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CLASS XII ENGLISH CORE

2012-2013

VALUE BASED QUESTIONS

CSSC CHENNAI

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

FLAMINGO (Prose and Poetry)

VISTAS (Supplementary Text)

CONTRIBUTORS

1.Mrs. Mini James, D.A.V Boys Senior Secondary School,Gopalapuram,Chennai -86

2.Mrs. C.K.Lalitha, D.A.V Boys Senior Secondary School,Gopalapuram, Chennai -86

3.Mrs. Rajalakshmi B ,Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram,Chennai-10

4.Mrs. Mini George , Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram,Chennai-10

5.Mrs. Jashoda Sundar,Sivaswami Kalalaya,Chennai-4

6.Mrs. Tara M S,Sivaswami Kalalaya,Chennai-4

MODERATOR

Mrs. Sudha Ravi

Value Based Questions Class XII

FLAMINGO

1. The Last Lesson

1. M. Hamel went to talk of the French-Language saying it was the most

beautiful language in the world – the clearest, the most logical; that we must

guard it among us and never forget it.

Do you think modern Indian youth in their craze to ape the western culture are

ignoring Indian languages/culture? How can we protect our regional

languages from being forgotten?

- Awareness of our rich tradition

- Take pride in our language/culture

- At the same time, refrain from linguistic chauvinism

- Participate and promote discussions and debates in regional

languages

- Have flexible approach – learn Indian languages alongside

foreign languages

Textual Input

Adults and children at Alsace were indifferent to their mother tongue

2. ‘My last French Lesson! Why I hardly learned how to write! I should never

learn anymore! I must stop there then.

The problem of wastage – school dropouts and illiteracy/backwardness still

plagues our country. What qualities on the part of the administration,

educationists and youth do you think will help to surmount this hurdle?

- Clarity of vision

- Strong political will

- Awareness among parents/children-importance of education

- Affluent or rich – need to give backs to society

- Educated youth to spearhead the process

3. It was their way of thanking their master for his 40 years of faithful service and

of showing respect for the country that was their no more.

Do you think we acknowledge the service of good teachers/educationists?

What values should students develop towards their elders especially

teachers?

- Respect/courtesy

- Politeness

- Sensitivity in terms of oral responses/body language

- Pay heed to their suggestions

- Interact to broaden vistas of knowledge

Textual Input

At Alsace, parents were keen to send their children to work on farms

2. Lost Spring

1. ‘Lost Spring’ by Anees Jung brings out the condition of children in India.

Even after sixty five years of independence we have children who do not go to

school, work in inhuman conditions and live in slums. As a nation we have

somewhere failed in our duty. What values do we need to inculcate among

the people of this nation in order to bring back the ‘spring’ in the lives of these

children.

- Strong will to ensure that all children get basic

education

- A sense of commitment

- Wanting to help children

- Say no to child labour

- To do something for the society

Textual Input

Mukesh, Savita and Saheb are victims of child labour

2. Mukesh and Saheb are victims of society’s apathy. What should be our

attitude towards them.

- Complete understanding of their situation

- To create awareness in the society about the

underprivileged

- To garner support from youngsters and start night

school

- Not to look down upon them

-

3. None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to work in the glass

furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light.’

As citizens of this country what do you think is our duty ? What steps can

youngsters like you take to reduce the scourge of poverty?

- Work with NGOs and create awareness on rights and

duties

- Provide education to these children

- Educate their parents about the ills and dangers of

making their children work in inhuman conditions

- Create co-operatives to provide soft loan for these

people

3.DEEP WATER

1. With reference to the big boy who pushed Douglas into the pool we realize

that many a times we fail to understand others fears and weaknesses and

make fun of them without realising how much harm we are doing to the

psyche of the person. What qualities does a person need to imbibe in

order not to undermine others?

- Understanding

- Encouraging nature

- Sympathetic

- Kind. The ability to guide and talk them out of their fear and not to

preach or tease

Textual Input: Big boy would have thought Douglas would take care

2. From the experience of William Douglas, we understand that it is possible

to overcome even our worst fears. How can a person make this possible?

- Grit

- Hard work

- Optimism

- Persistence

- Self confidence

Textual Input: Douglas realizes and addresses his fears

3. William Douglas did manage to overcome his fear of water but part of the

credit also goes to his teacher who played an important part in making this

happen. How can learning be made more effective?

- Methodical

- Patience

- Creativity

- Practice

- Sincerity

- Diligence

4. RATTRAP 1. The rattrap seller thinks of the whole world as nothing but a big trap and the riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing are just baits for people .This metaphor seems right in today’s world where people are ready to resort to any means to get what they want . They are tempted to resort to bribery, corruption, addiction and thievery at the slightest provocation. As future citizens enumerate the qualities we need to prevent us from falling into this trap.

- Hard Work - Honesty - Pride - Integrity, Self-Respect and Self Esteem - A helping nature

Textual Input: Peddler absolves himself with Edla’s help

2. Edla manages to bring about a change in the rattrap seller. What qualities do you think will help reform a person?

- Care and Concern - Trust in others - Goodness - Empathy - Love and affection

Textual Input : Edla allowing peddler to stay at her house

3. We were just saying that it was too bad we didn’t have any company for Christmas .' The spirit of Christmas needs to be nurtured in our hearts not only during the festive throughout the year. How can the spirit of Christmas be kept alive throughout the year?

- Charity - Helpfulness - Empathy - Caring - Goodwill - Tolerance - Nurturing Brotherhood

5. INDIGO BY LOUIS FISCHER

1. Mahatma Gandhi represented the share croppers of Champaran in their fight

against the British, seeking justice for themselves and release from the 15 %

arrangement. He led from the front and secured justice for the poor and oppressed.

In the light of reading the lesson ‘Indigo’ by Louis Fischer, write the text of a speech

on ‘The qualities of a good leader’

Answer

Suggested Value points

- Dynamic, honest above all

- Working as a team, methodical

- Moral and social grip over the people

- Transparent, firm and confident

- Altruistic-welfare of the people under him, at all cost.

Textual inputs:

• Organised as seen in Gandhiji’s way of working, investigating facts,

presenting argument

2. Gandhiji said ‘Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the

poor’.

It is very clear from the lesson ‘Indigo’ by Louis Fischer that freedom

from fear is a pre-requisite for justice . Discuss in an article for the

school magazine the ill effects of fear- analyzing whether Indians are

really free from fear after independence.


- Fear is a sign of weakness, fearlessness is strength.

- Giving up fear needed to fight for our rights.

- Fear is hindrance to progress, curbs freedom of expression.

- Humans-born free.

- Current scenario- Political clout used to twist laws/justice

- Bureaucracy, red-tapism, money and muscle power rule the

roost.

- horrifying cases of arrest of people who speak against political

leaders, or are critical of policies.

Textual inputs

• Gandhiji believed in freedom of the spirit which was achieved when

masses gathered in support of him near the court.

3. Gandhiji was not allowed to draw water from the well lest some drops from his

bucket pollute the entire source. (Indigo- Louis fischer). Such discrimination would

prove to be detrimental to the society. Analyse the importance of acquiring humane

qualities in an article for a news paper.


- Absolutely wrong to discriminate – not to be tolerated

- God is one and we are his children.

- need to understand the values of universal brotherhood, goodwill and

tolerance.

- Upliftment of the poor and downtrodden, to be humane.

- Make them more self reliant

Textual inputs

Even Gandhiji was discriminated against because he was with Rajkumar Shukla.

6- POETS AND PANCAKES BY ‘ASOKA MITRAN’

1. Humour enlivens the drudgery of life. Variety is the spice of life and the varied

account of events and personalities in the Gemini studios serves to make the

reading interesting and also add to the humour quotient in one’s life. (poets and pan

cakes by Asokamitran)

Taking the cue from the lesson discuss how calmness of the mind can be achieved

through light hearted banters. / humour


- Laughter / humour – the best medicine

- Endears a person to others, able to strike a conversation / laugh at oneself.

- Controls stress, relieves tension.

- Makes us forget our worries

- Promotes camaraderie

- makes us less impulsive

Textual inputs

• Slapping make up to make the actors look ugly so that they look

presentable on screen.

2. The ‘office boy’ in the Gemini studios, ( lesson-Poets and Pan cakes) by Asoka

mitran attributes his inability to rise up the ladder in work to Subbu and the strict

hierarchy followed in the film company of S.S. Vasan.

However strict the hierarchy, our ‘Action should speak more than words’. Hard work,

honesty and sincerity of purpose should be the mantra to success. Explain this in not

more than 100 words.


- No shortcut to success-only hardwork is the key.

- Instead of blaming others for our misfortunes, we should face

challenges head on.

- Try to find a solution and not evade the problem or brood over it.

- ‘Office boy’ not ready to accept his flaws , or find out how to overcome

the hurdle.

- Must have passion for one’s work

- Work should be workship –not to be deterred by division of labour.

- Must have the tenacity and determination to prove oneself.

Textual inputs:

• Should not become cynical like the office boy.

3. There was a great deal of National Integration in the Gemini studios with the

make-up department being headed by people from all parts of India in succession.

(Poets and Pan cakes by Asoka mitran )

The need of the hour in India is an idealistic situation where people are more tolerant

towards each other to realize the dreams, our founding fathers had dreamt at the

time of Independence. What role could the Youth of India play in this regard?


- Becoming secular in spirit.

- To be more spiritual than religious

- Working together in social causes-rising above pettiness of mind

- Bringing about 100 % literacy, to become more tolerant and understanding

- Promote values of compassion and love through street plays, music and

dance (fine arts)

- Schools should promote National Integration , patriotism by developing life

skills.

Textual inputs:

As seen in the hierarchy of the make up.

7. The Interview

Q. 1. Umberto Eco’s brilliant use of time is something many people lack despite being gifted otherwise. What is the importance of time management in one’s life. Elucidate in around 100 words.


- time is money

- increased work / responsibilities best handled only if time is managed

properly.

- keeps idling at bay

- promotes attributes / qualities which are positive

- keeps stress and stress-related anxiety at bay.

Textutal inputs

• interstices

Q.2. Mukund Padmanabhan’s interview of Umberto Eco allows the reader to assess

them as an effective interviewer and an affable interviewee. Besides this, Eco’s

impressive personality is also revealed. What is the moral responsibility that rests

with the interviewer as well as the interviewee, considering that interviews as a

medium of communication is very popular today? Answer in around 100 words.


- audience forms opinions

- impressionable age / formative years governed by many factors.

- young audience will therefore be easily influenced

- celebrities powerful enough

- celebrities powerful enough to promote right values

- role models for youth

- hero-worshipping bound to happen, so could handle rightly.

- core values easily recognized as one speaks / gives an interview

- today’s society severely deprived of good role-models.

- sensationalism could be curbed

- will help take focus away from ill-refined news / 6trends

Textutal inputs

• Mukund Padmanabhan’s questions relevant, not personal/controversial

Q.3. Umberto Eco introduced a playful and personal quality to his academic (written)

work, thereby keeping himself away from the kind of disappointment his friend

Roland Barthes felt when he could not write narratives. Why is it necessary to love

what you get?


- work drudgery bound to set in or else

- will stop creativity if disinterested

- bringing in passion will increase self-motivation and drive

- life is short, may not always provide opportunities elsewhere

- every moment should be considered opportune time to grow / learn

- greater satisfaction possible

Textutal inputs

• Eco loved narratives-incorporated them into academic work

• e.g doctoral thesis

8.Going Places:

1. To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act. To reach great heights dreams must manifest into actions. Mere dreams without action remain an illusion. Sophie dreamed of owning a boutique. What do you think should be the plan of action to fulfill such a dream?

- determination - focus - hard work - perseverance - skill

Textual input: Sophie should aim at acquiring the requisite skill and qualification.

2. Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one.

Benjamin Franklin

Sophie like many children today, aspires for things beyond her means and is always looking for material comforts. What values need to be instilled in children so that they learn to be better human beings and not purely materialistic?

- practical - contentment - satisfaction

Textual Input: Sophie’s dreams are all connected to the world of glitz and glamour (fashion designer, actress etc)

3. Jansie is pragmatic and realistic in her aspirations and outlook in life. Jansie’s

outlook in life is praiseworthy and worth emulating. Enlist the values that one could develop which could make us endearing and successful.

- sincere - practical/pragmatic - realistic - frank

Textual input : Jansie’s caution to Sophie to wean her away from being whimsical.

POETRY

1.My Mother at Sixty Six

1. ‘And realised with pain that she looked as old as she was.’

Are we neglecting our elderly folk? What qualities do you think the youth

have to inculcate towards the elderly?

- Yes, empathy

- Respect

- Set an example to next generation

2. ‘…..all I said was see you soon amma…..

All I did was smile and smile’

In the wake of old age home mushrooming in India as well, and many of the

elderly people abandoned or thrown out of their homes, how do you think

youngsters can help the elderly to overcome loneliness and grief in the sunset

of their lives?

- Empathy

- Respect

- Gratitude

- Courtesy

- Selflessness

- Responsibility

3. Life offers a variety of opportunities to help us overcome difficulties

- Happy people

- Nature

- Work/study

2.AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM

Stephen Spender

And yet, for these

Children, these windows, not this map, their world

Where all their future’s painted with a fog

1. Their world and their future is painted with a fog. As a society, what do we

need to do to bring about a change in the lives of children who are not so

lucky?

- Kindness and concern

- Generosity

- Empathy

- Selflessness

- Perseverance

2. How could these windows be made more meaninglful?

- True education

- Window of opportunity

3.KEEPING QUIET

Pablo Neruda

Now we will count to twelve

And we will all keep still

1. In today’s world where war, violence, crime and a disregard for others has

become the trend. What is it that needs to be done to make the world a better

place?

- Care and concern for others

- Awareness that everyone is not fortunate

- Introspection

- Determination to do something for the underprivileged

- Time management – not to let measures taken drag on

- Mutual understanding and cooperation

- Need for rest and relaxation

(Textual Input: Walk about with brothers , Victory with no survivors)

2. Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas,

wars with fire

According to you how can we prevent these wars?

- Concern

- Awareness

- Eco-friendly perspective

- Sincerity in understanding the need to take action

- To be knowledgeable

3. What would happen if the wars are not prevented?

- Death

- Destruction

- Suffering

- Pain

4 .A Thing of Beauty

1. ‘A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams….’

Nature promises man comforts against all odds. But it is for man to recognize

them. Explain

- Uplifts spirits

- Gives joy

- Relieves tension

2. ‘….grandeur of the dooms

…..for the mighty dead’

How can one draw inspiration from great men?

- From their lives/actions

- We live in our deeds/not years

- Role models

3. ‘…..inhuman dearth

Of noble natures…..’

What is necessary to fill the world with noble people

- Thought good, words noble, actions nobles

- Promote values

- Recognize good people/work

5. A ROADSIDE STAND

Q.1. The ‘requisite lift of spirit’ has never been found in the ‘voice of the country’.

Robert Frost’s concern for village/country folk has relevance in the Indian context as

well. Explain.


- village prosperity is key to country’s progress.

- Gandhiji’s vision

- long years / decades of suffering will result in rebellion / uprising as

proved by history.

2. In Robert Frost’s assertion that the ‘hurt to the scenery’ does not bother him, focus

shifts to the futility of people generally being obsessed with appearances as well.

Comment on how preoccuputaion with appearances is detrimental for society.


- brand consciousness as example

- misplaced sense of aesthetics

- lopsided comparisons

- not conducive to growth / harmony.

Q.3. ‘The flower of cities’ is supported from sinking and withering faint by the excess

cash flow. Nobody spares a thought for the country folk who only hope for a little

extra to make their life better. What can one do to help make life meaningful for

everyone in such a context?


- essential to promote care for others

- values as sharing and compassion should over rule all other

considerations

- growth, joy / peace in society possible

- taking a little away from excess will not hurt at all.

- balance in society

- bridge gap between the rich and poor.

6. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers 1. In a predominantly male dominated society, women from time immemorial have faced oppression from men. What changes can be brought about in the society for uplifting the position of women, like Aunt Jennifer?

- empowerment - education - girl education - equal opportunities

Textual Input

Aunt Jennifer afraid of her husband

Inability to take a stand or take a decision 2. “ … Uncle’s wedding band Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand…” No two individuals will be similar and will think alike. Each has to accept the other with their differences. When one is unable to do so, the relationship itself becomes a burden. And, that is what happened to Aunt Jennifer. What changes do you advocate to promote marital harmony.

- mutual give and take - understanding - acceptance - tolerance - forgiveness

Textual Input Aunt Jennifer and uncle’s marriage very lopsided union (not one of mutual respect) 3. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble and attempts what is above its strength. Thomas A Kempis Aunt Jennifer felt oppressed and troubled in her married life. What positive traits were missing in Uncle that led to this unhappy state?

- complete freedom - mutual respect - unconditional love - tolerance

Textual Input: Uncle probably abusive, intolerant

VISTAS

1. The Third Level

1. ‘He said I was unhappy. He meant the modern world is full of insecurity,

fear, war, worry and all the rest of it and that I just want to escape…’

Many of us have a similar mindset to escape from reality. Do you think

escapism can resolve problems?

- No, it never does

- Need for honest self-assessment

- To know one’s strengths and weaknesses

- Set SMART goals, face reality rather than indulge in fantasy

- Develop the ability to conquer disappointments and forge a

path ahead undaunted by setbacks.

2. ‘That ought to set him up in a nice little hay feed grain business; he

always said that’s what he always wished he could do and he certainly

can’t go back to his old business…..’

Do modern day youth have the freedom to pursue a career of their choise?

- Lack of self belief/confidence

- Not often; yes/no

- Peer pressure

- Parental pressure

- Beaten path – safety

- Insecurity

3. ‘I turned away and got our fast. There’s nothing nice about jail even in

1894.’

Do you think imprisonment in jail or strict punishment will undo wrong and

is the best sway to reform criminals or misguided youth?

- No, might harden them further

- Society will treat them with a prejudiced eye

- Community service/vocational education – a more effective

option

- Confinement in jail might bring them in contact with hardcore

criminals – adverse effects

- Jail confinement will only enhance for criminal’s loved ones

as well

2. THE TIGER KING

Answer the following questions (100 words)

1. The tiger king proved that -

‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’

Today’s political order presents a similar picture. It is time to realize that authority

and power should be used for the benefit of the masses. Write a speech for the

school assembly on this theme.


- Understand that democracy means by the people, for the people, of the

people.

- Every act of ours to be directed towards upliftment of the poor.

- Learn to take criticism in the right spirit.

- Practise simple living and high thinking.

- Not to misuse power / clout – to amass wealth.

- Understand that they are just guardians of people’s wealth.

- Be patriotic in the real sense of the word.

Textual inputs:

• Was obsessed to keep his throne at the cost of the people of

Pratibandapuram.

2. It is understood from the lesson ‘The tiger king’ by Kalki that the king was

surrounded by people who obeyed him out of fear and there was a lack of good

counseling from his ministers to run his kingdom for the good of the people.

How important is it to have a good council of ministers for the good governance of

the country?


- Elected ministers should place the country before self.

- the head should mercilessly remove the corrupt ministers.

- there should be a strong judiciary

- law and order should be in the hands of honest officers.

- bureaucracy should be strong and transparent.

Textual inputs:

• The dewan humouring the king and playing upto his idiosyncracies .

3. The fascination for everything English is brought out beautifully in the lesson ‘The

tiger king’ by Kalki. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram is given an ‘English’

upbringing.

How can love for one’s country be inculcated against all odds?

Suggested Value Points:

- aping the west should be stopped

- willness to serve the country should be there

- understand our age old culture and build up on family values rather

than seeking personal gains

Textual inputs:

• The king was more bothered about his throne than to serve the country

3. JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH BY ‘TISHANI DOSHI’

1. Gandhiji said that ‘Animals are becoming extinct in the jungles and more in the

cities’. Man is considered to be the most dangerous animal. However students

should understand that we should live in a state of partnership with nature and not

have an attitude of domination. Write an article stressing the need for a changed

perception among mankind.


- Understand that we are moving towards our own destruction / annihilation

- Disrupting the food chain ---- we will be grappling for resources –our survival.

- Have a holistic approach to preserve environment.

- not harm, the habitat of animals

- not to hunt, harm or poach for skin, blubber, tusks etc.

- ban products made out of killing animals.

- Strict laws, stringent measures.

Textual inputs:

• Example of phytoplanktons

2. God has provided resources for our need and not our greed. It is the desire for

more that has brought about a ruckus in the environment and our lives.

Contentment in life is the key to peaceful living.- Analyse this in an article for the

school magazine.


- Simple living, high thinking

- be contented with what one has

- remember we have no right to deprive future generation of resources.

- desire for more is root of all evils-corruption etc.

- Not to compare. Think of those who are deprived of the basic necessities.

- Happy is the man who lives by his means.

Textual inputs:

• Mega cities and gated communities cropping up creating ------survival

of the fittest.

3. Take care of the small things and the big things will fall in place – says Tishani

Doshi in the ‘Journey to the end of the earth’. The relevance of this statement in all

walks of life cannot be undermined. It is universal and more so for a harmonious and

happy life. Write the text of a speech on this theme.


- Understand little drops of water make the mighty ocean.

- In thought, deed and word we need to be mindful-not to hurt others.

- Do good things, be noble, work hard

- To concentrate on developing skills; success will follow automatically.

- Kind words helps to nurture relationships

- Practice non- violence, automatically world peace will be achieved.

Textual inputs:

Example of phytoplanktons

4. THE ENEMY

Q.1. ‘Fortune favours the brave’ – Sadao had his doubts and anxieties while he

helped the prisoner of war (POW). Despite this he follows the dictates of his heart.

What is courage really all about ? Why should one cultivate it?


- essential quality to tide over misfortunes / adversity

- provides confidence

- promotes self respect

- cultivates associated positive traits

- courage – mind wise more important than physical display

Textutal inputs

• Sadao brings in POW

• Helps him recover

Q. 2. Despite bias Sadao rises above his prejudices to save a person’s life. Why is it

important for us to become tolerant as a society?


- multi cultural society is norm today

- helps growth of individuals as well nation

- helps keep malaise such as terrorism at bay

- fanatic behaviour corrodes practical thinking

- makes one impulsive also

- decision making ability hampered

Textutal inputs

• Sadao admits he dislikes Americans

• recalls his landlady and her kindness but is filled with conceit.

Q. 3. Sadao’s servants refused to acknowledge or approve the help he rendered the

POW, Hana and Sadao seem to be more willing to risk their safety to reach out to

another human being in need. Explain the role that education plays in making us

refined and accommodative.


- teaches one to respect and love others

- refines baser instincts / passions

- provides opportunities to realize, acknowledge and appreciate other’s

potential / talent

- will be able to adopt the best from various cultures / people.

Textutal inputs

• servants very superstitious

5. SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY ?

Q.1. Jack is very influenced by his mother’s upbringing. It is universally

acknowledged that ‘mother knows best’. Explain how placing trust in one’s parents

will be rewarding.


- multiple factors taken into consideration

- parents / elders know better

- age and experience favour accurate judgment

- less likely to be swayed by peer pressure, fashion, trends etc.

- interest of child will be close to heart

- pressure / stress will be rightly handled

Textutal inputs

• Jack feels his mother knows best and wants his daughter to believe so.

Q.2. Jack wishes to help his wife but certain prejudice comes in the way of actually

doing so. Analyse how preconceived notions about other people will often come in

the way of evolving ourselves into better people.


- help from others will not be forthcoming.

- bias / prejudice will make one intolerant

- fanatic opinions / beliefs not conducive to overall growth

- multifaceted society

- ideals of harmony and peace will be curtailed

- workplaces, neighbourhoods and society at large will suffer.

Textutal inputs

• Jack’s negativity towards wife and daughter at times

Q. 3. Roger Skunk’s mother finds the smell of roses detestable on her son, implying

that he should accept himself as he is. Adults as well as young people are often

victims of misjudging issues, people and circumstances based on appearance. Is an

obsession for appearance disallowing us to appreciate our own true selves? Explain.


- All that glitters is not gold.

- Appearances are deceptive

- comparisons bound to happen

- comparisons not always conducive to growth.

- real issues get brushed under carpet

- misplaced values.

Textutal inputs

Roger Skunk’s desire to smell as roses

6.ON THE FACE OF IT

1. Derry:You think…..’Here’s a Boy’. You look at me…and then you see my face

and you think ‘That’s bad , That’s a terrible thing. That’s the ugliest thing I ever

saw. You think, Poor boy. But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are afraid.

Anybody would be. I am. When I look in the mirror and see it, I’m afraid of me.

Though this is the lament of a teen who has a disfigured face due to acid that fell on

his face, many teenagers go through a phase where they have a complex about their

appearance and they do not like to be underestimated or pitied. How could society

help such children become confident?

- Empathy

- Encouraging nature

- The ability to listen and understand

- Persistence

2. Mr Lamb says that he grows weeds and wonders why one green growing plant

is called a weed and another a flower. He says it is all life. In another instance,

he says that bees don’t buzz, they hum and hum means to sing. What can we

learn about life from these observations of Mr Lamb?

- Positivity

- A never-say-die spirit

- Making the best use of everything- nothing is ever a waste

- The ability to admire and appreciate everything around- all the

creatures of god

Textual input – Lamb’s own story- overcoming his own handicap

3. Derry says “It’s not what you look like; it’s what you are inside.” What are the

qualities this sentence encourages people to have?

- Importance to people and their character/qualities

- Avoid getting carried away by superficial things

- Need for good moral and ethical character

- Being a human- being generous, kind and tolerant.

Textual Input Handsome is as handsome does

4. Derry: “Look at all the people who are in pain and brave and never cry and

never complain and don’t feel sorry for themselves.”

But Derry does not follow it. What qualities do you need to develop to be like

the ‘people’ Derry mentions?

- Positive

- Brave

- Physical and mental strength

- Tenacity and resilience

Textual Input

Village elders ‘ display of respect for M. Hamel (Hauser and others)

7.Evans Tries an O Level 1. People forget how fast you did a job – but they remember how well you did it. Howard Newton The Governor paid heavily for his lapses in security. If he had weighed the

probabilities of Evans’ escape he might have taken sufficient precautions. What qualities do you think will help one guard against such lapses?

- not leave anything to chance - think from Evans’ angle - Evans’ analytical mind

Textual Input Governor over confident Conceited 2. Condemn the sin, not the sinner. The age old adage; once a criminal always

a criminal should not be our perspective now. Every criminal who comes to the jail should leave the same a better/whole human being. What can be done to ensure that criminals leave the prison walls as better human beings/ reformed human beings.

- keep them occupied - constructive occupation - meditation, yoga

Textual input: Evans being branded ‘Evans the Break’

3. Men of genius excel in any profession because labour in it.

‘Evans the break’ was able to hoodwink the jail authorities including the Governor. It clearly shows that necessity is the mother of invention. What qualities are necessary to tackle difficult situations in life.

- creativity - courage - alertness - observation

Textual Input Evans’ creativity 8.Memories of Childhood 1. As long as men are free to ask what they must; free to say what they think; free to think what they will and free to follow their religious beliefs – only then there exists democracy. What reforms can be advocated in order to avert such cruelty like what Zitkala Sa and Bama experienced.

- liberty - equality - fraternity - religious tolerance

Textual Input Bama’s caste Zitkala Sa’s forced inclusion into mainstream 2. For people like Bama it is necessary to break the shackles that society burdens them with and come out triumphant. What should one possess /acquire to help one live without fear?

- patience - perseverance - determination to succeed - fight all odds

3. Harijan- Hari jan (children of God) is what Gandhiji called the Dalits. Great stalwarts like the Mahatma, Dr. Ambedkar and Ramanujam worked relentlessly for the upliftment of the Dalits. But, unfortunately the caste bias still rears its ugly head in many parts of the country. What values need to be instilled in individuals for the betterment and upliftment of the marginalized communities. -education

- awareness - freedom/ equality - mutual respect

Textual Input As seen in the case of Bama

english core class 12 value based questions … core class 12 value based questions... · value...

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