Thursday, November 5, 2026

HSC STUDENTS LIFE LINE

DIWALI ENGLISH LEARNING CHALLENGE – STD. XI & XII

Learn • Practise • Create • Celebrate

Dear Students,

HSC Students Life Line presents a special English learning challenge for Std. XI and XII students.

This workbook provides five interesting activities carrying a total of 40 marks.

Activities

  1. Reading Detective – 4 marks
  2. Creative Writing Studio – 10 marks
  3. Grammar Challenge – 10 marks
  4. Speaking Practice – 10 marks
  5. Vocabulary Explorer – 6 marks

Download your workbook

Complete all five activities and assess your English language skills.

Download the PDF workbook:
HSC Students Life Line – Diwali English Workbook

Achievement badges

  • 0–14: Diya Starter
  • 15–27: Rangoli Artist
  • 28–40: Diwali Champion

Our message

Learning English becomes enjoyable when we read, write, speak and practise every day.

Take the challenge. Improve your confidence. Celebrate your learning!

Best wishes,

Dr. Pramod Raut
Raja Bhagwantrao Junior College, Aundh, Satara

HSC STUDENTS LIFE LINE
Learn • Practice • Achieve • Inspire

Link

Diwali_English_Challenge_Student.pdf

Saturday, October 24, 2026

12 वी अभ्यास फक्त इंग्रजी



कला शाखा मार्गदर्शन 

Writing skill 


Poem 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MkWkBKpZVzs4mkqNg1sCtwwqPaHYK2nM/edit?

Poem 


A5 :Language study

Sept 2021

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

1) He shook his head regretfully.  

(Choose the correct alternative to get Present Perfect Tense form of the given sentence.)

  1. He shakes his head regretfully.

  2. He has shaken his head regretfully.

  3. He had shaken his head regretfully.

  4. He will shake his head regretfully.

2) I will not open my mouth.

(Choose the correct alternative to get affirmative form without changing the meaning of the sentence.)

  1. I will not close my mouth.

  2. I will open my mouth.

  3. I will shut my mouth.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar: 3

Do as directed:

1)Use the correct articles and rewrite the sentence: COVID-19 is one of ….. most hazardous diseases witnessed by …… world.

  1.   As soon as the captain gave an order, the soldiers fired.

(Choose the correct alternative to get 'No sooner...... form of the given sentence.)


  1.  No sooner the captain gave an order than the soldiers fired.

  2.  No sooner did the captain give an order than the soldiers fired.

  3.  No sooner does the captain give an order than the soldiers fired.

  4.  No sooner has the captain given an order than the soldiers fired

iii) The teacher said, "The Earth revolves around the Sun."

(Choose the correct alternative to get indirect narration of the given sentence.)


      a) The teacher said that the Earth revolved around the Sun.

      b) The teacher said that the Earth is revolving around the Sun

      c) The teacher said that the Earth had revolved around the Sun.

      d) The teacher said that the Earth revolves around the Sun.


iv) Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence: 1

 I know a man which is very tall.


Q2 A 

  1. A5 :Language study: 2

  2. A child spends a major portion of his life in taking formal education:

(Choose the correct alternative that indicates modal auxiliary showing 'obligation.')

(a) A child should spend a major portion of his life in taking formal education.

(b). A child must spend a major portion of his life in taking formal education.

(c) A child will spend a major portion of his life in taking formal education.

(d) A child can spend a major portion of his life in taking formal education.

 



2) A peer group has its own group structure and expectations from its members: (Choose the correct alternative to get 'not only.... but also’ form of the above sentence.):


    (a) A peer group has not only its own group structure but also expectations from its members.

    (b) A peer group not only has its own group structure but also expectations from its members.

    (c) Not only a peer group has its own group structure but also expectations from its members.

    (d) A peer group has its own group structure not only but also expectations from its members.



Feb 2022

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2


(i) On the opposite side of the street was a restaurant of no great pretensions.

(ii) Men who smash windows do not remain to chat with the police.

(Make above sentences simple)


B1 Grammar/Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar)             3

Do as directed:

(i) We can accept our life gracefully. 

(Rewrite using modal auxiliary showing 'compulsion')

(ii) As I entered the post office, the Post Master presented me with a telegram.

(Begin the sentence with "No sooner........)

iii) The mother looks after her child. (Make it a rhetorical question)

B2 Spot the error in the given sentence and rewrite the correct sentence           1

(i) Summers in Delhi are extreme hot.


Q2 A 

A5 :Language study           2

Do as directed.  

(i) He worked hard building a better consumer electronics division.

(Rewrite the sentence using the infinitive form of the underlined word)

(ii) Tata Group launched the passenger car Tata Indica

 (Rewrite it beginning with 'The passenger car Tata Indica.......')


July  2022

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

 (Choose the correct option as the answer to the following sentences).

(1) Discourtesy is not a legal offence.

(The correct 'affirmative' form of this sentence is...)

(a) Courtesy is an illegal offence. (b) Courtesy is always an illegal offence.

(c) Discourtesy is never an illegal offence. (d) Discourtesy is an illegal offence.



(2) There is no allowance for manners and intellectual damages in these matters.

(The correct use of 'as well as' in the given sentence is.....)

(a) There is none of allowance for manners as well as intellectual damages in these matters.

(b) There is always a allowance for manners as well as intellectual damages in these matters.

(c) There is no allowance for manners as well as intellectual damages in these matters.

(d) There is a definite allowance for manners as well as intellectual damages in these matters.

 

(B) Non Textual Grammar - Do as directed:           (3)

(1) George Washington was elected president in 1788.

(Choose the correct 'change the voice' answer from the following options.):

(a) The elected president in 1788 was George Washington.

(b) They elected George Washington as president in 1788.

(c) The president George Washington was elected as president in 1788.

(d) In 1788, President George Washington was elected.


(2) It is not necessary for you to wait any longer.

(Which also means )

You….. not wait any longer.

(Rewrite the above sentence using correct modal auxiliaries from the given options.)

(a)  need (b) should

(c)  must (d)  will

(3) I spent my high school years in Mumbai.

(Choose the correct change into Past Perfect Continuous change from the given options.)

(a) I had been spending my high school years in Mumbai.

(b) I have spent my high school years in Mumbai.

(c) I have been spending my high school years in Mumbai.

(d) I had spent my high school years in Mumbai.


(4) Spot the error in the given sentence and rewrite. 1 "Susan gave me a real nice bouquet of flowers."










Q2 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

 (1) You can gain the necessary knowledge and under- standing.

(Choose the correct alternative from the following options that shows the correct use of 'able to' in this sentence.)

(a) You should be able to gain the necessary knowledge and understanding.

(b) You are able to gain the necessary knowledge and understanding.

(c) You would be able to gain the necessary knowledge and understanding.

(d) You will be able to gain the necessary knowledge and understanding.


(ii) New force enables you to realise your hopes.

(Choose the correct alternative from the given options to frame 'Wh question', to get the underlined part as the answer).

(a) How do new force enable you?

(b) What does new force enable you?

(c) When did new force enable you?

(d) Where does new force enable you?


Feb 2023

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

 (i) l was quite happy getting into IIT, but my joy was short-lived.......

(Choose the correct alternative showing proper use of 'though')


(a) Though I was quite happy getting into IIT, but my joy was short-lived.

(b) I was quite happy getting into IIT, though my joy is short-lived.

(c) Though I was quite happy getting into IIT, my joy was short-lived.

(d) I was quite happy though getting into IIT, my joy was short-lived.


(ii) I felt extremely humiliated and upset.

(Identify the correct exclamatory form of the above sentence.)


  1. What humiliated and upset I felt!

       (b) How humiliated and upset I felt!

(c) How extremely humiliated do I feel!

(d) What a humiliated and upset I felt!










Q.1 B. Non-Textual Grammar           3

Do as directed:


  1. Both the partners have signed this agreement in haste. 

(Identify the correct 'Passive Voice' form of the above sentence from the alternatives given below)

(a) This agreement had been signed in haste by both the partners.

(b) This agreement has been signed in haste by both the partners.

(c) This agreement have been signed in haste by both the partners.

       (d) This agreement was signed in haste by both the partners.


   (ii) I asked my sister, "What can I do for you in this matter?"

 (Identify the correct 'Indirect  Speech' form of the above sentence from the alternatives given below)


(a) I asked my sister what I could do for her in that matter.

(b)He asked his sister what he could do for her in that matter.

(c) I asked my sister what he could do for her in this matter.

(d) He asked my sister what she could do for her in that matter.


(iii) As soon as he left the house, he met with an accident. 


(Identify the correct 'No sooner..... than' form of the above sentence from the alternatives given below.)


(a) No sooner does he leave the house than he met with an accident.

(b) No sooner had he left the house than he met with an accident.

(c) No sooner did he leave the house than he met with an accident.

(d) No sooner do he leave the house than he met with an accident.


B2. Spot the error in the given sentence and rewrite the correct sentence.             1

She has been worked in this office since 1996.


Q2 A

A5 :Language study: 2

 (1)The Govt. of India is encouraging medical tourism in the country.

 (Choose the correct present perfect form of the given statement.)


(a) Govt. of India is encouraged medical tourism in the country.

(b) Govt. of India had encouraged medical tourism in the country.

(c) Govt. of India has been encouraged medical tourism in the country.

(d) Govt. of India has encouraged medical tourism in the country.


 (ii) 'This may make it difficult to deal with any complication'.

(Identify the replaced version of the statement using the auxiliary of certainty or definiteness.)

(a) This can make it difficult to deal with any complication.

(b) This might make it difficult to deal with any complication.

(c) This will make it difficult to deal with any complication.

(d) This have made it difficult to deal with any complication.


JULY  2023

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2


(i) Soapy turned off Broadway.

(Identify the correct tense form from the following options and rewrite)


(a) The simple present tense

(b) The simple past tense

(c) The present perfect tense

(d) The past perfect tense


(ii) 'Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass.

(Choose the correct alternative to make it a simple sentence)


(a) Taking a stone Soapy dashed it through the glass.

(b) Soapy took a stone to dashed it through the glass.

(c) Soapy has taken a stone to dash it through the glass.

(d) Soapy takes a stone to dash it through the glass.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3


(1) There were no boats to take the people across

(Identify and rewrite the correct transformation of the above sentence beginning with 'If...)


(a) If there were no boats, they wouldn't have taken people across.

(b) If there were no boats, they would have taken people across.

(e) If there were boats, they would have taken people across.

(d) If there were boats, they wouldn't have taken people across.


(2) He simply abandoned his sack by the stream. 

(Identify and rewrite the correct transformation of the above sentence beginning with 'His sack...)


(a) His sack is abandoned by the stream by him.

(b) His sack has been abandoned by him by the stream.

(c) His sack was abandoned by him by the stream.

(d) His sack had been abandoned by the stream by him.


(3)She said, "I have worked hard from childhood."

(Identify the correct indirect narration of the above sentence from the given options and rewrite)


  1. She said that she had worked hard from childhood.

  2. She said that she has worked hard from childhood.

  3. She said that she worked hard from childhood.

  4. She said that she has been working hard from childhood.


B2. Spot the error             1

India pays tribute to Gandhiji for his birth anniversary.

  



Q2 A

  1. A5 :Language study: 2

(i)He laughed aloud on hearing of the problem, 

(Choose the correct change in the given options if would is used in the above sentence)

(a) He would laughed on hearing of the problem.

(b) He would have laughed on hearing of the problem.

(c) He would laugh on hearing of the problem

(d) He would be laughed on hearing of the problem.


(ii) They all stood around and looked at him.

(Choose the correct alternative to write it with not only but also.")


(a) They all not only stood around but also looked at him.

(b) They all stood not only around but also looked at him.

(c) Not only they all stood around but also looked at him.

(d) They all stood not around only but also looked at him.


Feb 2024

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

(1) I like to ask questions of the places I visit.

(Choose the correct tense form of the above sentence from the following options and rewrite.)


(a) Simple past tense

(b) Simple present tense

(c) Past perfect tense

(d) Present perfect tense


(ii) I would come back to my apartment in New York.

(Choose the correct option using 'used to for the given sentence and rewrite.)


(a) I use to come back to my apartment in New York.

(b) I have used to come back to my apartment in New York.

(c) I used to come back to my apartment in New York.

(d) I had used to come back to my apartment in New York.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3

 (1) Avneesh said, "Sanchit, what are you doing in the garden at this time?"

(Identify and rewrite the correct 'indirect narration' from the following options.) 


(i) Avneesh asked Sanchit what he was doing in the garden at that time.

(ii) Avneesh wanted to know from Sanchit his cause of being there in the garden.

(iii) Avneesh asked Sanchit whether he was present in the garden at that time.

(iv) Avneesh asked Sanchit whether he was doing in the garden at that time.



(2) Neeraj Chopra may not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury

(Choose the correct option from the following sentences which uses a more definite modal auxiliary.)


(i) Neeraj Chopra cannot participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.

(ii) Neeraj Chopra will not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.

(iii) Neeraj Chopra should not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.

(iv) Neeraj Chopra might not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.


(3) Unless you are confident, you will not succeed.

(Choose the correct option from the following options to change the sentence beginning with 'lf.....')


(i) If you are confidence you will get success.

(ii) If you have confidence you will get success.

(iii) If you are confident you will not get success.

(iv) If you are not confident you will get success.


B2. Spot the error and rewrite correct sentence:

He prescribe medicine alongwith a few exercises to his patients. 1


Q2 A

A5 :Language study: 2


(i) It has been tried again and again.

(Identify the correct Active Voice of the above sentence from the given options and rewrite.)

(a) They had tried it again and again. 

(b) They has tried it again and again.

(c) They tried it again and again.

(d) They have tried it again and again.


(i) It is the sound state of mind which we are looking for.

(Identify the correct simple sentence from the given options and rewrite.)

(a) It is the sound state of mind and we are looking for it.

(b) We are looking for the sound state of mind.

(c) We are looking for it but it is the sound state of mind.

(d) The sound state of mind is looked for.


July 2024

Q1 A 

A5 :Language study: 2

 (i) I wanted to return to my first love.

(Frame a 'wh' question to get the underlined partas the answer.)


(a) Where did I wanted to return?

(b) Where do I want to return?

(c) Where did I want to return?

(d) Why did I want to return?


(ii) My book "Boardroom' on management has created at least 20 successful entrepreneurs, (Choose the correct passive voice form of the sentence from the options given below.)


(a) At least 20 successful entrepreneurs will be created by my book "Boardroom' on management

(b) At least 20 successful entrepreneurs have been created by my book 'Boardroom' on management.

(c) At least 20 successful entrepreneurs has been created by my book 'Boardroom' on management.

(d) At least 20 successful entrepreneurs are created by my book 'Boardroom' on management.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar: 3


(1) I can teach four languages including French.

(Choose the correct option replacing the modal auxiliary showing 'compulsion.')


(i)I should teach four languages including French

(ii) I may teach four languages including French

(iii) 1 must teach four languages including French

(iv) I will teach four languages including French.


(2) Netra is always interested in school excursions

(Choose the correct Rhetorical question form of the sentence from the given options.)


(i) Hasn't Netra always been interested in school excursions?

(ii) Is Netra always interested in school excursions?

(iii) Was Netra always interested in school excursions?

(iv) Isn't Netra always interested in school excursions?


(3) There are many people who have a desire to speak 'correct' English.  

(Choose the correct simple sentence form of the sentence from the options given below.)


(i) There are many people who had a desire to speak 'Correct' English.

(ii) Many people have a desire to speak 'Correct' English.

(iii) Very few people had a desire to speak 'Correct' English.

(iv) Some people will have a desire to speak 'Correct' English.


B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence:             1

 English movies has entertained the world.


Q2 A

A5. Language Study: Do as directed:             2 (1) Tree planting became a natural choice. (Find out the correct option in which "Present Perfect Tense" is used.)

(a) Tree planting had become a natural choice.

(b) Tree planting has become a natural choice.

(c) Tree planting will become a natural choice.

(d) Tree planting has been become a natural choice.



(ii) They were unable to meet their basic needs. (Choose the correct 'Negative sentence' of the given statement from the options given below and write it.)

(a) They are not able to meet their basic needs.

(b) They have not able to meet their basic needs.

(e) They were not able to meet their basic needs.

(d) They will not be able to meet their basic needs.


Feb 2025

A5. Do as directed:             2

(i) I passed from IIT.

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'Present Perfect Tense.")


(a) I shall have passed from IIT (b) I have passed from IIT.

(c) I had passed from IIT. (d) I has passed from IIT


(ii) I made a few mistakes, but learnt a lot about motivation.

(Choose the correct 'Complex Sentence' from the options given below.)


(a) Making a few mistakes, I learnt a lot about motivation.

(b) Though I made a few mistakes, I learnt a lot about motivation.

(c) I made a few mistakes and I learnt a lot about motivation.

(d) I made a few mistakes to learn a lot about motivation.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3


(1)Nandini said to Raj, "Where did you go during the holidays last year?"

(Choose the correct Indirect Speech' from the given options and write it)


(i) Nandini asked Raj where he had gone during the holidays last year.

(ii) Nandini asked Raj where had he gone during the holidays last year.

(iii) Nandini asked Raj where he went during the holidays last year.

(iv) Nandini asked Raj where he has gone during the holidays last year.


(2) Tree planting became a natural choice.

(Choose the correct 'Wh question' to get the underlined part as the answer from the given options.)

(i) What did become a natural choice? (ii) What was become a natural choice?

(iii) What had become a natural choice? (iv) What became a natural choice?


(3) If children don't play any games, they will become dull and lazy.

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'unless'.)

(i)Unless children don't play any games they will become dull and lazy.

(ii) Unless children play any games they will become dull and lazy.

(iii) Unless children play any games they will not become dull and lazy.

(iv) Unless children play any games they will became dull and lazy.

B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence:         1


 She is more shorter than her brother.

Q2 A

A5. Language Study: Do as directed:             2

A5. Do as directed: (2)


(1) He shared the example of iPhone.

(Choose the correct 'Passive Voice' from the given options and write it.)


(i) The example of iPhone is shared by him.

(ii) The example of iPhone was shared by him.

(iii) The example of iPhone has been shared by him.

(iv) The example of iPhone had been shared by him.


(2) The constant change will require constant learning and relearning.

(Choose the correct option replacing the modal auxiliary showing 'Obligation' and write it.)


(1) The constant change may require constant learning and relearning.

(ii) The constant change shall require constant learning and relearning.

(ii) The constant change must require constant learning and relearning.

(iv)The constant change might require constant learning and relearning.



July 2025

A5. Do as directed:         2

(1) You could tell he was past his prime.

(Choose the correct option where 'be able to' is used from the options given below and rewrite)


(a) You are able to tell he was past his prime.

(b) You will be able to tell he was past his prime.

(c) You weren't able to tell he was past his prime.

(d) You were able to tell he was past his prime.


(2) The Jungle had taken a toll on him.

(Choose the correct Passive voice from the given options and rewrite.)


(a) A toll on him had been taken by the jungle.

(b) A toll on him had taken by the jungle.

(c) A toll on him has been taken by the jungle.

(d) A toll on him was being taken by the jungle.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3

(i)"What a melodious performance it is!" Mr. Swami said to his daughter.

(Choose the correct the indirect narration of the given sentence.)

(a) Mr. Swami said to his daughter that it was a very melodious performance.

(b) Mr. Swami exclaimed that it was a very melodious performance.

(c) Mr. Swami told to his daughter that it is a very melodious performance.

(d) Mr. Swami surprised to his daughter that it was a very melodious performance.





(ii) The commander rapidly passed on the instructions.

(Choose the correct-Wh' question from the given options to get the underlined word as the answer.)

(a) How did the commander pass on the instructions?

(b) Who passed the instructions on the commander?

(c) What does the commander pass on the instructions?

(d) How does the commander pass on the instructions?


(3) You must attend the classes. You can qualify for the examination.

(Choose the correct alternative to transform the sentence into a compound sentence.)


(a) You must attend the classes so as to qualify for the examination.

(b) You must attend the classes but qualify for the examination.

(c)You must qualify for the examination and attend the classes.

(d) You must attend the classes and qualify for the examination.


B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence 1


Dr. Dixit has being practicing for twenty years in this city.


A5. Language study: 2


(1) The moon is nearer to the earth than any other heavenly bodies.

(Identify and rewrite the correct positive degree form of the above sentence from the given options.)


(a) The moon is nearer to the earth than any other heavenly bodies.

(b) Very few heavenly bodies are as near to the earth as the moon.

(c) No other heavenly body is as near to the earth as the moon.

(d) The moon is the nearest to the earth of all heavenly bodies.


(ii) The unseen face is called the far side.

(Identify and rewrite the correct transformation of the above sentence beginning with, 'we.....)


(a) We called the far side as unseen face.

(b) We called the unseen face as far side.

(c) We call the unseen face as far side.

(d) We calls the unseen face as far side.


Feb 2026

A5. Do as directed: 2

(1) A fur importer had offered him a place as driver.

(Choose the correct alternative to get past continuous tense as the answer of the given sentence.)


(a) A fur importer had been offering him a place as driver.

(b) A fur importer will be offering him a place as driver.

(c) A fur importer was offering him a place as driver.

(d) A fur importer has been offering him a place as driver.      


(2)He would be somebody in the world.

(Choose the correct alternative from the given sentences showing 'certainty)


(a) He must be somebody in the world

(b) He will be somebody in the world.

(c) He should be somebody in the world.

(d) He might be somebody in the world.


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3


(1) Gitesh is one of the best football players in the college.

(Choose the correct alternative from the given options showing the correct transformation in Positive Degree and rewrite)


(a) No other football player in the college is as good as Gitesh.

(b) Very few football players in the college are as better as Gitesh.

(c) No other football player in the college is as best as Gitesh.

(d) Very few football players in the college are as good as Gitesh.


(2) No sooner does Rohit Sharma enter the ground than he gets a warm welcome.

(Choose the correct alternative from the given options showing the correct use of 'as soon as' and rewrite)


(a) As soon as Rohit Sharma had entered the ground, he gets a warm welcome.

(b) As soon as Rohit Sharma have entered the ground, he gets a warm welcome.

(c) As soon as Rohit Sharma enters the ground, he gets a warm welcome.

(d) As soon as Rohit Sharma will enter the ground, he gets a warm welcome


(3) Swarali said to her mother, "Did you like my sketch?

(Choose the correct alternative from the given options showing the 'indirect speech' form of the given sentence.)


(a) Swarali told her mother that she liked her sketch.

(b)Swarali told her mother if she liked her sketch.

(c)Swarali asked her mother that she has liked her sketch.

(d) Swarali asked her mother if she had liked her sketch.


B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence: 1

We did not attended the party last night...


A5. Do as directed: 2

(1) Children do not get complete attention from their parents.

(Identify the correct passive voice of the above sentence from the given options and rewrite.)


(a) Complete attention do not get from their parents by the children.

(b) Complete attention from their parents does not get by the children.

(c) Complete attention from their parents is not got by the children.

(d) Complete attention from their parents are not got by the children.


(2) Authoritarian parents are rigid and punitive in nature.

(Identify the correct Wh-question to get an underlined answer from the given options and rewrite.)


(a) What are authoritarian parents in nature?

(b) What authoritarian parents are in nature?

(c) How the authoritarian parents in nature are?

(d) How are the authoritarian parents in nature?


July 2026

A5. Do as directed:                 2


(i) Every student's comprehension level is different.

(Choose the correct 'Negative Sentence' from the options given below and write it.)


(a) Every student's comprehension level is not different.

(b) Every student's comprehension level is not the same.

(c) Every student's comprehension level is not that much different.

(d) Every student's comprehension level is not critical.


(ii) This will help in guiding the students for the best career.

(Choose the correct option replacing the modal auxiliary expressing 'Advice' and write it.)


(a) This can help in guiding the students for the best career.

(b) This must help in guiding the students for the best career.

(c) This may help in guiding the students for the best career.

(d) This should help in guiding the students for the best career


Q1 B Non textual Grammar : 3

 (i) There are no unemployed, no slackers in a civilized society.

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'Neither nor' and write it.)


(a) There are neither unemployed nor slackers in a civilised society.

(b) There were neither unemployed nor slackers in a civilised society.

(c) There are neither unemployed and nor slackers in a civilised society.

(d) There are neither employed nor slackers in a civilised society.


(ii) Sandip said to Rushika, "Do you like to take part in sports competition?"

(Choose the correct 'Indirect Speech' from the given options and write it.)


(a) Sandip asked Rushika if/whether she liked to take part in sports competition.

(b) Sandip told Rushika if/whether she likes to take part in sports competition.

(c)Sandip asks Rushika if/whether she liked to take part in sports competition.

(d) Sandip asked Rushika if/whether you like to take part in sports competition.


(iii) When the officer fired his assistant, he heaved a sigh of relief.

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of 'No sooner… than' and write it.)


(a) No sooner do the officer fired his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.

(b) No sooner does the officer fire his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.

(c) No sooner did the officer fire his assistant than he heaved a sigh of relief.

(d) No sooner than the officer fired his assistant, he heaved a sigh of relief.


2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence: 1 Rutuja is one of the best student in using new technology.

A5. Do as directed: 2


(i) The students had been reading "To Kill a Mockingbird

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of Future Perfect Tense and write it.)


(a) The students will have been reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

(b) The students will be reading "To Kill a Mockingbird.

(c)The students will be read "To Kill a Mockingbird.

(d) The students will have read "To Kill a Mockingbird.


(ii) He was named co-editor of his high school newspaper. 

(Choose the correct option from the given alternatives showing the correct use of Active Voice' and write it.)


(a) His high school newspaper named him as a co-editor.

(b) They named him co editor of his high school newspaper

(c) He was named by them as a co-editor of his high school newspaper.

(d) They name him co editor of his high-school newspaper.


*************************************************************************

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry

📚 Detailed Teaching Notes: "The Cop and the Anthem" by O. Henry

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🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the plot, characters, and themes of the story
- Identify literary devices like irony, metaphor, and contrast
- Connect the story to real-life situations
- Develop empathy and critical thinking through activities

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👤 1. About the Author — O. Henry (Simple Introduction)

Fact Detail
Real Name William Sydney Porter
Born 1862, North Carolina, USA
Died 1910
Famous For Short stories with surprise endings (twist endings)
Style Witty, humorous, uses everyday language
Other Stories The Gift of the Magi, The Last Leaf

> 💡 Fun Fact for Students: O. Henry's stories always have a surprise at the end — just like a good magic trick! He wrote over 600 short stories.

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📖 2. What is This Story About? (One-Minute Summary)

"The Cop and the Anthem" is the story of Soapy, a homeless man in New York City. Winter is coming, and Soapy needs a warm place to sleep. He decides the best place is jail (prison) because it has food and a bed. He tries many funny ways to get arrested, but nothing works! Finally, when he hears church music and decides to change his life, a policeman arrests him. The story ends with a surprise twist — a classic O. Henry ending!

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🎬 3. Story Summary — Scene by Scene (Easy Language)

Scene 1: Winter is Coming! ❄️
- Soapy sits on a bench in Madison Square Park, New York.
- He is homeless. His clothes are old. His shoes have holes.
- The cold wind tells him: Winter has arrived.
- He needs shelter (a warm place) for the winter months.

Scene 2: The Plan 🎯
- Soapy thinks of Blackwell's Island Jail — a prison!
- Why? Because jail gives:
  - A warm bed
  - Three meals a day
  - No rent to pay!
- He decides to do small crimes to get arrested.

Scene 3: Attempt #1 — The Fancy Restaurant 🍽️
- Soapy goes to a rich restaurant.
- He orders an expensive meal but has no money to pay.
- Result: The waiters throw him out! No arrest. ❌

Scene 4: Attempt #2 — The Cheap Shop Window 🪟
- He breaks a shop window with a stone.
- A policeman comes.
- But the policeman arrests a bystander (a man standing nearby), not Soapy!
- Result: Soapy is free. ❌

Scene 5: Attempt #3 — The Restaurant (Again!) 🍗
- He goes to a normal restaurant and eats a big meal.
- He tells the waiter he has no money.
- The waiters beat him up and throw him on the street.
- Result: No arrest. ❌

Scene 6: Attempt #4 — Trouble with a Lady 👒
- Soapy sees a pretty woman with an umbrella.
- He tries to act badly so she calls the police.
- Instead, she thinks he is drunk and walks away!
- Result: No arrest. ❌

Scene 7: Attempt #5 — Stealing an Umbrella ☂️
- He steals a man's umbrella.
- The man says, "That's my umbrella!" but then runs away because the umbrella was stolen by him too!
- Result: No arrest. ❌

Scene 8: The Church and the Anthem 🎵
- Soapy hears beautiful music coming from a church.
- The music reminds him of his mother, his childhood, and better days.
- He decides: "I will change my life! I will get a job and live honestly!"
- He feels hope and happiness.

Scene 9: The Cruel Twist 😢
- A policeman sees Soapy standing outside the church.
- The policeman asks: "What are you doing here?"
- Soapy says: "Nothing."
- Policeman: "Then come with me!" (Arrests him for loitering — standing around doing nothing)
- Result: Soapy is arrested and sent to Blackwell's Island for three months!
- The judge gives the punishment the next morning.

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👥 4. Character Analysis (Simple Table)

Character Who Are They? Personality Role in Story
Soapy A homeless man in New York Lazy but not evil; wants easy comfort; has a good heart deep inside Main Character (Protagonist)
Policemen New York police officers Strict, follow rules blindly, don't understand Soapy's real situation Minor Characters
Waiters Restaurant staff Rude to poor people, respect only rich customers Minor Characters
The Lady with Umbrella A woman on the street Careless, doesn't take Soapy seriously Minor Character
The Church Music Not a person, but important! Beautiful, inspiring, gives hope Symbol of Redemption

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🎭 5. Important Themes (With Real-Life Examples)

Theme 1: Hardship & Struggle 🏚️
- Soapy is homeless. He has no money, no family, no warm clothes.
- Real-life connection: Many people in the world face homelessness. The story makes us think about them with empathy.

Theme 2: Irony (The Big Surprise!) 😮
- Soapy tries hard to get arrested — fails every time.
- Soapy decides to change his life — gets arrested immediately!
- This is called situational irony — when the opposite of what we expect happens.

Theme 3: Hope & Redemption 🌟
- The church music gives Soapy hope. He wants to become a good man.
- Message: It is never too late to change.

Theme 4: Consequences of Our Choices ⚖️
- Soapy chose a lazy life. He didn't want to work.
- The story shows that sometimes, fate punishes us when we least expect it.

Theme 5: Transformation 🦋
- Soapy transforms from a lazy criminal-wannabe to a man with hope.
- But society (the police) doesn't see his transformation.

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✍️ 6. Literary Devices / Figures of Speech (Easy Examples)

Device Meaning Example from Story
Irony Opposite of what is expected happens Soapy wants jail → can't get it. Soapy wants to change → goes to jail!
Metaphor Saying something IS something else "Winter was coming" = not just weather, but hard times
Personification Giving human qualities to non-human things "The wind was cold and unfriendly"
Contrast Showing differences Rich restaurant vs. cheap restaurant treatment of Soapy
Symbolism Using objects to represent ideas The church = hope; The anthem = redemption; Blackwell's Island = comfort for Soapy
Humour Funny situations Soapy's failed attempts to get arrested are comic

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🧠 7. Key Message / Moral of the Story

> "Change comes from within, but fate can be cruel and ironic. Never give up on trying to be better, even if the world doesn't notice your efforts immediately."

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🎨 8. ACTIVITY-BASED LEARNING SECTION

Activity 1: Pre-Reading Warm-Up (10 minutes) 🌡️
"The Winter Problem"
- Ask students: "If you had no home and winter was coming, what would you do?"
- Write ideas on the board.
- Introduce Soapy: "This man thought jail was the best hotel!"
- Discussion Question: Is jail better than the streets? Why or why not?

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Activity 2: While-Reading — Comic Strip Creation ✏️
Give students a worksheet with 6 empty boxes. Ask them to draw:
1. Soapy on the cold bench
2. Soapy at the rich restaurant
3. Soapy breaking the window
4. Soapy hearing the church music
5. Soapy deciding to change
6. Soapy being arrested

Learning Outcome: Visual learning helps memory!

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Activity 3: Role Play — "The Courtroom Drama" 🎭
Characters needed:
- Soapy (the accused)
- The Judge
- A Policeman
- Soapy's Lawyer (defending him)
- A Witness

Script idea:
- Soapy explains why he was standing outside the church.
- The lawyer argues: "My client was having a spiritual moment!"
- The judge gives the final verdict.

Learning Outcome: Students understand the unfairness in the story.

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Activity 4: Vocabulary Bingo 🎲
Important words from the story:

Word Meaning
Anthem A religious song of praise
Loitering Standing around with no purpose
Bystander A person who sees an event but doesn't participate
Shelter A place that protects from weather
Redemption Being saved from evil ways
Situational Irony When the opposite of what is expected happens
Protagonist The main character
Narrative The story being told

How to play: Call out meanings. Students mark the words. First to complete a line wins!

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Activity 5: "Fix the Ending" Creative Writing ✍️
Task: Rewrite the ending of the story.
- What if the policeman had listened to Soapy?
- What if Soapy had gone inside the church?
- What if Soapy had found a job that same night?

Word limit: 150 words
Learning Outcome: Creative thinking and empathy development.

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Activity 6: Compare & Contrast Chart 📊
Ask students to compare:

Rich Restaurant Cheap Restaurant
Threw Soapy out before he entered Let him eat, then beat him
Polite but cruel Violent but gave food first
Didn't call police Didn't call police

Question: Why didn't either restaurant call the police? What does this tell us about society?

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Activity 7: "The Twist Ending" Game 🎁
O. Henry is famous for twist endings.
- Give students 3 simple story beginnings.
- Ask them to write a surprise ending for each.
- Share the best ones in class.

Example beginning: "A poor man finds a wallet with 10,000..."
Possible twist: "It was his own wallet that he lost 10 years ago!"

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Activity 8: Empathy Journal 📓
Writing Prompt:

> "Write a diary entry as Soapy on the night he hears the church music. What is he feeling? What are his memories? What does he want to do tomorrow?"

Guiding questions:
- How does the music make you feel?
- What childhood memory comes to your mind?
- Why do you want to change now?
- Are you scared or hopeful?

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Activity 9: Debate — "Is Soapy a Criminal or a Victim?" ⚔️
Team A: Soapy is a criminal because he tried to steal, break property, and disturb people.
Team B: Soapy is a victim because society failed him. He had no home, no job, no help.

Rules:
- Each team gets 2 minutes.
- Must use examples from the story.
- Class votes for the best argument.

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Activity 10: "Design a Help Poster" 🎨
Task: Imagine you are a social worker in New York in 1900. Design a poster to help homeless people like Soapy.

Must include:
- A catchy title
- Where to get food
- Where to find shelter
- A message of hope

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📝 9. Simple Comprehension Questions (For Practice)

Level 1: Remember (Easy)
1. What is the name of the main character?
2. Where does the story take place?
3. Why does Soapy want to go to jail?
4. Name two places where Soapy tries to get arrested.

Level 2: Understand (Medium)
5. Why doesn't the policeman arrest Soapy when he breaks the window?
6. What happens when Soapy hears the church music?
7. What is "loitering"? Why is Soapy arrested for it?

Level 3: Apply & Analyze (Hard)
8. Is the ending fair? Give reasons for your answer.
9. What does the church anthem symbolize in the story?
10. How does O. Henry use irony to make the story powerful?

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🏆 10. Quick Revision Chart (For Exam Preparation)

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  STORY: The Cop and the Anthem                               │
│  AUTHOR: O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)                    │
│  SETTING: New York City, Winter                              │
│  MAIN CHARACTER: Soapy (homeless man)                        │
│  CONFLICT: Man vs. Society / Man vs. Self                    │
│  CLIMAX: Soapy hears church music and decides to change       │
│  FALLING ACTION: Policeman arrests him for loitering        │
│  ENDING: Surprise twist — arrested when he wants to reform   │
│  THEME: Irony, Hope, Redemption, Social Injustice             │
│  LITERARY DEVICE: Situational Irony (most important!)         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

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💡 Tips for Teachers

1. Start with the video: Show a 5-minute animated summary of the story before reading.
2. Use the infographic: The uploaded image is perfect for visual learners — point to each scene while narrating.
3. Make it relatable: Ask students if they have ever wanted something badly and the opposite happened.
4. Focus on irony: This is the most important concept. Use real-life examples:
   - A fire station catches fire.
   - A traffic police officer gets a speeding ticket.
5. Discuss social issues: Talk about homelessness in India and the world. Encourage empathy.

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> 🌟 Final Quote for the Class:
"Sometimes it is not the act, but the desire for change, that is the greatest struggle."

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