Reading A: ATTITUDE IS ALTITUDE
I VOCABULARY
Word (Part of Meaning Synonym Antonym
Speech)
Mainstream (adj.) Belonging to a widely Regular / Normal Exceptional /
accepted group Segregated
Distraught (adj.) Deeply upset and Worried / Calm / Composed
agitated Anxious
Convictions (n.) Firmly held beliefs or Principles / Doubts / Unbelief
opinions Beliefs
Perseverance (n.) Continued effort despite Persistence / Laziness / Giving
difficulties Tenacity up
Adversity (n.) A difficult or unpleasant Hardship / Prosperity /
situation Misfortune Fortune
Detour (n.) A roundabout route to Deviation / Direct path
avoid a block Bypass
Fraudulent (adj.) Intended to cheat or Dishonest / Honest / Ethical
deceive Corrupt
Conceive (v.) To form an idea or plan Imagine / Devise Disregard / Ignore
in the mind
Outclassed (v.) To be far superior to an Surpassed / Matched / Beaten
opponent Overcome
Cinch (n.) A thing that is certain to Certainty / Snap Uncertainty /
happen Gamble
Aspirant (n.) A person with a strong Candidate / Apathetic person
desire to achieve Suitor
Introvert (n.) A shy, quiet person Reserved person Extrovert
focused inward
Grasp (v.) To understand a Comprehend / Misunderstand
concept fully Seize
Pioneer (n.) One who is first to study Trailblazer / Follower
an area Innovator
Humility (n.) Freedom from pride; Modesty / Arrogance / Pride
humbleness Meekness
Ethical (adj.) Relating to moral Moral / Unethical /
principles Righteous Immoral
Mobility (n.) The ability to move or be Movement / Immobility /
moved freely Portability Stillness
Triumph (n.) A great victory or Success / Defeat / Failure
achievement Conquest
Inspirational (adj.) Providing Heartening / Discouraging /
encouragement or Stirring Boring
motivation
II. ONE WORD SUBSTITUTES
● Torso: The main part of the body, not including the head, arms, or legs.
● Phocomelia: A rare congenital disorder involving malformed limbs.
● Modest: A person who does not boast about their achievements.
● Altruist: A person who is unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others.
● Atheist: A person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
● Optimist: A person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future (like Nick
Vujicic).
● Pessimist: A person who habitually sees or anticipates the worst or is lacking in hope.
● Teetotaler: A person who never drinks alcohol.
● Obsolete: Something that is no longer produced or used; out of date.
● Extempore: A speech or performance given without any previous preparation.
● Inevitable: Something that is certain to happen and cannot be avoided.
● Egoist: A person who is self-centered or thinks only of themselves.
● Fastidious: A person who is very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
● Gregarious: A person who is fond of company; sociable.
● Posthumous: Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator (e.g., a
posthumous award).
III. QUESTIONS
1. How does Nick’s use of the term "chicken drumstick" reflect his attitude toward his
physical condition?
2. Why did Nick’s parents believe that attending a mainstream school was the "best
decision" they ever made for him?
3. Analyze the role of Nick’s faith in his transition from being "deeply depressed" to
becoming a "symbol of triumph."
4. How did Nick’s encounter with Bethany Hamilton change his perspective on physical
limitations?
5. What does Nick mean when he says, "The challenges in our lives are there to strengthen
our convictions"?
IV. DISCOURSES
● Diary Entry: Imagine you are Nick Vujicic. Write a diary entry about the day you decided to
be "thankful for what you have" instead of getting angry.
● Notice: Prepare a notice for your school assembly regarding a guest lecture by a
motivational speaker.
● Interview: An interview with Nick
Reading B: Every Success Story Is also a Story of Great Failures
QUESTIONS
1. How does Shiv Khera justify the statement that "failure is the highway to success"?
2. Analyze Abraham Lincoln's life. Why is he cited as an example of a "detour" rather than a
"dead end"?
3. What was the "turning point" for Walt Disney, and how did a "mouse-infested shed"
influence his career?
4. Describe the secret to success as explained by Socrates to the young man.
5. How does the poem "If You Think" emphasize the power of self-belief over physical
strength?
II. DISCOURSES
● Narrative: Write a short narrative about Thomas Edison watching his factory burn down in
1914.
● Conversation: Create a dialogue between a young man and Socrates at the river bank.
● Description: Describe the character of Abraham Lincoln based on the setbacks he faced.
QUESTIONS
1. How did Narayana Murthy’s upbringing in a "poor but educated family" shape his
values?
2. Describe the setting and the routine of the IIT aspirants at the stone mandap near
Chamundi Hills.
3. Why did Narayana Murthy believe that "it is not the institution; ultimately it is you" who
changes your life?
4. How does the motto "Powered by intellect and driven by values" apply to Murthy’s
career?
5. Analyze Murthy’s reaction at the railway station. What does his silence tell us about his
personality?
II. Discourses
● Diary Entry: Imagine you are Narayana Murthy on the night your father said "no" to IIT.
Write your reflections.
● Message: Write a short message from Murthy’s father to Murthy, expressing his "bitter
truth" and regret.
● Description: Describe the scene at the Mysore railway station in June 1962 as the train left
for Madras.