1. The Portrait of a Lady

 Content: This story by Khushwant Singh is a nostalgic account of the narrator's relationship with his grandmother, emphasizing her simplicity and spiritual nature.

 Objective: Understand themes of familial bonds, aging, faith, and the passage of time.

 2. A Photograph

 Content: The poem by Shirley Toulson captures the feelings evoked by an old photograph of the poet’s mother, reflecting on the loss and the inevitable passage of time.

 Objective: Appreciate the transient nature of life and explore the emotions of nostalgia and grief.

 3. We are Not Afraid to Die... If We Can All Be Together

 Content: Gordon Cook and Alan East recount a family’s dangerous sea voyage and their determination to survive together against odds.

 Objective: Analyze themes of courage, perseverance, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

 4. Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues

 Content: This chapter by A. R. Williams talks about the mysteries surrounding the death of Tutankhamun, an Egyptian pharaoh, and modern technological discoveries about his life and death.

 Objective: Explore the interplay between history, archaeology, and modern science in unraveling ancient mysteries.

 5. The Laburnum Top

 Content: A poem by Ted Hughes that describes the transformation of a quiet, still tree into a lively hub when a bird visits its nest.

 Objective: Understand symbolism in nature, life cycles, and how seemingly lifeless objects can burst into activity.

6. The Voice of the Rain

 Content: Walt Whitman’s poem portrays a conversation between the poet and the rain, focusing on the eternal cycle of rain’s life and its nurturing nature.

 Objective: Appreciate the personification of rain and the theme of regeneration in nature.

 7. Childhood

 Content: In this poem, Markus Natten reflects on the transition from childhood to adulthood, questioning when innocence is lost.

 Objective: Analyze the themes of growing up, loss of innocence, and selfawareness.

 8. The Adventure

 Content: Jayant Narlikar presents a science fiction story about Professor Gaitonde, who experiences a parallel universe where history took a different course.

 Objective: Explore concepts of alternate realities, history, and the impact of choices on the present.

 9. Silk Road

 Content: This travelogue by Nick Middleton narrates the author's journey through the harsh terrain of the ancient Silk Road, capturing the landscape and local culture.

 Objective: Understand travel as a means of exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, along with the personal challenges faced during exploration.

 10. Father to Son

 Content: A poem by Elizabeth Jennings that highlights the strained relationship between a father and his son due to lack of communication and emotional disconnect.

 Objective: Explore the theme of generation gaps, communication issues, and emotional conflicts in familial relationships.

 11. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

 Content: This story by William Saroyan is about two Armenian boys, Aram and Mourad, who ‘borrow’ a horse and ride it secretly, reflecting their innocent love for adventure.

 Objective: Analyze themes of innocence, family pride, and the conflict between right and wrong.

 12. The Address

 Content: Marga Minco narrates the story of a girl returning to claim her family’s belongings after World War II, only to realize the futility of holding onto the past.

 Objective: Understand themes of loss, memory, and moving on after traumatic events.

 13. Mother’s Day

 Content: A comedy by J. B. Priestley that portrays how a housewife regains her respect and rightful place in the family through a role reversal episode.

 Objective: Explore themes of gender roles, family dynamics, and the importance of mutual respect within households.

 14. Birth

 Content: A chapter from “The Citadel” by A. J. Cronin, focusing on the successful delivery of a child under difficult circumstances, highlighting medical ethics and human compassion.

 Objective: Appreciate the significance of perseverance, medical practice, and compassion in difficult situations.

 15. The Tale of Melon City

 Content: A humorous poem by Vikram Seth that satirizes the whimsical justice system in a city ruled by a king who ends up being replaced by a melon.

 Objective: Understand the use of satire to critique the absurdities of authority and justice.