Q1. Today a lady, an acquaintance of your mother, came to visit your house. Your mother was not at home at that time. When she comes back you describe the lady to her in such a way that she can recall and recognize her. Write the description.

Factual Description of a Visitor
Mother, today a lady came to our house at around 11 O’clock. I was alone in the house at that time. When I opened the door, I saw that a tall fair woman dressed in an elegant salwar kameez was standing at the door. She handed me her card and told me that she had met you in Bangalore during a conference. She told her name as Vandana. She was carrying a brown leather handbag and had long black hair which she had left open. Her hair were particularly noticeable, being so beautiful. She said that you might not be remembering her so the card would help you in recognising her. She also showed me the visiting card which you had given to her in Bangalore. She told me that she located the house with the help of the map drawn on the backside of the card. She has given her contact number and address of Delhi and has said that she will stay in Delhi for 2 days and you can come to meet her.

Q2. Yesterday two thieves made an attempt to burgle your house but were unsuccessful because you saw them outside your window in the moonlight and raised an alarm. In the meantime, they managed to escape. Describe the burglars to the police for identification.

Factual Description of the Burglars
One burglar was a burly man of around 30 years of age. He was wearing black coloured clothes to camouflage in the dark. He was bare-foot and carried a sack on his shoulder which carried some tools or weapons or may be some loot. Whatever it was it made a faint clanging noise as he walked. He also had a slight limp. I could see everything clearly as I was standing in the dark in my room hidden behind the curtain and it was a bright moon-lit night outside. It was around 11.30 p.m. at night. I had just finished studying and had switched off the light of my room. When I came out of the wash-room after freshening up, I saw some movement outside. First I thought there was only one man but after a few minutes one more emerged from the bushes. He looked thin and younger and was perhaps the heavier man’s assistant. He was only dressed in a vest and shorts. They seemed to have scaled the boundary wall and were hiding in the bushes planning to enter the house after ensuring everyone had gone to sleep. When he tried the doors and windows I got scared and shouted for help. Hearing my cries they both ran away before my father could get his air gun.

Q3. Avinash stays in a small town. This time he went to his uncle’s house, who stays in Delhi, to celebrate Diwali. He was very impressed by the decoration and hustle-bustle of the city and writes a description for his school magazine.

Celebration of Diwali at My Uncle’s House
This time I went to my uncle’s house who stays in Delhi to celebrate Diwali with my cousins. Oh! what an experience it was. Days before the market-place had been decorated with earthen lamps and figurines of Ganesha and Laxmi were being sold in large numbers. There were several kinds of fairs, fetes, Diwali Melas, exhibitions and discount sales, festival-season programmes being held all over the city. The markets were bursting with shoppers. Crackers, sweets, dry-fruits, gifts, clothes, gadgets all were being sold by tons. Uncle took me to see the hustle and bustle of many markets while he shopped. Sometimes he bought gifts for his office, sometimes sweets for friends or household goods for his house and family. On the evening of the festival I went with my cousins for a drive to some nearby areas of the city. The entire area was decorated with lights of different kinds. Coloured bulbs, candles, lamps, blinking lights all made the colony look like a bride. It was breath-takingly beautiful.

— Tanuja, Class XI

Q4. Your school has recently built a new computer room and installed five new machines. Write a factual description of it for your school magazine.

A New Computer Room in My School
One week ago the school became the proud owner of five sophisticated sleek computers. They are IBM Compatible Models complete with Central Processing Unit (CPU), keyboard, printer, terminal and mouse. They have various applications running on the system like Basic Language Programming, Spread Sheet, Word Processor, etc. Some video games have also been loaded to generate interest among the students and teach them how to use the various units. The computers are kept in an air-conditioned room which has to be kept dust free. So shoes are taken out and the main room is separated by a glass screen from the entrance. Two computer teachers have been appointed who have already started teaching us the theoretical portion of the syllabus, mainly the computer language. The other one is teaching us how to use the keyboard and mouse. When the school installed the machines many of us had seen the computers from such close quarters for the first time. It was a thrilling experience.

— Rajat, Class XI

Q5. You have recently been to Chennai for your friend’s wedding. You were very surprised to see the railway station of Chennai which being a terminal station is different from other stations. Write a factual description of it for your school magazine.

A Visit to Chennai Railway Station
Chennai Central Station, I found, is a unique railway station because it is the last station on the South-East coast of India i.e., trains cannot go further South-East from Madras. They simply end there. If they have to go further south they have to take a separate route. I saw a terminal station that is what Chennai Central is, for the first time. It is so different from other railway stations having no stairs and no over bridges. One can simply walk to any of the platforms because all converge on to the main lobby of the station. Each rail track ends at a point and the trains simply stop there. Thus it looks more like an airport: spacious, airy, quite clean with very few porters and many luggage trolleys standing for self-service. It has many cold drinks and coffee vending machines, South Indian food joints, railway catering canteen, retiring rooms and rest houses. Thus it is one of the most modern and well-equipped stations. You can even see flowers being sold on the station as Tamil women are very fond of them. There is a cool sea breeze blowing reminding one of the presence of sea nearby.

— Amita, Class XII

Q6. Last week you attended a seminar on the importance of blood donation organized by Red Cross Society, New Delhi. Write a factual description to be read in the morning assembly.

Blood Donation Seminar
Honourable Principal, teachers and dear friends, good morning to you all.

I happened to attend a seminar on the importance of blood donation that was organized by Red Cross Society, New Delhi. Near about 90 students from different schools and 50 doctors from different hospitals of Delhi attended the seminar. The Union Health Minister pointed out the importance of blood for our life. He revealed that a single drop of blood can save the precious life of a dying man. He stated that by donating blood they are not inviting any ailment or deficiency of any kind in the body. A healthy man can donate blood after every six months and he will remain in perfect health. Other eminent doctors too stated that we should save and protect our blood and utilize it at the proper time. The seminar concluded that the masses should be educated to donate blood.

Thank you.

Q7. You visited a nearby hill station during your winter vacation. Write a factual description of the place for your school magazine.

A Winter Visit to Shillong
Last winter, I visited Shillong with my family. The hill station was covered in mist and greenery all around. Rolling hills, pine trees, and waterfalls made the scenery enchanting. We visited the famous Elephant Falls and Ward’s Lake. The local markets were full of handicrafts and woollen clothes. People were warm and friendly, offering homemade jams and chocolates. The roads were winding, and the air was crisp and refreshing. Morning fogs and sunsets over the hills were breathtaking. The place is peaceful yet lively with tourists. It left a lasting impression on me.

— Rohan, Class XI

Q8. Your school recently held a sports day. Write a factual description of the event for your school magazine.

Annual Sports Day Celebration
Our school celebrated its Annual Sports Day last week. The ground was decorated with flags and banners. Events included running races, relay races, long jump, and tug-of-war. Students from all classes participated enthusiastically. The Chief Guest, Mr. S. Agarwal, gave away prizes to winners. The march past by the students was impressive. Teachers encouraged all participants, and the cheering by students made the event lively. Refreshments were served to everyone. The sports day was a great success, promoting teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship among students.

— Neha, Class XI

Q9. You recently visited a new public library in your city. Write a factual description for your school magazine.

A Visit to the City Library
Last Sunday, I visited the newly built city library. The building is modern and spacious, with glass walls and bright lights. It has separate sections for children, students, and adults. There are thousands of books on literature, science, history, and technology. Comfortable reading areas with tables and chairs are available. Computers have been provided for research and online cataloguing. The library also organizes storytelling sessions and educational workshops. The staff was courteous and helpful. The library is quiet, clean, and inspiring, making it an ideal place for students and book lovers.

— Pooja, Class XII

Q10. You visited a nearby zoo during the weekend. Write a factual description for your school magazine.

A Visit to the City Zoo
Last Saturday, I visited the city zoo with my family. The zoo is home to various animals including lions, tigers, elephants, and deer. Birds like peacocks, parrots, and owls were also there. The enclosures were spacious and clean. Informative boards provided details about each animal. There was a section for reptiles and a small aquarium for fish. Children enjoyed feeding some of the animals and watching performances by trained birds. The zoo is beautifully maintained and provides a fun and educational experience. It encouraged us to respect wildlife and nature.

— Aryan, Class XI