Junior Inter Odyssey - All in One Answers

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All in One Answers

Prose 1. The Malady of Overthinking

"The Malady of Overthinking" by Jerome K Jerome is an essay about how constantly thinking too much can be harmful to people’s minds and happiness. The writer describes how some people try to find meaning in everything, even simple things, but this just makes life more complicated and tiring. Jerome explains that overthinkers ask too many questions and worry about things they cannot change, which only leads to stress and sadness. He believes that living in the present and enjoying small moments is much better than worrying about the past or future. The essay uses examples of ordinary events to show how thinking too much can make people miss out on joy. Jerome says it is important to relax, accept what happens, and not try to solve every problem in your mind. In short, the essay teaches that happiness comes from letting go of endless thoughts and living simply.

Prose 2. Chief Seattle’s letter

Chief Seattle’s letter is a message about caring for the Earth and respecting nature. He talks about how the land and animals are part of life and that people should live in harmony with them. Chief Seattle says the Earth belongs to all living things, like a mother caring for her children. He warns that if people harm the Earth, it will hurt everyone in the future. The letter teaches about the importance of protecting nature and understanding that everything is connected. Chief Seattle wants people to remember that the Earth should be treated with kindness and respect so that it can give life to future generations. In simple words, this letter asks us to love and protect the world because it is our home and the home of animals and plants too.

Prose 3. You've Got to Find What You Love

"You've Got to Find What You Love" is a lesson based on Steve Jobs’s famous speech telling everyone to follow their dreams and search for what truly makes them happy. Steve Jobs says that life is short, so it is important to spend your time doing things you enjoy, not just what others tell you to do. He shares his story of facing failure and losing his job, but he did not give up; he found his passion again by working hard and never losing hope. The lesson teaches that it is normal to face problems and make mistakes, but loving what you do helps you stand up and try again.​ Steve Jobs encourages us to trust ourselves, even when the path is not clear. He says success comes to those who are brave enough to keep looking for their passion. If you do what you love, work will feel meaningful and life will be happier. The most important message is to never give up on your dreams and keep searching for what gives you joy and purpose. If you follow your heart, you will find your own path.​

Poem 1A. The Tyger

"The Tyger" by William Blake is a poem that wonders about the creation of a strong and scary animal, the tiger. The poet looks at the tiger’s bright and burning eyes and asks who could make something so beautiful and dangerous. He wants to know if the same creator who made gentle things also made the fierce tiger. The poem uses words and images to show the powers of nature and the big mysteries of life. Blake asks questions about how good and bad, or soft and strong, can exist together in the world. The poem is important because it makes us think about how one creator can make both gentle and scary things. In simple words, "The Tyger" is about the wonder and surprise people feel when they see something powerful in nature, and it teaches us to think about the big questions of life.

Poem 1B. The Lamb

"The Lamb" by William Blake is a gentle poem about a little lamb and its creator. The poet talks to the lamb and asks if it knows who made it. He explains that the lamb is soft, kind, and full of innocence. The poem uses simple and soft words to show how the lamb stands for goodness and purity. Blake also says that the same creator who made the lamb is gentle and caring, and he likens the creator to Jesus, who is also called the Lamb in Christian tradition. "The Lamb" is important because it celebrates innocence, love, and a kind world. In easy words, the poem tells us that life can be safe and happy, and that good things are made lovingly. It teaches us to see the beauty and peace in simple things.

Poem 2. Invictus

"Invictus" is a poem written by William Ernest Henley about facing hard times bravely. The poet went through many health problems, but he did not let these difficulties defeat him. In the poem, Henley says that even when life is tough or painful, it is important not to give up. He uses strong words to show that he is in control of his own spirit and choices, even when things are dark and scary. The poem teaches that no matter how many problems or punishments there are, each person can decide how they respond. Henley calls himself the “master of my fate” and “captain of my soul.” People are in charge of their own lives and decisions, even if they cannot control everything that happens. In simple words, "Invictus" tells us to keep hope, face life with courage, and never let bad times stop us from moving forward. It says our strength comes from inside, and we must stay strong and positive, whatever happens.

Poem 3. Refugee

"Refugee" by Brian Bilston is a powerful poem that talks about the life and feelings of a refugee. The poem describes a person who is forced to leave their home because of war or danger. It shows how hard it is for refugees to say goodbye to everything they know. At first, the poem might sound sad and full of pain, because it talks about all the things that refugees lose, like family and friends. As the poem goes on, it also shows hope and strength. Brian Bilston uses clever language in the poem.  If we read the lines from top to bottom, it seems dark, but if we read them from bottom to top, the meaning changes and shows hope and kindness. The poem teaches that refugees want safety, love, and understanding, just like everyone else. "Refugee" asks readers to have compassion for people who have lost their homes, and reminds us that a little kindness can give people the courage to start over.

SR 1. The Blind Dog

In R.K. Narayan’s story “The Blind Dog”, the dog and the blind beggar start their journey as strangers. At first, the dog is a free and happy animal. He loves running, playing, and being with people at the market. One day, the blind beggar finds the dog and decides to use it to guide him around. He ties the dog with a rope and makes it lead him through the busy streets.

In the beginning, the dog wants to escape. He is scared and unhappy. But slowly, the dog stops trying to run away. He starts following the beggar without being pulled. The dog becomes loyal, even though he is not treated with love or care. He works all day, guiding the man, and gets little food or rest.

This shows how the dog is loyal, even when he is exploited. The beggar does not think about the dog’s feelings or needs. He just wants the dog to work for him. The story shows how some people or animals are used without kindness.

In the end, the dog keeps serving the blind man, but not out of love—he does it because he is trained and has no choice. This makes us think deeply about freedom. Is the dog really free if he stays only because he cannot leave?

The story teaches us about loyalty, but also shows how it can turn into exploitation. The dog gives everything, but gets very little in return. It also makes us think about freedom—that being tied to someone, even without a rope, can feel like being trapped. The relationship changes, but it remains unfair. The dog stays loyal, but his freedom is lost.

SR 2. A Retrieved Reformation

The story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry teaches some important moral lessons. The main ideas are redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of change.

The story shows that anyone can change if they truly want to. Jimmy Valentine was once a clever thief who broke into safes and stole money. But when he fell in love with Annabel Adams, he decided to leave his criminal life behind. He started living honestly and worked hard to be a better man. This tells us that love and goodness can help people become better.

The story also shows the idea of redemption, which means making up for one’s past mistakes. Jimmy did something very brave when he used his safe-breaking skills to save a child trapped inside a vault. He knew that by doing this, he could be caught and sent back to prison. But he didn’t care because saving the child was more important. This action proved that he had truly changed.

Another strong message is about forgiveness. The detective, Ben Price, had been following Jimmy to arrest him. But when he saw Jimmy’s brave act and his new life, he chose to forgive him. He didn’t arrest him and let him go free. This shows that sometimes, understanding and kindness are better than punishment.

The story tells us that people are not always what they used to be. Everyone makes mistakes, but if they truly try to improve, they deserve another chance. It also reminds us that love and honesty are powerful enough to change a person’s heart.

In short, the story is a hopeful one. It teaches that with the right reasons and effort, a bad person can become good, and that true change should be given a chance.

SR 3. The Sound of Thunder

"The Sound of Thunder" is a famous short story written by Ray Bradbury. The story is set in the future, where people can travel through time using a special company’s services. A group of hunters pay to travel back to the prehistoric times to hunt dinosaurs. The leader tells them that they must stay on a special path and never touch anything outside it, because even the smallest change in the past can affect the future. One of the hunters, Eckels, is nervous and frightened when he sees the huge dinosaur. In his panic, he steps off the path and accidentally kills a butterfly.

When the group returns to their own time, they notice many unexpected changes. Words look different, people behave strangely, and the world seems wrong. Eckels realizes that his small mistake of stepping off the path has changed history. The story ends showing how one small action can lead to big changes in life and the world.

The main theme of "The Sound of Thunder" is the importance of responsibility and the idea that even tiny actions can have huge effects. The story also explores the dangers of not listening to warnings and the mystery of time travel. Bradbury uses simple, exciting language so readers can understand the risks of changing the past. "The Sound of Thunder" teaches that every choice matters and sometimes, one small act can change everything for everyone. It reminds us to think carefully about our actions and respect the world around us.