VALUE BASED QUESTIONS
5 Marks
100 Words
The Last Lesson
Q. Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school changed gradually by the end of
the text, though he had a great disliking for both the beginning of the story. It is
said that first impression is the last impression. Is it true in context of “The Last
Lesson”? Definitely not.
Write a small paragraph of about 100 words penning down your views on, ‘A
person can be best judged in his first appearance only’.
Ans: A well-known dictum states that ’appearances are deceptive’. In fact, it is true
that one cannot be judged in just one meeting. Actually, one or more meetings are not
enough to judge a person’s personality. Every person reacts differently on different
situations at different times. So it is not a matter of single appearances to form a
judgment about a person. It might be a prejudice.
Now-a-days every person appears to be social and gentle. They want to be presentable
in the society. No matter what their background is. One’s clothes, gestures, habits, etc.
do not de4fine one’s personality in just one appearance. Due time should be taken to
form opinion about a person. Different situations reveal different aspects of one’s
personality. Sometimes a life remains short to know a person. But sometimes even a
few seconds are enough to know one’s real face. Hence, it is not a matter of first or
last impression but the issue of time, needed to know one in one’s right colours.
Q. While speaking his mouth choked and wrote, ‘Vive La France’ and finally by
gesture he said: “School is dismissed – you may go.”
These lines show that M Hamel was greatly attached to his motherland,
profession and mother tongue. In other words, one should be attached to his own
land, cultures and customs. But today’s Indians are drowned in the western
colours. It shows that there is need to spread awareness about the feeling of
patriotism and other related factors. Write a paragraph in about 100 words
highlighting the issue.
Ans.
Patriotism-An Unmatched Spirit
Patriotism is defined as one’s love for one’s customs, culture, mother tongue,
motherland and everything what is associated with one’s motherland. One should be
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proud of what one’s country has given to him. In Indian context, people have started
adopting western culture. They are in the race of being ‘Mod’. This is really
surprising as well as pathetic. As an Indian, we own a rich and diversified culture
which has attracted foreigners too. Many patriots have sacrificed their lives in the
name of their country which has attracted foreigners too. Many Patriots have a feeling
that cannot be filled in the hearts of Indians but it should be arisen and inculcated
among the future generation of the country. The students or the youth of the country
need to be indianised. Adaption of different cultures is not bad. But forgetting our
own culture for sake of other ones is not done. The need of the hour is to inculcate the
moral values, virtues, love for humanity and motherland among the Indian youth.
Patriotism is an undying and unmatched spirit that cannot be sacrificed for anything.
Q. Read the following question and answer the question that follows:
Then he turned to the blackboard, took a piece of chalk and, bearing on with all
his might, he wrote as large as he could –
“vive la France!”
Abraham Lincoln, a former president of America said’
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.
I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
After reading the lesson and the above quote of Abraham Lincoln you being to
reflect on the lost spirit of patriotism amongst the youth in India due to which
there is no respect for once countrymen and no determination amongst the youth
to lead the country to be a better future.
Write an article in about 100 words for a national magazine on the need for
revival of patriotic spirit amongst the youth of India.
ANS: The Need for Revival of Patriotic Spirit amongst the Youth in India”. India
has been the land of proud martyrs who embraced the gallows for their ideals, where
every drop in freedom fighter’s blood fought not for itself but for nation. Today, the
same India stands famished and starved of the true patriotic spirit. Our youth appears
to be driven more by a crazy love for a superficial self-advancement than anything
else for our young boys and girls, country holds on better value than just a
geographical identity. Undoubtedly, ‘patriotism’ needs to be redefined and revived in
India.
We probably find our patriotic spirit stirred up when there is an Indo-pak cricket
match or when terrorists bomb our trains. But we definitely forget it when we cast our
vote in the elections, when a hungry beggar asks for a rupee, when we shamelessly
throw garbage on the roads and so on….
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Patriotic emotions cannot be engendered in a windfall. They will have to be engraved
on tender hearts that will remain placid. Our education policies thus needed to be
revalued and reformed. More national awareness and respect should be embedded into
the scholastic curriculum. This could be nothing more than a sincere devotion for
making a peaceful-loving, uncorrupt, crime-free, unpolluted and patriotic India. Small
actions persuaded with a notion of doing good to other countrymen is true patriotism.
Today, our country wants awakened citizens to move forward and it is in this sphere
where we have to exercise our true patriotic spirit.
Q. ‘When a people are enslaved, as long as they held fast to their language it is as
if they had the key to their prison.’
This statement is given before the students by their teacher M. Hamel in his last
lesson. After reading the lesson, what do you think about the ‘Role and
Importance of Language in the lives of countrymen’? Write your views in the
form of an article in about 100 words to be published in your school magazine.
Q. ‘The Last Lesson’ by Alphonse Dauet throws light on the feeling of patriotism
among countrymen as well as their love towards their language and the role this
language plays in their lives.
Taking referenced from the text write a paragraph of about 100 words arguing
for or against having to study three languages at school.
Lost Spring
Q. Everyone wishes to live a lavish life in a big city. Big cities provide big dreams
kin one’s eyes. These attract everything especially from villages or small towns.
After reading the text LOST SPRING you must have been to point out the
possible reasons behind migration from a place to other. Write a paragraph in
about 100 words for a social magazine highlighting the issue ‘The reasons for the
migration of people from villages to cities.’
Ans: Due to urbanization, education, employment, safety and other basic amenities
more and more people are migrating from villages to the cities. In the lesson at hand,
people have fled from Bangladesh because their fields and houses were swept away
by the storm. There they could not get even enough food to fill their belly. The
settlement of Seemapuri is a fine example of this kind. In addition to this one can see
that the pressure on the land has increased due to population and mechanized farming.
So the requirement of labour is very acute. Consequently, people flee towards the
cities for work. In earlier days means of education and transportation, etc. were very
few. Only a few could get education. Agriculture was their main profession. With
extensive and renovated education, the youth run from post to pillar in search of job.
They do not want to stay in unhealthy and unhygienic rural surroundings.
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Not to speak of this, all sorts of village crafts have been replaced with the machines.
The market is full of competition, quality and cheap goods. The villagers fail to
compete with the new system of heavy industrialization. So the people migrate from
villages to cities to attain a city-like presence for themselves.
Q. You have been stunned with the condition of children in the country. The
government, on one hand, feels proud to enact the anti-child labour act. While on
the other hand, the childhood is being ruined under the net/trap of child labour.
Write your views on ‘Elimination of Child Labour’ in about 100 words.
Rag pickers in
Seemapuri
Ans.
Factoryworkers at
bangleindustry of
Firozabad
Child beggars
at crossings,
red-lights etc.
Elimination of Child Labour
The child labour employed in a nay form of the hazardous work is an offence. It is
banned under law. Yet it goes on unabated, the industrial towns like Firozabad,
Shivakasi, Mirzapur and so on.
The child labour is hazardous in nature. It inflicts physical and mental harm to the
boys. The work in the glass bangle industry often ends up them losing their eyesight
before they become adults. The mind-numbing toil is bangle-making kills all their
initiative, drive and ability to dream in life. They are even deprived of the school
education and proper growth.
According to Anees Jung about 20,000 children are working in the glass bangle
industry of Firozabad. Some of the industrialists conspire in unison with the Sahukars,
the middlemen, the policeman and the politicians and then go on stealing their
childhood for some extra coins. The only possible solution lies with the government
and the society to punish the wrong-doers very strictly; and keep a careful watch and
vigil over them.
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Q. Indiscriminate migration to big cities has resulted into the growth of slums
like mushrooms. Moreover, people are seen living in inhuman conditions here.
You may take reference from the test ‘The Lost Spring’ about two poor boys
Saheb and Mukesh. Write a paragraph kin 100 words about this problem
suggesting steps to deal with it.
Ans.
Growth of Slums
The threat of population explosion has become the greatest menace for India. Every
four seconds a new baby is born in India. If the present trend continues, we can
visualize its serious consequences. There is not an inch of vacant space in all the
towns and cities of India. The price of land has become sky-high. A person belonging
to middle income group cannot even dream to buy a small piece of land
in some
hygienic place. Therefore, slums have sprung up around all the towns and cities.
Slums are dirty dwellings. They are no better than hell. The people live in dark and
dingy dwellings. Their small houses lack air, light and sanitation. There is a shortage
of fresh drinking water and electricity. They remain ill fed, ill clad and ill sheltered.
They earn their dry bread through corrupt, criminal and vulgar activities. Their filthy
surroundings cause them to fall victims of fatal diseases. They dell drugs and
intoxicants,. Drinking and gambling are their favourite pastimes.
Q. In this case the elder, is an impoverished bangle-maker. Despite long years of
hard labour, first as a tailor, then a bangle-maker, he has failed to renovate a
house, end his two sons to school. All he has managed to do is teach them what he
knows: ‘the art of making bangles’.
These lines show the apathy prevailing in some strata of society. These groups
have been known by their profession. Their ‘profession’ is their ‘caste’. Is it fine
to force someone to be a p art of his ancestral profession? Or some specific
reasons or thoughts are responsible for it. Write an article to be published in
your school magazine on the issue- ‘Profession cannot be termed as legacy.’ Sign
yourself as Amrita/Amrit. (100 words)
Ans.
Profession v/s Legacy
Indian society has many facets. There is caste system prevalent, as one of the
major evils in the society. Not only this, in some parts of the country, the profession
of some people has turned out to be their caste. They are indulged in the same
profession from generation to generation. They treat it like the God-given lineage that
is unbreakable. Some as in the case of bangle-makers at Firozabad, new generation is
said to believe to have born in the caste bangle makers. This ancestral profession,
despite many health-hazards, runs in their blood. To do anything else would mean to
dare. The youngsters have to treat it like their ‘Karam’ or destiny. They lived a life of
sacked employees. Profession has imposed as a legacy on them. Whether it brings full
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facilities to live or not, nothing else can be tried even. This is unfair and not done.
Now the younger generation has the spark to do anything else. A doctor’s son should
not necessarily be a doctor. One can opt for profession according to one’s choice. This
is the only way to break the vicious circle of the abject poverty.
Q. None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to work in glass
furnaces with high temperatures in dingy cell without air and light …..?
These words from ‘Lost Spring ‘ through light on the grinding poverty that
forces many children in India to lead a life of exploitation whereby they have to
slog in sub-human conditions.
Driven by a concern for such children who lose their childhood and who go
through an unjust, treatment, write an article in about 100 words on ‘Child
Labour in India.’
ANS: Child labour in any form, if both legal and social offence . it is banned under
law in India yet, more than 10 million children are employed in hazardous and
dangerous trades and industries. At their tender age, they are made to work 10 to 15
hours a day instead of them studying and playing . These children are made to work in
sub-human condition and are often exploited. They are underpaid, ill-fed and even
beaten at the slightest fault. One is moved with pity to see their grim and famished
faces. For example, in Mirzapur carpet industry, thousands of children are engaged in
carpet weaving. In dark hutments, sit boys and girls, weaving carpets. Their eyes are
more adjusted to the dark than to the light. They work at the risk of even losing their
eye sight. Strict measures need to be adopted to execute the constitutional ban on
child labour in both letter and spirit if we don’t want the future of India to be doomed.
It is the birth right to every child to live his/her childhood. We can’t allow this
beautiful stage to simply pass by the little faces, leaving them shrinking away…..
Q. The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of
people who produce them. This paradox makes you dumbstruck. You decide to
write an article for a national daily on the issue suggesting ways to improve the
lifestyle of workers in such small-scale industries by enforcing some specific
labour friendly laws. Write an article in about 100 words.
Deep Water
Q. Doing well in any activity, for example a sport, music, dance or painting,
riding a motorcycle or a cars, involves a great deal of struggle. Most of us are
very nervous to begin with until gradually we overcome our fears and perform
well.
Write a paragraph of about 100 words recounting such an experience. Try to
recollect details of what caused the fear, your feelings, the encouragement you
got from others or the criticism.
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You could begin with the last sentenced of the essay DEEP WATER – “ At last I
felt released, free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.”
Ans.
Doing Well- A Great Struggle
At last I felt released, free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside
fear. Now the haunting fear had been shed and I can drive not only the motorcycle but
the car also on the crowded roads of Delhi without any trace of fear in me.
When for the first time I rode a motorcycle I felt very thrilled. Moreover, I drove on
an empty road in the rural part after sunset. It was after travelling a distance of four
kilometers I drove back. At a sharp curve a passenger bus came from opposite side.
To my utter horror, I could notice the fallen-tree on my road-side when I just reached
it. It had no choice but to drive down the road. I jumped flat behind, leaving the
running motorcycle in the grove of trees. I was badly hurt and found the bike
damaged form standing in the trees. I was fear-struck and helpless. The driving fear
followed me whenever I drove.
At last, I engaged an instructor to teach me driving. It was one hour daily for one
month. I was given a signal to drive independently. I drove on busy roads, crowded
roads, jammed roads and finally, on roads with deep curves in the hills. It made me to
feel free of the haunting driving fear. The residual fear also was over a long time. I
won it, and felt free to drive.
Q. Taking references from the story ’Deep Water’, write a paragraph on
‘Practice Makes a Man Perfect’.
Ans. Life teaches us many things. We are not well trained or learned person since our
birth. Life provides us opportunities to learn. We break the shackles of myths and
prejudices to learn more and more. Due to one incident or other, many phobias start
ruling one’s heart. This is really a pathetic condition. Terrors and fears are a part of
life but their phase must be temporary. One needs to practice over and over again till
he gets mastery over the issue. This is all about hope, struggle and determination and
nothing else. As it is rightly said, ‘Faith can move mountains.’ So practicing hard for
a thing brings fruitful results.
Q. Look at the following quotes:
Life is to live
Faith steers the ship of life
Life is to live
Life is to live
Life is to live
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Life is a precious gift
Life is to live
Life is a teacher itself
Life is a mixture of Roses & Thorns
Life is to live
Life is to live
Life is to live
Life is to live
Reading all these and the lesson ‘Deep Water’ you decide to write a paragraph
for your school magazine on ‘How to overcome trouble’.
Ans.
How to Overcome Trouble
Life is a mixture of the ‘Pleasant’ and the ‘Unpleasant’, of joy and sorrow. As
the Psalmist declares – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the
morning.” Joy and sorrow follow each other as day follows night. But when suffering
comes, the period appears to be long. A year of joy appears as a day and a day of
suffering appears longer than a year.
Suffering is not a part of life. It is a teacher. We would miss some of the best lessons
in life, if suffering did not come to us. Many of us don not recognize this truth and do
all we can to avoid a painful experience. When trouble approaches, we try to run
away from it, but trouble can never be avoided. The unpleasant experience recedes only for a while to return to us again. By avoiding trouble, we invite grater trouble at
a later stage. There are some who knowing that trouble cannot be avoided, resign
themselves to the experiences which fall to their lot. They do not resist; they become
resigned. Often such persons are heard to say: ‘What cannot be cured must be
endured.’
Q. “All we have to fear is fear itself”, the narrator in the lesson ‘deep water
‘Quotes Roosevelt while narrating his experience of going deep in water and all
the rest of it. Narrate another story about conquest of fear and how courage
helped one to survive under the stress.
ANS:
‘An Act of Courage’
It is the real story of Asma khan, who was awarded for saving about 40 children from
drowning ‘.
It was a horror scene in suburban Mumbai, rain lashed on the ground. A hundred
children wailed in terror in a cramped, dark hall. Water gushed in from all sides and
inched up. The inmates of ‘bal girha’ of the children’s aid society sang and their
prayer. Asma was the odd one out.
She started calculating how soon the children will start drowning. She instantly
picked up two of the smaller kids and jumped into water-nearly five feet of dirty,
black liquid! She didn’t know how to swim. So, slowly she moved across the slippery
ground, keeping her head up to keep water from getting into her mouth and nose. She
made over a dozen such trips, carry nearly 40 kids on her shoulders to safety. Wasn’t
she scared? Someone asked her. “Nothing scares me “, she says. The girl doesn’t
know who or where her parents were. But Asma certainly knows about parenting than
most. At this tender age, she has already conquered fear!
Q. ‘All we have to fear is fear itself’. The story ‘Deep Water’ is about Douglas’
fear water and how he finally overcomes it.
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After reading the text, you strongly feel that there is nothing to be afraid of. One
can adapt virtues like courage, strong determination, hard toil, strong will power
and the desire to learn, to reach the highest peak in life. Write a speech in about
1000 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic
‘Fear Does not let One Conquer’.
The Rattrap
Q. After reading the text ‘The Rattrap’, you feel that moral virtues can change a
person’s life. These play a vital role in the moral and spiritual development of a
human-being.
Therefore write a paragraph on ‘Needs for inculcating moral values’ in about
100 words.
Ans.
Inculcation of Moral Values
All of us are quite aware that a smooth and peaceful life has got its own
significance in our life. A troubled and tensed life is meaningless as it gives birth to so
many ailments and problems. By adopting and inculcating values like truthfulness,
punctuality, regularity, fellow-feeling, sympathy and a selfless service; we make our
life a boon for all. In other words these are etiquettes of society. The machine and
wheel of life run. We must learn to pay due respect to our elders and love needy, poor
and our young-ones. We can be a role model for others. Suppose we are late for
school. It will tense us and increase our blood pressure. The fear of scolding will go
on haunting us till we reach institution and face the consequences.
Further such mental vices turn us addict and we become habitual. These things
troubles in our later life. A student life is the best platform to attain as well as earn
these virtues. By sitting and working together, we learn different qualities like truth,
fellow-feeling, sympathy, equality, service, help and affection. These pave a good
path for our future life and the society kin which we have to live. A man without
social and moral virtues lives nowhere. He is seen with hatred and distorting eyes. All
see him with dubious views. He loses trust, confidence, affection and honour. If we
want success in our life, we must inculcate among us these virtues. Let us meditate
deeply and make our life meaningful, successful, acclaimable and satisfactory. It is
our own hands to be a useful citizen and serve others in this very short span of life.
Q. The story “The Rattrap” suggests that the whole world is like a rattrap. What
is your interpretation of the statement? Write in about 100 words.
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Ans.: It is rightly said that the whole world is nothing but a big rattrap. All riches,
joys, food and shelter are just baits. The moment anyone attracted towards the bait
and touches it, the rattrap closes one into itself. Then everything comes to an end. The
man has made his life full of materialistic pleasures. These materialists’ pleasures
tempt everyone towards them. Every person runs towards them, tries hard to achieve
them and ultimately comes to an end. This is nothing but the dark side of these
materialistic pleasures. A coin has two sides same as the world is formed of good and
bad deeds. If one is able to maintain and control one’s wishes in order to live a happy
and contended life, he may escape to be a victim of this rattrap.
Q. “The Rattrap” is a story that focuses on human loneliness and the need to be
kind to other. It shows how an act of kindness can change a person’s view of the
world. In keeping with this mood of the story, write an article on ‘On being
kind’.
ANS:
‘On Being Kind’
‘Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and blind can see rightly said Mark
Twain. Kindness is the universal language that is comprehended beyond boundaries.
Being kind to other instills a positive feeling of joy to the recipient. The doer is also
satiated by the feeling of warmth and compassion. All religions teach us to express
kindness toward other. Even the mute animal waves their tail as a return gesture to
kindness shown to them. Plants grow large and bear fruits as a response to the kind
behavioral attribute by the human beings.
Being kind to your siblings or peers helps to build strong bonding. Showing kindness
to neighbors and colleagues helps in developing a positive social environment. A kind
word to a person who has gone astray may even change his approach to life. If you
have been kind to someone by ignoring his small fault or simply said ‘never mind,
take care next time’ will always be remembered by that person. Be kind and the same
will come back to you. Finally, be kind to yourself and give space to the trivial
mistakes in life.
Indigo
Q. ‘Non-Violence’ and ‘Truthfulness’ were Gandhi Ji’s tools against the British.
He fought with them and won the battle. It proves that ‘non-violence’ has the
power. So, write a paragraph on the issue in about 100 words.
Ans.: If we meditated deeply and turn the pages of our sacred history our
philosophers, thinkers, saints, rishis and munis have stressed the need and significance
of non-violence. Emperor like Ashoka, Prince like Gautam Buddha and the modern
sacred souls like our father of nation, Mahatama Gandhi all have not only preached
but also put into practice the act of non-violence. Ashoka the great forbade even the
killing of wild animals in his kingdom. Buddha sent his preachers far and wide to
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sermonize the public on the importance of leading a peaceful life. It was Gandhi who
brought Independence to India through non-violence means with the help of Indians.
It was our concerted effort and sacrifice that brought colours to this nation.
We can well understand the dictum that we have no right to kill innocent lives. It is a
great sin to do sway others life. The recent attack of terrorists over Mumbai on 26 th
November, 2008 will remain a black day in the history of the world. Have these brutal
ever thought that many families become orphan, their children suffer. The nation and
the economy shatter due to their savage activities. Such mean acts are useless and
shameful. These bring dishonor, chaos, confusion and trouble. We can do away with
these unlawful activities through our concerned efforts. Though the extremists are the
traitors but they should be taught the lesson of peace, affection, sympathy, love and
selfless service to others since all complicated problems can be solved through
mutual-understanding and love. It is the need of the hour to bring such strategies into
action that may change the lives and ideologies of these forlorn extremists. Let us
preach and follow the path of non-violence.
Q. The text ‘Indigo’ expresses the value of freedom and Indians’ fight for
freedom. How would you define FREEDOM? Write your views in the form of a
speech to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school. Don’t exceed 100
words.
Ans.: Today I am going to share my views on the value of freedom for me.
Freedom is precious for everyone. ‘Only a caged bird can know its importance.’ In
fact, we, Indians, have a great value for it. Our freedom fighters left no stone unturned
to get our freedom back from the Britishers. Their long but firm struggle brought us
this precious gift of freedom. We have freedom to do anything. We have freedom to
live, to express our views, to cast our vote, to religious expressions and adaptions and
the list continues. Here the most important thing is that this freedom is priceless for us
and we should respect it. This is our duty to keep it up and abiding by social and
moral ethics. Freedom is so important for us and we cannot lose it at any cost.
Q. “He had read our minds correctly.” Rajendra Prasad comments. “and we had
no reply…….Gandhi in this way taught us a lesson in self-reliance”. These lines
prove that Gandhiji was a true leader in each and every respect. Taking ideas
from the lesson about the true leadership skills along with your own views, write
a paragraph in about 100 words on “The qualities of a good leader.”
Ans.: A good leader is a torch bearer who shows the light to his followers and to the
masses at large. He brings them from darkness to light, from ignorance to awareness,
from fear to self-reliance and from violence to non-violence.
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A good leader is a model for all. He has the personality traits of fearlessness, bravery,
initiatives, spot decision making and hard work directed to the public welfare. His
feelings of sacrifice for his motherland and for his people make him a charismatic
personality for them.
A good leader must be a man of words, of high integrity and truthfulness. He is above
all narrow feelings of caste, religion, colour, creed, sex or regionalism and language
barriers. His punctuality, love for humanity, patriotism and sincerity to his people, are
the models for others to follow.
All the time of national calamity he sets examples for others and helps all through
which and then. He is devoid of selfishness, greed and even comforts. Though he is an
advocated of world peace, yet he is ready to sacrifice his life for his motherland.
Q. The lesson ‘indigo ‘highlights the qualities of leadership shown by Mahatma
Gandhi to secure justice for the oppressed people through argumentation and
negotiation. Getting a clue from the way Mahatma Gandhi dealt with the
Champaran episode, write an article on ‘qualities of a good leader’ or ‘what
makes a good leader’.
ANS:
‘Qualities of a Good Leader’
Or
‘What makes a Good Leader’
Leadership is the process by which a leader imaginatively directs, guides and
influences the work of other in choosing and attaining specified goals by mediating
between the individuals and the organization in such a manner as will satisfy both.
A leader may not be physically strong but he needs to be mentally strong and firm in
decisions. For example, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest of our leader, had the power of
organizing, uniting and attracting people, towards him by possess is intelligence and
alertness. A leader has to use his/her brain every time and has to remain alert with eye
and ears open, to avoid being carried by any fraud or enemy. Apart from being
impartial, a leader needs to be action-oriented. A leader should be affective enough
towards himself and encourages everyone through his word to do constructive work
while walking on the right path so that everyone can become aware of his/her rights
and duties. A leader has to be dedicated. He does whatever it takes to be role model in
every sense of the word.
Q. “ In everything, Gandhi did, moreover, he tried to mould a news free Indian
whom could stand on his own feet and thus make India Free.”
Instead of choosing a lavish life as a learned advocate, Gandhiji decided to be the
pioneer of Independence in India. He gave a new direction to the Indian politics
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and led us towards freedom. He deliberately recognized the power of youth. In
fact, the young generation is needed to be a part of politics even today. Taking
reference from the text INDIGO along with your own views, write an article on
‘The involvement of students in politics’ in about 100 words for your school
magazine.
Q. ‘Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.’ Do you
think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence? Write your
views in the form of an article of about 100 words to be published in a social
magazine.
Poets & Pancakes
Q. ‘Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini studios
brought in truck-load…’ thus recount the writer of ‘poets and pancakes’ his year
at Gemini studio in Chennai. In the light of what you read in the lesson, write an
article
ANS: The first Indian motion picture ‘Raja Harish Chandra’ was produced and
released in India in 1913 and thus Indian cinema successfully completes its century in
2013.yes, it has been hundred years and yet the fascination for movies has not faded
for nation of one billion Indians.
This is a country where allied entertainment forms like music or the fashion industry
are subservient to the glamour that cinema and its starts bring. The Mumbai based
Hindi films industry sets the pace for style, fads and fashion for the young audience.
Romantic melodrama or so called ‘masala entertainment’ remains the staple of Indian
cinema across the 15 or more regional language movie industries in the country.
The 1930s and 1940s were marked by socialist themes and the fight against poverty
and society for the marginalized. The 1960s brought global winds of color hippie
counter. The themes however followed the rich and the poor, and evil versus virtuous
etc. formula. The 1970s and 1980s saw the advent of the mega star syndrome. These
actors from Bollywood and from south, Bengal, etc. become icons who were glorified
according to the regional sensibility
In the 21st century Indian cinema is breaking new grounds. Film maker of all kinds
are making films that are edgy gritty and true to life, a far cry from over the top
entertainers. Film making techniques, too, have seen changes with time.
From the silent pictures to the talkies from black and white to Technicolor from
cinema scope to hand-held devices Indian cinema has kept pace with global cinema in
its ability to make the audience dream a little larger.
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Q. The story ‘Poets and Pancakes’ gives an account of film production and
related activities in 1940s. Since then, there has been major transformation in the
area. Write a short paragraph of about 100 words for a weekly magazine stating
‘Changes in Film Production’.
Q. After taking reference from the text ’Poets and Pancakes’, write a paragraph
on the topic – ‘Film Industry an Example of National Integration.’
(Hints:- Peoples from different caste, religion, creed, status, culture work
together…..celebration of all the festivals together irrespective of caste
system……..)
The Interview
Q. The lesson ‘The interview’ is an excerpt taken from Christopher Silvestre’s
introduction to the ‘penguin book of interviews’. In the light of what you make
of the interview as a communication tool to get information write an article.
ANS: Interview is a supremely serviceable medium of communication in today’s
world. But many celebrities, especially writers despise the very idea of being
interviewed as they consider the interview as unwarranted intrusion. If you chance
upon moments when you got to interview an author, you need to keep a few things in
mind.
First and foremost, do some research on the author and his work. Use your
investigative reporting skill and try to discover as much as you can about the author,
his book and even his personal life. Surf the internet for any internet-published
writing the writer may have. Also find out what makes the author tick. You have got
to research the genre and subject matter he generally focuses on in his book/books.
All this will help you in asking more in-depth questions while face to face with the
interviewee will get the comfortable and open up to you. After you ask your question,
quietly listen and don’t interrupt while the author responds. Let him be in spotlight.
You may have your list in questions, it’s okay to ask questions out-of-order. This, in
fact, will make it look less formal and questions will seem unforced. In short, treat
your interview as if it’s a regular discussion amongst friends. Above all, if possible,
consider recording the interview.
Q. After reading the text ‘The Interview’, one can easily frame out do’s and
don’ts associated with an interview.
Write your choice of the medium you like the best for and interview, print, radio
or television.
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Q. Some say – Interview is an art while others consider it a trespassing in others’
lives.
Write your opinion on ‘The Interview’ in about 1000 words.
Q. In the text ‘The Interview’, we come to know that there are people who call
‘interview’ an art in practice or a source of truth but others despise it. According
to them it is an “unwarranted intrusion” in their lives. Rudyard Kipling thinks
an interview to be immoral, a crime, an offence, an assault worth punishment,
vile and cowardly. What do you think about it? Write your views on the topic:
‘Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes
embarrass celebrities with very personal questions’.
Q. Taking inference from the story- ‘The Interview’ write a small paragraph on
the issue – “Journalism has marked its Presence Today.”
Going Places
Q. A. R. Barton says- “Sophie dreams and disappointments are all in her mind”.
Is it true in context of every youngster? What do you think about it? Write your
answer within 100 words.
Ans.: Science says that even an unborn baby has a picture of world outside in his
mind. It is also true in context of the youngsters. A child grows up within the
protection wall of the family. He is kept away from the social encounter. S/he
develops her/his own image of world in her/his mind./ This image is based on the
social atmospheres provided to him/. The youngsters have dreams, phobias and
disappointments all in their mind. May be all of them are not true in real context.
They are not mature enough to deal with the situations independently. They need
emotional security on their elder’s behalf. The need is to develop a sharing tendency
between the young ones and the elder ones. Only then, the youngsters can leave
behind their myths and prejudices, excelling in every sphere of life.
Q. After reading the text ‘Going Places’, it is clear that it is natural for teenagers
to have unrealistic dreams. Write your views in the form of a paragraph of about
100 words stating ‘benefits and disadvantages of such fantasizing.’
Ans.: It is natural for teenagers to get lost in fantasizing. It is also termed as day
dreaming. Such unrealistic dreams are seldom got rid of by the teenagers. This age
group starts from thirteen years when one becomes conscious of surroundings
gradually. There are thoughts, whims and then determinations. Consequently, they
result mostly in agonies and sufferings. Sophie is one such teenager who dreams like
a teenager.
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Sophie apparently was determined to have her own boutique, regardless of money in
hand. But in her fancy she became a shop manager. She dreamt of becoming an
actress as well as of having boutique. To be more sophisticated – a fashion designer.
The fantasizing flight came to an end here, but he faced troubles and the only
disadvantages.
Riding behind her brother Geoff, she imagined to visit all unknown places, people and
countries where people praised and greeted them. Of course, this unrealistic dream
pleased her.
Finally, the romantic and emotional dreaming of Danny Casey’s love created
uneasiness, impatience, pangs, sadness and burdened posture. Such unrealistic dreams
are disadvantageous. Danny Casey, the innocent Icelander a captive of her fantasizing
chosen for one-side love.
Thus, it is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. There are both-benefits
and disadvantages of such fantasizing – the world realities have both.
Q. One of the themes of the lesson ‘going places’ is about an adolescent, given to
hero-worship. You too, must be having your role model or someone you have
always admired or whom you may have considered your ‘hero’.
ANS: It has been remarked, “hero-worship is the most favorite pastime of most
Indians”.
Perhaps it is very true. In India, wherever you go, you hear people talking of their
favorite heroes and heroines. Cricket being my favorite game, my most special hero
happens to be Sachin Tendulkar, one of the best batsmen of all times. In my view,
there was no other player so dedicated to the cause of the team and the team and the
country as him. He is India’s hope for the future and the hope of millions of Indians
who look upto him. Sachin is a national icon of his fans all over the world. He has
given his life to the game of cricket. He has broken many records till date. He is the
leading run scorer and the century maker both is test in ODI’s. While at school, his
extraordinary batting skill was noticed by the sports circuit. Soon the young boy
becomes greats in cricket. This little master, with his amazing talent, has become the
tallest master blaster in the world of cricket. He has his own style. He can score allround the wicket, off both front foot and back foot. He can tackle any kind of bowler.
He packs tremendous power in to his short, stocky frame and his ability to time the
ball is exemplary.
He has been honored with many prestigious awards, including Padma Vibhushan,
Padma Bhushan, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award etc. He is a role model to many. He
is passionate about his game and has been consistently successful. Inspite of all the
fame, he is down to earth. He respects his game country, his fan and his family.
Everyone Indian should be proud of this ‘messiah of cricket’ and a wonderful person
with a generous heart. Truly and wisely said precious thing come in small packages.
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Q. ‘Going Places’ is partly about teenage behavior and how it affects the
individual and his/her relationship with other around. Imbibing ideas from the
lesson and take up your own,
ANS: Being a teenager is perceived as the coolest time in one’s life. Most kids think
that when they become a teen they will have rights to do more things. They feel
grown up. They think they are old enough to go out on late nights with friends,
slumber parties and go to mall unsupervised etc. they assume that they are own able to
control themselves.
But being a teenager is hard, harder that someone can imagine. Being a teenager is
talking for hours on the phone to your best friend, being talked about and talking
about others. It is being guilty when you are innocent. It is standing out and fitting in.
it is dealing with life when it crashes on you and trying your hardest to live through it.
You tend to feel everything at once. When you like someone, you almost worship
him/her when you hate someone you despite him/her. When you are lonely, you are
miserable. When you are happy, you get carried away. You have to go through this
stage. These are the best and the worst years of the life. Being a teenager isn’t
anything it’s everything.
And while you’re being a teenager, you ought to live it up. Your parents probably find
it hard to cope up with the stubborn ness and irritability the teenage bring with it. Not
knowing what to do, they start putting compulsions on you. They expect you to be
responsible in studies and other activities. But always remember, it is all for your
benefit.
Q. After reading the story, ‘Going Places’, you were forced to compare your
worlds of Fantasy and reality. Hopefully you find a great difference in them.
Recounts your views and write a diary entry in about 100 words expressing
yourself on ‘Fantasy World v/s Real World’.
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