Write a letter to the editor of 'The Times of India' to write an article on the importance of road safety.

write a letter to the editor of 'the times of India' church gate, Mumbai telling in short about the incident and requesting him to write an article on the importance of road safety.

To
The Editor,
The Times of India,
Churchgate,
Mumbai

Sub: Road safety

Dear Sir,

Yesterday my friend and I witnessed an accident on the main road outside Borivali Railway Station. The motorcyle rider had fled from the place of the accident and left the child going home from school injured and bleeding on the road. The people passing by did not pay any attention to the child crying in pain in the middle of the road. Some vehicles were even trying to pass by the child without even caring that an injured child was lying in the middle of the road.

Please write about road safety in your esteemed newspaper and make people aware and sensitive about road safety and accidents. Accidents are bound to happen due to negligence of people crossing without looking and speeding vehicles. That may not be avoidable, but with your help people can become more aware of the dangers of over speeding and walking without looking at the on coming traffic. A series of articles with inputs from vehicle owners and citizens will help us create a safer city for everyone.

We look forward to your support in this valuable cause.

Yours faithfully,
 Khusboo
_________________________________________________________________________________

Write a letter to your mother expressing your feeling about how people fell to provide necessary help to the child.
My Dearest Mummy,
How are you? It's been about a month since I wrote to you. My mid-term exams were going on and we had a lot to learn and prepare for the exams so the delay in writing. I hope Daddy and Vikas are well. How did Vikas do in his exams? He was telling me that he was having some difficulty with his Maths. Life is going on as usual. The new term has just started and we will get a break for Diwali next month and I'm coming home for all your tasty sweets and delicious food. Just can't wait.

Last week, when my roommate and I were out on our holiday we witnessed an accident near Fountain High School, It was an hit and run case, a child was hit by a motorcycle and the rider escaped just because of the indifferent attitude of the people there at that time. The accident took place at around 12.15 pm and the child lay there in the middle of the road, in pain because of the injury and the bleeding from his wounds. The people standing there seemed not to care and did not want to help knowing the attitude of the police and hospital staff. My roommate seemed very sad and she said that we must do something for the child and started asking car owners to take the child to the nearest hospital. After requesting about ten vehicles one taxi driver came forward and took the child to the hospital. We accompanied the child, got him some medical attention, called his parents and when they arrived and took over his needs, my friend and I left and we went back to our hostel as we were tired with all the commotion that had taken place. Just before going to sleep my roommate and I were discussing the lethargy and casual behaviour of the people around the accident location.They just didn't want to help in any way. It's very sad to know that people have this, 'I don't care feeling.' We both went to sleep knowing that we had done our duty and the child was safe and being cared for when we left the hospital.

I'll be home soon. This time I want you to teach me how to prepare some of those tasty dishes you make so I too can make something for my hostel friends occasionally.  Please convey my love to Daddy and Vikas.

Your loving daughter,
Kushboo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brian T.
9223203441

You happen to meet a successful person who is disabled. Write an imaginary dialogue between you and that person.

You happen to meet a successful person who is disabled. Write an imaginary dialogue between you and that person. 

You: Good morning Vaibhav, how are you?

Vaibhav: I'm fine Srinivas, how are you today?

You: First of all Congratulations on winning the Mumbai's Youngest Chess Champion Tournament.

Vaibhav: Thank you, Srinivas, that's an honour.

You: Tell us something about your disability, how did this happen?

Vaibhav: I lost use of both the legs in an accident when I was five years old. A pillar fell on my legs and I was rescued only after 4 hours. If I was saved earlier, this would not have happened.

You: That's sad and very unfortunate. 

Vaibhav: Yes, it was very sad and unfortunate at that time, but now it's a blessing. I started playing chess only after the accident. Having just to sit and not being able to walk I started playing chess with my mother and see where I am today.

You: Do you follow any particular player or do you have a favourite?

Vaibhav: I follow every grandmaster and all of them are my favourites, because when I noticed them carefully, I realised that all of them had something special about them and they were all champions.

You: What kind of support did you receive?

Vaibhav: My main support were my parents and siblings, friends came in later. I thank my friend Bharat for taking me to the chess coaching camp one summer, which he did everyday in the afternoon just so that I could play and enjoy myself.

You: You seem to be winning a lot of tournaments now. What's your message for the children of today?

Vaibhav: The only message I have for everyone today is to do something. That's it. Get up every morning and try to do something and when you find that one thing that makes you loose your sleep, go after it.

You: Vaibhav, that's wonderful and really motivating. I hope everyone reading this interview will learn something today. Thank you Vaibhav.

Std.10 - Picture Composition - A Football match composition

The finals of the All Mumbai Girls Inter School Champions Trophy was held on August 30, 2019 at the Thakur Sports Complex grounds in Kandivali (E) at 4.00 pm. The teams playing in the finals were St.Xavier’s High School and my school, Children’s Academy. St.Xavier’s High School was the reigning champion and had not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. For our school it was a do or die situation but for the opponent it would be a continuation of their winning streak.

On the day of the game, our team assembled in the school at 2 o’clock and was taken to the ground in the school bus. On reaching the ground, the players were given new jerseys for the final match. Since most of the players were from Std.10, almost all the students were present on the ground to support and cheer them. Our opponents too had a large number of students to cheer their team. The ambience on the ground was similar to an international sports event.

The opponents won the toss and chose to take the first kick and our captain chose the Thakur College end of the ground as the sun was still over the other half of the ground which would make the players sweat and tired. All the spectators sat under the shade of the trees which surrounded the ground. The skipper of the rival team was the best player of the tournament and her excellent dribbling skills made them dominate the first half of the match. Our defense put up a very brave fight and prevented them from scoring any goals.

Our team got to kick start the second half and that gave them an upper-hand. Through some very sharp moves and quick passes, the three forward players and the middle centre half player sliced through the rivals and scored the only goal of the match. The opponents gave their best throughout the second half but could not make any headway and the final whistle blew without them scoring a single goal.

Our school won the championship. There was cheering, screaming, shouting, yelling and every possible action of a winning team. On the way back, all the students were celebrating with the  team in the bus and the rest of them on the streets dancing and cheering. Many students staying en route joined the merrymaking all the way back to the school.

Brian T.
92232 03441

Cleanliness - Speech for school students

Cleanliness

Speech on cleanliness for school students

Good morning Madam, (addressing a lady judge)

Good morning Sir, (addressing a male judge)
Good morning Teacher(s), Sir(s) 

And our respected Principal, (only if the Principal is present)

(Looking at the students in the audience) Hello friends,

(when they don’t respond, repeat) Hey hello, I said hello friends, (make the students respond)

My name is Brian from std.____.

Today I’m going to talk about cleanliness. I’ll keep it simple and easy, so friends this one is for all of us so please listen carefully.

What is cleanliness for us children? Right now right here, it’s the uniform I’m wearing. It will get dirty or if it doesn’t, it will still gather dust and dirt by the time I reach home. The bus or rickshaw I travel in will definitely make this uniform dirty. You are all sitting on the floor, it is enough reason to get your uniforms washed today when you go home.

Let’s start from the beginning of the day. I had a bath this morning and do so every morning before coming to school. (looking at the students) I hope you all had a bath too. I wake up early so that I have that ten minutes to have a bath in the morning. That’s cleanliness for all of us. How many of us carry a clean handkerchief to school every day? (take out a handkerchief from your pocket and show the students). I bring a clean one every day.

Next, what’s the condition of my school bag? Is it messy and dirty? Do I just throw my books, tiffin and pencil box into the bag or do I place them neatly in an organized manner? During the recess do I eat my tiffin and let food fall all over the place and make a mess with my friends who share their tiffins with me? This is something we must all pay proper attention to. Just because someone is cleaning and sweeping the classroom, doesn’t mean I have the right to dirty the class. Get this one small detail very clear in your mind, don’t make the classroom dirty in any way. It must be clean just the way it was when I entered the class in the morning. Dustbins are placed on all floors, use them. The toilets are another area, it must be left clean always. Think clean friends, it’s the one way to stay healthy.

Let’s take the next place where we spend a lot of our time. Our home. It must be kept clean always and it’s not just my mother’s or the housemaid’s duty, it is my duty also. While I was writing this speech I realized how my mother would keep on telling me to keep things in place and not to throw things around the house, shoes under the bed, socks on the chairs, uniform on another chair. WOW! I now realize the mess I used to make in the house. Now I have decided to change. Keep my uniform in the washing basket or bucket so that my mother doesn’t have to go all over the house hunting for my uniform. Shoes in the shoe rack, school bag near my study table, tiffin and water bottle in the kitchen sink. These small actions I must do myself for myself and guess what when I tried it out the last few days, I found my house clean and neat and tidy. Just be organized friends.

Like this there are many small actions that I can do to make my surroundings clean. Don’t litter on the street. Never. It is my duty to keep the streets of my area or city clean. Make sure the bins are kept outside the house only when the cleaning people are going to clear the bins in a few minutes, keeping them outside the house overnight is good reason for stray cats and dogs to search for food and throw all the garbage on the steps of the building.

Finally, remember everything starts with me and ends with me. I have to only worry about what I will do, not what my partner in class, my neighbour at home, my co-passenger in the bus or train, none of them matter. If they see me practicing clean habits, they too will do the same. So my dear friends, let’s do something for ourselves to make this school, home and surrounding area clean for myself and everyone else. 

Thank you.

Brian Thankappan 92232 03441 / 77100 27662

The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 2 - Workbook Questions and Answers

1. Explain the meaning of 'he makes a swan like end.' What contemporary belief about swans is expressed in the extract?
A: 'He makes a swan like end' it means that if Bassanio chose the wrong casket he would have to leave silently which is compared to the swan, which sang a song just before its death and the fading music will indicate that he has chosen the wrong casket and like the swan, which would die, Bassanio would have to lose the love of Portia.

2. Why does Portia order music to be played while Bassanio makes the choice of caskets? To what does Portia compare the music, should Bassanio choose correctly?
A: Portia orders for music to be played while Bassanio makes his choice to create a calm atmosphere. Portia compares the music to Bassanio's winning or losing. If he loses, it’ll be his swan song, music before the end.  But on the other hand, if he wins, the music should be like the majestic trumpets that blare when subjects bow to a newly crowned monarch. It’s the sweet sounds at daybreak that the dreaming bridegroom hears on his wedding morning, calling him to the church.

3. How could Portia's eyes be a watery death bed for Bassanio?
A: Portia's eyes could be a watery death bed for Bassanio, because if he failed to choose the right casket, he would loose the love of Portia and would have to leave. And if that happened Portia would cry to the extent that her tears would be like a river flowing.

4. How would the music call the dreaming bridegroom to his marriage?
A: If Bassanio chooses the correct casket and wins the love of Portia, she wants to play music that represents her joy and compares it to the music which is played to the bridegroom on the morning of his marriage to remind him that his wedding day has come.

5. In what way does Portia act as a romantic heroine in this scene? How is the theme of love versus wealth developed in this scene?
A: In this scene Portia acts as a romantic heroine as she shows her feminine features when she delays Bassanio while making the choice of casket and she expresses her love for him. When he makes the right choice, she plays joyful music to celebrate his success. She is happy that she is now his and everything she has is his now. The beautiful mansion, her servants and the queen she is all now belong to him and she seals her love with offering a ring and tells Bassanio never to give the ring away or loose it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Which theme in the play is highlighted in the above extract? How is it highlighted?
A: In the play, appearance and reality are highlighted. What is seen from the outside is not the same from the inside. Bassanio refers to the caskets before he makes his choice. He highlights this with examples cowards, who behave like Hercules or Mars, the God of war. He talks of beauty, which can be done by make up. It makes a woman beautiful on the outside only.

2. How can vice assume the external show of virtue?
A: Bassanio says that you can't judge a book by it's cover. People are often tricked by false appearances. In court a lawyer can hide the wrong in the case he pleads. A soft voice, a smart lawyer can cover the reality of the case. Religious men defend sin when it is shown as good and just.

3. What are the 'stairs of sand'? To what are these stairs compared?
A: 'Stairs of sand' is referred to as stairs made of sand. Anything made of sand cannot be strong and permanent. The sea shore is not a clear indication of a stormy sea. These stairs are compared to everything and everyone that is beautiful on the outside and ugly and horrible on the inside.

4. Give the meaning of the following:
have livers white as milk - people considered as cowards

5. Who is Hercules and who is frowning Mars? What are they, with their beards known for?
A: Hercules was a Greek hero and Mars was the God of war. Their beards are known for their outward manly appearance as beards are normally associated with brave and strong men.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
1. Explain how is beauty purchased by weight? How does it make the wearers lightest? (Give the two meanings of the word: lightest.)
A: According to Bassanio beauty is something that can be purchased by weight. He means that cosmetics that enhance the beauty of a woman is now available in quantity and variety in shops and by using them women improve their outer looks. He says that women who use products to enhance their beauty are only beautiful from the outside, in their looks but are not respected. Lightest also means frivolous or of no consequence.

2. What is referred to as 'crisped snaky golden locks'? Who wears them and who is their actual owner?

A: 'Crisped snaky golden locks' is referred to the false hair or wigs women wear to look more attractive. Bassanio says that curly golden hair moves so nicely in the wind and makes a woman beautiful.  Though this false hair looks real it is made from women who are dead.

3. What is referred to as 'the dowry of a second head? Who has bred this head? Where is this head now?
A: 'The dowry of a second head' refers to the false hair or wig worn by women to look attractive and even though they appear to look real, it is made from the hair of dead women. The head that carried this beautiful hair is now in the grave.

4. Why does Bassanio say that ornament is but the guiled shore to a most dangerous sea?
A: Bassanio says that outward beauty is always deceptive just as the sea shore always looks pleasurable the sea it leads to can be treacherous.

5. Give any two examples from Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are deceptive.
A: Two examples in Bassanio's speech to show that appearances are deceptive are, the false attractive golden hair or wig that moves so nicely in the wind is actually made from the hair of dead women and the second example he gives is that a scarf can hide an ugly face which is only visible once the scarf is removed. What people expect to see and what people actually get to see are different.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
1. Where was the gentle scroll? Give the summary of what was written on the scroll.
A: The gentle scroll was in the lead casket which Bassanio opened. The summary of what was written on the scroll was that since he had not chosen by outward appearances, he had luck on his side to make the correct choice. Since he had won a great prize he should be happy and look nowhere else for good fortune or happiness. And if he was happy with what he had won and accepts this good fortune as his destiny he should go to his woman and claim her as his own with a loving kiss.

2. What prize had the speaker won? Give reasons which led to the winning of the prize.
A: The speaker, Bassanio had won Portia as the prize. The suitor had to choose the correct casket which contained Portia's picture and Bassanio chose the correct lead casket which had an inscription which said that whoever chooses the lead casket must risk his life which actually meant his true love. 

3. What was the speaker asked to give and receive?
A: The speaker was asked to turn to where his lady was and to claim her with a loving kiss and receive Portia in total as his own.

4. Give the meaning of :
(a) universal shout: shouts of approval from everyone
(b) Giddy in spirit: giddy with excitment

5. To whom does the speaker compare himself? In what way does he compare himself? Why is the speaker doubtful whether what he sees is true?
A: The speaker compares himself  to someone who has just won a contest and thinks that everyone is cheering for him. The speaker is still doubtful of his victory and he asks Portia if what has just happened is true and asks for her confirmation.





Brian T.
Borivali (W), Mumbai
Phone: 92232 03441

Why do people speak negatively about themselves?

Why do people speak negatively about themselves?

At a recent wedding anniversary party, the host had to say a few words of his journey with his partner. His short address wasn't something people were overtly ecstatic about but everyone clapped and cheered at the end. He said his piece and that was it. As the gathering was small and just close relatives and really close friends were invited, the hosts passed by a few times. When we met again after his address, he said that he finds it difficult to speak in front of an audience and gets nervous and knows that it wasn't the best speech. Did anyone tell him that, no but that's how he thought for himself. Another example. Many adults approach me for English language coaching and the first thing they tell me in very clear English is, "I don't know English." And I look at them and ask them if they have memorized this sentence and that's how they were able to speak this sentence without any hesitation and fully confident that there was no error in that sentence. 

This is the general attitude of most people, they always want to speak negatively about themselves. It is obvious that rocket science is a difficult subject and most people will find it difficult to study and master this topic. That's OK. It's rocket science. But simple things like saying a few words in front of a small audience, speaking English and driving a vehicle is definitely not rocket science. People like to speak negatively about themselves. They will say all that they cannot do repeatedly and convince themselves that they are simply not going to speak English their entire lives. They also receive support from like minded people, who tell them that it is a very difficult task and there is no way they are going to be able to even achieve 50% results. Most things are not as difficult as people make it out to be. A little effort and continuous practice everyday for a few minutes and most things can be learnt. Driving, learning a language, basic computer operation, and so many things we just push away by saying that it's difficult and impossible. 

The vast majority of the population know for sure that everything has to be learnt, must be done somewhere outside. That is you have to go to a driving school to learn driving. This is required since the driving institute also arranges for the learner's licence, vehicle for learning and practice and also this requires someone to guide and steer the learner away from serious accidents. There are other skills, like basic computer operations. This is skill that can be self taught. You don't need to go to an institute to learn basic windows or internet functions, that you can learn on your own. It just requires continuous effort of the individual. But then this individual has already said, "I don't know computers." He has closed his mind to learning and has also demotivated himself. A new computer will lie in the corner of the room untouched because of the words, "I don't know." Is there any reason for this discouragement? Really nothing. It's just an excuse to avoid taking responsibility for  one's actions and growth. We don't want to improve. We have this comfortable job and it provides for all our needs and comforts. Do we really need to put in extra effort to improve? Then comes the next most hindering thought, what is the use of  learning this new skill, what BENEFIT will I get? Just making me a better person is just not enough, it has to translate into money or material benefits. If it doesn't bring the individual more material benefits, then it's a lost case.

Everyone has to reach a state of awareness, where they will do something new every now and then. Start exercising, start learning something new, wear colors they haven't worn before, meet new people, make new friends. Let every day be a new day. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, what's new about this person? Smile at that person. Think of the word change and change will happen, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. But it will happen. Good change will bring rewards, not so good change will bring experience and new learning. Learn, let this word be a constant in our lives. Don't worry about success, in fact just don't worry. Perfection is insanity. Our goal is progress. Most important, never think what will people say? People who are idle will always gossip. People who seek progress, will have no time. All they see it their goal because they don't speak negatively about themselves.

Brian Thankappan

9223203441

Things I think are a cockeyed . . .

Things I think are a cockeyed . . . 

1. Never make purchases from a super store or a multi brand store that does not give bags for what's bought from the store. If I buy a pair of shoes for Rs.3000/- I expect them to give me a bag for my purchase without charging for it and giving me lame excuses of government rules. A Rs.10/- or even a Rs.20/- bag for the purchase is not going to eat into their profit to damage the year end financial reports. Surprisingly if the same purchase is made from the individual brand store they will provide a bag FREE of COST.  

2. Searching for some new real estate, do it yourself. Register online in all portals, on all classified sites and use all your social media accounts to let your friends and every one know that you are looking for some property. A new home, a second home, whatever you need, search for it yourself. The benefits of this activity is that you don't waste time seeing unnecessary places, which don't suit your taste or budget and you get almost what you had in mind. As a buyer you also save on unnecessary costs of middle men, who keep showing up every time you want to renew your lease agreement. If you want to rent a new home, check these few conditions first. Decide the floor you want to live on and search for those homes only. Make sure there is 24 hours running municipal water. Ask your home owner if non vegetarian food is allowed in the apartment. Make sure the apartment is not near the waste collection bins of the housing complex or the locality. It will stink and also attract mosquitoes and a whole lot of rodents and insects. Finally, bargain heavily, don't forget this factor, especially if you are buying a property, BARGAIN, yes that's how you should bargain. Bring the price down heavily and to do that keep a substantial amount of booking money ready. If you are ready to pay a handsome booking amount and also keep your bankers alert and active, so that as soon as you have chosen your property, there is no delay in obtaining finance for the rest of the amount.

3. Most people are waiting for the right person to come along for them to get married and then waiting even longer to "know the person" and in the process of getting to know the person waiting to achieve certain goals, like buying a house first, getting that promotion and raise in salary. First of all there is not right person and then that knowing the person better NEVER happens. You just never know the person better or at all. You will learn that marriage has another dictionary with the same words like patience, tolerance, insanity, etc. with new meanings and the meanings keep changing every day. Remember that your partner too will experience the same things you experience. In a marriage every day is a new day, new problems so new solutions. And this story is the same for every one, NEVER EVER IMAGINE that the grass is greener on the other side, it's just a mirage. When you get there, there's no grass too. You just imagined that another person would be your PERFECT PARTNER. NEVER. And then comes the second part, achieving certain goals before getting married. Does one stop seeking promotions and raises after getting married? Doesn't one need a bigger house as the family grows? Will your first house be the last house you purchase? Everything changes to suit your needs as per the present time. Just go with the flow. You will buy a new and bigger house if you can afford it. Don't worry about 10 years later, just enjoy the present time, every time. NOW is the time, and at that time do what you think you need to do and can afford to do.

More will be added when I find something I think is cockeyed.

Brian T.

92232 03441