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……”

 

11th std Silk Road

 11th std Silk Road

Extra questions

1. Why the article has been titled 'Silk Road'?

Answer. The title of the article has been named on the historic silk road or routes. The network connected the Afro-Eurasian landmass. It established trade of Chinese silk, spices, teas and porcelain; Indian textiles, precious stones and pepper; and the Roman Empire's gold, silver, fine glassware, wine, carpets and jewels. The road was named Silk Road largely because of the silk trade with China. In the chapter the author travels to Mount Kailash, exploring the Himalayan belt in Tibet. Since the author explored this region, the chapter is titled as Silk Road.

2. How Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China's imperial courts?

Answer. Tibetan mastiffs were popular in China's imperial courts as hunting dogs. They were brought along the Silk Road in ancient times as tribute from Tibet. They were huge black dogs used as watchdogs. They explode into action like bullets. They are furious, ferocious and fearless.

3. Why was the author's experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place?

Answer. Hor was a grim, miserable place. The dust and rocks were scattered everywhere in abundance; there was little vegetation. The place seemed unfortunate and dejected, though it sat on the shore of the Lake Manasarovar. The author was flabbergasted to realise the contrast in his experience to that of the earlier read accounts. A Japanese monk, Ekai Kawaguchi, who had arrived there in 1990, was so moved by the sanctity of the lake t hat he burst into tears. The hallowed waters had a similar effect on Sven Hedin, a Swede who was not prone to sentimental outbursts. However, for the author, when he reached Hor, first he had to get two punctures mended. The only relaxation was the tea served by a Chinese youth in the only café in the town, which was constructed from badly painted concrete and had three broken windows. The good view of the lake through one of them helped to compensate however.

4. Who was Nick Middleton disappointed with Darchen?

Answer. The author was disappointed with Darchen. The high altitude was giving him health problems. He had a bad cold and was not able to sleep at night. Since he was one of the early arrivals there weren't any pilgrims coming to the place. The place was dusty, partially derelict and punctuated by heaps of rubble and refuse.

5. Why did the author think that his positive thinking strategy worked well after all?

Answer. The author was disappointed with Darchen. He also complained of bad health. Tsetan had left for Lhasa. He was feeling rather lonely with no pilgrims around. It was then he met Norbu, a Tibetan who too wanted to visit Kailash. They would be a good team as both of them were academicians who had escaped from the library. The author started thinking positively and it gave him some delight and enthusiasm.

6. What was the purpose of Nick Middleton's journey to Mount Kailash?

Answer. Nick Middleton was an Oxford Professor as well as an adventurer. He follows the most difficult terrain through the Silk Road and reaches Mount Kailash. He visits the holy place to complete the kora-going around the place.

7. What was the author's physical condition in Darchen?

Answer. The author was not physically well when he reached Darchen. His sinuses were blocked due to the cold wind at Hor and he was not able to sleep well at night. The next day Tsetan took him to the Darchen Medical College and the doctor there gave him some medicine that gave him some relief.

8. How was the author's meeting with Norbu?

Answer. The author was feeling rather lonely without Tsetan who had left for Lhasa. There weren't any pilgrims at Darchen as he had reached the place much early in the season. It was then when he met Norbu who was a Tibetan working in Chinese academy of Social Sciences in Beijing University. He too was there to visit Kailash and they decided to go there together.

9. How did Tsetan support the author during his journey?

Answer. Tsetan was a good and efficient driver. He drove the car very carefully. During the journey, he spoke to the author giving information about the places they were visiting. He was very perticular at the turnings while going uphill. At Darchen when he found that the author was not well, he took him to the medical college and got medicine for him. He was a good Buddhist.

10. "As a Buddhist, he told me, he knew that it didn't really matter if I passed away, but the thought it would be bad for business." Explain.

Answer. Tsetan was a good Buddhist and believed that death was not the end of life. Kailash being a holy place it would be better for him as it would take him to heaven. Then if the author would die there, it would be bad for his business as his credibility will be at stake in looking after the tourists and later he may not get any customers.

11. State the reasons why people were willingly to undergo the travails of difficult journeys.

Answer. The author was an academician, hence, he undertook the journey for the purpose of education. For him it was a learning experience. Secondly, people undertake such journeys because of the spirit of adventure. The areas covered by the author are some of the most difficult terrains in the world. The third can be a religious reason. People visit places like Mount Kailash as part of their pilgrimage.

11th std The Adventure

 

11th std The Adventure by Jayant Narlikar

Extra Questions

Q1. Why did the professor want to go through History books?

Answer: The professor went through history books  for the details of the battle of Panipat. He found that a shot brushed past Vishwasrao’s ear and he escaped his death.

Q2. As the train entered the British Raj territory, what did Gaitonde notice?

Answer: When he got down at the Victoria Terminus and saw the headquarters of The East India Company. The professor was shocked because the East India Company had closed down after the events of 1857, but he saw the company functioning well right in front of his eyes. He concluded that history had taken a different turn. While walking down the Hornby Road, he found offices of Lloyds, Barclays and other British banks, instead of Boots and Woolworth departmental stores.

Q3. What did the professor do at the Town Hall library?

Answer:  The professor made his way to the library of the Asiatic Society to understand this alternate version of history. He asked for a list of History books including his own. He went through all the five volumes and noticed that the change had occurred in the last one which took place in the Battle of Panipat.

He looked into a book, Bhausahebanchi Bakhar, for the details of the battle and found that a shot brushed past Vishwasrao’s ear and he escaped his death. As Gangadharpant was leaving the library, he absentmindedly tore and put a few pages into his left pocket.

Q4. “You neither travelled to the past nor the future. You were in the present experiencing a different world.” Elucidate.

Answer: “You did not travel to the past or the future. You were in the present, but you were in a different world.” These words were spoken by Rajendra Deshpande while attempting to explain his strange experience to Professor Gaitonde. When the professor was involved in an accident, he began to reflect on the Battle of Panipat and the consequences that occurred in his life. His thoughts wandered between what we know about history and what might have been. The professor was experiencing two worlds at the same time by thinking. According to the same theory, there must be many more different worlds emerging from unrealistic thoughts.

Q5. “You have passed through a fantastic experience: or more correctly, a catastrophic experience.” Elaborate.

Answer: “You’ve had a fantastic experience, or, more accurately, a catastrophic experience.” Professor Gaitonde was told by Rajendra Deshpande that he had an exciting experience. He claimed that we lived in a one-of-a-kind world with a one-of-a-kind history. Gangadhar Pant’s mind jumped to another world as a result of the accident, which was unrealistic. History took a different turn in that world after the Marathas won the Battle of Panipat. Rajendra explained this using the catastrophic theory, which holds that reality is full of misinterpretations.

Q6. Gangadharpant could not help comparing the country he knew with what he was witnessing around him. Elucidate.

Answer: “Gangadhar Pant couldn’t help but compare his home country to what he was seeing around him.” Gangadhar Pant witnessed two different perspectives of the same reality, albeit one at a time, during his extraordinary experience. The India he knew was described in history books as the result of the 1761 Battle of Panipat, in which the Marathas were defeated. The other India he saw was the result of the Marathas’ victory in the battle. In this version, he saw India as a prosperous country that could meet its own needs.

Q7. Briefly explain the following statements from the text- “The lack of determinism in quantum theory!”

Answer: It talks about quantum theory’s lack of determinism. If a bullet is fired from a gun in a specific direction at a specific speed, one can predict where it will end up, but the same cannot be said for an electron. When an electron is emitted by a source, it can come from anywhere. This is due to quantum theory’s lack of determinism. According to this theory, reality is never one-sided. At the same time, alternate worlds may exist.

Q8. Briefly explain the following statements from the text - “You need some interaction to cause a transition.”

Answer: To cause a transition, some interaction is required. According to Rajendra Deshpande, Professor Gaintonde made a change as a result of the interaction that occurred in the professor’s mind at the time of the collision. The professor was thinking about catastrophic theory and its role in wars at the time of the collision. He was thinking about the Battle of Panipat and its aftermath. The transition was caused by the interaction in his brain.