VK Taylor

  Class 11 English (Hornbill Book) Chapter 5 - The Ailing Planet: the Green Movement’s Role By Nani Palkhivala  Introduction of the Lesson This chapter focuses on the factors that are responsible for the declining health of the earth. The chapter was originally an article written by Nani Palkhivala which was published in the newspaper ‘The Indian Express’ on November 23, 1994. The writer discusses the Green Movement, how a zoo in Zambia declared human beings as ‘world’s most dangerous animals’. The writer also focuses on overpopulation, deforestation and what should be our responsibility towards the environment.     Summary In this chapter, the writer raises an issue towards the deteriorating health of the earth. As human beings have been exploiting natural resources from decades, presently the condition has made the environment critical. In 1972, the Green Movement helped environmentalists to raise awareness about the harmful condition of the earth and since then th...

Class 11 English (Hornbill Book) Chapter 4 Landscape of the Soul By Nathalie Trouveroy Introduction to the Lesson Written by Nathalie Trouveroy, the chapter is about how different the Chinese Art form is, from the European art form. The writer uses two stories to make a contrast. European art is about reproducing an actual view whereas Chinese art is about not creating a real landscape. European art is an artist’s way to let viewers show exactly what he wants them to see in the landscape. Chinese art is the artist’s spiritual and inner voice where you can travel from any point and it lets the viewer creates a path for their imagination. About the author   Summary  In this chapter, the writer contrasts two forms of art – Chinese art and European art by using two different stories. In China during the eighth century, the Tang emperor Xuanzong commissioned a painter Wu Daozi to decorate a wall in the palace. Upon seeing the wall painting, the Emperor started noticing the out...

Class11English Hornbill Book Chapter 3 Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues - By A.R.Williams Introduction of the Lesson- Written by A.R. Williams, this chapter is about the last heir of the powerful Pharaoh Dynasty, Tutankhamun, who died when he was a teenager after ruling for nine years. He died in a mysterious way, this chapter throws light over all the possible mysteries – the curse, where his tomb lies, his life and ultimately death. Egyptians believe that there is life after death and that is the reason why the Pharaohs were buried with wealth and everyday use items. About the author -  Summary Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues is a chapter which gives us an in-depth insight of Tutankhamun, the last ruler of the powerful Pharaoh Dynasty in Egypt. He was a teenager when he died and his death was a mystery. Some speculated that he was murdered. He ruled in Egypt and its empire for centuries. In 1922, his tomb was discovered by Howard Carter, a British Archaeologist. After 80 y...