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BLOCK 1

BEAUTY IS TRUTH
1.The blind Belgian tourist and the narrator in Lifting the Veil had seen a dance
show in a hotel. One week later, the narrator decided to write a letter of thanks to
the blind man. Write the letter for him in about 80 words.
House No.5
ABC Street
Bangkok
6 June 2000
Dear Mr. Kevin,
I am David. Hope you remember me. We met in a restaurant in Northern
Thailand during a dance show. You wanted me to describe something of what I saw
there. I gladly did so and while parting you hugged me to express your gratitude.
In fact, it was I who should have thanked you. For you opened my eyes to
the beauties around me. You lifted the veil over my eyes and taught me how to observe
things. I was only a casual viewer of things before I met you. It was I who was blind not
you. You brought about a magical change in my observing things. I began to see the
colours, patterns and designs of local costumes. You helped me to enjoy the charm in
people- the musicians, the tourists and the dancers.
I dont know how to express my thanks to you. Let me borrow your own
words, I can never thank you enough.
Yours lovingly,
David Lambourne
2.Suppose the narrator of Lifting the Veil makes a diary entry after parting with
the blind tourist. What would he write?
Diary
Monday 8 July, 2012
A magic had been done to me today by a blind Belgian tourist. I was
watching a show in a Thai restaurant with a Chinese business man. There I happened to
meet a blind Belgian tourist who was skilled in sightless tourism. His request to describe
a little of what I saw there began to work wonders in me. I started to observe things
closely, something that I had not done before. The blind tourist helped to lift the veil over
my eyes. The beauties of the world opened up one by one before me. I discovered new
colours, new patterns, new designs and costumes. I could enjoy the charm in the people
around me. I saw the musicians, the tourists and the dancers in a different perspective.
The blind man helped me to look at things with a sense of beauty and marvel. But how
ungrateful I am. I forgot to thank him. I should write a letter of thanks to him.

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

3. On the Annual Day of his company, the narrator in Lifting the Veil delivers a
speech referring to his experience with the blind Belgian tourist. Prepare the speech
for him.
Respected Chairman, distinguished guests and my dear friends,
On this Annual Day celebration I would like to share with you a wonderful
experience I had this year. One day our chairman asked me to accompany a Chinese
tourist to different places in Northern Thailand. I felt irritated because I had a lot of work
to finish. Moreover, touring had always been a boring experience to me. So I reluctantly
accompanied the Chinese tourist.
After visiting some of the usual tourist centers, we went to a restaurant for
dinner and a show. I was not at all interested in the show as I had seen it several times
before. But watching the show on that day turned out to be an unforgettable experience in
my life thanks to a blind Belgian tourist. He was sitting beside me to watch the show. He
was a master in sightless tourism. He asked me if I could describe the things going on
there. I agreed. Then a magic began to work in me.
I had to observe things carefully to give him an exact picture of the show. Then
I described the musicians, their dress and their instruments. I described the tourist
assembled there and the dancing girls, their dress and their graceful movements. The
blind man was thrilled with my descriptions. He enjoyed everything and on parting he
hugged me to express his gratitude.
I will never forget that day I spent with the blind Belgian tourist. He made me
see all those things I had failed to see before. I realized that there was a veil before my
eyes. The blind Belgian tourist had done a magic to me by lifting the veil over my eyes.
He taught me to observe things carefully. Now I can enjoy the beauty and charm of the
things around me. It was a unique experience. I take this opportunity to thank our beloved
chairman and my friend the honoured Belgian tourist for having lead me to the world of
truth and beauty.
4.Write the character sketch of the narrator in Lifting the Veil.
The narrator in Lifting the Veil is a company clerk in Bangkok. He is hard
working. He works seven days a week. Still he had a huge backlog of works. He becomes
angry when his chairman asks him to accompany a Chinese business man to tourist
centres. He reluctantly obeys the order. Touring seems to be a boring affair for him. He
does not like the tourists over loaded with cameras and souvenirs. He calls them a
collection of ogling humanity. But his association with the blind Belgian tourist makes
him a changed man. He turns out to be kind, patient and ready to help people. He takes
pain to describe everything for the blind tourist. He has a good ability in describing things
and people. The blind man made the narrator realize his own blindness. The busy modern
life had put a veil over the narrators eyes. The blind man lifted the veil and lead the
narrator to the world of beauty and charm.

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

5. The blind Belgian tourist wrote a letter to the narrator of Lifting the Veil two
weeks after the trip. Draft the letter the blind man might have written?
House No.3
XYZ Street
Brussels
Belgium
4 June,2000
Dear Mr. David,
I am your friend the blind tourist from Belgium. Hope you havent forgotten
me. How is life in Bangkok? Are you in good spirits? I write this letter to thank you once
again for the troubles you had taken to see everything for me there.
My visit to Northern Thailand was a thrilling experience thanks to your help.
Had it not been for you I would not have enjoyed the marvelous show. I could see the
musicians, their dresses and their instruments through your eyes. Your vivid description
enabled me to enjoy the charm of their music. The images of the tourists and the profiles
of the Japanese woman and the Scandinavian boy are still vivid in my mind.
What I enjoyed most there was the dance show. The dancers, their dresses,
their graceful movements and their golden fingernails all have made a lasting impression
on my mind. It was really kind of you to have made arrangements for me to feel their
fingernails.
David, you made my visit the most delightful one. Thank you so much for
the patience you have shown and the pains you have taken to see everything for me. If
ever you happen to visit my country, remember you have a friend here. Wish to see you
again.
With loving regards.
Kevin
6.The blind Belgian tourist and the narrator were waiting to see the dance
programme. They heard an announcement of the dance show. Prepare the script of
the announcement in about 40 words.
Good evening ladies and gentle men,
You are going to watch a wonderful dance show in a few minutes time. Six
cute Thai girls will perform the Thai classical dance for you. I assure you that the show
will hold you spell bound and take you to a new world of enjoyment. I invite all of you to
watch the show and to have an enjoyable time. Do stay for the show. Thank you.
7. The narrator in Lifting the Veil comes across a notice of the dance show to be
performed in the restaurant. How would it be? Draft the notice.
NOTICE
SEA VIEW RESTAURANT
DANCE SHOW
A Thai classical dance show is arranged for the visitors. It is on 6 July 2013 at 7 p.m.
in the dinning hall of the restaurant. Famous Thai classical dancers will perform. Miss not
the opportunity. It is free and all are welcome to watch and enjoy the marvelous show.
Bangkok
01-07-2013

The Manager
Sea View Restaurant
Thailand

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

8. Imagine that you interview the blind Belgian tourist after his return from the visit
to Northern Thailand. Write four questions you would ask him and the possible
response he might give.
Interview
I:
Good morning sir, You are back from your trip to Thailand. Can I ask you a
few questions about your sightless tourism?
Tourist: Of course, with great pleasure.
I:
What were some of the places that you visited?
Tourist: Attractions like museums, heritage sites, the people and the flora and fauna of
Thailand.
I:
How could you enjoy all these without eyesight?
Tourist: I have mastered the skills of sightless tourism. The other four senses create
pictures in my mind.
I:
That is wonderful. What was the most enjoyable experience of your trip?
Tourist: Watching a dance show in a restaurant.
I:
How can a blind man enjoy a dance show?
Tourist: I met a man named David in the restaurant. He saw everything for me and
described them to me.
I:
That was very nice of him.Thank you so much for sharing the experience of
your sightless tourism.
Tourist: Welcome.
9. The narrator in Lifting the Veil gives some instructions to the blind man as how
to reach the dining hall. Write five instuctions.
First you walk straight for 10 metres from the main entrance to reach the lobby. Then
move along the left wall for about 20 feet. Turn left to enter a corridor and walk 5 metres
ahead. You reach an open space. Listen to the music from the dining hall and walk
towards its direction. Push open the door to enter the dining hall.
10. Dr.Watson writes a diary on the day the sergeant of marines visited Sherlock
Holms. Write the diary for him.
Diary.
Monday 5 July,2000
Today my companion Sherlock Holmes once again dazzled me with his
power of keen observation and analysis. We noticed a man walking along the street
looking anxiously at the house numbers. Seeing the envelop in his hand I took him to be a
messenger. But Holmes identified him as a retired sergeant of Marines. At first I thought
my friend was boasting of his skill as a detective. Soon the man came into our room and I
got an opportunity to take the conceit out of Holmes. But on questioning him I found that
Holmes was absolutely correct in his guess about the man. I couldnt but simply admire
his powers of analysis. The incident increased my respect towards him wondrously. It
was the anchor tattooed on the fellows hand and his military carriage that enabled
Holmes to judge him correctly. I need to improve my observation skill.

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

11. Write a review of the poem The Lake Isle Of Innisfree.


W.B. Yeats is an Irish poet whose poems are famous for their musical
quality. The Lake Isle of Innisfree is one of his great poems. Through this poem Yeats
immortalized the island of Innisfree as a paradise of peace, tranquility and natural beauty.
The poet is caught in the clutches of mad city life. The city life has become
unbearable to him. So he wishes to retire to the island of Innisfree in search of calm and
peace. He will arise and go to Innisfree never to return. Standing on the street he dreams
of the quiet, peaceful, self-sufficient and lonely life that he can lead in Innisfree.
On arriving there, he will build a small cabin, made of clay and wattles. The
problem of housing is thus addressed. For his food he will cultivate beans. And he will
place a bee hive some where on the island and collect enough honey. Thus he will lead a
satisfied and self sufficient life there. Listening to the humming of bees he will lie alone
in that bee-loud glade. In Innisfree, finally the poet will be able to get a little peace.
To the poet peace is something that slowly comes down from Heaven just like
the dew that falls on the ground. That peace permeates into everything and stays there
throughout day and night. It is visible in the glimmer of midnight, in the purple glow of
noon and in the linnet wings of evenings. Standing on the road ways and walking the
footpaths he still hears the lake water resounding deep in his heart. He feels an inner urge
to arise and go to Innisfree.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree is a lyrical poem of exquisite beauty. It is written in
iambic hexameter and has a pastoral tune. The three stanzas has the same ABAB rhyme
scheme. The language used is simple. The simple imagery of quiet life takes the reader
into a peaceful and beautiful dream land.
12.Read the following poem and write a brief review of the poem in about 120 words
comparing and contrasting it with The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W.B.Yeats.
Leisure
What is life if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see when woods we pass
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass
No time to see, in broad day light,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beautys glance
We have no time to stand and stare.
Leisure is a poem with a lyrical quality. It deals with a very serious issue that we all
face today. We lead a very busy life. It is full of worries and cares. We are entangled by
the hectic activities of life. So we cannot enjoy life. We have no time to stop and observe
the beauty around us. We pass the woods and streams without enjoying the beauty
provided by them. The poet says that we have to stop our mad rush to see the beauty
around us and to marvel at them. The poet has used a very simple language to express his
views.

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

W.B.Yeats expresses a similar sentiment in his poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree. He
is fed up with the busy city life. He thinks of going to the island of Innisfree to enjoy the
peace and tranquility provided by nature. He wants to live in a small cabin there enjoying
the singing of birds and the humming of bees. The poet takes the reader to a distant and
dreamy land.
Both these poems reveal the intense passions of the poets for the beauties of nature
and their dislike towards the busy modern life which is very boring.
13.Imagine that W.B. Yeats makes another visit to the lake island of Innisfree
recently.What changes are likely to come across on that beautiful island? Answer in
about 60 words.
I had visited Innisfree 20 years ago. Then it was a land of peace, beauty and
tranquility. But now it is an entirely different land. Everything has changed since my last
visit. The lake itself has almost dried up due to sand mining. Innisfree is a busy tourist
centre now. Most of the trees are cut down and multi-storeyed buidings have come up in
their place. No humming of bees and songs of birds are heard there now. Instead the
horns of vehicles ring continuously there. The entire island is strewn with plastics and
garbage wastes. The lake is polluted and no fish live in it. The lake is going to be
transformed into a water theme park. Innisfree is now no different from a city with its din
and bustle.
14.Imagine that W.B.Yeats visited the island of Innisfree. If he wrote a diary on that
day how would it be? Write the diary.
Diary
Monday 6 July 1898
Finally I retired to my dream world, the Lake Island of Innisfree. There I built a
small cabin of clay and sticks to live in. Planted some beans and placed a bee hive in the
glade. The din and bustle and the hectic activities of city life is away. Enjoyed the peace,
beauty and tranquility of Mother Nature lying on her lap. Humming of bees and singing
of birds could be heard all around. The misty morning, the purple noon and the
glimmering night make the island a paradise. I could hear the lake water lapping gently
over the shore throughout day and night. I will live here alone enjoying the peace, never
to return.
15.Write a review of the essay The Reason by E.V.Lucas.
Edward Verral Lucas is a world famous essayist. His essays are highly imaginative,
witty and personal. The Reason is a different essay written by him. This is not a correct
essay. It is almost like a short story.
One afternoon the author goes for hunting rabbits. But he gets disappointed as he
could not find a single rabbit. That night he was having a vision in which he saw an
English rabbit who explained the reason for his failure. The rabbit tells that the other
animals helped them to escape. The swallows, the black birds and the flies informed the
rabbits about the arrival of a man with a gun. Even his own cow cheated him by joining
sides with the rabbits.
Actually the conversation with rabbit is a dream where the author himself finds the
reason for his failure. The essay is in a story telling style. It points out a common thing

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

that animals treat man as their enemy. It also says about the trade union and unity
between the animals. Dogs are the only exception for this.
Really the theme of the essay is serious and important. This essay proves that the
writer is a keen observer of life. The essay also reminds us to be kind towards animals
and to protect them. This is simple essay with a simple language but with a huge
message.
16. Four feet are thicker than two. Write a brief comment on the statement against
the background of the essay The Reason by E.V.Lucas.
The statement four feet are thicker than two indicates the relationships that exist
among animals and human beings. Four feet stand for animals and two feet suggest
man. By this statement E.V. Lucas means that animals have stronger relationship
compared to human beings. Animals always unite for a common cause. They kill other
animals only for food. But man kills man for no reasons. Animals do not cheat each
other. They are not as selfish as human beings. Their trade union is for survival. The
author expresses his concern about human trade unions. The saying four feet are stronger
than two reveals the lack of understanding, love, unity and respect among human beings
in general. Animals have greater unity.
17. The hunter in The Reason fails to hunt even a single rabbit one after noon.
Think he writes his diary on the night of his failed hunting adventure.
Tuesday 4 March 1968
Went for hunting in the after noon. A day of failure. Had no luck today. Couldnt see
even a single rabbit. Where had they gone? Probably they noticed my coming and
scooted. How could it be? I didnt make any noise. Somebody must have informed them
of my stealthy movement. There were swallows chirping and black birds screaming.
Many flies tried to obstruct me. My cow is not likely to cheat me. Then who? I have to
find out.
18. E.V. Lucas could not even shoot a small rabbit because other animals and birds
helped them. In a meeting of animals and birds that evening the rabbit makes a
speech expressing his thanks and also about the threat that animals face from
human beings. Prepare the speech.
Dear animal friends and bird friends,
We have assembled here this evening to protest against the violence done to us by
human beings. With your help we the rabbits had a narrow escape from a hunter this after
noon. So first of all let me express our heartfelt thanks to all of you.
The greatest threat that the animal kingdom face today is from the human beings.
They kill us for their sport. It is really cruel of them to do so. They destroy our habitats
too. Friends we should fight against this injustice. We are also heirs to the earth and we
too have the right live here peacefully.
Man is our common enemy. If we stand united we can stop the human aggression
on us. You have proved it this afternoon. We must let them know that four feet are
stronger than two. We must be very careful and vigilant against them. Let us help each
other to save ourselves and stand united against our common enemy. Thanking you all
once again I conclude my speech.

Prepared by: Jose P.J. HSST English A.J.John Memorial H.S.S.Chathangottunada

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