Hiranandani Foundation School International
2025-2026
SUBJECT: English Language GRADE – VIII DATE: 14th August, 2025
STUDENT`S NAME: TOPIC – Note-making + Summary Worksheet no: 10
Writing _ sample
Example Passage
The Pursuit Of Happiness
The character of Gardner in this film is a man almost entirely without flaws. It’s a dream of a part for an
actor and a great story for a film – and, albeit with the usual Hollywood liberties, it’s all true. Gardner and
his son did sleep in a locked railway station toilet. They did line up at homeless shelters with down-and-outs,
scrabbling for a bed for the night – and all while Gardner was working at his internship, with no income and
little chance of a job at the end of it.
Gardner went through all of these hardships because he wanted to build a better life for himself and his
family. After all, ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness’ is a well-known phrase in the Declaration of
Independence that suggests every American has the basic right to strive for happiness and fulfil their
dreams. Today, Gardner is a multi-millionaire with a best-selling book: a memoir based on his struggles to
improve his life. And there’s real drama as Gardner pushes himself to breaking point, trying to protect his
son (played with lots of charm by the actor’s own son) from the dire extent of their situation.
It’s clear from the start that we’re in rags-to-riches, wish-fulfilment territory here, but unlike some other
Hollywood blockbusters, this doesn’t have the same emotional impact. That’s partly because director
Gabriele Muccino shoots the film in muted autumnal colours, which dampens your engagement with the
film.
Yet, despite its flaws, the movie still warms the heart thanks to the actor, whose innate, irrepressible
likeability carries the movie through its more formulaic moments. And if he should end up with a major
award next year, well… how’s that for an American Dream?
Glossary
Declaration of Independence: a document claiming freedom for the United States from political control by
Britain on 4 July, 1776
Note-making Question: The given text is a review of the film The Pursuit of Happiness. Make notes about
the features of the film.
1
Sample answer:
The Pursuit of Happiness
Genre drama
Director Gabriele Muccino
Characters in the film 1. Gardner
2. Gardner’s son
Main events in the film
1. Gardner and his son face homelessness
2. Gardner works at an unpaid internship
3. he strives to improve their lives
4. emotional struggles ensue
5. protects his son from the situation
Summary writing question: Write a summary of the information in the text about the film, The Pursuit of
Happiness. Use up to 50 words. Include 4–5 points from your list (refer to note-making sample). Use your
own words as much as possible.
Sample answer:
In "The Pursuit of Happiness," directed by Gabriele Muccino, Gardner and his son face homelessness.
Gardner works at an unpaid internship, striving to improve their lives. The pair faces many challenges and
emotional struggles, but Gardener protects his son from their dire situation, ultimately achieving success and
epitomizing the American Dream.