1-2 On Saying Please– Std. XII
Title: On Saying “Please”
The title ‘On Saying ‘Please’ gives us a hint that the topic is related to manners. We should know the importance of saying ‘ please’ to others. Good manners make us a socially accepted person. It makes healthy relationship between individuals.
| New words:- Undoubtedly – known for certain to be so Discourtesy – not polite, rudeness assault and battery – an attack which includes not only threats but the actual use of violence burglar – thief who breaks into houses shops etc with the intention of stealing retaliate – to do something bad to someone who has done something bad to you assailant – an attacker legislate – to make a law or laws violence – action or feeling that causes damage, unrest etc to box – to fight with the fists (closed hands) haughty – a high opinion of oneself and often a low position of others boorish – rude, uncultured laceration – hurt feelings slur – a cause of blame redress – remedy, set right vanity – pride brooding over – spend time thinking anxiously or sadly about something equilibrium – balance (of the mind, emotions) bullied – threatened insolent – very rude henpecked –a husband who always does what his wife tells him to do black eye – dark coloured skin around somebody’s eye ehere he or she has been hit endorse – official agreement to the decision martyrdom – the death or suffering of a martyr morose – unhappy, very sad and ill tempered Decalogue – the Ten Commandments Verdict – judgement intercourse – communication, conversation resentment – anger ordeal – difficult or painful experience knave – a dishonest person cheerfully – happily squared – having no doubt, settled countenance – a person’s face or expression treading – pressing down something with foot assured – confident inexhaulstible – unlimited ,can never be finished solicitious – caring or concerned,giving helpful care irradiated – (here) spread or produced uncouth – impolite, unrefined benediction – a blessing conciliatory – trying to win friendly feelings panegyric – a speech or piece of writing praising someone highly moral affront – insult, disrespect boor – a rude insensitive person |
Ice Breakers
1) List the words of courtesy that we use in our daily life. Explain the purpose of using each.
Answer:
Words and purpose:-
1) Thank you – To express gratitude
2) Excuse me – To take permission to go ahead or to ask something
3) Pardon me – To ask to repeat the words
4) May I – To take permission
5) Yes / No sir – To agree or disagree with respect – man
6) Yes / No madam – To agree or disagree with respect – woman
7) You are welcome – To accept the expression of gratitude
8) Mention not – Reply to thank you, need not to say thank you.
9) I am sorry – To tell someone that you are ashamed for hurting them, to say disagree, to oppose other’s view politely
10) My pleasure- To tell you are happy to help or do favour
2) Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive traits, while others are not. Write the ones you feel are desirable or not desirable.
Answer:-
| Characteristic Traits | Desirable – Not Desirable |
| Conniving | Not Desirable |
| Insensitive | Not Desirable |
| Sly | Not Desirable |
| Humorous | Desirable |
| Naive | Not Desirable |
| Benevolent | Desirable |
| Aggressive | Not Desirable |
| Scheming | Not Desirable |
| Wise | Desirable |
| Egoistic | Not Desirable |
| Manipulative | Not Desirable |
| Rude | Not Desirable |
| Boastful | Not Desirable |
| Humble | Desirable |
| Servile | Not Desirable |
| Territorial | Not Desirable |
| Patronising | Not Desirable |
| Generous | Desirable |
3) Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and write if it is appropriate or inappropriate.
1.To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
Ans: Inappropriate
2.To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.
Ans: Appropriate
3.To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.
Ans: Appropriate
4.To be polite and courteous to others.
Ans: Appropriate
5.To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
Ans: Inappropriate
6.To occupy the seats reserved for ladies or physically challenged or elderly people on a bus or a train.
Ans: Inappropriate
The writer: Alfred George Gardiner
Alfred George Gardiner was an English journalist, editor and author. His essays, written under the alias “Alpha of the Plough”, are highly regarded. He started his literary career as a journalist. At age of 37, he was appointed editor of the Daily News. He made regular contributions to the Daily News, The Manchester Evening News etc. His essays are uniformly elegant, graceful and humorous. ‘The Pillars of Society’, ‘Pebbles on the Shore’, ‘Many Furrows and Leaves in the Wind’ are some of his best known writings. His uniqueness lies in his ability to teach the basic truths of life in an easy and amusing manner. He rai the question of morality in everyday life.
Brainstorming
A1)
(i) Explain the following words with examples.
a) Humility : Modesty
Example- She needs the humility to accept that their way may be better.
b) Self-esteem : Self respect
Example- He got self – esteem earning sufficient money
c) Gratitude: The quality of being grateful.
Example- Students expressed their gratitude to the teachers on Teachers’ Day.
d) Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behaviour towards others.
Example- The manager treated the players with courtesy and good humour.
e) Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous.
Example- I was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and neighbours.
f) Sympathy: The feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.
Example- They had great sympathy for the flood victims.
g)Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example- He had empathy with small children.
(A2)
(i) Read the text and state whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements.
(a) Bitter problems in day-to-day life can be solved by sweet words.
Answer- True
(b) Great wars could have been avoided by a little courtesy.
Answer- True
(c) Observance of etiquette in a normal situation is important but more important is their observance when the situation is adverse.
Answer- True
(d) Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life uneasy.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- Words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ help us in making our passage through life easy.
(e) The law permits anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous.
Answer- False
Correct Sentence- The law does not permit anybody to use violence, if another person is discourteous. It’s not a legal offence.
(ii) Select the most appropriate sentences which suggest the theme of the essay.
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(b) The essay explores the difficulties that can be incurred by an individual when dealing with the public.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(d) People with low self-esteem are generally difficult to work with and they look down upon others to get a feeling of superiority.
Answer-
(a) The essay tells us about courtesy, civility, morality, responsibility and control.
(c) One can keep one’s peace of mind without having to lower themselves to the level of the perceived offender.
(iii)
(a) Find the reasons for the lift-man’s uncivilized behaviour.
Answer- The passenger’s discourteous behaviour, wound to self respect or vanity, slur upon (insult of) his social standing etc.
(b) List the people and their behaviour that made the passenger rude and ill-mannered.
Answer-
1) Housemade – answered back to the cook
2) cook – very rude to passenger’s wife
3) Wife – employer is henpacked by his wife at breakfast
4) Employer- did not say ‘Good Morning’ to passenger
5) Liftman – expected to say ‘ Please’
6) Passenger – rude and ill – mannered towards the liftman
(iv) Good manners are required in our daily life for making our social contacts more cooperative and friendly. Illustrate the behaviour of the polite conductor with different people in various situations.
| Situation | Behaviour |
| 1. The writer’s sensitive toe was trampled on | The conductor said sorry with an apology and courtesy. |
| 2. In the rainy season dealing with people | The conductor would run up the stairs to give them the tip that there was “room inside” |
| 3. Dealing with old people | The conductor behaved as a loving and caring son |
| 4. Dealing with children | The conductor behaved as caring or concerned father |
| 5. Dealing with young people | The conductor had a peculiarly warm place in his heart for young people, and always indulged in some merry jest with them |
| 6. Dealing with a blind man | The conductor set blind man down safely on the pavement and also took him across the road or round the corner, or otherwise safely on his way |
(A3)
(a) Find out the words in column ‘B’ which collocate with the words in column ‘A’.
| A | B |
| regular | meal |
| mid-day | concept |
| key | food |
| fast | exercise |
| try | decorated |
| richly | hard |
| free | jam |
| traffic | time |
| social | animal |
| wild | justice |
Answer-
| regular exercise |
| mid-day meal |
| key concept |
| fast food |
| try hard |
| richly decorated |
| free time |
| traffic jam |
| social justice |
| wild animal |
A4)
(i) Edit the given paragraph using a/an/the wherever necessary.
Rakesh is a/an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a/the famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in a/the morning and taking him out for a/the walk in an/the evening.
Answer:
Rakesh is an ideal son who remains devoted to his father as he grows professionally to become a famous doctor. As his father grows old, he takes care to spend time with his father, bringing him tea in the morning and taking him out for a walk in the evening.
ii) Spot the errors in each of the following sentences and correct the incorrect ones.
(a) Radha brought pens and distributed them between her five children.
Ans- Radha brought pens and distributed them among her five children.
(b) Jayshree and Sujata sat besides each other in complete silence.
Ans- Jayshree and Sujata sat beside each other in complete silence.
(c) His best friend Vijay was blind within one eye.
Ans- His best friend Vijay was blind in one eye.
(d) One could dare to encroach on his rights.
Ans- One could dare to encroach upon his rights.
(e) She was taken with surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
Ans- She was taken by in surprise when she saw the famous Taj Mahal.
(f) It is not possible to exchange the goods once the sale has been completed.
Ans- It is not possible to exchange goods once the sale has been completed.
(g) Dr. Sengupta has been trying to master the craft for the last five years.
Ans- No error.
(h) The top-ranking candidates will be appointed in senior jobs in banks.
Ans-The top-ranking candidates will be appointed to senior jobs in banks.
(i) She knows very well what is expected from her but she is unable to perform.
Ans-She knows very well what is expected of her but she is unable to perform.
(j) They will put on a note in this regard for your consideration.
Ans-They will put up a note in this regard for your consideration.
Click on the image below and solve Textual Grammar Test on the topic-
On Saying “Please”
See the Resourceful PDF created by Prof. Nitin Gunjal on the topic – On Saying “Please”.
Activity No. 1 on 1.2 On Saying “Please”
Q.1 A. Read the given extract and complete the activities given below: (12)
| The young lift-man in a city office who threw a passenger out of his lift the other morning was fined for the offence was undoubtedly in the wrong. It was a question of “please”. The complainant entering the lift, said, “Top.” The lift-man demanded “Top-please”, and this concession being refused he not only declined to comply with the instruction, but hurled the passenger out of the lift. This, of course was carrying a comment on manner too far. Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. If a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me, and if I am physically assaulted, it will permit me to retaliate with reasonable violence. It does this because the burglar and my assailant have broken quite definite commands of the law. But no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners, or could sanction the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognize as a legally punishable offence. And our sympathy with the lift-man, we must admit that the law is reasonable. It would never if we were at liberty to box people’s ears because we did not like their behavior, or the tone of their voices, or the scowl on their faces. Our fists would never be idle, and the gutters of the city would run with blood all day. I may be as uncivil as I may please and the law will protect me against violent retaliation. I may be haughty or boorish and there is no penalty to pay except the penalty of being written down an ill-mannered fellow. The law does not compel me to say “Please” or to attune my voice to other people’s sensibilities any more than it says that I shall not wax my moustache or dye my hair or wear ringlets down my back. It does not recognize the laceration of our feelings as a case for compensation. There is no allowance for moral and intellectual damages in these matters. |
A 1. True/ False: (02)
Read the following sentences and state whether they are True or False.
1) Discourtesy is a legal offence.
2) The lift-man threw a passenger out of his lift in anger.
3) The law compels everyone to say, “Please”.
4) No legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners.
Answer:
1) Discourtesy is a legal offence.- False
2) The lift-man threw a passenger out of his lift in anger.- True
3) The law compels everyone to say, “Please”.- False
4) No legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners.- True
A 2. Describe: (02)
Describe the incident happened in the lift.
Answer:
The young lift-man was working in a city office. One morning a passenger came and asked the lift – man to carry him on the top floor. The lift – man expected polite behaviour from the man. But the passenger refused to say the word ‘please’. So in a fit of anger, the lift – man threw the passenger out of his lift. This incident happened in the lift.
A 3. Give Reason: (02)
Discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery. Give its reasons.
Answer:
If anyone shows discourtesy or rude behaviour, it creates hatred in other person’s life. The other person feels insulted. He or she expects justice. But the law does not compel anyone to show courteous behaviour. The law never enforces any punishment for discourteous behaviour. So there is no way to expect anything from the law. So it is rightly said discourtesy is not a legal offence, and it does not excuse assault and battery.
A 4. Personal Response: (02)
Etiquette and manners are very important for a person to live in the society. Read the following and put them in proper columns.
1) To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class.
2) To knock before you enter your Principal’s office.
3) To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee.
4) To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission.
| Appropriate | Inappropriate |
Answer:
| Appropriate | Inappropriate |
| 2) To knock before you enter your Principal’s office. | 1) To receive phone calls while you are in a lecture or class. |
| 3) To thank the person who offers you tea or coffee. | 4) To leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission. |
A 5. Language study (Do as directed.) (02)
i) If a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me.
(Choose the correct use of ‘Unless’ for this sentence from the given alternatives.)
a) Unless a burglar does not break into my house and I do not knock him down, the law will acquit me.
b) Unless a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will not acquit me.
c) Unless a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me.
d) Unless a burglar does not break into my house and I knock him down, the law will acquit me.
Answer:
b) Unless a burglar breaks into my house and I knock him down, the law will not acquit me.
ii) It was a question of “Please”.
(Choose the correct rhetorical question for this statement.)
a) It was a question of “Please”, wasn’t it?
b) It was a question of “Please”?
c) Wasn’t it a question of “Please”?
d) Isn’t it a question of “Please”?
Answer:
c) Wasn’t it a question of “Please”?
A 6. Vocabulary (02)
Match the word in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
| 1. Acquit | a) an attack |
| 2. To box | b) a cut or tear |
| 3. Laceration | c) to forgive |
| 4. Assault | d) to fight with fists |
Answer:
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
| 1. Acquit | c) to forgive |
| 2. To box | d) to fight with fists |
| 3. Laceration | b) a cut or tear |
| 4. Assault | a) an attack |
More activities with Answers like Activity No. 1 on 1.2 On Saying Please– are also available in the Activity Workbook for Std. XII English by Prof. Tushar Chavan.
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