Notes Class 7 Chapter 1.2 English Balbharati Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Balbharati English Class 7

Odd One In

1. Introduction

Title: Odd One In
Author: Tithi Tavora
Main Idea: The story is about Rima, a popular girl who judges and mocks a new classmate, Malti, but learns a lesson about kindness and humility as Malti proves her worth through talent and intelligence.

2. Characters

Rima:

The protagonist, an only child, stylish, confident, but snobbish and unkind.
She leads a group of friends and looks down on Malti for her appearance and English.

Malti:

A new girl in Rima’s class from another state, simple-looking, with oily hair and a long skirt.
Quiet, intelligent, talented in math and singing, and eager to learn despite being mocked.

Mr. Sen (Rima’s Father):

A caring but firm father who disapproves of Rima’s attitude and tries to correct her.

Mrs. Sen (Rima’s Mother):

Gentle and supportive, but worried about Rima becoming a snob.

Rima’s Friends (Shahnaz, Clare, Neha):

Part of Rima’s clique, they initially join her in teasing Malti but later criticize her cruelty.

Teacher and Principal:

Supportive of Malti, recognizing her intelligence and talent.

3. Summary of Key Events

Rima’s First Impression of Malti:

On the first day of school, Rima tells her parents about Malti, a new girl who speaks poor English and comes from another state.
She mimics Malti’s “Gud marning, Teeechurr” and mocks her oily hair and bindi.
Mr. Sen hints that children from Malti’s state are clever, but Rima disagrees.

Teasing Begins:

The next day, Rima and her friends greet Malti with a mocking “Gud marning,” and she innocently replies the same way.
They criticize her oily hair (Shahnaz) and long skirt (Clare), but Malti stays quiet.

Malti’s Intelligence Shines:

In class, Malti answers Teacher’s questions correctly, surprising everyone.
Rima’s parents praise Malti’s cleverness at home, but Rima remains unimpressed, focusing on her bad English.

Singing Competition:

At the Inter-House singing competition, Malti sings a Hindi song beautifully and wins first prize.
Rima wins in the English song category but feels no joy, overshadowed by Malti’s success.
The Principal and others clap for Malti, silencing Rima’s plan to jeer.

Malti’s Growing Popularity:

Malti excels in math and sports, helping classmates and earning respect from teachers and students.
Rima and her clique refuse to accept her, continuing to mock her English.

The Turning Point:

One day, Rima mocks Malti for saying “aks” instead of “ask.”
Malti, trembling, asks Rima to help her improve her English, but Rima cruelly refuses, saying it’s too hard for “countrified types.”
Malti cries and runs off, and Rima’s friends (Shahnaz, Neha, Clare) call her behavior “horrid,” shocking Rima.

Rima’s Realization:

Rima walks off in a huff and feels subdued at home, knowing she was wrong but too proud to admit it.
Her parents discuss how her good school is making her a snob instead of a better person.

4. Themes

Judging by Appearance: Rima judges Malti based on her looks and English, ignoring her talents.
Kindness and Humility: Malti’s kindness wins hearts, while Rima’s pride isolates her.
Growth and Change: Rima begins to see her mistake but struggles with her ego.
Respect for Differences: The story shows the value of accepting people from different backgrounds.

5. Moral Lessons

Don’t judge others by how they look or speak-everyone has unique strengths.
Being kind and helpful is better than being mean and proud.
True confidence comes from respecting others, not putting them down.

6. Important Quotes

“Children from that State are supposed to be clever.” – Mr. Sen (showing Malti’s potential).
“I do hope you and your friends will not make things too difficult for Malti.” – Mr. Sen (warning Rima).
“I know my English is weak. Please, will you help me to improve it?” – Malti (showing humility).
“That was horrid, Rima.” – Shahnaz (highlighting Rima’s cruelty).

7. Vocabulary (With Meanings)

Grimaced: Made a face showing dislike or pain.
Sniffed: Said something with a sneer or scorn.
Cattily: In a mean, spiteful way.
Atrocious: Very bad or terrible.
Snob: Someone who looks down on others.
Melodious: Sweet and pleasant to hear.
Belied: Hid or contradicted (e.g., her simple looks hid her smartness).