12

CBSE

Assignments in

ENGLISH PLUS
CORE

TEACHERS' HANDBOOK

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 CONTENTS
SECTION A: READING
♦ Factual Passages Assignments – 1 to 8 ............................. 3 – 5
♦ Descriptive Passages Assignments – 1 to 8 ...................... 5 – 6
♦ Literary Passages Assignments – 1 to 8 ............................ 6 – 7
♦ Note-Making & Summarising Assignments – 1 to 8 ...... 7 – 10
SECTION - B: WRITING SKILLS
♦ Integrated Exercise for Practice ................................... 11 – 35
Short Composition......................................................... 11
• 4. A Thing of Beauty ........................................................... 63
I. Advertisement............................................................ 11
II. Notice......................................................................... 13
III. Poster.......................................................................... 14
IV. Invitation.................................................................... 15
V. Replies to Invitation.................................................... 17
Long Composition.......................................................... 18
• 4. On The Face Of It ........................................................... 72
I. Business Letters/Placing Orders/Complaints ........... 18
II. Letters to Editor.......................................................... 23
III. Applications for Job................................................... 26
Very Long Composition................................................. 29
• 1. Silas Marner .................................................................... 80
I. Article........................................................................ 29
II. Speech........................................................................ 32
III. Debate........................................................................ 34
IV. Report......................................................................... 34
♦ Assignments – 1 to 8 ..................................................... 35 – 43
SECTION - C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK &
EXTENDED READING TEXT
Flamingo — Prose ......................................................... 44 – 59
1. The Last Lesson .............................................................. 44
2. Lost Spring ...................................................................... 46
3. Deep Water ...................................................................... 49
4. The Rattrap ...................................................................... 51
5. Indigo .............................................................................. 54
6. Going Places ................................................................... 57
Flamingo — Poetry ....................................................... 60 – 65
1. My Mother at Sixty-Six .................................................. 60
2. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum .................. 61
3. Keeping Quiet ................................................................. 62
5. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers ..................................................... 64
Vistas .............................................................................. 65 – 79
1. The Tiger King ................................................................ 65
2. The Enemy ...................................................................... 67
3. Should Wizard Hit Mommy? .......................................... 70
5. Evans Tries an O-level..................................................... 75
6. Memories of Childhood .................................................. 78
Extended Reading Texts ............................................... 80 – 82
2. The Invisible Man ........................................................... 81
Unit Assignments ........................................................... 82 – 89
Unit Assignment – 1 ............................................................ 82
Unit Assignment – 2 ............................................................ 84
Unit Assignment – 3 ............................................................ 86
Unit Assignment – 4 ............................................................ 88
UNIT ASSIGNMENT QUESTION PAPER’S
♦ Unit Assignment Paper – 1 ........................................... 90 – 94
♦ Unit Assignment Paper – 2 ........................................... 95 – 99

  Note: Please note this Teachers’ Handbook contains the Solutions/ Hints for the Assignments/ Unit Assignments given in
the book Full Marks Assignments in English Plus Core - 12 published by Full Marks Pvt Ltd.
  © All rights reserved with the Publishers.

(ii)
 SECTION - A: READING
Factual Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1
A. 1. (b) Small actions and decisions are important in
one’s life.
2. (a) Steadily gave up bad habits.
3. (c) Every day Gandhi made efforts to change
himself in some small way.
4. (d) All of these.
B. 1. Small actions and choices produce a deep impact
in our lives. WE move forward with confidence in
the direction of our dreams.
2. According to the organic process of growth, a child
first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk and
finally he learns to run.
3. According to the universal law of nature, first of all
the soil is tilled and then, the seeds are sowed. Then it
is nurtured sufficiently with water and sunlight. The
seeds grow, bear fruit, ripens and become ready to eat.
4. Gandhi accomplished the most difficult tasks
effortlessly. He had a great deal of self-mastery and
discipline which did not come easily to him. He put
years of practice and discipline training to achieve
this mastery.
5. Most people did not see Gandhi’s struggles, fears,
doubts and his inner efforts to overcome them. They
saw only his victory.
6. We can achieve our ‘ideal goals’ in a small way. It
means we will have to start from the beginning by
taking small steps one at a time.
C. 1. Deliberately 2. Profound
ASSIGNMENT – 2
A. 1. (b) Athariva Veda
2. (c) India
3. (b) 2020
4. (b) Treatments are cost effective.
B. 1. The concept of medical tourism originated in
Ancient Greece.
2. India provides better medical care facility at far
cheaper rates than the other countries in fact, the
lowest treatment cost. A number of hospitals in
India, accredited by international institutes, are
offering premier treatment at the rate of almost 40
to 50 per cent less than that of any European or
American countries.
3. The Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore and
Thailand, provide medical tourism facility today.
4. The tour planners offer services like appointments
with concerned specialists at a world renown
hospital, making arrangements for escorting,
3
transportation and accommodation as per the
requirement of the patient, helping to obtain medical
visa and preparing other documents as required by
the health centres. They also make arrangements
for sight-seeing, local transportation and shopping
if required by the patient or family members.
5. There is almost a difference of $1000-2000
between the cost of treatment provided in India
and Thailand for the medical procedures like
bone marrow transplant, heart transplant surgery,
knee replacement surgery or even cosmetic body
contouring.
6. Some of the major factors for the growth of medical
tourism include the rise in income standards and an
increase in older population, shifting demographics
disease variations and the explosion of lifestyle
diseases in India. It has encouraged a number of
international pharamaceutical companies, NRIs and
foreign investors to invest in this industry in India.
C. 1. Reputation 2. Affordable
ASSIGNMENT – 3
A. 1. (d) saving the Arctic
2. (c) Polar Bears
3. (b) Hobie Cat
4. (b) the ominous sail
B. 1. The bowhead whale was able to sense the presence
of the author and quickly sounds. In fact, he had
good intentions. But he realised that the it had
no trust in the human beings. Therefore, he felt
disappointed.
2. Mike Beedell, his sailing partner thinks that it would
be foolishness for the might beast/bowhead whale
to have any trust in them. He is also well aware that
the human beings are the cause of the extinction of
bowhead whales for whale oil and bone.
3. The author finds that the frigid ocean currents
upswell and mix nutrients on the edge of a huge
shoal. They provide a feast for the food chain.
4. In some regions of Arctic, the land is perfectly
devoid of life. On the contrary there are some
regions where the plume of life takes away our
breath. Moreover, the wastelands flow into oasis
which are found nowhere else on the earth.
5. The skills such as knowledge, teamwork and
spirit helped the author and his partner survive the
adventure.
6. The author’s sailing vessel is an embodiment of
adaptability.
C. 1. Profusion 2. Ominous
ASSIGNMENT – 4
A. 1. (c) As their favourite bookshop was shutting down
for ever
2. (d) bibliophiles
3. (b) books in their printed form will survive
4. (c) He was unable to offer heavy discount.
B. 1. Manneys was a bookshop in Pune attracted the
book lovers for generations. But it was going to
shut down for good. The news attracted the local
press because the readers expressed their dismay
and anger.
2. V.G. Mani started his book-selling business in
1928 in Rawalpindi
3. His children had little interest to run the bookshop.
It was the reason he did not sell the bookshop to
someone who was in the same profession.
4. According to the French philosopher, opening
schools means shutting down prisons.
5. The bookshops give the book lovers opportunity to
browse books, chat with the knowledgeable owner
and meet with other fellow bibliophiles.
6. The write thinks that the books are like the spoon,
hammer and scissors. it is so because once they are
created, they cannot be improved.
C. 1. Bibliophiles 2. Zeal
ASSIGNMENT – 5
A. 1. (d) in all segments of realty
2. (c) will reduce the time from ISBT to Sonipat to
just 20 minutes
3. (d) be a first-rate educational hub
4. (b) Here infrastructure facilities are growing
swiftly.
B. 1. The rapid development of KMP has acted as a
catalyst for the fast-pace development of properties
in Kundli, sonipat and Panipat.
2. SEZ stands for Special Economic Zone.
3. Kundli, Sonipat and Panipat are situated on NH-1.
4. The proposed Rapid Rail Transport system will
reduce travel to me from ISBT to Sonipat to just 20
minutes.
5. The development of eight lane express way will
connect the industrial areas of Sonipat, Gurgaon,
Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar and Palwal. The corporate
groups intend to develop the SEZ around this
express way.
6. The foreign universities are hoped to open their
institutes. In this regard nine educational institutions
are already allotted land. The area attracts other
institutes also.
C. 1. Development 2. Potential
4 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
ASSIGNMENT – 6
A. 1. (c) extinction of species
2. (c) loss of habitat
3. (b) It is still not known.
4. (a) it is not seen for 50 years
B. 1. It means many species had disappeared even before
we were able to know about them.
2. Because nobody can count the species. They are
still undiscovered. Besides most of them are small
and obscure.
3. If global climate change is not tackled, the
situation of world life crisis will become much
worse. The world is bound to face a great wave of
extinction.
4. Nobody has idea about the number of species dying
out. About 1,200 extinctions are officially recorded
over the 400 years, but nothing can be said about
the present.
5. According to him, half of the world’s total number of
species would be lost by 2,000. But some biologists
think that a fifth of all species could be extinct
by 2030. Still many experts say that the number
of species would half by 2,150. So his forecast is
unacceptable.
6. According to the new research, most species would
not die out before they are discovered. The scientists
are trying to identify them.
C. 1. Sceptic 2. Obscure
ASSIGNMENT – 7
A. 1. (a) finance, marketing or human resources
2. (b) dealing with people
3. (c) supply chain operations
4. (b) System management
B. 1. These days schools are offering MBA programmes
of retail, hospitality and media.
2. For finance experts there are job opportunities of
working with banks and financial institution.
3. An MBA degree in marketing prepares you in
areas like ideating concepts, research, marketing
strategies and promotions.
4. The IT department of a company integrates and
creates linkages.
5. The one-year course is more extensive. On the
other hand a two-year course allows students
more time and further specialization in the second
year.
6. The Human Resources (HR) persons deal with
people at various levels in the organizations. They
maintain cordial relations with all. Generally they
recruit staff, care organisation structure, work
environment, employee retention, etc.
C. 1. Stimulating 2. Dual
ASSIGNMENT – 8
A. 1. (a) making way for younger players
2. (b) without giving them new opportunities and
dragging the not so successful seniors
3. (d) as a national movement for some and as the
reason for dismal performance of the Indian
team by others
4. (b) we have forgotten to enjoy victories
B. 1. Cricket fans feel that the Indian cricket team has got
decimated and stopped putting up a fight.
2. In the years to come the Indian cricket team faces
the challenge of giving opportunities and making
room for the new talent.
3. Thinking in terms of seniors and juniors is spurious
in ODIs.
Descriptive Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1
A. 1. (a) common in elections in India
2. (d) OBCs and Muslims
B. 1. The manipulation of specific identities only generate
tension and conflict among various communities.
2. The small parties tried to further divide voters
according to caste configuration.
3. SC/ST prevention of Atrocities Act has become a
tool of political intimidation in U.P.
4. In rural areas, old divisions not only persists but
are growing further.
5. No, a person need not belong to a particular religion,
cultures, ethnic or linguistic group to be politically
active. Because the role of caste in people’s private
and social lives has changed to a great extent over
the last 65 years. It is merely the manipulation of
these identities for political agenda which finally
fuels inter and intracommounity antagonism.
6. Because the same human needs drive people
belonging to different communities. The grain
which each community brings home is not different
for a dalit or a Muslim. Infact, certain communities
need more than others, but their economic, legal and
social needs should not be exploited for short term
political gains.
C. 1. Configurations 2. Subverted
ASSIGNMENT – 2
A. 1. (b) traditional music, art, literature
2. (c) they are pure as well as sensuous
B. 1. Soothes the body, refreshes mind, sharpens the
tongue, brightens the intellect.
2. Hardly any family in Chennai that does not patronize
music and dance.
Section - A: Reading
4. The young players are being made to wait without
enough opportunities.
5. When the choice between the established and more
powerful names and younger arises, the fitters are
determined to put upon the younger players. Tt
emotionalises the issue and gives it darker tones.
The issue like seniors versus juniors goes through
frequent ups and downs giving rise to emotional
anger.
6. These days the format of cricket is changed. In
terms of shorter forms of game the players must
have the wonderful ability of sport which is hard to
develop. Here, there is no great crisis to overcome
any conspiracy to batlle.
C. 1. Scapegoat 2. Victory
3. Every street corner has a literary forum, debating
society, dance and music club.
4. Has moon’s soft beauty and pace.
5. Bharat Natyam is the most graceful and enchanting
dance whereas Kathakali is the most masculine and
virile.
6. Kalaskhetra is a renowned international centre. It
has produced hundreds of celebrated maestros and
dancers. They have brought name and glory to the
country.
C. 1. Cantankerous 2. Mellifluous
ASSIGNMENT – 3
A. 1. (d) world’s rapidly growing population must be
controlled
2. (c) both (a) and (b).
B. 1. Reducing human emission to the environment.
2. No way the 9 billion population will be able to meet
energy need without damage to planet.
3. Has profound and emotive issues of ethics, morality.
4. Reducing world population by 2/3.
5. By adopting less energy lifestyle and technology.
6. We have concentrated only on lifestyle and
technology and ignored the numbers to combat
global warming.
C. 1. Burgeoning 2. Reduce
ASSIGNMENT – 4
A. 1. (c) the Reliance Metro Airport Express
2. (d) which connects the airport to the city
B. 1. The Reliance Metro Airport Express has made Delhi
Experience the world class journey of the fastest
convenient and most economical ride.
2. With baggage at new Delhi and Shivaji station and
without baggage at Dhaula Kuan.
5
 3. World class journey of fastest, convenient and most
economical ride.
4. Eco friendly, luxury high speed travel.
5. Built by Spanish experts, insulated doors and
windows.
6. Reduces travel time and provides world class
journey similar to Bangkok, Hong Kong and
London
C. 1. Incessant 2. Commenced
ASSIGNMENT – 5
A. 1. (b) had little knowledge where he could be
2. (c) as his mother would scold him
B. 1. The CCTV cameras installed on the campus made
good the loss that could have been caused by not so
perfect vigilance on the part of security guards.
2. In the Khajuri Khas incident five girls died after a
stampede on a staircase in 2009.
3. Entire area spread over one hectare, including a
playground is covered with 16 CCTV cameras.
4. Accidents, suicides, violence, molestation and
infiltration.
5. Fear of going to school due to physical, sexual and
drug abuse.
6. If a child begins to stammer and stutter.
C. 1. Premises 2. Tracking
ASSIGNMENT – 6
A. 1. (b) zero and juggad
2. (d) to make things work temporarily
B. 1. Jugaad — unconventional way of doing things.
2. The way roads are repaired.
3. All of them had been removed during the night.
4. We continue to be prisoners of sab chalta hai
attitude.
Literary Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1
A. 1. (b) holidays are coming to an end
2. (d) Children force their parents to do the homework
B. 1. As vacations are going to be over soon.
2. You can’t find any information in Hindi on the
internet.
3. Homework given is of high level.
4. Have to wrack their brains, surf the internet, paint
chart, etc.
5. To make child involved in some creative work
during holidays.
6. By making it child oriented.
C. 1. Ecstatic 2. Gist
6 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
5. The work does not last long and has to be done again
and again.
6. Drivers trying to traverse the shortest distance in
the least possible time.
C. 1. Unconventional 2. All
ASSIGNMENT – 7
A. 1. (d) cricket team’s dismal performance in Australia
2. (c) with gusto and enthusiasm
B. 1. Indian team’s victory in the qualifying round.
2. No, because they have just qualified, the actual
competition is yet to follow.
3. To put performances in context and to take more
analytical view of achievement.
4. We savour the act of winning and surrender to
feeling of despair when we lose.
5. Erratic relationship between the two.
6. Pathetic
C. 1. Premier 2. Erratic
ASSIGNMENT – 8
A. 1. (b) is the best performing state in India
2. (b) in a secure and peaceful environment
B. 1. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
2. 20%
3. Highest proportion of poor people among all states
at 56%.
4. It has unfortunate legacy of neglected development
over decades.
5. Societies only prosper in secure and peaceful
environment.
6. Availability of Bihar’s huge work force at low cost
compared to other states
C. 1. Paradox 2. Mitigate
ASSIGNMENT – 2
A. 1. (b) a month of his imprisonment was over
2. (b) Indian people who were waging war
B. 1. How he spent his time during imprisonment.
2. In counting days and months.
3. Indicate passage of days and gradual changing of
seasons.
4. The narrator might have acted against the Britishers.
5. The Britishers who ruled over India.
6. The other prisoners were governed by the Geneva
conventions, but the writer by British ordinances.
C. 1. Waxing 2. Indistinguishable
ASSIGNMENT – 3
A. 1. (c) swim with Ramu and buffaloes
2. (d) banyan tree
B. 1. Looked down through the leaves at the world below.
2. He too was a skilfull and aggressive fighter.
3. Knew the power of his opponent’s unwinking eyes.
4. Had seen the preparation and wanted to see the
outcome.
5. The crow was flung 20 feet across the garden by
cobra and died. After seeing its fate myna decided
not to interfere.
6. To the mongoose
C. 1. Aggressive 2. Quivering
ASSIGNMENT – 4
A. 1. (c) Feet
2. (b) got impressed with her beauty
B. 1. Spoilt by flattery, luxury and gaiety of foreign
society.
2. Because our gaze shifts to high heeled shoes rather
than face.
3. Like a whiff of fresh air.
4. The American girl.
5. Not a remarkable but a pleasant and wholesome face.
6. A look, a gesture from pretty woman is more
eloquent and impressive than moral essay.
C. 1. Flattery 2. Insinuation
5. She managed the carriers after the death of her
husband.
6. She lost the use of her legs and took to bed.
C. 1. Complicated 2. Breed
ASSIGNMENT – 6
A. 1. (c) The author.
2. (a) the sculptured repose of his profile against the
vanishing daylight
B. 1. An idea not a passion.
2. Cynical doggedness at the age of 19.
3. To attend a ball.
4. Daughter of Sir John and Lady Grebe.
5. The lady was not influenced by love.
6. We’ll see.
C. 1. Doggedness 2. Equanimity
ASSIGNMENT – 7
A. 1. (a) rows of twinkling stars
2. (d) they look like twinkling stars
B. 1. Poet William Wordsworth
2. Thousands of golden daffodils
3. In the breeze.
4. When in jocund or pensive mood.
5. When he remembers that scene.
6. Nature is beautiful.
C. 1. Lonely 2. Jocund

ASSIGNMENT – 5 ASSIGNMENT – 8
A. 1. (c) the young fellow A. 1. (d) qualities acquired from parents
2. (c) lost her legs 2. (b) personification
B. 1. Hearing all kind of stories from travellers before B. 1. By birth.
going to bed. 2. Colour of eyes, hair disease etc.
2. An orphan and adopted child. 3. Which side of family person asking the question is.
3. Was from the town, of the tradesman class and his 4. Relatives, friends.
own house. 5. He has inherited all good things and bad of his dad.
4. Th sun was setting and air was full of the smell of 6. To tell what he feels about heredity.
fresh hay. C. 1. Peculiar 2. Inherited

Note-Making & Summarising

ASSIGNMENT – 1 2.4 bring value as consumers, employees, and
A.    I. Title: U.N. Development Programme 2006 producers
II. Notes: 3. Report Includes
1. Report Highlights 3.1 sulabh paid sanitation system
1.1 viable bus. Models 3.2 narayana hrudayalaya’s tele medicine network
1.2 includes the poor 3.3 5 common constraints hindering bus. act.
1.3 relevant to emerging eco. 3.4 pioneering adaptations of tech.
1.4 Equity and employment gen. given short shift 4. Impact
2. World’s Poor 4.1 revolutionary
2.1 live on less than 2 doll. a day 4.2 reduce dependence on phy. Inf.
2.2 constitute 1/3 of pop. 4.3 smart cards
3.3 can spur growth 4.4 do away with inefficient regulations

Section - A: Reading 7
 5. Bottom Up Approaches B. Summary
5.1 offer sol. Work has great advantages. It keeps us busy and
5.2 provide access to clean drinking water with less free time in hand to think of anything
5.3 electricity sufficiently. Idle rich also suffer unspeakable boredom.
5.4 will help secure equity Work makes holidays more delicious. It makes us
successful and also increases our income besides
Key to Abbreviations keeping us occupied. Even uninteresting work is
sol. — solution bearable as it builds our reputation. Continuity
bus. — business purpose is one of the most essential ingredients of
phy. — physical happiness.
inf. — infrastructure
tech. — technology ASSIGNMENT – 3
doll. — dollar A.    I. Title: Food and Health
II. Notes:
B. Summary 1. Modern Food as Enemy
The paragraph tells about United Nation development 1.1 has besotted us
programme and its impact on securing equity and 1.2 we eat food for entertainment
sustaining current economic momentum. It emphasizes 1.3 cuisine vegetarian dishes overcooked
that the world’s poor can spark growth and social change.
1.4 make us unhealthy
These four billion people living at the bottom of income
2. Diseases Caused by Modern Food
pyramid can bring value as consumers, employees and
even as producers when their entrepreneurship is tapped 2.1 obesity
and nurtured. 2.2 hypertension
2.3 diab.
ASSIGNMENT – 2 2.4 asthma
A.    I. Title: Work Leads to Happiness 2.5 osteoporasis
II. Notes: 3. How Weight Loss can be Done
1. Wk. 3.1 by choosing right food
1.1 cause of happiness 3.2 concentrating on good health
1.2 cause of unhappiness 3.3 choosing right kind of fats
1.3 sometimes irksome 4. Fats
1.4 excess painful 4.1 cut on fats
1.5 but not more painful than idleness 4.2 R.F ensure good health
2. Advantages 4.3 inf. vital aspect of body
2.1 fills good many hours of the day 4.4 control body pressure
2.2 doesn’t give time to brood 4.5 premenstrual synd.
2.3 makes day pleasant 5. Brain
2.4 fill leisure int. 5.1 vital organ
3. Idle Rich 5.2 wrong fats affect brain
3.1 suffer boredom 5.3 can lead to depression
3.2 try to find relief by hunting in Africa
3.3 find hard when youth is past Key to Abbreviations
4. Associated Adv. of Wk. inf. — influence
4.1 makes hdy. delicious synd. — syndrome
diab — diabetes
4.2 give more zest
r.f — right fat
4.3 gives chances of success
4.4 cont. of purpose B. Summary
The writer feels that modern food has become our
Key to Abbreviations
enemy. We eat food for entertainment and not for
cont. — continuity nutritional purpose now. It is important to understand
hdy — holidays that to lose weight and to ward of diseases it is more
int. — intelligently important to choose right kind of food and fats than to
wk. — work go hungry. Fats make hormones which influence vital

8 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 functions of the body. Depriving body of right kind of 1.3 gen. misused
fats may lead to depression and other mental diseases. 2. True comp.
ASSIGNMENT – 4 2.1 benefits both giver and receiver
2.2 builds sense of personal worth
A.    I. Title: Goal of G8 Countries
2.3 adds to dignity
II. Notes:
2.4 speaks favourably of his skill
1. Goals
3. Diff. Bet. Flattery and Comp.
1.1 to reduce green house gas emissions
3.1 is objective
1.2 to ensure strong action on emissions
3.2 given without thought of gain
1.3 to help avoid tipping point
3.3 not mere lip service
1.4 to take concrete action
4. How it is greatest effort?
2. Emerging Economies
4.1 given birth to great humn race
2.1 include India
4.2 shd. be inspired in childhood
2.2 responsible for emissions
4.3 leaves few vices to criticize
2.3 responsible for increase in Carbon dioxide
5. How to compliment.
2.4 create an externality
5.1 always to the point
3. India
5.2 timing is important
3.1 emissions exceed those of Japan, Germany
and US. 5.3 don’t do it immd. When other person is
expecting
3.2 has low per capita inc.
3.3 high coal frac. Key to Abbreviations
3.4 among top eight shd. — should
3.5 part of Haikaddo Tokyo dec. humn — human
4. What can be Done comp — compliment
4.1 strong gov. sector for adap. Can be set up
4.2 national and sector specific options should B. Summary
be assessed A good compliment is the most valued tool of our
4.3 achieve sustainable growth. conversation. It benefits both the giver and the receiver.
It differs from flattery in the sense that it is not merely
Key to Abbreviations a lip service. It comes from the heart. The habit should
gov. — governance be inculcated from childhood. A good compliment is
adapt. — Adaptance always to the point and at the right time. It has more
frac. — fraction purchasing power than money. It is the greatest gift
dec. — declaration one can give to another. Inculcate the art of giving
inc. — income compliment.

B. Summary ASSIGNMENT – 6
Goal of G8 countries is to reduce green house gases. A.    I. Title: Summer Break
The goal was outlined in Hokiaddo Tokyo summit. II. Notes:
Countries like India were also put under scanner 1. Are long breaks required?
which have low per capita income but still are the 1.1 disrupt child’s development
culprits. India is already exceeding emissions of 1.2 come in the way of learning process
Japan, USA, and Germany. Energy intensity of 2. What children do during vacations?
economy has to be reduced at all costs. It is time to 2.1 plethora of classes
kick start national action plan. With aid available 2.2 attend camps
from G8 strong governance for adaptation can be set
2.3 workshops
up.
2.4 learn swimming, art, pers. devp.
ASSIGNMENT – 5 2.5 go to exotic destinations
A.    I. Title: Art of Complimenting 3. Vacations in the Past
II. Notes: 3.1 went to native place
1. Real Praise 3.2 spent time with extended family
1.1 most valued tool 3.3 became an annual ritual
1.2 losing its brightness 4. Summer Time

Section - A: Reading 9
 4.1 not a break but a joint
Key to Abbreviations
4.2 didn’t travel but returned
verst. — versatile
4.3 attempt to exp. the new and extro. imp. — improvement
4.4 underlined power of old and ordinary img. — imagery
impo. — impossible
Key to Abbreviations
exp. — experience B. Summary
pers. — personality Wimbledon has seen many great players like Federer,
devp. — development Nadal, Bjorn Borg. Nadal has earned his place by
vac. — vacation hard work. He improved his footwork and versatility,
extro. — extraordinary forehand movements to win the historic match against
Federer. It was the longest match in Wimbledon’s
B. Summary history running for 4 hrs and 48 min. The victory
Summer breaks in the past were spent in different way. was more mental. The final match was a tribute to his
There were no extra classes or plethora of activities. resilence and never say die spirit.
There were no trips to exotic destinations. Usually
one went to native place or met members of extended ASSIGNMENT – 8
family only. And children remembered these trips. A.    I. Title: Morality
Now experts feel that such long summer breaks are II. Notes:
not required. They are just a break in the learning 1. What is morl.?
process.. 1.1 comp. basis of morality
ASSIGNMENT – 7 1.2 rest on concept of good and bad
1.3 does not aim to inflict any harm or injury
A.    I. Title: Wimbledon Champions
1.4 to help sympathise
II. Notes:
1.5 feel kindness or sorrow
1. Rafel Nadal
2. Man an resort to
1.1 brought up on clay courts
2.1 stealing
1.2 continental Europe
2.2 violence
1.3 crashed through metaphorical wall
2.3 killing
1.4 cemented his status
2.4 inflicts suff. on others
1.5 greatest champion
3. Social Morl.
2. Match Played At
3.1 ability to feel well being of our society
2.1 Wimbledon
3.2 req. moral code
2.2 took 4 hrs. 48 min
3.3 ensures society safety
2.3 Longest match
3.4 rids it of unwanted malaises
2.4 full of drama 4. Modern Society
2.5 artistic imag. 4.1 complete lack of kindness
3. Federer 4.2 lack of sympathy
3.1 gave a tough fight 4.3 compassion
3.2 stubornly refused to yield ground
3.3 five times Wimbledon champion Key to Abbreviations
4. Bjorn Borg comp. — compassion
morl. — morality
4.1 won Roland Garros
stuff — sufferings
4.2 played at All England Lawn Tennis club
4.3 tweeked his game to suit the demand of B. Summary
grass Man should realize that he has to feel compassion
5. Imp. in Nadal for his sake and for the sake of his society. Modern
5.1 footwork improved remarkably society lacks this basic virtue. Therefore, crime graph
5.2 verst. has increased dramatically in the last years. There is
5.3 took on mission impo. violence, stealing, murders etc. Society’s concerns are
our concerns and if we do not follow moral code of
conduct, it may lead to chaos.

10 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 SECTION - B: WRITING SKILLS
INTEGRATED EXERCISE FOR PRACTICE 7. LOST AND FOUND
SHORT COMPOSITION Lost a black leather briefcase in DTC bus (Route
No.501 while travelling from Connaught Place to
I. Advertisement: Malviya Nagar. It contained important documents
including my passbook and pan card. Finders will
1. FOR SALE be suitably rewarded. Please contact: Ashok, 4344/4,
For Sale 2016 model washing machine in excellent Asaf Ali Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002,
working condition. Brand new look. Expected Mobile: 98××××××××.
price around ` 7,000. Interested parties may
contact: R. Sagar, B-346, Hari Nagar, Delhi, Phone: 8. LOST AND FOUND
22××××××.
Found last Friday a wallet in the school playground.
It will be handed over to the rightful owner after
2. TO LET ascertaining the particular identification and content.
Available on rent Defence Colony Govt. MIG Please contact: Ramnik, Swami Pubic School, Agra,
Flats, 1st Floor, two bedrooms, lobby, balcony, Phone: 22××××××.
fully furnished, well-ventilated. Walking distance
from the main market and taxi stand. Rent 9.
expected ` 8,000/- p.m. Company lease preferred.
Contact: Avinash, 1B/29, Defence Colony, Phone:
22××××××.
THE BOOKS LOVERS
Old Books for Sale 
3. Available:
FOR SALE
Í Books for all age groups.
Available Ford LX, 2015 model in excellent working
condition. Blue scratch-less, self-driven, sparingly Í Comics and stories books for children.
used. Average 20 km a litre. All accessories intact. Í Computer, Software & CD.
Expected price not below ` 3.00 lacs. Contact: Í Teaching aids.
Ashok, Mobile 98××××××××. 20% Discount On All Purchases.

4. SITUATION VACANT
Wanted sales executives, smart, young, preferably POPULAR BOOK STORE
graduate. The candidate must be well conversant 4521, Nai Sadark, Delhi
in both English and Hindi. Experience gained TeL: 22××××××
will be counted. The interested candidates may
mail their resume to mnc@xyz.com, Phone: 10.
22××××××. GOOD MORNING TOOTHPASTE
FOR
5. SITUATION WANTED HEALTHY TEETH
A first class Software Engineer from I.I.T. Delhi Most Reliable Brand in Toothpaste
seeks job in around Delhi. At present working
with a Multinational Company in Noida-201301.  ISI Standards
Salary expected ` 25,000/- please contact: Sarita
G
MO OOD
RNIN
   Competitive rates TOO
THPA
ST
E
G

4238/1, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002, Phone:    Pleasant flavour

22××××××.
     Suitable for all age groups

6. MATRIMONIAL Approved by Indian Dental Association

Alliance invited for a Rajput Engineer boy 26/180.
Working in Ltd. Co. from employed girl preferably For trade inquiries
Contact:
teachers. Apply with photo to Box No.53674-TA,
Good Morning Toothpaste Ltd.
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi-110001.
Phone No. 25××××××

Section - B: Writing Skills 11

 11. 13.
Star Personality Centre Woollen Garments
At clearance sale
Join personality development course and
become the maker of your destiny Buy Woollen Garments at Discount Rates

Advantage:   Available:
ã Expert guidance.
 Men pullover  Shawals
ã Maximum drills.
 Kids wear  Party Dresses
ã Comprehensive contact programmes.
 Track suits  Jackets
ã Interaction with famous personality.
 All winter dresses
ã Learn the art of success.
Eligibility: Contact:
ã Graduates Pitambari Clothes House
ã Below 20 years of age. 1125, Connaught Place, Delhi
Phone: 22××××××
Contact:
1234, Sector-12, Noida-201301, U.P.
Phone: 0120-22×××××× 14.
DIWALI MELA
IN YOUR CITY
12.
Help People Celebrate Diwali in the National Park, Jheel, Delhi
And Special Attraction:
 Toy shops
Save Lives  Sweet shops
 Ramlila stage
MARATHON RACE FOR CANCER VICTIMS
 Swings for children
 Food corner
 Ice-cream parlour
on  Police Assistance
Sunday, 10th December, 20×× NOTE : SAY NO TO CRACKERS
at 9:00 a.m. Issued by:
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, EAST DELHI
Venue: Phone: 22××××××
Sunshine International School
Delhi 15.
Eat Healthy and Tasty Food
Distance: 5 km Saathi Food Corner
Eligibility: Below 20 years of age.

Remember:
• Life is precious. Enjoy tasty fast food with your family.
• Kindness is a heavenly gift.
Food Items:
• Our noble acts always remain behind us. m Snacks
• Always fight for a good cause. m Chinese Food Visit:
m South Indian Food 2241, Main Market
Yours
Romi/Rohit m Punjabi Food Chawari Bazar, Delhi
Sports Captain m Rajashtani Food Phone: 22××××××

12 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 16. II. Notice:
Sports Shoes 500 Launched
1.
NEW PRODUCT OF ‘LIBERTY’ Dramatic Society
THE HINDUSTAN TIMES, DELHI
6th Dec., 20×× NOTICE
One Act Play Competition
The Hindustan Times Delhi is organising One Act
Play Competition on the issue of Gender Equality.
The dramatic society invites participant to take
Speciality:
put in the competition. The details of programme
4 Washable 4 Durable is given below:
4 Fit for tracking 4 Choice of sports persons Date : 14th Dec., 20××
4 Available in many colours/sizes Time : 3:00 p.m. onwards
The Creative Head Venue : Shree Fort Auditorium
(Liberty Shoe Store) Last date for submission of names latest by 10th
Azad Market, Delhi, Phone: 22×××××× Dec., 20××.
Secretary
17. (Dramatic Society)
MARTIN SPORTS COMPLEX
Ready for Games
2.
RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION
GULMARG
Speciality:
• Tennis Courts 9th Oct., 20×× NOTICE
• Hockey Ground This year Diwali will be celebrated on 31st Oct,
• Badminton Courts 20×× at 4:00 p.m. in the society park. Sufficient
• Volley Ball Courts arrangements have been made to enjoy the festival.
• Big Cricket Ground Several food corners and enjoyment points are also
• Proper Sitting Arrangement installed for children of the society. All the residents
• Sufficient Light Arrangement are requested to take part in the celebration with
• Coaching Facilities by Professionals their family.
Contact: R.P. Singh Happy Diwali
MARTIN SPORTS COMPLEX
Mayur Vihar, Phase-III, Delhi-110091, Phone: 22××××× Secretary
(RWAG)

18.
A New Vaccine for ‘Choleras’ 3.
Old Students Association
Launched by WELBY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
MEDI INDIA CO.
Speciality: 28th Oct., 20×× NOTICE
The old students association has decided to organise
 Quick Relief
a ‘Reunion of all alumnus’. They are informed to
 Easily Available
attend this get together meeting with their parents.
 No side Effect The details of programme is given below:
CHOLERAS
(Best Vaccine)  Auth. by the Govt. of India & Doctors Date : 6th Dec., 20××
MEDI INDIA CO.

 Suitable for all age groups

Chittranjan Park

Time : 10:00 a.m. onwards

Chirag Delhi
New Delhi
Phone: 22××××××

 Good Results recorded Chief Guest : Principal

FOR TRADE INQUIRY
MEDI INDIA CO. Secretary
123, Chirag Delhi, New Delhi, Phone: 22××××× (Old Student Association)

Section - B: Writing Skills 13

 4. Cultural Society 2.
Books — Our Source of
ARYA NIKETAN, AGRA Knowledge and Pleasure
20th Oct., 20×× NOTICE
Book Week Celebrations
On the occasion of the ‘Silver Jubilee Celebration’
of the school, the cultural society has decided to Books:
organise an inter-class one act play. The details of Í Inform
programme is given below:
Í Instruct
Date : 25th Oct., 20××
Í Delight
Time : 4:00 p.m. onwards
Í Enrich
Venue : School Auditorium
Eligibility : VI to XII Venue : Arya Public School
Last Date : 23th Oct., 20×× (Name submission) Date : 14th to 20th April, 20××
Secretary Time : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Cultural Society)
Read Books to become a perfect man.
5. M.P. SR. SEC. SCHOOL, JAIPUR
3.
24th Nov., 20×× NOTICE Handicraft Exhibition
Sale of Old Books Date : 12th to 18th Dec., 20××
All the students are informed that the school library Time : 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
has decided to install an open sale. They can buy Venue : B/23, Saathi Niketan Park, Delhi
old books at throw away prices. The details of sale:
Date : 28th Nov., 20×× Special Attraction
Time : 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Bamboo Baskets
Venue : School Auditorium • Bamboo Chairs
Last Date : 10th Dec., 20×× • Bamboo Tables
(Senior Librarian) • Book Shelves
• Small Stools
III. Poster: • Photo Frame
1.
GANDHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, Sponsored by
INDORE Residents Welfare Association
Celebrating Saathi Niketan, Delhi

Environment Week 4. NAVIN JINDAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

THROW AWAY PLASTIC BAGS
Invites students to participate in
‘Literary Week’ from 10th to 17th Dec., 20××

Your efforts:
• Spread education in your locality.
• Every student should teach at least one boy/girl.
• Make your country a land of educated people.
Ill Effects:
• Distribute books, pens, pencils & copies among the
• Pollute environment. • Chock drains. poor boys.
• Do not rot easily. • Blocks pores in the sail.
• Dangerous for animals. Class-IX students teaching junior classes.
School Environment Cell: Sponsored by
Phone: 22×××××× Principal

14 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 5. IV. Invitation:
DONATE EYES & LIVE LONG
1.
After you are no more remember The Principal, Staff and Students of
Eye Donation is Bliss to the Sightless
Harper Public School
FREE EYE CHECK UP Model Town, Delhi

Date
: 20th Dec., 20×× Invites you on the occasion of
Time
: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Venue
: Vibhur Eye Clinic
ANNUAL FUNCTION
of their school on
Sponsored by Tuesday, the 14th November, 20××
Vihbur Eye Clinic at 11:00 a.m.
34, Lok Nagar, Delhi, Phone: 22××××××
in
6. KAMANI AUDITORIUM
ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL, 20××
Date : 24th - 30th Dec., 20×× The founder principal has kindly consented to
Time : 11:00 am to 5:00 pm preside over the function and give away prizes/
Venue
: Newton Public School, Nagpur mementoes.

Special Attraction R.S.V.P.

 Mens Pullover Principal
 Over Coats Ph. 22××××××
 Party Dress
 Sports Shoes
 Kids Wear 2.
 Fancy Dresses Mrs. & Mr. Sharma
Sponsored by request the pleasure of your benign presence
Modern Clothes on the auspicious celebration of
Phone: 22××××××

7. Do it yourself. Excellent Academic

8.
RAMJAS PUBLIC SCHOOL Performance
Silver Jubilee Celebrations of

MEENU
Special Attractions: at their residence
• Cycle Race 34, Kamal Kunj, Bhopal
• Fancy Shows
• One Act Plays at 5:00 p.m.
• T-20 Cricket Match
on
• Blood Donation Camps
• Books Stalls & Food Corners Sunday, 10th December, 20××
R.S.V.P.
Principal R.S.V.P.
Ramjas Public School, New Delhi
Phone 22×××××× Mrs. & Mr. Sharma
Ph. 22××××××
9. Do it yourself.

Section - B: Writing Skills 15

 3. 5.
Mrs. & Mr. Rajesh Sharma Spring Bells Public School
solicit your gracious presence on the auspicious xyz Nagar, Deoghar
occasion of the marriage of their granddaughter Phone: 22××××××
SUNEETA
7th December, 20××
(D/o Mrs. & Mr. Satish Sharma)
with Ms. Lal
Head of Department
SHARAD Dayal Singh College for Women
(S/o Mrs. & Mr. Lokesh Sharma) Delhi
on Madam
Friday, the 3rd April, 20××
Subject: Invitation to judge.
at
Our school is organizing Inter-school Debate
ESSEX FARMS Competition on 22nd December, 20××. Students
G.T. Karnal Road, Delhi from VI & XII will participate in the competition.
You are requested to judge the performance of
PROGRAMME students and deliver decisions.
Reception of Bharat : 07:00 p.m. Kindly confirm your availability by 20th December,
Dinner : 08:00 p.m. 20××.
Wedding Ceremony : 10:00 p.m.
Yours faithfully
Saturday, 4th April, 20××
Debate Incharge
Doli : 05:00 a.m.

R.S.V.P. With Best Compliments from:

6.
Sharma Fittings All Relatives SUNRISE SR. SEC. SCHOOL
29, Khan Market, New Delhi & Friends
Abc, Vihar, Ranchi
Mobile: 98××××××××
Phone: 22××××××

4. 4th November, 20××

The Principal, Staff and Students of
Sh. M.S. Bedi
Acharya Public School
27, Main Road
Indore
Ranchi
invite you on the
Sir
SCHOLAR BADGE Subject: Invitation for Inauguration of Annual
CEREMONY Sports Days.
of their school Our school is organising sports day on 21st
on Monday, the 18th December, 20×× November, 20××. All the students of school will
participate in the various games. Your presence
at 9:00 a.m.
in our midst will act as a catalyst and inspire us.
in the School Auditorium You are requested to inaugurate the Annual Sports
MR. R.P. JOSHI Day on 21st November, 20×× at 9:00 a.m. in our
school ground.
Founder principal has kindly consented to preside
Kindly confirm your availability by 18th November,
over the ceremony.
20××.
R.S.V.P.
Yours faithfully
Principal
Ph. 22×××××× Sports Incharge

16 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 7. 10. Mrs. & Mr. Annupam Joshi invite all their friends
The Principal, Staff and Students of
for a gala party to be organised for the selection
Laxmi Public School of their daughter Neha in Medical College at 26,
Model Town Green Park Road, Kanpur on 130th October, 20××,
and expect they will wish their daughter a bright
Solicit the pleasure of your presence
future on this occasion.
on the auspicious occasion of
Annupam Joshi
ANNUAL FUNCTION 13th October, 20××
of their school
11. Mrs. & Mr. Arun Kumar invite Mr. Suresh and
on Saturday, the 21st March, 20××
his family on the occasion of the wedding of their
at 5:30 p.m.
daughter Suneeta at 29, Naya Park Road, Jaipur on
The Hon’ble Education Minister, Govt. of India 25th October, 20××. They wish that he will reach
will be the Chief Guest and give away the prizes Jaipur from Delhi on 24th October, 20×× and wish
to the students. the newly weds a very happy married life.

R.S.V.P. Arun Kumar

Principal 15th October, 20××
Laxmi Public School
Model Town, Delhi, Ph. 22×××××× V. Reply to Invitation:
1. 125, Begum Bagh
Meerut, U.P.
8. 29, Aslam Park
Gulmarg
5th May, 20××
22nd June, 20××
The Secretary

Fancy Club
The Secretary
Meerut, U.P.
Youth Club
Gulmarg
Sir
Sir Subject: Acceptance of Invitation.
Subject: Inability to accept your invitation.
Thanks for your invitation for a Fancy Dress Party to
be held on 20th May, 20×× in the Community Hall
Thank you very much for inviting me to act as one at 2:00 pm. I would like to utilise this opportunity to
of the judges for an ‘Inter-school Group Song share my experience with other like minded enthusiasts
Competition’ to be held on 24th June, 20×× in the and experts. I hereby confirm my participation in the
community Hall. function.
I feel honoured and obliged. However, I shall not be
able to accept your invitation due to some previous
Yours sincerely
commitments which keep confined to my place on
Ravi
that day. 2. 10th November, 20××
Thank you once again for your invitation.

29, Tilak Road
Yours sincerely
Delhi
Rahul/Neha

Dear Meenu
9. You are invited to the celebration of my 21st Subject: Inability to accept your invitation.
Birthday at Hotel Gold, 46, Ashok Vihar, Delhi
I thank you for inviting me to your party to be conducted
on 18th December, 20×× at 5:00 p.m. You are on 12th November, 20×× at 7:00 p.m. at your residence.
also requested to come with your family and have However, I regret my inability to accept the invitation
dinner with us. due to some unavoidable circumstances.
Ravi Kant
Yours sincerely
15th December 20××
Anju

Section - B: Writing Skills 17

 3. 7th December, 20×× 5. (ii) Head of English Department

26, Asaf Ali Road Sainik School

Daryaganj Kunjpura, Karnal

Delhi-110002 14th December, 20××

Dear Ravi The Principal
Subject: Inability to accept your invitation. IPS School
Karnal

I thank you for inviting me to the House Warming
Party to be organised on 13th December, 20×× at 73, Sir
Pink City, Jaipur at 11:00 a.m. However, I regret my Subject: Acceptance of your invitation.
inability to accept your invitation on account of some I thank you for your invitation to participate in
previous commitments on the day. Inter-school Debate competition to be held on

Yours sincerely Friday, the 17th December, 20×× at 3:00 pm in

Rohit the school auditorium. I would like to utilize this
opportunity to share my experiences with other

Tel.: 22××××××
experts.
4. (i) 125, Azad Town I hereby confirm my presence in the programme.
Aligarh. U.P.
Yours sincerely
8th December, 20×× Ms. Lalita
The Principal

(ii) Head of English Department
G.G.S. Public School
Sainik School
Aligarh. U.P.
Kunjpura, Karnal
Sir
14th December, 20××
Subject: Acceptance of Invitation.
The Principal
Thanks for your invitation to preside over IPS School
Annual Day Celebrations to be held on Friday, Karnal
the 22nd December, 20×× at 5:00 pm in your
Sir
school auditorium. I would like to utilize this
opportunity to share my experiences with other Subject: Inability to accept your invitation.
experts. I hereby confirm my presence in the I thank you for your invitation to participate as a
programme. judge in Inter-school Debate Competition to be
Yours sincerely held on Friday, the 17th December, 20×× at 3:00
B.D. Singh pm in the school auditorium. However, I shall
not be able to accept your invitation due to some

(ii) 125, Azad Town previous commitments.
Aligarh. U.P. I thank you again for your invitation.
8th December, 20×× Yours sincerely
The Principal Ms. Lalita
G.G.S. Public School
Aligarh. U.P. LONG COMPOSITION
Sir I. Business Letters/Placing Orders/Complaints:
1. Tialk Public School
Subject: Inability to accept your invitation.
G.B. Nagar
Thank you for your invitation to preside over New Delhi
Annual Day Celebrations of your school to be held
15th December, 20××
on Friday, the 22nd December, 20×× at 5:00 p.m.
in the school auditorium. However, I shall not be M/s Arvind Tours & Travels
able to accept your invitation due to some previous T. B. Nagar
commitments. New Delhi
I thank you again for your invitation. Sir
Yours sincerely Subject: S eeking information about transport,
B.D. Singh accommodation, etc.

18 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook


Tilak Public School, New Delhi in planning a trip to Sir
Simla during summer vacations. The trip will consist Subject: Seeking information about package tours to
of 20 senior students, three teachers and two peons. We Europe.
would appreciate if you provide us information about
the following things at the earliest: With reference to your advertisement published in the
(i) Type of transport to be provided. Hindustan Times dated 8th November, 20×× regarding
package tour to Europe we are a group of 5 senior
(ii) Rates for AC and Non-AC coaches.
citizens. We want to avail ourselves of opportunities

(iii) Rates for budget accommodation. provided by you. However, we would appreciate if

(iv) Rates for dormitory accommodation, if any. you give us the specific information connected with
(v) Separate two rooms for teachers and the peons. the following tour package at the earliest:

The itinerary of trip is as follows. (i) Name of counties selected.
Departure from New Delhi : 25th Dec., 20×× (ii) Type of planes.
Return to New Delhi : 30th Dec., 20×× (iii) Types of transport arranged.

We expect complete transparency. No hidden charges, (iv) Rates for AC and Non-AC Rooms.
please. Any other details connected with the trip will (v) Rates for budget accommodation.
be appreciated. (vi) Types of food.

Yours sincerely (vii) Other charges.

Pradeep (viii) Medical facilities.

(Trip-incharge) We expect complete transparency. No hidden charges,
please. Any other details connected with the tour
2. 18, Mall Road package will be appreciated.
New Delhi

Yours sincerely
22nd December, 20××

T.P. Singh
The Director
Phone: 22××××××
Shaimak Davar’s Dance Academy
79, Asaf Ali Road 4. B-74, Anand Vihar
Daryaganj, Delhi-110002 New Delhi
Sir 15th November, 20××
Subject: Seeking information about Dance Courses The Municipal Commissioner
Refer to your advertisement published in the Times of India Delhi Municipal Corporation
dated 15th December, 20×× in connection with Shaimak Delhi
Davar’s Dance courses. As I am interested to pursue this Sir
course, kindly provide me the following details: Subject: Lack of Basic amenities, poor drainage and
(i) The duration of course. lights.
(ii) Fees to be paid and whether it can be paid in
I want to draw your kind attention towards poor drainage
instalments.
system and light arrangements in our locality. It seems
(iii) Size of the class. that municipality has forgotten this colony. Heaps of
(iv) Timing of the classes and the number of classes rubbish are lying here and there with flies swarming
per week. around and pigs wallowing in the filth and mud caused
(v) Extra class available to poor students. by the overflow of dirty water from the drains on the road.
I would be obliged if you send me above details as I The drains are chocked as they are neither cleaned nor
am keen on joining the course. flushed. Besides, the old dispensary is in a dilapidated

Yours sincerely condition. Medicines are rarely available here.

Sarita When evening falls the entire locality is covered with
a blanket of darkness. The electric poles are waiting
3. 73, Green Park Lane for new bulbs to the replaced. The entire activity of
Kanpur our locality is restricted to the sun set only. If some
13th November, 20×× effective steps are not taken in this regard, the situation
of our locality will turn from bad to worse. Hopping
The Director for some quick action.
Dolphine Tours & Travels
15, Mall Road
Yours faithfully
Delhi
R.P. Tandan

Section - B: Writing Skills 19

 5. 73, Sector-15 more clarifications please do not hesitate to contact
Noida -201301 me.

12th October, 20××
Yours faithfully

The Police Commissioner
Kumaran/Koyala

Gautam Budh Nagar
(Vice President)

Noida-201301
7. 25 Banjara Hills

Sir Hydrabad
Subject: Misuse of loud speaker.
13th November, 20××

I want to draw your attention towards the misuse of
The Director
loud speaker in our locality which has created a serious
Aman Cable Services
problem for the general public and students and old
25, Banjara Hills
men in particular.
Hydrabad

In our locality the loud speakers are often played at
a high pitch late at night in the name of Jagrans and
Dear Sir
some other celebrations. It is high time for students. Subject: Complaint against defective cable services.
Their exams are at hand and they are incapable
It was only 10 days before 3 November, 200×× to be
to concentrate on their study because of constant precise that I started utilizing your cable services. Our
interruptions caused by loud speakers. Moreover, the cable was installed at a sixed rate and we were enjoying
high pitch sounds are dangerous for the old, weak and all kinds of programmes without break. However,
heart patients. Their life is in peril as the peace of our problems cropped up a few days back. Since then, we
locality is gone. have been provided limited services. Some famous

It is, therefore, requested that some effective steps may channels like Sony T.V., Zee T.V., Aaj Tak, etc. are
be taken in this regard so that the peace of our locality out. Our programmes are restricted to the national
may be restored. channels for which the customers are not bound to pay

Yours faithfully charges. Moreover, the members of our family have
their own choice. They do not get chance to enjoy the

Harish Rawat
programmes of their choice. The situation is really

Phone: 22××××××
critical because this matter is related to entertainment.
6. Customer Care
It is therefore, requested that some quick actions may
Shopmart Online be taken into the matter so that proper cable services
Delhi may be restored.

5th December, 20××
Yours sincerely

C-12, Green Park
Preadeep Singh

Delhi
Phone: 22××××××

Dear Rohit 8. 125, Station Road
Subject: Company’s exchange policy. Madhupur

Thank you for your inquiry about our exchange Jharkhand
policy. In response to your query I would like to
14th December, 20××
inform you that our company is very transparent in
The Sales Manager
this regard. Generally our company allows customers
Competition Success Review
one mouth time to exchange the defective product.
Rajender Place
After the expiry of stipulated time they are given
New Delhi
one month time in addition to exchange the product
they have purchased. But this period is covered by
Dear Sir
the warranty period. Hence, the customers have both Subject: Irregular supply of Competition Success Review.
facilities.
I am forced to show my utter displeasure at the irregular

It would be my pleasure to welcome you in my supply of your Competition Success Review. I have
office to discuss in more detail your queries and to just, taken the yearly subscription of your magazine,
see how I can assist you in making you satisfied. to be precise around three months back. The surprising
Alternatively my representative can visit you if it thing is that I have already paid the full sum for the year,
is more convenient. In the meanwhile, if you need still I do not receive the issue of Competition Success

20 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 Review regularly. It is high time for me because I have
The service, however, is not smooth and the school is
to face some important competitive examinations and facing lots of problems. During last few days several
I badly need your magazine. parents have complained to the principal that they are

It is, therefore, requested that some quick actions in the not getting help from the GPRS system installed in
matter may be taken immediately so that I may start the school buses. Perhaps your GPRS system is not
receiving your magazine regularly. functioning properly.

Yours sincerely
It is, therefore requested that your software engineer
may visit the school and update it. In ease the damage

Tanmay
is beyond updation, it may be replaced at the earliest.

Mobile: 98××××××××
Hoping for a quick response.
9. 47, Ashok Vihar
Yours sincerely
Pitampura
M.P. Chauhan
New Delhi

(Transport Incharge)

18th, November. 20××
11. 15, Kalkaji

The Marketing Manager
New Delhi

Pore Deal Ltd.

New Delhi
18th November, 20××

Sir
The Manager
Subject: Complaint about defective washing machine.
The Tech Point

New Delhi

It was only last month, 15th October, 20×× to be precise
that I bought an automatic washing machine from you.
Sir
The Model No. is XL-410W and the Invoice No. is Subject: Complaint against defective mobile answering
1364 dated 15th October, 20××. Last week it started system.
giving troubles. It is not cleaning clothes at all. In
This complaint is related to the defective mobile phone
fact, the clothes remain as dirty after the mechanical answering system which I bought from your showroom
operation as they were before the wash. Besides, it has last month vide cash memo no.24781 dated 13th
been making unbearable noise. October, 20××.

It is requested that kindly send your mechanic to
The system gave a satisfactory service for some time
examine and repair it. In case the damage is beyond and its operation was quite praiseworthy.
repair, kindly replace it at the earliest as the washing
But to my dismay, it has started creating problems. It
machine is still within the guarantee period. has developed some technical snag as it doesn’t record

Hoping for an early response. the callers messages. The answering system is not

Yours sincerely functioning properly.

Sonali/Jyotishko
Since the mobile phone carries a warranty of 2 years,
I would be extremely obliged if you could replace this
10. Sumer Public School defective mobile with another one.
Delhi

I am looking forward to an early response.

22nd November, 20××

Yours faithfully

The Manager

Aakriti/Akrit

Forum Loft

21, Park Street 12. S.P. Public School

Delhi Jaipur

Sir
21 November, 20××
Subject: Defective GPRS System.
M/s Rawat Crockery

It was only 10 days ago, 12th November, 20×× that we
Jaipur
had purchased a GPRS System from you. The Model
Sir
No. is GP-412P and the Invoice No. is 1428 dated 12th
Subject: Order for crockery and cutlery items.
November, 20××. The GPRS system was installed in
the school buses to enable the parents to keep track of
I hope we need no introduction. S.P. Public School has
their children while they are travelling in the school been an old customer of yours. As you are a trusted
buses. name in the supply of crockery and cutlery items,

Section - B: Writing Skills 21

 we are placing a bulk order for the same. We expect 14. R.B. Public School
competitive rate and discounts on the purchase. The Dumka
details of the items are given below:
24th October, 20××
Sl.No. Particulars Quantity
The Sales Manager
I. Crockery Items
Jain Stationery Shop
1. Steel Dish 50
Dumka
2. Steel Glass 50
Sir
3. Steel Spoon (big) 25 Subject: Order for stationery items.
4. Steel Spoon (small) 25
I hope we need no introduction. R.B. Public School
5. Steel Master Spoon (big) 20 has been an old customer of yours. As you are a trusted
II. Cutlery Items name in the supply of stationery items for educational
institutions, we are placing a bulk order for the same.
1. Chop Sticks 20 We expect competitive rates and discounts on the
2. Knives 15 purchase. The details of the purchase. The details of
3. Forks 20 the items are given below:
III. Food Warmers Sl.No. Particulars Volume
1. Hot Pot 5 1. Note Books (small size) 200 dozens
2. Food Heater 2 2. Note Books (big size) 100 dozens
3. Thurmus (bottles) 10 3. Attendance Registers 50 pieces

We appreciate the general 20% discount that you 4. Pencils 200 packets
provide on the purchase of above items. However, we 5. Erasers 100 packets
hope that you will provide an extra 5% discount as most 6. Sharpeners 100 packets
of the dealers are giving to the educational institutions.

All items must reach in proper shape and size.
We appreciate the general 15% discount that you
provide on the bulk purchase of stationery items.

Yours truly However, we hope that you will allow us an extra

T. Ram 5% discount as most of the dealers are giving to the

(Hostel Warden) educational institutions.
13. 105, Nishat Bagh
All items must reach in proper shape and size and
Lucknow weight.

18th October, 20××
Yours faithfully

The Sales Manager
R.P. Munda

LG Electronics
(Incharge)

Laxmi Nagar 15. School Editorial Board

Delhi-110091 Maharana Pratap School

Sir Jaisalmair
Subject: Order for Refrigerator.
20th October, 20××

Kindly arrange the supply at your earliest the
The Sales Manager
Refrigerator, Model No.LG491L Frost Free Double
Aggarwal Book Depot
Door at the price of ` 25,999 approved for the year
Jaipur
20××.
Sir

It must be ensured that the latest model of refrigerator Subject: Order for Creative Writing Books.
is being supplied. Before supplying, the refrigerator
must be checked that each part is functioning properly.
We are a famous educational institution. Our school
Cheque for the required amount is attached with this has been an old customer of yours. As you are a trusted
order. I hope to receive the refrigerator before 25th name in the supply of creative writing books for
October, 20××. educational institutions, we are placing an order for the
same. We also expect competitive rates and discount

Yours truly on the purchase.

Rahul Mehta
The books must be sent along with the relevant CDs.

22 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 The details of order are given below: Sir
Sl.No. Particulars Volume Subject: Need of modernizing Delhi.
1. Principles of Creative Writing (CD) 5 pieces Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
2. Introduction to the Structures (CD) 4 pieces I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities to the need of modernizing Delhi. At
Some Guidelines for Creative
3. 3 pieces present Delhi is one of the biggest cities in the
Writing (CD)
world and its population is increasing every year.
Fundamental Rules of Articles A great deal of people from the rural areas make
4. 2 pieces
Writing (CD) their destination to Delhi. These days Delhi need

We hope that this year you will provide an extra fast system of transportation, metro services,
5% discount as most of the dealers are giving to the schools and colleges. Besides, multi-storeyed
educational institutions. buildings are required to shelter the vast population

All the books must reach in proper shape. which has ballooned gradually. Delhi needs multi-
facility hospitals, ticketing system, money transfer,

Yours faithfully drinking water and toilet facilities. Some attractive

R. Rawat parks are also needed to entertain the visitors.

(President) Therefore, the concerned authorities are requested
16. 13, Janpath Road to take some positive steps in this direction. They
New Delhi must make Delhi the pride of our country.

24th October, 20×× Thanking you

The Sales Manager Yours truly

Nai Sadak Robin Singh

Delhi

(ii) 104, Raj Nagar

Sir Kanpur
Subject: Order for World Book Series (Science). 30th November, 20××

We are a famous educational institution. Our school The Editor
has been an old customer of yours. As you are a trusted The Times of India
name in the supply of creative writing books for Kanpur
educational institutions, we are placing an order for the
same. We also expect competitive rates and discount Sir
on the purchase. Subject: Role of Advertisement.

The books must be sent along with the relevant CDs. I wish to bring to the common people what role
The details of order are given below: advertisements play in their life, through the
Sl.No. Particulars Volume columns of your esteemed newspaper.
1. World Book Series (Sci.), I to V 5 sets Actually the common people have no belief in
advertisements. They think that advertisements are
2. World Book Series (Sci.), VI to X 4 sets effective means for sales. The big companies utilise
3. World Book Series (Sci.), XI & XII 2 sets such means to earn profits. But advertisements
4. World Book Map Series, IV & X 10 sets have another purposes also. They make people

All the books must reach in proper shape and volumes. aware of the merits and demerits of new products.
They do not influence the public opinion. Instead

Yours faithfully they help public form its opinion. On the other

R.V. Chawala hand they increase the sale of products for the
II. Letters to Editor: companies. They make people aware of new
products available in the market.
1. Do it yourself.
It is, therefore, requested that my opinion may
2. (i) 15, Azad Town
be published in your esteem newspaper so that
Delhi
common people can read my opinion.
5th June, 20××
Thanking you
The Editor
The Times of India Yours sincerely
New Delhi Praveen

Section - B: Writing Skills 23


(iii) 24, Gaur Departments
Mayur Vihar-III
Delhi
10th October, 20××
The Editor
The Hinduastan Times
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Cell Phone nuisance among children.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper.
I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities towards cell phone nuisance among
children. These days children are found stuck
to the cell phones whether they are at home or
schools. They have no care for teachers. They
bring cell phones even in the examination and
disturb the concentration of other students. It is
merely the misuse of their precious time when they
should concentrate on their studies.
It is, therefore, requested that this letter may be
published to make the parents and the authorities
aware the consequences of cell phones from which
our children may suffer.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Ravi Gaur
(iv) 10, Adarsha Apartments
Mayur Vihar-I
Delhi
10th November, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: C ommunal Harmony essential for
progress.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspapers,
I want to draw the attention of the common public
towards the importance of communal harmony
which is required for the progress of society and
nation. In fact, India is a land of different castes,
races and religions. In this country we can view
the rainbow of myrid religions. But we are living
in an economical word. For the progress of our
society and nation we are duty bound to live as a
community of single religion and nation. Peace is
above all religions and every religion teaches us
the lesson of peaceful living which is required for
communal harmony also.
It is, therefore, requested that my letter may be
24
published to spread the lesson of peace and communal
harmony among the different communities.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Ankit Sharma
(v) 105, Kanishka
Cooperative Group Housing Society
Indira Nagar, Mumbai
17th October, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Veer Savarkar Marg
Mumbai
Sir
Subject: Politicians and Scams.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspapers,
I wish to bring to the notice of the common public
the facts about the politicians and political parties
in the country. Every day new scams are coming
to the light involving some politicians or the
political parties. The scam runs for crores of rupees
and name some prominent political personality.
Certainly it is not good for the country because
this money could be utilized for the development
of the country. This way a great deal of money is
eaten up by the corrupt politicians, which is the
damage of our national treasure only.
It is, therefore, requested that this letter may be
published so that the public may teach the corrupt
politicians a bitter lesson in the next elections.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Prakash Sharma
(vi) 78, Prakash Public School
Indore
22nd November, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Indore
Sir
Subject: The “Feel Good Factor” — an election
stunt.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspapers,
I want to aware the common public of the feel
good factors, which is merely an election stunt.
The feel good factors are related to some unique
quality which creates a sense of well being among
the public. The aura of this quality is built around
the emotional, physical and financial state of the
Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
 country. The political parties try to assure the
common mass that their future is safe in the country
when reality is quite different. Actually, the political
parties keep the common people in darkness to get
their share of votes in the elections.
It is, therefore, requested that this letter may be
published in your newspaper so that people may
be enlightened of such election stunts.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Jyant Das
(Head Boy)
(vii) 25, Anand Public School
Bhopal
5th December, 20××
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: The Role of Media in Modern Times.
I desire to highlight the role of media in modern
times through the columns of your esteemed
newspaper. We should know that mass media
(ix) 125, Adarsh Public School
are important tools in disseminating information.
They make possible communication exchange and
spread of knowledge which are vital for progress
of societies and cultures.
Societal goals are nurtured and made a reality
through mass media in the modern context. For
instance, communicating about health is easy and
can be done on a broad basis with the help of mass
media like newspapers, radio and television.
As a tool for entertainment the radio and television
are extremely popular. As an educational tool,
media impacts knowledge and promote actions
which have social utility.
It is, therefore, requested that my letter may be
published in your newspaper so that people can
read about my views.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Ankit Goyal
(Captain)
(viii) 72, St. John Public School
Rewa
18th October, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Indore
Section - B: Writing Skills
Sir
Subject: Care for the aged.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspapers,
I want to highlight the knowledge of care for the
aged/aged people. Care for the aged is the fulfilment
of special needs and requirements that are unique to
senior citizens. This broad term encompasses such
services as assisted living, adult day care, long term
care, nursing homes which is often referred to as
residential care hospice care, etc.
Besides, elderly care emphasises the social and
personal requirements of senior citizens who need
some assistance with daily activities and health
care, and have desire to age with dignity. While
keeping in mind the needs of elderly care, we
should not forget these noteworthy points.
It is, therefore, requested that this letter may
be published in your newspaper so that young
generation may know about the basic needs of
elderly care.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Reema
Agra
24th November, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
Lucknow
Sir
Subject: Crime prevention.
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
I want to enlighten people about crime prevention.
It is the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of
a crime risk and the initiative of action to remove/
reduce it. People should also know that crime
prevention is an active approach utilizing public
awareness and prevention is cheaper and safer
for communities without losing civic health and
productivity.
However, the responsibility of crime prevention
does not fall on one person. It is everyone’s
business. Infact, the law enforcement agencies are
the focal point in community crime prevention.
It is, therefore, requested that my letter may be
published in your newspaper so that people may
become aware of crime prevention in a broad sense.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Nitesh
25

(x) 14, Gyan Public School I assure you that I shall work with absolute devotion
Patna and sincerity.
21st December, 20××
In anticipation of an early response.
The Editor
Yours truly
The Times of India
Rahul Sharma
Patna

Encl.: Bio-data
Sir
Subject: The menace of stray animals. BIO-DATA
Through the columns of your esteemed Name : Rahul Sharma
newspapers, I wish to draw the attention of Father’s Name : Sh. Prakash Sharma
the concerned authorities of the Municipal Date of Birth : 21st April, 19××
Corporation with regard to the plights of the Marital Status : Married
residents of Kadam Kauan. While going to
Nationality : Indian
school at 8:50 a.m., I notice many stray animals
wandering here and there on the busy market Languages : Hindi and English
roads. The situation is almost the same — a Known
repeated performance in the afternoon. More Contact No. : 98××××××××
often these animals cross the roads in a long Address : 15, T.R. Nagar, Bhopal
unending array, thus causing traffic blocks as well Educational : (i) Master’s Degree in Physical
as accident. These animals create health hazard Qualification   Education, ABC College,
too by urinating everywhere. Huge heaps of dung Delhi (20××), Marks 98%
are lying here and there. Flies hover over them
and insects breed inside them. (ii) Bachelor’s Degree in Physical
Education, ABC College,
The authorities are requested to depute officials
Delhi(20××), Marks 96%.
to catch these stray animals and send them to the
police pen. If unclaimed these stray animals might Working : Physical Training Instructor at
be auctioned. It is hoped that an early action will Experience Adarsh Public School, Indore
be taken by the concerned authorities. (February, 20×× – March, 20××)
References : (i) Mr. C.K. Das
Thanking you
Professor
Yours truly ABC College, Delhi
Rahul (ii) Mr. R. Ram Singh
Principal
III. Applications for Job: Adarsh Public School, Indore
1. 15, T.R. Nagar
Bhopal Rahul Sharma

18th November, 20×× 2. 125, Station Road

The Principal Gorakhpur

Prakash Public School
15th November, 20××

Indore

The Chief Medical Officer

Sir
Jiwan Hospital
Subject: Application for the post of Physical Training
Gorakhpur
Instructor.

Sir

This is with reference to the advertisement published in
Subject: Application for the post of Paediatrics.
the steemed daily. The Times of India dated November
13, 20××. I am Rahul. I completed my Master Degree
It has reference to the advertisement published in The
in physical education from Delhi University I intend Hindustan Times dated 16th July, 20××. I wish to offer
to apply for the post of physical training instructor in my services as one of the candidates.
your famous school.
I fulfil the conditions laid down in your advertisement.

Please find enclosed my bio-data for the said purpose. I have completed MD in paediatrics from St. Joseph
I am experienced, hard working, honest and punctual. Medical College, Lucknow with high grade. I have also

26 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

 worked as paediatrics for one year. Enclosed herewith my absolute devotion and sincerity.
my bio-data, photograph, certificates and testimonials

Yours sincerely
for your reference.

Rohit

Yours truly

Encl.: Bio-data

Arun Kumar
BIO-DATA

Encl.: Bio-data
Name : Rohit Kumar
BIO-DATA Father’s Name : Mr. Mohan Jain
Name : Arun Kumar Date of Birth : 24th March, 19××
Father’s Name : Dr. P. Ram Shankar Marital Status : Single
Date of Birth : 23rd October, 19×× Nationality : Indian
Marital Status : Married Languages : Hindi and English
Nationality : Indian Known
Languages : Hindi and English Contact No. : 98××××××××
Known Address : 15, Indira Nagar, Indore
Contact No. : 98×××××××× Educational : (i) MBA (20××)
Address : 125, Station Road, Gorakhpur Qualification   Marks - 93%
Educational : MD in Paediatrics (20××) D.K. College, Indore
Qualification St. Joseph Medical College (ii) Graduation in English (Hons.)
Lucknow (20××), Marks - 72%
Working : As Paediatrics in Lal Bati Hospital P.S. College, Indore
Experience Gorakhpur Working : Senior Manager
(January, 20×× – October, 20××) Experience Sheera Pharmaceutical Company
References : (i) Dr. D. Grover Kanpur (March, 20×× – till date)
Professor References : (i) Mr. C.P. Thakur
St. Joesph Medical College Branch Manager
Lucknow SBI, Indore
(ii) Dr. S. Kumar (ii) Mr. T.K. Singh
Chief Medical Officer Professor (English)
Lal Bati Hospital, Gorakhpur Laxmi Bai College, Kanpur
Arun Kumar Rohit Kumar

3. 15, Indira Nagar 4. D-40, Ashok Nagar

Indore
24th July, 20××
The Public Relations Officer
Pharmaceutical Company
Hyderabad
Sir
Subject: Application for the post of Senior Manager.
In response to your advertisement published in the
Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 18th July, requiring
young and energetic managers. I offer myself as a
candidate for the same. I have completed my MBA
from Delhi University with high marks. I have required
two years working experience in XYZ pharmaceutical
company, Kanpur.
Please find enclosed my bio-data for the said purpose.
I am hard working, honest and punctual. I assure you
New Delhi
20th August, 20××
The Personnel Manager
Dolphin India Ltd.
Sikandrabad
Sir
Subject: Application for the post of Sales Rep.
In response to your advertisement published in the
Times of India dated 18th August, 20××. I wish to be
considered for the above position. I have completed my
MBA from Rawat University, Madhya Pradesh. I have
potential to become a successful sales representative.
Please find enclosed my complete bio-data for the said
purpose. I assure you my absolute devotion and sincerity.
Yours faithfully
Mayank Gupta

Section - B: Writing Skills 27


Encl.: Bio-data
Encl.: Bio-data
BIO-DATA BIO-DATA
Name : Mayank Gupta Name : Raghav Srivastav
Father’s Name : Sh. R.P. Gupta Father’s Name : Late Sh. K.N. Srivastav
Date of Birth : 24th August, 19×× Date of Birth : 23th April, 19××
Marital Status : Single Marital Status : Married
Nationality : Indian Nationality : Indian
Languages : Hindi, English and Punjabi Languages : Hindi and English
Known Known
Contact No. : 98×××××××× Contact No. : 98××××××××
Address : D-40, Ashok Nagar, New Delhi Address : 10, East of Kailash, New Delhi
Educational : (i) MBA (20××) Educational : (i) P.G. Diploma in Journalism
Qualification   Marks - 94% Qualification   (20××) Marks - 84%
D.K. College, Jallandhar C.K. College, New Delhi
(ii) Graduation in Hotel (ii) Bachelor’s Degree in
Journalism (19××)
Management (20××)
Marks - 83%
Marks - 92%
C.K. College, New Delhi
Tek Ram College, Ludhiyana
Working : Senior Reporter
Working : Sales Assistant
Experience Mid Day, New Delhi
Experience Full Marks Pvt. Ltd., Delhi
(10th July, 20×× – till date)
(July, 20×× – till date)
References : (i) Mr. T.P. Ram
References : (i) Mr. C.K. Datta Senior Reporter
Sales Manager The Hindustan Times, Delhi
Dolphine Books, Delhi
(ii) Mr. G. Ram
(ii) Mr. T.P. Chaudhary Editor
Senior Manager Full Marks Pvt. Ltd.
Pioneer India Ltd., New Delhi Daryaganj, New Delhi
Mayank Gupta Mayank Gupta
5. 10, East of Kailash 6. 24/B, Gulab Bagh
New Delhi Lucknow

10th September, 20×× 15th August, 20××

The Personnel Manager The Personnel Manager

The Times of India Phoenix India Ltd.

New Delhi Noida

Sir Sir
Subject: Application for the post of Senior Reporter. Subject: Application for the post of Sales Rep.

With reference to your advertisement published in the With reference to your advertisement published in
Times of India dated 7th September, 20×× requiring the Times of India dated 10th August, 20×× for Sales
for Senior Reporter. Representatives, I would like to be considered for the

I fulfil the conditions laid down in your advertisement. said post.
I enjoy sound health, good personality and pleasing I am young and energetic. I enjoy sound health and
manners. During the period I have served a good pleasing personality, and possess a well convincing power
number of national and local level newspapers. It and fine communication skills. I have desire to create my
will be an honour to me if I get associated with your name in the sales world. So I am in search of a suitable
esteemed organization. break. If selected, I assure the best of my services.

Please find enclosed my bio-data for the said purpose. Please find enclosed herewith my bio-data for your
I assure you my absolute devotion and sincerity. perusal.

Yours truly
Yours faithfully

Rughav Shrivastav
Madan Goyal

28 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook


Encl.: Bio-data
Encl.: Bio-data
BIO-DATA BIO-DATA
Name : Madan Goyal Name : Mohit Jain
Father’s Name : Mr. Sumeet Goyal Father’s Name : Mr. Subash Jain
Date of Birth : 18th July, 19×× Date of Birth : 15th August, 19××
Marital Status : Married Marital Status : Single
Nationality : Indian Nationality : Indian
Languages : Hindi and English Languages : Hindi, English and Punjabi
Known Known
Contact No. : 98×××××××× Contact No. : 98××××××××
Address :
24/B, Gulab Bagh, Lucknow Address :
120, Kriti Nagar, Delhi
Educational : (i) SSCE (CBSE, 19××), 93% Educational : (i) SSCE (CBSE, 19××), 86%
Qualification (ii) B.A. (Hons.) (20××), 75% Qualification (ii) B.A. (Hons.) (20××), 78%
Delhi University D.K. College, Delhi
(iii) MBA (20××), 77% (iii) MBA (20××), 77%
Manipal University C.K. College, Delhi
Technical : Computer Programming Working : Senior Executive
Qualification (Java and C++) Grade-A, CMC Experience HDFC Bank, Daryaganj, Delhi
(5th October, 20×× – till date)
Working : Senior Representative
References : (i) Mr. D. Khurana
Experience Arora Sales & Services
Branch Manager
(October, 20×× – till date)
State Bank of India
References : (i) Mr. C.K. Mahtur Sector-19, Noida
Marketing Manager
(ii) Mr. Praveen Srivastav
Seema Sales & Services
Manager
New Delhi
Phoenix Communication
(ii) Mr. R.P. Gupta Laxmi Nagar, Delhi
Sales Manager
Rachna Book Depot Mohit Jain
Lucknow
Madan Goyal VERY LONG COMPOSITION
I. Article:
7. 120, Kirit Nagar
Delhi 1. YOUTH AND POLITICS
By Rahul

26th October, 20××

The basic principle of democracy is that it should have

The HR Manager a wide participation by the people. The more is the

HABC Bank percentage of voters out of the country, the stronger is

Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi the base of the democracy because the mandate given

Sir in the elections would have a popular sport. By making
Subject: Application for the post of Sales Executive. the age of casting of vote as 18, the government brought
crores of people within the ambit of active participation

It refers to the advertisement published in the Hindustan
in elections thus giving a broad base to the democratic
Times dated 18th October, 20×× for the above post.
processes.
Hereby I offer myself as a candidate laid down in your

It also gave the message that our youth is mature
advertisement. I am hard working, honest and punctual.
and wise enough to understand their responsibility
If a chance is given I assure you the best of my services.
and they would give their mandate after carefully
Please find enclosed my bio-data for your perusal.
considering candidates’ capabilities. Being young,

In anticipation of an early response.
they are not swayed by the old systems of caste,

Yours truly creed and other orthodoxy which had been the bane

Mohit Jain of Indian politics for quite some time in the post-

Section - B: Writing Skills 29

 independence era. The government also seemed to
have realised that it was important for India’s future
to induct the youth in the democratic process at an
early age. After all it is the youth who ultimately will
become the stalwarts in politics and one day will hold
the reins in their hands.
Many people believed that the youngsters being of
a tender age do not fully comprehend the intrigues
connected with politics for which it is often called
a dirty game. If the youth get entangled in political
activities, they will lose direction and purpose. Another
fear was that the politics is dominated by middle-aged
and old people. If the youth also enter the arena, there
will be an atmosphere of rivalry. Belonging to different
generations, there is a possibility of generation gap,
misunderstanding and even rejection of one age group
of the other those who are of the opinion that those
among the youngsters who are students and at the
threshold of some career will suffer immensely if they
go astray. If they start missing their classes and take
part in meetings and rallies, they will be left behind in
their career. Being immature and inexperienced about
the demand of life they may put to a great loss in their
after having lost valuable time as students.
2. REASONS FOR GROWING CRIME
AGAINST THE ELDERLY PEOPLE
By Sohan
Crime against the elderly people are growing all over
the world. Every year some old couples are reported
to have been killed by some strange people. The old
people are the pride of our society and we should give
them due respect. Instead they are being tortured and
killed cruelly.
In the changing world the nuclear family system is
preferred by all. Everybody wants to enjoy life along
with their own family and in such a family, the elderly
people have no room. They are considered as a burden
on the family. In such a critical circumstances, sons are
forced to carry on the burden of their old parents.
Now every family has a limited resource. The income
of every family is not sufficient to sustain family
expenses, where the grandparents could have a room.
Now nobody has desire to add burden to his family.
The elderly people being big burden to their sons are
naturally neglected in such a family.
Some young members of family think that the presence
of elderly people will spoil their enjoyment. They do
not like to live under any sort of control. As a result
they choose old age homes for their old parents and
grandfathers where they live like a prisoners in a
cell. Life has no meaning without love and affection.
The elderly people are bound to meet such kind of
treatment everyday. It is the biggest crime for a decent
society.
30 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
3. THE HAVOC CREATED BY NATURAL
DISASTER ALL OVER THE WORLD
By Sonam
The most powerful hurricane to hit the Caribbean
region in a decade has laid waste to the island of
Grenada. Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada after
pummelling Barbados and other islands and its wind
and rains have been blamed for at least 15 fatalities.
Ivan is now on a direct course for Jamaica, Cuba and
the hurricane-weary southern United States.
The storm inflicted most of its damage on Grenada on
Tuesday, but the havoc created by the 125mph winds,
which cut communication lines, meant the extent of the
destruction was not known until now.
Some 90% of homes on the “spice isle” of Grenada,
which has a population of 100,000, were damaged, and
an unknown number of convicts were set free after a
17th century stone prison was destroyed.
The United Nations is sending a disaster team but
the long-term effects of the hurricane are likely to
spell economic disaster for Grenada. Much of the
country’s agriculture, including the prime nutmeg
crop, was destroyed. Hurricane Ivan has already
struck Venezuela, Tobago, Barbados and St Vincent,
damaging hundreds of homes.
Ivan is expected to reach Jamaica by Friday and Cuba
by the weekend. Meteorologist Jennifer Pralgo said:
“We’re hoping it’s not Florida again, but it’s taking
a fairly similar track to (Hurricane) Charley at the
moment”.
4. THE SHORTAGE OF WATER
AND ELECTRICITY IN DELHI
By Anushka
There is not one but many causes for the water problem
in Delhi. We cannot ignore its fast paced population
growth., We cannot ignore the paced growth of slums
in various localities in Delhi. Thousands of people live
in Delhi without adequate water supply and sanitation
services. The reason being the groundwater table is
depleted. Also, the warmer climate and deficit rainfall
have also led to the growth of water shortages in the
Capital.
In fact, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) which is responsible
for water supply and management has not been able
to arrange proper distribution of water. Most parts of
the city have no piped connections. Various localities
depend on tankers.
In summers, it is a perpetual problem in Delhi. Every
year, Delhi has to depend on other neighbouring States
like Utter Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand
for water supply, when it has in its heart the Yamuna
river. The reason being there has always been poor
water management. A lot of water gets wasted.

The Delhi Jal Board is to be blamed as it has not been
able to keep its infrastructure and equipment in better
condition. Most of the water, around 52% gets wasted
due to leaks in the pipelines of the DJB. There is also
no proper water treatment and waste disposal facilities
in the Capital. The poor sewage treatment causes the
shortage of potable water as there are no proper means
to treat sewage water for re-use. There are around 600
water bodies, which need to be replenished. Also,
distribution of water haphazardly, loss of water in
transmission and distribution, unauthorised use of
water and unmerited water supply have all contributed
towards water shortage in the Capital.
Getting water is not the problem but managing water
is the biggest problem. So accurate and strict measures
should be taken for proper management of water
resources. More dams should be constructed, especially
those areas where the rain water gets drained out
without beings used.
DJB should distribute water equally in all locations,
instead of supplying water to VIP zones more than
the common people’s localities. More and more tree
plantation to replenish the ground water level should be
encouraged. In the same manner the Delhi Government
should take measures to restore the conditions of
electricity in the capital.
5. CORRUPTION AND ITS NEGATIVE EFFECT
By Praveen
Corruption affects us all. It threatens sustainable
economic development, ethical values and justice, it
destabilities our society and endanger the rule of law. It
undermines the institution and values of our democracy.
Because public policies and public resources are largely
beneficial to poor people, it is they who suffer the
harmful effects of corruption most grievously.
Many acts of corruption deprive our citizens of their
constitutional and human rights. Public money is for
government services and projects. Taxes collected
bonds issued, income from government investments
and other means of financing government expenditure
are meant for social grants, education, hospitals,
roads, the supply of power and water and to ensure
the personal security of our citizens. Corruption and
bad management practices eat into the nation’s wealth,
channelling money away from such project and very
people most dependent on government for support.
Adherence to good governance creates an environment
where corruption struggles to flourish. Failure to adhere
to the practices of good governance means stakeholders
increasingly demand accountability. Mass action and
strikes are organised in protest as citizens begin to
lose faith in the ability or willingness of their elected
official. Political instability increase. Investment
Section - B: Writing Skills
declines. The sale of shares by investors decreases the
value and rating of companies. Their regulators can
deny them licences, a stock exchange listing or the
ability to sell products and services. Other organisations
refuse to business with them. And donors or economic
organisations grant fewer loans or aid to nations whose
governance is murky. Thus, we should fight corruption
at all levels.
6. THE LEAKING OF EXAM PAPERS
By Krishna Roy
Examinations measure the standard of knowledge
possessed by students. The schools, colleges, teachers
and even parents prepare students throughout the year
with expectation that their students will perform better
in the examinations. In fact they have high belief in the
principles of examinations.
The leakage of questions papers is a big challenge for
examinations. This malpractice has tried to spoil the
spirit of examinations. As a result, the hard working,
meritorious and brilliant students are left behind in
terms of marks/grade which the mediocre students
are capable to get easily. Those students who have
worked throughout the years feel humiliated before
such students who can manage question papers before
the date of examinations.
The progress of our country depends on hard working
students because they will work day and night for its
progress. If they are demoralised by leaking the exam
papers before date of exams, naturally they lose heart
and lead a hopeless life. In future the country may not
have good doctors, engineers and executives who have
to work continuously.
Successful students/persons teach the story of success to
society and motivate the other people for noble works.
When there is scarcity of hard working, honest and
brilliant students, our society will be a home of failure
only. And the credit of this act goes to the leakage of
exam papers which has made even the hard working
and brilliant students hopeless and disappointed. So, the
leakage of question papers directly affects the students
and indirectly the society.
7. ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN SOCIETY
TO KEEP OUR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN
By Karan/Karuna
Living in greener places has always been beneficial
for people. The air we breathe, the water we drink and
the roads we walk on must be pollution free. Hence, it
is important to keep the parks, lawns roads, etc. near
our homes clean at all times. One of the privileges
people living in standalone houses enjoy is the luxury
of having their own garden and open space. Even
though the people residing in the apartments miss such
31
 opportunities they can still make the most of what they
have — the green spaces in their neighbourhood.
Keeping the surrounding clean is our moral and social
duty and we should attempt keep our surrounding clean
and contribute our bit to the Swachh Bharat Campaign.
We should not forget to play our individual role to
contribute in this drive.
We should encourage youngsters and elders to be a part
of the monthly clean up campaigns that we organize in
our neighbourhood. Such campaigns act as an effective
reminder to people about the importance of keeping
their neighbourhood clean and green. We must join the
monthly cleanup teams so that we can stay conscious
about our contribution towards keeping the locality
clean.
Plastics, aluminium and glass are some of the
commonly used materials. After using these materials,
people lend to dispose of them in the trash which
pollutes the environment. The best alternative in such
a situation would be to get rid of these materials and
start using reusable bags and towel bags.
One of the most common habits that we all have is to
throw garbage around us. If we can control this, then
keeping the environment clean will automatically
become easier. The best way to put an end to this bad
habit is by placing dustbins at every road corner. This
needs to come with the assurance that the dustbins will
be cleaned by the end of the day..
We should come naturally to people who wish to keep
the environment clean, green and healthy. So we should
encourage kids and elders to plant more trees and water
then regularly. It is a great way to maintain the green
environment around us.
These small steps will go along way in keeping our
home, street, city and country clean. We should never
forget that charity begins at home.
II. Speech:
1. THE POOR PERFORMANCE
OF THE INDIANS IN SPORTS
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
The problems the sportspersons encounter in the path
towards excellence are plenty and only the people who
get into the depth would be able to fathom the reasons.
In the countries where the sportspersons keep on
excelling, they have an opportunity to select any sport
as a choice of career and even discontinue education.
The welfare policies of those governments towards
its people allow them to make such choices. The
facilities available in the countries will help them in
confidently selecting any particular sport as career. No
parents in India would like to encourage their children
to discontinue their studies as there is no guarantee of
earning a livelihood in a nation where not all the sports
are patronised by its citizens. At the same time, the
32 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
countries against which these sportsmen compete have
such excellent facilities for all sports that any aspiring
sportsperson can just walk into the nearest facility from
home and play for a long time. The membership fee to
utilize the facilities is also nominal. At the same time
the nation cannot create such facilities even if it funds
the same due to the high population density. Hence
sports excellence does not come naturally to people
based on their natural talents. Only the rich could afford
enrollment into such facilities.
The government should create sufficient infrastructure
for sportspersons in the country. The senior and the
retired sportspersons should provide free training to the
young players from the beginning. Our efforts should
start at the school level so that our player may perform
better in sports.
Thank you
2. HOW WE CAN COMBAT STRESS
IN OUR LIVES
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Our life is full of stress. But we must learn how to
control it. We must avoid, or at least reduce, our
consumption of nicotine and any drinks containing
caffeine and alcohol. They are stimulants and so will
increase our level of stress. Alcohol is a depressant
when taken in large quantities, but acts as a stimulant
in smaller quantities.
A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Stress
also interrupts our sleep as thoughts keep whirling
through our heads, stopping us from relaxing enough
to fall asleep.
Our aim should be to maximise our relaxation before
going to sleep. We should make sure that our bedroom
is a tranquil oasis with no reminders of the things that
cause us stress. We should also stop doing any mentally
demanding work several hours before going to bed so
that we can give our brain time to calm down.
Stress can be triggered by a problem that may on the
surface seem impossible to solve. Learning how to
find solutions to our problems will help us feel more
in control thereby lowering the level of stress. We
should develop problem-solving technique involving
writing down the problem and coming up with as many
possible solutions as we can. We should accept that we
can not do everything at once and start to prioritise and
diarise our tasks. We should make a list of all the things
that we need to do and list them in order of genuine
priority. We should also record which tasks need to be
done immediately, in the next week, in the next month,
or when time allows. If we are feeling unwell a short
spell of rest will enable the body to recover faster. If
we follow above suggestions, we can reduce our level
of stress to a great extent.
Thank you
 3. MEDIA IS A NECESSARY
EVIL TODAY
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Today I would like to present my views before the
august body regarding the role of media. Media is the
most powerful weapon of democracy. It influences our
life in many ways. It makes us aware with the latest
developments of the country as well as the world. It
works at 24 × 7 basis. It also helps us in making public
opinion. The influence of media is increasing day-by-
day in the society. It is also the responsibility of media
to provide authentic information to the public. It must
be the aim of the media to make people aware with the
pros and cons of any issue. Then people can form their
opinion and draw an inference on that issue. It is the
responsibility of media to ensure that they direct their
efforts towards building a constructive and balanced
society otherwise it is a necessary evil today.
Thank you
4. THE DEVASTATION CAUSED
BY TERRORISM
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Every body knows that terrorism is the biggest threat
that the world faces today. Modern terrorism thrives
on its ability to hit where it hurts the most. The aim
of the terrorists is to create fear, anxiety, panic and
disturbance in the minds of the common people.
They believe in destruction and death and create
lawlessness. At present innocent citizens are becoming
the victims of terror and violence. Hapless citizens are
used as pawns and ransoms for exerting pressure on
governments. Sometimes governments too feel helpless
and yield to their unlawful and exorbitant demands for
money, material and release of fellow terrorists. As the
authorities bow to demands of terrorists, citizens lose
faith in government. Terrorists attacked the twin towers
in America, on September 11, 2001 killing thousands
of persons. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been
infested by terrorists. Even the Indian Parliament was
the target of attack on 13th December, 2001. The latest
was the Mumbai attack on the Taj Hotel on 26 Nov.,
2008. The government should enact strict laws to
combat this evil against humanity.
Thank you
5. THE CAREFUL USE OF
MOBILE PHONE
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
These days mobile phones are not a mere means of
communication. The movie lovers are so glued to the
mobile phones that they have no care for the traffic
while crossing the roads. So is the case of students
who are always found busy at movie sites, Facebooks,
Whatsapp, etc.
Section - B: Writing Skills
Among the teen agers, the frequency of using text
messages has now overtaken the frequency of any
other common form of interaction with their friends.
Some 75% of 12-17 year old now own cell phones,
which have become indispensable tools in the teen age
communication pattern.
Cell owning teen agers use mobile phones for calling
which is a critically important function for them, when
it is a matter of connecting with their parents. But teens
make and receive fewer phone cells than text messages
of their cell phones. It shows how busy they are with
their cell phones.
As we see with other communicative applications girls
are more likely than boys to use both text messaging
and voice calling. They are likely to do each more
frequently. So, mobile phones keep both boys and girl
busy with such activities.
With regard to the excessive use of mobile phones
parent exert some measure of control over their child
— limiting its uses. Checking contents and to monitor
whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few
notable exceptions, these activities do not seem to
impact pattern of cell phone use by teens. Therefore,
we have to control ourselves from overusing the mobile
phones. We know that excess of anything is bad.
Thank you
6. THE ROLE OF MUSEUMS IN
PRESERVING HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
The main function of museums has traditionally
revolved around collecting, preserving, researching
and displaying objects. In the last 50 years, a greater
emphasis has been placed on exhibitions, interpretation,
learning and audiences. Furthermore, the number of
museums has grown dramatically in this period, with
an incredible range of themes and subjects covered.
Displays are still constructed essentially around objects,
thus making material culture a key constituent of most
museum interpretation narratives.
History consumed in museums is closer to what
might be termed ‘public history’ than the history
that circulates within the academy. Despite the rapid
expansion of museum collections throughout the
last century historians have preferred to research in
the familiar comfort of the archive and the library
rather than in the museum object store. Recently,
historians have become more engaged by objects as
new technology has resulted in digitised collections
being made available through the internet. They have
also become more involved in the development of
new museum galleries and temporary exhibitions. The
history of museums and of collecting has become a
specialist field of its own.
Museums are encouraging history to be viewed
33
 wherever possible from multiple perspectives, catering
for different learning styles and providing a space for
dialogue and debate. They are not the only place in the
public sphere where history is consumed but they do
provide a unique environment for historical enquiry
through their galleries, exhibitions and collections.
Thank you
III. Debate:
1. VALUE-BASED EDUCATION IS THE ONLY
REMEDY FOR DECREASING THE CRIME
RATE AMONGST THE EDUCATED FOLK
(For the Motion)
I am Kuber. I am to speak for the motion. The present
scenario of our country is not good. In every corner
of the country one can find unsafety, terrorism, looting,
accidents, raping, murder, and dowry death etc. The
modern youths are full of disturbances, tensions and
stresses. The problem of unemployment has engulfed the
educated youths. Intelligent people are migrating to other
nations in search of job and better prospects. There is
much wastage in education. People getting professional
degrees don’t get a chance to have a hand on the jobs.
The officers have left doing their duties honestly. They
expect some thing extra for putting any word on the
file. The teachers are wasting their times in gossips.
The engineers don’t care about their technical work
and the buildings and flyovers collapse after a certain
time. Educated people are turning to crimes as they
have no alternative with reservation, caste system and
vote bank. The other tribes will usurp their jobs. Have
we ever pondered over all these phases. Certainly,
not. It is for the politicians and academicians to leap
forward and decide the fate of modern youths who
have astrayed from their work. They should arrange
such type of value based educated that they must
fall a prey on the nation.
The increase in the crime rate amongst the educated
folk is due to the lack of moral education in curriculum.
Moral education which is so important for developing
our young children into ideal citizens finds no place
in our system of education. If we want to decrease the
crime rate amongst the educated folk, we should impart
them value-based education in schools and colleges.
Our academicians and educationists should frame such
type of syllabus that should be based moral building.
2. CRICKET SHOULD BE MADE
OUR NATIONAL GAME
(For the Motion)
The thing is, we can’t just change a national sport. We
cannot say ‘Yes’ don’t even know a shred of our history
in Hockey. Major Dhyanchand played so well, Hitler
himself offered him a post in his military, and but Hitler
only liked those with Aryan blood in them. We know
34 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
Dhyanchand rejected that. In Tokyo, the officials of a
match broke Dhyanchand’s Hockey stick to see if a
magnet was in it. He was that good.
Who do you think beat the best players(Germany) in
an Olympic final 8-1? Our team in its first Olympics
did this, they went on to win 6 more. India’s first
Olympics, our team won all 24 matches. That is better
than any cricket record at present. Since I love cricket
so much, I me tell you. Don Bradman himself had said
that Dhyanchand scores goals like he scores runs.
Cricket is a game that requires a very low level of fitness.
Moreover, Sachin Tendulkar should’ve gotten the
Bharat Ratna after ‘TRUE’ legends like Major
Dhyanchand and Vishy Anand.
Hockey is the national game of India from Ancient
Most of us supporting for hockey due to the national
game. Cricket is played worldwide and for its
commercial purposes. It is now played for price money
but during 1983 world cup India played for the pride.
So I would prefer that hockey is the best sport but
cricket be made the national game of India.
The popularity of cricket is increasing every day
everywhere. In our country everybody likes to play and
watch cricket. The modern versions of this game are
quite interesting for people. Really every person enjoys
cricket in the country. In comparison with hockey
cricket has become more popular. So, this game be
made the national game of our country.
IV. Report:
1. RAMPANT CORRUPTION IN THE SOCIETY
Reported by Payal
News Correspondent, TOI
New Delhi: 1st August, 20××
Thousands of students belonging to the youth
organisation assembled in the campus of D.K. college,
New Delhi. They were demanding the resignation of the
present principal who committed several irregularities
in admission. Previously only the students securing
above 80% marks were allowed to get admission in
this prestigious college.
The present principal created several doors for the
admission of mediocre students. The quota allotted
for the poor boys was merged with the seats reserved
for the women. Besides, more than 40% of seats in the
college was declared reserved for the women securing
above 90% marks. As a result, admission to this
institution became tough even for the brilliant students.
In addition, there was remour in the air that the students
from the general category were expected to face
the entrance test this year. They were also required
to qualify in the three subject — optional, English
and General knowledge, certainly the examination
procedure was made tougher this year. The students
were annoyed at the behaviour of the principal also.
 They came in great numbers with slogans like. ‘Remove
the principal’, ‘Education is not commodity’, etc.
The agitation staged by students aimed at corrupt
practices rampant i the college. The local leaders had
also given their support to this agitation. Students were
in favour of change in the college. This event evidently
shows that corruption is rampant in the society. Even
the educational institutions are the victims of this evil.
2. WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Reported by Karan
This year 5th June World Environment Day was
celebrated in our school in a different way. Students
from class VI to XII participated in various activities
and the school management committed gave very
support. Some teacher and students from the local
school had also participated in the celebration.
The children from class III to VIII also contributed to the
celebration. Their acts were very impressive. They had
made countless placards with attractive slogans like —
‘Save our Environment’, ‘Clean Environment is needed
for life’. ‘Save our forests’, Save precious animals,
‘Plant Trees’, etc. Besides, small children presented
themselves in the form of small and big animals and
copied their life. Their acts entertained everybody.
The senior students staged a drama on world life —
‘Rabbit – The King of Forest’. The drama was full of
message that only peace could give us happiness. This
drama was supported by the arrangements of lights and
model trees which represented the scene of a jungle,
where every animal lived peaceful. Everybody liked
this drama and even the school management committee
praised the efforts of students.
At last the principal of our school gave an impressive
speech on the ‘Importance of environment’, and
encouraged students for tree plantation, animal love,
etc. The celebration ended with national anthem sung
by a group of students.
ASSIGNMENT – 1
1. SITUATION VACANT
Required PGT for the following subjects —
English, Physics, Maths for a reputed public school
urgently. Send resume with the following details-
Qualification, experience, expected salary before
15th of Sept, 2017. Mail your resume to: Chairman,
P.O. Box-516, Civil Lines, Rohtak, Haryana.
2. 1420, Model Town
New Delhi
5th September, 20××
The Municipal Chairman
South Delhi
Delhi
Section - B: Writing Skills
Sir
Subject: Dilapidated condition of historical monument.
With due respect I wish to report the dilapidated
condition of historical monument at the public park
located near south campus. Actually I have read that
this monument was made by Aurangzeb and has a lot
of historical value. But over the years I have seen its
condition deteriorate. Infact lot of rag pickers can be
seen sitting over there even during day time smoking
and using drugs. People are using it for defecating also.
It gives foul smell and presents an ugly picture.
Government is spending crores of rupees in the upkeep
of historical monuments. So, why such a beautiful
monument is being defaced in this manner? Immediate
steps are required to preserve it otherwise another
artifact will be lost to time.
I hope that my concern will not go waste and immediate
steps will be taken for upkeep of historical monuments
in Delhi and elsewhere.
Thanking You
Yours sincerely
Reeta
3. HOW TO PROVIDE PROPER
HEALTH CARE TO THE COMMON MAN
By Karan/Karuna
We all know that common man is facing lots of health
related problems in India. Even in Government and
municipal hospitals facilities are very poor. There
are sanitation problems. There is also no doubt that
private medical care is expensive, everyone would
face difficulty if they were to avail of this facility on a
regular basis. All this should be made more accessible
to the common man.
Wherever the government is providing health facilities,
for example primary health centres etc. at all these
centres medical aid must be made more accessible,
more reliable and more affordable. At these centres
essential medicines will be made available free of cost.
Everyone should have access to health centres like
AIIMS not only in few cities like Delhi but all over
the country. For treatment of cancer easily accessible
and effective treatment must be made available
across the country. Traditional and alternative lines of
treatment like Unani, Ayurveda or Homoeopathy must
also be made available to patients. There should be
reduction in the costs of treatment. One can’t ignore
the contribution of the private sector in providing
world class healthcare. The common man should also
have access to these facilities. Private medical care
centres should join the government in this endeavour.
Advancements in medical technology have increased
costs of treatment, but Government can find a way to
provide it to poor at minimal cost.
35
 4. CLEAN YOUR CITY’ CAMPAIGN
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’ is an old adage. It is
perhaps most relevant nowadays when environmental
pollution is increasing day by day. Prevention is better
than cure. Dirt and disease thrive together. Insanitary
conditions of the streets not only give the city a filthy
and ugly look, they also breed many harmful disease
causing bacteria. Our first effort, therefore, is to keep
our surroundings clean. People should separate their
household solid waste in two parts—biodegradable and
non-biodegradable, instead of heaping them together.
Proper steps should be taken for garbage disposal.
Incinerators should be installed at proper places.
The use of biogas and other eco-friendly materials
can help to keep the kitchen clean. The ‘clean your
city’ campaign launched by the magazine ‘Our Good
Earth’ aims at making us conscious of cleanliness
of our surroundings. We can keep our environment
clean by minimising the harmful gases spewn by the
automobiles by sharing the vehicles. The replacement
of diesel driven buses by CNG buses will help to reduce
the suspended particulate matter in the air. The citizens
must become cleanliness conscious.
Thank you
ASSIGNMENT – 2
1.
D.A.V. Public School, Noida
NOTICE
15 Sept., 20××
Talent Hunt Evening
It is to inform all the students that Cultural Club
of school is organizing a Talent Hunt competition
on 25th Sept, 20×× in the school Auditorium. Pt.
Ravi Shankar has consented to be the chief guest
for the occasion. The students who wish to take part
should give their names along with the item they
want to present by tomorrow to your class teacher.
Only selected students will be allowed to perform.
Mridula
Secretary
(Cultural club)
2. Rajasthan Tourist Bureau
Sikandra Road
New Delhi
2nd June, 20××
The principal
Sunrise Global school
New Delhi
Dear Ma’am
Subject: Facilities provided by our organization for
visit to Jaipur.
36 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
With respect to your letter dated 31st May, regarding
facilities and expenses provided by us for Jaipur, I
would like to inform you and give details for the same
regarding the package deals we are having for Jaipur.
We have two packages currently-one is for five days
where we cover only places and forts in Jaipur. It
includes stay in Three star hotel on twin sharing
basis, transportation, food as well as sight seeing with
professional guide. For a group of 30 students we charge
` 50,000. The payment has to be made in advance.
The second package is for ` 65,000 and it includes visit
to Kazirange National park as well. It is for seven days.
I am sending our brochure also for your reference. Hope
that you will give us an opportunity to do business with
you.
Hoping for a positive reply.
Thanking You
Yours sincerely
Karuna Bajaj
3. MINIMISATION OF HUMAN WANTS WAY
TO CLEANSE SOCIETY
(For the Motion)
Good morning friends.
I am Sangeeta and I am to speak for the motion. Mahatma
Gandhi once said “There is enough for everyone’s need,
but not enough for a single person’s greed”. With time,
humans have evolved and so have their demands. A few
decades ago, people’s aim in life was simple to have
enough to fulfill their basic needs and live a content life.
But in today’s modern era, people’s aim has become
to earn more and more money, even though it may or
may not bring happiness to them. Then people used
to work hard to get two square meals a day but today
everyone wants to go to five star hotels. With advancing
technologies, our demands have increased rapidly, and as
a result, today this world is full of greed. Everyone just
wants to earn more and more money, no matter how.
Gone are the days when ‘honesty is the best policy’
was applicable to the daily life, this is the time of
‘money is the best policy’. Greed has blindfolded our
people in such a way that the real growth of our nation
is completely hampered. Few centuries ago, India was
the richest nation in the world, but today it ranks among
most poor nations. The greed has taken the sense of
judgement away from us. This world has now become
more materialistic than ever, Today, if allowed, we all
will happily trade our soul with money. Corruption is
hampering India’s growth, but corruption takes place
due to money. Money is needed to fulfill our greed,
greediness arises as the people want more and more
things today, So finally, we can say that human wants
are the main culprit behind corruption. So in order to
stop the growing corruption, we need to decrease our
 wants. So friends, only and only we can stop corruption
and glorify our nation again, its now or never.
4. LAUNCH OF OATLICIOUS
Reported by Ravi
Delhi, 20th March, 20××
A new product was launched by the Commerce
department of our school ‘Delicious Oatlicious’ as a
part of Entrepreneurship project. A team of six students
started the project under the guidance of commerce
Head of department Mrs. Suman Shekhar. A lot of
research was undertaken by the students first. They
went to different societies to find out what actually the
consumers wanted from oat based products.
As already many products are available in the market
so, the group wanted to find out what changes can be
there. Also they wanted to find out the scope for the
new product. After the research it was discovered that
there was a scope of chocolate based products. So, a
small working area was set up in one of the rooms of
the school where oatlicious was manufactured. Two
students took up the charge to market it. The final
product was sent to shops. There was a lot of difficulty
in convincing the shopkeepers as well. Finally, after the
hard work it was time to reap the rewards. It was found
that the school had made a profit of about ` 20,000 by
this whole endeavor. When the results were sent for
Entrepreneurship competition, it was heartening to
know that we had won the first position. The whole
credit goes to Mrs. Suman and her dedicated team.
ASSIGNMENT – 3
1.
“MAKE YOUR
ALIVE AFTER DEATH”
2. 112, Taj Road
Agra
2nd Jan, 20××
The Editor
Times of India
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Exploitation of teachers.
Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper
I would like to voice my concern regarding the
exploitation of teachers in private schools and the
impact it is having on education system.
It is a matter of great concern that Private school
managements don’t pay enough salary to their teachers.
The teachers are made to sign on a higher salary
but are paid a fraction of that. This leads to general
dissatisfaction which in turn affects their performance
in the class and the students. Most of the teachers then
take up private coaching to make both ends meet. Thus
they take minimal interest in the class room teaching for
which students suffer for no fault of theirs. Although
govt. has issued notifications in this regards still private
managements find ways and means to avoid this by
citing various reasons.
It is time that strict action may be taken against erring
managements and the teachers are given their due. It is
natural that if the teacher is satisfied he will surely give his
best. Our country at this stage requires dedicated teachers
but it is upto us to take care of their needs as well.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Navtej/Navita
3. ROLE OF YOUTH
IN COMBATING CORRUPTION
By Mohit Sen

D
Corruption is rampant in our social and political life.
Donate your Like cancer it is eating into the vitals of the society.
eyes for the Selfserving politicians and their agents and power

ON
blind and brokers can stoop to any extent to feather their own
help them nest. Nobody is free from the needle of suspicion.
Corruption seems to rule the roost everywhere. In
A T E see the
world. Thus
government offices, it percolates from the top to the
bottom. ‘You pay the piper and call the tune’ or ‘Money
E Y E S your eyes makes the mare go’ are the unwritten tenets of our
will see even administrative-cum-political set up.
IF YOU CAN after you It seems that the older generation has given the go by to
READ THIS will be no all that was good in India. It is the youth and specially
THEN PLEASE students who have to take cudgels against this demon
THINK ABOUT IT more.
of corruption and crush it altogether. A beginning can
be made in this direction by holding anti-corruption
For more information: drives. The ill-effects of corruption in public life
Contact your nearest Eye Bank should be publicised through inter-school declamation

Section - B: Writing Skills 37

 and essay-writing contests. Students should take a
pledge to resist the temptation of using unfair means
in examination. They can also go a step further and
persuade their friends, relatives and parents to curb this
evil at all cost. The dedicated efforts of honest youth
are bound to succeed in the long run in demolishing
and vanquishing this social evil which has earned us a
bad name.
4. SPEECH-PREVENTION OF
WATER BORNE DISEASES
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Water borne diseases are cause for the deaths of
millions of people every year. Consuming water that
contains pathogenic microorganisms causes water
borne diseases. In most developing countries, water
borne diseases are the main cause of childhood death,
especially with diarrhoea.
Water borne diseases are contagious and prevention of
waterborne diseases requires high standards of hygiene
and sanitation. In order to be acquainted with the ways
to avoid water borne diseases, it is essential to know
how infection takes place.
The most common way by which the spreading of
microorganisms takes place is through drinking
contaminated water. However, apart from that, water
borne diseases can be spread through other means such
as clothes, hands, foods, materials used for cooking,
eating, and drinking. Pathological microorganisms can
enter the body through an open wound, eyes, and nose
as well. Typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera,
hepatitis, worms, and polio are some of the widespread
water borne diseases.
Thank you
ASSIGNMENT – 4
1.
Join the Movement and Help the Needy
EACH ONE TEACH ONE
 Teach atleast one illiterate around you to read
and write.
 Sponsor a child to school today.
 Spread education to every door.
 Help our society become self reliant.
BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
For more detail log on:
www.sarvshikshaabhiyan.in
38
2. PLANWEL COMPANY
Tarapore Towers
MG Road, Bengaluru
Ref. No. 20/PC/35
19 April, 20××
The Manager
Hello Advertising
Bengaluru
Sir
Subject: Offer of a premises on rent.
It is with reference to your advertisement in the
newspaper dated 25th July, 20××. Regarding office, we
wish to inform that on M.G. Road we have one office
space available which suits your requirement.
This office is located on the first floor in central
market on M.G. Road. The area is 9 m × 7 m. It is
north facing and ideally suited for advertising office.
Furthermore it has seating capacity for four to six
people.
The terms and conditions for rent are as under:
(i) A refundable security of rupees two lakh.
(ii) Rent of ` 10,000 pm payable in advance.
(iii) Electricity and water charges extra.
(iv) Sanitation at your disposal.
(v) Rental lease will lapse after eleven months.
In case the above mentioned terms are acceptable please
contact the undersigned within a week.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Vishnu Wasan
(Office Manager)
3. DISCIPLINE SHAPES
THE FUTURE OF STUDENTS
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
I am Karan, a student of Class-XII. I am to speak
on the topic. Discipline is the key to success. This
saying holds true for all times and for all people of
all age groups. But students it holds a great value. In
contemporary times there are so many temptations
that can lure a student away from his basic objective
in life.
At a student level, where there is cut-throat competition
and time is extremely precious, these can prove to
be real obstacles to overcome. Self-discipline is
something students should aim to achieve. It is not a
commodity one can buy from the market. It is a rare
quality which one has to inculcate, nurture and cherish
from early childhood. Through self-discipline will
come concentration which will in turn help a student
to scale new heights of academic excellence. Success
Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
 will be theirs for the taking the value and practise self- 2. 23 Raman Villa
discipline and abide by it at all times. Race Course Road

Temptations are always there. Only the forms of Bhopal
temptations change. But those of us who learn the
11th August, 20××
subtle art of self-discipline and self-constraint, nothing
can prevent us from attaining our goals in life. Let us
The Personnel Manager
all aim to be a little more self disciplined henceforth.
Pioneers (Pvt.) Ltd. Co.

Hyderabad

Thank you

Sir
4. TUITION AT COACHING CENTRES
Subject: Application for the post of an Accountant.
IS NOT ESSTIONIAL
(Against the Motion)
In response to your advertisement in The Times of India
Good morning friends. Today I am standing before dated 1st August, 20××, I wish to be considered for the
you to debate on the topic. Well, it is an interesting position mentioned above. I feel my qualifications and
topic because now-a-days 90% of students are found experience are good enough to enable me to discharge
running between one coaching centre and another. my duties. I attach herewith attested copies of my
Well coaching centers are needed to some extent while certificates and bio-data. If given a chance, I may assure
preparing for competitive and some typical entrance you that I shall spare no pains in the discharge of my
examinations. Even though coaching centers loots duty honestly and devotedly.
thousands of rupees from innocent students in the
Thanking you
name of coaching. Only some students are actually

Yours faithfully
benefited through coaching. It has become a roaring
business with the money of students by announcing
Nipun
short term coaching. Within short period of time
Encl.: Bio-data
student can’t learn the subject and examination
tricks. So for long term preparation of any kind of BIO-DATA
examination coaching centers are needed but for short
term preparation it is waste of money and time. A ban Name : Nipun Verma
on coaching centers is not advisable as there are some Father’s Name : Mr. Mohan Lal Verma
coaching centers which are really doing good job and Date of Birth : 15th September, 19××
are very helpful in guiding the students and making
Marital Status : Single
them well prepared for the various competitive
exams keeping apart the high fees taken by them. Nationality : Indian
And not all students can prepare themselves for these Languages : Hindi, English and Punjabi
competitive exams and hence they need to take the Known
help of coaching centers by joining them. There are Contact No. : 98××××××××
some coaching centers that are quite genuine and have
Address :
23, Raman Villa, Race Course Road
earned a good name.
Bhopal
Then there are others which are just a source to earn
handsome money and they are doing nothing extra Educational : (i) SSCE (CBSE, 19××), 83%
which cannot be covered during school teaching, Qualification (ii) B.Com (Hons.) (20××), 73%
but the fact is there should be a provision of giving Delhi University
extra class to those students also who wish to appear (iii) CA (20××)
for the competitive exams after the secondary (iv) ICWA (20××)
education. Expected : ` 55,000 pm + perks
Salary
ASSIGNMENT – 5
References : (i) Dr. V. Anand
1. P.G. ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE HOD Commerce
Paying Guest Accommodation offer on the first floor Holker University, Indore
of the house, M-114,, Mall Road Delhi. Spacious (ii) Mr. R.K. Sareen
rooms fitted with electricity, fans, washing machines, Financial Advisor GRASIM
a big mirror for dressing, bus and metro station at (India), Bengaluru.
a walking distance, breakfast, lunch dinner outside.
Contact Karuna/Karan, Mobile: 98××××××××. Nipun Verma

Section - B: Writing Skills 39

 3. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD
(For the Motion)
Good morning friends.
I am Fahad. I am to speak for the motion. Appearance
are often deceptive. Many things may superficially
appear very attractive. When they are examined
from close quarters, they prove to be disappointing.
One cannot judge the quality of thing by seeing its
exterior portion only. Every shining metal is not
gold.
Very often, things are not what they seem to be. One
should always try to find out the true nature of things.
We should try to find out the reality hidden behind their
glittering face. A book with a beautiful cover has no
guarantee of its being interesting.
A beautifully packaged product launched in the market
after massive advertising campaign may attract the
consumer. People may but that product once but if
the product is of poor quality, they would not buy it
again. A wise and discerning person does not accept
things at face value. He gets suspicious of a person or
things which appears too good to be true. His trained
eyes can see beyond the superficial appearance of an
object.
The quality of anything can be judge only if we
come to know the reality of a thing. Gold is gold if
the inner metal is also gold. Many things are made
of inferior metal and to hide their defect. They are
given a shine. They look beautiful and attract many
a person who loves beautiful objects. An object
itself is gold. All people wearing saffron clothes
cannot be saints. A foolish man can never be wise
by pretending to be wise. Therefore, all that glitters
is not gold.
4. YOUTH TIMES
By Monika
Today’s generation youth, connected yet isolated,
savvy but anxious, indulged yet stressed, having lost
their childhood to social media, a constant proliferation
of information on a fully loaded internet. The single
biggest difference between Generation-Z and other
generations is how connected they are, and have been
since birth. On average, young people aged between 5
and 16, spend so much time online every day, that they
have no time for real life engagements. Connectivity
permeates their lives from friendships to relationships,
news, entertainment, shopping and has transformed
how they interact.
Then the questions is ‘How happy is generation Z?’
A World Health Organisation (WHO) survey carried
out in 42 countries in 2013/14, and reported this year,
found that young men and women are among the least
satisfied with their lives, particularly teenagers. Young
40 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
men and women are seeking treatment for low self-
esteem, anxiety, depression and self-harm, in greater
proportions than any other generation on record,
worldwide.
Every time they switch on their phones they’re
getting messages about parties they haven’t been
invited to, or they’re seeing photos of their friends
doing things, on their whole self-worth is based
on how many likes they’re getting on Facebook.
It absolutely permeates their sense of self-worth.
So, in the end I would like to say that perhaps our
forefathers were more happier.
ASSIGNMENT – 6
1. MISSING PERSON
My grandmother Shanti Devi, an old lady of 80
years, Punjabi speaking, fair complexion, black
eyes, short hair and a scar on the right hand missing
since for 15th December. She was in white Sari,
Black Shawal and sandals. Finder will be suitably
rewarded. Please inform SHO, Sector-15, Noida,
Phone: 22××××××.
2. DAV Public School
Pitampura
Delhi
12th September, 20××
The Director
Rajasthan Tourism
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Sir
Subject: Enquiry about charges for group tour to the
places of historical interest in Rajasthan.
I have seen your advertisement for special tour
packages for students. We are a group of 40 students
and wish to visit few places of historical interest in
Jaipur and Udaipur for 7 days during our winter break
which starts from 2nd December. It will be a mixed
group of students and teachers.
Our requirements are transportation, stay as well as
sightseeing. We shall be obliged if your can share
information regarding above queries.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Kanika
3. BAN CHILD LABOUR
By Xyz
Child labour involves the working of children at
very young age from five to fourteen years. Children
in many developing countries are forced to work
 hard for full day against their will at very low pay was necessary to change the mindset of people who
for their survival. They want to go school, play love cash.
with their friends and need love and care by their
On the other side, we can see a positive reaction from
parents like other children living in rich houses. But all over the world. Other countries which want to
unfortunately, they are forced to do something against invest in India think that Indian government is trying
their will. to solve Indian red tapism and corruption. It will draw

In developing countries, the rate of the child labour is more foreign investment in the cournty which can
high because of the poverty, low level awareness of help Indian government to become a business-friendly
education and poor schooling opportunities. Most of the country.
children of age group 5 to 14 are found to be involved
in the agriculture by their parents in the rural areas. ASSIGNMENT – 7
Therefore, poverty and lack of schools are the primary
reasons of child labour in any developing country all 1.
The Chairperson, Staff and Students of
across the world.

Childhood is considered as the happiest and vital Punjab Academy
experience in the life of everyone as childhood the Delhi
most important and friendly period of learning.
Children have full rights to get proper attention, invite you on the occasion of
love and care from their parents, proper schooling,
guidance. Child labour is corrupting the lives of “FREEDOM OF NATION
many precious children every day. It is the high level
of illegal act for which one should be punished but WITH
because of the ineffective rules and regulations it is
going side by side. KAVI DARBAR”
4. CURRENCY CHANGE IS A POSITIVE STEP
TO RESTORE THE HEALTH OF ECONOMY on
(For the Motion) Saturday, the 29th September, 20××

Good morning friends. at 7:00 p.m.

On 8th November, PM Modi’s announcement was
the breaking news across India. ` 500 and ` 1,000 in
notes (currency) are made in illegal from a stroke of INDIA HABITAT CENTRE
midnight. One might think, why it’s been done? Indian Lodi State, Delhi-110003
government’s goal was to remove all counterfeit
(Fake) currency from the market which is used in Entry by card only. Be seated by 6:30 p.m.
tax evasion, corruption and even in funding terrorist
activities. In simple words, old ` 500 and ` 1,000
notes are worthless now, had just become just a piece R.S.V.P.
of paper. Manish

Demonetization had a big impact on Indian market and (Secretary)
citizens like you and me. People flocked the banks to Mobile: 98××××××××
changed their currency and stood in long lines in front
of bank and ATMs for hours to draw their money bank
employees overworked all their might so that each 2. 158, Nirala Nagar
individual can take a sigh of relief. But, India is not Lucknow
the only country which used demonetization to deal
26th September, 20××
with corruption, inflation or tax evasion. In Europe,

The Manager
when they introduced the Euro as European Union

ICICI Bank
currency old currency was demonetized. In 2015,

Lucknow
Zimbabwe demonetized their currency to eradicate
their hyperinflation.
Sir

It was also used to promote the ‘Cashless Economy’. Subject: Application for the post of Business Devel-
Though we Indians love to handle the cash, such event opment Managers.

Section - B: Writing Skills 41


With reference to your advertisement in The Pioneer,
dated 24 September, 20×× seeking applications for
the post of Business Development Managers for the
credit card section, I offer my candidature for the
same. Please find enclosed my bio-data/resume to
enable you to assess my suitability for the aforesaid
post.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Priti Mudgil
Encl.: Bio-data
BIO-DATA
Name : Priti Mudgil
Father’s Name : Mr V.P. Mudgil
Date of Birth : 1st June, 19××
Marital Status : Single
Nationality : Indian
Languages : Hindi, English and Punjabi
Known
Contact No. : 98××××××××
Address : 158, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow
Educational : (i) SSCE (ISC, 19××), 80% spirit of patriotism that binds us together as one
Qualification (ii) B
 .Com (Hons.) (20××), 73% nation.
V.N. College, Lucknow
Technial : (i) Short term course in Money
Qualification   and Banking – IBM
(ii) Short term Computer Course
– APTECH
Working : (i) Development Executive
Experience   HFDC Bank, Lucknow visited trade fair in Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The
— 6 months
(ii) Working as Deputy
Development Officer with
Canara Bank, Kanpur
Expected : ` 20,000 pm + perks
Salary
Priti Mudgil
3. BEAUTY OF INDIA
LIES IN ITS DIVERSITY
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
India is a land of ‘Unity in Diversity’. The high
mountain ranges, vast seas, large river-irrigated
lands, countless rivers and streams, dark forests,
sandy deserts, all these have adorned India with an
42 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
exceptional diversity. But these individual or social
differences in physical attributes, skin colour, castes,
creed, cultural and religious practices, etc. are not
looked upon as a conflict. Rather, these differences are
looked upon as varieties that enrich the society and the
nation as a whole.
The modern Indian civilization has been nourished and
developed by multiracial contributions. From times
immemorial, diverse races migrated into India via land
and sea routes and get themselves settled here. In course
of time they are absolutely merged with Indian culture
and civilzation.
In North India, most people speak in Hindi
language. While in South India, the languages for
communication are the Dravidian languages such as
Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, etc. Further, in
West Bengal, there is prominence of Bengali, Urdu,
Dravidian languages and other regional languages.
Many tribal groups have their own language. In
modern times English language has taken up the role
of unifying the people of the country. English is one
of the most popular inter-language among educated
class.
In spite of the fact that there are numerous languages
among various races, there is a sense of national
unity and oneness among all the Indians. It is this
Thank you
4. TRADE FAIR
Reported by Niketan
Class-XII, 20th March, 20××
On 10th November, a group of 25 students of our school
group accompanied by Mr. K.K. Singh left the school
at about 7:00 a.m. They reached Pragati Maidan at
about 10:00 a.m. On route they also stopped for some
refreshment.
The tickets had already been arranged. They visited a
number of stall and Pavillions. The basic purpose of this
trip was to acquaint the students with different cultures
as the theme of this year was Unity in Diversity. They
visited Jammu and Kashmir stall, North-East and Uttar
Pradesh in Particular. Lot of importance was given to
North-East this time as the ministry wants to promote
to tourism in the state.
They had their lunch at Rajasthan pavilion and tasted
some authentic and mouth watering Rajasthani
cuisines. The group enjoyed their visit under the able
guidance of Mr. K.K. Singh and returned back to school
by 9:00 p.m.
ASSIGNMENT – 8
1. CHANGE OF NAME
I, Ankit Mishra son of Sh. Kashi Nath Mishra,
permanent address E/20, Street No.11, Shashi
Garden, Delhi-110091, have changed my name
to ‘Abhay Mishra’ as per Affidavit Certificate
No.45××× shown before notary J. Thakur, Tis
Hazari Court, dated 13th December, 20××.
2. M-114, Mount Kailsh
Kanpur
25th September, 20××
The Editor
Times of Indai
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: The problems of child labour.
Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper I
would like to voice my concern regarding child labour.
Recently I visited my village and was aghast to see
small children working in the fields and loitering in the
streets. When enquired they said that as there was no
school nearby so parents preferred to send their children
to work in the fields.
It is a matter of great shame that in twenty first century
where the world is thinking of setting up colonies on
the moon and the mars we cannot even provide basic
education to our kids. In my opinion it should be made
mandatory for all school going children to teach one
illiterate in the neighbourhood as a project work. Only
then something substantial can be achieved. The govt.
also needs to set up more schools in the rural areas.
I hope my concern will not fall on deaf ears and
concerned authorities will take appropriate action.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Navita/Navtaj
3. SHOULD CELL PHONES
BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS
(For the Motion)
Good morning friends.
As technology keeps on advancing, cell phones have
almost become essential gadgets of our lives. It is next
to impossible to live without these cell phones, because
they make communication easy. Cell phones are not bad
or harmful as some educators can think, but the problem
is that some students use them for wrong reasons and
this makes them bad in school. Since most cell phones
Section - B: Writing Skills
now days can access internet, students tend to use them
for selfish entertaining reasons while in the classroom,
this creates distraction and it also affects the students’
grades.
Since cell phones are light and easy to carry, they can
act as emergency contact tools for students. It is very
important for students to be in position to learn from
anywhere at any time. The education world is changing
and many scholars are attending virtual classrooms.
Online education is now becoming so popular that
mobile phones have also helped in the growth of mobile
learning.
According to my view, cell phones are more helpful
to students. Educators should not ban cell phones in
schools, but they have to teach students on how to use
cell phones to improve their grades. A cell phone as a
gadget is not bad, so we just have to find better ways
of using it.
4. ROLE OF PARENTS
IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Today I am here to speak on the topic — ‘Role of
Parents in Children’s Education’. Parents play an
important role in the lives of their children. Education
is the key that opens the door to life that is essentially
social in character.
Nowadays, parents send their children to schools and
nurseries even in their infancy. School, thus, becomes a
bridge between the family and the larger outside world.
However, it should be kept in mind that school-teachers
cannot substitute the parents.
The educational functions of parents consist of
selection of proper schools for their children, getting
them enrolled, meeting teachers, helping them in their
home-task, planning for their education, seeing their
progress, attending the school functions etc. Their
planning in this respect is affected by their educational
aspirations for their sons and daughters.
The fulfilment of the educational aspirations of the
parents for their children depends upon their active
participation in children’s education. The parents
should know the progress of their child and diagnosis
of the teacher in relation to the school development.
The more the parents learn about their child from
home, the better they will be able to help him adjust
to life. The school progress report gives the parents
a picture of their child – his progress in studies, his
behaviours, his attendance, and his teacher’s opinion
about him. Therefore, parents play a critical role in
educating children at every step.
Thank you
43
 SECTION - C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK & EXTENDED READING TEXT
FLAMINGO — PROSE
1 : The Last Lesson
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. That day Franz was expected to be prepared with
participles because M. Hamel had said that he would
question them on participles. Franz did not know
anything about participles.
2. Usually, when school began, there was a great bustle,
which could be heard out in the street. But it was all
very still that day. Everything was as quiet as Sunday
morning. There was no opening or closing of desks. His
classmates were already in their places. The teacher’s
great ruler instead of rapping on the table, was under
his arm.
3. For the last two years all the bad news had come from
the bulletin-board. An order had come from Berlin
to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine. The Germans had put up this notice on the
bulletin-board.
4. M. Hamel had put on his best dress—his beautiful green
coat, his frilled shirt and the little black silk cap, all
embroidered. The whole school seemed so strange and
solemn. On the back benches that were always empty,
the elderly village people were sitting quietly like the
kids.
Long Answer Questions
1. M. Hamel told the students and villagers that henceforth
only German would be taught in the schools of Alsace
and Lorraine. Those who called themselves Frenchmen
would neither be able to speak nor write it. He praised
French as the most beautiful, the clearest and most
logical language in the world. He said that for the
enslaved people, their language was the key to their
prison. Then the people realised how precious their
language was to them. This shows people’s love for
their own culture, traditions and country. Pride in one’s
language reflects pride in motherland.
2. M. Hamel blamed himself for the neglect of learning
on the part of boys like Franz. He himself was not quite
regular and took leave whenever he needed it, which
reflected on the behaviour and studies of the students.
He also blamed their parents for not taking interest in
their education. Besides, he had often sent the students
to water his plants, and whenever he wanted to go
fishing, he just gave them a holiday. So, he reproaches
himself for his students’ unsatisfactory progress in
studies.
Children like Franz, also didn’t want to attend school.
They were more happy outdoors, playing in the garden
44 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
on a sunny day, catching butterflies and spending time
outdoors. All these factors had taken a toll on studies.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. In his last lesson, M Hamel told the students that the
French language was the most beautiful language in
the world—the clearest and the most logical. He asked
them to guard it amongst themselves and never forget
it, because when a people were enslaved, as long as
they held fast to their language, it was as if they had
the key to their prison.
2. Some of the elderly people from the village were sitting
on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson. The
villagers had come there to attend his last lesson as it
was their way of paying respect to the master, who had
given forty years of faithful service to the school.
3. This shows that the Frenchmen were full of hatred and
desperation against the Germans. Besides, they feared
German atrocities. They thought that they would be
forced to read German and no one would be spared,
but they could not capture nature. The birds were still
free to fly where they wanted.
4. Franz feared a scolding at school as he had not prepared
his lesson on participles, on which his French teacher
M Hamel was to question the class that day. Besides
the warm and bright weather, the chirping of birds and
the watching the drill of Prussian soldiers also tempted
him to stay away from school.
Long Answer Questions
1. Linguistic chauvinism means an aggressive and
unreasonable belief that your own language is better
than all others. This shows an excessive or prejudiced
support for one’s own language. Sometimes pride in
one’s own language goes too far and the linguistic
enthusiasts can be easily identified by their extreme
zeal for the preservation and spread of their language.
In their enthusiasm, love and support for their own
language, they tend to forget that other languages
too have their own merits, long history of art, culture
and literature behind them. Instead of bringing unity
and winning over others as friends, having excessive
pride in one’s own language creates ill-will and
disintegration. The stiff resistance to the acceptance of
the other language as a national language by the people
of any country is a direct outcome of the fear of being
dominated by the language enthusiasts. The result is
that the national language remains only a slogan.
 2. M. Hamel is an experienced teacher who has been
teaching in school for forty years. He imparts primary
education in all subjects. He is a hard task master and
students like Franz, who is not a good learner and in
great dread of being scolded by him. The latest order of
the Prussian rulers upsets him. Hamel has to leave the
place for ever and feels heart broken. He feels sad but
exercises self-control. He has the courage to hear every
lesson to the last. His performance during the last lesson
is exemplary. He is kind even to a late comer like Franz.
He uses a solemn and gentle tone while addressing
the students. He has a logical mind and can analyze
problems and deduce the reasons responsible for it.
The problem of Alsace is that it puts off learning till
tomorrow. He knows the emotional hold of a language
over its users. He is a good communicator and explains
everything patiently. Partings are painful and being
human, M. Hamel too is no exception. He fails to say
good-bye as his throat is choked. On the whole, he is
a patriotic gentleman.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. There was a crowd standing near the bulletin-board
which had news of lost battles, the draft and the orders
of the commanding officer. On that day another notice
had been put up. Franz wondered about all this. And
then the casual remark made by the watcher set his
pulse racing.
2. Usually, when the school began, there was a great
bustle. The noise could be heard out in the school.
Students opened and closed their desks. They repeated
the lessons together very loudly. They kept their hands
over their ears to understand better. The teacher would
go on rapping the table with his great iron ruler.
3. M. Hamel was emotionally attached to the school and
everything in and about it. He was really heartbroken
to hear that only German was to be taught at the school
thereafter. All this made him cry towards the end of his
last lesson.
4. Some of the elderly people from the village were sitting
on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson to
attend his last lesson so as to pay respect to the master
and their mother tongue. They had their primers in their
hand and it seemed as if they wanted to learn everything
in that one class only.
Long Answer Questions
1. M. Hamel is an experienced teacher who has been
teaching in school for forty years. He imparts primary
education in all subjects. He is a hard task master and
students like Franz, who is not a good learner and in
great dread of being scolded by him. The latest order of
the Prussian rulers upsets him. Hamel has to leave the
place for ever and feels heart broken. He feels sad but
exercises self-control. He has the courage to hear every
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
lesson to the last. His performance during the last lesson
is exemplary. He is kind even to a late comer like Franz.
He uses a solemn and gentle tone while addressing
the students. He has a logical mind and can analyze
problems and deduce the reasons responsible for it.
The problem of Alsace is that it puts off learning till
tomorrow. He knows the emotional hold of a language
over its users. He is a good communicator and explains
everything patiently. Partings are painful and being
human, M. Hamel too is no exception. He fails to say
good-bye as his throat is choked. On the whole, he is
a patriotic gentleman.
2. Yes, to a some extent he is justified because it is the duty
of the teacher to ensure that his students are learning
properly. M. Hamel blamed himself for the neglect of
learning on the part of boys like Franz. He himself was
not quite regular and took leave whenever he needed
it, which reflected on the behaviour and studies of the
students. He also blamed their parents for not taking
interest in their education. Besides, he had often sent
the students to water his plants, and whenever he
wanted to go fishing, he just gave them a holiday. So,
he reproaches himself for his students’ unsatisfactory
progress in studies. Then the children like Franz who
keeps on putting off learning till the last moment.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. Some of the elderly people from the village were sitting
on the back benches. They had come there to attend the
last lesson as it was their way of paying respect to the
master, who had given forty years of faithful service
to the school. It surprised Franz.
2. The watcher said this to Franz because he was late for
school and it was their last lesson in French. M. Hamel
was leaving school so there was no need to hurry.
3. The warm and bright weather, the chirping of birds
and the watching the drill of Prussian soldiers tempted
Franz to stay away from school. It was better than
learning the rules of participles.
4. He felt bad. He said that he could have given anything
in the world to be able to recite the rules of participles
that day, not because of the fear of teachers but because
he realized his mistake.
Long Answer Questions
1. The order from Berlin banned the teaching of French
language in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. People
suddenly felt that something important had been taken
away from them. It brought about a particular zeal to
learn everything from the teacher in one go. It suddenly
brought to the surface their love for the mother tongue.
They felt reproachful for neglecting the learning of
French. The teacher also felt bad because he would
also send children to water his plants. The children
would also bunk classes. But now they understood
45
 why Germans wanted to take away their language from
them. So, they wanted to learn everything in one class
only. The last class was taken by M. Hamel.
2. As soon as the special order was issued from Berlin
to teach German in place of French, everyone become
shocked. How it was the last of French so all the
students and the village elders had gathered in the
classroom. The love for their native language French
dominated all other things. The presence of the villages
2 : Lost Spring
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Saheb is looking for gold in the garbage dumps. He is
in the neighbourhood of the author. Saheb has come
from Bangladesh. He came with his mother in 1971.
His house was set amidst the green fields of Dhaka.
Storms swept away their fields and homes. So they left
it.
2. One explanation offered by the author is that it is a
tradition to stay barefoot. It is not lack of money. She
wonders if this is only an excuse to explain away a
perpetual state of poverty. She also remembers the story
of a poor body who prayed to the goddess for a pair of
shoes.
3. No, Saheb is not happy working at the tea-stall. He is
no longer his own master. His face has lost the carefree
look. The steel canister seems heavier than the plastic
bag he would carry so lightly over his shoulder. The
bag was his. The canister belongs to the man who owns
the tea-shop.
4. The city of Firozabad is famous for its bangles. Every
other family in Firozabad is engaged in making
bangles. It is the centre of India’s glass-blowing
industry. Families have spent generations working
around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for
the women in the land.
Long Answer Questions
1. It is a well known saying that poverty is the root cause
of all evils. Corruption, loot, begging and incidents of
theft are the offspring of abject poverty. The destitute
lead a pitiable and miserable life. They do not get
sufficient food. Lack of funds constrain them to take
recourse to illegal activities. Slum dwellers always
feel themselves dejected. They recognise only those
beings who help them and feed them. Political leaders
take undue advantages of their poverty. They are
misused to win elections. Humanity, mankind, honesty,
trust and love become significant when an individual
succeeds in satisfying his hunger. Hungry people need
only food. There is a dearth of people who are capable
of converting obstacles into opportunities. These
poor people are exploited ruthlessly by industrialists,
46 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
in the classroom showed their love for the mother
land. They were proud of their native language and
culture. They showed much interest to learn their own
language when M. Hamel taught the lesson. Teacher M.
Hamel told that French is the most beautiful and logical
language of the world. They should have love for it as
it is the key of their liberty. M. Hamel encouraged them
to fight for their liberty, because they have been slaved
physically not mentally.
politicians and other middlemen. They scrounge for
gold in the garbage dumps to earn their livelihood.
The hiatus between the rich and the poor can never
be bridged. It is increasing day by day. The poor are
becoming poorer and the rich richer. There is no human
being who would like to work for their welfare. Their
plight is pitiable and horrible. The residential areas
of these people are packed with filth. They become
habitual of foul smell. Poverty is a vicious circle. It
never comes to an end. The unemployed youth are
heading towards destruction. They do not remember
anything except the help they receive from the
opportunistic people who feed them to materialise their
vested interests.
2. Initiation is the law of nature. Success depends on the
actions taken by an individual. One has to take actions
without wasting time. Dreams give us directions. But
it should not be forgotten that a man cannot become
influential by only dreaming. One who does not utilise
time fails to do anything significant in life. Actions
shape the destiny of the beings. Contemplation destroys
happiness. Aimless thinking aggravates woes and
worries. It leads to nowhere. Such thinkers never get
pleasure in this world of mortals. Those who believe
in taking actions attain their long cherished goals
with an astonishing ease. They never feel confused or
perplexed. They never become a victim of depression.
All the human beings are to perform their duties
on the earth. Contemplation leads to idleness. Life
is a judicious blend of contemplation and action.
Contemplation transformed into action is of utmost
importance. Action without contemplation may be
disastrous. Contemplation without action is a sin. One
should not waste time in thinking only. We should
always remember that life is short and time is swift.
Procrastination is the thief of time. One should not
forget that there’s a time for everything.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. Boys and girls with their fathers and mothers sit in
dark hutments, next to lines of flames of flickering oil
lamps. They weld pieces of coloured glass into circles
 of bangles. Their eyes are more adjusted to the dark
than to the light outside. They often end up losing
eyesight before they become adults. Even the dust from
polishing the glass of bangles is injurious to eyes. Many
workers have become blind. The furnaces have very
high temperature.
2. Mukesh’s family is engaged in bangle-making. He,
however, wants to become a motor mechanic. Though
the garage is far from his home, he refuses to give
up his dream. He continues to dream of cars hurtling
down the streets of his town. No other person engaged
in bangle making have dared to dream like this.
3. For adults it is their means of survival. They earn
money from garbage to buy their bread and butter. For
children it offers variety of things like broken slippers,
bottles or sometimes even a coin.
4. The promises made to the poor are rarely kept. The
author asks Saheb half-joking, if he will come to school
she starts. Saheb agrees to do so. A few days later he
asks if the school is ready. The writer feels embarrassed
at having made a promise that was not meant. Promises
like hers abound in every corner of their bleak world.
Long Answer Questions
1. In this lesson, the author Anees Jung examines and
analyses the grinding poverty and tradition that
condemn children to a life of exploitation.
Saheb as a ragpicker whose parents have left behind a
life of abject poverty in Bangladesh. His family, like the
many other families of rag pickers lives in Seemapuri.
They live in miserable condition. The writer is pained
to see Saheb, whose name means the ruler of the Earth,
lose the spark of childhood. She then proceeds to tell
about Mukesh who does want to be his own master.
Hailing from Firozabad, the centre of India’s bangle
making and glass blowing industry, he has always
worked in the glass making factory. His family does
not know that it is illegal for children to work in such
close to furnaces with such high temperatures. They
are exposed to various health hazards like losing their
eyesight as they work in dark and dingy cells. The
families of bangle maker of Firozabad are so burdened
that they have lost their ability to dream. The writer’s
observation is that these poor hopeless people are
but pawn in the games that are played by Sahukars,
middlemen, the policemen, the bureaucrats and the
politicians.
The title is meaningful as they lost their spring
(childhood). The writer has beautifully essayed the
story of stolen childhood with a view to sensitizing us
to the plight of these poor unfortunate children.
2. The rag pickers of Seemapuri are squatters who came
from Bangladesh and settled here way back in 1971.
They live in abysmal conditions. Around 10,000 of
them live in structures of mud, with roofs of tin and
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
tarpaulin, devoid of sewage, drainage or running
water. They have lived there for more than thirty
years without an identity, without permits and only
having ration cards that enable them to buy grain.
Food is more important than an identity for survival.
Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents and that
become transit homes. They don’t regret leaving their
beautiful land as they have a roof over their head and
their daily bread for which they are grateful. Survival
in Seemapuri means rag picking and garbage to them
is gold as it is the source of their livelihood. All of
them including children leave their home early in the
morning collecting anything they can sell in the market
for money. They wear rags and go without slippers as
the writer has discovered.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. Certain forces conspire to keep the workers in bangle
industry of Firozabad in poverty. These include the
moneylenders, the middlemen, the policemen, the
keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Together they impose a heavy burden on the child.
2. The author had promised to open a school in which
Saheb could study but had no intention of doing so.
She says that hollow promises like hers guaranteeing
a better life were made to the deprived section of the
society all the time but were never fulfilled.
3. There were floods which destroyed their homes and
fields. Thus they were uprooted and came to settle in
India, in search of livelihood.
4. For adults rag picking was only a means of survival
but for children a lot of excitement was associated with
the same for they often found unexpected things as a
ten rupee note in the same. There was always a hope
of coming across unexpected surprises and so garbage
was wrapped in wonder for them.
Long Answer Questions
1. The bangle makers of Firozabad live in dingy structures
mostly having one room where they sleep and work.
They live in pathetic conditions, stinking lanes, choked
with overflowing drains. They often work in high
temperature glass furnaces, oblivious of laws that can
protect their interests. Without proper ventilation and
light most of them lose their eyesight at a very young
age. They do not have enough money and years of mind
numbing toil have killed their initiative. Their dreams
have been crushed by poverty and they cannot dream
of asking for their rights or forming a co-operative.
Even if they make a co-operative they are likely to
be hauled up by the police and sent to jail for doing
something illegal. Many have fallen into the vicious
traps of middleman who along with policeman and
bureaucrats exploit them.
47
 2. It is a well known saying that poverty is the root
cause of all evils. Corruption, loot, begging and
incidents of theft are the offspring of abject poverty.
The destitute lead a pitiable and miserable life. They
do not get sufficient food. Lack of funds constrain
them to take recourse to illegal activities. Slum
dwellers always feel themselves dejected. They
recognise only those beings who help them and
feed them. Political leaders take undue advantages
of their poverty. They are misused to win elections.
Humanity, mankind, honesty, trust and love become
significant when an individual succeeds in satisfying
his hunger. Hungry people need only food. There is
a dearth of people who are capable of converting
obstacles into opportunities. These poor people are
exploited ruthlessly by industrialists, politicians
and other middlemen. They scrounge for gold in the
garbage dumps to earn their livelihood. The hiatus
between the rich and the poor can never be bridged.
It is increasing day by day. The poor are becoming
poorer and the rich richer. There is no human being
who would like to work for their welfare. Their plight
is pitiable and horrible. The residential areas of these
people are packed with filth. They become habitual
of foul smell. Poverty is a vicious circle. It never
comes to an end. The unemployed youth are heading
towards destruction. They do not remember anything
except the help they receive from the opportunistic
people who feed them to materialise their vested
interests.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. Saheb is working at the tea stall. He is paid a fixed
wage of Rs 800, and also receives all his meals free.
But the author notices that his face has lost its carefree
look, which makes it evident that he is not happy. He
has lost his independence, and is no longer his own
master.
2. Because that’s all his family can afford after back breaking
job of many years. A single room which they call as
home. His house is rebuilt and is located in a slum area.
Once he volunteers to take the author to his home.
3. Mukesh’s grandmother thinks that a God-given
lineage can never be broken. Her son and grandsons
are born in the caste of bangle makers. They have seen
nothing but bangles. Mukesh’s father has taught them
what he knows—the art of making bangles. Mukesh
wants to be a motor mechanic. He will go to a garage
and learn, though the garage is far away from his
home.
4. Lack of education and awareness, stigma of being born
in the caste of banglemakers, vicious nexus of sahukars,
middlemen, politicians and police suppresse the bangle
48 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
makers and keep them poverty stricken. Broken spirit,
dormant initiative, fear of being beaten and dragged to
jail, absence of leadership — all make their life a curse.
Long Answer Questions
1. Firozabad, the centre of India’s glass-blowing industry,
is famous for its bangles. Spirals of bangles of various
colours can be seen lying in mounds in yards or piled
on four wheeled push carts. These bangles have shining
bright colours: sunny gold, paddy green, royal blue,
pink, purple–in fact, every colour born out of the
seven colours of the rainbow. The banglemakers lead
a miserable life. They know no other work than bangle
making. They have neither courage nor money to start
another trade or job. They have spent generations in the
clutches of middle men and moneylenders. Extreme
poverty forces them to remain hungry and yet work all
day. The elderly woman,who works with Savita, has not
enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime. Her
husband has made a house for the family to live in. He
has achieved what many have failed in their lifetime.
Mukesh’s father has failed to renovate a house or send
his two sons to school. Young boys are as tired as their
fathers. Their work at hot furnaces makes them blind
prematurely.
2. It is a well known saying that poverty is the root
cause of all evils. Corruption, loot, begging and
incidents of theft are the offspring of abject poverty.
The destitute lead a pitiable and miserable life. They
do not get sufficient food. Lack of funds constrain
them to take recourse to illegal activities. Slum
dwellers always feel themselves dejected. They
recognise only those beings who help them and
feed them. Political leaders take undue advantages
of their poverty. They are misused to win elections.
Humanity, mankind, honesty, trust and love become
significant when an individual succeeds in satisfying
his hunger. Hungry people need only food. There is
a dearth of people who are capable of converting
obstacles into opportunities. These poor people are
exploited ruthlessly by industrialists, politicians
and other middlemen. They scrounge for gold in the
garbage dumps to earn their livelihood. The hiatus
between the rich and the poor can never be bridged.
It is increasing day by day. The poor are becoming
poorer and the rich richer. There is no human being
who would like to work for their welfare. Their plight
is pitiable and horrible. The residential areas of these
people are packed with filth. They become habitual
of foul smell. Poverty is a vicious circle. It never
comes to an end. The unemployed youth are heading
towards destruction. They do not remember anything
except the help they receive from the opportunistic
people who feed them to materialise their vested
interests.
 3 : Deep Water
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. This experience revived his aversion to water. He shook
and cried when he lay on his bed. He couldn’t eat that
night. For many days, there was a haunting fear in his
heart. The slightest exertion upset him, making him
wobbly in the knees and sick to his stomach. He never
went back to the pool. He feared water and avoided it
whenever he could.
2. Douglas was frightened when he was thrown into the
pool. However, he was not frightened out of his wits.
While sinking down he made a plan. He would make a
big jump when his feet hit the bottom. He would come
to the surface like a cork, lie flat on it, and paddle to
the edge of the pool.
3. When Douglas grew up, he took the help of an
instructor to learn swimming. His training went on from
October to April. For three months he was taken across
the pool with the help of a rope. As he went under, terror
filled him and his legs froze. The instructor taught him
to exhale under water and inhale through raised nose.
He made him kick his legs to make them relax. Then
he asked him to swim. He continued swimming from
April to July. Still all terror had not left. He swam two
miles across Lake Wentworth and the whole length to
the shore and back of Warm Lake. Then he overcame
his fear of water.
4. The experience of terror was a handicap Douglas
suffered from during his childhood. His conquering of
it shows his determination, will power and development
of his personality. He drew a larger meaning from this
experience. “In death there is peace.” “There is terror
only in the fear of death.” He had experienced both
the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can
produce. So the will to live somehow grew in intensity.
He felt released–free to walk the mountain paths, climb
the peaks and brush aside fear.
Long Answer Questions
1. I must have been about eight or nine year old. It was
the night of Diwali. All the houses were shining bright
with the rows of candles, oil lamps and electric bulbs.
Children were bursting crackers. Suddenly a cracker
went up and hit the thatched roof of a poor gardener.
Soon the hut was in flames. His only son, a tiny infant
had severe burns before he could be rescued. I began
to tremble with fear as the police questioned the boys
exploding crackers. From then on I had a fear of
crackers, fire and police. My parents and I had to work
very hard to remove this blemish. It was adversely
affecting my personality. By learning the safeguards
against fire and safe handling of crackers, I gradually
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
overcame my fear. However, I still panicked at the sight
of a policeman in uniform. The fear of police remained
now. My uncle came to my rescue. He got me dressed
as a police inspector in one of his plays. I commanded
many policemen and scolded them for misbehaving
with the common people. I learnt that policemen were
also humans and not demons. Police protected and
helped us to maintain law and order. Thank God, I have
overcome all my fears now.
2. When Douglas grew up, he took the help of an
instructor to learn swimming and to overcome his fear
of water. His training session went on from October to
April. For three months he was taken across the pool
with the help of a rope. As he went under, terror filled
him and his legs were frozen. The trainer taught him to
exhale under the water and inhale through raised nose.
He made him kick his legs to make them relax. This
is how he learnt basics of swimming. Now his newly-
found confidence took him farther. He dared to venture
through the vast pool of water across Lake Wentworth
and the whole length to the shore and back of Warm
Lake. To combat inner demons, Douglas learns to face
them off instead of running away. Thus he exorcises
his childhood fear and starts to lead an anxiety-ridden
life. Thus he didn’t succumb to his fears and didn’t let
them overpower him.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. The haunting fear of the water followed Douglas in his
fishing trips, boating and canoeing. To get rid of this
fear, he finally engaged an instructor who practised him
five days a week, an hour each day. He held one hand
of the rope in his hands and the other one in the pulley
overhead of Douglas. It was tied to the Douglas with
a rope. He made Douglas swim back and forth in the
pool.
2. Douglas still felt terror-stricken when he was alone in
the pool. The remnants of the old terror would return,
but he would rebuke it and go for another length of
the pool. He was still not satisfied. So he went to Lake
Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at
Triggs Island and swam two miles across the lake.
He had his residual doubts. So he went to Meade
Glacier, dived into Warm Lake and swam across to the
other shore and back. Thus he made sure that he had
conquered the old terror.
3. The remarkable part is that the writer doesn’t give
up, even when the water seems to draw him close.
His perseverance to overcome the fear by appointing
an instructor to teach him swimming speaks volumes
about his character. It was his personal effort that made
49
 him overcome his childhood fear. The strategy adopted
to overcome fear is remarkable and worth emulating.
4. As he grew up, the fear of water always accompanied
him. This fear never allowed him to enter into the water.
As a result, his joy of soaking, fishing and swimming
was revived. At last he decided to become free of
this fear. He learnt how to swim from an instructor
employed by him.
Long Answer Questions
1. When Douglas was thrown into the nine feet deep
YMCA pool, he landed in a sitting position in the
bottom. He swallowed water and went at once to the
bottom. He was frightened but not completely out of
wits. His lungs were ready to burst but made a strategy
to spring upwards on hitting the bottom. He came up
slowly and saw the dirty water on all his sides. He
wanted to cry for help but water entered his mouth. His
legs became paralysed, stiff and rigid. A great force was
pulling him under. He started his back journey to the
bottom for the second time. He could not bob to the
surface like a cork as he had thought. He went down
and down endlessly.
The sheer stark terror seized him. He was crying
under water. He called his mother to help him but
nothing happened. He looked for ropes, water ladders,
water wings for help but there was no help. He was
trembling with fear. He started down the third time. In
place of air, he sucked water every time. All his efforts
stopped. Black darkness covered his brain. There was
no darkness, no fear and no terror. It was calm and
peaceful. It was nice and he felt sleepy as if he had
been in his mother’s arms. The curtain of life fell and
he felt unconscious.
2. When the writer was ten or eleven he decided to learn
swimming at the YMCA in Yakima. His greatest
impediment was that the unpleasant memories and
childhood fears of the water would be revived. He
remembered how terrified he felt when the waves had
knocked him down in California at the age of four.
Besides, he hated to walk naked to the pool and show
his skinny legs and for this, he had to subdue his pride.
When he reached there nobody was to be seen. While
waiting for the instructor he sat by the side of the pool.
A big bully boy came and pushed him into the pool.
The writer didn’t know how to swim and was almost
drowned. It was the boy who pushed him later called
for help when he saw him drowning.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. Douglas refers to the incident at the YMCA swimming
pool where he almost drowned as a “misadventure.”
The author was about ten or eleven years old at the time
and had barely begun to learn swimming, primarily by
50 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
aping others. As he was thrown suddenly into the water
by someone and he couldn’t swim, he started drowning.
The struggle to come to surface and to avoid getting
drowned left him with a deep fear of water which
deprived him from enjoying water-related activities
for many years.
2. Douglas regretted being deprived of enjoying water
activities like canoeing, boating, swimming, fishing,
etc. The wish to enjoy them and the craving to regain
his lost confidence, made him try every possible way
to get rid of his fear. He was finally able to overcome
this mental handicap by getting himself a swimming
instructor and further ensuring that no trace of fear was
left.
3. When an eighteen year old big bruiser of a boy, with
rippling muscles, picked up the skinny Douglas and
tossed him into the deep end of the pool, he started
planning how he would save his life. Douglas landed
in sitting position and reached the bottom of the pool.
He decided that he would make a big jump, come to
the surface, lie flat and then paddle to the edge of the
pool.
4. When Douglas went down a third time, he sucked for
air but got water. All efforts ceased, his legs felt limp.
A blackness swept over his brain, wiped out fear, then-
terror. When peace descended he went into oblivion and
fell unconscious. He tried to shout but no words came
out.
Long Answer Questions
1. Douglas takes us through his near death experience
at the YMCA pool by detailing every little aspect
associated to it. He details minutes of his emotional,
mental and physical struggle with the paralyzing fear of
being drowned in the water. The first person narration
of the incident also helps us to associate with his
experience more deeply.
Though he did not lose his wits initially, he panicked
when his strategy didn’t work. His feeling of suffocation,
fear and losing hold on sense perceptions make the
readers experience what he does. His eyes couldn’t see
beyond the dirty yellow water. His voice did not assist
him. His nose and mouth could only manage to take
water to the lungs. His limbs became paralyzed with
fear and his mind dizzy. His desperation to save himself
kept him struggling until he went down the third time
and blacked out. All these details make the description
vivid and justify the title Deep water.
2. At first, he tried to overcome his fear of water on
his own. But when this failed, he got an instructor
for himself who worked on Douglas’ fear very
methodically. With his help, Douglas began by learning
to be at ease in water. After this, he practiced exhaling-
inhaling in water to eliminate the fear of putting his
head inside the water. Then, he moved on to master
 individual steps of swimming which were, finally,
integrated into a complete experience of swimming, by
his instructor. After about six months, Douglas could
not only swim well but also was free of his fear to a
great extent.
At this stage, Douglas’ journey of truly overcoming
his fear to its tiniest vestiges began. He swam alone in
the pool. He went to Lake Wentworth to dive. He tried
every possible stroke he learnt. Finally, in his diving
expedition, in the Warm Lake, he conquered his fear
completely.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. To ascertain that he had overcome his fear completely
he went up Meade Glacier and dived into the Warm
Lake. This built his confidence and self-reliance. It
was then that he shouted with joy as he knew that he
had conquered his fear of water. The strategy adopted
by Douglas is a lesson — ‘fear is only in the mind, any
obstacle can be conquered with determination’.
2. William Douglas had bad experience at the YMCA
swimming pool. He was alone at the swimming pool
and a big bully boy found him. He picked up Douglas
and tossed him into the deep end of the swimming
pool. At once he went down at the bottom and feared
to be drowned. He got a great deal of mental agony and
pain from this adventure. His fear of water was revived
again.
3. As he grew up, the fear of water always accompanied
him. This fear never allowed him to enter into the water.
As a result, his joy of soaking, fishing and swimming
was revived. At last he decided to become free of
this fear. He learnt how to swim from an instructor
employed by him.
4 : The Rattrap
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. The peddler had been thinking of his rattraps when
suddenly he was struck by the idea that the whole
world was nothing but a big rattrap. It existed only to
set baits for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter
and food, heat and clothing in the same manner as the
rattrap offered cheese and pork. As soon as someone
let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on
him, and then everything came to an end.
2. His own life was sad and monotonous. He walked
laboriously from place to place. The world had never
been kind to him. So, during his gloomy ploddings, this
idea became his favourite pastime. He was amused how
people let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare
and how others were still circling around the bait.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
4. The fear of water hounded Douglas everywhere.
He rowed in canoes on Maine lakes for fishing.
He went for bass fishing in New Hampshire, trout
fishing on the Deschutes. Fear ruined his fishing
trips. It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating
and swimming. That’s when he decided to learn
swimming.
Long Answer Questions
1. The sudden realization of being thrown into the
pool did not make him lose his wits immediately.
Although frightened, he thought of a trick to come up
to the surface but couldn’t execute it successfully. He
panicked and felt suffocated by the water. His sense-
perceptions gave way, his heart pounded loudly, his
limbs became paralyzed with fear, his mind became
dizzy and his lungs ached as he gulped water while
making desperate attempts to come out of the water.
Finally, he lost all his strength and willingness to keep
struggling and blacked out.
Douglas planned to allow himself to go down till his
feet hit the bottom so that her could make a big jump
to come back to the surface like a cork. Then, he would
lie flat on the surface of water and paddle to the edge
of the pool.
2. The experience of terror was a handicap Douglas
suffered from during his childhood. His conquering
of it shows his determination, will power and
development of his personality. He drew a larger
meaning from this experience. “In death there is
peace.” “There is terror only in the fear of death.” He
had experienced both the sensation of dying and the
terror that fear of it can produce. So the will to live
somehow grew in intensity. He felt released–free to
walk the mountain paths, climb the peaks and brush
aside fear.
3. The crofter served him porridge for supper and tobacco
for his pipe. He also played a game of cards with him
till bed time. This hospitality was unexpected as people
usually made sour faces when the peddler asked for
shelter.
4. The crofter’s circumstances and temperament made
him so talkative and friendly with the peddler. Since
he had no wife or child, he was happy to get someone
to talk to him in his loneliness. Secondly, he was quite
generous with his confidence.
Long Answer Questions
1. The peddler wins our sympathy for his way of life and
how the world treats him. It is an admitted fact that the
underdog always runs away with sympathy, so does
the peddler with the rattraps. He begs the material like
wire for his rattraps. His business not being specially
51
 profitable, he resorts to begging and petty thievery to
keep body and soul together.
His life is sad and monotonous. He plods along the
road lost in his own meditation. The world has never
been very kind to him and he feels happy in calling it
a rattrap. Whenever he asks shelter for the night, he
meets sour faces. He is an unwelcome, unwanted and
undesirable figure. The blacksmiths at forge glance
at him only casually and indifferently. The master
blacksmith nods a haughty consent without honouring
him with a single word.
The old and lonely crofter finds him an enjoyable
company. The ironmaster mistakes him for an old
regimental comrade. Only Edla Willmansson behaves
with him in a kind, friendly manner. Her nice treatment
arouses the tramp’s goodness. He redeems himself by
returning the stolen money and wins our admiration.
Thus we see that the sympathy is not only well earned
but well justified as well.
2. The Rattrap is set in the late 19th Century. Many farm
families were displaced by the growing industry and
people were living in poverty. The tone of the story
is factual, sensitive to the emotional needs of human
beings. The crofter, because of his loneliness lets in
the peddler. He is generous with his hospitality The
ironmaster at once bonded with the peddler without
confirming his identity. He is looking for company
during Christmas. Although Edla suspected that the
beggar had stolen something or else he had escaped
from jail yet she offered full hearted generosity,
comfortable living and a meaningful Christmas
for the tramp. The ironmaster wanted to turn the
peddler out but his daughter intervened saying that
she wanted him to enjoy a day of peace. Finally
the peddler lives with friendship in his heart. The
kindness of Edla reforms him. Human warmth and
bonding enables this change. The essential goodness
in a human being can be awakened through love and
understanding.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. The crofter had told the peddler that by supplying his
cow’s milk to the creamery, he had received thirty
kronor in payment. The peddler seemed to doubt it.
So, in order to assure his guest of the truth he showed
the thirty kronor to the peddler.
2. No, the peddler did not respect the confidence reposed
in him by the crofter. The first opportunity that he got,
he smashed the window pane, took out the money and
hung the leather pouch back in its place. Then he went
away.
3. The peddler realised that he must not walk on the public
highway with the stolen money in his pocket. He went
52 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
into the woods. He kept walking without coming to the
end of the wood. Then he realised that he had fallen in
the rattrap. He had let himself befooled by a bait and
had been caught.
4. The ironmaster walked closely up to the peddler. In
the uncertain reflection from the furnace, he mistook
the man as his old regimental comrade, Captain Von
Stahle. He addressed the stranger as Nils Olof, spoke
very kindly and invited him home.
Long Answer Questions
1. The story entertains us by providing glimpses into
human nature and how people react to various
situations. The actions of the peddler after stealing
thirty kronor are quite amusing. The reactions of the
blacksmiths to the tramp’s request for shelter show how
casual and indifferent human beings can be.
The U-turn in the ironmaster’s attitude towards the
stranger reveal how selfish and ignorant human
beings can be. Mistaking the vagabond for his old
regimental comrade, whom he thinks he has run across
unexpectedly, he asks the stranger to accompany him
home and spend Christmas with them. When the
stranger refuses to go with him, the Ironmaster sends
his daughter. With her better persuasive power she
makes him follow her.
The ironmaster is annoyed on seeing the stranger
in broad daylight. But instead of realising his own
mistake, he puts the blame on the man. He talks of
handing him over to the Sheriff. The metaphor of
the world being a rattrap saves the situation for the
tramp, but the ironmaster wants to turn him out.
His daughter’s comments are quite entertaining and
philosophical. She wants the tramp to enjoy a day of
peace. Secondly, she does not want to chase away a
person whom they had invited home and had promised
Christmas cheer.
2. Every human being has to earn his bread and butter.
Means vary from person to person, but one has
to face many obstacles and odd situations in life.
These means can be fair or foul, honest or dishonest.
Unfortunately, the modern man hankers after money
and has become commercial-minded. People are not
afraid of the Almighty. They wish to accumulate
riches by hook or by crook. They have no respect
for humanity and moral values. The social norms and
time-tested principles bemoan somewhere in a corner.
The mortals of this computer age focus only on
pecuniary gains. They are desirous of becoming rich
overnight. And it is sure that no one can make easy
money without resorting to corruption. One should
always remember that those who are honest get
respect in society and feel themselves satisfied. They
don’t have to feel guilty. But those who are corrupt
hide themselves behind the veils when caught. A
 person should always be honest and sincere. The
factory workers, farmers, teachers and poor artisans
live an honest life and are appreciated everywhere.
Freud rightly proclaimed in his letter to Wilhelm
Fliess that ‘Being entirely honest with oneself is a
good exercise’. A few honest men are better than
numerous bad ones.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. The peddler knew that the ironmaster had mistaken
him for his old regimental comrade. Secondly, he had
the stolen money—thirty kronor—on him. Going to
the ironmaster’s residence would be like entering the
lion’s den. So he declined the invitation.
2. Miss Edla Willmansson looked at the peddler quite
compassionately. She noticed that the man was afraid.
She assured him that he would be allowed to leave
just as freely as he came. She requested him to stay
with them over Christmas Eve. Her friendly manner
made the peddler feel confidence in her and accept her
invitation.
3. As Edla lifted the peddler’s hat, he jumped up abruptly
and seemed to be quite frightened. Even her kind looks,
disclosure of her name and purpose of visit failed to
calm him. From his fear, she thought that either he had
stolen something or he had escaped from jail.
4. Next morning, the stranger was cleaned and well-
dressed. The valet had bathed him, cut his hair
and shaved him. He was led to the dining room
for breakfast. The ironmaster saw him in a broad
daylight. It was impossible to mistake him for an old
acquaintance now. The ironmaster realized his mistake
and threatened to call the Sheriff.
Long Answer Questions
1. The world around us is full of traps and dungeons
waiting for our one slip. However no matter how deep
the trap is, the inherent goodness of human being can
redeem himself from the darkness of the trap. The
story in discussion builds around a strong metaphor
of rattrap. The peddler of rattraps calls the world a
big rattrap. The material benefits like riches and joys,
shelter and food, heat and clothing are temptations
that provoke us to mistakes. The peddler is tempted by
thirty kronors of the old crofter. He steals the money
and now shivers in the fear of being caught and moves
through a deep, dark forest which is an extension of a
rattrap. He finds a shelter in the house of ironmaster
in assistance with another deception. However, all his
inherent darkness is exorcised by the saint-like presence
of Edla, the daughter of ironmaster. Instead of judging
him on his follies, the lady can see through his inner
goodness and her divine presence rouses the good
heart of the peddler. He is soon to realise his folly and
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
wants to make quick amendment to this. Thus the faith
in humanity and infinite kindness changes the person
once and for all.
2. The poor peddler sustained himself by indulging in
petty thievery, begging and selling small rattraps of
wire. Since ‘life’ had been unkind to him he amused
himself with his meditations. While thinking of his
rattraps, he was suddenly struck by the idea that the
world was a rattrap. Riches, joys, shelter, food - all were
lucrative baits to trap mankind. The peddler betrayed
the trust that his host had placed in him by stealing
his money without a tinge of remorse. He enjoyed his
hospitality, shared his food and his confidence but did
not feel guilty while robbing him. The peddler was a
man who dragged his cheerless existence, dreaming the
ill fate of the rich people whom he perceived as rats
getting ready to be trapped in the world of traps. Even
though he hated the rich people for their brutality and
insensitivity, the peddler himself was heartless with the
people who helped him sometime. Another aspect of
the peddler is his self-reliance. Even though he knew
that he could be employed by the ironmaster through
the extended sympathy of Edla, the peddler was greatly
determined to seek his own fortune. Thus, the peddler
was a lot of goodness overgrown and entangled by
weeds of ill will.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. The peddler said that he had not pretended to be
what he was not. He had not been willing to go to the
ironmaster’s house. Even then he was willing to put on
his rags and leave. He also told the ironmaster that the
world was a rattrap, and he himself might one day be
tempted by a big bait and get caught in the trap. The
ironmaster told him to leave at once.
2. Edla did not like her father’s asking the poor peddler to
leave. She thought it was unfair to turn away the man
whom they had invited. She wanted to have the joy of
entertaining a homeless wanderer on Christmas Eve.
She stopped the peddler and her father gave in.
3. As soon as Edla opened the package of the gift, the
contents came into view. She found a small rattrap with
three wrinkled ten kronor notes and a letter addressed
to her. The peddler wanted to be nice in return as she
had been so nice to him all day long. He did not want
her to be embarrassed at the Christmas season by a
thief.
4. The peddler went around selling small rattraps. His
clothes were in rags. His cheeks were hollow. He
had the look of a starved man. He made wire traps.
He begged the material from stores and big farms.
Sometimes he resorted to begging and a little stealing
to survive.
53
Long Answer Questions
1. The peddler had lived a life of privation and constant
rejection. It had made him cynical and embittered.
Self-preservation had become his sole objective and
he could not sense the difference between right and
wrong. He had lost his sense of self-worth, having
lived in penury with no home to call his own and not
even a name to answer. He had to resort to begging
and petty thieving to survive and life offered no
pleasure at all. The sadness and monotony of his
life had convinced him of the fact that life was like
a huge rattrap and just as the cheese and pork in the
traps that he made were the bait, so also the riches,
joys, shelter and the food that life offered were the
bait. As soon as anyone let himself be tempted, it
closed in around him and all came to an end. He
took pleasure in thinking of all the acquaintances
who had been caught in this trap. However, the
meeting with the ironmaster’s daughter was the
turning point in his life. The kindness, the concern
and the understanding that Edla showed him touched
5 : Indigo
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. He had come all the way from Champaran district in
the foothills of Himalayas to Lucknow to speak to
Gandhi. Shukla accompanied Gandhi everywhere.
Shukla followed him to the ashram near Ahmedabad.
For weeks he never left Gandhi’s side till Gandhi asked
him to meet at Calcutta.
2. Shukla led Gandhi to Rajendra Prasad’s house. The
servants knew Shukla as a poor yeoman. Gandhi was
also clad in a simple dhoti. He was the companion of
a peasant. Hence the servants thought Gandhi to be
another peasant.
3. Gandhi’s first meeting with Shukla was at Lucknow.
Then he went to Cawnpore and other parts of India. He
returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Later he went
to Calcutta, Patna and Muzaffarpur before arriving at
Champaran.
4. The peasants paid the British landlords indigo as rent.
Now Germany had developed synthetic indigo. So
the British landlords wanted money as compensation
for being released from the 15 per cent arrangement.
The prices of natural Indigo would go down due to the
synthetic Indigo.
Long Answer Questions
1. In the course of his journey to Champaran with
Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhiji stayed at Muzaffarpur
where he met the lawyers and concluded that
fighting through courts was not going to solve the
54 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
the core of his heart and transformed his way of
thinking.
2. The peddler went around selling self-made rattraps
of wire. His business was not good, so he often
resorted to begging and petty thefts to make both
ends meet. One dark night he knocked at the door
of a small cottage. On that day he had not been able
to sell any rattrap and was tired and hungry. He was
generously welcomed by the old crofter, who gave
him supper, tobacco for his pipe and played game of
mjolis with him. The friendly crofter talked about his
days of prosperity at Ramsjo’s Ironworks. He also
talked of his thirty kronors saving. To such a trusting,
warm and friendly crofter, the peddler responded
rather crudely and unexpectedly. Instead of showing
gratitude, the peddler cheated him. The money was
like a bait thrown at him and he grabbed it. The next
morning the peddler smashed the window pane, took
the thirty kronors and felt pleased with his smartness.
However he soon realized that he was caught in a
trap.
problem of the poor sharecroppers of Champaran.
He declared that the real relief for them was to be
free from fear.
Armed with facts, he arrived at Champaran and
contacted the Secretary of the British Landlord’s
association. But the Secretary refused to provide
him any information. After this, Gandhiji met the
Commissioner of the Tirhut division who served a
notice to him to leave Tirhut.
Gandhiji accepted the notice by signing it and wrote
on it that he would not obey the order. He was even
willing to court arrest for the cause of the peasants.
After four rounds of talks with-the Governor, an
official commission of inquiry was appointed in which
Gandhiji was made the sole representative of the
peasants.
Thus through this commission Gandhiji succeeded in
getting 25% of the compensation award for the poor
sharecroppers from the British landowners.
2. When Gandhi refused to leave Tirhut, he received
summons to appear in Court. Immediately, thousands
of peasants surrounded the courthouse and held
demonstrations there. This fearless reaction from the
peasants, made the officials feel powerless. They had
to seek Gandhi’s help to control the masses. It was also
an expression of their liberation from fear.
Prominent lawyers from adjoining district came from
Bihar, to discuss Gandhi’s sentence. He asked them
what they would do if he was sent to jail. They said
they had come to advise and help him and would return
 home if they couldn’t. Gandhi demanded to know about
the injustice to the sharecroppers. The lawyers felt that
it would be shameful desertion if they went home.
Gandhi, a complete stranger, was willing to go to jail
for them. They were not only residents of the adjoining
area, but also those who claimed to have served them.
They went back to Gandhi and told him that they
were willing to follow him into jail. “The battle of
Champaran is won”, he exclaimed.
Later, Gandhi received communication from the
magistrate informing him that the Lieutenant Governor
of the province had ordered the case to be dropped.
Thus, civil disobedience had triumphed for the first
time in modern India.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. For Gandhi the amount of the refund was less important
than the fact that the landlords had been forced to return
part of the money, and with it, part of their prestige too.
So he agreed to settlement of 25 per cent refund to the
farmers.
2. Gandhi’s politics was intermingled with the day-to-day
problems of the millions of Indians. He opposed unjust
laws. He was ready to court arrest for breaking such
laws and going to jail. The famous Dandi March to
break the ‘salt law’ is another instance. The resistance
and disobedience was peaceful and a fight for truth
and justice. This was linked directly to his ideas of
Satyagraha and non-violence.
3. The peasants were saved from spending time and money
on court cases. After some years the British planters
gave up control of their estates. These now reverted to
the peasants. Indigo sharecropping disappeared.
4. Champaran did not begin as a political expression
of defiance. It was an attempt to reduce the stress of
the peasants, enable them to stand on his own feet
and mould a new free India. It made the farmers of
champaran independent because the British landlords
were forced to leave the place.
Long Answer Questions
1. Gandhiji had gone to the December 1916 Annual
Convention of the Indian National Congress in
Lucknow. A peasant came up to see him. He was
Rajkumar Shukla. He looked like any other peasant
in India. He was poor and emaciated. He was from
Champaran. The place is situated in the foothills
of the Himalayas near Nepal. Gandhiji had never
heard of the place. Shukla apprised Gandhiji about
the injustice of the landlord system in Champaran.
Under an ancient agreement, the Champaran
peasants were sharecroppers. Gandhiji told Shukla
that he had an appointment in Kanpur (Cawnpore).
He was also committed to go to other parts of India.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
Shukla accompanied Gandhi everywhere. Gandhiji
returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla
followed him to the ashram. He begged Gandhiji to
fix a date.
Gandhiji was impressed by Shukla’s tenacity and
honesty. Gandhiji was to be in Calcutta on a particular
day. He asked Shukla to come and take him from there.
Months passed. When Gandhiji arrived at Calcutta he
found Shukla sitting there on his haunches. He waited
till Gandhiji was free. Then both of them boarded a
train for Patna in Bihar. From there Gandhiji went
to Muzaffarpur to get complete information about
conditions in Champaran. He met Kriplani and
Prof. Malkani there. Then Gandhiji proceeded to
Champaran.
2. The Champaran episode was one of the major events
in the struggle for independence. It was in the course
of this small but significant movement that Gandhiji
decided to urge the departure of the British from India.
A close examination of the problems of the Champaran
peasants opened Gandhiji’s eyes to the unjust policies
of the British. He realised that people had to be made
free from fear and only then could they be freed from
foreign oppression. The spontaneous demonstration of
the people proved that Gandhiji had the nation’s support
in his fight against the Britishers. It also aroused
patriotism in the heart of the Indians.
The triumph of the civil disobedience at Champaran
motivated the launching of the movement on a large
scale during the freedom movement. Gandhiji’s
winning the case of the sharecroppers proved that
British authority could be challenged. Hence, the
Champaran episode served as a stepping stone to the
Indian struggle for independence.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. For Gandhi the amount of the refund was less important
than the fact that the landlords had been forced to return
part of the money, and with it, part of their prestige too.
So he agreed to settlement of 25 per cent refund to the
farmers.
2. Gandhi asked the lawyers what they would do if he
was sentenced to prison. They said that they had come
to advise him. If he went to jail, they would go home.
Then Gandhi asked them about the injustice to the
sharecroppers. The lawyers held consultations. They
came to the conclusion that it would be shameful
desertion if they went home. So they told Gandhi that
they were ready to follow him into jail.
3. Raj Kumar Shukla was a poor, illiterate sharecropper
from Champaran who having heard of Gandhi came
to Lucknow to seek his assistance. He was illiterate
but resolute. He wished to bring the plight of the
55
 sharecroppers of Champaran to the notice of Gandhi
and followed him everywhere till he finally agreed to
go to Champaran.
4. When the news of Gandhi’s arrival at the city spread
like wildfire, Motihari town was bursting to its seam
with taking heart from the news of Mahatma’s arrival.
They did public demonstration around the courthouse
against the unjust law. This was for Gandhi the first step
of the peasants to liberate themselves from the fear of
British.
Long Answer Questions
1. In the course of his journey to Champaran with
Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhiji stayed at Muzaffarpur
where he met the lawyers and concluded that fighting
through courts was not going to solve the problem of
the poor sharecroppers of Champaran. He declared that
the real relief for them was to be free from fear.
Armed with facts, he arrived at Champaran and
contacted the Secretary of the British Landlord’s
association. But the Secretary refused to provide
him any information. After this, Gandhiji met the
Commissioner of the Tirhut division who served a
notice to him to leave Tirhut.
Gandhiji accepted the notice by signing it and wrote
on it that he would not obey the order. He was even
willing to court arrest for the cause of the peasants.
After four rounds of talks with the Governor, an
official commission of inquiry was appointed in
which Gandhiji was made the sole representative of
the peasants.
Thus through this commission Gandhiji succeeded
in getting 25% of the compensation award for the
poor sharecroppers from the British landowners. It
was possible due to the communication that Gandhiji
had with various authorities that finally brought a
solution.
2. The political and economic success did not satisfy
Gandhi. He wanted to improve the cultural and social
backwardness in the Champaran village. The condition
in the village was very bad. There was no school and
doctor. Castor oil was the only treatment for illness or
stomach pain. Therefore, he sought to get teachers who
would impart education. Two of Gandhi’s disciples,
Mahadev Desai and Narhar Pathak volunteered to
work along with their wives. Many others came
from Bombay, Poona and other parts of the country.
Gandhi’s youngest son, Devdas and Mrs. Kasturba
Gandhi came from the ashram. Primary schools were
opened in six villages. The health conditions were
pathetic. Gandhi got a doctor to work there for six
months. Three medicines, castor oil, quinine and
sulphur were made available to people. In this manner
Gandhi helped to alleviate the condition of poor
villagers.
56
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. Gandhiji was asked to quit Champaran at once.
Gandhiji signed the order but wrote to disobey the
order. Next day Gandhi appeared in the court. That
night Gandhiji telegraphed Rajendra Prasad to come
with the influential friends. When the peasants knew
that Gandhiji was in trouble with the authorities, the
court ground of Motihari became black with peasants.
The officials felt powerless and they had to seek his
help. The trial was postponed and judge refused to
deliver the judgement.
2. Raj Kumar Shukla, a poor Sharecropper from
Champaran requested Gandhi in Congress Session in
Lucknow to fix a date to visit Champaran where the
sharecroppers were subjected to injustice. Till Gandhi
fixed a date, he did not leave him rather he accompanied
him wherever he went. Gandhi was impressed by his
tenacity and determination and finally agreed to go
there from Calcutta.
3. The peasants of Champaran were tenants of British
landlords. Under long term sharecropping arrangement,
they were growing Indigo on 15 percent of their holding
and surrendering the harvest as rent to the British
landlord. But when Indigo price fell due to synthetic
Indigo developed in Germany, the landlords obtained
agreement from the peasants to pay them compensation
which some of the peasants resisted and fought their
case in court.
4. Gandhi chided the lawyers for collecting big fees
from the sharecroppers to fight their case in law
courts. He felt taking their case to law courts would
do little good when they were so crushed and fear
stricken. So his first priority was to free them from
fear.
Long Answer Questions
1. After his interaction with Raj Kumar Shukla,
Gandhi reached Champaran to understand the
appalling conditions of sharecroppers. He found
that the large estates were owned by the Englishmen
where Indians worked there as their tenant farmers
and they paid 15% of their land yield. After great
tussel, Gandhi and the lawyers made the Britishers
agree to refund 25 percent of the money. Thus
farmers became bold and got their rights. Within few
years, the landlords left the estates and the farmers
became the owners. On finding backwardness of the
people there, he appointed volunteers to teach the
villagers. Kasturba Gandhi taught the ashram rules
and personal hygiene and community sanitation.
A doctor helped the villagers in their health
problems. The people realized the value of self-
reliance. The countrymen embarked on the task of
Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
 national freedom movement. It was a turning point
in Gandhi’s life. All his activities were expressing
his love and concern for the Indians. The same is
relevant even today.
2. Most of the cultivating land of Champaran district was
divided into large estates owned by the Englishmen.
Indiant peasants worked on it, for which they paid rent.
Indigo was the chief commerical crop. The English
planters compelled all peasants to grow indigo in 15
per cent of their land holdings. The entire indigo harvest
was to be surrendered as rent to the British landowners.
The landlords came to know that Germany had
developed synthetic indigo. Thereupon they obtained
agreement, from the sharecroppers to pay them the
6 : Going Places
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Sophie and Jansie would soon pass out of their school.
Only a few months were left. Jansie knew very well that
both of the them were earmarked for biscuit factory.
Sophie had wild dreams about her career. Jansie was
a realist. She knew that they did not pay well for shop
work and Sophie’s father would not allow her to work
there.
2. Sophie wanted to open a boutique. It would be the most
amazing shop that city had ever seen. Alternatively,
she would become an actress and have the boutique
as a side business. She also thought of being a fashion
designer. Jansie had her feet firmly planted to the
ground. She wanted Sophie to be sensible and drop all
her utopian plans. All of them required much money
and experience.
3. Sophie knew her father well. He would be angry if he
knew of her meeting with the young Irish footballer,
Danny Casey. She didn’t tell him. When Geoff told his
father about it, he became angry. He turned his head to
look at her with disdain. Sophie wriggled where she
was sitting at the table.
4. No, Geoff doesn’t believe what Sophie says about her
meeting with Danny Casey. First, he looks round in
disbelief and says, “It can’t be true”. Again he says,
“I don’t believe it.” Sophie then narrates how Danny
Casey came and stood beside her. Geoff asks her,
“What does he look like?” So, he doesn’t seem to be
convinced that Sophie met Danny Casey.
Long Answer Questions
1. Teenagers have boundless enthusiasm and ambitions.
They have sweet dreams and go on fantasising. It is
natural for them to do so. Every youth is a dreamer.
Every great scientist or writer has a dream. Without
something to aspire for one can’t strive to achieve
that goal. Dreams lead to the golden gate of success.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
compensation. This sharecropping arrangement was
irksome to the peasants. Some signed it willingly and
those who opposed engaged lawyers. The landowners
hired thugs who forcefully collected the compensation
amount.
It was at this point Gandhi reached Champaran.
Gandhi’s civil disobedience and peasants’ spontaneous
demonstration compelled the Lieutenant Governor
to appoint a commission of inquiry into the share-
croppers situation. The official inquiry concluded
that the landlords had to refund the part of the money
to the peasants. After a few years they abandoned
their estates. The indigo sharecropping disappeared
completely.
Some teenagers float in the world of fantasy. They
have unreal dreams. It is just like a child asking for
the moon. Their feet are in the mud and they dream
of the stars in the sky. Such fantasising results in
disappointment and disillusionment. A dreamer
who fails to realise his dream is labelled a failure.
Those who realise their dreams become heroes and
achievers in their spheres. I think it is better to have
dreams even if we fail to realise them. Who would
have dreams if the teenagers don’t—will these grey
headed, grey bearded persons have dreams? Let the
teenagers indulge in their natural activity and dream
of a golden future. They will strive to translate them
into reality.
2. Sophie is a young school girl. She dreams of big and
beautiful things. Some of these are beyond her reach
or her means. Her ambitions have no relation with the
harsh realities of life. She thinks of having a boutique.
She wants to have the most amazing shop this city has
ever seen. Then she entertains the idea of being an
actress ‘There’s real money in that.’ Actresses do not
work full time. So she would run the boutique as a side
business. If need be, she can be a fashion designer. She
doesn’t realise that her family is not rich enough and
her dreams can’t be fulfilled.
Sophie develops a romantic fascination for Danny
Casey. He is a young Irish football player and the hero
of her dreams. She indulges in hero worship. She tells
a story that she met Casey. Her father calls it another
of her “wild stories”. Even Geoff does not believe her.
He tries to caution her. Casey is a celebrity. Many girls
run after him.
Sophie is an incurable dreamer. She has seen Casey
only once, but all the time she thinks of him. She
sits alone and waits for his arrival. She becomes sad
and despondent when Casey does not come. She
suffers because of her dreams. These dreams and
disappointments are all the creations of her mind.
57
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. No, Sophie’s father does not believe her story. When
Geoff tells him that Sophie met Danny Casey, his
father looked at Sophie with disdain. He ignores her
totally. He thinks that it is yet another ‘wild story’. He
begins to talk about Tom Finny, another great football
player.
2. Geoff was always the first to share her secrets. So she
told him about meeting Danny Casey. She also told him
about her plan to meet him next week. She suspected
areas of his life about which she knew nothing. She
longed to know them. She wished that someday he
might take her with him. She saw herself riding there
behind Geoff.
3. Jansie was ‘nosey’. She took interest in knowing things
about others. She would spread the news in the whole
neighbourhood. So Sophie didn’t want Jansie to know
about her story with Danny. It may also be mutual
rivalry and one-upmanship on her part. Sophie was
startled to learn that Geoff had told Jansie about her
story with Danny.
4. No, Sophie did not really meet Danny Casey. She
was very fascinated by the young Irish footballer.
She imagined his coming. She sat in the park, waiting
for Casey and knowing that he would not come. She
felt sad. Sadness was a hard burden to carry. She was
always lost in a dreamy world where she imagined
Casey meeting her.
Long Answer Questions
1. People harbour fierce and uncontrollable desires. The
search for a better life is one of the most basic desires
of human beings. But they substantially deviate from
the path of righteousness when they feel that their
unquenchable desires can never be fulfilled. They
found themselves in the depths of depression. The
mortals should use their wisdom to set realistic goals.
Imagination is thrice away from reality. Undoubtedly,
the human race is governed by its imagination.
But it is also a harsh reality of life that ‘He who
has imagination without learning has wings but no
feet.’ One should not forget that there is a difference
between real life and reel life. The happenings of
dreams cannot take place in this physical world.
Those who ignore the present situation while setting
their goals repent later. Man has to identify his latent
talent and potential to materialise his goals. One
should have thorough knowledge of one’s interests
and outlook.
2. Sophie lives in a world of dreams, which is far from
reality. It is not unreasonable to have high hopes and
ambitions for one’s future, but such dreaming can be
justified only when one is prepared to work hard to
realise one’s dreams.
58 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
Sophie too needs to work hard to achieve her dreams,
instead of just imagining a bright and successful future
for herself, or fantasising about her meeting with Danny
Casey. She should accept the reality that she belongs
to a middle class working family. Initially, she would
face some difficulties because of her poor financial
condition, but if she persists with sincere devotion, she
could certainly raise her status to the level from where
she would actually have the company of successful
people like Danny Casey. Besides, with better
educational qualifications, increased opportunities,
hard work and more savings, she could even own a
boutique in future.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. Sophie and Jansie are classmates and friends but they
are poles apart in thinking and temperament. Sophie
is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She dreams of
big and beautiful things, which are beyond her reach.
On the other hand, Jansie is realistic and practical. She
knows that they are poor and have to work in the biscuit
factory after leaving school. She is well aware that big
things require big money and experience, which they
don’t have.
2. Sophie belonged to poor family, which was barely able
to make both ends meet. They lived in a small house.
Her parents worked in a biscuit factory.
3. Jansie knows Sophie’s family background and
financial position. She knows that both of them are
earmarked for that biscuit factory. Sophie dreams
of big and beautiful things like having a boutique or
becoming an actress or a fashion designer. All these
things need a lot of money and experience. Sophie has
neither of them. So Jansie advises her to be sensible
and stop having wild dreams.
4. Sophie and Jansie are classmates and friends but they
are poles apart in thinking and temperament. Sophie
is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She dreams of
big and beautiful things, which are beyond her reach.
On the other hand, Jansie is realistic and practical. She
knows that they are poor and have to work in the biscuit
factory after leaving school. She is well aware that big
things require big money and experience, which they
don’t have.
Long Answer Questions
1. Danny Casey was an Irish prodigy. He was a wonder
boy of football. He had won the hearts of his countless
fans. He played for the United. Sophie’s family
was obsessed with the Irish genius. Sophie’s father
compared young Danny Casey to another great football
player Tom Finney. He wished that Casey might be that
good someday. Geoff remarked that he was with the
best team in the country. He hoped that Casey would
 prove even a better player than Tom Finney. Geoff
considered him the best. His father thought that he was
too young for the first team. The fact was that with his
exceptional ability he was playing for the first eleven.
On Saturday, Sophie’s family made their weekly
pilgrimage to the stadium to watch the United play
their match. They watched their hero Danny Casey in
action. Sophie adored Danny Casey. She had a romantic
fascination for the Irish prodigy. Her young heart
throbbed for her hero. She imagined Casey coming
to her. She would sit under an elm tree, waiting for
Casey and dreaming of him. She realized that he would
not come. This made her sad and dejected. Therefore,
Sophie became a victim of her own dreams
2. Teenagers have boundless enthusiasm and ambitions.
They have sweet dreams and go on fantasising. It is
natural for them to do so. Every youth is a dreamer.
Every great scientist or writer has a dream. Without
something to aspire for one can’t strive to achieve that
goal. Dreams lead to the golden gate of success. Some
teenagers float in the world of fantasy. They have unreal
dreams. It is just like a child asking for the moon.
Their feet are in the mud and they dream of the stars
in the sky. Such fantasising results in disappointment
and disillusionment. A dreamer who fails to realise
his dream is labelled a failure. Those who realise their
dreams become heroes and achievers in their spheres.
I think it is better to have dreams even if we fail to
realise them. Who would have dreams if the teenagers
don’t—will these grey headed, grey bearded persons
have dreams? Let the teenagers indulge in their natural
activity and dream of a golden future. They will strive
to translate them into reality.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. Sophie herself is responsible for her miserable state as
she had big dreams which were difficult to fulfill. Her
meetings with Danny Casey were all a figment of her
imagination.
2. Going Places is a story written by A.R. Barton that
discusses about teenagers and their dreams. Far
fetched from the reality, the teen age period is all
about aspirations, the desire to reach the sky, do the
undone, see the unseen. They believe to achieve the
impossible. Mostly, at this age, they have their role
models whom they worship as their hero. Hence the
title is justified.
3. They lived in a small house. On one side was the
kitchen. The heat from the kitchen would also make
the room hot. Dirty washing was piled in one corner.
Here only father would watch T.V.
4. Geoff was almost grown up now. He spoke little.
Sophie was jealous of his silence. She knew that when
he was not speaking, he was away somewhere. He
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
was out in the surrounding country—in those places
she had never been. She wanted to share her brother’s
affection.
Long Answer Questions
1. The two school girls Sophie and Jansie were classmates.
They had been discussing things while walking up and
down the school. They belonged to the middle class
families. Therefore, it was natural for both the girls to
plan about a work to earn money. Sophie told when
she left school she would be going to have a boutique
like that of Mary Quant. She hoped to have the most
amazing shop in the city. Jansie looked doubtful and
pointed that opening a boutique required a lot of
money. Though Sophie knew her financial background
yet she opined she would find it. Jansie stated further
that to save that much money would take a long time.
She thought of becoming a shop manager. But Jansie
cleared her whims by telling her parents would not
make her managers straight off. She knew even her
father wouldn’t allow for to a shop job.
Both were earmarked for a biscuit factory. So Jansie
asked her to become really sensible and not to talk like
that. She would become an actress as there was real
money in that. She could run her boutique side by side
as an actresses didn’t work full time.
2. Geoff was Sophie’s elder brother. He was three years
out of school. He was an apprentice mechanic. He
travelled to his work each day to the far side of the city.
He was almost grown up now. He spoke very little.
Sophie was jealous of Geoff’s silence. He was quiet
and didn’t make new friends easily. He thought that
Sophie was too young and immature. Geoff was mature
enough to understand his limitations and those of his
family. He never dreamt of big and beautiful things.
In spite of difference in their temperaments, there was
a close bond between the two. Geoff was always the
first to share Sophie’s secrets. He knew that Sophie’s
story of meeting with Danny Casey was not true. Still
he listened to her. Sophie confided in him. Her secret
was something special just between them. It was not
meant for nosey Jansie who would spread it in the
whole neighbourhood. Geoff tried to persuade Sophie.
He warned her that Danny Casey was a celebrity. He
must have many girls like her running after him. ophie
told him that Casey would give her an autograph if she
cared to meet him next week. Geoff did not believe
“he’d ever show up.” Thus, he acted like an elder
brother.
Geoff and Sophie share a common trait. It is their
fascination for the Irish prodigy, Danny Casey. But
they differ in their thinking. Like his father, Geoff
wished Casey to be a great footballer one day. Sophie
had romantic fascination for Casey. It was something
else other than football.
59
 FLAMINGO — POETRY
1 : My Mother at Sixty-Six
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) I is the poetess Kamala das.
(ii) That her mother is getting old and frail.
(iii) Because death and even the thought of death is
painful. Her mother is getting old and she has to
leave her in this condition.
(iv) Simile-her face ashen like that of a corpse.
2. (i) The thought of her mother’s approaching death
which she wanted to put it away.
(ii) She wanted to drive away her helplessness in the
wake of her mother’s ageing and approaching
death.
(iii) Personification-trees sprinting like human
beings.
(iv) Trees and children symbolize the spring of life,
its strength, vigour and happiness which contrasts
with the lifelessness and helplessness that sets in
with age.
Short Answer Questions
1. When the poet sees the pale and corpse-like face
of her mother, her old familiar pain or the ache
returns. Perhaps she has suffered this fear since
her childhood. Ageing is a natural process. Time
and ageing spare none. Time and ageing will not
spare the poet’s mother and may not spare her as
well. With this ageing, separation and death become
inevitable.
2. The poet is driving to the Cochin airport. When she
looks outside, the young trees seem to be walking
past them. With the speed of the car they seem to
be running fast or sprinting. The poet presents a
contrast—her ‘dozing’ old mother and the ‘sprinting’
young trees.
3. The poet has brought in the image of merry children
‘spilling out of their homes’ to present a contrast.
The merry children coming out of their homes in
large numbers present an image of happiness and
spontaneous overflow of life. This image is in stark
contrast to the ‘dozing’ old mother, whose ‘ashen’ face
looks lifeless and pale like a corpse. She is an image
of ageing, decay and passivity. The contrast of the two
images enhances the poetic effect.
4. The poet’s mother is sixty-six year old. Her shrunken
‘ashen’ face resembles a corpse. She has lost her shine
and strength of youth. Similarly, the late winter’s
moon looks hazy and obscure. It too lacks shine
and strength. The comparison is quite natural and
60 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
appropriate. The simile used here is apt as well as
effective.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The poet was driving from her parent’s home to
the Cochin airport. Her mother was sitting beside
her.
(ii) She noticed that her mother was dozing with her
mouth open.
(iii) Her mother’s face looked pale, faded and lifeless
like a dead body.
(iv) Simile
2. (i) The poet is talking about her mother nearing death
and her childhood fears.
(ii) When the poet looks at her mother’s face she found
that it had become pale and withered. She realized
that her mother was at the edge of her life and her
end was near.
(iii) The fear of losing her mother has tortured the poet
since her childhood. Therefore this ache is familiar
to her.
(iv) It has been her constant companion since
childhood.
Short Answer Questions
1. The poet’s parting words of assurance and her
smiles provide a stark contrast to the old familiar
ache or fear of the childhood. Her words and smiles
are a deliberate attempt to hide her real feelings.
The parting words: “See you soon, Amma” give an
assurance to the old lady whose ‘ashen face’ looks
like a corpse. Similarly, her continuous smiles are
an attempt to overcome the ache and fear inside her
heart.
2. The poem is rich in imagery. Devices of comparisons
and contrasts are also used by the poet to draw out the
differences in young age and old age. She describes
her mother’s age as ‘ashen like a corpse’, using simile
and compares her to late winter’s moon, using a
simile again. The merry children playing happily are
contrasted with the old, weak, frail, feeble and pale
mother of the poet. The whole poem is written in one
single sentence.
3. The poet was looking at her mother. She noticed the
mother’s ashen and almost lifeless face distraught with
pain.
4. The fear of losing her mother has tortured the poet since
her childhood. Therefore this ache is familiar to her.
 2 : An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) These children are sitting in the school classroom
a slum which is far away from the winds or waves
blowing strongly.
(ii) The faces of these children look pale. Their
uncombed and unkempt hair look like rootless
wild plants.
(iii) The head of the tall girl is weighed down by the
burdens of the world. She feels depressed, ill and
exhausted.
(iv) It means that the boy is exceptionally thin, weak
and hungry.
2. (i) The colour of the classroom walls is ‘sour cream’
or off white. This colour suggests the decaying
aspect and pathetic condition of the lives of the
children in a slum-school.
(ii) The walls of the classroom have pictures of
Shakespeare, buildings with domes, world maps
and beautiful valleys.
(iii) Because the world that is seen through the
windows is bleak, dark and dusty.
(iv) The expression means ‘Future painted with a fog’.
Short Answer Questions
1. The colour of ‘sour cream’ is off white. The poet has
used this expression to suggest the decaying aspect.
The deterioration in the colour of the classroom walls
symbolises the pathetic condition of the lives of the
scholars—the children of this slum-school.
2. These pictures that decorate the walls hold a stark contrast
with the world of these underfed, povertystricken,
slum children living in cramped dark holes. Obstacles
hamper their physical and mental development and at
best their growth is stunted. The pictures on the wall
suggest beauty, well-being, progress and prosperity—a
world of sunshine and warmth of love.
3. The poet wants the people in authority to realise
their responsibility towards the children of the slums.
All sort of social injustice and class inequalities be
ended by breaking the obstacles that confine the
slum children to their ugly and filthy surroundings.
Let them study and learn to express themselves
freely. Then they will share the fruit of progress
and prosperity and their lives will change for the
better.
4. The poet is talking about a situation in which the
children have access to the beautiful world that they
have never seen in life. In the class room they only
learn what they do not love to read while in the world
outside they will learn without restrictions. So, they
should be taken out of classrooms.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) For the children of the school in a slum Shakespeare
holds no importance. His works are meaningless
for them. The map is a bad example for them
because it does not contain the narrow streets of
slums.
(ii) Because the children do not have a bright future.
They lack opportunities.
(iii) Skin peeped through by bones.
(iv) It represents the beautiful world outside with cities
and countries.
2. (i) The walls are cream in colour, and exhibit an
atmosphere of depression and sadness.
(ii) A bust of the great poet Shakespeare with a
background of a sky is put on. The walls have
pictures of splendid Tyrolese valley which
is a sharp contrast to the atmosphere of the
classroom. There are maps on the walls which
show children the harsh world from their classroom
windows.
(iii) There are maps on the walls which show them the
harsh world from their classroom windows. Their
own world presents a future before them which is
dark and cruel.
(iv) Beautiful buildings and high towers that are seen
in all cities.
Short Answer Questions
1. The poet uses the images of despair and disease to
describe the miserable and pathetic lives of the children
living in slums. The faces of these children are pale
and lifeless. They and their hair are like ‘rootless
weeds’. The burden of life makes them sit with their
head ‘weighed down’. The stunted growth is depicted
by ‘the paper-seeming boy’ and ‘the stunted unlucky
heir of twisted bones’. Their weak bodies recite their
fathers’ ‘gnarled disease’.
2. The burden of poverty and disease crushes the bodies
of these slum children but not their souls. They still
have dreams. Even their foggy future has not crushed
all their hopes. They dream of open seas, green fields
and about the games that a squirrel plays in the tree
room.
3. In this poem Stephen Spender deals with the
theme of social injustice and class inequalities. He
presents the theme by talking of two different and
incompatible worlds. The world of the rich and the
‘civilized’ has nothing to do with the world of narrow
lanes and cramped holes. The gap between these
two worlds highlights social disparities and class
inequalities.
61
 4. He wants the authorities to realize their responsibilities
and free the children from such grave-like confinements.
He wants the barriers to be pulled down. The children
must break away from the school boundaries and enjoy
the world beyond. Only that way they can enjoy the
3 : Keeping Quiet
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The poet is, ‘Pablo Neruda’ and the poem is,
‘Keeping Quiet’.
(ii) Because language is a barrier which stops us
from understanding each other. Besides, language
differences often lead to conflict, which the poet,
perhaps, wants to avoid.
(iii) The poet wants us to be silent and motionless for
one second.
(iv) It refers to weapons and our arms which are used
to fire those weapons.
2. (i) Man is constantly harming nature with his
destructive activities.
(ii) The poet only wants us to be silent and motionless
for a second.
(iii) The poet refers to the sadness which surrounds man
due to not having any time for himself, the pain
of not understanding what he or his fellow human
beings want. He has no time for introspection. As
a result, he is unable to analyse his own actions
and understand its consequences.
(iv) Man is greedy and constantly harming nature to
earn more for himself.
Short Answer Questions
1. Counting up to twelve takes very short time. Keeping
still for this brief interval of time gives us a momentary
pause to introspect and review the course of action.
It is generally observed that most of the ills and
troubles of the world are caused by our rush or
hurry. Violence is caused by anger. Keeping quiet
and still will give us necessary respite and ensure
peace.
2. No, he doesn’t advocate either total inactivity or death.
He makes it quite clear that ‘stillness’ should not be
confused with ‘total inactivity’ or equated to it. Total
inactivity brings death. But Neruda has ‘no truck with
death’. His stillness means halting of harmful and
hostile human activities.
3. Man’s sadness is formed out of his own actions and
thinking. It is quite ironical that man who understands
so much fails to understand himself and his action. Rash
actions prove harmful and disastrous. His rush and
hurry causes trouble. Man is the creator of all disasters.
He is always threatening himself with death because
62 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
nature- the green fields and the golden sands. The poet
wants them to sail, explore and discover the world so
that someday their names may be found in history
books.
of his thoughts and actions. This is the tragedy of
his life.
4. The poet wants to prove that there can be life under
apparent stillness. The poet invokes the earth as a living
symbol to prove his point. The earth never attains total
inactivity. Nature remains at work even under apparent
stillness. It keeps earth alive. This idea is beautifully
illustrated by the following lines:
“as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.”
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The Earth teaches us how new life springs from
dead remains, and how there is life under apparent
stillness.
(ii) The Earth teaches us how new life springs from
dead remains. It gives us lessons about sustaining
and resurrecting life.
(iii) The Earth is always alive, even when everything
else seems to be dead. There is always some
activity going on in nature beneath its apparent
stillness.
(iv) Total inactivity brings death. But the earth never
attains total inactivity. At the sametime, nature
remains active all the time even under apparent
stillness. It keeps, the earth alive. So everything
proves to be alive later.
2. (i) It would be called an exotic moment because
it will be an instance of universal peace and
brotherhood. In that moment, all of us would
initiate introspection through meditation and the
whole world will be enveloped in quietness.
(ii) We would feel very strange at that moment,
because at that time everyone will have a feeling
of oneness with their fellow human beings. It will
be a new feeling altogether.
(iii) Keeping quiet and suspending all our activities
for a brief moment will give us time to introspect
and analyse our own actions. We will develop a
new understanding of our surroundings and thus
change our attitude to life. We will check our
destructive ways and try to be more positive and
constructive.
(iv) Engines refer to cars, trucks, buses which keep on
moving and create noise.
Short Answer Questions
1. Stillness is essential for calm reflection and quiet
introspection. We hear the voice of conscience in
moments of silence. The poet is convinced that most
of human ills and miseries are caused by man’s hurry
and rush to do things. The poet wishes that we may
withdraw from our undesirable actions and keep still
for a moment.
2. People of the world speak in different languages. They
indulge in unnecessary debates and disputes. Most of
these arguments lead to destructive wars. The poet
urges people to stop speaking in any language. They
must speak through their hearts. So far men have moved
their arms only to harm others. The poet wants that they
should not move their arms so much. Let these arms
4 : A Thing of Beauty
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The poet says that beauty is eternal. It is forever,
never fades away. Instead, our love for it enhances
with the passage of time.
(ii) The beautiful bounty of the earth is described
by ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’ which
signifies that God bestows us with all his beautiful
creations which help us live despite the sad,
gloomy aspects of life.
(iii) The deeds of the brave men who sacrificed their
lives are an inspiration for us forever. The beautiful
legacy of their bravery is the grandeur which is
associated with the mighty.
(iv) Metaphor
2. (i) Because there is cruelty all around and lack of
good natured people. It is this beauty, creation of
God which removes the sadness and darkness from
our mind.
(ii) Where we distance ourselves from the beautiful
things around us.
(iii) Alliteration — noble nature.
(iv) The poet is in a reflective mood.
Short Answer Questions
1. Everything of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of
pleasure. Some of them are: the sun, the moon, old and
young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear
water, mass of ferns and the blooming muskroses. All
of them are things of beauty. They are constant sources
of joy and pleasure.
2. Many things cause us suffering and pain. Malice
and disappointment are the biggest source of our
suffering. Another one is the lack of noble qualities.
Our unhealthy and evil ways also give birth to
so many troubles and sufferings. They dampen
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
rest for once. Let a feeling of mutual understanding be
created among human beings.
3. The poet refers to the moment of stillness and quietness
as an exotic moment. It would be an exotic moment, as
such a tranquillity will initiate peace and brotherhood.
There would be no movement, no talk, no activity and
consequently, no violence.
4. Man’s sadness is formed out of his own actions and
thinking. It is quite ironical that man who understands
so much fails to understand himself and his action. Rash
actions prove harmful and disastrous. His rush and
hurry causes trouble. Man is the creator of all disasters.
He is always threatening himself with death because
of his thoughts and actions. This is the tragedy of
his life.
our spirits. They act as a pall of sadness on our
lives.
3. Keats is a lover of beauty. He employs his senses
to discover beauty. The link of man with nature is
eternal. The things of beauty are like wreaths of
beautiful flowers. We seem to weave a flowery band
everyday. It keeps us attached to the beauties of this
earth.
4. The poet says that beauty is eternal. It is forever, never
fades away. Instead, our love for it enhances with the
passage of time. As the saying ‘beauty lies in the eyes
of the beholder’, it is the perception of one who looks
at something and how he finds it. So, here the poet’s
view about beauty is that it never ends.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) To get attached to the beautiful things around us
and weave a pretty band which binds us with our
life is the reason for us to live.
(ii) There is cruelty all around and lack of good natured
people. It is this beauty, creation of God which
removes the sadness and darkness from our mind
and soul.
(iii) Inspite of cruelty all around and lack of good
natured people, it is this beauty, creation of God
which removes the sadness and darkness from our
mind.
(iv) (a) Malice — spite
(b) Disappointment — despondence
2. (i) All the evils in the world.
(ii) The moon, the trees.
(iii) Beauty of various things gives us happiness and
relaxation. It makes us love life inspite of life’s
troubles and sufferings.
(iv) Alliteration
63
Short Answer Questions
1. There are many things that bring us troubles and
sufferings. They dampen our spirits. However, ‘some
shape of beauty’ brings love and happiness in our lives
in spite of such unpleasant things. A thing of beauty
removes the pall of sadness and sufferings. It makes
us love life.
2. The mighty dead were very powerful and dominating
persons during their own times. Their achievements
made them ‘mighty’ and great. Their noble works
dazzle our eyes. We imagine that such mighty dead
forefathers will attain more grandeur on the doomsday.
Hence ‘grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’.
5 : Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The poem is ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’. The poet is
Adrienne Rich.
(ii) They are jumping across a screen or a wall. They
look like shining yellow topaz.
(iii) They live in green forests. They are fearless. They
don’t fear the men under the tree.
(iv) (a) Prance (ii) Denizens
2. (i) The poem is Aunt Jennifer’s tigers and the poet is
Adrienne Rich.
(ii) The ‘ordeals’ are obeying her husband’s orders
and giving in to his dominance and fulfilling his
commands.
(iii) As they are not afraid of anyone. They are their
own masters.
(iv) ‘Ringed’ indicates entrapment. As the ring
encircles the finger, similarly, her husband has
encircled her freedom in his clutches. Her body
and soul are trapped, struggling for freedom and
fearlessness.
Short Answer Questions
1. Like all beasts of prey, the tigers are the denizens of
forest. They live far away from human settlements.
They are called ‘chivalric.’ This indicates the majestic
and honourable position that they occupy in the world
of animals. So the use of the words ‘denizens’ and
‘chivalric’ adds to our understanding of the tigers’
attitudes.
2. Aunt Jennifer is weaving tigers on the panel. Her hands
are moving about her wool. She is finding the needle
quite hard to pull. The weight of years of her married
life is lying heavy on her hand. This makes the pulling
of the needle so hard.
3. It suggests the weight of the harsh and difficult
experience of Aunt Jennifer’s married life. The image
64 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
3. We feel happy by coming into contact with things
of beauty. They make a lasting impression on us.
Keats makes it clear at the outset. A thing of beauty
is a joy forever. It is a constant source of joy. Its
beauty never declines or diminishes. Its loveliness
goes on increasing every moment. Its value remains
undiminished. It never passes into nothingness. It
removes the pall of sadness that covers our dark
spirits.
4. Bounty of the earth is described by ‘endless fountain
of immortal drink’ which signifies that God bestows
us with all his beautiful creations which help us live
despite the sad, gloomy aspects of life.
is quite suggestive. The wedding band is symbolic. It
represents the unbreakable bond of marriage between
the husband and the wife.
4. In the third stanza, the poet refers to Aunt Jennifer’s
‘terrified hands’. The old unhappy memories are still
fresh in her mind. She had passed through many testing
and horrible times during her married life. These
ordeals crushed and suppressed her. Their effect is still
visible. So she is still ringed with those ordeals that
dominated her life.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Reference To Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) Aunt Jennifer’s figurers were fluttering through
the wool.
(ii) She was pulling the needle with terror.
(iii) ‘Ringed’ indicates entrapment. As the ring
encircles the finger, similarly, her husband has
encircled her in his clutches. Her body and soul
are both trapped, struggling for freedom and
fearlessness.
(iv) (a) Fluttering
(b) Massive
2. (i) Aunt Jennifer’s tiger appeared proud and unafraid.
(ii) They are not afraid of men.
(iii) Tigers are proud and unafraid. They are sleek and
made of yellow topaz colour.
(iv) The word ‘chivalric’ shows that they have a
majestic and worthy position like knights and
know what they want.
Short Answer Questions
1. The tigers are ‘prancing’. They pace in ‘sleek chivalric
certainty’. They ‘do not fear’ the men beneath the
tree. Thus they are symbols of strength, fierceness
and beauty. Aunt Jennifer, on the other hand, is weak
and terrified. Her hands are finding it difficult to
 pull through her wool. The massive weight of the
wedding band sits heavily on her hand. Her terrified
hands are still ringed by the ordeal that crushed her
during her married life. The contrast heightens the
intensity.
2. I think that aunt Jennifer’s intense desire for freedom
and fearlessness came out through her creativity. This
is the time when she is with herself, and then, her
innermost feelings are expressed, here her medium of
expression is the embroidery.
VISTAS
1 : The Tiger King
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. The Maharja of Pratibandapuram was called the ‘Tiger
King’. The Maharaja acquired his name as Tiger King
because of his habit of killing tigers. He had to turn
down the prediction of astrologers who had predicted
that his death would come from a tiger.
2. Crown prince Jung Jung Bahadur grew taller and
stronger day-by-day. He was brought up by an English
nanny and tutored in English by an Englishman. He got
the control of his state when he came of age at twenty.
He decided to kill tigers. For him it was an act of self-
defence, as the astrologer had predicted his death by a
tiger.
3. Maharaja’s anxiety reached the highest level of
excitement when only one tiger remained to be killed.
He thought of the hundredth tiger during the day and
dreamt of it at night. But it became impossible to locate
tigers anywhere. The Maharaja was sunk in gloom.
Then came a happy news. In his own state sheep began
to disappear frequently from a hillside village. Surely, a
tiger was at work. The Maharaja set out on the hunt at
once. But the tiger was not easily found. The Maharaja
continued camping in the forest and waiting for the
tiger.
4. The Maharaja had successfully killed ninety-nine tigers
but struggled hard to find the hundredth tiger. Once,
there came a news of a tiger being spotted at a hillside
village but it turned out to be untrue. This infuriated
the Maharaja, who ordered the dewan to double
the land tax in order to punish the villagers for the
false news.
Long Answer Questions
1. On surface level, ‘The Tiger King’ seems to be a simple
story about a royal prince, his growth and exploits as a
king. The prophecies at his birth about the manner of
his death make the story interesting by introducing the
element of surprise and suspense.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
3. In the third stanza, the poet refers to Aunt Jennifer’s
‘terrified hands’. The old unhappy memories are still
fresh in her mind. She had passed through many testing
and horrible times during her married life. These
ordeals crushed and suppressed her. Their effect is still
visible. So she is still ringed with those ordeals that
dominated her life.
4. Although no mention of uncle is there still he seems
to be dominating and authoritative. Aunt Jennifer has
become like a slave in her own home.
On a deeper level, the story is a satire on the conceit of
those in power. It is usually seen that those in power
have too much pride in themselves and what they do.
Two such specimens in the story are the Tiger King
and the British officer. The author employs dramatic
irony and humour to show their faults and weaknesses.
The words of these characters carry an extra meaning.
They do not know what is going to happen. The Tiger
King resolves to hunt a hundred tigers to disprove the
prediction of the astrologer. In his stubbornness, he falls
prey to a wooden tiger. The high-ranking British officer
is equally vain. He is more interested in photograph
with carcass than hunting itself. The Tiger King offers
to organise any other hunt except tiger-hunt. It may be
a boar-hunt, mouse-hunt or a mosquito-hunt. He has
to lose three lakh of rupees for his refusal. The ego of
the British officer is satisfied when his wife is pleased.
2. For centuries innocent animals have been subjected to
the wilfulness of human beings. Man has been killing
animals for sport, meat or organs. The author does not
make any direct comment about it in the story. Man
advances strange logic to defend even his unlawful and
cruel acts. The Maharaja quotes an old saying, “You
may kill even a cow in self-defence”. Hence he finds
no objection to kill tigers in self-defence. It reveals not
only the callousness of human beings towards wildlife
but their disregard for maintaining ecological balance
also. The extinction of tiger species in Pratibandapuram
state and the state ruled by the Maharaja’s father-in-law
amply illustrates the result of man’s cruelty towards the
wild animals. An old tiger has to be brought from the
People’s Park in Madras to satisfy the king’s whim to
kill one hundred tigers.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. The astrologer was no more alive. Moreover the king
was also dead after a sliver from the wooden tiger
poisoned him.
65
 2. The wooden tiger is the real hero of the story which was
able to take revenge on the king for unjustified killing
of ninety-nine tigers.
3. When the astrologers were reading the horoscope of
the little prince, they were taken by surprise when the
ten-day old infant asked about the manner of his death.
When the chief astrologer told him that a tiger would be
the cause of his death, the baby retorted with arrogance,
“Let the tigers beware!”
4. Do it yourself (with the above answer).
Long Answer Questions
1. A minion is an unimportant person in an organization
who has to obey orders. The Maharaja has many
minions or servants. Most of them fear the Maharaja
and obey his orders faithfully. They dare not disobey
him or contradict him. The Maharaja’s displeasure
means loss of job or even loss of life. Only a few of
them are truly sincere towards him. One such person
is the chief astrologer. He is willing to burn his books
of astrology, cut off his tuft and crop his hair short if
his prediction proves untrue. The others try to keep
the Maharaja in good humour. Even the Dewan is
no exception. Many officers lose their jobs when the
Maharaja’s fury and obstinacy mount higher. The
king’s bullet misses the hundredth tiger. It faints from
the shock and falls as a crumpled heap. The hunters
realise the truth, but they decide not to reveal it to the
king. They fear that they might lose their jobs.
In today’s political order, subordinates serve their
superior bosses as deaf and dumb creatures who see
only what their masters want them to see. Their self-
interests and fear of elimination make them faithful
servants.
2. In our times, big game-hunting has been banned by
law as so many species of wildlife have been declared
endangered species. Sanctuaries, national parks and
games reserves have been established to preserve
wildlife from extinction and maintain ecological
balance in nature. Even then sporadic cases of game-
hunting are reported in papers now and then. It is
generally noticed that the erstwhile rulers—kings or
nawabs or the rich and powerful persons or famous
film stars indulge in game-hunting. The cases against
M.A.K. Pataudi and Salman Khan are still pending in
courts. Poachers and smugglers too destroy wildlife for
skin, meat or for various organs and escape scot-free.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. When the astrologers were reading the horoscope of
the little prince, they were taken by surprise when the
ten-day old infant asked about the manner of his death.
When the chief astrologer told him that a tiger would be
the cause of his death, the baby retorted with arrogance,
“Let the tigers beware!”
66 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
2. The Maharaja pursued his ambition with single minded
devotion. He vowed that he would attend to all other
matters only after killing the hundred tigers. He bravely
faced many dangers to his life from tigers in achieving
his mission. Sometimes he had to fight a tiger with
his bare hands. But each time the Maharaja proved
victorious by killing the beast.
3. When the infant became a little older, he came to know
about the prediction. He called the astrologer and the
astrologer repeated the same prophecy. He further
added that he would cut his tuft of hair and burn his
books if proven wrong.
4. When the Maharaja thought that he had killed the
hundredth tiger, his joy knew no bounds. The elated
king returned to his capital and ordered his staff to
bring the dead tiger in a grand procession. The tiger was
buried and a tomb was erected over it. As his vow was
fulfilled so he thought to give up hunting altogether.
Long Answer Questions
1. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram is the hero of this
story. He may be identified as His Highness Jamedar-
General, Khiledar-Major, Sata Vyaghra Samhari,
Maharajadhiraja Visva Bhuvana Samrat, Sir Jilani Jung
Jung Bahadur, M.A.D., A.C.T.C., or C.R.C.K. This
name is often shortened to the Tiger King. Actually the
writer has no intention of praising the king. Obviously
after addressing him with a variety of titles, he brings
an anticlimax by telling the readers that his name is
shortened to shortened to the Tiger King. Actually
the writer has no intention to praise the king. After
addressing him with a variety of titles, the writer brings
an anticlimax by telling the readers that his name was
shortened to the tiger king.
2. A minion is an unimportant person in an organization
who has to obey orders. The Maharaja has many
minions or servants. Most of them fear the Maharaja
and obey his orders faithfully. They dare not disobey
him or contradict him. The Maharaja’s displeasure
means loss of job or even loss of life. Only a few of
them are truly sincere towards him. One such person
is the chief astrologer. He is willing to burn his books
of astrology, cut off his tuft and crop his hair short if
his prediction proves untrue. The others try to keep
the Maharaja in good humour. Even the Dewan is
no exception. Many officers lose their jobs when the
Maharaja’s fury and obstinacy mount higher. The
king’s bullet misses the hundredth tiger. It faints from
the shock and falls as a crumpled heap. The hunters
realise the truth, but they decide not to reveal it to the
king. They fear that they might lose their jobs.
In today’s political order, subordinates serve their
superior bosses as deaf and dumb creatures who see only
what their masters want them to see. Their self-interests
and fear of elimination make them faithful servants.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. It was celebration time because the Maharaja Jung
Bahadur forbade tiger hunting by any one except him.
A public statement said that if any one dared to even
fling a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property
would be confiscated. The Maharaja also vowed
to attend to all other matters of the state only after
killing the hundred tigers and proving the astrologer
wrong.
2. The Dewan had secretly brought a tiger from the
People’s Park in Madras and had taken it to the forest
where the Maharaja was staying. It was an old tiger.
The Maharaja aimed at it and fired. The tiger fell down
but only fainted on hearing the sound of the gun. Later,
a hunter, who refused to divulge the truth for the fear
of losing his job, killed it.
3. The Maharaja’s entire life revolved around tiger
hunting. After he wiped out the tiger population he
was adamant about finishing off the hundredth tiger.
He was feared by his people who deceived him.
However, destiny’s deal was different. He bought a
wooden tiger as a birthday gift for his son. This was
carved by an unskilled carpenter and the Maharaja
injured his hand. The infection flared up, and despite
the best surgeons the Maharaja dies. Destiny took
its final revenge on ‘The Tiger King’. The arrogance
and power of man is so small in front of destiny and
nature.
4. For centuries innocent animals have been subjected
to the wilfulness of human beings. Man has been
killing animals for sport, meat or organs of body.
Man advances strange logic to defend even his
unlawful and cruel acts. The Maharaja quotes an old
2 : The Enemy
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Dr. Sadao Hoki was an eminent Japanese surgeon
and scientist. He had spent eight valuable years of
his youth in America to learn all that could be learnt
of surgery and medicine there. He was perfecting
a discovery which would render wounds entirely
clean.
Dr. Sadao’s house was built on rocks well above a
narrow beach that was outlined with bent pines. It was
on a spot of the Japanese coast.
2. Dr. Sadao knew that they would be arrested if they
sheltered a white man in their house. The wounded man
was a prisoner of war who had escaped with a bullet
on his back. Since Japan was at war with America,
harbouring an enemy meant being a traitor to Japan.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
saying, “You may kill even a cow in self-defence”.
Hence he finds no objection to kill tigers in self-
defence.
Long Answer Questions
1. The grandeur associated with a king’s life proves a
mockery. When the Maharaja of Pratibandhpuram
was told that he would be killed by a tiger, he could
never imagine the twist in fate where a toy tiger could
be fatal. Because of his conceit, he was unprepared
for such surprises flung by life at him. The story also
satirizes the corrupting influence of power. Just because
the Tiger King had power, he felt he could browbeat
his subjects and even defeat fate. He neglected his
responsibility as a ruler. He neglected the welfare of
his subjects, his family, increased and reduced taxes at
will and sacked his officers. They feared him or else he
would have learnt the truth.
2. Nature has its own way of taking revenge. For centuries
innocent animals have been subjected to the wilfulness
of human beings. Man has been killing animals for
sport, meat or organs of body. The author does not
make any direct comment about it in the story. Man
advances strange logic to defend even his unlawful and
cruel acts. The Maharaja quotes an old saying, “You
may kill even a cow in self-defence”. Hence he finds
no objection to kill tigers in self-defence. It reveals not
only the callousness of human beings towards wildlife
but their disregard for maintaining ecological balance.
The extinction of tiger species in Pratibandapuram state
and the state ruled by the Maharaja’s father-in-law
amply illustrates the result of man’s cruelty towards
wild animals. An old tiger has to be brought from the
People’s Park in Madras to satisfy the king’s whim to
kill one hundred tigers.
Dr. Sadao could be arrested if anyone complained
against him and accused him of harbouring an
enemy.
3. The gardener and the cook were frightened that their
master was going to heal the wound of a white man—
an enemy. They felt that after being cured he will
take revenge on the Japanese. Yumi, the maid, was
also frightened. She refused to wash the white man.
Hana rebuked the maid who had refused to wash a
wounded and helpless man. Then she dipped a small
clean towel into the steaming hot water and washed
the white man’s face. She kept on washing him until
his upper body was quite clean. But she dared not turn
him over.
4. Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, had told the servants
that they only wanted to bring the man to his senses so
that they could turn him over as a prisoner. However,
67
 Dr. Sadao was against handing over a wounded man
to the police. He decided to carry him into his house.
He operated upon him and extracted the bullet from his
body. He and his wife looked after him and fed him till
he was strong enough to walk on his legs.
Long Answer Questions
1. From the day Dr. Sadao found the wounded soldier
outside his house, he had been caught up in a web of
conflicts and difficulties. The first difficulty arose when
Sadao decided to operate upon the soldier. He was
caught between his duty as a doctor and loyalty towards
his nation. Nonetheless, Sadao emerges a champion in
this regard. As an ethical and sincere doctor, he saved
the life of the soldier and as a responsible citizen, he
also informed the General about the presence of the
soldier. Next, when the General’s men did not arrive to
kill the enemy, Sadao was again caught in a conflict as
to how to get rid of the white man. His innate virtues of
compassion and benevolence forbade him from killing
the man. Thus, he decided to let the prisoner escape by
sending him off to an unguarded island.
2. Dr. Sadao and Hana both loved their country. They
didn’t have any liking for the white people. He
considered that Americans suffered from racial
prejudice. Both of them were happy that Japan was
fighting against the white people. But Dr. Sadao had
been trained as a doctor even to save a dying enemy.
Handing him over to the police would have meant
throwing him into the jaws of death. Hence, he put
aside all other considerations and respected the ethics
of his profession. Hana was a woman with a tender
heart. She couldn’t bear the sight of a wounded and
bleeding soldier. Hence, she herself helped Sadao to
carry the wounded man into the house. No doubt, the
behaviour of the old General defies logic. Certainly,
he lacks national loyalty. He can also be accused of
dereliction of duty. Being a General, it was his duty to
get the prisoner of war arrested at once.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. Dr. Sadao gave his boat to the young soldier, arranged
food for him and provided him valuable information
which helped him escape successfully. This is how
Sadao helped the American soldier flee and thereby
saved his life.
2. Sadao’s father was a visionary. He knew that the
islands near the sea coast were the stepping stones to
the future of Japan. No one could limit their future as
it depended on what they made it. His son’s education
was his chief concern. He sent his son to America at
the age of twenty-two to learn all that could be learned
of surgery and medicine. He loved the Japanese race,
customs and manners.
68 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
3. Sadao was an eminent surgeon and a scientist. He was
perfecting a discovery which would render wounds
entirely clean. Secondly, the old General was being
treated medically for a condition for which he might
need an operation. Due to these two reasons Sadao was
being kept in Japan and not sent abroad with the troops.
4. Dr. Sadao had met Hana in America. His father allowed
the marriage after ensuring that she was also a Japanese.
She married Sadao with Japanese traditions and rituals.
Long Answer Questions
1. When the American war prisoner came to consciousness
and realized that his life had been saved by a Japanese
family, he feared that he would be soon handed over
to the army. However, it doesn’t happen. Then he
noticed the amount of concern and care given to him
by Sadao and his wife Hana. He understood that he
was in safe hands. He also knew that although he
was a threat to the doctor’s family, his own life might
be saved there. Burdened with gratitude towards the
family, he ultimately decided to comply with what the
doctor planned for him - to escape in a boat especially
arranged for him.
2. The General was totally governed by self absorption.
He was a patient of Dr. Sadao, who was an skilled
surgeon and did not trust anyone except him when it
came to his health. For this reason only Sadao had not
been allowed to go with the troops. He could not take
the risk of his own life if the doctor was executed for
treachery. He had personal assassins whom he promised
to use for killing the injured soldier. But ironically,
he ‘forgot’ his promise to help the doctor. Human
consideration was not his agenda. He simply forgot
due to his bad health.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. When Dr. Sadao and his wife reached him, they saw
that he was wounded. He lay motionless. Sadao began
to search for the wound. Blood flowed freshly at
his touch. In order to stanch the fearful bleeding, he
packed the wound with the sea moss. The man was
unconscious. He moaned with pain in his stupor but
he did not awaken.
2. The white man was wounded. He needed immediate
medical care. Dr. Sadao could do so. But if they
sheltered a white man in their house, they would be
arrested. On the other hand, if they turned him out as
a prisoner, he would certainly die. Dr. Sadao was in a
fix. It was difficult for him to come to any decision.
3. The doctor tried his best to save the injured soldier as
a part of his duty. It cannot be said that he betrayed his
country as he told the truth to the General. However
when he noticed that the soldier was to be killed not for
the benefit of the country but only to save the doctor’s
 life, he decided to help him flee. In such a situation,
the doctor’s final solution to the problem was the best
possible one.
4. Hana was the wife of Dr. Sadao. She noticed a man
staggering and fumbling on his toes. On reaching there
they both (Hana & Dr. Sadao) found a wounded man
who was probably a P.O.W who was bleeding from
the back.
Long Answer Questions
1. It is the consciousness of the demands of one’s calling
that make a sensitive soul respond to the call of his
duty as a professional doctor to attend to the wounded
human being regardless of his being an enemy.
In the story ‘The Enemy’ Dr. Sadao Hoki finds a
prisoner of war washed ashore and in a dying state
thrown to his doorstep. As a patriot, it is his duty to
hand him over to the police. If he does not want to be
entangled, the next best thing is to put him back to the
sea.
However, the surgeon in him instinctively inspires him
to operate upon the dying man and save him from the
jaws of death. First, he packs the wound with sea-moss
to stanch the fearful bleeding. Then he brings him home
with the help of his wife. In spite of stiff opposition
and open defiance of the servants, he operates upon
the man and harbours him till he is able to leave. He
knows fully well the risk of sheltering a white man—a
prisoner of war—in his house. But his sentimentality
for the suffering and wounded person help him rise
above narrow national prejudices and extend his help
and services even to an enemy.
2. Yes, I think the doctor’s final solution to the problem
was the best possible one in the circumstances. Initially,
the doctor as well as his wife thought that the best as
well as kindest thing would be to put him back into the
sea. But neither of them moved. Neither was able to
put him back into the sea.
Sadao explained that if the man was whole he could turn
him over to the police without difficulty, but since he
was wounded, the doctor could not throw him back to
the sea. He could not kill the man whom he had saved
from the jaws of death.
The General promised to send his private assassins to
kill the man and remove his dead body. Sadao waited
for three nights for their arrival, but they never came as
the General being preoccupied with his own suffering,
forgot everything else.
Meanwhile the fear of Hana, the doctor’s wife, that
he would be arrested on the charge of harbouring an
enemy kept on mounting. Dr. Sadao made up his mind
to get rid of the man as it was not only inconvenient but
also dangerous for them to have him there any longer.
He, therefore, quietly devised the plan of letting the
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
prisoner escape by using his own boat and Japanese
clothes. In short, the doctor’s strategy to let the prisoner
escape was the best possible solution to the problem
under the prevailing circumstances.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. They carried the injured soldier inside the house as he
was unconscious.
2. All the servants left one by one and the whole burden
came on Hana. Secondly the American was no longer
confined to the bed and would be seen standing near
the window which could prove dangerous.
3. Sadao heard Hana retching in the garden and said that it
would be better for her to empty her stomach. He went
on with his work. He had forgotten that she had never
seen an operation. But her distress and his inability to
go to her at once made him impatient and irritable with
the man who lay like dead under his knife.
4. The servants felt that they could not stay there if their
master sheltered the white man there any more. They
also accused them of liking Americans and of having
forgotten to think of their own country first. Dr. Sadao
protested that it was not true. Americans were their
enemies. But he had been trained not to let a man die
if he could help him. Hana told him that the servants
could not understand it.
Long Answer Questions
1. The story is about an American trained Japanese
surgeon working in Japan, during the Second World
War. Dr. Sadao had grown up believing that the
Japanese were a superior race. He also disliked
Americans because of his unpleasant experience in
America where he faced racial bias. Despite this he
could not let the young American bleed to death.
He pulls a wounded American sailor probably, an
escaped prisoner of war, from the surf close to his
home. Against the disapproval of the servants he
hides the sailor, operates on him and saves his life
temporarily. As a good citizen and a patriot he reports
what he had done to the patient, to the General in the
Japanese Military. The General assured him that he
would get the soldier assassinated and spare possible
retribution against Sadao and his family. The General
fails to keep his promise. Sadao spends sleepless
nights thinking that his patient will be killed. Finally
he helps the prisoner to escape. His humanitarian and
professional ethics prevail over his rationality and
patriotism. The Enemy, the American Soldier, helps
Doctor Sadao overcome his personal prejudices and
emerge a virtuous human being.
2. Hana is the alter ego of her husband, Dr. Sadao Hoki.
She has adapted herself to his ways. She knows that
69
 saving a life is a mission for him and when he is
attending on his patient, he forgets everything else—
even Hana herself. Even years after their marriage, they
retain the same love and affection for each other.
She cared for him a lot and would not let him stand
outside in the cold foggy February night. She was a bit
sentimental, yet pragmatic in her approach. She was
quick to judge what went on in her husband’s mind and
suggested solutions. She maintained her dignity when
the servants showed resistance and open defiance. As
an obedient and devoted wife, she carried out all the
3 : Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Jo is the shortened form of Joanne. She is the four year
old daughter of Jack and Clare. For the last two years,
her father, Jack, has been telling her bed-time stories.
Since these stories are woven around the same basic
tale and have the same characters and turn of events,
Jo takes so many things for granted and takes active
interest in the story-telling session.
2. Jack told the story of Roger Skunk—an animal which
emitted a foul smell and how the wizard changed his
smell to that of roses at his request. The other little
creatures, who earlier hated Roger Skunk, now gathered
around him because he smelled so good. They played
various games of children till dark and then went to
their homes happily.
3. Little Jo had been accustomed to the happy ending of
the stories of Roger, where the wizard was helpful to
him in fulfilling his wish.
She could not accept mother’s stubbornness-hitting
the well wisher of her son, Roger Skunk. She insisted
that her father should tell her the same story again the
next day with changed ending. In the beautiful world
of a child’s imagination, fairies and wizard’s are more
real than reality itself. She could not digest the harsh
realities of life. She did not like the unfeeling mother
who hit the benefactor of her son.
4. Jack would tell his four year old daughter Joanne (or Jo)
a story out of his head in the evenings and for Saturday
naps. This custom had begun when she was two and
now it was nearly two year old.
Long Answer Questions
1. The story raises a moral issue—should parents always
decide what the children should do or let the children
do what they like to do. There is an evident contrast
between an adult’s perspective on life and the world
view of a little child.
Jack, the father, defends the behaviour of Roger Skunk’s
mother who forced the old wizard to restore the natural
70 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
orders and instructions of her husband. She washed the
wounded white man, gave him anaesthesia and later on
food.
She was worried about her husband’s safety, position
and reputation. Initially, she suggested to throw the
man back into the sea. She was afraid that the servants
might misreport. Her fears are exhibited clearly when a
messenger in uniform arrives from the palace. In order
to calm down her fears, Dr. Sadao decides to get rid
of the white man anyhow. In short, she is an ideal life
partner.
but offensive smell to Roger Skunk. He sums up the
issue in one sentence: ‘She knew what was right’. As
to why the little skunk agreed to her mother’s proposal,
Jack says that the little skunk loved his mummy more
than he loved all the other little animals. Jack cites an
instance. When Roger Skunk was in bed, Mummy
Skunk came up, hugged him and said he smelled like her
little baby Skunk again and she loved him very much.
Little Jo, the spokesperson of children, does not agree
with her father’s view. She feels that the Skunk’s
mother should not have robbed the pleasure of her
little son and deprived him of the pleasant smell of the
roses. She insisted that the wizard hit that mummy on
the head and did not change that little skunk back. She
calls the little skunk’s mother “a stupid mommy”. She
realised that her father was defending his own mother
to her, or something odd.
Jo stuck to her viewpoint. She insisted that her father
should tell her the story the next day in a different
manner. It was the wizard that took the magic wand
and hit that mommy.
2. An adult’s perspective on life is different from that
of a child’s because of the difference between their
respective experiences and exposure to the world
around them. An adult comes across all sorts of
experiences—good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant,
happy or sad, encouraging or discouraging. The child
lives a sheltered life under the protection and love of
his parents. In their rosy dream world of fairies and
wizards, nothing good is impossible for their favourite
characters. Their adoration of these characters is
nothing short of hero-worship.
The world of make-believe makes the children lovers
of romance, beauty and all things pleasant in nature.
These characters and their super feats, which appear
so real in stories, may not be real at all in real life.
The adults who are familiar with harsh realities of life
know that all that glitters is not gold. Everything is not
honey. They accept things critically—with a pinch of
salt. Children usually lack this quality.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. A small creature named Roger had some problem.
He would go to the wise owl who told him to go to
the wizard. The wizard performed a magic spell. It
solved Roger’s problem. He demanded more pennies
than Roger had. Then he directed Roger to the place
where extra money could be found. Roger felt happy
and played many games with other creatures. He then
went home. His daddy arrived from Boston. They had
supper. The story wound up with the description of the
items of their supper.
2. Jo was growing up. She never fell asleep in naps any
more. Her brother, Bobby, who was two, and already
asleep with his bottle. But Jo would not take her nap
like an infant. The bumps her feet made under the
covers were halfway down the bed. Her fat face deep
in the pillow shone in the sunlight. The custom seemed
futile and especially fatiguing on Saturdays.
3. Jo suggested ‘skunk’ for the story that day. It was a
new animal for her. They must be talking about it at
nursery school. A skunk or a pole-cat is a small black
and white North American animal. It can produce a
strong unpleasant smell to defend itself when it is
attacked.
4. Jo squeezed her eyes shut and smiled to be thinking
that she was thinking. She opened her blue eyes and
said firmly, “Skunk”. Having a fresh hero momentarily
stirred Jack to creative enthusiasm. He started telling
the story of Roger Skunk that smelled so bad that none
of the other little woodland creatures would play with
him.
Long Answer Questions
1. Jack has the typical parental attitude. He is of the
opinion that the parents know what is best for their
children. He asserts the parental authority time and
again to quieten Jo and stifle her objections and
amendments to the story of the foul smelling Skunk
related by him.
He defends the attitude of Roger Skunk’s mother.
She does not approve of the unnatural, unskunk like
smell that Roger has. She calls the sweet smell of the
roses an awful smell. Earlier the little skunk smelled
the way a little skunk should. She wants the natural
characteristic—the foul smell—restored. He says that
she knew what was right. Secondly, the little skunk
loved his mommy more than he loved all the other
animals. That is why, he took his mommy to the wizard.
She hit the wizard and forced him to change the smell
of roses to his earlier bad odour. He insisted on this
ending to emphasise the concern of the parents for
children and their role in bringing them up on proper
lines.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
2. Jack feels that he has been caught in an ugly middle
position physically, emotionally as well as mentally.
The woodwork, a cage of mouldings and rails and
skirting boards all around them was half old tan and
half new ivory.
He was conscious of his duties as a father and as a
husband. Little Bobby was already asleep. His efforts
to make Jo fall asleep proved quite fatiguing. She kept
on interrupting him, asking for clarifications, pointing
errors and suggesting alternatives.
Jack did not like that women should take anything
for granted. He liked them to be apprehensive. So he
extended the story, though he was in a haste to go down
stairs and help his pregnant wife in her hard work of
painting the woodwork. The result of the extension to
the story proved unfruitful and unpleasant for Jo, Jack
and Clare. Jo wanted him to change the ending of the
story. Clare complained that he had told a long story.
Jack felt utter weariness and did not want to speak with
his wife or work with her or touch her. He was really
caught in an ugly middle position.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. Clare was painting woodwork. The furniture was half
old, tan, and half-new ivory. She was five months
pregnant.
2. The old wizard lived in a little white house across the
swamp over a little river. He helped anyone who came
looking for help. He charged seven pennies for it. If the
animal was unable to pay he would send him to well to
look for pennies.
3. Jo’s main anger is against the “stupid mommy” of
Roger Skunk. It was she who forced the wizard to make
Roger Skunk smell very bad again The tender-hearted
Jo is shocked at the attitude of that ‘stupid’ mommy.
She wants that Roger’s mommy must be punished. But
when jack doesn’t agree her interest waned..
4. Jack seems to have perfected the art of story-telling. He
has a basic tale. Each new story is a slight variation of
the basic tale. There is a small creature, usually named
Roger in every story. He can be Roger Fish, Roger
Squirrel or Roger Chipmunk. Then there is a wise old
owl and a wizard with a magic wand in every story.
Jack understands the pulse of his little daughter Jo. So
he creates special effects to keep her interest intact.
Long Answer Questions
1. An adult’s perspective is very different from that of
a child. This can be seen clearly in the story “Should
Wizard Hit Mommy?” Jack tells his daughter Jo a
story before bedtime. Since she wants to hear a story
about a skunk, he tells her about Roger Skunk who
smells so bad that no one wants to play with him. He
goes to the owl that directs him to a wizard who gives
71
 him smell of roses. Roger Skunk is happy and now
has plenty of friends to play with. But when he goes
home, his mother is very angry. She takes him to the
wizard and insists that Roger be made to smell like a
skunk again.
Jo is upset with the mother for making the wizard
change Roger back into his earlier smelly self. Like
all children, she felt it was good that he had friends to
play with. She knew how difficult it was to fit in.
However, Jack through his story wants to tell his
daughter that she must always be herself and not
give in to peer pressure. Also, parents cannot be right
always. He wants to say that if we are comfortable
being eventually people will accept us as we are. The
differences between adult and child perspectives are
honestly dealt with in the story.
2. The story raises a moral issue—should parents always
decide what the children should do or let the children
do what they like to do. There is an evident contrast
between an adult’s perspective on life and the world
view of a little child.
Jack, the father, defends the behaviour of Roger Skunk’s
mother who forced the old wizard to restore the natural
but offensive smell to Roger Skunk. He sums up the
issue in one sentence: ‘She knew what was right’. As
to why the little skunk agreed to her mother’s proposal,
Jack says that the little skunk loved his mommy more
than he loved all the other little animals. Jack cites
an instance. When Roger Skunk was in bed, Mommy
Skunk came up, hugged him and said he smelled like
her little baby Skunk again and she loved him very
much.
Little Jo, does not agree with her father’s view. She
feels that Skunk’s mother should not have robbed
the pleasure of her little son and deprived him of the
pleasant smell of the roses. She insisted that the wizard
hit that mommy on the head and did not change that
little skunk back. She calls the little skunk’s mother
“a stupid mommy”. She realised that her father was
defending his own mother or something odd.
Jo stuck to her view point. She insisted that her father
should tell her the story the next day in a different
manner. It was the wizard that took the magic wand
and hit that mommy.
4 : On The Face Of It
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. Derry had developed negative altitude. He said that
the arguments to console him would not make his face
change. He felt more hurt and pained by the comments
or what he heard. Once he heard a woman in the street
72 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. Roger Skunk came back home. He was smelling like
roses. His mother wondered what that ‘awful’ smell
was. Roger replied that the wizard made him smell like
that. The mother became very angry. She decided to
take him right back to that ‘awful’ wizard. She wanted
Roger to smell like a skunk.
2. He had to help his wife in painting work. That’s why
it was more tiresome. He wanted the children to go to
sleep as early as possible.
3. Jo thought that as the problem of skunk was solved
therefore the story had come to an end. She had not
anticipated the reaction of mother.
4. The author talks about the presence of magical things
in wizard’s house. This is to create the magical
environment in the story. Also the things were not
neatly stacked. This shows the absence of cleaning lady
and the importance of having a woman in the house.
Long Answer Questions
1. The tale which Jack told Jo was of a small creature
who took his problems to the owl. The owl sent him
to the wizard who solved the problem and demanded
payment. He did not have enough money, so he was
directed to a place where the money could be found.
There the tiny creature played with the others and
went home in time to hear the train bringing his father
home. But the mother is not happy with this smell. She
wants her child back with skunk smell. So, she goes to
the wizard and hits him on the head with her umbrella
and tells him to change it to skunk smell again. Jack
stresses that mother were right. But Jo is angry with the
mother. She tells father to change the ending next day.
She wants wizard to hit the mother for not letting her
child to be happy. The safety part is not in her mind at
all.
2. Because for them also, the smell doesn’t matter
anymore. They get accustomed to it and accept Roger
Skunk as he was, with his offending smell. They allow
him to play with them. Earlier they had shooed him
away by saying that he smelled horrible and they didn’t
want to play with him. That had prompted him to visit
the wise owl and then the wizard.
whispering to another, “Look at that, that’s a terrible
thing. That’s face only a mother could love”. Derry
called it cruel of them.
2. He had a tin leg, instead of a real one and that’s why
the children called him lamey lamb.
3. At first Derry does not like being near people. Mr
Lamb offers him a new way of thinking. All this brings
 a change in Derry’s attitude towards Mr Lamb. He
promises to come back after informing his mother. He
asks Mr Lamb about his life and friends and recognises
his loneliness and disappointment. He keeps his
promise and returns only to find Mr Lamb lying on the
ground.
4. Mr Lamb’s attitude to the small boy is quite gentle,
protective and accommodating. Like an elder in the
family offering advice and instructions to the younger
members, Mr Lamb advises the young boy to mind the
apples lest he should trip and not to feel afraid.
Long Answer Questions
1. Mr. Lamb was an old man with a lame leg. After he
became lame, Mr. Lamb began to develop a positive
attitude with his deformity.
He worked hard to defeat this impairment and learnt
to walk and climb ladders. He was happy to be alive
and ignored his lameness. He made everyone his friend
and had a house with no curtains and open doors.
He welcomed anyone who came to him. While Mr.
Lamb took his impairment as a challenge and tried
to overcome it, Derry believed that he was unwanted
and lost. But in the end we feel that he was also lonely.
That’s why he never said anything either to children
who came to steal apples or to anyone else. And he kept
the curtains open.
2. It is in the middle section of the first scene of the
play that Mr Lamb displays signs of loneliness and
disappointment. He says that when it is a bit cooler,
he will get the ladder and a stick, and pull down
those crab apples. He makes jelly. Derry could help
him. Then he says he is interested in anybody or
anything that God made. It may be a person, flower,
fruit, grass, weeds or rubbish. There are plenty of
things to look at. Some of them are his crab apples
or the weeds or a spider climbing up a silken ladder
or his tall sun-flowers. He also likes to talk and have
a company. He has a hive of bees. He hears them
singing. He sits in the sun and reads books. He likes
the light and the darkness. He hears the wind coming
through open windows. There aren’t any curtains at
the windows as they either shut things out or shut
things in.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. At first Derry does not like being near people. Mr
Lamb offers him a new way of thinking. All this brings
a change in Derry’s attitude towards Mr Lamb. He
promises to come back after informing his mother. He
asks Mr Lamb about his life and friends and recognises
his loneliness and disappointment. He keeps his
promise and returns only to find Mr Lamb lying on the
ground.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
2. Mr. Lamb was lonely, craved for company and
acceptance. That’s why he kept the windows curtainless
to give an expression that everybody was welcome.
3. Lamb taught Derry not to indulge in self pity. He taught
him the ways of dealing with people. Derry confessed
to his mother that Lamb talked of things that nobody
had ever talked of – things that gave him an optimistic
outlook.
4. Mr. Lamb Welcomed him and accepted him as he had
told him. The importance of thinking, to see how we
are on the inside than how we look on the outside.
Long Answer Questions
1. Both Derry and Mr Lamb suffer from physical
impairment. Derry has one side of his face disfigured
and burnt by acid. The old man has a tin leg because
his real leg got blown off during the war. Apart
from these physical disabilities, Derry finds signs
of loneliness and disappointment in Mr Lamb’s life.
The old man tries to overcome these feelings but the
sense of alienation felt by him is more painful than
the pain caused by physical disability. Derry tries to
avoid meeting people because they consider his face
frightful and ugly. They avoid him as they are afraid
of him. His parents seem worried about him and talk
about him and his future.
Mr Lamb provides him a new approach to things.
He tells him to see, hear, feel and think about things
around him. He should not hate others. Hatred is worse
than acid because it burns the inside. He has all the
Godgiven limbs. He must take a firm decision and work
towards it. He will succeed. He should not be afraid
of people and they will not be afraid of him. All these
factors draw Derry towards Mr Lamb.
2. Lamb taught Derry not to indulge in self pity. He taught
him the ways of dealing with people. Derry confessed
to his mother that Lamb talked of things that nobody
had ever talked of things that gave him an optimistic
outlook. He taught him not to brood over limitations
but count on his blessings. He had brain, legs, tongue,
arms and which were totally functional. Derry’s mother
claims to have heard many things about Mr Lamb. She
has been told and warned by the people. She asks Derry
not to go back there. Derry asks her not to believe all
she hears. He is determined to go there. Mr Lamb says
“things nobody else has ever said”. Moreover, he has
promised Mr Lamb to come back to him. He wants to
prove that he has fulfilled his promise. Mr Lamb has
given him a new meaning of life. So he is going to
meet him again.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. Mr. Lamb tells Derry that it all depends upon people’s
individual perceptions. A thing is a beauty for one while
73
 that beauty may be a beast for others. Same is the case
with plants. The same plant may become weed for
another.
2. Both are physically impaired. One has a tin leg and the
other one has a burnt face.
3. His pain was physical and mental. Being a child he was
not as strong as Mr. Lamb about suffering. Lamb was
a man who opened the doors of his closed world in an
hour’s time. The same was shut on him by his parents
and therefore, Lamb believed that all was not lost.
4. Mr. Lamb influences Derry by his optimistic philosophy.
He advised him not to give attention on other’s
comments, try to be internally pure and strong and
eliminate the negativity of life.
Long Answer Questions
1. The play ‘On the Face of It’ features an old man
and a small boy. The man is Mr Lamb and the boy
Derry who meets him in the former’s garden. Derry
is withdrawn and defiant. He does not like being
with people. Once he got acid all down on one side
of his face. The acid burnt it all away. This creates
a complex in his mind. He considers his face as the
most terrible thing in the world. When he looks in
the mirror and sees it, he is afraid of himself. He
thinks that people are afraid of him. He doesn’t like
being near them. No one will ever kiss him. Only his
mother kisses him and that too on the other side of
his face. People look at his face and pass uncharitable
remarks. Mr Lamb is a physically challenged man.
He has got a tin leg. The real one got blown off, years
back. Children tease him calling “Lamey — Lamb”.
Thus the society doesn’t understands others pain. It
only knows how to hurt others as is the case with Mr.
Lamb and Derry.
2. It’s true that much suffering is caused by caustic
remarks as we see in the case of Derry, who is a victim
of his own inferiority complex. This complex is born
out of a distorted understanding of himself and the
world. One side of his face was badly burnt by acid.
When he sees his face in the mirror he gets afraid of
himself. Derry develops a negative attitude towards life.
He doesn’t fit anywhere. He is withdrawn and defiant.
He avoids people. He can never think that anybody can
love and kiss him except his mother.
Derry’s deep complex leads him to total alienation.
He is unlike Mr Lamb who has a tin leg. But he
never allows his disability to sour the joys of his life.
Derry makes himself quite pitiable and miserable.
His hyper-sensitivity is like an open wound. He can’t
stand peo¬ple staring at him. Cruel and uncharitable
remarks upset the balance of his mind. Children call Mr
Lamb: “Lamey-Lamb” but he doesn’t mind it. Derry
has developed a perverted thinking. He mistrusts the
world and its people.
74 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. One side of his face was badly burnt by acid. When
he sees his face in the mirror he gets afraid of himself.
Derry develops a negative attitude towards life. He
doesn’t fit anywhere. He is withdrawn and defiant. He
avoids people. He can never think that anybody can
love and kiss him except his mother.
2. Derry’s mother claims to have heard many things about
Mr Lamb. She has been told and warned by the people.
She asks Derry not to go back there. Derry asks her not
to believe all she hears. He is determined to go there.
3. Derry thought that people were afraid of his burnt face.
It was a terrible thing. Derry thought that no one would
ever kiss him except his mother. When people stared
at him, he felt they were afraid of him. This made him
withdrawn. He tried to avoid meeting people. Derry
thought he was as ugly as a ‘devil’ and people thought
him so.
4. Mr Lamb is a man with a positive attitude towards life
and people. He is not an escapist like Derry. He is also
a physically disabled person. But the matter does not
end here. He has zest for life. He loves people. He loves
growing weeds, collecting honey and making jelly. He
is always interested in anybody and anything.
Long Answer Questions
1. The play ‘On the Face of It’ features an old man and a
small boy. The man is Mr Lamb and the boy Derry who
meets him in the former’s garden. Derry is withdrawn
and defiant. He does not like being with people. Once
he got acid all down on one side of his face. The acid
burnt it all away. This creates a complex in his mind.
He considers his face as the most terrible thing in the
world. When he looks in the mirror and sees it, he is
afraid of himself. He thinks that people are afraid of
him. He doesn’t like being near them. No one will ever
kiss him. Only his mother kisses him and that too on
the other side of his face. People look at his face and
pass uncharitable remarks. Mr Lamb is a physically
challenged man. He has got a tin leg. The real one
got blown off, years back. Children tease him calling
“Lamey — Lamb”. But Mr Lamb never minds such
things. He has a positive attitude towards life. He likes
to talk and have company. He is open and never shuts
himself in.
Mr Lamb’s meeting with Derry brings a turning point
in Derry’s life. He gives confidence to Derry. He
persuades him that he can get better than rest of the
people. He should stop hating people. Hatred burns
oneself away inside. Derry should take life as it is. This
leaves a deep impression on Derry. He comes back to
Mr Lamb only to find him dead. But Mr Lamb brings a
change in Derry’s life. He develops confidence to face
the world in a more positive way.
 2. Physical impairment causes a deep mental agony. It
gives birth to a deep inferiority complex. The person
gets alienated from the mainstream of life. He finds
solace in withdrawal and self-pity. But Mr Lamb is an
exception. He has a tin leg. One of his legs was blown
off in the war. He never allows his physical disability
to sour and spoil the pace and pleasures of his life.
He accepts life as it comes. He tries to find and give
a definite meaning to it. He always lives for others
and among others. Nor does he become an object of
5 : Evans Tries an O-level
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. James Roderick Evans was a jail bird. The prison
officers called him ‘Evans the Break’ as he had escaped
from prison three times. At present he was in a solitary
cell in Oxford Prison. He was quite a pleasant sort of
chap— an amusing person who was good at imitations.
He was not at all violent. He suffered from the disease
of involuntarily stealing things. This was disease with
which he was born.
2. The solitary cell of Evans was turned into examination
room by placing two small tables and two chairs in
it. Reverend Stuart McLeery, a parson from St. Mary
Mags was to work as invigilator. The cell was to be kept
locked from outside and a prison officer would observe
Evans from a peep-hole after every minute or so. All
potential weapons such as knife, scissors, nail-file and
razor had been taken away. Mr Jackson, the prison
officer, was in constant contact with the Governor on
the phone.
3. The request was to create an examination centre in
the prison for one candidate named James Roderick
Evans. He had started night classes in O-Level
German last September. He was the only one in the
class and said that he was keen to get some sort of
academic qualification. The Secretary agreed to give
him a chance and promised to send all the forms and
stuff.
4. Evans was called ‘Evans the Break’ by the prison
officers. He had escaped from prison three times
already. He would have done so from Oxford Prison
as well if there had not been unrest in the maximum
security establishments up north.
Long Answer Questions
1. It is Evans who has the last laugh. The play makes a fun
of the routine procedure followed by prison authorities
and police. It depicts how the criminals are one step
ahead of the jail authorities.
All precautions have been made by the Governor
of Oxford Prison to see that the O-Level German
examination, held in prison for the prisoner Evans,
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
self-pity. He always keeps open his heart for others.
Everyone is welcome.
Mr Lamb is full of life. He enjoys sitting in the sun
and reading books. He grows plants, flowers and
fruit trees. He collects honey and makes jelly from
apples. Children sometimes call him “Lamey-Lamb”
but he doesn’t mind it. On the other hand, he plays
with them. He gives apples to them. He gives a new
direction and meaning to Derry’s life before his
death.
does not provide him means to escape. The examination
passes off peacefully. Mr Stephens, a prison officer,
sees off McLeery, the invigilator and on returning to
the cell finds injured “McLeery” sprawling in Evans’
chair.
It is easy for Evans impersonating as McLeery to leave
the prison along with police officer. He claims to have
spotted Evans driving off along Elsfield Way but loses
track at the Headington roundabout. He grogs off near
the Examination offices. Then he disappears. He is
located in the Golden Lion in Chipping Norton by the
Governor of Oxford Prison. Instead of bringing Evans
securely back to prison, the Governor lets him come
in a prison van guarded by a prison officer. It is just
what Evans had planned. The driver and the ‘prison
officer’ are his friends and Evans escapes from prison
once again.
In fact, Evans has made elaborate arrangements. He
joins the night classes in September. The German
teacher is one of his friends. He has his friends in
the Examination Board as well. He waits patiently
till June. Two of his friends bind and gag Reverend
Stuart McLeery in his Broad Street flat. One of them
personates him. He is dressed up as a minister. He has
two collars and two black fronts on his person. Evans
fiddles about under the blanket with the black front
and the stud at the back of the collar. His friends also
arrange a car where he can change his make up as well
as clothes. He successfully deceives the police as well
as the prison authorities.
2. On his return to the cell of Evans, Stephens saw a man
sprawling back in Evans’ chair. For a semi-second
Stephens thought it must be Evans. But the small black
beard, white clerical collar and black clerical front and
red blood dripping from the front of his head, made
Stephens jump to a conclusion—Evans impersonating
McLeery, had walked out.
Almost immediately the whole machinery jumped
into action. No one bothered to check the identity of
the injured ‘McLeery.’ The assumption of Stephens
prevailed. It was reinforced by the broader Scots accent
and slimmer body of the parson he had seen off and the
75
 blood coming out of wound and dress of the “parson”
in the cell.
The hasty conjecture prevents one from seeing the
obvious. The jail breaker might have played a trick
again. Even the Governor is deceived. He believes what
his staff says. The man who doubted everything and
cross checked it, does not even examine the victim.
Due to their long sojourn in prison the criminals
become familiar with the temperaments of prison
officers as well as the routine they follow. A criminal
is always disbelieved. On the other hand, an officer’s
word is always accepted. The criminals are certain
that negligence of the prison authorities is their
only passport to freedom. They doubt the remotest
possibility and doubt genuine telephone calls as fake
ones, yet an assumption is accepted as truth and the
obvious is ignored. Hence the criminal is able to predict
such negligence on the part of prison authorities.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. Everything had been in order for the exam to start on
its scheduled time, but the Governor, still apprehensive,
ordered a last minute change in plan. As another
precautionary measure, he ordered frisking the
invigilator as well, before allowing him to carry out
his assigned job. This wasted some time and the exam
started at 9:25am, ten minutes later than the scheduled
time.
2. Evans German teacher visited him at 8. 30 pm in
heavily guarded recreational block to wish him good
luck and also to tell him that he had no chance of getting
through.
3. He was dressed in clerical long black overcoat, quite
unusual for the month of June, shallow crowned clerical
hat and other such paraphernalia.
4. The parson, Reverend Ms. Leery was carrying a
suitcase in which there was a rubber ring for some
medical problem, a bible and a paper knife and a sealed
question paper envelope, a yellow invigilation form,
and a special authentication card from examination
board.
Long Answer Questions
1. The Governor should have escorted Evans himself to
the Oxford Prison. He had only two persons with him,
and later it turned out that these two persons were
associates of Evans. One of them, who posed to be the
silent prison officer instructed the driver to move on
faster. The driver, who spoke in a broad Scots accent,
was the person who acted as the Reverend S. McLeery.
The Governor should have at least checked the identity
of the staff to whom he was entrusting the prisoner.
Secondly, he should have contacted Mr Jackson
and Mr Stephens, the two prison officers, Detective
76 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
Superintendent Carter and Detective Chief Inspector
Bell, who were all searching Evans.
It was perhaps his over excitement and childish
enthusiasm at his arm-chair reasoning in locating the
hideout of Evans and catching him at the Golden Lion,
that he threw all cautions to wind and acted foolishly
by reposing confidence in wrong persons. Evans and
his associates had befooled him earlier as well. The
German teacher and the invigilator were friends of
Evans. The correction slip sent from Examination
Branch was a clever device to convey the route of
escape and the hide-out. The Governor’s last act of
foolishness really proved that he was only worth being
laughed at as he was too credulous and trustful.
2. People condemn the crime as it is an evil act against
law and society. In the past, punishment was the only
way to treat the criminals. The greater the crime, the
harsher and harder the punishment, which could go to
the extent of life-imprisonment or death sentence.
In the modern age, efforts are on to reform the
criminals, even the hard core, and bring them back to
the mainstream. Hence police, prison officers, judges
and other law-enforcing agencies develop a soft corner
for the people in custody. While the sufferer should get
justice, the innocent must not be punished. This idea
too helps the prison staff often develop a soft corner
for the prisoners.
The behaviour of prison officer Jackson amply
illustrates the above point. He is very strict in enforcing
the rules and regulations of prison as well as the
Governor’s orders. Yet somewhere in him we find
a tiny core of compassion. Even Evans knew it. Mr
Jackson has asked Evans to remove that filthy bobble
hat. Evans requested him to allow it to wear it during
exam as it brought luck to him. It was kind o’ lucky
charm for him. Jackson agreed.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. When he saw the injured Mcleery in the cell he was
so overwhelmed that he did not even check who he
really was and neither did anyone else. It did not occur
to anyone to question how there could be two persons
there – one in the cell and the other who had been
escorted out by Stephens.
2. Injured McLeery, showcasing his knowledge of
German, reveals the supposed plan of Evans through
the superimposed question paper. He proposes to guide
the officials to the whereabouts of Evans. However, this
is later revealed to be a part of the Evans plan to flee
to safety, as it was Evans himself who was disguised
as the injured McLeery.
3. Evans smartly devised and executed the plan of his
escape. He managed to fool everyone till the end of
 the story. He left fake clues to misguide the officials
chasing him. Even as the Governor heaved a sigh of
relief after nabbing him in the Golden Lion hotel, Evans
was secretly cooking and executing another path of
escape.
4. There was a superimposed question paper with
directions to the supposed plan. However, it was soon
seen that all of it was fake and part of the plan to
misguide the officials.
Long Answer Questions
1. The Governor took all the precautions to make sure that
Evans should not have any chance to escape from the
prison. He even tracked and arrested him at the Golden
Lion after his sensational escape from the prison. But
his overconfidence once again proved that he was no
match for the clever and crafty Evans.
The Governor after finding the clues from the question
paper tracked Evans at the Golden Lion. When Evans
entered the room he was shocked to see the Governor.
Evans offered no resistance and was arrested. The
gullible Governor gloated over his success and said
goodbye to him. Evans was handcuffed and made to
sit in the police van. The Governor did not take care to
check the identity of the driver, the van and the officer.
A little more vigilance could have averted the escape of
the criminal. If the Governor had accompanied Evans
to the prison cell with full police arrangements the
criminal would not have escaped. This act of negligence
proved that he was “just another good-for-a-giggle
gullible governor that was all”.
2. Evans smartly devised and executed the plan of his
escape. He had lots of friends everywhere even in the
examination department that helped him to execute
his plan brilliantly. He managed to fool everyone till
the end of the story. He left fake clues to misguide the
officials chasing him. Even as the Governor heaved
a sigh of relief after nabbing him in the Golden Lion
hotel, Evans was secretly cooking and executing
another path of escape. In the end it seems that Evans
left all those clues knowingly and wanted the Governor
to reach that hotel. His actual plan was to go somewhere
else.
The prison officer and the van used by the Governor
for transferring Evans back to the prison were forged.
The Governor was happy that ultimately he was able to
track him down using his intelligence and knowledge
of German. However, Evans had planned a step ahead.
With his successful escape, Evans definitely had a well-
earned last laugh.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. No, it was left purposefully as a part of well executed
plan. There was a superimposed question paper with
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
directions to the supposed plan. However, it was soon
seen that all of it was fake and part of the plan to
misguide the officials. But the little German Governor
knew and the ‘correction slip’ did help them to track
him down.
2. No, it was only momentary as the governor thought
he had been able to track the place where Evans had
gone but after boarding the van, Evans made good his
escape.
3. Yes, Macleery had said Elsfield way- the examination
board was in Elsfield way and governor guessed
that somebody from examination board might have
helped Evan and then the correction slip had given all
necessary details to Evan.
4. When the Governor received the first call, he checked it
immediately by dialling the number of the Examination
Board. He wanted to ascertain whether it was a fake
phone call or some signal or secret message. He found
the line engaged. After the second phone call, the
Governor was wondering whether that could be a hoax.
Then he told himself not to be so silly. His imagination
was beginning to run riot.
Long Answer Questions
1. Evans smartly devised and executed the plan of his
escape. He managed to fool everyone till the end of
the story. He left fake clues to misguide the officials
chasing him. Even as the Governor heaved a sigh of
relief after nabbing him in the Golden Lion hotel,
Evans was secretly cooking and executing another path
of escape. The prison officer and the van used by the
Governor for transferring Evans back to the prison were
forged. The Governor was happy that ultimately he
was able to track him down using his intelligence and
knowledge of German. However, Evans had planned a
step ahead. With his successful escape, Evans definitely
had a well earned last laugh and had lived upto his
name-Evans the jail break.
2. Evans was a smart and perceptive criminal. He had
assessed the weaknesses of the jail officers successfully.
Stephen was a new recruit to the prison set up. When
he saw the injured Mcleery in the cell he was so
overwhelmed that he did not even check who he really
was and neither did anyone else. It did not occur to
anyone to question how there could be two persons
there – one in the cell and the other who had been
escorted out by Stephens. It was for this very reason
that friends of Evans, who, posing as the Governor
on the phone, have directed Stephens that he himself
should escort the parson out, when the exam is finished.
The Governor and his officers, in effect actually lead
Evans out of the prison. The question paper is left
behind to mislead the Governor. This shows that Evans
the criminal had enough time to study the behavior
patterns of the jail officers and plan their strategy well.
77
 6 : Memories of Childhood
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Short Answer Questions
1. It was a bitter-cold day. The snow still covered the
ground. The trees were bare. A large bell rang for
breakfast. Its loud metallic sound crashed through the
belfry overhead and penetrated into their sensitive ears.
2. The annoying clatter of shoes on bare floors disturbed
the peace. There was a constant clash of harsh noises
and an undercurrent of many voices murmuring an
unknown tongue. All these sounds made a bedlam
within which she was securely tied. Her spirit tore itself
in struggling for its lost freedom.
3. The ringing of a large bell summoned the students to
the dining room. Then a small bell tapped. Each pupil
drew a chair from under the table. Then a second bell
was sounded. All were seated. A man’s voice was heard
at one end of the hall. They hung their heads over the
plates. The man ended his mutterings. Then a third bell
tapped. Everyone picked up his/her knife and fork and
began eating.
4. Judewin knew a few words of English. She had
overheard the paleface woman. She was talking about
cutting their long, heavy hair. Judewin said, “We have
to submit, because they are strong.” Zitkala-Sa rebelled.
She declared that she would not submit. She would
struggle first.
Long Answer Questions
1. The autobiographical accounts included in the chapter
“Memories of Childhood” are by two women from
socially marginalized sections in two distant cultures
of the world. One highlights the evil practice of racial
prejudice while the other talks about the Indian caste
system and untouchability. The first part traces how
the author, a Native American, was victimized at the
hands of the European staff of her boarding school.
The second account gives a picture of the hardships
and humiliations faced by the Indian ‘Dalit’s’ from the
eyes of a third standard student.
Although they are set in different cultures, both the
stories share a similar theme. They show the sufferings
and oppression faced by their respective communities.
The practice of social stratification is rebuked by
both the authors. Zitkala-Sa’s hair was “shingled” at
the behest of Europeans who considered themselves
superior to the Native American. On the other hand,
Bama witnessed untouchability being practiced openly
where people from ‘lower castes’ were considered
impious and were not even allowed to touch the people
from the upper castes. From a very young age, both
Zitkala-Sa and Bama start protesting and resisting in
their own ways.
78 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
2. Children are more sensitive and observant than the
adults. They see, hear, feel and experience whatever
happens around them. They are quick to note any
deviation from the normal or any aberration.
Bama at first, thinks the behaviour of the elder of her
community is quite funny. She is holding the packet
by string and running with it awkwardly. But when
she learns the reason of her behaviour in that particular
manner her ire is aroused against the cruel, rich people
of upper castes who shamelessly exploit them and heap
humiliations on them. She is ready to rebel against the
oppression by snatching the packet of vadai from the
landlord and eating them herself. Her elder brother
channelises her anger. He tells her to study with care
and make progress. We see the seeds of rebellion in her.
Zitkala-Sa too shows that she has the seeds of rebellion
in her even at an early age. Her friend Judewin tells her
that the authorities are going to cut their long, heavy
hair. She says that they have to submit, because they
(authorities) are strong. But Zitkala-Sa rebels. She
declares that she will not submit. She will struggle
first. And, she does carry out her resolution. She hides
herself to foil their attempt. When she is detected hiding
under the bed and dragged out, she resists by kicking
and scratching wildly. She is overpowered and tied fast
in a chair, but she does not take things lying down. The
spark of rebellion in her is not put out by oppression.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Short Answer Questions
1. It was the writer’s first day at school. It was a bitter-
cold day. The snow still covered the ground. The trees
were bare. A large bell rang for breakfast. Its loud
metallic sound crashed through the belfry overhead
and penetrated into her sensitive ears.
2. The girls were scrutinized thoroughly and supervised
by a grey-haired woman. They were made to wear
tight fitting immodest clothes and stiff shoes. During
breakfast a systematic and regimental discipline was
observed. The girls with long hair had to get them
shingled and they had to submit to the authorities who
were strong, unfeeling and cruel.
3. Bama would dawdle along, watching all the entertaining
novelties and oddities in the streets. She would gaze at
the shops and the bazaar enjoying the street scenes and
so she would take at least an hour to reach home.
4. Bama saw a village elder carrying a packet of Vadais
in a funny manner. She laughred at it until she learned
the reason behind it.
Long Answer Questions
1. Bama saw an elderly man of her street carrying a packet
of ‘Vadais’ by the strings and wal king gingerly, holding
 the parcel away from his body. Bama found his manner
of carrying the parcel very funny. But her brother
explains to her the higher caste people believed that
if the lower caste people touched the parcel it would
be polluted. That’s why the elder was carrying it in
that manner. This provokes and angers Bama. Annan
told Bama that once while coming back from city’s
library, he was stopped on the way by one of landlord’s
man. At first he asked about his name followed by his
address. According to Annan, these people were only
interested in knowing about his caste in order to treat
him accordingly.
2. Leave this question (Error).
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Short Answer Questions
1. The girls were placed in a line and them marched
towards the dining room. They all wore stiff shoes and
clinging dresses.
Long Answer Questions
2. Zitkala felt uncomfortable in her tight dress. She was
carrying a blanket to cover it up. As the blanket slipped
from her shoulders she felt ashamed.
3. The author knows that she could never prevail against
the authorities, yet she struggles against the injustice.
Her mother had told her that only cowards had their
hair shingled and she firmly believed that she was not
one. To prove her point she raised her voice against the
indignity, she struggle.
4. She hides under the bed as the whole school went
looking for her. She crept up the stairs when no one
was looking and went to a large room with three beds
and dark green curtains on the window and hid under
the farthest bed from the door
Long Answer Questions
1. Leave this question (Error).
2. The narrator did not want to get her hair cut because
her mother had once told her that short hair is kept
by mourners whereas shingled hair is kept by the
cowards. Judewin was a newly made friend of the
narrator. She heard the pale face woman planning
to get their long hair cut. Since then, the narrator
decided that she would not get her hair cut and
resist against them. The narrator hid herself under
the bed in one of the big rooms. But she was seen,
dragged downwards and tied in a chair. She resisted
by scratching, kicking but failed in getting her long
braid gnawed off. The author knows that she could
never prevail against the authorities, yet she struggles
against the injustice.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Short Answer Questions
1. She shuddered with fear everytime she heard footsteps.
Loud voices called her name. Doors were opened and
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
closets were searched thoroughly. Finally she was
dragged out from under the bed.
2. There would be performing monkey, the snake in snake
charmer’s box, cyclist who had not got down from his
bike for three days continuasally. Pongal offerings
were being cooked in front of temples. All these things
attracted passers by.
3. When Bama reached home, she told her brother the
incident in a comic way. Listening to her, Annan told
her that was not a matter of laughter but shame for the
people of their community. He told her that the man
was actually not being allowed to touch the packet.
Moreover if he had touched that packet, it would have
been polluted. Having understood all that, her laughter
changed into anger.
4. According to Annan, Bama’s elder brother they were
only interested in knowing about his caste in order to
treat him accordingly.
1. Bama took more time to reach her home than usual
because she looked at each and every activity going
in the market. She would stop everywhere to observe
the activities such as; monkey tricks, cyclist cycling,
political parties’ advertisement and much more. One
day she noticed while coming back from school that an
elderly man of their community was carrying a packet
of banana bhaji with its string. The way of carrying a
packet like that made her shriek with laughter. When
Bama reached home, she told her brother the incident
in a comic way. Listening to her, Annan told her that
was not a matter of laughter but shame for the people of
their community. He told her that the man was actually
not being allowed to touch the packet. Moreover if she
had touched that packet, it would have been polluted.
Having understood all that, her laughter changed into
anger. Annan told Bama that once while coming back
from city’s library, he was stopped on the way by one
of landlord’s man. At first he asked about his name
followed by his address. According to Annan, the
people were only interested in knowing about his caste
in order to treat him accordingly.
2. High caste people heap a lot of indignities on low caste
people. They are not allowed to go to temple. They
cannot sit and dine with high caste. They cannot sit and
study with them Although the work is done by low caste
people yet they are treated as untouchables. Annan
told Bama that once while coming back from city’s
library, he was stopped on the way by one of landlord’s
man. At first he asked about his name followed by his
address. According to Annan, the people were only
interested in knowing about his caste in order to treat
him accordingly. The only way to end this was to study
and get a higher degree, a good job which would force
high caste people to bend in front of them.
79
 EXTENDED READING TEXT
1 : Silas Marner
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Long Answer Questions
1. Yes, Silas knew that William, his closest friend had
framed him. This is very clear in the story.
Silas was accused of a crime because his knife was
found at the crime scene. He did not remember
committing the murder or stealing the bag of money.
The minister, other congregation members and William
insisted that he must accept his sin and atone for it.
However, he did remember using the knife to cut a strap
for William. Upon facing the latter, he said “I don’t
remember putting it in my pocket again. You stole the
money, and you have woven a plot to lay the sin at my
door.” This shows clearly that William had framed him
for the crime.
2. Silas was an honest man and faithful member of a
religious sect in Lantern Yard. It was during a prayer
meeting that he had his first cataleptic fit. While
others considered that he was bestowed with special
grace, William, his closest friend, thought Satan
visited him. Silas was pained when he heard this but
did not speak.
When the deacon fell ill, the entire congregation took
turns to look after him. Silas went for his turn and,
after sometime, found him dead. He looked out for
help but could find none. So, he went to work after
his turn was over. He was brought back to the vestry
shortly afterwards and was accused of a crime he had
not committed since his knife was found in the deacon’s
room. He recalled that he had used his knife to cut
the straps for William and had left it there. He was
disillusioned by the way he was treated and decided
that there was no just God. Sarah, the woman he was
engaged to, broke off with him and married William
a month later. These events changed his life and he
became a loner and did not socialise with the people
around him.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Long Answer Questions
1. Silas’ cottage had undergone many changes. He had
pet animals (dog, cat, kitten) in the house. The bed in
the living room had been removed. Now there is decent
furniture there, thanks to Godfrey Cass. “The oaken
table and three-cornered oaken chair were hardly what
was likely to be seen in so poor a cottage. They had
come, with the beds and other things, from the Red
House.” The place and the furniture were “all bright
and clean enough to satisfy Dolly Winthrop’s eye.”
80 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
The cottage had become a home and a hearth. And now,
it would be even more beautiful with the addition of
Eppie’s garden.
2. I think Eppie was absolutely right in refusing the
Cass’ offer. She brings to their notice the fact that
Silas cared for her when she needed it the most. He
is the only father she knows and “should have no
delight i’ life any more if I was forced to go away
from my father, and knew he was sitting at home,
thinking of me and feeling lone.” She says very
firmly “nobody shall ever come between him and
me.” When Nancy reminds of her duty towards her
lawful father, she replies “I can’t feel as I’ve got any
father but one.”
She doesn’t know and trust her “lawful father” and
in any case she has “always thought of a little home
where he’d sit i’ the corner, and I should fend and do
everything for him: I can’t think o’ no other home”.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Long Answer Questions
1. Squire Cass doesn’t seem to be a nice person. He is
“the greatest man in Raveloe” because of the land
he possessed and the tenants he had. Long after the
death of his wife the “proud Squire condescended
to preside in the parlour of the Rainbow rather than
under the shadow of his own dark wainscot.” This
shows the arrogance in his nature. He is considered
weak by the people of Raveloe because “he had
kept all his sons at home in idleness.” This also
points out to the fact that he neglected his sons
and fell short in their upbringing. There is also an
indication that the Squire did not have much money
since his son borrows some from his friend. This
shows that he is not good at managing money as
well.
2. Silas Marner, a weaver, is the main character and
protagonist of the novel by the same name. He
leaves his town and church after being falsely
accused of a crime he did not commit and migrates
to another town, Raveloe. His physical appearance
is odd. He is bent from his work at the loom and
has brownish bulging eyes. He looks much older
than his years. He lives in this town as a loner and
does not interact with anyone. Children are afraid
of him and the people regard him with a mixture of
suspicion and curiosity.
However, he is a good and honest person. He has a
discreet knowledge of medicinal herbs and is able to
use it to cure people.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Long Answer Questions
1. Dolly Winthrop is a nice person who is always willing
to help. When Silas confides about his life in Lantern
Yard and how he was disgraced, she lend a sympathetic
ear. This revelation by Silas would have lightened her
hear considerably. Dolly returns after a few days and
talks about what she thought about “the drawing of
the lots.” She tells him that he should have continued
to trusting his fellows and not run away. That way he
wouldn’t have to live alone for such a long time. Silas
accepts this but also says “it ‘ud ha’ been hard to trusten
then.”
I feel that by talking to Dolly and discussing the matter
that he shut away for such a long time gave Silas the
release he was yearning for. It was really a coming
to terms with his past, accepting for what it was and
moving on.
2. Eppie enters the story of the novel a little after its
middle has been reached. She was just two year
2 : The Invisible Man
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1
Long Answer Questions
1. When Mrs. Hall put the mustard pot over the table in the
strange visitor’s room and asked his hat to let dry, the
visitor turned round, face-to-face with Mrs. Hall. The
visitor had raised his head and was looking at her. For
a moment, she stood shocked and gaping wide at him.
He held a white cloth over the lower part of his face,
so that his mouth and jaws were completely hidden,
causing his muffled voice. But what shocked Mrs. Hall
the most was his forehead, above his blue glasses, fully
covered by a white bandage. Another covered his ears,
not leaving an inch of his face exposed except his pink
nose. Mrs. Hall assumed that he might met with an
accident.
2. Mr. Oliver is a Professor by profession but a
journalist by instinct. Griffin was his student. Oliver
was a scientific founder. As described by Griffin,
Oliver was a thief of ideas. He was, as stated, a
journalist by instinct, always in an attempt to steal
ideas, theory, thesis, fact and research conceived
and developed by others and to receive all the credit
for some other’s work. As a result, he was always
prying at every one whom he came into contact. It
is therefore, evident, that he was not a trustworthy
person even being into a holistic profession of
teaching and do not form a good opinion of himself
among his press and students. People would like
to keep distance from him to prevent any kind of
intellectual harm.
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
old when her mother Molly died. She enters Silas
Marner’s cottage who takes care of her till the time
when she becomes a young blonde. Eppie’s years
of growth are not marked by anything exceptional
in her character. Her character is revealed in the
last few chapters when Godfrey visits Silas cottage
to claim her as his daughter and has wills to adopt
her.
Here, at this juncture, Eppie emerges to be a young
woman of integrity, sensibility, understanding and
maturity. She is straightforward and tells her father
Godfrey that she would remain with Silas Marner who
brought her up.
Obviously, she shows the noble side of human nature.
She is instrumental in the regeneration of reviving
the feelings of Silas Marner. Undoubtedly, she is a
very good young woman who can genuinely be called
the heroine of the novel. In this sense Eliot achieves
success in creating Eppie as a brilliant character in the
present novel ‘Silas Marner’.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
Long Answer Questions
1. Griffin had planned to visit some warm place like South
America where he would not have to wear clothes. His
plan was to get aboard a steamer to France. From there
he could go by train to Spain or else get to Algiers. He
was thinking of using the tramp Marvel who could
carry his money box and luggage. But since he met
Kemp, he had changed his plans. He realized that a
person cannot do all on his own. For him, invisibility
is especially useful for killing people. So Griffin plans
to establish a new reign of terror with the assistance of
Dr. Kemp. He found that now he had a collaborator, a
hideout, food and a resting place. They could join hands
to mutual advantage. They could terrorise the whole
town and amass wealth. Anyone who did not pay up
or objected could be killed off easily.
2. Mr. Thomas Marvel is a jolly old tramp with no home
or job. He wanders from place to place, usually asking
people for food or money. The author has unwittingly
recruited him to assist the invisible man as his first
visible partner. He carries around the Invisible Man’s
books for him. He wears a shabby high hat, and we first
meet him considering two pairs of boots, both probably
given to him as charity. There is an air of abandon and
eccentricity about him. He was bearded, plump and
of short limbs. He wore a furry silk hat, twine and
shoelaces are a substitute for buttons at critical points
of his costume. He drinks a lot and when he heard the
invisible man for the first time, he thought that it was
81
 his dizziness due to drink that he sounded like this. He
is a practical man as he acceded to the request of the
invisible man after knowing that an invisible man is a
man of power and can help him a lot.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
Long Answer Questions
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Long Answer Questions
1. It’s true that Griffin’s short temperament led to his
downfall. He begins his road to decline in college itself
when he becomes so obsessed with his experiments
that he hides his work from his mates, from professors,
lest anyone else should receive the credit for work
done by him. When he runs out of money, he steals
money from his own father thus leading to his suicide.
The interference of his landlady leads to burning of
the premises where he was staying just to remove the
traces of his work. In anger he removes his bandages
and exposes himself to Mrs. Hall. He hits Marvel when
he refuses to follow his orders. He gets angry with Dr.
Kemp also and threatens him. He tries to make Kemp
his first victim of reign of terror. Cuss and Bunting also
become his victims of rage.
2. Dr. Kemp is a man of science. He is introduced as a
deligent, methodical and well organised person, who
aspires to earn the fellowship of Royal society. He has
a superb sense of observation. This very nature makes
him see the blood-stain. He is a rational and logical
person. That is why he condemns people being scared
of the Invisible Man. Basically he is not a superstitious
being. However, he had some superstitious inklings
when heard a voice addressing him and a movement
across the room.
Dr. Kemp is an amiable and merciful person. He helped
Griffin with food, shelter and clothing. He tried to make
UNIT ASSIGNMENTS
UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 1
I. (i) People who harm earth due to their greed.
(ii) They will introspect about the harm they are
causing to the nature or to their hurt hands.
(iii) His hands are hurt and he has not time to care for
them. He should go for a moment of silence to
introspect.
(iv) It will give us time to introspect and analyse our
own actions. We will develop a new understanding
of our surroundings and thus change our attitude
to life.
Or
(i) Thing of beauty.
(ii) Sun, moon, tress, sheep daffodils.
(iii) They make a cooling covert.
(iv) They are spirits, full of sadness and gloom.
82 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
him feel at home and asked him to narrate his woeful
story.
1. Mr. Hall knocked the door of the stranger’s room but
got no response. He opened the door and entered.
It was as he expected. The bed and the room were
empty. The guest’s garments and bandages lay strewn
on the bedroom chair and along the rail of the bed.
His big slouch hat was cocked over the bedpost. Mr.
Hall told it to his wife. When they both came up,
they heard someone sneezed on the staircase. She
found the pillow and clothes very cold in the guest’s
room as if the guest was up for many hours. The
bedclothes gathered together and jumped over the
bottom rail. The stranger’s hat hopped off the bed-
post, whirled a circle in the air and whacked Mrs.
Hall in her face. The bedroom chair, flinging the
stranger’s coat and trousers aside, turned itself up
with its four legs charging at her. She screamed and
the couple were pushed out of the room by the chair.
The door slammed violently and was locked. And
then suddenly everything was still. Any person, who
believes in ghosts and spirits, may believe this act to
be of spirits haunting the room.
2. Col. Adye is the chief of police in the town of Port
Burdock. He is called upon by Dr. Kemp when the
Invisible Man turned up in Kemp’s house talking of
taking over the world with his “terrible secret” of
invisibility. A very able-bodied and reliable officer,
Adye not only saves Kemp from the Invisible Man’s
first attempt on his life but also spearheads the hunt for
the unseen fugitive.
II. 1. According to M. Hamel it wasn’t only the student
who delayed the learning of French but the whole
of Alsace postponed it as a habit. M. Hamel held
himself responsible for sending children to water
his plants during the classes and sometimes taking
off to go for fishing. He blamed the parents for
their lack of interest in sending the students to
school by involving them in farm work.
2. By selling rattraps made of wire that he managed
somehow, he was barely able to make both ends
meet.
3. There is hunger evident from their faces, dirty,
show disinterest in school activities. Their is
unkept.
4. The bindings and obligations of her marriage are so
much that they have put a lot of burden and stress
on her.
 5. Due to the prediction made by astrologer that his
death would come from the hundredth tiger.
6. He welcomes him and wants him not to step on
crab apples as they might harm him. Lamb is not
afraid of his burnt face.
III. 1. He is an expert surgeon and compassionate doctor.
From the day Dr. Sadao found the wounded soldier
outside his house, he had been caught up in a web
of conflicts and difficulties.
He was caught between his duty as a doctor and
loyalty towards his nation. Nonetheless, Sadao
emerges a champion in this regard. As an ethical and
sincere doctor, he saved the life of the soldier and as
a responsible citizen, he also informed the General
about the presence of the soldier. Next, when the
General’s men did not arrive to kill the enemy, Sadao
was again caught in a conflict as to how to get rid
of the white man. His innate virtues of compassion
and benevolence forbade him from killing the man.
Or
Derry is withdrawn and defiant. He does not like
being with people. Once he got acid all down on
one side of his face. The acid burnt it all away. This
creates a complex in his mind. He considers his
face as the most terrible thing in the world. When
he looks in the mirror and sees it, he is afraid of
him self. He thinks that people are afraid of him.
He doesn’t like being near them. No one will ever
kiss him. Only his mother kisses him and that too
on the other side of his face. People look at his
face and pass uncharitable remarks.
Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry brings a turning
point in Derry’s life. He gives confidence to Derry.
He persuades him that he can get better than rest of
the people. He should stop hating people. Hatred
burns oneself away inside. Derry should take life
as it is. This leaves a deep impression on Derry. He
develops confidence to face the world in a more
positive way
2. In this lesson, the author Anees Jung examines and
analyses the grinding poverty and tradition that
condemn children to a life of exploitation.
Saheb as a ragpicker whose parents have left
behind a life of abject poverty in Bangladesh.
His family, like the many other families of rag
pickers lives in Seemapuri. They live in miserable
condition. The writer is pained to see Saheb, whose
name means the ruler of the Earth, lose the spark of
childhood. She then proceeds to tell about Mukesh
who does want to be his own master. Hailing from
Firozabad, the centre of India’s bangle making and
glass blowing industry, he has always worked in
the glass making factory. His family does not know
that it is illegal for children to work in such close
to furnaces with such high temperatures. They
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
are exposed to various health hazards like losing
their eyesight as they work in dark and dingy cells.
The family of bangle maker of Firozabad are so
burdened that they have lost their ability to dream.
The writer’s observation is that these poor hopeless
people are exploited by Sahukars, middlemen, the
policemen, the bureaucrats and the politicians.
The writer has beautifully essayed the story of
stolen childhood with a view to sensitizing us to
the plight of these poor unfortunate children.
Or
The Champaran episode was one of the major
events in the struggle for independence. It was in
the course of this small but significant movement
that Gandhiji decided to urge the departure of the
British from India.
A close examination of the problems of the
Champaran peasants opened Gandhiji’s eyes to
the unjust policies of the British. He realised that
people had to be made free from fear and only then
could they be freed from foreign oppression. The
spontaneous demonstration of the people proved
that Gandhiji had the nation’s support in his fight
against the Britishers. It also aroused patriotism in
the heart of the Indians.
The triumph of The.civil disobedience at
Champaran motivated the launching of the
movement on a large scale during the freedom
movement. Gandhiji’s winning the case of the
sharecroppers proved that British authority could
be challenged. Hence, the Champaran episode
served as a stepping stone to the Indian struggle
for independence.
IV. 1. Silas’ cottage had undergone many changes. It had
pet animals (dog, cat, kitten) in the house. The bed
in the living room had been removed. Now there
is decent furniture there, thanks to Godfrey Cass.
“The oaken table and three-cornered oaken chair
were hardly what was likely to be seen in so poor
a cottage: they had come, with the beds and other
things, from the Red House.” The place and the
furniture were “all bright and clean enough to satisfy
Dolly Winthrop’s eye.” The cottage has become a
home and a hearth. And now, it will be even more
beautiful with the addition of Eppie’s garden.
Or
If we even tend to doubt the existence of something
like supernatural it tends to exist. Every impression
stays in our subconscious mind for some time and
if we incline to think of it, there may be chances of
believing its existence. Our so called rationality,
however, sometimes belies our senses.
The people of Iping were simple minded and as
such, could not be distracted by any unusual event
for so long.
83
 Moreover they were not sceptic in their approach
to the supernatural or unusual event, and could
easily believe in things.
2. The next morning the whole village was excited
by the story of the robbery, and Godfrey, like
every one else, was occupied in gathering and
discussing news about it, and in visiting the Stone-
pits. The rain had washed away all possibility of
distinguishing foot-marks, but a close investigation
of the spot had disclosed, in the direction opposite
to the village, a tinder-box, with a flint and steel,
half sunk in the mud. It was not Silas’s tinder-box,
for the only one he had ever had was still standing
on his shelf and the inference generally accepted
was that the tinder-box in the ditch was somehow
connected with the robbery.
Mr. Snell recalls that a mysterious pedlar, who had
been in the region recently, had carried a tinder-box
to light his pipe when he had stopped at the Rainbow
for a drink. This stranger is recalled as a swarthy,
foreign-looking fellow, “boding little honesty” in
the prejudiced imaginations of the villagers. Only
Godfrey Cass voices an opinion that the pedlar was
not so evil-looking a creature as the village has
made him out to be, but his opinion is dismissed as
a youthful speculation. The elders of the village are
fairly convinced of the pedlar’s guilt.
Or
Squire Cass doesn’t seem to be a nice person. He is
“the greatest man in Raveloe” because of the land
he possessed and the tenants he had. Long after the
death of his wife the “proud Squire condescended
to preside in the parlour of the Rainbow rather than
under the shadow of his own dark wainscot.” This
shows the arrogance in his nature. He is considered
weak by the people of Raveloe because “he had kept
all his sons at home in idleness.” This also points out
to the fact that he neglected his sons and fell short
in their upbringing. There is also an indication that
the Squire did not have much money since his son
borrows some from his friend. This shows that he
is not good at managing money as well.
UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 2
I. (i) They are referred to slum children.
(ii) Their world is bleak. It is a garbage heap.
(iii) They have no future, nothing to look forward to.
(iv) Their future is engulfed in mist.
Or
(i) Because she is afraid of her husband.
(ii) They are still ringed with ordeals because her life
is controlled by them.
(iii) She made the tigers on a panel or partition.
(iv) They will look the same, proud and unafraid.
84 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
II. 1. For children it is exciting but for adults it is means
of livelihood.
2. Farmers became bold and got their rights. Within
few years, the landlords left the estates and the
farmers became the owners. Gandhiji appointed
volunteers to teach the villagers. Kasturba Gandhi
taught the ashram rules and personal hygiene
and community sanitation. A doctor helped the
villagers in their health problems. The people
realized the value of self-reliance.
3. The fear of losing her mother has tortured the poet
since her childhood. Therefore this ache is familiar
to her.
4. The poet feels that life is all about moving. By
keeping still he wants us to introspect for a moment
about our destructive activities that are harming
nature.
5. Skunk’s mother was angry at the wizard. She hit
him and asked him to change the smell. She didn’t
want her child to smell like roses.
6. Carter was a detective superintendent. The
governor asked him to take the injured Evans
disguised as Ms. Leery to the hospital.
III. 1. Kalki colours the story ‘The Tiger King’ with
different shades of humour, irony and satire. He
wants to bring the point across that man goes on
killing wild animals due to his whims and sport.
He satirizes the irrational behaviour of the Tiger
King and his mission to kill hundred tigers because
he had been told that his death will come from
tiger. Ironically, his death comes from tiger, but a
wooden toy tiger that he had bought for his son.
Similarly, many instances evoke humour which
include his asking question, as a ten day’s infant
to the astrologer about his death, his marrying for
sake of getting more tigers to kill as his state was
devoid of tigers. Despite being a king, his sole aim
is to kill hundred tigers and due to that he even
risks his kingdom suggesting the British officer to
hunt a boar, a deer or even a mosquito. His gift of
diamond rings and British officer’s wife’s greed
present humour in the story.
Or
Dr. Sadao Hoki faces a dilemma when he finds
the body of an unconscious wounded white man
lying on the lonely coast with dangerous rocks
near his house. As they saw his face, they found
that he was a white man with long yellow hair and
a rough yellow beard.
Being an expert surgeon, Dr. Sadao saw that the
man had a gun-wound on the right side of his lower
back. He at once packed the wound with sea moss
to stanch the fearful bleeding. Since Japan was at
war with America, the white man was an enemy.
 If they sheltered a white man in their house they
would be arrested and if they turned him over as
a prisoner, he would certainly die.
Hana still insisted on putting him back into the sea.
The man was a prisoner of war. He had escaped
and that was why he was wounded in the back.
Hana asked if they were able to put him back into
the sea. Sadao then said that if the man was whole
he could turn the man over to the police without
difficulty. He cared nothing for the man. He was
their enemy. All Americans were their ‘enemy’.
But since he was wounded… Hana understood his
dilemma and realised that in the conflict between
his sense of national loyalty and his duty as a
doctor, it was the latter which proved dominant.
Since Sadao too could not throw him back to the
sea, the only course left for them was to carry him
to their house. Sadao enquired about the reaction
of the servants.
They had to think of the children and the doctor’s
position. It would endanger all of them if they did
not give that man over as a prisoner of war. Sadao
agreed and promised that he would not think of
doing anything else.
2. Edla Williamson is the ironmaster’s daughter. The
ironmaster wants to invite the peddler for Christmas
but it was declined. He sends his daughter Edla to
convince him and being a persuasive person she
is able to convince him to go to their house for
Christmas. She looks at him compassionately.
She is kind, gentle and hospitable. Despite her
knowledge about the peddler’s intention, she treats
him with respect and feeds him well. When her
father asks the peddler to go away, she feels it was
unethical to send a guest away like that because
he had been promised Christmas cheer.
She is able to awaken goodness in the peddler’s
heart by showing understanding and love. He was
able to rise to the level of ‘Captain’ leaving his
temptations aside just because he did not want to
let her as well as himself down.
Or
Going Places is a story written by A.R.Barton
that discusses about teenagers and their dreams.
Far fetched from the reality, the teen age period is
all about aspirations, the desire to reach the sky,
do the undone, see the unseen. They believe to
achieve the impossible. Mostly, at this age, they
have their role models whom they worship as their
hero.
The story ‘Going Places’ takes us into the world
of fantasy which offers an escape from reality.
Sophie’s character is a vivid portrayal and
beautifully brings out the contrast between fact
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
and fiction. In reality, this young girl belongs to a
lower middle class family which is struggling for
survival. In her dreams and fantasy, she becomes a
part of the ‘glamorous world’. Sophie is basically a
dreamer who finds an escape route in her fantasies.
She dream of buying a boutique one day and shares
the thought with her friend Jansie. On the other
hand Jansie is practical and realistic. She tries to
make Sophie see reality but she refuses to accept
it and thinks that it would be easy for her to earn a
lot of money. She dreams of becoming a manager
or an actress or a fashion designer. In her dreams
and fantasy world, Sophie dates Danny Casey, an
upcoming Irishfootball player. She tells her family
about her imaginary meeting with Danny, making
it seem quite realistic and true. So much so that
she even makes them believe that she would be
meeting him. In her dream world, she forgets her
humble background, her small house, and ‘Going
Places’ that are far removed from reality. She
becomes a symbol representing all adolescents
who undertake a journey into the world of dreams.
IV. 1. Dunstan Cass is Squire Cass’ son and Godfrey’s
younger brother. He is described as a “a spiteful
jeering fellow” at the very outset of the chapter 3.
We know that he is not so handsome as his brother.
He is a selfish and dishonest person who is given
to drinking and betting. He knows his brother’s
weak points and takes advantage of them to the
full utility. Towards the end of the chapter he
comes out to be a little over-confident about his
abilities and luck. After striking a good bargain
for Wildfire, he foolishly participates in the hunt
of dogs to earn some extra money. However, the
horse dies and he is left empty handed. On his way
home, he stops at Silas’ cottage. Having a mind of
a possible felon he quickly finds the bags of gold
that Silas had hidden and makes off with them in
the darkness. Therefore, he can be called the villain
of the present novel, Silas Marner.
Or
Mrs. Hall was the wife of Mr. Hall and the owner
of the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn at Iping in Sussex.
She was a very friendly and down-to-earth woman
who enjoyed socialising with her guests. She was
quite sympathetic also as she got filled with pity
for the strange man assuming that he might have
endured an accident when she saw his muffled and
bandaged head. She was so caring and concerned
that she asked for the stranger’s coat and hat to let
them dry in the kitchen. Despite being discouraged
many times she tried to get into conversation with
her visitor and narrated her nephew’s injury by a
knife.
85
 2. Yes, Silas knew that William Dane, his closest
friend had framed him. This is very clear in the
story.
Silas was accused of a crime because his knife was
found at the crime scene. He did not remember
committing the murder or stealing the bag of
money. The minister, other congregation members
and William Dane insisted that he must accept his
sin and atone for it.
However, he did remember using the knife to cut
a strap for William Dane. Upon facing the latter,
he said “I don’t remember putting it in my pocket
again. You stole the money, and you have woven a
plot to lay the sin at my door.” This shows clearly
that William Dane had framed him for the crime.
Or
Mrs. Bunting, the vicar’s wife, wakes up at around
four in the morning sensing the presence of
another person in the house and sound of bare feet
walking through her house. When her suspicions
are confirmed she wakes her husband and the two
watch and listen as a candle is lit and papers are
rustled in the study. Mr. Bunting hears someone
cursing. When they hear the telltale clink of money,
Rev. Bunting realizes that the thief has found their
reserve towards house keeping. He courageously
pushes open the door and demands the thief to
surrender himself, 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. By morning they
have searched the entire house but have not found
anyone. They remained bewildered and confused.
UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 3
I. (i) The Earth teaches us how new life springs from
dead remains, and how there is life under apparent
stillness.
(ii) The poet wants us to do nothing for once so that our
mind can be at peace and we are able to introspect
and analyse our own actions.
(iii) Keeping quiet and suspending all our activities for
a brief moment will give us time to introspect and
analyse our own actions. We will develop a new
understanding of our surroundings .
(iv) The poet is an introspective mood.
Or
(i) All those people who were powerful in their
lifetime.
(ii) The tales of bravery of such people are also
beautiful.
(iii) They sacrificed their lives for the nation.
(iv) All the beautiful things are like nectar for us, God’s
gift to us which help us to live further on this earth.
86 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
II. 1. When Douglas grew up, he took the help of an
instructor to learn swimming and to overcome his
fear of water. His training session went on from
October to April. For three months he was taken
across the pool with the help of a rope.
2. They would go to watch the game every weekend.
The whole family loved to watch him play.
3. There are maps on the walls and bust of Shakespeare
in the class which show them a beautiful world
in contrast to their world which presents a future
to them. But it is dark and cruel.
4. The trees outside seem to be running as the car
moves forward. They are contrasted with the old,
weak, frail, feeble and pale mother of the poet,
who is nearing death.
5. The General assured Dr. Sadao to get the P.O.W
killed. He assured him that he would send his
murderers that night and get the man removed
from his home. The General asked him to let his
door opened that night.
6. Due to difference in culture and traditions, eating
habits,type of clothes she was supposed to wear
and also because she was supposed to keep her
hair short.
III. 1. Jack seems to have perfected the art of story-telling.
He has a basic tale. Each new story is a slight
variation of the basic tale. There is a small creature,
usually named Roger in every story. He can be
Roger Fish, Roger Squirrel or Roger Chipmunk.
Then there is a wise old owl and a wizard with a
magic wand in every story. This time the story ends
on amoral issue. But mother was right in hitting the
wizard. Jo doesn’t think so. She doesn’t agree with
her father. She feels wizard was right in making
skunk smell like roses. She keeps on arguing with
her father to change the ending. But he doesn’t
agree and wants her to understand that mothers are
always right. Hence, the title is justified.
Or
Derry is withdrawn and defiant. He does not like
being with people. Once he got acid all down on
one side of his face. The acid burnt it all away. This
creates a complex in his mind. He considers his
face as the most terrible thing in the world. When
he looks in the mirror and sees it, he is afraid of
himself. He thinks that people are afraid of him.
He doesn’t like being near them. No one will ever
kiss him. Only his mother kisses him and that too
on the other side of his face. People look at his
face and pass uncharitable remarks. Mr Lamb is
a physically challenged man. He has got a tin leg.
The real one got blown off, years back. Children
tease him calling “Lamey — Lamb”. But Mr Lamb
never minds such things. He has a positive attitude
towards life. He likes to talk and have company. He
 is open and never shuts himself in. Mr. Lamb brings
a change in Derry’s life. He develops confidence
to face the world in a more positive way
2. It was the last lesson. From next day German
armies were going to take over and only German
would be taught in the school. M. Hamel was
told to leave the place as well as the school. Also
he had taught French at the school for the last
forty years. He was emotionally attached to the
school and everything in and about it. He was
really heartbroken to leave it all. So, as an honour
to French language ,his mother tongue he was
dressed in his best clothes, a beautiful green coat,
frilled shirt and an embroidered silk cap, which he
wore only on inspection and prize days.
Or
The Champaran episode was one of the major
events in the struggle for independence. It was in
the course of this small but significant movement
that Gandhiji decided to urge the departure of the
British from India.
A close examination of the problems of the
Champaran peasants opened Gandhiji’s eyes to
the unjust policies of the British. He realised that
people had to be made free from fear and only then
they could be freed from foreign oppression. The
spontaneous demonstration of the people proved
that Gandhiji had the nation’s support in his fight
against the Britishers. It also aroused patriotism in
the heart of the Indians.
The triumph of the civil disobedience at Champaran
motivated the launching of the movement on a large
scale during the freedom movement. Gandhiji’s
winning the case of the sharecroppers proved that
British authority could be challenged. Hence, the
Champaran episode served as a stepping stone to
the Indian struggle for independence. But all this
happened because Rajkumar shukla approached
Gandhiji and urged him to visits Champaran.
IV. 1. Do it yourself (with the help of following hint).
(Hint: The appearance of Silas with the child in
his arms startles Godfrey. Perhaps he is the first
person who spots the weaver. He thinks that if it
“was an apparition from that hidden life which lies
like a dark spirit.” He immediately recognises the
child as his own. But he is ready to doubt himself
for he had not seen the child for months past. He
hopes that he has made a mistake that Silas and
the child are only apparitions. He goes near to him
just as Mr. Crackenthorp and Mr. Lammeter come
closer. He wants to hear everything that is being
said. He is trying to get hold over himself because
he knows that people are watching him intensely.
Hence, his reaction is a mixture of surprise, fear
and hesitation.)
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
Or
For Griffin invisibility became a curse. His initial
excitement and high expectations soon turned
to fear and despair , that being invisible had as
many drawbacks as advantages. People ran into
him and stepped on him. He had to be continually
on guard regarding 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. He couldn’t wear clothes as they
were not invisible. 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. He created commotion on streets
and escaped in empty cabs.
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 fire engulfing his former
dwelling. Still accidental touching occurred
everything in the house was burnt except his
cheque books and his three diaries.
2. Nancy Lammeter is a very beautiful woman. Her
character is, however, not more important than
Eppie’s. She enters the novel when there is a party
at the Red House on the New Year’s Eve. Nancy
impresses the Gunn sisters by her beauty and
charm although she has rough and coarse hands
due to domestic work. Godfrey wants to marry
Nancy but he dare not propose to her on account
of his past marriage with Molly.
When Godfrey marries Nancy, her chracter emerges
in a different colour. She acquires maturity and
shows all the important features of a responsible,
mature, compassionate and sensible mother. She
doesn’t mind when Godfrey reveals his past deeds
and confesses his wrongs. When he declares to
adopt Eppie, she doesn’t object but clears her stand.
And when Godfrey lays claim on Eppie, she sides
with him. On the whole, she is a responsible woman
and loving mother. If I were Nancy I would also
have behaved in the same manner.
Or
Griffin was a very intelligent and hard working
scientist who put in all heart and soul into his
research. He worked with a focused mind and
stopped at nothing short in pursuit of his scientific
goal to achieve invisibility. Unfortunately, his
passion warped into an obsession and he stooped
87
 to pits of depravity. Griffin was a student of
medicine at the University College where he won
a medal for excellence in chemistry. His keen
interest in light drew him to physics. Fascinated
by optical density, he moved to Chesilstowe after
leaving London. At that time he was twenty two
years old and full of enthusiasm. He worked as a
demonstrator in a provincial college while carrying
out his research on making things invisible. Instead
of sharing his knowledge with his superiors and
his peers. He worked stealthily so that he wouldn’t
have to share the credit of his work with anybody.
He finally succeeded in his ambition but the
unforeseen problems that were generated because
of his invisible condition compelled him to move
to Iping, a remote village. Due to his hard work
only he was able to make the formula of invisibility
which proved that was a scientific genius.
UNIT ASSIGNMENT – 4
I. (i) She was looking outside the car window. She
noticed children playing and trees sprinting.
(ii) She wanted to drive away her helplessness in the
wake of her mother’s ageing and approaching
death.
(iii) The poet started to put the thought of her mother
nearing death away. Her gesture suggests that she
is worried.
(iv) Trees and children symbolize the spring of life,
its strength, vigour and happiness which contrasts
with the lifelessness and helplessness that sets in
with age.
Or
(i) Garbage dumps.
(ii) The children are malnourished and starved.
(iii) The children look at the world through broken
spectacles which resemble bits of glass pieces
lying on stones on the garbage heaps.
(iv) Because life in slums is miserable.
II. 1. She listens to the story but no longer falls asleep
in naps. Besides she has acquired a critical sense.
2. Because he had managed to run away from the jail
thrice earlier also. No jail could imprison him for
long.
3. The Earth teaches us how new life springs from
dead remains, and how there is life under apparent
stillness.
4. The poet hopes that her ordeal will end upon her
death, when her frightened, shaking fingers will be
put to rest. But, even after death, the ring shall remain
on her which is a reminder of her marital status.
5. He felt bad. He said that he could have given
anything in the world to be able to recite the rules
of participles that day, not because of the fear of
teachers but he realized his mistake.
88
6. On finding backwardness of the people there, he
wanted to stay and help but the country issues also
demanded his attention. Therefore, he appointed
volunteers to teach the villagers. Kasturba Gandhi
taught the ashram rules and personal hygiene
and community sanitation. A doctor helped the
villagers in their health problems.
III. 1. The story is about an American trained Japanese
surgeon working in Japan, during the Second
World War. Dr. Sadao had grown up believing that
the Japanese were a superior race. He also disliked
Americans because of his unpleasant experience
in America where he faced racial bias. Despite
this he could not let the young American bleed
to death. He pulls a wounded American sailor
probably, an escaped prisoner of war, from the
surf close to his home. Against the disapproval of
the servants he hides the sailor, operates on him
and saves his life temporarily. As a good citizen
and a patriot he reports what he had done to the
patient, to the General in the Japanese Military.
The General assured him that he would get the
soldier assassinated and spare possible retribution
against Sadao and his family. The General fails to
keep his promise. Sadao spends sleepless nights
thinking that his patient will be killed. Finally he
helps the prisoner to escape. His humanitarian
and professional ethics prevail over his rationality
and patriotism. The Enemy, the American Soldier,
helps Doctor Sadao overcome his personal
prejudices and emerge a virtuous human being.
Or
The narrator did not want to get her hair cut
because her mother had once told her that short
hair is kept by mourners whereas shingled hair is
kept by the cowards. Judewin was a newly made
friend of the narrator. She heard the pale face
woman planning to get their long hair cut. Since
then, the narrator decided that she would not get
her hair cut and resist against them. The narrator
hid herself under the bed in one of the big rooms.
But she was seen, dragged downwards and tied in a
chair. She resisted by scratching, kicking but failed
in getting her long braid gnawed off. The author
knows that she could never prevail against the
authorities, yet she struggled against the injustice.
2. The haunting fear of the water followed Douglas in
his fishing trips, boating and canoeing. To get rid
of this fear, he finally engaged an instructor who
practiced him five days a week, an hour each day.
He held one hand of the rope in his hands and the
other one in the pulley overhead of Douglas. It was
tied to the Douglas with a rope. He made Douglas
swim back and forth in the pool.
After three months of training, the instructor trained
Douglas to put his head under water and breathe out,
Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
 and to raise his nose and breathe in. He repeated his
exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit, he got rid of
the terror that gripped him. Then he held Douglas at
the end of the pool and made him kick himself with
his own legs. After weeks of doing this practice, he
could command his own legs of swimming in water.
Thus piece by piece, the instructor built swimmer
and perfected him in every way.
Or
Sophie lives in a world of dreams, which is far from
reality. It is not unreasonable to have high hopes
and ambitions for one’s future, but such dreaming
can be justified only when one is prepared to work
hard to realise one’s dreams.
Sophie too needs to work hard to achieve her
dreams, instead of just imagining a bright and
successful future for herself, or fantasising about
her meeting with Danny Casey. She should accept
the reality that she belongs to a middle class
working family. Initially, she would face some
difficulties because of her poor financial condition,
but if she persists with sincere devotion, she could
certainly raise her status to the level from where
she would actually have the company of successful
.people like Danny Casey. Besides, with better
educational qualifications, increased opportunities,
hard work and more savings, she could even own
a boutique in future.
IV. 1. Silas was an honest man and a faithful member of
a religious sect in Lantern Yard. It was during a
prayer meeting that he had his first cataleptic fit.
While others considered that he was bestowed with
special grace, William, his closest friend, thought
Satan had visited him. Silas was pained to hear it
from Dane but he did not speak.
When the deacon fell ill, the entire congregation
took turns to look after him. Silas went for his turn
and, after sometime, found him dead. He looked
for help but he found none. So, he went to work
after his turn was over. He was brought back to
the vestry shortly afterwards. He was accused of a
crime he had not committed because his knife was
found in the deacon’s room. It proved his crime
but he recalled that he had used his knife to cut the
straps of William Dane and had left it there. He
was disillusioned by the way he was treated and
he decided that there was no just God. Sarah, the
woman he was engaged to, broke off with him and
married William a month later. These events were
the turning points in his life. Finally, he made up
his mind to abandon Lantern Yard forever.
Or
The stranger’s arrival in Iping created a curious
impression on the residents of the village.
Although there had been a number of skirmishes
Section - C: Literature Textbook & Extended Reading Text
with Mrs. Hall on matters of payment. He did not
even go to church and there was no difference in
his costume to tell a Sunday apart from other days.
He worked fitfully and some days he would come
down early and be continuously busy. On other
days, he would rise late, pace his room, fret audibly
for hours, smoke and sleep in the armchair by the
fire, communication with the world beyond, was
not in his itinerary. His temper was uncertain, he
had the manner of a man suffering under almost
unendurable provocation and once or twice
things were snapped, torn, crushed or broken
in spasmodic gusts of violence. He rarely went
anywhere by daylight but at twilight he would go
out muffled up to render himself invisible, whether
it was cold or not. He chose the loneliest paths
and those mostly overshadowed by trees or banks.
His goggling spectacles and ghastly bandaged
face under the penthouse of his hat, came with a
surprising suddenness out of the dark upon one
or two home going labourers. He came across as
a bogeyman to children. All this made people’
suspicious of him.
2. Mr. Snell happened to discover a tinderbox in
ditch. This object belonged to a pedlar who had
come to the town in the recent past. He had gone
from house to house to sell his goods. In this way
he had an ample opportunity to assess the different
households he went to.
People had different ideas about the pedlar. Mr.
Snell, who had discovered the tinderbox in the first
place said, “He had a look with his eye.” Godfrey
Cass said that the pedlar was “a merry grinning
fellow enough. It was all nonsense about the man’s
evil looks”. When Mr. Crackenthrop inquired if
he wore earrings. Mr. Snell denied remembering
this. However, other people come up with their
recollections — the glacier’s wife declared that she
had seen him wear big earrings, in the shape of a
young moon. The cobbers daughter, Jinny Oates,
said that his earrings made her blood creep.
Or
Mrs. Hall was the wife of Mr. Hall and the owner
of the ‘Coach and Horses’ inn at Iping in Sussex.
She was a very friendly and down-to-earth woman
who enjoyed socialising with her guests. She was
quite sympathetic also as she got filled with pity
for the strange man assuming that he might have
endured an accident when she saw his muffled and
bandaged head. She was so caring and concerned
that she asked for the stranger’s coat and hat to let
them dry in the kitchen. Despite being discouraged
many times she tried to get into conversation with
her visitor and narrated her nephew’s injury by a
knife.
89
 UNIT ASSESSMENT QUESTION PAPER’S
UNIT ASSESSMENT PAPER – 1
SECTION – A 1.2 faith in ind’ ability
1. A. (a) (i) compromising on her child’s education to  1.2.1 self-help
save money  1.2.2 self-dependence
(b) (i) they offer fixed returns after a certain period 2. Confi. Shakers
of time 2.1 overprotectn by family
(c) (iv) financial planners 2.2 never left alone to manage for themselves
(d) (iii) greater returns 3. Confi. and Success
B. (a) Manju Goel had to put her foot down as her six- 3.1 manag. without support
year-old daughter asked for a tablet computer as  3.1.1 more assurance
her birthday present.  3.1.2 greater self-esteem
(b) The survey conducted by Aviva India shows 4. Confi. Building
that 70% prefer investing for education of their
4.1 avoid overprotectn
children to save for their retirement.
4.2 self-reliance
(c) Children today are a lot more intelligent and
informed. 4.3 self-assurance
(d) Sometimes we get caught off guard with 5. Mid Gen. Parents
unexpected last-minute expenses. 5.1 a fraid of extra bold children –
(e) It ensures greater and down size our risks aggressiveness
returns. 5.2 lack confidence - meek suggestions –
(f) He is the executive vice president and head of children more confident
production and distribution ICICI Securities. 5.3 obey and appease their old dictatorial
C. (i) Admission (ii) Investment parents
2. A. (a) (iii) that the voting percentage has increased 5.4 w ant children with ind’ entity and
tremendously confidence
(b) (ii) it is one of the most significant catalysts of 5.5 self-oriented child – disobey parents
Indian democracy 5.6 suffer from both sides – lack of confi.
B. (a) A jump from 46% in 2007 to 60% in 2012 is an
indicator of widespread enthusiasm among the Key to Abbreviations
young first-timers. confi. — confidence
(b) It aimed to make the voters realise the ind. — independent
significance of their votes. agg. — aggressiveness
(c) Continuous and successful voter registration gen. — generation
and a massive awareness campaign for voting overprotectn. —
overprotection
brought about an emphatic shift in the electoral
process (b) Summary
(d) The higher turn around in voting reaffirms our Faith in one’s own capacity and single handed
faith in the democratic process in India. tackling develops confidence while overprotective
(e) Any voter can SMS his Epic no. to get reqd. attitude destroys it. Self-supporting children
information. have more assurance, and greater self-esteem.
(f) Women have outnumbered men in percentage Self-reliance and selfassurance are essential for
terms of polling in spite of adverse gender ratio success. The mid generation parents, are afraid of
in the state. the aggressiveness of the naughty and extra bold
C. (i) Eliminating children. Their children are more confident and
(ii) Enhancing assertive because they have individual entity and
3.    (a) I. Title: Self-confidence are self-oriented. These mid generation parents
II. Notes: suffer both ways—from dictatorial parents and
1. Confi. Makers disobeying children simply because they lack self-
1.1 overcoming problems unaided confidence.

90 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook

SECTION – B
4. ACCOMMODATION WANTED
Wanted for a Central Government senior officer,
an independent accommodation comprising three
bedrooms with attached bathrooms, drawing-cum-
dining room, kitchen with modern amenities and
facility for car parking in Greater Kailash Friend’s
Colony on reasonable rent. Provision for separate
bathroom and a store will be considered an extra
facility. Contact Phone No. 98×××××××× between
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Or
18th May, 20××
D-59, Adarsh Nagar
New Delhi
Dear Mridula
Thank you for your cordial invitation for spending a
part of my summer vacation with you in your native
village.
I was eager to go to your village but the sudden
illness of my mother has pushed back all my thoughts
of recreation. I am sorry I am unable to enjoy your
hospitality this summer.
I hope you won’t feel upset or take it to heart.
Yours sincerely
Vipasha
5. Leave this question (this topic is out of syllabus).
Or
D-52, Shakti Nagar
Delhi
18th August, 20××
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Non-availability of Essential Commodities.
Through the columns of your esteemed daily I want to
draw the attention of our popular leaders, general public
and the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Delhi,
towards the non-availability of essential commodities
to the bonafide ration card holders at the fair price shops
of our area.
Our area is densely populated and the arrival of migrant
labour has worsened the consumer supply ratio. The
fair-price shops which used to cater to the needs of our
locality have now adopted unfair means and indulge in
malpractices in order to make a fast buck.
Their modus operandi is quite simple and obvious.
Whenever the consumers—the genuine ration card
holders approach them for sugar, rice, wheat or
Unit Assessment Question Paper’s
kerosene oil, the stock reply is that they have not yet
received the supply. In case a truck comes during the
daytime, serpentine queues can be seen. By the time
half of them get their supply, the ‘NO STOCK’ board
is put up. Poor consumers waste their time and energy
and return empty handed.
We have lodged frequent protests and complained
to the concerned authorities. We get quite pleasing
assurance. I think there is a vicious nexus between the
blackmarketeers, shop-owners and inspectors of Food
and Civil Supplies Department.
I appeal to the political bosses to order a thorough probe
into these irregularities and safeguard the interest of the
genuine ration card holders.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Rashmi
6. TEACHING PROFESSION IS BETTER
THAN MEDICAL PROFESSION
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
I am Meenu, a student of class-12. In my view without
teachers there won’t be doctors figure this out where
do doctors go to become whom they are today? Your
guess is as good as mine. School, which doctor in the
world today that does not have a doctorate degree in
either a university or any other higher institution in the
world, it doesn’t.
Teachers are a prime means of transmitting knowledge
to the youth. We rely on them for ensuring the
knowledge base of our society to be maintained and
grow. It’s important to have teachers who can inspire
our children to develop interests and passions that can
benefit the world.
Doctors are important but their priorities are in
expanding our current knowledge through research.
Teacher and doctor both help people with their services.
It’s mean to compare them and say one is better is
difficult.
We need teachers to teach doctors.
We need doctors to cure teachers.
Teachers are more important because they teach
students in the primary stages as if they are building
their minds and therefore, these students may become
doctors, engineers, pharmacists etc. So it's always all
about the ‘base’.
But in contrast to doctors teachers do not only equip
the students with knowledge. They do or at least should
also form their characters, take care of them, support
them, smooth down differences in class, manage the
class and so on. These are things doctors at university
mostly don’t care about. Therefore, we can say,
“Teachers makes Doctors”.
Thank you
91
 Or
OPEN TEXT-BOOK EXAMINATIONS
SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED IN SCHOOL
(For the Motion)
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
An open-book exam might seem like an invitation to
blow off studying, but like any test, an open-book test
requires preparation.
It’s never a good idea to walk into any test without
knowing the information from back to front. Even
if we get to use our book while we are answering
questions, we still have to be aware of what’s going on
in the test. Ideally, during open-book tests, our book
should be a reference tool that we use in addition to
existing knowledge and understanding. An open-book
exam may require us to apply the material to new
situations, rather than simply recalling memorized
data.
We while rely on our book without preparing
beforehand, some finer points in questions - or,
in worse-case scenarios, entire questions - might
confuse or derail us. Studying before an open-
book test will help us be better prepared to quickly
comprehend questions.
Precious time can be wasted if we don’t know exactly
where the information we are looking for is located.
Reading over the chapters or sections that are covered
on an open-book test, organizing our notes to match
the information in the text, and making notes on
passages will help us get correct answers more quickly.
Obviously, we don’t want to waste test time doing this,
so a study session before the open-book test would be
necessary.
Even if our open-book test isn’t being timed, there’s
likely some sort of deadline for when we need to finish.
We don’t want to spend all our time working on this
test. Saving time is important, and we can do that by
saving ourself the hassle of leafing through our book
every time we go to answer a question. Understanding
the test material before we take the test might allow us
to answer questions without bothering too much with
the book.
In some cases, our teachers or professor might
intentionally put questions in an open-book test that
can’t be completely answered by simply looking in the
book. They might ask for our opinion or interpretation
of a fact or issue. Studying all of our course materials,
from the book to class notes and graded assignments,
means being prepared to answer any kind of question
that comes our way in an open-book test. Therefore,
open-book tests as examinations should be encouraged
in schools.
92 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
7. THE INVOLVEMENT
OF STUDENTS IN POLITICS
By Abc
The involvement of students in politics began during
the freedom struggle. After independence politicians
utilised the exuberance of bubbling youth for their
partisan and selfish ends. The lowering of voting age and
democratisation of the set up of educational institutions
brought politics to the school level. While contesting
elections to the students’ council, the student leaders resort
to all the tricks employed by the seasoned politicians. In
the colleges and universities elections are contested on
party lines. The political parties thus make inroads into
educational institutions. They get dedicated workers
and utilise their services during their own elections to
parliament or state legislatures. Well, political awareness
is good, but too much involvement in politics is certainly
harmful. The frequent elections to various civic bodies
and legislatures further aggravate the violence and
disruptive activities on the campus. Students ignore their
studies and indulge in slogan shouting, speech making
and taking out processions. Sometimes there are clashes
amongst student groups owing allegiance to political
parties with diverse ideologies. Students should not forget
their main aim admission–studies and learning. They
should develop political consciousness but not become
tools of wily politicians.
Or
VOCATIONAL TRAINING SHOULD BE
PART OF SCHOOL CURRICULUM
By Xyz
To make students skill ready to take up industry
challenge in future, Government of India has announced
to include four years of vocational training with formal
education from class IX onwards. The move will help
in scaling up the skilled people.
Students now have the option of pursuing long term,
non-conventional degree courses to acquire skill sets.
Following on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s Skill India Mission, the move will aid the
students to be job ready.
PM’s Skill Development Fellow Scheme is also
identifying youngsters who can act as skill evangelists
and work closely with State and District Administrations.
Through this move, the government is hoping that at
least 25% of schools will include vocational training
from class IX onwards.
Kaushal Vardhan Kendras, also known as Skill
Development centers at village level, and Livelihood
Colleges at district level will offer students option to get
additional qualifications, including a new bachelor of
vocational studies degree from Multi-skilling Institutes
(MSIs) affiliated to the Skills University.

The National Skills University and MSIs will be
set up on a public private partnership model. The
government also plans to put in place the new labour
market system and a national skilling portal- a platform
that will inform candidates about choices available to
them across sectors, along with the different learning
modules and training providers by next year.
The new policy will align all skill development
efforts with National Skill Qualification Framework
(NSQF) that sets standards of proficiency for different
vocations.
With the vision to provide skill education to everyone,
the National Policy on Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship 2015 is set to meet the challenge of
skilling at scale with speed and standard. The national
policy will also provide clarity and coherence on how
skill development efforts across the country can be
aligned within the existing institutional arrangements.
This policy will link skills development to improved
employability and productivity.
SECTION – C
8. (a) Pablo Neruda.
(b) Wars with nature and wars with weapons.
(c) Where there will be no survivors.
(d) They should keep quiet for a second to introspect.
Or
(a)
(b) Leave this question.
(c) (This poem out of syllabus)
(d)
9. (a) Outside it is lively. Children are playing in the
streets, trees sprinting fast and inside the car the
poet is sitting with her old and aged mother.
(b) He wants the authorities to realize their
responsibilities and free the children from such
grave-like confinements. He wants the barriers
to be pulled down. The children must break away
from the school boundaries and enjoy the world
beyond. Only that way they can enjoy the nature,
the green fields and the golden sands. The poet
wants them to sail, explore and discover the world
so that someday their names may be found in
history books.
(c) Firozabad is famous for its glass bangles. It is the
centre of India’s glass-blowing industry. Families
have spent generations working around furnaces,
welding glass, making bangles for all the women
in the land. Every other family in Firozabad is
engaged in making bangles.
(d) Franz had hoped to get to his desk unseen during
the commotion. But that day it was very quiet.
So, Franz had to open the door and go in before
everybody. He blushed as he was late. He was
Unit Assessment Question Paper’s
frightened that the teacher might rebuke him, but
M. Hamel spoke kindly to him that day.
(e) No, because the general had forgotten all about
it. He was ill himself and needed Dr. Sadao’s
consultation.
(f) That the mother felt sorry for hitting the wizard
after she understood the predicament of his child
and apologized the wizard for hitting him. The
story could be continued with a different plot line.
10. In Derry’s case the pain caused by his physical
impairment is not as great as his mental anguish. He
is always self-conscious and feels that people are
always staring at him. He prefers being alone which
has alienated him from society. He feels that people
are frightened and repulsed when they see him and he
refuses to believe that anyone would want to befriend
him. Unfortunately he has had some bad experiences.
He has overheard some unkind remarks of others and
that has made him even more bitter. His own mother
seems to avoid kissing him on the burnt side, a fact that
deeply hurts the child.
Or
From the day Dr. Sadao found the wounded soldier
outside his house, he had been caught up in a web of
conflicts and difficulties.
The first difficulty arose when Sadao decided to operate
upon the soldier. He was caught between his duty as
a doctor and loyalty towards his nation. Nonetheless,
Sadao emerges a champion in this regard. As an ethical
and sincere doctor, he saved the life of the soldier and
as a responsible citizen, he also informed the General
about the presence of the soldier. Next, when the
General’s men did not arrive to kill the enemy, Sadao
was again caught in a conflict as to how to get rid of
the white man. His innate virtues of compassion and
benevolence forbade him from killing the man. Thus,
he decided to let the prisoner escape by sending him off
to an unguarded island. Thus humanity was victorious.
11. ADVANTAGES OF THREE LANGUAGE
SYSTEM AT SCHOOL
In most of the states in India, students have to study
three languages at school. One of them is the mother
tongue, the second is Hindi (the national language)
and the third is English (the international or link
language). In Hindi speaking region, a South or East
Indian language—Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malyalam
or Bangla, Oriya, Assamese etc is taught. The three
language formula helps in national integration by
acquainting young students about the social customs,
rituals, culture and traditions of the various parts of
the country. It also focuses on the principle of unity
in diversity. The only drawback in this system is that
it puts an excessive burden on the minds of the young
learner. To alleviate their problem, the courses of study
in the three languages may be structured suitably.
93
 Or
The world around us is full of traps and dungeons
waiting for our one slip. However no matter how deep
the trap is, the inherent goodness of human being can
redeem himself from the darkness of the trap. The story
in discussion builds around a strong metaphor of rattrap.
The peddler of rattraps calls the world a big rattrap.
The material benefits like riches and joys, shelter and
food, heat and clothing are temptations that provoke us
to mistakes. The peddler is tempted by thirty kronors
of the old crofter. He steals the money and now shivers
in the fear of being caught and moves through a deep
,dark forest which is an extension of a rattrap. He finds
a shelter in the house of ironmaster in assistance with
another deception. However, all his inherent darkness
is exorcised by the saint-like presence of Edla, the
daughter of ironmaster. Instead of judging him on his
follies, the lady can see through his inner goodness and
her divine presence rouses the good heart of the peddler.
He is soon to realise his folly and wants to make quick
amendment to this. Thus the faith in humanity and
infinite kindness change the person once and for all.
12. Silas spent his time by weaving all the years that he had
been in Raveloe. It was his vocation and his occupation
– something that kept his mind occupied and prevented
him from brooding about his closest friend’s betrayal.
The monotone of the loom and the time spent on it
filled him with a feeling of a wellspent day to produce
beautiful products. He would “throw” the shuttle across
the loom and keep a keen eye on “the little squares in
the cloth” that completed themselves under his expert
supervision. A weaver’s profession is a one-man show
and Silas was a very lonely man.
Or
As the man with the beard put his revolver back in its
place, people present in the bar heard Mr. Marvel squeal
like a small animal. Marvel was dragged by the neck
into the kitchen. There was a scream and a clatter of
pans. Marvel, head down and lugging back, was being
UNIT ASSESSMENT PAPER – 2
SECTION – A
1. A. (a) (iii) to attract FDIs
(b) (i) a rapid transport system has been planned
as well
(c) (ii) the real estate
(d) (iv) a promising land
B. (a) Several builders have announced projects along
the NH-8, in anticipation of future development
along this stretch.
(b) FDIs are investing in real estate, information
technology, automobiles, glass technology and
service industries.
94 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
forced to the kitchen door. Then the policeman rushed in
and gripped the wrist of the invisible hand that collared
Marvel. He was hit in the face and went reeling back.
Soon the kitchen door opened and Marvel made a frantic
effort to lodge behind it. Then the cabman collared the
invisible man. The barman’s red hands came clawing at
the unseen. In this way Mr. Marvel, released, suddenly
drooped to the ground and made an attempt to crawl
behind the legs of the fighting men and got escaped.
13. Mr. Macey is a tailor by profession. But, he also works
in the capacity of the parish clerk of Raveloe. He is
introduced as an ageing person, with a white head,
who is suffering from rheumatism. He has “an air of
complacency, slightly seasoned with criticism”. He
is biased and smug and does not miss a chance to be
“satisfied with this attack on youthful presumption.”
However, he is also a well-meaning person.
He can be termed the historical memory of the town
since he remembers everything. He can recall the
smallest details of the life of the Lammeters ever
since they shifted to Raveloe from the story behind the
Charity Land at Warrens and many more incidents.
Or
Mr. Thomas Marvel is a jolly old tramp with no home
or job. He wanders from place to place, usually asking
people for food or money. The author has unwittingly
recruited him to assist the invisible man as his first visible
partner. He carries around the Invisible Man’s books for
him. He wears a shabby high hat, and we first meet him
considering two pairs of boots, both probably given to
him as charity. There is an air of abandon and eccentricity
about him. He was bearded, plump and of short limbs. He
wore a furry silk hat. Twine and shoelaces are a substitute
for buttons at critical points of his costume. He drinks a
lot and when he heard the invisible man for the first time,
he thought that it was his dizziness due to drink that he
sounded like this. He is a practical man as he acceded to
the request of the invisible man after knowing that he is
a man of power and can help him a lot.
(c) In Global Eco City majority of clients will be
from abroad. For example, Japan, Malaysia, the
US, Korea, China, etc.
(d) Because Dharuhera has emerged as a promising
land rising investment.
(e) It is the first residential project launched by
Vardhavan in Dharuhera.
(f) This area is expected to have top class residential
developments. The development projects
include Officer Enclave.
C. (i) Emerging (ii) Options
 2. A. (a) (iv) more cautious than men while investing
(b) (iv) debt instruments like bank deposits,
company debentures, bonds etc.
B. (a) The financial advisors say that women are more
risk averse than men.
(b) They generally prefer safety and security of their
investments.
(c) According to Sarma, women are always
concerned about financial security of the family.
(d) In the matter of investment women are more risk
adverse than men. They are also open to good
advice with the women financial advisor on their
side, they feel more comfortable in such matter.
(e) It signifies a conscious decision in the selection
of nominees.
(f) It is not very reliable. It is illegal.
C. (i) ××××× (ii) Forecasting
3.    (a) I. Title: Role of Dietary Fibres
II. Notes:
1. Defn. of dietary fibres
2. Importance
2.1 l ow incidence of heart diseases and
cancer
2.2 removes constipation
2.3 checks obesity, diabetes, etc.
3. Characteristics
3.1 include cellulose, lignin, pectin etc.
3.2 specific chem. structure
3.3 solubility
 3.3.1 some sol in water
 3.3.2 others insoluble in H2O
4. Sources
4.1 cereals and grains, legumes
4.2 fruits with seeds, citrus fruits
4.3 carrots, cabbages, green leafy vegs.
5. Properties
5.1 not digested/absorbed by enzymes of
stomach/small intestines
5.2 h old water—get swollen—act like
sponge
5.3 add bulk to diet—increase transit time
in the gut
5.4 undergo fermentn. in the colon.
6. Action Mechanism
5.1 bind bile salts—prevent reabsorptn.
5.2 decrease cholesterol level in circuln.
5.3 decrease post prandial glucose level in
blood
7. Adverse Effects
5.1 preventg absorpon of metals
5.2 nutritional deficiency—lesser minerals
Unit Assessment Question Paper’s
Key to Abbreviations
defn. — definition
fermentn. — fermentation
reabsorptn. — reabsorption
circuln. — circulation
chem. — chemical
(b) Summary
Dietary fibres are indigestible carbohydrates present
in plant foods, which result in low incidence of
many diseases. These fibres include cellulose, lignin,
pectin, plant gums and mucilages. They have a
specific chemical structure but different physical and
chemical properties. Some are soluble in water while
others are insoluble. Cereals and grains, legumes,
fruit with seeds, citrus fruits, carrots, cabbages and
green leafy vegetables are rich in fibres. Being
indigestible they add bulk to diet and increase transit
time in the intestines. Since they hold water, they get
swollen and act like sponge. Some fibres undergo
fermentation in colon. They bind bile salts and prevent
its reabsorption. They also decrease cholesterol
level and glucose level in blood. Since they prevent
absorption of metals and minerals increased dietary
fibres may result in nutritional deficiency.
SECTION – B
4. DOGS & KENNELS
Adult Pekinese and Dachshund, Scotch Terrier Pups,
nine in all, three each of a breed, are available for
sale. Age of pups – 3 to 6 months; adult dogs 1½
to 2 years – fully trained and inoculated, both male
and female, imported blood line. Only genuine dog
lovers need. Contact: Sumit Bandopadhayay, 38,
Salt Lake, Kolkata. Phone: 22××××××.
Or
ABC. SR. SEC. SCHOOL, DELHI
9th Nov., 20×× NOTICE
Golden Opportunity for Book-lovers
The International Book Fair is being organised in
New Delhi as per details given below:
Date : 14th to 19th Nov., 20××
Time : 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Venue : Pragati Maidan
Last Date : 10th Dec., 20××
Latest publications and rare books will be on
display. All students are requested to visit the
Book Fair.
Chetan Swaroop
(Librarian)
95
 5. 130, Church Road
Kanpur
28th December, 20××
The Director
Digital Informatics
25, Temple Road
Indore
Sir
Subject: Information regarding vocational courses.
I have just passed senior secondary certificate
examination. I am a brilliant student and have secured
95% marks in class-12. I want to opt for some suitable
vocational courses offered by your institute, which may
help me in the development of my career. However,
before joining the course, I would like to know about
following:
(i) Courses available.
(ii) Fees for the whole course.
(iii) Whether fee accepted in instalments.
(iv) Timing and other relevant information.
If your have any printed material for this purpose,
kindly send it to me. A self-addressed and duly stamped
envelop is enclosed herewith . An early response will
enable me to choose the course and join immediately.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Vinod Pinto
Or
123, Diplomatic Enclave
New Delhi
18 March, 20××
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Hard Core Marketing.
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish
to draw the attention of the authorities and parents
to the malpractices that are being carried on by
the media under the guise of marketing strategies.
Advertisements are launched in such a way that
children are the targets of the advertised goods.
Consumerism has made inroads to such an extent
that all out efforts are made to entice them into
becoming prospective consumers. Then there are
numerous awards attached to schemes – all very dear
to the hearts of young children. Parents who love
and fondle their children yield to their insistence.
The child and through him the parents are easily
exploited by the advertisers of sports goods, shoes,
96 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
confectionaries, textiles, fast food and fizzy drink
manufacturers.
I think, before approving the advertisements for public
display the authorities should take note of its precise
effect on children and check the errant agencies from
committing such malpractices.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Sudhanshu
6. EACH ONE TEACH ONE
Reported by Sudha
New Delhi: 11th June, 20××
On Friday last the students of class-12 visited the
slum area. The aim of this visit was to take the stock
of education in the area. The students visited the local
school and consulted a good number of parents. The
school was in a very poor condition because the proper
facilities for learning were lacking in the school.
There were no sufficient teachers to teach more than
one thousand students. Although it was a primary
school, several teachers were on leave and students
were sitting in the class. There were only four to five
teachers who had managed all the classes. When the
students asked the principal about the matter, his reply
was clear. The school lacked in facilities for education.
We had no funds on the other hand. The parents were
willing to send their children to school but they had no
sufficient time and money to create suitable educational
atmosphere in the area. Besides, the other students were
playing here and there. The members of survey team
called them and asked them several questions. But they
did not have the basic knowledge even. Finally the
survey team decided to start an education centre under
the programme. ‘Each One Teach One’. This centre will
spread the light of education among the slum children.
Or
DISCIPLINE IS THE BASE OF LIFE
Respected chairperson and my dear friends!
Discipline is a means of keeping the things in order.
It inculcates in us a sense of duty and obedience.
Discipline is the bedrock of any institution. It is
essential in all walks of life. Absence of discipline will
lead to chaos and confusion. Discipline is a training of
the mind and character and implies submission to rules.
Discipline must be inculcated early in life. However, a
glimpse of the existing scenario reveals that discipline
is sadly lacking in all spheres of life. Our students
look upon national leaders as their role models. Every
other day we hear of strikes and demonstrations in
schools, colleges and universities. Gandhiji advocated
satyagraha and boycott of classes for a specific purpose,
but now students take recourse to mindless strikes
 at trivial issues. Elections to students’ bodies have
also ruined the healthy academic environment. Now
students who enjoy political patronage care a fig for the
school/college authorities. Earlier corporal punishment
was awarded at school to bring an erring scholar to
the right track. ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ is
the most hated maxim now. Proper counselling and
guidance by parents and teachers can help the students
to maintain discipline. Punishment — physical or
financial — has failed to be a corrective measure. We
must check good students from falling in the clutches
of rowdies who vitiate the academic environment and
pollute the atmosphere.
Thank you
7. FAIR TREATMENT OF GIRL CHILD
By Priya
For centuries the girl child has been a victim of
misplaced notions and an object of ridicule and
discrimination. Even educated people consider boys
superior to girls because they are stronger physically,
mentally and emotionally. The mothers fondle, cajole
and coax the boys and scold the equally intelligent, and
rather more industrious girls due to the misconceived
notion that the family propagates only with the male
child. These orthodox and retrograde views have forced
the grown up women to raise the banner of protest and
demand reservation for women. In fact, women are so
suppressed and depressed in the countryside that any
project of women uplift is impossible without giving
them special treatment. It is only in the elite urban
groups that the feats of girls and women are applauded.
In the educated middle classes we find girls and women
competing with boys and men in every sphere—studies,
jobs, administration or politics. Yet, the condition of
girls in 60% urban homes and 90% rural homes is still
pitiable. Our constitution provides for equality of sexes
and no discrimination or gender bias should thwart the
progress of girl child. We have to change the social
milieu and force the traditional, orthodox, retrograde
and backward looking people to change their point of
view and treat boys and girls equally by providing them
equal opportunities for studies, creative sensibilities
and developing physical stamina. They will find the girl
child more hard working, patient and understanding.
Or
Mobiles and Computers
By Mukesh
In the world today, people cannot live without
technologies such as televisions, mobile phones,
computers and others. These technologies have slowly
taken an essential part in our day-to-day lives and
being without them would be unimaginable for some
of us. Mobile phone in this modern era has become
Unit Assessment Question Paper’s
an essential tool for everyone from elementary school
kids, and teenagers businessmen and senior citizen.
Mobile phones are considered to be crucial for work,
leisure, pleasure, relations and keeping up with modern
times. The invention of mobile phone really altered the
way we interact with our friends and family, how we
maintain our social relationships and how we work
etc. These days, we tend to forget our keys but we do
not forget to bring our mobile phone. Mobile phones
are connecting people with each other and it was not
possible before. Mobile phone has made us available
to people is twenty four seven days a week. In past
we had to go through so many processes in order to
get to know where the person is. We just need to call
message that person or leave a text. Mobile phone also
provides enormous opportunities for all businessmen
to connect with consumers in order to understand their
need. Therefore, every body is busy with their mobile
phones.
The invention of the computer is a very important
point. Communication is thus enhanced, and companies
can communicate more easily with foreign countries.
Research is also simplified.
For companies, progress is saving in time and therefore
in money. Exchange is faster especially with the
internet. Sales and purchases would not have been
possible the worldwide. The businesses to buy raw
materials at discounts or reduced prices would have
been difficult. Similarly, global tourism has grown with
the help of internet.
SECTION – C
8. (a) The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’. The poet is John
Keats.
(b) The magnificence that we imagine for our mighty
dead forefathers on the dooms day.
(c) The beauty of nature is more lovelier than all lovely
tales that we have heard or read.
(d) It means the beauty of nature which is an endless
fountain.
Or
(a) The colour of the classroom walls is ‘sour cream’
or off white.
(b) The walls of the classroom have pictures of
Shakespeare, buildings with domes, world maps
and beautiful valleys.
(c) The poet hints at two worlds: the world of poverty,
misery and malnutrition of the slums. The other
world is of progress and prosperity peopled by
the rich and the powerful. The beauty is in a stark
contrast to the dim and dull slums.
(d) This colour suggests the decaying aspect and
pathetic condition of the lives of the children in a
slum-school.
97
 9. (a) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers were created in the panel
by her own hands. They appeared to be prancing
(jumping) across a screen. They looked sleek.
They were bright like yellow topaz. They were
majestic and courageous. They didn’t fear the
men beneath the tree. They paced in ‘chivalric
certainty’.
(b) The poet is driving to the Cochin airport. When
she looks outside, the young trees seem to be
walking past them. With the speed of the car they
seem to be running fast or sprinting. The poet
presents a contrast—her ‘dozing’ old mother and
the ‘sprinting’ young trees.
(c) Mukesh’s father was born in the caste of bangle-
makers. His father went blind with the dust from
polishing the glass of bangles. He is an old and
poor bangle maker. He has worked hard for long
years, first as a tailor and then as a bangle-maker.
He has failed to renovate a house or send his two
sons to school.
(d) Franz hardly knew how to write. He had not learnt
his lessons properly. He wasted time on seeking
birds’ eggs or going sliding on the Saar. Books
seemed a nuisance to him and a burden to carry.
He had put off learning till the next day thinking
he had plenty of time.
(e) The reaction of the Dewan is quite funny and
amusing. He thinks that the Maharaja wants to
marry him. He says that he has already two wives.
The Maharaja clarifies that he does not want to
marry him. He wants a tiger. The Dewan interrupts
him saying that his ancestors were married to the
sword. He might marry the gun if he liked. He
added that a Tiger King was more than enough for
that state. It did not need a Tiger Queen as well.
(f) According to Mr. Lamb, one can overcome such
disability by ignoring such remarks and having
confidence in himself.
10. Dr. Sadao’s father had high dreams about the future of
Japan. There was no limit to his future as it depended
on what they made it. He never played or joked with
his only son. But he spent infinite pains upon him.
For the sake of the best possible medical education,
he sent his son to America. Sadao met Hana there, but
waited to fall in love with her until he was sure she was
a Japanese. His father would never have received her
unless she had been pure in her race. Their marriage
was arranged in the old Japanese way only after Sadao’s
father had seen her when both of them had come home
in Japan after finishing their education.
He was a Japanese every inch. The floor of his room
was deeply matted. He would never sit on a chair
or sleep in a foreign bed in his house. The quilt was
covered with flowered silk and the lining was a pure
98 Assignments in English Plus Core – 12 Teachers’ Handbook
white silk. In short, everything in his house had been
Japanese to please him.
Or
All precautions have been made by the Governor
of Oxford Prison to see that the O-Level German
examination, held in prison for the prisoner Evans,
does not provide him means to escape. The examination
passes off peacefully. Mr. Stephens, a prison officer,
sees off McLeery, the invigilator and on returning to
the cell finds injured “McLeery” sprawling in Evans’s
chair.
It is easy for Evans impersonating as McLeery to leave
the prison along with police officer. He claims to have
spotted Evans driving off along Elsfield Way but loses
track at the Headington roundabout. He grogs off near
the Examination offices. Then he disappears. He is
located in the Golden Lion in Chipping Norton by the
Governor of Oxford Prison. Instead of bringing Evans
securely back to prison, the Governor lets him come
in a prison van guarded by a prison officer. It is just
what Evans had planned. The driver and the ‘prison
officer’ are his friends and Evans escapes from prison
once again.
In fact, Evans has made elaborate arrangements. He
joins the night classes in September. The German
teacher is one of his friends. He has his friends in
the Examination Board as well. He waits patiently
till June. Two of his friends bind and gag Reverend
Stuart McLeery in his Broad Street flat. One of them
personates him. He is dressed up as a minister. He has
two collars and two black fronts on his person. Evans
fiddles about under the blanket with the black front
and the stud at the back of the collar. His friends also
arrange a car where he can change his make up as well
as clothes. He successfully deceives the police as well
as the prison authorities.
11. Initiation is the law of nature. Success depends on the
actions taken by an individual. One has to take actions
without wasting time. Dreams give us directions. But
it should not be forgotten that a man cannot become
influential by only dreaming . One who does not utilise
time fails to do anything significant in life. Actions
shape the destiny of the beings. Contemplation destroys
happiness. Aimless thinking aggravates woes and
worries. It leads to nowhere. Such thinkers never get
pleasure in this world of mortals. Those who believe
in taking actions attain their long cherished goals
with an astonishing ease. They never feel confused or
perplexed. They never become a victim of depression.
All the human beings are to perform their duties
on the earth. Contemplation leads to idleness. Life
is a judicious blend of contemplation and action.
Contemplation transformed into action is of utmost
importance. Action without contemplation may be
 disastrous. Contemplation without action is a sin. One
should not waste time in thinking only. We should
always remember that life is short and time is swift.
Procrastination is the thief of time. One should not
forget that there’s a time for everything.
In the case of Mukesh this statement is quite true. He
has only big dreams, no actions.
Or
Sophie and Jansie are class-fellows and friends. They
belong to lower middle class families. Both of them
are earmarked for biscuit factory. Jansie’s feet are
firmly planted on the ground. But Sophie is totally
blind to the harsh realities of life. She dreams of big
and beautiful things. She wants to have a boutique.
She thinks of becoming an actress as there is lot of
money in this profession. If need be, she can also be
a fashion designer. In short, she loves to be grand and
sophisticated. All her dreams are beyond her reach and
resources. Jansie advises her to be sensible, but she
remains a romantic dreamer.
Sophie and Jansie differ in thinking and temperament.
Sophie is lost in her dream world. She shares her secret
with only one person. It is her elder brother Geoff.
Jansie is ‘nosey’. She takes interests in learning new
things about others. She can spread the story in the
whole neighbourhood. So, Sophie doesn’t want to share
secrets with her.
Sophie is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She is a
hero-worshipper. She adores the young Irish footballer
Danny Casey. She develops a fascination for her. She
becomes sad and helpless but she doesn’t become
wiser. She remains a dreamer. On the other hand Jansie
is practical and realist. She has no such unrealistic
dreams.
12. The Squire is furious because he feels his money
has been squandered by his sons. He is angry at the
knowledge that Godfrey has conspired with Dunstan
to “embezzle” his money. He never had any doubts
about Dunstan. But, he asks Godfrey “Are you turning
out a scamp?” He threatens to throw his sons out of the
house, without any part in the property. He demands to
know why Godfrey let Dunsey have ‘his’ money. He
suspects that Godfrey has been “up to some trick, and
you’ve been bribing him not to tell”. He expresses his
wish to see Dunstan immediately in order to find out
for what he needed the money for, but he is told that the
latter has not been seen around since the night before.
He declares that he will no longer fund their “going-on”
and “fooleries” and that he will “pull up”.
Unit Assessment Question Paper’s
Or
The struggle between policeman, cabman and the
invisible man inside the kitchen blundered round the
edge of the door opening to the yard. The cabman
suddenly whooped and got kicked under the diaphragm.
Soon the others were shaken off and lost their grips
which freed the invisible man. A piece of tile whizzed
by the head of the policeman into the yard. At that very
moment, the man with the black beard fired five bullets
one after the other into the yard and a silence followed.
He was sure that the invisible man was shot. He asked
for a lantern to search for the dead body of the invisible
man.
13. Dolly Winthrop is the wheelwright’s wife. She is “a
woman of scrupulous conscience” and is eager to fulfil
her duties. She has a mellow and patient character and
is not at all quarrelsome. She is the right person to
contact in case of illness or death in a family, “when
leeches were to be applied, or there was a sudden
disappointment in a monthly nurse.” She is a good-
looking woman with a fresh-complexion. Her “lips
always slightly screwed, as if she felt herself in a sick-
room with the doctor or the clergyman present.” She
does not whine or cry. She is just “grave and inclined
to shake her head and sigh, almost imperceptibly, like
a funereal mourner who is not a relation.”
Or
Mrs. Hall is the owner of an inn namely ‘Coach &
Horses’. She is an impeccable business women who
gets to earn a good fortune when wrapped stranger
comes there to say and offer her two golden sovereigns.
She harbours the man without verifying his identity and
offers him good hospitality.
She is a very friendly and down-to-earth woman. She
enjoys socialising with her guests. She tried to get into
conversation with her visitor and narrated her nephew’s
injury by a knife.
She remains doubtful since the very first day of his
arrival about his covered face and odd habits. Her
suspicion almost doubles when she observes hollow
eyes of the stranger on entering his room. Her doubts
turn into reality when she cuts the food supply of
stranger for not paying his bills for a few days. The
stranger exposes himself by taking his pink nose,
bandages and napkin off. She gets too scared and even
faints couple of times during the stay of stranger at her
inn. Finally she manages to get rid of that devil or the
stranger in the end with the help of her neighbours.
qqq
99
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