What is a Sonnet?

A sonnet is a type of poem that has a specific structure. It often expresses deep emotions or thoughts. Sonnets are usually written in 14 lines and have a regular rhyme scheme.

Features of a Sonnet:

1. Structure: A sonnet has 14 lines. It is divided into two main types: the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet and the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet.

2. Rhyme Schem:  

   - Shakespearean Sonnet: It follows the rhyme scheme ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The last two lines are a rhymed couplet.

   - Petrarchan Sonnet: It has a rhyme scheme of ABBAABBACDCDCD. The first eight lines (the octave) present a problem, and the last six lines (the sestet) provide a resolution.

3. Meter: Most sonnets use iambic pentameter. This means each line has ten syllables, with a pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.

4. Theme: Sonnets often explore themes of love, beauty, time, or nature. They focus on emotions and personal reflections.

Examples:

One famous example is Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, which begins with the line "Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?" This sonnet praises the beauty of the beloved.

Another example is Petrarch’s Sonnet 90, which describes the speaker’s unrequited love. It opens with "Upon the breeze she spread her golden hair."

In summary, a sonnet is a structured poem with 14 lines, a specific rhyme scheme, and a focus on deep emotions. Sonnets are a powerful way to express feelings and thoughts in a concise form.

The Elements of Fiction

Fiction is a type of writing that tells imaginative stories. It creates characters and events that may not be real. This genre helps readers explore different lives and experiences. Understanding the elements of fiction makes stories more enjoyable. The five main elements are plot, narrative technique, characterization, setting, and dialogue.

1. Plot

Plot is the order of events in a story. There are two types: loose plots and organic plots. A loose plot is less structured. An organic plot develops naturally as the story unfolds. Simple plots follow straightforward events. For example, in Little Red Riding Hood, the girl goes to her grandmother's house. A compound plot, like in Harry Potter, has multiple storylines, such as Harry's fight against Voldemort and his friendships.

2. Narrative Technique

Narrative technique is the point of view from which a story is told. First-person narration uses "I," allowing readers to see the character’s thoughts directly. For example, The Catcher in the Rye uses this style. Second-person narration uses "you," making the reader part of the story, as in Choose Your Own Adventure books. Third-person narration uses "he," "she," or "they," giving an outside view. An example is Pride and Prejudice.

3. Characterization  

Characterization is how authors create characters. Major characters drive the plot, while minor characters help support them. The protagonist is the main character, like Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, while Tom is the antagonist. Characters can be flat, like the evil queen in Snow White, or round, like Elizabeth Bennet, who shows growth and complexity.

4. Setting  

Setting includes the time and place of a story. It affects the characters and the mood. In The Grapes of Wrath, the Dust Bowl setting influences the characters’ struggles. A peaceful setting in The Secret Garden creates calmness, while a dark night in a horror story adds tension.

5. Dialogue

Dialogue is the spoken words between characters. It reveals their personalities and moves the story forward. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the dialogue between Scout and Atticus shows their strong bond.

In conclusion, the elements of fiction work together to make stories engaging. Understanding these elements helps us appreciate the art of storytelling.

A Case Study on How the Troublesome Behavior of a Person Could Affect the Clientele of Establishment

I once saw a customer in a coffee shop who was very confused. He stood in line but kept changing his mind about what to order. First, he wanted a latte, then a cappuccino, and then a tea. Each time, he asked the barista for more details, which slowed down the line. 

People behind him grew impatient. Some sighed loudly, while others checked their watches. The atmosphere became tense. Customers started to look frustrated and anxious. 

Finally, the man decided to order a plain coffee, but it took so long that others left the line. His uncertainty affected everyone. It made the shop feel chaotic and unwelcoming. A smooth experience is important in busy places like this. A single person’s behavior can disrupt the whole flow, causing dissatisfaction for many.

Teamwork Skills in "Tom Sawyer Whitewashing the Fence"

In Mark Twain's story "Tom Sawyer Whitewashing the Fence," teamwork is highlighted through Tom's clever interactions with others. On a Saturday morning, Tom is faced with the daunting task of whitewashing a long fence, which initially brings him great disappointment. Instead of accepting this burden, he finds a way to turn the situation into an opportunity.

Tom cleverly persuades Jim, the washerman’s son, to fetch water for him by offering a tempting trade. When Ben Rogers appears, Tom uses teamwork again, engaging Ben's interest in the task. Instead of completing the work alone, Tom gets others involved, turning his labor into a social activity. As Ben becomes eager to help, Tom skillfully negotiates trades for various items, transforming what could have been a tedious chore into an enjoyable experience filled with camaraderie.

Through his interactions, Tom learns that by making work appealing and involving others, he can not only lighten his own load but also foster connections. The teamwork shown in the story emphasizes that collaboration can transform mundane tasks into engaging experiences. Tom’s ingenuity in motivating his friends illustrates a key teamwork skill: the ability to inspire and influence others to work together towards a common goal.

By the end of the day, Tom not only successfully whitewashes the fence but also accumulates a wealth of treasures through his trades. This experience teaches him the value of teamwork and how working together can lead to greater satisfaction and success, making it a lesson that extends beyond the task at hand.

Thinking about soft skills (teamwork skills):

1. What is team?

Ans: A team is a group of people who come together to achieve a common goal. Each member has their own strengths and roles, and they work collaboratively to support each other. Effective teamwork relies on communication, trust, and cooperation.

2. What are the skills required to work in a team?

Ans: To work well in a team, you need some key skills. Good communication helps everyone share ideas. Teamwork lets members work together toward goals. Problem-solving skills help fix challenges as a group. Being flexible and respecting others also makes the team stronger.

3. How will you develop these skills in yourself?

Ans: To develop teamwork skills, practice talking and listening in group activities. Join clubs or teams to work with others. Try different roles in projects to see everyone's strengths. Be open to learning from teammates and adapt to new ideas.

'The Boy Who Broke the Bank' by Ruskin Bond - MCQs, Short Questions, Case Study - Real Life Experience

The Boy Who Broke the Bank – Ruskin Bond

Nathu grumbled to himself as he swept the steps of the Pipalnagar Bank, owned by Seth Govind Ram. He used the small broom hurriedly and carelessly, and the dust, after rising in a cloud above his head, settled down again on the steps. As Nathu was banging his pan against a dustbin, Sitaram, the washerman’s son, passed by.

Sitaram was on his delivery round. He had a bundle of freshly pressed clothes balanced on his head.

‘Don’t raise such dust!’ he called out to Nathu. ‘Are you annoyed because they are still refusing to pay you an extra two rupees a month?’

‘I don’t wish to talk about it,’ complained the sweeper boy. ‘I haven’t even received my regular pay. And this is the twentieth of the month. Who would think a bank would hold up a poor man’s salary? As soon as I get my money, I’m off! Not another week do I work in this place.’ And Nathu banged the pan against the dustbin several times, just to emphasize his point and give himself confidence.

‘Well, I wish you luck,’ said Sitaram. ‘I’ll keep a lookout for any jobs that might suit you.’ And he plodded barefoot along the road, the big bundle of clothes hiding most of his head and shoulders.

At the fourth home he visited, Sitaram heard the lady of the house mention that she was in need of a sweeper. Tying his bundle together, he said, ‘I know of a sweeper boy who’s looking for work. He can start from next month. He’s with the bank just now but they aren’t giving him his pay, and he wants to leave.’

‘Is that so?’ said Mrs Srivastava. ‘Well, tell him to come and see me tomorrow.’

And Sitaram, glad that he had been of service to both a customer and his friend, hoisted his bag on his shoulders and went his way.

Mrs Srivastava had to do some shopping. She gave instructions to the ayah about looking after the baby, and told the cook not to be late with the midday meal. Then she set out for the Pipalnagar marketplace, to make her customary tour of the cloth shops.

A large, shady tamarind tree grew at one end of the bazaar, and it was here that Mrs Srivastava found her friend Mrs Bhushan sheltering from the heat. Mrs Bhushan was fanning herself with a large handkerchief. She complained of the summer which, she affirmed, was definitely the hottest in the history of Pipalnagar. She then showed Mrs Srivastava a sample of the cloth she was going to buy, and for five minutes they discussed its shade, texture and design. Having exhausted this topic, Mrs Srivastava said, ‘Do you know, my dear, that Seth Govind Ram’s bank can’t even pay its employees? Only this morning I heard a complaint from their sweeper, who hasn’t received his wages for over a month!’

‘Shocking!’ remarked Mrs Bhushan. ‘If they can’t pay the sweeper they must be in a bad way. None of the others could be getting paid either.’

She left Mrs Srivastava at the tamarind tree and went in search of her husband, who was sitting in front of Kamal Kishore’s photographic shop, talking to the owner.

‘So there you are!’ cried Mrs Bhushan. ‘I’ve been looking for you for almost an hour. Where did you disappear?’

‘Nowhere,’ replied Mr Bhushan. ‘Had you remained stationary in one shop, I might have found you. But you go from one shop to another, like a bee in a flower garden.’

‘Don’t start grumbling. The heat is trying enough. I don’t know what’s happening to Pipalnagar. Even the bank’s about to go bankrupt.’

‘What’s that?’ said Kamal Kishore, sitting up suddenly. ‘Which bank?’

‘Why the Pipalnagar Bank, of course. I hear they have stopped paying employees. Don’t tell me you have an account there, Mr Kishore?’

‘No, but my neighbour has!’ he exclaimed; and he called out over the low partition to the keeper of the barber shop next door. ‘Deep Chand, have you heard the latest? The Pipalnagar Bank is about to collapse. You better get your money out as soon as you can!’

Deep Chand, who was cutting the hair of an elderly gentleman, was so startled that his hand shook and he nicked his customer’s right ear. The customer yelped in pain and distress: pain, because of the cut, and distress, because of the awful news he had just heard. With one side of his neck still unshaven, he sped across the road to the general merchant’s store where there was a telephone. He dialled Seth Govind Ram’s number. The Seth was not at home. Where was he, then? The Seth was holidaying in Kashmir. Oh, was that so? The elderly gentleman did not believe it. He hurried back to the barber’s shop and told Deep Chand: ‘The bird has flown! Seth Govind Ram has left town. Definitely, it means a collapse.’ And then he dashed out of the shop, making a beeline for his office and chequebook.

The news spread through the bazaar with the rapidity of forest fire. At the general merchant’s it circulated amongst the customers, and then spread with them in various directions, to the betel seller, the tailor, the free vendor, the jeweller, the beggar sitting on the pavement.

Old Ganpat, the beggar, had a crooked leg. He had been squatting on the pavement for years, calling for alms. In the evening someone would come with a barrow and take him away. He had never been known to walk. But now, on learning that the bank was about to collapse, Ganpat astonished everyone by leaping to his feet and actually running at top speed in the direction of the bank. It soon became known that he had a thousand rupees in savings!

Men stood in groups at street corners discussing the situation. Pipalnagar seldom had a crisis, seldom or never had floods, earthquakes or drought; and the imminent crash of the Pipalnagar Bank set everyone talking and speculating and rushing about in a frenzy. Some boasted of their farsightedness, congratulating themselves on having already taken out their money, or on never having put any in; others speculated on the reasons for the crash, putting it all down to excesses indulged in by Seth Govind Ram. The Seth had fled the state, said one. He had fled the country, said another. He was hiding in Pipalnagar, said a third. He had hanged himself from the tamarind tree, said a fourth, and had been found that morning by the sweeper boy.

By noon the small bank had gone through all its ready cash, and the harassed manager was in a dilemma. Emergency funds could only be obtained from another bank some thirty miles distant, and he wasn’t sure he could persuade the crowd to wait until then. And there was no way of contacting Seth Govind Ram on his houseboat in Kashmir.

People were turned back from the counters and told to return the following day. They did not like the sound of that. And so they gathered outside, on the steps of the bank, shouting, ‘Give us our money or we’ll break in!’ and ‘Fetch the Seth, we know he’s hiding in a safe deposit locker!’ Mischief makers who didn’t have a paisa in the bank joined the crowd and aggravated the mood. The manager stood at the door and tried to placate them. He declared that the bank had plenty of money but no immediate means of collecting it; he urged them to go home and come back the next day.

‘We want it now!’ chanted some of the crowd. ‘Now, now, now!’

And a brick hurtled through the air and crashed through the plate glass window of the Pipalnagar Bank.

Nathu arrived next morning to sweep the steps of the bank. He saw the refuse and the broken glass and the stones cluttering the steps. Raising his hands in a gesture of horror and disgust he cried: ‘Hooligans! Sons of donkeys! As though it isn’t bad enough to be paid late, it seems my work has also to be increased!’ He smote the steps with his broom scattering the refuse.

‘Good morning, Nathu,’ said the washerman’s boy, getting down from his bicycle. ‘Are you ready to take up a new job from the first of next month? You’ll have to I suppose, now that the bank is going out of business.’

‘How’s that?’ said Nathu.

‘Haven’t you heard? Well, you’d better wait here until half the population of Pipalnagar arrives to claim their money.’ And he waved cheerfully—he did not have a bank account—and sped away on his cycle.

Nathu went back to sweeping the steps, muttering to himself. When he had finished his work, he sat down on the highest step, to await the arrival of the manager. He was determined to get his pay.

‘Who would have thought the bank would collapse!’ he said to himself, and looked thoughtfully into the distance. ‘I wonder how it could have happened . . .’

***

A Brief Summary of the Story:

Nathu is a young sweeper boy working at Pipalnagar Bank, owned by Seth Govind Ram. He feels frustrated because he hasn’t received his pay for over a month and plans to leave once he gets it. Sitaram, the washerman’s son, listens to Nathu’s complaints and offers to help him find a new job. Meanwhile, Mrs. Srivastava, a bank customer, hears about Nathu’s situation and decides to offer him work at her home.

One day, while chatting in the Pipalnagar bazaar, Mrs. Bhushan mentions that the bank has not been able to pay its employees. Mr. Bhushan, who is nearby, listens and warns Kamal Kishore, the photography shop owner, to tell his neighbor, who has an account at the bank, to withdraw his money. This information quickly spreads, causing panic. Old Ganpat, a beggar with a thousand rupees saved, listens to the rumors and rushes to the bank to get his money.

As the news spreads, people gather in groups, listening to each other discuss the situation. By noon, the bank runs out of cash, and the crowd outside demands their money. The bank manager tries to calm them by listening to their concerns, but they grow more upset. Soon, someone throws a brick through the bank’s window.

The next morning, Nathu arrives to find broken glass and trash on the steps. He is shocked by the chaos and is determined to get his pay. Sitaram informs him that the bank is going out of business, and Nathu sits on the steps, confused about how this could happen. He worries about the future of the bank and its employees, reflecting on how important it is to listen to what others say in times of crisis.

Thinking about soft skills (listening skills):

1. How is listening different from hearing?

Ans: Listening means paying attention and trying to understand what someone is saying. Hearing is just the ability to hear sounds without focusing on them. Listening requires effort, while hearing happens automatically.

2. Why is it important to listen?

Ans: Listening is important because it helps us understand others better. It shows respect and builds strong relationships. Good listening can also prevent misunderstandings and improve communication.

3. Do you often find it difficult to listen properly? How can you overcome this difficulty?

Ans: Sometimes, I find it hard to listen properly, especially if I'm distracted. To overcome this, I can focus on the speaker, eliminate distractions, and practice active listening by summarizing what I hear. Taking notes can also help me stay engaged.

Soft skills at the workplace:

Here are very short and simple answers suitable for 5th-grade students:

1. Why is it important to listen to our customers and clients?

Ans: Because they tell us what they need or want. If we listen, we can help them better and keep them happy.

2. How does listening help in developing good relations with people?

Ans: When we listen, people feel respected. It helps build trust and friendship.

3. How is listening and understanding from another person's point of view important for a manager?

Ans: A manager can make better decisions by knowing how others feel. It also helps solve problems faster.

4. It is important to listen to every employee in the organisation, including those at the bottom of the hierarchy. Why?

Ans: Everyone’s work is important. Listening to all workers makes them feel valued and keeps the company strong.

A Case Study on How the Troublesome Behavior of a Person Could Affect the Clientele of Establishment

I once saw a customer in a coffee shop who was very confused. He stood in line but kept changing his mind about what to order. First, he wanted a latte, then a cappuccino, and then a tea. Each time, he asked the barista for more details, which slowed down the line.

People behind him grew impatient. Some sighed loudly, while others checked their watches. The atmosphere became tense. Customers started to look frustrated and anxious.

Finally, the man decided to order a plain coffee, but it took so long that others left the line. His uncertainty affected everyone. It made the shop feel chaotic and unwelcoming. A smooth experience is important in busy places like this. A single person’s behavior can disrupt the whole flow, causing dissatisfaction for many.

MCQs:

1. What is the name of the sweeper boy in the story?
   A) Sitaram
   B) Nathu
   C) Deep Chand
   D) Ganpat

2. Why was Nathu angry in the beginning of the story?
   A) He lost his job
   B) The bank refused to pay him
   C) Someone insulted him
   D) His broom was broken

3. Who was Sitaram?
   A) The manager
   B) A barber
   C) A washerman’s son
   D) A bank employee

4. What did Sitaram carry on his head?
   A) Groceries
   B) Books
   C) Freshly pressed clothes
   D) Newspaper bundles

5. Why did Sitaram say he would look out for a job for Nathu?
   A) He was Nathu’s cousin
   B) He felt sorry for Nathu
   C) Nathu asked for his help
   D) He overheard Nathu’s complaint

6. Who was looking for a new sweeper?
   A) Mrs Bhushan
   B) Mrs Srivastava
   C) The bank manager
   D) Ganpat

7. What kind of tree stood at the end of the bazaar?
   A) Banyan
   B) Tamarind
   C) Mango
   D) Neem

8. What were Mrs Srivastava and Mrs Bhushan discussing at first?
   A) The bank
   B) Their children
   C) Cloth and shopping
   D) The hot weather

9. How did the rumour about the bank start?
   A) The manager shouted it
   B) Nathu said it to the crowd
   C) Sitaram wrote about it
   D) It was passed through gossip

10. What did the ladies assume when they heard the sweeper was unpaid?
    A) The bank had too much money
    B) The bank was going to shut down
    C) The bank was giving bonuses
    D) The bank was being painted

11. What happened when Kamal Kishore heard the news?
    A) He called the police
    B) He told his neighbour
    C) He shouted at his wife
    D) He ran to the bank

12. Who was Deep Chand?
    A) A barber
    B) A moneylender
    C) A teacher
    D) A customer

13. What happened to the barber’s customer?
    A) He fainted
    B) He ran away
    C) His ear was nicked
    D) He fell asleep

14. Why did the elderly man rush to a telephone?
    A) To call his son
    B) To complain to the police
    C) To call Seth Govind Ram
    D) To cancel his account

15. Where was Seth Govind Ram during the chaos?
    A) In jail
    B) On a holiday in Kashmir
    C) At the bank
    D) In the tamarind tree

16. What rumor spread about Seth Govind Ram?
    A) He left India
    B) He opened a new bank
    C) He was hiding in a locker
    D) Both A and C

17. How did people react to the news of the bank’s trouble?
    A) They ignored it
    B) They came to the bank in panic
    C) They wrote letters
    D) They prayed

18. What unusual thing did Ganpat the beggar do?
    A) Sang a song
    B) Danced in the market
    C) Ran towards the bank
    D) Gave money to Nathu

19. What did Ganpat surprise everyone with?
    A) A car
    B) His voice
    C) His savings
    D) His long beard

20. How much money did Ganpat have in the bank?
    A) ₹100
    B) ₹500
    C) ₹1000
    D) ₹50

21. What broke the glass window of the bank?
    A) A ball
    B) A brick
    C) A stone
    D) A chair

22. What did the manager try to do with the crowd?
    A) Run away
    B) Argue with them
    C) Calm them down
    D) Hide in the safe

23. What did the people shout outside the bank?
    A) “Give us sweets!”
    B) “Save Seth Govind Ram!”
    C) “Give us our money!”
    D) “Let’s clean the bank!”

24. What was the problem with getting more money for the bank?
    A) No one had any cash
    B) The money was far away
    C) The guards ran away
    D) The bank was already closed

25. Who did not have a bank account but enjoyed the situation?
    A) Nathu
    B) Deep Chand
    C) Sitaram
    D) Ganpat

26. What made the situation worse in the market?
    A) The weather
    B) A broken water pipe
    C) Gossip and rumours
    D) The price of cloth

27. What was Nathu’s main worry at the end?
    A) Losing his house
    B) Getting his salary
    C) Finding a wife
    D) Leaving the town

28. What was ironic about the title of the story?
    A) Nathu is a rich boy
    B) The bank wasn’t really broken by him
    C) The bank never existed
    D) There was no boy in the story

29. What does the story mainly teach us?
    A) Don’t eat too much
    B) Always work hard
    C) Don’t spread rumours
    D) Save more money

30. How was the story’s ending?
    A) Sad and tragic
    B) Mysterious and scary
    C) Funny and ironic
    D) Boring and slow

31. Who is the author of “The Boy Who Broke the Bank”?
    A) R. K. Narayan
    B) Rabindranath Tagore
    C) Ruskin Bond
    D) Chetan Bhagat

32. Which word best describes Nathu’s attitude?
    A) Lazy
    B) Carefree
    C) Angry
    D) Happy

33. How did the story of unpaid wages turn into bank failure?
    A) Through official notice
    B) Through telephone messages
    C) Through people’s gossip
    D) Through newspapers

34. Who was the first person to mention the bank not paying staff?
    A) Nathu
    B) Sitaram
    C) Mrs Srivastava
    D) The manager

35. What caused the crowd to believe the bank was bankrupt?
    A) Broken lock
    B) Seth’s absence
    C) Empty lockers
    D) No customers

36. What shows the story is satirical?
    A) Nathu is a king
    B) A beggar runs
    C) The bank is magical
    D) Sitaram becomes a boss

37. Who enjoyed telling the rumor to others?
    A) The bank manager
    B) Deep Chand
    C) Kamal Kishore
    D) The cook

38. What was Sitaram’s mood during the chaos?
    A) Nervous
    B) Confused
    C) Happy and cheerful
    D) Sad

39. Why did the crowd grow outside the bank?
    A) Free food
    B) Festival
    C) Fear of losing money
    D) New account opening

40. How many miles away was the nearest bank that could help?
    A) 10
    B) 20
    C) 30
    D) 50

41. What did the manager tell people to do?
    A) Break the door
    B) Run away
    C) Come back tomorrow
    D) Sleep outside

42. What shows people believed strange things quickly?
    A) They followed news
    B) They listened to the radio
    C) They acted without proof
    D) They went to school

43. Why did Nathu call the people “sons of donkeys”?
    A) They teased him
    B) They made a mess he had to clean
    C) They laughed at him
    D) They were noisy

44. What did people think Seth Govind Ram did?
    A) Called the police
    B) Helped the poor
    C) Ran away with money
    D) Became a monk

45. What does the story say about small towns?
    A) They are boring
    B) People gossip fast
    C) Everyone is poor
    D) No one works

46. Why did the barber’s hand shake?
    A) He had fever
    B) He was shocked by the news
    C) He was old
    D) He was tired

47. What was the first reaction of the customer with cut ear?
    A) He laughed
    B) He cried
    C) He ran to make a call
    D) He called a doctor

48. What kind of ending does the story have?
    A) Open and ironic
    B) Closed and peaceful
    C) Scary
    D) Violent

49. Which object becomes a symbol of chaos in the story?
    A) Broom
    B) Brick
    C) Phone
    D) Tree

50. What is the tone of the story?
    A) Serious and scary
    B) Humorous and ironic
    C) Sad and emotional
    D) Romantic

---

Answer Key:

1. B

2. B

3. C

4. C

5. B

6. B

7. B

8. C

9. D

10. B

11. B

12. A

13. C

14. C

15. B

16. D

17. B

18. C

19. C

20. C

21. B

22. C

23. C

24. B

25. C

26. C

27. B

28. B

29. C

30. C

31. C

32. C

33. C

34. A

35. B

36. B

37. C

38. C

39. C

40. C

41. C

42. C

43. B

44. C

45. B

46. B

47. C

48. A

49. B

50. B

"The Dispenser of Holy Water" by Guy De Maupassant: Finding Strength Through Positivity Skills

A wheelwright and his wife, once joyful in their small home, faced deep sorrow when their son Jean went missing after a circus visit. Despite their heartbreak, they remained hopeful and devoted to finding him. Their search took them to Paris, where they encountered the kindness of strangers and formed a friendship with an elderly holy water dispenser.

Through perseverance and love, they continued to believe in the possibility of a reunion. One day, in a church filled with light and hope, they spotted a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Jean. When the wheelwright called out his name, the young man responded, recalling his parents' names with joy.

Their reunion was filled with tears of happiness as Jean shared his remarkable journey. Despite the hardships he faced, he had been educated and raised by a caring woman, always holding onto the memory of his parents. 

This heartwarming reunion reminded them of the power of love and resilience. They celebrated their newfound happiness, embracing their family ties with gratitude. Together, they looked forward to a bright future, leaving behind years of sorrow and embracing the joy of being together once more. Their story ended on a note of positivity, showing that hope can lead to beautiful transformations in life.

Thinking about positivity skills:

1. What is hope?

Ans: Hope is the belief that positive outcomes are possible, even in difficult situations. It encourages us to stay motivated and look forward to better times ahead. Hope helps us maintain a positive mindset and inspires resilience.

2. What is optimism?

Ans: Optimism is the tendency to see the good in situations and expect positive outcomes. It involves focusing on possibilities and believing that challenges can be overcome. Optimism encourages a proactive attitude and helps build resilience in the face of adversity.

3. What is positivity?

Ans: Positivity is the practice of focusing on the good things in life. It involves seeing challenges as opportunities and maintaining a hopeful outlook. Being positive can improve mental health and strengthen relationships.

4. How are hope, optimism and positivity different?

Ans: Hope, optimism, and positivity are related but different concepts. 

        Hope is the belief that things can get better, even in tough times. 

        Optimism is a general outlook that good things are likely to happen in the future. 

      Positivity is about actively focusing on the good in situations and maintaining a cheerful attitude. While hope and optimism are more about beliefs about the future, positivity is about the mindset we carry in our daily lives.

5. Are any of these attitudes important in living a good life? What would they be and why?

Ans: Yes, these attitudes are important for a good life.

        Hope helps us stay strong during tough times and motivates us to keep going.

      Optimism encourages a positive view, making us open to new chances and experiences, which improves our mental health.

      Positivity helps us enjoy life, build better relationships, and handle stress. Together, they support happiness and fulfillment.

Balancing Professional Skills and Friendship in O. Henry's 'After Twenty Years': MCQs, Short Questions, Case Study- Real Life Experience

In O. Henry's story "After Twenty Years," a policeman patrols a quiet street on a chilly night. He encounters a man named Bob waiting in the doorway of a hardware store. Bob explains he is waiting for his old friend Jimmy Wells, with whom he made a promise to meet exactly twenty years after their last dinner together at "Big Joe" Brady's restaurant.

As they talk, Bob shares that he has done well in the West, while Jimmy, he believes, would still be in New York. The policeman, intrigued, wishes Bob luck and continues his patrol. After twenty minutes, a tall man approaches, and Bob eagerly thinks he is Jimmy. However, as they talk, Bob realizes this man is not his friend, but a police officer who has come to arrest him.

The officer reveals that he is actually Jimmy Wells and has been watching Bob. He shows Bob a note he wrote, explaining that he recognized Bob’s face when he struck a match. Although Bob was his old friend, Jimmy could not bring himself to arrest him directly. Instead, he got another officer to take him in.

The story illustrates themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of time on relationships. It highlights the tension between personal loyalty and moral duty, showcasing how circumstances can change people profoundly over the years.

Thinking about professional skills:

1. What do you understand by the word professionalism?

Ans: Professionalism means behaving well and being responsible in a job. It includes being reliable, respectful, and skilled. It’s about doing your best and treating others right.

2. Whom would you call professionals? Give at least five examples.

Ans: Professionals are individuals with specialized skills or knowledge in a particular field. Examples include:

1. Doctors

2. Teachers

3. Engineers

4. Lawyers

5. Accountants

3. Whom would you classify as being non-professionals? Give at least five examples.

Ans: Non-professionals are individuals who may not have specialized training or certification in a specific field. Examples include:

1. Retail workers

2. Waitstaff

3. Janitors

4. Delivery drivers

5. Construction laborers

4. Why do some professionals behave unprofessionally sometimes?

Ans: Some professionals act unprofessionally because of stress or burnout. Personal problems and a bad work environment can also play a role. Sometimes they just forget their responsibilities or values.

Workplace Skills:

1. How does an effective understanding of professionalism help in performing one's job satisfactorily and successfully?

Ans: When we understand professionalism, we learn how to behave well at work. It helps us do our job better and earn respect from others.

2. How can individuals develop their professional skills continuously throughout their career and their lives?

Ans: People can keep learning new things by reading, taking courses, and listening to others. Practice and hard work also help them grow in their job.

3. What are some of the ways in which professionalism has been enshrined in a code of conduct of certain organisations such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and State Bank of India Officers Association (SBIOA)?

Ans: These groups have rules that tell members to be honest, helpful, and respectful. They also ask members to care for others and work with discipline.

4. What are some of the ways in which you feel you can be more professional in your own life? Do you think you can achieve a balance between duty and personal considerations?

Ans: I can be more professional by being on time, speaking politely, and doing my work well. I think with good planning, I can manage both my duties and personal life.

Real-life Experience / Case Study:

Duty Before Self

My uncle is a doctor. He works at a big hospital. He is very good at his job and helps many people every day. But because of his work, he often misses family events. Once, during my cousin's wedding, he got an emergency call from the hospital. He left the wedding and went to treat a patient. Everyone was sad because he could not stay. But we also felt proud because he saved someone’s life. He works even on holidays and weekends. He cannot spend much time with his children. They sometimes feel lonely. But he always says that his duty is important. His story shows how being professional can take away time from personal life. It is not easy, but some jobs need full-time care. We must respect such people. They make sacrifices for others.

📘 After Twenty Years – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who wrote the story “After Twenty Years”?
A. Mark Twain
B. O. Henry
C. William Shakespeare
D. R.K. Narayan

2. What was the time when the story started?
A. 8 PM
B. 9 PM
C. 10 PM
D. 11 PM

3. What was the weather like?
A. Hot and sunny
B. Cold and rainy
C. Snowy and bright
D. Windy and dusty

4. What was the policeman doing?
A. Running after a thief
B. Walking his beat
C. Taking rest
D. Talking to people

5. Where was the man waiting for his friend?
A. Coffee shop
B. Hardware store doorway
C. Park
D. Train station

6. What was the name of the old restaurant?
A. Joe’s Place
B. The West Inn
C. Big Joe Brady’s
D. The Central Café

7. How many years ago had the two friends met?
A. 10
B. 15
C. 20
D. 25

8. What was the name of the man waiting in the doorway?
A. Bob
B. Jimmy
C. Joe
D. Harry

9. Where did Bob go to earn money?
A. East
B. South
C. North
D. West

10. How was Bob dressed?
A. In old clothes
B. In fine clothes with a diamond pin
C. In rags
D. In uniform

11. What did Bob light while talking to the policeman?
A. A lantern
B. A cigarette
C. A cigar
D. A fire

12. What did Bob say about Jimmy Wells?
A. He was rude
B. He was lazy
C. He was his best friend
D. He was a stranger

13. What kind of watch did Bob have?
A. Gold
B. Plain
C. Fancy with diamonds
D. Pocket calendar

14. Did Bob and Jimmy stay in touch for long?
A. Yes, for many years
B. No, only a few years
C. No, not at all
D. Yes, they met often

15. What kind of person was Jimmy, according to Bob?
A. Smart and fast
B. Strong and clever
C. True and honest
D. Rude and selfish

16. What did the policeman do after talking to Bob?
A. Arrested him
B. Walked away
C. Shouted at him
D. Took him to a café

17. What happened 20 minutes later?
A. A crowd came
B. A stranger crossed the street
C. A car arrived
D. Bob left the place

18. What did the tall man ask Bob?
A. "Are you a policeman?"
B. "Is this a shop?"
C. "Is that you, Bob?"
D. "Do you need help?"

19. How did Bob feel when he met the man?
A. Angry
B. Surprised and happy
C. Sad
D. Silent

20. Where did the two men go after meeting?
A. To a drugstore
B. To the police station
C. To a hotel
D. To a nearby restaurant

21. Why did Bob stop walking suddenly?
A. He got tired
B. He was shocked
C. He saw the man’s face
D. He lost his wallet

22. What made Bob realize it was not Jimmy?
A. The man’s eyes
B. The way he walked
C. His height
D. His nose

23. What was different about the man’s nose?
A. It was Roman
B. It was flat
C. It was pug-shaped
D. It was long

24. What did the tall man say to Bob?
A. "You are free to go."
B. "Jimmy will meet you later."
C. "You are under arrest."
D. "Let’s have coffee."

25. What crime had Bob committed?
A. Robbery
B. Murder
C. Fraud
D. Unknown, but wanted in Chicago

26. Where did Chicago police want Bob?
A. For an interview
B. For questioning
C. For a reward
D. For a crime

27. How long had Bob been under arrest before being told?
A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 1 hour

28. What did the plain clothes officer give Bob?
A. A gift
B. A warning
C. A letter
D. A police badge

29. Who wrote the note Bob read?
A. A lawyer
B. Jimmy Wells
C. A judge
D. A stranger

30. What did Jimmy say in the note?
A. He would meet Bob later
B. He missed Bob
C. He saw Bob and sent someone else
D. He was scared

31. How did Bob feel while reading the note?
A. Calm
B. Happy
C. Angry
D. His hands trembled

32. What kind of ending does the story have?
A. Sad
B. Funny
C. Surprising
D. Peaceful

33. What does the story mainly show?
A. Friendship and loyalty
B. Crime and justice
C. Fun and laughter
D. Hard work

34. What was the scarfpin made of?
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Diamond
D. Iron

35. What is the theme of the story?
A. Wealth
B. Love
C. Duty vs Friendship
D. Travel

36. Why didn’t Jimmy arrest Bob himself?
A. He was off duty
B. He didn’t recognize him
C. He still cared about him
D. He was sick

37. How old were Bob and Jimmy when they parted?
A. Bob 18, Jimmy 20
B. Both 20
C. Bob 20, Jimmy 18
D. Both 18

38. What kind of person was Bob?
A. Honest
B. Loyal
C. Wanted criminal
D. Policeman

39. How long did Bob wait for Jimmy?
A. 10 minutes
B. 20 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 1 hour

40. What city does the story take place in?
A. Chicago
B. Boston
C. Los Angeles
D. New York

41. What was the street mostly filled with?
A. Shops
B. Restaurants
C. Closed businesses
D. Parks

42. What did Bob think about the West?
A. Easy life
B. Hard life
C. A place to grow
D. A boring place

43. What did Jimmy think about New York?
A. It was too busy
B. Best place on Earth
C. Expensive
D. Not safe

44. What did Bob say about Jimmy's character?
A. Lazy
B. Talkative
C. Plodder but loyal
D. Smart and greedy

45. What was the tone of the story in the end?
A. Joyful
B. Mysterious
C. Serious and emotional
D. Comedic

46. Who was the real hero of the story?
A. Bob
B. Jimmy
C. The plain clothes officer
D. The policeman

47. What kind of ending is “After Twenty Years”?
A. Tragic
B. Romantic
C. Twist ending
D. Open ending

48. Why did Bob believe Jimmy would come?
A. He was poor
B. He was a loyal friend
C. He wanted to meet
D. He had free time

49. Why is the story called “After Twenty Years”?
A. The story took 20 years to write
B. Two friends met after 20 years
C. It happens over 20 years
D. A man lived 20 years in jail

50. What does the story teach us?
A. Always trust strangers
B. Success is easy
C. Loyalty and justice can conflict
D. Wealth is most important

✅ Answer Key

1. O. Henry

2. 10 PM

3. Cold and rainy

4. Walking his beat

5. Hardware store doorway

6. Big Joe Brady’s

7. 20

8. Bob

9. West

10. In fine clothes with a diamond pin

11. A cigar

12. He was his best friend

13. Fancy with diamonds

14. No, only a few years

15. True and honest

16. Walked away

17. A stranger crossed the street

18. "Is that you, Bob?"

19. Surprised and happy

20. To a drugstore

21. He saw the man’s face

22. His nose

23. It was pug-shaped

24. "You are under arrest."

25. Unknown, but wanted in Chicago

26. For a crime

27. 10 minutes

28. A letter

29. Jimmy Wells

30. He saw Bob and sent someone else

31. His hands trembled

32. Surprising

33. Crime and justice

34. Diamond

35. Duty vs Friendship

36. He still cared about him

37. Bob 18, Jimmy 20

38. Wanted criminal

39. 20 minutes

40. New York

41. Closed businesses

42. A place to grow

43. Best place on Earth

44. Plodder but loyal

45. Serious and emotional

46. Jimmy

47. Twist ending

48. He was a loyal friend

49. Two friends met after 20 years

50. Loyalty and justice can conflict