Answer Key - Second Year

                       

When Worry Becomes a Habit: 15 Idioms to Help You Keep Your Cool

II CIA - Revision - One Line Summaries - Find the Lesson and Author Names

A publicity material which gives information about programmes or events is known as __ 

The poet talks about the need for women to be bold and self-confident. She is ready to come up in life in spite of the restrictions placed on her by society.

Put off, put on, take off, take up, look into, look after – The combination of a verb with a preposition.

The tale about Ahmed from Isfahan who becomes a fortune teller without knowing anything about fortune telling.

The author talks about the importance of listening in personal and professional areas. He recommends active listening and the need to practice deliberately. 

Apple of the eye, a piece of cake, fish out of water, beating around the bush, put all your eggs in one basket, rain cats and dogs, are all examples of phrases or expressions which make our speech more colourful and fluent.

The story of a hero who is feeling bored at home and wants to travel the world with his companions. He believes that life is about this line – “To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.”

A type of grammatical item which acts as an adjective.

The poet who is searching for a rented house comes across a proud landlady who asks him his skin colour. The main theme of the poem is racism.

What is the name of the correspondence that invites someone for an event or function?

A married couple and their acts of giving gifts to each other is the main plot of this story written by O. Henry.

The need to relax and spend some time with nature is stressed in this poem. The poet asks us to take time to rest and also to stand and admire nature.

Can for ability, should and must for doing something without fail, and may for possibility are all called by a word which resembles the word model. 

The story of a Mumbai-based businessman who is not happy with his son and wife but maintains an illicit relationship with his company employee.

If you do not have any friends, you are like an animal, says the author who talks about the three advantages of friendship.

This Nobel Prize-winning activist from Africa talks about the Green Belt Movement and the need to plant trees. She and her team have planted more than 50 million trees in her country.

Leave letter, letter of application and permission letter, all these will come under a single topic.

A type of grammatical item that is for showing purpose or reason for doing something.

Are you anxious about your future? This is what the poet discusses in the poem, which tells us the ways we can control our anxiety and live a peaceful life.

This lesson is about a murder that happened inside a small forest area. The main character is a Samurai who is killed by somebody. The reader is given the opportunity to guess the killer.

A type of grammatical item where the verb functions as a noun.

Gerund, Participle and To - Infinitive - Revision

                         

GERUND

Verb + -ing used as a noun

A gerund looks like a verb but acts like a noun.

 

Examples:

Reading is a good habit.

I enjoy playing cricket.

Swimming is good exercise.

 

PARTICIPLE

A verb form used as an adjective

A participle describes a person, place, thing, or noun.

 

Present Participle: Verb + -ing

The crying baby needs milk.

I saw a running boy.

 

TO-INFINITIVE

to + base form of the verb

It is used to express purpose, intention, or an action.

 

Examples:

I want to learn English.

She went to the library to read.

He decided to study.

They hope to win.

Invitation - Notes for Second Year students

                     

An invitation is a written or spoken request asking someone to attend an event, function, ceremony, meeting or celebration. It usually includes the name of the event, organiser, date, time, venue and guest details. There are two main types of invitations: formal and informal. A formal invitation is used for official and academic events such as seminars, workshops, college functions and conferences. It uses polite and respectful language. Common expressions include “You are cordially invited to…” and “We are pleased to invite you to…” An informal invitation is used for personal occasions such as birthdays, parties and family gatherings. It uses friendly and simple language. An invitation can be designed on an A4 sheet (210 × 297 mm) in portrait or landscape format. A good invitation should have the college or organisation name, logo, invitation line, event title, date, time, venue, guest details and organiser’s name. The important information should be clearly highlighted. For an attractive design, use two or three colours and preferably two complementary fonts. Images, logos and simple decorative elements can be added, but too many visuals should be avoided. White space should be used to keep the design clean. A good invitation should follow the 5 Cs: Clear, Concise, Consistent, Creative and Correct. Unlike a notice, an invitation not only provides information but also encourages people to attend the event.

Modals in English

Phrasal Verbs in English

Mahesh Dattani's - Where There Is a Will - Summary

Hasmukh Mehta is a rich garment businessman and the owner of the Mehta Group of companies.

He is a strict and controlling man who wants everyone in his family to obey him.

His wife Sonal depends heavily on servants and often argues with Hasmukh.

Their only son Ajit is an independent person who does not like his father’s controlling nature.

Hasmukh thinks Ajit is useless and does not want him to take over the business.

He often scolds and insults Ajit because he fears that Ajit will waste his money.

Hasmukh is also unhappy because Sonal depends too much on her sister Minal and the servants.

Although Hasmukh is always angry, he worries about his family and the future of his business.

He has many health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart problems.

Hasmukh also has a secret relationship with Kiran Jhaveri, a marketing executive in his company.

Kiran is married to an alcoholic and corrupt man who knows about her relationship with Hasmukh.

Hasmukh dies of a heart attack, but his presence continues through his spirit and his will.

After his death, the family learns about the Hasmukh Mehta Charitable Trust.

Kiran is made the trustee, and Hasmukh’s property, money and shares are given to the trust.

Ajit will get control of the family wealth only when he becomes forty-five, if he follows his father’s rules.

He must go to the office every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and cannot start new projects.

Kiran comes to live with the family, which makes Preeti, Ajit’s wife, uncomfortable.

Slowly, Kiran brings discipline to the family, and Ajit becomes more responsible.

Sonal becomes friendly with Kiran, while Preeti also learns to accept her authority.

The play shows how Hasmukh’s will and Kiran’s influence change the family, bringing discipline, responsibility and harmony.

The Forty Fortunes - A Tale of Iran - Lesson Summary

 

1. Ahmed is a poor man who lives in Isfahan and works with a pick and shovel.
2. His wife, Jamell, wants him to find a better way to earn money.
3. She asks him to become a fortune-teller, even though he knows nothing about fortune-telling.
4. Ahmed’s first customer loses a ring, and by chance, she finds it after hearing his words.
5. People begin to believe that Ahmed has special powers.
6. One day, forty boxes of gold are stolen from the King’s palace.
7. The King asks Ahmed to find the thieves within forty days.
8. Ahmed keeps a jar of 40 dates and eats one date each day to count the forty days.
9. The forty thieves secretly watch Ahmed, but they become afraid when he counts the dates and says, “One of the forty is gone.” “Two of the forty are gone.” “Three of the forty are gone.”
10. The thieves think Ahmed knows their secret, so they confess and return the stolen gold.
11. The King gives Ahmed a big reward, and Ahmed and Jamell live happily and comfortably.

Anxiety Monster by Rhona McFerran - Summary

The poem describes anxiety as a scary monster.

The anxiety monster follows the speaker everywhere and causes fear.

Anxiety fills the speaker with worry and self-doubt.

It takes away the speaker’s happiness and peace.

The speaker learns that many people experience anxiety.

Anxiety troubles the speaker both day and night.

The speaker decides to fight against anxiety.

She becomes stronger by understanding her fears.

Although anxiety goes away for a while, it comes back again.

The poem teaches us to face anxiety with courage and never give up.

3.1 - Leisure by W.H Davies – Summary

Leisure by William Henry Davies highlights the importance of taking time to enjoy nature

The poet criticizes the fast-paced modern lifestyle that leaves people with no time to appreciate beauty.

He asks what kind of life it is if we are always too busy to “stand and stare.”

People fail to admire the beauty of green trees, fields, and peaceful surroundings.

They also miss watching squirrels and other animals in their natural habitat.

The poet describes the sparkling streams whose waters shine like stars in daylight.

Beauty is personified as a graceful young woman dancing and smiling.

However, people are too occupied with their daily routines to notice her charm.

Davies reminds readers that nature has the power to refresh the mind and bring happiness.

He concludes that a life without time to enjoy nature is truly a poor life.

Permission Letter and Complaint Letter - Samples

PERMISSION LETTER 

Date: 23 July 2026

 

To

The Head of the Department

Department of English

DRBCCC Hindu College (Autonomous)

Pattabiram

 

Subject: Request for Permission to Attend a Family Function

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

 

I am [Student’s Name], a student of B.A. English, II Year, bearing Register No. [Register Number].

 

I kindly request you to grant me permission to be absent from classes on [Date] as I have to attend an important family function. I assure you that I will make up for the missed classes and complete all the assignments and academic work promptly.

 

I therefore request you to kindly grant me permission for the above-mentioned date.

 

Thanking you.

 

Yours obediently,

 

[Student’s Name]

Register No.: [Register Number]

II B.A. English

                                                 COMPLAINT LETTER 

Date: 23 July 2026

 

From

Anita R.

12, Gandhi Street

Chennai – 600 045

 

To

The Manager

ABC Electronics

Anna Nagar

Chennai – 600 040

 

Subject: Complaint Regarding a Defective Mixer Grinder

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

 

I purchased a mixer grinder from your showroom on 15 July 2026. Unfortunately, the appliance stopped working within a week of purchase despite being used according to the instructions provided.

 

As the product is still under warranty, I request you to replace the defective mixer grinder or repair it at the earliest. I have enclosed a copy of the purchase bill for your reference.

 

I hope you will look into this matter promptly and provide a suitable solution. I look forward to your positive response.

 

Thanking you.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Anita R.

Still, I Rise - Maya Angelou - Lesson Summary

                          

Still, I Rise is a powerful poem written by Maya Angelou.

The poem is about courage, confidence, and self-respect.

The poet says that people may spread lies about her, but she will rise again.

She refuses to feel weak, defeated, or ashamed.

Her confidence and happiness make her enemies uncomfortable.

She says that cruel words, hatred, and discrimination cannot destroy her spirit.

The poem remembers the painful history of slavery and racial oppression.

The poet rises above fear, suffering, and injustice with great strength.

She carries the dreams, hope, and courage of her ancestors into the future.

Through the repeated words “I rise,” Maya Angelou inspires everyone to face challenges with confidence and never give up.

Ulysses - Alfred Lord Tennyson - Lesson Summary

Ulysses feels there is no joy in staying at home.

He wants to continue travelling and exploring the world.

He has visited many lands and met many different people.

He also fought bravely in the Trojan War with his soldiers.

His travels have made him wise and experienced.

He believes life is meant for action, not idleness.

He chooses his son Telemachus to rule the kingdom.

Telemachus is responsible and will take care of the people.

Ulysses asks his old sailors to join him on one more voyage.

He encourages everyone to keep striving, seeking, finding, and never give up.

2.2 - Of Friendship - Francis Bacon - Lesson Summary

Francis Bacon’s essay “Of Friendship” explains the importance of true friendship.  

He says that human beings need friends in their lives. 

People who avoid friendship are more like beasts than humans.  

The first advantage of friendship is emotional support. 

A true friend comforts us when we are sad or troubled. 

Friendship relieves the burdens of the heart like medicine cures a disease.  

The second advantage is that friends help us solve problems.  

Talking to a good friend removes confusion and brings clarity of thought.  

The third benefit of friendship is practical support that a friend can give. 

A true friend helps us complete difficult or unfinished tasks that we cannot do alone.

2.1 - Telephone Conversation - Wole Soyinka - Summary

The poem was written by the Nigerian poet Wole Soyinka. 

The poem is about the poet’s search for a rented house in London. 

Its title comes from a telephone conversation with the landlady.  

The house was in a good location and had reasonable rent.  

The landlady did not live in the same building.  

The poet honestly told the landlady that he was from Africa. 

The landlady asked him about the colour of his skin.  

The poet was shocked and noticed the red bus, telephone booth, and post box around him.  

The landlady again asked whether he was dark or very light. 

The poet said that his passport described him as “West African Sepia.”  

He said that his face was brunette in colour.  

He said that his palms and the soles of his feet were peroxide blonde.  

He jokingly said that his bottom had become raven black because of sitting.  

He asked the landlady if she wanted to see his body colours herself.  

The poem discusses racism, identity, discrimination, anger, and hypocrisy.

Unit 1.4 - Wangari Maathai - Lesson Summary

Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmentalist and political activist.

She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

She delivered her Nobel Lecture on December 10, 2004.

She believed that people can solve many of the world’s problems.

She spoke about her childhood in rural Kenya.

She saw forests being destroyed because of deforestation.

She studied in Kenya, the United States, and Germany.

In 1977, she started the Green Belt Movement.

The movement encouraged people, especially women, to plant trees.

More than 30 million trees were planted through the Green Belt Movement.

These trees provided fuel, food, shelter, and income for many families.

Maathai said that protecting the environment is important for peace and development.

She called on all countries to work together to protect nature.

She ended her speech by speaking about the Wangari Maathai Foundation.

Her life teaches us that small actions can create big changes.

1.3 - Listening by Robin Sharma - Summary

Robin Sharma is one of the top five masters in personality development and self-help. 

Listening can create Empathy in a human being.

Listening makes people feel special, valued and respected.

Listening is essential for effective communication

Brilliant performers are always brilliant listeners

Apart from the words spoken, we should listen to emotions

Robin Sharma wants us to listen actively. 

Robin Sharma recommends deliberate practice to improve listening skills. 

Listening is essential for developing organisations and their employees.

Listening helps in gathering valuable and vital data or information to make decisions.

The Gift of the Magi - O Henry - Summary

It is Christmas Eve, and Jim and Della are a poor married couple living in New York.

They live in a small, modestly furnished flat.

Della has only one dollar and eighty-seven cents to buy a Christmas gift for Jim.

She feels sad because she cannot afford an expensive present.

Jim’s most valuable possession is his gold watch, which belonged to his father and grandfather.

Della’s greatest treasure is her long, beautiful hair.

She sells her hair for twenty dollars to buy a gift for Jim.

Della buys a platinum fob chain for Jim’s gold watch.

When Jim returns home, he is surprised to see Della’s short hair.

Della explains that she sold her hair to buy his Christmas gift.

Jim lovingly hugs Della and gives her a gift.

He has bought her a pair of beautiful jeweled tortoise shell combs.

The combs cannot be used because Della no longer has her long hair.

Jim has sold his gold watch to buy the combs, so Della’s chain is also useless.

The story shows that true love is expressed through selfless sacrifice rather than expensive gifts.

In a Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa - Unit 1.1

                                              

“In a Grove” is a Japanese short story by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa about the murder of a samurai named Kanazawa Takehiro.  The story is  told  different points of views or perspectives. 

 

Woodcutter: He found the body of the samurai in the grove, alongside a comb and some pieces of rope. 

Buddhist Priest: He saw Takehiro traveling with a woman on the road earlier in the day. 

Policeman: He reports capturing a notorious bandit named Tajōmaru, who was found with a horse and weapons. 

Old Woman: She is the mother of the woman, Masago, and confirms the identities of the victim and the bandit. 

Tajōmaru (Bandit): He confesses to killing Takehiro after raping Masago. He claims Masago wanted to leave with him and that Takehiro died honourably in a duel. 

Masago (Wife): She confesses to killing her husband herself, saying she felt ashamed after being violated and begged Takehiro to kill her. When he responded with coldness, she lost control and killed him. 

Takehiro (Samurai, through a medium): Speaking through a medium, Takehiro claims he killed himself. After Tajōmaru’s attack, Masago asked both men to decide her fate, but when Tajōmaru abandoned her, she ran away. In despair, Takehiro took his own life with Masago’s dagger.