NCERT Solutions Poorvi Chapter 1 –24A Concrete Example (poem by Reginald Arkell) — Let us speak
Book page 23 Updated on2026-09-05
Q1.
I. 1. When we apologise to a friend or a family member, we use informal language. Take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology.
(i) You have eaten your brother’s share of sweets.
Phrases for Apology: I’m sorry about… / I’m really sorry… / Please forgive me for… / Sorry, I didn’t mean to…
Phrases to Respond to Apology: That’s alright. / It’s no big deal. / No problem. / These things happen.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
You
Sorry, I didn’t mean to finish your sweets — I thought the last two were mine. I’ll get you a fresh box tomorrow.
Brother
It’s no big deal. Just ask me next time.
What makes an informal apology work: contractions (I’m, didn’t), short sentences, and an offer to put it right. Notice that the apology names the thing done — “finish your sweets” — rather than staying vague. A vague apology sounds like an escape.
Q2.
(ii) You have broken your sister’s flower craft.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
You
I’m really sorry — I knocked your flower craft off the shelf while I was reaching for my books. Two of the petals came off. Can I help you fix it this evening?
Sister
That’s alright. These things happen. Bring the glue and we’ll do it together.
Tip: Say how it happened without turning the explanation into an excuse. “While I was reaching for my books” explains; “you shouldn’t have kept it there” would spoil the whole apology.
Q3.
(iii) You accidentally spilled ink on your mother’s important documents.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
You
Amma, I’m so sorry — my pen leaked on the papers that were on the table. Two pages are stained. Please forgive me. Tell me which ones you need and I’ll go and get copies made.
Mother
These things happen. Bring them here and let me see how bad it is.
Why this apology is longer than the others: The damage is more serious and cannot be undone by the person who caused it. So the apology has to do more work — say exactly what was harmed, accept the fault without argument, and offer the one repair that is actually possible.
Q4.
(iv) You forgot to bring your friend’s notebook to the school after borrowing it.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
You
I’m sorry about the notebook — I left it on my study table. I know you need it for the test on Friday. I’ll bring it first thing tomorrow, I promise.
Friend
No problem. Just don’t forget again — I have to revise from it on Thursday.
Tip: When the apology is for forgetting, the strongest part is not the “sorry” but the specific promise: first thing tomorrow, not soon.
Q5.
2. When we apologise to someone in authority like a Principal or a teacher in a formal setting, we use formal language. Work in pairs and take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology.
(i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission.
Phrases for Apology: I’m extremely sorry for… / I owe you an apology for… / I really regret… / I promise it won’t happen again. / I’ll do my best not to repeat it. / I assure you that this will never happen again.
Phrases to Respond: I accept your apology. Please ensure you… / I appreciate you saying this, but… / I’m glad you realised your mistake…
Answer
Speaker
What is said
Student
Good morning, Ma’am. I’m extremely sorry for not submitting my assignment today. I completed only half of it because I misread the date. I assure you that this will never happen again. May I submit it tomorrow morning?
Teacher
I accept your apology. Please ensure you note the submission dates in your diary from now on. Give it to me before the first period tomorrow.
What changes when the apology becomes formal: the greeting and title (Good morning, Ma’am), full forms instead of contractions where possible, no casual words, and a request rather than an assumption — “May I submit it tomorrow?” instead of “I’ll bring it tomorrow.” The regret is stated once and not repeated.
Q6.
(ii) You were late to school for the past three days and had to meet the Principal.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
Student
Good morning, Sir. I owe you an apology for reaching late on all three days this week. The route bus has been leaving our stop earlier than the scheduled time. I have spoken to my parents and from Monday I shall take the earlier bus. I promise it won’t happen again.
Principal
I appreciate you saying this, but punctuality is your own responsibility. I am glad you have found a solution. Let me not see you at this office again for the same reason.
Tip: Notice that the reason comes after the apology, never before it. Beginning with “The bus was early, Sir…” turns an apology into a complaint.
Q7.
(iii) You did not submit your project work and were asked to explain.
Answer
Speaker
What is said
Student
Good afternoon, Sir. I really regret not submitting my project on the due date. My group had divided the work, and I did not check in time that the last section was incomplete. The fault is mine, as I was the group leader. The project is now ready and I’ll do my best not to repeat this.
Teacher
I’m glad you realised your mistake, and glad you did not blame your group. Submit it today, and next time set your own deadline three days before mine.
The hardest part of a formal apology: accepting responsibility without shifting it. “My group did not finish” blames others; “I did not check in time that the last section was incomplete” keeps the fact and takes the blame. Teachers notice the difference immediately.