XI ENGLISH ASSIGNMENT SET 1

1. PROFILE
Prepare a short profile of Ashapurna Debi using the given hints.
Birth : 8 January 1909
Birth Place : Kolkata
Nationality : Indian
Alma Mater : No formal education
Occupation : Novelist, poet, short story writer
Notable works : Pratham Pratishruti, Subarnolata, Bakul Katha
Awards : Jnanpith Award, Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Death : 1995
Ashapurna Debi
Noted Indian novelist Ashapurna Debi was born on 8 January 1909 in Kolkata. She was also a
poet and short story writer. She had no formal education. Her major works are “Pratham
Pratishruti”, “Subarnolata” and “Bakul Katha”. She received notable awards like Jnanpith
Award, Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship. She passed away in 1995.
(Hints:
• Noted/ Famous poet
• Notable/ Major works
• won/ got/ received/ bagged awards
• passed away/ died
Prepare a profile of Kamala Surayya, an Indian English poet and Malayalam author,
based on the given hints.
Name : Kamala Surayya (31st March 1934 - 315 May 2009)
Pet name : Amy
Other name : Madhavikutty
Married name : Kamala Das
Born : at Punnayurkulam
Notable works : My Story, Summer in Calcutta.
 Awards : Sahitya Academy Award, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Muttathu
Varkey Award, Vayalar Award, Asan World Prize.
2. INTERVIEW/ QUESTIONNAIRE
Common expressions
1. You have been working here for many years. Do you enjoy this career?
2. What was the turning point in your life?
3. Who is your role model?
4. Can you tell us something about your childhood?
5. What is your next project?
6. What is your message to the new generation?

3. INFORMAL LETTER
Q. After reading the story “His First Flight” you are inspired to write a letter to your close
friend. What would be the letter?

Rose Villa
MG Road, Calicut
5 May 2025
Dear friend,

How are you? Hope you are fine. Here, I am also fine with my friends and family.

Now I have to tell you something special. I read a beautiful story “His First Flight”. It is a story
about a young seagull. He has one problem. He is afraid to fly. But finally he also began to fly in
the sky with the support of his parents and siblings.

Do you know how did his parents made him fly? It’s interesting.

They laughed at him for his fear. They gave him nothing to eat. His mother even tempted him
with a piece of fish. Thus, maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish. He flapped his wings and
made his first flight. Then, his parents and siblings also joined him with happiness.

Did you read the story? Don’t forget to read it. It is an inspiring story. The story tells us about
the need of confidence and self reliance in life.
Hope to see you soon. Convey my regards to all.

With love, (Yours lovingly,)

Sd/-

Arushi

4. FORMAL LETTER

Write a letter of complaint to the Station House Officer (SHO) mentioning the problems of
unauthorized field filling and seeking necessary actions.

From
Rose Villa
House No. 5
MG Road, Calicut
5 May 2025
To
The SHO
Kannur Police Station, Kannur

Sir,
Sub: Unauthorized field filling and its consequences

I am writing this letter to bring your kind attention to the issue of unauthorized field filling and
its consequences.

Day by day our fields are disappearing by the field filling. People build huge buildings and flats
on these filled fields. This creates many problems. We have to depend upon other states for our
food and grain. If they are unable to provide sufficient grain regularly our condition will be more
pathetic.

The Police should take strict actions against this field filling.
Hence, I request you to take necessary action to solve this problem.

Yours truly,
Sd/-
Naomi

5. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Q. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper mentioning the problems of unauthorized field
filling and its consequences.

From
Rose Villa
House No. 5
MG Road, Calicut
5 May 2025

To
The Editor
The Hindu, Calicut

Sir,
Sub: Unauthorized field filling and its consequences

I am writing this letter to bring your kind attention to the issue of unauthorized field filling and
its consequences.

Day by day our fields are disappearing by the field filling. People build huge buildings and flats
on these filled fields. This creates many problems. We have to depend upon other states for our
food and grain. If they are unable to provide sufficient grain regularly our condition will be more
pathetic.

Only the government can solve this issue. The government should take strict actions against this
field filling. Only then this problem will be solved.
Yours truly
Sd/-
Naomi
6. APPLICATION FOR A JOB
WANTED
Post: Medical Representative
Qualification: Any Degree
Experience: Two years in marketing
Manager
Medicare, Kochi
Read the advertisement given above and draft an application letter and resume.
Ans.
APPLICATION FOR A JOB
From
Rose Villa
House no. 5
MG Road, Kochi
5 May 2025
To
The Manager
Medicare, Kochi
Sir,
Sub: Application for the post of Medical Representative in Medicare
Ref: Advt. dated 3 May 2021 in The Hindu
In response to the reference cited above I would like to apply for the post of a Medical
Representative in your company.

I am 23 years old graduate in BSc with first class. I have also an experience of two years in the
field of marketing. My mother tongue is Malayalam and I am also fluent in English.
I request that I may be selected for this post. If selected, I shall serve the company with all
sincerity.

Looking forward for a positive reply.

Thanking you,
Sd/-
Aman
RESUME
AMAN P Email id: aman@[Link]
Rose Villa
MG Road, Kasaragod – 679999

Contact No. :9497000000

Date of Birth :5.5.1998
Gender :Male
Marital status :Single
Languages known :Malayalam and English
Interests :Travelling, Reading
Qualifications:
BSc : University of Calicut (75%)
HSS : GHSS Udma, Kasaragod (78%)
SSLC : GHSS Shiriya, Kasaragod ((70%)
Declaration:
I hereby declare that the details given above are true to the best of my knowledge.
Thanking you,
Sd/-
Aman

7. E MAIL:
Q. You are inspired by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's speech 'I Will Fly' and you decide to communicate
your thoughts and ideas to your friend who is studying abroad through an email. Draft the
email.
Ans.
To : reenumumbai@[Link]
Cc :
Bcc :
Subject : Kalam's speech

Dear Reenu,

Hope you are well. How are your studies going? Are there online classes now? I am sending this
email to share an amazing experience. I listened to a speech by [Link] Abdul Kalam.

Kalam shares his experience of inaugurating the programme called Sasthrayan. A boy asked him
a question about how to gain confidence in life. Kalam appreciated the boy for that question
and recited the poem named "I will fly'. I was greatly impressed by the speech of [Link] Abdul
Kalam.

He says that the world around us wants us to be like others. But Kalam tells us to be unique.
You should not try to be somebody else. I think this is a wonderful idea. Kalam wants people to
be courageous, hardworking and confident.

I really enjoyed this speech. It has given me a new insight and I suggest you to listen to it.

Have a wonderful day

Yours lovingly
Ajayan
ajay@[Link]
[Hints:
 I am sending this email to share you my experience/invite you to our
school/appreciate you
 I am very happy/sad/ shocked
 It’s our great pleasure
 Looking forward to hearing from you
  Best regards/ Have a wonderful day]
8. PRECIS WRITING
Q. Read the following paragraph and prepare a précis out of it. Score (6)
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with each other.
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have made it possible for people to connect
with others across geographical boundaries. Social media has also enabled businesses to reach
a wider audience and promote their products and services more effectively. However, excessive
use of social media can have negative effects on mental health, such as increased stress,
anxiety, and depression. Moreover, social media can also be a breeding ground for
cyberbullying, harassment, and fake news. Despite these drawbacks, social media has also been
used as a powerful tool for social mobilization and activism. It has enabled people to raise
awareness about social causes, mobilize support, and bring about positive change. For instance,
social media campaigns have been instrumental in promoting social justice, equality, and
human rights. In conclusion, while social media has its downsides, its benefits cannot be
ignored. It is up to individuals, businesses, and governments to use social media responsibly
and harness its potential for good. (169 words)
Answer:
Social media has transformed communication by connecting people worldwide and
helping businesses promote their products effectively. However, its excessive use can harm
mental health and encourage cyberbullying and fake news. Despite these issues, it remains a
powerful tool for social awareness and activism, promoting justice and equality. Therefore,
social media should be used responsibly to maximize its benefits and reduce its harms.

9. TRAVEL INFO
• With reference to the Activity II given on page 96 in the Plus One English textbook.
Travel info of Ooty
Ans.
OOTY, THE POPULAR HILL RESORT IN TAMIL NADU WELCOMES YOU!
How to Reach
• By Air: The Coimbatore airport is the nearest
 • By Rail: The Nilgiri Express from Chennai to Mettupalayam, The Nilgiri Mountain
• Railways from Mettupalayam to Ooty
• By Road: Buses, shared taxi vans and cars will take you to Ooty from most parts of India
Attractions
• Ooty Botanical Gardens
• Rose Gardens
• Shooting Point
• Pine forest
Where to Stay
• Sunshine Inn
• Hotel Savoy
• Hermit Cottage
What to do
• Enjoy the cool weather. Eat chocolates, sip brewing coffee, ride on horseback, roam

around enjoying the sights around

Q. Prepare a Travel Info of of Kannur

10. DIALOGUE/ CONVERSATION

Gupta visits London after ten years and visits Maggie who is still staying at Lambeth. Attempt
their likely conversation.

Ans.

Gupta : Hi Maggie. How are you?

Maggie: Hello Mr. Gupta. What a pleasant surprise!

Gupta : You didn't expect me, right?

Maggie: Never. Why didn't you inform me about your visit?

Gupta : Just for a surprise. That is why I didn't send a reply to your letter.

Do you still play on the violin?

Maggie: Yes. After mom's death, only my violin comforts me.

Gupta : In fact, I just couldn't face her. That's why I didn't visit you before leaving.

Maggie: No problem. Later, I told her that it was a lie with my request.

Gupta : Oh. You told, Maggie?

Maggie : Yup. Don't worry. She didn't hate you.

Gupta : Really?

Maggie : Yeah. I am telling the truth. Come on. Let's have a tea and a piece of cake.

Gupta : Sure. Thank you.

11. NOTICE AND PROGRAMME NOTICE
Q. Imagine that the Career Club in your school is organizing a seminar. Prepare a notice
together with its programme schedule.
GOVT HSS, UDMA
NOTICE
Career Guidance Seminar
It has been decided to conduct a Career Guidance Seminar in our school under the
auspices of the Career Club. The programme will be formally inaugurated by Kasaragod DCPO
(District Child Protection Officer) Bindu CA. Mayson K, state faculty of CG & AC will handle the
session ‘Career Planning’. All are requested to be present.
Date : 5 Jan. 2025, Monday
Time : 2 PM
Venue : School Hall
All are welcome
Udma Convenor
2 Jan. 2025 Career Club
Programme Schedule
Welcome speech : P. Sajeev (Career Guide)
Chair : Aji. N (Principal)
 Inauguration : [Link] (DCPO, Kasaragod)
Keynote address : Career Planning Session by Mayson K (CG & AC State Faculty)
Felicitations : 1. Sreeja. ML (ORC Nodal Teacher)
2. Rafeek. PM (Teacher, Arabic)
3. Sasikala. KS (Teacher, Economics)
Interaction session and Feed back
Vote of thanks : Ajmal. N (Convenor, Career Club)
12. REPORT OF A PROGRAMME
Q. Prepare a report based on the programme notice
Ans.
A Seminar on Career Guidance: A Report
Kasaragod: A seminar on career guidance was conducted in Govt Higher Secondary school,
Udma on 5th January 2025, Monday under the auspices of the Career Club of the school. The
programme was formally inaugurated by the Kasaragod District Child Protection Officer Ms.
Bindu CA.

After the inaugural session, Mr. Mayson.K, the Career Guidance Cell state faculty, handled the
Career Planning session for students. School principal in charge Mr. Aji. N presided over the
function.

ORC Nodal teacher Ms. [Link], Rafeek PM and Ms. Sasikala KS and other teachers felicitated
the programme. P Sajeev, the career guide of the school welcomed all the participants and
dignitaries to the function and N Ajmal, the convenor of the career club extended vote of
thanks.

The programme was quite useful for the students who would like seek better careers and
employment opportunities. During the interaction and feedback session, students expressed
their hopes, dreams and excitements about their future and career.

The programme proved to be a great success. All the students actively participated in the
programme. It was informative and interesting. We are waiting for more of such programmes in
future.
Alampady Convenor

28. 01. 2025 Career Club

Prepare a Report of the following programme:

Q. Disasters are occurring more frequently around the world. Your school's social science club
has decided to host an inter-school seminar on the topic "Disasters and Disaster Management
in India." The programme chart is provided below. Prepare a detailed Programme report based
on the following programme chart. (6 Scores)

An Inter-School Seminar
Disasters and Disaster Management in India"
On 23rd December, 2025
YKR School, Ernakulam
Prayer : School Choir
Welcome Speech : Rajeev Kumar (School Principal)
Presidential Address : Salim Abbas (PTA President)
Inauguration : Dr. Lal Krishna (Geologist, Geological Survey of India)
Felicitations : 1) Thomas Ebraham (Teacher, Geology)
2) Haseena Fatima (Teacher, Environmental Studies)
Paper Presentations :
1) Hema Lakshmi (WN School, Malappuram)
"Changing Climate and Disasters in Kerala"
2) Jaison Thomas (ABC School, Thiruvananthapuram) "Role of Student
Community in Disaster Management"
3) Jalal Ahammed (KZ School, Thrissur)
"Global Warming and Disasters"
Vote of Thanks : Radhika (Secretary, Social Science Club)
National Anthem
13. DEBATE (FOR & AGAINST) /AGREE OR DISAGREE
Common Expressions:
I agree with it/I do agree with it/ It is right.
Sorry, I can't agree with it/ It is wrong/ There are many merits and demerits.
Q1. We learned how the vigilance of parents, especially of the mother seagull, made the first
flight of the young seagull possible. But, old age homes are mushrooming in Kerala, 'the God's
own country'.
'Are old age homes a boon or a curse to Kerala, the God's own country?' The Debate club of
your school conducts a debate on the topic. Write four arguments for or against the topic
Answer:
 Old age home is a curse to our state.
 I can't agree with this 'culture' of insulting our parents.
 It is our duty to take care of our parents.
 Old age requires love and care.
Q2. Family plays a major role in building confidence.
Ans.
For
1. Family helps children to express their opinions freely.
2. Family provides space for improvement of children.
3. Family gives more encouragement to children.
4. Family provides a good atmosphere to children to grow naturally.
Against
1. Family sometimes makes children selfish and arrogant.
2. Family gives too much freedom and pampers children.
3. Some families don’t provide chances for improvement in children.
4. Certain families overburden children with work and responsibilities.
14. SPEECH
Common Expressions:
  Good morning,
 Honourable chief guest, other dignitaries, respected teachers and dear friends
 I am very happy to be here on this occasion.
 I would like to speak on the topic...........
 I would like to conclude my words/ I don’t like to prolong my speech
 Thank you

Q. You are asked to deliver a speech on the 'Importance of confidence, courage and self-
reliance and of being unique' in front of your classmates on the occasion of observing World
Mental Health Day. Prepare the script of the speech.
Answer:
Dear teachers and friends,
Good morning,

I am very happy to be here on this occasion. We are observing World Mental Health Day. Now I
would like to talk to you on the 'Importance of confidence, courage and self-reliance and of
being unique.

All of us are born with special talents and skills. We should work hard to find out our 'real self.
We can become unique facing the challenges of life with courage, confidence and self reliance.
We can see many great people in the world .They are strong with the belief that good can come
out of any adversity. They always remind the people around them that they are the need of the
hour. Their thoughts and ideas can bring revolutionary changes in the world. Friends, let's be
confident, courageous and self-reliant. Let's stop imitating others blindly. We may make this
world beautiful rendering our 'unique self to the best. Let's empower our mind to bring
miracles around us.

I would like to conclude my words.

Thank you.

Q2. Speech Introducing a Tourist Spot

Ans.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A warm good morning to all of you!

I welcome you to the capital city of one of the most beautiful green states in India. After the
tour around the city of Thiruvananthapuram, you will understand why people all over the world
call ours ‘God’s own Country’.

In this trip, you get to see the breathtaking scenic spots in the city – the welcoming beaches of
Kovalam, the peaceful Veli tourist village, the grand Archaeological Museum, the magnificient
Kanakakunnu Palace, the misty Ponmudi Hills, the Vizhinjam Harbour, etc. And to please your
taste buds, you will get mouth watering spicy dishes of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian
menu along with boiled rice and pot full of steamed tapioca. Not to forget the steamy rice puttu
and hot kadala curry too.

I promise you that when you leave Thiruvananthapuram, you will take along beautiful
memories prompting you to plan your vacation trips to our land, again and again.

Let’s begin with our enjoyment....

15. NEWS REPORT

Steps:
 Headline
 Byline
 Place
 Key sentence containing 5 Ws (who, what, why(how), when, where)
 Important facts
 Quoting /comments of witnesses
Q. Prepare a newspaper report from the given hints:
Two ship crew dead- 12 more cases confirmed-smallpox-ship Ranaganji-Liverpool to Kolkata-
middle of Arabian sea--nearest port 8 days away-patients examined-evacuated isolated-nursed-
chief physician Cronin-assisted by serang Hasan--incident kept secret avoid panic-situation
under control-Captain Hamble.
Answer:
Smallpox spreads in Ship Ranaganji: 2 dead
Staff Reporter

Colombo: Two shipmen were dead and 12 more have been diagnosed with smallpox which was
spreading fast in the ship Ranaganji last morning. The ship was on its way to Kolkata from
Liverpool. Presently the ship is in the middle of the Arabian Sea. According to the official
sources, the nearest port is 8 days away.

Two deck lascars who showed the symptoms were brought before the chief physician Dr A J
Cronin two days back. The doctor examined them, the disease confirmed and they were
isolated. Then more cases arose and all the patients were isolated. They were given special
care and attention by the serang Hasan. His was a major help to the doctor.

The condition of the two workers was severe and they lost their life after fighting with the
disease. The whole incident was kept a secret to avoid panic among the passengers. However,
"There is no need for panic, the situation is under control and no fresh cases are being
reported", said Captain Hamble to the media.

XI ENGLISH ASSIGNMENT SET 2

16. ADVICE/ SUGGESTION

Imagine the words that the mother of the young sea gull could use to motivate him to
fly. Write 2 sentences for the mother.

(You may begin like: You should....... You ought to........)

Answer:
You should trust us and try to fly. (Should + root verb)
You ought to jump and flap your wings. (Ought to +root verb)

17. PROSE COMPREHENSION (Textual AND Unknown Passage)

TEXTUAL PASSAGE:
Read the excerpt from 'The Price of Flowers' and answer the questions that follow:
‘It was nearly one O' clock and I was feeling extremely hungry. So I made my way slowly to a
vegetarian restaurant which was not far away, in St. Martin's Lane. Lunch hours in London
restaurants were not so crowded in those days.

1. Who is the 'I' referred to here?

2. Pick out a word in the paragraph which means 'Very'.
3. What was the situation in London restaurants in those days?
Ans.
1. Gupta
2. Extremely/ So
3. London restaurants were not so crowded in those days
GENERAL PASSAGE:
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Once Dr. Gulliver's ship was wrecked in South seas. After swimming for hours he was washed
ashore on an island called Lillyput. Being very tired he slept for hours. When he woke up he
found he had been bound fast by cords. The Islanders who were less than six inches tall had
done all that. When Gulliver tried to free himself they shot needle like arrows at him. He lay
quiet and made signs to show that he was hungry. The small men gave him food and then
moved him to the temple in their city.
1. What happened to Gulliver's ship?
2. What did he find when he woke up?
3. Pick out a word from the passage that means ‘crash’.
4. Why did the dwarfs shoot arrows at Gulliver.
Ans.
1. The ship was wrecked in South seas
2. When he woke up he found he had been bound fast by cords
3. wreck
4. Because Gulliver tried to free himself
18. TRAVEL ESSAY
A Trip to Wayanad
A trip to Wayanad remains unfaded in my memory. It was during Onam holidays. Wayanad is
one of my favourite tourist spots. It gives me a break from my dull routine. I feel refreshed.

We started in the evening. We were five packed in a car. There was a breeze since we began to
ascend the famous Thamarasseri churam. We stopped at times and never missed even a single
beauty spot. While others were taking photos in their mobile phones, I captured and preserved
it in my heart.

The stay at the resort increased my excitement. I heard the silence of nature on that cold night.
I was away from all the disturbing thoughts of busy life. I enjoyed all the spots till the next
evening. The cool climate and the scenic beauty of the place make it my favourite tourist spot. I
would say Wayanad is the best destination for people who want to spend time close to nature. I
will go to Wayanad again and again. It has captured my mind and heart.

Hints:
• A trip to............... remains unfaded in my memory.
• It was during ............ holidays.
• It is one of the most favourite tourist spots.
• It was a break from my dull routine and I felt refreshed.
• The cool climate and the scenic beauty of the place make the place my favourite tourist
spot.
• I will visit ............again
• It has captured my mind and heart.
• I would say .............. is an ideal destination for people who want to spend time close to
nature.
19. LIVE TV REPORT
Q. Imagine that you are a news channel reporter and you visited the Namuana Village to
witness the strange ritual of turtle calling. Draft a Live TV report of the event.
Answer:
Hello friends!

I am Gopan from Fiji. I am here at the Namuana seashore.

The women of Namuana village still preserve a very strange ritual-that is 'turtle calling'.
Thousands of people including foreigners have gathered here to watch and enjoy the strange
ritual. The maidens of this village have assembled on the seashore. They are in black dress with
a tattooed club in their hands. They are singing a strange chant. Now look carefully down into
the water of the bay.

Wow! We can see giant turtles rising one by one on the surface listening to the music.

It is very amazing to find that the turtles would not rise up in the presence of any member of
the nearby village of Nabukelevu. The entire village is in a festive mood to see the descendants
of the princess, Tinaicoboga and her daughter, Raudalice. This is not a fairy tale. It actually takes
place. There is an interesting legend behind the ritual. We will get back after a short break with
the details of the legend behind the turtle calling.

Till then....bye from Gopan with camera man Sayan.

[Hints:

• Hello I am Siyad from Global TV channel(news)

• Now I am at……..
• I am here to report…
• It is really unbelievable/ amazing/ wonderful/ interesting]

20. CHARACTER SKETCHES

1. The Mother Seagull
• The mother seagull is a character in the story His First Flight by Liam O'Flaherty.
• She appears to be a tough but motivating character.
 • In reality, she is loving and caring.
• She knows her children better than any other person.
• She realizes that her little one needs a lot of motivation to achieve his goal of flying.
• She creates a challenging situation for the young seagull to make his first flight.
• She appears with a piece of fish but halts in the air.
• Maddened by hunger, the young seagull dives for the fish.
• The mother helps the young seagull to develop self confidence and become self reliant.
• Parents are the first teachers of their children.
• Children learn the lessons of life mostly from home.
• The mother seagull in the story is a role model for all the mothers.
2. The Young Seagull.
• The young seagull is a character in the story His first flight by Liam O'Flaherty.
• He was left alone on the ledge.
• He was afraid to fly.
• He lacked confidence.
• He thought his wings would not support him.
• He was also afraid of the vast expanse of the sea.
• His siblings flew to the other side.
• Young seagull was starving for a long time.
• His parents tried to motivate him.
• His mother approached with a piece of fish and halted in the air.
• Maddened by hunger, the young seagull dived for the fish.
• That helped him to make his first flight.
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
3. Maggie
• Maggie or Alice Margaret Clifford is the central character in the story "The Price of
Flowers."
• She is thirteen years old.
• Her eyes and clothing showed her poverty.
 • Her family includes her widowed mother and a brother.
• Her brother was working as a soldier in Punjab.
• Maggie met Mr. Gupta at a restaurant.
• She was interested in him for an unknown reason.
• She shared her sorrow with Mr. Gupta.
• For Maggie, India was a land of tigers, snakes and fevers.
• She believed that most Indians were vegetarians.
• Maggie worked as a typist.
• She was not satisfied with her job because it was mechanical.
• She played violin very well.
• She was extremely concerned about her mother who worked hard by selling cakes to
support her.
• Like her mother, she was also haunted by the thoughts of her brother Frank.
• There had been no news of Frank for long.
• She was very nostalgic about her brother Frank.
• She gave away a shilling to Mr. Gupta for buying flowers to be kept on the grave of her
brother.
• She is a symbol of love, innocence and dedication.
• Maggie is a touching character in the story "The Price of Flowers'.
4. Hasan
• Hasan is the serang of the ship Ranaganji.
• He looks squat and ugly.
• He has short legs and a large disproportionate head.
• Hasan agreed to take care of the patients.
• He never expected reward or money.
• He nursed the patients risking his own life.
• He gave medicines in time.
• When the two patients died, Hasan lowered the bodies into the sea reading aloud a
short passage from the Ramayana.
 • His courage, self-control and faith helped to manage the disaster.
• He supported the doctor in many ways.
• Selfless service and simplicity of Hasan impressed the doctor. He is a symbol of love,
care, dedication and responsibility.
Study the character sketches of Gupta, Greta, Aliokhin, Nicholai Ivanich also
21. APPRECIATION (From textbook or unknown poem)
Appreciation of the poem "Death the Leveller"
“Death the Leveller” is a poem written by the famous Elizabethan poet, James Shirley. Here, the
poet says that death can equalize everyone. In front of death, everyone is equal.

Shirley says that “Death” does not care about whether an individual comes from a royal family
or poor family. No one can escape from the hands of “Fate”. Death takes both the lives of kings
and farmers. Everyone will die and become dust one day. People with power achieve many
things. For instance, kings conquer new places but they become powerless like prisoners in jail.
And they will face death sooner or later. Man's “mighty deeds” will disappear once he leaves
from this world. Even a great victorious man becomes a “victim” when he faces “Death”.

The poem is full of poetic devices. Each stanza follows the rhyme scheme ababccdd. The line
"Death lays his icy hand on kings" and "Death's purple altar" are instances of personification.
The phrase "Smell sweet" indicates alliteration and "victor-victim" stands for oxymoron.
"Sceptre and Crown" and "scythe and spade" are the examples of metonymy. The language of
the poem is simple and it has a rhythm. The poet calls “Death” as a “Leveller”. No one can
escape from the hands of death. In the end, he says, all become part of the earth and become
dust. What remains is one’s good actions which one has done in one’s entire life.

[Hints: Write in three paragraphs:

Para: I: Title and the poet, Theme/ subject of the Poem. (2 to 3 sentences)

Para: II: Brief summary of the poem. (8 to 10 sentences)

Para: III: Poetic devices used in the poem, Your personal comments, Message or messages.]

22. ELABORATE POEM LINES

Questions:
1. Read the lines from the poem 'Death the Leveller'
“Only the actions of the just/ Smell sweet and blossom in the dust”
Elaborate the meaning of the above lines.
Answer:
The poem "Death the Leveller" is written by the Elizabethan poet James Shirley.
In this poem, the poet says that death takes away life from earth without any difference.
Only our good actions that we do when we are alive remain after our death.
The memories of good deeds will bring a sweet scent and leave its fragrance all around.
Smell Sweet is an example of alliteration.
2. Read the lines from the poem 'If'.
“If you can dream and not make dreams your master
If you can think and not make thoughts your aim”
Elaborate the meaning of the above lines
Answer:
The poem 'IF' is written by Rudyard Kipling.
In the poem, a father talks to his son on how to become an ideal citizen.
The poet says it is good to dream but we should not let our dreams control our life. It is good to
think but the thoughts should not take us away from the real world. Dreams and thoughts are
examples for personification.
23. REVIEW (POEM AND PROSE)
Q. Prepare a review of the story “His First Flight”
Liam O’ Flaherty’s “His First Flight’ is a simple story with a great message. The story tells
us about the importance of confidence and self reliance in one’s life since childhood. The
protagonist of the story is a young seagull.

The young seagull has parents, two brothers and one sister. Parents trained all the
children to make their first flight. All except the young seagull began to fly. He saw his siblings
flying in the sky with the support of their parents. However, he was afraid to make his first
flight. In order to make him fly his parents adopted some tricks. They scolded him, laughed at
him and gave nothing to eat. But he could not move. He lacked the courage and confidence to
fly. Eventually, his mother tempted him with a piece of fish. Maddened by hunger, he dived at
the fish. He flapped his wings and made his first flight. Then, his parents and siblings also joined
him with happiness.

The language of the story is simple and lucid. The story conveys a great message of the
need of being self reliant in our life. The parents’ attempt to make the young bird fly is quite
interesting. They are loving and caring parents. But they use some tricks to build confidence
and courage in their child.
24. WRITE-UP/ PARAGRAPH/ NARRATIONS (Textbook based and General)
Q. The young village boy in 'I Will Fly' wants to be a marine engineer. Maggie likes to do the
work of a secretary in future. What do you want to be in your future? Prepare a write up on
your career plans and explain why you like it.
Answer.
I have a dream. I would like to be a teacher in my life. It is a noble profession. A teacher is
always respected by the society. It is very important. A teacher can mould a person. He can be
considered as the strongest pillar of the society. A teacher influences the society around him. A
teacher always acts as a social engineer. Any positive change in society is brought about by a
teacher. A teacher can bring revolutionary changes in the society. So I will work hard to be a
promising teacher. I will do my best to achieve my goal.
25. DIARY
Q. After reading the story “His First Flight” you became inspired to become highly successful
in life. That night you attempt to write your diary. What would be that possible diary entry?

5 May 2025 Monday

Oh! What a day. An unforgettable day in my life.
The story “His First Flight” has really opened my eyes. The young seagull was afraid to fly in the
beginning. He had no enough courage and confidence to fly. But he also made his first flight like
his siblings. His parents scolded him, laughed at him and gave him nothing to eat.
At first I doubted their attitude. Why did they become so cruel to him? But, in fact, they were
making him courageous and confident. And he made his first flight. Now I understand well that I
should also be courageous and confident to win in my life. Only then I can reach my goal. As Dr.
Kalam said, we are also born with wings. No doubt, I will also use my wings and fly like the
young bird. The story has inspired me much. And I will never forget this day.
26. GRAMMAR (all are available in the textbook)
1) Editing
2) If clause
3) Concord/ Subject verb agreement
4) Cohesive devices/ conjunctions
5) Reporting
6) Phrasal verbs