Unit-11: Reading from English Literature

A. Ask and answer these questions in pairs.

1. Do you read any books other than your school textbooks?

2. If yes, what kinds of books do you read? (stories, poems, etc)

3. Now write one or two reasons why you read those books and share with your partner.

B. Read the poem.

Books Eleanor Farjeon

What worlds of wonder are our books! As one opens them and looks, New ideas and people rise In our fancies and our eyes.

The room we sit in melts away, And we find ourselves at play With some one who, before the end, May become our chosen friend.

Or we sail along the page To some other land or age. Here's our body in the chair, But our mind is over there.

Each book is a magic box, Which with a touch a child unlocks. In between their outside covers Books hold all things for their lovers.

C. Answer that following questions.

1. What does the poet say about the good things that reading a book can do to you?

2. What does the poet compare book to in the opening lines of the poem?

3. How does the poem describe the way books "fly" to us?

4. According to the poem, how do books provide comfort or companionship?

5. Do you agree with the poet's portrayal of books as magical and timeless? Why or why not?