BHARATH VIDYA MANDIR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (CBSE)

CLASS X – ENGLISH NOTES - FIRST FLIGHT

POEM - CH.3.2 – THE BALL POEM

I. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Express your views on the title of the poem, ‘The Ball Poem’.

When one reads the title ‘The Ball Poem’, one assumes that the poem may be a light-hearted
one but perhaps about the joys of childhood. We must not feel disheartened, dejected and
desperate but try to stand up and bear the loss through self-understanding.

2. What is the theme of the poem ’The Ball Poem’?

In this world sometimes we lose things which we love and are attached to. We must not feel
disheartened, dejected and desperate but try to stand up and bear the loss through self-
understanding as the boy who lost the ball he loved was trying to learn.

3. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so sad to lose
it?

No doubt the ball is an easily available and inexpensive item but the ball, the boy has lost, is
valuable for him. His memories of young days are associated with it for he had been playing
with it for a long time. It was not an ordinary ball but a special one for him. No other ball
could take its place. So, he is sad to lose it.

4. What shows that the ball was valuable for the boy?

The ball was valuable for the boy; it is obvious (clear) from the way he reacts after losing it.
He was shocked, remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at the place where the ball had
fallen. All this shows that he loved the ball and it was valuable for him.

5. ‘He senses first responsibility.’ What responsibility is referred to here?

The responsibility referred to here is how to stand up or bear the loss through self-
understanding and trying to console oneself on his own as the boy who lost his ball was trying
to do.

6. Why did the poet not console the boy?

The poet did not console the boy for two reasons - one, the boy was too shocked and grief-
stricken to listen to any sense. Second, the poet also observed that the boy was trying to
stand up or bear the loss on his own through self-understanding which is much more
reflective and lasting. The poet’s or anybody else’s consoling would not be that effective.

7. ‘……starting, down

All his young days into the harbour where

His ball went…’

Do you think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of
days when he played with it?

Yes, I think the boy had that ball for a long time. The expression – ‘all his young days into
the harbour’ suggests this. It is linked with old memories when he used to play with it, which
is why he is so upset about losing it.

8. Do you think the boy has lost anything earlier? Pick out the words that suggest the
answer.

I don’t think the boy has lost anything earlier. The first loss is shocking and full of grief -
the line - ‘An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy’ reflects it. Also, in the ‘senses first
responsibility’ - the word first shows that it was his first loss.

9. What does the poet notice at the beginning of the poem?

The poet sees a boy playing near a harbour with a ball. The poet saw his ball bouncing. It
bounced and fell into the water at the harbour. The boy lost his ball. He became very sad.

10. What was the effect of the loss of ball on the boy?

The poet sees the boy whose ball has fallen into the harbour. He describes the effect of the
loss on the boy. The boy is shaken with grief. He trembles and stares down the harbour. His
past days come alive in his mind.

11. Why does the poet decide not to give money to the boy or he buy another ball for
him?

The poet says that he will not intrude upon the boy because he must learn to tolerate loss.
The poet emphasises this loss. He thinks that money cannot compensate for the sense of
loss. So, he doesn’t give the boy money or buy another ball for him.

12. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”.

This line means that no one can buy something that is lost forever. No one can buy the boy
that very ball which he has lost. Money is an external thing. It is a medium of possessing
things. But even money cannot compensate for the sense of loss suffered by a person.

13. Why does the poet say, “Balls will be lost always”?

Here, balls are the symbol of man’s possessions. We love our things. Some things are dearer
to us than the others. But nothing is permanent in life. We may lose our dear things. Then we
suffer from a sense of loss. This is experienced by everyone in life. That is why, the poet
says, “Balls will be lost always”.

II. Answer the following questions in 120-150 words:

1. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable or
irretrievable then how should one handle it? What lessons can be learnt?

Yes, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his ball, as he had that ball for a long time. He
had many old memories associated with it since his childhood. Moreover, when a person is
trying to come over his grief on his own, then one should not intrude or disturb him as it may
break his chain of thoughts and may irritate him. One should have self-consolation and self-
understanding in order to

bear the loss. Self-realisation and understanding are more effective and lasting than when it
is done by an external agency or a person.

2. How did the boy really react to the loss of the ball or was he fearful of something
or someone ……..? Can our attention be directed toward his family and other people?
Are there any lessons to be learnt?

The boy was not fearful of anyone; in fact, he was really upset about the loss of the ball. The
ball was valuable for him. He was shocked, remained fixed, trembled with grief staring at the
place where the ball had fallen. His family must not have been affected by the loss as a ball
is an easily available and inexpensive item. The loss of the ball teaches a lesson to us. Money
is external in the sense that it can give you only outer happiness or pleasure not inner. Money
cannot buy the emotions and heavenly virtues. It cannot be linked with old memories.
Moreover, self-consolation, realisation or understanding is more effective and lasting than
done by an external agency or a person.

3. Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he offer him
money to buy another ball?

When a person is trying to come over his grief on his own, he is busy making himself
understand certain things if then, someone intrudes or disturbs, and his chain of thoughts is
broken. It makes him irritated. Moreover, self-consolation, realisation or understanding is
more effective and lasting than when it is done by an external agency or a person. The poet
knows it. So, he does not intrude on him. His offer of money to buy another ball is useless
for the boy wants the same ball he is attached to and has been playing for a long time. No
other ball will be able to take its place.

*****
 BHARATH VIDYA MANDIR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (CBSE)
CLASS X – ENGLISH - FIRST FLIGHT 9
MADAM RIDES THE BUS - NOTES
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. How did Valli react when she saw the dead cow by the roadside?
On her return journey, Valli saw a dead cow lying in the middle of the road. It was lying sprawled in
a pool of blood, legs spread out, and lifeless eyes staring. It was a horrible scene. She felt sad and
this made her lose all her enthusiasm.
2. What was the most fascinating thing for Valli?
The most fascinating thing that Valli saw standing at the front door observing the street was the
bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. Seeing new set of passengers every
time was a source of unending joy for her.
3. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Valli refused to look out of the window on her way back as she saw the dead body of the cow who
was running in front of the bus when she was going to town. The memory of the dead cow haunted
her, dampening her enthusiasm. This made her sad and frightened.
4. Why did Valli find information about the bus to the town?
Valli found information about the bus to the town listening carefully to the conversations between
her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus. She asked a few questions here and there.
She picked up every small detail about the bus journey because she wanted to take at least one
ride in the bus that fascinated her.
5. Why was the conductor of the bus amused while talking to Valli?
The conductor of the bus was a jolly person who was fond of joking. He was amused while talking to
Valli who pretended to be a grown-up person. He also called her ‘Madam’. Though she is very young
in age, she shows signs of a mature and experienced lady through her behaviour on the bus. These
things fascinated the conductor.
7. Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner.
Valli was a meticulous planner. She listened carefully to the conversations between her neighbours
and people who regularly used the bus and also asked discreet questions. She picked up various
small details about the bus journey and then planned it.
8. How can you say that the conductor was a good-natured jolly fellow? Support your answer
with examples.
The conductor was a fun loving, jolly fellow. For instance, when Valli refused his help to board the
bus, he said jokingly, “Don’t be angry with me, fine madam… Everyone move aside please — make
way for madam.”
9. What details did Valli pick up about the bus journey? How did she pick up these details?
Valli gathered all the minute details about the bus journey. She gathered information - that she
required sixty paise to buy tickets for the up and down journey and that the bus would take ninety
minutes from village to town and back. She carefully listened to the conversations of the
passengers and villagers to get the details.
11. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
Valli’s source of unending joy was to have a bus ride. That was her tiny wish which grew into a
strong desire with the passage of time. Her desire turned into a longing as she thoughtfully stared
at the faces of the passengers who got on or off the bus.
12. What was Valli’s favourite pastime? (Or) Valli was an eight-year-old girl who was very
curious about things. What was her favourite pastime?
Valli’s favourite pastime was to stand in the front doorway of her house. She did not play like most
other children because there were no playmates of her age on her street. Watching the street
also gave her many unusual experiences which were equally enjoyable.
13. Give two reasons why Valli found the elderly woman on the bus, repulsive.
Valli did not want to make friends with the elderly woman because she found her repulsive as she
had big holes in her earlobes and was wearing ugly earrings. She could smell the betel nut the
woman was chewing. She noticed that her mouth was filled with betel juice which was almost about
to spill over her lips.
14. Why did Valli not get off from the bus when it stopped at the bus stand?
Valli’s sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride. She neither had the money to buy anything from the
shops at the town nor the courage to get down at the strange place or be among strangers. When
the conductor suggested that she could step down for a drink, she declared that she was afraid.
15. Why does the conductor refer to Valli as ‘madam’?
The conductor was worldly wise and a man of jovial nature. He judges the little girl’s innocent
behaviour. Being careful not to make the girl unhappy, he calls Valli as ‘Madam’, though she was a
girl of eight years only.
16. Write down the conductor’s advice to Valli?
Calling Valli a child, the conductor requested her to sit down. It will make her comfortable.
Standing up, again and again, can make her fall and get hurt because the bus can make a sharp turn
or hit a bump.
17. How did Valli manage to leave the house?
Valli knew that after lunch her mother would nap for about one to four or so. It was Valli’s habit to
engage these hours for her excursions and move outside the village.
18. What did Valli calculate and plan?
Valli calculated and planned that if she took the one o’clock afternoon bus, she would reach the
town at one forty-five. On reaching town, if she stayed in her seat and paid another thirty paise,
she could return home in the same bus by about two forty-five.
20. What did Valli’s mother say about the things happening without our knowledge?
Valli’s mother said that so many things happen amidst us and in the world outside. We cannot know
about everything. Even when we know about something, we often can’t understand it completely.
Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:
1. Write a character sketch of Valli.
Valli was an eight-year-old girl born in a small village. However, she was a very curious girl. She
spent her time standing in the front doorway of her house, watching what was happening in the
street outside. Watching the street gave her many new and unusual experiences. Her curiosity
about travelling on the bus to the town urged her on to plan her trip. She was very meticulous in
planning for the trip. She calculated the distance between her home and the town, the time it took
for a trip up and down by bus etc. Valli also proved to be very impressive and bold by finally
deciding to ride in the bus. Her childish innocence veiled by her smart and bold outlook amused the
conductor who offered her a seat in the bus. Valli thoroughly enjoyed her ride to the town, and
laughed and clapped when the young cow ran on the middle of the road in front of the bus. But her
enjoyable bus ride became a nightmare on her return journey. She saw the same cow lying dead on
the road. This sight haunted her, dampened her spirits, and saddened her. This is typical of the
tendency of a matured person. She refused to look out of the window thereafter. Valli, on the
whole, can be described as a curious, joyful, disciplined, smart, bold, and at the same time, a
mature girl.
2. “Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help me,” said Valli
to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all alone.
Taking inspiration from Valli’s character, write how the ability and courage to take risk are
essential to fulfilling one’s dream.
Valli is an eight-year-old village girl. She is fascinated by the bus that comes to the village every
hour. She develops a desire and then a longing turning into a firm determination to ride the bus.
She meticulously plans for it and saves money for the bus journey. Then she boards the bus
without anyone’s help. She travels all alone, confidently and independently and finally returns home
successfully. Her self-dependence and self-respecting nature help her to nurture her goal. She
enjoys her journey. Similarly, to achieve goals in life, we need to have such values in us. One should
be confident and self-dependent. Proper planning and strong determination lead to success.
Enthusiasm and excitement to achieve the goal are also needed to nurture our goals in life.
3. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her? Justify.
Valli’s sole purpose was to enjoy the bus ride. She neither had the money nor much information
about the ride. But her desire made her collect every minute detail about it. She gathered
information that she required sixty paise to buy tickets for the up and down journey. She
collected every stray penny. She resisted the temptation to buy peppermint, toys, even a joy-ride
at the merry-go-round at the village fair. Thus, she saved 60 paise to buy tickets for the bus ride.
No, it was not easy for a young child of eight years. This act of her reflects that she has the
qualities of self-restraint, discipline, determination and a maturity rare for her age.
4. Justify the statement with instances - Valli was a mature girl and ahead of her age.
Valli was an eight-year-old village girl. She had no playmates. Her favourite pastime was to stand at
the doorstep and watch things and people. She not only satisfied her curiosity but also gained new
experiences. Her strongest desire was to make a bus-ride. She meticulously planned for it —
gathered information about the distance, time and ticket money. Showing self-restraint, she
resisted the temptation to buy peppermint, toys or a ride on the merry-go-round at the village fair
in order to save 60 paise for the bus journey. She boarded the bus without anyone’s help, refused
a free treat by the conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows her commanding, confident
and self-dependent nature. This also shows her determination and maturity at such a young age.
5. Valli’s journey to the city is also her induction into the mystery of life and death.
Elaborate.
Valli gets introduced to the mystery of life and death on her first bus journey in the outside
world. She was wonder-struck and enjoyed the beauty of the outside world. She clapped, laughed
and enjoyed when she saw a young cow running in the middle of the road in front of the bus. The
driver sounded the horn to warn it but the more he horned, the faster it galloped. Valli found it
funny and amusing. She laughed till tears came into her eyes. On her way back, she saw the same
cow lying dead on the road. Some fast-speeding vehicle must have hit it. It was a horrible sight. It
looked quite frightening. It was lying with its legs spread out, a fixed stare in its lifeless eyes and
blood around it. The image of the dead cow haunted her, dampening her spirits and making her sad.
6. What did Valli notice after she boarded the bus?
Valli looked around in the bus. It had a soft and comfortable seat. It had a beautiful clock above
the windscreen. The overhead bars shone like silver. Then she tried to look outside. She found her
view cut off by a curtain that covered the lower part of her window. So, she stood on her seat to
enjoy the outside scene. The bus was going along the bank of a canal. She saw palm trees,
mountains and the blue sky. On the other side, there were green fields. Suddenly an elderly man
warned Valli not to stand on the seat. He called her a child and said that she could fall and get
hurt. But Valli did not care for him. She told him proudly that she was not a ‘child’. She had paid
the full fare like the others. The conductor told the man that Valli was a grown-up madam. Valli
looked at the conductor angrily and said that she was not a madam.
*****
 BHARATH VIDYA MANDIR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (CBSE)

CLASS X – ENGLISH - FIRST FLIGHT:

POEM 4.1 AMANDA - NOTES

I. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words:

1. What is the role/importance of punctuation marks in language? Why has the poet
used the exclamation mark after Amanda? Comment on the title of the poem.

(i) Punctuation is an important part of grammar. It is used to create sense, clarity and stress
in sentences. It is used to structure and organise our writing.

(ii) The exclamation mark is used after Amanda to show the mother’s surprise on seeing
Amanda. Amanda is a sulky and moody girl which upsets the mother.

2. Is the purpose of someone constantly giving instructions to Amanda being fulfilled?

Explain.

No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives her too many instructions. She
does not listen to her mother and didn’t care to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore
them either, so she sulks. Parents, in their endeavour to make their children well-behaved,
give them too many instructions.

3. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what all she did.
Identify and state the reasons for her decision.

Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful life in a tower, where no one gives any
instruction and she doesn’t have to do any work. But she doesn’t want to escape with a prince
like Rapunzel. She never wants to escape and leave such a peaceful atmosphere, with no
instruction and no work to do.

4. Who is the mermaid in ‘Amanda’? What does ‘she’ wish to do?

The mermaid is Amanda herself; as imagined by Amanda. She wishes to drift blissfully on a
dreamy, emerald sea, with no one else accompanying her.

5. What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?

Too many instructions and too much control are resented by children. They get bored and
fed up. Then, they listen to their parents half-heartedly and indulge in day-dreaming.

6. What message does the poet want to give through the poem ‘Amanda’?

The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavour to make their children well-
behaved, mannerly, having good habits, give them too many instructions or nag (always finding
fault) them. They should adopt positive measures, acceptable to children. Otherwise, they
will stop listening to them and indulge in daydreaming as Amanda did.

7. Who was Amanda? What idea do you form about her through the poem?
Amanda was a little school-going, girl. She seems to love fairy tales, stories like Rapunzel and
mermaids. She does not like too many instructions or nagging which make her sulk and
become moody. Then she does not listen to her mother attentively and starts daydreaming.

8. Why does she dream to be an orphan?

She thinks orphans lead a carefree life. There is no one to pester them with instructions.
They can wander in a street and make patterns in the soft dust with their bare feet. They
don’t have to clean the shoes or room or do the homework.

9. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what all she did.
Identify and state the reasons for her decision.

In the story, Rapunzel lets down her long, beautiful hair to escape with the prince. But
Amanda is fascinated by Rapunzel’s life in the tower. She never wants to escape and leave
such a peaceful atmosphere, with no more instruction and no work to do.

10. What made Amanda sulk and become moody?

Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother gives her too many instructions. She does
not want to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore them either, so she sulks.

11. How is Amanda seen behaving when the poem starts? What does the speaker ask
her not to do?

When the poem begins, we find that Amanda is biting her nails. She is hunching her
shoulders. She is sitting in a slouching posture. That is why the speaker asks her to behave
normally. He asks her not to bite her nails and hunch her shoulders. She should sit up
straight.

12. In her day-dreaming, Amanda reaches the sea. What does she imagine herself to
be?

Amanda finds that the sea is relaxed and peaceful. She is the only creature in the sea. She
imagines herself to be a mermaid. She is happy. She is drifting on the waves blissfully.

13. What three things does the speaker ask Amanda to do which she has not done?

The speaker asks Amanda to finish her homework. Then he asks her if she has cleaned up her
room. Finally, he finds that her shoes are not clean even though the speaker had asked her
to clean them.

14. How does Amanda describe her life as an orphan?

Amanda says that she is an orphan. She is free and roams the street. There is soft dust in
the street under her feet. She walks silently and creates patterns on the soft dust with her
bare feet. She thinks that silence is golden and freedom is sweet.

15. Why is Amanda forbidden to eat chocolate? How does Amanda behave when she is
addressed by the speaker?
The speaker asks Amanda not to eat chocolate. It is because she has developed acne already.
Eating chocolate might aggravate the condition. Amanda listens to the speaker without
raising her face.
16. Why does Amanda say, ‘I am Rapunzel’? What does she promise not to do?
Rapunzel was a beautiful girl with long hair. She was locked up in a tower by a witch. Amanda
imagines herself to be like Rapunzel who led a peaceful life. She promises never to let down
her bright hair.
17. What did the speaker tell Amanda in the end? What was the speaker afraid of?
The speaker thought that Amanda was sulking and moody. He thought that Amanda was
always moody. He asked her not to sulk because he was afraid that people would think he was
nagging Amanda.
18. What is the central idea of the poem?
The central idea of the poem is that children love freedom. They do not want any
restrictions on their activities. Secondly, they have a dream world of their own. They like to
spend most of their time in that dream world. But the elders are always destroying their
dream world by ordering them around.
II. Answer the following questions in about 120-150 words:
1. Is Amanda’s attitude a typical teenage behaviour? What is the lesson for parents
from this poem?
Amanda’s attitude is typical of a teenager. Teenagers can be rebellious and apparently hot-
headed with a highly independent perspective. In such circumstances, yelling at them and
nagging them, as done in the poem with Amanda, will only make matters worse. Forcing
decisions on them would only make them more detached as we see in Amanda’s case, where
she wishes to be the lone mermaid, an orphan or the lonely Rapunzel. She doesn’t want to
listen to anyone.
2. What does the girl yearn for? What does this poem tell you about Amanda?
Most of the children feel that they are controlled and instructed not to do one thing or the
other by their parents. So, the child or the girl yearns for freedom, to live her life
peacefully, in her own way. Amanda thinks that nobody should give her any instructions and
tell her what to do and what not to. She is fed up of getting instructions and being nagged by
her mother. She wants to escape all this. She is a moody, imaginative girl who loves fantasy
and wants to live in her own world of imagination.
3. Read the last stanza. Do you think Amanda is sulking and is moody?
In my view, Amanda is not moody. She feels oppressed because of her mother’s constant
nagging. She doesn’t want to be pointed out for such small things like cleaning the room,
sitting straight, cleaning her shoes, completing her homework, etc. She feels that she is not
free and is under a constant pressure of trying to be a well-behaved girl as per her parent’s
demands.
4. Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?
No, Amanda is not an orphan. Since she is constantly being pointed out by one of her parents
in the poem, she feels better to be one. She said so because she is sad and depressed due to
the continuous scolding and nagging by her parents. Therefore, she feels that it would have
been much better and peaceful if she would have been an orphan.

*****
 BHARATH VIDYA MANDIR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (CBSE)

Class X – English Notes - Footprints – 1. Triumph Of Surgery

Answer the following questions in 30 - 40 words:

1. What made James Herriot expect a call from Mrs. Pumphrey?

James Herriot’s encounter with Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki made him expect a call for help.
He was sure that the extra diet and no physical activity would soon put Tricki’s health in
danger. And just as anticipated, Mrs. Pumphrey called the vet a few days afterwards.

2. What ‘extra’ did Mrs. Pumphrey start to give Tricki and why?

Mrs. Pumphrey thought that Tricki was suffering from malnutrition, as he was weak and
listless. So, she started to give him extra snacks like cod-liver oil and malt between the main
meals and Horlicks after dinner to make him stronger. She also continued his cream cakes
and chocolates.

3. What made Mrs. Pumphrey call the vet?

Tricki’s condition made Mrs. Pumphrey call the vet for help. Tricki had become fat and lazy.
He just used to lie on his rug and pant. He also refused to eat food, even his favourite
dishes. His bouts of vomiting added to Mrs. Pumphrey’s worry. That is why, she called James
Herriot.

4. How can you say that it was hard for Mrs. Pumphrey to part with her doting pet?

Mrs. Pumphrey treated Tricki as her own child. She loved him very much. It was very
difficult for her to see Tricki in such a situation. She was distraught when she had to make
the decision to hospitalise Tricki, for her love for him knew no bounds. It was a terrible and
a tearful moment for her but she agreed to Herriot’s suggestion for the betterment of her
pet.

5. What kind of treatment was given to Tricki? Did it help in his recovery?

Tricki was given a non-medicinal treatment. His diet routine was altered depending upon his
body’s response to it. He was kept on liquid diet for the first two days and then his diet was
gradually increased. Yes, this treatment did help Tricki as it built up energy in him. He had
transformed to an energetic, hard-muscled dog in just a fortnight.

6. Was Tricki suffering from any ailment in reality? If not, then what made him
inactive and lethargic?

No, Tricki was not suffering from any ailment. It was his greed for food and the love of his
mistress that spoilt his health to such an extent. He was being over-fed everyday and that
made him obese and lethargic. That is why his health showed rapid improvement when his
diet was controlled.

7. Briefly describe Herriot’s days of content.

The time of Tricki’s stay at the hospital was a period of content for Herriot. He used to
enjoy the treat that arrived in the name of Tricki, as he could not afford all this for himself.
Herriot used to relish the fresh eggs in breakfast, wine before and during lunch and brandy
at the night.

8. Do you think Tricki was enjoying his stay at the hospital?

Yes, Tricki was definitely enjoying his stay at the hospital. He had befriended the gang of
shabby household dogs. He had found a new joy in being bowled over, trampled on and
squashed. He had also become very energetic. He used to play and run all day long with the
dogs. He was having a great time.

Answer the following questions:

1. Excess of everything is bad. Comment on Mrs. Pumphrey’s love for Tricki.

Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich woman who loved her dog very much. She loved to live a
comfortable and lavish life and also wanted her dog to spend a similar one. She had
maintained a wardrobe full of fancy fur coats, dresses, beds, bowls for different meals, etc.
for Tricki. Apart from this, she used to over-feed Tricki out of her love and concern. She
used to serve him cod-liver oil and malt between the main meals and Horlicks after dinner to
give him strength. She never realised that Tricki was a greedy dog and this would spoil his
health. She could not even refuse to answer Tricki drooling for cream cakes and chocolates.
Her over-feeding worsened Tricki’s condition. This made the dog lazy, inactive and obese. He
used to lie on his rug and pant all day long. Mrs. Pumphrey fed him excessively, spoiling
Tricki’s health to such an extent that he had to be hospitalised. Even in the hospital she
continued to convey Tricki her love by sending him eggs, wine and brandy. Her fondness and
care for Tricki proved that excess of everything made him fall sick.

2. Pen down incidences supporting values one should inculcate from Mr. James Herriot.

Mr. Herriot was an efficient and experienced veterinary surgeon who treated Tricki. He was
a very compassionate doctor and a wise and sympathetic human being. He showed his
capabilities almost immediately when he advised Mrs. Pumphrey to put Tricki on a strict diet
as soon as he noticed and understood his symptoms. He can also be said to be an
understanding and tactful person as he knew exactly how to free Tricki from the spoiling
love of Mrs. Pumphrey for his betterment. He did not do a surgery on the poor dog
unnecessarily and adopted a practical approach to treat him. Mr. James was a caring and a
polite individual as he successfully calms Mrs. Pumphrey’s anxiety about Tricki’s recovery
patiently. He was, in all, a good human being and a successful professional.

3. Do you think parents like Mrs. Pumphrey exist? If yes, is it a good thing to pamper
children? Why or why not?

Yes, parents like Mrs. Pumphrey do definitely exist. These people spoil their children by
making sure all their demands are met. They spoil their children in the name of love and care.
They not only feed them junk but also spoil their social habits. This kind of behaviour is very
harmful for children. Such over-protective parental behaviour hinders their growth as
adults. In fact, it sows the seeds of greed and dependency in them. They become stubborn
and do not learn to value anything. For them, hard work is a myth as they get everything
easily. Over pampered children often fail to face the hardships of life later, as for them life
has been a cake-walk. Pampering children in moderation is

healthy, but excess of it is harmful. It is not just bad for humans but also for animals, as it
is evident in the story ‘A triumph of Surgery’.

4. The chapter shows the silly and negligent behaviour of rich people like Mrs.
Pumphrey who may harm their near and dear ones by their extra caring nature. Tricki’s
declined health was the outcome of this nature of Mrs. Pumphrey. Do you think such
people’s actions can prove to be fatal for the health of their loved ones? What values
would you suggest to such people to emulate in themselves and why? Write your answer
in 100-120 words.

Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady with a fat pet dog named Tricki. Tricki was too dear to
Mrs. Pumphrey. Hence, she took extra care of him. She had pampered the dog with all kinds
of comforts. The dog had many coats worn according to the weather, had different cushions
for his comfort and also had various dishes to eat. Some extras between meals were given to
him, some malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep.

He was also given cream cakes and chocolates. This made him fat and lethargic. He became
hugely fat like a bloated sausage. His eyes bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and
his tongue lolled from his jaws. I think Mrs. Pumphrey’s extra-caring nature resulted in
Tricki’s declined health. Such an attitude can result in fatal health of their loved ones. One
should not shower care excessively for them. Exercise and proper meal are important for
one’s health. The same was taken care by Dr. Herriot, which resulted in the speedy recovery
of Tricki.

5. Describe Tricki’s stay at Dr. James Herriot’s surgery, highlighting his behaviour and
his rapid recovery.

Dr. Herriot found out quite early what was the real problem with Tricki. He knew that
Tricki’s only weakness was his greed for food. He, therefore, wanted Mrs. Pumphrey to keep
Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of exercises. Dr. Herriot instructed her that the
dog be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. At the surgery, Tricki looked down
at the noisy dogs with dull eyes. He lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs ignored him
as an uninteresting object. A bed was made in a warm loose box next to the other dogs. For
two days, Dr. Herriot kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty of water. He gave
no medical treatment to Tricki.

Dr. Herriot’s practical treatment worked. First, Tricki started taking an interest in his
surroundings. His appetite returned. He started running along with the other dogs in the
garden joining in their friendly barkings. Then, Tricki’s stay at the surgery became quite
enjoyable. His indulgent mistress gave him fresh eggs, wine and brandy. Even Dr. Herriot was
tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. However, Tricki’s recovery was quite rapid and
he was handed over to his mistress. The grateful Mrs. Pumphrey thanked Dr. Herriot and
called his feat “A Triumph of Surgery”.

*****
 BHARATH VIDYA MANDIR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (CBSE)
CLASS X – ENGLISH WRITING
LETTER OF ENQUIRY – FACTFILE
A letter of enquiry is usually written to gather some information from the recipient. While writing a
letter of enquiry, it is important to provide some information about yourself so that the recipient can
authenticate the source of the enquiry.
It could be written with respect to an item that a person is interested in buying, a course that a
person wants to study, a vacation trip that a person wants to go on, etc.
Suggestions to write an enquiry letter:
• Give a brief introduction about yourself / your organisation.
• Provide details about the thing or subject of enquiry.
• If you require a detailed information, write your questions accordingly.
• If you require the information within a specific time, then do mention in the letter.
• Thank them for their time and consideration at the end.

The Format of an Enquiry Letter is as follows:

1. Sender’s address: Include email and phone number, if required. 2. Date: Below address. Leave one
space or line. 3. Receiver’s address 4. Subject of the letter 5. Salutation (Sir / Respected Sir /
Madam) 6. Body:
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and state the purpose of the letter
Paragraph 2: Details of the enquiry
Paragraph 3: Conclude / end
7. Complimentary Closing 8. Sender’s name, signature and designation (if any)
The main body of the letter:
Avoid writing long paragraphs, always bifurcate body into 3-4 paragraphs.
In Para 1, explain yourself also explain the reason behind writing a letter.
Then in Para 2, explain the enquiry details.
Para 3 should be a closing one, asking for a response in gentle words.

SAMPLE 1:

You intend to join M.B.A at Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh. Write a letter of
enquiry in 100-120 words addressed to the Administrator-in-charge of the University seeking
clarification about the necessary details for joining the same. You are Tarun/Teju from No. 2 -
Library Road, Rewari.
No. 2 - Library Road
Rewari

18 October 2023

The Administrator In-charge

Central University of Haryana
Mahendragarh
Subject: Enquiry regarding admission for M.B.A.

Sir

This is with reference to your advertisement in one of the local newspapers of Rewari regarding
offering admission in your university for M.B.A. I would like to state that I am Tarun Kumar and I
have recently completed my B.B.A from one of the local colleges of Rewari.

Before taking admission or being the part of this magnificent university, I would like to enquire about
the following things such as total fee for the course, faculty’s experience, mode of transportation
from Rewari, campus placement, workshops and seminars and other norms of the university

I request you to send me all these information as soon as possible so that I can make up my mind and
commence my studies after taking admission. Do keep me informed of other details about the
university lest I should face any other problem.

Thank you

Yours sincerely
Tarun Kumar

SAMPLE 2

Write a letter to the Tours Manager, Ashoka Tours and Travels, Bangalore, seeking information
regarding the tour packages offered by the company. You are Mr. Ajay Mittal from
Chandigargh, Punjab, who is planning to visit all the holy places of South India with your aged
mother and father for a month’s time this September.

1/1, Mittal’s Villa Rani Bagh

Chandigarh
Punjab

4 September 2023

The Manager
Ashoka Tours and Travels
Kalasipalayam
North Bangalore
Karnataka

Sub.: Seeking information about your tour packages – reg.

Sir

I came to know about your tours and travels agency from a friend of mine who has recently availed
your services for a trip to Ooty and Kodaikanal. I am planning to take my aged parents on to a visit to
all the temples and Churches, especially the Church of St. Philomina in Mysore and Meenakshi Temple
in Madurai. Apart from the holy places, we also wish to visit Thekkadi, the backwaters in Kerala and
Ooty.

Kindly let me know the details regarding the places you would cover in your pilgrim packages and the
mode of transport. We prefer hygienic buses or cars with working air conditioners. We would be
alright with three star or five star stay in just a single room with television and cable connection.

We wish to be provided with strictly vegetarian breakfast. However, we welcome fish or chicken for
lunch and dinner. Besides, inform us the details of your charges for stay, food and travel, all
separately. Looking forward to an earliest reply!

Thank you

Yours truly
Ajay Mittal
*****