Complete NIOS English Module-Wise Summary Guide for Sr. Secondary | Easy Notes & Key Points

 The Crow and the Deer | Module 1

In the forest of Champakvati, a wise crow named Su-buddhi and a gentle deer named Chitrang are close friends. A cunning jackal named Kshudra-buddhi pretends to befriend the deer with the intent to eat him, despite the crow's warnings. The crow narrates a cautionary tale about a vulture who was betrayed by a deceptive cat, illustrating the risks of trusting strangers. Ignoring this advice, the deer is tricked into a trap by the jackal. With the crow’s help, the deer escapes by pretending to be dead, and the jackal is killed by the farmer. The story emphasizes the importance of choosing friends wisely, listening to genuine advice, and recognizing that true friendship is built on character, not flattery or deceit.

Detailed Summary : Click here

Mary Kom's Interview | Module 2

Mary Kom, born in 1982 in a poor family in Manipur, rose to international fame through sheer determination and passion for boxing, inspired by Dingko Singh. Despite early resistance from her family and societal norms against women in boxing, she trained secretly and later gained support after proving her talent. She became a six-time World Boxing Champion and the first Indian female boxer to win medals in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Honored with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and appointed to the Rajya Sabha, Mary Kom’s journey reflects perseverance, hard work, and breaking gender barriers, inspiring youth to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Detailed Summary : Click here

An Astrologer’s Day | Module 3

An Astrologer’s Day by R. K. Narayan is a suspenseful story that portrays human traits like deception, guilt, and cleverness through a single day in the life of a fake astrologer who survives by tricking superstitious people. He sets up his stall in a busy town park, using props and psychological tricks to convince clients, though he knows nothing about real astrology. Once a villager who fled a farming life and a violent past, he uses keen observation to read people’s problems. One evening, a stranger challenges him, and during their conversation, the astrologer shockingly realizes that the man is someone he once believed he had killed in a fight. He cleverly convinces the stranger that his target is already dead, thus saving himself. Relieved to find the man alive, the astrologer returns home at peace, having lifted the weight of guilt. The story explores themes of fate, superstition, guilt, and redemption.

Detailed Summary : Click here

Bholi | Module 4

Bholi is the story of Sulekha, a girl mocked for her stammer and pockmarked face, who transforms from a neglected, timid child into a confident woman through the power of education. Considered unmarriageable, she is the only daughter sent to school when a new one opens in the village. Though scared at first, she finds comfort in the kindness of her teacher, who encourages her to believe in herself and promises a better future through learning. Years later, when a greedy old man demands dowry to marry her, Bholi bravely refuses, asserting her self-respect and choosing to stay single and serve others as a teacher. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of education, the value of inner strength over appearance, and the courage to defy oppressive societal norms.

Detailed Summary : Click here

Ecology and Environment | Module 5

 This module addresses the current ecological crisis caused by materialism and the unsustainable use of natural resources, urging a return to value-based living inspired by India’s ancient Vedic wisdom. The Yajurveda, Rigveda, and Atharvaveda emphasize eco-spiritual principles, portraying nature as sacred and interconnected with human and cosmic existence. The Yajurveda promotes peace through the Shantipath, a universal prayer for harmony in all elements. The Rigveda introduces the Panchamahabhutas—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether—as the divine foundation of life, advocating afforestation, water purity, and reverence for nature. The Atharvaveda glorifies Earth as a nurturing mother in the Prithvi Sukta, stressing conservation, regeneration, and respect for all life forms. Central Vedic concepts like Dharma, Rita, and Eco-spirituality call for living righteously in harmony with nature, warning that harming the environment disrupts cosmic balance and leads to suffering. The module highlights the urgent need for ecological consciousness grounded in spiritual and cultural heritage.

Detailed Summary : Click here

Andha Yug | Module 6

Andha Yug (The Age of Blindness) by Dharamvir Bharati is a modern verse play set on the final day of the Mahabharata war, using mythological characters to reflect the moral decay and devastation caused by violence and ego. Framed through the eyes of a mendicant, the play explores chaos, inner conflict, and spiritual collapse in a post-war world. Characters like Ashwatthama, Yuyutsu, Vidura, Sanjaya, and Krishna are not just epic figures but representations of regret, disillusionment, and helplessness in the face of destruction. In the interlude “Feathers, Wheels, and Bandages,” the mendicant uses metaphors of blindness and rage to depict the age’s spiritual darkness. Yuyutsu, Sanjaya, and Vidura express their guilt and loss through intense soliloquies, revealing the deep crisis of faith and values. The play culminates with Krishna as the symbol of time and Ashwatthama as a force of unresolved hatred, ending in darkness to signify the unresolved moral collapse. The core themes—violence, moral blindness, guilt, and the inevitability of fate—offer a powerful critique of war and call for ethical introspection in society.

Detailed Summary : Click here

After Twenty Years | Module 7

 After Twenty Years by O. Henry is a short story about two friends, Bob and Jimmy, who promise to reunite after twenty years. On a cold night in New York, Bob waits for Jimmy, proudly sharing his success, while a policeman patrols nearby. When a man claiming to be Jimmy arrives, Bob soon realizes he is an imposter—a plainclothes officer sent to arrest him for crimes committed in Chicago. The real Jimmy did come but, torn between friendship and duty, sent another to make the arrest. The story explores themes of friendship versus duty, change over time, trust and betrayal, and the inevitability of consequences, ending with O. Henry’s signature twist.

Detailed Summary : Click here

The Necklace | Module 8

The Necklace tells the story of Mathilde Loisel, a beautiful but dissatisfied woman who dreams of luxury despite her modest life with her government clerk husband. When invited to a grand party, she borrows a diamond necklace to appear wealthy, but loses it afterward. Rather than confessing, she and her husband borrow heavily to replace it, enduring ten years of poverty to repay the debt. In a final twist, Mathilde learns the original necklace was a worthless imitation. The story highlights themes of vanity, pride, materialism, and the consequences of dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of honesty, contentment, and living within one’s means.

Detailed Summary : Click here

Three Questions | Module 9

Three Questions is about a king who seeks answers to the right time to act, the most important people to work with, and the most important task to do. After unsatisfactory advice from wise men, he visits a hermit who teaches him through experience: the right time is the present moment, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important action is to do good to those around you. The king’s act of saving his enemy leads to friendship, highlighting themes of living in the present, compassion, forgiveness, and practical wisdom

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Of Studies | Module 10

In Of Studies, Bacon explains that studies serve three purposes: personal delight, enriching conversation, and improving practical judgment. He warns against misusing studies by excessive reading leading to laziness, studying for show causing pretension, or blindly following books resulting in pedantry. True learning combines study with experience, as studies refine natural abilities like pruning shapes a plant. Bacon advises reading with purpose—some books should be skimmed, some fully read, and others deeply analyzed. He highlights that reading makes a man well-informed, discussion makes him quick-witted, and writing makes him precise. Different fields of study cure intellectual weaknesses: history for wisdom, poetry for creativity, mathematics for precision, and moral philosophy for ethics. Overall, studies are practical tools that must be balanced with experience to be truly beneficial.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Night of the Scorpion | Module 11

Night of the Scorpion describes how during a heavy rain, a scorpion stings the poet’s mother, triggering a frantic response from superstitious villagers who perform rituals to cure her. The rational father tries scientific and folk remedies out of desperation, while the mother endures intense pain with selfless grace, grateful that her children were spared. The poem contrasts superstition with reason, highlights maternal sacrifice, and celebrates human endurance. Using literary devices like simile, irony, and symbolism, the free-verse poem critiques blind faith but honors love, community, and resilience in suffering.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Where the Mind Is Without Fear | Module 12

Written during British colonial rule, Rabindranath Tagore’s poem is a passionate prayer for a free India where minds are fearless and people live with dignity and self-respect. He envisions a nation united beyond divisions of caste, religion, language, and region, where knowledge is accessible to all and truth is spoken boldly. The poem urges the flow of reason and rationality to wash away blind traditions, calling for moral progress and unity. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Tagore appeals for awakening India into a “heaven of freedom,” symbolizing political independence, social harmony, and intellectual liberation, embodying the spirit of India’s struggle for freedom.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

If | Module 13

Rudyard Kipling’s poem If— offers a father’s guidance to his son on achieving maturity and success through integrity, resilience, and balance. It teaches staying calm under pressure, trusting oneself despite doubts, dreaming without being controlled by fantasies, and treating triumph and disaster equally. The poem encourages courage in taking risks, humility in power, and remaining grounded among all people. Emphasizing perseverance, wise use of time, and balanced ambition, it presents virtues that lead to true maturity and a fulfilling life.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

In the Bazaars of Hyderabad | Module 14

Sarojini Naidu’s poem In the Bazaars of Hyderabad vividly portrays the bustling, colorful markets of Hyderabad, showcasing India’s rich culture and tradition. Through conversations with merchants, vendors, artisans, and flower girls, the poem captures the sights, sounds, and smells of the bazaar—from luxurious turbans and jade daggers to spices, sandalwood, and golden ornaments. The flower girls symbolize life’s contrasts, preparing decorations for both weddings and funerals. Using rich sensory imagery, Naidu celebrates India’s heritage and unity in diversity, affirming the value of indigenous culture during colonial rule.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Reading with Understanding (Thimmakka and Biomedical Waste Management) | Module 15

 This lesson highlights Thimmakka’s inspiring environmental efforts, where she and her husband planted and nurtured 284 banyan trees along a highway despite poverty, earning national recognition and contributing significantly to the ecosystem. It also addresses the dangers of biomedical waste from hospitals, which, when improperly disposed, spreads diseases and harms vulnerable workers like ragpickers. The lesson stresses the need for effective waste management methods like incineration and recycling to reduce health risks and urban pollution. Overall, it promotes environmental responsibility through Thimmakka’s example and calls for urgent action to manage biomedical waste safely.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Reading with Understanding (Stress Before Examination) | Module 16

This lesson explains that exam stress is a natural response but can become harmful if excessive, affecting students, teachers, and parents. Adolescents face stress from developmental changes, societal pressure, and expectations. While some anxiety motivates, too much causes mental blocks and poor performance. Managing stress involves maintaining physical health, using effective study techniques, balancing time with breaks and sleep, and adopting a positive mindset. Practical measures include prioritizing tasks, physical activity, hobbies, and sharing problems. Case studies illustrate how hobbies, exercise, planning, and positive thinking help reduce stress. The lesson emphasizes that with discipline and healthy habits, exam stress can be managed and seen as an opportunity for growth.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Kabir and Thiruvalluvar | Module 17

 This lesson explores the teachings of Kabir, a 15th-century North Indian poet-saint, and Thiruvalluvar, the ancient Tamil philosopher, both emphasizing universal human values beyond religion and society. Kabir’s dohas stress life’s impermanence, the futility of ego, and promote self-reflection, compassion, simplicity, and equanimity. Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural advocates ethical governance, self-control, honesty, chastity, and the pursuit of knowledge while avoiding bad company. Common themes include humility, detachment, inner purity, and ethical living. Using literary devices, both teach social harmony, self-discipline, and inner growth as keys to a meaningful life, blending mysticism and structured ethics.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Reading with Understanding (Nation Builders of India: Vallabh Bhai Patel and Bal Gangadhar Tilak) | Module 18

This lesson highlights two key leaders of India’s freedom struggle—Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—whose contributions shaped the nation’s independence and unity. Tilak, a fiery nationalist from Maharashtra, championed assertive resistance against British rule, popularized cultural festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to unite Indians, and led the Swadeshi Movement despite imprisonment. Patel, from Gujarat, was a skilled leader who won farmers’ rights in Satyagrahas and, after independence, as Deputy Prime Minister, integrated over 500 princely states into India, securing its territorial integrity. While Tilak inspired cultural nationalism and mass mobilization, Patel ensured political unification, together embodying India’s resilience and democratic spirit.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Reading with Understanding (International Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking) | Module 19

This lesson highlights global efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking by promoting healthy choices, effective treatment, and international cooperation. It underscores the International Day Against Drug Abuse, celebrating those living drug-free and warning about harmful substances like crack and heroin. Preventive measures include encouraging sports and teamwork, while treatment involves personalized behavioral therapy, medication, and long-term programs like methadone maintenance, which reduce drug use, crime, and health risks. The ultimate goal is sustained abstinence and improved quality of life. The lesson stresses the need for worldwide collaboration, preventive education, and accessible treatment to build a drug-free society.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Reading with Understanding (Losar and Bihu) | Module 20

This module explains two significant Indian festivals: Losar and Bihu.

Losar is celebrated primarily in Ladakh to mark the Tibetan New Year. The festival lasts fifteen days and involves cleaning homes, decorating with colorful lights, and performing traditional dances such as the Cham Dance by monks, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The Metho ceremony, featuring torch-lit parades, helps drive away evil spirits. Losar promotes community unity and spiritual renewal through prayers, feasts, and monastery visits. It is also observed in other regions like Kinnaur, Spiti, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Bihu is Assam’s major festival linked to the farming calendar and is celebrated by all ethnic and religious groups in the state. The word "Bihu" has dual meanings—from Sanskrit, it means asking for blessings and prosperity; it also signifies "ask" and "give." There are three Bihu festivals:

• Bohaag Bihu (Rongali Bihu): Marks the Assamese New Year and arrival of spring, celebrated with music, dance, and bathing livestock with turmeric paste.
  
  

• Kati Bihu: Occurs in October during the farming cycle; involves lighting lamps near the Tulsi plant and paddy fields, praying for a good harvest.
  
  

• Magh Bihu: Celebrated in January to mark the harvest’s end with feasts, bonfires, and sharing traditional foods. Its eve, called Uruka, is for community feasting.
  
  

The Bihu dance, performed to traditional instruments, is a vibrant cultural expression renowned internationally. Animal fights during the festival symbolize good luck.

Overall, the module highlights the cultural importance, rituals, and joyous spirit of Losar and Bihu celebrations.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Kalidasa | Module 21

Kalidasa, a renowned 4th–5th century Sanskrit poet and playwright, is celebrated as the greatest in Sanskrit literature. His notable works include Meghadutam (The Cloud Messenger), a lyric poem, and Abhigyan Shakuntalam (Shakuntala), a seven-act play. His themes focus on nature, love, separation, human emotions, and philosophical ideas, deeply influencing Indian culture and literature.

Meghadutam is divided into Purva Megha and Uttara Megha, written in the flowing Mandākrāntā meter. It narrates a yaksha’s message of love to his wife via a cloud, using vivid nature imagery and literary devices like apostrophe and epithets. The poem symbolizes renewal, hope, and noble duty, with the cloud tasked to extinguish forest fires.

Abhigyan Shakuntalam dramatizes the story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta, highlighting themes of perception versus reality through optical illusions and paradoxes. The play contrasts nature’s peace with human tension and uses symbols like the moon, sun, trees, and clouds to represent life’s cycles, humility, generosity, and the impermanence of pride.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Face to Face Communication | Module 22

Face-to-face communication involves direct interaction between people physically present together, combining verbal language with non-verbal cues like body language, tone, and facial expressions. The process includes a speaker sending a message to a listener, who provides feedback, with turn-taking being essential for effective exchange.

Non-verbal signals are key: eye contact shows confidence, facial expressions reveal emotions, touch indicates intimacy levels, and body posture conveys interest or defensiveness. Personal appearance also impacts communication, making appropriate dressing important.

Politeness is crucial to show respect and foster positive interactions, influenced by factors like age, status, and culture—e.g., “charan sparsh” in India. Using respectful, soft language instead of commands maintains courteous communication.

Effective communication avoids slang, jargon, distractions, and rude remarks. Observing the listener’s mood and using polite greetings and phrases enhances mutual understanding and respect.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Writing Memos and Letters | Module 23 

This module explains the differences between memos and letters and their distinct purposes. Memos are brief, direct messages used for internal communication within organizations. They include a heading with recipient, sender, date, and subject, followed by a concise body that often uses bullet points to list issues and actions, and end with a polite closing. Memos prioritize clarity and brevity while avoiding jargon. For example, a memo about tightening security after thefts would specify actions like issuing ID cards and appointing a caretaker.

Letters, on the other hand, are for external communication and are more formal and structured. They include sender and recipient addresses, date, salutation, body (with an introduction, main content, and conclusion), and a formal closing with a signature. Letters can be formal, such as complaint and enquiry letters, or informal. Complaint letters address issues like defective goods in a polite but firm manner and often attach proof like invoices. Enquiry letters request specific information politely and reference sources such as advertisements.

The module highlights key differences in purpose, format, style, and components between memos and letters. It also emphasizes the importance of politeness, clarity, and proofreading in all communication. Various practice exercises include reordering memos, completing complaint letters, and writing memos and letters based on given scenarios.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Writing E-Mails | Module 24

This module covers effective email communication, emphasizing its speed, flexibility, and relative informality compared to traditional letters. Emails are delivered instantly worldwide, support various attachments, and allow easy editing before sending. Unlike formal, structured letters that require postage, emails are free and often more conversational.

Key components of an email include a clear subject line, correctly addressed recipients (To, Cc, Bcc), and mentioning attachments in the message body. The email body should begin with a polite greeting, provide necessary context, and be concise and action-oriented. Closing remarks like "Regards" followed by a signature complete the email.

Formatting tips include keeping lines under 70 characters and avoiding all caps, slang, or excessive jargon in professional emails. Proper etiquette involves using clear subject lines, proofreading, limiting attachments, using Bcc for mass emails, and avoiding unnecessary “Reply All” or forwarding irrelevant emails. Common abbreviations like ASAP (as soon as possible) and FYI (for your information) are also explained.

Sample emails demonstrate formal complaint writing and informal leave applications. Practice tasks suggest replying to crisis situations and travel cancellations professionally.

Overall, the module stresses clarity, professionalism, and careful recipient management to ensure effective email communication.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Report Writing | Module 25

This module explains report writing, focusing on presenting factual information, analysis, and recommendations on specific topics for readers who may be unfamiliar with the subject.

Reports can be published (such as school magazines and newspapers) or official (internal business or government). The writing process involves researching accurate data, organizing content logically (introduction, body, conclusion), drafting in a formal tone using third person and passive voice, editing for clarity and correctness, and including visuals if relevant.

Typical reports begin with an introduction stating purpose and scope, followed by findings presented clearly (often with bullet points), and conclude with a summary and recommendations.

Published reports, like school magazines, start with a catchy headline and byline, provide key details upfront, describe events in order with quotes, and end with future implications. Newspaper reports use the inverted pyramid style, placing the most important facts first, with clear headlines, lead paragraphs, detailed body, and captioned photos.

Official reports include headers (company, date, recipient), a specific subject line, factual findings, actionable recommendations, and a signature.

Tips advise using formal, clear language, supporting statements with evidence, being concise, and avoiding personal opinions, jargon, or generalizations. Using headings and subheadings improves readability.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Writing Job Applications | Module - 26

This module explains how to write effective job applications, focusing on two main components: the cover letter and the résumé/CV.

The cover letter introduces yourself, highlights your qualifications, and requests an interview. It includes a header with your contact details and date, a salutation, a body where you state the job title and source of vacancy, match your skills to the job, and express enthusiasm. It ends with a polite sign-off.

A résumé is concise (1–2 pages) and tailored for each job, focusing on skills and work experience. A CV is more detailed, without page limits, and used for academic or research positions, including publications and awards.

Examples illustrate writing a fresher’s application and a sales assistant cover letter. Key tips include customizing each application, highlighting transferable skills like teamwork, using bullet points in résumés, and maintaining a professional tone with strong action verbs such as “managed” or “organized.”

Proofreading before submission is emphasized to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Appearing For An Interview | Module - 27 

This module covers how to prepare for and perform well in a job interview.

Before the interview, thoroughly research the company and understand its culture. Assess your skills and how they match the job requirements. Dress neatly and professionally, plan to arrive early, and stay calm.

During the interview, greet politely and wait for cues before sitting. When answering questions, show genuine interest in the company, connect your strengths like teamwork and problem-solving to the role, and focus on growth rather than just salary. Be humble and avoid exaggeration. Wait for the interviewer to bring up salary and respond reasonably. Close the interview politely with thanks.

Practice through mock interviews to build confidence. Key qualities for success include punctuality, professionalism, honesty, and alignment with the job’s needs.

Overall, thorough preparation, authenticity, and a respectful attitude help create a positive impression and improve your chances of success.

Detailed Summary : Click here.

Note: This summary was made with the help of AI. Please refer to your textbook for detailed knowledge and study. This is only a helpful shortened version.