General English Language Skills-11 T-11

Syllabus topics (RTMNU)

• The Model Millionaire - O' Henry
• A Girl Who Was Anne Frank
• The Open Window - A. G. Gardiner
• Of Society and Civilisation - Thomas Paine
• The Gift of the Magi - O' Henry

The Model Millionaire – O' Henry

Summary (in our own words)

Hughie Erskine is a handsome, kind young man in London who has no money and no steady job. He loves Laura Merton. Her father, a retired Colonel, says Hughie can marry her only when he has ten thousand pounds. One day Hughie visits his painter friend Alan Trevor, who is painting a ragged old beggar as a model. Hughie pities the beggar and gives him a sovereign (gold coin), though he can hardly afford it. Later he learns that the 'beggar' was Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe, who had only posed in rags for the painting. Hughie feels embarrassed. The next day the Baron sends him an envelope marked as a wedding gift 'from an old millionaire', containing a cheque for ten thousand pounds.

Themes

• Kindness is rewarded: real generosity comes from the heart, not the purse.
• Appearance vs reality: the beggar is really a millionaire.
• Money and marriage: Victorian society judged a man by his income.
• Irony and paradox: the 'model millionaire' is both a millionaire who acts as a model and a man who is a model (ideal) of goodness. Hughie, too, is a 'model' of kindness.

Characters

• Hughie Erskine: charming, honest, impractical, warm-hearted.
• Alan Trevor: practical, slightly rough artist; acts as the link.
• Baron Hausberg: rich, eccentric, generous; values Hughie's good heart.

Style: witty opening lines, epigrams (short clever sayings), light humour, surprise ending.

A Girl Who Was Anne Frank

This prose piece is a biographical account of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl whose diary became one of the most important records of the Holocaust (the Nazi mass murder of Jews during World War II).

Key facts about Anne Frank

• Born on 12 June 1929 in Frankfurt, Germany; the family moved to Amsterdam (Netherlands) to escape Nazi persecution.
• Received a diary on her 13th birthday (June 1942); she wrote letters in it to an imaginary friend, 'Kitty'.
• In July 1942 the family went into hiding in the Secret Annexe (hidden rooms behind her father Otto Frank's office), along with another family and a dentist.
• Helpers such as Miep Gies brought food and news at great risk.
• The hiding people were betrayed and arrested in August 1944. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in early 1945, aged only 15.
• Her father, Otto Frank, the only survivor of the family, published the diary in 1947. It is now read all over the world.

Main points / themes

• Growing up under fear: Anne's teenage feelings, quarrels, first love and dreams continue even in hiding.
• Hope and faith in humanity: despite cruelty, she believed people were good at heart.
• Horror of racism and war: the piece warns against hatred and persecution.
• Power of writing: a young girl's diary became a lasting voice against injustice.

Character of Anne: lively, talkative, intelligent, honest, sensitive, self-critical and ambitious (she wished to become a writer).

The Open Window – A. G. Gardiner

Author: A. G. Gardiner (Alfred George Gardiner, 1865–1946) was an English journalist and editor of the Daily News. He wrote light, thoughtful essays under the pen-name 'Alpha of the Plough'. His essays are short, conversational, humorous and moral, built on simple everyday incidents.

If it is Saki's story (brief outline)

A nervous man, Framton Nuttel, visits Mrs. Sappleton in the countryside for a rest cure. Her 15-year-old niece, Vera, tells him a 'tragic' tale: her aunt's husband and brothers were lost while hunting three years ago, and the aunt keeps the window open expecting them back. When the men actually walk in, Framton runs away in terror. Vera then calmly invents another story to explain his flight. Themes: imagination, deception, humour, appearance vs reality, surprise ending.

How to study a Gardiner essay

• Note the small incident that starts the essay.
• Find the general idea or moral drawn from it.
• Notice his humour, simple style and personal tone.

Of Society and Civilisation – Thomas Paine

Author: Thomas Paine (1737–1809), English-born political thinker who supported the American and French Revolutions. Famous works: Common Sense (1776), Rights of Man (1791–92), The Age of Reason. This essay is the opening chapter of Rights of Man, Part II.

Main ideas

• Society came before government: most of the order in human life comes from society, not from government.
• Mutual dependence: no person can meet all needs alone; this need and common interest bind people together.
• Government's role is small: it is needed only for the few matters society cannot manage itself.
• Example: during the American Revolution, when formal government was disturbed, society still continued in order.
• More civilisation, less government: the more civilised a people, the less they need to be ruled.
• Criticism of bad governments: heavy taxes, wars and disorder are often caused by governments, not by society.

Style: clear, logical, persuasive, direct language meant for common readers.

The Gift of the Magi – O' Henry

Author: O. Henry (real name William Sydney Porter, 1862–1910), American short-story writer, famous for ordinary characters and twist endings.

Summary

It is Christmas Eve. Della has only one dollar and eighty-seven cents to buy a gift for her husband Jim. The couple's two treasures are Della's long beautiful hair and Jim's gold watch. Della sells her hair and buys a platinum chain for Jim's watch. Jim comes home with a set of costly combs for Della's hair, but he has sold his watch to buy them. Both gifts are now useless, yet each realises the depth of the other's love.

Themes

• True love and sacrifice.
• Poverty vs richness of heart.
• Situational irony: each sacrifice makes the other's gift useless.
• The Magi (the wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus): the narrator says such loving givers are the truly 'wise'.

Comparison table

Likely exam questions

1. (Long answer) Narrate the story 'The Gift of the Magi' and discuss its themes of love, sacrifice and irony.
2. (Long answer) Explain Thomas Paine's views on society and government in 'Of Society and Civilisation'.
3. (Short answer / short note) Write a character sketch of Hughie Erskine in 'The Model Millionaire'.
4. (Short answer / short note) Write a short note on the life of Anne Frank and the importance of her diary.
5. (Short answer / short note) Explain the significance of the title 'The Model Millionaire'.

Syllabus topics (RTMNU)

• Once Upon a Time - Gabriel Okara
• Flowers are Red - Harry Chaplin
• The Vagabond – R. L. Stevenson
• Inexpensive Progress - John Betjeman
• Father to Son - Elizabeth Jennings

Once Upon a Time – Gabriel Okara

About the poet: Gabriel Okara (1921–2019) was a Nigerian poet and novelist. He is often called one of the first modern African poets writing in English. His novel The Voice is also well known. His poems mix African thought with English expression.

Summary (in our words): A father speaks to his young son. He remembers that long ago people laughed with their hearts and eyes. Now they laugh only 'with their teeth', and their eyes stay cold. People shake hands without warmth. Guests are welcomed politely, but the welcome is not real. The father admits that he has also learnt to wear many 'faces', such as a home face, an office face and a party face, just like changing dresses. He says polite words he does not mean. In the end he wants to 'unlearn' all this. He asks his innocent son to teach him how to laugh truly again.

• Themes: loss of innocence, hypocrisy and false manners, appearance versus reality, the effect of modern, urban (and colonial) life on traditional warmth, child as teacher of the adult.
• Style: free verse, conversational tone, repetition, vivid images (cold eyes, smiles 'like a fixed portrait'), irony and simple diction.
• Tone: nostalgic, regretful and confessional, ending with hope.

Flowers are Red – Harry Chaplin

About the poet: The syllabus prints the name as 'Harry Chaplin'. The work is generally known as a song-poem by the American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin (1942–1981), famous for story-songs such as 'Cat's in the Cradle'. Students should write the name as printed in the textbook.

Summary: A small boy goes to school and paints flowers in many bright colours. His teacher scolds him and insists that flowers are red and leaves are green, and there is no need to see them any other way. The boy replies that there are so many colours in the world. He is punished and made to stand in a corner until he obeys. Finally he gives in and paints only red flowers and green leaves. Later his family moves to another town. The new teacher is kind and says painting should be fun and all colours may be used. But the boy, now trained to obey, paints flowers red and leaves green.

• Themes: rigid education system, forced conformity, killing of creativity and imagination, power of the teacher over a child's mind.
• Style: narrative song form, simple dialogue, repetition of the refrain 'flowers are red', irony in the ending.
• Message: Damage done to a child's creativity is hard to undo; teachers must encourage, not suppress, individuality.

The Vagabond – R. L. Stevenson

About the poet: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. Famous works: Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and A Child's Garden of Verses. 'The Vagabond' belongs to his collection Songs of Travel and was written to be sung to a tune by Schubert.

Summary: The speaker is a wanderer (vagabond) who loves the free life of the open road. He wants only simple things: to sleep under the stars, eat bread dipped in a river, and walk under the sky. He does not ask for wealth, hope, love or even a friend. Only the sky above and the road below are enough. He is ready to face autumn and the hard winter without giving up his free life.

• Themes: freedom and independence, love of nature, simple living, rejection of material wealth and social bonds, courage and endurance.
• Style: lyrical, song-like rhythm, regular rhyme, repetition, simple and musical language, first-person voice.
• Tone: joyful, bold and self-confident.

Inexpensive Progress – John Betjeman

About the poet: Sir John Betjeman (1906–1984) was an English poet and broadcaster. He was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death. He loved old English towns, churches and countryside, and often attacked ugly modern development. The poem appeared in his collection A Nip in the Air (1974).

Summary: The poem is a bitter satire on so-called 'progress'. In a mocking voice, the poet 'orders' modern society to cover the hills with electric pylons, lay concrete and wires, cut down hedges and trees, fill the land with cars, lorries, roads and advertisement boards, and destroy charming old towns and villages. He calls it an age 'without a soul'. The progress is 'inexpensive' only in money; its real cost is the loss of beauty, nature and tradition.

• Themes: environmental destruction, industrialisation and urbanisation, loss of heritage, materialism, spiritual emptiness of modern life.
• Style: satire and irony, imperative (command) sentences, regular rhyme, sharp images of modern objects.
• Title: ironic – cheap progress, but very costly to the soul and the environment.

Father to Son – Elizabeth Jennings

About the poet: Elizabeth Jennings (1926–2001) was an English poet linked with 'The Movement' group of 1950s poets. Her poems are clear and calm, often dealing with love, faith, loneliness and relationships.

Summary: A father speaks about his grown-up son. Though they have lived in the same house for years, he does not understand him. He feels the son has become a stranger who speaks a different 'language'. He wanted the son to grow like him and share his world, but the son has his own ideas. The father says that if the son returned to him like the prodigal son in the Bible, he would forgive him. Yet both are waiting for the other to speak first. Love exists, but neither can express it.

• Themes: generation gap, failure of communication, parental expectations, loneliness within a family, hidden love.
• Style: simple language, regular stanzas and rhyme, dramatic monologue (father as speaker), Biblical allusion (prodigal son), imagery of land and seeds.
• Tone: sad, helpless and reflective.

Comparison of Two Parent–Child Poems

Likely exam questions

1. (Long answer) Discuss 'Once Upon a Time' by Gabriel Okara as a poem about hypocrisy and the loss of innocence in modern life.
2. (Long answer) How does John Betjeman use satire and irony in 'Inexpensive Progress' to criticise modern development? Explain with reference to the poem.
3. (Short answer / short note) Write a short note on the theme of conformity in education in 'Flowers are Red'.
4. (Short answer / short note) Explain the vagabond's attitude towards life and nature in R. L. Stevenson's 'The Vagabond'.
5. (Short answer / short note) Write a short note on the generation gap as shown in Elizabeth Jennings' 'Father to Son'.

Syllabus topics (RTMNU)

• Prepositions
• Phrasal Verbs
• Question tags

Prepositions

Definition: A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relation to another word in the sentence. The relation may be of place, time, direction, cause, manner and so on. Example: The book is on the table. Here on shows the relation between book and table.

The noun or pronoun that comes after a preposition is called its object. A pronoun after a preposition takes the object form: with him, not with he.

Kinds of Prepositions (by form)

• Simple prepositions: single words such as at, in, on, by, for, from, of, to, with.
• Compound prepositions: formed by joining words, such as about, above, across, along, behind, beside, between, inside, within, without.
• Phrase prepositions: groups of words that work as one preposition, such as because of, in front of, according to, in spite of, instead of, on behalf of.
• Participle prepositions: -ing or -ed forms used as prepositions, such as concerning, regarding, during, considering, except.

Prepositions by Use (meaning)

• Time: at 6 o'clock, on Monday, in May, since 2020, for two hours, during the holidays.
• Place / Position: at the station, in the room, on the wall, under the tree, between two houses.
• Direction / Movement: to Nagpur, into the room, towards the gate, across the road, through the forest.
• Agent: The poem was written by Elizabeth Jennings.
• Instrument: He cut the paper with a knife.
• Cause / Reason: He died of fever. She succeeded because of hard work.

Use of AT, IN, ON (Time and Place)

Commonly Confused Prepositions

• Since / For: since is used for a point of time (since Monday); for is used for a period of time (for three days).
• Between / Among: between is used for two (between Ram and Shyam); among for more than two (among the students).
• In / Into: in shows rest (He is in the room); into shows movement (He walked into the room).
• Beside / Besides: beside means by the side of; besides means in addition to.

Phrasal Verbs

Definition: A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a particle (an adverb or a preposition, or both) which together give a new meaning. The meaning is often different from the meaning of the main verb alone. Example: give up means to stop or quit, not simply to give.

Structure

• Verb + adverb: break down, get up, take off.
• Verb + preposition: look after, look for, run into.
• Verb + adverb + preposition (three-word verbs): look forward to, put up with, run out of, get along with.

Types of Phrasal Verbs

• Intransitive (no object): The car broke down. Prices went up.
• Transitive (take an object): Please fill in the form.
• Separable: the object can come between the verb and the particle: turn off the light / turn the light off. If the object is a pronoun, it must come in the middle: turn it off (not turn off it).
• Inseparable: the object always comes after the particle: She looks after her mother.

Important Phrasal Verbs with Meanings

Question Tags

Definition: A question tag (tag question) is a short question added at the end of a statement. It is used to confirm information or to ask for agreement. Example: You are a student, aren't you?

Basic Rules

1. Positive statement takes a negative tag: She is tired, isn't she?
2. Negative statement takes a positive tag: She isn't tired, is she?
3. The tag uses the same auxiliary (helping) verb as the statement: He can swim, can't he?
4. If there is no auxiliary, use do / does / did: He plays cricket, doesn't he? They went home, didn't they?
5. The subject of the tag is always a pronoun: Ravi is late, isn't he?
6. The negative tag is usually in the short form: isn't, don't, won't, can't.

Special Cases

Intonation

• Falling tone: the speaker is fairly sure and expects agreement.
• Rising tone: the speaker is not sure and is asking a real question.

Likely exam questions

1. (Long answer) What is a preposition? Explain the different kinds of prepositions with suitable examples. Also explain the use of at, in and on.
2. (Long answer) Define a question tag. Explain the rules for forming question tags, including special cases, with examples.
3. (Short answer / short note) What is a phrasal verb? Explain separable and inseparable phrasal verbs with examples.
4. (Short answer / short note) Use any five phrasal verbs in sentences of your own and give their meanings: give up, look after, put off, turn down, run out of.
5. (Short answer / short note) Add suitable question tags: (a) I am late. (b) Let's start the meeting. (c) He hardly works. (d) Nobody called. (e) Open the window.

Syllabus topics (RTMNU)

• Media Communication (Progressive): Writing Blogs, Preparing General Display Ads.
• Writing Scripts for Compering the Events.

Media Communication (Progressive): Writing Blogs

Media communication means sharing information, ideas and messages with a large audience through print, broadcast or digital media. Progressive media communication refers to newer, interactive forms such as blogs, social media posts and online advertisements, where the audience can respond.

Meaning of a Blog

A blog (short for weblog) is a regularly updated website or web page. An individual or a group writes on it in an informal, conversational style. Each entry is called a blog post. Posts usually appear in reverse order of time, so the newest post comes first. A person who writes blogs is called a blogger, and the activity is called blogging.

Types of Blogs

• Personal blog – diary-like posts about one's own experiences.
• Travel blog – places visited, tips, photos.
• Food blog – recipes, restaurant reviews.
• Educational blog – study tips, subject explanations.
• Business/Corporate blog – product news, company updates.
• Opinion/Social issue blog – views on current topics.

Features of a Good Blog

• Catchy title that attracts readers.
• Conversational tone, using 'I', 'you' and 'we'.
• Short paragraphs, sub-headings and bullet points for easy reading.
• Original and useful content.
• Visuals such as images or videos, where suitable.
• Interactivity: it invites comments and sharing.
• Keywords/tags that help search engines find the post (Search Engine Optimisation – SEO).

Structure / Format of a Blog Post

1. Title – short and interesting.
2. Date and name of the blogger.
3. Introduction – a hook such as a question, fact or short story.
4. Body – main points under sub-headings.
5. Conclusion – a summary or personal opinion.
6. Call to action – e.g. 'Share your views in the comments below.'

Sample Blog (Outline)

Title: 5 Simple Habits That Helped Me Beat Exam Stress
By: Riya, 12 March
Intro: 'Do your hands shake before every exam? Mine did too.'
Body: Make a timetable; sleep well; take short breaks; revise with friends; avoid last-night cramming.
Conclusion: Small habits bring big change.
Call to action: Which habit works for you? Comment below!

Merits and Demerits of Blogging

• Merits: free expression, wide reach, low cost, improves writing skills, can earn income, builds personal brand.
• Demerits: risk of spreading false information, plagiarism, negative comments or trolling, needs regular effort.

Preparing General Display Ads

Meaning

An advertisement is a paid public message that promotes a product, service, event or idea. A display advertisement uses attractive layout, bold headings, pictures, borders and different font sizes to catch the eye. Classified ads are different: they are small, text-only and grouped under headings such as 'Situations Vacant'.

Purposes of Display Ads

• To inform people about a product or event.
• To persuade them to buy or take part.
• To build brand image.
• To create social awareness (public service ads).

Principle: AIDA Model

• A – Attention: a bold headline or picture.
• I – Interest: special features of the product.
• D – Desire: benefits and offers.
• A – Action: contact details or 'Hurry, Buy Now!'

Essential Elements of a Display Ad

1. Name of the product, service or organisation.
2. Catchy headline or slogan.
3. Main features and benefits.
4. Price, discount or special offer.
5. Date, time and venue (for events).
6. Address, phone number, website.
7. Visual or sketch, with a border around the ad.

Sample Display Ad (Content)

GRAND BOOK FAIR!
'Read More, Grow More'
Thousands of titles | Up to 40% discount | Free bookmarks
Date: 10–15 January | Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Venue: City Exhibition Ground
Contact: [phone number]

Writing Scripts for Compering the Events

Meaning

Compering means hosting or anchoring an event. The compere (also called anchor, host or Master of Ceremonies – MC) introduces the programme, links one item to the next and keeps the audience engaged. A compering script is the written text the compere prepares before the event.

Qualities of a Good Compere

• Clear voice and correct pronunciation.
• Confidence and pleasant body language.
• Presence of mind to handle delays or problems.
• Sense of humour and politeness.
• Good time management.

Structure of a Compering Script

1. Opening/Welcome – greeting the audience, a quotation or poem line, purpose of the event.
2. Welcoming dignitaries – chief guest, president, principal.
3. Lamp lighting or prayer / welcome song.
4. Felicitation of guests.
5. Introductory speech and guest speeches.
6. Linking lines between programme items, with short introductions of performers.
7. Prize distribution (if any).
8. Vote of thanks.
9. Closing – National Anthem and final words.

Sample Opening Lines (Annual Day)

'Good morning, respected Chief Guest, honourable Principal, dear teachers and my friends. A warm welcome to our Annual Day celebration! Today we celebrate not just a year, but the talent and hard work of every student. To begin on an auspicious note, I request our guests to come forward for the lighting of the lamp.'

Linking line example: 'That was a wonderful song! Now get ready to tap your feet as our second-year students present a folk dance.'

Tips for Writing the Script

• Know the programme order and the correct names and designations of guests.
• Use simple, warm and respectful language.
• Keep linking lines short and lively.
• Add quotations or short poems, but do not overdo them.
• Keep backup lines ready for delays.

Likely exam questions

1. (Long answer) What is a blog? Explain the features and structure of a good blog. Write a blog on 'The Importance of Reading Habits among Youth'.
2. (Long answer) What is compering? Explain the qualities of a good compere and the structure of a compering script. Prepare a script for compering the Annual Gathering of your college.
3. (Short answer / short note) Prepare a display advertisement for the launch of a new smartphone.
4. (Short answer / short note) Write a short note on the AIDA model in advertising.
5. (Short answer / short note) Distinguish between display advertisements and classified advertisements.