Monday, 1 March 2021

Idioms and Phrases

Crowning achievement - greatest accomplishment of one's career and life

To crown the effect -  to give additional perfect effect

Crown of thorns - something that causes pain and suffering

Crowning glory - someone's greatest achievement

To crown it all - used for all about the last and worst thing 

One-size-fits-all - suitable for all circumstances

Once in a blue moon - rarely

One man army - a well trained and heavily armed

Once bitten twice shy - an unpleasant experience induces caution

One up on - having an advantage over

To one's heart's content - to the fullest level of satisfaction

In a jiffy - in a very short time

Piece together - create something by joining the seperate parts of it together

Time and again - repeatedly

Frantic speed - very quickly

be completely stumped - confused, not to know what to say 

Be broken - give up hope

Feel out of place - feel uncomfortable

Speak at length - review in detail

Feel at home - feel comfortable

Sea of knowledge - lots of knowledge

Broaden one's horizon - expand one's interest/knowledge

To hit the bull's eye - to get something exactly right
He worked hard and hit the bull's eye in the exam.

To be taken by surprise - to encounter someone who is not prepared

Enemy was taken by surprise with the advent of Indian army.
To get a toehold - to obtain an initial, stable position

Under the cover of - being kept secret
Thieves moved under the cover of darkness

A spell of - a short period

One's second innings - another part

Touch the hearts - make feel better

Keep one going - give enough energy

In pursuit of - in order to achieve something

To smell a rat - to feel something foul

To be keen -  to be interested

On the trail of -   searching someone

To feel under the weather  - to feel sick, ill


Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Activities on 'Into the Wild'

Std 12 English Yuvakbharti

Questions and answers on "Into the Wild" 

5. Read the extract 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)








Ans : 


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)
And : 
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

 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

Activity Sheet No.2

 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


 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. Explain
A4. Give your yonger 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.)









Saturday, 20 February 2021

Activity Sheet Std 12 English

 


 Activity Sheet 


 Class -12
 Time - 3 hours                      Sub - English                                                              Marks - 80

 SECTION 1 : Prose (Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
 Que 1 A Read the extract and do all the activities.                  [12]

 There is a revolution in the lifestyle of people which has been affected by Big Data. Our food habits, our health care, our travelling, our scientific pursuits, you name it and everything has changed 360 degrees. The massive data available with us can really work wonders. Friends, do you know what happens when we like a post on Facebook or share a post on WhatsApp, visit any website, make online purchases, or watch videos? Yes, whatever activity we do online is recorded, monitored and analysed. So a huge amount of data is collected. Let me give you an idea of how huge the data might be. Big Data can be petabytes or exabytes of data consisting of billions to trillions of records of millions of people- all from different sources, for example web, sales, customer contact centre, social media, mobile data and so on. The data available to industries and companies is enormously increasing in volume, variation, velocity, veracity and value. Such a Big Data is easy to obtain but so massive that it challenges the current computing technologies and hence Big Data analytics is used to give insights that were previously incomprehensible. Big Data analytics is the complex process of examining large and varied data sets or Big Data to uncover information- such as hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends and customer preferences. With such a huge data available with the industries they can have innumerable advantages hence all the industries are trying to reap the maximum benefit from it. Many industries have advanced by miles from their competitors. It’s not the amount of data that is important but what the organizations do with the data is what matters. Uses of Big Data 1. Location Tracking : Big Data has been useful in identifying and tracking the exact location of a place. Your GPS and Google Maps make use of Big Data. With geographic positioning and radio frequency identification sensors we get the real-time data about traffic, congestion on a particular route, information if the route is closed or if it is a one-way route, understanding accident prone areas etc. You can plan your own route according to the travel time and the transportation of goods. If you have ordered something online you can track the location of your goods in transit, you can also track the condition of the goods. This has immensely helped the logistics companies to reduce risks in transport, improve speed and reliability in delivery. 2. Understanding the Weather Patterns : There are weather sensors and satellites set-up all around the globe. Huge amount of data is continuously being received from them. They help us to understand the weather and help in weather forecasting. Weather patterns give us warnings of the impending natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, tsunami etc. Necessary preparations to combat them can be made well in advance. We can study global warming, predict availability of natural resources like water. 

 A1. Global Understanding                                                                                                     
 Complete the web chart. 


 A2. Complex Factual                                                                                                              2
 State whether the following statements are true or false. 

1. Everything including food habits, healthcare and travelling has changed 360 degrees.
2. Whatever activity we do offline is recorded and monitored. 
3. Big Data can be gigabyte.
4. The available data is enormously increasing in 5 Vs.

 A3. Inference/ Interpretation/ Analysis                                                                              2
 By using Big Data the condition of goods can be checked. Explain 
 A4. Personal Response                                                                                                      2
 Narrate how will you make use of Big Data. 
 A5. Language Study 2 
1. Choose the statement of passive voice.
 a. Many industries have advanced by miles from their competitors. 
 b. Huge amount of data is continuously being received from them. 
 2. Big Data has been useful in identifying and tracking the exact location of place. (Use 'to identify' and rewrite the sentence making necessary changes.)
 A6. Vocabulary 2 
Find four words with a similar meaning to 'massive'. 
 B1. Language Study [3]
1.  The novel has ….. beginning , a middle and … end . (Rewrite using suitable articles.) 
2. The joker …. the circus was wearing a big hat …. his head. (Rewrite using suitable prepositions.) 3. Fraternity means a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians. (Frame wh question to get the underlined part as an answer.)

 B2 Spot the error and correct the sentence. [1] 

I was not completed the task. 

 Que 2. (A) Read the activity read the extract and do all the activities: 12 Marks 

 Oil is one of the world's major sources of energy. We depend on it as fuel for heating, transport and generation of power. For centuries, animal and vegetable oils have been used for cooking and as a source of artificial light. But it is mineral oil which meets most of the world's needs today. Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong smell. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own individual qualities. Most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. Such hydro-carbons are also found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of tiny animals and from plants that live in the sea. Over millions of years these dead creatures form large deposits under the sea bed and ocean currents cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock and effectively shuts out the oxygen so preventing the complete decomposition of the marine deposits underneath. The layers of sedimentary rock become thicker and heavier. Their pressure produces heat, which transforms the tiny carcasses into crude oil in a process that is still going on today. The earth's crust is split into a few huge continental plates which move continuously rather like rafts on a sluggish tide. Geologists call this movement as ‘continental drift’. 

 A1. Choose the statements that summarise the extract. (2)
 1. We depend on oil as a source of energy.
 2. Oil is used as fuel. 
3. The world today needs only mineral oil. 
4. Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thin brown or blue liquid with a strong smell. 

A2. Complete the flow chart about formation of crude oil. (2) 
A3. Describe the process of ‘Continental drift’ formation. (2) 
 A4. State the importance of oil. (2) 
A5. Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed :
 (i) Oil is one of the world's major sources of energy. (Choose the negative sentence for it). (1)
 a. Oil is not the world’s only major source of energy. 
b. No other source of energy is as major as oil.
 c. Oil is not one of the World’s major sources of energy. 
d. Very few world’s sources of energy are as major as oil. 

(ii) As this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock. (Make it a compound sentence.) (1)
 A6. Give the homophones of : 1. One 2. Heating 3. Light 4. Sea (2) 

B. Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below and suggest a suitable title. [3] 
Oil as a source of energy—our dependence—types of oil—mineral oil—origin of crude oil—formation of crude oil—forming of sedimentary rocks—continental drift. 
C. Mind Mapping (3) 
Develop a 'Mind Mapping' frame / design to show the 'Benefits of games and sports' to the students. You can take the help of the following points in order to develop each of them into further branches: (Fitness and stamina, team spirit and sportsmanship, group behaviour, killer's instinct, will to win) 

 SECTION II - POETRY (POETRY AND APPRECIATION)
 Que 3 A Read the extract (The Poem)and do all the activities .[10] 

 Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, 
Healthy, free, the world before me, 
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. 
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune, 
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing, 
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms, 
Strong and content I travel the open road. 
The earth, that is sufficient, 
I do not want the constellations any nearer, 
I know they are very well where they are,
 I know they suffice for those who belong to them.
 (Still here I carry my old delicious burdens,
 I carry them, men and women,
 I carry them with me wherever I go,
 I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them,
 I am fill’d with them, and I will fill them in return.)

 A1. Complete the following statements. (2) 
1. The poet takes to the……….. road. 
2. The world before the poet is ……. and ……. 
3. The poet does not ask for……… 
A2. Pick out the lines that show the poet's fearlessness and self confidence. (2) 
A3. The road associates rich and poor. Explain. (2) 
À4. "I myself am good fortune" Name and explain the figures of speech. Give another similar example. (2) .
A5. Write four poetic lines on The Road to School. (2) 

 B. Appreciation (4)

 Read the following extract and write poetic appreciation : 

 My father travels on the late evening train 
Standing among silent commuters in the yellow light 
Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes 
His shirt and pants are soggy and his black raincoat 
Stained with mud and his bag stuffed with books 
Is falling apart. 
His eyes dimmed by age 
Fade homeward through the humid monsoon night. 
Now I can see him getting off the train 
Like a word dropped from a long sentence. 
He hurries across the length of the grey platform, 
Crosses the railway line, enters the lane, 
His chappals are sticky with mud, but he hurries onward. 
 Home again, I see him drinking weak tea, 
Eating a stale chapati, reading a book. 

 

 Section III (Writing Skills) 

 Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below. [16] 

 (A) You are Mayank, a personal assistant to Ms Pawar. She was not at office when Mr Warpe rang up. You spoke to him and jotted down his message in your note- pad. 

 Draft the message for Ms Pawar using the information in your notes given below. 
Mr Warpe- rang up - 5pm - has received the CDs and the posters - coming tomorrow - to thank Ms Pawar and to personally hand over the cheque. (4) 

OR 
You are an animal lover. You are extremely fond of dogs and birds. You have been a member of Nature’s club. You have loved going on a jungle safari.You have taken care of stray animals, or animals who are hurt. In college you liked Biology. You wish to make a career in this field. The University of Texas offers an excellent course/programme which would boost your career. Make a Statement of Purpose which will help you to get admission to this University. (4) 

OR

 Gaurav, Akash, Sarita and Jasmin are participating in a group discussion on the topic ‘The need of soft skills at work place’ Make use of the following points. (4) 

Written and verbal communication 
Ways of interacting with others 
Creative abilities Emotional intelligence 

 B. You are Mahesh Mane, the college representative. Your principal has assigned you the task of composing an email to the Divisional Officer, Satpuda Mountain Ranges,(divisionalofficesmrange@gmail.com ) Pune seeking permission for the mountaineering expedition to be organised by your college. (4) 

 OR 
Imagine you have visited Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Write a report to be published in your school/college magazine. (4) 

OR 
Your college has decided to celebrate the World Environment Day. Dr Paul Johnson, an environment scientist has been invited as the ‘Chief Guest’ for the event. You are assigned to conduct an interview with Dr. Paul Johnson. Frame 8/10 questions for the same. (4) 

 C. Your college has shortlisted you to participate in an elocution contest organised by District Education Officer on the topic ‘Advantages of education.’ Prepare a speech for the same. (4) 

OR 
Imagine that you are a compere of the ‘Inaugural Function of Cultural Fest’ of your school/college. Write a script for the same . (4) 

OR 
Expand the idea inherent in the following line ‘A man without liberty is a body without a soul’.(4) 

 D. Write a review for the film you have recently watched with the help of the following points.
       
1. Story 2. Characters 3. Setting 4. Conflict 5. Message (4) 

OR 
Prepare a blog post on the topic ‘Science and Superstition’ (4) 
 OR 
Appeal your classmates to 'Say No to Junk Food’. Write an appeal to prefer organic food over junk food. (4) 

SECTION IV (LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL) 

 Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:. [04] 

1. Pick out the odd element from the group . (2)
 1. Arun Joshi       2.Vikram Seth      3.Graham Greene      4.Kiran Nagarkar 

2. State whether the following statements are true or false. (2) 

1. The eighteenth century has gifted 'Drama' and 'Poetry' to English literature. 
2. 'Tale of Genji' has been described as the world's first novel. 
3. Theme is the central idea in the novel. 
4. Conflict in the story enhances interest and curiosity about the plot. 

(B) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:. [04] 

1. Give a brief character-sketch of – Denham (2) 
2. Describe in brief the purpose of organising the half-yearly report programme of Students’ Council.

(C) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:. [04] 

Choose the correct alternatives- The countries referred to in the extract of the novel ‘Around the World In Eighty Days’ are -- China b. America c. Australia d. India (2) 

2. Elaborate the quote ‘Quitter never wins and winner never quits’ in the light of the extract of the novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’. (2)
 
(D) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:. [04] 
1.  Mary received a large and lustrous pearl through the post. Elaborate

 2. Write the central idea of the extract of the novel ‘The Sign of Four’. (2)


Monday, 7 December 2020

Activity Sheet Pattern Std 12

Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and

Higher Secondary Education

Sub. : English Std. Xll

Activity Sheet Format (80 Marks)

Subject — Compulsory English

Class - Xll

SECTION 1 : Prose

(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)



Q. 1 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (Seen extract from Section No.1 consisting of 275-300 words)[12]

A I ) Global understanding    02

A2) Complex factual               02

A3) Inference/Interpretation/Analysis   02

A4) Personal response                              02

AS) Language study                                  02

A6) Vocabulary                                  02

B) Language Study (Non - textual Grammar)



B I ) Do as directed / Transformation of Sentence         03

B2) Spot the error      01

Q. 2A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (Unseen extract consisting of 275-300 words)



A I ) Global understanding       02

A2) Complex factual                  02

A3) Inference/Interpretation/Analysis  02

A4) Personal response              02

AS) Language study                   02

A6) Vocabulary                           02

B) Summary Writing:.              (03)

Write the summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of the given points/hints.

C) Mind Mapping: (03)

 Develop a 'Mind Mapping' frame/design using your ideas/thoughts/concepts to illustrate/develop on the given topic.

SECTION II - POETRY

(POETRY AND APPRECIATION)

Q.3 A. Read the extract and complete the activities given below:

(Seen extract from a poem of about of 10 — 15 lines)



A 1 ) Global understanding      02

A2) Inference/Interpretative/AnaIysis  02

A3) Personal Response        02

A4) Poetic Device                 02

AS) Creativity (compose 2-4 lines)        02

B. APPRECIATION

Read the extract and write as per the instructions:

(Seen extract of  10 — 15 lines from another poem, not asked in Q.3 A)

SECTION III

(WRITING SKILLS). (04)

Q.4 Complete the activities as per the instructions given below:



A. Drafting Virtual Messages/ Statement ofPurpose/Group Discussion.   (04)

B. Email/Report Writing/lnterview. (04)

C. Speech/Compering/Expansion of Ideas.(04)

D. Review/Blog/Appeal.   (04)



Note:

(In A, B, C and D paper setter should frame activities on all types in each set as options. Students are required to attempt any one activity from each set)

SECTION IV

(LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL)



Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:.    (04)

I . Activities on History of English Novel  02

2. Activities on History ofEnglish Novel   02

(Activities to be framed on MCQ/Match the columns/ChronoIogicaI order/FiII in the Blanks/True False/Elements ofNovel OR any other novel activity) (Activities should not be repeated in the sub-questions)

(Please Note: Activities in Q.5 A should be framed on textbook content no. 4.1)

B. Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (04)
 (Questions to be framed on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/Language/Character)

1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss  02

2.Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify 02 (Please Note: Activities in Q.5 B should be framed on textbook content no. 4.2)

C.  Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (04)
 (Questions to be framed on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/Language/Character)

1.Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss 02

2.Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify 02 (Please Note: Activities in Q.5 C should be framed on textbook content no. 4.3)

D.     Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:

(Questions to be framed on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/ Language/Character)

 1.Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss 02

2.Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify   02

 (Please Note: Activities in Q.5 D should be framed on textbook content no. 4.4)

Note/instructions for paper setters:

Q. I to Q.4 are purely activity based questions.

Grammar activities should be functional (in activity format) and not in a plain instruction based type.

In case of mind mapping — the model answer will bejust for reference and cannot be treated as exact.

Activities should not be repeated by any means throughout the activity sheet.

Varieties/NoveI activities are expected throughout the activity sheet.

Sec V Q.5 B, C, D are purely memory based questions. Though varieties of options are mentioned at each place, similar format should not be repeated throughout Section V.




Sunday, 22 November 2020

3.5 Drafting a Virtual Message

Have You Earned Your Tomorrow Poem Most often the input for a message comes in the form of a telephonic conversation between two people. The virtual conversation conveyed in the conversation is to be converted into a message for a third person. Whereas, sometimes, standard instructions contain the necessary information for the message. Such messages are written on small pieces of papers called memo-slips. Basically such messages contain the following:

  Format
• Date 
• Time 
• Name of a person to whom the message is directed 
• Body of the message 
• Name of the writer / sender 

  Points to remember : While writing the body of the message, the following points have to be kept in mind. 
• Only the most important details should be written. 
• No new information should be added. 
• Grammatically correct sentences should be used. 
• Indirect or reported speech should be used. 
• The message should be written in simple language and without any abbreviations. 
• Check your message before you submit and send it. 
• Be friendly and polite. 
• Avoid pun/ambiguity/witticism, in short words that would create confusion or a chaotic situation.

  Example:

You receive a telephone call from your mother’s office when she is not at home. You have the following conversation with the speaker. But you have to go for your tuition class. So you leave a message for your mother. Write the message within 50 words using the information given below. Do not add any new information.

Ambuj : Hello! 
Mr Rastogi : Hello! May I speak to Ms Dixit, please? I am Naresh Rastogi from the office. 
Ambuj : Mom’s not at home right now. 
Mr Rastogi : In that case can you give her a message? It is urgent. Please tell her that the meeting fixed for tomorrow has been rescheduled. Ask her to check her mail as soon as possible for the details. Please don’t forget to inform her. 
Ambuj : Don’t worry. I will tell her as soon as she returns. 
 
  Message
14 Feb 3:30 pm

Mom ,

Mr Rastogi from the office called up to say that the meeting fixed for tomorrow has been rescheduled. He wants you to check your mail as soon as possible for the details. He said it was urgent.
 Ambuj 



  BRAINSTORMING
(A1) (i) In pairs, enact the given conversation between Rakesh and Mrs Sarkar.

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

  Mrs Sarkar had to leave for the school where she teaches. So she wrote a message for her husband. Draft the message in not more than 50 words. 


  23 Nov 2020 , 8:05 A.M.

Dear Hubby, 

Mr. Rakesh Sood called up to say his wife has a severe headache and high fever the previous day. He requested you to visit his place to examine his wife. He would be grateful  if you do so. He lives at B-49, New Colony. Leaving this message since I have to go to school to teach. 

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

Shekhar : Is this 28473892? 
Amrita : Yes. May I know who is speaking?
Shekhar : I am Shekhar. I want to speak to Sourajit. I am his friend from IHM, Goa. 
Amrita : I am his sister. Sourajit is not at home at the moment. Can you ring up a little later? 
Shekhar : I shall be a little busy. Actually, I have got a placement at the Hotel Mumbai, and will have to join with immediate effect. So right now I am trying to get all the formalities completed. This is the news that I wanted to give Sourajit. Will you do that for me? Also tell him that I will let him know my new cell phone number as soon as I get one. 
Amrita : I’ll do that. Bye and all the best. 

  Amrita had to leave for office. So she wrote a note for Sourajit. Draft her message in not more than 50 words

 

  23 Nov 2020 , 8:05 A.M.
                                                                                                                                                       
Sourajit,

 Mr. Shekhar , your friend from IHM Goa called up when you were not home. He called up to give news about his placement at Hotel Mumbai. He stated that he would be busy in completing formalities of joining. He would let you know his new cell phone number very soon. 

Amrita.
(iii) You are Priyanka, a personal assistant to Ms Sen. She was away attending a meeting when Mr Garg rang up. You spoke to him and jotted down his message in your note- pad. Draft the message for Ms Sen using the information in your notes given below.

Mr Garg - rang up - 5pm - has received the CDs and the posters - coming tomorrow - to thank Ms Sen and to personally hand over the cheque. 

 
  31 December 2020, 05:10PM



Ms. Sen

Mr.Garg called up at 5 PM stating that he had received the CDs and the posters. He will be coming tomorrow to thank you and hand over the cheque personally.

Priyanka.                                                                                                                                 
(iv) Read the following conversation between Aashna and Mr Singh. 

Aashna : Hello, may I speak to Ranajit, please? 
Mr Singh : Ranajit is getting ready for school. May I know who is speaking? 
Aashna : My name is Aashna. I am Ranajit’s classmate. 
Mr Singh : Hello, Aashna. I am Ranajit’s father. Is there any message? 
Aashna : Yes. Please ask him to bring his biology notebook to school today. I was absent from school due to illness. I would like to see the notes which our biology teacher gave to the class during my absence. 
Mr Singh : I will definitely do that. 

  Since Mr Singh had to go for his morning walk he left a message for Ranajit. Draft that message in 50 words. 

 
                                                                                                                                                         







(v) Rajat comes home from school and finds the door locked. Since he has a duplicate key he enters and finds a note from his mother kept on the table. In it she explains that she had to rush to the hospital with Mrs Manohar, their neighbour, who had met with an accident. She has also written that he should have the rice and curry kept on the dining table for lunch. He could heat the food in the microwave oven if he wanted to, but he should be very careful while handling the switch. Draft the message which Rajat’s mother left for him.


                                                                                                                                                         








(vi) Using the information given below, write a message which Manu left for his sister, Renu. (Do not add any new information. The message should not exceed 50 words). 

Ruhaan rang up-book-reading session-‘Children Ask Kalam’-Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam-ompilation of letters received by him from children and his answers- Oxford Book Store-8 pm, this evening,-pick you up-6:30 pm-attend reading session together. 

 
                                                                                                                                                        







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


Call For : From : Company : Date Time Phone ( ) Message : Action (Circle One) Taken By Phoned Returned Your Call Back Will Call Again Call

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

1.8 Voyaging Towards Excellence

Glossary and Notes



Click to get  Question Bank Solution on this lesson

 Brainstorming 

 (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.
Poets                                   Vinda Karandikar, Mangesh Padgaonkar, Vasant Bapat
Writers         Keshavsut, Mardhekar, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens              
MusiciansPt Kumar Gandharv  Pt. Bhimsen Pt Jasraj
Dramatists Shakespear , Pt. Kumar Gandharv
PaintersVan 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 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 again 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 embarassed for your lack of knowledge of a particular subject or incompetence in speaking English fluently. 

 (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.

(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.



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