The Sower ( 11th Std )

Note : 

1. The answers shared here are just for reference purpose. You all are encouraged to try writing your own answers.

2. Refer page 73 and 74 of std XI Textbook for questions.

Brainstorming 

A1. There are a number of.....

A2. The poet has observed....

Ans. The poet Victor Hugo observes that the sower is working on his field from dawn to dusk and even after that. When everybody is going back home as working hours have passed yet the sower still lingers and that makes the poet respect the sower all the more. He is in awe of the sower's diligence and dedication and selfless behaviour in order to provide food to not just his family but the world family.

A3. The poet is promted to call....

And. The poet calls the sower an August personality and the sower deserves every bit of this honour for all the hard work , perseverance and dedication he puts in/shows to grow food for all. The sower works really hard from dawn to dusk selflessly and without looking at what others are doing or when they are starting back for home. The sower also shows commendable perseverance for he is not just working in a cool suitable climate but is facing a lot of difficulties and challenges yet he is persevering for he knows only after the hardwork one bears the fruit of it. The sower is extremely dedicated to for no matter how many bad harvest he had seen in past , he is still hopeful that he will have better harvest this time around and is dedicated and focussed.

A4. Figures of speech

1.Alliteration

Examples from the poem

1.But the sower lingers still

2.Darkness deepens , fades the light,

3. Are august , and strange , his height

2. Word imagery : descriptive language for the reader to imagine the work of the poet in the best way possible. It is the art of creating mental images with help of descriptive words.

Example from the poem

He seems to touch the starry skies

With his selfless and hard working nature , the farmer has made an important place for himself in our world. He works really hard to feed others and is irreplaceable. He is the real producer of every nation and though we do not acknowledge all his hardwork but the fact remains intact that he is the most important person in our society.

More examples 

• The autumn leaves are a blanket on the ground.
• His words felt like a dagger in my heart.
• My head is pounding like a drum.
• The kitten's fur is milky.
• The siren turned into a whisper as it ended.

Write an appreciation of the poem "The Sower"

Ans.

1. About the poem , poet and title : The poem "The Sower" is written by Victor Hugo in French and is translated in English by Torulata Dutt - A bengali poet. Victor Hugo was a poet ,novelist and dramatist of 19th century and Toru Lata Dutt is considered to be "The First Indian Poetess" to write verses in English and French.This poem is a poem about a farmer who is sowing seeds. He has seen many bad harvests in his life however he is very optimistic of having good harvest everytime he tosses grain. The title of the poem is very apt and well suited to the poem as throughout the poem the poet is talking about the sower and his hardwork and perseverance.

2. Theme : The theme of the poem "The Sower" revolves around hard work, perseverance, consistency , dedication and hope. In the poem, the poet explains how the sower is different from other people. As soon as the darkness falls, all other people start back for home except the sower who is in field moving to and fro withoutcaring about the time. He has seeds in his hands and hope of reaping the fruit of his hard work. He is determined to finish his work for the day no matter what.

3. Poetic devices , language , style : The poet has beautifully used a simple rhyme scheme "abab" throughtout the poem and has also made an effective use of figures of speech like alliteration in line " Muse I , as I see him stride." , Imagery in line " Black and high ,his silhouette dominates the furrows deep!" , etc to make the poem a rich experience for all readers ! The language of the poem is very simple and lucid and hence it becomes an easy poem to understand.

Special feature/s : The poem is originally written in french but is translated in English without changing the feel and essence of the poem. That itself is a great feat ! Also , it is a short poem yet very effectively makes us - the readers realize the importance of a sower in our lives.

Values/Message : The clear message that we get from this poem is selflessness of the sower who is working really hard so he bears the fruit of his hard work and be able to feed not just his family but the world. The poem also teaches us how our hard work and perseverance with honesty wins people's heart and automatically gets rewarded.

Your opinion about the poem : In my opinion , this poem is a must read for all for it's simplicity and effective way of making us aware about the hard work a sower puts and the respect he deserves. 

Cherry Tree ( 11th Std )

Note : 

1. The answers shared here are just for reference purpose. You all are encouraged to try writing your own answers.

2. Refer page 68 , 68 and 70 of std XI Textbook for questions.

A1. Find proof from the poem.

a. The poet has mentioned different seasons.

Ans. Ans suddenly that summer near the end of May,

Split it apart and a monsoon blight.

b. The poet's minute....

Ans. It was very small , five months child.

Next spring I watched three new shoots grow,

c. The color imagery in the poem.

Ans. Made a miracle from green growing pain

And next year there were blossoms small , pink , fragile, quick to fall.

d. The struggle of the cherry tree...

Ans. Goats ate the leaves , the grass cutter scythe split it apart and a monsson blight shrivelled the slender stem.

ii. State whether the following statements.....

a. The cherry tree did not take long to grow. -False.

Correct statement:It took eight long years for the cherry tree to grow into a 6 feet tall fruit bearing tree.

b. Birds and insects were benefited from tree. - True

c. The poem has an underlying message. - True

d. The poet repents planting the cherry tree. - False

Correct statement: The poet is extremely happy that he planted the cherry tree.

A2.i. Discuss in group.....

A. The life of the cherry tree was threatened.

Ans. Yes indeed the life of the cherry tree was threatened when it was a baby plant. To begin with , it was lost among tall grass and then goats ate its leaves. On top of it all even grass cutter’s scythe split it apart and due to monsoon blight it's slender stem shrivelled. Also , no one cared for it or looked after the baby plant. Yet , the young plant never gave up and bravely faced all threats like a true warrior and thrived to be a six feet tall fruit bearing plant.

B. The cherry blossomed..

Ans.The Cherry plant in its initial stage of life suffered a lot of setbacks from goats eating it's leaves to moonsoon blight damaging it's slender stem. Inspite of this all , It fought all these odds , took care of itself no matter how much it had to struggle for light , air and sun and with basic things provided by nature , it cinally became a huge tree laden with fruits which benefited not just the poet but birds , insects , etc. The tree can be termed as an epitome of resilience indeed.

A2.ii.A small thought put into action....

Ans. How true is that a small thought put into action , leads/led to a great achievement. In the beginning of the poem we see how the poet has this feeling that he must have a tree of his own ( "Must have a tree of my own," I said,)...He wanted to be the sole owner of a tree and it was just a simple , innocent passing thought. Yet he planted the seed instead of discarding the idea of having his own plant. He made a humble beginning by sowing the seed. And finally after a few years the cherry tree grew to be a tall tree irrespective of all obstacles it faced to survive and thrive !! And seeing the tall tree , even the poet was extremely happy and praised the tree in the following lines.

"Yes, I ! Praised...." Be was prooud of himself for sowing the seed.

A3. The Cherry tree has inspired...

Ans. The poem describing aspects of Nature are called Nature Poems and cherry tree is one of the finest examples of Nature poem. Some expressions from the poem that bring out the elements of beauty of nature are

a.Dappled green , Blue Blind Sky , Blossons small , pink , fragile quick to fall , finches as they flew and flitted , etc.

A.4 Figures of Speech

1. Climax - Climax is a figure of speech where successive ideas,  words , phrases , sentences are arranged in ascending order of importance.

Examples

A. We searched our umbrella , our roof , our mother.

B. He came , he saw , he conquered.

C. Pink , fragile , quick to fall. ( This line is am example of Climax in the poem as the arrangement of words in the line moves from healthy to delicate. )

D. If you think it's bad , it gets worst.

2. Alliteration - A figure of speech where the sound of the intial letter of two or more than two words repeats.

Examples

1. I saw a beautiful blue bird yesterday. ( here the sound of "b" is repeating thrice.)

2. Start where you stand.

3. Made a miracle from green growing pain. ( poem's line on page 67)

4. Goats at the leaves , the grass cutter scythe

3. Antithesis - A figure of speech where contradictory words , ideas , thoughts are used for better poetic effect.

Examples

1. If you have will to live ,

And courage to die.

2. You are rich in money but poor at heart.

3. Came back thinner , rather poor ,

But richer by a cherry tree at my door.

4. Personification - A figure of speech where an inanimate object/thing is given a human quality/qualities.

Example

1. All trees dance during the strom.

2. The moon walks beautifully every night.

3. What a sight to behold when waves dance !!

4. And moon moths and singing crickets and I ( Here crickets are given the human quality of singing )

A.5.i. Cherry tree is a narrative......

Ans.

a.The poem has a beginning.... : 

The poem “Cherry tree” is a narrative poem which tells us about the birth and growth of a cherry plant by the poet Ruskin Bond. Just like a story , this poem is carefully divided into three parts that is beginning (sowing of the seed ) , middle ( the plant struggling yet putting up a brave front ) and an end ( cherry plant turning into a fruit bearing tree ). 

b. Different places are mentioned : 

The poem shifts to different places at different times. The poem begins with poet’s garden/backyard where he sowed the seed. Thereafter,  the poet mentions his visit to kashmir and his return back home and how at his door he finds tall cherry tree and is elated to see the tree. In the end the poet takes us back to his garden/backyard where cherry stands tall and he is lying under it on grass appreciating nature.

c. Characters are refered to : 

Cherry tree is the lead/main character of the poem as we see different phases of its life. The poet himself too  is one of the characters ,  in the poem as he is completely involved in the process of seeing the tree grow ( sometimes narrating and sometimes actively taking part in it.) Apart from these two characters , there are characters like goats , grass cutter , bees , crickets too which play small but significant role.

d. Incidents are arranged in sequence : 

The poem clearly follows a proper sequence and provides continuity. From sowing the seed in the garden to its life as a baby plant to its strugggle to survive to its agressive growth to get air and light to finally growing into a six feet tall tree which is laden with fruits , the poem presents everything in a perfect flow.

e. There is a dialogue between.... : 

No direct conversation among the poet , readers and other characters except in the beginning when the poet talks to readers in a direct tone/speech that “ Must have a tree of my own. I Said“. Rest of the time there is indirect conversation happening between the poet and the readers and readers get becomes active listeners and also between tree and the poet as if the tree is narrating its story to the poet and telling how strong and determined it is.

f. It is a time bound poem : 

Indeed it is a time bound poem since the sowed cherry seed grows into a fully grown fruit bearing tree in the span of eights years. Change of seasons is also mentioned as the plant grows , his visit to kasmhir for a season and after his return his joy to see the tall tree.

A5.ii. Compose 8 to 10 lines....( Compose your own poem )

A5.iii. Write an appreciation...

( Please note that it is absolutely okay to write this answer either point wise or in paragraphs...what matters is how nicely you present it and how much of quality your answer/response contains. )

Ans. Appreciation of the poem " The Cherry Tree"

1.About the poem,  poet , title : The poem “Cherry Tree” is written by Ruskin Bond  who has written hundreds of short stories , essays , novellas and more than 30 books for children. He , at the tender age of seventeen , even received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize.He also received the Sahitya Akedemi Award for English writing in India and was awarded the Padmashri in 1999. The poem ‘Cherry Tree’ is all about poet’s ecstasy over a tree which he planted which took eight years to grow. The poet minutely observes the growth of the tree and wonders at the ways of Nature. The title of the poem is so apt as the moment we read it we realize the poem is about trees and their importance in our lives.

2. Theme/Central Idea : The theme of the poem revolves around the importance of trees in our lives and the lessons they teach us. The poem narrates how the poet planted a cherry seed in the grass as he wanted to have his own tree and how the plant grew on its own though nobody cared about it except rain and the sun. The poem further tells us how the little plant faced all problems head on and emerged as victorious by turning itself into a huge six feet tall tree laden with flowers and fruits. When poet returns back from Kashmir , he receives a pleasant surprise as he sees the tall tree and as he lies under it , he feels proud of the fact that he had planted the cherry seed.

3. Poetic Language/style , poetic devices used in the poem :  Ruskin Bond has used easy and lucid language throughout the poem and what makes it an interesting read is the fact that the poem is written in a story form and that makes it a narrative poem. The figures of speech like alliteration ( in line "...green growing pain..", personification ( in line "....moon months and singing crickets..."add beauty to the poem and the rhyming words provide much needed rhythm. The poem also has run on lines ( where conversations end in second line ).

4.Special features/novelties/focusing elements : The very special feature of the poem is that it’s a narrative poem with a proper beginning,  middle and an end. The poet has stuck to the topic right from the beginning till the end. The poem also makes the readers aware about the fact that if small efforts are nurtured carefully , with determination , can bring us great rewards. This poem is also a fine example of "Nature Poem."

5.Message/values/morals in the poem : The very first message this poem gives is never let go of hope and keep striving hard without giving up as there is always light at the end of each tunnel. The poem also teaches us to have trust on our wings and never let any obstacle ever stop us from achieving what we wish to achieve. Apart from this , the most important message from the poem is to respect trees , plant as many of them as we can , to not cut them and that be patient with plants because once they grow , they give us back the sweetest fruit of all our hardwork.

6.Your opinion about the poem : Being a hard core nature lover , this poem has made a permanent place in my heart. It was interesting to read about how a sapling grows into a tree and also realize how important trees are and impossible it is to survive without them.

A5.iv) Write a summary....

Ans.

                The Fearless Cherry Tree

           The title “Cherry Tree” is carefully chosen to make the readers understand how important trees are and how the poet is giving due importance to the cherry plant.This poem is a narrative poem that means it is narrated in a story form and has proper beginning,  middle and end. The poem describes how the tree came into existence even when nobody cared about it.The poet also recalls how he planted a cherry seed in the grass and instantly forgot about it. But , the little seed , inspite of not being taken care of , came out , struggled,  was almost killed but with sheer determination survived. The sun and air helped it to grow and flourish and thrive. One day when the poet came back from Kashmir after spending a season there , he was overjoyed to find a 6 feet tall tree with a berry !! In the closing lines , the poet is proud of himself for planting the cherry seed as he relaxes under it and sees bees , insects,  moon moths having great time. To conclude,  the poem is written in simple words but very effectively it gives the message that we all must save trees to save ourselves !

A6.i. Homework

A6.ii. Write in 100..........poem symbolises.

Ans. The cherry tree symbolizes courage , struggle , determination , growth , responsibility patience and selflessness. Just like us who face a lot of hurdles in life yet never give up and finally succeed , the cherry plant too doesn’t give up inspite of nobody caring about it and grows , with it’s sheer determination , into a tall beautiful 6 feet tree. Infact the cherry tree inspires us to be more determined and patient and positive. Apart from this , the cherry tree also symbolizes hope and how the beginning of fulfilling our dreams can be slow but if we are hopeful amd determined we do find our ways without giving excuses.

std. XI - Appreciation of the poems ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 and 2.5 )

Appreciation of the poems

Note : 

1. Appreciation of the poem can be written paragraph wise/point wise. Just remember to include all 6 points whether you write it paragraph wise or point wise.

2. These are samples. You are requested to try writing your own answers.

2.1.Cherry Tree

1.About the poem,  poet , title : The poem “Cherry Tree” is written by Ruskin Bond  who has written hundreds of short stories , essays , novellas and more than 30 books for children. He , at the tender age of seventeen , even received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize.He also received the Sahitya Akedemi Award for English writing in India and was awarded the Padmashri in 1999. The poem ‘Cherry Tree’ is all about poet’s ecstasy over a tree which he planted which took eight years to grow. The poet minutely observes the growth of the tree and wonders at the ways of Nature. The title of the poem is so apt as the moment we read it we realize the peom is about trees and their importance in our lives.

2. Theme/summary/gist : The theme of the poem revolves around the importance of trees in our lives and the lessons they teach us. The poem narrates how the poet planted a cherry seed in the grass as he wanted to have his own tree and how the plant grew on its own though nobody cared about it except rain and the sun. The poem further tells us how the little plant faced all problems head on and emerged as victorious by turning itself into a huge six feet tall tree laden with flowers and fruits. When poet returns back from Kashmir , he receives a pleasant surprise as he sees the tall tree and as he lies under it , he feels proud of the fact that he had planted the cherry seed.

3. Poetic Language/style , poetic devices used in the poem :  Ruskin Bond has used easy and lucid language throughout the poem and what makes it an interesting read is the fact that the poem is written in a story form and that makes it a narrative poem. The figures of speech like alliteration , personification add to the beauty of the poem and the rhyming words provide much needed rhythm. The poem also has run on lines ( where sentences end in second line ).

4.Special features/novelties/focusing elements : The very special feature of the poem is that it’s a narrative poem with a proper beginning,  middle and an end. The poet has stuck to the topic right from the beginning till the end. The poem also makes the readers aware about the fact that if small efforts are nurtured carefully , with determination , can bring us great rewards. This poem is also a fine example of "Nature Poem."

5.Message/values/morals in the poem : The very first message this poem gives is never let go of hope and keep striving hard without giving up as there is always light at the end of each tunnel. The poem also teaches us to have trust on our wings and never let any obstacle ever stop us from achieving what we wish to achieve. Apart from this , the most important message from the poem is to respect trees , plant as many of them as we can , to not cut them and that be patient with plants because once they grow , they give us back the sweetest fruit of all our hardwork.

6.Your opinion about the poem : Being a hard core nature lover , this poem has made a permanent place in my heart. It was interesting to read about how a sapling grows into a tree and also realize how important trees are and impossible it is to survive without them.

2.2. The Sower

Ans.

1. About the poem , poet and title : The poem "The Sower" is written by Victor Hugo in French and is translated in English by Torulata Dutt - A bengali poet. Victor Hugo was a poet ,novelist and dramatist of 19th century and Toru Lata Dutt is considered to be "The First Indian Poetess" to write verses in English and French.This poem is a poem about a farmer who is sowing seeds. He has seen many bad harvests in his life however he is very optimistic of having good harvest everytime he tosses grain. The title of the poem is very apt and well suited to the poem as throughout the poem the poet is talking about the sower and his hardwork and perseverance.

2. Theme : The theme of the poem "The Sower" revolves around hard work, perseverance, consistency , dedication and hope. In the poem, the poet explains how the sower is different from other people. As soon as the darkness falls, all other people start back for home except the sower who is in field moving to and fro withoutcaring about the time. He has seeds in his hands and hope of reaping the fruit of his hard work. He is determined to finish his work for the day no matter what.

3. Poetic devices , language , style : The poet has beautifully used a simple rhyme scheme "abab" throughtout the poem and has also made an effective use of figures of speech like alliteration in line " Muse I , as I see him stride." , Imagery in line " Black and high ,his silhouette dominates the furrows deep!" , etc to make the poem a rich experience for all readers ! The language of the poem is very simple and lucid and hence it becomes an easy poem to understand.

Special feature/s : The poem is originally written in french but is translated in English without changing the feel and essence of the poem. That itself is a great feat ! Also , it is a short poem yet very effectively makes us - tbe readers realize the importance of a sower in our lives.

Values/Message : The clear message that we get from this poem is selflessness of the sower who is working really hard so he bears the fruit of his hard work and be able to feed not just his family but the world. The poem also teaches us how our hard work and perseverance with honesty wins people's heart and automatically gets rewarded.

Your opinion about the poem : In my opinion , this poem is a must read for all for it's simplicity and effective way of making us aware about the hard work a sower puts and the respect he deserves. 

2.3. There is another sky 

Ans.

1. About the poem , poet and title :  The poem " There is Another Sky" is written by a renowned poet Emily Dickinson who lived a lonely life and whose poems are motivational and philosophical. Her poems are unique to her era that are characterized by simple and short lines. This poem gives us a message to never say die. The poet is communicating to her brother through a letter and requests him to return home. The poem ends on an optimistic note. The title of the poem is apt because just the way we know every cloud has a silver lining , there is another sky full of hope and positive vibes.

2. Theme : The theme of the poem is how life is full of challenges and one can tackle these challenges with positive attitude. The poet is trying to tell her brother how there is another place/opportunity which is as beautiful as heaven and he must stay positive.

3. Language and poetic devices : The language of the poem is very vivid and simple. Poetic devices like alliteration,  antithesis , inversion,  hyperbole are used to add beauty to the lines.

4. Special feature/s : It is a petrachan sonnet of 14 lines with an octave ( a stanza of 8 lines ) and a sestet ( another stanza of 6 lines ).

5.Message/value : The poem teaches us to stay positive through tough times as those times don't last forever. It also conveys the sense of happiness and comfort that one's home provides.

6. Your opinion : I absolutely loved this poem for it's simple yet powerful language. The poem taught me to never let go of hope and to always be near to the family as family plays an important role in helping us tackle the tough times fearlessly.

2.4. Upon the Westminster Bridge

Ans.

1. About the poem , poet and title : The poem " Upon the Westminster Bridge" is written by the world famous poet William Wordsworth who was a major English Romantic poet and poet Laureate of United kingdom from 1843 untill his death in 1850. He is a leading English nature poet and this poem is one of the best examples of his romantic poems. The poem is a petrachan sonnet in which the poet describes the beauty of the bridge in London as seen at dawn. The poet was mighty impressed with the panoramic landscape,  beauty and calm nature before him. The title of the poem is very apt as throughout the poem the poet is seen praising the beautiful Westminster Bridge and the view he sees from there.

2. Theme : The theme of the poem revolves around the beauty of London through poet's eye as he happily and vividly describes the calm and quiet nature which enticed him.

3.Language and poetic devices : The language used by William wordsworth in this poem is simple yet loaded with beautiful words to attract the readers. Figures of speech like inversion , personification and alliteration are brilliantly used to provide a rhythm to the poem.

4. Special features : This poem is one of the best nature poems written in English literature. It's a petrarchan sonnet of 14 lines which has an octave ( first 8 lines ) and a sestet ( last 6 lines ).

5. Message/value/lesson : The message is how beautiful the city of London looks in it's natural setting without an interference of humans. 

6. Your opinion : It's a must read poem for all nature lovers as it beautifully paints a picture before readers' eyes.

2.5. Nose vs Eyes 

Ans. 

1. About the poem , poet and title : The poem " Nose vs Eyes" is written by William Cowper who was one of the most popular 18th century English poets and composers of hymns. His poems deal with nature and everyday life and he is aptly described as " Best Modern Poet" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This poem is a satire on the judiciary system and it mocks at the stone blind justice in humorous manner emphasising upon the lack of empathy and common sense.

2. Theme : The theme of the poem revolves around the fact that how blind and helpless the judiciary system has turned that it gives the verdict in favour of the wrong. The poem deals with argument between nose and eyes and how tongue very unfairly decides to prove the wrong nose right !!

3. Language and poetic devices : The language of the poem is super engaging with a lot of  humour infused. Th epoet has addrd charm to the poem by adding poetic devices like alliteration , repetition and inversion.

4. Special feature : The poem is a beautiful example of a satire which indirectly hits out at the blind judiciary system.

5. Message/Value : The message that this poem gives is how as humans we are going down the drain when it comes to our common sense and empathetic nature and how we can stop being blind and be sensible.

6. Your opinion : Overall , the poem is a delightful read. The humour used in the poem makes it a light read with a strong message to make proper use of their sensory organs.

2.6.The Planners

1.About the poem,  poet , title : The poem "The Planners" , penned by Body Kim Cheng is a sharp critique on how modernization brings along the destruction of heritage and history. Body , widely regarded as one of the most promising Singapore poets to emerge in 1990s , has four collections of poetry to his credit and is the recipient of "National Arts Council Young Artist Award" which he bagged in 1996. He begins the poem by stating what the planners do. The title of the poem is pretty apt because throughout the poem , the poet talks about the dominance of the planners and how they wil achieve what they aim for.

2. Theme :  Through this poem , Boey laments on the disturbing and loss of humane elements in his surrounding and expresses his disapproval on how his beloved city of Singapore is transforming from a lively and vibrant city to a dull and lifeless one. He expresses his concern over how his old city is rapidly turning into a concrete jungle and losing its beautiful past in this process. The poem revolves around the preservation of nature and history against the onslaught of urbanization.

3. Language and poetic devices : The language used by is quite simple yet full of sarcasm. By portraying history and heritage as flawed, useless and blemished , he is actually taking a dig at the planners. The poet has used many figures of speech like alliteration in line " Filled with permutations of possibilities" , antithesis in line " so history is new again" , oxymoron in line "....of our past's tomorrow." , etc. for better poetic effect.

4. Special feature : Boey has written this poem in free verse which quite aptls suits to the free expressiona of his feelings. Apart from this , literary devices like imagery and extended metaphor help in conveying his thoughts more clearly.

5. Message/Value : Boey conveys the message of preserving the history and heritage in this time and age of modernization and urbanization for a country/city without its past is like a cluster of lifeless structures.

6. Your opinion : In my poem , this poem , though very short and simple , touches the heart. It beautifully depicts the severe consequences of urbanization on the history and heritage of the country.

An Astrologer's Day ( Part II )

Note : These answers are put here to help you (1) understand the text and (2) how to answer the questions asked.

Always encouraging you to try writing answers on your own.

Viii) The astrologer wins /gets sympathy..page 10

Ans. Answer may vary.

As a reader I sympathise with the astrologer because when he tried to kill Guru Nayak , the astrologer was a silly youngster who was drunk and in a fit of rage he did whatever he did...yes its true that if we do something,  we should take responsibility of it and should be ready to face the consequences too which the astrolger didn’t do , which was wrong but still what is to be noted that after that incident,  he was always carrying the burden of the guilt of killing someone. Also , when he takes up astrology and tricks the stranger into believing that the man who tried to kill him is dead , he did it is to protect his own life as he had a wife and child to support too. Hence , I believe that the astrologer gets the sympathy of criticism of the reader.

Xi) If we have to eradicate superstitions....page 10

Ans. In order to eradicate superstitions and other ill practices from our society , I would first educate people by giving them accurate information and logical explanation as to why these practices need to be discontinued. I would spread awareness among people to have scientific attitude and with upmost love would try to convince them how wrong and harmful it is to blindly follow such practices and superstitions.

X) In the story,  the astrologer has a great listening....page 10

Ans. Absolutely correct. Listening does help in developing good relations with people. In the story , it's only because the astrologer is a good listener that he was able to gain knowledge about what was going in his clients' life and then gave them such answers that they all were left awestruck. If we also become a good listener,  we send out this message to the speaker that we are interested and keen in listening to whatever he or she has to say. That we also share the same ideas. It also helps to boost people’s confidence when they see someone Is listening to them and it also helps us understand if they have some problem and how we can offer help. Without being good listeners , it's impossible to find solutions.

A3.i. In the story , the following characters...

Ans. 

1. Words that describe the astrologer : Shrewd,  smart , clever , intuitive , cunning

2. Guru Nayak :

Manipulative,  agressive,  demanding,  quarrelsome , gullible 

3. Astrologer's wife : 

Caring , worried, humanistic

ii) Match the suffixes.....page 10

Ans. Answers ONLY.

1. Auctioneer

2. Enchantment 

3. Knowledge 

4. Preparation 

5. Procedure 

6. Appearance 

7. Remarkable 

iii. "An Astrologer's Day" has ironic elements....page 10 and 11

Ans. Definition of Irony : Irony means a situation or a statement characterized by a significant difference between what is expected and what actually happens,  or between what is understood and what is meant.

Few common examples of Irony : 

1. Telling a rude customer to “have a nice day”

2. Walking into an empty theatre and exclaiming “it’s too crowded”

3. Describing someone who says foolish things as a “genius”

4. Delivering bad news by saying, “the good news is..”

5. Entering a child’s messy room and saying “nice place you have here”

Examples of Irony from the story " An Astrologer's Day" :

1. He knew no more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to himself the next minute.

2. His eyes sparkled with a sharp abnormal gleam which was really an outcome of a continual searching look for customers , but  which his simple clients took to be a prophetic light and felt comforted.

3. Half the enchantment of the place was due to the fact that it did not have the benefit of municipal lighting.

4. He was as much stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers. Yet he said things which pleased and astonished everyone.

iv. In the story many Indian words...page 11

Ans. Code Mixing : Mixing of two or more languages...ye dil maange more , thanda thanda cool cool , etc.

Examples of code mixing from the story :

1. Cowrie Shells

2. Jutka drivers

3. Twelve and half annas

4. Raja's delicacy

V. There are some phrases...page 11.

Ans. 

1. To crown the effect , he wound a saffron coloured turban around his head.

2. The works of Shakespeare are the crowning glory of English Drama.

3. Amitabh has given us awesome movies throughout five decades. But his crowning achievement is his performance in the movie ' Black'

4. In her pursuit of success , Radha has distanced herself from her family. Her fame has become a real crown of thorns.

5. They threw a wonderful party for me with costumes , games and to crown it all my favourite kind of ice cream.

6. Medical science has great inventions,  but organ transplantation is definitely a crowning achievement for human beings.

A4. Word Usage....page 11 and 12.

Ans. Directly answers are given

1. There was considerable enhancement in the power of his eyes.

2. He had an analysis of mankind's troubles that worked.

3. He knew what would be happening to him next minute.

4. If you find satisfaction in my answers , will you give me five rupees ?

5. He shook his head in/with regret.

6. The crisscross of light rays bewildered everyone.

7. "I should have been dead if some passerby had not chanced to peep into the well," exclaimed the other enthusiastically.

8. Yountried killing him.

9. I will make/begin preparation for some nice stuff for her.

10. The other heard it and groaned./The other groaned when he heard it.

1.1. An Astrologer's Day ( Part 1 )

Note : These answers are put here to help you (1) understand the text and (2) how to answer the questions asked.

Always encouraging you to try writing answers on your own.

A1.i. Given below are some descriptions...(see page 7 of std XII English textbook)

a.The scientific study of the universe......

Ans. Astronomy

b. The study of the movements.....

Ans. Astrology

c. A prediction of what...

Ans. Prophecy

d. Scientific discipline that studies mental....

Ans. Psychology

ii. In the story we are told that the Town Hall Park.....page 7

Ans. Exceptional qualities of the Town Hall Park.

1. A surging crowd

2.Narrow road

3. Variety of trades and occupations 

4. Bewildering crisscross of light rays

5. No municipal lighting

6. Loud and noisy

iii. The astrologer never opened his....page 7

Ans. The astrologer was stranger to astrology but was really good at reading people's mind. He listened to his clients attentively atleast for ten minutes which gave him enough time to understand what was going on in their life. Based on the information collected from the clients , he smartly framed his questions and gave them such answers and advices that they were amused and convinced happily.

A2.i. The tactics used by the astrologer...page 8

Ans. Tactics used by the astrologer :

1. Analysis of human troubles

2. Perception of the tangles of human ties.

3.accumulating information from clients and then giving advice

4. Attractive appearance

5. Asking general questions that are common to anybody

ii. An Astrologer's appearance helps to create..page 8 and 9

Ans. 

1.Saffron colour turban on his head.

2. Sacred ash and vermilion on his forehead.

3. Gleaming eyes which seem prophetic to the client.

4. Dark whiskers streaming down the cheeks

iii.  Read the following...page 8

A. The Astrologer says that if Nayak leaves his village again , he would face danger.

B. According to the narrator the Astrologer's success in his profession is primarily due to his understanding of people.

C. The story suggests that the Astrologer's comments and observations please people by flattering them or supporting their own views.

D. Guru Nayak consults the astrologer because he wants to get the answer to the specific question.

E. Guru Nayak is looking for the man who tried to kill him to take revenge.

F. The Astrologer's remark makes Guru Nayak feel all of the following except suspicious.

G. Reactions of the Astrologer's wife to his news suggest that she was unaware of his past.

iv. Read the following sentences and find out true and false...page 9

Ans. ( Please write complete sentence first then write if it's a true statement or false.)

A. True

( Note : If the sentence would be - The astrologer gave correct prediction about the client's past that.....then it's a false statement because what astrologer said was a known fact to him ( only he knew it ) and hence it was not a prediction but a fact. )

B. True

C. False - The astrologer wasn't ready to talk about the client's past and hence he tried to back out of the deal.

D. True

E. True

V. The astrologer has changed his appearance....page 9

Ans. The Astrologer has left his village as he thought he had committed a grave crime of killing a person. As he came to new place , he had to start from the scratch to earn his daily bread but he feared to be caught and hence he disguised himself and took on the appearance of an astrologer inspite of not having any prior knowledge about astrology. To attract clients convincingly,  he changed his persona , became a patient listener and practised guesswork to create an illusion of being a genuine astrologer.

Vi. The darkness load that was....page 9

Ans. Though the astrologer never shared his secret with anybody , but he always felt guilty of killing a man when he was a youngster. He understood what a grave crime he had committed. Though he might have done it unintentionally as he was badly drunk and had a terrible fight with the man , he always held himself responsible for the death of the man. But , one day when he saw the man alive , standing before him , he felt so relieved and happy because a big burden , from his heart ,of killing somebody was lifted. So , this day was special for his because he could finally enjoy peaceful sleep without any guilt.

Vii. The astrologer feels relieved...page 10

Ans. The astrologer feels relieved to see Guru Nayak because he thinks that he had murdered Guru Nayak and hence was living his life in guilt. He leaves his home to save himself from any kind of punishment. He was leading a very normal and disguised life in the place. However,  when he came to know that the man he thought he had killed is alive , he felt happy and at peace. A great burden of not being a murderer was lifted from his heart.

( Rest continues in part 2 )

Format of Writing Skills and their Bifurcation of marks ( Std XII )

1. Summary Writing ( Compulsory question )

A. Title 

B. Only one para ( summary needs to be written only in 1 paragraph )

C. Use of linking words to connect sentences.

D. Don't add your opinions , ideas , comments

C. Needs to be written only in 100 to 120 words

Summary - 03 marks 

Bifurcation of marks👇

1. Covering all important points ( includes title) - 02 mark

2. Language and Vocabulary - 01 mark

2. Mind mapping ( Compulsory question )

A. Appropriate design - use the same design if given in the question paper and if not given,  draw your own design.

B. Create central/main idea (from here the mind map begins) then add sub branches and twigs.

C.Only key words or short phrases to be written and not complete sentences.

Mind mapping 

Bifurcation 👇

1. Logical flow of ideas/thoughts/concepts - 02 marks 

2. Presentation - 01 mark 

3. Drafting a virtual message

 ( In option with Statement of purpose and group discussion)

A. Date and time 

B. Name of the person to whom the message is directed ( receiver's name)

C. Body of the message

D. Name of the sender

E. Only important details to be added and no new information should be added

F. Indirect or reported speech should be used.

G. Use polite language.

H. To be written in about 50( most probably) or 100 to 150 words ( read the question carefully and follow the instructions strictly.. )

Drafting virtual message 

Bifurcation 👇

1. Content - 02 marks

2. Sequence/ Flow of ideas - 01 mark

3. Appropriateness ( language usage ) - 01 mark

4. Statement of purpose ( SOP )

" Statement of purpose is an application made to a university to seek admission to a particular course."

A. Should be written in around 500 words.

B. Maximum 5 short paragraphs ( begin with your introduction , personal background then speak about why you wish to join the specific course , your area of interest then write about your qualities that will be helpful and suitable for this career goal then mention your experience in the field or any internship or project and finally conclude stating how admission to the particular course/university would be beneficial to you. ( check page 154 of std XII coursebook for more details)

Statement of purpose 

Bifurcation 👇

1. Content - 02 marks

2. Sequence/ Flow of ideas - 01 mark

3. Appropriateness ( language usage) - 01 mark

5. Group discussion

Please note : Evaluator will not be mentioned if there is a type of a question on G.D. like " The captain of the team is having group discussion during break time"

A. Evaluator gives the topic and asks "who would like to start ?"

B. 4 to 5 participants give their thoughts on the topic given. Few speak in favour and few against.

C. Evaluator tells to sum up.

D. One participant sums up everything that was discussed.

E. Needs to be written in a dialogue form. 

( check your std.XII English textbook for more details )

Group discussion 

Bifurcation👇

1. Content - 02 marks

2. Sequence/Flow of ideas - 01 mark

3. Appropriateness ( language usage) - 01 mark

6. Email writing 

( Email is in option with Report writing and Interview questions )

A. Template ( a design to be followed )

B. Salutation 

C. First paragraph ( Why writing the mail ? Reason ? )

D. Second paragraph ( explain in detail the reason of writing )

E. Third paragraph - Request/suggest/advise ( keeping in mind the question asked and write accordingly )

F. Fourth paragraph - conclude by saying thank you.

G. Sign off ( Yours faithfully/sincerely , obediently , name/email id , etc.)

Email Writing 

Bifurcation 

1. Content- 02 marks

2. Use of proper format -01 mark

3. Overall presentation - 01 mark

7. Report writing (written after witnessing something/visiting some place/after some program , etc.)

Points to remember :

A. Title ( topic on which you are writing report for example "Teachers" Day celebration in...... college")

B. Date and reporter's name ( Date of such reports will always be after the event..for example teachers' day is celebrated on 5th September so the date of writing report on it will be 6th or 7th September , etc.)

C. Don't change facts , write statements of chief guest ( if needed ) in "direct speech." , write the report sequentially.

Report writing 

Bifurcation 

1. Content-02 marks

2. Accuracy of language - 01 mark

3. Appropriateness - 01 mark

8. Interview questions

Format : (Note : Table needs to be drawn compulsorily...follow as discussed during lectures)

A. Interview with....

B. Introduction ( welcoming the guest )

C. 8 to 10 higher order ( WH type ) of questions.

D. Ask relevant questions and in sequence from past to present.

E. Conclusion ( thanking the guest )

Interview questions 

Bifurcation 

1. Appropriate framing of questions- 02 marks

2. Language and style - 01 mark

3. Overall impression - 01 mark

9. Speech writing ( Speech is in option with Compering and expansion of ideas )

A. Title

B. Introductory paragraph ( greetings and revealing the topic )

C. Main body ( generally 2 to 3 paragraph that include problems/reasons/effects/suggestions)

D. Concluding paragraph ( Thanking the audience )

E. In 100 to 120/150 words ONLY

Speech writing 

Bifurcation 

1. Logical sequence of ideas - 02 marks

2. Introduction- 01 mark

3. Conclusion - 01 mark

10) Compering ( if points are given in the question , use those points and develop your script for compering. Also, compering is preparing a script for some program mentioned in the question )

A.Greetings and welcome

B.Lighting of the lamp

C. Anchoring about the event ( one item after the other )

D. Closing address

E. Vote of thanks

Compering

Bifurcation 

1. Connecting events -02

2. Impressive introduction -01

3. Summing up -01

11. Expansion of ideas.

A. Title 

B. First paragraph ( Introduction- impressive beginning and elaborate)

C. Middle ( evaluate and elaborate the idea with examples/anecdotes)

D. Conclusion ( end with a proverb or quotation if possible and relevance of the given proverb)

E. Always stick to the topic sentence and keep your ideas floating around it only.

Expansion of ideas

Bifurcation 

1. Expansion of the idea - 02

2. Proper introduction - 01

2. Conclusion - 01

12. Review ( Film ) ( Review is in option with blog writing and appeal )

A.Story line

B.Producer , Director , Music Director

C. Characters/casting ( major and minor )

D. Setting/location

E. Conflict/climax

F. Message

Review ( Book )

A. Story

B. Author 

C. Characters ( main , major and minor )

D. Conflict

E. Message

Note : Review can also be asked on documentary,  magazines , etc.apart from book and movie.

Review 

Bifurcation 

1. Presentation of theme/storyline - 02 marks

2. Technical ( Novel) aspects - 01 mark

3. Overall presentation - 01 mark

13. Blog writing

A. Add a headline ( that is informative and catchy)

B. Introductory paragraph 

C. Main body

D. Concluding paragraph 

E. Add your personal experience if any ( related to the topic )

F. Keep paragraphs short and keep the sentences simple and short.

G. Write it in a box and follow a suitable design. Header , footer , navigation bar , etc. to be put/drawn too compulsorily.

Blog

Bifurcation 

1. Content- 02

2. Header/menu/navigation bar - 01 mark

3. Footer - 01 mark

14.Appeal

A. Use/write catchy punchlines/short phrases , etc.

B. Draw few objects related to the topic if possible ( with pencil only when question paper instructions allow use of pencil..or else draw with pen only.)

C. Write "Date , Time , Venue/website name for registration/contact details , etc.)

Appeal 

Bifurcation 

1. Presentation of content - 02 

2. Convincing language - 01

3. Inspiring and motivational message - 01

4.1. History of Novel

Note : These answers are put here to help you (1) understand the text and (2) how to answer the questions asked.

Always encouraging you to try writing answers on your own.

Brainstorming ( Answers )

1. Match the columns:

A. Murasaki Shikibu ( Tale of Genji)

B. Novella ( New)

C. Don Quixote ( Cervantes)

D. Rajmohan's Wife ( Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya )

2. Pick out the off element from the group.

1. Graham Greene 

2. Theme

3. Novella 

3. Complete the following statements:

i. The two types of conflicts that the plot may have are Internal ( Inside the mind of the character) and external (with other characters or entities). 

ii. The word 'Picaresque' is originated from the spanish word "Picaro" which means a rogue.

iii. The epistolary novel presents the narrative through a series of correspondence or other documents.

iv. In the 18th century middle class could get the time for reading and discussing the novels because of the spread of machines.

4. Write short notes on :

i. Style of the Novel : The language and the techniques used by the author for the narration of the course of events is known as the style. An author can use extensive vocabulary or may be laconic and would write only to the point or he can mix both keeping in mind the requirements for meeting his purpose. He may use linguistic devices to make the narrative effective. All these factors decide the texture of the narration and create an impact on the readers.

ii. Stream of consciousness novel : Stream of consciousness is a phrase coined by William James in his treatise "Principles of Psychology" ( 1890). It means the flow of thoughts. In such kind of novel , incidents in the plot are in the sequence of their occurrences. The novelist narrate them as they enter the mind of the character. One of the examples of such type of novel is Ulysses by James Joyce.

iii. Novella : The word Novella is originated from the Italian word Novelle and is a type of prose fiction which is shorter than full length novel and longer than short stories. It is a well structured yet short narrative , often satiric or realistic in tone. It usually focuses on one incident or issue with one or two main characters and takes place at a single tradition. "The Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and "Pearl" by John Steinbeck are two examples of Novellas.

iv. Indian tradition of novels : Indian authors have played a major role in the writing of english novels and have contributed greatly to English literature as a whole. 'Rajmohan's Wife', by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya was the first novel in English written by an Indian. The period after that is marked by a few more novels written by Indian writers. These novels bore either nationalistic virtues or social issues as their main framework. Mulkraj Anand, R.K. Narayan and Raja Rao were the major trio who prevailed in the period after that. Novelists like Anita Desai, Nayantara Sahgal, Arun Joshi and Manohar Malgaonkar changed the current of Indian English novel through their works. Amitav Ghosh, Vikram Seth and Upamanyu Chatterjee lifted up the Indian novel in English by adding new features to it. Recent years have witnessed the dazzling performance by Indian novelists like Salman Rushdie, Arvind Adiga, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai and Kiran Nagarkar. The tradition of the Indian English novel has undergone a vital change since its birth and has undoubtedly a very bright future.