.1. PERSUASIVE SPEECH
Three Ls of Empowerment – Page 12–13
Question
Christine Lagarde suggests various means of empowering women and insists that women should think and act independently. Imagine that you are asked to deliver a speech at the school assembly on International Women's Day. Prepare a persuasive speech on the topic:
“Education is the Key to Women Empowerment.”
Model Answer
Education is the Key to Women Empowerment
Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends,
Good morning to all.
Today, as we celebrate International Women's Day, I would like to speak on the topic “Education is the Key to Women Empowerment.”
Education is not merely the ability to read and write. It gives a person knowledge, confidence, independence and the power to make choices. This is especially important in the case of women.
Christine Lagarde, in The Three Ls of Empowerment, identifies Learning, Labour and Leadership as the three essential factors that can empower women. Learning is the foundation of all three. An educated woman knows her rights and responsibilities. She can make informed decisions about her life, family and career.
Education also opens the door to employment. When women participate in the workforce, they become economically independent and contribute to the development of the nation.
Above all, education builds confidence. It enables women to step outside their comfort zones, challenge discrimination and take up leadership positions.
When we educate a woman, we strengthen a family, a community and ultimately a nation.
So, let us ensure equal educational opportunities for every girl. Let us create a world where women can learn, work, lead and realise their full potential.
Educate a woman, empower a generation.
Thank you.
●2. Poem Appreciation
Any Woman – Page 15
Question
Prepare an appreciation of the poem “Any Woman” by Katharine Tynan.
Model Answer
Appreciation of Any Woman
Any Woman by Katharine Tynan is a touching poem that celebrates the importance of a mother in a family. The poem presents the mother as the centre of the home and the force that keeps the family united.
The poet uses several powerful metaphors to describe the mother. She calls herself the “pillars of the house” and the “keystone of the arch”, suggesting that the stability of the family depends upon her. She is also compared to the fire on the hearth, the light of the sun and the heat that warms the earth.
The mother protects her children and binds them together with love. She is their “wall against all danger” and their “door against the wind and snow.” These expressions show her protective role.
The poem is remarkable for its effective use of metaphor, imagery and symbolism. The house becomes a symbol of the family, while wind and snow represent the dangers and difficulties of life.
The concluding prayer, “Take me not till the children grow!”, reveals the mother's selfless concern for her children. She does not pray for herself; she only wishes to live until her children are capable of facing life independently.
The poem beautifully portrays motherhood as a combination of love, sacrifice, protection and responsibility. Its simple language and powerful images make Any Woman a moving tribute to mothers everywhere.
●3. Composing Lines / Poetry
Any Woman – Page 15
Question
Inspired by Any Woman, compose a few lines on “Mother's Love.”
Model Answer
Mother's Love
Mother is the light that brightens my way,
The gentle hand that guides every day.
She shares my laughter, carries my pain,
And gives me courage to rise again.
When storms of sorrow darken the sky,
She stands beside me, ever nearby.
No treasure on earth can ever prove
As precious and pure as a mother's love.
●4. Comparison / Review Of Poems
Any Woman & The Toys – Pages 15–16
Question
Compare “Any Woman” by Katharine Tynan and “The Toys” by Coventry Patmore, focusing on their themes and significance.
Model Answer
Motherhood and Parental Love
Katharine Tynan's Any Woman and Coventry Patmore's The Toys deal with parental love and the importance of a mother in a child's life, though they approach the subject differently.
In Any Woman, the mother herself speaks about her central role in the family. She describes herself as the pillars of the house, the keystone of the arch, the fire on the hearth and the wall protecting her children. These metaphors emphasise her love, sacrifice and protective nature.
In The Toys, the mother is already dead. A father punishes his little son for disobedience and later finds the child asleep with tears on his eyelashes. The simple toys arranged beside the boy move the father deeply. He regrets his harshness and understands the innocence and vulnerability of the child.
The line “Take me not till the children grow!” in Any Woman gains greater significance when compared with the absence of the mother in The Toys. The patient mother who could have comforted the child is no longer alive.
Both poems therefore celebrate parental love. While Any Woman presents the mother as the living foundation of the family, The Toys makes us realise the pain created by her absence.
Together, the poems remind us that children need not only discipline but also affection, patience, protection and understanding.
●5. Review
Matchbox – Pages 22–23
Question
An empowered woman is one who can find her own voice, speak up, and be seen and heard. How far is this statement relevant to Nomita in Ashapurna Debi's “Matchbox”? Prepare a review of the story, emphasising the role of its women characters.
Model Answer
Matchbox – A Story of Suppressed Fire
Ashapurna Debi's Matchbox is a powerful story about gender inequality, women's dignity and their suppressed strength.
The central character, Nomita, lives with her husband Ajit in a large joint family. Ajit has the insulting habit of secretly opening and reading the letters addressed to his wife. When Nomita discovers that he has hidden a letter from her mother, she becomes furious.
Nomita strongly protests against this invasion of her privacy. When Ajit insults her mother and challenges her ability to act, Nomita lights a match and sets fire to the end of her sari. The incident reveals the tremendous anger and power hidden within her.
Yet Nomita cannot completely break free from the restrictions surrounding her. When other members of the family notice the burnt sari, she hides the truth and gives them another explanation. She then quietly returns to her household duties.
The title Matchbox is highly symbolic. The author compares women to matchboxes. A matchbox contains enough power to create a great fire, but it remains apparently harmless until that power is released. Similarly, women possess enormous inner strength, but social circumstances often prevent them from expressing it.
The story also exposes the unequal position of women within traditional family structures. Nomita wants dignity, privacy and respect rather than domination.
Matchbox is therefore a strong protest against gender discrimination and a call for relationships based on equality, mutual respect and understanding.
●6. Panel Discussion
Matchbox – Pages 23–24
Question
Your school conducts a panel discussion on the topic:
“Indian Women – Finding a Space in the Socio-cultural Milieu.”
Prepare a model panel discussion.
Model Answer
Panel Discussion
Moderator:
Good morning everyone. Welcome to today's panel discussion on “Indian Women – Finding a Space in the Socio-cultural Milieu.”
Women have made remarkable progress in education, employment, science, politics and other fields. Yet discrimination, stereotypes and unequal opportunities continue to affect many women.
Let me welcome our panellists.
Panellist 1:
Education is the first step towards empowerment. An educated woman becomes aware of her rights and gains the confidence to make independent decisions.
Panellist 2:
Economic independence is equally important. Women should have equal access to employment and equal pay. A productive workplace should be safe and free from discrimination.
Panellist 3:
We must also discuss the influence of the media. Media can inspire women, but unrealistic images of beauty and success may negatively affect their self-image. Women should be represented as capable individuals rather than stereotypes.
Panellist 4:
Mental strength and mutual support are also essential. Successful women should act as mentors to girls and other women. Empowerment should include women from marginalised sections as well.
Moderator:
Thank you. We can see that women's empowerment requires education, health, economic independence, mental strength, equal opportunities and social respect.
True progress is possible only when men and women move forward together as equal partners.
Thank you all.
●7. Welcome / Introduction Speech
Matchbox – Page 23
Question
Imagine that you are the moderator of a panel discussion on “Indian Women – Finding a Space in the Socio-cultural Milieu.” Prepare a speech welcoming and introducing the panellists.
Model Answer
Respected Principal, teachers, distinguished panellists and dear friends,
Good morning.
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to our panel discussion on “Indian Women – Finding a Space in the Socio-cultural Milieu.”
Women have played a pivotal role in shaping our families, communities and nation. Yet questions regarding equality, representation, health, employment and social freedom continue to demand our attention.
We are fortunate to have with us today a distinguished panel representing the fields of education, healthcare, social service and women's development.
Our discussion will focus on women's self-image, health, mental strength, workplace equality, mentorship and the challenges faced by marginalised women.
I warmly welcome all our respected panellists and invite them to share their views with us.
Let us begin this meaningful discussion with an open mind and a shared commitment to equality.
Thank you.
●8. Concluding / Summarising Speech
Matchbox – Page 24
Question
After the panel discussion, the moderator has to synthesise and summarise the key points. Prepare the concluding speech.
Model Answer
Respected panellists, teachers and dear friends,
We have come to the end of a highly meaningful discussion on “Indian Women – Finding a Space in the Socio-cultural Milieu.”
Today's discussion has made it clear that women's empowerment cannot be achieved through a single measure. Education, good health, economic independence, mental strength, equal opportunities and social acceptance must go together.
Our panellists also reminded us that the media should promote positive images of women and that workplaces should provide safe and harmonious environments.
Another important point raised was the need for empowered women to mentor and support other women and girls, particularly those from marginalised sections.
Above all, society must recognise women as equal partners in progress.
On behalf of everyone present here, I sincerely thank our distinguished panellists for sharing their valuable ideas. I also thank our teachers and audience for making this discussion meaningful.
Let us work together to build a society where every woman can live with freedom, dignity and equality.
Thank you.
●9. Blurb Writing
Matchbox – Pages 24–25
Question
Prepare a blurb for Ashapurna Debi's Pratham Pratishruti using the hints provided in the textbook.
Model Answer
|
PRATHAM PRATISHRUTI Ashapurna Debi A woman's courageous struggle against the chains of an unequal
society. Pratham Pratishruti is the celebrated novel of
Jnanpith Award-winning Bengali writer Ashapurna Debi. At the centre of the novel is Satyavatie, an extraordinary
woman who dares to challenge the rigid rules imposed upon Bengali women of
her time. Her struggle becomes the struggle of countless women seeking
dignity, equality and freedom. Powerful and socially relevant, the novel portrays the suffering of
women as well as their determination to liberate themselves from gender
discrimination. More than the story of one woman, Pratham Pratishruti is
the story of women everywhere. A compelling novel that inspires young minds to dream of an
enlightened world free from inequality and segregation. Publisher: Ananda Publishers Other notable works: Subarnolata and Bakul
Katha A landmark work on womanhood, resistance and liberation – a must-read. |
●10. Narration
Horegallu – Page 29
Question
Imagine that Nomita gets an opportunity to talk to Ratna. How would she present her worries?
Begin:
“I am Nomita. Yesterday I had a quarrel with my husband...”
Model Answer
I am Nomita. Yesterday I had a quarrel with my husband, Ajit. I feel deeply hurt and humiliated.
My husband has the habit of opening and reading the letters addressed to me. I have repeatedly asked him not to do it, but he never respects my privacy.
Yesterday, I found a letter from my mother in the pocket of his clothes. The letter had arrived three days earlier. Ajit had opened it, read it and hidden it from me.
My mother is a poor widow and often writes to me about her difficulties. I feel ashamed because I am unable to help her freely. Ajit makes fun of her whenever she asks for assistance.
When I questioned him about the letter, he lied to me. He even insulted my mother. I became so angry that I lit a match and set fire to the end of my sari. For a moment, even Ajit was frightened.
But what hurts me most is that I cannot reveal my real feelings to anyone in the family. When they noticed the burnt sari, I had to invent a story and hide what had actually happened.
Everyone thinks that I am fortunate and that my husband is generous and large-hearted. They do not know what happens inside our room.
I want to help my mother. I want my husband to respect me. I don't want wealth or luxury. I only want dignity, privacy and the freedom to live as a human being.
Thank you for listening to me, Ratna. Speaking about my worries has already made my heart feel lighter.
●11. Comparative Write-Up
Horegallu – Pages 29–30
Question
Unit I introduces us to several real and fictional women. Compare Christine Lagarde, the mother in “Any Woman”, Nomita and Ratna with regard to their ideas on empowerment.
Model Answer
Different Faces of Empowered Women
Unit I, Flights of Freedom, presents different dimensions of women's empowerment through Christine Lagarde, the mother in Any Woman, Nomita in Matchbox and Ratna in Horegallu.
Christine Lagarde presents empowerment from a global perspective. She believes that Learning, Labour and Leadership can help women realise their potential. She calls upon women to gain education, participate in employment and develop the confidence to lead.
The mother in Any Woman represents the strength of motherhood. She is the foundation of the family, protecting and nurturing her children. Her power comes from love, responsibility and sacrifice.
Nomita represents a woman struggling for dignity within a patriarchal family. She protests when her husband violates her privacy. Though she cannot completely escape social restrictions, her resistance reveals her inner strength and desire for freedom.
Ratna represents empowerment through compassion. She listens patiently to people who share their problems with her. She respects their confidence and helps them regain emotional strength.
Thus, the four women represent different aspects of empowerment—independence, responsibility, resistance and empathy. Together, they show that empowerment is not merely personal success; it also involves dignity, confidence, compassion and the ability to strengthen others.
●12. Film Review
Unit Activity – Page 33
Question
Prepare a review of a film that has influenced you. Consider its theme, screenplay, cast and crew, music and cinematography.
Model Answer
Film Review – English Vinglish
English Vinglish is an inspiring film that deals with self-respect, confidence and women's empowerment.
Directed by Gauri Shinde, the film centres on Shashi, a gentle and hardworking homemaker who is frequently mocked by members of her family because she cannot speak English fluently.
The turning point comes when Shashi travels abroad and secretly joins an English-language course. As she learns the language, she gradually develops confidence and discovers her own worth.
Sridevi's performance as Shashi is natural and deeply moving. She successfully portrays the pain of being underestimated as well as the joy of discovering self-confidence.
The screenplay is simple, realistic and emotionally engaging. The music supports the mood of the film, while the cinematography effectively captures both Shashi's domestic world and her experiences abroad.
The greatest strength of the film is its message: respect does not depend upon one's knowledge of a particular language. Every individual deserves dignity.
English Vinglish is therefore not merely a film about learning English. It is a beautiful story of a woman learning to value herself.
Overall, it is an inspiring and memorable film with a powerful message of self-respect and empowerment.
●13. Film Festival Report
Unit Activity – Page 33
Question
Your school organised a Film Festival on Women, featuring films with strong women characters and films made by women filmmakers. Prepare a report of the festival for your school magazine.
Model Answer
WOMEN ON SCREEN – FILM FESTIVAL HELD
Kozhikode, 8 August 2026:
A Film Festival on Women titled “Women on Screen” was organised by the English Club of our school in the school auditorium on 7 August 2026. The programme aimed at creating awareness about women's empowerment and highlighting the contribution of women to cinema.
The Principal inaugurated the festival and spoke about the importance of films in shaping social attitudes.
A selection of films featuring strong women characters and films directed by women filmmakers was screened during the festival. The screenings included films dealing with themes such as women's education, self-respect, equality, family relationships and independence.
After each screening, students participated in interactive discussions. They analysed the women characters, themes, direction and social messages of the films. Teachers also spoke about the changing representation of women in cinema.
A film-review competition was conducted as part of the programme. Students enthusiastically shared their observations and opinions.
The festival proved to be both entertaining and educational. It helped students understand the challenges faced by women and the importance of equality and mutual respect.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary of the English Club.
Staff Reporter
Quick Revision – Unit I Discourses
Three Ls of Empowerment: Persuasive Speech – Pages 12–13
Any Woman: Composing Lines, Appreciation, Comparison/Review – Pages 15–16
Matchbox: Review, Panel Discussion, Welcome Speech, Concluding Speech, Blurb – Pages 22–25
Horegallu: Narration, Comparative Write-up – Pages 29–30
Unit Activity: Film Review, Film Festival Report – Page 33