class 9: Unit 7 - Supplementary The Christmas Truce- -Aaron Shepard

Unit 7  -  Supplementary The Christmas Truce- -Aaron Shepard

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Warm Up

 Name one festival which you like the most.

One festival that I like the most is Diwali.

 How do you celebrate that festival?

How I Celebrate Diwali:

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a grand celebration in my family. We start by cleaning and decorating our home with rangoli and diyas. On the evening of Diwali, we perform Lakshmi Puja and light up the house with candles and fairy lights. The night is filled with sweets, firecrackers, and spending time with family and friends.

 Narrate a memorable incident which happened during that celebration.

A Memorable Incident:

One of the most memorable Diwalis was when my little cousin, who was scared of firecrackers, finally gathered the courage to light a sparkler. He was so happy and excited that he ran around showing it to everyone. His joy and laughter made that Diwali extra special for all of us.

A. Choose the correct answer.

1. The story is set during the _____________.
   a. World War I
   b. World War II
   c. Kargil War
   d. Indo-China War
2. The story is about the celebration of _____________ festival.
   a. Deepavali
   b. Pongal
   c. Ramzan
   d. Christmas
3. Tom called the incidents happened there as a ____________.
   a. fairy tale
   b. poetry
   c. tragedy
   d. comedy
4. The Germans had placed Christmas trees in front of their __________.
   a. houses
   b. trench
   c. tanks
   d. cars
5. One of the German soldiers worked as a _________ at Victoria Station.
   a. tea-seller
   b. ticket-checker
   c. porter
   d. shopkeeper

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B. Identify the character, speaker, or both of the following lines.

1. "Our first complete silence in months!"
   Speaker: Tom
2. "Come and see! See what the Germans are doing!"
   Speaker: John
3. "Hold your fire."
   Speaker: Captain
4. "You no shoot, we no shoot."
   Speaker: A German soldier
5. "My God, why cannot we have peace and all go home?"
   Speaker: An older German soldier

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C. Answer the following questions in about 100 – 120 words.

1. Narrate the Christmas celebration as happened in the war field.

On Christmas Eve in 1914, British and German soldiers experienced an extraordinary moment of peace during World War I. The German soldiers placed Christmas trees in front of their trenches and began singing carols, such as "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night). The British soldiers responded by singing their own carols, and soon both sides were harmonizing. Then, a German soldier called out, proposing a temporary truce. Soldiers from both sides stepped out into No Man’s Land, exchanged gifts, shook hands, and shared food. Some even talked about playing a football match. This event was a remarkable display of humanity, proving that even in war, the spirit of peace and friendship can shine through.

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D. Think and answer.

1. Do you envision a similar truce taking place in any wars or fighting today? Explain.

While modern warfare is different from World War I, a temporary truce is still possible in some situations. For example, in conflicts between countries or civil wars, humanitarian organizations often help negotiate ceasefires to allow aid, medical care, or evacuation of civilians. However, with advanced technology and modern warfare tactics, spontaneous truces like the Christmas Truce of 1914 are rare. But if soldiers and leaders prioritized humanity over violence, peace could be achieved in many conflicts today.

2. Today, much of what we know about the truce comes from soldiers’ postcards home. In the postcard given below, write a short message home, imagine that you took part in the 1914 Christmas Truce.

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📜 Postcard Message

December 25, 1914

Dear Family,

Something truly unbelievable happened today. The war paused for Christmas! Last night, we heard German soldiers singing carols, and we sang along. Then, we met them in No Man’s Land, shook hands, exchanged food, and even planned a football match! I never imagined sharing laughter with those we were fighting just yesterday. It felt like a dream, a glimpse of peace in this war. I wish this moment could last forever. Please keep us in your prayers.

With love,
Tom