Critical Thinking: Wonder (Unit 16) | Class 11 English

The excerpt from "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio introduces us to Mr. Browne, an English teacher whose approach to education goes far beyond grammar and literature. He introduces his students to the concept of "Precepts"—words to live by. Through these precepts, like "Know Thyself" and "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind," the narrative explores the development of character, empathy, and the importance of Critical Thinking. It challenges students to look inward and evaluate their own values as they grow into adulthood.

👉 Also Read: NEB Class 11 English New Syllabus All Chapter Notes

Working with Words

A. Find the words from the text that match with the following meanings.

a. walking by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully from the ground 

Answer: Shuffle

b. drawing pictures or patterns while thinking about something else 

Answer: Doodle

c. a piece of flat metal with writing on it 

Answer: Plaque

d. a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought 

Answer: Precepts

e. move or go in a furtive or stealthy way 

Answer: Sneaky

B. Define the following thinking skills.

a. Convergent thinking 

Answer: Convergent thinking is a type of cognitive process that focuses on finding the single, well-established, and most "correct" answer to a problem. It is highly analytical and logic-driven, often used in standardized testing or mathematical problems where only one solution is valid.

b. Divergent thinking 

Answer: Divergent thinking is a creative thought process used to generate multiple ideas or unique solutions by exploring many possible avenues. It involves "thinking outside the box" to draw unexpected connections in a short amount of time.

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c. Critical thinking 

Answer: Critical thinking is the disciplined process of actively and skillfully analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered from observation or experience. It requires a skeptical and unbiased mindset to form a reasoned judgment based on factual evidence.

d. Creative thinking 

Answer: Creative thinking is the ability to look at things differently and find new ways of solving problems. It is the skill that enables an individual to generate original, appealing, and unconventional ideas that have practical utility.

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

a. Who was Jack? How did he make children laugh? 

Answer: Jack was a popular student whom other children generally liked because of his friendly and charismatic personality. He made his classmates laugh by telling clever jokes and using his sense of humor to lighten the mood in the classroom.

b. Why are “Sharks” important to Reid? 

Answer: Sharks are important to Reid because he recognizes their vital role in the marine ecosystem. He believes they are essential because they act as the ocean's "clean-up crew," maintaining the health of the sea by eating dead or decaying organisms.

c. What does Mr. Browne think about the most important thing? 

Answer: Mr. Browne believes that the most important thing for a person is to truly "Know Thyself." He emphasizes that understanding one's own character, strengths, and weaknesses is the key to personal growth and becoming the best possible version of oneself.

d. What is that has not been noticed by the student? 

Answer: The thing that had gone unnoticed by the students was a significant message inscribed on a plaque located in the school's entrance gate. The plaque simply read "Know Thyself," a foundational concept that Mr. Browne wanted them to discover.

e. How did Jack make fun of the English class? 

Answer: When Mr. Browne asked the profound question "Why are you here?", Jack took the opportunity to be literal and humorous. He made fun of the class by jokingly replying that they were only there because it was time for English class, rather than giving a deep philosophical answer.

f. What were the students going to do at the end of the month? 

Answer: At the end of every month, the students were tasked with a specific writing assignment. They were required to write a comprehensive essay based on "Mr. Browne’s Precept," reflecting on its meaning and how it applied to their lives.

g. What particular act of students surprised a girl student? 

Answer: The girl student was surprised to learn that Mr. Browne's influence extended far beyond the classroom. Even after graduation, former students would create their own personal precepts, write them on postcards, and mail them back to Mr. Browne as a lifelong tribute to his teaching.

Critical Thinking

a. Have you made your own precept after you read this lesson? What is it? Share it with your friends.

Answer: Yes, reading this lesson has inspired me to reflect on my own life principles and develop my own set of precepts to guide my daily actions. Some of the precepts I have created for myself include:

1. "Success is temporary but the lessons from failure are permanent," which reminds me to value the learning process over the outcome.

2. "Always stay positive, even when the situation is negative," to maintain my mental resilience.

3. "Believe in Karma rather than fate," which motivates me to take action rather than waiting for luck.

4. "Anything that happens, happens for a good reason," which helps me find peace in difficult times. These precepts help me stay grounded and focused on my character development.

b. According to Josh Lanyon, “If there was one life skill everyone on the planet needed, it was the ability to think with critical objectivity.” Justify this statement with your logic.

Answer: I fully support Josh Lanyon’s statement because critical objectivity is the foundation upon which all other life skills are built. In a world saturated with information and bias, the ability to step back and evaluate a situation without being clouded by personal emotions or social pressure is rare and vital.

Logic suggests that throughout human history, every major invention and social advancement occurred because someone looked at a problem with critical objectivity. For example, in science, if researchers weren't objective, they would only see what they want to see, leading to false conclusions. In our personal lives, critical objectivity allows us to recognize our own mistakes and the flaws in our thinking. Without this skill, we are prone to repeating errors and being manipulated by others. 

Therefore, thinking with objectivity isn't just an academic exercise; it is a survival skill that allows humans to evolve, innovate, and live harmoniously by understanding the truth rather than just following popular opinion.

Writing

Write an email to your friend explaining an interesting class you had.

Answer: 

From: rakshit1243@gmail.com 

To: sunainatamang1998@gmail.com 

Subject: The most interesting class I've ever had!

Dear Rakshit,

I hope this email finds you in high spirits and great health. I’m doing well here, but I just had to write to you because I had an experience today that I’ll never forget. I wanted to tell you all about my English class, which was honestly the most interesting session I’ve had in my entire school history.

Unlike my Science or Mathematics classes, which can sometimes feel a bit dry and formulaic, this English class was full of joy and creative energy. Our teacher didn't just teach us grammar; they taught us about personal character and the importance of knowing ourselves. It wasn't just about reading a book; it was about how that book relates to our own lives. I found myself so engaged that the 45 minutes felt like they passed in a heartbeat.

What I really appreciated was how the class encouraged us to collaborate. We worked in teams, and it really helped me build confidence in my communication skills. It actually made me realize how much I enjoy these relative interests, and I’ve even started an English-interest group on social media to keep the discussion going. I honestly believe this class has given me the confidence to pursue my future career as an engineer with a more disciplined and creative mind.

I’d love to hear about your classes too. Let's catch up soon!

Best regards, Sunaina Tamang

Grammar: Question Tags

Rewrite the following sentences adding appropriate question tag.

a. Gill does not know Ann Answer: , does he?

b. I’m very patient Answer: , aren't I?

c. They’d never met me before Answer: , had they?

d. Listen carefully Answer: , will you?

e. Let’s have a break Answer: , shall we?

f. Let us invite them Answer: , will you?

g. Hari used to live in France as a boy Answer: , didn't he?

h. You’d better not take a hard drink Answer: , had you? (Or: shouldn't you?)

i. Sheep eat grass Answer: , don't they?

j. Mr. Pande can speak nine languages Answer: , can't he?

k. She’s finished her classes Answer: , hasn't she?

l. She barely managed to reach the goal Answer: , did she? (Barely is negative)

m. Don’t let him swim in that pond Answer: , will you?

n. There are lots of people here Answer: , aren't there?

Read the following situations and use question tags.

a. The sky is full of cloud. You can see lightning and hear thunder. 

Answer: It’s going to rain soon, isn't it?

b. You want to pay the taxi fare but you are short by 100 rupees. 

Answer: Shyam, you will lend me Rs. 100, won't you?

c. You have met a stranger at a party and you want to have a chat with him/ her. 

Answer: You'd like to talk for a while, wouldn't you?

d. You came out of the film hall with your friend. You enjoyed the film. 

Answer: The film was very enjoyable, wasn't it?

e. You and your friend listened to a comedian on the stage and felt spellbound. 

Answer: He gave an excellent presentation, didn't he?

f. You think your friend’s father has arrived from the US but you are not sure. 

Answer: Your father has arrived from the US, hasn't he?

g. You think Susan will join the new job tomorrow but you are not sure. 

Answer: Susan will go to her new job tomorrow, won't she?

h. Your friend’s hair looks too short. 

Answer: You have got your hair cut too short, haven't you?

i. You want to go for a picnic with your friends in class. 

Answer: Let’s go for a picnic, shall we?

j. You want permission from your father to go for a walk. 

Answer: Let me go for an evening walk, will you?