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Compulsory English Courses

Level : Bachelor of Arts, First Year

Course Title : Reading and Writing in English

Code : C.ENGL. 401

Full Marks: 100

Pass Marks : 40

Teaching Hours : 150

Course Description: This is BA 1st year compulsory English courses in 4yr BA system under Faculty of
Humanities and Social sciences, Tribhuvan university. This course allows students to explore the art of
reading and writing. They will engage themselves with different patterns of writing, read essays and
stories associated with the patterns and work through the rhetoric of the language. Students will
recognize and practice the important form of “four levels of interacting with the texts,” significant for
comprehending the art of reading and writing.

Main Objective : Help improve students' writing English through the practices of different patterns of
writing.

Other objectives : • Help them learn writing though others' writing as given under patterns ( narration,
description, comparison and contrast ) and practice them;

• Learn the technique of critical reading through reading texts

UNIT I: THE WRITING PROCESS: 20

Reading to Write: Becoming a Critical Reader

Brent Staples. “Cutting and Pasting: A Senior Thesis” (both the ones)

Invention

Arrangement

Drafting and Revising

Editing and Proofreading

UNIT II: PATTERNS OF WRITING: Narration and Description 20

Narration:

Sandra Cisneros. “Only Daughter”

Bonnie Smith-Yackel. “My Mother never Worked”

Martin Gansberg. “Thirty-Eight who saw the Murder didn’t

call the Police”

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Description:

Jhumpa Lahiri. “Rice”

Suzanne Berne. “Ground Zero”

Heather Rogers. “The Hidden Life of Garbage”

UNIT III: PATTERNS OF WRITING: Cause and Effect and Comparison and

Contrast 20

Cause and Effect:

Stan Cox. The Case against Air Conditioning”

Lawrence Otis Graham. “The ‘Black Table’ is still There”

Guillermo del Torro and Chuck Hogan. Why Vampires never Die”

Comparison and Contrast:

Bruce Catton. Gran and Lee: A Study in Contrast

Bharati Mukherjee. “Two Ways to Belong in America”

Amy Chau. “Why Chinese Mothers are Superior”

UNIT IV: PATTERNS OF WRITING: Definition and Argumentation 20

Definition:

Judy Brandy. “I want a Wife”

Meghan Daum. “Fame-iness”

Gayle Rosenwald Smith. “The Wife-Beater”

Argumentation:

Jennifer Halperin. “No Pay? Many Interns say, ‘No Problem’”

Alex Tabarrok. “The Meat Market”

Daniel Engber. “Let them Drink Water!”

UNIT V: Critical Reading for Writing 20

Interactions: Four Levels of Interacting with Texts

“Yudhisthira’s Wisdom”

“The Brave Little Parrot”

“A 1996 Commencement Speech”

“The Wretched Stone”

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“Marriage is a Private Affair”

“Scientific Inquiry: Invention and Test”

“The Stub Book”

“Keeping Errors at Bay”

The Telegram on the Table

“A Tale”

" Why Go to University"

Evaluation system

Internal evaluation 30% ( Internal Examination, class presentation, attendance )

External evaluation 70% ( annual examination )

Prescribed Texts:

Kriszner, Laurie G.. Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical reader and Guide.

(12th Edition). Boston, New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2012.

Lohani, Shreedhar and Moti Nissani. Flax-Golden Tales: An Interdisciplinary

Approach to Learning English. Kathmandu, Nepal: Ekata Books. 2008.

Yudhishthira’s Wisdom

Literal Comprehension

The story “Yudhishthira’s Wisdom” has been taken from the Mahabharata which is written by Vyasa. This
story is based on Hindu mythology. While hunting for deer in a forest the five Pandava brothers grow
thirsty. Exhausted Yudhishthira the eldest brother sends one brother to search for water. Then the
brother fails to return, Yudhishthira sends to his other brother one at a time but they don’t return back.
Then Yudhishthira goes to search for his brothers he finds a beautiful pool, and nearby the pool finds his
four brothers lying on the ground, either dead or unconscious.

All of the brothers except Yudhishthira ignored Yaksha’s questions. Despite his overwhelming thirst,
Yudhishthira obeys the Yaksha and he correctly answers the queries of Yaksha. From the answer, Yaksha
becomes happy and satisfied and agrees to revive one of the brothers. For that, he asked Yudhishthira
which of the brother to revive. Yudhishthira bases his choice entirely on moral consideration, not on his
own selfish needs and predilections. The Yaksha reveals himself as Yama (the god of justice and
righteousness), tells Yudhishthira how pleased he is with his uprightness, restores to him his four
brothers and promises him protection from any kind of hardships, and gives him some useful advice on
where to go next and what to do further.
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Interpretation

The story may be trying to tell us something about the importance of patience, obedience to God,
wisdom, and right conduct. Without these characteristics, the Pandavas brothers would have been lost.
The story can also be interpreted to mean that righteousness not only makes you feel good, not only
contributes to brighter prospects after your death but pays right here on this earth. The philosophical
portion is of course of great interest, with a reflection on such concepts as desire and courage.

Critical Thinking

The story is charming and has moral values about philosophical portions. Although it teaches us the
importance of patience, in our life there are some unrealistic events and ideas too. During the reading of
this story, we may have some queries about it. Is it possible that tolerance and right conduct are always
rewarded? Can we believe in the sunshine because of the power of God? Is it possible to revive the dead
person?

Assimilation

After reading this story I realized that patience is a great virtue so we should not lose our patience even
in a crisis. This led me to an event in my village. One day we were playing cricket against the senior boys.
We needed 18 runs in the last over to win the match. I was captain and told myself as well as my other
partner. We have to play with confidence until the last ball. As a result, we hit 3 sixes and were able to
win the match. In this way, patience with confidence plays a vital role in our everyday life.

Brave Little Parrot

Literal Comprehension

Once upon a time, Lord Buddha was born as a little parrot in the forest. One day a storm fall upon the
forest & the whole forest was caught & fire.

All animals & birds started running away to save their life. The parrot also flew towards the safe place.
But as he was tined he was fly the over a forest, he saw his fellow animals trapped in the fiery forest &
he decided to do something to save their life. As he flew to the river & dipped into the river, flew back
over the forest & sprinkled the drops of water from his body & figures but they vanished before reaching
to the ground.

Although he got tired & his all body was hot, he repeated this activity time & again. At that time the
Gods above were watching the foolish parrot. And laughed at him but one of the gods felt pity for him.
And changed himself into a Golden Eagle. Then came to the parrot & said him to stop such a hopeless
task & save his life.

But the parrot didn’t take his absurd advice & replied that he expected his help in his mission. Being
impressed by the efforts of the parrot, he shades the flow of tears over the forest, which could
extinguish the fire & he gives new life to the parrot, birds, animals & trees. The birds & animals look at
the parrot flying happily with new life & they were surprised to see the parrot with different colors like
green, red, white & an unusual happening. At last, the story shows how a small parrot saves the lives of
animals & birds in the forests through his courageous efforts.
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Interpretation

The story is quite impressive in terms of giving a moral lesson to the readers. The main gist of the story is
that courage, hope, self-respect, patience & determination are the best way to solve any kind of
problem.

The story displays that one should fight for the things one believes whether it has a reasonable chance of
success or not. It is our duty to carry out the task but the result is not in our hands. The story also
reflects the powerful once laugh at the trouble of others instead of helping them. Only the person who
has suffered knows what the suffering is like & is ready to share the troubles. Similarly, the story teaches
us that the importance of human virtue is services & sacrifice & services to the fellow in meaning are the
actual services of God. Greatness & littleness is not something physical instead of it is related to
character & behavior.

In the story, the parrot was tiny but mentally & spiritually he was very high & if he hadn’t been so
courageous, determined & dedicated to his moral duty, he couldn’t have been able to get the support of
God & put out the fire of the forest.

Critical Thinking

The story “The Brave Little Parrot” from the moral & religious point of view is well appreciated. But in
the modern world, people are so busy & selfish that it is almost impossible to get a man like a parrot to
help others selflessly. The fact of human nature is that it is essential to think about personal protection
first & then the protection of others. So I am not fully happy with some statements in this text: Are the
Gods are always selfish towards the trouble of human beings? Is it possible for modern readers to
believe still there is an existence of Gods? Is it possible to believe Golden Eagle extinguished the fire with
his tears? So, I am not entirely happy with this text.

Assimilation

As I read this story “The Brave Little Parrot” it reminded me of one of the incidents that took place in my
village. When I was 10 years old my hut which cut by fire many people were gathered there & they heard
a small baby crying inside the burning hut. But nobody was ready to save his life & ultimately ventured
to get into the hut & save his life. Hence, the story has encouraged & inspired me to be involved in
selfless services.

A 1996 Commencement Speech

Salman Rushdie, as an Indian writer, shares his bitter experience with his students at the Bard College,
the USA on the occasion of the Commencement Speech on the Graduation Day. Rushdie was invited to
Bard University for the 1996 Commencement Speech Rushdie addresses the members of the class of
1996. He criticizes himself and the Cambridge University and shares his bitter experience of his own
Graduation Day of 1968 with his students and also regrets compromising with falsehood and injustice in
the past

In 1968, Rushdie graduated from Cambridge University, the year of great student protest. He was
associated with the protest although he did not involve in the protest himself. Just a few days before the
Graduation Day, some of his friends threw a bucketful of thick brown gravy and onion sauce all over the
walls, furniture, clothes, and recorder in the absence of Rushdie.
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Then, Rushdie was accused of such work and declared to be disqualified for the degree. The condition
was that unless he submitted the report of the incident, he was not declared eligible for his degree. So,
he says although Cambridge University prides itself on the tradition of fairness and justice, it solely
accused him of the mischief and made him pay up.

On Commencement Day, Rushdie went to the ceremony with a defiant spirit in brown shoes which were
not allowed. He was immediately held and sent back to alter his shoes. Rushdie altered his shoes and
returned a few minutes later. He decided to surrender in front of injustice. Rushdie paid up for the
damage and compromised with injustice. Rushdie bowed his head to the feet of the Vice-Chancellor.

There were no other options left for him. He followed and did whatever they told him because the
degree he was going to receive was the product of his three hard works. He accepted slavery and
autocracy. In the end, he achieved his B. A. Degree from Cambridge University.

In 1996, Rushdie as a Commencement Speaker addresses the graduated students and shared all his
experiences with the students. He tells them not to accommodate injustice and not to bow down their
head to have their nights. He advises that they should not tolerate if people accuse them of abusing
gravy when they are innocent. He urges them to stand up and fight for their rights and justice.

We have nothing good to learn from God. The men and women have made the world. They have made it
despite their gods. Human beings have best expressed their humanity by going against the gods. The
gods are weakened by their show of strength whereas human beings grow stronger even if they are
destroyed. Human beings can be happy, creative, competitive, and loving too. Finally, Rushdie suggests
that we human beings must not bow our heads, rather we must ignore the gods."

Literal Comprehension of A 1996 Commencement Speech

In “A 1996 Commencement Speech”, Salman Rushdie shares his bitter experiences of his own Graduation
Day in 1968, Cambridge University USA on the occasion of the commencement speech on the
Graduation Day of students from Bard College in 1996. Rushdie completed his graduation from
Cambridge University in 1968. In 1996, he was invited to Bard College as the chief guest speaker on
Graduation Day. Rushdie reveals his own experiences to the students.

A few days before Graduation Day, Rushdie's friends made something wrong where he was not involved
but he was accused of those things. At last, he had to pay as well as do everything that they told,
ordered him. He had to bow his head in front of the Vice-Chancellor and make the report as well as
accept injustice. He accepted injustice and surrendered everything just to receive his B. A. Degree. He
feels regret looking at his past experiences. He tells students not to accept injustice, not to bow down
their heads for their rights rather encouraging them to fight for rights and justice.

He also talks about god. God has done nothing good for human beings. Human beings can love, help,
and unite each other in the absence of God. Humanity exists in the absence of God. So, we must ignore
Gods

Interpretation of A 1996 Commencement Speech

A 1996 Commencement Speech is based on the Commencement Speech delivered by Salman Rushdie in
1996 where he shares his own bitter experience of his own Graduation Day of 1968 with his students.
When he was accused of not permitted work to be done, though he was innocent, he was declared to be
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disqualified unless he submitted all the reports. He accepted the slavery and autocratic system of
Cambridge University just for achieving his B. A. Degree.

He claims that though Cambridge University prides itself on its fairness and justice, he was made to face
such cruel injustice. So, he tells students not to bow down their heads and accept injustice but rather
encourages them to fight for rights and justice. Similarly, he suggests them to defy God because there
lies in love, help, and humanity in the absence of God. So, he claims that defiance is an inevitable and
essential aspect of freedom and justice.

Critical Thinking of A 1996 Commencement Speech

A 1996 Commencement Speech by Salman Rushdie is interesting and satirical too. Rushdie suggests that
we should never bow our heads to injustice, falsehood, slavery, autocracy, and unfairness. Rather we
should always fight for the establishment of justice, freedom and democracy. He also says that we must
defy God to bring humanity, unity, and love among all people of the world. However, some ideas in the
essay are controversial Is it suitable for the speaker to talk only about his own experience on such a great
occasion? What does he want, either pride or sympathy by just expressing his bitter experiences of the
past?

Assimilation of A 1996 Commencement Speech

A 1996 Commencement Speech has influenced me a lot. After reading this, I remember my school age.
When I was a student in grade seven, one day I came to take my exam without dressing the uniform
because I was so sick and returned to house from hospital after a week As I requested all those things
that happened to my class teacher and headmaster, but they did not listen to me rather told me that I
could be expelled by the just cause. Then, I returned to the house and put on my uniform, and took my
exam after half-hour late. I never forget this incident in my life.

Four Levels of The Wretched Stone

Rita Anne – Name of the ship

Captain of the ship- Randall Ethan Hope

Literal Comprehension

The wretched Stone is a metaphorical story. In this story, captain Ethan started their voyage named Rita
Anne with his crew or sailors. They were going with the help of a map. After some time they went to a
strange island or place which was not shown on the map. Where, there were no type of animals, no
fruits, and a bad smell is there. On that island, they saw rock & they brought it into the ship which was
two feet across. From the stone comes shining light. All crews were attracted to that light & they sit in
front of the stone by ignoring their duties. After seeing the stone all crews were changed in Ape. Then,
when the storm was coming the captain goes for support to the sailors, he was amazed very much
because the ape did not understand whatever he said. However, the captain was hopeful to rescue their
sailors. After telling stories, playing music, and reading books the captain was successful to become the
inhuman being that Ape. Then he destroyed that stone and finally, they went to the Harbor town of
Santa Pango where they would go home.

Interpretation
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In this story, stone stands for TV & Apes stand for modern non-creative people. The story has tried to
show us that TV makes people passive & just like the hairy beasts. It shows TV makes people careless
about their duties & responsibilities. Also, it suggests we must be dutiful & punctual to get success as
well as there can be other things to get entertainment like singing, reading, dancing, storytelling, etc.
Also, it shows the importance of education in the life of humans. Hence, metaphorically the writer trying
to show that TV is good when used little but its excessiveness is not good.

Critical Thinking

Although this story is interesting to read, there are still some points to which I do not agree. Here, the
writer seems one-sided. He does not talk about the positive aspects of TV. Is TV as useless as the writer
has described? How can human beings become apes when they watched TV? Can we really become
careless & duty-free watching TV? Can we destroy our TV thinking that there are some disadvantages?
Cannot we get good information, interesting & useful things from TV? Is it possible to believe that by
singing, reading & storytelling apes became human beings? Hence, I am not fully happy with this story.

Assimilation

Before reading this text as well as the story (the wretched stone) I used to watch TV as much as possible
by ignoring my duties & take entertainment from it. But after reading this text I came to know that TV
makes people dull and passive. So, I would not go watching TV all the time & I would choose only certain
information, programs & watch them.

Marriage is a Private Affair

Chinua Achebe

Literal Comprehension

Marriage is a Private Affair is a story written by the famous Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe (1930-2013).
In this story, he described Nigerian or African culture.

The writer showed the relationship between Nnaemeka who was a city boy/Ibo tribe. And Nene who
was a city girl/ school teacher/another tribe. They used to love each other & want to be involved in
marriage. When Nnaemeka said about their love affair to his father (Okeke) but his father did not accept
it. It is because Okeke had already chosen one girl (Ugoyo) from the same tribe.

Also, Okeke wants his daughter in law has good knowledge about the bible & the ability to do the work
for their house. By, misunderstanding Okeke goes away from his son.

Then Nnaemeka & Nene get involved in marriage. After being involved, they live happy life. After six
months later Nene sent a letter to her father-in-law with marriage photos but her father-in-law tore that
letter & returned it to his daughter-in-law. Time passed, and eight years later Nnaemeka & Nene got two
lovely sons & they want to meet their grandfather. And, again they sent a letter to his father.

But, that time when Okeke received this letter he was in haste to meet his son’s family. And, they all
were met with each other. At last, Okeke accepts his son & son’s affair. In this way, the writer insists on a
love marriage as well as a private marriage affair.

Interpretation
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Maybe the writer trying to show us the conflict between traditional culture & modern culture. Where
Nnaemeka was modern & Okeke was a traditional type of person. It insists on a love marriage which
makes more happiness than arrangement. It also suggests we should be free or independent to choose
our life partner.

Also, if we are superstitious, narrow-minded, traditional & conservative types of a person it brings us
tensions & problems. So, the writer used to suggest that we should make our mind wide perspective,
and mutual understanding as well as we should not attach to traditional culture solely. It also shows the
generation gap between first Okeke, second Nnaemeka & third Nnaemeka’s sons.

Critical Thinking

In terms of the positive point of view, this story is interesting to read & I also have taken entertainment
from it. However, I am not fully satisfied with some statements in this text, How can we believe that
private or love marriages always create happiness? Can a father reject his own son due to a
misunderstanding about marriage? Also, How can a son leave his own father for a girl? Is it possible for
Okeke to accept the marriage of his son only with a letter? Is it possible for all teenagers to involve in
marriage without their father as well as family?

Assimilation

Before reading this text, I used to think that arranged marriage is the best for us. Family, society as well
as culture are important to involve. And, I believed in it. But after reading this text I came to know that
private or love marriages also create more happiness than arrange. So, I have decided to do a love
marriage like Nnaemeka and Nene.

The Scientific Inquiry: Invention and Test

– Carl G. Hempel, Germany

Literal Comprehension

This essay is written by Hempel who shows the medical investigation of Semmelweis, a physician who
wants to know the cause of dying women from childbed. Semmelweis did various examinations to
control the death of women in the first maternity division. He also forbade the priest to ring the bell to
give the final sacrament to dying women when he entered into sick chamber. Similarly, he also reduced
the number of medical students, but all his effort went in vain (meaningless). Finally, when one of his
friends, Kolletchka died of minor injury, then somehow he knew the real cause of childbed fever.

In fact, the medical students would do a post-mortem and without washing their hand properly, they
would also look after the women. As a result, women were infected by childbed fever. Later on, he
ordered them to wash their hands properly. After that, the no. of the women’s death extremely
decreased and remained only 1.27% while in the second div., there was a higher rate, i.e. 1.33%. He also
asserts that childbed fever is not only the cause of not washing hand but also the cause of decaying
living organism.

Interpretation

This essay tells us that no one is perfect in their own field. We respect the doctors like a god but he/ she
does the mistake. His/ her even minor mistake pushes the patients towards death. In the essay, man
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women were victimized by the carelessness of the medical students who worked in the First Maternity
Division. But it does not mean that all the doctors are careless. A physician likes Semmelweis who deeply
dedicated to his profession and trying hard to find out the causes of his patient’s death due to childbed
fever. Anyway, the writer Hempel is trying to express that the job of a doctor is very sensitive one so, that
should be handled carefully, otherwise minor disease having patients also die untimely.

Critical Thinking

There are many unacceptable ideas which I found in my deep studies. First and foremost, we can raise a
question upon Semmelweis’s investigation and its solution of dying woman due to childbed fever. are not
the medical students careless to the patient? Did not they even know to wash their hand properly? Was
the main cause of childbed fever of not washing hands? Were not other reasons for childbed fever?
Cannot we suspect the profession of doctor? If the doctor kills the patient, then, why go to the hospital
for treatment? In this regard, Is not It better to get the birth of a baby on the way rather than in the
hospital?

Assimilation

After reading this story, I remembered past events in which my friends, Hari was suffering from
stomachache. I advised him to check up to hospital. The doctor examined his stomach and advised him
to do surgery of stomach. He was very poor, so he did not have enough money. My father lent him
money. His date of surgery was 1995 March 13. That day, his surgery completed and he was in bedridden
in the hospital. After that, he became unconscious for 2 weeks. I complained the doctor about my
friend’s such situation.

The doctor told me that he was unconscious because it was serious surgery and he would come in
conscious soon. But his advice did not work at all and finally, he became quite sick and passed away.
Then I got quite angry with the hospital staffs but they answered me with silence. Later, I came to know
that my friend died due to the carelessness of doctors. According to the postmortem report, in the
stomach, there was the small scissor which had been left by a doctor while doing surgery. In fact, that
was the real reason for his death. So, he could not control the pain of it and die.

The Stub Book

– Pedro Antonio de Alarcon, Spain (1833-1891)

Literal Comprehension

Rota was a small town where farmers grew fruits and vegetables. The quality of its tomatoes and
pumpkins were famous. The soil of the Rota was not only fertile but pure and clean sand thrown by an
ocean, blown by the wind. Farmers were very laborious. There was not even a tiny stream flowing
through the field. Farmers had made a good form which they drew the precious liquid for their
vegetables. They watered tomatoes seeds or pumpkin pip (small seed) by hand like a father who gives
water to his child.

They loved their vegetables like their children, they even kissed, blessed and even gave names to the
plants and vegetables. Uncle Buscabetas was one of those farmers. He was sixty years old. He’d spent 40
years tilling his field near the shore. He had grown some enormous pumpkins that they were turning to
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yellow. He knew them by color, shape and even by name. he planned to sell them the next day. But he
became sad to be separated from the pumpkins the following day.

But he was astonished, angry and sad when he found his forty pumpkins stolen in the night. They must
have been taken to Cadiz (city of Spain) to be sold. He went to Cadiz in search of his pumpkins. He told
the police to catch the vendor. The Vendor told them that he bought the pumpkins form Uncle Fulano.

The inspector of public market told uncle Busch beats to prove that those pumpkins were from his
garden. Uncle Fulano came to see what was going on there. He wants evidence from the accusation for
his foult . Uncle Buscabeatas took out green stems and fitted the stems to pumpkins one by one. The
spectators were surprised to see that the stems really fitted the pumpkins exactly which proved that
uncle Buscabetas was right and uncle Fulano was a thief. Uncle Fulano was compelled to return 15
vendors and vendor gave it to Uncle Buscabeatas. Uncle Buscabatas happily returned to his village but
Uncle Fulano was arrested and sent to jail.

Interpretation

The writer might be trying to tell us that when we are in a problem. We need to apply the power of
reasoning. Uncle Buscabeatas’s pumpkins in Cadiz cause he applied the power of reasoning. The writer
might be trying that those who work hard are rewarded. Uncle Buscabeatas who works hard is rewarded
and Uncle Fulano who steals pumpkins is punished and sent to prison. The writer might be trying to
show that that truth never can be hidden and lies reveal anyway.

Critical Thinking

The story is very interesting to read. There are some points in the story with which I don’t agree. The soil
of Rota was sandy. If, how can sandy land be much fertile? How can the farmers touch their tomatoes
forty times a day? In the story, it is said that farmers kissed their vegetables, blessed them and gave
expressive names to the vegetables. Does the man kiss the vegetables? Is it possible to be familiar with
many vegetables by their names? In the story, it is said that farmers loved and treated to the vegetables
as the parents love and treat children. It is possible?

Assimilation

After reading this story, I remembered my uncle Mr. Ramjanam Yadav. He’s about sixty years old. He’s
many buffalos and cows and he loves and takes care of animals as the parents love and treat to their
children. He feeds them, takes to graze and collects grass for them. He seems as if he has devoted his life
for the animals Uncle Buscabeatas has devoted his life to vegetables and has also given particular names
to every animal.

Keeping Errors At Bay

Literal Comprehension

“Keeping Errors At Bay” is an essay written by the British Philosopher Bertrand Russell. This essay assists
in avoiding silly mistakes that humans do in their life.

And he had given six examples of mistakes and the solutions to them. First is, Mr. Aristotle who thinks
that women have fewer teeth than men. If he counted the teeth of his wife he would know the right
answer. The second is, we have a narrow mind which is why we should make our minds wider, and get
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information by traveling, meeting, reading papers, get information from outworlds, and from other
societies. The third is, we used to make the decision alone and for good decision-making, we have to talk
with other parties, and make conversations.

The fourth is, we think of abnormal aspects of our life and make ourselves in trouble. The writer suggests
we should make dialogues in our opinion with others by imagining and making free our minds. The fifth
is, we think ourselves superior to others and we appreciate ourselves thus the writer suggests we have
not underestimate others rather than give them respect and take. And the last is, fear is the main source
of errors, superstitions, conservative feelings, and cruel nature. Thus the writer suggests without proof
we should not accept things and do observations to reach conclusions.

Interpretation

In this essay, the writer tries to reflect the human weaknesses. Like women have fewer teeth than men,
narrow minds, taking decisions alone, think abnormal aspects, appreciate yourselves, and fear. From
these weaknesses we are unable to go into reality, unable to get into facts and conclusions. It gives us
ways of fear. So the main theme of this essay is that we should avoid those weaknesses in our life by
doing well observations and making our life free and knowledgeable.

Critical Thinking

After reading this text I do not agree with some statements:

Is it possible to observations over all the situations?

Is it possible to do observation without any resources? (like types of equipment)

How can we believe that other ideas are accurate?

Is it possible for human beings to be free from fear?

Assimilation

By reading this essay “Keeping Errors At Bay” I came to know that I am in very bad thinking, my life is not
in balance and I should respect others to get respect back and make mutual relationships with others for
sharing ideas, opinions, information, etc.

The Telegram On The Table

Literal Comprehension

“The Telegram On The Table” is a story written by Nepali short story writer Parashu Pradhan and later it
is translated by Michael Hutt. This story is about Nepalese youth people who migrated to the city from
their village. Here, Mr. Krishna is presented as a youth. Before he lived for 10 years in the city. He used to
guide the tourists and enjoy seeing their blue eyes, way of their speaking, and way of their living because
he is too much interested to learn the English language.

He used to dream about foreigners, dream about a large building in New York City. One day his friend
came and gave him news about the death of his wife. After hearing this he seems too happy instead of
looking serious. Then he wanted to be involved in a second marriage and invited Mrs. Panday for the
dinner.
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After some time he was alone in his room, and he felt uncomfortable by seeing his unbalanced room. He
was angry with himself remembering his village, family, relatives, wife, friends, and Dashain vacations.
Finally, he came to his reality and start weeping remembering his past life.

Interpretation

This story presents the life and condition of city people who are migrated from their village, and country,
where they forget their past life. Migrated people are hypnotized by city life.

Youths have the illusion to go to a foreign country thinking there is more money. It also presents that
migrated people have a lack of feeling, lack of sensitivity, they become stone-hearted, it seems when Mr.
Krishna has no feelings after hearing about the death of his wife. Also, it suggests to readers that, what is
the reality we have to accept whether we are in a village or a foreign country, or in a high position.

Critical Thinking

This story presents the bitter reality, conditions, and nature of youth people. Here are my unsatisfied
statements from this text: How can we believe that Mr. Krishna easily forgot his wife? Is it possible for
the husband to be happy after hearing about the death of his own wife? How can we claim that city/
abroad life is always better? Is there no type of law against people who are involved in a second
marriage right after the death of their wife?

Assimilation

I thought the people who have migrated to the abroad city would make their future bright, they become
honest, faithful towards others, they do hard study, they think about their village and development of
their country. But after this text, I knew that some migrated people are senseless and stone-hearted, and
they do not think about their past life. I learned we do not forget our past life no matter where we are.

A Tale

Literal Comprehension

“A Tale” is an ancient story written by Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala and later translated and edited by
Shreedhar Lohani. It is a story of many many years ago at the time of God’s existence. There were
conflicts between gods and demons and they used to get support from humans. In those days, a man left
his home, family, friends, village, and other happiness and went to the jungle to search for
enlightenment. And started penance to get power like God. During his penance, in the winter season, he
penances in the river, and in the summer season in front of the fire without eating and taking rest. The
wild animals like rabbits, birds, deer, tigers, and other animals were enjoying each other around him.
After some time he got the power of God, however, he is still in his penance.

Seeing this, God Indra felt jealous of him and made the plan to destroy his penance. And God Indra sent
a Nymph when he was into the river (water) that nymph was also bathing there. Unfortunately, he
opened his eyes and destroyed his penance. At the same time, he proposed to her, and both were
involved in marriage. Again he started lining up domestic life.After passes of the years, they have two
children. But their societies people think that the nymph who destroyed his penance, they are looking at
her in bad ways.

Interpretation
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Maybe this story trying to show us God’s jealous nature while seeing others getting the same power God
has. The pleasure of enlightenment and the pleasure of family are the same. To get spiritual happiness
we have to sacrifice physical happiness. Also, it shows that a woman can steal and destroy anything that
a man has if the man is attracted to that woman.

Critical Thinking

The story is very interesting to read and humorous also. Where it shows the nature of men towards
women. However, some questionable aspects of this tale are: Is it possible to survive in presence of wild
animals? How can we believe that deer and tigers are playing with each other? If there is no difference
between the pleasure of the enlightened and the pleasure of family then why people involve in
penance? Is it possible to survive without taking any drops of water? Can a man survive by sitting in front
of a fire during the whole summer season?

Assimilation

When I read this text it reminded me of the event that actually happened in Nepal. During the Dashain, a
man grows sprouts of barley (Jamaraa) on his chest in 8 days’ time. But when Dashain passed he escaped
with one girl and was involved in marriage.

WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY?

Moti Nissani, USA (1947-)

LITERAL COMPREHENSION:

Moti Nissani, the editor of this book, has presented ten advantages of going to Universities in this essay.
This essay is about the value of education. Nissani shows some disadvantages and many advantages of a
university Education. He says that we have to spend a lot of time and money in university but it yields
sweet fruits. We go to university for a formal degree. If we go to Universities, we have to overwork
instead of enjoying our lives. We face additional worries. The results of different tests don't make us
happy. Universities cost a lot, and we spend time and money instead of earning. To some extent,
ignorance is happiness. Knowledge is responsible for many social problems.

In spite of a few disadvantages, a university Education has many more advantages. Though going to
university might create additional stress in life, there are much more advantages than disadvantages.
Firstly, university education provides income and job opportunities, which improves social status.
Secondly, educated people enjoy better health than others because they are much more aware of
different diseases. Educated people are healthier, physically and mentally. When we study in university,
there is mental exercise and our mind does not rust. Thirdly, educated people are more conscious about
physical exercise which is beneficial to physical, mental and emotional well-being. Fourthly, educated
people are valued more by culture. Fifthly, learned men and women are highly respected in society.
Sixthly, lack of education damages social standing and self-confidence. Seventhly, a university education
expands the social horizons of every individual. They make new friends. They share new ideas. Education
increases personal freedom. Education makes us less dogmatic about our own beliefs and more tolerant
of the belief of others. University education frees the human mind from any kind of prejudices. Finally,
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education helps to flourish democracy in a country. University education makes us capable to judge the
policy makes their policies. This helps the democratic system work properly.

A country needs educational manpower for its development. It is fulfilled by a university education. Not
only that university education gives us an opportunity to make many friends, teamwork, friendship,
prestige, respect, awareness, cooperation etc. develop and increase because of a university education.
More than that, such formal education provides us personal and social freedom. Thus, we should go to
university to understand ourselves, our responsibility, the meaning of our life and the mystery of the
whole universe.

INTERPRETATION

This essay focuses on the value of education. It tries to show that education is supremely valuable. The
essayist says that formal education or university education is necessary to live a meaningful life. Moti
Nissani presents many advantages of university education; it fulfils a desire for learning and a thirst for
knowledge. University education helps us to enhance our future careers and it develops every aspect of
our life. It helps for our all-round development. It removes narrow mind, pride and superstition and
leads us towards progress and prosperity. University education is essential for the development and
betterment of citizens, society and country.

CRITICAL THINKING

This essay is very much interesting and impressive. It is about the value of education. The writer shows
that the formal education that we get at the university helps us in many ways. However, I cannot agree
with some of his ideas. There are some unclear ideas in the essay. Is only formal and university education
important? What about informal education? Why Nissani does focuses only on formal education? Can
we not become educated and civilised through informal education? Do all the educated people find
better jobs and income?

ASSIMILATION

I am very much affected by this essay. Before reading it I didn't know the value of education. Before
reading this essay I used to think that a university education provides only better jobs and opportunities
to earn much. But I was wrong. It also teaches us how to live a healthy life. What are the difficulties that
people have to face in the lack of education? In sum, this essay gave me a new way to join with its
multiple values.

1) Education is the third eye of a human being. An uneducated person can see water in the river but an
educated person can see the electricity in it. Education is the light of life. It removes the darkness from
the mind and fills knowledge. In this essay, Nissani talks about the importance of a university education.

2) This essay gives emphasis the importance of higher education.

3) A better-educated person can get a better job easily than a less educated person. He can earn more
income and maintain a good living standard.

4) Education provides us knowledge and knowledge is power. An educated person is likely to resolve
difficulties and conflicts in a rational manner. Educated people are wise and tolerant, and they also
realise their mistakes.
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5) Educated people take better care of their health. They are more likely to enjoy better health than
tycoons. They know the disadvantage of smoking, fatness, tension, lack of exercise, overeating,
imbalanced food, etc.

6) Educated people are curious about new things and new places. They are a lover of knowledge and are
civilized and well-cultured. Going to university expands our social horizons. We meet new people, make
new friends, and share new experiences. Education also helps for friendship and personal growth.
Educated people are less dogmatic. They don't hesitate to fight and die if anyone tries to grab their rights
and freedom.

7) Educated people also have knowledge of the universe. Today modern people believe that the earth
moves and the sun stays still.

8) Education and democracy are closely related. Democracy flourishes only in an educated society. It
does not exist if people are ignorant and selfish. So education is supremely important and valuable.

Advantages of University Education

1. University education helps someone to get a good job and another opportunity. The better educated
you are the higher your income tends to be. It is said a chief wealth of a nation is not its hand, Natural
resources or population but skilful people. Educated people can construct a gold mine in the desert land.

2. An educated person is more likely to solve difficulties and problems in a rational manner. Education
teaches us many other practical applications.

3. Educated people are more likely to enjoy good health. They have better health consciousness than
uneducated people. An educated person is more likely to lead a meaningful life and is less vulnerable to
stress-related diseases.

4. Educated person exercises his mind more than an uneducated person. The way we take care of our
body by exercising, we should also exercise our mind. It is said that a sound mind is necessary to live a
comfortable life.

5. Educated person is respected in every culture in the world. A person is handsome, kind and physically
fit but if is uneducated, he will be considered difficult or inferior. Education makes people self-confident.

6. Education makes people curious. Basically uneducated people are less curious. Curiosity leads us to
the critical and creative world. So educated people are more creative and critical than uneducated
people.

7. We can expand our social horizons wider by going to university. We meet people from different places
and cultures. We become friends and share experiences.

8. Education increases our personal freedom. It makes us less dogmatic about our own beliefs and more
tolerant of the belief of others. It destroys the narrow-minded walls of our minds.

9. Education tells us about our existence in the universe. It informs us that all human beings are
members of the same species. It also warns that any species will extinct if we can't modify the
environment.
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10. There is a direct relationship between democracy and education. Democracy requires educated
citizens to flourish it. We must educate ourselves if we want to establish permanent democracy in our
country

Disadvantages of University Education:

1. We have to overwork instead of enjoying.

2. We should face additional worries.

3. The result of every exam doesn't make us happy.

4. Universities cost a lot. We should spend time and money instead of earning.

5. Knowledge is responsible for social problems. Ignorance is happiness.