[After the First World War, India suffered from poverty, unemployment, British oppression, fear, and hopelessness. At this difficult time, Mahatma Gandhi entered Indian politics like a breath of fresh air, a beam of light, and a strong wind. Gandhi spoke for the common people, especially peasants and workers, and opposed their exploitation. His main teachings were fearlessness, truth, action, and the welfare of the people. Abhaya means freedom f…
If – Capsule Note “If” is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling. The poet gives valuable advice to his son. He explains how to become a strong and mature person. The word “If” introduces the conditions for a successful life. We should remain calm when others lose control. We should not be disturbed when people blame us unfairly. We must trust ourselves even when others doubt us. We should also try to understand their doubts. We must learn to wait pa…
“Stammer” is a thought-provoking poem written by K. Satchidanandan. The poet presents stammering as a philosophical and social symbol. He declares that stammering is not a handicap. It is simply a different mode of speech. Stammer is the silence between a word and its meaning. Words do not always express our thoughts and emotions accurately. The poet compares stammering with lameness. Lameness is the silence between words and deeds. People oft…
“Quest for a Theory of Everything” is a biographical profile of Stephen Hawking. It is written by Kitty Gail Ferguson, a well-known science writer. The profile presents Hawking’s personal struggles and scientific achievements. It shows how he overcame a severe physical disability through courage and determination. On 29 April 1980, Hawking delivered his inaugural lecture at Cambridge University. He had been appointed the new Lucasian Professor o…
“I Will Fly” is an inspiring speech by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. It encourages young people to overcome fear and develop self-confidence. Dr Kalam says that the youth of the past contributed greatly to the development of the world. He believes that no young person needs to fear the future. According to him, the ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource in the world. Dr Kalam speaks on the topic “I am born with wings.” He recalls his…
“His First Flight” is a short story written by Liam O’Flaherty. It tells the story of a young seagull that is afraid to fly. His two brothers and sister have already learnt to fly. The young seagull remains alone on a narrow ledge. He thinks that his wings will not support his body. The vast sea far below makes him extremely frightened. His parents call, scold and encourage him to fly. They even threaten to leave him without food. Still, he ca…
#TERM 1# (JUNE-AUGUST) 🌈 I. THE MIRROR WITHIN 🔶 1. Fufi – Trevor Noah Fufi is a touching autobiographical story from Trevor Noah's childhood. Through his beloved pet dog, the story explores the true meaning of love, freedom, trust, and understanding, teaching that genuine love never means possession. Click here for Capsule Notes 🟢 2. So Much Happiness – Naomi Shihab Nye This thoughtful poem explores the nature of happiness and how …
T he Wild Swans at Coole is a poem by W. B. Yeats. The poem is about ageing, memory, beauty, and time. It takes place at Coole Park on an autumn evening. The trees look beautiful in autumn. The paths in the woods are dry. The calm lake reflects the October sky. The poet sees fifty-nine swans on the lake. The swans remind him of his past. He first counted them nineteen years ago. While he is counting, the swans suddenly fly into the air. They f…
[XII ENGLISH TERM 1 – CAPSULE MODULE This module is prepared for students who need quick and focused revision for the XII General English First Term Examination. Use the lesson-wise capsule notes to recall key ideas, themes, characters and important points. Suggested order: Capsule Notes → Important Questions → Grammar → Discourses 📚 1. The 3Ls of Empowerment A quick revision of the lesson’s central message on learning, labour and leadership …
< Ozymandias is a famous poem written by Percy Bysshe Shelley . The poem teaches that power, pride, and success do not last forever . The speaker says that he met a traveller from an old country . The traveller tells him about a broken statue he saw in a large desert. Only the two huge stone legs of the statue are still standing. The broken face of the statue lies half buried in the sand. The face has an angry look, wrinkled lips, and a…
[ A Draught of Kindness is an extract from Charles Dickens' novel The Old Curiosity Shop . The story follows Little Nell and her grandfather during their difficult journey. They leave London to escape from cruel moneylenders. They travel through peaceful villages, farms, fields, ponds, and narrow country roads. They are tired, hungry, poor, and have no permanent home. Nell looks for a place where they can rest and get some milk. She…
<An Angel in Disguise – T. S. Arthur A poor woman who drinks too much dies in front of her house. She leaves behind three children – John, Kate, and Maggie . The villagers did not like the woman when she was alive. After her death, they feel sorry for her children and come to help them. John is the eldest child. He is twelve years old and can work. Kate is a healthy and active girl. Maggie is the youngest child. She fell from a window…
🌈😊 So Much Happiness – Naomi Shihab Nye So Much Happiness is a thoughtful poem by Naomi Shihab Nye . The poem explains the true meaning of happiness. It compares happiness with sadness. The poet says happiness is not easy to understand or control. Sadness is easier to understand because we usually know its reason. Sadness is compared to a wound that can be healed. Problems caused by sadness are like broken pieces that we need to collect. …
< 1. Describe the setting of the story and the passengers on the bus. How does the author introduce the social context? The story takes place on a city bus in Egypt, carrying thirty-five passengers from different backgrounds. The streets are crowded, with uneven pavements, busy marketplaces, and people going about their daily routines. The passengers include workers, a young soldier, a mother with her child, and ordinary citizens. Some are as…
<Doves on the Wing – Salwa Bakr The story takes place on a city bus in Egypt carrying 35 passengers. People on the bus come from different backgrounds, including workers, a young soldier, a mother with her child, and other ordinary citizens. The bus travels through crowded streets with uneven pavements and busy markets, showing the challenges of city life. Three thieves board the bus at different stops. Each thief has a special role: one is…
