Class 12 General English | PSEB | A Rainbow of English
1. Lesson Summary
“On Saying ‘Please’” is an essay by A. G. Gardiner. It explains the importance of politeness, courtesy and good manners in everyday life. The writer distinguishes between legal rights and social behaviour. The law can punish physical violence, but it cannot force people to be courteous.
The liftman and the rude passenger
The essay begins with an incident involving a liftman and a passenger. The passenger entered the lift and refused to say “Please” when asking to be taken to a particular floor. The liftman became angry and threw him out of the lift.
The liftman was taken to court. Although his anger may have been understandable, he had no right to use physical violence against the passenger. The incident demonstrates that discourtesy does not justify assault.
Law and good manners
The writer explains that the law protects people from physical harm and material injury. However, it cannot regulate every aspect of everyday behaviour. It cannot compel people to say “Please,” “Thank you” or other courteous expressions.
Courtesy is therefore a matter of social responsibility rather than legal compulsion. Good manners make human relationships pleasant, while rudeness creates resentment and unnecessary conflict.
Little courtesies in daily life
Small acts of kindness—such as saying “Please,” thanking someone, offering assistance and speaking respectfully—make a great difference to daily life. These actions show consideration for other people and help maintain harmony.
The polite bus conductor
The writer describes a bus conductor who treated passengers with good humour, patience and courtesy. Even when passengers behaved badly, the conductor maintained his pleasant manner. His good temper influenced the people around him and made his work easier.
The writer admires the conductor because he demonstrates that courtesy is not a sign of weakness. It is a strength that helps people maintain dignity and self-control.
The central message
The essay teaches that courtesy cannot be imposed by law. It must come from within. People should practise good manners because they respect others and wish to make social life more pleasant.
2. Short-Answer Type Questions
Q1. Why was the passenger hurled out of the lift?
The passenger refused to say “Please” when asking the liftman to take him to a particular floor. The liftman became angry and threw him out of the lift. Although the passenger was rude, the liftman’s physical response was unjustified.
Q2. How could the liftman restore his equilibrium?
The liftman could have controlled his anger and responded calmly to the passenger’s rudeness. By maintaining his dignity and using polite words instead of violence, he could have avoided trouble and preserved his self-respect.
Q3. Describe the chain reactions that possibly led to the liftman’s outburst.
The passenger’s discourtesy offended the liftman. The liftman became angry and reacted physically. His anger led to an assault, which brought him before the law. The incident shows how one act of rudeness can lead to a series of increasingly serious consequences.
Q4. What is the first requirement of “civility”?
The first requirement of civility is to acknowledge other people’s dignity and treat them with courtesy and consideration. Simple expressions such as “Please” and “Thank you” help establish this respectful relationship.
Q5. What serves as “little courtesies” in our daily life?
Little courtesies include saying “Please” and “Thank you,” greeting people pleasantly, offering help, apologising for mistakes and speaking respectfully. These small actions make everyday interactions more pleasant.
Q6. What does a conductor on a bus generally think about the passengers?
A bus conductor generally has to deal with many passengers, some of whom may be impatient, demanding or discourteous. The essay contrasts such difficulties with the example of a particularly polite conductor who treated passengers with patience and good humour.
Q7. Why was the narrator annoyed at himself in the bus?
The narrator was annoyed with himself because he had reacted in a manner that did not reflect his usual standards of courtesy. The incident made him realise how easily discourtesy can influence a person’s behaviour and disturb one’s self-control.
Q8. Describe the “glow of pleasure” that the narrator experienced.
The narrator experienced a feeling of warmth and satisfaction after an act of courtesy and kindness. The pleasant exchange reminded him that a little consideration can improve someone’s mood and make an ordinary journey more agreeable.
Q9. What were the good qualities of the conductor?
The conductor was polite, cheerful, patient, helpful and considerate. He carried out his duties efficiently, treated passengers respectfully and maintained his good humour even when others were difficult. His pleasant manner made the journey more enjoyable.
Q10. How could the liftman have avoided the trouble?
The liftman could have avoided trouble by controlling his anger and refusing to respond to discourtesy with physical violence. He should have remained calm and dealt with the passenger professionally. Courtesy and self-control would have protected him from legal consequences.
3. Long-Answer Type Questions
Q1. Write, in your own words, the theme of the chapter “On Saying Please”.
Answer:
The central theme of “On Saying ‘Please’” is the importance of courtesy, politeness and good manners in everyday life. A. G. Gardiner explains that while the law can protect people from physical harm, it cannot force them to behave politely. Courtesy must come from personal understanding and respect for others.
- Courtesy is essential in social life: People interact with one another every day. Polite words and considerate actions make these interactions pleasant and peaceful.
- The importance of simple expressions: Words such as “Please” and “Thank you” may seem small, but they express respect and appreciation. They help people feel valued.
- The limits of the law: The law can punish physical violence and protect people against material harm. However, it cannot compel every individual to be kind, cheerful or courteous.
- Discourtesy can create conflict: The incident involving the liftman shows how rude behaviour can provoke anger. The liftman’s violent response then turns a minor disagreement into a serious legal problem.
- Self-control is important: Even when someone behaves rudely, we should not lose control of our emotions. Responding calmly protects our dignity and prevents unnecessary trouble.
- Good manners are not weakness: The polite bus conductor demonstrates that courtesy is a form of strength. He remains pleasant and efficient despite dealing with difficult passengers.
- Courtesy influences others: Good humour and kindness can spread from one person to another. A polite person often makes the atmosphere more pleasant for everyone.
- Little courtesies improve life: Small acts of consideration make ordinary situations more comfortable and help people live together harmoniously.
Conclusion: The essay teaches us that good manners cannot be enforced entirely through law. They must be practised willingly. Courtesy, patience and self-control make society more humane and peaceful.
Q2. Describe the narrator’s encounter with the bus conductor.
Answer:
The narrator describes an experience involving a bus conductor whose pleasant behaviour left a lasting impression on him. The conductor’s courtesy and good humour demonstrate the value of treating people respectfully, even in an ordinary occupation.
- An ordinary bus journey: The narrator observes the conductor while travelling by bus. The conductor has to deal with passengers, collect fares and carry out his duties in a busy public setting.
- A demanding occupation: A bus conductor regularly encounters people with different temperaments. Some passengers may be impatient, rude or difficult to satisfy, making the work stressful.
- A courteous manner: Unlike someone who becomes irritated by every difficulty, this conductor treats passengers with patience and respect. He does not allow other people’s behaviour to destroy his good temper.
- Good humour: The conductor’s cheerful manner makes the journey more pleasant. His friendliness creates an atmosphere in which passengers feel more comfortable.
- Efficiency at work: His courtesy does not prevent him from doing his job properly. Instead, his pleasant manner helps him manage his responsibilities smoothly.
- A positive influence: The conductor’s good mood affects the people around him. His behaviour illustrates the writer’s belief that good manners, like bad manners, can influence others.
- A lesson for the narrator: The narrator recognises that a person in a modest occupation can demonstrate admirable qualities. The conductor’s behaviour becomes an example of practical wisdom and human kindness.
- Respect for ordinary people: Through this encounter, the writer shows that character is not determined by social status or occupation. Courtesy and good temper can give dignity to any kind of honest work.
Conclusion: The narrator admires the conductor because he performs his duties with patience, kindness and good humour. The encounter reinforces the message that courtesy improves both personal relationships and everyday working life.
Q3. Draw a brief character-sketch of the bus conductor in your own words.
Answer:
The bus conductor described by A. G. Gardiner is a model of courtesy, patience and good humour. Although his work requires him to deal with many people, he remains pleasant and considerate.
- Polite: The conductor speaks to passengers respectfully. His behaviour shows that courtesy is an important part of good character.
- Patient: He has to deal with different kinds of passengers, including those who may be impatient or discourteous. He does not easily lose his temper.
- Cheerful: The conductor carries out his work with good humour. His cheerful nature makes the bus journey more pleasant for passengers.
- Helpful: He treats people with consideration and tries to make their journey comfortable. His actions reflect concern for others.
- Self-controlled: Even when faced with difficulties, he maintains his composure. He does not allow another person’s bad behaviour to dictate his own response.
- Efficient: He performs the practical duties of his job while remaining courteous. His manners support rather than hinder his work.
- Influential: His pleasant attitude spreads good humour among the passengers. He shows how one person’s behaviour can improve the atmosphere around them.
- Dignified: Although he performs an ordinary public-service job, his character gives dignity to his occupation. The writer admires him for his humanity and kindness.
Conclusion: The conductor is an example of a genuinely courteous person. His character teaches us that patience, cheerfulness and respect are valuable qualities in every occupation and every human relationship.
4. Vocabulary Practice
Exercise 1: Match the words in Column A with their antonyms in Column B.
| Column A | Antonym |
|---|---|
| Beneficial | Detrimental |
| Similar | Different |
| Majority | Minority |
| Specific | General |
| Variable | Constant |
| Distribute | Gather |
| Cautious | Careless |
| Affirm | Deny |
| Admire | Detest |
Exercise 2: Supply the appropriate words by unscrambling the letters given in brackets.
(a) The protesting workers suddenly turned violent. (entlvio)
(b) She got some compensation for damages from the government. (snepaticmoon)
(c) The law should protect the liberty of the individual. (tylerib)
(d) It is common courtesy to give up your seat for elderly people. (truocyes)
(e) The court upheld the verdict at appeal. (dictreay)
(f) She married the blind man more out of sympathy than love. (ayvpthsm)
(g) It is a very vulgar mind that would wish to command where he can have the service for the asking. (gluvra)
5. Grammar Exercises
Exercise 1: Change the Narration
1. She said to me, “I was present in the class yesterday.”
Answer: She told me that she had been present in the class the previous day.
2. He says to me, “You may ask your brother to help you.”
Answer: He tells me that I may ask my brother to help me.
3. She will say to me, “They are very brave.”
Answer: She will tell me that they are very brave.
4. He told me that hard work pays in life.
Answer: He said to me, “Hard work pays in life.”
5. Rohtas said, “I prefer death to dishonour.”
Answer: Rohtas said that he preferred death to dishonour.
6. The stranger said, “I want to stay here for the night.”
Answer: The stranger said that he wanted to stay there for the night.
7. The man told Ravi that he knew his father.
Answer: The man said to Ravi, “I know your father.”
8. My uncle said that he had bought that house in 2005.
Answer: My uncle said, “I bought this house in 2005.”
9. Ashok will say to Sumit, “I will try to stand first.”
Answer: Ashok will tell Sumit that he will try to stand first.
10. Rishita said to me, “He needs help.”
Answer: Rishita told me that he needed help.
Exercise 2: Do as Directed
1. The ability ______ (laugh) is peculiar to mankind.
(Fill in the blank with an infinitive.)
Answer: The ability to laugh is peculiar to mankind.
2. Can you hope ______ (count) the stars?
(Fill in the blank with an infinitive.)
Answer: Can you hope to count the stars?
3. Combine the following sentences using a participle:
- I call a spade a spade.
- I am not afraid of it.
Answer: Calling a spade a spade, I am not afraid of it.
4. She comes ______ me every day. (see)
(Fill in the blank with an infinitive.)
Answer: She comes to see me every day.
5. The man seems ______ (worry).
(Fill in the blank with a participle.)
Answer: The man seems worried.
6. We had a drink of the ______ (sparkle) water.
(Fill in the blank with a participle.)
Answer: We had a drink of the sparkling water.
7. Combine the sentences using a participle:
- The stable door was open.
- The horse was stolen.
Answer: The stable door being open, the horse was stolen.
8. Combine the sentences using a participle:
- We met a man.
- He was carrying a log of wood.
Answer: We met a man carrying a log of wood.
9. We were prevented from ______ (enter) the house.
(Fill in the blank with a gerund.)
Answer: We were prevented from entering the house.
10. I heard her ______ (sing) at the function.
(Fill in the blank with a gerund.)
Answer: I heard her singing at the function.
Exercise 3: Do as Directed
1. He is too poor to offer you any financial help.
(Remove “too”.)
Answer: He is so poor that he cannot offer you any financial help.
2. Iron is the most useful of all metals.
(Change the degree of comparison.)
Answer: Iron is more useful than any other metal.
3. The doctor is hopeful of his recovery.
(Change into a complex sentence.)
Answer: The doctor is hopeful that he will recover.
4. If she does not weep, she will die.
(Change into a compound sentence.)
Answer: She must weep, or she will die.
5. He was fined because of his absence.
(Use the adjective form of the word “absence”.)
Answer: He was fined because he was absent.
6. Combine the sentences:
- The policeman ran.
- He wanted to catch the thief.
Answer: The policeman ran to catch the thief.
7. It is difficult to catch a butterfly.
(Change into the interrogative form.)
Answer: Is it difficult to catch a butterfly?
6. Revision Points
- “On Saying ‘Please’” is an essay by A. G. Gardiner.
- Courtesy and good manners are essential for peaceful social relationships.
- The law can punish physical violence but cannot force people to be polite.
- The liftman should have controlled his anger rather than using violence.
- The bus conductor is an example of patience, kindness and good humour.
- Small courtesies can improve everyday life and influence other people positively.
Exam preparation tip: For long answers, remember the main points in sequence and explain them in your own words. Use examples from the liftman incident and the polite bus conductor to support your answers.