A HANDBOOK
FOR ENGLISH LECTURERS
May 2014
I
II
Chief Advisor
Ms. Anita Satia
Director, SCERT
Guidance
Dr. Pratibha Sharma,
Joint Director, SCERT
Editor
Dr. Meena Sehrawat,
Ms. Ritika Dabas,
Senior Lecturer, DIET
Ghumanhera
Senior Lecturer, SCERT
Contributors
Dr. Kirti Kapoor,
Ms. Rajyasri Narayan,
Ms. Neelam Kulshrestha,
Ms. Anita Mishra,
Ms. Dolly Dhawan,
Ms. Suman Dagar,
Dr. Meena Sehrawat,
Ms. Ritika Dabas,
Associate Professor, NCERT
Vice Principal, DoE
Lecturer, DoE
Lecturer, DoE
Lecturer, Salwan Public School
Lecturer, D.P.S Dwarka
Senior Lecturer, DIET
Ghumanhera
Senior Lecturer, SCERT
Publication Incharge
Ms. Sapna Yadav
Publication Team
Mr. Navin Kumar, Ms. Radha & Mr. Jai Bhagwan
Published by : Mukesh Yadav, Publication oficer, State Council of Educational Research & Training, New Delhi
on behalf of SCERT and printed at Educational Stores, S-5, Bsr. Road Ind. Area, Ghaziabad (U.P.)
III
Message
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 places different demands and
expectations on the teacher. So, a teacher needs to be prepared to cater to the needs
and demands arising out of the school context. As needs and requirements of the society
keep on changing with time, it becomes imperative to devise right type of education for a
given time to keep in pace with the changes taking around. It also necessitates building
positive outlook of society in order to enable it to face the new challenges and emerge as
a champion whatever the circumstance be, howsoever difficult situations may be. This
can effectively be achieved by revising and updating syllabus regularly and periodically.
‘Change is life’ and this must be reflected through our syllabus; it means syllabus at no
stage can afford to remain static; it has got to be dynamic in order to cater to the current
needs and aspirations of the society. To keep pace with the changing scenario, CBSE have
brought in required changes in class XII syllabus; there has been a remarkable change in
the assessment pattern as well so that study and assessment should go hand in hand.
There is a need to orient our lecturers about these changes and the latest developments.
Keeping this in mind, SCERT is organizing seminars for the lecturers in the summer
vacations to keep them abreast with the changes and updating that have taken place in
recent years. Teacher’s manual has also been developed and it is hoped that it would give
an insight to the lecturers about different activities and making the learning user friendly
and interesting.
I acknowledge a deep sense of gratitude to the C.B.S.E., the team of experts and
contributors who have provided their valuable suggestions and contribution in developing
this manual. I extend my thanks to the Editors and Coordinators for contributing immensely
and not only in completing the endeavour in time but also in making the manual relevant.
I sincerely hope that this manual will enable our lecturers to make their teaching
learning effective, interactive, interesting and activity based to improve the performance
of the learners. I hope you will find it appealing and absorbing. We all know that there
is always scope for improvement in whatever we do. Your suggestions and comments
regarding this Manual, therefore, are welcome.
Ms. Anita Satia
Director, SCERT
IV
V
SECTION – A
READING COMPREHENSION
30 MARKS
READING COMPREHENSION – I
Factual and Discursive Passages
PASSAGE 1
1
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
12 marks
1.
The advances in biological science and electronics have greatly changed the understanding of the human
body and treatment of diseases. These advances have given great powers to medicine in prolonging
human life using an array of gadgets – artiicial respirator, pacemaker, synthetic valves, artiicial
bones and electronic implants – in addition to a vast array of new drugs. The hopeless medical case
of yesterday is easily cured today. This has become a reality primarily because of the formulation of
wonder drugs such as antibiotics, sulpha drugs, antiseptics, growth stimulants and rejuvenators. Thus,
the pharmaceutical industries have become giants in every country, big or small.
2.
“The desire to take medicine is perhaps the greatest feature which distinguishes man from animals,”
said William Oster. This desire has catalysed an awesome and uncontrolled development of drug
industries all over the world. Taking drugs has become a veritable cult in this century. Even a healthy
person swallows a few tablets a day in the hope of maintaining his health. The most extensively used
medicines are painkillers, vitamins and antibiotics. Among these, aspirin is the number one drug in
terms of quantities consumed. This has been in use for a century now. Over 30 million pounds of
aspirin, or 150 tablets a person, are consumed in the U.S. alone each year. The worldwide production
of this drug is a staggering 1, 00,000 tons a year.
3.
We have now to ask whether this habit of taking drugs is being exploited by the drug industries. Are
the doctors, at least some of them, in league with the drug industries in promoting unfair sale of drugs?
A commonly-voiced criticism against the doctors pertains to over-prescription, directing the patients
to take more drugs than what is necessary. This causes physician-produced diseases (called iatrogenic
diseases). Some doctors are responsible for drug addiction among their patients.
4.
There is a growing concern among the medical practitioners themselves that antibiotics are prescribed
irrationally and recklessly. These medicines, though potent in curing diseases, are not totally free from
side effects. A survey conducted in Kolkata recently had indicated that over-prescription of antibiotics
had led to serious kidney and liver problems in patients. Some persons are allergic to antibiotics and
cases of deaths are known by callous administration of these drugs to such persons. Mexaform and
Enterovioform are anti-diarrheal drugs. Until recently these could be bought off the shelf of the drug
1
stored without prescription. Today, consumption of these drugs has been proved to cause blindness
and therefore these have been withdrawn from use.
5.
A Swedish pediatric neurologist, Dr. Ollen Hansson, pioneered in ighting internationally against
needless drug prescription. He, in spite of his afliction with cancer, campaigned against over-zealous
prescription of drugs and succeeded in getting some harmful drugs withdrawn from use all over the
world. May 24, the day he died is celebrated as the Ollen Hansson Day to keep alive his campaign
against over-prescription.
6.
Each drug we use, like a coin, has to two sides, namely-its potency and toxicity. The border line between these two effects is thin in some cases. Therefore, doctors have a great responsibility in carefully
prescribing such drugs.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions:
1.
The pharmaceutical companies have made great advances in
1 mark
a. The understanding of the human body.
b. Playing a key role in the treatment of diseases.
c. Formulating wonder drugs such as antibiotics.
d. Helping prolong human life.
2. Ollen Hansson Day is celebrated to
1 mark
a. Highlight advances made in biological science
b. Fight against needless drug prescription
c. Promote the sale of wonder drugs
d. Prevent the use of Mexaform and Enterovioform
3. The writer says that ‘the doctors are in league with the drug industries’. This means
that doctors
a. Promote over-prescription.
b. Are responsible for drug addiction among their patients.
c. Encourage over-zealous prescription of drugs
d. All of these.
1 mark
4. According to the passage what causes blindness?
1 mark
a. Antiseptics
b. Antibiotics
c. Sulpha drugs
d. Anti-diarrheal drugs
5.
How has growth in medical science helped mankind?
1 mark
6.
According to the writer, what distinguishes man from animal?
1 mark
2
7.
Mention any one drug that is used all over the world.
1 mark
8.
What causes physician-produced diseases?
1 mark
9.
What are the side effects of antibiotics? (Any 2)
1mark
10. What does the writer mean by ‘over-prescription’?
11. Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar
in meaning to the following:
1mark
2 marks
a. carelessly (Para 4)
b. poisonous (Para 6)
PASSAGE 2
2
Read the following passage carefully.
12 marks
1.
Many of us believe that “small” means “insigniicant”. We believe that small actions and choices do
not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is only the big things, the big actions and the big
decisions that really count. But when you look at the lives of all great people, you will see that they
built their character through small decisions, small choices and small actions that they performed every day. They transformed their lives through a step-by-step or day-by-day approach. They nurtured
and nourished their good habits and chipped away at their bad habits, one step at a time. It was their
small day-to-day decisions that added up to make tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in
matters of personal growth and character building, there is no such thing as an overnight success.
2.
Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic process to growth.
When we look at children growing up, we can see this process at work: the child irst learns to crawl,
then to stand and walk, and inally to run. The same is true in the natural world. The soil must irst be
tilled, and then the seed must be planted. Next, it must be nurtured and nourished with enough water
and sunlight, and only then will it grow, bear fruit and inally ripen and be ready to eat.
3.
Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to his beneit. Gandhi
grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not wake up one day and ind himself to be
the “Mahatma”. In fact, there was nothing much in his early life that showed signs of greatness. But
from his mid-twenties onwards, he deliberately and consistently attempted to change himself, reform
himself and grow in some small way every day. Day by day, hour by hour, he risked failure, experimented and learned from mistakes. In small and large situations alike, he took up rather than avoided
responsibility.
4.
People have always marveled at the effortless way in which Gandhi could accomplish the most dificult
tasks. He displayed great deal of self-mastery and discipline that was amazing. These things did not
come easily to him. Years of practice and disciplined training went into making his successes possible.
Very few saw his struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties, or his inner efforts to overcome them. They
saw the victory, but not the struggle.
3
5.
This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercised their freedoms and choices in
small ways that made great impact on their lives and their environment. Each of their small decisions
and actions, added up to have a profound impact in the long run. By understanding this principle,
we can move forward, with conidence, in the direction of our dreams. Often when our “ideal goal”
looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged, disheartened and pessimistic. However, when
we choose to grow in small ways taking small steps one at a time, performing it becomes easy.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions:
1. The main idea of the irst paragraph is that
1 mark
a. Big things, big actions and big decisions make a person great.
b. Small actions and decisions are important in one’s lives.
c. Overnight success is possible for all of us.
d. Personal changes are not important.
2.
What does the writer mean by saying ‘chipped away at their bad habits’ (Para 2)?
1 mark
a. Gave up bad habits
b. Produced bad habits
c. Criticized bad habits
d. Did not like bad habits
3.
Which of the following statements is true in the third paragraph?
1 mark
a. Gandhi became great one ine day.
b. He avoided responsibility.
c. Every day Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small way.
d. Gandhi was the Father of the Nation.
4.
How did great people transform their lives?
1 mark
a. Day - by - day
b. In small ways
c. One at a time
d. All of these
5. How do small actions and choices impact our lives?
1 mark
6. How does growth occur? Give an example from the text.
1 mark
7. What according to the author is the universal law of nature?
1 mark
8. How did Gandhi accomplish the most dificult tasks effortlessly?
1 mark
9. What is the common factor in the lives of great men?
1 mark
4
10. How can we achieve our ‘ideal goals’?
1 mark
11. Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar in
meaning to the following:
2 marks
a. take care of (Para 2)
b. deep, very strongly felt (Para 5}
READING COMPREHENSION – II
Literary Passages
PASSAGE 1
1 Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
10 marks
1.
A man-eating tiger is a tiger that has been compelled, through stress of circumstances beyond its
control, to adopt an unnatural diet. The stress of circumstances is, in nine cases out of ten, wounds,
and in the tenth case old age. The wound that has caused a particular tiger to take to man-eating might
be the result of a carelessly ired shot and failure to follow up and recover the wounded animal, or
be the result of the tiger having lost his temper when killing a porcupine. Human beings are not the
natural prey of tigers, and it is only when tigers have been incapacitated through wounds or old age
that, in order to live, they are compelled to take to a diet of human lesh.
2
A tiger when killing its natural prey, which it does either by stalking or lying in wait for it, depends
for the success of its attack on its speed and, to a lesser extent, on the condition of its teeth and claws.
When, therefore, a tiger is suffering from one or more painful wounds, or when its teeth are missing
or defective and its claws worn down, and it is unable to catch the animals it has been accustomed to
eating, it is driven by necessity to killing human beings. The change over from animal to human lesh
is, I believe, in most cases accidental.
3
As an illustration of what I mean by ‘accidental’ I quote the case of the Mukteshwar man-eating tigress. This tigress, a comparatively young animal, in an encounter with a porcupine, lost an eye and
got some ifty quills, varying in length from one to nine inches, embedded in the arm and under the
pad of her right foreleg. Several of these quills after striking a bone had doubled back in the form of
a U, the point and the broken-off end being quite close together. Suppurating sores formed where she
endeavoured to extract the quills with her teeth, and while she was lying up in a thick patch of grass
starving and licking her wounds, a woman selected this particular patch of grass to cut as fodder for her
cattle. At irst the tigress took no notice, but when the woman had cut the grass right up to where she
was lying the tigress struck once, the blow crushing in the woman’s skull. Death was instantaneous,
for, when found the following day, she was grasping her sickle with her hand and holding a tuft of
grass, which she was about to cut when struck, with the other. Leaving the woman lying where she
5
had fallen, the tigress limped off for a distance of over a mile and took refuge in a little hollow under
a fallen tree.
4
Two days later a man came to chip irewood of this alien tree, and the tigress, who was lying on the
far side killed him. The man fell across the tree, and he had removed his coat and shirt, and the tigress
had clawed his back when killing him, it is possible that the smell of the blood trickling down his
body as he hung across the bole of the tree irst gave her the idea that he was something that she could
satisfy her hunger with. However that may be, before leaving him she ate a small portion from his
back. A day later she killed her third victim, and without having received any provocation. Thereafter
she became an established man eater and had killed 24 people before she was inally accounted for.
The Temple Tiger and more Man-eaters of Kumaon
By Jim Corbett
1.
The Mukteshwar tigress became a man eater due to
1 mark
a. It’s painful wounds
b. Its ferocious temper
c. It’s defective teeth
2.
A man-eating tiger is one that
1 mark
a. takes to an unnatural diet
b. gets angry easily
c. kills human beings
d. none of these
3.
Why did Mukteshwar tigress become a man eater?
4.
How does a tiger kill its natural prey?
1 mark
5.
What happened to the Mukteshwar tigress in an encounter with a porcupine?
1 mark
6.
Why did the tigress not eat the woman who had come to cut grass?
1 mark
7.
How did the Mukteshwar tigress turn into a man-eater?
1 mark
8.
What does the writer mean by the phrase, ‘…had killed 24 people
before she was inally accounted for’?
9.
1 mark
Find words from the passage that means’ become unit’ .
10. Find words from the passage that means opposite to’alien’
6
1 mark
PASSAGE 2
2
Read the following poem and answer the questions given below.
10 marks
ENCROACHMENT
By Neerada Suresh
1
One evening after work
groping in the mailbox
For messages, letters from nowhere,
My ingers encountered
5
sprigs, twigs and eggs.
A bird had nested
right inside my mailbox.
Annoyed, I cleared it all
except for the eggs.
10
Later in the evening
A squall had me out
hastily gathering, clothes left drying.
In the garden, hopping
in clumsy hurry, was a mainah
15
balancing in its yellow beak
twigs and slender sticks
heading for my mailbox
laboriously to rebuild
the cosy nest I had wrecked.
20
My vision blurred in the heady showers
The message I had missed
Quite clearly I read
In the incongruous nest
hidden in the wooden box.
25
A trespass, an encroachment
7
that escaped prosecution,
A slow persecution
through a denuding of its habitat
leaving no room to nest
30
Except in wooden post boxes
nailed to concrete walls.
1.
In the mailbox, the poet looks for
1 mark
a. A nest
b. Letters
c. Bird’s eggs
2.
How does the poet react to the bird’s nest in the mailbox?
1 mark
d. She is angry
e. She is delighted
f. She is unconcerned
3.
Which one of the following statements is NOT true?
1 mark
a. There was a storm in the evening.
b. The poet missed a letter in the mailbox.
c. Mainah did not have room to nest.
d. Clothes were drying in the garden
4.
What does the poet do to the nest?
1 mark
5.
What does the poet do to the eggs in the mailbox?
1 mark
6.
The bird starts rebuilding the nest. Why?
1 mark
7.
The writer uses the phrase – ‘a denuding of its habitat’.
Whose habitat has been denuded?
8.
Find words from the poem that mean
a. to search
b. warm and protected
c. to punish or treat cruelly
8
1 mark
3 marks
READING COMPREHENSION – III
Note-making and Summarizing
PASSAGE 1
1.
Read the following passage carefully.
8 marks
Salt, a miraculous gift of nature, is one of the most useful and amazing minerals on Earth derived
from the sea and rocks. Do you know that it is the only rock the humans can eat?
Salt has seasoned our history, language and food, besides making nutritious food more palatable. Used
in all bakery products, prepared foods, sauces, soups, spices, cereals, dairy foods, meats, poultry, it is
also an extraordinary effective food preservative, retarding the growth of spoilage by micro- organisms
and making food storage possible long before refrigeration.
How much salt is necessary for human consumption? Medical experts agree that everyone should
practice some reasonable ‘moderation’ in salt consumption. For the average person, a moderate amount
might run from 4-10 gm a day or roughly half to one and one-third teaspoon. The equivalent of one to
two gm of this salt allowance would come from the natural sodium in food. The rest would be added
in processing, preparation or at the table.
Common salt, a chloride of sodium, is chemically represented by the symbol NaCl. The human body
has a continual need for salt. Sodium chloride or the common salt is 39% sodium and 61% chloride.
Forming a solution in the body, these two components separate into sodium and chloride ions, each with
a different task. Chloride maintains the balance of water between the living cell and its environment,
plays part in digestion, and pairs with sodium to maintain the blood’s acid-base balance, critical for life.
Sodium assists in regulating the volume of blood and blood pressure. It facilitates the transmission of
nerve impulses and is necessary for heart and muscle contractions. Although the popular conception
is that salt is a lavor enhancer, a recent American study suggests that it functions as a lavor ilter on
food, selectively enhancing and suppressing various tastes. Another study shows that the use of salt
suppresses the bitter taste of dark green vegetables like bitter gourds. Salt’s functions in the body are
already elucidated. Deiciency signs include lethargy, dizziness, cramps and palpitation. In woman,
excessive salt intake promotes luid retardation. But what the good salt can do, in the right dose, is
unequaled. Snorers should try spraying their nose with salt water to moisten mucous membrane. To
invigorate the body when tired or to remove dead skin cells, rub a handful of salt all over your body
before having your bath.
The recommendation that no one should exclude salt totally from the diet is awfully wrong. Scientists
are of the view that salt is an invisible killer and therefore, a health hazard. As new evidence piles up
alarm bells have started raining. And the next battle might be just against salt! Specialists are convinced
that a diet high in salt causes high blood pressure, a disorder that aflicts one-third of people above
the age of 60. Moreover, this is a risk factor for two great killers-coronary heart disease and stroke.
1.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it, using headings and sub-head9
ings. Also use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary (minimum 4). Use a format you
consider suitable.
5 marks
2.
Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
3 marks
PASSAGE 2
2.
Read the following passage carefully.
8 marks
Is there anything you can do to help yourself-and perhaps others as well - in a big ire? Yes, indeed,
you can escape or increase your chances of rescue if you use your head and know what to do. Most
important at such times is the pause when you irst realize that there is a ire – the pause when you
calmly decide what to do.
If the smell of smoke wakes you up at night, don’t rush to the door and ling it open. First feel it cautiously. If it is hot, don’t open it! Open your window, call for help and wait there to be rescued. The
closed door will hold back heat, lames and smoke for quite a long time.
If the door is not hot (feel the metal part that connects the front door-knobs, too), you can open it
carefully, bracing your foot and arm against it so it will not ly open. Close your window before opening the door. Otherwise a smouldering ire, suddenly receiving a supply of fresh air, might burst into
lames.
If the smell of smoke leads you to the cellar, feel that door very carefully indeed. If it is even warm,
telephone for help immediately. Say ‘Fire’ to the operator, and tell her your address clearly. If you
have no phone (or can’t get to it) and have to go outside the house to phone, awaken the rest of the
household before you go, so they can get out of the house.
If you must escape through a room illed with smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, with your face
close to the loor where the air will be clearest. To avoid bumping into objects or to feel your way in
a strange room, keep one ist raised in front of you, lightly clenched. If the back of your hand touch
a live wire the shock will throw the hand clear instead of causing it to clutch the wire. Should you be
lost in a smoke illed room, make for a wall and then continue around it until you reach the door.
In searching for light of stairs, be careful about grasping a hand-rail which may be weakened by ire.
Go down as close to the wall as possible, for that is where the treads will bear the most weight, and
crawl down backwards for extra safety.
If you must escape through a window, do not ‘jump out of the window’. You can reduce the length of
your fall by 6 or 7 feet by dropping properly. Sit on the sill with your legs outside, turn around, grip
the sill and lower yourself to arm’s length before letting go. If you do not panic, you may easily have
time to knot blankets and sheets together, tie one end to heavy piece of furniture and climb down much
or all of the way.
(From ‘Guided Comprehension and Summary Book 1’ by Brian Blomield and Dorothy Heapy)
1.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it, using headings and sub-headings.
Also use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary (minimum 4). Use a format you consider
suitable.
5 marks
2.
Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
10
3 marks
SILAS MARNER CHAPTER SUMMARY
Chapter 1
George Eliot sets the scene. Silas Marner was a good, honest man who was involved in a religious community in Lantern Yard. Silas suffers from cataleptic its and was accused of stealing money, which was
set up by William Dane. There is no justice and Silas leaves. He feels betrayed by his friend.
Chapter 2
Silas now lives in Raveloe and is a stranger and outsider to the villagers. He is a weaver and begins to hoard
all the money that he earns. Silas has nobody to love and devotes all his time to working and collecting
his gold.
Chapter 3
We are introduced to the second plot which revolves around Godfrey Cass. The Cass family are rich and
powerful. Dunstan, the evil son of the Squire, is blackmailing Godfrey who secretly married Molly Farren.
She turned into a drunken, drug taking wife. If this secret comes out then Godfrey will lose his inheritance.
Nancy Lammeter is Godfrey’s new interest, he can not court her while he already has a wife.
Chapter 4
The story of Silas merges with the plot of Godfrey Cass. Godfrey has agreed to sell his horse, Wildire,
to raise the blackmail money. Dunstan arranges a sale yet foolishly kills the horse. As he is returning to
Raveloe without the horse or money he passes Marner’s cottage. Dunstan enters to see the cottage is empty,
he inds the bags of gold and goes back into the dark, misty night.
Chapter 5
Silas returns to his cottage and before his dinner he decides to get out the gold. To his horror he inds that
it is missing. His purpose in life has been destroyed. Silas decides it is a thief and suspects Jem Rodney.
Off he goes to The Rainbow to tell of the robbery and trust that the Squire and others will help him to
recover his money.
Chapter 6
The scene is The Rainbow tavern where the villagers are assembled for a drink and discussion. They argue
about events in the village and we learn about Raveloe life. This chapter of communal spirit is a contrast
to poor Silas in the previous chapter.
Chapter 7
The villagers are surprised by the appearance of Silas who enters the pub stating his loss. Jem Rodney
denies the charge and Silas apologises as he knows about being wrongly accused. The men are helpful and
11
suggest that there must be some clues to track down the thief. Mr. Dowlas and Mr. Snell go out into the
dark to help Silas.
Chapter 8
Godfrey Cass is still waiting for news from Dunstan who has not returned since selling the horse. Silas
has not heard anything about his money and suspicion falls on a peddler. Godfrey thinks he should tell the
Squire about Molly instead he puts his trust in chance and hopes something will turn up.
Chapter 9
Godfrey tells his father about selling Wildire but does not come clean about his secret marriage. The
Squire thinks that his son should be planning a future with Nancy Lammeter and if Godfrey does not do
something soon then he will sort it out.
Chapter 10
Silas is illed with grief and pain as he is still without his money. The attitude of the villagers is changing as
they try to comfort him by visiting his cottage and bringing gifts. Visits from Mr. Macey, Dolly Winthrop
and Aaron show the concern. Silas is asked to attend church. We see Silas slowly becoming a part of the
community.
Chapter 11
It is New Year’s Eve and a party at the Red House is organised. Everyone comments on the beauty of Nancy.
The Squire is hoping Godfrey will show her affection, he wants to but he is already married.
Chapter 12
While Godfrey is enjoying himself at the party, Molly is on her way to the Red House to disclose the secret
marriage as she has been neglected; she is carrying a child. Molly takes some of her drug and falls in the
snow. The child toddles towards Silas’s cottage but he is having a cataleptic it and fails to notice the child
enter the doorway. When he wakes up, he sees a mass of gold by the hearth, it is not his money but the
golden hair of the child. He takes care of her and there is an immediate bond.
Chapter 13
Godfrey sees Silas enter the party with his own child and hears that a woman is dead in the snow. Dr. Kimble, Dolly and Godfrey go to the cottage. Godfrey has to make sure that the dead woman is Molly. Silas
refuses to give up the child and decides to keep her. On returning to the party, Godfrey thinks that all his
problems are solved and he can now pay attention to Nancy.
Chapter 14
The villagers see Silas as a good man who is trying to bring up a child single-handed. They offer advice.
Silas has her christened Hephzibah, Eppie for short, after his mother. This chapter outlines Eppie being
naughty and Silas can not bring himself to punish her. The presence of a child is transforming Silas.
Chapter 15
12
Godfrey takes a keen but secret interest in Eppie. He has given small gifts without arousing suspicion.
Nancy has agreed to marry Godfrey.
Chapter 16
It is 16 years later and Eppie has grown into a beautiful girl and Aaron Winthrop has shown a keen interest.
There are signs of change in the cottage and it is now a homely place. Eppie and Aaron hope to be married
and to stay at the cottage.
Chapter 17
Godfrey is taking up dairy farming and Stone Pits is being drained. Godfrey and Nancy have been married
for 15 years, they have no children. Nancy had one baby which she lost at birth. Godfrey has suggested
adoption, the child in mind is Eppie. He dares not tell her that she is his child. There is a disturbance in
the village.
Chapter 18
Dunstan’s body has been found in the drained pits and Silas’s money has been found with it. Godfrey confesses to Nancy that Eppie’s mother was his wife and Eppie is his child. It is time Godfrey acknowledged
Eppie as his daughter, he must do his duty.
Chapter 19
Silas has his gold back and explains how his life centred around it. Godfrey and Nancy enter. Godfrey feels
he should make up for his brother’s crime. Godfrey thinks he should take Eppie off him to remove the
burden. When Eppie refuses, Godfrey confesses that he is her father and has a claim on her. Silas is ready
to ight for what he loves. The argument shows Godfrey to be selish and unfeeling to the lower classes.
Eppie is adamant to stay with Silas, the only father she has known.
Chapter 20
Godfrey decides not to reveal that he is the real father, instead he will do all he can to help her have a happy
life. He has been punished for not doing his duty by ending up being childless.
Chapter 21
Silas and Eppie set off to Lantern Yard to see the old home, it no longer exists and Raveloe is the only
home for Silas.
13
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
The major events in the novel are presented below, by chapter, to serve as a reference for the teacher.
PART I
I
• The setting is presented, describing the times and the locale.
• Silas Marner is introduced and described.
• Silas is falsely accused and leaves Lantern Yard.
II
• Silas moves to Raveloe and hoards the earnings from his weaving for 15 years.
• As a result of his curing Sally Oates, the people of Raveloe consider him even more mysterious.
• Silas mends and keeps a small brown pot he has accidentally broken.
III
• Members of the Cass family are introduced and described.
• Dunstan blackmails Godfrey into selling his horse, Wildire.
• Godfrey’s past is revealed.
IV
• Dunstan sells Wildire and then causes the horse’s death by careless riding during the hunt.
• Dunstan steals Silas’ gold.
V
• Silas returns from an errand and discovers that his gold is missing.
• Silas suspects Jem Rodney and goes to the Rainbow Inn.
VI
• Conversation among the community members at the Rainbow Inn.
VII
• Silas enters the Rainbow Inn and accuses Jem Rodney.
• After learning that Jem had been at the Inn all evening, Silas apologizes to Jem and tells what he
knows of the theft.
• It is decided to go to the ill constable’s house to have one of the men deputized to begin an
investigation.
VIII
• Dunstan fails to return home with the money from Wildire’s sale.
• The villagers talk about the theft.
14
• Godfrey learns about Wildire’s death.
• Godfrey contemplates confessing to his father.
IX
• Godfrey tells his father, the Squire, about Wildire.
• The Squire asks Godfrey about marrying Nancy Lammeter.
X
• The people of Raveloe become friendlier with Silas, talking with him in town, visiting him at home,
and taking him small gifts.
• The Winthrop family is introduced, Dolly in particular, who comes to visit with her young son,
Aaron. She offers to help Silas in his housekeeping if he ever needs it.
• Christmas Day is spent by families among themselves; Dunstan is still missing from the Cass family.
XI
• The New Year’s celebration at the Red House gets underway with the arrival of and exchanges
among the female guests.
• As the party proceeds, the men make conversation mainly by independent remarks.
• Nancy and Godfrey dance, followed by a conversation marked by assertions and defenses.
XII
• Molly comes to Raveloe to confront Godfrey and dies in the snow of a drug overdose.
• Molly’s child follows the light from Silas’s open cottage door and enters during his cataleptic trance.
• Silas regains consciousness, discovers the child, and shortly thereafter follows her tracks in the snow
to her mother’s body.
XIII
• The party continues well into the night when Silas enters the Red House with Molly and Godfrey’s
child.
• Soon after the doctor proclaims the child’s mother dead, Godfrey secretly conirms that it is his wife,
Molly.
• Godfrey returns to the party and determines to please Nancy and pursue her.
XIV
• Molly is buried with little ceremony.
• Silas undertakes raising Molly’s child with help from Dolly Winthrop.
• Silas is clearly possessive of the child.
• The child is christened and named Eppie.
XV
• Godfrey keeps an eye on Eppie.
15
• Dunstan is given up as gone forever.
PART II
XVI
• Sixteen years have passed since Eppie came into Silas’ life.
• The effects of the passage of time on the main characters are described.
• Eppie gets Aaron to prepare a garden for her and Silas.
• Silas tells Dolly about his life in Lantern Yard.
• Eppie talks of marrying Aaron and their living with Silas.
XVII
• Nancy’s sister, Priscilla, and their father join Godfrey and Nancy for Sunday dinner.
• As the sisters converse, it becomes clear that Nancy and especially Godfrey regret not having children. Godfrey has wanted to adopt, Nancy has not.
XVIII
• Godfrey inds Dunstan’s skeleton and returns to tell Nancy that his brother has drowned in the Stone
Pit after robbing Silas.
• Godfrey goes on to confess his prior marriage and fatherhood of Eppie.
• Godfrey and Nancy decide to go together to Silas Marner’s to make the truth known.
XIX
• Silas and Eppie discuss their lives after everyone has left, following the excitement of inding Dunstan’s body.
• Nancy and Godfrey visit Silas and Eppie.
• Godfrey proposes taking Eppie into his home, an offer Eppie rejects.
• After Godfrey asserts his fatherhood and his plan to make Eppie a lady, Silas and Godfrey discuss
what is best for Eppie.
• Eppie irmly and inally makes clear her intention to remain with Silas and working-class people.
XX
• Nancy and Godfrey return in silence to discuss what life has given them to accept; Godfrey decides
to keep his fatherhood a secret.
XXI
• Silas and Eppie return to Lantern Yard, where they ind things have changed greatly. Silas’ old life
has been completely erased.
Conclusion
• Eppie and Aaron are married, followed by a reception at the Rainbow Inn, for which Godfrey has
paid.
16
MAIN CHARACTERS
Silas Marner: A linen weaver and Eppie’s adopted father. He moves to Raveloe after being accused of
stealing money in his hometown, Lantern Yard. He zones out and goes into trances. At irst, everyone thinks
he’s weird; but after he takes care of Eppie, people like him. He lives at the Stone-pits.
Hephzibah/Eppie: Silas’s adopted daughter. Her real parents are Godfrey and Molly. She marries Aaron.
Squire Cass: The richest man in Raveloe. Lives in the Red House with his three sons; his wife is dead. A
troublemaker. He holds grudges.
Godfrey Cass: Squire Cass’s oldest son and, thus, his heir. He leads a double life: he is in love with Nancy
Lammeter, but is married to and has a child with Molly Farren. He is anxiety-ridden about the truth coming
out.
Dunstan Cass: a.k.a. Dunsey. Squire Cass’s second son. Is obnoxious and lazy. Being the only one who
knows about Godfrey’s secret life, he has control over his older brother. He steals Silas’s money. He is
found dead at the end of the story.
Bob Cass: Squire Cass’s youngest son. He’s a Daddy’s boy.
Miss Nancy Lammeter: She lives with Godfrey Cass, but she has issues with his weird behavior towards
her. Ends up marrying him. She is not well-educated, but she has good manners.
Priscilla Lammeter: a.k.a. Priscy. Nancy’s older sister. Awkward. Freely admits she’s ugly. Not girlie.
Ends up taking care of her elderly father.
John Snell: He owns the main hangout in Raveloe, the Rainbow. When there are arguments, he always
says that no one is right and no one is wrong.
Bob: The butcher. John Snell’s cousin.
Mr. Macey: A tailor. He is also the parish clerk.
Mr. Tookey: The deputy parish clerk. He is the butt of all jokes; he can’t take a joke.
Jem Rodney: A mole-catcher. Raveloe’s resident bad guy. Silas accuses him of stealing his money.
Bryce: He was supposed to buy Wildire (Godfrey’s horse). He tells Godfrey that Dunsey has a riding
incident, and the horse is dead.
Ben Winthrop: The wheelwright. Dolly’s husband; Aaron’s father.
Mrs. Dolly Winthrop: Wife of Ben, mother of Aaron; godmother and, later, mother-in-law to Eppie. She
becomes a good friend and conidante to Silas. A really nice lady.
Aaron: Dolly’s son. He grows up to be Godfrey’s gardener and Eppie’s husband.
Dr. Kimble: Godfrey’s uncle.
Mrs. Kimble: Dr. Kimble’s wife; Squire’s sister. She’s a large woman.
Molly Farren: Godfrey’s wife and Eppie’s mother. Might as well face it, she’s addicted to opium; she’s
17
also an alcoholic. She dies on her way to Raveloe, where she was going to reveal Godfrey’s secret life.
Fowler: A tenant on Squire Cass’s land.
Master Kench: The Constable of Raveloe. He’s ill.
The Two Misses Gunns: The wine merchant’s conceited daughters. From Latherly. Guests at Squire’s
New Year’s Rockin’-Eve Bash.
Mr. Paston: The minister at Lantern Yard.
Sarah: A servant girl in Lantern Yard. She breaks up with Silas after the money-stealing incident and ends
up marrying William Dane.
William Dane: Silas’s best friend in Lantern Yard. Thinks he’s all that. He frames Silas and then marries
Sarah.
QUESTIONS BASED ON THEME, PLOT AND INCIDENTS
1.
The novel ‘Silas Marner’ shows that true happiness does not lie in material things. Do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.
Value Points:
•
Silas’s obsessive love for gold brings lustful desire for possessing the gold coins
o Is devastated when robbed of his gold coins
o Finds Eppie – decides to be care-giver – experiences true and lasting happiness
•
Godfrey Cass – abandons Molly and his child – intent on marrying the upper-class Nancy Lam
meter – no inward peace – lacks courage to confess
o When he wants to claim Eppie after 18 years – is snubbed by her
o Can never attain the happiness that Silas has experienced
•
2.
Squire Cass – man with wealth and status – inwardly unhappy
How does the author bring in natural elements into the novel ‘Silas Marner’?
Value Points:
3.
•
Marner – compared to a spider weaving a web
•
When he loses gold – feels helpless – likened to an ant
•
Marner tries to rehabilitate – a new emerging plant
•
His relationship with Eppie – lower in bloom
How is the stone cottage in ‘Silas Marner’ a silent witness to all the important events in his life?
18
Value Points:
•
Stone cottage - a private concern for Marner that cocoons him from the villagers
o A symbol of domesticity
o Witness to the coming of Dunstan – the latter makes off with gold
o Marner’s inconsolable reaction to the loss
o Cottage – serves as a marker of Silas’s growth into the community
4.
Who teaches Silas to take care of Eppie? Discuss his efforts to discipline her.
Value Points:
5.
•
Dolly Winthrop teaches Silas how to groom Eppie by giving him practical help, advice and en
couragement.
•
Must punish her for any mischief to discipline her
•
Silas ties her leg to the loom
•
Plans to threaten her with putting her in the coal-hole thinking that this would make her not do
any mischief
Compare the two examples of theft in the novel ‘Silas Marner’ and the impact they have on Silas.
Value Points:
•
First - the theft of which Silas is accused – sends him away from Lantern Yard – bring him to
Reveloe
o Lost his faith in humanity and in religion – spends a solitary life – isolates him from the soci
ety – drives Silas away from humans
•
Second robbery – his own hoarded gold – himself suffers
o
Makes him dependent on the society – brings him closer to the community of humans
Questions based on Character Sketch
1.
The story of Silas Marner has been described as the story if the loss and gain of his gold. Cite examples
from his character that the novel is more than a mere tale about his gold.
Value Points:
•
Silas Marner – weaver – betrayed by his friend William Dane – excommunicated by church on
charges of murder and theft
•
His appearance – bulging eyes – pale face – meagre form and a bent posture
•
Lived frugally and was considered a miser by the villagers
•
Was given gold coins as payments by his clients
•
Lost the gold – shattered initially
•
Arrival of Eppie – changed into a devoted father – life changed
•
Gives up his infatuation for gold
19
2.
Eppie is a character who remains highly predictable in her reactions. Prove this with reference to her
character traits.
Value Points:
3.
•
Eppie comes as a touch of cheer – toddles in Silas’s cottage when she was two after her mother’s
death
•
Has golden curls which Marner fantasized as the return of his lost gold
•
Loveable – accepts Silas as her father
•
Fond of outdoors – persuades Silas to grow a garden – affectionate to animals
•
Her sense of responsibility and gratitude to Silas remain constant and unwavering
How far does the attitude of Dolly Winthrop help Marner to integrate with the villagers? What personal
qualities in her does the author portray?
Value Points:
4.
•
Dolly Winthrop – irst caller at Marner’s cottage after Eppie’s arrival
•
Homely villager – good natured – friendly – hospitable neighbor
•
Strong in her belief in Christian values – becomes Eppie’s godmother
•
Becomes the vital link for Marner with the village
•
Has a son Aaron
How does Godfrey Cass manage to keep his true identity undisclosed? How far does his behavior
stem from his character traits?
Value Points:
5.
•
Eldest son of Squire ass of Red House, a leading family in the village
•
Marries Lammeter – lacks courage to confess to his father about his marriage with Molly Farren ,
during a it of drunkenness – hides the fact from Nancy about Molly and his two year old daughter
Eppie
•
His younger brother Dunstan blackmails him
•
Remains childless for 16 years – offers to adopt Eppie – Eppie refuses
•
Sadly reconciles to his weakness
Show how Nancy Lammeter becomes the pillar of strength behind Godfrey Cass.
Value Points:
•
An upper class resident of Reveloe village – has a proper Victorian up-bringing
•
Fond of Godfrey Cass – ignorant of Godfrey’s earlier marriage – silling to be his wife
•
Faithful and dutiful wife – agrees to her husband’s idea of adopting Eppie
When comes to know of the truth about Eppie – does not accuse Godfrey – offers him love and sympathy
– cooperates in his decision
20
THE INVISIBLE MAN
CHAPTER WISE SUMMARY
CHAPTER 1. The Strange Man’s Arrival
A stranger arrives in Bramblehurst railway station. He is bundled from head to foot with only the tip of
his nose showing. He enters the Coach & Horses Inn and demands a room and a ire. Mrs. Hall, the owner
prepares a supper for him and offers to take his coat and hat, but he refuses to take them off. When he inally
removes the hat, his entire head is swathed in a bandage. Mrs. Hall thinks he has endured some accident.
She tries to get him to talk about himself, but he is taciturn with her, although not particularly rude.
CHAPTER 2. Mr. Teddy Henfrey’s First Impressions
Teddy Henfrey, a clock repairman, comes to the inn for tea. Mrs. Hall asks him to “repair the clock” in the
stranger’s room. Teddy deliberately takes as long as he can with the clock, taking it apart and reassembling
it for no reason. The stranger inally gets him to hurry up and leave. Offended, Teddy talks himself into
believing that the stranger is someone of a suspicious nature, perhaps even wanted by the police and is
wrapped up to conceal his identity. Teddy runs into Mr. Hall and warns him about the stranger, informing
him that a “lot of luggage” will be coming. It would seem that the stranger intends to stay awhile.
Mr. Hall goes home intending to investigate the stranger, but is put off by the short-tempered demeanor
of his wife.
CHAPTER 3. The Thousand and One Bottles
The stranger’s luggage arrives at the inn. Numerous crates ill the deliveryman’s cart, some of them containing bottles packaged in straw. Fearenside, the cartman, owns a dog that starts to growl when the stranger
comes down the steps to help with the boxes. The dog jumps for the stranger’s hand, but misses and sinks
his teeth in a pant leg. The dog tears open the trouser leg, whereupon the stranger goes quickly back into
the inn and to his room.
Concerned about the possibility of injury, Mr. Hall goes to the stranger’s room. He gets a glimpse of what
seems like a white mottled face before he is shoved by an unseen force back through the door. The stranger
soon reappears at the door, his trousers changed, and gives orders for the rest of his luggage. The stranger
unpacks 6 crates of bottles, which he arranges across the windowsill and all the available table and shelf
space in the inn’s parlor-a space he seems to have commandeered for himself.
Mrs. Hall enters later to tend to his needs and catches a quick glimpse of him without his glasses. His
eyes seem hollow; he quickly puts his glasses on. She starts to complain about the straw on the loor, but
he tells her to put it on the bill and to knock before entering his rooms. She points out that he could lock
his door if he doesn’t want to be bothered, advice that he takes. He then works behind the locked door all
afternoon. At one point, Mrs. Hall hears him raving about not being able to “go on.” She hears a sound
like a bottle being broken. Later she takes him tea and notes the broken glass and a stain on the loor. He
21
again tells her to “put it on the bill.”
Meanwhile Fearenside talks in the beer shop of Iping Hangar. Fearenside says that the stranger is a “black
man,” an assumption derived from the absence of “pink lesh” when the trouser leg was ripped open. When
reminded of the pink nose, Fearenside claims that the man must therefore be a “piebald,” or a part white,
part black creature.
CHAPTER 4. Mr. Cuss Interviews the Stranger
The stranger works diligently in his room until the end of April with only occasional skirmishes with Mrs.
Hall. Whenever she disapproves of anything he does, he quiets her with additional payment. He rarely goes
out during the day, but goes out nearly every night, mufled up regardless of the weather.
His identity becomes a topic of speculation in the town. Mrs. Hall defends him, repeating his own words
that he is an “experimental investigator.” The view of the town is that he is a criminal trying to escape justice. Mr. Gould, the probationary assistant imagines that the man must be an “anarchist” who is preparing
explosives.
CHAPTER 5. The Burglary and the Vicarage
Mrs. Bunting, the vicar’s wife, wakes up at the sound of bare feet walking through her house. She wakes
her husband and the two watch and listen as a candle is lit and papers are rustled in the study. When they
hear the telltale clink of money, Rev. Bunting rushes into the study with a raised poker, but the room appears
to be empty. Their money disappears and at one point they hear a sneeze in the hallway but are unable to
locate or see the intruder.
CHAPTER 6. The Furniture that Went Mad
The Halls arise very early in the morning on Whit-Monday in order to take care of some private business
having something to do with their wine cellar. In passing by the guest’s room, Mr. Hall notices that the door
is ajar. A few minutes later, he sees that the bolts on the front door of the house are unlocked although he
remembers shutting them on the previous night. The guest is not in his room, but his clothes, shoes, and
even his hat are scattered about. As the Halls are investigating, the bed-clothes suddenly gather themselves
into a bundle and toss themselves over the bottom rail. Then a chair lies toward Mrs. Hall. The legs of
the chair are brought to rest against her back, propelling her out of the room. The door slams and is locked
behind them. The Halls decide that the stranger is a spirit.
They send for Sandy Wadgers, the blacksmith who is also supposed to be an exorcist. Wadgers is joined
by Huxter, and together they ponder the likelihood of witchcraft and contemplate the propriety of breaking
through the door in order to examine the situation more closely. However, before they can carry out any
such action, the door opens and the stranger emerges, wrapped and bundled as usual. He distracts them long
enough to enter the parlor and slam the door against them. When Mr. Hall raps on the door and demands
an explanation, the stranger tells him to “go to the devil” and “shut the door after you.”
CHAPTER 7. The Unveiling of the Stranger
The stranger remains locked in the parlor all morning. He rings his bell for Mrs. Hall several times, but she
22
does not answer it. About noon, he emerges and demands to know why his meals have not been brought to
him. Mrs. Hall tells him that his bill has not been paid in ive days. She refuses to accept the excuse that he
is waiting for a remittance. When he produces some money, she refuses it, saying she irst wants to know
why he doesn’t enter by doorways and move about like normal people.
For his answer, the stranger removes all his head wrappings, including his nose and moustache. “Eye-witnesses” suddenly babble hysterical stories of the man attacking the servant girl, and brandishing a knife.
Bobby Jaffers, the village constable, appears with a warrant. As the constable, Halls and others watch, the
man removes the rest of his clothes, becoming invisible before them. He tells them that he is invisible.. A
scufle ensues, and the stranger, now known as the “Invisible Man,” escapes.
CHAPTER 8. In Transit
An amateur naturalist named Gibbins is relaxing out on the downs and hears someone coughing, sneezing
and swearing. Frightened, Gibbins gets up and runs home.
CHAPTER 9. Mr. Thomas Marvel
Marvel is an eccentric bachelor and local tramp who likes to be comfortable and take his time about things.
He has come across a pair of boots in a ditch. He has tried them on and found them too big, and is occupied in contemplating the boots when he hears a voice nearby. Marvel talks about boots with the voice for
several minutes before turning to see his visitor and inding no one there.
First Marvel tells himself that he has had too much to drink, then that his imagination has played some
sort of trick on him. The Invisible Man begins throwing things at Marvel to convince him that he is not
just imagining the presence. Eventually the Man convinces Marvel that he is real and is in need of an accomplice who will irst give him food, water and shelter. He delivers an uninished threat of what he will
do if Marvel betrays him.
CHAPTER 10. Mr. Marvel’s Visit to Iping
Iping has nearly recovered its earlier holiday atmosphere. As only a few people had actually made contact
with the Invisible Man, the general population is soon able to reason him away as some trick of an overactive, holiday imagination.
Around 4:00, Mr. Marvel enters town and is observed by Huxter to behave rather strangely. He makes his
way down the street almost reluctantly. He stops at the foot of the steps to the Coach & Horses and seems
to undergo a great struggle before inally entering. A few minutes later, he re-emerges, apparently having
had a drink, and walks as if he is trying to act nonchalant. Soon he disappears into the yard and re-emerges
with a bundle wrapped in a tablecloth. Huxter thinks some robbery has taken place and tries to follow
Marvel when he is tripped in a mysterious fashion and sent sprawling.
CHAPTER 11. In the Coach & Horses
The narrator backtracks to explain what happened inside the Coach & Horses. Mr. Cuss and Mr. Bunting
were in the parlor going through the belongings of the Invisible Man. Three large books labeled “Diary”
are written in a cipher or code they do not understand.
23
Suddenly the inn door opens and Mr. Marvel enters. They disregard him and begin studying the books
again when an unseen force grabs each of them by the neck and begins pounding their heads on the table
between questions about what they are doing with his things. The man demands his belongings, saying he
wants his books and some clothes.
CHAPTER 12. The Invisible Man Loses His Temper
Mr. Hall and Teddy Henfrey are involved in a discussion behind the hotel bar when they hear a thump
on the parlor door. They hear strange sounds as of things being thrown against the door and some bizarre
conversation. Doors open and shut and they see Marvel taking off with Huxter trying to follow him. Suddenly Huxter executes a complicated leap in the air. Seconds later, Hall lands on the ground as if he had
been attacked by a football player.
Mr. Cuss calls for help, telling people that the “Man” has all of the vicar’s clothes. After breaking all the
windows in the Coach & Horses and thrusting a chair through the parlor window of another citizen’s house,
the Invisible Man disappears from Iping.
CHAPTER 13. Mr. Marvel discusses His Resignation
Mr. Marvel, propelled by the unrelenting shoulder grip and vocal threats of the Invisible Man, arrives in
Bramblehurst. Marvel tries to reason his way out of the situation to no avail. The Invisible man needs a
normal person to carry his books and is determined to make use of the fat, red-faced little man.
CHAPTER 14. At Port Stowe
Marvel arrives in Port Stowe and is seen resting on a bench outside of town. He has the books with him,
but the bundle of clothing has been abandoned in the woods. As he sits there, an elderly mariner, carrying
a newspaper, sits down beside him. Citing the paper, the mariner brings up the topic of an Invisible man.
According to the newspaper, the man aflicted injuries on the constable at Iping. Certain evidence indicates
that he took the road to Port Stowe. The mariner ponders the strange things such a man might be able to
do-trespass, rob or even slip through a cordon of policeman.
Marvel begins to conide in the mariner, saying he knows some things about this Invisible Man. Suddenly
Marvel is interrupted by an attack of some kind of pain. He says it is a toothache, then goes on to say that
the Invisible Man is a hoax. Marvel begins to move off, walking sideways with violent forward jerks.
Later the mariner hears another fantastic story-that of money loating along a wall in butterly fashion.
The story is true, however. All about the neighborhood, money has been making off by the handful and
depositing itself in the pockets of Mr. Marvel.
CHAPTER 15. The Man Who Was Running
Dr. Kemp happens to be day-dreaming out his window when he spots a short, fat man running down the
hill as fast as he can go. The doctor notices that the man is running “heavy” as if his pockets are “full of
lead.” Kemp’s reaction is one of contempt, but the people on the street who see him approaching react a bit
differently. The running man is Marvel; his expression is one of terror. A short distance behind him, people
hear the sound of panting and a pad like hurrying bare feet. Soon cries of “The Invisible Man is coming”
24
are heard in the streets along with the slamming of doors as people bolt into their houses.
CHAPTER 16. In the Jolly Cricketers
The Jolly Cricketers is a tavern. The barkeep, a cabman, an American and an off duty policeman are engaged in idle chat when marvel bursts through the door. Marvel begs for help, claiming the Invisible Man
is after him.
A pounding begins at the door and then a window is broken in. The Invisible Man doesn’t come in immediately, however. The barman checks the other doors, but by the time he realizes the yard door is open,
the Invisible Man is already inside. Marvel, who is hiding behind the bar, is caught and dragged into the
kitchen. The policeman rushes in and grips the invisible wrist of the hand that holds onto Marvel, but is
abruptly hit in the face.
People stumble over and into each other as all try to catch the Invisible Man. He yelps when the policeman steps on his foot, then lails wildly about with his Invisible ists and inally gives them the slip. The
American ires ive cartridges from his gun, sweeping his gun in a circular pattern as he ires. The chapter
ends with the men feeling around for an invisible body.
CHAPTER 17. Doctor Kemp’s Visitor
Doctor Kemp is still working in his study when he hears the shots ired in the Cricketers. He opens his
window and watches the crowd at the bottom of the hill for a few minutes, then returns to his writing desk.
A few minutes later, he hears his doorbell ring, but his housekeeper says it was only a “runaway” ring.
The doctor is at his work until 2 AM when he decides to go downstairs for a drink. On the way he notices
a spot of drying blood on his linoleum loor. Then he inds more blood on the doorknob of his own bedroom. In his room, his bedspread is smeared with blood, his sheet is torn, and bedclothes are depressed as
if someone has been sitting there.
The Invisible Man introduces himself to Kemp. He is Grifin, of University College. He explains that he
made himself Invisible, but is wounded and desperately in need of shelter, clothes and food.
Kemp loans him a dressing gown along with some drawers, socks and slippers. Grifin eats everything
Kemp can rustle up and inally asks for a cigar. He promises to tell Kemp the story of his bizarre situation
but insists that he must sleep irst as he has had no sleep in nearly three days.
CHAPTER 18. The Invisible man Sleeps
Grifin examines the windows of the room, then exacts a promise from Kemp that he will not be betrayed
in his sleep and inally locks the door, barring Kemp from his own room.
Kemp retires to his dining room to speculate upon the strange events. There he sees the day’s newspaper,
which he had ignored earlier. He reads it eagerly, but assigns the more terrifying elements of the stores to
“fabrication.” In the morning he sends his housekeeper for all available papers and reads those as well. The
papers contain stories of the previous evening’s events at the Cricketers along with a rather badly written
account of Marvel’s experience. Marvel doesn’t tell how he came upon the money in his pockets, nor does
he mention the location of the three books. Kemp becomes alarmed at the possibilities of what Grifin
could do and writes a note to Colonel Adye at Port Burdock.
25
CHAPTER 19. Certain First Principles
Grifin explains how he became invisible. He had been a medical student, but had dropped medicine and
taken up physics. He discovered a formula of pigments that lowers the refractive index of a substance,
allowing light to pass through it rather than being relected or refracted. After experimenting with pigments for three years, he came upon the secret whereby animal tissue could be rendered transparent. He
was continuously trying to hide his work from another professor. He was inally brought to a halt in his
experimenting by a lack of funds, a problem he solved by robbing his own father. Because the money did
not belong to him, his father shot himself.
CHAPTER 20. At the House in Great Portland Street
Grifin explains how he had found lodging in a boarding house on Great Portland Street. After his father’s
funeral, he went to his apartment to continue with his experiments. He successfully made a piece of cloth
disappear, then he tried his process on a stray cat. The cat was not entirely successful, as the animal’s eyes
and claws never completely disappeared.
Later the next day he had a minor altercation with the landlord who brought reports of Grifin tormenting
a cat in the night. The landlord wanted to know what Grifin was doing in the room and what all the paraphernalia was for. The two argued and Grifin shoved the landlord out of the room.. In the evening the
landlord returned with an ejection notice, but was too terriied at the stone white face of Grifin to serve it.
In spite of extreme illness and pain, Grifin inished his treatment and watched himself gradually disappear.
In the morning, the landlord, his stepsons and the elderly neighbor lady who had complained about the cat
enter Grifin’s apartment and are astonished to see no one. A day later, afraid, lest his equipment reveal too
much information, Grifin smashes the items and sets ire to the house. Believing that he has covered his
tracks with impunity, he begins to imagine all sorts of “wild and wonderful” things he will be able to do
under the cover of invisibility.
CHAPTER 21. In Oxford Street
Grifin continues to explain his experiences with invisibility. He soon discovered that being invisible had
as many drawbacks as advantages. People ran into him and stepped on him. He had to be continually on
guard as to the movements and positions of others in order to avoid accidental contact. To make matters
worse, although people could not see him, dogs could detect him with their keen sense of smell. As he had
to remain naked, he was soon uncomfortable. Also, he could not eat, as food was visible until it was fully
assimilated into his system.
At one point, he had run up the steps of a house in order to avoid a unit of a marching Salvation Army band.
While he waited, two youngsters spotted the prints of his bare feet in the mud. Soon a crowd of people
had gathered to look at the “ghost prints.” He leapt over the railing and ran through a bunch of back roads
to avoid the press. Fortunately for him, his escape at that time was aided with the distraction created by
conlagration enguling his former dwelling.
CHAPTER 22. In the Emporium
Grifin explains his irst attempts to get clothing and render his situation more tolerable. He had gone into
26
the Omniums, a large apartment type store where one could buy everything from groceries to clothing. He
made his way to an area of bedsteads and mattresses, hoping that once the store closed for the night, he
would be able to sleep on the mattresses and steal some clothes with which to mask his condition.
In the night he procured a complete set of clothes for himself, helped himself to food in a refreshment department, and then slept in a pile of down quilts. He failed to awaken before the morning crew had entered,
however, and was unable to escape as long as they could see him. Thus he was forced to shed the clothing
and run, naked, back out into the cold.
CHAPTER 23. In Drury Lane
Grifin’s peril increased daily. He had no clothes or shelter and dared not eat. Also, he soon realized that
walking through the streets of London was going to result in an accumulation of dirt on his skin- which
would make him visible in a grotesque way.
He made his way into a costume shop, hoping to make way with some clothes and dark glasses after the
proprietor had gone to bed. In the shopkeeper’s room, he had to stand and watch the man eat his breakfast.
Furthermore, the man had exceptionally acute hearing and nearly discovered Grifin several times. When
evening came, he was inally able to explore the house and found a pile of old clothes. In his excitement,
he forgot about the noise he was making and was nearly caught when the shopkeeper investigated the
noise. Unable to see the source, but positive someone was in the house, the proprietor went about locking
all the doors in the house and pocketing the keys. In desperation, Grifin struck the old man on the head,
then gagged and tied him with a sheet. Then he put together a costume of old clothes, stole all the money
he could ind and went out into the street.
Grifin went to “another place” (which happens to be the Coach & Horses Inn) and demanded a private
room, explaining that he was “badly disigured.” Thus he had set himself up at Iping, hoping to ind a way
to reverse the process of invisibility. Here he was inally discovered.
CHAPTER 24. The Plan that Failed
Grifin tells how his original plan, after being discovered by the people of Iping, had been to get his books
and get out of the country, but that plan had changed upon meeting Kemp. He thinks that Kemp can work
with him. Together they can set up a “reign of terror” to take full advantage of the Invisibility. Grifin does
not realize that Kemp has already betrayed him and is only trying to keep him talking until the police arrive.
Kemp stands in front of the window to keep Grifin from seeing the police, but Grifin soon hears them on
the stairs and realizes he has been deceived.
Grifin quickly begins to disrobe even as Kemp springs to the door and attempts to lock him in. A dropped
key spoils the effort as the now invisible Grifin shoves him aside, then hurls his weight at Colonel Adye,
the chief of the Burdock Police who is approaching on the stairs. Grifin escapes past two more policemen
in the hall; they hear the front door of the house slam violently.
CHAPTER 25. The Hunting of the Invisible man
Kemp explains the situation to the police, informing them of Grifin’s intentions to cause general mayhem.
They talk of using dogs to sniff him out and of putting powdered glass in the streets.
27
CHAPTER 26. The Wicksteed Murder
By 2:00 in the afternoon, the entire countryside around Burdock has been mobilized. Men set out with
guns, clubs and dogs, and the police warn the village people to lock their doors and stay inside. Grifin
manages to evade his pursuers for a 24-hour period except for one encounter with a middle-aged man who
had apparently cornered him. Grifin kills the man by beating him with an iron rod.
CHAPTER 27. The Siege of Kemp’s House
Kemp receives a letter telling him that the Reign of Terror is beginning and that Kemp himself will be the
irst execution for the sake of an example. Kemp decides that he himself will be the bait and that Grifin
will be caught because he will have gone too far. A knock at the door turns out to be Adye with news that
Kemp’s housekeeper-who was carrying notes for the police-had been attacked and the notes taken from her.
Grifin makes his presence known by smashing windows in Kemp’s house. During the battle that follows,
Adye is shot. Grifin gets inside the house and tries to tell the police to “stand away” as he is after only
Kemp. He swings an ax at them, but one of them manages to strike him with an iron poker. By this time
Kemp has followed his housekeeper through a window and is nowhere to be found.
CHAPTER 28. The Hunter Hunted
Grifin chases Kemp through the town. People begin to join in the chase. When Kemp realizes that the
people are chasing Grifin, he stops running, which allows the Invisible Man to catch him. Even though
people cannot see him, they are able to grab hold of him and keep him down. The effort is not needed for
long as Grifin has been fatally injured and seems to have lost a lot of blood. As the town people watch,
the effect of invisibility is gradually reversed, and soon, Grifin, now dead, is visible.
EPILOGUE
Mr. Marvel, formerly the tramp, has become the landlord of the little inn near Port Stowe and the “owner”
of all the information about Grifin. He has been able to keep all the money Grifin stole because lawyers
could not identify the sources accurately. The books seem to have disappeared entirely; at least whenever
anyone asks Marvel about them, he denies knowing anything. However, when the inn is closed and he is
alone, he takes the books out of their hiding place and tries to study the “wonderful secrets.”
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
Grifin
Grifin is the model of science without humanity. He begins his road to decline in college when he becomes
so obsessed with his experiments that he hides his work lest anyone else should receive credit. When he
runs out of money, he kills his own father-a crime that makes the rest of his crimes pale in comparison.
He goes from scientist to fanatic when he begins to focus all of his attention merely on the concept of
invisibility and neglects to think about the consequences of such a condition. He may not have had any
intention initially of trying the potion on himself, but the interference of his landlord and prying neighbor lady motivate him to cover his work and remove himself from further confrontation. The evil that he
28
could commit does not occur to him until after he has swallowed the potion and seen the reaction of the
landlord and others. The irony is, that his invisibility is good only for approaching unseen and for getting
away. Any gains from his crimes are useless to him. He cannot enjoy any of the normal comforts of lifesuch as food, clothes, and money. He cannot eat without hiding the action, as the food in his system will
render him visible. Clothes, when he is able to wear them, must be used to cover him from head to foot
in order to conceal his real “concealment”--hardly a comfortable state in the heat of the summer. He can
steal money, but cannot spend it on his own accord. Thus the condition that would make him invulnerable
also renders him helpless.
In spite of his predicament, Grifin at no time expresses any remorse for his behavior or for the crimes,
which he merely describes as “necessary.” His only regret is frustration over not having thought about the
drawbacks of invisibility. For nearly a year, he works on trying to perfect an antidote; when time runs out
for that activity, he irst tries to leave the country, and then, that plan failing, tries to ind an accomplice for
himself so he can enjoy his invisibility and have all the comforts of life as well. He goes from obsession
to fanaticism to insanity.
Marvel
Mr. Marvel is the local tramp. He is harmless, eccentric, fat, but not nearly as stupid as Grifin thinks he is.
He is smart enough to know when a good thing has happened to him; the stories he tells to the press bring
him much attention and sympathy. In the end, he gets to keep all the money Grifin stole, and he contrives
on his own to keep the books of Grifin’s experiments. He becomes the owner of an inn as well as the
village bard, as it is to him that people come when they want to know the stories of the Invisible Man. In
spite of his earlier torment, he is the only one who actually beneits from Grifin’s presence.
Kemp
Kemp is referred to as “the doctor,” but his degree seems to be an academic one rather than a medical one.
He continues his own study in hopes of being admitted to “the Royal Fellows.” His own experiments and
fascination with science enable him to listen sensibly to Grifin, but in spite of being rather contemptuous
of his fellow citizens, his common sense and decency prevent him from being a part of Grifin’s schemes.
Kemp is also the only “cool headed” person in the town once the inal attack begins. He runs to escape
Grifin, but as soon as Grifin catches him, he has the presence of mind to turn the capture around. He is
also the irst to realize that even though Grifin is invisible, he is injured, and, ultimately, dead.
THEMES - THEME ANALYSIS
Corruption of Morals in the Absence of Social Restriction
The narrator uses the Invisible Man to experiment with the depth to which a person can sink when there
are no social restrictions to suppress his behavior. When Grifin irst kills his father, he excuses it away
by saying that the man was a “sentimental fool.” When he takes the potion himself, he endures such pain
that he “understands” why the cat howled so much in the process of becoming invisible. Nevertheless he
has no compassion for the cat, for his father or for any of the people he takes advantage of in the course
of trying to survive invisibility. On the contrary, he descends from committing atrocities because they are
29
necessary to his survival to committing them simply because he enjoys doing so.
This theme of corruption in the absence of social law has become a motif that is explored in other literary
works. H. G. Well created his story with very little psychological elaboration or character development.
Other writers, however, have taken the idea much farther; we are thus blessed with novels such as Lord of
the Flies, and Heart of Darkness, along with short stories by Poe and Melville.
STUDY QUESTIONS 1.)
Why does Mrs. Hall tolerate the Invisible Man as long as she does?
2.)
Why do you think Grifin smashes bottles and swears behind the locked door of his room?
3.)
How do the speculations of the people in town exemplify human nature?
4.)
Which characters have realistic reactions to the Invisible Man? Which ones have unrealistic
reactions?
5.)
Explain why Teddy Henfry decides the Man is trying to hide something from the police.
6.)
What do Huxter’s actions say about him as a member of the town?
7.)
At what point is Grifin truly insane?
8.)
How do you think you would react if you saw your money disappear in front of you, but couldn’t
see who was taking it?
9.)
Marvel ends up with all the money because the lawyers couldn’t tell deinitively whom it belonged
to. How is this similar to our court systems today?
10.) Marvel is introduced as a tramp and ends up a business owner. How realistic is this? What does
it say about Marvel himself?
11.) The big question here: How do you feel about Grifin? Is he a criminal mad scientist who should
be killed? Or is he a guy who is trying to work things out, but other people and society keep
getting in his way?
12.) Is the ending of this book happy and just? Are you glad when Grifin is killed and Marvel gets
to keep all the stolen money? Are you glad that the invisibility formula is hidden from Kemp,
who could recreate it?, what would a happy ending to this story according to you?
13.) How do you feel about the chapters where Grifin tells his own story to Kemp? Do they make
you sympathize with Grifin? Or does he seem like more of a monster when he casually talks
about attacking people and stealing from his father?
14.) Why did Kemp turn out differently than Grifin? After all, they’re both scientists. Is Kemp less
30
isolated than Grifin? Is it simply because Kemp has more money?
15.) How would you react to an invisible man or woman? Do you think the townsfolk in Iping react
realistically?
Q. 1. Who said, “I like to be alone and undisturbed.”?
Grifin
Dr. Kemp
Thomas Marvel
Colonel Adye
Q.2. Who used “deftly chosen expressions of contempt” to manage employees?
Millie
Mrs. Hall
Colonel Adye
Grifin
Q. 3. What happened after the man said, “An invisible man is a man of power”?
He brought rain from the sky.
He parted the Red Sea.
He brought locusts across the earth.
He sneezed.
Q. 4. Who said, “You got a rum un up home!”?
Grifin
Teddy
Lennie
Squiggy
Q. 5. Who admitted, “I didn’t rightly hear it”?
Mr. Hall
Mrs. Hall
Teddy
Colonel Adye
31
Q. 6. How would you describe the invisible man’s social life?
There is always a ball.
He has a few close buddies.
His social calendar runneth over.
Has has no friends.
Q.7. Which is not a community depicted in this story?
Green Bay
London
Iping
Burdock
Q. 8.One of the invisible man’s early problems is
His soccer team is losing.
He can’t ind a job.
His wife left him.
He has no money.
Q. 9. The invisible man cares more about his science than his
Cat
Dog
Family
Parrot
Q.10. Which does Kemp choose?
His friend
His country
The third woman on the right
Q.11. Which is a symbol in our story?
Sound
Sight
Taste
Feel
32
Q. 12. When he developed his formula, the invisible man had a
Right
Fight
Vision
Friend
Q. 13.For Wells, the future means lots of
Science
Art
Linguistics
World history
Q.14. In the irst few chapters, the citizens see the world
Through rain
Through snow
Through sleet
Through dim lighting
Q. 15.Which feature does Mrs. Hall notice?
His red eyes
His plugged nose
His gigantic mouth
His shiny teeth
33
SECTION – B
ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS
30 MARKS
NOTICE
Points to remember
1.
Write in a box
2.
Use formal language
3.
Use third person pronoun
4.
Stick to the word limit
5.
Format includes the word NOTICE (in capital letters), Name of the Institution, Heading and Date
6.
Remember to include
a) What is being organised/ held?
b) Who is organizing?
c) Date, time and venue
d) Last date of submission and to whom
e) Agenda to be written, if it is a meeting
7. Name and designation of the person putting up the notice should be written on the bottom left hand corner
Example 1
The Cultural Club of Indian Public School is organising a talent hunt evening. Shubha Mudgal, the
eminent vocalist will be the guest of honour. Shaivya , secretary of the Cultural Club drafts a notice
to inform the students about the same.
INDIAN PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
26 May, 2014
TALENT HUNT
34
The Cultural Club is organizing a Talent Hunt on 12 October, 2012 at 6 pm in the School auditorium.
The competition will be in two categories: classical and Instrumental. Shubha Mudgal, the eminent
vocalist will be the guest of honour. Those interested may give their names to the undersigned by 10
October2012.
Shaivya
Secretary
Cultural Club
Example 2
World Links India is holding a ive-day Cyber camp to train students of class X to XII in internet skills
at ABC School, Dhaula Kuan during autumn break. As the Coordinator for World Links, draft a notice to
be displayed on the student’s notice board. Invent details.
ABC SCHOOL,DHAULA KUAN
NOTICE
__________________________
A FIVE DAY CYBER CAMP
The __________________________ is holding a _____________________ to train _____________________
in internet skills during the autumn break. The details are as follows:
Date:__________
Time__________
Venue:________
Fee:___________
Those interested should give their names to _____________________________by_________________.
For more details contact________________________________________________________________.
___________________________
___________________________
CIRCULAR
It is meant for wider circulation
It begins with salutation/forms of address such as Dear members/students/parents/to all the members Circular is similar to Notice in all other respects
ADVERTISMENT
Types
35
1. Classiied
2. Display
Points to remember
1. Rectangular format (to be written in a box)
2. Specify category (Heading as per classiied section of the newspaper)
3. It should not be spread out (to be written in running lines)
4. Information in digital, abbreviated and short forms is acceptable
5. Must have contact address and telephone number at the bottom
6. Need not be in complete sentences
7. Can add email address also
TO LET/PROPERTY/FOR SALE
Points to remember
1. Details of kind of house (lat/plot/independent house)
2. Details of location
3. Details of no. of rooms, kitchen, garage, lawn, etc
4. Use adjectives like airy, furnished, newly built, itted with modern gadgets
5. In case of To Let mention monthly/annual rent
6. For sale, mention approximate cost/or mention price negotiable
7. Give contact address, telephone no., email etc.
Example
Amit Trivedi of 86, Green Park, Delhi wants to sell his lat as he is going abroad. Draft an advertisement
to be published in The Times of India under the classiied column.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Available for sale MIG lat, 2 BHK, spacious rooms, attached toilets, 2 balconies, semi-furnished, park
facing, in a society with 24X7 electricity and water supply, ample parking space, reasonably priced.
Contact: Amit Trivedi, 98765*****
MISSING PERSON
Points to remember
1. Name, age, sex of child/person
2. Date since missing
3. Built, height other physical features
36
4. Complexion, colour of hair, eyes
5. Specify when and where last seen and in which clothes
6. Any particular identiication mark
7. Mention reward
8. Give contact details
FOR SALE- Goods
Points to remember
1. Item name, brand name and year of manufacturing
2. General condition
3. Expected price
4. May give reason for sale
5. Give contact details
FOR SALE-Vehicles
Points to remember
1. Model no., year of manufacturing, mileage, colour
2. Single hand driven, good condition, may invite for test drive
3. Accessories (new seat covers, new mats, stereo, centre/gear, lock etc)
4. Papers and insurance details
5. Approximate price
SITUATION WANTED
Points to remember
1. Available (full time/part time job), name of the post, specialisation
2. Experience
3. Minimum salary expected
4. Contact details
SITUATION VACANT
Points to remember
1. Name of post being advertised, company’s name
2. Educational qualiications and experience required
3. Nature of job/job demands (desirable knowledge of computers, spoken English)
37
4. Personality requisites (smart, pleasing)
5. Time limit within which to apply
6. Salary offered and contact address
Example
QSS Paints Pvt Ltd, Delhi needs marketing executives. As manager of the company, draft an advertisement
to be published in the classiied advertisement section of the newspaper.
SITUATION VACANT
QSS Paints Pvt Ltd, Delhi requires 5 marketing executives, young dynamic, male/female, 24-27 years
fresh graduates, with excellent communication skills. Salary no constraint for deserving and hard
working candidates. Send a detailed resume within a week to Manager HRD at [email protected]
POSTERS
Points to remember
1.
To be written in a box
2.
Must be eye catching
3.
Use slogan, jingle etc.
4.
Use simple drawing/illustrations
5.
Use different fonts
6.
Write name of the issuing authority (below a line)
7.
Mention organised by/issued by/conducted by/sponsored by etc.
38
FORMAL INVITATION
Points to remember
1. To be written in third person
2. Use of abbreviations not allowed
3. Centre aligned
4. No punctuation at the end of the lines
5. Single sentence to be used
6. In R.S.V.P write the address and tel.no at which invitee may contact for queries.
7. In oficial invitation, mention speciic time by which guests are to be seated. Also mention the
name of the Chief Guest and programme details
8. Can write ‘Valid for 2 only’ at the end {optional}
9. Some information can be highlighted
10. Must be in a box
INFORMAL INVITATION
Points to remember
1. Use irst person
2. Do not end with R.S.V.P.
3. To be written in letter form
4. Use warm and personal language
5. Begin with Dear ______
6. Start directly with invitation eg. you are cordially invited to____
7. End with ‘Yours sincerely’ (Write yours without apostrophe ‘)
Hosts
Guest
Occasion
Date, time,
venue
Address
Mr. And Mrs. S.P. Jain
request the pleasure of the company of
Ravi Das
to celebrate the successof their son
Siddharth Jain
in Civil Service Examination 2014
at
6:30 p.m.
on
18 August 2014
at
their residence
27 Jigar Colony
Chandigarh
R.S.V.P
236-4566778
Contact
details
39
REPLYING TO FORMAL INVITATION
DECLINING THE INVITATION
ACCEPTING THE INVITATION
ACCEPTING THE INVITATION
Sender of reply
Expressing
gratitude
Ravi Das thanks Mr. and Mrs. S.C.Jain for inviting
him in the party to celebrate the success of their
son. He is delighted to accept the invitation.
Accepting invitation
Hosts
Occasion
DECLINING THE INVITATION
Sender of reply
Expressing
gratitude
Ravi Das thanks Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Jain for inviting him in the party to celebrate the success of
their son but he regrets his inability to accept the
same due to a prior engagement.on.
Hosts
Occasion
Reason for not
attending
Declining invitation
Example
Mr. And Mrs. S.P. Jain of 27, Jigar Colony, Chandigarh have decided to have a party to celebrate the success
of their son Siddharth Jain in Civil Services 2012. Drat an informal invitation including all the necessary
details.
40
Sender’s address
27, Jigar Colony,
Chandigarh
Date
18 July 2014
Dear Ravi Das
Salutation
We have much pleasure in inviting you to the party to celebrate
our son, Siddharth’s success in the Civil Services Exam 2014 on
July 25, 2014 at 6:30 pm at our residence.
We very much hope you will join us.
Yours sincerely
Mr. and Mrs. Jain
Body including
∆ Occasion
∆ Time
∆ Date
∆ venue
Complimentary close
REPLY-ACCEPTING THE INVITATION
Sender’s address
18,New JungPura,
New Delhi
Date
20 July 2014
Dear Mr. Jain
Salutation
hank you for your kind invitation. Please accept my heartfelt
congratulations on your son’s bright success. I will be attending
the party on 25 July 2014 at 6:30 pm at your residence.
With warm wishes
Yours sincerely
Ravi Das
Body including
∆ Occasion
∆ Time
∆ Date
∆ venue
Complimentary close and name
41
REPLY-DECLINING THE INVITATION
Sender’s address
18,New JungPura,
New Delhi
Date
20 July 2014
Dear Mr. Jain
Salutation
hank you for your kind invitation. Please accept my heartfelt
congratulations on your son’s bright success. I regret that owing to a pre engagement I will not be able to attend the party
on 25 July 2014 at 6:30 pm at your residence.
With warm wishes
Yours sincerely
Ravi Das
Body including
∆ Occasion
∆ Time
∆ Date
∆ venue
Complimentary close and name
LETTER WRITING
How to write effective business correspondence?
Business letters serve two main purposes:
1. First, they open the lines of communication to help you receive a desirable response,
whether it’s solving a problem, making arrangements, or seeking information.
2. They serve as oficial records of correspondence, so that you can strengthen your case, if need be,
with physical proof.
Follow a few simple rules in order to write effective business letters
1. Get to the point! State your reason for writing in your irst paragraph and stay on track
2. Always include speciics that will help ease the recipient’s task. For instance, if you are writing
to a bank, mention your account number
3. If you refer to other correspondence, mention those by date, check number, etc.
4. Include copies whenever possible
5. Gently and respectfully direct the recipient’s course of action
6. Always be courteous! Even if you are frustrated or angry, it will beneit you more to maintain a
cool, calm approach.
42
JOB APPLICATION
Points to remember
1. Use polite and courteous language
2. Do not use abbreviations
3. Prefer using short sentences
4. Give a list of enclosures
5. Enclose bio-data separately or give a write up within the application
LETTER TO EDITOR
Points to remember
1. Begin with the statement of the problem
2. Mention the results/trouble resulting from the problem
3. Give a list of the probable causes
4. Also provide suggestions to combat the problem
5. Do not ask the editor to take the action…..the letter is to draw the attention of the concerned au
thorities towards a problem.
PLACING AN ORDER
Points to remember
1. Mention the speciications of the items required
2. Ask for quality product
3. Request for a discount
4. Ensure that the company takes care of proper packing delivery
5. Mention that the order may be cancelled if not delivered in time or items not found satisfactory.
Sample Letter 1
You are Riya / Surya living in Bangalore. You and your friends are planning a weeklong holiday. You
come across the following advertisement. Select a description of your choice. Write a letter making necessary enquiries from the tour operator before you make your inal decision.
This winter ill your holiday with endless fun and thrill
We offer exciting domestic and International holiday packages for
Individuals as well as groups.
Exotic Malaysia with Singapore and Star Cruise
10 nights / 11 days: Rs. 54,000/
Magical Singapore
43
5 nights / 6 days: Rs. 14,999/Bangkok, Pattaya + Kul + GentIag Singapore
11 days: Rs. 32,999/7 nights / 8 days: Rs. 67,000/Best of Nepal
3 nights / 4 days: Rs. 3,333/Exotic Goa
5 nights in a 5 Star Hotel: Rs. 7,999/For more details write to us or visit our website: www.sewanathholldays.com
Or write to us at: Sewa Nath Worldwide Holidays, 12.A, Kailash Building, Goverdhan
Road, City Centre, Malegaon
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Bangalore
18 May, 2014
Sewa Nath Worldwide Holidays
123-A, Kailash Building
Goverdhan Road
City Centre
Malegaon
Subject: Enquiry about Exotic Malaysia with Singapore and Star Cruise
Sir
This has reference to your advertisement in ‘The Hindustan Times’ dated 28th November 2Oxx about
winter holiday tours.
We are a group of ten friends who would like to go on Exotic tour of Malaysia with Singapore and
Star Cruise as advertised by you starting 15th December. Kindly send me details about accommodation
and travel arrangements and whether the quote rate is inclusive of’ everything. Do you offer any discount
to group bookings? Another thing, please let me know the necessary immigration formalities and whether
they will be fulilled by you on our behalf. Could you please arrange a short presentation on an absolutely
no-obligation basis?
Looking forward to a prompt reply.
44
Yours truly
Riya
Sample Letter 2
D.A.V. PUBLIC SCHOOL, Noida, Requires a competent P.G.T. in English, M.A., B.Ed, from a recognised University with second division, Minimum 5 year’s experience of teaching +2 classes. Fluency
in spoken English is a pre-requisite. Pay scale as per Government Grade. Apply within seven days with
complete bio data.
Answer:
54, Jor Bagh
New Delhi – 110001
23 May 2014
The Principal
D.A.V. Public School
Noida
Subject: Application for the post of a P.G.T. in English
Sir
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Times of India’ dated September 10, I wish to offer my
services for the post of P.G.T. in English in your prestigious institution. I am a hardworking and honest
person, who is passionate about the noble vocation of teaching. I wish to make a difference in the lives of
people through education. I am enclosing my bio-data herewith for your ready reference. I shall be available
for an interview on any day of your convenience.
If selected, I assure you that I shall work with utmost devotion and sincerity to your full satisfaction. Hoping for a favourable response.
Yours faithfully
RAGINI
Encl.: Bio-Data and Testimonials.
BlO-DATA
Name
:
Ragini Sharma
Husband’s Name
:
Raj Sharma
45
Address
:
10, Lok Vihar, Delhi
Age
:
28 years
Nationality
:
Indian
Academic Qualiication
:
Name of Exam
M.A. (English)
B.Ed.
B.A.
Board/University
Meerut University,
UP
Annamalai University, Annamalai
University of Delhi
Subjects taken
English, Pol. Sc.,
History
English
Year of Passing
2002
Percentage
62%
2000
70%
English (Hons.)
1998
68%
Experience:
Name of Institution
Netaji Public School,
Delhi
Post held
P.G.T. English
From
2003
To
2012
Hobbies : Reading, Traveling
References
1. Mr.C.K. Mehta, Principal,
Arya College for Women, Sonepat
Phone: 2724---------.
2. Dr. Sunil Kapoor
12, Patel Nagar
Phone: 246---------------.
Sample Letter 3
Madurai University, Palkala Nagar, Chennai, offers different courses of studies through correspondence.
Write to the Director, Institute of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education, Chennai Universty
requesting him to send you the prospectus. (Word Limit: 200 Words).
Answer
M G Road
Chennai
10 May, 2014
The Director
Correspondence Courses & Continuing Education
46
Chennai University
Chennai
Subject: Request to send prospectus
Sir
Please refer to your admission notiication published in ‘The Indian Express’ dated September 08,
2Oxx regarding various correspondence courses offered by your university. I passed my BA examination
from Bombay University in 2Oxx with History and Political Science as the elective subjects. I secured
56.25 percent marks in the aggregate.
Kindly let me know if I am eligible for the one year Diploma Course I wish to join. You are requested
to send me a copy of the prospectus. I am enclosing herewith a self addressed stamped envelope and a
demand draft of Rs. 200/- for this purpose.
Yours faithfully
Mohan Rakesh
Sample Letter 4
The government has banned the use of loud speakers, but this nuisance continues and disturbs you in your
studies. Make a complaint to the Police Inspector of your area. (Word Limit 200 Words).
Answer:
84 Kotla Mubarakpur
New Delhi – 110003
18 May, 2014
The Station House Oficer
Police Station
Prem Nagar
Delhi
Subject: Continued Nuisance of Loud Speakers
47
Sir
The government has banned the use of loud speakers especially at night. But it is a pity that the ban
imposed by the government is being louted in our city day in and day out.
The blaring sound of loud speakers continues pretty late through the night. The religious places are
the worst sinners in this respect. As a result people cannot get peaceful sleep during the night. Students can
hardly study. Many times the people have approached the users of the loud speakers but to no avail. They
do not pay any heed to their request.
You are, therefore, requested to implement the ban order strictly. The louters of the ban should be booked
so that this nuisance can be checked effectively.
I hope you will take necessary steps to control this nuisance. The student community of this locality will
be grateful to you.
Yours faithfully
Supriya Luthra
Sample Letter 5
Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper appealing to the general public for contribution to the Chief
Minister’s drought Relief Fund. (Word Limit: 200 Words).
Answer:
B5, Andrewsganj
New Delhi-110049
12 May 2014
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Delhi
Sir
Subject: Appeal for Contributions to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
48
Through the columns of your paper, I wish to appeal to the general public for generous contribution
to the Chief Minister’s Drought Relief Fund.
The State is experiencing a severe drought this year. The extent of damage can be assessed by touring
the state. At some places there have been no rains for the last two or three years. The land is parched and
dry. People have no water to drink and no food to eat. Cattle is dying of hunger and thirst on their lips.
Not even a blade of grass is seen at most places. People are leeing from their homes in search of food and
water.
The authorities are doing their best. New wells are being dug up. Food and grains are being rushed
to these places. Medicines are also being provided to the people. But it is not enough. The problem cannot
be tackled at the government level alone. Generous people should come forward.
Through this column, I make an earnest appeal to the general public to contribute liberally to the
Drought Relief Fund.
Yours truly
Prateek Sahi
Sample Letter 6
You are Priyanka Yadav, furniture incharge, St. Mark’s School, Delhi. Place an order for your School.
Write a letter to Mehta and Bhatia Co., Furniture Manufacturer, Delhi.
Answer:
St. Mark’s School
New Delhi
15 May 2014
The Manager
M/s Mehta & Bhatia Co.
Furniture Manufacturers
Delhi
Subject: Supply of School furniture
49
Dear Sir
On behalf of the Principal, St. Mark’s School, I place an order for the supply of following items of school
furniture:
1. Chairs (Wooden)
- 50 Pieces
2. Chairs (Steel)
- 50 Pieces
3. Teachers Tables
- 15 Pieces
4. Science Lab. Table - 20 Pieces
5. Dual Desk
- 50 Pieces
6. Stool (Wooden)
- 20 Pieces
7. Dustbins
- 30 Pieces
8. Tray (Steel)
- 10 Pieces
We urgently require the above items. I would be thankful if the supply is made at your earliest. All the
items should be as per the speciications mentioned in your quotation.
Send the bill separately. Payment will be made through a Demand Draft in favour of the irm within a
fortnight after receiving the items.
Yours sincerely
Priyanka Yadav
Writing Articles/Speeches/Debates
The written word still rules. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is not a cliché. Such power and strength
exudes from the writer’s pen to ignite millions and millions of minds. As a skill, writing long compositions
like articles and essays and speeches has to be nurtured with sustained guidance and practice. It is a matter
for concern that preparation and practice for article writing is often neglected and taken for granted; the
general feeling is “Students will write something” or that “It can’t be taught; students will have to practice
themselves”. Many hours are spent on teaching how to write advertisements, letters, reports, but when it
comes to article writing teachers declare “it comes only by practice, so practice.” The result: long compositions that are just a jumble of sentences, that either fall short of or exceed the word limit, with very
poor organization of ideas, lacking in content and full of irrelevant matter, repetitions and inaccuracies of
language. The speed with which we ‘order’ for articles by students does not give the time and background
needed for meaningful thought process and powerful expression. True, that in the exam situation there
is not much time to do elaborate thinking and writing. But it should also be realized that the objective of
testing this skill will be fulilled only if the output conforms to the format and content shows organization
of ideas through appropriate expression. Hence it becomes the responsibility of the teacher to train and
50
develop in students habits of focused thinking and choosing the right expression from their vocabulary
through constant practice. Article writing hence cannot be left to done haphazardly. There is certainly a
need to plan for activities, to guide the students through practice sessions for writing long compositions,
get their inal draft and assess them as per examination standards.
Role of the teacher:--1.
Plan activities to take the students through the process of writing so that students get suficient opportunities to practice the different stages of writing long compositions
2.
Prepare / design a set of simple clear instructions about what is expected and how it should be presented (format, word limit, paragraphs etc)
3.
Things to be included as part of the plan: Students’ involvement/interaction preferably- in groups- to
provide feedback /reviews and opportunities for critical analysis for rewriting.
Surely this demands more time than the traditional method of ‘giving the topic’ to the children and asking
them to write anything on the topic. However conscious grooming in the initial stages is necessary. A
minimum of two to three articles per term should be taken up in a detailed manner. The teacher should
irst think that this is important. In the light of the weightage given to article/speech writing in the Board
exam (as per the recent notiication by the CBSE which says 20 marks have been allotted for these long
compositions) it is high time our teachers have a clear idea of the objective, the process and the assessment
standards of these questions. Besides, it is the only area where Higher Order Thinking skills are also tested.
How to generate Ideas:


Brainstorm individually or in groups for ideas. This is well done by announcing an interesting argumentative topic and also contribute some points along with the students may be guiding them!
(Write the ideas on the Black board and cancel the repetitions and group the similar points, list the
sub-points. Mark the points that may serve as introduction and as conclusion. Then prioritize the
most important points to it the word limit). (Activity No. 1)
Try introducing unusual ; instead of the usual “Advantages of Early rising” get the students to think
on “In Defence of Late Rising”-this will relate to them directly and they will open up for other
‘different ‘ topics. (Activity No.2)
Topics close to student’s life, experiences, provide authentic matter and hence generation of thoughts
and expression through words are easy. For class room discussions and brainstorming try to utilize
these real life experiences; the class will have maximum student participation. For example tell
them the school is planning to change the school timings; there will deinitely be a group to take it
and one to oppose it. Ask them to campaign for their side and then go for voting. Once they take
active interest in the discussions, insist on the use of ‘only English’. Give patient ears to both and
declare the majority and give a neutral conclusion. Now ask them to write their own views and those
which were discussed in class in an article form. If the material is intended for debate, ask them
write on only their stand (Activity No 3)(More topics suggested)
51

Forming opinions and applying critical thinking are very essential for writing articles. Here is another
easy way to get students engaged to thinking : Give an issue/topic and do the PNI-positive, negative
& interesting with the students; start with the easy, familiar issues. Example: “Students being given
Home work” (Activity 4)
Positive

Students are
well connected
with their friends
through their
mobiles
Simple
It serves as
calculations by
immediate
mobile save time reference
The camera and
Big distraction;
the recorder
students either
functions are
listen/speak or
misused
keep texting
52
Interesting
Prepare the grid like the one given below and ask students to group points inside each grid under
Advantages and Disadvantages or positive and negative and neutral. The ‘neutral’ ones form material for Introduction and conclusion and the other groups are the matter for the body of the article/
speech/debate. Let them say at least one sentence in defence of any one of the points they think is
very true/important. Then ask them to compile the points and discussion into an article or speech or
debate. (Activity No.5)
Mobiles phones
are no more
a luxury but
necessity

Negative
Many carry them Parents worry
It has been the
with their parents’ about where their cause for many
permission
children are, has road accidents
lessened
Mobile phones
have been banned
for students
No need to carry
the dictionary
Rules must be
followed
It is an added
expenditure for
the parents
The more time
There are class
they keep it close rooms when
to their ears, the mobiles have
more damage
become a
is caused to the
teaching aid
nervous system
The mobile
The alarm and
It has robbed the Let’s use it with It is a status
phone is a marvel timer functions
peace of mind;
discretion
symbol
of science and
help in managing one gets calls
technology
time well
even when he is
attending something important
A very good
Bad for the eyes It has been a tool
Its another head
There is always
for cheating in
time- pass
the fear and
ache for the
because you can
exams
anxiety of losing school ofice to
play games
it
collect and later
return
In order to cater to ‘visually smart’ students, visuals-photos, pictures cartoon can be used to generate
ideas. Magazines and newspapers have very powerful visuals and cartoons on topics like corruption,
environmental degradation, women safety/ gender discrimination, child labour etc. For the creative




teacher the sky is the limit. (Activity No 6) (Sample pictures for effects of pollution given). On the
other hand the teacher can generate diagrams, lowcharts and tables/graphs and use them as visual
clues. Visuals surely speak better than words.
Authentic material can also be prepared by students by doing some mini research or accessing for
information through technology. But it should not be plagiarized. For example students can conduct
surveys, interviews or get reports from other people and then attempt their long composition. (Example: Conduct a mini survey of how many students stay far off from school and what problems they
face in the mornings as they come to school; are the public transport safe for them? Then they can
attempt an article on “Delhi’s Roads-Unsafe for children” or “Need for safe transport for students’)
(Activity 7)
We all know that more than simple facts, issue-based discussions get better responses from students;
to provide input support, the teacher may even plan a short role play based on issues; for example
recently the news papers were abound with reports about lack of maintenance of public parks and
how the Supreme Court of India was very critical of the issue. This could be well brought out in the
form of a role play and then a discussion might follow. The students interest will be sustained for a
long time and hence the output would also be authentic.
(Activity 8)
Once students get involved in the discussion and the writing process, the next stage would be to
discuss the format and structure from the exam point of view. The best way to
teach them how to ‘structure’ their ideas/expressions is to give them a sample article and ask them
to deconstruct it. Let them discuss in groups the structure- that it has an introduction which follows
the title and proceeds with the body and ends with a conclusion; the body may further be divided
into paragraphs which may have a pattern cause-effect/reason result etc. (Activity 9)(One sample
article is attached along with activity questions)
The paragraphs are not separate in an article. The transitions and links are very important. Students
must be familiar with some linkers/connectors. Some of the linkers are
“Let us explore the reasons”, “that leads us to the next point”, “As a result”, “in conclusion”,
“At the outset”, “First of all”, “one of the solutions could be…”, “however..”, “Thus”, “Therefore/Hence”, “evidently”, etc…Even short questions can be used. “So What we as youngsters
are doing about it?”, “How can we solve these problems?”, “ Shall we analyse the reasons/ the
effects/impact of….?” The best way to familiarize students with these linkers that make the article
cohesive and cogent is to make students use them under your supervision. How to go about it? Well,
write them on the board or list them on the chart; Give them paragraphs that are not connected with
these linkers; ask students to choose the suitable linkers and use them. Teachers need not give the
full article; a few lines –like the beginning and end of the paragraphs- may also serve the purpose.
(Activity No. 10 ; Use the same article used for Activity 9 ; ask students to use the suitable linkers)
How is speech/debate writing different from article writing?:
While the content /topics and assessing standards remain the same, in speech one has to include expressions
of pre speech salutations to draw the attention; one also has to announce the topic given. The introduction
53
may have the objective of the speech and the rest will be treated in the same manner as article. While
concluding one has to thank the audience.
For the debate the content should be interspersed references, quotes, words and ideas ideas of the speakers
of the ‘other ‘ team just to oppose their views. One may also oppose point wise.
Structure of an article
Appropriate Title followed by writer’s name
Introduction: Establishing the context
given in the input/question
Body: Detailed exposure to the points
with reasons results, effects
Body: Writer’s opinion, suggestions,
comments for solution or course of
action
Conclusion : positive ,
optimistic
54
Structure of a speech:
Topic followed by
Speech by_________
Pre-speech
Expressions/salutations and announcement
of the topic Introduction: Establishing the
context given in the input/question & the
objectives of the speech
Body: exposure to the points with reasons,
results, substantiated with references
(arguments for /against in case of a debate)
Suggestions, for solution or
course of action
Conclusion : Summing up of it hii
55
Some of the Topics for article/ speech writing: Wherever needed the title can be rephrased/shortened
1.
The more we depend on technology, the less we use our thinking abilities.
2.
The whole country should have only one curriculum to follow; common entrance exam for professional courses.
3.
NCC training should be compulsory in all schools.
4.
Community service once a week should be introduced in all schools and should be graded
5.
We should keep tourists off in some areas of our hills to preserve ecological balance.
6.
Self defense should be compulsory for girls
7.
There should be power outage/shedding for 1 hour daily in all parts of the country throughout the
year
8.
In any ield, those in power should step down after 5 years.
9.
As a country with over-the-billion population, we should be having more number of sports persons
10.
Reserve Bank’s decision to make students operate their bank accounts may have dire consequences.
Local issues/school issues that may be of interest to students:
1.
The School council/student representatives(Head Boy/Head Girl and other ofice bearers) should
have a say in all important matters related to school.
2.
There must be a school canteen in all schools selling food at subsidized rates
3.
The School should spend more money on technology for study purpose
4.
Every student should be given free laptop/tablet for study purpose
5.
The library should have TV& audio facility
6.
The School should appoint more coaches/teachers for games and sports
7.
There should be school bus facility in all schools.
8.
All Saturdays should be holidays too
9.
There must be more choice of subjects in schools
10.
Dramatics should be a subject taught in schools.
56
Visual inputs for Causes and effects of environmental pollution (Activity 6)
57
Rubrics for assessing an article
Criteria
Format
01Heading /Title
Writer’s name
Format
01Heading /Title
Writer’s name
Poor
0
Heading of the article
does not exist
Heading unconnected
to the topic given.
Heading of the article
does not exist
Heading unconnected
to the topic given.
Poor 0-½
Content –Main points
02
(Content Covers Main Content does not
points + organization) exhibit a good understanding of the main
points.
Organization/Structure Poor 0-1/2
02 pts
he article is not
organized. Contains a
few of the main points
haphazardly put
Fair
½
Title without writer’s
name
Good
01
Heading is correct; writer’s name is also mentioned
Title without writer’s
name
Heading is correct; writer’s name is also mentioned
Fair ½ -1&1/2
Good 02
Content exhibits some
understanding of the
major points .
Content exhibits a good
understanding of the
main points
Fair 1-1&1/2
Good 02
he article is organized,
using transitions between
paragraphs. Follows a
proper structure, Para
breaks at the right places
Good 2&1/2
Expression 05
Poor 0-1/2
he article is mostly
organized. Para breaks
are mostly justiied/
para breaks in some
parts missing
Fair 01-2
Fluency/Style 2 &1/2
shows poor control
over vocabulary; too
many repetitions; in
many places choice
words inappropriate
Repetitions in some
places; Words/expressions mostly appropriate; shows some command over vocabulary
Shows good control over
vocabulary; choice of
words and expressions
appropriate; made use of
synonyms to avoid repetitions
Accuracy
Poor 0-1/2
Fair 1-2
Good 2&1/2
Contains many grammatical errors and
punctuation errors.
Contains more than 3
spelling errors, grammatical, punctuation
errors.
Contains no spelling
grammatical errors and
punctuation errors.
Grammar 2&1/2
Note: This is just to help those teachers who ind it dificult to assess students’ articles objectively. Teachers
may give this to students or display it in the class so that students know what is expected. Teachers should
also encourage originality, innovative ideas, good expression, research and neat handwriting and may allot
some marks for these also during practice sessions though not during summative assessment.
58
Sample article for Activity 9 & 10
Today thousands of children in India are in the habit of eating junk food without giving it
much thought. The trend is catching up even in villages. “Junk food” refers to foods that are
relatively high in caloric content, but low in nutritional value. A few examples of foods often
considered to be junk food include fast food, sweets such as ice cream, candy, soda, and potato
chips, among many others.
Junk food is addictive to people just like nicotine. So for obese people, junk food can trigger
the same response in the brain as people addicted to nicotine or any other drug. Although junk
food is convenient and delicious, eating excessive junk food can have serious negative effects
on people, young or old alike. People who eat a lot of junk food tend to gain weight quickly.
This extra weight raises cholesterol and blood pressure contributing to heart disease and also
to diabetes. Obese people cannot play or enjoy itness and this vicious cycle goes on and on.
All schools should make conscious efforts to promote healthy food and avoid junk food. This
will lead to better lifestyle. The mid-day-meal system is a good step; healthy food should be
available to all school children free or on subsidized rates. Also, kids can protest against junk
food selling companies. Surely it is time for action; to avoid junk food and stay healthy.
• What could be the appropriate title ? Where would you write it?
• Is the author’s name there?
• What does the irst paragraph do? If you start the article with second paragraph does it start
abruptly?
• Which of the paragraphs is directly connected to the title?
• Is the last paragraph placed at the right spot? Can we interchange if with other paragraphs?
Why? Why not?
• Is there a positive conclusion to the article? Where?
59
English Core Class XII
Value Based Questions ( Flamingo)
1.
Little Franz is shocked to know that French would no longer be taught in his school. What, according
to you, is the importance of language for the people of a country? Do you think that we are forgetting
to take pride in our National language or our mother tongue?
2.
“That’s the trouble with Alsace. She puts off learning till tomorrow”, said M.Hamel. Most of the people
have a habit of delaying their work due to which their performance suffers. What is the signiicance
of doing timely work.
3.
M Hamel is choked with emotions and ends his class by writing ’Vive la France’ on the board. Write
a short article on the topic ‘Patriotic Feeling Binds the People of a Nation‘.
4.
‘Children in Seemapuri are partners in survival’. Unfortunately, child labour is still prevalent in our
country. Give suggestions on how to combat this problem.
5.
Family of Mukesh is caught in the web of poverty. Do you think education can bring about a change
in their perpetual state of poverty? Elucidate.
6.
There are many bangle makers who have not enjoyed even ‘one full meal’ in their lives, whereas, you
can see many people wasting food. How can the divide between the rich and the poor be bridged?
7.
‘All we have to fear is fear itself’, said Roosevelt. Write a short speech for your school assembly,
highlighting the importance of strong will to achieve anything you desire in life.
8.
A big bruiser of a boy ducked Douglas into the deep end of the pool which could have led to his death.
Problem of bullying and ragging persists in many teenage groups. Quoting examples from the text,
discuss the problem of Bullying and its effects on the victims. Also, suggest ways how to deal with
such issues.
9.
With his strong determination, Douglas is able to defeat his deep rooted fear and emerge victorious.
Write a short article on the topic, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’.
10. Edla Willmanson is able to bring about a transformation in the peddler because of her kindness and
faith in him. Discuss how generosity and kindness can bring about a positive change in a person.
11. Lack of love and kindness can lead to negativity and skepticism in life. Citing examples from the
chapter ‘The Rattrap’, explain how human bonding can help you change the negative outlook towards
life.
12. Just like the rattrap seller was transformed because of the kindness shown by Edla Willmansion, do
you think that the juveniles can be transformed with this kind of a corrective measure? Write a short
paragraph on the topic, ‘Reformation is better than Condemnation.’
13. Gandhiji was ready to go to jail for the sake of the poor indigo farmers. Citing examples from the text,
60
write a short speech to be delivered on the occasion of the Investiture Ceremony of your school on
the topic ‘Good leaders are the ones who lead by example’.
14. Though Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate peasant, he was resolute and was able to bring about a
change in the lives of the people of Champaran. Taking hints from the text, write an article on the
topic, ‘Grit and Determination can take you a long way’.
15. ‘The cause is just and you must rely upon yourselves to win the battle’, said Gandhiji. Do you think
we all must ight the social problems prevalent in our society courageously the way our great leader
did? Elucidate.
16. Sophie lived in her own world of fantasy. Write a short article on ‘The Pros and Cons of the Teenage
World of Imagination’.
17. Taking hints from the chapter ‘Going Places’, write a paragraph on the topic, ‘Teenage fantasizing
can lead to a distorted world view’.
Reference to Daney Cassey in the chapter ‘Going Places’ is a classic example of hero worship. He rules
the hearts of every character mentioned in the text. Based on your reading of the chapter, write a short
paragraph on ‘Sports - An Integral Part of Our Lives’.
61
SAMPLE PAPER (2014-15)
ENGLISH CORE - CLASS XII
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100
SECTION A
READING
1.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
30 Marks
(12 marks)
Much of India’s lawmaking process has been outside the scrutiny of ordinary people. They are not
framed by legislators or even senior bureaucrats but are often drafts prepared by babus. Sometimes,
powerful business interests inluence these laws (like the Special Economic Zone Act) and then they
are passed in Parliament with little or no discussion. Sometimes, a popular public demand enters the
discourse of a political party and takes the shape of policy and legislation. However, the desire of
citizens to participate in the framing of law and policy has intensiied over the years, and their voice
needs to be included in democratic decision making.
With growing interest in governance, citizens may suggest policy and legislation and such deliberations
will only strengthen constitutional processes. Actual consultation on draft legislation and policy require
detailed discussion of the principles, framework and formulation of speciics. These consultations will
provoke multiple views and it is important for the institutional framework to assimilate and consider
them.
Any group placing its views in the public domain cannot claim total representation. There will be
criticism and those need to be resolved. However, assemblies of people can only support the need for
legislation. Surveys and votes by raising hands are important to register support for the general idea
but cannot be the basis for detailed drafting of a law and its constituent parts.
The principles and framework of any legislation must be debated and the erroneous conclusion that
any difference of opinion is tantamount to mala ide intent needs to be questioned. It is in any case
only of peripheral importance, as the issues themselves need to be addressed. This applies to laws
made both by the formal and informal structures.
Many democracies in the world already have started placing policy and draft laws in the public domain
before they are sent to the government, cabinet and then Parliament. The deliberative consultative
process is for everyone but focuses more on people who are most affected by the legislation. The
policy and the sharing of frameworks are followed by a draft of the bill itself. All this is done within
a timeframe. The nascent process of participation of citizens in shaping legislation in the last two
decades will ind systemic space and democratic credibility.
Today, Lokpal has become a phrase, a concept and almost a passion. But that apart, the unpackaging
of the concept and the understanding of the Bill, and its legal and administrative mechanisms are
restricted to a few civil society and government groups. It is time for the interested groups to build a
62
constituency of concerned people who will steer democracy in consonance with constitutional rights.
What we need is a well-argued critique of the way we want change.
People must have the space to mobilise and protest; it is a constitutional right. But different processes
need different platforms. The argument against corruption will stand or fall, not on the volume of our
protest alone, but on the rigour of our proposals.
What we need is a transparent pre-legislative process within the democratic framework. It is important
that the pre-legislative process is evolved and shaped in a synergetic manner. If it is properly institutionalised, it will not impinge on executive or legislative privilege. There should be a response to citizens’
desire to participate in framing legislation by creating platforms for institutionalised participation to
deepen democratic processes.
1. Select the correct option from the ones given below. (4)
(a) The author strongly supports the stand that any legislation must be subjected to wide :–
i) publicity
ii) superman’s supervision
iii) public debate
iv) scathing criticism
(b) India’s law making process is generally not within the purview of :–
i) judiciary’s review
ii) public scrutiny
iii) politician’s power
iv) parliament’s power
(c) Democracy needs to be steered in consonance
i) citizens’ rights
ii) constitutional rights
iii) right to vote
iv) right to education
(d) Citizens should be involved in
i) selection of ministers
ii) framing of government rules
iii) framing of legislation
iv) parliamentary affairs
B. Answer the following questions briely.
(6)
a) Describe the term ‘Civil Society’.
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b) How is India’s law-making process framed?
c) What are the two ways to register support for drafting a law?
d) How does public participation affect government?
e)
How are policies and draft laws placed by other democracies in the world?
f)
How can we ight corruption in an organised manner?
C. Look for words similar in meaning to :–(2)
i) law making
ii) limited
2.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
(10 marks)
Soon after 1999 ire in Shahjahanabad, orders came for the chemical traders to move out to Holambi
Kalan, near Narela Industrial Area on the city’s northwestern periphery. In 2006, even the paper merchants of Chawri Bazaar got an ultimatum to relocate to Ghazipur due to ire safety concerns. But so
far, not a single chemical or paper trader has moved out of the tider box, that is Old Delhi.
Why? Traders say the conditions at the new sites are not conducive for business. For instance, paper
merchants say, the Integrated Freight complex (IFC), Ghazipur, where they are supposed to move
has poor infrastructure and inadequate security. So, ive years after Delhi Development Authority
allotted plots to 621 traders, they continue to operate out of Chawri Bazaar and only 250 odd have
started construction in Ghazipur.
Chemical traders, too, are resisting relocation to Holambi Kalan for similar reasons. “The place is
a jungle. There are no roads, streetlights, water pipelines, sewerage and security. Most of us don’t
even know which piece of land belongs to us. Land has been transferred only on paper,” said Shyam Sunder Gupta, general secretary, Chemical Market Association. So far, plots have been allotted
to 639 of the 883 chemical traders found eligible in the 1999 survey.
For traders who feel secure amidst old associates and the tightly packed warrens of these old markets, a move to the spacious new sites seems fraught with risk. “Traders keep lakhs of rupees with
them. At least nobody can rob us of our hard earned money here,” said Pradeep, a, chemical merchant. “There are no arrangements for security (at the new sites). In our warehouses, we have goods
worth lakhs of rupees. How can we leave them there,” said Prem Prakash, who paid Rs. 161akh for
a 98sqm plot in Ghazipur.
Batting for the traders, area MP and human resource development minister, Kapil Sibal, said, “It is
unfair to ask traders to move to the outskirts without providing them facilities. The matter has been
pending for a long time. I have asked the Union urban development minister to expedite the process
so that the area (Walled City) can be decongested and redeveloped. We can’t ask people to move to
an area where basic amenities are missing,” said Sibal.
Notwithstanding orders of the government and the high court to move wholesale trades out of the
old city, the number of establishments has only increased over the years. According to a conservative estimate, paper merchants have increased by 15-20%, and chemical merchants by 20-30%
since the relocation orders were issued.
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“The number of paper traders has increased considerably since 2006. DDA is yet to provide plots to
nearly 300 odd traders. What will happen to the new traders?” said Mahesh Shah, president of Paper Merchants’ Association. Chemical traders, too, have similar concerns. “They have allotted plots
based on a survey done in 1999-2000. The market has grown a lot in the last 11 years,” said Gupta.
As per Master Plan of Delhi 2021, Municipal Corporation of Delhi is responsible for stopping expansion of wholesale markets and commercial activity in Shahjahanabad, but MCD oficials themselves admit there is rampant commercialization in the area.
A. Select the correct option from the ones given below.
(2)
(a) After Shahjahanabad’s 1999 ire disaster the chemical traders were ordered to
i) close down their units
ii) compensate the victims and their families
iii) shift to Holambi Kalan near Narela
iv) upgrade their ire ighting systems.
(b) The local MP also believes that it would be dificult for traders to move to new sites unless:–
i) customers are made available to them.
ii) facilities are provided at these sites.
iii) govt. pays the traders enough compensation.
iv) traders get accustomed to new locations.
B. Answer the following questions briely:– (6)
a) Why are paper merchants not inding the new sites conducive for business?
b) What are the allegations made by chemical traders?
c) According to 1999 survey, how many chemical traders were allotted plots?
d) How can the area of walled city be improved according to the needs of traders?
e) According to a survey, what has been the effect on the development of establishments, as a
result of preventing wholesale traders out of the old city?
f) According to the 2021 master plan, MCD is responsible for ______.
C. Find synonyms of :– (2)
i) boundary
(ii) insuficient
3.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
(8)
Starting from the steam engine to the supercomputer, why is it that most of the discoveries of the last
two centuries have all been in the west? Is it because there were not many in the eastern hemisphere
to think out or innovate? Or is it because though there was someone who did something back here,
65
we were too late to realize it or acknowledge it? In fact, not all of the blame should go to us. There
have been discoveries here too but maybe we overlooked them or were too late to acknowledge them.
We still believe that there have been inventions in this part of the world but because of the delay in
accepting such inventions the West copied them and thus been credited with their achievements.
India has been credited with being a storehouse of intellectual capital. Indians have a strong presence
in NASA and even companies like the Microsoft and IBM. Yet India still lags behind in the ield of
innovation despite having a rich history. Indians invented the numerical ‘zero’ which is known to
everyone. Even Albert Einstein also said that not worthwhile scientiic discovery would have been
possible without the Indians teaching the world to count.
Just knowledge is not enough. It has to be cultivated and put to use. Otherwise it is like having a Pentium III which is used just for typing. To put to use this knowledge adequately, proper opportunities
also need to be provided. This is where the role of the government and the overall support for human
infrastructure comes in. This implies providing adequate technology, setting up the right atmosphere
right from the school level to identify and promote such talent. This is what our immediate challenge
should be.
On the industry side they have a new assignment to embark on. For the irst four decades India has
been a seller’s market. For the producer, he just had to manufacture his goods and there was always
a ready taker. For industry, innovation is not a way of business but a lifeline to exist in the business.
With the innovation comes in the thrust on research and development. This is another of the neglected
aspects in Indian industry. Strangely, the general concept among many is that R and D is basically for
the pharmaceuticals and chemical industry. Thus leading from here we ind that this is one zone where
the share on the total expenditure is minuscule. This may be because of the dedicated investments
and time frame required with no guarantee of results. Unfortunately, our short sightedness prevents
us from judging the gains from such investments in the long run.
One thing in place is that India is an abundantly rich nation of natural resources. But the sad thing that
follows is we depend so heavily on it. Imagine what it would have been had India used these resources,
added technology and innovation and produced! The green revolution has been a perfect example of
how natural resources combined with technology can convert a nation in a span of two decades to a
food surplus economy.
In the end we arrive on the human contribution factor. All what has been discussed above would be
or is a result of human zeal and contribution. This calls for a further debate on how we should ensure
that not only India is an information rich country but also where knowledge is tested and put to work
and further the goals are achieved through such creativity. Innovation is a never ending process that
lubricates the wheels of growth of any nation developing or developed.
A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary – minimum 4) and a format you consider
suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it. (5)
B.
66
Based on your reading of the above passage, write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.(3)
SECTION B
ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS
4.
(30 Marks)
As president of the student’s council of your school, write a notice is not more than 50 words asking
the students of your school to donate old clothes, books and bags for the Anubhav Shiksha Kendra, a
school for the underprivileged being run on your school premises.
OR
You are Aneesh kalra, a social activist. You are much concerned about the spread of the pandemic
called Swine lu in the country. Prepare a poster educating the people about the pandemic – its cause
and the precautionary measures need to be taken. (4)
5.
You are Nitin/Natasha, a student of Class XII at K.P.N. Public School Faridabad. The student is required to cope with lot of pressure in today’s competitive environment. Write a letter to the editor of
a national daily highlighting the increasing stress faced by students and suggest ways to combat the
same. (6)
OR
You are Suresh/Smita. You come across the following advertisement in a national daily. You consider
yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Write an application in response to the advertisement.
Applications are invited for the post of a Nursery teacher in a reputed school of Delhi. The candidate must
have at least 5 years’ experience of teaching tiny-tots. The applicant must have a pleasant personality.
He/she should be creative and innovative. Attractive salary. Interested candidates should apply to The
Principal, AKS International, Indirapuram, New Delhi within 10 days with detailed resume.
6.
You are Zubin / Zeba, a social activist, much concerned about the booming crime against women,
may it be eve-teasing, domestic violence or others. Write an article in 150-200 words throwing light
on this problem and giving suggestions on putting an end to it.
OR
There has been a recent upsurge in the Coaching institutes all over India. Do you think that coaching
classes are necessary for a student go score well in exams? Write an article in 150-200 words. You
are Amit/Amrita, a student of class XII of Jawahar Public School.(10)
7.
You have been asked to participate in the Debate Competition on the topic ‘Machines have enslaved
Man’. Write the debate in 200 words either for or against the motion. (10)
OR
Some colleges conduct entrance test for admission to under-graduates courses like English (Hons)
and Journalism (Hons). Do you think that the entrance test is the right method of selecting students?
Write a speech in about (150-200) to be delivered at morning assembly of your school. (10)
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SECTION - C
TEXT BOOKS (Flamingo & Vistas) and LONG READING TEXT-NOVEL
8.
Read the lines given below & answer the questions that follow:
(40 Marks)
(4 marks)
Those who prepare green wars,
wars of gas, wars of ire,
victories without survivors,
would put on clean clothing
and would walk alongside their brothers
in the shade, without doing a thing.
a) What are green wars?
1
b) How would the wars affect our lives?
1
c) What could be the ideal situation?
1
d) Name the poem and the poet.
1
Or
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
Its loveliness increases,
it will never Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us.
9.
a) ‘A thing of beauty is joy forever’. Explain.
1
b) Why does a beautiful thing ‘pass into nothingness’?
1
c) What does poet mean by ‘a bower quiet for us’?
1
d) Name the poem and the poet.
1
Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 30-40 words each:
(4 x 3 = 12)
a) What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?
b) Why was Franz tempted to miss the school that day?
c) Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangle industry.
d) What is the signiicance of the prince’s utterance - “Let tigers beware”?
e) Hana told Yumi to wash the soldier. How did Yumi react?
10. Answer any ONE of the following in 120 -150 words:
68
(6)
a) Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
b) ‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that agree? Why / Why not?
11. Answer the following in about 120-150 words :
(6)
Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The poor indigo farmers were exploited by the British landlords,
which Gandhiji objected. Even after our independence we ind exploitation of unorganized labour.
What values do we learn from Gandhiji’s campaign to counter the present day problems?
12. Answer the following in about 120-150 words :
(6 x 2 = 12 Marks)
a) Draw a pen portrait of Dr. Kemp.
b) Describe the robbery episode at dawn in Bunting’s house.
69
SAMPLE PAPER (2014-15)
ENGLISH CORE - CLASS XII
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 100
SECTION A
READING
1.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
30 Marks
(12 marks)
Hundreds of thousands of our qualiied youngsters take off from different international airports every
year for higher studies or highly lucrative jobs in the US, the UK, Germany, France and Australia. And
most of these Indians prefer to settle down abroad, attracted by the facilities and the higher quality of
life provided by these countries. We have been crying hoarse about the brain drain from India over
the last ive decades or more, without going in for a well-set blueprint to check the counterproductive
phenomenon. Some of the public schools in our metros and our IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology)
and IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) are providing world class education. One might wonder
that having spent a lot on infrastructure, training and other facilities and the best teaching staff, can the
Government and the people of India look away as the talent, assiduously nurtured in India, is utilised
by other countries for their development and excellence in different ields.
During the decade’s long debate on the brain drain, it was said that our youngsters leave India just
because excellence is neither recognized nor rewarded in India. This could have been partly true at
the beginning of this debate. But today, things have changed beyond recognition and talented people
can reach the highest position possible if only they are prepared to work hard.
Youngsters from India, whatever be the ield they are working in, are today suitably recognised and
rewarded.
Take the ield of sports where many of the celebrities are household names – Sania Mirza, Narain
Karthikeyan, Sachin Tendulkar, Anju Bobby George, P.T. Usha and several others. Innovation and
managerial skill get recognition when Indians can vie with others in excellence from any part of the
world.
If there is one individual who has catapulted India to the number one position in milk production in the
world, it’s none other than Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of the White Revolution. A top engineer who
completed the Konkan Railway in record time, Mr. E. Sreedharan has built up the world class Delhi
Metro. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan is no longer a megastar of the Indian screen only. His presentation of
Kaun Banega Crorepati and other ventures have made him a living legend of global proportions. Take
the story of the Ambani brothers, the Tatas, the Mittals and others who are having their footprints in
different continents. We have had so many Indians who rose to the summit as Miss Universe and Miss
World, but none has earned so much acclaim globally, in Bollywood, Hollywood : or the Cannes Film
Festival, as Ms. Aishwarya Rai. In the wake of globalisation, India has produced a galaxy of eminent
70
entrepreneurs in IT; Biotechnology, civil aviation, steel production and the like. Just mention a ield
and we are already in the vanguard or moving ahead at a frantic pace. A time may come when India
would be capable of reversing the so-called brain drain to India’s supreme advantage.
And happily enough, this is already happening now. A report released by a high-tech lobbying group
in the Silicon Valley in 2005 revealed that the highly skilled Indian born talent that once locked to the
US was returning home, “turning America’s brain drain into India’s brain gain”. Titled “Losing the
Competitive Edge : The Challenge for Science and Technology in the US”, the report said that countries like India and China, through there-structuring of their economies, were dramatically increasing
the skill sets of their work force, thereby posing a challenge “to the US leadership in the technology
domain. “Public private partnerships (in India)’ have invested in technical universities and communications infrastructure to create cutting edge technology parks in places like Bangalore in Karnataka.
This will make India more competitive and alluring to investors and multinational companies.” The
report further said : “They are dramatically increasing the skill sets of their workforce, investing in
research and development, and adopting advanced technologies, all to create wealth and spur economic
growth.”
(Source : Competition Success Review)
A. Select the correct option from the ones given below. (4)
(a) Our qualiied and talented youngsters go abroad for
i) holidaying.
ii) higher study and better jobs.
iii) propagating India’s greatness.
iv) helping Indian students in Australia.
(b) A report from Silicon Valley states that skilled and talented Indians are
i)
coming back.
ii)
not interested in home coming.
iii) demanding more wages.
iv) turning to politics in India.
(c) Our youngsters leave India just because
i)
the weather of India is very hot.
ii)
There is a lot of corruption in India.
iii) excellence is neither recognized nor rewarded in India.
iv) They like the Western countries more than India.
(d) Technology parks are found in
71
i) Konkan
ii) Bangalore
iii) Delhi
iv) Gujarat
B. Answer the following questions briely :– (6)
a) What do you understand by Brain Drain?
b) What is the contribution of Dr. Verghese Kurien?
c) Talent can reach top if ____________
d) Name the engineer who has been credited with building of Delhi Metro?
e) What does the counter-productive phenomenon refer to?
f) How is India becoming more competitive and alluring to investors and MNCs?
C. Look for words similar in meaning to the following: (2)
i) a period of ten years
ii) zenith
2.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
(10 marks)
Worm is a software program that is designed to copy itself from one computer to another, without human interaction. Unlike a computer virus, a worm can copy itself automatically. For example, a mass
mailing Email worm is a worm that sends copies of itself via email. A network worm makes copies
of itself throughout a network, an Internet worm sends copies of itself via vulnerable computers on
the Internet, and so on.
Worms can replicate in great volume. For example, a worm can send out copies of itself to every contact in your email address book, and then it can send itself to all of the contacts your contact’s email
address books. Some worms spread very quickly. They clog networks and can cause long waits for
you (and everyone else) to view Web pages on the Internet.
Examples of some of the computer worms are the Sasser worm, the Blaster worm, and the Conicker
worm.
Trojans are the malicious code which when triggered cause loss, or even theft, of data. Trojans are
associated with remote access programs that perform illicit operations such as password stealing or
which allow compromised machines to be used for targeted denial of service attacks. When a Trojan
horse is activated, it may access certain iles, folders or even an entire system. It often creates what is
known as a “trapdoor” or “backdoor”, which can then be used to thieve a victim’s sensitive information
and forward it to another location.
A. Select the correct option from the ones given below. (2)
(a) Unusual error messages are an indicator of:–
72
i) worm infection
ii) virus infection
iii) Trojan infection
iv) spam
(b) A mass mailing email worm sends:–
i) multiple copies to one user
ii) multiple copies to multiple users
iii) copies of itself
iv) single copies to multiple users
B. Answer the following questions briely: –
(6)
a) How can viruses be disguised?
b) What problems do benign viruses create?
c) What is a mass-mailing worm?
d) What do boot record infectors infect?
e) What are Trojans associated with?
f) How can ‘trapdoor’ affect a person’s information stored in a computer?
C.
Complete the following:
(2)
i) Pick out the word in the passage similar in meaning to kind/friend. _______________
ii) Pick out the word in the passage opposite in meaning to illegitimate. _______________
3.
Read the passage given below :below:
(8 Marks)
If you wish to pursue higher studies without taxing your parents with educational debts, it’s time to
act now. As education costs escalate every year, it is not feasible for parents to spend the lion’s share
of their savings on your higher education. However, with a number of scholarship programmes available these days, you can fund your own studies, at least in part. All that you need is a sound academic
record and the ability to compete with other candidates. If you are not meritorious, look out for loans,
which can be repaid once you have inished your degree.
Scholarships
One of the irst avenues that students must explore is the National Science Talent Search (NSTS),
which is available to students of class V to XII. If you have an interest in Science and can make a
good science project, apply to the NSTS. “After school, fellowships are available for different levels
of study that include Science, Arts, and Social Science. There are also scholarships available for research abroad, the information for which is posted to colleges and university departments directly.”
73
For scholarships in the US, enquire at the ofice of the United States Educational Foundation in India
(USEFI) which has an ofice in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Similarly, if you wish to
pursue higher studies in the U.K. ,, drop in at The British Council, which has branches all over the
country. The British Chevening Scholarship is awarded to gifted studies in various disciplines in the
UK. Similarly, Fulbright is a distinguished US fellowship programme for research scholars.
20
There are also a number of exchange programmes with different countries, provided by the Government of India. The German Academic Exchange fellowship invites PG students in bio-engineering,
bio-pharmacology, metallurgy, environment science, agronomy, veterinary science, horticulture and
animal husbandry, with two years of teaching or research experience.
LoansOANS
Alternately, you can look for loans, which can be repaid once you start earning. In India, such loans
are available from commercial banks and the Life Insurance Corporation(Corporation (LIC), but both
require security. “In banks, some security in the form of immovable property or jewellery may have to
be mortgaged, while in the case of LIC, you should have a life insurance policy with premium having
been paid for a certain number of years,.”
If you seek loans to study abroad, such as in the US, you must have a US citizen co-signer and you
should have already taken admission in US University. The whole process requires a lot of hard work,
merit and self-motivation, but once you complete your degree, self-funding can be extremely rewarding.
a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it using headings and subhead
ings.Use recognizable abbreviation wherever necessary.
(5 m)
b) Write a summary of the above passage in 80 words. Also suggest a suitable title.
(3 m)
SECTION B
ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS
4.
(30 Marks)
There is an exhibition of handicraft items at Dilli Haat, Delhi. Prepare a poster inviting the people
to see the exhibition. Give a suitable title to your poster. (4)
Or
You are Dr. Madhu, M.D. You are looking for an independent house in Ghaziabad on a reasonable
rent for your residence-cum-clinic. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be
published in Hindustan Times, New Delhi. Your telephone no. is 8812341234.
74
5.
You are Amita/Arun from NSCB Hostel, Dehradun. You and your friends are planning a holiday. You
come across the following advertisement in a newspaper. Read the advertisement and on the basis
of your choice of destination write a letter to the tour operator enquiring about various aspects of the
tour.(6)
Perfect holiday with friends and family; Unlimited Enjoyment
Goa
3d/2n
Rs. 7000 for two
Shimla
4d/3n
Rs. 8000 for two
Kerala
4d/3n
Rs. 15000 for two.
Free breakfast, No hidden charges, concession available on bulk booking. Contact Sai Tour and
Travel, Vivek Vihar, Delhi -110089.
OR
You are Kavita/Kailash staying at B-101, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi. You ind it disturbing that despite a
ban on the use of polythene bags its use is rampant in city. Write a letter to the editor of a national
daily expressing your concern about apathy of people towards environmental degradation. Also
suggest ways to mobilise city dwellers for the cause of safe environment with the help of school
children.
6.
Indian culture has traditionally sustained a joint family system in which the old have always had a
very respectable place. There has been an erosion of these values in the present times. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on the need for the young to take care of their old instead of sending them to
the old age homes.
OR
Global warming has adversely affected the climate of the world. Glaciers are melting. For the survival
of humanity, the environment has to be protected at any cost. Write an article in 150 – 200 words on
“Need for Green Earth through Environmental Protection.” (10)
7.
You are shocked to read a report on murder of a senior citizen in Vasant Vihar Colony. You being the
President of RWA of the colony feel that adequate steps in the ield of safety and social awareness are
needed. Write a speech on the topic “Crimes against Senior Citizens-Measures to Curb it” in about
150-200 words to be delivered at RWA meeting.
OR
You are Raksha/Rakesh a student of Class XII of MGH School, Geeta colony. You feel that mobile
phones have become integral part of today’s life. You think that every good thing has bad sides also.
Write a debate in 150-200 words either in favour or against the topic “Mobile Phone and Social Development of the Children”.(10)
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SECTION C
TEXT BOOKS (Flamingo & Vistas) and LONG READING TEXT-NOVEL
8.
(40 Marks)
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
(1 x 4 = 4)
‘Unless, governor, inspector, visitor,
This map becomes their window and these windows
That shut upon their lives like catacombs.’
a) Why does the poet invoke ‘governor, ‘inspector’ and ‘visitor’?
b) What does ‘this map’ refer to? How can it become ‘their window’?
c) What do you understand by catacombs?
d) Name the poem and the poet.
OR
‘When Aunt is dead, her terriied hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.’
a) What is Aunt Jennifer’s death symbolic of?
b) What does ‘ringed with ordeals’ imply?
c) Explain: “the tigers in the panel….will go on prancing, proud and unafraid”.
d) Name the poem and the poet.
9.
Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each:
(4 x 3 = 12)
a) ‘So blot their maps with slums as big as doom’. What does the poet want to convey?
b) Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What does this tell us
about the attitude of the Frenchmen?
c) Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked on the door of the cottage?
d) How did the Governor manage to reach Evans in the hotel?
10. Answer any ONE of the following in 120 -150 words: (6)
a) How did the Champaran episode end the sufferings of the share-croppers?
b) Discuss the last moments in the class on the last day of the French lesson?
11. Answer the following in about 120-150 words : (6)
76
With reference to the big boy who pushed Douglas into the pool we realize that many a times we fail
to understand others fears and weaknesses and make fun of them without realising how much harm
we are doing to the psyche of the person. What qualities does a person need to imbibe in order not to
undermine others?
12. Answer the following in about 120-150 words :
(6 x 2 = 12 Marks)
a) Mr. Hall is a typical example of the residents of Iping village. Elaborate with examples from his
character.
b) Describe the chase between Kemp and the Invisible Man when Kemp took the downward
direction of the hill. Describe the scene of the Invisible Man creeping in to death.
77
Annexure - I
Listening Assessment – Class XI
Audio Script
Task 1
You will hear 5 short extracts of people talking about ‘Generation Gap’. Read the statements
below then listen to the extracts and match each statement A-G to each speaker 1 - 5. There are two
statements you do not need. You will hear the recordings twice.
Speaker 1: I am Shreya. No matter how hard I try to make my folks try different cuisines while going out
for a dinner but for them Mughalai food sounds to be the all-time favourite and somehow the safest bet
when you want to eat out. Apparently, they can’t think beyond Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani and will
never want to try Chinese, Italian or Mediterranean delicacies.”
Speaker 2: My name is KaminiSundaram. I have a 14 year old daughter Padma. Lately, I don’t know
what’s come over her. She’s always arguing with me about the silliest things. A single day with her. In my
day, I was not allowed to raise my voice to my parents.”
Speaker 3: I’m Armaan. My folks feel hill stations, religious spots or our native village are the best holiday
destinations - apt for a family outing. The exotic locales such as Dubai, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore and
other places still sound like a far fetched dreams for them.
Speaker 4: My name is Pooja Rao. I am very upset with my parents. I never wanted to pursue engineering.
Given a choice, I would have taken up psychology. I wasn’t even allowed to pick the stream of my choice.
I wanted to take up civil engineering but was forced into information science by my parents.”
Speaker 5: My name is Jacob Abraham. I am totally confused about my son, Vivek. I’ve always wanted
to give him the best of things, but his demands never seem to end. He’s constantly asking me for money
to go out to Malls and discos and to buy the ‘latest’ clothes. If I say no, he makes me feel like a tyrant and
says that none of the other parents object.”
You will hear 5 short extracts of people talking about the need for more National parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries.
Read the statements below, then listen to the extracts and match each statement A–G to each speaker
1–5. There are two statements you do not need. You will hear the recording twice.
A.
I was forced to take up information Science though I wanted to take up Psychology.
B.
My daughter is closer to her friends than she is to anyone else. She does not like to go for family
outings.
C.
My parents don’t like to experiment with their food.
D.
My son asks for more money than I can afford. He calls me a tyrant if I refuse.
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E.
We will not force our ideas onto our children. Our son is free to choose what he wants to study.
F.
We don’t go for holidays to exotic destinations.
G.
My daughter argues with me all the time.
Speaker
Shreya
KaminiSundaram
Armaan
Pooja Rao
Jacob Abraham
Statement
Audio Script
Task 2
You will listen to Greenpeace head Kumi Naidoo as he talks to Radio Durban on ways of saving the
planet. As you listen, answer the following questions. Before you listen to the talk study the questions
and ind out what information you should be listening for. You will listen to the recording twice.
Bill: Good Morning Listeners. Welcome to Planetpals, your Environment Show. I’m your host Bill and we
are happy to have here with us the Greenpeace chief, Kumi Naidoo. I will ask Mr.Naidoo a few questions
on Greenpeace.
Good Morning, Mr. Naidoo. Welcome to Planetpals.
Kumi Naidoo: Hi Bill. I’m glad to be here.
Bill: Kumi, tell me what is the evidence that proves the climate is changing?
Kumi Naidoo: The global average temperature has increased by more than 0.6°C over the last century. As
a result, many places have experienced more intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves.
The world’s oceans have warmed 50% faster over the last 40 years than previously thought due to climate
change. Higher ocean temperatures expand the volume of water, contributing to a rise in sea levels that
is submerging small island nations and threatening to wreak havoc in low-lying, densely-populated delta
regions around the globe.
Bill: That’s an alarming trend. What is causing this climate change – human activities or natural variations
in climate?
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Kumi Naidoo: The Earth does go through natural cycles of warming and cooling, caused by factors such
as changes in the sun or volcanic activity. However, the warming we have seen in the past 50 years cannot
be explained by natural factors alone. In contrast, the warming we are observing is consistent with the
warming properties of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that we are adding to the atmosphere.
Bill: How can carbon dioxide hurt us?
Kumi Naidoo: While carbon dioxide is a necessary ingredient for plants to perform photosynthesis, and a
critical component of our atmosphere. excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases global temperatures. This can harm plants, animals, and humans.
Bill: How will climate change harm humans?
Kumi Naidoo: We are accustomed to a normal range of conditions. So, climate change could affect our
health and infrastructure as well as energy, food, and water supplies. Climate change may especially impact
people who live in coastal areas that are vulnerable to storms. Similarly, professions that are closely linked
to weather and climate, such as outdoor tourism and agriculture, will be especially affected.
Bill: Oh, that sounds grim. Is it too late to do anything about climate change?
Kumi Naidoo: No, it is not too late. With appropriate actions by governments, communities, individuals,
and businesses, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution we release and lower the risk of
much greater warming. Many of the actions that we can take to address climate change will have other
beneits, such as cleaner, healthier air.
Bill: Thank you. Next time, we will talk about what each one of us can do to reduce CO2 emissions. Till
then, from all us here at Planetpals, thank you Kumi.
You will listen to Greenpeace head Kumi Naidoo as he talks to Radio Durban on ways of saving the
planet. As you listen, answer the following questions. Before you listen to the talk, study the questions
and ind out what information you should be listening for. You will listen to the recording twice.
1)
The name of the radio programme is …..
a. Planetpals
b. Environment Show
c. Greenpeace
2)
As the ocean’s temperature rises, the water levels in the ocean .
a. fall
b. remain constant
c. rise
3)
The rise in water levels is especially dangerous for .
a. small island nations
b. low-lying urban areas
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c. those engaged in agriculture
4)
The present warming of the Earth is largely caused by man as .
a. there has been no activity on the sun
b. there has been no volcanic activity
c. there has been an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere
5)
Which one of the following statements about climate change is NOT True?
a. Change in climate is leading to changes in crop patterns and agriculture.
b. Climate change is leading to more storms in coastal areas.
c. Climate change can be halted by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the air.
Audio Script
Task 3
You will hear a speech on Social Networking. Read the question below, then listen to the extract and choose
four of the options A–G which are correct. You will hear the recording twice.
Which FOUR of the following statements does the speaker believe to be true?
Facebook, Myspace, Twitter … all come to my mind when someone says “social networking.” For many
teens, visiting these sites is a part of their daily routine. Sure, it’s a good way to keep in contact with your
friends and peers, but can it be too much of a good thing? In my opinion, social networking sites are beneicial if used in certain ways, but can also be detrimental if used in the wrong way.
These sites make it possible to interact with the people next door, or across the world, with one click.
Whoever you may need, whenever you may need them, you are able to reach them via social networking.
These sites are very beneicial in keeping the user in touch with virtually the entire world. Secondly, a
feature on many of these sites allows you to upload pictures to your page. This is a very helpful feature in
sharing pictures with your friends and family. It’s nice to see what people have to say about your pictures,
but often times, some people don’t have the most positive things to say.
Finally, the ease of social networking often leads to people acting completely different over the Internet
than they would in real life. Often people ind it easier to bully over the Internet. This may be because
they feel like there won’t be as severe consequences as if they were to bully in real life. Although, the
consequences for cyber bullying are becoming more and more severe as people are starting to realize how
serious it is becoming.
We should have the right attitudes to social networking online. Social networking sites should be the plat81
forms for sharing, and not the media for cyberbullying. From now on, let’s have the right attitudes and
make better use of the social networking sites.
(302 words)
Task 3
You will hear a speech on Social Networking. Read the question below, then listen to the extract and choose
four of the options A–G which are correct. You will hear the recording twice.
Which FOUR of the following statements does the speaker believe to be true?
A.
Social networking sites have made the world a small global village.
B.
Social networking sites always offer good chances of interaction.
C.
Sharing one’s personal life over these sites can also invite pessimistic comments.
D.
It’s good to meet on social networking sites than socialising in the real world.
E.
People appear to be different in their behaviour and attitude in the virtual world.
F.
It is easy for the offenders to commit a cyber-crime and escape the consequences.
G.
Harassment over the Internet can have disastrous impacts on the victim.
Audio Script
Task 4
You will listen to two students, a boy and girl, debate about globalisation in India.Read the sentences
below, then listen to the conversation and complete the sentences with one or two words only.
You will hear the recording twice.
Student 1: Can globalisation be a threat to Indian culture? I don’t believe so. Indian culture is a unique approach to life which includes a strong belief in sacredness and a tremendous faith in the power of goodness.
But the most important is, the desire to ind a way of living together, of synthesising and understanding
each other.
Student 2: Globalisation, if accepted in the true sense, would have been a boon, but today it is nothing
more than a bane. The basic human tendency to quickly accept the wrong and put it into practice is the root
of all evil, the epicentre of it being our culture. Our culture is not only what we eat and what we wear, it is
also the way we think and react to our environment.
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Student 1: Today, when the world has shrunk rapidly, the only thing that has broadened is the horizon.
And when the access of information has become a cake-walk, it would be unrealistic to stay within four
walls and close the door with a cultural lock.
Student 2: I understand that Indian culture is deep-rooted. It dates back to the time when there was the
‘Gurukul’ system, where the student imbibed the qualities of patience, discipline and honesty. Today, the
frivolity of education has not only loosened these roots but the invasion of the western culture has almost
uprooted it.
Student 1: I think this generation needs to be credited for its perception. It possesses a cosmopolitan outlook
and analyses problems and situations globally. This world has now truly become “VasudevaKutumbakam”.
Student 2: But due to globalisation all the damage that could have been done has been done. Earlier the
day began by seeking the blessings of God and the elders in the family. How many of us do it today? Forget
about taking blessings, elders are not even duly respected.
Student 1: In my opinion, globalisation is breeding forth brotherhood, where each individual is respected
for his novelty and his ideas are appreciated. In short, what our forefathers only dreamt, globalisation has
made it possible.
Student 2: But don’t you think our children are slowly forgetting the high ideals and values that shape
person into a good human being? Discipline, penance, service, charity, honesty have literally become a
thing of the past.
Student 1: Our culture’s tendency is to imbibe the best from other cultures and secularly fuse it into our
own, cherish it and uphold it. Today, we respect the sincere and diligent, value family traditions and labour
relentlessly.
Student 2: Today, when the entire world is turning to India, seeking answers to their problems, we Indians
are turning to the West. Culture is what we have been passed on from our earlier generations and we must
remember to carefully pass on to the next generation.
Student 1: I agree with you. The present culture should more appropriately called practical, analytical and
reined. This, I’m sure would be a globally accepted fact.
Task 4
You will listen to two students, a boy and girl, debate about globalisation in India.Read the sentences
below, then listen to the conversation and complete the sentences with one or two words only. You
will hear the recording twice.
1.
The values of ________________, goodness and understanding are imbibed in Indian culture.
2.
The _________________ padlock can be a hurdle to the access of information in this fast growing
world.
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3.
Our culture is _________________, dating back to the time of the Vedas and the Upnishads.
4.
Globalisation has helped in upbringing ______________ and respect for others’ ideas.
5.
Respect for honest and _________________ is imbibed in our culture.
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Annexure - II
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