Textual Activity On Saying Please
1.2 On Saying ‘Please’
On Saying "Please" is really worth reading to bring a change in our social behaviour. Here, one can enjoy the writer's meticulous selection of vocabulary and complex structures. It sets a challenge in front of the readers to find contextual references of the words and phrases.
Title: The title ‘On Saying ‘Please’ gives us a hint that the topic is related to manners. We should know the importance of saying ‘ please’ to others. Good manners make us a socially accepted . It brings about healthy relationship between individuals.
New words:-
Undoubtedly - known for certain to be so
Discourtesy - not polite, rudeness
assault and battery - an attack which includes not only threats but the actual use of violence
burglar - thief who breaks into houses shops etc with the intention of stealing
retaliate - to do something bad to someone who has done something bad to you
assailant - an attacker
legislate - to make a law or laws
violence - action or feeling that causes damage, unrest etc
to box - to fight with the fists (closed hands)
haughty - a high opinion of oneself and often a low position of others
boorish - rude, uncultured
laceration - hurt feelings
slur - a cause of blame
redress - remedy, set right
vanity - pride
brooding over - spend time thinking anxiously or sadly about something
equilibrium - balance (of the mind, emotions)
bullied - threatened
insolent - very rude
henpecked –a husband who always does what his wife tells him to do
black eye – dark coloured skin around somebody’s eye here he or she has been hit
endorse - official agreement to the decision
martyrdom - the death or suffering of a martyr
morose - unhappy, very sad and ill tempered
Decalogue - the Ten Commandments
Verdict - judgement
intercourse - communication, conversation
resentment - anger
ordeal - difficult or painful experience
knave - a dishonest person
cheerfully - happily
squared - having no doubt, settled
countenance - a person’s face or expression
treading - pressing down something with foot
assured - confident
inexhaustible - unlimited ,can never be finished
solicitous - caring or concerned, giving helpful care
irradiated - (here) spread or produced
uncouth - impolite, unrefined
benediction - a blessing
conciliatory - trying to win friendly feelings
panegyric - a speech or piece of writing praising someone highly
moral affront – insult, disrespect
boor - a rude insensitive person
Ice Breakers
1) List the words of courtesy that we use in our daily life. Explain the purpose of using each.
Answer:
Words and purpose:-
1) Thank you – To express gratitude
2) Excuse me – To take permission to go ahead or to ask something
3) Pardon me – To ask to repeat the words
4) May I – To take permission
5) Yes / No sir – To agree or disagree with respect - man
6) Yes / No madam - To agree or disagree with respect - woman
7) You are welcome – To accept the expression of gratitude
8) Mention not – Reply to thank you, need not to say thank you.
9) I am sorry – To tell someone that you are ashamed for hurting them, to say disagree, to oppose other’s view politely
10) My pleasure- To tell you are happy to help or do favour
2) Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive traits, while others are not. Write the ones you feel are desirable or not desirable.
Answer:-
Characteristic
Traits
Desirable -
Not Desirable
Conniving
Not Desirable
Insensitive
Not Desirable
Sly
Not Desirable
Humorous
Desirable
Naive
Not Desirable
Benevolent
Desirable
Aggressive
Not Desirable
Scheming
Not Desirable
Wise
Desirable
Egoistic
Not Desirable
Manipulative
Not Desirable
Rude
Not Desirable
Boastful
Not Desirable
Humble
Desirable
Servile
Not Desirable
Territorial
Not Desirable
Patronising
Not Desirable
Generous
Desirable
3) Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and write if it is appropriate or inappropriate.
1.To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
Ans: Inappropriate
2.To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.
Ans: Appropriate
3.To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.
Ans: Appropriate
4.To be polite and courteous to others.
Ans: Appropriate
5.To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
Ans: Inappropriate
6.To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Ans: Inappropriate
About the writer:
Alfred George Gardiner was an English journalist, editor and author. His essays, written under the alias "Alpha of the Plough", are highly regarded. He started his literary career as a journalist. At age of 37, he was appointed editor of the Daily News. He made regular contributions to the Daily News, The Manchester Evening News etc. His essays are uniformly elegant, graceful and humorous. ‘The Pillars of Society’, ‘Pebbles on the Shore’, ‘Many Furrows and Leaves in the Wind’ are some of his best known writings. His uniqueness lies in his ability to teach the basic truths of life in an easy and amusing manner. He rai the question of morality in everyday life.
Brainstorming
A1)
(i) Explain the following words with examples.
a) Humility : Modesty
Example- She needs the humility to accept that their way may be better.
b) Self-esteem :Self respect
Example- He got self – esteem earning sufficient money
c) Gratitude: The quality of being grateful.
Example- Students expressed their gratitude to the teachers on Teachers’ Day.
d) Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behaviour towards others.
Example- The manager treated the players with courtesy and good humour.
e) Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous.
Example- I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and neighbours.
f) Sympathy: The feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Example- They had great sympathy for the flood victims.
g)Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example- He had empathy with small children.
(A2)
(i) Read the text and state whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements.
(a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words.
Answer- True
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy.
Answer- True
(c)Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse.
Answer- True
(d) Words like 'please' and 'thank you' help us in making our passage through life uneasy.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- Words like 'please' and 'thank you' help us in making our passage through life easy.
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- The law does not permit anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous. It’s not a legal offence.
(ii) Select the most appropriate sentences which suggest the theme of the essay.
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(b) The essay explores the difficulties that can be incurred by an individual when dealing with the public.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(d) People with low self-esteem are generally difficult to work with and they look down upon others to get a feeling of superiority.
Answer-
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(iii)
(a) Find the reasons for the lift-man's uncivilized behaviour.
Answer- The passenger’s discourteous behaviour, wound to self respect or vanity, slur upon (insult of) his social standing etc.
(b) List the people and their behaviour that made the passenger rude and ill-mannered.
Answer-
1) Housemaid – answered back to the cook
2) cook – very rude to passenger's wife
3) Wife – employer is henpecked by his wife at breakfast
4) Employer- did not say ‘Good Morning’ to passenger
5) Lift man – expected to say ‘ Please’
6) Passenger – rude and ill - mannered towards the lift man
(iv) Good manners are required in our daily life for making our social contacts more cooperative and friendly. Illustrate the behaviour of the polite conductor with different people in various situations.
Situation
Behaviour
1. The writer’s sensitive toe was trampled on
The conductor said sorry with an apology and courtesy.
2. In the rainy season dealing with people
The conductor would run up the stairs to give them the tip that there was “room inside”
3. Dealing with old people
The conductor behaved as a loving and caring son
4. Dealing with children
The conductor behaved as caring or concerned father
5. Dealing with young people
The conductor had a peculiarly warm place in his heart for young people, and always indulged in some merry jest with them
6. Dealing with a blind man
The conductor set blind man down safely on the pavement and also took him across the road or round the corner, or otherwise safely on his way
(A3)
(a) Find out the words in column 'B' which collocate with the words in column 'A'.
A
B
regular
meal
mid-day
concept
key
food
fast
exercise
try
decorated
richly
hard
free
jam
traffic
time
social
animal
wild
justice
Answer-
regular exercise
mid-day meal
key concept
fast food
try hard
richly decorated
free time
traffic jam
social justice
wild animal
A4)
(i) Edit the given paragraph using a/an/the wherever necessary.
Rakesh is a/an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a/the famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in a/the morning and taking him out for a/the walk in an/the evening.
Answer:
Rakesh is an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in the morning and taking him out for a walk in the evening.
ii) Spot the errors in each of the following sentences and correct the incorrect ones.
(a) Radha brought pens and distributed them between her five children.
Ans- Radha brought pens and distributed them among her five children.
(b) Jayshree and Sujata sat besides each other in complete silence.
Ans- Jayshree and Sujata sat beside each other in complete silence.
(c) His best friend Vijay was blind within one eye.
Ans- His best friend Vijay was blind in one eye.
(d) One could dare to encroach on his rights.
Ans- One could dare to encroach upon his rights.
(e) She was taken with surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
Ans- She was taken by surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
(f) It is not possible to exchange the goods once the sale has been completed.
Ans- It is not possible to exchange goods once the sale is completed.
(g) Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master the craft for the last five years.
Ans- Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master in the craft for/since the last five years.
(h) The top-ranking candidates will be appointed in senior jobs in banks.
Ans-The top-ranking candidates will be appointed for senior jobs in banks.
(i) She knows very well what is expected from her but she is unable to perform.
Ans-She knows very well what is expected of her but she is unable to perform.
(j) They will put on a note in this regard for your consideration.
Ans-They will put in a note in this regard for your consideration.
Activity Sheet:
Q. Read the extract and complete the activities given below.(12)
The young lift-man in a City office who threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning and was fined for the offence was undoubtedly in the wrong. It was a question of 'Please'. The complainant entering the lift; said,'Top'. The lift-man demanded 'Top-please' and this concession being refused he not only declined to comply with the instruction, but hurled the passenger out of the lift. This, of course was carrying a comment on manner too far. Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. If a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me, and if I am physically assaulted, it will permit me to retaliate with reasonable violence. It does this because the burglar and my assailant have broken quite definite commands of the law, but no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners, or could sanction the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognize as a legally punishable offence. And whatever our sympathy with the lift-man, we must admit that the law is reasonable. It would never do if we were at liberty to box people's ears because we did not like their behaviour, or the tone of their voices, or the scowl on their faces. Our fists would never be idle, and the gutters of the City would run with blood all day.
A1 .True or False (2)
Rewrite and state whether the following sentences are true or false.
i)The writer favours the step taken by the lift-man.
ii) Discourtesy is hardly a legal offence.
iii) According to the writer, the law is not reasonable.
iv)The passenger said Top-please to the lift-man.
A2. Describe (2)
Describe the incident in the lift in about 50 words.
A3. Locate (2)
Locate the lines which prove the following statement.
“The law acquits any reasonable retaliation in self defence.”
A4. Personal Response (2)
Write any four polite expressions you use in your day-to-day life.
A5. Do as directed (2)
i) We did not like their behaviour.
(Make it affirmative)
ii) I knock him down.
(Change the Voice)
A6. Vocabulary (2)
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the bracket and rewrite the sentences.
(reasonable, attempt, concession, sympathy)
i) He had taken a very ----------- to get success.
ii) It was a -------------- measure to support the decision.
iii) A man without -----------in heart is like a stone.
iv) The students’ applied for the ------------ in the fees.
On Saying "Please" is really worth reading to bring a change in our social behaviour. Here, one can enjoy the writer's meticulous selection of vocabulary and complex structures. It sets a challenge in front of the readers to find contextual references of the words and phrases.
Title: The title ‘On Saying ‘Please’ gives us a hint that the topic is related to manners. We should know the importance of saying ‘ please’ to others. Good manners make us a socially accepted . It brings about healthy relationship between individuals.
New words:-
Undoubtedly - known for certain to be so
Discourtesy - not polite, rudeness
assault and battery - an attack which includes not only threats but the actual use of violence
burglar - thief who breaks into houses shops etc with the intention of stealing
retaliate - to do something bad to someone who has done something bad to you
assailant - an attacker
legislate - to make a law or laws
violence - action or feeling that causes damage, unrest etc
to box - to fight with the fists (closed hands)
haughty - a high opinion of oneself and often a low position of others
boorish - rude, uncultured
laceration - hurt feelings
slur - a cause of blame
redress - remedy, set right
vanity - pride
brooding over - spend time thinking anxiously or sadly about something
equilibrium - balance (of the mind, emotions)
bullied - threatened
insolent - very rude
henpecked –a husband who always does what his wife tells him to do
black eye – dark coloured skin around somebody’s eye here he or she has been hit
endorse - official agreement to the decision
martyrdom - the death or suffering of a martyr
morose - unhappy, very sad and ill tempered
Decalogue - the Ten Commandments
Verdict - judgement
intercourse - communication, conversation
resentment - anger
ordeal - difficult or painful experience
knave - a dishonest person
cheerfully - happily
squared - having no doubt, settled
countenance - a person’s face or expression
treading - pressing down something with foot
assured - confident
inexhaustible - unlimited ,can never be finished
solicitous - caring or concerned, giving helpful care
irradiated - (here) spread or produced
uncouth - impolite, unrefined
benediction - a blessing
conciliatory - trying to win friendly feelings
panegyric - a speech or piece of writing praising someone highly
moral affront – insult, disrespect
boor - a rude insensitive person
Ice Breakers
1) List the words of courtesy that we use in our daily life. Explain the purpose of using each.
Answer:
Words and purpose:-
1) Thank you – To express gratitude
2) Excuse me – To take permission to go ahead or to ask something
3) Pardon me – To ask to repeat the words
4) May I – To take permission
5) Yes / No sir – To agree or disagree with respect - man
6) Yes / No madam - To agree or disagree with respect - woman
7) You are welcome – To accept the expression of gratitude
8) Mention not – Reply to thank you, need not to say thank you.
9) I am sorry – To tell someone that you are ashamed for hurting them, to say disagree, to oppose other’s view politely
10) My pleasure- To tell you are happy to help or do favour
2) Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive traits, while others are not. Write the ones you feel are desirable or not desirable.
Answer:-
Characteristic
Traits
Desirable -
Not Desirable
Conniving
Not Desirable
Insensitive
Not Desirable
Sly
Not Desirable
Humorous
Desirable
Naive
Not Desirable
Benevolent
Desirable
Aggressive
Not Desirable
Scheming
Not Desirable
Wise
Desirable
Egoistic
Not Desirable
Manipulative
Not Desirable
Rude
Not Desirable
Boastful
Not Desirable
Humble
Desirable
Servile
Not Desirable
Territorial
Not Desirable
Patronising
Not Desirable
Generous
Desirable
3) Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and write if it is appropriate or inappropriate.
1.To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
Ans: Inappropriate
2.To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.
Ans: Appropriate
3.To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.
Ans: Appropriate
4.To be polite and courteous to others.
Ans: Appropriate
5.To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
Ans: Inappropriate
6.To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Ans: Inappropriate
About the writer:
Alfred George Gardiner was an English journalist, editor and author. His essays, written under the alias "Alpha of the Plough", are highly regarded. He started his literary career as a journalist. At age of 37, he was appointed editor of the Daily News. He made regular contributions to the Daily News, The Manchester Evening News etc. His essays are uniformly elegant, graceful and humorous. ‘The Pillars of Society’, ‘Pebbles on the Shore’, ‘Many Furrows and Leaves in the Wind’ are some of his best known writings. His uniqueness lies in his ability to teach the basic truths of life in an easy and amusing manner. He rai the question of morality in everyday life.
Brainstorming
A1)
(i) Explain the following words with examples.
a) Humility : Modesty
Example- She needs the humility to accept that their way may be better.
b) Self-esteem :Self respect
Example- He got self – esteem earning sufficient money
c) Gratitude: The quality of being grateful.
Example- Students expressed their gratitude to the teachers on Teachers’ Day.
d) Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behaviour towards others.
Example- The manager treated the players with courtesy and good humour.
e) Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous.
Example- I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and neighbours.
f) Sympathy: The feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Example- They had great sympathy for the flood victims.
g)Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example- He had empathy with small children.
(A2)
(i) Read the text and state whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements.
(a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words.
Answer- True
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy.
Answer- True
(c)Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse.
Answer- True
(d) Words like 'please' and 'thank you' help us in making our passage through life uneasy.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- Words like 'please' and 'thank you' help us in making our passage through life easy.
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- The law does not permit anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous. It’s not a legal offence.
(ii) Select the most appropriate sentences which suggest the theme of the essay.
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(b) The essay explores the difficulties that can be incurred by an individual when dealing with the public.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(d) People with low self-esteem are generally difficult to work with and they look down upon others to get a feeling of superiority.
Answer-
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(iii)
(a) Find the reasons for the lift-man's uncivilized behaviour.
Answer- The passenger’s discourteous behaviour, wound to self respect or vanity, slur upon (insult of) his social standing etc.
(b) List the people and their behaviour that made the passenger rude and ill-mannered.
Answer-
1) Housemaid – answered back to the cook
2) cook – very rude to passenger's wife
3) Wife – employer is henpecked by his wife at breakfast
4) Employer- did not say ‘Good Morning’ to passenger
5) Lift man – expected to say ‘ Please’
6) Passenger – rude and ill - mannered towards the lift man
(iv) Good manners are required in our daily life for making our social contacts more cooperative and friendly. Illustrate the behaviour of the polite conductor with different people in various situations.
Situation
Behaviour
1. The writer’s sensitive toe was trampled on
The conductor said sorry with an apology and courtesy.
2. In the rainy season dealing with people
The conductor would run up the stairs to give them the tip that there was “room inside”
3. Dealing with old people
The conductor behaved as a loving and caring son
4. Dealing with children
The conductor behaved as caring or concerned father
5. Dealing with young people
The conductor had a peculiarly warm place in his heart for young people, and always indulged in some merry jest with them
6. Dealing with a blind man
The conductor set blind man down safely on the pavement and also took him across the road or round the corner, or otherwise safely on his way
(A3)
(a) Find out the words in column 'B' which collocate with the words in column 'A'.
A
B
regular
meal
mid-day
concept
key
food
fast
exercise
try
decorated
richly
hard
free
jam
traffic
time
social
animal
wild
justice
Answer-
regular exercise
mid-day meal
key concept
fast food
try hard
richly decorated
free time
traffic jam
social justice
wild animal
A4)
(i) Edit the given paragraph using a/an/the wherever necessary.
Rakesh is a/an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a/the famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in a/the morning and taking him out for a/the walk in an/the evening.
Answer:
Rakesh is an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in the morning and taking him out for a walk in the evening.
ii) Spot the errors in each of the following sentences and correct the incorrect ones.
(a) Radha brought pens and distributed them between her five children.
Ans- Radha brought pens and distributed them among her five children.
(b) Jayshree and Sujata sat besides each other in complete silence.
Ans- Jayshree and Sujata sat beside each other in complete silence.
(c) His best friend Vijay was blind within one eye.
Ans- His best friend Vijay was blind in one eye.
(d) One could dare to encroach on his rights.
Ans- One could dare to encroach upon his rights.
(e) She was taken with surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
Ans- She was taken by surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
(f) It is not possible to exchange the goods once the sale has been completed.
Ans- It is not possible to exchange goods once the sale is completed.
(g) Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master the craft for the last five years.
Ans- Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master in the craft for/since the last five years.
(h) The top-ranking candidates will be appointed in senior jobs in banks.
Ans-The top-ranking candidates will be appointed for senior jobs in banks.
(i) She knows very well what is expected from her but she is unable to perform.
Ans-She knows very well what is expected of her but she is unable to perform.
(j) They will put on a note in this regard for your consideration.
Ans-They will put in a note in this regard for your consideration.
Activity Sheet:
Q. Read the extract and complete the activities given below.(12)
The young lift-man in a City office who threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning and was fined for the offence was undoubtedly in the wrong. It was a question of 'Please'. The complainant entering the lift; said,'Top'. The lift-man demanded 'Top-please' and this concession being refused he not only declined to comply with the instruction, but hurled the passenger out of the lift. This, of course was carrying a comment on manner too far. Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. If a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me, and if I am physically assaulted, it will permit me to retaliate with reasonable violence. It does this because the burglar and my assailant have broken quite definite commands of the law, but no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners, or could sanction the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognize as a legally punishable offence. And whatever our sympathy with the lift-man, we must admit that the law is reasonable. It would never do if we were at liberty to box people's ears because we did not like their behaviour, or the tone of their voices, or the scowl on their faces. Our fists would never be idle, and the gutters of the City would run with blood all day.
A1 .True or False (2)
Rewrite and state whether the following sentences are true or false.
i)The writer favours the step taken by the lift-man.
ii) Discourtesy is hardly a legal offence.
iii) According to the writer, the law is not reasonable.
iv)The passenger said Top-please to the lift-man.
A2. Describe (2)
Describe the incident in the lift in about 50 words.
A3. Locate (2)
Locate the lines which prove the following statement.
“The law acquits any reasonable retaliation in self defence.”
A4. Personal Response (2)
Write any four polite expressions you use in your day-to-day life.
A5. Do as directed (2)
i) We did not like their behaviour.
(Make it affirmative)
ii) I knock him down.
(Change the Voice)
A6. Vocabulary (2)
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the bracket and rewrite the sentences.
(reasonable, attempt, concession, sympathy)
i) He had taken a very ----------- to get success.
ii) It was a -------------- measure to support the decision.
iii) A man without -----------in heart is like a stone.
iv) The students’ applied for the ------------ in the fees.
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