Pranshu's English Classroom (CBSE)

                                                          CLASS X: ENGLISH CAPSULE STUDY        PROSE: BOOK-1: FIRST FLIGHT 1. A Letter to God – G.L. Fuentes Summary: Lencho is a dedicated farmer whose corn crops are destroyed by a massive hailstorm. He writes a letter to God requesting 100 pesos to resow his field. The Postmaster, moved by Lencho’s faith, collects 70 pesos to help him. Lencho receives the money but suspects the employees of stealing the rest, calling them a "bunch of crooks." Central Idea: The duality of faith—it provides hope but can lead to a distorted perception of reality; also, the "unrecognized" kindness of humans. Themes: Unshakable Faith, Conflict between Man and Nature, Irony of Human Be...

1. NCERT-type Question Q: Why did Nick Middleton undertake the journey towards Mount Kailash? The author undertook the journey to Mount Kailash to complete the sacred kora , a pilgrimage ritual significant in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, while also experiencing the adventure along the historic Silk Road.  2. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Q: How did the challenging terrains and extreme weather of the Silk Road affect Middleton’s physical and emotional experience? The harsh terrain, extreme cold, and high altitude caused severe physical discomfort to Nick Middleton, especially due to altitude sickness and exhaustion. At the same time, these difficulties made him more reflective, helping him appreciate the stark beauty of the landscape and the deeper spiritual meaning of the journey despite its hardships. 3. VBQ (Value-Based Question) Q: What does Lhamo’s gesture of giving Middleton a warm sheepskin coat tell you about the values of the local people he met on the Silk ...

 Overview of the Story “Silk Road” is a travelogue written by Nick Middleton , a British travel writer. The chapter describes his journey from Darchen to Mount Kailash in Tibet , along the ancient Silk Route. Through physical hardships, cultural encounters, and spiritual observations, the author presents a vivid picture of Tibetan life, landscape, and faith . Background of the Story The Silk Road was an ancient trade route connecting Asia with Europe. Nick Middleton travels along a part of this route in Tibet , an isolated and harsh region. The journey is both physical (high altitude, cold, lack of oxygen) and spiritual , as Mount Kailash is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. The story reflects the author’s personal experience rather than a fictional narrative. Tone and Mood Tone Reflective and observant At times humorous (especially about altitude sickness and human reactions) Respectful towards Tibetan culture and religion Mood Adventurous – d...