Class 8 English Notes Chapter 4 (The treasure within) – It so Happend Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 4, "The Treasure Within," from your 'It So Happened' book. This chapter is an interesting interview with a famous Indian architect, Hafeez Contractor, conducted by Ms. Bela Raja, the editor of a newsletter called 'Sparsh'. It highlights how hidden talents and interests can shape one's life, even if they don't fit the conventional academic mould. This is important not just for understanding the text, but also for appreciating different paths to success.

Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation: Chapter 4 - The Treasure Within

1. Introduction & Context:

• The chapter is structured as an interview between Ms. Bela Raja and Mr. Hafeez Contractor.
• It explores Hafeez Contractor's unconventional journey from an unhappy schoolboy to a leading architect in India.
• Central Theme: Discovering one's innate talent ("treasure within") and finding success outside traditional academic achievements.

2. Hafeez Contractor's School Life:

• Academic Struggles: Hafeez admits he was a poor student, rarely interested in studies. He preferred games, jokes, and pranks.
• Fear of Mathematics: He suffered from recurring nightmares about appearing for a maths examination where he knew nothing. This highlights his deep-seated aversion and fear of the subject.
• Interests: His real interests lay in playing games, cracking jokes, playing pranks on others, and drawing sketches.
• Coping Mechanisms: He was good at copying during exams to pass. He relied on remembering the 'look' of the answer rather than understanding the concept.
• Influence of the Principal: A turning point came in his 11th standard when his Principal spoke to him. The Principal highlighted Hafeez's intelligence but lack of application, emphasizing how his mother worked hard for his education. This conversation had a profound impact, making Hafeez realize his responsibilities.
• Change in Attitude: After the Principal's talk, Hafeez stopped playing games and focused solely on studying for his SSC (Secondary School Certificate) exams, achieving a second class (50%).

3. Journey into Architecture:

• Initial Plan: Hafeez wanted to join the army but couldn't due to his mother's reluctance. He then considered joining the police force but was advised against it by his mother.
• Entry into Jai Hind College: He joined Jai Hind College in Bombay (now Mumbai). He was advised to take either German or French. Although he knew some French, he opted for German but struggled, eventually changing to French with the help of his cousin.
• Meeting an Architect: His cousin's husband was an architect. One day, visiting his office, Hafeez pointed out a flaw in a window design drawing. The architect was impressed by his observation and asked him to draw a few specific things, which Hafeez did exceptionally well.
• The Architecture College Challenge: The architect urged him to pursue architecture. However, Hafeez had poor academic grades (only 50% in SSC) and the college required 80-85%. Also, admission tests for architecture involved mathematics, which he dreaded.
• Gaining Admission: The college principal granted him admission conditionally. He was allowed to take the entrance exam, but told that if he failed, he wouldn't be admitted. Hafeez secured an 'A+' grade in the entrance exam. His earlier poor academic record was overlooked because of his evident talent in drawing and observation, revealed during the test where he had to draw a design for a house.

4. Hafeez Contractor's Approach to Architecture:

• Intuitive Design: Hafeez describes his design process as intuitive. He looks at a client's face, clothes, way of talking and eating, and intuitively understands their taste and personality, which he then translates into sketches spontaneously.
• Sketching: He calls sketching his "mathematics." He conceptualizes designs through spontaneous sketches on paper, or whatever is available.
• Understanding Mathematics: He admits he disliked maths but now sees its application in construction, physics, and chemistry, which form the structure of his designs. He learned the necessary maths through practical application in his field.
• Life Lessons from School: He believes his experiences as a prankster and gang leader in school taught him valuable life lessons and leadership skills, helping him understand client psychology.
• Giftedness and Learning Disabilities: The chapter touches upon the idea that individuals like Hafeez, who struggle academically but excel in other areas, might have learning disabilities but also possess unique gifts. The education system often fails to nurture these alternative talents.

5. Key Takeaways:

• Academic performance is not the only measure of intelligence or potential success.
• Every individual possesses unique talents and interests (the "treasure within").
• Finding and pursuing one's passion is crucial for fulfillment and success.
• Practical skills, observation, intuition, and life experiences are valuable assets.
• Encouragement and guidance (like from his Principal and cousin's husband) can be transformative.
• The conventional education system may not cater to all types of learners.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Who interviewed Hafeez Contractor in the chapter "The Treasure Within"?
   a) His school Principal
   b) Ms. Bela Raja
   c) His cousin's husband
   d) A college professor

2. What subject did Hafeez Contractor particularly dislike and have nightmares about?
   a) History
   b) French
   c) Mathematics
   d) Geography

3. What event significantly changed Hafeez Contractor's attitude towards studies in his 11th standard?
   a) Failing an important exam
   b) Winning a sports competition
   c) A conversation with his school Principal
   d) His mother falling ill

4. What did Hafeez Contractor initially want to join after school?
   a) Architecture college
   b) The army
   c) The police force
   d) Engineering

5. How did Hafeez Contractor get admission into architecture college despite his low marks?
   a) His mother requested the Principal.
   b) He scored exceptionally well in the entrance exam's drawing test.
   c) His cousin's husband recommended him strongly.
   d) The college had lowered its admission criteria that year.

6. What does Hafeez Contractor rely on heavily when designing for a client?
   a) Mathematical formulas
   b) Computer-aided design software
   c) His intuition and observation of the client
   d) Architectural books and manuals

7. Hafeez Contractor compares his skill of ______ to Mathematics.
   a) Playing pranks
   b) Sketching
   c) Playing games
   d) Copying in exams

8. According to the chapter, what might be true for children who struggle academically but are talented in other areas?
   a) They lack intelligence.
   b) They might have learning disabilities and unique gifts.
   c) They are simply lazy.
   d) They will likely fail in life.

9. Who first noticed Hafeez's talent related to architecture?
   a) His French teacher
   b) His school Principal
   c) His mother
   d) His cousin's husband

10. What is the central message conveyed in "The Treasure Within"?
    a) Mathematics is the most important subject for success.
    b) One must always follow their parents' advice.
    c) Every individual has hidden talents that can lead to success, even without conventional academic excellence.
    d) Playing games is more important than studying.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b) Ms. Bela Raja
2. c) Mathematics
3. c) A conversation with his school Principal
4. b) The army
5. b) He scored exceptionally well in the entrance exam's drawing test.
6. c) His intuition and observation of the client
7. b) Sketching
8. b) They might have learning disabilities and unique gifts.
9. d) His cousin's husband
10. c) Every individual has hidden talents that can lead to success, even without conventional academic excellence.

Study these notes carefully. Understand Hafeez Contractor's journey and the underlying message about discovering your own unique potential. Good luck with your preparation!