Class 12

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.6 Group Discussion Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.6 Group Discussion

12th English Digest Chapter 3.6 Group Discussion Textbook Questions and Answers

You must have discussed many things with your friends, classmates in a group. It might be about going on a picnic or selecting a gift for your teacher:

Question (i)
What do you think are the benefits of a group discussion?
Answer:
(a) A Group Discussion allows the participants to share their views and opinions.
(b) It allows each participant to analyze the topic or case.
(c) A Group Discussion allows the participants to reach a general consensus.

Question (ii)
Do you think some people are right and some are wrong in a group discussion? Why?
Answer:
Yes, I do think so. Generally, we hold a view on a topic or a situation. This view is either strengthened or weakened by the ongoing arguments in a Group Discussion. Due to j confirmation bias, we tend to think that the participants who strengthen our views j are right. Similarly, we think of those who go against our views are wrong. (The ideal situation is that we keep an open mind and assess each argument on its own merit but this is easier said than done.)

Question (iii)
People have different views and opinions because:

Answer:

Question (iv)
Complete the web highlighting the uses of ‘Group Discussion’. One is done for you.

Answer:

(A1)

Question 1.
Rama, Asif, Rachana and Aarav are participating in a group discussion. The evaluator has given them a topic. ‘Teenagers are more inclined towards junk food nowadays.’ Write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his/her opinion on the topic.
Evaluator: You’ve all been given a few minutes to think on your topic for today’s group discussion, which is ‘Teenagers are more inclined towards junk food.’ You may now begin the discussion. Who would like to start?
Rama: ………………………………………………. .
Asif: ………………………………………………….. .
Aarav: ……………………………………………….. .
Rachana: ……………………………………………. .
Evaluator: Please conclude.
Aarav: ………………………………………………… .
Answer:
Rama: I think I will. In my opinion it is very true. Junk food leads to obesity and we find more obese teenagers around nowadays.
Asif: I am afraid I can’t agree with that statement. Most of the teenagers in our college look quite fit and active.
Aarav: I think we must see the issue in a wider perspective. The inclination towards junk food among teenagers is a worldwide phenomenon. One can’t jump to a conclusion by just looking around and citing a few examples in our college.
Rachana: It seems to me that Rama made a valid point. Teenagers world over are inclined towards junk food and it poses a great threat. I suggest the teenagers change their food habit and resort more to healthy snacks. Our tradition offers a wide variety of such snacks.
Evaluator: Please conclude.
Aarav: We can conclude by saying that our teenagers are inclined to junk food. They must change their food habit. It is high time they switched to healthy snacks. We need healthy citizens to take our country forward.

(A2)

Question 1.
Read the following statements, if you agree say ‘Yes’ and if you don’t agree, say ‘No’. State the reason for your opinion.
Answer:

Statement	Yes/No	Reason
1. It is not possible to guess the topic for group discussion. Then there is no need to prepare.	No	Topics for Group Discussion are mainly chosen from things happening around us. So, we must keep our minds open and receptive to the happenings around us. The knowledge thus received and the opinions and views we form about each such topic will prove to be our preparation for the group discussion.
2. Always have discussion with your family and friends on different topics.	Yes	We may be wrong in our opinions/views. Constant discussions with family and friends help us form the right sort of views/opinions.
3. You must aim to get noticed by the evaluators.	No	We must get noticed mainly by the force of our arguments and our active involvement in the discussion. Evaluators are experienced to assess our analytical power and assertive approach. Any deliberate effort to outshine other participants will do more harm than good.
4. Forget the evaluator and look at the participants during the discussion.	Yes	The evaluator is a passive observer. Discussion happens only among the participants. Glancing at the evaluator often could be treated as a sign of your distracted mind.
5. You should raise your voice to be heard by everyone and speak for a long time to show your knowledge.	No	Our voice should neither be too high nor be too low. Raising one’s voice much more than necessary will create the impression of a rabble- rouser. Our grasp of the topic must come out naturally through the novelty of our arguments. Brevity and concision must be the watchwords. A long and verbose argument will surely produce a negative impact.
6. You should always take the opportunity to begin the argument.	No	Though initiating a discussion shows our leadership qualities, an overzealous approach may at times go against us.
7. Take a strong position/view and defend it till the end.	No	If another participant contradicts our view with sound reasoning, we must concede to it. Taking a strong position beforehand may restrict us from considering other point of views.
8. Do not keep waiting for your turn to speak. You have to be alert and quick.	Yes	We must be alert and quick. We must sieze the opportunity to speak. Being too passive may even deny us a chance to present our views.
9. Listening to others also plays an important role in a group discussion.	Yes	Listening to others is a crucial element in group discussion. It helps,us to formulate new perspectives and modify our viewpoints in the course of the discussion.
10. You must interrupt a person if you do not agree to his opinion.	No	Everyone has the right to hold individual opinions. Moreover, interruption denies the person the opportunity to complete his views. We can take up the counter-argument as soon as he finishes his views.
11. Show your leadership skills being assertive not aggressive.	Yes	Assertiveness is a positive trait. It is a sign of leadership quality. We can be assertive by the force of our arguments and the conviction we have in our views. Aggression, on the other hand, will only expose our untamed personalities.
12.  Participating in a group discussion also means helping everyone to reach a consensus in spite of difference of opinion.	Yes	Assertiveness is a positive trait. It is a sign of leadership quality. We can be assertive by the force of our arguments and the conviction we have in our views. Aggression, on the other hand, will only expose our untamed personalities.

Reason: Group discussion helps us realize that there are other possible views and opinions. A receptive and accommodative mind is a prerequisite for anyone who participate in a group discussion. Moreover, the candidate must be able to feel the pulse of the discussion. This, in turn, will help to reach a consensus.

(A3)

Question (i)
Group discussion helps to unravel the following personality traits in a person.

Answer:

Question (ii)
Match the following:

Discuss	Give special importance or value to something in speaking or writing.
Argue	Say something again, a number of times.
Deliberate	Express opposite views in a heated or angry way.
Reiterate	Engage in long and careful consideration.
Emphasize	To talk about a subject with someone and tell each other your ideas and opinions.

Answer:

Discuss	To talk about a subject with someone and tell each other your ideas and opinions.
Argue	Express opposite views in a heated or angry way.
Deliberate	Engage in long and careful consideration.
Reiterate	Say something again, a number of times.
Emphasize	Give special importance or value to something in speaking or writing.

(A4)

Question (i)
Write the following sentences in reported/indirect speech:
(a) He said, “If you find my answers satisfactory, will you give me five rupees?”
(b) The astrologer said, “You were left for dead. Am I right?”
(c) “I should have been dead if some passerby had not chanced to peep into the well,” exclaimed Guru Nayak.
(d) He told her, “Do you know a great load is gone from me today.”
Answer:
(a) He asked me whether I would give him five rupees if I found his answers satisfactory.
(b) The astrologer asked whether he was right in saying that I had been left for dead.
(c) Guru Nayak exclaimed that he would have been dead unless some passerby had chanced to peep into the well.
(d) He asked her whether she knew that a great load was gone from him that day.

Question (ii)
Read a part of a conversation between Neha and Nidhi.
Answer:
Neha: Where are you going, Nidhi?
Nidhi: I am going for my music lessons.
The above conversation is written in exact words spoken. If this conversation was to be reported by a third person then it would be written as:

Neha asked Nidhi where she was going. Nidhi replied that she was going for her music lessons. Notice the changes in the reported sentence.
Note the changes in pronouns, tenses, reporting and reported verbs and other changes.
Answer:
1. Table showing tense change:
Simple Present → Simple Past
Present Continuous → Past Continuous
Simple Past → Past Perfect
Past Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous
Simple Future → Conditional

2. Table showing change in Place and Time

1. here – there
2. now – then
3. today – that day
4. tomorrow – the next day
5. yesterday – the day before
6. next week – the following week
7. last night- the previous night

3. Table showing the changes in Pronoun.

I	he/she	our	their
me	him/her	ours	theirs
my	his/her	you (subject)	I/he/she/we/they
mine	his/hers	you (object)	me/his/her/us/them
we	they	your	my/his/her/our/their
us	them	yours	mine/his/hers/theirs

Question (iii)
Now find sentences from the text in the direct speech and convert them into the reported speech.
(Students may attempt this on their own.)
Read the following sentences given in the indirect speech and convert them into the direct speech.
(a) Shirish said that he would not be able to solve the problem.
(b) Lata told me to give her a glass of water.
(c) Ananya exclaimed with joy that she had received the Ph.D. degree.
(d) Shilpa asked us if there was any other Rian document to be typed.
(e) Swati said that she would not get the money.
Answer:
(a) Shirish said, “I will not be able to solve the problem.”
(b) Lata said, “Give me a glass of water.”
(c) Ananya said, “Hurrah! I have received the Ph.D. degree.”
(d) Shilpa said, “Is there any other document to be typed?”
(e) Swati said, “I will not get the money.”

(A5)

Question (i)
An economically deprived girl student in your class who has received admission in a reputed college abroad needs monetary help to pursue further studies there. Have a group discussion amongst your friends to seek solutions to help her. Write four/five views in the form of dialogues.
Answer:

• Rian: Well, folks! we need to do something urgently in Tejaswini’s case. Money shouldn’t come in her way to pursue a course abroad. My parents offered 50,000/- right away!
• Eugine: I managed to get a loan of rupees one lakh from my parents. I should take up some part-time job and repay it within three years. I hope I will be able to do it. Anyway, I am quite happy to be of some help to our dear friend.
• Kanika: Only way before me was to ask for an advance from my music troupe. We don’t get much programmes of late. Still they agreed to pay me 75,000. Will that be okay?
• Tabu: We thought you would raise a hefty sum, being ‘a great singer’ and all. Okay, jokes apart, I will present my case. My brother offered a donation of rupees two lakh right away. No conditions! No strings attached!!
• Rian: Okay, folks! Now we have pooled 4.25 lakhs.

That will bankroll Tejaswini’s fee, travel, initial expenses, etc, etc. She can very well take up a summer job and the like to meet her further expenses. Let’s now congratulate ourselves for being such thick friends!

Question (ii)
There is an inter-school cricket match and your school is losing. As you are the captain, have a group discussion with your teammates in the tea-break about the strategy to be followed to save your school from losing the match. Give at least four /five suggestions.
Answer:

• Captain: See, we must break this partnership anyhow. Both the batsmen appear very much settled and they are hitting all over the place.
• Spinner: The pitch doesn’t support many turns. I suggest we bring back the fast bowlers.
• Captain: You have a point there. What we need most now is a wicket. Right now. Otherwise, the game is as good as lost.
• Fast bowler (1): I agree that we resume pace bowling. But remember: it’s a gamble. I think I will need a slip-in position. I will attack, outside the off-stump. Hope I get the right line.
• Captain: What do you think, Sonu?
• Sonu (Fast bowler) (2): Okay then. I will take up from the pavilion end. Think the wind is in favour.
• Captain: Attempt yorkers.
• Sonu: Sure. I suggest you keep a deep third man.
• Captain: Done. Now, guys-no sloppy fielding-no dropped catches. And nothing short of a win. (All go into a huddle.)

Question (iii)
Form four groups in your class and have a group discussion on the following topics.
(a) Role of ICT in education
(b) Clean India

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.6 Group Discussion Additional Important Questions and Answers

Other writing skills:

Dos and Don’ts associated with ‘Expansion of Ideas’:

Dos	Don’ts
1. Begin impressively.	1. Do not go off-track.
2. Have unity and clarity of thoughts.	2. Do not forget to give the symbolic meaning of the statement.
3. Use discourse markers.	3. Do not forget to include the topic sentence.
4. Use proverbs with similar meanings.	4. Do not omit a proper conclusion.

Expand the idea inherent in the following:

Question 1.
Charity begins at home Ans. Charity is the noble deed of giving money, food or other help to people who are in need of these things. The given proverb is a warning to those who seek fame in the name of charity. The proverb reminds us that we must first help the needy people around us – our family and friends. Any deed of charity that forgets this principle goes against the spirit of this high ideal.

Our deeds of charity must begin from the centre and then radiate to the periphery. Or else, it would prove to be a selfish pursuit of chasing fame or other favour. We must first open our eyes to the miseries around us. We must first cater to the needs of these people. Then we can spread our work of charity farther afield.

We see that many people treat their family members and servants very shabbily. But when it comes to a photo opportunity to pose as a philanthropist, they jump at it. This is sheer hypocrisy and the saying serves as an eye opener to these hypocrites.

Question 2.
Make hay while the sun shines
Answer:
Hay making, that is the process of cutting and drying grass, must be done while the sun shines. Rain would spoil everything and the farmer knows it well. In other words, we should make the best use of opportunities and favourable conditions while they last.

When life presents opportunities, we must seize them and not let them go. Everyone in their lifetime gets a chance to move ahead in life. If we miss that opportunity, it may never come our way again. We will live all our life to regret the missed chance. In short, we should seize the chance while it exists. We must always be alert to notice the opportune moment. Grab it and move further in life. To put it in another way : “We must strike while the iron is hot”.

Question 3.
Prevention is better than cure.
Answer:
The proverb stresses the need for foresight and precaution in dealing with any possible eventuality in life. We often ignore the signs of trouble and when the trouble finally, occurs, we regret our neglect.

We must make it a practice to guard ourselves against diseases by taking adequate preventive measures. This will save us the trouble of undergoing costly treatments. Strangely, certain epidemics offer no cure or vaccine for a long time, then prevention becomes the only option before us. Wearing of masks, keeping social distance and maintaining hand-hygiene are the only ways to save us from such a threatening situation.

Metaphorically, the idea can be extended to fields other than disease and medicine. Proper maintenance of machines, roads and bridges can prevent their deterioration and thus forestall disaster. At the political and economical level too, many problems that we face today would not have existed had the authorities acted promptly, firmly and boldly at the very start.

Examples for Practice:

1. Unity is Strength,
2. Books – Our best friends,
3. Honesty is the Best Policy
4. Perseverance is the Key to Success
5. Pollution: Earth’s enemy number one.

Formal Letters:

General Format for a Formal Letter:

1. Sender’s Address
2. Pin Code
3. Date
4. Name and address of the addressee
5. Subject (a phrase about the general content of the letter)
6. Reference (referring to a letter previously received/advertisement etc.)
7. Salutation (Dear Sir/Madam or simply Sir/ Madam)
8. Body of the letter (in 3 or 4 paragraphs)
9. Subscription (Complimentary Close like Yours faithfully, Yours truly, etc.)
10. The name given in the Activity Sheet/XYZ

Write the letters as instructed:

Question 1.
Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper drawing attention to the increasing noise pollution in your area.
Answer:
3 A, Ravikiran,
Chikuwadi,
Borivali (West),
Mumbai – 400 092.
1st September, 2020

The Editor,
The Indian Express,
Nariman Point,
Mumbai – 400 021.

Sir,

I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to the terrible noise pollution in our neighbourhood. There is deafening noise created by heavy traffic on the narrow roads of our locality throughout the day and night. The drivers honk continuously, and the vehicles emit poisonous fumes. The hawkers who sell their goods on the roads and footpaths shout at the top of their voices.

All this is literally making the people sick. With the approaching festival season, the beat of drums and the loud music accompanying it are bound to make life all the more unbearable for all of us who reside here.

I hope the authorities concerned wake up in time to the hazards of noise pollution and take prompt action to stop this menace.

Yours truly,
ABC

Question 2.
You want to visit a sugar factory to know more about the sugar production process. Write a letter to the Manager of the sugar factory near your college seeking permission. Give details about the intended visit.
Answer:
Ideal College,
Vidyapeeth Marg,
Beed – 431 122.
5th February 2020

The Manager,
Sakhar Factory Ltd.,
Beed – 431 122.
Sub: Request to visit your factory.

Dear Sir,

As part of our science project, 10 students of Std. XII (Ideal College) would like to visit your factory during the latter half of this month. We will be accompanied by our Chemistry Professor, Dr Ahirwal. It is our desire to have first hand information about the production of sugar. We believe that a visit to the factory will give us more valuable information than we can ever get out of textbooks.

Do let us know what would be the most suitable day and time for our visit. Since we now have study leave, any day and any time will be suitable for us. Also let us know if there are any special rules or conditions we need to follow during the visit. We do hope that you will not say no to our request.

Yours faithfully,
XYZ

Question 3.
Write a letter to a celebrity who supports a meaningful and innovative campaign and thus has become your idol.
Answer:
7, Vicky Apartments,
J.T. Road,
Nashik – 422 001.
17th September, 2020

Ms. Nandita Das,
Actor and Activist.
Dear Ms. Das,

Your support to the campaign ‘Black is Beautiful’ made a real impact on me. Honestly, I now look upon you as my guide, mentor, pathfinder and idol.

I have always found the discrimination based on colour really disgusting. It is nothing short of racial bias. I wish to join this campaign. I want to fight against the revolting obsession with the skin colour.

As you are a person who lived and proved this bias wrong, I take courage from you. You are a pathfinder and idol for today’s youth. I wish all those who are involved in the campaign the very best.

Yours sincerely,
RST

Question 4.
The New Arts, Science and Commerce College, Karad- 415 101, needs a librarian, They have advertised in the Indian Express, dated 17th October 2020. Write a letter of application to the Principal, with the help of the CV given below:

Curriculum Vitae (cv)
Name: Ms Deepali Rane
Address: A-303, Munir Apartments, Valkumbh, Karad – 415 110.
Email: dr3636@gmail.com
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 16-5-1990
Qualifications: B.Com., B. Lib. Sc.
Experience: Working as an Associate Librarian at the Karad Public Library.
Languages known: Marathi, English, Hindi
Interests: Reading, painting, music
Answer:
A-303, Munir Apartments,
Valkumbh,
Karad- 415 110.
17th October 2020

The Principal,
The New Arts, Science and Commerce College,
Karad – 415 101.
Sub: Application for the post of Librarian.
Ref: Your advertisement in the ‘Indian Express’, dated 17 October 2020.

Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to your advertisement in the ‘Indian Express’, dated 17 October 2020 for the post of librarian in your college.

I am a qualified librarian. I passed my B.Com. in 2011. I also passed the degree in library science in 2013, from Pune University, with First Class. Since then, I have been working at the Karad Public Library as an Associate Librarian. I can speak English, Hindi and Marathi fluently.

I am applying for the job in your renowned college as I feel that I now have sufficient experience to take up independently the job of a librarian. I get along well with the younger generation, and I can assure you that I will do my best to give you satisfaction, should you appoint me for the post. I enclose photocopies of the necessary certificates.

Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Deepali Rane
Enel. : Photocopies of B.Com, B. Lib. Sc. Certificates

Report Writing:

Write the reports as instructed:

Question 1.
During a global pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was announced. Write a newspaper report on this with the help of the following points :

• Declaration of the lockdown
• All movements stopped
• Essential services allowed
• Guidelines for safety laid down

Answer:
Biggest Lockdown Ever

Staff Reporter

New Delhi, March 25: Nation went into a lockdown at the stroke of midnight amidst the ongoing threat of COVID-19 pandemic. Though the scare of the pandemic has been in the air for some time, the lockdown came as a bolt from the blue to citizens all over.

The Prime Minister declared the step of lockdown in a live telecast on TV at 8:00 o’clock last night. The PM in his speech appealed to the citizens to maintain the lockdown rules fully and effectively. “There is no better option before us than going into this strict but painful measure,” he told the country during the telecast.

Flights, domestic as well as international, are now grounded. Railways suspended all services. Public transport came to a halt. Only essential services are allowed and the police are on the streets to ensure that everyone complies with the lockdown measures. Detailed guidelines for the lockdown have been laid down and citizens are advised to venture out only for emergencies. The message of social distancing and hand-hygiene are put across through various media.

“Stay Home and Stay Safe” is the new mantra. As normal life has been hit unlike anything that happened in the past, the citizens are grappling with the new norms. “We must sacrifice our liberty for a greater common good,” a senior citizen told this reporter.

Question 2.
Write a report of Republic Day Celebrations in your college.
Answer:
Republic Day at Model College Malegaon, January 28: This year, Republic Day was celebrated with great fanfare on the campus. It was a special occasion because Narendra Jain of the NCC was to be felicitated for winning the target-shooting gold medal by the Police Academy. The National Flag was unfurled at 7-30 a.m. by the Chairman of the College Management Trust.

The National Anthem was played by the college band while everyone stood respectfully to attention. Meera Pandit of Std. XII recited a poem composed by her, ‘Majha Desh Mahaan’. This was well appreciated by one and all. The Chief Guest spoke to us about our duties as citizens of the Republic of India. Then Narendra Jain was given the award by Senior Inspector Kale of the Police Academy. This was a solemn ceremony. Sweets were distributed and the gathering then dispersed.

Question 3.
Read the following headline of a news item “Cold Wave Sweeps North India”. Write a suitable dateline, lead paragraph and conclusion. Use a byline as well.
Answer:
Cold Wave Sweeps North India By A Special Correspondent Delhi, December 12 : Winter continued to send shivers across northern India, claiming another life in Uttar Pradesh. Delhi recorded the coldest day in the past fifty years on Monday.

A four-month-old boy died in Kanpur. The winter chill also swept through Punjab, x Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh and minimum temperatures hovered between minus and plus five. The mercury dipped to a record low in many northern cities. In New Delhi, the air traffic has been severely hit by the fog.

Question 4.
Read the following headline of a news item “Milk for Millions” scheme inaugurated. Write a suitable dateline, lead paragraph and conclusion. Add a byline.
Answer:
‘Milk for Millions’ Scheme Inaugurated
By Sonali Mazumdar

New Delhi, August 29: Inaugurating the ‘Milk for Millions’ scheme of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) here, the Prime Minister called for a second white revolution to provide milk to the millions of undernourished infants of the country. “We must ensure at all costs that our infants get the basic nourishment, which is their right by birth,” he declared amidst loud applause.

The NDDB chairman said the projected 300 million output for 2020-21 would suffice to support the scheme. “A detailed plan with Panchayat-level participation has been already chalked out for the execution of the scheme,” he added.

Question 5.
Mumbai School Sports Association’s (MSSA) under-14 interschool football championship final was held on 17th November. Write a newspaper report on this with the help of following points :

• Don Bosco School vs Gokuldham School
• Don Bosco won by 3-1
• Goals scored after the half time
• Venue: Brabourne stadium
• Shield awarded

Answer:

Don Bosco Bags Mssa Shield
By Sports Reporter

MUMBAI, November 18: In the Mumbai School Sports Association’s (MSSA) Under-14 interschool football championship final, Don Bosco beat Gokuldham 3-1 at Brabourne here today.

The clash of the old rivals was a sheer delight to the crowd. Till half time, it was anybody’s game. Expectedly, in the second half, Don Bosco went on the offensive hook, line and sinker. Their ace striker Vipul Shetty shot two marvellous goals within the span of six minutes. Later, Mukul Vanik’s header off a corner kick came as the saving grace for Gokuldham. Don Bosco’s captain Melvin D’sa received the shield amidst loud cheering.

Question 6.
An auto driver returns a bag of cash to a passenger who had forgotten the bag in the auto. Write a newspaper report on this with the help of following points :

• Notices the bag after dropping the passenger
• Began the search for the owner
• Ultimately traced the passenger
• Refuses reward
• Honesty is the best policy.

Answer:
Auto Driver Shows The Way – By Aarohi Bokil
PUNE, March 12: Setting yet another example to prove ‘honesty is the best policy’, an auto driver here returned a bag containing two lakhs to its owner.

“I was queuing at the petrol pump after dropping my last passenger when I noticed a leather bag on the back seat. Opening it I found wads of notes; and then my hunt for the owner began,” Abdul Latif – the auto driver – said.

It took Latif two hours and two hundred rupees worth of fuel to trace the owner. “It is nothing short of a miracle that he traced me following such vague leads,” Hiten Vora – the bag’s owner- said with a voice breaking with emotion. Abdul Latif, however, refused to take any reward. When asked about the loss he incurred in the process, the youngster dismissed the issue with a hearty laugh.

Speech Writing

Draft the following speeches as instructed:

Question 1.
Prepare a short speech to be delivered by you in class on the occasion of the send off for students of Std. XII.
Answer:
A Hearty Farewell

Honourable Principal, Respected Professors and dear friends,

Today is an important day for us because it is the day we take leave of you in order to study for the coming HSC examinations. We hope that all of us will pass the examination with resounding success. Some of us may continue with higher education, some of us may seek employment hereafter. But we shall never forget these two years that we spent on this campus. These were years not only of great fun and freedom, but also of successful learning.

We got our first lessons in democracy here. We learnt to live in harmony with all kinds of people. Our professors were patient with us and were always there to clear our doubts. We are grateful to them. We are also grateful to all of you who made these years such a rich experience for us. A heartfelt thanks to you once again, and may God bless our efforts in the coming examinations.

Thank you.

Question 2.
Prepare a short speech to be delivered by you in class on the occasion of the Independence Day.
Answer:
India of My Dreams

Respected Sir/Madam and dear friends,

This is a very special and important day for us. On this day we remember those who fought for our freedom. On this day our National Flag flies atop all important buildings and institutions. I believe that Independence Day is a day when we need to pledge ourselves to the nation anew. It is a day when we need to make fresh commitments to all the ideals of our Constitution; ideals such as freedom, justice, equality and brotherhood. It is a day when we need to put to test whether we truly follow these ideals.

Let us carry forward the torch of freedom. Let us in fact be soldiers who will fight against the evils that this nation now faces; evils such as terrorism, corruption, inequality and superstition. Only when these evils are overcome, will our nation be truly free.

Jai Hind!

Question 3.
Write a speech on ‘Democracy’.
Answer:
Ideal Democracy

Honourable Judges, Respected Teachers and dear friends,

Unfortunately, democracy in India today does not work the way it should. It is limited to the day when the masses go to the polling booths and cast their votes. Then they return to their routine lives.

Most people do not actively participate in serious social issues. They do not react to the injustice happening around. Many among us do not bother to raise our voice against the corrupt practices going on around us. Casting our votes once in five years or so is not the sole idea of being a responsible citizen. A citizen should be always vigilant. Likewise, we also need a responsible media to expose those who are corrupt. Further, the people’s representatives should realize that they are accountable to the voters. If all these things work together then only can we reap the real fruits of democracy.

Thank you!

Dialogue Writing:

Write the dialogues as instructed:

Question 1.
You wish to open a postal savings account in the post office in your locality. Write the conversation between you and the Postmaster in the form of a dialogue.
Answer:

• Myself: Good morning sir. I wish to open a I postal savings account. How do I go about it?
• Postmaster: Just fill this form giving proper details about your name and address and sign on the dotted line there at the bottom.
• Myself: What is the minimum amount that I can put in?
• Postmaster: Oh, you can put in any amount you want. How much do you want to deposit right now?
• Myself: I would like to open the account with 500.
• Postmaster: Then hand over the money to me and I will give you a receipt for it.
• Myself: Here is the form and the money. Postmaster : Here is your receipt. Now you have a postal savings account. You can collect your passbook after half an hour.
• Myself: Thank you sir.
• Postmaster: You’re welcome.

Question 2.
Write a conversation between you and your mother about ‘domestic duties’:
Answer:

• Myself: Mother, do I have to do the dishes every day?
• Mother: Well, dear, you’ve got to learn sometime. You can never tell when the need may arise.
• Myself: But I have so much to study. And I have projects to complete.
• Mother: I understand. But this work has also to be done.
• Myself: Can’t the servant do it?
• Mother: Oh, she will be coming late today and the dishes are all cluttered up. In the future it will be very difficult to get a domestic help. Then you will thank me for training you.
• Myself: Mother, I plan to get a good job and earn a lot of money. I will employ a housemaid permanently in my house to look after everything, including looking after the children.
• Mother: You can never be so sure about the future. So just get down to the dishes, and don’t argue.
• Myself: Ok mother, if you say so.

Question 3.
You are in Std. XII in your college. On the first day of the new academic year you meet a student of Std. XI. Write a conversation you have with the ‘fresher’ :
Answer:

• Myself: Hello. You’re new, aren’t you? What’s your name?
• Fresher: Hello, I’m Nitin.
• Myself: Which school are you from?
• Fresher: I’m from Ideal School.
• Myself: I guess you’ve taken Commerce. Right?
• Fresher: Yes.
• Myself: I’m in Commerce too. Have you found your class? You seem nervous.
• Fresher: Yah. It’s the first day. And they say that the seniors rag the freshers.
• Myself: Oh, nothing. Just a little teasing, that’s all. You don’t have to be scared. It’s only to make you feel at home.
• Fresher: Will you be there?
• Myself: Yes, I’ll be there. Don’t worry. My name is Ketan. I’ll say you’re my friend. No one will do anything to you.
• Fresher: Hey, thanks a lot. You’re a real pal! I have to go and find my class. See you later. Bye.
• Myself: Bye.

View-Counterview

Write the counterviews as instructed:

Question 1.
Write a Counterview for the topic: ‘The Cellphone has given us social networking- not society’. You may consider the following points for the View section of the topic and then write the Counterview. The cellphone has given us social networking – not society View:
– cellphone did not bring in any social change, except instant communication
– instead of being a means of social bonding (e.g. the railways or the loudspeaker earlier), the cellphones make the people live in their own individual islands
– cellphones have just succeeded in making too many people talk for too long a time on matters too silly.
Answer:
Cellphones did usher in a new society (Counterview)

Bringing instant communication to the poor itself is a social revolution. The poor was earlier deprived of both – speedy transport and quick communication. Speedy communication saves time, and time is money for the poor as it is to the rich. More so for the poor who sell their labour by hours and days. In addition, the availability of affordable handsets brought in a sort of socialism. Now even the unlettered can talk directly to his near and dear ones he needn’t pester a ‘babu’ to get his letters written.

When it comes to social bonding, the cellphones have played a major role of late in organizing protest rallies and morchas. It has become so much easier to connect people using cellphones. And about talking too long on things too silly – this is not a new phenomenon. Such people were there in the past, and will be there till the end of the world. For them, if not the cellphone, a pair of apparently listening ears will do. They will chat and chat. We cannot blame it on the cellphones.

Question 2.
Write a Counterview for the topic ‘Junk food should be replaced with organic food’. You may consider the following points for the View section of the topic and then write the Counterview. Junk food should be replaced with organic food (View Section)
– Junk food lacks nutrients
– it leads to obesity
– leads to many diseases
– organic food is a better option always
Answer:
Attacking fast food is the new fad (Counterview)
First of all, I object to the umbrella term ‘junk food’ which we indiscriminately use to brand a variety of food items. The dictionary defines ‘junk food’ as something ‘that is quick and easy to prepare and eat but that is thought to be bad for your health’. Yes, it is thought to be bad. There is no conclusive evidence to prove that the so called junk food is bad beyond doubt. Then again, such one-size-fits- all definition overlooks the fact that many fast food joints sell a variety of salads and greens, One can understand if someone brings out a list of items with their respective nutritional values and says that these are perfectly ‘junk’, But that is not happening. One has also to take into account’ the age and lifestyle of the eater, If you eat organic food and lead a sedentary life, obesity and diseases are assured results.

Moreover, I think, the passion for organic food is just another fad. People attach a sort of sophistication to organic food. To me, organic food is just the ordinary food with a university education socially more acceptable and stylish – nothing much different in essence.

Question 3.
Write a Counterview for the topic: ‘Sports should be optional in colleges’. You may consider the following points for the View section of the topic and then write the Counterview:
Sports should be optional in colleges (view section)
– Difficult syllabus; students need to prepare for entrance tests to competitive examinations
– Very little time for activities other than study -Not enough infrastructure to accommodate
all students
– Students have little sports background in schools
Answer:
Every student in college should take up some kind of sport (Counterview)
The College is the last chance that the student has to learn some game or sport that will stand him or her in good stead for the rest of his or her life. If a student hasn’t already played some sport during his or her school days, he or she should be encouraged to take up some activity during his or her college days. This will have the effect of bringing discipline into the campus, and providing students at that age with the much needed vent for their energies.

College campuses are usually large and can accommodate many games such as badminton, table tennis, squash, boxing and lawn tennis. Football, cricket and hockey are usually encouraged as a rule. Colleges can allot more funds to sports. This will help in the long run and will give to the nation citizens who have developed an all-round personality. It will reduce the time spent by students on undesirable activities such as eve-teasing, smoking and indulging in campus violence. Sports is never a waste, and the more students are encouraged to take part, the better.

Leaflet

Write the following leaflets as instructed:

Question 1.
Prepare a leaflet about a Tree Plantation Ceremony that your class is organizing. Give details about the venue and time. You may ask for help by way of manure, saplings, ideas, etc. Give details about whom the students should contact.
Answer:

Question 2.
Prepare a leaflet on ‘Save the Earth’. Make use of the foUowing points:
– make the slogan attractive
– make a persuasive appeal
– give information about the programmes to be undertaken
– ask for contributions
– explain the need to save the environment
– add other ideas of your own
Answer:

Question 2.
Prepare a short tourist leaflet on any seaside resort you have visited with the help of points given below :
1. How to reach there?
2. Accommodation.
3. Places worth-seeing.
4. Specialities.
5. Add your own points.
Answer:
Devbagh

Devbagh, a seaside resort, is a tiny island off the west coast of Karwar, in Karnataka. It is near the confluence of the Kali river and the sea.

1. Ways to reach: Devbagh is well- connected to Mumbai and Bengaluru by road. It is 2 hours by road from Goa and a 20-minute boat ride from Karwar.
2. Accommodation available : Devbagh forest beach resort offers cozily furnished tents and log cabins.
3. Sight-seeing : Shivganga Falls, Magod Falls, Lalguli Falls, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Temples, Historical spots, Beautiful beaches, etc.
4. Specialities : Spicy crab curry is the region’s speciality. Most food preparations are liberally garnished with coconut.
5. Most suitable time for visits : Throughout the year, though the best season is from October to May.
6. Additional information: Plenty of interesting activities for the adventurous – water sports, cruises to neighbouring uninhabited islands, snorkelling trips, sea kayaking, rafting trips, etc.

Appeal

Write the following appeals as instructed:

Question 1.
A student in your college seeks immediate medical help. His parents are unable to afford the huge amount needed for the operation. Prepare an appeal to be put on the college noticeboard requesting the students to donate generously. Take the help of the following points:
– the name of the illness
– the cost of the operation
– how the contributions can be made
Answer:

Question 2.
Prepare an appeal based on the information given below:
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission proposes to promote Khadi wear. They would like people to buy and wear Khadi for natural feel and elegant texture. The cloth also promotes good health and ensures quality. They propose to give a special discount on cotton, silk (spun), silk (reeled), woollen and polyvastra varieties of Khadi. Every metre of Khadi purchased by each of you will help provide employment to many.
Answer:

Interview

Write interview questions based on the given situation:

Question 1.
Imagine that you have to interview a social campaigner of your choice. Frame a set of 8-10 questions to interview him/ her as per the following points :

• Introducing the guest
• Background of the campaign
• Setbacks/Criticism
• Support/Achievements
• Dreams/Message

Answer:
Good morning, Ms. Nandita Das! Glad to have you on our show. Your ‘Black is Beautiful’ campaign has been a great success and I think our viewers would like to know something more about it.

1. Let me begin by asking you the most relevant question first: What had prompted you to take up such a radical campaign?
2. What were the initial setbacks that you had faced?
3. Were you apprehensive of the reaction from traditional society?
4. How do you explain our deep-rooted obsession with skin colour?
5. Has the Western World changed their attitude of “White supremacy” over the years?
6. Does this “colour bias” affect the boys as much as the girls?
7. Who supported you most during the campaign?
8. Certain print media groups and television channels stopped accepting advertisements for the so called ‘fairness creams’ after your campaign. Do you expect many more such positive initiatives?
9. Many people, especially young girls, look up to you as their idol. How do you hope to live up to their expectations?
10. Is there any special message for our youth?

Question 2.
Imagine that yon have to interview the District Medical Officer during the outbreak of a serious epidemic. Frame a set of 8-10 questions to interview him/her as per the following points:

• introduction
• the gravity of the situation
• briefing on technical terms
• importance of precautions
• preparedness to combat the disease

Answer:
Today we have with us our DMO to reassure us about the safety measures taken by the district authorities. Good morning Madam! Could you spare a few moments to enlighten our viewers about the unprecedented situation we face now.

1. Thank you. Let me first ask you how grave is the situation as of now?
2. There are many new term in currency now as quarantine, self-isolation, tracing contacts, etc. Could you briefly explain these terms for the benefit of our general viewers?
3. How important is social-distancing in the present scenario?
4. Should masks to be preserved for the frontline workers or is it a must for each and everyone?
5. Do we have enough testing kits now?
6. What is the difference between rapid test and RT-PCR test?
7. What are the elementary precaution to be taken other than social-distancing and hand- hygiene?
8. Do you have enough medical staff to tide over such an emergency?
9. Do we have enough ventilators and ICU beds?
10. How is the coordination between the various departments of the district administration?

Question 3.
Imagine that you have to interview a “Save the Trees” campaigner. Frame a set of 8-10 questions to interview him/her as per the following points:

• introduction
• success so far
• forest conservation laws
• attitude of people to climate change
• factors working for and against the campaign

Answer:
Good evening Sir! I think it is the need of the time that our young generation realize the importance of your campaign. I am very glad to have you on our special “Environment Day” programme.

1. How do you evaluate the success of your campaign so far?
2. Do you think that people still show a callous disregard towards the threat of climate change?
3. Why is there a lack of awareness among our countrymen about the importance of trees?
4. Why doesn’t the government enforce the forest conservation laws effectively?
5. What are the substitutes for timber in the construction industry?
6. Have you ever felt that you are defending a lost cause?
7. How far does the Indian tradition of worshipping trees help you in your campaign?
8. Do you get enough funds to carry on your campaign?
9. Is the younger generation more receptive to environmental issues?
10. What piece of advice would you like to give to the school children?

Question 4.
Imagine that you have to interview a teacher who has received the President’s award. Prepare a set of 8-10 questions to interview him/her as per the following points:

• Introducing the guest
• Feeling during the moment
• Reason for taking up teaching
• Contentment/Satisfaction
• Opinion about young teachers
• Setback and reward of the profession

Answer:
Good morning Madam! I take it as a great privilege to be with you and have a chat. Thank you very much for sparing your valuable time.

1. How did you feel during those brief moments with the President?
2. Do you think that you have lived a complete life and it is time to retire?
3. At what point of time in your life did you find that teaching is your calling?
4. Many teachers find teaching a thankless job : What is your opinion about that?
5. Was there any conflict between your personal life and professional life?
6. Do you think teaching attracts real talent in this materialistic world?
7. What, in your view, are the most essential qualities of a teacher?
8. Do you find the young cro0p of teachers as great promise?
9. What were the setbacks that you faced in your long career?
10. How did your students, who are spread far and wide, react to this honour?

E-Mails:

Question 1.
Read the following advertisement and prepare a letter of application to be sent by email. (Do not give your bio-data.)
Situation Vacant
Wanted: A Computer Engineer
Candidate must have passed B.E. in
Computer Engineering.
Experience holder will be preferred.
Write giving details to:
Email: armancon@gmail.com

Sir/Madam,I have recently passed my B.E. in Computer Engineering from J L M Engineering College, Ratnagiri with a pass percentage of 61.1 also have three months of experience developing software for Pragati Electronics in Ratnagiri. The project was for the maintenance of accounts of MHEL Pvt. Ltd.

I do hope that you will consider me for appointment in your esteemed company. I shall be able to arrange my own accommodation in Pune. I anticipate an early call for an interview. My details are in the CV that I have attached.

I assure you of dedicated service, should I be considered for the post.

Yours truly,
XYZ

Blog Writing

A List of Blogging Sites/Apps.
Given below is a list of blogging sites/ apps from where you can begin blogging.

1. https://zapier.com/blog/best-blog-sites/
2. https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners- guide/how-to-clioose-the-best-blogging- platform/
3. https: / /www. say ansamanta. com/best- android-apps-blogger.html
4. https://www.excellentwebworld.com/latest- blogging-trend/
5. https://www.livejournal.com
6. https:// www.wordpress.com
7. https://www.blogger.com
8. https://www.blogs.myspace.com.

Question 1.
Write blogs on the following topics
Say no to tobacco.
Answer:

Question 2.
Man v/s Nature.
Answer:

Film Review:

Students are advised to read film reviews that appear in periodicals and online. This will familiarize them with the technical terms and expressions used in reviews.

After viewing a film, attempt to write your own review based on the guidelines given above. It is always a good practice to make a first draft and revise it after some time. This will help you eliminate any personal bias that has distorted the review. Revising the text also enables you to write comprehensive but concise reviews.

The Art of Compering

Imagine that you are a compere of the ‘Annual Day Celebrations’ of your college. Write a script for the same. You can take the help of the following points.

• Brief introduction
• Lighting of the Lamp
• Welcome Speech
• Speech of the Chief Guest
• Entertainments
• Vote of thanks

Answer:
1. Introduction and lighting the lamp: Good evening to all present here today on this special occasion. We have been awaiting this day with great anticipation. And finally here we are gathered to usher in that great day! Let’s begin the function with the lighting of the traditional lamp and I request our honourable Chief Guest Shri Ganesh Narvekar to inaugurate the function by lighting the lamp. [The chief guest together with certain other dignitaries on the dais lit the lamp.]
2. Welcome speech: Next we go to the Welcome Speech. Our respected Principal will now address the audience and welcome the Chief Guest. [Principal’s speech – 8-10 minutes.]
3. Speech of the Chief Guest: Now I request the honourable Chief Guest to take the podium.
[Chief Guest comes to the podium and delivers his speech – about 10 minutes.]
4. Entertainments: Now the curtains will be down for a few moments in preparation for the entertainment programme.
[Curtains down. The chief guest and other dignitaries are ushered to their seats in the audience. Stage is cleared. Curtain raises.]

(a) Now the college orchestra will delight you with their musical programme.
/Musical programme for 45 minutes]
(b) Yes, that was a big round of applause and a greatly deserved one! Let’s move on to our next item. Students of Std. XI will now perform a fusion dance. Welcome them with a warm applause!
[Dance lasts about 30 minutes.]
5. Vote of thanks: Now I call upon our Vice-principal to propose a vote of thanks. [About 2-3 minutes]
Now I thank you all once again. Special thanks to our talented artist-friends who made this evening a memorable one.

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.5 Drafting a Virtual Message Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.5 Drafting a Virtual Message

12th English Digest Chapter 3.5 Drafting a Virtual Message Textbook Questions and Answers

(i) Given below is a two-way communication cycle or the process of communication.

(a) Can you guess the role of the sender and the receiver in this process? What do we encode? What do we decode?

Question 1.
Can you guess the role of the sender and the receiver in this process?

Answer:
The role of the sender is to transcribe what he/she wants to convey to the receiver in a message. The role of the receiver is to interpret the conveyed message and to grasp its meaning. As messages use commonly accepted components like words, symbols and signs, the receiver generally finds no difficulty in interpreting them. However, the sender must be careful to create a clear message so as to avoid any kind of misinterpretation or misreading.

Question 2.
What do we encode?
Answer:
We encode what we want to convey to the I receiver in the form of an unambiguous (clear in meaning) message.

Question 3.
What do we decode?
Answer:
We decode from the message the idea that it conveys by way of interpreting it. A clear message is easy to interpret.

Question (b)
People send messages to others for different purposes. Mention at least five purposes/reasons for which messages are generally sent.
Answer:
1. To inform the receiver about the facts, events, etc.
2. To express feelings like sympathy, solidarity etc.

Question (ii)
Given below is a tree-diagram explaining two major types of messages. Complete the blank boxes in the diagram. One is done for you.
Answer:

(A1)

Question (i)
In pairs, enact the given conversation between Rakesh and Mrs Sarkar.
Answer:

• Rakesh: Hello, may I speak to Dr Sarkar?
• Mrs. Sarkar: He has gone to the hospital to attend the OPD. May I know who is speaking? ‘
• Rakesh: Yes, I am Rakesh Sood. My wife has been having a severe headache since yesterday. Since this morning she has also developed a high temperature. I would be very grateful if the doctor could come over to our place to examine her.
• Mrs. Sarkar: Of course. Please let me note down your address.
• Rakesh: It is B-49, New Colony.
• Mrs. Sarkar: I will give him your message as soon as he returns.
• Rakesh: Thank you.

Question (ii)
Mrs Sarkar had to leave for the school where she teaches. So she wrote a message for her husband. Draft the message in not more than 50 words.
(Students can enact the conversation in class.)
Answer:
22/06 – 9 am
Sumit

One Rakesh Sood staying at B-49, New Colony rang up this morning to say his wife has not been keeping well. She had headache yesterday and has been running a high temperature since this morning. He wanted you to go over their place and attend her at the earliest.

Sunita

Question (iii)
Using information from the dialogue given below, write the message which Amrita left for her brother, Sourajit. (Do not leave out any vital information or add any new information).
Answer:

• Shekhar: Is this 28473892?
• Amrita: Yes, May I know who is speaking?
• Shekhar: I am Shekhar, I want to speak to Sourajit. I am his friend from IHM, Goa.
• Amrita: I am his sister. Sourajit is not at home at the moment. Can you ring up a little later?
• Shekhar: I shall be a little busy. Actually, I have got a placement at the Hotel Mumbai, and will have to join with immediate effect.

So right now I am trying to get all the formalities completed. This is the news that I wanted to give Sourajit. Will you do that for me? Also tell him that I will let him know my new cell phone number as soon as I get one.
Amrita: I’ll do that. Bye and all the best. Amrita had to leave for office. So she wrote a note for Sourajit. Draft her message in not more than 50 words.

Question (iv)
You are Priyanka, a personal assistant to Ms Sen. She was away attending a meeting when Mr Garg rang up. You spoke to him and jotted down his message in your notepad.
Draft the message for Ms Sen using the information in your notes given below.
Mr Garg – rang up – 5 pm – has received the CDs and the posters – coming tomorrow – to thank Ms Sen and to personally hand over the cheque.
Answer:
5.15 pm [30th Sept.]
Madam,

Mr. Garg rang up at five in the evening while you were away attending the meeting. He said he had received the CDs and posters and would come tomorrow to express his thanks to you. He said he would also hand over the cheque to you personally.

Priyanka
(P.A)

Question (v)
Read the following conversation between Aashna and Mr. Singh.
Answer:
Aashna: Hello, may I speak to Ranajit, please?
I would like to see the notes which our biology teacher gave to the class during my absence.
Mr Singh: I will definitely do that.

Question (vi)
Since Mr Singh had to go for his morning walk he left a message for Ranajit. Draft that message in 50 words.
Answer:
Raj at comes home from school and finds the door locked. Since he has a duplicate key he enters and finds a note from his mother kept on the table. In it she explains that she had to rush to the hospital with Mrs Manohar, their neighbour, who had met with an accident. She has also written that he should have the rice and curry kept on the dining table for lunch. He could heat the food in the microwave oven if he wanted to, but he should be very careful while handling the switch.

Question (vii)
Using the information given below, write biology notebook to school today. I was absent from school due to illness. a message which Manu left for his sister. Renu. (Do not add any new information.

The message should not exceed 50 words). Ruhaan rang up – book – reading session – ‘Children Ask Kalam’ – Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – compilation of letters received by him from children and his answers – Oxford Book Store – 8 pm, this evening, – pick you up – 6:30 pm attend reading session together.
Answer:
28th Nov. 2 pm
Renu

Ruhaan rang up to say that there is a book reading session at Oxford Book Store this evening at 8 o’clock. The book is “Children Ask Kalam” – a compilation of letters received by Dr. Kalam and his answers. I will pick you up at 6:30 pm sharp. We will attend it together.

Manu

Question (viii)
Given below is a template tor a message. Imagine you are working as a receptionist in a company and you are supposed to maintain the call record.
Complete the details given in the template for a particular message

Answer:

Explore:

(a) Browse the net and prepare a tabular column to explain the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ while drafting messages.
(b) Browse the net to find innovative ‘Message Templates’.
(c) Prepare a collection of short messages that are usually drafted and exchanged within the family members to keep them well informed and updated in case of different situations.
(d) Prepare a project titled, ‘The Importance of Messages in Everyday Life.
(Students may attempt the above on their own.)

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.4 Statement of Purpose Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.4 Statement of Purpose

12th English Digest Chapter 3.4 Statement of Purpose Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Match the professions with the desired qualities: (The answers are given directly.)
Answer:

1. Businessman – c. convincing, selling, risk-taking
2. Artist – d. imaginative, creative, thinking out of
3. Advocate – e. logical reasoning, oratory, critical thinking.
4. Police – b. alert, investigative, love for physical activity
5. Scientist – a. reading, experimenting, researching

Question 2.
What is your career goal?
Answer:
My career goal is to be an astronaut.

Question 3.
Which of your qualities would help you in achieving your career goal?

Answer:

Question 4.
List the obstacles which might hamper in achieving your goals in life. One is done for you.
Answer:

1. Lack of proper guidance.
2. Opposition from family for choosing a strange career.
3. Lack of knowledge about career prospects.
4. Lack of training centers in our country at present.

(A1)

Question 1.
Discuss and exchange your views with your partner about your career plan
Answer:

• My Partner: I think I should now think of a definite career plan. Have you ever thought of a career plan?
• Myself: Of course! I have a definite plan and I am quite focused on it.
• My Partner: Would you mind sharing your goals with me?
• Myself: Why not? You are my friend and you have every right to know it.
• Myself: I want to be a doctor. It is not that primary school ambition when everyone wants to be an engineer or a doctor.
• My Partner: I wanted to be an airline pilot during those days.
• Myself: There could be many like you. Those were just fleeting fancies. You just can’t call them career goals.
• My Partner: Do you think your plan is real and practical?
• Myself: Surely I do! That’s why I call it my career plan. My whole focus is on it. I work hard to achieve my goal.
• My Partner: There are many doctors around and I don’t find any particular charm to be one among those ‘white coats’.
• Myself: Oh, yes! You are free to have your opinions, but whatever I do will have my personal stamp on it. I am unique and I am going to be a unique doctor.
• My Partner: Is that something like going to the villages barefoot?
• Myself: Could be that. Perhaps much more than that. You will see it yourself some time in the future. I am quite steadfast in my resolve.
• My Partner: Okay, okay. I wish you all the best. I wish I had your will to win.

(A2)

Question 1.
You must have decided your aim in life. Which institute/university would you like to join for your diploma/ graduation. Write a Statement of Purpose as a part of your application to the institute/university.
Answer:
I would like to graduate in history from Birkbeck College under the University of London. Given below is my Statement of Purpose attached as part of my application.

Statement of Purpose:

For me, history was just a list of monarchs, a catalogue of wars and a chronicle of dynasties. All this changed when I reached the VUIth standard. I was, then, fortunate to study history under a dynamic teacher. He changed my perspectives. I realized that there is social history and economic history. There is history of science and ideas. The tipping point came when my teacher introduced me to the Bhakti Movement.

I realized that I belong to the land of Saints – Maharashtra. The lives of saints fascinated me. I delved deep into books to know more about their work and time. I read about Sant Namdeo, Sant Dynaneshwar, Sant Eknath, Sant Tukaram and Ramdas Swami. What I gained, of course, was very precious. My fascination with the subject grew by each passing day.

My aim in seeking admission to your college is that you have a very good department in South Asian History. I know that the late eminent historian Eric Hobsbawm taught in your college throughout his career. Likewise, the famous R. J. Evans and Roy Foster were once members among your faculty. So I am hopeful that I would get a chance to learn under world class teachers once I get into your esteemed institution.

My broad plan is to have a sound grounding in the medieval socio-economic history of India during my graduation years and then move on to the Bhakti Movement during my post-graduate studies. Doctoral and post-doctoral research would be focused on the life and work of a single saint.

I am an avid reader. I hope my exposure to saint literature in Marathi would stand me in good stead. I am a state-level chess player. Chess, as per the game theory, is a full information game. Your opponent see on the board as much as you see. However, the patient search for possibilities pay the dividend. The player processes the various permutations and combinations and finally makes that unique move – the winning move! I am sure that I have it in me.

I worked as an amateur research assistant to Dr. Pendse while he was working on his monumental work on the Bhakti Movement. I also have a diploma in “Indexing Books in Humanities”. I earnestly hope that an exposure to the excellent academic atmosphere prevailing in your prestigious institution would bring forth the best in me and thus allow me to contribute my mite to the rich cultural heritage of my land!

(A3)

Question 1.
Enrich your vocabulary.
Match the job terms with their meanings.

Answer:

1. to be your own boss – (g) to have your own business
2. a dead-end job – (f) a job with no promotional opportunities
3. a good team player – (j) someone who can work well with other people
4. a heavy workload – (h) to have a lot of work to do
5. a high-powered job – (b) an important/ powerful job
6. job satisfaction – (i) enjoying your job
7. manual work – (a) work that requires physical activity
8. to be stuck in a rut – (e) to be in a boring job that is hard to leave
9. to be stuck behind a desk – (c) to be unhappy in an office job
10. a nine-to-five job – (d) a normal job having a duty of 8 hours

(A4)

Question 1.
Read the dialogue given below and fill in the blanks with the appropriate job terms given above.
(The answer parts are underlined.)
Answer:
Varsha: Vivek, what kind of a job are you looking for?
Vivek: Varsha, I want to be my own boss. I don’t like a nine-to-five job. My present job is not challenging. I am stuck behind a desk. I am not afraid of a heavy workload and I am a good team player. Moreover, this is a dead-end job. I am looking for an opportunity to try new winds.

A5. Read the personal details given below and prepare a suitable Statement of Purpose:

Question (i)
University of Bath, UK is one of the leading Universities for Business Studies. You belong to a business family – wish to start your own business, carry forward your family business in future. In your junior college you have opted for commerce, scored well in your Std. X Board examination – You made profit in the stall you had put up in the business fair organized by your school/ college. Your hobbies are playing cricket/ hockey – you get along well with people.
Answer:
I belong to a family which had a long tradition in business. My father is a third generation businessman. I grew up meeting relatives who are in some business or the other. Naturally, I have never thought of any pursuit other than business.

My family business is doing quite well but the world of business is changing rapidly. To keep up with the changing times, I must keep abreast of the new developments in the world of business. Hence I aspire for a degree in business studies from an institution of high standing as yours.

I did exceedingly well in my Standard X Board Examination scoring impressive marks in Maths and English. For the junior college I opted commerce as my main stream. Accountancy is my favourite area of study. I feel quite comfortable with the subject because balance sheet analysis, stocks, trade, tariff, etc. have always been the words in currency during any of the family gatherings.

A cool head on his shoulders is a must for a businessman. With an agitated mind you can’t ever take the right decisions. I am cool by nature. I assess the pros and cons with a dispassionate mind. No wonder that I was always made the captain of our cricket team. Cricket being a mind game as well, one needs to make quick and effective decisions. Moreover, one needs to make one’s team mates believe that the decision is theirs! There lies the magic of a team player and leader and so far I have been a great hit at it.

As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Just thinking that I am endowed with great business acumen would remain a mere boast until I prove it with an example. Luckily I had a great chance coming my way during the business fair organized by our college.

What I proposed was a stall selling helmets. The principal flatly rejected the idea saying that in a college where most of the students are under-18 and are not eligible for a driving licence, it was preposterous to come out with such a bizarre idea. I persisted and somehow got the permission. It was a three-day fair.

On the first day, just as I had expected, many students told me that their siblings and parents do have helmets at home – but they don’t wear it. This was the tipping point. I asked them to bring those unworn helmets the next day. I would compensate for the old ones – they need to pay only the difference for the new ones. (I had already made a tie-up with a second-hand helmet dealer. I offered an environment-friendly bag as well to each prospective buyer.)

Students, especially girls, warmed towards the idea greatly. Being a gift, their brothers or parents just won’t be able to neglect the helmets. The magic word here was ‘gift’; and the sentimental aura surrounding the gesture. The venture clicked. I made a handsome profit. The satisfaction of being instrumental in saving many lives was a bonus.

I know for sure that the case narrated above is not a path-breaking event. But for me, it was an eye-opener. I realized that business is mainly a game based on human psychology. Reading a bit of behavioural economics taught me that not all economic demands stem from rational thought.

Yes, your prestigious institution can offer me what I seek. I seek something more than a degree in business studies. Your esteemed faculty, I hope, will provide me the right exposure I need. I look forward to novel ventures. I want to tread on an unbeaten path. For me, business is not just about making money. It is the thrill of living every moment in the exhilaration of weighing choices and making decisions. For that I need to learn new things. For that I need to get into an institution like yours.

Question (ii)
You are an avid animal lover. You have a pet dog and some lovebirds at home. You are extremely fond of them. You have been a member of bird watcher’s club. You have loved going on a safari. You have taken care of orphan animals, or animals who are hurt. In school you loved Biology. You wish to make a career in this field. The University of Cambridge offers an excellent course/ programme which would boost your career. Make a Statement of Purpose which will help you to get admission to this University.
Answer:
Statement of Purpose

I was captivated by the world of animals much early in my life. There are of course, many people around who love animals; but I doubt whether they share the same intensity which I have. I love animals of all softs. I care for animals big and small. I equally love the ones who fly and the ones who crawl.

My parents have been quite supportive of my passion. My collection of lovebirds and the pet dog which I have now are their gifts. I observe my pets and all other animals around me with undiminishing curiosity. Their behaviour fascinates me: Though ‘biology’ has been my favorite subject all along, I never knew that there are courses catering to my specific need. So your biology graduation course with a focus on animal behaviour is “the one” I sought after.

I very well know that observation and study of animals demand infinite patience. Many senior members of our “Bird watchers’ club’ usually appreciate my great patience. I also have an eye for detail. Each time I go for a safari, I notice something new. Each time there seems to be a revelation of sorts.

If I say I care for my pets that would be just stating the obvious. My love for animals goes beyond boundaries. Any animal suffering or struggling anywhere is my concern. There have been umpteen cases where I took care of and tended orphaned animals, but each case was unique and every one of them is etched in my memory in its vivid detail.

Though my interaction with animals has a long record, my theoretical studies about animals are not much to boast of. I have read the works of Nikolaas Tinbergin, Konrad Lorenz. Karl Von Frisch and Ivan Pavlov – all pioneers in the field of animal behaviour. Nevertheless, I know that a lot has been happening of late. Moreover, I wish to learn discipline in an organized way. And your esteemed institution is “the place” for it. I am hopeful that I will be able to contribute something significant to the field I love most.

(A6)

Question 1.
Browse different websites and find out the universities offering best courses in life Sciences, Arts, Sports, Music, Engineering and medicine. Collect and share any other additional information related to the course which seems important.
(Students may attempt this on their own.)

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.3 Note-Making Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.3 Note-Making

12th English Digest Chapter 3.3 Note-Making Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Complete the web.

Answer:

Question 2.
Discuss in groups why you take notes.

Answer:

Better notes will help you remember concepts, develop meaningful learning skills and gain better understanding of a topic. Discuss in groups different styles or methods you use in your note-making/taking. For example, to underlining iportant facts.
(We have given here a few of the methods employed in Note-making/Note-taking in blank formats. Students may experiment and find out the most useful method/ methods on their own. The selection of method largely depends upon the personal trait, taste and talent of j each individual student.)

Question 3.
Now let’s complete the following diagram that represents Prana and its elements: (The answers are given directly. For the relevant article, refer to page 149 of the textbook.)

Answer:

Example: Transfer the above information in the form of a table:
(Answers are given directly and underlined)
Bodily process

Doshas	Associated with	Characteristics	Imbalance causes
Vata	air and aether	energetic	nervous
Pitta	fire and water	strong digestion	aggression
Kapha	water and earth	slow	greed

(A1)

Question 1.
Read the following passage carefully and complete the activities.

(A2)

Question 1.
Read the passage given on page 151 of the textbook and complete the following points with the help of the above text. (Give a suitable title.)
The Perils of self-medication
Answer:

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.3 Note-Making Additional Important Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Cornell Two-column notes
Answer:
(Blank format)

Outlining method:

Question 1.
In Outlining method, you put the main idea/topic closest to the left side of your page as headers. Then use indentations (i.e. to leave space as if you begin a new paragraph and moving to the right each time) to arrange the related points one after the other.

Blank format:
Keyword:
• This is the main division.
• This is a sub-division.
• This is a supporting fact.
Keyword :
• This is the main topic.
• This is a sub-topic.
• This is an argument in support.

Box and Bullet method:

In this, a box is drawn for every main idea. Under each box are supporting points written against bullet points.
Blank format:
Title:
Author:
Central idea -1
______________
______________
______________

Central idea – 2
______________
______________
______________

Question 2.
Table:
Answer:

Term	Meaning	Additional information
Tax avoidance	Arranging one’s financial affairs to reduce tax	It is legal.
Tax evasion	Filing false returns or failing to file returns	It is illegal. It is a punishable offence.
Taxable income	Part of income that is liable to tax.	Can be reduced by allowing deductions.
Tax assessment	Determination of the amount of tax	Tax payers file returns.

Pie Chart:

Question 1.
Pie Chart showing the land use in India.
Answer:

Bar Graph:

Question 1.
Bar Graph showing the Organ Donation Pattern in India (By a Study Group)
Answer:

Line Graph:

Question 1.
Line Graph showing the price of motorbikes and the corresponding sales
Answer:

Conclusion:

Organizing the notes is an essential component of Note-making or Note-taking. Students must remember that the ‘notes’ are for further use. If you fail to make any sense of your ‘notes’ later, the very purpose of Note-taking and Note-making is defeated. So the use of proper headings and sub-headings are very important. You must judiciously use numbers and letters for the sub-topics and derived points. Underlining and using asterisk (*) will help you to identify the main points at a glance. Above all, the method and style of Note-taking/Note-making should be in tune with your personal propensity of ordering things.

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.2 Do Schools Really Kill Creativity? (Mind-Mapping) Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.2 Do Schools Really Kill Creativity? (Mind-Mapping)

12th English Digest Chapter 3.2 Do Schools Really Kill Creativity? Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Observe the given figure and complete the activities that follow:

(a) Replace the ‘main idea’ by any other thought or title of your own.
(b) Add three supporting ideas to the main idea as their branches.
(c) Add two ideas to one of the branches that explains the meaning of the branch.
Answer:

Question 2.
Complete the given blank spaces/balloons with your ideas in the figure that describes your basic preparation for the HSC Board Examination. Also complete the activities that follows:

Answer:

Activity:

Complete a similar type of detailed graphical figure in your own style showing the thoughts/ ideas/concepts that keep on generating in your mind and then you choose a particular style/design or a graphical representation to describe the same idea/facts/situations – then this type of presentation can be called ‘Mind – Mapping.’
Use different shapes, arrows, lines, connectors, balloons, boxes, curved arrows, callouts, scribbles, scrolls, explosions, etc. to describe your point of view.

For example:

(A1)

Question 1.
Study the tabular column given on page 141 of the Textbook. In pairs, tell your partner the importance of each one: (The first one is given here as an example. Students may attempt 2 to 8 on their own in a manner akin to the one given below.) Enhance activities with Mind-Mapping.

Answer:

• Student A: How does mind – mapping help us?
• Student B: It helps us see an overall picture.
• Student A: Would you kindly explain it a bit more?
• Student B: See, as one would expect, mind – mapping conveys the whole idea through hierarchy and relationships.
• Student A: By the way, what is ‘hierarchy’?
• Student B: Hierarchy is a system in which classes, status, authority, etc. are ranked one above the other.
• Student A: I think I’ve got it. With the help of mind – mapping we ‘maps out’ the points beginning from the more important ones and going on to the less important ones.
• Student B: Exactly! It is a sort of branching out. What I find exciting is that the ‘mapping out’ originates from our brain quite spontaneously.
• Student A: Being the creators we grasp it fully, don’t we?
• Student B: Yes, we do. Now you got it fully right!

(A2)

Question 1.
Given below is a ‘Mind – Mapping’ template. Use your ideas/thoughts/concepts to illustrate/develop them. (Develop your ideas in the form of main branch, sub-branches and tertiary branches respectively).

Also, write a paragraph on the mind map you have completed.
Answer:

The above given figure is my Mind Map about infectious diseases. The four main ideas are the Spread, Precautions, Treatment and Containment of such infectious diseases. The best way to check the spread of infection is the practice of personal hygiene and social distancing. Maintenance of proper civic sense is called upon from each citizen. Containing the disease becomes a challenge when diseases like COVID-19 breaks out. Lack of vaccine or specific medicine makes the situation very grave. Self-isolation, quarantine, and in extreme situations, Lockdown, etc. are practised to curtail the community spread of the contagion.

A sudden spike in the cases put great strain on the health care system. Authorities try to circumvent the spike by flattening the curve of the spike. Whenever there is a pandemic, it is the duty of the citizens to help the authorities by obeying all the directives.

(A3)

Question 1.
Develop a ‘Mind – Mapping’ frame/design to show the development in your personality seen with yourself in the last 5 years. You can take the help of the following points in order to develop each of them into further branches:
(Development in Physique, Self-learning Process, Communication Skills, Social Awareness, Family Responsibility)
Answer:

Development in physique	Self-learning process	Communication skills	Social awareness	Family responsibility
A sense of parting with childhood	Began to assess the children around me critically	An awareness of what I speak and how I speak	Still confined to my small world of family and friends	Took everything for granted and never bothered about the resources of my family
An earnest desire to join the club of grown-ups	A great quest to know more about the world around me	Censure of incorrect and impolite utterances	Exposure to print and electronic media opened up a ne w world	Slow realisation of the hardships of my parents in educating me
A surge in physical energy	An enhanced sense of body ownership	An earnest desire to impress others with my speech	Exploration of the world around me and my place in it	Sibling rivalry to my younger sister gave way to a sense of protective care
Interest in sports which are aggressive and dangerous	A sense of bonding with society	Started diary writing and found my skills wanting	Realization that I am not an island floating in the ocean of humanity	Resolved to do well in academics
Realization of the passing of adolescence and being an adult	A yearning to invent or discover something new	Level-headed effort to improve my speaking and writing skills	Still trying to figure out the nature of my social commitment	Hope to take great care of my parents in their old age

(A4)

Question 1.
Develop a ‘Mind – Mapping’ frame/design to show the ‘Benefits of games and sports’ to the students. You can take the help of the following points in order to develop each of them into further branches:
(Fitness and stamina, team spirit and sportsmanship, group behaviour, killer’s instinct, will to win)
Answer:

(A5)

Browse the internet to know the following:

Question 1.
Different Frames/Designs on Mind – Mapping :
(One example is given below. Students may browse the internet to find more.)
Answer:
Spidergram.

Question 2.
Benefits of Mind – Mapping:
Answer:
Mind – Mapping is an effective tool that helps us capture the logical thinking process that goes on in our mind. It enables us to put pieces of information in the proper slots. The gathered pieces of information then assume a compact and condensed format which can be committed to memory with vividness and clarity. Mind – Mapping also helps generate a stream of creative ideas. The speed and spontaneity of Mind – Mapping proves to be a great advantage during brainstorming sessions.

Question 3.
Uses of Mind – Mapping in note-taking:
Answer:
Mind – Mapping is a creative way of note-taking. We do not remain just passive listeners noting down points mechanically. On the contrary, Mind – Mapping helps us put our creative selves in the process. Thus, we become the co-producers of the information. Using Mind – Mapping in note-taking also enables us to structure the information to suit our natural inclinations of arrangement.

Question 4.
Difference between Mind – Mapping and Concept Mapping:
Answer:
A Concept map is a diagram that shows the suggested relationships among concepts. Concept maps, unlike the Mind maps, allow more divergence due to their multiple hubs and clusters. Mind maps are often restricted to radial hierarchies and tree structures. Another feature that distinguishes Mind map from a Concept map is that in a Mind map the basic idea is embodied in the centre image and the main themes radiate from the centre as branches. This, then branches off further as twigs.

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.1 Summary Writing Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 3.1 Summary Writing

12th English Digest Chapter 3.1 Summary Writing Textbook Questions and Answers

Discuss in pairs and guess the correct alternative for the following:

Question 1.
To summarize means …………….
(a) Put information in chronological order.
(b) To recapitulate the main points in the selection
(c) To introduce new information
(d) To write one’s opinion about selection
Answer:
(b) To recapitulate the main points in the selection

Question 2.
The type of summary that consists of a paragraph to express the main idea is …………… .
(a) Outline
(b) Report
(c) Synopsis
(d) Written summary
Answer:
(d) Written summary

Question 3.
There are various ways of incorporating other writers’ works into your own writing. They differ according to the closeness of your writing to the source writing. Match the ways of writing in brief given in column (A) with their descriptions in column (B):

Answer:

1. Summarizing – (e) It includes main ideas into one’s own words.
2. Paraphrasing – (f) It must be identical to the original and match the document word by word.
3. Precis writing – (d) It includes taking broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly.
4. Quoting – (a) It includes not just the main idea but every detail expressed clearly and to the point.
5. Editing – (b) It includes selection of proper lines from the given text for correction, condensation and organization.
6. Gist writing – (c) It includes the most essential part or the crux of the matter.

(A1)

Question 1.
Complete the following as instructed:
Read the passage and write its summary according to the given steps:
Answer:
Use the following steps for summary writing:
Step 1: Read the article twice.
Step 2: The purpose of writing – To tell the reader about the interesting communication methods among birds and mammals.
Step 3: Identify the main idea – Surprising examples of communication methods among birds and mammals.
Steps 4 and 5: Write the first draft: Revise your first draft and edit it.
(Students may attempt this on their own.)
Step 5: Write the final draft (Given overleaf.)

(A2)

(ii) Avoid adverbs:
Delete the adverbs in italics and rewrite:

Question (a)
“That’s usually a good thing to do.”
Answer:
“That’s a good thing to do.”

Question (b)
“That’s fairly good coffee.”
Answer:
“That’s good coffee.”

Question (c)
“I totally agree.”
Answer:
“I agree.”

Question (d)
“Actually I disagree.”
Answer:
“I disagree.”

Question (iii)
One word substitution:
Find examples similar to those given in the textbook and make a list:
Answer:

1. friendly relationship in which people understand well : rapport (pronounced as ‘rappo’)
2. able to cause death: fatal
3. seize by way of penalty: confiscate
4. someone who goes into buildings in order to steal: burglar
5. the principal character in a play or a story: protagonist
6. the path described by an object moving in air: trajectory
7. a person regarded as a symbol: icon
8. a person who knows many languages: polyglot
9. a badly behaved child: brat
10. a period of ten years: decade
11. a persistent increase in the general level of prices: inflation
12. organisation of supplies and services for any, complex operation : logistics
13. extremely careful about details: meticulous
14. not harmful or offensive: innocuous
15. present, appearing or found everywhere: ubiquitous

(ii) Change the following sentences into simple:

Question (a)
Mr. Rohit is the member and he is also the director.
Answer:
Mr. Rohit is the member and also the director.

Question (b)
The room is so small that it cannot accommodate many people.
Answer:
The room is too small to accommodate many people.

Question (c)
You have to prove that you are innocent.
Answer:
You have to prove your innocence.

Question (d)
He was late so he walked in a great hurry.
Answer:
Being late, he walked in a great hurry.

(A4)

Question (i)
Read any book of your choice and write its summary according to the steps explained in the chapter.

Question (ii)
Find some professions that require the skill of summary writing and editing. Write them
in your notebook.

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 3.1 Summary Writing Additional Important Questions and Answers

Question (i)
Cut redundant words:
Write five examples of redundant words:
Answer:

1. puzzling mystery = ‘mystery’
2. connect together = ‘connect’
3. divide into two equal halves = ‘divide into halves
4. surrounded on all sides = ‘surrounded’
5. return back = ‘return’

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.8 Small Towns and Rivers Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 2.8 Small Towns and Rivers

12th English Digest Chapter 2.8 Small Towns and Rivers Textbook Questions and Answers

Question (i)
Most of the civilizations have flourished on the banks of the rivers. Discuss the reasons in the class.
Points:
(a) Availability of water
(b) Fertile soil for agriculture
(c) Fishing ground
(d) Transport

Question (ii)
Write down the names of the famous cities that are situated on the banks of the rivers given below.
Answer:

River	City
Ganga	Varanasi
Yamuna	Mathura
Godavari	Rajahmundry
Varada	Sagara
Krishna	Vijayawada
Tapi	Surat

Question (iii)
Write down the names of the rivers on the banks of which following cities have prospered:
Answer:

City	River
London	Thames
Cairo	Nile
New York	Hudson
Paris	Siene

Question (iv)
Divide your class into groups and discuss the changes that might have taken place when the cities grow on the banks of the rivers.
Points: Dwellings are built – Population grows – Fishing flourishes – Outsiders come to settle – Trading takes place – Prosperity increases – Increased population, trade, traffic and fishing begin to harm the river system – River system shows damage – River starts to decay

Question (v)
Share your views in the class on the topic ‘Conservation of Rivers and Development of the Cities.’
(Students may list their own points of views.)

(A1)

Question 1.
State the importance of Nature in the lives of the people from the North-eastern part of India as expressed in the poem with reference to:
(a) Flowers
(b) River
(c) Bamboo
(d) East
Answer:
(a) Flowers – Tuberoses are woven into wreaths to be placed on the body of a departed as a mark of love and respect.
Sole: Most of the textual ‘Wh’ questions are converted to Activity Format.
(b) River: The people believe the river has a soul. They respect their rivers and even revere it as divine as its waters are immortal.
(c) Bamboo: The poet says ‘in the cool bamboo’. The colour is a cool green. The place where the bamboo grows is also cool.
(d) East: The direction of sunrise is very important for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. They ensure the dead are placed pointing west so that their soul directly enters the golden house of the sun. They believe that finally souls must attain the sun’s abode in the east.

(A2)

Question (i)
The poet has described her small town in Arunachal Pradesh. Pick out from the extract, the lines that describe the poet’s town.
Answer:
1. ‘My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees’,
2. ‘it is always the same In summer and winter With the dust flying Or the wind howling down the gorge’

Question (ii)
Make a list of natural elements mentioned in the extract.
Answer:
trees, winter, summer, wind, tuberoses, life, land, river, fish, stars

Question (iii)
‘The river has a soul.’ Elaborate the concept in your words as the poet has explained in the extract.
Answer:
When the poet says ‘The river has a soul’ she personifies the river. The river flows with great force – ‘like a torrent of grief. The river flowing with great force can be like a person pouring out grief in a storm of emotion. The river also seems to be holding its breath, maybe because it is choking with filth. There are no fishes. It is not clear and sparkling. So the poet says -‘I think it holds its breath seeking a land of fish and stars’.

Question (iv)
The poet is convinced with the thought of immortality of water. Pick out the relevant lines from the extract.
Answer:
‘The river has a soul’.

(v) The poet has used some unconventional expressions. Illustrate them in your words.

Question (a)
‘Torrent of grief.
Answer:
The poet describes the river flowing in summer with great speed. Just like someone becomes emotional in great sadness, the force of the water seems to be like the outpouring of sorrow of the river.

Question (vi)
The poet has connected the need to preserve Nature with the belief of particular community and her childhood memories. Write down the measures you would take to convince the people regarding the need to conserve the Nature.
Answer:
We have to make people at large realize that we are a part of the nature not apart from the nature. Saving nature is to save ourselves, To bring about this realization I can address my steps to two sections. The first would be the children. Saving water would be the first thing to teach children. Story-telling, poems, songs, games, cartoons and can easily bring the conservation ideas to young minds. I would take my ideas to schools, parks, malls and try to spread this to the young ones.

The other section is of course the adult public across economic and social levels. The well- off people must not be careless if they can afford to pay bills they can waste resources.

I will do everything possible. I will use social media to spread various messages/ mottos.

(A3)

Question (i)
Write down the expressions related to ‘the seasons’ from the extract.
Answer:
1. Summer or winter
2. ‘in the summer’

Question (ii)
Match column ‘A’ with column ‘B’.

A	B
1. cool 2. happy 3. dreadful 4. dry	(a) silence (b) earth (c) bamboo (d) pictures

Answer:

1. cool-bamboo
2. happy – pictures
3. dreadful – silence
4. dry-earth

(A4)

Question (i)
Read the expression ‘a sad wreath of tuberoses’.
‘Is the wreath sad?’ Explain the figure of speech.
Answer:
The figure of speech is transferred epithet. The sad mourners have placed the wreath of tuberoses on the dead. The emotion of sadness has been transferred to the flowers for effect.

Question (ii)
List and explain the metaphorical expressions from the extract.
Answer:
1. ‘torrent of grief’. The river sweeps along with great speed as if it is pouring out sorrow.
2. ‘Wind howling down the gorge’. The wind blowing through the narrow gorges creates a sound exactly like howling.
3. ‘The river has a soul’. The river is spoken of as a living being, a human.
4. ‘It holds its breath’. The river may be choking with debris and filth.

Question (iii)
‘The river has a soul.’
‘Life and death.’
These are the two expressions that are repeated in the poem; but both of them indicate different figures of speech. Find out and discuss.
Answer:
(a) ‘Life and death’
In the first usage it is used as antithesis, to emphasise the beginning and end.
In the second instance it is irony to indicate that neither life nor death is permanent. Ironically the rituals are permanent.
(b) ‘The river has a soul’
In the first instance it is used to personify the river. Several human-like qualities are attributed to the river,
= it cuts through the land
= it is cascading in grief
= it holds its breath
= it seeks a land

Question (iv)
Find out the beauty of the free verse reflected in this poem.
Answer:
“Small Towns and Rivers’ is written in free- verse. Since there are irregular lengths of lines and no rhyme, the reading of the poem is almost like a story-telling. Each stanza has a different number of lines and there is no order for mixing up the short and long lines.

The poem is not confined by an obvious rhythm so we feel there is a kind of freedom.We are free to imagine the widespread setting of the North-eastern terrain of mountains and rivers, mists, golden sunlight and the town by the river.

(A5)

Question (i)
Prepare the arguments for group discussion on the topic
‘A balanced progress never harms the Nature’.
For:

• Growth should be planned to take place in stages
• Planning vital for the growth
• Sustainability must be ensured
• Pros and cons of the damage to environment must be weighed
• Short-term gains in progress must not harm long-term eco-factors

Against:

• Growth must not be halted for issues of environment
• Costs will go up due to delays
• Delays in progress will slow down economy and employment
• Slowdown in economy will cause public to protest
• Sacrifices have to be made – one can’t have the cake and eat it too.

Question (ii)
Compose 4 to 6 lines on ‘Gift of the Seasons’.
Answer:
Gift of the Seasons
Each season brings a sweetly wrapt gift;
We can gift her back : no water pollution in
the season of the Sun.
No air pollution when
The rains come down.
And no degradation the rest of the year!

Question (iii)
Write an appreciation of the poem ‘Small Towns and Rivers’. Use the points given below:

• About the poem/poet/title
• Theme
• Poetic devices, language, style
• Special features – tone and type
• Values, message
• Your opinion about the poem

Answer:
The poem ‘Small Towns and Rivers’ written by Mamang Dai is a beautiful word-picture. It is also a lament of the poet about her beautiful native land of Arunachal Pradesh.

This theme shows in the way she begins the poem that small towns remind her of death. It is shocking. She implies the town is unchanging in all weathers, but development comes along and changes everything. There is irony in that the cycle of life and death shows that life is not permanent, but the rituals are permanent.

She uses metaphor that the rivers are not only alive like us humans, but actually immortal. She personifies the river by way the river ‘holds its breath’ because it is choking. It is flowing in search of a place where it will flow clean and clear. The poet uses metaphor of the water-cycle to illustrate the river has a soul and its waters are immortal.

The poet builds a climax with ‘shrine of happy’ childhood memories. This becomes growing up -‘grow with anxiety’. Then she speaks of how the dead are placed pointing west so the soul can ascend directly into the sun’s golden home in the east. This tells us about the traditions of her region.

The poem is in free verse and seems to be in easy language, but we can understand the full depth of meaning only after reading it more than once. The poem is a lament about the destruction of nature for development. We all will feel the sorrow of the poet when we read about how nature’s beauty is damaged for man’s greed called ‘progress’.

Question (iv)
Write a dialogue between two friends on ‘Importance of the rivers’
Answer:
Priya: Jai, it goes without saying that fresh, clean water is essential for humans and nature to survive. Rivers are precious sources of fresh drinking water for people across the world. And when rivers are so badly polluted by industry or by poor water management practices, it can be a case of life-or-death. This unfortunately happens across the world.

Jai: Yes Priya. Freshwater habitats account for some of the richest biodiversity in the world, and rivers are a vital, vibrant ecosystem for many species. Only those who live by the river know about this wealth of nature. Those who live far away and damaging the system with the poisons are not aware.

Priya: People depend on rivers for their way of life and their livelihoods. From fishing to agriculture, the way our waterways are managed has a direct impact on people’s lives. There are millions of people who follow their ancestors’ way of living and earning a livelihood. But modern technology has wrecked the very source of these.

Jai: Rivers are absolutely vital: for fresh drinking water, for people’s livelihoods and for nature. Unfortunately, they’re still threatened. We must commit to recovering freshwater biodiversity, restoring natural river flows and cleaning up polluted water for people and nature to thrive.
Priya: Yes Jai. I agree. It is the crying need of the day.

(A6)

Question (i)
Collect information about rivers in Maharashtra.

Question (ii)
Further reading:
‘The River Poems’ – Mamang Dai
‘The World Is Too Much With Us’ – William Wordsworth

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.8 Small Towns and Rivers Additional Important Questions and Answers

Read the extract and complete the activities given below:

Global Understanding:

Question 1.
Describe the river in the 3rd stanza.
Answer:
The river flows with great force -‘like a torrent’-. The river has life and soul. It breathes. But it seems as if the river is holding its breath. It seems to be in search of fishes which will live in it and stars which will be reflected in its waters.

Question 2.
What is meant by immortality?
Answer:
Immortality means the ability to live forever, without death.

Question 3.
Give reasons-The dead are placed pointing to the west.
Answer:
The people of Arunachal Pradesh believe that it will be possible for the soul of the departed person enter ‘the house of the sun’. They hope the soul will be able to ‘walk into the golden east’. So they place the dead (with feet) pointing to the west.

Question 4.
The poet has described her small town in Arunachal Pradesh. Pick out from the extract the lines that describe the poet’s town.
Answer:

1. The town has ‘A shrine of happy pictures’ to mark the days of childhood.
2. Small towns grow with anxiety for the future.
3. Like her town, ‘small towns’ are ‘by the river’.
4. Make a list of natural elements mentioned in the extract.

Question 5.
Make a list of natural elements mentioned in the extract.
Answer:
River, Earth, Mountaintops, Sun, Sunlight, Bamboo

Question 6.
The poet is convinced with the thought of immortality of water. Pick out the relevant lines from the extract.
Answer:
1. The river has a soul.
2. from the first drop of rain to dry earth
3. mist on the mountaintops
4. the immortality of water.

Interpretation/Inference/Analysis:

Question 1.
The land of fish and stars.
Answer:
The poet says she thinks the river is holding its breath. One has to hold one’s breath when he/she is unable to breathe or does not want to breathe. The river may be choking with garbage and is not able to breathe. The river may be stinking and may not be able to breathe.

As the river is so filthy there are no fish. It is dirty; the water is not sparkling in the day and cannot reflect the stars at night. So the river is in search of a land where there it can flow clean, it will have fish and where its clear water will sparkle in the sun and glitter with stars at night.

Question 2.
The river has a soul.’ Elaborate the concept in your words as the poet has explained in the extract.
Answer:
The poet states the river has a soul. The soul is deathless. The water that flows in the river came from the drops of rain. The water evaporated, rose as mist to the mountaintops. Then it formed clouds and poured down as rain to the dry earth and flowed again. Thus the river goes on, immortal, deathless.

Question 3.
The poet has used some unconventional expressions. Illustrate them in your words. Illustrate them in your words. Shrine of happy pictures
Answer:
There is a shrine probably in the town which has pictures inside. The pictures may be those of the happy moments experienced by the people in the town. Those memories are so sacred that it is a shrine to them. They protect and guard it because they have only sad and grim things happening at present.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Rivers are our lifeline. They are an extremely important part of the eco-system and even considered sacred. Many major rivers and smaller ones have been misused and almost destroyed. Write down how we can restore our rivers to their original state.
Answer:
The condition of rivers worldwide is horrific. Everything from industrial chemical-waste to garbage is being thrown into rivers. Melted snow or the rainwater from springs come down from hills and mountains as sweet water for our survival. Polluting this is a crime against humanity.

Strict laws should be made and enforced to stop industrial activity near rivers. Wastes from industry, city, town or village must not reach the river. Only channels of rainwater must be allowed to reach the river. Awareness should be created for maintaining cleanliness along the banks.

In the olden days lakes, water bodies were considered precious and were guarded, Houses had wells. But people have lost the respect for water sources. Rivers are treated as sewage channels. Fines and punishments must be imposed and security put in for safeguarding our beautiful rivers.

Poetic Creativity:

Question 1.
Compose 4 to 6 lines on ‘River’.
Answer:
The River is our Mother

Like a mother the river soothes us.
When dying of thirst she revives us.
When tired and dirty she cleans us.
When growing our grain she waters the green.
Why! Oh why can’t we keep her clean!

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.7 She Walks in Beauty Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 2.7 She Walks in Beauty

12th English Digest Chapter 2.7 She Walks in Beauty Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
While judging any person you would consider certain aspects. Complete the diagram after carefully thinking about what aspects you would consider:

Answer:

Question 2.
Make a list of proverbs and quotations related to ‘Beauty’.
Answer:
(a) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
(b) Beauty is only skin deep.
(c) Beauty is as beauty does.
(d) There is beauty in simplicity.
(e) Beauty is not in the face, it is a light in the heart.

Question 3.
Discuss your impressions about someone’s personality, and say what you like the most and why-
Answer:
The personality that captures the attention of all who meet her is Ms. Murti.

1. Simplicity and warmth: She is a brilliant engineer, extremely wealthy yet is simple, and so cheerful and warm in her interaction with anyone she meets.
2. Humbleness: In spite of her achievements, wealth, and position she never mentions them, rather praise the efforts and achievements of others
3. Elegance: She is graceful and elegant and yet is never dressed expensively.
4. Motivational: She addresses young people and students in a way that is always encouraging and uplifting.
5. Generous: She is generous in giving to those who are disadvantaged. She donates for the emancipation of women for making them economically independent.

(A1)

Question (i)
‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder – you have probably heard this saying. Discuss in your class how far the statement is true.
Points:

• Outward appearance gives only an idea
• There may sometimes be an exception to the rule ‘first impression is the best
• The external look may be completely different if one looks deeper
• Henry Ford [founder of Ford Automobiles] dressed in the same old suit and said, ‘people who know me know who I am. People who don’t know me don’t matter, A very wealthy person may choose to appear very ordinary.

Question (ii)
Discuss with your partner about the most inspirational person you have come across. Also explain the reasons behind your opinion.
Points:

• Attended a lecture by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, before he became President
• His views stayed in my mind
• He stressed on dreaming for high aims
• He stressed on the importance of hard work
• He came from very humble background
• He worked his way to achieve great things
• I also want to achieve something and I have a lot of support which Dr. Abdul Kalam may not have had.

(A2)

Question (i)
Match column A with column B:

Answer:

1. The lady’s beauty – a cloudless starry night
2. Her hair – wavy and black
3. Her eyes – a perfect blend of light and darkness
4. Her smile – soft, calm and eloquent
5. Her mind – at peace with all below a heart
6. Her face – expresses thoughts serenely and sweetly

Question (ii)
Complete the reasons:
The lady in the poem has a winning smile and a glowing skin. According to the poet she is blessed with these things. Explain why.
Answer:
The lady in the poem has a winning smile and a glowing skin. According to the poet she is blessed with these things because in the last stanza the poet says that lovely cheek, the calm brow, the delicate colouring, the glowing skin all are a result of her life spent without sin. She has a peaceful mind and an innocent heart. These come together to make her face glow with an inner beauty.

Question (iii)
The poet brings a perfect balance of outer beauty and inner beauty. Write a few lines from the poem on how the poet brings this balance in his description.
Answer:
One of the themes in the poem is harmony or balance. The poet does not directly call her beautiful, but she ‘walks in beauty’. The overall beauty is compared to a combination of cloudless (clear) climate and starry skies. He says the best of dark and light meet in her eyes and features, to be seen in the soft, dim light. The effect would not be so wonderful if it was even one shade darker or brighter. That balance of the light is important.

The poet says that her calm brow, sweet smile, the lovely colour of her skin, is the result of a peaceful mind, a loving heart and a pure life. Inner beauty is reflected in this ‘nameless grace’ – indescribable beauty.

Question (iv)
‘Beauty is skin deep.’ Do you agree with the statement? Or do you feel that beauty comes from within? Explain your views in a few sentences.
Answer:
I agree with the statement. Beauty is not about perfect features, clear skin, shining hair or smart clothes. Beauty is about the person’s heart. The helpful nature, a mind without guilt, a cheerful attitude, kind way of speaking will all be reflected in the person’s outward appearance.

The eyes are windows to a person’s soul, they say. If a person has wicked thoughts and bad intentions it shows in the eyes. The expression on the face will reflect the nasty mind. Harsh words will show their unkind nature. So beautiful features and perfect skin are not real indicators of beauty.

(A3)

Question (i)
Find out from the poem the words which are used to describe the lady.
Answer:

1. Raven tresses
2. Serene and sweet expression
3. Pure thoughts
4. Dearheart
5. Calm brow
6. Smiling face
7. Gowing skin
8. Innocent heart
9. Peaceful mind

Question (ii)
Find out the instances of contractions from the poem.
Answer:
The contractions in the poem are – ‘that’s’ – that is ‘o’er’ – over

(A4)

Question (i)
The poet creates imagery of light and darkness to bring out the beauty of the lady. Find out the lines with such imageries and complete the table:
Answer:

Lines with imagery	Reason for using
1. And all that’s best of dark and bright	To express the beauty of the eyes
2. Thus mellowed to that tender light – heaven to gaudy day denies	To convey the dim soft light of evening not the harsh brightness of the day
3. One shade the more, one ray the less	To stress the perfect balance between darkness of night and the glare of day

Question (ii)
Find out from the poem examples of:
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Alliteration
(d) Personification
(e) Antithesis.
Answer:

Figure of speech	Example	(Explanation)
1. Simile	like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies	(Her beauty Is directly compared to the cloudless starry skies.)
2. Metaphor	in every raven tress	(Her hair-tress – is shiny and jet black like a raven’s colour.)
3. Alliteration	Cloudless climes and starry skies	(The ‘c’ sound and ‘s’ occur in adjacent words for poetic effect.)
4. Personification	eloquent, The smiles that win	(The beautiful woman does the act of smiling, which wins hearts.)
5. Antithesis	1. best of dark and bright 2. One shade the more, one ray the less	(Words of opposite meanings are used for poetic effect.)

(A5)

Question (i)
Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points :

• About the poem / poet / title
• Theme
• Poetic devices, language, style
• Special features – tone and type
• Values, message
• Your opinion about the poem

Answer:
Lord Byron’s poem opens with the same words that form the title: “She walks in beauty.” These four simple words quickly create an atmosphere of admiration and mystery. It is a short eighteen line poem having three sestets (six lines) in praise of an unnamed woman. The poet uses several poetic devices to express how deeply he is impressed.

There are several themes. One is of course beauty. Each feature of the woman – her eyes, her black (raven) tresses, her soft cheek, her calm brow and the lovely colour of skin is praised. The poet speaks of harmony. He speaks of the perfect blend of day and night, of light and dark. He speaks of the ‘mellowed’ or tender light which makes the beauty so rare, delicate and astonishing.

The other theme is the inner beauty which is what brings the outer beauty. He mentions ‘heaven’ [line 6] which may point to a divine side to the beauty. If a person is sinless their mind is pure and calm. There is no evil so the innocence inside causes the outer beauty which is indescribable – ‘nameless grace [line 8]

The poet uses simile [line 1] ‘like the night..’, alliteration – ‘cloudless climes’, ‘starry skies’. There is rhyme ababab in all the sestets. He uses metaphor -raven tress [line 9], and personification – ‘smiles that win’ [line 15]. There are many examples of antithesis through which the poet stresses on balance.

There is harmony of light – ‘dark and bright’, ‘tender light -gaudy day’, ‘one shade more, one ray less’. These are to emphasize that the beauty is not only physical and external, but actually because there is inner beauty. The mind is calm, the heart is innocent and this causes the outer beauty which is seen by him.

The poem is lyrical, has a steady rhythm and the language is rich with poetic devices. Though the poet does not name the woman, or give any details of her age, his admiration is felt in the tone. The message is about the importance of inner beauty, which is almost a divine thing that will make external beauty possible.

I feel the poem makes us realize that one should look deeper than just outward appearance. One should appreciate beauty in its entirety.

Question (ii)
Compose a poem of at least 4-6 lines on ‘Beauty of Nature’.
Answer:
Beauty of Nature

I look up at the majestic peaks I peer into the sapphire deeps I gaze at the endless shades of green My eyes drink the silver threads between.
In this life God I’m quite sure we can see Why? He’s everywhere in Nature’s beauty!

Question (iii)
Write at least one paragraph and expand the inherent idea of the saying ‘A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever’.
Answer:
A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

We all love beauty. We are instantly attracted toward anything beautiful. Even children are drawn toward something pretty. We admire its qualities like lovely colour or soft texture. We admire something beautiful created by someone, like a painting or sculpture. We exclaim on the realistic appearance and the artist’s skill. We appreciate beauty in nature. Gorgeous flowers, majestic mountains, the green of hills and the charming waterfalls. We enjoy the sweetness of fruits.

To create something beautiful requires patience, effort and care. When all these come together the result is beautiful. We appreciate it whether it is in nature or is man-made. Our ears keenly listen to birds calling in the morning, melodious music, the rush of waves and the splashing of rain. Thus all our senses are attracted and we feel good when we see, hear or taste something. It brings us happiness.

Thus a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

(A6)

Question (i)
Browse the internet and find out different types of poems on ‘Beauty’.

Question (ii)
Byron’s name is often taken along with his two contemporaries – Shelley and Keats. Go to your school/college library and read some poems written by P. B. Shelley and John Keats to get a better idea about the Romantic Poets.

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.7 She Walks in Beauty Additional Important Questions and Answers

Read the poem and complete the given activities:

Global Understanding:

Question 1.
Complete the following:
The colour of the lady’s hair is
Answer:
The colour of the lady’s hair is shiny black (like a raven’s).

Interpretation/Inference/Analysis:

Question 1.
Complete the following:
Answer:
The phrase ‘dwelling – place’ refers to her mind. The poet says that her face sweetly expresses her thoughts and says that the dwelling place of those thoughts (expressed by the face) is very dear. The dwelling place of thoughts is the mind.

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.6 Money Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 2.6 Money

12th English Digest Chapter 2.6 Money Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Discuss in the class about ‘Importance of money.’
Points :
(a) Money is used as capital in the business.
(b) It is used by traders to Jill up stocks
(c) It is used by the common man for buying essentials/necessities.
(d) Everyone uses the money for paying transport fare/food-bill/wages and so on.

Question 2.
Complete the web:

Answer:

Question 3.
Make a list of the good qualities of your friend.
Answer:
(a) Calm and good tempered at all times
(b) Helpful and concerned about anyone in trouble
(c) Quick to intervene/calm down any situation that could become unpleasant
(d) Very simple and down to earth in spite of coming from an extremely wealthy background

Question 4.
Share your views on ‘Money is the root of all evils’.
Answer:
Points:

1. Money is a resource.
2. Resources should be available/ used in times of need
3. Money is accumulated by few people/others in need are deprived/some people are not paid fully/workers are paid less for their time and energy
4. Employer gets profit/ imbalance of resources
5. Imbalance in wealth causes discontent among disadvantaged sections of society.
6. Crime increases
7. Haves are targeted by have-nots
8. Normal life becomes unstable
9. Accumulation of money causes this upset in society
10. So important resource becomes reason for evil

Question 5.
Do you lend money to your friend? Give reasons:
Answer:

Yes	No
1. He/She comes from an economically disadvantaged background	1. I know that he/she gets enough money to spend
2. He/She is a very bright student, hopes to study well and find employment	2. He/She wastes time at movies and malls
3. He/She will fall sick if she does not have good nourishment	3. He/She has no intention of returning borrowed money
4. His/Her mother is the only bread winner. His/Her father very sick	4. He/She comes to college only to meet friends and socialize

(A1)

Question (i)
‘Money does not mean everything in life’. Justify the statement by giving examples. Take help of the following points:
(a) Money cannot give you eternal happiness.
(b) Art, music and literature can give you unending happiness.
(c) Money is short-lived.
(d) Money cannot purchase happiness and contentment.
Answer:
Happiness is in the mind. If a person is satisfied with what is on hand then he is happy. Rich clothes, gold, expensive food, servants may all be available. But the owner of these may still be sad and lonely.

Some are happy to make music another may create art or write. They may not have material possessions. But in their hearts they are happy to do what they love.

Money is only a medium to purchase our needs. One cannot give money and buy a bag of joy. Joy is in the heart. Money can be stolen. But joy cannot be stolen. One can earn money but not happiness. No amount of money will satisfy greed or buy happiness.

Question (ii)
Debate on the following topic in groups : Money is the solution for everything For: We need money for – Food-Clothes-Medicines- Education- Travel
Against: One cannot eat money itself/one must have food. We should not buy more than essential clothes/ no need to buy often-Good hygiene and food-habits will ensure health-Government schools are available- Travel is not needed for survival.

(A2)

(i) State whether the following statements are True or False. 

Question (a)
The poet knew no joy till he was rich.
Answer:
False. The poet had no joy as long as he was rich. He was happy when he was poor.

Question (b)
The poet felt that he should talk about his poverty.
Answer:
False. He could not talk about his money.

Question (c)
When the poet had money, he had many true friends.
Answer:
False. When the poet had money, all his friends were false ones.

Question (d)
When poet became poor he had very few real friends.
Answer:
True.

(ii) Write reasons for the following statements.

Question (a)
Friends came knocking all day at the poet’s door.
Answer:
When the poet was rich he had many callers. They claimed they were friends. They were being friendly because he had money. They were not true friends. Such people are called ‘fair-weather friends’.

Question (b)
Poor men’s wives hum like bees.
Answer:
Poor men have no worries. They do not have to safeguard their wealth from liars and cheats. They don’t have false friends who actually love his money and not him. When a man is satisfied with what he has he is happy. He is not chasing wealth and or pretending. The wives are busy and do not have the time to wish for fancy things or gossip. So a happy man has a happy busy wife.

Question (iii)
Money makes the world go round. Explain it in the light of the poet’s experience.
Answer:
Money makes the world go round is a popular saying. It means money is the most important thing in the world. But in ‘Money’, the poet does not accept this view. He had money but he could not say that he possessed it. There were many insincere men who said they were friends.

Contentment is the main thing for being happy, not worldly possessions. Lack of money is a problem. We need it for things like health or education. When all needs are taken care of, then excess money is not necessary. Money is needed in life but it is not the only important thing in life.

The poet repeats that money brought many false men to be near him. But in poverty only a few true friends were with him.

Question (iv)
Poor men need not go up so much as rich men should come down. Express your views regarding this statement.
Answer:
Poor men need not go up as rich men should come down. This statement is perfectly true. The poor will survive. Living a simple, real life, and working hard. They are happy with necessities which may not be expensive. They are content and that brings happiness. They do not have to worry about safeguarding the excess.

But the rich may not know how to live simply, just with basic necessities. They may have servants to do basic chores. They travel in style and sometimes for no reason. They spend unnecessarily. So the poor need not go up as much as the rich need to come down is true.

(A3)

Question (i)
Find out meanings of the phrases given below and use them in your own sentences:
Answer:
(a) Be in the money –
Meaning: to suddenly have a lot of money.
Sentence: It looks he is in the money, by the way he is giving everyone costly gifts.
(b) Win lots of money –
Meaning: get money in a lottery/ gambling/ get money through luck, not work.
Sentence: He bought a lottery ticket every week hoping to win lots of money.
(c) For my money –
Meaning: in exchange for. Worth the amount.
Sentence: The old man asked. ‘Is this all I’m getting for my money?’
(d) Money for old rope –
Meaning: money that is easily earned or gotten
Sentence: She got two thousand just for answering questions in the interview! Money for old rope!
(e) Put one’s money where one’s mouth is Meaning: to take appropriate action to support what one has said.
Sentence: The Municipal Commissioner promised he would put the money where his mouth is and immediately release funds for the school facilities as promised.

Question (ii)
Complete the crossword with the help of the clues from the poem :

Across:
1. A brass musical instrument – TRUMPET
2. A low steady continuous sound – HUM
3. False – UNTRUE
4. Say Something – SPEAK
Down :
5. Not imaginary – REAL
6. Ponder – THINK
7. Stinging insects – BEES
8. In large number – MANY
9. Strike a surface noisily – KNOCK

(A4)

Question (i)
Complete the following table:
Answer:

Figure of speech	Line from the poem	Explanation
1. Inversion	‘felt I like a child’”think I’ Much have I thought of life	The order of words – ‘I felt like a child’, ‘I think’ – is reversed for effect. ‘I have thought much of life’ is reversed to give effect.
2. Simile	‘Like a child. ‘wives do hum like bees about their work’.	The poet compares himself with a child The wives of poor men are as busy as bees in their work.
3. Repetition	‘When I had money, money, O! [line 1 and 17]	The line is repeated and the word money. The word is the theme and it is repeated to emphasize he was very rich.
4. Onomatopoeia	‘do hum like bees’	The word ‘hum’ imitates the humming of bees.
5. Antithesis	‘many a false man as a friend’ ‘many friends proved all untrue’ ‘poor ones laugh – rich ones frown’ ‘poor men need not go up-the rich men should come down’	The quality of friends is supposed to be sincere and loyal. But they are described as opposite – false and untrue. The poor smile and the rich frown. This is opposite of what we expect. The rich must know simplicity says the poet, the opposite of what we say that the poor must come up in life.

Question (ii)
Identify the rhyme scheme of all the stanzas of the poem.
Answer:
The rhyme scheme of the stanzas 1 to 4 is abcb.
The rhyme scheme of the 5th stanza is abab.

Question (iii)
Compose a short poem on ‘Friendship’.
Answer:
‘Friendship’
We knew playtime in the park
Study time in school.
We helped one another
Struggling for each difficult mark.
We grew up, and though we fought
We will meet years later
We fondly thought.

(A5)

Question 1.
Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points:

• About the poem/poet/title
• Theme
• Poetic devices, language, style
• Special features-tone and type
• Values, message
• Your opinion about the poem

Answer:
William H. Davies – a Welsh poet and writer – in his poem ‘Money’ speaks of both times – when he had money and when he did not. Davies tramped through the United Kingdom and the United States.

So he actually led a poor simple life of a wanderer. He actually experienced the difference in the life of a rich man and a poor one. The theme of the poem is the effect of money on the behaviour of people. False friends are plenty when a man has money. The poet compares himself to a child with a trumpet. He is not allowed to blow it for there has been a death.

He uses simile again when the poor man’s wife is described as humming about busily like a bee. The poet also has seen that the lack of money does not mean lack of happiness. The poor man is able to laugh while a rich man frowns; he feels the rich must become poor to taste the simple joys of life – the use of antithesis helps to stress this point.

The poem has five stanzas of four lines each, The seven or eight syllable lines are short but rich ; in poetic devices. The rhyme scheme lends rhythm. Repetition of the word ‘money’ stresses the way man gives money too much importance when it actually takes away our happiness.

The message is that money does not bring happiness. The poor are cheerful while the rich are worried. The poem is very useful to remind us the value of money. It is a necessity. It is not the only thing to chase.

(A6)

Question (i)
Visit a library and read a few poems written by William H. Davies.

Question (ii)
There are many career opportunities related to finance and planning.

Question (iii)
Try to get information about the following careers by surfing the internet.
(a) Finance Management
(b) Banking and Finance
(c) Actuaries
(d) Economics
(e) Share Market
(f) Accountancy
(g) Company Secretary

Question (iv)
Economics is a very important subject in which you can pursue vour career. Browse the websites of these institutions and get information for various courses in Economics.
(a) Delhi School of Economics
(b) Indian Statistical Institute
(c) Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune
(d) Madras School of Economics

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.6 Money Additional Important Questions and Answers

Interpretation/Inference/Analysis:

Question 1.
Complete the reasons:
Poor ones laugh because ………………
Answer:
Poor ones laugh because – poor people live a simple life. If the basic needs are fulfilled the poor man is happy. He has nothing to worry about or fear. When a man has wealth he has to safeguard it. The poor man is worry-free like health or education. When all needs are taken care of, then excess money is not necessary. Money is needed in life but it is not the only important thing in life. The poet repeats that money brought many false men to be near him. But in poverty, only a few true friends were with him.

Balbharti Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.5 Father Returning Home Notes, Textbook Exercise Important Questions and Answers.

Maharashtra State Board Class 12 English Yuvakbharati Solutions Chapter 2.5 Father Returning Home

12th English Digest Chapter 2.5 Father Returning Home Textbook Questions and Answers

Question 1.
Discuss with your partner the difficulties that you face while commuting to and from the college by public transport.
Answer:
(a) crowded buses, trains
(b) are difficult to board in peak-hours
(c) have to miss a couple of trains/buses to board safely
(d) on such days miss an important lecture

Question 2.
The similar problems are faced by the other commuters on the way to their workplace. Imagine their plight and suggest three solutions.

Answer:

Question 3.
Complete the following table:
Answer:

A	B
The way our elders take care of us	The way you can take care of elders in your family.
1. Love and protect us. 2. Support, educate and guide us through childhood and youth until we are independent. 3. Provide us with pocket-money and gifts we ask for.	1. Help them in daily chores. 2. Help with errands to the bank, stores or other requirements. 3. Ensure good health with exercise/ social- engagement/doctor- visits/ meditation.

Question 4.
Write your duties towards the following:

Answer:

(A1)

Question (i)
Discuss with your friend the difficulties focused by the father in the poem.

Question (ii)
Discuss and write the character sketch of the father with the help of the given points.
(His pathetic condition, the treatment he receives at home, his solitude, the way he tries to overcome it)
Answer:
The father is on the late train. This shows he is hard-working. He does not spend any money on himself as his appearance is shown as shabby. He is uncaring about his appearance probably because he is lonely and heart-broken.

He is silent on the train-trip home. He does not speak to co-passengers. Perhaps the sadness in his heart prevents him from even small-talk. He has no travel-mates. He is silent through the trip, and gets off without waving goodbye to any passenger.

His family is cold, distant and uncaring. He is not greeted on arrival. He is given cold food which is not nourishing. He is left to eat the meal alone just reading his book. At the end of the work-day he reads a book, eats by himself, listens to the radio and dreams of the future all alone. Thus the father is a lonely old man, neglected by his own family in spite of working hard for them and heart-sick of his existence.

(A2)

Question (i)
Given below are the ideas conveyed through the poem. Match the pairs and draw out the hidden meaning from those expressions:


Answer:
1. The father hurries home crossing railway line – Father is so eager to meet family members that he doesn’t even bother about his safety.
2. Suburban area, visible through the train, is passed unnoticed – Because there is hardly anything enchanting/interesting in the monotonous routine journey to look out of the window
3. He is just as a small word, dropping from a sentence. – He has so little value in the society where his presence or absence might hardly make any difference
4. He doesn’t get a place in a crowded train. – Uncomfortable journey

(ii) Find the lines to prove the following facts from the extract:

Question (a)
Father is deprived of good food.
Answer:
‘Home again, I see him drinking weak tea Eating a stale chapati’

Question (b)
Children did not have a healthy relation with the father
Answer:
His sullen children have often refused to share
Jokes and secrets with him.

Question (iii)
The poet deals with the theme of man’s estrangement from a man-made world. Analyze it with the help of the extract.
Answer:
The father reaches home. He has a lonely poor meal, served without care. The stale cold food also indicates the coldness in relationships in the family. The weak tea is a metaphor for the fragile family bond. There is no bonding. Home is only a shelter for him and he is only a provider for them. The father is lonely among his own family as well. So the father is alone in the crowd of strangers and also among his own family.

Question (iv)
The father contemplates his past and peeps into his future. Give reasons.
Answer:
The father silently ponders on his past. There is no communication with his family members. He would have sat with family members together to recall happy memories and enjoy them again. Reliving the past would have been one way for the family to bond. But the father thinks of the past alone. Future plans could be also discussed with family members. A lot of discussions could have happened about money, savings, career, a wedding and so on.

Advice, suggestions are given, arguments and disagreements happen, and even anger sometimes. But the father has nothing like this happening in his presence. There is only a sullen silence. He remembers his past and thinks of possible grandchildren. No one shares his dreams. He spends the past, present and future alone and in silence.

(A3)

Question 1.
Complete the following using suitable describing words as they appear in the poem with the help of the words given in the brackets:
(weak, dim, muddy, soggy, stale)
Answer:
(a) Father’s attire – soggy
(b) Father’s tea – weak
(c) Father’s footwear – muddy
(d) Father’s food – stale
(e) Father’s eyesight – dim

(A4)

Question (i)
Identify and write the lines from the extract which expresses the following figures of speech:
Answer:

Figures of speech	Lines
1. Simile	‘Like a word dropped from a long sentence’ The father getting off the train is compared to a word dropped unnoticed as many others words are there.
2. Alliteration	1. ‘My father travels on the late evening train’ [1] The sound ‘t’ is repeated. 2. ’Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes’ [3] the sound ‘s’ is repeated.

Question (ii)
I see him drinking weak tea, eating a stale chapati.
Here ‘stale chapati’ stands for stale food/ non-nourishing food or diet, where the part symbolizes the whole, i.e. food. Guess the name of the figure of speech.
Answer:
The figure of speech is ‘synecdoche’.

(A5)

Question (i)
Write a counterview on the following topic:
“Every day is a mother’s/ father’s day.”
(a) If you love them, you don’t need to wait for such days.
(b) Celebrating days is just a formality.
(c) Celebrations of the days condition your expression of emotions.
(d) It is a kind of a pretext to neglect your everyday responsibilities.
Answer:
We love and respect our parents. We must be sure to be loving and respectful in our everyday behaviour and actions. They work, laugh, sacrifice – all only for their children -US! When we behave respectfully and lovingly with elders, the cards or a special day in the year are just a formality.

Our feelings for our parents are unconditional. We don’t say ‘if they do something, only then will we do something in return, while interacting with elders in the family. We cannot be loving, caring, obedient and helpful only on a Father’s/Mother’s Day. We have to be all these towards our parents and elders EVERY DAY.

So ‘Every day is Mother’s/Father’s Day!’

Question (ii)
Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points :

• About the poem/poet/title
• Theme
• Poetic devices, language, style
• Special features – tone and type
• Values, message
• Your opinion about the poem

Answer:
The poem ‘Father Returning Home’, by Dilip Chitre – a bilingual poet – is about a lonely old man’s coming home from a long day at work. The poet describes his silent and lonely journey home in the crowded Mumbai local train. It is a metaphor for the father’s isolated life even though he is among people.

The poet speaks of the ‘unseeing’ eyes on the scenery flashing past the train. The same thing the man sees daily when commuting has nothing new, just like his uninteresting life. The setting is dusk in monsoon. The man’s dress and appearance are also metaphorical.

His soggy clothes and mud stained raincoat symbolize his shabby appearance and also his sad life. The man carries a bag full of books. He is well-read maybe. Thus when the man gets off the train the poet compares it to a word falling from a sentence. He goes unnoticed as an unimportant word dropped from a long sentence – a simile. The ‘long sentence’ – imagery – makes us imagine the long train and the passenger is one word that is getting down.

The platform he crosses is grey, colour imagery for gloominess or dirty surroundings. The poet uses informal language and an easy style. The poet describes him ‘hurries’ along the platform and again ‘hurries’ on to his home. This repeated word shows his eagerness to reach his shelter and I get dry. The words create an imagery of a shabby, pitiable but scholarly man.

The second part of the poem is about the man in his home. The meal he eats shows the poor quality as well as the careless way it is served. He ‘ reads a book while he eats. That is a clear imagery for his loneliness at home also. The family offers no company after his long day and tiring commute.

In the toilet he is pondering on how he has been shut out of the world although he is in the crowd. He is a stranger among his family in his own home. His children don’t speak to him and won’t share any part of their life. They are not interested in his life also. He goes to sleep thinking of the past and future, listening to harsh sounds on the radio.

The message is how the elderly are used by their own children but neglected when they need care. The poem is about a man who may be misunderstood. He is lonely even in the middle of crowds. It teaches how we should not behave to j persons who are in the autumn of their life. I feel sorry for such people who have worked hard in their life but the younger relatives discard them once their use is over.

Question (iii)
Compose a short poem in about 4-6 lines on your father.
Answer:
My Father

He is unselfish, caring,
Honest and hard-working
Simple, strict and well-read
Upright, always respected
By family and every friend.
He tried to excel till the end.

Question (iv)
Write a character sketch of any one of your family member.
Answer:
My Mother
If anyone cannot believe angels walk on the earth they should come and meet my mother. My mother is the most affectionate and gentle human I have ever met. She has never spoken a harsh word to anyone as far as I recall. She is so very concerned for the comfort of every other person that she neglects herself.

She looks after her father-in-law who is in his eighties. He is a great scholar and gets many visitors. She attends cheerfully to them all apart from looking after us. My father, my sister and I help out with as much of the household chores as we can.

But the main load of running the home falls on her. She takes care of that responsibility so cheerfully as if it is very light. She is loving and jovial with our friends when my sister and I invite them home, She advises us not to overspend but always has a tasty meal when friends and relatives gather for a festival meal.

My father does not make any important decisions in my mother’s absence. She discusses everything till they arrive at the most suitable decision. Our grandfather will not eat anything which my mother has not made. After my grandmother passed, he relies on ‘Saru’ my mother, for his diet meals, medicine, his reference books, walking stick, shawl and everything to be in their place.

My mother is our world.

(A6)

Question (i)
Dilip Chitre has translated Sant Tukaram’s ‘Abhangas’ (devotional poems) for which he received Sahitya Akadeini Award. Browse the internet to collect more information about it.

Question (ii)
List various occupations related to services which can be rendered to senior citizens.
(a) To counsel patients of Alzheimers’ disease.
(b) (Students may attempt this on their own.)
(c) (Students may attempt this on their own.)

Yuvakbharati English 12th Digest Chapter 2.5 Father Returning Home Additional Important Questions and Answers

Read the extract and complete the given activities:

Global Understanding:

Question 1.
List the difficulties faced by the father in the extract.
Answer:

1. The father is returning late in the day.
2. He has to stand the entire trip home.
3. He is in wet clothes for a long time till he can reach home.
4. His sight is weak with age.
5. His cheap footwear is muddy and maybe inconvenient in the monsoon.

Question 2.
Find the lines to prove the following facts from the poem.
Father does not bother to buy anything new for himself and makes do with old, worn out possessions.
Answer:
‘His bag stuffed with books is falling apart’ (line 6)

Question 3.
Choose the correct option and give reasons for it:
Refusal of the children to share jokes and secrets indicates:
(a) They are angry
(b) Generation gap
(c) Lack of concern
Answer:
All three could be reasons.
The children are angry that the father is unable to earn more, provide better life for them.
The father is old and the youngsters cannot relate to him. They are selfish and don’t care for the man who is doing his best.
The children have no care, love or respect for the father. It might not be a close-knit family. So there is no concern for the hard-working breadwinner.

Question 4.
List the difficulties faced by the father in the extract.
Answer:

1. The father is not greeted on his arrival home at the end of the day; is not served any nourishing food – has weak tea and stale chapati.
2. The family does not interact with him. His book is his company.
3. His children are bad tempered sharing no details of their life or asking about his day.
4. He must be going to work like this, also returns silently, to a silent home to his unfriendly family for whom he works.
5. He is unnoticed, uncared for, unappreciated, almost like an outsider in his own home and family.

Inference/Interpretation/Analysis:

Question 1.
The poet deals with the theme of man’s estrangement from a man-made world. Analyze it with the help of the extract.
Answer:
There are two scenarios in the poem. The first part is about the father’s time spent time outside, and the second part describes his time in his home. The first line says he is travelling on the evening train. The Mumbai local trains are famously crowded. But among the crowds he does not speak to a fellow passenger. He stands silently through the commute till he gets down. He doesn’t take leave of any friend and no one waves to him. Among the crowds he is alone.

Question 2.
Given below are the ideas conveyed through the poem. Match the pairs and draw out the hidden meaning from those expressions:
Answer:

Expressions	Meaning
1. The father hurries home crossing railway line	(a) Uncomfortable journey
2. Suburban area, visible through the train, is passed unnoticed.	(b) Has least value in the society where his presence or absence might hardly make any difference
3. He is just as a small word, dropping from a sentence.	(c) Because there is hardly anything enchanting/ interesting in the monotonous routine journey to look out of the window
(4) He doesn’t get a place in a crowded train.	(d) Father is so eager to meet family members that he doesn’t even bother about his safety.

Answer:
1. Children avoid expressing themselves – Hostility of children
2. Father was deprived of refreshing hot beverages or nourishing diet – His basic daily requirements were also not catered to.
3. The father was destined to listen only to the crackling sounds on media – The father could not even have some entertainment by himself on the radio.
4. His sordid present is devoid of any hope – He could only indulge in imagination about his past and future.
5. The father’s endless commuting distance him from his children – Father is not less than any tribal wanderer, a modern nomad.

Personal Response:

Question 1.
Write a note on ‘the hard work faced by parents for the family’.
Answer:
Our parents love us from the moment we are born. They watch us grow up and give us everything they can. They try to fulfil our wishes to the maximum extent possible. They work hard. The father works outside the home and the mother in the home. They spend their time, energy and resources on the children.

The children should realize that their parents do so much for them. We must not take their sacrifice for granted. We can never repay them. We must at least try and give them comfort and joy. It is our first duty to obey and love our parents and look after them when they grow old and unable to take care of themselves.

Question 2.
Describe the nature of the family members, from the father’s behaviour in the extract.
Answer:
The family members seems selfish and uncaring. The father drinks weak tea and eats stale food on his return. It is possible to serve fresh food, to the bread-winner returning home even if it is the most simple or poorest of food. If he has a wife then she does not seem to care much about his wellbeing.

The poet clearly states that the children have refused to share any lighter moments or conversation with their father. Probably the mother’s behaviour has made the children also treat him this way. If it is poverty they are facing then the family seems selfish in demanding he work for them but not even offering their company or kindness in return.

Poetic Devices:

Question 1.
Find out the examples of transferred epithet from the extract.
Answer:
‘Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes. The ‘unseeing’ is transferred to eyes. The eyes are seeing but his mind is not registering any sight. So the quality of ‘not seeing’ is given to the eyes.

Poetic Creativity:

Question 1.
Compose a few lines on ‘Distance’.
Answer:
Distance
I travel for an hour to work, and an hour back.
This is the exact distance of the track
Between myself and the people whom
I go to in a place called home.