3.2 Compère a Programme – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Text-based functional skill activity

Genre: Functional Writing / Anchoring Script

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Compère a Programme provides a sample script for anchoring a school event—the inauguration of an Art Festival. The compère welcomes the audience, introduces the dignitaries, and guides the programme smoothly. The script includes formal elements like the arrival of dignitaries, lighting of the lamp, welcome and introduction of guests, principal’s speech, book release, cultural programme (Taal Kacheri, Koli Dance, skit), prize distribution, chief guest’s address, and vote of thanks. The compère’s role is to maintain flow, keep the audience engaged, and ensure courtesy. The lesson shows how anchoring requires clear communication, proper sequencing, and respectful tone. It also highlights Indian cultural values like Atithi Devo Bhava and symbolic acts like lamp-lighting.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson highlights the importance of effective communication in hosting programmes. It shows how a compère balances courtesy, clarity, and confidence to make events successful.

Character Sketches

(Not a story with characters, but roles are highlighted.)

The Compère

• Polite, confident, and respectful.

• Welcomes guests and maintains smooth flow of the programme.

• Uses humour, imagery, and cultural references to engage the audience.

The Chief Guest / Principal / Teachers

• Honoured and respected figures in the programme.

• Deliver speeches, inaugurate, release books, and encourage students.

Students

• Enthusiastic participants in cultural items like music, dance, and skit.

• Represent talent and creativity of the school.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “The compère wished to welcome the audience.”

   Infinitive: to welcome – shows purpose.

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The dignitaries lit the traditional lamp.

   Passive: The traditional lamp was lit by the dignitaries.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We should respect our guests and teachers.”

   Should shows duty.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The compère said, “Please take your seats.”

   Indirect: The compère requested everyone to take their seats.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The chief guest inaugurated the Art Festival.

   Question: Who inaugurated the Art Festival?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Would you like to be a compère in your school programme? Why?

   Yes, I would like to be a compère because it builds confidence in public speaking. It also gives a chance to represent the school and make the programme memorable.

   
   

2. Why is it important for a compère to follow proper sequence?

   It is important because following sequence ensures that events run smoothly. It avoids confusion and maintains the audience’s interest and respect.

   
   

3. What qualities are necessary for a good compère?

   A good compère must be confident, respectful, well-prepared, and polite. He or she should have a clear voice, humour, and presence of mind.

   
   

4. What lesson does this passage teach about communication?

   The passage teaches that effective communication is not only about words but also tone, respect, and organisation. A good compère sets the mood of the entire function.

   
   

5. Have you ever attended a school function? What did you enjoy most?

   Yes, I attended my school’s annual day. I enjoyed the cultural programme and prize distribution most, as they showed talent and achievement.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The compère asked the audience to switch off mobiles. → True

2. The dignitaries were escorted to the dais by the head boy. → False (By the head girl.)

3. The lamp-lighting ceremony symbolises knowledge. → True

4. The compère used flowers as gifts to guests. → False (Books were offered.)

5. The compère ended with a vote of thanks. → False (The art teacher did.)

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What was the purpose of the Art Festival?

   The purpose was to celebrate creativity and display students’ art through exhibitions, cultural performances, and a commemorative book release.

   
   

2. How did the compère welcome the guests and dignitaries?

   The compère greeted them politely, asked the audience to keep mobiles silent, and formally welcomed the chief guest, principal, vice principal, and others.

   
   

3. Why were books given instead of flowers to the chief guest?

   Books were given because they last longer than flowers. They represent knowledge and are a token of lasting appreciation.

   
   

4. What cultural programmes were performed?

   The cultural programmes included Taal Kacheri (instrumental music), Koli Dance of Maharashtra, and a comedy play “The Boy Comes Home.”

   
   

5. What message does the lesson Compère a Programme give?

   It teaches that anchoring is an important skill requiring respect, clarity, and confidence. A good compère ensures order, dignity, and success of the programme.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Compère a Programme is a functional text that trains students in the skill of anchoring events. The script captures all parts of a school festival, from welcoming guests to cultural programmes and prize distribution. It highlights Indian culture, discipline, and communication skills. The polite tone and smooth transitions show the role of a compère in holding the event together. The lesson is memorable because it connects classroom English with real-life situations of public speaking and organising functions.

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