SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO FAMILIARISE THE FORMATS OF

PARAGRAPH WRITING, ARTICLE, DIARY ENTRY, SPEECH

& DIALOGUE WRITING
Q.1.In Poets and Pancakes the author uses a gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out
instances of this to show how it served to make the extract engaging. Write a paragraph about
the ' Situational Humour ln Human Behaviour' based on the lesson.

Situational Humour ln Human Behaviour

In Poets and Pancakes, situational humour is deftly employed to reveal human foibles, making
the narrative both engaging and insightful. Some of the instances include how the makeup artists
used truckloads of pancakes. He mentions a Bengali makeup artist who became too ‘big’ for the
studio to stay. While describing the makeup artists, he says their role is to make actors ugly. He
highlights that the office boy though has the word ‘boy’ in his name, was a man in his forties. He
even mentions how Subbu was cheerful even when he had a hand in a flop film. Another
instance he mentions is with the legal adviser, who, contrary to his role, ruins an actress’s career
by making her listen to her own loud voice. The extract showcases this through various
humorous situations that arise from the characters' behaviours and interactions.. By highlighting
the characters' missteps and contradictions in a light-hearted manner, the extract engages readers
while subtly prompting them to reflect on the often ridiculous aspects of human behaviour and
the pitfalls of pretentiousness. This blend of humour and critique makes the narrative not just
amusing but also a thought-provoking commentary on human shortcomings.

Q.2. Linguistic chauvinism, as depicted in "The Last Lesson," highlights the detrimental effects
of imposing one language over another. Write an article on ‘Linguistic Chauvinism’ expressing
the villagers' regret and sense of loss which serve as a powerful reminder of the value of
linguistic diversity and the need to preserve it. You are Sapna / Sanjay

Linguistic Chauvinism

By Sapna Sanjay

Linguistic chauvinism, as depicted in "The Last Lesson," highlights the detrimental effects of
imposing one language over another. It fosters resentment, erodes cultural identities, and
disrupts the social fabric of communities. The villagers' regret and sense of loss serve as a
powerful reminder of the value of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve it.

"The Last Lesson" by Alphonse Daudet is a timeless narrative that underscores the profound
connection between language and cultural identity. Through the lens of a small village school,
the story vividly portrays the emotional and cultural ramifications of linguistic chauvinism. The
Prussians invaded the districts of Lorraine and Alsace and imposed German in schools of those
districts. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and
respecting the cultural heritage embedded in languages.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected yet still grappling with issues of cultural
dominance and assimilation, "The Last Lesson" offers valuable lessons on the significance of
linguistic and cultural respect. It calls for an appreciation of the richness that different languages
bring to our global tapestry and a commitment to safeguarding the linguistic rights of all
communities.

Q.3. You are Kamala Das . Write a diary entry about your feelings about your mother's aging
and the inevitability of separation

Friday, October 6, 1999 10 a.m

Today, as I sat beside my mother on our drive to the airport, I was overwhelmed by a wave of
emotions that I can no longer ignore. My mother's presence, once a pillar of strength, now seems
so fragile, so transient. Her face, resting in sleep, looked so pale, so lifeless, that it brought a
lump to my throat. The realization that she is aging and that time is slipping away from us faster
than I can grasp filled me with an unbearable ache. This familiar ache, the same one I felt as a
child when I first confronted the fear of losing her, resurfaced with an intensity I wasn't prepared
for. It’s a fear that has followed me throughout my life, a shadow that looms larger as the years
pass by. How do I face the inevitability of separation from the one person who has been my
constant, my anchor? Tonight, as I write this, my heart feels heavy with the weight of unspoken
fears and unexpressed love. I hope that in the days to come, I find the strength to cherish every
moment with her, to create memories that will sustain me when she is no longer by my side. For
now, I will hold on to the smile, even if it is just a mask, and try to find solace in the love we
share, a love that will endure beyond the boundaries of time and separation.

Q.4.Deep Water is a powerful narrative about the human spirit's ability to face and conquer fear.
His journey reminds us that with courage, determination, and the right support, we can overcome
our deepest fears and emerge stronger and more confident. From Douglas' experience, we learn
several important lessons about facing our own fears. Inspired by William Douglas’
perseverance and determination, you have decided to speak on the topic for the morning
assembly on ‘All we have to fear is fear itself’

Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends

A very good morning to one and all.
Today, I stand before you inspired by William Douglas' powerful narrative "Deep Water," which
vividly illustrates the human spirit's remarkable ability to face and conquer fear. Douglas’
journey from terror to triumph is a testament to the idea that "All we have to fear is fear itself."
This phrase, originally spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt, resonates deeply with the lessons we
can draw from Douglas' experience.
Douglas begins his story with a haunting childhood memory of nearly drowning. This traumatic
event left him with a paralyzing fear of water, a fear that cast a long shadow over his life. What
makes Douglas' story so inspiring is not just the fear he experienced but how he chose to
confront it. Instead of allowing his fear to control him, he made a conscious decision to
overcome it. He sought the help of an instructor and began a meticulous process of learning to
swim. This step-by-step approach reminds us that overcoming fear often requires breaking it
down into manageable parts and seeking support when needed.
Douglas' journey was far from easy. He faced moments of intense panic and doubt. But he
persisted. He showed us that persistence is crucial in the face of fear. There will be setbacks, and
there will be moments when it feels easier to give up. But Douglas’ story teaches us the
importance of resilience. It’s about getting back up every time we fall.
In conclusion, William Douglas’ "Deep Water" teaches us that with courage, determination, and
the right support, we can overcome our deepest fears and emerge stronger and more confident.
Let us all take inspiration from his story and face our own fears with the same perseverance and
determination. Remember, fear is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Let’s not allow it to hold
us back any longer.
Thank you.

Q.5.Write five sets of conversation between Anees Jung, the author of Lost Spring and Pablo
Neruda of Keeping Quiet about the line 'Life is what it is about................... and the essence of
life they both wish to project through their writing.

Anees Jung: Pablo, when you say, "Life is what it is about," how do you reconcile that with the
suffering you describe in your poems?
Pablo Neruda: Suffering is an intrinsic part of life, Anees. My line reflects the totality of
existence—its joys, sorrows, struggles, and triumphs. Understanding this helps us appreciate life
in its entirety and find meaning even in suffering.

Anees Jung: Pablo, do you believe that understanding "life is what it is about" can help us find
meaning in seemingly meaningless suffering?
Pablo Neruda: Absolutely, Anees. Recognizing that life encompasses all experiences allows us
to find meaning even in suffering. It teaches us empathy and the importance of striving for a
better existence for all.

Anees Jung: That’s a powerful message. The stories in "Lost Spring" reflect this search for
meaning. By understanding life in its fullness, we can work towards alleviating the suffering and
enhancing the joys of those children.
Pablo Neruda: Anees, life, in all its forms, is filled with struggles and joys. When I wrote that
line, I wanted to emphasize the simplicity and complexity of existence. We must pause and
reflect, understanding that life continues, irrespective of our trials.

Anees Jung: Pablo, in "Keeping Quiet," you advocate for silence and introspection. How do you
think this quiet reflection relates to the harsh realities faced by the children in "Lost Spring"?
Pablo Neruda: Silence allows us to understand the depth of our existence, Anees. When we
pause and reflect, we see beyond immediate struggles and understand life’s broader picture. For
those children, a moment of quiet might offer them a glimpse of hope and dreams beyond their
current reality.

Anees Jung: True, silence can be powerful. It can provide clarity and strength to face life’s
challenges. Those children need moments of peace to imagine a better future.
Pablo Neruda: Resilience is an inherent part of life. It’s what life is about—continuing despite
everything. My poetry seeks to capture that unyielding spirit. Your work, Anees, reflects this
beautifully by showcasing children who persevere despite their hardships.
Anees Jung: Indeed, the children I met taught me resilience. They embody the essence of
continuing life despite adversities. It’s this spirit that we must acknowledge and respect.
Pablo Neruda: That’s a profound perspective. The children’s suffering in "Lost Spring" is
undeniable, but their ability to find moments of joy and hope amidst it all speaks to the true
essence of life. Nice to talk to you. Bye.