10th English Teaching Notes
10th English Teaching Notes
Glossary:
Key Points:
A poor farmer named Lencho lives with his family in a solitary house on a hill in a valley.
He is hopeful for rain to water his crops of ripening corn.
The rain begins joyfully, and Lencho considers the raindrops as “new coins” (ten and five cent
pieces).
Suddenly, a hailstorm begins and lasts for an hour.
The hail completely destroys the crops, trees, and flowers — nothing is left.
The family is devastated and fears starvation.
Despite their sadness, they have faith in God to help them in their time of need.
Lencho writes a letter to God, asking for 100 pesos to re-sow the fields and survive.
He addresses the envelope “To God” and drops it in the mailbox.
A postman finds the letter and shows it to the postmaster, who is initially amused but then
moved by Lencho‟s faith.
The postmaster decides to answer the letter to preserve the man‘s faith.
He collects donations from his colleagues and contributes himself.
They manage to collect 70 pesos, not the full 100.
Lencho receives the letter and money the next Sunday.
He is not surprised to receive the money but becomes angry when he sees only 70 pesos.
Believing that God sent the full amount, he thinks the post office employees stole the rest.
Lencho writes another letter to God, asking not to send money through the post office again and
calls them “a bunch of crooks.”
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Q14: Why did Lencho describe the rain drops as new coins? ( b )
Ans: a) because they are really new coins
b) because the rains drops would fetch him good harvest/money.
c) because he felt like that when the rain drops fell upon his body.
But in the hearts of all who lived in that solitary house in the middle of the valley,
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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put the letter inside and, still troubled, went to town. At the post office, he placed a stamp on
the letter and dropped it into the mailbox.
One of the employees, who was a postman and also helped at the post office,
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only a single word as a
signature: God.
.Q1: Why did the postman show Lencho‘s letter to his boss?
Ans: Because he had never seen such a letter which was addressed ‗to God‘.
Q2: What kind of a man was the postmaster?
Ans: The postmaster was a fat, amiable man.
Q3: Why did the postmaster also break out laughing?
Ans: The postmaster also broke out laughing because he had also never come across such
a letter which was addressed ‗to God‘.
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The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there ……………….
But don‘t send it to me through the mail because the post office employees are a bunch of
crooks. Lencho.‖
Q1: Why did Lencho come to the post office the following Sunday?
Ans: Lencho came to ask if there was a letter for him.
Q2: What was the postmaster doing when the postman handed the letter to Lencho?
Ans: The postmaster was watching Lencho, experiencing the contentment of a man
who has performed a good deed.
Q3: What was ‗the good deed‘ mentioned in the above passage?
Ans: The postmaster collected some money and sent to Lencho as a help from God.
Q4: Why didn‘t Lencho show even the slightest surprise on seeing the money?
Ans: Because Lencho was confident of getting money from God.
Q5: Why did Lencho become angry when he counted the money?
Ans: Lencho became angry when he counted the money because the money was less than
than he requested.
Q6: What did Lencho conclude when he noticed that he received less money?
Ans: God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had
requested.
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Q8: The crow and the hemlock tree are the ------------- mentioned in the poem. ( c )
Ans: a) positive things
b) good things
c) bad things
Q9: Which season is implied in the poem? ( c )
Ans: a) Autumn b) Summer c) Winter
Q1: What are the two ways mentioned in the poem that the world might end?
Ans: The world might end in fire or in ice.
Q2: Which element does the poet personally agree with as a cause for the world's end?
Ans: The poet agrees with those who believe that the world will end in fire.
Q3: What emotion does the poet associate with fire?
Ans: The poet associates fire with desire.
Q4: What emotion does the poet associate with ice?
Ans: The poet associates ice with hate.
Q5: Does the poet believe that ice is also capable of causing destruction?
Ans: Yes, the poet believes that ice is also capable of causing destruction.
Q6: How will the world end according to the poet?
Ans: According to the poet the world will end in fire or in ice.
Q7: What do ‗fire‘ and ‗ice‘ stand for?
Ans: ‗Fire‘ stands for greed, lust, conflict and fury. ‗Ice‘ stands for cruelty, rigidity, coldness,
hatred.
Q8: What is the central idea of the poem?
Ans: The central idea of the poem is the forces of desire and hate equally lead to the destruction of
the world.
Q9. What does the poet associate with the element of fire? ( c )
a) Love
b) Hatred
c) Desire
Q10. According to the poet, which element would also be sufficient to cause the end of the world?
a) Fire ( c )
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b) Water
c) Ice
Q5: What did Mrs. Pumphrey think about the illness of dog? ( b )
Ans: a) diarrhoea b) malnutrition. c) indigestion
Q7: What was Mrs. Pumphrey giving her dog to build him up? ( c )
Ans: a) malt, cod-liver oil
b) a bowl of Horlicks
c) both a & b
Q4: Why did Tricki follow the other dogs rolling slightly? ( b )
Ans: a) because it was an uninteresting place
b) because he has surplus fat
c) because he didn‘t like the hospital
CREATIVE EXPRESSION:
A) In the lesson „A Letter to God‟, the postmaster was shocked to see the letter of
Lencho to God, calling him and his staff crooks. He felt disappointed for Lencho‟s blame
even after helping him. He shared his feelings with his friends about the incident.
Postmaster: You won‘t believe what happened today. I‘m still in shock.
Friend : What happened? Please tell me.
Postmaster: You remember the farmer, Lencho? The one who wrote a letter to God?
Friend : Yes, the one who needed money after his crops were destroyed, right?
Postmaster: Exactly. We collected money for him from the staff to help him out.
Friend : Yes. I know. That was a kind thing to do. So, what‘s the problem?
Postmaster: Lencho received the money and wrote another letter to God.
Friend : Thanking God….right?
Postmaster: Of course…He thanked God but accused us of stealing some of the money!
He called us crooks!
Friend : What? Called you crooks? That‘s unbelievable! Why?
Postmaster: He suspected us that we might have stolen some part of his money sent
to him by God.
Friend : Oh! He believed in God so strongly and suspected you.
Friend : But still, to blame you all without any proof? That‘s just wrong.
Postmaster: That‘s why I‘m really upset. We were only trying to help.
Friend : I can understand your feelings. But don‘t get upset my friend.
We have to understand his faith in God and ignorance also.
QI: The postman went to his boss laughing heartily and showed him the letter to God. He
had never known the address.
Now, write a possible conversation between the postman and the postmaster.
postman : Have you seen this letter and the address on it?
postmaster : Let me see it ..................... Oh! what is this?
Conversation between James Herriot, the veterinarian, and Mrs. Pumphrey about her
pet dog Trickie's illness and a possible solution to recover from that illness from the
story "A Triumph of Surgery."
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JH : That doesn't sound good. Has he been eating a lot of rich food lately?
MP : Yes, I have been giving him plenty of cakes, chocolates, and snacks. I just
want him to be happy.
JH : Mrs. Pumphrey, it sounds like Trickie is suffering from overeating and lack
of exercise. He needs a strict diet and more activity.
MP : Oh dear! What should I do?
JH : I think it would be best if Trickie comes to my surgery for a while. I will take
care of him and put him on a proper diet and exercise routine.
MP : Oh, Mr. Herriot, that sounds serious. But if you think it will help, I trust you.
JH : Don‘t worry, Mrs. Pumphrey. I will make sure Trickie gets the care he needs.
I‘ll return him to you healthy and happy.
MP : Thank you so much, Mr. Herriot. I hope Trickie will be back to his good
health soon.
JH : I‘m sure he will be. Let‘s get started on his recovery.
Lencho‟s corn field was completely destroyed by the hailstorm. His soul was filled with
sadness. His family might go hungry that year. The only hope of his family was to get help
from God.
Imagine that you are in the place of Lencho and make a diary entry about your feelings.
Date: DD/MM/YYYY
Time: 10.00 PM
Dear diary
Today is extremely unpleasant and very upsetting for me as a farmer. Throughout the
season I have worked hard in my corn field. But when my corn field badly needs a downpour
or at least a shower to get us a good harvest, it is so unfortunate that a severe hailstorm
destroyed the whole corn field. Not even a leaf remained on the trees. All our efforts went in
vain. How can I feed my family this year? Should we all go hungry this year? Who will
help us now? Who can I ask now? The only hope is to ask help from God. If God gives me
a hundred pesos I will sow my field again and we will live until the crop comes. I will write
a letter to God tomorrow. I have faith in God. God will help me.
Good night.
Lencho.
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A severe hailstorm damaged the crops of Lencho. He felt very sad. All his efforts went
in vain. He didn‟t know how to feed his family that year. He decided to write a letter to
God seeking his help.
Now, imagine that you are in the place of Lencho and describe your thoughts
Ans: As I looked over my fields, my heart sank. The hailstorm had come with fury,
damaging the crops I had tended so carefully. The sight was devastating—what was once
green and full of promise was now a sea of battered, broken plants. I felt a deep, gnawing
despair. All the hard work and hope I had put into growing these crops seemed to have been
for nothing. My family relies on this harvest for food, and now it‘s all gone. I couldn‘t help
but think about the coming days and the worry of how we would get by. The storm had taken
everything from us, leaving only ruins behind. I felt a heavy weight on my chest, knowing
that our future was uncertain. In my desperation, I turned to the thought of divine help. I
believed that only a higher power could change our fate now. It was the only glimmer of hope
I had left, as I looked at the empty fields with a mix of sadness and a faint hope for a miracle.
I will write a letter to God to help me out of this crisis.
The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier to check if he had received any
letter. The postman handed the letter to Lencho. Lencho opened the letter and got angry
for not getting only 70 pesos. He wrote another letter to God to send him the remaining 3o
pesos but this time not to send through mail.
Imagine that you are in the place of Lencho. Write a letter to God in the above context.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear God
This is Lencho again. Thank you very much for blessing me and sending the money
I requested you for. I am happy for my faith in you has come true. But I would like to tell
you what had happened here. I requested you to send me one hundred pesos. You might
have sent them to me. But I found only seventy pesos when I opened the letter. I think these
post office staff might have stolen some part of the money you sent to me.
Hence, I request you to send me the remaining thirty pesos. Otherwise, my family
will go hungry. But please do not send the money through the mail instead send me directly.
I don‘t believe these bunch of crooks.
Glossary:
[Link]. Word Meaning/Synonyms Antonyms
1 besieged by surrounded closely by
2 dignitaries public figure, celebrities,
3 inauguration swearing in, introduction termination
4 amphitheatre a building without a roof
5 supremacy authority, dominance inferiority
6 confer give retrieve
7 liberty freedom, emancipation suppression
8 disaster misfortune, tragedy
9 privilege honour, pleasure
10 distinguished eminent, famous, well-known
11 emancipation liberation, setting free
12 oppression subjugation, harassment liberty
13 spectacular array an impressive display
14 loyalty faithfulness, reliability disloyalty
15 overwhelmed speechless, make emotional
16 despised had a very low opinion of
17 inhumane cruel, merciless humane
18 patriot lover of one‘s country, nationalist traitor
19 wrought done, achieved
20 profound deep and strong shallow, superficial
21 resilience the ability to deal with any kind of impotency, weakness
hardship, spirit, strength
22 grimmest severest, unkindest, serious pleasantest
23 extinguished ended, turn off, destroyed turn on, lit
24 obligation duty, responsibility option
25 inclination natural tendency of behaviour
26 inevitably unavoidably, necessarily unnecessarily
27 illusion appears to be real but not; fantasy, reality, fact
unreality
28 transitory temporary, not permanent permanent
29 curtailed cut, shortened, reduced complete
30 prejudice a strong dislike without any good impartiality,
reason, partiality, bias tolerance
Key Points:
Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa‟s first Black President after over three centuries of
white rule.
The African National Congress (ANC) wins 252 out of 400 seats in the first democratic
elections.
The inauguration ceremony takes place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Mandela declares: “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of
one by another.”
People of all races celebrate together, symbolizing unity and a new beginning.
The day dawns bright and clear with leaders from over 140 countries attending.
The Union Buildings, once a symbol of white supremacy, now hosts a rainbow gathering for
democracy.
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Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days ……………………….
and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that
lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.
Ans: The ceremony took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheater in Pretoria.
Q4: What was described as ‗a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations‘?
Ans: A beautiful coming together of great leaders from different countries like the colours
in a rainbow.
Q9: The Union Buildings in Pretoria has been the seat of ------------------ ( c )
Ans: a) African National Congress b) Nelson Mandela
c) white supremacy
Ans: These leaders are known for their extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.
Q9: Pick out the word from the passage which means ‗the ability to deal
with any kind of hardship‘. ( a )
Ans: a) resilience b) triumph c) conquer
Q7: What did Nelson Mandela notice when attempting to serve his people?
Ans: Nelson Mandela noticed that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as
a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
Q8: Pick out the word which means ‗period between night and sunset/sunrise. ( a )
Ans: a) twilight b) existence c) obligation
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Q2. What kind of steps does the tiger take inside the cage?
Ans: The tiger takes a few quiet steps on velvet-like pads.
Q4: Where does the poem suggest the tiger should ideally be?
Ans: The poem suggests the tiger should be lurking in the shadows and sliding through
long grass.
Q5: What animal is mentioned as being near the water hole in the poem?
Ans: The poem mentions a plump deer passing near the water hole.
Q7: What does the phrase ‗the few steps‘ refer to? ( a )
Ans: a) small place in the cage
b) small place in the forest
c) small place near the grass
Q14: Why do tigers wait near long grass and near water bodies? ( c )
Ans: a) to take rest b) for more oxygen c) for their prey
Q1: Where does the poem suggest the tiger should be snarling?
Ans: The poem suggests the tiger should be snarling around houses at the jungle's edge.
Q11: What does the caged tiger look at night with his brilliant eyes? ( c )
Ans: a) cage b) patrolling cars c) brilliant stars
He took me to his room over the Jumna Sweet Shop and told me
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.
Anil was asleep. A beam of moonlight stepped over the balcony and
fell…………………………. — and I lost the chance to get away.
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Q6: When did the narrator quickly move out of the room? ( c )
Ans: a) when Anil woke up
b) when Anil noticed him stealing his money
c) when he theft Anil‘s money.
Q9: How much money did the narrator steal from Anil? ( b )
Ans: a) 600 rupees b) 600 dollars c) 6000 rupees
CREATIVE EXPRESSION:
[Link]. 35 (a)
NM : When I saw my brothers and sisters were also not free like me, I decided to fight.
Conversation between Anil and Hari Singh during their first meeting from the story
"The Thief's Story."
H S : I can cook and do household chores. I can also run errands for you.
Anil: : Can you really cook? What dishes can you make?
H S : I can make tea and some basic dishes. I can learn more if you teach me.
Anil: : Hmm, alright. I could use some help. But I can‘t pay you much right now.
At one point of time Nelson Mandela understood that not only he but also the
people of SA had no freedom. So he decided to fight for the people.
Imagine that you are in the place of Nelson Mandela and attempt a diary entry about your
feelings.
Dt. 26-7-2025
10 PM
Dear diary,
I have been observing the world around me for the past few months and now I have
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understood that we have no liberty. We, the dark-skinned people, are not free to do whatever
we like. We are in chains. We have to follow the merciless rules laid by the white people.
Our people are being ill-treated, badly humiliated. They are not allowed to live a happy life
in their own country. This is so unfair. In what way we are inferiors to anybody? Why
shouldn‘t we live with liberty? This cruel apartheid policy should be changed. All the people
of South Africa should have equal rights and freedom. I will fight for my people‘s liberty
from now.
Good night.
Nelson Mandela
Q2: You happened to witness the swearing ceremony of Nelson Mandela. Write a letter
to your friend who is living in India about the inauguration ceremony.
Pretoria
Dt.
My dear friend
I am doing well here and I hope the same with you. How are you studying? I would
like to narrate a historical event that I witnessed here. Yesterday I attended Nelson Mandela‘s
swearing in ceremony. It was celebrated at Union Building in Pretoria. I should say it was a
rainbow gathering of leaders all over the world. South Africans were overwhelmed with joy
because they have their first democratic, non-racial government.
It was spectacular to watch the formation of jets and helicopters spreading the colours
of South African flag. All the generals salute Nelson Mandela showing their loyalty to
democracy. People sang their two national anthems. Nelson Mandela assured the people that
they will have equal rights and freedom irrespective of the colour of their skin. I was so
fortunate to witness the occasion.
Yours lovingly
xxxxxxxxxxxx
To
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxx
India.
“True liberty is freedom from poverty, deprivation and all forms of discrimination”. Based
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on the topic, prepare a script for speech using the following the hints / clues given below.
Q1: Script for speech of the causes of poverty and means of overcoming it.
Today, I am going to talk about the causes of poverty and how we can overcome it in
India. Poverty in India is a major issue. One cause is the lack of education. Many people
cannot afford school, so they miss out on learning skills that can help them find good jobs.
Another cause is unemployment. Without jobs, people have no income to support their
families. Also, the population is very large, which makes it hard for everyone to get resources
like food, water, and healthcare.
To overcome poverty, we need to focus on education. If more children can go to
school, they will have better opportunities in the future. The government can help by
providing free or affordable education to everyone. Creating more jobs is also important. I
In conclusion, by improving education, creating jobs, and providing healthcare, we
can work towards overcoming poverty in India. Let‘s all do our part to help make this change
happen!
Thank you!
Q2: Script for speech on “discrimination based on gender, religion, class etc.”
Ans:
Hello everyone,
Today, I want to talk about discrimination and why it is important to treat everyone
equally. Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of who they are. This can
be based on gender, religion, class, or other differences. For example, some people might
think that boys are better than girls at certain things. This is called gender discrimination.
Similarly, treating someone differently because of their religion or the amount of money they
have is also discrimination.
Discrimination is harmful because it creates inequality. When people are treated
unfairly, they may not have the same opportunities to succeed. This can lead to feelings of
anger, sadness, and injustice.
In conclusion, let's work together to create a world where everyone is treated equally,
regardless of gender, religion, class, or any other difference.
Thank you!
Ans:
Today, I am going to talk about the human rights guaranteed by the Indian
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Constitution.
The Constitution of India provides all Indian citizens with certain fundamental rights
which protect us and ensure we are treated fairly.
One of the most important rights is the Right to Equality. It means that everyone is
equal before the law, and there should be no discrimination based on religion, race, caste,
gender, or place of birth.
Next is the Right to Freedom, which includes freedom of speech and expression.
This allows us to express our thoughts and ideas freely. It also includes the freedom to
assemble peacefully, form associations, and move freely throughout India.
The Right to Education ensures that all children aged 6 to 14 have access to free and
compulsory education. Education helps us grow and make informed decisions.
We also have the Right to Religion, which means we can practice any religion of our choice
or not follow any religion at all.
These rights help us live freely and securely. It's important to know our rights so that
we can protect them and ensure they are respected.
Thank you!
Glossary:
Key Points:
The sun blazes on his ledge, and he feels the pain of hunger.
He sees his mother eating fish and gets desperate.
He cries to her begging for food, and she finally flies towards him with a piece of fish.
When his mother halts mid-air, just out of reach, hunger drives him to leap.
He dives for the food and falls off the ledge.
In a moment of terror, he feels like he‘s going to die.
He begins to soar, dive, curve, and enjoy flying like his family.
He sees the vast sea below, amused and proud.
The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two brothers ………………………
come around calling to him shrilly, upbraiding him, threatening to let him starve on his ledge
unless he flew away. But for the life of him he could not move.
Q5: What did the young seagull feel certain about flying such a long distance?
Ans: He felt certain that his wings would support to fly such a long distance.
Q6: What did he do when he felt that his wings would never support?
Ans: He bent his head and ran away back to the little hole under the ledge where he
slept at night.
Q10: Why couldn‘t the young seagull move in spite of his parents scolding and
threatening?
Ans: For the life of him he couldn‘t move.
IIQ11: Pick out the word from the passage which means ‗ a narrow horizontal shell
projecting from a wall or a cliff‘. ( a )
Ans: a) ledge b) expanse c)brink
―Ga, ga, ga,‖ he cried begging her to bring him some food.
…………………………………………………………….He was not falling headlong now.
He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards. He was no longer afraid. He just felt a bit
dizzy.
Q4: The young seagull was eagerly waiting for food. Which sentence in the above
text shows this?
Ans: ―He leaned out eagerly, tapping the rock with his feet, trying to get nearer to her
as she flew across.‖
Q6: What did his mother do with a piece of fish in hear beak?
Ans: His mother halted within reach of his beak.
Q15: How did the seagull feel when he noticed that his mother halted within reach of his
beak? ( a )
Ans: a) He was surprised for a moment
b) He felt very happy
c) His hunger was quenched
The narrator is flying his old Dakota aeroplane (DS 088) alone at night.
The sky is clear, stars are shining, and the moon is rising.
He is flying over France to England, dreaming of his holiday and breakfast with his family.
The time is 1:30 a.m.
He sees the lights of Paris and contacts Paris Control via radio.
He is instructed to turn 12 degrees west toward England.
He switches to his last fuel tank and confidently continues his journey.
Suddenly, he sees massive black storm clouds ahead, like dark mountains.
He realizes he cannot fly over or around the storm due to low fuel.
Although he considers turning back, he decides to take the risk and flies into the storm.
For about half an hour, he follows the black aeroplane through the storm.
The Dakota‘s fuel is nearly empty (5 to 10 minutes left).
Just in time, the strange plane starts to descend, and the narrator follows.
He comes out of the clouds and sees an airport runway with lights — he is safe!
After landing, he looks for the black aeroplane, but it has vanished.
He asks the control tower about the other plane.
The woman at the center says no other aircraft was flying in the storm and only his was seen on
radar.
The narrator is bewildered — who was the pilot of the black aeroplane?
How did he help him without lights, radio, or radar visibility?
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Q2: What did the narrator see when he looked down past the nose of the aeroplane?
Ans: The narrator saw the lights of a big city in front of him.
Q4: How did the Paris control center instruct the narrator?
Ans: The Paris Control instructed the narrator that he ought to turn twelve degrees west
then.
Q11: Why couldn‘t the narrator fly around the storm clouds to the north or south? ( c )
Ans: a) because it was very dangerous b) because his aeroplane was not strong enough
c) because the fuel was not enough
After half an hour the strange black aeroplane was still there
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane, flying in the storm, without lights?
Q1: How long did the narrator travel with the help of the black aeroplane?
Ans: The narrator travelled with the help of the black aeroplane more than half an hour.
Q2: How much fuel was there in the Dakota‘s last tank?
Ans: There was only enough fuel in the old Dakota‘s last tank to fly for five or ten
minutes more.
Q5: Why did the narrator go to the control center immediately after landing?
Ans: Because the narrator wanted to thank the pilot in the black aeroplane.
Q6: Why did the woman in the control center look at the narrator strangely?
Ans: Because the narrator enquired about the pilot and the black aeroplane in that severe
storm.
Q8: ―But then he started to go down…..‖ Who does ‗he‘ refer to? ( b )
Ans: a) the narrator b) the pilot of the black aeroplane c) the cloud
Q9: What were the two long straight lines mentioned in the above text? ( a )
Ans: a) the runway of England airport b) the runway of Paris airport
c) the runway of another airport
Q10: How many aeroplanes were seen on the radar in the control centre?( c )
Ans: a) the narrator‘s and the black aeroplane
b) only the black aeroplane c) only the narrator‘s aeroplane.
Q1: Where does the poem suggest you might encounter a large and tawny beast?
Ans: You might encounter the beast in the jungles of the east.
Q3: How does the poem indicate you can recognize the Asian Lion?
Ans: You can recognize the Asian Lion by its roar, especially if it roars as you are dying.
Q4: What is the likely reaction of the beast if you encounter it in the jungle?
Ans: The beast, the Asian Lion, is likely to roar at you.
Q2: How can you identify the Bengal Tiger according to the poem?
Ans: You can identify the Bengal Tiger by its black stripes on a yellow ground.
Q3: What does the poem suggest might happen if you encounter the Bengal Tiger?
Ans: The poem suggests that the Bengal Tiger might eat you.
Q5: Which word in the above stanza means ‗recognize or find out‘? ( a )
Ans: a) discern b) roaming c) noble
Q1: What kind of creature might you meet in your yard according to the poem?
Ans: You might meet a bear in your yard.
Q2: How does the poem suggest you can recognize a bear?
Ans: You can recognize a bear by the fact that it hugs you very, very hard.
Q3: What will the bear do if you have any doubts about its identity?
Ans: If you have any doubts, the bear will give you one more caress (hug).
Q2: Where does the boy‘s ball go after bouncing down the street?
Ans: The ball goes into the water.
Q4: Why does the speaker say that buying a new ball is worthless?
Ans: The speaker says it‘s worthless because the boy is learning a deeper lesson about loss.
Q5: What important lesson is the boy learning from losing his ball?
Ans: The boy is learning about responsibility and how to cope with loss.
Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
unlocked the door of his room and stood aside to let his frustrated guest enter.
The little spy smiled evilly. ―And we wish we knew how your people got the
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……………………………………………………………………………………….
knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. ―Mr Ausable! Mr
Ausable!‖
The narrator went to the control centre immediately after landing at the airport to enquire
about the pilot and the black aeroplane. Write a possible conversation between the
narrator and the woman in the control centre.
N: Yes. I want to thank him. May I know where the pilot is?
W: Sir, Yours is the only aeroplane that travelled and landed tonight.
N: It‘s shocking. Are you sure madam? Didn‘t you see any other aeroplane?
W: Yes sir. There is only one flight. No other flights are seen.
34
The narrator flew his Dakota and reached England safely through the huge black storm
clouds. The pilot of the black aeroplane guided him. After landing in England he
enquired the woman in the control station about that pilot. But the woman said that there
was no other pilot and other aeroplane flown that night. The narrator was surprised.
Imagine you are in the place of the narrator. Write a diary entry about the day‟s
proceedings.
Dt. 17-7-2025
Time: 10 PM
Dear diary,
What a day today! I will never forget this day in my life. I started my journey from
Paris to England in my old Dakota, dreaming about the time I was going to spend with my
family. After I travelled 150 kms from Paris, I noticed some storm clouds. They are really
huge like black mountains. I was in a dilemma whether to go back to Paris or to go forward
to England. I tried to contact the control center, but my radio was dead. I looked at the
compass, but it was also dead. I was terrified. Then I saw a black aeroplane. The pilot in the
aeroplane waved his hand at me, suggesting me to follow his flight. I did the same. After
travelling for half an hour, I could see the runway and landed safely. As soon as I landed, I
went to the control centre and enquired about the pilot as I wanted to thank him. But I came
to know there was no such aeroplane and mine was the only one that travelled today. I was
really surprised. It's really a miracle. Thank God for saving my life.
Good night.
In the lesson black aeroplane, the narrator was finally landed safely with the help of a
pilot in the black aeroplane. He wanted to thank him. But he realised that there was no
such aeroplane that day. He felt really surprised. Imagine that you are in the place of
the narrator and describe your thoughts.
Ans: After what felt like an eternity of flying through that terrifying storm, I finally
managed to land safely. The moment I touched down, I was filled with immense relief. The
black aeroplane that had guided me through the storm seemed like a beacon of hope in the
chaos. I couldn‘t wait to thank the pilot who had helped me so much. I was ready to show my
gratitude for saving my life when I found out something shocking.
As I approached the airport staff and inquired about the black aeroplane, I was met
with puzzled looks. They told me there was no record of any black aeroplane flying that day.
I was stunned. I had clearly seen the black aeroplane, and I had been guided by it through the
35
storm. It was impossible for it not to have existed. I felt a deep sense of confusion and
disbelief. How could such a helpful presence simply vanish?
The thought that the black aeroplane might not have been real made my head spin. I
tried to understand what had happened. Had I imagined the whole thing in the midst of the
storm, or was it some kind of miracle? My mind raced with questions and a mix of wonder
and unease. It was as if I had been part of a mystery I couldn‘t solve, and the only thing I
knew for sure was that I had been guided to safety by something extraordinary and
inexplicable.
Emphasising the necessity for Tree plantations, the Collector of the district has advised the
schools to initiate Kitchen Gardens in the school, encouraging the children a plant or a
seedling to bring awareness on necessity of trees and plants for the enrichment of the
environment. You have read the news and felt inspired.
Write a letter to the Editor of the Newspaper throwing light on the necessity to grow plants
and children‟s participation as a strong wave towards progress.
Ans:
[Link],
Dated 15th August, 2025.
To
The Editor,
The Hindu,
Srikakulam.
Sir,
This is really a wonderful and timely gesture from our Collector sir because this is the
only way to protect our environment. We have come to know from our science teachers that
environment has been degraded rapidly. Human beings are facing many problems like global
warming, pollution, shortage of drinking water etc. Plantation, as much as possible, is the
only solution to check these problems. So, we are thankful to the Collector sir for giving us a
good task.
Yours faithfully
xxxxxxxx
36
1. Have you ever been in great difficulty, and felt that only a miracle could help
you? How was your problem solved? Speak about this in class with your
teacher
Ans: Good Morning sir, Once, I faced a big challenge during my final exams in high
school. I had been struggling with physical science all year, and no matter how much I
studied, I couldn‘t seem to understand the concepts. With the exam approaching, I felt
overwhelmed and anxious, fearing I wouldn't pass.
At that point, it felt like only a miracle could help me succeed. Fortunately my
cousin, who is pursuing his [Link]., came that day just two days before my exams. When I
having a chit chat with him, he enquired about my studies. I told him about my problem. He
smiled at me and started explaining the difficult concepts in an easy way. I too began to
understand the subject. He was with me for two days.
On the day of the exam, I was nervous but more confident than before. When I
received my results, I was thrilled to find that I had passed with a good grade. My brother‘s
visit to my house is a real miracle.
Ans:
Good evening everyone,
Today, I‘m going to talk about the amazing journey of airplane models and how they
have evolved over time.
In1903 with the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur successfully invented an
airplane called ‗Wright Flyer‘ which was made of wood and fabric.
During World War I, planes like the Sop with Camel were used in battle. These planes
had stronger engines and could fly higher and faster.
In the 1930s, airplanes like the Douglas DC-3 revolutionized passenger travel. It was
comfortable and could carry more passengers over long distances.
During World War II, planes such as the Super marine Spitfire and the Boeing B-17
were developed, featuring advanced designs and powerful engines.
After the war, the jet age began with the introduction of the Boeing 707 in the 1950s.
This jet airplane could fly faster and further than ever before.
Today, modern airplanes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380 are
highly advanced, offering great efficiency, comfort, and safety.
Thank you!
As technology advanced, cars became faster and more stylish. In the 1950s, cars like
the Chevrolet Bel Air became popular for their sleek designs and powerful engines.
The 1970s brought more focus on safety and fuel efficiency, with models like the Toyota
Corolla becoming popular for their reliability.
Today, we have modern cars that are very advanced. Vehicles like the Tesla Model S
are electric, meaning they run on batteries instead of gasoline. .
From the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to today‘s smart cars, motorcars have come a long
way, making travel easier and more accessible.
Thank you!
Key Points:
Anne started school at Montessori nursery, then moved to the first form, and was later taught by
Mrs Kuperus, the headmistress.
In 1941, Anne‘s grandmother became ill and later died in January 1942.
Anne loved her grandmother deeply and remembered her on her next birthday by lighting a
candle in her memory.
As of 20 June 1942, Anne writes that her family of four is still doing well.
Anne writes about the tension in her class over promotion to the next grade.
Students are betting on whether they'll pass.
Anne is confident in most subjects, but unsure about math.
She describes her relationship with nine teachers, seven men and two women.
Mr Keesing, her math teacher, was annoyed with her for talking too much in class.
He punishes her by assigning extra homework, starting with an essay titled “A Chatterbox.”
Anne writes creatively, justifying that talking is inherited from her mother and part of being a
student.
Mr Keesing laughs at her first essay but gives her a second: “An Incorrigible Chatterbox.”
After behaving well for two lessons, she talks again, and he assigns another essay: “Quack,
Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox.”
Anne writes a poem with help from her friend Sanne about a mother duck, father swan, and
baby ducklings.
The father kills the ducklings because they quack too much — a humorous jab at her punishment.
Mr Keesing takes the joke well, reads it to the class, and even to other classes.
Q1: When did the narrator say ‗paper has more patience than people‘?
Ans: When she was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with her chin
in her hands.
Q4: Why did the narrator give more importance to the diary?
Ans: Because she didn‘t have a true friend.
Q6: How can you say that the narrator was not alone?
Ans: The narrator says that she has loving parents and a sixteen-year-old sister, thirty
friends, loving aunts and a good home. So I can say that she is not alone.
My father, the most adorable father I‘ve ever seen, didn‘t marry
………………………………. celebration in 1942 was intended to make up for the other, and
Grandma‘s candle was lit along with the rest.
Q9: Who did the narrator stay with after her parents went to Holland? ( a )
Ans: a) with her grandma b) with her sister c) in a hostel
Q7: What punishment was given to Anne Fran for talking in class? ( c )
Ans: a) to say Quack, Quack, Quack
b) to kneel down
c) to write an essay entitled Quack, Quack, Quack
(There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me— a mermaid, drifting
blissfully.)
Q7: What emotion of the speaker does the exclamation mark show? ( b )
Ans: a) happiness b) irritation c) none of the above
Q6: Why did Amand‘s mother instruct her not to eat chocolates? ( b )
Ans: a) because they are not good for health
b) because Amanda previously suffered with Acne due to eating chocolates
c) because chocolates are costly and they can‘t afford to buy them
Q3: What might someone think about the speaker's behaviour toward Amanda?
Ans: Someone might think that the speaker is nagging Amanda.
43
Q4: Pick out the word from the above stanza which means ‗to be silent because of
anger on someone‘? ( b )
Ans: a) moody b) sulking c) nagging
Q6: What would anyone think of the reason for Amanda‘s moodiness? ( a )
Ans: a) because of her mother‘s nagging
b) because of her father‘s nagging
c) none of the above
Everyone thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest citizen. He was about fifty
……………………………………………………………………..He came out from behind
the garden wall, his tools carefully packed in a bag on his back.
And within an hour Horace had opened the safe, given her the jewels, and gone
happily away………………………………………………………….He gets very angry
when anyone talks about ‗honour among thieves‘.
Q3: How long did Horace keep his promise to the kind young lady? ( c )
Ans: a) third day b) half an hour c) two days
Anne Frank got along pretty with all her teachers except [Link] who teaches
Mathematics. He was annoyed with Anne for a long time because she talked so much.
After several warnings, he assigned Anne extra homework.
[Link] : This is not good. I told you a number of times not to talk during the class.
Anne : Sorry sir.
Mr Keesing : No. I don‘t accept your apology. Write an essay and submit it tomorrow.
The topic is ‗A Chatterbox‘,
Anne: : ‗A Chatterbox‘ what can I write about that?
Mr Keesing : You have to write and submit. That‘s all.
Anne: : OK sir.
Anne : I will not trouble you sir. (but during the third lessons she started talking
again)
Mr. Keesing: : Anne. You haven‘t listened to me. As a punishment write an other essay.
Your topic is ‗Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox.‖
Imagine that you are in the place Anne Frank. Describe your thoughts when Mr.
Keesing gives you homework as a punishment for your talking in the class.
Ans: Why does Mr. Keesing always pick on me for talking? It's not like I'm the only one
who does it. I know I talk a lot, but it‘s just because I have so many thoughts and ideas to
share. I already written 2 essays and submitted to him. But he was not satisfied and gave me
another essay for the third time. This time I will try it in a different way. Sanne and I came
up with a funny poem that might just do the trick. It‘s about ducks, of all things. Maybe he‘ll
find it amusing.
In the poem, I'll describe a family of ducks and how their incessant quacking got them
into trouble. It‘s a silly story, but with a hint of satire that might make Mr. Keesing see the
absurdity of punishing me over and over for something that won‘t change.
As I write, I hope Mr. Keesing will see that my talking is just part of my character and
perhaps even an asset. Maybe this poem will be the turning point. I want him to understand
that my chatter is a part of my lively personality, not just a disruption.
Horace Danby was surprised when the police arrested him for jewel robbery. He
understood that he was cheated by the pretty young lady who demanded him to open
the safe. Imagine that you are in the place of Horace Danby and make a diary entry
about the incident.
Ans:
Dear Diary,
I can‘t believe what happened today. The police arrested me for the jewel robbery, and
I am still in shock. I thought I had planned everything perfectly, as I always do. But this time,
I was fooled—completely outsmarted by that pretty young lady.
She seemed so kind and confident when she asked me to open the safe. I never
suspected anything. I truly believed she was the owner of the house. How could I have been
so naive? Now, as I sit here, I realize she played me like a fiddle. She knew exactly how to
make me trust her, and I fell for it.
This is a harsh lesson, and I regret trusting her so easily. I was always so careful, yet I
let my guard down. I have been a fool, and now I must face the consequences of my mistake.
Goodnight.
Horace
47
Key Points:
Elders in Goa fondly recall the Portuguese era and the importance of bread during those times.
Though the Portuguese are gone, the tradition of baking continues in Goa.
The profession is passed down through generations—fathers to sons.
The baker came with a “jhang-jhang” sound made with a bamboo staff.
He balanced a basket of bread on his head.
He greeted the lady of the house, placed the basket on a stand, and served the servant.
48
Children rushed to see the bread, often peeking into the basket.
Bread was an essential part of every household.
The kids didn‘t even brush their teeth—hot tea did the trick!
Q1: Who would greet the lady of the house, and how?
Ans: The baker would greet the lady of the house with "Good morning."
Q2: Where would the baker place his basket?
Ans: He would place his basket on the vertical bamboo.
Q3: What was the reaction of the kids when the loaves were delivered to the servant?
Ans: The kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke but would still try to peep into
the basket.
Q4: What distinct memory does the narrator recall about the loaves?
Ans: The narrator recalls the typical fragrance of the loaves.
Q5: What did the children prefer over brushing their teeth?
Ans: The children preferred not to brush their teeth and instead relied on hot tea to clean
everything.
Q6: Why did the narrator mention the tiger in the context of brushing teeth?
Ans: The narrator mentioned the tiger to emphasize that even the tiger didn't brush his
teeth, so they didn‘t see the need to either.
Q7: What did the baker greet the lady of the house with? ( c )
Ans: a) "Hello"
b) "Good evening"
c) "Good morning.
Q9: What did the kids do when the loaves were delivered to the servant? ( b )
Ans; a) They ignored the loaves.
b) They climbed a bench or parapet to peep into the basket.
c) They ate the loaves immediately.
Q11: What was the children‘s attitude towards brushing their teeth? ( c )
Ans: a) They were diligent about brushing.
b) They brushed occasionally.
c) They didn't care to brush.
Q12: What did the children think could clean their teeth? ( b )
Ans: a) Mango-leaves
b) Hot tea
c) Loaves
V (II): COORG
Key points:
The Kaveri river originates from the hills and forests of Coorg.
Home to Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish.
The river supports wildlife like kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, and elephants.
50
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than
…………………………………………………………………………climbing and mountain
biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers.
Q5: Where does the river Kaveri obtain its water from?
Ans: The river Kaveri obtains its water from hills and forests of Coorg.
Q7: Why do the squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit?
Ans: For the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water.
Q11: Name the large fresh water fish mentioned in the above text. ( a )
Ans: a) Mahaseer b) Kingisher c) langur
Rajvir and Pranjol are traveling by train to Assam, where Pranjol‘s father manages a tea estate.
A tea vendor walks by their compartment calling out, ―Chai-garam... garam-chai.‖
Both boys sip steaming hot tea, and Rajvir shares that over eighty crore cups of tea are
consumed daily worldwide.
Pranjol is engrossed in his detective book, while Rajvir is mesmerized by the lush green scenery.
Green paddy fields give way to vast tea plantations.
The scene includes tea bushes, tall shade trees, workers plucking tea leaves, and factory
chimneys emitting smoke.
Rajvir, curious and enthusiastic, shares interesting facts and legends about tea:
o Chinese legend: Tea leaves accidentally fell into the emperor‘s boiling water, creating a
new drink.
o Indian legend: Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to avoid sleep; tea plants grew from
them, helping to banish sleep.
Tea was first drunk in China around 2700 B.C.
Words like tea, chai, chini come from Chinese.
Tea reached Europe in the 16th century, where it was initially consumed as medicine.
The train arrives at Mariani junction, where Pranjol‘s parents welcome the boys.
They drive to Dhekiabari Tea Estate, managed by Pranjol‘s father.
The estate road is lined with neatly pruned tea bushes.
Tea-pluckers, wearing plastic aprons and carrying bamboo baskets, are busy at work.
A tractor carrying tea leaves passes by as the car slows down.
Rajvir identifies the current season as the second-flush or sprouting period (May to July), which
yields the best quality tea.
Pranjol‘s father, Mr. Barua, is impressed by Rajvir‘s prior knowledge.
Rajvir humbly says he hopes to learn much more during his stay.
―Tea was first drunk in China,‖ Rajvir added, ―as far back as 2700 B.C.!
……………………………………………………………………………………………
baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
52
Q3: Where are the words like ‗chai‘ and ‗chini‘ originated?
Ans: The words like ‗chai‘ and ‗chini‘ are originated from Chinese.
Q2: How was the forest described before the trees began moving into it?
Ans: The forest was empty where no bird could sit, no insect could hide, and no sun could
bury its feet in shadow.
Q3: By when does the poem suggest the forest will be full of trees?
Ans: By morning.
Q6: What comparison is made to describe the movement of the boughs under the roof?
Ans: The boughs are compared to newly discharged patients, half-dazed and moving to the
clinic doors.
Q10: How are the boughs described when they move under the roof? ( a )
Ans: a) Like newly discharged patients
b) Like soldiers marching
c) Like dancers performing
Q3: How did the smell of leaves and lichens reach to the poetess?
Ans: The smell of leave and lichens reached to the poetess like a voice coming from the
rooms of the house.
Q1: Where did the boys find the muddy footprints first? ( b )
Ans: a) on the terrace b) on the steps of a house c) in the street
Eager to get away from crowded London he took a train to the village of Iping,
………………………………………………………………………………………………
poker grasped firmly in his hand, the clergyman flung open the door. ―Surrender!‖
Q8: Why did [Link] prepare to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper? ( b )
Ans: a) because her guest was an eccentric scientist
b) because he had paid her in advance
c) because he didn‘t wish to be disturbed
CREATIVE EXPRESSION:
You have learnt about your tenth class CBSE lesson Coorg and unique features of the
people there. Imagine that you have visited Coorg and enjoyed everything which was
mentioned in the lesson. Now, make a diary entry of your visit to Coorg.
Ans:
Dear Diary,
Today was an unforgettable day! I finally visited Coorg. It was even more beautiful
than I imagined. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the lush greenery and the cool, fresh
air. The hills were covered in coffee plantations, and the aroma of coffee beans was
everywhere.
The people of Coorg are truly unique. They have a rich culture and tradition. I learned
57
that they are known for their bravery, and many of them have served in the Indian army. The
Kodavas, as they are called, have their own distinct dress and customs. I enjoyed their
hospitality and listened to their stories of valour. I enjoyed the panoramic view of Coorg
from Brahmagiri hills. I took part in most of adventurous games like riverrafting, canoeing,
rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking and trekking etc. It was an amazing experience.
The people were so warm and welcoming, always ready with a smile.
Coorg is truly a paradise. The natural beauty, the rich culture, and the warm people made this
visit special. I will cherish these memories forever.
Goodnight .
Mij turns out to be a new subspecies, later named Lutrogale perspicillata maxwelli (Maxwell‘s
otter).
At first, Mij is shy and aloof, but soon warms up and sleeps beside the author.
The author takes Mij to the bathroom, where he plays joyfully in water.
Otters have a habit of spilling and splashing water everywhere.
Mij even learns to turn on taps by himself.
He becomes playful and obedient, responds to his name, and plays with rubber balls and
marbles.
His favorite game is juggling marbles while lying on his back.
To go back to England, Maxwell books a flight via Paris since British airlines didn‟t allow pets.
Mij must travel in a small box, but he injures himself trying to escape.
The author rushes to the airport with the injured otter.
On the plane, Mij escapes the box and runs through the cabin, causing panic among passengers.
A lady screams thinking it‘s a rat, and the author ends up with curry on his face trying to catch
him.
Eventually, Mij returns and snuggles affectionately with the author.
The author and Mij stay in London for a month.
Mij plays with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit, and a terrapin shell.
He invents a game using a sloped suitcase, placing the ball at the top and chasing it down.
On walks, he behaves like a dog on a lead and develops quirky habits, like running along a low
school wall.
Most Londoners don‟t recognize otters and guess all kinds of animals:
o Baby seal, squirrel, walrus, hippo, beaver, bear cub, mongoose, brontosaur, etc.
The funniest reaction is from a labourer, who seriously asks, “What is that supposed to be?”
Q2: Which place did the narrator‘s friend casually mention to get otters?
Ans: The narrator‘s friend mentioned Trigris marshes.
Q3: Where were they going to answer their mail from Europe?
Ans: They were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer their mail
from Europe.
For the first twenty-four hours Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly;
………………………………………………………………………………………….
move and made to do things; when static it is wasted and provoking.
Q5: How long did it remain asleep in the crook of narrator‘s knees?
Ans: Until the servant brought tea in the morning.
The days passed peacefully at Basra, but I dreaded the prospect of transporting Mij to
England, and to Camusfearna. ………………………………………………it was just ten
minutes until the time of the flight, and the airport was five miles distant. I put the miserable
Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with my hand.
Q4: What did the narrator find from the airholes and chinks around the lid of the box?
Ans: The narrator found that blood had trickled and died.
Q6: Why did the narrator put Mijbil in the box an hour before the flight journey? ( c )
Ans: a) because he wanted to have his meal.
b) because he wanted to place it in the cargo.
c) so that Mijbil would get accustomed to the box.
Ans: The narrator and his pet Otter remained in London for nearly a month.
61
Q4: What did the narrator bring from Otter‘s native marshes? ( c )
Ans: a) selection of toys b) ping-pong balls c) a terrapin shell
Q5: What does the phrase "silent haunches" suggest about the fog?
Ans: The phrase "silent haunches" suggests that the fog is still, quiet, and somewhat
mysterious.
Q7: How does the fog enter the scene in the poem? ( b )
62
Q11: What does the phrase "silent haunches" imply about the fog? ( c )
Ans: a) The fog is noisy
b) The fog is aggressive
c) The fog is quiet and still
It was the first time this important scientific journal had ever published the
…………………………………………………………………….. bought him telescopes,
microscopes, cameras, mounting materials, and other equipment and helped him in many
other ways.
Q2: It was the first time this important scientific journal had ever published
the work off ------------------------- ( b )
Ans: a) great scientist b) college students c) professors
63
For his eighth grade project, Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease
………………………………………………… project was placed first in the zoology
division and third overall in the county science fair.
Q8: What was the place of Ebright‘s project in the county science fair? ( a )
Ans: a) third b) first c) second
In high school Richard Ebright was a straight-A student. Because learning was easy,
he turned a lot of his energy ……………………………………………………………….
Travels of Monarch X, opened the world of science to him, Richard Ebright has never lost his
scientific curiosity.
In the lesson „Mijbil the Otter‟ the narrator Gavin Maxwell was fond of pets. When
his pet dog died, he was thinking of brining another dog. At that moment he happened to
meet his friend. His friend advised him differently.
Now, write a possible conversation between the narrator and his friend.
F : You are looking dull and sad. May I know the reason?
N : Nothing friend. I am O K.
F : But you are fond of pets. Can you be normal without a pet?
N : That‘s the problem. My life would be lonely without a pet animal.
F : Yes. Otters are as common as mosquitoes in Tigris marshes and often tamed by
Arabs.
N : That‘s good. Let us get a good Otter for me right now.
N : Thank you my friend for giving me a good advice. Have a good day.
In the lesson „Mijbil the Otter‟, Maxwell had a terrible experience with Mijbil in the
aircraft. He was pleased to get the support of the air hostess in that embarrassing
situation. He had to keep a watch on the otter which became highly intolerance.
Ans: It was really terrible experience to bring my Mijbil from Basra to London. As the
British airline doesn‘t allow animals into the flights, I booked a flight to Paris first and then
to London. I packed Mijbil in a wooden box and left for a hurried meal. When I had come
back I noticed that there was silence in the box and there were stains of blood around the
airholes of the box. I noticed the lining was also torn. I somehow managed to reach the
airport with the box. Luckily my seat in the flight was extreme front. I tried to cover the box
with my feet and the newspaper. I gave a parcel of fish to the airhostess and requested her to
keep it in a cool place. The kind airhostess suggested me to keep the box on to my knee. To
my embarrassment Mijbil suddenly flashed out and disappeared making the passengers
squawk and shriek. I was distress but the airhostess comforted me and brought my Mijbil
back. At last, with great difficulty, I could bring my Mijbil to London.
In the lesson „Mijbil the Otter‟ the narrator, Glen Maxwell lost his pet dog. He felt sad.
He was recalling the happy moments with the pet dog. He decided not to have a pet dog
this time.
Now, imagine that you are in the place of Glen Maxwell and describe your thoughts.
I'm still gutted about losing my furry mate. It's been tough coming to terms with the
fact that he's really gone. I keep thinking I'll see him wagging his tail or snuggling up on the
couch, but it's just not the same anymore.
To be honest, I've been thinking about getting another dog, but I just can't bring myself to do
it. It feels like I'd be replacing him, you know? Like I'm trying to fill the gap with a new
mate, but it wouldn't be the same.
I remember all the good times we had, from playing fetch in the backyard to cuddling
up on the couch for a nap. He was more than just a pet; he was a mate, a part of the family.
It's funny, I never thought I'd be the type of man to get so emotional about a pet, but he really
got under my skin. I guess that's what makes it so hard to let go."
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Key Points:
The conductor teases her affectionately about saving some laughter for later.
Valli sees big shops, crowds, and busy streets for the first time.
The conductor invites her to explore or get a drink, but she refuses.
She decides to return immediately on the same bus by paying another 30 paise.
On the way back, she sees the same cow lying dead on the roadside.
The cow's death saddens her and dampens her joy.
The sight disturbs her deeply, showing her emotional maturity and ability to understand life
and death.
Valli reaches home at 3:40 PM — still within her mother‘s nap time.
Her mother and aunt are chatting, unaware of her adventure.
Valli joins their conversation indirectly, smiling to herself.
Her mother reflects on how much we don‟t know about the world, and Valli quietly agrees,
holding her secret close.
The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled
………………………………………………………. understood the meaning of the word,
but they used it often as a slang expression of disapproval.
Q1: What was the most fascinating thing for Valli in her village?
Ans: The bus that traveled between her village and the nearest town.
Q2: How often did the bus pass through Valli‟s street?
Ans: The bus passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming
back.
Q3: What emotion did Valli feel when she saw people getting on or off the bus?
Ans: She felt wistful, filled with longings, dreams, and hopes.
Q4: What wish gradually grew in Valli‟s mind?
Ans: Valli wanted to ride on the bus, even if just once.
Q5: How did Valli react when her friends tried to describe the sights of the town to
her?
Ans: She would be too jealous to listen and would shout, ―Proud! proud!‖
Q8: How did Valli‟s wish to ride the bus develop over time? ( b )
a) It slowly faded away.
b) It became an overwhelming desire.
c) She lost interest in it.
Q9: What did Valli shout when her friends described the sights of the town? ( b )
a) ―Boring! boring!‖
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b) ―Proud! proud!‖
c) ―Exciting! exciting!‖
Q10: How did Valli feel when one of her friends rode the bus? ( c )
a) Happy and curious
b) Indifferent
c) Jealous and unable to listen
Q11: What did Valli often do when the bus stopped at the street corner? ( a )
a) She stared wistfully at the passengers.
b) She ignored it completely.
c) She tried to get on the bus.
Q12: What did Valli and her friends not understand about the word “proud”? ( b )
a) They didn't know how to spell it.
b) They didn't really understand its meaning.
c) They thought it meant something positive.
―May we start now, madam?‖ the conductor asked, smiling. Then he blew
………………………. ―Listen, child,‖ said the voice, ―you shouldn‘t stand like that. Sit
down.‖
Now, answer the following questions:
Q7: Why did Valli not able to have the complete outside view from the bus?
Ans: Valli found her view cut off by a canvas blind that covered the lower part of her
window.
Q1: How did Valli save money for her first journey?
Ans: Valli saved money for her first journey by thriftily saving stray coins that came her
way, resisting the temptation to buy items like peppermints, toys, and balloons.
Q2: How much money did Valli manage to save for her journey?
Ans: Valli managed to save a total of sixty paise for her journey.
Q4: How did Valli plan to leave the house without her mother knowing?
Ans: Valli planned to leave the house during her mother‘s nap time, which was usually
from about one to four in the afternoon.
Q5: What did Valli usually do during her mother‘s nap time?
Ans: During her mother‘s nap time, Valli usually stood looking from the doorway of her
house or sometimes ventured out into the village.
Ans: This day was special for Valli because she planned to use the hours of her mother‘s
nap for her first excursion outside the village.
Q7: How did Valli manage to save money for her journey? ( b )
Ans: a) By asking her mother for money
b) By saving stray coins that came her way
c) By selling her toys
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Q10: When did Valli plan to leave the house for her journey? ( b )
Ans: A) Early in the morning
B) During her mother‘s nap time
C) Late at night
Q11: What did Valli usually do during her mother‘s nap time? ( c )
Ans: A) Watched television
B) Played with friends
C) Looked from the doorway of her house or ventured into the village
Q12: Why did Valli find it difficult to save money for her journey? ( a )
Ans: A) Because she was tempted to buy sweets and toys
B) Because she lost some coins
C) Because her mother took her money
Valli wasn‘t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement
she‘d felt the first time. But suddenly she saw a young cow lying dead
……………………………………………………………………….stood up and stretched
herself. Then she turned to the conductor and said, ―Well, sir, 1 hope to see you again.‖
Now, answer the following questions:
Q1: How did Valli feel in the bus in her return journey?
Ans: Valli wasn‘t bored in the slightest and greeted everything with the same excitement
she‘d felt the first time.
Q3: How did Valli feel when she saw the dead cow?
Ans: Valli felt very sad when she saw the dead cow.
Q9: How did Valli feel when she first saw everything on the journey? ( b )
Ans: a) Bored
b) Excited
c) Scared
Q10: What did Valli see by the roadside that saddened her? ( b )
Ans: a) A broken cart
b) A young cow lying dead
c) A tree fallen down
Q12: How did Valli‘s mood change after seeing the dead cow? ( b )
Ans: a) She became more excited
b) She felt sad and her enthusiasm was dampened
c) She felt indifferent
Q13: What did Valli say to the conductor when the bus reached her village? ( c )
Ans: a) ―Goodbye, sir.‖
b) ―Thank you, sir.‖
c) ―I hope to see you again, sir.‖
Ans: The four pets are black kitten, grey mouse, little yellow dog and a little dragon.
When she seated herself for dinner opposite her husband who uncovered the tureen
with a delighted air, saying, ……………………………………………………………….
envelope. ―Here,‖ he said, ―here is something for you.‖ She quickly drew out a printed card on
which were inscribed these words
Q1: What was Mme. Loisel‘s reaction when her husband uncovered the tureen? ( b )
a) She felt content with her life.
b) She thought of elegant dinners and exquisite food.
c) She was excited about the potpie.
Q2: What did Mme. Loisel lack in her life that caused her distress? ( b )
a) A loving family
b) Frocks and jewels
c) A comfortable home
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Q3: How did Mme. Loisel feel about visiting her rich friend from the convent? ( c )
a) Happy and content
b) Excited to see her
c) She suffered and felt despair
Q4: What did Mme. Loisel‘s husband bring home one evening? ( b )
a) A gift for her
b) A large envelope
c) A piece of jewelry
Q5: What was inside the large envelope that Mme. Loisel‘s husband brought home? ( b )
a) Money
b) A printed card with an invitation
c) A letter from her friend
Q7: On what date was the event that M. and Mme. Loisel were invited to? ( b )
a) January 10
b) January 18
c) January 28
Q9: How did Mme. Loisel react to her husband's delight over the potpie? ( b)
a) She shared his excitement.
b) She thought of more luxurious foods.
c) She ignored him.
Q10: What emotion did Mme. Loisel feel when she returned from visiting her rich friend?
( c )
a) Happiness
b) Jealousy
c) Despair and disappointment
Q11. Why did Mme. Loisel avoid visiting her rich friend? ( b )
a) She didn't like her friend.
b) She felt immense sorrow after visiting.
c) She was too busy with her own life.
The day of the ball arrived. Mme Loisel was a great success. She was the prettiest of
all — elegant, gracious, smiling and full of joy……………………………………………..
hailing the coachmen whom they saw at a distance. They walked along toward the river,
hopeless and shivering.
Q1: Why did all men notice her and ask her name? ( b )
Ans: a) because she was the wife of a clerk
b) because she was the prettiest woman at the party
c) because she was the richest woman at the party
Q6: Where had her husband been since midnight on the day of ball? ( a )
Ans: a) in one of the little salons b) at the ball c) at the dining table
Q8: Why did she wish to hurry away from the ball? ( c )
Ans: a) because it was already 4 O‘ clock in the morning
b) because she was very tired of dancing
c) because she didn‘t like to be noticed by the other rich woman
She approached her. ―Good morning, Jeanne.‖ Her friend did not recognise her and
was astonished to be so …………………………………………………………………….
Mme Forestier was touched and took both her hands as she replied, ―Oh! My poor Matilda!
Mine were false. They were not worth over five hundred francs!‖
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2. What was Matilda's initial reaction when Mme. Forestier did not recognize her?
( b )
a) She walked away.
b) She introduced herself.
c) She felt insulted.
3. What had caused Matilda‟s physical change, according to her? ( b )
a) An illness
b) Hard and miserable days
c) A difficult marriage
5. What was Mme. Forestier‟s initial reaction when Matilda said she lost the
necklace? ( c )
a) She was angry.
b) She was indifferent.
c) She was surprised.
6. How long did it take Matilda and her husband to pay for the replacement
necklace? ( b )
a) Five years
b) Ten years
c) Fifteen years
7. What emotion did Matilda feel after revealing the truth to Mme. Forestier? ( b )
a) Anger
b) Proud and simple joy
c) Sadness
8. What was Mme. Forestier's reaction when she learned that Matilda replaced the
necklace? ( b )
a) She was indifferent.
b) She was touched and sympathetic.
c) She was angry.
9. What did Mme. Forestier reveal about the original necklace? ( c )
a) It was a family heirloom.
b) It was a rare and valuable diamond.
c) It was made of false stones and worth only five hundred francs.
10. How did Matilda react when she learned the truth about the necklace? (b )
a) She fainted.
b) The passage does not specify her reaction.
c) She laughed.
11. Why did Mme. Forestier take both of Matilda‟s hands at the end of the
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conversation? ( a )
a) To offer comfort and express sympathy
b) To congratulate her
c) To demand the original necklace back
12. What can be inferred about Matilda‟s life after paying for the necklace? ( b )
There was an eight-year old girl named Valli. She wanted to experience bus journey to the
nearest city. She planned about it and one day she got into the bus.
Now, write a possible conversation between Valli and the bus conductor:
(V = Valli C = Conductor)
V : Stop the bus! Stop the bus! .............. (the bus slowed down)
C : ―Hurry then! Tell whoever it is to come quickly.‖
V : It‘s me. I am the one who has to get on.
C: : Oh, really! You don‘t say so!
V : Never mind. I can get on by myself. You don‘t have to help me.
C : Oh! please don‘t be angry with me, my fine madam. Have a seat right up there in
front……. Many we start now madam?
V : Yes. Please give me a ticket to the town. How much should I pay?
C : Thirty paise.
AT THE TOWN:
C : Hey, lady! Aren‘t you ready to get off? This is the last stop of the bus.
V : No. I am going back on this same bus.
C : Then why don‘t you go to the stall over there and have something to drink?
V : No. I couldn‘t do that. I don‘t have enough money.
At last Valli has realised her dread of having a bus ride. She enjoyed her ride to the
town very much. She felt very happy.
Now, imagine that you are in the place of Valli and make a diary entry about the bus trip.
04-10-2025
10 PM.
Deary diary,
What an exciting day today in my life. Today my dream, to have a bus rides, has
come true. It‘s really a wonderful experience. I have taken the 1 PM trip of the bus because
my mother will have a nap after lunch and I came back by 2.45 PM before she gets up.
Between my village and the town, the sight is really beautiful. I enjoyed many things when
the bus was going along the bank of a canal and beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant
mountains, and the blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch and then acres and acres of
green fields, green as far as the eye could see. I also enjoyed that a cow running very fast,
right in the middle of the road, right in front of the bus. But I felt very sad when I noticed in
my return journey, the same cow was dashed down to death by a vehicle. I came back home
with great excitement of my bus ride which will last long in my memory.
Good night.
Glossary
Key Points:
Born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 B.C. in a royal family in northern India.
At the age of 12, he was sent for education in Hindu sacred scriptures.
Married at the age of 16 and had a son, living a life of luxury for 10 years.
At 25, he encountered the realities of life — a sick man, an old man, a dead body, and a monk.
These sights deeply moved him and made him leave his palace in search of truth and
enlightenment.
He wandered for 7 years and then meditated under a peepal tree, vowing not to move until he
attained enlightenment.
After seven days, he attained enlightenment and became known as the Buddha (The
Enlightened One).
The tree he meditated under became known as the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Wisdom).
His first sermon was delivered at Benares, a holy city by the River Ganges.
Kisa Gotami, a woman, lost her only son and was filled with grief.
She went door-to-door in her village, asking for medicine to cure her dead child.
People thought she had lost her senses, but one man directed her to Gautama Buddha.
Kisa Gotami begged Buddha to give her medicine for her son.
Buddha told her he could help — but she must bring a handful of mustard seeds.
The condition: it must come from a house where no one has ever died — not a child, parent,
husband, or friend.
She went from house to house and found mustard seeds, but every house had experienced death.
People told her, ―The living are few, the dead are many.‖
She sat down by the roadside, watching the city lights flicker and fade, realizing the
impermanence of life.
She understood that death is common to all, and her grief was selfish.
This realization marked her spiritual transformation — she saw the path to peace lies in
overcoming selfish grief.
Buddha explains that life is full of suffering, short and uncertain.
Death is inevitable — all who are born must die.
Just as ripe fruits fall, and pottery breaks, all humans are destined to perish.
Neither the wise nor the foolish, nor even relatives can escape death or save others from it.
Lamentation (weeping and grieving) only brings more suffering; it does not bring back the
dead.
One must draw out the arrow of grief and learn to be composed.
A person who overcomes sorrow finds peace of mind, freedom, and blessing.
They had a son and lived for ten years as befitted royalty. At about the age of twenty-
five, the Prince, …………………………………………………………………………….
Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares, most holy of the dipping places on
the River Ganges;
Ans: The Prince witnessed a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession, and a monk
begging for alms, which moved him to seek enlightenment.
Q2: How long did the Prince wander before sitting under the peepal tree?
Ans: The Prince wandered for seven years before sitting under the peepal tree.
Q3: What did the Prince vow when he sat under the peepal tree?
Ans: He vowed to stay under the tree until enlightenment came to him.
Q4: What was the peepal tree renamed after the Prince attained enlightenment?
Ans: The peepal tree was renamed the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Wisdom).
Q6: What title did the Prince receive after becoming enlightened?
Ans: The Prince became known as the Buddha (the Awakened or the Enlightened).
Q7: What was the Prince shielded from before he witnessed the four significant sights?
( b )
Ans: a) Wealth
b) Sufferings of the world
c) Knowledge
Q8: What did the Prince do after being moved by the four sights? ( c )
Ans: a) Returned to the palace
b) Continued hunting
c) Went out into the world to seek enlightenment
Q9: How many days did the Prince meditate under the peepal tree before attaining
enlightenment? ( a )
Ans: a) Seven days
b) Seven years
c) Seven weeks
Q11: What river is associated with the city of Benares, where the Buddha preached his first
sermon? ( c )
Ans: a) Yamuna
b) Saraswati
c) Ganges
Q12: What did the monk in the story symbolize for the Prince? ( b )
Ans: a) Suffering
b) Enlightenment
c) Wealth
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Kisa Gotami had an only son, and he died. In her grief …………………………..
―Alas! the living are few, but the dead are many. Do not remind us of our deepest grief.‖ And
there was no house but some beloved one had died in it.
Q3: Why did she carry her dead child to all her neighbours?
Ans: Kisa Gotami carried her dead child to all her neighbours, asking them for medicine.
Q4: What did the people say when she was asking for medicine for his dead son?
Ans: The people said that Kisa Gotami had lost her senses, the boy was dead.
Q7: What was the condition Budha asked Kisa Gotami to follow in bringing
the handful of custard seeds?
Ans: The mustard seeds must be taken from a house where no one has lost a child,
husband, parent or friend.
Q8: What did Kisa Gotami realise at the end of her search for mustard seeds?
Ans: After searching for mustards seeds, Kisa Gotami realised that death is common to all.
Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless, and sat down at the wayside watching the
lights of the city, as they flickered
……………………………………………………………….. of mortals. Both young and
adult, both those who are fools and those who are wise, all fall into the power of death; all are
subject to death.
Q8: What did Kisa Gotami realize as she watched the lights of the city? ( b )
Ans: a) Life is eternal and unchanging
b) Life is brief and flickers like the lights
c) Life is full of joy and happiness
Q10: What path did Kisa Gotami find in her valley of desolation? ( b )
Ans: a) A path leading to wealth and power
b) A path leading to immortality through selflessness
c) A path leading to revenge
Q11: What did the Buddha say about the life of mortals? ( c )
Ans: a) It is eternal and free from pain
b) It is troubled, brief, and combined with pain
c) It is full of joy and endless
Q12: What metaphor did the Buddha use to describe the life of mortals? ( a )
Ans: a) Ripe fruits that are in danger of falling
b) A river that flows endlessly
c) A tree that stands strong and tall
Q13: According to the Buddha, what is the nature of all living beings? ( b )
Ans: a) They are immortal and eternal
b) They are always in danger of death
c) They are free from suffering
Q4: What did the religious man declare the previous night?
Ans: The religious man declared that God only loves you for yourself and not
your yellow hair.
Q6: What does the young woman consider doing to her hair?
Ans: She considers dyeing it brown, black, or carrot.
Q8: What color does the young woman NOT consider dyeing her hair? ( c )
Ans: a) Brown
b) Black
c) Red
Q10: Who can love us for who we are and not for how we look? ( b )
Ans: a) Poet b) God c) Young men
Q11: What does the girl think she can do to get rid of lovers? ( a )
Ans: a) dye her hair b) cut her hair c) cover her hair
Bholi was seven years old when Mangla was married. The same year
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
with her ugly face and lack of sense. Let the teachers at school worry about her.‖
Q2: What significant event happened in the village the same year Mangla was
married? ( b )
Ans: a) A hospital was opened
b) A primary school for girls was opened
c) A new market was established
Q3: Who came to perform the opening ceremony of the girls' primary school?
( b )
Ans: a) The village headman
b) The Tehsildar sahib
c) The school principal
Q4: What role did the Tehsildar sahib say Ramlal had in the village? ( b )
Ans; a) The village priest
b) The government representative
c) The school teacher
Q5: Why did the Tehsildar sahib insist that Ramlal send his daughters to school?
( b )
Ans: a) To receive free education
b) To set an example for the villagers
c) To avoid paying extra taxes
Q6: What was Ramlal's wife's initial reaction to the idea of sending their daughters
to school? ( c )
Ans: a) She was excited
b) She was supportive
c) She was upset and cried
Q7: According to Ramlal's wife, what would happen if girls went to school? ( b )
Ans: a) They would become doctors
b) They would not get married
c) They would bring honour to the family
Q8: Why did Ramlal's wife agree to send Bholi to school? ( c )
Ans: a) Because Bholi was the youngest daughter
b) Because Bholi wanted to go
c) Because she thought Bholi had little chance of getting married
Q9: What did Ramlal's wife think about Bholi's appearance and intelligence? ( b )
Ans: a) She believed Bholi was very smart and beautiful
b) She believed Bholi was ugly and lacked sense
c) She believed Bholi was average in appearance and intelligence
Q10: Who did Ramlal's wife suggest should take responsibility for Bholi? ( a )
Ans: a) The school teachers
b) The village elders
c) The Tehsildar sahib
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When they reached the school, the children were already in their classrooms. Ramlal
handed over his daughter ………………………………………………………………….
just like their Lakshmi. And suddenly Bholi noticed that the teacher was standing by her
side, smiling at her.
Q1: Where were the children when Bholi and Ramlal reached the school? ( b )
Ans: a) Playing outside
b) In their classrooms
c) In the playground
Q3: How did Bholi feel when she was left alone at the school? ( c )
Ans: a) Excited
b) Angry
c) Fearful
Q4: What were the other girls in the classrooms doing? ( b )
Ans: a) Playing games
b) Reading from books or writing on slates
c) Singing songs
Q7: Which animal in the picture reminded Bholi of the Tehsildar‟s visit?
Ans: a) The horse
b) The goat
c) The cow
Q8: What was the color of the parrot in the picture Bholi saw? ( c )
Ans: a) Brown
b) Black
c) Green
Q10: What did Bholi notice about the teacher at the end of the passage? ( b )
Ans: a) The teacher was angry
b) The teacher was standing by her side, smiling
c) The teacher was leaving the classroom
―Pitaji! Take back your money. I am not going to marry this man.‖
Ramlal was thunderstruck. The guests began to whisper, ―So shameless! So ugly and
so shameless!‖ ―Bholi, are you crazy?‖ shouted Ramlal. ―You want to disgrace your family?
Have some regard for our izzat!‖ ―For the sake of your izzat,‖ said Bholi, ―I was willing to
marry this lame old man.
But I will not have such a mean, greedy and contemptible coward as my husband. I
won‘t, I won‘t, I won‘t.‖ ―What a shameless girl! We all thought she was a harmless dumb
cow.‖ Bholi turned violently on the old woman, ―Yes, Aunty, you are right. You all thought I
was a dumb–driven cow. That‘s why you wanted to hand me over to this heartless creature.
But now the dumb cow, the stammering fool, is speaking. Do you want to hear more?‖
Bishamber Nath, the grocer, started to go back with his party. The confused bandsmen
thought this was the end of the ceremony and struck up a closing song. Ramlal stood rooted
to the ground, his head bowed low with the weight of grief and shame.
Q1: What does Bholi ask her father to do with the money? ( b )
Ans: a) Give it to her husband
b) Take it back
c) Donate it
Q6: How did the guests describe Bholi before she spoke up? ( b )
Ans: a) As a clever girl
b) As a harmless dumb cow
c) As a rebellious child
Q8: What did the confused bandsmen do when Bishamber Nath started to leave? ( b )
Ans: a) They continued playing
b) They struck up a closing song
c) They left with him
Q9: How did Ramlal feel at the end of the passage? ( b )
Ans: a) Proud and relieved
b) Rooted to the ground with grief and shame
c) Angry and aggressive
Q10: What did Bholi challenge the people to do after speaking up? ( a )
Ans: a) To listen to her further
b) To leave the ceremony
c) To marry her
Kisa Gotami: Great Buddha, I am in deep sorrow. My only son has died, and I am desperate
to bring him back to life. Can you help me?
Buddha: Kisa Gotami, I understand your pain. To bring your son back, you must find a
mustard seed from a household that has never experienced death.
Kisa Gotami: Thank you, Buddha. I will do as you say and find this mustard seed.
Buddha: Yes, Kisa Gotami, death is inevitable for all living beings. Understanding this
helps us to accept the reality of life and find peace.
Kisa Gotami: Thank you, Buddha, for teaching me this important lesson. I now realize that
my grief is part of the human experience, and I must learn to accept it.
A conversation in very simple english between Bholi and her father in the context that
Bholi refused to marry Bishambar.
Father: But Bholi, I was worried about your future. I thought he would take care of
you.
Bholi: Father, I want a husband who respects me, not someone who only cares about
money.
Father: I am sorry, Bholi. I didn‘t want you to suffer. I thought this marriage would be
good for you.
Bholi: Father, you have always loved me. You have taught me to be brave. I want to
live with dignity. I am ready to take care of myself.
Father: You are right, Bholi. You have grown up to be a strong and wise girl. I am
proud of you. I will support you in whatever you choose.
Bholi: Thank you, Father. With your support, I know I can face anything.
Glossary
Key Points:
The story begins with the introduction of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, a nervous
and anxious landowner, who decides to propose to Natalya Stepanovna, his neighbour.
Lomov visits Chubukov‘s house with the intention of proposing to Natalya, but he is
extremely nervous and hesitant.
Chubukov, Natalya‘s father, warmly welcomes Lomov, thinking he has come for some
business matter, not realising the true purpose of the visit.
Lomov tries to gather courage to propose to Natalya but instead starts talking about his
land and property.
The conversation between Lomov and Natalya shifts to Oxen Meadows, a piece of land
that both families claim ownership of.
Natalya and Lomov start arguing fiercely about who owns Oxen Meadows, completely
forgetting about the marriage proposal.
Chubukov hears the argument and joins in, taking his daughter‘s side, which escalates the
fight further.
Lomov, frustrated and upset by the argument, leaves the house without proposing to
Natalya.
After Lomov leaves, Chubukov tells Natalya that Lomov had come to propose. Natalya
becomes extremely upset, realising she drove away her suitor.
Natalya demands that her father bring Lomov back quickly. It shows her eagerness to
accept the proposal.
Chubukov runs fast to bring Lomov back. Lomov returns, still nervous and shaky from the
earlier argument.
As soon as Lomov returns, he and Natalya begin arguing again, this time about the
superiority of their dogs, Squeezer and Guess.
Chubukov tries to calm them down, realising that the proposal might be lost again due to
their constant fighting.
The heated argument and Lomov‘s poor health cause him to faint, which shocks both
Natalya and Chubukov.
As Lomov regains consciousness, Chubukov urges them to hurry and get married. Natalya
quickly agrees to the proposal.
Chubukov gives his blessing to the couple, making the marriage proposal official, even
though they continue to argue.
The chapter highlights how issues like property and status can overshadow genuine
feelings in relationships.
The constant bickering between Lomov and Natalya shows how ego and stubbornness can
lead to unnecessary conflicts.
Despite the serious themes, the chapter is filled with humour, especially in the way the
characters argue over trivial matters.
The story ends with Lomov and Natalya getting engaged, but their future together seems
uncertain due to their argumentative nature.
93
LOMOV : It‘s cold... I‘m trembling all over, just as if I‘d got an examination
…………………………………………………………………..a bit and lie down again, but
as soon as I begin to get off to sleep there‘s another pull! And this may happen twenty
times... [Natalya Stepanovna comes in.]
Q2: What does Lomov think will happen if he hesitates or looks for real love?
Ans: He thinks he will never get married.
Q4: What physical symptoms does Lomov experience due to his excitement?
Ans: He experiences a noise in his ears trembling lips, a twitch in his right eyebrow, and
trouble sleeping due to a pulling sensation in his left side.
Q5: Why does Lomov think it is impossible for him not to marry?
Ans: He believes it is impossible for him not to marry because he is already 35, which he
considers a critical age, and he needs to lead a quiet and regular life due to his health issues.
Q6: What is Lomov‟s main concern about waiting too long to get married? ( b )
Ans: a) He will lose interest in marriage.
b) He will never get married.
c) He will find a better partner.
Q8: Which symptom does Lomov NOT mention experiencing due to his excitement?
( a )
a) Headache
b) Twitch in his eyebrow
c) Trembling lips
Q10: What does Lomov do after feeling the pulling sensation while trying to sleep?
( b )
Ans: a) He ignores it and falls asleep.
b) He gets up and walks around before lying down again.
c) He consults a doctor.
94
LOMOV : Natalya Stepanovna, I don‘t want the Meadows, but I am acting on principle. If
you like, I‘ll make you a present of them.
…………………………………………………of having done so. [Quickly steps to the
carafe and drinks more water] Oxen Meadows are mine!
Q2: How does Natalya respond to Lomov‟s offer to give her the Meadows?
Ans: Natalya responds by saying that the Meadows are already hers and criticizes Lomov
for offering to give her what she believes is her own land.
Q3: What example does Natalya give to show that they have been good neighbors to
Lomov?
Ans: Natalya mentions that they lent Lomov their threshing-machine last year, even though
it caused them to delay their own threshing until November.
Q4: How does Natalya describe Lomov‟s behavior?
Ans: Natalya describes Lomov's behavior as strange, not neighborly, and even impudent.
Q6: What does Lomov claim he is acting on when offering the Meadows? ( b )
Ans: a) Generosity
b) Principle
c) Friendship
Q7: How does Natalya describe Lomov's offer to give her the Meadows?( c )
Ans: a) Generous
b) Humorous
c) Impudent
Q8: What did Natalya's family lend Lomov last year? ( b )
Ans: a) A plow
b) A threshing-machine
c) A tractor
Q9: What is Lomov‟s reaction when Natalya accuses him of being a landgrabber?
( b )
Ans: a) He apologizes.
b) He denies the accusation and drinks more water.
c) He ignores the accusation.
Q10: What does Lomov insist about the Oxen Meadows at the end of the dialogue?
Ans: a) They belong to both families.
b) They are not worth arguing over.
c) They are his.
95
LOMOV : I‘m thinking of having a go at the blackcock, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, after
the harvest. Oh, have you heard? Just think, what a misfortune I‘ve had! My dog Guess, who
you know, has gone lame.
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
NATALYA : Have you measured
Q3: How much did Lomov pay for his dog, Guess?
Ans: Lomov paid 125 roubles for Guess.
Q8: Why does Lomov believe Guess is a better dog than Squeezer? ( a )
Ans: a) Guess is a first-rate dog.
b) Guess is younger.
c) Guess is larger in size.
Q9: What does Natalya claim about Squeezer's pedigree and points? ( b )
Ans: a) It‘s inferior to Guess.
b) It‘s better than Guess.
c) It‘s similar to Guess.
LOMOV : I see, Natalya Stepanovna, that you consider me either blind or a fool. You must
realise that Squeezer is overshot!
…………………………………………………………………
LOMOV : But isn‘t my Guess better? Really, now?
Q5: Who says, "Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet"? ( c )
Ans: a) Omega
b) Iota
c) Oop
Q1: What is the distance mentioned between Mars and Alpha Centauri? ( b )
Ans: a) Fifty million miles
b) A hundred million miles
c) Two hundred million miles
Q2: What was the order given to the invasion fleet? ( b )
Ans: a) To attack Earth
b) To evacuate Mars
c) To establish a base on Mars
Q3: Who helps Think-Tank off stage left? ( a )
Ans: a) Noodle
b) Omega
c) Iota
Q4: What does the Historian say saved the world from a Martian invasion? ( b )
Ans: a) An army of Earthlings
b) A dusty old book of nursery rhymes
c) A powerful weapon
Q6: Who replaced Great and Mighty Think-Tank as the Martian leader? ( a )
Ans: a) Noodle
b) Omega
c) Oop
[Link]. 18: Combine the following sentences as with ‘who / which / whose / whom
(Relative Clauses) as given in the brackets. (Syllabus reference: Unit I)
Rohini got an admission into MBA. Her aim is to become a business woman. (whose)
Ans: Rohini, whose aim is to become a business woman, got an admission into MBA.
Q24: The black clouds surrounded the Dakota plane. The clouds made the pilot nervous.
(which)
2
Q25: The black aeroplane appeared out of nowhere. It guided the Dakota safely through the
storm. (which)
Q26: The teacher gave us a lesson on bravery. She always tells interesting stories. (who)
Q27: The artist painted a beautiful picture. The picture was admired by everyone. (which)
Q28: The bus was crowded. It made the ride uncomfortable for everyone. (which)
Q29: The flowers bloomed beautifully. They added colour to the garden. (which)
Q30: My friend is an excellent dancer. She won the first prize in the competition. (who)
Q31: The old man told us a story. The story was about his childhood. (which)
Q32: The dog barked at the stranger. It scared the children nearby. (which)
Q33: The woman helped the injured bird. The bird was lying on the road. (which)
Q34: The boy lives next door. His father is a doctor. (whose)
Q35: The book is on the table. It belongs to my sister. (which)
Q36: The power went out suddenly. It left the whole neighbourhood in darkness. (which)
Q37: The girl is very kind. Everyone likes her. (whom)
Q38: The cake was delicious. Everyone wanted a second slice. (which)
Q39: The dog barked loudly. Its owner was not at home. (whose)
Q40: The man was reading a newspaper. He is my uncle. (who)
Q41: The lady teaches us English. She is very patient. (who)
Q42: The cat jumped onto the table. The table was covered with books. (which)
Q43: The train was delayed by an hour. It caused many passengers to miss their
connections. (which)
Q44: The soup was too hot. It burned my tongue. (which)
Q45: The rain started suddenly. It soaked everyone on the street. (which)
Q46: The car broke down. It was very old. (which)
Q47: The bicycle is broken. It belongs to my brother. (which)
Q48: The phone rang in the middle of the night. It startled me. (which)
Q49: The alarm rang loudly. It woke up the whole family. (which)
Q50: The tree was struck by lightning. It was very old. (which)
Q51: The child is playing outside. His toys are all over the yard. (whose)
Q52: The singer has a beautiful voice. She is very popular. (who)
Q53: The movie was very long. It made everyone feel tired. (which)
Q54: The wind blew fiercely. It knocked down the trees. (which)
[Link]. 19: Change the following sentences into passive voice. (Textual / General)
(Syllabus reference: Unit -3 WB)
[Link].20 :Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech. (Textual / General)
(Syllabus reference: Unit – 9)
The little girl asked the conductor, “Why do you ask me so many questions?”
Ans: The little girl asked the conductor why he asked her so many questions.
[Link]. 21: Fill in the blanks with a suitable preposition given in brackets.
(Textual / General)
i) The world looks -------------------- a change in the environment. (to, for, on)
Ans: for
ii) Nelson Mandela was besieged ------------------ a group of officers. ( by, in, at)
Ans: by
Q1. The older boys were working --------- the field ( into / in / under)
Q2. The flowers were gone ------------ the plants. ( from / in / on)
Q3. He dropped the letter ------------ the mailbox. ( in / into / on)
Q4. The postmaster burst ------------- laughing. ( out / of / off)
Q5. Mandela was besieged --------- the dignitaries. ( of / on / by)
Q6. I was accompanied -------------- my daughter. ( of / on / by)
Q7. It was a spectacular array -------------- South African jets.(off / by / of)
Q8. I was not born with a hunger --------- be free. ( from / out / to)
Q9. This factory belongs ....................... my friend‘s father. (by / to /of )
Q10. Her parents are proud her. (about / of / at)
Q11. We should believe God. (with / in / to)
Q12. Don‘t shout others. (out / of / at)
Q13. In every beginning think an end. (at / for / of)
Q14. I agree you to a certain degree. (with / to / from)
Q15. I will agree your proposal. (with / to / from)
Q16. Animals depend plants for their food. (in / on / at)
Q17. It will take time for her to recover illness. (from / for / to)
Q18. Lions belong the cat family. (for / into / to)
Q19. My friend is very good English. (at / in / with)
Q20. This book different the original book. (for / from / out)
Q21. Out Headmaster is very keen discipline. (for / in / on)
Q22. Benaras is famous silk sarees. (about / for / from)
Q23. She is bad English. ( at / to / for)
Q24. Listen your teacher carefully. (at / to / for )
Q25. Don‘t be jealous others. ( of / about / at)
Q26. She lives --------- a small village. ( in / on / from)
Q27. The cat is hiding -------------- the table. (across / in / under)
Q28. We will meet ----------------- the park ----------5 PM. (at, since, for, of)
Q29. The book is ------------- the shelf. (on, out, from)
Q30. They are traveling----------------train. (on, by, in)
Q31. He has been working here ------------- 2010. (for, from, since)
Q32. She was born --------------- July. (on, onto, in)
Q33. The dog jumped ------------the fence. (out, over, to)
Q34. The picture is hanging ---------the wall. (on, in, into)
Q35. The conference will be held --------------Monday. (in, on, since)
Q36. He sat -----------the chair. (to, of, in)
Q37. She put the keys ----------her bag. (in, on, out)
Q38. The kids are playing ---------the garden. (in, of, off)
6
Q39. The coffee shop is located--------------the corner of the street. (at, off, of)
Q40. The movie starts ----------7 PM. (at, on, from)
Q41. The letter was addressed ----------the manager. (by, from, to)
Q42. He has been absent ----------school for three days. (in, on, from)
Q43. The car is parked -----------the garage. (in, at, in)
Q44. We walked -----------the bridge. (across, over, by)
Q45. The meeting lasted -------------two hours. (since, from, for)
Q46. They arrived -----------the airport late. (on, in, at)
Q47. The teacher wrote the assignment --------------the board. (in, on, of)
Q48. The train goes -----------------the tunnel. (through, by, in)
Q49. She has been waiting ---------------the bus stop. (on, at, in)
Q50. He is responsible --------------the project. (for, by, of)
Q51. The book was written ----------------a famous author. (in, on, by)
Q52. They were sitting ----------------the table during lunch. (on, in, at)
Q53. The news was broadcasted --------------the radio. (on, across, over)
Q54. The cat jumped ---------------the chair to the window. (onto, on, from)
Q55. She lives -----------------the 3rd floor of the building. (in, on, of)
WB: Unit I:
Suppose Lencho gets a hundred pesos in his envelope. He writes a letter to God
expressing his gratitude. However, he has missed a word in each line. Help him with
those words so that his letter is complete.
Dear God!
(d) help has my faith in you. : help has increased my faith in you.
(e) This money will help me until the crop :This money will help me until the crop grows
(f) and I promise to hard in the future. : and I promise to work hard in the future.
Sincerely yours,
Lencho
The following passage has an error in each line. Find the error and write the correct
word or words against the line.
I don‘t mean that some peoples are born clear headed: people
WB Unit IV:
Read this quote from Max Müller. There are errors in the text. Find out the errors and
write the correct word in the space provided
―If I was asked under what sky the human mind --------(which)----
has most fully developed some for its choicest gifts, -------(itself)-----
has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems --------(over)------
of life, and has find solutions of some of them which -------(found)-------
well deserve the attention even of them who have ------(deserves)-------
8
WB: Unit V:
Some words have been wrongly spelt in the paragraph given below. Correct the words
and read the paragraph aloud.
The journey to the Valley of Flowers begins about 16 km away from Joshimath, at
Govindghat (1,770 m) on the Rishikesh Badrinath heightway (highway).The Valley of
Flowers is covered with a rich varity (variety)of magnifiscent (magnificent)plants. Over the
past few years, thousands of visitors have ‗discovered‘ this idyll (ideal)amidst the mountain.
However, they live like marks only by way of empty cans, waste-paper and cigarete
(cigarette) butts.
Trakking (Trekking) in the area has resulted in the trampling of these delikate (delicate)
plants by humans and ponies. As a result, the government of India was compeled
(compelled)to ban all mountainering, (mountaineering) trekking, expeditions and livestock
grasing (grassing) in the area, with effect from February 20, 1983. This is to privent
(prevent) further damage to one of our nation‘s unique repositories of natural beauty.
WB: Unit VIII: There are some omissions in the paragraph given below. Edit the
paragraph, use suitable prepositions and words.
One day, Prince Siddhartha was going the royal gardens on his way the (along) river.
A flockwild (A flock of ) geese passed overhead. Devadatta, the Prince‘s cousin, shot arrow
(shot an arrow) into their midst one of the geese fell. It was wounded and fell just front of
Siddhartha. His heart was filled compassion (filled with compassion) when he saw poor (the
poor) bird bleeding profusely. He lifted it and he drew the arrow (drew the arrow out) very
carefully from its body. He took the bird with him. Devadatta sent a messenger claim (to
claim) the bird. But Siddhartha refused to give it. He said that belonged (that it belonged) to
him because he had saved its life. It did not belong to Devadutta who had tried to kill.
9
WB: Unit IX
Jumbled Sentences.
Join the parts of the sentences given below and write meaningful sentences.
Ans: The inner determination of an individual can transform everything by giving ultimate
expression to the infinite potential of human being.
(b) down many a time/but keep rising/that you may go/the Sun teaches us
Ans: The sun teaches us that you may go down many a time but keep rising.
(c) but how much love/much we give/we put into giving/it’s not how
Ans: It‘s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
(d) fit for human habitation/would mould the world/the citizens of tomorrow/into a globe
Ans: The citizens of tomorrow would mould the world into a globe fit for human habitation.
(e) you must hear/to be a great leader /and pains of people/ the unspoken joys
Ans: To be a great leader, you must hear the unspoken joys and pains of people.
Unseen
Q1: Taylor and Rebecca is(a) husband and wife. They are married since(b )five years now,
and they love each other very much. Rebecca earned(c) a little more than Taylor, but other
than that, for him everything is perfect. Taylor laughs on(d) the wrong jokes, but other than
that, for her everything is perfect too.
Q2: The good thing for(a) their relationship is that they are always very honest with one
(b) other. They tells(c) the truth even if it is not nice. One day though, Taylor deciding(c) not
to tell the truth.
Q3. He went to an (a) party at his workplace. Audrey, one from (b) his coworkers, drank
to (c) much and needed help to get home. ―I feel like I am going to fell (d) asleep! Will you
please take me home?‖ she said and smiled in a silly way.
10
Q4: ―Hmm, sure. I will drive you home. I was (a) going to leave in a few minutes. Will
you wait to (b) me at the door?‖ Audrey made(c) a silly face and Taylor hoped she
understood. On the way, she fell asleep in the car, and Taylor simply take(d) her home.
Q5. The next day, Rebecca drove the car and Taylor sat beside (a) her. ―I am sure she is
going to found(b) out!‖ he thought. He felt uncomfortable. Then he sudden(c) noticed a
high-heeled shoe on(d) the back of the car. ―Oh no!‖ he thought. ―It must be Audrey‘s!‖
Q6: The nervous system are (a) the body‘s internal electro chemical, communications net
works. Its main part (b) are the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The brain and the spinal cord
forms (c) the Central Nervous System, the bodies chief controller and coordinating centres.
Billions of long neurons, manygroup (d) as nerves, make up the peripheral nervous system.
Q7:I do not know why are children (a) afraid of speaking English. English is a language
like any other language. If we learn it systematically, we will learned (b) the basics of
the language in six and (c) nine months. If you are worried for(d) our mistakes, we
will never become fluent in our speech.
Q8: Time is precious. It is invaluable. It is one of a (a) powerful factors. Our life
ismeasure (b) in terms of time. We grow for (c) time, live in time and perish in time. Time
is fleeting. It is changing. It never stops. Neither does it wait for anyone. Even the
strongest but(d) powerful monarch has been helpless before time.
Q9: Sugarcane will not growon (a) a hot, dry country. It need (b)rain. It grows well on
lowlands near the sea. It does not grow well on high hills. People in many countries grow
sugarcane in their own gardens. They cut the ripe stems in pieces but (c) chew them. They
swallow the sweet juice and spit out a (d) fibre.
Q10: The salt which we use in (1) our tables is mined on land. In some places ithave (b)
been collected under the rocks in layers half a mile thick. In other places there were (c)
reservoirs of brine deep in the earth‘s crust. Both mines but (d) reservoirs are the remains of
the seas that once covered the land. The seas have gone and left its salt behind, or they have
been buried deep in the earth. Wherever we get our salt, we are mining the sea.
[Link].23 : Fill in the blanks with a suitable article (i.e.a / an / the)Textual / General:
● :(Syllabus reference: Unit 2)
1. ---------------- boy and ----------------- girl were shopping in a market. ------------ boy was
from Kerala and ------------- girl was from Nagaland.
2. Can you turn off --------------- light?
3. He has taken ------------------ taxi to ------------------ station.
4. Is there ---------------- police station nearby?
5. My sister works in ---------------- bank.
6. He has been looking for --------------- job for the last seven years.
7. Would you like to eat------------- apple?
8. He goes to the theatre once ------------ month.
9. Atlantic Ocean covers about 30% of the Earth's surface.
10. This is most delicious pizza I've ever eaten.
11. I have unique opportunity to meet the director of the movie.
12. She bought dozen bananas
13. information you provided is incorrect.
14. They live near river.
15. price of this laptop is higher than the other one.
16. Mount Kanchenjunga is in the Himalayas.
17. She wants to be lawyer when she grows up.
18. He was wearing white hat.
19 Nile is the longest river in the world.
20. She was elected president of the club.
12
[Link]. 24: Change the following into a repeated action in past using ‘used to / would ‘
(Textual /General)
(Syllabus reference: Unit VI)
Textual:
General:
Q1: When I was a child, I (play) outside for hours every day.
Q2: My grandmother (tell) us stories before bedtime.
Q3: We (have) a dog named Max when I was younger.
Q4: Every summer, we (go) to our grandparents' house in the village.
Q5: He (believe) in ghosts when he was a kid.
Q6: She (be) very shy when she was in school.
Q7: They (watch) the sunset together every evening.
Q8: I (not like) vegetables when I was a child.
Q9: Our teacher (give) us a quiz every Friday.
Q10: We (live) in a small town before moving to the city.
Q11: My father (drive) us to school every morning.
Q12: They (have) a big garden in their backyard.
Q13: The children (play) in the park every weekend.
Q14: She (be) afraid of the dark when she was little.
Q15: He (take) the bus to work every day.
Q16: We (visit) our relatives every holiday season.
Q17: My brother (collect) stamps when he was younger.
Q18: She (be) very good at mathematics.
Q19: They (argue) a lot, but they always made up.
Q20: I (listen) to the radio every night before bed.
Q21: My grandmother (bake) cookies every Sunday.
Q22: He (have) a lot of friends in his neighb ourhood.
Q23: We (go) fishing every weekend during summer.
Q24: She (believe) in fairytales when she was a child.
Q25: He (play) the guitar in a band when he was in college.
Q26: We (be) very close friends when we were kids.
Q27: They (tell) us interesting facts about nature.
Q28: I (ride) my bicycle to school every day.
Q29: She (read) a book every evening before bed.
Q30: We (stay) up late watching movies on weekends.
Q31: He (spend) his summer vacations at his uncle's farm.
Q32: My parents (own) a small grocery store in town.
Q33: We (climb) trees and play hide and seek in the orchard.
Q34: She (be) very active in sports during her school days.
Q35: He (write) letters to his grandparents every month.
14
[Link]. 25: Rewrite the sentences into a single sentence using Noun-modifiers.
(Textual / General)
2. Gowtham found a cat. It has blue eyes and brown stripes on its body.
Ans: Gowtham found a cat with blue eyes and brown stripes on its body.
Q26. Valli suddenly noticed a cow running right in front of the bus. It was a young and
strong cow.
Q27: She baked a cake. The cake was delicious.
Q28: He bought a jacket. It was made of leather.
Q29: I adopted a dog. The dog was very playful.
Q30: They booked a hotel. The hotel was close to the beach.
Q31: She has a bicycle. The bicycle is very fast.
Q32: He attended a seminar. The seminar was about technology.
Q33: We visited a park. The park was full of flowers.
Q34: She received a letter. The letter was from her cousin.
Q35: He built a house. The house was on a hill.
Q36: They bought a painting. The painting was very colourful.
Q37: I read Gitanjali. It was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
Q38: She bought a car. It is red and has a powerful engine.
Q39: We visited a museum. It is known for its ancient artifacts.
Q40. They live in a house. It is made of stone and has a large garden.
Q41: She read a novel. The novel was written by a famous author.
Q42: He bought a guitar. The guitar was handcrafted.
Q43: We watched a movie. The movie was very entertaining.
Q44: They climbed a mountain. The mountain was covered in snow.
Q45: She found a necklace. The necklace was made of gold.
Q46: He purchased a bicycle. The bicycle had gears.
Q47: They adopted a cat. The cat had blue eyes.
Q48: She visited a city. The city was known for its architecture.
Q49: He gifted me a watch. The watch was waterproof.
Q50: They rented a cottage. The cottage was by the lake.
[Link]. 26: Give a suitable advice for the situation given below.
Q1: The TV at home is not working. Advise your brother to call a technician immediately.
(Model Paper question)
Q16: Your friend wants to stay healthy. Advise him to do exercise regularly and eat
healthy.
Q17: Your sister‘s teacher has assigned a lot of homework. Advise her to manage the time
wisely to complete it.
Q18: Your friend‘s printer is not working. Advise him to check the connections at once or
call a technician.
Q19: Your friend has lost his keys. Advise him to get spare keys.
Q20: The weather is very hot today. Advise your parent to drink plenty of water.
Q21: Your friend is speaking too loudly in the library. Advise her to be quiet in the library.
Q22: You neighbour‘s dog hasn‘t been fed. Advise him to feed the dog well.
Q23: Your sister going to be late for her appointment. Advise her to call them and inform.
Q24: You see someone littering in the park. Advise him to use the dust bin.
Q25: Your mother didn‘t get enough sleep last night. Advise her to go to bed early tonight.
Q26: Your friend is thinking of skipping class. Advise her not to skip the class.
Q27: Your friend is having trouble finishing your project on time. Advise him to ask for
help or prioritize the tasks.
Q28: Your sibling is spending too much time on their phone. Advise him to take a short
break from the phone.
Q29: Your brother‘s clothes are wrinkled. Advise him to iron his clothes.
Q30: Your friend always teases a physically challenged boy in your class. Advise him to
stop teasing physically challenged people.
Q31: Your friend does not wash his / her hands before taking his / her lunch. You think it is
not a good habit. Advise him / her to wash hands before taking lunch.
Q32: You have completed your examinations. Your friends and you wanted to enjoy the
day. How would you suggest your friends to see a movie.
Q33: Your uncle is going on a pilgrimage to Tamilnadu. Advise him to learn a few words
in Tamil.
Q34: Your friend is going join in a college in Bengaluru. Advise him to learn a few
Kannada words.
Q35: Your friend is waking up late these days. Advise him to wake up early to prepare well
for the exams.
Q36: Your neighbour has been throwing the rubbish onto the road. Advise him to put it into
the rubbish dump.
Q37: Your brother is appearing for a competitive exam. Advise him to read English news
paper daily.
Q38: Your friend is crazy about consuming soft drinks which are hazardous. Advise him to
take coconut water instead of soft drinks.
Q39: You friend is suffering from cold and fever. Advise her to consult a doctor
immediately.
Q40: Your friend has stated smoking. Advise him to stop smoking.
Q41: Your brother is becoming fat. Advise him to do yoga every day.
Q42: Your sister is fond of doing classical dance. Advise her to join in a dance school.
[Link]. 27: SYNONYMS: Write synonyms of the underlined words choosing the
appropriate one from the words given in the box.
(Syllabus reference: All prose lessons in the textbook)
I have seen men stand up to attacks to torture (a) without breaking, showing a
strength the resilience (b) that defies (c) the imagination I learned that courage was
not the absence of fear, but the triumph (d) over it.
Q1:
All through the night, the rain came down. But, instead of the anticipated good
fortune, it brought with it only disaster. The heavy rain destroyed the entire crop, leaving
Lencho and his family in a state of devastation (a). The loss was so great that Lencho, a man
of unshakable (b) faith, was overwhelmed (c) by the magnitude of the calamity (d).
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q2:
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q3:
Not a leaf remained (a) on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed (b). The flowers
were gone from the plants. Lencho‘s soul © was filled with sadness. When the storm (d)
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q 4:
apartheid years discrimination power ritual auditorium
The ceremonies (a) took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre (b) formed by
the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades (c) this had been the seat of white supremacy,
18
(d) and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the
installation of South Africa‘s first democratic, non-racial government.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q5:
Ownership country well-known strange criminals honour
We, who were outlaws (a) not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege
(b) to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished
( c ) international guests for having come to take possession (d) with the people of our
country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q6.
common people, friends, bravery, flexibility, cowardice, illtreat
It is from these comrades (a) in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage.
(b) Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have
seen men stand up to attacks and torture (c) without breaking, showing a strength and
resilience (d) that defies the imagination.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q7:
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q8:
unsteady slowly recklessly quickly high low
He was not falling headlong (a) now. He was soaring (b) gradually (c) downwards and
outwards. He was no longer afraid. He just felt a bit dizzy. (d)
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q9:
compass reach radar gasoline cyclone peculiarly
She looked at me very strangely, (a) and then laughed. ―Another aeroplane? Up there
in this storm (b) ? No other aeroplanes were flying tonight. Yours was the only one I could
see on the radar.‖ So who helped me to arrive (c) there safely without a compass or a radio,
19
and without any more fuel (d) in my tanks? Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane,
flying in the storm, without lights?
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q10.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
Q11.
This birthday celebration (a) in 1942 was intended (b) to make up for the other, and
Grandma‘s candle was lit along with the rest. The four of us are still doing well, and that
brings me to the present date of 20 June 1942, and the solemn (c) dedication (d) of my
diary
Ans: a. b. c. d.
12.
insufficient, gave, incurable, sufficient, picture, point of view
Mr Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments, (a) but when I proceeded to talk my
way through the next lesson, he assigned (b) me a second essay. This time it was supposed
to be on ‗An Incorrigible (c) Chatterbox‘. I handed it in, and Mr Keesing had nothing to
complain about for two whole lessons. However, during the third lesson he‘d finally had
enough. (d)
Ans: a. b. c. d.
13.
shield huge large appeared look like vanished
The creature that emerged (a) from this sack on to the spacious (b) tiled floor of
the Consulate bedroom resembled (c) most of all a very small, medievally conceived,
dragon. From the head to the tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical pointed scales of
mud armour, (d) between whose tips was visible a soft velvet fur like that of a chocolate-
brown mole.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
20
14.
separate active friendly stayed unfriendly laziness
For the first twenty four hours Mijbil was neither hostile (a) nor friendly; he was
simply aloof (b) and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as
possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained (c)
asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the
day he began to lose his apathy (d) and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his
surroundings.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
15.
proof overweight look unlike wealthy adversity
He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. (a) Their
plump (b) physique was an open testimony (c) to this. Even today any person with a
jackfruit-like physical appearance (d) is easily compared to a baker.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
16.
narrate cowardice friendliness broad courage many
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, (a) and they are more than willing to
recount (b) numerous (c) tales of valour (d) related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg
Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian
Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
.
17.
possible strong, wonderful, thickly, overextended contracted
It was a magnificent (a) view. Against the backdrop of densely (b) wooded hills a
sea of tea bushes stretched (c) as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were
tall sturdy (d) shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like
figures.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
18.
view attractive basis journeyed nearest ugly
The most fascinating (a) thing of all was the bus that (b) between her village and
the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once
coming back. The sight (c) of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a
source (d) of unending joy for Valli.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
21
19.
quench irresistible desires longingly ignite weaker
This wish became stronger and stronger, until it was an overwhelming (1) desire.
Valli would stare wistfully (b) at the people who got on or off the bus when it stopped at the
street corner. Their faces would kindle (c) in her longings, (d) dreams, and hopes.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
20.
near trench faraway contracted waterway far
The bus was now going along the bank of a canal. (a) The road was very (b) . On one
side there was the canal and, beyond it, palm trees, grassland, distant (c) mountains, and the
blue, blue sky. On the other side was a deep ditch (d) and then acres and acres of green fields
— green, green, green, as far as the eye could see.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
21.
march protected crowned heads holy reached arrived
At twelve, he was sent away for schooling in the Hindu sacred (a) scriptures and
four years later he returned home to marry a princess. They had a son and lived for ten years
as befitted royalty. (b) At about the age of twenty-five, the Prince, heretofore shielded (c)
from the sufferings of the world, while out hunting chanced upon a sick man, then an aged
man, then a funeral procession, (d) and finally a monk begging for alms.
Ans: a. b. c. d.
22.
narrow pointer get crying suffering mind
―Not from weeping nor from grieving (a) will anyone obtain peace of mind; on the
contrary, his pain will be the greater and his body will suffer. He will make himself sick and
pale, yet the dead are not saved by his lamentation. (c) He who seeks peace should draw out
the arrow (d) of lamentation, and complaint, and grief
Ans: a. b. c. d.
[Link]. 28: Antonyms: Read the paragraph and match the underlined words given in
column ‘A’ with their opposites in column ‘B’
(Syllabus reference: All prose lessons in the textbook)
With a loud (a) scream he fell outwards (b) and downwards into space. Then a
22
monstrous © terror seized him and his heart stood still (d)
Q1. The air was fresh (a) and sweet. The man went out for no other reason than to have the
pleasure (b) of feeling the rain on his body, and when he returned (c) he exclaimed,
‗‗These aren‘t raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The big drops are ten cent
pieces and the little (d) ones are fives.‘‘
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q2. It was impossible (a) for him to gather (b) together (c) the hundred pesos , so he was
able (d) to send the farmer only a little more than half.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q3. Lencho showed not the slightest (a) surprise on seeing the money; such was his
confidence--but he became angry (b) when he counted the money. God could not have made
a mistake, nor could he have denied © Lencho what he had requested. Immediately (d)
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q4. TENTH May dawned bright (a) and clear. For the past few days I had been
pleasantly (b) besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their
respects (c) before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest (d) gathering
ever of international leaders on South African soil.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q5. The ceremonies took place in the lovely (a) sandstone amphitheatre formed by the
Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, (b) and
now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different (c) colours and nations for the
installation (d) of South Africa‘s first democratic, non-racial government.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q6. But then I slowly (a) saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters
were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom (b) that was curtailed, (c) but the
23
freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined (d) the African National
Congress.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q7. The great (a) expanse of sea stretched (b) down beneath, and it was such a long
way down — miles down. He felt certain (c) that his wings would never (d) support him;
so he bent his head and ran away back to the little hole under the ledge where he slept at
night.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q8. Inside the clouds, everything (a) was suddenly (b) black. It was impossible to see
anything outside the aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at
the compass. I couldn‘t believe (c) my eyes: the compass was turning round and round and
round. It was dead.(d) It would not work! The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I
tried the radio.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q9. Writing in a diary is a really strange (a) experience for someone like me. Not only
because I‘ve never (b) written anything before, but also because it seems to me that later
(c) on neither I nor anyone else will be interested in the musings of a thirteen-year-old
schoolgirl. Oh well, it doesn‘t matter. I feel like writing, and I have an even greater (d) need
to get all kinds of things off my chest.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q10. The class roared. I had to laugh too, though I‘d nearly exhausted (a) my ingenuity
(b) on the topic of chatterboxes. It was time to come up with something else, something
original. (c) My friend, Sanne, who‘s good at poetry, offered to help me write the essay from
beginning to end in verse and I jumped for joy. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on me
with this ridiculous subject, but I‘d make sure (d) the joke was on him.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q11. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished.(a) The thud and jingle of the
traditional (b) baker‘s bamboo, heralding his arrival (c) in the morning, can still be heard
in some places. Maybe the father is not alive (d) but the son still carries on the family
profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q12. The fiercely (a) independent people of Coorg are possibly (b) of Greek or Arabic
descent. (3) As one story goes, a part of Alexander‘s army moved south along the coast and
settled here when return became impractical. (d)
24
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q13. It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely (a) wooded hills a sea of tea
bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny (b) tea plants were tall sturdy
© shade-trees and amidst the orderly (d) rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q14. From the head to the tip of the tail he was coated with symmetrical (a) pointed scales
of mud armour, between whose tips was visible (b) a soft (c) velvet fur like that of a
chocolate-brown mole. He shook himself, and I half expected (d) a cloud of dust.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q15. For the first twenty four hours Mijbil was neither hostile (a) nor friendly; he was
simply aloof (b) and indifferent, (3) choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as
possible. (d) The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained
asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the
day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q16. But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable (a) as any of the
elaborate (b) games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual
(c) experiences. The most fascinating (4) thing of all was the bus that travelled between her
village and the nearest town.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q17. Over many days and months Valli listened carefully (a) to conversations between her
neighbours and people who regularly (b) used the bus, and she also asked a few discreet (c)
questions here and there. This way she picked up various (d) small details about the bus
journey.
Ans: a) b) c) d)
Q18: CHUBUKOV : [aside] He‘s come to borrow (a) money. Shan‘t give him any! [aloud]
What is it, my beauty?
LOMOV : You see, Honoured Stepanitch... I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch... I mean, I‘m
awfully (b) excited, as you will please notice... In short, (c) you alone can help me, though I
don‘t deserve it, of course... and haven‘t any right to count on your assistance...
CHUBUKOV : Oh, don‘t go round and round it, darling! Spit it out! Well?
LOMOV : One moment... this very minute. The fact (d) is I‘ve come to ask the hand of your
daughter, Natalya Stepanovna, in marriage.
25
Ans: a) b) c) d)
2. ―It‘s ---------------- (a) (real / really / reality) getting bad now,‖ exclaimed the man. ―I hope
it passes ------------------- (b) (quickly / quick / quicker).‖ It did not pass quickly. For an
hour the hail ---------------( c) (rain / raining / rained) on the house, the garden, the hillside,
the cornfield, on the whole valley. The field was white, as if ------------------ (d) (covered /
covers / covering) with salt.
4. The policy of apartheid ------------- (a) (created / creation /creativity) a deep and lasting
wound in my country and my people. All of us will ----------------- (b) (spent / spend /
spends) many years, if not generations, -------------------( c ) (recovery / recover / recovering)
from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended,
effect, and that was that it ----------------- (d) (produced / produce / production) the Oliver
Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the
Robert Sobukwes of our time.
5. No one is born --------------- (a) (hate / hating / hates) another person because of the
colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must ----------- (b) (learned /
learning / learn) to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love
comes more --------------- (c) (natural / naturally / naturality) to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were ------------- (d)
(pushed / push / pushes) to our limits.
26
6. I ------------- (a) (knew / know / known) that the oppressor must be -------------------
(b) (liberate / liberating / liberated) just as surely as the ------------- (c) (oppression / oppress
/ oppressed). A man who ------------ (d) (taking / took / takes) away another man‘s freedom
is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
8. The (a) (successful, successfully, success) flight of the young seagull was a
(b) (turn, turned, turning) point in his life.
9. The young seagull felt the power of his wings and the joy of (a)
(freedom, freely, free). He soared (b) (high, highly, higher) above the sea.
10. Anne was a (a) (curiosity, curious, curiously) girl who kept a diary to
express her (b) (thoughts, think, thoughtful) and feelings.
11. Despite the (a) (fear, fearful, fearfully) circumstances, Anne remained
(b) (hope, hopeful, hopefully) and believed in the goodness of people.
12. Anne‘s diary entries provide a (a) (power, powerful, powerfully) insight
into the life of a young girl facing (b) (unbelievable, unbelief, unbelieving)
challenges.
13. The tea gardens of Assam are (a) (famous, famously, fame) for their
(b) (beauty, beautiful, beautifully) landscapes and vast plantations.
15. Coorg is known for its (a) (rich, richness, richly) culture and
(b) (hospital, hospitality, hospitable) locals.
16. The history of Coorg is (a) (intrigue, intriguing, intriguingly) with stories
of (b) (valour, valorous, valorously) and independence.
19. Traveling with Mijbil required a lot of (a) (patience, patient, patiently) as
he often got into (b) (mischief, mischievous, mischievously) adventures.
20. Valli was a (a) (curiosity, curious, curiously) girl who was
(b) (determine, determined, determination) to ride the bus all by herself.
27
21. Despite being a child, Valli showed great (a) (courage, courageous,
courageously) and (b) (independence, independent, independently) in achieving
her goal.
22. Buddha‘s (a) (sermon, sermonic, sermonize) at Benares is one of the
most (b) (important, importantly, importance) teachings in Buddhism.
23. He spoke about the (a) (suffer, suffering, sufferance) of life and the
(b) (inevitable, inevitability, inevitably) nature of death.
Ans: 1) il b) ment
1. The field of ripe corn always promised a good harve -------------- (ast / est)
2. The small ---------- (er / ar) ones were playing near the house.
3. Lencho‘s soul was filled with sad ------------ (nes / ness)
4. It was imposs ----------- (ible / able) for him do that.
5. But he struck to his resolu -------------- (sion / tion)
6. I have seen men stand up to attacks showing a strength and resilience that defis
imagina --------- (tion / sion)
7. The day had come about through the unimagin ------------ (ible / able) sacrifices of my
people.
8. The Sun shall never set on so glorious a human achieve ------ (ment / mant)
9. I was not unmind ------- (full / ful) of the fact that they would not have saluted but arrested
me.
10. It was ---------- possible (im, in) for him to gather together the hundred pesos.
11. I was not ---------mindful (in, un) of the fact.
12. The structure formed the basis of one of the most ------humane (in, un), societies the
world.
13. That day had come about through the ------imaginable (in, un) sacrifices of thousands of
my people.
14. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, --------intended (un, il) effect.
15. It was enough to --------assure (it, re) me and keep me going.
28
16. I -----------covered (dis, il) as a young man that my freedom had already been taken
from me.
17. Freedom is ---------divisible. (im, in)
18. So he uttered a joy---------(full, ful) scream.
19. He is trying to get near------ (ar , er) to her as she flew across.
20. The voice from the radio answered me immediate------- (ly , li)
21. The Nazi occupa------------ (tion, sion) extended into the Netherlands.
22. My father, the most ador---------- (ible, able) father I‘ve ever seen.
23. Teachers are the most -----------predictable (un, im) creatures on earth.
24. ―Anne Frank, as punish-----------(mint, ment) for talking in class, write an essay entitled
— ‗Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox‘.‖
25. The thud and jingle of the tradition--------- (ary / al) baker‘s bamboo, heralding his
arrival in the morning.
26. The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the ‗jhang, jhang‘ sound of his
special-------- (ly, y) made bamboo staff.
27. Then we did not even care to brush our teeth or wash our mouths proper------ (ness, ly)
28. Marriage gifts are meaning----------(less, ness) without the sweet bread known as the bol,
29. The lady must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter‘s engage -- (ment, ing)
30. The baker usual------ (y, ly) collected his bills at the end of the month.
31. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosper---------(ous, us)
32. An eminently suit----------(able, ible) spot for this experiment.
33. The weather forecast predicts an regular (ir, il) pattern of rain this week.
34. She was very patient (im, in) while waiting in line at the bank.
35. He had to new (re, ir) his subscription before it expired.
36. She was happy (un, in) with the service and complained to the manager.
37. His behaviour was responsible (ir, in) and deserved punishment.
38. The manager will view (re, pre) the proposal before approving it.
39. He showed a lot of improve ----------- (ment, ing) in his skills after practice.
40. The software update will install (re, un) automatically overnight.
[Link]. 31: Identify the wrongly spelt word and write it correctly in the space provided.
(Syllabus reference: All prose lessons in the textbook)
(Hostility) Noun
Q1:
apartheid /noun/
apart·heid | \ ə-ˈpär-ˌtāt , -ˌtīt\
Definition of apartheid
1: a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race, especially in South
Africa between 1948 and 1994.
2: separation or segregation in any context, particularly involving political, economic, or
social inequality.
Synonyms - segregation, discrimination, racialism, separation, partition
Antonyms - integration, equality, inclusion, unification
Q2:
solitary /adjective/
sol·i·tary | \ ˈsä-lə-ˌter-ē \
Definition of solitary
1: being, living, or existing alone; without companions
2: done or undertaken by a single person or thing
30
Q3:
derisively /adverb/
de·ri·sive·ly | \ di-ˈrī-siv-lē \
Definition of derisively
1: in a manner expressing contempt or ridicule
2: mockingly or scornfully, with the intent to belittle or demean
Example Sentences
He laughed derisively at the suggestion that he might apologize.
The critics spoke derisively about the new film, calling it a complete failure.
Synonyms - mockingly, scornfully, disdainfully, contemptuously, sneeringly
Antonyms - respectfully, courteously, kindly, approvingly
Q4:
incorrigible /adjective/
in·cor·ri·gi·ble | \ in-ˈkȯr-ə-jə-bəl \
Definition of incorrigible
1: incapable of being corrected, improved, or reformed; not manageable or controllable
2: firmly rooted in bad habits or behavior; hopelessly delinquent
Example Sentences
Despite numerous warnings, he remained an incorrigible prankster.
The teacher gave up on trying to discipline the incorrigible student.
Synonyms - irreformable, incurable, hopeless, intractable, unchangeable
Antonyms - reformable, redeemable, correctable, manageable, obedient
1. How many syllables are there in the word ‗incorrigible‘ as per the above entry?
2. What part of speech is the word ‗incorrigible‘?
Q5:
reminiscing /verb/
rem·i·nisc·ing | \ ˌre-mə-ˈni-sing \
Definition of reminiscing
1: recalling past experiences, events, or memories, often with a sense of nostalgia or fondness
31
Q6:
fragrance /noun/
fra·grance | \ ˈfrā-grən(t)s \
Definition of fragrance
1: a pleasant and often subtle or delicate scent
2: the quality of having a sweet or agreeable smell
Example Sentences
The fragrance of blooming flowers filled the garden.
She wore a perfume with a light, floral fragrance that lingered in the air.
Synonyms - aroma, scent, perfume, bouquet, redolence
Antonyms - stench, odor, stink, malodor
Q7.
hostile /adjective/
hos·tile | \ ˈhä-stᵊl , -ˌtī(-ə)l \
Definition of hostile
1: unfriendly or antagonistic in nature; showing ill will or opposition
2: relating to or characteristic of an enemy; not supportive or favourable
3: opposed in feeling, action, or character
Example Sentences
The conversation turned hostile when they disagreed on the issue.
They entered hostile territory, knowing they might face danger.
Synonyms - antagonistic, unfriendly, aggressive, belligerent, confrontational
Antonyms - friendly, amicable, welcoming, cordial, supportive
Q8:
apathy /noun/
ap·a·thy | \ ˈa-pə-thē \
Definition of apathy
1: lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
32
Q9.
wistfully /adverb/
wist·ful·ly | \ ˈwist-fə-lē \
Definition of wistfully
1: in a manner full of yearning or longing, often tinged with sadness
2: showing a feeling of regretful desire or melancholy
Example Sentences
She gazed wistfully at the photo of her childhood home.
He spoke wistfully about the days when life was simpler.
Synonyms - longingly, nostalgically, pensively, regretfully, yearningly
Antonyms - contentedly, happily, joyfully, cheerfully, optimistically
Q10.
kindle /verb/
kin·dle | \ ˈkin-dᵊl \
Definition of kindle
1: to start a fire; to ignite or light
2: to arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling)
3: to become inflamed or illuminated
Example Sentences
She used dry leaves and sticks to kindle the campfire.
His speech kindled a sense of hope and excitement in the audience.
Synonyms - ignite, spark, arouse, inspire, inflame
Antonyms - extinguish, quench, suppress, douse, smother
[Link]. 33: Using Phrasal Verbs and Idiomatic expressions in own sentences:
(Syllabus reference: Units 2, 4 and 6)
1: Get on = succeed
Ex. She‘s eager to get on in life.
Example: Many people around the world look up to Nelson Mandela for his courage
and dedication to freedom.
15. Break out = To start suddenly (usually something unpleasant like war, violence etc.
Example: Civil unrest broke out in South Africa as people fought against apartheid.
Idiomatic Expressions:
2. ―I were pushed to out limits‖ - felt that we could not endure the suffering any longer
Ex. When my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, we started our work.
3. ―keep me going‖ - help me continue to live in hope in this very difficult situation
Ex. Despite the challenges, my passion for music keeps me going every day.
4. "A spark had been lit" - This means a small event or action had triggered a larger
movement or reaction.
Ex. The idea for the project was born when a spark had been lit at the meeting.
5. "The writing was on the wall" - This means that the signs of something happening or about
to happen were clear.
Ex. After the company's financial struggles, the writing was on the wall, and we knew it
would close.
6. "Burning ambition" - This means a strong and passionate desire to achieve something.
Ex. She had a burning ambition to become a doctor and help people.
7. "Take the bull by the horns" - This means to confront a difficult situation or challenge
directly and boldly.
Ex. He decided to take the bull by the horns and start his own business.
8. "A long walk" - This is an idiomatic expression used by Mandela to describe his journey
towards freedom and equality.
Ex. The journey to success was a long walk, but he was determined to reach his goal.
10. "Turn a blind eye" - This means to deliberately ignore or pretend not to see something.
Ex. "She turned a blind eye to her friend's flaws because she valued their friendship."
14. ―The joke was on him‖ = If you say that the joke is on a particular person,
you mean that that person has tried to make someone else look silly but has made himself or
herself look silly instead.
Ex. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on me with this ridiculous subject, but I‘d make
sure the joke was on him.
16. ‖He‘d had enough‖ = you are fed up with someone or something.
Ex. The children had been playing up all day and she'd had enough.
18. ―Can‘t bring myself to‖ = not able to force yourself to do something.
Ex. I just couldn't bring myself to talk to him about it.
19. ―Be all eyes‖ = to be watching something carefully with a lot of interest
Ex. We were all eye as the celebrity guests emerged from the car.
20. ―Break somebody‘s heart‖ = to cause someone to feel great sorrow or sadness
Ex. He's broken a lot of girls' hearts.
21. ―Close/dear to heart‖ = very important to you / you are very concerned to someone
Ex. Animal welfare is a subject very close to my heart.
25. ―Your heart goes out to somebody‖ = you feel sympathy for them
Ex. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy.
[Link]. 34: Matching: Match the following words/phrases under column ‘A’ with their
equivalents in column ‘B’: (Syllabus reference: Unit 3 & 4)
Q1:
Q2:
Q3:
Q4:
Q5:
Key for [Link]. 18: Relative Clauses: (Who / Which / Whose / Whom)
21. Lomov told Natalya that she would remember that his Oxen Meadows touch her
birchwoods.
22. Lomov told Natalya respectfully that she could see from the documents.
23. Lomov told Natalya Stepanovna that he would show her the documents.
24. Natalya told Lomov that he could not stand unfairness.
25. Natalya said that she could make him a present of them herself, because they were hers.
26. He said that he was going to the market.
27. She said that she had finished her homework.
28. They said that they would be visiting their grandparents the next weekend.
29. The teacher said that students should submit their assignments on time.
30. John said that he had been watching a movie the previous night.
31. He asked me if I was coming to the party.
32. She asked him where he lived.
33. The officer asked why I hadn't reported the incident immediately.
34. The student asked the teacher if he could help him with the problem.
35. He asked if I would join them for dinner.
36. The mother told her child not to touch the hot pan.
37. The coach advised the players to practice regularly to improve their skills.
38. She asked him to close the window.
39. The doctor advised me to take the medicine twice a day.
40. The manager ordered to submit the report by the next day.
41. The players shouted with joy that they had won the match.
42. The villagers lamented that the old man had passed away.
43. He exclaimed that it was a beautiful painting.
44. She said that the weather was wonderful that day.
45. The child asked why the sky was blue.
46. The boss asked her if she had completed the project on time.
47. She asked the student who his favourite author was.
48. The father advised his son always to speak the truth.
49. The teacher reminded the students not to forget to bring their textbooks the next day.
50. The audience exclaimed with admiration that it had been an amazing performance.
Q No. 22 Key:
Textual:
General:
c) same, similar
d) removal, discharge
6. a) quickly
b) dependence, captivity, restriction
c) extended, prolonged
d) detached, separated
8. a) something, nothing
b) gradually, slowly
c) disbelieve, doubt
d) alive
12. a) gently
b) certainly, impossibly
c) ascent
d) practical
14. a) asymmetrical
b) invisible
c) hard
d) unexpected
47
18. a) lend
b) slightly
c) long, tall
d) fiction, unreality
1. e s t 2. e r 3. n e s s 4. i b l e 5. t i o n 6.t i o n
7. a b l e 8. m e n t 9. f u l
10. im 11. un 12. in 13. un 14. un 15. re
16. dis 17. in 18. ful 19. er 20. ly [Link]
22. able 23. un 24. ment 25. al 26. ly 27. ly
28. less 29. ment 30. ly 31. ous 32. able 33. ir
34. im 35. re 36. un 37. ir 38. re 39. ment
40. re
1. 1. Noun
2. segregation, racialism
3. 1. adverb
2. in a manner expressing contempt or ridicule
4. 1. Five
2. Adjective
5. 1. They spent the evening reminiscing about their college days. (or)
While looking at old photographs, she couldn‘t help but start reminiscing about
her childhood.
2. recalling, recollecting
6. 1. Noun
2. The fragrance of blooming flowers filled the garden.
9. 1. Adverb
2. longingly/nostalgically/pensively ; happily, joyfully, cheerfully
10. 1. She used dry leaves and sticks to kindle the campfire.
2. ignite, spart, arouse, inspire, inflame.