How far a dove should fly before peace is established in the world and find a place to sleep in full
freedom without fear.
3. The phrase ‘Cannon balls fly’ indicates war.
4. The answers are blowing in the wind which means that the answers are known to all and available
everywhere. We must take the initiative to find them out and accept.
5. The reference to mountain represents the existence of mighty powers of oppression.
6. The ocean of protest from the part of the common people who are oppressed is the force that can wash the
mighty mountain of oppression out to the sea.
7. The mighty authorities or rulers who keep some people under their oppression. It is everywhere in the
world. Such people are slaves without any rights and freedom and they are said to be nominally exist in this
world.
8. The mighty authorities or the people in general who do not take any interest and initiative to protest
against the oppression, wars, violence or violations of human rights are the pretenders. They do not see
people die and do not hear people cry and also do not see the answers to solve all problems.

THE BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE

1. AJ Cronin felt puzzled when he saw a man watching him closely. What would be his thoughts?
What a man! He has been staring at me for long. Looks strange. He is not known to me. I think he may be
one of my patients. But he does not come to me or talk. Should I ask him? No. I don't want to talk to
strangers. Moreover, I need to take a rest and I am not interested in casual ship board contacts. He looks
serious and reserved. He is a little shy and diffident. Anyway let me not bother about it. If he has anything to
tell he shall come.
2. AJ Cronin felt interested to watch a man staring at him for long. Prepare a conversation between AJ
Cronin and the couple.
Mr. John: Excuse me doctor, could you spare a few minutes with me and my wife?
A J Cronin: sure, you are welcome.
Mr. John: Please have a look at my visiting card (offering a visiting card).
A J Cronin: I think you are solicitor from London.
Mr. John: yes, sir.
A J Cronin: where are you going?
Mr. John: We have planned to visit America this is our first visit. We are here to work in the camp for young
people.
A J Cronin: Oh really, that's great. How long have you been working in the field of youth welfare?
Mr. John: For past15 years. I am a solicitor but more interested in the charitable organization for criminal
adolescents and children from slums
AJ Cronin: What kind of work you are doing here?
Mr. John: We try to heal the maladjusted youth and rehabilitate them.
A J Cronin: Your work is really praise worthy. What brought you to this field?
Mr. John: It is you. You brought me back to life. My life is your gift.
A J Cronin: Me? But how?
Mr. John: I am the same person whom you saved years ago.
A J Cronin: Oh! You are the gambler and walks to suicide, aren’t you? I am very happy to see you again.
Mr. John: Yes, I am also happy with this meeting.
 3. Prepare a newspaper report about Mr. and Mrs. John and the work they are doing.

A REBIRTH TO REGAIN LIVES

New York: The world of selfishness is bowing before Mr. and Mrs. John, a couple who have chosen to
live for others. We can frequently see them in the summer recreational camps for young people. They
visit settlement houses to study the methods to deal with backward maladjusted youth. They have been
offering selfless service for past 15 years in the field of youth welfare. Professionally Mr. John is a
solicitor but as the director of charitable Institutions his life is devoted to the welfare of boys and girls
from the slums. They not only rescue them but also give training in handicraft, rehabilitate them and
bring them back to life. It is reported that Mr. John got inspiration from a doctor who once saved his life
after a suicidal attempt. Hearing about this noble work many eminent persons have offered their support
to the mission.

4. One night A J Cronin was suddenly awakened by a sergeant. Prepare a conversation between A J
Cronin and the Sergeant of police.
Cronin: Who is knocking there?
Sergeant of police: Mr. Cronin, I am the sergeant of police. Sorry to disturb you.
Cronin: Its O k. What is the problem you are here?
Sergeant of police: There is a suicide case in one of the lodging around the corner.
Cronin: Who is it?
Sergeant of police: A young man.
Cronin: Has he been hospitalized?
Sergeant of police: No sir. He is still there.
Cronin: What is his condition now?
Sergeant of police: I think he is sinking.
Cronin: Then we shall hurry up
Sergeant: ok. Let’s move.
5. Prepare conversation between A J Cronin and the young man after his coming back to life.
Young man: I am so thankful to you for rescuing me
A J Cronin: Thank God. But for what you do this?
Young man: I had no other way. I had lost everything.
A J Cronin: What happened to you?
Young man: After my parent's death I was working as a clerk. Then I started to be in bad company, betting
on
horses and living lavishly
A J Cronin: So you lost your wealth, didn't you?
Young man: Yes, so I took a sum of money from the office safe for gambling.
A J Cronin: You shouldn't have done it. Then did you win?
Young man: No, I lost it and was afraid of the punishment. So I decided to commit suicide.
A J Cronin: Poor fellow. Don't worry. We can find a solution, but promise you shall not repeat it
Young man: Sure sir. I have learned the value of life.

6. Conversation between A J Cronin, the Sergeant of police and the landlady.

A J Cronin: Poor man. How foolishly he tried to end himself.
Sergeant: Yes. Now he has realized that seven pounds ten shillings is nothing before the valuable life.
AJ Cronin: But he shall have to face the law.
Sergeant: Of course, but I have decided not to report this case.
AJ Cronin: That's great. Let me pay that amount to him to free himself from the feeling of guilt.
Landlady: Good idea. He can now live peacefully.
AJ Cronin: Indeed. How silly he was!
Landlady: Don’t blame him. He was so desperate then.
AJ Cronin: Yes, it is our duty to bring him back to life.
Land lady: I shall allow him to stay here for one month without any rent.
Sergeant: So kind of you, then he can find a new job and stand by his own.
A J Cronin: Let us hope this will give him a new start.

7. Diary of AJ Cronin/ the Sergeant of police/ landlady

11.30 PM
Monday, July 1960
Oh an unforgettable day. Today I feel my life has got a new meaning. So happy that I could save the
young man poor fellow. He tried to end himself for seven pounds ten shillings. He should never have
forgotten that life on earth is the most valuable gift. How pitiful is his condition! Can I help him? Yes,
I shall try my level best. Why are these young men doing all these? Addicted to drugs and lost in bad
company they live without any commitments to the society. We have to do something to save these
people. Anyway thank God for bringing me here on time.

8. The young man felt so happy after regaining his life. Prepare his diary.

11.30 PM
Monday, July 1960
Thank god. I got my life back. How silly I was trying to end myself only for Seven pounds 10
shillings. Now I realize the value of god gifted life. I am sure the doctor, the sergeant and the landlady
are the agents of God. What If they hadn't come on time? I just cannot think. It is all because of my
uncontrolled and lavish life. I wasted everything in vain. I should thank the landlady for allowing me
to stay here. The sergeant is also great for not reporting my case. But the doctor has given me a rebirth.
I have learnt a lesson. Here after my life is for people like me who need to be healed in mind and body.

9. Imagine the doctor is reporting the suicide incident to his friends. Prepare the narrative.
Today is an unforgettable day in my life. While I was sleeping at night a Sergeant came to me and informed
me about a suicide case in a nearby lodging. We hurried to the spot. When I reached there the room was
filled with the smell of a gas. I found a young man lying on a narrow bed. At first I thought he was dead.
Any way with sergeant’s help I tried to revive him to consciousness. But I found it was useless. When we
were about to return I heard a quick breath from him. After half an hour of redoubled efforts we succeeded
in rescuing him. He told us that he was a clerk in an office. Lost in bad company and luxuries he had wasted
all his wealth. Then once he took from the office some money for gambling which he couldn't replace.
Being desperate he tried to commit suicide. Later I learnt from him that he had taken only seven pounds and
ten shillings. So I gave him that money, the Sergeant promised not to report the case and the landlady
offered one month's free lodging till he got a new job. Thus the young man regained his life.
 10. The best investment in life is not money but values. Substantiate this view with the help of the story
the best investment I ever made by AJ Cronin.
AJ Cronin, a well-known writer of novels, inspires us with a touching story “The best investment I ever
made”. Once while he was traveling in a ship he found a man watching him anxiously many times. At first
he felt annoyed. Later the couple came to him and introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs. John. They have
been working among derelict youth for past 15 years, rehabilitating them and bringing them back to life. He
became interested in the story. Then they reminded him that he was the inspiration for them. Now he
remembered an incident which happened years ago. While he was sleeping at night a Sergeant came to him
and informed him about a suicide case in a nearby lodging. He hurried to the spot. When he reached there
the room was filled with the smell of a gas. He found a young man lying on a narrow bed. At first He
thought he was died. Any way with the sergeant’s help he tried to revive him to consciousness. But he found
it was useless. When they were about to return he heard a quick breath from him. After half an hour of
redoubled efforts they succeeded in rescuing him. He told them that he was a clerk in an office. Lost in bad
company and luxuries he had wasted all his wealth. Then once he took from the office some money for
gambling which he couldn't replace. Being desperate he tried to commit suicide. Later AJ Cronin learnt from
him that he had taken only seven pounds and ten shillings. So he gave him that money, the Sergeant
promised not to report the case and the landlady offered one month's free lodging till he got a new job. Thus
the young man regained his life. He had given him only a small amount but the investment was more than
that. He had given him a rebirth which the young man utilized for giving rebirth to many young men. Mr.
John has realized from his own experience that life on earth is the most valuable of god's gifts. This he
imparts to thousands of youth. Here investment is also the values we imbibe in our lives that would remain
the best forever. So A J Cronin's statement is so meaningful and valid.
11. A short function to congratulate Mr. John is going to be held on board the liner. You are one of the
shipmates who are asked to deliver a speech. Attempt a similar SPEECH
The most respected writer A.J Cronin. The hero of the day Mr. John, his wife and ladies and gentlemen, this
is a very special momentum for all of us because as we know we are gathered here for a special reason. The
couples sitting in front of us are really on a mission. Their purpose of this voyage is way different from ours.
Now let me tell you that we are going to witness a rare moment in the life of these wonderful people. We are
always proud of doing this and doing that. But let me confess, that this achievement is beyond everyone’s
reach. Being humane and sympathetic may sometimes sound easier, but changing someone’s life is way
tough. Mr. A.J Cronin has proved that our values are still alive. 25 years back he had helped this young man
and now he is an accomplished social worker who whole heartily embarked on a mission of taking care of
maladjusted and delinquent youth. At this blessed moment I take full liberty to congratulate these
outstanding people for their endeavours. I extend my heartfelt wishes to Mr. A.J Cronin as well. Once again
I wish Mr. John, the real hero for becoming a model to be emulated for the generation to come. Thanks
every one for a memorable day.
12. Check how far the title is appropriate to the story?
The best investment I ever made is penned by the much celebrated Scottish writer A.J. Cronin. Cronin
shares one of his personal experiences with the readers through this story. The title of the story is “The Best
Investment I Ever Made”. Usually we associate material gain with the word investment, obviously an
underlying hope of profit lingers with the term investment and it may mean different things to different
people. But the story by Cronin has a differently conceived meaning because it wasn't anything related with
money or profit. The author's personal integrity and the values he had imbibed right from the beginning of
his life made him what he was. A doctor by profession, he rescued a suicide survivor and took pity on him.
He helped the victim with the money he needed to repay his debts. The doctor after sowing the seeds of
virtue in the mind of the man leaves the scene and resumes his life's journey little knowing about the
transformation he had made in the mind of the young man. The once wayward young man had undergone a
drastic change in his attitude and lifestyle that he had really become a contributing member of the society.
The money Cronin had put in was to repay the debts the young man had. But it had really opened his
otherwise blind eyes. The man had become an active social worker specializing on maladjusted and
delinquent youth. The author was happy beyond words because this was an investment that he could never
have won even if he had put lakhs of money into share markets. So the title is too apt.
13. A.J Cronin was overwhelmed by the incident he had in the liner. He writes a letter to his friend.
Prepare a similar letter.
Scotland
10.10.16
Dear James,
I am too happy to write this letter to you. I know you would be wondering about the reason. Last week on
my journey to America, I came across a very special couple on board. I was a little irritated at their staring
initially, but later I came to know that they were very eager to talk with me. Finally, I gave in and you won't
believe, they took me down the memory lane. They told me with much hesitation about the projects they are
into. I was slowly getting attracted to them. Repeatedly they asked me if I remember them. The few
moments that followed were very dramatic. I was reminded of an incident that took place a few years back. I
had then saved the life of a suicide survivor, a young man, who stole money to pay his debts. The young
man was much of a spoilt brat and was leading a wayward life. I gave him the money to repay his debts so
that he could begin his life afresh. It took some minutes for me to realize that the same young man stood
before me as a transformed guy. My eyes welled up. He has rewarded me with such an amazing life. I felt
my life fulfilled. Hope you would feel the same reading this letter. Convey my love and regards to everyone.
Yours lovingly
A.J Cronin
S/d-

THE BALLAD OF FATHER PETER GILLIGAN

The Ballad of Father Gilligan (Poem) - Appreciation

Ballad is a poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas. Traditional ballads are typically of unknown
authorship, having been passed on orally from one generation to the next. W.B Yeats poem The ballad of
father Gilligan‖ tells the moving story of the Almighty’s timely intervention in the life of a poor priest. The
poem is written in the form of a ballad with a self-contained story which depends more on imagery than
description. It was said that Yeats himself was too much interested in collecting legends and traditional
songs of Ireland in his mature days that he ended up writing ballads. The Great providence and His
everlasting benevolence is the theme of this beautiful poem. Father Peter Gilligan was at the end of his
tether (a day in his life) and was exhausted beyond measure running day and night performing his priestly
obligations. The parishioners of Father Gilligan had contacted a deadly epidemic and hence were dying. He
had to give the deceased the funeral rites and the dying the last communion. It was imperative for the
Catholics to receive the rites of extreme unction so that his soul is salvaged and the doors of heaven would
be opened for him. He was too physically exhausted that he started mumbling himself and lamented, on a
whim that he had neither rest nor joy. He just dozed off and was jolted by one of the sick man’s call who
was expecting death to give him the last communion before he passes away. Soon he realized that his
desperate outburst was nothing short of a grave sin. He endeavours to rationalize his errant words by
flattering on to the claim that it was not his wilful soul which was dying to help the parishioners that
expressed such a grievance but his exhausted body. Seeking forgiveness the father knelt leaning on the chair
and becomes fast asleep. Father Gilligan wakes up the next morning with a shudder feeling guilty of not able
to minister his duties. He rides recklessly to the spot on a horse back keeping his life at stake. On reaching
the house he was too startled to find that the man had already died. He cries in alarm as he realized that God
has sent one of his angels to do his duty to save him from eternal damnation and also to give salvation to the
poor man. Father Gilligan praises the Glory of God. He compares him to a priest whose parish is the whole
universe. He proclaims that for all the labours we have taken God has unfailing sympathy and care stored for
us. The poem is homage to the traditional Irish poetry and legends. He presents rural Ireland with the
poverty of people and their extreme religiosity. The poem is a literary ballad written according to the tenets
of ballad form. It has a narrative, couplets with refrains, common regional dialect and adventure, dramatic.

DANGER OF A SINGLE STORY

1. What is the Danger of a Single Story?
The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that
they are incomplete. When we hear the same story over and over again, it becomes the only story we ever
believe. And this stands especially true for the story of Africa. Too often do we hear this version Africa, the
poorest country in the world where only rural landscapes exist and where people live in terror amongst wild
animals. Too often do we treat Africa as one narrative, one we have fostered over generations and
generations, becoming so institutionalized that even those who graduated from universities will sometimes
slip and refer to Africa as a country or their language as African. This is the danger of a single story, and it
brings to mind a quote by American writer Alvin Toffler: The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those
who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
We must learn to unlearn these perpetuated stereotypes in order to allow ourselves to see that there is more
than this one narrative to Africa to anything, really. Adichie’s novels are inspired by Nigerian history, telling
the forgotten stories that generations of Westerners fail to repeat. However, she reminds us that we must not
only seek diverse perspectives, we must also tell our own stories, ones that only we can tell about our own
personal experiences. What she hopes to follow are the first signs of crumbling of clichés and stereotypes,
something that’s long overdue but never too late a process to begin. Adichie’s Danger of a Single Story is
one of the most powerfully crafted speeches ever given, one where every single word counts. Stories matter.
Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to
empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken
dignity.
2. The Danger of a Single Story. Write up
Chimamanda Nagozi Adichie
The Danger of a Single Story, a 2009 TED Talk by Chimamanda Adichie, a young Nigerian author,
provides a powerful tool for the Facing History classroom. In the twenty-minute speech, Adichie describes
the powerful impression the multitude of British stories made on her as a young girl growing up in Nigeria.
She argues that inherent in the power of stories, is a danger the danger of only knowing one story about a
group. The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but
that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.
Africa not a single story poster, Adichie recounts speaking to an American student who after reading her
novel cantered on an abusive male protagonist, lamented the fact that Nigerian men were abusive. Having
just read American Psycho, Adichie returns his pity, and calls it a shame that all young American men are
serial killers. The TED audience laughs at the absurdity of this generalization and her point is clear: on a
micro-level, the danger of a single story is that it prevents people from authentically connecting with people
as individuals. On a macro-level, the issue is really about power: almost by definition, there are many stories
about the dominant culture so the single-story threatens to create stereotypes that stick to groups that are
already disempowered.
After seeing this twenty-minute video, I knew I wanted to share it with students. I have observed that Africa
is often students‟ default example of human tragedy starving children, war-torn societies and other scenes of
deprivation and scarcity are conflated with Africa. Adichie is articulate, insightful, empowered and engaging
I knew that just seeing her speak would shatter some stereotypes that students hold which oversimplify
Africa and lump all Africans together.

SCHOLARSHIP JACKET
1. Martha happened to overhear a heated conversation between her teachers. She felt so bad and
disappointed. Reaching home, she writes her DIARY. Prepare the likely one.

9PM Monday
Today was a terrible day. I was dreaming of the scholarship jacket all the while and just could not wait
the school to end. But all my dreams were shattered beyond words in a single moment. When I went back
to fetch the P.E shorts I chanced to hear somebody talking with each other. I realized that they were my
teachers. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But the moment I realized that they were talking about me I was
stuck on to wall on which I leaned because they were talking about the jacket and its recipient. I couldn’t
stop myself listening to it. All I could understand that they are not going to give me the scholarship jacket
because there is another one competing for the same and she is the daughter of the board member. I heard
them saying that I was a Mexican and they fought for a long time. I have no idea how I reached back my
home. I was struggling to hide my tears and puffy eyes. I’m sure the next morning; the principal would
call me to inform this. I couldn’t wink an eye. I felt angry at everyone and felt extremely miserable at my
helplessness. I do not know what to do. Oh! God help me to reach my goal.

2. The principal feels uncomfortable and unhappy about the change in policy regarding the scholarship
jacket. He expresses his resentment in a letter to the management. Write the likely LETTER.

From
The Principal Monday
Texas School
To
The Manager
Texas School
20/08/1940
Sir,
I write this letter to express my concern over the sudden change in policy regarding the scholarship Jacket.
It is the tradition of our school, which is carried out every year, to award the beautiful gold and green
jacket to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. Martha,
as well all know is undoubtedly the only deserving candidate as she has a straight A-plus average. She
worked hard with great conviction and dedication to achieve her goal. I consider it inappropriate and
against the rule of our institution to falsify records and bring out a sudden change in the policy to please a
particular individual. Our institution has a tradition of bringing out the best in our students. This change in
policy refuses all our belief. Moreover, it is saddening to hurt the sentiments of a young girl who had
worked so hard. Hence, I request the management to reconsider the change in policy and make a
favourable decision.
Yours faithfully
Principal
3. Martha is awarded the scholarship jacket. Prepare a NEWS REPORT that may appear in the
newspaper, the next day

Mexican Wins Scholarship Jacket

 4. Character Sketch of Martha
Martha is the protagonist of the story The Scholarship Jacket. This story tells about the hardships and
challenges she endured to own the much coveted scholarship jacket in her school days. The Texas school
had maintained a tradition of awarding a beautiful gold and green jacket with a big gold „S‟ on the left front
side and the name of the winner on the pocket, to the class valedictorian. Martha was a studious, brilliant
and the most deserving girl who had a record of performing high excellence in her academics since her first
grade. She had been a straight „A‟ student. It was her dream to be honoured with the scholarship jacket.
Martha’s sister was once a recipient of the same. She was born to a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough
to rear his children. Martha then stayed with her old granddad. Martha looked slim, pencil thin and was
often called as beanpole and string bean. Martha was equally talented in athletics as well. She was a well-
disciplined, sincere and truthful student who always looked forward to get acknowledged of her integrity.
She wanted to fight against injustice. Because she knew that she will be rejecting out from the list of
scholarship jacket. They want money for scholarship jacket. But she can’t able to afford the value of that
jacket. So her dejected mind makes to ask her grandfather the fee to be given to the board as to purchase the
scholarship jacket, but she is not obstinate. When grandfather tells her that it should be earned not purchased
she just leaves him crying. It is his words that give her courage and strength to face the situation calmly. She
successfully manages to hide her tears and expresses her decision. She wasn’t ready to give up her honour
for the jacket. At last she achieved that honourably without paying fees. That implies her strong
determination toward it. But she knew that racism existed in full fledge even in her school.
5. The school principal drafts a notice about the valedictorian ceremony. Prepare a NOTICE for that
function.

TEXAS SCHOOL
VALEDICTION CEREMONY
25.12.2016
Our school’s annual valediction ceremony has decided to conduct on 31, December, 2016, in our school
auditorium. This programme will inaugurate Governor of the Texas state. We will award the scholarship
jacket in this occasion; Martha was the winner of this year. All the teachers and students are requested to
reach on sharp time.
Time: 10 AM Venue: school auditorium
Principal
S/d-

6. Character Sketch of Martha’s Grandfather

The grandfather is a hardworking and caring person. The experiences in life made him strong and equipped
him to take the right decision. The grandfather is a very strong presence and great influence in Martha’s life.
In times of crisis, she returns to her grandfather for his guidance. A man of few words, he makes Martha
realise the insignificance of the money assigned as the cost of the scholarship jacket. But he tells her that he
would not pay for the scholarship jacket. He does this to make her realise that there are greater things in life
that money cannot buy. Through his decision he teaches his granddaughter, values of dignity and self-
respect in an individual’s life.
7. Narrate the event that led to Martha’s winning of the scholarship jacket
Martha chanced to overhear a heated argument between Mr. Schmidt, her history teacher and Mr. Boone,
her mathematics teacher. They were arguing as to whom the scholarship jacket should be awarded. Martha
was heartbroken as she listened to her teachers speak. Mr. Schmidt refused to give the jacket to Joann stating
that Martha had clearly excelled in her grades. He also refused to lie or falsify records to make Joann
eligible. He angrily defended Martha asserting that she had a straight „A‟ plus average. Mr. Boone was left
speechless initially but he reminded Mr. Schmidt of the fact that Joann’s father was a member of the board
and that he was very influential. During the course of the conversation, what came as a severe blow to
Martha was the reference of her being a Mexican. The remark shattered Martha which brought into her
mind, feelings of discrimination. That evening she went home very sad. The next day she was summoned to
the principal’s office. She already knows why she was there. The principal was uncomfortable and unhappy.
But Martha looked straight into his eye he then hesitatingly told Martha that there had been a change in
policy that year regarding the scholarship Jacket. He said that the board had decided to charge fifteen
dollars, which still wouldn’t cover the complete cost of the jacket that year. Martha listened to him in utter
dismay. He then explained that if she was unable to pay the fifteen dollars, the jacket would be given to the
next one in line. Martha knew it would undoubtedly be Joann. Martha mustered all her courage and told the
principal that she would speak to her grandfather about the matter and let her know. Tears rolled down
Martha’s cheeks and as she got home, her eyes were red and puffy. She then decided to speak to her
grandfather about the sudden turn of events. She told her grandfather that it would cost fifteen dollars to
possess the scholarship jacket and that she had to give the money the next day itself. The grandfather
listened carefully and went quiet and asked Martha what actually a scholarship jacket was. The answer to
her grandpa’s question made her realise the insignificance of her demand for fifteen dollars. The scholarship
jacket was earned by obtaining the highest grades for eight years. The grandfather, with his question, made
Martha realise that it was not a matter of money. He then gets back to work. As Martha prepares to leave, he
asks her to let the principal know that he was not going to pay fifteen dollars. Martha was deeply hurt and
angered by her grandfather’s response even when she knew that he was right. The next day she told the
principal that her grandfather had refused to pay the amount and the reason for his behaviour, as Martha
stood up to take leave, and was almost at the door, the principal called out to her and asked her to wait. The
words of the grandfather made the principal guilty of his decision. He told Martha that she was going to get
the jacket.
8. Prepare the SPEECH Martha would deliver on her valediction.
Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends, I feel highly delighted to stand before you and speak a
few words on this auspicious occasion. Let me confess to you all that, this special moment is the much
awaited moment in my life. Right from my childhood I had nourished a dream to win this beautiful jacket. I
am the daughter of a poor farm labourer and hence could not afford huge fees. But I wanted to make my
parents happy by earning something which is worthier than money. Today I am here before you, wearing
this beautiful jacket of my dream, and feeling proud at my achievement. My journey was not an easy one. I
had to fight with every situation. I should say the difficulties in my life sharpened me to work hard and
achieve my goal. There was a point where I even doubted that I wouldn’t able to receive this. The tough
competition, the requirements, the formalities, arguments about the true recipient confused me. To be
honest, I feel proud to be a student of this school, because at the end of the day merit is rewarded and truth is
maintained. Had it but not the blessings of my teachers and friends I would never have been able to make
this up. I take this opportunity to thank everyone especially my grandpa, who taught me the value of
truthfulness and self-realization. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the principal and the
teachers who made my dream possible.
Thank you
9. Story of Martha - Narration
Martha was a studious girl who has maintained her academic excellence right from her first grade. She has
been dreaming of the scholarship jacket that she would own one day. Her sister was once a recipient of the
same. So with all her steadfastness she was gearing up for that beautiful honour. She was an eighth grade
student of Texas school. The school has a tradition of honouring the toppers at the valediction. She was the
daughter of poor farm labourer who struggled to bring up the children. Hence Martha lived with her
grandpa. Martha is equally skilful in athletics. But, she would fail to fulfil monetary obligations that come
along with such trainings. Hence she dreamed of scholarship jacket too much. She was too thin but was very
active. She was very punctual and obedient. One day as she was going to fetch her P.E shorts, she
accidentally overheard a heated discussion from the room. Soon she realized that they were discussing about
her. She never meant to eavesdrop but couldn't help her. She was too shocked to hear that they were not
going to give her the scholarship. She felt so disappointed to learn that another aspirant who happened to be
the daughter of the board member is being supported. She went home shattered, with a heart laden with
grief. The next day the principal called her and told her that she had to pay an amount of 15 dollars if she
wished to get the scholarship. She felt like crying. She mustered her courage and told him that she would
give him an answer after consulting her granddad. She went straight to him. And she was expecting that he
would somehow find the money. But granddad told her that she should not pay the money for her hard work
that lasted for the past eight years. If she did so it would cease to exist as a scholarship. The next day, she
went to the principal and informed him that she is not going to pay for the scholarship. An amused principal
added that her grandfather had enough money. To this Martha added that she wouldn't hope for such an
honour and let out unknowingly to give it to the other aspirant. The principal was stunned and told her that
he is going to make a change and she could most gleefully become the right recipient of the scholarship
jacket. Martha's joy knew no bound. She was on cloud nine. She ran home and couldn't wait until she met
her grandpa. She busted out that she was the deserving student for the scholarship. He patted on her
shoulders as a mark of his appreciation and affection for his hardworking granddaughter.
10. The scholarship jacket is not purchased, but earned. How did these words in still confidence in
Martha? Prepare a write-up.
The scholarship Jacket is a beautiful short story by Marta Salinas. It depicts the fight of a sensitive
Mexican American girl to win the scholarship jacket. She was a studious girl, coming from a poor family.
Martha had always secured an A+ average in all exams. Winning the scholarship jacket was her dream and
she was almost sure of getting it. The teachers and the principal favoured her too. But things took a sudden
turn when the Board decided to give it to Joann, the daughter of a board member who owned the only store
in the town.
Once she happened to overhear a dispute between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boone with a shock she realized
that the scholarship jacket was going to become a dream only. The next day she was called to the principal's
room. He told her that the board had decided to charge fifteen dollars for the scholarship jacket. Martha
knew that it was beyond her. Still she made a last attempt and asked her grandfather to pay the money. But
all her hopes were lost when he denied her request saying that an award should be earned and not to be
purchased.
When she met the principal she sadly told him that she was willing to sacrifice her dream and was ready
to give way to Joann. He felt extremely guilty and told her that she deserved it more than anyone else. So
Martha's ambition was fulfilled. If grandfather had paid the money, the scholarship jacket would have lost
its value. Thus his right decision proclaims that there are things beyond money and power. His words bring
out the importance of dignity and self-respect in an individual's life.

11. Prepare a conversation between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boone about giving the scholarship jacket to
Martha
Mr. Schmidt: What are you saying Mr. Boone?
Mr. Boone: Calm down Mr. Schmidt. This year we have to give the scholarship jacket to Joann
Mr. Schmidt: Don’t you think it injustice? Just look at Martha's grades. Straight A+ average
Mr. Boone: I agree. But Joann's father is on the Board. Besides he owns the only store in the town
Mr. Schmidt: Is the Jacket given on the basis of status and position in the society? No I shall never allow it
Mr. Boone: Do you know Martha is a Mexican?
Mr. Schmidt: So what? She is such a studious girl.
Mr. Boone: O k. But even if we stand for her they have decided it all
Mr. Schmidt: If they favour Joann I shall resign my job.
Mr. Boone: Do you think it can be of any use?
Mr. Schmidt: Definitely not, but at least I can protest.

12. Once Martha overhears the conversation between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boone about giving the
scholarship jacket to Joann. What would be her thoughts?
Oh is it true? I can't believe. The shock still remains. I never imagined such a situation would arise. The
scholarship jacket is my dream. I was almost sure of getting it. Why is Mr. Boone supporting Joann? Don't I
deserve it? Is the scholarship jacket given according to the status of students? My family is not very rich as
Joann. Oh god I feel I am lost. What if they decide in favour of her? Mr. Schmidt's helpless voice still
echoes in my ears. My lifelong ambition is left unfulfilled forever.

POETRY
1. Summary of the poem:
In his poem Neruda narrates his experience of poetic inspiration. He uses personification in the first part
(poetry arrived in search of me), it sets the tone of the poem. He doesn't know from where it came, how or
when it came. He was summoned away by an invisible force and 'it' touched him. The poet was 'without a
face' before poetry arrived. When it arrived the poet discovered his creativity (his inner self- the self of
poetic inspiration felt by the poet). In the end the poet find himself as a part of something, the part of the
'void', 'mystery' or the part of the 'abyss'. He expresses his delight as heart breaking loose on the wind. Using
beautiful imagery, the poet expresses his joy of being a part of poetic creation.

Questions
1. Do you think the speaker in the poem earnestly wishes to be a poet? Which line says so?
2. ‘Poetry arrived in search of me.’ Why does the poet say so?
3. According to the poet, where did poetry come from?
4. The words “Winter” and “river”, representing a frozen state and the flow of life respectively, indicate
a contrast. Find out a similar expression of contrast from these lines.
5. What is the figure of speech used in the expression ‘poetry arrived’?
6. ‘there I was without a face’. What does the poet mean by this line? Or, What was the poet’s
condition before the poetry arrived?
7. What happened to the poet when poetry arrived?
8. Poetic intuition is like seeing without eyes. Which line says so?
 9. Pick out two examples of alliteration.
10. How did he feel about his first line and why?
11. How did he say when he started writing poetry, his imagination knew no bounds?
12. What do the words ‘fire’ and ‘flower’ stand for?

Answers
1. The line ‘And it was at that age ... Poetry arrived’ shows that the poet was earnestly wishing to be a
poet, and at that age when he was wishing to be a poet, it arrived and touched him.
2. At the time of the poet’s earnest desire to become a poet, in a phase of his life when he could not
express his ideas, he got abruptly a poetic inspiration and started writing his faint first line. This was
like the poetry arrived in search of him.
3. He did not know where the poetry came from, how or when. He did not hear any voices speaking to
him. He was summoned away by an invisible force and the poetry touched him.
4. Not voices, nor silence.
5. In the expression ‘Poetry arrived’, the figure of speech ‘personification’ is used.
6. Before the arrival of poetry, poet was unable to express his ideas and thoughts. He was a person
without a self-identity.
7. When the poetry arrived he felt something started in his soul. He could make his own way to express
his ideas and thoughts by deciphering the fire of poetic passion.
8. ‘My eyes were blind’, ‘and something started in my soul’.
9. ‘and something started in my soul’. Planets, palpitating plantations.
10. He felt that his first line was faint and without substance. He was not sure whether it was wisdom or
pure nonsense. When he started writing his first line he was not confident enough to compose a
poem.
11. When he started writing poetry, the heavens opened up before him and he could see everything from
the planets to abyss, everything in this universe.
12. ‘Fire’ and ‘flower’ are two things in the universe. ‘Fire’ stands for the poetic passion and ‘flower’ for
beauty and ecstasy of poetic imagination.

Never - Never Nest

1. Aunt Jane is extremely anxious about the life style of Jack and Jill. On the day she knows about it,
She writes down her thoughts in the form of a diary. Prepare the likely diary.
Date 10/11/2019
Monday
I am really shocked to know about the way of their lifestyle. I don't like the instalment system and I can't
approve anyone buying things on it. But Jack and Jill have bought many household things carelessly without
considering their income. They have bought a car, a fridge, a radiogram, a piano and even their house all at
once on the instalment system. But their weekly earnings are less than their weekly instalment amount to be
paid. Leading a luxurious life on hire purchase and loan is a foolish idea. It will only lead us from debt to
debt. I've expressed my displeasure on their way of life. I think they have understood the seriousness of the
problems they may face from their showy life beyond proper means. Poor Jack, he has now Jill and a child
to look after. I couldn't bid them goodbye leaving them in trouble. I gave them a cheque for a small amount,
with which they can pay off at least one of their bills. Tomorrow I will advise them to return some things to
the company if possible, so that it will reduce their burden of weekly instalment payments.

Character sketch
 2. JACK
Jack is a young man who wants to lead a luxurious life with his wife and child. He is a victim of modern
consumerism. He earns only six pounds and spends seven pounds and eight pence a week. His weekly
repayment of instalment is more than his earning. He lives in a well-furnished house with all luxuries. He
has bought costly furniture, refrigerator, piano, radio, car etc. on instalment scheme. He is unaware of the
consequences of the trap of instalment. Even though he was given several warnings about the adverse
impact of the instalment scheme, he was not willing to budge from it. It shows his negligence and greed for
pleasure and thrill of life without earning anything fruitful. He has no control over his expenditure and does
not understand the danger behind it. He takes unnecessary risks to lead a lavish and reckless life. It may ruin
his future and lose real happiness and peace of mind in his daily life.
3. AUNT JANE
Aunt jane is a highly practical woman. She is a central character in the play. She is a kind and generous lady
who helped jack and Jill financially to save them from their debt trap. She is a key character in the play and
she tells jack and Jill about the negative impact of instalment scheme. She has given them a cheque to settle
one bill to make at least one item as their own. She warned them that they should keep away from this type
of purchase and it would put them in deep financial difficulty in near future. She instructed them to get rid of
these practices which might ruin their life and career. She has played in a key role to keep them away from
instalment scheme.

4. Aunt Jane is worried about the foolish way of living of jack and Jill. She writes her thoughts and
feelings in her diary entry.

22nd November 2020.

How foolish jack and Jill are! They are insensible and stupid. He is extravagant and careless in his
unnecessary expenditure. They spend senselessly and their miseries will increase day by day. Jack earns
only six pounds a week. But he spends more than that. He is unaware of his expenses. I don’t know what
happened to him. He likes to live luxuriously with his small income. He is not at all worried about his future.
He will be in deep financial trouble soon. He should be more careful about his financial dealings. Normal
life will be impossible. His child is growing. They will have more expenses in future. They have to control
their expenditure or they will have to repent in future. I advised them plenty of times to keep away from
these types of foolish purchase. Oh! My God, please save him.

VANKA
1. Character sketch of grandfather in Vanka
Grandfather Konstantin Makarich, is one of the most leading character in the story “Vanka”. Vanka is a
short story written by famous Russian writer; Anton Chekhov. He was a small, lean, old man about 65, but
remarkably lively and agile with a smiling face and bleary with drink. He worked as a night watchman on
the estate of Zhivarev in the village. He was dutiful and serious while duty. In night who walked around the
estate with his dogs, Eel and old Kashtanka. He always kept a smiling face and used to enjoy the jolly
company with the kitchen maids. He kept a snuffbox with him and shared it with woman and even to the
dogs. Vanka had spent happy times with him. They had a wonderful time together in village. But after the
death of Vanka’s mother Pelageya, Vanka was sent down to the back kitchen to his granddad. Granddad was
sent him to Moscow to Alyakhin the shoe maker.
2. Character sketch of Vanka
Vanka was a nine-year-old boy. He had been apprenticed three months ago Alyakhin the shoe maker. Vanka
was an orphan he had no father and mother; his mother Pelageya died recently. He has only grandfather
named Konstantin Makarich. After the death of his mother; he sent down to the back kitchen to his
granddad. Granddad sent him to Moscow; to Alyakhin the Shoe maker. Olga Ignatyevna was Vanka’s
favourite; who loved Vanka and taught him to read and write, to count a hundred, to dance quadrille. His
master was very cruel; master’s mistress always treats him cruelly. He didn’t get good food or other
facilities. His senior apprentices make fun of him; they sent him to tavern to buy vodka and made him to
steal master’s cucumber. On Christmas Eve Vanka decided he was unable to bear all these punishment, so
he started to a write a letter to his granddad. He asked to his grandfather through his letter to take him back
to village.
3. Speech about child labour
Respected teachers and my dear friends;
Today I am standing before you to speak few words about child labour and its victims. Do you know that of
every 100 children in the world today, 16 of them are child labourers, 12 of them are in its worst form, and
will never go to school? There are 246 million child labourers in the world today, most are in developing
countries. Some of them are doing hazardous work and operating dangerous tools or machineries. They are
working on farms, plantations, mines, or even construction sites. Nowadays child labour considered as an
international concern because it damages, spoils and destroys the future of the children. The problem of
child labour is a serious matter not only in India but also in developing countries. It is a great social problem.
Children are the hope and future of a nation. Yet there are millions deprived children in our country who
have never known a normal, care free childhood. The law in Indian soil says that any child below aged of 14
can’t be employed either in factory or office or restaurant. In fact, India’s in international business has been
severely affected in many cases because of child labour, violating human right, have been used in some
stage or in other manufacturing, packaging of transport of those item. And in a large number of cases of
export of ready-made garments, prawn and several other items from India has been rejected on grounds of
child labour being used. The main obstacle to achieving universal primary education is only the in ability
and or the unwillingness of governments to provide quality educational facilities for poor children in rural
areas and in city shantytowns, because evidence from around the world has shown that poor families are
willing to make sacrifices to send their children to school when it is physically and economically accessible.
In conclusion child labour should not happen as our greatest natural resource is the mind of the children. If
the child labour continues, the children will not be able to get a good education and our society can’t
develop.
So let’s put our hands together to wipe out the child labour.
Thank you
4. Letter to Vanka (granddad)
Place:
Date:
Dear grandson;
I received your letter, and I am very sad to know about your plight condition. I felt your miserable life in
Alyakhin’s house. You are a nine-year-old boy and you can’t afford those hard and worst punishments more.
So my dear grandson I will be there as soon as possible. Don’t give up your life before that, you are my hope
and sweet. I will take back you very next moment.
Yours Lovingly
Konstantin Makarich
S/d
5. Letter to Granddad (Vanka)

Place:
Date:
Dear granddad;
I hope you are fine; may God send his blessing to you. I am writing this letter to tell you the troubles that I
am facing here. I am not getting proper food or other facilities here. The master and mistress ill treat me they
never let me sleep whole night, because I have to rock their baby. If I fell in sleep while rocking the baby,
they beat me with whatever they see. Mrs. Alyakhin also hit me for silly mistake. Senior apprentices also
make fun of me. They send me to tavern to buy vodka and to steal master’s cucumber. Please help me
granddad. Please save me from this hell. I am ready to take any job in our village. Please take me back to
village.
With hope
Vanka zukhov
S/d
6. Imagine that the Master Alyakhin returned while Vanka was writing the letter. Attempt a likely
conversation between them.
Alyakhin: Hey, what are you doing?
Vanka: I am writing a letter sir.
Alyakhin: A letter? To whom?
Vanka: To my grandfather.
Alyakhin: To your grandfather? What is there to convey?
Vanka: Nothing sir.
Alyakhin: It is to complain about our cruel treatment, isn’t it?
Vanka: No sir.
Alyakhin: Don’t think that he can save you. I won’t let you go.
Vanka: Sir please, May I go?
Alyakhin: No, go and do your duty. If you don’t obey me I will punish you.
Vanka: I will obey you.

7. Before going to bed, Vanka wrote that day's diary. Attempt a possible diary entry.
10 PM date:
Today I am very happy; because I wrote a letter to my granddad. I filled my worries and struggles that I am
facing here on that. No one interrupt me from writing this letter. I think he will get this very soon. Will this
Christmas be a happy time for me? The cruel master punished me today without any reason. No one loves
me, no one cares me. All the apprentices make fun of me. Am I not a human being? My life in here is worse
than a dog. I didn’t get any consideration even a dog gets. I will be happy and free, if I reach home. I hope
my loving granddad will come and rescue me from these cruel people. O God! Please make pity on this poor
orphan.
8. Letter to the Editor
FROM 15 June 2016
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
TO
The Editor
The Hindu
Trivandrum
Sir,
Through the column of your esteemed daily, I wish to Voice my deep concern about children who are
engaged in child labour. Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives
children of their childhood, denies them their right to education and impairs them physically, mentally,
emotionally and socially. Our country is the home to many children who are forced to work; in order to
survive many small scale industries in our neighbourhood that employee children below the age of 14. Long
hour of toil in the hazardous conditions; snatch their childhood. The eyes that should be filled with
innocence, now looks up at one with misery writ large upon them. The fingers that should be turning the
page of the textbook are numb handling crude machinery. The factory owners find cheap labour in children
and the affluent class; find these children as handy domestic help. What could be the reason for this justice?
Poverty, ignorance, in security, large families and lure of an additional income for the family are all reasons
why these children are forced into labour at such a young age. The government has to made child labour as
punishable by law. The introduction of Right to Education Act makes education compulsory and free for
children in the age of 6 to 14. In-spite of all these measures taken by the Government, child labour still
continues. This is because there is nobody to fight for their cause. Immediate steps must be taken by the
government and other non-governmental agencies to create awareness for the need for educations. Stringent
action must be taken against industry owners who employ children. I am sure that the readers rise to the
occasion and each one will consider it their responsibility to save the future of our country.
Yours faithfully
Name
Sd/-

9. Narrate the story Vanka.

Vanka is a nine-year-old unhappy orphaned boy who is apprenticed to learn shoemaking under a cruel
inhumane master named Alyakhin in Moscow. Vanka had no one in this world except an old grandfather
who works as a night watchman in the estate of the gentlefolk called Zhivarev. The old man wanted Vanka
to stand up his own leg when he grows up. So he decided to send him to Moscow. Vanka works as a child
labourer didn’t treat well at the Alyakhin’s home. He was exploited relentlessly and assaulted brutally by
them. A fed up and exhausted Vanka decides to write a letter to his dear granddad on a Christmas eve while
his master and the crew were in the church, to rescue him from the clutches of the devil Alyakhin and his
toil. Anyway, the poor lad reminiscences his good old days spend with his dear granddad. A merry man;
hanging around the kitchen with his usual pranks, dozing, joking and doing his duty with two of his dogs.
Even in the midst of hardships and miseries, his memories sweeten up his little troubled mind. He hopes that
his grand dad would stay by him and the time of difficulties. He even promises him that he would take the
responsibility of taking care of the old man at his weaker days. He says he would not give a damn if ever he
be punished by him for his childish pranks.
The letter brings tears into our eyes since it is a touching and shocking revelation of how he had been badly
treated by Mr. Alyakhin and his wife. He affirms that he was treated below the dignity of a dog there. There
are so many instances where Vanka could no longer bear the unnatural ways of punishments they adopted to
harass him. Alyakhin would prefer using a stirrup-strap to beat him and drag him by his hair. His mistress
would angrily rub his face with herring. He cut the fish from the tail as against her wish. The other senior
apprentices always made fun of him and forced him to fetch vodka from the tavern. He was compelled to
steal the master’s cucumber and thereby endure all the consequences that would follow. Vanka always had
Bread in the morning and gruel for dinner. At night Vanka was allowed to sleep in the passage and was
strictly ordered to rock their baby to sleep which makes him wake up throughout the night. Vanka doesn’t
wishes to linger in Moscow any longer with unimaginative people and children confined to the four walls
and denied and deprived of all their due joys and the bliss and freedom of their childhood. He wanted his
childhood back. He had sent his hopes on his grandfather who he believes that would run to save him once
the letter reaches him to save him from Alyakhin the brute. Vanka finishes writing the last few lines in tears
and hurriedly posted the letter dreaming of his immediate future and the resultant freedom, Vanka dozed off.
He saw his grandfather reading his letter to his fellow mates. Story ends at a positive note of Vanka’s dream.
People weren’t much reactive to this social evil. Many innocent lives had gone unnoticed; all the while their
souls got tampered. The author made it a point to highlight the theme orphaned childhood and child abuse.
The story was a mirror held up to show the follies of 21st century and its working class. The author takes a
special delight in portraying the unknown, miserable and obscure. Vanka remains in the reader’s conscience
as an unattended wailing kid'.
10. Alyakhin is arrested. Write a newspaper report for the same.
SHOEMAKER ARRESTED
Moscow, 28.12.17. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit team rescued Vanka from the hands of the savage
shoemaker, Alyakhin. The shoemaker was arrested on monday during a raid conducted by the team, in co -
ordination with the labour officer as a part of a drive against child labour. The accused has been booked
under Child Labour Act 1986. Vanka is accommodated at the Children‟s Shelter Home. He will be handed
over to his granddad through State Child Welfare Committee. It is said that the police are seeking court
order whether to invoke Juvenile Justice Act against him.
12. Imagine Vanka's grandfather gets the letter. He is too tensed. He writes his thoughts in his diary.
Attempt his diary.
27.12.1890
Monday
9 PM
What a terrible day! I received Vanka's letter today. I couldn’t contain my grief. My little son, he needs me
there at the earliest possible. The poor child is left with no options. Those brutes might have been torturing
him for long. How cruel and inhumane they are! I have made up mind to bring this into the notice of
authorities. For the time being, reaching there is my first priority. Oh! God, let my child be brave enough to
endure those troubles for a couple days more. Once I reach there, I would break the skull of the master and
for that lady I would forget that I had always nursed tender feelings towards women. I don’t think I can
sleep well today. I am so disturbed and worried. I feel so guilty of sending Vanka to him. After all he is just
nine years. I should have kept him here. I should have taken care of him. I should have sent him to school. I
did a great mistake. I should correct it. Once he comes back, I will send him to school. I can’t wait a second
more to leave for Moscow. Oh! God help this poor old man.
13. Vanka‟s grandfather reaches Alyakhin'shouse. Prepare a conversation between them.
Alyakhin: Good morning Mr. Konstantin Makarich.
Grandpa: Good morning
Alyakhin: I am so surprised at your sudden visit. What you reached here?
Grandpa: I came for Vanka.
Alyakhin: For Vanka? But his apprenticeship is yet to complete.
Grandpa: I don’t bother. I want to see him right now.
Alyakhin: Okay. But you look very troubled, aren’t you?
Grandpa: Of course I am. But don’t worry; you would feel the same within a few minutes.
Alyakhin: What do you mean?
Grandpa: I have informed the police about your harassment to my child.
Alyakhin: What?
Grandpa: Police will be here within few seconds.

14. Imagine that you are going to participate in a Debate on the topic 'Are the rights of children denied
everywhere? Write some points in support of the topic.
1. The intensity of violence exerted on children is on the rise across the world.
2. One out of six children in developing countries is forced to work.
3. Millions of children are victims of the illegal trade in organs, violence and sexual exploitation.
4. In some countries Nutritious food and Health care are denied to children.
5. Children have the right to give their opinion but adults do not listen to and take it seriously.
15. Imagine that you are a member of Child rights movement. You happened to know about Vanka. You
visit him to know his predicament. Attempt a likely conversation.
Activist: Hello Vanka, I am a child rights activist.
Vaka: Hello sir, what do you want?
Activist: We have received some complaints that you are ill-treated by your master.
Vanka: He beats me every day.
Activist: Why does he beat you every day?
Vanka: I don't know. I do everything he orders. Even then he beats me.
Activist: Why don't you go back to your parents?
Vanka: They are no more sir. My grand dad is the only relative I have.
Activist: He can look after you, can't he?
Vanka: No sir, he is an old man. He's very poor too.
Activist: If so we'll talk to your master and order him not to punish you. If he repeats, we'll take action
against
him. Don't worry.
Vanka: Thank you sir.
Activist: See you Vanka.
Vanka: See you sir.

The Castaway

Prepare a conversation between Nilkanta and kiran

Kiran: Nilu, dontget panic.
Nilkanta: I have no one in this world.
Kiran: Nilu, I want you to be gentle always
Nilkanta: It wasn't intentional.
Kiran: Nilu, if you have taken the ink stand, give it to me.
Nilkanta: No one trusts me
Kiran: I don’t want you to be in further mess.
Nilkanta: I don’t want to leave you.
Kiran: Be a good boy, Nilu, you have the blessings.
Nilkanta: But no one cares for me
Kiran: Don’t worry, my boy, I am with you

MOTHER TO SON
Comprehension Questions

1. Who is the speaker in the poem? (Mother)

2. Whom does she address? (Son)
3. What is life compared to? (Stair case)
4. What is the figure of speech used in the line " life for me ain't been no crystal stair? (Metaphor)
5. What does crystal stair suggest? (Smooth and easy life)
6. What do "tacks, splinters, and boards torn up" suggest? (Difficulties in life)
7. What does" places with no carpet" refer to?
Life without luxuries.
8. What does “bare” suggest? (Poverty in life)
9. What does "reaching landing" suggest? (Achievements in life)
10. What does "turning corners" suggest?
Unexpected turning points in life.
11. What does "going in the dark" suggest?
Hopeless and dark times in life.
13. What is the message given to the son?
Don't set down on the steps.
14. What is the message of the poem? What does " Don't set down on the step" imply?
Don't give up climbing up the stair case of life.
15. Phrase which means "has not" (Ain't)
16. Why Afro American dialect is used in the poem?
To show the illiteracy of the mother
17. What does the mother tell her son?
Don't stop the journey of life though it is full of difficulties.
18. What example does the mother give to her son to persuade him?
Mother shows her own life as an example.
19. Pick out the lines that show the mother could continue her journey overcoming the hurdles in life?
For I, still going
I still climbing.

Summary

The poem is a monologue by a mother where she is speaking to her son. The mother tells her son that
life has never been easy or free of difficulties. It has never been a smooth ride. She compares the journey
of life to the upward climb on a staircase and says it has not been smooth like crystal. She talks about the
various difficulties that one has to face in life like the broken parts and uncarpeted floors that make
climbing a staircase difficult. Despite all the challenges the mother kept moving forward and also faced
times of confusion and uncertainty. She tells the boy to do the same and have the courage to move
forward without ever turning back. The mother also tells her son to not be misled or lose hope. She
inspires her son by saying that she has always strived for a better life and even he must continue to do so.