GSEB Class 11 Gujarati Lekhan Kaushalya નિબંધલેખન નિબંધલેખન Solutions

An essay means a structured presentation of personal thoughts on a specific topic. It involves presenting a particular subject in a descriptive manner.

Things to keep in mind while writing an essay

• From the two given essay topics, choose the one you can do justice to.
• Prepare a rough draft of the chosen essay. Divide the essay into sub-points.
• An essay can begin in many ways. You can start the essay by placing a suitable proverb or short paragraph related to the topic.
• Write the sub-points of the main topic sequentially. While writing each sub-point, keep the following things in mind:
  1. Sentences should be short, simple, precise, and accurately express your point.
  2. Write with care and accuracy, considering all aspects of writing style and proficiency. Use punctuation marks correctly.
  3. Letters should be neat, clean, readable, and free from any corrections.
  4. Use appropriate literary figures naturally, if possible.
• Start a new paragraph after completing each point.
• Strive to express your original ideas appropriately.
• Make sure that the same point or idea is not repeated. Avoid using unclear sentences or words that are difficult to understand.
• After writing the essay, read it again. Correct any mistakes found. If a point comes to mind later, make a brief note of it.

Write an essay of approximately 200 words on each of the given topics based on the given points.

1. Splendor of Spring

“આ ડાળડાળ જાણે કે રસ્તા વસંતના;
ફૂલો એ બીજું કૈં નથી, પગલાં વસંતના”

- Manoj Khanderiya

Nature has given us the lovely diversity of seasons. Winter, summer, and monsoon are the three main seasons, while Hemant, Shishir, Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, and Sharad are the six sub-seasons. These seasons fill our lives with variety. Each season possesses its own unique beauty. Among these, Vasant (spring) is truly the king of seasons. The glory of spring stands out as the most distinct among all seasons.

After the Shishir season, spring arrives. From the start of spring, a unique energy spreads through every part of the earth. It feels like a festival as nature prepares to welcome spring. The touch of spring breezes infuses new vitality into trees and vines.

Mango groves blossom with new flowers. Bright red Kesuda flowers bloom on Khakhra trees. Lakes look lovely with lotus flowers. In this way, various flowers bloom during spring. Their captivating colors and fragrance enhance the unique beauty of spring.

Bumblebees fill the atmosphere with their sweet buzzing, and cuckoos with their pleasing calls. Truly, during spring, nature's captivating youth blossoms fully.

Spring also has a unique charm over human hearts. Its intoxicating effect makes the human mind filled with joy. During this season, people celebrate various festivals to express their happiness. In our country, Vasant Panchami, Holi, and Dhuleti festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm during this season.

During these festivals, life's joy overflows with flying abeel-gulal everywhere. The sweet melodies of spring songs, sung to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and mridangs, fill the atmosphere with unique delight.

The intoxicating splendor of spring guides the pens of poets and brushes of painters towards new creative paths. Manoj Khanderiya has provided a vivid verbal picture of spring:

“મલયાનિલોની પીંછીને રંગો ફૂલોના લે,
દોરી રહ્યું છે કોણ આ નકશા વસંતના”

No other season can be compared with spring. It is true that autumn has its own beauty, but compared to spring's natural splendor, that cool beauty seems dull. Even more attractive than the monsoon's grandeur is spring's exhilarating beauty.

Spring gives fresh new life to all of nature. Truly, spring is the king of seasons.

Exam Tip: When writing about seasons, describe the sensory details – sights, sounds, and smells – to make your writing vivid and engaging. Conclude by reiterating the season's unique significance.

2. Summer Afternoon

"આવ્યો આવ્યો બળબળ થતો, વા વૈશાખી પ્રબળ"

During scorching summer afternoons, the sun appears like a fiery ball. It feels as if streaks of fire are emanating from it. The sky becomes clear and still. Occasionally, a single white cloud or a circling kite can be seen in the sky; otherwise, only emptiness is visible.

On scorching summer afternoons, the whole atmosphere turns into a blazing furnace. Village entrances, squares, alleys, streets, and city highways become deserted. No one ventures out without work. Birds and animals seek shelter in the shade.

Buffaloes remain submerged in pond mud, while cows take refuge under a dense banyan or neem tree. Dogs and sheep-goats also hide in corners, seeking shade. Wild animals lie down in caves or under tree shadows.

Thus, every living creature cries out in distress from the unbearable summer heat.

During summer, ponds and wells become desolate, and fields turn deserted. Cities, always bustling with traffic and noise, become inactive and quiet in the summer afternoons. An unbearable wave of heat spreads over all of nature and living beings.

During such scorching afternoons, many people and animals die struggling from heatstroke. It seems as if the earth itself is sighing with hot breath.

When harsh heat pours down from the sky, there is no end to human misery. On scorching Vaisakhi afternoons, people halt their activities. Herders who go to graze cattle in the wilderness rest under the shade of a banyan or peepal tree.

Some people place wet cloths on their heads. Khus screens are hung on windows and doors. People use electric fans, air coolers, and air conditioners to protect themselves from the heat. To escape the heat and humidity, some people go to Matheran. To cool both body and mind, people enjoy cold drinks and ice cream.

People also visit hill stations like Mahabaleshwar or Mount Abu to relax. To provide coolness to both body and mind, people enjoy cold beverages and ice cream.

Summer season also holds its own special beauty. All around, flowers like Garmalo, Gulmohar, Kesudo, Neemmanjari, and Amra-manjari bloom beautifully. Sweet and cool fruits like Jamun, Mango, Kalingar, and Sugarcane are excellent gifts from the summer season.

Nature lovers like Kakasaheb Kalelkar have also found interest, beauty, and poetry even in the summer afternoons.

Exam Tip: When describing a season, focus on its typical characteristics and how it affects both nature and human life. Include sensory details and traditional practices associated with the season.

3. My Favorite Book

“દે દી હમેં આઝાદી, બિના ખડ્ગ, બિના ઢાલ,
સાબરમતી કે સન્ત, તુને કર દિયા કમાલ”

Good books can be excellent friends and guides for people. The noble ideas expressed in them help to improve our lives. Reading the best books provides us with the art of living, a new perspective, and holistic education. I also have a great passion for reading excellent books.

Among the several excellent books I have read, Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is my most favorite book.

In 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth,' one gets a true understanding of Mahatma Gandhi's life. From being a simple and shy student in childhood, Gandhiji later became the Father of the Nation of India. This book is like a chronicle of this great man's life journey.

Gandhiji launched Satyagraha in Africa against the policy of racial discrimination, and from then on, he emerged as a pioneering leader on the world's political stage. In 1915, Gandhiji left South Africa and returned to his homeland permanently. He made India his field of work.

The Indian people gained a strong public leader in Gandhiji, committed to alleviating their sufferings. Seeing the impoverished condition of the people of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, Gandhiji, the helper of the poor, was deeply moved. As a result, he began wearing only a loincloth!

That is why the grateful people of India have placed this saint of Sabarmati in the glorious position of Father of the Nation.

Gandhiji had fiercely challenged a superpower like the British Empire with unique weapons such as truth and non-violence.

Gandhiji's work was not limited to the political sphere. He also waged a lifelong battle against many social evils that had become ingrained in Indian public life, and he achieved significant success in the matter of untouchability eradication.

He also performed commendable work in the fields of Hindu-Muslim unity and women's education. 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is a document of all such activities of Gandhiji.

The language of 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is plain and simple, yet Gandhiji's description of his life events in it is interesting and impactful. In it, Gandhiji first acknowledges his weaknesses and then explains in detail how he overcame them.

Gandhiji's patriotism, simplicity, commitment to truth, insistence on non-violence, strong willpower, humility, and other qualities give us much inspiration.

'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' is truly a great book. It is a matter of pride that this book is now being published in Sanskrit. Reading such books elevates our thoughts, and only noble thoughts can make a person great. 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' holds a special place in Gujarati autobiographical literature.

Exam Tip: When discussing a favorite book, always include its title and author. Explain why it is your favorite, focusing on its impact, themes, and how it relates to real-life values or historical events.

4. Our Festivals

We often get bored with a monotonous life. Life starts to feel dull. Festivals that come frequently throughout the year fill our lives with freshness and joy. Celebrating festivals strengthens our social relationships. Our national spirit also grows.

There are three types of festivals:

• Religious,
• Social, and
• National.

Diwali, Holi, Shivratri, Dussehra, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, Buddha Eid, Ramadan Eid, Pateti, Christmas, Moharram, etc., are religious festivals. Religious festivals strengthen our spiritual feelings. The importance of religious festivals in our lives is significant.

For example, Ambaji Mata fought against the Mahishasur demon for nine days. On the tenth day, Mahishasur was killed. In this war, truth triumphed over evil. In its memory, the festivals of Navratri and Vijayadashami are celebrated. On Vijayadashami, Lord Rama killed Ravana.

After Lord Rama conquered Lanka and entered Ayodhya, people lit lamps in every house to express their joy on that occasion. In memory of that event, the Diwali festival is celebrated. Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Mahavir Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, and other festivals are observed in memory of incarnations and deities.

The celebration of national festivals helps to develop our national spirit. On August 15, 1947, our country gained independence. In its memory, August 15 is celebrated as 'Independence Day'. On January 26, 1950, our country's constitution came into effect.

Therefore, January 26 is celebrated as 'Republic Day'. Gandhi Jayanti, Children's Day, Teacher's Day, and other festivals remind us of our nation's great leaders. We get inspiration from their lives and works.

Some festivals, though religious, are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people of all faiths. Thus, they also become social festivals. Raksha Bandhan, Uttarayan, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Holi, Navratri, and other festivals are celebrated enthusiastically by people of all religions in society.

Sharad Purnima is a unique festival. It is celebrated after Navratri, once the monsoon season ends.

During festivals, we visit temples, wear new clothes, meet each other, and enjoy sweets and delicious dishes. Celebrating festivals is also essential for preserving Indian culture and for developing our national and religious sentiments.

Exam Tip: When describing festivals, categorize them (religious, social, national) and provide examples for each. Explain their significance, how they are celebrated, and their role in promoting unity and cultural values.

5. Preservation of Trees: Prosperous Homeland

During the fifty years after independence, many problems have arisen in India due to population growth. Forests were destroyed, and concrete jungles of cement came up in their place. Consequently, air, water, and noise pollution have increased.

Human life is now in danger. Among the many ways to prevent pollution, one important solution is tree plantation and nurturing trees. Plant trees, save lives.

Trees are useful to us in many ways. Tree leaves purify the air through photosynthesis. Trees stop the advancement of deserts. Trees help to cool clouds and bring rain. Animals, farmers, and travelers rest in the cool shade of trees, and children play there. Trees enhance the beauty of the earth. An earth without trees looks as barren as a head without hair.

Trees give us colorful flowers and various kinds of fruits. Tree roots prevent soil erosion. Trees provide timber and fuel. The roots and leaves of many trees are used as medicine.

Some years ago, forests protected animals in our country, and animals protected forests, keeping the atmosphere cool. The air remained clean, and abundant rain fell. Thus, forests were a blessing for us; however, due to population growth in our country, the need for land increased to build settlements, factories, roads, railways, and other infrastructure.

Furthermore, wood was needed for fuel and to make household furniture. As a result, forests were indiscriminately cut down. Consequently, the forest area decreased. Arable land also started to diminish. New trees were not planted in proportion to the number of trees cut down.

As a result, rainfall continuously decreased. The groundwater level consistently kept falling. Consequently, environmental pollution kept on increasing.

Today, we understand the importance of trees. Therefore, we have popularized several slogans: 'Plant trees, save lives,' 'Care for trees, prosperous homeland,' 'One child, one tree,' and so on. Through all these slogans, the glory of trees is highlighted.

June 5th is celebrated as World Environment Day. On that day, measures for protecting trees and the environment are discussed. During the monsoon season in our country, Van Mahotsav (tree planting festival) is also celebrated.

At that time, trees are planted in open spaces, on both sides of roads, in schools, and on barren lands, and a pledge is taken to care for them. Organizing such programs has led to an increase in the number of trees.

Due to this, the beauty of nature has also increased. In this way, our current complex problems of increasing air, water, and noise pollution can also be removed. Trees teach us to be benevolent like saints. Let us plant more and more trees to reduce pollution. Only by planting trees can we protect our earth.

Plant trees, bring rain. Grow trees, save lives.

Exam Tip: An essay on tree preservation should highlight the ecological benefits of trees, discuss the negative impacts of deforestation, and suggest practical solutions like tree plantation drives. Emphasize the importance of collective responsibility.

6. The End of the Earth - Home

Whether we travel within the country or abroad, at some point, we start to miss home. Why does this happen? There is only one answer to this question: everyone loves their own home. That is why the saying 'The End of the Earth - Home' has become popular.

Birds that left in the morning to find food return to their nests in the evening. People who went to work or business in the morning come back home in the evening. Farmers who went to work in the fields in the morning return home in the evening. Herdsmen who went out in search of fodder with their cows and buffaloes also return home with their herds in the evening. Thus, humans, animals, and birds all find peace only by returning to their respective homes when evening falls.

A house is a shelter for humans, a nest for birds, and a cave or den for wild animals. In the evening, all these creatures come to their respective shelters to rest. Every living being experiences comfort and peace only in its own home.

A person returning home in the evening eats dinner and then sits comfortably. He shares his joys and sorrows with his children and wife. Children returning home from school in the evening interact freely with their parents and family members. Children receive good training in the warm atmosphere of the home.

Excellent values from parents are passed on to them. Generally, both home and school are considered training grounds for children; however, most of a child's development takes place at home. When a family member falls ill, all family members lovingly care for them. In a joint family, everyone receives warmth from the presence of elders.

However, a house whose members do not have feelings of affection or love for each other cannot be called a home. A house where every family member has a desire to help one another is truly a real home.

“ખીલવું એમાં જરૂરી છે કમળ, ફક્ત જળથી કોઈ સરવર ના બને”

This saying is equally true for a home.

Whether a house is small or large, temporary or permanent, it is always dear to a person. 'One should not demolish their own hut upon seeing someone else's palace.' This proverb signifies the true glory of home. The peace and happiness a person experiences in their own home cannot be found anywhere else.

A person may travel to any corner of the world and enjoy all the comforts and facilities there, but eventually, they will feel something is missing. This 'something' is their 'home'.

No matter where a person goes, they only feel relief when they return and enter their own home. Even a broken-down dwelling is extremely dear to a person. That is why it is said, 'The end of the earth is home'.

In a broader sense, a person's homeland is their home. The joy we experience in the soil of our homeland cannot be found even in foreign palaces. The peace, comfort, and warmth we feel in our native dwelling cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The sweetness of homemade bread cannot be found even in the lavish meals of a five-star hotel. That is why poet Adil Mansuri wrote:

“વતનની ધૂળથી માથું ભરી લઉં આદિલ,
ફરી આ ધૂળ ઉમ્રભર મળે, ન મળે”

Exam Tip: When writing about the importance of home, use vivid imagery and personal anecdotes. Explain why home is a place of comfort, peace, and belonging, and how it impacts individuals regardless of where they travel.

7. Woman, You Are Divine

A woman is truly divine. Her spirit of dedication is unique in the world.

Mahakavi Valmiki created inspiring characters like Sita. He also created the character of Lakshmana's wife, Urmila, who symbolized sacrifice and endurance. The author of Mahabharata, Vyasa, presented the great ideal of womanhood through the character of Draupadi.

Modern writers have also enthusiastically praised the dignified and important place of women in human life. Female power is the source of civilization and culture. Her contribution to the reconstruction of society and the nation is significant. Today, women have achieved a special place in every field.

Women are making significant contributions in the fields of politics, science, and education.

A woman's life is an epic of love, endurance, sacrifice, and devotion. Indian women consider serving their husbands and families as their duty. They have felt pride in spreading fragrance by burning themselves like incense sticks for the sake of family, society, or nation.

She has knowingly drunk the poisons of life. Indian women have never rebelled or revolutionized for their rights. Without caring for their rights, they have performed their duties excellently. A woman dedicates her complete love to her family. That is why a woman is 'Narayani' (divine).

Today's woman is humble, courteous, and generous-minded. She is not weak but an embodiment of strength. A woman who dedicates her life to the family's welfare can also become a fierce warrior when needed. In the past, heroic women like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Durgavati, and Ahilyabai Holkar brought glory to India. The lives of great women like Madam Curie, Florence Nightingale, and Mother Teresa reveal the immense power within women.

Modern Indian women have been influenced by Western culture. In their eagerness to achieve equality with men, they have stepped out of their domestic spheres. Today, Indian women have made great progress in every field, including social, educational, political, and professional areas.

Despite this, Indian women have preserved their high cultural values. It is desirable that in the future, Indian women continue to maintain their pride and self-respect and inspire women worldwide with their elevated values.

The scope of an ideal woman's work is vast. She is at the center of the family. Where the financial responsibility of the family rests on the man, the woman manages the family's traditions and household affairs.

An ideal daughter-in-law,

As a devoted wife and an affectionate mother, a woman provides a fundamental contribution to the order of the world. The ancient saying can truly be applied to such women: 'Where women are revered, there the gods rejoice.' Meaning, where women are worshipped, deities reside.

Exam Tip: When writing about women's divinity, include examples from mythology, history, and modern life. Discuss their various roles as mothers, wives, and professionals, highlighting their strength, compassion, and contributions to society.

8. Mother's Love

“વરસે ઘડીક વ્યોમવાદળી રે લોલ,
માડીનો મેઘ બારે માસ રે,
જનનીની જોડ સખી! નહિ જડે રે લોલ”

In the lines above, poet Botadkar has sung the boundless greatness of a mother's love. Among all affectionate relationships in the world, a mother's place is supreme and unique.

How much a mother sacrifices for her child's happiness! She worries day and night about her child's well-being. She never lets there be any shortcoming in caring for her child. She spends all her energy behind her child's upbringing, development, and education.

A mother's heart overflows with special love for a sick or disabled child. The sweet spring of maternal affection never dries up, even in the harshest heat of circumstances. Truly, a mother's sacrifice and love know no bounds. That is why it is said, 'A mother is a mother! All others are just wilderness wind!'

A mother's love for her children is selfless and unconditional. A son may turn out to be unworthy, but a mother never becomes a bad mother. Even if a child is disabled, ugly, or mentally challenged, there is no difference in a mother's affection!

A mother's contribution to a child's mental development is most significant. Teachers only provide bookish knowledge to a child, but life-skills education is acquired from the mother. A mother instills high moral values in her child's life.

A child's life is shaped by a mother's affection and inculcation of values. That is why it is said that 'one mother is worth a hundred teachers.' The credit for shaping the lives of great personalities like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, etc., goes to their mothers.

A mother's warmth of affection is an invaluable asset in a child's life. A mother's eyes, overflowing with love, contain a marvelous life-giving elixir. Truly, a mother is the ultimate pilgrimage site. A child deprived of maternal love experiences an incompleteness in life that can never be fully healed. Poet Premanand rightly said,

“ગોળ વિના મોળો કંસાર, માતા વિના સૂનો સંસાર”

Mothers have given the world countless great men. A mother's pure affection rules the hearts of those who rule the world. That is why it is said: 'The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world'. Poet Malbari's magnificent tribute to Mother Earth also applies to every mother: 'Even if I give a hundred births, such is your debt, Mother!'

The essence of maternal love can also be seen in animals and birds. How carefully a sparrow raises its young! How much affection a cow showers on its calf! A deer does not hesitate to fight a lion to protect its fawn!

Selfless and pure maternal love, rare even for gods, is an invaluable blessing bestowed upon humanity by God.

Exam Tip: To effectively write about a mother's love, highlight its unconditional nature, sacrifices, and nurturing role. Include quotes or examples from literature and nature to reinforce the universal appeal and depth of maternal affection.

9. The God in the Temple Speaks...

Ghazal Emperor Shayda's lines often come to my mind:
“મને એ જોઈને હસવું હજારો વાર આવે છે,
પ્રભુ! તારા બનાવેલા તને આજે બનાવે છે!”

How true is this statement in the context of humanity! Except for a few true devotees, it seems to me that the vast human population is openly deceiving me today.

Humans have assumed that by worshipping this stone idol instead of my formless, invisible, and omnipresent self, they gain permission to act however they please. After hurting my heart, which beats in every atom of creation, day and night, humans come here and try many ways to appease me. My divine light illuminates the whole world, yet ignorant humans try to please me with tiny lamps.

Humans offer to me the delicate flowers I created, turning them lifeless. When they come to me wearing valuable clothes and jewelry, it seems as if they are trying to outshine me. Thinking me deaf and heedless, as if trying to bring me to my senses, they vigorously ring bells. Perhaps they make this din so that the cries of suffering humans struggling outside this temple do not reach my ears!

Today, humanity is entangled in so many deceptions! People constantly burn in the fire of jealousy, lie, are always eager to harm others, speak ill of others, snatch what is not theirs, quarrel in the name of religion, hate each other in the name of sect, and deceit and trickery have become their habits.

Despite committing so many wrongdoings, they believe that by visiting a temple and seeing God, they will become pure, and God will forgive all their sins. Seeing such ignorance in humans truly saddens me.

This does not mean that only hypocrites come to my temple. Devotees seeking ultimate peace, weary of worldly entanglements, also come here. They do not wish to please me to attain worldly achievements.

They understand the transient nature of human life and the power behind the creation's operation. Just as deep water appears calm and still from the surface, the external behavior of such devotees is free from pretense.

Unfortunately, such spiritual seekers are rare.

Among the beings I created, only humans can realize my supreme power through the purity of their hearts. The human soul is inseparable from the soul of all creation. To experience that soul-essence, humans must become humble and selfless.

A human who completely dissolves their ego and provides lifelong selfless social service, even if they do not come to the temple, always remains close to me.

Exam Tip: This essay requires a philosophical approach. Discuss the true meaning of devotion beyond rituals. Emphasize inner purity, selflessness, and service to humanity as higher forms of worship, contrasting them with superficial religious practices.

10. Hard Work is the Philosopher's Stone

Hard work is the key to success. In life, at every step, the importance of labor is visible. All great personalities have advocated for hard work. The Bible states, 'You shall eat your bread by the sweat of your brow.' In the Gita, a person who seizes the fruit of another's labor without working is called a 'thief'.

Hard work means 'self-effort'. It does not imply mere wage labor or toil. Humans should perform their own tasks instead of just seeking comfort. We can truly understand the dignity of labor only if we do not feel shame, neglect, or contempt for any of our own work.

Unfortunately, our educated society tends to distance itself from manual labor. People do not show respect towards laborers like masons, carpenters, tailors, or farmers. Clerks and other officials often consider it beneath them and see their importance in getting most tasks done by others.

Wealthy individuals feel pride and pleasure in having all their work done by servants. Such an attitude of neglecting physical labor is observed everywhere in our society.

Question 11. Write an essay on 'My Grandfather'.
Answer: For our family, grandfather was like a huge banyan tree. Grandfather was always present during all the good and bad events of our family, relatives, and close ones. With grandfather's presence, even the biggest and most complex situations in our small world were resolved very easily. In our large family, some difficulties would always arise as per life's course. Sometimes someone would be sick, and sometimes an elder would pass away. In such events, grandfather would maintain complete calm. No matter how challenging the situation, grandfather's composure would not waver. Small disagreements would often arise in our family. Grandfather would find a solution acceptable to everyone from such disagreements, always keeping our family united. Everyone, young and old, in our family would respect him. He also held great influence in our caste-community. In community meetings, assemblies, and gatherings, grandfather's word was considered final. All community members knew him well and respected him greatly. Grandfather would generously donate to many social organizations and also offer his services. Selfless action was grandfather's life motto. When I was young, grandfather would take me for walks every morning and evening. On the way, I would hear many stories of knowledge and science, which remain a priceless treasure in my life even today. Grandfather would also attend many public functions with me. Grandfather would rest a bit during the afternoon. Other than that, all his time was spent in reading, writing, meetings, and ceremonies. His eagerness to work was such that it would even put young people to shame. If anyone showed laziness, grandfather would scold them. Despite all this, his heart held immense affection for all of us. If anyone among us fell slightly ill, he would become very restless and worried. Once, when I had a small fracture in my leg, grandfather stayed awake all night by my bedside. My grandfather was as stern as a thunderbolt yet as soft as a flower. Grandfather, a living embodiment of knowledge, diligence, and sacrifice, was truly an ideal inspiration for me. Since I grew up, I had never seen grandfather weak and confined to bed. That is why, when he suddenly passed away one day due to heart failure, I felt deeply shocked. Even today, people praise his good deeds.
In simple words: My grandfather was like a strong tree for our family, always there for good and bad times. He kept our family united by finding solutions to disagreements. He was respected in our community, offering help and donations. He taught me much during our walks. He worked hard, even resting only in the afternoon, but always loved us deeply, staying by my side when I was hurt. He was a perfect example of knowledge and hard work. When he passed away suddenly, it was a big shock, and people still remember his good deeds.

Exam Tip: When writing an essay about a person, remember to include details about their personality, contributions to the family and society, and any personal anecdotes to make the writing engaging and heartfelt.

Question 12. Write an essay on 'My Journey'.
Answer: In today's time, the idea of traveling on foot might seem a bit unusual, but one cannot imagine the joy of such a journey without experiencing it directly. I have always enjoyed walking trips. And after reading travelogues by Kakasaheb Kalelkar, I was truly inspired to go on a walking journey. So, one beautiful autumn morning, I set out towards Pavagadh with a shoulder bag and a stick. At that time, the whole environment was joyful and refreshing. Birds were chirping sweetly, and trees and vines were swaying in the breeze. Singing those lines, "Horses prance in the heart, the soul spreads its wings, youth eyes unseen lands," I was cutting through my path. All around, dense forest greenery covered everything. The atmosphere was fragrant with the scent of flowers. Many other travelers, like me, were walking on foot along the way. Amidst devotional songs, hymns, and couplets like "O soul, remember the Creator, this world is but a dream," the rocky path to Pavagadh was quickly being covered. I had heard this garbo, "Mother, you are the queen of Pavagadh, Bhavani Mata, Kalika," during Navratri, but today I was going to directly see the idol of the Goddess. Pavagadh seemed to be welcoming us from afar. Sometimes I would see peacocks dancing, and sometimes hear the cuckoo's call. I stopped at one spot to rest for a while. After eating fresh fruits and drinking water from a spring, I continued my journey. At the foothills of Pavagadh, I saw the ruins of Champaner. The past grandeur of its four markets and fifty-two bazaars, which I had read about in historical novels, came alive before my mind's eye. After that, I started climbing the Pavagadh hill. On the way, I rested a little at "Masi" and then moved forward. Seeing the natural beauty around Pavagadh, I felt truly blessed. The ancient fort and huge gate were welcoming travelers. Then came Dudhiyu Lake. Its water is truly white like milk. Since bathing there is considered very auspicious, I took a dip in it. After bathing, a wonderful energy filled my body. I quickly climbed the steps and reached the temple of Mahakali Mata. In that sacred atmosphere, I felt an unprecedented peace. On the mountain, I was feeling the strong gusts of wind. It occurred to me that the name Pavagadh might have come from Pavangadh (Windy Fort). Slowly, the sun was moving towards the west. After offering prayers to the Goddess and fully enjoying the beauty of nature, I descended. Even today, the memory of that walking trip to Pavagadh makes my mind happy.
In simple words: Walking trips are special. I felt inspired by travel books to go on one. One autumn morning, I walked to Pavagadh, enjoying the joyful, fresh air, bird songs, and swaying trees. I felt blessed by the beauty of nature there, visiting Champaner's ruins and Dudhiyu Lake. After bathing and climbing to Mahakali Mata's temple, I found great peace. Even now, thinking about that trip makes me happy.

Exam Tip: When describing a travel experience, focus on vivid sensory details, emotional responses, and the sequence of events to create an immersive narrative.

Question 13. Write an essay on 'Friendship with Books'.
Answer: The saying "Like company, like color" holds true for books, just as it does for people. Like friends, books also play a crucial role in shaping a person's life. A good book, like a good friend, gives a person companionship, support, and comfort in times of happiness and sorrow. A well-known English saying states, "A good book is man's friend, philosopher, and guide." Many people's lives have seen great changes because of books. Gandhiji received inspiration for Satyagraha from Ruskin's famous book 'Unto The Last'. Religious books like the Gita and the Bible have given noble guidance to countless individuals. A person who befriends good books does not feel confused or sad even in unfavorable circumstances. Knowledge preserved in books gives an individual patience and peace in times of trouble. It lightens the unbearable burden of human life. Excellent books remove human superstitions, ignorance, and blind faith. Reading good books enriches and broadens a person's perspective on the world and life. Good books never betray us; they always keep us company. That is why the English poet named Robert Southey wrote about the friendship of books: "My never failing friends are they With whom I converse day by day." This means, 'Books that never betray are my friends, with whom I discuss and reflect daily.' A person who maintains friendship with books never feels lonely. Great personalities, immortalized in words on every page of books, reside there. Great philosophers, poets, and leaders of the world communicate through excellent books. They provide timely guidance to their readers. Gandhiji used to say, "Whenever I feel confused, I seek guidance from the Gita." This is a shining example of the beneficial friendship of excellent books. High-quality books like Ramayana and Mahabharata have guided large masses of people for centuries. Books like 'Saraswatichandra' and 'Manavini Bhavai' offer deep insights into social life and human emotions. However, not all books are equally helpful. Reading superficial and vulgar books can mislead people and ruin their lives. Therefore, one should exercise proper discretion in choosing books. To develop a rich outlook on life and make life happy, befriending excellent books is indeed the best path.
In simple words: Books are like friends, shaping our lives and offering comfort. Famous books like 'Unto The Last', Gita, and Bible have inspired many, providing peace and guidance. Good books remove ignorance and broaden our perspective, always staying loyal. As Robert Southey said, books are "never failing friends." People who read don't feel alone, as great thinkers reside within their pages, giving guidance. Gandhiji found help in the Gita when confused. But choose wisely, as bad books can mislead. To live a happy and full life, becoming friends with good books is the best choice.

Exam Tip: When writing about the importance of books, remember to emphasize their role in personal development, guidance, and the acquisition of knowledge, including both positive and negative influences.