Exploring Rumi’s Poetry-Emotions, Philosophy,

and the Self

Read the Poem

Rumi – The Guest House (or any selected Rumi poem by the teacher)

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

🔍 Section A: Comprehension and Interpretation

Answer the following in 2–3 sentences each.

1. What does the “guest house” symbolize in the poem?

1
 2. Identify any two human emotions Rumi refers to. How does he want us to treat these emotions?

3. What philosophical idea is reflected in Rumi’s acceptance of all emotions?

4. Pick one line from the poem that resonated with you. Why did you choose it?
Line: ____________________________________________________
Reason: __________________________________________________

✨ Section B: Individualism and Introspection

Reflect and write briefly (50–70 words each).

5. Do you believe every emotion has a purpose? Share an experience where a difficult emotion taught
you something important.

6. How does this poem encourage you to look inward and accept yourself?

🎨 Section C: Creative Task

Choose one of the following:

7A. Art Response

Draw or digitally create a visual representation of the poem’s theme – emotions visiting a “guest house.” Label
your artwork with symbolic elements.

2
 Back-to-Back Dictation

Text Source: “I Have a Dream” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Skill Focus: Listening • Speaking • Writing • Paraphrasing

Step 1: Teacher Reads Aloud

"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the
rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall
be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together….."

Step 2: Partner Activity – Back-to-Back Dictation

Instructions:

 Sit back-to-back with your partner.

 Student A listens to the passage as read aloud.
 Student A retells the message in their own words to Student B (without reading or taking notes).
 Student B writes down what they hear from Student A.

Student B’s Written Version (Based on Partner’s Retelling):

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Step 4: Compare and Reflect as the teacher re-reads the text

1. How close was your paraphrased version to the original?

___________________________________________

2. Did any key ideas or phrases get lost or changed?

___________________________________________

3. What strategies helped you listen and remember better?

___________________________________________

3
 Story Chain Worksheet

Activity: Story Chain

Skill Focus: Speaking • Listening • Creativity • Vocabulary • Grammar

Instructions:
1. The teacher will give a topic from an IELTS Speaking cue card (e.g., 'Describe a memorable journey').
2. One student starts the story with a sentence related to the topic.
3. Each student adds one sentence to continue the story.
4. Continue around the class or group until the story feels complete (10–12 sentences).
5. After the story ends, discuss the vocabulary used, grammar choices, and storytelling flow.

Story Topic (IELTS Cue Card):

Describe a memorable journey you went on.

Group Story:
1. __________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________________

5. __________________________________________________________________

6. __________________________________________________________________

7. __________________________________________________________________

8. __________________________________________________________________

9. __________________________________________________________________

10. __________________________________________________________________

11. __________________________________________________________________

12. __________________________________________________________________

13. __________________________________________________________________

14. __________________________________________________________________

4
 Debate Challenge Worksheet

Topic: "Is technology making people less social?"

Skill Focus: Speaking • Argumentation • Critical Thinking • Pronunciation

Debate Structure:
1. State your opinion clearly. Do you agree or disagree with the topic?
2. Present two strong arguments to support your opinion. Use examples or evidence.
3. Address and rebut one opposing viewpoint with logic and clarity.

Your Opinion:
__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Argument 1 (with example):

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Argument 2 (with example):

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Rebuttal (respond to the opposite view):

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Peer Feedback:
1. Was the speaker fluent and confident?

__________________________________________________________

2. Were the ideas logically organized (coherence)?

__________________________________________________________

3. Was the pronunciation clear and easy to follow?

__________________________________________________________

5
 Picture Storytelling

Skill Focus: Speaking • Creativity • Imagination • Collaboration

Instructions:
1. Observe the picture.
2. Imagine a story based on the picture and describe what is
happening.
3. You have 2 minutes to create a short story.

Your Story :

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

6
 Mystery Object Presentation

Skill Focus: Speaking • Spontaneity • Persuasion • Creativity • Humour

Instructions:
1. Pick a random object (e.g., a stapler, a banana, a water bottle)
2. You have 2 minutes to prepare a short presentation.
3. Present the object as if it is the most revolutionary invention ever created.
4. Be spontaneous, persuasive, and try to add a touch of humour.

Notes ( Plan Your Presentation):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Reflection Questions:
1. What made your presentation persuasive or entertaining?

__________________________________________________________

2. How did the audience respond to your delivery?

__________________________________________________________

3. What would you improve next time?

__________________________________________________________

7
 Skimming & Scanning Race – Reading

Skill Focus: Reading • Skimming • Scanning • Comprehension

Reading Passage:
It was New Year's Eve, and it was very cold. Snow was falling, and the sky was getting dark. A little girl was
walking barefoot in the street. She had lost her shoes—they were too big, and they slipped off when she ran
across the road. She was wearing only a thin dress and had nothing to keep her warm. The little girl was trying
to sell matches. She held a bunch in her hand and had some in her apron pocket. But no one stopped to buy
them. Everyone passed by quickly. Her hands were freezing. She sat down in a corner between two houses.
She was afraid to go home because she had sold no matches, and her father would be angry. To keep warm,
she lit one match. It burned brightly, and in the light she saw a warm stove. But as soon as the flame went out,
the stove disappeared. She lit another match. This time she saw a big dinner table with a roast goose. It looked
delicious, but again the vision disappeared when the match went out. She struck a third match, and she saw a
beautiful Christmas tree with candles and decorations. She reached out to touch it, but it vanished. In the last
match, she saw her kind grandmother. The girl didn’t want her to go away like the other visions, so she lit all
her matches at once. The light was so bright, and in it, her grandmother took her in her arms. The next
morning, people found the little girl in the corner. She had frozen to death, but her face was smiling. No one
knew what beautiful visions she had seen.

Comprehension Questions – True / False / Not Given:

1. It was summer in the story. ________ 7. Her grandmother was angry with her in the
vision. ________
2. The girl had lost her shoes while running.
________ 8. She lit all her matches at once to keep warm.
________
3. She was wearing a thick winter coat. ________
9. The girl survived the night and went home.
4. She was afraid to go home because she hadn’t ________
sold any matches. ________
10. In the end, people didn’t understand what she
5. She saw a roast chicken in her vision. ________ experienced. _______
6. The Christmas tree she saw had candles and
decorations. ________

Skimming Question:
What is the main idea or message of this passage?

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

8
 Fact vs. Opinion Sorting – Critical Thinking

Identify the key differences between Facts and Opinions

Instructions:

Skill Focus: Critical Thinking, Argument Analysis, and Sentence Transformation

Read the passage carefully. Then, decide whether each statement is a Fact or an Opinion. After sorting them,
try to rewrite the opinion statements in a neutral, factual tone.

Reading Passage:

Many people believe that school uniforms create a sense of equality among students. They argue that uniforms
reduce peer pressure and bullying. A study conducted in 2020 showed that schools with a uniform policy
reported fewer discipline problems. However, some students feel that uniforms limit their freedom of
expression. One student stated that wearing the same thing every day makes school feel dull and boring.
Another parent mentioned that buying uniforms can be more affordable than shopping for different outfits.
Still, others argue that the cost of uniforms adds to family expenses.

Activity 1: Fact or Opinion?

Write 'F' for Fact or 'O' for Opinion next to each statement.

1. School uniforms reduce peer pressure and 4. Schools with uniform policy reported fewer
bullying. ______ discipline problems. ______

2. Students feel that uniforms limit their freedom. 5. Buying uniforms is more affordable. ______
______
7. School uniforms create equality. ______
3. Uniforms make school feel dull and boring.
______

Activity 2: Rewrite Opinions as Neutral Facts

Choose 2 opinion statements and rewrite them in a neutral tone.

Opinion 1: ________________________________________________________________

Neutral Fact: _____________________________________________________________

Opinion 2: ________________________________________________________________

Neutral Fact: _____________________________________________________________

9
 Opinion Essay Worksheet – Agree or Disagree

Skill Focus: Essay Writing, Argument Development, and Critical Reasoning

Essay Topic:

The Use of Technology in Education: Some people believe that technology improves learning, while others
think it distracts students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Exercises:

1. Brainstorming:

• List three benefits and three drawbacks of technology in education.

Benefits:

Drawbacks:

2. Write a clear thesis statement that presents your position.

__________________________________________________________________________________

3. Practice Writing:

• Write a 250-word essay with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Essay:

10
(continue your essay)

11
 Problem-Solution Essay– Traffic Congestion

Skill Focus: Problem Identification, Solution Proposal, Essay Organization

Essay Topic:

Traffic Congestion in Cities: Traffic congestion is a growing problem in major cities. What are the main causes,
and what solutions can be implemented?

Exercises:

1. Identify Causes & Solutions:

Causes: Solutions:
1. __________________________ 1. __________________________
2. __________________________ 2. __________________________

2. Write an introduction that includes background information and a thesis statement.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Practice Writing:

• Develop two body paragraphs and write a complete essay.

Essay:

12
13
 Formal Letter Writing– Requesting a Refund

Skill Focus: Formal Language, Letter Formatting, and Tone

Letter Topic: Requesting a Refund

You recently bought a product online, but it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the seller explaining:
• What the product is
• What the issue is
• What action you expect

Exercises:

1. Letter Structure:

• Write an appropriate greeting, introduction, body, and closing.

Greeting: __________________________

Introduction: __________________________

Body: __________________________

Closing: __________________________

2. Polite Formal Writing:

• Rewrite the following informal sentences into polite formal language.

1. I want my money back.

____________________________________

2. The item is broken.

____________________________________

3. Send me a new one ASAP.

____________________________________

3. Practice Writing:

• Write a 150-word letter requesting a refund.

14
Letter:

15
Poetry Analysis Writing– 'To a Student' by Kamala Wijeratne

Skill Focus: Literary Analysis, Interpretative Writing, PEEL Paragraph Structure

Writing Activity Instructions:

Analyse the Poem: What is Kamala Wijeratne's primary message in 'To a Student'? How does she use tone and
language to emphasise this message?

• Analyze the teacher-student relationship as depicted in the poem. How does the poet highlight the
responsibilities of both the teacher and the student?

• Reflect on how the poem advises students to approach learning and life. How is this advice still relevant
today?

Plan Your Paragraph:

- Use the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to structure your paragraph:

- Point: Start with a clear topic sentence that states your main idea about the poem.

- Evidence: Support your point with a line or phrase from the poem.

- Explanation: Explain how this evidence supports your main idea. Discuss the poet's tone or use of literary
devices.

- Link: End your paragraph by connecting it back to the overall theme or message of the poem.

Things to Check before Submission:

- Your main idea is clear and well-developed.

- You have used relevant evidence from the poem.

- Your sentences flow logically and cohesively.

Write Five Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

16
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 2:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 3:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 4:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

17
______________________________________________________________________________

Paragraph 5:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Essay Writing

Topic: The Role of Digital Marketing in Business Growth

Step 1: Understanding the Topic

"Discuss the role of digital marketing in business growth. Explain its benefits and challenges with relevant
examples."

🔹 Underline the key terms:

1. Discuss → Explain in detail

2. Role of Digital Marketing → How it helps businesses

3. Business Growth → Expansion, revenue, customer base

4. Benefits & Challenges → Pros and cons

Step 2: Brainstorming Ideas

🔹 List five benefits of digital marketing:

1.

2.

18
 3.

4.

5.

🔹 List five challenges of digital marketing:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Step 3: Creating an Outline

🔹 Use the following structure to organize your ideas:

1. Introduction (Hook, Background, Thesis Statement)

o Hook (Interesting fact or question) → ______________________________

o Background (What is digital marketing?) → ______________________________

o Thesis Statement (Your main argument) → ______________________________

2. Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of Digital Marketing

o Point: ___________________________________

o Evidence/Example: ___________________________________

o Explanation: ___________________________________

3. Body Paragraph 2: Challenges of Digital Marketing

o Point: ___________________________________

o Evidence/Example: ___________________________________

o Explanation: ___________________________________

4. Body Paragraph 3: Balancing Digital Marketing for Success

o Point: ___________________________________

19
 o Evidence/Example: ___________________________________

o Explanation: ___________________________________

5. Conclusion (Summarize key points, final thoughts)

o Restate Thesis: ___________________________________

o Key Takeaways: ___________________________________

o Final Thought: ___________________________________

Step 4: Writing the Essay

✏ Write your introduction below:

✏ Write Body Paragraph 1 (Benefits of Digital Marketing):

✏ Write Body Paragraph 2 (Challenges of Digital Marketing):

✏ Write Body Paragraph 3 (Balancing Digital Marketing for Success):

✏ Write the Conclusion:

20
Step 5: Editing & Proofreading

🔹 Use this checklist to review your essay:

✅ Does my introduction clearly introduce the topic?

✅ Do my body paragraphs follow a logical structure?
✅ Have I used transition words (e.g., however, therefore, moreover)?
✅ Is my conclusion strong and impactful?
✅ Have I checked for grammar and spelling mistakes?

📌 Final Task: Make necessary corrections and write the final draft of your essay.

Interview Etiquette

Skill Focus: Professional Behavior, Communication, Confidence, and Listening Skills

Section A: Match the Following

1. Arrive Early A. Shows you're organized and value the interviewer’s time.

2. Dress Formally B. Demonstrates interest and helps build a connection.

3. Maintain Eye Contact C. Shows respect and interest after the interview.

4. Prepare Questions D. Reflects professionalism and respect for the opportunity.

5. Send Thank-you Note E. Indicates your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role.

Section B: Quiz – Choose the Correct Answer

1. What is the best way to show you are actively listening in an interview?

A. Nod occasionally C. Check your phone

B. Make eye contact D. Sit attentively

21
2. What should you avoid doing during an interview?

A. Ask about salary first C. Speak clearly

B. Provide examples D. Smile politely

3. How soon should you send a follow-up thank-you email after the interview?

A. Within 24 hours C. After getting the job

B. Within a week D. Immediately after

4. Why is researching a company before an interview important?

A. To dress appropriately C. To prepare relevant questions

B. To show interest D. All of the above

5. Which of the following is NOT recommended during an interview?

A. Speaking positively C. Dressing professionally

B. Interrupting frequently D. Listening actively

Section C: Short Answer Questions

1. What are your strengths?

2. What are your weaknesses?

3. Why are you interested in working for [insert company name here]?

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

5. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

6. Describe yourself.

22
Script Writing Activity – LSRW Skills Practice

Skill Focus: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing through collaborative creative expression and dialogue
development.

Instructions: In this activity, students will work in pairs or small groups to write a short script based on a given
theme. The script should include at least two characters and be structured with dialogue and stage directions.
After writing the script, students will perform it for the class, helping develop their communication and
performance skills.

Choose One of the Following Themes for Your Script:

1. A surprise birthday party gone wrong 4. A customer service call that takes an unexpected
turn
2. A misunderstanding at a train station
5. A secret revealed during a family dinner
3. A debate between two roommates about
responsibilities

Script Planning Checklist

• Who are the characters? What are their names and roles?

• What is the conflict or situation they are involved in?

• How does the conversation unfold and resolve?

• Include clear stage directions (e.g., [looks surprised], [walks away angrily])

• Keep the language natural and suitable for spoken conversation.

Writing Your Script

Write your script in the space below or on a separate sheet. Include:

- Character names before each line of dialogue
- Stage directions in brackets
- A clear beginning, middle, and end

23
Write your script here:

📘 Movie/Book Review

Skill Focus: Reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking, and writing (LSRW integration).

📌 Instructions:

Choose one movie or book you’ve recently watched or read. Fill in the following details and answer the
questions thoughtfully.

📝 Part A: Basic Information

 Title: ___________________________________

 Author/Director: _________________________

 Genre: __________________________________

 Language: _______________________________

 Date Watched/Read: ______________________

24
🔍 Part B: Review Questions

1. What is the story about? (Summary in 4-5 sentences):

2. Who are the main characters and what are their roles?

3. What was the central theme or message of the movie/book?

4. Mention one scene or chapter that impressed you the most. Why?

5. What did you like or dislike about the book/movie?

6. Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

✍️ Part C: Writing Task

Write a formal review paragraph (100–150 words) using the following structure:

 Introduction (title, author/director, genre)

 Brief plot overview

25
  Opinion with reasons (what worked/didn’t work)

 Final recommendation

26
 🎭 "Synonym & Antonym Charades"

Skill Focus: Vocabulary building, word recall, and oral communication.

🤹♂️ How to Play:

1. Divide the class into two teams.

Each round, one player from each team comes to the front.

2. The teacher gives the player a word card (privately). The card includes:

 The target word

 A synonym and an antonym for that word

3. The player has 2 options:

 Act out the synonym or antonym using charades style

 Say a sentence where the meaning is clear, but without using the actual word

4. The team guesses the original word.

If they guess the synonym, they get 1 point.
If they guess the target word, they get 2 points.
If they also guess the antonym, they get a bonus point.

🃏 Example Word Cards:

Target Word Synonym Antonym Target Word Synonym Antonym

Happy Cheerful Miserable Loud Noisy Quiet

Fast Quick Slow Kind Nice Cruel

Big Huge Tiny Strong Powerful Weak

Bright Shiny Dull Smart Intelligent Foolish

Brave Courageous Cowardly Cold Chilly Hot

27
 🎯 Proverb Power Play

Skill Focus: Proverb comprehension, critical thinking, creative application

How to Play: Earn points by completing each round. Highest total score wins!

🥇 Round 1: Match & Win (10 points total)

Instructions: Match each beginning in Column A with its correct ending from Column B.
Scoring: 2 points for each correct match.

Don’t count your chickens

The early bird

You can’t judge a book

a. louder than words
Actions speak
b. by its cover
c. before they hatch
A stitch in time d. saves nine
e. catches the worm

📝 Your Score: _____ / 10

💬 Round 2: Fill the Gap! (10 points total)

Instructions: Fill in the blanks using the correct proverb from the list.
Scoring: 2 points per correct sentence.

Proverb List:
(Too many cooks spoil the broth, When in Rome do as the Romans do, Better late than never, Every cloud has a
silver lining, Practice makes perfect)

1. After failing the first time, Ravi tried again. He believes _____________________________.

2. The dish was a disaster because everyone added something. ____________________________.

3. I joined the traditional dance during the trip because ____________________________.

4. Though I missed my chance earlier, I applied later. ____________________________.

5. We lost the match, but we learned so much. ____________________________.

28
📝 Your Score: _____ / 10

✨ Round 3: Create & Share (10 points total)

Instructions: Pick any one proverb from above. Write a short paragraph explaining its meaning, an example
situation, and whether you agree or not.
Scoring Rubric:

Criteria Points

Correct meaning explained 3

Real-life or creative example given 3

Personal opinion or reflection shared 2

Grammar and clarity 2

📝 Your Score: _____ / 10

🏆 Total Points: _____ / 30

Optional bonus round: Act out a proverb with your team – 5 bonus points if the class guesses it right!

29