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Kamala Subramaniam CBSE secondary school – Thanjavur, Summary Term 2 Grade 10, The making of a scientist Summary in English, The Making of a Scientist’ is a story about the leading scientist Richard Ebright. He was a curious child, right from the beginning years of his life. He had started collecting butterflies in his childhood and by the, time he is in second grade, he had already gathered all the 25 species found in his hometown. Also, he, collected coins, fossils, and rocks. One day his mother gave him a book named ‘The Travel of Monarch, X’. This book has been a turning point in life and introduced him to the world of science. He experienced, the real science in country science fair and moreover he understood that to win something he needs to, do something extraordinary., Later, for his eighth grade, he selected the assignment of finding the cause of viral sickness that killed, almost all the monarch caterpillars every year. He thought that the cause for this could be a beetle, so,, he rose caterpillars with the presence of beetles. However, he was wrong. Next year his project for the, science fair was testing the theory that viceroy butterflies copy monarchs. His project got the first price, in zoology division and third in country science fair., In his second year of high school, Richard Ebright research led to his discovery of an unknown insect, hormone which led to his new theory on the lives of cells. He tried to find the purpose of tiny golden, spots on the back of monarch pupa. This project won first place in a country science fair and a chance to, work in Walter Reed Army Institute of research., As a high school student, he continued his advanced experiment and finally was able to identify, hormones chemical structure. One day while looking at the Xray photos of the hormone he got the idea, of his new theory that tells cells can read the blueprint of its DNA. Ebright and his roommate, constructed the plastic model of a molecule to illustrate the working of DNA. It was a big leap forward, and got published in a magazine. He graduated from Harvard with the highest honours., He has other interest also like public speaking, debate and is also a canoeist and an outdoor person., Also, he was competitive but in good sense and always want to do his best. Moreover, he possesses all, the traits of becoming a good scientist., Conclusion of the making of a scientist, The story teaches us that with perseverance, dedication and hard work any dream is achievable.

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The Necklace Summary in English, A lady, Mathilde Loisel lived in a flat with his husband. He worked as a clerk for the Ministry of, Education. They were not able to live a luxurious life. However, they were not poor, merely simple., However, Mathilde’s desire was to be rich. She felt irritated, disappointed and sad of not having a large, house. Moreover, she desired to have good dresses, lots of jewelry which made her sad., One day his husband brings her an invitation to a fancy party. It was an invitation to the ball. He thought, his wife would be very excited about seeing the invitation letter. However, his wife, instead of being, happy, threw away the invitation letter and started crying. She complained about not having a pretty, dress to wear on such a great occasion. She wanted to seek admiration for everyone. Also, she wanted, to be a success at the party. His gentle husband gave her four hundred francs to buy a pretty dress. He, had saved the money to buy a rifle., The week of the party approached. His wife seemed to be anxious again. She was upset as she felt that, she didn’t have any jewelry to wear with the dress. Her husband suggests her to ask the same from his, friend Jeanne Forestier. Mathilde went to her house and borrowed a sparkling necklace., Mathilde, along with his husband enjoyed a lot at the party. She was successful in seeking everyone’s, attention to her. Then, they headed for home during the odd hours in the morning. On reaching home,, Mathilde was surprised on not finding a necklace around her neck. They both felt that it might have, fallen down in the cab which they took to reach home. Also, he searched on the streets they have come, through., Moreover, he approached the police, gave advertisement but all in vain. Her husband asked her to write, a letter to her friend. She wrote that she had the clasp broken and is getting it repaired. Meanwhile,, they were successful in searching for a similar necklace. However, it cost thirty-six thousand francs. His, husband has inherited eighteen thousand francs from his father. However, they had to borrow the, remaining money. They managed to buy the necklace through inherited and borrowed money., But it took them a period of ten years to repay the borrowed amount. In these years, their lives have, drastically changed. They moved to a smaller apartment, cleaned and cooked herself. Moreover, his, husband did multiple jobs to repay the amount. Also, she looked like a strong woman of a poor, household. She looked very aged. One day she saw Miss Jeanne Forestier on the street. She decided to, tell her the truth about the necklace. The latter was stunned by the rough appearance of the former., Moreover, on learning the truth of necklace, Jeanne Forestier told that it was a fake one. The worth of, the same was no more than five hundred francs., Conclusion of The Necklace, The story tells us that one should not crave for luxuries. One must be satisfied and contented with what, one has. Desires lead to unhappiness. Moreover, we should never hide the truth

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The Hack Driver Summary in English, This is a story of a lawyer who after completing his graduation started working with a famous firm in the, city. He was working as an assistant clerk there. He did not like the job of serving summons because, sometimes he had to face harsh situations. One day, he had to give summons to Oliver Lutkins who was, a key witness in some case. He lived in a small village New Mullion. He was happy to go to the village but, the village looked very dull and lifeless. The narrator saw a hack driver on a platform that was cheerful., He inquired him about Lutkins and came to know he was a shrewd man and had taken loan from many, people. The hack driver cunningly extracted from lawyer that he has come here to give court summon to, Lutkin., The lawyer decided to rent Bill’s hack and search for Lutkins. Bill manipulated the lawyer and made him, visit different places in search of Lutkins. He always goes ahead and inquires about Lutkins. They went to, Fritz’s shop to catch Lutkins where he plays poker. They have been told that he has gone to Gustaff, barber for shaving. Later at Gustaff’s place also they could not meet him and somebody told them they, saw him in the pool room. They could not find him there and told he left the poolroom after buying, cigarettes. In Afternoon Bill asked the lawyer to buy food from his wife as it would be less costly than a, restaurant. They had their lunch at Wade’s hill which is a beautiful place., By now the lawyer was fully convinced that Bill is a generous and helpful person. He even started, comparing city people and villagers. Later they went to Lutkins mother’s house but she was a horrible, lady and she was close to attacking them with a hot iron rod. At last, the lawyer has to leave without, serving to summon to Lutkins. He was badly scolded by his Chief the next day and was sent again to New, Mullion with a colleague who knew Lutkins. On reaching station the lawyer happily acknowledged that, Bill was such helpful people to him in searching Lutkins. At this point, he was told by his colleague that, the hack driver was none other than Oliver Lutkins. The lawyer felt ashamed of himself., Conclusion of The Hack Driver, The story teaches us that we should not trust anyone without knowing them otherwise people will make, fool of us.

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Bholi Summary in English, This story is about a girl, Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha. She suffered from some brain-damage, and thus used to stammer. Moreover, she suffered from the disease of small-pox which left pock-marks, on her face. This made her look ugly. Thus, due to her dullness and ugly face, people made fun of her., Also, people called her Bholi as she remained a backward child. Ramlal had seven children- three sons, and four daughters. Bholi was the youngest of all daughters. All others were healthy and strong except, Bholi. They would also worry about her marriage. One day, Tehsildar Sahib came to perform the opening, ceremony of a primary school opened in the village. He asked Ramlal to send her daughter to school., However, Bholi’s mother was not in support of sending her school. Yet, she agreed., At first, Bholi was frightened to hear about school. However, when she was properly cared for, given, good clothes and other things, she began to believe that she was being taken to a better place than her, home. She was happy to see girls of her age. She wanted to make one of them her friends. However,, when the teacher asked her name, she stammered and all the girls laughed. This discouraged her badly., She started crying. But the teacher was a kind-hearted woman. She encouraged her to speak. Moreover,, she told her that she could overcome her stammering completely if she came to school daily. This, aroused a sign of hope and new life in Bholi., Years passed, the village became a small town. Moreover, the little primary school turned into a high, school. Other improvements have also taken place. A marriage proposal came for Bholi. It was from a, lame old man whose children were also grown up. However, Ramlal and his wife agreed as he was wellsettled. Bholi’s sisters were envious to see the pomp and splendour at their sister’s wedding. However,, when the groom was about to garland the bride, a woman slipped the veil from the bride’s face., Bisambar refused to marry such an ugly girl without a dowry. Ramlal managed the amount., However, Bholi refused to marry such a greedy person. People were startled to see her speaking, without stammering. The groom returned back. Bholi told her father that she would serve him and, mother in their old age. Furthermore, she will teach in the same school from where she learnt so many, good things., Conclusion of Bholi, We learnt from the story that proper support and emotional security can lead to a child’s development.

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The Theme of the Poem Amenda, In the poem – Amanda, the central theme is majorly focused on Control and Freedom. The figures of, Amanda, who represents the longing for freedom, and her mother, who represents instructional control, over freedom, highlights the contrasts. ‘Amanda’ is the narrative of a little girl whose parents continually, regulate and advise her to do one thing or the other. Amanda’s freedom is limited by any type of, instruction or intervention. The poet also focuses on elements of raising children and how parents will, go to any length to ensure that their child is well educated., Amanda Summary in English, This poem expresses the state of a little girl’s mind who is constantly instructed about do’s and don’ts by, her mother. The girl named Amanda and her mother who is irritating her for her mistakes. Her mother, used to give instructions not to hunch her shoulders and to sit up straight. Her mother reminds her to, finish her homework. The little girl Amanda keeps dreaming about freedom of life in the open., Her mother also believes that she sits in a sluggish manner. To this, Amanda uses her imagination to, escape her parents’ day-to-day commands. She claims there is a serene, emerald sea with only me as a, resident. She finds tranquilly in her own made-up universe, where there are no boundaries. Amanda, imagines herself as a free-spirited mermaid gliding across the green sea’s gentle waves. Amidst this,, Amanda is also dragged out of her dreams by her mother’s question on whether she cleans her room, and shoes., Amanda has another daydream in which she imagines herself as an orphan wandering freely, barefoot in, golden silence and uninterrupted freedom. She utters that she would have enjoyed her freedom then,, by making the patterns of her bare feet on the sand. She would live a peaceful life. Her mother’s nagging, complaints break her daydream. The mother forbade Amanda not to eat chocolates because of her acne, and pimples. She also rebukes her for not looking at her while she is talking to her., Amanda is enjoying another dream that now she fantasizes herself as Rapunzel, a character from a fairy, tale and wants to live like her in a huge tower peacefully. She dreams that she will never let down her, hair from the tower like Rapunzel. In the tower, she will live an alone and peaceful life. She will never, allow anyone to come to the tower. Finally, the mother forbids her from being moody. Because she, doesn’t want anyone to make her feel guilty that she is harassing her daughter. At this time the poet has, not written any response from Amanda’s side. This constant nagging has made her so upset that she has, even stopped dreaming of herself as someone else. She always tries this only in order to escape from, the continuous harassment and dominance of her parents., Amanda’s parents feel that she is not reacting because she is annoyed. Her actions have made her, parents look bad, and they are concerned about their image. They are anxious about how society would, judge them if their youngster is constantly grumpy., Conclusion of Amanda, This poem conveys the moral that children need to be allowed more freedom. It is true that children, need to be taught good manners and etiquette but parents must also remember to give their infants, their personal space, ample time to learn and enjoy their youth life. Excessive nagging may make them, annoyed and disobedient and hence they may develop a type of dislike for real life. It is the moral

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responsibility of parents to raise their children in such a way that they understand their point of view, rather than becoming frustrated., , Animals Summary in English, God shaped man and animals for dwelling on earth. He, God gave man to a high position than to that of, animals. Walt Whitman, the great American poet, believes animals are better than men. The poet, appreciated some qualities in animals which man don’t have. He expressed his observation about, animals and man through his poem “Animals”., Walt Whitman is very fond of the company of animals. The poet desires to live among the animals, because according to him animals are calm and self-sufficient. They do not whine and weep about their, conditions. They are always satisfied and do their duty towards God. Animals always express their love, and respect for human beings. Animals spend a life of satisfaction and peace. They do not possess an, obsession with possessing things. They do not show respect for others. Also, they even do not respect, their thousand old descendants. Sorrow and happiness are equal to them., Whereas humans are crazy about material things. Humans lie awake at night. They cry for the wrong, that they have done. At last, they lose their temper over trifles. Animals are quite happy. They don’t idle, away their time for discussing their duties to God like human beings. He observes that humans don’t, have those qualities which animals possess such as signs of love, quietness, kindness, selflessness,, honesty, patience, sympathy, etc. These qualities are absolutely essential for a glossy life., The poet has a deep aspiration to learn from the animals since they express their deep concern with, them. They do not possess any kind of falsehood. The poet is much amazed at their quality. He desires, to earn them though he had left them carelessly. He feels that the life of a man is full of stress,, depression, anxiety, unhappy. So, he desires to turn away from living with other humans. He wants to, live in the company of animals for good because he thinks that he will get real happiness among, animals. After all, he desires to make a relationship with animals. Thus this was the summary of the, poem “Animals” written by Walt Whitman., Conclusion of Animals, In the poem ‘Animals’, the poet Walt Whitman admires the animals for being better than human beings., He praises them also for possessing all such qualities that humans lack or have forgotten.

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Glimpses of India Summary in English, A baker from Goa is a story that relates to the time when there was Portuguese rule in Goa. The story is, of a baker living in a Goan village. During those times people ate loaves of bread. These were made in, big furnaces. The bakers known as paders would come to sell these bread in the street and would make, a jingle sound with the bamboo. Although, nowadays we may not see these loaves but may sometimes, see the furnaces and some bakers carrying on the traditional business of their forefathers. The author, remembers the coming of the baker twice a day during his childhood days. He was the author’s friend, and guide. The maidservants in the author’s house would buy loaves of bread which they ate with tea., During those days, bread was an important part of any occasion especially the sweet bread, Bol. Also,, the baker had a peculiar dress, Kabai. It was a single-piece frock that would reach up to knees. Baking, was a profitable business at that time., Coorg is a story describing the Coorg or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka. The author describes, Coorg as a heavenly place that lies between Mangalore and Mysore. It is certainly God’s abode as it has, evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. From September to March, the weather is good here, and thus many tourists come to visit the place. The air here has the coffee aroma in it. There’s a famous, story about the Greek or Arabic descent of the Coorg people that a part of Alexander’s army had to, settle here as it was not possible for them to return. They thus settled here and married with the locals., We may find people of Coorg wear Kuppia, a long black coat similar to the kuffia that Arabs wear., People of Coorg are also very brave. The Coorg Regiment of Indian Army is one of the most significant, regiments. Also, our first army chief, General Cariappa hails from Coorg. The forests and hills of Coorg, provide a major source of water to the River Cauvery. Also, Mahaseer, the largest freshwater fish is, found in these waters. From the top of the Brahmagiri hills, we can see the complete view of Coorg., Also, Buddhists monks live in Bylakuppe in the Island of Nisargadhama near Coorg., The last story Tea from Assam starts with two friends, Rajvir and Pranjol travelling to Assam. On their, way, they buy the tea from a roadside vendor. While sipping the tea, Rajvir tells Pranjol that people, drink over 800,000,000 cups of tea throughout the world in a day. While Rajvir is looking at the beautiful, and serene scenery, Pranjol is busy reading detective book. There were tea-bushes all over as far as one, could see. They also saw a building which was a tea garden., Assam has the largest tea plantations and no one knows who discovered the tea for the first time. But,, there are many legends associated with it. According to a Chinese legend, a few branches of tea fell, accidentally in the boiled hot water. The Emperor liked the delicious flavour. This is how it came into, being. As per an Indian legend, Buddhist Monk, Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids as to avoid sleep during, meditation. About ten tea plants grew out of these and thus, they banish sleep when put in hot water, and drunk. Both of them got down at Mariani Junction and went to Dhekiabari Tea Estate. There they, saw women plucking tea leaves. Pranjol’s father had come to receive them there and said that he knew, a lot about tea plantations. Rajvir says that he is keen to learn from him.

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Madam rides the bus summary in English, This is a sensitive story of a Tamil girl Valliammai or Valli who is only eight years old. She was curious to, know about the outside world. Also, she did not have friends to play. So she keeps standing inside the, doorway of her residence and watch people in the street. This was her favourite pastime. However, she, was always mesmerized by the bus journey. There travelled a bus between her village and the closest, city. She started collecting information about the timings of the bus from her neighbours. The bus, travels to the town near her village which was approximately six miles from her village. The fare was, thirty paise for one way. So, Valli started saving money for the bus fare., She planned to travel in the afternoon when her mother was having her nap. Valli was standing on the, roadside waiting for the bus. As the bus came she told the conductor she wants to go to town. The, conductor was a jovial person. He called her Madam and showed her the seat. The bus was new and, painted in green and white colour stripes. The bus was comfortable and seats were luxurious. On her, journey, she enjoyed watching mountains, green fields, and palm trees grassland. She was experiencing, it all for the first time by her own eyes. On her way to the town, she saw a young cow that came in front, of the bus while crossing the road. The driver blew the whistle and the cow crossed by. All this is very, fascinating for Valli. It was like a dream come true for her., She was watching everything but the outside landscape was her prime focus. After some time the bus, reached the final destination and all the passengers got down. The conductor asked her to get down but, she told that she was there for the bus ride. The conductor smiled listening to her reply. Valli remained, on the bus and had taken a return ticket from the conductor. The bus started and on her way back home, she saw the same cow dead by the roadside. This made her heart cry. She thus became sad and tried to, understand the meaning of life and death in her own terms. She came back home but did not share a, word about the journey with her family., Conclusion of Madam rides the bus, The story illustrates the desire of a small girl and how a bad incident makes her understand the matters, of life and death

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Central Idea of the Poem The Tale of Custard the Dragon, Everything and everyone made or born in our world, no matter how small or large has a special, significance. We often underestimate people by looking at their weaknesses, but they show themselves, through their wits and actions. We must never look down on others. Each individual is unique in their, own way; they may have various skill sets that we are ignorant of. A person whom we consider to be, useless or unimportant can become a hero in unexpected and unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore,, correct and timely measures are usually advantageous. In other words, a stitch in time saves nine, which, also serves as the poem’s central theme., The Theme of the Poem, The poem’s topic is that everyone has their own unique qualities and should never be judged based on, their appearance. We should never make fun of somebody based on their behaviour, looks, qualities, or, flaws. For they are the ones who stand tall and boldly in the face of adversity., The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary in English, Frederic Ogden Nash is an American poet, who is famous for his light verse. He was famous as the, producer of humorous poetry. He wrote this poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon” in the style of a, ballad means a song that tells a story. Ballads narrate the tales of courage or heroism. Such a humorous, ballad is ending with a parody., The poem begins by introducing the poem’s main character, Belinda. Belinda lived in a little white, house, with her four pets a black kitten, a grey mouse, a yellow dog, a little dragon and a red wagon too., The name of the little black kitten was Ink, the little grey mouse was Blink, and the little yellow dog was, Mustard. Bu, the dragon was a coward, and Belinda called him Custard. Custard dragon was having big, sharp teeth, spikes on top of him and scales underneath. His mouth was similar to a fireplace, and his, nose was like a chimney. Also, he had daggers on his toes., Belinda believed herself as brave as a barrel full of bears. Ink and Blink were able to chase lions down, the stairs. Mustard was as brave as an angry tiger. On the other hand, Custard always acted as the, weakest one. Belinda always tickled Custard ruthlessly. Other pets sarcastically called him Percival, means a knight of King Arthur’s court who sought the Holy Grail. Belinda and the other animals used to, laugh at the dragon, who was a coward, while sitting in the red wagon (vehicle)., Whenever Custard wanted a safe cage for him, Belinda and Blink giggled to their heart’s content. Not, only this, Ink and Mustard asked him how old he was that he was scared of every little thing., Belinda and her pets were awakened one day by a nasty noise. They were all terrified at the same time., When they observed a pirate climbing through the window, Ink and Belinda both raised an eyebrow., The pirate had guns in both his hands and a knife between his teeth. He had a black beard and one of his, legs was made of wood. Seeing the Pirate, Belinda started crying for help. Mustard became scared and, raced away, making a lot of noise. Ink and Blink raced to their holes and hid as well. The pirate shot two, bullets at Custard but they did not affect him in any cause. Only Custard fought with the pirate and ate, him up in his single bite.

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Belinda embraced Custard, and Mustard licked him. As the dragon devoured the pirate, Ink and Blink, danced around it in delight. As Custard saved everyone, all thanked him. But in the end, they realized, that they used to make fun of the dragon as he was timid. So, all of them suddenly started saying that, they are braver than him and hence could have handled the situation in a much better way. Custard’s, timid ways persisted even after this daring incident. He was still pleading for a safe cage., Conclusion of The Tale of Custard the Dragon, Here the poet was trying to say that sometimes a timid person is an actual hero in the toughest, situations of life., , The Sermon at Benares Summary in English, Gautama Buddha was born in a North Indian royal family. He was born as a prince. Moreover, his, childhood name was Siddhartha Gautama. He was sent to a faraway place to study Hindu sacred, scriptures at the age of twelve. Then, upon returning after four years, he got married to a princess., Soon, they both were blessed with a son. Then, they continued to live the royal life for about ten years., The Royals were shielded from the unpleasant experiences of the world., However, one day, on his way to hunt, the Prince met a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession and, a monk who was begging for. Such experiences acted as an eye-opener for him Hence, he left all the, royalty behind to seek a higher sense of spiritual knowledge. Then, when he attained salvation, he, began preaching. His first sermon given in the city of Benares. There was a lady whose name was Kisa, Gotami whose son has died. She was suffering from unending pain. Thus, she went from house to house, looking for medicine to make her son alive. People thought that the lady has lost her senses., However, one day, she met a man who directed her towards Lord Buddha. He felt that Buddha could, possibly have a solution for her problem. Then, Buddha asked her to look for mustard seeds and the, seeds must be procured from a house where there had been no death. Filled with hope, Kisa Gotami, once again went on a search from house to house but she could not find mustard seeds from a house, according to Buddha’s condition. Thus, she was disheartened and sat at the edge of the road where she, realised how selfish she had been. She realised the fact that men are mortal. Also, no one could escape, the cycle of life. This was the only fact that Buddha wanted her to understand., According to Lord Buddha, feelings of grief and sorrow increases man’s pain and suffering. It serves no, other purpose. Moreover, it deteriorates the health. Thus, a wise person who is fully aware of nature’s, functioning must not grieve at something bound to happen. This is the only way in which he can be, happy and blessed., Conclusion of The Sermon at Benares, The first sermon of Lord Buddha at Benares was the holiest. It ended the suffering of a lady who had lost, her son. She accepted the truth and thus freed from pain.

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The Proposal summary in English, The curtain rises with Lomov entering his neighbour Chubukov’s house in neatly dressed up attire., Chubukov in great curiosity to see him well-dressed and asks him the occasion. Lomov reveals that he, had come for a desire. Chubukov assumes that he must have come to ask for money which he does not, want to return. After knowing that Lomov had come to invite Chubulov’s daughter, Natalya’s hand in, marriage, Chubukov leaves to call Natalya. Lomov is a 35 years old gentleman who suffers from, palpitations and gets upset very easily. He thinks it’s the right age for him to marry and is happy that he, is choosing Natalya. He believes, Natalya is average-looking and an honest caretaker., On Natalya’s arrival, Lomov initiates the conversation about the cordial terms of both the families. While, continuing to speak about his land, he somehow mentions Oxen Meadows which earlier was a disputed, property but is now his. Natalya is in the perception that Oxen Medows belong to her family. Both enter, into a heated discussion and act childishly and Chubukov’s entry made it more heated. They shout and, scream while Lomov suffers from extreme palpitation and a numb foot. They throw Lomov out of the, house and continue abusing him. While defaming him, Chubukov accidentally reveals that he had a, wedding proposal for Natalya which surprises Natalya, and she suddenly regrets sending him out. She, tells her father to bring him back and Chubukov banes himself for being the father of a young daughter., When Lomov returns, Natalya tries to deviate the topic by talking about shooting. Little later they enter, into a debate on their dogs. Natalya strongly believes that her dog Squeezer is better in comparison to, Lomov’s Guess. They continue arguing when Chubukov enters the scene only to form things worse, again. Everyone gets hyper and Lomov finally falls because of palpitations. Even then, the cursing, continues when suddenly Natalya notices that he’s unconscious. As they find him unable to drink water,, declare him dead. After a while Lomov moves a bit, they give him some water to drink and Chubukov, forcefully hands over Natalya’s hands to him, gives his blessings and asks them to kiss. After regaining, his senses, he expresses his excitement and kisses Natalya’s hands. Natalya again keeps convincing him, that Squeezer is better than Guess but Lomov, being adamant refuses to accept this and the quarreling, continues., Conclusion of The Proposal, The drama displays the greed of rich families to marry their children into other wealthy families with the, aim of enhancing their wealth.