HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Word Bank

Celebration – A special event or activity to mark a happy occasion. 

Example: We had a big celebration for my birthday.

Festival – A time of joy and activities, often related to culture or religion. 

Example: Diwali is my favourite festival because of the lights and sweets.

Practice – Doing something again and again to get better at it. 

Example: She plays the piano every day for practice.

Tradition – A custom or belief passed down from one generation to another. 

Example: Wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day is our family tradition.

Unique – Something special or one of a kind. 

Example: Her painting is unique because of its bright colours.

Unusual – Something different or not common. (Example: It was unusual to see snow in summer.)

    Cherish – To love and care for something deeply.

I cherish the time I spend with my family.

    Reaffirm – To say or confirm something again.

He reaffirmed that he would come to the party.

    Dazzling – Very bright or beautiful.

Sentence: The fireworks looked dazzling in the night sky.

    

    Lip-smacking – Very tasty or delicious.

Sentence: Grandma’s chocolate cake was lip-smacking good!

    Auspicious – A sign of good luck or success.

Sentence:  The bright rainbow was an auspicious sign for their journey.

    Fortunate – Lucky or having good things happen.

Sentence: I felt fortunate to have such kind friends

    Streamer: a long, narrow strip of material used as a decoration

1. Why are the customs and traditions practised on birthdays in India unique?

Based on the traditions and customs of India, the children are taught that birthdays have special meaning and fulfilment if they share and care for others on that day. Instead of  spending money lavishly on decorations, costly foods and other enjoyments, children are trained to be charitable by giving clothes, food or money to those in need. 

2. What is the significance of pulling a child's earlobes on birthdays in Brazil?

In Brazil, the tradition of pulling a child's earlobes on birthdays meant to bring good luck and blessings to the child on their special day. It symbolises their achievements so far and wishes them further success throughout the life.  

3. Describe a day in the life of a Danish child on their birthday. 

Birthdays are very special to Danish people. The day typically begins with the family waking up the birthday person with breakfast in bed and exchanging presents filled with love and appreciation. At school, the birthday person shares candies with classmates, receiving well-wishes throughout the day. In the evening, friends gather at the birthday person's home for a lively party filled with food, drinks, and laughter. If the sun shines on one's birthday, the people will walk up to the person to thank for his or her goodness throughout the last one year.

3. What does getting a 'key of the house' mean in Ireland?

In Ireland, when someone turns 21, they are given a "key of the house" as a special gift. This key is a symbol that the person is now a responsible adult. It means they are grown up enough to make their own choices and can come and go from the family home freely.

4. What is the impact of cultural traditions and practices in forming our experiences and identities?

Cultural traditions and practices help shape who we are and how we live. They teach us what is important, how to behave, and how to treat others. These traditions are passed down from parents and grandparents and help us understand our culture.

For example, touching elders’ feet shows respect in Indian culture and helps us learn good manners. Some people visit shrines or help poor people on their birthdays. This shows kindness, caring, and a love for helping others. 

Grammar Adjectives: Comparative and Superlative

Noun: 

The term "noun" refers to a part of speech in grammar that represents a person, place, thing, object, idea, or concept. 

Nouns are often used as the subject or object of a sentence and can be singular or plural. 

Adjective

A word that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun by providing more information about its qualities or characteristics.

Adjectives usually precede the noun. It comes before the noun.

It is a costly book.

He is a smart person.

She is an intelligent girl.

It is a wooden chair.

A delicious supper.

An auspicious colour

Notes: Some adjectives follow verbs to modify the noun. Here the verbs act as a linking verb to connect the subject to the adjective. Here, the adjective comes after the verb. 

The cake smells delicious.

He seems tired.

The movie seems interesting.

I feel confident.

You are exhausted.

She appears excited.

Activity 1: Make sentences by describing the objects in your class.

Comparative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things, people, ideas, objects, showing the difference in degree or quality between them.

1. By adding "-er".

• When the adjective is a short adjective (one syllable), add "-er'' to it.
• If the adjective ends in '-y' as in Heavy, Pretty, Friendly, Happy etc., remove 'y' and add 'ier' to it.

The dog is faster than the cat.

She is taller than her brother.

Seena is smarter than Jeena.

This book is cheaper than that one.

Bus is heavier than Jeep.

Your dog runs faster than Jim's dog.

Adjective+ -er + than

or

Noun (subject) + verb (v1) + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).

2. By adding "-more"

If the adjective is longer adjective add more before the adjective.

• 
  
• He is more intelligent than his classmates.
• She is more beautiful than her sister.
• The city is more crowded than the countryside.
• The new room is more comfortable than the old one.
  
  
• The safety of the passengers is more important than punctuality.
• She is more generous than anyone I know.

more+ adjective+ than (for longer adjectives)

3. By using -as +adjective+ as

When the things we are comparing are equal in some way, we use as + adjective/adverb + as to make comparisons.

India is as developed as Japan.

Ravi is not as skilled as Jiyan.

Aswini is as creative as Bhanvi.

She is as tall as her brother.

This cake is as sweet as honey.

(not) as + adjective + as

Superlative degree of comparison

It is the highest degree of comparison and is used to compare three or more nouns or pronouns. It is to show which one has the highest or lowest of a certain quality.

It's often formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the adjective or using the word "most" before the adjective for longer adjectives.

Examples:

1. (For short adjectives)

I am the happiest person in the room.

That is the tallest building in the city.

Jeena is the shortest student in the class.

He is the smartest student in the class.

This is the largest pizza I've ever seen.

That was the scariest movie I've ever watched.

the + adjective+-est (for short adjectives)

2. (For longer adjectives)

the + most+ adjective+

These are the most beautiful flowers in the garden.

Their presentation was the most impressive of all.

She is the most talented musician in the orchestra.

She is the most intelligent student in the class.

This is the most important decision of my life.

Note:

Non-comparable Adjectives (also called absolute adjectives)

Adjectives that cannot be compared using comparative and superlative forms.

These adjectives describe qualities that are considered to be fixed or inherent.

Eg. absolute, married, single, false, dead, perfect.

Irregular adjectives

Irregular adjectives do not follow the typical patterns for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Irregular adjectives have unique forms.

Eg. Good, Better, Best

Bad, Worse, Worst

Little, less, least

Many, More, Most

Base Adjective	Comparative
tall	taller
short	shorter
fast	faster
slow	slower
big	bigger
small	smaller
old	older
young	younger
cold	colder
hot	hotter
thin	thinner
fat	fatter
long	longer
high	higher
low	lower
dark	darker
bright	brighter
clean	cleaner
loud	louder
quick	quicker

Positive (Base Adjective)	Comparative	Superlative
beautiful	more beautiful	most beautiful
comfortable	more comfortable	most comfortable
expensive	more expensive	most expensive
intelligent	more intelligent	most intelligent
interesting	more interesting	most interesting
important	more important	most important
dangerous	more dangerous	most dangerous
generous	more generous	most generous
confident	more confident	most confident
creative	more creative	most creative
difficult	more difficult	most difficult
powerful	more powerful	most powerful
successful	more successful	most successful
careful	more careful	most careful
wonderful	more wonderful	most wonderful

Activities

 This piece of cake is ___________ than that one. (Big)

This is the ______________piece of cake. (Big)

She is ____ ___________woman I’ve ever met. (Intelligent)

They gave a ______________ performance than in previous years. (Good)

Mount Everest is ____________ mountain in the world.(Tall)

Today's exam was ____________ yesterday's.(Difficult)

He is ______________ employee in the company. (Dedicated)

That was ______________ movie I've ever seen. (Thrilling)

The coffee tastes __________ than today than it did yesterday. (Stronger)

No other bird is as .................. as the crow. (Clever)

The grey mongoose was ................... than the cobra. (Aggressive)

The banyan tree was the ................... place on the road. (Noisy)

The evening was ...................... than the morning. (Hot)

It was one of the ............................ vacations the boy had. (Unforgettable)

Grandfather is the ......................... member of the family. (Old)

Activity 2

This road is __________ (narrow) than the one near the school.

It was the __________ (funny) joke I have ever heard!

My bike is __________ (new) than yours.

She is the __________ (young) student in the class.

This sum is __________ (difficult) than the last one.

That was the __________ (bad) decision he ever made.

The giraffe is __________ (tall) than the elephant.

This puzzle is the __________ (challenging) one in the book.

I feel __________ (happy) today than I did yesterday.

He is the __________ (brave) soldier in the army.

Your handwriting is _________ (neat) mine.

Prefixes

A letter or group of letters or a word that is added at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning.

Re+write- Rewrite

Un+happy-Unhappy

Dis+comfort-Discomfort

Super+ natural- Supernatural

Negative prefixes

Negative prefixes are prefixes added to the beginning of words to give them a negative or opposite meaning.

Un-: Unhappy (not happy), undo (reverse an action), uncertain (not certain), Unfair (not fair), Unscrew (Take off the screw back)

In- / Im- / Il- / Ir-: Inactive (not active), impossible (not possible), illegal (not legal), irrelevant (not relevant), irregular (not regular).

Dis-: Disagree (not agree), disconnect (separate), disapprove (not approve), discomfort (lack of comfort), disobey (Not obey)

Expressions

An expression in a sentence is a combination of words used to express a thought, feeling, or idea.

1. Do your best Meaning: To try as hard as you can to succeed or do well. Example: Just do your best on the test, and you’ll be fine. 2. Do you good Meaning: To have a positive effect on you or improve your situation. Example: A short walk every morning will really do you good. 3. Make excuses Meaning: To give reasons for not doing something or to avoid taking responsibility. Example: Stop making excuses and finish your homework. 4. Make a decision Meaning: To choose or decide between options or actions. Example: It's time to make a decision about which college to attend. 5. Make an effort Meaning: To try hard to do something or to achieve a goal. Example: She really made an effort to finish the project on time. 6. Do a favour Meaning: To do something kind or helpful for someone. Example: Can you do me a favour and pick up my book from the library?

Collocations

A collocation is a group of two or more words that are almost always put together to create a specific meaning.

 verb-noun collocations:

Make a decision

Take a break

Take a photo

Have a chat

Give an advice

Write a letter

Run a business

Do homework

Have a conversation

Adjective-noun collocations:

Beautiful scenery

Peaceful sleep

Healthy lifestyle

Innocent victim

Noun-Noun collocations

Salt and Pepper

Round of applause

Hand towel 

Side effects

Travel expenses Air gun

Interview

Complete the following interview

A: Hello, Maneesh. When is your birthday?

M: It is on 14th December.

A: Great. It is about to come. Do you celebrate your birthday every year?

M: Yes, We do.

A: Are you planning to throw a big party?

M: I don't think so. It will cost me a lot.

A: Then, what other plans do you have?

Informal Email Writing

Informal Email

What is an Informal Email?

An informal email is a personal message written to someone you know well, such as a friend, classmate, or family member. It uses casual and friendly language, and the tone is relaxed and conversational.

The format of an informal email is as follows:

1. Email Header

From: xyz@gmail.com

To: abc@gmail.com

Cc:

Date: 22 April 2025

Subject: Birthday Celebration

2. Greeting

Use: Hi Jeeva, Hey Jenny, Hello Ren, Dear Sahil,

3. Introduction

This is the opening line where you say how you are or why you are writing.

Examples: How are you? It’s great to hear from you! I missed talking to you! I wanted to tell you something exciting.

4. Body of the Email

Here, you give your main message. Write in short paragraphs for each new idea.

You can include:

You'll never believe what happened...

You won’t believe what happened today! I had a great day at school. I watched a fun movie yesterday.

5. Closing Paragraph

This is where you end your email in a friendly way.

Examples: Let me know what you think. Waiting for your reply.

Write back soon. Hope to hear from you soon.

6. Closing Remark

End the email with a nice goodbye phrase and your name. Use:

Yours, Your friend, Best wishes,

Lots of love,

Homecoming Celebration for Nihal-Email Writing

From: Parul@gmail.com

To: Sumit123@gmail.com

Cc:

Date: 21 March 2025, 6pm

Subject: Homecoming Celebration for Nihal

Dear Sumit,

I hope this email finds you well. I'd like to discuss an important matter with you.

My friend Nihal is returning home after living abroad for a year and I want to organise a homecoming celebration for him. We should probably have it indoors as it's pretty cold right now! I know you go to a lot of parties so may be you can help me plan something special. Do you have any ideas?

I hope you will help me with interesting ideas.

Thanking you in advance,

Parul

From: Sumit@gmail.com

To: Parul@gmail.com

Cc: Date: 22 March 2025, 8:30 am

Subject: Homecoming Celebration

Dear Parul,

I was really happy to receive your letter. First of all, homecoming celebration for Nihal is a wonderful idea. You've come to the proper person for advise since I do attend a lot of parties. 

One idea we could consider is a fun movie night at your place. We could set up a cozy area with blankets and snacks, and watch some of Nihal's favourite films together. It'll be a relaxed and enjoyable way to celebrate. What about a bowling party? That is a fairly common activity. Just make sure it's to everyone's liking. Another suggestion is to have a themed party. We could pick a theme that Nihal loves, like superheroes, pirates, or even a beach party. Everyone could dress up and we could have games and activities based on the theme. Going out to a fancy restaurant could be another idea if you don't want to take on too much.

In my opinion, the restaurant idea is better. The majority of people love going out to eat, and it's the easiest to plan. Ultimately, though, the choice is all yours. Whatever you choose to do, I'm sure it will be fantastic. Tell me how it turns out!

Yours,

Sumit

Compose an informal email to your friend sharing your excitement about an upcoming three-day trip to Shimla and Manali organised by your school.

From: Jeevan@gmail.com
To: Sumin@gmail.com

17th August 2025

Subject: Exciting School Trip to Manali

Hey Sumin,

Hope you are enjoying holidays in Ajmer.   I've got some exciting news to share! Guess what? Have you heard about the three-day trip our school just announced to Shimla and Manali? I'm super stoked about it!

We will spend three days in the mountains, see beautiful places, and have lots of fun. I am excited to walk in the hills and try tasty local food. It is going to be a wonderful trip with many happy memories. I am also looking forward to travelling with my friends and clicking lots of photos. Our teachers will take us to famous places and guide us during the trip.

I know we discussed a lot about going on adventures together in different places. Now, the time has come.  Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, my friend!

Catch up with you soon!

Yours lovingly,

Jeevan

Write an email to your cousin describing how you celebrated your school’s Annual Sports Day and how it motivated you to stay fit and disciplined.

From: Jeevan@gmail.com
To: Rahim@gmail.com
Cc: Joela@gmail.com
Date: 11th September 2025

Subject: Our Annual Sports Day Celebration

I hope this email finds you well. It is a pleasure writing to you again. I am very happy to share about our school’s Annual Sports Day, which was held last week. It was a wonderful day full of energy, fun, and cheering.

We had a march-past and events like races, long jump, and tug-of-war. I took part in the relay race, and my team won second prize. The prize distribution at the end was very exciting.

This experience motivated me to exercise daily and stay fit. It also taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and regular practice in achieving success. Now, I feel more confident and active.

Looking forward to meeting you soon!

Yours lovingly,
Jeevan

Write an email inviting your friend to your birthday party next weekend. 

From: 

From:
To: 

Cc:

Date: 

Subject: Be ready for my birthday party

It is a pleasure connecting with you again. I'm super excited to let you know that I'm throwing a birthday party next weekend, and I'd love for you to join in on the fun!  It's going to be an unforgettable experience for you.

We'll have loads of snacks, games, and of course, cake! It's going to be an epic celebration, and having you there would make it even more special.

Please let me know if you can make it, so I can make sure to arrange everything for you.

Looking forward to celebrate with you!

Yours,

Jeevan

Revision

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of adjectives.

1. Priya’s handwriting is ….…………………… (neat) Saurav’s.

2. The Nile river is ….…………………… (long) river on Earth.

3. Fast food is ….…………………… (popular) food among teenagers.

4. Summer is ….…………………… (hot) spring, but winter is ….……………………

(cold) of all.

5. The library is ….…………………… (quiet) place in the school.

6. Studying with music can be ….…………………… (distract) studying in silence.

7. Swimming is ….…………………… (relax) walking.

8. The Eiffel Tower is one of ….…………………… (famous) landmarks in the world.

9. The red apples are generally ….…………………… (sweet) the green ones.

10. Math is ….…………………… (challenge) English for some students

Assignment

Everybody has unique experiences, particularly when it comes to celebrating a birthday. Spare some time to share your personal account of a memorable and thrilling birthday celebration in a video format. After making the video, send it to your teacher through an email. Email id is given below.