How useful are guides and notes ?

 Q. It has been observed that school and college students rely more on coaching centres and ‘Notes’ available in the market while school teaching and textbooks are becoming secondary.
Write an article in about 200 words on How useful are guides and notes? 

The Utility of Guides and Notes: A Double-Edged Sword
By: Vidya/Vinod

In today’s competitive academic landscape, students are increasingly turning to coaching centers and market-available notes, often relegating school teaching and textbooks to a secondary role. While these resources can provide valuable supplementary learning, their overuse can also lead to certain drawbacks.

One of the primary benefits of guides and notes is their ability to offer focused and concise explanations of complex topics. They can break down difficult concepts into more digestible chunks, making it easier for students to understand and retain information. Additionally, these resources often include practice questions and exercises that can help students solidify their understanding and prepare for exams.

However, excessive reliance on guides and notes can have negative consequences. When students become overly dependent on these external resources, they may neglect to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They may also struggle to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, as guides and notes often provide a narrow and structured approach to learning. Furthermore, the quality of guides and notes can vary widely, and some may contain inaccuracies or outdated information.

In conclusion, while guides and notes can be helpful tools for students, it is important to use them judiciously. They should be seen as supplementary resources rather than primary sources of learning. By striking a balance between external resources and traditional classroom instruction, students can maximize their academic potential and develop the skills necessary for success.

• Relegate: to put someone or something into a lower or less important rank or position.
• digestible chunks: information that is easy to understand and presented in a way that is easy to consume.

how a post-office looks and works

 Q. Given below is the picture of a typical post office. Based on the picture and your own knowledge of post office, write an article describing how a post-office looks and works. Give title to your article. You are Deepanshu/Deepansha. 

Title: "Inside a Post Office: A Hub of Communication and Connection"
By: Deepanshu

The post office is a vital part of our everyday lives, serving as a hub of communication and connection between people, businesses, and communities. With its iconic red and white sign, it is a familiar sight in most neighborhoods, offering a range of services that facilitate the exchange of letters, packages, and parcels around the world.

As you step inside a post office, you are greeted with the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, a constant flow of activity that reflects the importance of this institution. The interior is typically divided into different sections, each serving a specific purpose. The first thing that catches your eye is the long row of counters, where friendly postal workers stand ready to assist customers with their postal needs. The most common service offered by a post office is, of course, mailing letters and packages. You can purchase stamps in various denominations, as well as envelopes, postcards, and other mailing supplies. The postal worker will weigh your item and determine the postage cost based on its weight, size, and destination. You can also opt for additional services such as registered mail, certified mail, or priority mail for faster delivery.

In addition to traditional mail services, post offices also offer a range of other services. You can pay bills, buy money orders, and even apply for a passport at some post offices. Many also have postal banking services, allowing customers to deposit or withdraw money, pay bills, and purchase savings bonds. This makes the post office a one-stop-shop for various needs, making it a convenient and essential part of our daily lives. One of the most fascinating areas of a post office is the sorting room, where hundreds of letters and packages are sorted and organized for delivery. The process is highly efficient, with the use of advanced technology and a dedicated team of workers. The sorting machines can read addresses and sort mail at a rapid pace, ensuring that your letter or package reaches its destination in a timely manner. The post office is not just a place for sending and receiving mail; it is also a center for community engagement and connection. Many post offices host community events and provide meeting spaces for local organizations. They also offer a variety of stamps and commemorative items, making them a popular destination for collectors and enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the post office is much more than a building; it is a symbol of communication and connection. It serves as a lifeline for people who are separated by distance, connecting them through the exchange of letters and packages. Next time you visit a post office, take a moment to appreciate its significance and the hardworking individuals who keep this vital institution running. 

Importance of True Friendship

Q. Friends are the family we choose oursclves. Friendship is known to be the most beautiful relationship in the world. Take hints from the unit “Relationship” of My English Reader and with your own ideas write an article on- ‘Importance of True Friendship’. You are Amrit/Sabnam Sharma. (120 to 150 words) (8 marks)
Hints—
• Everyone needs good friends to live life to the fullest.
• True friends are supportive
• Friends are our best guides
• Having friends makes life more fiun
• Friends are important for all age group 

The Indispensable Bond: True Friendship
By: Sabnam

Friends, our chosen kin, form an integral part of our lives. While we may amass numerous acquaintances, a true friend is a rare gem. This bond, forged through shared experiences and unwavering loyalty, is a testament to the human capacity for connection and compassion. It is not merely a casual association but a sacred responsibility, a covenant of trust and support that transcends the vicissitudes of life.

A true friend is an unwavering pillar, standing by our side through life’s triumphs and tribulations. As the adage aptly states, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Whether grappling with personal challenges, professional setbacks, or familial strife, a true friend is always ready to lend a helping hand. They offer unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance, proving themselves to be invaluable companions on life’s journey.

Beyond their practical assistance, true friends enrich our lives in countless ways. Their companionship adds a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, from exhilarating adventures to thought-provoking discussions. Whether exploring new horizons together or simply enjoying each other’s company, true friends make life more interesting, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

In conclusion, true friendship is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It provides unwavering support, enriches our experiences, and fosters personal growth. By cultivating genuine connections with others, we not only strengthen our own well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society.

Vocabulary:

• forged: formed, move forward gradually 
• transcends: Go beyond the range or limit, ऊंचा उठना,  overcome/surpass.
• testament: will, desire
• covenant: connection
• vicissitudes: misfortune, negative circumstances.
• unwavering: unbroken अटूट
• triumphs: successes
• tribulations: great trouble or suffering, घोर कष्‍ट या मुसीबत
• grappling- coping, जूझ
• vibrant- full of energy and enthusiasm
• tapestry- combination (A sense of connection and inter-connection)
• exhilarating- making one feel very happy, thrilling
• harmonious- friendly, peaceful.
• cornerstone- foundation, basis

Man Aloof From Nature

 Q. You are Monisha/Kamal. You feel that the modern man is totally cut off from nature. This has made him unhappy and dissatisfied with whatever he has in life. Write an article in 150-200 words. 

Man Aloof From Nature 
By: Monisha

“If you can see the winds rustle If you can hear the leaves sing There is no pain in the world That can touch you or cling”

Yes, there are more lessons to learn from nature than we have ever imagined learning from books. With the advancement of Science and Technology, man is now under the control of electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, i-pods, social networking sites, etc., which results in cutting him off from nature. The first thing in the morning people do is to check their phone, and the last thing on their mind is the incessant flow of reels with all the negative news and other content.

This is why everyone looks so pale and depressed. If the wee hours are spent in gardens and a few moments are given to meditation/chanting before sleep, the quality of human life can be transformed drastically.

Today, man, despite having every imaginable luxury, is dissatisfied with what he has in his life. In the rat race to earn more and more, he has begun to destroy nature. Disasters such as flood, earthquake, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc., are all the results of man's increased interference with nature. Additionally, we frequently heard the news of attacking wild animals in public and harming them. What is this all about? Simply, the outcome of man's selfish actions; we are clearing forests and using the land for constructing colonies. Due to this, animals are entering towns or cities. (Recent incidents of wolves killing villagers in UP) Moreover, in order to earn more and to fulfill his needs and wants, he is under stress, busy with his job. He has no time to explore nature. Man is ‘the salt gatherer’ Keats refers to in his poem ‘A Thing of Beauty.…’; who destroys health in search of material gain and then tries to restore that health with the wealth earned.

It is high time; we must connect more to nature and take steps to protect it in order to live a happy and satisfied life.

Aloof: Separate, अलग