KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, RANCHI REGION

Chapter Wise Question Bank for Class X (2021-22)

SECTION-A (READING)
Comprehension of Unseen Passages
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
High-altitude climbing is still a very dangerous task in spite of the availability of oxygen masks and other
protective equipment, which modern climbers take with them. These, of course, are indispensable
accessories of climbing, but more important than these is the stamina of the climber, which ultimately
determines the success of his attempt. Throughout his journey, death is his constant companion, which he
can keep at a distance only with his superb presence of mind.

He has to tread every inch of the ground with utmost care, for a false step may not only strike him a fatal
blow, but also bring disaster to the whole expedition. That is why all expeditions invariably take with them
local guides who are experienced climbers and who have a thorough knowledge of the nature of the terrain.
Moreover, a huge amount of capital is needed for financing these expeditions, and this is generally provided
by governments or rich private organisations.

The primary object of a mountaineering expedition is to get to the top of a high mountain, which, in the past
has withstood all attempts to conquer it. But it should not be presumed that the expedition is a complete
failure if it does not reach its destination. Sometimes operations are temporarily suspended because of bad
weather, loss of some valuable equipment or the sudden death of a very important member of the party.

Every big expedition takes with it men who are interested in botany, biology, geology and various other
branches of science, and these men carry with them equipment for recording their observations concerning
the weather, the terrain, and different forms of life in higher altitudes. Other scientists, explorers and
expeditionists utilise the fruits of their observations. Thus, every unsuccessful expedition contributes to the
success of later expeditions.

The British Expedition led by Colonel Hunt would have found their way to Everest much more difficult had
not earlier expeditions armed them with useful knowledge about the death-dealing weather which they had
to encounter in the vicinity of the summit.
To ordinary people, mountaineering need not be a fearful journey in the land of snowstorms, where the
brave adventurer is always face to face with death. They can scale less ambitious heights, rest their weary
limbs under a quiet shelter and feast their eyes in the distant landscape. In the company of friends, they can
enjoy an outing near a waterfall or cross into the next valley with haversacks full of provisions dangling from
their shoulders. All those who can afford to go to hill station should seek this innocent pleasure, for it can be
had without any risk to life or limb.
Answer any FIVE of the following questions briefly:
i) What determines the success of the climbers?
ii) What accessories does a climber have to be equipped with?
iii) How useful are the local guides in these expeditions?
iv) How does an unsuccessful expedition contribute?
v) How is mountaineering different for ordinary people?
vi) Why are expeditions sometimes suspended?

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 Answers:
i) The stamina of the climbers determines the success of their attempt.
ii) A climber has to be equipped with oxygen masks and other protective equipment.
iii) The local guides are experienced climbers and also have a thorough knowledge of the nature of
the terrain.
iv) An unsuccessful expedition contributes to the success of later expeditions.
v) They can scale less ambitious heights, rest their weary limbs, feast their eyes in the distant
landscape in the company of their friends.
vi) They are suspended due to bad weather, loss of some valuable equipment or sudden death of a
very important member.

2. Read the passage carefully.

towns of Seward and Knik, and from there by land into the gold fields. The trail they used to travel
inland is known today as the Iditarod Trail, one of the National Historic Trails designated by the
Congress of the United States. The Iditarod Trail quickly became a major thoroughfare in Alaska, as
the mail and supplies were carried across this Trail. People also used it to get from place to place,
including the priests, ministers, and judges who had to travel between villages. In the winter, the

Once the gold rush ended, many gold-seekers went back to where they had come from, and suddenly

meant dog teams were no longer the standard mode of transportation, and of course with the
airplane carrying the mail and supplies, there was less need for land travel in general. The final blow
to the use of the dog teams was the appearance of snowmobiles.

played a crucial role - made historian, recognized

how few people knew about the former use of sled dogs as working animals and about the Iditarod
ect of Alaskan history, she
came up with the idea to have a dog sled race over the Iditarod Trail. She presented her idea to an
enthusiastic musher, as dog sled drivers are known, named Joe Redington, Sr. Soon the Pages and
the Redingtons were working together to promote the idea of the Iditarod race.

Many people worked to make the first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race a reality in 1967. The Aurora Dog

from the first nine miles of the Iditarod Trail. To raise interest in the race, a $25,000 purse was
offered, with Joe Redington donating one acre of his land to help raise the funds. The short race,
approximately 27 miles long, was put on a second time in 1969.
After these first two successful races, the goal was to lengthen the race a little further to the ghost
town of Iditarod by 1973. However in 1972, the U.S. Army reopened the trail as a winter exercise,
and so in 1973, the decision was made to take the race all the way to the city of Nome- over 1,000
miles. There were many who believed it could not be done and that it was crazy to send a bunch of
mushers out into the vast, uninhabited Alaskan wilderness. But the race went on! Twenty-two
mushers finished that year, and to date over 400 people have completed it.

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 Answer any FIVE of the following questions briefly:
i) Mention two ways by which the Iditarod trail was used.
ii) How was the dog team replaced?
iii) Who created an awareness of Alaskan history?
iv) What was the role of the US army?
v) Who is a musher?
vi) What is the role of the US army in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race?

Answer:
(i) The Iditarod Trail quickly became a major thoroughfare in Alaska, as the mail and supplies were
carried across this. Trail. People also used it to get from place to place.

mode of transportation. The final blow to the use of the dog teams was the appearance of
snowmobiles.
(iii) Dorothy G. Page, a self-made historian, raised awareness about the Iditarod trail role of Alaskan
history. She came up with the idea to have a dog sled race over the Iditarod Trail.
(iv) In 1972, the U.S. Army reopened the trail as a winter exercise, and so in 1973, the decision was
made to take the race all the way to the city of Nome over 1,000 miles.
(v) A dog sled driver.
(vi) Cleared the entire trail of about 1,000 miles all the way to Nome.

3. Read the following passage carefully.

a shell it has many rooms, yet it is not a mansion.
Its proportions are small and its design simple. It is a house that has grown organically, according to
the needs of its inhabitants. To all of us in the family it is known as la casa de Mama. It is the place of
our origin; the stage for our memories and dreams of Island life.
I remember how in my childhood it sat on stilts; this was before it had a downstairs-it rested on its
perch like a great blue bird-not a flying sort of bird, more like a nesting hen, but with spread wings.
Grandfather had built it soon after their marriage. He was a painter and house builder by trade-a
poet and meditative man by nature. As each of their eight children were born, new rooms were
t exactly match, nor the materials, so that there was a
chronology to it, like the rings of a tree, and Mama could tell you the history of each room in her
casa, and thus the genealogy of the family along with it.
Her own room is the heart of the house. Though I have seen it recently- and both woman and
room have diminished in size, changed by the new perspective of my eyes, now capable of looking
over countertops and tall beds-
see her r

It was on this bed, where her own children had been born, that the smallest grandchildren were
allowed to take naps in the afternoons; here too was where Mama secluded herself to dispense
private advice to her daughters, sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at whoever sat on the
rocker where generations of babies had been sung to sleep. To me she looked like a wise empress
right out of the fairy tales I was addicted to reading.

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 And there was the monstrous wardrobe she kept locked with a little golden key she did not hide.
This was a test of her dominion over us; though my cousins and I wanted a look inside that massive
wardrobe more than anything, we never reached for that little key lying on top of her Bible on the
dresser. This was also where she placed her earrings and rosary when she took them off at night.
m. This wardrobe was the place where I imagined she kept jewels,
satin slippers, and elegant silk, sequined gowns of heartbreaking fineness.
I lusted after those imaginary costumes. I had heard that Mama had been a great beauty in her
youth, and the belle of many balls. My cousins had ideas as to what she kept in that wooden vault :

so there were stories that her mattress was stuffed with dollar bills, and that she buried coins in jars
in her garden under rose-bushes, or kept them in her untouched wardrobe there might be that
legendary gun salvaged from the Spanish American conflict over the Island. We went wild over
suspected treasures that we made up simply because children have to fill locked trunks with
something wonderful.
Answer the following questions briefly:
(i) What was the la casa de Mama in the family?
(ii) What did the changing face of the house reflect?
(iii) Briefly explain the structure of Grandmo

(v) Why did Mama not keep the little golden key hidden?
(vi) What had the author heard of Mama as a young woman?
Answer:
(i) To all of us in the family it is known as la casa de Mama. It is the place of our origin; the stage for
our memories and dreams of Island life.
(ii) In his childhood, it sat on stilts; this was before it had a downstairs it rested on its perch like a
great blue bird-not a flying sort of bird, more like a nesting hen, but with spread wings. As each of
their eight children was born, new rooms were added. So that there was a chronology to it, like
the rings of a tree.

Its proportions are small and its design simple. It is a house that has grown organically, according
to the needs of its inhabitants.
(iv) There was the monstrous wardrobe Mama kept locked with a little golden key she did not hide.
This was a test of her dominion over us.
(v) We never reached for that
her security system.
(vi) I had heard that Mama had been a great beauty in her youth, and the belle of many balls.

4. Read the passage carefully.

Demonetization refers to an economic policy where a certain currency unit leases to be used as a legal
tender. It occurs whenever there is a change in the national currency: The existing form or forms of
money is pulled from circulation and retired, to be replaced with new notes or coins. Sometimes, a
country completely replaces the old currency with new currency.

On 8 November, 2016, the Indian government decided to demonetize the 500 and 1000 rupee notes,
the two biggest denominations in its curr

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that these notes would be rendered immediately ineffective with immediate effect. People were given
time till the end of the year to deposit or exchange them for newly introduced 2000 rupee and 500
rupee notes.

eradicate counterfeit currency, fight tax evasion (only 1% of the population pays taxes), eliminate black
money accumulated from money laundering and terrorist¬financing activities, and to promote a
cashless economy. Individuals and entities with huge sums of black money Acquired from parallel cash
systems were forced to take their large- denomination notes to a bank, and account for them
satisfactorily and submit proof if tax paid. If the owner could not provide proof of making any tax
payments on the cash, he possessed a penalty of 200% on the tax due was imposed.

Demonetisation had a severe impact on the gold market. The extraordinary demand for the yellow
metal, made a stiff hike in the cost. However, the Government made it mandatory that every buyer had
to submit his/her PAN card details for purchases made. Erring jewelers were brought to book.

Many Indians switched to alternative payment methods. The biggest gainers \yere mobile wallet
companies that offered easy transactions through a large network of partners. Alibaba-backed Paytm
saw a sevenfold increase in overall traffic. Prepaid cash cards were another option that the customers
found useful. Other alternatives were mobile payment systems linked to e-commerce businesses like
Ola Money, Free Charge, Flipkart Wallet.

Answer any FIVE of the following questions briefly:

(i) What is meant by demonetization?
(ii) When did the government demonetize the 500-and 1000-rupee notes?
(iii) What announcement did Prime Minister Narendra Modi make on Nov. 8?
(iv) What did the government want to accomplish by the demonetization?
(v) When was a penalty of 200% imposed?

Answer:
(i) Demonetization refers to an economic policy where a certain currency unit leases to be used as a
legal tender.
(ii) The government demonetized the 500-and 1000-rupee notes on Nov. 8, 2016.
(iii) Prime Minister Modi announced that the 500- and 1000- rupee notes would be rendered
ineffective immediately. The Indian citizenry were given time till the end of the year to deposit or
exchange them for the newly introduced 2000 rupee and 500 rupee notes.
(iv) The government wanted to eradicate counterfeit currency, fight tax evasion, eliminate black
money amassed from money laundering and terrorist-financing activities, and to promote a
cashless economy.
(v) If the owner could not provide proof of making any tax payments on the cash he possessed, a
penalty of 200% on tax due was imposed.
(vi) to be punished officially under the law.

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 GRAMMAR
TENSE
Affirmative/Negative/
TENSE Use Signal Words
Question

always, every
Simple Present A: He speaks English. action in the present taking never, normally,
N: He does not speak place regularly, never or several often, seldom,
Subject + Verb1 + object English. sometimes,
Q: Does he speak times usually
English? facts if sentences type
rd
person singular I (If I talk, )
actions taking place one after
another
action set by a timetable or
schedule
Present Continuous / A: He is speaking at the moment,
Progressive English. action taking place in the just, just now,
N: He is not speaking moment of speaking Listen!, Look!,
S + am/is/are + V1+ing + o English. now, right now
Q: Is he speaking action taking place only for a
English? limited period of time
action arranged for the future
Simple Past A: He spoke English. yesterday, 2
N: He did not speak action in the past taking minutes ago, in
S+V2+O English. place once, never or several 1990, the other
We use V1 in interrogative Q: Did he speak English? day, last Friday
times if sentence type II
actions taking place one after (If I talked, )

another
action taking place in the middle of
another action
Past A: He was speaking while, as long as
Continuous/Progressive English. action going on at a certain time in
N: He was not speaking the past
S+was/were+V1+ing + o English.
Q: Was he speaking actions taking place at the same
Pro/noun I, he, she, it or English? time
name
action in the past that is interrupted
by another action
Present Perfect Simple A: He has spoken already, ever,
English. putting emphasis on the result just, never, not
S+has/have+V3+ O N: He has not spoken yet, so far, till
action that is still going on
English. now, up to now
rd
person Q: Has he spoken action that stopped recently
singular with Pro/noun English?
He, She, It and name finished action that has an

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 influence on the present
action that has taken place once,
never or several times before the
moment of speaking

Present Perfect A: He has been speaking all day, for years,

Progressive English. putting emphasis on the course or since 1993, how
N: He has not been duration (not the result) long?, the whole
S+has/have+ speaking English. week
been+V1+ing+O Q: Has he been speaking action that recently stopped or is
English? still going on
rd
person
singular with Pronoun finished action that influenced the
He, She, It and name
present

Past Perfect Simple A: He had spoken already, just,

English. action taking place before a certain never, not yet,
S+had+V3+O N: He had not spoken time in the past once, until that
English. day
used. Q: Had he spoken sometimes interchangeable with if sentence type
English? past perfect progressive III (If I had
talked, )
putting emphasis only on
the fact (not the duration)
Past Perfect Progressive A: He had been speaking for, since, the
English. action taking place before a certain whole day, all
S+had+been+V1+ing+O N: He had not been time in the past day
speaking English.
Q: Had he been speaking sometimes interchangeable with
English? past perfect simple
putting emphasis on the duration
or course of an action
Future Simple A: He will speak English. in a year, next
N: He will not speak action in the future that cannot be tomorrow
S+shall/will+V1+O English. influenced If- (If you ask her,
Q: Will he speak English? she will
st spontaneous decision help you.)
person assumption: I
nd
& 3rd assumption with regard to the think, probably,
person generally future perhaps

Future Simple A: He is going to speak in one year, next

English. decision made for the future week, tomorrow
(going to) N: He is not going to
conclusion with regard to the future
speak English.
Q: Is he going to speak
English?
Future A: He will be speaking in one year, next
Continuous/Progressive English. action that is going on at a certain week, tomorrow
N: He will not be time in the future
S+shall/will+be+V1+O speaking English.
Q: Will he be speaking action that is sure to happen in the
English? near future

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Future Perfect A: He will have spoken by Monday, in a
English. action that will be finished at a week
S+shall/will+have+V3+O N: He will not have certain time in the future
spoken English.
Q: Will he have spoken
English?
Future A: He will have been for
Continuous/Progressive speaking English. action taking place before a certain couple of hours,
N: He will not have been time in the future all day long
S+shall/will+have+been+V speaking English.
1
+O Q: Will he have been putting emphasis on the course of
speaking English? an action
Conditional I Simple A: He would speak if sentences type
English. action that might take place II
N: He would not speak (If I were you,
English. I would
Q: Would he speak go home.)
English?
Conditional I Progressive A: He would be speaking
English. action that might take place
N: He would not be
putting emphasis on
speaking English.
Q: Would he be speaking the course / duration of the action
English?
Conditional II Simple A: He would have spoken if sentences type
English. action that might have taken place III
N: He would not have in the past (If I had seen
spoken English. that, I would
Q: Would he have have helped.)
spoken English?
Conditional II Progressive A: He would have been
speaking English. action that might have taken place
N: He would not have in the past
been speaking English.
Q: Would he have been puts emphasis on
speaking English? the course / duration of the action

I. Fill in the blanks with verbs of suitable tenses.

1. Hardly had the minister finished the speech when the earthquake (shake) the stadium.
Ans. shook
2. Everybody will be at office at about 08:30 tomorrow as the meeting (start) at nine

Ans. starts
3. While climbing onto the mountain top, I.......... (encounter) a strange animal which I had
never seen before.
Ans. encountered
4. She (know) about their problem for years.
Ans. has known
5. Mother ............................ (work) in the garden for the whole day.
Ans. has been working

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 MODALS

A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or
obligation.

Functions of Modals
Will
(i) To show promise, intention, willingness, determination with the first person (I, we)
e.g. (a) I will give you a gift of your choice. (promise)
(b) We will help you. (willingness)
(ii) To express request, invitation, insistence, assumption, characteristic or habit
e.g. (a) Will you please help me? (request)
(b) She will be in the school during school hours. (assumption)
Negative Form of will:
e.g. (a) I will not spend my pocket money.
(b)

(i)
e.g. He informed me that he would dance at my marriage function.
(ii) To express past habit
e.g. He would drink a cup of coffee in the morning.
(iii) For request
e.g. Would you please give me your bike?
(iv) To express wish
e.g. I wish she would be healthy.
(v) To express an imaginary condition
e.g. I would have a big house if I earned 10 crore every year.

Negative Form of Would:

e.g. She would not get up early in the morning.

Shall
(i) To ask for suggestion, request, advice with the first person (I, We) in an interrogative sentence
e.g. (a) Shall we start the class? (advice)
(b) Shall I have a cup of coffee from your shop? (request)
(ii) In the second and third person to indicate threat, warning, command, promise, assurance and
determination
e.g. (a) If you sit with bad boys, you shall be punished. (threat)
(b) You shall go now. (command)
Negative Form of Shall:
e.g. (a) She shall not sing tomorrow.
(b) They shall not win the match.

(i) To express duty or obligation

e.g. (a) I should help my friends. (duty)
(b) You should not be lazy. (obligation)

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(ii) To express opinion
e.g. They should be on the way to Jaipur.
(iii) To give or take advice or suggestion
e.g. (a) We should go to the temple.
(b) We should obey our elders.
(iv)
e.g. Walk carefully lest you should fall down.
Negative Form of Should:
e.g. (a) You should not come to me daily.

Can
(i) To express an ability, capability, capacity or power
e.g. (a) I can lift 60 kg. (Ability)
(b) She can pass the MBA examination. (Capability)
(ii) To show possibility
e.g. (a) She can fall on the road.
(b) I can go there.
(iii) To take or give permission
e.g. (a) Can I sit here?
(b) You can park your scooter here.
Negative Form of Can: Cannot /
e.g. (a) They cannot climb the mountain.

(i) To express ability/talent in the past

e.g. (a) They could win the game last month.
(b) She could sing beautifully.
(ii) To express polite request
e.g. (a) Could I have your pen?
(b) Could I ride on your bike?

Negative Form of Could:

e.g. (a) Could you not smoke outside the house?

May
(i) To show possibility or probability
e.g. (a) The inspector may attend the school today.
(b) She may win the match.
(ii) To give or take permission
e.g. (a) May I come in?
(b) Yes, you may come in.
(iii) To wish or pray
e.g. (a) May you get well soon!
(b) May God bless you with a child!

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(iv) To show a purpose
e.g. (a) My friend is joining a new company so that he may achieve his target.
(b) He is working hard so that he may win.
Negative Form of May:
e.g.(a) It may not rain today.

(i) To express less possibility

e.g. (a) He might help us.
(b) She might be a winner in the competition.
(ii) For permission
e.g. (a) Might I begin to reveal the truth?
(b) Might this be the Key?
(iii) To express a guess
e.g. That might be Rohit.
Negative Form of Might:
e.g. (a) It might not rain.
(b) She mig
Must
(i) To express necessity or obligation
e.g. (a) You must take part in the competition.
(b) We must love our motherland.
(ii) To indicate assumption or conclusion
e.g. (a) She must be here in the evening.
(b) Mr AK Gupta must be a good teacher.
(iii) In case of prohibition
e.g. You must not bunk school.
Negative Form of Must:
e.g. (a) You must not play in sunlight.
(b) You must not write your name on the walls.
(c)

Have to/ Has to/ Had to

(i) To express obligation or compulsion (While talking about rules, laws)
e.g. (a) I have to reach school early.
(b) She has to work late in the office.
(c) They had to follow the instructions.
Negative Form of Have to:

(b) She do
Ought to
(i) To express moral obligation or duty
e.g. (a) You ought to respect your parents.
(b) You ought to serve the nation.
(c) We ought to help our relatives.
(d) We ought to speak the truth.
(ii) To give advice
e.g. You ought to study hard to achieve success.

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 Negative Form of Ought to:
e.g. (a) You ought not to hate your neighbours.

Need and dare are considered semi-modals because they can be used either as modal auxiliaries or as
main verbs.
Need/Need to

authority or advice and is used for the present and the future.
type this letter.
(i) The interrogative is formed by inversion.
e.g. Need I speak to him?
(ii) Its past is needed to in the affirmative sentence, need not have in the negative and need have in the
interrogative.
e.g. (a) Need I have gone to him? (Interrogative in the past)
(b) I needed to go to him. (Affirmative in the past)
Dare
As a modal auxiliary, dare refers to being bold and courageous. The negative is formed by dare not and
the interrogative by inversion.
e.g. (a) Dare we talk to them?
(b) I dare not disturb them.
Used to
(i) A discontinued habit or a past situation which is no more in the present.
e.g. He used to drink daily. (Now he does not drink)
(ii) Something existing in the past
e.g. This used to be a dense jungle before.
Objective Questions
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals
1. Usha .............. run a hundred yards in ten seconds.
Ans. can
2. his soul rest in peace!
Ans. May
3. The baby is crying, he be hungry.
Ans. must
4. you tell me the way to the post office, please?
Ans. Will
5. You ............... keep your scooter locked.
Ans. should
6. I bring you a cup of coffee?
Ans. Shall
7. When I was a boy, I walk forty miles in a day.
Ans. could
8. I have come to ask if Geeta use your bicycle tomorrow.
Ans. may

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 Subject Verb Agreement Rules
Key: subject = yellow, bold; verb = green, underline
Subjects and verbs must agree in number. In addition to the explanations on this page, also see
the post on Subject Verb Agreement.

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.

Example: She writes every day.

Exception: When using the singular "they," use plural verb forms.
Example: The participant expressed satisfaction with their job. They are currently in a
managerial role at the organization.

2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Example: They write every day.

Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more complicated than this.

3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected
by and, use a plural verb.

Example: The doctoral student and the committee members write every day.
Example: The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of
employees who left their jobs within 2 years are reflective of the level of job satisfaction.

4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs throughout the sentence must
agree with the subject.

Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to gain an in-depth
understanding of participants.
Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted as true and is an important
consideration when conducting a doctoral study.

5. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb still agrees
with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence.

Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

Example: The student is very motivated.
Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom
participation include using small groups and clarifying expectations.
Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected participants.

6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use a singular
verb.

Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before proceeding.

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7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by
"or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb. This
is also called the rule of proximity.

Example: The student or the committee members write every day.

Example: The committee members or the student writes every day.

8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone," "everybody,"
"anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and "no one" are singular and
require a singular verb.

Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.
Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the study.
Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.

9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.

Example: Education is the key to success.

Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world.
Example: The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in the
study.
Example: The research I found on the topic was limited.

10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds,
contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city.
Example: Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.

11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since "there"
is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows the verb.

Example: There is little administrative support.

Example: There are many factors affecting teacher retention.

12. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are considered singular and
take a singular verb. Some examples are "group," "team," "committee," "family," and "class."

Example: The group meets every week.

Example: The committee agrees on the quality of the writing.

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However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group. This is much less
common.
Example: The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their private lives.
I. Complete the following lines with appropriate verb that agrees with the subject.

1. When does next boat .. ?

Ans. leave

2. Why does the article .. famous singers?

Ans. mention

3. My mother loves to ...ancient temples.

Ans. see

4. Where .......they like to go on vacation?

Ans. do

5. Most of the milk ....gone bad.

Ans. has
6. A number of my friends. (love/loves) riding bicycles, but neither my brother nor my

sister own a bicycle.

Ans. love

7. The pair of shoes on the floormine.

Ans. is

8. Finding a job where you can learn new skills .......... a lot of effort.

Ans. takes

9. A photograph of two children . on the desk.

Ans. sits

10. This website .... useful for studying English.

Ans. Is

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 DETERMINERS
A Determiner is a word that introduces a noun or provides information about the quantity of a noun. It
always comes before a noun, not after, and it also comes before any other adjectives used to describe
the noun. Determiners are required before a singular noun but are optional when it comes to
introducing plural nouns.
Examples
Consider the placement and usage of the common determiner the in the sentences below:
The bunny went home. (determiner comes directly before the noun)
I ate the chocolate cookie for dessert. (determiner comes before the adjective chocolate that
describes the noun cookie)
Metal cans are recyclable. (no determiner because it's optional for plural nouns and noun phrases)
The metal cans are recyclable. (determiner before the adjective describing a plural noun to specify
which cans)

In every example, the determiner is placed before the noun or noun phrase, regardless of whether the
noun in the subject or predicate.

Types of Determiners

There are four different types of determiners in English: articles, demonstratives, quantifiers, and
possessives.

Definite and Indefinite Articles

Articles are among the most common determiners. There are three singular
articles: a, an and the. Articles specify (or determine) which noun the speaker is referring to.
A and an are indefinite articles and are used when you are talking about a general version of the
noun. A is used before words that begin with consonants while an is used before words beginning with
vowels or vowel sounds.
A dog is a good pet.
An ostrich would beat a chicken in a race.
I need an MRI.
We are to look at a hampster.
In these examples, the sentence is talking about dogs or ostriches in general, meaning any dog. When
your meaning is general, use an indefinite article.

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On the other hand, the is a definite article, meaning the speaker is referring to a specific noun.
We went to the best restaurant in town.
The dog is barking too loudly.
She didn't like the music.
We are going to the hospital.
Here the speaker is referring to a particular dog and a particular restaurant. It's not a general category,
but only one animal or place that's important. When your meaning is specific, use a definite article.

Demonstratives Examples
Demonstrative pronouns are also used as determiners in English. There are four of
them: this, that, these, and those. Demonstratives are used in situations where the speaker can point
to the item they mean, making them even more specific than a definite article.
Do you want this piece of chicken?
I don't want to go to that movie.
These black raspberries are sour.
He wanted those boys to go away.
This and that are singular while these and those are plural.

Determiners as Quantifiers
Quantifiers indicate how much or how little of the noun is being discussed. They include words such
as all, few and many.
He took all the books.
She liked all desserts equally.
Few children like lima beans, so the cafeteria stopped serving them.
Many kittens are taught to hunt by their mothers.
All can be used with other determiners to specify which particular items are meant (i.e. all the books in
this pile). In this case, the quantifier always comes before the article or demonstrative. It's also possible
to use all alone to refer to items generally, as in the second example.

Possessive Examples
When referring to a noun that belongs to someone or something, you can use possessive pronouns to
show ownership. Possessive pronouns include my, your, his, her, its, our, and their.
Where is your car?
The dog growled and showed its teeth.
My best friend is a cat.
Which one is his house?
Honesty is her best quality.
The tree shed its leaves.
It's our secret recipe.
Their house was just around the corner.
As always, the determiner comes before the noun and any modifying adjectives. In English, you can use
the same possessive whether the noun it references is singular or plural.

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I. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.

1. knowledge of the subject.

Ans. much

2. May I taste of the soup that you cooked this morning?

Ans. a little

3. When Sapna realised that she still had a little time left, she gave me assistance with my
work.

Ans. some

4. I took an apple from refrigerator and ate it.

Ans. the

5. The man complained that boys were stealing some of his mangoes.

Ans. a few

6. Are there sandwiches for you?

Ans. any

7. There are people at the theatre.

Ans. many

8. The children in the Kindergarten are given a cup of milk and biscuits during the break.

Ans. some

9. goats have wandered into the garden and damaged the plants.

Ans. Several

10. How tablets have you taken?

Ans. Many

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 REPORTING SPEECH
We often need to tell others what someone else said. There are two ways to do this.
One is to say the same words and use quotation marks. That is "direct speech." The
other method is to summarize, or tell about what someone said. This is called
"reported speech." Before we get into the rules for reporting speech, here are the
terms we are using to explain it.

Subject noun or pronoun Reporting verb Conjunction Reported speech clause

She said that she wanted a cookie.

Rules for reporting speech

To get this kind of sentence right, there are four things you should keep in mind:

The first rule is to choose a reporting verb and tense.

When did the speech happen? With current, repeated or recent events, the
reporting verb is in the present tense. "He says he is hungry, so let's go to lunch." A
habitual or repeated statement is in the present tense: "Everyone says the water is
safe to drink." For reporting less immediate speech, choose the past tense. The
reporting verb is often said, but it can also be told, or other verbs
like ordered, stated, or reported, depending on the situation. When reporting
questions, you can use verbs like asked or requested.

The second rule is to change the perspective, or point of view.

That means I becomes he, she, or they.

"Mary said 'I ate the pie."' becomes

"She said that she ate the pie."

"The boys said, 'We are coming tomorrow'" becomes

"They said they are coming tomorrow."

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Next, choose whether to include "that or "if."

You can say, "He says he is at home" or "He says that he is at home." That is
a conjunction here, linking the two parts of the sentence. It is optional. Another
conjunction, if, is required when reporting on a question: "He asked me if I knew
how to play tennis."

The fourth rule is to "backshift" the tense.

This is the trickiest part of reported speech. When the reporting verb is in the past
tense, the verb in the reported clause is in the past tense, too. The verb aspect,
showing whether the action is completed, matches. Here are some examples:
"I am buying my ticket." (present continuous)
-> He said he was buying his ticket. (past continuous)

Ashley: "I have fixed my bicycle." (present perfect)

-> She said she had fixed her bicycle. (past perfect)

Reporting speech in English would be easy if these rules were all learners needed
to know. But as usual, there is more to learn. Let's look at what happens with
questions and modals.

Reporting on questions
When we report questions, we have to pay attention to the auxiliary verb. These
are words like do, be, and have. Yes or no questions begin with an auxiliary, such
as
"Do you like pizza?"

To report that question, drop the auxiliary and add if:

He asked me if I liked pizza.

Learners often make the mistake of leaving the auxiliary verb in the reported
speech: He asked me do I like pizza.

Information questions start with a question word:

"Where are you going?"

To report on these, simply change the pronoun and word order.

She asked me where I was going.

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Here, learners often make the mistake of keeping the same word order: She asked me
where was I going.

A similar word order switch appears with the verb "be" in questions.

They asked, "When is the party?"

-> They asked me when the party was.

The question word "when" remains. "Be" moves from a position before the noun to
after the noun.

Reporting speech with modals

Finally, pay attention to whether the speech you are reporting uses a modal
verb. Will, can, and shall change to would, could, and should when reported. Will is
used to make statements about the future in English. When reporting this kind of
statement, will becomes would. Compare these sentences:
Kelly said, "I will pick up the sandwiches."
-> Kelly said she would pick up the sandwiches.

Modal verbs may appear in questions, as well:

Caty asked, "Can you answer the phone while I'm out?"
-> Caty asked me if I could answer the phone while she was out.

If the modal verb is already in its past form, it does not change when reported.

George stated, "I would not do that."

-> George said he would not do that.

Test your knowledge

Let's try a few sentences. I'll say the direct speech, and you make a sentence in
reported speech.
Our boss said, "You can all go home early today."
-> Our boss said we could all go home early.

Anna asked "When is your birthday?"

-> Anna asked me when my birthday was.

Adam said, "I am leaving on Tuesday."

-> Adam said he was leaving on Tuesday.

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Chris said, "I will bring the cake."
-> Chris said he would bring the cake.

Reported speech in song

Reported speech sometimes shows up in popular songs. The singer Lisa Loeb
begins the song "Stay" with a reported verb in the present tense to show that the
action is a habit.
you say I only hear what I want to
you say I talk so all the time so

Later she reports something in the past, so the reported speech verb is in the past
tense.
you said that I was naive,
and I thought that I was strong.
I thought, "hey, I can leave, I can leave."
but now I know that I was wrong, 'cause I missed you.
Follow these simple rules and you will be reporting speech like a pro.

She said that you would be reporting speech like a pro.

I'm Pete Musto.

And I'm Jill Robbins.

Reporting Direct Direct Indirect Reported

Verb Speech Speech Speech Speech
Tense Tense Tense

Present Adam says, "I Present Adam says he has Present Simple
have a headache. simple a headache, so he (it is still true)
I can't go." can't go."

Past Adam said, "I am Present Adam said he was Past continuous
going to Seattle." continuous going to Seattle.

Past Ashley said, "I Present Ashley told us she Past Modal
can clean up." Modal could clean up. form
form

Past Ashley said, "I Present Ashley said she Past perfect
have never been Perfect had never been to

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 to Seattle." Seattle.

Integrated Grammar Exercises:

(I)- Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the narration (3*1= 3)

1.
While making the list of what he wanted from Santa Claus, Charlie asked Patty how Santa all
those toys.Patty replied that it was possible, he would find
Santa was being financed by some big Eastern chain.
(a) (i) can afford to give away.
(ii)could afford to give away.
(iii)Will afford to give away.
(iv)could afford gave away.
(b)(i) these days was promotion.
(ii)Those days was promotion.
(iii)Those days is promotion.
(iv)These days is promotion.

(c) (i) that the truth is brought out.

(ii)If the truth was brought out.
(iii)If the truth is brought out.
(iv)That the truth was brought out.
Ans- (a) (ii) could afford to give away.
(b)(ii) those days was promotion.
(c) (ii) if the truth was brought out..

Page 25 of 98
2.Rohit enquired of his plump colleague Simon . Simon replied that he walked in order to stay fit.
Realizing that Simon had not understood what he was asking, Rohit again asked the former
did anyexercises. With a tongue in his cheek, Simon replied that
(a) (i) that did he work out.
(i) If he ever work out.
(iii)If he ever worked out.
(iv)That if he ever worked out.
(b) (i) that have you ever lifted the weights.
(ii)If he ever lifted the weights.
(iii)If he had ever lifted the weights.
(iv)If he has ever lifted the weights.
(c) (i) when one is heavy as he is then walking was lifting weights.
(ii)When one was as heavy as he was then walking was lifting weights.
(iii)When one are as heavy as he was then walking is lifting weight.
(iv)When one will be as heavy as he was then walking is lifting weights.
Ans (a) (iii) if he ever worked out.
(b) (ii) if he ever lifted the weights.
( c) (ii) when one was as heavy as he was then walking was lifting weights.
3.

I saw a boy waiting at the door of my office. I took time and Immediately he replied that his name
wasAnil. Then come for admission. Anil pleased me by saying with
(a) (i) asked what his name was.
(ii)Told him what his name is.
(iii)Asked him what his name was.
(iv)Ask what his name was.

Page 26 of 98
 (b) (i) explained if he has
(ii)Questioned if he will
(iii)Said that he had
(iv)Enquired if he had
(c) (i) that he were
(ii)that he is
(iii)that he was
(iv)that he had
Ans (a)(iii) asked him what his name was
(b) (iv) enquired if he had
(c ) (iv) that he had
4.

I found Joseph reading something. When (a) ....... reading, he replied that modals were actually weak
verbs but quite interesting. I further in our practical life. I also made him aware that we could do
withoutmodals. On hearing this, he surprised me by saying that he knew modals help people express
specific situations. At last he Modals.
(a) (i) said to him which book he was
(ii)replied him which book he was
(iii)asked him which book he was
(iv)told him which book he was
(b) (i) enquired what the uses of modals were
(ii)explained what the uses of modals are
(iii)asked what the uses of modals are
(iv)told what the uses of modals are
(c) (i) advised me go and read
(ii)said to me go and read
(iii)told me go and read
(iv)advised me to go and read
Ans- (a) (iii) asked him which book he was
(b) (i) enquired what the uses of modals
were.(c) (iv) advised me to go and read
5.

Page 27 of 98
 trying to win a
Nobel Prize. Iwas confused and enquired how standing in the rice field would help him to win so. He
stumped me by sayingthat he Nobel prizes had all been outstanding in their fields.
(a) (i) exclaimed what he was
(ii)Told him what he was
(iii)Asked him what he was
(iv)Says to him about what
(b) (i) ordered that
(ii)refused that
(iii)questioned that
(iv)replied that
(c) (i) has heard that people who has
(ii)was hearing that people who were
(iii)had heard that people who had
(iv)did hear that people who had

Ans- (a) (iii) asked him what he was

(b) (iv) replied that
(c) (iii) had heard that people who had

(II)- Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks.

1. The modern student the importance of physical exercise. He to two hours in
open air part in different sports.
(a) (i) understood (ii) understand (iii) have understand (iv) understands
(b) (i)spends (ii) spending (iii) spent (iv) has spent
(c) (i) how (ii) which (iii) where (iv) why
Ans- (a) (iv)understands (b) (i) spends (c) (iii) where

2. In England Gandhiji at first time entirely to his studies. He tried to

gentlemen in every way. He what was new and foreign
(a) (i) gave (ii) were not given (iii) not given (iv) did not give
(b) (i) copy (ii) copied (iii) to have copied (iv) being copied
( c) (i)has attracted (ii) is attracted (iii) was attracted (iv) attracts
Ans- (a)(iv) did not give (b)(i) copy (c) (iii) was attracted
3. e suddenly
realized and began to devote all his time to serious study. From the very childhood
whenever Gandhijifound out that thing, he at once stopped doing it.
(a)(i) has wasted (ii) wasted (iii) was wasting (iv) wastes
(b) (i) my (ii) our (iii) his (iv) her
(c) (i) was doing (ii) had done (iii) did (iv) was done
Ans-(a) (ii) wasted(b) (iii) his (c) (ii) had done

Page 28 of 98
4. The last Solar Eclipse of the 20th century place on 11th August 1999. It millions of the
people all over the world. Being the last great heavenly event it the most watched one.
(a) (i) was taken (ii) took (iii) was taking (iv) had taken
(b) (i) was seen (ii) were seen (iii) was seeing (iv) has seen
(c) (i) were (ii) is being (iii) has been (iv) was
Ans (a) (ii) took (b)(i) was seen (c) (iv) was

5. A large number of scientists gathered at Lakpat in Gujarat view of the last eclipse of the
20th century. This place be the best as the totality there would be the .
(a) (i) see (ii) has seen (iii) to see (iv) seems
(b) (i) was considered (ii) has considered (iii ) consider (iv) considered
(c) (i) longer (ii) longest (iii) more longer (iv) lengthier
Ans- (a) (iii) to see (b) (i) was considered (c) (ii) longest

6. All life on earth can ultimately be traced back sea. Creatures having limbs ... fingers
rather than fins evolved from fishes about 335 millions years .
(a) (i) at (ii) in (iii) to (iv) into
(b) (i) and (ii) or (iii) on (iv) with
(c) (i) ago (ii) past (iii) away (iv) before
Ans- (a) (iii) to (b) (iv) with (c) (i) ago

(III) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options:

(A) 1. You consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.
(a) had to (b) need to (c) used to (d) might
Ans- (b) need to

2. Everybody keen to participate in the upcoming nukkadnatak.

(a) are (b) has (c) is (d) were
Ans- (c) is

3.The good news is that volunteers dropped out this month than the last two.
(a) fewer (b) less (c) few (d) a little
Ans- (a) fewer

4.It was historic day for the organisation when honour was bestowed upon its employees.
(a) a (b) the (c) an (d) none
Ans- (a) a

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5.At this time tomorrow our project details to madam.
(a) are presenting (b) shall be presenting
(c) have been presenting (d)will have been presenting.
Ans- (b) shall be presenting

6.The Komodo its prey till it will eventually dies due to its venomous bite.
(a) must (b) will (c) could (d) may
Ans- (b) will

(B)- 1. Buses go from here to all the places. But you cannot enjoy the visit. better take a taxi.
(a) will (b) can (c) may (d) used to
Ans- (b) can

2. Thousands of people came to the theatre, but only them got tickets.
(a) less (b) few (c) a few (d) many
Ans- (c) a few

3.Twenty-five hundred rupees too much for tailoring a coat.

(a) is (b)are (c) will (d) has
Ans- (a) is

4.I think there is hope that Sarla is going to pass this year.
(a) less (b) few (c) any (d) all
Ans- (c) any

5. Ravi as well as engineering.

(a) have (b) has (c) are (d) were
Ans- (b) has

6. Mr. Azad has got twenty-years of typing experience. He this letter within ten minutes.
(a) do (b) must (c) shall (d) will
Ans- (d) will

Page 30 of 98
 WRITING SKILLS
Formal Letters:
1. Write a letter to Delhi Sports, Daryaganj, New Delhi, placing an order for sports articles like
footballs, cricket balls, Tennis balls and cricket bats to be supplied to your school. Sign as Ravi/Raveena,
Sports Secretary.
Answer:
Happy Time Public School
Bhajan pura
New Delhi 1100XX

19 January 20XX

The Manager
Delhi Sports, Darya Ganj
New Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir
Subject: Placement of sports goods
This has reference to the quotation dated 19 December 20XX. Kindly send the following items at the
above address.
Name of the Items No. of Items Remarks
Football 10 Sparton
Cricket balls 10 Leather
Tennis balls 20 Vicky (brand)
Cricket bats 10 SS
All the items should be in good condition, well bound and packed properly and delivered within a week.
The payment will be made by cash once the items reach us. Any damage during transportation would
be your responsibility. Though in the past, you have never given us any opportunity to complain and
the goods have always reached us well on time, and in excellent condition as per our specifications, we
do expect the same delivery this time as well.

Yours faithfully
Raveena
(Secretary)

2. You are Neha Singh, computer incharge of DIPS. Your school wishes to buy 20 computers and
computer accessories from Apple Inc., Nehru Place, New Delhi. Draft a letter placing order giving all the
specifications of the product and its quality.

Answer:
DIPS
Rohini
New Delhi 1100XX

20 January 20XX

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The proprietor
Apple Inc.
126, Nehru Place
New Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir
Subject: Placement of order for computers and their accessories
This is to inform you that our school management has decided to place an order with your company for
the supply of computers and computer accessories. The list of items is given below. All the products
should be genuine. The price quotation submitted by your agents has been approved and . the
institutional discount of 10% offered by you has been accepted.
Kindly make it convenient to send the delivery within 15 days of the issue of this letter. I am sure
proper packing of the computers will be taken care of and any responsibility for the damage caused
during transportation shall rest with you. I hope future repairs and maintenance of the items will also
be provided by you promptly and satisfactorily. The payment will be made through a crossed cheque to
your agent within a month of delivery.

List of Items Apple Computer 16 Apple Headphones Apple laptop I-pad

No. of Items 25 15 20 18
Yours faithfully
Neha Singh
(Head of Computer Department)

3. You are Rahul/Renu of 97, Prashan Vihar, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, studying at a coaching
centre in Model Town, Delhi. You need accommodation for yourself. Write a letter to the Manager of
Paying Guest Services, 108, students Complex, Model Town, Delhi, inquiring about the details such as
the type of accommodation, monthly charges and other facilities.
Answer:
97, Prashant Vihar
Saharanpur
Uttar Pradesh XXXXXX

18 July 20XX

The Manager
108, Students Complex
Model Town
New Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir
Subject: Inquiry about the accommodation
I came across your advertisement in the Indian Express dated 16th July and would like to know in detail
about the accommodation offered by you. I have earlier too stayed at other paying guest
accommodations and my track record can be verified from my previous owners. I am a resident of
Saharanpur and studying in Delhi. I am preparing for CA. My coaching centre is in Model Town and I

Page 32 of 98
would like to be accommodated near it to save travel time. Kindly send me the details about the type of
accommodation offered, monthly charges, facilities available like attached bathrooms and wi fi facility,
etc. Any other features that you think should be informed in advance, please do share. I assure you that
the rental payments shall be made on time.

Thanking you.
Yours faithfully
Rahul

4. As a health conscious person, you noticed an advertisement in the newspaper on yoga classes in
your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the organizers enquiring about the duration of the course and
other relevant details. You are Swapna/Surendra of 60, RK Puram, New Delhi.
Answer:
60, RK Puram
New Delhi 1100XX

21 October 20XX

The Organizer
Yoga Point
RK Puram,
New Delhi 1100XX

Dear Sir
Subject: Inquiry about Yoga classes
I came across your advertisement in the Hindu dated 20th October. I would like to know the details
about Yoga classes offered by you. I am a student of class X. I wish to pursue Yoga classes in the
evening. As a health conscious person, I feel Yoga not only is an exercise of the body but it is also of the
mind and soul. I am very keen to join these classes as this is the need of the ailing society today. Kindly
send me the details, including the courses offered, their duration and the fee structure, at the address
given above.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully
Swapna

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 Analytical Paragraph
1. The chart below displays details regarding online activity for six age groups in six
categories. In 150-200 words, write an analysis paragraph for the table provided.

Title: Interests of Teenagers and Elders

For six distinct types of activities, the table above illustrates the online activities of seven
age groups, ranging from teenagers to those in their seventies. The chart illustrates that
younger people are more interested in online games and news, whereas elderly people use
the internet to study and buy items.

The chart shows that adolescents mostly use the internet for games (up to 81 percent),
news, and downloads and that they are interested in finding people or friends, as well as
completing product research. The middle-aged group (those in their 20s to 60s) is very
interested in obtaining news, conducting product research, and purchasing items, with a
proportion of 70-80%. The internet activity that takes up the least amount of time is looking
for individuals. Every age group spends less than 30% of their internet time doing the same
thing. With age, the amount of time spent on downloading drops, and it can be as low as
6%. (for people in the 70s).

Overall, the table indicates that teens are most likely to spend their time playing video
games and downloading content. Older individuals, on the other hand, are interested in
studying and purchasing items. People spend the least amount of time online looking for
others.

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2. The following data in the form of histogram shows that death due to violence has
increased considerably during recent years. Write its interpretation in 100-120 words on
how educated youth can play a major role in establishing peace in society.

Answer: Role of Youth

Role of youth in establishing peace in society. Youth and peace are interlinked in society.
Youth can play an important role in establishing peace in society. In a survey conducted, it
has been found that number of deaths due to violence has increased enormously since
the nineties. Death rate in 1000s was 2.5 in 1990. But in 2010, it has increased to 7.5. It is
really very sad. It must be checked. Our youth can play a major role in controlling this
crime graph. They can contribute towards establishing peace in many ways. They can
awaken the people towards the necessity of peace. They can help the police in catching
the criminals. They can bring the criminals in the main stream by educating them and they
can do much more.

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 SECTION-C (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS)

Glimpses of India
I. A Baker from Goa: Lucio Rodrigues
This part of the chapter is a pen-port
important place in the Goan culture.

Chapter Summary:
The Old Portuguese Days in Goa.
In the old days of Goa, the Portuguese were famous for their loaves of bread. The Portuguese left
Goa a long time ago but the traditional bakers and their furnaces (a machine for baking) still exist
there. The mixers, moulders and the people who bake the loaves still exist carrying on their business
ing can still be heard in some places. These
bakers are still known as pader in Goa.

The narrator recalls his childhood in Goa, when the baker used to be their friend, companion and
guide. He came to their house twice a day. He came once in the morning while selling his bread and
again in the evening after selling all his bread.
The baker used to arrive with a jingling sound of the bamboo stick that woke everyone up. As soon as
the children heard the sound, they ran to meet the baker and get the bread bangles which was
sometimes made of sweet bread.

The baker used to carry the bread basket on his head along with a bamboo stick. His one hand
supported the basket and other hand banged the bamboo stick on the ground. As the baker came, he
would great the lady of the house and put his basket on the stick.
The children would be pushed aside and the loaves would be delivered to the maid servant. However,
the children still found a way to peep into the basket. The author remembers the sweet fragrance of
the bread and how they did not even brush their teeth before eating anything.
Importance of Bread in Traditional Ceremonies
The presence of a baker was essential during those times in Goa. Marriages or any festival were
incomplete without the sweet bread known as bol. Sandwiches were prepared by the lady of the

festivals.
Accounts
The baker in Goa wore a special dress known as Kabai. It was a single piece long frock that reached
down to his knees. which were shorter
than full-length and longer than half pants. Even today in Goa, if anyone in the streets is seen wearing
half pants, he is referred to as a pader. The baker used to maintain his monthly accounts on a wall in
pencil and collected his bills at the end of the month.
Baking: A Profitable Profession
In old d
prosperous. Their plump body structure proved the fact that a baker and its family were never
hungry.

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 Word meanings:
Traditional = conventional
reminiscing = remembering
nostalgically = fondly
vanished = disappeared
moulders = those who mould
furnaces = ovens
extinguished = put out
thud and jingle = falling sound along with musical sound
Heralding = announcing
pader = a kind of baker
vertical = straight
rebuke = chide
parapet = wall on the edge of root
fragrance = smell
plump = having a soft round body
testimony = statement

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. -
(a) Basket of bread
(b) Musical instrument used by baker
(c) Noises of children
(d) Specially made bamboo staff of baker
Ans. (d) specially made bamboo staff of baker.

2. Match the following essentials required during various events as mentioned in Baker from

Events Essentials
A. As marriage gifts 1. Sandwiches
B. For a party or feast 2. Cakes and bolinhas
C. For 3. Bol
D. For Christmas 4. Bread

Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 4 (b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 2 3 1 4 (d) 4 1 3 2
Ans. (b) 3412 is the correct matching sequence.

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 3. Choose the option that lists the set of sentences that are not true according to the given
extract.
(i) The loaves of bread loved by the narrator are Portuguese.
(ii) The loaves of bread are a special delicacy in Goa.
(iii) The baker is a celebrated personality of Goa.
(iv) Baking as a profession is dead in Goa.
(v) The arrival of a baker is a special highlight of the day for the narrator.
(vi) The narrator misses the loaves of Portuguese bread sellers.

(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 4
(c) Only 6
(d) 3 and 5
Ans. (b) Only statement 4 Baking as a profession is dead in
Goa is false.
4. Select the correct option for (1) and (2).
1. The baker used to push aside the children.
2. The bread loaves were delivered to the servant.

(a) (1) is the result of (2)

(b) (2) is the result of (1)
(c) (1) is independent of (2)
(d) (1) contradicts (2)
Ans. (c) Statement (1) is independent of (2).

Short Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. What do the elders reminisce about and why?
Ans: The elders reminisce nostalgically about the good old Portuguese days and the Portuguese loaves
of bread. The loaves of bread were
without sweet
engagement. Christmas and other festivals must have cakes and Bolinhas. They still remember the
jingling thud of the baker in the morning.
2. How can you say that the makers of the famous Goan loaves are still there?
Ans: Many of those eaters of loaves might have died but their makers still exist. The mixers, the
moulders and those who bake the loaves are still there in Goa. The fire in the furnaces has not yet
been extinguished and the
in some places. These bakers, known as padders, exist in Goa even today. The family profession is
still carried on.

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Long answers type question (100-120)
1. Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood. After
reading about all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do you think
such a keenness on the part ofchildren is desirable?
Ans: I think that the keenness of the children these days to enter adulthood is desirable.
Children these days are in a hurry to enter adulthood and have access to technology. Due
to this they arelearning things earlier than usual and getting matured beyond their age.
Hence, they are losing out their childhood and missing the joys that it brings with it. As per my
thinking, they should grow at a slow pace and enjoy their childhood to the fullest. Children who
miss out on their childhood cannot be a complete adult. So, they should not hurry up to be an
adult and grow at pace
2.
practices arethe roots that nourish us? Why/why not?

every occasion and festival of the Goan people. This tradition continues even today. This shows
how our traditional practices can keep us to our past and heritage. Traditional values shape our
personality and also provide us emotional support. They enable us to face difficult situations
and makes us mentally strong. Traditional practices also have an impact on our behavioural
pattern towards the other people in society
3.
What does thisstatement imply in relation to the character of the baker?
Ans: This statement tells us that the baker was a very respected person in the Goan society because
he would guide the children about good behaviour (when he mildly rebuked them for peeping
into his basket and giving
the house) etc.He was very informal with the children and so the author considered him as a
friend and companion. He was not simply a vendor interested in selling what he made. Thus, he
was an important character in the Goan society of those days

2. Coorg: Lokesh Abrol

This part of the chapter is a pen-portrait of Coorg. Coorg is a coffee growing area famous for its rain
forests and spices.
Chapter Summary
A Heaven called Coorg
Coorg or Kodagu is the smallest district of Karnataka that lies between Mysore and the coastal
town of Mangalore. It is a land of rolling stones that is inhabited by martial men, beautiful women
and innumerable wild creatures.
Weather and Environment of Coorg
Coorg consists of evergreen forests which covers 30% of the district along with coffee and spice
plantations.
The best time to visit Coorg starts in September and continues till March. During this time, the
weather is pleasant with some amount of rainfall and the smell of
coffee all around. With coffee estates and colonial bungalows hidden in corners the landscape seems
like heaven on Earth.

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The Origin of People of Coorg
The people of Coorg are possibly descendants
moved South along the coast and settled there, when they were unable to return to their country.
These people married among the locals and their culture can be seen in their martial traditions,
marriages and religious rites.
The theory of the Arab descent can be proved by their traditional clothes. The Kodavus (residents of
Coorg) wear a long black coat with an embroidered waist belt known as Kuppia. It resembles Kuffia
worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.
Hospitality and Bravery Tales of Kodavus
Kodavus are known for their hospitality. Also, there are many tales of bravery related to the people of
Coorg. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.
The first Chief of the Indian-Army, General Cariappa was a Coorgi. Even today Kodavus are the only
people in India permitted to Carry Firearms without a licence.
River Kaveri and Wildlife in Coorg
The river Kaveri originates in the hills of Coorg. In the waters of the river, a large freshwater fish,
Mahaseer can be found in abundance.
The land of Coorg is a home to a number of birds and animals including kingfishers, squirrels, langurs,
elephants, slender loris, macaques, bees, butterflies, etc.
Tourism in Coorg
Coorg offers many adventurous activities such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing,
mountain biking and trekking. One can have a panoramic view of the entire Coorg by climbing the
Brahmagiri hills. Other interesting places are the Nisargadhama and the largest Tibetan settlement of
Buddhist monks at Bylakuppe.

Word Meanings:
drifted = carried along
inhabited = resided by
martial = concerning war
invigorating = strength giving
tucked = placed
canopies = hanging covers
descent = ancestry
apparent = clear
Embroidered = work of needle and thread
hospitality = reception of guests
valour = bravery
firearms = weapons, etc.
ripple = round waves formed in water
rafting = sailing in a raft
canoeing = sailing in a canoe
rappelling = going clown a cliff by a rope
Trails = paths for walking
trekkers = those who undertake walking tours
panoramic = beautiful
ochre = a colour

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 Multiple Choice Questions:
(1) The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The given line suggests that
(a) showers make the perfect weather more perfect
(b)
(c) s weather pleasant
(d) None of the above
Ans. (a) The given line suggests that light showers make the perfect weather more perfect.

2.
1. Mangalore 2. Mysore 3. Karnataka
4. Nisargadhama 5. Bylakuppe 6. Brahmagiri hills
(a) 1, 3, 4 and 6 (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 3 and 5 (d) All of these

(d) All of these.

Mangalore Mysore Karnataka
Nisargadhama Bylakuppe Brahmagiri hills

3. The author says that from September to March, some showers thrown in for a good measure.
This indicates that
1. The weather is pleasant
2. Rainfall adds to the beauty
3. Expect some rainfall during that time
4. Rainfall is scarce
5. One can visit during the time
(a) (1) and (5) (b) (1), (2), 3 and (5)
(c) (2) and (3) (d) (2), (4) and (5)
Short Questions Answers:
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
1. Describe the climate, birds and animals of Coorg.
Ans. During the monsoons, Coorg has a lot of rains. It pours enough to keep many tourists
away. The best tourist season starts from September and continues till March. The very air
of Coorg smells of Coffee. Kingfishers, squirrels, langurs, wild elephants, bees and butterflies
abound in the rainforests of Coorg.
2. Describe the possible descent of the people of Coorg.
Ans. The people of Coorg, their rituals and traditions are quite different from the Hindu mainstream.
elling the coast, settled here as their
return became impractical. So, they are believed to be of Greek origin. The Coorgi dress, a long,
black coat with an embroidered waist-belt resembles the Kuffia worn by the Arabs: So, some
think that they are of Arabic origin.
3. How do the most laidback individuals become the life of high-energy adventures in Coorg?
Ans. Coorg offers many outdoor high-energy adventures. Even the most laidback individuals
become converts to the life of high-energy adventures. They enjoy river rafting, canoeing,
rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in Coorg are a favourite
with trekkers.

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Long Questions Answers:
1. The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or the Arabs and are still are able to maintain
their traditional practices. Do you agree that following these practices today is important?
Why or why not?
Ans: After reading the text, I feel that it is important to follow the traditional practices, as it has
kept the tradition of Coorgis known to the people even today. If the people of Coorg had not
followed it their tradition would have perished and nobody would have remembered them
today because of their culture andtraditional practices. According to the text, their traditions can
be seen in the martial traditions, religious rites and marriages. The Kodavus even wear the dress
which resembles Arabs. Traditional practices also play a very important role in maintaining
values amongst people and haven impact on shaping the behaviour of people.
2. How do Co location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India?
Ans: Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices
and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of this district. During the
monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from
September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for
good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows
stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.
Coorg is beautifully located and described as a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the
kingdom of God. It has rolling hillsides with a pollution free river and forests teeming with
wildlife. Here nature exists in itspristine glory, which adds to the diversity of India. Further, it has
coffee and spice plantations, quite different from the rest of India. The local people, the
Kodavus, are a martial race. Of course, they are well known for their hospitality, just like all
Indians. All these features of Coorg add to the diversity of our country.

3.Tea from Assam: Arup Kumar Datta

Chapter Summary
Pranjol and Rajvir Visit to Assam
Pranjol and Rajvir were classmates studying in the same school in Delhi. Pranjol belonged to Assam
where his father was the Manager of a tea garden. He had invited Rajvir to visit his home during the
summer vacation. So, both of them were travelling to Assam by train. When the train had stopped on
the way at a station, they bought tea from a vendor and started sipping it.
Popularity of Tea and Tea Gardens
While sipping tea, Rajvir told Pranjol that over 80 crore cups of tea drunk everyday around the world.
It is, thus, a very popular drink.
As the train started moving, Rajvir looked out of the window. He was amazed to see the beautiful
scenery of grenery outside. The soft rice fields gave way to tea bushes. Rajvir was fascinated by the
vast stretch of the tea bushes.
On the other hand, Pranjol was reading his detective book. Pranjol was born and bought up in a tea
plantation and thus was not as excited. However, he told Rajvir that Assam has the largest
concentration of tea plantations in the world.

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Rajvir told Pranjol that there are many legends or stories about the discovery of tea. According to a
legend, a Chinese emperor discovered tea when he was boiling water for drinking.
When the water was put to boil, a few leaves of the twigs (stems) burning under the pot fell into the
water. Thus, the boiled water got a delicious taste. It is believed that they were tea leaves.

hat tea first came to Europe in the sixteenth century

and it was drunk more as medicine than as a beverage.
Rajvir also told Pranjol about another legend from India which said that Bodhidharma, an ancient
Buddhist monk, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during
meditations. Ten tea plantations grew out of his eyelids. It is believed that the leaves of these plants,
when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.

At the Dhekiabari Tea Plantation

Rajvir and Pranjol reached the Mariani Junction where

On both the sides of the road, there were huge acres of tea bushes. Groups of tea-pluckers with
bamboo baskets on their backs and wearing plastic aprons were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
Looking at the tea-

knowledg

Word meanings:
sipped =drink with lips
steaming = emitting steam
pulled out = came out
detective = suspenseful
ardent = strong
magnificent = beautiful
dwarfing = making others look small sturdy = strong
Billowing out = coming out
legends = myths
scoffed = laughed
ascetic = monk
beverage = a drink
clattered = made a clattering sound
veered = moved
pruned = cut

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Europ
(a) medicine, beverage (b) beverage, medicine
(c) sleep waver, medicine (d) sleep banisher, medicine
Ans. (a) In Europe, tea was drunk as more of a medicine than beverage.

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 2. Pick out the option that classifies the statements as Facts (F) and Opinions (O) as said by students.
1. I think tea is very popular all over the world.
2. I feel that everyone should drink tea.
3. I think Rajvir was very excited for seeing tea gardens.
4. I think Rajvir and Pranjol were classmates.
(a) F-2, 3 and O-1, 4 (b) F-1, 2, 4 and O-3
(c) F-3, 4 and O-1, 2 (d) All are facts
Ans. (c) F-3, 4 and O-1, 2

3. What is the main idea of this extract?

(a) Tea as a popular beverage in Europe and how it spread
(b) Origin of tea in India and why it became popular in Europe
(c) Importance of India in popularising tea and influencing Europe
(d) Indian legend on tea and how it travelled from China to Europe
Ans. (d) The main idea of the extract is Indian legend on tea and how it travelled from China to
Europe.

Short Questions Answers:

1. Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going and why?
Ans: Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam as Pranjol had invited Rajvir to spend summer vacation
there.
2. What did Rajvir see while looking outside from the train?
Ans: Rajvir saw much greenery while looking outside from the train. He was amazed to see the
soft: greenpaddy fields first and then the green tea bushes.
3. is a tea country Explain this with reference to Assam.
Ans: Assam has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A large number of
tea gardens can be found there. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.
4. In what ways is China related to tea?
Ans: Tea was first drunk in China. The words and are from Chinese.
5. Why did father say that Rajvir had done his homework before visiting Assam?
Ans: Rajvir was very excited about visiting the tea garden and thus, he studied a lot about it before
visiting the tea garden. Thus, father said that Rajvir had already done his homework before
visiting Assam.

Long answers type question (100-120)

1. It seems that Rajvir had done a lot of homework regarding tea and its history. Do you support
Pranjol statement that he gave about knowledge in this regard?
Ans. It is true that Rajvir had never visited a tea estate ever before in his life. His visit to Dhekiabari
Tea Estate was at the invitation of his classmate Pranjol whose father managed the estate. But
Rajvir seemed to have done a lot of homework and reading about tea and tea plantations
before coming to Assam. He told Pranjol that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the
world. More than eighty crores of cups of tea is drunk every day throughout the world. When
he saw an ugly building with smoke billowing out of its tall buildings,
narrated

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 different legends regarding the discovery of tea leaves. It was Rajvir who narrated the legends
describing how tea leaves were discovered in India and China. Rajvir impressed and surprised
about his deep knowledge of tea-leaves. When he saw a tractor pulling a trailer
load of tea leaves, he recognised that it was the second-flush or sprouting period. He also knew
that it continues from May and to July and yields the best tea.
2. Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea estate in Assam but he was Rajvir who knew much
about tea leaves and the legends associated with tea. Base your answer on their visit to
Dhekiabari Tea Estate in Assam.
Ans. It is true that Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea plantation. His father managed
Dhekiabari Tea t tea and its history
was more profound than him. The reason was simple. Rajvir had done a lot of reading about tea
and its history. He even surprised father with his in-depth knowledge of the subject.
unity for him to connect his reading and knowledge to
the real existing tea plantation. He was fascinated by the magnificent sea of tea bushes
stretching as far as his eyes could go. He saw with his own eyes the groups of tea pluckers, with
bamboo baskets on their backs, plucking the newly-sprouted leaves. His studies helped him to
recognise that the trailer-load of tea leaves were the second-flush or the sprouting period that
gave the best tea.
3. According to the text, Assam is said to be Do you believe that Assam has some of
the best plantations in the world that makes it a unique country?
Ans: In India, some of the best plantations like tea and coffee are grown in huge quantities. India is
also a home to many spices like haldi and while Assam is home to tea, Coorg is home to coffee.
Others which are grown exclusively in India and exported to various countries. These plantations
make India a unique country which has not just traditional spices and beverage plants growing
within it but also follows traditional agricultural practices.
4. What are the legends related to the discovery of tea?
Ans. There are many popular legends about the discovery of tea. Two of them are as follows: A
Chinese emperor was used to drinking boiled water. One day a twig from the fire fell into the
pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the drink. It is said that those
were tealeaves An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist ascetic who used to
feel sleepy during meditations. So, he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids.
When the leaves from these plants were put inhot water and drunk, they banished sleep.

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 MADAM RIDES THE BUS: Vallikannan
Valli and Her Desire to Ride the Bus
Valliammai was an eight year old girl who was fondly called Valli. She was a curious girl and her time
pass involved standing at the front door of her house, watching the happenings on the street. She had
no playmates of her own age so, she just enjoyed looking out. For her, it was just as fun and enjoyable
as the games that children played.
Valli was most fascinated by the bus that travelled from her village to the nearest town. The sight of the
bus with new passengers every hour filled Valli with joy and soon she started to desire a bus ride. The
desire to ride the bus turned into a longing as Valli saw the bus passing through her street every day.

For many days and months, Valli used to listen carefully the conversations between her neighbours and
the regular travelers of bus. Sometimes she would ask them questions to collect information about the
bus and its journey.
In this manner she gathered various small details about the bus journey such as distance between her
village and town, fare of the bus, i.e. thirty paise for one side. She got to know that the bus took 45
minutes to reach the town. She calculated the timings of her journey, planned and replanned her trip.
She carefully saved her coins for months resisting her temptations to buy toys, toffees and riding
merry-go round in the village fair. At last, she collected sixty paise for the bus. Then she planned to go
for the ride after lunch time when her mother took a nap for about three to four hours.

One day, as the bus was about to leave the village stop Valli stopped the bus and got on it.
Valli acted like an adult lady while boarding the bus. The conductor, who was jolly natured man was
er, seat and as soon
as Valli sat down the bus started moving.
There were only six or seven passengers in the bus. It was a new bus with soft and luxurious seats and
nice paint. Valli stood up on her seat to enjoy the views outside the window.
Views Outside the Bus
The bus passed along the banks of a canal. On one side of the narrow road there were palm trees,
grasslands, distant mountains and blue sky. On the other side of the bus, there was a deep ditch and
beyond it were acres of green fields.
While she was enjoying the greenery, she heard an old man asking her to sit down on her seat.
Valli felt annoyed at the old man for thinking of her to be child. She told him that she had paid full fare
like others and then asked the conductor to give her the ticket. The conductor and the passengers were
amused at an 8 year old child acting like an adult. They laughed at her actions while the conductor
handed her the ticket. He also explained her that she needed to sit down or she would get hurt.
The Journey Continues
Soon the bus stopped at a bus stop and some new passengers got inside. Valli took her seat in fear of
losing it. An elderly woman sat beside her and asked Valli about her travelling alone in the bus. Valli
found that lady ugly and unpleasant. Valli got irritated with her questions and started to look out of the
window.
The bus was moving smoothly, leaving all the obstacles behind. Suddenly, Valli saw a young cow
running in the middle of the road, in front of the bus. The driver slowed down the bus and blew horn
but the cow got scared and ran even faster. Valli found it very amusing and laughed heartily. Finally, the
cow moved off the road.

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 The Halt at The Town
The bus then passed through the railway crossing and the train station. Then, it reached the nearest

down and explore the street and nearby sights, but Valli refused and informed him that she would be
going back to the village in the same bus. The conductor also offered her cold drink but she refused it.

The bus started going towards the village and Valli saw the same beautiful sights again with same
excitement. Then her sight fell upon the dead cow which had been struck by some speeding vehicle.
The scene dejected her and she no longer wanted to look out of the window. The bus reached her
village at three forty. She bid a good bye to conductor and conductor warmly did the same. She got
down the bus and ran towards her home.
As she entered her house, she saw her mother talking to one of her aunt. They were conversing about
the everyday things and those that were beyond their knowledge and understanding. Valli affirmed
with them, smiled and went inside the house.

Word meanings:
Recounts: describe
Mesmerized: capture the complete attention
Curious: eager
Jovial: happy
Mystery: secret
Fascinating: attractive
Horrible: fearful
Concerned: worried
Mimicking: copied
Glance: look
Spillover: fall
Thriftily: careful in spending money
Nap: short sleep
Honked: sounded
Landscape: land scene
Chatterbox: talkative

Multiple Choice Questions:

1.
(a) longing to ride the bus
(b) nature as an envious person
(c) denial to accept her situation
(d) inclination to trouble travellers

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 2. Given below is the list of some adjectives. Choose the ones which can be associated with Valli based
on th
1. Intelligent 2. Cunning 3. Mature 4. Responsible
5. Cranky 6. Mannerless 7. Curious 8. Active listener
(a) 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 (b) 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (d) 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
Ans. (a) Valli was intelligent, mature, responsible, curious, active listener.

3. Select the correct option for (i) and (ii).

1. Valli listened to the conversations between her neighbours and the regular passengers of the bus.
2. Valli wanted to travel in the bus.
(a) Both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract
(b) 2 is true 1 is false.
(c) 1 contradicts 2.
(d) 2 is the cause for 1.
Ans. (d) (2) is the cause for (1), i.e., Valli wanted to travel in the bus, so she used to listen the
conversations between her neighbours and the regular passengers of that bus. (d) 2 is the cause for 1.

Short Questions Answers:

1. What was a source of unending joy for Valli? What was her strongest desire?
A. Valli enjoyed watching the bus and its new set of passengers every time it crossed the village. It gave her a
never-ending joy. Her strongest desire was to travel in the bus and take a ride to the nearby town and back.

2. What did Valli find out about the bus journey? How did she find out these details?
A. Valli found out that the town was six miles from the village and it cost thirty paise to travel one side. It took
forty-five minutes to reach town and the same bus could bring you back as well. Once she decided to travel
ations about their bus rides very
carefully. In the process, she would herself ask some careful questions here and there in order to enhance
her knowledge about the journey.

A. Well prepared and proud Valli got annoyed if someone called her a child or treated her like one. On the

enough, bought her ticket and could take care of herself.

4. Why does Valli stand up on the seat? What does she see now?
A. Valli was short in height and thus, when she tried looking out of the window, the window blinds would come
her way obstructing her outside view. Thus, she decided to stand on her seat. She saw that the bus was
moving on a very narrow road. It had a canal on one side, beyond which palm trees, mountains and blue sky
could be seen. On the other side, there was a deep ditch followed by greenery as far as one could see.

5. What does Valli tell the elderly man when he calls her a child?
A. On being advised by a concerned old man to sit down, Valli told him that she was not a child and she could
take care of herself. She told him that she was just as capable and responsible like other passengers as she
had paid the fare of thirty paise for the ticket.

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 6. How did Valli save up money for her first journey? Was it easy for her?
A. Undoubtedly, she had put the innumerable amount of effort in planning and saving for her first ever bus
journey. It was a dream ride for her. She resisted every temptation ranging from peppermints, toys, balloons to
merry-go-round at the village fair. After so many efforts, she finally saved sixty paise. No, it was not easy for
her.

7. the story that tell you this.

A.

Long Questions Answers:

1. How did Valli fulfill her desire to ride a bus to the town and back?
Ans. It is true once we decide to achieve something, many difficulties came in our way to stop us from doing
our best to achieve our goals. However, with focused attention we can make our achievement. The story

In the story, Valliammai or Valli, an eight year old girl develops a strong desire to take a ride on the bus that
travelled from her street every day. As a confident and bold girl Valli not only gathered all knowledge about the
journey but also meticulously planned her trip. With extreme self-control, Valli saved the money she would
require for a round trip in the bus. She controlled her desire to buy peppermints, toys, balloons and even did
not take a ride on the merry-go-round in the village fair. Then she properly plans to take the journey quietly
when her mother is taking her afternoon nap. Finally, she was able to fulfill her dream.
Her passion, self-dependence and self-respecting nature helped her to take the journey safely. Thus, it is true
that with focussed attention, determination and planning one can achieve everything in life.

2.
her dream?
Ans. Valli planned her bus ride by listening carefully to conversations between her neighbours and people who
regularly used the bus. She also asked a few questions from them. She found out that the town was six miles
from her village, the bus fare was thirty paise for one way and the bus trip took forty-five minutes. She also
thought that if she stayed in the bus and came back by the same bus, it would cost her sixty paise.
She saved up the fare by controlling herself from buying toys, peppermints etc. She did not even take a ride on
the merry-go round at the village annual fare to save money. Finally, she was able to save sixty paise for her
journey.

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 THE SERMON AT BENARES : Betty Renshaw
Chapter Summary:

Gautama Buddha was born as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama in Northern India. When he was
twelve years old, he was sent for schooling in the Hindu sacred scriptures. Four years later, he returned
home and got married to a princess with whom he had a son. He lived a royal life for ten years
protected from all the sufferings of the world.
Gautama Feels Sufferings of the World
Gautama was 25 years old when he saw the sight of sufferings present in the world. One day, on his
way to hunt, he saw a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession and then a monk begging for alms.
The sights had a deep impact on Gautama and he gave upon his royal life and went out to seek
enlightenment.
Gautama Seeks Enlightenments
Gautama travelled aimlessly for seven years and then he sat under a peepal tree until he attained

wisdom). He began to teach his new understandings and came to be known as Buddha.
As Buddha, Gautama gave his first Sermon in Benares, the holiest of the dipping places on the river

Story of Kisa Gotami

door asking for medicines for her dead child. Eventually she met a man who directed her towards lord
Buddha who could possibly have a solution for her problem. She went to Buddha and asked him to cure
his son. Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had lost a
family member.
Kisa Gotami went from house to house in search of mustard seeds but she could not find any house
where no one had ever died. Tired and hopeless she sat down at the wayside. As she saw the city lights
flickering in darkness, she realised that human life has the same fate. She realised that death is
everywhere and nobody can escape from it.
Certainty of Death
Buddha held that our life is full of pain and sufferings. Everyone who is born has to die. It is not possible
to avoid death. Everyone irrespective of the difference has to die as death is inevitable for all mortals.
He further adds that wise men understand the unavoidability of death. They do not lament, grieve or
complaint and are thus peaceful and away from sorrow. If one keeps on grieving, one will suffer both
physically and mentally, only those who move on are blessed.

Word meanings:
Sacred : pious
Sculptures : religious books
Shielded : protected
Monk : mendicant
Witnessed : saw
Preached : gave sermons
Sermon : preaching
Procure : get
Grief : sorrow
Mortal : human being

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 Heretofore : till then
Alms : beggings
Mustard-seeds : oil seeds
Overcome : controlled by
Lamenting : grieving

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. show that ........... .

(a) he lived a happy and fulfilling life
(b) he was a prosperous man
(c) he was a pampered and a wealthy man
(d) he was ignorant to the sufferings of the world

Ans. (b nd fulfilling life

with his parents, wife and son.

2.

(i) The real name of Gautam Budhha was Prince Devdatt.

(ii) The sight of a monk begging alms moved the prince towards the path of enlightenment.
(iii) Kisa Gotami was grieving for her dead husband.
(iv) It took Gautam Buddha ten years to gain enlightenment.
(v) Prince Siddhartha was married at the age of sixteen.
(vi) Prince Siddhartha was shielded from the sufferings of the world till twenty five years of his
life.

(a) (i), (iv) and (v) (b) (i), (iii) and (iv)
(c) (ii), (v) and (vi) (d) (i), (ii) and (iii)

Ans. (b) Statements (i), (iii) and (iv) are not true. The real name of Gautam Buddha was Prince
Siddhartha. Kisa Gotami was grieving for her dead son. It took Gautam Buddha seven days to gain
enlightenment.

3. Pick the option that correctly classifies Fact/s(F) and Opinion/s (O) given below.
1. He was born a prince and was kept away from sorrows.
2. He should not have taken such a rash decision.
3. His wife and son must have hated him.
4. He was the enlightened one.

(a) F- 1, 3 and O-2, 4 (b) F-2, 3 and O-1, 4

(c) F-1, 4 and O-2, 3 (d) F-1 and O-2, 3, 4

Ans. (c) Statements 1 and 4 are facts because they are directly mentioned in the text. Statements
2 and 3 are opinions because they are not mentioned in the text.

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Short Questions Answers:
1. When her son dies, Kisa Gotami goes from house to house. What does she ask for? Does she get
it? Why not?
Kisa Gotami goes from house to house after her son dies, demanding a miracle medication that will
bring her son back to life. No, she was unable to obtain it because there is no medicine capable of
resurrecting a deceased person.

2. Kisa Gotami again goes from house to house after she speaks with the Buddha. What does she
ask for, the second time around? Does she get it? Why not?
Kisa Gotami is filled with hope after viewing the Buddha, and she goes from home to house hunting
for mustard seeds, just as Lord Buddha had requested. Many people had mustard seeds to donate,

unable to locate mustard seeds for her son.

3. Mention the incident which prompted Prince Siddhartha to become a beggar?

Ans. Once Prince Siddhartha had gone for hunting where he came across a sick man, an aged man, a
monk asking for alms and also witnessed a funeral procession. Unable to understand those
sufferings, he became a beggar and went in search of spiritual knowledge.

4. Why was Kisa Gotami sad? What did she do in her hour of grief?
Ans. Kisa Gotami was sad because her only son had died. In her hour of grief, she went from house
to house in search of a medicine to cure him. She had become selfish in wanting her son back.

5. What did the Buddha want Kisa Gotami to understand?

Ans. Buddha wanted Kisa Gotami to understand that death is common to all and no one could avoid
dying, no one can save their relatives. So the wise do not grieve after accepting this truth of dead.

6. Why did Prince Siddhartha (Gautama) leave the palace and become a monk?
Ans. While going out for hunting Prince Siddhartha saw a sick man, an aged man and then a funeral
procession. Then he saw a beggar begging for alms. These sights mourned him very much. He
realised that the world is full of sorrows. He thus turned into a monk.

7. What did Kisa Gotami do when her only son died? What did her neighbours think about her?

to all her neighbours. She asked them for medicine to cure her son. The neighbours thought she
had lost her senses. A dead child could never be cured.

8. What did Kisa Gotami learn in the end?

Ans. In the end, Kisa Gotami realised and learnt that death is common to all and that no one could
avoid dying. People weep over their dead ones but it is only the wise who do not grieve as they
have accepted the truth. A person should only try to seek inner peace.

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 Long Questions Answers:

1. Describe the journey of Siddhartha Gautama becoming the Buddha.

Ans. Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BC in a royal family. His name was Siddhartha Gautama. At the
age of twelve, he was sent away for schooling. He studied all the sacred Hindu scriptures. At the age
of sixteen, he married a princess and later they had a son. He lived a royal life for ten years and was
shielded from the sufferings of the world.
However, when he was twenty-five, he saw a sick man, then an aged man and a funeral procession.
Finally, he came across a monk begging for alms. This was his first encounter with the harsh realities
of life. These sights made him so sad that he decided to renounce the worldly pleasures. He left his
family and became a monk. He went out into the world to seek spiritual knowledge.
Siddhartha Gautama wandered for seven years in search of wisdom and truth. Finally, he sat down
under a big peepal tree to mediate. He vowed to stay there until he got enlightenment. After seven
days, Gautama got

2. Life is full of trials and tribulations. Kisa Gotami also passes through a period of grief in her life. How
does she behave in those circumstances?
Ans.
neighbours in order to get medicine to bring him to life. Her neighbours thought that she had gone
insane as she was unable to accept the fact that her child is dead. It was then that someone suggested
her to meet Gautama Buddha.
When she met Gautama Buddha, he gave her an exercise to do. She was asked to collect mustard
seeds from a house where no one had ever died. She went from one house to another but was unable
to find a single house in the town where no one had died. This way she realized that death is a part of
life and anyone who is born is bound to die one day.
Thus, Buddha changed her understanding of death by this exercise. Buddha told her that only the wise
do not grieve and they accept the reality. Mourning brings only pain and sufferings to the body. One,
who is composed, obtains peace of mind and will be free from sorrow and be blessed. This gave her
strength to overcome grief.

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 THE PROPOSAL (PLAY): Anton Chekov
Chapter Summary

Chubukov is extremely happy to meet him. He is surprised to see Lomov wearing a formal dress and
asks him if he is going somewhere. Lomov informs him that he has come to meet him because he needs
his help. Chubukov thinks that Lomov must have come to borrow money from him and states that he

daughter) hand for marriage.

Chubukov gets very excited after hearing about the proposal. He hugs and kisses Lomov. He informs
Lomov that he has been waiting for this proposal since a long time. He even guarantees that Natalya
would also agree to the proposal and goes to call her.
Lomov Thinks about Natalya and His Life
As chubukov leaves, Lomor is left alone in the drawing room. He starts talking to himself. He finds
Natalya to be a good housekeeper. She is well educated and not bad looking. He thinks that he needs to
get married now because he is thirty-five years old and needs to live a quiet and peaceful life. He also
thinks that he is always restless and cannot sleep properly. In fact, we (as readers) find Lomov getting
over excited and getting nervous while stating the proposal.
Natalya Meets Lomov
Natalya enters the drawing room and is surprised to see Lomov. She welcomes Lomov and starts talking
about the work in the fields. S
(party).
Lomov tells her the purpose of his visit. But instead of talking about the proposal, Lomov tells her about
the good relations between Lomovs and Chubukovs. He also mentions about Oxen Meadows that he
has inherited from his aunt.
Argument over Oxen Meadows
After hearing Lomov calling Oxen Meadows as his own, Natalya tells Lomov that the Oxen Meadows do
not belong to him. They actually belong to Chubukov. An argument begins over the Oxen Meadows.
Both of them constantly state that the Meadows are owned by them.
Lomov offers to show documents to prove his claims. He clarifies that the Oxen Meadows were once a
ts free use to the peasants of

used the meadows for forty years, Chubukovs started considering the land to be their own. But now
they belong to Lomov.
Argument Continues between Natalya and Lomov
Natalya does not agree and sticks to her point that those meadows belong to them. She insists that the
land has been owned by them for nearly 300 years.
Both Lomov and Natalya insist that the land is not worth a lot of money but they want the land as a
matter of principle. Lomov offers to make meadows as a present to Natalya. Natalya also says that she
can make meadows a present to Lomov.

Chubukov Joins the Argument

Chubukov enters the room and gets to know the reason for the argument. He supports Natalya and
tells Lomov that Oxen Meadows are owned by them. The quarrel increases to such an extent that
Lomov and Chubukov start abusing each other and their families. Chubukov asks Lomov not to talk to

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him so disrespectfully as he is twice of his age. Lomov calls Chubukov a land grabber and threatens to
take Chubukov to the court.

Nastasya ran away with an architect. He also calls Lomov a villain, a scarecrow and a monster who has
the courage to propose. All this excites Lomov and his health deteriorates. Finally, Chubukov asks
Lomov to leave his house and never come back again.
Natalya Gets to Know about the Proposal
As soon as Lomov leaves, Chubukov tells Natalya that Lomov had come to propose her for marriage.
When Natalya hears this, she almost faints and starts crying. She blames Chubukov for irritating Lomov
and asks him to bring Lomov back. Chubukov goes to get Lomov back.
Another Argument over Dogs
Lomov enters the house again. Natalya tells him that the Oxen Meadows belongs to Lomov and shifts

best dog. Natalya again objects

Again, an argument begins. Both of them list the qualities of their dogs and claim their dog to be better
than the other. Chubukov also joins the argument and again it grows to such an extent that they start
abusing each other.
Chubukov Asks Lomov to Marry Natalya

chance of getting married

has gone. After sometime, Lomov comes to his senses. Chubukov tells Lomov that Natalya is ready for
marriage and that they should get married soon.
He does not want to lose even a single moment and joins their hand. He asks them to kiss each other
and blesses them. But again, they start arguing about their dogs while Chubukov calls everyone for
Champagne to try to quiet her daughter.
Word meanings:
Hearty: large-heart
Suspicious: doubtful
Squeezes: wrings
Treasure: a term of endearment
Awfully: greatly
Consent: agreement
Palpitations: the beating of the heart
Lunatic: mad
Neglige: gown
Inherited: received as heir
Stacked: stored
Dessiatins : a currency
In perpetuity: in continuation

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the play about?

(a) Tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families
(b) Tendency of wealthy families to increase their estates
(c) Encouragement of marriages that make good economic sense
(d) All of the above

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 Ans. (d) The play is about tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families to
increase their estates and encouragement of marriages that make good economic sense.

2. What is the theme of the play?

(i) Human nature
(ii) Rich people
(iii) Physical weakness
(iv) Arguments and disputes
(v) Double faced people
(vi) Feelings for dogs

(a) (i), (iv), (v) and (vi) (b) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(c) (i), (ii), (iii) and (v) (d) All of these

Ans. (d) All of these

3. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).

1. Natalya and Lomov would not be a happily married couple.
2. Lomov does not Love Natalya.

(a) Both (1) and (2) are true

(b) (2) is the opposite of (1)
(c) (1) furthers the premise of (2)
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false

Ans. (a) Both (1) and (2) are true

Short Questions Answers:

1.
Answer: T
wearing a formal dress. He has come with the intention of making a marriage proposal to

2. Why does Lomov wish to propose to Natalaya?

Answer: Lomov wishes to propose to Natalaya because he feels she is an excellent housekeeper,
not bad looking, and is also well-educated. Moreover, he feels that he is already thirty-five, which is
a critical age and he ought to lead a regular and settled life.

3. Who is Lomov? Why does he visit Chubukov?

Answer: Lomov was a young wealthy landowner and an unmarried man of thirty-five. He was
anxious to get married as he had already reached a critical age. So, he decided to propose Natalaya,
a girl of twenty-
marriage.

4.
Answer: Chubukov misunderstands that Lomov has come to borrow money. He does not reveal his
purpose of coming directly instead he says that he has come to trouble him with a request for help.

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Long Questions Answers:
1. Anton Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in the play to comment on courtship in his times.

healthy relationship requires.

Answer: Lomov and Natalaya meet for a serious purpose, i.e., to talk about marriage that decides
ciety. But the purpose of

society disrupts his approach to the topic of marriage. He learns that the girl and her father like him,
but instead of proposing to marry her and discussing how their marriage should be organised, he
goes on to talk about properties, relations, family histories, and pets, draws them into an
unnecessary argument, and antagonises both of them.
Finally, Chubukov marries Lomov and Natasha by force before another problem crops up. Thus, the
play ends in a comic note, just because the couple gets together with their father to celebrate their
marriage while the dispute over the pets is still continuing. For any healthy relationship there
should be mutual understanding and respect. Quarreling over trivial issues like dog cannot
guarantee longevity of a relationship.
2. The proposal of the marriage was forgotten amidst the arguments over petty things. Which right
approach should have been followed by Lomov and Natalya?

neighbours since long and at the right age to marry. When Lomov was about to propose Natalya;
they started arguing over a piece of land called Oxen Meadows claiming it to be theirs. Her father
also got into the argument and cursed Lomov. All this while they forgot about the proposal. But
when Lomov left, Chubukovs remembered about the proposal and told Natalya about it.
She immediately called Lomov back and then they again started to argue over their dogs. All three
of them claimed their dog to be better than others. Again they forgot about the proposal amidst
fighting over trivial things. This would not have happened if they had followed a right approach to
talk calmly to each other. Natalya and Lomov should have understood that Oxen Meadows would
have belonged to both if they got married to each other. They should have been polite and patient
to each other instead of being rude and stubborn. Oxen Meadows and dogs are pity things to argue
over in front of a marriage proposal.

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 AMANDA: Robin Klein
Summary of the poem:

The little girl Amanda is biting her nails and her mother asks her not to do it. Amanda is putting her
shoulders down to one side and her mother asks her to sit up straight. Amanda bother what her
mother says and is lost in a world of dreams and fantasy. She imagines herself moving all around freely
and blissfully like a mermaid. mother asks if she has finished her homework and reminds her
to clean her shoes. Amanda care a bit what her mother says to her. She is again in the world of
dreams and fantasy. She prefers to be an orphan than living such a life and wants to roam around the
streets freely and aimlessly with her bare feet. The pressing of the feet will create designs on the soft
dust. She loves silence, and freedom is the sweetest thing that she values in her life. Further, she is told
not to eat chocolate as she is having pimples on her face.
Her mother reminds her to observe good manners and tells her not to look the other way when her
mother is speaking to her. Again, Amanda ignores her mother and imagines herself as Rapunzel living in
a tower where there is a reign ofpeace and tranquility. Amanda is proud of her beautiful hair and would
not let them down like Rapunzel.
and unhappy at once because if she remains unhappy, people will think that her mother has been
nagging her. No reaction of Amanda has been written by the poet for this

Multiple Choice Questions:

1.
(a) Loves giving instructions
(b) Physical beauty is important
(c) Wants to control Amanda
(d) All of the above

Ans. (d) The poem informs us that the speaker loves giving instructions, physical beauty is
important for her and she tries to control Amanda.

2. What all things did Amanda imagine while her mother was giving her instructions?
1. To be a mermaid
2. To be an orphan
3. to be Rapunzel

(a) Only 1 (b) 1 and 2

(c) 2 and 3 (d) All of these

Ans. (d) Amanda imagined being a mermaid, an orphan, Rapunzel while her mother was giving her
instructions.

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 3.
(i) Amanda is annoyed by h
(ii) Amanda is ignoring the instructions given by her mother.

(a) (i) is correct (ii) is incorrect

(b) (i) is incorrect (ii) is correct
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are correct
(d) Neither (i) nor (ii is correct

Ans. (c
instructions given by her
mother.

Short Questions Answers:

Q.1 Why has the poet used the exclamation mark after Amanda? Comment on the title of the poem.

The title isappropriate.

Q.2 What is the theme of the poem

Hint: Too many instructions and too much control are resented by children. They get bored and fed up.

Q.3 What message does the poet want to give through the poem

Hint: The poet wants to convey those parents should adopt positive measures, acceptable to children.
Otherwise, they will stop listening to them and indulge in daydreaming as Amanda did.
Q.4 Is Amanda at fault at all?

Hint: Its answer can be yes or no depending upon you. So do it yourself.

Q.5 What is the central idea of the poem?

Hint: The central idea of the poem is that children love freedom. Secondly, they have a dream world of
their own. They like to spend most of their time in that dream world.
Q.6 What made Amanda sulk? Why does her mother ask her to stop sulking?
,

Q.7 Who wants to be an orphan? Why?

Hint: Amanda because of constant nagging by her elders.

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Long Questions Answers:

Q.1 Discuss the importance of proper upbringing with reference to the poem Amanda by Robin Klein.

Hints:

* Upbringing plays an essential role in personality development of an adult. Upbringing is always

questioned whenever someone does something right or wrong. Robin poem highlights the
tension in the upbringing of a child.
To instill good values and moral principles in a growing child comes as a foremost duty for the
parents. However, the poem Amanda shows how a child feels trapped within the cluster of
instruction. .
As a result, she feels trapped and seeks an escape.

Her imagination proves to be her escape and also her defence against her nagging parents. Situation
ofAmanda is so worse that she wishes to be an orphan, in order to get rid of her parents.

Q.no.2 Escapism is one way to run away from harsh realities. Discuss in context to the poem.

Hints:

* An advice in the form of nagging leaves a very harmful impression on the mind.

* The reality becomes harsh form them and they try to escape these realities by indulging in their
own fantasyworld.
* Here in this poem, life of Amanda is quite frustrating as Amanda is forbidden to do anything
without seekingpermission.
* Amanda drifts into an imaginary situation to escape from the harsh realities of her life. The
behaviour is forcing her to do so, as a result there will not be a balanced development of her
personality.

* Parents need to understand that their child also requires freedom and his/her own space.
If no space is given, child will develop one or the other complex which may hamper his/her
normal growth.

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 ANIMALS: Walt Whitman
Summary
In the poem animals, the poet has described his will to become an animal because he thinks animals are far
better than human beings. Human beings are greedy and full of jealousy against each other. But animals are
calm and self contained. The animals are happy with what they have. They never complain about miseries and
sorrows. On the other hand human beings complain about their miseries. They give more importance to the
rich and strong people, stay restless because of their wrongdoings and run behind the luxurious things of this
worl
live a life which is full of honesty and less of greed and jealousy.

Word meanings:
Placid quiet, calm
Self-contained poised (in the right mind; in full control of self)
Sweat and whine to cry (to complain)
Sins misdeeds (immoral actions)
Demented affected with madness
Mania madness
Owning possessing
Tokens symbols
Evince to show
Possession ownership
Negligently in a careless manner

Literary Devices:
Stanza 1
Repetition
stand and look at them long and long.
Stanza 2
Repetition

Alliteration
They do not make me sick.
Stanza 3
Alliteration
I wonder where they get those tokens
Rhyme Scheme
There is no rhyme. The poem is in free verse.
Multiple Choice Questions:
1.
(a) He stands and looks at the animals for a very long time.
(b) He admires the animals
(c) He praises their inner qualities
(d) His desire to turn into one of them and live with them

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2. Which of the following set of qualities does the poet attribute to animals in the given extract?
1. Discontented, furious, respectful
2. Fearless, materialistic, reputable
3. Contented, equal, non-acquisitive
4. Happy, self-serving, intelligent

(a) Option (1) (b) Option (2)

(c) Option (3) (d) Option (4)
Ans. (c) The animals are contended, equal and non-acquisitive as per the poet.

3. The last line of the poem is a question. What do you think is its purpose?
(a) To allow readers to think about it
(b) To ask listeners about when
(c) For poetic diction
(d) To show his thinking nature
Ans. (a) To allow readers to think about it

Short Answer Type Questions:

1. Why does the poet want to turn and live with animals?
Ans. The poet likes/prefers animals for their calm and self-controlled nature. He is impressed with animals
s and are satisfied with their lives.
The poet wants himself to turn into an animal and live with animals as they have retained the basic good
values lost by humans.

2. What is the difference between animals and humans regarding their attitude towards sin and God?
In the poem, the poet states that animals are simple and innocent creatures who commit no sins. Therefore,
they do not have to worry about forgiveness from God.
eacefully all night and
pray to God for forgiveness.

3.
Ans. Animals do not have the desire to possess worldly things and thus, are satisfied with what they have. They
live happily in their natural surroundings. However, humans desire to own as many things as possible and
thus, are dissatisfied forever.

4.

refers to the good virtues which includes satisfaction, self-containment, innocence, etc. The poet believes
that these virtues were present in both humans and animals but humans have forgotten them. Animals still
retain these tokens or virtues and remind the poet about them.

5. What message does the poet Walt Whitman want to give through this poem?
nimals
over humans. In the poem, the poet states that with advancement, humans have forgotten all the noble
virtues. They have degraded themselves while animals still retain those noble virtues. So, they appear to be
noble as compared to humans.

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 Long Answer Type Questions:

1. Why do you think the poet has called the desire to own things, as a mania? Is the poet right in doing so?
Write your own views.
-ending desire of human beings
to possess things. According to the poet, humans desire to possess as many things as possible and thus, never
get satisfied. The acquisition of material things is a rat race in which all human beings participate forever.
The more a human gets, the more he/she desires. There is no end to their greed. Yes, the poet is right in
doing so. The greed or desire to possess things drives all humans mad. They madly try to acquire more and
more but are never satisfied. So the poet states, animals are better than humans.
They do not have any desire to possess physical things and are happy with what they have. Unlike animals,
humans always worry and complain. Thus, the poet is right in calling the desire to own things as a mania.

2. e most civilised species in the entire world. But sometimes they lack the

Ans. Human beings are called the most civilised species in the entire world, yet they lack good virtues. Human

poet believes that it is with civilisation that humans have lost their true nature.
They have become selfish, jealous, restless, unhappy and greedy creatures. They always complain about their
lives, cry over their sins and discuss their duty to God. They have become false to their true identity. Unlike
humans, animals are peaceful, self-contained, and happy. They are satisfied with their lives. They do not have
the mania of owning things nor do they have the concept of respect or insult. Animals, thus retain all those
good virtues that were present even in humans, very long time ago.

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 THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON: Ogden Nash

Summary of the poem

The tale of custard the dragon is a ballad. It is a humorous poem about a cowardly dragon named
custard. Custard is a pet of Belinda, a little girl who lives in a little white house with her pets. She had a
black kitten named ink, a grey mouse named blink, a yellow dog mustard and a cowardly dragon
custard. The poet says that all of them are very brave except the dragon. Others were described as
brave and are compared with animals like bear, tiger or lion but the dragon is very timid. He always
demands a safe place for himself. All the other characters make fun of him. But one night they are
surprised by the entry of a pirate in the house. All of them get frightened and start hiding here and
there. But to everyon
are saved by custard, they thank him. But at the end, they realize that they used to make fun of the
dragon because of his being timid. So, all of them suddenly start saying that they are braver and could
have handled the situation in a much better way. Here the poet has tried to say that sometimes a timid
person is the actual hero in the toughest situations of life.

Word meanings:
Coward: one who is not brave enough
Spikes: pointed, rigid substance
Scales: bony uneven plates found on the body of snakes, fish and other reptiles
Fireplace: A structure of brick, stone or metal constructed outdoors for an open fire
Underneath: present exactly below something
Barrel: drum
Dagger: A sharp knife from old times
Chased: go after something or someone, hunt
Rage: ferocity; anger
Tickled: here it means to tease
Percival: A knight who belonged to the court of King Arthur
Unmerciful: not kind
Giggled: laughed
Nasty: not pleasant; bad
Growled: make a deep barking sound
Pirate: A person who robs ship in the sea

Literary Devices:
Rhyme scheme: aabb (house-mouse, wagon-dragon)

Anaphora: repeat
Refrain: Repetition of a sentence again and again (And a realio, trulio,)
poetic license: realio, trulio for real, true. The spellings have been changed to create a musical effect

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Allusion: reference to any person or place (Percival)
Personification: Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival
Onomatopoeia: usage of sound words to create a dramatic effect (giggled, weeck)

Imagery: An image is created about the appearance of the pirate.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. A cage means captivity. Why is Custard inclined to remain in a cage despite what it
symbolises?
This is so because he viewed it as a
(i) sanctuary (ii) guardhouse (iii) cubicle (iv) refuge (v) booth
(a) (i), (ii) and (v) (b) (i) and (iv)
(c) (iii), (iv) and (v) (d) (iii) and (v)
Ans. (b) Custard viewed cage as a sanctuary and refuge.
2. What is the theme of Custard the
1. Appearance vs reality 2. Hypocrisy 3. Courage 4. Jealousy
(a) Only 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) All of these
Ans. (d) Appearance vs reality, hypocrisy, courage and jealousy are the themes of the
poem.

3. Which belief about dragons is in contrast to behaviour in the

extract?
(a) Dragons are brave and feared.
(b) Dragons can grant wishes.
(c) Dragons can become invisible at will.
(d) Dragons are soft-hearted and kind.
Ans. (a) Dragons are brave and feared, but, in the poem, Custard, the dragon is
described as a coward.
Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What did Custard look like?

appearance of the dragon. Custard, the dragon has big sharp teeth. He has spikes on top and
scales underneath him. His mouth is like a fireplace and his nose is like a chimney. He has
daggers on his toes.

2. How did Custard face the pirate?

Custard jumped in front of the pirate to fight him. He even clashed his tail. During
this fight, the pirate shot two bullets at him which missed its aim. Finally, Custard ate him and
left no trace of him.

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 3. Were Belinda and her pets grateful to Custard for killing the pirate? How did Custard react to
their reactions?
Ans. Yes, Belinda and her pets were grateful to Custard for killing the pirate, but it was only
temporary. Soon after expressing gratitude, Mustard, Ink and Blink started giving excuses for
their cowardice and things went back to normal, as it was before the pirate incident. Custard,
the dragon reacted in a humble manner and accepted that all other pets are braver than him.

4. How did Custard accept his cowardice and others bravery?

Ans. Custard accepted his cowardice by
when they boasted of how brave they could be in front of the pirate. But, in real, Custard was
the bravest of all because he was the one who killed the pirate and saved everyone in the
house. However, he chose to be humble and modest instead of boasting about himself.

Long Answer Type Questions:

1. The dragon, Custard was considered a coward. The humble dragon proved his bravery in
adversity. Analyse those certain qualities like bravery and courage are situational and
spontaneous. Express your views with reference to
Ans. It is true that bravery and courage are situational and spontaneous. This fact has been aptly
Wherein the dragon was considered a
coward. He was laughed at for crying for a nice safe cage. He never boasted of his bravery and
courage, unlike Belinda and her other pets do. Everyone else, including Belinda, Ink, Blink and
cowardice. However, when the
time to show their courage came, none of them could face the danger.
They hid themselves in some corner of the house. It was only Custard who dared to face the
frightening pirate. He not only fought the pirate but also ate him up. It was a dangerous
situation to which Custard spontaneously responded. His courage and bravery came out in a
threatening situation. Hence, it is true that qualities like courage and bravery are situational and
spontaneous.
2. Do you think that one should be made fun of because of their preferences and choices in life?
Explain in the context of Custard, the dragon.
Ans. According to me, one should never make fun of anyone on the basis of their lifestyle and their
choices. One must always remember that choices and preference can depend on unexplainable
factors.

him. They think of him as a coward for choosing to stay in cage and make fun of him. Custard, the
dragon soon proved In fact, instead of all
showed
courage to face the pirate and kill him.
Therefore, one must never judge anyone for choice. Appearance may be deceptive. Just like the
dragon who appeared to be a coward but was actually courageous, another person might also
be different from what show him/her to be his/her preferences.

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 FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
THE MAKING OF A SCIENTIST: Robert W. Peterson
Summary

theory. This he did at the age of

22 years. It was on how cells work. Richard H. Ebright and his college roommate explained the
theory in
achievement. It started with butterflies.
Ebright as a child
Ebright was the only child of his parents. They lived in north of Reading, Pennsylvania. Ebright wrote
that there was nothing to do. He could not play football or baseball. But he could collect things.
As a collector of things
Ebright started collecting butterflies in kindergarten. He also collected rocks, fossils and coins. He also
became a star-gazer and an eager astronomer. His mother encouraged him. She took him on trips. She
also bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras and other equipment.
Ebright and his mother
Ebright sold his article at 15 to a scientific journal. It was like a home run scored in the game of
his friend until he started school. She would bring home
friends for him. He was her whole life third grade then.

was for learning, He wanted to

learn. He earned top grades in school. When he was in second grade, he had collected 25 species of
butterflies. These were found around his hometown.
Ebright gets a book

monarch butterflies migrate to Central America. This opened the world of science to Ebright.
Tagging of butterflies
At the end of the book, readers were invited to help study butterfly migrations. They were asked to tag
butterflies for research. It was being done by Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart of Toronto University, Canada.
Ebright started tagging monarch butterflies. Anyone who found a tagged butterfly was asked to send
the tag to Dr. Urquhart.
Ebright rears butterflies
The butterfly collecting season around Reading lasts six weeks in late summer. Chasing them one by
So Ebright raised a flock of butterflies. He would catch a female
monarch and take her eggs. He would raise them in his basement from egg to adult butterfly. Then he
and let them go.
Loses interest
Soon Ebright began to lose interest in tagging butterflies. The reason was that there was no feedback.
Only two butterflies had been caught. Their distance was not more than seventy-five miles from where
he lived.
Decides to do real experiments
In seventh grade Ebright got a hint of what real science is. He entered a country science fair and lost.
His entries were slides of frog tissues. He realised that the winners had tried to do real experiments.
So he decided to do a real experiment. The subject was the insect work that he had already been doing.
Writes to Dr. Urquhart
He wrote to Dr. Urquhart for ideas. Back came many suggestions for experiments. These kept Ebright

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busy all through high school. These also led him to prize projects in country and international science
fairs.
His research wins
For his eight-grade project, Ebright tried to find the cause of a viral disease. It killed all monarch
caterpillars. He thought the disease might be carried by a beetle. He tried raising caterpillars in the
his experiment and won.
His theory on butterflies
The next year his science fair project was testing the theory. The theory was that viceroy butterflies
copy monarchs. The theory was
to birds. Viceroys taste good to birds. So the more they look like monarchs, the less likely they are to
was to see if birds would eat monarchs.
About gold spots on butterflies
The question he tried to answer was simple. What is the purpose of the twelve tiny gold spots on a
monarch pupa? Everyone assumed the
About hormone
To find the answer Ebright and another student built a device. It showed that the spots were producing
a hormone. It was necessary
in the country fair. It also won an entry into the International Science and Engineering Fair. There he
won third place for zoology. He also got a chance to work in Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
continues advanced experiments. As a high school junior, he continued his advanced experiments on
the monarch pupa. That year his project won first place at the International Science Fair.
Importance of cells
showed that the cells would
divide and develop into normal butterfly wing scales. This would be only if they were fed the hormone
from the gold spots. That project won first place for zoology at the International Fair. He also worked at
the army lab and at the U.S. Dept, of
Identifies the hormone
The following summer Ebright went lab. There he worked on the
hormone theory. Finally he was able to
About DNA
A year-and-a half later, Ebright got the idea for his new theory about cell life. He did so while seeing the
X-ray photos of this chemical puzzles. It
was: DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that
controls heredity. It is the blueprint for life.
Paper about the experiment
Ebright and his college roommate James R. Wong drew pictures and constructed plastic models. They
made them to show how it could happen. Together they later wrote the paper explaining the theory.
Testing the theory
Surprisingly Richard Ebright graduated from Harvard with highest honours. He also became a graduate
student researcher at Harvard Medical School. There he began experimenting to test his theory.
Advantages of the theory
If the theory proves correct it will be a big step towards understanding life processes. It might also lead
to new ideas. These would be new for preventing types of cancer and other diseases.

Ebright has other interests also. He became a champion debater and public speaker. He also became a
good canoeist and all-round outdoors-person. He is also an expert photographer of nature and
scientific exhibits.

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Ebright and his teacher
Ebright also found someone to admire. He was Richard A. Weiherer, his social studies teacher. Ebright
said about him that he opened his mind to new ideas. Richard A. Weiherer also spoke highly of Ebright
about his interests. He won because he wanted to do the best job.
Things which make a scientist
These things are a necessity in the making of a scientist. Start with a first-rate mind. Add curiosity and
mix in the will to win for the right reasons. Ebright had these qualities.

The story teaches us that with perseverance, dedication and hard work any dream is achievable.

New words:
Species: a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or
interbreeding.
Ex: Frog is the species of amphibians.
Fossils: the remains or impression of a prehistoric plant or animal embedded in rock and preserved in
petrified form.
Ex: Petrol is a kind of fossil fuel.
Pupa: an insect in its inactive immature form between larva and adult.
Ex: Pupa of a butterfly becomes an adult after its growth.
Hormone: a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as
blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action
Ex: Hormone plays a vital role in growth and development in an organism.
Caterpillar: the larva of a butterfly or moth

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Which experiments did Richard continue as a high school junior?

(a) Experiments on Cells
(b) Experiments on DNA
(c) Experiments on Monarch pupa
(d) Experiments on Viceroy butterflies

Ans. (c) Experiments on Monarch pupa were continued by Richard as a high school junior.

2.
statement?
A. Richard was not interested in winning prizes.
B. Richard did not want to win the first prize for the sake of winning.
C. Richard wanted to do his best job for the welfare of people.

(a) Only A (b) A and B

(c) B and C (d) None of these

Ans. (c) Mr. Weiherer meant by the given statement that Richard did not want to win the first
prize for the sake of winning but he wanted to do his best job for the welfare of people.

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 3. Select the correct option for (i) and (ii).
(i)
(ii) Richard was a graduate from Harvard Medical School.

(a) (i) is the result of (ii)

(b) (i) and (ii) are independent of each other
(c) (ii) is the result of (i)
(d) (i) is true (ii) is false

Ans. (b) Statements (i) and (ii) are independent of each other.

Short questions:

1. How do you assess Griffin as a SCIENTIST?

Ans: He wanted to prove that that human body could become invisible
2. What curious episodes occurs in the study?
Ans: Clergy man incident
3. Why do you think? Mrs. Hall found the scientist eccentric?
He was not cordial to the land lord.
4. How did the visible man become invisible? What did he do then?
Ans: The fight with Mrs. Hall.
5. What was the explanation of
Ans: The muddy foot print followed by kids.
6. Obedience, interest and love for subject can turn a child to become a great personality one day.
Refer to the story of Ebright who was loved by his mother so much, fulfills his desire and becomes
a great Scientist. Write about the statement expressing your views.
Answer: Richard H. Bright as a student was always curious to know, he was a determined child to
perform better and the best. His devotion and constant encouragement from his mother and
teachers turned him into a great scientist and later on a great personality.
7. How did Ebright show the science that he would do amazing things when he would grow up
imagine you are Ebright what would you do?
Answer: Ebright was an excellent
encouragement helped him a lot. His curiosity and devotion to science made him to do amazing
things. I would also do like him.

LONG QUESTIONS:

Question 1. Failure is the stepping stone to success. Elucidate with reference to Richard Ebright.
Answer: Richard Ebright had scientific curiosity right from his childhood. He always spent his time in
observation of his surroundings. He was an intelligent boy having interest in collection of fossils,
rocks and other things. His mother recognised his driving curiosity along with his bright mind. He
worked hard and entered a county science fair with a project on frog tissue. He did not win
anything.
He realised that the winners should try to do real experiments. A simple and neat display of facts

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 does not win a prize. He failed to win a prize but this failure was a step towards success. He was
not demotivated. It was learning for him. We should learn from it that we should never give up and
move on. After that failure, Ebrightworked on real experiment and became a successful scientist.

Question2. Richard Ebright was a curious child, observing the phenomena around him keenly and these
traits contributed to his evolution into a scientist. Do you think such qualities should be encouraged
in children?
Answer: Curiosity and motivation are the basic foundation for becoming a successful scientist. It is the
urge to know more that develops scientific aptitude. One cannot be a rational, well informed
person if one does not have curiosity to know more. One has to think differently if one wants to
do something different. Richard Ebright is an example. At a very young age Richard Ebright was
competitive. He put in extra effort in his work. He was always curious to know more about the
things around him.
In addition to curiosity and motivation, there are many other values which are required in
becoming a successful person. One has to be hardworking, sincere, determined and patient. One
should never lose hope but should be optimistic. One must accept success and failure in the right
spirit. I learn the value of curiosity, hard work, determination and strong willpower from the life
of Richard Ebright.

Question 3. Although Richard does not win anything at the science fair but it was a stepping stone for
his success. With reference to the story Making of a of the above statement, give your
commentswhether competitions are for winning sake or to give your best at work.
Answer: When Ebright was in the seventh grade, he participated in a country science fair and lost it.
His entry was slides of frog tissues, shown under a microscope. He felt really sad when he just sat
there and others won
entered him and he realised that winners had to try to do real experiments and not just a simple
neat display. The competitive spirit started entering him and he thought of conducting
Monarchs came first in the zoology
division and overall, third. Next year he found out an unknown insect hormone which led him to
defeat is the
stepping stone of success. Not winning anything at the science fair encouraged him greatly to
conduct experiments.
Question 4: Besides curiosity a number of other values are required to become a successful scientist.
Explainwith reference to the chapter, Making of a
Answer: Richard was an exceptional child with rare qualities of intelligent observation and keen
interest in the nature of things. The traits of his successful career were nurtured and honed during
his childhood itself. These qualities are definitely desirable in every child and the curiosity should
never be curbed or discouraged.
Providing logical answers to the queries goes a long way to develop a scientific way of thinking and
problem solving. Children learn to analyse the things and come to logical conclusions and this is
indeed the correct learning procedure

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Question 5. To participate in the competition is more necessary than to win a prize. Explain this
statement in the light of participation at the country science fair.
Answer: Winning a prize in any competition is the most desirable thing for all of us. We want to win
as it motivates us for more hard work. But everyone cannot be the winner. For me participating in
the competition is more important than winning a prize. If one participates in the competition and
does not win a prize, it should not demotivate one.
We should continue hard work. Richard is an example to follow. He did not win anything at the
science fair but it was a stepping stone for his success. He continued hard work and one day
became a successful scientist. As a student it is more important for me to participate in the
get a prize in any competition, it will not
demotivate me. It will be a stepping stone for me to move ahead.
Question 6. A mother can make her child what he /she wishes to become in life keeping in mind the role
of Ebright Mother. Explain.
Answer: Mother was a devoted lady she always took great care of her son she developed his
interest in learning she took him of trips and bought telescopes microscopes cameras and other
materials by this way she helped her son. She also bought him telescope, microscope, cameras,
mounting materials and such other things. His butterfly collecting would have come to an end if his
mother would not have brought him a book called the travels of Monarch X.
Question 7
science, whatwere the other interests of Richard?
Answer: Ebright discovered a hormone that was necessary for the growth of a butterfly. His other
important contribution proved to be his study of how cells read their DNA. A part from science,
Richard was a good debater and a public speaker as well as a canoeist and an all-round a
outdoors person. He loved photographyas well.
Question 8: How did Ebright get the idea for his new theory about cell life? How important was it
and how wilit be useful?
Answer: Ebright got the idea for his new theory about cell life during his junior year. He got the idea
when he is looking at x-ray photos of the chemical structure of a hormone. When he saw those
photos he got an answer to one of puzzles: how the cell can read the blue print of its
DNA. DNA is the substance in the nucleus of a cell that controls heredity and determines the form
and function of the cell. The DNA is the blueprint of light. Ebright and his roommate worked all
night for drawing pictures and making plastic models of molecules. They also wrote research
papers to prove their theory. The correct theory would be a big step towards understanding the
processes of life and may also lead to new ideas for preventing some type of cancer.

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 THE NECKLACE: Guy de Maupassant
The Necklace is an ironic story about the distinction between appearances versus reality, written by Guy
de Maupassant in 1884.
Plot Summary: The story is set in 19th century France where the main characters are a middle class
couple. The wife, Madame Mathlide Loisel, strives to appear wealthy (which she equates with
happiness). She borrows an opulent necklace from her friend, Madame Forestier, to wear at a special
party, but then loses the necklace. The couple must come up with thirty-four thousand francs to replace
it, resulting in ten years of hard work to pay off the new necklace. When the women run into each
other, Madame Forestier does not recognize the much older looking Mathilde after her years of toil.
Forestier reveals in a dramatic twist-ending, that the old necklace was a fake (called a "paste"), worth
no more than five hundred francs.

Character Analysis:
Mathilde Loisel - The greedy wife of a clerk who seeks wealth and believes it will bring her happiness.
She remains miserable in her middle class status and strives to appear wealthy and glamorous for a
fancy party. She borrows jewels from her rich friend and wears a beautiful gown, but her happiness is
fleeting when she loses the necklace and is forced to spend the rest of her life paying off the debt to
replace it.

Monsieur Loisel - Mathilde's husband is completely content as a clerk, enjoys his humble lifestyle and is
generous. Quite the opposite from his wife.

Madame Forestier - The wealthy friend from whom Mathilde borrows the diamond necklace, Madame
Forestier is the object of Mathilde's jealousy.

The Ramponneaus - The couple who throws the fancy party that the Loisels attend, George
Ramponneau is the Minister of Public Instruction, Monsier Loisel's boss.

Genre
The Necklace is a fictional short story in the genre of Realism. Sub-genres include irony, for its surprise
ending, and morality tale, for important lessons it offers the reader.

Themes
Reality versus Appearance - This theme that things aren't as they seem plays out on many levels
throughout the story. The most obvious is the original, fake diamond necklace which appeares genuine
and valuable, but is actually a convincing imitation. The same is true for Mathilde, masquerading in the
appearance of wealth, while in reality, she is middle class, jealous, and ugly on the inside.

Moral lesson - "Beauty is only skin-deep." This proverbial expression is the story's main lesson, meaning
that a pleasing appearance is no guide to character.
Greed versus Generosity - Mathilde is filled with discontent, greed and appearances, while her husband
is content and generous in his station in life.
Wealth versus Happiness - These two conditions do not necessarily correlate, though people who envy
weathly people tend to think they do. Mathilde is miserable striving to be wealthy, which she believes
would bring her true happiness. Ironically, she had to assume the life of a hardworking, poor woman
(losing all outward appearances of beauty or wealth) in order to purchase a replacement necklace.
Because of her greed, her condition was even worse than before.

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Word meanings:
Error- a mistake.
Clerk- a person employed in an office or bank to keep records, accounts, and undertake other routine
administrative duties.
Dowry- an amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.
Petty- of little importance; trivial.
Incessantly- without interruption; constantly.
Delicacies- fineness or intricacy of texture or structure.
Shabby- in poor condition through long use or lack of care.
Tureen- a deep covered dish from which soup is served.
Pot pie- a savoury pie baked in a deep dish, typically with a top crust only.
Elegant- graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
Exquisite- extremely beautiful and delicate.
Marvellous- causing great wonder; extraordinary.
Convent- a school attached to and run by a convent.
Elated- make (someone) ecstatically happy.
M.- Mr. in french
Mme.- Mrs. in french
Delighted- feeling or showing great pleasure.
Spitefully- showing or caused by malice.
Murmuring- a low or indistinct continuous sound.
Stammered- speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words.
Stupefied- make (someone) unable to think or feel properly.
Dismay- concern and distress caused by something unexpected.
Weeping- shedding tears.
Vexation- the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.
Affair- an event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been referred to.
Colleague- a person with whom one works in a profession or business.
Grieved- feel intense sorrow.
Francs- the basic monetary unit of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and several other
countries
Pale- light in colour or shade; containing little colour or pigment.
Larks- a bird
Anxious- feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome
Vexed- annoyed, frustrated, or worried
Adorn- make more beautiful or attractive.
Stricken- seriously affected by an undesirable condition or unpleasant feeling.
Chic- elegantly and stylishly fashionable.
Shabby- in poor condition through long use or lack of care.
Midst- in between
Admirable- arousing or deserving respect and approval.
Satin- a smooth, glossy fabric, usually of silk, produced by a weave in which the threads of the warp are
caught and looped by the weft only at certain intervals.
Ecstatic- feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement.
Embraced-
Elegant- graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
Enthusiasm- intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

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 Admiration- respect and warm approval.
Salons- a reception room in a large house.
Furs- the short, fine, soft hair of certain animals.
Detained- keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
Descended- move or fall downwards.
Hailing- (of a large number of objects) fall or be hurled forcefully.
Coachmen- a driver of a horse-drawn carriage.
Shivering- shaking slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited.
Nightfall- the onset of night; dusk.
Wearily- with extreme tiredness.
Cloak- a sleeveless outdoor overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders.
Perceive- become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand.
Substitution- the action of replacing someone or something with another person or thing.
Necessity- the state or fact of being required.
Frightful- very unpleasant, serious, or shocking.
Lodgings- temporary accommodation.
Attic- a space or room inside or partly inside the roof of a building.
Odious- extremely unpleasant; repulsive.
Haggling- dispute or bargain persistently, especially over the cost of something.
Sous- small value coin in France
Crude- in a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined.
Awry- out of the normal or correct position
Pails- a bucket.
Flattered- lavish praise and compliments on (someone)
Personage- a person (used to express importance or elevated status).

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why did Matilda need the jewels?

(a) To go to a party of rich people
(b) For a photoshoot
(c) To get a replica made
(d) for wearing them at home

Ans. (a .

2. Which of the following sentences tell us that Matilda greatly desired the necklace?
1. Her heart began to beat with uncontrolled desire.
2. Her hands trembled as she took it. She fastened it around her neck and stood lost in ecstasy.
3.
4. She threw her arms around her fri embraced her with passion, then went away
with her treasure.
(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) All of these
Ans. (d) All the given sentences tell us that Matilda greatly desired the necklace

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 3. Select the correct option for (i) and (ii).
(i) Loisels suffered for ten long years to repay the rent.
(ii) Mme Loisel was regretting her decision of borrowing the necklace.
(a) (i) is true (ii) is false
(b) (ii) is true (i) is false
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are false
(d) (ii) furthers the meaning of (i)
Ans. (d) (ii) furthers the meaning of (i), i.e., Mme Loisel regretted her decision of borrowing a
necklace from Mme Forestier as its replacement led to Loisels suffering for ten years.

Short Questions Answers:

1. What changes came into the lives of the Loisels after borrowing money?
Answer: hintsThey had to do away with their maid, Matilda had to work at a house and to do all the
domestic chores, had to carry down the refuse to the street and carry water upstairs. She had
to do all theshopping at the market after a lot of bargaining, her husband also had to work hard.
2. Why could Mrs. Forestier not recognize her friend Matilda at the end of the story?
Answer: hintsMatilda had to work very hard for a long time to lead her life. She had to work hard to
pay for Mrs. Forestier's lost necklace, she had started looking old. One Sunday evening, when she
was taking a walkat Champs Elysees, she met Mrs. Forestier who still looked young and pretty.
3. Draw the character-sketch of Matilda.
Answer: hints- Matilda was exceptionally pretty. good looking, felt that she was born for all delicacies
and luxuries, wished to be admired and loved and to be married to some rich or renowned person,
dreamy, ambitious, vain natured, brave and honest.
4. What was the cause of Matilda's ruin?
and her materialistic aspirations coupled with her dishonesty paved the way for
her ruin.

Long Questions Answers:

1. Mme Forestier proved to be a true friend. Elucidate.
Answer: hints- Mme Forestier turns out to be an interesting character, plays a very vital role in the
story, she helps Matilda in the hour of her need. When Mme Loisel needs to borrow jewels, she
turns to Mme Forestier. Mme Forestier does not refuse. Displaying her generosity, she opens up
the entire array of her jewels for Matilda to choose from. Also, she is considerate when Loisels
delay the return of the necklace, without hesitation, she reveals to Matilda that her necklace was
just a fake.
2. Do you think the story is aptly titled? Justify your answer.
t and the Loisels fall into a tremendous debt. They spend the next
ten years of their life in paying debt for the replacement of the lost necklace. Their entire life
moves around impoverished everyday saga of misery and hunger and the necklace, in fact,
changes the very course of their life. Also, it is against the back drop of the necklace that
pride and dishonesty are highlighted, at thesame time, the necklace serves a twist at the end as it
turns out to be a fake one.

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 THE HACK DRIVER: Sinclair Lewis
-
story writer. Lewis was the first writer from the United States to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature and
was well known for his witty and humorous characters. The story is about a young lawyer who is sent to
serve summons to a man in New Mullion and how he is easily fooled by this man due to his gullible and
trusting nature.
The narrator of the story explains that after completing his graduation he started working with a
famous law firm in the city. He was working as an assistant clerk there. He was not very happy with his
job of serving summons because sometimes he had to face harsh situations while serving them. One
day, he got the task of serving summons to Oliver Lutkins who was a key witness in some case. He lived
in a small town named New Mullion.

The narrator was very excited to visit a small and beautiful town but his excitement ended by the dull
appearance of the town. He saw a hack driver standing at the platform who was very cheerful and nice.
He went up to him and enquired about Oliver Lutkins as he was new to the town and wanted to find
him. The driver told him that Oliver was a nasty man who owed debt to many people. He also cunningly
extracted information from the lawyer that he needed Lutkins for some court case.

A deal was cracked between both-

somehow traps the lawyer in his story and they visit different places in search of Lutkins. He always

someone saw him at the pool room. Here also somebody said that he left the poolroom after buying
cigarettes.

a shave. In the
afternoon, Bill offered him to buy lunch from his wife as it would be less costly than at the restaurant.

La
one of his friends.
There the lady was horrible and they hurriedly left the place as she was about to attack them with a hot
iron rod. At last, the lawyer had to leave without serving summons to Lutkins. Next day he was scolded
badly by his chief and was again sent to New Mullion with a companion who knew Lutkins. Upon
reaching the station, the clerk happily pointed out that Bill was such a helpful person to him search
Lutkins.

At this time, the truth was revealed by his companion that the hack driver was none other than Lutkins
himself. The clerk felt so bad and ashamed of how he had been fooled by a villager.

Themes - very cunning manipulator Bill (Oliver Lutkins). It also shows

that appearances are often deceptive. Once, the narrator, a junior clerk in a law firm, had to go to New
Mullion to serve summons to Oliver Lutkins. There he met Bill (Oliver Lutkins), the hack driver. When
the narrator asked about Oliver Lutkins, Bill took him to Fritz who replied that Oliver had been there a
little while ago. Bill, who was Oliver Lutkins himself, made a plan to befool the narrator. In a very

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 friendly but subtle way, Bill manipulated the tour, taking the lawyer around the village. He arranged

was a terrible, huge woman who threatened to beat them. At last, he returned disappointed. He

man recognised Lutkins. He told that Bill no one but Lutkins himself.

Word meanings

Magnificent: glorious, majestic

Legal briefs: A written legal document
Summons: court order
Detective: investigator
Shadowy: dark, dim
Unpleasant: horrible
Rejoiced: happiness, joy
Eager: impatient
Expectation: belief, supposition
Disappointed: upset
Agreeable: pleasing, nice
Poker game: a type of card game.
Hack: A horse drawn vehicle, horse cart
Hangs out: To spend time doing nothing in particular
Glowed: Here, it means impressed
Affection: love and care for someone
Bargain: to negotiate the price of something
Black box on wheels: refers to the horse cart
Lingered: waited around
Swede: a native or inhabitant of Sweden, or a person of Swedish descent.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why was the lawyer sent to serve summon to Oliver Lutkins?

(a) He was needed as a witness in a law case.
(b) He was a criminal and had to be arrested.
(c) He was summoned to clear the legal matters against him.
(d) None of the above

Ans. (a) The lawyer was sent to serve summon to Oliver Lutkins because he was needed as a witness in
a law case.

2.
(i) Innocent
(ii) Befooled by the hack driver
(iii) Trusts people blindly
(a) Only (i) (b) (i) and (ii)
(c) (ii) and (iii) (d) All of these

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 Ans. (d) The lawyer was an innocent man who trusted people blindly which let him getting
befooled by the hack driver.

3. Pick the option that correctly classifies Facts (F) and Opinions (O) of the students given below.
1. I feel everyone in the village was making a fool of the narrator.
2. I think the narrator was not happy with his work and city life.
3. I think the narrator should not have trusted anyone blindly.
4.

(a) F-1 and O-2, 3 and 4 (b) F-1, 2 and O-3, 4 (c) F-1, 2, 4 and O-3 (d) F-3, 4 and O-1, 2

Ans. (c) Statements 1, 2 and 4 are facts as they are directly mentioned in the text and statement 3 is
opinion.

Short Questions Answers:

1. In life, people who easily trust others are sometimes made to look foolish. One should
not be tootrusting. Describe how Oliver Lutkins made a fool of the young lawyer.
Hints - made a fool of the young lawyer, at the railway station, together search for Lutkins, deceived
thelawyer throughout, made money
2. Do you think Lutkins was right in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using unfair
means? What precaution should one take to avoid a situation like the one in which the lawyer
was placed?
Hints-not right in befooling the lawyer and earning money
-dishonest and unethical behaviour can never be endorsed and is highly undesirable.

3. With what impression did the lawyer come back to the city?
Hints-good impression, thought of practising law, found a treasure

I considered returning to New Mullion to practise law. Why did the young lawyer think so?
Hints-too busy thinking about Bill Magnuson, fascinated with Bill, to practice law

5. How did the lawyer feel after knowing that the hack driver was Oliver Lutkins himself?
Hints-shocked, hurt

6. was so open and friendly that I glowed with the warmth of his How did the young
lawyer form this opinion about the hack driver?
Hints- felt co-operating attitude, kindness as real
7. Who befriends him? Where does he take him?
Hints-by a delivery man, took possible places where Lutkins was seen, shop, to play poker; to
Gustaffs

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8. A person may appear humble but in actually he may not be so. Appearances can be deceptive. Explain
with reference to the story Hack
Hints-person on first meeting appears to be friendly, co-operative, understanding but as the time
unfolds a different story is revealed, the lawyer meets the hack driver soon lawyer was able to realize
lawyer is befooled by a simple country man.

9. Intelligence or cleverness cannot be identified only on the basis of our work or profession but it
comes from our inside. Explain it with reference to the chapter, Hack
Hints: Yes, it is quite right that intelligence and cleverness come automatically from our inside

10. The lawyer feels delighted in going to a country and enjoying going around it whole day.
How does itportray the plight of town life? What values of the lawyer are reflected here?
Hints-not happy, no reputation there, serving the summons only. He finds the country life
peaceful, close tothe nature

11. Give a brief character sketch of Oliver Lutkins.

Hints-jolly natured and fun loving, pleasant appearance.,he was not so simple and honest as he
appeared tobe.
12. is a serious matter; there is no place in it for humour or iscuss with reference to
the story
Hints-Life would be a great burden, if it had no humour or wit,need a change from the monotony and
dullnessof the seriousness of life

13. When the lawyer reached New Mullion, did know that he was looking for Lutkins?
When do youthink Bill came up with his plan of fooling the lawyer?
Hints-he is a very cunning person, Bill instantly knew how he would fool the lawyer.

14. Lutkins openly takes the lawyer all over the village. How is it that no one lets out the secret?
(Hint: Notice that the hack driver asks the lawyer to keep out of sight behind him when they go into
Can you find other such subtle ways in which Lutkins manipulates the tour?
Hints- asks him to keep out to sight, weaving vague stories tries to scare away the lawyer, cooking
updifferent stories

15. Why do you think neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer?
Hints- wanted to enjoy the predicament
16. After his first experience with the hack driver the lawyer thinks of returning to New
Mullion to practise law. Do you think he would have reconsidered this idea after his second
visit?
Hints-the lawyer got a lesson for life that not to befriend anybody so easily.

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Long Questions Answers:

1. Write a character sketch of the hack driver.

Ans. Cheerful and Friendly; the hack driver, named Bill was a red-faced, fourty years old man with a
cheerful and a pleasant personality. The narrator met the hack driver when he had come to New
Mullion to serve summons on Oliver Lutkins. Initially, the narrator found Bill to be a friendly, wise and
an agreeable fellow.
Helpful; A great schemer When the narrator informed Bill about his visit, Bill readily accepted to help
him and took him to all the places where Lutkins could be found. However, later the narrator get to
know that Bill was a clever fellow. Bill had all the arts with him to win the confidence of gullible
(innocent) people like the lawyers and fool them.
A Great Schemer Bill himself was Oliver Lutkins and as soon as he got to k
he devised a plan. He pretended to help the lawyers.
All of this show that Bill was a great schemer. He cleverly fooled the lawyer into believing that he was
trying to help. But in reality, he never allowed the lawyer to come directly in touch with the people.
Therefore, Bill perfectly played a double role and outwitted the narrator.

2.
Ans. house, th
was a terror.
He told him that she was about nine feet tall and four feet thick lady who was as quick as a cat.
He also told him that once he had taken a trunk for her at her farmhouse and she had almost taken his
skin off. All
place.

woman. Bill went to her and infor mother bluntly told them that she
did not know anything about Lutkins. When Bill pressed for searching the house as it was their legal
right, she went inside and came out with a hot iron rod to attack them. Consequently, both of them ran
away from the location.

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 Bholi: Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
Bholi is a short story written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, a popular Indian film director, screenwriter and
novelist. The story revolves around the life of a simple girl, Sulekha, who i
(simpleminded) ever since her childhood on account of her plain demeanor. It traces the journey of
her transformation from a timid, little girl who lacked self-confidence and stammered as she spoke to
a strong, young woman who is unafraid to fight against the injustice done to her and raise her voice
fearlessly against the menace of dowry.
Through her story, the author throws light on the social issues that prevail in our country, patriarchy
being the root cause of most of them. The emphasis placed by the society upon external beauty and

story.

guiding him/her towards the path of righteousness and instilling in them a sense of confidence and
belief in their abilities. A good teacher is the light that helps one cross even the darkest of paths
through honing their inherent qualities which enable them to shine bright and strong in the journey of
life.
This short story is an inspiring tale of a young girl who, with the support of her teacher, manages to
break out of her shell and metamorphosize from an under-confident girl who lacked belief in herself
to a courageous and bold woman who brimmed with confidence and believed that a bright future lay
ahead of her.
Her story gives us hope and teaches us that no matter how adverse our circumstances are, we can
always turn the situation in our favour if we have belief in ourselves. It does not matter what others
think of us or our appearance, what truly matters is what we ourselves think of us. Beauty does not lie
in external features but rather shines through the way one carries oneself with dignity and self
respect. Bholi, through her journey of self-transformation, teaches us the true meaning of beauty and
encourages all the girls to never compromise on their pride and self respect. One has all the strength
one needs stored inside of them- all that is required is a guide to tap this strength.
Theme
The major theme of the story Bholi is the impact of family on children. Bholi is a little girl who fails to
develop self- why family
support and emotional security are essential for proper child development. Also, disabled children
must be given encouragement, love and, education like their normal counterparts.

Chapter Sketch
irl neglected by all. Education transforms her. It inspires
courage and confidence in her. She raises her voice for her rights.

About the Characters

Bholi: Her real name is Sulekha and she is Numberdar (Numberdar- a person in village of high status)
Ramla

daughters are born for marriage only.

tive mother. She does not take proper care of Bholi.
teacher: She educates Bholi and encourages her.
Bishamber

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 Word Meanings:
pock-marks: marks on the skin left by the small pox disease
mimicked : copy the behaviour or speech of other people
stammered : to speak with many pauses or repetitions because of having speech problem
disfigured : to spoil or damage the appearance of
revenue : the income that a government receives regularly, for an amount representing such income
matted (of hair) : tangled into a thick mass
squatted : sat with knees bent
scurried : to move quickly with short steps
soothing : having a gently calming effect
blossomed ( of a tree or plant) : to produce flowers
throbbing : to beat with a strong, steady rhythm
witless : very foolish or stupid
grocer : one who sells food and household goods
poised : not moving but ready move
humiliate : to make someone feel very ashamed or foolish
streaming : flowing
muttered : to speak quietly so that it is difficult for other people to hear what you say
triumphant : victorious
prospective : likely to be or become something specified in the future
streak : flash
contempt : disregarded for something that should be considered
thunderstruck : extremely surprised or shocked
contemplating : thinking deeply or carefully about something.

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How was Bholi treated in the family?

(a) She was not given new clothes
(b) None cared to wash her clothes
(c) None cared to comb her hair
(d) All of the above

Ans. (d) Bholi was not treated well in her family. She was not given new clothes, no one cared to
wash her clothes or comb her hair.

2. What do you think how Bholi used to feel about herself before she started to going to school?
(i) Nobody loves me.
(ii)
(iii) I am of no good to anyone.
(iv) I wish I could speak and look like other children of my age.

(a) (i) and (ii) (b) (ii) and (iv) (c) (iii) and (iv) (d) All of the above
Ans. (d) Before going to school, Bholi was under-confident and felt low about herself. She must
have felt that nobody
she could speak and look like other children of her age.

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3. Choose the correct option for (i) and (ii).
(i) Everyone was shocked on hearing Bholi at the time of her wedding.
(ii) Bholi spoke without any stammering.
(a) (i) is true (ii) is false
(b) (ii) is true (i) is false
(c) (i) is the result of (ii)
(d) Both (i) and (ii) are false

Ans. (c) (i) is the result of (ii), i.e., everyone was shocked on hearing Bholi at the time of her
wedding because she spoke without any stammering.

Introduction:-

This story is about a girl, Bholi, whose real name was Sulekha. She suffered from some brain-damage
and thus used to stammer. Moreover, she suffered from the disease of small-pox which left pock-
marks on her face.
This made her look ugly. Thus, due to her dullness and ugly face, people made fun of her. Also,
people called her Bholi as she remained a backward child. Ramlal had seven children- three sons and
four daughters. Bholi was the youngest of all daughters. All others were healthy and strong except
Bholi. They would also worry about her marriage. One day, Tehsildar Sahib came to perform the
opening ceremony of a primary school opened in the village. He asked Ramlal to send her daughter
support of sending her school. Yet, she agreed.
At first, Bholi was frightened to hear about school. However, when she was properly cared for, given
good clothes and other things, she began to believe that she was being taken to a better place than
her home. She was happy to see girls of her age. She wanted to make one of them her friends.
However, when the teacher asked her name, she stammered and all the girls laughed. This
discouraged her badly. She started crying. But the teacher was a kind-hearted woman. She
encouraged her to speak. Moreover, she told her that she could overcome her stammering
completely if she came to school daily. This aroused a sign of hope and new life in Bholi.
Years passed, the village became a small town. Moreover, the little primary school turned into a high
school. Other improvements have also taken place. A marriage proposal came for Bholi. It was from
a lame old man whose children were also grown up. However, Ramlal and his wife agreed as he was
well-
However, when the groom was about to garland the bride, a woman slipped the veil from the
face. Bisambar refused to marry such anugly girl without a dowry. Ramlal managed the amount.
However, Bholi refused to marry such a greedy person. People were startled to see her speaking
without stammering. The groom returned back. Bholi told her father that she would serve him and
mother in their old age. Furthermore, she will teach in the same school from where she learnt so
many good things.

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Character - sketch
Bholi
1.Thought to be a simpleton
2.Had pock - marks over the body
3.Went to school teacher encouraged her
4.Refused to many a greedy and mean person
5.Decided to serve old parents and teach in
the same school .

Ramlal
1. Father of seven children
2. Worried about Bholi , neither good lookingnor intelligent
3. Overlooked Bishamber's age and limping
4.Suffered from a false sense of honour

The Teacher
1. Kind and sympathetic
2. Encouraged Bholi to speak
3.Increased Bholi's interest in books
4. Agreed to accept Bholi as a teacher in the same school.

Short Questions and Answers

1. Although Bholi never got the deserved love, care and acceptance from her family, she
is ready to reciprocate like all daughters in Indian society. Discuss the character of Bholi in
the light of the above mentioned

Ans (describe her character, her behaviour of family and society towards her, the names they have given
her,the school and her fight against social issue)

2. Bholi challenged the dowry seeker. She used to be a meek girl. What changed her
attitudetowards life?
Ans. (Describe her characteristics, introduction to school, changes brought by school in her
personality andher life, her fight against dowry)

3. And in her smiling eyes was the light of deep satisfaction that an artist feels when he is
contemplating the completion of his masterpiece. Imagine you are Bholi's teacher. You are
overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see the conversion of Bholi to Sulekha.
Express yourfeelings in the form of a diary entry.
Ans (describe your discovery of this new girl, your feelings toward her, introduction to her life and
transformation you saw in her life and personality)

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 4. Demanding dowry is an evil practice. Describe how Bholi, a dumb cowgirl fought against
this evil. Ans (her introduction to school, school brought changes in her, the marriage proposal,
issues regarding her marriage, her decision regarding her life)

5. Who was Bishamber? Why did Bholi's parents accept his marriage proposal?
Ans (background of Bishambar Nath, his proposal to father, his reaction to the proposal)

6. It was a twist of fate that Bholi's future was made better. Rate this statement with
reference tohow Bholi was sent to school and educated.
Ans (character of Bholi, behaviour of her family and society toward her, sent to school, changes came
to herlife after enrolling to school, her action to help her parents and the final decision she took)

7. Bholi's father was worried about her. Why didn't Bholi's parents treat her at par with other
siblings? Parents are the ones who the children look up to. What values should the parents
possess that help their children share a strong bond with them?
Ans. (Mention the incidents made her different from her siblings, the after effect and her families
behaviourtowards her, in spite of that parents should not neglect their children no matter what,)

8. The story throws light on some social evils being practised in our society. Bholi took a stand and
succeeded in overcoming social issues. What can you contribute to change the social attitudes
illustrated in the story?
Ans (introduction of Bholi and mentioning her struggles, your contribution to society to not to
practice or tostop these type of situations that can be faced by girls)

Long Questions Answers:

1. Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than surrendering herself to a greedy old man for the

.
Explain the role of education in shaping the life of a .
Ans: Education brought about a huge c personality. Bholi was a backward child. As a kid,
she was a meek girl who had pockmarks all over her body and used to stammer. She could not speak
until she was 5 years old.

Because of these reasons, she was a neglected child of her family. No one cared for her and she lost
all the confidence in herself. When her father was forced to send one of his daughters to school for
education, Bholi was the first option. In the school, Bholi bloomed. The teacher treated her with
love and care which she had never seen before.

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She encouraged the little girl and guided her into becoming a strong- minded girl. Bholi learned to read
and write and speak without stammering. As a result, she became confident and independent while
being aware of her rights.

She learnt to fight against what she thought was wrong. It was because of her education that she could
speak up against the groom and refused to marry a greedy man.

The now independent Bholi told her parents that she would teach at the school and take care of her
parents in their old age. This Bholi stands in sharp contrast to the old weak Bholi, all because of her
education.

2.

Ans. Bholi was a meek girl. She had pockmarks all her body. She was a slow learner and used to
stammer while speaking. When Bholi was sent to school for the first time, she did not know anything
about the school. On reaching school she sat down in the corner of her class. When teacher asked her

name, she stammered and could not tell her name .

All the girls laughed at her and Bholi felt hesitant and ashamed. After school got over, the teacher came
to Bholi and again asked her name. Bholi, with so much stammering, finally spoke and told her name to
the teacher. The teacher boosted her confidence by appreciating her effort. She assured Bholi that with
time, she would be able to speak confidently. The teacher started by giving her a picture book and then
help her reading and writing and learning other big books.

Her kind attitude towards Bholi, her affection and encouragement motivated Bholi to overcome the
fear of school and become a confident girl.

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 PRACTICE QUESTION PAPER solved (2021-22)
ENGLISH Language and Literature (184)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 2 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 40
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into three parts: A, B and C. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
4. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A- READING (10 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully:
1. Science and technology not only dominate the psyche of humanity but also the whole biosphere.
How does science influence civilisation and how is it related to human happiness?
2. The original, cosmic evolution of the biosphere was one that promoted, supported, nourished,
sustained and enhanced life. Life went on adding to the evolution with newer species and ecosystems,
even more beautiful and vibrant than the ones before. Our biosphere accommodated a pleasant
weather cycle and climate system to support these newer species, keeping everything in dynamic
equilibrium.
3. Now the biosphere is overburdened and ailing. Some of our ecosystems have already collapsed,
exploitation of natural
resources and greenhouse gas emissions is driving several species towards extinction. This
phenomenon that has occurred by itself, and neither has it been caused by, human beings alone. But it
definitely has been spurred by so called advances in technology.
4. In this millennium, we no longer live in a, biosphere we are inhabitants of a technosphere. A
technosphere is an impaired biosphere that has no affinity with values of life nor with sustainability and
evolution of life. Although technology has empowered civilisation, it has also reduced it to being a mere
tool of science and technology. And when the whole civilisation turns technocratic, science and
technology are bound to dominate, causing life to shrink. The intensifying climate crisis is but a

contemporary world. Scientists look for alternatives, but even these solutions are sought in the same
domain that has caused these problems. In short, we are stewing in a soup of our own making.
6. So, what would be meaningful for the welfare of humans? Naturally, something that would
enhance life, serve to integrate ecosystems and cleanse our environment. Enhancement of lit includes
betterment of human life and vice versa. If life shrinks, we cannot blossom.
7. Science and technology by themselves are neutral; it is the way we use them that has either a
positive or negative impact on our lives and environment. And when we use science in a manner that
increases unsustainability and unhappiness in our lives, how can we rely blindly on science for our
happiness?
Answer any FIVE of the following questions in 30 40 words each: (5 x 1 =5)
(a) How did the biosphere evolve over a period of time?
(b) How has this equilibrium got disturbed now?

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(e) What is the difference between biosphere and technosphere?

(e) What is
(f) What is in para 5?

Answers:
(a) Originally when cosmic evolution happened, biosphere supported and promoted the growth of
species. As life continued more and more species evolved. Our biosphere also evolved and created the
right weather and climate to support the new species.
(b) Today many of the ecosystems have collapsed, many species have disappeared from the face of the
earth. This has happened due to increasing pollution, deforestation and over exploitation of natural
resources.
nts, animals and the climat and animals live in harmony with
the climate around. A technosphere is a biosphere that has been destroyed by the advancement of
technology.
(d) By itself science and technology is neither good nor bad. It is how we use them. If we use it to
increase instability, then we are creating unhappiness around us. Also the environment around us gets
polluted.
(e) T collapsed
(f) T

2. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Data released by food quality regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI) earlier, shows that nearly 25% samples of edible goods it tested this year were
found to be adulterated or in violation of prescribed standards.
2. The samples included milk and dairy products, spices, cereals as well as branded food products.
A total of 85,729 samples were sent, so far. FSSAI carried out the testing following a spike in
complaints from consumers over quality and adulteration, said an agency official.
3. According to the data, 20,390 samples of the 85,729 sent to the agency were found to be
non-confirming to prescribed standards. While agency officials maintain that Food Safety
Officers in each state regularly test samples to check for compliance and also take recourse in
cases of violations according to the Food Safetyand Standards Act, 2006, experts claim that
poor enforcement on the ground and a lack ofawareness plague the process.
4. Consumer activist Bijon Mishra said the lengthy legal procedure involved in penalizing
violators provide an opportunity to the accused to keep doing business. enforcement is
very poor. It takes years to finalise a case and by that time, sellers keep on making profits.
Moreover, people are also not aware. Hardly
added. Umesh Sharma, an advocate, said enforcement of rules is very poor on the ground.
issue is directly related to public health and the government should take serious
initiatives to the agency shows an abysmal
conviction rate.
5. In 2017, the Law Commission had issued a set of recommendations regarding the issue. The
panel had recommended that IPC Sections 272 (dealing with adulteration of food and drinks)
and 273 (dealing with the sale of noxious food and drinks) be amended to make adulteration a

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 serious crime. It was also recommended that depending on the gravity of the offence,
punishment can include life imprisonment and the minimum sentence should be six
jail term.
6. The panel, headed by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan, also wanted amendments to
Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code so that courts can order compensation for victims.

On the basis of your reading answer any FIVE of the following questions. (5 x1 =5)
(i) What did the data revealed by FSSAI show?
(ii) What was the reason behind the survey?
(iii) What do the experts claim regarding the data?
(iv) What allows the penalised to continue their business?
(v) Why is the panel head called for?
(vi) What are the punishments set for offenders?

Answers:
(i) The data revealed by FSSAI show that Food items consumed violate the food quality standards.
(ii) The reason of the survey is that the increasing number of complaints regarding quality and
adulteration.
(iii) The experts claim regarding the data that the poor enforcement on the ground and a lack of
awareness results in adulteration.
(iv) Lengthy process allows the penalised to continue their business.
(v) The panel head is called for two reasons: video data of all safety tests and compensation for the
victims.
(vi) Life imprisonment, fine and sentence of 6 months are the punishments set for offenders.

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 Section B: Writing and Grammar
3. i) On the basis of the details given in the pie-charts below, write an analytical paragraph,
making comparison wherever necessary in about 150-200 words. 5

Answer: Value of Fish in US Import

The table shows the value of fish that was imported to the US (measured in billions of dollars) in
1988, 1992 and 2000, while the three pie charts illustrate the amount of fish that the US brought in
from China, Canada and other countries in the same three years. Overall, the value of imports rose
by just under double over the period given. At the start of the period, the US imported fish
predominantly from Canada but, by 1992 other countries became the main source. Regarding the
The table shows, the value of imports started at $6.57 billion in the first year, increasing to $8.52 in
1992 and reaching $10.72 in the last year. In terms of the source of fish importation, Canada
supplied the overwhelming majority in 1988 (60%) compared to China and other countries which
provided only 13% and 27% respectively. The imports from Canada then proceeded to fall to 28% in
the final year. Conversely, by 1992, other countries had replaced Canada as the main supplier and
made up 46% of all imports in 1992 and 42% by 2000. Likewise, imports from China rose over the
period to reach 30% in 2000.
Or,

ii) You are interested in a short term course in computer graphics during the holidays. Write a letter to
the Director, Fortune Graphics Computers, inquiring about their short term courses and asking for all
the necessary details. You are Anuj/Anju of 28 A, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi.
Answer:

28 A, Uttam Nagar
New Delhi 1100XX

12 July 20XX

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 The Director
Fortune Graphics Computers
Laxmi Nagar
New Delhi 1100XX

Subject: Inquiry about the short term courses in computers.

Dear Sir/Madam

I came across your advertisement in the Times of India dated 11th July. I would like to know in detail
about the courses offered by your institute. The advertisement was a comprehensive one and offered a

and wish to pursue a course in computer graphics during the summer vacation after my board exams.
Kindly send all necessary details, including the courses offered, its duration, fee structure, etc. at the
above address. The payment for the brochure shall be made at the time of the delivery.
Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully
Anuj

4. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the error
and its correction as shown in the example.
(3x1=3)
Error Correction

A saint walks the streets of Kolkata. e.g. walks walked

It can happen only at India. It (a)

is time that us realised our (b)

strength. We are greater people. We (c)

have so many religious leaders.

Answer:
Error Correction
(a) at in
(b) us we
(c) greater great

5. Read the dialogue given below and then complete the passage that follows. (2x1=2)
Sunita: Tomorrow is your birthday, what do you want as a gift?
Neetu: That is a lovely thought but

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 Answer:
(a) what she wanted as a gift
(b) that was a lovely thought

6. Answer any SIX questions in 30-40 words (2×6 = 12)

(i) What was the next problem after Valli had enough money?
(ii) What impression did the narrator (the lawyer) form of Bill when he met him for the first time?
(iii) Why and where did Richard Ebright send the tagged butterflies?
(iv) Was Bishamber a suitable bridegroom for Bholi? Give your opinion.
(v) Who invites the comment Why?
(vi
(vii) How did Mr Loisel meet the demand of a suitable costume for his wife for going to the ball?

Answers:
(i) After she had saved enough money, Valli had her next problem. It was how to slip out of the house
ther
would nap from about one to four or so. She could easily venture out on her mission.

man called himself Bill and he was a hack driver. He was about forty. He looked red-faced and
cheerful. He looked thick in the middle. His working clothes were dirty and worn out. His manners
were pleasant and friendly. The narrator was happy to meet such a man.
(iii) At the end of the book, The Travels of Monarch X, readers were invited to help study monarch

Ebright was attaching light adhesive tags to the wings of monarch butterflies. He used to send them
to Dr Urquhart for his research work.
(iv) No, Bishamber was not at all a suitable match for Bholi. No doubt, he was rich. He had a big shop, a
house of his own and thousands of rupees in the bank. But he was mean, greedy and a worthless
man. When he came to know of the pock-

thing to reject him.

(v) Any person who wears a half-pant which reaches just below the knees, invites the comment that he
is dressed like a pader. The reason is simple. He resembles a baker who is wearing such a funny
dress.
(vi) The speaker is concerned about Amanda and wants to instil good habits and behaviour in her. The
speaker wants her to give up bad habits and be organised in life. The speaker constantly keeps

(vii) Matilda refused to go to the ball without having a suitable costume for the occasion. Her husband
asked her to wear the dress that she wore while going to the theatre. When Matilda reacted
strongly, he asked how much a suitable costume would cost. She replied that it would cost 400
francs. Mr Loisel turned pale. He had saved 400 francs to buy a gun for him to shoot larks. But he
bowed down and agreed to give 400 francs to have a pretty dress.

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7. Answer any TWO of the following in 100-120 words. (2 x 4 = 8)

(i) People should always try to live within their means. Aspiration have no limits but one should

Or,
(ii) Read the following quote by an American author, E. E. Hale.
t let

Or,
(iii) In spite of being so powerful and displaying rare bravery of killing and swallowing the pirate, why
does the dragon Custard taunted as being a coward always asking for a nice safe cage?
Answer:
(i) Matilda was a pretty young woman. But she was a day-dreamer. Although she was born in a poor
family, yet she dreamt to have costly dresses and jewellery. She wanted to be honoured and
respected like the rich. One day her husband showed her an invitation from a minister.
She emotionally forced him to buy a new and costly dress for the ball. After this, she borrowed a
diamond necklace from her friend, Forestier. She enjoyed the party heartily. She danced with
enthusiasm. But she lost the necklace and in this way their problems started. To replace the
necklace her husband had to borrow a substantial amount on a very high rate of interest. To
repay that amount, they lived in a rented house. She did all the household work by herself. Mr.
Loisel worked extra to earn small wages.

limits. But we should never forget the ground realities. If Matilda had knowledge of this fact, her
life would not have changed into realities.
Or,
(ii) Hints:
dumb cow
submissive demeanour, most of the times,
going to school guidance of the teacher and education, overcame stammering, instilled
confidence and a sense of self-esteem, did not succumb to the greedy demands of the
prospective groom and spoke out,
being an individual and not being exploited by people or circumstances. Instead, evolves to being
a person being proactive and contributing to the wellbeing of others around (which is exactly
what she decides to do).
Or,
(iii No doubt, Custard has a lot of physical strength. Even his exterior was quite formidable. He had
big sharp teeth. There were spikes on his top. There were scales underneath. His mouth was like
a fireplace always spitting fire. He proved his strength and bravery when he encountered the
terrible pirate. The pirate had two pistols and a dagger but failed to hurt or overpower Custard.
The dragon fought valiantly and swallowed the dragon within no time. Custard is constantly
ridiculed and taunted by the weaker and more cowardly pets of Belinda. The reason was simple.
The custard had no self-respect. Nor was he aware of his great strength. He had a very low
opinion of himself. He always asked for a nice safe cage for his protection. This was the reason
that he was always taunted and ridiculed as a coward.

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 PRACTICE QUESTION PAPER unsolved (2021-22)
ENGLISH Language and Literature (184)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 2 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 40
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into three parts: A, B and C. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
5. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A- READING (10 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Though terracotta warriors of Xian district in China are one of the most significant archaeological
excavations of the twentieth century. It is believed that Qin Shihuangdi (221-207 BC), considered the
first emperor of China, ordered the creation of around 7000 life-size clay soldiers in 201 BC to guard his
tomb for eternity. The emperor is believed to have unified China during his reign and hence, this army
is also considered to be a commemoration of his victories.

2. The sculpt
province. While digging a well, the workers found three pits filled with the lifelike figures, which were
made of a type of terracotta clay. Experts say that long ago, Emperor Shihuangdi ordered the creation
of the clay army, along with a 20-square-mile tomb to house it. Apart from life-size statues of soldiers
and horses, weapons which were found such as swords, spears, battle-axes, shields, crossbows, and
arrowheads were found to be sharp, coated with chromium oxide which made them resistant to rust
and corrosion even after being buried for more than 2000 years.

3. Shen Maosheng, from the Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, said that
archaeologists had located another 11 warriors but had not yet begun to excavate or dig up the
sculptures.

4. Today, people from around the world visit China to see these terracotta warriors each of whose
figures is individually carved. So they have different hairstyles, expressions, and facial features. Inside
the pit, the statues are arranged by military rank which means that the higher the rank, the taller is the
statue. As the lower half of each soldier is made of solid clay with the upper half being hollow, the
figures remain upright.

6. The discovery of the terracotta army is significant as it helps us to understand the economic and
social history of that period along with the military hierarchy that existed during that time.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below.
i. The creation of the clay soldiers was ordered by Qin Shihuangdi to guard his tomb and
ii. The terracotta soldiers were discovered by

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 iii. The weapons found in the pits had neither corroded nor rusted in spite of being buried
because
iv. The statues of the terracotta soldiers have not fallen down because
v. By studying the placement of the soldiers and the excavated town, one can understand the
vi.

2. Read the passage given below: (5x1 = 5)

1. During our growing up years we as children were taught both at home and school to worship
the photos and idols of the gods of our respective religions. When we grow a little older, we were
I holy books like The Bhagwad Gita, Bible and Quran; we were told that there are a lot of life
lessons to be learnt from these holy books. We were then introduced to stories from ou
mythologies which taught us about ethics and morality what is good and what is bad. I also
learnt to be respectful towards my parents who made my life comfortable with their hard work,
love and care, and my teachers who guided me to become a good student and a responsible
citizen. Much later in life, I realised that though we learn much from our respective holy books,
there is a lot to learn from our surroundings. This realisation dawned upon me when I learnt to
enquire and explore. Everything around us the sun, the moon, the stars, rain, rivers, stones,
rocks, birds, plants and animals teach us many valuable life lessons.

3. No wonder that besides the scriptures in many cultures nature is also worshipped. The
message that we get is to save our environment and maintain ecological balance. People are
taught to live in harmony with nature and recognise that there is God in all aspects of nature.

4. Nature is a great teacher. A river never stops flowing. If it finds an obstacle in its way in the
form of a heavy rock, the river water fights to remove it from its path or finds an alternative path
to move ahead. This teaches us to be progressive in life, and keep the lighting spirit alive.

5. Snakes are worshipped as they eat insects in the field that can hurt our crops, thus protecting
the grains for us. In fact, whatever we worship is our helper and makes our lives easy for us.
There are many such examples in nature, but we are not ready to learn a lesson. Overcome with
greed, we are destroying nature. As a result we face natural disasters like drought, flood and

7. However, it is never too late to learn. If we learn to respect nature the quality of our life will
improve.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below.
i. What are we taught in our childhood and growing up years?
ii. Why should we respect our parents and teacher
iii. What message do we get when we worship nature?
iv. How does a river face an obstacle that comes in its way?
v. In para 5, the synonym
vi.

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 SECTION B - WRITING AND GRAMMAR (10 marks)
3. Attempt ANY ONE from i and ii. 5
i. You are Garima / Girish, Manager, Sindhu Enterprises, Ranchi. You need various furniture items
for your newly constructed head office. Write a letter to M/S office Equipment Corporation,
Ranchi, placing a bulk order for various items of office furniture (minimum), giving necessary
details. Ask for discount on bulk purchase and base your order on the quotation on
OEC / 34/17-18.

Or,

ii. The given graph shows the data collected regarding the sale of different kind of books to
understand which category is popular amongst teenagers. Using this data, write an analytical
paragraph.

4. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Identify the error
and write it along with the corrections. Underline the correct word supplied by you.
(3x1 =3)
Gold prices are now touched an all time [Error: ________; Correction: ________;]
high. Some says it could be a bubble (a) _______________ _______________
that may grown but will at last (b) _______________ _______________
burst after recession in a (c) _______________ _______________
West is over. So, investment
in gold may not be a good idea now.

5. Read the conversation between a teacher and student and complete the passage that follows.
(2x1=2)
Manu: Where are you going to?
Annu: I am going to the market. Do you want anything?

Manu asked Annu (a) . Annu replied

and she further asked (b

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6. Answer ANY SIX questions in 30-40 words each. (2 x 6 = 12)
pirate?

Give a reason for your answer.

iv
v. Why do you think Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Richard Ebright not only put in the
nightly research hours towards butterflies, but also his other interests?
vi. What did Madame Forestier exclaim in astonishment, when she saw Matilda, years after

vii. The hack driver successfully trapped the narrator in his web of words. Comment.

7. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120 words each. (2x 4=8)

i. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognised in
modern India?
ii. It is not complaining but accepting a situation is the key to happiness in life. Elaborate in

iii. A person may appear humble but in actually he may not be so. Appearances can be deceptive.
Ex

******************

The capacity to learn is a gift;

the ability to learn is a skill;
the willingness to learn is a choice.
- Brian Herbert

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