11std SPEECH WRITING

            ESSENTIALS of SPEECH WRITING

1. HEADING– The heading should be catchy and in not more than 5-6 words. You can go as creative as you want with this one just make sure you do not devote too much time to it in the exam.

2. OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction, and the topic. Make sure you do not mention your personal details.

Speech writing Example – Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. Today, I (the name is given in the question) stand before you all to deliver a speech / my ideas and concerns on the topic (given in the question).

OR you could start with a QUOTE related to the topic and then go with the salutations and introduction.

E.g.:- *Good Morning honourable Principal, respected teachers, and my dear fellow mates.* Today, I, _________, stand before you all, to highlight the importance or significance of ____________.

2. BODY will comprise:

A. It is always prescribed that you begin with a short introduction on the topic, it’s meant to be precise.

B. Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if any), and whether after any corrective actions, betterment in the situation has been observed or not.

C. It may include advantages/ disadvantages depending upon the topic in question.

3. CLOSURE 

A review of the main points and a purposeful closing sentence. Persuasive speech endings should tell the audience specifically what they should do or think about.

             SPEECH WRITING- A Sample

You are Asher/ Adrine  Head boy/head girl of your school. You are deeply disturbed by the rising cases of aggressive behaviour of students in your school. You decide to speak during the morning assembly about it. Write a SPEECH on ‘Indiscipline in Schools’ in 120 - 150 words.

Answer

               *INDISCIPLINE IN SCHOOLS*

It has been reported to the councils that number of fights and cases of bullying has gone up tremendously in the last few months in our school.

A warm greetings to honourable Principal, respected teachers and my dear fellow mates. Today, I, Asher/ Adrine, your head girl/boy stand before you to throw some light upon the grave issue of 'Increasing Indiscipline in Schools'.The growing indiscipline and intolerance among the new generation is resulting in violation of rules and regulations. It has become a grave concern in today's world. The old-age student-teacher tradition is losing its charm. Aggressiveness in students may be triggered by several factors: as a self-defence reaction, stressful situation, over-stimulation or lack of adult supervision.

It has been brought into lime light that disobedience of students, bullying, fights with peers, truancy and insults is becoming a common trend. Not only this, there have been complaints of parents witnessing a shift in their children’s attitude. This is resulting in a lot of children getting hurt emotionally, mentally and physically. The impact this attitude is having on kids at early age is disastrous and irreversible.

Not to forget the damage that has been done to the school property. Stealing chalks, scribbling on desks, walls and washroom doors, destroying CCTV cameras and the list goes on. By doing this, we are only letting us deprive ourselves of the amenities being provided to us.After a lot of meetings, lack of proper guidance, excessive use of social media and peer pressure have been observed to be the root causes of the problem. The counsellor is taking steps to improve the situation. Life skill classes are being made mandatory for everyone. Teachings will include counselling, motivation and inculcating friendly values. Seminars for parents and students will be regularly organised. A counsellor to help you all share your feelings, grudges and sharing your personal problem is being made available. We are doing everything we can and expect the same from you.

So, let’s join our hands together and build an environment where we encourage, motivate, help and be kind to each other for we are good and civilised beings capable of a lot of affection.

Thank you for being such patient listeners.

10std ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH—SWOT ANALYSIS

 ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH—SWOT ANALYSIS

Q1. Anamika is an aspiring candidate for a public-funded engineering college in the suburbs.

She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technological skills and exposure, has the required cut-off percentage and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship.

Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analysing her SWOT notes to support your stand on whether she should join/not join the college.

STRENGTH

■ Strong Curriculum

■ Quality faculty

■ Vibrant Activity Clubs

■ Green location

■ Close proximity to residential areas

OPPORTUNITIES

■ Practice based research

■ Partnership with professional organisations

■Strong alumni

■Acclaimed Student Exchange Programme with European countries

WEAKNESS

■ Lack of diversity

■ Students' behavioural problems

No hostel facility

■ Slow repair and maintenance work

■ Underutilization of IT Services

■ Lack of targeted advertisements to out-state students

THREAT

■ Lack of publicity in areas of excellence

■ Public perception towards funded colleges

■ Declining students' interest towards technical subjects

■ Low employee morale due to budget cuts

Answer:

SWOT Analysis of an Aspiring Candidate for Engineering College

The information provided indicates the options Anamika will consider to make the right decision about enrolling in a publicly funded engineering school. 

With access to a strong curriculum, quality teaching staff, and active activity clubs, she is assured of a rich educational journey. There are no hostels available, but she has taken advantage of accommodation in the suburbs or in the village. 

You can choose to move daily from practice- oriented studies, partnerships with professional companies, and good opportunities for international student exchange programs improve their professional and interpersonal skills. Hard work, responsible behavior, and careful decision-making can help Anamika succeed in college, despite a rigid and conventional culture. Strength and potential speak for Anamika. 

The university and government should seize this opportunity to correct misperceptions of public universities and student attitudes towards engineering courses.

10std Analytical Paragraph– Factual

 ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH- FACTUAL

Q. Read the following excerpt from an article in a fashion magazine:  

'Colourism' is the term describing the preference for lighter skin. Several of the world’s biggest advertising firms have come under severe criticism for selling beauty products that promise whiter skin. What is worse is the manner in which these fairness products are being promoted - the parallel drawn between being fair and being successful; the perfect fair heroine showcased in movies; celebrity endorsements of fairness products; and matrimonial advertisements where everyone seeks a fair bride. This type of advertising has created an inferiority complex among darker skinned women as seen in the rising sales of fairness cosmetics. This form of biased advertising has come under harsh criticism. Are we as a society encouraging and supporting 'colorism'?  

Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.  You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument. 

Answer:

Argument FOR the subject of the statement: 

The desire to be beautiful is natural. What is not natural is determining that only one type of skin colour is beautiful. We need to be inclusive of all skin tones and look at the diversity of beauty. Every skin colour shade is beautiful. Additionally, beauty is only 'skin deep'. We need to stop equating light-coloured skin with beauty because ‘black is beautiful’ too. 'Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and therefore is a very subjective matter. Discrimination on the basis of skin shade is therefore not logical. Many such discriminations have been defeated over the past decades. We should stop encouraging ads that promote colorism. Let us not regress but rather progress. Real beauty is the personality and the qualities of a person. The focus should lie on being beautiful from within, rather than obsessing over outer appearance. 

Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement: 

We as a society have always been obsessed with fair skin tone and it is time to put a stop to this. This prejudice has been around for way too long, including in our books, movies and real life. We find a wonderful example in the children’s fairy tale ‘Snow White’, where her mother the wicked queen asks the magic mirror, “Who is the fairest of them all?” and the mirror replies saying that Snow White is the most beautiful, thus stressing on inner beauty rather than outer appearance. Fair skin instills confidence and sets one up for success. Fairer people seem to get better jobs, deals and life partners, so it's natural that people will desire to be fair. If some people want to use beauty products to make their skin lighter they should be allowed to do so without criticism as it is a matter of personal choice.

10std ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH- STATISTICAL DATA

 ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH- STATISTICAL DATA

Q. The monthly expenditure of a family is represented in the pie chart shown below. 

Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analysing the information in the pie chart to support your stand on how the family is using the money wisely. 

Analysis of the Monthly Expenditure 

The monthly expenditure of a family is represented in the given pie chart. Food and education make up 30% and 25% respectively of their monthly expenses. The family spends the most on these two areas.  Miscellaneous items come next in order of percentage, that is, 20% which comprises of money spent on both essential and luxury goods, such as, clothes, gadgets, vacations, etc. Health care and rent take up 10% each. Transportation takes up the last 5% of their monthly expense. Overall the data shows that the family does maintain a good balance on expenditure. After spending on food, they have spent a significant amount on education. Spending 25% on it shows that the family gives it a lot of importance. About 80% of the total money is spent on liabilities, and the remaining 20% is spent on other items. In conclusion we can say that this family spends its money wisely indeed. (153 words) 

10std. ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH (ITINERARY)

 ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH (ITINERARY)

Key Points To Consider

Begin like this : A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organizing vendor reveals that the tour proposal should be accepted / rejected.

Mention the most important reason why the tour proposal should be accepted/rejected. Mention the second reason why the tour proposal should be accepted/rejected.Mention the third reason why the tour proposal should be accepted/rejected

Mention the fourth reason why the tour proposal should be accepted/rejected

Conclude the paragraph by mentioning all the relevant facts. You may end the paragraph like this "Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved / rejected.

A Sample Question 

As the Captain of the school's Cultural Club, you have been asked to study the given itinerary provided by a tour- organizing vendor.

A 3N/2D Educational Tour for the Senior School Students:

Jabalpur and Ranha National Park (Vandhya Pradesh)

• Tour Travel & sightseeing by bus.

• Accommodation on quad sharing basis.

• One staff complimentary for every 20 students.

• Bottled mineral water throughout the tour

•  Celebration on 22 November.

• Insurance policy of 20,000/- per head.

• Provision of Tour Manager's assistance to all places

You may begin like this : A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organising vendor reveals that the tour proposal should be accepted / rejected.

You may end like this: Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved / rejected.

Answer:

ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organizing vendor reveals that the tour proposal should be accepted. The provided itinerary for the 3N/2D Educational Tour to Jabalpur and Ranha National Park in Vandhya Pradesh appears to be well-structured, with several features that prioritize the students' safety, interests, and physical wellness.

Firstly, the inclusion of travel and sightseeing by bus is a safe and convenient mode of transportation, ensuring that students are comfortable during the journey.  Accommodation on a quad- sharing basis not only encourages teamwork and bonding among students but also ensures their safety in a group setting.Additionally, the provision of one staff member for every 20 students enhances supervision and emergency response capabilities, further promoting safety. The inclusion of bottled mineral water throughout the tour prioritizes the students' physical wellness by keeping them hydrated. 

Moreover, the insurance policy of ₹20,000/- per head demonstrates the tour organizer's commitment to student safety in case of unforeseen events. Finally, the Dance Party on 22 November adds an element of fun and interest for the students, making the tour more engaging and memorable.

Overall, this itinerary seems well- rounded, balancing safety, physical wellness, and student interests, making it suitable for approval for the Senior School Students' Educational Tour. Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be approved.

REJECTING THE PROPOSAL

A thorough analysis of the itinerary provided by the tour organizing vendor reveals that the tour proposal should be rejected due to significant concerns related to the students' safety, interest, and physical wellness

Firstly, the duration of the tour, being only 2 days, appears rushed and hectic f or an educational trip. This limited time frame may not allow students to fully engage with the educational and cultural aspects of the destinations, undermining their interest and learning experience. Quad-sharing accommodation may compromise privacy and security, and no mention is made of any medical facilities or first-aid provisions on the tour. Additionally, the tour seems more recreational than educational. Hence, I recommend a thorough review to make it recreational than educational. Hence, I recommend a thorough review to make it more student-centric, safe, and educational.

 Additionally, the inclusion of a Dance Party on 22 November seems inappropriate for an educational tour, as it may divert the focus away from the primary purpose of learning and cultural exposure. Furthermore, while the provision of one staff member for every 20 students is a safety measure, it might still be insufficient for ensuring the well-being of all students, especially in a new and unfamiliar location.

Overall, the itinerary lacks a balanced emphasis on students' safety, educational interests, and physical wellness, making it unsuitable for approval for the Senior School Students' Educational Tour. Therefore, the tour proposal for the educational trip should be rejected.

12std My Mother at Sixty-six

 12th standard Poem-1

My Mother at Sixty-six

It's a poem written by Indian writer Kamala Das. Her poems are mostly about subtleties involved in human relationships. 

She explores mostly the unnoticed simple events that occur in a certain relationship through fabulous imagery and strong descriptions.

The poem talks about a daughter bidding goodbye to her mother. The mother has grown old, and the daughter finds it painful to leave her ageing mother behind. She knows that she might not see her mother again. This poem is about the feelings and emotions involved in this kind of situation. 

Summary

Ageing is a natural process, and no one has control over it. As human beings, we are involved in warm relationships with people much older than us – like that between our parents and us. As much as we love our parents and wish for them to live forever with us, nature does not seem to heed our wishes. Our parents do grow old and need help and care. It might be painful to see them lose their youth with time. It is unfortunate, but it is just like sand slipping away from between our fingers. We cannot hold on to it forever.

This is a touching poem written by Indian poet Kamla Das who wrote under the pen name of ‘Madhavikutty’. In this poem, she describes her feeling of love and attachment towards her ageing mother.

Once the poet went to visit her mother. She was on her way back to the the airport to return to Cochin. She looked at her mother who was seated beside her in the car. Her mother had dozed off to sleep and her ageing face – was smoky in colour like ash. Her mouth was open and she resembled a dead body. The poet realized that her mother was old. She felt pain and sympathy for her. Her mother needed love, affection and care.

In order to come out of the gloom, the poet shifted her glance and looked out of the car’s window. There she saw young trees pass by. Little children were running out of their houses into the playgrounds. These things were contrary to the ageing face of her mother. They symbolised energy, life and happiness.

Question & answers

Q1. What is the irony in the poem My Mother at Sixty-six?

The irony in the poem My Mother at Sixty-six is that the poet knows that her mother has grown old, though she finds it hard to accept it.

Q2. What are the poetic devices used in the poem My Mother at Sixty-six?

Similes have been used that compare the mother’s face to that of a corpse and a ‘late winter’s moon’. Imagery is used to show life and activity in ‘Young Trees sprinting’ and ‘merry children spilling’. Also, ‘Young Trees’ is personified in the poem. Repetition and alliteration can be seen in the use of the word ‘smile’ in the last line of the poem.

Q3. Why is the mother’s face compared to a ‘late winter’s moon’?

The mother’s face has been compared to a ‘late winter’s moon’ to illustrate her old age. Just like a later winter’s moon that is dim because of the fog, the poet’s mother’s face has lost the glow of a young and lively person. It is used to show the effect of age on her – the loss of energy, youth and beauty.

Q4. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

When the poet looks at her mother’s face closely, she discovers that she has aged and her end is near. The feeling of her mother being old, needing care and help pains the poet as there is no one to look after her. She feels that her mother can die any moment and that then she will lose her forever. Her childhood fear of losing her mother which was then timely but now, will be forever, resurfaces. The poet feels the pain of her mother’s old age and her helplessness towards her. She has the fear of separating from her mother forever, upon her death.

Q5. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

The young trees have been personified. When looked at from the poet’s moving car, they seem to be running past. The poet found it to be strikingly opposite to her mother who looked as still as a dead body.

Q6. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

The poet draws a comparison between what is travelling with her and what she can see outside. It’s a comparison between life and death. Her mother is sleeping, with mouth open, like a dead body, while outside she can see children who are full of life, energy and enthusiasm.

Q7. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

Just as the late winter’s moon is dull and lacks luster, so is her mother at the end stage of her life. Also, as the late winter moon gets overshadowed by the fog and mist in the sky similarly her mother can get overshadowed by death at any time. Both of them are nearing an end- one of season and the other of life.

Q8. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

The parting words of the poet show her positive attitude. She overcomes her pain and fear, assures herself and her mother that they would meet again. She is being very brave which is indicated by the use of repetition in the poem: “smile and smile and smile……”