Book 1: Flamingo (Prose)
- The Last Lesson (Alphonse Daudet): Set against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, this chapter explores the themes of linguistic chauvinism, patriotism, and the pain of losing one’s mother tongue.
- Lost Spring (Anees Jung): A poignant look at the “stolen childhood” of ragpickers in Seemapuri and bangle makers in Firozabad. It analyzes the cycle of poverty and the lack of political will to help the marginalized.
- Deep Water (William Douglas): An autobiographical account of overcoming the phobia of water. It is a powerful story of perseverance, willpower, and the philosophy that “all we have to fear is fear itself.”
- The Rattrap (Selma Lagerlöf): A metaphorical story that views the world as a big rattrap. It highlights the power of essential goodness and kindness in transforming a human being.
- Indigo (Louis Fischer): A detailed account of Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in Champaran. It shows how leadership and collective action can fight social and economic injustice.
- Poets and Pancakes (Asokamitran): A humorous take on the inner workings of Gemini Studios in Chennai. It explores the world of filmmaking, political leanings, and the sub-culture of poets and makeup artists.
- The Interview (Christopher Silvester): An exploration of the “interview” as a journalistic tool. Includes an excerpt of an interview with Umberto Eco, discussing his philosophy on time and novel writing.
- Going Places (A.R. Barton): A story about adolescent fantasizing and hero-worship. It follows Sophie, a young girl from a lower-middle-class family, and her imaginary world centered around a football star.
Book 1: Flamingo (Poetry)
- My Mother at Sixty-six (Kamala Das): A sensitive poem exploring the fear of loss and the painful realization of a mother’s aging.
- Keeping Quiet (Pablo Neruda): A plea for “exotic moments” of silence and introspection. It advocates for peace and a temporary stop to the mindless rush of modern life.
- A Thing of Beauty (John Keats): Based on Greek mythology, this poem asserts that beauty is eternal and acts as a source of constant joy and a “bower” of peace in a gloomy world.
- A Roadside Stand (Robert Frost): A critical look at the economic divide between the city dwellers and the rural poor who set up roadside stands hoping for some “city money.”
- Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers (Adrienne Rich): A symbolic poem about the constraints of a patriarchal marriage. Aunt Jennifer’s embroidered tigers represent the freedom and bravery she lacks in her own life.
Book 2: Vistas (Supplementary Reader)
- The Third Level (Jack Finney): A psychological story blending time-travel with the desire for escapism from the “insecurity, fear, and war” of the modern world.
- The Tiger King (Kalki): A satire on the pride and stubbornness of those in power. It follows the Maharaja of Pratibandapuram and his futile attempt to outrun his destiny.
- Journey to the End of the Earth (Tishani Doshi): A travelogue to Antarctica that emphasizes the fragile state of our environment and why we must understand the planet’s past to save its future.
- The Enemy (Pearl S. Buck): Set during WWII, this story explores the conflict between national loyalty and the “higher law” of humanity and medical ethics.
- On the Face of It (Susan Hill): A moving play about the bond between a teenager with a scarred face and an old man with a tin leg. It highlights the need for empathy over pity.
- Memories of Childhood (Zitkala-Sa & Bama): Two autobiographical accounts of social discrimination—one regarding the loss of cultural identity and the other regarding the evils of untouchability.
Section B: Advanced Writing Skills
- Notice Writing: Drafting formal announcements for events, meetings, or lost/found items.
- Formal & Informal Invitations: Mastering the art of inviting guests and drafting appropriate replies (Acceptance/Regret).
- Letter to the Editor: Expressing opinions on social or environmental issues to the public.
- Job Application with Resume: A critical skill for the future. Learn to draft a professional cover letter and a comprehensive Bio-data.
- Article & Report Writing: Structuring long-form writing for school magazines or newspapers with catchy headings and logical flow.
💡 Pro-Tip for English Students
English is a subject of “Keywords”. When answering literature questions, use the exact words used in the text (e.g., ‘Linguistic Chauvinism’ for The Last Lesson). Also, maintain a clean layout in the writing section—box your notices and keep your letters left-aligned. At Mobotes, we suggest spending 15 minutes of your reading time solely on the “Unseen Passages” to map out the answers early!