Click to get Question Bank Solution on the lesson Voyaging Towards Excellence by Achut Godbole
“Voyaging Towards Excellence” by Achut Godbole is a motivational book that outlines strategies for personal and professional growth. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and continuously learning and improving oneself. The book also delves into the power of perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline in achieving success. Through anecdotes, practical tips, and inspirational quotes, Godbole encourages readers to take charge of their lives and strive for excellence in all endeavors.
Brainstorming on Voyaging Towards Excellence
(A1)(i) Go through the text again and describe the second innings of the writer in your own words. (A2) (i) Read the text again and make a list of great Indian and foreign personalities who had a great impact on Achyut Godbole during his childhood. One is done for you.
Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens
Musicians
Pt Kumar Gandharv Pt. Bhimsen Pt Jasraj
Dramatists
Shakespear , Pt. Kumar Gandharv
Painters
Van Gogh, Mozar, Michael Angelo
(ii) Find different techniques used by the writer to learn Science and Mathematics. One is done for you.
(a) The writer used to appreciate the inherent beauty of these subjects.
(iii) The writer faced numerous problems while communicating in English because- (a) He had his entire education in Marathi.
(iv) The writer was completely stumped because his
(v) Read the text Voyaging Towards Excellence again and complete the sentence:
Due to the writer’s pathetic English speaking style, he…………………..
vi) Complete the following sentences. The writer wanted to achieve mastery in English because-
(vii) Make a list of different steps that the writer undertook to improve his English speaking skills.
(viii) (a) Read the text again and describe the writer’s achievements after achieving mastery over the English language.
(b) Go through the text Voyaging Towards Excellenceagain and complete the table comparing two different phases of life of the writer-as an MD or Chief Executive Officer and an activist of Sarvodaya movement.
MD or Chief Executive Officer
Activist of Sarvodaya Movement
Head of the company for 23 years
Joined a non-violent social movement for tribal with Sarvodaya
Travelled all over the globe for business
Participated in a peaceful satyagraha
Wrote 4 books on information Technology
Went to jail for 10 days
(ix) (a) Complete the web highlighting the various opportunities you gained due to your good English speaking skills.
(b) Describe a situation or incident when you felt embarrassed for your lack of knowledge of a particular subject or incompetence in speaking English fluently.
Grammar Section
(A3) (i) Fill in the blanks selecting the correct phrase from the alternatives given. One is done for you. [be completely stumped, be broken, feel out of place, speak at length, feel at home, sea of knowledge, broaden one’s horizon, one’s second innings, touch the hearts, keep one going] (a) By the end of the week she was beginning to feel at home in her new job. (b) When he lost his mother he was completely broken . (c) Travelling can help to broaden one’s horizon. (d) After my retirement I started my second innings as a social worker. (e) Having faith in God keeps me going in difficult situation. (f) To succeed in any competitive examination, one requires a sea of knowkedge . (g) The simple village girl felt ot of place in a formal party. (h) The work done by Sindhutai Sapkal touched the hearts of millions. (i) The teacher spoke at length explaining the concept. (j) The speaker was completely stumped by the intelligent questions asked by the audience.
(iii) Do as directed and rewrite the sentences. Voyaging Towards Excellence
(a) I did not fully understand their discussions but I was immensely impressed. (Remove ‘but’.) Ans :Though I did not fully understand their discussions , I was immensely impressed. (b) I had decided that I would do nothing of this sort. (Remove ‘that’.) Ans: I had decided to do nothing of this sort. (c) My fear had vanished and I started feeling at home in my hostel. (Use ‘when’.) Ans : When my fear had vanished, I started feeling at home in my hostel. (d) It was only my self-esteem which stopped me. (Remove ‘which’.) Ans : My self-esteem stopped me. (e) I plunged into all these branches of knowledge. It was a period of renaissance. (Join with ‘when’.)Ans : It was a period of renaissance when I plunged into all these branches of knowledge. (f) When I look back, there are a number of lessons that I cherish. (Remove ‘When’.) Ans : Looking back I cherish a number of lessons. (g) There are hundreds who tell me that they understood the theory of relativity. (Remove ‘who’.)
Ans : Hundreds of people tell me that they understood the theory of relativity.
The following steps for expansion of ideas will enable students to expand any idea occur to their mind. Few ideas and their expansion given here will be of much help. Student should take this activity to improve English by practicing expansion of ideas. For the different ideas proverbs in English should be considered. Make a list of proverbs and choose some of them and practice expanding ideas.
1) Analyze the idea in proverb and identify what you think are the key ideas. 2) Brainstorm some ways to expand on the key ideas in the proverb. 3) Choose one or two ideas to further, explore in greater depth. 4) Present your ideas and findings in a simple and persuasive manner.
Example – If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
If winter comes, can spring be far behind? is a quote of a great nature poet P. B. Shelley. The quote means spring, a symbol of life and joy follows the winter, a symbol of death. It is symbolic of life. As there is cycle of seasons in nature, the life is a web of sorrow and happiness. Pain is not permanent. It is followed by gain of happiness. It makes us optimistic. It gives rise to hopefulness.
The poet was undergoing a bad patch in poetry. Good poetry wasn’t coming of his way. But he didn’t give in. He strongly believed in his strength. He was hopeful of good poetry soon. Everyone of us has tough times in life. We should remember that there will be a good time sooner or later. Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with cancer. He got treatment and came out with a new vigour to play cricket.
Every cloud has silver lining. One should have positive attitude towards life. If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Morning follows night. There is light after darkness.
Expansion of Ideas – Eat to live not live to eat
‘Eat to live not live to eat’ is an idiom. It stands as an advice of doctor to obese. It is an advice for everyone of us in the age of fast food. Eat to live means eating for survival and to energize the body. Live to eat means taking interest only in food. It is giving more importance to the tongue and belly than to the whole body.
In the world of busy life schedule no one has much time to take care of health. One should not forget that ‘Health is Wealth’ Those who live to eat fall prey to innumerable diseases. To much eating or eating all the time gives a shelter to disease. In the school and college students eat fast food. Such food is tasty so they keep eating as if they live to eat. Parents also bring such food at home.
Nowadays going to restaurants for weekend, birthdays and anniversaries have become a status symbol. People are taking more interest in eating than jogging. They eat after morning walk; they eat before going to office; they eat during office hours and they eat while reaching home. After reaching they set out with family to eat. Their days are filled with eating and eating.
This practice is not healthy. So we should eat to fuel the body. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is a wise way to be healthy. The food we consume should have nutrients. Increase in diseases like obesity, cardiac arrest, blood pressure, sugar level, hypertension etc. is the effect of too much eating. To live a happy and healthy life we should remember the doctor’s advice ‘Eat to live not live to eat’.
One who fails in his efforts /work gives excuses. He/she assumes other things responsible for the failure. Instead of taking responsibility of uncompleted work some people find fault with the equipment. They blame the equipment for the their failure. They do not accept their fault. My friend was repairing a cell phone. He put all the efforts. After a while he handed the phone to the owner. The phone persisted the same problem. When the owner complained, he told him that the cell phone was outdated. It was beyond repair. He suggested to buy a new one. The owner went to another repair store and got his phone repaired.
Here it means that my friend had little knowledge of phone repairing and he could not repair it. But he blamed the cell phone itself.
On many occasions people consider them skilled and expert. In spite of their failure they blame on other or equipment. They blame always others for their unfinished work. It means such persons are bad workmen and they blame the tools they are using.
The phrase “passion makes profession” suggests that when people are deeply passionate about something, they tend to pursue it as a career. They transform their interests into a profession. Passion acts as a driving force that fuels dedication, motivation, and perseverance. Passion helps individuals overcome challenges and achieve excellence in their chosen field.
Passion often comes from within and isn’t solely driven by external rewards like money or recognition. People who are passionate about their work find fulfillment and joy in the process itself. This motivation leads to a commitment to mastering their craft.
In any profession, challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Passion helps individuals remain resilient in the face of difficulties. Their love for what they do gives them the energy to keep going, even when others might give up.
Passionate professionals are more likely to be lifelong learners. They are curious and eager to deepen their knowledge and improve their skills. This drive for growth can lead to innovation and creativity in their field. Because they are constantly exploring new ideas and methods.
When passion is the foundation of a profession, it often leads to greater impact. Passionate professionals tend to be more influential, inspiring others around them. Their enthusiasm can be contagious, creating positive environments.
Passionate professionals typically align their work with their core values and beliefs. .In essence, “passion makes profession” highlights the transformative power of passion in turning a personal interest into a meaningful and fulfilling career, where the joy of the work itself becomes the primary reward. So “Follow your passion, and success will follow you.”
Que-1. Read the following passage and complete the activities. 02 Marks
A1. Complete the following sentences.
The baby appeared ……..
II. The body of the baby langur was full of…….
III. The writer took the baby langur to……
IV. The narrator’s father provided ……..
The changed circumstances and the sudden unexpected attack from unknown quarters forced the langur to drop the baby from the sloping roof over the veranda. The baby was listless and appeared to be dead. As its body started to slide down, the excitement of the pack of dogs grew manifold at the prospect of a good skill and meal. Keeping the dogs at bay with a stick, I managed to catch hold of the baby langur’s tail just as it tipped over the edge of the tiled roof. The baby appeared inert and lifeless. It was indeed a male baby. By this time, my present and sister had come out onto the veranda and were witnessing my rescue operation. Some of our neighbors had also gathered in the distance.
I took the baby langur to our backyard and gently laid him on the floor inside the poultry coop, his body was full of deep bite marks and scratched Blood was oozing from some of the wounds. The baby remained motionless. My father provided first aid to clean the wounds and stop the bleeding. I was relieved to find out that the baby was breathing, even though his breaths were shallow.
Splashes of cold water made the baby stir and after a few shaky attempts, he sat up. He was in a state of shock and started trembling like a leaf in the wind. His two little twinkling eyes welled up with tears and he started to sob with a muffled cry-just like a human child would after experiencing trauma. I offered him a peeled banana which he accepted with his unsteady hand and began taking hesitant bites.
A 2. Complete the following web 02 marks
Attempts done by
the narrator to save
the baby langur 02 Marks
A3. Antonyms.
Find out antonyms for the following from the passage. 02 Marks
1. Known x
II. Alive x
II. Bad x
IV. Female x
A4. Do as directed 02 Marks
i) I offered him a peeled banana. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with He…)
ii) The baby appeared insert and lifeless (Rewrite the sentence using ‘not only…but also)
A5. Personal Response. 02 Marks
What you learn from the above passage.
Q2. Read the extract and complete the following activities. 05 marks
A1 . True or false.
State whether the following statements are true or false
i) The child demanded the moonlight from his father.
ii) The child wants to sow small moons of light from the city to his village.
The lesson ‘Into the Wild’ from Yuvakbharati 12th Standard HSC is an interesting one giving insight into nature and environment. You should prepare it thoroughly for the board exam. Here you will find glossary, icebreakers, brainstorming and solutions to Yuvakbharati English Maharashtra Board Exam type activities to be competant enough for the board preparation.
1. Arrange the following incidents in a proper sequential order as they have occurred in Part – 1 Into The Wild:
(a) Writer realised that he was lost in the woods.
(b) The Langurs saw the leopard.
(c) The author was moving from the jungle as quietly as possible , finding his way through the thicket.
(d) The author met a villager.
Ans:
(c) The author was moving from the jungle as quietly as possible , finding his way through the thicket.
(b) The Langurs saw the leopard.
(d) The author met a villager.
(a) Writer realised that he was lost in the woods.
2. State whether the following statements from Into The Wild, are true or false. Correct the false statements.
(a) Earlier Shaaz was in the field of finance.
(b) BCRTI was founded out of the genuine urge to conserve the habitat of the wild life.
(c) Shaaz failed to utilize the finance incurred out of tourism.
(d) According to the local agriculturist seeing is more essential than listening
Ans:
a) Earlier Shaaz was in the field of finance. True
(b) BCRTI was founded out of the genuine urge to conserve the habitat of the wild life . True
(c) Shaaz failed to utilize the finance incurred out of tourism. False
Correct : Shaaz utilized the tourist currency to provide local vocational training.
(d) According to the local agriculturist seeing is more essential than listening. False
Correct : Listening is far more important than sight.
3. Complete the given web chart
Into The Wild
4. Complete the following
Into The Wild
5. Complete the flow chart stating the reactions of the petrified Langurs due to the presence of the Leopard.
Into The Wild
6. Complete the web, describing each step taken by the writer as a solitary traveller while moving in the jungle with great precaution.
6. Choose appropriate phrases / expressions from the extract given in the brackets. ( time and again, to one’s heart’s content , frantic speed, in a jiffy )
(a) I was on diet for some days but today I am going to eat ………………………..
(b) Every mother scolds her children ……………….. for the overuse of the mobile phone.
(c) All their educational problems were sorted out …………. because of the funds given by an NGO.
(d) Raj ran at a ………………. to catch the tain.
Ans : (a) I was on diet for some days but today I am going to eat to my heart’s content
(b) Every mother scolds her children time and again for the overuse of the mobile phone.
(c) All their educational problems were sorted out in a jiffy because of the funds given by an NGO.
(d) Raj ran at a frantic speed to catch the tain.
Language Study from Into The Wild
(1) (i) Begin the following sentences with the words given in the brackets.
(a) I can guide visitors. (Visitors)
Ans : Visitors can be guided by me.
(b) Animals are paying me back.
(I)
Ans : I am being paid back by animals.
(c) The behaviour of the first black panther is being documented.
(They)
Ans: They are documenting the behaviour of the first black panther.
(d) All the research on the animal has been done through camera traps.
(They)
Ans: They have done all the research on the animal through camera traps.
(e) Madegowda is employed by the Bison.
(The Bison)
Ans: The Bison employ Madegowda.
(f) The surroundings were reminding me.
(I)
Ans: I was being reminded by the surroundings.
(g) Raju was amazed at my solitary visits to Umbarzara.
(My solitary)
Ans: My solitary visits to Umbarzara amazed Raju.
(h) I found a bright red soil trial.
(A)
Ans: A bright red soil trial was found by me.
(i) Older leopards like Pardus carry away livestock from villages.
(Livestock)
Ans: Livestock from villages are carried away by older leopards like Pardus.
(j) I have lost almost 80 percent of a season’s yield of sugarcane.
(Almost 80 percent)
Ans: Almost 80 percent of a season’s yield of sugarcane has been lost by me.
(k) Tracking an animal also teaches you life lessons.
(Life lessons)
Ans: Life lessons also are taught to you by tracking an animal.
(l) Many things have been taught to me by the forests.
(The forests)
Ans: The forests have taught me many things.
(m) Resentment among locals towards the animals is created by this.
(This)
Ans: This creates resentment among locals towards the animals
(2) Rewrite the sentences by using ‘not only….but also’:
(a) The petrified Langurs speeded to the trees near and far and secured their places on the tree tops.
Ans: The petrified Langurs not only speeded to the trees near and far but also secured their places on the tree tops.
(b) Umbarzara is the haven for Tigers, Leopards and Sloth Bears.
Ans: Umbarzara is the haven not only for Tigers, Leopards but also for Sloth Bears.
(c) I crossed the cement pillar and stones stacked by the Forest
Development Corporation.
Ans: I crossed not only the cement pillar but also stones stacked by the Forest Development Corporation.
Into the Wild
Questions and answers on “Into the Wild”
5. Read the extract from Into The Wild and solve the activities. (12)
The eight-and-a-half-hour-long day inside the hide was a fruitful as the Jambha tree standing tall on the edge of Umbarzara. Before wrapping up my day at this natural waterhole, I took entries of the avifauna in my field work. Since I was alone, I rushed to Pitezari village where I was stationed. I camouflaged the hide, took my essentials, and came out of the hide and stretched out to my heart’s content. I lifted my camera bag and took the familiar trial to Pitezari. Negotiating the webbed leaves of Teakwood and Moha trees, trying to make minimal sound, I was treading cautiously among the wood. Walking alone in a jungle needs more alertness than walking with a companion. I was alone here like a fox. Following the trial silently, watching with wide-open eyes, my ears were grasping a variety of sound stunned me…’Khyak! Khyak! KhyakoSS Khyak!’It was a Langur alarm call. The leader of the gang of Langurs was sitting on the tall tree making alarm calls out of fear. Rest of the Langur brigade continued raising the alarm calls. The network of alarm calls was expanding its range as the petrified Langurs speeded to the trees near and far and secured their places on treetops. All this upheaval was created by only one animal’s presence- a Leopard. Many animals make alarm calls when they see a predator- Tiger or a Leopard nearby. The Langur is more reliable when it comes to finding clues about the presence of the apex predators in the jungle. The mighty elusive Leopard of Umbarzara was out of his liar. He was on the prowl. The stealthily moving figure in spotted gold- black cloak was spied by these Langurs. Even the small ones from the legion of Langurs were giving alarm calls.’Chyak! Chyak!’I stayed put. Gauged the leader Langur’s target sight and scanned the area visually. Took some steps. Stopped again. A fresh scat was lying before me on the trail. The bluish-purple flies were hovering over it. I was sure that the Leopard was somewhere near. The distant alarm call of four-horned antelope was adding to the chaos.
A1 Complete the given flowchart about the writer’s activities. (2)
Into The Wild
Ans :
Into The Wild
A2 Enlist the clues which confirmed the presence of a leapord.
Ans : 1. Langoors were giving alarms. 2. A fresh scat was lying on the trail. 3. The distant alarm call of antelope A3 Complete. (2)‘I was alone like a fox.’ The writer compares himself to the fox because …..
Ans : The writer compares himself to the fox because he was cautious and alert.
A4 State what precautions you would take after finding yourself lost in a jungle. (2)
A5 Do as directed. (2)i. The langur is the most reliable in finding clues in jungle about predators.(Choose the correct alternative that gives the transformation of the given sentence in Positive Degree)
a. No other animal in jungle is as reliable as langur in finding clues about predators in jungle.
b. No other langur is as reliable as other animals in finding clues about predators in jungle.
c. Langur is as reliable as other animals in jungle in finding clues about predators.
d. Very few animals in jungle are as reliable as langur in finding clues about predators in jungle.
ii. I camouflaged the hide…(Choose correct alternative that has Simple Present Tense form.)
a) I camouflage the hide.
b) I am camouflaging the hide
c) I have camouflaged the hide
d) I can camouflage the hide
A6 Find a word from the extract which mean the following: (2)
i. To hide oneself by covering up with natural or artificial material to mislead the enemy. – camouflage
ii. Finishing the work – wrapping up one’s day
iii. Making oneself safe from danger – Secure
iv. To successfully walk over – treading
Activity Sheet No.1 on Into The Wild
Read the extract and do all the activities given below.
( The eight-and-a-half hour ……….. had moved away.)A1. Arrange the following statements in order as the events have occurred in the extract. 1. The narrator took entries of birds in his notes. 2. He took the familiar trail to Pitezari. 3. He camouflaged the hide and took his essentials. 4. Alarm call of langur surprised him. A2 Pick out the scenes that makes the narrator confirm about the predator’s presence. A3. Find out the carefulness and alertness of the Langurs for each other. A4. Suggest the ways to save oneself from the clutches of predators in the forest.
A5. Language Study 1. I lifted my camera bag and took the familiar trail to Pitezari. ( Rewrite the sentence beginning with ‘Lifting my camera….’ and removing ‘and’.)
2. The Langur is the most reliable when it comes to finding clues about the presence of the apex predators in the jungle. ( Rewrite the sentence beginning with ‘ No other animal …..) A6. Find the words which mean : a. sudden change b. an animal that preys on other c. frightened d. topmost
Read the extract and do all the activities given below.
(I had apparently entered……. was melting down like a fleeting runner.) A1 Choose the appropriate option and rewrite the statement.1. The narrator had entered in the sanctum sanctorum of a bear/leopard/tiger.2. The narrator saw a bear/tiger/man at a distance.3. The narrator visited Umbarzara/Pitezari/Iskape regularly.4. He was vanished/lost/found in the forest of Umbarzara. A2. Give reason for the following statements: 1. Raju Iskape was amazed knowing that the narrator regularly visits Umbarzara.2. Raju and the narrator felt relaxed. A3. Describe the journey of the narrator. A4. Imagine you are lost in the thick forest. Write how you would feel. A5. Language Study
Rewrite as instructed.1. But the cat was not visible. (Rewrite as affirmative sentence.)
Ans : But the cat was invisible.
2. We stopped under a tree to take a break. (Rewrite the sentence using gerund form of the underlined word.)
Ans : We stopped under a tree for taking a break. A6. Find the antonyms for the following words .a. Accompanied b. giant c. wide d. freezing
Activity Sheet No. 3 on Into The Wild
Read the extract and do all the activities given below.
(Soaked in my own sweat……………………………………our good luck.) À1 Choose the statements that summarise the extract.1. The narrator is completely lost in forest and trying hard to find a way to get secured.2. He was trapped among the hillocks and kept walking in hope.3. After a while he spotted a village following the sound of loudspeaker and light of lantern.4. The narrator was exploring the jungle. A2. Complete the table
Birds in the extract
Animals in the extract
1. ————
2. ————
1. ————
2. ————
A3. I found my silver lining on this trail. ExplainA4. Give your younger brother/sister an advice what to do in case he/she gets lost in a town.
A5. Vocabulary Make use of given phrases in your own sentences. One is done for you. at a frantic speed – I ran at a frantic speed to reach the centre of examination. a . to one’s heart’s content b. in a jiffy. A6. Language Study 1. I was still there searching for a suitable tree to climb and get secured. (Rewrite using past perfect continuous tense.)
2. The sloth bear of Umbarzara must be out in open sniffing for food. (Replace the modal auxiliary with another indicating less possibility.)
“To Sir, with Love” is a novel written by E.R. Braithwaite, first published in 1959. It tells the semi-autobiographical story of the author’s experiences as a black teacher in a white British school in the East End of London.
The protagonist, E. R. Braithwaite, is a well-educated engineer from British Guiana (now Guyana) who, due to racism and limited job opportunities, takes a teaching position at a tough secondary school in London’s East End. Initially, he struggles to connect with his unruly and disrespectful students, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and exhibit challenging behavior.
As Braithwaite perseveres in his teaching role, he adopts unconventional methods to engage with his students, treating them with respect and demanding the same in return. Through his dedication and commitment, he gradually earns the respect and trust of his students, who begin to appreciate the value of education and the opportunities it can provide.
Throughout the novel, Braithwaite confronts issues of race, class, and prejudice, both within the school and in wider society. He challenges stereotypes and biases, advocating for equality and understanding among people of different backgrounds.
Ultimately, “To Sir, with Love” is a powerful story of transformation and empowerment, highlighting the impact that a compassionate and dedicated teacher can have on the lives of their students. It celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity.
Drama Genre is introduced in Yuvakbharati 12th Standard HSC of Maharashtra State Board. Chapter 4.2 To Sir With Love
Question bank Solutions for English Std 12
Q. 5 B Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below. (4 marks)
1. Half yearly report of the student’s council highlights the conduct of Braithwaite’s’ class. Justify.
Ans : The conduct of Braithwaite’s class is highlighted in the Half yearly report of the students’ council. Students of his class were behaving like business way in allocating task for the program. They held conferences with other classes. They were smartly dressed. Denham conducted the proceedings with courtesy. Other students from his class presented their reports knowledgeably.
2. In the questioning session Denham was expressing few students’ feelings. Illustrate.
Ans : In his report Denham criticised the general pattern of P.T. and games. He pointed out the limitations. He complained about the pointless and ill conceived P.T. . When he was voicing this, the boys cheered him loudly. This shows that the boys were with him and he was expressing their feelings.
3. Miss Philips effectively handled the questioning session. Give supporting details.
Ans : Mr. Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evans ,and Miss Euphemia Phillips were the panelists for the question answer session. Miss Phillips proved to the coolest of the three. She dealt with questions put to her with authority. She assisted other teachers by intervening skillfully. In the case of Denham, she successfully answered him and saved Me. Weston from embarassment.
4. Write a short note on the event which took place on 15th November in Greenslade School.(To Sir With Love)
Ans : The half-yearly report of the Students’ council was organised on 15th November in Greenslade School. In the half yearly report of the students’ council students report to the faculty and other students. They report what they have been studying so far. The meeting began with Mr. Florian’s speech. One after another each class gave a brief report of their progress. A panel of teachers is chosen for each class to answer the queries of students. The reporting began with lowest class. Braithwaite’s class was the last to present the report.
5. The extract presents the narrator as a silent observer of the events. Explain.
Ans : The extract presents the narrator as a silent observer of the events. The event is organised by the students. At the outset the Principal of the school made an introductory speech. The narrator Braithwaite has no role in the event. Students from each class presented their reports. For the question and answer session, a panel of teachers was invited. Braithwaite was not the part of that panel also. He observed the change in the students of his class.
6. ‘Analyzing the change in the students’ behaviour in the presentation’ is the central theme. (To Sir With Love)
Ans : Students spoke knowledgeably in the half yearly report of the Students’ Council . There was a remarkable change in their ability to express themselves. Denham showed courtesy in his address. Miss Joseph spoke on the theme of interdependency Potter spoke on Maths relating to everyday life. All other students of the narrator Braithwaite’s class were completely changed in their attitude. It was the attitude of Braithwaite towards them.
7. Denham and Miss Joseph played a key role in the presentation of the half yearly report of students’ council. Illustrate.
Ans : Miss Joseph and Denham seemed to be important officials of the half-yearly report of the students’ council. They shared the stage with the Principal. Miss Joseph stated the purpose of the council and its report session. Denham called out the names of the representatives to report on the subject one by one.
8. The senior students presented their class report more confidently than the junior students. Give reasons.
Ans : The junior students were just twelve-year-olds who had joined the school the previous year. They were shy and frightened to speak on the stage. The senior students understood what to say and how to say. They had gone through such experiences since it was the practice of the school to arrange such programs.
9. Fernman was innovative and dramatic in his presentation. Discuss in brief.
Ans: The students of the school had reported to the faculty and other students on what they had been studying. One after another each class gave a brief report to their progress seriously. Fernman in his turn brought a skeleton on the stage. The skeleton was put hanging from a hook screwed into the top of its skull. The whole school laughed at his entry and got a comic relief.
CHARACTER (To Sir With Love)
(A1) (i) Which one among the following is a teacher in the extract? Select the correct one. Also cite a couple of lines from the extract in support of your answer.(a) Denham (c) Sapiano(b) Miss Joseph (d) Dale-Evans
Denham asked children to write the name of each teacher. The names were called : Mr Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evans, Miss Phillips (ii) Complete the table highlighting the various traits of the major characters in the extract from (To Sir With Love).
Ans:
1. Denham – Confident , Courtesy, Respect
2. Miss Phillips – coolest, Skillful assistance, Well informed
3. Fernman – calmness, clear and precise voice strong dramatic sense
4. Potter – knowledge, eloquence, practical (iii) The narrator played a crucial role in bringing a significant change in the students. Explain the statement by citing some references from the extract.
Ans: Students spoke knowledgeably in the half yearly report of the Students’ Council . There was a remarkable change in their ability to express themselves. Denham showed courtesy in his address. Miss Joseph spoke on the theme of interdependency Potter spoke on Maths relating to everyday life. All other students of the narrator Braithwaite’s class were completely changed in their attitude. It was the attitude of Braithwaite towards them. (iv) Fernman brought a comic relief in the Students’ Council programme. Explain.
Ans: The students of the school had reported to the faculty and other students on what they had been studying. One after another each class gave a brief report to their progress seriously. Fernman in his turn brought a skeleton on the stage. The skeleton was put hanging from a hook screwed into the top of its skull. The whole school laughed at his entry and got a comic relief. (v) Give a brief character-sketch of – (a) Denham Denham is a senior student. On the day of The half yearly report Denham seemed to be an important official. He was confident and courteous in his anchoring the programme. His own report came as a bit of shock. He severely criticised the general pattern of P.T. and games. He was a trained boxer. He insisted that instead of P.T. exercises students like him should be allowed to skip P.T. and play other game. (b) Miss Joseph Miss Joseph is a senior student. On the day of The half yearly report she seemed to be an important official. She had an honour to sit beside the head of the school. She gave a short explanation of the Council’s purpose and its activities . In her turn of report she pointed out the interdependency of mankind on each other (c) The Narrator The narrator is E R Braithwaite. He worked as an engineer in an oil refinery. He served in the Royal British Air Force in the war. After the war he was unable to find the job. Lastly he got a job in Greenslade School in London. He had to deal with tough time there. But he managed skillfully with students. He brought a lot of change in the behavior of the students. (d) Miss Dare Miss Dare is a student. She was about to speak on Physiology. Her contribution was something of an anticlimax. She spoke about the problems related to humanity in terms of sickness. She also focused on the advantages gained by interchange of knowledge , advice and assistance. (e) Miss Phillips Miss Euphemia Phillips is a teacher in the novel. She proved to be the coolest and best informed. She deal with questions authoritatively. She intervened to assist other skillfully. She showed her presence of mind when Denham spoke against the teaching PT. in school. She explained the necessity of every subject to the school.
PLOT (To Sir With Love)
(A2) (i) Arrange the incidents in correct sequence as per their occurrence in theextract.(a) Denham was outwitted by Miss Phillips.(b) The head of the school closed the proceedings.(c) Denham asserted that P.T. periods were a waste of time.(d) The slips were folded and placed in a hat.(e) Fernman was as usual a trump card.(f) Denham called out the names of the representatives.(g) Students’ Council was held every year on November 15th.
Ans
(g) Students’ Council was held every year on November 15th.
(f) Denham called out the names of the representatives.
(e) Fernman was as usual a trump card.
(c) Denham asserted that P.T. periods were a waste of time.
(d) The slips were folded and placed in a hat.
(a) Denham was outwitted by Miss Phillips.
(b) The head of the school closed the proceedings. (ii) Describe in brief the purpose of organising the half-yearly report programme of Students’ Council.(To Sir With Love)
Ans: Organising the half-yearly report programme of Students’ Council was one of the distinguished feature of the school. Here each class would report on the studies pursued during the half session. After the representatives present the report , they would have question answer session. It helps students to know how far they have understood and the teachers know their expectations.
(iii) Write in your words the entire half-yearly report programme of Students’Council.
(To Sir With Love)
Ans: In the half yearly report of the students’ council students report to the faculty and other students. They report what they have been studying so far. The meeting began with Mr. Florian’s speech. One after another each class gave a brief report of their progress. A panel of teachers is chosen for each class to answer the queries of students. The reporting began with lowest class. Braithwaite’s class was the last to present the report. (iv) Describe the question-answer session that took place at the end of theextract.Ans: Some teachers were chosen for the question answer session by picking up the chits of their names. Mr. Weston, Mrs.Dale – Evans and Miss Phillips were the teachers to face the queries. The queries were from the higher classes. Miss Phillips was the coolest and well informed while dealing with queries. While facing the questions of Denham and Fernman Weston was blunt and ridiculous. Miss Phillips intervened and sorted out the criticism of Denham coolly. (v) Describe the discussion that took place between Miss Joseph and Denham.Ans:
SETTING (To Sir With Love)
(A3) (i) Which event took place in the extract (To Sir With Love)? Choose the correct one. Give reason/s to support your answer. (a) Annual Sports Day on November 15th(b) Annual Social and Cultural Gathering on November 15th(c) Half-yearly report of Students’ Council on November 15th(d) Farewell Programme on November 15th (ii) The event in the extract was held at the ______________ . Choose the correct alternative. Give reason/s to support your answer. (a) author’s house
(b) auditorium of the school(c) market(d) garden The event was a big one . All the classes of the school were participating in the event. (iii) The incidents in the extract occurred at a particular place. Explain the significance of that place in your own words.(To Sir With Love)
Ans: The incidents half yearly report of the Students’ Council in the extract of To Sir With Love took place in the auditorium of the Greenslade School. The auditorium of the school is an important place for the school , teachers and students. Almost all the programmes of the school are conducted here. Since all the classes participated in the report , they needed a big place. And auditorium is such a one place in the school.
(iv) Explain how the setting of the extract contributes to the theme of the novel (To Sir With Love).
Ans: The setting of the novel To Sir With Love shows the novel is written when the racisms was prevalent in England .The setting of the novel contributes much to the theme of the novel. Students-teacher relationship, prejudice and racism are the major themes reflected in the novel. Background of the students is not suitable for learning. It reflects in the theme.
THEME (To Sir With Love)
(A4) (i) ‘When the turn of my class came I sat up anxiously’.Why was the narrator anxious? Explain the statement by citing suitable references from the extract.
Ans: The narrator was anxious because the students of his class were disrespectful, ill-mannered and mischievous earlier. He handled the students in a very amicable way. It had brought changes in their behaviour. The narrator felt pleased when Denham used the term ‘Miss’ for the senior girls. Denham in his report severely criticised the general pattern of P.T.
(ii) Select two statements that describe the theme of the extract (To Sir With Love):
(a) Half-yearly report of the Students’ Council was not an important event for the students and teachers of school.
(b) The writer was immensely pleased to notice the progress of his students.
(c) The students showed a remarkable change in their behaviour and were progressing in all the subjects.(d) The head of the institution was against conducting such activities in the school. (iii) The relationship between the teacher and the students is highlighted in the extract. Illustrate with suitable examples from the extract of (To Sir With Love)
Ans: The relationship between the teacher and the students is highlighted in the extract vividly. E.R. Braithwaite the teacher became as excited as the students about the half yearly report session. He observed the activities of his noting with pride. He was anxious to listen to the report of his class. Mr. Weston was criticised for his way of dealing with P.T. and games by his students. Miss Phillips had a great impact on the students. (iv) Explain in brief the theme of the extract (To Sir With Love)
.Ans: Students-Teacher relationship is the theme of the extract. The extract recounts the half yearly report of the Students’ Council. The students of all classes report to the faculty and other students about their study and expectation. Their focus is on how much they have learnt about people, cultures, customs and cooperation. (v) Describe the atmosphere of the school described in the extract.
LANGUAGE (To Sir With Love)
(A4) (i) Following are some dialogues of the major characters in the extract. Find out who the speaker is, his/her tone, the style, significance etc. of the dialogues. “Then why do we have to do P.T.? Why don’t they take only the kids who need it?” (To Sir With Love) Ans : The speaker of the above dialogue is Denham. He is aggressive in the tone. He wants to know the reason and take action accordingly. The use of extensive vocabulary is prevalent in the dialogue. The use of rhetorical questions leaves a great impact.
“Let’s say it is as much an exercise of the mind as it is of the body, Denham.” (To Sir With Love)
Ans : The speaker of the above dialogue is Miss Philips addressed to Denham. The calm and decisive tone is effective. Comparison in the dialogue is effective.
