Senior Inter Odyssey 2- All in One Answers

Prose 1- Kindly Adjust to Our English - Shashi Tharoor - Annotation

Lesson: Kindly Adjust to Our English

Writer: Shashi Tharoor

Context:

In this essay, Shashi Tharoor explains how English in India has developed its own style influenced by Indian culture, society, and daily life. He also discusses the importance of correct language usage.

Explanation:

Tharoor says that Indian English is a valid form of English because millions of Indians use it in everyday life. He gives examples like “prepone,” “do the needful,” and “history sheeter” to show how Indians created expressions according to their needs. Some phrases also reflect Indian politeness and culture. He explains that language changes from place to place, but grammar and correct usage are still important. The essay encourages people to use English confidently while maintaining proper standards.

Critical Appreciation:

The essay is clear, informative, and interesting. The writer uses simple examples to explain difficult ideas easily. His balanced opinion makes the lesson meaningful. It encourages confidence in Indian English and also highlights the importance of correct language usage.

Prose 2 -  “I am Sorry” – The Three Hardest Words to Say - Annotation

Lesson: “I am Sorry” – The Three Hardest Words to Say

Writer: William Hanson

Context:

The lesson explains the importance of saying “I am sorry” in daily life. It shows how apology helps people correct mistakes, rebuild relationships, and develop kindness, humility, and good human values.

Explanation:

The lesson teaches that saying “I am sorry” is not easy, but it is very important. Many people feel proud or afraid to admit their mistakes. A true apology shows honesty, courage, and respect for others. The writer explains that apologizing can heal hurt feelings and improve relationships. It also helps people become better human beings. The lesson gives examples from daily life to show how simple words can bring peace and understanding. It reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, but accepting them is a sign of maturity and good character.

Critical Appreciation:

The lesson gives a meaningful message in simple language. It teaches moral values like humility, kindness, and honesty. The examples are easy to understand. The lesson encourages readers to become responsible and caring individuals.

Prose 3 - I Have a Dream - Annotation

Lesson: I Have a Dream

Writer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Context:

The lesson presents a famous speech against racial discrimination in America. The speaker dreams of equality, freedom, brotherhood, and justice where all people live together peacefully without hatred or injustice.

Explanation:

The lesson is based on the famous speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. He speaks against racial discrimination and unequal treatment of Black people in America. He dreams of a future where all people are treated equally, without judging others by skin colour. The speech encourages people to fight injustice through peace and unity. The writer uses powerful examples and repeated phrases to inspire hope among people. He believes freedom and justice should belong to everyone. The lesson teaches values like equality, brotherhood, love, and non-violence. It inspires people to work together for a fair and peaceful society.

Critical Appreciation:

The lesson is inspiring and emotional. The language is simple but powerful. Repetition and strong images make the speech memorable. It gives an important message about equality, peace, and human dignity for all people.

Poem 1 - Once Upon a Time - Annotation

Poem: Once Upon a Time

Writer: Gabriel Okara

Context:

The poem describes how human relationships have changed in modern society. The poet feels unhappy because people have become false, selfish, and artificial, unlike the sincere and loving people of earlier times.

Explanation:

The poet compares the past and present behaviour of people. Earlier, people smiled genuinely and welcomed others warmly. Now, their smiles are false, and they behave politely only for personal benefit. The poet feels sad because honesty and true feelings are disappearing from society. He says people wear “many faces” according to situations, showing their artificial nature. The poet wishes to regain the innocence and sincerity of his childhood. Through simple examples, he criticizes modern society for losing human values like truthfulness, kindness, and genuine friendship. The poem gives a message that people should be natural, honest, and caring in their relationships.

Critical Appreciation:

The poem gives a strong social message in simple language. The poet effectively contrasts the past and present. Images like “many faces” clearly show artificial behaviour. The poem encourages readers to value honesty and sincerity in life.

Poem 3 - My Vocation - Annotation

Lesson: “My Vocation”

Writer: Pierre-Jean de Beranger (Translated by Toru Dutt)

Context:

The poem describes the struggles and sorrows of the poet’s life. Though rejected by society and troubled by suffering, the poet finds comfort and purpose in singing and expressing feelings through art.

Explanation:

The poet speaks about poverty, loneliness, insult, and disappointment in life. From childhood, the poet feels unwanted and unhappy. Society treats the poet badly, and life appears full of pain and fear. Even love and youth pass away quickly. However, whenever the poet cries in sorrow, God advises to sing. Singing becomes the poet’s strength and purpose in life. The poet accepts this role with courage and does not ask for rewards from others. The poem teaches that every person has a duty in life. It also shows that art and music can give hope and comfort during difficult times.

Critical Appreciation:

The poem is simple, emotional, and meaningful. The poet uses touching comparisons and repetition effectively. It gives messages of courage, hope, and acceptance. The poem inspires readers to face difficulties with strength and use their talents positively.

Poem 3 - Hiroshima Child - Annotation

Poem: “Hiroshima Child”

Writer: Nazim Hikmet

Context:

The poem presents the voice of a young girl who died in the Hiroshima atom bomb attack. Through her words, the poet shows the horrors of war and gives a message of peace.

Explanation:

The poem is spoken by a seven-year-old girl who died in the Hiroshima bombing. She says she cannot be seen because she is dead. Her life ended suddenly, and she never got a chance to grow up. The poet describes the destruction caused by war and the suffering of innocent children. Though the child has lost everything, she does not ask for anything for herself. Instead, she wishes that children around the world should live happily, laugh, play, and grow peacefully. The poem strongly condemns war and reminds people to protect humanity and maintain peace in the world.

Critical Appreciation:

The poem is emotional and thought-provoking. Simple language and powerful images make the message clear. The innocent voice of the child touches the heart deeply. The poem gives a strong appeal for peace and protection of children.

Question  & Answers

Prose 1 - Kindly Adjust to Our English

“Kindly Adjust to Our English” is an essay by Shashi Tharoor about the unique form of English used in India. He explains that Indians have changed English to suit their own culture, traditions, and ways of speaking. This special variety is often called Indian English.

The writer gives many examples of Indian expressions such as “kindly adjust,” “prepone,” and “do the needful.” These phrases may sound unusual to native English speakers, but they are widely understood and accepted in India. Indian English also includes words from local languages and reflects Indian customs and social values.

Tharoor says that language changes when people use it in different places. Therefore, Indian English is not wrong English; it is a living form of the language that shows India’s creativity and identity. The essay highlights how English has become a part of Indian life and culture. It encourages readers to appreciate the richness, uniqueness, and usefulness of Indian English in everyday communication.

Prose 2 - “I Am Sorry” – The Three Hardest Words to Say 

“I Am Sorry” – The Three Hardest Words to Say is an essay by Jerome K. Jerome. The lesson explains the importance of saying “I am sorry” when we make a mistake. The writer says that many people find it difficult to apologize because of pride, ego, or fear of losing respect.

A sincere apology helps to correct mistakes, heal hurt feelings, and improve relationships. When a person admits a mistake and says sorry honestly, others are more likely to forgive them. The writer points out that apologizing is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows honesty, courage, and good character.

The lesson teaches that everyone makes mistakes, but wise people accept their faults and try to make things right. A simple apology can remove misunderstandings and bring peace between people. Through this essay, the writer encourages readers to be humble, truthful, and ready to apologize whenever they are wrong. Saying “I am sorry” can make life happier and relationships stronger.

Prose 3 - I Have a Dream

“I Have a Dream” is a famous speech by Martin Luther King Jr.. In this speech, he speaks about equality, freedom, and justice for all people. He dreams of a world where people are not judged by the color of their skin but by their character and actions.

King talks about the problems faced by African Americans because of racial discrimination. He urges people to fight for their rights through peaceful and non-violent means. He believes that all human beings are equal and deserve the same opportunities and respect.

The speech expresses hope for a better future where people of different races live together in peace and harmony. King dreams that children will grow up in a society free from hatred and unfair treatment. His powerful words inspired millions of people to support the Civil Rights Movement. The speech remains a symbol of hope, equality, and human dignity. It encourages everyone to work towards a world based on justice, brotherhood, and freedom.

Poem 1 - Once Upon a Time

“Once Upon a Time” is a poem by Gabriel Okara. In this poem, a father talks to his son about how people have changed over time. He remembers the past when people were sincere, honest, and friendly. They smiled from their hearts and welcomed others warmly.

The father feels sad because people in modern society have become artificial and selfish. They smile only with their lips, not with genuine feelings. They often pretend to be kind and friendly for their own benefit. The poet compares the true and natural behavior of the past with the false behavior of the present.

The speaker admits that he has also become like other people and wears many “faces” to suit different situations. He wishes to return to his old, honest self. Therefore, he asks his son to teach him how to smile sincerely again.

The poem highlights the loss of honesty and human values in modern society. It teaches the importance of being genuine, truthful, and kind in our relationships with others.

Poem 2 - My Vocation

“My Vocation” is a beautiful poem by Rabindranath Tagore. The poem describes the thoughts of a young child who dreams about different kinds of work. While walking to school, the child sees a hawker selling goods in the street and wishes to become a hawker because he can move freely and work without restrictions.

Later, the child watches a gardener digging the soil and planting trees. He admires the gardener because he works happily in the open air and is not controlled by anyone. In the evening, the child sees a watchman guarding the streets with a lantern. He wishes to be a watchman because he can stay awake at night and walk around freely.

The poem shows a child’s imagination, curiosity, and desire for freedom. The child sees only the attractive side of each job and does not understand its difficulties. Through this simple poem, Tagore beautifully presents the innocent thoughts of childhood and the joy of dreaming about different occupations.

Poem 3 - Hiroshima Child

“Hiroshima Child” is a touching poem by Nâzım Hikmet. The poem is written from the viewpoint of a child who died in the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima during Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The child speaks to people around the world and tells them about the terrible suffering caused by war.

The child says that she no longer needs food, sweets, or toys because she died many years ago in the explosion. She asks people to remember the innocent children who lost their lives in the war. Her only wish is that children everywhere should live in peace and never experience such destruction again.

The poem strongly condemns war and nuclear weapons. It highlights the pain, loss, and tragedy suffered by innocent people, especially children. Through the voice of the child, the poet gives a powerful message of peace, love, and humanity. The poem encourages people to work together to prevent war and build a safer and more peaceful world for future generations.