10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 3 (The Midnight Visitor)(Robert Arthur)

 The Midnight Visitor

Answer the following questions in about 40 to 50 words.

Q) Who was Fowler? why was he disappointed?

Ans) Fowler was a writer. He had come to the hotel to meet a spy. He was expecting a thrilling experience  of mysterious figures, the crack of guns  and drugs in the wine. Instead he found a fat man who didn't fit any description of a spy he had ever read. That’s why he was disappointed.

Q) What was the fowler’s first authentic thrill of the day?

Ans)  Fowler spent his evening with Ausable in the Music Hall of a french hotel. Ausable received a call that some secret papers were about to come in his room. He also took Fowler with him. When they entered the room on the sixth floor and switched the light on they found another spy in the room with a pistol in his hand pointed towards them. Fowler was startled and experienced his first thrill of the day.

Q) How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?

Ans) Ausable told the Max that it was the second time that someone entered in his room. It was due to the balcony beneath the window of the room.  Ausable showed his anger on the hotel management who had promised him to block the balcony.This convinced the Max that there was some balcony.

Q) Looking back at the story when do you think Ausable thought of his plan for getting rid of Max?

Ans) When Abusable entered his room with Fowler he had no idea that the Max was waiting for him in the room. It seems that he thought of his plan in few moments when he saw Max and slowly sat on a chair. He kept his cool and came out with a smart idea. He acted equally smartly.

Q) Did Fowler find this episode thrilling or disappointing? Give reasons for your answer?

Ans) Initially Fowler was disappointed. He was feeling let down. Because he was expecting a thrilling experience with a spy. But in the end he was thrilled by the way Ausable get rid of Max. Even Fowler believed that there was a balcony beneath the window. He inquired about the Max when waiter had gone.

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter- 2 (A Thief's Story)(Ruskin Bond)

 The Thief's Story.

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words.

Q)Who was Anil? Give his character sketch?

Ans) Anil was writer. He wrote for the magazines and got paid for it. His income was not regular. One day he borrowed and next day he lend money. He was a simple and easygoing person. He spent all his money carelessly on his friends in the parties.

He was a kind person. He knew very well that Hari singh was stealing about one rupee daily from the shopping. But he ignored it. When Hari Singh could not make food on the first day he encouraged him and promised him to teach how to cook. He also promised to teach him reading and writing skills. By his kindness he changed Hari singh completely. Hari singh could not escape with the stolen money and came back to Anil. In fact he came back to life. Hari Singh was completely reformed by the generous methods of Anil.

Q) Love and sympathy can transform even a thief. How is it true in case of Hari Singh?

Ans) It is absolutely true that love and sympathy can transform anyone even a thief. These are the powerful feelings that can affects everyone's heart. If someone is on the wrong path due to his circumstances, he can be reformed by love, trust and sympathy.

In this story are Hari singh was a thief. He was only 15 years old. He persuaded Anil to get jobs. But his actual purpose was to rob him. He did everything to gain the confidence of Anil. Anil trusted him blindly and ignored all his mistakes. This had deep impact on the Hari Singh. These methods reformed him. In the force of his old habits he stole money from the Anil's house but he could not run away. Love and innocence of Anil pulled him back. Hari singh as thinking of the bright future after acquiring education. This dream was implanted in his mind by the Anil.

More questions for practice.

Q) Give a character sketch of Hari Singh?

Q)Why did Hari Singh decide to return the stolen money? What light does it throw on his character?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Short answers) chapter- 2 (A Thief's Story)(Ruskin Bond)

 The Thief's Story.

Q) Why did Hari singh decide to go back to Anil?

Ans) Hari singh knew that Anil trusted him. Anil taught him cooking and writing his name. Anil promised to teach him writing full sentences. Hari singh thought if he would be literate, he would earn money and respect both. Moreover simplicity and generosity of Anil compelled him to go back.

Q) Who is “I” in this story why did he changed his name every month?

Ans) Here “I” stand for Hari singh. He was a thief. He changed his name every month to stay ahead of police and his previous employers.

Q) What was Anil’s job? What did he usually do with the money he earned?

Ans) Anil was a writer. He wrote for the magazines and charged money for it. He was a easy going and a bit careless person. He spent all the money on his friends in the parties.

Q) What does the thief say about the reactions of the different types of people when they were robbed?

Ans) The thief had studied the faces of different types of people after they had been robbed. Greedy man felt fear, rich man got angry and poor man showed acceptance.

Q) Why did the thief smile without any effort towards the end of the story?

Ans) When Hari singh stole money, he was in delimma. He was unable to run away. He came back to Anil and returned his money. He listened to his conscience. This act of goodness made him smile effortlessly towards the end of the story.

Q) What lies did Hari Singh tell Anil and why?

Ans) First lie that Hari singh told Anil was his name. He kept changing his name every month. Then he lied that he knew cooking. His motive was to get into the confidence of Anil and then rob him.

Q) How did Anil encourage Hari Singh when he could not cook meal properly?

Ans) The first day when Hari sigh cooked food, his lie was caught. He cooked so miserably that Anil threw the food to the stray dogs. Anil was angry and asked him to leave the job. But Hari singh lingered around. Finally Anil forgave him and promised him to teach how to cook.

Q) What happened when Hari Singh reached the railway station?

Ans) When Hari singh reached the station the Lucknow express was departing slowly. He could easily caught the train. But something stopped him. He remembered the innocent face of Anil and his promise of teaching him. In the excitement of theft he forgot the prospect of being an educated person. So, he returned back to Anil.

 

More questions for practice.

Q) Do you think people like Anil and Hari Singh are found only in fiction, or are there such people in real life?

Q) What prompted Hari Singh to steal Anil’s money?

Q) How did Anil treat Hari Singh, the next day?

Q) Why is it easy to rob a greedy man but difficult to rob a careless man?

 Q) How did Hari Singh steal the Anil's money? What justification did he give?

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)( Long answers) chapter-1 (A Triumph of Surgery)(James Herriot)

 Important questions for board examination.

Chapter - 1 Triumph of Surgery.

Answer the following questions in 100 to 150 words.

Q) Give a brief character sketch of doctor Herriot.

Ans)Mr Herriot was a veterinary surgeon. He had much regard for Mrs pumphrey. He regularly visited her to see her little dog tricki. He was concerned about the health of tricki. He was a professional doctor. He strictly advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down the food items of tricki especially the sweet dishes. He advised her to give him plenty of exercise. When situation was out of control he took tricki to his surgery.

 He knew his work skillfully. He treated tricky in a very natural way without using any medicine or surgery. He knew the real cause of the problem and directly dealt with it. He was a honest man. When Mrs Pumphrey send eggs, wines and Brandy for tricki, doctor and his staff tempted to keep tricky forever. But considering the situation of Mrs Pumphrey he called her to take her dog who was completely fit now.

Q) How did the vet cure tricki?

Ans) Mr Herriet took tricki to his surgery for the treatment. Actually tricki's mistress Mrs Pumphrey was unable to take strict actions.

At the surgery doctor put the tricki with the other dogs. For two days he gave him nothing to eat but only plenty of water to drink. Third day tricki started to take interest in his surroundings. He struggled with other dogs for his share of food. He could not compete. Next day doctor put separate bowl for the tricki. He enjoyed his food. In few days he became part of the gang of dogs. In the daytime he played with them, struggle for food and at night he hunted for the rats in the old hen house. Slowly he started losing his fat and become fast and muscular. He was out of danger and completely fit now. Doctor treated him very cleverly.

More questions for practice.

Q) Write the character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.

Q) What was the reason of Tricki's ailment? How was Mrs. Pumphrey responsible for his condition? 

10th class-cbse english (NCERT BOOK-Footprints without feet)(short answers) chapter-1 (A Triumph of Surgery)(James Herriot)

 Important questions for board examination

Lesson 1 - A Triumph of Surgery

Q) Do you think there are parents like Mrs pumphrey ?

Ans) Mrs. Pumphrey loved her dog very much. She overfed him and provided him all the facilities. But excess of all these things created trouble for the tricky. He fell ill.

Parents like Mrs Pumphrey are very common. They think that pampering is good for their children. But this is making them addict to junk foods , Internet and video games. These parents must understand the difference between caring and pampering.

Q) “Tricki’s only fault was greed.” how did it get him into trouble?

Ans) Tricki’s mistress was a rich lady. He lived a very cozy and luxurious life. He kept eating all the time. He never refused any food. He always avoided exercises. This affected his health badly. He became lethargic and listless. Finally doctor was called to take care of him.

Q) What did Mrs Pumphrey tell doctor Herriot about Tricki?

Ans) Mrs pumphrey told the doctor that Tricki was seriously ill. He was not taking interest in any thing. He was not eating even his favourite dishes. For some days he was too weak to move. She wanted some help from the doctor.

Q) What was tricki’s condition when doctor Herriot carried him in his car?

Ans) Trick was seriously I’ll.He was spending his time lying on a rug, panting. He had bouts of vomiting. He didn't want to do anything. Mr Herriot had no choice but to take him to his surgery.

Q) What was Mr Herriot's strict advice? Did Mrs Pumphrey listen to him? what excuses did she make?

Ans) Mr Herriot warned Mrs Pumphrey to cut down the food of Tricki. Sweets like chocolates and cakes must be removed from his diet. He should be taken to a walk daily. There should be regular exercise like ring throwing for him.

Q). Why was it a temptation to keep tricki as a permanent guest?

Ans) When Tricki was in the surgery of Mr Herriot, Mrs Pumphrey called frequently to know the latest condition of her little dog. When she came to know that he is improving, she started to send eggs, wine and later brandy for Trick. All these things were consumed by the doctor and his staff. So, they are tempted to keep the Trick as a permanent guest. 

More questions for practice.

Q) Why was the call from Mrs. Pumphrey expected?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey send eggs, wine and brandy?

Q) How did Trick surprise Mrs. Pumphrey after the surgery?

Q) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey say " This is a triumph of surgery." ?

CORONA – PARAGRAPH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE.

CORONA – A PANDEMIC 

This topic is important from the examination point of view. You can easily find information on the various aspects of the corona in the newspaper, TV and Internet. In fact there is an information overload. It’s a problem for the students. In the examination there is always a word limit in the answers. You have to write within the prescribed word limit. Moreover time is also restricted. So students have to choice their words judiciously.

Here three paragraphs are given for junior and senior classes. These paragraphs are only indicative. We can write them in different ways. You should read them as an example, then try to build your own paragraphs. Try not to touch many aspects in a paragraph. Ideally one paragraph should have only one theme. But  in the examination condition you can highlight two or three points, for the ease of writing.

 

 

Paragraph on corona (50 to 80 words)

(For junior classes)

Corona is a pandemic which affected the whole world. It is caused by a virus called COVID-19. It has done a lot of damage to the every sphere of life. Many lost their loved ones. Many lost their jobs and employment. Poors are affected the most. Corona has posed a great challenge before the humanity. We have to fight back. Scientists,  Health workers, Governments are working at war footing. It is our duty to follow all the norms and guidelines and defeat the Corona.

 

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 150 words )

( For 10^th class )

Corona is an ongoing pandemic. It is the largest pandemic of human history. Moreover it is changing its form very rapidly and becoming more lethal. It has taken the whole world under its ambit. It has affected the various countries physically, financially and emotionally.

We are fighting very bravely. On the one hand we are taking protective measures to reduce the pace of spread of corona and on the other hand we are finding effective vaccines and medicines. The medical facilities for the affected people have also increased manifolds. We will definitely win.

In this difficult time many persons, institutions and governments are coming forward for helping one other. There are many instances of sacrifices and donations. Together we will surely cross all barriers.

But it is also a time for introspection.  The coronavirus  enter the human beings from the bats. We were interfering with the Nature. Is it justified ?

 

Paragraph on Corona ( 250 words)

( For 12^th class )

In the long journey of human development we have faced many challenges. Sometimes in the form of climate change sometimes in the form of war and some other times in the form of disease. This time the challenge is posed by a deadly virus COVID-19. With patience and courage we will find a way out.

Corona is caused by a zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2. Starting from one city  it spread in the whole world in a short span of time. It spreads in air. Many people were infected  in different countries and many lost their lives. Coronavirus attacks the lungs. Victims face difficulty in breathing. Most of the time they need oxygen supply. It also damages other organs like kidney. So it infects rapidly and severely.

All countries of the world stand firmly against this invisible enemy. Individuals, institutions, societies and governments play their role aptly. Our scientists have developed many vaccines. Experiments are going on to find medicines. People in various parts of the world observing lockdown and maintaining social distancing.

In this difficult time we must cooperate with one another. Countries who have vaccines and other resources must provide them to others also. It’s a fight between humans and a lethal virus. We cannot survive in isolation. We must join hands. Help must reach to the last man.

In future, to deal with such global problems we must develop international institutions in which all countries should participate and contribute. There should be international laws to be followed by all the nations in the  situation of emergency.  As united we stand, divided we fall.

 

You can also read " How to write good paragraphs"

 

 

 

 

Epidemic and Pandemic?

 

Q) What is the difference between epidemic and pandemic?

OR

Describe the terms outbreak, epidemic, endemic and pandemic.

Ans)

In this article we will try to understand the meaning of outbreak, endemic, epidemic and pandemic.

Endemic - lf an infectious disease is  regularly  present in a community or a people for long time then it is called endemic.

In some parts of Africa malaria is endemic. Dengue is endemic to many Caribbean nations.

Disease is restricted to  a region or country. And number of cases does not go beyond a threshold.

Outbreak  - If there are greater than anticipated increase in the number of endemic cases, it is called outbreak.

If a infectious disease spread to some new area then it is an outbreak even if only one case is there.

Epidemic - It affects a large number of people within a community, population or region. Here the rate of increase in cases is rapid.

 In the case of COVID-19, it was epidemic until disease was restricted to the city Wuhan in China.

Pandemic - If an epidemic spread over multiple countries or continents then it is called pandemic.

 For example COVID-19. WHO declared it a pandemic on 11^th March 2020.

(Note - One should always remember that epidemics and pandemics are defined on the basis of rate  and distance of spread and not on the severity of the disease.)

To editor- plight of students dealing with online classes.

 

Q) You are Naresh resident of 15/2,kailash nagar,Delhi. You are Concerned about the plight of the students dealing with online classes. Write a letter to the editor, Hindustan times and request for raising this issue in his newspaper.

 

Ans)

 

Examination Hall          

27^th May, 2021

 

To

      The Editor,            

      Hindustan Times,

      Delhi.

 

Sub-> plight of students dealing with online classes.

Respected sir,

Through your esteemed newspaper I want to draw attention of concerned authorities towards the plight of students dealing with online classes.

Due to corona pandemic schools are closed for almost a year. The students are compelled to get instructions from the school online. Some of the private schools are providing online live classes.

But most of the other private schools and government schools are not in a position to provide these online classes. Here students are given guidance and study material on the WhatsApp group. But it is just not possible for a student to study from these materials by their own. This practice is futile. 

Students are worried about their studies. This year is almost zero year for them. Even the private schools which are providing online live classes are not doing any good. Most of the time quality of video and audio is to compromising that students are getting nothing. 

Moreover in many schools final term examinations were not conducted. They are promoted to the next class on the basis of the average performance throughout the year. The students know very well that they will suffer in the next class.

I expect that you will understand the gravity of the problem. Kindly provide some space in your newspaper.

 

Thanking you

 

Yours sincerely

Naresh

Online teaching

 

How is online teaching or virtual classes?

 

Virtual world of education

Question)

Write a paragraph or article on the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching?

Or

What are the pros and cons of online/ virtual teaching?

Answer)

Definition

Online teaching is gaining Momentum day by day. Online teaching simply means teacher and students are far apart connected by high speed internet . It can be divided broadly into two parts - live classes of different teachers and institutes and recorded videos lectures.

Only three facilities are needed to conduct online classes. Firstly one needs a smartphone, PC or laptop. Another facility required is a high speed internet. Finally there should be uninterrupted supply of electricity.

 

Advantages

 There are many advantages of online classes. There are many good teachers available on the Internet. A student is not restricted to choose a teacher or institute from the neighbourhood. He can find a teacher in another city or even in another country.

Online coaching is generally economical as compared to the offline classes.

In online mode a teacher can give better illustrations by using graphics, pictures, videos and animations. It is the power of audio video medium. A teacher can carry the students in depth. A student will have enriched learning experience. Things will be easy to understand, memorize and recall later.

A student in the remote  Area or a student belonging to lower strata of the society can also access a fine quality, experienced teacher of a metropolitan city. This leads to the democratization of the education.

Online teaching-virtual school

Disadvantages

Online teaching has some limitations also. Firstly there are many areas in the world where Internet connection is not available or Internet speed is very slow. In such areas online teaching is a distant dream.

Students in financially weaker section can not afford costly PCs or smart phones.

The students are deprived of direct observation and eye contact of teachers.  We need to device new methods of testing and examinations so that students level of understanding can be judged.

Many good experienced teachers are unable to work on modern gadgets and technologies. They need to  upgrade their technical skills or we will lose their valuable teaching experience.

 

Conclusion

Online teaching has its own pros and cons. In most of the cases it is advantageous. With the advent of 4G and 5G Internet and reduction in the cost of Internet services and smart phones it seems that online teaching has a bright future.

 

Corona and students

 

 

Effects of Covid Pandemic on the Students

 Covid pandemic has widespread effects on every sphere of life and students are not spared.

 They are affected physically, mentally and emotionally. 

For a long period, they are unable to meet with their mentors and class fellows. They can’t go outside. They can’t meet with their friends and relatives. They are lonely. This is hampering there growth.

 

Why Can’t we open the schools?

Kids are not  Mature enough to follow  covid appropriate behaviour (CAB). 

It is very difficult for them to maintain the social  distancing in the classroom. In a class of 40 to 50 students it is just not possible. 

Kids are not expected to communicate with masks on their faces. 

Moreover a student has low immunity as compared to adults.  

If there is any spread of corona in the schools, it will be very difficult to control. Schools can be hub of Corona. Schools can be main corona spreader if they are opened without preparation.

 

Problems if schools remain closed for long time.

Schools are integral part of a student life. A major part of his day is spent in the school. If schools remain closed for long then it will have very negative effect on the students.

 This will affect not just their studies but also their personalities. Students are facing very difficult time.

 

Limitations of online classes

There are no offline classes as schools and coaching centers are closed. So students are deprived of valuable suggestions and guidance of their teachers. 

Although many schools are providing online classes but they cannot compensate for the offline classes where the student has direct interaction with a teacher. He can put his doubts and ask questions directly.

In online classes there is one more problem which is faced by most of the students in India that is the poor quality of Internet. Many times classes got disconnected and sometimes picture and voice quality is compromising . 

Moreover there is no eye to eye contact between teacher and his students. So teacher is unable to judge if students are getting whatever he is delivering. It is almost impossible to create conducive teaching learning experience in an online class.

 

No examination for one year

In April 2020 first wave of corona pandemic started and in the beginning of 2021 its second wave spread all over the India. Therefore schools and other educational institutions remain closed for more than one year. 

During this time there was no pen paper examination of the students. It is almost impossible for a teacher to find out if a student is understanding everything that is taught in the online classes without examinations. 

Exams are not only the test of understanding of the students but it also provides basis for the remedial classes. A teacher after studying the result of the class decides which topics need to be revised in the class. 

He also comes to know the types of mistakes the students are committing. It gives her an insight about the level of understanding of the syllabus. 

In the absence of any examination the whole learning process is deteriorating. It will be very difficult to fill this gap in the future.

 

In remote and backward areas

In the backward areas of the country where economic status of the people is already low the position of education is even more disadvantageous . 

The students of these areas belong to the poor families and most of them study in the government run schools. It is not possible for them to manage costly smart phones or computers for taking online classes. 

Most of the students do not have good Internet connection . Even in many areas there is irregular supply of electricity. 

In such a scenario it is just not possible to acquire education by online mode. 

For these students this year is almost a zero year. Although most of the state boards and CBSE have promoted the students to the next class but we know it very well that they do not acquire proper knowledge in the previous class . This will definitely affect their study in the next class also.

 

Mental  And emotional stress on the students

During the Corona time many families suffered directly and indirectly. Some families lost their jobs and  there is decline in income of self dependent families. 

In some families members are affected by the Corona . Some of them were hospitalized. There was a scarcity of medicines, oxygen cylinders and even beds in the hospitals. This causes additional tension in the families. Children also face this stress. 

These circumstances leads to an environment where learning activities cannot go on. We cannot expect a student to carry his studies if family is passing through such a challenging time. This creates a great mental and emotional stress on the family members especially the children

Uncertain future

Students who are in the higher most class of their institutions are facing one more problem. After completing the education in their Institute they need to be transferred to the next higher Institute. In this pandemic situation it is very difficult for them to get admission. 

Moreover students who are planning for some professional courses after completing the school are also in dilemma. Their future is very uncertain. There is a great loss of their valuable time. At this time they should focus on the preparation for the competitive examinations but they are fighting with the disease and family problems.

 

3^rd wave of corona

Doctors and other experts are claiming that danger is not over yet. There will be a 3^rd wave of Corona that will affect the children the most.  This is creating a panic among the parents. 

When a hope was in sight that school will open after this short lockdown and decline in Corona cases, at this time this declaration of 3^rd way of Corona is not a good sign. 

We need a widespread preparation to tackle this coming danger. Government should improve facilities in the hospitals and other health care centers. Necessary supplies of medicines and other equipments should be maintained in advance. 

On the other hand people should understand their responsibilities. They should maintain social distancing. One should not stop wearing masks even after vaccination.

 

Ray of hope

Even in this distress one should not lose hope. We should also see the positive side. 

Our country is one of the few nations in the world which has developed vaccine for Corona. Vaccination drive is moving very fast and we should expect that majority of our population will be vaccinated in a few months only. 

There is research going on to develop vaccine for children. I am confident that it will be available very soon. We should observe Corona appropriate behavior until at least 70% of our population including children is vaccinated.

We will definitely win over this deadly virus.