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CLASS: XII ENGLISH (CORE)

Unit-wise Weightage

Section Unit/Area of Learning Marks

A Reading Comprehension 30

B Writing Skills 30

C Literature & Long Reading Text 40

(i) Flamingo + Value Based

(ii) Supplementary Reader - Vistas

Novel

Section A: Reading Unseen Passages and Note-making

Two unseen passages with a variety of very short answer / short answer or MCQ

type questions to test comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as word

formation and inference of meaning will also be tested.

The total length of the two passages will be between 1100 and 1200 words. The passage will

include two of the following:

• a. Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.

• b. Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.

• c. Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography. A poem could

be of 28-35 lines.

The passages can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. The length of one

passage should be between 600-700 words.

A third passage of 400-500 words for note-making and abstraction.

Section B: Writing Skills

Short Answer Questions, e.g., advertisement and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing

formal and informal invitations and replies.

Long Answer Questions: Letters based on verbal / visual input.

Letter types include

• Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving

information, placing orders and sending replies)

• Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest

• Application for a job

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Very Long Answer Questions: Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal Input may be

descriptive or argumentative in nature such as an article, a debate or a speech.

Section C: Literature and Long Reading Text

Flamingo and Vistas

• Very Short Answer Questions - Based on an extract from poetry to test comprehension and

appreciation.

• Short Answer Questions - Based on prose / drama / poetry from both the texts.

• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension and extrapolation beyond

the texts to bring out the key messages and values.

• Long Answer Question - Based on texts to test global comprehension along with analysis and

extrapolation.

• Long Answer Question - Based on theme, plot and incidents from the prescribed novels.

• Long Answer Question - Based on understanding appreciation, analysis and interpretation of the

character sketch.

Prescribed Books

1. Flamingo: English Reader published by NCERT

2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by NCERT

Lessons Deleted

Flamingo - 1. Poets and Pancakes; 2. The Interview; 3. A Road Side Stand (Poetry)

Vistas - 4. The Third Level; 5. Journey to the End of the Earth

Long Reading Text / Novel (either one)

• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

• Silas Marner by George Eliot

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NOTE MAKING & SUMMARY

Cardinal Rules of Note Making

� Notes are to be prepared using POINTS ONLY. Never use complete sentences.

� Provide a suitable title for the notes and the summary. The title should not exceed more than 5

words.

� The topic of discussion in each paragraph is the main point and the ideas elaborating on it are the

sub-points.

� The minimum number of main points for the passage should be 3.

� There should be minimum 4 sub-points for each main point.

� Make sure that all the important points in the passage has been covered while preparing the notes.

� Use proper indentations for the notes. A systematic pattern is to be followed for the indentations

such as if you adopt numerical then consistently use only numerical for the notes. If its alphabet

indentation, then be consistent in using alphabets only.

� Use minimum 4 abbreviations in the notes. Abbreviations can be either recognizable / universally

accepted or they can be created by the student. Symbols and figures may also be used as

abbreviations.

� A key has to be provided at the end of the notes for the abbreviations titled ‘Key to

Abbreviations’.

Split-up of marks for Note Making

Content Area Marks Allotted

Notes 3

Title 1

Abbreviations (minimum 4) 1

Total 5

SUMMARY

The important points in the notes are written as meaningful sentences to form the summary. The

word limit is 80.

Split-up of marks for Summary

Content – 2; Expression – 1; Total – 3

Passage for Note Making (Solved)

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Every girl dreams of becoming a princess and living in a castle. The closest we can get to that

these days is vacationing in one of the numerous palace hotels that dot our historical country.

They are a symbol of our glorious past and give us a taste of the regal lifestyle of the royalty in

India.

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Most of these palace hotels are situate in Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Bikaner – they

all boast huge forts, colourful palaces and the luxurious lifestyle of the royals. Even though

monarchy is extinct in India, descendants of the Maharajas and Maharanis of the past still try to

maintain their way of life. Their heirloom jewellery, traditional clothes and the feasts produces in

the royal kitchens can still take you back in time. The palaces that the living blue bloods call

home are now converted to heritage hotels.

Samode Palace in Jaipur is one of these old palaces that have been standing tall for almost five

centuries. It’s lit up façade at night forms an iconic image of what an Indian royal palace looked

like. The 24 suites and 19 rooms have their own old world charm the hand painted hallways,

colourful mosaics, all archways and high ceilings make your stay a memorable experience.

Exploring the age old corridors could take you on a trip through the history of royal India.

You will feel like you have travelled back in time machine If you decide to vacation at the

Neemrana Fort Palace in Alwar. This large property is divided into seven wings. You need not

venture out of this hotel as you can spend your whole vacation her and have beautiful photos to

take home. An appointment at the in-house ayurvedic spa can help you truly relax and enjoy

your vacation.

Jaipur, the pink city should get the title of the ‘palace city’ as most of these luxurious abodes are

located here. One of the world’s finest heritage hotels, the Rambagh Palace Hotel is located here.

The Taj Group has respectfully restored this palace to its formal glory as can be witnessed in its

airy courtyards, gurgling fountains, beautiful verandas and warm hospitality. Taj Rambagh

Palace is fondly called the jewel of Jaipur and truly deserves this honour. Just a stroll in the 47-

acre garden is enough to soak in the grandeur of the past.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it usinf headings and sub-heaidngs in

a format you consider suitable. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Also supply

a suitable title to the passage.

The Palaces of Rajasthan

1. Introduction

1.1 Becoming a princess, living in a palace – every girl’s dream

1.2 closest to the dream – vactng in a palace

1.2.1 symbol of glrs past

1.2.2 taste of regal lifestyle

2 Palaces of Rajasthan

2.1 Rajasthan – numerous, colourful palaces

2.2 Huge forts, & luxurious lifestyle

2.3 Royal descendants – lifestyle maintained even today

2.4 Major palaces – converted to heritage hotels.

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3 Samode Palace

3.1 located in Jaipur

3.2 5 centrs old

3.3 Lit up façade - iconic image of royalty

3.4 Interior magnificent

3.4.1 24 suites, 19 rooms – old world charm

3.4.2 corridors – trip through history of India

3.5 stay a memorable experience.

4. Neemrana Palace

4.1 located at Alwar

4.2 divided into 7 rooms

4.3 in-house ayvdc spa – relaxing and enjoyable

5. Pink City, Jaipur

5.1 palace city – many luxurious abodes

5.2 Rambagh palace – world’s finest heritage hotels

5.2.1 respectfully restored by Taj Group

5.2.2 warm hospitality

Key to Abbreviations Vactng Vacationing

Glrs Glorious

& And

Centrs Centuries

Ayvdc Ayurvedic

SUMMARY

Palaces are symbols of a glorious past and give a taste of regal lifestyle. Rajasthan has numerous,

colourful palaces with huge forts and luxurious lifestyle. Many major palaces have been

converted to heritage hotels. The Samode Palace of Jaipur has a magnificent interior with 24

suites and 19 rooms of age old charm. Neemrana Palace located at Alwar has 7 rooms and an in-

house ayurvedic spa which is relaxing and enjoyable. The Pink City Jaipur has many luxurious

abodes. Rambagh palace is one of India’s finest heritage hotels owned by Taj Group and offers

warm hospitality.

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ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS (30 marks)

This section tests the writing skills of the students in various areas. The questions and allotment

of marks are as follows.

4. One short answer question of not more than 50 words e.g. notice, advertisements,

drafting posters, writing formal and informal invitations and replies.

4 marks

5. Letter based on verbal input.

6 marks

6. Very Long Answer Question: The question type includes a report / article / speech based

on verbal or visual input.

10 marks

7. Very long answer question: The question could be an article / debate / speech based on

visual and/or verbal input may be descriptive or argumentative in nature.

10 marks

TYPE 4 QUESTIONS

This section contains short answer compositions

• Notice

• Posters

• Advertisements – classified and commercial

• Invitations – formal and informal

• Reply to invitations

NOTICE

A notice is normally printed information meant for a select group and displayed at prominent

places. The following instructions are to be remembered while preparing a notice.

� Since it contains formal information, the tone and style should be formal and factual.

� Use formal and simple language.

� Make it brief and to the point.

� The word limit is 50 words. Adhere to it.

� The notice should be put in a box.

� Mention the name and place of the issuing authority which could be a school,

organization or office.

� Write the title ‘NOTICE’ at the top centre.

� Write the date of issuing the notice to the left of the box.

� Give a suitable sub-title. (It should mention the purpose of the notice)

� Clearly specify the target group for whom the notice is meant.

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� In the content part, mention all the relevant details such as venue, date and time.

Conclude the notice with the name and designation of the person issuing the notice.

NAME OF THE ISSUING AUTHORITY, PLACE

NOTICE

Date with month in words

Sub-title (Reason for the notice)

Content - Mandatory points – target group, name of the program, venue and

time. Provide additional details which may / may not be given with the

question.

If announcing an event, give the last date for registration and the person with

whom the registration is to be done. If the matter involves participation in

some event, need for the consent letter of the parent should be mentioned

compulsorily.

Name of the person issuing the notice

Designation

Marking Scheme

Content: 2 marks

Expression: 2 marks (coherence, spelling and grammatical accuracy)

Marking Scheme: Content: For Whom (Target group)? What? When? Where? Agenda etc. (All

within 50 words) -2 marks

Expression: Coherence, spellings and grammatical accuracy -2 marks.

Separate marks are not allotted to format, and it is assessed as a part of expression.

SOLVED EXAMPLE

You are Varun / Vinitha Sharma, Activity Secretary of St. Mark’s School, Kohlapur. Your

school is organizing an inter-school drama competition for which you need volunteers from

Class XI who are willing to stay back and assist the teachers in the preparation. Put up a notice to

inform the students of the same.

ST MARK’S SCHOOL, KOHLAPUR

NOTICE

xx July 2015

Volunteers for Inter-school Competition

Attention Class XI students! Our school is organizing an inter-school

drama competition ‘Set The Stage on Fire’ on xx August 2015. We need

volunteers who are willing to stay back and assist the teachers for the

preparation for 2 days prior to and after the competition. Students who are

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willing should register their names with the undersigned on or before xx

July 2015. Consent letter of the parents is mandatory.

Varun / Vinitha Sharma

Activity Secretary

ADVERTISEMENTS

Advertisements are basically information or announcements made through a public medium and

meant for a mass audience. They may be giving information about a particular product or could

be asking for or offering services, buying or selling properties or providing information about

missing persons, pets etc.

Based on the presentation of facts, advertisements are broadly classified into two – Commercial

or Display and Classified.

COMMERCIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT

They are drafted for commercial purposes. They are meant to inform the public about a business,

a product or service type. They are expected to create a visual impact and hence should be

visually appealing and attention-grabbing.

Main features of a commercial ad are

� Must be attractive with catchy slogans / headlines or punch lines.

� Visuals or sketches are mandatory.

� Different fond sizes and styles can be used.

� The facts or details of the product advertised must be stated clearly and briefly.

� Name and address of the advertiser should be clearly specified.

� Special offers and discounts should be mentioned.

Marking Scheme – Content – 2 marks

Expression – 2 marks

SOLVED EXAMPLE

You have recently opened a store called ‘All for Kids’. Draft an advertisement for the same

offering attractive discounts.

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THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR KIDS ITEMS

ATTRACTIVE DISCOUNTS ON ALL ITEMS

SURPRISE GIFTS AND PLENTY MORE

AT CENTRE SQUARE MALL

MG ROAD

ERNAKULAM

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

These are meant for a target audience and places in separate sections of the newspapers based on

their subject matter.

Main features:-

� Should be brief and to the point.

� Use formal, factual, concise and simple language.

� Complete sentences to be avoided. Necessary details should be given in points using

commas.

� Category to be clearly stated at the top. (eg. Real estate, Situations vacant, Situations

wanted etc.)

Important

The first one or two words of the advertisements may be written in capital letters.

The contact details of the advertiser are mandatory.

Marking Scheme: Content – 2 marks;

INTERNATIONAL

BRANDS

SPECIAL

PLAY AREA

FOR KIDS

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Expression – 2 marks.

Kinds of Classified Advertisements

1. Situation Vacant/Wanted 2. Lost and found 3. Sale and purchase 4. Accommodation

wanted 5. Educational 6. Placement services 7. Matrimonial 8. To-Let 9. Tuitions 10.

Packers and Movers 11. Kennel 12. Travels and Tours 13. Public Appeal

FORMATS FOR VARIOUS CLASSFIED ADS

SITUATION VACANT

WANTED for (write the name of the organisation) a / an / write the number of

vacancies, mention the post advertised, qualification / experience required.

Mention any additional requirements (age, male/female, any skills that are

needed) . Pay scale (salary negotiable / salary commensurate with experience /

salary best in the industry) mode of applying (apply with complete bio data

within (specify the last date of application) / walk in for interview) contact

address and / or phone number.

SITUATION WANTED***

Begin with mentioning the qualification (mechanical engineer / retired army

officer etc), from (mention the place of education) age, male/female with

experience (no. of years with the place of former employment, eg. 5 years in

a multinational), post handled last, seeks employment in (mention your

preference). Mention any additional qualifications that you have. Expected

salary and perks( specify the exact amount). Contact address / or number.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

HOUSE / PLOT (mention the nature of the property) for sale, at (mention

location with full details) if it’s a building, mention the size ( ___sq.ft),

spacious, 2 or 3 bhk (3 bedrooms, hall, kitchen), fully/ partially furnished,

(details of surroundings) well-maintained compound, car parking facilities,

proximity to school and hospital and bus stop, best location. Contact details.

TO-LET

AVAILABLE for rent at (mention the complete address of the place for rent),

(mention sq.ft. area for both buildings and plots) if building mention no. of

rooms, floors (For flats and multi-storied buildings), (other attractions) with all

amenities, parking area. Well-ventilated and modern construction, 24-hour

water and power supply, back-up generator, lift facility (For flats and multi-

storied buildings), suggestions for possible uses eg. Excellent for office,

restaurants, shops. contact details

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FOR RENT

WANTED for rent, mention what type of room with sq.ft. area, purpose for

which you need it, any special possible features required like 24-hour power

and water supply for hotels and electronic appliance showrooms, proximity to

city centre preferable, contact details.

(Mention the name of the vehicle) FOR SALE

(name of the vehicle with colour) eg. MERCEDES BENZ, white, for sale,

2004 (any year can be written) model, A/c or non A/c, (no. of kilometres run,

any number may be used) eg. 45,000km, (ownership details) single ownership,

(mention special features and accessories) original parts, stereo-fitted, Pioneer

sound system, GPRS, new tyres, designer seat covers, excellent condition.

Price negotiable / non-negotiable (if non-negotiable then write the expected

price) Contact details.

Household goods for sale

FOR IMMEDIATE SALE, (mention item for sale with brand name- Dell

computer inspiron series, LG Washing machine, fully automatic) period of

purchase (Bought last March) condition (Both in excellent condition. (reason

for selling) owner shifting residence / owner going abroad, (asking price) price

negotiable) Contact details

_______ MISSING

(opening statement) BOY / GIRL / ANIMAL (mention the species, breed eg.

Labrador Dog, cat), name, age, details of appearance, if human details of dress

worn at the time of disappearance. Missing since (time) from (place of

missing). Speaks (name the languages) any additional information, if animal

answers to ____ (name of the animal) Informer will be suitably rewarded.

Inform: contact details

LOST /FOUND _____ LOST / FOUND on (mention the day) object description, where and when

was it found / lost. Rightful owner may claim the (name the object) with right

identification and details of content (for briefcase). If lost, mention the

identification marks. Contact :

TOURS AND TRAVELS

(opening statement) ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE available for (mention the

destination) trip for (no. of days), (details of package) breakfast and dinner

inclusive, stay at 3-star hotels, sightseeing included. (cost) Rs.____ per

person. (special attractions / offers). Eg. Special discount for first 15 bookings.

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Contact details.

Name the course offered (eg Aerobic Classes)

(Duration of course) THREE WEEK / ONE YEAR / SIX MONTH course in

(nature of course) aerobic exercises for (mention the age group for whom the

course is meant). (qualification of tutors) training by experts. Timings

(mention separate timings for boys and girls) on weekdays / weekends. (last

date) , course fee , last date for registration----------. Contact details

________ FOR SALE

Name the breed of the animal in capitals for sale, mention the parentage (pure

breed parents), details of male / female. Contact details

*** Ads placed by individuals wishing to find employment.

SOLVED EXAMPLE

(1) The Bayers Pharmacs Company needs a secretary to the Managing Director for

immediate appointment. Draft a suitable advertisement for all major dailies. Supply all

the necessary details.

SITUATION VACANT

WANTED for Bayers Pharmacs Company a secretary to the Managing

Director for immediate appointment, excellent communication and

correspondence skills in English, pleasing personality, persons with prior

experience preferred, should be able to work independently and coordinate

between various sections of the company. Salary negotiable. Mail your cv

within two weeks to Personnel Manager, Bayer Pharmacs Company,

Mysore.

(2) You are Ajay Shivam of 29, Cave Road, Hyderabad. You have 4 years of experience as a

French instructor with an international school aboard. You now wish to settle in your

home city. Draft an advertisement for the classified columns stating your qualification

and experience.

SITUATION WANTED

M.A. (French), male, educated in UK, 4 years experience as a French

instructor in an international school abroad, seeks a teaching position in

and around Hyderabad. Is proficient in instrumental music and dramatics.

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Expected salary Rs 40,000/- p.m. contact: Ajay Shivam of 29, Cave Road,

Hyderabad.

(3) You are Mohit / Mohini of 13/134, M Block, Highrise Apartments, Kochi. You wish to

sell your flat as you are moving to Delhi. Draft and advertisement for the same providing

all the necessary details.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FLAT for sale, at Fort Kochi, spacious, 2nd

floor, 3BHK, partially

furnished, centrally located, close to school, car parking facilities, 24 hr

water and power supply, suitable for commercial purposes also.

Reasonable price. Contact: Mohit / Mohini of 13/134, M Block, Highrise

Apartments, Kochi

(4) You wish to rent out the ground floor of your house. Draft an advertisement for the

same. Provide all the necessary details. You are Suresh / Surekha, River Dale, Panaji,

Goa.

TO-LET

AVAILABLE for rent, ground floor of a house at Cramer Street, Panaji,

800 sq.ft., 2 BHK, all amenities and own parking space, well -ventilated

and modern construction, 24-hour water and power supply, suitable for

house as well as office space. Rent negotiable. Contact: Suresh / Surekha,

River Dale, Panaji, Goa.

(5) You need storage space for the new construction company that you have launched.

Prepare an advertisement seeking storage space for rent. You are Arun, Foundations

Constructions, Pune.

FOR RENT

WANTED for rent, storage space for construction material, preferably on

the ground floor, 2500 sq. ft area, leak-proof building, with good security

facilities, should be easily accessible for four-wheel vehicles, proximity to

city centre preferable, contact: Arun, Foundations Constructions, Pune.

(6) You wish to sell your Maruti Alto car. Draft an advertisement toward this purpose for the

classified columns of the news paper.

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MARUTI ALTO FOR SALE

MARUTI ALTO, black for sale, 2010 model, A/c, 10,000 kms run, 45,000km,

single ownership, (mention special features and accessories) original parts,

stereo-fitted, new tyres, designer seat covers, excellent condition. Price

negotiable Contact : 9997644530

(7) You wish to sell your dining room table with a set of 8 chairs. Prepare an advertisement

for the same.

Household goods for sale

FOR IMMEDIATE SALE, glass-top dining room table with 8 ladder-back

chairs, original teak wood, bought December 2012, excellent condition, owner

going abroad, price negotiable Contact: Govind, 7745321139

(8) Your pet dog has gone missing. Draft a advertisement for the missing columns of the

local daily giving all the relevant details.

DOG MISSING

GOLDEN retriever missing, answers to the name of Ruby, 5 years old , golden

yellow colour, has a white patch behind right year. Missing since 9am,

Monday from Children’s Park, M G Road. Informer will be suitably rewarded.

Inform: Thanish, 21, Skyline Apartments, MG Road, Kochi.

(9) You are Aneesh. You lost your property documents near the North over-bridge,

Coromandel Street, Chennai. Draft an advertisement for the same.

LOST DOCUMENTS

LOST last Monday documents of property located at Chennai North, lost near

North Over bridge, Coromandel Street. Wrapped in newspaper and put inside a

red plastic cover. Informer would be suitably compensated. Contact: Aneesh,

xxxxxxxxx

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(10) You are operating Mehar Travels and are organizing a 15-day tour of the holy

cities of North India. Draft an advertisement for the same.

TOURS AND TRAVELS

ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE available for the holy cities of North India covering

5 states, for 15 days, excellent travel facilities, breakfast and dinner inclusive,

stay at 3-star hotels, sightseeing included. Rs.15,000 per person. Special

discount for the first 15 bookings. Contact: Mehar Travels, Secretariat Road,

Trivandrum.

(11) You are starting a 3-month course in oil and glass painting at your residence 254,

Navdurga, Ahmadabad. Draft an advertisement with all the relevant details.

PAINITNG CLASS

THREE MONTH week-end course in oil and glass painting for all age groups,

training by experts. All materials would be provided. Classes for females from

9 am to 12. Noon, for males from 4 pm to 6 pm. Last day for registration – 3rd

July 2015. For details contact: Aravind, 254, NAvdurga, Ahmadabad.

(12) You wish to sell your pet puppies. Draft an advertisement with all the relevant

details.

LABRADORS FOR SALE

LABRADOR puppies, 4 for sale, 8 weeks old, pure breed parents, 3 males and

1 female. KCI registered. Contact details

POSTERS

Posters can be described as a combination of advertisement, notice and invitation. The

purpose of a poster is also to impart some sort of information in an eye-catching and

appealing manner. The general intention of a poster is to create awareness about some

issues of public interest or to inform the public of some event.

Layout of a poster

� Should be visually attractive.

� Should contain some catchy / creative title or jingle.

� Visuals are mandatory.

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� Fonts of different sizes and types may be used.

� For an event, time, date and venue of occurrence are to be mentioned.

� The theme should be clear.

� The name of the issuing authority must be clearly mentioned.

Marking Scheme

Content – 2 marks

Expression – 2 marks

FORMAT

For an event

PURPOSE (drama, exhibition, workshop etc)

slogans

Visual

Date, time, venue

Entry fees / tickets)

Contact address

For an issue

Title (if it is to promote social theme)

Visuals

Slogans

Issuing authority (very important)

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SOLVED EXAMPLES

(1) Design a poster to create awareness on using helmets by two-wheelers.

� Use them even for short rides.

� Secure the chin straps every time.

BE SENSIBLE, BE SAFE

LIFE IS PRECIOUS, GUARD IT

Issued in public interest by:

the Motor Vehicles Department,

Government of Kerala

(2) Draft a poster to inform the students of the book week celebrations in your school.

They may not

be

fashionable,

but they keep

you safe.

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THE BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS

From 20 July to 24 July, 2015

Competitions Galore!!!

Mountains of Prizes

LET’S CELEBRTAE THE JOY OF READING…

INVITATIONS AND REPLIES – FORMAL AND INFORMAL

Invitations are again sources of information issued to a select group of people to inform

of them of some celebrations or other public functions.

Invitations are of two types – formal and informal.

Marking Scheme – Content – 2 marks; Expression + grammatical accuracy – 2 marks

FORMAL INVITATIONS AND REPLIES

Formal invitations are generally send out in the printed format.

� They are written in third person.

� All the relevant information to be given in a clear and precise manner.

� Verb form to be used – Simple Present Tense

� The abbreviation RSVP (French : repondez s’il vous plait ) i.e. ‘please reply’ is

written below on the left with name(s)/address & phone number of the host(s)

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FORMAT

Mr & Mrs. (name of the host)

request the pleasure of your company

on the occasion of

(name the occasion)

Date, time

In

Venue

(special instruction, if any)

In case of a public function,

The Principal, Staff and Students

of

name of institution

request the pleasure of your company

on the occasion

of

(name the occasion) of the school

Date, time

in

venue

Name of Chief Guest

Designation

Has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest.

SOLVED EXAMPLES

(1) Mr. and Mrs. Shekar are organizing a welcome home party for their son Rajat. Prepare

the invitation in not more than 50 words.

Mr. and Mrs. Shekar

Request the pleasure of your company

On the occasion of

The Home Coming

Of their son

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Rajat Shekar

At 6.30 pm

On 31st July, 2015

At their residence

R.S.V.P.

0478 – 2221456

(2) Draft an invitation for the investiture ceremony of your school.

The Staff & Students

Of

Navy Children School, Kochi

Request your esteemed presence

For the

Investiture Ceremony

At 1000 hrs

On 22 July, 2015

At the Sagarika

The Navy Chief of Staff

Has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest

Please occupy your seats by 0945 hrs.

REPLY TO FORMAL INVITATIONS

While writing a reply to a formal letter, the following points are to be remembered.

� The reply is to be written in formal language in third person.

� Address and date needn’t be mentioned.

� The reply should start with expression of gratitude.

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ACCEPTANCE

(name of the sender)Mr./Ms._____ expresses their sincere

gratitude to / thanks Mr. & Mrs. ____ (name of the host)

for their kind invitation which he / she is delighted to

accept.

REJECTION

(name of the sender) Mr./Mrs._____ expresses their

sincere gratitude to / thanks Mr. & Mrs.____ for their kind

invitation but regrets his/her inability to accept the same

(reason for not attending) due to a prior engagement.

INFORMAL INVITATIONS AND REPLIES

� Written in the first person.

� Sender’s address with date to be mentioned, receiver’s address not required.

� The language is informal and casual.

� Salutation is dear + name.

Marking Scheme

Content – 2 marks

Expression – 2 marks

FORMAT

Sender’s address (without name)

Date with month in words

My dear / Dear (name)

I / We have much pleasure in inviting you to the (name the occasion), at (time) on

(date) at (venue). We very much hope that you will be able to come.

Yours sincerely

Name

REPLY TO INFORMAL INVITATION

ACCEPTANCE

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Sender’s address

Date with month in words

Salutation (Dear name)

(acknowledging the invitation) Many thanks for inviting me to the (name the

occasion). (acceptance) I shall be delighted to attend the function.

Yours truly

Name

REJECTION

Sender’s address

Date with month in words

Salutation (Dear___)

(acknowledging the invitation) Thank you for your kind invitation. However, I am

sorry to say that I shall not be able to attend the function as I shall be out of station

that week / I have an unavoidable engagement that day. My prayers will be there

with you.

With warmest regards,

Yours sincerely

name

LETTERS (6 marks)

Formal letters pertaining to the following types have been included in the syllabus.

(a) business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and

giving information, placing orders and sending replies

(b) Letters to the editor (giving suggestions on an issue)

(c) Application for a job.

Marking Scheme

Format – 1 mark (Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject,

Salutation, Complimentary close)

Content – 3 marks (Relevant ideas to be presented in a coherent way)

Expression + grammatical accuracy – 2 marks

Please note:

Marks are not awarded if only format is written.

Either modern or traditional format to be used. Mixing up of format is not acceptable.

Points to be remembered

23

� Formal and polite language to be used.

� Be clear and specific, brief and to the point.

� Decorum of language has to be maintained even when writing a letter of complaint.

Use firm but polite language to express your views.

� While writing letters to the editor, DO NOT ask the editor to solve the problems.

� Avoid using contractions like haven’t, won’t etc.

� Use short sentences to express your point.

� Marks are not awarded if only format is given.

� Modern layout for format is to be used. Mixing up of traditional and modern format is

not acceptable.

� In job applications, Curriculum-vitae or CV /Bio-data / Resume should be included as

a separate part after the complimentary close.

� In letters to the editor the preferred complimentary close is ‘Yours truly’.

INFORMAL LETTERS

Format-

Sender’s address (without name)

Date with month in words.

Salutation

Content

Complimentary close

Sign

SOLVED EXAMPLE

You are Aniket / Anitha. You had recently visited your friend Sidharth in Darjeeling during the

winter break and had spent a week with him. Write a letter to him thanking him for the

wonderful time that you had with him.

83 / 221, F Block

Rose Apartments

Hyderabad

5th

February 2015

Hi Sidhu

Let me tell you first itself, my soul is still with you in Darjeeling and its definitely going to take

another couple of weeks before I settle down to my studies. My Mom is very annoyed with me,

24

but I am helpless. You can hardly blame me when I had such a wonderful time there. She refuses

to understand, but you know how mothers can be! Sidhu, I really have to thank you for giving

the time of my life with you.

My friends were literally green with envy when I showed them the photographs of my gliding

down the snow. I will never forget the feeling of wet snow against my face when you threw that

snow ball at me. And your mother’s cooking is simply amazing. Everyone here was shocked to

see the amount of weight that I had put on in just one week!

Darjeeling is just superb, isn’t it? And you made it so very special for me. Thank you once again

Sidhu. Convey my very special thanks to uncle and aunt for all they did for me there. And don’t

forget that you are coming here for the next autumn break, ok? I have planned whole lot things

for us to enjoy.

So do write to me once your exams get over.

Bye for now

Luv

(Sign)

FORMAL LETTER

Format –

Sender’s Address (preferably without name)

Date (with month in words)

Receiver’s address (with designation of the receiver)

Subject: (limit the words to maximum 5 or 6)

Salutation

Content: Introduction

Body

Conclusion

Thank you

Complimentary Clause

Signatory

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Letter to the Editor

(1) You are Tarun / Thanisha Ghosh, 21 / 158, J Block, Apple Apartments, New Street,

Hyderabad. Write a letter to the editor of a prominent daily, expressing your views on the

growing menace of stray dogs in your city.

25

21 / 158, J Block

Apple Apartments

New Street

Hyderabad

30th

June 2015

The Editor

The Hindu

Hyderabad

Sub: The Growing menace of stray dogs.

Sir

I am a resident of New Street. I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the growing

menace of stray dogs in Hyderabad.

The number of stray dogs in the city has increased drastically in the recent months. The situation

is such that it has become highly dangerous for pedestrians to use the footpaths. Literally every

day we come across reports of stray dog attacks in the newspapers. The victims usually are old

people and children. It was only last week that a young baby was killed by a dog in an adjacent

street.

The corporation has hardly taken any action in spite of repeated complaints. The insufficient

supply of anti-rabies injections also adds to the gravity of the situation. The corporation can take

up neutralization drives to control the multiplying of stray dogs. Government can build dog

shelters to keep the dogs away from the streets. The hospitals should also be equipped with the

necessary medications required to treat the victims.

I hope you would publish this letter through the esteemed columns of your paper so that a

solution could be found to this issue.

Thank you

Truly yours

(Tarun / Thanisha Ghosh)

Placing Orders

(2) St. Anne’s Public School, Gurgaon is upgrading to senior secondary. As the librarian

place order with M/s G V Publications, New Delhi for reference books for the senior

secondary classes. You are Anish / Anusha Shankar.

26

St. Anne’s Public School

Gurgaon

2nd

July 2015

M/s G V Publications,

New Delhi

Sub: Order for reference books for the senior secondary classes.

Sir

The school has been recently upgraded to the senior secondary level. Hence we would like to

place an order for the following reference books for the library.

Sl. No. Title of the book Publisher Quantity

1. ABC of Physics (Class XII) XYZ Publications 5

2. ABC of Physics (Class XI) XYZ Publications 5

3. Comprehensive Writing Tasks Higgins Company 6

4. Textbook for Accountancy NCERT 10

The books are to be send to the school within 10 days of the receipt of this order. The advance

payment of 20% would be paid when the acceptance of order is confirmed with the remaining

payment to be done at the time of delivery. We hope you would give us a discount of 20% on the

printed prices.

Hoping for an immediate response from you.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

(Anish / Anusha Shankar)

Letter of Complaint

(3) You are Ishant / Ishika Prem, House No. 23, Rose Lane, Surat. You had recently bought a

water purifier for your home from M/s Natioanl Cooling Systems, Surat. The purifier has

not been functioning properly for the last two weeks. Wirte a letter to the Manager,

Customer Care complaining about the malfunctioning unit and seeking redressel for the

problem.

House No. 23,

27

Rose Lane,

Surat

23rd

May 2015

M/s National Cooling Systems,

Surat

Sub: Complaint about water purifier

Sir

I wish to bring to your notice that I had purchased a ‘Total Purity’ water purifier from your

esteemed self on 4th

April, 2015 with bill no. TS – 235/ CD which is not functioning properly.

The purifier did function well for the initial 4 weeks. But then it developed leakage of water.

This was followed by heavy noise and dark coloured particles floating around in the filtered

water. At times, the machine also gives off electric shock. It’s highly inconvenient as the

leakage has been causing unnecessary loss of water at this time of water shortage, not to mention

the time consumed to clean it up.

It has been confirmed that there is no fault with the electric circuit in the house. Hence I request

you to do take the necessary steps to either repair the system at the earliest or replace the water

purifier as it still is under warranty period.

Hoping you would oblige with my request at the earliest.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

(Ishant / Ishika Prem)

Letter of Enquiry

(4) You are Varun / Veena Vyas, the Class Representative of Class XI, Modern Public

School, Trichy. The school is planning to conduct an educational tour to Kolkata during

the autumn break. Write a letter to General Manager, Southern Railway, for details of

travel arrangements.

Class Xi Representative

Modern Public School

Trichy

28

19th

June 2015

General Manager

Southern Railway

Chennai

Sub: Request for details of travel arrangements to Kolkata.

Sir

The school is planning to conduct an educational tour to Kolkata during the autumn break. It

would be a 6-day programme from 20th

October to 25th

October, 2015. The group would consisit

of 40 students and 3 teachers.

We would like to know about the train services that are available to Kolkata for Chennai and for

the return journey on the said dates. We would also like to know the estimated time taken to

cover the distance as well as the fare to make the necessary arrangements at our end. Kindly

inform us about the eligible students’ concession that can be availed for the tour.

We request you to send the details at the earliest to mps@gmail.com to enable us to paln in

advance.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

(Varun / Veena Vyas)

Curriculum Vitae / Resume / Bio data

Format

Sender’s address

Date with month in words

Receiver’s address with designation

Subject : Application to the post of _______________.

Respected Sir / Madam

I wish to apply to the post of ______ as advertised by you through the ‘mention the news

paper’ dated - 1st para.

Para 2 – self-introduction – I am a Post Graduate / graduate and is at present working as a

_______ (mention the post) with _______(name of the company). I have an experience of

29

_____ years as _____ (mention the post). (if fresher – I have successfully complete my

_____ (course) from _____ (mention the university) and am awaiting employment)

I have been forced to quit my present job as my parents are residing in (name the city).

They are aged and need my care / I have been forced to quit my present job as my children

have secured admission for future studies in (name the city) and I need to be close to them.

I assure you that if I am selected, I will serve the institution to the best of my ability. I am

enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.

I hope for a positive response from you.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

Sign

(name)

RESUME

Name :

Father’s name :

Address :

Age / Date of birth :

Educational qualification

Name of

examination

Board /

University

Year of

passing

Percentage of

marks

Professional experience (mention the place that you are working at present, then go down in

decreasing order in which you have worked) : (i)write the post, in (name the institution)

from 20xx onwards.

(ii) post in (mention the firm) from _____ to ______ for _____ years.

Personal details

Languages known :

Hobbies and interests:

30

Special Achievements:

References (i) (optional)

(ii)

SOLVED EXAMPLE

(5) You are Taneen / Vinaya Shah. Prepare a bio data to apply to the post of Vice Principal at

the Model Public School, Ahmadabad. Supply all the necessary details.

54, Rose Villa

Princess Lane

Street 23

Delhi

15th

March 2015

The Principal

Modern Public School

Ahmadabad

Sub: Application to the post of Vice Principal

Sir / Madam

I wish to apply to the post of Vice Principal in your esteemed institution as per the

advertisement placed by you in the Times of India dated 14th

March 2015.

I am a Post Graduate in Commerce and Education from the Jawaharlal Nehru University and

am currently working as Head Master / Mistress at the St. John’s Public School, New Delhi. I

have an experience of 10 years at the school. I have been compelled to change my present job

as my parents are residing in Ahmadabad and need my need my care.

I have successfully executed various responsibilities of both scholastic and soc-scholastic

nature at my school. I assure you that if I am selected, I will serve the institution to the best

of my ability. I am enclosing my bio-data for your kind consideration.

I hope for a positive response from you at he earliest.

Thank you

Yours faithfully

Sign

31

(name)

RESUME

Name : Taneen Singh

Father’s name : Swaroop Singh

Address : 54, Rose Villa

Princess Lane

Street 23

Delhi

E-mail id : tannen_singh@gmail.com

Age / Date of birth: 40, 25th

October, 1975

Educational qualification

Name of

examination

Board /

University

Year of

passing

Percentage of

marks

Class 12 CBSE May 1992 92%

B.Com JNU June 1995 87%

M.Com JNU June 1997 85%

B.Ed JNU August 1998 85%

M.Ed JNU August 2000 70%

Professional experience:

(i) Head Master at the St. John’s Public School, New Delhi from 2006 onwards

(ii) PGT (Accountancy) at BVS Public School, New Delhi from 2000 to 2006 for 6

years

Personal details

Languages known: English, French, Hindi, Punjabi

Hobbies and interests: Reading, Music, Dramatics

32

Special achievements: Head of Department (Commerce)

Trained the students for various inter-school drama competitions,

Trained the students for debate competitions

Organized and conducted workshops in Accountancy

References (i) Principal

St.John’s Public School

New Delhi

(iii) Dean, Department of Commerce

JNU

Please Note:

� It’s mandatory that both the covering letter and resume are to be written.

� Only the resume without the covering letter will be considered as an invalid answer.

FACTUAL / PROCESS DESCRIPTION (10 Marks)

Factual or Process Description refers to the narrative describing a place, process, person or an

object. The information is to be provided in sequential order. The description should be vivid and

interesting to avoid monotony.

Points to be remembered

� Provide a suitable title.

� Give the descriptions in a logical order.

� Keep the language simple.

� Split up the task into minimum two paragraphs.

� Always conclude by giving your personal impressions.

� Use suitable connectors such as first, then, after that, finally etc.

.

Some of the common topics that could be included in factual description with the required details

to be provided are listed out below.

� Place or a building – name, location, shape or dimension, colour, design, number of

stories, the use of the building, sights, type of people who visit there, history, importance,

atmosphere, parking availability, your personal impressions about the place, any other

relevant details.

33

� Person – name, relationship with you, social status, profession, physical appearance,

characteristics of the person, others’ opinion about the person, any other relevant details.

� Object or thing – name, make, shape, model or year of manufacture, dimensions, capacity,

details of operating, cost, use, availability, any other relevant points.

� Visits or travels – place, date and occasion for visit, places visited, number of people in

the group, description of the place, atmosphere, details of natural beauty, interesting

encounters there, problems faced (if any), details of travel, personal impressions,

conclusion (suggestion on whether worthy of visit or not)

Marking Scheme –

Total marks: 10,

Title: 1,

Content: 4,

Expression: 5 (Grammatical accuracy and spellings –2 ½, Coherence and

relevance of ideas and style – 2 ½)

NEWS PAPER / MAGAZINE REPORT

A report is basically a record of events that has happened in the immediate past. The Class XII

syllabus deals with the preparation of newspaper reports for accidents or events or reports for the

school magazine for some school based event. The normal word limit for a report is 125 words.

Points to be remembered

� Use practical and businesslike manner

� Be concise. Give only the relevant details and leave out unnecessary elaboration.

� Divide into paragraphs in the order of priority.

� Write in past tense.

� Use the third person to describe the events even though you were an eye witness to the

event.

� For a report meant for the school magazine, a lightly less formal tone may be used.

Personal impressions could be added to make it more interesting.

Format – Accidents

HEADLINE (in 4 to 5 words, no complete sentence, use simple present tense)

By-line (author’s name)

Place, date with month in words: (lead paragraph) mention what, where, when, why and how.

The day, date and time of the day when the incident occurred. The place where the incident

happened. Reasons why the incident happened. ----- para 1

34

Para 2 – give the details of how it happened. Narrate the incident in the order in which they

occurred. In case of injury, what has been done with the injured.

Para 3 – eyewitness accounts are to be provided. Include some quotes from eyewitness’

accounts. Do not mention the name of the eye witness.

Para 4 – describe the actions carried out by the police and the future course of actions that

will be taken.

Inauguration

HEADLINE (in 4 to 5 words, no complete sentence, use simple present tense)

By-line (author’s name)

Place, date with month in words – Para 1 – what is the occasion, who is 34rganizing it, date

when it was conducted, where was it held, who was the chief guest

Para 2 – details like the dignitaries who were present, the comments made by the chief guest

Para 3 – what all were carried out as part of the programme, comments by the public.

Para 4 – till when is it going on, if entry fee is there, your comments about the programme.

Marking Scheme: Total marks: 10

Format – Title + Reporter’s name 1 mark

Content:4 marks

Expression: 5 - Accuracy: Grammatical accuracy and spellings – 2 ½ Coherence and relevance

of ideas and style – 2 ½

SOLVED EXAMPLES

You are the Staff Reporter for the New Indian Express. You have been asked to report on an

accident where a bus lost control and hit a car killing 3 people. Write the report giving all the

relevant details.

BUS HITS CAR, 3 DEAD

Staff Reporter

Kochi, 23rd

June: A KSRTC bus travelling from Alleppey to Trissur rammed into a car killing 3

people on the spot, yesterday at Vytilla junction at the early hours of the morning.

In an attempt to overtake the lorry in front of it, the bus lost control leading to a head-on collision

with the car which was coming in the opposite direction. All the passengers in the car were killed

at the spot. The passengers of the bus who had suffered minor injuries were given first aid at the

nearby hospital.

An eye witness said that the bus driver was at fault as he was trying to overtake at a spot where

there was no space for moving forward.

35

The night patrol van which was parked nearby immediately arrived on the spot and directed the

rescue operations. The bus driver was arrested on the spot. An enquiry has been initiated. This

area has been witnessing numerous accidents primarily due to overtaking and the lack of speed

breakers.

You are Aniketh / Anitha Pooran, student editor for your school magazine, write a report for

your school magazine on the Book Week Celebrations in the School.

CELEBRATING THE JOY OF READING

Aniketh / Anitha Pooran

Patna, 15th

January: “Reading is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself”. Thus

spoke the legendary writer, Ruskin Bond who inaugurated the Book Week Celebrations of Green

Valley Public School, Patna on 6th

January.

The Book Week Celebrations was a weeklong affair with the school going all out to promote the

fast disappearing art of reading. The event saw a host of dignitaries associated with the world of

writing visiting the school. Various functions such as literary quiz, book exhibitions, crossword

competitions, reading competitions and many others were conducted for the students as well as

parents.

The parents were extremely appreciative of the efforts made by the school to promote reading.

‘Such programs are definitely going to improve the reading skill of the students’ said Bharat

Sharma, parent. The students too actively participated in the various activities.

The celebrations lasted from 6th

January and concluded on 10th

January in a grand finale which

was attended by Chetan Bhagat, the popular English fiction writer.

SPEECH

A SPEECH is a formal talk that is delivered to an audience. Depending on the nature of the

audience, the tone of the speech can be either formal or informal.

Points to be remembered.

� Begin with a formal address to the chief guest, other dignitaries and the audience.

� A conversational tone would make it more interesting. Use questions, and expressions

where you seek the audience’s opinion such as I am sure that you would agree with me,

haven’t you also felt that, I feel that you too have felt that etc.

� Make your introduction interesting with story or an anecdote or some statistical date that

could be shocking.

� Spell out your topic clearly to the audience.

� Give evidences in support of your claims to give it credibility.

� Make your conclusion equally interesting.

� Title is not required for the speech.

� Use short sentences.

36

� Use simple yet powerful language.

� Remember to thank the audience at the conclusion.

Marking Scheme:

Total marks: 10

Content :(logical organization, relevance): 5 marks

Expression: 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½

Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)

SOLVED EXAMPLE

You have been asked to deliver a speech in the morning assembly on ‘Effective English

Communication’. Prepare the speech in not more than 200 words.

Good morning respected Principal Madam, dear teachers and beloved friends

A recent news item in the front pages of literally all the major newspapers said that a survey

conducted by an international agency in some of the major engineering colleges of India revealed

that 6 out of every 10 engineering student in India cannot speak or write even a single sentence

in simple grammatically correct English.

Yes, you may argue on the need to know a foreign language when we have so many Indian

languages which are more important and should be learnt being an Indian. But I am sure that you

would agree that English is the universal official language of Science, Commerce, business and

technology and so its mandatory that we know it. In a country like India, where we have

different languages in different states, English is the unifying force.

Moreover, the engineering students of today are the technocrats of tomorrow. When they go out

into the world, the companies that would want to recruit them would also be testing their

communication skills. Friends, do you think any of the companies would want to employ these

students in their companies when they cannot express themselves adequately?

So make use of every opportunity to practice your language skills. Speak only in English in

school and to your friends. Be an active participant in competitions where writing skills are

needed. Reading also helps to improve your language and vocabulary very much.

Remember, school is the one place where you can learn the skills of communication. And please

don’t miss out on the opportunity as effective communication is a necessary tool that would

decide your future.

Thank you for your patient listening.

DEBATE

Debate is a recent introduction in the English syllabus. Here the student is given the option of

choosing any one version of the given topic and expressing his / her views on it.

Points to be remembered

37

� Begin with addressing the audience.

� State clearly whether you support or oppose the issue in question.

� Give clear cut and convincing arguments for why you feel that your version is correct.

� Use polite but firm language while expressing your views.

� Ensure that you do not speak both in support of the topic and against it. This may lead to

marks being deducted for expression.

Marking Scheme

Total marks – 10

Content – 5 marks

Expression – 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½

Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)

ARTICLE

An article is a piece of writing about a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine. It is an

expression of one’s thought on an issue or a subject logically and coherently written in

meaningful paragraphs.

Points to remembered

� Give a catchy title to the article that would catch the attention of the reader.

� Begin with a striking opening sentence that would get the reader interested in the topic.

� Present a strong argument for your ideas and support it with evidences or elaboration.

� Introduce a new point in each paragraph and present your arguments to strengthen your

ideas.

� Develop your ideas as much as you can to make them interesting and substantial.

� Conclude with a strong closing argument.

FORMAT OF AN ARTICLE

TITLE/HEADING

BY LINE (Writer’s Name under the title)

Content in 3 – 4 paragraphs.

Marking Scheme

Total marks: 10

Format (title + writer’s name) : 1mark

Content :(logical organization, relevance): 4 marks

Expression: 5 (Accuracy: Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling: 2½

Fluency, coherence and relevance of ideas and style: 2 ½)

38

LITERATURE TEXT BOOKS

FLAMINGO

THE LAST LESSON

ALPHONSE DAUDET

Synopsis

Franz is afraid to go to school as he has not learnt the rules of the participles. He wishes to enjoy

the beauty of nature - the bright sunshine, the birds chirruping in the woods and the Prussian

soldiers drilling. But he resisted the temptation. Franz is surprised to notice certain as he

approaches the school. -Instead of noisy classrooms everything was as quiet as Sunday morning.

The teacher does not scold him for being late and tells him very cordially to go to his seat. Franz

is surprised to see the teacher dressed in his Sunday best and villagers occupying the last

benches.

M. Hamel makes the announcement that that would be the last French lesson as orders have

come that only German would be taught in the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine from the next

day onwards. The teacher has been ordered to leave the place with immediate effect. Franz

realizes that he does not know his own mother tongue and regrets for not taking his lessons

seriously. Also realizes the reason why teacher was dressed in his Sunday best and understands

that the villagers are occupying the last bench to pay their tribute to M. Hamel for his 40 years of

sincere service and also to express their solidarity with France. M. Hamel realizes that all three,

the children, the parents and he himself are to be blamed for losing respect and regard for the

mother tongue. He advises the children to always keep their mother tongue close to their heart as

it is the key to the prison of slavery. The whole atmosphere in the class is solemn and filled with

regret. The teacher is teaching sincerely and patiently, students and others are studying with

utmost sincerity. Franz is able to understand everything that is taught by M. Hamel and

everything seems to be very easy. Franz wonders sarcastically if Prussians could force pigeons

to coo in German. M. Hamel is overcome with emotions and cannot speak. So he writes on the

black board “Long Live France”.

Additional Questions

(i) What was the narrator’s greatest fear as he moved towards the school?

(ii) What was more tempting to Franz than going to school?

(iii) What was the news which was put up on the bulletin board?

(iv) What was the most shocking thing that Franz notices in the class?

(v) Why didn’t M. Hamel punish Franz, even though he was late?

(vi) What were Franz’s feelings about M Hamel and his French lessons? How did they

undergo a complete change?

(vii) What was so unusual about school that day?

(viii) Why were the villagers seated on the back benches?

(ix) ‘We have all a great deal to reproach ourselves’. Explain.

(x) What did M. Hamel say about French language?

39

(xi) What happened when the church clock struck 12?

(xii) Justify the title of the story “The Last Lesson”.

(xiii) How does Hamel arouse patriotism in the people off Alsace?

(xiv) Analyze character of M. Hamel as a teacher.

LOST SPRING: STORIES OF STOLEN CHILDHOOD

ANEES JUNG

Synopsis

The author examines and analyses the impoverished conditions and traditions that condemn

children to a life of exploitation. These children are denied education and are forced to endure

hardships early in their lives. The writer encounters Saheb, a rag picker whose parents have left

behind a life of poverty in Dhaka to earn a living in Delhi. His family like many other families of

rag pickers lives in Seemapuri on the outskirts of Delhi. The only identification they have is the

ration card. The children do not go to school and they are expected to add to the family income

by rummaging in the garbage. It is the only way of earning the life. They live in impoverished

conditions but are resigned to their fate. The writer is pained to see Saheb, a rag picker whose

name means the ruler of earth, lose the spark of childhood and roaming barefooted with his

friends to pick rags. One day the author encounters him in a tea stall and comes to know that he

has got a job there which pays him Rs. 800 with all his meals. He sadly realizes that he is no

longer his own master and this loss of identity weighs heavily on his tender shoulders. The

author then tells about another victim, Mukesh who wants to be a motor mechanic. He hails from

Firozabad, the centre of India’s bangle making and glass blowing industry and has always

worked in the glass making industry. His family like the others there do not know that it is illegal

for children to work in such close proximity to furnaces, in such high temperatures. They are

exposed to various health hazards like losing their eyesight as they work in dreadful conditions,

in dark and dingy cells. Mukesh’s father is blind as were his father and grandfather before him.

They lead a hand to mouth existence as they are caught in the vicious web of the money lenders,

middlemen, police and traditions. They believe that bangle making is their ‘karam’ or ‘God

given lineage’. So burdened are the bangle makers of Firozabad that they have lost their ability

to dream unlike Mukesh who dreams of driving a car.

Additional questions

(i) What does Saheb do for living? Why?

(ii) “Saheb is no longer his own master”, says the writer. What does she mean?

(iii) Why do people migrate from the village in Dhaka to Delhi?

(iv) “Promises made to poor children are never kept. “Explain with examples from the

lesson.

(v) What does garbage symbolize for the adults and children?

40

(vi) Why does the writer feel that it will be difficult for Mukesh to break away from this

tradition?

(vii) ‘Lost Spring’, is a sad commentary on the political system of our country that

condemns thousands of people to a life of abject poverty. Comment.

(viii) What does the title of the story ‘Lost Spring’ imply?

(ix) Mention the hazards of working in the bangle industry.

(x) ‘His dreams loom like a mirage’. Whose dreams are being referred to and why are

they compared to a mirage?

(xi) ‘Together they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put down.’ Who

do ‘they’ refer to? What is the ‘baggage’ and why can the child not get rid of it?

(xii) How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?

(xiii) How has being born in the caste of bangle makers become both a destiny and a

curse?

DEEP WATER

WILLIAM DOUGLAS

SYNOPSIS

‘Deep Water’ centres round the author’s fear of water as a child. The fear originated when he

was three or four years old. He and his father went to the beach in California. A swept him down

suddenly though he was holding on to his father. The child was over powered by the might of the

water. Another incident occurred when he was ten or eleven years old. He was alone at the

YMCA pool at Yakima, swimming. A big bruiser of a boy of about eighteen years old picked

him up and tossed him into the deep pool. This intensified the dread of water in the author. While

he was sinking and emerging / springing upwards in the water, he felt paralyzed – stiff and rigid

with fear; his legs were limp. It was like experiencing death… feeling drowsy, fearless, relaxed;

being carried away gently, tender arms like mother’s around him. “I must go to sleep. I crossed

to oblivion.”

But he was saved and the villainous boy who had flung him into the pool claimed that he had

only been fooling. The terrible fear of that day was haunting him for several days. Whenever he

visited the Cascades, the Tieton or the Bumping River, Warm Lake, Main Lake etc for the

pleasures of swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing, the fear followed and finished everything.

Then in October, he decided to get rid of his aversion to water by taking lessons form an

instructor. The lessons and practice went on for an hour a day, fief days a week. By three

month’s time, the fear of water had left him and he was confident. He swam in Lake Wentworth,

Triggs Island using different styles of swimming like crawl, breast stroke, side stroke and back

stroke. The lesson Douglas learnt was if one fear is conquerable, tehn any fear can be conquered.

Fearlessness is the foundation to a tension free life.

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Important Questions

1. Mention the two incidents that were responsible for Douglas’s fear of water.

2. How did he overcome his fear of water?

3. What larger meaning does William Douglas draw from his experience of fear of water

and conquering it? (courage and optimism to be developed like the characters in ‘We’re

not Afraid to Die…’)

THE RATTRAP

SELMA LAGERLO`F

SYNOPSIS

The theme of the story is the belief that the essential goodness in a human being can be

awakened through understanding and love. The story is set in the mines of Sweden, rich in iron

ore.

A poor rattrap seller went selling his rat raps to make a living. He took to petty stealing also. For

him, riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing are baits for human beings like pork and

cheese for rats. The world had never been very kind to him and so he had ill thoughts about it.

Once he had the company of a crofter who offered him porridge and tobacco and played ‘mjolis’

(a card game) and shared his confidences. The crofter had a cow which gave him 30 kroner

worth of milk a month, the money was kept in a leather pouch. When the rattrap man looked

disbelieving, the crofter showed him the money and where it was hung. He had the temptation to

steal the money and he did steal it. Wandering around with a guilty conscience, he lost his way in

the forest which turned into an impenetrable prison for him. He sought shelter in the Ramsjo Iron

Works to survive the winter cold. The ironmaster on his rounds found him. Mistaking him for an

old regimental comrade, the Ironmaster invited him for Christmas dinner; but the rattrap man

refused it thinking it was a trap to hand him over to the police. But the ironmaster did want him

for Christmas, so he sent his daughter Edla Willmanson hoping that she had better powers of

persuasion.

Reluctantly he obliged her. While he was given a bath and proper dress, the ironmaster was

surprised at his mistake and ordered him to go. But, his daughter insisted that he was their guest

and should be treated like a guest. Later in the church, the incident at the crofter’s house was

revealed to the ironmaster and his daughter. Before they reached home after the night service of

Christmas, the peddler had already left. The message he had left disclosed the transformation in

his character and the retribution – requesting Edla to return the crofter’s 30 kroner. He had

signed himself as Captain Van Stahle, the mistaken identity that had been attributed to him by

the iron master.

In conclusion, what we see is not the reality in its absolute form or judging a person without

examining the circumstances should be avoided.

Important Questions

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1. What changed the character of the Rattrap peddler into that of a noble man (Captain Van

Stahle)?

2. Point out the evidences of the change.

3. Why does the peddler consider the world a big rattrap and a human predicament?

INDIGO

LOUIS FISCHER

SYNOPSIS

The lesson highlights an important event in the history of India’s freedom struggle, namely the

Champaran episode. Share croppers of indigo in Champaran were victims of injustice and

exploitation by the British landlords. They demanded the whole of indigo harvest as rent and

15% of the land had indigo cultivation. The resoluteness, patience, loyalty and sacrifice of an

illiterate peasant named Rajkumar Shukla were outstanding in redeeming the miserable indigo

farmers with the help of Gandhi whom he took to Champaran after Gandhi’s engagements were

over up to Calcutta. The lawyers were charging heavy fees from the peasants to plead for them in

courses against the British landlords.

When Gandhi asked them what they would do if he was arrested, they said honestly that they

would go home. Gandhi then made the thought provoking and conscience-striking question,

“What about the injustice to the sharecroppers?” after consultation among themselves, the

lawyers said that they were ready to be arrested, and Gandhi prepared a list of pairs to court

arrest.

In Champaran, Gandhi gathered more information about the sharecroppers’ issue. He met the

Secretary of the British Landlord’s Association who refused to give any information citing the

reason that Gandhi was an outsider. His visit to the British Official Commissioner of the Tirhut

division also proved futile as he bullied Gandhi and ordered him to leave Tirhut forthwith. When

he heard about the maltreatment of a peasant in a nearby village, Gandhi went there on elephant

back. The messenger of the police superintendent ordered him to return to town, Gandhi

complied, but when served an official notice to quite Champaran, he disobeyed.

He sought the help of Rajendra Prasad and other influential people before appearing in court the

next day by a summons. When Gandhi reached Motihari, the capital of Champaran, the place

was crowded with peasants. The officials realized that their might, hitherto dreaded and

unquestioned was being challenged for the first time. Gandhi was polite, friendly and

cooperative in regulating the crowd. Gandhi declared that he was being faced with a “conflict of

duties” – on the one hand by disobeying the law he was setting a bad example and on the other

he was compelled to listen to the “voice of conscience”. The judge was forced to delay the

proceedings and finally the Lieutenant-General of the province dropped the case. He had four

interviews with the Lieutenant-General, the landlords and government officials. When the

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planters saw the mountain of evidence of injustice against them, they agreed to pay

compensation to the peasants.

Some wanted 100% repayment, others 50% and finally Gandhi accepted a 25% refund because

of the fact that the landlords were obliged to surrender part of their money and with it their

prestige. The peasants realized that they had courage, rights and defenders. The land was

returned to the farmers. The invention of synthetic indigo in Germany had made the landlords do

this and they had earlier wanted compensation from the sharecroppers for releasing them from

the sharecropping agreement.

Kasturba Gandhi and Devdas Gandhi, Gandhi’s youngest son arrived in Champaran to teach

ashram rules on personal cleanliness and community sanitation. Three medicines were available

– castor oil, quinine and sulphur ointment. Latrine trenches were filled and new ones dug, as part

of sanitation. Finally Gandhi turned down C.F. Andrews’ offer of mediation with the British

reassuring that ‘our cause is just and we must rely upon ourselves to win the battle and should

not seek a prop in an Englishman.

Lessons from the Champaran episode

a. Self-reliance

b. Success of mass civil-disobedience

c. Resoluteness succeeds in a noble cause.

d. Injustice and exploitation cannot last for long.

e. In dire needs, a redeemer is found / appears.

Important Questions

1. Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode a turning point his life?

2. What made Gandhi comment / exclaim, “The battle of Champaran is won”?

3. Explain Gandhi’s “conflict of duties”.

4. Give a character sketch of Rajkumar Shukla.

GOING PLACES

A R BURTON

SYNOPSIS

A R Burton explores the theme of adolescent hero fantasizing and worship in this chapter.

Sophie and Jansie are two school mates. Sophie has many ambitions and aspirations like owning

a boutique, becoming a manager, an actress, a fashion designer. Jansie was practical and sensible

because she knew they were earmarked for the biscuit factory. Geoff, Sophie's brother,

accommodated her since he never ridiculed her. Their father would mock hr with sarcastic

comments and Derek her younger brother made her feel silly saying she thought money grew on

trees. Jansie had a negative or unacceptable quality or character trait - she could not keep a

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secret. Sophie was fond of the football celebrity Danny Casey from Ireland. She went to the

extent of fantasizing a close association with him, getting an autograph and a personal meeting

scheduled on the banks of the canal. But the only time she and her middle class family saw him

was during the Saturday football matches in the stadium - that too from the stadium as one

among the spectators. They belonged to the middle class since

1. her father used a bicycle

2. went to the pub (public drinking place)

3. watched matches from the balcony

4. Geoff was an apprentice mechanic and owned an old bike

Important Questions

1. Differentiate between the characters of Sophie and Jansie.

2. Describe Sophie’s family members and economic status.

3. Give evidences for the amiable nature of Geoff unlike the other members of Sophie’s

family.

4. What are some of Sophie’s aspirations that are unlikely to materialize?

5. How are dreams useful or otherwise?

Useful – relief from drudgery / dull daily routine

Motivation to become somebody / driving force to realize an ideal / aspiration

Delightful and free of cost

Useless – wasting of time

Leading to frustration and despair.

MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX

KAMALA DAS

SYNOPSIS

Kamala Das (Madhavikutty- psuedonym)) deals with ageing in this poem. Her own mother, a

famous poet in Malayalam, names Nalapattu Balamaniyamma, was aged and looked old, weak

and wrinkled. She makes a contrast between her ageing mother with the young trees and merry

children. The poet is leaving her mother and going abroad and fears of mother’s impending death

which is her familiar ache and childhood’s fear.

Poetic devices

Simile:- (a) ashen like that of a corpse

(b) as old as

(c) as a late winter’s moon.

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Metaphor / Personification:- Sprinting trees

Important questions

(a) What’s the familiar ache and childhood’s fear?

(b) How does she hide her feelings?

(c) Why does she compare her mother to late winter’s moon?

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM

STEPHEN SPENDER

SYNOPSIS

The poet highlights the social injustice and class inequalities prevalent at all times and all places.

The chidlren mentioned in the poem are facing depreviation of all kinds – food, lighitng,

furniture, text books / study materials, parental care etc. generous donations like pictuers and

maps stuck on the walls of the classroom are totally irrelevant in their lives as they are more

worried about their survival than enjoy these beatutiful things. This pathetic plight can be

changed by responsible intervention from the government, the authorities in charge and social

organisations. Exposing these chidlren to normal situations is yet another way to eliminate the

inequalities. Education can empower them to fend for themselves by finding productive

employment.

POETIC DEVICES

Simile:- (a) like rootless weeds

(b) as big as doom

(c) lives like catacombs

Metaphor:- fog / lead – hopelessness with no chance for improving theie present, miserable

situation.

Very important questions

(a) How does the classroom situation contrast with the donations / world outside?

(b) Why is Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example?

(c) How can the situation of the children be changed?

KEEPING QUIET

PABLO NERUDA (pseudonym)

SYNOPSIS

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The poet emphasizes the necessity for quiet introspection, developing mutual understanding and

universal brotherhood. The poet urges people to be quiet, stop work and speak no languages.

This is a strange moment in the earth, as human beings are unaccustomed to such a situation.

Wars of all kinds should be stopped and destructive activities harming nature / environment.

Instead people should wear new clothes, hold one another’s hands and relax in the shade of trees.

While the earth looks dead in winter, it is very much alive and active once summer sets in. It is

only an apparent stillness or inactivity. The poet laments the lack of understanding ourselves and

threatening ourselves with death. For a start, he would count up to twelve and people can observe

silence, which should be continued even in his absence.

Important questions

(a) Explain the symbol of nature in the poem.

(b) What sadness does the poet refer to?

(c) How can we stop wars / acts of violence?

A THING OF BEAUTY

JOHN KEATS

SYNOPSIS

John urges us to appreciate things of beauty to overcome sadness in life like despair, gloomy

days, lack of noble natures, ill-health etc. Things of beauty like the sun, the moon, trees,

daffodils, rills, forest brake, stories and grandeur of the mighty dead remove the pall of suffering

from human spirits. These are an endless fountain of immortal drink showered on humanity from

the Heavens.

POETIC DEVICES

Metaphor:- Endless fountain of immortal drink.

AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS

ADRIENNE RICH

SYNOPSIS

The poet is a feminist and she addresses the difficulties of a married woman through the

persona of her Aunt Jennifer. The Aunt spends good deal of time in embroidering a panel of

tigers prancing across the screen. The tigers are fearless creatures pacing elegantly and

majestically. They symbolize the spirit of freedom. Aunt is a victim of male chauvinism and

domination. Aunt Jennifer is so oppressed and terrified that she finds it hard to pull the needle.

The “weight of Uncle’s wedding band” expresses how victimized and oppressed she is. She

spends her life in fear but she embroiders on the panel the fearless tigers to express her secret

47

longing for a life of freedom and confidence. Even her death does not end the problem and

torture which a married woman experiences.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

(i) Why do Aunt Jennifer’s fingers flutter through her wool?

(ii) Explain: ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’.

(iii) How is Aunt Jennifer affected by the ‘weight of matrimony’?

(iv) How do Aunt Jennifer’s tiger look like?

(v) What do the tigers made by the Aunt symbolize?

(vi) What impression do you form about the Uncle in the poem?

VISTAS

THE TIGER KING

KALKI

Synopsis

The Maharaja of Prathibandapuram, Sir Jilani Jung Jung Bhadur was called “Tiger King”. He si

credited with having spoken when he was just 10 days old. The astrologers predicted that he

would be killed by a tiger as he was born in the sign of the bull and the bull and the tiger are

enemies. He grew up in the royal palace and enjoyed the privileges of having a British

upbringing. He was crowned the king when he was 20. The king came to know of the prediction

regarding his death and he killed a tiger to safeguard himself. He told the news to the astrologer

and was told that he could kill 99 tigers, but had to be beware of the 100th

tiger. From that day

tiger hunting was banned in the state by anyone other than the king. A high-ranking British

officer who visited the state was fond of hunting tigers, but was denied permission. The officer

wanted a photograph of his to be taken with a dead tiger killed by the Maharaja and this request

was also rejected. The Tiger King faced the threat of losing his kingdom to the British. So to

please the officer’s wife, 50 diamond rings were sent expecting that she would take 1 or 2.

Instead she kept all the rings costing 3 lakh rupees and sent ‘thanks’ to the Maharaja. But his

state was secured. In 10 years he killed 70 tigers. Finally tigers disappeared in Pratibandapuram;

so he decided to marry a girl from royal state which had the highest number of tigers to complete

his target. Whenever he visited his in-laws he would go on a tiger hunt. So he killed 99 tigers and

was anxious to kill the 100th but couldn’t find it. News about the presence of a tiger near a

village proved wrong. Now the Dewan faced the threat of losing his position. So he and brought

an old tiger from the ‘People’s Park in Madras’ and placed it in the forest and informed the

Maharaja. The Maharaja shot the tiger with great care and left the place in triumph. But the tiger

had collapsed out of fear and had not been hit by the bullet. So one of the soldiers killed the tiger

and brought it in grand procession. It was the 3rd birthday of the Maharaja’s son and he wanted

to buy a present from the toyshop. He bought a poorly carved wooden tiger. While the Maharaja

was playing with the prince, a tiny sliver of the wooden tiger pierced his right hand which later

on caused his death. Thus the hundredth tiger takes his final revenge upon the “Tiger King”.

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Additional Questions

(i) What was the miracle that took place in the royal palace?

(ii) How was the Tiger King brought up?

(iii) What was the astrologer's prediction when the Tiger King killed the first tiger?

(iv) What did the high-ranking British officer wish to do? Was his wish fulfilled

(v) The Tiger King's obsession with tiger hunt endangered his kingship. Explain. how did

he overcome this threat?

(vi) Why did the Maharaja’s tiger killing mission come to a sudden still?

(vii) Why did the Maharaja suddenly decide to marry? on what criteria was the bride

chosen?

(viii) Why did Maharaja order the dewan to double the tax?

(ix) Describe the events that led to the Tiger King's death.

(x) How did the Maharaja kill the hundredth tiger?

(xi) The title of the Maharaja reflected grandeur but his death was an anticlimax. Justify.

(xii) How did the Tiger King meet his end? What is ironical about his death?

(xiii) How did the 100th

tiger take its revenge on the Tiger King?

THE ENEMY

PEARL S. BUCK

Synopsis

The story takes place in the background of the Word War II. Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon

discovers a wounded American soldier who was washed ashore on the beach near his house. The

man was bleeding profusely and Sadao’s first instinct is to throw the man back into the sea. But

the doctor in him refuses to let the man die and his professional ethics dictates that his duty is to

save life no matter what his relation to the person. The nature of the wounds reveals that the man

is an escaped prisoner of war which adds to the danger. Hana, his wife, is initially reluctant

because it was dangerous and risky for them to shelter the enemy in the house. But she assists

her husband in operating and nursing the enemy soldier back to health despite her fear and

dislike. The servants, who are unable to comprehend the logic behind their master giving shelter

to an enemy, desert the house. Though Japan was actively involved in the war and Sadao’s

expertise as a surgeon was very much needed in the battlefield, he had not been sent with the

troops as the General was in poor health and he trusted only Sadao to treat him. Sadao tells him

about the enemy soldier but he does not take any action as he is self- absorbed and forgets his

promise that he would send his private assassins to kill the enemy and remove his body. Taking

advantage of the general’s self-absorption Sadao decides to save the soldier’s life. After the

soldier has regained his health, Dr. Sadao helps him to escape from his house to the safety of a

neighbouring island form where he could hail down a Korean fishing boat and escape.

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Additional Questions

(i) Why was Dr Sadao not sent with the troops?

(ii) Compare the attitude of Sadao and Hana to that of the servants towards the enemy

soldier.

(iii) Do you agree that the servants where right in leaving their master’s house for

sheltering the enemy soldier? Why /why not?

(iv) Why did the General overlook the matter of the enemy soldier?

(v) How was the plan of the prisoner’s escape carried out in the story?

(vi) Sadao keeps questioning his attitude towards the enemy throughout the course of the

lesson. Why do you think he helped Tom in spite of the danger that was involved?

(vii) ‘‘But Sadao searching the spot of black in the twilight sea that night, had his

reward’’. What was the reward?

(viii) Why did Sadao choose the island as a safe place for sheltering Tom?

(ix) What were the instructions given by Sadao to Tom regarding his stay in the island?

(ix) What message does “The Enemy” give?

(x) Why does Hana decide to help the prisoner?

(xi) What was the General’s plan to get rid of the prisoner?

(xii) Why is Sadao confident that the General is in the palm of his hands?

(xiii) What makes Hana conclude that the Japanese treat their prisoners cruelly despite their

claims to the contrary?

(xiv) Do you agree with the doctor’s decision to help an enemy soldier? Why / why not?

SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY?

JOHN UPDIKE

Synopsis

The chapter discusses the very sensitive issue of parental authority over their children and the

right of the parent to make decisions for the children. Jo is a little girl of four years. She is

listening to a bed time story being narrated by her father Jack. The story always had the same

basic pattern with an animal facing some problem and seeking the help of the wise owl who

advises him to seek the help of the wizard to solve it. That particular day, Jo chooses a skunk.

Roger skunk as he is called has a very foul smell the issue and other animals refuse to play with

him. So he visits the wizard who changes his foul smell to the smell of roses. Skunk’s mother is

unhappy with it and takes him back to the wizard. She hits the wizard with her umbrella and asks

him to restore the original smell. She wanted her son to keep his identity of a skunk and wanted

his friends to accept him for himself. So the wizard changes him back to smell like a skunk.

After hearing the story, Jo refuses to accept the ending and wants her father to change it. She

wants the wizard to hit the mother back. He should allow Roger to keep his smell of roses. But

Jack refuses to change the ending. This raises the difficult moral question whether parents

possess the right to impose their will on their children. She argues that acceptance from friends is

50

more important than retaining the smell and hence Roger should be allowed to make his own

choices. Her father finds it difficult to answer her question. The story reveals the worldview of a

little child to a difficult moral question and shows her mental or psychological thinking process.

Additional Questions

(i) What was the basic story line of Jack’s bedtime story?

(ii) How did the wizard help Roger Skunk?

(iii) How did Roger Skunk’s Mommy react when he went home smelling of roses?

(iv) What did the Skunk’s mother do to restore his old smell?

(v) What changes do Jack notice in Jo in what he calls as her ‘reality phase’?

(vi) How does Jo want the story to end and why?

(vii) Do you think Jack was right in refusing to concede to Jo’s wishes? Why / why not?

(viii) What does Jack wish to convey through the story of Roger skunk?

(ix) How is Jack’s childhood interspersed with that of Roger skunk’s story?

(x) How does Jack assert his authority as a father over his daughter?

ON THE FACE OF IT

SUSAN HILL

Synopsis

The play narrates beautifully yet grimly the cheerless world of the physically impaired. Rather

than the pain caused by the physical impairment, it is the society’s attitude that adds to the

misery of the disabled. Two physically impaired people, Mr. Lamb with a tin leg and Derry with

a burnt face, strike a chord of friendship. Derry is described as a shy young boy who is

withdrawn and defiant. One side of his face has been burned with acid and hence is repulsive to

appearance. He enters Mr. Lamb’s garden to steal crab apples despite the gate being open. Mr.

Lamb strikes up a conversation with him and in the course of it the reader is exposed to the

numerous insecurities and negativity that are buried in the child. People tell him various

platitudes and inspiring stories to console him, but no one ever bothers to look deeper into the

child to see the insecurities within. No one would bother to kiss him except his mother that too

on the other side of his face. He mentions about a woman telling that only a mother can love

such a face.

Mr. Lamb revives the almost dead feelings of Derry towards life. He motivates him to think

positive and attempts to change his mind set about people and things. How a man locked

himself as he was scared-a picture fell off the wall and got killed. Everything appears to be the

same but is different. He gives the example of weeds to show that everything has value despite

what people tell about them. He tries to convince Derry that once people come to know the

human being behind the burned face, the disfigurement would become insignificant. Derry is

inspired and promises to come back. Derry’s mother stops him but he is adamant as he realizes

that if he does not go now it would be never. When he comes back he sees Lamb lying on the

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ground. It is ironical that when he takes the first hesitant step toward life, he finds Mr. Lamb

dead. In this way the play depicts the heart rendering life of physically disabled people with their

loneliness, disappointment and alienation from the society. It also reflects on need for more

compassion and empathy towards the physically challenged.

Additional Questions

(i) Who is Derry? What is his opinion about himself?

(ii) How does Lamb try to remove the hidden insecurities of Derry?

(iii) What did Derry’s mothers think of Mr. Lamb?

(iv) Why did Derry’s mother stop him from returning to Mr. Lamb?

(v) Why does Derry return to Mr. Lamb in the end?

(vi) Comment on the moral value of the play.

(vii) Mr. Lamb says to Derry; ‘it’s all relative, beauty and the beast’, what does he mean

by that?

(viii) What is the attitude of Mr. Lamb to the small boy who comes to his garden?

(ix) How does Derry interpret his mother’s kissing him on the good side of his face? How

does this add to his insecurities?

(x) “I’m not afraid. People are afraid of me,” says Derry. How do people react to Derry’s

disfigurement?

(xi) How does Mr. Lamb explain his concept of the world?

(xii) Do you think Mr. Lamb was equally lonely and dejected? Why / Why not?

(xiii) Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry.

(xiv) What is the bond that unites old Mr. Lamb and Derry the young boy?

(xv) How does the old man inspire the small boy?

(xvi) Comment on the title.

EVANS TRIES AN O LEVEL

COLIN DEXTER

Synopsis

James Rodriguez Evans is a kleptomaniac who has been imprisoned thrice and has escaped from

the prison each time. Now he is in the prison for the 4th time. Evan suddenly develops an interest

to study German and wished to appear in O-level German Examination. The Governor takes

utmost care to see that he Evans would not make use of this opportunity to escape from prison.

Every care is taken to make Evans prepared for the exam. He was tutored by a German tutor for

6 months. The tutor himself is aware that he has hardly any ‘chance of getting through.’ But

Evans gives a twist to the tutor’s observation by saying “I may surprise everybody.” On the day

of the exam Jackson and Stephens, the prison officers visit Evans’s cell to take away everything

that may help him injure himself or someone else. Evans is asked to remove his hat but he

refuses saying that it was lucky charm.

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Evans cell is bugged so that the Governor could himself listen to each and every conversation in

the cell. The invigilator Rev. S. McLeery too is searched and left to complete the task. Stephens

keeping guard outside the cell is asked to peep into the cell at regular intervals to ensure that

everything is alright. The exam goes on smoothly. Stephens escorts the invigilator to the main

gate. On his return when he looks into the cell, he finds the invigilator (actually Evans) wounded

and bleeding profusely and informs the Governor. The latter is to be hospitalized but informs that

he is alright and asks them to help his follow Evans who has left clues about his escape plan in

the question paper . Thus he escaped the prison. Later the invigilator was not found in the

hospital they went to the residence of Rev. S. McLeery only to find him ‘bound and gagged in

his study’. He has been there, since 8.15 a.m. Now everything was clear to the Governor. Evans

has escaped the prison the 4th time. But by taking the hint from the question paper the Governor

reaches the hotel where Evans was and captures him and comes to know how he had planned his

escape. Evans surrenders himself to the Governor. The Governor hands him over to the prison

officer in the lobby of the hotel. The moment they are rid of the Governor, the so called prison

officer - a friend of Evans - unlocks the handcuffs and asks the driver to move fast and Evans

tells him to turn to Newbury. Evans, thus, has the last laugh.

Additional Questions

(i) What kind of a person was Evans?

(ii) What is the significance of Evans’ statement, ‘I may surprise everybody”?

(iii) Evans loves his long hair, yet he clips it short. Why?

(iv) Why did the Governor instruct Jackson to search McLeery?

(v) How does Evans convince Jackson to allow him to wear his cap? What does this

reveal about Evans’s character?

(vi) Why did Evans drape a blanket round his shoulder? What did Stephens think about it?

(vii) In spite of strict vigilance, how did Evans’ friend manage to give the material for

disguise in the cell?

(viii) What different queries are made by the Secretary of the Examinations Board to the

Governor before conducting the examination for Evans and why?

(ix) Who do you think made a call regarding a correction in the question paper? What did

it really want to convey?

(x) How did the Governor manage to reach Evans in the hotel?

(xi) Comment on the ending of the story.

(xii) What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD

Synopsis

The Cutting of My Long Hair

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The first part deals with the account of Simmons, An American Indian, who fought against the

prejudices of the society against American Indians. She writes under the pseudonym Zitkala-Sa

and describes her experiences on her first day at the Carlisle Indian School. The customs and

rules of the place were strange and new to her. She was forced to wear clothes that were

considered undignified in her culture as they were too tight for her and as a native American

Indian she was used to wearing loose garments. At breakfast, she was embarrassed as she did

not know the routine of the place. Later on she comes to know that they were planning to cut her

hair; she tries to avoid it by hiding under the bed, even though she knew it was futile. In her

culture, both men and women had the custom of having long hair. The hair was cut only on two

occasions –as a sign of mourning when someone in the community dies and as a sign of

cowardice, the hair of prisoners who are caught are shingled. When she is dragged out from

under the bed, she puts up a fight, but is soon subdued and is forced to suffer the indignity of her

hair being cut.

We too are Human Beings.

The second part is an excerpt from the autobiography ‘Karukku’ by Bama –a Tamil Dalit. - She

was in her third grade when she becomes aware of the indignities that the lower caste people

face. She happens to see an elderly person from her community degrade himself in front of a

higher caste person as he was not supposed to touch the food that he was ordered to fetch for the

landlord. She finds this incident funny and later on shares it with her brother. Her brother

explains to her that the incident had no humour in it, but was indeed very pathetic. The people

from the lower caste were treated as untouchables. She was deeply saddened and decided to

study hard to overcome discriminations advised by her brother as education can be a great

leveler and removes all sorts of inequalities among people.

Additional Questions

(i) What were the indignities that the new girls from American Indian community were

subjected to at Carlisle Indian School?

(ii) On learning that her long hair would be cut the author decided to struggle first. What

does this tell us about her?

(iii) Why does the author rebel against her hair being cut?

(iv) Why did Zitkala-Sa start crying in the dining hall?

(v) ‘Now I was only one of many little animals driven by a herder!’ Explain.

(vi) Why did Bama take longer time to cover the distance to her home that would normally

take only ten minutes?

(vii) What was the incident that made Bama laugh as well as feel so provoked and angry?

(viii) When and how did Bama come to know of the discrimination faced by the marginalized

people?

(ix) Bama’s brother’s timely guidance helped her to come out of the stigma of

untouchability. Do you agree? Why / why not?

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(x) Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is practiced in the society.

What kind of experience did both of them go through?

(xi) What are the similarities in the lives of Bama and Zitkala though they belong to

different countries?

(xii) LONG READING TEXT

(xiii) THE INVISIBLE MAN

(xiv) H G WELLS

Summary

The story "The Invisible Man" is about a scientist who finds away to turn things invisible. At the

beginning of the book, he has already turned himself invisible and wears bandages over his face

and body just so he can be seen. No one can see a single piece of his skin. He goes to a small

town and checks into a hotel, where he makes the staff meat tedious standards. He hardly ever

leaves his room and keeps it locked at all times. Then, he is forced to take drastic actions because

the people of the small town are starting to wonder what is wrong with him. It all really starts

when the wife of the man who owns the hotel follows The Invisible Man outside one night and

he disappears. She does not know that he is invisible. This leads to the rest of the town starting to

become curious. The Invisible Man does not want to reveal his secret. Instead, he starts running

from the people. He ends up stealing from an official who then finds out he is invisible. This

leads to uproar in the town. The official and another man try to fight the Invisible Man but it

does no good because he just takes off his bandages and becomes invisible again.

CHAPTER 1: The Strange Man’s Arrival

A stranger arrives in Bramblehurst railway station. He is bundled from head to foot with

only the tip of his nose showing. He enters the Coach & Horses Inn and demands a room

and a fire. Mrs. Hall, the owner prepares a supper for him and offers to take his coat and

hat, but he refuses to take them off. When he finally removes the hat, his entire head is

swathed in a bandage. Mrs. Hall thinks he has endured some accident. She tries to get

him to talk about himself, but he is taciturn with her, although not particularly rude.

(xv) CHAPTER 2: Mr. Teddy Henfrey’s First Impressions

(xvi) Teddy Henfrey, a clock repairman, comes to the inn for tea. Mrs. Hall asks him to

“repair the clock” in the stranger’s room. Teddy deliberately takes as long as he can with

the clock, taking it apart and reassembling it for no reason. The stranger finally gets him

to hurry up and leave. Offended, Teddy talks himself into believing that the stranger is

someone of a suspicious nature, perhaps even wanted by the police and is wrapped up to

conceal his identity. Teddy runs into Mr. Hall and warns him about the stranger,

informing him that a “lot of luggage” will be coming. It would seem that the stranger

intends to stay awhile.

(xvii) Mr. Hall goes home intending to investigate the stranger, but is put off by the short-

tempered demeanor of his wife.

(xviii) CHAPTER 3: The Thousand and One Bottles

(xix) A stranger arrives in Bramblehurst railway station. He is bundled from head to foot with

only the tip of his nose showing. He enters the Coach & Horses Inn and demands a room

and a fire. Mrs. Hall, the owner prepares a supper for him and offers to take his coat and

55

hat, but he refuses to take them off. When he finally removes the hat, his entire head is

swathed in a bandage. Mrs. Hall thinks he has endured some accident. She tries to get

him to talk about himself, but he is taciturn with her, although not particularly rude.

The stranger’s luggage arrives at the inn. Numerous crates fill the deliveryman’s cart, some of

them containing bottles packaged in straw. Fearenside, the cartman, owns a dog that starts to

growl when the stranger comes down the steps to help with the boxes. The dog jumps for the

stranger’s hand, but misses and sinks his teeth in a pant leg. The dog tears open the trouser leg,

whereupon the stranger goes quickly back into the inn and to his room.

(xx) Concerned about the possibility of injury, Mr. Hall goes to the stranger’s room. He gets a

glimpse of what seems like a white mottled face before he is shoved by an unseen force

back through the door. The stranger soon reappears at the door, his trousers changed, and

gives orders for the rest of his luggage. The stranger unpacks 6 crates of bottles, which

he arranges across the windowsill and all the available table and shelf space in the inn’s

parlor-a space he seems to have commandeered for himself.

(xxi) Mrs. Hall enters later to tend to his needs and catches a quick glimpse of him without his

glasses. His eyes seem hollow; he quickly puts his glasses on. She starts to complain

about the straw on the floor, but he tells her to put it on the bill and to knock before

entering his rooms. She points out that he could lock his door if he doesn’t want to be

bothered, advice that he takes. He then works behind the locked door all afternoon. At

one point, Mrs. Hall hears him raving about not being able to “go on.” She hears a sound

like a bottle being broken. Later she takes him tea and notes the broken glass and a stain

on the floor. He again tells her to “put it on the bill.”

(xxii) Meanwhile Fearenside talks in the beer shop of Iping Hangar. Fearenside says that the

stranger is a “black man,” an assumption derived from the absence of “pink flesh” when

the trouser leg was ripped open. When reminded of the pink nose, Fearenside claims that

the man must therefore be a “piebald,” or a part white, part black creature.

(xxiii) CHAPTER 4: Mr. Cuss Interviews the Stranger

(xxiv) The stranger works diligently in his room until the end of April with only occasional

skirmishes with Mrs. Hall. Whenever she disapproves of anything he does, he quiets her

with additional payment. He rarely goes out during the day, but goes out nearly every

night, muffled up regardless of the weather.

(xxv) His identity becomes a topic of speculation in the town. Mrs. Hall defends him, repeating

his own words that he is an “experimental investigator.” The view of the town is that he

is a criminal trying to escape justice. Mr. Gould, the probationary assistant imagines that

the man must be an “anarchist” who is preparing explosives.

(xxvi) Another group of people believe he is a piebald and could make a lot of money if he

chose to show himself at the fairs. All agree, however, that due to his habits of secrecy,

they dislike him. The young men begin to mock his bearing; a song called “Bogey Man”

becomes popular and children follow at a distance calling out “Bogey Man.”

(xxvii) The curiosity of a general practitioner named Cuss is aroused, and he contrives for an

interview. During the interview the stranger accidentally removes his hand from his

pocket. Cuss is able to see down the empty sleeve to the elbow. Cuss questions him

about “moving an empty sleeve.” The stranger laughs, then extends the empty sleeve

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toward Cuss’s face and pinches his nose. Cuss leaves in terror and tells his story to

Bunting, the vicar.

(xxviii)CHAPTER 5: The Burglary and the Vicarage

(xxix) Mrs. Bunting, the vicar’s wife, wakes up at the sound of bare feet walking through her

house. She wakes her husband and the two watch and listen as a candle is lit and papers

are rustled in the study. When they hear the telltale clink of money, Rev. Bunting rushes

into the study with a raised poker, but the room appears to be empty. Their money

disappears and at one point they hear a sneeze in the hallway but are unable to locate or

see the intruder.

(xxx) CHAPTER 6: The Furniture that Went Mad (xxxi) The Halls arise very early in the morning on Whit-Monday in order to take care of some

private business having something to do with their wine cellar. In passing by the guest’s

room, Mr. Hall notices that the door is ajar. A few minutes later, he sees that the bolts on

the front door of the house are unlocked although he remembers shutting them on the

previous night. The guest is not in his room, but his clothes, shoes, and even his hat are

scattered about. As the Halls are investigating, the bed-clothes suddenly gather

themselves into a bundle and toss themselves over the bottom rail. Then a chair flies

toward Mrs. Hall. The legs of the chair are brought to rest against her back, propelling

her out of the room. The door slams and is locked behind them. The Halls decide that the

stranger is a spirit.

(xxxii) They send for Sandy Wadgers, the blacksmith who is also supposed to be an exorcist.

Wadgers is joined by Huxter, and together they ponder the likelihood of witchcraft and

contemplate the propriety of breaking through the door in order to examine the situation

more closely. However, before they can carry out any such action, the door opens and

the stranger emerges, wrapped and bundled as usual. He distracts them long enough to

enter the parlor and slam the door against them. When Mr. Hall raps on the door and

demands an explanation, the stranger tells him to “go to the devil” and “shut the door

after you.”

(xxxiii)CHAPTER 7: The Unveiling of the Stranger

(xxxiv) The stranger remains locked in the parlor all morning. He rings his bell for Mrs. Hall

several times, but she does not answer it. About noon, he emerges and demands to know

why his meals have not been brought to him. Mrs. Hall tells him that his bill has not been

paid in five days. She refuses to accept the excuse that he is waiting for a remittance.

When he produces some money, she refuses it, saying she first wants to know why he

doesn’t enter by doorways and move about like normal people.

(xxxv) For his answer, the stranger removes all his head wrappings, including his nose and

moustache. He thus looks like a person with a missing head. At the sound of screams a

crowd of people run toward the inn. “Eye-witnesses” suddenly babble hysterical stories

of the man attacking the servant girl, and brandishing a knife. Bobby Jaffers, the village

constable, appears with a warrant.

(xxxvi) The stranger slaps Jaffers with his glove, but then says he will surrender. He will not

accept handcuffs, however. As the constable, Halls and others watch, the man removes

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the rest of his clothes, becoming invisible before them. He tells them that he is invisible.

Jaffers wants to take him in for questioning on suspicion of robbing the Bunting home. A

scuffle ensues, and the stranger, now known as the “Invisible Man,” escapes.

(xxxvii) CHAPTER 8: In Transit

(xxxviii) An amateur naturalist named Gibbins is relaxing out on the downs and hears

someone coughing, sneezing and swearing. Frightened, Gibbins gets up and runs home.

(xxxix) CHAPTER 9: Mr. Thomas Marvel

(xl) Marvel is an eccentric bachelor and local tramp who likes to be comfortable and take his

time about things. He has come across a pair of boots in a ditch. He has tried them on

and found them too big, and is occupied in contemplating the boots when he hears a

voice nearby. Marvel talks about boots with the voice for several minutes before turning

to see his visitor and finding no one there.

(xli) First Marvel tells himself that he has had too much to drink, then that his imagination has

played some sort of trick on him. The Invisible Man begins throwing things at Marvel to

convince him that he is not just imagining the presence. Eventually the Man convinces

Marvel that he is real and is in need of an accomplice who will first give him food, water

and shelter. He delivers an unfinished threat of what he will do if Marvel betrays him.

(xlii) CHAPTER 10: Mr. Marvel’s Visit to Iping

(xliii) Iping has nearly recovered its earlier holiday atmosphere. As only a few people had

actually made contact with the Invisible Man, the general population is soon able to

reason him away as some trick of an overactive, holiday imagination.

(xliv) Around 4:00, Mr. Marvel enters town and is observed by Huxter to behave rather

strangely. He makes his way down the street almost reluctantly. He stops at the foot of

the steps to the Coach & Horses and seems to undergo a great struggle before finally

entering. A few minutes later, he re-emerges, apparently having had a drink, and walks

as if he is trying to act nonchalant. Soon he disappears into the yard and re-emerges with

a bundle wrapped in a tablecloth. Huxter thinks some robbery has taken place and tries to

follow Marvel when he is tripped in a mysterious fashion and sent sprawling.

(xlv) CHAPTER 11: In the Coach & Horses

(xlvi) The narrator backtracks to explain what happened inside the Coach & Horses. Mr. Cuss

and Mr. Bunting were in the parlor going through the belongings of the Invisible Man.

Three large books labeled “Diary” are written in a cipher or code they do not understand.

(xlvii) Suddenly the inn door opens and Mr. Marvel enters. They disregard him and begin

studying the books again when an unseen force grabs each of them by the neck and

begins pounding their heads on the table between questions about what they are doing

with his things. The man demands his belongings, saying he wants his books and some

clothes.

(xlviii) CHAPTER 12: The Invisible Man Loses His Temper

(xlix) Mr. Hall and Teddy Henfrey are involved in a discussion behind the hotel bar when they

hear a thump on the parlor door. They hear strange sounds as of things being thrown

against the door and some bizarre conversation. Doors open and shut and they see

Marvel taking off with Huxter trying to follow him. Suddenly Huxter executes a

complicated leap in the air. Seconds later, Hall lands on the ground as if he had been

attacked by a football player.

(l) Several other individuals are shoved aside or sent sprawling in the streets. Mr. Cuss calls

for help, telling people that the “Man” has all of the vicar’s clothes. After breaking all

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the windows in the Coach & Horses and thrusting a chair through the parlor window of

another citizen’s house, the Invisible Man disappears from Iping.

(li) CHAPTER 13: Mr. Marvel discusses His Resignation

(lii) Mr. Marvel, propelled by the unrelenting shoulder grip and vocal threats of the Invisible

Man, arrives in Bramblehurst. Marvel tries to reason his way out of the situation to no

avail. The Invisible man needs a normal person to carry his books and is determined to

make use of the fat, red-faced little man.

(liii) CHAPTER 14: At Port Stowe

(liv) Marvel arrives in Port Stowe and is seen resting on a bench outside of town. He has the

books with him, but the bundle of clothing has been abandoned in the woods. As he sits

there, an elderly mariner, carrying a newspaper, sits down beside him. Citing the paper,

the mariner brings up the topic of an Invisible man.

(lv) According to the newspaper, the man afflicted injuries on the constable at Iping. Certain

evidence indicates that he took the road to Port Stowe. The mariner ponders the strange

things such a man might be able to do-trespass, rob or even slip through a cordon of

policeman.

(lvi) Marvel begins to confide in the mariner, saying he knows some things about this

Invisible Man. Suddenly Marvel is interrupted by an attack of some kind of pain. He says

it is a toothache, then goes on to say that the Invisible Man is a hoax. Marvel begins to

move off, walking sideways with violent forward jerks.

(lvii) Later the mariner hears another fantastic story-that of money floating along a wall in

butterfly fashion. The story is true, however. All about the neighborhood, money has

been making off by the handful and depositing itself in the pockets of Mr. Marvel.

(lviii) CHAPTER 15: The Man Who Was Running

(lix) Dr. Kemp happens to be day-dreaming out his window when he spots a short, fat man

running down the hill as fast as he can go. The doctor notices that the man is running

“heavy” as if his pockets are “full of lead.” Kemp’s reaction is one of contempt, but the

people on the street who see him approaching react a bit differently. The running man is

Marvel; his expression is one of terror. A short distance behind him, people hear the

sound of panting and a pad like hurrying bare feet. Soon cries of “The Invisible Man is

coming” are heard in the streets along with the slamming of doors as people bolt into

their houses.

(lx) CHAPTER 16: In the Jolly Cricketers

(lxi) The Jolly Cricketers is a tavern. The barkeep, a cabman, an American and an off duty

policeman are engaged in idle chat when marvel bursts through the door. Marvel begs for

help, claiming the Invisible Man is after him.

(lxii) A pounding begins at the door and then a window is broken in. The Invisible Man

doesn’t come in immediately, however. The barman checks the other doors, but by the

time he realizes the yard door is open, the Invisible Man is already inside. Marvel, who is

hiding behind the bar, is caught and dragged into the kitchen. The policeman rushes in

and grips the invisible wrist of the hand that holds onto Marvel, but is abruptly hit in the

face.

(lxiii) People stumble over and into each other as all try to catch the Invisible Man. He yelps

when the policeman steps on his foot, then flails wildly about with his Invisible fists and

finally gives them the slip. The American fires five cartridges from his gun, sweeping his

59

gun in a circular pattern as he fires. The chapter ends with the men feeling around for an

invisible body.

(lxiv) CHAPTER 17: Doctor Kemp’s Visitor

(lxv) Doctor Kemp is still working in his study when he hears the shots fired in the Cricketers.

He opens his window and watches the crowd at the bottom of the hill for a few minutes,

then returns to his writing desk. A few minutes later, he hears his doorbell ring, but his

housekeeper says it was only a “runaway” ring.

(lxvi) The doctor is at his work until 2 AM when he decides to go downstairs for a drink. On

the way he notices a spot of drying blood on his linoleum floor. Then he finds more

blood on the doorknob of his own bedroom. In his room, his bedspread is smeared with

blood, his sheet is torn, and bedclothes are depressed as if someone has been sitting

there.

(lxvii) The Invisible Man introduces himself to Kemp. He is Griffin, of University College. He

explains that he made himself Invisible, but is wounded and desperately in need of

shelter, clothes and food.

(lxviii) Kemp loans him a dressing gown along with some drawers, socks and slippers. Griffin

eats everything Kemp can rustle up and finally asks for a cigar. He promises to tell Kemp

the story of his bizarre situation but insists that he must sleep first as he has had no sleep

in nearly three days.

(lxix) CHAPTER 18: The Invisible Man Sleeps

(lxx) Griffin examines the windows of the room, then exacts a promise from Kemp that he

will not be betrayed in his sleep and finally locks the door, barring Kemp from his own

room.

(lxxi) Kemp retires to his dining room to speculate upon the strange events. There he sees the

day’s newspaper, which he had ignored earlier. He reads it eagerly, but assigns the more

terrifying elements of the stores to “fabrication.” In the morning he sends his

housekeeper for all available papers and reads those as well. The papers contain stories

of the previous evening’s events at the Cricketers along with a rather badly written

account of Marvel’s experience. Marvel doesn’t tell how he came upon the money in his

pockets, nor does he mention the location of the three books. Kemp becomes alarmed at

the possibilities of what Griffin could do and writes a note to Colonel Adye at Port

Burdock.

(lxxii) CHAPTER 19: Certain First Principles

(lxxiii) Griffin explains how he became invisible. He had been a medical student, but had

dropped medicine and taken up physics. He discovered a formula of pigments that

lowers the refractive index of a substance, allowing light to pass through it rather than

being reflected or refracted. After experimenting with pigments for three years, he came

upon the secret whereby animal tissue could be rendered transparent. He was

continuously trying to hide his work from another professor. He was finally brought to a

halt in his experimenting by a lack of funds, a problem he solved by robbing his own

father. Because the money did not belong to him, his father shot himself.

(lxxiv) CHAPTER 20: Doctor Kemp’s Visitor

(lxxv) Griffin explains how he had found lodging in a boarding house on Great Portland Street.

After his father’s funeral, he went to his apartment to continue with his experiments. He

successfully made a piece of cloth disappear, then he tried his process on a stray cat. The

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cat was not entirely successful, as the animal’s eyes and claws never completely

disappeared.

(lxxvi) Later the next day he had a minor altercation with the landlord who brought reports of

Griffin tormenting a cat in the night. The landlord wanted to know what Griffin was

doing in the room and what all the paraphernalia was for. The two argued and Griffin

shoved the landlord out of the room. Griffin knew he would have to act quickly, so he

made arrangements to have his belongings stored, then he drank some of his own potion.

In the evening the landlord returned with an ejection notice, but was too terrified at the

stone white face of Griffin to serve it. In spite of extreme illness and pain, Griffin

finished his treatment and watched himself gradually disappear.

(lxxvii)In the morning, the landlord, his stepsons and the elderly neighbor lady who had

complained about the cat enter Griffin’s apartment and are astonished to see no one. A

day later, afraid, lest his equipment reveal too much information, Griffin smashes the

items and sets fire to the house. Believing that he has covered his tracks with impunity,

he begins to imagine all sorts of “wild and wonderful” things he will be able to do under

the cover of invisibility.

(lxxviii) CHAPTER 21: In Oxford Street

(lxxix) Griffin continues to explain his experiences with invisibility. He soon discovered that

being invisible had as many drawbacks as advantages. People ran into him and stepped

on him. He had to be continually on guard as to the movements and positions of others in

order to avoid accidental contact. To make matters worse, although people could not see

him, dogs could detect him with their keen sense of smell. As he had to remain naked, he

was soon uncomfortable. Also, he could not eat, as food was visible until it was fully

assimilated into his system.

(lxxx) At one point, he had run up the steps of a house in order to avoid a unit of a marching

Salvation Army band. While he waited, two youngsters spotted the prints of his bare feet

in the mud. Soon a crowd of people had gathered to look at the “ghost prints.” He leapt

over the railing and ran through a bunch of back roads to avoid the press. Fortunately for

him, his escape at that time was aided with the distraction created by conflagration

engulfing his former dwelling.

(lxxxi) CHAPTER 22: In the Emporium

(lxxxii)Griffin explains his first attempts to get clothing and render his situation more tolerable.

He had gone into the Omniums, a large apartment type store where one could buy

everything from groceries to clothing. He made his way to an area of bedsteads and

mattresses, hoping that once the store closed for the night, he would be able to sleep on

the mattresses and steal some clothes with which to mask his condition.

(lxxxiii) In the night he procured a complete set of clothes for himself, helped himself to

food in a refreshment department, and then slept in a pile of down quilts. He failed to

awaken before the morning crew had entered, however, and was unable to escape as long

as they could see him. Thus he was forced to shed the clothing and run, naked, back out

into the cold.

(lxxxiv) CHAPTER 23: In Drury Lane

(lxxxv) Griffin’s peril increased daily. He had no clothes or shelter and dared not eat. Also, he

soon realized that walking through the streets of London was going to result in an

accumulation of dirt on his skin- which would make him visible in a grotesque way.

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(lxxxvi) He made his way into a costume shop, hoping to make way with some clothes and

dark glasses after the proprietor had gone to bed. In the shopkeeper’s room, he had to

stand and watch the man eat his breakfast. Furthermore, the man had exceptionally acute

hearing and nearly discovered Griffin several times. When evening came, he was finally

able to explore the house and found a pile of old clothes. In his excitement, he forgot

about the noise he was making and was nearly caught when the shopkeeper investigated

the noise. Unable to see the source, but positive someone was in the house, the proprietor

went about locking all the doors in the house and pocketing the keys. In desperation,

Griffin struck the old man on the head, then gagged and tied him with a sheet. Then he

put together a costume of old clothes, stole all the money he could find and went out into

the street.

(lxxxvii) Believing his troubles were over, Griffin went into a restaurant and ordered a

meal, but soon realized he couldn’t eat it without exposing his invisible face. He ordered

the lunch and left, telling the proprietor that he would be back in ten minutes.

(lxxxviii) Griffin went to “another place” (which happens to be the Coach & Horses Inn)

and demanded a private room, explaining that he was “badly disfigured.” Thus he had set

himself up at Iping, hoping to find a way to reverse the process of invisibility. Here he

was finally discovered.

(lxxxix) CHAPTER 24: In Oxford Street

(xc) Griffin tells how his original plan, after being discovered by the people of Iping, had

been to get his books and get out of the country, but that plan had changed upon meeting

Kemp. He thinks that Kemp can work with him. Together they can set up a “reign of

terror” to take full advantage of the Invisibility. Griffin does not realize that Kemp has

already betrayed him and is only trying to keep him talking until the police arrive. Kemp

stands in front of the window to keep Griffin from seeing the police, but Griffin soon

hears them on the stairs and realizes he has been deceived.

(xci) Griffin quickly begins to disrobe even as Kemp springs to the door and attempts to lock

him in. A dropped key spoils the effort as the now invisible Griffin shoves him aside,

then hurls his weight at Colonel Adye, the chief of the Burdock Police who is

approaching on the stairs. Griffin escapes past two more policemen in the hall; they hear

the front door of the house slam violently.

(xcii) CHAPTER 25: The Hunting of the Invisible man

(xciii) Kemp explains the situation to the police, informing them of Griffin’s intentions to cause

general mayhem. They talk of using dogs to sniff him out and of putting powdered glass

in the streets.

(xciv) CHAPTER 27: The Siege of Kemp’s House

(xcv) Kemp receives a letter telling him that the Reign of Terror is beginning and that Kemp

himself will be the first execution for the sake of an example. Kemp decides that he

himself will be the bait and that Griffin will be caught because he will have gone too far.

A knock at the door turns out to be Adye with news that Kemp’s housekeeper-who was

carrying notes for the police-had been attacked and the notes taken from her.

(xcvi) Griffin makes his presence known by smashing windows in Kemp’s house. During the

battle that follows, Adye is shot. Griffin gets inside the house and tries to tell the police

to “stand away” as he is after only Kemp. He swings an ax at them, but one of them

manages to strike him with an iron poker. By this time Kemp has followed his

housekeeper through a window and is nowhere to be found.

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(xcvii) CHAPTER 28: The Hunter Hunted

(xcviii) Griffin chases Kemp through the town. People begin to join in the chase. When Kemp

realizes that the people are chasing Griffin, he stops running, which allows the Invisible

Man to catch him. Even though people cannot see him, they are able to grab hold of him

and keep him down. The effort is not needed for long as Griffin has been fatally injured

and seems to have lost a lot of blood. As the town people watch, the effect of invisibility

is gradually reversed, and soon, Griffin, now dead, is visible.

(xcix) EPILOGUE

(c) Mr. Marvel, formerly the tramp, has become the landlord of the little inn near Port Stowe

and the “owner” of all the information about Griffin. He has been able to keep all the

money Griffin stole because lawyers could not identify the sources accurately. The books

seem to have disappeared entirely; at least whenever anyone asks Marvel about them, he

denies knowing anything. However, when the inn is closed and he is alone, he takes the

books out of their hiding place and tries to study the “wonderful secrets.”

(ci) Questions

(cii) 1. Why does Mrs. Hall tolerate the Invisible Man as long as she does?

2. Why do you think Griffin smashes bottles and swears behind the locked door of his

room?

3. How do the speculations of the people in town exemplify human nature?

4. Which characters have realistic reactions to the Invisible Man? Which ones have

unrealistic reactions?

5. Explain why Teddy Henfry decides the Man is trying to hide something from the

police.

6. What do Huxter’s actions say about him as a member of the town?

7. At what point is Griffin truly insane?

8. How do you think you would react if you saw your money disappear in front of you,

but couldn’t see who was taking it?

(ciii) 9. Marvel ends up with all the money because the lawyers couldn’t tell definitively

whom it belonged to. How is this similar to our court systems today?

(civ) 10. Marvel is introduced as a tramp and ends up a business owner. How realistic is this?

What does it say about Marvel himself?

(cv)