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2
22

30
47

76
82
88
93
99
104
111
116

123
127
131
135
140

146
152
160
165
171
177
188

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SECTION-A

READING COMPREHENSION

Reading Comprehension (1) decoding the texts. (2) is the perceptive of

what a particular text means. (3) ideas the author is attempting to convey
through the text.

Reading Comprehension is the ability to -

• process text and to understand its meaning, and to integrate it with
what the reader already knows.
• understand the meaning of the words from the context.
• follow organization of passage and to identify antecedents and
references in it.
• draw inferences from a passage about its contents.
• identify the main thought of a passage.
• answer the asked questions on the basis of reading of the text.
• determine the writer's purpose, intent and point of view.
Tips to attempt comprehension during exam
• read the passage at a reasonable pace to get the general idea of the
text.
• do second reading at a slow pace to get the specific meaning
• underline the key words, phrases and sentences to identify antecedents
and references in it.

• manage your time accordingly. A lot depends on how well you time
yourself. Make sure, while you attempt the comprehension passages
in the examination it should be in the limit of 18 to 20 minutes. If you
spend too much time on the passage, you may run out of time while
answering oilier questions.

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• go through the questions in the beginning and while reading the

passage keep the questions in mind. It would help you locate the
answers easily.
• understand the questions and locate the answers,
• it is of utmost importance that you give your complete attention to the
passage at hand.
• be accurate while opting the answer in multiple choice questions.
• The correct way to answer MCQ is by writing the part of the Q. No
along with the correct statement only.

SOLVED UNSEEN PASSAGE -1 (FACTUAL)

Read the following text.

Gone are the days when malnutrition would mean a sickly thin child. Now
it covers a spectrum that refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a
child's intake of energy or nutrients. The new century is a harbinger of new
sights and technology. Keeping up with the times is also the changing face of
malnutrition in kids. In the 21st Century, malnutrition has taken the form of
an ugly three-headed monster - the one that combines under nutrition, poor
vitamin and mineral status, and overweight.
Under nutrition which includes low weight-for-height or wasting, low
height-for-age or stunting and underweight which is low weight-for-age.
Under nutrition makes children vulnerable to all kinds of diseases and can
even be life-threatening. This is usually treatable and preventable too. Low
weight-for-age means the child has recently undergone severe weight loss,
either due to diarrhea or any other health condition. Low height-for-age
usually means long standing lack of nutritious food. This can be traced back
to poor nutrition when the child was in the mother's womb, poor nutrition as
a child and frequent illness. Stunting can severely limit a child in terms of its
intelligence and physical capabilities. Underweight children can be so either
due to stunting or wasting or due to both.
Micro nutrient malnutrition is deficiency of vitamins and minerals which

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are collectively called micro nutrients and they are required for healthy growth
and development. Children who display difficult eating behavior or those who
do not consume a variety of foods might not be meeting their vitamin and
mineral requirements. Most of the times, absorption could also be an issue.
Deficiencies of iodine, vitamin A and iron is a global health problem with
many children deficient in them.
Gone are the days when a cherubic baby was a sign of a healthy baby.
Overweight or obesity means a child is much too heavy for their age. This
predicament is because there is an imbalance between consumption of calories
and expenditure. Sugar and fat laden drinks and snacks are responsible for
this. Excess fat can impair health.
The big three faces of malnutrition pose many issues at the individual and
at the country level. For starters, all forms of malnutrition can lead to diet-
related non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, and often
linked with high blood pressure. At a country level, lack of productivity from
malnourished individuals and increase in healthcare costs pose an economic
burden on the country.
Nation-wide efforts are needed to tackle this problem of malnutrition.
Access to safe, nutritious foods even to the economically disadvantaged
societies, providing nutrition education for families to make the correct
dietary choice and improving assessment and nutrition monitoring can help
weed and rectify malnutrition early. Source ( Hindustan Times/ Malnutrition
and its three big forms parents must be wary of/ By Dr Pankaj Garg / Oct 07,
2021 /444 words)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Select the option that classifies writer's view on changing definition of
emerging causes of malnutrition in wake of 21 century ( 1 Marks)
(a) Poverty and starvation

(b) Lack of nutrition literacy

(c) Opulent resources

(d) Lack of resources

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(ii) Pick the option that correctly indicates a condition of a malnourished

child : (1 Marks)
1. Wasted
2. Obese
3. Normal
4. Stunted
(a) 2,3,4
(b) 1,2,3
(c) 1,2,4
(d) 1.3.4
(iii) Share evidence from the text to support the view that the writer is
urging for immediate intervention, detection and prevention of
malnutrition. (2 Marks)
(iv) Match the conditions appropriately: ( 1 Marks)
Column I Column II
1 Stunting (i) Thinner than normal weight
2 Obese (ii) Shorter than normal height
3 Wasting (iii) Overweight than normal
4 Underweight (iv) both thinner and shorter than normal
(a) 1-iv, 2-iii, 3-ii, 4-i
(b) 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii, 4-iv
(c) 1-ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-iv
(d) 1-iii, 2-ii, 3-iv, 4-i
(v) Who among the following child can likely be malnourished despite
access to opulent resources : (1 Marks)
(a) A slow eater
(b) A picky eater
(c) A slum dweller
(d) A village kid
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(v) Who are the ugly three-headed monster that the writer blames for
malnutrition (1 Marks)
(a) Under nutrition, micro nutrient related deficiency and overweight
(b) Micro nutrient adequacy, obesity and stunting
(c) wasting, overweight and vitamin adequacy
(d) stunting, excess nutrition and minerals adequacy.
(vi) Explain, why a cherubic baby is no longer considered a healthy baby.
 (2 Marks)
(vii) How malnutrition could be a threat to economic growth of a nation ?
 (1 Marks)
(viii) "Nation needs to tackle malnutrition holistically ". What strategies
need to be employed to prevent malnutrition and improve nutrition
among children. (2 Marks)
(ix) Identify the relation among the given set of words/ phrase and fill the
blank with the appropriate won phrase (1 Marks)
Nutrition literacy : healthy child : Nutrition ignorance : --------------
Answer key :
(i) (b) Lack of nutrition literacy
(ii) (c) 1,2,4
(iii) Writer has urged that malnutrition now is not limited to poverty only
and now it covers a spectrum o deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances
in a child's intake of energy or nutrients which is alarming.
(iv) (c) 1-ii, 2-iii, 3-i, 4-iv
(v) (a) Under nutrition, micro nutrient related deficiency and overweight.
(vi) (a) cherubic child is likely to suffer from obesity. Overweight or
obesity is an imbalance between consumption of calories and energy
expenditure. Sugar and fat laden drinks and snacks can impair health.
(vii) Lack of productivity from malnourished individuals and increase in
healthcare costs pose an economic burden on the country.

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(viii) Nation-wide efforts such as access to safe, nutritious foods, providing

nutrition education for familiar and improving assessment and
nutrition monitoring can help weed and rectify malnutrition early.
(ix) Malnourished child

SOLVED UNSEEN PASSAGE-2(FACTUAL)

Read the passage given below.

1. The lack of space in urban locales, people's preference for fresh
vegetables and some bit of out-of-the-box thinking has helped
create businesses based on an indoor green revolution. These new-
age nouveau farmers are growing romaine lettuce, oak leaves, mint.
kale, basil etc. in their vertical plants in urban localities. There are
Petri dishes that hold plants, there is artificial light and the setup
has its humidity and temperature monitored and strictly controlled.
This soil-less farming is called hydroponic (sustained on water and
nutrients) farming, not a new idea at all. but one that is now being
widely adopted.
2. Hydroponics is the art of gardening without soil. Instead of using soil,
water is deployed to provide nutrients, hydration, and oxygen to plant
life. It requires very little space, 90 to 95% less water than traditional
agriculture, and helps grow a garden full of fruits and flowers in half
the time.
3. Hydroponics cultivation yield reflects rapid growth, stronger yields,
and superior quality. Since no soil is used, there are no pests and
therefore no insecticide/pesticide is required.
Grown in an environment that is controlled in terms of water at the
plains ' roots, moisture in the air. humidity in the air. ambient light
(same spectrum as of sunlight) etc. the food thus grown is cleaner in
physical, chemical, and biological nature.
4. The global population is predicted to reach 9.7 billion by the year 2050
and to feed everyone, it's estimated that global food production will
need to increase by up to 70% in the next 30 years. This method will
decentralize supply chains and give more business to local suppliers,
thereby cutting fuel costs and carbon emissions.

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5. The indoor fanning technology market was valued at $23 .75 billion
in 2016 and is projected to reach $40.25 billion by 2022, as per a
report in The Forbes. Indoor green farms may be an idea whose time
has come. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer
questions from the following :-
(i) Which of the following statements DO NOT substantiates the benefits
of hydroponic farming?
(a) Requires little space.
(b) Gives better yield
(c) Requires abundance of water.
(d) Yield is chemical free.
(ii) Choose the option that lists the percentage TRUE with respect to
water used in hydroponic farming than traditional agriculture
1. 90%more
2. 90 to 95% less
3. 95%more.
4. 90%less
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2and4
(c) 1 and2
(d) 3 and4
(iii). "Grown in an environment that is controlled". DOES NOT means that
hydroponic cultivation is
(a) nutrition less without natural environment
(b) done under 'strictly' monitored humidity and temperature.
(c) chemical and pest free.
(d) of superior quality.

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(iv) Pick the option that correctly states what IS NOT the reason for
adopting hydroponic farming
(a) It is just one of the current fashion trends.
(b) lack of space in urban areas
(c) Preference for fresh vegetables.
(d) It promotes idea of sustainable living.
(v) Select a suitable phrase from paragraph 5 to complete the following
sentence appropriately.
Electric Vehicle is future of automobile industry whose __________
with projected sales leaping to 40% by 2030.
(vi) As per a report in The Forbes, which is the option that correctly
displays the projected farming technology market from 2016 to 2022:
(a) exactly double .
(b) more than double.
(c) exactly half.
(d) little less than double.
(vii) "Global food production will need to increase by up to 70% in the
next 30 years". DOES NOT indicate:
(a) We need alternative cultivation practices to meet demand.
(b) We need environment friendly methods.
(c) Local supply will result in high fuel cost.
(d) Decentralized supply can reduce carbon emission.
(viii) Which option represents the correct method of hydroponic farming?
(a) Soil & Water.
(b) Water & Nutrient.
(c) Nutrient & Soil.
(d) Water only.

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(ix) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word 'nouveau'.
(a) The famous Madhubani painting is a renowned nouveau art form.
(b) The sudden success of the startup firm created several nouveau
millionaires.
(c) Ayurveda is a nouveau system of medicine.
(d) A nouveau locomotive train engine at Museum was a treat to eyes.
(x) Benefits of hydroponic farming DOES NOT include:
(a) less water
(b) zero soil.
(c) superior yield
(d) high pesticides.
(xi) " It requires very little space, 90 to 95% less water than traditional
agriculture, and helps grow a garden full of fruits and flowers in half
time.", is a reference to hydroponic system
(a) equal growth rate.
(b) Fast growth rate
(c) slow growth rate.
(d) medium growth rare

Answer Key:

i. (c) Requires abundance of water.

(ii) (b) 2and4
(iii) (a) nutrition less without natural environment.
(iv) (a) It is just one of the current fashion trends.
(v) (c) time has come.
(vi) (d) little less than double.
(vii) (c) Local supply will result in high fuel cost.
(viii) (b) Water & Nutrients.
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ix. (b) The sudden success of the startup firm created several nouveau
millionaires.
x. (d) high pesticides.
xi. (b) Fast growth rate.

SOLVED UNSEEN PASSAGE -3 ( FACTUAL)

Read the passage given below.

Everything you do in your day-to-day life has an impact on the planet, from
the food you eat to the car you drive. Sustainable living includes prioritizing
the use of natural and renewable resources instead of creating excess waste and
depleting resources for future generations .At the moment, we are producing
resources, using energy and creating waste at a rate which isn't sustainable.
This leads to environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change,
which cause harm to the environment, wildlife and humans. By making some
small changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help
to tackle these issues.
By using less energy, you can help to reduce carbon emissions. There are a
number of ways you can save energy at home, including switching off standby
appliances and hanging clothes to dry instead of using a drier.
Single-use products, particularly plastic ones, tend to end up in landfill
and the ocean, causing harm to wildlife and the environment. Prevent this by
choosing to use reusable and eco-friendly alternatives instead.
To avoid wasting paper, choose to receive letters over email and only
print off documents if necessary. Make sure you're recycling by putting your
rubbish in the correct bins. Also, try to reuse products and items as many times
as possible before binning them to reduce waste. If you don't use a product or
wear a piece of clothing anymore, give it to a charity shop or someone you
know would make use of it to help reduce waste.
You can save water in and around your home by making a number of
small changes. Walk or ride a bike to your destination instead of driving if it's
close enough - it's better for the environment and your health. Using public
transport is another good way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If you have leftovers, don't throw them away. However, if they do go off,
use them to create compost for you garden.
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On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer questions

from the given below.
(i) What does it mean to live in a a sustainable way ?
(ii) "....hanging clothes to dry instead of using a dryer." Pick the option in
which the meaning of 'hang(ing)" is the same as it is in the passage.
(a) I am going to have a Christmas tree and hang all my gifts upon it.
(b) 1 will go to market to hang out after finishing my work.
(c) I'll text you when we hang up next.
(d) Its lots of fun to hang out with friends.
(iii) Pick the option that correctly lists the idea of sustainable living
1. reduce wastage.
2. use non-renewable resources
3. use renewable resources
4. recycle rubbish
5. increase green house gas emissions
6. misuse energy
(a) I, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 5 and 6
(c) 3, 4 and 6
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(iv) The narrator says that we can prevent this by choosing to use reusable
and eco-friendly alternatives instead. Not preventing means _______.
(a) hindering.
(b) averting.
(c) promoting.
(d) forbidding.

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(v) Pick the option that is NOT TRUE in respect of “Hanging clothes to
dry instead of using a dryer”:
(a) It saves energy.
(b) It is an outdated practice.
(c) It is a better use of renewable resource.
(d) It saves money.
(vi) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to
the passage with respect to leftover food.
1. It is miserable to reuse it.
2. It can be reused as food.
3. It can be used for compost.
4. It can only be thrown away.
(a) I & 2
(b) 3&4
(c) 2&3
(d) 1 &4
(vii) The word 'depleting ", as used in paragraph, means the same as _____.
(viii) Based on the passage, choose the option that is NOT one of the step
towards sustainable living

OPTION 1   OPTION 2   OPTION 3    OPTION 4

(a) Option (1)       (b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)       (d) Option (4)

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(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately

"By making some small changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce
your carbon footprint" The idea of making small changes, is mainly a
reference to.
(x) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word 'sustainable'.
(a) Although Rahul is able to work 16 hours a day right now, this
kind of work schedule is sustainable for long term.
(b) Generating power through the use of fossil fuels is a sustainable
and environment damaging.
(c) Exploitation of natural resources is a sustainable option.
(d) Organic farming promotes the sustainable health and productivity
of the ecosystem.
(xi) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information
in passage.
(a) Single-use plastic bottles are an eco-friendly option.
(b) Using less energy, can help to reduce carbon emissions.
(c) Walk, ride a bike or use public transport to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
(d) If possible reuse products to reduce waste before discarding
them.
(i) Sustainable living is prioritizing the use of natural and renewable
resources instead of creating waste and depleting resources for future
generations.
(ii) (a) I am going to have a Christmas tree and hang all my gifts upon it.
(iii) (a) I, 3 and 4
(vi) (c) promoting.
(v) (b) It is an outdated practice
(vi) (c) 2&3
(vii) decreasing.

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(viii) (b) OPTION(2)

(ix) switching to sustainable living
(x) (d) Organic farming promotes the sustainable health and productivity
of the ecosystem.
(xi) (a) Single-use plastic bottles are an eco-friendly option.

UNSEEN PASSAGE - 4 (DESCRIPTIVE)

Read the passage given below.

1. Plant-based milks line the shelves in the refrigerator section or most
supermarkets these days soy milk, almond milk, and cashew milk,
even milk made from rice, oats, or peas. Choosing a plant-based
product seems like it would be a healthy option. But is it always? And
is it better for you than drinking cow's milk?
2. Are plant- based milks healthier than cow's milk? Should people
make the switch? If you drink cow's milk, there's really no reason to
switch to a plant-based option. Cow's milk is a good dietary sources
of necessary Vitamins and minerals. A serving of cow's milk contains
calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and a host of micronutrients that you
need in your diet. That said, there is no nutritional requirement that
you drink milk or cat dairy products specifically. In the past, experts
recommended eating dairy products to build bones and present
fractures. It turns out there's not very strong evidence that drinking a
lot of milk or eating dairy products has a real benefit when it comes to
reducing facture risk.
3. Should people make the switch? So, if you want to switch to a plant
based product or if you need to do so because of a milk allergy or
lactose intolerance, you can get the same nutrients by meticulously
choosing the right plant-based milk product instead.
4. I low should I choose a plant-based milk if I do want to switch? The
quality of plant based milks varies greatly when it comes to nutrients.
Some contain virtually the same amount of vitamins and minerals as
cow's milk: others fall far short. For example, many almond milks
are much lower in protein than cow's milk. If you are going to switch

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to a plant-based milk, be certain to read the label and find a product

that contains good amounts of protein, vitamin D, iron, and calcium
ideally, aim for a milk that has at least 8 or 9 grams of protein per
serving.
5. Are there other reasons to switch to a plant-based milk alternative?
Plant-based milks are superior to cow's milk when it comes to the
environment. Plant-based products are less environmentally taxing
than animal-based products. So. if you're looking to reduce your
carbon footprint, plant-based may be the way to go.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer
questions given below:
(i) Pick the option that correctly states what IS NOT the reason for the
recent shift to plant based milk Plant based milk is:
(a) one of the steps in reducing carbon footprints.
(b) more environment friendly option.
(c) a better substitute for lactose intolerant people.
(d) more nutritious and healthy option.
(ii) "If you are going to switch to a plant-based milk". Pick the option in
which the meaning of'switch' is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) The machine got switched off automatically.
(b) They switch their furniture nearly every year.
(c) Switching Diet plans for weight loss is a common practice.
(d) People keep switching to different jobs for a salary raise.
(iii) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according
to the passage.
1. Plant- based milk is superior to Cow's milk when it comes to
nutrients.
2. There is no nutritional requirement to drink milk or consume
dairy products specifically.
3. Cow's milk is a good dietary source of necessary vitamins and
minerals.
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4. Cow's milk is superior to plant based milk when it comes to the

environment.
(a) I &2
(b) 3&4
(c) 2&3
(d) 1 &4
(iv) The word' meticulously', as used in paragraph, means the same as
(a) 'negligently'
(b) 'carelessly'
(c) 'carefully'
(d) 'vaguely'
(v) Which option represents the correct statement according to the
passage?
(a) Plant- based milks are superior to cow's milk.
(b) Plant-based milks are inferior to cow's milk.
(c) Plant-based milks are at par with cow's milk.
(d) Plant-based milks can be an alternative to cow's milk.
(vi) According to the passage." there is no nutritional requirement that
you drink milk or eat dairy products specifically", specifies that:
(a) It is futile to drink Cow's milk.
(b) It is unhealthy to drink plant based milk.
(c) It is unhealthy to drink Cow's milk.
(d) Cow's milk isn't the only source of required nutrients
(vii) The narrator talks about milk allergy or lactose intolerance. NOT
having intolerance means, having
(a) Resistance.
(b) Proneness.
(c) Weakness.
(d) Sensitivity.
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(viii) Cow's milk and its products can also be called:

(a) Dairy products.
(b) Non-dairy products.
(c) Non-lactose products.
(d) Micro-nutrients products.
(ix) Which option correctly represents the opinion about plant based milk?
(a) Plant-based milks are superior to cow's milk
(b) Plant-based milks are easily available in supermarkets.
(c) Plant-based milks are at par with cow's milk.
(d) Plant-based milks are an alternative to cow's milk.
(x) Choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect
to consumption of dairy products to build bones:
1. It is a myth and does not ensure protection from fracture.
2. It does ensure protection from fracture.
3. Lacks strong evidence to support.
4. A universal truth which can't be denied.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and4
(xi) While choosing right plant based milk, one should ensure that:
(a) It must contain lesser vitamins and minerals as cow's milk
(b) It should have at least 8 or 9 grams of protein per serving.
(c) Its label must mention high prices.
(d) Its label must mention added flavors.

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UNSEEN PASSAGE 5 (LITERARY)

Read the extract given below

1. From the moment a baby first opens its eyes, it is learning, sight
and sensation spark off a learning process which will determine in
large measure the sort off person it will become. Language stands
head and shoulders over all other tools as an instrument of learning.
It is language that gives man his lead in intelligence over all other
creatures. Only man can stand off and contemplate his own situation.
No other creature can assemble a list of ideas, consider them, draw
conclusions and then explain its reasoning. Man can do all this because
he possesses language. And if thought depends on language, clearly
the quality of an individual's thought will descend on that person's
language-rudimentary or sophisticated, precise or approximate,
stereotyped or original.
2. Very young babies are soothed by human voice comforting words close
to them. This essentially emotional response provides early evidence
that feeling is an important component of language learning. Children
learn to use language in interaction with other human beings, and this
learning precedes best against a background of affectionate feedback
from the person who is closest to them. This is seen to perfection in
the interaction between parent and baby: eyes locked together, the
adult almost physically drawing 'verbal' response from the baby, both
engulfed by that unique experience of intimate and joyful 'connecting'
which sets the pattern of relationships between two people.
3. Thus, long before they can speak, children are involved in a two way
process of communication which is steadily building a foundation
on which their later use of language will be based. Constantly
surrounded by language, they are unconsciously building structures
in their minds into which their speech and reading will later tit-
grammatical constructions, tense sequences and so on. The forms of
these structures will depend on the amount and complexity of speech
they hear. The fortunate children are those who listen to articulate
adults expressing ideas and defending opinions. They will know, long
before they can contribute themselves that relationships are forged
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through this process of speaking and listening; that warmth and humor
have a place in the process, as have all other human emotions.
4 . Using books is the most language development. None of us can
endlessly initiate and maintain speech with very small children: we
run out of ideas, or just get plain sick of it. Their lives are limited and
the experience just isn't there to provide the raw material for constant
verbal interaction . without inevitable boredom on the child's part
and desperation on the adult's. (Adapted from Babies Need Books by
Dorothy Butler).
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the
questions that follow.
(i) Of all other creatures man leads in intelligence due to
(a) ideas.
(b) conclusions.
(c) reasoning.
(d) language.
(ii) For very young babies an important component of language learning
is
(a) feelings.
(b) interaction.
(c) experience.
(d) feedback.
(iii) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that
lists the correct sequence of the process of language
1. Can assemble a list of ideas.
2. Draw conclusion.
3. Consider listed ideas.
4. Explain his reasoning

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(a) 4, 2, 1, 3
(b) 1, 3, 2, 4
(c) 4, 1, 3, 2
(d) 1, 2, 4, 3
(iv) The narrator says that "The fortunate children are those who listen to
articulate adults expressing ideas and defending opinions. NOT being
articulate means :
(a) expressive.
(b) fluent.
(c) incoherent.
(d) coherent.
(v) "Learning process will determine in large measure the sort of person
it will become." Pick the option in which the meaning of sort' IS same
as it is in the passage.
(a) He needs to sort out his matters with his friends.
(b) Tom sorted out the mail.
(c) For goodness sake, what sort of being are you?
(d) Wc will just sit back and let the machines sort itallout.
(vi) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word 'contemplate'.
(a) Once she completes her schooling she needs to contemplate on
her future.
(b) Rahul is an obese man. His unhealthy food habits evidently
shows how much he always contemplates about his health.
(c) A warning sign is always ignored by people, this shows their
contemplation towards safety.
(d) Chances of failure is relatively high, when we contemplate before
our actions.

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(vii) Feeling is an important component of language learning among:

(a) Adults
(b) Teenagers
(c) Young babies
(d) Parents
(viii) What are the most important means of ensuring a child's adequate
language development'.'
(a) Using books
(b) Two-way process of communication
(c) Uttering comforting words
(d) Drawing verbal response.
(xi) Pick the option that correctly lists the process that sparks learning
among babies just from birth.
1. verbal interaction
2. sight
3. loud cries
4. sensation
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 2
(x) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to
the passage for language development in young babies.
1. It is not possible as they are too small to speak.
2. It is visible as interaction between parents and babies.
3. It forms an intimate and joyful relationship.
4. babies show no affection and expression at all.

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(a) 1 & 2
(b) 3 & 4
(c) 2 & 3
(d) 1 & 4
(xi) Books are important for child's adequate language development as:
(a) they keep children busy and parents can get free time
(b) they are cheaper than toys and games.
(c) they provide enough ideas for their imagination
(d) they are visually beautiful.

SOLVED UNSEEN PASSAGE-6 (CASE-BASED)

Read the following text.

A recent study cites around 37.15% of children experienced reduced
levels of concentration due to smartphone use, and 23.80% of children use
smartphones while they are in bed, before going to sleep. Increase usage of
mobile phones among children during the Covid-19 pandemic is resulting in
internet addiction. The use of smartphones before sleeping is not the only ill-
effect of such devices having an adverse impact on children. Checking mobile
phones while studying is another menace that is a prominent source of lapses
in concentration and weakening of attention span, among children, the study
said.
The study's data showed that 42.9% of children confessed to having a
social networking account. Among those children who have accounts on the
major social networking apps/sites which they use. In the age-wise distribution
of children having social media accounts, it was found that children of all ages
operate social media accounts. A large proportion of 10-year-olds have such
accounts. As per the data collected. 78.90% of children said that they spend
between 0-2 hours on smartphones using the internet, playing games, listening
to music, chatting etc.
When asked about the features/facilities that children like to use or
enjoy using on smartphones, internet devices. 52.9% answered as chatting.

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While the most common purpose is using internet-enabled device for online
learning/classes, only 10.1% of children like to use smartphones for online
learning and education. The data showed that the most prominent means to
access smartphones and the internet for the children is through their parents’
phones (62.6% of all valid respondents used their parents’ phones). It is also
interesting to note that 30.2% of the children of all age groups (8 to 18 years)
already possess their own smartphones and use the same for all purposes.
"Experts working for early detection and prevention of internet addiction
at AIIMS Behavioral Addiction clinic suggest that parent's supervision of
their child is of paramount importance. Parents must introduce other life skills
to children to ensure a reduction in screen time. The parents can encourage
social interaction of the child. More internet de-addiction centers need to be
established in the country. (Source: The federal/ March25/2022/350 word)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) The survey mentions ill-effects of increased usage of mobile phones
among children. What are they? Give any two.( 1 Marks)
(ii) Increasing usage of phone "with age" indicates here in passage that
there is an increasing ___________ among children.( 1 Marks)
(a) Internet addiction
(b) Internet requirement
(c) Concentration and focus
(d) Internet literacy
(iii) What do the survey suggest regarding access to smartphones and
internet usage in respect of smartphones ownership and possession
among children of all age groups. (1 Marks)
(iv) Identify an internet addict child from the following statements :
 (1 Marks)
(a) Sania -I turn off my notifications when studying or spending time
with friends and family.
(b) Adil - Gosh! I can't keep my hands off from checking my
notifications.
(c) Kanti - My screen timer alerts me when it's time to stop watching.
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(v) Complete the sentence appropriately The real intended reason for
promoting access to mobile phone: during COVID pandemic was to
facilitate _________ among children.(1 Marks)
(a) Online chatting.
(b) Online music listening.
(c) Online learning.
(d) Online gaming.
(vi) "children of all ages operate social media accounts". What concerns
does this findings raise ? (2 Marks)
(vii) How parents can play a pivotal role in curbing the rising menace of
internet addiction among children? (2 Marks)
(viii) State TRUE or FALSE.
The title. 'Effects of Use of Mobile Phone & Other Devices with
Internet on School Children", is appropriate for this passage

SOLVED UNSEEN PASSAGE - 7 ( CASE STUDY)

Read the passage given below.

1. The Ministry of Education rolled out a new School Bag Policy for
2020 in which it is stated that the school bag weight for students
should weigh 10 % of their body weight. This suggestion was on the
basis of surveys and studies conducted by the NCERT.
2. Along with slashing the weight for school bags, the policy also
suggests that no homework up to class 2. For classes 3. 4, and 5
homework hours should be limited to 2 per week For classes 6. 7 and
8 a maximum of 1 hour per day. From classes. 9 to 12 two hours per
day should be allocated for homework.
3. The policy said there should be no bags in pre-primary For classes I
and II the bag weight range should be between 1.6 kg to 2.5 kg. Like-
wise it should be 1.7 kg to 2.5 kg, 2 kg to 3 kg, 2.5 to 4 kg, 2.5 kg to
4.5 kg and 3.5 kg to 5 kg for classes I to V, classes VI and VII, class
VIII, classes IX and X and classes XI and XII respectively.

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BODYWEIGHT AND WEIGHT OF SCHOOL BAG

Class Average body Bag weight range in kg
Weight in kg (recommended)
Pre Primary 10-16 No bag
Class 1 16-22 1.6-2.2
Class 11 16-22 1.6-2.2
Class 111 17-25 1.7-2.5
Class IV 17-25 1.7-2.5
Class V 17-25 1.7-2.5
Class VI 20-30 2-3
Class VII 20-30 2-3
Class VIII 25-40 2.5-4
Class IX 25-45 2.5-4.5
Class X 25-45 2.5-4.5
Class XI 35-50 3.5-5
Class XII 35-50 3.5-5
4. The new policy suggested that the homework given must suit the
individual interests of students. In other words, teachers should create
'interesting homework'. To ensure that optimal weights of school
bags are followed, the policy suggested that every school must have a
digital weighing machine to ascertain the weight of the bag.
5. Heavy School Bags are a serious threat to the health and well being
of the students. It has a severe, adverse physical effect on the growing
children which can cause damage to their vertebral column and knees
It also causes anxiety in them. Moreover, in the schools which are
functioning in multistoried buildings, the children have to climb the
steps with heavy School Bags, which further aggravates the problem
and health consequences.
6. This heavy load is caused by the tact that the children bring textbooks,
guides, homework notebooks, rough work notebooks etc., to the
classroom every day. Therefore, clear Guidelines of what school
item must be brought every day must be clearly outlined One of the
suggestions made by the policy is that a school bag needs to be light-
weight with proper compartments, and should contain two padded and

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adjustable straps that can squarely fit on both the shoulders Wheeled
carriers should not be allowed as it may hurt children while climbing
stairs.
(Source: D.O.E circular No. DE.23(548)/School Branch/2020/13
dated Jan 4,2021/480 words)
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the
questions that follow.
(i) According to the passage, one of the reasons for rolling out school
bag policy 2020 is:
(a) to fix the school bag weight to maintain uniformity.
(b) to reduce pressure and rote learning.
(c) to fix the responsibility of school and parents.
(d) to calculate perfect weight of school bag
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to
the passage.
1. School bag weight should be as per the student's capacity to carry
weight.
2. Climbing steps with heavy school bags can affect student's health
further.
3. School bag weight should be as per the approved percentage of
student's bodyweight.
4. Maximum homework should be given to reduce school bag
weight in classroom.
(a) I &2
(b) 3&4
(c) 2&3
(d) I &4
(iii) The word' aggravate', as used in paragraph 3. means the same as
(a) 'improve'.

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(b) 'intensify’
(c) 'appease'
(d) 'alleviate'
(iv) Based on the given table in the passage, choose the option that
correctly states appropriate school bag weight for a class 7 student
of 28 kg body weight:

Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Option 1
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option ( 3)
(d) Option (4)
(v) "Every school must have a digital weighing machine to ascertain the
weight of the bag", is suggested to
(a) fix responsibility of school only.
(b) ensure school bag weight is not more than the recommended
percentage.
(c) ensure digital measuring system for checking school bag weight.
(d) to encourage child to carry technically prescribed weight.
(vi) Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage,
choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect
to
1. Pre -primary students can carry minimum 1.6 kg school bag.

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2. A Senior Secondary student average body weight is 35-50 k.g.

3. A class XIIth student can carry school bag of 5 k.g or more.
4. Minimum average body weight of a class Xth student is same as
class VIIIth student.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 and 4
(vii) 'no homework up to class 2' suggests that:
(a) they don't need any homework.
(b) they are too young to sit for long hours.
(c) their learning should stop at school only.
(d) they do not need to develop writing skills.
(viii) 'interesting homework' DOES NOT suggest
(a) encouraging learning by doing.
(b) reduce reliance on textbook only.
(c) learning in accordance with interest.
(d) homework for fun and frolic only.
(ix) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information
in passage?
(a) Maximum two homework per week for class 4 students.
(b) No school bags at all upto class 2.
(c) Maximum homework two hours per day for class 9 student.
(d) No school bag for Pre-Primary students.
(x) According to the 'School Bag Policy 2020'. which is the option that
correctly states the appropriate school bag :
1. School bag should be lightweight.
2. Wheeled carriers should be used.
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3. Strap should be padded, adjustable and well fitted on shoulders.

4. No compartments are needed in a school bag.
(a) 2 and 4
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2and 3
(d) 1 and 4
(xi) Choose right option which substantiate the reason cited for heavy
load:
1. Lack of clear guidelines about what to carry.
2. Maximum load ensure maximum learning.
3. Too many books are carried which can be avoided.
4. Students fect good to carry everything in their bags
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3

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FORMAT OF NOTICE

Example: You are Sahil / Srishti, Head boy/girl of SKV Laxmi Vihar.
Delhi. A new auditorium has been constructed in your school which is going
to be inaugurated by Deputy CM. Draft a notice for your school notice board
inviting students and their parents to the inauguration ceremony.

SKV LAKSHMI NAGAR, Delhi

NOTICE

7 January 2024

Inauguration Ceremony

All the students are hereby informed that the new school auditorium is
going to be inaugurated on 15 January 2023 at 10 am by Honorable Deputy
CM of Delhi. All the students alongwith their parents are invited to attend
the programme
All guests are requested to occupy their seats by 9.30 am.
Sahil/ Srishti
Head Boy /Headgirl
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(a) Example: You are Archie/Archit. the President of the Student

Council of Ambedkar SOSE Narela. Your School is hosting a
performing art competition for all SOSFs. Draft a notice inviting
entries for vocal music and dance competitions.

AMBEDKAR SOSE NARELA

NOTICE
13 November 2024
Performing Arts Competition
This is to inform the students of Ambedkar SOSE Narela that the school
is hosting a performing arts competition for all SOSEs on November 20,
2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 pm at the school auditorium. The events shall include
classical dance, vocal music, western dance. The age groups are from 12 to
16 years.
Those who are interested or have any queries, may contact the
undersigned latest by 16 November 2023.
Archie/Archit
President
Example : Due to acute water shortage this summer, you are concerned
about advising the residents of your colony for saving water. As the President of
RWA, A Block Vasant Kunj. Delhi, draft a notice in about 50 words to make the
residents aware about the problem and suggest measures to save water.

Residents Welfare Association, A Block Vasant Kunj. Delhi

NOTICE
8 August. 2024

WATER CRISIS
All the residents of Vasant Kunj, A Block are requested not to waste
potable water for cleaning their cars, verandahs, drive ways etc. or watering
the plants with a hosepipe due to acute shortage of water this summer . A
fine of Rs. 500/- will be imposed on the defaulters. Kindly save water for a
better tomorrow.
President
Resident Welfare Society A Block, Vasant Kunj, Delhi

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Questions for Practice

(a) You are Priyanshu / Priyanka. the President of Welfare society of your
community. You wish to organize a Cleanliness Drive in your society.
Draft a notice inventing details in not more than 50 words.
(b) Delhi Government has launched a programme for all residents
where in a yoga teacher is being sent to societies where at least 25
people want to learn yoga. In the capacity of the President of RWA
Mayur Vihar. Delhi. Write a notice in about 50 words informing all
the residents about the scheme and motivating them to register their
names soon so that the classes may begin soon.
(c) DDA Sports Complex will remain shut for normal activities till June
15, 2023 because of Ranji Trophy matches that are going to be held
in the ground of the Complex . Draft a notice informing its members
about the closure. You are Keshav/ Kashvi, Manager of the Sports
Complex.
(d) Your school is successfully running the Business Blaster Programme
and is organizing an exhibition of the products prepared by the
students. The SMC members are going to be the guests of honour.
Write a notice on behalf of XII class students inviting the school
students to enjoy the exhibition. You are Anshika/ Akshay monitor of
Class XII A.
(e) Two students of your school. R.P.V.V. Surajmal Vihar. Delhi, have
become IAS officers and are coming to the school as Chief Guests in
the School Alumini Meet. As Secretary of the Alumni association of
your school, write a notice in not more than 50 words, informing and
inviting the students to participate in an interactive session with them.
You are Rudraksh/ Rashika.

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INVITATIONS AND REPLIES

An invitation is a form of written request to someone to attend a specific

occasion, celebration, programme or event.
MARKS ALLOTTED:4
Format: (1 Mark)
Content: Main body- What, When, Where, How, for Whom and Whom
to Contact. (2 Marks)
Accuracy of spelling and grammar (1 Mark)
Types of invitation: (a) Formal (b) Informal

FORMAL INVITATION

• To be written in third person.

• Details like address, code or any other instructions are written at the
bottom to the left or the right side as per choice. Subject matter is
generally written in the centre.
• No abbreviations are to be used.
• Simple Present Tense is used. Word limit 50.
• Each entry to be mentioned in a separate line e.g.,
(a) The name of the pcrson(s)who is/arc inviting
(b) Formal expressions like 'request the pleasure of your company'
(c) Time and date of event
(d) Purpose and occasion of invitation. Full form of RSVP is
Repondez s'il vous plait
• For RSVP, address and telephone no. is given at which the invitee
may contact for any queries.
• Name of the Chief Guest of the programme may be given

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FORMAL INVITATION

1. LETTER FORMAT
Written to an individual
Format:
ABC Vasant kunj Delhi 1100XX ]→ Sender's address
[DD/MM/YYYY] ]→ Date
Sub:
Sir/Madam ]→ Salutation
Body in 3 para graphs ]
2. PRINTED [CARD]
• Written to group of individuals
• Inside a box.

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ABC VIDYALAYA solicits your presence Name of institution

on the occassion of ANNUAL SPORTS DAY
ON 15 May 2023 at Triupati stadium details
at 10 : 00 am
Mr. Anish gupta, CEO has given his
consent to be the guest of Honour extra
information
RSVP
Hemant Ahuja
Secretary
ABC Vidyalaya     
contact
Phone no: 98181XXXXX details
Example of invitation card : You are a student of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya.
Lodhi Road. The School is holding its Annual Food Fest at 11 a.m. on 10 July.
2023. The Chief Minister has consented lo be the Chief Guest. Design an
invitation card to be sent to the parents and other invitees. (Word Limit 50).
The Principal, Staff and Students of
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Road, Delhi
request the pleasure of your company
for
ANNUAL FOOD FEST
on Sunday, 10 July 2023
at 11.00 a.m.
in the School Auditorium
Honourable Chief Minister has very kindly consented to be
the Chief Guest.
R.S.V.P Special Instructions :
Admin. Office Card is valid for two guests
011-27xxxxxx No entry fee
Example: You are Madan Sharma. Write a formal invitation for the marriage
function of your granddaughter. Sonali (daughter of Mrs Savita and Mr Rahul
Sharma) to Sridhar(son of Mrs and Kapil Sharma). The marriage is on 20 January
2023 at 7.30 pm at Red Carpet. Party Law Preel Vihar.New Delhi.
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Mrs. and Mr. Madan Sharma

Solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion of the marriage of
their grand daughter

SONALI
(Daughter of Mrs. Savita and Mr. Rahul Sharma)
With

SHRIDHAR
(Son of Mrs. Suman and Kapil Sharma)
on 20 January 2023 at 7.30 p.m.
at
Red Carpet, Party Lawn, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110031

R.S.V.P. With best compliments

Madan Sharma Sharma Family
B-36, Rajdhani Enclave, Vikas
Marg, Delhi
Ph. : 9868xxxxxx

Questions for Practice:

(a) You are a member of Laughter Challenge Association. Draft a formal
invitation to invite all the members for the upcoming standup comedy
event on 15th December 2023.
(b) You are organising an Exhibition of Painting 'Nayika Series' on 30th
November, 2023 at Azad Bhavan Art Gallery at 5:45 p.m. Draft an
invitation card to invite for the purpose .
(c) Your brother has got engaged informally. Your family wants to host an
Engagement Party. Draft an invitation card to invite all your friends
and relatives to join your family on this ceremonious occasion. You
are Vasudha/Varun.

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Formal invitation to preside over/inaugurate /judge events.

Example : You are Neha / Nakul, the Literary Secretary of Government

Model School. You have to organise an Inter School Debate Competition on
21 January 2024 You wish to invite Mr. Shailesh Gupta, an eminent speaker
to preside over the function.
Govt. Model Sr. Sec School. Sector-19 Chandigarh
16 January 2024
Sub : Invitation to preside over Inter School Debate Competition.
Dear Sir
The Literary Society of our school is organising an English Debate
Competition on the topic ‘Media causes more harm than good, on 21 January
2024 at 9:30 a.m. in the school auditorium. Kindly consent to preside over in
the above said programme.
Yours sincerely.
Neha

Questions for Practice

(a) You are organizing a Spoken English Workshop in your school. Draft
an invitation to invite a renowned Resource Person from the British
Council for the same.
(b) Deshbhakti Curriculum has been introduced in your school. You want
to organize a talk by an eminent Speaker. Draft an invitation to invite
the guest to visit your school and be the speaker of the day.
(c) The Eco Club of your school is planning a Cleanliness Drive So you
are organizing a rally to arouse awareness for cleanliness in your
neighbouring localities. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to SMC
members to flag off the rally, giving details of the event.
(d) Your school is going to celebrate World Health Day on April 8, 2024.
Your school wants to invite the famous nutritionist Diwekar Rujuta
for a talk on healthy eating habits. Draft an invitation card to invite
her to be the Speaker.

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FORMAL REPLIES
ACCEPTANCE/REFUSAL

MARKS ALLOTTED:4 Format: (1 Mark)

Content: Main body- What. When, Where, How, for Whom and Whom to
contact. (2 Marks)
Accuracy of Grammar and Spelling (1 Mark)
Points to Remember
• Acknowledge the invitation
• Be brief and specific
• Express thanks in third person
• Not to be signed at the end
• If accepting, confirm the date and time
• If declining, give reason and convey your best wishes
• Give date and address at top left-hand side
• Use simple language
• Word limit 50 words
Formal Acceptance
Example: You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a
reply accepting an invitation to attend a house warming party hosted by your
colleague.

7 Park Avenue, Delhi

9 January 2023
Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thank Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their
kind invitation on the house warming party on 20 January. 2023 at 11.00
a.m., which they are delighted to accept. It’s their great pleasure to attend
the ceremony.

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Question for Practice

(a) You are Vinay of Panipat. Your colleague has invited you to the
engagement party of his brother. Prepare a formal reply expressing
your thanks for the invitation and express your acceptance for the
programme.
(b) You are Mohini Sehgal of 43 Shakti Kunj. Udaipur. Your neighbour
has invited you to a House Warming Party of their new house. Draft a
formal reply of acceptance to the function.
(c) You are Srishti, a lecturer of English. Your student has invited you to
a party planned on the occasion of being awarded the Student of the
Year trophy. Draft a formal reply of acceptance of the invitation.
(d) You are Akhil of Ashoka University. An eminent school invited guests
from University to attend a talk show. Draft a reply expressing thanks
for inviting and showing your acceptance of the invitation.

FORMAL REPLIES:

ACCEPTANCE/REFUSAL

MARKS ALLOTTED : 4
Format: (1 Mark)
Content: Main body- What, When Where, How, for Whom and Whom to
contact (2 Marks)
Expression: Overall organisation, accuracy, fluency (1 Mark)
Points to Remember
• Acknowledge the invitation
• Be brief and specific
• Express thanks in third person
• Not to be signed at the end
• If accepting, confirm the date and time
• If declining, give reason and convey your best wishes

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• Give date and address at top left-hand side

• Use simple language
• Word limit 50 words
Formal Acceptance
Example: You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a
reply accepting an invitation to attend a house warming party hosted by your
colleague.

7 Park Avenue, Delhi

9 January 2023
Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thank Mrs. and Mr. Satish Sharma for their
kind invitation on the house warming party on 20 January, 2023 at 11.00
a.m., which they are delighted to accept. It’s their great pleasure to attend
the ceremony.

Questions for Practice

(a) You are Vinay of Panipat. Your colleague has invited you to the
engagement party of his brother. Prepare a formal reply expressing
your thanks for the invitation and express your acceptance for the
programme.
(b) You are Mohini Sehgal of 43 Shakti Kunj, Udaipur. Your neighbour
has invited you to a House Warming Party of their new house. Draft a
formal reply of acceptance to the function.
(c) You are Srishti, a lecturer of English. Your student has invited you to
a party planned on the occasion of being awarded the Student of the
Year trophy. Draft a formal reply of acceptance of the invitation.
(d) You are Akhil of Ashoka University. An eminent school invited guests
from University to attend a talk show. Draft a reply expressing thanks
for inviting and showing your acceptance of the invitation.
Formal Refusal
Example : You are Mr. Ajay Gupta of 7 Park Avenue, Delhi. Draft a reply
of refusal expressing inability to attend a house warming party hosted by your
colleague.
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20 January 2023
7 Park Avenue, Delhi
Mrs. and Mr. Ajay Gupta thank Mrs, and Mr. Satish Sharma for their kind
invitation for house warming party on 30 January, 2021 at 11 am, but regret
their inability to accept the same due to urgent and unavoidable assignment.
Question for Practice
(a) You are Vishesh Panchal of Haryana. Prepare a formal reply expressing
inability to attend the retirement party of a colleague owing to a prior
engagement.
(b) You are Mynna Sehgal of 43 Vikas Kunj, Jaipur. Draft a formal reply
of acceptance to an engagement function.

FORMAL ACCEPTANCE (To Preside/ Inaugurate / Judge Events

etc.)

Example: You are Shailesh, a famous speaker. You have been invited to
be the judge of Declamation competition by Neha the President of English
Literary club of ABC School Delhi. Write a letter of acceptance of the
invitation. 73. Sector-11-A Chandigarh
18 January 2021
Dear Neha
Many thanks for inviting me as a judge of Declamation Competition to
be held on 27 January 2021- 9.30 p.m. I shall be highly delighted to attend
the function and enjoy listening to the views of students.
Yours truly
Shailesh
Questions for Practice
(a) You are Education Minister, Vinod Kumar of Delhi. You have been
invited for the inauguration of a school. Draft a suitable reply of
acceptance to attend the function.
(b) You are a renowned environmentalist Vanya Aggarwal of Shreshtha
Vihar, Delhi. You have been invited to inaugurate the Van Mahotsav
function. Draft a suitable reply of acceptance.

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FORMAL REFUSAL (To Preside/Inaugurate/Judge Events, etc.)

Example: You are Shailesh, a famous speaker. You have been invited to
be the judge of Declamation competition by Neha the President of English
Literary club of ABC School Delhi. Write a letter showing inability to accept
the invitation
73, Sector-11-A Chandigarh
18 January 2021
Dear Neha
Many thanks for inviting me to preside over the Inter Zonal Declamation
Competition to be held on January 2024 at 9.30 p.m. but I am sorry to say
that I shall not be able to attend the same due to a prior appointment with my
doctor.
With warm regards
Yours sincerely
Shailesh
Questions for Practice
(a) You are a well-known scientist you have been invited to deliver a
lecture on Nuclear Energy in the Science Centre. Write a reply
refusing the invitation because you would be out of town.
(b) You are a noted stage artist and have been invited to perform at a stage
show in a cultural event in Noida. Write a reply refusing the invitation
because of a prior engagement.

INFORMAL INVITATION

Informal invitation follows the ordinary personal letters pattern. These

letters or, invitations are written to relatives, friends and known persons.
Points to Remember
• Use first person 'T'. 'We' and 'You' and avoid using 'he', 'she' and They'
• Do not write subject and receiver's address.
• Write in warm and personalised style with relaxed and informal tone.
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• Avoid writing unnecessary details.

• Begin with 'Dear' ---------(Name)
• Word limit 50
Example : You are Anuj / Anuja Goel of 23. Yojna Vihar, Delhi Write an
invitation to invite all your friends for the party you are giving to celebrate
your selection in B-Tech in DTU.
23, Yojna Vihar. Delhi
10 January 2021 My dear Rahul,
I have much pleasure in inviting you to post selection party after my
admission in DTU. Reach my residence at 7.30 p.m. on 16 January 2021 to
join my family and friends in my moment of joy.
Yours truly,
Anuj
2. Informal invitation to friends and relatives
Sample- Informal Invitation
Q) It is your brother's engagement on the 23 August 2023. Invite your
friend, Sahil of 23. Taj Nagar. Jaipur to your brother's engagement which will
take place at Grand Celebrations. New Delhi.
52 Vishwas Nagar
New Delhi

17 June 2023
Dear Sahil
My brother, Anuj is getting married to Ms Shalini. We are celebrating
their engagement party on 23 August 2023T Grand Celebrations, New Delhi
from 8:00 pm.
It would be an honor if you could join us in celebrating their marriage.
I have enclosed one ticket from Jaipur to New Delhi as my gift.
Questions for Practice
(a) You have recently bought a new house, 23 Raj Vihar, Ahmedabad.
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You are hosting a housewarming party on 24th June 2023 at 12 noon.

Draft an invitation inviting your brother, Manish to the party.
(b) You are Salim/ Sulekha of 15 Kashi Nagar, Bhopal. You are celebrating
your son's first birthday party at Mannat Farms: Draft an invitation for
inviting your aunt, Sangeeta to the celebrations.
(c) You are Akshay/Akshita of Harvard's Academy. You have been
awarded a scholarship to visit NASA for a Students’ Workshop.
You want to share your joy with your friends and family. Write an
invitation to invite all your friends and close relatives.
(d) You are Varshu, resident of Kota. Your brother has turned 18 recently.
He has casted his vote for the first time. You want to congratulate him
for the same in the form of a small party. Write an invitation for his
friends to attend the party.

INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE

Example : You are Rahul and have been invited to the selection party of
your friend Anuj. Write a reply accepting the invitation you got.
7-C, Vojna Vihar, Delhi
7 November 2022
Dear Anuj
Many thanks for inviting me to attend your post selection party which
will be held on 9 January 202 at your home. I shall be highly delighted to
attend the same and will enjoy the party with great fun.
Yours truly
Rahul Gupta
Questions for Practice
1. You are Akash/ Ashini. You have been invited to attend the inauguration
ceremony of a Cafe opened by your friend's sister. Respond to the
invitation accepting it.
2. You are llamel/Heena of 23, Raj Nagar Delhi. Your friend Neeraja
has invited you for a party to celebrate her brother’s good board result
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and admission to a prestigious college. Draft a reply accepting the

invitation.

3. You are Priyanshu/Preeti of C-2, Jagriti Apartment. Rohini Delhi.

You have received an invitation to attend the naming ceremony of
your cousin's daughter. Write a reply accepting the invitation.

INFORMAL REFUSAL

Example: You are Rahul and you have been invited to the selection party
of your friend Anuj. Write a reply regretting your inability to attend the same.
7-C, Yojna Vihar, Delhi

10 May 2021

Dear Anuj

Many thanks for inviting me to attend your post selection party, but I am
sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the same as 1 shall be out of
station next week. I shall miss this joyous occasion. I wish you all the best
for the future.

God Bless You

Yours truly

Rahul Gupta

Questions for Practice

1. You are Akash/ Ashini. You have been invited to attend the inauguration
ceremony of a Cafe opened by your friend's sister. Respond to the
invitation regretting your inability to attend the same due to a prior
engagement.

2. You are Hamel/Heena of 23. Raj Nagar Delhi. Your friend Neeraja
has invited you for a party to celebrate her brother's good board result
and admission to a prestigious college. You are unable to attend the
function. Write a reply in about 50 words.

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LETTERS

A letter is a form of written communication. They are of two types. Formal

and Informal.

Formal letters include

• Letter to the Editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issue of public

interest).
• Application for Job.
Format : Sender's Address, Date, Receiver's Designation and Address.
Subject, Salutation. Complimentary Close, Sender's name 1 mark
Content: Body of the letter, number of paragraphs - 2 marks
Organisation: Accuracy of Grammar and Spelling (1 marks)
Note: No Marks awarded if only format is written.
Points to Remember
• Start each new line from left hand margin. Sequence of writing a letter
(a) Sender's address(left aligned)
(b) Datc(left aligned)
(c) Receiver's address(left aligned)
(d) Salutation : Sir/ Madam(left aligned)
(e) Subject content of the letter(left aligned)

(f) Body-

• Para 1 - Introduce yourself and the issue. Explain the purpose of

writing the letter.

• Para 2 - Explain the problem giving reasons and solutions(it may be

further divided into two paragraphs)Give an in-depth idea of the issue
and give details.
• Para 3 - Request to the addressee to fulfill the needed task.

• Complimentary close

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(a) To the Principal: Yours obediently

(b) To the Employer/Editor: Yours sincerely/Yours truly

(c) To the dealer/ business vendor: Yours sincerely

• Coherence and organisation of ideas

• Think and analyse the subject/ topic

• Recall all the ideas and put them on a rough sheet while brainstorming

• Organise the ideas

These letters give suggestions / create awareness on an issue of public

interest or an issue already raised in an article / write up.

Points to Remember

• Draw the attention of the concerned authorities, general public

towards the problem.

• Request the concerned authorities to take action NOT to the editor. It

is not a direct request.

• While dealing with social/civic problems provide suggestions to curb

or control it in the end.

• Raise the issue by citing some latest news items/Survey report/

personal experience etc.

• Analyse the issue in terms of its causes and consequences. Conclusion

to be positive, straight forward with pleasant tone and use of polite
tone.

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Example: You are Rekha / Rakesh, a student of DPS Indrapuram Class

XII. After the pandemic, mental health of students is declining and they are
required to cope up with a lot of stress in today's competitive environment.
Write a letter to the editor to highlight the increasing stress faced by students
and suggesting ways and means to combat it.
Delhi Public School
Indrapuram
6 June 2022
The Editor
The Times of India
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi-110002

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Sub.: Problem of declining mental health of Students

Sir/Ma'am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my
views on the problem of increasing stress among the students due to highly
competitive environment and their declining mental health due to this.
Today's world is full of competition. Every now and then a child is assessed
on different parameters. Parents expect a lot from their children. They want
their children to excel in all the fields such as studies, sports and co-curricular
activities. Everyone wants their child to be a doctor or an engineer. The result is
that children are unduly stressed and burdened. All day long they are indulged
in completing their homework and studies and no time is left for games and
sports. Especially after being confined to their homes for two years due to the
pandemic, students have been facing major mental health issues.
It is high time we should ponder upon this problem. Students should be involved
in games, sports and yoga to combat stress. Parents should not pressurize their
children for performing excellently in studies. Meditation can be practiced for
keeping stress at bay.
I hope this letter of mine finds a place in your esteemed newspaper so that
adults can empathize with the pain and stress , their children are going through.
Yours sincerely
Rekha/Rakesh
Questions for Practice
(a) You are Kavita / Kailash staying at B-101. Yamuna Vihar, Delhi.
You find it disturbing that despite holy significance of the river
Ganga, people continue to pollute it. Write a letter to the editor of a
National Daily expressing your concern about the apathy of people
towards environmental degradation. Also suggest ways to mobilise
city dwellers for the cause of Ganga purity with the help of school
children.
(b) You are Vikas/Vani of Lok Vihar. Delhi. You find it concerning that
the menstruation stigmas continue to be a huge part of the society

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Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper generating awareness about

this natural phenomenon that has been stigmatized since generations.
(c) You are Shreyans/ Shreya of Vivek Vihar. Yesterday a monkey bit an
old lady in your locality. Write a letter to editor of local daily showing
your concern over the increasing Monkey Menace in your locality,
how children and senior citizens are traumatized by monkeys. You
request the concerned officials to take necessary and immediate
action.
(d) You are Dimpy/ Dinesh living at RKPuram. You are amazed to
see the bulk of waste lying scattered on the roads, despite various
advertisements regarding cleanliness. Write a letter to the Editor of
the national daily arousing public awareness regarding Cleanliness.

APPLICATION FOR JOB

Points to Remember
• Job application has two parts-
(a) Covering letter
(b) Resume/Biodata
• Start body of the letter giving source of information about the job
(newspaper) day, date, advertisement number etc.
• Share your interest and competence level.
• Close the letter giving note that bio-data/ resume is enclosed.
• Write 10-12 points in Curriculum Vitae.
• Resume Curriculum Vitae. an integral part of the job
application should include:
1. Name
2. Father's Name
3. Date of Birth/Age
4. Address

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5. Hobbies
6. Languages Known
7. Nationality
8. Educational Qualifications:
(a) Years of Passing Marks Subjects, Name of University/Board etc
of Educational Qualifications
9. Professional Qualifications
10. Experience
11. Salary Expected
12. Reference -At least 2 references

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Example : You are Sudha/ Sudhir resident of A-7. Shanti Park. You read
the following advertisement in a newspaper.
SITUATION VACANT
Wanted a young and experienced graduate with fluency English and
knowledge of a foreign language is compulsory .to work as a translator of
books in a leading publishing house in Delhi. Contact Manager along with
your complete C.V. within 7 days of this advertisement.
Draft an application in response to the advertisement giving your
detailed resume.
A-7 Shanti Park
Delhi
16 September, 2022
The Manager
ARN Publications Delhi

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Subject: Application for the Post of Translator

Sir
In response to your advertisement in The Hindustan Times dated 15 September
2022 for the post of translator. I hereby offer my candidature for the same. 1
possess requisite qualifications and experience. 1 want to join your publishing
house to fully utilize my potential.
You may call me for an interview on any date as per your convenience. I shall
be able to join my duties at one month's notice if appointed. I am enclosing my
detailed resume for your perusal.
Thank You
Sudha Sudhir
Enclosure : Detailed Resume
Resume/ Bio Data
Name: Sudha / Sudhir Father's
Name: Mr. Subhas Age : 25 Years
Address :A-7, Shanti Park. Delhi
Hobbies: Music. Net Surfing, Photography, Sports
Languages Known: Hindi. English, French
Nationality: Indian
Educational Qualifications :
S. no. Course/Degree Board/University Marks Obtained Total Marks
1 X CBSE 405 500
2 XII CBSE 390 500
3 BCom(H) DELHI 385 500
UNIVERSITY
4 MCom DELHI 350 600
UNIVERSITY
Professional Qualification : Diploma in Computers from Aptech with first division.
Diploma in French
Experience : Worked as receptionist with ABC group of companies for 2
years.
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Expected Salary : As per the norms

References :
1. Mr. K. Aggarwal
Aggarwal Publications Delhi
2. Mr. Ashok Kumar
Principal
AB Public School.
Delhi Questions for Practice
(a) You are Kashvi Krishan from 9, Mayur Vihar. Delhi. You have come
across an advertisement in a national daily for recruitment of Radio
Jockey by Radio One. Noida. Apply in response to this advertisement
giving your detailed bio-data.
(b) You are Ritu / Ritva of 131, Jagriti Vihar, Gurgaon. You recently
read about a post of a research scientist being advertised by Charak
Research Ltd. Noida. You wish to apply for it. Apply with full details
to the Manager of the Research Centre.

ARTICLE

An Article is a piece of writing on a specific topic forming an independent

opinion expressed by the writer. It is the most advanced form of writing which
presents information on a variety of themes.
Distribution of Marks : 5 Marks
Format: Heading and Writer's Name (I mark)
Content: Introduction, Causes. Effects and suggestions (2 marks)
Organisation: Coherence and relevance of ideas and style (2 marks)
Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar (1 mark)
Word Limit: 120-150 Words.
Points to Remember
1. Give an appropriate Title - Write the Heading/Title at the top (Centrally
aligned)
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(a) First letter of every word is supposed to be capital e.g. Pollution

A Menace
(b) The title must be eye catching
(c) Should give a crisp idea of the theme
2. Mention the writer's name
3. In case of newspaper article give date & place
4. Divide the article into three parts i.e. split your subject matter into 3-4
paragraphs
Part-1 - Introduction (beginning)- Introduce the topic and briefly mention
the status of the issue. State facts or quotation around in the middle
Part-2-Analyse the topic in terms of types/ kinds
Causes and effects/Problems (if any)
Consequences-Positive/ Negative effects/Related Information/ Statistical
data
Implications - social / environmental/psychological / health related.
Part 3- Conclusion- suggestions / remedial measures/reminders / compare
and contrast
5. Organise the ideas in a logical order, with systematic presentation
6. Predictions and personal observations may be included
7. Pay attention to grammatical accuracy and good use of vocabulary
8. Use sentence linkers to ensure continuity - e.g. Consequently/
similarly/finally/moreover etc.
9. Word limit 120 to 150 words.
10. Create rough work- First, jot down all the ideas. Second, make
sequence and third, join all the ideas with linkers and cohesive words.
11. For good article writing, it is important to read/ speak, listen to radio
shows, panel discussions, explore latest data, newspaper and do
consistent sharing of day-to-day experiences.
Example: Digital India is an initiative by government of India, intending
to create India technologically literate and connected. Write an article in about
120-150 words for a magazine, providing information about the initiative.
You are Neha.

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DIGITAL INDIA
By: Neha
In order to transform the entire ecosystem of public services through the
use of information technology, the Government of India has launched the
Digital India programme with the vision to transform India into a digitally
empowered society and knowledge economy.
Digital India was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narcndra Modi
on 1 July 2015 with an objective of connecting rural areas with high-speed
Internet networks and improving digital literacy. The vision of Digital India
programme is inclusive growth in areas of electronic services, products,
manufacturing and job opportunities etc. and it is centred on three key areas -
Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen, Governance & Services on
Demand and Digital Empowerment of Citizens.
The Digital India programme has witnessed a consistent upward growth
trajectory, achieving numerous milestones and flagship initiatives. These
achievements cover a wide plethora of sectors and include development of
broadband highways, universal access to mobile connectivity, public internet
access programmes, e-governance to name a few. Many major schemes anc
projects such as Aadhaar, Smart Cities Mission, BHIM UPI, RuPay, GSTIn,
GcM (Government e-Marketplace), DigiLocker come under the aegis of the
Digital India programme.
EXAMPLE: DECLINING SEX RATIO
By: XYZ
It is a great irony that in a country where women are worshipped for power
and energy, they are facing a kind of extinction, thereby bringing down the
ratio. The birth of a son is a cause for great rejoicing with drumming, singing
and public proclamations but that of a girl is an occasion for disappointment
or at the best indifference.
The main causes of declining ratio of girl child are the large number of
diseases which are either not treated or treated inadequately. The girls are
killed even before their birth. The practice of pre birth sex selection has spread
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Region. Religion and caste exercise an influence over mortality rates. The
lower the status of women in a particular section of the population, the higher
the number of female deaths.
Child marriages, early pregnancy, malnutrition during pregnancy, lack of
medical treatment, physical torture, rapes and unequal status in the society
make them the child of lesser Gods.
It is really a cruel joke that the mother of humanity is no one's child,
the maker of the home, does not have a home. The 'Creator' is destroyed
mercilessly in the hands of her own near and dear ones. Even the womb of her
mother is not a safe home for her as she is cruelly terminated by her saviours
i.e., parents and medical practitioners.
EXAMPLE: DEGENERATION OF MORAL ETHICS IN TODAY'S
SOCIETY
By: Shilpa
What a piece of work is Man!
How noble in reason!
How infinite in faculties!
Inform and moving, how expressive and admirable!
In action, how like an angel!
In apprehension, how like a God
The beauty of the world!
The paragon of animals.
Shakespeare's evocation of the infinite faculties of man, represents full
faith of his age in man's ability to scale the height of thought, love and beauty.
It is an obvious fact that the essence of all human relationship is basically
founded upon the presence or absence of values.
It is unfortunate that in today's world there is a gradual erosion of the values
among people. It is depressing to see the newspaper early in the morning to
witness various murders and rape cases. People are just fulfilling their desires
and needs on the cost of others. They forget their values and duties towards
society and country. If one sees an accident, they don't even want to touch the
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injured person. Modern generation children learn to smoke, believing that it

is just another habit like dancing or singing. They learn to drink, convincing
themselves that it is good for their health. They learn to cheat, thinking that
they can bring about great performance at the end. They believe that there is
nothing wrong pushing old parents to old age homes.
The need of the hour is to inculcate moral values among our students. Our
elderly people who live a life of simplicity and contentment with a generous,
kind and compassionate mind, can inculcate good values by regularly taking
them to place of meditation where these children can learn to remain focussed
and goal oriented. Spending quality time with growing children and constant
adult supervision can do wonders in changing the mindset of children.
So it is in the hands of individual to focus upon a real change in order to
live better, to lead a happy, peaceful and contended life just like our ancestors
did and we can make the world a better place to live, in so that posterity can
echo Shakespeare's words.
How any godly creatures are there?
How beauteous mankind is!
0! brave new world
That hath such people in it.
Example: You believe that all living beings have equal right to live on this
Earth freely; and man has no right to enslave the animals. You feel strongly
when you see people being cruel to animals. Write an article on 'Cruelty to
Animals' in about 120-150 words. You are Rajesh / Rajeshwari.
Value Points
• Introduction
• Why man tames pets/animals
• Animals being used for scientific experiments
• Birds and animals - put in cages and chained
• How stray animals suffer
• How to be kind to animals

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• Example:
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon which has been stigmatized by the
society since generations. Write an article in 150- 200 words on Menstruation
Stigmas. You are Vandit/Vidushi of Sarvodaya Vidyalaya.
Menstruation Stigmas
-Vandit/Vidushi
A menstrual taboo is any social taboo concerned with menstruation.
In some societies it involves menstruation being perceived as unclean or
embarrassing, inhibiting even the mention of menstruation whether in public
( in the media and advertising) or in private (among friends, in the household,
or with men).
Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls'
and women's emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly,
health. Large numbers of girls in less economically developed countries drop
out of school when they begin menstruating.
While several taboos and stigmas surround menstruation. It wasn't always
considered a dirty and impure bodily function wielded as a weapon by society
to restrict women's mobility. Historically, menstruation was even considered
auspicious, so much so that menstrual blood was even served up as an offering
to goddesses. Gradually the praise for the miraculous bodies of women was
soon replaced with barriers placed in front of them preventing them to live
free and fair lives.
Even today, the stigmas attached to menstruation haven't been abolished. If
we see at the ground level, still sanitary pads are sold in black polythene bags,
people feel ashamed while discussing menstruation and women are unable to
live a normal life while menstruating. This is the bitter truth about the Indian
society today. While change is taking place, we still have a long way to go.
Example : You are Pankaj/Palak. You have just visited a glass factory
which employs children. You have witnessed the awful condition of the
children there and their place of work. You also recount the child labourers
engaged in carpet and cracker industry, brick-kilns, road side restaurants and
as domestic helps, lnspite of strict laws you find it appalling that many people

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in educated society want the practice of child labourers to continue to fulfil

their selfish motives. Write an article in about 120-150 words advocating a
total ban on child labour.
Suggested Value Points
Para I : Introduction: Children below the age of 14 engaged in various
types of work in homes, hotels, garages and factories.
Millions of children work as child labourers and are devoid of school
education.
Para II Causes : Poverty is one of the main causes, other causes are -
illiterate parents / paid less wages /educated people, upper & middle class
engage child labourers for their help.
Laws are not so strict etc.
Para III Effect: poor health, become victims of asthma, high blood
pressure, poor eyesight, even become blind.
Fall prey to bad habits of smoking and drugs.
Para IV : Suggestions:
Laws should be strictly enforced
Severe punishments by law to the employers
Joint efforts:- public awareness through media.

TOPICS FOR ARTICLE WRITING

Suggested Topics for Article Writing

1. Racism-
-What is racism?
-History/Background
-Differential Treatment
-Major incidents- George Floyd etc
2. Alcohol Ban
-Pros and Cons
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- Revenue generation
- Illegal ways of acquiring
- cost of lives
3. Gender Neutrality
4. Freedom of speech and expression
5. Impact of COVID 19 pandemic - Challenges and Learnings.
Questions for Practice
1. The National Education Policy has been launched by Government of
India. Taking clue from the given cue points, develop an article on
National Education Policy 2020.
• Universal Access from pre-primary school to Grade 12
Target to achieve 100% Cross Enrollment Ratio in school education
by 2030
• Early Childhood Care and Education
Education for all children between 3-6 years by 2025
• Replacing 10+2 with 5+3+3+4
After five years in pre-primary, students to aim at enhanced skills in
new pedagogical system
• National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Focus on early language and mathematical skills from Grades 1-3 by
2025
• Multilingualism and the power of language
Medium of instruction till Class 5, preferably till 8, to be home
language/mother tongue
• Reforms in exams
Board exams to be broken into two, to test core capabilities
• New National Assessment Centre PARAKH
A standard-setting body for assessment of students pan-India
• Equitable and inclusive education
Emphasis on socially disadvantaged girls, socio-cultural identity
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• Teacher recruitment and career path

National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) to be developed
by 2022 for teachers
• Standard-setting and Accreditation for School Education
State School Standards Authority to be set up in all States/UTs
• Vocational Education
By 2025, at least 50% of students to have exposure to vocational
education
2(A). You are Ram/ Radhika. You are asked to write an article for your
school magazine titled 'Cleanliness: A Virtue'. Keeping in mind the given
below visual clues and your own ideas, write the article.

REPORT

Marks Allotted:5
Format : 1 mark
Content :2 marks
Organisation : 1 mark
Accuracy of Grammar and Spelling : 1 mark
A report is a written account of an incident heard, seen, done or experienced
and meant to be published. A good report must have a good introduction,
complete reporting and proper conclusion.
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Types of Report
˜ Newspaper Report
˜ School Magazine Report
Points to Remember
˜ Use simple past tense for magazine report and mixture of tenses for
newspaper report.
˜ Divide the report into three parts
(a) Part I : Introduction Mention the incident reported , its date, time,
place
(b) Part II : Body- Detail of the incident, causes, consequences.
effects, guests, steps, activities, people involved, relevant details.
b. Part III : Conclusion - reactions / statements of people / promises by
authorities steps taken.
10. Report should be written in third person
Format of Report
School Magazine Report
• Heading
• Name of the writer
Newspaper Report
Headline
• Name of the reporter(by line)
• Date and Place

SCHOOL MAGAZINE REPORT

Example : You are Shweta / Sahil. Head Boy/Girl of Rukmi Public School,
Janak Puri. Delhi. Your school celebrated World Autism Day in your school to
create awareness regarding needs and necessities of autistic children. Write a
report on this programme in about 120-150 words.

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World Autism Day

By : Shweta / Sahil
World Autism Day was celebrated by Rukmi Public School. Janak Puri,
Delhi on 2 April 2023 from 10 am to 2 pin in the School Auditorium. The
school was well decorated with posters of various facts related to Autism.
Mrs. Deepa Department of Psychology of Delhi University was the Chief
Guest. Around 200 students attended the programme. The programme began
by lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest. After that a skit was
presented by the students of Class XI showing the importance of knowledge
of Autism and to upkeep the needs of autistic students. The Chief Guest gave
a very motivating and thought provoking speech about the inclusion of autistic
students with the mainstream students. She also highlighted the role of Youth
in accomplishing this task. The Principal presented Vote of Thanks after which
light refreshment was served.
It was a very interesting programme and aroused lots of questions in the
minds of all participants, which were very well satisfied by the Speaker. It
gave a lot of food for thought to the minds of students.
Questions for Practice
1. You are Neha / Narayan, a consultant in Jai School of Management.
You organised a seminar on Right to Education Act for Teachers and
students in which educationists were invited to talk on the topic, its'
problems and implications. Write a report in about 120-150 words for
the school magazine.
2. You are Geet / Geeta, head of Health Club of GTB School. Shalimar
Bagh. Your club organised a talk to make students aware of alarming
use of chemicals in vegetables and fruits. Experts from medical
field and consumer forum were invited to answer the queries of the
audience. Write a report in about 120-150 words for your school
magazine.
3. A Special awareness campaign was organized lor all parents of the
school to make them aware of Parent Samvaad Dashboard and to help
them to be connected with the school as well as the Directorate. All
SMC members were also invited to participate in the show.
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NEWSPAPER REPORT

Reckless honking in Mumbai to earn 2-hour lecture and test

MUMBAI: Motorists caught honking for no reason, will have to spend
at least two hours at a traffic police chowky and undergo a training session
on road traffic rules, city police commissioner Sanjav Pandey said during his
Sunday Facebook Live session. "Earlier they were just fined. It will not end
with this. After completing the session, they have to undergo a test [on traffic
rules]," he said. "Just a fine for those caught honking is not helping." he added.
So, those caught will have to clear the test that will help them know
the rules," city police commissioner Sanjay Pandey said during his Sunday
Facebook Live session. Those caught honking for no reason will have to
undergo a training session on road traffic rules now he said.
He also warned ambulance drivers about why sirens blare at night and in
the early hours despite roads being without traffic.

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Example : You are Sakshi Chand & Abhay reporters with. 'The Times of
India'. You witnessed a fire accident in Mundka in Delhi. Write a report to be
published in the newspaper. Invent necessary details
27 Killed in West Delhi Fire
By : Sakshi Chand&Abhay
May 14 2022, New Delhi a massive fire engulfed a four storey commercial
building in West Delhi, Mundka on Friday killing at least 27 people and
leaving dozens injured.
The fire broke out around 4.30 p.m. Fire brigade and police arrived at
the venue within half an hour. About a dozen firemen battled past midnight
to bring the fire under control. The loss incurred is estimated to be about five
crore rupees.
The injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital. Many people
sustained minor burns. The PMO has tweeted that Rs. 2 lakh would be given
to the next of kin of all the victims who died. The injured will receive Rs.
50000. The police is investigating the matter.

EXAMPLE

You are Poorvi Chotani . a contributor to Economic Times. You attended a

meeting at US embassy. It was announced that US is becoming aggressive in
issuing visas to Indian students. Write a report for your newspaper.
US steps up visa processing, with special focus on students
By Poorvi Chothani ET CONTRIBUTORS
On May 11 2022,US announced that special arrangements have been made
to issue a large number of student visas in the ensuing months.
Don Heflin, Minister Counsular for Consular Affairs at the U.S. Embassy
in New Delhi went live on Instagram and Facebook to provide an update
on visa services with a special focus on students. This is a summary of the
information shared with the audience.
The Minister started out by saying that the summertime is all about visas

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and that they had made special arrangements for student visas. He confirmed
that they had issued a record 62,000 student visas last year and expected to
break that record this year. In fact, they expect to issue more student (F, M and
Js including dependents) visas than ever before.
When addressing questions about return to "normal" levels of service the
Minister indicated that this year they expect to be a 2/3rd of their pre-COVID
capacity and hope to reach 100% of this by the end of 2023. To increase
capacity, Mission India is recruiting more officers in addition to training
existing staff members etc. They recently added five more visa officers at their
Consulate in Mumbai.

Questions for Practice

(a) You are Akshay / Akshita, a press reporter with Indian Express.
Recently a few trains were cancelled due to fog in winter. Passengers
were stranded at the New Delhi Railway Station. Write a report in about
120-150 words highlighting the problems faced by the passengers.
(b) Incessant rains have caused irrecoverable damage due to flood in
Kerala in October 2021. Rivers began to overflow, cutting towns from
each other. A flood relief programme was organised where various
Flood relief measures were carried out. As a newspaper reporter, write
a report in about 120-150 words about the incident. You are Dimpy/
Danish, press reporters of The Hindustan Times.
(c) Indian Badminton has created history by winning Thomas Cup for the
first time ever. You are Avni/ Avinash, a reporter. Write a report to be
published in the sports section of The Times of India
Reports for Magazine:
EXAMPLE: Maulana Azad College Kolkotta celebrated its Annual
Sports Day. Write a report of the event

ANNUAL SPORTS CEREMONY OF MAULANA AZAD COLLEGE

By Suprity Acharyya
The annual sports ceremony is more like a festival at Maulana Azad
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College. Just like all other years, the Annual Sports event was organised by
the college authority. The date for the event was scheduled from December
21st to 23rd December 2023.
The college sports organising body chose the Kolkata Maidan as a venue.
At the opening ceremony on the 21st of December, a splendid cultural function
took place. After the cultural function, all games and the names of respective
participants were announced. Then the college Principal delivered a short
speech about the college's heritage of this sports day. The first day went like
this followed by a simple singing competition after the speech. On the second
day. full-fledged sports started. Several athletic games like long jump, high
jump, 500 meters racing as well as a table tennis competition etc were on the
long list of sports.
Five chief instructors were appointed for managing the whole ceremony.
Apart from that many volunteers from the college union were also there to
help out any participants who was facing any issues in the field. The third day
was scheduled for prize distribution and senior's farewell.
Names of the winners were announced and the honourable Mayor of
Kolkata was invited as a chief guest to distribute prizes to the awardees.
Finally, within an emotional ceremony of seniors' farewell, the annual sports
event came to an end with big applause by the visitors as well as participants.
Q- A mock drill of earthquake was conducted in your school, SBV West
Vinod Nagar. Write a report for school magazine giving the detailed report of
the drill

A Report on Mock Drill of Earthquake

By: Karuna

A Mock Drill was conducted on 20 January 2022 at 11 am in SBV West

Vinod Nagar .The alarm hooter rang out loud and clear, books were abandoned
and bags shoved aside as students dived under their desks for cover. Teachers
and non-teaching staff too were involved in the act, as they stood huddled in a

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corner or under the desks waiting for the imagined worst to pass. After a few
seconds the students were immediately escorted by their subject teachers to the
assembly point. During the drill students followed the exit routes designated
for them and assembled at assembly point in proper rows earmarked class
wise. Proper head count of all the students was taken. Rescue team was in
action to rescue left out students or any other staff members. Special care was
taken for the physically challenged students. Keeping all the safety measures in
mind and carrying them out methodically, the entire building was successfully
evacuated within a span of 2 minutes.
Once all had evacuated the building and had assembled in the ground, the
students were advised not to panic in case of any disaster. They were instructed
to be with teachers at the time of disaster and follow the instructions given by
them. The mock drill was successfully conducted.
Example : Write a report on Cleanliness Drive recently held in your
school SKV Majlis Park.

REPORT ON CLEANLINESS DRIVE

By : Neha, Head Girl
Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Majlis Park, undertook a cleanliness drive
during the month of April 2022 in accordance with Clean India Campaign.
The school chalked out a monthly plan to organize numerous activities such
as skits, debates, speeches, poster making etc. A special drive was carried out
on 6 April 20 22 to reverberate to the mission of campaigning. The students
took a pledge to clean their school, homes, public places and surroundings.
During the morning assembly a play on "Clean India' was enacted to highlight
the importance of hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness. The school Principal
along with staff and students were actively involved in the cleanliness drive.
They enthusiastically took up broom and cleaned up every nook and corner of
classrooms, corridors, school ground and nearby area. The whole drive was
quite inspiring and motivating for the students. The students realized that any
work is best done by the person himself. It made the students aware of the
dignity of labour.

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Question : A local tour was organised in your school recently. Write a

report in 120-150 words based upon your experience, for the school magazine
of your school. You are Namit/ Namita of Class XI A.

LOCAL TOUR
By : Namit / Namita (XI A)
On 9th of October last year, a local tour was organised for all the students
of school. The students were informed well and NOC was taken in advance.
They reached the school in time and boarded the assigned buses at sharp 8.30
a.m. escorted by their respective class teachers.
A sumptuous refreshment like light snacks, and frooti etc. was relished
by the students, while travelling. They disposed off the wrappers in dustbins,
kept in buses. All the students were very happy and sung songs while making
merry.
The students were very happy when they reached the first spot i.e.. Gandhi
Smriti Bhawan. They noted the important information in the notebooks that
they were carrying.
The next destination was Humayun’s Tomb. The students and the teachers
had their lunch in the outer lawns. When they entered the premises, they were
taken aback by its sheer beauty, it was a magnificent monument with well
manicured lawns. There were fountains amidst numerous small square ponds.
It was an extremely beautiful view.
The students were then asked by the teachers to form queues again to
move to the next spot- that was Rail Bhawan. They had a glimpse of journey
of railways in India since 1953. It was fascinating. The bus reached the school
at 5.00 p.m. The students were a bit tired but happy. They bade good bye to
the teachers and moved to their respective homes.
Question: Write a report on the topic ‘Career Mela’ in 120-150 words
for your school magazine. The inputs are provided to facilitate you. You are
Manjeet Singh/ Manjeet Kaur.

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...students asked to submit charts pertaining to various career choices...

...under senior and junior categories...
....class XII and X students were informed well in advance...
...charts displayed in multipurpose hall...
..principal presided the career mcla....
...students were invited to have a round of exhibition...
...they were told to bring along note books and pen...
...two resource persons were invited...
talks were held about career prospects available in India and abroad after
completing school... ...it was appreciated by all ...

Questions for Practice

1. World Dance Day was celebrated at your school in April 2023. Write
a report giving details of the celebrations.
2. Farewell Party was held at your school. You are Adit. student of Class
XI. Write a report for the school magazine.
3. A renowned Mountaineer Santosh Yadav visited your school and
interacted with the students. Write a report of the day.
4. Your school had some guests from Cambridge University. They
observed classes and interacted with students. Write a report of the
day.

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SECTION B-FOR PRACTICE OF WRITING SKILLS

Q1. Attempt ANY ONE of the following:

A. Your school is organizing a round of mock interviews to prepare
students for various interviews that students would be facing
after class XII. Draft a notice in 50 words informing students of
class XII regarding the same. Invent the necessary details
Or
B. Delhi Government has announced that Special Activity Incharges
would be sent to all government schools to execute Hobby classes
during summer vacations. As Priya, the Co-Ordinator of GGSS
School Kidwai Nagar, draft a notice to inform the students about
the same. Motivate them to join activities of their choice.
Q2. Attempt ANY ONE of the following :
A. You, Rohini/Rohan . the Secretary of the English Enhancement
Club and Society of Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector
12, Rohini have to plan and organize an Inter School Debate
Competition on " Mobile Phone and Social Development of the
Children". You wish to invite Dr. Aseem Kumar, an eminent
educationist to be the judge of the debate competition. Write an
invitation to invite him.
Or
B. You have received an invitation to be the chief guest of
inauguration of a local community centre. Send a reply in not
more than 50 words confirming your acceptance. You are Sadhna
Goyal, Lecturer English.
Q3. Attempt ANY ONE of the following :
A. You are Jagriti/Jaideep, head of Social Awareness Club of S.S.N.
Public School, Arya Samaj Road, Mumbai. As a team leader
of the club, you decide to motivate public to take care of the
environment by planting trees and saving water. Write a letter to
the Editor of a national newspaper raising the issue of saving our
Earth and suggesting ways to tackle the situation.
Or
B. You are Shreya/ Shreyas. Write an application in response to the

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following advertisement in a national daily. You consider yourself

suitable and eligible for the following post.
Applications are invited for the post of a Nursery teacher/PRT in
Y.K. International School, Gnaziabad, UP. The candidate must
have a minimum experience of 3 years of teaching at the primary
and pre-primary level. The applicant must have a pleasant and
energetic personality. She/he should be creative and adaptable.
We shall give attractive salary. Interested candidates should apply
to the Principal with a detailed resume.
Q4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following :
A. You are Neena/Nitin Incharge of Career Mela of Saraswati Vidya
Senior Sec. School. The school organized Career Mela last
month. You looked after each and every step of the preparation.
Write a report to be published in your school magazine.
Or
B. The other day you heard your parents talking about the good
old times when reading sessions were a part of the Cultural life
of the cities. The eminent writers/ poets used to be invited to
such sessions who would read out to the public, excerpts from
their famous works. You feel such times should return to revive
people's interest in literature. Write an article on the issue in about
120-150 words

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SECTION-C
LITERATURE (TEXTBOOKS)
Dear Students
The National Education Policy 2020 focuses on creative learning and
teaching methods. CBSE has introduced competency based questions in
accordance with it.
What are competency-based questions’?
Competency-based questions are based on case studies, reasoning
and assertion, response-based, objective type etc. These questions test the
application of learning in real-life situations through various mediums, thereby
understanding students’ higher-order thinking skills.
Why competency-based questions?
The aim is to make students think out of the box, critically and analytically.
There is a paradigm shift from content-based learning to conceptual, relatable
and application-based learning.
What is expected from students?
Competency-based questions test understanding of content/skill/concept
learned and its application in a similar scenario. It helps to assess and examine
true understanding and potential as opposed to rote learning.
Strategy to attempt questions from literature Section
• Read the questions thoroughly
• Look for question words like what, when how, where, why etc.
• Jot down the value points and sequence them
• Be precise
• For short answer questions 2-3 value points are sufficient
• For long answer questions 4-5 value points with elaboration are
sufficient
• Relevance, coherence and grammatical accuracy must be taken care of
• Apt words (vocabulary) fetch good marks
• Avoid repetition of ideas
• Conclude long answer questions on a positive note.

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FLAMINGO
1. THE LAST LESSON - By Alphonse Daudet

The lesson highlights the importance of mother tongue that helps the
people of a country to come together for a bigger cause. Its human tendency
to procrastinate (to postpone things for tomorrow) and realise the importance
of things when they are snatched. M. Hamel the French Language teacher
ignites patriotism among the students and refers to mother tongue as a key to
their freedom.
SETTING-French Districts of Alsace and Lorraine
In the days of Franco-Prussian (Prus pronounced as Prashe) war when
France was defeated by Prussia

LESSON AT A GLANCE

MAIN CHARACTERS

FRANZ- Good Observer, Lively young boy and sensitive

M HAMEL-Dcvoted and sincere teacher, Passionate about French,
Patriotic and Emotional

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Franz reluctant to go to school

• Was often late to school
• Afraid of being scolded by teacher
• Had not learnt rules of Participles
2. Franz's temptations
• Spend the warm and bright day outside
• Enjoy chirping of birds
• Wanted to watch Prussian soldiers

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3. Franz passes through the town hall

• Crowd in front of the bulletin-board
• Usually all bad news- lost battles, the draft, orders of the
commanding officers
• News that day-Order from Berlin had come to teach only German
in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine
4. Unusual in the school that day
• On usual days there was great bustle, opening and closing of
desks, lessons repeated in unison, teacher's ruler rapping on the
table
• That day quiet, solemn as Sunday morning
• Franz entered late but M Hamel spoke kindly
• M Hamel dressed in beautiful green coat, frilled shirt, black silk
cap embroidered
• Elders of village sitting on back benches

Read the passages given below and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1.

l. What a thunderclap these words were to me! Oh, the wretches; that was
what they had put up at the town-hall! My last French lesson! Why, I hardly
knew how to write! I should never learn anymore! I must stop there, then! Oh,
how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds' eggs, or going
sliding on the Saar! My books, that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago.
so heavy to carry, my grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends
now that I couldn't give up. And M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going
away, that 1 should never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler
and how cranky he was.
1. 'What a thunderclap these words were to me!' The words that were
said by M Hamel were
(i) only German will be taught in the schools from the next day

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(ii) elderly villagers were to attend school

(iii) Prussian soldiers were allowed drilling practice in fields

(iv) Mr. Hamel had to dress in his formal Sunday outfit

2. Here the 'wretches' mean _________

3. 'Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons'. Why was Franz
regretting now?

4. Who were the old friends he could not give up now?

Answers:

1 only German will be taught in the schools from the next day.

2. the Germans

3. Franz was feeling sorry that he had wasted his time seeking birds'
eggs or sliding on the Saar rather than attending his school.

4. His books of Grammar and History which seemed a nuisance for him
a while ago were now old friends that he treasured.

RTC 2

2. Thcn, from one thing to another. M. Hamel went on to talk of the French
language, saying that it was the most beautiful language in the world — the
clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it,
because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language
it is as if they had the key to their prison. Then he opened a grammar and
read us our lesson. I was amazed to sec how well I understood it. All he said
seemed so easy, so easy! I think, too, that I had never listened so carefully, and
that he had never explained everything with so much patience.
1. M Hamel's words reflect his patriotism and emotions. Choose the
closely related quote:

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The limits of my language mean

One language sets you in a
the limits of my world-Ludwig
corridor for life-Frank Smith
Wittgenstein

Language is the road map of a

Change your language and you
culture. It tells you where its
change your thoughts-Karl
people come from and where
Albrecht
they are going-Rita Mae Brown

2. 'I was amazed to see how well I understood it.' The lesson did not
seem difficult shows that Franz was _________________ today.
3. Mother tongue : key :: prison:
(i) foreign invasion
(ii) enslavement
(iii) imposition
(iv) violence
4. Use the word 'enslaved' in a sentence of your own to draw out its
meaning from the extract.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Why had M. Hamel put on his fine Sunday clothes?

Ans. The order from Berlin stated that only German would be taught in
schools and not the French language. M. Hamel knew that it was his
last French lesson. It was in the honour of the last lesson that he had
put on his fine Sunday clothes which he put on inspection and Prize
Distribution Days.
2. Why were the elders of the villagers sitting there in the back of the
classroom?

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Ans. The elders of the village, Old Hauser, postmaster and several others
were there in the classroom because it was their way of showing
respect for their country and thanking M. Hamel for his forty years of
faithful service. They too felt sorry that they had not been to school.
3. The last part of the lesson reveals the emotional character of M.Hamel.
Elucidate.
Ans. M. Hamel, the teacher, told the children in a solemn tone that it was
their last French lesson. Henceforth, only German would be taught in
the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The new master would come the
next day. As that was their last French lesson, he wanted them to be
very attentive. Towards the end he writes on the blackboard "Vive La
France' and dismisses the class.
4. Is Franz trying to equate himself with the pigeons as regards to
imposition of foreign language?
Ans. A country can be conquered physically by using force but it is difficult
to conquer minds. Language is a very powerful weapon. The Germans
imposed their language on the people of Alsace and Lorraine. M
Hamel said as long as the French hold fast to their language, they
can't be made slaves. In this statement he intends to say the Germans
would also succeed in teaching the pigeons their language.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE:

1. For Franz, what was more tempting than going to school and why?
2. How were the parents responsible for the lack of interest in studies of
their children?
3. What is the significance of the last words written on the Black board
by M Hamel?
4. 'This is your last French lesson.' How did Franz react to this
announcement made by M.Hamel?
5. 'I never saw him look so tall.' Did he really seem tall?Why?

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COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. As M Hamel deliver a speech on the last day of school urging the

village elders and students never to leave their Native language.
You can begin the speech this way:
People are passionate about their country and language. Excessive
pride in one's own language may lead to Language Chauvinism
where they feel superior to others and try to impose their language on
others
Ans. People are passionate about their country and language. Excessive
pride in one's own language may lead to Language Chauvinism where
they feel superior to others and try to impose their language on others.
The Germans have taken over the districts of Alsace and Lorraine and
an order has come from Berlin that French will no longer be taught
in this school. From tomorrow the German teacher will come. This
is my Last lesson. French is the most beautiful and logical language,
we must owe respect to our language and know how to read and write
it. No one can enslave us if we have a strong hold of our language.
I emphasise on the fact that it is one's language that gives us our
freedom. We must not leave our mother tongue.
I find that you all are regretting for not learning your mother tongue
seriously and now realise the importance of the mother tongue in your
lives.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. The class on the day of the Last lesson seemed very grim and unusual.
Does it resonate with any of your school experiences? Write a Diary
Entry about one such experience you came across in school.
Dear Diary
We were taken aback by this sudden news. The class seemed _______
2. 'Overwhelmed feelings of M. Hamel evoke the feeling of patriotism
in his readers.' Write an article in 120 words on 'Patriotism in Youth'.

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2.LOST SPRING
- By Anees Jung
Anees Jung, a famous story writer utters destitution of ragpickers of
Seemapuri and bangle makers of Firozabad. The chapter is about perpetual
poverty of certain groups of people and the traditions which make poor people
live a life of exploitation. It sensitizes the readers to step forward to save the
spring (childhood) of beautiful human life so that many children would be
able to avail the opportunities to realize their dreams.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

SAHF.B-ALAM
• name means - lord of the universe
• he earns living by rag-picking
• lives in Seemapuri
• walks barefoot
LIVING CONDITIONS IN SEEMAPURI
• on the outskirts of Delhi, yet miles away from it, home of 10.000
ragpickers
• make their living by rag-picking
• houses have roofs made of tin and tarpaulin, no proper drainage and
sewage
• food and survival more important than an identity
• garbage to them is gold as it is a means of survival
MUKESH
• Mukesh the bangle maker of Firozabad
• works in high temperature
• hazardous working conditions

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• dreams of being a motor mechanic, wants to break the lineage

HAZARDS OF WORKING IN GLASS BANGLE FACTORY
• High temperature
• long working hours in front of hot furnaces
• boys and girls assist parents in the dim light of flickering oil lamps.
• eyes more adjusted to dark than light.
• dust from polishing bangles affect their eyes, skin and health
• exploited by money lenders, police, bureaucrats, politicians.
• fear of being ill-treated by police.
• live in a state of intense poverty.
• Live in stinky lanes
• Overcrowded place with humans and animals

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SAHEB-E-ALAM’S MUKESH’S
STORY STORY

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Read the passages and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1

1. If he knew its meaning- lord of the universe-he would have a hard time
believing it. Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets with
his friends, an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and
disappear at noon. Over the months, 1 have come to recognise each of them.
l. An army of barefoot boys that appear like morning birds is a ______
(i) simile
(ii) metaphor
(iii) alliteration
(iv) repetition
2. "Its" refers to __________ in the first line.
3. How is the author able to recognise each one of them?
4. Why does the author compare the army of barefoot boys to birds?
Ans:
l.(i) simile
2. Saheb-e-Alam
3. The author is able to recognise each of them as she visits them
very often.
4. The author compares the 'army of barefoot boys to birds' because
both keep searching for food/material on roads

RTC 2

2. Hearing him, one wonders if he has achieved what many have failed to
achieve in their lifetime. He has a roof over his head. The cry of not having
money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, not
even enough to cat, rings in every home.
1. Which is the statement which is not true in reference to the extract?
(a) Mukesh's family has a roof over their heads

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(b) the only means of survival is bangle making.

(c) they live in a condition of grinding poverty
(d) all at Firozabad have failed to fulfil their basic needs
2. Anees Jung portrays a state of _____ and ______ in Firozabad
(a) poverty (b) exploitation
(c) grief (d) disappointment
(i) a&c (ii) b&c (iii) a&b (iv) a&d
3. What has Mukesh's father managed to teach his sons?
4. What docs the author mean by 'the cry of not having money except
making bangles rings in every home'?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

l. What is the irony in the name "Saheb-e-Alam"?

Ans. 'Saheb-e-Alam' means the 'Lord of the Universe' but Saheb was
oblivious of what it meant. Contrary to what his name represented,
he roamed the streets with his friends, an army of barefooted boys
scrounging in the garbage heaps to make both ends meet.
2. Why have the ragpickers settled in Seemapuri?
Ans. Several families like Saheb have been the victims of nature's fury.
They left Dhaka after storms swept away their fields and houses and
settled in Seemapuri.
3. 1s Saheb happy working at the tea stall? Explain.
Ans. Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. Even though he is paid
more and given his meals but he is no longer his own master. The
steel canister seems to be heavier than the plastic bag. He has lost his
carefree look.
4. 'It is his karam, his destiny," says Mukesh's grandmother. We can't
they break their lineage. Can the lineage be broken in your opinion?
Ans. Mukesh's grandmother believes it is their destiny that they are poor
and are born in the caste of bangle makers. She believes they can't
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change their 'God given lineage". She has watched her own husband
go blind with the dust from polishing the glass of bangles. Breaking
the lineage solely depends on the individual. Those who are willing
find means to meet their ends. I firmly believe, ‘have dreams and go
for their accomplishment’.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Seemapuri is a place incongenial for living for the ragpickers. Justify

the statement.
2. Garbage has different connotations for children and adults of
Seemapuri.Comment.
3. What does the tittle 'Lost spring' convey?
4. "The young men echo the lament of their elders .Little has moved with
time in Firozabad.'" What does the author wish to tell her readers?
5. Why were the working conditions of the bangle making units of
Firozabad hazardous?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. Poverty is a vicious circle for poor slum dwellers and bangle makers.
The author Anees Jung in a conversation with Mukesh's father finds the bangle
makers in a pathetic state.
Begin the conversation in the following way.
Anees Jung: Despite the long years of hard labour you have failed to
renovate your house and send your sons to school
Ans. Anees Jung: Despite the long years of hard labour you have failed to
renovate your house and send your sons to school?
Mukesh's father: Yes, but I have made one achievement. I have managed

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to teach them the art of bangle making.

Anees Jung : Why do they not work anywhere else to improve the living
conditions at home?
Mukesh's father: We have no escape from the vicious circle of the
middlemen who continuously are exploiting us. If we dare to dream or pursue
any profession outside our lineage we are hauled up by the police.
Anees Jung: Young men trying to organise a co-operative told me that
they are dragged to jail for taking such a step. Is it so?
Mukesh's father: Many accept it as naturally as their forefathers did. Years
of toil and injustice has killed all their initiative and apathy. They continue to
sustain in such poor and pathetic circumstances.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. Little children have to work at the age of their mental and physical
development. Write an article in 120 words on 'Child labour -A Blot
on Society'.
2. The ragpickers of Seemapuri and banglemakers of Firozabad live and
die in squalor. You as the author write a letter to the editor in 120
words highlighting the abject poverty and cultural traditions in the
slum areas so that it is an eye opener for the concerned authorities and
the readers.

3. DEEP WATER
-By William Douglas
Deep Water opens the way for all to achieve the impossible. Focussing
the target, staying determined and consistent efforts can help to fight the
challenges and tough situations in life. Challenges in life are inevitable but
we need to accept them and make our course/run clear so these do not become
hurdle for our lives.

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Read the passages and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1

I. It had happened when 1 was ten or eleven years old. 1 had decided to
learn to swim. There was a pool at the Y.M.C.A. in Yakima that offered exactly
the opportunity. The Yakima River was treacherous. Mother continually
warned against it and kept fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in
the river. But the Y.M.C.A. pool was safe.
1. The author avoided to learn swimming in the Yakima River because
it was
(i) dirty and huge
(ii) deep and huge
(iii) huge and dirty
(iv) it was far
2. 'It' refers to ________ .
3. What docs the above extract tell us about?
4. Write the word that means the same as 'treacherous'.
Ans: 1. (ii)
2. drowning in the swimming pool.
3. ThEabove extract is about apprehension of Douglas when he
goes to YMCA pool to learn su imming.
4. dangerous

RTC 2

2. The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have
known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate. In death there is peace.
There is terror only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt knew when he said, "All
we have to fear is fear itself." Because I had experienced both the sensation of
dying and the terror that fear of it can produce, the will to live somehow grew
in intensity.

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l. The narrator's mood in the extract is

(i) hopeless
(ii) cheerful
(iii) fearful
(iv) excited
2. ‘In death there is peace’ means ______
3. What 'fear' is the narrator talking about in the above extract
4. "All we have to fear is fear itself." What docs the narrator wish to
convey through this quote?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. "I crossed to oblivion and the curtain of life fell". Why did the author
make this remark?
Ans. The author had made three futile attempts to spring up to the surface
but as his strength failed and energy exhausted, he gave up and
stopped all his efforts.
2. 'My legs felt limp and blackness swept over my brain'. What does the
reader sense about the author's condition?
Ans. The reader senses that when the author was under water it perhaps
became difficult tor him to move his legs and he felt darkness in front
of his eyes as if he was about to collapse.
3. In order to escape drowning what strategy did Douglas adopt while in
the deep end of the pool?
Ans. When Douglas was thrown into water, he was terribly frightened but
still mentally alert. He planned that when his feet hit the bottom, he
would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it and paddle
to the edge of the pool.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

l. How did the incident at YMCA pool affect Douglas later in his life?

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2. How did the writer experience the truth of Roosevelt's statement "All
we have to fear is fear itself”?
3. Though Douglas's mother did not allow Douglas to go to Yakima
River, she allowed him to go to the swimming pool at YMCA. Why
do you think it was so?
4. Douglas made sure he conquers the old terror. Was he successful
eventually and how?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. After the drowning incident, Douglas wants to share the fears and
emotions experienced by him with his diary .He begins this way:
Dear Diary,
I was flung into the deep end of the pool by a big bruiser of a boy and was
overcome with fear. Fortunately, I was able to think rationally. So, I planned
______
Ans. Dear Diary,
I was flung into the deep end of the pool by a big bruiser of a boy and was
overcome with fear. Fortunately. I was able to think rationally. So. I planned
that as soon as I hit the bottom, I would make a big jump. I hoped that 1
would be able to come to the surface but my efforts went futile. Panic groped
me when 1 realised that I had gone deep inside nine feet of water. I thought I
would bob to the surface like a cork. My limbs were almost paralysed. 1 failed
to find anything to hold on and 1 was again being pulled under. My lungs
ached and my screams went unheard. The mass of yellow water gripped me
which produced stark terror. When three attempts to rise to the surface failed,
I fainted. I experienced a terror which never left me.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. If we surrender to our fears, they overpower us; If we face them, they

fade away. Write an article of 120 words 'Fighting fear'.
2. I was determined even after my high jump trainer had left me and
said, 'But I am not done'. Write a diary entry of the efforts made by
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you to finally overcome the terror and surprise the trainer with your
achievement.

4.THE RATTRAP
- By Selma Lagerlof
Sclma Lagerlof talks about the universality of human goodness that can
be awakened through understanding love, compassion and belief. Experience
is the best of school masters, and the peddler was able to get a vital lesson after
his encounter with situation and people both. Finally, his goodness surfaces
and temporary phase of his bad practices ends. The world turns to be a good
place to live.

An idea struck the Rattrap peddler that the whole world is a big RATTRAP.
Guess what?
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Read the passages below and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1
l. The world had, of course, never been very kind to him, so it gave him
unwonted joy to think ill of it in this way. It became a cherished pastime of
his, during many dreary plodding's to think of people he knew who had let
themselves to be caught in the dangerous snare, and of others who were still
circling around the bait.
1. Here he thinks the 'dangerous snare' is
(i) selling small rattraps of wire
(ii) plodding along the roads alone.
(iii) begging and stealing
(iv) getting tempted to the riches.
2. The word ' unwonted' means
3. What does 'The world had not been kind to him' refer to?
4. Which is the 'cherished pastime' talked about in the extract?
Ans.l.iv)
2. unusual
3. He earned a meagre amount by selling rattraps so all facets of life
were tough for him.
4. The cherished pastime of the peddler to think of people whom he
knew were caught in the dangerous ensnare.

RTC 2
2. "You do preach worse than a parson." said the iron master. "I only hope
you won't have to regret this." The young girl took the stranger by the hand
and led him up to the table.
l. Who is "you" in the above lines?
(i) Peddler
(ii) crofter
(iii) Edla
(iv) priest
2. The 'regret' here implies __________
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3. Why did the iron master tell the speaker that he she was a bad speaker?
4. Draw out the character of the young girl after going through the
extract.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Peddler earned his living by selling rattraps. Was he able to meet his
ends?
Ans. The peddler earned his livelihood by selling small rattraps of wire,
which he used to make himself from the material got by begging in
the stores or at big farms. But this was not so profitable, so he had to
beg or even steal. He roamed about like a vagabond all alone.
2. The crofter welcomes the peddler to his cottage though he is a stranger.
Why do you think he did so?
Ans. The crofter was a lonely man without wife or child. He craved and
desired human company to share his loneliness. He welcomed the
peddler and offered him porridge for supper and even tobacco. He
played cards with him. He even showed him his earnings and let him
know where it was kept.
3. Women are better at convincing as compared to men. Cite an instance
from the lesson proving the statement.
Ans. Edla started sympathising with the vagabond, understanding that
he was going through a hard lime. She was compassionate and
benevolent. Her manner was friendly which made the vagabond feel
confident. She insisted that he could leave at his will after spending
Christmas with them. Because of her friendly request, the peddler
accepted her invitation.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. A strange idea about the world struck, the peddler. Was the peddler
ensnared by that idea of his?
2. The peddler declined the iron master's invitation. He had some
apprehension. Do you agree?
3. Pick out two instances from the story 'The Rattrap' to show that the
peddler realized that he himself was trapped.
4. The peddler left behind a Christmas gift for Edla Willmanson and a
note. Why did he do so?
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5. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain Von Stahl? Is this gesture
justified?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

l. The story "The Rattrap" shows that basic human goodness can be brought
out by understanding and love. Write a letter to Edla to convey your gratitude
as a peddler.
Ans.
Dear Edla
Thanks for the great transformation 1 see in myself today. I had been
resorting to begging and thievery all the time, never bothered to clear my
identity and befooled the ironmaster and crofter too. But Edla you gave me
a royal treatment, served me delicious supper, gifted your father's dress to
me. You convinced your father to let me stay for Christmas and made me
feel a special guest .Nobody ever gave me such a lot of regard. This kind of
unconditional love and compassion from you made me realise my mistake and
I confess my guilt too. You have made a lot of difference in my life. I feel 1
am a better person now .1 will resist my temptations and not indulge in any
forgery. I owe my gratitude to you.
Hope you will pardon me for my follies. Leaving behind this letter and a
gift for you.
Regards
Captain Von Stahle

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE
1. The peddler betrayed the trust of the crofter and was caught in the trap
of the world. Temptation to bait should be restricted at all costs. Write
an article in 120 words on "Strength of Character".
2. How are the attitudes of the ironmaster and his daughter different?
Supporting your answer from the text write a conversation high-
lighting the disparity.
You can begin this way:
Ironmaster: You tried to befool us. Leave or else I will hand you over
to the Sheriff.

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Edla: Let him stay................................

4. Do you sympathise with the peddler or ironmaster? Who do you feel
is a victim of the social and economic changes in Sweden and why?

5.INDIGO
-By Louis Fischer
Louis Fischer reviews 'The Life of Mahatma' observing closely 'The
Champaran episode'. Indigo is about how Mahatma Gandhi struggled for the
underprivileged peasants of Champaran. A simple peasant's entreaty brings
the historical change to learn courage and self-reliance to protest against the
wrong doers for their rights.
Germany develops Synthetic Indigo and British landlords demand
compensation from peasants for freeing them from 15% compensation. They
torture the peasants for not obeying them

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Read the passages and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1

l."It was an extraordinary thing in those days," Gandhi commented," for a

government eminent professor to harbour a man like me."In smaller localities,
the Indians were afraid to show sympathy for advocates of home rule.
l. Why were people afraid to harbour a man like Gandhi? Choose the
incorrect option

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(i) because they were scared of lawyers

(ii) because he was advocating home rule
(iii) because he was not supporting the British Government.
(iv) As peasants feared that their land would be forcefully taken away.
2. The reference to the government professor in the extract is given for
_____________
3. 'It was an extraordinary thing in those days.' Which extraordinary
thing is being mentioned here’?
4. Was the attitude of the average Indian towards the advocates of home
rule justified and why?
Ans: 1.(i)
2. Professor Malkani
3. Giving refuge to Gandhiji by a government professor at his place
4. Yes it was as during those days, the average Indian lived in the
fear of the British. Though they were supportive of Gandhi, they
did not show it explicitly.

RTC 2

2. They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in
trouble with the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands,
around the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the
British. The officials felt powerless without Gandhi's cooperation. He helped
them regulate the crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them
concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be
challenged by Indians. The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested
the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult
their superiors.
1. The officials felt powerless without Gandhi's co-operation as
(i) Gandhi justified the violent action of the peasants
(ii) Gandhi helped them to regulate the crowd
(iii) Gandhi persuaded the crowd to gather at the court premises
(iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
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2. The government was baffled to see __________

3. Which style is being used by the author, when he says, "Apparently, the
authorities wished to consult their superiors," sarcastic or persuasive
and why?
4. How was Gandhiji's behaviour towards the British prior to the
proposal of postponement of the trial?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Rajkumar Shukla was illiterate yet resolute. Justify the statement.

Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was a sharecropper from Champaran. He was
illiterate but resolute. He had come to the Congress session to
complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar. He was
sure that Gandhiji would help them. He wanted Gandhiji to come to
Champaran district. Gandhi told him that he was busy but he followed
him everywhere he went and finally sought his consent.
2. Landlords exploited the poor peasants. Throw light on their behaviour
towards the peasants.
Ans. The land was divided into large estates that were owned by
Englishmen.The Chief commercial crop was indigo. The landlord
forced all the tenants to plant 15 percent of their holdings with indigo
and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This was done by a
long-term contract.
3. 'Civil Disobedience triumphed for the first time in modern India'.
Efforts of Gandhi were showing. Do you agree?
Ans. Yes.Gandhiji did not obey the British authorities order to leave
Champaran. The summon was also served but he remained firm.
Then he received a written communication from the magistrate that
the Lieutenant Governor of the Province had ordered the case to be
dropped.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. What were the "conflict of duties' in which Gandhi was involved?

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2. Gandhiji agreed to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers? What

in your opinion was more important for him?
3. The Champaran episode changed the plight of the peasants. Is the
statement apt? Comment.
4. Why did Gandhiji oppose 'Charles Freer Andrews' proposed stay in
Champaran ?Was the opposition justified'?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. ‘The sharecroppers were at the mercy of the landlords. Gandhiji felt

perturbed to see the plight of Indian peasants and the Champaran Episode
became a turning point in his life.’ In light of the above statement you as
Gandhi express your grief at their plight and how you helped them win the
battle of Champaran in a letter.
Hints: Sharecroppers, economically shattered, mercy of landlords,
perturbed to see plight, gets justice.
Alleviates distress, mould a free Indian
Ans. Dear all
Jai Hind
In this assembly 1 feel proud to tell you that the peasants of Champaran
are now self-reliant, dauntless and confident. This was not the scenario earlier.
Sharecroppers in Champaran were working in the lands owned by the
British landlords and were morally and economically shattered. The landlords
were exploiting them continuously. I felt perturbed to see the plight of Indian
peasants. I rendered my whole hearted support to them. I met the lawyers
and also happened to come to an agreement in the compensation and
fought successfully to get justice for the Champaran peasants. Champaran
did not begin as an act of defiance. It grew out as an attempt to alleviate the
distress of large number of poor peasants. The battle of Champaran was won.
The peasants have obtained their shares and our dignity was intact.
I tried my best to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his feet and

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thus make India free, be self-reliant and independent and I feel I have obtained
success in this mission.
Thank you

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. 'Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor'.
Do you think the poor of India are free from fear after Independence.
Write an article in about 100 words in relevance to the quote on '
"Freedom from fear'.
2. Gandhiji saw the social and cultural backwardness in the villages of
Champaran. He writes a letter to his wife Kasturba telling her about
the team of volunteers and steps he plans to take to solve this problem
3. Rajkumar Shukla was resolute and made consistent efforts to persuade
Gandhi to go to Champaran.
Imagine yourself in a somewhat similar situation when you approach some
dignitary to seek his help. Write the conversation that commences between the
two of you.
You can begin this way:
Priya: Good morning Ma'am. I always wanted to meet you. There is some
urgent matter to discuss-------------------------------

6. POETS AND PANCAKES

-By Asokamitran
Gemini Studios of Madras (Chennai) and its founder, S.S. Vasan lent
substance and quality to a fragile and unpredictable movie business. Poet and
Pancakes, an excerpt from the book ‘My Years with Boss’ brings to life, the
leading members, their talents and roles, their frustrations and ambitions.
The story revolves around the casteism of early 20* century India. It
gives a panoramic view of the impact and affiliations of those parts of Gemini
Studios with regard to Independent India in its infancy, communism and anti-
communism.

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LESSON AT A GLANCE

MAKE UP DEPARTMENT

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Read the passages and answer the questions given below:

RTC 1

1. In those days 1 worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which were

French windows. (1 didn't know at that time they were called French windows.)
Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers' day in and day out, most
people thought I was doing next to nothing. It is likely that the Boss thought
likewise too. So. anyone who felt I should be given some occupation would
barge into my cubicle and deliver an extended lecture. The 'boy' in the make-
up department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent
was being allowed to go waste in a department fit only for barbers and perverts.
l. 'The Boss thought likewise too' implies that he
(i) also thought that he was industrious
(ii) never doubted his capability
(iii) had unflinching trust in him
(iv) thought the author was doing almost nothing
2. ‘I’ in the first line stands for ______________
3. The boy in the make-up room felt disappointed. Why do you think it
was so?

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4. 'Two whole sides which were 'french windows'. What description do

you attribute to the cubicle?
Ans: l(iii)
2. the author Asokamitran
3. the boy aspired to become an actor or scriptwriter but was enrolled
in make up department so he was upset and did not like the job he
was doing.
4. There were door-sized windows on two sides of the cubicle for
ample natural light and fresh air.

RTC 2

2. In all instances of frustration, you will always find the anger directed
towards a single person openly or covertly and this man of the make-up
department was convinced that all his woes, ignominy and neglect were due to
Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios. He couldn't
have had a more encouraging opening in films than our grown-up make-up
boy had. On the contrary he must have had to face more uncertain and difficult
times, for when he began his career, there were no firmly established film
producing companies or studios.
1. "This man' refers to ___________ in the extract.
2. Which of the following traits reveal Subbu's character?
(a) Cheerful
(b) orthodox
(c) sycophant
(d) jealous
(i) a and b
(ii) c and d
(iii) a and c
(iv) b and d
3. Why do you think he had to face uncertain times?
4. Give a synonym for the word 'embarrassment' from the passage.
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SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Do you agree the make-up room of Gemini Studios looked like a hair
cutting salon? Elucidate.
Ans. Yes,the make-up room of Gemini Studios looked like a hair cutting
salon. It had around half a dozen mirrors with incandescent lights
at all angles around them. The artists would feel the heat emanating
from these lights. The writer uses the term 'fiery misery' to denote the
uncomfortable situation of those subjected to make-up.
2. There was a great deal of national integration prevalent in makeup
department. How has the author portrayed this through the lesson
'Poets and Pancakes'
Ans. The make-up division of the Gemini Studios was an example of
national integration. According to the author, this is so because people
from different regions and religious groups worked together in the
same department. The department was headed by a Bengali who was
succeeded by a Maharashtrian. The other helpers included a Dharwar
Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese
and the local Tamils.
3. What does 'The God that Failed' refer to?
Ans. ‘The God That Failed’ was a compilation of six essays written by
six eminent writers, namely Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio
Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer and Stephen Spender. In each
of the essays, the respective writers described 'their journeys into
Communism and their disillusioned return'.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

l. A hierarchy was followed in the Make-up department which excites

the readers. Elaborate.
2. What was the common perception of people associated with Gemini
Studios about Communism? Give your views in light of the lesson
'Poets and Pancakes'

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3. The Englishman faced a silent and dazed audience. Why in your

opinion was it so?
4. Why is the Englishman's visit referred to as unexplained mystery?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. Subbu is a multi-faceted person and yet has enemies. He is upset and

shares his thoughts with his diary.
Begin this way:
Dear Diary
I am a multifaceted person and yet I have enemies. Few of the team
members are envious of me.
Ans.
Dear Diary
I am a multifaceted person and yet 1 have enemies. Few of the team
members are envious of me.Perhaps it is so as I am close to the boss and
number 2 at Gemini Studios but 1 have never boasted about it. I often ponder
about this.I agree T have had exposure to more affluent situations and people
by virtue of being born a Brahmin but have never flaunted. 1 remain cheerful
in spite of failures. My loyalty, creativity and talent are appreciated by the
boss. I do not flatter him at all. Then why this aversion towards me. I am
tailormade for films, film making is so easy with me around,’ everyone says.
I am a good poet and writing poems of higher order are the other inherent
qualities in me. I chose to write for the masses. 1 have written a sprawling
novel 'Thillana Mohanambal' with dozens of etched characters. Though I am
an excellent actor, I have never aspired for lead roles.
Inspite of being a charitable and improvident man, I fail to understand
why 1 have enemies.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. The legal advisor unwittingly brought about a sad end to the acting
career of a talented actress. He expresses his regret to the actress.

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Imagine yourself in the place of legal advisor and write a letter to her.
You can begin this way:
Dear Saira
Your talent is worth appreciating. I realized your potentiality but
often—
2. Kothamangalam Subbu gave definition and direction to Gemini
studios. As Kothamangalam write an article on 'My pivotal role in
film-making' in 120 words.
Hints: Set up of Gemini studios, large team, sincere efforts, Subbu
inspired team. Film-making so easy for Subbu, poet. writer, amazing
actor.
7. THE INTERVIEW
-By Christopher Sylvester
The Interview, written by Christopher Sylvester throws light on various
aspects of interview in the field of journalism. Part I tells us the varied opinions
about interview-of its functions, methods and merits. Part II is an extract
from an interview of Umberto Eco, author of the popular novel," Name of
the Rose' by interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan from ‘The Hindu’.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

PART I
1. Interview has become a commonplace of journalism. Opinions on the
functions, methods and merits of Interview vary considerably.
2. Some claim it to be the highest form, a source of truth and in its
practice, an art.
3. Some despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into lives,
which diminishes their personality.
4. S. Naipaul feels that some people are wounded by interviews and lose
a part of themselves.
5. Lewis Carroll never consented to be interviewed for he believed it
to be 'a just horror of the interviewer' Rudyard Kipling considered it
“Immoral, a crime, an assault that merits punishment”.
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6. G. Wells referred interviewing to be an 'ordeal’.

7. Saul Bellow describes it like ‘thumbprints on his windpipe’.
8. Despite the drawbacks interview is a supremely serviceable medium
of communication. Interviews are the most vivid impression of our
contemporaries and the interviewer holds a position of unprecedented
power and influence.
PART II
1. An extract from an interview of Umberto Eco interviewed by Mukund
Padmanabhan.
2. In the interview Eco shares his idea of empty spaces in our lives just
as they exist in an atom, which he calls 'Interstices'. He says that he
makes use of these empty spaces to work.
3. Eco's essays were scholarly and narrative. He likes to be identified
more as a University professor who writes novels.
4. Eco's ‘The Name of the Rose’, a serious novel, which delves into
metaphysics, theology and medieval history, enjoyed a mass audience.
It dealt with medieval past. He feels that the novel wouldn't have been
so well received had it been written ten years earlier or later.
Read the passages given and answer the questions that follow:
RTC 1
1. So it is hardly surprising that opinions of the interview-of its
functions, methods, and merits vary considerably. Some might
make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a
source of truth, and. in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities
who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as
an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow
diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that
if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing
that person's soul.
1. One inevitable part of journalism mentioned here is
(i) article writing
(ii) photography
(iii) interviews
(iv) news
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2. The matter of surprise here is that what varies are _______

3. What are the claims made by some people regarding interviews here?
(i) this is the best way to extract truth
(ii) this way celebrities listen to media
(iii) this is the easiest way to communicate
(iv) it is the best practice
4. What does the line "photographic portrait of somebody then one is
stealing that person's soul" mean?
ANSWERS:
1. (iii)
2. opinions of the interview
3. The claims made by some people regarding interviews here are
this is the best way to extract truth.
4. This means stealing the original identity of the person.

RTC2

2. Similarly we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. We call them

interstices. Say you are coming over to my place. You are in an elevator and
while you are coming up. I am waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty
space.
1. _____ is propagating the idea of interstices in the above lines.
2. What is Eco's ideas of empty spaces?
(i) Time Management
(ii) Spontaneous thought
(iii) Organisation of space
(iv) All of these
3. The word 'Similarly' shows a comparison between two things. What
do you think these are?
4. Why are interstices important in the Universe? Give your opinion.

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SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. After reading the lesson, what according to you are some of the
positive views on interviews?
Ans. Some of the positive views on interviews are:
(a) The interview has become a commonplace of journalism.
(b) In its highest form an Interview is a source of truth and in practice,
it is an art.
(c) An interview is a supremely serviceable medium of
communication.
2. What do you understand by the expression "thumbprints on his
windpipe"?
Ans. It means that it was like somebody strangled his freedom or choked
the free flow of his thoughts.
3. Why do you think the opinions of the interview vary considerably?
Ans. Thousands of famous persons have been interviewed over the years
some of them been repeated so the opinions of the interview vary
considerably.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. 'Most celebrity writers hate to be interviewed.' Is that so? Why?

2. Umberto Eco does not prefer to be called only a novelist. Is the
statement justified?
3. What according to Mukund, is a marked departure from academic
style?
4. In your opinion, what is the reason for the huge success of the novel,
"The Name of the Rose"?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG QUESTION

1. Salient points emerged about Umberto Eco and his writings through his
interview by Mukund Padmanabhan. Imagine you are Eco and are interviewed
by Mukund. Begin the interview this way:

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Eco: I started writing novels by accident, had nothing to do one day and
so I started.
Mukund: What did you start with?
Eco: Novels as _________
Ans: Eco: I started writing novels by accident, had nothing to do one day
and so I started.
Mukund: What did you start with?
Eco: Novels as they satisfied my heart. I write from my heart, writing
being my passion I find time anyhow or other to satisfy my passion.
Mukund: How do you get time for writing?
Eco: We have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. 1 call these empty spaces
as 'interstices'. I work in empty spaces and find time to write so much.
Mukund: Your essays are scholarly and narrative.
Eco: I like to be identified more as a university professor who writes
novels. My novel 'The Name of the Rose', was a serious novel. The novel
enjoyed a mass audience.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE
I. The author Christopher says that it is hardly surprising that opinions
on Interviews vary. Write a debate in 120 words on 'Interviews are
intrusions in life'
2. The interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan has been asked to produce
a short report of the interview. Write this report on his behalf in 120
words. You can begin this way—
REPORT
27 April 2023
The Interview
Report by: Mukund
An interview was conducted by me on 26 April 2023 in the library to
find out ______________

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GOING PLACES
-A.R. Barton
Hero worship is the natural phenomenon of adolescent stage but needs
guidance and monitoring. Life is to realize our dreams with our potential,
possibility and limitation. Since, when reality hits, it may shatter the dreams.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
1. Sophie's ambition and unrealistic dreams
2. wants to start a boutique.
3. wants to earn money by becoming a manager, an actress or even a
fashion designer
4. she comes from a weak socio-economic background
5. her friend Jansie - simply wants Sophie to be happy.
6. Jansie - realistic, can't keep information or secrets to herself.

CHARACTERS
Sophie's Dad
• is strong, sweaty and hardworking
• loves to watch football matches
• does not believe in Sophie's imaginary stories
Sophie's brother - Geoff
• is an apprentice mechanic
• speaks less
• Sophie trusts him, shares her secrets with him
Sophie
• Lives in a world of her own fantasy
• Sophie is fond of hero worshipping and fantasizing.
• Sophie's hero is an Irish player, Danny Casey
• dreams of meeting him
• obsessed about meeting him, makes up stories about her meeting with
him

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• starts believing her imagination as real.

• nobody believes her. feels disappointed
Read the passages given below and answer the questions that follow:

RTC 1

1. Wish he was an Englishman," someone said on the bus. "Ireland will

win the World Cup," little Derek told his mother when Sophie brought him
home. Her father was gone to the pub to celebrate. "What's this you've been
telling?" Jansie said, next week. "About what?" "Your Geoff told our Frank
you met Danny Casey." This wasn't an inquisition, just Jansie being nosey.
But Sophie was startled. "Oh, that." Jansie frowned, sensing she was covering.
"Yes — that." "Well-yes, I did." "You never did?" Jansie exclaimed. Sophie
glared at the ground. Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing not a Jansie
thing. It was meant to be something special just between them. Something
secret. It wasn't a Jansie kind of thing at all.
1. 'This was a Geoff not a Jansie thing' because
(a) Jansie was trustworthy
(b) she lived in a world of reality
(c) her personality was different from Geoff
(d) Jansie was nosey about things
Choose the most appropriate combination
(i) (a) and (b)
(ii) (b) and (d)
(iii) (c) and (d)
(iv) (a) and (c)
2. "Ireland will win the World cup". These words were spoken by _____
3. What was 'Something special just between them' meant to be?
4. Sophie is obsessed about the prodigy, Daney Casey. What does the
obsession symbolize?

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ANSWERS:
1. (iii)
2. little Derek
3. a secret between Sophie and Daney Casey as she believed so.
4. Daney Casey is in her talks, in her imagination to the extent
she feels she has met him. The obsession symbolizes her hero
worshipping.

RTC 2

2. He was kneeling on the floor in the next room tinkering with a part of
his motorcycle over some newspaper spread on the carpet. He was three years
out of school, an apprentice mechanic, travelling to his work each day to the
far side of the city. He was almost grown up now and she suspected areas of
his life about which she knew nothing, about which he never spoke. He said
little at all, ever, voluntarily. Words had to be prized out of him like stones out
of the ground. And she was jealous of his silence. When he wasn't speaking it
was as though he was away somewhere, out there in the world in those places
she had never been.
1. 'Words had to be prized out of him like stones'. The phrase indicates
that Geoff was
(i) stubborn
(ii) rigid
(iii) secretive
(iv) a silent worker
2. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff’s silence?
3. 'She suspected areas of his life'. Which specific areas are being
referred to here? 4. Why docs Sophie trust her brother?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Sophie lives in a world of dreams. What do you think are her

aspirations?
Ans. Sophie lives in a world of dreams. She aspired to have a boutique
after leaving school. She told her friend Jansie that in order to save
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money, she would work as a manager. She also toyed with the idea of
working as an actress.
2. Sophie's reaction was of dread when Geoff told their father that she
had met Daney Casey. Why was it so?
Ans. Sophie had shared her secret of meeting Daney Casey with her brother
Geoff. When Geoff told his father about this, Sophie wriggled because
of the possible contempt of her father. She was afraid that her father
would never believe about it.
3. Sophie did not want Jansie to know about her story with Danny. What
does this reveal about Jansie's character?
Ans. Sophie did not want that Jansie should know about her story with
Danny because she was afraid that Jansie would tell about the story to
the whole neighbourhood. She feared that her father might get to hear
it and would create a row.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Jansie discouraged Sophie from having daydreams. Was she right in
doing so?
2. How is Geoff different from Sophie? Compare and contrast between
the two.
3. Why did Sophie go to a lonely arcade at night?
4. Did Danny Casey come to meet Sophie? Had he promised to meet her
or was it an illusion?
5. What made Danny Casey a popular celebrity?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION:

1. Like all other teenagers, Sophie lived in the world of fantasy and
worshipped her soul's hero Danny Casey. She goes to the extent of imagining
a date and feels disappointed - when the realization dawns upon her that it
was a waking dream. Write an article on behalf of Jansie based on the story of
Sophie "Self-deception leads to Depression.
Ans. Self-Dcccption leads to Depression
By: Jansie
Teenagers at their tender age often live in a world of waking dreams. Sophie

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lives in a world of fantasy, a world of unrealistic dreams which tend to distract

one from their goals in life. Such make-believe world leads to disappointment
at some point of time in life.
She worships her soul's hero Danny Casey, a football prodigy. In her
dreams she fantasizes being on a date with him and gets upset when realization
dawns upon her.
Teenagers at this stage may develop mental disorders or get depressed.
This self-deception leads to frustrated personality, creates complexes and are
the causes of failure in the tasks they undertake. Their thinking is immature,
they make excuses and find reasons to fulfil their dreams. There is a need to
line in the realistic world so that they do not lead to a miserable state such
as depression or anxiety. It is the moral duty of the parents and teachers to
counsel them. Peer group needs to bring them out of this mess rather than
joining hands and encourage them while they are going astray.
I made it a point to inhibit her at every step as a true friend.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE:

1. Fantasy / Dreaming high is a way to touch the flying colours of success.

What is needed to choose 'Right Career for Teenagers' to realize these
dreams? Envelope your ideas in the form of a speech to be spoken
in the morning assembly to create awareness in the students of your
school
Hints : Dream high, good to have aspirations, soar in limits ,choose
the apt career, be steady, work tirelessly, seek proper guidance,
achieve the target
2. Every successful person has a role model in his life. As a XII board
topper you were asked in an interview by a newspaper reporter Reena
about your role model who guided you in your quest for success.
Draft the interview. You can begin this way-
Reena : Hello Simran. Heartiest Congratulations for the Outstanding
achievement.
Simran : Thanks Ma'am. I am elated and _________

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POETRY
POETIC DEVICES

Poetic devices are:

• techniques that writers use to create a special and pointed effect in
their writing, to convey information, concept and idea or to help
readers understand on a deeper level
• used in writing for emphasis or clarity
• used to connect readers more strongly with a story as a whole or
specific characters / themes
Poetic devices used in the poems are:
(Note: Words/ phrases in a poem, sometimes may reflect more than one
poetic device so there might be an overlap of poetic devices in the same phrase)
1. SIMILE- is a comparison between two distinctly different things and
is indicated using the word "LIKE" or "AS"
Example- 'as a late winter's moon' (poem-My Mother at Sixty-Six)
2. METAPHOR- is a figure of speech in which a term is applied
to something to which it is not literally applicable to suggest a
resemblance.
Example- 'gusty waves' (poem - An Elementary School Classroom in
a Slum)
3. REPETITION- is repetition of single words or phrases, lines and
sometimes .even whole stanzas at intervals to create musical effect;
emphasize a point; draw reader's attention or lend unity to a piece.
Example-'Far far from' (poem-An Elementary School Classroom in a
Slum)
4. ALLITERATION- is the use of the same letter or sound at the
beginning of words that are closed together.
Example-'Far far from' (An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum)

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5. IIVPERBOLE- is an obvious and intentional exaggeration, such as

"I read a million” books this summer. This literary device is often
used for dramatic or comedic effect.

6. PERSONIFICATION- is the attribution of personal nature or human

characteristics to something not human, or the representation of an
abstract quality in human form. Personification is used to help the
reader create a clearer mental picture of the scene or object being
described. Example 'pathetically pled (poem- 'A Roadside Stand)

7. OXYMORON- is a combination of two words that, together,

express a contradictory /opposite meaning. This device is often used
for emphasis, for humour or to create pressure/sarcasm. Example-
beneficent beasts of prey (Poem-A Roadside Stand)
8. TRANSFERRED EP1THET-a figure of speech wherein an adverb
or adjective is transferred from a noun to which it belongs, to a noun
with which it fits only grammatically, but not logically or practically.
Example- 'selfish cars' (poem-A Roadside Stand)

9. IMAGERY- is when an author describes a scene, thing, or idea so

that it appeals to our senses (taste, smell, sight, touch, or hearing). This
device is often used to help the reader clearly visualize the context
and content by creating a strong mental picture. Example- 'children
spilling' (poem-My Mother at Sixty six)

1O. SYMBOLISM-Symbolism refers to the use of an object, figure, event,

situation, or other idea in a written work to represent something else-
typically a broader message or deeper meaning that differs from its
literal meaning. The things used for symbolism are called "symbols,"
and they'll often appear multiple times throughout a text, sometimes
changing in meaning as the plot progresses. Example- 'wedding band'
(poem-Aunt Jennifer's Tigers)

An Elementary School classroom in a slum- Not included in the

Rationalised Syllabus (2023-24) but can be accessed Online

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POETRY

MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX

-By Kamala Das

Kamala Das' writing is characterised by the rebellion against taboos that

society imposes on women Also, she explores the gamut of human relationship
from the perspective of a women-a daughter, a wife, mother, and a non-
conformist feminist. Kamala Das' work is known for its originality, versatility
and the indigenous flavour of the soil.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• On her way back to Cochin, the poet looks at her mother.

• Finds her weak and lacking in energy and life.
• Her mother's ageing, decaying health and fear of losing her. cause the
poet much pain.
• To divert her mind from such negative thoughts, she starts looking
outside. Finds the trees running, the young children spilling/rushing
out of homes.
• The face of poet's mother symbolizes frailty, dullness, and inactivity
whereas, merry children and young trees symbolize vigour, energy,
zeal and joy.
• As the late winter's moon loses its magnificence and beauty when it
gets covered with fog, similarly poet's mother has lost her youthful
look, vitality and charm.
• At the airport while parting from her mother the poet smiles and
reassures her mother that all is well also she tries to hide her fear of
losing/separation from her mother

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POETIC DEVICES
SIMILE-face ashen like that of a corpse, PERSONIFICATION-trees
sprinting, METAPHOR and IMAGERY -children spilling
SYMBOLS- sprinting trees and merry children symbolise youth,
vigour and vitalify, life and growth.
Winter’s moon symbolises frail health, decay and death
IRONY-See you soon Amma and her prolonged Smile is ironical as
they are in sharp contrast to the fear and agony the poetess experiences.
Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow:
RTC 1
1. I looked again at her wan, pale
as a late winter's moon
and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood fear
but all I said was,
see you soon, Amma
all I did was smile
and smile and smile.
1. The parting words of the poet, "sec you soon. Amma" suggest her
_______
(i) passion
(ii) ache
(iii) happiness
(iv) love
2. "...all that the poet did was smile and smile and smile..." She is trying
to _______
3. State which statement is true:
The mother has been compared to the late winter's moon as this
(i) refers to her pale and wan appearance
(ii) emphasizes that the mother is inching close to death

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(iii) emphasizes the mother is old at the age of 66

(iv) refers to the dark clouds which hide the moon
3. 'felt that old familiar ache'. The poet has used the word 'old' here.
What phase of her life is being referred to?
ANSWERS: 1 (ii)
2. conceal/hide her pain behind her smile
3. (i)
4. Childhood. She used to get upset when she found her mother
missing at home.
RTC 2
2. and realised with pain
that she was as old as looked
but soon put that thought away and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes,
but after the airports, security, check, standing a few yards away.
l. 'Put that thought away'. Which thought is being referred to here?
(i) merry children spilling out
(ii) thought of losing her mother
(iii) the inactive state of the mother
(iv) none of these
2. The poet looked out of the window to ________
3. What do young trees and merry children signify?
4. Did 'looking out' help the poet?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Which poetic device is used in "Trees Sprinting' and why?
Ans. The poetic device used is personification. The poet gives an imagery
of the trees moving fast with the pace of the poet's car as all objects
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at a distance appear to be moving while our vehicles are moving at a

speed.
2. The poet's mother is compared to the late winter's moon. Is the
comparison justified?
Ans. Ycs. As the moon is covered by the fog during the winters and appears
to be hazy, dull and lacks brightness. The pale and colourless face of
the mother resembles the late winter's moon.
3. 'Sec you soon Amma'. What farewell note do these words convey?
Ans. The poem ends on an optimistic note with these words conveying
assurance that the poet will meet her mother the next time she comes.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. What is the mood of the poet while departing from the airport?
2. What was the dilemma in the poet's mind?
3. What does the poet compare her mother's face with? Is anything
bothering her at the moment?
4. What docs the poem revolve around?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. The poet brings out the irony of human relationships in the poem 'My
mother at sixty-six'. Give a pen-picture.
Ans. The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-Six' portrays that death is inevitable.
The poet in the poem is deeply melancholic about her mother and
experiences the pain of losing her mother. She is under the dread that
she may not be able to meet her mother the next time she comes.
She constantly gazes at her mother but tries to conceal the pain by
smiling. She tries to be optimistic.
Irony of human relationships lies in the fact that intimate relationships
can at times become a burden, but we still have the need to carry such
relationships.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE
1. Bring out the significance of the title 'My Mother at Sixty-Six'.

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2. The poem shows a daughter's love and worry for her mother as she
starts aging.
The poet Kamala Das writes a letter to her old mother that she will be
coming again soon. You as her mother mail in a reply expressing your
joy in 100 words.

KEEPING QUIET
-By Pablo Neruda

Poet Pablo Neruda explores the impact of silence. Silence gives a way to
stop, think and act. Introspection and meditation refresh us all to do the best
for humanity and nature.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• According to the poet, keeping still and quiet will facilitate

introspection and a feeling of universal harmony.
• The use of number twelve can be associated with twelve hours of the
clock or number of months in a year, completion of a cycle.
• The poet says that silence will be exotic because it will be a blissful
moment, a near-divine experience when we all will be together.
• In that exotic moment, even the fishermen (who represent the people
who kill and harm other creatures) would not harm the whales. Salt
gatherers represent those adding comforts to life.
• By green wars, the poet means waging war against our green zone i.e.
exploitation of nature by human beings.
• By 'wars with gas. wars with fire', the poet means new weapons of
mass destructions like wars with atomic or nuclear bombs or wars
with chemicals.
• The poet believes in life, so he is against total inactivity. He only
wants to interrupt the sad and cruel activities of the world.
• We can learn a lot from nature. The poet involves the symbol of
mother earth to reinforce his idea that there is wisdom and activity in
tranquility and peace.

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• The earth is calm and soothing. Things appear to be dormant but are
constantly active.
• The poet states that we must try to understand what life means in
terms of activities i.e., which actions are worthy of being done, and
which are not.

POETIC DEVICES:

ALLITERATION-
1. 'Sudden strangeness'
2. 'hurt hands'
3. 'clean clothes'
REPETITION- 'without rush, without engines'
SYMBOLISM-
1. 'Brothers' symbolize mankind
2. 'green wars' refer to deforestation
3. 'wars with gas' refer to pollution
4. 'clean clothes' symbolize change of perspective
5. 'shade' symbolizes protection
PERSONIFICATION- 'Earth can teach us as when everything'
METAPHOR- 'Shade' refers to protection
ANTITHESIS- 'count to twelve and we will all keep still'
Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow:
RTC 1
1. 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 brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.

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1. Whom does "Those" refer to?

(i) Politicians, statesmen, scientists
(ii) politicians, people, scientists
(iii) statesmen, scientists, people
(iv) statesmen, people, scientists
2. Which statement is true
Green wars are--------

(i) wars done wearing green clothes
(ii) wars with a green signal
(iii) harm caused by men to environment
(iv) wars against mankind
3. “Victory with no survivors” means-------
(i) everybody will die
(ii) no survivors to enjoy victory
(iii) a person who can cope with difficulty
(iv) victory you cannot enjoy
4. What ideal situation is the poet suggesting?
Answers:
1. (i)
2. (iii)
3. nobody living to enjoy the victory.
4. The ideal situation suggested by poet is people relaxing under
shady trees.
RTC 2
2. What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. O brief
Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death
If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing

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1. What does "total inactivity' mean?

(i) death
(ii) stillness
(iii) permanent suspension of work
(iv) temporary stillness
2. "I want no truck with death' means ______
3. What does 'for once could do nothing' imply?
4. What does the poet wish to convey to his readers in this stanza? Give
two words/phrases only to brief about the idea.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. 'If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving.'
What do you infer from this line?
Ans. We are single minded as we think only about keeping ourselves
moving and achieving that is meaningless.
2. How is inactivity different from death?
Ans. The poet describes inactivity as a moment of peace whereas death is
the end of life.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Why does the poet ask the readers to "keep still'?

2. What changes does the poet expect on the face of the Earth?
3. The count of number twelve is repeated in the poem. According
to you what is the significance of the number twelve in this
poem?
4. Explain "not moving our arms so much".

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. In the poem 'Keeping Quiet' Pablo Ncruda talks about sadness. As

Pablo write an article on 'Why this sadness?
You can begin this way-

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Why this sadness?

-Pablo Neruda
Human beings are in a mad rush to achieve their targets. Sadness
emerges. Why this sadness? -Pablo Neruda,
Ans. 1. Human beings are in a mad rush to achieve their targets. Sadness
emerges from never being able to understand themselves
They do not not spare few moments of exotic peace and introspection.
Also, sadness arises as Man has becomes avaricious for power, money
and materialistic things. This single desire to conquer all elements has
been trampling nature which supports man. In this rat race Fishermen
are exploiting nature for their vested interests and so are the men
gathering salt who are hurting their hands in the greed to gather more
salt.
The consequences are grave, and this I insist can be resolved if we
keep still for some moments. The pall within us will no longer be
there.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

1. The single mindedness of human beings may be the undoing of Man.

Comment.
2. Man causes harm to mankind and nature in several ways. Elaborate in
the form of a speech in about 120 words.

A THING OF BEAUTY

-John Keats

A thing of beauty is a source of everlasting happiness in human life Tough

situations of life can never fade the beauty of lovely nature and great people.
There is need to feel the impact of natural man made beautiful things

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• A beautiful thing is eternal, never loses its charm and has a lasting
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impression on our minds. The poet equates beauty to happiness.

• By 'Beauty' Keats means the sun, moon, old and young trees that give
shade, clear rills, musk rose. These all have the power to uplift man's
spirit by providing sense of peace and serenity.
• Life is full of trials and tribulations, dearth, sadness, disappointments,
death of noble values among people. Man's life becomes worth living
because of beautiful things which flash upon mind's screen to lift the
veil of gloom.
• Grand legacies of the mighty dead and the lovely tales have sublimating
effect on man.

POETIC DEVICES

METAPHOR- bower quiet, sweet dreams, flowery band, unhealthy and

o'er dark spirits, endless fountain of immortal drink
ALLITERATION- noble natures, cooling covert, band to bind.
PERSONIFICATION- 'inhuman dearth'
IMAGERY--- flowery wreaths, shady boons, clear rills, cooling covert,
endless fountain of immortal drink
Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow:
RTC 1
1. We have imagined for the mighty dead.
All lovely tales that we have heard or read.
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
1. 'All lovely tales evoke the feeling of:
(i) sadness and nostalgia
(ii) nostalgia
(iii) inspiration and pride
(iv) pride
2. The phrase immortal drink refers to ---------
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3. The rhyme scheme of the above extract is:

(i) aabb
(ii) abab
(iii) aaab
(iv) abbb
4. What is the poetic device used in the line - "An endless fountain of
immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink"?
Answers: l.(iii) 2. a life-giving force 3(i) 4. imagery
RTC 2:
2. Yes. in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
from our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon.
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep, and such are daffodils.
With the green world they live in, and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season.
1. What does 'all' in the first line refer to?
(i) people
(ii) the green world
(iii) things of beauty
(iv) nature
2. The clear streams provide ---------------------
3. Name the poetic device used in the phrase 'cooling covert'.
4. Nature has immense things that move away the pall from our dark
spirits. Suggest any two.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.' What does the poet convey to his
readers through this quote?
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Ans. The poet conveys that a thing of beauty is eternal. Its beauty increases
with time and it always gives pleasure to its beholder. It gives
everlasting joy.
2. What do you understand by the line 'Its loveliness increases with
time'?
Ans. Beauty creates joy in the soul that lasts forever. Its power to heal gives
happiness and the loveliness goes on increasing with each passing
day.
3. How does nature affect us all?
Ans. The beauty of nature exerts power over the gloomy side of life. The
sweetness of the beauty of nature gets sweeter with the passage of
time.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Suggest reasons as to how beauty enriches the human beings.
2. Why is grandeur associated with the mighty-dead? Why is it so?
3. How does the poet explain that the beauty that we see is not short-
lived?
4. What makes human beings love life inspite of troubles and sufferings?
5. What symbol is associated with the 'simple sheep'? Does it have any
significance?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

l. John Keats uses images to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth.
Write an article in 120 words 'Keats perception of Beauty'.
Ans. Keats perception of Beauty
By:XYZ
Life is full of trials and tribulations, dearth, sadness, Disappointments
and death of noble values among people. Man's life becomes worth
living because of beautiful things which flash upon our mind and a
ray of hope veils the gloom.
By 'Beauty' Keats means the sun, moon, old and young trees that give
shade, clear rills that provide coolness against the hot season, musk
roses and daffodils. Grand legacies of the mighty dead and the lovely

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tales have sublimating effect on man. These all have the power to
uplift man's spirit by providing sense of peace and serenity.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Can human life be without sufferings? Why/Why not? Elucidate
citing examples from your personal experience.
2. Beauty heals the sufferings and removes the pall from our dark spirits
yet human beings exploit nature. Comment.

A ROADSIDE STAND

—Robert Frost

A Roadside Stand is a poem about the rural-urban divide where in Robert

Frost presents the universal but untold sorrow of the rural people who suffer
the indifference of the callous city folk. The poet presents the lives of poor
underprivileged people who are barely noticed by their more fortunate city
counterparts. The use of personal pronoun in the first person refers to the
country people and the poet (in the 3rd and 5th stanza).It is a sympathetic and
humane outcry against the economic disparity that prevails in the cities and
the countryside.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• The rural folk have erected a roadside stand by adding a shed to an old
house by the side of the road. They sell berries, squash, etc.
• The ‘polished’ city people feel irritated at the shabby stand which is
clumsily painted and the signs turned into wrong direction.
• The roadside people have self-respect; their aim is not to beg but to
earn some cash to improve their living standard.
• The rural folk are promised a better life by relocating them near cities
and rehabilitating them.
• But the ‘greedy good doers’ and ‘beneficent beasts of prey’ (politicians,
etc) exploit and cheat these honest, hardworking rural people.
• The stand owners suffer a ‘childish longing’ i.e., a desire that city

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people would stop and purchase a few items, thus helping them to
earn hard cash. But this longing is ‘vain’(useless) as the car owners
stop only to enquire about fuel, where the road was leading to and for
taking a U-turn.
• The poet feels the pain and disappointment of the people at ‘Roadside
stand’.

POETIC DEVICES:

ALLITERATION—
1. gallon of gas
2. greedy good-doers
TRANSFERRED EPITHETI—
1. polished traffic (the traffic is not polished, people are polished)
2. Selfish cars
METAPHOR—
1. the flower of cities from sinking
2. withering faint.
OXYMORON AND ALLITERATION—
1. Greedy good doers
2. beneficent beasts of prey
PERSONIFICATION:
1. A roadside stand that too pathetically pled (also alliteration).
2. Sadness that lurks near the open window there/ that waits all day.
3. Voice of country
Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow:
RTC 1
1. Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear
The thought of so much childish longing in vain,

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The sadness that lurks near the open window there.

That waits all day in almost open prayer
For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car.
Of all the thousand selfish cars that pass,
l. The poet cannot bear to think that country folks
(i) are lured with false promises
(ii) are sitting in the open
(iii) are not able to sell their products
(iv) are hungry as nobody is there to provide food
2. “Childish longing” here means-------
3. Why do you think are the “longings” been termed “in vain”?
4. The people driving cars are conceited. Is the statement apt?
Answers: 1. (i)

2. country folks have many unfulfilled wishes and desires
3. The “longings” have been termed as “vain” because they will
never be fulfilled
4. Yes, the people driving cars are conceited as they stop only to
enquire their way and fill gas from gas station.
RTC 2

2. To put these people at one stroke out of their pain. And then
next day as I come back into the sane.
I wonder how I should like you to come to me and offer to
put me gently out of my pain.
1. Who are “these people” in the first line?
(i) the vendors
(ii) the country folk
(iii) the travellers

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(iv) the city folk

2. “These people” can be put out of their pain by -----------
3. What in your opinion docs the poet realize when he comes “back into
the sane”?
4. How can the poet also feel relieved? Suggest.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Why and where was the roadside stand set up? Was it set with some
hope?
Ans: The roadside stand was set up at one edge on a busy road in a countryside.
It was set up to attract the city folk who passed from there. It was hoped
that the stand would fetch some cash to the rural poor.
2. The poet refers to intense and futile desires of owners of roadside
stand. What docs the poet wish to express through the words ‘intense’
and ‘futile’?
Ans: The poet refers to intense desires of owners of roadside stand to sell
goods to the passers-by. It is all futile because not many people stop
to buy things from them.
3. Which things do you feel irritated those passers-by who stopped at the
Roadside stand?
Ans: If at all the passers-by stopped, they were upset with the artless paint of
the roadside stand. They complained that the stand marred the scenic
beauty of the landscape. They also complained about the wrong signs
put up on the board.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Describe the attitude of the city folk who passed by the roadside stand.
2. What did the city folk complain about these stands? Was the complaint
justified?
3. Why did rural people put up roadside stand? Suggest their motive
behind this.

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4. The Government played a role in their lives. Was it an intervention or

for their betterment?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

1. What does the life of the ‘moving pictures’ imply? Give a vivid
description in your own words.
Ans. The glamorous lifestyle of the rich people is depicted as that of
luxuries and comforts, unlike the life of the poor village folk who are
leading a miserable life, struggling hard for their existence. The city
people are indifferent and apathetic. They come to these stands which
are clumsily painted, shabby and have signs turned in the wrong
direction.
They wish to sell goods and supplement their earnings but feel
depressed and frustrated as they come to enquire about fuel.where the
road is leading to and for taking a U-turn.
The Government promises them a rosy future, but only rich people
derive benefits.
The poet feels the pain and disappointment of the people at Roadside
Stand.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. The ‘Greedy good doers and beneficent beasts of prey’ exploit these
hard-working rural people. After observing these malpractices you
plan to write what you viewed in your diary
You may begin like this:.
Dear Diary
1 happened to visit the roadside stand. A number of vendors with
different stalls were eagerly ---------
2. Roadside vendors have self-respect and work hard to earn some cash
to improve their living standard. Keeping the poem in view relate
the experience of a roadside vendor whether these people are able to
accomplish what they desire.

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AUNT JENNIFER'S TIGERS

-Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich is widely known for her involvement in contemporary
women's movement as a poet and theorist. She focuses on feminist poems
expressing her anger. Her poetry changed a lot of people especially women's
views towards the way they lived their lives and their role in society. The poem
"Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' brings forth the message that women need to live for
themselves and not be dependent on men. Also, it addresses the constraints of
married life experienced by a woman in a male dominated world.

POINTS TO REMEMBER
• Aunt Jennifer's tigers symbolise spirit of freedom which she herself
is bereft of.
• The tigers are the dwellers of the green forest, are fearless and
ferocious. This is in stark contrast to the suppressed womanhood in
aunt's personality.
• Uncle made her life very burdensome, the expression 'massive weight
of uncle's wedding band' symbolises male dominance.
• "Ringed' refers to the confines, constraints and the demands of
marriage that bind a woman, within the vicious grip of her unhappy
married life.
• Even after her death she would feel terrified by the trauma which she
faced due to her dominating husband/male dominated society.
• Aunt Jennifer's Tigers will survive even after her death. The tigers she
knitted on the panel will remain fearless, brave and majestic.
• The aunt herself will remain alive through her art form i.e., her poems.

POETIC DEVICES
ALLITERATION- fingers fluttering, prancing proud,

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IMAGERY- bright topaz denizens

SYMBOLISM- 'Tigers'-freedom of spirit
"Aunt Jennifer'-women suppressed in a patriarchal society
'Wedding band'- oppression in marriage
"uncle'-male chauvinism

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Read the stanzas given below and answer the question that follow:
RTC 1
1. Aunt Jennifer's tigers prance across a screen.
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
1. The poetic device in the last line is
(i) Rhyming
(ii) alliteration
(iii) simile
(iv) metaphor
2. Which statement is true
Aunt Jennifer presently is
(i) trembling with fear
(ii) embroidering tigers on a piece of cloth
(iii) standing with the tigers under the tree
(iv) dancing with the tigers under the tree
3. The tigers symbolize -------- and --------- .
4. Identify the traits of the tigers in contrast with aunt's own married
life
(i) tigers are fearless and chivalric whereas aunt's life is weak and
timid
(ii) tigers are dangerous and strong whereas aunt's life is weak and
hopeless
(iii) tigers are prancing around whereas aunt is sitting embroidering.
(iv) tigers are dancing under the trees whereas aunt is sitting terrified
and afraid

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Answers: 1(ii) 2(ii)

3. fearlessness and self-confidence
4. tigers are fearless and chivalric whereas aunt's life is weak and timid
RTC 2
2. When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered
by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
1. What is the status of the Aunt in her family?
(a) oppressed by husband
(b) happy and contented
(c) treated with hatred
(d) marital constraints
(i) a and b
(ii) a and c
(iii) b and d
(iv) a and d
2. Aunt's hands are said to be terrified due to-------------------
3. Explain: 'Still ringed with ordeals'.
4. What do you think will happen to her tigers after her death?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Describe the traits of tigers that you feel are a contrast to the aunt.
Ans. The tigers are fearless, confident and chivalric whereas the aunt's own
married life has left her weak, submissive and timid.
2. What do you understand by 'massive weight of uncle's wedding band'?
What docs it symbolize?

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Ans. Uncle made her life very burdensome, the expression 'massive weight
of uncle's wedding band' symbolises male dominance and oppression.
3. What was Aunt Jennifer doing on the panel of cloth? What is she
expressing through her Art?
Ans. Aunt Jennifer was embroidering tigers on a piece of woolen cloth.
The tigers she made pranced across the screen. Through her Art she
aspires to be free and chivalric like the tigers.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Where do the tigers appear? Write two qualities of the tigers as

depicted by the poet.
2. The ivory needle is hard to pull. What emotional state of Aunt is
evident from her gesture.
3. What is the significance of the wedding ring in Aunt Jennifer's life?
4. Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer. Why/why not?
5. What does the phrase 'world of green' refer to?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

l. In the poem Aunt Jennifer's tigers the poet exclaims that aunt's hands
will remain terrified even after her death. Give a pen-portrait of 'Aunt
Jennifer's life'.
Ans. 'Aunt Jennifer's life' has been pathetic since she got married. The
poem reveals the constraints of married life experienced by her in a
male dominated world. Uncle tortures her. She is timid and terrified.
Through her Art she expresses her will to be free and confident like
the tigers. Poet Adrienne Rich conveys that even after her death
Aunt would feel terrified by the trauma which she faced due to her
dominating husband/male dominated society. In other words, the
marital bindings, tortures and oppression in marriage will continue to
persist even in the years to come due to male chauvinism.
The women need to become fearless, confident and live for themselves.
Otherwise, women will ever remain in the vicious grip of unhappy

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married life living at the mercy of men.

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR

PRACTICE

l. Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the poet
towards Aunt Jennifer? Write a speech on 'Women Empowerment'
keeping in mind the theme of the poem.
2. The poet Adrienne Rich has used images and symbols to express
women's domination by men. Elucidate.

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• Louisa gets worried and disbelieves her husband

• Presidents of New York Central swear on the existence of two levels
• Charley gets a note from Sam of dated 18July 1894
• Sam suggests how to keep on searching for the Third Level
• Sam reaches Galesburg. world of peace and starts hay business
• Starts new business of hay, grain and cattle
• Enjoys happy and peaceful life
• First Day Cover - Stamp collectors buy stamps on the day of release
• Mail the envelope to self with blank paper in it with the postmark of
the date
• Envelop remains unopened, Charley inherited stamp collection hobby
(filately) from his grandfather

RTC-1

Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine,
among others. I told him about the third level at Grand Central Station, and
he said it was a waking dream wish fulfillment. He said I was unhappy. That
made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern world
is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it. and that I just want to
escape. Well, who doesn’t? Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t
wander down into any third level at Grand Central Station.

Questions:

1. “The obvious step’ refers to-

(a) meeting his wife Louisa and sharing an experience no one else
did.
(b) telling Louisa why he was unhappy.
(c) seeking psychiatrist’s help.
(d) meeting granddad for stamp collection.
Ans. (c) seeking psychiatrist’s help.

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2. What does the phrase ‘Waking-dream wish fulfillment;’ refer to?

Ans. a pleasant wish that makes one forget the present
3. Modem world: stress : : Third Level : .................
(a) imagination
(b) escapism
(c) fear
(d) greed
Ans. (b) escapism
4. What does the psychiatrist tell Charley about his present state of
mind?
Ans. The psychiatrist explained Charley’s discovery of the third level was
the result of stress, fear, and insecurity of the new world.

RTC -2

But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points
to it, they claimed. My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a ‘temporary
refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, but my grandfather didn’t need any refuge
from reality; things were pretty nice and peaceful. In his day, from all 1 hear,
and he started my collection. It’s a nice collection too, blocks of four of
practically every U.S. issue, first-day covers, and so on. President Roosevelt
collected stamps too, you know.

1. The reason all his friends agreed to is -

(a) that it’s a human tendency to escape and take refuge.
(b) that the third level at The New York Grand Central Station
existed.
(c) that Charley had no psychological issues.
(d) that life has no miseries at all.
2. His grandfather did not need a temporary refuge from reality. Why?

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3. ‘In his day, from all I hear....’ Who does ‘I’ refer to?
4. What does the “First day cover’ refer to?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:

1. How do Charley’s wife Louisa and his friend Sam react to the narrator’s
observation?
Ans. Charley the narrator states that there arc three levels at Grand Central
Station. His assertion is based on his personal observation. But his
friend Sam said that Charley was unhappy and wanted to escape. His
wife Louisa was shocked and worried. They both disbelieved him.
2. What do you learn about Galesburg, Illinois during 1894?
Ans. Galesburg has been described as a peaceful place that was not ravaged
by the two world wars. It has old framed houses, huge lawns and
splendid trees with expanded branches. The men would smoke cigar
talk quietly. The women would be waving palm leaves fans. They
have ample time for themselves.
3. “I’ve taken the obvious step.” Explain.
Ans. Nobody believed in Charley’s discovery about the existence of The
Third Level. His wife was upset and brought him to the psychiatrist.
Charley himself wanted to meet the psychiatrist. It was an ‘obvious step’.

Short Answer Questions for Practice

1. How would you evaluate Charley’s character? Elucidate any two

qualities, and substantiate with evidence from the text.
2. How do you think the narrator was convinced that he had come to the
Third level?
3. Why did the clerk refuse to accept the money? Why did the narrator
get out so fast?
4. Who was Sam ? What had happened to him?
5. Does Sam’s letter play an important role in the story? Yes/No. Why?
6. Where did Charley go after reading Sam’s letter?

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Competency based Long Answer Questions:

1. The story reveals refuge from reality to illusion. Jack Finney portrays
Charley’s transition from reality to imaginary world through the story.

As Charley you decided to write a letter to Sam for advice as you
have fantasies about the third level at Grand Central station. You may
begin this way Dear friend Sam. Good morning

I worked late night at the office and was in hurry to reach my apartment
to be with my wife Louisa.
Ans. Dear friend Sam

Good morning

I worked late night at the office and was in hurry to reach my
apartment to be with my wife Louisa. I thought of taking the subway
since it seemed faster than bus. Grand Central Station was mysterious
and mushrooming with subways, staircases and corridors that led to
many ways and places. Moving through the tunnel I recounted my
past experience that appeared safe and quite normal. I had been to the
Grand Central Station hundreds of times. However, at times, I was
almost lost in new doorways and corridors. Once, I entered a tunnel
and came out in the lobby of a hotel. Another lime, I reached in an
office building. I thought it was the second level. But I had reached
the third level. I realised this as there were fewer ticket windows;
the information booth was of wood and old-looking. The lights
were flickering as they were open-flame gaslights. There were brass
spittoons on the floor. The locomotive had a funnel-shaped stack.

Modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and tension. I want
to escape from the harsh realities of modem world. I hope you would
also agree with the escape theory. Please suggest some remedies.

Charley

Competency based Questions for Practice:

1. At the beginning of the story, The Third Level, Sam, Charley’s friend
is skeptical of Charley’s discovery of the Third Level and declared it

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to be only a short-term relief from anxiety. Yet over time, he found

himself ensnared in this made-up world. He expresses his thoughts
in a diary entry. As Sam, write this diary entry in 120 – 150 words.
Support your response with reference to the story.

You may begin this way

I work as a therapist. Charley, my friend came to me for advice as he
had fantasies about the third level at Grand Central Station. I term it
as a waking dream-wish-fulfillment
2. “Philately’ helps keep the past alive. As Charley, write an article in
about 120-150 words on “ Philately and Other Ways to Keep Memory
Fresh” with reference to the chapter ‘The Third Level’.

You may begin this way....,

In order to keep memories of the past fresh, many people collect
stamps, study the postage stamps, postal routs and postal history.
Other than this ...........
3. The modern world is replete with workplace pressure, societal
pressure and other inescapable burdens of existence. Insecurity, fear,
war, worry and stress have become embedded into the society. We
cannot just bypass them as it is the inevitable truth of life. As we
cannot avoid it, we should learn to live with it. As Sam. a psychiatrist
draft a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered in a college.

You may begin this way...

Dear audience
Good morning

Every human being has to pass through this inevitable fact of life.
They need to come to terms with every crisis - disaster, war, death and
so on.
4. At the beginning of the story, Sam did not believe Charley’s discovery
of the third level. By the end of the story, he found the third level and
travelled back in time. It sounds pretty exciting to travel back in time.
If time travel becomes possible and you are given an opportunity,
which time period would you like to travel back and why?
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5. Louisa is loving and caring towards her husband Charley. However

she is a simple lady and it is not difficult to take her in as she refused
to accept the psychiatrist’s observation that her husband is unhappy.
She takes this comment as a personal attack. She felt terribly hurt and
decided to write her feelings in a diary entry.

As Louisa write this diary entry. Support your response with reference
to the story. You may begin this way:

I am feeling kind of mad as......
6. Imagine you are travelling by Metro train in Delhi and got down at
Rajiv Chowk to find another train to reach your destination, which
falls at the different route. Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is the busiest
metro station in New Delhi. It has two levels. But in the process of
finding the train you discovered the third level, which was unknown
to you. Write down your experience in 120-150 words in form of a
narration.

THE TIGER KING

BY KALKI

The story ‘The Tiger King’ is a satire on the conceit of those in power.
The writer tries to tell us how kings, not interested in the welfare of
the people, circumvented all laws to suit their own selfish interests.
The story is about the Maharaja of Pratibandhpuram about whom the
chief astrologer had predicted that the cause of his death would be a
tiger. In order to prove the prophecies of the astrologer wrong, the
Maharaja killed ninety nine tigers, but the hundredth tiger escaped
his bullet. Later, one of the hunters killed it by shooting at it from a
close range. The King thought that the hundredth tiger had been killed
by him. However, an inanimate wooden tiger became the hundredth
tiger that ultimately caused his death. The prophecy of the astrologer
proved to be true, despite the king’s best efforts to prove it wrong.

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MAIN CHARACTERS

l
r oya D
a adm ewan:
o g er: state inist A ch
ol e
The rative o ief
a str r of th Tige ffi
ief lle r Ki cer of
Ch forte ng.

The Tiger King: Protagonist of the story, the

Maharaja of Pratibandhpuram, also known as His
Highness Jamedar, General Khiledar-Major, Sata-
Vyaghra samhari, Maharajadhiraja Visva
Bhuvana Samrat, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bahadur,
M.A.D.,A.C.T.C., or C.R.C.K.
A Br of
i
office tish high a n i : T he wife h
r&h ra Durais ranking Britis o
is sec nking h
retar the high eedy woman w
y a gr nd
officer, ll the 50 diamo
takes a s herself.
ring

Points to Remember
1. Maharaja Pratibandhpuram born as an extra-ordinary child
2. Prediction about his death due to a tiger the child was bom under bull
star, bull and tiger are the enemies.
3. Ten day old child surprised all by his intelligent questions.
4. The boy grows up just like any other royal child raised. Such as by
drinking the milk of white English cow and looked after by English
nanny and watching English movies.
5. When he was 20, he was crowned king and came to know about the
prediction about his death. So, then onwards he started killing tigers
and put a ban on the tiger hunt in his state
6. But the chief astrologer warned him that he will be killed by the
hundredth tiger.
7. He started killing tigers and thus killed seventy tigers.

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8. At times the bullet missed, king fought the beast with his bare hands
and won.
9. He married a princess whose kingdom boasted of tigers.
10. One time a high-ranking British officer visits his state and wants to
go for a tiger hunt. However, the maharaja declined his wish. And
in order to secure the state from the wrath of the British officer, the
Maharaja sent 50 diamond rings to the officer’s wife whose worth was
Rs 3 lakh.
11. He killed ninety nine tigers. But he was unable to find one more tiger.
12. The Dewan brought an old and feeble tiger from the zoo.
13. The tiger king aimed at it but it fainted. The king thought that he had
killed the hundred tigers.
14. After the king went away the tiger opened its eyes in bafflement.
One of the hunters killed it. The tiger was honoured and taken in a
procession.
15. The king purchased a wooden tiger for his son to give him some
special gift on his birthday.
16. Its sliver pierced the hand of the king. Infection flared and developed
into suppurating. Three surgeons from Madras operated on the tiger
king. And finally announced ‘The operation was successful. The
Maharaja is dead.

RTC-1

Crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur grew taller and stronger day by day.
No other miracle marked his childhood days apart from the event already
described. The boy drank the milk of an English cow, was brought up by an
English nanny, tutored in English by an Englishman, saw nothing but English
films -exactly as the crown princes of all the other Indian states did. When he
came of age at twenty, the State, which had been with the Court of Wards until
then, came into his hands.
1. “Crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur grew taller and stronger day by
day.” Reason?

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(a) As he was brought up in penury.

(b) As he was brought up by royalty.
(c) As he drank the milk of an English cow.
(d) All the above.
Ans. (c) As he drank the milk of an English cow.
2. “The Court of Wards’ here refers to ............
Ans. a legal body created by the East India
3. The prince was throned at the age of 20. He took some decisions.
Choose his smart decisions-
(i) He bribed the British officer to save his kingdom.
(ii) He married to a girl of a royal family.
(iii) He killed 100 tigers.
(iv) He believed the prediction of the astrologer.
(v) He bought a wooden tiger for his son as a gift.

Choose the correct option-
(a) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(b) (iv) only
(c) (v) only
(d) none
Ans. (d) none .
4. What is nanny?
Ans. A woman whose job is to look after a family’s children and usually
lives in the family.
RTC-2
“The prince was born in the hour of the Bull. The Bull and the Tiger are
enemies, therefore, death comes from the Tiger,” he explained. What did
the royal infant grow up to be? You may think that crown prince Jung Jung
Bahadur was thrown into a quake when he heard the word ‘Tiger’. That was
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exactly what did not happen. As soon as he heard it pronounced, the crown
prince gave a deep growl. Terrifying words emerged from his lips. “Let tigers
beware!”
1. The Bull and the Tiger are enemies, therefore, death comes from the
Tiger.” he explained. This is the prediction by the chief astrologer.
Other words used in place of astrology are -
(i) Divination (ii) Geomancy
(iii) Foretelling (iv) Horoscopy
(v) Palmistry (vi) Explication

Choose the correct option-
(a) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(b) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)
(c) iii), (iv), (v) and (vi)
(d) All
2. “Let tigers beware!” Why did The Tiger King want the tigers to be
alert?
3. Which figure of speech has been used in ‘Jung Jung Bahadur’?
(a) Simile (b) Metaphor
(c) Alliteration (d) Pun
4. What does the author mean when he mentioned “Jung Jung Bahadur
was thrown into a quake when he heard the word ‘Tiger’?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. What was the miracle that took place in the royal palace?
Ans. When the Maharaja was a 10 day old infant, he spoke and asked
intelligent questions about his death. After knowing that he would be
killed by a tiger he uttered saying; “Let tigers beware.”
2. How was the Tiger King brought up?
Ans. As a child the Tiger King was brought up by an English nanny and

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tutored in English by an Englishman. He was given the milk of an

English cow. He watched only English movies.
3. What did the State astrologer say he would do ‘if the hundredth tiger
were also killed’?
Ans. The State astrologer was so sure of his prediction that he announced
that he would cut off his ceremonial tuft, crop his hair short and
become an insurance agent in case the king was able to kill the 100th
tiger too. He was sure that the Maharaja’s death would be caused by
the 100th tiger.
4. What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish
fulfilled?
Ans. The high-ranking British Officer wanted to kill a tiger. He was denied
the permission for hunting. He sent a word to the king that he would
be happy if he was allowed to get photographed with the carcass of a
tiger killed by the King. His wish remained unfulfilled.
5. How did the Maharaja get more tigers to kill, when he had killed all
the tigers in his kingdom?
Ans. Left with no other alternative, the king ticking thought of getting
married into a royal family. His only criteria for selecting a bride
was that his-in-laws’ estate should have sufficient number of tigers.
Finally, he found his desired match. He pursued his one point program
of meeting the tally of hundred tigers.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. How did the ‘duraisani’ behave on receiving the gifts?

2. Why did Maharaja order the Dewan to double the tax?
3. What did the Maharaja buy as a birthday gift for his son?
4. How did the king’s hand become seriously infected?
5. What steps were initiated by the Maharaja in order to ban tiger killing
in his state?
6. How was Maharaja able to save his kingdom?

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7. Why did the Dewan take the tiger to the forest? How?
8. How did the tiger king justify his tiger hunt?

Competency Based Long Answer Questions:

1. Some people believe Astrology to be a science and discipline which

is logical and rational. But the perception of prediction made by
astrologers about the Tiger King and its consequences appear to be
highly irrational. It has brought tragic effect on Nature. Write a speech
to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic.
Ans. Dear audience,

Good morning

We are witnessing the period of scientific and technical progress
which is very closed to latest technologies. Rational thinking is the
need of the hour. This so called progress has brought many issues
like pollution, increasing population and global warming etc. this is
the time when we have to be rational in our approach and actions and
contemplate over the results of our actions and beliefs. This is the
time for a shift in understanding the difference between superstitions
and beliefs, superstition can bring ruins to the society and the world.
The time has come when we need to understand our tenancy on this
globe and to shield our mother earth not only for our own survival but
for all living beings on this earth in order to maintain the ecosystem
and for that, we must think rationally. Cruel destruction of flora and
fauna will ultimately bring our own ruin.

Therefore, I would request all of you to be reasonable and rational
before taking a decision.

Competency Based Long Answer Questions for Practice

1. Giving and taking bribe is an evil practice. The Tiger King bribed the
British officer to save his kingdom. How do you view this act?
2. The Tiger King believed in superstition and as a result he committed
a sin by killing hundred innocent tigers, who too like other living
creatures have right to live. Even today so many of us believe in
superstition and ill treat the innocent animals for our recreation

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and kill them in the name of our old, sick and rotten traditions to
satisfy our selfish approach. Write your views in form of an article
on “Superstition Leads to Disaster.” Support your response with
reference to the story.
3. The food chain is being hampered badly owing to unprotected
ecosystem and as a result the tigers and many other wild animals
are on the verge of extinction. Write an article on ‘Save the Tigers
Project’. comprising the following inputs’.
• Why there is a need to save the tigers.
• Causes of decline in tiger population
• How can tigers be saved/ protected
4. “Marriage is not an official agreement but is believed to be a wish
to live together forever with the person of your choice and whom
you love, away from compromises and hatred.” But ironically the
Tiger King preferred a girl of a royal family of other state with a high
population of tigers. Complete the following conversation between
the Tiger King and the girl from a royal family whom he had chosen
to marry:
The Tiger King: I am so thrilled and happy that you have accepted
my proposal of marriage.
The girl: Your Majesty! I am very fortunate. May I have liberty to
know what made you choose me to be your better half?
The Tiger King: Tigers !!!!
The girl: ????

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JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH

BY TISHANI DOSHI

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. The story is based on a travelogue written by Tishani Doshi.

2. The author, makes a tour to Antarctica travelling 100 hours to reach
there.
3. Antarctica contains 90% of the total ice of the earth.
4. Journey was too long. Six years ago, Geoff Green, a Canadian, started
the “Students on Ice” programme.
5. Under this programme, high school students are taken on a trip to
Antarctica and offer inspiring educational opportunities to encourage
them and make them aware about our planet.
6. The programme has been a success because students can see the
collapsing ice shelves and retreating glaciers with their own eyes.
7. They realize the threat of global warming is real.
8. The author too got a chance to work in the coldest atmosphere of the
Antarctic continent.
9. She began her journey 13.09 degrees north of the Equator in Madras.
She crossed nine time zones, six checkpoints, three oceans and many
ecospheres to reach her destination.
10. According to her six hundred and fifty million years ago, Antarctica
was a part of a giant amalgamated Southern supercontinent called
Gondwana.
11. This journey also enlightens about the significance of Cordilleran
folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields; ozone and carbon.
12. No existence of human life there.
13. As per her understanding, human beings have been on Earth for about
12000 years. In this short period, humans have changed the face of
the environment for the shoddier.

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14. Humans, by establishing cities and megacities, have encroached

Mother Nature.
15. The rapid increase in population has added to more distress. Human
beings are battling with each other for limited resources.
16. The average global temperature is rising rapidly and the layer of
carbon dioxide around the world is increasing.
17. The narrator is worried by profound questions about climate change
like what if West Antarctic ice sheets melt entirely or if the Gulf
Stream Ocean current will be disrupted or will the world come to end
one day.
18. Tishani Doshi is contended with the beauty of balance in play on our
planet.
19. She is optimistic that next-generation children are full of naivete to
save the Earth. Gondwana would have larger biodiversity including
flora and fauna.
20. Finally, it gives a brief explanation of ozone depletion and the lack
of biodiversity and the harm that can be posed is also shown in the
travelogue.

RTC-1

You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale
ranges from the. microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales
and icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded was the size of Belgium).
Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a
ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or calving
ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an immersion that will force you to place
yourself in the context of the earth’s geological history.
1. What does ‘ubiquitous silence’ refer to?
Ans. Silence prevailed everywhere in Antarctica
2. ‘Visual Scale’ can be described as
Ans. It refers to size in relation to another element or object or a constant.

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3. Which of the following options is best inferred from the extract that
the author is-
(a) Unhappy (b) Impressed
(c) Rejected (d) Astonished
Ans. Astonished
4. Which of the following are not the features of Antarctica as described
in the chapter-
(1) Long nights (2) Avalanche
(3) Blue whales (4) Huge icebergs
(5) Omnipresent noise
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 5
(c) 2 and 5 (d) 1 and 3
Ans. (b) 1 and 3

RTC-2

Six hundred and fifty million years ago, a giant amalgamated southern
supercontinent — Gondwana — did indeed exist, centred roughly around
the present-day Antarctica. Things were quite different then: humans hadn’t
arrived on the global scene, and the climate was much warmer, hosting a huge
variety of flora and fauna. For 500 million years Gondwana thrived, but around
the time when the dinosaurs were wiped out and the age of the mammals got
under way, the landmass was forced to separate into countries, shaping the
globe much as we know it today.
1. How were the things different 650 million years ago?
2. Gondwana flourished for ........................
3. When was the landmass forced to separate into countries?
4. ‘humans hadn’t arrived on the global scene,’ means-
(a) Humans had not reached to Gondwana.
(b) Humans were not in existence then.

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(c) Humans were on the verge of extinction.

(d) Humans were fighting with aliens for their survival.

Short Answer Questions:

1. Mention the author’s emotions when he set his foot on Antarctica.

Ans. Far flung white landscape and blue horizon of Antarctica was a relief
to the author. The author with his team had travelled 100 hours. She
wondered at the sight of the large continent, its isolation and serenity.
She could not believe the fact that once India and Antarctica were the
part of the same land mass.
2. What are Geoff Green’s objectives for including high school students in
“Student on Ice Programme” ?
Ans. ‘Student on Ice Programme’ was aimed to provide educational
opportunity for the student to study and explore the past, present and
future of the Earth. The future generation of policy makers was offered
a life changing experience to understand and respect the planet. The
students at this age are ready to absorb, learn and act.
3. ‘Take care of small things, the big things will take care themselves’.
What is the significance of the statement ?
Ans. Antarctica has simple ecosystem and lacks in bio-diversity. Little
changes in environment can have big consequences. A very small
single stemmed plant phytoplankton nourishes and sustains the entire
food chain of Southern Ocean. These grasses of the sea use solar
energy to absorb carbon. They synthesize various organic compounds.
We must take care of the small things to avoid the food chain reaction.

Short Answer Questions for Practice

1. Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global

wanning will have on Antarctica
2. Do you Think the programme ‘Student on Ice’ is successful? Why/
Why not?
3. How can a visit to Antarctica be an enlightening experience?

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4. Antarctica is a doorway to the past. Explain.

5. ‘For the narrator, spending a period in Antarctica was not only a
physical challenge but also the psychological challenge.’ Elaborate.

Competency Based Long Answer Questions:

1. If we take the scenario in India about population control. It doesn’t

seem to be going in the right direction. Even after making genuine
efforts to control population, India has become the most populous
country in the world, beating China. As an activist and researcher
write an article on ‘How rapid increase in human population has
left mark’s on nature and its resources’. Support your response
with reference to the chapter.
Ans. Human population has been around 12000 years on the planet. Its very
short passage of time on geological clock. During this period human
has created ruckus, dominance on nature has left scars. Beautiful
green land has turned into villages, towns, cities and mega cities.
Many of the species have extinct, many of them are struggling to
survive. Over consumption of the natural resources has been leading
to a great threat to all the creatures. Fossil fuel has created a blanket
of carbon dioxide resulting in climate change, global warming and
depletion in ozone layer. It is disrupting food chain too. Humans do
not have bright future unless ecological balance is maintained.

Competency Based Long Answer Questions for Practice

1. Human civilization is new. However, during the short period man

has lived, he has created confusion and disturbances. He gained
dominance over nature by building cities, towns and villages. You as
a man blame yourself for despoiling the earth and climate changes.
Describe the effect of these changes in Antarctica.
2. Tishani Doshi describes her Antarctica experience as “nothing short
of a revelation”. It was a mind boggling experience to travel to reach
the coldest, windiest, and driest part of the world. Describe the impact
of Antarctica on her.

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3. To the writer, the Antarctic experience very poignantly underlined the

fact that everything in this creation is interlinked. Elaborate.
4. Imagine yourself to be the narrator Tishani Doshi, writing to your
friend narrating her about your involvement and participation in the
“Students on Ice” programme in Antarctica, initiated by Geoff Green,
a Canadian, and how it is similar to that back home in some ways.

You can begin this way:

Antarctica

05 August XX

Dear friend Anita

Finally we reached, however journey was too long. It is so different
here....

With love

Tishani Doshi

The Enemy
By Pearl S. Buck

Japan and America are at war during World War II. Dr. Sadao is a Japanese
surgeon trained in America. One day he and his wife, Hana, find a wounded
American soldier, perhaps an escaped prisoner, on the beach near his house.
Sadao and Hana are apprehensive about the idea of the soldier being taken
care of in their house at the time of war. Yet, they take him in and Sadao risks
his honour, career and life by treating the sailor, operating on him, and saving
the life of the enemy.
Points to Remember
1. Dr. Sadao Hoki’s house was near the coast in Japan.
2. His father was a great patriot. His only concern was Sadao’s education.
3. Dr. Sadao was sent to America to learn surgery and medicine
4. Dr. Sadao was not sent along with the troopes because the General
was under his treatment and needed his services.

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5. One day Dr. Sadao saw an injured young soldier staggering and
crawling.
6. Dr. Sadao brought the white soldier inside his house and started
treating him which offended the servants and they decided to leave
his house.
7. Dr. Sadao and his wife decided to treat the soldier in spite of the
opposition from the servants.
8. Dr. Sadao’s wife Hana was tensed about the presence of an enemy in
her house.
9. Dr. Sadao informed the General about his patient who promised to
send his assassins to kill him.
10. Dr. Sadao was tensed about the assassination of his patient, had
restless night.
11. Assassins didn’t turn up so he decided to help the American soldier
escape by providing him with a boat, food and other necessary articles.
12. He promised to provide him more food in case he was not able to go
back beyond the island.
13. The next day when Dr. Sadao went to treat the General he told him
that the man had escaped.

RTC 1

The man moaned with pain in his stupor but he did not awaken.
“The best thing that we could do would be to put him back in the sea,”
Sadao said, answering himself. Now that the bleeding was stopped for the
moment he stood up and dusted the sand from his hands.
“Yes, undoubtedly that would be best,” Hana said steadily. But she
continued to stare down at the motionless man.
“If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested and if we
turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
“The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,” Hana said. But

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neither of them moved. They were staring with curious repulsion upon the
inert figure.
1. In which of the following options can the underlined words be replaced
with motionless?
(a) Hana stared down at the wounded American soldier with zeal.
(b) The General did not find Dr. Sadao guilty.
(c) Dr Sadao found him stationary.
(d) The General sent the assassins to kill the American soldier, box.
Ans. (c) Dr Sadao found him stationary.
2. Pick the option that best describes Sadao in the passage.
(a) trustworthy (b) bold
(c) judicious (d) wary
Ans. (d) wary
3. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given
below.

Statement 1: Sadao and Hana, both were willing to save a life.

Statement 2: Hana was afraid of getting arrested.
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Ans. (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
4. ‘But neither of them moved’. Why?
Ans. As they wanted to help the wounded man.

RTC-2

Sadao had taken this into his mind as he did everything his father said, his
father who never joked or played with him but who spent infinite pains upon

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him who was his only son. Sadao knew that his education was his father’s
chief concern. For this reason he had been sent at twenty-two to America to
learn all that could be learned of surgery and medicine. He had come back
at thirty, and before his father died he had seen Sadao become famous not
only as a surgeon but as a scientist. Because he was perfecting a discovery
which would render wounds entirely clean, he had not been sent abroad with
the troops. Also, he knew, there was some slight danger that the old General
might need an operation for a condition for which he was now being treated
medically, and for this possibility Sadao was being kept in Japan.
1. The main concern of Sadao’s father was-
(a) His marriage
(b) His education
(c) His discovery
(d) All the above
2. Sadao studied in America for the period of .....................
2. Which discovery is being referred here in this extract?
3. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent with the troops?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Why did the General overlook the matter of the enemy soldier?
Ans. The General had an attack and according to Dr. Sadao he could not
survive the second attack. So if Dr. Sadao was arrested, no other
doctor was capable of performing the operation. So for furthering
his selfish needs he overlooked the matter and promised to send his
assassins. But he was so self-absorbed, he forgot about it.
2. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent with the troops?
Ans. The General thought that Dr. Sadao was indispensable to his life and
could save anyone as he was very skilled.

He also does not trust anyone except Dr. Sadao So he was not sent
with troops.

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3. How was the plan of the patient’s escape executed in the story?
Ans. The prisoner was successful in his escape only because of the right
guidance and help from Dr. Sadao. He provided him his boat, gave
him food, made him wear Japanese clothes and also helped him to
comfortably sail to a nearby island.
4. Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s house?
Ans. They were not in favour of keeping the American prisoner hidden in
the house. They also did not want Dr. Sadao to save his life as he was
the enemy. Also, if the police came to know of it, all their lives would
be in danger. Dr Sadao may be considered traitor. They were also
worried about the prestige and future of the family.
5. How did Hana help Dr. Sadao?
Ans. Hana was very helpful while the operation was on. She dipped a small
clean towel into the steaming hot water washed the face of the soldier
herself. She was requested to give the anesthetic if needed. With the
help of instruments from his emergency bag, Sadao made a clean and
precise incision. The bullet was out and the doctor declared that the
man would live. Hana served the patient with intensive care.
6. Why did Dr. Sadao’s father send him to America though he hated
Americans?
Ans. The sole motive behind his decision may be the lure of technologically
advanced medical studies available in Amercia. He wanted his son to
be trained according to the latest medical development.
7. Which difficulties did Dr. Sadao face for the sake of the enemy ?
Ans. First of all, Dr. Sadao faced reluctance of his wife, who was initially
apprehensive to keep an American in their house Dr. Sadao was
himself in a dilemma because of the inner conflict between patriotism
and humanity. He also faced the displeasure of the servants.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. Why did Dr. Sadao treat the American soldier even though it was an
unpatriotic act on his part?

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2. Why didn’t Dr. Sadao put the wounded man back in the sea even
though he was his enemy?
3. How did Hana show her human side to the wounded man after the
operation?

Competency Based Long Answer Questions

1. Humanity is beyond any border or prejudice, whereas patriotism is

the sense of faithfulness to our nation or place where we live. Which,
according to you, is higher — humanity or patriotism? Write a
paragraph on the topic: Humanity vs Patriotism.
Ans. Humanity vs Patriotism

Humanity needs no boundaries. It’s a human value which is beyond
any border or prejudice, however patriotism is the loyalty to the nation
where we live. Both values are integral part of human tendency.
Loyalty and devotion to our nation should be our preference but
humanity should be our utmost priority. Humanity is endless, above
any caste, creed religion or race. It comprises love and care for others.
Humanity makes one sympathetic and modest. Humanity is an asset
which bonds the entire human race as a united one irrespective of
colour, caste and creed whereas patriotism is confined to a certain
nation or a place. Thus, humanity is the virtue which attains the
uppermost place amongst all the virtues.

Competency Based Long Answer Question For Practice

1. Hana plays an important role in saving the life of the injured person.
She felt so pathetic when her servants had quit them in protest. She
was so worried about her kids. As Hana, write this diary entry in 120
- 150 words. Support your response with reference to the story.

You may begin this way:

Despite all apprehensions I will accompany my husband in the act of
humanity. I am working hard to do things at home, more because I am
not used to working at home ....

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2. As a journalist you interviewed Dr Sadao as he has accomplished an

act of humanity by saving the life of POW. Complete the following
interview.

You may begin this way:

You- Hello Dr Sadao. Welcome.

Dr. Sadao- Hello. Thanks.

You- How did you rise above narrow prejudices of race and country
to help a human being in need. How did you succeed as a doctor as
well as a patriot?

Dr. Sadao: I believe that Good human values are far above any
other value system ....
3. Tom, a POW was rescued by Dr Sadao and Hana. After his recovery
he was sent to an uninhabited island by a boat with food, bottled water
and clothing plus two quilts.
Days later Hana and Dr Sadao found a brief note while cleaning
the room, written by Tom thanking them and acknowledging
their efforts to save his life.

Complete the following Note in 120-150 words. You may begin this
way:

The wonderful couple
Greetings

I am recovering swiftly and will be fully recovered soon. 1 owe my
life to both of you and will be forever indebted to you till my death.
You put your life in danger to save me ...........

ON THE FACE OF IT
By Susan Hill
The play is about an adolescent boy Derry with a burnt face and Mr. Lamb
old man with a tin leg. Derry, stealthily enters Mr. Lamb’s garden by jumping
over the wall. A dialogue starts between the two and Mr. Lamb realizes that
Derry is bitter, lonely and depressed. He avoids people as he feels they do not
behave normally with him due to his burnt face. Mr. Lamb understands Derry
and his anguish and doesn’t get angry with him even though Derry is rude
towards him. He makes Derry realize that being handicapped is not a drawback.
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Point to Remember

1. Mr. Lamb is sitting all alone in his garden.

2. Suddenly Derry entered the garden thinking no one was inside the
house. Although the gate of the garden was open. Derry entered by
jumping over the wall.
3. Derry is scared to see Mr. Lamb sitting in the garden.
4. Mr. Lamb told him that his gates were always open for all people.
5. Mr. Lamb assured him, that he could stay there if he wanted to sit
there.
6. Derry told him that people were afraid of his burnt face and hated
him.
7. Mr. Lamb convinced him that both of them were similar as both of
them faced a disability.
8. Mr. Lamb also told him that he should not bother about what others
say.
9. Derry was impressed by the positive thoughts of Mr. Lamb.
10. Gradually Derry was able to realise that he too was better than people
11. He decided to go home informed his mother and came back to help
Mr. Lamb.
12. Derry fascinated by Mr Lamb’s talk, motivated and drawn towards
Lamb.
13. When Derry came back he was shocked to see that Mr. Lamb had
fallen from the ladder and had bled to death.
14. Derry cried, turned emotional but gained confidence to face the world.

RTC 1

DERRY: You needn’t think they haven’t all told me that fairy story before.
‘It’s not what you look like, it’s what you are inside. Handsome is as handsome
does. Beauty loved the monstrous beast for himself and when she kissed him
he changed into a handsome prince. Only he wouldn’t, he’d have stayed a
monstrous beast. I won’t change.

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1. Which literary device has been used in ‘Handsome is as handsome

does’?
(a) Metaphor (b) Repetition
(c) Simile (d) Alliteration
Ans. (a) Metaphor
2. Find out the synonym of the word ‘Monstrous’ from the following.
(a) Small (b) Healthy
(c) Huge (d) All of these
Ans. (c) Huge
3. ‘I won’t change’ this statement shows his-
(a) Stubborn nature (b) Sense of supremacy
(c) Pessimism (d) All the above
Ans. (c) Pessimism
4. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given
below.

Statement 1: Derry thinks his face will remain the same.

Statement 2: Derry thinks people will always make fun of him.
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Ans. (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.

RTC-2

You think.... ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look at me...and then you see my face and
you think. ‘That’s bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever
saw.’ You think, ‘Poor boy.’ But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid.
Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of
me.
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1. Who is the speaker of these lines and with whom is he talking?

2. Degree of the word ugliest is ..............
3. Why according to him everyone is afraid of him?
4. “That’s bad” What according to the speaker is bad?
(a) To make him feel awkward for having a burnt face
(b) To make him feel afraid for having a burnt face
(c) To make him feel happy
(d) None of the above

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Derry avoid people ?

Ans. Derry used to avoid people, became repulsive and introvert. Actually,
his physical deformity took a toll on his mental health, he perceived
that everybody was looking at and thinking about him. Thus he
developed a sort of inferiority complex and shut himself with in his
self imposed confinement, out of reach of the outer world.
2. Why. did Mr. Lamb keep the door of his house open ?
Ans. Mr. Lamb was projected as the other side to the coin, in sharp contrast
to a reclusive and cocooned Derry. Mr. Lamb was a forthcoming
person with open personality despite his physical impairment. His
open personality is represented by the open doors and curtainless
windows of his home.
3. Why did Derry come back to meet Mr. Lamb ?
Ans. Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards life changed the mind set of Derry. Derry
found wings, a new perception about himself which opened a whole
new world for him and gave him a new lease of life. Though, his
mother tried to stop him to revisit Mr. Lamb, but Derry did not listen
to her.
4. What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb ?

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or

Why did Derry’s mother stop him, going to Mr. Lamb ?
Ans. Derry’s mother does not hold a good opinion about Mr. Lamb. She
has heard many things about the old man, therefore, she stops Derry
from visiting Mr. Lamb.
5. Why does Derry go back to Mr. Lamb in the end ?
Ans. Mr. Lamb teaches Derry the most important lesson of life. He advises
him not to care about the comments made by others. He now no longer
cares about his burnt face or looks. He now wants to think, feel, to
hear and see. And therefore he returns to Mr. Lamb.
6. How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry ?
Ans. Lamb tells Derry that he is old and had a tin leg. Children call him
Lamey-Lamb, but still they come to his garden. They are not afraid of
him because he is not afraid of them. He never bothered about his old
age or tin leg as life has many more things to offer.

Short Answer Questions for Practice

1. How does Derry’s attitude change?

2. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?
3. How does Lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?
4. “I m not afraid”. People are afraid of me”, says Derry. What do people
think on seeing his face? How do they react then?
5. What argument does Derry give to convince his mother why he wants
to go the old man’s garden?
6. How does Mr. Lamb explain his concept of the world?
7. Do you think Mr. Lamb was equally lonely and dejected ? Why?
8. Why does Derry hate to be called ‘a poor boy’?

Competency Based Long Answer Questions

1. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment

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is often much less than the sense of isolation felt by the person with
disabilities. As an alert and active citizen how you would sensitize
people to help and support them. Write a speech in 120-150 words.
You may begin this way:

Dear audience,

Greetings

Actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often
less than the sense — of alienation felt by the person with disabilities.
Physical disabilities cause pain once in life time and cause mental
agony.
Ans. Dear audience.

Greetings

Actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often less
than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. Physical
disabilities cause pain once in life time and cause mental agony.

Mr. Lamb is called Lamey Lamb and mothers are afraid of sending their
children to him because of his tin leg. Derry has burnt face and everyone
pities him. Only the mother could love that face. Both Mr. Lamb and
Derry are victims of verbal atrocities. Mr. Lamb takes comments lightly.
But Derry does not have the attitude like Mr. Lamb. The attitude of people
needs to be changed. Disabled persons do not want sympathy. They want
to be accepted as they are. Wounds get healed but bitter comments are
never forgotten as they leave behind scars.

Competency Based Long Answer Question for Practice

1. Both Derry and Lamb are physically challenged and feel isolated. It is
the accountability of society to understand and support such people.
As a responsible citizen, write an article in 120-150 words on ‘Lets
Be Able to Support A Disable’.
2. The play ‘On the Face of it’ ends on a tragic note. Give a happy end
to the story in about 120-150 words.
3. Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry changes him from a scared child to a
confident boy. Discuss.
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MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
By Zitkala Sa and Bama

PART-1

THE CUTTING OF MY LONG HAIR

Zitkala Sa was a native American Indian who penned down her experiences
at the Carlisle Indian School. Her first day at the School was a bitter-cold one.
The customs and rules of the place were strange and new to her. She was
forced to wear clothes that she considered undignified. She felt uncomfortable
because she did not know the table manners at breakfast. Her worst nightmare
was when her friend told her that her hair would be cut. She tried to resist by
hiding under the bed, but was dragged out, tied to a chair and her long hair
chopped off. The forced cutting of her hair made her suffer tremendous agony
and she lost all spirit.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. First day of the narrator in a new school in the land of apples.

2. A large bell to call the children for breakfast.
3. Zitkala-Sa felt humiliated as her dress was very tight and her blanket
was removed.
4. A small bell tapped to draw the chairs from under the tables.
5. Another bell to make them take their seats.
6. Narrator new to the system, sat down at the first bell only.
7. Getting noticed by the higher authorities frightened her a lot.
8. Late in the evening her friend Judewin told her that they were going
to cut her hair.
9. The narrator decided to struggle before submitting.
10. Crept up stairs.
11. Hid herself under the bed in a large room. Heard people searching for
her.

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12. Scared but was not ready to surrender. Resisted by scratching wildly.
13. Ultimately she was dragged from there and her hair was shingled. She
wept and remembered her mother. Beginning of her miseries as she
was treated like an animal.

RTC-1

A paleface woman, with white hair, came up after us. We were placed in
a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These were Indian
girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore sleeved
aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt
like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders.
I looked hard at the Indian girls, who seemed not to care that they were
even more immodestly dressed than I, in their tightly fitting clothes. While
we marched in, the boys entered at an opposite door. I watched for the three
young braves who came in our party. I spied them in the rear ranks, looking as
uncomfortable as I felt.
1. Who is the narrator?
(a) Bama (b) Zitkala -Sa
(c) Student (d) Warden
Ans. (b) Zitkala -Sa
2. Who has been referred to as ‘paleface woman’
Ans. School warden
3. What was the state of mind of the narrator
(a) Pleasant (b) Uncomfortable
(c) Soothing (d) All the above
Ans. Uncomfortable
4. How were the hair of the small girls?
Ans. Shingled hair

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RTC-2

I saw that I was the only one seated, and all the rest at our table remained
standing. Just as I began to rise, looking shyly around to see how chairs were
to be used, a second bell was sounded. All were seated at last, and I had to
crawl back into my chair again. I heard a man’s voice at one end of the hall,
and I looked around to see him. But all the others hung their heads over their
plates. As I glanced at the long chain of tables, I caught the eyes of a paleface
woman upon me. Immediately I dropped my eyes, wondering why 1 was so
keenly watched by the strange woman.
1. Who was gazing at her?
2. She notice about herself at the dining table that
3. I dropped my eyes’ means
(a) She began to look around
(b) She looked down
(c) She became happy
(d) She was gazing
4. How were others behaving in the dining hall?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. What were the indignities that the new girls were subjected to at Carlisle
Indian School?
Ans. The girls were scrutinized thoroughly and supervised by a grey- haired
woman. They were made to wear tight fitting immodest clothes and
stiff shoes. During breakfast a systematic and regimental discipline
was observed. The girls with long hair had to get them shingled and
they had to submit to the authorities who were strong, unfeeling and
cruel.
2. How had Zitkala - Sa been subjected to extreme indignities?
Ans. Since the day she was taken from her mother Zitkala had suffered
many indignities. She was stared at and tossed like a wooden puppet.
Her long hair was shingled like a coward’s. In her pain when she cried
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for her mother no one came forward to comfort her. She was just like
one of the animals driven by a herder.
3. What did Judewin tell the narrator? What was the effect?
Ans. Judewin who could understand a little English informed the narrator
that the strange woman intended to cut her long hair. But the narrator
had learnt from her mother that the enemy cut the hair of the unskilled
warrior when they are captured and among their people mourners
wear short hair and cowards have shingled hair. So, she decided to
resist. She hid herself under a bed in a dark room.
4. Why was Zitkala-Sa so averse to having her hair cut?
Ans. It was an age old tradition among the people of her tribe, to which
Zitkala-Sa belonged, to maintain their long shining and beautiful hair.
It was believed that only the warriors or the mourners get their hair
shingled. Short hair were worn by cowards as per their tradition. So,
obviously Zitkala-Sa never wanted her hair to be cut short.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. How was the environment in Zitkala-Sa’s new school different from

the environment in other schools?
1. Why did Judewin’s information frighten Zitkala-Sa?
2. Why was Zitkala-Sa scared in the dining room?
3. How did Zitkala-Sa try to save her long hair?
4. Why was Zitkala-Sa punished?
5. How did Zitkala-Sa resist on being discovered under the bed?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Zitkala Sa belonged to a marginalised community. She was an

American Indian woman who was ill-treated by the whites who
preferred force and oppression to induce the natives to leave their age
old customs and traditions. The worst indignity she ached was the
cutting of her long hair, which were considered to be the symbol of
her dignity and self esteem. Her long and beautiful hair were cut after
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she was dragged out. She chose to rise above indignities. She decided
to write her feelings in a diary entry.

As Zitkala-Sa write this diary entry. Support your response with
reference to the story.

You may begin this way:

I felt terribly hurt ...................
Ans. I felt terribly hurt today when my hair were shingled forcefully. My
friend Judewin had warned me that my hair was going to be cut.
Judewin knew a few English words and had overheard the ‘paleface
woman’ talking about cutting the native Indian girl’s long hair. This
news shocked me. My friend told me to accept my fate but I was
not ready to submit and decided to fight against the oppression. I
disappeared unnoticed and went into a room where I crawled and hid
under a bed, cuddling myself in a dark corner. But I was discovered
and dragged out. I then resisted by kicking and scratching wildly as
1 was carried down and tied fast to a chair. As they gnawed at my
long hair, I kept shaking my head. No one came to support me. I was
desperate to save my hair because as per our custom shingled hair was
a sign of cowardice. So 1 never wanted my long hair to be shingled.

However, they have shingled my hair but they can not shingle my
confidence and can not cut my self-esteem. So I have decided to raise
my voice to fight against injustice.

Competency Based Long Answer Questions For Practice

1. “We should raise our voice against injustice and indignities.” As

Zitkala-Sa elaborate which qualities are required to face challenges in
life?

PART -2
WE TOO ARE HUMAN BEINGS
By Bama

Bama is a Tamil Dalit woman. She experienced untouchability very early

in her life. One day she saw an elderly person carrying food packet with the
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help of strings as he was not supposed to touch the food because of his caste.
She found the whole incident funny, but when she narrated it to her brother,
he told her that the man held the packet by its strings because he was an
untouchable. He also added that they too belonged to a lower caste. He told
Bama to work hard in order to win honour and dignity for herself. Bama was
inspired to fight back the injustices through education and sheer hard work.
She studied hard and stood first in her class.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. In class third, Bama was too innocent to know about

untouchability.
2. She enjoyed her life in observing things and events on her way.
3. Took about an hour, coming home watching the events on her way
home.
4. Watched all the fun and games, novelties and oddities in the streets,
shops and market place.
5. Would watch puppet show, snake charmer, chopping up of onion,
pouring of coffee and all such interesting things.
6. Saw a threshing floor where the people were driving cattles in pairs
round and round.
7. Saw an elderly person of the village holding a packet by its string in
a funny manner.
8. Surprised and amused at the manner he carried that packet.
9. Reported about the funny incident to her brother.
10. Her brother told her about untouchability.
11. He explained to her about the humiliation and stigma attached to
untouchability.
12. Advised her to work hard in her studies, to be respected.
13. Bama took that lesson seriously and worked hard throughout her life.

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RTC-1

I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my
shoulder. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But
usually, it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It
would take me from half an hour to an hour to dawdle along, watching all the
fun and games that were going on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities
is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.
1. Who is the narrator of the above passage?
(a) Bama
(b) Bama’s brother Annan
(c) Zitkala- Sa
(d) Judewin
Ans. Bama
2. It was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But
usually, it would take me thirty minutes at the very least to reach
home.

It shows the narrator’s -
(a) Carefree and casual approach
(b) Smart approach
(c) Systematic approach
(d) Intelligent approach
Ans. (a) Carefree and casual approach
3. What does the narrator mean by novelties and oddities?
Ans. Novelties: The newness, the freshness, the unusual things in the
streets, shops and bazaar.
Oddities: The different, the peculiar, the eccentric things in the
streets, shops, bazaar.

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4. ‘dawdle along’ means

Ans. to spend time wastefully or idly

RTC-2

Just then, an elder of our street came along from the direction of the
bazaar. The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double
up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man carrying a
small packet in that fashion. I guessed there was something like vadai or green
banana bhajji in the packet, because the wrapping paper was stained with oil.
He came along, holding out the packet by its string, without touching it. I
stood there thinking to myself, if he holds it like that, won’t the package come
undone, and the vadais fall out?
1. What did Bama notice?
2. ‘The manner in which he was walking along made me want to double
up. I wanted to shriek with laughter at the sight of such a big man
carrying a small packet in that fashion.’

This statement shows Bama’s-
(a) Cleverness and intelligence
(b) Innocence and ignorance
(c) Ridiculous nature
(d) foolishness
3. She supposed ........
4. Why did she think that the manner of elderly man’s walking was
strange’?

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Why did Bama take half hour to an hour to cover the distance to her
home that would normally take only ten minutes?
Ans. She walked very slowly and watched every scene, shop, snake
charmer, man paddling his bicycle to win prizes and so on. She liked
to see the Maariyatta temple, the Pongal celebrations, the statue of

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Gandhi and the sweet and snack stalls. Everything stopped her and
attracted her attention. She also stopped to see the processions of the
political parties, street play or a puppet show or a stunt performance.
2. How did Bama first come to know of the social discrimination faced
by the people of her community?
Ans. She saw an elder carrying a small packet by its string without touching
it. The elder went straight to the landlord. He bowed low and extended
the packet towards him. The landlord opened it and started eating. She
was amused to see the incident. On reaching home, she narrated the
incident to her elder brother Annan. But her brother was not amused.
He explained that the man was from a low caste and the landlord was
from the upper caste. Everybody believed that they would be polluted
if they were touched by the low caste people.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1. How did Bama feel when Annan told her about ‘Untouchability’?
2. Which words of her brother made a deep impression on Bama?
3. Why did Bama feel like laughing on seeing the way in which the
elderly man was carrying a packet?
4. What advice did Annan give to Bama?
5. What was the elderly man carrying and for whom?
6. Why did Annan not feel amused when Bama told him about the
elderly man?

COMPETENCY BASED LONG ANSWER QUESTION

“Thambi, on which street do you live?” The point of this was that if he
knew on which street we lived, he would know our caste too. (Text)
Tn India people, by and large, judge others by their caste and community
rather than their individual strength. Some are considered superiors despite
their inferior being and gimcrack approach as they are born in so-called
supreme caste whereas some are categorized inferior, however they bear
supreme qualities, just because of their pronounced inferior community.

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As a proficient writer, write an article on ‘Caste System in India.’

Caste System in India’.
The word ‘caste’ is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “casta”,
which means “race. Caste system in India is a form of social categorization
that splits the religion into ranked groups based on their occupation. It
is considered to be the most complexed social system. The worst part of this
system is that so called higher classes look down upon the lower classes and
this results in obstructing the national unity. National and public interests are
ignored and unnoticed in the course of giving gravity to caste interests. It stands
against the standards of democracy. The people are, as a result, oppressed and
exploited. Deep rooted caste system obstructs the national growth.

Competency Based Long Answer Questions For Practice

1. Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is

practised in the society. Visualize that they both had a chance of
meeting in a social event in India. They both share their experiences
of oppression they faced and how those occurrences demonstrated to
be the basis of forte to fight against such domination.

Complete the following conversation, with reference to their
experiences they had gone through.

Bama: Hi Zitkala, It gives me a wonderful feeling to see you here.

Zitkala-Sa: Same here Bama. I’ve heard a lot about your fight against
social discrimination.
2. “Untouchability is not only a crime, it is inhuman too”. Imagine
yourself to be Bama and with that feel write down why and how you
decided to fight against it.
3. In India, the so-called lower castes have been treated cruelly for a
long time. As Annan advise Bama in form of a letter how to fight
against this prejudice.

You may begin this way:

Dear Sister Bama,

We are undergoing the tough time. Only education can help us
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overcome the situation. I would advise you to study hard and to top
all exams. If you are successful in life, people would come to you of
their own accord
4. “In India, the so-called lower castes have suffered untold discrimination
and cruelty since ages. This has taken away their fundamental rights
and rendered them powerless and they are forced to lead an undignified
life of poverty and misery.” As an activist prepare a speech to deliver
in a school.

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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

1. Assessment of Listening Skills 5 Marks

2. Assessment of Speaking Skills 5 Marks
3. Project 5 Marks
4. Viva 5 Marks

The practice of listening and speaking skills should be done throughout

the academic year. This section aims to provide a combination of activities
and tasks for students to practice and improve their listening and speaking
skills. Rubrics have been provided to let students understand the parameters,
based on which the assessment would be done. The detailed guidelines are
available on the official site of CBSE.

Assessment of Listening Skills

Given below are Listening Skills practice assignments. Each assignment

has a link for audio recording followed by two tasks. Listen to the audio and
complete the tasks simultaneously.

Assignment-l

Listen to the recording carefully and answer the questions given below.
You will listen to the recording twice.

Transcript

There’s nothing quite like mother’s love. More so in the lion kingdom
where child rearing is almost exclusively a mother’s domain. Male lions often
kill cubs of previous leaders when they take over the pride. Even when their
own male cubs grow up, they are kicked out. In such a scenario, the Bedhia
Nar, a lion from Bedhia village of Gir-Somnath district, has rewritten
parenting rules in the last abode of Asiatic lions in the world.
The lion christened as ‘Bedhia Nar’ has single-handedly raised his three
cubs — all aged two — just like a lioness would have. The cubs were barely
three months old when the lioness got electrocuted while entering a farm. The
pride did not have any other lioness.
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Task-1

Mark the following statements as true or false:

1. Child rearing is mother’s domain in the lion kingdom. True / False
2. Male lions live in harmony with cubs of previous leaders. True / False
3. When the male cubs grow, they kick out the leader of the pride. True
/ False
4. Bedhia Nar changed the rule of parenting. True / False
5. Male lion is very particular about the paternity of its cubs. True / False

Task-2

Complete the following, by filling gaps with appropriate word.

1. The lion was ____________ as Bedhia Nar.
2. Jalpan Rupapara never expected Bedhia Nar to be so ____________.
3. Lion’s activities were recorded with ____________.
4. Papa lions are known to be ____________.
5. Kacha and Rupapara plan to submit ____________.

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Assignment-2

Listen to the recording carefully and answer the questions given below.
You will listen to the recording twice.

Transcript

Bird count held amid rising temperatures

Hundreds of birders set out across Delhi and the National Capital Region
on February 20, 2022, a Sunday morning as part of the Big Bird Day (BBD)
2022 — each carrying notebooks, a pair of binoculars and cameras to capture
photographs of both resident and migratory birds in the region The results of
the count are expected to be released within 3 days.
Among the interesting sightings this year, the birders listed the short-
eared owl in Jhanraula, osprey in Jhajjar; and spotted dove at Delhi’s Yamuna
Biodiversity Park. 10 Kentish plovers were recorded in the Chandu wetlands.
However, most birders reported low bird density, citing warmer weather.
“The results of the count are being uploaded on the e-Bird portal, and will be
analysed over the next two days.
“Though some interesting species were sighted, the number and the
overall density of birds is fairly low compared to what is generally seen at
this time of the year. Temperatures were quite high during the afternoon,
whereas in the count held on February 21 last year, we saw fog in the morning
and temperatures were comparatively low,” Big Bird Day organiser Devasar
added, stating that consistent rain this winter also led to water accumulation
in a lot of places across NCR, which could also lead to birds spreading out
instead of going to known wetlands.
In last year’s count, 244 species of birds were recorded, and 253 were
recorded in the 2020, which was held on January 12. In 2019, 247 species
were recorded, and 237 in 2018. Diverse species were also seen across Delhi’s
biodiversity parks — Aravalli, Neela Hauz, Ti 1 path Valley, Kalindi Kunj,
Yamuna and Kami a Nehru ridge
Teams comprising students, scientists and college teachers set across the
Capital’s bird habitats from 8am until 10am on Sunday at the biodiversity
parks. Orphean Warbler and the black eagle were sighted at the Aravalli

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biodiversity park.
“At Tilpath Valley, the small minivet was reported, and at Tughlaqabad
park, the black-headed ibis was among the noteworthy sightings. The Indian
spotted eagle was recorded at Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge),” said
Faiyaz Khudsar, scientist-in-charge at Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
Surya Prakash, a birder and zoologist from Jawaharlal Nehru University,
who scouted the area around the university, reported the white-capped
bunting, a pair of Indian scops owl and yellow-wattled lapwing in the area.
“The temperature has suddenly shot up over the last two weeks, leading to
birds leaving early,” he said.
Source: Hindustan Times, Dated, February 21, 2022

Task-1

Fill in the blanks with correct information

1. The birders set out across Delhi and the National Capital Region on
February 20, 2022, a Sunday morning as part of the _________
2. Each Birder carries, notebook, ________ and camera.
3. The results of the count are expected to be released _______ ________
4. The results of the count are being uploaded on the ________.
5. In 2021, ________ species of birds were recorded, and ________ were recorded in
the 2020.

Task-2

Column A Column B
1. Jhanraula, (a) black-headed ibis
2. Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park (b) Orphean warbler and the black eagle
3. Chandu wetlands (c) short-eared owl
4. Aravalli biodiversity park (d) spotted dove
5. Tughlaqabad park (e) 10 Kentish plovers

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Assessment of Speaking Skills

Guidelines for conducting assessment of speaking skills:

1. Only 2 students at a time.
2. Speaking test time- 10 to 12 minutes
3. A three- phase test:
(i) General Introduction (simple warm up questions- name,
residence, hobby)
(ii) Mini Presentation (Role card/cue card with a topic)
(iii) Pair Interaction (verbal/visual stimulus to interact for 3 minutes)

Themes/Domains Suggested topics

Media and Fake News and Misinformation on Social Media/
Networking Role of Media in Democracy/ Traditional Media
Vs Digital Media
Health and Fitness Importance of Mental Wellbeing/ Importance of
yoga in a student’s life/ Health awareness
Natural Resources Sustainable Development/ Alternate sources to
energy/ Save water/ Sustainable manaaement of
natural resources
Business World If I were a millionaire/ Cashless India/ Make in
India/ Inflation and Recession
The Elderly Generation Gap/ Increasing old age homes- good
or bad? / Safety of the old people living alone
Adolescence Smart phones vs Smart People/ Teens on social
media/ Coping with Exam pressure in an effective
way
Sports and How India can do better in Olympics?
Sportsmanship
Ethics and Values Value of discipline/ Social media ethics/ Lessons
to be learnt from great personalities/ Hard work vs
Smart work

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Inventors and Which according to you is the greatest invention?

Inventions
Careers The rat race of competitive exams/ Trending
careers
Art and Aesthetics Art relaxes one’s mind or is it a waste of time? / Is
Keat’s ‘A Thing of Beauty’ relevant even today?

Prompts/cues or Pair Interaction

To make speaking a regular practice, prompts are provided to make

interaction more engaging and relatable and interesting. Prompts created from
textbook are suggested below:

The Last Lesson Lost Spring

Mr M Hamel comes back to school Mukesh understands the need of a
after one month as the order has cooperative body for his people involved
been lifted and French has been in bangle making. He takes help from
reinitiated in the school. Franz an NGO in creating a business model
meets Mr M Hamel. Generate a for selling their products in city. He
conversation on, ‘How they will meets the author in Trade Fair. What
interact?’ conversation will follow?
Deep Water The Rattrap
During one of his swimming Imagine that you are a rattrap seller/
sprees, Douglas saves a man from peddler and you meet the Crofter after
drowning. Create a conversation Edla returns him his 30 kronors. What
between the two, wherein it is would be the conversation like?
revealed that the man saved by
Douglas is none other than the
big bruiser boy who had thrown
Douglas into the YMCA pool.

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Indigo Poets and Pancakes

Mahatma Gandhi meets lawyers Asokamitran visits Gemini Studios
of Muzaffarnagar to understand after a long time and is surprised to see
the problems of sharecroppers of the modern technology being used in
Champaran. Devise a conversation
film making. Construct a conversation
between Gandhi and the lawyers
planning ways to help poor involving the surprise (reaction) of
sharecroppers and making a strong Asokamitran and the information
case against British Landlords. shared by the director about the latest
technology used in film making.
Interview Going Places
You are an aspiring journalist Imagine that Sophie actually meets
and you meet the journalist who Danny Cassey in a coffee parlour.
interviewed Umberto Eco. You Generate a conversation as likely to
discuss with him the eroding follow.
ethics and values in journalism
these days.

Speaking Assessment Sheet/Record

School and Session
Class

Roll Name Parameters for Assessment Total

No. of 20
student points
Interactive Fluency Pronunciation Language 20/4=
Competence 1-5 1-5 points 1-5 points 5
1-5 points points Marks
1
2
3
4

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Project Work+ Viva: 10 Marks

As per CBSE guidelines, the ideas/issues

highlighted in the chapters/ poems/ drama
given the prescribed books may be developed
in the form of a project. Project should
provide students with opportunities for
listening and speaking through theatre/role
play, questionnaires for interview followed by
written assignments, essays, survey-reports.
A structured Project-Portfolio/Project Report should have the following
elements:

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PROJECT TOPICS

The Last Lesson The Lost Spring

• Linguistic Chauvinism • Living conditions in slum
• Time Management. • Children engaged in various kinds of
work (Below 14)
• Mother tongue
• How slums spread?
Deep Water The Rattrap
• Water Sports • Poor vagabonds
• Overcoming Phobias • Beggars on red lights
• Fighting fear
Indigo Poets and Pancakes
• People’s movements in • Era of communism
India. • Communism in India
• Short biography of a social
worker
Interview Journey to the End of the Earth
• How to prepare Interview • Climate Change
questions
• Melting Glaciers
Tiger King A Thing of Beauty
• Wild Life • Heritage buildings
• Commercial Hunting • Inspirational Works

Record Keeping

The record of the activities done and the marks awarded must be kept for
three months after the declaration of result, for any random checking by the
Board. No recording of speaking skills is to be sent to the Board.

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Assessment of Speaking Skill - Sample Transcript 1

Phase 1- GENERAL INTRODUCTION (1 min)

(The teacher makes the students feel comfortable)
Teacher: Good morning, I am Rakesh.
Student A: My name is Nandini.
Teacher: And yours? (looking at student B)
Student B: I am Samidha.
Teacher: Where do you live Samidha?
Samidha: I stay at Vivek Vihar.
Teacher: What about you Nandini?
Nandini: I live in Nirman Vihar.
Teacher: How far is your school from your residence Nandini?
Nandini: It’s very near, just five minutes walking distance.
Teacher: What about you Samidha? How do you go to your school?
Samidha: My home is around 2 kilometers away from my school. I use
bicycle, it hardly takes 10 minutes.
(The teacher gives instructions for the mini presentation.)

Phase 2- MINI PRESENTATION

(1 minute for preparation+ 2 minutes each for students. Total 5 minutes for
mini presentation)
Teacher: In this mini presentation, you are expected to speak for two
minutes on a given topic. You can use pencil and paper to write your points
but not supposed to write complete answers.
Both of you will get the input cards, each with a topic for mini presentation.
Nandini will begin first. After Nandini finishes her presentation, Samidha will
ask a question on Nandini’s presentation. The same process will be repeated
with Samidha.

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Topic for Nandini-‘Fake News on Social Media’

Nandini: Now a days credible sources of information appear to hold little
value. People are exposed to misinformation- mostly generated by spam bots,
skillful manipulation, anonymous forwarded messages and mushrooming
of fake news channels. This has got vigour with the popularity of Whatsapp
and smart phones. Smart phones have reduced the real smartness of people
around. Social media has created echo and toxic chambers. One only likes
to see updates and thoughts of people whose ideology he/she agree to. Thus,
we have entered the phase where it is impossible to differentiate facts from
fiction. There is an urgent need to check the bandwagon of fake news.
Samidha: How has WhatsApp accelerated circulation of fake news?
Nandini: People are too busy to cross check and just forward if it suits
their ideology and thought process.
Teacher: What needs to be done to contain fake news?
Nandini: Both civil society and government agencies should shun and take
action against such fake news vendors.
Topic for Samidha: ‘Sustainable Development’
Samidha: The residents of Raini village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
woke up to their worst nightmare last year. A glacial burst had breached the
Rishi Ganga dam, causing a flood in the valley. A disaster of this magnitude
compels us to look for ‘sustainable development’ in the wake of the climate
crisis. Uttarakhand is blessed with numerous rivers and natural rapids, making
it suitable to produce hydroelectricity. As many as six hydroelectric dams in
operation, eight under construction and about 23 in the pipeline may prove
disastrous given the region’s floods-inducing weather. So, the time has come
to choose between reckless development and sustainable development. Local
residents have repeatedly highlighted irregularities in environmental impact
assessments (EIA) pertaining to dam construction projects in this region. We
need to debate before a disaster occures and causes huge loss.
Nandini: How can students and youngsters contribute to Sustainable
development?

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Samidha: They are powerful ambassadors of spreading awareness and

awareness is the best medicine to address climate action.
Teacher: Energy is key driver of development. What could be an alternative
of Hydroelectric dam to achieve sustainable development?
Samidha: 1 agree with you sir, but we have enormous resources and
possibility to generate energy from other sources. And we are lead taker of
International Solar Alliance too.

PAIR INTERACTION (3 mins)

Teacher: A data of Air Quality Index (pollution level) of Delhi during

Diwali celebration is given below. Look at the picture and share your views
about the issue.

Source: HT October 27,2021

Nandini: I remember the how supreme court of India described the
environment of Delhi as the gas chamber. The data is the clear evidence of
that.
Samidha: You are right Nandini, just look at the figures of Air Quality
Index. It has always been very poor to severe during Diwali season.
Nandini: But it is not just because of crackers that Air Quality Index had
been so severe, it is also the time of stubble burning in the neighbouring states.

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Samidha: Its true but we still don’t have reasonable alternative of stubble
burning. But apart from crackers and stubble burning there are many other
burning issues that need to be resolved to breathe well in NCR.
Teacher: Is it time to aware people to take steps to reduce pollution?
Nandini and Samidha (in chorus): Definitely, sir!
Teacher: Thank you both, it was really exciting to listen to you!

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Assessment of Speaking Skill - Sample Transcript 2

Phase 1- GENERAL INTRODUCTION (1 min)

(The teacher makes the students feel comfortable)

Teacher: Good morning, I am Himanshu.
Student A: My name is Swati.
Teacher: And yours? (looking at student B)
Student B: I am Khyati.
Teacher: Where do you live Khyati?
Khyati: I stay at Mayur Vihar.
Teacher: What about you Swati?
Swati: I live in Preet Vihar.
Teacher: What are your hobbies, Swati?
Swati: I like reading and listening songs.
Teacher: What about your Khyati? What do you do in your leisure time?
Khyati: I am also fond of reading and I like to dance.
(The teacher gives instructions for the mini presentation.)

Phase 2- MINI PRESENTATION

(1 minute for preparation+ 2 minutes each for students. Total 5 minutes for
mini presentation)
Teacher: In this mini presentation, you are expected to speak for two
minutes on a given topic. You can use pencil and paper to write your points
but not supposed to write complete answers.
Both of you will get the input cards, each with a topic for mini presentation.
Swati will begin first. After Swati finishes her presentation, Khyati will ask
a question on Swati’s presentation. The same process will be repeated with
Khyati.

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Topic for Swati -Examination Reforms

Swati: Right from the beginning it was felt that Indian school examinations
were largely testing cramming ability of the students. 21st century demands
an innovative and problem solving education. The nature and pattern of
question papers earlier called for rote memorization and failed to test higher-
order skills like reasoning, critical thinking, analysis, developing perspective
and decision taking. But positive steps were taken in this regard and finally
New Education Policy 2020 was released by the Govt of India. As intended,
now onwards examinations will not induce an inordinate level of anxiety and
stress as examination will test multiple aspects of learning and conceptual
interpretation. Undoubtedly, examination reforms ushered in will lead to
happy, sustainable and holistic learning.
Khyati: Do you think students are prepared for testing of higher-order
skills in exams?
Swati: They will be, if such an assessment is done and such questions are
practised well before attempting final exams.
Teacher: What needs to be done to reduce exam stress?
Swati: Comprehensive and credible internal assessment would reduce the
stress of examination.
Topic for Khyati: Need of Health Awareness among Students
Khyati: Changing lifestyle involving lack of physical activity and irregular
food habits are leading to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hormonal
imbalances in youngsters. Experiencing anxiety or depression can make it
difficult to eat well, but good nutrition is necessary for one’s physical and
mental wellbeing. A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial for one’s physical and
mental health. Thus, there is immediate need of identifying healthy lifestyle
choices that promote well-being of the individual and organising awareness
campaigns for youngsters.
Swati: How can students or youngsters be encouraged for healthy
lifestyles?
Khyati: Celebrities, especially sports persons are powerful ambassadors
for spreading awareness among youngsters. Awareness is the best medicine to
address issue of healthy lifestyle.
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Teacher: Mental wellbeing is very important. Why?

Khyati: I think mental wellbeing has become all the more important after
the pandemic. So, it needs everyone’s attention.

PAIR INTERACTION (3 mins)

Teacher: A data of Eating Habits of School Children is given below. Look

at the picture and share your views about the issue.

Swati: I am amazed to see that 56% of the students eat chocolates at least
3 times a week.
Khyati: You are right Swati, just look at the figures of soft drinks. They are
almost as popular as chocolates among children.
Swati: But it is not just chocolates and soft drinks. Just see the figures of
chips. They are not far behind the chocolates and soft drinks.
Khyati: Its true all these are the main culprits, leading to obesity, diabetes
in youngsters.
Teacher: Swati, What do you think about the consumption of French fries?
Swati: Although it is less than 3 times a week, but the percentage of
students is too high. 87% of students eat French fries almost thrice a week
which is alarming.
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Teacher: Khyati, Which other eatable has almost the same consumption
rate as French fries?
Khyati: They are Home- made oily snacks, which is 86%.
Teacher: Is it time to mind what we eat?
Swati: Definitely, sir!
Khyati: We need to take care of this issue and let others understand too
Teacher: Thank you both, it was really exciting to listen to you!

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Assessment of Speaking Skill - Cues for practice

Pair interaction practice cue no. 1

Teacher: A data of Prevalence of inadequate fruit and vegetable intake for

persons aged 18 and over is given below. Look at the picture and share your
views about the issue.

Figure 1: Prevalence of inadequate fruit and vegetable intake for persons

aged 18 and over, 2017-18
Source: ABS 2018;

Discussion points:

Based on self-reported data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

2017-18 National Health Survey (NHS), 1 in 2 people aged 18 and over (49%)
did not eat the recommended 2 serves of fruit, while over 9 in 10 (92%) did
not eat the recommended 5-6 serves of vegetables (ABS 2018).
The proportion of adults with inadequate vegetable intake was similar
across age groups (Figure 1). Fruit intake was worse among young people:
more than half (54%) of those aged 18-24 had inadequate fruit intake,
compared to one-third (36%) of people aged 75 and over.

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Pair interaction practice cue no. 2

Teacher: A data of Prevalence of sugar sweetened drink consumption for

persons aged 18 and over is given below. Look at the picture and share your
views about the issue.

Discussion points:

• 9.1% of adults aged 18 and over consumed sugar sweetened drinks

daily.
• A greater proportion of men consumed sugar sweetened drinks daily
than women— 12% compared with 6.4%
• 18-24 year olds had the highest daily consumption —16% of men and
10% of women,
• Women were more likely than men to report not consuming any sugar
sweetened drinks—72% compared with 56%
• Overall, sugar sweetened drinks consumption decreased as age
increased

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