Sr. Inter - English - Prose - 5. Learning from the West - Narayana Murthy

 

Narayana Murthy

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following in 10-15 lines each:

1. Give a list of the lessons that Narayana Murthy feels we should learn from the West.

    N.R.Narayana Murthy is a brilliant Industrialist and Writer. In the essay “Learning from the West”, he gives a list of things that the Indians should learn from the west.

    Narayana Murthy likes the tendency of community thinking, seen in the West. There is no corruption in the Western society. The Indians want to get bribe at every stage. Problems of the society, are preferred. The people of the West are accountable to the work they do.

    Dignity of labour, merit in professionalism, keeping up the vows are the merits of the people in the West. Similarly, we should learn the lessons given by Narayana Murthy.

2. “Our attitude towards family life is not reflected in our attitude towards community behaviour”. Explain this statement keeping in view the points made by Narayana Murthy in the essay “Learning from the West”.

N.R.Narayana Murthy is a brilliant Industrialist and Writer. In the essay “Learning from the West” he gives a list of things that the Indians should learn from the West.

People in the West are different from the Indians. They give preference to the problems of the society. Dignity of labour, professionalism are practised in the West. There is a belief that the Indians take oaths at the time of marriage and keep them up. The people of the West do not have a vow for complete life. The merit of the Indians is in the marriage affair, but they do not keep up the agreements in their private life. There are many cases, pending in the courts. Indians should know this and act accordingly.

3. ‘Indians become intimate even without being friendly’. Illustrate this statement with an example from Narayana Murthy’s speech.

    N.R.Narayana Murthy was a great Industrialist and Writer. In the essay “Learning from the West” he gives a number of examples from the life of European countries and asks us to emulate. One of the qualities is that the people of the West become friendly even without being intimate. This statement can be seen in the behaviour of Rudyard Kipling. He said that an easterner tries to become intimate without being friendly. In this example we find how an Indian differs from the Western person in behaviour.

4.What is the point that Narayana Murthy wants to drive home when he quotes Henry Beecher? How did he conclude his speech ?

N.R.Narayana Murthy was a great Industrialist and Writer. In the essay “Learning from the West”, he gives a number of examples from the life of European countries and asks us to emulate. In the beginning he explains that he revers the European way of life, because it suits the present day society. He points out that these values were one day prevalent in India commitment and social awareness are the two important aspects. He quotes Henry Beecher, “Culture is that which helps us to work for the betterment of all”. He stresses the need of commitment to the society. People should think of the society and do good to it. They should pursue that which is beneficial to all. Thus he concludes the essay, suggesting to follow the path of social development.

Annotations

1. It is the protocol for behaviour that enhances the trust, confidence and commitment of members of the community. It goes beyond the domain of legality – it is about decent and desirable behaviour.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay “Learning from the West” written by N.R.Narayana Murthy. The writer was a great Industrialist and a Writer. Here he writes about the virtues, one should possess in life.

Explanation : The writer wants to explain the “Value system”. A person is expected to think about the society, he lives in. His behaviour should help the society. In one’s behaviour, trust, confidence and commitment should be strengthened. Everybody should think of collective responsibility. This cannot be achieved by law. Everyone should know this and follow.

General Relevance : Narayana Murthy thinks that values useful for the society are to be adopted by confidence and commitment. Nothing could be developed on compulsion.

2. Unfortunately, our attitude towards family life is not reflected in our attitude towards community behaviour.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay “Learning from the West” written by N.R.Narayana Murthy. The writer was a great Industrialist and a Writer. Here he writes about the virtues, one should possess in life. 

Explanation : The writer exposes himself against the limitations in the behaviour of the Indian. An Indian is interested in his family. He wants to develop it in a healthy way. One should be loyal to the community, in addition to the family relations. It is unfortunate that we lack it in India.
Therefore, the writer suggests to think about the behaviour in the West and follow. It is: our responsibility to act, accordingly.

General Relevance : In the beginning of the essay, Narayana Murthy explains as to why he has entitled the essay “Learning from the West”. He thinks that it is obvious to have a broad outlook.

3. Meritocracy by definition means that we cannot let personal prejudices affect our evaluation of an individual’s performance.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay “Learning from the West” written by N.R.Narayana Murthy. The writer was a great Industrialist and a Writer. Here he writes about the virtues, one should possess in life.

Explanation : In the West people evaluate based on merit. No personal prejudices or interests come in the way. In the West right from the young age, they are accustomed to this way of living. So, the Indian, has to give respect to this clean thinking. It enhances our respect in the society. Meritocracy is a great virtue.

General Relevance : Personal interests should not come in the way, one gives respect to the merits. This will add to the character of an individual.

4. People that value its privileges above its principles soon lose both.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay “Learning from the West” written by N.R.Narayana Murthy. The writer was a great Industrialist and a Writer. Here he writes’ about the virtues, one should possess in life.

Explanation : While expanding his views about community behaviour, he suggests that the people of India, should learn something from the West. He takes a number of quotations from eminent men and explained the cause.
Here the words of ‘Dwight Eisenhower’ are given.
There are principles and they carry privileges. Principles are there. They should be respected understand that principles shall disappear along with privileges. The statement is clear that people are greedy to get benefited both ways but both are lost.

General Relevance : To get the principles succeeded, we must leave our privileges. The effort shall be respectful and we get the real benefit.

Learning from the West Summary 

    N.R.Narayana Murthy is a brilliant Industrialist and Writer. He is called “The Father of the Indian I.T. Sector”. He is honoured with the awards of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Sri. The present essay explains his views on the Indian thinking, comparing it with that of the European countries.

The first thing that we have to learn from the West is the tendency of community thinking. They think of the society first and the next preference is to the self. Public good is given importance by the Western people. Unlike the society of India becoming corrupt, the West is free from corruption. The briefing has become easy in India. The officials look forward for bribe at every level.

    People in the West give preference to the problems of the society. Indians do not give importance to the problems of the society. They take years together to complete a project. The people of the West are accountable for the work they do. Dignity of labour is a virtue of the Western people. Here we give respect according to the position they occupy.

Professionalism is respected by merit. Even though the colleague, who is incompetent, happens to be a friend, they do not hesitate to chastise him. Merit is respected in the West. Indians keep up their vow of marriage but there are many violations of agreements outside. Gandhi said “There is enough in this world for everyone’s need but not enough for everyone’s greed”. So the writer wishes to have a country which flourishes on commitment and values.

Sr. Inter - English - Prose - 4. In Celebration of Being Alive - Dr. Christian Barnard

 

Dr. Christian Barnard

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following in 10 – 15 lines each :

1. What was the accident that Dr. Barnard had ? How did he react at the accident ?
    Dr. Christian Barnard was a heart surgeon and a writer. He wrote the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” giving his experiences at the time of an accident. Once when the doctor and his wife were crossing the road, there was an accident. A car hit them, both were in the hospital for sometime. At this time, the narrator had a doubt as to why, God could put him into trouble. Once when his father was alive, he said that God would test the individual by giving troubles at times. He was not satisfied. But when he saw two small boys, both having severe physical deformities, driving the breakfast trolly, he realised the fact. He thought that one should celebrate being alive.

2. What were the views of Dr. Barnard’s father about suffering? In what ways Barnard’s views differ from his father’s ?
    Dr. Christian Barnard was a great surgeon and a writer. He wrote the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” giving his experiences at the time of an accident. When Barnard and his wife were caught in the accident, he thought that it was an injustice over him. He recollected his father’s words that God would test people with suffering. When there was the test, the character of an individual would be refined. But Barnard could not accept. Later when he looked to two small boys, who started and drove the breakfast trolly, he knew that one has to bear the difficulties and live. He should learn how to live accepting the will of God.

The two boys, one with blindness and other with a hole in the heart, lived comfortably at their level. Though the views of the writer differed from those of his father, finally the art of living should be adopted.

3. Who were the driver and the mechanic in the Grand Prix held at the Cape Town Red Cross Children’s Hospital ? In what way was the choice of their roles suitable ?
    Dr.Christian Barnard was a heart surgeon and a writer. He wrote the essay “In Celebrations of Being Alive” giving his experience at the time of an accident, The writer recollected an incident when he had dissatisfaction with God. At the Cape Town Red Cross Children’s Hospital a strange thing happened. There was a breakfast trolly at the hospital. Two boys drove it in the hospital. One acted as a mechanic and the other as the driver. Actually both were physically handicapped. One lost his eyes and the other had a hole in the heart. The trolley was run at a high speed and all the spectators were filled with joy. The blind one acted as mechanic galloping along, with the trolley. The other seated at the lower deck, drove the trolley, with one leg on the floor. The choice of the roles was suitable. Though blind he could push it on and the other sat at a place and steered it with one hand.

4. What lessons did Dr. Barnard learn from the two children ?
    Dr. Barnard was a heart surgeon and a writer. He wrote the essay “In Celebrations of Being Alive” giving his experience at the time of an accident. There was an incident at the Cape Town Red Cross Children’s Hospital. The trolly of breakfast was moved by two · physically handicapped children. One was blind and the other was a heart patient. They drove it and made it worthy scene for all the patients and nurses around. The boys did not think of their deformities but did whatever they could do with all that they possessed. So, the writer learnt that one should try to utilise the possessions carefully. One should not aspire for that which was not available. The business of living is the celebration of being alive. Thus the poem teaches us the quality satisfaction.

Annotations

1. My gloomy thoughts probably stem from an accident I had few years ago.

Context : This sentence is taken from the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” written by Dr. Christian Barnard. When the writer thought about the suffering prevailing in the world, he remembered an accident in his life. He described the accident in the essay.

Explanation : His thoughts were gloomy but his suffering was alive in his mind. As he and his wife were crossing the street, they were caught in the accident. They got treatment at the hospital. But it was strange for him, why he should get such a punishment, by God. His anguish was great, the unexpected suffering, according to the narrator, restricted him from the service he had to render to the patients.

General Relevance : The suffering stopped the services of the doctor. He had broken ribs. So, the narrator was angry with God, for this situation.

2. My son, it is God’s will. That’s the way God tests you.

Context : This sentence is taken from the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” written by Dr. Christian Barnard. When the writer thought about the suffering prevailing in the world, he remembered an accident in his life. He described his accident, in the essay.

Explanation : When he was caught in an accident, the writer recollected the words his father when he was alive. The problems, difficulties and short comings are given by God, for testing. It is God’s will to test the heart of everybody. Through the test everybody, shall become ripened. We move on to better positions. It was the belief of his father and here the narrator pointed out that he should bow down before God.

General Relevance : It is a common belief in this world that God is omnipotent. His will shall prevail and so whatever is bestowed from God, has to be accepted. The supremacy of God is pointed out here.

3. It opened my eyes to the fact that I was missing something in all my thinking about suffering.

Context : This sentence is taken from the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” written by Dr. Christian Barnard. When the writer thought about the suffering prevailing in the world, he remembered an accident, in his life. He described the accident in the essay.

Explanation : Dr.Christian Barnard said that he was caught in an accident and suffered a lot. His father when he was alive said that God would test the individual giving problems and difficulties in life. He know that his brother died at a tender age. He had a grand episode of two physically challenged boys. One boy had no eyes, and the other had a hole in the heart. They did not care for their weakness. They wanted to utilise the sources available with them. They wanted to tell “The business of living is the celebration of being alive”. The writer knew the fact and lived accordingly.

General Relevance : When the writer saw the two boys, he could know the fact. He did not complain against God but submitted to him knowing the fact.

4. You don’t become a better person because you are suffering; but you become a better person because you have experienced suffering.

Context : This sentence is taken from the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive” written by Dr. Christian Barnard. When the writer thought about the suffering prevailing in the world, he remembered an accident in his life. He described the accident in the essay.

Explanation : In the essay “In Celebration of Being Alive”, the virtue wrought by means of suffering is stressed. Suffering, according to the author’s father, is a path to learn how to live. The experience of suffering brought a change in the mind of the narrator. He saw two boys, doing their best, with the limbs they had. When the writer saw it, he knew the limitation in his character. The sentence given explains that real experience will make the individual prosperous.

General Relevance : It is the experience that refines the character of an individual. Man becomes better by means of his personal experience. Suffering teaches many things.

In Celebration of Being Alive Summary 

    Dr. Barnard was a South African writer. By profession he was a doctor. He wrote famous books like One Life, The Donor etc. ‘In Celebration of Being Alive’ is an essay with particulars of an accident in his life.

    Once, when Barnard was crossing the street, a car hit him and another car from the other side hit his wife. As they were in the hospital for treatment, the narrator was very angry, at the almighty. His father, when he was alive used to tell that God wished to test men through sufferings.

    Suffering cannot to be ignored1 easily. He recollected2 his experience. His brother died of heart problem, at his early age. Children depended upon doctors and nurses, for their timely help. A particular incident at the Grand Prix of Cape Town’s Red Cross Children Hospital came into his mind. A breakfast trolly was driven by two handicapped3 boys. One boy who acted as the mechanic was blind and the other who acted as driver had a hole4 in his heart. Whole of the people around enjoyed the fun.

    Both of them had severe physical deformity but they did not care for it. The incident became a great lesson for the writer. He thought “The business of living is the celebration5 of being alive”. What was left with you has to be utilised for forelife6. When there is a problem, the solution will be sweet and acceptable. Thus the importance of suffering is known to the writer. Eventhough some important deformity7 existed8, at least he could live in this world. So one has to accept the fate.

Sr. Inter - English - Prose - 3. J C Bose - Aldous Huxley

 

Aldous Huxley

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following in 10 – 15 lines each :

1. Explain the views of Huxley about the instruments for experimentation.
    Aldous Huxley was an English Writer. He wrote a number of books. ‘J.C.Bose’ is an essay taken from the book “Testing Pilate”. It is about the experimenting on Science and Technology. In the beginning of the essay he writes that experimentation does not need expensive instruments. Michael Faraday invented the powers of electricity using very simple things like the tea kettle, silk wires, wax and jam pots only. Similarly J.C.Bose invented the machine, to measure the growth of plant. Here also a little clockwork, needles, filaments, a sheet of smoked glass etc., are used in the experiment. So, the writer thinks that there is no need of costly instruments, if the instrumenter is with curiousity and talent. Even the suffering of a plant or death of a poisoned plant could be seen on the smoked glass. The things are be arranged properly.

2. Explain the experiments of Bose about the growth and reaction of a plant.
    Aldous Huxley was an English Writer. He wrote a number of books. J.C.Bose’ is an essay taken from the book “Testing Pilate:” It is about the experimenting on Science and Technology. The author visited the institute of J.C.Bose, in Calcutta. He found that very small things were used by the scientist. At the institute the growth of a plant was shown on a smoked glass. While feeding, a plant exhaled oxygen and when the vessel was full, there rang a small bell.

If there was sunlight on the plant, the bell rang often. When it was gloomy, the bell stopped ringing. If a stimulant was added the bell rang wildly. Thus the growth and reaction of a plant was shown by J.C.Bose.

3. How did J.C.Bose record the heart beat of a plant?
    Aldous Huxley was an English Writer. He wrote a number of books. ‘J.C.Bose’ is an essay taken from the book “Testing Pilate”. It is about the experimenting on Science and Technology. When the author visited the institute of Bose in Calcutta; he was shown how the heart beats of a plant were recorded. Heart beats of a plant occur under the outer rind of the stem. They are magnified millions of times and recorded on the smoked glass. With the help of the most powerful microscope they can be seen. A grain of caffeine or camphor affects the plant’s heart and the graph has a change. If poison is applied, the heart beat becomes more rapid. The death agony can be seen on the screen through the graph. The graph flattens when the plant is dead. There are no ups and downs on the graph. The irregular lines on the graph show the death agony.

4. How did J.C.Bose prove that plants experience pain like other living beings?
    Aldous Huxley was an English Writer. He wrote a number of books. ‘J.C.Bose’ is an essay taken from the book “Testing Pilate:” It is about the experimenting on Science and Technology. When the author visited the institute of Bose in Calcutta, he was shown a number of experiments exhibiting wonderful things about the life of plants. The feeding of a plant, its happenings at the time of feeding, its growth, it’s agony at the time of trouble and such other things were shown to the author. The heart beat of a plant is measured through a separate instrument. When caffeine or camphor is applied, it affects the heart beat. It can be seen by the graph on the smoked glass. When poison is added, the ups and downs on the graph shall vary. The death agony of the plant can be seen on the graph moving up and down and finally flattening on the central line. As there are no ups and downs and when the straight line is seen, the life in the plant has gone away. A flower poisoned, writhes and finally dies. Thus the pain is shown through the graph, the death agony is seen on the screen and it is just like the experience of the other living beings.

Annotations

1.The mysterious powers couldn’t help surrendering. So simple – if you happened to be Faraday.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay ‘J.C.Bose’ written by Aldous Huxley. He was an English Writer. The passage is about the experimentation of Scientists. The author gives the example of Michael Faraday, an experimenter on electricity.

Explanation : Huxley thinks that there is no need of great instruments for experimentation. A great scientist like, Faraday, used simple things like the tea kettle, silk wire,. sealing wax and jam pots, to discover the powers of electricity. The scientist had great intelligence and curiosity. He was led by these qualities and the simple things helped him to discover the secrets. One should be clever to find out and the mysterious powers yield easily.

General Relevance : The success of Faraday and J.C.Bose is hinted at They used ordinary and simple instruments for their invention. Students should develop real intention. They should not be anxious to get great instruments for experiments.

2. We watched the growth of a plant being traced out automatically be a needle on a sheet of smoked glass.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay ‘J.C.Bose’ written by Aldous Huxley. He was an English writer. The passage is about the experimentation of J.C.Bose.

Explanation : The construction of the machines at Bose Institute in Calcutta, was made with simple things like the clockwork, needles, filaments etc. But they helped the experimenter to find out mysterious things. The growth of a plant, the suffering of the plant when it is poisoned and the death of the plant, were shown on the screen. A smoked glass was used as the screen. The graph over the screen had ups and downs to show the agony. When the undulations were stopped the plant lost it life. It was visible in the Bose Institute.

General Relevance : Even though the growth of the plant, the heart beat of a plant and the agony of a plant could not be seen with a naked eye, they are visible on the screen arranged, in the machine at Bose Institute.

3. Walking the anaesthetized tree immediately took root in its new place and flourished.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay ‘J.C.Bose’ written by Aldous Huxley. He
was an English writer. The passage pertains to one of the experimentations of ‘J.C.Bose’. When the author visited Bose Institute in Calcutta, the experimenter showed and explained how his Institute would work. Here, the transplantation of a large tree is explained.

Explanation : Bose Institute exhibits mysterious things in the life of plants. In his Institute there is a sheet of smoked glass to show the growth of a plant. The heart beat of a plant is experienced through a graph. A big tree was brought from a distance and was transplanted. Chloroform was applied to avoid shock to the tree. At the new place, it had roots and grew successfully. The process of transplantation was a grand success.

General Relevance : The Institute of J.C Bose is a lively example, to show that plants also develop or perish just like the animals, when they are put to trouble. They enjoy the happiness and suffer the fatal experiences.

4. A mortal dose of chloroform was dropped into the water. The graph became the record of death agony.

Context : This passage is taken from the essay ‘J.C.Bose’ written by Aldous Huxley. He was an English Writer. This is about the experimentation with simple things and the findings on a grand scale. Huxley writes about the experiment of a stimulant upon the plant.

Explanation : At the Bose Institute in Calcutta, there are different machines arranged to show different phases of plant life. Growth of a plant is shown through a smoked glass and a needle. The death agony, when chloroform was sent into the plant, is also understood through a graph. When the poison was applied, the ups and downs on the graph line, change rapidly. We can see a straight line on the screen which shows the death of the plant. The death agony is seen clearly before its death.

General Relevance : In the essay, Aldous Huxley explains how the simple things help the experimenter to show the suffering of a plant or a tree. He wishes that people should show sympathy towards the plants.

JC Bose Summary in English

Aldous Huxley was an English Writer. ‘J.C.Bose’ is an essay taken from his book “Testing pilate”. Huxley writes about the Bose Institute, Calcutta and the experiments he witnessed at the Institute
Michael Faraday invented the powers of electricity using simple things like tea kettle, silk wire, jam pots and others. At the J.C.Bose Institute, also, only small things like the clock work, needles and filaments are used to invent the machine to find out the growth ‘of plants.

Huxley went to the Bose Institute and watched how the instruments worked. The experimenter Bose himself exhibited, how the instruments had been used. The growth of a plant was shown, on a sheet of smoked glass. An electric shock to the plant, feeding of a plant, transplantation of a big tree giving suitable dose of anaesthesia and other experiments were mysterious. Chloroform was applied in large quantity to a plant and the deadly struggle could be seen on the screen. Bose proved that a plant would also suffer, just like a human being. So human beings are supposed to protect the plants also with affections.

Sr. Inter - English - Prose - 2. The Secret of Work - Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following in 10 – 15 lines each :

1. How can the miseries of the world be cured, according to Swami Vivekananda ?
    Swami Vivekananda was a great thinker and an orator. He became the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He said “Work is Worship”. According to Vivekananda the secret of work in this world is non-attachment. Because of ignorance, many problems have been growing. Continuous work helps us to get good results. All the miseries of the world will be cured, if there is purity in the minds of people. Good nature of the mind should come out and the bad nature has to be destroyed. Thus character is the result of good work. A person with character can change the miseries of the world. This is the secret of work.

2. What does Vivekananda say about a man of character ?
    Swami Vivekananda was a great thinker and an orator. ‘He became the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He said “Work is Worship”. In this world, according to Vivekananda, ignorance is seen every where. It is the cause for all the miseries. In the Gita, the importance of continuous work, is explained. In every work there is good and evil. If an individual does good deeds, his character is great. He will never allow the bad in his deeds to come out, Good thoughts and good deeds will establish his character. He continues following good action only. The secret of work lies in non-attachment. It can be called Samskara. Thus good character is needed for a good citizen.

3. What is meant by working like a master and not as a slave ?
    Swami Vivekananda was a great thinker and an orator. He became the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He said “Work is Worship”. He explained that a work has got both good and bad intentions. The secret of work according to the author is that we have to work unattached. One should work like a master but not as a slave. When we think of a slave, he works but he expects something in return. He should work with love only. Selflessness is happiness. Existence, knowledge and bliss are the three aspects one should possess. God works but his work is a master’s work. There is love in it. Therefore master’s work will help the society. The secret of work lies in this service.

4. Explain the things that guide the conduct of human beings.
    Swami Vivekananda was a great thinker and an orator. He became the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He said “Work is Worship”. In this world, the society has to co-operate in the process of bringing a prosperous living. Vivekananda says that conduct of men helps a lot in social living. Might and mercy are the two things that control the conduct. Selfishness is the evil in one’s character. Work should be respected and it should be the work of a master but not of a slave. We should not expect anything in return. Sin cannot touch us eventhough the society is filled with miseries. Water cannot touch the lotus leaf. Similarly an individual with conduct shall never fall into the world and he maintains non-attachment only.

Annotations

1. The only solution of the problem is to make mankind pure.

Context : This line is taken from the lesson “The Secret of Work” written by the great thinker Swami Vivekananda. In this sentence, he tells about the problems in the world and leads us to a solution.

Explanation : Vivekananda takes up the solution for the problem of the miseries in this world. Ignorance is the cause for this problem. Purity of behaviour, incessant work and understanding of the problem will solve the problem. We have to pick up good and follow it. The impressions of goodness should come out from the heart. The secret of work lies in self denial.

General Relevance : It is a known thing that continuous work yields good results. Work with love, work without selfishness shall bring a change in the society. Vivekananda hopes “Work is Worship”.

2. Every work must necessarily be a mixture of good and evil; yet we are commanded to work incessantly.

Context: This passage is taken from the essay “The Secret of Work” written by the great thinker Swami Vivekananda. In this sentence he writes about the need of regular work. The secret of work is discussed here.

Explanation : Vivekananda gives prominence to work. Every work has got the two faces, the good and the bad. We have to pick up good and work without any stop. Through good work, good effect will come into ‘being. The good things coming out of one’s character belong to our Samskara. The senses are controlled and there is no attachment with the evil. The secret of work is doing the things without any delay.

General Relevance : According to Vivekananda, the secret of work, is doing it without any stop. Love drives the man into action and the secret of work lies in continuity.

3. Work with freedom, inspired by love! There is no true love possible in the slave.

Context: This passage is written by Swami Vivekananda. It is taken from the book “The Composite works of Swami Vivekananda”. It is about working with understanding.

Explanation : While suggesting that work is worship, Swami Vivekananda, asks the readers to work like a master. God works and shows love. A slave cannot work with freedom. Real knowledge and real love are connected and it is a bliss to have true love. Work without attachment shall have good results. The author wants everyone to understand and continue the work.

General Relevance : Swami Vivekananda is confident of real love, in working like a . master. Freedom to work without any obligations or selfish ends shall yield the fruit. 

4.The idea of mercy and selfless charity can be put into practice; that is, by looking upon work as worship.

Context : This sentence is taken from the essay “The Secret of Work” written by Swami Vivekananda. It is about the secret of work, which according to Vivekananda is to work like a máster, He said “Work is Worship”.

Explanation : In the concluding lines, Vivekananda stresses the need of taking work as worship. When you work without any selfish ends, it becomes merciful. Real love is shown by the individual. Every effort is taken up and the result will be fruitful. This work is like a worship. Attachment does not exist any where. If work is worship, charity and love shall be the fruit.

General Relevance : Swami Vivekananda, aims at real service to the society. Selflessness and love are the things we get from real work. It is possible to those who believe that work is worship.

The Secret of Work Summary in English

    Swami Vivekananda was a great thinker, writer and an orator. ‘The Secret of Work’ is taken from the book entitled. “The complete works of Swami Vivekananda”. In this essay, he stresses the need of work.

    According to Vivekananda, everybody should work hard. Every action is a blend of good and evil. Man’s character is determined based on his actions. It is irresistibles, to bring out good from the depths of heart, for a good person. Evil is subdued and the good makes the individual, free from evil. One must become unattached to the impressions of the mind.

    According to Vivekananda, a man is like a traveller, waiting on this land for a little period. The great orator cites an example from the Bhagavad-Gita and suggests that incessant work is the nature of God. He asks us to work like a master but not as a slave. Work is to be with love. The three aspects, the existence, knowledge and Bliss are interrelated.

    The secret of work is that we should not expect anything in return. Selfless work will lead us to perfection. Work is worship, is the motto of a gentleman. Water cannot touch the lotus leaf even though it lives in the water. Similarly people should live in this world of miserable conditions, without any attachment. The idea of mercy and selflessness lead us to become men with character.

Sr. Inter - English - Prose - 1. Of Studies - Francis Bacon

 

Francic Bacon

Paragraph Questions

Answer the following in 10 – 15 lines each :

1. What according to Bacon is the theme Of Studies?
    Francis Bacon was a great english essayist. ‘Of Studies’ is an interesting essay depicting the benefits and disadvantages of studies. Reading books gives us happiness. It helps us to become more intelligent in communication. Natural abilities can be developed by reading books. Sometimes it becomes harmful if too-much time is spent on it. Showy tendency should be avoided. There are books to be skipped through, books to be read completely and some others to be read with great care and to be digested. Through studies an individual becomes a full man. The author tells that the study of different subjects helps us to cure the weaknesses of the mind.

2.How does Bacon emphasize the value of experience?
    Francis Bacon was a great english essayist. In the essay “Of Studies” he writes about the value of education. Reading books is a good habit. It is liked by wise people. By studies, one can improve one’s knowledge. They read the books and get a lot of knowledge. They develop themselves by utilising the content in practical life. The views of the authors will be judged and utilised in daily life. By regular study of books, one can become worthy in day to day life. Bookish knowledge becomes ripened by its application in real life situations. Experience perfects our knowledge.

3. What did Bacon mean in the line “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested”.
    Francis Bacon was a great English essayist. In the essay ‘Of Studies’, he gives the benefits of studies and the importance of reading books. He writes with an aphoristic style. He describes books to be of three types. Some books are there for formal reading, just taste it and leave it. Some books have to be studied completely. We read them because of our curiosity. Some other books are to be studied carefully. They are useful to the reader in real life experience. They can be chewed and digested. The subject matter can be tested, brought into experience, by means of applying the knowledge in day to day events. One should real with real understanding books. Sometimes it becomes harmful if too-much time is spent on it. Showy tendency should be avoided. There are books to be skipped through, books to be read completely and some others to be read with great care and to be digested. Through studies an individual becomes a full man. The author tells that the study of different subjects helps us to cure the weaknesses of the mind.

4.How do studies cure the diseases of the mind?
    Francis Bacon was a great English essayist. In the essay ‘Of Studies’, he gives the benefits of studies and the importance of reading books. Being an essayist with great knowledge and experience, he tells us that studies are useful to cure some diseases of the mind. History can improve wisdom and poetry can improve imagination. Physical exercise cure the body weaknesses. Similarly, mathematics can cure the weakness of wavering mind. Weak thinking can be cured by the study of philosophy. For memory loss, the study of law shall work as a remedy. Thus study of books is useful not only to acquire knowledge but also to get the weaknesses treated.

Annotations

1. Studies serve for delight, for ornament and for ability.

Context: This line is taken from the essay “Of Studies” written by Francis Bacon. He was called the Father of English Essay. This line is about the benefits of studies.
Explanation : We get delight when we read a book. When we are at leisure, we read and enjoy. Reading enriches our capacity of communication and judgement. Thus it makes us efficient and it is like an ornament. Effective thinking and perfect knowledge are possible by studies. Many people take the advice of a man who studies well.
General Relevance : The short sentence, has got great meaning. Bacon’s sentences are aphoristic and are filled with sensitive views.

2. Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them.

Context: This sentence is taken from the essay”Of Studies” written by Francis Bacon. He was called the Father of English Essay. This line is about people who treat studies in their own way. Their views are different one from the other.
Explanation : While looking into the practical side of the subject, the writer points out, three kinds of people. Cunning and dishonest people dislike studies. They are proud that they have enough of knowledge. There are people who are interested in studies. These simple men shall have a liking for studies. The third group of people who are wise, study books well, get knowledge and apply it in their daily life.
General Relevance : Bacon’s sentences are aphoristic. They are filled with sensible ideas. The division of the three kinds,’shows the wit of Bacon. Real life situations are shown in the essay.

3. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.

Context : This sentence is taken from the lesson “Of Studies” written by Francis Bacon. He was called the Father of English Essay. This passage is about the three types of books available. Different books are to be treated differently.
Explanation: The essayist differentiates the books according to the subject matter. Actually one should not read much. If any body reads, he should know the content of the book. Some books are to be read formally. We have to taste it and leave it Some books are to be read completely. We read them because we are curious. Some of the other books are to be studied carefully. They are useful for us in real life experiences. The knowledge acquired shall become our own and so they have to be chewed and digested.
General Relevance : Bacon’s style is aphoristic. The words tasted, swallowed and chewed give an interesting experience. Thus the language of the ‘essay is appreciated.

4. Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man and writing an exact man.

Context: This sentence is an extract from the essay “Of Studies” written by Francis Bacon. He was called the Father of English Essay. The sentence is about reading, speaking and writing. Bacon’s view about these three skills is very great.
Explanation : After giving a description of different kinds of books, Bacon tells us about the virtue of the three skills. Reading enables one to become a full man. By reading, one can get knowledge, speaking and participating in a dialogue with others, shall help one to become a ready man. If a man writes, he becomes an exact man. Bacon’s views of a full man, a ready man and an exact man, exhibit his wit and deep thinking.
General Relevance : Bacon’s style is aphoristic. Here in this sentence man’s abilities are. brought forth for the reader, in an interesting way.

'Of Studies' Summary 

    Francis Bacon was a great English essayist. The ‘essay “Of Studies” is taken from his book “Essays”. It is a clear description of the benefits1 derived by studies.

Reading books, gives us happiness. It helps us to become more intelligent in communication2, good judgement is possible by studies. Natural3 abilities of an individual can be developed by reading books. Cunning4 people do not like reading, simple people are interested in reading and wise people read and better themselves, by studies.

There are different books available in the world. Some books are useful for formal5 reading, some books are to be read completely and some other books are to be read with great care and digested6. Reading helps to make a full man. According to the author, there are distinct7 benefits by each subject. For wisdom, histories, for wit, the poetry, for concentration, the subject of mathematics, and such others are useful Through physical exercises, many diseases of the body can be cured8. Similarly studies, cure different weaknesses of the mind.

10th - English - First Flight - Poem - Amanda

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. What is Amanda often compared to in the poem?
A) A bird
B) A flower
C) A dream
D) A wave

Answer: A) A bird

2. Which of the following is a recurring theme in Amanda's thoughts?
A) Happiness
B) Freedom
C) Sadness
D) Adventure

Answer: B) Freedom

3. What does Amanda's mother constantly tell her to do?
A) Be quiet
B) Study harder
C) Go outside
D) Clean her room

Answer: A) Be quiet

4. How does Amanda feel about her life at home?
A) Content
B) Joyful
C) Restrained
D) Adventurous

Answer: C) Restrained

5. In Amanda's imagination, what does she wish to be?
A) A princess
B) A mermaid
C) A bird
D) A superhero

Answer: C) A bird

6. What does Amanda dream of while she is daydreaming?
A) A happy family
B) Traveling the world
C) Living freely in a bubble
D) Going to school

Answer: C) Living freely in a bubble

7. What does the phrase "Don't bite your nails" suggest about Amanda's mother?
A) She is caring
B) She is strict
C) She is indifferent
D) She is playful

Answer: B) She is strict

8. Which emotion is primarily expressed in Amanda's daydreams?
A) Anger
B) Joy
C) Frustration
D) Fear

Answer: C) Frustration

9. What does Amanda’s mother represent in the poem?
A) Freedom
B) Control and societal expectations
C) Imagination
D) Love

Answer: B) Control and societal expectations

10. What does the overall tone of the poem reflect about Amanda's character?
A) She is rebellious
B) She is indifferent
C) She is imaginative and longing for freedom
D) She is obedient

Answer: C) She is imaginative and longing for freedom

11. What does Amanda imagine herself doing as a mermaid?
A) Swimming in the ocean
B) Singing to fish
C) Exploring underwater caves
D) Building a sandcastle

Answer: A) Swimming in the ocean

12. How does Amanda’s mother react to her daydreaming?
A) She encourages it
B) She ignores it
C) She scolds her
D) She joins her

Answer: C) She scolds her

13. What literary device is primarily used in the poem when Amanda imagines different scenarios?
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Imagery
D) Personification

Answer: C) Imagery

14. What does the line "I am an orphan" signify in Amanda's thoughts?
A) She feels unloved
B) She has lost her parents
C) She desires freedom from parental control
D) She wants to live alone

Answer: C) She desires freedom from parental control

15. What emotion does Amanda primarily express throughout the poem?
A) Joy
B) Anger
C) Frustration and longing
D) Happiness

Answer: C) Frustration and longing

16. What does Amanda's repeated desire for freedom signify?
A) Her wish to be alone
B) Her rebellion against rules
C) Her need for personal space and independence
D) Her wish to escape reality

Answer: C) Her need for personal space and independence

17. In the poem, what does the "sea" symbolize for Amanda?
A) Danger
B) Adventure and freedom
C) Home
D) Work

Answer: B) Adventure and freedom

18. What does the phrase "a wild thing" refer to in Amanda's dreams?
A) A playful creature
B) A representation of her desire for freedom
C) A scary animal
D) An imaginative friend

Answer: B) A representation of her desire for freedom

19. What does Amanda’s character reveal about the experience of children under parental expectations?
A) They are always happy
B) They often feel pressured and confined
C) They do not care about rules
D) They enjoy following instructions

Answer: B) They often feel pressured and confined

20. What does the end of the poem suggest about Amanda's outlook on life?
A) She has accepted her reality
B) She remains hopeful for freedom
C) She is indifferent to her situation
D) She is content with her life

Answer: B) She remains hopeful for freedom

10th - English - First Flight - Prose - 4. From the Diary of Anne Frank

 

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. Who is the author of "The Diary of a Young Girl"?
    a) Anne Frank
    b) Otto Frank
    c) Margot Frank
    d) Peter van Pels

Answer: a) Anne Frank

2. In which year did Anne Frank start writing her diary?
    a) 1940
    b) 1942
    c) 1944
    d) 1945

Answer: b) 1942

3. What was the name of the secret annex where Anne and her family hid?
    a) The Secret Room
    b) The Hidden House
    c) The Annex
    d) The Secret Bunker

Answer: c) The Annex

4. Who were the other inhabitants of the annex along with Anne?
    a) The van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer
    b) The van Daan family and Peter van Daan
    c) The Frank family and the Dussel family
    d) The Müller family and the Frank family

Answer: a) The van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer

5. Why did Anne receive a diary as a gift?
    a) For her birthday
    b) As a school project
    c) To document her thoughts during the war
    d) As a reward for good behavior

Answer: a) For her birthday

6. How does Anne describe her feelings about being in hiding?
    a) She feels excited and adventurous.
    b) She feels lonely and isolated.
    c) She feels grateful and happy.
    d) She feels indifferent and bored.

Answer: b) She feels lonely and isolated.

7. What does Anne want to become when she grows up?
    a) A teacher
    b) A journalist
    c) A doctor
    d) An actress

Answer: b) A journalist

8. What does Anne frequently express in her diary?
    a) Her love for Peter
    b) Her dreams for the future
    c) Her hatred for the Nazis
    d) Her struggles with her family

Answer: b) Her dreams for the future

9. How does Anne view her relationship with her mother?
    a) She admires her mother completely.
    b) She has a complicated and often strained relationship with her mother.
    c) She finds her mother uninteresting.
    d) She dislikes her mother intensely.

Answer: b) She has a complicated and often strained relationship with her mother.

10. What is a significant theme in Anne's diary?
    a) The joy of childhood
    b) The effects of war and persecution
    c) The importance of education
    d) The adventures of hiding

Answer: b) The effects of war and persecution

11. How does Anne’s perspective change throughout her diary entries?
    a) She becomes more pessimistic.
    b) She grows increasingly hopeful despite the circumstances.
    c) She loses interest in writing.
    d) She becomes more focused on her studies.

Answer: b) She grows increasingly hopeful despite the circumstances.

12. What does Anne mean by calling herself “a bundle of contradictions”?
    a) She has many friends.
    b) She feels conflicted about her identity and feelings.
    c) She does not know what she wants to do.
    d) She is always happy.

Answer: b) She feels conflicted about her identity and feelings.

13. In which country did Anne Frank and her family go into hiding?
    a) Germany
    b) France
    c) Netherlands
    d) Poland

Answer: c) Netherlands

14. What ultimately happened to Anne Frank?
    a) She survived the war.
    b) She was captured and died in a concentration camp.
    c) She moved to America.
    d) She became a famous writer.

Answer: b) She was captured and died in a concentration camp.

15. What does Anne hope for at the end of her diary?
    a) To escape and live freely.
    b) To become famous.
    c) For the world to change and for people to live in peace.
    d) To return to school.

Answer: c) For the world to change and for people to live in peace.

16. How does Anne express her feelings of confinement in the annex?
    a) Through poetry
    b) By drawing
    c) By writing in her diary
    d) By talking to her friends

Answer: c) By writing in her diary

17. Who discovered Anne's diary after the war?
    a) Otto Frank
    b) Miep Gies
    c) Peter van Pels
    d) Margot Frank

Answer: b) Miep Gies

18. What does Anne wish to do with her writings after the war?
    a) Publish them
    b) Burn them
    c) Keep them private
    d) Share them only with friends

Answer: a) Publish them

19. What does Anne often think about while in hiding?
    a) The latest fashion trends
    b) Her friends and life before hiding
    c) The food she misses
    d) The books she wants to read

Answer: b) Her friends and life before hiding

20. How does Anne describe her feelings about her family in the annex?
    a) She feels a deep connection and happiness.
    b) She feels frustration and tension at times.
    c) She is indifferent towards them.
    d) She only loves her father.

Answer: b) She feels frustration and tension at times.

21. What significant event does Anne describe on her birthday?
    a) She receives gifts from her family.
    b) She feels lonely but hopeful.
    c) She has a party with friends.
    d) She receives a letter from Peter.

Answer: b) She feels lonely but hopeful.

22. What does Anne think about the war as she writes her diary?
    a) She is not affected by it.
    b) She believes it will end soon.
    c) She feels it will never end.
    d) She thinks it is a necessary evil.

Answer: c) She feels it will never end.

23. How does Anne feel about the adults in the annex?
    a) She respects and admires them.
    b) She often feels frustrated with them.
    c) She feels they are too strict.
    d) She believes they are naive.

Answer: b) She often feels frustrated with them.

24. What does Anne frequently express about her identity in her diary?
    a) She wishes to be someone else.
    b) She is confused about her Jewish identity.
    c) She is proud of her heritage.
    d) She does not think about it at all.

Answer: b) She is confused about her Jewish identity.

25. Which character does Anne develop a close relationship with in the annex?
    a) Margot Frank
    b) Peter van Daan
    c) Otto Frank
    d) Miep Gies

Answer: b) Peter van Daan

26. What does Anne believe is important for her future?
    a) Making money
    b) Education and personal growth
    c) Finding love
    d) Traveling the world

Answer: b) Education and personal growth

27. What literary device is prominent in Anne's diary?
    a) Alliteration
    b) Metaphor
    c) Imagery
    d) Hyperbole

Answer: c) Imagery

28. What does Anne mean when she writes about her "inner self"?
    a) Her physical appearance
    b) Her thoughts, feelings, and personality
    c) Her dreams and ambitions
    d) Her family history

Answer: b) Her thoughts, feelings, and personality

29. How does Anne’s diary serve as a historical document?
    a) It provides a fictional account of the war.
    b) It documents her personal experiences during the Holocaust.
    c) It contains only her thoughts about the future.
    d) It discusses the lives of famous people.

Answer: b) It documents her personal experiences during the Holocaust.

30. What advice does Anne give to herself in her diary?
    a) To always be happy
    b) To focus on her studies
    c) To write for herself and express her feelings
    d) To ignore her problems

Answer: c) To write for herself and express her feelings

31. How does Anne view her relationship with nature while in hiding?
    a) She feels disconnected from it.
    b) She longs to be outside and appreciates it deeply.
    c) She thinks nature is overrated.
    d) She prefers urban life.

Answer: b) She longs to be outside and appreciates it deeply.

32. What role does Miep Gies play in Anne’s life?
    a) She is Anne's teacher.
    b) She is one of the helpers who provides food and support to the family.
    c) She is a close friend of Anne's.
    d) She is a government official.

Answer: b) She is one of the helpers who provides food and support to the family.

33. How does Anne describe her dreams for the future?
    a) She is uncertain about them.
    b) They are focused solely on her career.
    c) She dreams of a world without war and suffering.
    d) They are all about having fun and traveling.

Answer: c) She dreams of a world without war and suffering.

34. What does Anne’s diary reveal about her character?
    a) She is selfish and ungrateful.
    b) She is introspective, hopeful, and resilient.
    c) She is apathetic and indifferent.
    d) She is always cheerful and carefree.

Answer: b) She is introspective, hopeful, and resilient.

35. What does Anne frequently criticize in her diary?
    a) Her school curriculum
    b) The adults' handling of the situation in the annex
    c) Her own behavior
    d) The conditions of the annex

Answer: b) The adults' handling of the situation in the annex.

Glossary