@allen_221b

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 Topics to cover
ALLEN SIR ALEX SIR

• Character Sketch • Profile

• Conversation + Question Tags • News Report
• Informal Letter • Word Pyramid
• Formal Letter (Editor) • Write up
• Diary Entry • Speech
• Notice • Narrative
• Interview
• Figures of Speech • Noon Phhuse
• Poem Appreciation
•
Reported Speech
Direct & Indirect Speech
 Introduction

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Reported Speech
• words spoken • reporting what
by the speaker the speaker said
are put in “ ” without quoting
the exact words
• Eg: Rama said “I • Eg: Rama said
am busy now.” that she was
busy then.
 Basic Rules: Direct to Indirect

Direct : Tense Indirect: Tense Eg: Direct Speech Eg: Indirect Speech

He said that he was

Simple Present Simple Past He said, “I am unwell.”
unwell

He said, “My father is He said that his father

Present Continuous Past Continuous writing letters.” was writing letters

He said, “I have passed He said that he had

Present Perfect Past Perfect the exam.” passed the exam.

He said, “The horse died He said that the horse

Simple Past Past Perfect in the night.” had died in the night.

The shall of the Future Tense is changed into should

Note:
The will of the Future Tense is changed into would or should
Universal Truths
The tenses may not change if the statement is still relevant or if it is a universal truth. We can choose whether to keep the
original tenses or change them

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

“I know her address”, said Gopi Gopi said her knows/knew her address.

The teacher said, “The Earth goes around The teacher said the Earth goes/went
the the Sun.” around the Sun

She said, “German is easy to learn.” She said that German is/was easy to learn
Changing Pronouns
The pronouns of the Direct Speech are changed, where necessary, so that their relations with the reporter and his hearer,
rather than with the original speaker, are indicated.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

He said to me, “I don’t believe you.” He said he didn’t believe me.

She said to him, ”I don’t believe you.” She said she didn’t believe him.
 Nearness in Time or place
Words expressing nearness in time or place are generally changed into words expressing distance.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

now then

now then

here there

ago before

yesterday the day before

thus so

last the night before

He said that he was glad to be there that
He said, “I am glad to be here this evening”
evening.
Nearness in Time or place
EXCEPTION: The changes don’t occur if the speech is reported during the same period or at the same place

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

He says that he was glad to be here this
He says, “I am glad to be here this evening”
evening.
Commands and Requests
In Reporting commands and requests, the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing
COMMIND or REQUEST and the imperative mood is changed into the Infinitive.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Rama said to Arjun, ”Go away” Rama ordered Arjun to go away.

He said to him, "Please wait here till I He requested him to wait there till he
return.” returned.

The judge commanded them to call the first

"Call the first witness,” said the judge.
witness.

He urged them to be quiet and listen to his

He said, “Be quiet and listen to my words.”
words.
Exclamations and Wishes
In reporting exclamations and wishes, the Indirect Speech is introduced by some verb expressing
exclamation or wish.

Direct Speech Indirect Speech

Alice said, “How clever I am!” Alice exclaimed that she was very clever.

He said to him, "Please wait here till I He requested him to wait there till he
return.” returned.

He applauded him, saying that he had

He said, “Bravo! You have done well.”
done well.
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

past
Present
Question →

O_O
"I always drink coffee", she said
she said that she always drank coffee .
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
"I always drink coffee", she said
Answer
She said that she always drank coffee.
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
0
"I am reading a book", he explained.
He eqlÉat heading
he was

a book .
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
"I am reading a book", he explained.
Answer
He explained that he was reading a book
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech
⑧
Past Perfect
Past →

Question
①
"Bill arrived on Saturday", he said.
that
He said
Bill had coaiuend
on
Saturday
bing.nu?i:#
Today
tomorrow

yesterday
hehetY#Yiday
the next

the day
day
before
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
"Bill arrived on Saturday", he said.
Answer
He said that Bill had arrived on Saturday.
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
"I have been to Spain", he told me.
Answer in Chat
Change to reported speech

Question
"I have been to Spain", he told me.
Answer
He told me that he had been to Spain.
 Read the following conversation and answer the questions that follow.
TERM 2 ·Mr. John : Could I go and talk to him tomorrow?
2022 ·Mrs. John : No, you should talk to him today itself.
·a) What did Mr. John ask?
2 Marks ·b) What was Mrs. John's reply?
 Report the following dialogue.
MARCH Mr. John : Do you remember me?
2020 Dr. Cronin : I have never seen you in my life.
You may begin like this:
2 Marks
(a) Mr. John asked Dr Cronin...........
(b) Dr. Cronin replied......had
MARCH Report the following dialogue.

2019 Vanka : Where are we going?

Grandfather : We are going to Alyakhin, the shoemaker.

2 Marks You may begin like this:

Vanka asked his grandfather ……….(a)............
Grandfather replied that. …………..(b)...........
 Read the conversation between the boy and the grandfather and answer
TERM 1 the questions given below.
2019 Grandfather : Why do you look very excited?
The Boy : I saw a thrilling fight between a snake and a mongoose
2 Marks a) What did the grandfather ask the boy?
b) What was his reply?
MARCH Report the following dialogue.

2018 Adichie : Who made this basket?

Fide's mother : Fide's brother has made it.

2 Marks You may begin like this :

Adichie asked Fide's mother _____________ .
Fide's mother replied ___________.
 Read the following conversation and answer the questions that follow.
TERM 1 Friend : Did you see the snake the next day?
2018 Doctor : I have never seen it till today.
a) What did the friend ask?
2 Marks
b) What did the doctor reply?
 Read the following conversation and complete the sentences choosing the
TERM 2 suitable answer from the options given.
Sergeant : How much money did you steal?
2018 Young lad : I took seven pounds and ten shillings.
i. The Sergeant asked the young lad ________________
2 Marks
a. how much money had he steal.
b. how much money did he steal.
c. how much money he had stolen.
d. how much money had he stolen.
ii. The young lad replied that _________________ .
a. he took seven pounds and ten shillings
b. I took seven pounds and ten shillings.
c. he had taken seven pounds and ten shillings.
d. he has taken seven pounds and ten shillings.
 Report the following dialogue.
TERM 1 Zahra : What happened to my shoes?
2017 Ali : I lost it on the way.
Zahra asked Ali....………………………………..
2 Marks
Ali replied that ......................................
 Read the conversation given and answer the questions that follow.
TERM 1 Thorat : How long do you need the tiger for?
2016 Ray : I need it for a couple of hours.
a. What did Thorat ask Ray?
2 Marks
b. What was Ray's reply?
 Read the piece of conversation and answer the questions given below
TERM 1 Watson : Has anything escaped me? What did Watson ask Holmes?
2015 Holmes : I am afraid that most of your conclusions were erroneous.
a) What did Holmes reply?
2 Marks
a) What did Holmes reply?
 Read the dialogue given below and answer the questions that follow :
MARCH Banker : What kind of punishment is better?
2016 Lawyer : Both the punishments are immoral. :
(a) What did the banker ask the lawyer?
2 Marks
(b) What did the lawyer reply?
Conversation (Dialogue)
Conversation between two people written in first person

• Telephonic Conversation
• Argument
• Casual Talk
• Job Interview
Question Tags
Rules:

• If the statement is negative, we use a

positive question tag.

She's a doctor, isn't she?

Yesterday was so much fun, wasn't it?
Question Tags
Rules:

• If there is an auxiliary verb in the

statement, we use it to form the
question tag.
I don't need to finish this today, do I?
James is working on that, isn't he?
It was raining that day, wasn't it?
Question Tags
Rules:

• If the main verb or auxiliary verb in the statement is

am, the positive question tag is am I? but the
negative question tag is usually aren't I?

I'm never on time, am I?

I'm going to get an email with the
details, aren't I?
Question Tags
Rules:

• Sometimes there is no auxiliary verb already in the

statement. For example, when: the verb in the
statement is present simple or past simple and is
positive. Here we use don't, doesn't or didn't:

Jenni eats cheese, doesn't she?

I said that already, didn't I?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag
(

Question
aren't you
You are coming, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You are coming, _______?
Answer
You are coming, aren’t you?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
We have finished, _______?
haven't we
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
We have finished, _______?
Answer
We have finished, haven’t we?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question

in
You do like coffee, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You do like coffee, _______?
Answer
You do like coffee, don’t you?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
They will help, _______?
they
-_↳n
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
They will help, _______?
Answer
They will help, won’t they?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
Alex
Alex is there, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
Alex is there, _______?
Answer
Alex is there, isn’t he?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
It isn’t raining, _______?
it
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
It isn’t raining, _______?
Answer
It isn’t raining, isn’t it?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
We have never seen that, _______?
we
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
We have never seen that, _______?
Answer
We have never seen that, have we?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You didn’t study, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You didn’t study, _______?
Answer
You didn’t study, did you?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You won’t be late, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
You won’t be late, _______?
Answer
You won’t be late, will you?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
He isn’t English, _______?
Question Tags
Add an appropriate question tag

Question
He isn’t English, _______?
Answer
He isn’t English, is he?
Conversation: Tips
• Know your characters well
• Play the role of your characters
• Be dynamic
• Do not over explain
• Read
 Complete the following conversation suitably
Model didn't you
2023 Aunt Jane : You bought everything on instalments, .........(a)......?
Jack : Yes. But I'm not worried about the instalments.
4 Marks How much do
you earn
Aunt Jane : ..................(b).......................? How much ?
are
you making
Jack : I earn six pounds a week.
Are able to
Aunt Jane : ............................(c)..........................?
you
Jack : Yes. I cyan
am manage to pay back without any due.
Aunt Jane : I don't think so. If you fail to pay the instalment .........(d)........?
 (a) didn't you?
PYQ
(b) How much do you earn per week?
2023
(c) Would you be able to pay back without any due?
4 Marks (d) there may be consequences such as penalties , late fees, or
even legal action. / The companies will initiate legal action
against you.
 Complete the conversation suitably.
PYQ did you
2022 Boy : You didn't see the fight in the garden, _____(a) _____?
Grandmother : No dear, _____(b) _____.
4 Marks
Boy : I saw the fight between a mongoose and a cobra.
Grandmother : _____(c) _____?
Boy : Yea, the cobra was killed.
Grandmother : If the mongoose had not killed the cobra, ___ (d) ____ ?
Boy : The mongoose did it for us.
 a. Did you?
PYQ
b. What did you see ?
2022
c. Was the cobra killed ?
4 Marks d. What will we do ?
Term 2 Complete the conversation between Grandma and Martha suitably.

2022 Grandma : You look tensed, ............

Martha : Yes Grandma, there is a serious issue.
5 Marks Grandma : ……………….(b)…………………………?
Martha : This year the principal said the scholarship jacket is
going to cost fifteen dollars and I have to take the
money tomorrow.
Grandma : Dear, I don't have any money with me. You had better........
Martha : If I ask grandpa,……………..(d)……………..
Grandma: : I don't know.
Martha : Would you mind..........(e)……………?
Grandma : Yes I do. You go and meet him alone.
Martha : Ok Grandma.
 Complete the conversation suitably.
March
Friend : You look really sad,….(a)…..?
2021 Martha : Yeah, I never thought I should pay for the scholarship jacket.
Friend : …..….(b)……?
Martha : I won't get the scholarship jacket this year.
5 Marks Friend : ……..(c)……..?
Martha : They can take such decisions as they please.
Friend : ……..(d)……..?
Martha : No, I can't pay the amount they demanded.
Friend : Then you can approach Grandfather. If you ask him.....(e).....
Martha : I don't think so.
Friend : Then you'd better….(f)……
Martha : Yeah, I'm thinking of complaining to the higher authorities.
 Complete the conversation suitably.
Model Friend : You are my roommate (a)?
Adichie : Yes, I'm.(b)
2021 Friend : …………………..(b)
Adichie : I arrived here this morning.
5 Marks Friend : …………….(c)
Adichie : I can speak English fluently as English is our official language.
Friend : ………….. (d) ?
Adichie : No, I don't have any tribal music collection with me.
If you want to listen to music I ……. (e) my tape of
Mariah Carey.
Friend : Oh! I see. Any way you had better ….. (f) as you have
travelled for long hours.
 a. Aren't you?
b. When did you arrive here?
c. How can you speak English so fluently?
d Do you have some tribal music collection“
e I will play my tape of Mariah Careyf you had
better take some rest
Model Adichie
FideI
: ……….(a)……………?
: I live in the nearby village
2020 Adichie : Your mother and brother are there at your home,(b).?
Fide : Yeah, they are there.
Adichie : ……………….(c)?
5 Marks Fide :Yeah, I stopped my studies.
Adichie :If you had continued your studies………..(d)…
Fide : We have no money and only if we go for work we can
survive.
Adichie : I wish……………(e)…………….
a. Where do you live?
b. Aren’t they?
c. Did you stop your studies?
d. You would have got a job
e. I could help you
 Complete the following conversation between Martha and Schmidt.
March
2019 Schmidt : You are getting the scholarship jacket this
year,.......(a).......? aven't go
Martha : Yes sir. I'm very happy to get it.
5 Marks Schmidt : …….. (b).......?
Martha : Yes. The school board has changed the decision.
Schmidt : That's good. If you had paid for the jacket, ......(c)......
Martha : My grandpa also said so.
Schmidt : .......(d).......?
Martha : Yes, I have informed this news to my grandpa. He was
very happy to learn that.
Schmidt : You had better......(e).........
Martha : Sure. I'll ask grandpa to come to the award ceremony.
a) aren’t you ?
b) Are you sure the school board has changed the decision ?
c) It would not have been a scholarship Jacket.
d) Had you informed your grandpa about the scholarchip Jack
e) Invite you grandpa to the award ceremony
 Complete the following conversation between Mr. John and Dr. A.J.
Model Cronin.
2019 John
Cronin
:You still don't remember me........
: Sorry, I don't remember.
John : You saved a man's life 25 years ago.
4 Marks Cronin : Oh! I do remember it now......... (b)..... ?
John : Yes sir, I'm John and this is my wife.
Cronin : ………………c……………… ?
John : I'm a social worker. I help the derelict adolescents to come
back to life.
Cronin : Good. Helping others makes one's life meaningful.
John : If hadn't saved me, ………d……
Cronin : That's my duty.
John :………………….e ……?
Cronin : Yes, I still live in London
(a)do you?
(b) Are you Mr. John?
(c)What do you do now?
(d)I would have died / I wouldn't have become a social worker.
(e)Do you live in London?
 Complete the conversation between Adichie and her roommate.
March
2020 Roommate
Adichie
: You are from Nigeria, ………………(a)…………….. ?
: Yes.
Roommate : …………………..(b)………………….. ?
4 Marks Adichie : Because English is our official language.
Roommate : Your official language! That information is new to me.
Adichie : I used to read a lot of English books when I was a child.
Roommate : …………………(C)…………………….. ?
Adichie : No, I don't listen to tribal music.
Roommate : But, Africa is known for its tribal music.
Adichie : May be. If you want to listen to Mariah Carey …….(d)….
Roommate : No, Thank you. I have a good collection of her songs.
 Some parts of the conversation between Ali's father and mother
Term 1 are missing. Complete them suitably.
2019 Father : What happened dear?
Mother : The back pain is troubling me again.
5Marks Father : Oh! If you work with this slipped disc,.....(a)...
Mother : You want me to take rest all day,........(b).......?
Father : Then you tell me a solution.
Mother : We had better....................(c)..................
Father : Surgery is very risky. It is very expensive as well.
with it.
Mother : …………… (d) ……………….
Father : But the company has already stopped giving loans. .?
Mother : ………………. (e) …………………
Father : You should learn to live with it.
Term 1
Complete the following conversation.

2015 Hotel keeper : What happened to you?

Narrator : …………………..(a)…………………..
5 Marks Hotel keeper : I told you to stay inside, ----(b)---?
Narrator : If you had told me seriously, ----------(c)----------
Hotel keeper : you had better ……………..(d)………………….
Narrator : Anyway I am leaving.
Hotel keeper :…………………..(e)…………….
 Complete the following conversation between Martha and a
March News reporter.
2017 Reporter : You are Martha?

5 Marks Martha : Yes. I am

Reporter :
Martha : I'm in class eight
Reporter : You won the Scholarship Jacket,……………(c)……?
Martha : Yes I did
Reporter : …………(d)…………?
Martha : No. I didn't pay anything
Reporter : Indeed you deserve it …………..(e)……….
Martha : Thank you sit
 Vanka posted the letter to his grandfather without writing the address
Term 1 on the envelope. The postman saw it. Later, he had a conversation
2017 with Vanka. Complete the conversation suitably.

Postman : You are Vanka,...........(a)...............?

5 Marks Vanka : Yes I am.
Postman : ………(b)………?
Vanka : I'm nine years old.
Postman : I think that you are not safe here. You had better......(c)......
Vanka : The more I think of my village............(d)...................
Postman : Don't worry dear boy. I will take you to your grandfather.
Vanka : …………..(c)……………………
 Complete the following conversation between the Doctor and his
March friend.
2018 Friend : You look frightened, (a) ?
Doctor : Yes, I am.
5Marks Friend : (b) ?
Doctor : A snake fell from the roof of my room and landed on my
shoulder.
Friend : Oh! (c) ?
Doctor : No, it didn't do anything.
Friend : What? It didn't bite you?
Doctor : If I had moved a little, (d)
Friend : Then you had better (e)
Doctor : Yea, I'm thinking of finding a new house.
 Complete the following conversation suitably :
March
2016 Hotelkeeper
Narrator
: (a)?
: Out in the street. It is too hot to stay in my room.
Hotelkeeper : But we don't have any streetlights there.
5 Marks You'd better (b)
Narrator : I will be right back.
(In the street)
Stranger : Don't move, senor, or you're dead.
Narrator : (c)?
Stranger : I want your eyes, senor.
Narrator : (d) ?
Stranger : It's my sweetheart's idea. She'd like to have a
bouquet of blue eyes.
Narrator : My eyes are not blue, (e) ?
 Complete the conversation suitably.
Term 1
2016 Zahra : …………(a).................
Ali : Your shoes are not with me.
Zahra : You didn't take them from the shop, ......(b)......?
5 Marks Ali : Not really. I had collected them from the shop.
Zahra : …………… (c) ……………
Ali : I kept them at the vegetable shop.
Zahra : Oh! How can I go to school tomorrow?
Ali : ………..,(d) ……….. ?
Zahra : No. I cannot use your shoes. It is too big.
Ali : Please adjust with them.
Zahr : If you don't bring my shoes, .(e).
Ali : Please don't do it. I'll try to find your shoes tomorrow itself.
Interview Questions
Interview Questions • Paean • hobbies
• Inspiration
• Role Model
to the
• Message
youth
 The homeopath in thestory 'The Snake and the Mirror' found his room
PYQ cleaned out by a thief when he came back the next day. You meet him after
this incident. Prepare a set of six questions that you would like to ask him.
2022
?
6 Marks
• what happened to
you
clothes ?
or
have money
• Do you any
to the police ?
• Are you going
snake harm ?
• Did the you
?
• Was the experience Siang

a
PYQ Imagine that you happened to meet the Grandfather in the story

2021 'Adventures in a Banyan Tree'. Prepare a set of five questions you would
like to ask him.
5 Marks
Character Sketch

A character sketch simply summarizes the key

personality traits, background, behaviour and nature of
a particular character.
Homeopath
• Looks → Important
rich
• Not very
→ meaty
• Rich woman

rented noon
going
•
•
obsessive
of himself
•

• proud
Tips
• Personality traits
• Back story
• How they changed or evolved
• Their impact those around them
• Physical and non-physical features
• Visualizing words
• Clear and concise description
• Total outline
Possible Questions
• ‘Adventures in a Banyan Tree’
• Boy
• Grandfather
• The Homeopathic Doctor
• Mr. Thorat
Konstantin
Makonde
• Adichie •

• Uomku
The Doctor in the story ‘The Snake and the
Mirror’ is an appealing character.
The doctor was a young homeopath who lived in a small rented
room which was not electrified .The house in which he lived was
full of rats. The doctor was an admirer of beauty and wanted to
make his presence felt and look handsome. He had full of
appreciation for his good looks and he decides to shave daily and
grow a thin moustache to look handsome. The doctor also decides
to keep smiling as he considered his smile attractive. He was
unmarried and liked to marry a woman doctor who is rich and has
plenty of practice. The only luxury the doctor had was a black
coat
2019 Term 1
Informal Letter
An informal letter is a non-official letter that we usually use to
write to our friends, family or relatives. These letters are personal
letters that are not used for official purposes.
Informal Letter FORMAT
ABCDE 123123
From Address
Kerala

10 October 2021 Date

Dear ……. Salutation

Main Body

Conclusion

Yours truly, Singing Off

Appukuttan
& Name
Example
When I go to that part of the country, I shall visit your brother’s
grave and write to you.’ A few weeks after the narrator’s
departure, Maggie receives a letter from him. What might be the
content of the letter? Draft a letter, assuming that you are the
narrator.
Formal Letter (LETTER TO THE EDITOR)
A formal letter is one written in an orderly and conventional language and follows a specific
stipulated format. These letters are written for official purposes only, such as writing a letter to the
manager, to the Principal of the college or school, to the editor, etc.
 Formal
ABCDE 123123
Kerala From Address

10 October 2021 Date

The Editor
<newspaper name>
Bengaluru
To Address Letter FORMAT
Sir/Ma’am Salutation

Sub: …………………. Subject

Introduction

Main Body

Conclusion

Yours truly,
Singing Off
(Sd/-) & Name
Name
@allen_221b
Informal Letter
An informal letter is a non-official letter that we usually use to
write to our friends, family or relatives. These letters are personal
letters that are not used for official purposes.
Informal Letter FORMAT
ABCDE 123123
From Address
Kerala

10 October 2021 Date

Dear ……. Salutation

Main Body

Conclusion

Yours truly, Singing Off

Appukuttan
& Name
 Imagine that the doctor from ‘The Snake and the Mirror’ writes a
Example letter to his friend explaining his life in the rented room. How would
the letter be?
6 Mark The Burrow
Rainbow Lane
Kozhikode

8 March 2023

Dear Raju,

How are you doing? How is your job? Hope your parents are in good health. Here
everything at my end is terrible. As you know, I have just started my medical practice and so my earnings are also meagre.
I have not been able to save much so all I could afford with my 1000 rupee salary is a small rented room. Though the room
lacks luxurious facilities, never in my wildest dreams did I expect all this. I share the room with rats who go to and from the
beam above and scare me.

I just have Rs. 60 in my suitcase, along with a few shirts and dhotis and a black coat. And do you know something? I have
to depend upon the wind god for a peaceful sleep as there is no fan. There are two windows and the room faces an open
yard. The room has a tiled roof and long gables and beams. The absence of a ceiling makes the room warm and I also get
a clear view of my room mates, the rats. Apart from my cot, I just have a chair and a table on which I have kept a lamp, a
mirror and a comb. The Materia Medica is the only book I have which helps to kill time. And if I run out of Kerosene, I may
not be able to read. All these factors are stressing me out. I need to find a way out. Please do find time to write to me.
Convey my regards to all at home.

You lovingly,
Ruskin
 Imagine the boy in the story ‘Adventures In A Banyan Tree’ decides to
Example write a letter to his friend Arun about the deadly fight between the
cobra and the mongoose. What would be the likely letter?
6 Mark Ivy Cottage
Landour Cautt
Dehradun

26 March 2023

Dear Arun,
Hope you are enjoying your vacation there. I am doing the same here, at grandpa’s house.
Arun, I am so excited to share an incident that had happened the last day. As you know, I was sitting on the banyan tree
reading some book. After sometime when I got bored I just looked around the place and happened to witness a deadly
fight between a cobra and a mongoose.

Both of them were skillful fighters. At first the cobra struck. But the mongoose avoided it and bit the snake on the back. In
its turn the cobra darted away out of reach.

The battle went on...When the snake was weakening the mongoose vigorously took it by the snout. The cobra even coiled
itself about the mongoose but all in vain. Really it was a battle of champions...Arun. But after sometime the clever
mongoose hung grimly on until the snake had ceased to struggle. It gripped around the hood and dragged it into the
bushes. Anyway this is an unforgettable incident in my life. Hope all of you are safe and healthy. My regards to all.

Yours lovingly,

Appukuttan
 A J Cronin was extremely happy by the incident he had in the ship. He
Example writes a letter to his friend. Prepare a similar letter.

6 Mark 12th Street

Dublin

10 October 1934

Dear George,

I am really happy to write this letter to you. Last week during my journey to America, I came across a very special couple
on board. I was a little irritated at their staring initially, but later I came to know that they were very eager to talk with me. I
was slowly getting attracted to them and finally I gave in. With much hesitation they told me about the projects they are
into.

Repeatedly he asked me if I remembered him. The man reminded me of an incident that took place a few years back. I
saved the life of a young man, who had tried to commit suicide. He had stolen money to pay his debts due to his wayward
life. I gave him the money to repay his debts so that he could begin his life afresh. It took me some time to realize that the
same young man stood before me as a transformed guy. A small investment that I made on that man has transformed him
and through him hundreds of youngsters and their families were saved. I feel that it was the best investment that I have
ever made in my life. Hope you would feel the same reading this letter. Convey my love and regards to everyone.

Yours lovingly
Cronin
Formal Letter
A formal letter is one written in an orderly and conventional language and follows a specific
stipulated format. These letters are written for official purposes only, such as writing a letter to the
manager, to the Principal of the college or school, to the editor, etc.
Letter to the Editor

These are the letters written to the Editor of a newspaper, magazine or any
other regularly printed publication. Their purpose is to highlight a social
issue or a problem. An ideal letter to the editor should
• grab/catch the reader's attention.
• explain the topic/issue of the letter at the start.
• explain, why the issue is important.
• state the writer's opinion about what should be done.
• be brief.
• express writer's hope for the resolution of the problem.
 Formal
ABCDE 123123
Kerala Sender’s Address

10 October 2021 Date

The Editor
<newspaper name>
Bengaluru
Receiver’s Address Letter FORMAT
Sub: …………………. Subject

Sir/Ma’am Salutation

Introduction

Main Body

Conclusion

Yours sincerely,
Singing Off
(Sd/-) & Name
Name
Letter to Editor Common Intro and Conclusion lines:

• Through the columns of your widely circulated newspaper I would like/wish

to draw the attention of the authorities to the burden of the heavy bags
that young children carry to school.

• Therefore, I request you to highlight the issue in your esteemed newspaper

and generate public interest.

• Therefore, I request you to highlight the issue in your esteemed newspaper

so that higher authorities get to know about it and start working on it as
soon as possible. Hope you will take action and help us to get rid of this
problem
Opening Phrases for Formal Letters

• Dear sir/madam.
• Dear Mr./Mrs. (name).
• Thank you for your letter of 20th Nov
• concerning.
• I am writing to enquire about ....
• I am writing to inform you that ....
• I am pleased to inform you that ....
• I regret to inform you that ..
• I am writing to express my views on ...
• I am writing to complain that .....
Concluding Phrases for Formal Letters

• Please give my regards to Mr./Mrs. (name).

• Thank you for all you have done.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I hope this information has been useful.
• I shall be grateful if you can .......
• I would be grateful to ....
• I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
• Yours faithfully.
• Yours sincerely. (if you use name in the opening phrase of the letter)
 Satyajit Ray writes a letter to the manager of Bharat Circus for
Example providing a tiger for shooting of his new film. Write the letter

6 Mark NO 83 Lane
Hill Palace
Calcutta

20 June 1953

The Manager
Bharat Circus
Calcutta

Sir,

Sub: Providing a tiger for shooting.

We are engaged in producing new film “Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne”. The shooting site is set in Shiuri in Birbhoom. In the
story, a tiger plays a dominant role. We learned that your company is holding shows in Marcus Square with tigers. It would
be a great help if you could provide a trained tiger for the shooting.

Hope you will co operate in our new venture

Yours Faithfully

Sd/-
Satyajit Ray.
 Formal
ABCDE 123123
Kerala

10 October 2021

The Editor
The Hindu
Coimbatore
Letter Example
Sir
Sub: Potholes in our locality is causing difficulties

With due respect, I would like to inform you that due to potholes in roads we
are facing a lot of difficulties in our area. Monsoon season has already started
a few days ago and is increasing our problems.

There is a risk that people might get hurt while driving on the roads having
potholes especially with the children who play outside. Even for pedestrians it
has become quite difficult to walk through the road.

Therefore I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities with the
help of your newspaper. Hopefully, you will be able to help us in drawing their
attention and resolving this matter at the earliest.

Yours truly,

(Sd/-)
Raghu Nath
Job Application (CV)
ABCDE 123123
Kerala
10 October 2021

The HR Manager
Google LLC
Delhi

Sir
Sub: Application for the post of…..
With reference to your advertisement in ………….. dated ……………, I want to
state that I am currently ……… …I am interested in knowing more about….. .
It would be really helpful if you could provide me with about the following:
- duration
- fee
- more info….

Thanking You

Yours Sincerely
Appukuttan
Job Application (CV)

Curriculum Vitae

Name: Appukutan
Father’s name: Mahadevan
Address: House No 7322, ABCDE 123123, Kerala
Date of birth: 10 October 2000
Marital status: Unmarried
Experience:
Reference:

Educational qualifications:

S.No Course School Year of Passing Marks

1 SSLC ABCD School 2015 Full A+

2 HSS XYZ School 2017 1200/1200

 Satyajit Ray had to face a lot of difficulties in shooting the scenes
March with a tiger for his movie 'Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne'. He writes a letter
to his friend describing his experiences. Prepare the likely letter.
2022
6 Mark
TERM 2 Martha's joy knew no bounds when she received the scholarship
jacket. She wrote a letter to her friend describing the events. Write
2022 the likely letter.

5 Mark
 After reading the anecdote 'The Best Investment I Ever
March Made', you decide to send a letter to Mr. John congratulating
him. Prepare the likely letter.
2020
6 Mark
 Martha was extremely happy on the day she received the
March Scholarship jacket. Imagine that she wrote a letter to her
friend describing all the incidents that had happened in the
2019 school. Prepare the likely letter.

6 Mark
TERM 1 Grandfather receives Vanka's letter. He writes a reply to
Vanka. Write the likely letter written by the grandfather.
2018
5 Mark
March Martha was shocked when the principal informed her that
the policy regarding the scholarship jacket had been changed
2018 that year. But finally she won it. Imagine that she writes a
letter to her friend describing her experiences. Draft the
likely letter.
6 Mark
March Poor Vanka is in a miserable condition. Imagine that as a
resident of the locality, you come to know about Vanka's
2017 pitiable life at the shoemaker's house. Write a letter to a
police official describing Vanka's hardships and also the
cruelty of his master, and requesting him to save the child.
5Mark
Term 1 Imagine that the grandfather gets the letter written by
Vanka. He writes a reply to Vanka. Draft the likely letter.
2017
5 Mark
Term 1 Vanka suffered a lot at his master's house. He was ill-treated
by the master, mistress and even by his fellow apprentices.
2016 Write a letter to Vanka consoling him.

6 Mark
March Imagine that a few days after the horrifying incident, the
stranger of the story 'The Blue Bouquet' writes a letter to the
2016 narrator seeking apology for his rude behaviour in the street.
What would be the letter like? Write the letter.
6 Mark
TERM 1 Swami was disturbed after the incidents in the classroom. He
decides to write a letter of apology to his teacher, Samuel.
2015 Draft the likely letter.

6 Mark
Formal Letter (LETTER TO THE EDITOR)
Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper, about the way in which women’s issues are presented
(Study the example given on Page 47 of the Text)
 Formal
ABCDE 123123
Kerala

10 October 2021

The Editor
The Hindu
Coimbatore
Letter Example
Sir
Sub: Potholes in our locality is causing difficulties

With due respect, I would like to inform you that due to potholes in roads we
are facing a lot of difficulties in our area. Monsoon season has already started
a few days ago and is increasing our problems.

There is a risk that people might get hurt while driving on the roads having
potholes especially with the children who play outside. Even for pedestrians it
has become quite difficult to walk through the road.

Therefore I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities with the
help of your newspaper. Hopefully, you will be able to help us in drawing their
attention and resolving this matter at the earliest.

Yours truly,

(Sd/-)
Raghu Nath
 Martha's joy knew no bounds when she received the scholarship
March jacket. She wrote a letter to her friend describing the events. Write the
2020 likely letter.

5 Mark
March After reading the anecdote 'The Best Investment I Ever Made', you
decide to send a letter to Mr. John congratulating him. Prepare the
2020 likely letter.

6 Mark
March Grandfather receives Vanka's letter. He writes a reply to Vanka. Write
the likely letter written by the grandfather.
2018
5 Mark
March Poor Vanka is in a miserable condition. Imagine that as a
resident of the locality, you come to know about Vanka's
2017 pitiable life at the shoemaker's house. Write a letter to a
police official describing Vanka's hardships and also the
cruelty of his master, and requesting him to save the child.
5Mark
Term 1 Imagine that the grandfather gets the letter written by
Vanka. He writes a reply to Vanka. Draft the likely letter.
2017
5 Mark
Term 1 Vanka suffered a lot at his master's house. He was ill-treated
by the master, mistress and even by his fellow apprentices.
2016 Write a letter to Vanka consoling him.

6 Mark
Diary Entry
Marking Scheme
• Conveys the feelings and emotions of the writer
• It is a first person narrative
• Highlights the important events happened on a
particular day
• Uses expressions and broken sentences
• Never record the routine activities
Diary Entry Format

Day, Date

Content
 The boy was so excited to see the white squirrels in the hole of the
Example banyan tree. He decides to scribble something in his diary. What
would be his diary entry?
6 Mark
Friday,12 January
How miraculous nature is ! With full of hidden secrets and sights! The white squirrels! I have
never seen such a creature! It was really amazing. Still I can’t believe my eyes. The tiny
squirrels are so cute. But how is it possible? The squirrel whom I see everyday is not white. I
have seen it making a nest with grandmother’s knitting clothes in the banyan tree. Oh! now I
remember...Grandfather has a white rat and I have seen him near the Squirrel’s nest. Yes, it
must be the father; Grandfather says, the rats and squirrels are related to each other and it is
quite possible for them to have offsprings – in this case-white squirrels...wonderful nature...I feel
so excited.
 Prepare diary entry of the doctor written on the night he escaped
Example from the rented house based on the chapter ‘The Snake and the
Mirror’
6 Mark
Thursday, Jan 14
Oh, what a terrible day it was! The events seem to be unbelievable. It was such a narrow
escape from death.
I was actually happy, seeing my face in the mirror, enjoying my looks. I was lost in thoughts or I
would have felt the snake slithering up. What a fright I got seeing the cobra on my shoulder. But
thankfully I was too scared to move. But I prayed silently and God heard it. The snake’s
attention got diverted seeing its own reflection in the mirror and it left me.
 Prepare the diary of Satyajit Ray after the successful shooting of the
Example scene with a tiger.

6 Mark
Monday, 20 June
It was an unforgettable day in my life. How relieved am I now! If I had failed in my attempt to
shoot the film I would have stopped it. I can’t imagine that.....The shooting was very difficult. Mr.
Thorat helped me a lot. If he was not there, I would not be able to complete it. He was really
helpful. How lucky we were! After all, we succeeded in shooting the film. Everyone praised us.
Anyway it was a great hit. It really was a memorable day in my life.
 A. J. Cronin never thought that he would meet that young man again who he had saved from
Example death twenty five years ago. It was a boosting experience for him to know how the young
man was changed over the time. Imagine that he writes about the meeting in his DIARY.
What would be the likely diary entry.
6 Mark
28 December
Monday, 10 pm
How awesome the day was! I just could not believe myself. I was very much excited. It was all
messed up in the beginning. The couple staring at me made my nerves wreck. But a couple of days
later I understood that they were eager to talk with me. What began as a very usual conversation
took a twist. I was taken down the memory lane. With much hesitation he revealed that I was the
doctor who had given him a new life. I could not believe my eyes. Twenty five years back I had
rescued him from a tragedy and now he is before me, a vibrant young man ready to head societal
missions. My eyes welled up. I never knew that I would live up to witness such a great
transformation. May God bless him to live long and continue changing other's lives.
 A. J. Cronin never thought that he would meet that young man again who he had saved from
Example death twenty five years ago. It was a boosting experience for him to know how the young
man was changed over the time. Imagine that he writes about the meeting in his DIARY.
What would be the likely diary entry.
6 Mark
28 December
Monday, 10 pm
How awesome the day was! I just could not believe myself. I was very much excited. It was all
messed up in the beginning. The couple staring at me made my nerves wreck. But a couple of days
later I understood that they were eager to talk with me. What began as a very usual conversation
took a twist. I was taken down the memory lane. With much hesitation he revealed that I was the
doctor who had given him a new life. I could not believe my eyes. Twenty five years back I had
rescued him from a tragedy and now he is before me, a vibrant young man ready to head societal
missions. My eyes welled up. I never knew that I would live up to witness such a great
transformation. May God bless him to live long and continue changing other's lives.
 The young man Mr. John was too excited to see Mr. Cronin who gave him a rebirth.
Example He writes his thoughts in a DIARY. Prepare a similar one.

6 Mark
Monday,19 May
Today was the most unexpected day in my life. After a long gap of 25 years I was blessed to meet
my saviour. I was so happy that I was too shy to approach him. I hesitated several times. But my
wife insisted me. Rather she took the initiative to break the ice. I spoke everything with much
intensity. He was listening to us. I could never believe what was happening. I saw Mr. Cronin's face
blooming up. Yes. It was a dream come true moment for me. I really wanted to thank him for giving
me this most beautiful life. We sat still because I felt I have no words left in me to express my
gratitude. Oh God! Give this wonderful man a long and peaceful life.
Tips
• Date your entries
• Write naturally
• Begin the entry by describing the day
• In the body discuss an event / your feelings
• Conclude with a final remark / future plans
• Re-read your entry
 Martha was upset when she was informed by the principal that she should
PYQ pay for the Scholarship Jacket. She approached her grandfather for the
money. But the grandfather was not ready to pay for the Jacket. She
2022 expressed her feelings in her diary. Attempt the likely diary entry.

6 Marks
Imagine that Mr. John, after meeting the narrator for the second time,
writes his diary. What would be the possible diary entry? Write it down.

Sunday 5th June

What a memorable day. It was by sheer luck that

met that doctor today. Thank God.…. Oh! I was on
the verge of death. A real God appeared before
me in human form, for the second time. He
couldn’t recognise me! I revealed my identity in
front of him. He was spell bound. He was the one
who wished the most to see me successful in life.
If I could attain anything in life, it is because of
that great man.
 Notice
• The Notice should include NAME OF THE INSTITUTION / ISSUING AUTHORITY / NOTICE /
ABCS -

TITLE, DATE, and WRITER’S NAME WITH DESIGNATION. • What

11 Munch
2023µo
"

• When
Name

• A notice should contain all the necessary details such as: & Designation
• Where
issues
• Name of the issuing agency (school, etc) →
• Who
• Date of issue/release of the notice → receiving
• Title/Subject of the Event (what?)
• BODY-Date/time/duration/Place/Venue (when and where?)
• Authorized signatory: Name and signature (contact details)
Notice
Example
 The Nature club of your school has decided to to conduct a seminar
Example on the topic ‘Save Nature.’ Prepare a notice

5 Marks
Example
5 Marks
 Imagine that the Nature Club of your school has decided to conduct a seminar on
Example the topic “Preservation of Nature” in connection with the World Environmental Day
(June 5). As the secretary of the club, prepare a notice for the same.

5 Marks GOVERNMENT HSS KOTTAYAM

Notice
8 March 2023
Seminar on “Preservation of Nature”

Dear Teachers and Friends,

The Nature club of our school has decided to conduct a seminar in connection
with the World Environmental Day. The programme will be conducted on 5th
June, 2021 at 11:00 am in the school auditorium. The famous Environmentalist
Prof. John has kindly consented to inaugurate the function. We cordially invite
you to the function.
All are welcome.
Sd/-
Secretary
 The Film Club of your school is screening a short film, ‘The Mangoose and Snake’ in
Example the School auditorium. Prepare a notice for the same

5 Marks
GOVT HSS Malappuram
NOTICE

“THE MONGOOSE AND THE SNAKE”

(Film Show)
Dear Teachers and friends,
The Film Club of our school has decided to screen the short film “Mongoose and
the Snake” in the school auditorium on Tuesday, 21st January 2020 at 10:00
am. We cordially invite everyone to watch the film.

14 March 2023 Secretary,

Malappuram Film Club
 Alfred Hitchcock decided to make a film called ‘Birds’ Hitchcock needed ravens in
Example large numbers. Prepare a notice.

5 Marks
NOTICE
19 March 2023
Donald film Company Requires Raven

Donald film Company has decided to make a film called ‘Birds’. It needs a
variety of birds, especially ravens in great numbers. Well trained ravens and
other birds who can follow the instructions will be paid reasonably. Those who
have well trained ravens please contact Alfred Hitchcock, phone number
123460789. For further details visit our website www.hitchcock-films.com.

Sd/-
Alfred Hitchcock
Proprietor
 The Film Club of your school has decided to conduct a Documentary
MARCH Film Festival. Draft a ‫ﺑﻮد‬notice inviting everyone to the festival.
2020
NOTICE
XYZ School, Kochi
5 Marks Attention: Documentary Film Festival

This is to inform all the students that a documentary Film Festival is being
organised in our school campus from August 5 to August 7, 2020 from 9.00
am to 2.00pm. The venue will be the school auditorium. All are invited.
For any queries, contact the undersigned.

Anu
Secretary
Film Club
 The English Club of your school has decided to conduct a Children's Film
MODEL Festival. You are convenor of the club. Draft a notice detailing the events
and inviting everyone to attend the programme.
2023
NOTICE

5 Marks XYZ School, Calicut

8 March 2023
Children’s Film Festival
Dear Parents and students,
This is to inform all the students that a Children’s Film Festival is being
organised in our school campus on 10th March, 2023 from 4 pm to 7 pm. The
venue will be the school auditorium. All are invited. For any queries, contact
-

the undersigned.

•
Appu K
Convener
=
English Club
 Poem Appreciation "
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Mother
•
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• Antiwar IN the ↳ Bob
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•
• Metaphor almond" "
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•

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•
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• God
Hyperbole
•

• Nobel Pete
mekugofbod
P0et✓→PdbbM°•d%
•
•
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• Malone
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Tips
2019 Term 1
GRAMMAR
Figures of
Speech
Poetic Devices
• Personification
• Metaphor
• Simile
• Alliteration
• Rhyme Scheme
• Imagery
Lines Written in Early Spring
I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.
Alliteration
the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely
connected words.

Examples:

• Clary closed her cluttered clothes closet.

• Harry hurried home to watch football on TV.
• Rachel ran right until she realized she was
running round and round.
Assonance
resemblance of sound between syllables of nearby words, arising particularly from the
rhyming of two or more stressed vowels, but not consonants

Examples:

• O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”

• It's hot and it's monotonous.
Consonance
literary device identified by the repetition of identical or similar consonants in
neighboring words whose vowel sounds are differen
Hyperbole
exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Personification
Personification is when you give an object or animal human behaviors

Examples:

• Lightning danced across the sky.

• The wind howled in the night.
• Rita heard the last piece of pie calling her name.
• My alarm clock yells at me to get out of bed
every morning.
Personification
Personification is when you give an object or animal human behaviors

Examples from Lines written Early Spring

• "And 'tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air

it breathes”
He is giving a flower the human characteristic of
enjoying the air it "breathes".
*poetry arrived in search of me
* The budding twigs spread out their fan.
* To catch the breezy air.
* If this belief from heaven be sent, if such be Nature’s holy plan.
Personification
Examples from Lines written Early Spring

• To her fair works did Nature link (Nature links

humans souls to its other creations)
• The budding twigs spread out their fan (The
budding twigs spread their fans out to catch the
breeze)
• every flower enjoys the air it breathes. (flowers
are personified to be breathing the air)
Metaphor
A word or expression used to describe somebody/ something in a way that is different
from its normal use. One is identified with the other.

Examples:

• His words cut deeper than a knife.

• I'm feeling blue.
• I'm drowning in a sea of grief.
• He is the apple of my eye.
• You light up my life.
Metaphor
A word or expression used to describe somebody/ something in a way that is different
from its normal use. One is identified with the other.

Examples from The Ballad of Father Giligan

• God covered the world with shade

• Simile-as merry as a bird
Simile
a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different
kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion ).

Examples

• She was as sly as a fox.

• That knife is as sharp as a razor.
• He's as sick as a dog.
• It was as big as an elephant.
• He is as bright as a button.
• She's as cold as ice.
Imagery
Imagery is visual symbolism, or figurative language that evokes a mental image or other
kinds of sense impressions, especially in a literary work

Examples from Lines Written in Early Spring

• The birds around me hopped and played.

• To catch the breezy air.
• I heard a thousand blended notes
• Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The
periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
 Read the following lines from 'Lines Written in Early Spring and prepare a note
MODEL of appreciation considering the theme, imagery and other poetic devices.
2023 I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
5 Marks In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.
Akx
lh@
?⃝
Poem Appreciation #1
‘Lines Written in Early Spring’ is a poem, which celebrates the relation between man and nature, written by the most
celebrated poet of nature William Wordsworth. The poet rejoices in the sights and sounds of nature and at the same time
laments on what man has made of man.

The poet once sits in a grove in a very calm and relaxed mood. He hears lots of various sounds and songs. He finds solace and
becomes much pleased in the songs of birds and music of the woods. At the same time, some woeful thoughts come into his
mind, and he becomes pensive.

He sees the primrose and periwinkle make wreaths in the bower there. He believes that every flower enjoys the air it breathes.
The birds around him express their thrill of pleasure by hopping and playing in the grove. He also notices the budding twigs
spread out their tender leaves to catch the breezy air. In short, the poet sees thrilling sights, hears pleasant songs in
everything he looks at in the grove, and he experiences the utmost pleasure of the world of nature.

But when he thinks of the human world, he becomes sad. What man has done to mankind as well as to nature makes him
uneasy and unpleasant. The coexistence in perfect harmony is the holy plan of nature. The poet realizes that humans do all
atrocities among themselves and cruelties to nature by destroying the ecosystem. They create discord and disharmony and
fight and kill themselves. All these wrong-doings are against the holy plan of nature.

The poem becomes much appealing because of the sublimity of its theme and beauty of lines and the abundant use of various
poetic devices. The lines ‘To her fair works did Nature link…’; ‘every flower enjoys the air it breathes, and ‘The budding twigs
spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air’ are examples of Personification. There is the figure of speech hyperbole in the
expression ‘a thousand blended notes. ‘What man has made of man' is an example of Alliteration. The poem ends with a
Rhetorical Question: “Have I not reason to lament / What man has made of man?” An example of the Auditory Image is there
in “I heard a thousand blended notes.” The ‘breezy air’ brings to our mind a ‘Tactile Image’ as well. Some Visual Images are
flowers (primrose, periwinkle), birds, grove, bower, budding twigs, etc. The Rhyme Scheme of the poem is ABAB.
Poem Appreciation #2

The poem ‘Lines Written in Early Spring’ is a poem by the well-known nature poet William Wordsworth.
The poem deals with the theme of coexistence, peace and pleasure in nature and the cruelties in the
human world. The poet once sits in a grove in a relaxed mood enjoying sights and sounds. He sees
there various kinds of plants and flowers coexist. Birds hop and play around him to express their thrill
of pleasure. The sights and sounds in nature bring pleasant thoughts into his mind. Nature links
human souls to her fair works; still humans thoughtlessly destroy nature. When the poet thinks of
human activities, he becomes very sad.

He believes every flower enjoys the air it breathes and the twigs spread their fans to catch breezy air.
He thinks that there is pleasure everywhere in nature. The poet says that coexistence is Nature’s holy
plan. But he laments over the cruelties of man against nature and amongst his own kind.

The lines ‘To her fair works did Nature link…’ ; ‘every flower enjoys the air it breathes’, and ‘The
budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air’ are examples of Personification. There is
the figure of speech hyperbole in the expression ‘a thousand blended notes’. ‘What man has made of
man' is an example Alliteration. The poem ends with a Rhetorical Question: “Have I not reason to
lament / What man has made of man?” An example of the Auditory Image is there in “I heard a
thousand blended notes.” The ‘breezy air’ brings to our mind a ‘Tactile Image’ as well. Some Visual
Images are: flowers (primrose, periwinkle), birds, grove, bower, budding twigs, etc. The Rhyme Scheme
of the poem is ABAB.
 Read the following lines taken from the poem The Ballad of Father
MARCH Gilligan' and prepare a note of appreciation focusing on the theme,
imagery and other poetic devices.
2022
The old priest Peter Gilligan
6 Marks Was weary night and day
For half his folks were in their beds
Or under green sods lay.
Once, while he nodded in chair
At the moth-hour of the eve
Another poor man sent for him
And he began to grieve.
Poem Appreciation #1
The poem ‘The Ballad of Father Gilligan’ by the renowned Irish poet William Butler Yeats, is a typical ballad.
Composed in quatrains with the rhyme scheme of ABCB, the poem narrates the tragic story of priest Peter Gilligan.
The poem deals with the themes of the pity and piety of the old priest, the death and miseries of his parishioners
and the limitless love and mercy of God. The priest is very tired and upset because half of his parishioners are
either dead or in sick-bed due to an epidemic. He is in service of them day and night.

Being very tired and upset, one evening he muttered he had no rest, no joy and no peace. Soon he realized his
mistake and prayed to God for forgiveness, and in the prayer he fell asleep leaning over a chair. He could not attend
the last moments of a dying man. He woke up only in the following morning at the time of sparrow chirp. He
realized his failure of duty and soon he roused his horse and rode to the sick man’s house with little care. When he
reached the house, the sick man’s wife asked the priest in surprise why he came again. She also told that the man
had died an hour earlier as merry as a bird. From the wife’s words, the priest understood that God had sent an
angel to do his duties in his absence.

He knelt in prayer and praised God saying that the most powerful God with planets in His care showed mercy upon
him, the silliest of God’s creations.

The opening line “The old priest Peter Gilligan” is repeated four times, which can be taken as an example of Refrain.
There are many examples of Alliteration in the poem such as ‘priest Peter, ‘die and die’, ‘Mavrone mavrone the
man”, ‘no rest, nor joy, nor peace’,etc. The word ‘And’ is repeated at the beginning of several successive lines, which
is an examples of Anaphora. The priest’s riding horse, dawn and dusk with the presence of moths are examples of
Visual Images. The chirp of sparrows, the priest’s cry of ‘mavrone, mavrone can be taken as Auditory Images. ‘Stars
began to peep’ is an example of Personification. ‘He died as merry as a bird’ is a ‘Simile’. These are some of the
figures of speech used in the poem
Poem Appreciation #2
WB Yeats, an Irish poet and one of the noted figures of 20th-century literature, depicts in this poem the poverty and extreme
religiosity of the Irish rural life of his time.

This poem tells the story of an old priest, Father Gilligan. Half of his people in the parish were either in sick-bed or already dead
due to an epidemic. Day and night Father Gilligan was in service of them and he was very tired and weak. He could not attend one
sick man's last moments, as he fell asleep in his chairs. Realizing that he failed to do his duty, the next day morning in great grief
Father Gilligan rode on his horse to the man’s house. Where his wife told the priest that her husband had already died and she
asked him why he came again. From her question Father understood that in his absence God had sent an angel to perform his
duties. He knelt and cried in repentance and thanked God for His mercy.

This poem is a perfect example of the class of poems or songs called Ballad. It is written in multiple stanzas of four lines each,
keeping a regular rhyme scheme of ABCB. Though not specifically said, the setting of the poem is a countryside dwelled by poor
people. The mentioning of the father’s riding a horse “by rocky lane and fen” and phrases like “green sod” show us more of the
settings of the poem.

The poem is rich with imageries. Visual Imagery: We see the dusk and the dawn with the presence of moths, we see the night sky
twinkling with millions of stars and we watch the whole world gets covered in darkness. We can also visualize the image of Father
riding his horse by the rocky and grassy country-sides. Auditory Imagery: we hear leaves shaking in the wind and sparrows
chirping. Also, the cry of repentance from the priest calling “Mavrone”, mavrone!”

The two lines, “For half his flock were in their beds,/ Or under green sods lay’’ are metaphoric with sick and death respectively,
denoting that half of the villagers are either in sickbeds or in graves due to some devastating epidemic. The lines ‘’... he turned and
died /As merry as a bird’’ is an example of the literary device Simile. The repetition of the line, “The old priest, Peter Gilligan”,
constitutes the use of Refrain in the poem.
1.Profile
2.News Report
3.Narrative
4.Speech
5.Write up
6.Phrasal Verbs
7.Interview Questions
8.Noun Phrase – Verb Phrase
9.Editing
FIRST BATCH STARTING ON MAY 7TH
 Profile
Prepare a short profile of Satyajit Ray using the hints given below.
Born : May 2, 1921, Kolkata
Known as : Indian Bengali filmmaker
Famous as : Writer, producer, screenplay writer,
awarded lyricist, composer
Awards was wins the : Academy Award, Bharat Ratna
Education educated : Viswa-Bharati University, Presidency
was College, Kolkata, Bally- gunge
d- Government High School.
Died : April 23, 1992, in Kolkata
paved
away
Ans.

Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray the renowned director was born on May 2, 1921 in Kolkata.
He was known as Bengali filmmaker. He was famous as a writer,
producer, screenplay writer, lyricist and composer. He was honoured
with Academy Award and Bharat Ratna. He was educated at Ballygunge
Government High School, Viswa-Bharati University and Presidency
College, Kolkata. He passed away on April 23, 1992 in Kolkata.
Profile
Prepare a short profile of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer using the
details given below.
Born : January 19,1908, Kerala
Famous as : Short story writer, Novelist,
Freedom fighter
Notable works : Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal,
Pathummayude Aadu, Mathilukal and
Anargha Nimisham and Janmadinam
Awards : Padma Shri in 1982
Died : 1994
Ans.
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer was born on January 19, 1908 in Kerala.
He was famous as a short story writer, novelist and freedom fighter.
His notable works include Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal, Pathummayude
Aadu, Mathilukal and Anargha Nimisham and Janmadinam. He was
awarded the Padma Shri in 1982. He passed away in 1994.

Prepare a short profile of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer using the details given
below.
Born : January 19,1908, Kerala
Famous as : Short story writer, Novelist,
Freedom fighter
Notable works : Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal, Pathummayude Aadu,
Mathilukal and Anargha Nimisham and Janmadinam
Awards : Padma Shri in 1982
Died : 1994
 Profile
Prepare a short profile of Majid Majidi using the hints given below.
Born : April 17, 1959
Known as : Iranian film director
Famous as : Director, producer and screenplay writer
Notable works : The Colour of Paradise, Mohammad: The Messenger
Honour : 'Children of Heaven' was nominated for the Academy
Award for best foreign language film

Majid Majidi
Ans. The Famous Iranian film director Majid Majidi was born on April 17, 1959. He
was famous as a director, producer and screenplay writer. The Colour of
Paradise and Mohammad: The Messenger are his notable works. The film
Children of Heaven was nominated for the Academy Award for the best
foreign language film.
Prepare a short profile of Bob Dylan using the hints given below.
Born : May 24, 1941
Known as : American Singer, song writer, artist and writer
Notable works : Blowin' in the Wind and The Times They Are a - Changin
Awards : Grammy, Academy and Golden Globe awards, as well as
the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Prize
for Literature.
Ans.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan was born on May 24, 1941. He was known as an American singer,
song writer, artist and writer. His notable works are Blowin' in the Wind and
The Times They Are a - Changin. He was honoured with the Grammy,
Academy and Golden Globe awards, as well as the Presidential Medal of
Freedom and the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Profile
Prepare a profile of Ruskin bond using the hints given below.
Born : 19 may 1934, Kasauly
Nationality : Indian
Notable works : Our trees still grow in Dehra,
A fight of pigeons, the blue umbrella
Achievements : Sahithya Academy award in 1992 Padma Sri
Award in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2014.
 Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond is an Indian author born in Kasauly on 19th May, 1934. His
notable works are Our trees still grow in Dehra, A fight of pigeons, the Blue
Umbrella. He was awarded the Sahithya Academy award in 1992, Padma
Shri award in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2014.
 News Report
The grandfather and the boy were really surprised at the sight of the three baby
squirrels. It was a great surprise for all and the news spread across the village.
The news appeared in one of the local dailies. Prepare the likely News Report.
The grandfather and the boy were really surprised at the sight of the
three baby squirrels. It was a great surprise for all and the news spread
across the village. The news appeared in one of the local dailies. Prepare
the likely News Report.

C Three White wonders in A Banyan Tree ] ← Title

%
Dehradun, 25 June : Three baby squirrels were found in a
:
hole in the banyan tree in one of the houses of a village
in Dehradun.
In the village a grandfather and a grandson found three
cute white baby squirrels in the hole in the banyan tree in
the yard. The boy found them while he was searching for
his grandmother’s missing knitting needles. He was
surprised to see the needle in the hole and when looked
further, he discovered that the hole was crammed with
knitting and among the wool were three baby squirrels-
all of them white. Even the grandfather was seeing the
white squirrels for the first time. Many people gathered
to see the three little wonders of nature.
The incident of a cobra coiling around the
homeopath’s arm was reported in a daily, the next
day. What would be the news report
Doctor in dilemma
Trichur: A full blooded poisonous cobra was reported to
be seen in the small rented house of a homeopath,
yesterday. The house was not electrified and had rats
living in it. The doctor says that the snake had coiled
around his arm and that its head was just four inches
away. However the doctor remained motionless and the
snake slithered down and crawled on to the table on
which was a mirror. The snake seemed to stare at its
reflection, taken in by its own beauty. The doctor ran for
his life in the darkness and returned the next day but the
house was empty as it had been robbed. The snake was
not to be seen anywhere.
Write a NEWSPAPER REPORT on the attempted
suicide of the young man

CLERK ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

London: A young man aged 21 attempted suicide in a
suburb in London. The land lady found the man
unconscious from the nauseating smell that emerged
from cooking gas. When contacted with the doctor, he
was brought back to life after one hour of strenuous
resuscitation. He said he robbed seven pounds shillings
from the office safe. Addicted to gambling and after
suffering heavy loss financially, and terrified of
prosecution and ill fame, the man attempted so. The
man is in observation in the City Hospital, and is said to
be out of danger
The transformation of Mr. John appears in a newspaper.
Prepare a NEWSPAPER REPORT on the same.

A PRICELESS INVESTMENT
Cardross: The crew and the shipmates on board a ship here
narrated the story of a young man named Mr. John and his
unbelievable transformation. He was a suicide survivor 25
years before and was miraculously saved by A. J. Cronin. He
was also given the money to repay his debts by the kind
doctor. Overwhelmed by the kindness bestowed on him by a
stranger, the young man had undergone a quick attitude
change. He gave up his past lifestyles and has become a real
contributor to the society. He now works as a social worker
specializing on maladjusted and delinquent youth. He was
given a warm reception on board the ship along with A J
Cronin.
 Narrative
The boy was thrilled at seeing the fight between the
cobra and the mongoose. You may also have the same
feeling. Narrate the fight-scene in your own words.

- Mention all key ideas, no need for

opinions
- Beginning, middle, end
- Use dialogues from story
The boy was thrilled at seeing the fight between the
cobra and the mongoose. You may also have the same
feeling. Narrate the fight-scene in your own words.
The boy was sitting on the platform half way up the tree. He saw a
small mongoose and a huge black cobra fighting to death beneath
the banyan tree. Both of them were skilful fighters. At first the
cobra struck. But the mongoose avoided it and bit the snake on the
back. In its turn the cobra darted away out of reach.
The cobra struck again and missed the object. When the cobra was
weakening the mongoose vigorously took it by the snout. The cobra
writhed and lashed about in a frightening manner. It even coiled
itself about the mongoose but all in vain. The mongoose hung
grimly on until the snake had ceased to struggle. It then smelt it
and gripped around the hood and dragged it into the bushes.
Besides the boy, there were two other spectators, a myna and a
crow. They tried to intervene in the fight which led to the death of
the crow. The myna wisely refrained from interfering again.
Imagine the doctor is reporting the suicide incident to
his friends. Prepare the NARRATIVE.
Today is an unforgettable day in my life. While I was sleeping at
night a Sergeant came to me and informed me about a suicide case
in a nearby lodging. We hurried to the spot. When I reached there
the room was filled with the smell of a gas. I found a young man
lying on a narrow bed. At first I thought he was dead. Any way with
the sergeant‟s help I tried to revive him to consciousness. But I
found it was useless. When we were about to return I heard a quick
breath from him. After half an hour of redoubled efforts we
succeeded in rescuing him.
He told us that he was a clerk in an office. Lost in bad company and
luxuries he had wasted all his wealth. Then once he took from the
office some money for gambling which he couldn't
replace. Being desperate he tried to commit suicide. Later I learnt
from him that he had taken only seven pounds and ten shillings. So
I gave him that money, the Sergeant promised not to report the
case and the landlady offered one month's free lodging till he got a
new job. Thus the young man regained his life.
Speech
Speech
Salutation: Ladies and gentlemen (for general
audience) OR Respected Teachers and my dear
friends…..
→ 2 sentences
Introduction: Introduce the topic (Today I will be
speaking on the importance of waste management….)
& try to begin with a quotation, a story or an incident
to capture the audience.
Body or content: Use story, quotes by famous people.
Conclusion: Give some suggestions or advice. (I urge
you all to become part of making our world a better
place to live in….)
Based on the lesson 'The Best Investment I Ever Made'. Write a
SPEECH on the grave issue of drugs and its use among youth. creams
Ladies and gentlemen,
f.
c-
Today, I stand before you to address a grave issue that has been affecting our "
m
°
society for decades. This issue is drug abuse among the youth.
-

↳
The youth are the future of any society. They are the ones who will lead our Oveeono

bank
nation forward. However, the increasing use of drugs among our young
generation is a cause of concern. It not only affects their health but also has a
detrimental effect on their social and economic development.
Drug abuse is not just a social problem but a public health crisis as well. Drug
addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease that affects the brain, leading to
changes in behavior, mood, and decision-making abilities. Young people who
abuse drugs are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, such as
depression and anxiety, and may struggle with addiction throughout their lives.
We cannot deny the fact that drug abuse has far-reaching consequences. It
affects not only the individual but also their families and communities. It leads to
increased crime rates, poor academic performance, and lost productivity, all of
which have a significant impact on society.
We need to take urgent action to address this problem. The first step is to
raise awareness among the youth about the dangers of drug abuse. We
need to educate them about the short-term and long-term effects of drug
use on their health and well-being. Parents, teachers, and community
leaders have a vital role to play in this regard.
The second step is to provide the necessary support and treatment to those
who are struggling with drug addiction. We need to ensure that our
healthcare system has the resources and infrastructure to provide effective
treatment to those in need. It is essential to provide a safe and supportive
environment for individuals to overcome addiction.
Lastly, we need to strengthen our laws and regulations to control the
availability of drugs. We need to work with law enforcement agencies to
prevent the illegal trafficking of drugs and ensure that those who engage in
such activities face severe consequences.
In conclusion, drug abuse among youth is a serious problem that requires
urgent attention. We must take a comprehensive approach to address this
issue, including education, treatment, and enforcement. Let us work
together to create a drug-free society and secure a better future for our
youth. Thank you
Imagine that the English club of your school has decided to conduct a special
assembly in connection with the World Environmental Day. Prepare a speech
on “The Importance of Conservation of Nature”.
Respected teachers and my dear friends,
A warm good morning to one and all. It is my pleasure to stand here in
front of you on this auspicious occasion. Although I am not an expert
in public speaking. I would like to share my views about Nature.
Can we imagine a life without Nature? We can’t. We live, breathe and
die in Nature. Our mother earth keeps us alive by showering her love
and care. But how mercilessly we destroy the same! Unscientific
construction of buildings, plastic, pollution and global warming... all
are increasing day by day. I think it is high time that we should unite to
find a solution to protect it. We have inherited this beautiful nature
from our ancestors and it is our duty to protect it for the future
generation. Air, water, vegetation, forest everything need to be kept
and handed over to them. Wise use of natural resources and reduced
use of plastics can help us a lot in achieving our goal which is a
common plea.
Let’s take an oath to keep our life in harmony with nature. Let me
conclude my words. Thank You!
 Write-up

1.Introduce the Author & Chapter/Book

2.Introduce your topic/argument
3.Use the chapter’s story to support your
argument
4.Conclude your topic/argument
Prepare a WRITE UP on how far the title is appropriate to the
story ‘Best Investment I Ever Made’ ?

[email protected]
The Best Investment I Ever Made is penned by the much
celebrated Scottish writer A. J. Cronin. Cronin shares one of
his personal experiences with the readers through this story.
The title of the story is The Best Investment I Ever Made’.
Usually we associate material gain with the word investment,
obviously an underlying hope of profit lingers with the term !÷:e-
investment and it may mean different things to different
people. But the story by Cronin has a differently conceived
meaning because it wasn't anything related with money or
profit. The author's personal integrity and the values he had
imbibed right from the beginning of his life made him what
he was.
A doctor by profession, he rescued a suicide survivor and took pity on
him. He helped the victim with the money he needed to repay his
debts. The doctor after sowing the seeds of virtue in the mind of the
man leaves the scene and resumes his life's journey little knowing
about the transformation he had made in the mind of the young man.
The once wayward young man had undergone a drastic change in his
attitude and lifestyle that he had really become a contributing member
of the society. The money Cronin had put in was to repay the debts the
young man had. But it had really opened his otherwise blind eyes. The
man had become an active social worker specializing on maladjusted
and delinquent youth.
The author was happy beyond words because this was an investment
⇐
that he could never have won even if he had put lakhs of money into
share markets. So the title is too apt.
The best investment in life is not money but values. Prepare a
WRITE UP substantiating this view with the help of the story
The Best Investment I Ever Made by A. J. Cronin.
THE INVESTMENT THE WORLD NEEDS
A J Cronin, a well-known writer of novels, inspires us with a touching story “The Best
Investment I Ever Made”. Once while he was travelling in a ship he found a man
watching him anxiously many times. At first he felt annoyed. Later the couple came to
him and introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs. John. They have been working among
derelict youth for 15 years, rehabilitating them and bringing them back to life. He
became interested in the story. Then they told him that he was the inspiration for
them. They reminded him of an incident that happened years ago. Years ago at
midnight he was woken up from sleep by a Sergeant who came to him to inform
about a suicide case in a nearby lodging. When he reached there the room was filled
with the smell of a gas. At first he thought he was dead. Any way with the sergeant’s
help he tried to revive him to consciousness. After half an hour of redoubled efforts
they succeeded in rescuing him. He told them that he was a clerk in an office. Lost in
bad company and luxuries he had wasted all his wealth. He took money from the
office for gambling which he couldn't replace. Being desperate he tried to commit
suicide.
A. J. Cronin learnt from him that he had taken only seven
pounds and ten shillings. So he gave him that money, the
Sergeant promised not to report the case and the landlady
offered one month's free lodging till he got a new job. Thus the
young man regained his life. He had given him only a small
amount but the investment was more than that. He had given
him a rebirth which the young man utilized for giving rebirth to
many young men. Mr John has realized from his own
experience that life on earth is the most valuable of god's gifts.
This he imparts to thousands of youth. Here investment is also
the values we imbibe in our lives, that would remain the best
for ever. So A. J. Cronin's statement is really meaningful and
valid
The boy in 'Adventures in a Banyan Tree' observes everything in Nature
with great interest. Prepare a write-up detailing his experiences as
described in the story.
MODEL
(Hints: Grandfather's house - the banyan tree observes everything around 2023
the tree - grey squirrel-the fight between the cobra and the mongoose- the
myna and the jungle crow-the white rat and the white squirrels)
7 Marks
In "Adventures in a Banyan Tree," the young boy who is visiting
his grandfather's house displays an insatiable curiosity for the
natural world around him. The banyan tree serves as a focal point
for his observations, and the tree and its inhabitants become the
boy's source of wonder and excitement.
As the story begins, the boy is introduced to the banyan tree and
its resident grey squirrel. He observes the squirrel scampering up
and down the tree's trunk with ease and marvels at its
nimbleness. He watches as the squirrel expertly navigates the
branches and leaps from one to another, displaying its acrobatic
abilities.
The boy's observations continue as he witnesses a dramatic fight
between a cobra and a mongoose near the banyan tree. He is
transfixed by the sight of the two creatures battling it out, with
the mongoose ultimately emerging victorious. The boy is struck
by the raw power and intensity of the struggle and is left in awe
of the natural world's ferocity.
Later, the boy is treated to a display of avian acrobatics as he watches
a myna and a jungle crow engage in a game of aerial pursuit around
the banyan tree. He observes the two birds twisting and turning
through the air, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. The boy
marvels at their agility and grace and is left with a renewed
appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Finally, the boy has a chance encounter with a pair of white squirrels
and a white rat near the banyan tree. He observes as the three
creatures interact with each other, their movements and behaviour
captivating him. The boy is struck by the rarity of the encounter and is
left with a newfound appreciation for the diversity and complexity of
the natural world.
Throughout his adventures around the banyan tree, the boy displays
an unbridled curiosity and enthusiasm for the world around him. He is
transfixed by the natural beauty and wonder that surrounds him and
is left with a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the natural
world.
 The story 'The Best Investment I Ever Made' reveals how a
MODEL single act of kindness creates wonders in a person's life.
Prepare a write-up based on your reading of the story.
2022 (Hints: Mr. John-an orphan - falls victim to the loose society-
gambles in horse racing - steals money fails in gambling
8 Marks attempts suicide doctor saves life transforms Mr. Jolm-works
for the welfare of the youth)
The story 'The Best Investment I Ever Made' is a heart-warming tale of
how a single act of kindness can transform a person's life. It is a story
about Mr. John, who was an orphan and fell victim to the loose society. He
got caught up in the world of horse racing and started gambling to make
quick money. However, he soon found himself in a vicious cycle of losing
money and borrowing more to gamble, which led him to steal money to
pay off his debts.
Eventually, Mr. John lost all hope and attempted suicide, but he was saved
by a doctor who saw the potential in him. The doctor gave him a new
lease on life by providing him with a job and teaching him the value of
hard work and honesty. This act of kindness transformed Mr. John, and he
began working for the welfare of the youth.
Mr. John realized the importance of education and started a foundation to
help underprivileged children get access to quality education. He used his
own money to fund the foundation and worked tirelessly to ensure that
the children received the best education possible.
The story highlights how a single act of kindness can create
a ripple effect that can transform not only the life of the
person receiving the help but also the lives of those around
them. It shows that we all have the power to make a
positive difference in someone's life, and we should use it
whenever we can.
In conclusion, 'The Best Investment I Ever Made' is a
powerful reminder of the impact that acts of kindness can
have. It shows that even the smallest gestures of kindness
can have a profound effect on someone's life and can
inspire them to make a difference in the lives of others. We
should all strive to be kind and compassionate, and make
the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
MODEL "No one can beat Hollywood when it comes to making films
with animals in them," states Satyajit Ray in 'Project Tiger'.
2021 Prepare a write up on the relevance of this statement. (Hints:
Ray's childhood memories - Ray's visit to Disney Studio - a
dwarf as dog's stand-in- Ray's plan to shoot a scene with a tiger
8 Marks for his film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne - visits Bharat Circus-
shooting in Shiuri - reshoot in a village called Boral)
Satyajit Ray's statement, "No one can beat Hollywood when it comes to
making films with animals in them," reflects his personal experiences as a
filmmaker and his admiration for Hollywood's expertise in handling animal-
based films. Ray's childhood memories were filled with stories of animals,
and he always had a fascination for them. He also grew up watching
Hollywood movies that featured animals prominently, such as King Kong
and The Jungle Book.
In 1961, Ray visited the Disney Studios in the United States, where he was
amazed at the way the animators and technicians worked together to
create such fantastic animal characters. He was particularly impressed with
the stand-in for a dog, which was played by a dwarf in a dog costume. This
experience inspired Ray to include animal characters in his films.
Ray's plan to shoot a scene with a tiger for his film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne
was not without its challenges. He visited the Bharat Circus to study the
behavior of tigers and learn how to handle them. Ray then chose the Shiuri
forest as the location for the shoot, but the tiger he had trained failed to
respond to the cues on the day of the shoot. The team had to abandon the
shoot and return to Kolkata.
Ray then decided to reshoot the scene in a village called Boral. This time,
he used a different tiger that he had trained extensively. The shoot was
successful, and the final film featured a fantastic scene with the tiger.
Throughout his career, Ray struggled with the technical aspects of filming
with animals. He often had to work with untrained animals or deal with
unexpected behavior. Despite these challenges, Ray's love for animals and
his desire to portray them authentically on the screen always shone
through.
In conclusion, Satyajit Ray's statement about Hollywood's expertise in
filming animals reflects his admiration for their technical proficiency. Ray's
experiences in trying to film animals and the challenges he faced show
that it is indeed a difficult task. Nonetheless, Ray's passion for animals and
his commitment to portraying them authentically on the screen made him
a pioneer in the Indian film industry in this aspect
 Life in the lap of nature is always an exciting experience. Prepare a
MODEL write up on the close-knit relationship of the boy with Nature in the
story 'Adventures in a Banyan Tree.'
2021
8 Marks
The short story 'Adventures in a Banyan Tree' by Ruskin Bond tells the tale of a young boy who finds solace and
comfort in the embrace of nature. Throughout the story, we see the boy's close-knit relationship with nature
and how it becomes his haven from the chaos and mundanity of everyday life.
From the very beginning of the story, we see the boy's fascination and admiration for the banyan tree. He is
drawn to its grandeur and magnificence, and he spends hours under its shade, watching the world go by. He is
particularly enchanted by the birds and animals that make their home in the tree, and he observes them with
great interest and wonder.
As the story progresses, we see the boy's relationship with nature deepen. He becomes more and more
involved in the tree's ecosystem, and he begins to understand and appreciate the delicate balance of life within
it. He learns about the symbiotic relationships between the birds, animals, and plants that call the banyan tree
their home, and he develops a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living things.
The boy's closeness to nature is further exemplified by his adventurous spirit. He climbs the tree with ease and
agility, exploring every nook and cranny of its sprawling branches. He takes risks and pushes himself to new
heights, but he does so with a deep sense of respect and reverence for the natural world around him.
In the end, the boy's bond with nature becomes his salvation. When he is faced with the harsh realities of life
and the cruelties of the world, he retreats to the banyan tree, seeking refuge and comfort in its embrace. He
finds solace in the company of the creatures that inhabit the tree, and he comes to realize that nature is his
truest and most dependable friend.
In conclusion, 'Adventures in a Banyan Tree' is a poignant and heartwarming tale of the close-knit relationship
between a boy and nature. Through the boy's experiences, we come to appreciate the beauty and complexity of
the natural world and the profound impact it can have on our lives. The story is a testament to the enduring
power of nature and its ability to heal, inspire, and transform us.
MODEL The speech titled 'The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda
Ngozi Adichie shows us how people form wrong impressions
2020 about persons and things by believing in a single story. Prepare
a write-up on the danger of a single story based on her speech.

6 Marks
In her powerful TED Talk titled "The Danger of a Single Story," acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie explains how the idea of a single story can lead to misunderstanding, stereotypes, and
prejudice.
Adichie begins her speech by sharing her experience growing up in Nigeria and reading books written
by British and American authors. She noticed that these books often portrayed Africans as poor,
ignorant, and hopeless, perpetuating a single story of the continent. As a result, Adichie grew up with a
skewed perception of herself and her culture, believing that the only way to be successful was to write
stories like the ones she had read.
Adichie's story highlights the danger of a single story. When we believe in a single narrative, we reduce
complex individuals and cultures to simplistic caricatures. We fail to see the diversity within a group of
people or a particular culture, and we miss out on the richness and complexity of their experiences.
The danger of a single story is not limited to literature; it also exists in our everyday lives. We are
bombarded with messages about different cultures, religions, and people, and if we're not careful, we
can start to believe in a single story about them. This can lead to stereotypes and prejudice, as we make
assumptions about people based on incomplete information.
Adichie's speech serves as a reminder that we must seek out multiple perspectives and stories to fully
understand people and their experiences. We must challenge our assumptions and recognize that there
is no single story that can capture the complexity of a person or culture.
In conclusion, the danger of a single story is that it limits our understanding of people and their
experiences, perpetuates stereotypes, and can lead to prejudice. We must strive to seek out diverse
perspectives and stories to avoid falling into the trap of a single narrative
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

÷
1.Questions about (incident)…….
2.Questions on (before incident)
3.Questions on (future)
4.Questions on (advice for others)
5.Questions on (opinion)
I
6.Questions on (inspiration)
7.Questions on (challenges)
You get a chance to talk to Satyajit Ray once he completed the
shooting of the film 'Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne'. Prepare a set of MODEL
five questions you would like to ask him.
2023
1. How was your experience shooting with a tiger on set?
2. What motivated you to create a movie with a tiger in it?
6 Marks
3. Could you talk about the challenges you faced while
shooting?
4. Do you have any advice to budding filmmakers?
5. What is your opinion on current Indian Cinema landscape?
6. Can you talk about your upcoming projects?
7. Are you looking forward to adding more animal characters
in your upcoming movies?
Mr. John has become a social activist who works for
rehabilitating delinquent youth. Prepare a set of five questions MODEL
you would like to ask him in the light of the story 'The Best
Investment I Ever Made'. 2021
1. How did you overcome your gambling addiction? What or 5 Marks
who motivated you?
2. Could you describe how you became an addict?
3. What advice do you have for youngsters when they face
setbacks in life?
4. Do you think the youth of today are getting easily addicted
to substances or bad habits?
5. How do you plan to bring an end to the addiction problem
today’s youth is facing?
SSLC GRAMMAR
PHRASAL VERBS
 2022 SSLC - March

Complete the following passage choosing the right phrases from

those given in the box.
took off
After reaching my room I _______(a)_____ my coat and white shirt
put agoutis
and hung them up. I had to _____(b) _____ a lot of rats who were
running around my room. I laid down but I could not sleep. I
___ (c)_____
______(d)_____ and went out to the veranda for a little air.
got up
lay down, -
get up, put up with, take off

g
.
-

tolerate
 2021 SSLC - March

Fill in the blanks using the right phrases from the ones given in the box.
Put up with, go on, turn down, go for, turn up set out
I
-

turned up
A lot or people _________(a)______ to watch the shooting of the film. The
-

went _____
film crew ______(b) on requesting the people to clear the field. But all
turned doin by the big crowd that assembled
the requests were _______(c)_____
went
there. But when the tiger emerged from the cage and ______(d)_____
crowd, they ran for their lives.
for the
 2019 SSLC - March

Complete the following passage choosing appropriate phrasal verbs

from the ones given below.
Vanka tried his level best to /(a) the torture his master inflicted on
him. But it was unbearable for him. He tried to /(b) this to other
apprentices. But they made fun of him. Then he decided to write a
letter to his grandfather hoping he would /(c) the letter and /(d) the
troubles Vanka was facing.

(go through, put up with, make out, put across)

 2019 SSLC – Term 1
Fill in the blanks using the phrasal verbs given in brackets. (4x1=4)
(taken aback, made up his mind, put on, put forward)

The homoeopath _________ to look handsome. He ___________

another idea that his wife had to be rich and fat. Suddenly an
unwelcome guest entered the room. It was a snake. The doctor was
___________when it coiled around his arm, The snake suddenly saw
its reflection in the mirror and got fascinated. It slowly uncoiled itself
and moved on to the table, The doctor ________ his shirt and ran to
his friend's house.
I
Fr
✓
¥ r

^
NOUN PHRASE & VERB PHRASE
Read the following sentences and identify the Noun Phrase in the
MARCH

E-
subject position.

a. Mr. John spoke with real feeling.

2020
b. The shooting was taking place near Shiuri in Birbhoom. 3 Mark

c. A few drops of blood glistened on the cobra’s back.

Pick Out the noun phrase in the subject position from the
following sentences.

a. A fat snake coiled around the doctor's arm.

b. The owners of the dogs made a lot of money from just

one film.

make
made
Read the following sentences and identify the noun phrases in the
subject position of each sentence. MARCH
(i) Adichie went to the US for her studies. 2022
(ii) Her American roommate was shocked.
4 Mark
(iii) All the students in the class looked at her whenever Africa
was referred to.
(iv) The single story about Africa which we believe may not be
the only story