Activity 5.1.1: Look at the illustration below and discuss, in pairs, what it appears to you. Then, share your thoughts with the class.
Answer:
The picture appears to symbolize a student's endeavor to overcome challenges, depicted metaphorically as crossing a gap. The act of jumping from one side of the gap to another side symbolizes finding solutions to these problems. Hence, the student is representing the resolution of their challenges.
Activity 5.1.2: Now, read Rifa's thoughts on 'A Day of Challenges' and discuss the following questions in pairs/groups. Later, share your responses with the class.
Today is my exam day, and it
feels like one of the toughest days of my life. I had high hopes for this exam,
but unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the entire syllabus due to my health
problems. The thing is, my mother has been suffering from a high fever for a couple
of days. So, I couldn’t bring a tiffin and bought snacks from the roadside
shop. Probably that caused a digestion problem, and I have been in severe pain
for the last two days. It’s been hard to concentrate on my studies. On the exam
day, I started to go to the school in scorching heatwave. It was burning outside,
and I was desperately looking for a rickshaw. Unfortunately, none were in
sight, and with no shade nearby to wait, I began to walk, thinking about the
consequences of not planting trees and preserving the greenery that protects
our lives. By the time I reached school, the exam had already started. I was so
stressed that I couldn’t answer all the questions. Feeling unsatisfied, I
completed the exam and left the hall. While leaving, I met my friend, and to my
surprise, I noticed she intentionally avoided me. I remembered she had sought
my help previously, but I couldn’t assist her due to my health. Her avoidance
added to my sadness, reinforcing the belief that “Life is not easy and comes
with many problems that demand attention.”
Question
1. Why does Rifa believe ‘Life is
not easy’?
2. What are the problems do you
notice in her life?
3. Do you face problems like
Rifa? If so, what are they?
4. How do these problems affect
you, your family, and your friends?
5. How do you solve these
problems?
Answer:
1. Rifa believes "Life is not easy" due to the series of challenges and difficulties she faces, such as health issues, family responsibilities, and academic pressures. These circumstances make it hard for her to achieve her goals smoothly.
2. The problems noticeable in Rifa's life include:
a. Health problems affecting her ability to study and concentrate.
b. Family issues, particularly her mother's illness, adding emotional and practical burdens.
c. Environmental discomforts like the scorching heatwave and difficulty finding transportation exacerbating her stress.
3. Yes, many individuals face problems similar to Rifa's. Some common issues might include:
a. Health challenges impacting daily activities and academic performance.
b. Family responsibilities and emergencies requiring immediate attention.
c. Environmental factors such as weather conditions affecting daily routines.
d. Academic pressures, including exam stress and incomplete syllabus coverage.
4. These problems can have various impacts on individuals, their families, and their friends:
a. On the individual: Health issues can cause emotional and physical stress, which can impair concentration and productivity. Anxiety and feelings of inadequateness might be brought on by academic stress.
b. On the family: Health problems can put a strain on emotional stability and family resources. Responsibilities towards sick family members can disrupt daily routines and cause worry.
c. On friends: Inability to fulfill commitments or offer support due to personal problems might strain friendships and lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
5. To solve these problems, individuals like Rifa might:
a. Make self-care a priority and get medical help when you need it.
b. Ask friends and relatives for assistance in handling family obligations.
c. Adapt to environmental challenges by planning ahead and finding alternative solutions.
d. Implement time management and study strategies to cope with academic pressures.
e. Communicate openly with friends about personal challenges and strive to maintain supportive relationships despite difficulties.