Assig in English Plus-11 Core TH PDF

4th Proof \ Praveen \ Assig_in_English_Plus-11_(Core)_TH \ 15-07-19\09:39 Reader _______________________ Date __________
11
CBSE
Assignments in
ENGLISH PLUS
CORE
TEACHERS' HANDBOOK
(Progressive Educational Publishers)
Full Marks Pvt Ltd

New Delhi-110002
MRP: ` 80.00
(Inclusive of all taxes)
CONTENTS
SECTION A: READING SECTION - C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS
♦ Factual Passages Assignments – 1 to 5 ............................. 3 – 4 Hornbill — Prose .......................................................... 36 – 52
♦ Discursive Passages Assignments – 1 to 5 ........................ 4 – 5 1. The Portrait of a Lady ...................................................... 36
♦ Literary Passages Assignments – 1 to 5 ............................ 5 – 6 2. “We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together” .... 38
♦ Note-Making & Summarising Assignments – 1 to 5 ........ 6 – 9 3. Discovering Tut : the Saga Continues .............................. 41
4. Landscape of the Soul....................................................... 43
SECTION - B: WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR 5. The Ailing Plant : the Green Movement’s Role ............... 45
Part - I : Writing Skills .................................................... 9 – 31 6. The Browning Version ..................................................... 47
♦ Integrated Exercise for Practice ..................................... 9 – 24 7. The Adventure................................................................... 48
• Short Composition........................................................... 9 8. Silk Road .......................................................................... 50
I. Notice .......................................................................... 9 Hornbill — Poetry ......................................................... 52 – 55
II. Poster.......................................................................... 10 1. A Photograph ................................................................... 52
III. Advertisement............................................................ 12 2. The Laburnum Top............................................................ 53
• Long Composition.......................................................... 13 3. The Voice of the Rain ....................................................... 53
I. Business Letters/Placing Orders/Complaints ........... 13 4. Childhood.......................................................................... 54
II. Letters to Editor.......................................................... 14 5. Father to Son .................................................................... 55
III. Applications for Job................................................... 16 Snapshots ....................................................................... 55 – 68
IV. Letters to the School/College Authorities.................. 18 1. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse ..................... 55
• Very Long Composition................................................. 19 2. The Address ...................................................................... 57
I. Article........................................................................ 19 3. Ranga’s Marriage ............................................................. 59
II. Speech........................................................................ 20 4. Albert Einstein at School ................................................. 60
III. Report......................................................................... 22 5. Mother’s Day.................................................................... 62
IV. Narrative..................................................................... 23 6. The Ghat of the Only World.............................................. 63
♦ Assignments – 1 to 10 ................................................... 24 – 31 7. Birth ................................................................................. 65
Part - II : Grammar ....................................................... 31 – 35 8. The Tale of Melon City .................................................... 67
♦ Integrated Exercise for Practice ................................... 31 – 34
UNIT ASSIGNMENT QUESTION PAPERS
1. Determiners ..................................................................... 31
2. Tenses .............................................................................. 31 ♦ Unit Assignment Paper – 1 ........................................... 68 – 71
3. Clauses ............................................................................ 32 ♦ Unit Assignment Paper – 2 ........................................... 72 – 75
4. Modals ............................................................................. 33
5. Sentence Transformation.................................................. 33
6. Sentence Re-Ordering...................................................... 33
7. Error Correction............................................................... 34
♦ Assignments – 1 to 10 ................................................... 34 – 35
Note: Please note this Teachers’ Handbook contains the Solutions/ Hints for the Assignments/ Unit Assignments Papers
given in the book Assignments in English Plus Core - 11 published by Full Circle Education (P) Ltd.
© All rights reserved with the Publishers.
(ii)
1st Proof \ Praveen \ Assig_in_English_Plus-11_(Core)_TH \ 15-07-19\09:39 Reader _______________________ Date __________
SECTION - A: READING
Factual Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1 B. 1. The sleek looking hi-tech electrical chimney takes
A. 1. (d) they emit their own light at night care of fumes as well as noise.
2. (c) Different 2. In the old times for the housewife, life in the kitchen
3. (a) vary of old times was an ordeal. The kitchen was like
4. (a) abdominal organs a dungeon which kept her captive with chains.
5. (d) cold but efficient in terms of energy Compared to the dungeon, modern kitchen is a place
6. (c) interesting/attractive of recreation where cooking is a fun. So now life in
a kitchen is enjoyable and simple.
B. 1. The females of the predatory fireflies called photuris
versicolon mimic the flash pattern of males of other 3. With the availability of gadgets, ingredients for
species. They give a single flash and attract the delicacies and ‘helping hands’, working women find
photinus males to their mouth. it simple to try out the most complicated of recipes.
2. The names other than fireflies are: 4. OTG stands for Oven-Toaster-Grinder.
(i) lightning bugs, and C. 1. Govern
(ii) glow-worms 2. Passe
3. Species of fireflies are found in India, South Asia, ASSIGNMENT – 4
South America and the warmer parts of Europe and A. 1. (b) Reputation of being the nerve centre and back-
the USA. office to the world, and its production centre.
4. Glow-worms emit an intense green light when 2. (c) Because of its young population.
they are disturbed. This is meant to frighten off the 3. (a) a great propensity to consume
predators.
4. (a) Growing labour pool and rising consumption
C. 1. Generate
demand.
2. Predators
5. (b) alliance
ASSIGNMENT – 2 6. (c) confide
A. 1. (c) militant group B. 1. An abundant supply of capital is a prerequisite of
2. (b) retired US General employment creation. In India the foreign investors
3. (b) Haidar al-Abadi face too many bureaucratic hurdles.
4. (c) intensify 2. Our labour laws basically hinder employment
5. (c) Middle East growth. They are ostensibly designed to protect the
6. (b) stopping labour. As a result, the growth of jobs is discouraged.
B. 1. The passage discusses the rise of ISIS militant group 3. We can ensure that India and its youth attain their
in Iraq and Syria. full potential with the help of business pursuits and
2. The ISIS has made substantial gains. support given to educational charities.
3. The goal of the Iraqi Prime Minister was to build a 4. If we raise spending in infrastructure and speed up
stable government. privatization, we can address the growing gaps in
4. The majority of the city’s population fled away infrastructure.
because the jihadies continued to attack them. C. 1. Ostensibly
C. 1. Substantial 2. Impede
2. Envoy ASSIGNMENT – 5
ASSIGNMENT – 3 A. 1. (d) one of the most accomplished archers of his
A. 1. (b) it has every utensil behind closed doors times.
2. (c) it takes care of fumes quietly 2. (d) always yielded the desired results.
3. (b) recreate 3. (b) India’s top batsman.
4. (a) gadgets and ingredients for delicacies are easily 4. (c) He was unable to tolerate pressure and politics
available within.
5. (c) the food processor 5. (c) attraction
6. (d) irritable 6. (d) mystify
3
B. 1. Dravid’s admirers and fans called him “The Wall : with the devils within. He also thought over all his
Upright and Unbreakable”. previous big games played here.
2. Dravid’s intelligence, charm and good-looking face 4. Like Arjuna, Dravid is also known for unflinching
could have made him prone to vices. But he never focus and unyielding dedication for his skill. The
tried to look beyond the eyes. similar traits have also marked out Dravid for
3. On the eve of a match he used to spend around 30 greatness at the young age.
minutes by the pitch. Here he often tried to discover C. 1. Unravel
the mysteries of the pitch and make friendship 2. Pinnacle
Discursive Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1 real wrecker of young nerves. According to him
A. 1. (b) Peace and unity examination should have no place in a civilized
2. (c) by believing in themselves. world.
3. (d) admirable C. 1. Obsolete
4. (a) loss 2. Frantically
5. (d) Mahatma Gandhi ASSIGNMENT – 3
6. (c) Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan A. 1. (c) it keeps one healthy
B. 1. The great men spread the message of peace and love. 2. (b) immunize
Their arguments inspired the freedom fighters. As 3. (d) we should keep cuts and abrasions covered
a result, they became ardent admirers of India, her 4. (b) it is acidic in nature
people and culture.
5. (c) seeking proper immunisation
2. Radhakrishnan presented Indian wisdom as a
6. (d) poisonous
spiritually advanced before the British. He also
desired India to believe in herself. Hence, he tried B. 1. In case the cut or abrasion is left open, the disease
to break the British fetters on Indian consciousness. producing micro-organisms penetrate the body and
cause disease. So we should keep cuts and abrasions
3. He dedicated the book, titled ‘Religion and Society’
covered.
to Indian women. In this book, he honoured their
character. 2. Gastric juice is produced by our intestinal tract. It
is acidic in nature. It kills all extraneous organisms
4. He says that India has produced millions of women
which enter our body through food.
who have never found fame. But their daily
existence has helped civilise the race. Their warmth 3. Defensive mechanism is the power of human body
of heart, self-sacrificing zeal, unassuming loyalty to fight against various disease producing agents.
and strength are the glories of this ancient race. 4. We can increase our defensive mechanism by
C. 1. Immortality seeking proper immunisation.
2. Unassuming B. 1. Secrete
2. Toxic
ASSIGNMENT – 2
A. 1. (d) he carried a cane in his hand. ASSIGNMENT – 4
2. (c) a flick of cane on the body. A. 1. (d) The old man had a family.
3. (b) inhale 2. (d) A genuine person.
4. (b) become more refined 3. (a) the charcoal fire
5. (d) they have to bid for the limited seats 4. (d) Crookedly
6. (d) Out of date 5. (a) supporter
B. 1. The foot-rule has replaced the cane because it can 6. (c) bite
injure without leaving a mark. B. 1. The old man sold his peanuts in the Landour bazaar.
2. As one progresses to higher classes, the tools of 2. During winter, he slept in the rickshaw coolies’ shed.
torment become more refined. 3. The small boys and the patrons of the cinemas
3. The month of ‘June’ is a state of suffering for bought his peanuts the most.
parents and children because they have to appear 4. The demands for peanuts were the most on cold
for admissions. winter evenings or misty monsoon days.
4. The writer is opposed to examination system. He C. 1. Hunched
calls it the culmination of all sadistic impulses and 2. Immense
4 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

ASSIGNMENT – 5 capable to solve new problems without trial and

A. 1. (b) tools error.
2. (d) an immeasurable amount 3. The chimpanzees first select a right twig. Then they
3. (c) Higher animals intelligence may fuel debate on trim and shape it to serve its purpose. They carefully
ethics and cruelty. insert the twig into the entrance to a termite mound
and turn it skillfully to fit the inner tunnels. They
4. (a) Parrots can imitate or repeat a sound.
also shake the twig to attract the insects. They pull
5. (d) Ability to classify the number, colour and kind out the twig tool without scrapping off termites. At
of objects. last, they use its lips to skim the termites into mouth.
6. (a) able 4. A parrot can separate five objects of two different
B. 1. Ability to use tools is the effective measure of our kinds. He has capacity to make difference between
mental ability. On the other hand, instinct is a skill the number, colour and kind of things. Thus, he has
programmed into our brain by its genetic heritage. knowledge of a basic thinking skill.
2. For scientists, insight is a flash of sudden under- C. 1. Distinguish
standing. According to them, insight makes animals 2. Instinct
Literary Passages
ASSIGNMENT – 1 4. The poem is all about the social condition of
A. 1. (b) eating raw fish and its juice England.
2. (c) they provide vitamin C C. 1. Scourge 2. Tempered
3. (d) he wanted to exist like a shipwrecked sailor ASSIGNMENT – 3
4. (a) success A. 1. (d) a typical land labourer
5. (d) he was trying to rescue his air-filled cushion 2. (a) he carries a huge burden on his shoulders
from sea water.
3. (a) terrible
6. (c) the soft substance between the skin and bones
4. (b) empty
of animal or human bodies
5. (c) to beware of the rebellions
B. 1. Dr Bombard wanted to avoid using the sealed
fishing equipment because he wanted to exist like 6. (d) alliteration
a shipwrecked sailor. B. 1. The poet asks the power of the world to set the things
2. Dr Bombard bent his knife and tied it to the end of right which have been ignored for centuries.
the oar because he wanted to use it as a pointed oar. 2. The poet wants to say that disparity in society
3. Dr Bombard would have drowned because he was must end. Everyone should have an equal right
trying to rescue his air-filled cushion from sea water. to live.
4. Sharks could have attacked and wounded Dr 3. The emptiness of ages in his face signifies the
Bombard. The sword fish could have cut the rubber sufferings he has faced and it also signifies how
raft to pieces very quickly with its vicious sword. deprived he has been of the basic facilities of life.
That would have been the end of the experiment. 4. The silence of the centuries signifies that the
C. 1. Dinghy 2. Flesh labourers have accepted their suffering as a curse
of their fate.
ASSIGNMENT – 2 C. 1. Censure 2. Immemorial
A. 1. (c) a powerful presentation of the working classes
2. (a) they exploit and bring them down ASSIGNMENT – 4
3. (b) a metaphor A. 1. (d) huge tracts of jungles
4. (d) impose 2. (c) they cling to their primitive ways of life
5. (d) they are deprived of the fruit of their labour 3. (b) govern
6. (a) the top outside floor of a ship 4. (b) shells in their ear lobes and septums
B. 1. The poem conveys that there is great disparity in 5. (d) they use clubs to crack heads
society. 6. (a) to take rest
2. Because they are deprived of every basic facility of B. 1. The native tribals of Brazil inhabit the forbidden
life. zones which are prohibited to outsiders. They
3. It means the people of England must come to their are ignorant about the outside world. These
senses and realise the poor plight of the depressed tribes often indulge in violent warfare among
classes. themselves.
Section - A: Reading 5
2. Jumi and Jemi belonged to Matis tribe. Their faces 4. (d) work daily
were tattooed. They had adorned themselves with 5. (d) destine
shells in their ear lobes and septums. 6. (a) aim
3. The Korubo tribals often suffer from malaria. The B. 1. As per the poet, death is not the ultimate goal. Life
other danger, especially for the children, is in the does not end with death.
form of huge anaconda–a large American snake that 2. By working diligently, we can make our lives noble
crushes its victims to death before eating them. and elevated. We can also reach heights. After our
4. The Korubo are called head bashers because they death, our noble deeds may encourage others.
use clubs to crack heads. They prefer the club to the
3. The poet compares this world to a battlefield and a
bow and arrows.
temporary camp for troops. The human beings are
C. 1. Maloca 2. Massive compared with troops.
ASSIGNMENT – 5 4. The poet compares a dejected person with a forlorn
A. 1. (d) spends all his time in sleeping. and shipwrecked brother. Both of them need
2. (c) to make our mind prepared for any fate. encouragement.
3. (d) None of these. C. 1. Mournful 2. Forlorn
Note-Making & Summarising

ASSIGNMENT – 1 4. Presentation of a Report
A. I. Title: Effective Office Communication (a) determine whether it would be read
II. Notes: (b) how carefully it would be read
1. Effective Comm’n (c) overall impact
(a) Imp. but difficult to achieve. (d) computers help by
(i) structure language & style, tone & jargon. (i) variety of fonts
(ii) consciousness, interest & practice (ii) colourful pages
(iii) skill (iii) impressive tables and graphs
(b) facilitates action
(iv) page layouts, appendics
2. Creating a Good Report.
Key to Abbreviations

(a) Aim of a Report
comm’n. — communication
argmt. — argument
logl. — logical
inform record persuade impress prob. — problem
attn. — attention
instruct recommend motivate change int. — interest
attitude acept. — acceptance
(b) present argmt. - logl. manner
B. Summary
(c) reader’s perspective
Effective communication involves better structure,
(i) easy to read & understand
language, style, tone and jargon. A report has many
(ii) clear objectives
aims. It presents argument in logical manner. The
(iii) proper shape & structure reader’s perspective helps in making the reports easy to
3. Structure of a Report read and understand. A report has a beginning, a middle
and an end. The introductory part attracts attention,
arouses interest and creates desire to read. The details
Beginning Middle End
maintain/ interest gain acceptance and lead to an end.
The concluding part sums up the contents and presents
Introduction Details Conclusion the conclusions, suggestions and recommends further
actions. The presentation of a report is important as it
Sum-the contents determines whether it would be read, how carefully it
attract attn. maintain int. pull together would be read and the overall impact. Computers help
in it by variety of fonts, colourful pages, tables and
arouse int. gain acept. suggestions graphs, effective layouts, exhibits, appendics.Using
create desire lead to end recommendations all these tools, a report can be well presented.
to read
ASSIGNMENT – 2 congestion, increasing population, lack of public

A. I. Title: Noise Menace awareness and use of generators increase noise
II. Notes: levels. High level noise affects health and behaviour
1. Noise pollution – ignored patterns. Aggressive behaviour, sleep disturbance,
(a) escalating & medically injurious irritability, hypertension, stress, increasing heart
(b) near Diwali rates and hearing loss creep in as noise pollution
(i) noise of crackers increases. Many laws and regulations exist but the
(ii) pollutants emitted implementation is tardy. So, high level of noise
(c) Some reactions pollution continues.
(i) DOE — campaigns in schs. – harmful effs. ASSIGNMENT – 3
of crackers on eardrums & lungs A. I. Title: The Plight of the Hill People
(ii) DPCC — say no to crackers II. Notes:
(iii) NGO — meetings & plays
(iv) D.Govt. — burst crackers in open spaces/ 1. Landslide disasters
parks Geological movements Man-made causes
2. Prob. of Noise Polln.
(a) Above CPCB stds 55dB (day) can’t mitigate top soil depleted
resdl. colonies 45dB (night) eliminate disaster
(b) Causes
(i) traffic cong’tn deforestation inapp. crop’g pattn
(ii) increasing population
large scale
(iii) lack of pub. awareness potatoes paddy
(iv) generators timber mafia
& peas
(v) airhorns
(vi) loudspeakers loss of seepage
fertile soil of water
3. Effect of Noise Polln. on Health & Behaviour
admn. inaction
(a) above 55 dB
(i) aggressive behaviour
(ii) sleep disturbance laws faulty relief
ignored policies work
(iii) annoyance
(iv) irritability 2. Exposed boulders — potential threat
(b) to 65 dB (a) no green cover to bind
(i) h’tension (b) downpour exposes boulders
(c) above 75 dB (c) no wire meshing
(i) extreme stress 3. Ways to mitigate disasters
(ii) increasing heart rates (a) Edutg cultivators – conserve soil & moisture
(iii) potential hearing loss (i) partial levelling & contour cultn.
4. Laws & implementation (ii) trdl. crop & cropg. patn.
(a) many laws & regulations (b) using wire mesh to bind expd. hillside
(b) tardy impl’n (c) tradl. housing – mud & timber
Key to Abbreviations (i) wood bends – saves lives
polln. — pollution (ii) concrete – weight traps
resdl. — residential
cong'tn. — congestion
pattn. — pattern
h'tension. — hypertension
admn. — administration
impl'n. — implementation
crop'g. — cropping
B. Summary tradl. — traditional
Noise pollution is escalating and medically injurious expd. — exposed
but is usually ignored. Many agencies have reacted
to the problem. The Central Pollution Control B. Summary
Board has fixed daytime noise limits to 55 dB The hill-people in India live with fear of landslides. These
in residential colony and 45 dB at night. Traffic landslides are caused due to geological movements
Section - A: Reading 7
and man-made causes. Large scale deforestation by dioxide and ultraviolet rays. Titanium dioxide absorbs
timber mafia and inappropriate cropping patterns cause energy from UV band and reacts with water vapours
depletion of precious top soil. Cultivation of potatoes to produce oxygen molecules which break organic
and peas leads to loss of fertile soil while paddy crops matter into carbon dioxide and trace elements. The
cause seepage of water and break the interlocking discovery was made in 1969 in Tokyo University and
system of rocks. Administrative inaction, neglect of tested in Ako central hospital. Adam Hellar of Texas
laws and faulty policies also cause landslide disasters. University claims that glass coated with Titanium
The cultivators should be educated to conserve soil and dioxide removed finger prints in two hours. Self
moisture. Traditional mud and timber houses are safer. cleaning tiles called ‘Neo clean’ are marketed by
Using wire mesh to bind exposed hillside can mitigate Japan’s Toto Corp.
disasters.
ASSIGNMENT – 5
ASSIGNMENT – 4 A. I. Title: Earthquake
A. I. Title: Self Cleaning Materials II. Notes:
II. Notes: 1. Defn. – tremor/shak’g of grnd.
1. Self clg. mats.
2. Types of E’quake
(a) clean dirt, stains
(a) Gentle – unrecog’d
(b) eliminate foul odour & dang. bacteria
(b) Suff. pron’d – gentle alarm
2. Self clg. tiles — pple. of wk.
(c) Severe — eno. dest’n
(a) UV rays → Ti O2
3. Signs of Occurrence
3. Spl. props. of Ti O2
(a) Trembl’g — 1 or more severe shocks- trembl’g
(a) TiO2 makes paint / tooth paste white
(b) Various Noises
(b) ability to break down H2O into H2 and O2
(i) howl’g of storm
(c) abs. energy from UV band + reacts with H2O
vapours → prod. O2 → brk. org. matter → CO2 (ii) growl’g of thunder
+ trace elements (iii) clank’g / clash’g of iron chains
4. Discovery Testing & Research (iv) rumbl’g of heavy wagon on road
(a) dis. — Akira Fujishima (Tokyo Univ.) - 1969 (c) Range — thro’ grd, sea, air – heard at distance
(b) Testg. — Ako Central Hospl. (d) Some e’quakes silent
(c) Adam Heller (Texas Univ.) — TiO2 coated glass 4. Changes in Earth’s Surface
— removed finger prints in 2 hrs. (a) Landslips and cracks - drainage alt’d
5. Marketing (b) E’quake + sea waves - rocks & sand swept inland
(a) Tiles called ‘Neo clean’ (c) Perm’t elev’ns/ depr’ns
(b) Jap. Toto Corp. 5. Origin
Key to Abbreviations (a) mount. region
clg. — cleaning (b) sea
mats. — materials (c) volcanoes
spl. — special 6. Causes
Jap. — Japanese (a) Volcanic action in mount.
univ. — university
(b) Sea water entg. heated rocks
dang. — dangerous
abs. — absorb (c) Explo’n of expanding vapour
prod. — produce (d) Collapse of under grd. hollows
brk. — break (e) Snap’g of strata
org. — organic 7. Occurrence — cold months/winter
B. Summary 8. Most Dest. E’quakes
Self cleaning smart materials clean off dirt and (i) 1908 — Straits of Messina altered
stains besides eliminating foul odours and dangerous (ii) 1925 — Japan - Upheaval - Towns dest’d -
bacteria because of the interaction between titanium thousands kill’d

Key to Abbreviations B. Summary

shak’g — shaking A tremor of shaking of ground is called earthquake.
e'quake. — earthquake Gentle earthquake pass unnoticed whereas severe
unrecog’d. — unrecognised ones spread enormous destruction. Trembling of
suff. — sufficiently earth, severe shocks and various noises, indicate
pron’d. — pronounced occurrence of earthquake. Many changes are
dest’n — destruction produced in Earth’s surface by earthquakes. Drainage
trembl’g — trembling is altered. Great sea waves sweep away rocks and
perm’t. — permanent sand inland. They cause permanent depressions
elev’ns — elevations or elevations. Earthquakes are most common in
depr’ns — depressions volcanic and mountainous regions due to various
causes. One of the most destructive earthquakes in
explo’n — explosion
modern times altered the straits of Messina in 1908.
snap’g — snapping
The other destroyed towns and caused deaths of
dest’d — destroyed
thousands in Japan in 1925.
SECTION - B: WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR
Part - I : Writing Skills
INTEGRATED EXERCISE FOR PRACTICE 3. Dramatic Club
SHORT COMPOSITION SCINDIA SCHOOL, INDORE
I. Notice: 16th Aug., 20×× NOTICE
1. ST. COLUMBIA’S SR. SEC. SCHOOL Inter-School Competitions
AMEENABAD, LUCKNOW
On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebration
8th Sept., 20×× NOTICE of the school, the Dramatic Club has organised an
Tour to Goa & Mumbai inter-school competition in one-act plays as per
details given below:
The school is organising a tour to Mumbai and Goa
Date : 30th Aug., 20××
as per details given below:
Time : 10:00 am onwards
Duration : 10 days Venue : Ashoka Auditorium
Date : 24th Dec. to 2nd Jan, 20×× Participants : Maximum 7 in a team
Cost : ` 5000 each Last date for the receipt of Entry form is 25th Aug.
Plans : Visiting interesting sites 20×× by 4:00 pm.
Those interested may kindly give their names to Pradeep/Asha
the undersigned by the 15th Sept. 20××. President
Madhavi Dramatic Club
(School Pupil Leader)
4. Science Club
2. English Literary Association GOENKA PUBLIC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI
TAGORE MEMORIAL SCHOOL, PATNA 15th Jul., 20×× NOTICE
5th Aug., 20×× NOTICE
Inter-House Competitions
Inter-House Competitions
The English Literary Association invites partic- Bright, enterprising and intelligent science stu-
ipants in the following contest to be held in the dents are invited to participate in the Inter-School
school auditorium: Science Exhibition to be held in Sophia School
(a) Debate competition : 20th Aug., 20×× at 11:00 am. next month.
(b) Oratorial skills : 20th Aug., 20×× at 11:00 am.
(c) Elocution contest : 21st Aug., 20×× at 2:00 pm. Submit your charts, models, projects by 30th Jul.,
Each house can send a team of two students for 20××. Appear before screening committee on 5th
each event. Aug., 20×× at 11:00 am in the Activities Room.
Last date for submission of names is 10th Aug., 20××.
Ravi Mohan Praveen/Prabha
Secretary
ELA Secretary
Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 9

5. 8.
S.D. SR. SEC. SCHOOL, AMBALA CANTT INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL,
BHIVANI
2nd Sept., 20×× NOTICE
25th Oct., 20×× NOTICE
N.S.S. Camp
An N.S.S, camp of our unit will be held from
15th Sept., 20×× at village Dinapur. Project Picnic to Rose Gardens/Sukhana Lake,
include Adult Literary, Tree Plantation, Cleanliness Chandigarh
Campaign and Health Awareness. Volunteers The students from class VI onwards are informed
should give their names to the undersigned by that the school has planned a picnic tour to Rose
7th Sept., 20××. Gardens/Sukhana Lake, Chandigarh. The details of
picnic are given below:
Gauri/Gautam Duration : Two Days
Group Leader Date : 28th to 30th Nov., 20××
N.S.S. Expenses : ` 2,000
Itinerary : Available with the undersigned
6. The interested students may give their names to the
SPRINGDALES SCHOOL, ROHTAK
undersigned before 15th Nov., 20××.
22nd Aug., 20×× NOTICE Asha/Abhinav
Each One : Teach One Programme School Pupil Leader
Our school has adopted a nearby village, known
as ×××××××, Rohtak to spread knowledge among II. Poster:
the children under “Each One : Teach One 1.
Programme”: The students from classes IX to XII
are advised to participate in this programme and
DONATE OLD/NEW BOOKS
make it successful. The classes will start from TO LIBRARY
the next month and the interested students may
consult their respective class teacher by the end
of this month.
Books:

Vibha/Varun Í Inform
(N.S.S. Group) Í Instruct
Í Delight
7. Í Enrich
ABC SCHOOL, AGRA
15th Feb., 20×× NOTICE Books — Our Best Friends

Selection for School Hockey Team •
Distribute books among the poor children.
The students will be happy to learn that our school •
Help them become educated.
is going to select players for ‘School Hockey •
Don’t judge books by its cover.
Team’. All the students from classes VI to VIII are •
Give poor students opportunity to become
informed that if they are interested, they may give a knowledgeable man.
their names to their respective class teacher by 25th • Let your books become a source of
Feb., 20××. The final selection will be made on 5th enlightenment for the poor children.
March, 20××.
YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARY HAS
Ravi/Ritu
TEN THOUSAND BOOKS
Sports Secretary

2. 4.
FETE SAY NO TO ALCOHOL
Organised by SAY IT JUST TODAY
ST. JOHN SCHOOL, AGRA Why?
in aid of earthquake victims
Addiction leads to:
on
 Ruined Health
Sunday, 2nd March, 20××
from  Ruined Family Life
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Ruined Self
at  Finally .....painful death
SCHOOL CAMPUS
Regain Health Control and Happiness
A Day of Fun & Frolic
 Fancy Dress  Snacks Stalls

Don’t be late
 Gymnastics  Gun Contests SAY IT NOW!
 Merry-Go-Rounds  Electronic Games
 Lucky Draw Join De-addiction Camp
Come one : Come all Entry by Tickets Call at helpline ‘Saathi’

HELP A NOBLE CAUSE Phone No. 25××××××
3. 5.
Dramatic Club Plant Trees & Live Longer
RYAN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
Join
GURUGRAM
proudly presents TREE PLANTATION CAMPAIGN
The Never Never Nest

a hilarious comedy
by
CEDRIC MOUNT on
Sunday, 5th August, 20××
for the benefit of Spastic Society of India
9:00 a.m.
on
at
Saturday, 4th October, 20××
6:00 p.m. sharp ADARSH SR. SCHOOL, JODHPUR
at
Remember the benefits of trees:
SCHOOL AUDITORIUM • Release oxygen • Take carbon dioxide
Entry: Donor Ticket of ` 100 each • Bring rain • Check soil erosion
• Provide fruit, shade & greenery
COME, ENJOY & HELP A NOBLE CAUSE
GO GREEN & PLANT A TREE
Cultural Secretary
RISG Trees live for us. Let us protect our friends.

6. 8.
Beware of Suspicious Packets! ANIMALS
A TREASURE TROVE
?
 Be kind to animals
 Be gentle to animals
 Show concern to animals
Pets give us :
May be Bombs!  Company
 Love and affection
SAVE INNOCENT LIVES BY HELPING  Warmth
DELHI POLICE  Security
ADOPT A PET : SOURCE OF LIFE
Your Duty:
ã If any suspicious packet or object is found Issued by
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE AND WELFARE
in public places/trains/buses, immediately
inform Delhi Police.
ã Never touch the packet or don’t try to remove
III. Advertisement:
the object otherwise. It could be bomb. 1. SALE
ã Vacate the place at once and keep an eye on Available a 20×× model blue Maruti Zen with
the doubtful person if any. AC fitted, in a decent running condition with new
ã Use our helpline number 011-24×××××× tyres. The owner driven car has barely run 1,500
and wait for the arrival of Bomb Squad and km. Expected range of price is 1,50,000 or so but
Sniffer dogs. negotiable. Interested parties may contact Amar
Nath, XYZ or ring 011-26×××××× between 10:00
Issued by:
am to 5:00 pm on week days.
DELHI POLICE
Always with you for you 2. SITUATION VACANT
Wanted two smart, impressive young lady checkers
7. for a renowned export house based in Kolkata.
CN EED OF LI
ASI
Fresh graduates with good communication skills
FE
B can apply. Attractive salary besides other benefits.
Apply to Manager (HRD), Globe Exports, Virat
Nagar-700085 till 15 November.
3. SITUATION VACANT
Wanted two young and dynamic Sales Executives
for our marketing division. Minimum Qualifications
— M. Pharma. Work experience of at least 5 years.
WATER Proficiency in English, impressive personality &
Adopt Rain Water Harvesting System ready to travel. Good salary and other perks. Apply
RECYCLING BEGINS AT HOME in confidence with complete bio-data till 15 March,
1 Depending on the roof top and 20×× to the Manager, Herbal India Ltd., 6-B/247,
gradient, proper water collection
pipes can transfer rainwater to a Ashok Vihar, New Delhi-110070.
tank or the building’s main rainwater
harvesting pipeline.
2 The rainwater should be filtered 4. SITUATION VACANT
before use.
1 1
3 The remaining water could be Wanted a convent educated, smart and young
connected to a rainwater harvesting
well, deep enough to connect to the lady in the age group of 21-25 years with pleasing
ground water level.
personality and fluency in communication to work
2
as a receptionist for a leading industrial group. The
3 candidate with knowledge of computer and EPABX
machine operation will be preferred. Apply to the
Personnel Manager, B-11, Ashok Nagar, New
This pure water can be used variously. Delhi-110070 by 30 June, 20××.M: 98××××××××

5. Moreover, the old editions of the following books have

FOR SALE
been packed:
For Sale a DDA flat in Ashok Vihar, first floor, two
(i) Physical Education by V.K. Sharma
bed rooms. Drawing/Dining with full interiors, car
(ii) Elementary Commerce by J.P. Goel
parking available. North park facing, located near
main market. Reasonable price. Contact: M.L. We are compelled to return the soiled/old editions of
Goyal, 27××××××. books through our attendant and hope to receive their
substitutes.
6. ACCOMMODATION WANTED We further hope that you will instruct your shop
assistants to be careful in packing books to avoid
Coal India, New Delhi wanted suitable accommodation
inconvenience/loss.
on rent to be used as a guest house. Minimum carpet
area of 2500 sq feet in a posh South Delhi area Thank you
preferred. Interested parties may please contact Yours truly
5, Balu, G.M. Coal India, 35 Asaf Ali Raod, Rajat Khosla
New Delhi. Phone: 22××××××. (Librarian)
7. HOME TUTORS AVAILABLE 2. 23 Fort Road
Agra
Qualified and experienced tutors to teach boy and
girl students of classes VI-XII in English/Hindi at 15th November, 20××
reasonable fees are available. No travelling charges The Manager
will be collected from parents. Contact: Managing Oberoi International
Director, Tutor Bureau, Mobile No. 98×××××××. Lucknow
Sir
8. LOST AND FOUND
Subject: Enquiry regarding expenses for Wedding
Lost a black briefcase in DTC Bus, Route No. 4××,
Reception
while travelling between Anand Vihar and New
Delhi Railway Station. The briefcase contains some Kindly let me know whether your lawns would be
important documents besides my purse, ATM & available on the evening of 7th December to hold
credit card. The finder will be suitably rewarded. the wedding reception of my sister. In case space is
Contact person: Rajeev, D/××, New Delhi-110002, available, please enlighten me regarding the following:
Mobile No. 98×××××××. (i) catering cost per head (Menu no. 3)
(ii) service charges
LONG COMPOSITION (iii) decoration charges
I. Business Letters/Placing Orders/Complaints: (iv) advance amount to be paid.
1. Dyal Singh Public Library Please send me point-wise specific reply at the address
Karnal given above.
Looking forward to an early reply.

10th March, 20××
Thank you

The Manager
Happy Book Company Yours sincerely
23 D Kamla Nagar Nandani
Delhi–110008 3. XYZ TEXTILE COMPANY

Sir 24 Pyarelal Road, Mumbai
Ref. STC/20/78
Subject: Complaint against Soiled/Old Editions of
Books 12th August, 20××

We are thankful to you for the delivery of books at the The Senior Purchase Manager
The American Textile Company
proper time but regret to inform you that the books
Madurai
were not properly packed. As a result, many books have
been badly soiled. The following books are too badly Sir
damaged to be used: Subject: Offer of Products for Bulk Sale
(i) Advanced Accountancy by K.K. Jain We are one of the leading manufacturers of textile
(ii) Physics for Beginners by R.C. Khanna products in Western India and our products are equally

(iii) A Course in Written English by M.M. Sharma. popular at home and abroad. We have received an

enquiry from your branch office at Kanpur regarding warranty letter for two years against any technical fault.
terms for bulk purchase.
Having used the Refrigerator for about eight months,
We wish to inform you that we grant 30% trade discount we now find that the freezing section of this refrigerator
to commercial/bulk purchases on an order for not less is not working properly. We are unable to get even a
than Rs. one lakh at a time. We allow further discount single eatable fresh when kept in it. Unfortunately the
of 5% to buyers whose orders exceed Rs. 5 lakh per summer season is in full swing and we are feeling great
year. inconvenience due to our defective refrigerator.
Our latest price list and illustrated catalogue along with
In view of the above circumstances, it is requested
specimen of textiles are enclosed for your kind perusal that the defective refrigerator may be replaced at your
and approval. earliest in order to stop further inconvenience to us.
An early reply will be appreciated. It will be appreciated if the new set is installed after
Thank you proper testing.
Yours sincerely
Yours faithfully
A.G. George
S.P. Chaudhri
(Sales Manager) II. Letters to Editor:
4. Eagle Youth Club 1. B-22, Lajpat Nagar
B-69 Court Road New Delhi
Kanpur 25th May, 20××
1st August, 20×× The Editor
The Manager The Times of India
Nawab Furniture Depot Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
84-Railway Road New Delhi
Kanpur Sir
Sir Subject: Nuisance of Polythene Litter bags
Subject: Replacement of Defective Furniture Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper I
This is with reference to order no 93812 of a sofa set, wish to draw the attention of the government authorities
wooden chairs and table worth ` 45,000. This is to bring to the nuisance caused by numerous polythene litter
to your notice that on inspection of the furniture after bags lying alongside the road early in the morning. It
receipt at Club office certain defects have been noticed. is not only an obnoxious sight but also a menace and
We request you to replace the furniture within a week health hazard.
as the Club’s general meeting is scheduled for the next In order to keep their houses neat and clean, people
week. throw litter bags anywhere. Thus they endanger the
We hope that such mistakes will not occur in future. environment by causing pollution. Stray cattle poke
Hoping for an early replacement. into these polythene bags and scatter the filthy contents
all around. Thus our colony virtually becomes a
Thank you storehouse of garbage emitting foul smell and breeding
Yours faithfully flies, bacteria and other germs.
Amina I have written to the concerned authorities earlier also,
(Secretary) but no action has been taken so far. I sincerely hope that
my appeal will arouse the indolent officers from their
5. 160, Netaji Subhash Chandra Enclave
slumber and make them respond to the call of duty.
Kolkata
Yours faithfully
28th June, 20××
Parul Saxena
The Sales Manager
Wonder Home 2. 171, Radhika Apartments
Central Market New Delhi
Kolkata 25th June, 20××
Sir The Editor
Subject: Replacement of 265 litres B.L.P. Refrigerator The Times of India
New Delhi
We purchased a frost free B.L.P. Refrigerator of 265
litres from you about one year back, vide your Receipt Sir
No.D-9211 dated 11th June, 20××. You provided us a Subject: Involvement of Domestic Servants in Crime

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I 4. Madurai

would like to draw the attention of the public in general
24 June, 20××
and police authorities in particular towards a problem
which deserves immediate attention and necessary
The Editor
The Hindu
action. It has been observed that the acts of crime such
Mudurai
as theft, house-breaking, kidnapping and murders are
increasing day by day. Newspaper reports reveal that
Sir
persons working in houses for cleaning, cooking, etc. Subject: The cause of road accident
are involved, directly or indirectly in such acts of crime.
Through the columns of your newspaper I would like
They either collude with anti-social elements to make to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the
easy money or indulge in the heinous and nefarious act road accidents caused by the speeding vehicles.
of stealing, kidnapping and murder themselves.

We should not forget that high speeding kills lives.
I think the police should make it mandatory for people Contrary to this fact, these days the youths often prefer
engaging domestic servants to get clearance from to show heroism on the roads. They have no regards
the local police station after registration and proper for the traffic rules and can take turn at their will.
verification. The police must show alertness and far- They often like to overtake the other vehicles at a high
sightedness while dealing with such cases. speed which may cause accidents on the roads. During
I do hope you will spare some time to look into this rush hours, overtaking on the roads is dangerous. The
problem. over-loaded heavy vehicles are dangerous for light
Yours faithfully vehicles. The heavy vehicles never give room to such
light vehicles. And in a hurry to overtake them, the light
Shobha

vehicles meet with accidents.
3. P-37, Suman Apartments
The drivers are bound to follow traffic rules on the
New Delhi road. If they are caught violating the traffic rules,

21st March, 20×× the authority should take strict action against them.
Besides, the Transport Department should conduct

The Editor
‘Road Safety Week’ to spread the message of traffic
The Hindustan Times
rules among the people.
New Delhi

Yours faithfully

Sir

Kripa/Krishna
Subject: Underage driving
5. 32, Kailash Colony
Through the columns of your esteemed paper, I New Delhi
want to draw the attention of public in general and
police authorities in particular towards the increasing
9th March, 20××
incidence of injuries and death taking place due to
The Editor
underage driving in Delhi. In most cases, these drivers The Hindustan Times
having no driving licence hit and run away. The police New Delhi
arrives late and the offenders go scot free.
Sir
There is not a single day when there is no road accident
Subject: Poor Maintenance of Public Park in Kailash
involving teenagers. Driving fast has become a craze
Colony
and a status symbol for rich teenagers. Their parents
allow them to drive on road without caring for the lives
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper,
of others. I would like to draw the attention of the Municipal
Sir, through these columns, I would like to request the Corporation of Delhi towards the wretched condition
police authorities to be very strict in such cases. Those of the public park in our colony.
who are found guilty of reckless driving should be
Our colony, Kailash Colony, was developed in the
given exemplary punishment. There should be strict eighties, when much attention was not given to green
action against the parents who allow their underage belts. It has only one public park which is in an abject
children to drive on roads. state. It seems a picture of utter neglect. The boundary
wall is broken at several places. Consequently, stray
I hope parents will be watchful and the police will take
cows and dogs wander inside at will. Some undesirable
strict steps to stop this practice.
elements and beggars sleep on the benches at night.
Yours faithfully There is no watchman or gardener to look after its
Abha
maintenance. People are wary of going to the park early

in the morning or late in the evening. Thus the park has physique. I did my B.Sc (Hons) Chemistry from Hans
become a nuisance to the residents. Raj College, Delhi in 1998. Thereafter I started working

It is hoped that after reading our plight in the newspaper, in a local pharmaceutical company. I have acquired
the authorities will be roused to take remedial steps. sufficient experience in sales and marketing.
So far all our appeals and letters to the authorities have I would like to switch over to your prestigious company
failed to elicit any response from them. Hope this letter for the sake of better career prospects.
does the trick. I am willing to travel outside Delhi, if necessary.

Yours faithfully I hope my particulars meet your requirements.

Shaan Yours faithfully
III. Applications for Job: Sumit Awasthi
1. 236, Elgin Road 3. 21B, MIG Flats
Delhi Ashok Vihar, Phase–III
Delhi–110052
20th May, 20××
3rd March, 20××
The Personnel Manager
Hewlett Packard Ltd. The Hindustan Times
43 Nehru Place ABC Consultants
New Delhi Box 45731
Delhi
Sir
Sir
Subject: Outdoor Marketing Assistants
Subject: Application for the Post of Web Designer
In response to your advertisement in ‘The Delhi Times’
dated 18th May, 20×× requiring young boys/girls for This is in response to your advertisement in the
marketing your products in Delhi, I offer myself as one ‘Hindustan Times’ of 1st March, 20×× regarding your
of the candidates. requirement of a Web-designer. I wish to apply for the
I fulfil the conditions laid down in your advertisement. same.
I have my own scooter. I enjoy sound health, good I am a 26-year-old science graduate. I did B.Sc. (Hons)
personality and pleasing manners. I have reasonable (Physics) from Hans Raj College, Delhi in first division
good command over Hindi and English. Although I in 20××. Along with I pursued a four-year part time
am just 18 and have just finished my schooling at St. computer course from NIIT. For the past three years I
Columbus Sr. Secondary School. I have heard a lot have been working with XY Graphics and Multimedia
about your prestigious company and your products. Ltd. as their web designer.
I think it will be an honour to me to get associated with During the course of my work, I have acquired
your esteemed concern. experience in conceptualising, visualising, designing
I do assure you of my dedicated service and wholehearted and animation for websites. I would like to switch over
cooperation. to a bigger company where prospects for promotion are
brighter.
Yours faithfully
In case my particulars suit your requirement, please
Subodh Srivastava contact me at the above address. I am enclosing photo
2. 387, Sector-14 copies of my degrees and certificates.
Gurgaon With best wishes.
18th July, 20×× Yours faithfully
The Personnel Manager Gauri Bhasin
Ranbaxy Chemicals Encl: Copies of (i) B. Sc. Degree and (ii) Computer
23 Scindia House Certificate.
New Delhi 4. 22-A
Sir Sham Nath Marg
Subject: Application for the post of a Sales Executive Delhi
This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Indian 9th March, 20××
Express’ dated 15th July, 20×× inviting applications The Deputy General Manager (Personnel)
for the post of Sales Executives in your esteemed Sarabhai Enterprises
pharmaceutical company. I wish to apply for the same. Nehru Place
I am a young man of 25 with sound health and good New Delhi


Sir 5. 23A, MIG Flats
Subject: Application for the Post of Sales Manager Rajouri Garden Phase-I
New Delhi

This is in response to your advertisement in the
‘Hindustan Times’, dated 7th March for the post of
15th March, 20××
Sales Manager in your concern. I fulfil all the condition
The Secretary
laid down and wish to apply for the same. A perusal DAV College Management Committee
of my Bio-Data will satisfy you. I am an electrical Paharganj
engineering graduate from IIT Bengaluru with an MBA New Delhi
degree from the same prestigious institute. I possess a
Sir
working knowledge of computer.

I have been handling sales and purchases at Lohia Subject: A pplication for the Post of Lecturer in
Enterprises for the last two years. I want to join your Chemistry
firm for better career prospects as well as to live with
This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Indian
my aged parents. My bio-data is enclosed. Express’ of 10th March, 20××, inviting application

Hoping for a favourable response. for the post of a lecturer in Chemistry. I wish to apply
for the same. I am thirty three years old and currently

Yours faithfully
teaching Chemistry to under-graduate/post graduate

Vinod Arora students in M.M.H. College, Ghaziabad. I would like
Encl.: Bio-data
to switch over to your prestigious institution for job
satisfaction and better prospects.
BIO-DATA
In addition to studies, I take keen interest in basketball,
Name : Vinod Kumar Arora tennis and organising science exhibitions. I am
enclosing my Bio-data.
Father’s Name : Ram Chandra Arora

Hoping for a favourable response.
Date of Birth : 5th October, 19××

Yours faithfully
Address : 22-A, Sham Nath Marg, Delhi

Mukund Bhasin
Nationality : Indian
Educational : (i) SSCE (CBSE 19××) Encl.: Bio-data

Qualification A Grade, ABC School, Delhi BIO-DATA
(ii) BE (Electrical)
1st Division (20××) Name : Mukund Bhasin
I.I.T., Bengaluru Father’s Name : Ramesh Chand Bhasin
(iii) MBA (I.I.T.) Date of Birth : 10th May ,19××
1st Division (20××) Address : 22-A, Sham Nath Marg, Delhi
I.I.T., Bengaluru Nationality : Indian
Experience : Senior Sales Officer Educational : (i) SSCE (CBSE 19××)
Lohia Enterprises, Pune Qualification A Grade, ABC School, Delhi
— 2007 onwards
(ii) B.Sc. (Physics)
Testimonials : (i) Sh. A.K. Mohlal 78%, 1st Division (19××)
Principal Hans Raj College, Delhi
ABC School, Delhi
(iii) M.Sc (Chemistry, Organic)
(ii) Dr. B.C. Ghosh 1st Division (20××)
Director Delhi
I.I.T., Bengaluru
(iv) Ph.D (20××)
References : (i) Sh. R. Prabhu Meerut University
Deputy Manager (Personnel)
Lohia Enterprises, Pune Educational : Qualified UGC. NET (20××)
Qualification
(ii) Sh. A.C. Mehta
M.L.A. Experience : (i) Lecturer (20××-××)
Alipur Road Area, Delhi R.G. College, Meerut
(ii) Lecturer (20×× till)
Vinod Arora MMH College, Ghaziabad


Dear Ms Ghose
Testimonials : (i) Principal
ABC School, Delhi Subject: Computer Programming Course
(ii) Principal
I thank you for your letter dated 25th March, 20×× and
R.G. College, Meerut the interest you have shown in the medical transcription
course in computer programming. The point-wise reply
References
: (i) Principal
to your queries is as under:
MMH College, Ghaziabad
(a) The short-term course is of six weeks duration.
(ii) Sh. Jagdish Chandra
M.L.A. (b) Many other courses like web-designing, data
Raja Garden Area, Delhi processing, etc. are available.
(c) ` 1500: in two installments.
Mukund Bhasin (d) 10 per group.
(e) 30 min in a class of 3 hours.
IV. Letters to the School/College Authorities: (f) Morning: 9 to 12, Evening: 3 to 6 on alternate days
excluding Sunday.
1. C-176, Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi-110024
Hope to hear from you soon.

25th March, 20××
Yours faithfully

Krishna Kant

The Administrative Officer
(Administrative Officer)
ET&T Computer Education
Mansarovar Garden 3. 27-C, Raja Garden
New Delhi Delhi

Sir
20th March, 20××
Subject: Information Regarding Computer Program-
The Director
ming Course Sahayoga

Apropos your advertisement in ‘the Statesman’ dated
27, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
23rd March, 20×× regarding a crash course in computer
New Delhi
programming, I solicit some information. I have just
Sir
completed my 12th standard from CBSE, New Delhi and
Subject: Enquiry regarding Short-term Course
I am interested in doing a short-term medical transcrip-
tion course in computer programming in the evening
I would like to join the special courses run by your
session. Kindly supply me the following details: organisation for the welfare of students who are victims
of examination stress. Kindly supply me the full details
(a) Duration of short-term courses.
of the short term courses/classes scheduled during the
(b) Other courses available. summer vacation. I am keen to join a shorter group so
(c) Fees to be paid—whether payment in installments that I can put forward my problem freely.
is permitted.
In case there is some printed leaflet/brochure, please
(d) Size of the class/group. also supply it. Perhaps it will help some of my friends
(e) Availability of computer time. as well.
(f) Timings of classes and frequency.
Yours faithfully

I am sending a self-addressed envelope. Please despatch

Sumit
the requisite information at the earliest.
4. A-14, Sun City

Yours faithfully Delhi

Aparna Ghose
15th March, 20××
2. ET & T Computer Education
The Principal
Mansarovar Garden Summer Spring Girls School
New Delhi Vinod Garden

2nd April, 20×× Delhi

Ms Aparna Ghose
Madam
C-176, Lajpat Nagar Subject: L ack of Proper Arrangement of Clean
New Delhi-110024 Drinking Water


During a recent meeting of PTA, I happened to visit VERY LONG COMPOSITION
your school as the guardian of my younger sister. I was I. Article:
deeply impressed by the standard of cleanliness and
discipline in your school. One thing, however, irked me 1. NEED OF HEALTH CARE CENTRES
the most. It is the lack of proper arrangement of clean By XYZ
drinking water in the school. Although summer has
The government has launched many health care
not yet begun, I found long queues of thirsty students schemes for small-pox, tuberculosis, leprosy and
in front of the water coolers on the ground floor. I saw HIV infections. The Pulse Polio campaign has been a
some students quenching their thirst from water taps resounding success. These efforts of the government
on the first and second floors. are commendable but not sufficient. Recently, the city

Supply of clean, germ-free water is an essential part clinics reported the re-emergence of some infectious
of the facilities the school should offer. I suggest that diseases like cholera, small pox, malaria, dengue, etc.
immediate steps should be taken to install boosters to These were thought to be under control, but they have
provide a running supply of water to the water coolers resurfaced. Cases of HIV infection have multiplied.
on the first and second floors. Hence there is urgent need of a health care centre in

I hope you will take urgent steps in this regard. every locality. These centres can check diseases by
diagnosing them at early stages and providing effective

Yours faithfully cure. In short, health care centres are essential to ensure

Aaradhna a disease-free nation.
5. Examination Hall 2. A HARROWING DEVASTATION
................... Centre By ABC

8th January, 20××
It was 8:30 a.m. on the 26th January when I was having

The Principal my breakfast. I had to attend the state level function at
ABC Sr. Sec. School 9 a.m. I was eager to cover the function for our paper
‘The Times of India’. Suddenly, the flat started shaking
XYZ City
violently. The clock fell down at 8.40 a.m. I looked out

Sir of my fifth floor apartment. The building opposite was
Subject: Extra Classes in Maths swaying. Suddenly it started collapsing. The ceiling fan
and lamps in my room were also swaying violently. I

The other day we were admonished about poor
heard a loud crashing sound. I called my wife, picked
performance in Maths in the Pre-Board Examination.
up my baby and ran towards the door. The staircase was
We have tried to search our souls, rack our brains
already overcrowded. People were shouting. Children
and find out the fault. The reason is quite obvious.
were crying. My son Rohit also began to sob. My wife
Our Maths lecturer retired in August and stop- soothed him. The building was now rocking more
gap arrangements were made for three months by violently. As we reached the ground floor I saw cracks
appointing temporary hands. Only last month we in it. Somehow we managed to reach my car and drove
were able to get the guidance from an expert and away. As I reached open space I saw dust and rubble
competent teacher like Mr. B.M. Garg. However, all around. Ahmedabad had become a devastated area
a lot of our course remains uncovered and proper with lakhs of people trapped under the debris.
justice cannot be done to it in the regular periods
3. HAZARDS OF POLYTHENE BAGS
only.
By Bhoomi

Moreover, we have to make up our deficiency. Drill,
revision and classroom tests also require certain
Polythene bags are a potential threat to our environment.
periods. In view of the paucity of time available to They have many adverse effects on human health and
us between now and the commencement of board hygiene. Polythene bags are non-biodegradable. They
examination, it is requested that some extra classes do not dissolve in mud. Rather they clog the pores and
before/after school hours be arranged in Maths for XI do not allow earth to suck up water. Thus the fertility
and XII classes. power of the earth is lost. New buds do not get a chance
to come up. Greenery is hampered. They produce

I hope that the request of the students will be acceded
obnoxious gases when burnt. These gases cause serious
to without any delay.
diseases like bronchitis, eyesore, rashes, allergy, cancer

Yours obediently etc. Heaps of discarded polythene bags present an ugly

Rajani Walia sight. They scatter with wind and choke the drains.
Head Girl Deadly germs breed in the pools of dirty water. Sewer

system is choked. Stray animals eat them and their national development. They can enlighten the villagers
digestive systems get disturbed. We should create about new techniques in agriculture. By making
public awareness against these hazards. Anti-polythene them literate, the students can provide them valuable
campaigns should be organised. guidance in establishing cooperative societies. This will
4. BAN CRACKERS help in generating money through self-employment. In
short, they can bring a transformation in the society.
By Dipti/Dhruva
II. Speech:

Many harmful practices have been associated with
some of our religious festivals and social events. 1. POLLUTION CAUSED BY FIRE-CRACKERS
Bursting crackers on Diwali, weddings etc. is such an Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends!
evil practice. It is not only wasteful but harmful as well. Good Morning! Today I would like to talk about a
Perhaps the desire to display wealth and a misguided subject that we all do know but scarcely pay any heed to
notion of fun urges people to enjoy the sight of their it. On the days of festivals most of us burst fire crackers
hard earned money going up in smoke. not realizing the amount of pollution they cause.

The smoke emitted by the firework releases harmful Thus we are ourselves degrading the environment.
and poisonous gases. People suffering from asthma The bursting of fire crackers increases atmospheric
and other respiratory disorders have to bear additional pollution. The suspended particulate matter like
suffering. The indulgence in this practice encourages nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide are added up when
the social evil of child labour. Most of the factories a cracker is burst.
producing fire-crackers use children as labourers. These The increase in atmospheric pollution gives rise to
unfortunate children are deprived of education and respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The
healthy childhood. They also get diseases by handling cases of heart-attacks and strokes multiply. The noise
poisonous chemicals. Hence, it is the need of the hour pollution created by bursting of crackers may cause
to ban crackers. deafness as well.
5. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY We may enjoy the bright light and the sound of
AND YOUNGER GENERATION explosion for a few seconds, but we ignore the
permanent damage caused by bursting of crackers. We
By Madhu/Mudit
ourselves inhale the extremely harmful particles as we

The Information Technology has provided new avenues ignite the crackers.
to the students for acquiring knowledge, enhancing Hence it becomes the duty of each one of us to keep our
thrills of creativity, enjoying pleasures of discovery environment clean and refrain from bursting crackers.
as well as new job opportunities at home and abroad. Let us put an end to this wasteful exercise of burning
Computers have brought a silent revolution. These our hard-earned money.
electronic devices are as efficient as the best of human Thank you
brains. Computers have become indispensable in data-
processing and resource planning. Access to Internet 2. LIFE IN A COUNTRYSIDE PREFERABLE
has opened vast field of knowledge to the computer- TO LIFE IN A CITY
operator. Computer is more than a calculating machine. Respected Chairperson, Members of faculty and dear
No doubt it has made lengthy calculations and working Friends!
out tedious problems a matter of fun. In writing articles I stand before you to support the motion that life in the
too it helps like a good friend by correcting spellings country side is preferable to life in the city. At the outset
and grammatical errors. Web-designing, e-mail and I will like to remind the audience about the numerous
e-commerce are quite engrossing and rewarding. advantages that the villages offer. In fact life in the
country has so many advantages over life in the city
6. ROLE OF STUDENTS IN that I don’t think any one present would disagree with
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT me. The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet and has a
By Astitva/Ashita soothing effect. The air is fresh and pure. Green fields

Students are the pride and glory of a nation. They can which can be seen all around are a lovely sight. In the
play a very constructive role in the progress, uplift country people are friendly and the neighbours are
and development of a country. In the new millennium, helpful. On the other hand, cities are full of vehicles
information technology has turned the world into a giving out smoke and creating atmospheric pollution.
global village. Our educated youth have a tremendous There is also air pollution from the chimneys of
responsibility on their young shoulders. Our country industries spewing off smoke. Moreover, the streets in
is overpopulated and beset with poverty, ignorance, the city are always crowded with people. Everyone is
illiteracy and superstitions. The young students can in a hurry and never finds time to relax. Village life is
play a positive and constructive role in every field of tension free. There is no undue hurry and excitement.

The villagers may be poor in terms of income but they Education. Many voluntary and social organisation
live a far happier life than the city dwellers. Hence I have also come forward to render their service.
conclude that life in the countryside is preferable to life
The National Literacy Mission is an organization
in the city. engaged in Adult Education. It has helped to eradicate

Thank you illiteracy in India to a great extent. School and college
3. MODERN GADGETS HAVE MADE US students can also help in the noble mission. They can
SLAVE TO MACHINES offer voluntary service during their free period, that is,

Respected chairperson, honourable judges, members vacation. They can organize adult literacy classes in
of the staff and my dear friends! their streets or villages.

Today I stand before you stoutly and wholeheartedly
It is hoped that these educated villagers will prove
to speak on ‘Modern gadgets have made us slave helped in the development of the nation. Education will
to machines’. We have become so dependent upon give them awareness and knowledge. They will gain
machines for everything that out life would come to a information, dignity and self-respect. They will become
stand still without them. good citizens of the nation. They will become free
from the social bondage, exploitation and humiliation.

Science and technology have transformed the life style
Education will not remain ornamental. It will become
of modern man. In fact the modern civilization has
a part of their personality.
become highly mechanised. Right from the time he
gets up to the time he goes to bed, he depends on one
Thank you
or the other modern scientific gadget. He uses fridge 5. IMPACT OF RISE IN PRICES OF
to store food and keep it cool. Fans, room coolers and PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
air conditioners keep him cool. Telephone increases
Respected Chairman and dear friends!
the range of his voice whereas car multiplies the speed
The decision of the Central Government to hike the
of his legs and now he can fly even like a bird. In his prices of Petroleum products has shocked all the
office too he dictates letters on dictaphone, which consumers. The salaried classes and the middle-income
his secretary types on a computer, another device of group are the worst affected. As a common man, I
modern science. Now he can store information in a resent this harsh decision of the government. The
computer. Mobile phones, television and cable network increase is not only sudden but steep also.
have become quite common. Most of these gadgets are
The common man is already reeling under the spiralling
based on electricity. prices. The recent hike in the cost of petroleum products

Now think of a day when electricity fails. All the will push the expenditure graph up by 30 to 40 per cent.
activities of the morning are shelved or delayed. The increase in the prices of diesel and petrol will not
There is no hot water for shaving or bathing. No tea only increase the expenditure on one’s own vehicle, but
or sandwich for breakfast. No computer, television or also increase the freight of goods and their initial cost
airconditioner can work without electricity. We feel will. The essential commodities will get dearer. Fares
miserable because we have become so used to them. of buses, autos and taxis will have an upward swing.

The modern gadgets have helped the world to leap Shopkeepers will enhance the prices of even those
forward to a glittering civilization. They have provided articles which are produced locally. This continuous
tremendous power and unlimited knowledge to man. rise in prices of commodities will make it difficult to
In fact the modern gadgets have revolutionised every live within a fixed income. This escalation will mean
phase of man’s life. Man has become so dependent cutting down the necessary expenditure by curbing
upon them that it is impossible to conceive of modern some needs of the family.
man’s life without these gadgets. Hence, we can safely
I urge the Finance Minister to reconsider the decision
conclude that modern gadgets have made us slaves to which is bound to hit hard millions of working classes
machines. and salaried people besides, creating a vicious circle

Thank you of spiralling prices. It is earnestly hoped that my views
4. ADULT EDUCATION will merit some consideration at the hands of the
Respected Chairperson, distinguished guest and dear authorities.
friends!
Thank you
Education provides all round development of our 6. MISUSE OF SCIENTIFIC GADGETS
personality—body, mind and soul. Unfortunately, a vast Respected Chairperson, teachers and students!
number of our population remain uneducated. The rate Twentieth century has witnessed a revolution in the
of school drop-outs is increasing fast. To overcome the field of science and technology. Everyday we hear of
ever increasing number of illiterates, Adult Education numerous latest gadgets produced to make our life easy
programmes have been launched by the Ministry of and comfortable.


Recently, however, some cases have come to light gods and prayed for my long life. At 6 in the evening
where criminals and unscrupulous elements have I welcomed my friends and relatives at the Gaylord’s.
misused the gadgets of science for their selfish and They greeted me with the words “Many happy returns
nefarious ends. Committing dacoity, kidnapping or of the day!” They also gave me birthday presents. As I
murders using stolen vehicles has become a routine. cut the cake all the invitees sang in a chorus: “Happy
Telephone is misused by anti-social elements. birthday to you.” I offered them pieces of cake. Then

Young Romeos misuse the telephone for eve-teasing. dainty dishes and tea were served. It was followed by
Rash driving, honking of horns and playing loud music a brief but entertaining cultural programme. We had a
are some other tricks used by them. jolly good time. I thanked all my friends and relatives

Unscrupulous operators of cable network screen vulgur for their kind visit and good wishes. Thus my birthday
films depicting glorification of violence and sex. These was celebrated in both the ways—traditional as well
films directly encourage evils like smuggling, drinking as modern. I sought the blessings of family gods and
and drugs. elders. I also enjoyed the fun of dancing and singing

The hard-core terrorists use bombs hidden in toys to with my peers. At the end of the day, I was dead tired.
hit their targets. Remote control comes handy to them So I retired to bed early. I had only one regret—
to accomplish their plan. The powerful beams of lasers Birthday come only once a year.
are used by modern day criminals to break the safest 3. GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
safe.
Reported by Mayank

The remedy does not lie in banning the gadgets, 8th February, 20××
but in arousing public consciousness. Police and
administration must exercise effective vigilance. Law Our school completed fifty years of its existence on
enforcement should be strict and law-breakers be given ‘Basant Panchami’—the 5th February, this year. To
exemplary punishment. commemorate the event, a year-long programme of

Thank you celebrations were planned. Meetings of staff, and
students’ council were held. An organising committee
III. Report: comprising the principal, five members of staff, office
1. PLEASANT EXPERIENCE bearers of the student council was constituted. A
AT A RAILWAY STATION calendar of curricular activities was chalked out. It
Reported by XYZ was decided to hold an exhibition of art and craft and
7th March, 20×× science exhibition at school level. Fancy dress and
Last Sunday I had to go to the railway station to receive dance competitions were held for the primary section.
a friend. On reaching the station I learnt that the train A Golden Jubilee issue of the school magazine was
was late. So I had enough time to enjoy the scene. The also brought out. Inter-school debate contest and a
second class waiting room was packed to its capacity. play festival were held in September and October.
Some passengers were chatting in groups, others were During November, special programmes were staged
lying on the floor. There were long queues before the by ex-students. On the concluding function, a dance-
booking windows. The enquiry clerk seemed very busy. drama ‘Eklavya’ was presented. It was acclaimed by
The coolies were carrying luggage to the platform. The the audience.
railway platform presented an interesting, amusing and 4. COMMUTERS STRANDED
absorbing scene. The hawkers were having a good time. Reported by Nidhi
People were anxiously waiting for the train. The scene 28th November, 20××
changed as soon as the train arrived. There was a lot of New Delhi
noise and confusion. Everyone was eager to get down.
A state of disorder and confusion was witnessed at
They were pushed back by those who wanted to get in.
almost all the bus stops whereas the situation was quite
My friend waved to me. I helped him in moving down
chaotic at the railway stations and ISBT. This was a
his luggage. Soon the guard whistled and the train
direct outcome of the protest by bus operators against
moved off. Now the platform looked deserted. I came
out of the station with my friend. the Delhi Govt. orders to ban diesel driven buses with
immediate effect. According to the Supreme Court
2. HOW I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY orders, only CNG fuel driven buses could operate
Reported by ABC after 1st October. The bus-operators pointed out that
12th April, 20×× conversion to CNG mode was costly and refuelling
My birthday falls on the 4th April. This year too it was time consuming. So they called for a flash-strike to
was a gala event. Grandpa had arranged a ‘Havan’. register their grievances. Their action brought transport
The priests offered religious worship to the family to a standstill. School children, office-goers, patients,

old and sick-persons were all stranded. There were was pleasant and there was bright sunshine for the first
not enough vehicles on the road to cope with the rush. 3-4 days. We covered about 10 to 12 kilometres of
Taxis and auto rickshaws had a field day. The plight of hilly terrain each day. Then there was heavy snowfall.
women and children was touching. Some alternative We were forced to suspend our activities as the
fuel or energy source is needed to save the transport tracks covered with snow became slippery and hence
going into a mess. dangerous. We enjoyed making snowmen and playing
5. DEVASTATION BY FLOODS with snow. Our new pastime was shortlived as cold
Reported by XYZ winds made us shiver. We were confined to the base
News Correspondent, The Express camp. Two of us Sudhir and Anil had running nose and
14th July, 20×× mild fever. Our teacher advised us to drink warm water
and avoid cold drinks and ice-cream. We had to remain
A visit to the flood-hit districts of the state of Orissa content watching the snowfall from our camp. Luckily
fills one with depressing thoughts. How can nature be our companions recovered after two days.
so cruel? The cyclonic storm has proved a disaster for
the state. Coastal areas have been hit hard. The villages 2. BLOOD DONATION CAMP
and hamlets have been adversely affected. Thousands A blood donation camp was organised by our school
of acres of land having crops are still submerged in on 24 October, the UNO Day, at 9.00 am in the school
water. Millions of cattle have been washed away or auditorium. Our Principal was the first person to donate
perished in the flood waters. Thousands of the villagers blood. Thus, he inaugurated the campaign with a
have been rendered homeless. Hundreds of children practical example. His inspiring lead was followed by
and the aged have been swept off. Thus there has been the members of the staff, who took their turn to make
an all round destruction of life, property, cattle and their contribution in this noble mission. Students of
crops. Government agencies and voluntary groups have senior classes did not lag behind. I also donated blood
rushed to the help of the flood affected victims. The and motivated my friends and classmates to donate
situation is grim and calls for more concerted efforts. blood for the noble cause. We felt proud and happy
6. RAINFALL CAUSES HAVOC that 150 units of blood were collected. The organizers
felt overwhelmed at the massive response of student
Reported by XYZ
community. Each donor was issued a certificate of
6th July, 20××
having donated blood, in addition to an apple, two
Agra is situated on the bank of the Yamuna river. The bananas and a glass of milk.
Taj Mahal is the pride of this city. The government has
made every arrangement to keep the city neat and clean. 3. HELPING THE FLOOD VICTIMS
However, we have no control over nature. Recently this Rains are usually over in Delhi by the end of August.
city experienced heavy rainfall. It rained continuously But this year it rained continuously for four days in
for four days. People remained locked in their homes the first week of September. This caused flash flood
and tied within four walls of their rooms. in Yamuna. It crossed the danger mark. The plight of
There was water everywhere in the city. The choked people living in the flood-affected areas was shocking.
drains did not allow rainwater to empty into the Yamuna I had never seen humans and animals huddled together
river properly. When the entire city was flooded with in filthy shanties. As usual the government agencies
rainwater, it created havoc for life and property. Two were slow to react. As a responsible citizen I organised
or three people drowned in the water collected in the a taskforce of volunteers to help the unfortunate
drains. Several animals also drowned in the big drains. victims of the vagaries of nature. I also persuaded two
Rainwater had damaged several cars and buses also. NGOs to rise to the occasion and render help to reduce
The roofs of some houses had also fallen down as their the miserable plight of the hopless victims of flood
foundation could not sustain the force of rainwater who had lost their homes and material possession.
flowing beside its wall. Really, it was a pathetic scene We distributed packets of milk, loaves of bread and
in the town after the rainwater had drained into the bottles of drinking water. Fodder for animals was also
Yamuna river. The loss of life and property caused by arranged. I felt tired but I was happy to help the needy
torrential rains was beyond our imagination. and relieve their sufferings.
IV. Narrative: 4. DEMONSTRATION BY WOMEN
1. STRANDED IN SNOWFALL While returning from school yesterday afternoon, I
Our school organised a hiking and trekking expedition came across a group of women. Housewives from all
during the winter break this year. Our party comprised sections of society and some political activists had
ten members including the Physical Training organised a demonstration to register their annoyance
Instructor who was our guide and mentor. The weather and protest against the recent hike in LPG and

other petroleum products. They carried banners and ASSIGNMENT – 1

placards with catchy slogans. Some of the women
1. SITUATION VACANT
seemed overenthusiastic. They shouted vociferously.
Their selfless devotion to a common cause stirred Wanted a smart, confident Executive Assistant to
my innermost chords. I felt impressed by their zeal the Director of a reputed company. Qualification
to attract the attention of the authorities towards the -graduate, age-between 25-30 years. Typing speed
sufferings of the common man and their efforts to -40 wpm. Preference to those candidates who can
spread awareness among all the sections of the society. handle computer. Salary negotiable. Apply with
Instinctively, my friends and I joined the procession. complete bio-data by 25th July, 20×× to Ravi,
Mobile: 98××××××××, E-mail : Ravi1000@xyz.com
As it was a very hot afternoon, the weather took its toll
and some of the volunteers collapsed under sunstroke 2. B– Block,
and dehydration. We rushed them to nearby hospitals Sector –19
but the march of the protesters went on. I wish I could Noida
make more meaningful contribution.

18th March, 20××
5. PICNIC TO BADKHAL LAKE
It was a bright sunny Sunday morning in November.
The Editor
We left for Badkhal Lake for a picnic in a chartered The Times of India
bus along with our class-teacher. The journey took New Delhi
us half an hour. As soon as we crossed the Delhi Sir
Border at Badarpur, cool November wind greeted
Subject: Frequent Digging-up of Roads
us. When we reached the lawns near the lake, we
found the place quite overcrowded. Children and
I want to highlight the problems faced by the residents
youngsters had come in glittering and colourful of Sector-19, Noida due to the frequent digging-up of
dresses. We selected a shady corner and sat there. roads by various departments, such as electricity, water
We decided to play some amusing group games. supply, sewage, telephones, etc. It seems that there is
Everyone had to entertain others at his turn. We no co-ordination between these departments and the
all sang and danced for hours together. Some of us PWD. We have to put up with traffic diversions almost
could not resist the temptation of having a dip in every fortnight. Great inconvenience is caused by the
the lake. Some others enjoyed boating under the unfilled pits and dust rising from the unsettled earth.
supervision of the boating instructors. By 1 pm we The dug-roads remain unrepaired and cause traffic
felt hungry. We enjoyed the food we had brought. hazards as well as accidents.
After playing hide-and-seek for an hour we left the
We have written to the Development Authority many
place. It was indeed a great fun. times, but our repeated efforts have failed to bear any
fruit. Even today the roads are lying in a dug-up state.
6. A GHASTLY TRAIN ACCIDENT

I hope the publication of the letter in your newspaper
It was about 2 p.m. last night when I fell down from the
will draw the attention of the authorities to our plight
upper berth of the Super Fast Express. I was travelling
and motivate them to expedite the repair work.
from Delhi to Jammu. The violent jerk not only
caused me to fall down but also roused me to the plight
Yours truly
of other passengers. On coming out of the coach,
Vibhu Mehra
I found that the train had rammed into a stationary 3. A FIGHT BETWEEN A LANDLORD
goods train. The impact was severe that two bogies AND HIS TENANT
of the express were mounted atop the engine of the Quarrels between a landlord and his tenant are a
goods train. The lights at the Shahabad Railway common occurrence in Indian cities. Yesterday I
Station were dim. Relief measures were slow. About witnessed a fight between a landlord and his tenant in
150 passengers trapped in the two bogies were our block. They were engaged in a heated argument.
shouting for help. We needed ladders and ropes to The landlord was asking the tenant for rent at enhanced
go up and extricate them. The people of the town rates, but the tenant consistently refused to yield to his
rose to the occasion. They brought emergency demand for enhancement. He argued that the house
lights, ropes and ladders. I joined the local young lacked even essential facilities. From exchange of
men in the relief measures. The stranded passengers felt hot words, they soon turned to exchange of blows. I
thankful to us and cursed the railway staff. The severely reached there, neighbours and other also, flocked to the
injured persons were rushed to hospital. scene. All of us tried to pacify them. Our intervention

seemed to add fuel to the fire. Each tried to shout 3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
down the other. Then I and some other neighbours Respected Principal, teachers and friends!
separated them and took them some distance apart. Global warming has accelerated the rise of temperature
Our conciliatory efforts seemed to bear fruit. Just then on earth. The sea level is also rising and glaciers are
there was a barrage of taunts and abuses from inside the melting away. Natural calamities are taking a toll of
house. It seemed that the wives of the landlord and the life on earth. Floods and scanty rainfall result in a
tenant had now jumped in the fray. This flared up the crunch of food products, drinking water and disturb
two gentlemen. From verbal exchanges, they came to normal living conditions. The drought in Rajasthan
physical handling, blows, pulls and pushes. Meanwhile, has led to deaths and famine. Man is himself to blame
a police van arrived and took them in custody on the for the deterioration of ecosystem. Depleting forests,
charge of breach of peace. They reached a compromise industrial pollution, toxic-wastes, vehicular pollution,
at the police station and were released from custody. cutting of trees in cities, and lack of green cover are
some of the contributory factors. The entire process of
ASSIGNMENT – 2 environmental pollution is becoming a vicious cycle.
1. The urgent need of the hour is to protect environment.
COMMUNAL HARMONY School children have begun to create awareness by
the need of the hour campaigning against polythene bags and recycling
waste material. Let us join hands to protect our forests,
Live in Peace: Respect Others’ Religion grow more trees, check toxic pollutants and change our
Remember lifestyle.
INDIA IS A SECULAR STATE Thank you
v Live and let live ASSIGNMENT – 3
v All religions lead to God
1.
v All human beings are children of God JAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, AMBALA
v So why disharmony? Live as brothers & sisters 15th Mar., 20×× NOTICE
Avoid Distinctions of caste, creed, sex, etc. Library Timings/off day, etc.
The members are requested to note the following
Issued in Public Interest:
CITIZENS’ FORUM, LUCKNOW decisions that will come into effect immediately:
(i) Working hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. F-311, Ekta Colony
(ii) Working days : Tuesday to Sunday
Delhi
(iii) Off day : Monday
15th October, 20××
(iv) Period of retaining : Two weeks
The Principal library books
Evergreen Senior Secondary School
Daryaganj, New Delhi J.L. Bhasin
Sir Librarian
Subject: Lack of Clean Toilets 2. D-2, Green Park
I want to draw your kind attention to one shortcoming New Delhi
in your otherwise good institution. I happened to go to
7th March, 20××
one of the toilets for students after a school function. I

The Editor
attended this function as the guardian of my younger
brother. I was shocked to see the condition of the toilets. The Hindustan Times
There was a foul stench all around. Yellow patches New Delhi
caused by urine were visible everywhere. There was
Sir
no proper flushing and cleaning of the pots of the
toilets. Some of them seemed to be blocked and caused Subject: Atrocities on Women
overflow of filthy water. The walls bore ugly graffiti.
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would
Since toilet is an essential facility, proper cleanliness like to draw the attention of the authorities towards the
and maintenance is a must. I do hope you will pay steady increase in the atrocities on women.
attention to this most essential problem. It is a matter of shame that in spite of constitutional
Thank you safeguards and provision of equality of sexes, the
Yours faithfully condition of women is going from bad to worse
Karan even after 50 years of the implementation of the

Constitution. The gender bias is predominant 2. The Principal

in all areas—home, school, office, factories, Sarvodaya Academy Sr. Sec. School
buses or trains. Women suffer discrimination and Vikas Nagar, Delhi
humiliation everywhere. The government enacts 20th July, 20××
laws to provide social equality, but women become Sir
victims of social discrimination and physical Subject: Facility of Learning Computers
assaults. Cases of dowry deaths, molestation, rapes
As the head boy of school, I would like to put before
and eve-teasing are steadily increasing. The legal
you a genuine need of the students. Our school is one
process still relies on evidence and witnesses. The
of the leading schools in the state and famous for
offenders commit crimes, threaten the victims/ its academic excellence. We students, however, feel
eyewitness and go scot-free in the absence of any handicapped in one respect only. Our school is lacking
incriminating material or circumstantial evidence in facility of computer education.
against them. The need of computer education is felt nowadays by

It is high time, the government adopted preventive everyone. We know that the modern age is moving
steps. Let the onus lie on the offender to prove his fast. The frontiers of knowledge are spreading fast and
innocence and not on the victim. Creation of Awareness unfolding something new every moment. To cope with
Cells, Local Vigilance Committees and Mobile the inflow of scientific and technical data, knowledge
Magistrates can help and check the problem to some of computers is a must. The computers play a vital
extent. role in banks, business houses, railways, airlines,
science laboratories and research centres. Without

Yours truly effective training in computer learning, the students

Roma will not be equipped to cope with the problems they
3. BANE OF COMMUNALISM are likely to face in the forthcoming career. If we have
to compete with other countries in the field of science
By Ritu
and technology, the knowledge of computers must be
Communalism is a black spot on the fair name of imparted at an early age.
secular India. The cancer of communalism is eating into Keeping in view the facts stated above, I request you
the vitals of our nation. Every year we have communal to arrange computer learning facility in our school at
riots and arsoning in one big city or the other. Cities like the earliest.
Aligarh, Meerut, Moradabad, Kanpur and Ahmedabad Hope to have a favourable consideration.
have frequent communal riots. Thank you
The root cause of communalism is religious intolerance.
Yours obediently
It is fanned by religious fanatics who spread communal
hatred in order to feather their own nest. These narrow- Rajat Mittal
minded persons suffering from sectarian or communal (Head boy)
prejudices lack a rational, scientific and democratic 3. BURGLARY IN LOCALITY
approach. They harm the nation by crippling economy I was studying in my room when at 11 pm I heard some
and hinder the development. Communalism has also agonising cries from the flat opposite my house. I saw
been spread by self-seeking politicians. It is high two persons manhandling an old lady who seemed to be
time that the organizations and the people who divide the sole occupant of the house. These burglars gagged
people in the name of religion and block the progress her and tied her to a pillar. Then they ransacked the
of secular, socialist and democratic India should be rooms. Meanwhile, I contacted the police station and
brought to book. gave brief description of their physique and clothes
as well as their activities. After completing their job,
ASSIGNMENT – 4 the two burglars got near the main door. They got the
1. shock of their life when they found that it would not
WANTED TUTOR open easily. Perhaps they thought it was jammed.
Wanted a qualified tutor to coach a girl of class-XI They applied force. Then one of them tried to break
in English. Only tutors with minimum three year’s it open. The other explored the alternative possibility
experience of teaching CBSE will be considered. of escape. Since it was an upstairs flat, jumping from
Emoluments: travelling expenses plus 3,000 to 5,000 window could cause a fracture. Little did they know
p.m. depending upon the calibre and experience. that I had bolted the door from outside. The police
Contact: Prashant/Preeti, Sector-19, Noida-201301, showed exemplary promptness in reaching the scene.
Mobile: 98××××××××. I was asked to hide behind the stairs. A young police

officer slowly opened the door. The luck of the burglars 3. CHILDREN’S DAY
ran short. They were nabbed and put behind the bars. Reported by Aditi
ASSIGNMENT – 5 20th November, 20××
New Delhi
1. TAKE
Children’s Day was celebrated in our school on
REGULAR EXERCISE November 14, this year. This day is the birthday of
and our beloved Chacha Nehru. It is celebrated in schools
H Become Active! H all over the country. This year it was celebrated in
H Get Fit For Life! H our school with great pomp and show. The Education
Minister was the Chief Guest. A cultural programme
H Enjoy Mental Alertness! H
was organised. Dances, songs and one-act plays were
Remember presented. Students recited poems. In the morning,
A Healthy Body Shelters a Healthy Mind sports were held. A Bal Mela was also organised in the
afternoon. The students arranged the stalls there.
Exercising can be fun—choose any one: Parents and other visitors went round the stalls. They
• Swimming liked the items prepared by students and praised their
• Jogging efforts. Tiny-tots were most elated. For them it was
• Aerobics colourful fair. They moved about freely and enjoyed
• Dancing themselves. It was now afternoon. The Chief Guest
• Working out at the Gym awarded prizes to winners of sports, best stalls and
 Live Longer cultural events. The function ended with thanks giving
 Run and have fun ceremony.
 Sport a Healthy heart
 Give your heart a healthy resort ASSIGNMENT – 6
Issued by 1. ABT SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL,
SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA XYZ CITY
2. The Principal
St. Francis School 1st Aug., 20×× NOTICE
Caster’s Town Career Counselling Session
Deoghar A career counselling session with Ms. Renu Nigam,
18th August, 20×× noted counsellor will be held in our school.
Sir Date : 10th August, 20××
Subject: Replacement of defective sports goods Time : 11:00 a.m.
I have honour to state that I am Sunil/Sunita and Venue : School auditorium
captain of the cricket team of our school. Last week Classes : XI and XII
on 8th August, 20×× our team was issued four bats, Please be seated by 8:45 a.m. and do not carry
a dozen of balls and six pairs of leg guards from the eatables and bags inside the auditorium. For further
school. Unfortunately, we found these sports good details contact.
defective. The handle of bats is loose and its holder
Amit
may come out anytime because of poor grip. The box
of balls contains soiled balls with seams broken at Head Boy
several places. As far as leg guards are concerned,
they are also of poor quality. The players do not feel 2. B–216
on comfortable with them. It seems that there has Mayur Vihar
been some carelessness committed by the packing New Delhi
department. Therefore, it is requested that these
defective sports goods may be replaced and our team
28 May, 20××
be re-issued fresh bats, balls and leg guard.
The Editor
Thank you The Times of India
Yours obediently New Delhi
Sunil/Sunita Sir
(Captain of Cricket Team) Subject: Children-targeted Marketing

I wish to draw the attention of the authorities ASSIGNMENT – 7

in general and the parents in particular, towards
certain malpractices carried on by the media in their 1. MODEL SCHOOL, NAGPUR
advertisements. The manufacturers approve of these
ads as they boost the sales of their products. 25th Nov., 20×× NOTICE
Most of these ads have a mother and a child or two young Magic Show
children. The product is praised and its virtues extolled. The Students’ Council is organising a magic show
The child or children in the ad seems to offer a suggestion in aid of Flood victims of Andhra Pradesh as per
to his/her peers—it is good for me/us; why don’t you details given below:
try it? Thus, children become targets or prospective Date : 30 November, 20××
buyers. This trend may be fashionably termed as ‘market
strategy’ or ‘customer management’, but it is certainly a Time : 5:30 p.m. onwards
malpractice. It exploits parents’ love for their children. Venue : Community Centre, Nagpur
They can’t refuse the demands of their child whether it is Entry by Ticket : ` 500, ` 1,000
proper or improper. This new consumer-culture is doing All are cordially invited.
more harm than good to the society. Mithun/Mithilesh
Will the concerned authorities pay attention to this Secretary
malpractice and punish the errant ad agencies? Students’ Council
Yours faithfully
Aakriti 2. 21B, Phase III
3. ADVANTAGES OF TREE PLANTATION MIG Flats, Ashok Vihar
Respected Principal, teachers and friends! Delhi – 52
It is good that our school is celebrating the Vana 19 March 20××
Mahotsava Day. It is only recently that man has realised
the importance of afforestation and growing more trees. ABC Consultants
In these days of ever increasing pollution, trees are the Box – 45731
best friends of human beings. The Hindustan Times
The advantages of planting more and more trees lies in Delhi
the fact that the number of trees preserved is quite low

Sir
as compared to the number of trees planted. Some of the
trees wither away due to lack of proper nourishment Subject: Applying for a web designer job
and care and some are cut down. Two random examples
With reference to your advertisement in ‘The Hindustan
are sufficient to prove the point. The number of trees Times’ dated 15 March 20×× for the web designer for
planted in 2013 was 4,000. Of these more than 1,000
your company. I would like to be considered for the
dried (withered) of the old trees about 2,500 were
cut. Thus the loss of trees was just 500 less than the said post.
plantation that year. However, due to preservation of the My Bio-data is enclosed for your persual and
old trees, the number of preserved trees stood around consideration. If I am found suitable, I can appear for
1,500. Let us consider another example. The highest the interview at any time suitable to you. In case of
number of trees 8,000, were planted in the year 2016. selection, I assure you of my unstinted co-operation
But in the same year 3,000 trees withered and 5,000 and devotion in the discharge of my duties.
were cut. Only 4,000 trees survived. These figures Your faithfully
clearly indicate that the loss of trees due to cutting or
withering is almost equal to fresh plantation. This is Gauri
not a healthy sign. Enclosed: Bio-data
Hence our endeavour should be not only to plant BIO-DATA
more and more trees every year, but also to preserve
them in greater number. Proper care and nourishment Name : Gauri Bhasin
is as necessary for trees as for children. Let us look Father’s Name : Ramesh Bhasin
after these tender saplings as we look after our young Date of Birth : 9th September, 19××
brothers and sister and guard them from every danger—
Address : 21B, Phase III, MIG Flat, Ashok
natural or man-made.
Vihar, Delhi-52
I am confident that the willing co-operation of all my
young friends will certainly make this programme Educational : (i) CBSE (10 + 2)
highly successful. Qualification (ii) B.Com, Delhi University
Thank you (iii) M. Com, IGNOU

we do not have this particular subject in the senior

Technical : Diploma in designing and secondary classes, our students will always have
Qualification animation from VITECH a major drawback if they want to compete for the
Experience : 2 years Entrance Test leading to admission in MBBS course.
Present : X-42 advertisement Pvt. Ltd., Private coaching is no substitute for regular classes.
Employment New Delhi In the present competition oriented times, where
professionalism is the order of the day, it becomes
Personal Details : imperative to have thorough knowledge in the field
Marital Status – Unmarried where one’s interest lies.
Languages Known – Hindi and English
If the subject of Biology is introduced in our school,
Hobbies – Reading and Travelling it will prevent unnecessary inconvenience to students
who have to migrate to other schools after passing the
3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT tenth standard for want of their desired subject.
(by XYZ)
I am optimistic to hear a positive response in this matter
Our country is prone to disasters like floods, drought, from you at the earliest.
cyclones or earthquakes. We do not have any clear-cut
policy of disaster management nor any force to tackle Thank you
the situation. Ad-hoc measures are adopted to cope with
Yours sincerely
every disaster. We wait and watch for others to join the
Lokesh
fray. There are heated arguments over jurisdiction—
centre or state liability, official assessment and surveys 3. STRANGE LOGIC FOR ‘HONOUR-KILLING’
before any help is rushed out to the affected area. The Yesterday I happened to attend a meeting of elders in
slow response results in the loss of precious human the nearby village Kartarpur. The family of a leading
life and valuable property. We must have clear-cut, politician had called this ‘panchayat’ or meeting of
well defined guidelines for disaster management. A elders. The issue was to get the approval of the village
well-trained task-force having special equipment and elders for the heinous act of murder of a girl and her
trained personnel should be constituted. Its controlling lover. Speakers glorified the tragic happening as ‘honour
officer should have the authority to take decisions and killing’. The girl belonged to high caste. She had eloped
ensure their speedy implementation. Better transport with a boy of lower caste and got married to him secretly.
The villagers who still cling to age-old traditional caste
and communication facilities will ensure better results.
system opposed it. The couple was chased, caught and
Bureaucratic set-up should not be allowed to interfere
brought to village and then murdered in cold blood.
with the work of the disaster-management group. Since most of the elders belonged to high-caste, all of
ASSIGNMENT – 8 them approved of the ‘honour-killing’. I was horrified at
their callous attitude. How could one glorify a heinous
1. FOR SALE act? I shuddered to think of the cruelty meted out of
Available Maruti 800 DX, 20×× Model in excellent them. As adults they had the freedom to lead their lives
working condition. White scratchless, self driven, in their own way. But the feudal bent of mind opposed
undue liberty. I wondered when a progressive state will
sparingly used. Average 18 km a liter. All accessories have liberal minded citizens.
intact. Expected Price not below ` 1.40 lacs. Contact.
Malhotra, 24××××××. ASSIGNMENT – 9
2. MB-195 1. LIONS CLUB AND LEO CLUB
Near Jain Mandir organise a sparkling
Kailash Nagar
Delhi DIWALI-MELA
18th March, 20×× ILLUMINE YOUR LIVES WITH JOY &
The Principal HAPPINESS
XYZ School Venue : Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Delhi Date : 4th to 6th November, 20××
Sir Time : 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Subject: Introduction of Biology Entry Fee : Adults – ` 20, Children: ` 5/-
As a former student of the school, I request you to
Celebrate Eco-friendly Diwali
introduce Biology as one of the subjects in our school
in senior secondary classes. Our school has excellent Save the Environment
facilities for physics and chemistry, but there is no Cracker-Free
provision for the learning of Biology.
Sponsored by
Biology is a very important subject for the students PEPSI
who have to seek admission in MBBS course. Since

2. M/s Universal Book Suppliers ASSIGNMENT – 10

26, Ansari Road
1. FOR SALE
Daryaganj
New Delhi For immediate sale, white LG Washing Machine,
Model PX-7 (20××), Sony T.V. 25'' (20××), Sofa Set
Tel. No. 23××××××
for 7, Oval-shaped dinning Table with 8 chairs. All

Our Ref. No. UBS/AMS/02/DE/0507 goods are in excellent condition. Owner transferred.
Your Ref. No. SCG/CE/54-03 Price negotiable, Contact : Raman Malhotra, Mobile
No.98××××××××.

19th May, 20××
The Librarian 2. National Sr. Sec. School
Scindia School Vayu Vihar
Gwalior New Delhi
Sir
25th March, 20××
Subject: Information regarding sale of Dictionaries
City Central Book Shop
and Encyclopaedias Shop No.10, Paharganj
We thank you for your letter dated 5th May, 20×× and Delhi-110006
are happy to furnish you the following information:
Sir
We stock dictionaries and encyclopaedias published
Subject: Non-compliance of the order No.11/RS
by Indian as well as foreign publishers. We have books
suitable for all age-groups of school going children. As
This is with reference to our order No. 11/RS dated 4th
desired by you, we are enclosing our latest catalogue. March, 20×× regarding the delivery of a few books for
It contains the information you need. our school library.
We shall offer you 15% discount given to educational
In this respect, I regret to state that despite
institutions on this category of books. We need two repeated reminders on the phone, the books have
weeks’ time to make delivery of the order. We accept not yet been delivered to the library so far. The
payment by demand draft only. It should be payable at new session has started and the books are required
Universal Book Supplies, New Delhi. urgently for reference-work by the students. I
I hope our terms will meet your approval and we’ll am quite upset about the non-compliance and
receive your order soon. negligent attitude shown by your shop towards our
Yours faithfully order. If the specified books don’t reach us within
three days from the receipt of this letter, we will
S. Ravindran
conclude that you are not interested in fulfilling
Sales Manager
this order. In that case, we’ll be compelled to
3. NO TOBACCO DAY CELEBRATIONS place the order elsewhere. A list of books ordered
Reported by Amrit (Head boy) is being enclosed herewith. Kindly do the needful
28th November, 20×× at the earliest.
Last Saturday our school celebrated ‘No Tobacco Day’
Yours truly
in school hall. The aim was to create general awareness
about the harmful effects of tobacco on human lives. We
ABC
displayed posters and banners in and around the school (Librarian)
campus to this effect. An exhibition was arranged in Encl.: Photocopy of the book-list.

the Activities’ Room, to enlighten the people about
‘Tobacco—the silent killer.’ It highlighted the harmful 3. SHELTER TO HOMELESS
effects of smoking, chewing or inhaling tobacco. A Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends!
public meeting was also arranged. Eminent doctors, I invite your attention to a social cause. Every year
local dignitaries and general public participated. The thousands of homeless people die of extreme cold. It is
doctors highlighted how tobacco harms not only the the responsibility of the state and the citizens to provide
user but also others around him. With the help of slides, facilities to homeless persons to sleep indoors during
film strips and charts, they illustrated how tobacco chilly weather.
impairs human throat, eyes, lungs, digestion and blood Since creating new shelters is both time-consuming
circulation system. It could lead to mouth sores and and costly, we must find enough shelters for homeless
cancer. Dr Anuj Vats advised people to avoid the use people in all our cities from the existing stock of
of tobacco in any form. The programme had a salutary buildings. A large number of spacious buildings at
effect on all.

prime locations are vacated every night. These are cost. Far more important is the fact, that this step
schools, colleges, offices and places of worship that would provide these educational institutions an
lie empty every night. There is no reason why these opportunity to fulfil their social commitments as
buildings can’t be additionally redeployed with small responsible social institutions and teach children
modifications as night shelters for the homeless. and young people first-hand social empathy and

You may ask why school and college premises social responsibility.
should be deployed additionally as shelters at
I do hope that the authorities of our school would realize
night. It is not just that most school and college the plight of these homeless persons and open the doors
teaching spaces are vacant during night and the of our schools to them at night. It will show light to the
same space can be used by dispossessed people entire country.
who do not have a place to sleep, without any-extra
Thank you
Part - II : Grammar
INTEGRATED EXERCISE FOR PRACTICE (e) like a palace (f) just one main
1. DETERMINERS (g) enter the ground (h) like a smaller
2. (a) not any new (b) know very well
I. 1. (a) the (b) a
(c) expected much to (d) was some feeling
(c) the, the (d) a, an
(e) But this was (f) so. The more
(e) these (f) this, that
2. (a) an, some, a, many (g) But some way (h) without a little tension
(b) Many, the, any, a, his 2. TENSES
(c) any, the, the, the, some, the, some/several I. 1. (a) shines (b) is sold
(d) a, my, some, a few, several, the, a, a (c) bite (d) writes
(e) the, a, some, the, an, the, any, his
(e) leaves (f) cooks
(f) Every, this, the, many, the, all, some/any, all, some
(g) is waiting (h) has come
3. (a) few (b) a
2. (a) has joined (b) has not worn
(c) lot of (d) no one
(c) have been teaching (d) have been leaving
(e) something (f) some
(e) have been playing (f) has been marking
(g) all (h) all
(g) broke (h) told
4. (a) Some (b) a
3. (a) worked (b) did not rain
(c) a (d) a
(e) an (f) no (c) joined (d) was writing
(g) a few (h) a (e) limped (f) was sleeping
(i) the (j) the (g) was talking (h) go
5. (a) an (b) some 4. (a) examined (b) had occurred
(c) an (d) a (c) would accept (d) had stepped
(e) the (f) a (e) had been working (f) had been treat
6. (a) a (b) any (g) had been watching (h) had been raising
(c) some (d) Which 5. (a) would not stay (b) would not mention
(e) a (f) any (c) shall not take (d) shall go
II. 1. (a) an ... the (b) anything ... something (e) will not get (f) will write
(c) that ... this (d) some ... any (g) will snow (h) will close
(e) a ... an (f) mine ... my 6. (a) felt (b) moved
(g) all ... whole (h) few ... a few (c) moved (d) stopped
2. (a) were ... are (b) could ... should (e) asked (f) was missing
(c) might ... might be (d) their ... the (g) was (h) marched
(e) had ... have (f) hold ... held 7. (a) could (b) had died
(g) take ... taken (h) take ... takes (c) arrived (d) was anxious
III. 1. (a) be the biggest (b) as a three (e) moved (f) had passed away
(c) see many banyan (d) places. A banyan (g) hugged (h) solaced

II. (a) If you come, I shall go with you. (d) I am glad that he is successful.
(b) We must eat so that we can live. (e) You should make hurry or you will be late.
(c) She needed a long rest because she was tired. (f) When the sun set, the farmers returned home.
(d) This is the place where accident occurred. (g) I would have been ruined if you had not helped
(e) If you do not behave properly, you will be me.
punished. (h) As he is lazy, he can’t get up early.
(f) Can you tell me why you were absent yesterday. IV. 1. (a) who deal in money
(g) I want to know whether / if you will help me in (b) before other people have got it
this case. (c) because they can make a lot of money
(h) When the match began, it started raining. 2. (a) why you are so confused.
III. 1. (a) cross ... crossed (b) begun ... began (b) when the guest is arriving
(c) increases ... increased (d) was ... were (c) where you have put his visiting card.
(e) look ... looking (f) sense ... sensed V. 1. (a) I can prepare a cake
(g) look ... looked (h) have ... had
(b) type of cake you want to make
2. (a) was ... were (b) hold ... held
(c) you want to prepare the cake
(c) trick ... tricked (d) seem ... seemed
2. (a) that we should go to
(e) built ... build (f) loss ... lost
(b) have to seek
(g) feel ... felt (h) known ... knew
(c) to accompany us to Shimla
IV. 1. (a) how the world (b) in has slowly (d) Will he be at home
(c) animals were placed (d) all was the 3. (a) when I was a child
(e) he ruled over (b) whether we are going
(f) civilization was supposed (c) what we will carry?
(g) There is enough (h) We are still 4. (a) when we should go
2. (a) one of his (b) He was trying
(b) where we can relax and enjoy
(c) he fell down (d) he was dead
(c) we are taking woollen clothes
(e) all took him (f) he could not
VI. (a) The boy who is playing outside is my brother.
(g) He felt a (h) He did not
(b) The shop which is next to Raman’s is for sale.
3. CLAUSES (c) She showed me the man whose son had won a
I. (a) that there will be time to visit the zoo. prize yesterday.
(b) why the patient was not recovering. (d) The examination had started before I reached
(c) before I reached the school. the hall.
(d) he would not have failed. (e) Hari was so tired that he could scarcely stand.
(e) the better it is. (f) She can’t pass unless she works hard.
(f) you come in time. (g) She needed a long rest because she was tired.
(g) as Rani (h) He must apologise if he wants to escape
(h) whether he will help you punishment.
II (a) Although you may be very clever, you can’t VII. 1. (a) where ... when (b) when ... where
deceive me. (c) for ... as (d) whether ... that
(b) If you drop this glass, it will break. (e) whose ... which (f) and ... because
(c) When you will see the green light start (g) when ... while (h) who ... which
immediately. 2. (a) which ... who (b) where ... when
(d) The patient had died before the doctor arrived. (c) who ... whom (d) which ... who
(e) If you lend me your car, I shall feel obliged. (e) they ... can (f) where ... how
(f) I know to some extent that he is honest. (g) them ... him (h) where ... when
(g) When the cat is away, the mice will play. VIII. 1. (a) shocked when he
(h) She proved false as he still loved her. (b) photographer who prided
III. (a) He worked hard, but he failed. (c) face which he (d) astonished as it
(b) When the sun set, the farmers returned home. (e) features and had (f) much that they
(c) He was talking as if he was a mad man. (g) photograph which he (h) monster who had

2. (a) Shashi if his (b) teacher that the 2. (a) might ... will (b) May ... Will
(c) him what he (d) replied that he (c) might ... can (d) must ... will
(e) him that he (f) morning and he (e) may ... can (f) Will ... Can
(g) will ... can (h) dare ... should
4. MODALS
3. (a) could ... should (b) will ... would
I. 1. (a) Could (b) can (c) will ... should (d) should ... can
(c) can (d) would (e) will ... may (f) needs ... must
(e) must (f) ought (g) a ... an (h) would ... should
(g) dare (h) should not VII. 1. (a) Competition will be held
(i) Would (j) will (b) In-charges are requested
2. (a) should (b) will (c) already been put (d) students are advised
(c) must (d) used to (e) It is expected (f) decorum will be
(e) should not (f) may (g) chairs should be (h) visitors should not
(g) can (h) should 2. (a) I had to go
(i) can (j) will (b) grandmother would be
II. 1. (a) will (b) might (c) I would be
(c) could (d) will (d) one could never
(e) will (f) ought to (e) grandmother did though
(g) should (h) should (f) She did not
2. (a) will (b) will (g) it might be (h) she could be
(c) can (d) might
5. SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION
(e) will have to (f) ought to
(g) Should (h) Can I. 1. (a) that he was going to God’s own country.
(b) people liked its beaches, backwaters and canals.
III. (a) What would you do tonight?
(c) Kerala had everything that soothed one’s eyes.
(b) She may not be trying to get a job.
2. (a) why he was so tense.
(c) She might have come if you had sent a proper
(b) he had an exam the next day.
invitation.
(c) if he was not prepared for that.
(d) I shall have finished this book before 5 p.m.
3. (a) had deducted 500 for not being on duty for a
(e) You said, “she may come back soon”.
week and another 500 for not doing his duty well.
(f) Sheetal asked her teacher if she could use that
(b) if he could give him 1000 then.
pen.
(c) he had deducted 800 more for breaking his
(g) I could swim well when I was younger.
crockery and then he was left with just 200.
(h) He might have reached home by now. 4. (a) marriage and sports couldn’t go together.
IV. 1. (a) could (b) can (b) what couldn’t be cured must be endured.
(c) can (d) can (c) she was herself preparing for reorientation and
(e) should (f) should very soon he would find her in first fifty.
2. (a) have to (b) should II. 1. (a) are analysed
(c) should (d) should (b) is sent to the subject
(e) should (f) can (c) to send
V. 1. (a) Can (b) can 2. (a) are soaked in a solution
(c) may (d) will (b) are then taken out and beaten
(e) will (f) shouldn’t (c) are squeezed and hanged
2. (a) May (b) Can 3. (a) are pulled out
(c) would (d) would (b) is cleaned with sand paper
(e) Would (f) would (c) are painted
VI. 1. (a) ought to ... can (b) should ... might 6. SENTENCE RE-ORDERING
(c) dare to ... should (d) dare ... ought (a) A man came forward to help me in great difficulties.
(e) wandered ... wondered (b) Unluckily we reached the station after the train had left.
(f) have ... should (c) The two children have been in the garden playing for
(g) shall ... can (h) of ... about hours.

(d) Instead of resolving our disputes amicably we resort to (b) Vacations are meant for fun and children can’t
violence to settle them. compromise.
(e) Siddharth grew up amidst the pleasure of the royal court (c) When Ranjan saw her instead he burst into
at Kapil-Vastu. laughter.
(f) Success depends on adequate preparation and indom- 3. (a) All the traitors shall die.
itable determination. (b) May I open the window?
(g) Debate is not a group discussion or a formal discussion (c) May she come on time!
test. (d) Could you post this letter, please?
(h) English is one of the most widely spoken languages in (e) I will come if you need my help.
India.
(f) I would rather die than beg.
(i) Good news was expected.
(j) This poem will be learnt by me today. ASSIGNMENT – 3
7. ERROR CORRECTION 1. (a) was ... is
(a) Will you have a cup of coffee? (b) was regularly ... is regular
(b) You should come at 10.00 a.m. sharp. I insist on it. (c) gets ... get (d) at ... in
(c) I do not bother whether you will help me or not. (e) A ... The (f) get ... getting
(d) No sooner had he finished his paper then the bell rang. (g) in ... out of (h) witness ... witnessing
(e) He failed as he was careless. 2. (a) The bullet failed to silence the voice of Chandra
(f) She lives near the temple on civil road. Shekhar Azad.
(g) Mother had cooked food before the guests arrived. (b) As a lone freedom fighter he always took the
(h) I am going to the post office. It is near the Central Park. British to task.
(i) He sits there for hours every evening and gossips. (c) The British was always helpless to catch him and
(j) If you do not mend your ways, nobody will like you. put him on the gallows.
3. (a) whom do you wish to speak to?
ASSIGNMENT – 1 (b) here. Where are you?
1. (a) working ... work (b) how ... where (c) Why didn’t you tell me earlier?
(c) while ... by (d) must ... will (d) Is there someone else with you
(e) mine ... my (f) with ... for (e) When will you come here?
(g) look ... looking (h) select ... selected (f) I am waiting for you.
2. (a) India is one of the rapidly growing economies of
ASSIGNMENT – 4
the world.
(b) The state should take active steps to oversee the 1. (a) run over by (b) bus in Mangolpur
setting up of better infrastructure. (c) Maksood was on (d) wheeler when the
(c) Modern gadgets have made us slaves to machines. (e) He was rushed (f) to his injuries
3. (a) are crushed (b) is boiled (g) of rash and negligent
(c) are added (d) is removed (h) driving has been registered
(e) Cool (f) is mixed well 2. (a) The working couples should regularly consult the
counsellors to save their marriage.
ASSIGNMENT – 2 (b) The textile industry is facing a major shortage of
1. (a) is an electrically good quality cotton.
(b) used to keep (c) All these other schools should be transferred to
(c) offices, and laboratories English medium.
(d) warm during winter 3. (a) wants (b) makes
(e) temperature but also (c) thinks (d) inform
(f) airconditioners of all (e) will be (f) tries
(g) sizes are available
ASSIGNMENT – 5
(h) capable of cooling
2. (a) Ranjan decided to obey his mother this time and 1. (a) More ... Most (b) use ... using
prayed very hard for a long time. (c) who ... which (d) The ... They

(e) it ... them (f) become ... becomes ASSIGNMENT – 8

(g) would ... can (h) shape ... shapes 1. (a) Examination that comes (b) evil and no one
2. (a) Water wars are taking place between many devel- (c) it as far he (d) tool that measures
oping countries. (e) shudder as they (f) students who work
(b) The union cabinet gave its approval for the setting (g) grade although they (h) those who are
up of the sixth pay commission.
2. (a) Coffee is grown in India by the farmers.
(c) The 45th International Education fair was inaugu-
(b) The flowers are not being plucked by her.
rated in New Delhi on 15th July, 20××.
(c) The national anthem is sung by the student.
3. (a) Where did you get this pen?
3. (a) Choose only those friends whom you can trust.
(b) These students are preparing for their exams these
days. (b) Five plus seven makes twelve.
(c) I like it very much. (c) He had won the tournament in 1986.
(d) Anand has been working on this film for ten years. (d) The Aryans were brave people.
(e) If you go to Kashmir, buy a Pashmina shawl for me. (e) I am the one who is to blame.
(f) Meeta always writes beautiful poems. (f) The rider’s hat was blown off by the strong wind.
ASSIGNMENT – 6 ASSIGNMENT – 9
1. (a) center to take (b) decision on the 1. (a) in ... of (b) climb ... to climb
(c) there will be no (d) demand is justified (c) faint ... fainted (d) had ... was
(e) constitutionally and politically (e) run ... ran (f) further ... farther
(f) Formation of separate (g) or ... nor (h) was having ... had
(g) It will only 2. (a) The knowledge of Brahmanas Sanskrit texts earned
(h) credibility in the a lot of respect in society.
2. (a) Drinking large quantities of warm water results (b) Key words are the consistency and practice for
in sweating thus removing poisons from the Mathematics.
body. (c) It is always better to clear the concepts than just
(b) Monuments provide an insight into the technolo- solve problems from books.
gies used for construction. 3. (a) who help themselves.
(c) Juice of lemons, grapes and oranges is recomm- (b) according to your principles.
ended during the fast. (c) to go for a holiday.
3. (a) is taken (b) is formed (d) to visit in India.
(c) kneaded (d) divided into balls (e) going out for a walk.
(e) heated (f) is then turned (f) to do is to set up a tent.
ASSIGNMENT – 7 ASSIGNMENT – 10
1. (a) since ... for (b) from ... by 1. (a) pollution in the
(c) in .. by (d) will ... should (b) sewage and the
(e) times ... time (f) than ... to (c) fields which often
(g) worthy ... worth (h) so ... thus (d) pesticides and insecticides
2. (a) As soon as all the terror suspects were arrested the (e) animals in the
plot was thwarted. (f) sewage is treated
(b) Jawa island was unaffected by the 20×× Tsunami. (g) it into the
(c) Delhi is prone to earthquakes because of its (h) We can produce
location. 2. (a) Noise intensity is measured in decibel units.
3. (a) I was not able to find my bag. (b) America has eased up tourist and study visas for
(b) not brought your bag. Indians.
(c) I couldn’t find it. (c) Junk food contains high levels of salt and sugar.
(d) you will get punished. 3. (a) Can (b) could
(e) I get caught and hence get the punishment. (c) can (d) used to
(f) help you, son. (e) Can (f) should

SECTION - C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS

HORNBILL — PROSE
1 : The Portrait of a Lady
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 my own. The common link of friendship was snapped.
Short Answer Questions
However, our feelings for each other did not change.
1. The narrator’s grandmother was terribly old. She could We still loved each other deeply. She went with me at
not appear young and beautiful. Her face contained a the railway station when I was going abroad for higher
criss-cross of wrinkles. She was short, fat and slightly studies. She showed no emotion but kissed my forehead
bent. The very idea of her being young and pretty did silently. The author valued this as perhaps the last sign
not appeal to the mind. of physical contact between them. When I returned after
five years, she received me at the station. She clasped
2. The three reasons why the author’s grandmother was
me in her arms. In the evening, she celebrated my
disturbed when he started going to the city school are:
homecoming by singing songs and beating an old drum.
(i) She hated western science and learning.
(ii) She was pained to know that there was no teaching DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
of God and the scriptures. Short Answer Questions
(iii) She was allergic to music. She thought it was not 1. The grandmother was a deeply religious lady. Her lips
meant for decent people and gentlefolk. It was the were always moving in a silent prayer. She was always
monopoly of prostitutes and beggars. telling the beads of her rosary. She went to temple daily
3. When the author returned home after 5 years his and read the scriptures. She was distressed to know
grandmother clasped him in her arms. In the evening that there was no teaching about God and holy books
she collected all the women of the neighbourhood at Khushwant’s new English school.
and celebrated his homecoming by beating drums and 2. The three reasons why the author’s grandmother really
singing songs of warriors returning home after winning hated the city education are:
the war. (i) She hated western science and learning.
Long Answer Questions (ii) She was pained to know that there was no teaching
1. The author’s grandmother was a person strong in of God and the scriptures.
character. She was a strong woman with strong beliefs. (iii) She was allergic to music. She thought it was not
Although she was not formally educated, she was meant for decent people and gentlefolk. It was the
serious about the author’s education. She could not monopoly of prostitutes and beggars.
adjust herself to the western way of life, science and 3. She would ask him what was taught at school. She was
English education. She hated music and disapproved aghast to know that music lessons were being given
of its teaching in school. at the school. She believed that music was the sole
She didn’t stop Khushwant Singh from going to property of beggars and harlots. Although she didn’t like
school although she disapproved of city education. it, yet she didn’t stop the author from going to school.
She didn’t even stop him from going abroad for higher Long Answer Questions
education. She loved him dearly and wanted him to 1. Certainly elders can teach a lot of things to the younger
become a learned person having knowledge of religious generation. They teach love, kindness, generosity,
scriptures as well. rebonding with God and so on. Khushwant Singh as
2. During my boyhood, I was completely dependant on a child would listen to the prayers being recited by his
my grandmother. She was a part of my life. The turning grandmother. From there he became deeply religious
point in our friendship came when we went to city. She and has written and authored many books on religion.
could no longer accompany me to school as I went there Then he used to his grandmother feeding sparrows
by bus. We shared the same room but she could not help and stray dogs. From there he picked up the lessons
me in my studies. She would ask me what the teachers of benevolence. His grandmother never stopped him
had taught. She did not believe in the things that were from doing anything. She was not averse to the idea
taught at school. She was distressed that there was no of sending him to school although she didn’t like the
teaching about God and the scriptures. She felt offended teaching of music. She didn’t stop him from going
that music was also being taught. She expressed her abroad despite her old age. She loved her grandson
disapproval silently. After this she rarely talked to me. dearly and wanted him to be a good human being. Thus
When I went up to university, I was given a room of grandparents are like a tower of strength for youngsters.

2. My grandfather loved me deeply and looked after there was no teaching about God and holy books at
me. He had served in the army before he retired as a Khushwant’s new English school.
colonel 20 years ago. When I was a school going kid, She was a kind lady. She used to feed dogs in the
he was still active and smart. He was fond of walking, village. In the city she took to feeding sparrows.
jogging and playing outdoor games. He inspired us to Although old in years and weak in body, she had
get up early in the morning. He believed that a healthy strength of mind. Just before her death, she refused to
mind lives in a healthy body. He used to give us good talk to the members of the family as she did not want
physical exercises followed by milk and nourishing to waste her time. She wanted to make up for the time
food and then asked us to study for a while before going last evening when she had not prayed to God. She lay
to school. In the afternoon, he would enquire what we peacefully in bed saying prayers and telling the beads
had been taught in the school. He would help us in our of her rosary till she breathed her last.
home task and supervise our reading, writing and doing 2. The narrator’s grandmother was taken ill due to
sums. He was gentle but firm. He laid stress on good overstraining and exertion. Unfortunately, that became
habits and character building. He passed away when I the cause of her death. The members of the author’s
had gone abroad for higher studies. I miss him a lot. A family lifted her off the bed and laid her on the ground.
sense of loss fills me whenever I see his portrait on the Her dead body was covered with a red shroud. After
wall. But his cheerful looks remind me to take heart a few hours of mourning they left her alone to make
and fight the struggle of life. arrangements for her funeral. In the evening they
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 went to her room with a stretcher to take her to be
cremated. They found that all over the verandah and
Short Answer Questions in her room right up to where she lay dead and stiff,
1. The author earlier lived in the village with his grandmother. thousands of sparrows sat scattered on the floor. There
She used to look after him . She dressed him up, bathed was no chirping. The sparrows came there to mourn
him, took him to school, etc. But when they shifted to the death of grandmother. The author’s mother threw
city, Khushwant Singh started going to school in bus. little crumbs to them but they paid no heed to the bread.
Now grandmother couldn’t accompany him. Also she When the people carried the narrator’s grandmother’s
didn’t understand what was being taught in the school. corpse off, they flew away quietly. This shows that they
So, the common link of friendship was snapped. And then did not come there for bread.
he was given a separate room of his own.
2. The grandmother went to the school with the narrator. DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
The school was attached to the temple. The narrator Short Answer Questions
would learn alphabet and morning prayer at school. 1. Just before her death, the author’s grandmother
The grandmother would sit inside the temple. There refused to talk to anyone. Since she had omitted to
she would read holy books. Thus she spent her time pray the previous night while she was singing songs of
before they came back together. homecoming and beating the drum, she was not going
3. The grandmother was always dressed in spotless white. to waste any more time. She ignored their protests. She
She had silvery hair. Her white locks spread untidily lay peacefully in bed praying and telling beads.
over her pale and wrinkled face. She looked like an 2. She would ask him what was taught at school. She was
expanse of pure white serenity. The stretch of snow aghast to know that music lessons were being given
over the mountains looks equally white and peaceful. at the school. She believed that music was the sole
So her silvery locks and white dress made her look like property of beggars and harlots. Although she didn’t
the winter landscape in the mountains. like it, yet she didn’t stop the author from going to
Long Answer Questions school.
1. Author’s grandmother was a person strong in character. 3. The happiest moment of the day for the grandmother
She was a strong woman with strong beliefs. Although was when she was feeding sparrows. Grandmother
she was not formally educated, she was serious about had taken to teaching of sparrows in the city as there
the author’s education. She could not adjust herself to were no stray dogs available. Everyday for half an
the western way of life, science and English education. hour she would sit in the verandah calling to sparrows.
She hated music and disapproved of its teaching in The sparrows had also started recognizing her. They
school. would come and sit on her shoulders even, but she
She was a deeply religious lady. Her lips were always never shooed them away. She would crush the bread
moving in a silent prayer. She was always telling the into crumbs and lovingly feed them. It seemed as if she
beads of her rosary. She went to temple daily and understood what they were chirping about. That was
read the scriptures. She was distressed to know that the happiest part of the day for her.
Section - C: Literature Textbooks 37

Long Answer Questions the society. Such good souls are born once in a blue
1. The author and the grandmother saw less and less of moon. Let’s take the example of the grandmother.
each other now. It was the demand of the situation. She was a pious soul. She loved everybody around
The author was grown up now. He was attending a her, her grandson, stray dogs and sparrows and
college. Then he went to a university. According to would take care to feed them. In the village, it was
his needs, he was given a separate room of his own. her routine to feed the stray dogs and would cook
So, now grandmother and grandson hardly met each chapatti for them in the night only. In the city, when
other. Earlier he would come back from school and she could not feed stray dogs she started feeding
tell everything to his grandmother. Then he saw that sparrows. So, when she died even the birds got the
grandmother didn’t like certain things like teaching of
message. They came and sat down in the verandah.
music in school. She also didn’t like the fact that there
They didn’t eat the bread crumbs that were thrown
was no teaching of religious scriptures. So, he also
started discussing less and less with his grandmother. to them by the author’s mother. They were also not
It was not intentional. He didn’t want to hurt his chirping as usual. When her dead body was taken
grandmother. away for cremation they silently flew away without
2. It is true that even nature mourns the death of pious eating the bread crumbs, thus mourning the death of
and good people because such people are a loss to grandmother.
2 : “We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together”

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 lose hope, calm or courage in the face of difficulties.
Short Answer Questions He had his priorities fixed. Repairing the damaged
ship was essential. Everything else including injuries
1. When the narrator tried to comfort and reassure
could wait. He was resourceful also. He managed to
the children, Jon said they were not afraid of dying
steer the course with the help of whatever had been
if all four of them could be together. The narrator
left with them. His presence of mind helped them to
could find no words to respond and he left the children’s
overcome troubles. He had a level head. He made exact
cabin determined to fight the sea with everything
calculations of their positions and that of the island. He
he had.
fixed the course and speed. His self confidence and
2. As the ship rose to the top of each wave, they could practical knowledge made him a good captain.
see the vast sea rolling above them. All their efforts to
2. Mighty waves struck Wavewalker. The decks were
secure the ship proved useless. Some of the waves were
smashed. Water was gushing in through holes and
as high as the mast of the ship. When they tried to ride
openings. The whole starboard side had bulged
over the ship a loud blast occurred. Water gushed over
inwards. Clothes, crockery, charts, tins and toys moved
the ship tossed them like a rag doll. They tried to drain
round noisily in deep water.
the water manually and simultaneously tried to cover
the holes. Their hand pumps got blocked up with the debris
floating around the cabins. The electric pump short
3. The narrator had been able to save everybody’s life
circuited. Water level rose high. The two spare hand
when all had given up hope. He had managed to get
pumps had been wrenched overboard. Waves had also
the ship to the island of Ile Amsterdam. That’s why the
swept off the forestay sail, the jib, the dinghies and the
narrator’s son told him he was the best daddy in the
main anchor.
world and gave him a hug. He also called him the best
There was a tremendous leak somewhere below the
captain in the world.
waterline. The boat’s main rib frames were smashed
Long Answer Questions down to the keel. A whole section of the starboard hull
1. The narrator, a 37-year-old businessman was a lover was being held up by a few cupboard partitions only.
of adventure. He had dreamt of going on a round the The hull of the ship had been damaged so badly that
world sea voyage. He and his wife had spent all the the pressure of rigging could simply pull the damaged
leisure hours for 16 years developing and improving section of the hull apart. Wavewalker was so damaged
their skills about work or travel on sea. This shows his that she could not hold together long enough to reach
love for perfection and attention to details. Australia.
The narrator was practical in his approach. He engaged
two crewmen to help them sail through the rough waters DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
of the southern Indian Ocean. He had keen foresight. Short Answer Questions
They made advance preparations to protect the ship 1. A mighty wave hit the stern of their ship Wavewalker
and passengers against violent sea-storms. He did not in the evening of the 2nd of January. A tremendous

explosion shook the deck. A torrent of green and white everybody helped one another in safeguarding the ship.
water broke over the ship. The narrator’s head struck The bond of love has the knack to do miracles. Such
against the wheel. He was swept overboard. He was hazardous experiences bring us together and make us
sinking below the waves and losing his consciousness. realize the presence of the Almighty.
He accepted his approaching death. He felt quite 2. The children were brave and played their role
peaceful. efficiently. When the narrator went to the children’s
2. By morning of January 3rd, they had managed to pump cabin and enquired about their well-being they replied
out the water to a reasonable level and they could afford positively. When the captain went in to comfort the
to take rest, in turns. The narrator suspected a huge leak children Jon said, “We aren’t afraid of dying if we can
somewhere and found that nearly all the boat’s main all be together...”. The girl did not trouble her parents
rib frames were damaged down to the keel. There was for her head injury which took six minor operations to
nothing holding up a section of Starboard’s hull except remove a recurring blood clot between skin and skull.
a few cupboard partitions. Once Mary and the narrator sat together holding hands
3. All the 28 inhabitants of the island gave them all the and felt that their end was very near. The adults got full
support that was required. The island itself was a piece support from children in those horrible circumstances.
of volcanic rock with little vegetation. Sue had to They had got these values from their parents only who
undergo six operations to remove a piece of clot. They were adventurous, brave and courageous and who
were able to repair their boat so as to reach Australia. wanted to duplicate the voyage made by one of their
Long Answer Questions ancestors.
1. The story “We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
Together” teaches us that one’s perception determines
one’s success. Some people believe that problems are
1. When the narrator tried to comfort and reassure the
opportunities to have their skills and attain success.
children, Jon said they were not afraid of dying if
Adversities are the pillars of success. If scientists
all four of them could be together. The children also
stop experimenting in the research laboratories, the
made a card for the parents. Although Sue was badly
world will stagnate. There will be no progress. There
injured, yet they didn’t trouble the parents at all. The
are people who have the ability to accomplish a
narrator could find no words to respond, and he left
very dangerous mission. They are confident, brave,
the children’s cabin determined to fight the sea with
courageous, decisive, positive and docile. Those who
everything he had.
shirk work never achieve phenomenal success in
this world of competition. An eminent motivator has 2. On their second day out of Cape Town, they began to
rightly said, “winners don’t do different things. They face strong storms. These storms blew continuously
do things differently.” One’s outlook, perception and for the next few weeks. He was worried about the
the way of doing something determine one’s future. waves. Their size was alarming. This rose up to 15
Hardships are the stepping stones. It is said that metres, i.e. as high as their main mast. The weather
mortals are not infallible. They are bound to make changed for the worse on January 2nd. Now the
mistakes. But they must not repeat the same mistake. waves were gigantic. As the ship rose to the top of
Failures teach us valuable lessons. If a person wants each wave, they saw endless enormous seas rolling
to reach his destination, he must not give up because towards them.
of the numerous obstacles. Life is a fight against odd 3. When Sue’s head injury worsened with her blackened
circumstances. We should have faith in God and in eye narrowed to slits, she held on to her spirit and gave
our capabilities. We can undertake any adventurous the narrator a card with drawn caricatures of Mary and
expedition and can get benefited that we should face Him with the words –Here are some funny people. Did
the challenges of life bravely. It is rightly said that they make you laugh? The underlying message of love
God helps those who help themselves. One should not and positive hope overwhelmed the narrator. He was
surrender oneself to the situations or circumstances. touched with the thoughtfulness of a seven-year-old
The obstacles of life sharpen one’s skills and tap one’s girl.
talent. The protagonist of the story wins the battle Long Answer Questions
because he did not give up. He kept trying and won. 1. Life is a fight against odd circumstances. We should
Misfortunes are bound to be converted into happiness. have faith in God and in our capabilities. We can
A very popular poet has said, “If winter comes can undertake any adventurous expedition and can get
spring be far behind.” The mortals should remember benefited that we should face the challenges of life
that unity plays an important role in overcoming bravely. It is rightly said that God helps those who
hardships. The family in the story was united and help themselves. One should not surrender oneself

to the odd situations or circumstances. It was the and openings. The whole starboard side had bulged
sheer optimism of the narrator and the two men in inwards. Clothes, crockery, charts, tins and toys moved
the crew, Larry and Herb, that helped them carry round noisily in deep water. Their hand pumps got
on in the face of life threatening dangers. Had they blocked up with the debris floating around the cabins.
succumbed to the circumstances and given in, their The electric pump short circuited. Water level rose
ship would have definitely gone down. The situation high. The two spare hand pumps had been wrenched
was already very bad. Huge waves were lashing the overboard. Waves had also swept off the forestay sail,
ship. Nobody could have rescued them. But due to the jib, the dinghies and the main anchor.
their own will power and sheer determination, their Long Answer Questions
life could be saved. It is truly said-God helps those 1. 10th January, 19××
who help themselves.

Dear Mathew
2. The reaction of the adults and children when faced
with danger was not unexpected. The captain tried
You will be surprised to receive this letter from me as
his level best to protect Wavewalker from the gigantic you know that I had gone on a long voyage. I am writing
waves. He slowed the boat down, dropped the storm this letter to you from the island of Ile Amsterdam.
jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across
This is a small volcanic island and only 28 people
the stern. A torrent of green and white water broke live here. But to me and my family it is the most
over the ship and injured the captain. The narrator beautiful island in the world. How we reached this
was aware of flying overboard and sinking below the island is a story in itself. Our ship was caught in a
waves. He accepted his approaching death. The same terrible storm. We lost everything. The boat itself
thing happened with Mary. She screamed, “We’re was damaged. For five days my parents and two crew
sinking.” But the children were brave and played members tried hard to drain out the water and repair
their role efficiently. When the narrator went to the the ship. But our troubles didn’t end there. Sue, my
children’s cabin and enquired about their well-being sister, had a huge bump on her forehead. The doctor
they replied positively. When the captain went in to on the island says that she will have to undergo many
comfort the children Jon said, “We aren’t afraid of surgeries to remove the clot. Right now she is in the
dying if we can all be together...”. The girl did not hospital.
trouble her parents for her head injury which took
I can now say that God really helps those who help
six minor operations to remove a recurring blood clot themselves. We should not surrender to the situations
between skin and skull. or the circumstances.
Once Mary and the narrator sat together holding hands
Yours lovingly
and felt that their end was very near. The adults got full Jonanthan
support from children in those horrible circumstances. 2. One’s perception determines one’s success. Some
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4 people believe that problems are opportunities to
have their skills and attain success. Adversities are
the pillars of success. If scientists stop experimenting
1. When Sue’s head injury worsened with her blackened in the research laboratories, the world will stagnate.
eye narrowed to slits, she held on to her spirit and gave There will be no progress. There are people who
the narrator a card with drawn caricatures of Mary and have the ability to accomplish a very dangerous
Him with the words, “Here are some funny people. Did mission. They are confident, brave, courageous,
they make you laugh?” The underlying message of love decisive, positive and docile. Those who shirk work
and positive hope overwhelmed the narrator. He was never achieve phenomenal success in this world of
touched with the thoughtfulness of a seven year old competition. An eminent motivator has rightly said,
girl. “winners don’t do different things. They do things
2. Their life was saved due to those two islands only. differently.” One’s outlook, perception and the way
All the 28 inhabitants of the island gave them the of doing something determine one’s future. Hardships
support that was required. Although the island itself are the stepping stones. It is said that mortals are
was a piece of volcanic rock with little vegetation, yet not infallible. They are bound to make mistakes.
to the narrator it appeared as the most beautiful one. But they must not repeat the same mistake. Failures
Sue had to undergo six operations to remove a piece of teach us valuable lessons. If a person wants to reach
clot. They were able to repair their boat so as to reach his destination, he must not give up because of
Australia. the numerous obstacles. Life is a fight against odd
3. Mighty waves struck ‘Wavewalker’. The decks circumstances. We should have faith in God and in
were smashed. Water was gushing in through holes our capabilities. We can undertake any adventurous

expedition and can get benefited that we should face A very popular poet has said, “If winter comes can
the challenges of life bravely. It is rightly said that spring be far behind.” The mortals should remember
God helps those who help themselves. One should not that unity plays an important role in overcoming
surrender oneself to odd situations or circumstances. hardships. The family in the story was united and
The obstacles of life sharpen one’s skills and tap one’s everybody helped one another in safeguarding the
talent. The protagonist of the story wins the battle ship. The bond of love has the knack to do miracles.
because he did not give up. He kept trying and won. Such hazardous experiences bring us together and
Misfortunes are bound to be converted into happiness. make us realize the presence of the Almighty.
3 : Discovering Tut : the Saga Continues

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 take their riches beyond this world. That’s why they
Short Answer Questions bury their dead with gold ornaments, and the utensils
1. Howard Carter was a British archaeologist. He that the person was using during his life time. King
discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922 after many years of Tut’s body was buried with precious inlaid necklaces,
futile searching. Carter’s men removed the mummy’s bracelets, amulets, ceremonial apron, sandals, sheaths
head and cut off almost every major joint to remove for his finger and toes, all made of gold and precious
the golden adornments. stones. Then they also bury their dead covered
2. Visitors gazed at the murals on the walls and peered at with flowers. For example, Tut’s body was buried
Tut’s gilded face on his mummy shaped outer coffin covered with willow and olive leaves, lotus petals and
lid. Some visitors read from guide book in whisper. cornflowers which gave an idea that he died in March
Others stood silently. Perhaps some of them were or April. The pyramid in which he was buried had
thinking deeply over Tut’s untimely death in his teens. beautiful murals. So, all this shows that Egyptian life
Others might be trembling with fear and wondering is deeply rooted in beliefs and customs.
if the Pharaoh’s curse was really true. DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
3. In Tut’s tomb, precious collars, inlaid necklaces and Short Answer Questions
bracelets, rings, amulets, a ceremonial apron, sandals,
1. The C.T. scan produced clear images of Tut’s head,
sheaths for fingers and toes and the inner coffin and
neck vertebrae, rib cage, hand and skull. The results
mask were placed along with him. All of them were
proved satisfactory. A team of specialists in radiology,
made of pure gold. His coffin was of solid gold. There
were two reasons: first, the royals were extremely forensics and anatomy are busy probing the secrets
happy. Secondly, they thought or hoped that they could lying buried in Tut’s grave with his body.
take their riches with them beyond this world. 2. Precious collars, inlaid necklaces, and bracelets, rings,
amulets, a ceremonial apron, Sandals, sheaths for
Long Answer Questions fingers and toes and the inner coffin and mask were
1. Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our placed inside Tut’s tomb. All these things were made
knowledge of the world we live in: A great poet and of pure gold. His coffin was of solid gold.
thinker believed that our past modifies our present
3. Tut’s grandfather, Amenhotep III, was a powerful
and our present shapes our future. If one wishes to
Pharaoh who ruled for almost four decades at the height
attain phenomenal success in possessing a thorough
of the dynasty’s golden age. His son Amenhotep IV
knowledge of the present earthly existence, one has to
promoted the worship of the Aten, the sun disk. He
delve deep into the study of the past. Man’s progress
changed his name to Akhenaten, or ‘‘servant of the
is gradual. The importance of relationships, love,
Aten’’. He moved the religious capital from the old
friendship, humanity, mankind, human values and
family can be understood by comprehending the past. city to Thebes to the new city of Akhetaten. He further
‘Past repeats itself’ is a very popular saying. Those shocked the country by attacking Amun, a major god,
who learn from the past are wise and intelligent. They breaking his images and closing his temples. Thus, the
never suffer in life. Those who forget the past, repent wacky king started one of the strangest periods in the
in future. history of ancient Egypt.
2. The chapter, ‘Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues’ Long Answer Questions
throws light on some interesting facts about Egyptian 1. It is very true that death puts his icy hand on everyone.
life. Egyptians believe in rituals and traditions. Even the rich and powerful are not spared. Everyone
They bury their dead in huge and beautifully decorated who has taken birth in this world has to die one day.
coffins. King’s Tut coffin had three storeys and made Nobody can continue living endlessly in this world.
of solid gold. The Egyptians also think that they can Everybody has to understand this harsh reality of

life. Worldly wealth and money cannot save anybody archaeologist discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922. In 1968,
from death. It happened to King Tut’s father who was an anatomy professor X-rayed the mummy. The
a whacky king and considered himself all powerful. Egyptian Mummy Project began an inventory in late
Even King Samar and King Tut was not spared who 2003. It has so far recorded 600 and is still continuing.
was considered very powerful. So, Man is mortal. The The next phase of C.T. scanning with a portable C.T.
Egyptians believe that they can carry their riches and machine began on 5 January 2005. The pride of place
their materialistic things to other world. That’s why went to King Tut, whose mummy was the first to
they bury their dead with precious ornaments and undergo C.T. scan. Thus, I fully endorse the aforesaid
jewellery. assertion.
2. There is no doubt that the present lesson emphasizes the 2. A veil of mystery surrounded Tut’s life and death. Old
preservation of artefacts and monuments because they methods of archaeology did not provide satisfactory
are a part of our history and culture. It is important for clues to the circumstances of his death and his age at the
the coming generations to know what their ancestors time of demise. An X-ray of the mummy in 1968 further
thought and left for them. We should love our tradition complicated the confusion. C.T. scan was undertaken
and practices. I also believe that the principles left by to create a three-dimensional virtual body.
our forefathers must be respected. All traditions and A scanner was taken in a trailer to the sandy area near
rituals pertaining to marriage and death are significant Tut’s tomb. Tut’s body was carried there from his tomb
and play a pivotal role in shaping the personality of in a box. The C.T. machine scanned the mummy head to
a person. One has no right to discard the established toe, creating 1700 digital X-ray images in cross section.
convictions and traditions. It is also said that past Tut’s entire body was scanned in 0.62 millimetre slices.
modifies our present and shapes our future. If one The C.T. scan produced clear images of Tut’s head,
wishes to attain phenomenal success in possessing neck vertebrae, rib cage, hand and skull. The results
a thorough knowledge of the present earthly system proved satisfactory. A team of specialists in radiology,
one has to delve deep into the study of the past. The forensics and anatomy are busy probing the secrets
importance of relationships, love, humanity can only lying buried in Tut’s grave with his body.
be understood by delving into the past.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 Short Answer Questions
Short Answer Questions 1. After the death of Samar Khakare, King Tut ascended
1. In 1968, Carter’s discovery, an anatomy professor the throne. At that time he was known as Tutankhaten.
X-rayed the mummy and revealed a startling fact; Then he changed his name to Tutankhamun, living
beneath the resin, his breast bone and ribs were missing. image of Amun. He supervised the restoration of old
However it is not clear whether they were removed first ways. He restored the temples of God Amun which had
time the mummy was taken out. been destroyed by the previous king.
2. The contents of Tut’s tomb, precious necklaces, gold 2. Visitors gazed at the murals on the walls and peered at
ornaments, utensils, jewellery, solid gold coffin all Tut’s gilded face on his mummy shaped outer coffin
revealed that Tut was quite powerful in his time. lid. Some visitors read from guide book in whisper.
3. Egyptians believe that the riches can be taken along Others stood silently.
with them in the next life. So, all the wealth of the 3. The pharaoh’s curse was that death or misfortune
person is buried along with them. They also believe would fall upon those who disturbed him. The silent
that a person may require the utensils in his next life visitors are the first to refer to it. Later on a guard joked
so, they are also buried along with him. nervously when the million dollar scanner stopped
Long Answer Questions functioning because of sand in a cooler fan.
1. Perhaps no other Pharaoh of Egypt has fascinated Long Answer Questions
the public mind so greatly as the boyish king— 1. King Tutankhamun was the last of his family line. His
Tutankhamun. Although he died in his teens and ruled funeral marked the end of a dynasty. He was laid to
for about nine years only, he introduced certain changes rest laden with gold as the royals in Tut’s time were
during his brief rule. These were significant as they extremely wealthy and thought they could take their
marked restoration of the old ways of the worship of riches with them. His tomb was discovered by Howard
Amun. The unanswered questions about the causes Carter, a British archaeologist in 1922, more than
and modes of his death as well as his age at the time 3000 years after his death. The rich royal collection
of death kept public curiosity alive. of jewellery and golden artefacts fascinated Carter.
After his death, his dead body has been a centre of Visitors thronged the boy king’s tomb. The particulars
scientific examination. Howard Carter, the British of King Tut’s death and its aftermath are not clear. In

1968, more than 40 years after Carter’s discovery an futile searching. Carter’s men removed the mummy’s
anatomy professor X-rayed the mummy. He revealed head and cut off almost every major joint to remove
a startling fact. The breast-bone and front ribs of Tut the golden adornments. Carter found that the ritual
were missing. On 5 January 2005 a CT scan was resins had become quite hard. These had fixed Tut to
done to obtain precise data for an accurate forensic the bottom of his solid gold coffin. The heat of the sun
reconstruction of King Tut. It was hoped that it would could not melt it. So the solid resins had to be chiselled
offer new clues about his life and death. Thus, Tut’s away to free the king’s remains from the box. Carter
mummy has been the centre of fascination throughout said that if he hadn’t cut the mummy free, thieves would
the previous decades. certainly have found a way of avoiding the guards.
2. Howard Carter was a British archaeologist. He Then they would have torn apart everything forcibly
discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922 after many years of to remove the gold.
4 : Landscape of the Soul

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 might rule an entire kingdom and have power over his
Short Answer Questions conquered territory, only an artist would be able to go
beyond any material appearance. He knows both the
1. The writer entrusts man with a fundamental role. He
path and the method of the mysterious work of the
becomes the medium of communication between two
universe. True meaning of his work can be seen only by
poles of the Universe. His presence is essential as he
means known to him, irrespective of how powerful an
is “the eye of the landscape.”
emperor is the beauty of a creation can be understood
2. According to Shanshui, the landscape is an inner one, a
in the truest sense by the mind and the heart, and not
spiritual and conceptual place which is based on Daoist
by the eyes alone. Only if one understands or reads the
view. It is an interaction between Yang mountain and
artists mind, one can appreciate his work. A true artist
Yin water, and this interaction occurs in the middle
does not want people to look at his art only from his
void. This middle void is generally shown by the white
angle. He gives them the freedom to interpret his work
or unpainted space. The role of the man also comes
according to their own understanding.
into play. He is the receive of this communication and
imagines or interprets this by his own understanding DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
and becomes ‘the eye of the landscape’. Short Answer Questions
3. The Emperor may tell an artist to draw a painting for 1. The notion of ‘art brut’ or ‘raw art’ was the works that
him and appreciate but only the artist reveals to him were in their raw state as regards cultural and artistic
the true meaning of his work. Secondly, the Emperor influence. Anything and everything from a tin to a
may rule over the territory he has conquered, but only sink to a broken car could be material for a work of
the artist knows the way within. art. Nek Chand is the untutored genius who created
Long Answer Questions paradise years ago. The little patch of a jungle that he
1. A western figurative painting aims at reproducing an ac- began clearing to make himself a garden, sculpted with
tual view of the scene, but a classical Chinese landscape stone and recycled material is known to the world as
is based on an imaginative, inner or spiritual approach. the ‘Rock Garden’ at Chandigarh. Nek Chand has taken
The Chinese art is meant to achieve the essence of inner the notion of raw art to dizzying heights. His art is , “an
life and spirit. On the other hand the European form of outstanding testimony of the difference a single man
art attempts to achieve a perfect illusionistic likeness. can make when he lives his dream”.
The European painter wants the viewer to borrow his 2. This is the aim of the traditional Chinese painter: to
eyes and look at a particular landscape exactly as he capture not only the outer appearance of a subject but
saw it, from a specific angle. Whereas the Chinese its inner essence as well—its energy, life force, spirit.
painter chooses a single viewpoint. His landscape is To accomplish his goal, the Chinese painter more often
not a real one. He does not want the viewer to borrow than not rejected the use of color. Like the photographer
his eyes. He wants the viewer to enter his mind. One who prefers to work in black and white, the Chinese
can enter a Chinese landscape from any point and move artist regarded color as distraction. He also rejected the
across leisurely and come back. The Chinese view of changeable qualities of light and shadow as a means
art also needs an active participation of the viewer. This of modeling, along with opaque pigments to conceal
participation is not only physical but also mental. The mistakes. Instead, he relied on the line—the indelible
stories about the paintings of Wu Daozi and an old story mark of the inked brush.
from Flanders amply demonstrate the difference. 3. “The Emperor may rule over the territory he has
2. This sentence means that even though an Emperor conquered, but the artist knows the way within.” This

sentence explains the fact that even though an Emperor realism that even the master took it for a real one.
might rule an entire kingdom and have power over his Quinten Metsys fell in love with a painter’s daughter.
conquered territory, only an artist would be able to go The father would not accept a son-in-law in such a
beyond any materiel appearance. profession. So Quinten sneaked into the painter’s studio
Long Answer Questions and painted a fly on his latest panel with such delicate
1. ‘Outsider art’ refers to the art of those who have no right realism that the master tried to swat it away before he
to be artists as they have received no formal training, reliased what had happened. Quinten was immediately
yet show talent and artistic insight. Nek Chand has admitted as an apprentice into his studio. He married
won worldwide recognition for his unique contribution his beloved and went on to become one of the most
to outside art. Using stone and recycled material he famous painters of his age.
created many sculptures at Rock Garden, Chandigarh. 2. Refer to Long Answer Question No.1 (‘Outsider art’
Nek Chand’s work is now recognized as India’s biggest refers..... acclaim.) of Diagnostic Test-2.
contribution to outsider art ‘Raw Vision’, a UK based DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
magazine, a pioneer outsider art publication has
featured Nek Chand and his Rock Garden sculpture Short Answer Questions
‘Women by the Waterfall’ on the title cover of its 50th 1. The Author mentions Quinten’s trick to prove that each
issue (Spring 2005). His art has been acclaimed as art form tries to achieve a perfect illusionistic likeness.
‘an outstanding testimony of the difference a single Quinten painted the fly on the paining so realistically
man can make when he lives his dream’. The Swiss that the master thought it real and tried to swat it away.
Commissioner for UNESCO has honored him by Hence the example is given to prove the point that
organizing a five month interactive show called ‘Realm illusionistic likeness enabled Quinten to marry the
of Nek Chand’. In short, Nek Chand has taken outsider master’s daughter.
art to dizzying heights and richly deserves the world 2. ‘Outsider art’ is referred as the art of those who have
wide acclaim. no right to be artists as they have received no formal
2. This phrase explains the Chinese art from where a training yet show talent and artistic insight ‘Art brut’
Chinese painter wants you to enter his mind rather or ‘raw art’ are the works of art in their raw state as
than borrow his eyes. This is a physical as well as a regards cultural and artistic influences.
mental participation. It is landscape created buy the 3. A classical Chinese landscape is not a real one, and you
artist to travel up and down, and back again, through can enter it from any point, then travel in it. The artist
the viewer’s eyes. The landscape is not real and can be creates a path for your eyes to travel up and down, then
reached from any point. back again, in leisurely movement. In the horizontal
scroll, the action of slowly opening one section of the
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 painting, then rolling it up to move on the other which
Short Answer Questions adds the dimension of time to the Chinese painting.
1. The painter told the Emperor that a spirit lived in the Long Answer Questions
cave which was at the foot of the mountain. As he 1. ‘Outsider art’ means that art by self-taught or naive art
clapped his hands, the entrance to the cave opened. makers. Typically, the artists who have little or no con-
He told the Emperor that the inside of the cave was tact with the mainstream art world are called outsiders
splendid and offered to show His Majesty the way. artists. Often, outsider art illustrates extreme mental
2. Nek Chand’s work is now recognized as India’s biggest states, unconventional ideas or elaborate fantasy world.
contribution to ‘outsider art’. Raw Vision, a UK based From its almost veiled beginnings ‘outsider art’ has
magazine which is pioneer in outsider are publication gradually become the fastest growing area of interest
has Nek Chand and his Rock Garden sculpture in contemporary art internationally. Around the time
‘Women by the waterfall’ on the cover of its 50th issue. Dubuffet was propounding his concept, In India “an
UNESCO is organizing a five month interactive show untutored genius was creating paradise”. Years ago the
of his works. little patch of jungle that he began clearing to make
3. Stories have deep spiritual significance helped the himself a garden sculpted with stone and recycled ma-
master to guide is disciple in the right direction. The terial is known to the world today as the Rock Garden
books of great men like confucious and Zhuangzi are at Chandigarh. It’s 80-years-old creator-director, Nek
full of them. Chand, is now considered as Indian’s biggest contribu-
Long Answer Questions tor to outsider art. His art greatly influenced the modern
1. The European painters try to achieve a perfect, artists.
illusionistic likeness. Quinten Metsys painted a fly on 2. A classical Chinese landscape is not meant to
a master’s masterpiece painting with such a delicate reproduce an actual view, as would a Western

figurative painting. The Chinese painter does not other, adds a dimension of time which is unknown
choose a single viewpoint. His landscape is not a ‘real’ in any form of painting. It also requires the active
one, and we can enter it from any point, then travel in participation of the viewer, who decides at what pace
it. The artist creates a path for our eyes to travel up and he will travel through the painting — a participation
down. Then back again, in a leisurely movement. This which is physical as well as mental. The Chinese
is even more true in the case of the horizontal scroll, painter does not want you to borrow his eyes, he wants
in which the action of slowly opening one section you to enter his mind. His landscape is an inner one,
of the painting, then rolling it up to move on to the a spiritual which dominants the Chinese art.
5 : The Ailing Planet : The Green Movement’s Role

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 take preventive measures. It needs treatment from
Short Answer Questions human beings. Drastic measures are to be taken for
population control and, control of carbon emissions
1. The signs of the earth which are connected with life
so that four principal biological systems can be
show that the earth is a patient in declining health. We
preserved.
must realize our moral obligations to be good stewards
of the planet. We must act as responsible trustees of the DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
legacy of future generations. Short Answer Questions
2. Industry has a most important role to play in this age. 1. We need to plant more forests in India because forests
Chairman of Du Pont Mr. Edgar said that as leading are being cut at a very fast pace. There are still families
manufacturers it was required that they excel in in rural areas, villages who depend on trees and wood
environmental practices. All the industry houses should fuel for cooking their meals. Due to all this, shift
practice sustainable development. in temperature can be felt everywhere. Climate is
3. Mr. L.K. Jha in the Brandt Commission Report raised undergoing a sea change.
the question whether we wanted to leave behind a 2. We have shifted our perceptions from mechanistic
scorched planet — a sick environment for coming view to a holistic and ecological one. Now we regard
generations, because the earth is already behaving like the earth as a living organism. It is an enormous being
an ailing human being. and we are its parts. It has its own metabolic needs and
Long Answer Questions vital processes. We must respect and preserve them.
1. The earth has four principal biological systems — 3. The earth has four principal biological systems-Grass-
Grasslands, Forests, Fisheries and croplands. Mr. Lester lands, Forests, Fisheries and Croplands. Mr. Lester R.
R. Brown in his book “The Global Economic Prospect” Brown in his book. “The Global Economic Prospect”
points out that these four principal Biological systems points out that these four principal Biological systems
form the foundation of the global economic system. In form the foundation of the global economic system.
addition to supplying our food, these four biological Long Answer Questions
systems provide all the raw material needed for our 1. “Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of
industry. Human claims on these systems are reaching advancing deserts, impoverished landscapes and an
an unsustainable level, a point where productivity has ailing environment?” The question raised by the writer is
been impaired. As a result fisheries are collapsing, for- relevant and deserves attention. The polluted environ-
ests are disappearing and croplands are deteriorating. ment affects the ecological balance. Global warming
Since tropical forests are the powerhouse of evolution, is also the result of man’s technological advancement.
several species of life face extinction as a result of their Fields are diminishing. Forests are being cut. The natu-
destruction. ral resources are overused. It seems that our successors
2. There is a remarkable change in the attitude of the will not get grasslands, rivers, and hygienic places
human race towards the earth due to the ongoing green to live in. They will get scorching heat, innumerable
movement. It is the shift from the mechanistic view deserts and corpses of species in legacy. We are doing
to the holistic and ecological view. The Mechanistic great injustice to posterity. Instead of making their
view believed that the earth is an inanimate thing like earthly existence comfortable we are eager to create a
a brick, a rock, etc. The Holistic view believes that hell on earth for them.
the earth is a living organism, like a human being, an 2. Industries and industrialists have to exercise control
animal. Thus earth is considered to be ailing, suffering in use of natural resources. The top officials need to
from diseases, due to all the signs that are showing. become the guardians of our environment if we have
The shift in climate, summers getting hotter, winters to think about our future generations. Chairman of Du
shorter, ice glaciers melting has forced the man to Pont Mr. Edgar, said that as leading manufacturers , it

was required that they excel in environmental practices. 2. The author talks about four major factors-growing
All the industry houses should practise sustainable population, rapid industrialization, cutting of forests,
development. Trees cut by them should be replanted, and polluting rivers. We have started behaving as if
waste water which is polluted should not be thrown into we own the earth. Whereas the truth is that earth has
the rivers directly. Villages should be adopted by them been inherited from our ancestors. And we have to
to make them developed. Only then we will be able to preserve it for our future generations. Thus, farmlands
save our planet earth. It is important that four principal have become infertile and there has been overfishing.
biological systems of earth are protected and preserved. And then for reasons like demand for firewood,
industrialization and urbanization, huge areas of forests
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 have been cleared all over the world at alarming rate
Short Answer Questions everyday. The need of the hour is to have sustainable
1. Mr. Lester R. Brown expressed his worry over the development which doesn’t harm the principal
fact that our four biological systems are reaching biological systems.
an unsustainable level. The tropical forests,“the DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
powerhouse of evolution”, as Dr. Meyers called them, Short Answer Questions
are being destroyed causing extinction of several
1. The population of India today is about 135 crores
species. All this is leading to rise in earth’s temperature
million, which is more than the entire population of
which is a cause of worry. Africa and South America. So, it has become essential
2. Standing in front of the mirror inside the cage in to control population growth in India.
that zoo, one finds his own reflection on the mirror, 2. Yes. To conserve the environment about and to bring
suggesting that human beings are the world’s most down the population of the world, which is 5.7 billion,
dangerous animal, because on the mirror are written Palkhivala suggests that development is the only
the words — ‘The world’s most dangerous animal’. solution. Fertility falls as the income rises, education
3. Now the folks have realised what endangers our race. spreads, and health improves. He supports compulsory
It is not about the survival of human race but the survival sterilisation and defends it by saying that there is no
of the planet Earth. It is an Era of Responsibility. The other alternative but coercion.
industrialists have to understand the present concern 3. The world’s tropical forests are now being destroyed at
with most consideration. This has led to emerging new the rate of forty to fifty million acres a year. As a result
era of world vision. people use dung cakes for burning and this takes away
Long Answer Questions from the soil an important fertilizer.
1. In the lesson, Nani Palkivala has discussed the differ- Long Answer Questions
ent factors that have made our earth an ailing planet, 1. Value Points:
need immediate attention from and treatment from the • A remarkable change in the attitude of the human
human race. One major factor that has left our planet race towards the earth.
earth ailing is that the claim of human race on fisheries, • Shift from the mechanistic view to the holistic and
forests, grasslands, and croplands, which comprise ecological view.
the earth’s principal biological system, has become an • Mechanistic view that the earth is an inanimate thing
unsustainable level. They have been consumed in such like a brick, a rock, etc.
a way that there cannot be fresh resources for consump- • Holistic view- that the earth is a living organism,
tion for the future generation. Thus, farmlands have like a human being, an animal.
become infertile and there has been overfishing. And • Thus earth is considered to be ailing, suffering from
diseases.
then for reasons like demand for firewood, industriali-
• Needs treatment from human beings.
zation and urbanization, huge areas of forests have been
• Treatment: population control, control of carbon
been cleared all over the world at alarming rate every-
emissions.
day. The factor responsible for such mindless and mad
2. The author points out the importance of the Green
exploitation of all the natural resources is uncontrolla-
Movement by comparing it to the revolutionary ideas
ble growth of population. Although it took thousands of Copernicus. He had taught mankind in the 16th
of years for the world population to hit the first billion century that the earth and the other planets revolved
mark, now every ten years is burdening the earth with round the sun. Due to green movement, we have shifted
a billion population. The problem of overpopulation is our perceptions from mechanistic view to a holistic and
greater in countries like India. Such overpopulation is ecological one. Now we regard the earth as a living
the root cause of our planet earth becoming deceased organism. It is an enormous being and we are its parts.
needing treatment in the form of care and concern and It has its own metabolic needs and vital processes. We
population control and lower carbon emissions. must respect and preserve them.

6 : The Browning Version

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 Taplow’s unwillingness to leave the place and his fears
Short Answer Questions of consequences in case his master returns before his
arrival seem genuine but funny. He feels relieved only
1. Frank laments sadly that what they get in science are
when Millie offers to take the blame. All these actions
usually idlers who are not hard workers. All good and
seem exaggerated and funny.
hard working students took arts.
2. If Taplow didn’t have to do extra work he would have DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
played golf instead. He had been given extra work for Short Answer Questions
missing a day in school. 1. Mr. Crocker-Harris appears as a stern master who is a
3. She advises him to leave as Harris has been at Bursars man of principles and stickler to the rules. He believes
and may take quite a time to get back. Proposing an in fair assessment of his students and is not swayed by
excuse for his absence, she gives Taplow a prescription emotions, as the man is hardly human. He is not a sadist,
asking him to take it to a chemist and get it made up but strict in performance of his duties. Even on his last
for Harris. day at school, when he is overbusy in his own affairs,
Long Answer Questions he does not neglect his duty towards his students.
1. Whatever we learn about Mr. Crocker-Harris is 2. Mr. Frank envies Mr. Crocker Harries for the effect he
through reactions of other characters and their has on the boys in the class. Mr. Crocker Harris does
comments on him. Even this method of indirect not tell the results before they are officially announced.
presentation helps us to gather a fair picture of the And in spite of making students take extra work they
strict and stern middle-aged master. He is in a class by still like Mr. Crocker Harris.
himself and is totally unlike the other teachers. He is a 3. Frank pretends to be outraged when Taplow calls
man of principles and sticks to the rules. Unlike other Mr. Crocker-Harris a sadist who takes pleasure in
teachers, he does not divulge the results of the form to inflicting pain on his students and failing them.
the students, since it is the domain of the headmaster. Mr. Harris is shrivelled and dried up like a nut. That’s
He is not a sadist. He does not beat the students. when Frank makes this remark.
Even then the students are mortally afraid of him. It Long Answer Questions
is because he is quite strict and shows no emotion, 1. Taplow is a student of Mr. Crocker-Harris. He has to
even of anger. He remains calm and composed. He stay behind even on the last day of the school. Mr.
teaches classical languages (Greek and Latin). Even Crocker-Harris has given him extra work to do because
his jokes are classical, students fail to understand he had been ill for a day during the week and missed
them. He is duty conscious. He is leaving the school the class. It is already very late Mr. Crocker-Harris has
at the end of term and is quite busy on the last day in not come yet but Taplow is afraid of Crocker. He dare
his own affairs, still he asks Taplow to come in for not leave the class until Crocker comes. Although he
‘extra work’. In short, he impresses us with his fine is afraid of Crocker, he doesn’t dislike him. He laughs
qualities of head and heart. at Crocker’s poor joke only out of respect. We can say
2. The play presents a funny situation. Frank, a young that Taplow is a very obedient student.
science teacher, finds sixteen-year-old Taplow waiting 2. In old British schools much stress was laid on the
for his master Mr. Crocker-Harris. This lower fifth form study of classical languages—Latin and Greek.
student has been asked to come in to do extra work on Students of the lower fifth form were made to learn
the last day of the school. Mr. Crocker-Harris is leaving a classic play like the Agamemnon. Since the stress
the school for good the next day. Being quite busy is was on the acquisition of language, the students found
settling his own affairs, he has not yet arrived there. it disinteresting and very unpleasant. They could
Taplow’s fears of adverse remarks about his result make specialise only after completing fifth form.
us smile. There was a system of punishment. For a simple error,
The interaction between Mr. Frank and Taplow is one had to repeat fifty lines. Students were also ‘kept in’
quite amusing. The young science teacher encourages or called for ‘Extra work’. They were mortally afraid of
Taplow’s comments on Crocker-Harris. The manner teachers like Mr. Crocker-Harris who would abide by
in which Taplow imitates his master’s voice, manner rules and show no human feelings. At the same time, the
of speaking and diction are quite amusing. The school had teachers who were sadists and others who
sudden arrival of Millie Crocker Harris in the midst would break the rules and tell results to the students.
of an imitation of a joke surprises Frank and makes Students like Taplow were afraid of hard masters like
Taplow nervous. Their reactions are quite amusing. Mr. Crocker-Harris, still they liked him.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 2. Taplow is really shocked at this suggestion. He reacts

Short Answer Questions strongly and says that he couldn’t cut Mr. Crocker-
1. Other masters would certainly give a chap, a form after his Harris. It has never been done during his stay there.
taking extra work, but Mr. Crocker- Harris is unlike them. If he did so, nobody could predict the consequences.
When Taplow asked him about his form, he told the boy Perhaps he would follow Taplow home or do some such
that he had given him exactly what he deserved: no less; extraordinary thing.
and certainly no more. Taplow is afraid that he might have 3. Taplow had laughed at the poor joke of his master out
marked him down, rather than up for taking extra work. of respect only. But Crocker Harris was not impressed.
2. Taplow is waiting for his master, Mr. Crocker-Harris. He told Taplow to explain the joke to the class if he had
He has come in to do extra work on the last day of term understood it.
because he missed a day last week when he was ill. Since Long Answer Questions
the weather is quite fine, he feels quite unhappy to be 1. Taplow is a student of Mr. Crocker-Harris. He has
confined in a room. He might as well be playing golf. to stay behind even on the last day of the school.
3. Taplow is a boy of sixteen. He is still in the lower fifth. Mr. Crocker-Harris has given him extra work to do
He can’t specialise until the next term if he gets his because he had been ill for a day during the week and
form/division all right. Since his master, Mr. Crocker- missed the class. It is already very late Mr. Crocker-
Harris has not told him the result, he will have to wait Harris has not come yet. But Taplow is afraid of
till the next day to learn his fate. Crocker. He dare not leave the class until Crocker
Long Answer Questions comes. Although he is afraid of Crocker, he doesn’t
1. Mr. Crocker-Harris appears as a stern master who is a dislike him. He laughs at Crocker’s poor joke only out
man of principles and stickler to the rules. He believes of respect. We can say that Taplow is a very obedient
in fair assessment of his students and is not swayed by student. He respects his teacher and doesn’t want
emotions, as the man is hardly human. He is not a sadist, to offend him. Maybe after Frank instigates him he
but strict in performance of his duties. Even on his last speaks against Crocker Harris. He respects Crocker
day at school, when he is overbusy in his own affairs, Harris because only that teacher is a stickler for rules
he does not neglect his duty towards his students. and doesn’t indulge in unfair practices despite being
2. It is true that students should decide themselves what in a noble profession. So, Taplow also emerges as a
they want to study. They should decide whether they student with divine qualities which cannot be found
want to study science or Arts or humanities. They are these days.
the better judge. They are the ones who should decide 2. Millie is Mr. Crocker-Harris’s wife. She is a thin woman
their destiny. More often than not their career choices and is in her late thirties. She dresses herself in smart
are made by the parents. They are the ones who tell the clothes. She sees Taplow imitating her husband’s voice.
children to go for arts or science. Children feel trapped But she takes it lightly. She finds Taplow waiting for
if they are unable to cope up with the pressures. Then her husband. She can understand very well that Taplow
they go for drastic steps like suicides. likes to go and play like other boys. She tells him that
her husband is at the Bursars. It could take him a lot of
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4 time there. Thus she indirectly hints to Taplow that he
Short Answer Questions could go and play. Even then Taplow dare not go. Then
1. Taplow is waiting for his master, Mr. Crocker-Harris. she sends Taplow to a chemist to get some medicine.
He has come in to do extra work on the last day of term Her chief purpose is not to get the medicine. She only
because he missed a day last week when he was ill. Since wants to help the poor boy enjoy his freedom for some
the weather is quite fine, he feels quite unhappy to be time at least. Thus we can say that Millie is a loving
confined in a room. He might as well be playing golf. and intelligent woman of helping attitude.
7 : The Adventure
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 booster to Marathas. It established their supremacy
Short Answer Questions in northern India. The influence of Bhausaheb and
1. Professor Gaitonde observed an imposing building facing Vishwasrao increased. The East India Company
Bombay facing V.T., East India House, Headquarters of postponed its expansionist programme. Vishwasrao
the East India Company. He was aware that the East and his brother Madhavrao had political sharpens and
India Company had been wound up soon after the bravery. The Company’s influence was reduced to
events of 1857. Here it was alive and flourishing. So small areas near Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.
he concluded that history had taken a different turn. 3. Professor Gaitonde found a lecture in progress in Azad
2. The victory in the Battle of Panipat was great morale MAidan. He saw a table and a chair on the platform, but

the presidential chair was unoccupied. The sight stirred the importance of the technological age beginning
him to the depths. He could not approve of the public in Europe. They set up their centres for science and
lecture without a presiding. For him it was a sacrilege. technology. These were accepted only to make the local
Long Answer Questions centres self-sufficient.
1. Both the stories, “The Adventure” and “We Are Not Long Answer Questions
Afraid to Die” contain the same basic theme. Howev- 1. If the Marathas had won the Battle of Panipat, the
er, the execution is very different. One deals with the consequences would have been far-reaching. It
adventure in a real life situation and the other one is would have boosted their morale and established
about the adventure that was mentally experienced. In their supermacy in northern India. The expansionoist
the story, “We Are Not Afraid to Die”, the characters programme of the EAst India Company would have
take a hazardous sea voyage, to overcome the odds and been shelved. The political cleverness and bravery
survive. Whatever the danger were, the were very real. of Maratha rulers would have helped them to expand
In the story, “The Adventure”, the protagonist does not their influence all over India. The East India Company
embark upon an adventurous journey. His collision with would have been reduced to pockets of influence near
the truck triggers his mind a travel to a world, which is Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, just like its European
different from the world that he lives in. rivals, the Portuguese and the French. The Peshwas
2. After the highway accident, professor Gaitonde was would have been real rulers of India. They would
admitted in Vishwasrao Peshve Hospital on Vishwasrao have kept the puppet Mughal government in office
Peshve Marg, Pune. The doctor informed him that he for political reasons. Recognising the importance of
was found in the Ganeshkind Forest and wanted to know technological age in Europe, they would have set up
how he got into the forest. Having learnt from Dr. Modak their own centres for science and technology. The
that the Marathas had defeated the Afghans, Professor twentieth century would have moved India towards
Gaitonde was confused. He traveled to Bombay, with democracy. The Peshwas would have been replaced
special permits, and got into the library to check what by democratically elected bodies. The Shahenshah of
had gone wrong in the history books with he himself had Delhi would then merely approve the recommendations
written. In the library, he discovered a tiny book and in made by the central parliament.
that he saw that Peshwa Vishwasrao was not hit by a 2. Professor Gaitonde decided never to preside over
bullet. While getting out of the library, he made sure that meetings again as he realized that whatever he has
he had stolen that tiny book, Bahusahebanchi Bakker. experienced was based on what he was thinking at the
Out of the library, Professor Gaitonde passed the Azad time of his accident. Rajendra Deshpandes’ explanation
Maidan where some people were conducting a seminar, satisfied him. Through his other world experience, he
explicitly protesting the old custom of a dignitary to also understood the fact that president in a meeting is
preside over the meeting. There was an unoccupied not welcomed by the audience. They are only interested
chair! A man who had taken chairs as the presiding in listening to the speakers.
dignitary over 999 seminars, Professor Gaitonde went DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
to the stage and sat in the chair against the protest of
the people who finally threw him out of the stage. Thus Short Answer Questions
Professor Gaitonde was found on the roadside. 1. Refer to Short Answer Question No.1 (Gangadharpant,
according..... Panipat.) of Diagnostic Test-2.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 2. Quantum theory is based on the idea that energy
Short Answer Questions exists in units that can’t be divided. Determinism is
1. Gangadharpant, according to Rajendra, made a shift the doctrine that all events and actions are determined
from one world to another and back again. By doing by external forces acting on the will. The phrase thus
so, he could experience to worlds, although one at a means that the energy contained in electrons is not
time. One has the history we know, the other a different determined by the external forces that fire it.
history. The separation or bifurcation took place in the 3. Rajendra makes an effort to explain the consequence
Battle of Panipat. of the Battle of Panipat with the help of catastrophe
2. Profesor Gaitonde’s thousandth address was made in theory. The Marathas might have won it, but as a matter
the Azad Maidan. He was then rudely interrupted. He of fact they lost it. Napoleon could also have won the
wanted to tell the audience what might had happened if Battle of Waterloo, but he was defected. The idea of ‘it
Marathas had won the Battle of Panipat. Since people might have been’ is all right for the sake of speculation
had misbehaved, he could not deliver this address. but not for reality.
3. The Peshwas kept the puppet regime alive in Delhi. Long Answer Questions
There were political reasons for it. The Peshwas 1. Prof Gaitonde had a collision with a truck. At that
were the real rulers from Pune. They recognised time he was thinking of the catastrophe theory and its

implications for history. He found himself in another 2. The audience reacted sharply. They were sick of
Bombay which looked more like England. The East In- remarks from the chair, of vote of thanks and of long
dia Company was flourishing. In this different Bombay, introductions. They had abolished the old customs long
he went to the Asiatic Society library in the town hall, ago. Hence that lecture series had no chairperson. The
to read some history books, including the ones he had chair was symbolic. They only wanted to listen to the
written. Most of the history was he knew it his world but speaker. They asked him to vacate the chair and keep
the point where history had changed was the Battle of the platform empty.
Panipat. In this different world, the Marathas had won. 3. He got the clue from a book called Bhausahebanchi
The Marathas had not allowed the East India Company Bakhar. He found the Bakhars interesting to read, but
to expand. In fact, its influence was limited to a few he seldom relied on them for historical evidence. The
places like Bombay. Calcutta and Madras. India had detailed but falsified accounts were quite vivid but truth
become a democracy but allowed the British to carry lay hidden somewhere.
on for commercial reasons. Prof. Gaitonde wanted to Long Answer Questions
find out how the Marathas had wont the battle. 1. The story ‘The Adventure’ is a great example of the mix
2. In the story ‘The Adventure’ professor Gaitonde of fiction with science. In this story, the protagonist, the
collides with a truck and becomes unconscious. In historian Gangadharpant Gaitonde gets transported to an
his unconsciousness he wanders in a world of fantasy alternate universe in which the Marathas won the Third
and gets the two versions of the reality contained in Battle of Panipat and sees for himself how th course of
the ‘Battle of Panipat’. The one he had come across in Indian history was changed by that one turning point,
the other world described how Vishwasrao narrowly leading to a future in which India is a prosperous and
missed the bullet. The other account which he had in self-reliant democratic nation that had not been subject-
the familiar world, described that Vishwasrao was hit ed to slavery to the white man; it had learnt to stand on
by the bullet. Here one is related to present history its feet and knew what self-respect was.
and the other some different history. In his adventure, 2. Mr. Gangadharpant Gaitonde was renowned historian
the Battle of Panipat separates the two words — two and lived in the city of Pune. He was invited to be a
versions of reality. Hence, the writer has selected an lecturer at many seminars and discussions. He was
apt and appropriate title for the story, ‘The Adventure’. calm and composed and had a good knowledge of his
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4 subject. He was respected by his fellow historians for
his humble nature. Once he wanted to meet his son in
Short Answer Questions Forbes building. He asked that he wanted to meet his
1. Rajendra applies catastrophe theory to the Battle of son, Mr. Vinay Gaitonde. The receptionist searched
Panipat. The outcome of the battle depended on the through the telephone list, the staff list and then through
leadership and the morale of the troops at the critical the directory of employees of all the branches of the
juncture. In one of them, the troops lost their morale firm but she couldn’t find his name. This was a blow
and fighting spirit at the loss of their leaders. In the for him as he was afraid lest his son could lose his life.
other, the bulled missed Vishwasrao and this boosted But he ignored it and went to the library of the Asiatic
the morale to troops and they won. Society to solve the riddle of history.
8 : Silk Road
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 from his water bottle which was supposed to help a
Short Answer Questions rapid ascent.
1. According to the earlier accounts, the place abounds 3. These vast open plains had only dry pastures. A few
in natural beauty. Hor was situated on the sacred Lake gazelles could be seen nibbling the grass in the those
Mansarovar. The narrator had heard how various arid pastures. When the plains grew stonier than grass,
pilgrims had been moved to tears by the sanctity of the herds of would asses or kyangs were seen moving
place. But his experience of Hor was in direct contrast together.
with theirs. He felt very bad about the place. He found Long Answer Questions
Hor a dismal, wretched place. There was no vegetation 1. During the first ascent through the valley, the turns
there. The whole place was just dust and rocks scattered became sharper and the ride bumpier. The author felt
with a lot of refuse gathered over the years. the pressure building up in his ears. Suddenly Tsetan
2. When the author was at about 5400 meters up the sea stopped the car and jumped out. A large strip of white
level, his head began to throb horribly. He took gulps stuff lay across the track for about fifteen metres.

The bank was too steep for their vehicle to scale. The lacked the paraphernalia of a doctor. The doctor himself
grabbed handfuls of dust and flung them over the snow. appeared like any other Tibetan in a thick pullover and
When the snow was spread with soil, Tsetan slowly a woolly hat. He had no white coat on him. The author
drove the vehicle over it. Ten minutes later, they had explained his sleepless symptoms and sudden aversion
another blockage. to laying down. While feeling his pulse, the Tibetan
This time Tsetan drove round the snow. The steep slop doctor asked the author some questions. He diagnosed
was studded with major rocks. His vehicle was lurching his illness as a cold and effects of the altitude. By now
from one obstacle to another. Once he cut off a hairpin the author had developed some confidence in the doc-
bend, The author took gulps from his water bottle to tor. He asked if he would recover enough to be able to
ease his headache caused by rapid ascent. His headache do the kora. The doctor assured him that the would be
cleared as they moved down the other side of the pass. fine. The doctor gave him a five-day course of Tibetan
Apart from two punctures in quick succession, they medicine in fifteen screws of paper. The after breakfast
faced no difficulty till they reached Hor, a small town package contained a brown powder. The author took it
on the main east-west highway. with hot water. The lunch time and bed time packages
2. It was 10:30 pm when the author and Tsetan reached contained small spherical brown small pills. They
a gust house in Darchen. The author was tired and looked like sheep dung, but the author took them. He
hungry. The drive in dusty Hor had started his cold found the medicines quite effective. After his first full
again. The herbal tea did not help. One of his nostrils day’s course, he slept soundly at night.
was blocked again. He was not sure that the other 2. The author undertook the hazardous journey to Mount
would provide him sufficient oxygen. He lay down to Kailash for performing Kora. He hired Tsetan’s car
sleep. He started breathing through his mouth. Then and took Daniel as companion for escorting him upto
he switched to single-nostril power. He got enough Darchen. He seems a lover of adventure who is not at
oxygen. He was about to sleep when he woke up all afraid to taking risks. This is evident from his ascent
abruptly. His chest felt heavy. He cleared his nasal to undertake a short cut through high mountain passes
passages. He felt relief in his chest. He lay down and involving the risk of slipping on snowy roads.
tried to sleep. But as soon as he lay down again, his He is keen observer of men and manners. He has a sharp
sinuses filled up and his chest was heavy. He supported eye for details. He describes the hilly peopley quite
himself upright against the wall. He could not sleep at sensitively. He gives a graphical account of difficulties
all. He had another troubled night due to his breathing faced during ascent. His headache and loss of sleep
problems. A little voice inside kept saying that if he are caused by cold and high altitude. His observations
slept, he might never wake up again. So he stayed about Lake. Manasarovar and Hor reveal the difference
awake all night. between legend and reality. He dislikes dirt and
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 shabbiness. He forces communication problem after
Tsetan leaves and before he meets Norbu. However,
he waits and takes correct decision. He approves of
1. The author was not used to high altitude climbing. He Norbu’s practical suggestion to hire Yaks to carry
complained to headache when they at the height of luggage and decides to perform Kora with him.
5400 metres. He took gulps form his water bottle. This
helped somewhat. His headache cleared as they moved DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
down the other side of the pass. Short Answer Questions
2. Lake Mansarovar is considered to be the source of four 1. Lhamo wanted to give the author a farewell present. She
great Indian rivers. These are the Indus, the Ganges, the realized his need for something to keep him warmer.
Sutlej and the Brahmaputra. Actually only the Sutlej So, she presented him a long-sleeved sheepskin coat.
flows from the lake. The headwaters of the others all 2. Yes, Norbu was a better substitute for Tsetan. He was
rise nearby on the flanks of Mount Kailash. an educated person and was able to talk in English.
Being the source of great rivers, lake Mansarovar is He was a Tibetan and very enthusiastic. He had been
considered Tibet’s most respected stretch to water. writing academic papers about the Kailsh Kora and its
3. When the author with his companions approached importance in various works of Buddhist literature. The
Nomad’s tents, the Tibetan mastiff would pounce author felt happy as they could do Kora together.
towards his vehicle barking furiously with his massive 3. Norbu was an educated person who could converse
jaws. The dog would chase his vehicle for about a in English. He was a Tibetan and very enthusiastic.
hundred metres. He knew about the importance of Kailsh Kora. He
Long Answer Questions was practical. He suggested hiring yaks to carry their
1. The building of the medical college looked like a luggage. He had a fine sense of humour. He could laugh
monastery. The consulting room was dark and cold. It at his own shortcomings.

Long Answer Questions of the road. The bank was too steep for the vehicle to
1. The author found Hor a grim and miserable place with pass. The icy layer could prove slippery. Tsetan threw
no vegetation but a lot of refuse, dust and rocks. His handfuls of dirt on the ice. Others followed suit.
experience in Hor came as a strak contrast to earlier 3. The Tibetan doctor had no white coat or other
accounts of the place. Ekai Kawaguchi, a Japanese apparatus. He looked like any other Tibetan in his thick
monk, arrived there in 1900. He was so moved by the pullover and wolly hat. Hat felt the veins in the author’s
sanctity of the lake that he burst into tears. wrist and asked him a few questions. He diagnosed
2. The hill-folk live a hard life as compared to the people his malady as “a cold and the effects of altitude”. He
who live in urban areas. They are more sensitive to prescribed a five day course of Tibetan medicines. The
nature and fellow human beings than the urban people. author had a sound sleep after his first full day’s course.
This travelogue is full of examples indicating the Long Answer Questions
sensitive behaviour of hill-folk. A few instances would
1. This article gives an account of a travel from the hills
suffice. Lhamo wanted to give the author a farewell
of Ravu across some of the mountain passes to Mount
present. She realised his need for something to keep
Kailash. The narrator with his companions reaches the
him warmer. So, she presented him a long-sleeved sheep
main east west highway at Hor. It followed the old trade
skin coat. His guide-cum driver Tsetan advises him to
route from Lhasa to Kashmir. It was known as ‘Silk
take a route that would take them south-west, almost
Road’. Hence the article has been appropriately titled
directly towards Mount Kailash. He covered this route
‘Silk Road’.
successfully. When the author fell ill, Tsetan took him to
the Darchen medical college. He had to return to Lhasa, 2. Oxford professor, travel writer, Nick Middleton is truly
but he left the author only when he recovered from his an adventurer, but at heart more a meticulous academic
illness, i.e., when he saw the symptoms that the author than a daredevil. He is an environmental consultant
was going to live. On the other hand, the insensitive who has written many articles in journals, magazines
behaviour of the city folk who visit these hilly areas is and newspapers and 16 books. Nick Middleton teaches
evident from the heaps of rubbish they litter on the hills. geography at Oxford University and is fellow of St.
Anne’s College. His main research interest is in the
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4 nature and human use of deserts and their margins.
Short Answer Questions After reaching Hor what attracts him is not the natural
1. Norbu had been writing academic papers about the beauty of the place but the litter all around. He was
Kailash Kora and its importance in various works of disappointed to see the open-air letter all around. He
Buddhist literature for many years, but he had actually gives graphic detail of the mountain terrain, the snow
done it for himself. Hence, he too had come to do Kora. covered mountains and the calm and relaxed people he
2. There was snow on about fifteen metres of road ahead. met there. He strongly believes that travel broadens our
Then there was dirt trail. There was snow on either side mind.
HORNBILL — POETRY
1 : A Photograph
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 Short Answer Questions
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) 1. The mother went to the beach with her two girl cousins
who are younger than her, holding her hand. They
1. (i) The two girls alongwith the mother had gone for
went paddling in the sea. They had uncle click their
a sea holiday, when they were about 12 years old. photograph.
(ii) The poet’s feelings are aroused after looking at the 2. The camera has captured a happy moment as the girls
photograph as she remembers her mother. were enjoying their holiday.
(iii) The word ‘cardboard’ in the poem refers to the 3. The stillness of the photograph and the overwhelming
photograph. It is a memory of poet’s mother after sense of her mother’s loss mutes the poet.
she is dead and gone. It signifies transience of life.
2. (i) Her own childhood and that sea holiday was a
thing of the past for the poet’s mother. Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
1. (i) The poet is talking about her mother and her feet
(ii) They had gone to the sea beach with the uncle.
which were there in the sea for a short time.
(iii) Mother’s laughter is past for the poet because (ii) The sea waves washed their feet as they walked
mother is no more in this world. barefoot in the sand.

(iii) The word ‘transient’ means for a short period of time. 2. The poet’s mother had been out on a beach holiday
2. (i) She has been dead for almost twelve years now. years back and felt nostalgic about it, similar to
(ii) The poet says that her mother had been dead and what the poetess felt when she relived the memories
she feels herself in a situation that there is nothing of her dead mother. The memories in both cases
to be said about but only emptiness. The silence were beautiful but painful to recall as time slipped
of this situation silences her. by.
(iii) It refers to the death of her mother and how she 3. Yes, it is true that change is the law of nature. Childhood
died as it is only a memory of the past. slips by and adulthood arrives which soon gives
Short Answer Questions way to old age. Only memories are left behind. But
1. The three girls are smiling at the uncle with the camera. human beings are not good at accepting the reality and
They are quite excited to get their photograph clicked. often lament at the time that has gone by.
2 : The Laburnum Top

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 bond of affinity with the tree and their presence with
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) it makes the tree enthralled.
1. (i) Here ‘she’ refers to the goldfinch. DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
(ii) Here machine refers to the laburnum tree. When Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
the goldfinch (engine) enters the thickness of the 1. (i) The poem is, ‘The Laburnum Top’ written by Ted
tree, the tree starts shaking and thrilling. Hughes.
(iii) When the goldfinch enters the laburnum tree, (ii) Due to solitude, the laburnum tree is in sombre
the tree starts trembling with overwhelming mood, but the arrival of the goldfinch makes it
excitement and pleasure. enthralled.
2. (i) The goldfinch has been called the engine of her (iii) In the poem the goldfinch is compared to an engine
family. Just as the engine starts up the machine, her as it arrival starts the shaking of the whole tree.
arrival in the nest starts up the silent machine, i.e. 2. (i) In the first line the goldfinch has been described.
the young ones start chattering and making noises. (ii) The harmonious nature and the sweet chirping of
(ii) The goldfinch feeds its young ones who get the the goldfinch creates a place in the heart of the
energy to become active and make noises. laburnum tree and the tree loves the bird and its
(iii) The laburnum tree has flowers that fall like bars family so much that without them it feels desolate.
and when the birds sit behind the flowers, the (iii) The last line describes the departure of the
shadow on her face looks like she is wearing a goldfinch towards the vast sky which makes the
mask that has bars on it. laburnum tree sad.
Short Answer Questions Short Answer Questions
1. In September, a few leaves of the laburnum tree turn 1. The goldfinch shoulders the responsibility of an ideal
yellow due to intense sunlight and all its seeds fall down. mother. When she realises that her young ones feel
The highest part of the tree is silent; calm and quiet. hungry, she flies towards the sky with strange delicate
2. When an engine of a machine starts running the entire whistle chirrup whisperings in search of food for them.
machine starts trembling. Similarly when the goldfinch 2. When the goldfinch visits the laburnum tree, the calm and
(engine) arrives at the laburnum tree, the entire tree quiet tree starts shaking with overwhelming excitement.
starts shaking with overwhelmed joy. In other words the The following line shows this transformation, ‘The
presence of the person with us whom we love, makes whole tree trembles and thrills’.
us happy. 3. The arrival of the goldfinch thrills the laburnum tree
3. The whole poem revolves around the laburnum top but when she departs from the tree towards the sky in
where the goldfinch builds it nest and lives with her search of food for her young ones, the laburnum tree’s
family. The goldfinch and her family develop a great joy subsides and it feels alone and unhappy again.
3 : The Voice of the Rain

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 (iii) The seeds will keep on lying dormant in the earth
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) if the rain doesn’t fall.
1. (i) Land and the bottomless sea are the source of rain. 2. (i) ‘Thou’ refers to rain as the poet is asking the
(ii) Personification question to rain.

(ii) ‘Thou’ responded by saying that she was the poem and then comes down to earth to bathe the dry tiny
of the earth. particles of dust layers and all that lies buried under
(iii) Rain is personified here. it. Then it returns to the place of its origin.
Short Answer Questions 2. (i) Rain is the speaker here.
1. Rain defines itself as the poem of the earth. (ii) The sea has been addressed as bottomless.
2. The rain gives an answer or the poet is able to under- (iii) The rain calls itself as eternal because it doesn’t
stand the feelings of the rain –is something strange over die. After coming back to earth the water reaches
here. the land and sea from where it again rises back to
3. The last two lines contain a comment about music and heaven.
its cycle. These differ from the first nine lines. The Short Answer Questions
first two lines are the voice of the poet whereas lines 1. The two participants are the poet and the rain. The
three to nine are spoken by rain. The cycle of song is poet makes the rain relate its own story. This direct
put within brackets to mark the difference in speakers presentation makes the narration more authentic,
but similarity in content. interesting and captivating.
2. It washes away the dust layers from the surface of
the earth. It makes trees and leaves look like new. It
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) quenches the thirst of the land thus taking away the
1. (i) ‘I’ here refers to rain. droughts.
(ii) Land and endless sea are the birth place of the rain. 3. The rain helps in germination of seeds and leaves or
(iii) Rain water rises untouched out of the land and deep quenches the thirst of the land so that there are no
sea and gathers in the sky, where it changes form, droughts. Thus it is the harbinger of life.
4 : Childhood
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 • The adults were not as they seemed to be.
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) 3. Yes, he got answers to his questions because at the end
1. (i) The speaker noticed a wide gulf between what of the poem he says that his childhood had gone to some
adults appeared to be and what they actually were forgotten place and is untraceable now.
in real life. There was apparent contradiction DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
between their words and deeds. They talked of Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
love and advised others to love, but they never
1. (i) This stanza shows the phase of poet’s adulthood.
acted lovingly.
(ii) The poet realised that his mind is really his own
(ii) When the poet understood the hypocrisy of
when he became master of his own mind.
adults, he felt that the innocence of his childhood
has gone to home untraceable place. (iii) The poet chose his own way because he wanted to
(iii) The adult’s behaviour seemed confusing to the be independent and not to be a parrot.
poet due to the apparent contradiction between 2. (i) The poet’s childhood is hidden in his face.
their words and deeds. (ii) It signifies that childhood was not entirely lost but
2. (i) When the poet became rationalistic he realised was hiding somewhere .
that he was growing up. (iii) Childhood is a period of innocence when one
(ii) Hell and heaven signify the poet becoming ration- accepts people at the face value and trusts them.
alistic and drawing his own conclusions. Short Answer Questions
(iii) It means he lost his childhood when he ceased to 1. The poet asks various questions pertaining to loss of
be eleven. his childhood:
Short Answer Questions Where did my childhood go?
1. According to the poem, the loss of childhood is involved When did my childhood go?
in the process of growing up. This loss is compensated Was it the day I ceased to be eleven?
by some gain which come with adolescence. These are: Was it the day I realized?
increase in understanding and power of rationalising 2. Childhood is a period of innocence when one accepts
and discrimination as well as a sense of individuality people at the face value and trusts them. Adulthood
and self-confidence. brings with it rationalistic thoughts.
2. • Was it the time I realized that hell and heaven could 3. Yes, he got answers to his questions because at the end
not be. of the poem he says that his childhood had gone to some
• When I found my mind was really mine. forgotten place and is untraceable now.

5 : Father to Son
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 The father wants the young man to stick to home turf.
Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions) The son, now a young man, seeks fresh avenues and
lives in a world of his own. The father finds it hard to
1. (i) Father is in reflective mood.
adjust to the growing changes.
(ii) They behave and speak like strangers as they don’t
3. Because he cannot live without his son.
understand each other.
(iii) The father has been unable to understand what his DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
son loves to do. He is not in a position to advise Reference to Context (Very Short Answer Questions)
him as there is hardly any intimacy between them. 1. (i) The above stanza reveals the lack of understanding.
They speak like strangers, otherwise there is (ii) Father does not know anything about his son
silence around them. The son has his own dreams because there is no communication between them.
and plans which he does not appreciate. They speak like strangers otherwise there is silence
2. (i) Father wants his son to return back home. This around them.
show the love and care of father. (iii) The father is trying to build up a relationship with
(ii) The father expects his son to return penniless. his son from the beginning.
(iii) The father is ready to see his prodigal son because 2. (i) The child is designed as his father.
he wants his son to return back home. (ii) The nature of the father is authoritarian.
Short Answer Questions (iii) Alliteration.
1. Actually, the father-son relationship is non-functional. Short Answer Questions
The father does not understand the aspirations, longings 1. The father is not able to rebuild a cordial relationship
or cravings of the son. They speak like strangers. Their with his son due to lack of understanding and commu-
exchanges, if any, are just formal. Otherwise, silence nication.
surrounds them. 2. He wants his son to return back home. He wants to
2. His lack of understanding on the part of the older forgive him if the son also returns an empty hand.
generation (here, father) is at the root of the problem. 3. They long to forgive each other.
SNAPSHOTS
1 : The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 the horse. But he did so without telling the owner. It
Short Answer Questions seemed to him that stealing a horse for a ride was not
1. The two visitors were uncle Khasrov and John Byro. the same thing as stealing something else, such as
Uncle Khasrov had come for coffee and cigarettes. John money. Since Narrator and Mourad were quite crazy
Byro had come to tell about his horse which had been about horses, it wasn’t stealing. Mourad convinced
stolen. himself with the thought that it would become stealing
2. Mourad kicked his heels into the horse and said, ‘Vazire only when they offered to sell it.
run’. The horse stood on its hind legs and then ran. 2. Yes, we agree with John Byro because only a
It was a lovely sight. They ran across a field over the suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his
dry ditches and then returned back to where Aram heart. John believed his heart. He had full faith on the
was standing. members of Garoghlanian tribe. He knew that they
3. The boys returned the horse to its rightful owner would go hungry rather than steal. So, he didn’t blame
because suddenly they felt that their family honour was the boys. He said that maybe his eyes are failing him
at stake. and it was a twin of his horse. Due to this faith reposed
Long Answer Questions in the narrator and his cousin, the boys felt that they
1. Yes, Mourad was a thief only and it would be termed as had put their family honour at stake and decided to
stealing. He may justify it by saying that he borrowed return the horse.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 cousin came to his house at 4 a.m. He woke up Aram by

Short Answer Questions tapping on the window of his room. Aram woke up and
saw Mourad sitting on a beautiful white horse. Mourad
1. John Byro recognised his horse, yet he could not believe
asked Aram to be ready for the ride. Aram was surprised
his eyes because the children accompanying the horse
were Aram and Mourad and they belonged to a tribe how Mourad was able to get a white horse. They were
which was known for their honesty. too poor to buy a horse. Aram thought that Mourad had
stolen the horse. Aram got ready and jumped onto the
2. Once he was sitting in a barber’s shop. Somebody came
horse behind Mourad and they were on Olive Avenue
running to tell him that his house was on fire. He only
in some time.
replied impatiently-pay no attention to it and this led
to burning down of his house. Mourad asked the narrator to get down as he wanted to
ride alone. The narrator got down. Mourad raced the
3. The narrator requested to keep the horse for a longer
horse across a field of dry grass to an irrigation ditch.
time. He also wanted to learn horse riding desperately
but now Mourad wanted to return it. Beccause his It was now the narrator’s turn to ride alone. The horse
family pride would not let him steal. did not move. So the narrator kicked the horse and it
began to run. Instead of running across the field, it ran
Long Answer Questions down to a vineyard and leaped over seven vines before
1. It seemed to narrator that stealing a horse for a ride was the narrator fell. Even then the horse continued running.
not the same thing as stealing something else, such as Mourad came running down the road. It took Mourad
money. Since he and Mourad were quite crazy about half an hour before he could bring the horse back. He
horses, it wasn’t stealing. He convinced himself with told Aram they would either take the horse back or hide
the thought that it would become stealing only when him.
they offered to sell it. His love for horses forced him They left the horse in the barn of a deserted vineyard
to take this drastic step and to put his family honour at and returned home. That afternoon the narrator’s uncle,
stake. Khosrove, and another farmer named John Byro came
2. Stealing would always be considered as stealing only to his house. He said that his horse had been stolen last
even if it is done to help someone. If the boys desper- month was still gone.
ately wanted to learn horse riding they could have taken One day they came across the vineyard of John Byro,
permission from John Byro and with his permission, the farmer. The farmer looked at the horse eagerly. He
they could have gone for horse riding. But Mourad then looked into the mouth of the horse. He swore that
decided to do it other way round. He chose to steal the was his horse. But he thought that Mourad’s family was
horse and then call it “borrowing”. famous for honesty. So the horse was the twin of his
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 horse. John Byro then went away bidding them good
Short Answer Questions day. Next morning, Mourad and the narrator took the
horse to John Byro’s vineyard and put it in the barn.
1. Mourad and his family had no money. They lived in
That afternoon, John Byro came to his house. He was
extreme poverty and it was difficult to understand
surprised to find the horse that had been stolen now
how they got food to satisfy their hunger. The narrator
returned back.
frankly admits that every branch of the Garoghlanian
family was living in the most amazing and comical 2. Crazy about horses Mourad wanted to learn horse riding
poverty in the world. desperately. He couldn’t afford to buy one. His family
was living hand to mouth. It was difficult to make both
2. The narrator requested to keep the horse for a longer
ends meet. So, he decided to steal one. He also justifies
time. He also wanted to learn horse riding desperately
it by saying that he was borrowing it. Mourad was crazy
and he objected to Mourad returning the house. But
like his uncle Khosrove.
now Mourad wanted to return it.
3. When Aram got on the horse, it got scared and instead DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
of running to the irrigation ditch, threw Aram down Short Answer Questions
and disappeared in the vineyard. 1. Uncle Khasrov refused to listen or sympathize with
Long Answer Questions John Byro. So, he went slamming the door behind.
1. “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a Uncle Khasrov kept repeating-it’s no harm. Pay no
story of two Armenian boys, Mourad and Aram. attention to it.
They belonged to a tribe known for its truth and 2. Mourad was considered crazy by everybody who knew
honesty. him except the narrator. He was quite crazy about
Aram is the narrator and Mourad is his cousin. Aram horses. Secondly, he enjoyed being alive more than
recalls the time when he was nine years old. One day his anybody else.

3. Mourad had stolen the horse quite a few days earlier and 2. Yes, this act of Mourad could have degraded their
had been riding it secretly. That’s why he had developed family. If John Byro had claimed the horse there and
an affinity with the horse. He told his secret to Aram then, surely the matters would have landed the boys
after few days had gone by. in trouble. The story gives no indication that the boys
Long Answer Questions were afraid of anything or anyone. They were also
1. Cousin Mourad had a crazy streak. He was quite crazy not conscience stricken when John visited their home
about horses. He kept the stolen white horse for about and told about the stolen horse, even then they did not
six weeks, rode it, loved it, fed it well and hid it in a think of returning the horse. It is only when the farmer
deserted yard. When he sang in the open countryside, showed faith in the family values and honesty of their
it seemed as if he were roaring. tribe, they decided to return it.
2 : The Address
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 Dorling of her own identity and the latter’s relations
Short Answer Questions with her mother reveal her indomitable spirit. She visits
1. Mrs. S was narrator’s mother. In the war in Holland, 46, Marconi Street twice to see, touch and remember her
their house was destroyed. All her belongings were mother’s belongings. She is a realist, who doesn’t like
lost. The narrator rendered homeless and had to move to remain tagged to the past. Her resolution to forget the
to another city. address and move on shows her grit and forward looking
nature. She has a progressive personality.
2. No, we don’t approve. She had taken the things with
the promise that she will return them after the war. Now DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
she had gone back on her words. Short Answer Questions
3. The second visit of the narrator to 46, Marconi Street 1. The woman was wearing the green knitted cardigan of
was different from the first one in one respect. She was the narrator’s mother. The wooden buttons had become
led to the living room, where she could see and touch rather pale from washing. She saw that the narrator
some of the things she had wanted so eagerly to see. was looking at the cardigan. She half hid herself again
The touch and sight of familiar things aroused memory
behind the door. Her reaction convinced the narrator
of her former life. These objects had now lost their real
that she was right.
value for her since they were severed from their own
2. During the World War II, the Nazis under Hitler
lives and stored in strange circumstances. She resolved
to forget these objects, and their past and move on. This attacked Holland. Many Jews were killed during and
is clear from her decision to forget the address. after the war. These who remained alive had to leave
Holland for fear as the narrator did. The narrator lost her
Long Answer Questions mother. She went in search of her mother’s belongings
1. The human predicament that follows war is amply after the war.
illustrated through the experience of the narrator. 3. Her first visit had been a disaster. She was not allowed
The war had caused many physical difficulties as to enter the house. Dorling refused to recognize her.
well as emotional sufferings to her. She had lost her So, second time the narrator entered without waiting
dear mother. She went to 46, Marconi Street to see for her. She looked at the things which brought back
her mother’s valuable possessions. How greedy and painful memories and decided to leave without taking
callous human beings can become is exemplified by anything or without waiting for Mrs. Dorling.
the behaviour of Mrs Dorling who refused to recognise
the narrator. The presence of her mother’s possessions Long Answer Questions
in strange atmosphere pained her. Now these valuables 1. Dear Friend
had lost all their importance for her as they had been I hope this letter finds you in best of health and high
separated from her mother. She could get no solace or spirits. You might be curious about my visit to Holland.
comfort from them. Well I was able to find the house of Mrs. Dorling. But
2. Mrs. S’s daughter is the nararator in the story. She imagine she refused to recognize me. She was wearing
leaves a very favourable impression on us about her the green cardigan knitted by my mother. It had the
emotional and intellectual qualities. We find her an same wooden buttons. But still she refused to recognize
intelligent but devoted daughter. She loves and respects me. I am really shocked by this whole incident.
her mother. I am planning to make another visit. I will tell you about
The narrator has a keen power of observation and it. Till then take care.
a sharp power of judgement. She at once seizes up Your friend
Mrs Dorling. Her persistent efforts to remind Mrs Narrator

2. Yes, it is better to forget and forgive. If we keep on urge to visit the place. She was not allowed to enter the
holding on to past memories they will only spoil our first time. On her second visit, she found herself in the
future. Let’s take the case of narrator. After the war midst of those things. She felt oppressed in the strange
when life had become normal she wanted to reclaim atmosphere. These objects evoked the memory of the
her things. She had gone back in the hope of bringing familiar life of former time. But they had lost their
back certain items of her mother. But first time Mrs. value since they had been separated from her mother
Dorling refused to recognize her. Second time she and stored in strange surroundings. She no longer
entered the house but those things only brought back wanted to see, touch or remember these belongings.
painful memories which she wanted to forget. So, she She resolved to forget the address. She wanted to leave
came back empty handed. the past behind and decided to move on.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
1. After the liberation, everything became normal again. 1. No, Mrs. Dorling’s unfriendly behaviour towards
Bread was getting to be a lighter colour. She could sleep the narrator is not justified. She should have kept her
in her bed without any fear of death. She could glance promise and returned the things. She was a very mean
out of the window of her room each day. One day, she and callous lady.
went to 46, Marconi Street as she was eager to see all 2. The narrator suddenly decided to leave Marconi street
the possessions of her mother stored there. She felt because she felt oppressed in the strange atmosphere.
disappointed when Mrs. Dorling neither recognised her The objects related to her mother evoked the memory
nor let her in. She asked her to come again someday. of the familiar life of former time. But they had
2. The narrator become curious about his mother’s pos- lost their value since they had been separated from
sessions as normalcy returned in the post-liberation her mother and stored in strange surroundings. She
period. She knew that those things must still be at the no longer wanted to see, touch or remember these
address her mother told her. She wanted to see them, belongings.
touch and remember. 3. The narrator has a keen power of observation and
3. On her second visit she found herself in the midst a sharp power of judgement. She at once seizes up
of those things. She felt oppressed in the strange Mrs. Dorling. Her persistent efforts to remind Mrs.
atmosphere. These objects evoked the memory of the Dorling of her own identity and the latter’s relations
familiar life of former time. But they had lost their with her mother reveal her indomitable spirit. She visits
value since they had been separated from her mother 46, Marconi Street twice to see, touch and remember
and stored in strange surroundings. She no longer her mother’s belongings.
wanted to see, touch or remember these belongings. Long Answer Questions
She resolved to forget the address. She wanted to leave 1. The narrator’s mother had given her the address, years
the past behind and decided to move on. ago during the first half of the war. The narrator came
Long Answer Questions home for a few days and missed various things in the
1. We should not believe what others tell us without rooms. Then her mother told her about Mrs. Dorling
verifying the facts. That is the first valuable lesson of and gave her the address.
the story. Mrs. S. had done exactly that. Her faith in Mrs. Dorling was an old acquaintance of the narrator’s
Dorling had led to loss of her belongings. She had too mother. The latter had not seen her for several years.
much faith on that casual acquaintance. Then she suddenly turned up and renewed their contact.
The second lesson of this story teaches us that it is better Every time she left that place she took something with
to forget and forgive. If we keep on holding on to past her—table silver, antique plates, etc. Mrs. Dorling
memories they will only spoil our future. Let’s take the suggested to the narrator’s mother that she should store
case of narrator. After the war when life had become her belongings at a safer place. She wanted to save all
normal she wanted to reclaim her things. She had gone her nice things. She explained that they would lose
back in the hope of bringing back certain items of her everything if they had to leave the place. The narrator’s
mother. But first time Mrs. Dorling refused to recognize mother was a kind-hearted, generous and liberal lady.
her. Second time she entered the house but those things She was fond of collecting valuable things. She is more
only brought back painful memories which she wanted worried about the physical risk to Mrs. Dorling than
to forget. So, she came back empty handed. losing them to her. She thought it an insult to tell her
2. The narrator remembered the address 46, Marconi friends to keep those things for ever.
Street. Her mother’s valuable belongings were stored 2. The narrator remembered the address 46, Marconi
there. After her mother’s death, the narrator had an Street. Her mother’s valuable belongings were stored

there. After her mother’s death, the narrator had an value since they had been separated from her mother
urge to visit the place. She was not allowed to enter the and stored in strange surroundings. She no longer
first time. On her second visit, she found herself in the wanted to see, touch or remember these belongings.
midst of those things. She felt oppressed in the strange She resolved to forget the address. She wanted to leave
atmosphere. These objects evoked the memory of the the past behind and decided to move on. She appears
familiar life of former time. But they had lost their to be very realistic. She has a progressive personality.
3 : Ranga’s Marriage
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 2. The narrator is very talkative, takes a lot of interest
Short Answer Questions in village affairs. He decides to get Ratna married
1. Everything is going as planned. Shyama asks Shastri to Ranga as soon as he realizes they are suitable for
what might be worrying the boy to which he replies that each other.The astrologer’s remarks and the meeting
it might be a girl. On further calculations he suggests between Ranga and Ratna add humour to the story.
that girl’s name has connection with something found 3. The narrator took Ranga to the astrologer. The Shastri
in the ocean. When Shastri hints pearl or Ratna, Ranga called astrology an ancient science. He told Ranga that
is amazed. Once again narrator pours water on Ranga’s he was thinking about a girl. She had the name of some
hope by saying Ratna is married. thing found in the ocean. He assured them that their
2. The narrator took Ranga to the astrologer. The Shastri negotiations would definitely bear fruit. Ranga was
called astrology an ancient science. He told Ranga that impressed by the science of astrology.
he was thinking about a girl. She had the name of some Long Answer Questions
thing found in the ocean. He assured them that their 1. The narrator of the story is a very talkative person. He
negotiations would definitely bear fruit. Ranga was takes a lot of interest in village affairs. He decides to
impressed by the science of astrology. get Ratna married to Ranga as soon as he realizes they
3. Ratna was just eleven years old. She had a beautiful are suitable for each other.The astrologer’s remarks
voice. She kept fast on Fridays so as get a good husband. and the meeting between Ranga and Ratna add humor
She would dress up nicely on Fridays. She is Rama to the story.Thus being talkative is his strength.
Rao’s niece. She has came in the village for few days. 2. In the past, marriages in India were usually arranged by
Long Answer Questions parents/relatives. After independence, certain changes
1. Ranga finally gets married to Ratna and is father of have come in the economic and social set-up of the
two children. Ratna is now eight months pregnant Indian society. Women empowerment has made women
when narrator meets them. Narrator is invited to third men’s comrades and equals and not a mere prisoner
birth anniversary of their first child. The child has been confined within the four walls. Women education and
named as Shyama after the narrator. So, in the end access to jobs have changed the attitude of modern
narrator forgets what he has learnt in the city and falls males towards them. A girl is now accepted as a partner
a victim to customs and traditions in the village. It is in marriage for her worth or qualities rather than the
not easy to do away with all that one has learnt since dowry. Marriageable young boys and girls have now
childhood. more say in the choice of partners. Early marriages
2. In a way, the story promotes child marriages. In the have been banned legally. Indian society has certainly
past, marriages were arranged by relatives and parents. moved a long way from the time of arranged marriages.
The bride and groom had no say in the matter. Child DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
marriages often spelled doom for the girl. When the
children grew up, they would marry again a girl of their Short Answer Questions
choice, leaving their first wife, married in childhood. 1. According to the astrologer, Ranga was thinking about
The girl was the sufferer in most of the cases. She a girl. This is the cause of worry of Ranga. He was
would not be allowed to marry again. In case she thinking whether he would be able to marry that girl.
became widow then her life would become hell. The girl he was thinking had the name of some thing
found in the ocean.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 2. During the last ten years, English has made inroads
Short Answer Questions into Indian countryside as well. Now there are many
1. Narrator called Ranga to his home. Then he asks Rao’s who know English. One comes across them in every
wife to send Ratna to his house to fetch buttermilk. As street and corner, English is required to get accepted
planned, at that very moment Ranga arrives and gets in society and to land a good job. In my opinion,
mesmerized by Ratna’s singing and falls in love with her. English is the language of the future now.

3. Ranga was influenced by the English way of life. the astrologer, gave sufficient assurance that there was
Like them he wanted to marry a mature girl and not a no hitch in his marriage to a girl whose name was that
young present-day bride. He told the narrator that he of something found in the ocean.
would marry when he grew a bit older. Secondly, he
While returning from the Shastri’s house, they saw
wanted to marry a girl he admired. He was not in favour Ratna standing alone in her uncle’s house. The narrator
of arranged marriages. This shows the influence of went in for a moment and brought the news that Ratna
English way of life on modern young educated Indians. was not married. After ascertaining Ranga’s views, the
the narrator did not approve of it. marriage was settled.
Long Answer Questions DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
1. Ranga is a typical South Indian young man whose feet
are firmly entrenched in the traditional Indian culture
but the head is swayed by the latest acquisition of 1. The news that Ratna was unmarried and previous
English language and ways of life. information about her marriage was wrong causes
infinite joy to the narrator. Now he can marry Ratna.
He seems to have attained marriageable age according
to the norms prevalent in society at that time. The nar- 2. He wanted that Ranga should get interested, in fact,
rator finds him generous and considerate. The young he was desperate to get married to Ratna. In order to
man could rightly assess a person’s worth and knew make her hard to get, he spread false rumors about her
when it would be to his advantage to talk to someone. marriage.
At first, Ranga seemed to be in favour of love mar- 3. Despite his theories regarding marriage to a partner who
riage—marrying a girl of one’s choice, whom one is of the same age and mature enough to understand his
loved and who would be mature enough to understand needs, he marries Ratna who is just eleven years old.
love-talk and reciprocate it. The systematic steps taken Thus he is the same man with hardly any change in his
by the narrator to rope in Ranga to marry Ratna shows character.
that the young man has a sensitive heart. Ranga’s act of Long Answer Questions
naming his golden boy ‘Shyama’ after the dark colour- 1. Ranga is fickle minded, gullible, and credulous. What-
ed narrator Shyama shows his adherence to the English ever may be his beliefs about marriage he still falls in
custom of naming the child after someone you like. On the trap and marries Ratna, who is just eleven years old
the whole, Ranga appears as a smart but lovable fellow. and very innocent. In the end, narrator forgets what he
2. The narrator was intimate with Rama Rao’s family. He has learnt in the city and falls a victim to customs and
knew that his niece Ratna would be a suitable wife for traditions in the village. It is not easy to do away with all
Ranga. He proceeded systematically. First he created an that one has learnt since childhood. These values have
opportunity where Ranga might listen to Ratna’s song no place in the modern society. Child marriage is a thing
and have a glimpse of her. He arranged this sudden of the past. People have started realizing the importance
encounter of two strangers at his home. The reaction of educating girls and women empowerment.
of two youngsters was on expected lines. Ranga felt 2. Yes, there is a great deal of difference among the
interested in her. Ratna felt shy, lowered her head and village people and city people. Villages are still rooted
went to the other room. in traditions, customs and beliefs. In city, people have
In order to test the intensity of Ranga’s feelings towards done away with these customs which stand in the
Ratna, the narrator said that she had been married a way of progress. Banning child marriages, widow
year ago. Ranga looked crestfallen. Then the narrator remarriage will only prove beneficial for the dawn of
tutored an astrologer and took Ranga to him. Shastri, new era. Women empowerment is the need of the hour.
4 : Albert Einstein at School

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 3. For Einstein, ideas are important; facts do not matter.
Short Answer Questions He considers learning the dates of battles or the details
about victorious armies meaningless. He is more
1. He decides to get a medical certificate with the help
interested in the causes that led the soldiers to kill each
of a doctor friend saying he had a nervous breakdown
other.
and needed rest.
2. First of all he wanted to tell the landlady of the apart- Long Answer Questions
ment where he lived that her wailing was worse than 1. Elsa is Albert’s cousin. She was his best friend and
his violin. Secondly when the head teacher expelled guide. She gave him emotional support in times of
him. his trouble. She told Albert that it was not difficult to

learn dates at all. She told him that she was sure he with certain people because he doesn’t like their views
could learn enough to pass the examinations if he tried. about education. For example, the history teacher and
She told him that she knew many students more stupid the headmaster. Then he has problems with his landlady
than Albert. They got through the examination. So he who doesn’t understand his need for solace and cannot
should try and pass the examination. give him cordial atmosphere at home.
Albert once told Elsa that the wanted to study science
simply because he liked it. He did not need additional
reasons to study the subject he was interested in. Short Answer Questions
2. Albert Einstein’s miserable five years’ stay at school 1. Dr. Ernest Weil was young and understanding. He is
is a telling comment on the system of education still a student himself. He understood what Albert was
prevailing then and existing even now. This system going through so he gave him certificate without taking
of education has no room for individual aspirations, any money.
brilliance or aptitude. It discourages genius and 2. Albert had procured that certificate after a great
originality and encourages mechanical dullards or difficulty. But before he could show it to the Headmaster,
the so-called ‘average’ students. This system lays he was expelled and labelled as a disgrace to the
stress on facts and dates rather than ideas. It ignores teachers and students of his class.
originality and creativity, which lead to progress and 3. Yes, he was able to understand what Albert was
development. going through because he was a student himself. He
The teachers and authorities insist on discipline and understood that Albert was on the verge of nervous
conformity. Brilliant students like Albert Einstein breakdown.
are considered dullard, stupid, incompetent, unfit Long Answer Questions
rebels.
1. Mr Braun asked Albert in what year the Prussians
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 defeated the French at Waterloo. Albert told him that
Short Answer Questions he didn’t know. Mr Braun said that he had told them
1. Albert concluded after living six months in Munich so many times. Albert told him that he saw no point in
was that he won’t be able to continue in the school. learning dates. These could be seen in books. This made
He didn’t get along well with the history teacher or with him speechless. Mr Braun asked for Einstein theory
the headmaster. He wanted to go home desperately. of education. He did so highly sarcastically and in a
2. The headmaster told Albert when the latter asked mocking tone. For Einstein, ideas are important; facts
about the crime he committed to leave as he was being do not matter. He considers learning the dates of battles
expelled. He further added that his presence in the or the details about victorious armies meaningless. He
classroom made it difficult for the teachers to teach is more interested in the causes that led the soldiers to
and the students to study. kill each other. The history teacher felt amazed as well
3. No, the doctor didn’t commit a mistake because he was as annoyed at Albert’s stubbornness. It was because
on the verge of nervous breakdown already. He was Albert challenged all the established norms of attaining
desperate to go back. knowledge.
2. For the students to answer themselves
Long Answer Questions
1. Mr. Koch said these words. He was Albert’s maths DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
teacher. He knew about Albert’s daily altercations with Short Answer Questions
the history teacher and with the headmaster. Albert was 1. Albert was relying on the certificate given by Mr. Koch
not able to learn dates, etc. He was often scolded by which proved that he was a mathematical wizard.
history teacher and punished by the headmaster. All
2. In school, Einstein’s ideas of education are not
this had made Albert miserable. However he was very
acceptable to the teachers and Principal. His honesty,
good in maths and had learnt everything that was there
logical reasoning and originality were considered as
from Mr. Koch. So, he knew that Albert would leave
stupid and incompetent. His history teacher insulted
very soon.
him and told him that he was a disgrace to school.
2. Exchanges between Einstein and history teacher show
That’s why Albert decided to get rid of his school.
that Einstein is honest and truthful. He admits his
shortcomings frankly. He has firm and well-defined 3. Mr. Koch had written that Albert knew more than his
opinions. He explains precisely what he thinks. Thus age in mathematics and was a genius.
his basic intelligence, logical reasoning and lucid Long Answer Questions
expression are highlighted. He showed the sparks of 1. To stay away from school for six months, Albert
genius even at a young age. His maths teacher had a decided to take help of his friend Yuri. He knew
high opinion of him. But he has problem getting along a doctor who would give a certificate of nervous

breakdown which would help him to leave school and The history teacher’s remarks really instigated me and
go back. He managed to procure the certificate with I started blaming you. But now Mr. Koch has talked to
great difficulty. The doctor did not even take the fees me and I have learnt the truth.
from him. With this certificate in his pocket he planned
I will be very happy to admit you back again in the
to meet the headmaster with his request. school.
2. Dear Albert

Yours
I am sorry for what you had to go through. I have now
realized that it was a mistake on our part to let you go.
The headmaster
5 : Mother’s Day
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 3. Doris treats her like a servant, issue orders and don’t
Short Answer Questions spend time with her. She expects that all their work is
1. She says she was working hard enough. Now it done on time by their mother.
was her turn to work hard. Doris is the first one Long Answer Questions
to learn her lesson in politeness, civility and self 1. The theme of the play is the status of women in their
help. own household. The housewife serves the members of
2. George treats her wife shabbily. He doesn’t care for her. her family with complete devotion, sincerity and love.
He goes to the club every night with friends, leaves her However, she is never given the regard, attention or
alone at home. thanks due to her. Instead of being politely requested
3. She wants her family members to help her in the for a favour, she is ordered to do it. She gets no thanks
house work. She wants to take a day off, wants family in return.
members to spend time at home. The theme is worked out by portrayal of the Pearson
Long Answer Questions family. Mrs Pearson is the harassed mother. Her
1. Doris and Cyril treat her like a servant, issue orders, daughter Doris, son Cyril and husband George take
don’t spend time with her. They expect that all their her services for granted. The harsh treatment meted
work is done on time by their mother. They don’t out to them by the personality of Mrs. Fitzgerald
take her opinion in their personal matters. Doris (in the body of Mrs. Pearson) reforms them and
even shouts at her mother if her orders are not they obey the mother willingly which is the true
fulfilled. celebration of Mother’s Day. Hence the title is
2. Husband and children can help the mother in running justified.
the house in many ways. They can do some of their 2. No, first of all the issue never arises. In my family
work themselves rather not to order their wife and mother is given due respect. In fact in all Indian
mother for them. They can make tea for them and households, mother is given due respect. We don’t
also for their wife and mother. Husband and children believe in celebrating one single day as Mother’s
can bring grocery and vegetables from the market. Day. All days are Mother ’s Days. Yes, but I
This will give some time to mother to enjoy in her remember one incident where I had answered back
own way. They can also help the mother in by doing my mother. I saw tears in her eyes. She didn’t speak
small chores of house like mending clothes, cleaning to me for many days. In the end I felt sorry for my
house, etc. behaviour.
1. Mrs Fitzgerald offers to deal with the family of Mrs 1. She agrees to Fitzgerald’s suggestion and they exchange
Pearson and teach them to treat her properly. Mrs souls. Fitzgerald deals with the family members in her
Pearson feels flustered. She thanks her saying that it own way and teaches them a lesson.
wouldn’t do at all. They would resent being ill-treated 2. Mrs Fitzgerald tells Mrs Pearson to decide firmly and
by somebody else and wouldn’t listen. stick to her decision. She must assert her position
2. Mrs Fitzgerald tells Mrs Pearson to decide firmly and and become the real mistress of the house. Her own
stick to her decision. She must assert her position initiative can help her. She must let them wait or look
and become the real mistress of the house. Her own after themselves for once.
initiative can help her. She must let them wait or look 3. Children learn their lesson, understand how hard their
after themselves for once. mother worked, promise to mend their ways.

Long Answer Questions DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4

1. Mrs. Fitzgerald plays a very important role in the play. Short Answer Questions
She is introduced as a fortune teller and the next-door 1. Mrs. Pearson devotes all her time and energy to serve
neighbour of the Pearsons. It is through the initial her husband, son and daughter. These thoughtless and
conversation between her and Mrs. Pearson that we selfish persons go out every night to enjoy themselves
come to know the problems that Mrs. Pearson faces. leaving Mrs. Pearson alone at home. She is no better
Mrs. Fitzgerald analyses the situation quite objectively than a servant in her own home. Mrs. Pearson herself
and becomes the playwright’s mouthpiece. She also is responsible for the ill-treatment, neglect and lack of
suggest the ways and methods of tackling the situation. concern shown to her.
Since Mrs. Pearson does not have the guts to stand for
2. Cyril is annoyed with his mother because his shirt has
her right, Mrs. Fitzgerald suggests a novel approach—
not been mended and the tea is not ready.
exchange of personalities. Now as Mrs. Pearson, with
3. When she comes to check on her husband and children,
the personality Mrs. Fitzgerald, she puts the plan of
she finds Doris crying and Fitzgerald smoking. On enquiry
reformation in action. She smokes, drinks and plays
she learns what Fitzgerald impersonating as Pearson had
cards. All this is unusual for the family. She further
told the truth about Charlie Spence, Doris’ boyfriend.
shocks them by being tough with them in word and
action. She asks them to look after themselves. She Long Answer Questions
clearly tells them that she has already worked for more 1. Mrs Pearson is a pleasant but worried-looking woman
than eight hours that day. She tells them plainly how in her forties. She loves her husband and children very
they behave at home and workplace. She is equally blunt much and runs after them all the time. She feels neglected
with Mr. George Pearson, who goes away every evening and lonely but lacks courage to discuss things with them.
to club, leaving his wife alone at home. She reveals to She is not willing to act as a tough mom as she is nervous
him how the people at club make a fun of him. In short, and fluttering by nature. She is so tender-hearted that
she makes them realise their responsibility towards she is shocked to see the rough treatment meted out to
the mother. In the end, she performs the exchange of her children. She decides to change back to her original
personalities once again. Thus she is the main spring of personality to deal with her family herself. She is indeed
initial action, climax and denouement. a loving and affectionate mother and a devoted wife.
2. It is the habit of certain people. They will always 2. No, it is not wise to interfere in other’s matters. It only
speak well in front of others but do back biting in their adds fuel to fire. However in this case it was different.
absence. As we see regarding George’s friends, they The children were spoilt brats and Pearson couldn’t
make jokes about his playing abilities. They call him teach them manners. So, Fitzgerald had to interfere to
names. They are not his true friends. teach lesson to them and to her errant husband.
6 : The Ghat of the Only World

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 who knew him much better and would be writing with
Short Answer Questions greater understanding and knowledge.
1. Amitav was spellbound for a while. He could think of Long Answer Questions
nothing to say. He didn’t get the words in which one 1. Shahid suffered from cancer. A malignant brain tumour
promises a friend that one will write about him after had been detected after he had a sudden blackout in
his death. February 2000. The doctors gave him a year or less. In
2. Once staying in Brooklin, in Shahid’s neighbourhood, spite of the malignant brain instinct tumour and awareness
Amitav soon discovered that the two of them had a of his approaching end, Shahid retained his zest for life.
great deal in common. By this time, of course, Shahid’s His gregarious instinct and love for music, poetry and
condition was already serious, yet his illness did not good food helped him to retain his cheerfulness. The spirit
impede the progress of their friendship. They had a of festivity didn’t leave time for him to feel depressed. His
huge roster of common friends, in India, America, and living room was always full of people—poets, students,
elsewhere. They discovered a shared love of rogan writers and relatives. Songs, music and recitation of
josh, Roshanara Begum and Kishore Kumar, a mutual poetry enlivened the meetings at his apartment. He loved
indifference to cricket and an equal attachment to old entertaining guests with good food. His hospitality and
Bombay films. personal attention to the details of food were well known.
3. Amitav Ghosh might have told himself that he was not Although his life was being consumed by the disease, he
a poet. Secondly, their friendship was not very old, it was always, the centre of perpetual carnival—an endless
was of a recent date. Thirdly, there were many others fair of talk, laughter, food and poetry.

2. Shahid had grown quite weak after several unsuccessful not through recitatives of memory and friendship, but
operations. The writer and others held him upright in through the written word, “You must write about me”,
the hospital’s corridor. The hospital orderly came with said Shahid. The author promised to fulfil Shahid’s
a wheelchair. Shahid gave him a smile and asked him desire. From that day onwards, the author jotted down
where he was from. On hearing “Ecuador”, Shahid every important point in their conversation. Because of
clapped his hands joyfully and shouted that he had Shahid’s condition, even the most trivial exchanges had
always wanted to learn Spanish just to read Garcia a special change and urgency. There was an inescapable
Lorca. poignancy when he talked about food and half forgotten
figures from the past. The author continued to make
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2 notes of all exchanges, between Shahid and other
Short Answer Questions during parties and visit to other places such as hospital
1. Shahid loved company. His gregariousness had no and airports. The record of all these bit of information
limit. There was never an evening when there wasn’t helped the author to write this article about Shahid
party in his living room. He loved the spirit of festivity. which gives an intimate account of the great poets who
He loved people to come there. They included poets, knew too well about his approaching death.
students, writer and relatives.
2. Shahid respected religion but he believed in the
separation of politics and religious practice. His outlook Short Answer Questions
was inclusive and ecumenical. The credit for it goes 1. At first, Amitav was non-plussed. He did not know
to his upbringing. Shahid’s mother helped him make a how to respond. He muttered something which was not
Hindu temple in his room. harmful: “No Shahid—of course not. You’ll be fine”.
3. When Shahid was a child, he expressed before his 2. The writer picked up his pen and noted the date.
parents that he wanted to establish a small Hindu He wrote down everything he remembered of that
temple inside his room. With the passage of time, idols conversation. He continued to do so for the next
and other trappings were brought by his mother and the months. This record made it possible to fulfil his
innermost part of their house became a sanctum. Thus, pledge.
his house became a religious confluence of Hinduism 3. Both had studied at Delhi University and were now in
and Islam. the States. They had common friends. They loved rogan
Long Answer Questions josh, Begum Akhtar and Kishore Kumar’s song. Both
1. Shahid and the writer react differently to the had an equal attachment to old Bombay films and were
knowledge that Shahid is going to die. Shahid had indifferent to cricket.
a sudden blackout in February 2000. Tests revealed Long Answer Questions
that he had a malignant brain tumour. It was on 25 1. Shahid was inextricably linked with Kashmir. In
April 2001 that Shahid spoke to the writer about his the hospital in America when all his medicine,
approaching death. He had been under treatment of chemotherapy and other treatment was stopped, he
cancer for some fourteen months. Shahid was still on realised that his days were numbered. Then he longed to
his feet and perfectly lucid. The writer was shocked go back to Kashmir to die. He had too much attachment
into silence. Then he tried to offer reassurances. with his family too. He did not want to leave a mess
Shahid ignored them and began to laugh. In spite of for his siblings. He was sure that in Kashmir his father
physical weakness, Shahid would smile and laugh would support him very much. But because of logistical
gleefully. He would entertain his friends at his and other reason, he had to change his mind about
apartment. Even when his eyesight was failing, he returning to Kashmir. He was contented to be laid to
could tell from the smell alone, which stage the rogan rest in Northampton in the vicinity to Amherst, a place
josh had reached and issued instructions. Shahid sacred to the memory of his beloved Emily Dickinson.
accepted his inevitable death boldly. The writer 2. Shahid had a high sense of friendship. He loved to
felt dazed and started blankly as Shahid disclosed meet people and had conversation with them. In order
to him what the doctors had said. Shahid had made to meet people, he used to have party in evenings in
his peace with the approaching end. There was not his living room. He felt happy when people came to
trace of anguish or conflict on his face. The writer his house. Though he was suffering from brain tumour,
felt shocked and overawed by the gradual decay and his interest in friends never dwindled. He had always
ultimate end of his dear friend, Shahid. shown great respect, loyal, honesty, etc. towards his
2. Shahid asked the author to write something about friendship. He was of the opinion that people with so
him after his demise. He was giving a specific many friends enjoy their lives blissfully. They don’t
responsibility. He wanted the writer to remember him have time to be depressed.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4 Long Answer Questions

Short Answer Questions 1. There is no doubt that the lesson, ‘The Ghat of the
1. Shahid had grown quite weak after several unsuccessful Only World’ seriously reflects on the deep sense of
operations. The writer and other held him upright in secularism. Secularism provides people with the
the hospital’s corridor. The hospital orderly came with right to follow any religion. In this lesson the author
a wheelchair. Shahid gave him a smile and asked him Amitav Ghosh’s friend Shahid was a Muslim but in
where he was from. On hearing “Ecuador”, Shahid his childhood he expressed before his parents that
clapped his hands joyfully and shouted that he had he wanted to establish a small Hindu temple inside
always wanted to learn Spanish just to read Garcia his room. With the passage of time, idols and other
Lorca. trappings were brought by his mother and the innermost
2. James Merrill had a great influence on Shahid’s poetry. part of their house became a sanctum. Thus, his house
He was the poet who radically altered the direction of became a religious confluence of Hindu and Islam.
Shahid’s poetry. After meeting Merrill, Shahid began 2. Poet Agha Shahid Ali had a deep Kashmiri impact
to experiment with strict metrical patterns and verse upon him. His education was completed in Kashmir
forms. Shahid remembers Merrill as the envoy of Death and he had a wound that he suffered at the Kashmir
in the poem “I Dream I Am The Ghat of the Only issues, division, migration and wars. He was waiting
World”. for his death, and he wanted to bid adieu to the world of
3. Shahid had long been aware of his approaching end and living. Having gone past pangs of life he was cradling
he had made his peace with it. The love of his family in supreme consolation that “I afterlife, if there is an
and friends gave him support. He showed no signs of afterlife”. In the entire story Shahid talks about his
anguish or conflict. He was calm, contented and at death, but he has desire to die in his motherland —
peace. His hope to meet his mother in after-life was his Kashmir, the Ghat of the only world. Thus, the writer
supreme consolation. He died peacefully in his sleep. has given an apt and appropriate title to this story.
7 : Birth
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 1 control the damage to the minimum and check the
Short Answer Questions victim’s state from further deterioration. A stitch in
time does save nine in such cases. The practical help
1. Dr. Andrew found the newborn baby lifeless. The
comes as a boon.
child’s body was white and soft. The skin was of lovely
texture, smooth and tender. The head lolled on the thin 2. Andrew had been thinking about the unsuccessful
neck. The limb seemed boneless. Dr Andrew concluded married lives of some persons he knew. Bramwell
that whiteness of the child’s body meant asphyxia and was foolishly devoted to a woman who deceived him
pallida. immorally. Edward Page was bound to quarrelsome
Blodwen. Denny was living unhappily apart from his
2. The young doctor Andrew Manson had done a
wife. His thoughts were muddled (confused).
commendable work. His exclamation is justified. He
had not only helped the middle-aged lady in the safe DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 2
delivery of a male child but also restored them to Short Answer Questions
perfect health.
1. Andrew had struggled for more than an hour to help
3. The major achievement of Andrew was to resuscitate Mrs Susan Morgan in the safe delivery of her first
the stillborn child. First he laid the child on a blanket child. At last the child was born, but it was lifeless. As
and began the special method of respiration. Then he Andrew gazed at the still form of the baby, a shiver
tried the hot and cold water treatment. He rubbed the of horror passed over him. Should he save the life of
child with a rough towel. At last the baby responded. mother or try to revive the dead child-that was the
His chest heaved. Then came the child’s cry. dilemma.
Long Answer Questions 2. A shiver of horror passed over Andrew as he gazed at
1. Normally the medicines prescribed in the textbooks are the still form of the new born baby. Though it was a
used by the practising physicians. However, in extreme perfectly formed boy, its limp warm body was white.
cases of emergency, the physician’s experience, The whiteness meant suffocation caused by lack of
resourcefulness and practical approach become far oxygen.
more important than the theoretical knowledge. With 3. Joe Morgan was a driller in Blaenelly, a mining town.
limited resources at his command, the practising He was a big, strong and heavy middle-aged person.
physician exercises all his practical experience to Joe and his wife Susan, who had been married nearly

twenty years, were expecting their first child. Joe was happy whereas the same cannot be expected from the
waiting for the doctor to help Susan in the delivery of children. There are cases where children turn the mothers
the child. and fathers out of their house during old age. They don’t
Long Answer Questions want to spend time and money on old parents.
1. Normally the medicines prescribed in the textbooks are DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 4
used by the practising physicians. However, in extreme Short Answer Questions
cases of emergency, the physician’s experience,
1. Dr. Andrew had read about such cases. As in this case,
resourcefulness and practical approach become far
the child was a precious one, he decided to adopt that
more important than the theoretical knowledge. With
methodology to give it one last try.
limited resources at his command, the practising
2. At the end of the story, Andrew is physically exhausted
physician exercises all his practical experience to
but emotionally cheerful and mentally alert. His mind is
control the damage to the minimum and check the
filled with joy and self-satisfaction. He has performed
victim’s state from further deterioration. A stitch in
an unusual feat, no less than a miracle. He forgets
time does save nine in such cases. The practical help
his personal feelings and thinks only of reviving the
comes as a boon.
patients.
2. I think that Susan might have felt grateful. It was an 3. Andrew had been thinking about the unsuccessful
unusual case. The child was still born. Everybody else married lives of some persons he knew. Bramwell
had given hope. The midwife was scared to death. She was foolishly devoted to a woman who deceived him
didn’t even want to look at the still born. They didn’t immorally. Edward Page was bound to quarrelsome
knew what answer they would give to grandmother and Blodwen. Denny was living unhappily apart from his
the father. It was at that time Dr. Andrew’s practical wife. His thoughts were muddled (confused).
knowledge came in handy. Had he also given up the
hope then the child would have been declared dead. Long Answer Questions
So, Susan will feel grateful when she will be told the 1. Yes, it is true that our strong will power combined with
whole story. knowledge is responsible for bringing back many lives
on the brink of death. Lets take the case of medical
DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3 fraternity. Normally the medicines prescribed in the
Short Answer Questions textbooks are used by the practising physicians. How-
1. Mrs Morgan’s mother offered to make a cup of tea for ever, in extreme cases of emergency, the physician’s
the doctor. The experienced woman had realized that experience, resourcefulness and practical approach
there must be a period of waiting. She was afraid that become far more important than the theoretical knowl-
the doctor would leave the case saying that he would edge. With limited resources at his command, the prac-
return later. tising physician exercises all his practical experience
2. Yes, Susan was a self-sacrificing woman because they to control the damage to the minimum and check the
were having this child after many years of marriage. victim’s state from further deterioration. A stitch in time
She was bound to face problems. She could even lose does save nine in such cases. The practical help comes
her life. as a boon.
3. Yes, it is an apt title as the whole story revolves around 2. The young doctor Andrew Manson had done a
commendable work. His exclamation is justified. He
the birth of the child and then its resurrection which
had not only helped the middle-aged lady in the safe
was no less than a medical miracle.
delivery of a male child but also restored them to
Long Answer Questions perfect health. Susan Morgan’s strength was ebbing
1. Both the woman would have shouted in joy. The nurse, after the delivery. She was almost pulseless. Andrew
because she knew what had happened. She had helped gave her an injection and worked severely to strengthen
Susan give birth to a dead child. She knew how hard her heart.
the doctor had worked to make that miracle happen. The major achievement of Andrew was to resuscitate
Grandmother would be happy because she had been the stillborn child. First he laid the child on a blanket
waiting for the birth of this child for long. Joe had been and began the special method of respiration. Then he
married for long now when this miracle happened. They tried the hot and cold water treatment. He rubbed the
had all given up hopes of seeing a child in their house. child with a rough towel. At last the baby responded.
And then Susan was going to have a difficult time. There His chest heaved. Then came the child’s cry.
was danger to her life as well as to child’s life. Andrew called upon God as witness of his act which
2. Yes, it is a universal phenomenon. Mother is always was no less than a miracle. It was not mere theoretical
ready to sacrifice her life for the sake of her children. talk but a practical achievement—something real and
She would go to any extent to see her child well and solid.

8 : The Tale of Melon City

1. The king got confused by the architect’s clever self- 1. No, the criterion followed in finding a wise man was
defence. So he needed the advice of the wisest man in not right. Whosoever came from the gate first was
the country. The man selected was so old that he could asked to chose a ruler. He gave melon for an answer
neither walk nor see. He was not really the wisest one so, a melon was chosen.
as wisdom does not necessarily come with age. His 2. The king noticed that the crowd of spectators had
advice proves his worthlessness. become restless and people were muttering aloud.
2. The chief of builders shifted the blame on the workmen. He judged their mood. He trembled to think of the
The workmen told the king that the bricks were made consequences if they were deprived of the fun of
of the wrong size. Swayed by their rational argument, watching someone being hanged. So, in order to save his
the masons were summoned. They shifted the blame skin, he ordered that someone be hanged immediately.
on the architect. The clever architect reminded the king 3. The ministers believed in tradition and ceremonies.
that he had made certain amendments to plans. This The crowed shouted in one breath. ‘Long live the king!
clearly meant that he held the king responsible for the The king is dead’. They were practical-minded men.
mishap. Thus, each accused succeeded in shifting the They knew that the throne could not be left unoccupied.
blame on others. The crown being a symbol of power, someone must be
3. The criteria was that wisdom comes with grey hair. crowned king. It hardly mattered that the new king was
The old man they selected could not walk or see. He a man or a melon.
spoke in a trembling voice. The advice he offered was Long Answer Questions
absurd. A lifeless object cannot be deprived of life by 1. The State where the king was ‘just and placid’ seems
hanging it. to be a backward region full of ignorant fools and ruled
Long Answer Questions by a whimsical king. The whole process of changing
1. Alliteration, for. e.g., so since judgement on the appeals of the victims appears as a
mock-trial. The Ministers and Councillors seem to be
Repetition – long live the king
selfish. They advise the king to serve their own ends.
Onomatopoeia—sound words like muttering
The common people are uneducated and ignorant fools.
Then it is skillfully woven, ‘The Tale of a Melon City’ They are fun loving. They do not bother whether the
caters ludicrous activities. From Alpha to omega of king is a man or a melon. They want their personal
the poem we feel ourselves transported to the land of freedom, free business and peaceful lives.
the bird brains. The just and placid king’s chase to find 2. I think the best course lies in good governance. It en-
the culprit shows whimsical nature of the king. We are sures peace and liberty to the common man. Dedicated
fully prepared for the nonsense happenings when we rulers, enlightened citizens and proper law enforcing
see, the king’s assay to punish the arch. Nincompoops agencies can establish peace and harmony in the state.
are the ministers and the king himself when we see the Free expression of opinions must be allowed but re-
hanging of the king. The process to choose the next spect for law and order be observed. People should be
king highlights and satires indirectly the foolishness of conscious of their privileges and rights as well as duties
incompetent people. At the end a melon’s being king and responsibilities. This is the only way to maintain
giggles us to the core but leaves us thoughtful even for peace and liberty.
subject of the country are happy for a melon, an object
which could give them “Laissez Faire”. DIAGNOSTIC TEST – 3
2. The just and placid king appears quite ruthless as Short Answer Questions
he becomes ‘placider’ and decides to have all the 1. Workmen were blamed by the chief builder. This left
workmen hanged instead of the chief of builders. His them amazed.
wobbling mind and capricious nature is indicated 2. As the king rode under the roof, his crown touched the
by the frequent changes in his decision. He is easily archway and fell down.
swayed by arguments and seems fickle-minded. 3. It is their custom to choose the new ruler of their State.
The whimsical king is easily outwitted by the clever Whoever passed the City Gate first of all the next
architect. His lack of foresight proves to be his doom. day would choose the ruler of the State. This method
He foolishly becomes a victim of his own order. Thus of random choice excluded dynastic rule as well as
he is a short-sighted crank with muddled reasoning conspiracies. The ministers decided to observe it with
power. proper formality.

Long Answer Questions 3. It is their custom to choose the new ruler of their State.
1. The chief of builders shifted the blame on the workmen. Whoever passed the City Gate first of all the next
The workmen told the king that the bricks were made day would choose the ruler of the State. This method
of the wrong size. Swayed by their rational argument, of random choice excluded dynastic rule as well as
the masons were summoned. They shifted the blame conspiracies. The ministers decided to observe it with
on the architect. The clever architect reminded the king proper formality.
that he had made certain amendments to plans. This Long Answer Questions
clearly meant that he held the king responsible for the 1. The city is called Melon City because its ruler is a
mishap. Thus, each accused succeeded in shifting the melon. Once a fair and gentle king got an arch built
blame on others. across the thoroughfare. As he passed under the low
2. The king noticed that the crowd of spectators had arch it struck his head and he lost his crown. He thought
become restless and people were muttering aloud. it a disgrace and ordered the chief of builders to be
He judged their mood. He trembled to think of the hanged. The chief lay the blame on the workmen. The
consequences if they were deprived of the fun of workmen said that the bricks were made of wrong size.
watching someone being hanged. So, in order to So the masons were thought guilty. The masons shifted
save his skin, he ordered that someone be hanged the blame on the architect. The architect put the blame
immediately. So the noose was set up somewhat high. at the king’s door as he had amended his original plan.
Each man was measured one by one. Only one man was A wise man held the arch guilty and ordered it to be
found tall enough to fit the noose. He was the king. He hanged. A councillor objected to it as it had touched
was hanged by the royal order. Thus, the king paid with the king’s head. The people became restless. They
his life for his thoughtless order. wanted to see someone hanging. Only the king’s head
could fit the noose. So he was hanged. It was now
announced that the next man who passed the City Gate
Short Answer Questions would choose the king. An idiot came. He suggested
1. The clever architect reminded the king that he had made ‘A melon’. So melon was crowned the king. He was
certain amendments to plans. This clearly meant that taken to throne. He was called melon king.
he held the king responsible for the mishap. The king 2. The State where the king was ‘just and placid’ seems
got confused and needed some advice. He ordered that to be a backward region full of ignorant fools and ruled
the wisest man in his country should be brought to give by a whimsical king. The whole process of changing
him advice. judgement on the appeals of the victims appears as a
2. The ministers believed in tradition and ceremonies. mock-trial. The Ministers and Councillors seem to be
They shouted in one breath. ‘Long live the king! The selfish. They advise the king to serve their own ends.
king is dead’. They were practical-minded men. They The common people are uneducated and ignorant fools.
knew that the throne could not be left unoccupied. They are fun loving. They do not bother whether the
The crown being a symbol of power, someone must king is a man or a melon. They want their personal
be crowned king. freedom, free business and peaceful lives.
UNIT ASSIGNMENT QUESTION PAPERS

UNIT ASSIGNMENT PAPER – 1
SECTION – A 3. Modern technology and facilities are responsible
1. A. 1. (a) if our thought are orderly and methodical for physical stress.
2. (a) if we control our negative emotion-anger, 4. Emotional stress increases when there is dishar-
fear, jealousy mony and friction in relationship.
3. (c) in the lives of people of technologically C. 1. Scripture 2. Accumulation
advanced countries 2. A. I. Title: Examination stress
4. (b) disharmony II. Notes:
5. (d) traffic control 1. Board Ex. Causes
6. (c) Fear (a) anxiety
B. 1. The stress has become a universal as it afflicts (b) permanent scar on personalities
people regardless of their situation in life. (c) dejection
2. The various kind of stress are: (d) hopelessness
Physical, emotional and intellectual. (e) a challenge

2. This year Ex. will Cause Or

(a) traumatic experience ABC SCHOOL, AGRA
(b) results not matching expectations
3. G.S. to be introduced 5th Feb., 20×× NOTICE
(a) Operation hope started Opportunity for Elocution
(b) to help children relieve of stress
The Literary Club is organising a programme for
(c) centres to start distress classes
Public Speaking as per details given below:
(d) will offer counseling Date : 10th Feb., 20××
4. Psyc. opinion
Time : 9:00 am
(a) exams not end of world
(b) to broaden def. of success Venue : School Auditorium
Class : XI and XII
Key to Abbreviations TV anchors Joy Abrams and Dolly Bains will grace
def. — definition the occasion.
Psyc. — psychologist
Xyz
G.S. — grading system
President
ex. — exam
Literary Club
def. — definition
4. D-2, Green Park
B. Summary Hisar, Haryana
Board exams cause anxiety among all the students
10th August, 20××
of 12th class. The board results has left a permanent
scar on the personalities of these students. Because
The Editor
of the fierce competition and parental expectations, The Times of India
students feel jealousy, stress, dejection and they New Delhi
even commit suicide. To prevent this, CBSE had
Dear Sir
announced the grading system for Class X. But Subject: Health Hazards Caused by Junk Food.
this has been deferred for the time being. An NGO,

Kindly spare me some space in the columns of your
named Saarthak has launched ‘Operation hope’ to
esteemed daily. I want to recount my experiences
help young students to cope up with examination
and sufferings as a consumer of fast food, which is
stress and results. There will be a 24 hour hot line to
growing in popularity among teenagers. I, too, had
counsel students. A distress class also be organised
been a votary of junk food and relished all types of
by the centre for the parents. They also have 60
food which tempted my tongue and palate. Little did
trained volunteers for counselling and receiving
I realise then that all these dishes of fried food with
phone calls.
lot of fats and spices are unwholesome and a potent
SECTION – B danger to health. The first effect of junk food was
visible in the form of obesity. I became overweight.
3. The doctors advised me to reduce weight by running,
“You can see the world long jogging and taking exercises. I felt breathlessness and
exhaustion too soon and too quickly. The accumulated
after you are no more” fat and excessive weight increased the palpitations of
my heart and I became a victim of heart disease. Now
EYE DONATION I have been forced by circumstances to give up fast
food altogether.
BLISS TO THE SIGHTLESS

I would, therefore, request all persons, especially the
Contact: teenagers, to avoid eating junk food. It is hazardous to
Times Eye Bank health. Simple, home-made food cooked hygienically
1, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi-110001 is the best for us.

I am confident you will give a wide publicity to my
YOUR ACTION NOW CAN HELP views.
COUNTLESS PEOPLE LATER
Yours faithfully

Swati/Sourav
Unit Assignment Question Papers 69

Or Or

51, College Road

HOW GREEN WILL THE WORLD BE IN 2050?
Hisar, Haryana

Reported by ABC

16th March, 20×× 6th Mar, 20××

The Principal
Increasing population, rapid industrialisation and
Excellent Academy unplanned housing schemes have led to a single
25, Model Town result—deforestation. The greenery around us is
Delhi destroyed to build a concrete structure. Agricultural
lands and forests are depleting. Man is himself

Dear Sir
responsible for deterioration of his environment.
Subject: Request to open a career counselling centre. Motivated by greed and short-term plans, he is
striking at the very root of human sustenance. Trees

My son, Anuj, is a student of class XI in your school
and vegetation supply us nourishment directly or
and is currently appearing in the Board examination. indirectly. They help to reduce pollution. However,
Very soon, he and other students of his class will if the speed of deforestation goes on unabated, a time
have to make an important decision. They will have may come when there will be no trees on earth. Our
to select the stream/subjects they should opt for at the grandchildren may simply look at pictures of trees in
+2 level. books. Let us keep the world green in the next fifty

As you know, this is the most crucial decision of years also and save the world from pollution and global
a student’s life. Most of the parents are unaware warming.
of the latest trends in educational/job fields. I,
6. (a) solidest ... solid (b) each ... dim
therefore, request you to kindly open a career
counselling centre in your school to help your students (c) the ... a (d) a ... the
make the correct choice according to their aptitudes/ (e) an ... the (f) the ... a
talents as well as future job prospects. Expert guidance (g) colour ... colours (h) a ... the
in the field will prove invaluable to the young students. 7. (a) It has been drizzling since last night.

I hope you will consider my request favourably. (b) Does the maid know when the guests are arriving?

With regards and best wishes. (c) We took a taxi lest we should miss the train.

Yours faithfully 8. (a) I generally don’t like ice cream, but would like to
have one.

Mahima Oswal (b) He asked if I would help him and I replied in
positive.
5. ROLE OF STUDENTS IN NATIONAL (c) The principal is not in her office? Surely she might
DEVELOPMENT not be at home.
By XYZ
SECTION – C

Students are the pride and glory of a nation. They can
9. (i) The name of the poem is ‘Childhood’.
play a very constructive role in the progress, uplift
(ii) The above stanza talks about the loss of childhood.
and development of a country. In the new millennium,
(iii) When he understood the hypocrisy of adults, he
information technology has turned the world into a
realises that his childhood had gone.
global village. Our educated youth have a tremendous
(iv) Adults talked of love and preached of love but did
responsibility on their young shoulders. Our country
not do themselves in real life
is overpopulated and beset with poverty, ignorance,
illiteracy and superstitions. The young students can Or
play a positive and constructive role in every field of (i) The poet of this poem is Ted Hughes.
national development. They can enlighten the villagers (ii) When the goldfinch arrives, the young ones start
about new techniques in agriculture. By making twittering and there was a lot of noise, commotion
them literate, the students can provide them valuable and movement on the tree and it seems that the tree
guidance in establishing cooperative societies. trembles
This will help in generating money through self-
(iii) The goldfinch is the engine of the machine, i.e. her
employment. In short, they can bring a transformation family.
in the society.
(iv) The poetic device used in the first line is ‘alliteration’

10. (a) Refer to Short Answer Question No.3 (Norbu was 12. Refer to Long Answer Question No.2 (Albert Einstein’s
an..... own shortcomings.) of Diagnostic Test-3 miserable..... unfit rebels..) of Diagnostic Test-1
(Chapter-8 : Silk Road). (Chapter-4 : Albert Einstein at School).
(b) As economy improves, people start having less Or
children. Poor people have more children. In this Refer to Long Answer Question No.1 (Normally the
way, economic growth and population growth medicines..... a boon) of Diagnostic Test-1 (Chapter-7 :
contradict each other. Birth).
(c) The nightmare that haunted Shahid was the
painful exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the 13. Khushwant Singh’s grandmother was a very old
valley. Shahid loved Kashmiri Pandits and almost lady. She was short, fat and slightly bent. Her face
everything related to them, especially the Kashmiri was wrinkled. She had white hair. She was very
Pandit style food. Their exodus hurt Shahid. He affectionate. She was closely involved in bringing
wrote about this pain in his poems. up the author. The two lived in the village. She was
(d) Andrew had been thinking about the unsuccessful a caring grandmother. She would wake him early in
married lives of some persons he knew. Bramwell the morning and get him ready for school. She served
was foolishly devoted to a woman who deceived him breakfast and took him to school. She waited for
him immorally. Edward page was bound to him in the temple. She prayed while he studied. She
quarrelsome Blodwen. Denny was living unhappily returned with him.
apart from his wife. His thoughts were muddled She was kind and benevolent. She used to feed dogs in
(confused). the village. In the city she took to feeding the sparrows.
She was a deeply religious lady. Her lips were always
11. Knowledge about the past is useful to complete our moving in a silent prayer. She was always telling the
knowledge of the world we live in: A great poet and beads of her rosary. She went to the temple and read
thinker believed that our past modifies our present the scriptures.
and our present shapes our future. If one wishes to
She was a strong woman with strong beliefs. Although
attain phenomenal success in possessing a thorough
she was not formally educated, she was serious about
knowledge of the present earthly existence, one has to
the author’s education. She could not adjust herself
delve deep into the study of the past. Man’s progress
to the western way of life, Science and English edu-
is gradual. The importance of relationships, love,
cation. She hated music. She was distressed to know
friendship, humanity, mankind, human values and
that there was no teaching about God and holy books
family can be understood by comprehending the past.
at Khushwant’s new English school. On the whole, she
‘Past repeats itself’ is a very popular saying. Those
was a nice, affectionate, kind hearted and religious lady.
who learn from the past are wise and intelligent. They
never suffer in life. Those who forget the past, repent Or
in future. What is reality? Some say that reality is what we
Against the motion: Life is very precious. It should experience directly through the senses. Other are of
not be wasted in studying the past. Everyone wants to the opinion that we may experience reality through
be happy in this world. And I have a firm conviction instruments as well. Then another question arises:
that those who believe in the present can never feel sad Whether reality is limited to what we see or if it has
and dejected. They believe in the present. They develop other forms to make itself known. Reality may not
their skills to live and enjoy the present moment be unique. Experiments on atoms and their particles
instead of repenting for their past mistakes. Man is not have proved it. The bahaviour of these small systems
infalliable. So we are bound to make mistakes. And we is quite startling. It cannot be predicted definitively,
should not waste time in brooding over the past. Our even if all the physical laws governing those systems
experiences of the present can lead us to success. are known.
Or An electron fired from a source may be found here,
The Chinese view of art is not meant to reproduce any there, anywhere. So there may be many world
actual view and doesn’t choose a single view point. pictures. In one world the electron is found here, in
His landscape is not a real one and you can interact another it is over there. In yet another it is in a still
with it from any point. The artist creates a path from different location. Once the observer finds where it is,
your eyes to travel up and down. The European painter we know which world we are talking about. But all
wants you to borrow his eyes and look at a particular those alternative worlds could exist just the same. A
landscape exactly as he saw it from a specific angle. transition is needed to reach the other worlds. Hence
The European paintings reproduce an actual view of a reality is always not what is directly experienced
real object. through the senses.

UNIT ASSIGNMENT PAPER – 2

SECTION – A country avoid involvement in the conflicts between
1. A. 1. (d) that they have some of the most magnificent power blocs. This is called non-alignment. A
rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva country can be developed by making special
2. (c) Maheshmurti provisions for the weaker section. Industry has
3. (b) in a dilapidated state to balanced with agriculture and so large with the
4. (a) protect caves from vandalism small. Transformation should not cause suffering
for others. India as a democratic country rises above
5. (a) a toxic chemical storage terminal
the difference in many sphere. All citizens should
6. (b) the process of becoming worse
be united fighting for not only the political freedom,
B. 1. The caves were in a dilapidated state.Vandals but also the social justice and equality against the
ravaged them. Picnickers littered the surround- enemies in disguise.
ings with left over food packets and plastic bags.
2. Security personnel were deployed in order to SECTION – B
protect the caves from vandalism.
3.
3. The most potent threat the caves suffer from is TRACK SUIT FOR
the rapid industrial development in their vicinity
as it causes pollution and threatens marine and YOUNG AND OLD
bird life in the area. Available Comfortable:
4. The island was named after a great elephant Latest track suits for the young
structure in black stone. It was removed in 1864 and old persons by
by the Britishers, who took it to England. It
was later returned to India. Now it stands at the XYZ Company, Mumbai
Victoria Gardens in Mumbai. v The track suits are of latest trendy style.
C. 1. degeneration 2. stringently v They are available for men and women
2. A. I. Title: Democracy in India v All sizes in attractive colours.
II. Notes: Wholesale Parties and Dealers
1. India Can also Contact us for the bulk order.
(a) stands for freedom Interested Person can Contact
(b) toler. XYZ Company
(c) non-alignm. Saraswati Vihar Mumbai, • Ph: 98××××××××.
(d) to blunt conflicts
2. Country as extended family Or
(a) sp. prov. for weak and smaller industries GD PUBLIC SCHOOL, BIKANER
(b) ind. has to balanced with agriculture
(c) daunting venture 10th Mar, 20×× NOTICE
3. Why democracy worked in India? Cultural Evening
(a) national leadership dedicated
The Cultural Club is presenting a cultural evening
(b) society supported it
as a thanks giving programme on the last day of
(c) we tend to rise above differences.
our schooling as per the following details.
(d) w e fight for social justice, equality,
economic justice Date : 15th Mar., 20××
Time : 6:00 pm
toler — tolerance Venue : Ashoka Auditorium
prov. — Provision Class : XI and XII
align — Alignment Entry by invitation cards only.
sp. — special
Those interested may collect their invitation cards
ind. — industry
from the undersigned.
B. Summary
Democracy is tolerance for other opinions. It also Rohit/Rashit
involves tolerance of other nations and systems. Secretary
For stability in the world, India being a democratic Cultural Form

4. Examination Hall will. Some undesirable elements and beggars sleep

ABC Centre on the benches at night. There is no watchman or

19th September, 20×× gardener to look after its maintenance. People are
wary of going to the park early in the morning or late

The Principal in the evening. Thus, the park has become a nuisance
Albert Mission School to the residents.
Rouse Avenue

It is hoped that after reading our plight in the newspaper
New Delhi
the authorities will be roused to take remedial steps.

Respected Sir So far all our appeals and letters to the authorities have
Subject: Improvement in School Canteen. failed to elicit any response from them. Perhaps your
editorial comments may do the trick.

I would like to draw your kind attention towards the
need of bringing improvement in our school canteen.
Yours truly
Our school canteen is just an apology for a canteen. It
Shaan
is housed in an old dingy, ill ventilated room. Though
the school has more than 2500 students, the canteen has 5. INDIA HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE
only 25 chairs and most of them are broken. There is a Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends!
huge rush during the recess. Students who go there in India is on the march, ready to make a giant leap
their vacant periods find it in bad shape. The contractor forward. I have no hesitation in claiming with certainty
pays no attention to the quality of the eatables served that India has a bright future. Our nation has vast natural
here, though the prices are exorbitant. No effort is made resources. We have suffered from floods or droughts
to keep the place neat and clean. because we failed to lay down national policy for

I request you to kindly pay a surprise visit to the canteen harnessing river waters. Similarly, the enemy attacked
and make an on the spot appraisal. In case you are us when we were slack in defence preparedness. Our
convinced of the genuineness of our observation, please advance in Science and Technology has made us self-
ask the canteen committee to take immediate steps to dependent in food grains, energy, communication,
improve the situation. transport and defence. Green revolution, White
revolution and now cyber-revolution have brought a

Yours faithfully
radical transformation in Indian economy, trade and
Arun Pradhan banking. With foreign exchange reserves marking very
President high, we can engage in profitable foreign trade. To sum
Students’ Association up, India is bound to make all round progress in the
Or coming years.
Thank you

32, Kailash Colony
New Delhi Or

8th June, 20×× A VISIT TO A LIBRARY

Last Sunday, I went to Mahatma Gandhi National

The Editor Library with my friends. As we entered, I was suprised
The Hindustan Times to see its size. It is so huge and clean and has two
New Delhi floors. The whole building is full of books. All types

Sir of books are divided into sections. I first went to the
Subject: Poor Maintenance of Public Parks in Kailash kids section. This section has many variety of books
Colony. for almost all subjects like maths, english, hindi, etc.
I went through many books. The books were of very

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, high quality. The library has good facility of clean
I would like to draw the attention of the Municipal drinking water and clean washrooms. All the staffs
Corporation of Delhi towards the wretched condition and attendants for your guidance were doing their
of the public park in our colony. job satisfactorily. I like this library very much. Next

Our colony, Kailash Colony, was developed in the weekend, I will surely visit if again with my parents.
eighties, when much attention was not given to
green belts. It has only one public park which is in 6. (a) has been accorded (b) India has been
an abject state. It seems a picture of utter neglect. (c) with a long (d) teachings have not
The boundary wall is broken at several places. (e) classrooms but have (f) to the whole
Consequently, stray cows and dogs wander inside at (g) as an excellent (h) Indian to spread

7. (a) The birds fly to South to escape chill and starvation. thing happened with Mary. She screamed, “We’re
(b) What is being looked at by you? sinking.” But the children were brave and played
(c) There is little sense in crying over spilt milk. their role efficiently. When the narrator went to the
8. (a) Your house may be bigger but mine is better than children’s cabin and enquired about their well-being
you. they replied positively. When the captain went in to
(b) The window panes were shattered due to explosion comfort the children, Jon said, “We aren’t afraid of
of the bomb. dying if we can all be together...”. The girl did not
trouble her parents for her head injury which took
(c) You and Rajeev may be right.
six minor operations to remove a recurring blood clot
SECTION – C between skin and skull.
9. (i) All three in the above stanza are the poet, her
Once Mary and the narrator sat together holding
mother and her cousin sister. hands and felt that their end was very near. The
(ii) The poet’s mother and her female cousins’s sweet adults got full support from children in those horrible
face is referred here. circumstances.
(iii) All three stand still and smile because uncle was Or
taking a snap with a camera.
Refer to Long Answer Question No.1 (‘Outsider art’
(iv) Uncle was taking the photograph. refers..... acclaim.) of Diagnostic Test-2 (Chapter-4 :
Or Landscape of the Soul).
(i) The poet is the speaker of this stanza. 12. Ranga was influenced by the English way of life in the
(ii) The father wants his son to return home. matter of marriage. He was not in favour of arranged
(iii) He is in forgiving mood. marriages of the time where the brides were quite
(iv) The father wants to forgive his son but they have young. He told the narrator that he was not getting
nothing to talk about. married just then. He gave two reasons. First, he must
10. (a) Refer to Short Answer Question No.3 (The find the right girl. She must be mature enough to
narrator had..... the world.) of Diagnostic Test-1 understand his love-talk. A very young girl might take
(Chapter-2 : “We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can his words spoken in love as words spoken in anger.
All Be Together”). He gives examples of a thirty-year-old officer who
married a twenty-five-year-old lady and that of king
(b) Millie tells Taplow that her husband is at the
Dushyanta falling in love with Shakuntla. The second
Bursars and might be there quite a long time. If
she were him, she would go. Taplow remarks that reason he gave was that one should marry a girl one
Mr Crocker-Harris had especially asked him loves.
to come. She then asks him to run to the During the course of the story we find a change in
chemist and bring medicine according to the Ranga’s ideas about marriage. Not only is he fascinated
prescription. Thus he could do a job for him. by Rama Rao’s eleven-year-old niece Ratna, he also
She would take the blame if he came before marries her in the old traditional way of arranged
Taplow returned. marriages.
(c) Cyril only thinks about himself and is afraid to Or
speak the truth. He cannot tell his father that people Refer to Long Answer Question No.2 (The narrator
make fun of him in the club. remembered..... move on.) of Diagnostic Test-3
(d) Refer to Short Answer Question No.2 (Once (Chapter-2 : The Address).
staying in..... Bombay films.) of Diagnostic Test-1 13. Overpopulation causes many problems in everyday
(Chapter-6 : The Ghat of the Only World). life. The three basic human needs—food, cloth
11. The reaction of the adults and children when faced and shelter—have assumed alarming proportions.
with danger was not unexpected. The captain tried Fisheries, forests, grasslands and croplands are under
his level best to protect wavewalker from the gigantic severe strain. In many areas they have reached an
waves. He slowed the boat down, dropped the storm unsustainable level. People resort to overfishing
jib and lashed a heavy mooring rope in a loop across to obtain protein. Forests are being destroyed to
the stern. A torrent of green and white water broke obtain firewood. Grasslands are becoming deserts.
over the ship and injured the captain. The narrator Artificial fertilizers have improved the productivity
was aware of flying overboard and sinking below the of croplands. Overpopulation hinders development
waves. He accepted his approaching death. The same and adversely affects the spread of education and

health care among the masses. It is observed that deterioration in environment and shortens our lives
the poor beget more children. It only leads them by causing many diseases.
to unending poverty. More children does not mean Or
more workers but merely more people without
work. Thus, overpopulation leads to unemployment.
Refer to Long Answer Question No.2 (Oxford
Public transport proves insufficient. We see long professor, travel..... our mind.) of Diagnostic Test-4
queues everywhere. In short, overpopulation leads to (Chapter-8 : Silk Road).
qqq

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4th Proof \ Praveen \ Assig_in_English_Plus-11_(Core)_TH \ 15-07-19\09:39 Reader _______________________ Date __________

(Progressive Educational Publishers)

Full Marks Pvt Ltd

4 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

ASSIGNMENT – 5 capable to solve new problems without trial and

Note-Making & Summarising

ASSIGNMENT – 2 congestion, increasing population, lack of public

8 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Key to Abbreviations B. Summary

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 9

15th Feb., 20×× NOTICE Books — Our Best Friends

10 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

 Fancy Dress  Snacks Stalls

Come one : Come all Entry by Tickets Call at helpline ‘Saathi’

The Never Never Nest

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 11

12 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

5. Moreover, the old editions of the following books have

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 13

14 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I 4. Madurai

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 15

16 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 17

18 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 19

20 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 21

22 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 23

other petroleum products. They carried banners and ASSIGNMENT – 1

24 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 25

Constitution. The gender bias is predominant 2. The Principal

26 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 27

I wish to draw the attention of the authorities ASSIGNMENT – 7

28 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

we do not have this particular subject in the senior

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 29

2. M/s Universal Book Suppliers ASSIGNMENT – 10

30 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 31

32 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 33

34 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

(e) it ... them (f) become ... becomes ASSIGNMENT – 8

Section - B: Writing Skills & Grammar 35

SECTION - C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS

36 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - C: Literature Textbooks 37

2 : “We’re Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together”

38 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

Section - C: Literature Textbooks 39

40 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

3 : Discovering Tut : the Saga Continues

Section - C: Literature Textbooks 41

42 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

4 : Landscape of the Soul

Section - C: Literature Textbooks 43

44 Assignments in English Plus Core – 11 Teachers’ Handbook

5 : The Ailing Planet : The Green Movement’s Role

Section - C: Literature Textbooks 45

4th Proof \ Praveen \ Assig_in_English_Plus-11_(Core)_TH \ 15-07-19\09:39 Reader _____________ Date

Come one : Come all Entry by Tickets Call at helpline ‘Saathi’