Plus one english notes

SECTION 1

Here we have selected twelve major discourses. We have also provided a frame of some
common sentences for each discourse followed by a sample answer. Hope they will help you to
answer the questions related to those discourses with confidence.

1. SPEECH

Dear teachers and friends,

Good morning. Thank you all for giving me this chance. I am here before you to express my views
on……………I would like to speak on the topic………It is an important topic. It is for a good
cause.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………. It is the need of the hour. It is high time we
thought of it.

We should overcome fear. We should change our mindset. Let us stay focused. Let us work hard
for a better society. Thank you for listening. I hope you got something. Let me conclude my words.

Have a nice day. Thank you.

Question:
You are asked to deliver a speech on ‘Importance of Confidence and Courage in Bringing
Success’ in front of your classmates on the occasion of observing World Mental Health Day.
Prepare a script of the speech.

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Answer:

Dear teachers and friends,

Good morning.

Thank you all for giving me this chance. I would like to speak on the topic “Importance of
Confidence and Courage in Bringing Success”. I am standing before you to express my views on
this topic.

It is an important topic. It is for a good cause. Confidence and courage lead to success. Success is
the result of confidence and hard work. We should overcome fear. We should change our mindset.
It is the need of the hour.

Let us stay focused. Let us work hard for a better society.

Thank you for listening. I hope you got something. I would like to conclude my words.

Have a nice day.

Thank you.

2. PROFILE

(Name)…was born at/in… (place)...on…(date)…in…(year)……

He/ She is a famous……. (director, player, scientist, social worker, writer, leader, etc.)

His/ Her parents are………………………

He/ She was educated at…………………………
He/ She started his/her career as a ………………….
He/ She worked as…………………….
He/ She got many awards.
He/ She passed away on… (date, month) …...at/in…(place) in… (year)... [ in the case of persons
who are dead]

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Question: Write a profile of Jawaharlal Nehru using the hints given below.

Jawaharlal Nehru- Born: 14 Nov 1889, Prayagraj - Known as Chacha Nehru

Spouse: Kamala Nehru

Indian Independence Activist, First Prime Minister of India. - Writer, Politician-

Notable works: “The Discovery of India”, “Glimpses of World History”

Awards: Bharat Ratna.

Death: 27 May 1964, New Delhi

Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)

Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14 November at Prayagraj in 1889. He is known as Chacha Nehru.
His spouse is/was Kamala Nehru. He was an Indian Independence Activist. He was the first Prime
Minister of India. He was also a writer and a politician. His notable works are The Discovery of
India and Glimpses of World History. He got Bharat Ratna award. He passed away on 27 May in
1964.

3. Email
1) FORMAL

Question: Your school decides to conduct a seminar on “Environmental Problems”. Draft an email
inviting a famous Environmental Activist to participate in the seminar.

To georgejp@[Link]
Cc
Bcc
Subject Invitation to attend
seminar
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Sabu, a plus one student of ABC School.
I am sending this email to invite you to our school on June 5. We conduct a seminar on
“Environmental Problems”. Many experts are attending the seminar. I would like to invite you to
the seminar.
I expect your presence.
Yours truly,

Name
Mail id

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2) INFORMAL

Question: You are inspired by [Link] 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.

Answer:

To afimumbai@[Link]
Cc
Bcc
Subject I will fly

Dear Afi,
Hope you are fine. How are things going on?
I am doing well. Thanks for your mail. I am sending this mail to share a wonderful experience. I
read a speech by [Link].

I was inspired. It impressed me. [Link] tells the youth to be unique. He wants us to follow
our dream. The speech is really inspiring. It motivates everyone. You should read it.

Hope we will meet soon. Reply soon.

Take care.

With love
Name
Mail id

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4. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sample:

From
Anumol
Rose Villa
AR Nagar
Malappuram.

27-11-2023
To
The Editor
The Hindu
Malappuram

Dear Sir,
Sub:

I am Anu, a plus one student of ABC School. I am a regular reader of your daily. The news items
you present are remarkable. I am writing this letter to express my concern about………………….
It is high time we realized the gravity of the matter.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…….
………………………………………………We should take firm steps to address the issue. The
public should be given awareness. I would urge the authorities to consider the matter seriously.
Spare a column for this. Kindly publish this letter. Hope you do the needful.

Thanking you.
Yours truly,
Anumol

Question: Waste management is a collective responsibility. In spite of the constant efforts and
awareness programmes of the health department, there is no proper disposal of wastes. People
sometimes do not follow the rules. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a daily reminding the
authorities to implement strict punishment to those who dump waste in public places. Draft the
letter.

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Answer: Letter to the Editor
From
Chottu
Bliss Cottage
MN Street
Kochi.
27-11-2023
To
The Editor
The Hindu
Kochi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Waste management regarding
I am Chottu, a plus one student of ABC School. I am a regular reader of your newspaper. The
news items you present are remarkable.
I am writing this letter to express my concern about waste disposal. It is high time we realized the
gravity of the matter. Waste management is a collective responsibility. In spite of the constant
efforts and awareness programmes of the health department, there is no proper disposal of
wastes. People sometimes do not follow the rules.
We should take firm steps to address the issue. The public should be given awareness. I would
urge the authorities to consider the matter seriously. Spare a column for this. Kindly publish this
letter. Hope you do the needful.
Thanking you.
Yours truly,
Chottu

5. INTERVIEW

Sample Questions:

1. Who inspired you to become a……?

2. What is the turning point in your life?
3. Who is your role model?
4. Do you enjoy this career?
5. How did you achieve your goal?
6. Any challenges in your life?
7. How could you overcome the challenges?
8. What is your message to the youth?
9. What is your next project?
10. What is the secret of your success?

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Question: Imagine you got a chance to interview A.J Cronin, the doctor of the ship, Ranaganji.
Prepare THREE questions that you may ask on the occasion. Include the responses too.

Answer:
1. Who inspired you to become a doctor?

My father.
2. Do you enjoy this career?

Yes, I enjoy.
3. Any challenges in your life?
Yes, there were many challenges.

6. ESSAY/ARTICLE

Common Sentences to be used:

It is very important.

It is the need of the hour.

It is a must in the modern world.
The importance of the topic is increasing day by day.
There are many challenges.
It plays an important role.

It is a serious issue.
There are many pros and cons.
It has many merits and demerits
Government should be very vigilant.
Stern steps should be taken in this regard
We have been doing a lot in this regard.

Still we have miles to go.

Let’s work hard for a better society.

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Question: Prepare an article on the Relevance of Gandhian Ideas in the Modern World.

Answer:

The Relevance of Gandhian Ideas

The relevance of Gandhian ideas is increasing day by day. They are very important in the modern
world. We need them today. Gandhiji conveys the message of truth and non-violence.

Gandhiji strongly stood against the social evils like caste system. He was sincere to his words and
deeds. He influenced Indians. His teachings are very important. His life is his message.

There are many challenges today. We should overcome them. Gandhian ideas help us overcome
all problems. We should promote them. The need of the hour is to go back to Gandhian ideas.
Let’s work hard for a better society.

7. POEM APPRECIATION

SAMPLE SENTENCES

The poem …….. is written by…..

It is a good poem.
It has a good theme.
There are…….lines in the poem.
The poem begins with the line…………
The poem ends with the line…………………
The poet speaks about the importance of …….
It reminds us of ……
The poet uses a lot of poetic devices.
They make the poem beautiful.
The poem has the rhyme scheme ……..
The poem conveys a great message.
It teaches us a great lesson.
The poet has used simple language.
The poet has used fine imagery.
The style is smooth and clear.
The title is ……………..
It is very apt.
I like the poem very much.

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Question: Read the poem given below and write an appreciation.

Death is Here and Death is There

- Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Death is here and death is there,
Death is busy everywhere,
All around, within, beneath,
Above is death—and we are death.

Death has set his mark and seal

On all we are and all we feel,
On all we know and all we fear,

First our pleasures die—and then

Our hopes, and then our fears—and when
These are dead, the debt is due,
Dust claims dust—and we die too.

Now prepare an appreciation of the poem focusing on its theme, message, relevance and
figures of speech.

Answer:

The poem Death is Here and Death is There is written by P B Shelley. It has a good theme. There
are 11 lines in the poem. The poem begins with the line ‘Death is Here and Death is There’. The
poet ends with the line ‘Dust claims dust-and we die too.’
The poet speaks about death. It reminds us death may come at any time. The poet uses a lot of
poetic devices. They make the poem beautiful.
The rhyme scheme of the poem is aabbccdeeff
The poem conveys a great message. It teaches us a great lesson.
The poet has used simple language. He has used fine imagery. The style is smooth and clear. The
title is Death is Here and Death is There’. It is very apt. I like the poem very much for its reality.

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8. LIVE REPORT
SAMPLE SENTENCES

Welcome back to a new episode of adventure and entertainment.

Hello viewers, I am …… from Global TV.
Now I am at……….
Today we bring before you the live episode of……………….
It is a fine day.
This is a beautiful place.
So many tourists /people have gathered here to watch the…………………….
All the arrangements have been made………………………………
In a few moments, you are going to watch the amazing sight.
This is the moment that we have all been waiting for.
Wow! It’s really unbelievable. It is a fantastic sight……………
I have no words. How wonderful it is!
Will get back after a short break. This is …………. with cameraman ……….

Question: 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:

Welcome back to a new episode of adventure and entertainment.

Hello Viewers, I am Ashley from Global TV. Now I am at Namuana village. It is at Kadavu, one of
the larger islands in Fiji. Today we bring before you the live episode of turtle calling ritual at
Namuana.

It is a fine day. This is a beautiful place. So many tourists have gathered here to watch the turtle
calling ritual. All the arrangements have been made. The maidens are ready to perform the ritual.
In a few moments, you are going to watch the amazing sight. Wow! The turtles are rising. This is
the moment that we have all been waiting for. It’s really unbelievable. It is a fantastic sight. I have
no words. How wonderful it is! Will get back after a short break. This is Ashley Sunil with
cameraman Bigin Thomas

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9. TRAVEL ESSAY

SAMPLE SENTENCES

I visited …..last year.

There were six friends with me.
I enjoyed the trip.
I can never forget it.
We travelled by car.
The journey was really thrilling.
We enjoyed the beauty of nature.
It was really amazing.
We visited many important tourist places.
We had our lunch at Yummy restaurant.
It was tasty.
First we visited ……….
……… was superb.
Then we visited…………………... It was adventurous.
Next we visited……………………... It was fantastic.
We visited……………. It was really thrilling.
……………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
It was a sweet experience in my life.
We purchased many things.
I like travelling very much.
It always thrills me.
I will visit ……………. again.

Question: You visited a hill station during your summer holidays. Write a travel essay to be
published in your school magazine about the place you visited.

Answer:

A Trip to Wayanad

I visited Wayanad last year. There were six friends with me. I enjoyed the trip. I can never
forget it. We travelled by car. The journey was really thrilling. We enjoyed the beauty of nature. It
was really amazing. We visited many important tourist places. We had our lunch at ABC
restaurant. It was tasty. First, we visited Pookkode Lake. The lake was superb. Then we visited
Edakkal caves. It was adventurous. Next, we visited Banasura Sagar Dam. It was fantastic. We
visited ‘En Ooru’. It was really thrilling. It was a sweet experience in my life. We purchased many
things. I liked travelling very much. It always thrills me. I will visit Wayanad again.

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10. INFORMAL/ FRIENDLY LETTER
SAMPLE SENTENCES

I got your letter.

Hope you are fine.
How are things going?
How is your (job/ family/ health)?
I am fine here.
I write this letter to inform you something.
I really want to appreciate you for your good deeds.
There are a lot of people like you.
Really you are great.
Your words and deeds refreshed our life.
…………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………
Let me congratulate you.
Keep up your good work.
Looking forward to meeting you someday.
Yours lovingly,
Name

Question: Maggie writes a letter to Mr. Gupta appreciating him for his love and care. Prepare the
letter.
Answer:
Dear Mr. Gupta,
Hope you are fine.
How are things going?
How is your job? I am fine here. I write this letter to inform you something. I really want to
appreciate you for your good deeds. There are a lot of people like you in this world. Really you are
great.
My mother always talks about you. Your words and deeds refreshed our life. We are thankful to
you. We cannot forget the moments spent with you. Let me congratulate you. Keep up your good
work.
Looking forward to meeting you someday.
Yours lovingly,
Name

Letter appreciating the village boy, letter congratulating Hasan, letter to your close friend
sharing your experiences, letter thanking Jovis etc may be practiced.

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 [Link] INFO

WAYANAD- LAND OF GREENERY

Wayanad is a beautiful place in Kerala.

It is known for its wild beauty.
Wayanad offers a lot of attractions for travellers.

1. Best Time to Visit: October to May

2. How to Reach :

- By Air : The nearest airport - Calicut International Airport

- By Train: The nearest railway station - Kozhikode Railway Station
- By Road: Regular bus services (KSRTC & Private)

3. Major Attractions:

- Chembra Peak : A popular trekking destination.

- Edakkal Caves : Ancient caves with prehistoric carvings and inscriptions.
- Banasura Sagar Dam : The largest earth dam in India.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife safari and trekking options are available.
- Pookode Lake : Offers boating facilities.

4. Local Cuisine : Enjoy the taste of homely food.

5. Stay : Resorts and Home stays available.

Feel the beauty of Wayanad!

12. SPEECH INTRODUCING A TOURIST DESTINATION

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to Wayanad. This is Natasha, your tourist guide. It’s great to meet you in Wayanad.
So happy to be with you. You are going to enjoy. A lot of attractions are here. Enjoy the cool
climate. Sit back and relax. Feel the beauty of nature. Have a nice day.

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 SECTION II

The following sentences may be used in almost all character sketches.

1. ……………is an important character.

2. He/ She has many good traits.
3. He/ She plays an important role.
4. He/ She is simple and humble.
5. He/ She is sincere to his/her words and deeds.
6. He/ She is a symbol of innocence.
7. He/ She is a true lover of humanity.
8. His/ Her concern for others is appreciable.
9. He/ She is loving and caring.
10. He/ She is simply superb.

IMPORTANT CHARACTERS

1. THE MOTHER SEAGULL

 The mother seagull is an important character.

 She has many good traits.
 She is very motivating.
 She plays an important role.
 She supports the young seagull.
 Her concern for her children is appreciable.
 She is loving and caring.
 She is a role model.
 She is simply superb.

2. THE YOUNG SEAGULL

 The young seagull is an important character.

 He was afraid to fly.
 He has an important role.
 He lacked confidence.
 His mother helps him.
 She supports him.
 His family motivates him.
 He overcomes his fear.
 He makes his first flight.
 He is a symbol of innocence.

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3. THE VILLAGE BOY
 The young village boy appears in “I Will Fly”.
 He asks a question to DrKalam.
 He wanted to become a marine engineer.
 He wanted to become captain of a ship.
 He lacked confidence.
 He wanted to fulfill his dream.
 He is a symbol of innocence.

4. MAGGIE.

 Maggie is an important character.

 She has many good traits.
 She plays an important role.
 She is 13 years old.
 She works as a typist.
 She is from a poor family.
 She is simple and humble.
 She is sincere to her words and deeds.
 She is a symbol of innocence
 She is a true lover of humanity
 Her concern for others is appreciable.
 She is loving and caring.
 She is a symbol of love and innocence.
 She played violin well
 She shares her sorrow with Mr Gupta.
 She is simply superb.

5. MR. GUPTA

 Mr. Gupta is an important character .

 He is the narrator of the story.
 He is an Indian staying in London.
 He has many good traits.
 He plays an important role in the life of Maggie and her family.
 He is simple and humble.
 He is sincere to his words and deeds.
 He is a true lover of humanity.
 He helped Maggie and her family.
 His concern for others is appreciable.
 He is simply superb.

6. CAPTAIN JOVIS.

 Captain Jovis is an important character.

 He is the captain of the balloon journey.
 He likes to travel.
 He enjoys the journey.
 He is a good leader.
 He gives confidence to others.

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  He is sincere to his words and deeds.
 He is brave and adventurous.
 He has many good traits.
 He is simply superb.

7. HASAN

 Hasan is an important character.

 He has many good traits.
 He plays an important role.
 He is simple and humble.
 He helps the passengers.
 He is sincere to his words and deeds.
 He is a symbol of selfless service.
 He is a true lover of humanity.
 His concern for others is appreciable.
 He is loving and caring.
 He is simply superb.

8. DR. A. J CRONIN, THE NARRATOR.

 Dr AJ Cronin is an important character

 He is a doctor.
 He has many good traits.
 He plays an important role.
 He is simple and humble.
 He is sincere to his words and deeds.
 He is a true lover of humanity,
 His concern for others is appreciable,
 He is loving and caring,
 He is simply superb.

9. NICHOLAI IVANICH

 Nicholai is an important character.

 He is the younger brother of Ivan.
 He had a dream.
 He wanted to buy a gooseberry estate.
 He saved money and lived like a miser.
 He achieved his dream.
 He is not a true lover of humanity;
 He had no concern for others.
 He bought a farmhouse.
 He planted gooseberries.
 He was happy.
 He enjoyed eating gooseberries.

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10. IVAN IVANICH

 Ivan is an important character.

 He is a vet.
 He was the elder brother of Nicholai.
 He has many good traits
 His concern for others is appreciable.
 He is not sincere to his words.
 He wanted to do good for others
 But he could not do it.
 He did not agree with his brother.
 He dreamt of equality.
 He dreamt of social justice.
 But he did not do anything for that.

11. GRETA

 Greta is the main character in the story.

 She is 16 years old.
 She is a differently abled child.
 She attends a special school.
 She has blue eyes.
 She types slowly on the computer.
 She loves her father so much.
 She is a symbol of innocence.
 She is loving and caring.
 She is simply superb.

12. GRETA’S FATHER

 Greta's father is an important character.

 He is a loving father.
 He knows computers.
 He teaches his daughter.
 He has many good traits.
 His concern for his others is appreciable.
 He is loving and caring,
 He is sincere to his words and deeds.
 He is a true lover of humanity
 He is simply superb.

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 SECTION III

SUMMARY OF FIVE POEMS

There are five poems in the Course Book.

Study all the poems so that you can attend maximum questions in the question paper.

Studying poems is a simple task.

Six Points for Review/Appreciation

1. Title and the poet.

2. Theme of the Poem.
3. Brief summary of
the poem.
4. Poetic devices used
in the poem.
5. Your personal
comments.
6. Message or
messages.

1. IF

 IF is a motivational poem by Rudyard Kipling.

 It is about how to become an ideal citizen.
 The poem is in the form of instructions given by a father to his child.
 We need to have self-confidence to face tough situations in life.
 We need to have faith in ourselves even if others do not believe us.
 We should be patient and cool while dealing with different kinds of people.
 We should hold on to truth whatever be.
 It is good to do self-evaluation.
 We should give importance to action rather than words.
 Dream big and try to achieve it.
 But we should not be slaves to our dreams and thoughts.
 We need to take success and failure in the same way.
 Be an emotionally balanced person.
 Make the best use of time, each second is precious.
 We should treat everyone equally.
 Above all, we should forgive people.
 Then we become true humans.

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 2. DEATH, THE LEVELLER

 Death the Leveller is a funeral song written by James Shirley.

 The central idea of the poem is that death is a great leveller or equaliser.
 Wealth, power and social status are temporary.
 We cannot escape from the cold grasp of death.
 Nothing can protect us from the final destiny.
 The king and the farmer become equal in death.
 The victories that we achieve in war are short lived.
 Because the victors become victims of fate.
 It is useless to boast of our mighty deeds.
 Every head must come to the cold tomb.
 Life is like a bubble.
 We don't know when it will explode.
 Only our good deeds will remain after our death.
 Let us stop violence and bloodshed on this earth.
 Let people remember us for our good actions.

3. SUNRISE ON THE HILLS

 The poem ‘Sunrise on the hills’ is written by [Link].

 Here, the poet glorifies the enchanting beauty of nature.
 The poem consists of three stanzas of varying length.
 The poet is delighted by the magnificent sight of nature.
 The poet is standing on the hill.
 The poem starts with the sunrise amidst the hills.
 The poet observes the changes that occur in nature when the sun rises.
 The sky is glorious with the rays of rising sun.
 The rising sun makes the glory of the clouds fade.
 The sun is compared to a warrior.
 The valley responds to the rising sun in a lively manner.
 The water that flows in the river gets darkened by the shade of the forest.
 The idea behind the poem is that nature is a source of inspiration and cure.
 It can heal the wounds of heart and mind.
 The poem is full of visual, auditory and kinesthetic imagery.
 The poem is rich in imagery and musicality.

4. THE WRECK OF THE TITANIC

 The Wreck of the Titanic is one of the famous poems of Ben0jamin Peck Keith.
 It is written as an elegy in memory of the heroes of the ship Titanic that sank on 14th April
1912.
 Captain Smith and the crew remained in the ship while it was sinking into the depths of
Atlantic.
 The poet calls the ship ‘a poem of iron and steel’.

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  On the tragic night, it collided with a massive ice berg.
 Women and children got top priority to be rescued from the sinking Titanic.
 Captain Smith never thought of saving himself for a moment.
 The figures of speech such as metaphor, alliteration, assonance and consonance give
considerable elegance to the poem.
 The poem highlights the virtues of life such as bravery, compassion, devotion, etc.
 Bravery and heroism of Captain Smith and his team will be remembered forever.

5. TO SLEEP

 To Sleep is a sonnet by William Wordsworth.

 The poet experiences sleeplessness.
 He was so worried.
 Some images of nature flashed through his mind.
 The poem presents some finest sights and sounds.
 He considers sleep as a mistress.
 It is the mother of fresh thoughts and joyous health.
 It is the blessed barrier between day and day.
 The poet uses figures of speech in the poem.
 They make the poem very effective.
 Sleep is personified throughout the poem.
 ‘Blessed barrier’ is an example of oxymoron, metaphor and alliteration.

SECTION IV

SUMMARY OF PROSE LESSONS

1. HIS FIRST FLIGHT

 ‘His First Flight’ is a story written by Liam O’Flaherty.
 It is the story of a young seagull, who was afraid to fly.
 He thought his wings would not support him.
 Lack of confidence and courage made him nervous.
 His mother gave him confidence to fly.
 Finally, he made his first flight.
 Every child needs courage and support in life.
 We should be brave and confident to attain our goals.
 The story conveys the message that hard work and confidence bring success.

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2. I WILL FLY

 I Will Fly is a speech delivered by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

 Dr. Kalam advises us to be confident, self-reliant, and unique.
 He believes that the ignited mind of the youth is the most important resource of a country.
 He inaugurated a programme called ‘Sasthrayaan’ which means ‘the propagation of
science.’
 A young village boy asked a question to [Link].
 He wanted to become a marine engineer.
 He asked him how he could achieve his mission.
 The boy lacked confidence.
 Kalam valued the question and recited the poem named “I Will Fly.’
 Everybody is born with potential and greatness.
 Everyone has ideas and dreams.
 Everybody is blessed with goodness and trust.
 But in our society, everybody wants us to be like others.
 Kalam advised the boy to be unique.

3. QUEST FOR A THEORY OF EVERYTHING

 Stephen Hawking was born on 8th January 1942 at Oxford in England.

 His father was Frank and his mother was Isobel.
 His early schooling was in Saint Alban’s School.
 He was a slow learner at the school.
 In 1959 he joined Oxford and specialized in Mathematics and Physics.
 Then he went to Cambridge for his further studies.
 There he was contracted with a rare disease called ALS.
 Meeting Jane Wilde was a turning point in his life.
 She supported him.
 His famous book A Brief History of Time was published in 1988.
 He passed away on 14th march 2018.
 Stephen Hawking is known as the ‘supernova’ of world physics.

4. AND THEN GANDHI CAME

 The lesson And then Gandhi Came is taken from The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal
Nehru.
 Nehru describes the uncertain condition in India after the First World War.
 The First World War had a terrible impact on Indians.
 There was no one to guide them.
 It was at this point that Gandhi came.
 Indian freedom struggle took a new shape.
 The essence of his teachings was fearlessness and truth.
 Gandhi uprooted fear from the minds of people.
 He guided the people on the way of truth.
 Gandhiji's two-fold action was:
a) Resisting foreign rule and
b) Fighting against our social evils.

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  Gandhiji’s dream was to bring social and religious harmony.
 He wanted to ensure equal rights for women.
 He dreamed of an India free from drinks and drugs.
 Under Gandhiji's leadership India attained freedom.
 Gandhiji was a man of strong will power and self-confidence.

5. THE PRICE OF FLOWERS

 The Price of Flowers is a story written by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay.

 It is a story of hope and faith.
 It depicts the bonds of relationships.
 It is an interesting story about a girl, Maggie
 The main character in the story is Maggie.
 She lived with her poor widowed mother.
 She was working as a typist in a nearby shop.
 Mr. Gupta was an Indian working in London.
 One day [Link] met Maggie at a restaurant.
 She was not satisfied with her mechanical job.
 Maggie believed that India was a country full of tigers, snakes and fevers.
 Her brother Frank was a soldier in India and there was no news from him.
 She wanted to know about her brother.
 Maggie requested Gupta to look into the crystal ring and say if her brother Frank was alive.
 Mr. Gupta looked into the ring and told a lie that Frank was alive.
 The lie helped to save the life of Mrs. Clifford.
 [Link] was shocked to learn that Frank had died in the war.
 Maggie visited Mr. Gupta before he left for India.
 She gave a shilling to buy flowers and to place them on the grave of her brother.
 [Link] received the shilling.
 It gave her joy beyond all price.
 The Price of Flowers is the story of the bonds of human relationships.

6. THE TRIP OF LE HORLA

 The Trip of Le Horla is about a ride in a hot air balloon.

 This is a thrilling hot air balloon journey from Paris to Belgium.
 There were five men in the balloon. Captain Jovis was their leader.
 Many people gathered to witness the take-off of the balloon.
 Passengers enjoyed the view of Paris city.
 When barometer showed 2350 meters at height they began to descend.
 Finally, Captain Jovis, directed to have a favourable landing.
 They watched the setting sun, rising moon, and the rising sun.
 Passengers thanked Captain Jovis for a wonderful experience.
 It was a fantastic journey.

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7. THE SACRED TURTLES OF KADAVU
 “The Sacred Turtles of Kadavu” describes a travel experience on the island of Kadavu.
 It beautifully narrates a strange ritual of turtle calling at the village of Namuana.
 Only maidens perform the ritual.
 They gather on the beach and sing a strange chant.
 Giant turtles would rise to the surface hearing the song.
 If men from neighbouring village are present, the turtles won't rise up.
 There is a legend behind the ritual of turtle calling.
 One day the wife and the daughter of the Chief of Namuana, Tinaicoboga and Raudalice
went for fishing.
 Some fishermen from Nabukelevu village came in a canoe and caught them.
 They did not listen to the request of the two women to save them.
 The sea gods were angry.
 A huge storm arose and tossed the canoe.
 The women were changed into turtles.
 The men threw them into the sea and escaped.
 The people of Namuana believe that Tinaicoboga and Raudalice are the descendants of
the two women.
 The maidens perform the strange ritual to remember them.

8. DISASTER AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN INDIA.

 Disasters have become a big challenge for all humanity.

 There are two types of disasters- natural disasters and man-made disasters.
 Disasters affect both developed and developing countries.
 Some of the natural disasters are storms, floods, windstorm, earth quakes and drought.
 India is highly prone to disasters.
 India faced disasters like Gujarat earthquake, Mumbai flood, Chennai flood, Tsunami flood
in Kerala etc.
 Death, damage and destruction are the immediate impacts of disasters.
 Disasters cause damage to life supporting systems.
 Rehabilitation is an important part of disaster management.
 The rescue teams should be equipped with the latest technology.

9. THE SERANG OF RANAGANJI

 The Serang of Ranaganji is a story written by A.J Cronin.

 The central character of the story is Hasan, the serang of the ship, Ranganji.
 The ship started from Liverpool to Calcutta.
 A.J Cronin was the doctor in the ship.
 Hasan was ugly with short legs and a large disproportionate head.
 Miss. Jope-Smith, laughed at his ugly appearance.
 Some of the crew got infected with smallpox.
 It was the duty of A. J Cronin to control the spreading of the disease.
 He was weighed down by his responsibility.
 Hasan supported the doctor in many ways.
 He nursed the patients risking his own life.

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  He never expected reward or money.
 His courage, self-control and faith helped to manage the disaster.
 He is a symbol of love, care, dedication and responsibility.

10. GOOSEBERRIES

 ‘Gooseberries’ is a short story by the famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov.

 Ivan Ivanich and Nicholai Ivanich are brothers.
 Ivan is a veterinary surgeon and Nicholai was a clerk in government service.
 But Nicholai's dream was to buy an estate with gooseberry bushes in it.
 He resigned from his job.

 He lived like a beggar and saved money to buy the estate.

 He even married an ugly widow, took her money and starved her to death.
 Nicholai fulfills his dream, becomes a landlord and enjoys eating gooseberries.
 Ivan does not agree to his brother's way of life.
 For Ivan, happiness means doing good things for others.
 But Ivan realises he has not done anything good in his life.
 It is too late. He has become old.
 He prays to God to forgive him.
 “Gooseberries” stand for the dreams of Nicholai.
 The lesson explains the idea of happiness that differs from person to person.

11. GOING OUT FOR A WALK

 Going out for a walk is a personal essay by Max Beerbohm.
 Beerbohm presents himself as a strong opponent of walking.
 He finds excuses when his friend invites him for a walk but at last he is forced to go.
 Beerbohm says that walking stops the brain.
 Some people think that walking is a noble task.
 Brains become inactive while walking.
 Thus, the walk ends in gossip or reading public notices.
 Beerbohm is not totally against walking.
 He is of the opinion that walking is good physically if it is done moderately.
 He will never prefer to go for a walk without a reason.

12. THE CYBERSPACE

 Cyberspace is an intellectual, legal and artificial environment similar to a real estate.

 It is an unlimited world of virtual real estate.
 It is a voluntary destination.
 There are 3 main areas.
1. Private emails/ chats
[Link] and entertainment
[Link] communities

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  Cyberspace is unique.
 Cyberspace is free from power structures.
 There is no geographical / gender difference.
 Individual choice and individual responsibility are important in cyberspace.
 We have freedom to love it or to leave it.

13. IS SOCIETY DEAD?

 New generation gets addicted to i-pods, smart phones, other technical devices.
 These addicts have common traits.
 They have vacant eyes.
 They don’t have connection with outer society.
 They don't respond to social cues.
 They miss the sound of nature, cry of a baby, songs of birds etc.
 They miss the beauty of outer world.
 Technology makes them isolated beings.
 The ear phones disconnect them from outer world.
 We should limit the use of technology.

14. CONCEPTUAL FRUIT

 The new technology helps mentally retarded people.

 Greta's father entertains his differentially abled child, Greta .
 He creates a Greta's street, Greta's house with fruits in every room.
 He decorates her room with things of her choice.
 The story proves that technology provides, refreshment, relaxation, sense of achievement,
confidence, happiness, satisfaction and companionship to people like Greta.
 Technology is an additional boon to physically/ mentally challenged people.

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