Class 12 English chapter 13 | History Exercise & Grammar

Unit: 13 History After the World Trade Center Notes

Next : Unit 14 Human Rights

Unit 13: History – Class 12 English

Genre:

Narrative Non-fiction

Book:

NEB Compulsory English (Grade XII – 2081/2082)

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Lesson Overview

This chapter gives a very poignant story of the 9/11 attacks as told through the eyes of Frank De Martini and his girlfriend Nicole. Two architects employed on the World Trade Center, the choices they made that morning and their lives afterwards reveal stirring themes of bravery, common sense, sacrifice, and the cost of international conflict in human lives.

It an exploration of actual individuals and incidents, contextualizing the history at tragedy at a human level. It is also a story about personal choices that shape character, especially during a time of crisis.

Summary of ‘History’

Frank and Nicole were both architects who worked in NYC in and both of them worked in the World Trade Center. Frank was a huge fan of the Twin Towers — not fans in the way you would think — he was a fan because the Twin Towers represented what humanity can build and overcome. To him, the towers were more than just a place of business; they meant something to him on a much deeper level.

Nicole was at work when the terrorist attack began on September 11, 2001 — he had managed to escape early and urged Frank to do the same. However, Frank refused to leave. Instead, he remained behind to help others escape the building. His selflessness turned into heroism, and he was last heard from as he remained trying to get people out.

The chapter mentions how families were bound together as tragedy, how Frank's children were too young to understand, and how devastated Nicole but proud of Frank for being so brave. On the one hand, it portrays the reality of a man sacrificing his life to save lives, which is a painful reality and inspiring at the same time.

Key Themes and Concepts

• The Ultimate Sacrifice: Frank’s decision to stay highlights noble selflessness.
• Personal Cost of Terrorism: Goes beyond politics to families, children, and relationships.
• Emotional Closeness: Focuses on the love between Frank and Nicole and their family.
• Humanizing History: Puts a personal face on a global tragedy, making it more relatable.

Skills Developed

• Reading comprehension through real-life narrative structure
• Analyzing character motivation and theme
• Understanding historical impact on personal life
• Grammar mastery: future tenses, prepositions, passive voice
• Writing: event-based essays, reflections, and critical analysis

Grammar Focus

1. Prepositions:

Used to describe time, location, or logic. Example:

• I am not available till 2 PM.
• We met at the station before the ceremony.

2. Future Tense Structures:

• Simple Future: She will go to New York next week.
• Future Continuous: She will be working late tonight.
• Future Perfect: By 2026, they will have completed the project.
• Future Perfect Continuous: He will have been living here for 5 years.

3. Passive Voice Examples:

• Every country takes part in volleyball. → Volleyball is played in every country.
• They will announce the results. → The results will be announced.

Comprehension Questions (Sample)

• Q: Why did Frank De Martini refuse to leave the towers?
  A: He chose to stay and help others escape during the attack.
• Q: What role did Nicole play in the story?
  A: She encouraged Frank to leave and later shared his story of bravery and loss.
• Q: How does this lesson personalize history?
  A: By focusing on real people and emotions rather than just dates and facts.
• Q: What broader themes are explored in the chapter?
  A: Heroism, terrorism, sacrifice, and the human cost of global conflict.

Critical Thinking

• Is terrorism ever justified as a political tool?
• How do personal stories help us understand global events better?
• In what ways does violence affect families, not just nations?
• How does Frank’s decision reflect the values of courage and responsibility?

Writing Practice

Personal Essay Topics

• Write a story about a moment where someone showed unexpected courage.
• Describe a historical event that changed your perspective on life.
• Reflect on the impact of global tragedies on personal lives.

Why This Chapter Matters

Unit 13 gives students the opportunity to connect history to humanity. It promotes empathy by showing how world events affect individual lives. The grammar exercises and writing prompts simulate board exam environments and real-world communication skills. Understanding grammar rules in context and practicing critical essays prepares learners for higher education and thoughtful citizenship.

Keywords

• Summary of English Unit 13 Class 12
• NEB English Class 12 Notes 2082
• History Chapter Class 12 English
• Grammar – Future Tenses and Prepositions
• Class 12 English Exercise Answers

Final Note

This digest provides everything needed to master Unit 13: History. Students are encouraged to review attached exercises and visual aids, practice their grammar skills, and reflect on how global stories are shaped by individual choices. The chapter teaches empathy, awareness, and resilience—skills beyond the classroom.