Delhi Public School, Bangalore South

ENGLISH

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Practice Booklet Class 8 2021-2022

Name : ________________________
Section: _____________

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 INDEX 32. Passage / Comprehension 50-51
S.No. Month Topic Pg.No. 33. Poem / Comprehension 52-53
1. Passage / Comprehension 2 34. Formal Letter 53-55
2. Poem / Comprehension 3 35. Report Writing 55-57
3. Informal letter 3-4 36. Conditionals 57-58
4. Story Writing 5-6 37. Revision Exercises 59-72
5. Passage Comprehension 7-8 38. Term 1 Sample Paper 73-77
6. Poem / Comprehension 8-9 39. Annual Sample Paper 77-81
7. Paragraph writing 9-10 40. Competency based questions 81-84
8. Tenses 10-15 41.
9. Active and Passive voice 15-17
10. Passage Comprehension 17-18
11. Poem / Comprehension 18-19
12. Dialogue Writing 19-20
13. Determiner 20-21
14. Direct to Indirect 22-25
15. Indirect to Direct 25-27
16. Passage / Comprehension 27-28
17. Poem /Comprehension 28-29
18. Speech Writing 29-30
19. Prepositional Phrases 31
20. Participles & Gerunds 32-34
21. Passage / Comprehension 35
22. Poem / Comprehension 36
23. Article Writing 37-38
24. Transitive and Intransitive 39
25. Clause 45-47
26. Subject Verb Agreement 40-42
27. Notice Writing 45
28. Passage / Comprehension 43-44
29. Poem / Comprehension 44-45
30. Complex Sentences 47-49
31. Synthesis of Sentences 49-50
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 Comprehension 1
David Copperfield
By Charles Dickens
I Observe
Read the passage. Then answer the questions.
The first objects that assume a distinct presence before me, as I look far back,
into the blank of my infancy, are my mother with her pretty hair and Peggotty
with eyes so dark and cheeks and arms so hard and red. I have an impression
on my mind which I cannot distinguish from actual remembrance, of the touch
of Peggotty's forefinger as she used to hold it out to me, and of its being
roughened by needlework, like a pocket nutmeg-grater. In part upon my own
experience of myself; that I was a child of close observation, or that as a man
I have a strong memory of my childhood, I undoubtedly lay claim to both of
these characteristics.
What else do I remember? Let me see. There comes out of the cloud, our house
not new to me, but quite familiar, in its earliest remembrance. On the ground-
floor is Peggotty's kitchen, opening into a back yard; with a pigeon-house on a
pole, a great dog-kennel in a corner and a quantity of fowls that look terribly
tall to me. There is one cock that gets upon a post to crow, of the geese outside
the side gate who come waddling after me with their long necks stretched out
when I go that way.
Here is a long passage what an enormous perspective I make of it; leading from
Peggotty's kitchen to the front door. A dark store-room opens out of it, there
with a dimly-burning light, in which there is the smell of soap, pickles, pepper,
candles, and coffee, all at one whiff. Then there are the two parlours: the
parlour in which we sit of an evening, my mother and I and Peggotty for
Peggotty is quite our companion. The best parlour where we sit on a Sunday;
not so comfortably there is something of a doleful air about that room to me,
for Peggotty has told me I don't know when, about my father's funeral. One
Sunday night my mother reads to Peggotty and me in there, how Lazarus was
raised up from the dead. And I am so frightened that they are obliged to take
me out of bed, and show me the quiet churchyard out of the bedroom window,
with the dead all lying in their graves at rest, below the solemn moon.
Answer the questions.
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1. What was the first objects that assumed a distinct presence before the
narrator?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
2. How was the touch of Peggotty’s forefinger?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
3. How has the narrator described his characteristics?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
4. Where was Peggoty’s kitchen?
___________________________________________________
5.Describe the store-room.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
6. How many parlours were there in the house?
___________________________________________________
7.What did they show the narrator when he was frightened?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
II. Choose the words from the passage that means the same as:
a. viewpoint –
b. mournful -
 Comprehension – 2
Read the poem and answer the questions in complete sentences.
The Wind and the Leaves
“Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day,
“Come over the meadows with me and play.
Put on your dresses of red and gold;
For summer is gone, and the days grow cold.
” Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all.
O’er the brown field then they danced and flew
Singing the soft little songs they knew.
Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went,
Winter had called them, and they were content.
Soon, fast asleep on their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.
by George Cooper
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the rhyming scheme of the poem?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
2. Who is speaking in the first stanza?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
3. What literary device is this? (e.g. metaphor, alliteration, personification,
simile)
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
4. What does the third line of the first stanza tell us about the season of the
year?
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___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
5. What does the poet mean by “Singing the soft little songs they knew”?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
6. Why does the poet say the leaves are ‘fast asleep’?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
7. What is the main topic of the poem?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
8. What is the mood of the poem?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Writing Task
INFORMAL LETTER
Letters have been used as a means of communication for centuries together.
They can be broadly classified into two categories.
 Formal
 Informal
Informal letters are written to friends and relatives. Business letters and job
applications are some classic examples of formal letter writing.
FORMAT OF INFORMAL LETTER
Sender’s address
Date: 11 March, 2016
Dear…………….
Body of the letter:
  The tone in an informal letter is usually conversational and friendly but
it also depends on the writer’s intention.
 Refer to personal matters, e.g. how are you coping with……..
 Refer to a memory.
 Inquire, persuade, seek information or ask for advice.
 End with Yours sincerely, Yours affectionately, Your loving
daughter/son
 Name of the sender
SAMPLE INFORMAL LETTER
You are Pritam. Write a letter to your best friend inviting him for your sister’s
wedding.
Abirami Mansion
Bangalore
March 11, 2018
Dear Patrick
Hope you are doing fine. I would like to share the good news that my sister,
Malini got engaged to Mr. Dilip, a software engineer, last week. The wedding
is scheduled on June 25, 2018 at Srinidhi Mahal, next to Shoppers Stop bus
stand, Bangalore. The welcome ceremony will be held on June 23, 2018 and
we have arranged a grand party on 24th evening.
I do hope that your family can participate on all the 3 days and grace the
occasion. I am informing you well in advance so that you can make necessary
arrangements to be present for the wedding celebrations.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Yours affectionately
Pritam
PRACTICE EXERCISES
1. You have just spent a week with a friend on holiday. When you got home,
you realised you had left your wallet there. Write a letter to your friend. In your
letter:
Thank your friend for the holiday
Explain that you left your wallet in their house
Give them instruction of how to send it back to you.
2. You spent your summer holidays with your grandparents in the village, away
from gadgets and technology. You had a wonderful time. Write a letter to your
friend about all the experiences you had in the village in about 150 words.

I am happy to welcome you and your family for this function. We have
arranged a shuttle from Bangalore Central Station to Hotel Adigas which is
situated just 5 minutes from the wedding hall. Please let me know when you
would be coming so that I can arrange for your pick up.

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 STORY WRITING
Each time we narrate an incident, recall a good story that we have read, recom
mend a film to a friend by narrating the story line, crack a joke, describe some
thing that we or someone else has done, we are in fact telling a story. Without
realizing it, we spend the better part of the day spinning stories. The only diffe
rence is that some do it in an interesting manner while others merely tell.
WHAT MAKES A STORY GOOD OR BAD?
A story, like any other piece of writing, must have a clear beginning, middle a
nd an end. The point to be noted is that the transition from one stage of the sto
ry to the next must be gradual, smooth and natural. There must be nothing for
ced about it.
Beginning:
It introduces you to the plot, at least some of the characters and the setting.
A Middle:
It allows the plot to unravel itself through the interplay of characters and the a
ction.
The End:
It draws the curtain on the plot.
REMEMBER
When writing a story:
a) Give your story an interesting and attractive title.
b) Introduce the plot with an element of mystery that will keep the reader gue
ssing and reading to the end.
c) Read all the given hints/ outlines again and again so that the plot of the stor
y becomes clear. Twists in the plot make the story interesting.
d) Frame sentences from the given hints/ outlines. The first and the last senten
ces must conform to the plot.
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e) One can use one's own creative ideas to develop the story.
f) Innovative use of language, structures fused with humour, haunting images
are some qualities of a good story.
g) The story must have a moral.
SAMPLE STORY
Complete the story taking help from hints below. (150-200 words)
Three friends find a bag full of money – agree to divide – very hungry – one s
ent to buy food in village – wants all the money himself – so poisons the food
– in his absence the other two plan to murder him – after his murder they eat p
oisoned food – all die.
Money – The Death Trap
There lived three friends who did not trust each other and were not actually go
od friends. One day they were on their way back home from their work. They
were passing through a deep forest when they heard a soft moan. They follow
ed the sound. They came upon a dying man. The dying man told them that he
had a bag full of money. It belonged to his daughter who lived in the nearby c
ity. He was going to handover that money to her but due to his poor health he
could go no further. He requested the three men to pass the money to the daug
hter. They agreed. He gave the bag to the first friend and died.
The three friends were greedy and decided to keep the money to themselves a
nd flee to the city. They asked the second friend to go and buy food from the v
illage after which they could proceed towards the city. In his absence, the first
and the third friend hatched a conspiracy to kill the second friend.
The friend who had gone to get food from the city also wanted all the money t
o himself. So, he decided to kill both of them by poisoning the food he brough
t for the two. When he got back to his friends, he was murdered by them. The
remaining two friends ate the poisoned food and died too.
MORAL: Greed is the root cause of all misery.
 2. Given below is an outline of a story given in the form of phrases. Fill in the
blanks to create the complete story in about 150-200 words.
Famine in the village ….people became desperate with hunger …. there was a
rich man in the village ……. he was very generous …… decided to feed the
children with bread ….. every day children came and fought hard to grab loaves
of bread …… a small girl waited patiently for her turn ….. got a smallest loaf
in the end ….. rich man was very impressed by her patient ….thought of
rewarding her ….. kept in the smallest loaf ….. girl finds the money and returns
it to the rich man ….. he is impressed with her honesty …. gives her Rs.200
more ….. moral.

Exercise:
Complete the following stories in about 150-200 words. Give a suitable title.
1. “Dolly woke up in the middle of the night hearing some noise in her room
…………..”

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Comprehension 3
The Brave and Selfless Act of a Teenager
- Humans of Bombay
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
“I haven’t received any formal training in swimming but being born and
brought up in this area, swimming came naturally to me. We all play here in
the shallow waters because we know that its safe, but there are areas in this
tank that are very deep and dangerous. It was around sometime last year that,
a young girl was laughing and playing in the water. I saw her and remembered
my childhood days. I smiled and continued my work until I heard her scream.
I looked back at the waters but I couldn’t see her -she had gone into the deep
and had started to drown. There were hundreds of onlookers but no one moved
an inch – I didn’t understand why not one person was ready to do anything
about it!
I couldn’t see her and I didn’t have a clue of where she was, but I jumped in,
hoping to be able to see her underwater. I spotted her drowning in the deep and
I swam towards her, so that I could pull her out. The water there was heavy
and fighting the force wasn’t easy, but I put in all my might to save the girl
myself. At some point, I felt like even I won’t make it. The force of the current
was just too much, but I pushed myself harder and summoned all my strength
until I finally reached her.
I caught hold of her yanked her out of the deep. When I reached the shore and
put her near the steps, those onlookers rushed to pump water out of the girl’s
body. Everyone applauded my bravery but my only focus was to see whether
she made it.
With God’s grace, she started breathing normally after a few minutes – she had
survived! I never did if for any fame, but this story spread like wild fire and a
lot of media came to interview me.
I was ultimately called to Delhi last year to receive the General National
Bravery Award from the hands of our Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra
Modi. My family was so proud and everyone congratulated me, but I couldn’t
help but think that it could have been any of those onlookers receiving this
award. It was me, only because I chose to do something while the others
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looked on and that’s the biggest lesson I learnt from this – to never be a
spectator and in the hour of need to actually get up and make a difference.
Answer the following questions.
1. Did the narrator receive any formal training in swimming?
______________________________________________________________
2. When did this happen according to the narrator?
______________________________________________________________
3. When the narrator saw the girl playing, what was he reminded of?
______________________________________________________________
4. What did the narrator hear while he was working?
______________________________________________________________
5. Was the narrator able to see her when he looked around?
______________________________________________________________
6. What did the narrator do when he could not see the girl?
______________________________________________________________
7. Where did he spot her? How did he help her?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. Did the narrator do this for attaining any fame?
______________________________________________________________
9. What did the onlookers do as soon as he pulled her on to the steps?
______________________________________________________________ Could either be on earth
10. How was the narrator rewarded? Or be the heavenly stars.
A man passed by me close,
______________________________________________________________ I asked my way, he said,
11. What is the biggest lesson learnt by the narrator? "Come, follow me, my friend " -
I followed where he led.
He rapped the stones in front,
______________________________________________________________
"Trust me," he said, " and come";
Q2. Write the word from the passage which means the same as:
I followed like a child -
a. gather - b. pull – a blind man led me home. W. H. Davis

c. praised
Q3. Write the word from the passage which is the opposite of the given words.
a. participants x
c. floating x
Comprehension – 4
I saw the fog grow thick
Which soon made blind my ken;
It made tall men of boys,
And giants of tall men.
It clutched my throat, I coughed;
Nothing was in my head
Except two heavy eyes
Like balls of burning lead.
And when it grew so black
That I could know no place
I lost all judgment then,
Of distance or of space.
The street lamps, and the lights
Upon the halted cars,
d. courage
Answer the following questions.
a. What was the illusion created by the fog?
b. Deep x
____________________________________________________________
d. ended x
____________________________________________________________
b. What made the poet cough?
____________________________________________________________
Poem
c. What happened to the poet when it started becoming dark?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
d. How did the lights of the cars appear to him?
______________________________________________________________
e. Who helped the poet reach home?
______________________________________________________________
f. How did he follow the man?
______________________________________________________________

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g. How do you think he knew the way?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
h. Find the words in the poem which means.
i. divine ii. decision
iii. weighty
Writing Task
Paragraph Writing
A paragraph is a short piece of writing that consists of a number of sentences
written on one topic or one idea. These sentences are arranged in a systematic
manner. A good paragraph has the following features.
Unity – Dealing with only one thought or idea.
Connectivity – Each sentence should be well connected.
Few ideas – Few ideas may be included to the central theme.
Conclusion – the last sentence should be impressive.
Paragraphs can be divided into four types – Narrative paragraphs (used to tell
a story or a sequence of events), Descriptive paragraph ( used to describe a
scene of an object), Expository (used to provide information, including facts,
instructions, and definitions) Persuasive (used to share opinions and convince
others to agree or take action).
A descriptive paragraph is a focused and detailed rich account of a specific
topic.
Eg. Write a paragraph on “Value of Discipline”.
Value of Discipline
Discipline is the law of nature. It is in man’s best interest to observe discipline
in all walks of life. Discipline is the backbone of character. Without discipline,
nothing great can be achieved in life. A man who does not observe discipline
in life has to suffer. He becomes lethargic and arrogant. He is disliked by all.
A student who does not obey his teachers and does not do his homework does
not succeed. An employee who does not work sincerely in office may be sacked
anytime. If sportsmen do not observe discipline cannot hope to win any match.
In the army, discipline is of utmost importance. Discipline leads to harmony
whereas indiscipline leads to confusion. No life is worth living without
discipline. A disciplined person is an asset to himself, to his family, to society,
to the nation and to mankind. Discipline works everywhere. It controls the
physical movements and our morals. There is no sphere in heaven and the Earth
where discipline does not dominate.

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Eg. 2 GRAMMAR
Write a paragraph on your favourite Cat.
TENSES
Gregory My Pet Cat
SIMPLE TENSE
Gregory is my beautiful grey Persian cat. He walks with pride and grace,
performing a dance of disdain as he slowly lifts and lowers each paw with the Simple Present
delicacy of a ballet dancer. His pride, however, does not extend to his We use the Present Simple tense when:
appearance, he spends most of his time indoors watching television and
growing fat. He enjoys TV commercials especially those of Meow Mix and 9  the action is general
 the action happens all the time, or habitually, in the past, present and future
lives. His familiarity with cat food commercials has him to reject generic
 the action is not only happening now
brands of cat food in favour of only the most expensive brand. Gregory is as
 the statement is always true
finicky about visitors as he is about what he eats, befriending some and The structure of the Simple Present tense is:
repelling others. He may snuggle up against your ankle, begging to be petted,
or he may imitate a skunk and stain your favourite trousers. Gregory does not Subject + verb+ object
do this to establish his territory, as many cat experts think, but to humiliate me
Examples
because he is jealous of my friends. After my guests have fled, I look at the old
fleabag snoozing and smiling to himself in front of the television set, and I have 
I live in New York.
to forgive him for his obnoxious, but endearing, habits. 
The Moon goes around the Earth.

John drives a taxi.
Exercise: 
He does not drive a bus.
a. Write a paragraph on “Work is Worship”. 
We meet every Thursday.

We do not work at night.

Do you play football?
b. Write a descriptive paragraph on “Importance of Yoga in this Modern
Simple Past
world”.
We use the Past Simple tense to talk about an action or a situation - an event -
in the past.
The structure of the Simple Past is:
Subject + past form of verb+ object
Eg.
 The car exploded at 9.30am yesterday.

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  She went to the door.  action in the future
 We did not hear the telephone.
 Did you see that car? The structure of the Present Continuous tense is:
 I lived in Bangkok for 10 years. Subject+ am/is/are+ -ing form of verb
 The Jurassic period lasted about 62 million years.
 We did not sing at the concert.
 Did you watch TV last night? Examples:
Simple future  Muriel is learning to drive.
 I am living with my sister until I find an apartment.
We use the Future Simple tense when there is no plan or decision to do
something before we speak, to make a prediction about future. We make the  I am taking my exam next month.
decision spontaneously at the time of speaking.  John is looking for a new job.
 We're eating at Joe's Cafe tonight.
The structure of the Simple Future is:
 They can play tennis with you tomorrow. They're not working.
Subject+ will/shall+verb +object  When are, you starting your new job?

Look at these examples: Past Continuous Tense

 Hold on. I'll get a pen. The Past Continuous tense expresses action at a particular moment in the
 We will see what we can do to help you. past. The action started before that moment but has not finished at that moment.
 Maybe we'll stay in and watch television tonight.
The structure of the past continuous tense is:
 It will rain tomorrow.
 People won't go to Jupiter before the 22nd century. Subject+ was/were+ -ing form of verb
 Who do you think will get the job?
Examples:
CONTINUOUS TENSE
 I was working at 10pm last night.
 They were not playing football at 9am this morning.
Present Continuous
 What were you doing at 10pm last night?
We use the Present Continuous to talk about:
 She was cooking when I telephoned her.
 action happening now  We were having dinner when it started to rain.
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  Ram went home early because it was snowing. We have fulfilled our responsibility.

Future Continuous  To express an action that began in the past and is continuing in
present
The Future Continuous tense expresses action at a particular moment in the
She has lived in this house for ten years.
future. The action will have started before that moment but it will not have
I have known him for a long time.
finished at that moment.
The Past Perfect Tense is used
When we use the Future Continuous tense, our listener usually knows or
understands what time we are talking about. Look at these examples:  To describe an action that was completed before another action took
place
The structure of the Future Continuous tense is: The children had slept before their parents returned from work.
 To report a completed action in the past
Subject+will/shall+be +-ing form of verb
Ajay told me that he had won an award.
 I will be playing tennis at 10am tomorrow. The Future Perfect Tense is used
 They won't be watching TV at 9pm tonight.
 To indicate an action which will be completed before a certain time in
 What will you be doing at 10pm tonight? future
 What will you be doing when I arrive? I shall have left before you return from office.
 She will not be sleeping when you telephone her. I shall have done my work by that time.
 We'll be having dinner when the film starts.
PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
 Take your umbrella. It will be raining when you return.
Present Perfect Continuous
This tense is called the Present Perfect Continuous tense. There is usually a
PERFECT TENSE connection with the present or now.
The Present Perfect Tense is used We use the Present Perfect Continuous to talk about:

 To indicate completed activities in the immediate past  past action recently-stopped

The sun has set.  past action still-continuing
The structure of the Present Perfect Continuous tense is:
The train has just arrived.
 To express past actions whose time is not given and not definite
Subject +has+have + been +past participle form of verb
Mr. Raj has been to London.
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Examples
 I have been reading for 2 hours. (I am still reading now.)
 We've been studying since 9 o'clock. (We're still studying now.)
 How long have you been learning English? (You are still learning
now.)
 We have not been smoking. (And we are not smoking now.)
Past Perfect Continuous
The Past Perfect Continuous tense is like the Past Perfect tense, but it
expresses longer actions in the past before another action in the past.
The structure of the Past Perfect Continuous tense is:
Subject+ had +been +- ing form of verb
Examples
 Ram had been waiting for two hours when I arrived.
 John had been running for two hours.
 Somebody had been smoking.
 Suddenly, my car broke down. I was not surprised. It had not been
running well for a long time.
 Had the pilot been drinking before the crash?
Future Perfect Continuous
The Future Perfect Continuous tense is like the Future Perfect tense, but it
expresses longer actions or states extending up to some specific event or time
in the future. For example:
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The structure of the Future Perfect Continuous tense is:
Subject+will/shall+ have been + -ing form of verb
 He'll be tired when he gets here. He'll have been travelling all day.
 How long will Jo have been working when he retires?
 Next month I'll have been studying Chinese for two years.
 Will you have been working when I arrive?
 He won't have been studying long enough to qualify.
 Next week Jane is going to swim from England to France. By the time
she gets to France she'll have been swimming non-stop for over
thirteen hours.
Ex. 1: Fill in the blanks with suitable Simple Tense:
1. I __________(do) many things every day.
2. She _____________ (cook) at the moment.
3. They _________ (have) a party last Sunday.
4. We ___________ (do) it tomorrow.
5. She __________ (write) this exercise two weeks ago.
6. He usually _____________ (buy) modern clothes.
7. Look! The children __________(play) snowballs.
8. They ____________ (write) a quick-test yesterday.
9. They sometimes ________ (break) their toys.
10. The boy __________ (get) only good marks last year.
Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable continuous tense
1.Look! Someone __________(knock) at the door.
2. She generally_________(wear) a blue sari, but today she __________a red
one.
3. It ____________heavily all the night(rain).
4. ___________________cricket match all evening? (you play)
5. I lived in Patna, when you ______________in Delhi. (live)
6.They____________(reach) Bhutan on Sunday.
7. If you go there now, they _________________(have) dinner.
8. It probably ____________(rain) when your mother gets back from her
office.
Ex. 3: Fill the in blanks with suitable form of verbs
1. I realised that I__________(take) the wrong decision.
2. By the time, we arrived they _____________(go)
3. He _________just______________(go) out.
4. She ____________(write) when I __________(called) on her.
5. She ________(sing)a song for you.
6. You _____________(learn) English by the end of this year.
Ex.4. Fill in the gaps with the Present Perfect form of verbs given in the
bracket.
eg. How long has he lived (live) in Germany ?
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2. Peter ___________ (not play) basketball since 1987.
3. I __________ (speak) Russian for twenty years.
4. We ____________ (not see) Reena since Christmas.
5. Our class ___________ (take) a field trip twice a year.
6. Jennifer ___________ (ask) that question four times a day.
7. We ___________ (work) at this company since 2009.
8. Alice told me she _____________ (study) grammar already.
9. I ______________ (interview) the best candidate for the job.
10. _________ you ___________ (purchase) the new computer yet?
Ex. 5. Fill in the gaps with the Past Perfect form of verbs given in the
bracket.
1. The storm destroyed the sand castle that we had built. (build)
2. When he went out to play, he ______ already _______ her homework. (do)
3. My brother ate all the cake that my mother ________ (make)
4. The doctor took off the plaster that he ____________ on six weeks before.
(put)
5. The waiter bought a drink that I _____ not _______. (order)
6. I cannot remember the poem we _____________ the week before. (learn)
7. The children collected the chestnuts that ____________ from the tree.
(fall)
8. When I called, she __________ to sleep. (go)
9. He told us that he ___________ to the mall thrice. (be)
10. We faced a lot of trouble because we ______________ our passports.
(lose)
Ex.6. Fill in the gaps with the Future Perfect form of verbs given in the
bracket.
1. I will have left (leave) by six.
2. ___________ (you/finish) the report by the deadline.
3. When ___________ (we/do) everything ?
4. She ___________ (finish) her exams by then , so we can go out for dinner.
5. You ___________ (read) the book before the next class.
6. She ___________ (not/finish) work by seven.]
7. When ___________ (you/complete) the work ?
8. They ___________ (arrive) by dinner time.
9. We ___________ (be) in London for three years next week.
10. ___________ (she/get) home by lunch time?
15
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
A verb is in the Active Voice when its form shows that the person or thing
denoted in the subject is the doer of the action.
1. The mason is building the wall.
2. The peon opened the gate.
A verb is in the Passive Voice when its form shows that the subject is not active
but passive. Here the subject does not act but receives the action.
1. The wall is being built by the mason.
2. The gate was opened by the peon.
3. A kite was being flown by her.
Use of Active and Passive Voice:
The Active voice is used when the agent, that is the doer of the action, is to be
made prominent. The Passive voice is used when the person or thing acted
upon is to be made.
The Passive voice is generally used when the doer of the action is unknown,
unimportant or vague. In such cases the agent with by is usually omitted.
Change from Active to Passive Voice
The subject of the Active voice becomes the object of the Passive Voice. The
object of the Active Voice becomes the subject of the Passive voice.
1. Rita cut the cake. (Active Voice)
2. The cake was cut by Rita. (Passive Voice)
The tense of the verb does not change.
The preposition by is used in the passive voice to give complete sense to the
sentence. In case the subject is unimportant in the Active Voice, then the by is:
Example: The farmer grows wheat. The verb to grow is given below in the 4. People speak English all over the world.
Active and Passive
English is spoken(by people) all over the world.
Tense Active Voice Passive Voice
I. Find out the verbs in the following sentences and state whether they are in
Simple Present grows is/are grown the active or passive.
Present Continuous is/are growing is/are being grown 1. This house was built by my grandfather. ________________
Present Perfect has/have grown has/have been grown 2. The boy was bitten by a snake. ____________________
Present Perfect has/have been _ 3. The loud noise frightened the cows.______________________
Continuous growing
4. His command was promptly obeyed.____________________
Simple Past grew was were grown
5. All the milk was drunk by the cat. ______________________
Past Continuous was/were growing was/were being
grown 7. A stone struck me on the head. _______________________
Past Perfect had grown had been grown
8. The minister inaugurated the exhibition.___________________
Past Perfect Cont. had been growing ---
Simple Future will grow will be grown II. Rewrite the following sentences in Passive Voice.

Future Continuous will be growing ----- 1. They have pulled down the old building.

Future Perfect will have grown will have been grown ___________________________________________________

Future Perfect Cont. will have been growing 2. The workers were digging a canal.
___________________________________________________

Eg. 1 The artist sketched the portrait. 3. They will finish the job by the end of the week.

The portrait was sketched by the artist. ___________________________________________________

2. Our team won the match. 4. They took all the necessary precautions.

The match was won by our team. ___________________________________________________

3. You must do it at once. 5. Someone has picked my pocket.

It must be done at once. ___________________________________________________

16
6. Ramesh had borrowed some money. Looking across the valley, his father yelled to the mountain, 'I admire you!'
The voice answered: 'I admire you!'
___________________________________________________
Again the man cried out: 'You are a champion!' The voice replied, 'You are a
7. Dinesh will paint a landscape. champion!'
The boy was amazed, but he was very confused. So, his father explained...
___________________________________________________ 'You are only hearing an echo, the sound of our voices bouncing back from the
8.They found him guilty of murder. mountains. However, this really is how life works. It returns to you what you
think, say, and do!
__________________________________________________ Our lives are a reflection of our thoughts and actions. If you want more love in
your world, create more love in your heart. If you want to be treated with
9.He told me to leave the room. kindness, treat others with kindness. If you want more competence on your
____________________________________________________ team, become more competent.
This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life. Life will give to
10. The boy is climbing the cliff. you, everything you give to it, only it will give you even more in return. Your
_____________________________________________________ life is not ever a coincidence. Each moment is a reflection of you!'
The son listened and grew in understanding, and through the following years,
he witnessed the truth of these words in his life!

Comprehension 5 Answer the following questions.

Reflection of you 1. What is the story about?
Read the passage and answer the following questions. ______________________________________________________________

There is a story about a father and his young son who were walking through
the mountains. Suddenly, the son fell, hurting his leg on a rock. He screamed,
'AAhhhh!'
To his surprise, he heard a voice repeating, 'AAhhhh!'
This made him even more curious. So, he yelled, 'Who are you?' Back came
the same answer, 'Who are you?'
Feeling a bit perturbed by this response, he yelled out, 'Coward!' Back came
the same reply, 'Coward!'
He looked at his father and asked: 'What's going on?' His father smiled and
said: 'Son, pay attention.'
2. What did the Son hear when he fell down and screamed?
_____________________________________________________________
3. What was the explanation given by his father about the voice?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
4. How does the father connect life and echo heard?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

17
5. What must one do to get more love?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6. What do you learn from the story?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
II. Complete the following sentences.
1. When the man cried out ‘You are a champion’ the voice replied
_____________________________________________________________
2. If you want more competence___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Comprehension – 6
Poem
Read this monologue from William Shakespeare’s play ‘As You Like It’.
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
18
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
Answer the following questions:
1. “All the world’s a stage And all the men and women merely players : They
have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”
(а) What is the world compared to?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(b) Exits and entrances mean ______________________________
(c) What do you mean by ‘acts’ in the last line.
______________________________________________________________
2. At first the infant Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
(а) Which stage of life is being referred to here?
______________________________________________________________
(b) What are the characteristics of this stage?
______________________________________________________________
(c) Give the meaning of ‘mewing’.
______________________________________________________________
3. In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of
formal cut, Full of wise saws and modern instances.
(а) Which stage of life has been described here by Shakespeare?
______________________________________________________________
(b) What are the features of this stage?
______________________________________________________________
(c) Explain the last line.
______________________________________________________________
4. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face,
creeping like snail Unwilling to school.
(а) What is the school going by described as?
______________________________________________________________
(b) How does the school boy walk to school?
______________________________________________________________
(c) Which simile has been used here?
______________________________________________________________
19
5. And then the lover Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his
mistress’ eyebrow
(a) Is the lover described happy?
______________________________________________________________
(b) How does he behave?
______________________________________________________________
(c) Which figure of speech has been used in the first two lines here?
______________________________________________________________
WRITING TASK
DIALOGUE WRITING
A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people. A written
dialogue should be short and realistic.
Points to Remember
Think over the subject and arrange the ideas in logical order.
Avoid bookish expression and slang.
The conversation should be introduced and concluded properly.
Start a new line, when a person starts speaking.
When the speaker changes start with a new line
Punctuate the dialogues correctly. Use comma between the dialogues and tag
line is used to identify the speaker.
Can use contracted form like don’t, isn’t, shouldn’t etc.
Sample  to state possessives.
 to specify someone or something.
Suhash and Vaibhav are meeting after a long time. They discuss what they have  to state how things or people are distributed.
been doing since they parted. Construct a dialogue between both of them in
 to state the difference between nouns.
about 80 words.
Suhash: Hello Vaibhav, good to see you. Where have you been all these years?
There are several classes of Determiners
Vaibhav: I am working in a private company. I was sent to Singapore by my
CLASSES OF EXAMPLES
company two years back. So I was staying there. DETERMINERS
Suhash: Wow, that’s great! Articles a, an, the
Vaibhav: What are you doing? Possessives my , your ,our, their, his, hers, its, whose, etc.
Suhash: I am working in a private bank for the last three years. Demonstratives this, that, these, those, which, etc.
Vaibhav: We are meeting after such a long time. Quantifiers few, a few, a little, much, many, most, each,
Suhash: Yes, I know. It’s so nice to see you. Come let’s have a cup of coffee. every, some, any, etc.
Vaibhav: Alright. Numbers One, two, three, twenty, thirty, etc.
Ordinals first, second, last, next, etc.
Exercise 1 Distributives Each , every , either , neither ,all , both ,etc.
Nitin has to go for an interview tomorrow. He is feeling very nervous. He
Interrogatives What, which, whose, etc.
discusses it with his mother. Construct a dialogue on this situation in about 80
words.
I. Fill in the gaps with suitable determiners.
1. It was raining heavily, so only ________ children came to school. (much, a
Exercise 2
few, a little)
Tarun visits his friend Kunal who is admitted in the hospital after an accident.
Construct a dialogue between both of them in about 80 words. The first one is
2. The tea tastes awful. There is too _________ sugar in it. (much, many,
given as a hint.
few)
Tarun: Hello Kunal, how are you now?
3. Ravi is annoyed because his friend has spilt ________ ink on his clothes.
(any, a little, none)
GRAMMAR
4. You can do what you want. I don’t have _______ issues with what you do.
DETERMINERS
(many, much, any)
5. On Sundays, there’s not _________ traffic on the roads. (much, little, any)
Determiners are words that are used before nouns to indicate whether we are
6. I went to the library to borrow ________ books. (a few, a lot of, many)
referring to something specific or particular.
7. Do you have _______ wheat? (any, little, much)
Determiners are used
8. _________ accidents on the road take place due to the fog in winter.
 to state the unit/number of people , things or other nouns.
(many, few, little)
20
9. There are ________ buses that ply on that route. (any, many, much)
10. I have ________ savings to build the house. (some, many, a few)
II. Fill in the gaps with suitable determiners.
1. Our boss is going on a holiday for ________ days.
2. His project was _______ appreciated.
3. There is so _______ work left to be done.
4. Is there ______ pen with you?
5. Please pass me _____ sugar.
6. _______ visitor parked his car properly.
7. It was so beautiful that I could have stayed in _____ place forever.
8. The coffee is too strong. Please add ______ milk to it.
9. ________ decision would be taken by the management from this month.
10. He told _______ friend about the incident.
11.________ pen is yours?
12. _______ books lying on the table are not required.
13. The boy is sleeping in ______ bed peacefully.
14. He is very weak. Please spend _______ time with him.
21
15. You can choose _______ subject in class IX.
III. Correct the following sentences.
1. Shimla has the wonderful climate all year around.
___________________________________________________
2. She has worked in a IT industry ever since she left college.
___________________________________________________
3. The third person from a right is my boss.
___________________________________________________
4. Much boulders were strewn across the road.
___________________________________________________
5. It has been a very dry season. We haven’t had little rain.
_____________________________________________________________
6. Please keep quiet. There are too many noise in the class.
_____________________________________________________________
7. My grandfather is going to have a operation.
_____________________________________________________________
8. On Sundays there is not many traffic along this road.
_____________________________________________________________
 DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH  A Present Continuous becomes a Past Continuous
He said, ‘I am going.’
The act of reporting the words of a speaker is called narration. There are
basically two ways in which a speaker can convey the intended message/idea He said that he was going.
to the listener – Direct Speech and Indirect / Reported Speech  A Present Perfect becomes a Past Perfect
He said, ‘I have won.’
Read the following sentences He said that he had won.
A. Bhuvan said, “I have taken tea.”  A Simple Past becomes a Past Perfect
He said, ‘I played the match.’
B. Bhuvan said that he had taken tea.
He said that he had played the match.
In sentence (A) the exact words of the speaker are repeated. This is called  There is no change in Past Perfect
Direct Speech. The words in inverted commas, I have taken tea, form the He said, ‘Anurag had jumped into the river.’
reported speech while the words outside the inverted commas, Bhuvan said, He said that Anurag had jumped into the river.
form the reporting clause having the reporting verb said. The reporting verb
 Some other changes
introduces the reported speech.
o Will/Shall changes to Would/Should
In sentence (B) the exact words of the speaker are transformed by the reporter o Can/May changes to Could/Might
into his own words . This is called Indirect or Reported Speech. Inverted o Must changes to Had to
commas are not used in reported speech. Changes are made in the pronoun
and the tense of reported speech according to rules of grammar. 2. When the reporting verb is in the Present or Future Tense the tense of
the reported Speech does not change
He says, ‘I want a glass of milk.’
Transforming Direct Speech into Indirect Speech
He says that he wants a glass of milk.
Change of Tense
He will say, ‘I want a glass of milk.’
1. When the reporting verb is in the past tense:
He will say that he wants a glass of milk.
 A Simple Present becomes a Simple Past
He said, ‘I want a glass of milk.’ 3. CHANGE OF PRONOUNS
He said that he wanted a glass of milk.  The first person pronoun (I, we) change after the person of the
However, if the reported speech expresses a universal truth, we do not subject.
change the tense of the reported speech. He said, ‘I want milk.’
He said, ‘The earth revolves around the sun.’ He said that he wanted milk.
He said that the earth revolves around the sun. They said, ‘We are happy.’

22
 They said that they were happy. She asked Ashu when he would come.
 The second person pronoun (you) changes after the person of the
The teacher said to her, ‘Where are you going?’
object
She said to me, ‘You play well.’ The teacher enquired her where she was going.
She told me that I played well. When we report ayes/no question, we use the conjunction ifor whether.
 The third person pronouns do not change.
He said, ‘She is playing well.’ She asked him, ‘Do you know swimming.’
He said that she was playing well. She asked him if he knew swimming.
I. Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech
4. Change of words expressing nearness in Place and Time
1. The teacher said to him, ‘Why are you late?’
When the reporting verb is in the Past Tense, words and expressions
____________________________________________________________
showing nearness in time and place are changed into words and expressions
showing distance. 2. The child said, ‘Mom is it going to rain?’

Direct Indirect Direct Indirect ____________________________________________________________

3. I said to her, ‘Do you know dancing?’
Now Then Yesterday The day before
____________________________________________________________
This That Tomorrow The next day
4. ‘Where have you been since morning?’ said the mother to her son.
These Those Last night The previous
____________________________________________________________
night
5. He said to me, ‘Do you live near the market place?’
Ago Before Today That day
_____________________________________________________________
Thus So Here There
6. She said to me, ‘Is there no work left?’
_____________________________________________________________
5. REPORTING QUESTIONS 7. ‘What help do you want from me?’ I said to her.
The reporting verb most often used for reporting wh-questions is ask. _____________________________________________________________
Questions may also be reported more formally using enquire or inquire. The
8. Leena said to Joseph, ‘Where did you keep my things?’
interrogative form of the reported speech is changed into assertive form.
_____________________________________________________________
She said to Ashu, ‘ When will you come?’
9. The students said to the teacher, ‘May we go out and play?’
23
_____________________________________________________________
10. The teacher said to the students, ‘Did you do the work?’
____________________________________________________________
6. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES
We can report order, request or advice of someone else by using a to-
infinitive clause after a reporting verb such as tell, order, request, command,
advise, etc.
She said to her servant, ‘Go and bring food.’
She ordered her servant to go and bring food.
She said to me, ‘Please help me.’
She requested me to help her.
I said to her, ‘Take exercise daily.’
I advised her to take exercise daily.
II. Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech
1. The master said to the servant, ‘Go and bring a glass of milk.’
____________________________________________________________
2. ‘Neena, don’t go out in the rain,’ said Mother.
____________________________________________________________
3. ‘Please wait there till I return,’ She said to him.
____________________________________________________________
4. The beggar said to the man, ‘Give me something to eat.’
____________________________________________________________
5. ‘Write fast,’ the examiner said, ‘don’t waste your time.’
____________________________________________________________
24
6. The man said, ‘Children don’t tease the animals.’
____________________________________________________________
7. The captain said to the soldiers, ‘March.’
____________________________________________________________
8. ‘Don’t trust that boy,’ said the man to the lady.
____________________________________________________________
9. Father said to her children, ‘Do not go near the fire.’
____________________________________________________________
10. He said to the servant, ‘Shut the door before going out.’
___________________________________________________________
7. REPORTING EXCLAMATIONS AND WISHES
Exclamations and wishes can be reported by a verb expressing exclamation or
wish. The exclamatory form of the reported speech is changed to assertive
form.
He said, ‘Good morning, Father.’
He wished his father good morning.
Mona said, ‘What a good picture it is!’
Mona exclaimed that it was a good picture.
III. Change the following sentences into Indirect Speech
1. She cried, ‘Oh! How weak I feel.’
_____________________________________________________________
2. What a fine weather!’ said the boy.
_____________________________________________________________
3. The teacher said, ‘How intelligent he is!’
_____________________________________________________________
4. ‘How wonderful the house is!’ said the man.
_____________________________________________________________
5. ‘I am ruined!’ cried the student who had failed.
_____________________________________________________________
6. He said, ‘What a fine horse! What a fine saddle!’
_____________________________________________________________
7. He said, ‘Hurrah! Our team has won the match.’
_____________________________________________________________
8. He said to me, ‘How clever you are!’
______________________________________________________________
9. The saint said, ‘May God bless you!’
______________________________________________________________
10. The doctor said to Mohan, ‘May you live long!’
______________________________________________________________
INDIRECT TO DIRECT SPEECH
1. INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES
Change the reported speech to a question
Remove the conjunction if/whether
Make the reported speech a question
Father asked his son where he was going.
Father said to his son, ‘Where are you going?’
I asked them if they would like to play cricket.
25
I said to them, ‘Will you like to play cricket?’
IV. Change the following sentences into Direct Speech
1. The customer asked the salesman how much money he would have to pay.
______________________________________________________________
2.. The man enquired of the clerk when the next train would leave for Pune.
______________________________________________________________
3. Amit enquired of Sumit if he had passed the examination.
___________________________________________________
4. The teacher asked the student why he was making noise.
_____________________________________________________________
5. He asked her how she had done that.
_____________________________________________________________
6. He asked her if she was going to play a match.
_____________________________________________________________
7. She asked me if I had attended the school on Monday.
_____________________________________________________________
8. The man asked me where my house was.
_____________________________________________________________
2. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES
Fill in the infinitive and remove to. If to is preceded by not, change not to do
not.
use the word please, kindly, etc., in place of the verbs like request, beg,
etc., in the reporting clause according to the context.
The old man advised his son to work hard.
 The old man said, ‘Son work hard.’
The man ordered the waiter to bring him a cup of tea.
The man said to the waiter, ‘Bring me a cup of tea.’
V. Change the following sentences into Direct Speech
1. The son requested his father to give him money to buy a book.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Mother advised her son not to go out in the sun.
______________________________________________________________
3. The doctor advised the patient to take rest for a few days.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
4. He ordered his servant to go to the market and bring vegetables.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
5. Mr.Raj cautioned the boys not to go near the fire.
_____________________________________________________________
3. EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES
Remove the conjunction that
Use an interjection wherever necessary
Use an exclamation mark where necessary
She exclaimed that they were very clever.
She said, ‘How clever they are!’
He exclaimed in joy that he had won.
26
He said, ‘Hurray! I have won.’
VI. Change the following sentences into Direct Speech
1. She exclaimed that the scene was beautiful.
______________________________________________________________
2. She exclaimed that the bird was very colourful.
______________________________________________________________
3. He exclaimed joyfully that he was very happy to see her.
______________________________________________________________
4. She exclaimed with sorrow that he had lost everything.
_____________________________________________________________
5. Arpit applauded me, saying that I had won the match.
____________________________________________________________
Exercise:
Change the following dialogues into indirect speech of narration.
Mike: "What are you doing here, Liz? I haven't seen you since June."
Liz: "I've just come back from my holiday in Ireland."
Mike: "Did you enjoy it?"
Liz: "I love Ireland. And the Irish people were so friendly."
Mike: "Did you go to the Wicklow Mountains?"
Liz: "It was my first trip. I can show you some pictures. Are you doing
anything tomorrow?"
Mike: "I must arrange a couple of things. But I am free tonight."
Liz: "You might come to my place. What time shall we meet?"
Mike: "I'll be there at eight. Is it all right?"
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate usage of the words from the dialogue
above.
Mike asked Liz _______________________________ And he said _______

_______________________________________.
Liz explained that __________________________ her holiday in Ireland.
Mike wondered if ____________________________
Liz said that _________________________. She could show ___________
some pictures and asked if _______________________________________
Mike said that _________________________________________________
But __________________________________________________________
Liz suggested that Mike __________________________________________
and ___________________________________________________________
Mike replied that ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Comprehension – 7
Read the following passage carefully
27
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his
employer- contractor of his plans to leave the house-
building business tolive a more leisurely life with his
wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss
the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire.
They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go
and asked if he could build just one more house as a
personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over the
time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He restored to shoddy
workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a
dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house.
Then he handed the front – door key to the carpenter and said, “This is your
house… my gift to you.”
The carpenter was shocked!
What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would
have done it all so differently.
So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our
best into the building. Then, whit a shock, we realize we have to live in the
house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently.
But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a
nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, “Life is a do-it-yourself
project.” Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the “house”
you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, Build wisely!
Answer the following questions by selecting the most appropriate options from
the ones given below:
1. The old carpenter was ready to retire because _______________
a. He wanted to start his own business.
 b. He wanted a bigger pay check d. We must never look back.
c. He wanted to lead a more relaxed life Answer the following questions:
d. He had to look after his extended family a. Who was ready to retire and why?
2. The Phrase “they could get by “means ______________________________________________________________
a. They didn’t get enough to eat ______________________________________________________________
b. They would be able to manage within their means b. What materials did he use in the house he was building?
c. They were wealthy _____________________________________________________________
d. They would pass their time _____________________________________________________________
3. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career because c. What according to the narrator do you do everyday?
a. He had built the house as a personal favour _____________________________________________________________
b. He didn’t know he was building his own house Comprehension – 8
c. His employer was angry with him Poem
d. The house was inferior in quality. Read the following poem carefully:
4. The carpenter’s feeling on being gifted the house was Like the shining stars and glimmering moonlight
Turning devilish night into a beautiful sight
a. Regret
Optimism inside us can reignite
b. Gratitude Ashes of hope spreading its flares far and bright
It’s like a boat stuck in the sea
c. Amazement Believing one day it will be on it’s spree
d. Annoyance With optimism we can overcome any difficulty merrily
Because I know during my fall god is there to carry me
5. The story teaches us a valuable lesson Those twittering birds flying around
a. our actions today will affect our future lives. No shelter and food still they never frown
Optimism teaches us that happiness is not a crown
b. We must build a house today But having the ability to look beyond our imperfections
c. We must respect our employers Will never keep us down like the constant flow of stream
Overcoming the hurdles in it’s realm
28
Optimistic mind can aid us to redeem
By reminding us “Dare to Dream” 2. Answer the following questions.
Kudos to the man who discovered optimism i. What turns the devilish night into a beautiful sight?
It has rescued many from cataclysm
Now I believe I can be the reason _____________________________________________________________
To bring someone a happy season! Tanya Sharma
_____________________________________________________________
1. Answer the following questions by choosing an appropriate option from ii. What can optimism reignite in us?
those given below:
a. Optimism can re-ignite ____________________________________________________________
i. shining stars ii. glimmering moonlight
____________________________________________________________
iii. beautiful sight iv. within us hope iii. What does optimism teach us?

b. We can overcome any obstacle in life ____________________________________________________________

i. by being merry ii. by having faith in God’s constant support
Writing Task
iii. by going on a spree iv. by pushing the stuck boat
SPEECH WRITING
c. The theme of the poem is
A SPEECH is a formal talk that a person delivers to an audience.
i. to admire the twittering birds ii. to never feel sad
iii. to cater for basic needs POINTS TO REMEMBER:

iv. to cultivate the ability to look beyond one’s weakness and faults.
 A speech begins with a formal address to the chief guest, fellow
d. Optimistic mind encourages us to speakers and audience.
 Address the gathering, e.g, Respected Principal, teachers, students,
i. constantly flow like a stream ii. redeem others
Good morning.
iii. dare to dream iv. wear a crown of happiness  More conversational in tone. Pause questions, use interactive
expressions like I think you will agree with me, Don’t you think that ,
I am sure that you will have the same notion Does anyone has the
e. Cataclysm means opinion that etc.
i. chemical reaction ii. disaster iii. catalyst
iv. distress
29
  Begins with brief, catchy introduction- supported by an anecdote, 1. It is commonly believed that nature has enough for man’s needs, but not
quotation, striking statistical data or a thought provoking question. enough for man’s greed. Prepare a speech to be delivered in the school
 Use simple and familiar language. assembly highlighting the role of students in preservation and conservation of
 Organise the speech into introduction, main points and conclusion. the environment. Use the following hints:
Children should contribute towards preservation and conservation of
 Write ‘Thank you’ at the end of your speech.
environment.
Reduce waste – reduce wastage of paper -use biodegradable products – spread
Sample Speech
awareness on environmental preservation.
You are concerned at the number of deaths caused by cancer. You hold the
2. Junk food can be very appealing to the children, but they cause more harm
degradation of the environment as the main reason for the spread of this deadly
to them than they can imagine. Prepare a speech for your school assembly on
disease. Prepare a speech you have to deliver on the World health Day.
the harmful effects of Junk food on school children. (150 to 200 words)
Respected Principal ma’am, teachers and my dear friends!
Good morning to one and all present here.
Death is inevitable. It will come when it comes. But the focus should be on
living a long and healthy life. This must be the aim of everyone. However,
incurable diseases like cancer cut short many precious lives. Cancer has
become a silent killer. Inspite of spending millions on research, no
breakthrough has been achieved in this field. If effective and decisive steps are
not taken in this field, the disease will take the shape of an epidemic.
Friends, it is a myth that urban centres have better medical facilities. Hence,
people live healthier lives there. This is far from true. The survey shows that
cities are more cancer- prone that rural areas. The main cause of cancer is the
degradation of the environment. In the urban areas, there is a very high level
of benzene in the air. Another reason is the use of chemicals in the fields. We
are exposed to high level of pesticides in our foods. Even radio – active waves
help in the growth of this disease.
It is true that the world has not come out with the ultimate cure of cancer.
However, the government and the medical experts must give top priority to the
prevention action. We should not get panicky. Cancer is incurable only in the
last stages. Get the prompt treatment. Cancer is certainly curable in early
stages.
Thank you.

Exercise:
30
 Exercise:
GRAMMAR Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositional phrases.
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES 1. I would rather go for a walk ______________ sitting and watching the TV
A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and a noun phrase. We serial. (instead of, instead from)
use prepositional phrases for many purposes, for example:
- as adverbials of time and place: 2. _______________________ of the rains, we went out to play. (inspite of,
Eg. We will be back in a few days. Despite of, Instead of)
They drove to Chennai.
3. ______________________ she is absent, please give her these books.
Most of the time, a prepositional phrase modifies a verb or a noun. It consists (In case, In spite, In view)
of a preposition and the words which follow it (a complement). The
complement is most commonly a noun phrase or pronoun, but it can also be an 4. I Samarth _____________________ of my class mates would like to
adverb phrase, a verb in the -ing form or less commonly, a prepositional phrase extend a warm welcome to you all. (In spite, in behalf of , on behalf of, on)
or wh-clause:
Eg. The first at a party.( preposition + noun phrase) 5. We solved the problem _________________ a new device developed by our
She was taken ill during the film. (preposition + noun phrase) engineer. (by means of, by which means, by means to)
Would you like to come with me.( preposition + pronoun)
From there it’ll take you about half an hour to our house. (preposition + 6. _____________________ every one returned home satisfied.
adverb) (In the whole, By the whole, On the whole)
Until quite recently, no one knew about his paintings. (preposition + adverb
phrase) 7. Can you help me _____________________________? (In any way, any
She decided on doing a Chinese language course. ( preposition + ing way, by some way)
clause)
It’s a machine for making ice-cream. (preposition + ing clause) 8. She did not allow her disability to discourage her. ____________________
Propositional phrases can also be used: she began to work twice as hard. (In the contrary, by the contrary, On the
as postmodifiers in a noun phrase: contrary)
eg.Preetham is the boy in the red checked shirt.
Palam bought a new car with all advance features. 9. _____________________ people in the town were very friendly and helpful.
to show who did something: (In general, On general, By general)
eg. The lion was shot at by the hunter.
I saw a wonderful carving by the sculptor. 10. I will be taking up the new project in May - ________________ in June.
with double object verbs like give and get: (in rather, rather, or rather)
eg. We gave 50 paise coin to the woman on the roadside.
They got a cool drink for me.
31
PARTICIPLES  Having done their work , the workers left.
A participle is a form of verb that does the work of a verb, an adjective and a  Having lost our way, we stopped to ask for directions.
noun. It often ends with ‘-ing’, ‘ed’ or ‘en’.  Having done our homework, we went out to play.
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
I. Combine the following pairs of sentences using participles.
The ing forms of verbs are called present participles. They represent an action
Ex: I heard the noise. I got up.
as going on or incomplete or imperfect.
Hearing the noise, I got up.
Examples:
The weather was hot. So we stayed in.
 We met a girl carrying a pot of milk.
 Hearing the noise the child woke up. The weather being hot, we stayed in.
 She was singing a melodious song. (Present Participle used as verb) 1. She fell ill. She did not attend the meeting.
 This is your walking stick. (Present Participle used as adjective)
_____________________________________________________________
2. She heard the commotion. She came out of the room.
PAST PARTICIPLE
The en and ed forms of verbs are called past participles.
______________________________________________________________
Examples:
3. He completed his work. He went home.
 Driven by hunger, the man stole a loaf of bread.
______________________________________________________________
 We saw some trees laden with fruit.
 The wild animal was caged. (Past Participle used as verbs) 4. The writing was illegible. I could not read the letter.
 The rotten eggs were thrown away. (Past Participles used as ______________________________________________________________
adjectives)
5. She looked out of the window. She saw the clouds gathering.
PERFECT PARTICIPLE
______________________________________________________________
The perfect participle represents an action as completed at some time in the
6. She opened the cupboard. She took out a pair of trousers.
past. It takes the form:
______________________________________________________________
‘having + past participle’
7. She heard the sad news. She fainted.
Examples :
______________________________________________________________
32
8. The teacher taught the lesson. Then she asked questions. GERUNDS
______________________________________________________________ The Gerund is a verb ending in –ing which functions as noun. It may be the
subject, complement or object of a sentence.
9. The monsoon was late. The crops perished.
Examples:
______________________________________________________________
Gerund used as the subject:
10. She sprained her leg. She could not play the match.
 Singing is an art.
______________________________________________________________
 Swimming is a good exercise.
II. Rewrite the following sentences using participles.  Smoking is a bad habit.
Dogs that bark do not bite.
Gerund used as the object:
Barking dogs do not bite.
 He loves reading.
1. A stone that rolls gathers no moss.  I like playing cricket.
 She knows driving.

______________________________________________________________
I. Fill in the gaps with gerunds
2. The sea was calm, so the fisherman went to the sea.
1. We are very happy about you getting a new job. (get)
______________________________________________________________
2. They avoid __________ us. (visit)
3. The thief heard the noise and ran away. 3. The memories of _________ are well recorded in my album. (travel)
______________________________________________________________ 4. I dreaded _________ that trip. (take)
4. He saw dark clouds gathering in the sky and went inside.
5. I don’t mind ____________ with you. (go)
______________________________________________________________
6. He started ____________ at his friends. (shout)
5. He reached the top of the hill and rested.
7. I don’t have any problem __________ a replacement. (find)
______________________________________________________________
8. Rajat keeps ____________ the same sentence. (repeat)
II. Rewrite the following sentences with gerunds.

33
To see is to believe. _____________________________________________________________
Seeing is believing. 11. Nobody really loves to work.
1. All of them started to speak. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 12. He is afraid to hurt your feelings.
2. He knows how to dance. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 13. Rosy does not like to stay indoor during holidays.
3. To please everybody is difficult. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 14. He is glad to meet you.
4. It is easy to advise others. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ 15. To praise all alike is to praise none.
5. He wanted to play football _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________
6. We continued to talk.
_____________________________________________________________
7. Can you teach him how to swim?
_____________________________________________________________
8. She loves to solve crossword puzzles.
_____________________________________________________________
9. To help the poor is everyone’s duty.
_____________________________________________________________
10. To play with explosives is difficult.

34
 ii. The soul of a nation, long suppressed ______________________________
Comprehension 9
Read the following passage and answer the given questions. _____________________________________________________________
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when iii. We take the pledge of dedication _______________________________
we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very
substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India _____________________________________________________________
will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes which comes but rarely in
history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when iv. Future is not for resting but ____________________________________
the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this
solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and _____________________________________________________________
her people and to the still larger cause of humanity. 2. Answer the following questions.
At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless i. What does freedom and power bring along?
centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success and her
failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that _____________________________________________________________
quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. We end today a period ii. What did India bear before the birth of freedom?
of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate
today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and ____________________________________________________________
achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp iii. Who gave this speech?
this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?
____________________________________________________________
Freedom and power bring responsibility. That responsibility rests upon this iv. What according to Nehru is the Assembly?
Assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. Before
the birth of freedom we have endured all the pains of labour and our hearts are ____________________________________________________________
heavy with the memory of this sorrow. Some of these pains continue even
now. Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now. ____________________________________________________________
That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may
fulfill the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. --
Jawahar Lal Nehru.
Complete the following sentences:
i. When the world sleeps __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

35
 Comprehension 10

The Dawn’s Awake! ______________________________________________________________

Otto Leland Bohanan ______________________________________________________________

2. Identify an example of hyperbole: explain how it is exaggerated.

THE DAWN’S awake! ______________________________________________________________

A flash of smoldering flame and fire
Ignites the East. Then, higher, higher, ______________________________________________________________
O’er all the sky so gray, forlorn,
The torch of gold is borne. 5 ______________________________________________________________
The Dawn’s awake!
______________________________________________________________
The dawn of a thousand dreams and thrills.
3. Identify an example of metaphor: explain which two things are being
And music singing in the hills
A pæan of eternal spring compared.
Voices the new awakening. 10
______________________________________________________________
The Dawn’s awake!
Whispers of pent-up harmonies, ______________________________________________________________
With the mingled fragrance of the trees;
Faint snatches of half-forgotten song— ______________________________________________________________
Fathers! torn and numb, — 15 4. Find three examples of imagery in the poem that access three different
The boon of light we craved, awaited long, senses. Explain which senses are called on by the speaker for each example.
Has come, has come!
______________________________________________________________
Read the above poem and answer the following questions.
1. Identify two examples of personification, explain what is being personified ______________________________________________________________
and how in each example.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
36
 SAMPLE ARTICLE
THE VANISHING ROAR
ARTICLE WRITING
------Avantika Menon
An article is a long and uniform piece of writing whose purpose is to present i
The tiger is the national animal of India. It is India's pride and one of the most
nformation on a selected topic. Since it is a fairly long piece of writing, the co
prized natural possessions. Yurt today, at the last count, here are only 1114 tig
ntent is written in more than one paragraph.
ers left, and there are growing fears that this number will dwindle further in th
A good article is one which has a beginning, a middle and an end and is inter
e coming years.
woven in an organically coherent whole. The sentences are written in such a m
What has led to the rapid decrease in the country's tiger population? The blam
anner that they are inter linked and developed from one another. Brevity, simp
e squarely falls on the shoulders of mankind, which has dealt the tiger a doubl
le language, data based information, coherence are some good qualities of an
e blow. The irony of the situation is that man has taken on the role of both pro
article.
tector and hunter.
1. Write the title / heading of the article. The heading must be catchy and sho
The lust for money has promoted wanton poaching both in tiger reserves as w
rt, catching the central theme of the article.
ell as in its natural habitat. The situation has worsened further with man destro
2. Byline: Write the name of the writer (By:XYZ) The heading is followed b
ying the natural habitat of the animal, which has deprived it of both cover and
y the byline.
prey, thus compelling it to prey on cattle and stray into human dwellings in se
3. Introduction: The beginning should be striking and appropriately relevant
arch of food and shelter. This makes it easy prey for hunters and their like.
to the given topic. It must clearly state the theme and at the same time arouse t
In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the need to take immed
he interest of the reader.
iate and substantial steps to rectify the situation. Much of the credit for it goes
4. Progression:
to the unceasing work done by animal rights activists. Of late, cine stars and o
The middle part of the article should contain exposition of ideas supported by
ther public figures have been roped in to spread the message to the masses.
relevant facts and examples. The language should be simple and direct so that
More and more people are putting in concerted efforts to make endeavors like
it is understood by all. Points should be arranged in a logical sequence. Repeti
Project Tiger a success, by assisting in any way possible for them.
tion of points should be avoided.
It is important not to give in to the common mistake of point hoppingthat is g
oing back to an earlier point every now and then.
5. Conclusion:
The end should evolve on its own and must not appear forced.It should be nat
ural. It sums up the flow of thoughts of the writer.
37

PLANNER FOR ARTICLE :
Title of Article
Name: ___________________________________
Introduction (who, what, when, and where) _______________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ Next,
______________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ Then,
_____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ Finally,
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ Conclusion
(reflect on total event) _______________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
38
PRACTICE EXERCISES
1. You have recently come across an article in a magazine about our poll
uted rivers. You are aware of some of the reasons why they remain po
lluted despite crores being spent on cleaning them annually. The cause
s are many:
a) indifference of the people themselves
b) certain religious practices which need to be shed
c) Using the rivers as dhobi Ghats, washing cattle, bathing
d) slum settlements coming up near the rivers
e) industrial effluence
f) apathy of government agencies
You decide to do your bit by writing an article for publication in a newspaper
Write an article in about 200 words using some of the inputs provided and add
ideas of your own.
2. The big fat Indian wedding is getting bigger and fatter each day. You feel
strongly about this wastage and want to do something about it. You take the
initiative by writing an article for a leading magazine, appealing to the people
to curb the pomp and show, and save the colossal wastage.
 I. State whether the verbs in the following sentences are used transitively or
Grammar intransitively.
TRANSITIVE AND INTRANSITIVE VERB 1. She was crying all day long. ______________________
A Transitive Verb is a verb that denotes an action which passes over from the 2. We showed her the photo album. __________________
doer to the receiver or from the subject to the object. 3. The doctor advised me to exercise regularly. ____________
Ex. The boy kicks the football. 4. It was raining at that time. ______________________
The action denoted by the verb kicks passes over from the doer/subject boy to 5. She laughed at the joke. _____________________
the object football. The verb kicksis, therefore, called a Transitive verb. 6. We gave a cookie to the child. ________________
An Intransitive Verb is a verb that denotes an action which does not pass over 7. They slept in the street. _______________________
to an object, or which expresses a state of being.
8. I ate the cherries. ______________________
Ex. The boy laughs loudly.
9. My father doesn’t drink coffee. ______________
The action denoted by the verb laughs stops with the doer / subject boy and 10. He always keeps his wallet in the pocket. _________
does not pass over to an object. The verb laughsis therefore called an
intransitive verb. II. State whether the verb in each case is Transitive or Intransitive. Name the
object if the verb is transitive.
Examples of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs :
1. You should avoid speaking loudly. ______________
TRANSITIVE VERB INTRANSITIVE VERB
2. The birds are chirping in the woods. ______________
The pilot flies the plane very well. Eagles fly high in the sky.
3. The driver suddenly stopped the bus. ______________
The boys play football on The boys go to the park on
weekends. weekends. 4. The woodcutter felled a large tree. ________________
We walk the dog every evening We walk on the beach every
5. We will not buy a new car until next summer. _________
evening.
6. Have you ever explored a cave? __________________

7. Please order a pizza and a milkshake for me. ___________

8. He took shelter under a tree. ____________________

39
9. The boy easily lifted the heavy weight. _____________ The council meets today in the town hall.

The crowd was frightened at the sight of the lion.

10. I shall bring my camera with me. __________________
The jury were divided in their opinion.

The jury has elected its chairperson.

SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

A verb must agree with its subject in number and person. In other words, the verb
 Either, neither, each, everyone, many a, must be followed by a
should be of the same number and person as the subject in a sentence.
singular verb.
 Two or more singular nouns or pronouns joined by and take a plural Either of the two roads leads to the railway station.
verb. Neither of the two applicants is suitable.
Each one of these men is reliable.
Mohan and Raj have passed.
Every one of the prisonis full.
He and his brother were absent. Many a man has done so.
He and I are great friends.  Two singular nouns qualified by each or every, even though
Gold and silver are precious metals. connected by and, takes a singular verb.
But if the nouns suggest one idea, or refer to the same person or thing, the verb is Each boy and each girl was given a prize.
singular. Every man and every woman in the village was terrified.
 When a plural noun denotes some specific quantity or amount
Slow and steady wins the race. considered as a whole, the verb is generally singular.
Bread and butteris his favourite food. Two-third of the city is in ruins.
Four weeks is enough time to complete the work.
My friend and benefactor has come. Ten kilometers is not a long distance these days.
Fifty thousand rupees is a large sum.
The novelist and poethas arrived.
A similar rule applies to titles of books and names of sciences.
 If two nouns are joined by with or as well as, the verb agrees with the The Arabian Nights is an interesting book.
first noun. In other words, if the first noun is singular, the verb must
be singular, even if the second noun is plural. Physics is an interesting subject.
Rama as well as her friend, has won the prize.
Iron as well as gold is found in India.  Two or more singular subjects connected by or, nor, either…..or,
The king, with all his ministers, was killed. neither…..nor, take a singular verb.
The ship, with its crew, was lost in the sea. Either Mohan or Rohan is in the wrong.
 A Collective noun takes a singular verb when the collection is thought Neither Rama nor his brother was present.
of as one whole; a plural verb when the individuals of which it is Ashok or his brother is to blame.
composed are thought of. Neither he nor I was mistaken.

40
If two subjects joined by either…..or or neither…..nor are of different
persons, the verb should agree in person with the subject nearest to it.
Either you or he is telling a lie.
Neither you or nor he is to blame.
9. The quality of their experiments _______ (is/are) never in doubt.
10. Some of the votes ______ (seem/seems) to have been miscounted.
11. Supermarkets, online stores and retailers _______ (do/does) not sell this
product.

John or his brothers are to blame. 12. The king or the minister ________ (wins/win) the battle.
13. The guide lines given in the paper______ (causes/cause) confusion
Neither the teacher nor the students were present.
among students.
 Errors due to proximity: Often the verb is made to agree in number
with a noun near it instead of its proper subject. Such errors should be 14. The group ______ (agrees/agree) to take action.
avoided. 15. Everyone in the high school band _______ (marches/march) to the same
The behavior of the students were excellent. (Were should be replaced beat.
by was in order to agree with behavior.)
The quality of the mangoes were not good. (Were should be replaced II. Write the following sentences correctly.
with was.)
1. Most of the money have been spent.
Neither of the men are very tall. (Are should be replaced with is.)
______________________________________________________________
I. Choose the correct option to fill in the gaps. The first one has been
2. A lot of people in our village is poor.
done as an example.
_____________________________________________________________
1. A cup of coffee has (has/ have) been made with the left-over milk.
3. There are plenty of room in the back row.
2. The data collected ______ (prove/proves) beyond doubt that we _______
(has/have) made a lot of progress. _____________________________________________________________

3. The media baron _______ (try/tries) to have his way in all matters related 4. One of my friends have a fine collection of stamps.
to the press. _____________________________________________________________
4. The latest police report ______ (say/says) that the situation in the trouble 5. The United States have many fighter planes.
torn area ______ (are/is) now well under control.
_____________________________________________________________
5. A majority of journalists _______ (agrees/agree) with the proposed
6. There are a lot of money invested in business in our country.
reforms.
_____________________________________________________________
6. A number of such cases _______ (has/have) been reported.
7. Three of them ______ (has/have) been injured in the accident.
7. Half of the apples was rotten.
8. The results of investigation _______ (shows/show) a lot of improvement.
41
 _____________________________________________________________
8. The new uniform for the airline staff are very smart.
Exercise :
_____________________________________________________________
9. Neither you nor I are responsible. TAGORE MEMORIAL SCHOOL, PATNA
_____________________________________________________________ English Literary Association
th
8 March 2019 NOTICE
10.Each and every person have equal rights.
INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS
_____________________________________________________________
The English Literary Association invites participants in the following
contests to be held in the school auditorium:
NOTICE WRITING
(a) Debate competition: 20th August 2019 at 11.00 a.m
A notice is a written or printed news announcement or information. A notice (b) Oratorial skills : 21st August 2019 at 11.00 a.m
may contain news/information about something that has happened or is likely (c) Elocution contest : 21st August 2019 at 2.00 p.m
to happen. It may be formal announcement of public importance or an advance
Each house can send a team of two students per competition.
warning meant for compliance and information. A notice can be about a
meeting, an event, an excursion/historical trip/a picnic, lost and found, change Last date of submission of names : 10th August 2019.
of name/address/uniform/timings/venue etc. Ravi Mohan
Since a notice is the best way of disseminating information, it is written in
Secretary
simple and formal language. It is clear, brief and to the point.
Main Characteristics:
(a) Format: it includes the word “NOTICE”, date, heading, writer’s name and
designation. a. You are David / Dorothy, the secretary of the Dance and Drama Society of
(b) Content: It must answer the questions What? When? Where? How? Etc. the Sanskriti School, Patna. Write a notice for your school notice board
(c) Expression: It relates to overall organisation and relevance of the content inviting students to give their names for a Fancy Dress Competition.
as well as grammatical accuracy and fluency.
(d) The notice must be in a box. b. You are Avani/Avinash. As the Secretary of Student’s Forum you want to
Sample Notice: start a Wall magazine for the students of the school. Write a notice inviting
You are the Secretary of the English literary Association of Tagore Memorial articles, stories, poems and campus news for the Wall magazine.
School, Patna. Write out a notice for the school notice board inviting names of
those who would like to participate in the interhouse debate oratorial and
elocution contest.

42
 Comprehension – 11
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
The fabled Pearl Carpet of Baroda, a rare jeweled masterpiece that was once
part of Maharaja Khande Rao Gaekwad’s collection, is set to go under the
hammer next month. The centre piece of a sale in Doha on March 19, the carpet
has never appeared at an auction before. Bidding for it is expected to start at
$5 million.
Just two years ago, the mothball – sized Baroda Pearls from the same collection
had sold for a record $7.1 million in New York. This time, too, the auctioneers,
Sotheby’s, are hoping it will beat estimates even in these times of economic
downturn. “Works that are truly rare and special like the carpet will always
find a lot of buyers,” said Howard Sneyd, Sotheby’s deputy chairman for
Europe and Asia.
Embellished with an estimated two million natural seed pearls as well as
diamonds, the carpet sure has the razzle dazzle to attract buyers. Crafted in
1865, the Pearl Carpet has tumultuous story behind it. In the early 1860’s
Maharaja Khande Rao of Baroda, considered one of the most notable jewellery
collector of the 19th century, had a desire to offer a priceless Pearl Carpet at the
shrine of the Prophet in Medina. He wanted it to be just like the Pearl Carpet
over Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb in Taj Mahal.
But when it was crafted, Rao’s courtiers opposed the idea. The Pearl Carpet
was retained as a state treasure and brought for public viewing for the first time
in Delhi in 1903. It stayed in India till 1940s. In 1943, the flambouyant Sita
Devi became the second wife of the then maharaja of Baroda Pratap Singh
Gaekwad. She moved the fabulous collection of the House of Baroda to
Europe.
Later, the Indian government did force the Baroda Maharaja to return several
precious items but the Pearl Carpet remained in Sita Devi’s possession. After
her divorce, she stashed it away in a bank vault in Geneva. She died in the early
1980s, and it is not known when the carpet changed hands. It surfaced in 1985
at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. In fact, it was here that it was
recognized as a national treasure of India.
43
Now on March 19, the Pearl Carpet will make its third public appearance at
Sotheby’s inaugural sale in Doha and change hands.
I. Compete the following sentences.
i. The fabled Pearl Carpet of Baroda is set ____________________________
______________________________________________________________
ii. The auctioneers are hoping it will ________________________________
______________________________________________________________
iii. The Pearl Carpet was retained as a _______________________________
______________________________________________________________
iv. Sita Devi moved the fabulous ___________________________________
______________________________________________________________
v. After her divorce, she __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Complete the following table by matching items on the left against those on
the right so as to make the sentences meaningful.
i. Bidding for it is a. Rao’s courtiers opposed the
idea
ii. But when it was crafted b. razzle dazzle to attract
buyers
iii. The carpet sure has c. expected to start at $5
million
3. When was the Pearl Carpet brought for public viewing?
______________________________________________________________
4. Why was the Pearl Carpet crafted?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. When was the Pearl Carpet crafted?
______________________________________________________________
6. When did the Pearl Carpet surface again in public?
______________________________________________________________
7. What was Mr. Henry Howard Sneyd’s opinion about the Pearl Carpet’s
auction?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Comprehension – 12
Poem
Elegy Written in a Country Chruchyard
The curfew tolls the knell of passing day.
The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea;
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way,
And leaves the world to darkness and to me.
Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight,
And all the air a solemn stillness holds.
Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight,
And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds:
Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tower
The moping owl does to the moon complain
Of such as, wandering near her secret bower,
Molest her ancient solitary reign.
Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-tree’s shade
44
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,
Each in his narrow cell forever laid,
The rude Forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
The breezy call of incense – breathing morn,
The wallow tittering from the straw-built shed,
The cock’s shrill clarion, or the echoing horn,
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed.
For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn
Or busy housewife ply her evening care:
No children lisp their sire’s return,
Or climb’d his knees the envied kiss to share;
Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield,
Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke;
How jocund did they drive their team afield!
How bow’d the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!
-Thomas Gray
1. On the basis of your reading of the poem answer the following questions by
choosing the best of the given choices.
a. When the curfew bells are heard in the fields the _______
i. farmer heads back home
ii. plough-man is still plodding in his fields.
iii. cows are being led to the farmer’s house
iv. people are going to the church
b. The owl is heard screeching from the _____________
i. fields ii. yew-trees
iii. castle towers covered with ivy
iv. fading landscape
c. The graveyard of the village is located ________________
i. under the shade of the yew-trees
ii. inside the church
iii. under the elm trees’ branches
iv. inside a prison cell
2. Answer the following questions.
a. Write two things in nature that the poet notices at twilight.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
b. What sounds does the poet recall at the break of dawn?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. What tasks did the farmer perform when he was alive?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
45
CLAUSES
A clause is a group of words which has a subject and a predicate and is part
of a sentence.
1. I want to drink milk. (phrase)
2. I want that I should drink milk. (clause)
In sentence 1, the group of words, to drink milk, has no subject and finite
verb. It is therefore a phrase.
In sentence 2, the group of words, that I should drink milk, has a subject and
a finite verb. It is therefore a clause.
KINDS OF CLAUSES
PRINCIPAL CLAUSE AND SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
Observe the following sentence.
You failed because you did not work hard.
The sentence has two clauses:
1. you failed 2. because you did not work hard
The clause, you failed ,can act as a sentence independently giving a complete
sense. Such a clause which can act as a sentence independently is called a
principal clause or a main clause.
The clause, because you did not work hard, cannot act as a sentence
independently. It depends on the main clause, you failed, to make sense. Such
a clause which cannot act as a sentence independently and depends on the main
clause to make sense is called a subordinate clause.
A subordinate clause can be a noun clause, an adjective clause or an adverb
clause.
 II. Identify the words in italics in each sentence as phrases or clauses.
NOUN CLAUSE 1. She was happy to win the match.
A subordinate clause that does the work of a noun is called a noun clause. 2. I have lost the pen which I bought yesterday.

She said that she will come. 3. May hay while the sun shines.
4. The students went into the classroom.
In the above sentence, she said, is the principal clause and, that she will come,
is the subordinate clause. As this subordinate clause is the object of the verb 5. That you can win the match is very likely.
said, it acts as a noun and hence it is a noun clause.
6. He put the ladder against the wall.
ADJECTIVE CLAUSE 7. A crow sat on the branch of the tree.
A subordinate clause that does the work of an adjective is called an adjective 8. Working for hours is his habit.
clause.
9. She ran with lightning speed.
I know the place where he lives. 10. I know where he lives.
In the above sentence, I know the place, is the principal clause and, where he 11. We know that she is right.
lives, is the subordinate clause. As the subordinate clause modifies the noun
place, it acts as an adjective and hence it is an adjective clause. 12. That is what I want.
III. Identify the Principal clause and Subordinate clause in the following
ADVERB CLAUSE
sentences
A subordinate clause that does the work of an adverb is called an adverb
1. James spoke as though he was a born actor.
clause.
2. They felt that the farmer must be punished.
I went where he lives.
3. When at last he returned to the village, the people told him that his mother
In the above sentence, I went, is the principal clause and, where he lives, is the had died.
subordinate clause. As the subordinate clause modifies the verb went, it acts as
an adverb and hence it is an adverb clause. 4. The newspaper will tell us tomorrow what the world does today.
5. The few books that were produced in the middle ages were written by
Examples:
hand.
 You can do as you like. (Adverb clause of manner) 6. When the world was young, artists drew their pictures on stone.
 Do this work before you leave. (Adverb clause of time)
7. I could not tolerate what he said because it was quite insulting.
 I know where he has gone. (Adverb clause of place)
 He succeeded because he worked hard. (Adverb clause of reason)
46
IV. Underline the clauses in the following sentences and state whether
they are adjective, adverb or noun clause.
1. The house we lived is in ruins.
2. The child believes that he has won.
3. What the soldier did was a true act of bravery.
4. I played while others were sleeping.
5. The car that is red belongs to Mr. Khanna.
6. Put the money where you kept it before.
7. If you ever visit Delhi, do visit the Red Fort.
8. The rivers that flow down the Himalayas are fed by glaciers.
9. When he heard a loud noise, he came out.
10. While he was coming home, he met his friend.
COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. An
independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand on its own. A
dependent clause is not a complete sentence for it cannot stand on its own. A
dependent clause is similar to an independent clause, or complete sentence, but
it lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete sentence. Dependent
clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions such as; after, although, as,
because, before, even though, if, since, though, unless, whenever, wherever
etc..
47
Examples:
 He left after he had done his work.
 Eat before you leave.
Independent Clauses
We didn't pass the test. Angela won the competition. The doctor will go ahead
with the operation.
Dependent Clauses
Although we had studied for a long time Because she had practiced for weeks
If he gets positive test results
Notice how the first group of sentences, the independent clauses, can be
used as complete sentences. The dependent clauses, on the other hand, are
missing an element (the independent clause) to make sense.
Here are the two clauses combined to make complex sentences:
Although we had studied for a long time, we didn't pass the test. Angela won
the competition because she had practiced for weeks. The doctor will go ahed
with the operation if he gets positive test results.
Complex sentences are written by using subordinating conjunctions to connect
the two clauses.
These subordinating conjunctions fall into different categories. Here are the
most common subordinating conjunctions based on their function. When
beginning a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, place a comma at the
end of the clause. There is no need for a comma if the subordinating
conjunction introduces the dependent clause in the middle of the sentence.
Showing Opposition or Unexpected Results If I were you, I would take my time with that project.
They won't come next week unless you ask them to do so.
although / even though / though In the case that he isn't available, we'll look for another consultant?

* Although I felt he was wrong, I decided to trust him. I. Use subordinating conjunctions (though, if, when, because, etc.) to connect
the sentences into one complex sentence.
* Sharon started looking for a new job even though she was currently
employed. 1. Henry needs to learn English. I will teach him.
___________________________________________________
* Though I couldn't understand a word, we had a great time!
___________________________________________________
Showing Cause and Effect 2. It was raining outside. We went for a walk.
___________________________________________________
because / since / as
___________________________________________________
Since you need some help, I'll come over this afternoon. 3. Jenny needs to ask me. I will buy it for her.
Henry felt he needed to take some time off because he had been working so
hard. ______________________________________________________________
The parents paid for extra lessons as the children were very gifted. ______________________________________________________________
Expressing Time 4. Yvonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
______________________________________________________________
when / as soon as / before / after / by
______________________________________________________________
* By the time you get this letter, I will have left for New York. 5. Franklin wants to get a new job. He is preparing for job interviews.
______________________________________________________________
* I used to play a lot of tennis when I was a teenager. ___________________________________________________
We had a wonderful dinner after she had arrived.
6. I'm writing a letter, and I'm leaving. You will find it tomorrow.
Expressing Conditions ______________________________________________________________
if / unless / in the case that ______________________________________________________________
7. Marvin thinks he will buy the house. He just wants to know what his wife
thinks.
48
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. Cindy and David had breakfast. They left for work.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
9. I really enjoyed the concert. The music was too loud.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
10. Alexander has been working sixty hours a week. There is an important
presentation next week.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
11. I usually work out at the gym early in the morning. I leave for work at eight
a.m.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
12. The car was extremely expensive. Bob didn't have much money. He bought
the car.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
13. Dean sometimes goes to the cinema. He enjoys going with his friend Doug.
Doug visits once a month.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
49
14. I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet. It allows me to watch
what I want when I want.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
15. Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. I put the chairs on the patio
in the garage when we have rain.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
SYNTHESIS OF SENTENCES
Synthesis means the combination of a number of simple sentences into one
new sentence – simple, compound or complex.
I. Change the following simple sentences into complex sentences.
1. He had failed. I told him that.
I told him that he had failed.
2. Where can we find the money for it? That is the question.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. The boy was caught. He had stolen the watch.
__________________________________________________________
4. The man arrived on Friday. His name is John.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. This is a fine opportunity. It should not be lost.
__________________________________________________________
6. This is an old fort. It was built by Akbar.
__________________________________________________________
7. This is the house. The theft was committed there.
__________________________________________________________
8. You refused to sing. Can you tell me the reason?
__________________________________________________________
9. I went there. The door was locked.
____________________________________________________________
10. You finish dressing. I will wait here.
____________________________________________________________
II. Change the following simple sentences to compound sentence.
1. The way was long. The wind was cold
The way was long and the wind was cold.
2. It was a cold night. We ventured out
3. He has many friends. He also has several enemies
4. Something fell down. I heard a thud
5. The cinema was sold out. We watched a movie on TV
6. I really need a holiday. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the money.
7. Our plane left Bangkok on schedule. We arrived in London early.
8. I can’t criticize him. He is my brother.
50
Comprehension – 13
Read the following extract.
Indian folk theatre can actually be divided into two broad categories – the
religious and the secular. While the religious folk theatres mainly evolved
from stories from history, religion and myth, the secular folk theatre actually
emerged as a typical form of entertainment. The two forms like the religious
and the secular folk theatre therefore started working together whilst
influencing each other to create a fresh type of Indian Natya.
Every state in India has its own distinctive form of folk theatre. Variously
known as the Jatra in Orissa, Bengal and Eastern Bihar, Tamasha in
Maharashtra, Nautanki in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab, Bhavai in
Gujarat, Yakshagana in Karnataka, and Therukutu in Tamil Nadu. Indian folk
theatre with its sheer vibrancy since the age-old days has reached out to all.
Artistically, folk theatre in India eloquently portrayed the ’nine rasas’ of the
India drama. Chhau, Lion dance, Kuchipudi, Santhal dance, all contributed in
weaving that magic of Indian folk theatre which not only stood out as an
eminent theatre pattern but also depicted life, love, death, virtues and vice.
The typical concept of stage designing of folk theatre in India once again points
towards its simplicity. The actors of the Indian folk theatre generally perform
on a makeshift stage. This supports them in conversing with the audience
during the course of the play as audience participation is an essential part of
the Indian folk theatre. The stage for the folk theatres is generally a colossal
empty space, which the actors skillfully control and use to complement their
dialogues and symbolic gestures. Elaborate make-up, masks, chorus, loud
music and folk dance are indeed the hallmark of Indian folk theatre.
With its sheer vitality therefore, Indian folk theatre is just not a theatre form
but a lot more. It is the chronicle of Indian drama where for the very first time,
theatre broke the barrier of orchestra and pits and reached the masses in a whole
new way through the brilliance of music, song and folklore.
1. Complete the following paragraph using ideas from the given passage. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
The author talks about the _____________________________ of folk theatre,
2. What aspects of folk theatre, pointed out by the author, make it so appealing
one that has developed from _______________
to the public?
_________________ and the other that is _________________ in its origins.
______________________________________________________________
The essential feature of the stage setting of a folk theatre is its
___________________________ which helps the actors to ______________________________________________________________
____________________________with the __________________________
______________________________________________________________
when the play is on.
______________________________________________________________
2. Give the meaning of the following words as used in the passage.
3. Name the various types of folk dance and mention the states they originated
a. eloquently ____________________________ from.

b. eminent _______________________________ ______________________________________________________________

c. colossal ______________________________ ______________________________________________________________

d. hallmark ____________________________ ______________________________________________________________

e. vitality _____________________________ ______________________________________________________________

f. chronicle _____________________________

3. Answer the following questions.

1. Where did the religious and secular theatre evolve from?

_____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
51
 Comprehension – 14 1. Complete the following statements choosing from the options given below
each incomplete statement.
Poem
Read the following poem and answer the given questions that follow.
a. The shadow jumps into the bed before the poet because
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
i. it wants to sleep on the softest part of the bed.
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
ii. The light in the poet’s bedroom was probably behind him, so when he
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
jumped into bed, it seemed as if the shadow jumped before him.
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
iii. The shadow and the poet had a competition on who would get into bed first.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
b. When the shadow sticks to the poet, he feels
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
i. secure
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an Indian-rubber ball,
ii. like laughing iii. in a very scientific manner
And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
2. Answer the following questions.
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way;
a. Why does the poet call the shadow ‘a coward’ and ‘lazy’?
He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see;
______________________________________________________________
I’d think shame to stick to nurse as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up, ______________________________________________________________

I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup, ______________________________________________________________

But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
b. How do ‘proper children’ grow, according to the poet? In what way is the
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed. shadow different from ‘proper children’?
- Robert Louis Stevenson ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
52
 c. What is the significance of the fact that the shadow is like the poet from the  In letters to the editor – Do not ask the editor to solve the problems. Use
‘heel up to the head’? ‘yours truly’ as the subscription.
______________________________________________________________
FORMAT OF A LETTER
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Sender’s Address

d. Why, do you think, did the shadow not accompany the poet when he went
out one early morning? Date

______________________________________________________________
Receiver’s Address
FORMAL LETTER WRITING

The most common form of written communication is the letter. Letters should Subject
have a format that goes with the latest conventions.
Letter types include Salutation
Informal Letters-These are letters written to close associates.

Body of the letter__________________________________________

Formal Letters include :-
(a) business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, Complimentary Close
asking for and giving information, placing orders and sending replies;
(b)Letters to the editor (giving suggestions on an issue)
Subscription
(c)Application for a job.
Signature
Name
Important points to remember while drafting letters:
 Write the letter format to the left.
53
 After writing Sender's Address leave one line space Sample
 Date can be written as 1 July, 2016 / July 1, 2016 and leave another
line.
 In Receiver’s Address Designation and Address of the Addressee Write a letter to the editor of a local daily expressing concern about the
should be written and leave another line. increasing air pollution. Also suggest some measures to curb air pollution.
 Subject can be written before or after salutation.
 Salutation Dear Sir/ Madam; Sir/ Madam; Respected Sir / Madam;
Dear Mr. Yadav etc. H.no. 465
 Body should be written in simple, direct, formal language and Jungpura Extension
divided into paragraphs.
New Delhi
 Complimentary Close: Letter should end with a complimentary close
like ‘Hoping to hear from you soon’.
 Subscription: Yours faithfully, Yours truly, Yours obediently, Yours
21 August 2016
sincerely.
 Note that an apostrophe( ‘ ) should never be put before ‘s’ in Yours. The Editor
‘Y’ should be in capital letter and ‘ f ’, ‘ t ’, ‘ s ’ , ‘ o ’in faithfully ,
The Hindustan Times
truly, sincerely and obediently should be in small letters.
New Delhi

 Signature(optional) and Name

Sub: Increasing air pollution in the city

Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to suggest some
measures for controlling the growing air pollution in the city. Air pollution is
a cause of major health problems. First of all, heavy vehicles should be banned
from entering the city and only light commercial vehicles should be allowed.
Vehicles such as tempos, trucks, container lorries, buses etc. are responsible
for the increasing air pollution. It shortens the lifespan and lowers the quality
of life, especially that of children. The transport buses plying within the city
should be replaced by electric vans. We should try to improve the transport

54
system. With the working of the complete Metro system in the city will help in
controlling the growing air pollution.
CNG(Compressed Natural Gas ) is an environment friendly fuel. It is not only
cheaper but also gives better mileage. It is soot free and prolongs life of an
engine. CNG should be made mandatory for all public buses, taxis autos etc.
Air pollution is a pressing problem and we have to try our best to solve it.
I hope this message will touch the conscience of thousands and the concerned
authorities will pay attention to this growing menace and initiate action.
Yours Faithfully
Ritika Goyal
Exercise
1.You are Ridhi and you have read the news report about the scarcity of clean
drinking water and defective sewage system. Write a letter to the editor of a
national daily expressing concern about population growth, decreased rainfall,
increased consumption of water, water quality and land use have led to scarcity
suggesting remedial measures.
2. You are Aman/ Arushi. You genuinely feel that ’Capital Punishment’ in no
way takes justice to its logical end. Write a letter the editor of a national daily
advocating for the abolishment of capital Punishment in India. Give atleast
three reasons to prove your point.
55
REPORT WRITING
NEWSPAPER REPORT
A report is factual description of an events or an incident. It may also be an
objective analysis or evaluation of something. The length of a report depends
upon its nature. Reports may be of several kinds. Students are required to write
reports of school events or of important daily occurrences for a newspaper.
Each having distinct character and format.
FORMAT OF A NEWS PAPER
HEADLINE OR TITLE: In bold, catchy and brief
BYLINE : Name , designation, position etc. of the person writing the
report(below)
Place and Date: The place where the news is from is followed by the date
OPENING PARAGARAPH: A brief mention of what happened, where and
how and most prominent consequence/effect along with the day, date and time
when it took place
DETAILS: Paragraph 2 & 3 give details of the event being reported. Eye
witness account (along with some quotes) are also included. In case of
accidents, loss of life and property is listed, cause of the accident etc.
VALUE POINTS TO BE INCLUDED IN A NEWSPAPER REPORT
Accidents /events/functions: What, where, when, how happened, people,
vehicles involved Loss of life and property, details of rescue and relief
operations, the scene of the accident etc can be included.

Sample News Paper Report
You are Ramesh / Rehana , a staff reporter of The Times of India. You have
been asked to cover the ghastly train accident that took place at Ratlam. Write
a report of the terrible accident in about 150 words to be published in your
newspaper.
A Train Accident
By Ramesh, TOI Correspondent
Ratlam, 20th October 2017. Call it a twist of tragic irony or fate. Within twenty-
four hours of the Railway Minister’s assurance of making the Indian Railways
safer and secure, the nation witnessed another ghastly rail- accident.
Preliminary reports tell that the accident was caused by professional
incompetence due to an erring human judgement. The Rajdhani Mail was
stationed at platform no:1. Passengers were waiting for the Inter-City Mail
coming on platform no:2. The lineman gave a wrong track to the coming train.
It came from behind on the same track and the result was disastrous collision.
Three boggies got derailed. Soon the scene presented a picture of real hell.
Many passengers got trapped inside. Cries of the wounded rent in air. Dead
bodies could be seen lying on the rails. The relief train came within an hour
with doctors and medicines. The local people helped the authorities in the
rescue work. Over thirty persons were immediately taken to the General
Hospital, Ratlam, some of them with serious injuries. The ghastly accident took
a toll of twelve lives, including three women and two children.
56
MAGAZINE REPORT
School activities to be reported for publishing in a school magazine.
FORMAT OF A MAGAZINE REPORT
Give a heading
Writer’s name, class and section.
CONTENT
 factual information about the school activity/ event, date, time, venue.
 Sequence of programme.
 Information about chief guest/judges/participants.
 Highlights of the event.
VALUE POINTS TO BE INCLUDED IN A MAGAZINE REPORT
Name and nature of the occasion, Date, time & place, Chief Guest of Honour,
Inauguration by (if any) Chief Guest’s, message details, cultural programme,
prize distribution (if any) Vote of thanks, conclusion of the programme can be
included.
Sample School Magazine Report
You are Ashok/Asha of Raj Tula Ram Sr. Secondary School, Delhi. Your
school celebrated the teacher’s day on 5th of September. Using the
information given below , write a report of the function in about 150
words to be published in your school magazine.
 The Teacher’s Day Celebration Grammar
Ashok Class VIII E CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
A conditional sentence is one in which one of the clauses states the condition
Every year 5 of September is celebrated as the Teacher’s Day in India. On
th
for the action indicated in the second clause to be performed.
this day we remember one of the most distinguished teachers and philosophers
Types of Conditional sentences:
that modern India has produced. Dr.Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan’s is celebrated
as the teacher’s Day throughout India. The Day was celebrated with great The ZERO Conditional
enthusiasm, gusto and grace. All the students assembled in the auditorium.
There was a standing ovation when the Principal and teachers took their seats Type Zero Conditional is used to describe general truths and scientific facts
on the stage. Shri. S.K. Gandhi, a great educationalist was the chief- guest on or something of general practice.
the occasion. He highlighted the contribution of teachers in educating the Pattern: IF +SIMPLE PRESENT + SIMPLE PRESENT
nation. He also gave a brief biographical sketch of Dr. S Radhakrishnan. The
Principal lauded the devotion and sincere efforts to the teachers to give Rao Ex. If there are dark clouds, it rains heavily.
Tula Ram School a pride of place in the field of education. The Head Boy, If the battery has no charge, the mobile does not work.
Amit Kumar, announced the names of teachers one by one. Every teacher was
garlanded and presented with a shawl. He highlighted the role of teachers as The FIRST Conditional (Probable or likely)
the builders of the nation. The teachers also blessed the students and wished In the First Conditional the sentences describe something that is likely to take
everyone a good career. The grand celebration ended with tea and light place. It is usually used for giving permissions, making a request, give an
refreshments. advice or command and show ability.
Pattern: IF+ SIMPLE PRESENT+ WILL/WILL NOT+ FUTURE
Exercise Ex. If the weather is fine tomorrow, I will go for a walk.
1. ‘Traffic Awareness Camp’ was organised in your school by the Bangalore If she gets up early, she may go for aerobics.
traffic police for the students to make them aware of the traffic rules and
regulations to be followed while driving, crossing roads and boarding buses. The SECOND Conditional (Improbable/unlikely)
Write a report for your school magazine in about 150 words. The Second Conditional indicates an unreal situation. It is used for actions
that are unlikely to occur.
2. You are Aruna from Chennai, a special correspondent of The Hindu. Your
city experienced the unprecedented torrential rains that brought it under the Pattern: IF + SIMPLE PAST/ PERFECT + WOULD/COULD…….
fury of the flood. Describe the havoc caused by the flood highlighting the
inadequate relief measures undertaken by the local administration. Ex. If I had enough money, I would buy myself a phone.
If she had his contact number, she could contact him.
57
The THIRD Conditional (Impossible conditional)
The Third Conditional is used for actions that are impossible to happen. The
condition cannot be fulfilled because the main clause refers to an event that
has already occurred.
Pattern: IF + PAST PARTICIPLE + WOULD/COULD +HAVE + PAST
PARTICIPLE
Ex. If Ihad left home early, I would have caught the flight.
1. I would certainly travel by Rajdhani if the tickets _______ (be) available.
(Type II)
2. You ______ (save) a lot of time if you travel by metro. (Type I)
3. If the fairy granted you two wishes, what ______ (you ask) for ? (Type II)
4. Had I seen the red light, I _______ (stop) the car. (Type III)
5. If they _____ (probe) this case further, they ______ (find) the culprits.
(Type I)
6. If she walked upright, she _______ (look) confident. (Type II)

Had you taken the medicines regularly, you would have recovered earlier. 7. If you ________ (not have) a flying license, they will not let you fly. (Type
I)
8.If I had found the samples satisfactory, I _______ (place) a huge order.
I. State whether the conditional clauses are in the zero, first, second or (Type III)
third type conditional.
9. If there _______ (be) sufficient food, I would call my friends over. (Type
1. If you dial a number, a bell rings at the other end. III)
2. If you send a written request, you will get a reply. 10. The pudding would have tasted better, if you _______ (put) more raisins
in it. (Type III)
3. If you had watered these plants regularly, they would have grown bigger.
4. If I were to go on a holiday, I would go to London.
5. If you see Nikitha, give her my best wishes.
6. If they were to go for a treatment, they will go to their family doctor.
7. If I had enough time, I would love to learn Reiki.
8. Had you taken the medicines regularly, you would have recovered earlier.
9. If you have your form, you can submit it at the counter.
10. They will feel so happy for you, if they knew about the prize you won.
11. I would go to the banker for clarifications, if I were in your place.
12. if he builds up some strength, he could go for a walk on his own.
II. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of verbs given in the brackets.
58
 Revision Worksheet 'Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.'
'So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account
Comprehension – 1
of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still
Read the following story and answer the questions that follow. depositing.'
Each day is a gift Remember these five simple rules to be happy:

A 92-year-old delicate but well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed 1. Free your heart from hatred
each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably coifed and his face
2.Free your mind from worries
shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home
today. 3. Live simply
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After 4. Give more
many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled
5. Expect less
sweetly when told his room was ready.
I. Answer the questions in one or two sentences.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of
his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. a. Describe the old man?
'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been ______________________________________________________________
presented with a new puppy.
'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' ______________________________________________________________
2. What happened to his wife?
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room _____________________________________________________________
or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my 3. How did he old man react when the narrator told him about his room?
mind.
_____________________________________________________________
I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake
4. What was happiness to the old man?
up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have
with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful
_____________________________________________________________
for the ones that do.'
'Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and _____________________________________________________________
all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.' 5. What decision does the old man make every morning?

59
___________________________________________________ ‘The reason you are suffering
The torments and the agonies of hell
___________________________________________________ Is that you passed those people by
6. What do you learn from this story? Without a word, without a thought,
And did not recognize.
__________________________________________________ In that old man or that old woman
A heavenly messenger sent to warn you
_____________________________________________________________ Of the evil of your ways,
II. Complete the following. And that you must change them
1. Old age is like a bank _________________________________________ Before you, too grow old - James Kirkup

_____________________________________________________________ Answer the following questions.

1. Where did the man find himself?
2. The old man advised the narrator to deposit _______________________ _____________________________________________________________
2. Why does the poet refer to man as ‘careless fool’?
Comprehension – 2 _____________________________________________________________
The Buddhist Parable
_____________________________________________________________
Because of a life of evil deeds,
A certain man now finds himself in hell. 3. Whom are the old man and old woman in the poem compared to?
Yama, Kind of those infernal regions, ____________________________________________________________
Questions him severely, saying:
‘In all your wicked life, did you ever encounter 4. What is the lesson you learn from this poem?
Any messengers from heaven?” ____________________________________________________________
The man at once relpies; ‘No, my lord,
____________________________________________________________
I never met such ones in all my life.’
Then Yama asks him, with piercing gaze. 5. Pick out the words from the poem that means
‘Did you ever meet people, old and firm, i. meet - ii. evil –
Bent with age, and walking with a stick?’
The man replies, without hesitation: iii. suffering / torture - iv. uncertainty / pause –
“Oh, yes, my lord, I often saw such persons.
You can find them everywhere on earth: v. intense
No one takes any notice of them there’
Then Yama tells the careless fool: 6. Pick out the words from the poem that means the opposite of the following.
60

i. careful x ii. nowhere x
iii. heaven x iv. unsteady x
v. contentment x
Determiners:
1. Complete the passage using appropriate determiners.
There hasn’t been __________ rain in _________ state. Quite _______
districts are experiencing drought and _______ people are leaving _________
villages to come into ________ towns. However________ people continue to
stay and to suffer without ________ water. _______ animals have died and
________ are sick. ________ government has to do _________ very quickly,
if it wants to avert ________ disaster that is inevitable.
2. Complete the passage using appropriate determiners.
_______ flights were cancelled at Toronto International Airport including
________ incoming and __________ outgoing ________ flights on Friday. At
Pearson , by mid-evening, there was growing anger among ________
passengers who were stranded at _______ airport. ______ said they sat in
________ planes for ________ hours only to be taken off and told to re-book.
3. Fill in the gaps with the most suitable word given in the bracket. There
are so (a)_________(much, many, more ) ways of entertainment in
life.(b)_______(The, A, Every ) circus is one of the most entertaining media.
Last Sunday, (c) _________(much, some, more ) of (d)_________ (our, their,
his) friends went to see the Diamond circus. My uncle took us there.
61
(e)________(Some, Any, Every ) one paid for (f)_________ (her, his, all)
ticket.
4. Insert determiners wherever necessary.
a. Are you coming for walk with me?
______________________________________________________________
b. Music is great source of enjoyment?
______________________________________________________________
c. There wasn’t a soul to be seen in park.
______________________________________________________________
d. In rage, I tore letter into pieces.
______________________________________________________________
e. Firework display was high point of evening.
______________________________________________________________
f. There is place on wall where paint is coming off.
______________________________________________________________
5. Rearrange the following words and phrases into meaningful sentences
(a) the temple architecture/ form an/ the sculptures / of/ essential part/ and
paintings/
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(b)the architecture/engineering marvel/in some temples/is both/an artistic
masterpiece/and an
______________________________________________________________ venture. But fortunate they are (e)______/______
not within easy reach for more. (f)_______/_____
(c) is/ situated in/ the Konark Temple,/dedicated to/ north eastern corner of
Puri/ the Sun God Their fee are high and the centers (g)_______/_____

______________________________________________________________ suffers from lack of equipment. (h)_______/_____

______________________________________________________________
6. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in every
8. Rewrite these sentences into Passive Voice.
line. Identify the word and write the correction against the correct blank
number. Incorrect correct 1. The carpenter makes a Table.
_____________________________________________________________

A metro rail system is unique in (a) ………/………… 2. People call Gandhiji the father of Nation.
the whole world. People of Delhi or (b) ……../………. _____________________________________________________________
of neighbouring state enjoy (c) ……../………
this unique railway facility. 3. He swallowed food very quickly.
A metro station at Connaught Place (d) ………/……… _____________________________________________________________
is equivalent in the Victoria Terminal(e) ………/.……… 4. People don’t use this road very often.
in a well placed central London. (f) ………/………
_____________________________________________________________
5. We gave the police the information.
7. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each
line. Write the incorrect word and the correction against the correct blank _____________________________________________________________
numbers
6. Somebody cleans the room everyday.
Thanks to the current interest in fitness
_____________________________________________________________
and health that peoples are taking. (a)______ ______
7. The artist drew the picture.
In each locality we find this days (b)______/______
_____________________________________________________________
that some centers and clubs is springing (c)______/______
8. How much will they pay you?
up and they are do well in their (d)______/______
62
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
9. How do people learn languages? 4. She is liked by all
_____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

10. The people praised the leader. 5. The door was closed by Aryan.

_____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

11. People pack these things very carefully. 6. I will be given a gift on my birthday.

_____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

12.Everybody likes her. 7. I do not like to be kept waiting

____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

13. He killed a lion. 8. India won the series.

____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

14.They learn English 9. Many accidents are caused by dangerous driving.

____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

15.People made a human chain. 10.How is this word pronounced?

____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

9. Rewrite these sentences into active voice. 11.You are requested to go and help him.
______________________________________________________________
1. Is the minister known to you?
12.The roof was repaired by Sahil.
____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. He shall be scolded by his father
13. Let the room be cleaned by him.
____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
14.I was not told that George was ill.
3 .By whom were you given this book?
63
_____________________________________________________________
15.You are advised not to quarrel.
_____________________________________________________________
10. There is a word missing in each line given below. Write the missing
word along with the word before and after in the space provided.
Man’s efficiency increases hard work. (a)____/ ____/_____
If he does work hard, his practice suffers. (b)___/____/ ____
The lawyer is judged by cases that (c)___/ ___/____
3.I was sitting at the window seat in the train and talking to my friend outside.
Suddenly someone came to my friend and ……….. Complete the story in about
150-180 words.
4. One dark, cloudy and frightful night, I was suddenly awakened by a dazzling
light. Still not completely shaken out of my slumber, I saw, from the
window of my room …………………………. Complete the story in about
150-180 words.
5. Using the hints given below write a short story in about 150-180 words.

he wins. The writer’s popularity examined (d)___/____/____ A prisoner of war returns home after ten long years….. things have
changed……wife grown old…….children barely remember him…… parents
by the number readers he has, whereas (e)___/____/_____ dead….. friends avoid him….. feels there is nothing left for him in the
the typist tested by his speed and the (f)___/____/____ world…… dedicates himself to the service of mankind.
accuracy in work. It has rightly been (g)____/____/____ 6. You are Purnima /Pavan , living at 3244, Sarita Colony, Mumbai-32. Your
said that hard work is the key success. (h)___/____/ _____ friend Sunitha / Sanjeev has gone to Chennai due to the transfer of her/ his
father. Recollecting the sweet memories of old times, write a letter in about
100 words inviting her /him to stay with you during the vacation. Also mention
Writing Task – Revision the programme you have planned according to her/his liking.

1. You recently came across an article in the newspaper about the effect of
social networking sites on children. Write ane-mail to the editor of a leading
newspaper expressing your concern about it and offer suggestion to solve the
problem.
2. You recently saw a poster on endangered animals. As an animal lover, you
are greatly concerned about the indiscriminate killing of these lovely animals,
leading to their becoming endangered. Write an e-mail to the editor of a
national daily expressing your views and concerns as a future citizen.
NOTICE WRITING
1. You are Rohan Juneja, the Secretary of the Science Club of your school.
Write a notice in not more than 50 words informing the students about the C.
V. Raman National Science Exhibition to be held and requesting them to
participate in it enthusiastically. Inform them that outsiders are also welcome
to this exhibition.
2. Your school is organising a fete to collect funds for charity. Only school
students are eligible to put up stalls. As Head Boy/Head girl of the Meera
International School, draft a notice in not more than 50 words to be put up
announcing sale of stalls giving all other necessary details.

64
 Comprehension -1
Revision
Read the following summary of Dr. Faustus, Scene 1 by Marlowe and
answer the questions that follow.
In a long soliloquy, Faustus reflects on the most rewarding type of scholarship.
He first considers logic, quoting the Greek philosopher Aristotle, but notes that
disputing well seems to be the only goal of logic, and, since Faustus’s debating
skills are already good, logic is not scholarly enough for him. He considers
medicine, quoting the Greek physician Galen, and decides that medicine, with
its possibility of achieving miraculous cures, is the most fruitful pursuit—yet
he notes that he has achieved great renown as a doctor already and that this
fame has not brought him satisfaction. He considers law, quoting the Byzantine
emperor Justinian, but dismisses law as too petty, dealing with trivial matters
rather than larger ones. Divinity, the study of religion and theology, seems to
offer wider vistas, but he quotes from St. Jerome’s Bible that all men sin and
finds the Bible’s assertion that “the reward of sin is death” an unacceptable
doctrine. He then dismisses religion and fixes his mind on magic, which, when
properly pursued, he believes will make him “a mighty god” (1.62).
Wagner, Faustus’s servant, enters as his master finishes speaking. Faustus asks
Wagner to bring Valdes and Cornelius, Faustus’s friends, to help him learn the
art of magic. While they are on their way, a good angel and an evil angel visit
Faustus. The good angel urges him to set aside his book of magic and read the
Scriptures instead; the evil angel encourages him to go forward in his pursuit
of the black arts. After they vanish, it is clear that Faustus is going to heed the
evil spirit, since he exult at the great powers that the magical arts will bring
him. Faustus imagines sending spirits to the end of the world to fetch him
jewels and delicacies, having them teach him secret knowledge, and using
magic to make himself king of all Germany.
Valdes and Cornelius appear, and Faustus greets them, declaring that he has
set aside all other forms of learning in favor of magic. They agree to teach
Faustus the principles of the dark arts and describe the wondrous powers that
will be his if he remains committed during his quest to learn magic. Cornelius
tells him that “the miracles that magic will perform / Will make thee vow to
study nothing else” (1.136–137). Valdes lists a number of texts that Faustus
65
should read, and the two friends promise to help him become better at magic
than even they are. Faustus invites them to dine with him, and they exit.
1. Answer the following questions.
a. What was Faustus’ opinion about logic?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
b. Why didn’t he want to be a doctor?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
c. What was the reason for him to dismiss religion?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
2. Complete the following sentences.
a. Faustus asked his servant to bring
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
b. The good angel urges him to
______________________________________________________________
________________________________________
c. It was clear that after they vanish Faustus was ___________
___________________________________________________
d. Faustus imagines sending the spirits ___________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
e. He wanted the evil spirits to teach him the secret _________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
3. Pick out the words in passage which means the same as…..
a. Chase - b. unimportant –
c. reason - d. declaration -
e. study of theistic religion –
66
Revision – 1a
Father William
Read the following poem and answer the given questions.
“You are old, father William,” the young man said,
‘And your hair has become very white;
And yet you incessantly stand on your head-
Do you think, at your age, it is right?’
‘In my youth,’ Father William replied to his son,
‘I feared it would injure the brain;
But now that I’m perfectly sure I have none,
Why, I do it again and again.’
‘You are old,’ said the youth, ‘as I mentioned before,
And have grown most uncommonly fat;
Yet you turned back-somersault in at the door-
Pray, what is the reason of that?’
‘In my youth,’ said the sage, as he shook his grey locks,
‘I kept all my limbs very supple
By heuse of this ointment- one shilling the box –
Allow me to sell you a couple.’
‘You are old,’ said the youth, ‘and your jaws are too weak
For anything tougher than suet;
Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak –
Pray, how did you manage to do it?’
‘In my youth,’ said his father, ‘I took to the law;
And argued each case with my wife;
And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw,
Has lasted the rest of my life.’
‘You are old,’ said the youth; ‘one would hardly suppose
That your eye was as steady as ever;
Yet you balanced an end on the end of your nose –
What made you so awfully clever?’
‘I have answered three questions, and that is enough,’
Said his father,’ don’t give yourself airs!
Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff? 3. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the poem.
Be off, or I’ll kick you down stairs!’ - Lewis Carroll i. incessantly __________________________________________________

1. Choose the correct alternative from the ones below each sentence and ii. supple _____________________________________________________
complete the sentences.
iii. couple ____________________________________________________
a. The young man is surprised that Father William was standing on his head
because …. iv. airs _______________________________________________________
i. Father William was too fat for that.
ii. Father William was too old for that. 4. Answer the following in brief.
iii. Father William was too slow for that.
a. Why is Father William not afraid to stand on his head despite being old?
b. Father William said that he had strong jaws because…….
i. he often ate goose. ______________________________________________________________
ii. he argued often with his wife.
iii. he would give long lectures. ______________________________________________________________
c. Father William said that he would kick the young man down the stairs
because ……….. ______________________________________________________________
i. he had already answered three questions.
ii. he got angry at the kind of questions the young man asked. ______________________________________________________________
iii. he wanted to show how strong he was.
2. How did arguing with his wife prove beneficial for father William?
2. Using ideas from the poem, complete the paragraph given below.
Father William was asked by the young man that how could he turn ______________________________________________________________
_______________________ when he was so fat. To this, he replied that as a ______________________________________________________________
young man, he would keep all his __________________________ by applying
______________________________________________________________
an ointment and tried some to the ________________________. When the
young man asked how Father William could balance 3. What was the final question asked by the young man?

_____________________ on his _____________________, Father William ______________________________________________________________

got annoyed and said that he had ____________________________ and that ______________________________________________________________
was _____________________. He told the young man to
______________________________________________________________
___________________________ or he would _____________
_________________________
67
4. What was Father William’s answer to the last question? 10. If the motorway had been less busy, (to get)
______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ 11. If you look at the picture closely, (to see)

_____________________________________________________________
Revision (Conditional Statements)
Complete the following sentences, using the suggested verb and choosing the 12. If he had asked me for the pen, (to give)
correct conditional. _____________________________________________________________
Conditionals Exercise 4
1. If you practice your English often, (to improve)
Complete the following sentences with an ‘if clause’, using the suggested
______________________________________________________________ verb and choosing the correct conditional.
2. If I looked like him, (to be) 1. They will buy the textbook… (to recommend)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

3. If we had taken the earlier train, (to arrive) 2. You would learn more… (to study)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

4. If it rains on their wedding day, (to cancel) 3. I will get the new car… (to be)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

5. If you read this English book, (to learn) 4. He gets very angry… (to talk)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

6. If she had practiced speaking, (to pass) 5. We would be happier… (to have)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

7. If they cheated in the test, (to report) 6. Luke would have passed the exam… (to practice)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

8. If you eat too much chocolate, (to get) 7. He will pass next time… (to take)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

9. If I take more classes, (to do) 8. I would have liked the book… (to be)

______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

68
9. The cat purrs… (to stroke) 7. One of my sisters (is, are) going on a trip to France.
_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
10. People in Brighton will get upset… (to rain) 8. The man with all the birds (live, lives) on my street.
_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
11. They would tell us… (to want) 9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours to
watch.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
12. It would have been beautiful… (to work)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.
Revision Exercise : Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise
_____________________________________________________________
Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject.
11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.
1. Annie and her brothers (is, are) at school.
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.
2.. Either my mother or my father (is, are) coming to the meeting.
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. The dog or the cats (is, are) outside.
14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or six?
____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
4. Either my shoes or your coat (is, are) always on the floor.
15. Mathematics (is, are) John's favorite subject, while Civics (is, are)
_____________________________________________________________
Andrea's favorite subject.
5. George and Tamara (doesn't, don't) want to see that movie.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
6. Benito (doesn't, don't) know the answer.
16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie these days.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

69
17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer? 9. The rider fell off the horse and broke his arm.
10. The woodcutter felled a huge tree.
______________________________________________________________
11. The explosion sank the ship.
18. Your pants (is, are) at the cleaner's. 12. The ship sank suddenly.
Integrated Grammar Exercises:
______________________________________________________________
19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are) only one 1. A toy are an object used in play. (a)_____ /______
left! Toys are usually associated by children (b)_____/______
______________________________________________________________ and pets, but it is not unusual to adult (c)_____/______
humans or some non domesticated (d)_____/______
______________________________________________________________ animals to played with toys. Many items (e)_____/______
20. The committee (debates, debate) these questions carefully. are manufacture to serve as toys, but (f)_____/______
items produced for other purposes will (g)_____/______
______________________________________________________________
also be used for toys. (h)_____/______
21. The committee (leads, lead) very different lives in private.
______________________________________________________________ 2. Oats are species with cereal grains. (a)_____/______
Oat consumption of human beings (b)_____/______
22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press date back to 400 BC. They are (c)_____/______
cordially. mainly consumed by a (d)_____/_____
______________________________________________________________ breakfast food but snack (e)_____/______
product. Oats are a value source (f)_____/______
______________________________________________________________
of carbohydrates which provides (g)_____/______
23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case. calories or energy. They are (h)_____/______
______________________________________________________________ also rich in starch.

State whether the verbs in the following sentences are used transitively INTEGRATED EXERCISES II
or intransitively. In the passages given below one word has been omitted in each line. Write
1. Heat expands metals.
the omitted word in the space provided with the previous and the next
2. Metals expand on heating.
word.
3. The driver stopped the car.
4. The car stopped abruptly. 1. Chocolates lift up your mood. e.g chocolates/can /lift
5. You must speak the truth. When you eat chocolate, a (a) _____/______/________
6. You must speak loudly. chemical called serotonin released(b) ____ /_____/ ________
7. The boy is flying the kite. in brain making you feel good. (c) _____/______/________
8. The birds are flying in the sky. According research, chocolates may(d)______/______/______
70
also effective in relieving persistent(e)______/_______/______ shown in (g)__________ ( before, after, among, between ) programs , mar the
cough because soothe the throat. (f) _______/_______/___ interest. Let money making (h)__________ ( is, was, be, were ) not the only
Chocolates, however, damage the (g) _______/______/_____ aim.
teeth because of sugar content. (h) _______/______/______

2. For migrating animals, setting at (a) ______/______/______ 2. Millions of people (a)__________ ( has, have, are, is) trouble getting enough
the right time is just important (b) ______/______/______ sleep. Recent research links lack (b)__________ ( of, from, with, in) sleep to
as ending up the right place. (c) ______/______/______ health problems ranging (c)__________ ( with, in, from, as) hypertension to
Their timing amazingly precise. (d) _____/______/________ weight gain. You may have (d) __________ ( try, tried, trying, had tried )
Cuckoos, example, nearly always (e) ______/_____/________ medication. You may learn how to stay (e) __________ (away, near, close,
arrive Britain during the second or (f) ______/_____/________ beside) from caffeine and nicotine. You are probably wise not to eat too big a
third week April. This is made possible(g) _____/______/____ meal a couple of hours (f)__________ (at, after, before, during ) bedtime. In
by an inbuilt ‘body clock’ keeps time (h) ____/_____/______ spite of all this you still suffer (g) __________ (by, with, in, from)
by changing length of days. sleeplessness. Experts offer (h)__________ (any, some, much, most) tips to
get better sleep.
3. I have been chief guest for several (a)_____/_____/_____
programs several places. To be a guest (b) _____/_______/__
3. The pleasure (a) _________ (in, of, from, with) being out outdoors is
anywhere is honour. It means that (c) _____/______/___ fundamental (b) _________ ( to, for, in, with) human happiness and wellbeing.
the people invite you really respect (d) _____/____/_____ There (c) _________ (are, is, has, have) so much to learn and it is (d)
you expect guidance as well as (e) _____/____/_____ _________ (the, an, a, any) constant source of delight to know (e) _________
leadership you. People look (f) ____/_____/____ (many, most, much, more) from the flora and fauna around. One discovers how
up you and everyone’s attention (g) _____/____/_____ exciting (f) _________ (but, and, as, or) wonderful the world is. Even babies
is focused you. (h) _____/___/_____ enjoy the (g) _________ (feel, felt, feeling, feelings) of gentle breeze (h)
INTEGRATED EXERCISES III _______ (at, in, on, from) their skin.
Complete the following passages by choosing the correct word from the
given options.
1. Television (a)__________ (have, has, was, is ) become very popular in our INTEGRATED EXERCISES IV
country. People spend a lot (b)__________ (in, at, of, by ) time watching Rearrange the following words and phrases to frame meaningful
variety of programs. Some of the programs (c)__________ (who, his, whose, sentences.
that ) are telecast these days lack purpose. Sometimes (d)__________ ( the, all,
1. a. are harmless/to people /most bats.
every, each) content as well as manners are offensive. We should remember
(e)__________ (if, that, when, how ) television is very effective in educating ____________________________________________________________
(f)__________ (a, an, the, yours) nation. A large number of advertisements ____________________________________________________________
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b. unique and diverse/bats, one /misunderstood /creatures /of the world's
most/are wonderful.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. every country/they are found /except Antarctica /every continent /in virtually
/and inhabit.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
d. that/ they are/can fly/the mammals.
______________________________________________________________
2. a. important/ it/ is/ to observe/ rules/ traffic.
______________________________________________________________
b. not/ children /below /of/ the age /must/ drive /eighteen years.
______________________________________________________________
c. protection/ our /we/ must/ helmets/ own /wear /for.
______________________________________________________________
d. phones /must /used/ not/ mobiles/ be/ driving/ while.
______________________________________________________________
3. a. our/ is/ full of /talented swimmers/ country.
______________________________________________________________
b. not/ utilized/ potential/ fully/ their/ is.
______________________________________________________________
c. academic subjects/ other activities/ take precedence/ over/ in school.
______________________________________________________________
d. has done/ the sport/ the government/ very little/to boost.
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______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. a. very difficult /it was/ to travel/earlier/ long distances
______________________________________________________________
b. backs/ their belongings/travelers carried/ on their
______________________________________________________________
c. few places/ take rest/on the/there were/to/ way
______________________________________________________________
d. people/to travel/ therefore/ dared/very/ adventurous/ only
_____________________________________________________________
5. a. the /first/doctor/ a diagnosis/makes/an illness/of
_____________________________________________________________
b. he or she/ what/ then/ kind/ decides/ of/ treatment/ needed/is
______________________________________________________________
c. can/ treated/with/ many/be/ a / course of drugs/ illness
______________________________________________________________
d. may/the doctor/if/ is serious/ the case/ operate
______________________________________________________________
 MODEL QUESTION PAPER – MID TERM There is no greater violence than to deny the dreams of our children. The single
aim of my life is that every child is: Free to be a child, free to grow and develop,
SUBJECT : ENGLISH
free to eat, sleep and see daylight, free to laugh and cry, free to play, free to
DATE:CLASS : VIII learn, free to go to school and above all, free to dream.
MAX MARKS:80
All the great religions tell us to care for children. Jesus said: ’Let the children
______________________________________________________________ come to me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.’ The
Holy Quran says: ‘Kill not your children because of poverty.’
Section A Reading 20
Section B Writing 20 I refuse to accept that all the temples mosques and churches and prayer houses
Section C Grammar 20 have no place for the dreams of our children.
Section D Literature 20
I refuse to accept that the world is so poor, when just one week of global
_____________________________________________________________
spending on armies is enough to bring all of our children into classrooms.
Section A (Reading) 20
I refuse to accept that the shackles of slavery can ever be stronger than the
I. Read this excerpt of the Noble Speech delivered by Kailash Satyarthi on 10 quest for freedom.
December, 2014, and answer the following questions. (12)
I refuse to accept that all the laws and constitutions, and judges and the police
Dreams of Our Children are not able to protect our children.

By. Kailash Satyarthi
Friends, the Nobel committee generously invited me to deliver a ‘lecture’.
Respectfully, I am unable to do that.
I represent here the sound of silence. The cry of innocence. And, the face of
invisibility. I have come here to share the voices and dreams of our children…
because they are all our children.
I have looked into their frightened and exhausted eyes. And I have heard their
urgent questions: Twenty years ago, in the foothills of the Himalayas, I met a
small, skinny boy. He asked me, ‘Is the world so poor that it cannot give me a
toy and a book, instead of forcing me to take a tool or gun?’.
I met with a Sudanese child-soldier who was kidnapped by an extremist militia.
As his first training, he was forced to kill his friends and family. He asked me:
‘What is my fault?’
Undoubtedly, progress has been made in the last couple of decades. The
number of out-of-school children has been halved. Child mortality and
malnutrition has been reduced, and millions of child deaths have been
prevented. The number of child labourers in the world has been reduced by a
third. Make no mistake, great challenges still remain.
Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘If we are to teach real peace in this world…. we shall
have to begin with the children’. I humbly add, let us unite the world through
the compassion of our children. Every single minute matters, every single child
matters, every single childhood matters. I challenge the passivity and
pessimism surrounding our children. I, therefore, call upon all the
governments, inter-governmental agencies, businesses, faith leaders, the civil
society, and each one of us, to put an end to all forms of violence against
children.

73
I.A. Answer the following questions. (1 x 5 = 5)
a. Whom does the speaker say he represents?
b. Which tragic incident did the Sudanese soldier – boy experience?
c. Who is the speaker? On what occasion were these words said?
d. Whom did he meet twenty years back and where?
e. What does the speaker say that the great religions tell us about?
I. B. Complete the sentences…. (1 x 3 = 3)
a. The speaker says let us unite the world through ____________________
b. There is no greater violence than to deny the _______________________
c. The speaker says that he stands before us to share the voices __________
Come, let us gather our nets from the shore and set our catamarans free,
To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!
No longer delay, let us hasten away in the track of the seagull’s call,
The sea is our mother, the cloud is our brother, the waves are our comrades
all.
What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god
drives?
He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide his breast our lives.
Sweet is the shade of the coconut glade, and the scent of the mango grove,
And sweet are the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices
we love;

I. C. Answer the question in about 30- 40 words. (1 x 2 = 2) But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild
foam’s glee;
a. What are the things that the speaker refuses to accept?
Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge, where the low sky mates with
I. D. Find the words from the above passage which mean the same as:(2) the sea.
a. brutality II. A. Choose the best answer for the following questions. (1 x 2 = 2)
b. empathy a. Who are referred to as ‘brothers’?
c. hold back i. the wind ii. the fish
d. a tendency to take the worst view. iii. the fishermen iv. the weather
II. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow. b. Which way will the fishermen take?
Coromandel Fishers i. the path of the wind ii. the way the fish swim
By. Sarojini Naidu iii. follow the track of the sea gull’s call
Rise, brothers, rise; the wakening skies pray to the morning light, iv. the track where the hand of sea-god drives.
The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all
night.
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II. B. Answer the following questions. Section – C (Grammar)
(1 x 6= 6)
VI. Read the following sentences and fill in the blanks with appropriate form
a. Why are the brothers asked to rise? of the verbs given in the brackets according to the tense form mentioned with
each sentence. (1 x 3 = 3)
b. What do the fishermen find sweet and appealing after a tiring day?
a. The doctor ________ (treat) patients for two years. (future perfect
c. What does ‘the waking skies pray to the morning light’ mean? What is
continuous tense)
the poetic device used here?
b. The teachers _______ (discuss) the importance of cleanliness and ________
d. How does the sea-god influence the lives of the fishermen?
(instruct) them to refrain form spitting in public places. (Past perfect tense)
e. Pick out the simile used in the poem?
c. Paper bags were also ready as they ________ (make) them for the past two
f. Why does the speaker consider himself and his brothers to be the ‘Kings weeks for distribution among the local residents. (Past perfect continuous)
of the sea’?
VII. Rewrite the following sentences according to the instruction given in
brackets. (1 x 6 = 6)

Section – B (Writing) 20 a. The farmers usually sow paddy by the end of May. ( into passive voice)

III. You are Shina / Siva a reporter from Times of India. Write a report for your b. The work was done with great difficulty. (into active voice)
newspaper about the recent floods that prevailed in Kerala and the measures
c. The police man said, ‘What do you have in the trunk of your car?’ (into
taken by the government to save the people stranded in their houses in about
indirect speech)
100 to 150 words. (1 x 5 = 5)
d. Uma pleaded with them not to tell anybody that she had written the letter.
IV. You are Shiny / Shankar residing in J.P. Nagar. Write a letter to the Editor
(into direct speech)
of a newspaper stating your opinion on poaching and the purchase of animal
skin, claws, horns etc. Make a strong appeal to seek help in preventing such e. A prolific writer and music composer, he wrote short stories, novels, poems,
illegal transactions. (150 words) (1 x 7 = 7) dance dramas and essays. (pick out the verb and state whether it is Transitive
or Intransitive and name its object)
V. Children are the future of the nation. Schools and parents play an important
role in moulding a child’s personality. Write an article on the topic ‘Role of f. She looks beautiful in her blue dress. ((pick out the verb and state whether it
School in a child’s life’ in 150–180 words. (Suggested Value points: is Transitive or Intransitive and name its object)
Importance of school for a child – shaping of physical and mental health-
g. Read the following sentences and combine them to form single complex
development of right attitude – character building – providing opportunities to
sentences. (1 x 3 = 3)
develop talents in each child) (1 x 8= 8)
i. Geetha is an architect. She has designed many malls.

75
 ii. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It has many monuments.
iii. She is ill. She cannot attend the meeting.
VIII. The following passage is not edited. There is an error in each line. Find
the error and write both the error and the correction as given in the question.
One has been done for you. (1/2 x 4 = 2)
Error / correction
The nilgai or blue bull be the largest Asian antelope. eg.be / is
Sturdy and thin-legged, it had a sloping back, (a) _______/ ________
a deep neck were a white patch on the throat, (b) _______/ ________
a short crest of hair along a neck, and white facial spots.(c) _______/ ________
It have the body of a horse and the face of a cow. (d) _______/ ________
IX. In the following passage one word is missing in each line. Find the missing
word and write the missing word along with the word before and after as given
in the example. (1/2 x 4= 2)
Before / missing word / after
I became impatient her repeated attempts and,eg. impatient /at/ her
seizing new doll, I dashed it upon the floor. (a)_______/_________/______
I was keenly delighted I felt the fragments of (b)________/________/______
broken doll at my feet. Neither sorrow regret (c) ________/_________/______
followed my passionate outburst. I had not loved doll. ______/______/______
X. Rewrite the following words and phrases in the right order to make
meaningful sentences.(1x 4 = 4)
a. left and right / into two main areas, / your brain / is separated
______________________________________________________________
b. the habit / more than your right, / if you develop / you are controlled / of
using / by the right side of your brain / your left hand
76
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. the right side / interestingly enough, / of the brain / and creative impulses /
is also responsible for our artistic
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
d. people, / the left side / controlled by / of their brains, / reasoning and maths
/ right – handed / are strong in logic,
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Section D (Literature)
XI. Read the following extracts and answer the following questions. (4)
a. “He’s broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity,
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,”
i. Who does ‘he’ refer to here? What does he do?
b. “I hire you with nothing”
i. Who said this to whom? What was the reaction of the poet?
c. “Nor sit in learning’s bower,
Worn thro’ with the dreary shower.”
i. Name the poem and the poet. What does he mean by the word ‘dreary
shower’?
d. ‘As if you never would stop’.
i. Who said this to whom? What did he admire?
XII. Answer the following questions. (1 x 4 = 4)
i. What are the various emotions expressed by Jim in his letter to Connie?
Explain any one emotion with reference.
ii What lesson did the Cricket learn from his little friend, the Ant?
iii. What objection did the Kangaroo have?
iv. What was the cause for the 1855 revolt?
XIII. Answer the following questions in four or five sentences. (2 x 3 = 6)
i. “Owning things is human; sharing them is divine”. Explain this with
reference from the lesson “The Selfish Giant”.
ii. The two adversaries became good friends? How did they become friends?
iii. How did Jody feed the milk to the fawn?
V. Answer the following questions in about 100 to 120 words. ( 3 x 2 = 6)
i. In what way had Chunilal tricked BepinBabu?Why did he do so?
ii. Why was Major Ahluwalia drawn towards Mt.Everest? What are the
changes that he experienced on top of the mountain?
Good Luck
77
MODEL PAPER ANNUAL
CLASS: VIII MAX. MARKS: 80
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section A – Reading - 20
Section B – Writing - 20
Section C – Grammar - 20
Section D – Literature – 20
_____________________________________________________________
Section A(Reading) 20
1. Read the following passage. (12)
A young woman went to her mother told her about her life and how things were
so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted
to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that, as one
problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She
filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came
to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in
the last she placed ground coffee beans.
She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she
turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them on a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in bowl. Then ladled the coffee out
and placed it in bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, Tell me, what do
you see?”
“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the young woman replied. The mother brought
her closer and asked her feel the carrots. She did so and noted that they were
soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell,
she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip coffee. The
daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “What
does it mean, mother?”
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity-
boiling water- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and
unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened
and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. It’s thin outer shell protected its liquid interior. But,
after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened! The ground
coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they
had changed the water.
“Which are you?” the mother asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on
your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?”
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong but, with pain
and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg
that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Or am I like the
coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance
that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and
flavour.
I. Answer the following questions.
a. What did the young woman tell her mother one day? (1)
b. Where did her mother take her to? (1)
c. What did the mother do in there? (2)
d. What was the observation made by the daughter? (2)
e. What was the explanation given by the mother? (2)
f. What would you like to be? A carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean! Support
your answer with reasons.(2)
g. Find the words that mean the same from the passage.
1. squashy 2. hardship
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2. Read the following poem. 8
My Literary Friend
Henry Lawson
Once I wrote a little poem which I thought was very fine,
And I showed the printer’s copy to a critic friend of mine,
First, he praised the thing a little, then he found a little fault;
“The ideas are good,” he muttered, ‘but the rhythm seems to halt.’
So, I straighten’d up the rhythm where he marked it with his pen,
And I copied it and showed it to my clever friend again.
“You’ve improved the metre greatly, but the rhymes are bad,” he said,
As he read it slowly, scratching surplus wisdom from his head.
So I worked as the suggested (I believe in taking time),
And I burnt the ‘midnight taper’ while I straightened up the rhyme,
It is better now, ‘hemuttered; you go on and you’ll succeed,
‘It has got a ring about it – the ideas are what you need.’
So I worked for hours upon it (I go on when I commence),
And I kept in view the rhythm and the jingle and the sense,
And I copied it and took it to my solemn friend once more-
It reminded him of something he had somewhere read before
Now the people say I’d never put such horrors into print
If I wasn’t too conceited to accept a friendly hint,
And my dearest friends are certain that I’d profit in the end
If I’d always show my copy to a literary friend.
Answer the following questions.
a. To whom did the poet show his poem and what response did he receive?
b. What changes did the poet make in his poem and how were they judged by
his clever friend?
c. What assurance did the poet receive from his critic friend after the second
revision of the poem?
d. How was the poetic composition received by the readers?
e. Find the words from the poem above which means the following
i. tempo ii. proud
f. Find the words from the poem above which is the opposite of the
following:
i. criticized ii. lively
Section B (Writing) 20
3. You met a person while travelling in a train or a flight and had the
opportunity to observe her/him closely. Write an e-mail to your friend about
the person in about 100 words, basing your judgement on the habits, qualities
and flaws of the person that you observed. (5)
Guidelines: Where you saw the person, Assumptions you made about her/him,
habits and personal traits, family members or companions, conclusions drawn
(your opinion)
4. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your concern over
the inadequate garbage disposal system in your city. If possible suggest ways
to deal with the problem. (7)
5. Given below is an outline of the story given in the form of phrases. Fill in
the blanks to create the complete story in about 200 words. (8)
Lazy king -- eat and sleep all the time -- became inactive -- doctor -- cure him
-- minister of king meets -- holy man -- cure the king -- king to his hut -- on
foot – king does as he is told – walks to the hut – sweating -- sadhu – iron balls
– do exercise – every day—king does as he is told – lose weight – cured- Write
the moral of the story.
Section C (Grammar) 20
6.I. Do as directed.
a. They make these cars in Japan. (into passive voice)
______________________________________________________________
b. A post card has been sent to Jill. (into active voice)
79
______________________________________________________________
c. The girl said that it gives her great pleasure to be there that evening. (into
direct speech)
______________________________________________________________
d. The father said to his son, “Go and pay your fee at once.” (into indirect
speech)
______________________________________________________________
e. In his childhood, Lincoln did not go to school. (into complex sentence)
______________________________________________________________
f. Although there is inflation, the standard of living has gone up. (into simple
sentence)
______________________________________________________________
g. Inspite of his hardwork, the boy didn’t succeed. (into compound sentence).
______________________________________________________________
h. The workers finished their work. They left for home. (join the sentences
using participle).
6.II. a. Choose the correct verb given in the brackets.
i. Every one of the shirts ________ (has/have) a green collar.
ii. This singer, along with a few others, _______ (play / plays) the harmonica
on stage.
6. III. Use the correct form of verbs given in the bracket.
i. _______(will) you mind if I _____ (keep) the book a little longer. (Use Type
II)
 ii. If I _______ (find) the dress samples satisfactory, I _______ (place) a a. with shock / startled by / sudden / attack and froze / the man was / Larry’s
huge order. (Use type III)
______________________________________________________________
7. The following passage is not edited. Each line has an error. Identify the error
b. hot chocolate / the feet of / Larry / newly-arrived / sipped / a hero / his /
and write both the error and the correction in your answer key.
treats, / and Ginger / blissfully / munched / that he was / away at the / unaware
An Earthship house are made up of rammed earth (a). ______/______ / lying at
and tyres. The tyres is stacked like bricks. (b) ______/_______ ______________________________________________________________
Each tyre had earth pounded into them until (c) ______/_______ ______________________________________________________________
firmly pack. Once the tyres are packed, they are (d)______/_______ ______________________________________________________________
very difficult to move and form quiet a dense wall. (e)_____/______ Section D (Literature) 20
The walls is load bearing and provide thermal mass which is (f) ____/____ 10. Choose any one extract and answer the questions given below. (1 x 3 = 3)
an important attribute….. “In summer luxury,—he has never done
8. The following passage is not edited. There is one word that is omitted in With his delights; for when tired out with fun
each line. Find the omitted word and write the word that comes before and after
He rests at ease beneath some pleasant weed.
in your script along with the word supplied by you. Under line the word
supplied by you. The poetry of earth is ceasing never:”
There hardly enough place for two to stand side by side (a) _____/ _______/ a. Name the poet and the Poem.
on top the Everest cone. Thousands of meters of near (b) ______ / _______ / _ b. Whom does the poet talk about here?
vertical drop all sides made safety our foremost (c) ______ / _______ / ______ c. What does he do in summer according to the poet?
consideration we first anchored ourselves securely by(d) ______ / _______ / _ OR
digging our ice-axes the snow. That done, I sank on my knees, “How can the bird that is born for joy
(e) ______ / _______ / _______ Sit in a cage and sing?
and putting my forehead the snow, kissed Sagarmatha’s crown. How can a child, when fears annoy,
(f) ______ / _______ / _______ But droop his tender wing,”
9. Rearrange the following phrases and words to form meaningful sentences. a. Name the poet and the poem?
80
 b. Whom does the poet refer here as “a bird in a cage”?
c. What does the poet compare the young children to in this poem?
11. Answer the following questions in about two or three sentences.(1 x 6 = 6)
a. The poet says “The poetry of earth is never dead”. Give one example from
the poem “On the Grasshopper and Cricket” to support the statement.
b. Describe the mood of the poet when he set out for Lyonnesse.
c. What did the Tommies hear after they returned to their dugouts?
d. What did Raja Ram Mohan Roy say to the British?
e. Why does Major Ahluwalia say one likes to climb Mt. Everest?
f. Who, according the poet T.S. Eliot, is trying to find Macavity?
12. Answer the following questions in about four or five sentences. (2 x 3 = 6)
a. Who is Firdaus Kanga? Whom did he go to meet in Cambridge?
b. What was the table drawn up in the conference to protect the earth from the
comet?
c. What are the significant features that Ruskin Bond has explained that
happened on June 27th?
13. Imagine that you are the poet. Write a diary entry on the experience you
had in the village with Ernest? (5)
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS (CBQ)
Competency-based questions are questions that assess students on the
application of concepts in real life or unfamiliar situations. These questions
require candidates to provide real-life examples as the basis of their answers.
It is an assessment tool which focuses on development of critical thinking
through knowledge, interpretative and analytical skills .In response to
competency based questions, students need to explain why they made certain
81
decisions, how they implemented these decisions and why certain outcomes
took place.
Given below are certain examples of competency based questions. Answer
them in your own words:
LITERATURE
The Ant and the Cricket
1) Did the ant do the right thing in not helping a friend? What do you think
of the ant’s behaviour? Will the cricket change his character now or
remain the same happy-go-lucky one as he used to be?
2) If you had to be one of the characters in the poem who would you be-
the ant or the cricket? Give reasons for your answer. Write your answer
in about 60 words.
The Summit Within
1) The internal Summit is unscalable and fearful because one may never
emerge from the depths of the mind which is complex and layered. How
has HP AHLUWALIA compared the internal summit to the actual
physical climbing of Mt Everest in about 40 to 60 words.
2) Mountains are nature at its best. What physical and emotional attributes
of the mountains made him feel that mountains are communion with the
God?
Children at Work
1) There are various laws for the betterment of children yet no
noticeable change is evident. Reflect with reference to 'Children
at Work.'
2) What one throws away as waste may be valuable to others.
Elucidate with reference to 'Children at Work.'
This is Jody's Fawn
 1) Was Jody a compassionate and guilt stricken person? Why do
you think so? Give reasons referring to the context of the lesson.
2) Do you think Jody is a smart, responsible and an intelligent boy
than other boys of his age? Support your answer referring to the
incidents in the lesson.
The Best Christmas Present in the World
1) Do you think wars can be avoided? What is the alternative to the
war suggested in the story "The Best Christmas Present in the
World?"
2) In ‘The Best Christmas Present in the World' both the armies
longed for peace but it is an unfortunate fact that we can secure
peace only by preparing for war. Don't you think harmony can
be ensured by understanding instead of violence?
The Last Bargain
3) "There is nothing that War has ever achieved that we could not
better achieve without it. -Havelock Ellis" What is role played by
the UN peacekeeping force in maintaining peace in the world?
Tsunami
1) It pays to be alert and cautious. Tilly used her presence of mind
and was instrumental in saving herself and her family. Comment
on the same lines of any personal experience.
2) Imagine yourself marooned in an island all by yourself. How will
you seek help?
82
A Visit to Cambridge
1) An unparalleled genius Stephen Hawking influenced and
inspired many a generation. Do you agree with the statement?
Give suitable reasons for your answer.
2) Everyone’s life appears much more perfect than our own.
Stephen Hawking very cleverly emphasized that that’s not
reality. Do you agree with this? Give reasons for your answer.
3) The chapter ‘A Visit to Cambridge’ imparts a very important
lesson about learning. Do you agree/disagree with the
statement. Give reasons for your answer.
1) The poem 'The Last Bargain' invests a lot of faith in the idea
of freedom. Comment. Give reasons for your answer.
2) A child offering nothing can be the best bargain that would
make a 'free man' of the seeker/man looking for a job.
Elucidate.
3) What message does the poet convey through the poem 'The
Last Bargain'?
The School Boy

1) A happy childhood spent learning from the natural
world will reap the benefits of a wise and fruitful old
age. Comment on the statement with reference to the
poem.
2) The school is referred to a cage in the poem as it makes
the poet forget his youthful days. Do you agree with
this? Express your opinion.
iii.
iv.
CREATIVEWRITING
Diary Entry
1) War does not determine who is right, it only shows
who is left. Imagine yourself to be Connie
Macpherson and write a diary entry expressing
your feelings on the war and the best Christmas
present that you received.
2) On the way to the post office, you see your neighbours
bargaining with a poor vegetable seller whereas they readily pay for
those things in a mall. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings.
Article Writing
1) Write an article on how the Covid 19 pandemic has affected
teenagers around the globe and how they are coping with it.
2) Write an article on the adverse impact of the internet on
young minds.
Story Writing
1) Fables are short stories that are designed to convey a
moral. The central characters are usually animals making
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them extremely engaging for children. They convey a
message to the readers that are mostly applicable in real
life scenarios. Below listed are few fables. Choose any 2
Keep the same characters as in the original story but
change the plot and conclusion of the story. Remember to
give a moral at the end of the story.
i. Little Red Riding Hood
ii. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Alice in Wonderland
Any Panchatantra Story
Paragraph Writing
1) The childhood memories are always precious for all of us.
During the school holidays, family tours are planned by
everyone and we eagerly wait to explore and travel to
enjoy our vacations. Write a paragraph about the most
memorable place that you had visited in your early
childhood days. Discuss about your about your feelings
and experience visiting the place.( in 100 words)
2) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Write a paragraph discussing at least three major changes
around you.
 Informal letter

2) You are Sohan/Shreya. You have recently visited a book fair.

Write a letter to your friend about the experience. Use the picture
above as a clue to describe the fair.

1) You are Rohan/Rashi staying in hostel in Dehradun. You have

seen the brochure about the summer camp. Write a letter to your
father asking him to give permission to enroll. Use the picture
above to describe about the summer camp.

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