Pranshu's English Classroom (CBSE)

  Going Places  Word Meanings Apprentice – trainee, learner Arcade – a covered passage with shops Deliberate – carefully planned Yearned – longed for, desired strongly Prodigy – a person with extraordinary talent Obsession – something that occupies the mind constantly Jeered – mocked, made fun of Fantasy – imagination far from reality Grimace – twisted expression of face showing dislike Summary: The story Going Places by A.R. Barton portrays the dreams and aspirations of adolescents, often far removed from reality. It revolves around Sophie, a young girl from a modest working-class family, who is ambitious and imaginative. She dreams of opening a boutique, or becoming an actress or fashion designer, despite having no means to achieve such goals. Her friend Jansie, in contrast, is practical and realistic, fully aware of the limitations of their background. Sophie also idolises her elder brother Ge...

  The Interview – Christopher Silvester 1. About the Author Christopher Silvester: Journalist and writer, educated at Cambridge. He worked for Private Eye and contributed to several reputed newspapers. Known for his critical and analytical style. 2. Central Idea of the Chapter This essay examines the role, importance, and mixed opinions about interviews in journalism. It traces the history of interviews since their invention about 130 years ago. It highlights how interviews have become a common means of communication and information. It presents different viewpoints of celebrities – some see interviews as an intrusion, others as a useful form of self-expression. 3. Key Points of the Essay Definition & Power of Interviews Interviews are considered a “supreme means of communication.” They provide the most vivid impressions of people. Historical Perspective Invented about 130 years ago. Initially, interviews were...

  A Question of Trust by Victor Canning Central Idea: The story is about Horace Danby , a respectable man who secretly commits robberies once a year. However, when he is outsmarted by a woman posing as the owner of a house he breaks into, the story takes a sharp turn. The central idea revolves around trust, deception, and poetic justice —even thieves can be tricked, and crime never truly pays. Themes: Trust and Deception: The story highlights how appearances can be deceiving. Horace, though a thief, is misled by another thief, showing the irony of trust in a world of crime. Crime and Consequences: The story underlines that no matter how smart a person thinks they are, crime leads to punishment eventually. Irony and Justice: The concept of poetic justice is strong in this story. Horace, who deceives others, is himself deceived. Appearances vs. Reality: People may not be what they seem—Horace appears ...