CLASS: XII ENGLISH (CORE) Unit-wise Weightage Section A ...
Transcript of CLASS: XII ENGLISH (CORE) Unit-wise Weightage Section A ...
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CLASS: XII ENGLISH (CORE)
Unit-wise Weightage
Section Unit/Area of Learning Marks
A Reading Comprehension 30
B Writing Skills 30
C Literature & Long Reading Text 40
(i) Flamingo + Value Based
(ii) Supplementary Reader - Vistas
Novel
Section A: Reading Unseen Passages and Note-making
Two unseen passages with a variety of very short answer / short answer or MCQ
type questions to test comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as word
formation and inference of meaning will also be tested.
The total length of the two passages will be between 1100 and 1200 words. The passage will
include two of the following:
• a. Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.
• b. Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.
• c. Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography. A poem could
be of 28-35 lines.
The passages can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. The length of one
passage should be between 600-700 words.
A third passage of 400-500 words for note-making and abstraction.
Section B: Writing Skills
Short Answer Questions, e.g., advertisement and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing
formal and informal invitations and replies.
Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal / visual input.
Letter types include
• Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving
information, placing orders and sending replies)
• Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest
• Application for a job
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Very Long Answer Questions: Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal Input may be
descriptive or argumentative in nature such as an article, a debate or a speech.
Section C: Literature and Long Reading Text
Flamingo and Vistas
• Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test comprehension and
appreciation.
• Short Answer Questions - Based on prose / drama / poetry from both the texts.
• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond
the texts to bring out the key messages and values.
• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension along with analysis and
extrapolation.
• Long Answer Question - Based on theme, plot and incidents from the prescribed novels.
• Long Answer Question - Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the
character sketch.
Prescribed Books
1. Flamingo: English Reader published by NCERT
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by NCERT
Lessons Deleted
Flamingo - 1. Poets and Pancakes; 2. The Interview; 3. A Road Side Stand (Poetry)
Vistas - 4. The Third Level; 5. Journey to the End of the Earth
Long Reading Text / Novel (either one)
• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
• Silas Marner by George Eliot
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NOTE MAKING & SUMMARY
Cardinal Rules of Note Making
� Notes are to be prepared using POINTS ONLY. Never use complete sentences.
� Provide a suitable title for the notes and the summary. The title should not exceed more than 5
words.
� The topic of discussion in each paragraph is the main point and the ideas elaborating on it are the
sub-points.
� The minimum number of main points for the passage should be 3.
� There should be minimum 4 sub-points for each main point.
� Make sure that all the important points in the passage has been covered while preparing the notes.
� Use proper indentations for the notes. A systematic pattern is to be followed for the indentations
such as if you adopt numerical then consistently use only numerical for the notes. If its alphabet
indentation, then be consistent in using alphabets only.
� Use minimum 4 abbreviations in the notes. Abbreviations can be either recognizable / universally
accepted or they can be created by the student. Symbols and figures may also be used as
abbreviations.
� A key has to be provided at the end of the notes for the abbreviations titled ‘Key to
Abbreviations’.
Split-up of marks for Note Making
Content Area Marks Allotted
Notes 3
Title 1
Abbreviations (minimum 4) 1
Total 5
SUMMARY
The important points in the notes are written as meaningful sentences to form the summary. The
word limit is 80.
Split-up of marks for Summary
Content – 2; Expression – 1; Total – 3
Passage for Note Making (Solved)
Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Every girl dreams of becoming a princess and living in a castle. The closest we can get to that
these days is vacationing in one of the numerous palace hotels that dot our historical country.
They are a symbol of our glorious past and give us a taste of the regal lifestyle of the royalty in
India.
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Most of these palace hotels are situate in Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner – they
all boast huge forts, colourful palaces and the luxurious lifestyle of the royals. Even though
monarchy is extinct in India, descendants of the Maharajas and Maharanis of the past still try to
maintain their way of life. Their heirloom jewellery, traditional clothes and the feasts produces in
the royal kitchens can still take you back in time. The palaces that the living blue bloods call
home are now converted to heritage hotels.
Samode Palace in Jaipur is one of these old palaces that have been standing tall for almost five
centuries. It’s lit up façade at night forms an iconic image of what an Indian royal palace looked
like. The 24 suites and 19 rooms have their own old world charm the hand painted hallways,
colourful mosaics, all archways and high ceilings make your stay a memorable experience.
Exploring the age old corridors could take you on a trip through the history of royal India.
You will feel like you have travelled back in time machine If you decide to vacation at the
Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar. This large property is divided into seven wings. You need not
venture out of this hotel as you can spend your whole vacation her and have beautiful photos to
take home. An appointment at the in-house ayurvedic spa can help you truly relax and enjoy
your vacation.
Jaipur, the pink city should get the title of the ‘palace city’ as most of these luxurious abodes are
located here. One of the world’s finest heritage hotels, the Rambagh Palace Hotel is located here.
The Taj Group has respectfully restored this palace to its formal glory as can be witnessed in its
airy courtyards, gurgling fountains, beautiful verandas and warm hospitality. Taj Rambagh
Palace is fondly called the jewel of Jaipur and truly deserves this honour. Just a stroll in the 47-
acre garden is enough to soak in the grandeur of the past.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it usinf headings and sub-heaidngs in
a format you consider suitable. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also supply
a suitable title to the passage.
The Palaces of Rajasthan
1. Introduction
1.1 Becoming a princess, living in a palace – every girl’s dream
1.2 closest to the dream – vactng in a palace
1.2.1 symbol of glrs past
1.2.2 taste of regal lifestyle
2 Palaces of Rajasthan
2.1 Rajasthan – numerous, colourful palaces
2.2 Huge forts, & luxurious lifestyle
2.3 Royal descendants – lifestyle maintained even today
2.4 Major palaces – converted to heritage hotels.
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3 Samode Palace
3.1 located in Jaipur
3.2 5 centrs old
3.3 Lit up façade - iconic image of royalty
3.4 Interior magnificent
3.4.1 24 suites, 19 rooms – old world charm
3.4.2 corridors – trip through history of India
3.5 stay a memorable experience.
4. Neemrana Palace
4.1 located at Alwar
4.2 divided into 7 rooms
4.3 in-house ayvdc spa – relaxing and enjoyable
5. Pink City, Jaipur
5.1 palace city – many luxurious abodes
5.2 Rambagh palace – world’s finest heritage hotels
5.2.1 respectfully restored by Taj Group
5.2.2 warm hospitality
Key to Abbreviations Vactng Vacationing
Glrs Glorious
& And
Centrs Centuries
Ayvdc Ayurvedic
SUMMARY
Palaces are symbols of a glorious past and give a taste of regal lifestyle. Rajasthan has numerous,
colourful palaces with huge forts and luxurious lifestyle. Many major palaces have been
converted to heritage hotels. The Samode Palace of Jaipur has a magnificent interior with 24
suites and 19 rooms of age old charm. Neemrana Palace located at Alwar has 7 rooms and an in-
house ayurvedic spa which is relaxing and enjoyable. The Pink City Jaipur has many luxurious
abodes. Rambagh palace is one of India’s finest heritage hotels owned by Taj Group and offers
warm hospitality.
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ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS (30 marks)
This section tests the writing skills of the students in various areas. The questions and allotment
of marks are as follows.
4. One short answer question of not more than 50 words e.g. notice, advertisements,
drafting posters, writing formal and informal invitations and replies.
4 marks
5. Letter based on verbal input.
6 marks
6. Very Long Answer Question: The question type includes a report / article / speech based
on verbal or visual input.
10 marks
7. Very long answer question: The question could be an article / debate / speech based on
visual and/or verbal input may be descriptive or argumentative in nature.
10 marks
TYPE 4 QUESTIONS
This section contains short answer compositions
• Notice
• Posters
• Advertisements – classified and commercial
• Invitations – formal and informal
• Reply to invitations
NOTICE
A notice is normally printed information meant for a select group and displayed at prominent
places. The following instructions are to be remembered while preparing a notice.
� Since it contains formal information, the tone and style should be formal and factual.
� Use formal and simple language.
� Make it brief and to the point.
� The word limit is 50 words. Adhere to it.
� The notice should be put in a box.
� Mention the name and place of the issuing authority which could be a school,
organization or office.
� Write the title ‘NOTICE’ at the top centre.
� Write the date of issuing the notice to the left of the box.
� Give a suitable sub-title. (It should mention the purpose of the notice)
� Clearly specify the target group for whom the notice is meant.
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� In the content part, mention all the relevant details such as venue, date and time.
Conclude the notice with the name and designation of the person issuing the notice.
NAME OF THE ISSUING AUTHORITY, PLACE
NOTICE
Date with month in words
Sub-title (Reason for the notice)
Content - Mandatory points – target group, name of the program, venue and
time. Provide additional details which may / may not be given with the
question.
If announcing an event, give the last date for registration and the person with
whom the registration is to be done. If the matter involves participation in
some event, need for the consent letter of the parent should be mentioned
compulsorily.
Name of the person issuing the notice
Designation
Marking Scheme
Content: 2 marks
Expression: 2 marks (coherence, spelling and grammatical accuracy)
Marking Scheme: Content: For Whom (Target group)? What? When? Where? Agenda etc. (All
within 50 words) -2 marks
Expression: Coherence, spellings and grammatical accuracy -2 marks.
Separate marks are not allotted to format, and it is assessed as a part of expression.
SOLVED EXAMPLE
You are Varun / Vinitha Sharma, Activity Secretary of St. Mark’s School, Kohlapur. Your
school is organizing an inter-school drama competition for which you need volunteers from
Class XI who are willing to stay back and assist the teachers in the preparation. Put up a notice to
inform the students of the same.
ST MARK’S SCHOOL, KOHLAPUR
NOTICE
xx July 2015
Volunteers for Inter-school Competition
Attention Class XI students! Our school is organizing an inter-school
drama competition ‘Set The Stage on Fire’ on xx August 2015. We need
volunteers who are willing to stay back and assist the teachers for the
preparation for 2 days prior to and after the competition. Students who are
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willing should register their names with the undersigned on or before xx
July 2015. Consent letter of the parents is mandatory.
Varun / Vinitha Sharma
Activity Secretary
ADVERTISEMENTS
Advertisements are basically information or announcements made through a public medium and
meant for a mass audience. They may be giving information about a particular product or could
be asking for or offering services, buying or selling properties or providing information about
missing persons, pets etc.
Based on the presentation of facts, advertisements are broadly classified into two – Commercial
or Display and Classified.
COMMERCIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT
They are drafted for commercial purposes. They are meant to inform the public about a business,
a product or service type. They are expected to create a visual impact and hence should be
visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
Main features of a commercial ad are
� Must be attractive with catchy slogans / headlines or punch lines.
� Visuals or sketches are mandatory.
� Different fond sizes and styles can be used.
� The facts or details of the product advertised must be stated clearly and briefly.
� Name and address of the advertiser should be clearly specified.
� Special offers and discounts should be mentioned.
Marking Scheme – Content – 2 marks
Expression – 2 marks
SOLVED EXAMPLE
You have recently opened a store called ‘All for Kids’. Draft an advertisement for the same
offering attractive discounts.
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THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR KIDS ITEMS
ATTRACTIVE DISCOUNTS ON ALL ITEMS
SURPRISE GIFTS AND PLENTY MORE
AT CENTRE SQUARE MALL
MG ROAD
ERNAKULAM
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
These are meant for a target audience and places in separate sections of the newspapers based on
their subject matter.
Main features:-
� Should be brief and to the point.
� Use formal, factual, concise and simple language.
� Complete sentences to be avoided. Necessary details should be given in points using
commas.
� Category to be clearly stated at the top. (eg. Real estate, Situations vacant, Situations
wanted etc.)
Important
The first one or two words of the advertisements may be written in capital letters.
The contact details of the advertiser are mandatory.
Marking Scheme: Content – 2 marks;
INTERNATIONAL
BRANDS
SPECIAL
PLAY AREA
FOR KIDS
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Expression – 2 marks.
Kinds of Classified Advertisements
1. Situation Vacant/Wanted 2. Lost and found 3. Sale and purchase 4. Accommodation
wanted 5. Educational 6. Placement services 7. Matrimonial 8. To-Let 9. Tuitions 10.
Packers and Movers 11. Kennel 12. Travels and Tours 13. Public Appeal
FORMATS FOR VARIOUS CLASSFIED ADS
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED for (write the name of the organisation) a / an / write the number of
vacancies, mention the post advertised, qualification / experience required.
Mention any additional requirements (age, male/female, any skills that are
needed) . Pay scale (salary negotiable / salary commensurate with experience /
salary best in the industry) mode of applying (apply with complete bio data
within (specify the last date of application) / walk in for interview) contact
address and / or phone number.
SITUATION WANTED***
Begin with mentioning the qualification (mechanical engineer / retired army
officer etc), from (mention the place of education) age, male/female with
experience (no. of years with the place of former employment, eg. 5 years in
a multinational), post handled last, seeks employment in (mention your
preference). Mention any additional qualifications that you have. Expected
salary and perks( specify the exact amount). Contact address / or number.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
HOUSE / PLOT (mention the nature of the property) for sale, at (mention
location with full details) if it’s a building, mention the size ( ___sq.ft),
spacious, 2 or 3 bhk (3 bedrooms, hall, kitchen), fully/ partially furnished,
(details of surroundings) well-maintained compound, car parking facilities,
proximity to school and hospital and bus stop, best location. Contact details.
TO-LET
AVAILABLE for rent at (mention the complete address of the place for rent),
(mention sq.ft. area for both buildings and plots) if building mention no. of
rooms, floors (For flats and multi-storied buildings), (other attractions) with all
amenities, parking area. Well-ventilated and modern construction, 24-hour
water and power supply, back-up generator, lift facility (For flats and multi-
storied buildings), suggestions for possible uses eg. Excellent for office,
restaurants, shops. contact details
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FOR RENT
WANTED for rent, mention what type of room with sq.ft. area, purpose for
which you need it, any special possible features required like 24-hour power
and water supply for hotels and electronic appliance showrooms, proximity to
city centre preferable, contact details.
(Mention the name of the vehicle) FOR SALE
(name of the vehicle with colour) eg. MERCEDES BENZ, white, for sale,
2004 (any year can be written) model, A/c or non A/c, (no. of kilometres run,
any number may be used) eg. 45,000km, (ownership details) single ownership,
(mention special features and accessories) original parts, stereo-fitted, Pioneer
sound system, GPRS, new tyres, designer seat covers, excellent condition.
Price negotiable / non-negotiable (if non-negotiable then write the expected
price) Contact details.
Household goods for sale
FOR IMMEDIATE SALE, (mention item for sale with brand name- Dell
computer inspiron series, LG Washing machine, fully automatic) period of
purchase (Bought last March) condition (Both in excellent condition. (reason
for selling) owner shifting residence / owner going abroad, (asking price) price
negotiable) Contact details
_______ MISSING
(opening statement) BOY / GIRL / ANIMAL (mention the species, breed eg.
Labrador Dog, cat), name, age, details of appearance, if human details of dress
worn at the time of disappearance. Missing since (time) from (place of
missing). Speaks (name the languages) any additional information, if animal
answers to ____ (name of the animal) Informer will be suitably rewarded.
Inform: contact details
LOST /FOUND _____ LOST / FOUND on (mention the day) object description, where and when
was it found / lost. Rightful owner may claim the (name the object) with right
identification and details of content (for briefcase). If lost, mention the
identification marks. Contact :
TOURS AND TRAVELS
(opening statement) ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE available for (mention the
destination) trip for (no. of days), (details of package) breakfast and dinner
inclusive, stay at 3-star hotels, sightseeing included. (cost) Rs.____ per
person. (special attractions / offers). Eg. Special discount for first 15 bookings.
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Contact details.
Name the course offered (eg Aerobic Classes)
(Duration of course) THREE WEEK / ONE YEAR / SIX MONTH course in
(nature of course) aerobic exercises for (mention the age group for whom the
course is meant). (qualification of tutors) training by experts. Timings
(mention separate timings for boys and girls) on weekdays / weekends. (last
date) , course fee , last date for registration----------. Contact details
________ FOR SALE
Name the breed of the animal in capitals for sale, mention the parentage (pure
breed parents), details of male / female. Contact details
*** Ads placed by individuals wishing to find employment.
SOLVED EXAMPLE
(1) The Bayers Pharmacs Company needs a secretary to the Managing Director for
immediate appointment. Draft a suitable advertisement for all major dailies. Supply all
the necessary details.
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED for Bayers Pharmacs Company a secretary to the Managing
Director for immediate appointment, excellent communication and
correspondence skills in English, pleasing personality, persons with prior
experience preferred, should be able to work independently and coordinate
between various sections of the company. Salary negotiable. Mail your cv
within two weeks to Personnel Manager, Bayer Pharmacs Company,
Mysore.
(2) You are Ajay Shivam of 29, Cave Road, Hyderabad. You have 4 years of experience as a
French instructor with an international school aboard. You now wish to settle in your
home city. Draft an advertisement for the classified columns stating your qualification
and experience.
SITUATION WANTED
M.A. (French), male, educated in UK, 4 years experience as a French
instructor in an international school abroad, seeks a teaching position in
and around Hyderabad. Is proficient in instrumental music and dramatics.
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Expected salary Rs 40,000/- p.m. contact: Ajay Shivam of 29, Cave Road,
Hyderabad.
(3) You are Mohit / Mohini of 13/134, M Block, Highrise Apartments, Kochi. You wish to
sell your flat as you are moving to Delhi. Draft and advertisement for the same providing
all the necessary details.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
FLAT for sale, at Fort Kochi, spacious, 2nd
floor, 3BHK, partially
furnished, centrally located, close to school, car parking facilities, 24 hr
water and power supply, suitable for commercial purposes also.
Reasonable price. Contact: Mohit / Mohini of 13/134, M Block, Highrise
Apartments, Kochi
(4) You wish to rent out the ground floor of your house. Draft an advertisement for the
same. Provide all the necessary details. You are Suresh / Surekha, River Dale, Panaji,
Goa.
TO-LET
AVAILABLE for rent, ground floor of a house at Cramer Street, Panaji,
800 sq.ft., 2 BHK, all amenities and own parking space, well -ventilated
and modern construction, 24-hour water and power supply, suitable for
house as well as office space. Rent negotiable. Contact: Suresh / Surekha,
River Dale, Panaji, Goa.
(5) You need storage space for the new construction company that you have launched.
Prepare an advertisement seeking storage space for rent. You are Arun, Foundations
Constructions, Pune.
FOR RENT
WANTED for rent, storage space for construction material, preferably on
the ground floor, 2500 sq. ft area, leak-proof building, with good security
facilities, should be easily accessible for four-wheel vehicles, proximity to
city centre preferable, contact: Arun, Foundations Constructions, Pune.
(6) You wish to sell your Maruti Alto car. Draft an advertisement toward this purpose for the
classified columns of the news paper.
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MARUTI ALTO FOR SALE
MARUTI ALTO, black for sale, 2010 model, A/c, 10,000 kms run, 45,000km,
single ownership, (mention special features and accessories) original parts,
stereo-fitted, new tyres, designer seat covers, excellent condition. Price
negotiable Contact : 9997644530
(7) You wish to sell your dining room table with a set of 8 chairs. Prepare an advertisement
for the same.
Household goods for sale
FOR IMMEDIATE SALE, glass-top dining room table with 8 ladder-back
chairs, original teak wood, bought December 2012, excellent condition, owner
going abroad, price negotiable Contact: Govind, 7745321139
(8) Your pet dog has gone missing. Draft a advertisement for the missing columns of the
local daily giving all the relevant details.
DOG MISSING
GOLDEN retriever missing, answers to the name of Ruby, 5 years old , golden
yellow colour, has a white patch behind right year. Missing since 9am,
Monday from Children’s Park, M G Road. Informer will be suitably rewarded.
Inform: Thanish, 21, Skyline Apartments, MG Road, Kochi.
(9) You are Aneesh. You lost your property documents near the North over-bridge,
Coromandel Street, Chennai. Draft an advertisement for the same.
LOST DOCUMENTS
LOST last Monday documents of property located at Chennai North, lost near
North Over bridge, Coromandel Street. Wrapped in newspaper and put inside a
red plastic cover. Informer would be suitably compensated. Contact: Aneesh,
xxxxxxxxx
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(10) You are operating Mehar Travels and are organizing a 15-day tour of the holy
cities of North India. Draft an advertisement for the same.
TOURS AND TRAVELS
ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE available for the holy cities of North India covering
5 states, for 15 days, excellent travel facilities, breakfast and dinner inclusive,
stay at 3-star hotels, sightseeing included. Rs.15,000 per person. Special
discount for the first 15 bookings. Contact: Mehar Travels, Secretariat Road,
Trivandrum.
(11) You are starting a 3-month course in oil and glass painting at your residence 254,
Navdurga, Ahmadabad. Draft an advertisement with all the relevant details.
PAINITNG CLASS
THREE MONTH week-end course in oil and glass painting for all age groups,
training by experts. All materials would be provided. Classes for females from
9 am to 12. Noon, for males from 4 pm to 6 pm. Last day for registration – 3rd
July 2015. For details contact: Aravind, 254, NAvdurga, Ahmadabad.
(12) You wish to sell your pet puppies. Draft an advertisement with all the relevant
details.
LABRADORS FOR SALE
LABRADOR puppies, 4 for sale, 8 weeks old, pure breed parents, 3 males and
1 female. KCI registered. Contact details
POSTERS
Posters can be described as a combination of advertisement, notice and invitation. The
purpose of a poster is also to impart some sort of information in an eye-catching and
appealing manner. The general intention of a poster is to create awareness about some
issues of public interest or to inform the public of some event.
Layout of a poster
� Should be visually attractive.
� Should contain some catchy / creative title or jingle.
� Visuals are mandatory.
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� Fonts of different sizes and types may be used.
� For an event, time, date and venue of occurrence are to be mentioned.
� The theme should be clear.
� The name of the issuing authority must be clearly mentioned.
Marking Scheme
Content – 2 marks
Expression – 2 marks
FORMAT
For an event
PURPOSE (drama, exhibition, workshop etc)
slogans
Visual
Date, time, venue
Entry fees / tickets)
Contact address
For an issue
Title (if it is to promote social theme)
Visuals
Slogans
Issuing authority (very important)
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SOLVED EXAMPLES
(1) Design a poster to create awareness on using helmets by two-wheelers.
� Use them even for short rides.
� Secure the chin straps every time.
BE SENSIBLE, BE SAFE
LIFE IS PRECIOUS, GUARD IT
Issued in public interest by:
the Motor Vehicles Department,
Government of Kerala
(2) Draft a poster to inform the students of the book week celebrations in your school.
They may not
be
fashionable,
but they keep
you safe.
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THE BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS
From 20 July to 24 July, 2015
Competitions Galore!!!
Mountains of Prizes
LET’S CELEBRTAE THE JOY OF READING…
INVITATIONS AND REPLIES – FORMAL AND INFORMAL
Invitations are again sources of information issued to a select group of people to inform
of them of some celebrations or other public functions.
Invitations are of two types – formal and informal.
Marking Scheme – Content – 2 marks; Expression + grammatical accuracy – 2 marks
FORMAL INVITATIONS AND REPLIES
Formal invitations are generally send out in the printed format.
� They are written in third person.
� All the relevant information to be given in a clear and precise manner.
� Verb form to be used – Simple Present Tense
� The abbreviation RSVP (French : repondez s’il vous plait ) i.e. ‘please reply’ is
written below on the left with name(s)/address & phone number of the host(s)
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FORMAT
Mr & Mrs. (name of the host)
request the pleasure of your company
on the occasion of
(name the occasion)
Date, time
In
Venue
(special instruction, if any)
In case of a public function,
The Principal, Staff and Students
of
name of institution
request the pleasure of your company
on the occasion
of
(name the occasion) of the school
Date, time
in
venue
Name of Chief Guest
Designation
Has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
(1) Mr. and Mrs. Shekar are organizing a welcome home party for their son Rajat. Prepare
the invitation in not more than 50 words.
Mr. and Mrs. Shekar
Request the pleasure of your company
On the occasion of
The Home Coming
Of their son
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Rajat Shekar
At 6.30 pm
On 31st July, 2015
At their residence
R.S.V.P.
0478 – 2221456
(2) Draft an invitation for the investiture ceremony of your school.
The Staff & Students
Of
Navy Children School, Kochi
Request your esteemed presence
For the
Investiture Ceremony
At 1000 hrs
On 22 July, 2015
At the Sagarika
The Navy Chief of Staff
Has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest
Please occupy your seats by 0945 hrs.
REPLY TO FORMAL INVITATIONS
While writing a reply to a formal letter, the following points are to be remembered.
� The reply is to be written in formal language in third person.
� Address and date needn’t be mentioned.
� The reply should start with expression of gratitude.
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ACCEPTANCE
(name of the sender)Mr./Ms._____ expresses their sincere
gratitude to / thanks Mr. & Mrs. ____ (name of the host)
for their kind invitation which he / she is delighted to
accept.
REJECTION
(name of the sender) Mr./Mrs._____ expresses their
sincere gratitude to / thanks Mr. & Mrs.____ for their kind
invitation but regrets his/her inability to accept the same
(reason for not attending) due to a prior engagement.
INFORMAL INVITATIONS AND REPLIES
� Written in the first person.
� Sender’s address with date to be mentioned, receiver’s address not required.
� The language is informal and casual.
� Salutation is dear + name.
Marking Scheme
Content – 2 marks
Expression – 2 marks
FORMAT
Sender’s address (without name)
Date with month in words
My dear / Dear (name)
I / We have much pleasure in inviting you to the (name the occasion), at (time) on
(date) at (venue). We very much hope that you will be able to come.
Yours sincerely
Name
REPLY TO INFORMAL INVITATION
ACCEPTANCE
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Sender’s address
Date with month in words
Salutation (Dear name)
(acknowledging the invitation) Many thanks for inviting me to the (name the
occasion). (acceptance) I shall be delighted to attend the function.
Yours truly
Name
REJECTION
Sender’s address
Date with month in words
Salutation (Dear___)
(acknowledging the invitation) Thank you for your kind invitation. However, I am
sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the function as I shall be out of station
that week / I have an unavoidable engagement that day. My prayers will be there
with you.
With warmest regards,
Yours sincerely
name
LETTERS (6 marks)
Formal letters pertaining to the following types have been included in the syllabus.
(a) business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and
giving information, placing orders and sending replies
(b) Letters to the editor (giving suggestions on an issue)
(c) Application for a job.
Marking Scheme
Format – 1 mark (Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject,
Salutation, Complimentary close)
Content – 3 marks (Relevant ideas to be presented in a coherent way)
Expression + grammatical accuracy – 2 marks
Please note:
Marks are not awarded if only format is written.
Either modern or traditional format to be used. Mixing up of format is not acceptable.
Points to be remembered
23
� Formal and polite language to be used.
� Be clear and specific, brief and to the point.
� Decorum of language has to be maintained even when writing a letter of complaint.
Use firm but polite language to express your views.
� While writing letters to the editor, DO NOT ask the editor to solve the problems.
� Avoid using contractions like haven’t, won’t etc.
� Use short sentences to express your point.
� Marks are not awarded if only format is given.
� Modern layout for format is to be used. Mixing up of traditional and modern format is
not acceptable.
� In job applications, Curriculum-vitae or CV /Bio-data / Resume should be included as
a separate part after the complimentary close.
� In letters to the editor the preferred complimentary close is ‘Yours truly’.
INFORMAL LETTERS
Format-
Sender’s address (without name)
Date with month in words.
Salutation
Content
Complimentary close
Sign
SOLVED EXAMPLE
You are Aniket / Anitha. You had recently visited your friend Sidharth in Darjeeling during the
winter break and had spent a week with him. Write a letter to him thanking him for the
wonderful time that you had with him.
83 / 221, F Block
Rose Apartments
Hyderabad
5th
February 2015
Hi Sidhu
Let me tell you first itself, my soul is still with you in Darjeeling and its definitely going to take
another couple of weeks before I settle down to my studies. My Mom is very annoyed with me,
24
but I am helpless. You can hardly blame me when I had such a wonderful time there. She refuses
to understand, but you know how mothers can be! Sidhu, I really have to thank you for giving
the time of my life with you.
My friends were literally green with envy when I showed them the photographs of my gliding
down the snow. I will never forget the feeling of wet snow against my face when you threw that
snow ball at me. And your mother’s cooking is simply amazing. Everyone here was shocked to
see the amount of weight that I had put on in just one week!
Darjeeling is just superb, isn’t it? And you made it so very special for me. Thank you once again
Sidhu. Convey my very special thanks to uncle and aunt for all they did for me there. And don’t
forget that you are coming here for the next autumn break, ok? I have planned whole lot things
for us to enjoy.
So do write to me once your exams get over.
Bye for now
Luv
(Sign)
FORMAL LETTER
Format –
Sender’s Address (preferably without name)
Date (with month in words)
Receiver’s address (with designation of the receiver)
Subject: (limit the words to maximum 5 or 6)
Salutation
Content: Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Thank you
Complimentary Clause
Signatory
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Letter to the Editor
(1) You are Tarun / Thanisha Ghosh, 21 / 158, J Block, Apple Apartments, New Street,
Hyderabad. Write a letter to the editor of a prominent daily, expressing your views on the
growing menace of stray dogs in your city.
25
21 / 158, J Block
Apple Apartments
New Street
Hyderabad
30th
June 2015
The Editor
The Hindu
Hyderabad
Sub: The Growing menace of stray dogs.
Sir
I am a resident of New Street. I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the growing
menace of stray dogs in Hyderabad.
The number of stray dogs in the city has increased drastically in the recent months. The situation
is such that it has become highly dangerous for pedestrians to use the footpaths. Literally every
day we come across reports of stray dog attacks in the newspapers. The victims usually are old
people and children. It was only last week that a young baby was killed by a dog in an adjacent
street.
The corporation has hardly taken any action in spite of repeated complaints. The insufficient
supply of anti-rabies injections also adds to the gravity of the situation. The corporation can take
up neutralization drives to control the multiplying of stray dogs. Government can build dog
shelters to keep the dogs away from the streets. The hospitals should also be equipped with the
necessary medications required to treat the victims.
I hope you would publish this letter through the esteemed columns of your paper so that a
solution could be found to this issue.
Thank you
Truly yours
(Tarun / Thanisha Ghosh)
Placing Orders
(2) St. Anne’s Public School, Gurgaon is upgrading to senior secondary. As the librarian
place order with M/s G V Publications, New Delhi for reference books for the senior
secondary classes. You are Anish / Anusha Shankar.
26
St. Anne’s Public School
Gurgaon
2nd
July 2015
M/s G V Publications,
New Delhi
Sub: Order for reference books for the senior secondary classes.
Sir
The school has been recently upgraded to the senior secondary level. Hence we would like to
place an order for the following reference books for the library.
Sl. No. Title of the book Publisher Quantity
1. ABC of Physics (Class XII) XYZ Publications 5
2. ABC of Physics (Class XI) XYZ Publications 5
3. Comprehensive Writing Tasks Higgins Company 6
4. Textbook for Accountancy NCERT 10
The books are to be send to the school within 10 days of the receipt of this order. The advance
payment of 20% would be paid when the acceptance of order is confirmed with the remaining
payment to be done at the time of delivery. We hope you would give us a discount of 20% on the
printed prices.
Hoping for an immediate response from you.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
(Anish / Anusha Shankar)
Letter of Complaint
(3) You are Ishant / Ishika Prem, House No. 23, Rose Lane, Surat. You had recently bought a
water purifier for your home from M/s Natioanl Cooling Systems, Surat. The purifier has
not been functioning properly for the last two weeks. Wirte a letter to the Manager,
Customer Care complaining about the malfunctioning unit and seeking redressel for the
problem.
House No. 23,
27
Rose Lane,
Surat
23rd
May 2015
M/s National Cooling Systems,
Surat
Sub: Complaint about water purifier
Sir
I wish to bring to your notice that I had purchased a ‘Total Purity’ water purifier from your
esteemed self on 4th
April, 2015 with bill no. TS – 235/ CD which is not functioning properly.
The purifier did function well for the initial 4 weeks. But then it developed leakage of water.
This was followed by heavy noise and dark coloured particles floating around in the filtered
water. At times, the machine also gives off electric shock. It’s highly inconvenient as the
leakage has been causing unnecessary loss of water at this time of water shortage, not to mention
the time consumed to clean it up.
It has been confirmed that there is no fault with the electric circuit in the house. Hence I request
you to do take the necessary steps to either repair the system at the earliest or replace the water
purifier as it still is under warranty period.
Hoping you would oblige with my request at the earliest.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
(Ishant / Ishika Prem)
Letter of Enquiry
(4) You are Varun / Veena Vyas, the Class Representative of Class XI, Modern Public
School, Trichy. The school is planning to conduct an educational tour to Kolkata during
the autumn break. Write a letter to General Manager, Southern Railway, for details of
travel arrangements.
Class Xi Representative
Modern Public School
Trichy
28
19th
June 2015
General Manager
Southern Railway
Chennai
Sub: Request for details of travel arrangements to Kolkata.
Sir
The school is planning to conduct an educational tour to Kolkata during the autumn break. It
would be a 6-day programme from 20th
October to 25th
October, 2015. The group would consisit
of 40 students and 3 teachers.
We would like to know about the train services that are available to Kolkata for Chennai and for
the return journey on the said dates. We would also like to know the estimated time taken to
cover the distance as well as the fare to make the necessary arrangements at our end. Kindly
inform us about the eligible students’ concession that can be availed for the tour.
We request you to send the details at the earliest to [email protected] to enable us to paln in
advance.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
(Varun / Veena Vyas)
Curriculum Vitae / Resume / Bio data
Format
Sender’s address
Date with month in words
Receiver’s address with designation
Subject : Application to the post of _______________.
Respected Sir / Madam
I wish to apply to the post of ______ as advertised by you through the ‘mention the news
paper’ dated - 1st para.
Para 2 – self-introduction – I am a Post Graduate / graduate and is at present working as a
_______ (mention the post) with _______(name of the company). I have an experience of
29
_____ years as _____ (mention the post). (if fresher – I have successfully complete my
_____ (course) from _____ (mention the university) and am awaiting employment)
I have been forced to quit my present job as my parents are residing in (name the city).
They are aged and need my care / I have been forced to quit my present job as my children
have secured admission for future studies in (name the city) and I need to be close to them.
I assure you that if I am selected, I will serve the institution to the best of my ability. I am
enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.
I hope for a positive response from you.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Sign
(name)
RESUME
Name :
Father’s name :
Address :
Age / Date of birth :
Educational qualification
Name of
examination
Board /
University
Year of
passing
Percentage of
marks
Professional experience (mention the place that you are working at present, then go down in
decreasing order in which you have worked) : (i)write the post, in (name the institution)
from 20xx onwards.
(ii) post in (mention the firm) from _____ to ______ for _____ years.
Personal details
Languages known :
Hobbies and interests:
30
Special Achievements:
References (i) (optional)
(ii)
SOLVED EXAMPLE
(5) You are Taneen / Vinaya Shah. Prepare a bio data to apply to the post of Vice Principal at
the Model Public School, Ahmadabad. Supply all the necessary details.
54, Rose Villa
Princess Lane
Street 23
Delhi
15th
March 2015
The Principal
Modern Public School
Ahmadabad
Sub: Application to the post of Vice Principal
Sir / Madam
I wish to apply to the post of Vice Principal in your esteemed institution as per the
advertisement placed by you in the Times of India dated 14th
March 2015.
I am a Post Graduate in Commerce and Education from the Jawaharlal Nehru University and
am currently working as Head Master / Mistress at the St. John’s Public School, New Delhi. I
have an experience of 10 years at the school. I have been compelled to change my present job
as my parents are residing in Ahmadabad and need my need my care.
I have successfully executed various responsibilities of both scholastic and soc-scholastic
nature at my school. I assure you that if I am selected, I will serve the institution to the best
of my ability. I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.
I hope for a positive response from you at he earliest.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
Sign
31
(name)
RESUME
Name : Taneen Singh
Father’s name : Swaroop Singh
Address : 54, Rose Villa
Princess Lane
Street 23
Delhi
E-mail id : [email protected]
Age / Date of birth: 40, 25th
October, 1975
Educational qualification
Name of
examination
Board /
University
Year of
passing
Percentage of
marks
Class 12 CBSE May 1992 92%
B.Com JNU June 1995 87%
M.Com JNU June 1997 85%
B.Ed JNU August 1998 85%
M.Ed JNU August 2000 70%
Professional experience:
(i) Head Master at the St. John’s Public School, New Delhi from 2006 onwards
(ii) PGT (Accountancy) at BVS Public School, New Delhi from 2000 to 2006 for 6
years
Personal details
Languages known: English, French, Hindi, Punjabi
Hobbies and interests: Reading, Music, Dramatics
32
Special achievements: Head of Department (Commerce)
Trained the students for various inter-school drama competitions,
Trained the students for debate competitions
Organized and conducted workshops in Accountancy
References (i) Principal
St.John’s Public School
New Delhi
(iii) Dean, Department of Commerce
JNU
Please Note:
� It’s mandatory that both the covering letter and resume are to be written.
� Only the resume without the covering letter will be considered as an invalid answer.
FACTUAL / PROCESS DESCRIPTION (10 Marks)
Factual or Process Description refers to the narrative describing a place, process, person or an
object. The information is to be provided in sequential order. The description should be vivid and
interesting to avoid monotony.
Points to be remembered
� Provide a suitable title.
� Give the descriptions in a logical order.
� Keep the language simple.
� Split up the task into minimum two paragraphs.
� Always conclude by giving your personal impressions.
� Use suitable connectors such as first, then, after that, finally etc.
.
Some of the common topics that could be included in factual description with the required details
to be provided are listed out below.
� Place or a building – name, location, shape or dimension, colour, design, number of
stories, the use of the building, sights, type of people who visit there, history, importance,
atmosphere, parking availability, your personal impressions about the place, any other
relevant details.
33
� Person – name, relationship with you, social status, profession, physical appearance,
characteristics of the person, others’ opinion about the person, any other relevant details.
� Object or thing – name, make, shape, model or year of manufacture, dimensions, capacity,
details of operating, cost, use, availability, any other relevant points.
� Visits or travels – place, date and occasion for visit, places visited, number of people in
the group, description of the place, atmosphere, details of natural beauty, interesting
encounters there, problems faced (if any), details of travel, personal impressions,
conclusion (suggestion on whether worthy of visit or not)
Marking Scheme –
Total marks: 10,
Title: 1,
Content: 4,
Expression: 5 (Grammatical accuracy and spellings –2 ½, Coherence and
relevance of ideas and style – 2 ½)
NEWS PAPER / MAGAZINE REPORT
A report is basically a record of events that has happened in the immediate past. The Class XII
syllabus deals with the preparation of newspaper reports for accidents or events or reports for the
school magazine for some school based event. The normal word limit for a report is 125 words.
Points to be remembered
� Use practical and businesslike manner
� Be concise. Give only the relevant details and leave out unnecessary elaboration.
� Divide into paragraphs in the order of priority.
� Write in past tense.
� Use the third person to describe the events even though you were an eye witness to the
event.
� For a report meant for the school magazine, a lightly less formal tone may be used.
Personal impressions could be added to make it more interesting.
Format – Accidents
HEADLINE (in 4 to 5 words, no complete sentence, use simple present tense)
By-line (author’s name)
Place, date with month in words: (lead paragraph) mention what, where, when, why and how.
The day, date and time of the day when the incident occurred. The place where the incident
happened. Reasons why the incident happened. ----- para 1
34
Para 2 – give the details of how it happened. Narrate the incident in the order in which they
occurred. In case of injury, what has been done with the injured.
Para 3 – eyewitness accounts are to be provided. Include some quotes from eyewitness’
accounts. Do not mention the name of the eye witness.
Para 4 – describe the actions carried out by the police and the future course of actions that
will be taken.
Inauguration
HEADLINE (in 4 to 5 words, no complete sentence, use simple present tense)
By-line (author’s name)
Place, date with month in words – Para 1 – what is the occasion, who is 34rganizing it, date
when it was conducted, where was it held, who was the chief guest
Para 2 – details like the dignitaries who were present, the comments made by the chief guest
Para 3 – what all were carried out as part of the programme, comments by the public.
Para 4 – till when is it going on, if entry fee is there, your comments about the programme.
Marking Scheme: Total marks: 10
Format – Title + Reporter’s name 1 mark
Content:4 marks
Expression: 5 - Accuracy: Grammatical accuracy and spellings – 2 ½ Coherence and relevance
of ideas and style – 2 ½
SOLVED EXAMPLES
You are the Staff Reporter for the New Indian Express. You have been asked to report on an
accident where a bus lost control and hit a car killing 3 people. Write the report giving all the
relevant details.
BUS HITS CAR, 3 DEAD
Staff Reporter
Kochi, 23rd
June: A KSRTC bus travelling from Alleppey to Trissur rammed into a car killing 3
people on the spot, yesterday at Vytilla junction at the early hours of the morning.
In an attempt to overtake the lorry in front of it, the bus lost control leading to a head-on collision
with the car which was coming in the opposite direction. All the passengers in the car were killed
at the spot. The passengers of the bus who had suffered minor injuries were given first aid at the
nearby hospital.
An eye witness said that the bus driver was at fault as he was trying to overtake at a spot where
there was no space for moving forward.
35
The night patrol van which was parked nearby immediately arrived on the spot and directed the
rescue operations. The bus driver was arrested on the spot. An enquiry has been initiated. This
area has been witnessing numerous accidents primarily due to overtaking and the lack of speed
breakers.
You are Aniketh / Anitha Pooran, student editor for your school magazine, write a report for
your school magazine on the Book Week Celebrations in the School.
CELEBRATING THE JOY OF READING
Aniketh / Anitha Pooran
Patna, 15th
January: “Reading is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself”. Thus
spoke the legendary writer, Ruskin Bond who inaugurated the Book Week Celebrations of Green
Valley Public School, Patna on 6th
January.
The Book Week Celebrations was a weeklong affair with the school going all out to promote the
fast disappearing art of reading. The event saw a host of dignitaries associated with the world of
writing visiting the school. Various functions such as literary quiz, book exhibitions, crossword
competitions, reading competitions and many others were conducted for the students as well as
parents.
The parents were extremely appreciative of the efforts made by the school to promote reading.
‘Such programs are definitely going to improve the reading skill of the students’ said Bharat
Sharma, parent. The students too actively participated in the various activities.
The celebrations lasted from 6th
January and concluded on 10th
January in a grand finale which
was attended by Chetan Bhagat, the popular English fiction writer.
SPEECH
A SPEECH is a formal talk that is delivered to an audience. Depending on the nature of the
audience, the tone of the speech can be either formal or informal.
Points to be remembered.
� Begin with a formal address to the chief guest, other dignitaries and the audience.
� A conversational tone would make it more interesting. Use questions, and expressions
where you seek the audience’s opinion such as I am sure that you would agree with me,
haven’t you also felt that, I feel that you too have felt that etc.
� Make your introduction interesting with story or an anecdote or some statistical date that
could be shocking.
� Spell out your topic clearly to the audience.
� Give evidences in support of your claims to give it credibility.
� Make your conclusion equally interesting.
� Title is not required for the speech.
� Use short sentences.
36
� Use simple yet powerful language.
� Remember to thank the audience at the conclusion.
Marking Scheme:
Total marks: 10
Content :(logical organization, relevance): 5 marks
Expression: 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½
Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)
SOLVED EXAMPLE
You have been asked to deliver a speech in the morning assembly on ‘Effective English
Communication’. Prepare the speech in not more than 200 words.
Good morning respected Principal Madam, dear teachers and beloved friends
A recent news item in the front pages of literally all the major newspapers said that a survey
conducted by an international agency in some of the major engineering colleges of India revealed
that 6 out of every 10 engineering student in India cannot speak or write even a single sentence
in simple grammatically correct English.
Yes, you may argue on the need to know a foreign language when we have so many Indian
languages which are more important and should be learnt being an Indian. But I am sure that you
would agree that English is the universal official language of Science, Commerce, business and
technology and so its mandatory that we know it. In a country like India, where we have
different languages in different states, English is the unifying force.
Moreover, the engineering students of today are the technocrats of tomorrow. When they go out
into the world, the companies that would want to recruit them would also be testing their
communication skills. Friends, do you think any of the companies would want to employ these
students in their companies when they cannot express themselves adequately?
So make use of every opportunity to practice your language skills. Speak only in English in
school and to your friends. Be an active participant in competitions where writing skills are
needed. Reading also helps to improve your language and vocabulary very much.
Remember, school is the one place where you can learn the skills of communication. And please
don’t miss out on the opportunity as effective communication is a necessary tool that would
decide your future.
Thank you for your patient listening.
DEBATE
Debate is a recent introduction in the English syllabus. Here the student is given the option of
choosing any one version of the given topic and expressing his / her views on it.
Points to be remembered
37
� Begin with addressing the audience.
� State clearly whether you support or oppose the issue in question.
� Give clear cut and convincing arguments for why you feel that your version is correct.
� Use polite but firm language while expressing your views.
� Ensure that you do not speak both in support of the topic and against it. This may lead to
marks being deducted for expression.
Marking Scheme
Total marks – 10
Content – 5 marks
Expression – 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½
Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)
ARTICLE
An article is a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine. It is an
expression of one’s thought on an issue or a subject logically and coherently written in
meaningful paragraphs.
Points to remembered
� Give a catchy title to the article that would catch the attention of the reader.
� Begin with a striking opening sentence that would get the reader interested in the topic.
� Present a strong argument for your ideas and support it with evidences or elaboration.
� Introduce a new point in each paragraph and present your arguments to strengthen your
ideas.
� Develop your ideas as much as you can to make them interesting and substantial.
� Conclude with a strong closing argument.
FORMAT OF AN ARTICLE
TITLE/HEADING
BY LINE (Writer’s Name under the title)
Content in 3 – 4 paragraphs.
Marking Scheme
Total marks: 10
Format (title + writer’s name) : 1mark
Content :(logical organization, relevance): 4 marks
Expression: 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½
Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)
38
LITERATURE TEXT BOOKS
FLAMINGO
THE LAST LESSON
ALPHONSE DAUDET
Synopsis
Franz is afraid to go to school as he has not learnt the rules of the participles. He wishes to enjoy
the beauty of nature - the bright sunshine, the birds chirruping in the woods and the Prussian
soldiers drilling. But he resisted the temptation. Franz is surprised to notice certain as he
approaches the school. -Instead of noisy classrooms everything was as quiet as Sunday morning.
The teacher does not scold him for being late and tells him very cordially to go to his seat. Franz
is surprised to see the teacher dressed in his Sunday best and villagers occupying the last
benches.
M. Hamel makes the announcement that that would be the last French lesson as orders have
come that only German would be taught in the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine from the next
day onwards. The teacher has been ordered to leave the place with immediate effect. Franz
realizes that he does not know his own mother tongue and regrets for not taking his lessons
seriously. Also realizes the reason why teacher was dressed in his Sunday best and understands
that the villagers are occupying the last bench to pay their tribute to M. Hamel for his 40 years of
sincere service and also to express their solidarity with France. M. Hamel realizes that all three,
the children, the parents and he himself are to be blamed for losing respect and regard for the
mother tongue. He advises the children to always keep their mother tongue close to their heart as
it is the key to the prison of slavery. The whole atmosphere in the class is solemn and filled with
regret. The teacher is teaching sincerely and patiently, students and others are studying with
utmost sincerity. Franz is able to understand everything that is taught by M. Hamel and
everything seems to be very easy. Franz wonders sarcastically if Prussians could force pigeons
to coo in German. M. Hamel is overcome with emotions and cannot speak. So he writes on the
black board “Long Live France”.
Additional Questions
(i) What was the narrator’s greatest fear as he moved towards the school?
(ii) What was more tempting to Franz than going to school?
(iii) What was the news which was put up on the bulletin board?
(iv) What was the most shocking thing that Franz notices in the class?
(v) Why didn’t M. Hamel punish Franz, even though he was late?
(vi) What were Franz’s feelings about M Hamel and his French lessons? How did they
undergo a complete change?
(vii) What was so unusual about school that day?
(viii) Why were the villagers seated on the back benches?
(ix) ‘We have all a great deal to reproach ourselves’. Explain.
(x) What did M. Hamel say about French language?
39
(xi) What happened when the church clock struck 12?
(xii) Justify the title of the story “The Last Lesson”.
(xiii) How does Hamel arouse patriotism in the people off Alsace?
(xiv) Analyze character of M. Hamel as a teacher.
LOST SPRING: STORIES OF STOLEN CHILDHOOD
ANEES JUNG
Synopsis
The author examines and analyses the impoverished conditions and traditions that condemn
children to a life of exploitation. These children are denied education and are forced to endure
hardships early in their lives. The writer encounters Saheb, a rag picker whose parents have left
behind a life of poverty in Dhaka to earn a living in Delhi. His family like many other families of
rag pickers lives in Seemapuri on the outskirts of Delhi. The only identification they have is the
ration card. The children do not go to school and they are expected to add to the family income
by rummaging in the garbage. It is the only way of earning the life. They live in impoverished
conditions but are resigned to their fate. The writer is pained to see Saheb, a rag picker whose
name means the ruler of earth, lose the spark of childhood and roaming barefooted with his
friends to pick rags. One day the author encounters him in a tea stall and comes to know that he
has got a job there which pays him Rs. 800 with all his meals. He sadly realizes that he is no
longer his own master and this loss of identity weighs heavily on his tender shoulders. The
author then tells about another victim, Mukesh who wants to be a motor mechanic. He hails from
Firozabad, the centre of India’s bangle making and glass blowing industry and has always
worked in the glass making industry. His family like the others there do not know that it is illegal
for children to work in such close proximity to furnaces, in such high temperatures. They are
exposed to various health hazards like losing their eyesight as they work in dreadful conditions,
in dark and dingy cells. Mukesh’s father is blind as were his father and grandfather before him.
They lead a hand to mouth existence as they are caught in the vicious web of the money lenders,
middlemen, police and traditions. They believe that bangle making is their ‘karam’ or ‘God
given lineage’. So burdened are the bangle makers of Firozabad that they have lost their ability
to dream unlike Mukesh who dreams of driving a car.
Additional questions
(i) What does Saheb do for living? Why?
(ii) “Saheb is no longer his own master”, says the writer. What does she mean?
(iii) Why do people migrate from the village in Dhaka to Delhi?
(iv) “Promises made to poor children are never kept. “Explain with examples from the
lesson.
(v) What does garbage symbolize for the adults and children?
40
(vi) Why does the writer feel that it will be difficult for Mukesh to break away from this
tradition?
(vii) ‘Lost Spring’, is a sad commentary on the political system of our country that
condemns thousands of people to a life of abject poverty. Comment.
(viii) What does the title of the story ‘Lost Spring’ imply?
(ix) Mention the hazards of working in the bangle industry.
(x) ‘His dreams loom like a mirage’. Whose dreams are being referred to and why are
they compared to a mirage?
(xi) ‘Together they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put down.’ Who
do ‘they’ refer to? What is the ‘baggage’ and why can the child not get rid of it?
(xii) How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
(xiii) How has being born in the caste of bangle makers become both a destiny and a
curse?
DEEP WATER
WILLIAM DOUGLAS
SYNOPSIS
‘Deep Water’ centres round the author’s fear of water as a child. The fear originated when he
was three or four years old. He and his father went to the beach in California. A swept him down
suddenly though he was holding on to his father. The child was over powered by the might of the
water. Another incident occurred when he was ten or eleven years old. He was alone at the
YMCA pool at Yakima, swimming. A big bruiser of a boy of about eighteen years old picked
him up and tossed him into the deep pool. This intensified the dread of water in the author. While
he was sinking and emerging / springing upwards in the water, he felt paralyzed – stiff and rigid
with fear; his legs were limp. It was like experiencing death… feeling drowsy, fearless, relaxed;
being carried away gently, tender arms like mother’s around him. “I must go to sleep. I crossed
to oblivion.”
But he was saved and the villainous boy who had flung him into the pool claimed that he had
only been fooling. The terrible fear of that day was haunting him for several days. Whenever he
visited the Cascades, the Tieton or the Bumping River, Warm Lake, Main Lake etc for the
pleasures of swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing, the fear followed and finished everything.
Then in October, he decided to get rid of his aversion to water by taking lessons form an
instructor. The lessons and practice went on for an hour a day, fief days a week. By three
month’s time, the fear of water had left him and he was confident. He swam in Lake Wentworth,
Triggs Island using different styles of swimming like crawl, breast stroke, side stroke and back
stroke. The lesson Douglas learnt was if one fear is conquerable, tehn any fear can be conquered.
Fearlessness is the foundation to a tension free life.
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Important Questions
1. Mention the two incidents that were responsible for Douglas’s fear of water.
2. How did he overcome his fear of water?
3. What larger meaning does William Douglas draw from his experience of fear of water
and conquering it? (courage and optimism to be developed like the characters in ‘We’re
not Afraid to Die…’)
THE RATTRAP
SELMA LAGERLO`F
SYNOPSIS
The theme of the story is the belief that the essential goodness in a human being can be
awakened through understanding and love. The story is set in the mines of Sweden, rich in iron
ore.
A poor rattrap seller went selling his rat raps to make a living. He took to petty stealing also. For
him, riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing are baits for human beings like pork and
cheese for rats. The world had never been very kind to him and so he had ill thoughts about it.
Once he had the company of a crofter who offered him porridge and tobacco and played ‘mjolis’
(a card game) and shared his confidences. The crofter had a cow which gave him 30 kroner
worth of milk a month, the money was kept in a leather pouch. When the rattrap man looked
disbelieving, the crofter showed him the money and where it was hung. He had the temptation to
steal the money and he did steal it. Wandering around with a guilty conscience, he lost his way in
the forest which turned into an impenetrable prison for him. He sought shelter in the Ramsjo Iron
Works to survive the winter cold. The ironmaster on his rounds found him. Mistaking him for an
old regimental comrade, the Ironmaster invited him for Christmas dinner; but the rattrap man
refused it thinking it was a trap to hand him over to the police. But the ironmaster did want him
for Christmas, so he sent his daughter Edla Willmanson hoping that she had better powers of
persuasion.
Reluctantly he obliged her. While he was given a bath and proper dress, the ironmaster was
surprised at his mistake and ordered him to go. But, his daughter insisted that he was their guest
and should be treated like a guest. Later in the church, the incident at the crofter’s house was
revealed to the ironmaster and his daughter. Before they reached home after the night service of
Christmas, the peddler had already left. The message he had left disclosed the transformation in
his character and the retribution – requesting Edla to return the crofter’s 30 kroner. He had
signed himself as Captain Van Stahle, the mistaken identity that had been attributed to him by
the iron master.
In conclusion, what we see is not the reality in its absolute form or judging a person without
examining the circumstances should be avoided.
Important Questions
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1. What changed the character of the Rattrap peddler into that of a noble man (Captain Van
Stahle)?
2. Point out the evidences of the change.
3. Why does the peddler consider the world a big rattrap and a human predicament?
INDIGO
LOUIS FISCHER
SYNOPSIS
The lesson highlights an important event in the history of India’s freedom struggle, namely the
Champaran episode. Share croppers of indigo in Champaran were victims of injustice and
exploitation by the British landlords. They demanded the whole of indigo harvest as rent and
15% of the land had indigo cultivation. The resoluteness, patience, loyalty and sacrifice of an
illiterate peasant named Rajkumar Shukla were outstanding in redeeming the miserable indigo
farmers with the help of Gandhi whom he took to Champaran after Gandhi’s engagements were
over up to Calcutta. The lawyers were charging heavy fees from the peasants to plead for them in
courses against the British landlords.
When Gandhi asked them what they would do if he was arrested, they said honestly that they
would go home. Gandhi then made the thought provoking and conscience-striking question,
“What about the injustice to the sharecroppers?” after consultation among themselves, the
lawyers said that they were ready to be arrested, and Gandhi prepared a list of pairs to court
arrest.
In Champaran, Gandhi gathered more information about the sharecroppers’ issue. He met the
Secretary of the British Landlord’s Association who refused to give any information citing the
reason that Gandhi was an outsider. His visit to the British Official Commissioner of the Tirhut
division also proved futile as he bullied Gandhi and ordered him to leave Tirhut forthwith. When
he heard about the maltreatment of a peasant in a nearby village, Gandhi went there on elephant
back. The messenger of the police superintendent ordered him to return to town, Gandhi
complied, but when served an official notice to quite Champaran, he disobeyed.
He sought the help of Rajendra Prasad and other influential people before appearing in court the
next day by a summons. When Gandhi reached Motihari, the capital of Champaran, the place
was crowded with peasants. The officials realized that their might, hitherto dreaded and
unquestioned was being challenged for the first time. Gandhi was polite, friendly and
cooperative in regulating the crowd. Gandhi declared that he was being faced with a “conflict of
duties” – on the one hand by disobeying the law he was setting a bad example and on the other
he was compelled to listen to the “voice of conscience”. The judge was forced to delay the
proceedings and finally the Lieutenant-General of the province dropped the case. He had four
interviews with the Lieutenant-General, the landlords and government officials. When the
43
planters saw the mountain of evidence of injustice against them, they agreed to pay
compensation to the peasants.
Some wanted 100% repayment, others 50% and finally Gandhi accepted a 25% refund because
of the fact that the landlords were obliged to surrender part of their money and with it their
prestige. The peasants realized that they had courage, rights and defenders. The land was
returned to the farmers. The invention of synthetic indigo in Germany had made the landlords do
this and they had earlier wanted compensation from the sharecroppers for releasing them from
the sharecropping agreement.
Kasturba Gandhi and Devdas Gandhi, Gandhi’s youngest son arrived in Champaran to teach
ashram rules on personal cleanliness and community sanitation. Three medicines were available
– castor oil, quinine and sulphur ointment. Latrine trenches were filled and new ones dug, as part
of sanitation. Finally Gandhi turned down C.F. Andrews’ offer of mediation with the British
reassuring that ‘our cause is just and we must rely upon ourselves to win the battle and should
not seek a prop in an Englishman.
Lessons from the Champaran episode
a. Self-reliance
b. Success of mass civil-disobedience
c. Resoluteness succeeds in a noble cause.
d. Injustice and exploitation cannot last for long.
e. In dire needs, a redeemer is found / appears.
Important Questions
1. Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode a turning point his life?
2. What made Gandhi comment / exclaim, “The battle of Champaran is won”?
3. Explain Gandhi’s “conflict of duties”.
4. Give a character sketch of Rajkumar Shukla.
GOING PLACES
A R BURTON
SYNOPSIS
A R Burton explores the theme of adolescent hero fantasizing and worship in this chapter.
Sophie and Jansie are two school mates. Sophie has many ambitions and aspirations like owning
a boutique, becoming a manager, an actress, a fashion designer. Jansie was practical and sensible
because she knew they were earmarked for the biscuit factory. Geoff, Sophie's brother,
accommodated her since he never ridiculed her. Their father would mock hr with sarcastic
comments and Derek her younger brother made her feel silly saying she thought money grew on
trees. Jansie had a negative or unacceptable quality or character trait - she could not keep a
44
secret. Sophie was fond of the football celebrity Danny Casey from Ireland. She went to the
extent of fantasizing a close association with him, getting an autograph and a personal meeting
scheduled on the banks of the canal. But the only time she and her middle class family saw him
was during the Saturday football matches in the stadium - that too from the stadium as one
among the spectators. They belonged to the middle class since
1. her father used a bicycle
2. went to the pub (public drinking place)
3. watched matches from the balcony
4. Geoff was an apprentice mechanic and owned an old bike
Important Questions
1. Differentiate between the characters of Sophie and Jansie.
2. Describe Sophie’s family members and economic status.
3. Give evidences for the amiable nature of Geoff unlike the other members of Sophie’s
family.
4. What are some of Sophie’s aspirations that are unlikely to materialize?
5. How are dreams useful or otherwise?
Useful – relief from drudgery / dull daily routine
Motivation to become somebody / driving force to realize an ideal / aspiration
Delightful and free of cost
Useless – wasting of time
Leading to frustration and despair.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX
KAMALA DAS
SYNOPSIS
Kamala Das (Madhavikutty- psuedonym)) deals with ageing in this poem. Her own mother, a
famous poet in Malayalam, names Nalapattu Balamaniyamma, was aged and looked old, weak
and wrinkled. She makes a contrast between her ageing mother with the young trees and merry
children. The poet is leaving her mother and going abroad and fears of mother’s impending death
which is her familiar ache and childhood’s fear.
Poetic devices
Simile:- (a) ashen like that of a corpse
(b) as old as
(c) as a late winter’s moon.
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Metaphor / Personification:- Sprinting trees
Important questions
(a) What’s the familiar ache and childhood’s fear?
(b) How does she hide her feelings?
(c) Why does she compare her mother to late winter’s moon?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM
STEPHEN SPENDER
SYNOPSIS
The poet highlights the social injustice and class inequalities prevalent at all times and all places.
The chidlren mentioned in the poem are facing depreviation of all kinds – food, lighitng,
furniture, text books / study materials, parental care etc. generous donations like pictuers and
maps stuck on the walls of the classroom are totally irrelevant in their lives as they are more
worried about their survival than enjoy these beatutiful things. This pathetic plight can be
changed by responsible intervention from the government, the authorities in charge and social
organisations. Exposing these chidlren to normal situations is yet another way to eliminate the
inequalities. Education can empower them to fend for themselves by finding productive
employment.
POETIC DEVICES
Simile:- (a) like rootless weeds
(b) as big as doom
(c) lives like catacombs
Metaphor:- fog / lead – hopelessness with no chance for improving theie present, miserable
situation.
Very important questions
(a) How does the classroom situation contrast with the donations / world outside?
(b) Why is Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example?
(c) How can the situation of the children be changed?
KEEPING QUIET
PABLO NERUDA (pseudonym)
SYNOPSIS
46
The poet emphasizes the necessity for quiet introspection, developing mutual understanding and
universal brotherhood. The poet urges people to be quiet, stop work and speak no languages.
This is a strange moment in the earth, as human beings are unaccustomed to such a situation.
Wars of all kinds should be stopped and destructive activities harming nature / environment.
Instead people should wear new clothes, hold one another’s hands and relax in the shade of trees.
While the earth looks dead in winter, it is very much alive and active once summer sets in. It is
only an apparent stillness or inactivity. The poet laments the lack of understanding ourselves and
threatening ourselves with death. For a start, he would count up to twelve and people can observe
silence, which should be continued even in his absence.
Important questions
(a) Explain the symbol of nature in the poem.
(b) What sadness does the poet refer to?
(c) How can we stop wars / acts of violence?
A THING OF BEAUTY
JOHN KEATS
SYNOPSIS
John urges us to appreciate things of beauty to overcome sadness in life like despair, gloomy
days, lack of noble natures, ill-health etc. Things of beauty like the sun, the moon, trees,
daffodils, rills, forest brake, stories and grandeur of the mighty dead remove the pall of suffering
from human spirits. These are an endless fountain of immortal drink showered on humanity from
the Heavens.
POETIC DEVICES
Metaphor:- Endless fountain of immortal drink.
AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS
ADRIENNE RICH
SYNOPSIS
The poet is a feminist and she addresses the difficulties of a married woman through the
persona of her Aunt Jennifer. The Aunt spends good deal of time in embroidering a panel of
tigers prancing across the screen. The tigers are fearless creatures pacing elegantly and
majestically. They symbolize the spirit of freedom. Aunt is a victim of male chauvinism and
domination. Aunt Jennifer is so oppressed and terrified that she finds it hard to pull the needle.
The “weight of Uncle’s wedding band” expresses how victimized and oppressed she is. She
spends her life in fear but she embroiders on the panel the fearless tigers to express her secret
47
longing for a life of freedom and confidence. Even her death does not end the problem and
torture which a married woman experiences.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
(i) Why do Aunt Jennifer’s fingers flutter through her wool?
(ii) Explain: ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’.
(iii) How is Aunt Jennifer affected by the ‘weight of matrimony’?
(iv) How do Aunt Jennifer’s tiger look like?
(v) What do the tigers made by the Aunt symbolize?
(vi) What impression do you form about the Uncle in the poem?
VISTAS
THE TIGER KING
KALKI
Synopsis
The Maharaja of Prathibandapuram, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bhadur was called “Tiger King”. He si
credited with having spoken when he was just 10 days old. The astrologers predicted that he
would be killed by a tiger as he was born in the sign of the bull and the bull and the tiger are
enemies. He grew up in the royal palace and enjoyed the privileges of having a British
upbringing. He was crowned the king when he was 20. The king came to know of the prediction
regarding his death and he killed a tiger to safeguard himself. He told the news to the astrologer
and was told that he could kill 99 tigers, but had to be beware of the 100th
tiger. From that day
tiger hunting was banned in the state by anyone other than the king. A high-ranking British
officer who visited the state was fond of hunting tigers, but was denied permission. The officer
wanted a photograph of his to be taken with a dead tiger killed by the Maharaja and this request
was also rejected. The Tiger King faced the threat of losing his kingdom to the British. So to
please the officer’s wife, 50 diamond rings were sent expecting that she would take 1 or 2.
Instead she kept all the rings costing 3 lakh rupees and sent ‘thanks’ to the Maharaja. But his
state was secured. In 10 years he killed 70 tigers. Finally tigers disappeared in Pratibandapuram;
so he decided to marry a girl from royal state which had the highest number of tigers to complete
his target. Whenever he visited his in-laws he would go on a tiger hunt. So he killed 99 tigers and
was anxious to kill the 100th but couldn’t find it. News about the presence of a tiger near a
village proved wrong. Now the Dewan faced the threat of losing his position. So he and brought
an old tiger from the ‘People’s Park in Madras’ and placed it in the forest and informed the
Maharaja. The Maharaja shot the tiger with great care and left the place in triumph. But the tiger
had collapsed out of fear and had not been hit by the bullet. So one of the soldiers killed the tiger
and brought it in grand procession. It was the 3rd birthday of the Maharaja’s son and he wanted
to buy a present from the toyshop. He bought a poorly carved wooden tiger. While the Maharaja
was playing with the prince, a tiny sliver of the wooden tiger pierced his right hand which later
on caused his death. Thus the hundredth tiger takes his final revenge upon the “Tiger King”.
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Additional Questions
(i) What was the miracle that took place in the royal palace?
(ii) How was the Tiger King brought up?
(iii) What was the astrologer's prediction when the Tiger King killed the first tiger?
(iv) What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish fulfilled
(v) The Tiger King's obsession with tiger hunt endangered his kingship. Explain. how did
he overcome this threat?
(vi) Why did the Maharaja’s tiger killing mission come to a sudden still?
(vii) Why did the Maharaja suddenly decide to marry? on what criteria was the bride
chosen?
(viii) Why did Maharaja order the dewan to double the tax?
(ix) Describe the events that led to the Tiger King's death.
(x) How did the Maharaja kill the hundredth tiger?
(xi) The title of the Maharaja reflected grandeur but his death was an anticlimax. Justify.
(xii) How did the Tiger King meet his end? What is ironical about his death?
(xiii) How did the 100th
tiger take its revenge on the Tiger King?
THE ENEMY
PEARL S. BUCK
Synopsis
The story takes place in the background of the Word War II. Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon
discovers a wounded American soldier who was washed ashore on the beach near his house. The
man was bleeding profusely and Sadao’s first instinct is to throw the man back into the sea. But
the doctor in him refuses to let the man die and his professional ethics dictates that his duty is to
save life no matter what his relation to the person. The nature of the wounds reveals that the man
is an escaped prisoner of war which adds to the danger. Hana, his wife, is initially reluctant
because it was dangerous and risky for them to shelter the enemy in the house. But she assists
her husband in operating and nursing the enemy soldier back to health despite her fear and
dislike. The servants, who are unable to comprehend the logic behind their master giving shelter
to an enemy, desert the house. Though Japan was actively involved in the war and Sadao’s
expertise as a surgeon was very much needed in the battlefield, he had not been sent with the
troops as the General was in poor health and he trusted only Sadao to treat him. Sadao tells him
about the enemy soldier but he does not take any action as he is self- absorbed and forgets his
promise that he would send his private assassins to kill the enemy and remove his body. Taking
advantage of the general’s self-absorption Sadao decides to save the soldier’s life. After the
soldier has regained his health, Dr. Sadao helps him to escape from his house to the safety of a
neighbouring island form where he could hail down a Korean fishing boat and escape.
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Additional Questions
(i) Why was Dr Sadao not sent with the troops?
(ii) Compare the attitude of Sadao and Hana to that of the servants towards the enemy
soldier.
(iii) Do you agree that the servants where right in leaving their master’s house for
sheltering the enemy soldier? Why /why not?
(iv) Why did the General overlook the matter of the enemy soldier?
(v) How was the plan of the prisoner’s escape carried out in the story?
(vi) Sadao keeps questioning his attitude towards the enemy throughout the course of the
lesson. Why do you think he helped Tom in spite of the danger that was involved?
(vii) ‘‘But Sadao searching the spot of black in the twilight sea that night, had his
reward’’. What was the reward?
(viii) Why did Sadao choose the island as a safe place for sheltering Tom?
(ix) What were the instructions given by Sadao to Tom regarding his stay in the island?
(ix) What message does “The Enemy” give?
(x) Why does Hana decide to help the prisoner?
(xi) What was the General’s plan to get rid of the prisoner?
(xii) Why is Sadao confident that the General is in the palm of his hands?
(xiii) What makes Hana conclude that the Japanese treat their prisoners cruelly despite their
claims to the contrary?
(xiv) Do you agree with the doctor’s decision to help an enemy soldier? Why / why not?
SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY?
JOHN UPDIKE
Synopsis
The chapter discusses the very sensitive issue of parental authority over their children and the
right of the parent to make decisions for the children. Jo is a little girl of four years. She is
listening to a bed time story being narrated by her father Jack. The story always had the same
basic pattern with an animal facing some problem and seeking the help of the wise owl who
advises him to seek the help of the wizard to solve it. That particular day, Jo chooses a skunk.
Roger skunk as he is called has a very foul smell the issue and other animals refuse to play with
him. So he visits the wizard who changes his foul smell to the smell of roses. Skunk’s mother is
unhappy with it and takes him back to the wizard. She hits the wizard with her umbrella and asks
him to restore the original smell. She wanted her son to keep his identity of a skunk and wanted
his friends to accept him for himself. So the wizard changes him back to smell like a skunk.
After hearing the story, Jo refuses to accept the ending and wants her father to change it. She
wants the wizard to hit the mother back. He should allow Roger to keep his smell of roses. But
Jack refuses to change the ending. This raises the difficult moral question whether parents
possess the right to impose their will on their children. She argues that acceptance from friends is
50
more important than retaining the smell and hence Roger should be allowed to make his own
choices. Her father finds it difficult to answer her question. The story reveals the worldview of a
little child to a difficult moral question and shows her mental or psychological thinking process.
Additional Questions
(i) What was the basic story line of Jack’s bedtime story?
(ii) How did the wizard help Roger Skunk?
(iii) How did Roger Skunk’s Mommy react when he went home smelling of roses?
(iv) What did the Skunk’s mother do to restore his old smell?
(v) What changes do Jack notice in Jo in what he calls as her ‘reality phase’?
(vi) How does Jo want the story to end and why?
(vii) Do you think Jack was right in refusing to concede to Jo’s wishes? Why / why not?
(viii) What does Jack wish to convey through the story of Roger skunk?
(ix) How is Jack’s childhood interspersed with that of Roger skunk’s story?
(x) How does Jack assert his authority as a father over his daughter?
ON THE FACE OF IT
SUSAN HILL
Synopsis
The play narrates beautifully yet grimly the cheerless world of the physically impaired. Rather
than the pain caused by the physical impairment, it is the society’s attitude that adds to the
misery of the disabled. Two physically impaired people, Mr. Lamb with a tin leg and Derry with
a burnt face, strike a chord of friendship. Derry is described as a shy young boy who is
withdrawn and defiant. One side of his face has been burned with acid and hence is repulsive to
appearance. He enters Mr. Lamb’s garden to steal crab apples despite the gate being open. Mr.
Lamb strikes up a conversation with him and in the course of it the reader is exposed to the
numerous insecurities and negativity that are buried in the child. People tell him various
platitudes and inspiring stories to console him, but no one ever bothers to look deeper into the
child to see the insecurities within. No one would bother to kiss him except his mother that too
on the other side of his face. He mentions about a woman telling that only a mother can love
such a face.
Mr. Lamb revives the almost dead feelings of Derry towards life. He motivates him to think
positive and attempts to change his mind set about people and things. How a man locked
himself as he was scared-a picture fell off the wall and got killed. Everything appears to be the
same but is different. He gives the example of weeds to show that everything has value despite
what people tell about them. He tries to convince Derry that once people come to know the
human being behind the burned face, the disfigurement would become insignificant. Derry is
inspired and promises to come back. Derry’s mother stops him but he is adamant as he realizes
that if he does not go now it would be never. When he comes back he sees Lamb lying on the
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ground. It is ironical that when he takes the first hesitant step toward life, he finds Mr. Lamb
dead. In this way the play depicts the heart rendering life of physically disabled people with their
loneliness, disappointment and alienation from the society. It also reflects on need for more
compassion and empathy towards the physically challenged.
Additional Questions
(i) Who is Derry? What is his opinion about himself?
(ii) How does Lamb try to remove the hidden insecurities of Derry?
(iii) What did Derry’s mothers think of Mr. Lamb?
(iv) Why did Derry’s mother stop him from returning to Mr. Lamb?
(v) Why does Derry return to Mr. Lamb in the end?
(vi) Comment on the moral value of the play.
(vii) Mr. Lamb says to Derry; ‘it’s all relative, beauty and the beast’, what does he mean
by that?
(viii) What is the attitude of Mr. Lamb to the small boy who comes to his garden?
(ix) How does Derry interpret his mother’s kissing him on the good side of his face? How
does this add to his insecurities?
(x) “I’m not afraid. People are afraid of me,” says Derry. How do people react to Derry’s
disfigurement?
(xi) How does Mr. Lamb explain his concept of the world?
(xii) Do you think Mr. Lamb was equally lonely and dejected? Why / Why not?
(xiii) Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry.
(xiv) What is the bond that unites old Mr. Lamb and Derry the young boy?
(xv) How does the old man inspire the small boy?
(xvi) Comment on the title.
EVANS TRIES AN O LEVEL
COLIN DEXTER
Synopsis
James Rodriguez Evans is a kleptomaniac who has been imprisoned thrice and has escaped from
the prison each time. Now he is in the prison for the 4th time. Evan suddenly develops an interest
to study German and wished to appear in O-level German Examination. The Governor takes
utmost care to see that he Evans would not make use of this opportunity to escape from prison.
Every care is taken to make Evans prepared for the exam. He was tutored by a German tutor for
6 months. The tutor himself is aware that he has hardly any ‘chance of getting through.’ But
Evans gives a twist to the tutor’s observation by saying “I may surprise everybody.” On the day
of the exam Jackson and Stephens, the prison officers visit Evans’s cell to take away everything
that may help him injure himself or someone else. Evans is asked to remove his hat but he
refuses saying that it was lucky charm.
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Evans cell is bugged so that the Governor could himself listen to each and every conversation in
the cell. The invigilator Rev. S. McLeery too is searched and left to complete the task. Stephens
keeping guard outside the cell is asked to peep into the cell at regular intervals to ensure that
everything is alright. The exam goes on smoothly. Stephens escorts the invigilator to the main
gate. On his return when he looks into the cell, he finds the invigilator (actually Evans) wounded
and bleeding profusely and informs the Governor. The latter is to be hospitalized but informs that
he is alright and asks them to help his follow Evans who has left clues about his escape plan in
the question paper . Thus he escaped the prison. Later the invigilator was not found in the
hospital they went to the residence of Rev. S. McLeery only to find him ‘bound and gagged in
his study’. He has been there, since 8.15 a.m. Now everything was clear to the Governor. Evans
has escaped the prison the 4th time. But by taking the hint from the question paper the Governor
reaches the hotel where Evans was and captures him and comes to know how he had planned his
escape. Evans surrenders himself to the Governor. The Governor hands him over to the prison
officer in the lobby of the hotel. The moment they are rid of the Governor, the so called prison
officer - a friend of Evans - unlocks the handcuffs and asks the driver to move fast and Evans
tells him to turn to Newbury. Evans, thus, has the last laugh.
Additional Questions
(i) What kind of a person was Evans?
(ii) What is the significance of Evans’ statement, ‘I may surprise everybody”?
(iii) Evans loves his long hair, yet he clips it short. Why?
(iv) Why did the Governor instruct Jackson to search McLeery?
(v) How does Evans convince Jackson to allow him to wear his cap? What does this
reveal about Evans’s character?
(vi) Why did Evans drape a blanket round his shoulder? What did Stephens think about it?
(vii) In spite of strict vigilance, how did Evans’ friend manage to give the material for
disguise in the cell?
(viii) What different queries are made by the Secretary of the Examinations Board to the
Governor before conducting the examination for Evans and why?
(ix) Who do you think made a call regarding a correction in the question paper? What did
it really want to convey?
(x) How did the Governor manage to reach Evans in the hotel?
(xi) Comment on the ending of the story.
(xii) What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
Synopsis
The Cutting of My Long Hair
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The first part deals with the account of Simmons, An American Indian, who fought against the
prejudices of the society against American Indians. She writes under the pseudonym Zitkala-Sa
and describes her experiences on her first day at the Carlisle Indian School. The customs and
rules of the place were strange and new to her. She was forced to wear clothes that were
considered undignified in her culture as they were too tight for her and as a native American
Indian she was used to wearing loose garments. At breakfast, she was embarrassed as she did
not know the routine of the place. Later on she comes to know that they were planning to cut her
hair; she tries to avoid it by hiding under the bed, even though she knew it was futile. In her
culture, both men and women had the custom of having long hair. The hair was cut only on two
occasions –as a sign of mourning when someone in the community dies and as a sign of
cowardice, the hair of prisoners who are caught are shingled. When she is dragged out from
under the bed, she puts up a fight, but is soon subdued and is forced to suffer the indignity of her
hair being cut.
We too are Human Beings.
The second part is an excerpt from the autobiography ‘Karukku’ by Bama –a Tamil Dalit. - She
was in her third grade when she becomes aware of the indignities that the lower caste people
face. She happens to see an elderly person from her community degrade himself in front of a
higher caste person as he was not supposed to touch the food that he was ordered to fetch for the
landlord. She finds this incident funny and later on shares it with her brother. Her brother
explains to her that the incident had no humour in it, but was indeed very pathetic. The people
from the lower caste were treated as untouchables. She was deeply saddened and decided to
study hard to overcome discriminations advised by her brother as education can be a great
leveler and removes all sorts of inequalities among people.
Additional Questions
(i) What were the indignities that the new girls from American Indian community were
subjected to at Carlisle Indian School?
(ii) On learning that her long hair would be cut the author decided to struggle first. What
does this tell us about her?
(iii) Why does the author rebel against her hair being cut?
(iv) Why did Zitkala-Sa start crying in the dining hall?
(v) ‘Now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder!’ Explain.
(vi) Why did Bama take longer time to cover the distance to her home that would normally
take only ten minutes?
(vii) What was the incident that made Bama laugh as well as feel so provoked and angry?
(viii) When and how did Bama come to know of the discrimination faced by the marginalized
people?
(ix) Bama’s brother’s timely guidance helped her to come out of the stigma of
untouchability. Do you agree? Why / why not?
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(x) Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is practiced in the society.
What kind of experience did both of them go through?
(xi) What are the similarities in the lives of Bama and Zitkala though they belong to
different countries?
(xii) LONG READING TEXT
(xiii) THE INVISIBLE MAN
(xiv) H G WELLS
Summary
The story "The Invisible Man" is about a scientist who finds away to turn things invisible. At the
beginning of the book, he has already turned himself invisible and wears bandages over his face
and body just so he can be seen. No one can see a single piece of his skin. He goes to a small
town and checks into a hotel, where he makes the staff meat tedious standards. He hardly ever
leaves his room and keeps it locked at all times. Then, he is forced to take drastic actions because
the people of the small town are starting to wonder what is wrong with him. It all really starts
when the wife of the man who owns the hotel follows The Invisible Man outside one night and
he disappears. She does not know that he is invisible. This leads to the rest of the town starting to
become curious. The Invisible Man does not want to reveal his secret. Instead, he starts running
from the people. He ends up stealing from an official who then finds out he is invisible. This
leads to uproar in the town. The official and another man try to fight the Invisible Man but it
does no good because he just takes off his bandages and becomes invisible again.
CHAPTER 1: The Strange Man’s Arrival
A stranger arrives in Bramblehurst railway station. He is bundled from head to foot with
only the tip of his nose showing. He enters the Coach & Horses Inn and demands a room
and a fire. Mrs. Hall, the owner prepares a supper for him and offers to take his coat and
hat, but he refuses to take them off. When he finally removes the hat, his entire head is
swathed in a bandage. Mrs. Hall thinks he has endured some accident. She tries to get
him to talk about himself, but he is taciturn with her, although not particularly rude.
(xv) CHAPTER 2: Mr. Teddy Henfrey’s First Impressions
(xvi) Teddy Henfrey, a clock repairman, comes to the inn for tea. Mrs. Hall asks him to
“repair the clock” in the stranger’s room. Teddy deliberately takes as long as he can with
the clock, taking it apart and reassembling it for no reason. The stranger finally gets him
to hurry up and leave. Offended, Teddy talks himself into believing that the stranger is
someone of a suspicious nature, perhaps even wanted by the police and is wrapped up to
conceal his identity. Teddy runs into Mr. Hall and warns him about the stranger,
informing him that a “lot of luggage” will be coming. It would seem that the stranger
intends to stay awhile.
(xvii) Mr. Hall goes home intending to investigate the stranger, but is put off by the short-
tempered demeanor of his wife.
(xviii) CHAPTER 3: The Thousand and One Bottles
(xix) A stranger arrives in Bramblehurst railway station. He is bundled from head to foot with
only the tip of his nose showing. He enters the Coach & Horses Inn and demands a room
and a fire. Mrs. Hall, the owner prepares a supper for him and offers to take his coat and
55
hat, but he refuses to take them off. When he finally removes the hat, his entire head is
swathed in a bandage. Mrs. Hall thinks he has endured some accident. She tries to get
him to talk about himself, but he is taciturn with her, although not particularly rude.
The stranger’s luggage arrives at the inn. Numerous crates fill the deliveryman’s cart, some of
them containing bottles packaged in straw. Fearenside, the cartman, owns a dog that starts to
growl when the stranger comes down the steps to help with the boxes. The dog jumps for the
stranger’s hand, but misses and sinks his teeth in a pant leg. The dog tears open the trouser leg,
whereupon the stranger goes quickly back into the inn and to his room.
(xx) Concerned about the possibility of injury, Mr. Hall goes to the stranger’s room. He gets a
glimpse of what seems like a white mottled face before he is shoved by an unseen force
back through the door. The stranger soon reappears at the door, his trousers changed, and
gives orders for the rest of his luggage. The stranger unpacks 6 crates of bottles, which
he arranges across the windowsill and all the available table and shelf space in the inn’s
parlor-a space he seems to have commandeered for himself.
(xxi) Mrs. Hall enters later to tend to his needs and catches a quick glimpse of him without his
glasses. His eyes seem hollow; he quickly puts his glasses on. She starts to complain
about the straw on the floor, but he tells her to put it on the bill and to knock before
entering his rooms. She points out that he could lock his door if he doesn’t want to be
bothered, advice that he takes. He then works behind the locked door all afternoon. At
one point, Mrs. Hall hears him raving about not being able to “go on.” She hears a sound
like a bottle being broken. Later she takes him tea and notes the broken glass and a stain
on the floor. He again tells her to “put it on the bill.”
(xxii) Meanwhile Fearenside talks in the beer shop of Iping Hangar. Fearenside says that the
stranger is a “black man,” an assumption derived from the absence of “pink flesh” when
the trouser leg was ripped open. When reminded of the pink nose, Fearenside claims that
the man must therefore be a “piebald,” or a part white, part black creature.
(xxiii) CHAPTER 4: Mr. Cuss Interviews the Stranger
(xxiv) The stranger works diligently in his room until the end of April with only occasional
skirmishes with Mrs. Hall. Whenever she disapproves of anything he does, he quiets her
with additional payment. He rarely goes out during the day, but goes out nearly every
night, muffled up regardless of the weather.
(xxv) His identity becomes a topic of speculation in the town. Mrs. Hall defends him, repeating
his own words that he is an “experimental investigator.” The view of the town is that he
is a criminal trying to escape justice. Mr. Gould, the probationary assistant imagines that
the man must be an “anarchist” who is preparing explosives.
(xxvi) Another group of people believe he is a piebald and could make a lot of money if he
chose to show himself at the fairs. All agree, however, that due to his habits of secrecy,
they dislike him. The young men begin to mock his bearing; a song called “Bogey Man”
becomes popular and children follow at a distance calling out “Bogey Man.”
(xxvii) The curiosity of a general practitioner named Cuss is aroused, and he contrives for an
interview. During the interview the stranger accidentally removes his hand from his
pocket. Cuss is able to see down the empty sleeve to the elbow. Cuss questions him
about “moving an empty sleeve.” The stranger laughs, then extends the empty sleeve
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toward Cuss’s face and pinches his nose. Cuss leaves in terror and tells his story to
Bunting, the vicar.
(xxviii)CHAPTER 5: The Burglary and the Vicarage
(xxix) Mrs. Bunting, the vicar’s wife, wakes up at the sound of bare feet walking through her
house. She wakes her husband and the two watch and listen as a candle is lit and papers
are rustled in the study. When they hear the telltale clink of money, Rev. Bunting rushes
into the study with a raised poker, but the room appears to be empty. Their money
disappears and at one point they hear a sneeze in the hallway but are unable to locate or
see the intruder.
(xxx) CHAPTER 6: The Furniture that Went Mad (xxxi) The Halls arise very early in the morning on Whit-Monday in order to take care of some
private business having something to do with their wine cellar. In passing by the guest’s
room, Mr. Hall notices that the door is ajar. A few minutes later, he sees that the bolts on
the front door of the house are unlocked although he remembers shutting them on the
previous night. The guest is not in his room, but his clothes, shoes, and even his hat are
scattered about. As the Halls are investigating, the bed-clothes suddenly gather
themselves into a bundle and toss themselves over the bottom rail. Then a chair flies
toward Mrs. Hall. The legs of the chair are brought to rest against her back, propelling
her out of the room. The door slams and is locked behind them. The Halls decide that the
stranger is a spirit.
(xxxii) They send for Sandy Wadgers, the blacksmith who is also supposed to be an exorcist.
Wadgers is joined by Huxter, and together they ponder the likelihood of witchcraft and
contemplate the propriety of breaking through the door in order to examine the situation
more closely. However, before they can carry out any such action, the door opens and
the stranger emerges, wrapped and bundled as usual. He distracts them long enough to
enter the parlor and slam the door against them. When Mr. Hall raps on the door and
demands an explanation, the stranger tells him to “go to the devil” and “shut the door
after you.”
(xxxiii)CHAPTER 7: The Unveiling of the Stranger
(xxxiv) The stranger remains locked in the parlor all morning. He rings his bell for Mrs. Hall
several times, but she does not answer it. About noon, he emerges and demands to know
why his meals have not been brought to him. Mrs. Hall tells him that his bill has not been
paid in five days. She refuses to accept the excuse that he is waiting for a remittance.
When he produces some money, she refuses it, saying she first wants to know why he
doesn’t enter by doorways and move about like normal people.
(xxxv) For his answer, the stranger removes all his head wrappings, including his nose and
moustache. He thus looks like a person with a missing head. At the sound of screams a
crowd of people run toward the inn. “Eye-witnesses” suddenly babble hysterical stories
of the man attacking the servant girl, and brandishing a knife. Bobby Jaffers, the village
constable, appears with a warrant.
(xxxvi) The stranger slaps Jaffers with his glove, but then says he will surrender. He will not
accept handcuffs, however. As the constable, Halls and others watch, the man removes
57
the rest of his clothes, becoming invisible before them. He tells them that he is invisible.
Jaffers wants to take him in for questioning on suspicion of robbing the Bunting home. A
scuffle ensues, and the stranger, now known as the “Invisible Man,” escapes.
(xxxvii) CHAPTER 8: In Transit
(xxxviii) An amateur naturalist named Gibbins is relaxing out on the downs and hears
someone coughing, sneezing and swearing. Frightened, Gibbins gets up and runs home.
(xxxix) CHAPTER 9: Mr. Thomas Marvel
(xl) Marvel is an eccentric bachelor and local tramp who likes to be comfortable and take his
time about things. He has come across a pair of boots in a ditch. He has tried them on
and found them too big, and is occupied in contemplating the boots when he hears a
voice nearby. Marvel talks about boots with the voice for several minutes before turning
to see his visitor and finding no one there.
(xli) First Marvel tells himself that he has had too much to drink, then that his imagination has
played some sort of trick on him. The Invisible Man begins throwing things at Marvel to
convince him that he is not just imagining the presence. Eventually the Man convinces
Marvel that he is real and is in need of an accomplice who will first give him food, water
and shelter. He delivers an unfinished threat of what he will do if Marvel betrays him.
(xlii) CHAPTER 10: Mr. Marvel’s Visit to Iping
(xliii) Iping has nearly recovered its earlier holiday atmosphere. As only a few people had
actually made contact with the Invisible Man, the general population is soon able to
reason him away as some trick of an overactive, holiday imagination.
(xliv) Around 4:00, Mr. Marvel enters town and is observed by Huxter to behave rather
strangely. He makes his way down the street almost reluctantly. He stops at the foot of
the steps to the Coach & Horses and seems to undergo a great struggle before finally
entering. A few minutes later, he re-emerges, apparently having had a drink, and walks
as if he is trying to act nonchalant. Soon he disappears into the yard and re-emerges with
a bundle wrapped in a tablecloth. Huxter thinks some robbery has taken place and tries to
follow Marvel when he is tripped in a mysterious fashion and sent sprawling.
(xlv) CHAPTER 11: In the Coach & Horses
(xlvi) The narrator backtracks to explain what happened inside the Coach & Horses. Mr. Cuss
and Mr. Bunting were in the parlor going through the belongings of the Invisible Man.
Three large books labeled “Diary” are written in a cipher or code they do not understand.
(xlvii) Suddenly the inn door opens and Mr. Marvel enters. They disregard him and begin
studying the books again when an unseen force grabs each of them by the neck and
begins pounding their heads on the table between questions about what they are doing
with his things. The man demands his belongings, saying he wants his books and some
clothes.
(xlviii) CHAPTER 12: The Invisible Man Loses His Temper
(xlix) Mr. Hall and Teddy Henfrey are involved in a discussion behind the hotel bar when they
hear a thump on the parlor door. They hear strange sounds as of things being thrown
against the door and some bizarre conversation. Doors open and shut and they see
Marvel taking off with Huxter trying to follow him. Suddenly Huxter executes a
complicated leap in the air. Seconds later, Hall lands on the ground as if he had been
attacked by a football player.
(l) Several other individuals are shoved aside or sent sprawling in the streets. Mr. Cuss calls
for help, telling people that the “Man” has all of the vicar’s clothes. After breaking all
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the windows in the Coach & Horses and thrusting a chair through the parlor window of
another citizen’s house, the Invisible Man disappears from Iping.
(li) CHAPTER 13: Mr. Marvel discusses His Resignation
(lii) Mr. Marvel, propelled by the unrelenting shoulder grip and vocal threats of the Invisible
Man, arrives in Bramblehurst. Marvel tries to reason his way out of the situation to no
avail. The Invisible man needs a normal person to carry his books and is determined to
make use of the fat, red-faced little man.
(liii) CHAPTER 14: At Port Stowe
(liv) Marvel arrives in Port Stowe and is seen resting on a bench outside of town. He has the
books with him, but the bundle of clothing has been abandoned in the woods. As he sits
there, an elderly mariner, carrying a newspaper, sits down beside him. Citing the paper,
the mariner brings up the topic of an Invisible man.
(lv) According to the newspaper, the man afflicted injuries on the constable at Iping. Certain
evidence indicates that he took the road to Port Stowe. The mariner ponders the strange
things such a man might be able to do-trespass, rob or even slip through a cordon of
policeman.
(lvi) Marvel begins to confide in the mariner, saying he knows some things about this
Invisible Man. Suddenly Marvel is interrupted by an attack of some kind of pain. He says
it is a toothache, then goes on to say that the Invisible Man is a hoax. Marvel begins to
move off, walking sideways with violent forward jerks.
(lvii) Later the mariner hears another fantastic story-that of money floating along a wall in
butterfly fashion. The story is true, however. All about the neighborhood, money has
been making off by the handful and depositing itself in the pockets of Mr. Marvel.
(lviii) CHAPTER 15: The Man Who Was Running
(lix) Dr. Kemp happens to be day-dreaming out his window when he spots a short, fat man
running down the hill as fast as he can go. The doctor notices that the man is running
“heavy” as if his pockets are “full of lead.” Kemp’s reaction is one of contempt, but the
people on the street who see him approaching react a bit differently. The running man is
Marvel; his expression is one of terror. A short distance behind him, people hear the
sound of panting and a pad like hurrying bare feet. Soon cries of “The Invisible Man is
coming” are heard in the streets along with the slamming of doors as people bolt into
their houses.
(lx) CHAPTER 16: In the Jolly Cricketers
(lxi) The Jolly Cricketers is a tavern. The barkeep, a cabman, an American and an off duty
policeman are engaged in idle chat when marvel bursts through the door. Marvel begs for
help, claiming the Invisible Man is after him.
(lxii) A pounding begins at the door and then a window is broken in. The Invisible Man
doesn’t come in immediately, however. The barman checks the other doors, but by the
time he realizes the yard door is open, the Invisible Man is already inside. Marvel, who is
hiding behind the bar, is caught and dragged into the kitchen. The policeman rushes in
and grips the invisible wrist of the hand that holds onto Marvel, but is abruptly hit in the
face.
(lxiii) People stumble over and into each other as all try to catch the Invisible Man. He yelps
when the policeman steps on his foot, then flails wildly about with his Invisible fists and
finally gives them the slip. The American fires five cartridges from his gun, sweeping his
59
gun in a circular pattern as he fires. The chapter ends with the men feeling around for an
invisible body.
(lxiv) CHAPTER 17: Doctor Kemp’s Visitor
(lxv) Doctor Kemp is still working in his study when he hears the shots fired in the Cricketers.
He opens his window and watches the crowd at the bottom of the hill for a few minutes,
then returns to his writing desk. A few minutes later, he hears his doorbell ring, but his
housekeeper says it was only a “runaway” ring.
(lxvi) The doctor is at his work until 2 AM when he decides to go downstairs for a drink. On
the way he notices a spot of drying blood on his linoleum floor. Then he finds more
blood on the doorknob of his own bedroom. In his room, his bedspread is smeared with
blood, his sheet is torn, and bedclothes are depressed as if someone has been sitting
there.
(lxvii) The Invisible Man introduces himself to Kemp. He is Griffin, of University College. He
explains that he made himself Invisible, but is wounded and desperately in need of
shelter, clothes and food.
(lxviii) Kemp loans him a dressing gown along with some drawers, socks and slippers. Griffin
eats everything Kemp can rustle up and finally asks for a cigar. He promises to tell Kemp
the story of his bizarre situation but insists that he must sleep first as he has had no sleep
in nearly three days.
(lxix) CHAPTER 18: The Invisible Man Sleeps
(lxx) Griffin examines the windows of the room, then exacts a promise from Kemp that he
will not be betrayed in his sleep and finally locks the door, barring Kemp from his own
room.
(lxxi) Kemp retires to his dining room to speculate upon the strange events. There he sees the
day’s newspaper, which he had ignored earlier. He reads it eagerly, but assigns the more
terrifying elements of the stores to “fabrication.” In the morning he sends his
housekeeper for all available papers and reads those as well. The papers contain stories
of the previous evening’s events at the Cricketers along with a rather badly written
account of Marvel’s experience. Marvel doesn’t tell how he came upon the money in his
pockets, nor does he mention the location of the three books. Kemp becomes alarmed at
the possibilities of what Griffin could do and writes a note to Colonel Adye at Port
Burdock.
(lxxii) CHAPTER 19: Certain First Principles
(lxxiii) Griffin explains how he became invisible. He had been a medical student, but had
dropped medicine and taken up physics. He discovered a formula of pigments that
lowers the refractive index of a substance, allowing light to pass through it rather than
being reflected or refracted. After experimenting with pigments for three years, he came
upon the secret whereby animal tissue could be rendered transparent. He was
continuously trying to hide his work from another professor. He was finally brought to a
halt in his experimenting by a lack of funds, a problem he solved by robbing his own
father. Because the money did not belong to him, his father shot himself.
(lxxiv) CHAPTER 20: Doctor Kemp’s Visitor
(lxxv) Griffin explains how he had found lodging in a boarding house on Great Portland Street.
After his father’s funeral, he went to his apartment to continue with his experiments. He
successfully made a piece of cloth disappear, then he tried his process on a stray cat. The
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cat was not entirely successful, as the animal’s eyes and claws never completely
disappeared.
(lxxvi) Later the next day he had a minor altercation with the landlord who brought reports of
Griffin tormenting a cat in the night. The landlord wanted to know what Griffin was
doing in the room and what all the paraphernalia was for. The two argued and Griffin
shoved the landlord out of the room. Griffin knew he would have to act quickly, so he
made arrangements to have his belongings stored, then he drank some of his own potion.
In the evening the landlord returned with an ejection notice, but was too terrified at the
stone white face of Griffin to serve it. In spite of extreme illness and pain, Griffin
finished his treatment and watched himself gradually disappear.
(lxxvii)In the morning, the landlord, his stepsons and the elderly neighbor lady who had
complained about the cat enter Griffin’s apartment and are astonished to see no one. A
day later, afraid, lest his equipment reveal too much information, Griffin smashes the
items and sets fire to the house. Believing that he has covered his tracks with impunity,
he begins to imagine all sorts of “wild and wonderful” things he will be able to do under
the cover of invisibility.
(lxxviii) CHAPTER 21: In Oxford Street
(lxxix) Griffin continues to explain his experiences with invisibility. He soon discovered that
being invisible had as many drawbacks as advantages. People ran into him and stepped
on him. He had to be continually on guard as to the movements and positions of others in
order to avoid accidental contact. To make matters worse, although people could not see
him, dogs could detect him with their keen sense of smell. As he had to remain naked, he
was soon uncomfortable. Also, he could not eat, as food was visible until it was fully
assimilated into his system.
(lxxx) At one point, he had run up the steps of a house in order to avoid a unit of a marching
Salvation Army band. While he waited, two youngsters spotted the prints of his bare feet
in the mud. Soon a crowd of people had gathered to look at the “ghost prints.” He leapt
over the railing and ran through a bunch of back roads to avoid the press. Fortunately for
him, his escape at that time was aided with the distraction created by conflagration
engulfing his former dwelling.
(lxxxi) CHAPTER 22: In the Emporium
(lxxxii)Griffin explains his first attempts to get clothing and render his situation more tolerable.
He had gone into the Omniums, a large apartment type store where one could buy
everything from groceries to clothing. He made his way to an area of bedsteads and
mattresses, hoping that once the store closed for the night, he would be able to sleep on
the mattresses and steal some clothes with which to mask his condition.
(lxxxiii) In the night he procured a complete set of clothes for himself, helped himself to
food in a refreshment department, and then slept in a pile of down quilts. He failed to
awaken before the morning crew had entered, however, and was unable to escape as long
as they could see him. Thus he was forced to shed the clothing and run, naked, back out
into the cold.
(lxxxiv) CHAPTER 23: In Drury Lane
(lxxxv) Griffin’s peril increased daily. He had no clothes or shelter and dared not eat. Also, he
soon realized that walking through the streets of London was going to result in an
accumulation of dirt on his skin- which would make him visible in a grotesque way.
61
(lxxxvi) He made his way into a costume shop, hoping to make way with some clothes and
dark glasses after the proprietor had gone to bed. In the shopkeeper’s room, he had to
stand and watch the man eat his breakfast. Furthermore, the man had exceptionally acute
hearing and nearly discovered Griffin several times. When evening came, he was finally
able to explore the house and found a pile of old clothes. In his excitement, he forgot
about the noise he was making and was nearly caught when the shopkeeper investigated
the noise. Unable to see the source, but positive someone was in the house, the proprietor
went about locking all the doors in the house and pocketing the keys. In desperation,
Griffin struck the old man on the head, then gagged and tied him with a sheet. Then he
put together a costume of old clothes, stole all the money he could find and went out into
the street.
(lxxxvii) Believing his troubles were over, Griffin went into a restaurant and ordered a
meal, but soon realized he couldn’t eat it without exposing his invisible face. He ordered
the lunch and left, telling the proprietor that he would be back in ten minutes.
(lxxxviii) Griffin went to “another place” (which happens to be the Coach & Horses Inn)
and demanded a private room, explaining that he was “badly disfigured.” Thus he had set
himself up at Iping, hoping to find a way to reverse the process of invisibility. Here he
was finally discovered.
(lxxxix) CHAPTER 24: In Oxford Street
(xc) Griffin tells how his original plan, after being discovered by the people of Iping, had
been to get his books and get out of the country, but that plan had changed upon meeting
Kemp. He thinks that Kemp can work with him. Together they can set up a “reign of
terror” to take full advantage of the Invisibility. Griffin does not realize that Kemp has
already betrayed him and is only trying to keep him talking until the police arrive. Kemp
stands in front of the window to keep Griffin from seeing the police, but Griffin soon
hears them on the stairs and realizes he has been deceived.
(xci) Griffin quickly begins to disrobe even as Kemp springs to the door and attempts to lock
him in. A dropped key spoils the effort as the now invisible Griffin shoves him aside,
then hurls his weight at Colonel Adye, the chief of the Burdock Police who is
approaching on the stairs. Griffin escapes past two more policemen in the hall; they hear
the front door of the house slam violently.
(xcii) CHAPTER 25: The Hunting of the Invisible man
(xciii) Kemp explains the situation to the police, informing them of Griffin’s intentions to cause
general mayhem. They talk of using dogs to sniff him out and of putting powdered glass
in the streets.
(xciv) CHAPTER 27: The Siege of Kemp’s House
(xcv) Kemp receives a letter telling him that the Reign of Terror is beginning and that Kemp
himself will be the first execution for the sake of an example. Kemp decides that he
himself will be the bait and that Griffin will be caught because he will have gone too far.
A knock at the door turns out to be Adye with news that Kemp’s housekeeper-who was
carrying notes for the police-had been attacked and the notes taken from her.
(xcvi) Griffin makes his presence known by smashing windows in Kemp’s house. During the
battle that follows, Adye is shot. Griffin gets inside the house and tries to tell the police
to “stand away” as he is after only Kemp. He swings an ax at them, but one of them
manages to strike him with an iron poker. By this time Kemp has followed his
housekeeper through a window and is nowhere to be found.
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(xcvii) CHAPTER 28: The Hunter Hunted
(xcviii) Griffin chases Kemp through the town. People begin to join in the chase. When Kemp
realizes that the people are chasing Griffin, he stops running, which allows the Invisible
Man to catch him. Even though people cannot see him, they are able to grab hold of him
and keep him down. The effort is not needed for long as Griffin has been fatally injured
and seems to have lost a lot of blood. As the town people watch, the effect of invisibility
is gradually reversed, and soon, Griffin, now dead, is visible.
(xcix) EPILOGUE
(c) Mr. Marvel, formerly the tramp, has become the landlord of the little inn near Port Stowe
and the “owner” of all the information about Griffin. He has been able to keep all the
money Griffin stole because lawyers could not identify the sources accurately. The books
seem to have disappeared entirely; at least whenever anyone asks Marvel about them, he
denies knowing anything. However, when the inn is closed and he is alone, he takes the
books out of their hiding place and tries to study the “wonderful secrets.”
(ci) Questions
(cii) 1. Why does Mrs. Hall tolerate the Invisible Man as long as she does?
2. Why do you think Griffin smashes bottles and swears behind the locked door of his
room?
3. How do the speculations of the people in town exemplify human nature?
4. Which characters have realistic reactions to the Invisible Man? Which ones have
unrealistic reactions?
5. Explain why Teddy Henfry decides the Man is trying to hide something from the
police.
6. What do Huxter’s actions say about him as a member of the town?
7. At what point is Griffin truly insane?
8. How do you think you would react if you saw your money disappear in front of you,
but couldn’t see who was taking it?
(ciii) 9. Marvel ends up with all the money because the lawyers couldn’t tell definitively
whom it belonged to. How is this similar to our court systems today?
(civ) 10. Marvel is introduced as a tramp and ends up a business owner. How realistic is this?
What does it say about Marvel himself?
(cv)