• Visionary leader

• Courageous freedom fighter

• Humble and selfless

• Believer in equality and justice

• Forgiving and peace-loving

The young seagull stood alone on a narrow ledge on the side of a high cliff. Below him lay the vast sea. The sight terrified him. Though he had wings, he believed they were too weak to support him. He felt certain that if he jumped, he would fall straight down and drown.

This fear was so strong that his legs trembled whenever he moved closer to the edge.

His parents scolded him sharply and called him cowardly. His siblings mocked him and threatened to leave him alone to starve if he did not fly.

The seagull felt ashamed and lonely. He wanted to fly, but fear held him back. Even the fear of being abandoned could not push him to jump.

Soon, the entire family flew away. The seagull was left completely alone on the ledge. Time passed slowly. The sun rose higher, and the heat increased.

He began to feel extremely hungry. He had not eaten since the previous night. His head ached, and his body felt weak. He cried loudly, hoping someone would return, but no one came.

The seagull looked down at the sea. He saw fish swimming far below, but they seemed unreachable. Every glance downward filled him with fear. He imagined himself falling helplessly and drowning.

Though hunger troubled him badly, fear still controlled his actions.

• “Paper has more patience than people” reflects Anne’s loneliness

• Kitty symbolizes a true friend

• Anne’s essays show her intelligence and confidence

• Writing becomes a tool for emotional growth

1. Pader – local Goan baker

2. Kabai – traditional baker’s dress

3. Herald – announce

4. Fragrance – pleasant smell

5. Prosperous – financially successful

“Coorg” is a descriptive piece that introduces Coorg (Kodagu), a beautiful hill region in Karnataka. The chapter focuses on natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and bravery of the people.

CBSE focuses on:

• Descriptive language

• Culture and lifestyle

• Natural features

Coorg lies midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore. It is surrounded by evergreen rainforests, rolling hills, and coffee plantations.

During the monsoon season, mist covers the hills, creating a dream-like appearance. The author compares Coorg to a piece of heaven that must have drifted down to Earth.

One day, the author’s friend brought him an otter that had been captured by local Arabs. The otter was very young and looked weak and frightened.

The author named the otter Mijbil, or Mij for short. At first, Mijbil remained quiet and nervous, showing no interest in his surroundings.

One day, the author placed Mijbil in a bathtub filled with water. This moment became a turning point. As soon as Mijbil touched water, he became extremely excited.

He began splashing, diving, rolling, and sliding joyfully. He played continuously, clearly showing that water was his natural habitat.

From that day onward, Mijbil spent hours playing in water, proving that animals instinctively recognize their natural environment.

Valli returned home safely before her mother woke up. When her mother and aunt talked about the bus ride casually, Valli remained quiet.

She no longer felt like boasting about her adventure. The experience had made her more thoughtful and mature.

Before coming to the real reason, Lomov begins talking excessively about his physical problems:

• heart palpitations

• trembling limbs

• sleeplessness

• anxiety

He claims that his nerves are weak and that excitement could kill him. This immediately establishes Lomov as a hypochondriac (someone obsessed with illness).