CHAPTER

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English Prose

PROSE

1. THINKING OUT OF THE BOX: LATERAL THINKING

1. Most Complex problems do have a solution.' Explain how the girl in the story used lateral
thinking to come up with a solution for her problem.
A. The essay "Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking" is adapted from an article on lateral
thinking in the internet. Edward de Bono is the main propagator of Lateral thinking.
Many years ago a village farmer owed a large sum of money to a village money lender. The
money lender told the farmer that he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry the
farmer's daughter. He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble in a bag. If
the girl picked the black pebble she would become his wife and the farmer need not pay the
debt. If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and the farmer need not pay his
debt. Then he put two pebbles in a bag. The girl found that he picked two black pebbles. While
drawing the pebble from the bag she dropped it. It was lost in the other pebbles on the ground.
She asked the money lender to look into the bag and understand which pebble she had picked
up. Thus the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous
one. By her creative thinking she proved that most complex problems do have a solution.

2. Lateral thinking is creative or non linear thinking.' Provide instances from the essay to support
this statement.
A. The essay “Thinking out of the Box : Lateral Thinking" is adapted from an article on lateral
thinking in the internet. Edward de Bono is the main propagator of Lateral thinking.
Once a village farmer owed a large sum to a money lender. The money lender wanted to marry
the farmer's daughter. He said that he would put a black and a white pebble in a bag. If she
picked the black pebble she should marry him and the farmer need not pay the debt. If she
picked the white one she need not marry him. The girl found that he picked two black pebbles.
While drawing the pebble she dropped it and the pebble was lost in other pebbles. Her lateral
thinking thus saved her from marrying the money lender.
A millionaire took a loan of $5000 from a bank in New York. He put his new Ferrari car as
security. Two weeks later he repaid the amount along with interest. He informed the Bank
officers that he could park his car for just $15.
Lateral thinking enables us to think creatively and in a totally different way. A fresh approach
may help us to solve the problem.

3. Explain the use of six thinking hats. How does it help in group discussions?
A. The essay 'Thinking out of the Box: Lateral Thinking" is adapted from an article on lateral
thinking in the internet. Edward de Bono is the main propagator of Lateral thinking.
The most popular technique presented by de Bono is the six thinking hats. Doing different things
at the same time is difficult and confusing. We normally make use of one type of thinking at one
time.

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The six hats denote the following:
1. White Hat : Facts and figures
2. Red Hat : Emotions, intuition, feelings.
3. Black Hat : Judgment
4. Yellow Hat : Advantages, benefits
5. Green Hat : Explorations, alternatives
6. Blue Hat : Thinking about thinking
Edward de Bono advocates the use of all of these techniques, expecially in group discussions. A
group discussion often is a verbal war in which one refuses to acknowledge another person's
point of view. By "wearing" several hats, one can put oneself in another person's shoes and
thereby look at various options objectively.

ANNOTATIONS

1. “It is thinking differently or doing something different; doing something that might be quite
novel and unconventional in nature."
A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay "Thinking out of the Box: Lateral
Thinking". The essay is adapted from an article on lateral thinking in the internet. Edward de
Bono is the main propagator of Lateral thinking.
Context and Explanation: Lateral thinking is a way of thinking that is different from logical
thinking. We generally think in a linear or logical fashion. However, this might not always
provide solutions to our problems. In some cases, we might have to think differently or do
something novel or unconventional in nature. This is lateral thinking. The essay provides
numerous situations where lateral thinking has been used. One such example from the world of
cricket is the introduction of one-day matches, day-night matches with coloured balls and
clothes and more recently T20 matches.
General Relevance: These words stress the very importance of developing the quality of lateral
thinking which enables a person to wriggle out of difficult situations by way of solving them
cleverly in the present days and becoming himself as symbol of stupendous success and variety.

3. “When a person puts on a hat he or she plays the role that belongs to that hat. This makes it a
game where individuals are encouraged to contribute all kinds of ideas under diverse hats."
A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay "Thinking out of the Box: Lateral
Thinking.". The essay is adapted from an article on Lateral Thinking in the internet. Edward De
Bono is the main propagator of Lateral Thinking.
Context and Explanation: The six thinking hats denote the following:
1. White Hat : Facts and figures
2. Red Hat : Emotions, intuition, feelings.
3. Black Hat : Judgment
4. Yellow Hat : Advantages, benefits

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5. Green Hat : Explorations, alternatives
6. Blue Hat : Thinking about thinking

Hats are often used to denote the role one is playing and can easily take off and wear again.
When a person puts on a hat he or she plays the role that belongs to that hat. This makes it a
game where individuals are encouraged to contribute all kinds of ideas under diverse hats.
General Relevance: These words stress the very importance of developing the quality of lateral
thinking which enables a person to wriggle out of difficult situations by way of solving them
cleverly in the present days and becoming himself as symbol of stupendous success and variety.

2. GENDER BIAS
1. Sudha Murthy was extremely determined and resolute Justify this statement.
A. The essay "Gender Bias" is written by Sudha Murthy. In this essay Sudha Murthy narrates how
she joined her first job in Telco.
One day Sudha Murthy saw a notice that the famous automobile company Telco required
young, bright engineers, hardworking and with an excellent academic background etc., At the
bottom was a small line. "Lady Candidates need not apply." She read it and was shocked. She
was not interested in taking up a job in India. But she took it a challenge. She had done
extremely well in academics, better than most of her male colleagues. She wrote a letter to JRD
Tata stating how Telco was discriminating on the basis of gender. At the interview she was told
that women were not selected as they would find it difficult to work on the shop floor. But she
was extremely determined and resolute. She said that a beginning had to be made sometime
and somewhere.

2. Do you think JRD Tata was happy to be introduced to Sudha Murthy? Justify your answer.
A. The essay "Gender Bias" is written by Sudha Murthy. In this essay Sudha Murthy narrates how
she joined her first job in Telco.
After joining Telco, Sudha Murthy realized who JRD was: the uncrowned king of Indian industry.
She did not meet him till she was transferred to Bombay. When she was in Moolgaokar's office,
suddenly JRD walked in. That was the first time she saw JRD. She was feeling nervous,
remembering her post card episode. Moolgaokar introduced her to JRD saying that she was the
first woman to work on the Telco shop floor. JRD looked at her. He remarked that it was nice
girls were getting into engineering in their company. It shows that JRD was happy to be
introduced to Sudha Murthy.

ANNOTATIONS

1. "But I am surprised how a company such as Telco is discriminating on the basis of gender."
A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay "Gender Bias" written by Sudha
Murthy. In this essay Sudha Murthy narrates how she joined her first job in Telco.

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Context and Explanation: One day Sudha Murthy saw a job-requirement notice from Telco. At
the bottom of the notice there was a small line. "Lady candidates need not apply." For the first
time in her life she was up against gender discrimination. She wrote a letter to JRD Tata. In the
letter she appreciated Tata for their efforts to develop education and industry in India. At the
end of the letter she stated that she was surprised how such a company was discriminating on
the basis of gender.
General Relevance: These words focus the writers strong determination and inspiring
commitment in showing realistically that women can achieve anything excellent and equally on
far with men in any field with her bright, bold and Idealistic life story to the present generations
stating that gender Bias is irrational and illogical.

2. “But you must start some where, otherwise no woman will ever be able to work in your
factories."
Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay "Gender Bias" written by Sudha
Murthy. In this essay Sudha Murthy narrates how she joined her first job in Telco.
Context and Explanation: Sudha Murthy attended the interview in Pune. She knew that she
would not get the job. She felt that the panel was biased. At the end of the interview an .elderly
gentleman informed her the reason why they had said lady candidates need not apply. They had
never employed any ladies on the shop floor. People like her should work in research
laboratories. She did not know the ways of large corporate houses and their difficulties. She said
that they must start some where. Otherwise no woman would ever be able to work in their
factory.
General Relevance: These words focus the writers strong determination and inspiring
commitment in showing realistically that women can achieve anything excellent and equally on
far with men in any field with her bright, bold and Idealistic life story to the present generations
stating that gender Bias is irrational and illogical.

3. THE ART OF WICKET - KEEPING:

THE UTTAKH-BHAITAKH BREED

1. Explain the relationship between bowling and wicket-keeping with examples.

A. The essay “The art of wicket-keeping: The Uttakh Bhaitakh Breed” is written by Remachandra
Guha. IN this essay the writer praises the job of wicket-keepers in the game of cricket.
There is a mutual and deadly relationship between the wicket-keeper and the bowler. The
development of wicket keeping has been heavily determined by the character of the bowling.
The Australians in the seventies gave us a remarkable partnership of Rodney Marsh and Dennis
Lillee. One took 95 catches off the other. They also held the world record for the longest
distance traveled by an egg in the air without breaking. Marsh redefined the craft of wicket
keeping.

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2. What are the qualifications, according to the writer, that a wicket-keeper should possess?
A. The essay “The art of wicket-keeping: The Uttakh Bhaitakh Breed” is written by Ramachandra
Guha. In this essay the writer praises the job of wicket-keepers in the game of cricket.
It is rather easier to be the Prime Minister of a coalition government, than it is to be wicket-
keeper of India. The essential qualifications of a wicket-keeper are the concentration of a heart
surgeon, the reflexes of a fighter pilot, the guts of a boxer. He must be able to do four hundred
“Uttakh bhaitaks’ in succession, in day light or under flood lights. He should have demonstrated
the ability to run the hundred meters in under eleven seconds. He should have the physical
ability of an Olympic gymnast and the voice of a town – crier.

ANNOTATIONS

1. “He must focus, and focus relentlessly”

A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay “The Art of Wicket-keeping: The
Uttakh Bhaitakh Breed” Written by Ramachandra Guha. In this essay the writer praises the job
of wicket-keepers in the game of cricket.
Context and Explanation: Keeping wickets is the most complicated of cricketing tasks. The
mental and physical demands of wicket-keeping greatly exceed those of batting, bowling and
fielding. There is the weight of the pads and gloves which are not required by the other players.
A wicket-keeper must be vigilant and fearless. He must be alert to the need to go up or
sideways, Willing to be hit on his heart or on his head. He must focus and focus relentlessly.
General Relevance: These words high light the qualities of wicket keeping in cricket as the
grater one than that of bowling, bating and fielding and also commend the best requirements
that a wicket keeper has to develop and establish himself as the most potential competitor in
the present world cricket scenario.

2. "The concentration of a heart surgeon, the reflexes of a fighter pilot, the guts of boxer."
A. Reference: The given expressions are taken from the essay "The Art of Wicket-keeping: The
Uttakh Bhaitakh Breed" written by Ramachandra Guha. In this essay the writer praises the job of
wicket-keepers in the game of cricket.
Context and Explanation: The essential qualifications of a wicket-keeper are the concentration
of a heart surgeon, the reflexes of a fighter pilot, the guts of a boxer. He must be able to do four
hundred uttakh bhaitakhs in succession, in day light or under flood lights. He should have
demonstrated the ability to run the hundred meters in under eleven seconds. He should have
the physical ability of an Olympic gymnast and the voice of a town-crier.
General Relevance: These words highlight the qualities of wicket keeping in cricket as the
greater one than that of bowling, bating and fielding and also commend the best requirements
that a wicket keeper has to develop and establish himself as the most potential competitor in
the present world cricket scenario.

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4. ROBOTS AND PEOPLE

1. Are the robots a boon or a bane for mankind? Justify your answer.
A. The essay "Robots and People" is written by Isaac Asimov. In this essay the writer differentiates
the human intelligence from robot intelligence.
One of the reasons why the United States is hesitating about going full speed ahead with
industrial robots is probably the fear of unemployment. Most of the jobs that only human
beings can do are dangerous. Working in mines, or on building construction, or with dangerous
chemicals or explosives, or under difficult weather conditions - are all the jobs which human
beings should not do. These jobs can better be done by robots. The robots can do jobs that are
too boring for man. Thus Robots are a boon for mankind.

2. Robotic and computer intelligence can complement human intelligence. Comment.

A. The essay "Robots and People" is written by Isaac Asimov. In this essay the writer differentiates
the human intelligence from robot intelligence.
Human beings should programme the computers and robots to the extent what they can most
easily do. Meanwhile we should improve ourselves at what we do best through proper
education and through a deeper understanding of how our brain works. We should try to make
more and more people imaginative and creative. In this way there will be the computer/robot
intelligence and the human intelligence. Each one will work in a different way and each will
cooperate with the other.

ANNOTATIONS

1. If muscles aren't used much, they get flabby, and that's true of the brain too."
A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay "Robots and People" written by Isaac
Asimov. In this essay the writer differentiates the human intelligence from robot intelligence.
Context and Explanation: Robots are useful to mankind in doing dangerous jobs and jobs that
are too boring for man. Dull and monotonous jobs may tire a man but not a machine. If a man
repeatedly does such jobs, it may make his brain inactive or dull, just as no exercise can make
one's muscles flabby. So if a robot is used for such jobs, it would be a blessing.
General Relevance: By giving different examples, the author points out the need to (a) welcome
the use of technology in our day-to-day lives (b) realize that the fear of unemployment as a
consequence of deploying robots is unfounded.

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5. YOU’RE ON THE 87TH FLOOR, AND

SOMETHING’S TERRIBLY WRONG

1. Every one was a hero'. Justify this statement made by Adam Mayblum.
The essay "You're on the 87th floor and Something's Terribly Wrong" is written by Adam
Mayblum. The essay is a first hand account of how Adam Mayblum survived the September 11,
2001 terrorist attack in Newyork.
Adam and his friends did not feel panic, Adam called his friend in Sanfransisco. He told Adam
that another plane was on its way. By that time the second plane had struck Tower 2. They were
in the middle of the building so they did not hear or feel anything. They gave way for the
wounded to go down a head of them. No one seemed seriously wounded. Everyone co-
operated. Every one was a hero. Adam tried to contact his co-workers who were on the 77th
floor but failed. Later he found that they were all alive.

ANNOTATIONS

1. ‘If you want to make us stronger, attack and we Unite.

A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the essay 'You're on the 87 th floor and
Something's Terribly Wrong" written by Adam Mayblum. The essay is a first hand account of
how Adam Mayblum survived the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in Newyork.
Context and Explanation: Adam opines that 'America' is not an image but a concept. That
concept is only strengthened by their pulling together as a team in the time of calamity. If
anybody attacks the United States, the people will be united and become stronger. The
terrorists did not succeed in their attempt. On the contrary, they failed miserably as the attack
united the people of America.
General Relevance: These words depict not only the writers courage and presence of mind
when the terrorists attacked on the world trade centre New York on 11 th September 2001, but
also one’s own responsibility to develop strong patriotic feelings and indomitable
courageousness during the times of grave tragedy in order to rescue the fellow humans from
such in human attacks.

6. REFUND

3. How did the teachers outwit Wasserkopf?

A. The humorous play 'The Refund' is written by Fritz Karinthy, a Hungarian play wright. The play is
a satire on the present day education system which does not prepare students for life.
For the History teacher's question, Wasserkopfs answer was 'Seven meters'. The mathematics
master said that the answer was correct according to the theory of relativity. For the Physics
teacher's question, Wasserkopf said, 'You are an ass! The Physics teacher said that we as well as
ass are sad because of illusion. The mathematics teacher said that Wasserkopfs answer to the

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difficult question about the amount to be refunded was correct. Thus the teachers outwitted
Wasserkopf by passing him in all subjects.

ANNOTATIONS

1. Since I'm bringing back the leaving certificate you gave me I suppose I can get along without
another one."
A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the humorous play The 'Refund' written by Fritz
Karinthy, a Hungarian play wright. The play is a satire on the present day education system
which does not prepare students for life.
Context and Explanation: Wasserkopf, an old student, goes back to school. He asks for a refund
of the school fee he had paid as a student there. He argues that the education that had been
imparted there had been of no use to him. Initially, the principal enquires if Wasserkopf has
come to collect his certificate. Wasserkopf replies in the negative and says he has infact come to
return the one that had given by the school. He repeats that what he needs is a refund and not
a certificate.
General Relevance: These words satirically state that there is every need to shift from
theoretical education to practical based one which provides the students every aspect to lead
the life happily and purposefully by adopting and practising meaningful education.

2. Because I didn't get my money's worth, that's why"

A. Reference: The given sentences are taken from the humorous play 'The Refund' written by Fritz
Karinthy, a Hungarian play wright. The play is a satire on the present day education system
which does not prepare students for life.
Context and Explanation: Wasserkopf, an old student, went to the school where he had studied
eighteen years ago. ,He met the Principal and demanded a refund of the tuition fee he had paid
for his education. The Principal asked him why he wanted the fee back. Wasserkopf replied that
he was demanding the fee back as he had not received his money's worth of education.
General Relevance: These words satirically state that there is every need to shift from
theoretical education to practical based one which provides the students every aspect to lead
the life happily and purposefully by adopting and practising meaningful education.

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