Unit- 1. Critical Thinking | NEB Grade XII Compulsory English Note | Language Development

 

Unit - 1.        Critical Thinking

Know Thyself

 

ABOUT THE PASSAGE

The speaker is confidence-less guy due to his physical appearance since some students tease him at school. But he is a very smart guy, a funny kid named Jack becomes friends with him. The speaker starts feeling a little comfortable at school with Jack. Mr. Browne, the teacher explains to the class the semester's plan about the precepts, which are rules regarding things that are important, and the rules are handed out to the class. Mr. Browne has laid out his precepts and the students will debate and write about them each month. Students are surprised that individuals really engage in such noble acts. Remembering this class and incident, the speaker realizes that school was not really bad for him.

 

 

 

Exercise 

Working with words 

 

A. Find the words from the text that match with the following meanings. 

 a. Shuffling    : walking by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully from the ground 

b. Doodling     : drawing pictures or patterns while thinking about something else 

c. Plaque          : a piece of flat metal with writing on it 

d. Percept        : a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought 

e. Sneak           : move or go in a furtive or stealthy way 

B. Consult your teacher and define the following thinking skills. 

a. convergent thinking

Convergent thinking is the process of finding a single best solution to a problem that you are trying to solve. Many tests that are used in schools, such as multiple choice tests, spelling tests, math quizzes, and standardized tests, are measures of convergent thinking. 

b. divergent thinking 

 

Divergent thinking in psychology is a way to resolve problems that involves considering multiple possible solutions.

c. critical thinking 

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.

 

d. creative thinking 

Creative thinking is the ability to consider something in a new way. Creative thinking means thinking outside the box. 

 

 

Comprehension 

 Answer the following questions. 

a. Who was Jack? How did he make children laugh? 

Jack was a sociable and kind-hearted kid who made laugh children by cracking jokes.

b. Why are “Sharks” important to Reid? 

Sharks are important to Reid due to keeping ocean clean by eating dead creatures.

c. What does Mr. Browne think about the most important thing? 

Mr. Browne thinks that the most important thing is to know thyself.

d. What is that has not been noticed by the student? 

"The quotation 'Know Thyself' has not been noticed by any students.

e. How did Jack make fun of the English class? 

Jack made fun of the English class by answering mischievously the teacher's serious question of "Why are you here?"

f. What were the students going to do at the end of the month? 

Students were going to submit the essay on the basis of their own precepts that the teacher writes as 'Mr. Browne's Precepts'.

g. What particular act of students surprised a girl student? 

Students' writing their own precept on a postcard, and mail it to Mr. Browne after their graduation, this thing surprised the girl student.

 

  

 

 

Critical thinking 

a. Have you made your own precept after you read this lesson? What is it? Share it with your friends. 

"In every adversity lies an opportunity for growth and resilience."

 

This precept has been the guiding light of my life, reminding me to view challenges as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Throughout my journey, I have encountered various trials and tribulations, but I firmly believe that within each difficult situation, there exists a chance for personal development and strength.

 

This precept encourages me to embrace difficulties with a positive and proactive mindset. Instead of succumbing to despair when faced with obstacles, I seek to understand the lessons they offer. Adversity has taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. Each setback becomes an opportunity to reassess my approach, learn from mistakes, and forge ahead with renewed determination.

 

This principle also inspires me to maintain optimism and hope during trying times. By recognizing that every challenge carries seeds of growth, I find solace even in the darkest moments. I remind myself that difficulties are temporary and that the pursuit of personal growth can transform them into catalysts for positive change.

 

Throughout my life, this precept has played a pivotal role in shaping my resilience. It has allowed me to approach life's uncertainties with courage and grace. Rather than fearing failure, I embrace it as a necessary part of the learning process. This mindset has fueled my pursuit of knowledge and personal development, allowing me to explore uncharted territories and realize my potential.

 

In sharing this precept with others, I hope to inspire them to confront challenges with optimism and tenacity. Life may not always follow a smooth path, but by adopting this philosophy, we can navigate the bumps with resilience and determination. I encourage others to see every difficulty as a hidden opportunity for growth and self-improvement. In doing so, we unlock our true potential and become architects of our destiny.

 

 

b. According to Josh Lanyon, “If there was one life skill everyone on the planet needed, it was the ability to think with critical objectivity.” Justify this statement with your logic.

The ability to think with critical objectivity is indeed a crucial life skill that is universally valuable for every individual on the planet. Critical objectivity refers to the capacity to analyze information, ideas, and situations objectively, without being influenced by personal biases, emotions, or external pressures. Justifying this statement requires an understanding of the key reasons why critical objectivity is essential for personal and societal development.

 

Critical objectivity enables individuals to make well-informed and rational decisions. By considering evidence, examining various perspectives, and evaluating potential consequences, people can make choices that are more likely to lead to positive outcomes and avoid hasty or emotionally driven decisions. When faced with challenges, critical objectivity helps people approach problem-solving systematically. They can break down complex issues, identify underlying causes, and develop effective strategies to address them, fostering innovation and progress.

 

In the digital age, we are bombarded with vast amounts of information daily. Critical objectivity allows individuals to discern reliable sources from misinformation and to question and verify information before accepting it as true. Embracing critical objectivity encourages open-mindedness and tolerance towards differing viewpoints. It promotes healthy debates and discussions, leading to intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

 

By cultivating critical objectivity, individuals become less susceptible to manipulation and propaganda. They can form their opinions based on logical reasoning and evidence rather than being swayed by emotional appeals or societal pressures. Critical objectivity enhances communication skills as people learn to present their ideas and arguments coherently and persuasively. It also promotes active listening and constructive dialogue, leading to better interpersonal relationships.

 

A population that can think critically and objectively is better equipped to participate responsibly in democratic processes. Informed citizens are essential for a functioning democracy, as they can assess political agendas and make informed choices during elections. Critical objectivity prepares individuals to adapt to the ever-changing world. In a rapidly evolving society, the ability to critically analyze new information and embrace innovation becomes essential for personal and professional growth.

 

In conclusion, critical objectivity is a foundational life skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, solve problems effectively, and navigate the complexities of the world with intellectual independence. It is not limited to any particular profession, age group, or culture; rather, it is universally relevant and indispensable for personal growth, societal progress, and global harmony. The cultivation of critical objectivity lays the groundwork for a more enlightened, equitable, and resilient world.

 

 

Writing

Write an email to your friend explaining an interesting class you had.

 

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

 

Subject: An Engaging Class Experience!

 

Dear dhurba,

I hope this email finds you well and in good spirits! I couldn't wait to share the excitement of my last English class with you – it was nothing short of incredible!

 

Our English teacher, Mrs. Johnson, always manages to make literature come alive, but this time, she outdid herself. The topic of the day was Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," a play that I thought I knew inside out. However, Mrs. Johnson had a surprise in store for us.

 

She had arranged a unique interactive session that transported us back to the 16th century, the era when the play was written. We were each assigned a character, and the classroom was transformed into the streets of Verona. I became Juliet, and my best friend Mark was Romeo – you can imagine the hilarity of our roles!

 

We engaged in a mock dialogue, capturing the essence of the characters' emotions and language. Mrs. Johnson's encouragement and guidance made us immerse ourselves fully into the personas, which resulted in an intense and passionate exchange of lines between the "star-crossed lovers." It was like living the play, experiencing the tragedy and romance firsthand.

 

The interactive experience not only made the story memorable but also deepened our understanding of the characters and their motivations. We discussed the societal norms, customs, and the complexities of Shakespearean language, all while staying in character. It was both intellectually stimulating and incredibly fun!

 

I must say, I have never seen my classmates so engaged and enthusiastic during an English class. We were laughing, crying, and truly feeling connected to the literary masterpiece. It was an unforgettable experience, and we all left the class feeling inspired and eager to explore more of Shakespeare's works.

 

I can't wait for you to join us in our next English class and share this exciting learning journey with you. Trust me, it's an experience you wouldn't want to miss!

 

Looking forward to catching up soon!

 

Warm regards,

Renu

 

Extra Question 

1. Read the POEM and answer the questions.                      [15]

 

 

Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,

Who never to himself hath said,

         

“This is my own, my native land!”

Whose heart hath never within him buried?

As home his foot steps he hath turn’d.

From wandering on a foreign strand!

 

If such there breathe, go mark him well;

For him no minstrel raptures swell,

High though his title, proud his name 

Boundless his wealth as wish can claim,

Despite those titles, power and pelf.

         

The wretch concentrated all in self.

Living, shall forfeit fair renown,

And doubly dying shall go down,

To the vile dust from where he sprung,

Unwept, unhonour’d and unsung.

                   Sir Walter Scott

 

1. Answer the following questions:

a)     Do you agree to what the poet has expressed in the poem?

b)    Do you know any patriotic person of your country?

c)     Is the patriotic person generous or selfish? Why?

d)    What does the poet suggest us to do?

e)     What does the word ‘patriotism’ refer to?

f)      What happens about the social status of a man if he is not patriotic?

g)     What is the central idea or theme of this poem?

h)    What is the far better than heaven?

i)       What is the man called who has no love for his native land?

j)       When is the man’s title useless?

k)    Who concentrates all in self?

l)       Who dies twice?

m)  Who does the poet want to mark well?

n)    Who has composed this poem?

o)    Who is a patriotic person?

p)    Who is called a dead man?

q)    Who lives with dead soul?

r)      Who loses the honour in this poem?

s)      Why has the poet called “This is my own, my native land”?

 

2. Find out the similar words from the above poem of the following words or phrases.

a)        alien country

b)       birth place   

c)        demand

d)       expand

e)        extreme joy and happiness

f)         fame/famous

g)        fine

h)       increase in volume          

i)          lives                      

j)          love of one’s own country

k)       miserable person

l)          moved around

m)     not at all

n)       riches                              

o)       roaming                

p)       social status

q)       to lose

r)         traveling singer

s)         twice as

t)          unlimited

u)       useless dirt

 

3. Find the words or phrases in the poem that are opposite to the following words:

a)           alive

b)          always

c)           best

d)          disloyalty

e)           excavated/dig out

f)            foreign

g)           fortunate

h)          gain

i)             good

j)             here

k)          humble (modest)

l)             limited

m)        low

n)          native

o)          notorious

p)          sad

q)          shrink

 

4. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false for the following statements:

a)           Everyman should be patriotic for the welfare of the nation.

b)          In the above poem, the poet expresses his feelings on patriotic people.

c)           No one should come back to the native land after once gone.

d)          Patriotic people always hesitate to expose their total lives for the nation.

e)           Patriotic people are not conscious for the nation.

f)            Patriotic people are true lover and defender of nation.

g)           Persons with high fame, wealth and power never die even they are not patriotic.

h)          The patriotic person is alive for ever.

 

word	अर्थ	Similar meaning
action	कर्म, कार्य	act , operation, perform, performance, work, deed, job, do
appetite	भोक	passion , craving, desire for food, hunger, need of food
awake	ब्यँुझनु	wake up, get up, up, conscious, wakeful, aware, alert,
bare	खाली, नाङगो	empty, vacant, uncover, open, exposed, undressed, blank
barred	छेकिएको	surrounded by bars, confined, fastened
bar	अवरोध	rails, rods, gate, cage, saloon, block, slab, obstruct, barrier
beeches	रुखको नाम	a kind of tree
bells	घण्टीहरु	alarms, chimes, carillon, glock3enspiel, doorbell ,
bend	झुक्नु	fold, curved, angular, bow, lean, lower
betumble	झर्नु, खस्नु, हल्लाउनु	shake gently, fall, drop  on
bills	गाँउछ	sings, chants, makes nest
blowing	बहि रहेको	flowing, moving
blunt	भुत्ते	not sharp or pointed, lack of sharpness
boundless	असिमित	limitless, unlimited
breath	श्वास फेर्नु	inhale, gulp of air, gasp, breathing
breathes	जीवन	lives, inhale
broken up	टुक्रिएको	separated, segmented, divided, disconnected
buck	भाले मृग, हरिण	male deer or rabbit
buried	गाडेको	put under ground, in a grave,
by	नजिक	near, close, adjacent, contagious
chestnut	कटुस	a kind of tree
citizens	नागरिकहरु	people,
claim	दावि	demand, state, declare, ask for, call for, petition
claws	नङग्राहरु	paws,
concentrated	थुपार्नु	centerlized, collected
cuckoo	कोइली	a kind of black bird
dare	हिम्मत गर्नु	venture, adventure, brave
dark	अध्यारो	absence of light, black, gloomy
dead	मृत	expired, lifeless, deceased, passed away
dead habit	थोत्रा परम्परा	old useless tradition,
deed	कार्य	act, action, performance
demestic walls	घरेलु पर्खाल	narrow thought, boarder, division
depth	गहिराइ	bottom, deepness
desert	मरभूमी	sandy, barren and dry land, sterile field
despite	तापनि	in spite of, though, even though
domestic	घरायसी	household
doubly dying	दुइ पटक मर्नु	die twice
downy	नरम	smooth, delicate, soft, tender, mild
dream	सपना देख्नु	fantasy
dream of south and west	भ्रमणको योजना	tour's plan,
dreary	निरस,	gloomy, dull, making sad, boring, distressed, sad
drip	चुहिनु	fall drops, leaks, fall down
dun	खैरो तथा कालो रङ	dull brownish grey colour
dusk	साँझ	twilight, evening
easy meat	पस्केको मासु	served meat
ends	समाप्त हुन्छ	finishes, extreme limit,
ever-widening	सदा पैmलिरहने	stretching, make bigger, extend, elongate, enlarge, broaden
exile	देश निकाला	banishment, away from home
fair	स्वच्छ	clear, frank, puare, honest, good, fine, impartial
farmer	किसान	peasant, planter, cultivator, grower
farmhouse	फाम हाउस	house in the farm, cottage, manor, igloo,
father	ईश्वर	god, almighty
fear	डर, त्रास, भय	painful feeling, fright, terror, afraid
fear	डर	afraid, terrify, afraid, scare
fill up	ढाक्नु	cover, over spread, overlay, conceal
flake	टुक्रा	pieces, crumble, chi, blister, come off, peel, fleck, sliver
foot steps	पाइलाहरु	paces, tempo, strides, treads, movements, walks, marches
foreign strand	विदेशी भूमि	alien country, overseas country
forfeit	गुमाउनु	lose, miss, surrender, give up, loss
fragments	टुक्राहरु	pieces, arts, broken off
freedom	स्वतन्त्रता	liberty, slaveless
frozen	हिउ जमेको	ice covered, cold, icy, iced up, freezing
full of	अघाएको	filled fully
gate bars	ढोकाको बार	enclosure of bars
gazelle	मृग, हरिण	antelope, deer
hang	झुण्डिनु	suspend
harmony	सहिष्णुता	tolerance, endurance, agreement, being together, live together
harness	करेली	saddle, reins, leather straps for an animal
hath	सँग छ	has, have
heaven	स्वर्ग	home of god, the abode of god, place of bliss, paradise, eaden
held	राख्नु	kept, raised
history	इतिहास	the stories of time
homewards	घर तर्पm	towards home
inn	विश्राम स्थल	the travelers rest
knowledge	ज्ञान	understanding, learning, intellectual power, knowing something
know-nothing	अज्ञानी	illiterate, uneducated, ignorant
lake	ताल	pond, reservoir, pool
learn	सिक्नु	gain knowledge,
led forward	अगाडी तर्फ	guide, directed towards front
magic	जादु	sorcery, witchcraft, charm
maids	केटीहरु	girls, damsels, lass, unmarried female
mark well	सम्मान गर्नु	respect, esteem, admire, reverence, appreciate, regard,
mathematics	गणित	the science of number
meadow	चौर, खेत	grassland, moor, lawn, lea, field
miles	माइलहरु	measuring length
minstrel	गाइने, कवि	travelling singer, poet
mistake	गल्ति	fault, wrong, flaw, foul, error
mock	जिस्काउनु	laugh at, ridicule, tease, make fun
mudless	हिलो रहित	without any mud, having no mud
music	संगीत	tune, melody, pleasant sound,
narrow	साँगुरो	small, limited, not wide
native land	जन्म भूमी	birth place
nestlings	चराको बच्चाहरु	baby birds,
no longer	अब नहुने	no more
only	मात्रै	merely, solely, alone, lonely
pace	चाल	step, stride, speed
patriotism	देशभक्ती	love for country
pelf	सम्पती	riches, wealth, property
perfection	पूर्णता	completeness, faultlessness, absence of faults
plotting	षडयन्त्र गर्दै	conspiring, planning secretly
ply	काम गर्नु	supply with food, after a service, work
poetry	कविता	the secrets of rhyme, verse, literature
pool	ताल	pond, lake, reservoir
power	शक्ति	domination, influence, authority, might, strength
promise	वाचा गर्नु	give word, vow,
proud	गर्व	pride, dignity, glorious, dignified
queer	अनौठो	strange, unexpected, odd, peculiar, unique
racial	जातिय	castism, related with caste, creed
rainbow	इन्द्रधनुष	seven colours spectrum
raptures	परमानन्द	extreme joy and happiness, bliss
reason	कारण	causes, argument
relationship	सम्बन्ध	connection, links, kinship
renown	प्रतिष्ठा	fame, popularity, reputation, prestige, honour, respect
return	फर्कनु	go back, come back
rhyme	अन्त्यानुप्रास, लय	verse, sameness of sound
rooks	कालो चरा	a kind of birds
row	पङक्ति, लाइन	line, queue
sad song	दुःखको गीत	sorrowful song, melancholy strain
scent	बासना	pleasant smell, fragrance, smell
science	विज्ञान	a kind of subject
secret	गोप्य	mystery, unknown,
seed	वीऊ	stone of fruits,
self	स्वयंम	ownself, oneself
shade	छाँया	shadow,
shake	हल्लाउनु	movement, betumble , jolt
shower	झरी, सिमसिम पानी	rain, light rain
shuns	घृणा गर्छ	avoids, dislikes, hates, keeps away
smell	सुँध्नु	scent, perceive scent
sniffing	सुँध्दै	drawing air to smell
snow	हिउ	heap of ice
snowy	हिउ परेको	covered with snow
sorts	प्रकार	kinds, types
soul	आत्मा	spirit, non-material
sow	रोप्नु, छर्नु	plant, scatter, disperse, spread seeds on the fields
sprig muslin dressed	मखमलि कपडा	fine clothes
spring	बसन्त ऋतु	season, growing season
sprung	सृजित भएको	arisen, come, appeared, jumped, skipped
stone tree	ढुङगे रुख	artificial trees
stopping	रोकिदै	halting, pausing,
strand	भूमी	land, edge, lawn, lea
stream	खहरे खोला	flow, small river, rivulet
stretches	फैलाँउछ	makes wider, expands, extends
striped	धर्के	lines, marked with lines
striving	प्रयास	making great effort, struggling, working hard
such	यस्तो	like, as,
suggest	सल्लाह	advice, indicate,
summer	गृष्म ऋतु	season, rainy season
sweep	हावाको प्रवाह	blowing of wind,  continuous motion
thee	तिमी	you, thy
thought	विचार	consideration, idea, feeling
thresh	अन्न झार्नु	separate grain, harvest
throb	उर्लिन्छ	beat, rise up, tremble , shudder
throe	तिव्र वेदना	serious pain
tides	ज्वारभाटाहरु	regular rise and fall of water,
tireless	थकाइ नलाग्ने	constant, dull, untiring,
tradition	परम्परा	custom, ritual,
travelers rest	विश्राम स्थल	inn, hotels, cottage, motel, name of a hotel
truth	सत्य	reality, fact, accuracy
tune	धुन	music, tone, rhyme
unplanted	नरोपेको	uncultivated, barren, sterile, not planted
verse	पद्म	stanza, lines of a poem
watch	हेर्नु	look at, see, observe
weather	मौसम	season, atmosphere, circumstances, climate
wind	हावा	air, sweep
without	वाहेक	in absence of, not having
woods	जंगलहरु	forests, jungle
zebra	जंगली घोडा	wild horse