[Link].

in

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MERCURY
ENGLISH
Unsurpassed Excellence
AS PER PUBLIC EXAM QUESTION PAPER

STANDARD XI

Salient Features
† Prose, Poetry and Supplementary
† Answers for all Textual Questions

† Additional questions and answers

† Summary for all lessons

† All questions based on Model paper

† Exhaustive coverage of Non Textual Topics

By
G.V. CHANDRASEKHARAN, M.A., [Link]., [Link].

Edited by
V. BHOOPALAN, M.A., [Link]., [Link].,

Teacher’s Special Price : Rs. 120/-

mercy Publications
Educational Publishers
43, Bunder Street, Chennai - 600 001
For Orders :  97100 02490  /  70102 31425  /  99415 16187 
[Link]
 [Link]
FOREWORD
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.
- Benjamin Franklin
This Mercury English guide has been prepared to make the students
involve themselves in the learning process. It has been prepared in
accordance with the latest guidelines and the Question Pattern set by the
Department of Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part contains Prose, Poetry
and Supplementary Reader. It has summaries, short questions, paragraph
questions from the text. Additional Questions and answers are provided
under each lesson. The Second part contains the important textual and
non-textual questions. The Questions and answers in Part I and Part II
are provided as per the model Question Paper which has a maximum
marks of 90. Our aim is to produce and present a neat, comprehensive
at the same time exhaustive guide based on the Model paper to help the
students score maximum marks in the examination. Numerous examples
are given to enhance the language skills.
Further all the types of non textual questions are covered in this
book. Wide range of topics are included for the students to be able
answer any type of question. The authors who have very rich experience
in teaching English and a command over language have meticulously
prepared this book with great dedication.
We hope this book will serve the purpose for which it is prepared
for the students.
We express our sincere thanks to Mr. G. V. Chandrasekharan
for his untiring efforts to bring out this book in time. We are pleased to
register our sincere gratitude to the editor Mr. V. Bhoopalan for editing
and pruning the entire work meticulously. We appeal to the teachers
and students to offer their valuable suggestions and criticism for furthur
enrichment of this book.
- Publisher
Sole Distributor :
A. R. BOOK MART Bank Details for Direct Deposit
EDUCATIONAL BOOK SELLERS Account Name : Mercy Publications
43, Bunder Street, Chennai - 600 001. Bank Name : Karur Vysya Bank
& : 044 - 2536 3537, Mobile : 9941516187. Branch : Godown Street,
First Edition : June, 2018 Chennai - 600 001
Revised Edition : June, 2019
Account Number : 1755135000013300
Printed at : Sri Murugan Printers, Chennai - 05.
IFSC : KVBL0001755
[Link]
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[Link]. Contents Page No

1 Prose - The Portrait of a Lady 13

Poem - Once Upon A Time 33
Supplementary - After Twenty Years 41
2 Prose - The Queen of Boxing 47
Poem - Confessions of a Born Spectator 69
Supplementary - A Shot in the Dark 77
3 Prose - Forgetting 82
Poem - Lines Written In the Early Spring 105
Supplementary - The First Patient 113
4 Prose - Tight Corners 118
Poem - Macavity - The Mystery Cat 144
Supplementary - With the Photographer 154
5 Prose - The Convocation Address 158
Poem - Everest is not the Only Peak 183
Supplementary - The Singing Lesson 189
6 Prose - The Accidental Tourist 196
Poem - The Hollow Crown 216
Supplementary - Never Never Nest (play) 226
Non - Textual Questions and answers
1 Expansion of Abbreviations and Acronyms 234
2 Compound Word 236
3 Suffix 237
4 Meaning of Foreign phrases 239
5 Right definition of Words 240
6 Question Tags 242
7 Replace the underline word with Pharasal Verb 243
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8 Prefix 244
9 Prepositions 247
10 Clipped words 247
11 Replace the Pharasal Verb with Single Word 249
12 Relative Pronoun 252
13 Report the Dialogue 254
14 If Clause 258
15 Pie - Chart 259
16 Frame the Dialogue 261
17 Describing a Process 267
18 Complete the Proverb 269
19 Note Making and Summarising 273
20 Advertisement and respond Resume / Bio-data 280
21 General Essay 288
22 Spot the Error 294
23 Confusables 295
24 Homophones 296
25 Modal / Quasi Modal 298
26 Modal Verb 298
27 Link words 299
28 Identify the Sematic Field 301
29 Read the following passage and answer the questions 303
30 Correct combination of compound Word 313
31 Correct Compound word for the given combination 314

32 Correct Word for the given Definition 317

33 Meaning of the Idiom used 318

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34 Common Idoms 319
35 Articles 320
36 Syllabification 321
37 Appropriate syllabification of the given word 323
38 Replace British English with American English 323
39 Sentence Pattern 326
40 Singular form 328
41 Plural form 329
42 Direct Speech & Indirect Speech 330
43 Transformation of sentences (Simple, Complex, Compound) 330
44 Rewrite as directed (Relative Clause) 332
45 Passive Voice 333
46 Use given words (Noun, Verb, Adjective and Adverb) 334
47 Study the Table 336
48 Road map 338
49 Meaning of Proverb 340
50 Notice Writing 342
51 Reshuffle the Jumbled Words 342
52 E-mail ID 345
53 Report Writing 347
54 Letter Writing 348
55 Poem with Question and Answer 349
56 Paraphrase the Poem 364
57 Develop the Hints into a Story 368
— Revision 371
— Model Question Paper 375
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Question Paper Pattern
Higher Secondary - First Year
Time Allowed : 2.30 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 90

Part - I
Choose the correct answer for each of the following from the options given :20 × 1 = 20
[Link]. 1 - 3 (Synonyms)
Q. No. 4 - 6 (Antonyms)
Q. No. 7 - 20 (Topics for testing)

v Compound Words (formation combining two lexemes)

v Prefixes and suffixes (2)
v Abbreviations and Acronyms
v Clipped Words (2)
v Definitions of Words
v Phrasal Verbs (substitute with single words and vice versa) (2)
v Common Idioms
v Confusables
v Foreign Words and Phrases
v Substitute words / phrases with polite alternatives
(E.g. Housewife - Homemaker)
v Modal Verbs and Semi-modals
v Prepositions
v Question Tags
(Topics for testing - learnt in lower classes)

v Syllabification (finding number of syllables)

v American English and British English
v Singular and Plural
v Sentence Patterns
Part - II
Answer any seven of the following : 7 × 2 = 14
i) [Link]. 21 - 26 (Answer any four out of six)
Read the given sets of poetic lines and answer the questions that follow:
v Poetry Appreciation / Figures of Speech
ii) Q. No. 27 - 30 (Answer any three out of four)
Do as Directed : (Grammar topics to be tested under Transformation and Synthesis)
v Direct and Indirect Speech
v Active - Passive Voice
v Simple, Compound and Complex sentences
v Conditional [Link]
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Part - III
Answer any seven of the following : 7 × 3 = 21
i) Explain any two of the following with Reference to the Context:
(any out of three)
Q. No. 31 - 33 (Poetry)
ii) Answer any two of the following questions briefly: (any two out of three)
Q. No. - 34 - 36 (Prose short answer questions)
iii) Answer any three of the following : (any three out of four)
Q. No. - 37 - 40 (Topics for testing)
v Dialogue Writing of minimum three exchanges (completion / Fill in the blanks)
v Verbal and Non - verbal Representation (tables, pie-charts, graphs, maps - asking
questions or analytical interpretation of data)
v Describing a Process
v Completion of Proverbs / Match with meanings / Semantic Fields
v Notice Writing
v Spot the Errors /Fill in the blanks - Homophones, link words, concord, Framing questions,
words with different grammatical functions, tenses, determiners, prepositions.
v Rearrange the words and phrases to make meaningful sentences.
Part - IV
Answer the following : 7 × 5 = 35
Q. No. 41 - 47 [Either / Or questions] (Topics for testing)
v Paragraph Questions from Prose

v Paragraph Questions from Poetry

v Paragraph Questions from Supplementary Reader
v Note - making / Summarizing / Writing Biographical sketch from the given information
/ Writing a report using information given
v Prose Comprehension / Poetry Comprehension

v Letter - Writing (Personal / official / job application with Bio-data) / Paragraph writing
on a general topic / Expansion of Proverbs / Report Writing
v Construction of dialogues for the given situation / Developing hints into a story - unknown

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Public Exam Question Paper
March - 2019
Higher Secondary - First Year
Language Part - II - English
Time : 2.30 Hrs Marks : 90

Instructions : (1) Check the question paper for fairness of printing. If there is any lack of
fairness, inform the Hall Supervisor immediately.
(2) Use Blue or Black ink to write and underline.
Part - I
I. Answer all the questions. 20 × 1 = 20
Choose the correct synonyms for the underlined words from the options given.
1. _____ and I do claim to represent him in all his ruggedness.
a) toughness b) weakness c) brightness d) seriousness
2. The greatest disadvantage for me was loss of appetite.
a) hope b) memory c) alertness d) hunger
3. _____ that we regard a man who does not possess it as eccentric.
a) modern b) weary c) normal d) weird
Choose the correct antonyms for the underlined words from the options given.
4. Her happiest moments were with her sparrows whom she fed with frivolous rebukes.
a) serious b) harmless c) funny d) decent
5. “Don’t look so doleful, girls.”.
a) peaceful b) joyful c) doubtful d) powerful
6. There are, it must be admitted, some matters _____.
a) replied b) denied c) argued d) accepted
7. Select the correct expansion of “HDTV.”
a) High Definition Television b) Heavy Dielectric Television
c) Heavy Distributary Television d) Highly Decentralized Television
8. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word ‘mantel’ to form a compound word.
a) cover b) cloth c) picture d) piece
9. Form a derivative by adding the right suffix to the word ‘regular’.
a) - ance b) - able c) - ful d) - ity
10. Choose the meaning of the foreign word in the sentences.
Nalini is a bonafide student of the Madras University.
a) confident b) punctual c) brilliant d) genuine
11. Choose the right definition for the given term “Photophobia”.
a) Fear of rain b) Fear of flight c) Fear of light d) Fear of pictures
12. Add suitable question tag to the following statement.
Many women candidates attended the interview, _____?
a) haven’t they b) shouldn’t they c) don’t they d) didn’t they
13. Replace the underlined word with a phrasal verb.
I couldn’t understand what you meant.
a) break out b) find out
[Link]) iron out d) figure out
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14. Add a suitable prefix to the root word - “Polite”.
a) im - b) non - c) un - d) anti -
15. One who studies the human mind and behaviour is called a _____.
a) physicist b) psychologist c) pathologist d) physiologist
16. Fill in the blank with the suitable preposition.
The angry champion broke the crystal cup _____ million pieces.
a) into b) with c) against d) upon
17. Choose the clipped form of the word “dormitory”.
a) dormy b) dory c) dorm d) dormit
18. Substitute the underlined word with the appropriate polite alternative.
The gentleman in the black suit is a barber.
a) hair clipper b) hair remover c) hair splitter d) hair dresser
19. Substitute the phrasal verb in the sentence with a single word.
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
a) continue b) finish c) halt d0 postpone
20. Fill in the blank with a suitable relative pronoun.
The books _____ are bought are often not read.
a) that b) what c) who d) whose
Part - II
II. Answer any seven of the following : 7 × 2 = 14
i) Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any four of the following :
21. “Feel at home,” “come again.”
They say ______.
a) Who are ‘they’?
b) Do ‘they’ really mean it?
22. “And reassure myself anew
That you are not me and I’m not you.”
a) Who does the poet refer to as ‘you’?
b) Who does the poet reassure?
23. “I heard a thousand blended notes
while in a grove, I sat reclined.”
a) What is meant by “a thousand blended notes”?
b) Where is the poet setting?
24. “He sways his head from side to side
with movement like a snake”.
a) Who is “he”?
b) Mention the figure of speech used here.
25. “In dignity and pride no one need to be poor.”
a) What are the two things mentioned here as our strength?
b) Is the tone of the line positive or negative?
26. “For you have but mistook me all this while _____”
a) How is the speaker mistaken by the people?
b) Write the words in alliteration.
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ii) Do as directed (Any three) 3×2=6
27. Report the following dialogue :
Conductor : Where do you want to go?
Passenger : I’m going to Coimbatore. Give me a ticket, please.
28. Tom didn’t know Spanish. He didn’t get the job. (Combine using ‘If’)
29. Rewrite the sentence making an inversion in the conditional clause.
If you were a King, you would know the difficulties.
30. The food was cheap. It was very tasty.
(Form a simple sentence using “Inspite of”).
Part - III
III. Answer any seven of the following : 7 × 3 = 21
i) Explain any two of the following with reference to the context. 2×3=6
31. “The birds around me hopp’d and play’d
Their thoughts I cannot measure.”
32 “How can you say to me, I am a King?”
33. “I am just glad as glad can be
That I am not them, that they are not me.”
ii) Answer any two of the following briefly. 2×3=6
34. How do the chemists make fortunes out of the medicine people forget to take?
35. Why did Mary Kom think she should not return empty - handed?
36. What is the differenc between a physical and mental tight corner?
iii) Answer any three of the following : 3×3=9
37. Study the Pie - chart and answer the questions that follow :
Resident’s choice a entertainement in an apartment
Reading - 10%
Watching T.V. - 20%
Outdoor games - 15%
Internet - 25%
Mobile phone - 30%

Questions :
A) What is the most sought after entertainment activity in the apartment?
B) Name the activity preferred by the least number of people.
C) Which activity is chosen by half the number of people who use mobile phones?
38. Build a dialogue of minimum 3 exchanges between a fruit vendor and a customer.
39. Describe the process of opening a bank account.
40. Complete the proverbs using the words given below.
Waste not, _____ not. (fight, want, earn)
b. _____ waters run deep. (still, flowing, stagnant)
c. One _____ doesn’t make a garland. (pearl, bead, flower)
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Part - IV
IV. Answer the following : 7 × 5 = 35
41. Answer in a paragrph on any one of the following in about 150 words.
a) What does Robert Lynd try to convey in his essay on ‘Forgetting’?
b) How do Universities mould students, besides imparting academic education to them?
42. Answer in a paragraph on any one of the following in about 150 words.
a) Write an appreciation of the poem “The Hollow Crown”.
b) How does Gabriel Okara criticise the modern life in his poem “Once upon a Time”?
43. Write a paragraph (150 words) by developing for the following hints.
Miss Meadows, a music teacher - gets a letter - feels upset - Fiance not interested - reflects
her gloom on students - changes the happy song to a sad one - Headmistress calls - delivers
a Telegram - Finance agrees to wedding - Meadows happy - changes the song again to a
cheerful one.
(OR)
Leacock - goes to a studio - The photographer dislikes Leacock’s face - passes several
comments - Leacock gets irritated the photo - taken - wants to see the proof - visits the studio
again - The photo is edited - help of technology - Leacock upset over the changes - calls it
worthless - leaves in anger.
44. Write a summary or make notes of the following passage.
The Chinese were the first to make gun powder, invent the magnetic compass and introduce
to the world the art of making paper. About 2000 years ago, the Chinese made gun powder by
mixing sulphur and saltpetre. The mixture exploded when set on fire. The Chinese were the first
to find out the fact that a narrow magnet floating in a bowl of water would always point to the
North. This discovery led to the invention of magnetic compass. The device helped the sailors
to find out the direction when they were out of sight of land. The Chinese also invented the art
of making paper during the 2nd Century. Soon, the art of making paper using vegetable pulp
reached Arabia, Spain and Europe. In course of time, paper factories came into existence. The
fourth invention of the Chinese was the art of printing. Before this invention, books were written
by hand. The Chinese invented the art of printing with movable types. With this invention,
reading and learning became easy to common people as they were able to print books in large
numbers.
45. Read the following advertisement and prepare a bio-data considering yourself fulfilling
the conditions mentioned.
[Write XXXXX for your name and YYYY for your address]
WANTED
Qualified nurses for a multi - speciality hospital, Attractive salary, Flexible working
hours, Age below 30.
Apply to
Post Box No : 3210
C/o. The Times of India
Chennai - 600 002.
(or)
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Write a paragraph of 150 words on the advantages and disadvantages of “Online
Shopping”
46. (i) Read the following sentences, spot the errors and rewrite the sentences correctly.
a. The colour of the curtains are very bright.
b. I saw an uniformed soldier hiding behind the wall.
c. Nobody knows why was he killed.
d. My older brother is living abroad.
e. They are discussing about their picnic.
ii) Fill in the blanks suitably.
a) Have you ever _____ such a beautiful _____? (scene, seen)
b) How _____ you disobey my words? (use a quasi modal verb)
c) What is done _____ not be undone. (use the modal verb)
d) Take an umbrella with you _____ you will get wet. (use a suitable link word)
47. Identify each of the following sentences with the fields given below.
a) In a democracy, we have the right to criticise anyone.
b) The price of vegetables shot up suddenly.
c) The passenger sat down to check his e-mails.
d) It was thrilling neck and neck finish.
e) The programme will be telecast next week.
(Commerce, Sports, Literature, Computer, Politics, Media, Agriculture)
(or)
Read the following passage and answer the questions in your own words :
After the meal, the way we place our eating tools, our knives, forks, spoons or chopsticks is
also culturally defined. In Australia, when we finish eating the main course, we put the knife and
fork across the middle of the plate parallel to each other with the handles facing towards us. When
we are resting during the meal, we place the knife and fork across each other in the middle of the
plate. In China, the chopsticks to crossways across the top of the plate with the handles facing
towards the right. In Indonesia, some people place the fork and spoon like the Australians do
but not all. Indonesia is a multi-cultural society, so there may be a number of customs practiced
within the country.
Questions :
a) Which table manners reveals one’s culture?
b) Is table manners important? Why?
c) What do you know about the table manners observed by the Australians?
d) How do the Chinese practice their table manners?
e) Explain the Indonesian culture.

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PROSE
1. THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY
- Khushwant Singh
About the author
Kushwanth Singh is an Indian novelist and lawyer. He studied
at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and King’s College, London. He
joined IFS in 1947. He is best known for his secularism, sarcasm
and love for poetry. He served as the editor for many magazines.
He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1974. He also got Padma
Vibhushan and Sahitya Academy awards. His brilliant works
include, the Mark of Vishnu. Train to Pakistan, We Indians and
Death at my Doorstep.
Summary
In this short story, the author brings out the bond between him and his loving grand mother.
His grand mother was old and had a wrinkled face. His grand father’s photo hung in the
room. The author could not remember how she was when young. She had been short and slightly
bent. She was always chanting inaudible prayers. She got him ready for school when he was
young and accompanied him to school. She used to give pieces of chappathi to the village dogs.
She went to school with him, spent her time in the temple and returned with him to home.
When his parents settled in the city, she had to go there. There she began to feed the sparrows.
She did not like the English lessons taught in the school. When the author went to University, the
relationship was almost snapped. But she came to the station and bid him farewell.
One day after evening singing, she fell ill. She knew her end was near. She lay peacefully in
the bed praying and died. As a mark of respect, the sparrows refused to eat the bread served to
them. She was cremated peacefully.
Warm up
Nuclear Family or Joint Family

Based on the visuals given above, give five words / phrases each to describe these two family types.

Nuclear family Joint family

Only parents and children Youngsters shy away, Individual attention on
age long tradition children less
Small basic social unit Parents, grand parents Extension of nuclear family
and others
more daily routines, more attention more responsibility
emotionally secure on children for wage earners
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16 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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Glossary
mantlepiece - shelf projecting from the wall above a fireplace
absurd - inconsistent / illogical
fables - tales / stories
hobbled - walked unsteadily
puckered - wrinkled
expanse - wide area
monotonous - unchanging / boring
snapped - broke / cut
seclusion - isolation
bedlam - noisy confusion
perched - sat / rested
rebukes - scoldings
dilapidated - damaged
pallor - an unhealthy pale appearance
shroud - cloth used to wrap a dead person
realise - to understand or become aware of
Synonyms
Wrinkled - wizened mantel piece - Shelf projecting from the wall
absurd - illogical fables - stories
hobbled - walked unsteadily stoop - bend down
scattered - threw - strewn puckered - to contract face into wrinkles
landscape - country / scenery expanse - widespread
serenity - calm monotonous - boring
plastered - covered chorus - group of singers
scriptures - sacred text growling - bark
distressed - upset / cause pain disapproval - unfavourable opinion
snapped - cut seclusion - isolation
bedlam - noisy confusion perched - sat
sentimental - feeling / emotion cherished - treasure / care for lovingly
clasped - grasp tightly with hand frivolous - not serious / foolish
rebukes - scoldings sagging - slump / downward
dilapidated - damaged persuade - convince
omitted - deleted protested - opposed
ignore - disregard pallor - pale appearance
customary - usual shroud -cloth used to wrap a dead body
Blaze - a large fire courtyard - enclosure, square
corpse - dead body crumbs - used to express surprise
Write synonyms of the following words and use them in sentences.
1. absurd - illogical / The Collector turned down the absurd proposal.
2. dilapidated - damaged / The Corporation demolished the dilapidated buiding.
3. expanse - widespread / Pulicat lake contains a vast expanse of water and trees.
4. fables - stories / I am interested in reading fables.
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 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 17
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5. frivolous - non serious / The court dismissed the arguments as frivolous.
6. monotonous - boring / His speech appeared monotonous.
7. perched - sat / The migrating birds perched on the trees.
8. rebukes - scoldings / The teacher rebuked the mischievous children.
9. scattered - disordered / The tourists scattered the debris all over the place.
10. seclusion - isolation / After his defeat, in the election, he went into isolation.
11. shroud - cloth used to wrap a dead body. / The doctors shrouded the body after postmortem.
12. snapped - cut / Ravi snapped his friendship with Ram, as he had developed bad habits.
Choose the correct synonym for the underlined words in the sentences below.
1. That seemed quite absurd and undignified on her part.
a) logical b) true c) illogical d) fact
2. She hobbled about the house in spotless white dress.
a) walked steadily b) walked unsteadily c) walked straight d) walked fast
3. Her silver locks were scattered, untidily over her pale, puckered face.
a) gathered b) collected c) wrinkled d) broken
4. She was like the winter landscape in the mountains an expanse of pure white serenity.
a) widespread b) shrink c) small d) hot
5. She said her morning prayer in a monotonous sing - song while she bathed me.
a) happy b) beautiful c) boring d) mono
6. The common link of friendship was snapped.
a) cut b) united c) strengthend d) praised
7. My grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation.
a) company b) isolation c) friendship d) oldage
8. Hundreds of little birds collected a round her creating a veritable bedlam of chirping.
a) calm b) noise c) music d) dance
9. Some came and perched on her legs.
a) sat b) touched c) near d) played
10. Her happiest movements were with her sparrows whom she fed longer and with frivolous
rebukes.
a) mild b) serious c) strong d) rough
11. A peaceful pallor spread on her face and we knew that she was dead.
a) bright b) pale c) ugly d) dark
12. Laid her on the ground and covered her with a red shroud.
a) cloth b) flower c) box d) leaves
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. c) illogical 2. b) unsteady 3. c) wrinkled 4. a) widespread 5. c) boring
6. a) cut 7. b) isolation 8. b) noise 9. a) sat 10. a) mild
11. b) pale 12. a) cloth [Link]
18 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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Antonyms
omitted × included old × new
pretty × ugly young × old
believe × doubt hard × soft
above × below loose × tight
long × short covered × open
revolt × harmony / peace often × seldom
absurd × sensible / wise dignified × undignified
short × long terrible × wonderful
never × always beautiful × ugly
stoop × straighten scattered × gathered
tidy × untidy audible × inaudible
constant × unstable / changeable expanse × small space / shrink
pure × impure peace × war
contentment × discontentment together × imbalanced / parted
rebuke × praise sagging × draw up
protest × acceptance monotony × variability / change
love × hate tiny × large
thick × thin stale × fresh / new
attached × detached chorus × in single
continue × discontinue little × big
happy × unhappy believe × disbelieve
distressed × happy / joyful silence × noise / talk
approval × disapproval rarely × commonly
common × uncommon / rare snapped × combine / join
accept × refuse / decline seclusion × open / public
relaxed × disturbed / restrained feed × fasting
collected × distributed / disorganized create × destroy
happy × unhappy decided × undecided
never × always lost × found
last × first arrival × departure
frivolous × serious persuade × dissuade
suspect × believe peaceful × agitated
cover × discover / open alone × together
crude × gentle / nice / refined setting × outside framework
Write antonyms of the following words and use them in sentences.
1. certain × uncertain / It is uncertain that he would win the election.
2. constantly × rarely / He rarely goes abroad.
3. frivolous × serious / He made a serious complaint against his boss.
4. omitted × included / The latest lessons were included in the text.
5. persuade × dissuade / He was dissuaded from contesting the election.
6. protest × accept / The striking workers had no other way than to accept the minimum bonus.
7. relaxed × tensed / The players were tensed before the start of the match.
8. rebukes × praises / He was singing the praises of his win.
9. revolting × agreeable / The warring parties entered into an agreeable solution.
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 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 19
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10. serenity × anxiety / He caused a lot of anxiety to his parents by his conduct.
11. snapped × combined / The two classes were combined during the last hour.
12. seclusion × company / He is in the company of good people.
Choose the correct antonym for the underlined words in the sentences below.
1. His long white beard covered the best part of his chest.
a) large b) least c) good d) bad
2. That seemed quite absurd and undignified on her part.
a) logical b) illogical c) good d) wise
3. She hobbled about the house in spotless white dress.
a) unsteadily b) steadily c) ran d) cleaned
4. The common link of friendship was snapped.
a) joined b) cut c) forced d) removed
5. My grandmother accepted her seclusion with resignation.
a) unison b) isolation c) formation d) allusion
6. Her happiest moments were with the sparrows whom she fed longer with frivolous rebukes.
a) serious b) mild c) soft d) friendly
7. For several hours she thumped the sagging skins of the dilapidated drum.
a) broken b) damage c) strong d) old
8. We had to persuade her to stop to avoid overstraining.
a) encourage b) induce c) dissuade d) force
9. We protested. But she ignored our protests.
a) not cared b) took notice c) not listen d) turned deaf
10. Thousands of sparrows sat scattered on the floor.
a) sprinkled b) spread out c) dispersed d) gathered
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. b) least 2. a) logical 3. b) steady 4. a) joined 5. a) unison
6. a) serious 7. c) strong 8. c) dissuade 9. b) took notice 10. d) gathered

Textual Questions
1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences based on your understanding of
the story.
a. Describe the grandfather as seen in the portrait.
The grandfather had a big turban and loose fitting clothes. His white beard extended to his
chest and he looked 100 years old.
b. Why was the author left with his grandmother in the village?
The author was left with his grand mother as his parents went to live in the city.
c. Where did the author study in his childhood?
During his childhood, the author studied in a school attached to a temple.
d. Why did the grandmother accompany the author to school?
Since the school was attached to a temple, she would go with him to school and spend the
time reading scriptures at the temple.
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20 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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e. What made the dogs follow the grandmother after school hours?
The dogs used to follow the grandmother after school hours, for the pieces of chapathi, she
would give them.
f. Why didn’t the grandmother feel sentimental when the author went abroad for higher
education?
The common link of friendship between them was snapped and she accepted her seclusion.
So she was not sentimental when he had left abroad. She wanted him to study.
g. What was the happiest time of the day for grandmother?
The happiest time of the day for the grandmother was the time, she had spent with the
sparrows feeding them. She was happy when they sat on her lap, shoulders and head.
Additional Questions
1. What was the turning point in their friendship? How did it affect the writer?
Narrator’s parents asked him to come to city along with his grandmother. That was the turning
point. He began to read English. The grandmother did not accompany him to school. There were
no prayers and no dogs to feed.
2. Was the grandmother happy with what he had learnt in the school?
The grandmother was not happy at what he was taught. The English words, law of gravity,
the Archemedis principle etc., learnt by him did not make her happy. No prayers were taught to
him.
3. How did the grandmother accept her seclusion?
She accepted her seclusion with resignation. She rarely left her spinning wheel to talk to
anyone. She sat by the wheel from sunrise to sunset spinning it and reciting prayers.
4. How did she receive the narrator when he returned from abroad?
The narrator returned after five years. The grandmother met him at the station. She clasped
him in her arms, reciting her prayers. She had no time for words.
5. What did she do a day before her death?
She did not pray on that day. She collected the women in the neighbourhood, started to sing
and beat an old drum. She overstrained herself and became ill.
2. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each.
a. Describe the author’s grandmother.
The author’s grandmother was short, fat and slightly bent. Her face was full of wrinkles. She
walked unsteadily. She was always chanting prayers silently. She looked like a winter landscape
in the mountains.
b. What was the daily routine of the grandmother at home?
The grandmother used to wake up the author and get him ready for school. She used to keep
on singing while doing the work. She used to accompany the author to school with a bundle of
wooden slate, earthen inkpot and a red pen.
c. How is school education in the village different from that in the city?
In the village, the school was attached to a temple. The priest taught the alphabet and the
morning prayer. In the city, many subjects were taught in English, but prayer was not included.
d. The grandmother appreciated the value of education. Give instances in support of your
answer.
Initially she was depressed that prayer was not taught in the school. But she appreciated the
value of education. When the author decided to go abroad, she was not even sentimental. She
even came to leave him at the station, kissed him on his forehead and bid farewell.
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 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 21
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e. The grandmother was strong - minded. Justify.
The grandmother was very old. But she depended on herself. She looked after the author,
when his parents had left for the city. She did not believe in what was taught at city since prayer
was not taught. She appreciated the value of education and encouraged the author when he left
abroad for higher education. She spent her time happily with the sparrows feeding them.
f. How did the grandmother spend the last few hours of her life?
The grandmother fell ill. She knew her end was near. She wanted to pray and not to waste
time talking to others. She lay peacefully in the bed praying and telling her beads. A peaceful
paller spread on her face and she was dead.
3. Answer the following in a paragraph of 100 - 150 words each.
a) The grandmother played a vital role in the author’s formative years. Give your own
example of how elders have a positive influence on the younger generation. Include
examples from the story also.
Joint Family :
At present, the joint family system is on the way out. In olden days, the children had the
company of elders, especially grand parents at home. They had a lot of experience in bringing
up children and used to inculcate good habits in them during the formative years. They could
put them on the right track with both affection and discipline. Discipline, prayers, basic and
fundamental academic matters were taught by the grand parents. Chidren used to learn them with
love and devotion.
Author’s grandmother :
Even in this story the author’s grandmother used to sing prayer songs, while getting him
ready for school. She taught him, how to be sympathetic and empathetic with other humans and
animals.
b) As young Khushwant Singh, write a letter to your parents describing your daily routine
expressing your thoughts and feelings about staying in the village.
Date : 15.5.18
From
Kushwanth Singh
xxxxxx
xxxxx
Dear father,
I am doing well here. Grandma is looking after me very affectionately and carefully. I am
pleased to write to you on how I spend my time here.
Everyday, Grandma wakes me up early in the morning and gets me ready for the school. She
sings prayers while doing my work. Her idea is that I should learn prayers. I like her voice and so
listen to the prayer songs. I know many of them. She lives like a model for me. She has great love
for living things. She feeds the sparrows and feels happy, when they sit on her body and head. She
accompanies me to school. While I am taught lessons by the priest, she would stay in the temple
and read the scriptures. On way back, she would feed the dogs. I am happy at this daily ritual.
I admire her for her strong determination despite her age. I am not totally in agreement with
grandma’s devotion to God. But I learnt from her that it was an indispensible routine in my life.
I am fortunate to have been left in the care of such an affectionate and lovely person as my
grandma. Convey my regards to mother. Hope to meet you soon.
Yours lovingly,
[Link] Kushwanth Singh
22 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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c) Animals are capable of empathy. Substantiate this statement with examples from the
story as well as your own experiences.
Animals empathy :
Empathy means the ability to understand the feelings of others. Even animals do possess the
quality. We can often see animals even in the wild showing concern for other animals. I have seen
a lioness attacking an innocent small deer. Suddenly a Baboon appeared on the scene, frustrated
the lioness and with the help of other animals of its tribe drove away the lioness and saved the
deer. I was happy to see it. On another occasion a group of wild elephants were seen trying to help
an elephant calf to come out of a ditch and finally saving it. A number of examples can be cited
to show the empathy of animals. Even men could learn from them.
Author’s grandmother :
This story reveals such an emphathic concern. The author’s grandmother used to feel happy,
feeding the sparrows. It was the happiest moment for her when they sat on her lap, body and even
on her head. When she was dead, all the sparrows gathered in the room. Usually chirping birds,
remained silent throughtout the day. Pieces of bread were thrown on the floor as food for them.
But they refused to eat anything, remained silent and flew away after her body was taken out. This
incident shows the great amount of empathy the poor creatures had. Man has to learn from them,
how to be sympathetic and empathetic with other humans.
Additional Questions
d. Write a character sketch of the author’s grandma.
Introduction : The author was left in the care of his grandma, as his parents were in city. The
grandma was an old woman with a wrinkled face, but very pretty. She was short and slightly bent.
She hobbled about the house with one hand resting on her waist.
Grandma’s routine : Grandma used to get the author ready to school. She used to accompany
him to the school. She would spend her time at the temple reading scriptures and return along
with the author.
Grandma’s conviction : She was a God fearing woman. She used to chant prayers silently
all the time. She was empathetic towards all living things. She used to offer chapathi pieces to
the dogs and bread pieces to the sparrows. She did not like English schools as prayers were not
taught there. But she was not against higher education. She wanted the author to study abroad.
She was peaceful in her death. Even the sparrows showed their respect to her, by rejecting the
bread offered to them at the time of her death.
Conclusion : The author’s grandma is a typical village woman with ethical values and with
a lot of sympathy for all living creatures. She is a lovable creature.
e. Compare and contrast the village life and urban life of the author’s grandma.
Introduction : The grandma brought up the author in a village. She used to get him ready for
school, always chanting prayers while at work. She would accompany him to school which was
attached to a temple. The teachers taught prayers to children. She used to spend the time reading
scriptures in the temple and return home along with the author.
Her routine : She used to feed the dogs on her way back. She inculcated both devotion to
God and empathy to all living things, in the author’s mind.
The city life : When the author and his grandmother were shifted to the city, there was not
much change in her routine. In the city, no prayers were taught in the school. She did not like
the English lessons much. But she had respect for higher education. Grandma accepted the gap
that had developed between her and the author. She confined herself to spinning and feeding the
sparrows and praying.
Conclusion : The city life did not have much impact on the grandma. She continued her
spinning and praying, though she [Link]
felt secluded.
 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 23
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Vocabulary
a) Read the following words and choose the correct antonyms from the options given:
Words Options
1 moist a. marshy b. arid c. slimy d. sultry
2 frivolous a. serious b. sad c. furious d. happy
3 omitted a. isolated b. rejected c. contracted d. included
4 protest a. promote b. apprehend c. accept d. project
5 serenity a. simplicity b. anxiety c. absurdity d. stupidity
6 scattered a. sprinkled b. multiplied c. gathered d. covered
7 monotonous a. interesting b. tiresome c. fragrant d. satisfying
________________________________Answers______________________________________
Ans :  1. b. arid, 2. a. serious, 3. d. included, 4. c. accept, 5. b. anxiety, 6. c. gathered, 7. a. interesting
Additional
1. young - a) modern b) old c) ancient d) new
2. often - a) always b) nearly c) seldom d) frequent
3. pure - a) impure b) clean c) neat d) holy
4. stale - a) fresh b) clean c) hot d) cold
5. rarely - a) never b) always c) seldom d) near
________________________________Answers______________________________________
Ans : 1. b) old 2. c) seldom 3. a) impure 4. a) fresh 5. b) always

b) Fill in the blanks choosing the appropriate compound words from those given in the
box:
Reeta hurried along the road, dressed in her __(1)__ new dress towards the bus stop. Before
__(2)__, she had to reach the house of her __(3)__. But the first __(4)__ of her travel was slow
due to traffic jam. Her __(5)__ would be regarded with joy. She was __(6)__ herself to reach the
place. When she finally stepped into the __(7)__, she was received with a big hug by her kind
aunt. She was in time to join the __(8)__ at the village, for a __(9)__.
singsong overstraining spotless gentlefolk grandmother
courtyard sunset half an hour homecoming
____________________________________Answers__________________________________
1. spotless 2. sunset 3. grandmother 4. half an hour 5. homecoming
6. overstraining 7. courtyard 8. gentlefolk 9. singsong

c) Match the words in Column A with their pairs in Column B to form compound words
and write them in Column C.
A B B A B B
mantel lashes mantel piece toll piece toll gate
eye wheel eye lashes door proof door knob
water gate water proof spinning hive spinning wheel
bee knob bee hive
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24 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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d) Frame meaningful sentences of your own using the following expression from the story.
Use a dictionary if required.
i) the thought was almost revolting - It was hard to believe.
Ramesh lives in absolute poverty today. That he was a millionare a decade ago is a
thought which was almost revolting in my mind.
ii) an expanse of pure white serenity - Calm and peaceful
The Himalayas during winter appear like an expanse of pure white senerity with its
ice - capped peaks.
iii) a turning point - a change in life
Ramu joined an English medium school in the city. It was the turning point in his life
which paved the way for his studies abroad.
iv) accepted her seclusion with resignation - getting accustomed to the situation and
accepting the reality
The leader was arrested on corruption charges and imprisoned. He accepted his seclusion
with resignation.
v) frivolous rebukes - reprimand, not serious
The teacher made frivolous rebukes to the children who were playing in the classroom.
e) Prefixes and Suffixes.
“Her silver locks were scattered untidily over her pale, puckered face, and her lips constantly
moved in inaudible prayer.”
In the above sentence, the word ‘inaudible’ is formed by adding the prefix in - to the root /
base word ‘audible’. A prefix is a letter or a group of letters which is added to the beginning of a
root word in order to modify it. Usually1 the new word formed is the opposite of the given word.
In the above sentence, we also come across the word ‘constantly.’ Here the suffix - ly is
added to the root word ‘constant’.
A suffix is a letter or a group of letters added to the end of a root word. By adding suffixes,
the grammatical function of the word changes. Words that are derived or formed from the base
word by adding prefixes and suffixes are called derivatives.
Form two derivatives from each of the following words;
e.g. honest - dishonest, honesty
manage differ beauty peace arrange collect approve narrate class
1. manage - management, mismanage Additional
2. differ - different, difference 10. audible - inaudible, audibly
3. beauty - beautiful, beautify 11. content - discontent, contentment
4. peace - peaceful, peaceless 12. consistent - inconsistent, consistently
5. arrange - arrangement, rearrange 13. happy - unhappy, happily
6. collect - collection, collective 14. different - indifferent, differently
7. approve - approval, disapprove 15. clear - unclear, clearly
8. narrate - narration, narrative 16. fortunate - unfortunate, fortunately
9. class - classify, classification
Find antonyms for the following adding prefixes :
adventure, fortunate, happy, advantage, believe, clear, manage, proper, different, please.
____________________________________Answers__________________________________
misadventure, unfortunate unhappy, disadvantage, disbelieve,
unclear, mismanage, improper,
[Link] indifferent, displease.
 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 25
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f) Homophones : Fill in the blanks with suitable homophones :
i) brake / break : a. The car skidded to a halt when I applied the _____.(brake)
b. We have a short _____ between the sessions. (break)
ii) waste / waist : a. We should never misuse or _____ natural resources.(waste)
b. Shivani wears a belt around her _____.(waist)
iii) principle / principal : a. Both these machines work on the same _____. (principle)
b. Oxygen is the ____ element present in the earth’s aunt.
(principal)
iv) bread / bred : a. I like to have toasted _____ for breakfast. (bread)
b. Turtles should be _____ in a healthy environment. (bred)
v) lesson / lessen : a. Finally, the manager learnt a _____ the hard way. (lesson)
b. This medicine will _____ your pain. (lessen)
vi) pale / pail : a. The child looks very sick and _____. (pale)
b. I need a _____ of water to wash these cups. (pail)
vii) through / threw : a. The soldiers had to pass ______ a dark tunnel. (through)
b. Ravi picked the banana peel and ____ it in the dustbin.(threw)
viii) corps / corpse : a. A five-day annual training camp for the senior cadets of the
National Cadet _____ has been organised. (corps)
b. The _____ was covered with a shroud. (corpse)
Additional
1. Everyone appreciated our __(1)__ for his __(2)__. (principal, principle)
Ans : principal, principle
2. I was in the third __(1)__ when she told her __(2)__. (story, storey)
Ans : storey, story
3. We had __(1)__ in the __(2)__ . (desert, dessert)
Ans : dessert, desert
4. The moisture is __(1)__ to the morning __(2)__ (dew, due)
Ans : due, dew
5. I had no __(1)__. He gave me a __(2)__ of advice. (piece, peace)
Ans : peace, piece
6. They __(1)__different kinds of __(2)__ phones. (cell,sell)
Ans : sell, cell
7. Last __(1)__ he did not attend school as he was __(2)__. (weak, week)
Ans : week, weak
8. Do you __(1)__ this place? He said __(2)__. (no, know)
Ans : know, no
9. The most __(1)__ scientists are warning of __(2)__ danger due to global warming. (eminent,
imminent)
Ans : eminent, imminent
10. I don’t know __(1)__ the __(2)__ permits us to travel. (weather, whether)
Ans : whether, weather [Link]
26 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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Listening Activity
Read the following statements and the given options. Now, listen to your teacher read
aloud a passage or play it on a recorder. You may listen to it again if required, to help
you choose the right options.
Paragraph Refer Text Book Page No : 198
Questions :
i) According to Napolean ‘Good mothers make good _____’.
a) housewives b) jobs c) nations d) ideas
ii) Mothers exhibit _____ love.
a) unauthorized b) unapproved c) unacceptable d) unconditional
iii) _____ mothers care much for their children.
a) Adapted b) Adopted c) Adoptive d) Adaptable
iv) _____ is the most important thing in the world.
a) Wealth b) Power c) Love d) Influence
v) Love should be extended to _____ too.
a) friends b) relatives c) countrymen d) creatures
________________________________Answers______________________________________
i. c) nations ii. d) unconditional iii. c) Adoptive iv. c) Love v. d) creatures

Speaking Activity
a) Work in pairs and arrive at five points that bring out the benefits and challenges of
living in either a nuclear family of a joint family. Share your views with your class.
Nuclear Family Benefits :
i. Small family, reduced expenditure ii. More attention on children
iii. Close bonding among members iv. Can plan and live comfortably
v. Children well knit in the family
Challenges :
i. Family cut off from other members ii. Children lack affection from elders
iii. Members find it difficult to adjust with people other than the family
iv. Selfishness likely to creep in. v. Grow self centered.
Joint family Benefits :
i. Love and affection among all members ii. Members share responsibilities
iii. Confidence builds up to face challenges
iv. Counselling and experience of elders benefits children
v. Children learn the concept of social living.
Joint family Challenges :
i. Youth shun joint families. ii. Space constraint affects comforts.
iii. Individual attention lacks.
iv. Misunderstanding among members leads to break up.
v. Wage earners may find difficult to manage expenses.
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 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 27
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b) Build a conversation of eight to ten sets of exchange, with your grandmother discussing
the incidents that happened in your school that day.
Grand mother : Hello Ramu, when did you return from school?
Me : Only now Grandma, How are you?
Grand mother : I am fine. What did you do in school today?
Me : Grandma, we had competitions at school.
Grand mother : What were they.
Me : Both literary and sports.
Grand mother : Did you participate in them?
Me : Yes Grandma. I participated in the recitation of ‘The Bhagavad Gita’ I
recited the sloka which you chant everyday.
Grand mother : Oh! that’s fine.
Me : I got the first prize. This is the prize I got.
Grand mother : My sweety. You are great .
Me : I also participated in the running race.
Grand mother : That’s good. You should be good in sports too.
Me : I ran 100 mts race and stood second.
Grand mother : Very good my child. I am very happy.
Me : Grandma I wanted to share my happiness with you. Please bless me.
Grand mother : God bless you my child. Win more laurels in future.
Me : Thank you Grandma. My sweet kisses to you.
c) Every member contributes to forming a happy family. Share your views for a minute or
two with your class.
Family is not an individual affair. Family consists of parents, children, grandparents etc.
Every family can be a happy family if each and every member contributes to its happiness.
Parents are the main stay. They should plan and spend for family. Mother will have to cooperate
with the father in terms of expenditure and respect to elders.
If grandparents are living with the family, the mother and father should take care of them
and treat them with love and respect. Grandparents should also help the members with their
adjustment.
They can take care of children, inculcate good habits in them and create a bond with all the
members of the family. Children must study well, help mother in her work and make them happy
with their studies. Man is a social animal. With cooperation and love, the family can remain a
happy family.
Reading
Laughing Therapy
Answer the following :
a. How does laughter help one to cope with stress?
Laughter provides full scale support for the muscles and releases a rush of stress bursting
endorphines. The laughter will have a positive effect and helps one to cope with stress.
b. Which word in the text (para 2) means the same as ‘dedicated’?
‘Committed means ‘dedicated’.
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28 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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c. Why do you think voluntary laughter provides the same physiological as well as
psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter?
Laughter Yoga is based on the belief that voluntary laughter and lpontaneous laughter have
same benefits. Body cannot distinguish between spontaneous and voluntary laughter. Anything
that makes one laugh will have the same positive effect.
d. ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. Explain.
Scientific studies have proved that laughter has benefits like cardiovascular health and mood.
It is good for patients suffering from depression. It plays a crucial role in social bonding. So
laughter is the best medicine.
e. Given below is a set of activities. Which of these are followed in the ‘Laughter Yoga’
technique?
sitting on the ground with legs crossed body movements clapping
closed eyes breathing exercises chanting
stretching of arms and legs bending backwards running / jogging
eye contact.
Stretching, chanting, clapping, eye contact, body movements and breathing exercises are
followed in Laughter Yoga.
f. ‘Laughter therapy also plays a crucial role in social bonding’. How?
Laughter therapy aims to get people laughing in groups. Individual sessions are also held.
When in group, the members will become closer and have care and concern for each other. They
share their problems, concerns and social matters, thereby a social bond is created.
Grammar
Articles and Determiners (Types of Determiners)
Articles Demonstrative Possessive adjectives
a, an, the this, that, these, those my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their
Quantifiers Numbers Ordinals
some, few, little, more, one, two, three, four, first, second, third, last, next
much, any, every, twenty, hundred
a. Read the paragraph below and fill in the blanks using ‘a, an’ or ‘the’
It is said that __(1)__ computer is __(2)__ electronic extention of the human brain. Therefore,
in principle, __(3)__ computer can do all those activities which __(4)__ human brain can do.
Today computers are found to be __(5)__ most useful devices as knowledge providers. Another
important field of application of computers is __(6)__ development of robots. __(7)__ internet
has brought __(8)__ drastic change in communication systems.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. the, 2. an, 3. a, 4. the, 5. the, 6. the, 7. the, 8. a
b. In the following paragraph, insert ‘a,an’ or ‘the’ wherever necessary and rewrite the
sentences.
In our family, we have planned to take __(1)__ children to __(2)__ zoo __(3)__ next Sunday.
__(4)__ van has been arranged and we are sure to have __(5)__ comfortable journey. Zoo is
__(6)__ interesting place for __(7)__ children who enjoy watching __(8)__ animals and want to
know more about them. Even __(9)__ youngsters love to visit __(10)__ zoo.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. the, 2. a, 3. the, 4. A, 5. a, 6. an, 7. the, 8. the 9. the, 10. a.
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c. Fill in the blanks with appropriate determiners. (Articles have been included)
Once the emperor gave a bag of seeds to his council of ministers and said that he would give
them six months’ time to grow the seeds. Whoever does a good job will be made the __(1)__
emperor of that empire. __(2)__ the ministers took their task seriously. After six months __(3)__
ministers had small plants in the pots. A __(4)__ had very large plants. __(5)__ had medium
sized plants. The emperor entered the hall. He was __(6)__ amused to see __(7)__ plants. He
called the __(8)__ minister and asked him what he did with the seeds. __(9)__ minister explained
the process he adopted to make __(10)__ plant grow. The emperor called __(11)__ the other
ministers to explain what they did. Only __(12)__ minister had come with an empty pot. They
laughed loudly at the foolishness of this minister. But the Emperor applauded him and made him
the __(13)__ Emperor. Do you know why? He had given them boiled seeds which will not grow.
Only __(14)__ minister was honest.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. next 2. All 3. some 4. few 5. Some 6. much 7. those
8. first 9. The 10. The 11. all 12. one 13. next 14. one.

d. Fill in the blanks with appropriate determiners.

i. They came early but there was _____ (little / a little) work to do.
ii. Anand invited _____ (few / a few) friends for the birthday party.
iii. The teacher gave _____ (all / every) student a separate topic for the assignment.
iv. _____ (Most of / Many) the water overflowed from the tank.
v. One of my _____ (friend / friends) wished me on my birthday.
vi. Vijay had _____ (no / any) idea about the problem.
vii. Adhi had taken _____ (much / many) photos during the programme.
viii._____ (Some / Few) girls who attended the class informed the others about the test.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
i. little ii. a few iii. every iv. Most of v. friends vi. no vii. many viii. Some

Tenses
a. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets and read the completed
passage aloud.
The people of India, as a whole, __(1)__ (be) warm - hearted and hospitable. Any calamity
in any part of the world immediately __(2)__ (arise) their charity and generosity and a committee
__(3)__ (be) promptly __(4)__ (set) up to collect funds to help the distressed. The most endearing
quality in them __(5)__ (be) the respect they show for the work done in any capacity. They __
(6)__ (believe) in what we __(7)__ (call) the dignity of labour.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. are 2. will arise 3. will be 4. set 5. is 6. believe 7. call

b. Now, use the verbs given in brackets in the following sentences in their correct forms.
1. I (like) to spend time with my friend, whenever I (be) free.
2. He (is) likely to miss the train. He (run) up to the station.
3. At the moment they (wait) at the bus stop. But I (not know) their plans for the journey.
4. They firmly (believe) in the existence of God.
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30 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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5. We (hear) a lot of noise because the new buildings (transmit) sound vacant.
6. She always (make) excuses for coming late.
7. The Prime Minister (leave) for America to meet the delegates tomorrow.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. like, am 2. is, has run 3. are waiting, do not know 4. believe
5. hear, transmit 6. makes 7. will leave

c. You are a commentator for a 5000 metre running race. Use simple present and present
continuous tenses and complete the commentary from the beginning to the end of the
race. Read the completed passage aloud.
The 5000 metre race is about to begin. Lined up at the starting point, from left to right, are
John of Great Britain, Peter of Nigeria and Jeeva of India. The runners are warming up for the
great event. Now they __(1)__ (take) their positions on the track. They __(2)__ (be) all ready for
the start. There __(3)__ (go) the starter’s gun! Yes, the race has begun. John __(4)__ (lead) with
Jeeva __(5)__ (follow) him closely.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. are taking 2. are 3. goes 4. is leading 5. following

d. Read the extract from Kayal’s diary entry regarding her Nepal Trek, and fill in the
blanks with the correct tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
Day 1 : We __(1)__ (leave) Anna International Airport in Chennai two days ago catching
a direct flight to Kathmandu in Nepal. We __(2)__ (spend) a day sightseeing.
Kathmandu is full of people, rickshaws and the smell of sandalwood. I’ve never
__(3)__ (be) on a trip like this before. So I’m really excited.
Ans : 1. left, 2. spent, 3. been
Day 2 : It __(1)__ (rain) when we reached Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city, and saw
the snowy peaks of the Himalayas for the first time. We __(2)__ (reach) Pokhara
after a hair raising six-hour bus journey along very narrow roads with a lot of
hairpin bends. The bus __(3)__ (be) so full that one person had to share the driver’s
seat.
Ans : 1. was raining, 2. reached, 3. was.
Day 3 : We __(1)__ (begin) our trek at last. We are at about 900 metres and the weather
is warm and humid. For lunch, we had chips and yak cheese sandwiches. I didn’t
like them very much. I’m thrilled that we __(2)__ (pitch) tents for our camps in the
dense forests.
Ans : 1. have begun, 2. will pitch
Day 4 : Yesterday a landslide __(1)__ (block) our path and we had to use ropes to get over
it. This morning we walked along the river Kali Gandaki through dense forests of
Oak trees and we pitched our camp at Tukuche below the Annapurna mountain
range. The main danger in addition to landslides, is ‘yak attack’ . Yaks __(2)__ (be)
not dangerous but you have to be careful if you meet a herd of them because they
can push you off the sides of the mountain.
Ans : 1. had blocked, 2. are
Day 5 : We met a lot of children on our trek through the villages. They __(1)__ (play) in
the pool of muddy rain water as we left the place. We have already climbed 2,400
metres. Up here, it never __(2)__ (rain) and there are no trees. It __(3)__ (be)
windy and dusty and I am always thirsty.
Ans : 1. were playing, 2. rains, 3. is.
[Link]
 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 31
[Link]
Day 6 : Yesterday we __(1)__ (go) up to the mountainside of the township of Mukthinath,
at 3,600 metres. The thin air with less oxygen there __(2)__ (leave) us breathless.
We __(3)__ (feel) that we couldn’t go any further. We __(4)__ (drink) a lot of extra
fluids to prevent altitude sickness.
Ans : 1. went, 2. had left, 3. felt, 4. drank
Day 7 : We turned around today and started to descend to Jomosom. As we went down, the
oxygen filled our blood again and we seemed to __(1)__ (fly) instead of walking.
Ans : be flying
Day 8 : We went back to Pokhara in a small plane yesterday. It was exciting when we __
(1)__ (fly) between the mountain peaks. We arrived in Kathmandu this afternoon
and we __(2)__ (spend) our last few hours in shopping. We leave for Chennai
tomorrow. We’ve had a trip of a lifetime. Ans : 1. flew, 2. will spend
e. In the following passage, circle the verbs in simple present tense and underline the
verbs in simple past. The first one has been done for you.
i. Unless one is upright there is no use in being a charming fellow. Sometimes it is better to be honest
than attractive. These are the great truths of modern life which Shyam never realised. He never said an
ill - natured word in his life. He was always polite and spoke softly to everybody.
ii. That night he strolled into the Palette Club about eleven o’clock and found Trevor sitting by
himself in the long room. “Well, Alan, did you get the picture finish all right?” he said, as he lit
his cigarette. “Finished and framed, my boy!” answered Trevor, “and by -the - bye, you have made
a conquest. That old model you saw is quite devoted to you. I had to tell him all about you - who
you are, where you live, what your income is what prospects you have.”
iii. “And now tell me how Laura is. The old model was quite interested in her.” “You don’t mean to
say you talked to him about her?” said Hughie. “Certainly I did. He knows all about the relentless
colonel, the lovely Laura, and the Y 10,000.” “You told that old beggar all my private affairs?”
cried Hughie, looking very red and angry. “My dear Alan,” cried Hughie, “I shall probably find
him waiting for me when I go home.

f. Fill in the blanks using past perfect tense forms of the verbs :
i. I _____ never _____(see) such a beautiful sunrise before I came here.
ii. We were not able to stay overnight as we _____ not_____ (reserve) the tickets in advance.
iii. Nirmala ______ (be) to the concert several times.
iv. Mariappan knew Pudukottai so well because he ______ (live) there for five years.
v. Yusuf understood the problem because he _____ (experience) the situation earlier.
vi. Catherine did not have any cash because she _____ (lose) her purse.
vii. My father _____ (be) to Mumbai once before.
[Link] cat _____ (chase) the bird before it flew out of the yard.
ix. Edith __(visit) several doctors before she found out what the problem was with her knee.
x. If we ___(call) the manager ahead, we would not have needed to wait so long for a table.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
i. had never seen ii. had not reserved iii. had been iv. had lived
v. had experienced vi. had lost vii. had been viii. had been chasing
ix. had visited x. [Link]
called
32 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
[Link]
Additional
Use the correct tense form of the verb given in the bracket.
1. I _____ (teach), if I had time.
2. Water _____ (boil) at 100ºC.
3. If I _____ (be) to Agra, I _____ (have visit) the Taj Mahal.
4. If I _____ (win) a lottery, I _____ (buy) a car.
5. If the rain _____ (stop), they _____ (play) cricket.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. would teach 2. boils 3. had been to, would have visited
4. won, would 5. had stopped, would have played.

g. Read the following news report and underline the past perfect tense form of the verb
and circle the simple past tense form of the verb.
India Beat Pakistan to win Blind Cricket World Cup
Chasing a huge target of 308 runs, India romped home in the penultimate over of the
match to defeat Pakistan and win the Blind Cricket World Cup. India started off their chase in
a cracking manner, but had lost two quick wickets. Sunil Ramesh rose to the occasion as he
played a great knock to help India beat Pakistan and had scored 93 runs. Earlier, India won the
toss and had decided to bowl first. Pakistan amassed a huge score of 307 for eight in 40 overs.
Their openers had given them a brisk start which the later batsman capitalized on.

h. Read the following extract and fill in the spaces with the right form of verbs and complete
the passage. The first one is done for you.
i. The poet stops to hear the maiden singing while she __(1)__ (cut) and __(2)__ (bind)
the grain. The song of the lady __(3)__ (fascinate) the poet, who __(4)__ (stand) there to
listen to the song. The girl __(5)__ (sing) a sad song.
Ans : 1. is cutting, 2. binding, 3. fascinates, 4. stands, 5. is singing.
ii. During the monsoon, a tender slightly warm breeze __(1)__ (blow) on a cloudless
afternoon. A sort of fragrance __(2)__ (rise) from the wet grass and trees in the sunlight.
It __(3)__ (seem) as if the warm breath of the exhausted earth __(4)__ (fall) against
one’s skin. A sweet voiced bird somewhere __(5)__ (chirp) repeatedly.
Ans : 1. blows, 2. rises, 3. seems, 4. is falling, [Link] chirping
i. Read the news item that appeared in a daily and fill in the blanks with suitable forms of
the verbs given in brackets.
Ever since social networking sites entered our lives. they __(1)__ (serve) as platforms where
users could use the virtual space offered by these social media. However, recent incidents __(2)__
(cause) many to question the freedom to express views on various issues and in some cases, it __
(3)__ (become) a dangerous platform. Social Contact __(4)__ (transform) people. They __(5)__
(develop) an addiction to it. [Link]
 PROSE - The Portrait of a Lady 33
[Link]
_______________________________Answers_______________________________________
1. are serving 2. caused 3. has become 4. transforms 5. have developed
j. Read the following passage and correct errors you come across.
1. Rajan slowly settle down in his retired life. His pension plus what his wife bring from the
household work she does helped them to meet their requirements. Life is easy until one
Sunday. His granddaughter Madhu come crying. The clay doll in her hand had broken
into two. Rajan pacify her and promise to mend it. This small repair work become the
founding stone of a very prosperous venture into making clay dolls which earn him
great respect.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. had settled 2. had brought 3. did 4. had been 5. came
6. pacified 7. promised 8. had become 9. earned

2. Games and sports helps in recreation. Soccer, cricket, lawn tennis or wrestling is eagerly
watched by millions of fans all over a world. It helps one get a temporary relief from the
tensions of a day. The dedication displayed by all player in the field indicates the mental
and spiritual development of the player.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. help 2. are 3. the 4. the 5. players 6. players.
Writing
a. Notice.
i. Prepare a notice to be displayed on the notice - board of your school for the students
of class 11, informing them about the educational tour that has been arranged for
them the next month.
Notice
Government Higher Secondary School,
Vellore.
Educational Tour, 15th March 2018
This is to inform all the students of class XI that an educational tour will be
conducted for 3 days from 3rd May to 6th May 2018. Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty will
be covered in the tour. Students who wish to join the tour have to pay Rs. 1000 on or
before 4th April 2018 in the school office. A consent letter from the parent has to be
produced. For any queries, contact the Tour Organiser.
- By order -
ii. Write a notice about the inauguration of a laughter club in your school.
Notice
15th March 2018
Government Higher Secondary School,
Nagapattinam,
Inauguration of Laughter Club,
This is to inform all the students that a Laughter Club will be inaugurated in
the school on 20th March at 3 pm in the school auditorium. Dr. Sathish Kumar has
consented to inaugurate the club and deliver the inaugural address. All students are
requested to attend the meeting without fail.
[Link] Head Master
34 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
[Link]
b. Message.
You are the sports Captain of your school. Write a message to the Physical Director
requesting him to be present during the football team selection scheduled for tomorrow.
15th March 2018
Sir,
I am to humbly inform you that the selection of the football team for our school will be held
at our school at 3pm on 16th March 2018. I request you to be present during the selection and offer
your advice. I look forward for your valuable presence.
Yours sincerely,
XXXX
Sports Captain.
To
The Physical Director
c. Do you exercise regularly? If you do, which of these following activities do you prefer?
Discuss and share with your partner a few lines about your preference.
a) walking b) working out in a gym c) swimming d) cycling
I prefer walking : Walking is the best exercise for any person. There is a park near my
house with a path around for walking. It is full of trees and flower plants. I walk regularly for 45
minutes everyday in the morning from 5.30 am. During that time, air is fresh and the environment
is pleasant. Walking reduces stress and controls sugar level in blood. A lot of calories are used and
I am able to keep my body fit due to walking.
Task Additional
Fill in the blanks using modals and quasi modals.
1. We ___ obey road rules. 2. Eve teasers ___ be punished.
3. Is there anyone who ___ help me? 4. My father ___ play cricket in his college.
5. You ___ not walk on grass. 6. How ___ you call me names?
7. We ___ help the needy. 8. One ___ always keep promises.
9. I ___ wake up at 5am when I was a child. 10. I hope she ___ succeed.
________________________________Answers______________________________________
1. should 2. must 3. can 4. used to 5. should
6. can 7. should 8. should 9. used to 10. will.

[Link]
 [Link]
POETRY
1. ONCE UPON A TIME
- Gabriel Okara
About the author
Gabriel Okara is a Nigerian poet and novelist. His poem
‘The Call of the River Nun’ won the best award at the
Nigerian Festival. He was honoured with the Common
wealth Poetry Award. His poem transits from everyday
reality to delightful moments and moves back to reality,
making a full circle. He infused African thought, folklore
and imagery into his writings. His first novel ‘The Voice’
was outstanding. He published a collection of poems.

Summary
In this poem, the poet condemns the falsehood and hypocrisy exhibited by people in daily
life. People have different masks on their faces for different occasions and lead a life of duplicity.
In this poem, a father describes to his son how false and fake the life is. He wants to relearn
genuine things from his son to live a life of genuineness.
People now laugh without their heart in it. There is no warmth in the laugh. The laugh and
hand shake earlier was done with hearts but now they are hypocritical and don’t mean what they
say. When people say ‘come again’. There is no sincerety. You will be entertained once or twice
and later rejected. The father says that he has learnt to wear different masks for different situations
like office, street, host cocktail. His smile is like that in a portrait. It is lifeless. Thus humans have
learnt to change their expressions according to the situation for social acceptance. None of them
are genuine. When people say good-bye, they mean good - riddance. They say ‘glad to meet you’
without being glad.
So the father says that the entire life is fake and full of hypocricy. He wants to relearn the
genuine laugh from his son as he did when he was a kid.
Warm up :
a. Guess what friendly words these two gentlemen exchange when shaking hands.

1. Hello Good Morning 2. Good morning 3. How do you do. 4. You Fine.
5. Welcome to our place. 6. Thank you
[Link]
35
36 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
[Link]
b. The children in the picture are watching an exciting sporting event, where their school
team is winning. Suggest suitable utterances reflecting their feelings :

excellent lovely
aah
hoorah yippee nk God
Tha

Ans : 1. Hoorah 2. Aah 3. Lovely 4. Yippee 5. Excellent 6. Thank God.

c. Given a chance, any adult would wish to become a child again for many reasons. Fill the
boxes with some of what you imagine could be the reasons.
e.g. I need not worry I need not rush to
I can be free I can play any time
about project deadlines. work
I can wear my pyjamas I need not worry I don’t need to I can get solace
the whole day about income answer my boss. from mother
I can sleep as long as I I need not care about
I can do what I like I can be carefree.
like. my debts.
Glossary
laugh with their teeth - to fake a laugh, laugh without associated emotions
ice-block -cold eyes - eyes lacking a feeling of warmth or endearing
expression
search behind my shadow - people are hypocritical and they don’t mean what they
say
while their left hands search my - evaluating the narrator’s worth and power
empty pockets or calculating how he could be exploited
cocktail face - face showing mixed emotions
conforming smiles like a fixed - wearing a standard, deceitful artificial
portrait smile smile on all occasions
good - riddance - expressions of relief at being free of an unwanted
person
fangs - teeth of a venomous snake, used to inject poison.
I. Based on your understanding the poem, answer the following questions in a sentence or
two.
a) What do you associate with the title of the poem?
The life during childhood can be associated with the title. It was genuine.
b) What is the relationship between the narrator and listener?
The narrator is the father [Link]
the listener is his son.
 POEM - Once Upon a Time 37
[Link]
c) What happens to the poet when he visits someone for the third time ?
When he visits some one on their invitation, he will be entertained only twice. When he went
for the third time, the doors would be closed on him.
d) Pick out the expressions that indicate conflicting ideas.
Conforming smiles like a fixed portrait smile, good bye meaning good riddance, ‘Glad to
meet you’ saying without being glad. Saying ‘nice to meet you’ after being bored are some of the
expressions with conflicting ideas.
e) How does the poet compare his face with dresses?
We wear different kinds of dress on different occasions. Similarlym, facial expressions are
formed to be different for different situations like office, street, home, party etc. and none is
genuine.
f) What does the poet mean when he says ‘good bye’?
When he says, ‘good -bye’, he really means good riddance, since he is happy that the other
person is leaving.
g) What pleasantries does the poet use to fake cordiality?
The pleasantries with fake cordiality used by the poet are, “Glad to meet you”, without being
glad and, “It’s been nice talking to you”, after being bored.
h) What does he desire to unlearn and relearn?
The poet desires to unlearn the fake, hypocritic and deceptive way of life learnt as an adult.
He desires to relearn from his son the genuine, cordial, warm and hearty laugh and habits, which
he did as a child.
i) How is the poet’s laugh reflected in the mirror?
The poet’s laugh reflects only his teeth in the mirror and not his heart. They appear as the
fangs of a snake.
j) What does the poet long for?
The poet longs to laugh with his heart as he did while he was a child. He does not like this
life of hypocricy.
k) Mention the qualities the child in the poem symbolises.
The child could laugh with its heart. The actions of the child are genuine, cordial, warm,
pleasant, heartfelt and sincere.
2. Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of
the poem.
The poet Okara in this narrative monologue painfully condemns the (a) _____ displayed
by adults, both in their words and actions. Here, a father laments to his son about the negative
changes that creep into the attitude and behaviour of humans, when they grow into (b) _____.
He says that people used to be (c) _____ when they laugh and the honesty would be reflected in
their eyes. But, people of modern times laugh (d) _____. Their handshakes used to be warm and
happy conveying a sense of togetherness, but nowadays the handshakes have become a mere (e)
_____. He warns his son that people are not trust - worthy and have become so selfish that they
are concerned only about their own (f) _____ benefits.
[Link]
38 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
[Link]
People utter words of welcome and exchange (g) _____, but those words come only from the
tip of their tongues and not from the depth of their hearts. Humans have learnt the art of changing
their (h) _____ expressions accordings to situations merely to ensure social acceptance. They
wear (i) _____ and exhibit multiple faces. The narrator admits that he has also changed into a
hypocrite. However, he tells his son that though he (j) _____ his expressions, he does all these
against his will. He says he wants to become a (k) _____ again and laugh genuinely. He wants to
(l) _____ the unreal things and (m) _____ how to laugh as he had done once upon a time. When
he laughs before the (n) _____, he sees no expression. His teeth are bare like that of the (o) _____
of a snake. So, he asks his son to show him how to laugh the way he used to laugh, when he was
a kid like him.
relearn adults facial personal fangs
child fakes superficially duplicity genuine
unlearn falsity masks mirror pleasantries
Ans : a. falsity b. adults c. genuine d. superficially e. duplicity
f. personal g. pleasantries h. facial i. masks j. fakes
k. child l. unlearn m. relearn n. mirror o. fangs
3. A. Interpret each of the following expressions used in the poem, in one or two lines.
i. laugh with their eyes.
To laugh heartfully, and the warmth or endearing expression is found in the eyes.
ii. shake hands without hearts
Hand shake is a gesture of expressing happiness at the meet. The above expression means
that the hand shake is not heartful. It is only a formality.
iii. like a fixed portrait smile
A genuine smile expresses happiness in the eyes and the warmth is felt. The above
expression means that the smile is lifeless and dry like a fixed smile found on a portrait.
iv. hands search my empty pockets
It means an act of evaluating one’s work and power or thinking and planning how he
could be exploited.
v. to unlearn all these muting things.
All the fake, false and hypocritic behaviour is learnt by man. The above expression
means that he wants to give up all the above superficial and deceptive habits.
B. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow :
i. ‘But now they only laugh with their teeth,
While their ice-block-cold eyes....’
a) Who are ‘they’?
‘They’ refers to the adults of today.
b) Explain : ice - block - cold eyes’
Men of today laugh which has no pleasantries. It is reflected in the eyes which lack the
feeling of warmth or endearing expression.
c) Identify the figure of speech used here.
Alliteration is the figure of speech - ice - eyes.
[Link]
 POEM - Once Upon a Time 39
[Link]
ii) ‘Most of all, I want to relearn
How to laugh. for my laugh in the mirror
Shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!’
a) Why does the poet want to relearn how to laugh?
The poet’s laugh in the mirror showed only his teeth which resembled the fangs of a
snake. So he wants to relearn his warm and genuine laugh from his son.
b) Whom does the poet want to relearn from?
The poet wants to relearn to laugh from his son who is young.
c) Mention the figure of speech used here?
“Simile” is the figure of speech the teeth like snake’s fangs.
Additional Questions
Read the lines given below and answer the questions.
1. There was time indeed
They used to shake hands
With their hearts
But that’s gone.
a) Who are they?
They refers to the present day adults.
b) How was the shake hand?
The shake hand was full of warmth.
c) ‘That’s gone’ - Explain.
There is no warmth in the shake hands of the adults today.
2. And I have learned too
to laugh with only my teeth
And shake hands without my heart
a) Who is speaking to whom?
The narrator is speaking to his young son.
b) What did the speaker learn?
The speaker too learnt to laugh without heart in it and shake hands without warmth.
3. I want to unlearn all these muting things
a) Who wants to unlearn?
The poet wants to unlearn.
b) What are these muting things?
Muting things refer to the hyprocrytic behaviour of present day adults.
C. Explain the following lines with reference to the context :
i) Once upon a time, son
They used to laugh with their eyes;
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem ‘Once Upon A Time’ by the Nigerian poet
Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet describes how the adults today behave in duplicity in contrast to their
behaviour during childhood. [Link]
40 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
[Link]
Explanation : The narrator tells his son that the adults today, when they were young children,
used to laugh with their eyes sharing warmth and endearing expression. As adults they have only
fake smiles and fake laugh.
ii) There will be no thrice.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem ‘Once Upon A Time’ by the Nigerian poet
Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet describes the fake and hypocritic ways of todays adults.
Explanation : Men today say ‘feel at home’, ‘come again’. But their invitation is shallow.
They will welcome you once or twice. When you visit the third time, you will not be received and
doors will be shut on you.
iii) I have learned to wear my faces
Like dresses...
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem ‘Once Upon A Time’ by the Nigerian poet
Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet explains the hypocritic way of living of todays adults and their changing
expressions.
Explanation : Adults today wear different expressions on their face for different occasions
like for the home, for the street, for the host and for the party. They change their faces as they
change their dress for different occasions.
iv) I want to be what I used to be.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem ‘Once Upon A Time’ by the Nigerian poet
Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet expresses his displeasure at the manner in which today’s adults behave
with hypocrisy, falsehood and deception.
Explanation : The poet regrets for forgetting his childhood behaviour and for living with
hypocrisy, falsehood and duplicity. He expresses his desire to relearn the childhood smile from
his son and live in the same way as he lived as a child.
Additional
1. Now they shake hands without hearts
While their left hands search
My empty pockets.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem ‘Once Upon a Time’ written by Gabriel
Okara.
Context : The poet describes the hypocrytic behaviour of todays adults.
Explanation : Today’s adults shake hands without any warmth and at the same time, think
of ways to exploit the person’s wealth and power.
2. With all their confirming smiles
Like a fixed portrait smile.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem, ‘Once Upon a Time’ by Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet describes the hypocritic ways of todays adults.
Explanation : Today’s adults have different emotions for different occasions. There is no
warmth in their smile. It looks pale like the fixed smile in a portrait.
[Link]
 POEM - Once Upon a Time 41
[Link]
3. Today ‘Glad to meet you’ without being glad;
and to say, ‘It’s been nice talking to
you’, after being bored.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem, ‘Once Upon a Time’ written by Gabriel
Okara.
Context : The poet describes the hypocritic behaviour of todays adults.
Explanation : Today’s men are dangerously hypocritic. They can say ‘glad to meet you’
without being glad. They can also say, It’s been nice talking to some one even if they are bored
with him.
4. Show me how I used to laugh
and smile once upon a time.
Reference : These lines are taken from the poem, ‘Once Upon a Time’ by Gabriel Okara.
Context : The poet describes the hypocrytic behaviour of today’s adults.
Explanation : The narrator has become hypocritic like others. He does not like it. He wants
to learn from his young son, to laugh heartily with warmth as he did when he was a child.
4. Answer the following questions in about 100 - 150 words each.
i. Explain the things the poet has learnt when he grew into an adult.
Falsehood by adults :
The poet condemns the falsehood displayed by adults both in work and actions. Lot of
negative changes have crept in their behaviour.
Fake actions :
People used to laugh with warmth. Now the poet learnt to laugh with his teeth which looked
like a snake’s fangs. The hand shake is never warm as in the past. He learnt to hand shake without
a heart and with the thought of exploiting the wealth and position of the person in handshake.
There is no sincerety in the invitation ‘come again’. If it is for the third time, the door is shut
on you. Man has learnt to wear different expressions on his face for different occasions, as he
changes his dress for different events. When he says ‘good bye’, he means good riddance. ‘Glad
to meet you’ is said with no gladness. It’s been ‘nice talking with you’, after being bored. The
adult has learnt all these fake manners and hypocrisy.
ii. This poem is nothing but a criticism of modern life. Justify this statement.
Modern way of living :
It is true that the poet criticises the modern way of living through this poem. He also condemns
the falsity displayed by adults both in words and actions. He laments that negative changes have
crept into human behaviour. The modern man is not able to laugh honestly as he did as a child.
His laugh is superficial. The warmth and endearing nature of the handshake is gone. Nowadays
they are a mere formality and an occasion to plan to exploit the wealth and power of the person.
Words of welcome have lost their meaning. There is no depth in the words nor do they mean
what they say. Humans have learnt the art of changing expressions on their face which suits the
occasion, in the same manner they change dress for different events.
The Admission :
He admits that he has become a hypocrite and thereby put forth his criticism at the modern
way of living.
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42 MERCURY ENGLISH - XI
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iii. ‘Face is the index of the mind’. Does this adage concur with the views of the poet?
The Adage :
The adage ‘Face is the index of the mind’ does not suit the views expressed in the poem. Man
has learnt to be a hypocrite. He is able to hide his feelings inside and putup words and actions
suited to the situation.
The change in Adults :
He has no heart but still he laughs. He can shake hands without a heart and with an interior
motive of exploiting. Though he does not really wish, he says, ‘come again’. He has developed
the ability to put up different expressions on his face suited for the occasion. He would say good-
bye when he means good riddance. He says, ‘nice meeting you even after being bored.
Disproved :
These are occasions when the speaker has negative thoughts in the mind but he hides them
and puts up a positive behaviour. So the above adage is disproved here. The face does not reflect
what is inside the mind.
5. Listening Activity : First read the questions given below. Next, listen to an excerpt from
a poem read out by your teacher or played in a recorder. Note how a child admires and
praises the abilities of his / her father. Then tick the right answers from the options
given
Poem Refer Text Book Page No : 198.
i) When the _____ needs to be repaired, they have to hire a man.
a) heater b) furnace c) stove d) ovené
ii) Father knows no word like _____.
a) fail b) frail c) jail d) snail
iii) It is certain that the father would restore the _____ of the family members.
a) glory b) prosperity c) confidence d) happiness
iv) The father will not be able to mend a broken _____.
a) table b) bench c) chair d) stool
v) The children expect their _____ to guide them in action.
a) mother b) father c) teacher d) guardian
____________________________________Answers__________________________________
i. b) furnace ii. a) fail iii. c) confidence iv. c) chair v. a) mother

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SUPPLEMENTRY
1. AFTER TWENTY YEARS
by O. Henry
About the author
O. Henry is a popular American short - story writer. His original
name is William Sydney Porter. His stories are well known
throughout the world. They are known for the unexpected twists
in the end. They are also written in simple language and full of
clever word play. He wrote stories for The New York World Sunday
Magazine. His short story, ‘After Twenty Years’ was first published
in the year 1905. It was included in the 1906 anthology. Other
popular short stories include, ‘The Gift of the Magi’, ‘The Cop and
the Anthem’, ‘The Ransom of Red Chief’, ‘A Retrieved Reformation
and The Third Ingredient’.
Summary
The story is about two best friends Bob and Jimmy Wells who had to part ways. They return
to keep an appointment they had made twenty years ago. The two friends parted ways near a
restaurant at 10 pm on a night. They were raised in New York just like two brothers. Bob went to
the West, Jimmy stayed in New York. They lost track of each after some years.
Bob was waiting for Jimmy after twenty years at the appointed time and place. He told his
story to a policeman who was on his duty at the time. The policeman noticed Bobs face when he
lighted his cigar. He moved away from Bob. After sometime a person came to Bob enquiring him
if he was Bob. Bob was happy to meet Jimmy Wells. At the corner drug store, in the brilliant light,
Bob realised that it was not Jimmy his friend, with whom he was talking all the time. He could
confirm that it was not Jimmy by his nose. Then the other person gave a letter to Bob, written by
Jimmy. Jimmy was at the appointed place and noticed Bob when he lighted the Cigar and found
that Bob was the most wanted man in Chicago for his fraudulent life. He could not arrest him by
himself, so he went away and sent a plainclothes man to do the job.
1. Warm up : a. What do you expect your close friends to do for you ?

Help, Console, Suggest, Share problems,

Joint study, Share Books & others,
Advice, rescue.

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b. i. Find out when the International Day of Friendship is celebrated.
ii. How is that day celebrated ?
International Day of Friendship is celebrated on 30th July as per the declaration of the UN
General Assembly. However, some countries including India celebrate it on the first Sunday of
August every year. Although on the face value, it appears a day of fun and frolic, it has a serious
message. In a world with conflict and division, poverty and violence can undermine peace and
social harmony. We can accumulate strong ties of trust and friendship to generate passion for a
better world, where we are all united for the greater good of the human race.
c. We have heard of the proverb ‘Familiarity breeds contempt’. Do you think that the
passage of time strengthens friendship ? Share your reasons with your class.
‘Familiarity breeds contempt’ is a proverb which can be applied to many situations. Experience
shows that it is true in most cases. However it does not apply to friendship. On the other hand,
familiarity with friends works the other way and strengthens the friendship.
Good friendship is compared to the shadows in the afternoon, when the shadows lengthen
with passage of time. When a friendship is started, it is the union of two unknown people.
Familiar talks, frequent meetings, joint actions, close encounters, help each to understand the
other, their likes and dislikes, attitude and nature. Familiarity also helps each to adjust with the
other person, thereby bridging the gap. So, incase of friendship the proverb cannot be applied as
with passage of time, the friendship gets strengthened.

Glossary
avenue - a wide street
habitual - regular
nigh - almost
twirling - twisting and spinning around
intricate - complicated
stalwart - physically strong
swagger - walk in a confident way
vicinity - the surrounding area (neighbourhood)
reassuringly - making someone feel less doubtful
proposition - theory or system
plodder - one who toils slowly but steadily
wits - intelligent people
groove - a dull routine that does not change
razor - edge - a critical situation
dismally - without happiness and cheer
absurdity - quality of being silly and foolish
egotism - a feeling of self - importance
outline - describe
wires - sends a telegraphic message
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1. Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.
a) Describe the appearance of the policeman on the beat.
The policeman was moving impressively. He was twirling his club and made a fine picture
of a guardian of peace.
b) What did he keep doing while on rounds ?
While on rounds, the policeman was trying doors, twirling his club and casting his watchful
eyes down the thorough fare.
c) Why were the streets devoid of people ?
It was 10 o’ clock at night and chilly gusty winds with rain were blowing. So the streets were
without people.
d) What story did the man standing near the hardware store tell the passing cop ?
The man standing near the hardware store told the cop, that he was waiting for a friend with
whom he had parted twenty years ago. They agreed to meet each other at the same place and time
after twenty years.
e) What used to be there in the place of that shop twenty years ago ?
There used to be a restaurant by name Big Joe’s Brady’s restaurant where the store stood
now.
f) Describe the man awaiting the arrival of his friend.
The man awaiting the arrival of his friend was pale, square jawed face with keen eyes and a
little white scar near his right eyebrow. He had a large diamond for his scarf pin.
g) Why did the friends part ways ?
One of the friends Bob was to go to the West for a living and the other Jimmy wanted to
remain in New York. So they had parted ways.
h) When and how did Bob realize that the tall man was not his friend ?
Bob walked with the tall man. At the corner near the drug store in the brilliant lights, he
looked at the face of the tall man and realized that he was not his friend, looking at his nose.
i) Who was the tall man ?
The tall man was a plainclothes man sent by Jimmy to arrest Bob.
j) What did he give Bob ?
The tall man gave a little piece of paper to Bob with a short note. The note was sent by Jimmy.
2. State whether the following statements are right or wrong by marking ‘X’ in the
corresponding boxes.
a) The cop suddenly slowed his walk, when he heard the barking of dogs. X
b) The friends grew up together in the city of New York. p
c) Both Jimmy and Bob were of the same age. X
d) The friends parted one night after watching a movie together. X
e) The friends could not keep in touch because they lost each other’s phone numbers. X
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f) Bob wanted to stay for half an hour more than the appointed time. p
g) Jimmy grew a little taller after he was twenty. p
h) Bob realised that the tall man was not Jimmy Wells from the shape of his nose. p
3. What does each of the following mean in the story ? Choose the right option :
a) on the beat :
i) moving around hitting everyone with a stick
ii) on duty walking around the assigned area
iii) marching with heart throbbing fast
Ans : ii) on duty walking around the assigned area
b) a guardian of peace :
i) a watchman ii) a holy man iii) a policeman
Ans : iii) a policeman
c) corresponded :
i) discussed over phone ii) interacted through body language
iii) c ommunicated by exchanging letters
Ans : iii) communicated by exchanging letters
d) arm in arm :
i) with arms linked together ii) with weapons in hands
iii) w ith handcuffs on wrists
Ans : i) with arms linked together
e) plainclothes man :
i) a man who wears simple clothes for grand occasions
ii) a policeman in civilian clothes while on duty
iii) a cine artist in ordinary costumes
Ans : ii) a policeman in civilian clothes while on duty
4. Answer the following questions in three or four sentences each :
a) What did Bob share with the cop about their friendship ?
Bob shared the incidents in their life twenty years ago. Both were raised like two brothers.
Bob was younger than Jimmy. They parted ways to make a living. Bob went to the West. Jimmy
remained in New York.
b) What are the strengths and weaknesses of Jimmy Wells from Bob’s point of view?
According to Bob, Jimmy liked New York and he did not want to leave New York. He was
the truest, staunchest old chap. He would never forget their friendship. He was a plodder.
c) Was Bob hopeful of his friend’s arrival ? How do you know ?
Bob was hopeful of his friend’s arrival because he was the truest and staunchest person and
would keep his word if he was alive.
d) How did the cop come to understand that Bob had been successful in the West?
The Cop looked at Bob when he lighted his cigar and saw his scarf pin was a large diamond.
His watch lid was set with diamonds. So he understood that Bob had been successful.
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e) Bob’s life in the West was not a bed of roses. Give reasons.
Bob’s life in the West was not a bed of roses. He had to compete with some of the sharpest
wits. It took the West to put a razor - edge on him.
f) Why didn’t Jimmy Wells, being a cop himself, arrest Bob ?
Jimmy Wells though a cop, some how couldn’t arrest Bob, because he was his friend.
g) Who do you think has been more successful between the two ? Give reasons.
In my opinion, Jimmy Wells has been more successful. Though he earned moderately, he
was honest and lawabiding. Bob on the other hand had earned a lot in fraudulent ways and finally
landed in jail.
5. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of about 150 words each :
a) Compare and contrast the character of Jimmy Wells and Bob with suitable references
from the story to support your view.
Introduction: Jimmy Wells and Bob were close friends who were brought up in New York
as brothers. But they differed in their attitude to life. Jimmy was an honest, truest and staunchest
old chap according to Bob. He would never forget his friend.
The Parting : Jimmy liked to remain in New York and make a small living. But Bob was
ambitious, he went to the West to earn more. He was very successful and earned a lot by unfair
means.
The contrast : Jimmy was honest and he became a policeman with a moderate income. Bob
remembered his friend as he could say that the tall man was not Jimmy, looking at his nose.
Jimmy was honest and dutiful. At the same time, he had love for his friend. He could not
arrest Bob by himself. So he had sent a plainclothes man to do the job. Thus, he lived upto his job
honestly and to his friend with love both at the same time.
b) ‘Means should justify the end’. Explain this adage with reference to O. Henry’s story.
Introduction : Means should always justify the end. The end is not important, the means
should be fair and acceptable by law. In this story, the two friends Bob and Jimmy parted seeking
their livelihood in different places. Jimmy preferred to stay in New York and seek his living.
He became a policeman and honestly followed his work, though he got moderate income. But
Bob went to the West to seek his fortune. When they met after twenty years, Bob seemed very
successful. In the cigar light, the policeman could see Bob’s watch, with its lid set with small
diamonds. His scarf pin was a large diamond. This reveals that Bob was very successful and he
had earned a lot.
Means and end not fair : The policeman noticed Bob and recognised that he was the most
wanted culprit in Chicago. This reveals that Bob earned his wealth by unfair means and he was
wanted by the police. His riches could not save him from being arrested for the unfair means
adopted by him to make riches.
It shows that means is more important than the end. It does not matter if you remain poor
following fair means of living. If the means of income is unfair you are certain to land in trouble.
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c) ‘Tell me who your friends are and I shall tell you who you are’. How will you explain
this statement in the light of Jimmy’s and Bob’s friendship ?
Introduction : It is generally said that your attitude and character can be guessed by learning
about your friends. But this cannot be said to be true in case of Bob and Jimmy. Jimmy was
the truest and the most honest person. Bob his friend, does not possess the same character as
Jimmy. They parted ways to seek living in different places. Jimmy became a policeman and
earned moderately. But Bob went to the West and was successful in earning a lot of money. But
the means followed by him was unfair and he was arrested in the end.
The Separation : Twenty years of separation has changed the basic character of Bob and he
became the most wanted person in Chicago.
So, it cannot be said that the true colour of the person can be guessed by the character of his
friend. The separation of friends for twenty years has changed Bob from an ordinary person to a
convict.
d) To your shock, you find out that your close friend is indulging in some wrong activity.
Will you avoid him / her or try to correct him / her ? Give reasons for your answer.
Introduction : Friendship is not for merely entertaining each. It is said, “a friend, philosopher
and guide.” A true friend is one who advises, reprimands and tries to mend the ways of the other
person if needed.
My duty : If I find my close friend indulging in wrong activity, I would certainly not avoid
him. I will consider it my foremost duty to try and correct him. I will try to explain him the
consequences of his wrong doings, how they would affect him and his future and also how his
family and parents would be affected.
I will find out under whose influence he was indulging in wrong activities and try my best to
wean him away from that influence. If all my attempts to correct him fail, I would be left with no
option than to avoid him.
Conclusion : I remember one of my friends who was attracted by horse races and began to
bet on them and had lost a lot of money. When I learnt that, I tried my best to correct him and
succeeded in dissuading him from betting on horses. It is the duty of a true friend to take care of
the other and help him overcome his wrong influences.
e) What would you have done in this situation, if you were Jimmy Wells ? Substantiate
your reason.
I would have done : If I were to be in the position of Jimmy Wells, I would have behaved in
the same way as he did. It is the duty of the policeman as a guardian of peace and rule, to arrest
a culprit, however close he might be. Jimmy was meeting his friend Bob after twenty years.
Jimmy was a policeman and he was loyal to his profession. Unfortunately, his friend Bob was a
transformed person and he became the most wanted culprit.
Honest to profession : It was the duty of the policeman to uphold the rule of law and it was
his responsibility to arrest the culprit. Since he happened to be his close friend who was meeting
him after twenty years, he could not arrest him by himself. Since he was an honest and a dutiful
policeman, he had asked a plain clothes man to do the work. Jimmy had acted in the right manner.
I would have acted in the same manner as he did.
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