XII ENGLISH TERM 1 NOTES

LITERATURE

FLAMINGO(SPS)

THE LAST LESSON -ALPHONSE DAUDET

The prose 'The Last Lesson', written by Alphonse Daudet narrates about the year 1870 when the Prussian
forces under Bismarck attacked and captured France. The French districts of Alsace and Lorraine went into
Prussian hands. The new Prussian rulers discontinued the teaching of French in the schools of these two
districts. The French teachers were asked to leave. The story describes the last day of one such French, M.
Hamel. Mr. M. Hamel had been transferred and could no longer remain in his old school. Still he gave last
lesson to his students with utmost devotion and sincerity as ever. The story depicts the pathos (emotions,
traits, or experiences which are personal) of the whole situation about how people feel when they don’t
learn their own language and then losing an asset in M. Hamel.

One of his students Franz, who dreaded French class and M. Hamel's iron rod, came to the school that day
thinking he would be punished as he had not learnt his lesson. But on reaching school he found Hamel
dressed in Sunday clothes and all the old people of the village sitting there. It was due to an order on the
bulletin-board. That was the day when he realised for the first time that how important French was for
him, but it was his LAST LESSON in French.
CHARACTERSKETCH

M. HAMEL
Sincere French teacher – knows his subject well
Passionate about French – considers French-clearest, most beautiful and logical, feels- key to person's
sense of freedom, advises people to hold on to French
Proud of being French – upset by occupation of Alsace by the Germans, attached to town, school, people
Hard Task Master – particular about discipline and learning, students scared, last day – exercises on all
aspects of language.
Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for selfishness, emotional by sound of the Prussian soldiers.

FRANZ
Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for ignoring lessons, wonders if pigeons will coo in German,
understands feelings of Hauser
Loves Outdoors – sunshine, birds, butterflies, collecting birds' eggs
As a Student – repents, good observer, notices changes
Emphathizes with M.Hamel – understands emotions, accepts him with his faults

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SHORT QUESTIONS
What was the thunderclap the narrator received as M. Hamel began the lesson?
The narrator received a bolt from the blue when the teacher, M. Hamel announced that he was there to
teach the last lesson in French that day. They had received orders from Berlin and the teaching of French
was banned.

Why had the villagers occupied the last benches?

The villagers had occupied the last benches as a mark of respect for the teacher and their mother tongue.
It was their way to atone for their guilt for not having attended school more regularly.

What was amazing about M. Hamel’s grammar lesson?

M. Hamel opened a grammar book and read them their lesson. All he said seemed so easy. Franz
understood it very well. It seemed as if the poor man wanted to give all he knew before going away.

MCQs
Q1 - `Who is the author of The Last Lesson?
A) Jane Austen
B) Rabindra Nath Tagore
C) None
D) Alphonse Daudet

Q2- Alphonse Daudet was from which country?

A) India
B) France
C) England
D) New Zealand

Q3- The story ‘The Last Lesson’ highlights which human tendency?
A) Male Chauvinism
B) Procrastination
C) Courage
D) Cowardice

Q4 - What were the things being taken for granted by the people of Alsace?
A) Teachers of the school
B) Time and school
C) People around
D) Money and power

Q5 - What does The Last Lesson symbolize?

A) Loss
B) Loss of freedom
C) Loss of language
D) Loss of language and freedom

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Q6 - What does The Last Lesson signify?
A) Change of power
B) change of Government
C) change in life
D) Change of teachers

Q7- What do the marching soldiers under the windows represent?

A) The Dawn of Prussia in the defeat of French people
B) The defeat of Prussia
C) The victory of French
D) None of these

Q 8-From where did the orders come to teach only German in the districts of Alsace and Lorraine?
A) France
B) Lorraine
C) Berlin
D) Germany

Q9- What does this story speak about?

A) Power
B)Money
C)Transition
D) People

Q10- Why was Franz reluctant to go to school?

A) wanted to enjoy warm Sunlight
B) wanted to see soldiers drill
C) wanted to enjoy outdoor
D) lesson on participles was not prepared

Q11- What did Franz find on reaching the school?

A) People were dancing
B) school was closed
C) Police patrolling
D) strange quietness

Q12- Who occupied the back benches in the class?

A) weak students
B) teachers
C) monitors of the class
D) village elders

Q13- Why was Franz surprised?

A) Because of village elders

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B) Because of police patrolling
C) because of students' behavior
D) because of M.Hamel's kind and polite behaviour

Q14- Why was Franz feeling regretful and sad?

A) for reaching late
B) for not learning participles
C) for change of the Government
D) for not learning his mother tongue

Q15- Whom did M. Hamel blame for not sending students to school?
A) Parents
B) friends
C) teachers
D) watchman

Q16- What did Hauser bring?

A) sweets
B) children
C) friends
D) old Primer

Q17- What made Franz forget M. Hamel's ruler and crankiness?

A) Police Patrolling
B) Strange Quietness
C) Bustle on the streets
D) The idea of his going away

Q18- For how many years did M. Hamel serve the school?
A) 20 years
B) 35 years
C) 30 years
D) 40 years

Q19- Where did the parents send their children?

A) school
B) coaching
C) farms and mills
D) movies

Q20- Why were the parents sending their children to the farms and mills?
A) to play
B) to meet friends

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C) to meet relatives
D) to earn money

Q21-Why did the villagers come to meet M. Hamel in the school?

A) to complain
B) to say goodbye
C) to gossip
D) to show gratitude

Q22- Why did Mr. M. Hamel call the French language the most beautiful?
A) Because it was the clearest and most logical
B) Because it was his native language
C) Because people were from France
D) None of these

Q23- What was Franz expected to be prepared for at school that day?
A) song
B) dance
C) essay writing
D) Participles

Q24- When people are enslaved, what key do they have to the prison, according to M.Hamel?
A) their behaviour
B) power
C) aggressiveness
D) mother tongue

Q25- What did Franz notice that was unusual that day?
A) quietness in the school
B) soldiers in the school
C) crowd in school
D) all of these

Q26- What had been put up on the Bulletin-Board that day?

A) Teach only French
B) Speak only English
C) Teach only German
D) Teach all these

Q27- What changes did the order from Berlin cause in school that day?
A) hustle-bustle
B) people were happy
C) teachers were sad
D) strange quietness and sadness

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Q28- What changed Franz's feelings about M.Hamel and school?
A) Police Patrolling
B) Orders from Berlin
C) Strict words from M. Hamel
D) old Primer

Q29- What made Franz and the people realize about the preciousness of their mother tongue?
A) M. Hamel's words
B) School orders
C) Sudden orders from Berlin
D) School Principal

Q30- Expression 'Thunder Clap" in the lesson means _______.

A) loud but not clear
B) loud and clear
C) startling and unexpected
D) unpleasant

Q31- What did Mr. Hamel bring for his class on his last day in the school?
A) new pens
B) new notebooks
C) sweets
D) story books

Q32 "The Last Lesson" story was written in which year?

A) 1869 - 1870
B) 1870 - 1871
C) 1872- 1873
D) 1870 - 1872

Q33- Don't go so fast, you will get to your school in plenty of time means ___
A) getting late
B) very early
C) not early
D) early enough

Q34- What was there in front of the Bulletin Board?

A) children
B) police
C) hawkers
D) a crowd

Q35- What bad news used to come from the Bulletin Board?
A) lost battles

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B) the draft
C) orders of commanding officers
D) All of these

Q36- Which language would the students study from the next day?
A) English
B) German
C) Dutch
D) Spanish

Q37- What does the expression "in great dread of scolding" mean?
A) to be happy about it
B) very badly scared of scolding
C) To be indifferent
D) None of these

Q38- Why was Franz shocked to see M. Hamel?

A) Because of his formal dress
B) because he gave sweets
C) because he had a flower in his hand
D) all of these

Q 39- What attitude of M.Hamel surprised Franz?

A) soft and kind
B) rude
C) firm and strict
D) none of these

Q40- Who was M.Hamel?

A) a spy
B) language teacher
C) soldier
D) School Principal

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LOST SPRING ANEES JUNG
Extract from Anees Jung’s book Lost Spring – Stories of Stolen Childhood. Anees expresses her concern
over the exploitation of children in hazardous jobs like bangle making and rag-picking. Poverty and
thoughtless traditions, result in the loss of childlike innocence. The result is back breaking hardwork, dismal
working conditions and acceptance of poverty and exploitation as destiny. There is a great need to provide
these poverty-stricken people, particularly children, a life of dignity and opportunities to dream and do.

SOMETIMES I FIND A RUPEE IN THE GARBAGE

Author’s encounter with Saheb – from a refugee family from Bangladesh – advises him to go to school –
Saheb complains – no school in neighbourhood – feels bad at making a promise that she cannot keep.
Irony in the name and existence : Saheb’s full name – ‘Saheb-e Alam’ meaning ‘lord of the universe’ – but
he is very poor, spending time, roaming with other ragpicker boys – lives in Seemapuri – only boon – valid
ratio cards enabling them to buy grain – a chance rupee note or coin in the garbage sustains hope and life
in children – dream of Saheb – comfortable, enjoy pleasures of childhood, play tennis, wear shoes - picks a
job in a tea-stall earns Rs 800/- per month – no more a free bird and master of his own self – now a bonded
labourer.

I WANT TO DRIVE A CAR

MUKESH- a child labourer in a glass factory in Firozabad – wishes to be motor-mechanic – wants to drive a
car
Working conditions- high temperature- poorly ventilated, children lose eyesight at an early age.
City – Firozabad- famous for glass work and bangle making
Living conditions in Firozabad- stinking lanes, choked with garbage, crumbling walls, no windows, humans
and animals live together
Mukesh’s house – half-built shack with thatched roof, wobbly doors, firewood stove, aluminium utensils
Grandmother’s view of life - present state of affairs – a result of Karma or destiny, believes in art of bangle
making to be god given lineage. Birth in caste of bangle makes – inescapable destiny-poverty, lack of
education leads to a vicious circle, children follow elder’s footsteps – join bangle making profession – eyes
more adjusted to darkness than light – eventually become sightless even before attaining adulthood.

IRONY IN PERCEPTION
Bangles: a symbol of ‘suhaag’ (husband’s long life) eventually all girl child labourers will become brides –
will wear the same bangles but lose eyesight – become old with bangles on wrists, sightless eyes, empty
stomachs.
Time stands still in Firozabad – no progress, no development, poverty, illiteracy, labourers victims of
middlemen and touts.
A way out – getting organized into a cooperative society – fear of police, lack of leadership, trap of
middlemen.
Children – victim of two worlds – first - born in poverty-ridden family, burdened by stigma of caste, second
- victims of no hope situation, ruled by sahukaars, middlemen, policemen.

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Explain: ‘Few airplanes fly over Firozabad.’
The writer was happy that Mukesh wanted to be a motor-mechanic and was prepared to travel to the
garage that was a long way from his home to achieve his dreams. The writer, encouraged by his
motivation, asked if he ever dreamt of flying a plane. Mukesh was thoughtful but was content to dream of
driving cars that he had seen on roads. Handling planes was far from reality. Actually, he had seen few
airplanes over the slums. Aeroplanes had not touched his life.
What promise had the writer made to Saheb? What was it that embarrassed her?
The author promises to open a school in Saheb’s neighbourhood. She feels embarrassed at making a
promise that she cannot keep.

Why did the young men of Firozabad not organize themselves into a cooperative? or
What were the circumstances that conspire to keep Mukesh and other family members in a state of
poverty?
The young men of Firozabad were afraid of middlemen who had a complete hold on trade. They were
afraid of police that they would be dragged to jail for doing illegal work.

MCQs

Q1- Who is the author of Lost Spring?

A) James Bond
B) Arundhati Roy
C) Sudha Murthy
D) Anees Jung

Q2- This story is an excerpt from which book of the author?

A) Lost Spring – Stories of Stolen Childhood
B) Unveiling India
C) Breaking the Silence
D) The Song of India

Q3- What does the author analyze in the story?

A)Rich people
B) Garbage
C) Poor children and their exploitation
D) Her works

Q4- What is the central theme of the story Lost Spring?

A) Pitiable Poor children and their lost childhood
B) Garbage
C) Saheb and Mukesh
D) Spring Season

Q5- What forces the children to live a life of exploitation?

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A) Greed
B) Extreme Poverty
C) Peers
D) Parents

Q6- According to the author what was garbage for the parents?
A) Means of entertainment
B) Means of joy
C) Means of sorrow
D) Means of survival

Q7- According to the author what was garbage for the children ?
A) Means of entertainment
B) Means of timepass
C) Means of playing
D) A wonder

Q8- Who was Saheb?

A) A shopkeeper
B) A servant
C) A ragpicker
D) All

Q9- What was Saheb looking for?

A) Eggs
B) Gold
C) Coins
D) Toys

Q10- Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall?

A) Yes
B) Yes, he earns money
C) No earning
D) No, earning but no freedom

Q11- Why did Saheb -e- Alam not go to school?

A) Not interested
B) Had no money to pay fees
C) Wanted to go for movie
D) Wanted to earn money

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Q12- What is the meaning of Saheb -e- Alam?
A) Owner
B) Rich man
C) Poor man
D) Lord of the Universe

Q13- Where was Saheb employed?

A) At a tea stall in Seemapuri
B) At a saree shop
C) At a jewellery shop
D) At a sweet shop

Q14- Why is the author calling garbage as ‘gold’ in the story?

A) Because of jewels in it
B) Because of gems in it
C) Because of gold in it
D) Because of its encashment value

Q15- What do the boys appear like to the author in the story?
A) Morning crows
B) Evening crows
C) Morning birds
D) Evening Birds

Q16- Name the birthplace of the author.

A) U.S.A
B) California
C) Koch
D) Rourkela

Q17- What does the title ‘Lost Spring’ symbolise?

A) Lost blooming childhood
B) Autumn season
C) Lost money
D) Lost age

Q18- Saheb hailed from which place?

A) Delhi
B) Seemapuri
C) Greenfields of Dhaka
D) None

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Q19- Why did Saheb go through garbage dumps?
A) To find a silver coin
B) A rupee
C) A ten rupee note
D) All of these

Q20- Why did Saheb leave his house?

A) Because the storm swept away his house and field
B) To enjoy a life of leisure
C) To find friends
D) To go to college

Q21- What forced Saheb to be a ragpicker?

A) Hard work
B) Destiny
C) People around him
D) Acute poverty

Q22- Where is Seemapuri?

A) In Noida
B) South Delhi
C) North Delhi
D) East Delhi

Q23- Why did Saheb leave Dhaka?

A) Because of lack of resources
B) Because of lack of enough food
C) Because of friends
D) Because of parents

Q24- Who are responsible for the poor condition of bangle makers in Firozabad?
A) Parents
B) Society
C) Bureaucrats
D) All of these

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Q25- What efforts can help Mukesh materialise his dream of becoming a car driver?
A) Hard work
B) Going to garage
C) Guidance of his owner
D) All these

Q26- What are the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry?
A) Poor health
B) Impaired vision
C) Miserable life
D) All of these

Q27- Who employs the local families of Firozabad?

A) Bureaucrats
B) Merchants
C) Politicians
D) The glass blowing industry

Q28- What is the function of glass blowing industry?

A) To make windows
B) To make doors
C) To mould glass
D) To mould glass and make colorful bangles

Q29- What makes the working conditions of the children worst in the glass industry?
A) Dark dingy cells without light and air
B) Dazzling and sparking of welding light
C) High temperature
D) All of these

Q30- What excuse do the rag pickers give for not wearing chappals?
A) Mothers don’t give
B) No interest
C) A tradition
D) All these

31- Who is Mukesh?

A) Student
B) Worker
C) Bangle maker
D) Ragpicker

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Q32- What are the reasons for the migration of people from villages to city in the lesson?
A) Sweeping of houses and fields by storms
B) No money
C) Education and unemployment
D) Safety

Q33- What compels the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad to poverty?

A) Cast and ancestral profession
B) Karam theory and society
C) Bureaucrats and politicians
D) All of these

Q34- The city of Firozabad is famous for what?

A) For casteism
B) For ragpickers
C) For poverty
D) For bangles

Q35- Firozabad is the centre of which industry?

A) Cotton industry
B) Furniture industry
C) Textile industry
D) Glassblowing industry

Q36-How is Mukesh’s attitude different from that of his family?

A) Being daring, firm and clear
B) Being a fighter
C) Being a coward
D) Not clear

Q37- What is the means of survival in Seemapuri?

A) Work
B) Merchandising
C) Education
D) Ragpicking

Q38- What is the metaphorical symbol of Seemapuri in the lesson?

A) Poverty
B) Exploitation
C) Enjoyment

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D) A little hell

Q39- What is Mukesh’s dream?

A) To be a doctor
B) To be a merchant
C) To be a rogue
D) To be a motor- mechanic

Q40- What change did Anees Jung see in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the
neighbourhood club?
A) As if lost his freedom
B) Lost ownership
C) Lost joy
D) All of these

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DEEP WATER WILLIAM DOUGLAS

William Douglas
-feared water

3-4 years old, went to California beach with father

knocked down , swept over by waves, suffocated, frightened.

10-11 years old -decided to learn swimming, went to Y.M.C.A. pool inYakima(city)
- pool safe 2-3 feet at shallow end, 9 feet at deep end - got water wings -fear comes back, beginning
to feel comfortable -feeling short lived, another incident

Mother always warns of Yakima river which was dangerous and had taken many lives.

Misadventure took place

- big boy threw him into deep end – frightened, lungs ready to burst

- decided to hit feet on bottom and return as a cork - came up slowly, opened eyes, water every
where - swallowed water and choked – terrified, tried to scream, no sound – legs paralysed, rigid

- went down, second time, hit bottom, felt dizzy, paralysed, rigid – groped for support, called for
help- no result

- went down third time – stopped struggling, legs limp, blackness swept his brain- was quiet,
peaceful, drowsy

On being conscious
-found himself lying on stomach, vomiting – heard voice of same boy – reached home – felt weak,
trembled – wept, couldn’t eat, frightened, avoided water

Years later, Douglas

- felt terrified near water – feared water- spoiled holidays

- one October, decided to overcome fear – hired swimming instructor – practiced five days a week,
one hour daily – used belt that went through pulley on overhead cable- took three months to relax

- learnt to put face in water, exhale, raise nose and inhale- learnt to kick with legs- instructor, taught
for six months – made swimmer, no longer feared water

Douglas not confident

-went to LAKE WENTWORTH dived off a dock- swam two miles- scared only once, kept
swimming – went to WARM LAKE, swam across back- no longer afraid, managed to conquer
fear

MESSAGE
-those who have felt fear know the feeling to be free
- Douglas recalled Roosevelt’s words
-understood his will to survive and live fully
-confident of facing challenges in future

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What is the significance of the title 'Deep Water'?
This memoir is appropriately entitled Deep Water ass in it the author recounts his fear of swimming
following an incident in which he had been swept away by a wave. His fear aggravated when a big boy
tossed him on the pool and he nearly drowned. But slowly and slowly he overcame his fear. He even took
the services of an instructor. He swam in different lakes, rivers and seas to overcome his fear. The title also
signifies that the author's fear was deep rooted.

When and how did Douglas’ fear of deep water start?

William Douglas’ aversion to the water developed at the age of three or four. His father took him to the
beach of California. They stood together in the surf. The waves knocked him down and swept over him. He
was buried in water. He developed a fear of water.

MCQs

Q1- Who is the author of Deep Water?

A) William Shakespeare
B) William George Bernard Shaw
C) William Wordsworth
D) William Douglas

Q2- In which subject has the author graduated?

A) English and History
B) English and Science
C) Science and Social studies
D) English and Economics

Q3- For how many years had the author taught in high school in Yakima?
A) 2 years
B) 4 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years

Q4- After the author was fed up with teaching, he decided to opt for which career?
A) Medical
B) Gardening
C) Engineering
D) A legal career

Q5- What is the story Deep Water speaking about?

A) Fear of water and the way to overcome it
B) Fear of people
C) Fear of dogs
D) Fear of swimming

Q6- How did the author's fear vanish?

A) With courage, guidance and determination
B) With care

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C) With mother's words
D) With guidance

Q7- Y.M.C.A stands for?

A) Young Men's Christian Authority
B) Young Men's Christopher Association
C) Young Men's Christian Army
D) Young Men's Christian Association

Q8- Where is Yakima located?

A)In New Zealand
B)In California
C)In Washington
D)None of these

Q9- Where did the writer go when he was 3 or 4 years old in the story?
A) Washington
B) New Zealand
C) California
D) Canada

Q10- Why did he develop a fear of water?

A) Because of knocking down by waves at a beach
B) Because of a young boy
C) Because of instructor
D) Because of his mother

Q11- What is haunting the author?

A) Terrible experience in the pool
B) Ghosts
C) His mother's words
D) A push by a young boy

Q12- How did the author learn swimming?

A) With the help of a rope
B) With the help of a friend
C) With the help of his mother
D) With the help of a swimming instructor

Q13- What did William O Douglas desire for?

A) Visit to California
C) To be a judge
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C) To learn swimming
D) To be with his mother

Q14- What did the author realize while drowning in the pool?
A) Terror in fear of death
B) Swimming was fun
C) The lifeguard did not come to his rescue
D) All of these

Q15- What is the theme of the story Deep Water?

A) Victory in facing the fear
B) Being fearful
C) To learn swimming
D) All

Q16- Deep water is an excerpt from which book?

A) Fear of water
B) Of Men and Mountains
C) How to Swim
D) Fearless

Q17- What does Deep Water signify?

A) Beauty
B) Depth of Sea
C) Depth of ocean
D) Fear

Q18- Who threw Douglas into the swimming pool?

A) A young boy
B) Instructor
C) Mother
D) Watchman

Q19- What was the fear in Douglas' mind?

A) To be defeated
B) To be pushed
C) Being drowned
D) None

Q20- At the age of 3 or 4 Douglas visited the beach with his father. What caused a terror in his heart then?
A) The sight of the sea waves
B) The overpowering force of the waves
C) The colour of the water

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D) All of these

Q21- What were the series of emotions and fears that Douglas experienced when he was thrown into the
pool?
A) Fear
B) Confidence
C) Overconfidence
D) Mixed feelings of confidence and fear

Q22- What plans did he make to come to the surface of the pool?
A) Tried to jump and push himself up
B) Shouted
C) Cried aloud
D) Shouted "help"

Q23- How did this experience affect the author?

A) Became fearless
B) Confident
C) Overconfident
D) Became hydrophobic

Q24- What lesson did Douglas learn from his experience of drowning while learning to swim?
A) Learnt swimming
B) Love for swimming
C) Swimming is not difficult
D) Face the fear

Q25- How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer?

A) Planning
B) With the help of ropes
C) By pushing him into the pool
D) With the help of ropes and belts

Q26- What plan did Douglas make to learn swimming?

A) Planned to get an instructor
B) Planned to swim more
C) Planned to watch swimmers
D) Planned to jump

Q27- What does Douglas do to save himself in the pool?

A) Used his mind and pushed himself up
B) Shouted aloud
C) Called people
D) Shouted help help

Q28- Why did Douglas fail to come to the surface of the pool as he hoped to?

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A) Because of fear of swimming
B) Because of fear
C) Because of inability to move
D) Because of fear and inability to move

Q29- What was the impact of the pool incident?

A) Developed fear
B) Became confident
C) Became overconfident
D) Hydrophobia was revived

Q30- How many times did Douglas try to come to the surface of the pool?
A) Twice
B) Once
C) Five times
D) Thrice

Q31- Why did Douglas hate to walk with bare legs?

A) Ugly looking legs
B) Fat legs
C) Because of skin color
D) Because of skinny legs

Q32- Why did Douglas' mother recommend that he should learn swimming at the Y. M.C.A swimming
pool?
A) Because it was local
B) Because it was safe
C) Because it was shallow
D) Because it was shallow and safe

Q33- Why did Douglas hire an instructor?

A) To be confident in swimming
B) To compete with others
C) To flaunt
D) To overcome his fear of water and learn swimming

Q34- “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell”. What does oblivion mean?
A) pavilion
B) changing room
C) unconsciousness
D) death

Q35- Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?

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A) because he wanted to swim in the waters of the Cascade
B) because his friend had challenged him
C) because he had a bet on it
D) because he wanted to win a medal

Q36- What was stopping Douglas to get into the waters of Cascade?
A) Memories of Washington
B) Memories of California
C) Instructions given by the instructor
D) Memories full of terror in the pool

Q37- How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the old terror?
A) By visiting California
B) By jumping into the waters
C) By taking a lesson from the instructor
D) By swimming into the lake Wentworth

Q38- What distance did Douglas cover while swimming across the lake Wentworth?
A) 4 miles
B) 3 miles
C) 5 miles
D) 2 miles

Q39- Where was the lake Wentworth?

A) In New Hampshire
B) in Washington
C) in California
D) in Washington D.C

Q40- At first, why was the writer not much frightened when he was thrown into the pool?
A) Because he was sleeping
B) Because he was intoxicated
C) Because he thought that the lifeguard would come to his rescue
D) Because of confidence

22
CHARACTERSKETCH
THE LAST LESSON
M. HAMEL
Sincere French teacher – knows his subject well
Passionate about French – considers French-clearest, most beautiful and logical, feels- key to person's
sense of freedom, advises people to hold on to French
Proud of being French – upset by occupation of Alsace by the Germans, attached to town, school, people
Hard Task Master – particular about discipline and learning, students scared, last day – exercises on all
aspects of language.
Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for selfishness, emotional by sound of the Prussian soldiers.

FRANZ
Sensitive and Honest – blames himself for ignoring lessons, wonders if pigeons will coo in German,
understands feelings of Hauser
Loves Outdoors – sunshine, birds, butterflies, collecting birds' eggs
As a Student – repents, good observer, notices changes
Emphathizes with M.Hamel – understands emotions, accepts him with his faults

LOST SPRING

Saheb -e – Alam
Name means- lord of the universe, migrated with his family from Dhaka in 1971, lives in Seemapuri,
survives by ragpicking, doesn't go to school, works barefooted.

MUKESH
Banglemaker of Firozabad, works in high temperatures, workplace small and dirty, working conditions
hazardous, dreams of being a motor-mechanic.

SIMLARITIES BETWEEN Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh

-high aspirations and desires like other children
-suffer from immense poverty and scarcity of food
-caught in the web of child labour
-leading a life of exploitation
-undergo physical, mental and emotional sufferings

23
POEMS
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX KAMALA DAS
The poet very beautifully captures human relationship.
One, which is about to be over, and the other that continues.
She has blended the old and the young by using very catchy imagery and comparisons.
The poet described her mother who was sitting beside her in a car.
She was very pale and weak and looked dead.
The poet then looks out of the window and captures the beautiful scene outside (of the green trees and the
young children coming out of their homes).
The poet when she reaches the airport again looks at her mother after the security check and sees her once
again as very pale and weak.
Her childhood fear of separation from her mother once again comes alive.
At this point she compares her mother to the late winter moon, which is without strength and has no
brightness.
Just before boarding the plane she smiles at her mother and says that she will be back soon.
Where was the poet driving to?
The poet was driving from her parent’s home to the airport.

Contrast the scene inside the car and outside the car.
Inside there was inactivity and lifelessness where as outside was full of life and activity.

Why has the poet used imagery of the children?

The happy children moving out of their homes in large numbers signify the continuity of life.

What is her childhood’s fear?

The fear is of ageing and ultimately death of her mother. Time and ageing spare none. Time and ageing
have not spared her mother and may not spare her too. With ageing separation and death become
unavoidable.

Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

The poet is driving from her parent’s home to the airport. When she looks outside, the young trees seem
to be walking past them. With the speed of the car they seem to be racing fast or sprinting. The poet
presents a contrast between her ‘dozing’ old mother and the ‘sprinting’ young trees.

What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
The parting words “See you soon, Amma” give an assurance of life to an old lady whose ‘ashen face’ looks
like a corpse. Similarly her continuous smiling is an attempt to overcome the ache and fear inside her
heart.

Why does the poet smile and what does she say while bidding goodbye to her mother?
The poet smiles in order to put up a brave front so that her mother may not observe her pained and
frightened look. She smiles in order to reassure her mother and says that she would soon see her again.

Why has the poet bought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?
The poet highlights the helplessness and frailty of old age with the help of contrasts. The mother dozes off
mouth open, whereas the children spilling out of their homes signify movement and energy, enthusiasm
and vivacity, which the old people are bereft off.
Why has the mother been compared to ‘late winter’s moon’?
The mother has been compared to the late winter’s moon which is dull and shrouded. It symbolizes the
ebbing of life. The moon brings to the poets mind night or the approaching end of life. The mother like the

24
late winter’s moon is dull, dim and dismal.

What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
The parting words ‘see you soon Amma’ are used by the poet to reassure the mother and to infuse
optimism in the poet herself. The poet accepts the reality yet keeps up the façade of smiling in order to put
up a brave front. It requires a lot of effort and hence the poet has used the poetic device of repetition.

What does the poet mean by ‘all I did was smile and smile and smile…’?
The poet realizes the pain and ache she would get at separating from her mother. It was her childhood
fear that she experienced again. She was trying to hide her true emotions by smiling and smiling. The smile
here is the forced smile and not the natural one.

What childhood fears do you think the poet is referring to in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’?
The poet refers to the fears of a child has of losing a parent or getting lost somewhere and thus getting
separated from them. The poet felt this kind of fear while looking at her mother’s aged and pale face. She
was afraid that she might never see her again. However the fear is also symbolic of the strong filial bond
that the poet has not yet overgrown.

What were the activities that the poet saw outside the car window?
The poet saw young trees speeding past and it seemed as if they were sprinting or running fast. Happy,
enthusiastic and energetic children could be seen running out of their homes. They represent an image of
life, youth and energy in comparison to the poet’s mother who is described as a corpse, devoid of any
energy and is an antithesis of children who are in the full swing of life.

Why does the poet look outside? What does she perceive?
The very thought of separation from her mother upsets and depresses the poet. She experiences the fear
that she may never meet her mother again. In order to drive away such negative thoughts, she looks out of
the window and her mind gets diverted when she sees trees moving rapidly and children playing merrily.

What does Kamala Das do after the security check-up? What does she notice?
Immediately after the security check-up at the airport, and standing a few yards away from her mother,
the poet observes her mother once again and compares her to the pale, colourless winter’s moon, marking
the last phase of her life i.e. her old age. She is pained to see her and the fear of separation returns in her,
once again.

What poetic devices has the poet used in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?
The poem is rich in imagery. Devices of comparisons and contrasts are also used by the poet to draw out
the differences in young age and old age. She describes her mother’s age as ‘ashen like a corpse’, using
simile and compares her to late winter’s moon, using a simile again. The merry children playing happily
are contrasted with the old, weak, frail, feeble and pale mother of the poet.

25
MCQs

Q1- Who is the poet of this poem?

A) John Keats
B) Rudyard Kipling
C) William Wordsworth
D) Kamala Das

Q2- What is her work known for?

A) for its originality, versatility and flavour of the soil
B) for its popularity
C) for its style
D) for the expressions used

Q3- What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
A) Losing her mother
B) heart attack
C) headache
D) children screaming at her

Q4- In which languages has Kamla Das written stories and novels?
A) English and Tamil
B) English and Hindi
C) English and Urdu
D) English and Malayalam

Q5- Name the poetic devices used in the poem.

A) metaphor
B) similie
C) alliteration
D) all of these

Q6- What is the significance of the title My Mother at Sixty Six?

A) Poet’s fear of losing her old mother
B) Poet’s fear of moving fast
C) Poet’s inability to express her feelings
D) All of these

Q7- Which poetic device is used in “Trees sprinting-” ?

A) metaphor

26
B) simile
C) alliteration
D) Personification

Q8- What is the distinctive feature of the poem?

A) its metaphors
B) simile used
C) alliteration used
D) narrative style using a single sentence in a set of 14 lines

Q9- What does this narrative style of the poem signify?

A) differing thoughts
B) many thoughts
C) contrasting thoughts
D) a single thread of thought mixed with harsh realities

Q10- What is the main idea of the poem?

A) Painful old age
B) discolouration of skin
C) carelessness of a daughter
D) lack of strength

Q11- What did the poet realize with pain?

A) her mother’s appearance like a corpse
B) she is inconsiderate
C) old age is pleasant
D) she has duties

Q12- What is the familiar ache?

A) her childhood fear of losing her mother
B) her mother’s weak health
C) her duties
D) her helplessness

Q13- What do the running trees signify?

A) fast moving appearance
B) speed of the moving car
C) fast moving change in human life from childhood to old age
D) none

27
Q14- Who lives at Cochin?
A) Poet
B) Her parents
C) Both A and B
D) None of them

Q15- What does ‘ashen face ‘ signify?

A) colour of face
B) face is covered with ash
C) Pale and lifeless face of poet’s mother
D) to show ugly face

Q16- What does the poet notice outside the car ?

A) sprinting trees and running children
B) schools and roads
C) other vehicles
D) many people on the road

Q17- What do the parting words "See you soon Amma" signify?
A) her carelessness
B) Her optimistic farewell full of cheerfulness
C) she bids goodbye like this
D) she is in a hurry

Q18- What does the poet’s smile signify in the poem?

A) Her assurance to mother and helplessness inside
B) she has a responsibility
C) she has to do her duty first
D) she is a loving daughter

Q19- What is the universality of the theme of the poem?

A) death is a truth
B) Life is a reality
C) everyone is happy
D) to show old age

Q20- What worried the poet when she looked at her mother?
A) her face

28
B) her broken arm
C) her loving words
D) her declining age

Q21- Why did the poet look at her mother again?

A) because she was busy
B) because she was going away
C) because she wanted to stay back
D) because of fear and insecurity

Q22- Why has the poet used the imagery of merry children spilling out of their homes?
A) to show hope
B) to show happiness
C) to show youthfulness of her age
D) to show hope and happiness in children

Q23- Which Rhyming scheme is used in the poem?

A) coupled rhyme
B) monorhyme
C) Alternate rhyme
D) free verse

Q24- Quote an example of a simile used in the poem.

A) familiar ache
B) like that of a corpse
C) wan and pale
D) the merry children

Q25- Quote an example of a metaphor used in the poem.

A) as a late winter’s moon
B) ‘Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes’
C) Driving from my parent’s home
D) None

Q26- Quote an example of alliteration used in the poem.

A) like ashen
B) smile, smile and smile
C) Friday morning
D) None of these

29
Q27- Quote an example of personification used in the poem.
A) sprinting trees
B) home to cochin
C) airport’s security check
D) All of these

Q28- Why does the poet feel scared?

A) Because of her duties and commitments
B) Because of her job
C) Bcause of her children
D) Because of her mother’s deteriorating health

Q29- Why does the poet feel parted, upset and sad?
A) because of her fears
B) because she was getting late
C) fear of missing her flight
D) because of her duty towards mother and her own needs

Q30- What is the tone of the poem towards the end?

A) sad
B) hopeless
C) cheerful
D) resignation with acceptance

Q31- What does the narrative single sentence style of the poem highlight?
A) Poet’s feelings
B) Poet’s insecurities
C) poet’s thoughts
D) poet’s intertwining thoughts

Q32- What does the poem revolve around?

A) poet’s fears
B) poet’s love for her mother
C) Theme of old age
D) All of these

Q33- What question arises from the complexity of the situation in the poem?
A) what to do in old age
B) how to take care of one’s skin
C) how to drive
D) How to strike a balance between duties and responsibilities

30
Q34- How is the imagery of ‘young trees and merry children’ a contrast to the mother?
A) mother is old in comparison to the trees and children
B) mother is like ash while the trees are green and children are happy
C) like spring and autumn season
D) Mother’s health-hopelessness and trees and merry children- youthfulness and hope

Q35- What does the expression smile, smile and smile signify?
A) poet was going home and was elated
B) poet was happy
C) poet was hopeless
D) poet’s desperate efforts to hide her fears

Q36- What was the expression of the poet’s face while parting from her mother?
A) satirical
B) funny
C) sad
D) smiling

Q37- Whose house the poet was leaving?

A) her friend’s house
B) in-law’s house
C) her husband’s house
D) her parents’ house

Q38- What was the poet’s childhood fear?

A) Parting from her husband
B) Parting from her friends
C) Parting from her siblings
D) losing her mother

Q39- What were the words she used while parting from her mother?
A) See you soon Ba
B) See you soon beeji
C) See you soon mata ji
D) See you soon, amma

Q40- What pangs did she feel when she looked at her mother?
A) Pangs of headache
B) Pangs of stomachache

31
C) Pangs of knee pain
D) Pangs of heartache

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM STEPHEN SPENDER

The poet has taken up the social issues of injustice and inequality, suffered by the slum children.
The slum children present a very pathetic picture. The world of literature or sceneries of beautiful valleys
has no meaning for these children. These ugly slums are like little hells for them. The rich people live in a
beautiful world, which is in total contrast to the world of slums. The poet requests the governors, teachers
and other responsible persons to take some steps to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

The poet has described the poor state of the children in a slum and the atmosphere of their classroom. The
classroom is unventilated, dark and dingy far away from the beauty of nature. The windows are all closed;
children suffer from diseases and malnutrition and are stunted. The classroom is decorated with beautiful
sceneries, which they have received in donations but they are useless for children, as they do not receive
any inspiration from them. Children should be allowed to read books and express themselves fully. Then
only the gap between the rich and the poor can be removed.
Explain ‘weighed-down head’.
The burden of misfortunes has depressed and bent down the heads of children.
Why is the boy called unlucky heir?
The boy is called unlucky heir because he has inherited from his father the disease of the twisted bones.
What is the dream of that unnoted, sweet and young boy sitting at the back?
The young boy dreams of outdoor games. He dreams of squirrels’ game, of the room made inside the stem
of a tree. He dreams of many things other than this dim and unpleasant classroom in which he is sitting at
the back.
What is the use of pictures of donations hanging on the walls?
The donated pictures hanging on the walls are of no use for the slum children as they do not derive any
inspiration from them. They cannot relate themselves with the pictures.
What is the future of the children?
The future of the children is uncertain.
What do they crave for?
Openness. They crave for rivers and the starry sky. They want to get rid of narrow and crowded lanes.
Why is Shakespeare wicked and a map a bad example?
Shakespeare and his works are of no use to them. Nor does the map of the world concern them.
This map doesn’t draw their world of narrow lanes and holes.
Why do children want to secretly run away from their homes?
Ships, sun and love - all such beautiful things tempt these children.

32
What blots their map?
Those living hells- those dirty slums blot the map of the civilized world- the world of the rich and the great.
What have shut upon their lives like catacombs?
Their dirty surroundings and unbearable life have blocked their progress and growth. They have been shut
inside them like the underground graves.
Who create history?
History is created by those whose language has warmth and power of the sun.
Sour cream: off white: suggests decaying aspect. Walls symbolise pathetic condition of children.

MCQs Poem An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum

Q1- Who has written the poem Elementary School Classroom in a Slum?
A) Kipling
B) Wordsworth
C) Kamlanath
D) Stephen Spender

Q2- What theme did the poet concentrate on in the poem?

A) themes of social injustice and class inequalities.
B) theme of children and their happiness
C) theme of insecurities
D) none

Q3- What does the poet portray in the poem?

A) young minds
B) playfulness of the children
C) questions of children
D) the plight of young children in the slums

Q4- What does the poet compare in the poem?

A) the young and old
B) generation gaps
C) old age and childhood
D) rich (haves) and poor children (have nots)

Q5- What kind of life do the children living in slums have?

A) full of love
B) full of care and warmth
C) Hopeless and full of struggle
D) all of these

Q6- What does the poet compare the colour of walls with?
A) rotten fruits
B) stale chapatis
C) rotten vegetables
D) sour cream

Q7- What are the poetic devices used in the poem?

33
A) alliteration and simile
B) metaphor and imagery
C) synecdoche, and irony
D) All of these

Q8- What do the words “Their future is painted with fog” convey?
A) no love and care
B) no warmth
C) no hard work
D) no hope of improvement

Q9- What do the faces of children in the slum areas reflect?

A) happiness
B) their aspirations
C) their energy
D) sadness and lack of enthusiasm

Q10- What is ironical about the wall hangings and donations in the classroom?
A) set up in very clean environment
B) completely opposite to the needs of the children in the classroom
C) set up in happy environment
D) set up in gloomy set up

Q11- What does paper-seeming boy mean?

A) had a paper in his hand
B) was as thin as a sheet of paper
C) was white in colour like a sheet of paper
D) All of these

Q12- What is the Tree Room in the poem?

A) A tree – shaped room
B) A room on a tree where squirrels play
C) A room on a tree where rats play
D) A room on a tree where pigeons play

Q13- What do Catacombs signify?

A) relevance of the map hanging on the wall of the classroom
B) confinement to the slums, the maps being irrelevant
C) importance of the school
D) death

Q14- Why are the pictures and maps meaningless?

A) they are fake and show a false thing
B) they are old and have faded away
C) they show vastness which is opposite to the world and needs of the children in the classroom
D) All of these

Q15- How can powerful people help the poor children?

A) by fighting with the government
B) by fighting with the powerful

34
C) by bridging gaps of inequalities and injustice
D) by fighting with the rich

Q16- What does the poem describe?

A) A classroom in a slum area
B) social setup of India
C) different mindsets
D) beauty of the surroundings

Q17- What does the poet wish for the children of the slums?
A) He wishes them to be happy and healthy
B) He wishes a good change for them
C) he wants them to enjoy the bounties of nature
D) All of these

Q18- “Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.

Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor”: what do these words express?
A) poor state of the classroom
B) poor plight of children’s homes
C) poor plight of teachers
D) poor plight of the slum children

Q19- Why is the head of the tall girl ‘weighed down’?

A)by the burden of studies
B) by the burden of work
C) by the burden of her world
D) All of these

Q20- What is the meaning of ‘The paper seeming boy, with rat eyes’?
A) rich people
B) rich children
C) powerful people and their influence
D) weak and malnutritioned boy

Q21- What kind of look do the faces and hair of the children give?
A) rich and beautiful faces
B) bright, neat faces
C) healthy appearances
D) pale faces, scattered and undone hair

Q22- His eyes live in a dream- what is the dream?

A) watching a movie
B) going abroad
C) eating ice cream
D) dream of better times with games and open spaces

Q23- Who was sitting at the back of the dim class?

A) a girl
B) an old man
C) a teacher

35
D) a young boy

Q24- Who is the unlucky heir and what has he inherited?

A) a fat boy, has inherited obesity from his mother
B) a short, thin boy, has inherited stunted growth from his family
C) an intelligent boy, has inherited intelligence
D) thin boy with rat’s eyes, has inherited a deformed body from his father

Q25- What is the stunted boy reciting?

A) a happy song from his seat
B) a religious song in a group
C) a sad song from the front of the class
D) a lesson from his desk

Q26- What does the color of the classroom walls point out?
A) happy and poor state
B) happy and rich state
C) poor condition of the slum
D) none of these

Q27- What does the expression ‘Open handed map " show?
A) power of the poor
B) the poor can not access the world
C) the poor are powerless
D) maps are open to all, they reveal everything

Q28- ‘Awarding the world its world’ what do these words express?
A) the world is ours
B) the world is yours
C) the world belong to the poor
D) the world belongs to the rich

Q29- In what sense are the slum children different?

A) their IQ
B) their wisdom
C) their dresses
D) because of no access to hope and openness of the world

Q30- What kind of future do the slum children have?

A) very hopeful
B) bright
C) clear like water
D) hopeless and uncertain

Q31- What attracts the slum children?

A)The animals
B) The movies
C) icecream
D) All beautiful things like ship, Sun

36
Q32- What do the words ‘From fog to endless night ‘ mean?
A) bright light outside
B) bright future
C) hopelessness
D) Dark and uncertain future of slum children from birth to death

Q33- Mention any two images used to explain the plight of the slum children.
A) open handed map
B) from his desk
C) belled,flowery
D) foggy slums and bottle bits on stones

Q34- What blots the maps of the slum children?

A) garbage
B) blockage
C) stones in the streets
D) Dirty slums

Q35- What does the poet show through expressions ‘so blot their maps with slums as big as
doom’?
A) his clot the street
B) enjoy the maps
C) big maps
D) the slums spell doom for the poor

Q36- What do the ‘governor’, inspector, visitor’ in the poem depict?

A) higher officials
B) Government officials
C) Political people
D) Powerful and influential people

Q37- What have the windows done to the children’s lives in the poem?
A) shut the doors
B) blocked the passage
C) clocked the Sunlight
D) have shut the children inside and blocked their growth

Q38- What other freedom the poet wants the slum children to enjoy?
A) Freedom of roaming
B) freedom to spend money
C) freedom to eat
D) freedom of knowledge,wisdom and expression

Q39- What does the expression ‘Break O break open’ suggest?

A) barriers on the road
B) barriers of garbage heap
C) barriers of dirty environment must be broken
D) None

Q40- What does the poet want?

37
A) to send the children out of the slums
B) to send the children to America
C) to send the children to open fields
D) to send the children to a beach

KEEPING QUIET PABLO NERUDA

The poet demands the necessity of quiet introspection.

Man’s actions of rashness and hurry have caused much chaos and trouble in the world.
The time has come to take a pause and do self-introspection.
Stillness does not mean total inactivity.
Silence will help man in creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.
That moment will be fascinating
The poet wishes the fishermen and the men gathering salt to be kind to their respective interests.
He is also against self-torturing.
The people should stop fighting wars as they leave behind no survivors.
They should put on clean clothes come, out with their brothers walking under the trees leisurely doing
nothing.
We should take a break from hustle and bustle of life.
A long silence is like a sweet pill that would soothe our hurt feelings and sadness.

Why does the poet ask us to count twelve?

There are only twelve signs on the clock to measure hours.

Why does he ask us to keep still?

Too much rush and activity has only brought misfortunes to mankind.
It is better to be quiet and still and repair the hurt.

‘Let’s not speak in any language’ says Pablo Neruda. Why?

The people of the world need excuses to fight among themselves. Let them keep quiet so that they may
not indulge in reasoning, disputes and quarrels. This will bring peace.

Explain ‘not move our arms so much’?

Man has used arms only to kill and destroy others.
Therefore, let them not move their arms so much as to harm others.

What is the difference between inactivity and silence?

Inactivity means death. Silence means a moment when harsh activities have ceased for sometime.

Explain ‘I want no truck with death’?

Total inactivity brings death. The poet has no association with death. A huge silence can do us a lot of
good.

What lesson do we learn from earth?

The earth can teach a lesson to mankind and how to live on it.

Why does the poet feel that we should not be so single-minded?

38
Generally people of the world are so single-minded that they want to keep their lives going. They are over
busy. We must have some rest. This brings peace and silence.

MCQs Poem Keeping Quiet

Q1- What does the title of the poem suggest?

A) Inactivity
B) noise
C) unhappiness
D) Maintenance of silence

Q2- What does the poem speak about?

A) the necessity to be happy
B) the necessity to introspect , understand and have feelings of brotherhood
C) the necessity to work quietly
D) none

Q3- What does counting upto 12 signify and how will it help?
A) hours of the day
B) months of a year
C) it will help to create peace and harmony
D) all

Q4- What is poet’s pen name?

A) Neruda
B) Pable
C) Pablo
D) Pablo Neruda

Q5- What does the style of the poem symbolise, that the poet used to write with?
A) desires
B) happiness
C) hope
D) desire and hope

Q6- What is the original language of the poem ?

A) English
B) French
C) Pali
D) Spanish

39
Q7- What is the essence or message of the poem ?
A) introspection and retrospection to be more peaceful and be in harmony
B) to prosper
C) to be happier
D) to reach out more people

Q8- What does the poet feel is needed to be at peace?

A) meeting with people
B) talking with people
C) interaction with the people
D) Soul searching

Q9- According to the poet what creates barriers?

A) interactions
B) reactions
C) fighting
D) languages

Q10- Why does the poet ask people not to speak?

A) because it creates noise
B) he doesn’t like noise
C) it makes things unpleasant
D) because it creates barriers or obstacles in the form of misunderstanding amongst people

Q11- What is the rhyming scheme used in the poem?

A) enclosed rhyme
B) Monorhyme
C) sonnet
D) Free verse

Q12- How is keeping quiet related to life and can change attitude?
A) it helps to think and search soul
B) helps to scratch one’s soul
C) helps to develop new thinking process
D) All these

Q13- How will keeping quiet protect our environment?

A) by creating peace and brotherhood feelings
B) no noise will be there
C) people will not fight
D) none

40
Q14- What is destroying the environment?
A) unthoughtful actions
B) violent actions
C) speaking without thinking
D) All

Q15- What does number 12 represent?

A) hours of the day and months of a year
B) earth
C) clock
D) cricket players

Q16- What does the poem Keeping Quiet teach us?

A) how to maintain silence
B) not to make noise
C) speaking creates noise
D) To be peaceful , thoughtful and have feelings of brotherhood

Q17- Not move our arms’ what does this expression refer to?
A) sit quietly
B) stand quietly
C) to be inactive
D) sitting still without any movement

Q18- Why is silence treated as a big issue?

A) it helps to search our soul
B) helps us to analyze our actions
C) helps us to be thoughtful and find our true self
D) All these

Q19- What should not be confused with total inactivity or death?

A) no movement
B) a statue
C) talking people
D) Stillness and silence

Q20- What can be a cure or an antidote to violent actions?

41
A) speaking practice
B) wise words
C) polished language
D) Practice of silence

Q21- What is the sadness in the poem that the poet speaks about ?
A) violence because of unthoughtfulness of the people
B) unnecessary movements
C) speaking aloud
D) fighting

Q22- What does the earth symbolise?

A) perseverence and new beginning from seemingly stillness
B) stillness
C) greenery
D) prosperity

Q23- What is always alive even when everything seems to be dead or still?
A) mountains
B) rivers
C) Sun
D) Earth and nature are always alive

Q24- Why does the poet request people to keep quiet?

A) to maintain silence
B) to avoid noise
C) to be friendly
D) in the hope of becoming more thoughtful and peaceful

Q25- What does the poet want people to do for one second?
A) to sing
B) to close eyes
C) to stand quietly
D) to be silent and motionless

Q26- How can the moments of no activity help people?

A) they will be healthy
B) they will be happy
C) they will work easily
D) to relax and be more thoughtful

42
Q27- What will happen if there are no engines and no crowd?
A) noise will be lessened
B) no crowd on roads
C) no traffic rush
D) it will create a perfect, happy moment

Q28- Why is the moment of silence called Exotic?

A) because of the beautiful scenery around
B) because of the gathering
C) because of large gathering
D) because of perfect peace and harmony

Q29- What would everyone feel at that exotic moment?

A) happy
B) content
C) dancing
D) strange blissful oneness

Q30- How long is the poet expecting everyone to stay still?

A) for 10 minutes
B) for 12 minutes
C) for 15 minutes
D) for 1 second till we count 12

Q31- Why is the poet asking everyone not to speak any language?
A) to avoid noise
B) to avoid loud voices
C) to avoid people
D) to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings

Q32- What is the poet expecting from fishermen?

A) to find more fish
B) to go deeper into the sea
C) to think and stop harming the fish
D) none

Q33- While gathering salt, what will happen to the man if he keep silent for a moment?
A) he will stop dropping it
B) he will look at the ground
C) he will walk carefully
D) he will think of the harm the salt is doing to his hands

43
Q34- What does hurt hand refer to ?
A) Growing needs of the man
B) growing greed of man
C) unfulfilled desires
D) growing insensitivity of man to pain

Q35- How will silence benefit the man and nature?

A) both will be friends
B) man will know nature better
C) man will be healthy
D) man will stop hurting nature and both will heal themselves

Q36- Which images in the poem show that the poet condemns or hate violence?
A) fishemen not harming whales
B) wars leaving behind no survivors to celebrate
C) poet’s refusal to deal with death
D) All these

Q37- What symbol from nature the poet uses to prove that keeping quiet is not total inactivity?
A) Sun
B) Soil
C) earth
D) Nature and earth

Q38- What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem?
A) War against humanity
B) War against nature
C) War with gases and fire
D) All these

Q39- What can human beings learn from nature?

A) beauty
B) keeping quiet
C) to be happy
D) working with silence

Q40- How does the poet perceive life?

A) as stillness
B) as silence
C) a noisy place
D) a continuous evolution of nature

44
 POETIC DEVICES (FLAMINGO)

1. MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX Kamala Das

Simile her face ashen like that of a corpse, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon

Metaphor children spilling out (energetic)

Imagery(Internal Sensation) pain, fear, worry/anxiety

Repetition thought away……thought away, Smile and smile and smile

Images and symbols trees sprinting and merry children, winter’s moon.

Tautology I looked at her wan, pale

Contrast the trees appear to be sprinting, children running out (atmosphere of

jubiliation all around except mother in the car who is listless)

Rhyme Scheme no regular rhyme scheme, written in free verse

2. AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM Stephen Spender

Smile like rootless weed, like bottle bits on stones, like catacombs, slums as big as doom

Metaphor Rat’s eyes, father’s gnarled disease, squirrels’ game, tree room
future’s painted with a fog, lead sky
Spectacle of steel (wearing spectacles made of steel and having shattered glass, also
suggests rigid inhuman indifferent attitude of government officials)

Visual Imagery at back of the dim class, foggy slum

Antithesis Contrast between the rootless, stunted, twisted, dim, diseased lives of the slum
children from what is represented in school books, maps, photographs of Alpine
valley or a bust of Shakespeare

3. KEEPING QUIET Pablo Neruda

Symbol without rush, without engines (symbolic of hubbub of modern life)

Alliteration sudden strangeness

Synecdoche not move our arms so much

Hyperbole victory with no survivors

Pun don’t move your ‘arms’ too much

45
Tautology : where two near synonyms are placed consecutive or very close together for effect

Antithesis : use of words and phrases with opposite meanings balanced against each other

Synecdoche : a figure of speech in which one of the following (or its reverse) is expressed:
 A part stands as a whole
 An individual stands for a class
 A material stands for a thing

Apostrophe : a figure of speech in which someone absent or dead or something non-human is addressed
as
if alive and present and able to reply.

Sarcasm : mocking tone

Metonymy : change of name

Transferred Epithet : an adjective modifying a noun which it can’t logically modify, yet which works
because of the metaphorical meaning

Pun : Play of words

46
VISTAS

THE THIRD LEVEL JACK FINNEY

Charley, the main character of the story finds a portal which leads to 1894. He tries to go to his hometown,
Galesburg. But, because he didn't have any currency of 1894, he had to postpone his plans for the future.
He exchanged his three hundred dollar bills for less than two hundred dollars of that of 1894's currency.
However, he never finds the third level again. When he tells this to his wife and his psychiatrist friend
about this, both think that alike philately, this is also another way to take refuge from the realities of the
world. However, the proof of the third level's existence comes from the most unexpected source, his
psychiatrist friend - Sam. Sam sends Charlie a letter telling him about the third level.

When Sam heads over to 1894 through the third level, he sends a first day cover to his Grandfather's
address. His Grandfather thinking that the first day cover was sent to him by himself, adds it to his
collection of stamps and never opens it thinking that there is nothing in that envelope but blank paper. In
the story, you will find a line '...he started my collection'. It means that Charlie's Grandfather had a
collection of stamps along with first day covers which was passed over to Charlie. When Charlie was
looking at his collection, he found the letter which Sam had written to him and that letter gave solid proof
of the third level's existence.

You might be confused by the last part of the story, but it's really simple you see... the concept is
something like something you do in the past which has direct effect on the present. Charlie received the
letter because Sam wrote it to him in 1894. Charlie didn't exist in 1894 because in 1894, he wasn't born.
So, Sam had to think and write a letter to Charlie's Grandfather whose hobby was to collect stamps alike
Charlie and Sam knew that if somehow he could make his Grandfather into adding the letter to his
collection, then it would straight go off to Charlie as Charlie's collection was started by Charlie's
grandfather. So, I think it's clear that Charlie got that letter only when Sam sent it to him. He didn't receive
it until Sam actually went to 1894 and wrote a letter to Charlie's grandfather.
It's like this...something someone does in the past which has a direct (in this case immediate) effect on the
present you are living in.

47
Why does Charley say that grand Central Station is growing like a tree in the story?
Charley bumps into new doorways, stairs and corridors each time he goes there. Once he enters a long
tunnel and comes out near Roosevelt hotel. Another time he comes up in an office building three blocks
away. That is a way he says that grand central station is growing like a tree.
What did the narrator see unusual at the third level?
The narrator went to the third level at the Grand Central Station. There were a few ticket windows and
train gates. The information booth was old looking. The gas lights were dim and flickering. There were
brass spittoons on the floor.

WAKING DREAM WISH FULFILLMENT

MCQs

Q1- Who is the author of The Third Level?

A)George Orwell
B) Agatha Christie
C) James Joyce
D) Jack Finney

Q2- What was Jack's full name?

A) Walter Braden Jack Finney

B) Stephen Jone Jack
C) Ray Douglas Bradbury
D) None

Q3- Why was the author renamed?

A) to change his name

B) Priest's suggestion
C) to honor his mother
D) as an honor to his father

Q4- What are the author's best known works?

A) English and Science fiction

B) Science and history fiction
C) Science fiction and nature
D) Science fiction and thrillers

48
Q5- What is the meaning of 'Waking dream wish fulfillment"?

A) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the present

B) a pleasant wish that takes one to the future
C) a pleasant wish which inspires to work
D) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the present

Q6- What is the theme of the lesson?

A) human tendency of escapism because of the harsh realities of the present

B) time travelling
C) theory of escapism
D) a dialogue between a patient and a psychiatrist

Q7- How does the story begin?

A) in a jovial manner
B) in an aggressive manner
C) on a happy note
D) in a serious manner

Q8- What does the Third level signify?

A) a human tendency to escape from the harsh realities of the present to past happy times
B) A third way on Grand Central station
C) A third gate on Grand Central Station
D) None

Q9- What is 'Waking dream wish fulfillment" according to the psychiatrist in the lesson?

A) Charles finding of a Third level at Grand Central Station and realization of his wish to visit Galesburg
Illinois
B) Charles escapism
C) Charles escapism from realities
D) None

Q10- Who was Charley’s wife?

A) a woman
B) a woman with bright top
C) The woman at The Third Level
D) Louisa

49
Q11- What does Sam's letter to Charley represent?

A) A blend
B) an acceptance to visit
C) a proof of his fantasy
D) a blend of reality with fantasy

Q12- What is Sam's letter testimony to in the lesson proving?

A) his acceptance to travel

B) his refusal to travel
C) Sam accompanying Charley
D) Charley’s tendency of escapism from the realities

Q13- In what way do we try to overcome the insecurities of the present harsh times?

A) by engaging ourselves in practical activities

B) by talking to friends and family
C) reading good books
D) All these

Q14- What is the significance of 1894 in the lesson?

A) it was past
B) Authors' parents were alive
C) Author's childhood time
D) representing a peaceful, romantic living time

Q15- Who was Sam in The Third Level?

A) a doctor
B) a friend
C) a psychiatrist and a friend of Charley
D) None

Q16- Why did Charley visit Sam?

A) To consult the incident of Third level incident at Grand Central Station

B) To invite him
C) to invite him to accompany at Galesburg
D) To guide him in Galesburg

Q17- Does the Third Level really exist at Grand Station?

A) Yes
50
B) yes, there were 3 levels
C) No, there were only two levels at the station
D) None

Q18- What unusual thing does the narrator see at the Grand Central Station?

A) Trees
B) Motorcars
C) Third Level
D) All these

Q19- Why was the narrator seeing this Third Level?

A) as a wish to visit Galesburg

B) wanted to meet his friends
C) wanted to take a break from office
D) As a result of stress and anxiety in his mind

Q20- What does the Psychiatrist explain to Charley?

A) Third level is a beautiful place

B) Third level is worth seeing
C) Third level is well maintained
D) That it was the result of stress and anxiety of his mind

Q21- How did Charley reach the Third Level?

A) In his fantasy he takes a subway or a corridor faster than a bus

B) in a superfast train
C) in jetways
D) in an escalator

Q22- What was the Third Level?

A) a third tier on the station

B) a third storey on the station
C) an imaginary discovery of the narrator's mind
D) none

Q23- What did Charley see at the Third Level?

A) flickering gas lights and people with funny mustaches

B) brass spittoons
C) men wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat

51
D) All these

Q24- Why was Louisa, Charley's wife worried?

A) knowing the incident of Third Level

B) for not getting tickets
C) tickets were delayed
D) Sam was scaring

Q25- Why does Charley want to visit Galesburg?

A) to escape from the troublesome world

B) to enjoy
C) to see the beautiful landscape
D) to meet his old friends

Q26- Why do you think the Third Level was an escape for Charley?

A) Because it existed at the third storey

B) Because Sam knew about it
C) Because he shared it with Sam
D) Because it existed only in his fantasy and not in reality

Q27- What is a First Day Cover?

A) A new stamp gets the Postmark and date

B) A gift
C) A gift wrapper
D) A gift wrapped in a beautiful wrapper

Q28- How does the story interweave fantasy and reality?

A) For Charley's tendency to treat harsh realities with his imaginary Third Level
B) It presents imagination
C) imagination happens on Central Station
D) None

Q29- What specific difference did Charley notice at the Third Level of Central Station?

A) everything was weird

B) everything was old styled and smaller in size
C) everything was too big
D) everything was shining

52
Q30- Where was Charley ducked on Central Station?

A) into a room
B) into an office
C) into an arched door heading for subway
D) into a store

Q31- What was the strangest thing at The Third Level?

A) Beards
B) Mustaches
C) dresses
D) The corridor that led him into the past

Q32- Where was Charley often lost?

A) from a train
B) from the footpath
C) from an escalator
D) from a subway faster than bus at The Central Station

Q33- What did Charley find in his stamp collection?

A) old addresses
B) hair styles
C) old letters
D) First day cover

Q34- What happens when Charley enters the Grand Central Station?

A) He finds a huge tree like Station

B) new staircases, corridors and tunnels
C) tree keeps spreading its roots throwing rooms and windows
D) All of these

Q35- What convinced Charley that he had reached the Third Level Grand Central Station and not the
second level?

A) A different world of gas lights and brass spittoons

B) beards and mustaches of 1894
C) newspaper with a date June11, 1894
D) All of these

Q36- Who had sent that 'First Day cover’ and when?

53
A) Sam's father
B) Sam's uncle
C) Sam's friend
D) Sam a psychiatrist in 1894

Q37- Whose signatures were there on the letter?

A) Charley's teacher
B) Charley's friend
C) Sam
D) None

Q38- What did the letter state?

A) That everything is okay

B) that Sam is joining them
C) Third level do exist and Charley was advised to keep looking at this worthseeing place
D) None

Q39- What was Sam invited for according to the letter?

A) for a party
B) for a tea party
C) for a bachelor's party
D) for a lemonade party

Q40- What kind of appearances people had at the Third level and why did the clerk refuse to accept
money?

A) funny and clerk refused to accept money because it was currency of modern times
B) weird and notes were big
C) weird and notes were torn
D) weird and notes were wet

54
THE ENEMY PEARL S. BUCK

Pearl S. Buck's story sets human fellow- feeling against national loyalty.
Brief Outline : Story of a Japanese doctor – hates Americans – prisoner of war – wounded – operated – life
saved – helped him escape.

SADAO – Japanese – a patriot – to America to study surgery – met HANA –pure Japanese – back home –
married – two children.

House near the sea shore

One evening – both standing in their verandah see someone on the shore – a soldier washed ashore –
unconscious – bleeding- Dr. Sadao – no reason to save him – Sadao plugged his wound – carried him home.

Prisoner kept in Sadao's father's room - Hana asked Yumi (a servant ) to wash the prisoner – refused -
washed by Hana herself with hot water – servants not happy with the American's presence at home

Sadao gets ready for surgery - asks Hana to give anaesthesia – could not do it - rushed out – had never
seen an operation- vomited – came back – gave anaesthesia – bullet removed – injection given – pulse
recovers – Sadao declared prisoner would survive.

Sadao and hana nursed American, healing of wound starts, prisoner gains strength, servants restless –
want Sadao to handover the American to the police.

Servants leave Sadao's house- they cry as they leave – had been working for them for long- gardener in
their house since he was a boy, Yumi attached to children – Hana holds back her tears.

Hana requests Sadao to get rid of the prisoner

Evening – a messenger – Hana frightened – fears unfounded

Old General – suffering – Sadao needed for his treatment

Sadao told about the American to the General – promised to get rid of him

Sadao waited for three nights – but none arrived – American got better – thanked Sadao for saving his life

Sadao provided him a boat – helped the prisoner of war escape- informed General of his escape. Sadao
safe- assured General of his loyalty.

Servants returned- things as usual

Sadao could never understand why he could not kill him.

55
What happened on the seventh day after Dr Sadao had typed the letter?
The cook, the gardener and Yumi packed up their belongings and left together. But Hana put up a brave
front.
Secondly, the messenger arrived to tell Sadao that he had been called to the palace as the General was in
pain again.

Why did the servants leave Sadao’s house?

Sadao’s servants left his house because they were all Japanese and did not want to save the American
soldier. They hated the Americans from the bottom of their heart. They did not intend to be called traitors.
So, they left Sadao’s house.

Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad with the Japanese troops?
Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad because the General was ailing and might have to undergo an operation any
time. Secondly Dr. Sadao was perfecting a discovery which was likely to render wounds entirely clean.

“This man must have extraordinary vitality.” Why does Dr. Sadao say this?
The American prisoner of war was bullet-ridden. His survival under all adverse conditions was nothing
short of a miracle. Any other person would have died due to wounds, excessive bleeding and severe pain.
So the doctor says so.

“Ignorance of the human body is the surgeon’s cardinal sin.” Comment.

A surgeon’s main field of activity is the human body and if he does not have its thorough knowledge, he
has no right to operate on it. If he does so, he is committing a “cardinal” sin. It is nothing short of
committing a virtual murder.

MCQs

Q1- Who is the author of the lesson The Enemy?

A) Pearl S. Buck
B) Dickens
C) D.H.Lawrence
D) None

Q2- Why did Dr. Sadao treat the soldier when he was from the enemy's nationality?
A) He was a doctor
B) It was against his professional ethics
C) As a doctor he could not let anyone die
D) All

Q3- Who was Dr. Sadao?

A) An Iranian Doctor
B) An American doctor
C) A Japanese doctor
D) None

Q4- How did Hana help Dr. Sadao?

A) By assisting him
56
B) by giving him money
C) by giving him tools
D) by working as a nurse

Q5- Why did the General not pass orders to arrest Dr. Sadao for giving space to a whiteman?
A) because he trusted him
B) because he needed him
C) General was not in good health and needed his services
D) None

Q6- Why did the doctor become irritable and impatient with his patient?
A) because of his inability to leave the white man to help his distressed wife
B) because of many patients
C) because of General's pressure
D) All these

Q7- Why did the doctor’s wife feel distressed?

A) seeing many patients
B) Seeing General's reaction
C) Seeing the orders
D) Seeing Whiteman's blood

Q8- Why did the surgeon speak sharply to his wife?

A) to get things he needed
B) to get her help
C) to stop any disturbance that could lead to harm the wounded man.
D) None

Q9- What was Hana's reaction over her husband's words?

A) she held her mouth with her hands and vomited outside the operation room
B) she shouted
C) she cried
D) she stopped helping him

Q10- Why did Hana wash the wounded man herself?

A) because of her servants
B) because her servants ran away
C) because her servants refused to help an American enemy soldier
D) none

Q11- Why did the servants refuse to help?

A) out of fears
B) because of superstitions

57
C) because he was an American Soldier
D) All these

Q12- How did Dr. ensure that the American Soldier had left safely?
A) by escorting him
B) by seeing no signal of flashlight
C) by giving him a call
D) none

Q13- Why did Sadao marry a Japanese girl only?

A) because he liked Japanese
B) he didn't like any other nationality
C) Because of his father's fear
D) because he didn't want to upset his father

Q14- What kind of person was Sadao's father ?

A) a serious
B) a jolly good man
C) very strict
D) A true patriot and traditional person

Q15- Why did the messenger come to the doctor?

A) to meet him
B) for checkup
C) to inform about the General's pain
D) All these

Q16- Seeing the messenger, what was Hana's reaction?

A) She got frightened
B) she thought he has come to arrest her husband
C) General's man
D) All these

Q17- What kind of person The General was?

A) a kind hearted
B) a wise man
C) a selfish man
D) none

Q18- Why did General spare the White American soldier?

A) to spare his own life
B) he himself was in pain
C) needed Dr Sadao's help
D) All these

58
Q19- How did the doctor get rid of the American Soldier?
A) by giving him instructions
B) by giving him flashlight to use in times of distress
C) by asking him to row to the island
D) All these

Q20- Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield?

A) because he had no interest
B) he didn't love his country
C) he was supposed to offer his services to the General who was in pain
D) All these

Q21- Why did Dr. Give his flashlight to the enemy soldier?
A) to help him
B) to show him the way in the dark
C) so that he could send him signal in case of any distress
D) All these

Q22- What was General's plan for American soldier?

A) he wanted him to reach safely
B) will inform his country
C) will get him assassinated by some private assassins
D) none

Q23- Why did the servants leave Dr.'s House?

A) Because he was wounded
B) because he was dirty
C) Because he was an American Soldier and they didn't like him
D) All

Q24- Where did Dr find American soldier?

A) in the park
B) in the battlefield
C) outside his house
D) none

Q25- Why did Dr. help an enemy soldier?

A) because he was an ethical and sincere doctor
B) because he was his friend
C) because he knew him
D) none

Q26- What conflicting ideas disturb Dr.'s mind after he brought American soldier?

59
A) duty of a doctor and loyalty towards nation
B) his wife's health and general's health
C) patient's health and servants
D) servants' behavior

Q27- How did doctor emerge successful out of all the conflicts?
A) by throwing the patients out of his house
B) by sending his servants out of the house
C) by succumbing before the general
D) By saving soldier's life as a sincere doctor and helping him to escape

Q28- What kind of person Dr Sadao was?

A) an excellent doctor
B) a compassionate human being
C) Sincere and responsible citizen
D) All these

Q29- What idea do you form of a doctor after reading the lesson?
A) an excellent doctor
B) a compassionate human being
C) Sincere and responsible citizen
D) All these

Q30- What were the dominant traits of the doctor’s personality?

A) expertise in his profession and compassion as a human
B) obstinate
C) doesn't like to obey anyone
D) rude

Q31- Why did Dr. Sadao go to America?

A) to meet the soldiers
B) to meet his friends
C) to travel
D) to study surgery and medicine which was his father's wish

Q32- What did the doctor give to the soldier?

A) his boat
B) food to eat
C) flashlight to use in distress
D) All these

Q33- What does this chapter revolve around?

A) war
B) war between Israel and America
C) war between Malasia and America
D) war between Japan and America

60
Q34- What does the narrator speak about in the beginning of the chapter?
A) the war
B) the General
C) Dr. Sadao’s childhood and his father.
D) the servants and Doctor 's wife

Q35- Where did Dr. meet Hana?

A) in Japan
B) in his neighbourhood
C) in the battlefield
D) at professor Harley's house in America

Q36- Why did the doctor feel alone at the beach?

A) for not bringing his wife with him
B) for not listening to the General
C) for saving an American soldier's life
D) none

Q37- At what age did Sadao go to America?

A) 22
B) 32
C) 12
D) 42

Q38- At what age he came back to Japan?

A) 20
B) 40
C) 50
D) 30

Q39- How many children did Dr. Sadao have?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 3
D) 2

Q40- What does Dr. Sadao remember towards the end of the story?
A) five American faces which had a lion’s share in his
B) which had a lion’s share in his life
C) his first landlady, who was full of prejudice, yet saved his life when he was suffering from influenza.
D) All these

61
ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS
NOTICE WRITING
FORMAT (F)
CONTENT(C)
EXPRESSIONS(E)
EXPRESSIONS INCLUDE – SPELLINGS, GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY, COHERENCE(LOGICAL
SEQUENCING)
Word limit: 50 words
Give a heading (2 – 6 words)
Date in the format - 04 May 2021
Notice comes on one page in a BOX

ABC Public School, Rohtak

04 May 2021
NOTICE
(leave a line)
Inter- School Debate Competition
(leave a line)
(para 1)This is to inform the students of classes VI – XII that ……………………….(what, when where)
{When : date and timings}
Interested students should give their names to their class teacher latest by 10 May 2021 for the auditions.
(leave a line)
(para 2) For further information contact the Literary In-charge from 1.00pm – 2.00pm in the library.
(leave a line)
Signature
Name
Designation
You are Rohan/Rohini, Vice Principal of ABC International School, Rohtak. Draft a notice for the
school notice board informing the students of IX - XII that their UT 1 Exams are starting from 20
May 2021. Word limit : 50 words.

62
ADVERTISEMENT WRITING
1. CLASSIFIED
2. DISPLAY/ COMMERCIAL
Format 1M
Content 2M
Expressions 1 M
50 Words
In a BOX
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT
Important points:
1. give a heading
2. If you have something that you want to sell/give then start your advertisement
with the word ‘AVAILABLE’ and if you want to purchase or get something then start
with the word ‘REQUIRED’ in the capital letters.
3. Use only relevant points because you pay for every single word.
4. Avoid the use of
- helping verbs like is am are………
- articles a an the
- conjunctions like and so because………..
- prepositions like to for of from ……………..
5. Mention at least five features/points, using commas.
6. Don’t leave any space anywhere
7. Give a name and contact address in the end.

CLASSIFIED
1. PROPERTY FOR SALE
2. TO LET - HOUSE FOR RENT
3. VEHICLE FOR SALE
4. SITUATION VACANT/ SITUATION WANTED
5. LOST AND FOUND
6. TUTORIALS
7. MATRIMONIALS
8. KENNEL

HOUSE FOR SALE

LOCALITY
COVERED AREA
NO OF ROOMS
WASHROOMS
KITCHEN
FACILITIES – ELECTRICITY BACK UP WATER SECURITY INSURANCE
FURNISHINGS
NEARNESS
DESIGN

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PARKING SPACE
DIRECTION – EAST FACING
PRICE
ADDRESS AND CONTACT NO.
Location
Space/ area covered
Type of house – flat/ villa/ floor
Drawing room, bedrooms, type of kitchen, washrooms
Directions
Park facing/ market airport…….
Other facilities
Price
Contact no and address

CAR FOR SALE

AVAILABLE for sale white HYUNDAI i20 2017 model,
20000km run, 20kmpl, radial tyres, insured, dentless,
scratchless, stereo fitted, single hand driven, owner
going abroad. Price expected Rs5lakhs. Contact Rohini,
777, ABC Colony, XYZ City.
SCOOTY FOR SALE
AVAILABLE for sale red Pleasure scooty by Honda, 2018 model,
20000km run, 50kmpl, radial tyres, dentless, scratchless, all papers
complete, owner purchasing bike. Price expected Rs25000/-. Contact
……………………………..

LOST AND FOUND

LOST a black leather VIP bag on 6 May 2021 while travelling from Rohini to
Vikaspuri in route 803, contains certificates, passport, Adhaar card, some cash in
wallet. Informer will be rewarded. Contact Rohini, 777, KD Nagar, xyz city or dial
xxxxxx7777.

LOST AND FOUND

Points to Remember
50 words is the maximum – lesser the words more the marks
Lost a bag
1. colour
2. brand/mark
3. type of bag
4. contents
5. reward
6. place where you lost
7. time/ day of loss

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 LOST AND FOUND
LOST a blue bag of American Tourister while travelling in route 803 from
Vikaspuri to Narela on 05 May 2021, contains passport, Adhaar card, some cash
in wallet, informer will be suitably rewarded. Contact ……..

You found a suitcase while travelling in a train. Draft an advertisement

LOST AND FOUND

FOUND a suitcase while travelling in train on 05 May 2021, contains some
clothes, documents. Owner can claim after giving details to Station Master Old
Delhi Railway Station or contact Rohini at xxxxxx7777.

You found Chemistry

notes in school campus
with no name. draft an
advertisement.
HOUSE FOR SALE
AVAILABLE for sale a well-furnished flat in Eldeco
County, xyz city, 1500 square feet, drawing cum dining,
three bedrooms with attached washrooms, modular kitchen,
space for parking, market nearby. Price expected Rs50
lakhs. Contact Rohini , 777 KD Nagar , xyz city or dial
xxxxxxx777.

SITUATION VACANT
VACANT POSTS FOR JOBS
1. Mention the name of the organization/institution
2. Number of vacancies
3. Type of vacancy
4. Qualifications
5. Experience
6. Other essential requirement
7. Salary
8. How to apply
ABC Public School requires Physics teacher for higher classes. Draft an advertisement.
You are Rohit/ Ruhani. Word limit 50 words.

SITUATION VACANT
REQUIRED Physics teacher in ABC Public School, xyz city, to teach classes XI, XII, should
be M.Sc., B.Ed., with good academic record, minimum five year experience, age not more
than 45, good communication skills, computer literate, salary Rs75000/-, no bar for
deserving candidates. Apply to Principal within fifteen days at abcps@gmail.com

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Self-address (two lines)

LEAVE A LINE
Date
LEAVE A LINE
Address of the addressee(FOUR LINES)
LEAVE A LINE
Subject: __________________________________
LEAVE A LINE
Sir
Three paragraphs
LEAVE A LINE after every paragraph
Yours truly
Name
Examination Hall
XYZ City

04 October 2021

The Editor
The Hindu
ABC Road
New Delhi

Subject: Poor condition of roads

Sir
I am a resident of …………………. The people of my locality are………..

All the details (if the letter is about a problem then give solution also)

I request you to publish my letter in your newspaper so that the concerned authorities to look into
the matter.

Yours truly
ABC

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Write a letter to the editor drawing attention of the authorities towards encroachment of
Public Park in your locality. You are Rohan/Rohini.
Examination Hall
XYZ City

17 May 2021

The Editor
The Hindu
ABC Road
New Delhi

Subject: Encroachment of Public Park

Sir
I am a resident of MNO Colony. The people of our colony are facing a problem of encroachment of the
public park in our colony. There is only one park for the people of this colony.

The park has been encroached at the corners by the anti-social elements. There are benches at the corners for
the women and elderly people to sit. But as these corners have been encroached, there is no place for them to
sit. At one side facing the road many have opened their small shops thus reducing the area of the park. They
sell eatables from here and the quality of these eatables is very poor. We have complained many times but
no action has been taken. We have seen policemen come, take bribe from them and leave. The situation
stays as it is.

A strict action should be taken against these encroachers and the policemen involved. There should be a
proper boundary around the park. I request you to publish my letter in the newspaper so that the municipal
authority takes a strict action and punishes the culprits.

Yours truly
Rohini

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ARTICLE WRTING
Paragraph 1 : Introduction (tell what the article is about, catch attention, arouse interest)
Paragraph 2 : Develop cause-effect relationships (use facts, give examples)
Paragraph 3 : Comparison and contrast (give views, compare why your views are better)
Paragraph 4 : Solution/Conclusion (summing up, offer suggestions/measures)

Changing Gender Roles

by Geeta/Gaurav Class XII
This is an era of women trying to shatter the glass ceilings and men attempting to cope with over
‘successful’ wives. It is a confused time. The typical stereotypes may have diluted a bit, but scratch the
surface and we are there where we were a decade ago.
The attempts to change roles are rather superficial. People are more comfortable with the roles assigned to
them. Society is against radical changes. The media projects the gradual shift in attitude. However, off –
screen, not many dare to emulate them. The poignant question – are men really prepared to accept the ‘new’
women? The answer is often stated, they are ‘good friends’ with the successful career – woman but to tie the
knot they seek a traditional woman who can cook and keep the mother-in-law happy.
Even women prefer strong dominating men as against today’s emotional male. Men cry, we agree. But no
woman wants a man who is extra sensitive and cares more about the kitchen than his career graph. They
want to grow and move with their male counterparts. The women too want to explore the world .
So, a woman who doesn’t cook is still not deemed a homemaker and an overly emotional man is not
considered man enough. A child even today is largely the woman’s responsibility and the man will still think
twice before crying like baby. But the things are changing, men have started to respect women and the time
has come for women to move over.

How To Bring The Light Of Modernity To Rural Area

By Mamta

India is still an agriculture based economy where by virtue of having 70% share of the agriculture/the ways
of the economic development pass through the streets of our villages. But it would not be wrong to say that
still these rural streets are without the lights of progress in social and economical terms.

The physical conditions of villages are very pathetic, roads are still in deplorable condition. Most of the
houses are still made up of mud and straw and even if they are constructed in bricks, they are not plastered
in cement. Electricity is still a day dream for many of the villages, or those having electricity it is provided
for few hours. In social terms also, many of the social evils are still in practice such as child marriage, Parda
system. Adult illiteracy is also widely found in these villages. Superstition is the byproduct of many of the
social evils and practices. These are the outcome of poor economic growth. All types of unemployment is
found here. Most of the villages are poverty-stricken. Our farmers are committing suicides and in some parts
of the country their anger is being expressed in terms of movements.

There must be a movement to set up educational institution in rural areas as well as industries to provide
employment and better life prospects to rural people. Once they are educated and economically sustained,
social evils automatically will disappear and our villages will be enlightened with the ray of modernity.

Apart from government it is the duty of NGOs and all big industrialists to adopt these villages and to make
the life of village prosper and delightful.

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 The Role of Media in Spreading Awareness in Society
By Sandeep

Media today encompasses Print Media such as newspaper, magazines, journals, periodicals etc., Electronic
Media: radio, television, telephone and the internet and Entertainment Media: films and music. In the world
of today, media has become almost as necessary as food, clothing and other requirement. It’s a mirror of the
society. It is the duty of media to inform, educate and entertain the people as it is the fourth pillar of our
democratic country.

Media helps us to know what’s going on around the world. They put their lives in danger during attacks or a
natural disaster, just to inform us of the situation. It is partly because of them that awareness is spreading in
the society. It is the media which shapes our lives i.e., we cannot think our morning without the newspaper.
It is just like morning tea with biscuit. Our lives would be incomplete without the print and electronic media.

The role played by media in developing countries such as India, is a key to realize the dream of inclusive
development. Awareness regarding immunization programmes, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are
spread through media to remote parts of our country. Today All India Radio covers approximately 98% of
the population of India. Even the spread of education through distance learning has made the dream of 100%
literacy a reality in the years to come.

Media is the watchdog of the political democracy. If it plays its role honestly, it will be a great force in
building the nation. But nowadays, media has become a commercialised sector looking only for news that is
hot and sells. Media is an integral part of our society, but that’s also a fact that it’s too much intervention in
everything is a matter of concern. People have to judge on their own by looking and listening to different
channels for the same news and then form a conclusion.

The Impact Of Television On Today’s Youth

by xyz , Class XII student
In the present-day society, one cannot live a day without radio, television, newspapers and the latest fashion
of the new generation, the Internet. All these constitute the media. Television is one of the most prevalent
media which influences kids’ lives.
How much impact TV has on children depends on many factors: How much they watch, their age and
personality, whether they watch alone or with elders, and whether their parents talk to them about what they
see on TV. Many children stare at a television screen for more hours each day than they do anything else. He
or she begins to believe that there is no difference between fight killings and other kinds of violence. Studies
have shown that people become more violent after certain programmes.
To minimize the potential negative effects of television, it is important to understand the impact of television
on children. Parents should also pay a close attention to what their children see. Most of the children’s free
time especially during the early formative years, should be spent in activities such as playing, reading,
exploring nature, learning about music or participating in sports. TV viewing is a sedentary activity, and has
been proven to be a significant factor in childhood obesity.
Television can play a substantial role in making our world more civilized, sophisticated and enlightened. We
should not let it degenerate into something barbaric or monstrous, but should endorse moral values and
ethics, in order that the world we live in could be transformed into a better place.

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 Honour Killing - A Social Evil
by Ajay
There are many social problems and honour killing is one of them. Honour killing, now popularly and
ironically called by media as Horror killing is a social evil that has existed in our society for a very long
time. The root cause of this social evil lies in exercise of parental authority, over their children as their
matter of right. Especially in the patriarchal societies, the thinking that whatever parents think is right; that
children can’t take good decisions for their life partners, their future or career goals.
Majority of Indian parents don’t trust their children when it comes to decide their life partner or career. Even
if society had not been divided along the lives of caste and creed, problems would have persisted in other
forms. But the evil of Honour killing began to raise its ugliest head when structure of society became more
and more complex. It is more frequently found in rural areas where the light of education is yet to reach.
Three things are very shocking in context of Honour killing. First of that the perpetrators do not regret
after killing their daughters, sisters and their boyfriends. Rather the killings are glorified. Secondly, ways of
killing are very heinous and brutal going beyond the limits of humanity. For example, in Delhi the couple
was electrocuted after being closed and tied in an iron box. Third thing is that not only older generation
i.e., parents but the youths who are expected to bring out the social change and revolution in society are also
killing their sisters, cousins in the name of family honours.
Whatever the reason and whoever is the perpetrator, Honour Killing is totally wrong and a punishable crime.
It is against the pattern of society. Each older generation must give way to the forthcoming generation the
freedom to take their decisions about their life. We must have trust in our children and respect their
decisions. No law allows us to kill our children. The practice of honour killing must be stopped immediately
and all legal agencies should come forward to rescue the young boys or girls who have decided their life
partners on their own.

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REPORT WRITING (PAST TENSE, THIRD PERSON, PREFERABLY PASSIVE VOICE)

ALUMNI MEET
ABC school made a good beginning by organizing the first ever Alumni Meet in the school on beautiful
bright sunny day on the 26th of February 2019. The magnificent show started at 4.00 in the evening. Junior
students of the school welcomed those who many years back had spent precious years of their lives here in
this wonderful school.

There was a lot of fun - songs, music, dance and of course the memories of the school life. The students
introduced themselves and shared experiences of their life after school. They all were delighted to be back
together in the school after many years. One thing that they remembered the most was the delicious food of
the school mess. They were euphoric to meet some of their teachers who at some time of their life taught
them and made a big difference in their lives.

The elections were held to elect the representatives for the future Alumni Meets. Rohan, a student of the first
batch was elected the President. Gaurav and Nikhil were elected the Vice President. The Principal thanked
the students for coming and blessed them for their future and told them to stay in touch with the school. He
asked them to do something good for the old age homes and the underprivileged. This suggestion was
widely applauded by all. The day ended with the dinner and the students carried sweet memories with them.
It was indeed a memorable day for all those who came.
***************

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READING SECTION ASSIGNMENT
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. Among the natural resources which can be called upon in national plans for development, possibly the
most important is human labour. Since the English language suffers from a certain weakness in its ability to
describe groups composed of both male and female members, this is usually described as "manpower".
2. Without a productive labour force, including effective leadership and intelligent middle management, no
amount of foreign assistance or of natural wealth can ensure successful development and modernization.
3. The manpower for development during the next quarter century will come from the world's present
population of infants, children and adolescents. But we are not sure that they will be equal to task. Will they
have the health, the education, the skills, the socio-cultural attitudes essential for the responsibilities of
development?
4. For far too many of them the answer is no. The reason is basic. A child's most critical years, with regard
to physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development, are those before he reaches five years of age.
During those critical formative years he is cared for almost exclusively by his mother and in many parts of
the world the mother may not have the capacity to raise a superior child. She is incapable of doing so by
reason of her own poor health, her ignorance and her lack of status and recognition of social and legal rights,
of economic party of independence. One essential factor has been overlooked and ignored. The forgotten
factor is the role of women. Development will be handicapped as long as women remain second class
citizen, uneducated without any voice in family or community, decisions without legal or economic status,
married when they are still practically children, and henceforth producing one baby after another, often to
see half of them die before they are of school age.
5. We can enhance development by improving 'women power', by giving women the opportunity to develop
themselves. Statistics show that the average family size increases in inverse ratio to the mother's years of
education- is lowest among college graduates, highest among those with only primary school training, or no
education. Malnutrition is most frequent in large families, and increases in frequency with each additional
sibling. The principle seems established that an educated mother has healthier and more intelligent children,
and that is related to the fact that she has fewer children. ……2

The tendency of educated, upper class mothers to have fewer children operates even without access to any
extra services.
6. The educational level of women is significant also because it has a direct influence upon their chances of
employment, and the number of employed women in country's total labour force has a direct bearing on both
the gross national product and disposable income of the individual family. Disposable income, especially in
the hands of women, influences food purchasing and therefore the nutritional status of the family. The fact
that the additional income derives from the paid employment of women provides a logical incentive to
restrict the size of the family.
1.1. Choose the most appropriate option:
(a) Among the natural resources which can be called upon in national plans for development……………..
(i) The most important is certainly human labour.
(ii) The most important is possibly human labour.
(iii) The least developed is certainly human labour.
(iv) The least developed is undoubtedly human labour.
(b) Without a productive labour force, including effective leadership and intelligent middle
management……………..
(i) No productive work is possible.
(ii) Entrepreneurs will incur heavy losses.
(iii) Economic development will not keep pace with national movements.
(iv) No amount of foreign assistance or of natural wealth can ensure successful development and
modernization.
(c) Development will be handicapped as long as women remain…..
(i) second class citizen (ii) third class citizen
(iii) first class citizen (iv) fourth class citizen

72
(d) Disposable income in the hands of women strengthen
(i) Family bond (ii) Nutritional status of the family
(iii) Spiritual status of the family (iv) None of these
(e) The critical formative years for a child are
(i) first two years (ii) first five years
(iii) five to ten years of age (iv) None of the above

73