DISCOURSES WITH FORMAT

1. SPEECH

• A catchy salutation
• An Introduction
• A comprehensive, appropriate, clear and brief content
• A positive and effective conclusion
• Thanking the audience

Prepare the script of the speech on the topic ‘Methods to Empower Woman
Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends
I am standing before you to say a few words about the much discussed and the most relevant topic “The
3 Ls of Empowerment”. I sincerely express my gratitude to you for giving me an opportunity to present
my ideas on women empowerment.
One of the major problems the 21st century faces is the lack of freedom of expression and denial of equal
opportunity to women. Even though more than 50% of the entire population is comprised of women, their
contribution to the per capita income is far less than 50%. Why does this disparity happen? It happens
because of the denial of equal opportunity in the field of education and job for women. This inequality is
the result of lack of empowerment on the part of women. Then how can we achieve this empowerment?
No doubt, empowerment especially that of women can be achieved by acquiring the “3Ls”. Let us analyze
what the three Ls of Empowerment are and how these can be achieved.
The Three Ls of Empowerment can be classified as Learning, Labour and Leadership. First, I would like
to analyze how learning leads to empowerment. Christine Lagarde declares the role of education in
changing the world by saying “Education is the foundation upon which any change is built”. The
importance of women’s education is more evident in the African adage which says “if you educate a boy
you train a man. If you educate a girl, you train a village”. Here the point is that an educated woman can
manage the economic activities of her family, provide the family with healthy and nutritious food and
quality education to their children.
The second L of empowerment is Labour. Labour is the result of the education one acquires. It helps to
flourish and develop the innate abilities of women. Unfortunately, even today women are denied equal job
opportunity and even equal pay for equal work. As a remedy, we have to provide them with proper working
situations to work freely and fearlessly. We also have to eliminate all kinds of gender bias to make the
empowerment a reality.
The last but not the least is Leadership. Lagarde says that women can stand as best leaders along with
men. Do you agree to this statement? Yes. What makes them good leaders? Undoubtedly it is their
humanity, kindness and passion. Women are more likely to make decisions based on consensus- building,
inclusion, compassion and with a focus on long- term sustainability.
I would like to conclude my speech with a reminder. No empowerment is possible without an attempt to
“dare the difference”. In order to take the challenge, we have to come out of the comfort zones, only
then we will be able to acquire the 3Ls of empowerment. Once again, I remind you that “if we dare the
difference, the difference will deliver”. So, let us dare the difference for the well-being of the entire
humanity.
Thank you all for listening me with patient attention and co-operation.
 2. PERSUASIVE SPEECH

Christine Lagarde suggests various means of empowering women. She persuasively insists
on the idea that women should think and act independently. Keeping this in mind; prepare a
script of a PERSUASIVE SPEECH(A speech that convince the audience to believe a certain
viewpoint, opinion or idea – like a motivational speech)on the topic ‘Education is the Key to
Women Empowerment’ to be delivered at the school assembly on International Women’s
Day (March 8)

Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear students,

As all of you know, today, March 8, is International Women’s Day. All over the world, the day is
observed to ensure that women have an equal share in the developmental activities. In many parts
of the world women are still considered second class citizens. India is one of the countries where
women suffer most because of discriminations. We still have the dowry system. Female foeticide
is common. Although these are prohibited by law, they still go on in our society.

The life of an Indian woman, generally speaking, is a series of slaveries. Until she is married, she
is a slave of her father; when she is married, she is a slave of her husband and when the husband
dies, she becomes the slave of her son with whom she chooses to stay. It is usual that husbands
die before their wives because they marry women much younger to them. This situation has to
change and this can be done by 3 Ls – Learning, Labour and Leadership – as shown by Christine
Lagarde, who was first woman Finance Minister of France.

Learning helps the woman to know about her rights and duties. Labour or employment gives her
the economic power to assert herself. A woman without any income has to depend on her father,
husband or son for her needs. Leadership makes the woman powerful. She should be able to lead
so that the world becomes a better place to live in. Lagarde says women make better leaders than
men. Women tend to make decisions based on consensus-building, inclusion, compassion and
sustainability.

It is true that sometimes women lack the confidence to match their competence. They have to
change their mindset. They should be ready to “dare the difference”, to take risk and step outside
their comfort zones. Indira Gandhi and Kalpana Chawla came out of their comfort zones and that
is why we respect them and remember them almost every day.

I, therefore, ask the girls assembled here to take charge of their lives. You have a lot to gain and
nothing to lose by trying to make yourself equal to men.
I wish you success in your endeavours. Thank you.

3. APPRECIATION OF THE POEM

• Introduction of the poet

• Theme of the poem
• Summary of the poem
• Poetic devices, language, style, rhyming scheme etc.
• Personal opinion
Q. Prepare an appreciation of the poem ‘Any Woman’

“Any Woman” is a thought-provoking poem written by the well-known Irish poet

Katherin Tynan. Katherine Tynan has to her credit more than a score of novels and seven books of
verse. Her human sympathy is keen, tender, warm and constant.
The poem “Any Woman presents the all- embracing power of women to hold a family
together. Women are the pivotal part of the family and of a society. Her presence provides a sense
of security in the mind of the children and helps them to grow fearlessly in the world. A mother is
essential for a person to become a perfect citizen. She is the pillars of the house which sustains the
roof. If the pillars are shaken the entire house will be demolished. It would ruin herself, as she
can’t live without her home or family.
Likewise, it is the mother who holds the entire balance of the family. If she is removed, the
roof, the walls and the entire house would be collapsed. The mother says that she is the pillars of
the house. She is the keystone of the arch. She is the fire upon the hearth. She cooks the food and
feeds her family.
A mother is the life, the light, and the love that fills a house. Like the sun, she is the fire
from which the children receive the energy to live with. She is the twist or a knot of love in the
sacred ring of a family that holds all members together. If she is not there, the children would go
wandering.
She decorates the house, gets the table ready for dinner, spins the curtains, and makes their
bed. She walls out the wind and snow and protects them from all dangers, like a door. The poem
ends with the mother’s prayer to God to keep her alive, till the children grow. She wants to live,
only to make sure that her children are grown up and they live safely. The final lines show the
sincerity of a selfless mother. The poem is, in a sense, the declaration of womanhood and the
celebration of motherhood.
The poem is an exquisite metaphor in simple language. The imagery is great. It’s a poem
with simple and clear language. The poem contains six stanzas and each stanza contains four
lines. The poem is in rhyme. Except in the first stanza, the rhyme scheme is ABAB.

‘Any Woman’ is a beautiful portrayal of woman in her multifaceted role. The woman
doing all kinds of jobs and standing guard at the same time make us admire her capabilities. Her
love is unconditional and there is utter unselfishness in her activities. At last, we also the woman
who prays before Jesus to let her live till her children grow up. Katharine has painted a fine
picture of a devoted mother with words. The poem celebrates the glory of womanhood – the spirit
behind the existence and sustenance of life on earth.

4. COMPARISON OF POEMS

• Title
• Appreciation of the 1st poem (Introduction, Theme, Summary, Poetic devices, style,
language, rhyming scheme)
• Appreciation/ Summary of the 2nd poem
• Comparison of two poems
(Theme, Message, Structure, Language, Rhyming scheme, Poetic devices etc.)
• Personal opinion
 A Comparative Study of the Poems: “The Toys” and “Any Woman” (Page 15)

The poem “Any Woman” by Katherine Tynan celebrates the glory of womanhood. The
speaker compares women to the pillars of the house, keystone of the arch, fire upon the hearth,
light of the sun, heat that warms the earth, light of love, twist of the sacred ring, knot of love,
house from floor to roof, wall against all danger and door against the wind and snow. The speaker
asserts that if she is taken away the whole house will be ruined ruining her life too. She is the
source of warmth for her children. She kindles the fire in the hearth and she becomes the source of
love and life for the ‘precious’ children. She binds them within the tether of her love and no child
can escape from that bondage. She decorates the walls, spreads the board, spins the curtains and
makes the bed. She defends the family in all the dangers. The poet’s concluding note is a prayer to
God to prolong her life till her children are grown up.

The poem “The Toys” by Coventry Patmore begins from the point at which Any Woman
ends – when the mother’s selfless prayer is not realized and a situation rises in which a mother’s
self-effacing love is painfully missing. The father in the poem speaks about his fruitless
endeavour to control his unruly child. He strikes and dismisses his son with harsh words. The
motherless child misses his father’s kiss on that day. The father, repentant on his deed later visits
his bed and finds him sleeping with his eye lashes still wet. The father kisses his tears away
remorsefully. He notices that the son keeps his toys near his bed ‘to comfort his sad heart’. The
father ends his soliloquy with a glorification of God’s great bounty upon Man. He recalls that God
who has created Man is more fatherly than Man and He pardons many gravest mistakes
committed by Man who indulges in worldly joys.

When we consider both the poems, The Toys becomes an extension of Any Woman.
Katherine Tynan glorifies motherhood directly while Coventry Patmore indirectly attributes
godliness to mother. The speaker in Any Woman elaborates on the role of a woman in the family
while the speaker in The Toys reveals the difficulties he encounters while bringing up a
motherless child. The line, ‘His Mother, who was patient, being dead’, reveals the importance of
mother in the life of a child. The mother in Any Woman assures that ‘No lost child goes a-
wandering’ from ‘the twist she holds together’. Hence the themes of both the poems can be
juxtaposed at this point.

In the poem ‘Any Woman’ the speaker elaborates on the functions of a woman and then
concludes with a prayer. The poem The Toys begin with the father’s narration of an event in his
life which reminds him of God’s magnanimity and compassion. These twin emotions related with
motherhood is visible in the concluding prayer of both the poems. Moreover, parental love is the
key concept of both the poems. The tone of both the poems is serious, sober and solemn.

The poem Any Woman is a metaphorical poem. The speaker compares herself with ‘the pillars of
the house’, ‘the keystone of the arch’, ‘fire upon the hearth’, ‘light of the good sun’, ‘the heat that
warms the earth’, ‘light of love’, ‘knot of love’, ‘house from floor to roof’, ‘wall against all
danger’ and ‘door against the wind and snow’. The only metaphor in The Toys is that of the toys
which represent the sensuous pleasures.

Both the poems have visual imagery. The poem The Toys presents a visual picture of the
grieving son and the repenting father. All the metaphors in Any Woman also provide a visual
feast. In Any Woman, all the stanzas rhyme except the first stanza in a pattern ABAB. Though
there is no definite rhyme scheme in The Toys, all the lines end rhyming with the ending word in
any other line. Any is a short poem of six stanzas whereas, The Toys by Coventry Patmore, is a
poem in 33 run on lines.

In conclusion, both the poems deal with a relevant theme – the theme of parental love
and convey powerful messages. These poems carry an optimistic mood and air a serious tone. In
obvious terms, Any Woman is about motherhood while The Toys is about divine love. But there
is an indirect reference to the problems created by the absence of mother in The Toys. Though at
first glance both the poems seem different, in close analysis these are the elements of
resemblance.

5. PARAGRAPH WRITING/ WRITE-UP

• Begin with the Topic/ Key sentence.

• Supporting details to establish your point of view.
• Conclude with a sentence summarizing the whole idea.
Q. If you educate a boy, you train a man. If you educate a girl, you train a village‟. Do
you agree to this statement? Express your views in a paragraph.

Yes, I agree to this statement. Education of a girl child empowers the whole village. It
helps woman to get financial stability, moulds their personality, develops different skills
including decision making skills, makes them aware of health, nutrition, sanitation,
rights, privileges, responsibilities. Learning leads them to secure a job. Thus, educated
woman can take to nation building.
Q. People generally discourage youth from treading the path of entrepreneurship. Do you
agree? Substantiate your views in a paragraph.
a. Yes, I agree to this statement. Youth should be discouraged from the path of
entrepreneurship. There has always been a risk factor. There is no guarantee for success.
Entrepreneurs need capital. There shall
[Link],successinayoungage makes them
rich and the riches mislead them. There is chance for these youngsters to drop their
education [Link], let the youth complete their education first and then let
thembecome entrepreneurs.
b. No, I don’t agree to this [Link] should be encouraged to become entrepreneurs.
Unemploymentisoneofthemost important
[Link] to tackle [Link] youngsters
can begin a varietyof projects. Youth has a lot of talents. Entrepreneurship helps them to
realize their [Link] energy can be channelized positively. Therefore, entrepreneurship
offers chances for youngsters to develop.

6. NARRATION – FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE AND THIRD PERSON

NARRATIVE

• First person narration is the one in which the narration is done using the First Person -
I.
[Link] Nomita’swords.
[Link]’sdirtycloth
estothewasherman. Ifoundacrumpledletterfromthepocketof Ajit’s [Link] letter
was written by my mother.I knew that the letter reached there three days ago.
[Link] mother’[Link]
moneytorepairherold,[Link] myhusbandAjit wouldalwaysopenherletter.I
could never change his ugly [Link] used to insult me about my mother’s request for
[Link] my mother and the people in her village think that my husband is kind hearted.
Whenmyhusbandcameoutafterhisbath,[Link]
that someone passed me a love letter.I became so angry. In between he addressed me as a
dung picker’s daughter. This address made me furious. I wanted to show him what I could
do. I took a [Link]
[Link],Ajit put off the fire with his hands. Our quarrel ended there.
Iwent [Link],[Link].I told
that it happened when I was lifting a hot pot of water off the stove.
Yes,[Link] of
men’s kind heartedness. But we won’t burn them. The men know this too.

• The Third Person narration is the one in which the narration is done using the Third
Person–He/ She/They/It etc.

[Link].
[Link] husband’sdirty
[Link] that time shefoundacrumpledletterfromthepocketof
Ajit’[Link] that the letter was written by her [Link] knew that the letter reached
there three days ago. She read the [Link] that as usual it was her mother’s request
for [Link] mother wanted money to repair her old, cracked roof. She recalled that her
husband Ajit would always open
[Link] mother’srequestfor
[Link] her mother and the people in her village think that her husband is kind hearted.
When her husband came out after his bath, she questioned him. He said that he wished to
clear the [Link] angry.
Inbetweenheaddressedheras a dung picker’[Link] addressmade [Link]
wanted to show himwhat she coulddo. She took a matchstick from the matchbox lying on the
table. She lighted the anchol of her
[Link],[Link] there.
[Link],hisrelativesawtheburnt [Link] hadhappened.
She told that it happened when she was lifting a hot pot of water off the stove.
Yes,[Link] of
men’s kind heartedness. But they won’t burn them. The men know this too.
 7. BLURB WRITING

FORMAT OF BLURB

1. Title of the Work

2. Name of the Author

3. Content - (very brief, specify the style of the author, significance of the work, Publisher and publication
year)

4. Quote by the author

5. Other notable works of author

PRATHAM PRATISHRUTI

Ashapurna Debi

Pratham Pratishruti is a novel about an uncommon woman, Satyavatie who dared to break the so-called rules
made to control the lives of the Bengali women in her days. The novel depicts the endless suffering and the
liberation of women in Bengal. It is the true story of women everywhere in India. Ashapurna Debi created a
space of her own in the world of creative literature and Gender studies. Most of her writings marked a firm
protest against the inequalities and injustice rooted in gender discrimination. This novel inspires young minds
to create an enlightened world free segregation. The novel was published by Ananda Publishers, which was
first published by 1964.

‘Slowly and steadily a completely new world was getting created within my mind. It was a world of
comprehension, of feeling. It was a world with a never- ending flow of feelings’
- Ashapurna Debi

Other Notable Works By Ashapurna Debi

Subarnolata
Bakul Katha

Price: Rs. 350

Cover designed by Sobitha Chatterjee

8. ANNOUNCEMENT

Imagine yourself to be the announcer of the sports day in your school. Write the script
of the announcement.
Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends.

Now is the moment we all have been waiting for. We are about to witness the 1 x 100 meter
relay of Senior Boys. The four houses are ready at their respective zones. We have the Green,
Yellow, Red and Blue houses carrying their baton and ready for a head start. Soon the whistle
will go and you will see the fastest runners of the school competing for the prize. Be ready
for a breath-taking finish. May the best man win!

Over to the Commander.

[Link].Y
ouare asked to give an announcement before the staging of the [Link] the
script of the announcement.
Dear friends,
Good morning, one and all.

Truth can’t be hidden. It will always shine like the sun, the moon and the stars. We are going
to stage the one act play, The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde, an American
[Link]. AnandKumarin
the lead [Link] the play and enjoy the visual treat.
Thank you!

9. ARTICLE

✓ Title
(Give a title showing the theme. The topic given in the question paper is a pointer to the
title.)

✓ By-line
(Write an imaginary name for the author of the article)
0
✓ Introduction
(Introduce the topic in a proper perspective)

✓ Development of topic
(Develop ideas using facts, quotations, etc. Discuss the merits and demerits, advantages
and disadvantages in an order)

✓ Sum up
(Summarize the ideas with your comments, suggestions, recommendations, etc.)

✓ Conclusion
(Conclude with hope/warning/appeal/call for an action)
 Q.
WriteanarticleontheplightofIndianhousewifeasrevealedthroughthecharacterofNomi
tain the short story Matchbox.

Indian Woman Weeps

AnamikaSundaran

India has complex cultural attitudes to its women. For the large majority of women in
India, life is bothtough and uncertain. Indian women are suppressed intheir
[Link] within
[Link]
ght to education, right to engage in a job, right to live with dignity and so on.
Women in India are apt to be called weaker [Link] rank 142 out of 179 countries in the
Mother’s [Link],children‟swell-
being,educationalstatus, economic status and political status.
According to the 2011 census, male literacy rate in India is 82.14% while female literacy
rate is 65.46%.This low level of literacy has a negative impact on the lives of women
and their families.
Moreover,[Link]
how that illiterate women have high levels of fertility and mortality, poor nutritional
status, low earning potential, and little freedom within the household.

Educating girl child and retaining them in schools strengthens maternal [Link] in turn
multiplies
[Link]
DP of a [Link] women tend to spend their money on developmental
processes as against employed men.
But the work environment should be productive and [Link] India equal pay for
equal work is still a distant dream while safety in the work place is a myth. Gender
specific issues are not yet addressed in the Indian workplaces. Brutal working hours is
another problem. In India, different
NGOsandSHGshaveproventhatwomenonassumingleadershipbecomementorandguidetoot
her women.
Women have always played a centralrole in Indian historyinthe formof Gargi and
Maithreyiin the Vedic Age, Jhansi Rani, Annie Maskreen, Indira Gandhi, Indira Nuyi
and many [Link] the same
time,[Link];Indianwomanredrewherhist
ory in her own [Link] in domestic life and professional life is the need of the
hour.
 10. NEWSPAPER REPORT

FORMAT OF NEWSPAPER REPORT

1. Headline (Catch your attention, sums up the story)

2. Byline (Writers name, writers speciality eg: sports, food, crime etc)

3. Placeline (Where the story occurs):

4. Lead (opening section gives most important information)
( It should answer most of 5Ws)
5. Body (supplies details, most important details come first, simple true statements)
6. Quotation (what someone actually said, adds accuracy, adds ‘at the scene’ feeling.)

Q. Prepare a newspaper report to be mailed to your editor.

‘Amigo Brothers’ Bout Ends Dramatic

Ashok Raj, Sports Correspondent

Manhattan: The much awaited fight between ‘Amigo Brothers’ came to a dramatic end as the two left the
ring without waiting for the result announcement. It was a wonderful evening for the audience at the
Tompkins Square Park. Everybody present there witnessed the stunning performance of Amigo Brothers.

The fight between Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas was fixed in Tompkins Square Park. The place was
crowded even before the scheduled time. The game started at 2’o clock. When both the fighters entered the
audience welcomed them with great applause. Felix was escorted by a dozen fans in white T-shirts. Antonio
too was escorted and guided in a grand manner.

When the fight began, the boxers attacked each other with strong blows and punches. The vibrant and
enthusiastic crowd got worried and became silent towards the end of the match due to the savage attacks from
both the contestants. Their blows were like hailstones. Even though the bell rang again and again, both the
fighters were reluctant to hear it. It was the referee and the two trainers who pried Felix and Antonio apart.
Within a few minutes they looked around and then rushed towards each other to embrace. The referee was in
a dilemma. The most unexpected twist was seen at the end of the competition. When the announcer was
about to call out the winner, both Antonio and Felix had left the ring together like best friends. “It is a
shocking moment. I am speechless” said the referee. The final results were not announced due to the absence
of the fighters.
The Amigo Brothers once again proved their true spirit and dedication. They knew that they would always be
champions to each other and that was enough for them. The crowd at Tompkins Square Park witnessed the
true friendship of these two boxers.

11. LIVE TV REPORT

Format

• Introduce the reporter

• Introduce the place
• Use live reporting usages (as you can see, here, you can see…., ….Oh, wonderful.)
• Get reaction quotes from people in the crowd during and after the event
• Use details like number of people attending, the location, the time, the theme as well
as anything else that stands out or makes the event distinct.

Write the Live TV Report of the second round of the bout

Good morning everyone.

Now I am standing at Tompkin Square Park. Behind me you can see the fight between
Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas. Both the fighters are doing their best. As you can see, it’s a
do or die match. Now you can see how Antonio is countering the attack of Felix with three
lefts. Oh! That was hard for Felix. The crowd is roaring and cheering. And yes, now Felix is
grunting like a bull and he is giving a short right on Antonio’s chin. And this marks the end
of the second round. We will get back after a short time. Signing off, it’s Henry George with
Cameraman Thomas Mathew, BBC News.

12. FORMAL LETTER

 Sender’s Address (From Address)

Date –Month –Year

Receiver’s Address (To Address)

Salutation (Respected Sir/Madam)

Subject (The purpose of the letter)

Content (Give the information in a clear and logical way)

Thanking you.

Closing salutation (Yours truly/ Yours sincerely)

Sign
Name

Write a letter to both Felix Vargas and Antonio Cruz from the Boys’ Club inviting them
to join the division finals scheduled for the seventh of August.

The Secretary
Boys’ Club
Manhattan
New York City

1 July 2023

Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas

Manhattan
New York

Dear Antonio Cruz and Felix Vargas,

Sub: Invitation to Division Finals

Congratulations for your achievement in the quarter finals of New York Boxing
Championship. It’s a proud moment for the Amigo Brothers as you both have proved
yourselves equally in the bout. The members of the Boys Club are very happy to invite you
both to meet each other in the Division Finals which is to be held on the 7th August, 2023.
The winner will be representing the Boys’ Club in the Golden Gloves Championship
Tournament.

We expect your presence for the bout. Wishing you both best wishes for your preparation
and competition.
Thanking you.
 Yours sincerely,
Sd/-
(Name)

13. INFORMAL LETTER

Sender’s Address

Date

Salutation (Start with dear…..followed by comma)

Content
(Body of the letter in three paragraphs
1. First paragraph can just be an enquiry
2. Second paragraph should be the main matter of the letter
3. Closing paragraph may be for conveying regards)

Closing salutation (Yours lovingly)

Name

Draft an informalletterexpressing a longing to meet a friend.

Baker's Street,
California.
1 September, 2020.

Dear Felix,
Hope you are well and healthy. We have been contacting each other for ten years, only by
letters. It feels so good to remember and laugh on various scandals we did.

But dear friend, my heart longest to see you and meet you. I want to have a real
conversation with you over a cup of tea. I think it’s time we should forget the result of the
competition and
open our feelings to each other. Will be waiting for your reply on when and where to meet.
I don't want any excuses like you always used to give.

Hope your family is doing well. Convey my regards to them.

Yours lovingly,
Antonio.
 14. LETTER OF ENQUIRY

While at school you may sometimes have to write letters to different

agencies/organization/offices etc. enquiring about their services or seeking permission to use
their services. Study the letter of enquiry on page 125 made by the Secretary of the Souhrida
Club Of a school to the Central Library, Mumbai.

Now that you have read the sample letter, write a letter to Florets Public School,
Chennai, enquiring about the project they are working on and seeking permission to
visit their school.

St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School

43, Cathedral Road
Irinjalakuda

Tel: 9876543210
Email: stmarvsl23@[Link]

To,
The Principal
Florets Public School
420, Chandrabose Nagar
Chennai

20 June 2015

Respected Sir,

Sub: Permission to visit your school

We have come to know that the class XII of your school are working on a project on the ‘Increasing
Tendency of Drug Abuse among the Young’. We also came to know that the project has made great
progress. We saw some of the pamphlets issued by the project coordinator exhorting the young to
keep away from drugs, showing them the physical and mental problems they will encounter if they get
into the dangerous habit of drug abuse.

We are impressed by your work. We also plan to make a project of our own in our school so that we
can help the local people, especially boys and girls of school-going age. We believe that a visit to
your school will help us a lot as we can see the work there firsthand and talk to the people who have
been working on it. Please let us know if it would be okay if a group of 20 students, led by a teacher,
visits your school at a time convenient to you.

We shall be glad if a date is given to us sometime in the 2nd week of July, if it is okay with you. We
are sure you will be gracious enough to grant our request. Please send your reply at your earliest.
Thanking you
Yours respectfully,
(Raj Job)

15. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

[Link]
that Irfan Alam’s efforts as entrepreneur can be taken as a solution for such
problems. You wish to read such success stories in national dailies. Draft a letter to
the editor requesting him to give more coverage to such stories.

Kiran Roy,
Crescent Public School
Trissur

18 January 2021

The Editor
The Hindu Daily
Thiruvananthapuram

Dear Sir,

Sub: Request for promoting young entrepreneurs, reg:-

As a Class XII student, I learnt about Irfan Alam’s amazing success story from our
English Course Book. The story taught us how to turn a business enterprise to social
service. His story becomes all the more relevant in a pandemic afflicted society.
Especially more migrant workers have come back to our country without any job.

Irfan’s three wheeled revolution helped the rickshaw sector to turn profitable. The
present generation needs to gain more knowledge on hidden opportunities in social
entrepreneurship.

I request that the supplements or columns of this esteemed daily maybe reserved for
publishing such success stories. It shall really motivate the youth of the nation.

Yours sincerely,
(Signature)
Kiran Roy

16. E-MAIL
FORMAT OF AN EMAIL
 To: (Write the sender’s mail ID)
Cc:
Bcc:
Sub: (Write the message or matter)

Salutation (Sir/ Dear Sir/ Respected Sir)

(Content)

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,
(Name and Address)

The R&D wing of SammaaN is planning to redesign rickshaws with necessary

improvements. Write an e-mail to Irfan Alam, giving your suggestions.

To: irfansammaan@[Link]
Cc:
Bcc:
Sub: “Suggestions regarding improvements in rickshaws”

Sir,
I really honour you that you made a great innovation in the rickshaw field. Your SammaaN
activities are really praiseworthy. I heard that the R &D wing of SammaaN is going to
make some improvements in rickshaws. I would like to make some suggestions.

In my opinion, if some modifications are done, it would be easier to handle and more
comfortable to travel. We have seen that most of the rickshaws don’t have head cover
completely. It should be extended for the rickshaw puller also. Panels can be kept for the
privacy of the passengers. The seats can be made of cushion with head rest and it should be
redesigned as low floor for the convenience of children and aged people. The back side of
the seat can be made in such a way that the luggage of the passengers can be kept. The
seats should be adjustable and foldable that the rickshaw can be used for carrying the loads
or luggage when there are no trips. Integrated gear systems will make the pedalling easier.
Seat belts and books can also be provided.

Hope you will consider my suggestions.

May you reach to heights of glory in life.

Thanking you.
Yours faithfully,

Anu Raj
Flat. No 35
South Zone
New Delhi
 17. APPLICATION LETTER / RESUME

Format

• There are 3 main steps to write – i) Application letter, ii) Resume and iii)
Declaration
• It is advised to start the application letter in a fresh page. Resume also be written
on a fresh page

Prepare an application letter along with a resume for the vacancy of being a
volunteer of “Teach for India” by Shaheen Mistri to teach the children in low-
income areas.

Joe Paul
Flat No 7, Azad R oad
Irinjalakuda North P.O
Thrissur

15 October 2023

The Chairperson
Teach for India
Mumbai

Respected Madam,

Subject: Application for the post of a teacher.

With reference to your advertisement in The Hindu dated 23/10/23, I would like to apply for the
post of teaching faculty in your institution. I would be glad to offer my services as a teacher at the
secondary level.

I have completed my Masters Degree from Ravishanker University, Rajpur. I have worked as a
teacher in HSS Irinjalakuda for 10 years teaching English. I would like to utilize my talents for
the betterment of the underprivileged.

I shall be pleased if my application is given due consideration. I have enclosed my resume for
your further consideration. I had been dreaming of helping my countrymen in my own way and I
look forward to this opportunity.
Sir, I assure you, if selected, I will do my best to your entire satisfaction.
Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,
(Sign)
Joe Paul

RESUME
Name : Joe Paul
Address : Flat No 7, Azad Road
Irinjalakuda North P.O
Thrissur
PIN -680125
E- mail ID : [Link]
Phone No. :1111111111
Objective :To work in an organization that works for the welfare of the underprivileged
Education :

Experience : Teacher (HSS Irinjalakuda (1998 – 2008)

Lecturer in English (Students PG Centre, Irinjalakuda (2009 -2015)

Activities : Member ELT Journal Committee

Member of Rotary Club, Irinjalakuda

Achievements : Partcipated in the seminar on Trends in Teaching’ at State level

3rd rank holder in BA

Skills : Good at ICT, Microsoft word

Writing poems

Languages : English, Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil

Interests : Social service, Reading, Travelling

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that all the above given information are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and if found otherwise, I alone shall be responsible.

Thanking you.

(Signature)
Joe Paul

18. BLOG
 FORMAT OF BLOG

1. Title
2. Date / Name of the person

3. Content

Write a blog on the poem ‘Stammer’ by K. Satchidanandan

STAMMER
JANUARY 9, 2024/ AMMU

Last day, I came to read the poem titled ‘Stammer’ by K. Satchidanandan, which was originally written
in Malayalam under the title Vikku’. It was so inspiring and motivating that I felt that the poet was
asking me to view things in multiple perspectives. This poem could be a philosophical exploration of
stammering that could be a struggle in speaking.

In this poem, the poet tries to enlighten the reader about how imperfections can affect their life and
their relation with different phases of life from birth to old age. He also talked about how literature is
affected by this stammer. The stammer is confined to any other language or facet of life and is
concerned with the mother tongue. Through this poem, the poet has explained several meanings of
stammer. He has used every example to prove that stammer is not a handicap. It’s a beautiful poem and
I recommend you all to read it.

19. DEBATE

Format of a Debate

• Read the statement given and make clear whether you have to write points supporting
or against the topic or both
• Make sure that you are clear with your thoughts on the motion
• Communicate your ideas effectively
• Write the best points first
• Your points should stick on the side of your topic
An online debate on the topic “Digital classes are superior to regular education” is
being organized for your class. Write 4 arguments favouring and against this idea.
For
1. Classes organized with the support of advanced technology convey content and
subject in a far more effective and efficient manner.
2. Digital classes are a feast to one’s eye.
3. It is very appealing and interesting
4. Knowledge and information are at our fingertips in digital classes.
 Against
1. Digital classes are monotonous
2. It has limitations in conducting interactive sessions
3. Real- time classrooms reach to each and everyone irrespective of financial status
4. Regular education helps to identify the problems in children and find solutions in a
scientific way.

20. PANEL DISCUSSION

Format of a Panel Discussion

• Greeting
• A note of thanks
• Introduction of the topic
• Development of the content
• A suitable conclusion
Q:- Your class conducts a panel discussion on the topic, “Significance of human
horegallus in modern world”. Write the script of the panel talk as the first panellist in
this panel discussion.
A warm good morning to the entire team.
Respected Moderator, Panellists and audience.

First of all, let me define what a horegallu is? Literally it means ‘a stone that can bear
weight’. And you might have seen such stone benches under banyan trees so the travellers
can unburden their loads, sit, chat, rest and continue their journey.

Well, in her anecdote, Sudha Murthy says about two human horegallus she has seen in her
life. One is her grandfather, a retired School Master who used to listen to the villagers. This
practice eased their burden and refreshed them.

Another one is Ratna, one of her colleagues who also found time to listen to other’s
problems. She would listen with patience, affection and sympathy. Thus, she helped to
release their pain and to get relaxed.

The incidents narrated by Sudha Murthy show us that such human horegallus are essential in
our journey. In life we carry heavy burdens of stress and strain. These little acts of kindness
help us regain our strength and restart our life, which is also a journey.

Thank you all.

21. PROFILE WRITING

Features of a Profile

1. Heading
(Name of the person and you may add an attribute tohim)
 2. Developthegivenhintsinsimple sentences and in a chronological order – birth,
education, career, problems faced, achievements, death (if the person is not alive now)

3. Any other relevant information of the person can be added if you know.

Q. Given below are certain hints about the important incidents in the life of Irfan Alam.
Write the profile of Irfan Alam developing these hints.

Born in Bihar – joins Harvard University – starts Stock Trade analysis – founds portfolio management
at 13 – wins Business Baazigar, World Bank‟s Innovation Awards – Times of India recognizes him
one among the top 30 Youth Icons of India - establishes SammaaN Foundation, 2007– brings out
three wheeled revolution to empower rikshaw pullers- global recognition as an expert in
entrepreneurship

IRFAN ALAM
Irfan Alam was born in Bihar. He received his education from the most reputed Harvard
University. He is a man of innovative ideas and great dreams. He started Stock Trade Analysis
and founded a portfolio management when he was only 13. The remarkable achievement in his
life was that he won the Business Baazigar and World Bank's Innovation Awards. The Times of
India recognized him as one among the top Youth Icons of India. He empathized with the
adverse conditions of the auto rickshaw pullers. Thus, he established the SammaaN Foundation
in 2007 to empower rickshaw pulling sector. He brought out a revolution in the three wheeled
rickshaw-sector. He is globally recognized as an expert in entrepreneurship.

22. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Format of an Interview

• Questions should be relevant to the topic/issue

• It should be clear and unbiased
• Questions should be open ended
• Questions with interrogative pronouns – what/when/who/where/which/how are
preferred
• Yes/No type questions should be avoided
You are asked to interview a famous personality. Write four questions and four
possible responses.

1. What is the secret of your success?

Hardwork, dedication, sincerity and will power. Make your passion, your career. Do what
excites us. And success will be ours.
2. Who is behind your success?
My parents, teachers, elders and my friends encouraged me a lot.
3. What is your future project?
I have conceived only. It is still in the workshop.
4. What is your message to the future
generation?
Nothing can be done alone. No story of success is made alone. We have to be together to
make a difference.

23. REPORT WRITING

FORMAT

• Read the programme given in the question carefully

• Give a suitable heading
• First paragraph can be just an explanation of the heading/ brief of the event
• Write all other details in the order of importance, not in the chronological order
in the next paragraph.
• Simple and plain language should be used
• Past tense should be using in the report

Write the report of the programme given below.

1)
XXX PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTICE
Inauguration of the Arts Club
01 December 2021
The inauguration of the Arts Club of the school by the famous play back singer, Smt. K. S
Chitra is going to be held on 14th December 2020 in the school auditorium at 2 p.m.
All students are invited to attend the programme.

Sd/-
Secretary,
School Arts Club
PROGRAMME
Prayer: School Choir
Welcome Speech : Mr. Mohan Kumar,
Secretary, School Arts Club
 Presidential Speech : Mr. Ratheesh,
Principal
Inauguration : Smt. K. S Chitra
Playback singer
Felicitations : Ms. Ambika (School leader)
Mr. Viswanathan
Ms. Ambika

Vote of Thanks : Ms. Deepa

Staff Secretary

ANSWER

Inauguration of Arts Club

The Arts Club of XXX Public School was inaugurated by Smt K.S. Chitra at XXX School
Auditorium at 2pm on 14th December, 2020. In the function which was chaired by Ms.
Ratheesh, the School Principal, welcome address was delivered by Mr Mohan Kumar,
Secretary to the Arts Club and vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Deepa, the Staff Secretary.
Ms Ambika, the School Leader and Mr. Viswanathan, the Secretary to the School PTA
offered felicitations.

2) Draft a report of the following programme

GHSS ALAPUZHA
Seminar on Mangroves: A Rich Source of Bio-diversity
Venue: School Auditorium
Time: 10 am
Date: 21-01-2024

Programme
Prayer : School Choir
Welcome Speech : Dr. Suseela Kumari, Principal
Presidential Address : Dr. Satheesh Chandran, Environmental Activist
Felicitation : Santhi, WarD Councillor
Paper Presentations
Mangroves: A source of Bio-diversity – Athira M
 Pokkudan – A legend of Mangroves – Noufiya
Ways to Preserve Mangroves – Syam Gopal
Mangroves in Kerala – Vaisakh
Vote of Thanks : Divya Krishna, School leader
National Anthem

ANSWER
Seminar on Mangrove: A Rich Source of Biodiversity
A seminar was conducted in GHSS Alappuzha on Mangrove: A Rich Source of
Biodiversity on September 21st in the school auditorium.
The seminar began at 10 am with a prayer by the school choir. It was followed by a
welcome speech by Mrs. Suseela Kumari, the School principal. Then came the
presidential address by Dr. Satheesh Chandran, a renowned environmental activist. He
stressed the need to preserve our environment. He showed how we human beings are
destroying nature by cutting down trees, filling up ponds and waterways and using
insecticides everywhere and throwing garbage wherever we please. He said that unless
we change, nature will destroy us through earthquakes, droughts,tsunamis etc. There
was felicitation by Ms. Santhi, the Ward Counsellor, who said that the ward was doing
all its best to preserve the environment. It was followed by the paper presentations by
Athira on Mangrove, a source of biodiversity, Noufiya on ‘The Legend of Mangroves’,
Syam Gopal presented a paper on ‘Ways to preserve Mangroves’ and Vaisakh on
‘Mangroves in Kerala’.A discussion was followed by the paper presentations. School
leader, Divya Krishnan proposed Vote of Thanks. The seminar came to close at 1pm
with the National Anthem.

24. NOTICE

• Draw a box
• Write the word NOTICE at the top
• Mention the name and place of the issuing agency (school or any other
organization)
• Below it give a heading to the information
• Write the date at the left hand side
• Language should be simple and formal
• Mention all the relevant details (date, time, venue)
• Below the body of the notice, put signature and write name in the right bottom
You are Ankit, the sports captain of Tagore Public School. Draft a notice in not more
than 50 words for your notice board asking the students to give their names for
participation in various events to be held on the Annual Sports Day of your school.

NOTICE

Tagore Public School, Ernakulam

August 15, 2024

Annual Sports Day

Dear students,
This is to inform that the Annual Sports Day is going to be held on August 28, 2024 in the
school premises. The competitions will be held in 3 categories – sub-junior, junior and
senior. A student can participate in 3 events only. The list of events, rules and regulations
are available with the undersigned. Interested students are hereby requested to give their
names to their respective class leaders latest by August 20.

Any delay or wrong information will lead to disqualification.

Sd/-
Ankit
Sports Captain

25. SEMINAR
Prepare a seminar paper on the topic ‘The vicious web of drugs spoils the dreams and
lives of the young’.
Read the tips to prepare a seminar paper given on page number 129. (Mark 8)

‘THE VICIOUS WEB OF DRUGS SPOILS THE DREAMS AND LIVES OF THE
YOUNG’

Abstract: This Paper makes an in-depth study of the problem of drug addiction among the
youth of today. The author interviewed some addicts, teachers, parents, and community
leaders to find the ground realities. There were also questionnaires to be answered by
students, teachers, and parents. The results show that drug addiction is a real problem
amongst our youth of the school and college-going age. Unless we stop this menace, we
will have to reap the bitter harvest sooner or later.

Statement of the Problem: The problem of drug addiction has become a serious menace
threatening the future of our youth, especially school and college-going youth. This age-
group is more vulnerable to addiction because most of them are teenagers. Teenage, as we
all know, is the time of stress and strain. To overcome their stress and strain, many
youngsters take drugs. These drugs give them temporary pleasure relieving them of their
tensions for a brief period.

Information on drug abuse was collected from various sources including books, journals,
lecture notes and the Internet. Direct studies were made through interviews and
questionnaires. From the sources the author consulted, he has come to the conclusion that
the problem is really big and solutions should be found.

Causes: Analysing the responses from people, the author has made certain conclusions
regarding the spread of the problem. One problem is that the youngsters today get a lot of
money from their parents. Since most families have only a child ortwo, they are pampered
by the parents. Many of the parents don’t have the time to spend with their children and
they compensate this by giving them money which the youngsters misuse. Another reason
is peer-group influence.

A third reason is blind imitation of the so-called glamour boys and girls in films and sports
who use drugs. A fourth reason is the easy availability of the stuff. If you have money, you
can buy it very easily. If you give them a call, the peddlers will bring the stuff to you.
Another reason is the moral laxity of the times. We can also see that the law-enforcing
agencies are not sincere in their work. Our society has degenerated into a corrupt one and
one, it seems, can do anything without being caught.

Effects: Sensual drugs play havoc with the body and mind of their users. The drug addict
experiences sensory deprivation. He has a general feeling of physical discomfort and there
are personality changes in him. The addict feels depressed. He fails to respond eitherto his
environment or to other people. His mental disturbance can be like paranoia. The addict
knows he has a problem. But he does not know the source of his problem and he looks for
its cause in everything but himself. He looks upon external objects with suspicion.
Anything outside scares him and he withdraws further and further into himself.

Drugs also affect the body adversely. Dirty needles and solutions used for injecting “drugs
can cause abscesses in the arms and veins. They can cause liver disease, venereal disease
and infection of the kidney and brain. Sniffing cocaine and amphetamines can damage the
tissue of the nose. Marijuana and tobacco smoking can cause lung diseases. Babies of
women addicted to opiates are likely to be born addicted and to suffer from withdrawal
symptoms. Cocaine and amphetamines cause hair fall. Marijuana can damage cells. A drug
addict can easily get pneumonia, tuberculosis, mal-nutrition and weight loss. An overdose
of any sensual drug can cause respiratory or cardiac failure and death.

Solutions: The drug problems can be solved only through the concerted efforts of the
parents, teachers, community leaders and law-enforcing agencies. Awareness programmes
should be conducted about the dangerous effects of drug abuse. Parents should ensure that
their children are not given money for which they can’t give a proper account. Community
leaders must ensure that the youth have enough facilities and enjoy and expend their
energies in a positive way. The police must make sure that sensual drugs are not easily
available to the youth. Medical shops should sell medicines only on prescription by
doctors.

References:
1. Dangers of Drug Abuse by Hardin B. Jones

2. An Internet article on Sensual Drugs and their Effects

3. Reader’s Digest Article on “Youths and Drugs”, May 2015.

 26. CHARACTER SKETCH

CHARACTER SKETCH OF NOMITA

Nomita is the central character in the story 'Matchbox' by Ashapurna Debi. The story
revolves around a small incident in Nomita's life and her reaction to it both immediate and
subsequent. The author tries to go deep into the issue of empowerment of women through this
character.

Nomita is from a poor family. She is married to Ajit, who is from a wealthy joint family. She
is young and beautiful. In fact, the author says that her widowed mother was able to marry
her off to this wealthy family on the strength of her looks alone. Ajit has the habit of opening
and reading the letters of Nomita. Often, they are from her own mother seeking financial
help. Ajit has only contempt for [Link] day Nomita discovers a letter in Ajit's pocket. She
is sure that he has hidden it from her on purpose. She questions him and a quarrel breaks
out. Ajit remains adamant provoked Nomita by exploiting her helplessness. He says, "I'll do
what I want. What will you do? Can you do anything?" Pushed to the limits she explodes,
takes a matchbox and sets fire to her sari. This frightens Ajit.

Nomita's helplessness is primarily due to her financial dependence on Ajit. If she had
education and employment, she would be much more confident. But even now she has
enough courage in her to confront Ajit. Nomita has great love for her mother. She is aware of
her poverty and wants to help her. In the face of the insults from Ajit she temporarily thinks
about telling her mother not to expect any help from her. But she cannot do that.

She is also a clever girl who tries different ways to get the better of Ajit. She tries anger,
taking offence, bitter reproaches, shaming, and sarcasm. But nothing works with Ajit. She is
aware that Ajit is challenging her dignity and self-respect. So, she is not ashamed to express
her anger violently. This even surprises Ajit. "A woman, and such anger!", comments
Ajit. Obviously Nomita doesn’t fit into the traditional conservative framework of a meek and
submissive woman who never raises her voice.

Another aspect of Nomita's character is that she speaks her mind. She is bold enough to give
a proper reply to anybody trying to deride her. So no one attacks her outright. They can only
pinch her with sharp words.

Nomita is very adaptable. Coming from a very different background, she is able to mingle
well with the big joint family. Nomita's casual conversations with her in laws after the
confrontation show this. She is also very resourceful. When the Boro-wife discovers the
burnt anchol of her saree, she quickly cooks up a story to explain it.

What Ashapurna Debi is trying to focus more on is her attachment to her projected
image. Back in her village, people think about her as living like a queen in a wealthy
family. They think about her husband as high-minded and large-hearted. Although the
reality is far from it, she is not ready to shatter that image.

The author presents Nomita as a representative of the majority of Indian women who are not
ready to come out of their comfort zones. Although they have the potential to burn the
colourful shells in which they are trapped, they are not ready to do it. That is why Nomita
pretends before the others as if nothing has happened even after the bitter quarrel with her
husband.

Even though Nomita appears to be a strong character in the story, the author indicates that
she is not an example for other women to imitate. She is a typical Indian wife who silently
suffers the domestic injustice and does nothing fundamental to change the narrative. She
serves the purpose of showing why things are not changing in favour of women in our
society.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF AJIT

Ajit, in the story Matchbox by Ashapurna Debi, is the husband of Nomita. He belongs to a
rich joint family. He married Nomita, a member of a poor family, just because of her beauty.
He often makes fun of her family and her old mother. He has a habit of reading letters that
come for his wife. Nomita does not like this. She had told him many times not to open letters
addressed to her. Her taking offence, anger, or trying to shame him is of no use. This ugly
habit of his won’t go. When Nomita questions him about the letter from her mother, he tries
to laugh it away. He did not like sending money to her mother. During their arguments Ajit
uses harsh words against Nomita, scorns her poverty and calls her a dung picker’s daughter.
He is offended when she calls him a common vulgar man. He knows that Nomita is not a
physical threat. That is why he asks her what she can do. He did not expect Nomita to set fire
to her sari. He is frightened. He puts out the fire but is afraid of the fire that is burning in her
eyes. He is the typical Indian husband who likes to dominate his wife, insensitive to her
feelings and emotions.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF RATNA

Ratna is one of the major characters of “Horegallu", an anecdote by Sudha Murthy. She
is a senior clerk, middle-aged and "always smiling". She is a graduate. She has been working
in the company for nearly twenty-five years. She is a compassionate woman. That is why she
patiently listens to the "problems" of others with "sympathy" and "without any judgement".
She has an "infectious cheerfulness" with which she has given happiness to her colleagues. She
is a trustworthy woman. She never gossips about others or shares their "troubles" to others. She
thinks it as a heinous act. For her, it is a "greater" sin. Thus Ratna is a character who is doing
selfless help and social service. She is not doing it for getting appreciation or reward. Instead,
she gets immense "joy" when she becomes a "human horegallu". This is the character sketch
of Ratna.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF GRANDFATHER

Grandfather is one of the major characters of “Horegallu", an anecdote by Sudha Murthy. He

is a retired school teacher. He is a compassionate man. That is why he speaks with the
villagers. He is an active listener too. He listens to the villagers' "burdens". They share their
daily life incidents, worries and trivial matters like the weather. These villagers affectionately
call him, "Masterji". The grandfather is also an optimistic man. That is why when the
villagers share their "burdens" with the grandfather, they get relief and refreshment. His
attitude towards the narrator, Sudha Murty, shows that he loves and cares for everyone. Since
the narrator was a little kid, the grandfather patiently explained the importance of “horegallu”
in a simple way. This shows his teaching skill. Thus the grandfather is a character who is
doing selfless help and social service. He is not doing it for getting appreciation or reward.
Instead, he gets immense joy when he becomes a "human horegallu". This is the character
sketch of grandfather.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF FELIX VARGAS

Felix is seventeen years old, and is Antonio’s best friend. He and Antonio are both boxers
who take their sport seriously and love to train to become better. Felix is described as ‘‘dark,
short, and husky,’’ with his hair in a natural Afro style. Like Antonio, he dreams of becoming
a boxing world champion someday and has chosen boxing over gangs and other negative
elements in his community. He studies the sport, reading boxing magazines and knowing all
the boxers’ stats. He trains hard as an athlete, and he has a fan base as a result of his many
wins in competition. He is known for his powerful hits, so his boxing strategy is to get in
close to his opponent and start slugging.

Felix’s relationship with Antonio is extremely important to him, as they have been friends
since childhood. Antonio is like a brother to Felix, who helps Felix stay out of trouble and
focused on positive things like boxing. It is Felix who initiates the conversation about
training separately for the match so that he and Antonio can separate their friendship from the
work they must do.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF ANTONIO CRUZ

Antonio is seventeen years old and is Felix’s best friend. Both of them were so together in
friendship that they felt themselves to be brothers. They had known each other since
childhood, growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the same building. Both of
them had a profound love for boxing and shared a dream of becoming light weight
champions of the world. Antonio is described as “fair, lean and lanky” and his hair falling
over his eyes every time. Antonio’s tall and slender body structure is in contrast to Felix’s
shorter and more robust nature. Both of them had distinct fighting styles that reflected their
personalities. Antonio’s “lean form and long reach” make him the superior boxer, excelling
in fitness and techniques. Antonio demonstrates a greater willingness to persist in challenging
situations compared to Felix. When Antonio proposes continuing the job, Felix declines,
saying, “Let’s stop a while bro. I think we both got something to say to each other.” the
exchange illustrates Antonio’s determination to push forward. It shows his disciplined
approach to training and boxing.

CHARACTER SKETCH OF ROBERT BALDWIN

The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde is a psychological study of the corrupting influence of
money on, people. [Link] Baldwin is the main character in the story. He lives in a trim
little cottage with his wife Martha, his own John and daughter Evie. He is very just and
[Link] is also, sincere in his [Link] is working as the governor of the bank president,
[Link] Gresham. He, represents an everyday American man who works for a living and his
salary is not good enough to, support his family. Still he is very upright in his thoughts and
[Link] is a middle-class father who values honesty and loyalty more than 35 year long
friendship. He works in Gresham’s bank for sixty dollars a week. It is a low salary, but he
never complaints about it. The strength of Baldwin’s honesty is evident when [Link],
Robert’s Boss and dear friend is accused of, mishandling bank’s money. [Link]
requests Baldwin to say just three words- ‘I don’t remember’ to, escape from the [Link]
also offers him one hundred thousand dollars as a reward for it. But Baldwin said, ‘I’ll go to
my grave clean’. The family members who wanted to send Gresham to jail in the beginning
changes their attitude when they come to know about the huge amount. They tried to
convince Robert Baldwin to accept the money. Despite the pressure, Baldwin holds firm. His
firm moral attitude stands in contrast with the other family members who change their stand
because of the temptation of money. Baldwin is the same as he has been known for being true
to, himself. He is not ready not only to accept bribe and to tell a lie. Moreover it makes
Gresham confess, his crime.

Baldwin is rewarded for his plain cand moral character. He gets a better job at the Third
National, for his honesty and frankness. He is very faithful to his employer. When he comes
to know about the impending wreck he never mentions it even to his wife. He never
complaints about the low payment he gets. He is leading a happy life with whatever he has.
His lament “Shams! Liars! Hypocrites! Thieves... We have seen our souls naked, and they
stink to Almighty Heaven” shows how principled and religious his attitude is. Thus the story
presents the contemporary theme of greed and its effects and also how one can, overcome
such corrupting things by fixing oneself as constant and virtuous personage through the role,
played by Baldwin.

27. EDITORIAL

FORMAT

Heading
(Our correspondent / Name of the person)

1. Introduction
2. Content
3. Conclusion

“Emancipation and empowerment of women is of prime importance in every society”.

In the light of your understanding of the ideas expressed by Christine Legarde, prepare
an editorial on the role played by women in the progress of the nation. (8 marks)
 The Backbone of a Nation: Women and Their Role in Progress
Manoj Kumar

Christine Lagarde, the former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, has
long championed the cause of women’s emancipation and empowerment as pivotal to
sustainable growth and societal development. Her views underscore an undeniable truth:
the empowerment of women is not just a moral imperative but also an economic and social
necessity.

Women constitute nearly half of the world’s population, and any society that marginalizes
them inevitably handicaps itself. History is replete with examples of nations thriving when
women have been empowered to contribute fully to public life. Women bring unique
perspectives and skills to problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership, making their
inclusion indispensable for balanced progress.

In the political sphere, women leaders have demonstrated exceptional ability in

governance. From Indira Gandhi and Angela Merkel to Jacinda Ardern, women in
leadership positions have proven their capacity to lead with empathy, resilience, and
vision. Yet, the proportion of women in political decision-making globally remains low.
Societies must dismantle barriers that prevent women from participating in politics,
including cultural biases and institutional roadblocks.

The role of women in fostering societal well-being cannot be overstated. Women often
serve as the primary caregivers, instilling values of tolerance, compassion, and
responsibility in future generations. Empowering women to balance their professional and
familial roles through policies like parental leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work
environments benefits society at large.

In the realm of education, women educators and scholars have been instrumental in
shaping the minds of youth. The ripple effects of educating a girl child are profound; it
leads to healthier families, reduced poverty, and overall national progress. Initiatives like
the United Nations' "HeForShe" campaign have highlighted the importance of men and
boys as allies in achieving gender equality, emphasizing collective action to empower
women.

However, empowerment must go beyond tokenism. True emancipation demands the

dismantling of patriarchal norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence against
women. It involves creating an environment where women are free to dream, excel, and
lead without fear or prejudice.

Christine Lagarde’s words remind us that the emancipation and empowerment of women is
not merely about addressing gender disparities but about recognizing women as equal
partners in nation-building. As we move forward, societies that prioritize women's
inclusion will find themselves on the fast track to progress, prosperity, and peace.
The question is not whether we can afford to empower women but whether we can afford
not to.