KSEEB Class 10 · English (1st language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
Abraham Lincoln's Letter to His Son's Teacher
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 10 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 10 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), 16th President of the United States. This widely circulated letter asks his son's teacher to build character - honesty, courage, humility and compassion - not merely examination marks.
Summary
Lincoln writes to his son's teacher as a partner in upbringing. School must shape character as much as curriculum.
Lincoln writes to his son's teacher as a partner in upbringing. School must shape character as much as curriculum.
The boy should learn to lose without bitterness and to win without swagger. True strength is modest.
The boy should learn to lose without bitterness and to win without swagger. True strength is modest.
He must stand up to bullies yet respect the weak and the aged. Courage without kindness is incomplete.
He must stand up to bullies yet respect the weak and the aged. Courage without kindness is incomplete.
Honesty in small things builds trust in great ones. He should hear poetry, see stars and keep wonder alive amid routine lessons.
Honesty in small things builds trust in great ones. He should hear poetry, see stars and keep wonder alive amid routine lessons.
Let him think for himself but know he is not alone in the universe. Self-reliance needs humility.
Let him think for himself but know he is not alone in the universe. Self-reliance needs humility.
Lincoln ends by trusting the teacher to correct the boy firmly when needed. Education is joint duty of home and school.
Lincoln ends by trusting the teacher to correct the boy firmly when needed. Education is joint duty of home and school.
Hard words & meanings
| humility | freedom from pride; modesty |
| swagger | arrogant or boastful manner after success |
| bitterness | resentment after defeat |
| compassion | deep sympathy for those who suffer |
| integrity | steadfast adherence to moral principles |
| bully | person who uses strength to harm or intimidate |
| wonder | delight in beauty and mystery of life |
| self-reliance | trust in one's own powers with responsibility |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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