1. "The Scholarship Jacket" describes how hard work and determination can bring success in life. In the light of the reading of the story, prepare a write-up on the topic " Strong Determination and the Hard Work is the Key to Success. "
Answer :
Determination and Hard Work is the Key to Success.
Martha was a Mexican girl. She was studying in eighth standard in a small school at Texas and was good at studies. The school had a tradition of, giving a beautiful gold and green Jacket to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. Martha had straight A grade since the first grade. So she was eagerly awaiting to get the Jacket.
Her father was a farm labourer who couldn't earn enough money to feed eight children. So when she was six she was given to her grandparents to raise. She was called ‘bean pole’ and ‘string bean’ because she, was extremely thin. She couldn't participate in sports at school because there were registration fees and uniform costs ; so, even though she was athletic, she could never expect school sports Jacket. So, the scholarship Jacket, was her only hope.
She was happened to hear an argument, between her two teachers. Her maths teacher, Mr. Boone was forcing Mr. Schmidt, her history teacher to falsify Martha's grades. Martha realised that the school board had decided to give the award to another girl named Joann, whose father was a member in the school board. She realized that she was discriminated against on account, of being a Mexican. The principal called her to the office and informed her that school management had decided to charge fifteen dollars for the scholarship jacket. She was, heartbroken when she knew it. She told the principal that she would tell him after, discussing the matter with his grandpa. But Martha's grandfather opposed to give money for the Jacket. He said that if she paid for it, it would not be called as 'scholarship Jacket'. Martha was deeply hurt by the words of her grandpa.
Martha reported the opinion of her grandpa to the principal. As she was about to leave the room, principal told her that they would make an exception in her case. Martha was overjoyed to hear those words. She wanted to share her happiness with her grandpa and rushed home. She, knew that her history teacher was also a strong force behind this decision . She hugged Mr. Schmidt and thanked him for his effort to get her scholarship. Her, firm belief made her the proud winner of scholarship jacket.
2. Character Sketch of Martha
Answer :
Martha : A Determined Girl
Martha is the central character in the short story "The Scholarship Jacket" written by the popular American writer Marta Salinas. She is a Mexican girl. She studies in eighth standard in a small school at Texas and is good at studies. The school has a tradition of, giving a beautiful gold and green Jacket to the class valedictorian, the student who has maintained the highest grades for eight years. Martha has straight A grade since the first grade. So she is eagerly awaiting to get the Jacket. Her father is a farm labourer who cannot earn enough money to feed eight children. So when she was six she was given to her grandparents to raise. She is called ‘bean pole’ and ‘string bean’ because she, is extremely thin. She cannot participate in sports at school because there are registration fees and uniform costs ; so, even though she is athletic, she can never expect school sports Jacket. So, the scholarship Jacket is her only hope.
Martha realises that the school board has decided to give the award to another girl named Joann. She also realises that she is discriminated against on account of being a Mexican. This makes her very sad. This incident proves that though she is bold enough, she is very sensitive also. As the principal calls her to the office and informes her that school management has decided to charge fifteen dollars for the scholarship jacket, She faces him very confidently by looking at his face though she is sad in mind. She reports boldly to the principal that her grandfather does not ready to give the money. Her, firm belief makes her the proud winner of scholarship jacket.
3. Character sketch of Grandfather
Answer :
Grandfather: A Sensible Person
Martha’s grandfather is an important character in the short story "The Scholarship Jacket" written by the popular American writer Marta Salinas. He is a hardworking farmer who owns two-hundred acre ranch. He is a caring person who loves his granddaughter Martha very much. He is less emotional. So, he never expresses his love. His practical approach and matured words helps Martha to get the scholarship jacket. His only dialogue "Then if you pay for it, Martha, it's not a scholarship Jacket, is it? Tell your principal I will not pay the fifteen dollars.’ changes the whole plot of the story. His strong presence is an inspirational force to her. She gains confidence and motivation from him. He is the last resort of Martha . He teaches her how to handle a crisis. Though he is uneducated, he is a man of wisdom and straight forward. He teaches Martha the values of life, dignity and self respect.
4. Speech of Martha:
Answer :
Respected teachers, distinguished guests, and my dear friends.
A warm good morning, to you all gathered here. I am so proud and happy to be here in this pleasant occasion., I am very much excited to deliver a few words about how I achieved the scholarship jacket. It was my cherished dream to achieve the scholarship jacket. I'm sure it is the result of my eight years hardwork and dedication.
As a farm labourer, my father couldn't earn enough money to look after me. So, I live with my grandparents. They looked after me well and did everything for my studies.Hence, I can Undoubtedly say that my grandparents have a great role in my success. And of course, I can’t forget the role of my teachers and friends. Teachers taught and guided me well, and my friends gave me more support.
Here, I have a small advice for my friends and Juniors. If you dream anything in life, you have to work for it very hard. And if you try hard with all dedication, you can achieve anything. I wish you all can win such achievements in future. I would like to thank everyone who stood with me to achieve this award. Let me conclude my short speech.
Thank you and have a nice day
5. Martha, after receiving the scholarship jacket, writes a letter expressing her, immense gratitude to Mr.Schmidit for supporting her. Draft the likely letter.
Answer :
Martha
Dream Villa
Lincoln Square
Texas - 03
20 May 2023
Mr. Schmidt
Sky line Villa
7th Avenue
Texas - 07
Sir,
I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for your priceless effort in making me the winner of the Scholarship Jacket. I wish here to disclose a shocking reality that I had overheard your conversation with Mr. Boone. At that time I was going to the class room back to take my PE uniform. Actually it was a coincidence. I could realise that how sincere you are about my case. You are only one among my teachers who could understand the hard work that I had made to get the jacket. I am deeply express my thanking and love to you sir. May God bless you. I am concluding my letter. Expecting your favourable reply.
Martha
(Sd/-)
6. Martha felt very sad when she overheard the argument between Mr Schmidt and Mr Boone in the story ‘The Scholarship Jacket’. What may be the diary entry of Martha?
Answer :
20 May 2023
Monday
It was an unforgettable day in my life today. All my dreams shattered like a glass wall. All my expectations are all gone to air. It happened as I reached outside the classroom to take my shorts for the PE. It was really a coincidence that I overheard a heated argument between my teachers : Mr Schmidt and Mr Boone. It made me surprised that they were talking about me! Mr. Boone was forcing Mr. Schmidt to falsify my grades and thereby tried to make Joann the winner of the scholarship Jacket! He said that Joann’s father was a member of the Board. Oh! How could he reason like that? He also humiliated me by mentioning that 'I am a Mexican '. It really made me hurt. It's the rule that the scholarship jacket should be given to the class valedictorian who maintains highest grades for eight years. So, it's totally injustice. I am the only person who deserves the Jacket. Then why should they try to avoid me? Fortunately, Mr Schmidt was talking in favour of me. I’m thankful to Mr Schmidt for supporting me. Only God can help me in this crisis. May He find a way in favour of me.
7. You got a chance to have an interview with Martha after getting the Scholarship jacket. Prepare six questions that you may ask Martha her sucess.
Answer :
> How do you feel on receiving this award?
> What are your strengths and weaknesses?
> Who has inspired you in your life and why?
> How much effort did you put in to win this Jacket?
> What is your next goal?
> Whom do you want to dedicate this award?
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