1.
HOW MUCH LAND DOES A MAN NEED
Main Message:
The story teaches us that greed can destroy a person. If we are never satisfied and always want
more, we can lose everything—including our life.
Who is the story about?
It’s about a poor farmer named Pahom, who always complains that he doesn’t have enough
land. He believes, “If I had more land, I wouldn’t even be afraid of the Devil!”
But guess what?
The Devil is secretly listening when he says that, and the Devil decides to test Pahom’s
greed.
What happens next?
1. Pahom buys some land in the village. He works hard, grows crops, and becomes richer.
2. But now he starts becoming selfish and fights with neighbors over land issues.
3. He moves to a new place where he can rent more land and grow more crops.
4. Then, he hears about a group called the Bashkirs who have lots of land and sell it
cheaply.
The Deal with the Bashkirs:
The Bashkirs offer a strange deal:
• For 1000 rubles, Pahom can walk around as much land as he wants in one day.
• He must start at sunrise and return to the starting point by sunset.
• All the land he walks around will be his.
• But if he doesn't return in time, he will lose everything.
What does Pahom do?
• He gets too greedy and tries to walk around a big area to get more land.
• As the sun starts to set, he realizes he went too far.
• He runs back as fast as he can.
• He reaches just in time... but he's too tired and falls down dead on the spot.
What’s the ending?
His servant buries him in a grave that is only six feet long.
So, in the end, the answer to the title “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” is:
Only enough for a grave—just 6 feet.
Moral of the Story:
• Human greed has no end.
• Be satisfied with what you have.
• If you always want more, it may destroy you.
• In the end, we only need a small space to rest when we die.
. OF STUDIES
Main Idea:
Bacon’s essay "Of Studies" talks about the importance of reading and learning. But he also
says that reading alone is not enough—we must also use our experience and practical
knowledge in life.
Why do we study?
Bacon says people study for three main reasons:
1. For enjoyment (entertainment) – like reading your favorite books, novels, travel
stories, etc.
2. For showing off (ornament) – to impress others, look smart, and gain praise.
3. For knowledge and skill (ability) – to become skilled and successful in life.
Benefits of studying:
• Reading gives us knowledge.
• Discussion (conference) makes us ready and confident to speak.
• Writing helps us become clear and exact in our thoughts.
So, Bacon says reading, discussion, and writing should go together to become a complete
learner.
What types of books are there?
Bacon says there are three kinds of books:
1. Books to be tasted – read only some parts (not so important).
2. Books to be swallowed – read quickly but fully (moderately important).
3. Books to be chewed and digested – read with deep care and attention (very
important).
What does reading different subjects do?
Bacon says different subjects affect our mind in different ways:
• History → makes us wise
• Poetry → makes us creative and intelligent
• Mathematics → makes us sharp and clear in thinking
• Moral philosophy (ethics) → makes us serious and honest
• Natural science → makes us deep thinkers
• Logic → makes us argumentative and reasoning
Final Message:
Bacon believes that:
• Studying is very useful, but it should not be done only for show.
• Real learning happens when we connect study with real-life experience.
• Just like both sides of a coin, reading and practice must go together to become truly
wise.
3. THE LADY WITH THE PET DOG
ANTON CHEKHOV
Main Message / Theme:
The story is not just about cheating or sin — it's about true love that develops slowly between
two married people. It shows how love is a powerful emotion that can change a person deeply,
even if it begins in an unexpected or wrong situation.
Main Character – Dmitri Gurov:
• Gurov is a married man, but he is unhappy with his wife.
• He often speaks badly about women and doesn’t take love seriously.
• While on vacation in Yalta, he meets a young woman and her small white dog.
The Lady – Anna Sergeyevna:
• Anna is also married, but not happy in her marriage.
• She feels guilty after falling in love with Gurov and sees herself as a "sinner."
How Their Love Begins:
• Gurov and Anna start meeting and spending time together.
• One evening, they kiss and eventually sleep together.
• At first, Gurov thinks this is just another short affair like in his past.
How Gurov Changes:
• After returning home, Gurov can't forget Anna.
• Her memory stays fresh, and he realizes he loves her deeply.
• He starts feeling that his real life is with Anna, and the life he lives in public is fake.
Struggles of Secret Love:
• Gurov visits Anna in secret.
• Both feel sad and tired because they can’t live openly.
• Gurov finally understands what true love is, even if it began through adultery.
Moral Understanding:
• This story doesn’t directly say cheating is okay — but it shows that:
o Love is complex.
o People can change through love.
o Life is not always black and white — feelings, choices, and reality are all
mixed.
Final Thought:
Gurov starts the story as a careless man, but through his love for Anna, he becomes more
human, emotional, and even morally aware. It’s a love story that shows how even unexpected
love can lead to self-discovery.
FREEDOM
Main Idea:
Shaw says real freedom does not exist because people are forced to follow nature (like eating, sleeping,
working) and are also controlled by society through things like government, school, and money system.
Two Types of Slavery Shaw Talks About:
1. Natural Slavery (to Nature):
We are all forced to eat, sleep, wash, move, etc.
But these tasks at least bring some pleasure or satisfaction.
(Example: Drinking water when thirsty feels good.)
2. Unnatural Slavery (to Society):
This is when people are controlled by others — the rich, powerful, or the government
— through schools, media, politics, etc.
This slavery feels like freedom, but it’s actually a trap.
(Example: You think you're voting freely, but you're only choosing what the powerful
allow.)
Shaw's Message:
• Most governments pretend to give freedom, but actually control us.
• The system makes us believe we’re free, but we’re just working for others.
• Real freedom (doing whatever you want anytime) is not possible.
Final Thought:
Shaw tells us:
“Stop dreaming of freedom as doing whatever you want all the time.”
Because even if you’re free from other people, you’re not free from nature — and most of your
day is already spent serving natural needs or society's demands.
Civil peace
Main Message:
Even after great loss, staying positive, working hard, and trusting in God can help us recover.
Life will always have challenges, but with faith and effort, we can move forward.
Who is the story about?
The story is about a man named Jonathan Iwegbu, who lives in Nigeria. He survives a terrible
war along with his wife and three children out of four. Jonathan is thankful just to be alive. He
often says:
"Nothing puzzles God."
What happens after the war?
Jonathan still has his small house (even though it’s damaged) and his old bicycle. He sees these
as blessings.
To rebuild his life:
• His wife sells akara balls (fried snacks)
• His kids sell mangoes
• Jonathan uses his bicycle to sell palm wine
Everyone in the family works hard to survive.
The Lucky Payment (Egg-rasher):
One day, Jonathan receives 20 pounds from the government as a gift for surviving the war. This
is called an ex-gratia payment (egg-rasher). He is very happy and thanks God for it.
What goes wrong?
That same night, a group of thieves comes to his house. They knock politely and ask for money.
Jonathan tries to call the police, but no one comes. The thieves even say they are not bad
people—they just want a little money.
At first, they ask for 100 pounds, but Jonathan only has 20 pounds.
He finally gives it to them to protect his family.
What happens next?
The next morning, Jonathan doesn’t cry or complain.
Instead, he and his family go back to work like nothing happened.
He says:
"Did I depend on it last week?"
"Nothing puzzles God."
Moral of the Story:
Stay thankful for what you have.
Don’t cry over what you lose—focus on what’s still left.
Bad things may happen, but with faith and hard work, we can always rise again.
Main Message:
Sometimes, doing the right thing for the country means making the hardest sacrifice—even if it
breaks your heart. True love is not blind; it does what’s best for everyone, not just for one
person.
Who is the story about?
It’s about a mother named Monna Marinna and her son, who has become a traitor to their
country.
She loves both:
• Her son
• Her country 🇮🇹
But now, she has to choose between them.
What has her son done?
Her son has become the enemy leader. He wants:
• To destroy the whole city
• To make people fear his name
• To be famous at any cost—even if it means killing his own people
His soldiers have:
• Surrounded the city
• Thrown dead bodies in the water
• Made people suffer terribly
How does the mother feel?
She’s heartbroken.
People now call her:
“The Mother of the Traitor”
This name hurts her deeply.
She had dreamed her son would be a great hero, but now he’s a monster in her eyes.
What does she do?
She leaves the city to meet her son.
She tries to convince him:
• She says, “A real hero saves lives—not destroys them.”
• But her son says, “Being a destroyer is as great as being a creator.”
He only cares about glory and power.
What happens next?
When her son lays his head in her lap, she gently puts a cloak over him and then kills him with
a knife.
• By doing this, she saves the city. 🇮🇹
• She does her duty as a citizen.
• But she also feels deep pain as a mother
So, she uses the same knife to kill herself.
Moral of the Story:
• True love sometimes means letting go of what hurts everyone.
• A person must choose right over wrong, even if it’s painful.
• Real patriotism and sacrifice may come with great personal loss.
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
• Knowledge: This is about knowing facts and understanding how things work. For
example, knowing that fire is hot and why it burns.
• Wisdom: This is about using knowledge in a way that benefits everyone, not just
yourself. It involves thinking about the consequences of your actions and
considering what's good for others.
Why Wisdom Matters
Russell says wisdom is important because it helps us use knowledge in a good way.
Without wisdom, knowledge can be used to harm people. For example, scientists
discovered how to split atoms, but some of that knowledge was used to make bombs.
Wisdom in Life
Wisdom is needed in both public and private life:
• Public Life: Leaders need wisdom to make decisions that help everyone.
• Private Life: Individuals need wisdom to make good choices and avoid hurting
others.
Teaching Wisdom
Russell thinks that education should focus on teaching wisdom alongside knowledge.
This means helping people become less selfish and more open-minded, so they can
make better decisions for everyone.
Conclusion
In short, Russell believes that wisdom is crucial for using knowledge in a way that
benefits society. As we gain more knowledge, we need more wisdom to ensure it's used
for good.
2. Egoism of Our Senses & Impartiality
• Egoism of our senses means that we are naturally focused on ourselves. Our senses (like sight,
touch, and emotions) are connected to our own body, so we think about our own needs first,
like feeling hunger or discomfort.
• Impartiality means being fair and unbiased. It’s when you think about things in a way that
doesn’t focus on yourself alone, but also consider other people's perspectives. It’s about being
neutral and not letting personal feelings influence decisions.
3. Can Wisdom Be Taught?
• Yes, wisdom can be taught, but it’s not as easy as teaching facts. Wisdom requires experience
and learning how to make good choices.
• The teaching of wisdom should be one of the goals of education because it helps people make
better decisions in life. Schools and parents can teach children to think about others and make
thoughtful choices.
4. Do You Agree With Russell About Wisdom and Knowledge?
• Yes, I agree with Russell. As we learn more and gain more skills (like using technology), we also
have more power to affect the world.
• If we don’t have wisdom, we might use that power recklessly. For example, someone who learns
to build powerful machines might cause harm if they don’t think about the consequences.
• Wisdom helps us use knowledge responsibly so that we don’t make mistakes that can hurt
others.
Aspect Knowledge Wisdom
Knowing facts, information, and The ability to use knowledge in a good and
Definition
understanding how things work. thoughtful way.
Acquired through learning, study, or Gained through experience, reflection, and
Source
experience. thoughtful application.
Focuses on the "why" and using knowledge
Focus Focuses on facts and the "how" of things.
for good purposes.
To understand and know about the world To make thoughtful decisions and act for the
Purpose
and its workings. greater good.
Knowing that fire is hot and understanding
Example Knowing how to use fire safely and wisely.
how heat works.
Helps in making better decisions and
Effect Helps in understanding things.
avoiding harm.
Can be used for both good and bad Used mainly for good, to improve life and
Application
purposes. avoid harm.
Scientific Attitude
Main Idea:
This passage talks about what science really is, how scientists think, and how this way of
thinking can help all people—not just scientists.
What is Scientific Attitude?
Scientific attitude means having a mindset like a good scientist. It includes:
Trait What it Means
Observation Looking carefully at what’s happening.
Open-mindedness Ready to accept new ideas if there’s proof.
Skepticism Not believing something easily without strong evidence.
Suspending Waiting before deciding, especially if you don’t have full
judgment information.
How Science Helps Society (2 Main Ways):
1. Technology and Machines
o Science helps create tools, machines, medicines, and technology (like electricity,
mobile phones, cars, etc.).
o These things make life easier, healthier, and longer.
2. Way of Thinking
o Science teaches us how to think logically, ask questions, and solve problems.
o Even ordinary people (not scientists) can use this method in daily life to think
better and act smarter.
Qualities of a Good Scientist:
A successful scientist:
Quality What it Means
Curious Always wants to know more, asks “why?” and “how?”
Creative Thinks of new ideas, new ways to solve problems
Careful Observer Notices even small details
Objective Doesn’t let personal feelings affect decisions
Critical Thinker Questions everything before accepting it
Imaginative Sees new patterns even in confusing data
Why This Matters for Everyone:
Even if you're not a scientist, you can think like one. This helps you:
• Make better decisions
• Understand the world better
• Solve problems in smart ways
• Avoid believing fake or false thing
STRAIGHT AND CROOKED THINKING
🌟 Main Idea of the Passage:
The authors talk about how people often make mistakes in reasoning, either by using language wrongly
or by thinking illogically. These mistakes can be avoided with clear thinking, also known as straight
thinking.
🧠 What is Straight and Crooked Thinking?
Type Meaning
Straight
Using clear, honest, and logical reasoning. Based on facts and correct use of language.
Thinking
Crooked Confusing or misleading thinking. Using words wrongly or drawing wrong
Thinking conclusions. Often happens without realizing it.
💬 Common Causes of Crooked Thinking:
1. Wrong Use of Words
o People use words that have more than one meaning, which causes confusion.
o Example: The word “intelligence” can mean smartness, information, or mental ability—
depends on the context.
o Scientists may use words like “oxygen” differently, leading to misunderstanding.
2. Logical Errors
o These happen when someone reaches the wrong conclusion from correct facts.
o Example:
▪ Most people are females.
▪ Most people are literate.
▪ So, most females are literate? → This conclusion is incorrect because it's not
based on proper logic.
3. Insufficient Experimentation
o If proper tests or studies are not done, it leads to wrong beliefs.
o Example: People thought parasites keep you healthy because they left the body when
someone got fever. But science later showed parasites caused the fever.
4. False Analogy
o Comparing two things that are not really similar.
o Example: Saying "This medicine worked for fever, so it must work for headache too" →
without testing, that’s a bad comparison.
5. Authority as a Barrier
o Believing something just because a famous person or authority said it, without checking
facts.
6. Missing Control Group
o Not comparing with a proper group while doing tests leads to false results.
10.WATER SUPPLIES-A GROWING PROBLEM
Main Idea of the Passage:
The author talks about the growing global problem of water supply. As the population and
industries grow, the demand for water is increasing rapidly. Scientists are now trying to
understand how to manage water resources properly before it becomes a big crisis.
Why is the Demand for Water Increasing?
1. Population Growth – More people need more water.
2. Better Living Standards – People use more water for comfort, hygiene, etc.
3. Farming and Irrigation – More land needs to be watered to grow food for everyone.
4. Industrial Development – New industries need water for machines and processes.
5. Urbanization – Cities are expanding, using large amounts of water.
Future Outlook:
• In the next 20 years, water demand will double.
• So, we must find new water sources and use current sources carefully and wisely.
Types of Water Resources:
Type Details
Surface Water Rivers, lakes, etc. – visible and already in use.
Underground Found below the ground – larger reserves, but harder to access and
Water understand.
Scientists need to study how this underground water moves, gets renewed, and how much we
can safely use.
Challenges in Water Use:
1. Pure Water doesn’t exist in nature – all water has some salts or minerals.
2. In farming, water brings small amounts of salt → over time, this damages soil and
plants.
3. Evaporation takes away water but leaves the salt behind, making the land worse.
4. Soil moisture is very important for plant life, but is also affected by evaporation
and human use.
5. Can trees help return moisture to the soil? – Scientists still don’t know fully.
EINSTEIN
Conclusion:
• Water problems are growing and complex.
• Only through scientific research can we:
o Protect water sources,
o Improve water quality,
o Use it in a way that’s safe for future generations.
🧠 Main Idea of the Passage:
The passage explains the scientific achievements and peace efforts of Albert Einstein, showing how he
became one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century. It highlights his discoveries in physics,
especially his four famous papers, and his role in promoting peace during times of war.
👶 Early Life of Einstein:
• Born in Ulm, Germany, in 1879.
• Known to be a curious and creative child.
• Left school early but later completed a degree in mathematics in 1900.
• In 1905, published four groundbreaking scientific papers that changed the world of physics.
📄 Einstein's Four Famous Papers (1905):
1. Brownian Motion:
• Explained the random movement of pollen in water.
• Proved the existence of atoms and molecules.
• Helped show that invisible water molecules cause the visible jiggling of particles.
2. Nature of Light:
• Solved a centuries-old mystery about light.
• Proposed that light behaves as both a wave and a particle (photon theory).
• This was a big step toward quantum physics.
3. Special Theory of Relativity:
• Published as "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies".
• Said that time and space are relative, not fixed.
• Key ideas:
o Time Dilation: Moving clocks tick slower.
o Length Contraction: Moving objects appear shorter.
o Relativity of Simultaneity: Events may occur at different times for different observers.
• Proved that the laws of physics are the same for all observers.
• Speed of light is constant in a vacuum.
4. General Theory of Relativity:
• Developed between 1907–1915.
• A new theory of gravity.
• Replaced Newton’s idea of gravity with the concept of space-time curvature.
• Introduced the famous formula E = mc² (Energy = mass × speed of light²).
• Showed that a small amount of mass holds a huge amount of energy.
• Effects observed:
o Gravitational time dilation (clocks tick slower in strong gravity).
o Light bending around massive objects.
o Orbit of Mercury matched predictions of general relativity.
o Universe is expanding.
🕊️ Einstein as a Peacemaker:
• Einstein was a pacifist who hated war.
• Left Germany when Hitler came to power in 1933 and moved to the United States.
• In 1939, when he learned of Germany’s progress in atomic energy, he warned President
Roosevelt about the potential for atomic bombs.
• Despite his efforts for peace, World War II broke out and atomic bombs were used, which
saddened him deeply.
• He later supported the United Nations and hoped it would bring peace.
🏅 Recognition and Legacy:
• Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
Miracles of the Grass – Summary in Simple Words
About the Author
• Joseph Wood Krutch is a nature lover and writer.
• He talks about grass not just as a plant, but as a gift of nature and a miracle of life.
Main Ideas – Made Easy
1. Grass is Special
• Grass is found everywhere – in mountains, valleys, and fields.
• It is soft, green, and beautiful.
• Goethe, a German writer, called grass the "living clothes of God".
• Grass grows and dies with seasons – it follows nature's rule. That’s why it is a natural
miracle.
2. What Science Says
• Scientists say grass belongs to a plant group called Gramineae.
• Even though its history is a bit unclear, it’s very old, older than many animals.
• Important food plants like wheat and rice come from grass. So, grass gives us life and
food.
3. What Poets Say
• Walt Whitman, a poet, wrote a book called Leaves of Grass.
• For him, grass means unity and spirit of the nation.
• He says grass is part of God’s design and brings beauty to life.
4. People Forgot Its Value
• Today, people care more about fun, status, and modern things.
• We use plastic instead of real beauty.
• Bread is made in factories, not at home anymore. We are forgetting the simple joys of
life.
• Like Thoreau, the writer, says: he avoided wine because he loved the taste of pure
water.
5. Grass is Not for Show
• Some people grow grass (lawns) just to show off.
• Economist Veblen said grass is now used like a status symbol.
• But Krutch says grass is more than that — it has beauty and life in it.
6. Grass and the Circle of Life
• People say: “All flesh is grass.”
• This means: We are born, we live, we die, and we become part of the earth again.
• Grass takes minerals from soil, turns them into life (like protein), and starts the cycle
of life again.
• Grass plays a big role in keeping life going.
Final Message
• We must not choose only science or only religion — both are important.
• Life is a mix of facts and feelings, truth and beauty.
• We should learn to enjoy nature, respect life, and find joy in simple things like grass
