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Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

Institute of Vocational Studies

Book Review

Submitted to

Mrs. Lakshya Malhotra Ma’am

Submitted By

Yogita

B.Ed. I Year

Section-‘A’

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PrefaceThis work contains the reviews of the author, Miss Yogita on the NCERT English Text book namely-“Honeydew” of class 8th. The purpose of this work is to serve as a project work assignment to both the English pedagogy teacher Miss Deepshikha Ma’am as well as the Understanding the Self teacher Mrs. Lakshya Malhotra Ma’am.

Besides being an assignment the work is also a sincere effort of the author to find out and reveal before every one the pros and cons of the book.

However, it is to be mentioned that the reviews the personal opinion of the author and does not proclaim any ‘universality’. The reviews are subjective and may not be applicable for everyone equally.

Still it is hoped that the work prove to be fruitful and reviews provided would serve as a means to evaluate the book.

Yogita, Roll No. 15(Author)

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Contents

Sr.No. Topic Page No. Rmarks

1 Critical Appraisal

2 Textbook-Meaning and Importance

3 Honeydew-And insight

Prose Section

4 Chapter 1 Reviews

5 Chapter 2 Reviews

6 Chapter 3 Reviews

7 Chapter 4 Reviews

8 Chapter 5 Reviews

9 Chapter 6 Reviews

10 Chapter 7 Reviews


2 Chapter 9 Reviews


Poetry Section

14 Poem 1 Reviews

15 Poem 2 Reviews

16 Poem 3 Reviews

17 Poem 4 Reviews

18 Poem 5 Reviews

19 Poem 6 Reviews

20 Poem 7 Reviews

21 Poem 8 Reviews

22 Overall Review

22 Suggestion

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Critical AppraisalLike we can see the term “critical appraisal” is made up of two terms-“critical” and “appraisal”. Where “critical” means ‘to criticise’ i.e. to see all aspects of something-positive and negative, “appraisal” is meant by considering something very carefully and finding an opinion of it. Hence, “critical appraisal” is meant by critically assessing a certain matter or subject and then passing judgement on it. Critical appraisal of a book is therefore meant by critically assessing a book, bringing out the areas where the book excels and where the book falls short of perfection. The critical appraisal is, however, based on the personal ideologies and experience of the critic i.e. the person who is assessing the book critically. Therefore, it must be kept in mind that the reviews are subjective and cannot be applied universally. It may also happen that something liked by a critic may not be liked by others and vice-versa.

Hence, critical appraisal is a mere “suggestion” in my opinion and can be referred to by others just for an idea. Depending blind folded on others view is not a matter of intelligence.

The following work is just an attempt to bring out some pros and cons of the NCERT English textbook “Honeydew” of class 8th and hopefully serve as a good means to find the plus and minus points of the book.

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Textbooks-Meaning and ImportanceCambridge Dictionary defines “textbook” as a book that contains detailed information about a subject for people who are studying that subject. Wikipedia defines “textbook” as “A textbook or course book (UK English) is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are produced according to the demands of educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Although most textbooks aren't only published in printed format, many are now available as online electronic books.”

However in simple words we can say that textbook is a “written document” that can be used by the people to get information on a certain subject by reading. They may be printed or available online. The school textbooks are categorised in many subjects for example-Hindi, English, Science, Social Science, Mathematics etc. Book of a particular subject contains the information regarding that subject. Further if we talk about the meaning of a textbook, we can talk in context of a student-what a textbook means to him/her. A textbook to any student is not just precious but also an indispensible part of his life. Availability of textbook facilitates the studies of the student. And why students only, textbooks are also helpful for beginning teachers. The material to be covered and the design of each lesson are carefully spelled out in detail. Let us have a quick insight into the importance of a textbook:-

Textbooks provide organized units of work. A textbook gives you all the plans and lessons you need to cover a topic in some detail.

A textbook series provides you with a balanced, chronological presentation of information.

Textbooks are a detailed sequence of teaching procedures that tell you what to do and when to do it. There are no surprises—everything is carefully spelled out.

Textbooks provide administrators and teachers with a complete program. The series is typically based on the latest research and teaching strategies.

Good textbooks are excellent teaching aids. They're a resource for both teachers and students.

The only requirement is that the textbook must be standardised just like NCERT books. Standardised is generally meant by that the content of the book must be beneficial and authentic and must not misinform the reader about his subject. We are therefore to review the NCERT English textbook of class 8th named “Honeydew.” Hopefully this work would prove to be fruitful enough and would bring before us both the areas marked by excellence as well as shortcomings. It is also hoped for that the suggestions provided would too be beneficial. So let us start now.

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Honeydew-The English Textbook an Insight

Honeydew is a very sincere effort of NCERT and comes in a very good appearance. A standardized English text book must be capable enough to develop keen interest in the children towards reading and must also improvise their grammar and comprehension.

On reading the book, it appears that the book is not only very apt to cultivate reading, writing and comprehension skills but also the book is quite knowledgeable. Besides teaching English, the book also has many educational lessons based on the knowledge of geography, history and also many famous personalities are introduced to children in the book.

The book therefore is worth praising and the drafting committee too deserves our sincere thanks.

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Chapter 1. The Best Christmas gift in the WorldSummary

The narrator of the story went to a junk shop and purchased a roll-top desk which was in bad condition. The narrator started its repairing on Christmas Eve and found a letter in its drawer. He read the letter. It was from Jim Macpherson to his wife Connie as written on top. After reading the letter, he found that Jim Macpherson was the leader of the England Army and he described that England and German were engaged in a war but on the Christmas morning a wonderful thing happened, first Germans wishes happy Christmas to English soldiers and same response was given by English also. The leaders shared their ideas and feelings with each other and celebrated Christmas by eating, laughing, talking and drinking. After that they played football match in which Germans won. In the night both troops sang carols and had a peaceful Christmas.

The author decided to gave this letter to Jim’s wife back. He went to the address which was written on the letter envelope where he found that an accidental fire caught in the house and she was in nursing home. He rushed to nursing home where he found Jim’s wife. As she was grown too old in the waiting of his husband he mistook the author by understanding him as Jim, his husband when narrator met him. She declared him as best Christmas present in the world.

Aims and Objectives of the Lesson:-

To create awareness in children about the wars To arise sensibility and humanity in children To make them aware of the history To motivate them to do human things To cultivate the spirits of positive competition in children and eradicate

unhealthy competition

Reviews:-

1. Achievement of Aims :-

The chapter very well succeeds in stirring the emotion of the readers The chapter is also capable of arousing sympathy and respect for the soldiers

who sacrificed their lives in war The chapter also cultivates in children the sense of responsibility towards

others (to return their belonging as it has numerous emotional connections) The chapter succeeds also in reviving the history of war The chapter cultivates the spirits of healthy completion among all Most importantly, the chapter brings out the harsh reality of life that wars

were forced upon people and can never be in favour of humanity8

2. Development of Skills:-

Comprehension check and working with the text provided at the end is quite helpful in developing the comprehension skills of the students

On every page provided difficult words with their meanings leads not only to the better and easy understanding but also develops vocabolary

There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a grammar exercise and is quite helpful to children in understanding the tenses and verbs

The chapter is also very abiding and can be read with ease leading to good reading skill

Good reading would eventually result in enhanced concentration and better listening skills too

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Chapter 2. The TsunamiSummary

In tsunami Ignesious , the manager of a cooperative society, lost two of his children, wife and father-in-law as he could not get alarmed by the tremor. Sanjeev was a policeman. He jumped into the water to rescue his cook’s wife, but they were both swept away. Both Meghna’s and Almas’ families were washed away. Both of them kept floating in the sea for days. Meghna floated in the sea for two days holding on to a wooden door. She was brought to the shore by a wave. Similarly, Almas climbed on to a log of wood and fainted. She woke up in a hospital. Both the girls were traumatized after the incident. While Meghna was seen walking on the seashore in daze, Almas does not talk about the incident to anyone. Both of them were not noticed by relief helicopters.Tilly Smith (a British school girl ) was able to save many lives when the tsunami struck Phuket beach in Thailand as she had seen the sea behaving in the same way in a video in her class of a tsunami that had hit the Hawaiian islands in 1946. She had won a number of awards. The tourist thanked Tilly and her geography lesson that had warned her.Before tsunami in India and Sri Lanka, wild and domestic animals fled to safety, elephants ran for higher grounds; dogs refuse to go outdoors; flamingos abandoned their low-lying breeding areas as seemed to know what was about to happen. It is believed that animals either posses a sixth sense or have more acute hearing that helps them to hear or feel earth’s vibration. Near about 150,000 people killed in tsunami in a dozen countries but not many animals reported dead.


To develop in children the awareness about natural calamities such as Tsunami

To develop the sense of respect and love for the animals in children10

To let the children know the importance of the study of Geography and social studies

To develop the sense of humanity in children To make children aware of ‘what to do’ and ‘what to not’ during such

calamity To make children understand that being courageous is quite necessary and

quitter can never win

Achievement of aims:-

Besides developing good reading, writing and listening skill in children the lesson also has a geographical value

The lesson succeeds well in cultivating humanity in children The lesson very well defines the role of animals-they have a sixth sense in

them and can predict natural calamity The lesson teaches well to have patience and stay courageous during the hard

times The lesson creates good awareness in children about natural calamities

Skill Development:-


There are questions based on True/False which leads to more concentration On every page provided difficult words with their meanings leads not only to

the better and easy understanding but also develops vocabolary There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as an

exercise improvising vocabolary and leads to better diction of the children The chapter is also very abiding and can be read with ease leading to good

reading skill Good reading would eventually result in enhanced concentration and better

listening skills too

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Chapter 3. The Glimpses of the Past

Summary

During 18th century, British east India Company was extending its power in worldwide. That time Indian princes were fighting each other. East India Company subdued Indian princes one by one. During the period of 1765 to 1836 India had to witness many incidents. Untouchability, child marriage and other social evils existed in Indian society. The people were superstitious also. The British imposed heavy taxes on farmers so that farmers had to abandon their fields. The east India Company’s law began to cripple Indian industries. Ram Mohan Roy, a learned person from Bengal understood what was wrong with this country.

He was attracted by science and modern knowledge. He went to England and fight for the justice of India. But the British continued to oppress Indians. In 1818 they had passed regulation III, under it, an Indian could be jailed without trial in a court. During 1835-56 Thomas Macaulay suggested some change in Indian Education. They taught Indians their language. By 1856, British had conquered the whole India. Some Indian soldiers in east India Company were ill pleased with the attitude of East Indian Company. A soldier named Mangal Pandey attacked the adjutant of his regiment and executed. In 1857, a violent revolt was out broken. The rebellion spread wider. Many landlords lost their lands, because of the British policies . Many rulers like Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow were bitter. Popular leaders like Maulvi Abenedulla of Faisabaad, Tantya Tope aroused the people of India to fight against British Raj.

Reviews:-

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Aims and Objectives of the lesson:-

To make children aware of the historical figures namely- Mangal Pandey, Hazrat Mahal, Maulvi Abenedulla, Tantya Tope, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Macaulay

To make children aware of the history of India To make children aware of the torments that India tolerated before freedom so

that they can develop a sense of respect towards the country To brief children about some of the important events that occurred in the past

of India To create awareness in children about East India Company

Achievement of Aims and Objectives:-

The chapter succeeds quite well in introducing the afore mentioned historical figures before children in a pure, undiluted and authentic way

The chapter very eminently briefs about the events of history The chapter cultivates in children patriotism and sympathy for the farmers and

poor The chapter also explains well how social reforms occurred and which

personalities were associated with these reforms Above all the lesson is provided in a comical form which creates interest in

children otherwise it is a well known fact that most of the children hate studying history

Skill Development:-


‘Working with Language’ provided at the end makes children understand the meaning of narration

The chapter is also very abiding due to its comical representation and can be read with ease leading to good reading skill


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Chapter 4. Binpin Choudhruy’s Lapse of Memory

SummaryIt was habit of Bepin Choudhury to stop on a book shop present in New Market to purchase the books of his interest.But one day, he encountered with Parimal Ghose, who had recognised Mr. Bepin Babu but Bepin refused to identify him. As proof, Mr.Ghose narrate him Ranchi incident but Bepin replied that he had never been to Ranchi and told that he also don’t know Ghose. Later, Ghose described him his personal details as family-wife and kids, Dinesh Mukerji, his bungalow etc but Bepin Babu was not ready to believe.

Bepin think over it. He was confused whether Mr. Ghose was telling lie or he was losing his memory then he decided to ring up Dinesh Mukerji so that he could confirm the matter. He talked to Dinesh but he also replied in positive and recollected all other events also, hearing all his head began to spin.Next day when he reached home from office, his servant told him that Mr. Chunni Lal wanted to meet him. Chunni asked him for money but Bepin Babu refused, besides he began to confirm about the incident of Ranchi and his last job just to verify if he was losing his memory or not. But Chunni Lal also replied positively. Now he called for Dr. Paresh Chanda, who gave him remedy.

At the end of the lesson, Bepin himself went to Hudroo but couldn't retrieve his memory. When he reached Hudroo, he felt unconsciousness there. He returned calcutta and feeling that he will lose everything, there is no hope left in him. Few

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minutes later Bepin's servant brought a letter which was describing Chunni’s revenge for not helping him in at the time of need. Now Bepin understood all the matter. When Dr. Chanda again came to treat him, he was totally surprised when Bepin told him that he was better now. He just needed a pain killer as he has fallen in Ranchi.

Aims and Objectives:-

To make children know that helping out others is very useful because today if someone needs you, tomorrow you may need someone

To teach children not to suspect and not to get panic instantly rather act patiently


The chapter gives a moral lesson to the readers that one must help the needy in the future because one that needy can be needed too

The chapter teaches to the children patience

Skill Development:-


There are questions based on True/False which leads to more concentration On every page provided difficult words with their meanings leads not only to

the better and easy understanding but also develops vocabolary There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as an

exercise improvising vocabolary and leads to better diction of the children The chapter is also very abiding and can be read with ease leading to good

reading skill Good reading would eventually result in enhanced concentration and better

listening skills too

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Chapter 5. The summit Within

SummaryThis story is experiences of Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia, a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest. Ahluwalia was full of humility when he stood on the summit of Everest. He thanked God for his physical success. It was the highest of the goals for him. While getting down from the Summit he asked himself why he climbed Everest and what made him to do so.

The people climb mountains because they present great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. A climb to a summit means the demonstration of climber’s endurance, persistence and will power. Since childhood, the narrator has been attracted by mountains. For him mountains are nature at its best. They have a challenging beauty and majesty. They are a means of communion with God. Everest is the highest and the mightiest and has defied many previous attempts. On climbing its summit, one has the sense of victory and of happiness. Its view brings a spiritual change in his mind. It poses a challenge before him which was difficult to resist. One feels connected with the supernatural element on reaching the Summit. One becomes conscious of his own smallness in this large Universe. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual fulfilment.

Climbing a mountain is a highly risky job and needs others’ help also. The fellow climbers prove to be a source of inspiration. They remember their Gods to feel

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confident. It is far more difficult to climb the summit within oneself than to climb the summit of a mountain. One can get a fuller knowledge of oneself merely by climbing one’s personal and internal mountain peak. It is fearful and not scalable like the climb to the summit of a mountain. Both the climbs teach one much about the world and about oneself. The internal summits are much higher than Everest. The climber gets the inspiration to face life’s ordeals with determination.

Reviews:-


To develop love for nature in children To develop in children the interest in rock climbing To make children aware of the great Mt. Everest To introduce major H.P.S. Ahulwalia to children To make children acquainted with the peacefulness present in the lap of

nature To develop a sense of love towards spiritual beauty of the world


The lesson succeeds definitely in cultivating in children respect and love for nature

The lesson also very describes about the mount Everest The lesson succeeds in making children acquainted with a great personality

Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia The lesson very well defines the role of nature in human life, how nature can

be helpful in attaining peace and spirituality The lessons also proves to be quite inspiring to children as it encourages

children never to give up and take up difficult tasks and accomplish them which eventually results in peace of mind, body and soul

Skill Development:-

Comprehension check of this lesson is helpful in nourishing the vocabulary of children

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There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a comprehension exercise and is quite helpful to children in understanding the lesson



Chapter 6. This is Jodi’s Fawn

SummaryJody's father, Mr. Baxter, had been bitten by a rattle snake. He killed a doe and used its heart and liver to suck out the venom from his wound. The next morning he felt much better but his son, Jody, felt bad to have left the doe's fawn all alone in the forest. He went to his father and reasoned with him the need to bring the fawn to the safety of their home. His father allowed him to go on a search for the fawn. Jody's mother though gave her consent, feared for her son's safety in the forest. Doc Wilson and Mill-wheel also approved considering that they had already left the fawn motherless.

Jody went with Mill-wheel on his horse assuring his mother to reach home by dinner. After some time they reached closer to the place where his father was bitten. Jody wanted go on further all alone because he didn't want Mill-wheel to see his disappointment if they failed in finding the fawn. Contrarily, if he found the fawn,

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he wanted to experience the joy of it all alone as he felt that their meeting would be intense, full of emotion and thus, personal. Thus, assuring Mill-wheel of his knowledge of directions and his ability to take care of himself, he moved on.

When Jody reached the spot where his father was bitten, he found buzzards hovering over the carcass of the dead doe. He also found footprints of cats and for a moment he feared for the life of the fawn. After an intense search he finally found the fawn behind a bush. Jody noticed that the fawn was shivering and was distrustful. He tried to calm the fawn and tried to establish some kind of understanding with him.

However, though the fawn allowed the proximity of Jody, he did not move. Jody then decided to carry the fawn all the way home. He first patted the fawn and then lightly lifted him. He went around the area where his father was bitten and where lay the carcass of the fawn's mother, fearing that the scent of his mother would make the fawn restless. He had to stop often for breaks as himself being little he was severely struggling with the weight of the fawn and the vines and bushes that lay on his path. Though, Jody's arms had started hurting, he carried on his journey. He even managed to win the fawn's trust, which gradually grew willing to follow him.

After a point, Jody felt such a grand connection with the fawn that all the struggle and pain he was going through no longer mattered. By and by they reached their destination. The fawn refused to go upstairs, probably sensing the presence of his mother's killer, but Jody carried him to his father who expressed joy at seeing the fawn. Later, Jody lovingly fed him milk in the kitchen and enjoyed the fawn's trust and love for him.


To show that the heart of a child is filled full with humanity To cultivate humanistic values in children To make children aware of the fact that offspring of various animals are called

by different name To make children believe that nothing is impossible if one is determined To make children believe that everything in this world can be conquered with

love

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The lesson very well cultivates humanity in kids especially towards animals The lesson teaches determination, patience and courage to the children The ambition of the chief character Jody of bringing the fawn home out of

humanity and looking after it as a parent further cultivates a sense of parenting

A yet another ambition of receiving credits by Jody is also worth admiring and does have the tendency to inspire children to take up courageous tasks and accomplish them

Skill Development:-



There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a grammar exercise and is quite helpful to children in understanding the tenses and forms of verbs



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Chapter 7. A Visit to Cambridge

SummaryThe name of the lesson is ‘A visit to Cambridge’ and its writer name is Firdaus Kanga. In this lesson the writer could move only a wheelchair. He accepted his disability as a warrior. He made a journey all over the world. And he proved his ability is the greatest among normal people.

He went to Cambridge and met Mr. Stephen Hawking who is totally paralyzed although he wrote a great book. He thought that disable people should not be worried about their condition and always thinking positive. If those people get attention towards their ability then they can get easily their goal.

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This lesson motivates the people with special needs and also the normal people.


To develop in children the sense of respect towards differently able people To eradicate the so called “pity” from the minds of people for the differently

able people To encourage the children of special needs To make children aware of great personalities such as Stephen Hawkins and

Firdaus Kanga To broaden the mentality of children about life

Achievement of aims and objectives:-

The lesson appears extremely inspiring The lesson very well introduces great personalities such as Hawkins and

Kanga to children It is a well known fact that the people who are generally called “disable” due

to some physical deformity, are indeed “differently able” and this lesson meets this fact very well

The lesson successfully eradicates the so called “pity” towards differently able people and salutes their spirits

The lesson do cultivate respect towards these people in the heart of the readers

Skill Development:-



There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which helps students in understanding phrases



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Chapter 8. A Short Monsoon Diary

Summary

The writer, Ruskin Bond, in this diary tells about the nature of miracles and life’s little joys and regrets. June 24 was the first day of monsoon mist. The mist was saddening. It concealed the hills and spread silence. The birds stopped singing suddenly. June 25 brought early monsoon rain. It became warm and humid. The mist afforded some privacy also. A boy asked him to describe the hill station and the valley. Ruskin only said that it could have been a paradise. The rain marked the arrival of animals like leopard and thousands of leaks. The leopard lifted a dog

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from the servant’s quarter below the school. Since the rains were there, the insect eating birds had no dearth of food. All night on August 2, the rain drummed on the tin roof. But there was no shower, no thunder. On August 3, the rain stopped. The whisking thrush sang. On August 12, there was endless rain and permanent mist. The writer had nowhere to go. He only looked out of the window. On August 31, snakes and rodents rushed out of their flooded holes. They took shelter in roofs and godowns. The grandmother told the children not to kill the chuchunders, i. e. moles because it brought ill omen. By October 3, the monsoon rain made way for the winter rain and snow at higher altitude. A hailstorm in the evening hit the place. The poet was quite alone in the house. He was very lonely and quiet. He heard only the rhythm of rain. It enveloped the house. The trees looked not green but dreadful. By March end, the winter also ended. Mussorie had black clouds over it. It hailed half an hour. When it cleared the sky, a rainbow was formed across it.


Most importantly the chapter aims at teaching “diary writing skills” to the children

The chapter also cultivates in children love towards nature The lesson reveals the brilliance and excellence of a great personality Mr.

Ruskin bond The lesson gives a verbatim record of the happenings of past and revives the

memories the rainy day faced by Ruskin Bond


The chapter presents a very vivid view of the beauty of a rainy day Most importantly the chapter quite well teaches the student the art of diary

writing The chapter introduces Mr. Ruskin bond very well to the children Such verbatim record of a rainy day is not only a representative of Bond’s

eminent writing skill but such records also paints the undiluted picture of such beautiful day before the eyes of the readers

Skill Development:-

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The chapter develops the skill of diary writing in students which eventually results in good writing skills

The chapter also develops in students the art of writing chronological records Children are very well introduced to a new term-‘chronology’ Comprehension check and working with the text provided at the end is quite

helpful in developing the comprehension skills of the students On every page provided difficult words with their meanings leads not only to

the better and easy understanding but also develops vocabolary There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a

grammar exercise and is quite helpful to children in understanding the tenses and forms of verbs



Chapter 9. The Great Stone Face-I

Summary

One afternoon, a mother with her son, Ernest, was at the door of their cottage. They were talking about the great stone face. It was clearly visible in the bright sunshine. Thousands of people lived there. Everybody there, was familiar with the great stone

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face. It was the work of the nature. One day the great stone face smiled on Ernest and looked kindly. He wished to hear its pleasant voice. He longed to see a man with such a face in order to love him dearly. There was a man called gather gold who had left his natives many years ago he had became quite rich man there. He decided to return to his native valley. There was a rumour that Gather Gold looked like the great stone face. Gather Gold had the face of an old man with yellow skin. The people considered him the image of the great stone face Ernest gazed up the valley. The great stone face seemed to reject Gather Gold as its likeness. Ernest had grown up to be a young man. Every day, he would go off by himself and gaze upon the great stone face. He wondered why its likeness was delaying its appearance. By his time Gather Gold had become poor and died without establishing his likeness with the stone face. After son of the valley had joined the army as a soldier many years before. He had become a general by then and came to be known as blood and thunder on the battled. In his old age, he desired to return to his valley. The people considered him as the likeness of the great stone face. On his return, he was welcomed warmly. The gathering mistook him as the greatest man of all time. Ernest failed to recognise any likeness between Blood and thunder and the great stone face. His heart assured him that the real face had still to come.


{Note:-The students may find this lesson merely as a tale of some village but the lesson has more philosophical values. It is often seen that when a person becomes very rich or famous, he is used as “example” and assumed as a “role model” or we can say that people start to see him “mile stone.” However it is not something very good. Here the author probably tries to convey that elders are biased while children are not. Such is the Philosophy of the author in my point of view.}

The lesson seeks to eradicate superstitions The lesson tries to convey that children heart is so pure that they are always

unbiased to the discrimination of rich and poor which is generally formed by the society itself

The lesson reveals the purity of a child’s heart and also proves that childhood experiences do shape the future instincts somewhat


The lesson very well describes the unbiased nature of children26

The lesson quite well seeks to describe how “rumours” are formed in society and becomes popular gradually

The lesson also describes that the rumours have nothing to do with the reality The lesson also deals with the fact that in nature some shapes are often

formed which resemble to something related to living beings such as the face of a man in the lesson, people often in order to entertain others make stories about them which gradually become famous all around and sometimes take the form of ‘myth’

Skill Development:-

Due to being quite abiding the lesson can cultivate in children the skill of reading keenly which can eventually result in better speaking skills also



There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a very effective exercise cultivating in children the ability to differentiate between true and false statements eventually leading to better memory and concentration power

Chapter 10. The Great Stone Face II

Summary

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Ernest still lived in his native valley. He was simple hearted man. He always worked for the betterment of the world. Though he was considered to be an ordinary man yet he was humble and rich in thoughts. With the passage of time, Ernest became old. He had wise thoughts in his mind. He had become famous all over the world. Men came from distant places to see and speak to him. A new poet had appeared on earth while Ernest had been growing old. The poet was a native of Ernest's valley but had stayed in distant cities for a long period. The poet had heard of Ernest's character. One day, he came to his door. Ernest was reading a book and glancing lovingly at the mountain from time to time. Ernest gave him shelter for the night. The great stone face looked kindly at the poet. The poet found Ernest, wise, gentle and kind.Ernest used to speak to his neighbours every evening. The poet also accompanied him the poet listened to his talk. He felt that Ernest's life and character were a far nobler kind of poetry than his own poems just then, the poet saw the great stone face. He declared Ernest as the likeness of the great stone face everybody agreed with him. Ernest still hoped that someone wiser and better than himself would appear sometime, bearing a likeness to the great stone face.

Aims and Objectives:-

The lesson is the continuation of the previous one and still seeks to prove that people judge their fellows on their greatness and ordinary person has almost no value in the society

The lesson continues to prove that people assume famous personality as “mile stones”

Also, as far as I am concerned the lesson gives a very important message that the one who is not biased, emerges as the winner in the last

{Note: The lesson reminds of the famous poem of sir Robert Frost-‘The Road not Taken’ in which Frost proclaims that when he was in dilemma of choosing a road out of two, he took the road which appeared less walked on. Instead of “following” others he chose to be different. This decision proved fruitful to him and today people follow him. He is an example for others today. Those who took the road which was more walked on, lost which meant that those who merely “followed” lived unknown life and could not establish their own self. The same is the message of this lesson.}

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The lesson proves to be quite inspirational to the children The lesson seeks to broaden the mind of children by letting them know the

reality of myths

Skill Development:-

Due to being quite abiding the lesson can cultivate in children the skill of reading keenly which can eventually result in better speaking skills also



There is exercise provided at the end of the chapter which stands as a very effective exercise cultivating in children the ability to differentiate between true and false statements eventually leading to better memory and concentration power

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Poem 1. The Ant and the Cricket

SummaryIt is a fable in poetic form. A fable is a story, often with animals as characters, that conveys a moral.

This is a poem about a silly young cricket and an ant. Cricket was only singing all day long and used to enjoy his good times during summer season. He didn't plan anything for the future.

When winter arrives, cricket couldn't find a small amount of food to eat. So, the cricket thinks of going to miser ant to borrow food and to get shelter. Then, the cricket knocked on the ant´s door asking for help.

The ant gives a very important lesson of life during its conversation with the cricket. Ant says that ants neither borrow from somebody nor lend to somebody. Ants are hardworking creatures and save for the future. The ant asks the cricket what it was doing during happier times. On hearing the cricket indulged in dancing and singing and making merry, the ant asks the cricket to try dancing and singing once again during rough times.

Aims and Objective of the Poem:-

To convey to the children that we should enjoy happy moments but should not ignore our future. Careful planning is essential for everyone and it ensures a secure future.


The poem very well teaches a lesson to the children that only merry making is not enough for life The poem teaches a great lesson to the children that future planning is very essential The poem somewhere also inculcates in the heart of children respect for the small insect like ant and teaches

them that despite of being so small it is the most hardworking of all the creatures The poem inspires children to do hard work

Skill Development:-

Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also Develops the skill of comprehension writing

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Poem 2. Geography Lesson

SummaryThe poem is about the way earth looks from different altitudes. It is divided into three parts.

When the jet takes off and starts to climb up in the sky, you can have full height view of the city. The city grew as per its necessity and did not grow as per proper planning. It does not have any particular style. It even looked six inches from a certain height revealing its true structure.

When the jet climbs higher up to about ten thousand feet, he could apprehend the fact that cities grew water resources. Water fulfilled the necessities like agriculture, transport, business and others. He found that valleys were populated which met the necessities of the people.

When the jet went above six miles, there is more water than land on the earth. While appreciating the geographical niceties of our planet, the poet is unable to understand the tendency to build borders, to erect walls, to create fences. Then he reflected that people on earth selfish and narrow for they hate each other .He found the earth to be one but not the people living on this earth are divided for shallow reasons.

Aims and Objectives of the Poem:-

To serve actually as a geography lesson To describe the facts about our planet earth To convey a very good moral suggesting that people on this earth are divided into countries for no reason The poem has cosmopolitan views and condemns the concept of boundaries on earth The poem quite well conveys that people on this earth are divided for shallow reasons


The poem, like the name suggests, serves actually as a geography lesson The poem very well describes the facts about our planet earth The poem has also very good moral also as it suggests that people on this earth are divided into countries for no

reason The poem has cosmopolitan views and condemns the concept of boundaries on earth The poem quite well conveys that people on this earth are divided for shallow reasons

Skill Development:-

Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also Develops the skill of comprehension writing Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children

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Poem 3. Macavity: the mystery Cat

SummaryMacavity is a mystery cat because no crime agency was ever able to arrest this criminal mastermind during or after his committing a crime. He is too clever to leave any evidence of his guilt. He is a puzzle for every detective agency in the world including Scotland Yard and Flying Squad who are specialized investigating crime. Whenever they reach the scene of crime-Macavity’s not there. Macavity is too clever to be caught and he is nowhere near at the crime spot.

Not only does he breaks the human law but also breaks the law of gravity. His brows are deeply lining as a result of continuous planning of crime. Macavity has sunken eyes and “his head is highly domed”. He never combs his whiskers. His movements resemble that of a snake. When you think he is sleeping, he is wide awake in fact.

Macavity is a devil in cat’s shape. He is morally corrupt. You may meet and see him everywhere but whenever his crime is discovered you will not find him there.


To indoctrinate in the minds of children that criminals are bad To teach children that crime must be hated


The poem indoctrinates well in the minds of children that criminals are bad by describing Macavity-the criminal in negative terms such as ‘cat’, ‘snake’ etc.

To teach children that crime must be hated The poem also inculcates in the minds of the children that those who commit crimes becomes bad

looking-“highly doomed head” , “sunken eyes” and never comb etc.-by describing a criminal in such a way the lesson indoctrinates in the minds of children that criminals are not good and hence convinces them that committing crime is bad

Skill Development:-

The lesson teaches a new skill to children which is ‘personification’ i.e. the skill of comparing a human being with something else quality of which he bears, for e.g. in this lesson the criminal is personified as ‘snake’ and ‘cat’ as both are bad and cunning

It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also Develops the skill of comprehension writing

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Poem 4. The Last Bargain

SummaryOne morning, speaker walking on the stone paved road and asking out to hire him. Firstly, a king came near him and told that he would hire him with his power but his power counted for nothing so he disliked his agreement.During mid-day, an old man came with gold coins and said that he would hire with money but the speaker rejects all his money because money will soon be spent and money cannot buy us everlasting happiness.In the evening, the garden fences were full of flowers. A fair lady came out from garden and said that he would hire him with a smile but her smile faded away and she melted into tears and returns into the dark leaving the speaker alone.At last a child playing with shells and said that he would hire him with nothing and poet accepted his agreement but speaker was attracted by the flawless character of the child so he accepted the agreement of child. The bargain of the child makes the speaker a free man.


To develop spirituality in children To make them understand that materialistic world is a nine days wonder only and does not last forever To make children understand that childhood is the best phase of life as it is marked by exceptional innocence To inspire children not to lose the child in them ever but keep that child alive in heart forever


The poem does develop spirituality in children The poem makes them understand that materialistic world is a nine days wonder only and does not last forever The poem makes children understand that childhood is the best phase of life as it is marked by exceptional

innocence The poem inspires children not to lose the child in them ever but keep that child alive in heart forever

Skill Development:-

Develops the skill of comprehension writing Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also

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Poem 5. The School Boy

SummaryThe speaker of poem is a school boy who loves to rise in summer morning, when birds are singing on the trees. The boy gets entertained by the company of the hunter who blows his clarion from a distance field and sweet lullabies of skylark. But the thing he doesn’t like is going to school which pulls all his happiness and joy. He is tired and even puzzled under the strict supervision of his teacher. Instead of enjoying the pleasures of summer, the child has to spend many tensed hours at his school nor in the garden where he can learn many things in interesting way with the nature. A bird can never sing sweet song when he if caged. Similarly, a child if remained under the umbrella of annoying fear and tension, the scepticism of his teacher can never enjoy the natural instincts of joy and playfulness.In last stanzas, he tried to make understand his parents that if a budding child is picked and swept of in the early stage of life, where there is no one to care for, then how he could grow in mature plant.


Here in this poem the focus appears to be more on teaching to the teachers rather than to children The poem seeks to convey that if teachers are too strict, the child loses interest in schools The poem also seeks to encourage the child-centred learning and the concept of learning in the lap of nature The aim of the poem is to convey the message that schools must not appear to be figure of fear to the child rather

befriending with the child is necessary for better impart of education


The poem conveys very well that if teachers are too strict, the child loses interest in schools The poem also encourages the child-centred learning and the concept of learning in the lap of nature The poem gives a very important message that schools must not appear to be figure of fear to the child rather

befriending with the child is necessary for better impart of education

Skill Development:-

Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also Develops the skill of comprehension writing Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children

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Poem 6. The Duck and the Kangaroo

SummaryThe Duck and the Kangaroo, both were very good friends. As the duck lived in a pond and does not get a variegated life of visiting world, he wanted to have a pleasure tour all around the world. So he requested the kangaroo to allow him to sit on the top of his tail and have a pleasure tour. The kangaroo accepted the wish, but at the same time put some conditions too. According to him the duck’s feet were unpleasantly wet and cold. This may cause with rheumatism. At this the Duck assured him with the remedies he thought about. According to him he has already bought four pairs of woolen socks to put on. Besides he has bought a cloak to cover himself and he will smoke cigar too. In this way both the duck and the kangaroo started their tour and continued their happy journey.


The main focus of the poem appears to be friendship but with someone polar opposite (Duck who lives in water and Kangaroo who lives on earth)

The aim of the poem also seems to be conveying a message that by “adjusting” and “co-operating” with others we can easily win their favour

To convey that adjustment and co-operation are necessary in friendship


The poem is such a beautiful tale of such beautiful friendship The poem conveys quite well that befriending with anyone is easy if we are ready to adjust with them and respect

their opinion too The poem seeks to eradicate somewhere the differences present in the world such as differences of cast, creed,

class and religion etc.

Skill Development:-

Here we can say that the poem is using kangaroo and duck as symbols of “differences” so the skill of using symbols is cultivated in children

By teaching art of ‘symbolizing’ the poem improves writing skills of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills

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Poem 7. When I Set out for Lyonnesse

SummaryThe poet is a young architect who went to Lyonnesse to supervise the renovation work of a dilapidated church. It was 100 miles away. It was winter season and snowfall was at the peak. He was in solitary state and during his journey he witnessed starlight. He becomes conscious about what would happen at Lyonnesse when he would stay there. According to him no prophet can declare this. And even a wizard would not be able to say what would happen at Lyonnesse. When he returned from Lyonnesse, he had magic in his eyes. All could understand that he was filled with a rare and immeasurable radiance.


To evoke in children some spirituality To evoke in children interest in God To teach children that no one in this world-a prophet or a wizard can be equal to God


The poem succeeds to evoke in children some spirituality The poem succeeds to evoke in children interest in God The poem succeeds to teach children that no one in this world-a prophet or a wizard can be equal to God

Skill Development:-

Develops the skill of comprehension writing Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills Develops good writing skills also

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Poem 7. On the Grasshopper and Cricket

SummaryThis is fine sonnet and symbolic poem in which the grasshopper is a symbol of hot summer and the cricket is of very cold winter.Every poet has been attracted towards the beauty of nature and so has Keats been. He finds nature beautiful in all seasons not excluding the hot summer and cold winter.He says that the earth is always singing. When the birds stop singing in the hot summer finding cool place, we find the grasshopper singing and flying from hedge. He sings tirelessly and when tired, rests beneath some weed.When the birds are silent in very cold the earth never stops and expresses its pleasure through different beings like the cricket. It sings the beautiful songs from the stones. It seems to be increasing in warmth every moment and half-asleep human being feels it to be a grasshopper’s song coming from grassy hills.


Like any other poem of John Keats this one too aims at describing the beauty of nature To make the children concentrate on and love the nature and its beauty To inculcate in children that never to get disheartened but stay optimistic To teach children that by having a positive attitude towards life we can stay calm and happy forever


The poem convey very eminently that whether it is hot or cold i.e. the conditions in life are whether good or bad, we can stay happy if we develop a positive attitude towards life

The poem succeeds in teaching the students that it is necessary to focus on the positive aspects of a situation and let not the negative aspects win over the positive ones

The poem also succeeds in presenting nature in a very respected way and generates love towards it The poem also teaches the children to be optimistic

Skill Development:-

Develops the skill of comprehension writing Poem has very good metaphors It enhances the vocabulary of the children Develops listening skills in children Develops good reading skills

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Develops good writing skills also

Overall ReviewThe NCERT Text Book “Honeydew” is not only an eminent work but also very helpful for the children of standard 8 th in learn English language and comprehension. The book stands as an ideal study material to kids which is not only abiding but also very knowledgeable. There are some salient features of the book that mentioned below:-

Print: The print of the book is very clear and legible. No misprinted word or typing error was seen in the book as such.

Subject Matter: The subject matter, in my opinion, seems to be perfectly suitable for the children of 8 th standard as they start for the first time in their teenage and during this stage of life it if important to impart moral education to them. And it is also required that their interest must be developed in nature and its beauty. It is also the right time to develop spiritual values in them during this stage so that mind can be diverted from the chaotic phase of their life. After all it is the time when a child finally grows into a man or woman and hence it is important counsel them such that they become a good human being in the future. This book serves quite well this need as there are a number of lessons and poems that have such morals in them.

Durability: The book has a soft cover which makes it easy to carry however it is therefore required to put a good cover around it. The pages are also of very good quality.

Price: The price of the book is Rs. 50/- only which appears to be quite affordable.

Attractiveness: The book has a number of colourful pictures which makes it quite interesting and attractive, hence generates interest in children to read to the book.

Skill Development: The book has many exercises in it. In each lesson there is a comprehension check exercise after each section which leads to better understanding of the children. Not only this but also on each page difficult words with their meanings are provided which leads to easy understanding and improves vocabulary of the children. At the end of every chapter there is exercise which helps in learning grammar to the children.

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SuggestionsThe book is however a standardized book and does not require much improvement yet it is recommended that some more colours must be added in the book so that the book may appear even more attractive to the onlookers. The pictures provided in the book seem little blurred so it is recommended that the pictures must be clear making the book more lively. Also in the lessons where some great personality is being discussed their black and white picture is provided which if coloured pictures are used they can add more impact and attraction to the book.

Also the book must be divided into two sections Prose and Poetry. Currently, the sequence is like this-one prose then one poem which in my opinion seems unorganised. Proper division of prose and poetry would appear more organized and would be easy for both the teachers and students as well to understand.

Rest the book in my opinion is worth praising and the contents of the book are very educational and inspirational to the kids. For teenagers the book is quite suitable as it contains numerous chapters with moral education.

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