ANNOUNCEMENT
CHAPTER- I POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS
Activity I (Announcement)
The Literary Club of your school decides to enact the play Post Early for Christmas in connection with the school anniversary. Prepare a script for announcing the programme. You may include the given details:
( play • script • direction • background • music • actors • time, date and venue )
Announcement of the play:
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Literary Club of our school is proud to announce our upcoming production of the play "Post Early for Christmas" written by R.H. Wood. This play will be performed in connection with our school anniversary and we are excited to share it with you all.
The play, written by R.H. Wood is a heartwarming comedy that follows the story of a lady assistant of a post office who had to face many strange characters during the Christmas season. The script is filled with witty banter and relatable characters that will have you laughing along with them.
Under the direction of [director's name], our talented cast of actors will bring the script to life with their engaging performances. The background music, composed by [composer's name], will add an extra layer of emotion to the story, making it an unforgettable experience.
The play will be performed on [date], at [time] at [venue]. We are excited to share this production with you and we are confident that you will enjoy the play as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to life.
Please mark your calendars and come and join us for an evening of entertainment. It's going to be a great show and we look forward to seeing you all there.
Thank you.
Activity II (Review writing)
Review of the play “post early for christmas”
Laughter in the Post Office: A Review of 'Post Early for Christmas' by R.H. Wood
The play “Post Early for Christmas” by R.H. Wood is a rib-tickling comedy. The actions of the play take place in a village post office in England. The plot centres on a sinister looking Foreign Tourist coming to the post office to send a parcel to his friend. The parcel makes a ticking noise and the people in the post office think that there is a time bomb inside. They are scared. A policeman is called in.
To prevent the time-bomb from going off and killing everyone, the policeman drops it into a bucket of water. Then the tourist comes back to explain it was only a beautiful Swiss clock he was sending to his friend as a Christmas gift! He calls the policeman an idiot and vows he will never post anything in that country.
There are many humorous incidents in the play. There is the incident of a man coming to the post office and asking where he could get a stamp! Another fellow wants a pint of beer. Then there is the incident of the conversation between the Assistant and Deaf Old Man who misunderstands a book for cook and said for bed and Ted. He even accuses the Assistant of being deaf. We see an Old Lady coming to the office seeking advice about her cat as she thinks it is a clinic for animals. Bertie’s speaking makes us laugh because of his mutilated English. The English of the Tourist is horrible. The funniest incident is when people run for cover and the parcel is dropped in a bucket of water.
The Tourist had brought a beautiful clock from Switzerland as a Christmas present to his friend. And see what havoc it caused and how it ended up in water! The dialogues are very apt. One would laugh his heart out when he listens to the dialogue between the Assistant and the deaf Old Man. The Old Man misunderstands book for ‘cook and said for ‘bed’ and ‘Ted’. Equally funny is the dialogue between Bertie and his mother. Bertie murders English and he says grammar has gone home to watch television. The Tourist also speaks English with a horrible accent.
The title “Post Early for Christmas” is a very suitable one. All the major actions in the play are related to posting of gifts and parcels as Christmas presents. The Assistant tells Mrs.
Jones to post Christmas parcels early to prevent them from getting damaged in the
last-minute rush. We feel that if the tourist had posted his parcel ‘early’ the damage could have been prevented. With his bitter experience he vows not to post anything in this country and he bitterly spits out the words “Post Early for Christmas!”
On the whole, we can say that Wood has written a play showing how ordinary people behave as they are faced with problems. Life has a lighter side too, in spite of our worries and anxieties about it. Wood gives us the chance to laugh at ourselves as some of us are just like the characters we meet in the play.
CHAPTER- II: THIS IS GOING TO HURT JUST A LITTLE BIT
A Humorous Take on Dental Fear: A Critical Review of “This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit”
Ogden Nash’s poem “This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit” is a delightful example of humor and satire. The poem explores the common fear and discomfort associated with visiting the dentist. Through exaggerated descriptions, clever wordplay, and vivid metaphors, Nash transforms a typically unpleasant experience into a source of laughter and amusement.
In the poem, Nash humorously describes the fear and anxiety of sitting in a dentist’s chair. The poet portrays the experience as a series of exaggerated tortures and compares the dentist’s work to various forms of physical and mental pain. Nash uses humor to highlight the discomfort of dental procedures and the fear they evoke.
One of the most prominent features of the poem is exaggeration. Nash uses hyperbole to make the dentist’s work seem like a terrifying ordeal. For example, he describes the experience of sitting in the dentist’s chair as though it involves extreme physical pain: “This is going to hurt just a little bit.” By exaggerating the discomfort, Nash humorously reflects the common fears people have about dental visits.
Humor is central to the poem’s appeal. Nash employs wit and satire to poke fun at the dentist’s role. For instance, he likens the mouth to a “damaged road” under repair, filled with “stone-crushers, concrete mixers, drills and steam rollers.” This comparison exaggerates the dentist’s tools and methods to comically represent the dread of dental work. The line “Because some tortures are physical and some are mental / But the one that is both is dental” captures the humor of the poem by making light of a typically frightening experience.
Nash uses metaphors and similes to create vivid and humorous imagery. For example, he compares the dentist to an “Ursa” or bear, noting that both the dentist and the bear use their tools for “digging” and “polishing.” The metaphor emphasizes the perceived aggression of the dentist’s work. Another simile likens the mouth to a road under repair, showing the extensive and invasive nature of dental procedures.
The poem employs colloquial language and intentionally misspelled words like “hopen” and “monce” to add to the humor. These playful distortions make the poem more relatable and engaging, reflecting everyday fears and anxieties in a light-hearted manner. Nash’s use of visual imagery enhances the poem’s comedic effect. Describing the dentist’s work as a scene with “stone-crushers, concrete mixers, drills and steam rollers” creates a vivid and exaggerated picture of what happens during a dental visit. This imagery helps to convey the poet’s feelings of dread and discomfort in a humorous way.
The poem also uses irony, particularly in the idea that one must visit the dentist to keep their teeth in good condition so they won’t need to visit the dentist. This ironic statement highlights the paradox of dental care and adds a layer of humor to the poem.
Ogden Nash’s “This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit” is a masterful example of how humor and exaggeration can be used to explore common fears. Through clever use of poetic devices such as hyperbole, metaphor, and colloquial language, Nash transforms the intimidating experience of visiting the dentist into a source of comedy. The poem's humorous portrayal of the dentist’s work resonates with readers, making them laugh while reflecting on their own dental anxieties.
The poem’s ability to blend humor with a universal experience highlights Nash’s skill as a poet. By focusing on the negative aspects of dental visits and exaggerating them, Nash not only entertains but also provides comedic relief from a common fear. Overall, this poem stands out for its witty approach to a mundane but often dreaded experience.
In conclusion, while “This Is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit” may not be compared to the works of great poets like Wordsworth or Shelley, it is an excellent example of satirical poetry. It uses humor to address the discomfort of dental visits and offers readers a chance to laugh at a shared experience. Nash’s creative use of poetic techniques ensures that the poem remains a delightful and engaging read.
ESSAY/ ARTICLE WRITING
Chapter 3: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Activity IV (Essay writing)
'Spare the rod and spoil the child' was a dictum prevalent in the past. What is your opinion about it? Should there be any type of corporal punishment in a learning environment? If so, what should be the mode? Discuss this topic in groups and prepare an essay.
Reconsidering Corporal Punishment: Ineffectiveness and Ethical Concerns in Education
Or
Rethinking Corporal Punishment in Education
The saying "Spare the rod and spoil the child" has been a traditional belief suggesting that physical punishment is necessary for proper discipline and behaviour in children. This idea has been prominent in many cultures and societies for a long time. However, in recent years, the effectiveness and appropriateness of corporal punishment in educational settings have come under serious scrutiny. Many experts now argue that this method of discipline is neither effective nor suitable for promoting positive behaviour in children.
First and foremost, physical punishment does not address the root causes of a child's misbehaviour. Instead of solving behavioural issues, it often creates additional problems. For instance, corporal punishment can cause physical harm and emotional damage. Children who are subjected to physical punishment may experience pain, fear, and resentment. This negative experience can hinder their mental health and personal development. Research shows that physical punishment can lead to increased aggression and a lack of trust between students and educators. Instead of correcting behaviour, it often exacerbates the issues, leading to a more hostile environment for learning.
Moreover, corporal punishment can perpetuate a cycle of violence. When children are taught that physical force is an acceptable way to handle conflicts, they may come to see violence as a solution in their own lives. This approach can result in children growing up with aggressive behaviours and unhealthy attitudes towards conflict resolution. Rather than promoting discipline, corporal punishment risks instilling a sense of injustice and fear.
Another important consideration is the cultural and socio-economic backgrounds of students. In some cultures, corporal punishment is a common and accepted method of discipline. However, it is crucial to recognize that this practice might have different impacts on students from various backgrounds. Children from marginalized or underprivileged groups might be disproportionately affected by corporal punishment, leading to further disparities in their educational experiences. It is essential to understand these cultural differences and work towards more equitable and inclusive disciplinary practices.
In conclusion, the use of corporal punishment in education is increasingly being questioned. Rather than effectively addressing behavioural problems, it can lead to physical and emotional harm, perpetuate cycles of violence, and disproportionately affect vulnerable student populations. Educational experts advocate for alternative methods of discipline that are more positive and constructive. Approaches such as positive reinforcement, consistent consequences, and supportive communication are recommended as they address the underlying issues and foster a healthier learning environment. Rethinking corporal punishment is crucial for creating educational settings that support the well-being and development of all students.
PROFILE WRITING
- Profile is short life history of a famous person, mostly the key information will be provided in bullet points format. Students are asked to expand the same and add additional information as well as per the score provided for the questions.
- There should be three or four paragraphs
- Give a suitable title
- Creative Title is better (Eg. Dr.A P J Abdul Kalam - Missile Man of India
- Write the details of the person in Chronological order (what happened first to what happend last order.)
- First paragraph about his/her birth, parents’ details, childhood details
- Second paragraph about his education, career/ dreams
- Third paragraph about his/her achievements/awards/ honours
- In the concluding paragraph write about his/her family life/any problems/any illness and death if needed
- Avoid extra information if you are not sure about it.
- Try to develop all the hints you have in the question paper.
- Underline the main points, if needed. (it will help the evaluators to notice the major points and information)
- Write in the Past tense and Passive form of Past ( He was born….He was awarded)
The Missile Man of India
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an Indian space scientist who served as the 11th president of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born on 15 October 1931 and was raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. After studying physics and aerospace engineering he became a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was closely involved in India’s space programme and military missile development efforts. Thus he came to be known as the Missile Man of India. He also played an important role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
Kalam was elected as the 11th president of India in 2002. He was known as the “People’s President” who inspired people, especially students through his speeches and writing. He received many awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shilling, Kalam collapsed and died from a cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015. Thousands attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was buried with full state honours.
DEBATE- FOR & AGAINST
Debate point/for and against/agree and disagree Common expressions:
- I agree with it
- I do agree with it
- It's right
- Sorry, I can't agree with it
- It's wrong
- It's good
- There are many merits and demerits
- It can be viewed from different angles
- There is no sense in the argument
Example Topic: Old age homes are mushrooming in Kerala, God's own country.
Are old age homes a boon or a curse to Kerala. Conduct a debate on the topic. Write the arguments for and against.
Against :
- Old age homes are a curse to our state.
- I can't agree with this insult of our parents.
- It is our duty to take care of our parents.
For:
- Old age homes are a boon to our state.
- The parents who are avoided by their children are safe in old age homes.
- Sometimes, the children torture their parents.
- Old age homes become a shelter for them.
Figure of speech
Major Figures of Speech with Explanations and Examples
- Simile:
- Explanation: A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as."
- Examples:
- "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
- "He is as brave as a lion."
- Metaphor:
- Explanation: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
- Examples:
- "The world is a stage."
- "Time is a thief."
- Personification:
- Explanation: Giving human characteristics to non-human things.
- Examples:
- "The wind whispered through the trees."
- "The sun smiled down on us."
- Hyperbole:
- Explanation: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
- Examples:
- "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
- "I've told you a million times."
- Alliteration:
- Explanation: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words.
- Examples:
- "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
- "She sells seashells by the seashore."
- Onomatopoeia:
- Explanation: A word that imitates the sound it represents.
- Examples:
- "The bees buzzed in the garden."
- "The book fell with a thud."
- Oxymoron:
- Explanation: A figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as "cruel kindness" or "living death."
- Examples:
- "Deafening silence."
- "Bitter sweet."
- Paradox:
- Explanation: A statement that appears self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. Unlike an oxymoron, a paradox consists of a whole sentence or even a paragraph that contains a seemingly contradictory situation.
- Examples:
- "Less is more."
- "I know one thing: that I know nothing."
- Irony:
- Explanation: The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning. Irony is often used for humorous or emphatic effect. It can be situational, verbal, or dramatic.
- Examples:
- "A fire station burns down." (Situational Irony)
- "A pilot has a fear of heights." (Situational Irony)
- Metonymy:
- Explanation: Replacing the name of something with a related concept.
- Examples:
- "The pen is mightier than the sword." (Pen represents writing; sword represents warfare.)
- "The White House announced a new policy." (White House represents the U.S. President and administration.)
- Synecdoche:
- Explanation: A part is made to represent the whole or vice versa.
- Examples:
- "All hands on deck." (Hands represent sailors.)
- "The suits were at the meeting." (Suits represent business people.)
- Euphemism:
- Explanation: A mild or indirect word substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.
- Examples:
- "Passed away" instead of "died."
- "Let go" instead of "fired."
- Apostrophe:
- Explanation: Directly addressing an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction.
- Examples:
- "O Death, where is thy sting?"
- "Hello darkness, my old friend."
- Anaphora:
- Explanation: The repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
- Examples:
- "Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better."
