Me n Mine English x 2ndanswer Book

Modals� Worksheet 63 ............................................ 29Passive Voice� Worksheet 64 ............................................ 29Narration� Worksheet 65 ............................................ 30

SECTION D – LITERATUREFiction

The Tribute� Worksheets 66 to 68 ........................... 31–33DISCUSSION: The Tribute� Worksheet 69 ...................................... 33–34Cutie Pie� Worksheets 70 to 72 ........................... 34–36APPRECIATION OF THE STORY:Cutie Pie� Worksheet 73 ...................................... 36–37

PoetryNight of the Scorpion� Worksheets 74 to 79 ........................... 37–39INFERENCE AND ANALYSIS:Night of the Scorpion� Worksheet 80 ............................................ 40Ode to the West Wind� Worksheets 81 to 84 ........................... 41–42APPRECIATION OF THEME:Ode to the West Wind� Worksheet 85 ............................................ 43

DramaA Christmas Carol� Worksheets 86 to 89 ........................... 44–46APPRECIATION OF DRAMA:A Christmas Carol� Worksheet 90 ...................................... 46–48

• PRACTICE PAPERS ........................... 49–68

- 3 -

SECTION A – READINGUnseen Passages� Worksheets 1 to 10 ............................. 69–71Testing Reading Skills� Worksheet 11 ............................................ 71Comprehension� Worksheet 12 ............................................ 72Exploring Ideas� Worksheet 13 ...................................... 72–73

SECTION B – WRITINGBiographical Sketch� Worksheets 14 & 15 ................................. 74Data Interpretation� Worksheets 16 & 17 ................................. 75Dialogue Writing� Worksheets 18 & 19 ................................. 76Description (People/Places/Events)� Worksheets 20 to 22 ........................... 76–77Formal/Informal Letter� Worksheets 23 & 24 ........................... 77–79E-mail� Worksheets 25 & 26 ........................... 79–80

Diary Entry� Worksheet 27 ............................................ 81Story Writing� Worksheet 28 ...................................... 81–82Article Writing� Worksheet 29 ............................................ 82Speech Writing� Worksheet 30 ............................................ 83Debate� Worksheet 31 ...................................... 83–84Writing Letter/Article/E-mail� Worksheet 32 ...................................... 84–85Organising Debate� Worksheet 33 ............................................ 85Short Paragraph/Article/E-mail/Story� Worksheet 34 ...................................... 85–86Just A Minute� Worksheet 35 ............................................ 86Interview/Description� Worksheet 36 ............................................ 87Conversation� Worksheet 37 ...................................... 88–89

data

Rectangle

- 4 -

Writing Paragraph/Story� Worksheet 38 ............................................ 89Completing Story, Writing Speech/Paragraph� Worksheet 39 ...................................... 89–90

SECTION C – GRAMMARFilling Blanks with Suitable Words� Worksheets 40 to 42 ................................. 91Replacing Underlined Words/Phrases� Worksheets 43 & 45 ........................... 91–92Detecting Errors� Worksheets 46 to 48 ................................. 92Sentence Completion Using Headlines� Worksheets 49 to 51 ........................... 92–93Paragraph Completion Using Notes� Worksheets 52 to 54 ................................. 93Dialogue Completion� Worksheets 55 & 56 ........................... 93–94Completing Sentences(with Reported Speech)� Worksheets 57 to 59 ................................. 94Rearranging Jumbled Words� Worksheets 60 to 62 ........................... 94–95Sentence Transformation� Worksheet 63 ............................................ 95Tenses Or Using Correct Forms of Verbs� Worksheet 64 ............................................ 95Sentence Structure� Worksheet 65 ...................................... 95–96Connectors� Worksheet 66 ............................................ 96Determiners� Worksheet 67 ............................................ 96Pronouns� Worksheet 68 ...................................... 96–97Prepositions� Worksheet 69 ............................................ 97Clauses� Worksheet 70 ............................................ 97

Modals� Worksheet 71 ............................................ 97Passive Voice� Worksheet 72 ............................................ 98Narration� Worksheet 73 ............................................ 98

SECTION D – LITERATUREFiction

The Letter� Worksheets 74 to 76 ......................... 99–101UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT: The Letter� Worksheet 77 .................................. 102–103The Ultimate Safari� Worksheets 78 to 80 ....................... 103–105DISCUSSION: The Ultimate Safari� Worksheet 81 .................................. 105–106

PoetryThe Frog and the Nightingale� Worksheets 82 to 85 ....................... 106–107GROUP DISCUSSION:The Frog and the Nightingale� Worksheet 86 .......................................... 108Mirror� Worksheets 87 to 89 ....................... 109–110APPRECIATION OF THEME: Mirror� Worksheet 90 .................................. 110–111The Rime of the Ancient Mariner� Worksheets 91 to 94 ....................... 111–112APPRECIATION OF THEME:The Rime of the Ancient Mariner� Worksheet 95 .......................................... 113

DramaJulius Caesar� Worksheets 96 to 99 ....................... 114–116ROLE-PLAY: Julius Caesar� Worksheet 100 ........................................ 117

• PRACTICE PAPERS ....................... 118–136

69OITULOS SN

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

UNSEEN PASSAGES

WORKSHEET–1

Passage–1 Passage–21. (b) the nightingale 1. (c) adolescents2. (c) hungry 2. (b) a separate entity

3. (b) by his spark 3. (d) as young adults

4. (b) the nightingale’s intention 4. (b) doctors rarely test the blood pressure5. (c) abhor of an adolescent

5. (d) obsession

WORKSHEET–2

Passage–1 Passage–21. (b) Venus crossing the face of the Sun 1. (c) looks at all creatures with the eyes of2. (c) the weather a friend

3. (d) like a small black dot 2. (a) protect citizens, punish wrongdoers,4. (b) patience preserve forests and animal life

5. (d) the Venus Transit 3. (b) pleasure in the peace that comes throughrighteousness

4. (b) natural resources

5. (d) beautiful old trees

WORKSHEET–3

Passage–1 Passage–21. (a) heart and lungs 1. (b) cataract2. (c) highlight the benefits of quitting smoking 2. (b) loses its transparency

3. (c) improves the individual’s health 3. (a) old age

4. (c) better coronary circulation and reduction 4. (b) loss of visionin the chances of a heart attack 5. (d) opaque

5. (d) recede

READINGA

70 MO M UE N G L S CI N I X–H AC T I V E

WORKSHEET–4

Passage–1 Passage–21. (c) those in need of flower or tree 1. (a) the mangrove forests2. (b) make do with film documentaries on TV 2. (c) the development of shrimp farms3. (b) they make him sneeze 3. (b) the emergence of megacities along the sea4. (a) stroll and take their leisure 4. (a) absorb the energy of waves and tidal surges5. (a) material 5. (c) shrimp farms

WORKSHEET–5

Passage–1 Passage–21. (a) inspect the way his men were carrying 1. (b) the Giant

out his orders 2. (b) that in every tree there was a child2. (d) he did not want to be recognised 3. (c) flying about and twittering with delight3. (b) not humorous by nature 4. (b) a little boy crying bitterly4. (a) issuing order after order 5. (a) to put the little boy on the tree and5. (b) nettled knock the wall down

WORKSHEET–6

Passage–1 Passage–21. (b) Lincoln’s son 1. (c) he wanted to help the little boy2. (d) for every scoundrel there was a hero 2. (b) the bell was too high for him3. (b) ponder about the eternal mystery of 3. (d) it was his childish prank

birds, bees and flowers 4. (c) he knew that the owner would be angry4. (c) it was far more honourable to fail 5. (d) mischievous

than to cheat5. (d) ponder

WORKSHEET–7

Passage–1 Passage–21. (d) male deer 1. (a) a suitable habitat2. (c) rocky and hard 2. (b) from India to Indonesia3. (b) save themselves 3. (c) as god and protector of the forest4. (a) he had satisfied his hunger 4. (d) the Western civilization which shoots5. (d) obstructed the path angrily tigers for sport

5. (b) successive

WORKSHEET–8

Passage–1 Passage–2

1. (b) its medicinal properties 1. (b) good health2. (a) to ward off sickness 2. (c) these keep the body fit and strong3. (c) leprosy and skin diseases 3. (d) it is our priceless possession4. (d) the yellow fruit of Neem 4. (a) these harm our body and mind5. (b) to decorate 5. (b) thoughtful

71OITULOS SN

WORKSHEET–9


1. (b) at the edge of the Gobi desert 1. (b) that they are the best and the cleverest2. (c) to reach the cosmos 2. (c) well of himself and his country3. (d) it launched astronaut Yang Liwei into orbit 3. (d) every country is partly good and partly bad4. (a) a futuristic-looking cityscape 4. (a) what is good in them5. (c) location 5. (a) definitely

WORKSHEET–10


1. (b) potassium 1. (b) it is a great danger to our health2. (c) their healing properties 2. (c) his very existence is in danger3. (a) they are the most powerful natural 3. (d) smoke emitting out of vehicles plying

styptics on roads4. (d) it strengthens circulatory system 4. (a) they emit poisonous smoke5. (c) substance checking the flow of blood 5. (c) maintain

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

TESTING READING SKILLS

WORKSHEET–11

1. 1. (a) The flames of fire finger the air. (b) It fastens on the remnants of the tree. (c) It consumes the remnants. (d) It leaps back to the sun.

2. (a) first (b) right (c) learn (d) loose

2. Acronyms Abbreviations Contractions

Radar—Radio Detection And CSIR—Council of Scientific St.—Street Ranging and Industrial

Research

AIDS—Acquired Immune UN—United Nations Dr.—DoctorDeficiency Syndrome

UNESCO—United Nations VIP—Very Important Person Educational Scientific

and Cultural Organisation

NASA—National Aeronautics BBC—British Broadcastingand Space Administration Corporation


COMPREHENSION

WORKSHEET–12

1. Try yourself.

2. INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION IN CONTROLLING GLOBAL WARMINGThe problem of global warming has become an international issue today. Nuclear explosions,deforestation and excessive consumption of coal, oil and gas have aggravated the problem.India is playing a vital role in controlling global warming. We are trying best to correct theecological imbalances and curtail environmental pollution. We have realised the importanceof forests, and we have started many afforestation drives to increase our forest area from 20%in 2000 A.D. to 30% by 2060 A.D. In order to inculcate awareness among the people varioussteps have been taken. Teams of environmental experts have been constituted. They imparttraining in environmental education and management to forest officers, supervisors andguards. Then these trained personnel fan out to the villages and spread consciousness amongthe villagers. Their approach is direct and straightforward. They say, “We are here to guideyou for a better and healthy living.” We are happy to report that a number of Social ForestryProjects are being implemented in several states with assistance from UNEP, USAID andWorld Bank.

EXPLORING IDEAS

WORKSHEET–13

1. Try yourself.

2. 587/9R.K. PuramNew Delhi

10 May, 20XX

Dear ArunYou will be glad to know that our school is organising an Educational Tour of South-East Asiaduring the ensuing summer vacation. Our Senior History teacher Mr Ashok Sarin will be thetour-incharge. We would like to visit Indonesia and Thailand, our neighbours on the AsianContinent. It is hoped that this trip will be highly educative and interesting as it will providea first hand knowledge of the important places and people, their habits and customs, dress,manners, language, occupation and trade—in short, their way of life. A group of about 30students have joined this trip. Under the guidance of our principal and teachers we haveplanned a tour itinerary.

I am giving bare outlines for your information.

18th MayFly from New Delhi to Bangkok (Thailand)

19th May(morning) : Guided tour of the city(afternoon) : Visit to Wood Emporium(evening) : Wat Arun Temple

73OITULOS SN

20th May(morning) : Visit to Krunch Bari and the Bridge on the river Kwai-Rafting in the river(afternoon) : Guided tour of countryside, especially of rice fields(evening) : Light and Sound Programme on World War II—battle between the

Japanese and the Allies fought on the River Kwai

21st May(morning) : Visit the floating market(afternoon) : Thai Boxing(evening) : Embassy of India

22nd MayFly to Jakarta (Indonesia)

23rd May(morning) : Guided tour of the city(afternoon) : Sightseeing: National Monument, Central Museum, Recreation Park(evening) : Indonesia Miniature Park

24th May(morning) : Guided tour to Bogar city and Botanical garden(afternoon) : Taman Safari Indonesia(evening) : Bandung: Local sightseeing

25th May(morning) : Visit to Condet Village(afternoon) : Shopping at Jakarta(evening) : Embassy of India

26th MayFly back to New Delhi

Kindly write to me about your plans during the summer vacation.

Yours affectionatelyPramod



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

WORKSHEET–14

1. MR SHAM LALMr Sham Lal is our school peon. He is around 45. He is not very tall. He is a fat fellow, yet heis active and good looking. He wears a khaki uniform and sits on a bench outside Principal’soffice. He is educated upto middle standard. He is hardworking and dutiful. He comes toschool very early. He dusts the benches. Then he cleanses the Principal’s table and chairs. Hehas many other duties to perform. He rings the bell and goes to post office to bring mail. Hegoes to bank to deposit money. He also carries important orders to classes. He is polite andsoft spoken. We like him for his punctuality, regularity and cleanliness. Out of love childrencall him ‘chacha’.

2. MR NARESH KUMARMr Naresh Kumar is the postman of our area. He is around forty. He is six feet tall but slimand agile. He has a family of four. Besides his wife, he has to support his two children. He isa matriculate. He wears a khaki uniform. He rides on his cycle. He carries letters in a bag. Heputs the parcels on the carrier of his cycle. He has very difficult duties. First he goes to thepost office. There he collects mail of our area. He sorts it streetwise and then arranges ithousewise before starting to distribute the letters and parcels. I like him because he is punctual,polite and regular. He is sweet to talk to. He rings the bell before delivering letters.

WORKSHEET–15

1. DR RAMESH MOHANDr Ramesh Mohan is the part-time doctor of our school. He visits our school on Tuesdays andFridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as he is busy at Apollo Clinic in the mornings from 8 a.m. to11 a.m. and in the evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He is M.D. (Medicine) and has a Diploma inChild Health. He is around 35. He has medium height. He is slim, smart and good-looking.He organises health check-up of students, examines ailments and writes prescription for thesick. He also delivers lectures on taking care of health. He is soft-spoken, polite and goodtempered. He is a patient listener and loves children. These qualities make him popular.

2. MR RAJ—THE SCHOOL GARDENERMr Raj, the school gardener is around 50 years in age. He is six feet tall and solidly built. He isquite active and agile. He has passed matriculation examination. He is not well paid but he hasto support a large family of ten. The family comprises his parents, his wife, himself and his sixchildren. He has four boys and two girls. Mr Raj is a good gardener. He can be seen in the nursery.He sows seeds, grows saplings and plants them. He favours organic manure for the plants.He maintains the school lawns and playgrounds. He is popular among students and teachersalike. He believes children are like young saplings. Both need tender nursing and care.

WRITINGB

75OITULOS SN

DATA INTERPRETATION

WORKSHEET–16

1. PROBLEMS AND STRESSES FACED BY TEENAGERS

The problems of the teenagers can be classified into three broad groups:

(a) Educational

(b) Employment related (c) Personal health and relationships.Educational problems related to finishing of education in a well deserved manner and passingthe exams creditably to get a university degree rank as primary worries. More than half—52to 54 per cent teenagers are victims of these two types of worries.

Then the youth are faced with another Herculean task—prospecting for employment. In fact,70 per cent graduates are worried about gainful employment. The number of unemployedyouth is on the increase.

Personal health is the concern of about 54 per cent teenagers whereas 63 per cent are worriedabout their aging parents. Fifty-seven per cent teenagers are emotionally attached with theirrelatives or peers.

2. AROGYADHAM RAILWAY STATION

From the map, the station building seems to be quite small. You will reach there by the 203up Rajdhani Express. It will be received at platform no. one. Alight from the train. Pick upyour handbag and briefcase. Then go up the overbridge. Hand over your ticket to the ticketcollector. Then go to the waiting hall. Deposit your luggage in the cloakroom. Refresh yourselfin the gents’ toilet. Then move over to the railway canteen. Take a cup of tea or coffee. Waitfor your friend for some time. If he does not come, make a call at his residence. If the call doesnot mature, go to the Taxi/Auto stand. Hire a vehicle and reach his place.

WORKSHEET–17

1. IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION

The population of the village has increased from about 650 to 1850 over the last twentyyears. A study of the graph reveals that the percentage of the illiterates is far higher thanthat of matriculates or graduates. The number of illiterates has increased over the years.The figures for the last ten years show a healthy increase in the number of male matriculatesand graduates as well as adult female literates. Perhaps the introduction of open schools andadult literacy classes have made this possible. Poverty and lack of opportunity have hinderedmajority of persons from attaining formal education. Concerted efforts are essential to takethe lamp of knowledge to every nook and corner.

2. TEENAGERS AND LEISURE HOURS

A comparison of the emerging trends reveal the difference in likings of the boys and girls.While girls read more as compared to boys, they don’t seem to be much interested in games.For the boys, sports constitute an important diversion during leisure hours. They spend morethan half their leisure hours playing games or watching them. TV serials and films songsattract more girls than boys. A shocking trend is also discernible. The percentage of boys andgirls engaged in hobby-related activities is quite negligible. Isn’t it a cause of concern?


DIALOGUE WRITING

WORKSHEET–18

1. (i) (a) which course I should take(ii) (d) I am here to ask your advice.

(iii) (b) will be furious if I don’t take science.(iv) (c) I expect I would fail miserably.

2. (i) (c) Smoking is injurious to health.(ii) (d) That is written on every packet of cigarette.

(iii) (b) it will injure your lungs.(iv) (a) I am addicted to smoking.

WORKSHEET–19

1. (a) In what capacity are you working there (b) do you want to leave that company(c) will you be able to join (d) will be informed

2. (a) of a visit to/visiting (b) will have to seek(c) Should I come (d) have you ever visited Dal Lake

DESCRIPTION (People/Places/Events)

WORKSHEET–20

1. MY FAVOURITE TEACHERMiss Anju Vohra is my favourite teacher. She is an M.A. B.Ed. She is about 30. She has apleasing personality and cheerful disposition. She has a unique way of teaching. She arousesour interest in learning activities and skills. She pays attention to our individual difficultiesalso. We admire and respect her for her amiable nature. She is a good speaker and finesinger. She is a lover of books. She helps the poor and needy students. In short, she is a truefriend, philosopher and guide. May she live long!

2. MY SCHOOLI read in Apex Model School. It has a beautiful ‘H’ shaped building. It has vast playgroundsand beautiful lawns. The playgrounds have many tall shady trees along the boundary walls.The lawns are lush green and full of blooming flowers of the season. Our school has 40 roomsand two big halls. There are three science laboratories—one each for Physics, Chemistry andBiology. There is a computer room also. The library is very big. There are 50 teachers and1500 students.

WORKSHEET–21

1. STATE SCIENCE FAIRDelhi State Science Fair was organised in Gandhi Maidan in December. Preparations for thescience fair started months ago. Almost all the schools of Delhi participated in the ScienceFair. The whole area was divided into five sectors. The pavilions were numbered and theexhibits were arranged thematically. I was much impressed by the section dealing with‘Energy’. It displayed working models of conventional sources of energy including fossil fuels

77OITULOS SN

and of the non-conventional ones such as solar energy, wind energy and energy from rubbishand wastes. The charts and models of atomic generators and power stations attracted a lot ofvisitors. People also appreciated the section dealing with environment.

2. INDIA—A COUNTRY OF FESTIVALSIndia is a vast country with diverse social and cultural ways. A number of festivals are celebratedin different parts of India. These festivals are celebrated in a variety of ways which reflect thelocal colour and traditions. For example, in Northern India, Diwali or Deepawali is celebratedas the festival of lights signifying the victory of the good over the evil. Same is the case withDussehra when the effigies of the demon king Ravana, an incarnation of evil, are set ablazealong with those of his son Meghanada (Indrajeet) and Kumbhakarna. The Navaratras thatcome before the Dussehra attract devotees of Kali or Durga to perform Puja in Assam andBengal and to participate in Dandia in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Makar Sankranti iscelebrated in North while Onam and Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Baisakhi shows thejoy of Punjabis on the harvesting of wheat. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated all overIndia.

WORKSHEET–22

1. OUR PRINCIPALOur Principal is really a gem. He is only forty-five years old but he carries an old head on hisyoung shoulders. He is physically fit, mentally alert and emotionally balanced. He ishardworking, disciplined and dutiful. He is quite cool and never loses temper with anyone.Angry parents come out smiling after meeting him. His request to teachers and other membersof society is a command. He shares their weal and woe. Everyone listens to his sagaciousadvice and acts on it.

2. LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLEThe Lakshmi Narayan temple is the most famous temple in our city. It is spread over ten acres.There is a huge entrance gate. There are lawns on either side of the road. Pilgrims sit andrelax there. Then there is tank. People take a dip in it before visiting the temple. There are atleast fifty steps to the platform on which the building is built. There are three big halls. The idolsof Lakshmi and Narayan are placed in the central hall. The other two have idols of Lord Shiva,Ganesh, Durga and Hanuman. Devotees offer gifts, bow before the gods and pray for fulfilmentof their desires. The atmosphere echoes with the ringing of bells and joyful shouts of the devotees.

FORMAL/INFORMAL LETTER

WORKSHEET–23

1. The ChairmanWater AuthorityAhmedabad

29 March 20XX

SirSub: Complaint regarding inadequate water supplyWe, the residents of M.G. Colony, are facing immense water scarcity. Water is supplied to theresidents for just about two hours on a given day. Even the pressure is very low. As a result aftera two hours’ supply one manages to simply receive just about 450-500 litres of water. It has beenbrought to our notice that in some VIP colonies water is supplied throughout the day. Why this


disparity? Also, another matter which surprises me is the availability of water to the water-tankers. Somewhere, it appears that there is a nexus between the Water Authority officials andwater tanker operators.With summer approaching, the situation is going to worsen. As residents and regular water taxpayers we have right to this basic need. If not in surplus, at least an adequate amount should beprovided.We hope and expect that as Chairman of Water Authority you would definitely treat this asurgent and provide relief to the residents of M.G. Colony.

Yours faithfullyXYZ

2. 235 Sector 5Noida

25 August 20XX

The EditorThe Times of IndiaNew DelhiSirSubject: Synthetic Milk—A Health HazardThe adulteration of milk is going on at a large scale in our district. The sale of synthetic milkcontinues unabated. The authorities have made many efforts to curb this evil practice, butfailed. The synthetic milk being sold is a mixture of urea, liquid detergents, chalk powder,white paint, shredded blotting paper, vegetable oils and arrowroot. It may also contain chemicalslike formalin, titanium, sodium sulphate and zinc oxide. These cause skin ailment, ulcers,disabilities and even death.Intake of this synthetic milk is a health hazard. The side-effects of this milk composed of ureaare diarrhoea, subsequent malabsorption and nutritional deficiency. Hence, all out efforts shouldbe made to educate the general public against the harmful effects of synthetic milk. Hometesting kits can help the consumers to determine the quality of milk supplied by the vendors.Those found guilty of adulteration should be dealt with severely. The ordinary citizens mustshake off their apathy and actively join the struggle for a better quality of life. Let us join inthis struggle against death-dealers.

Yours faithfullyPromila Chopra

WORKSHEET–24

1. 1234, 7th Cross RoadBengaluru (Karnataka)

25th Sept. 20XX

Dear TanviI am glad that you have secured the top rank in your class in the terminal tests. One thing,however, is the cause for concern. It is learnt that you have become a bookworm and remainconfined to your room poring over the books all time.I would like to remind you the importance of fresh air and sunshine in our lives. Health andhygiene is supreme. You must remain fit and healthy even for studying. A healthy mind livesin a healthy body. You must refresh your mind by giving it a break after continuous studies of

79OITULOS SN

an hour or so. Even a brief diversion can recharge it. Participation in outdoor games and co-curricular activities can make you physically fit and emotionally stable.You must keep yourself free from tension and anxiety. Only a healthy person can enjoy life tothe full. Do write back and look after yourself properly.

Yours affectionatelyTushar

2. 1239 Vayu ViharNew Delhi

23 October 20XX

The EditorThe ViewpointChennai-600018

Dear SirRecently you published an advertisement about ‘MEDHA - 07’. It was claimed in the advertisementthat it is a wonder-drug and could help children to achieve all-round perfection. The user willbecome a super human with sharpened intellect, active memory, extraordinary brain power,strong bones and powerful muscles. Its user can enjoy full vitality of nerves, brain and heart.All this sounds quite attractive, but if one goes deeper and re-reads the advertisement, onenotices many loopholes. For example, the advertisement is silent about the system of medicineon which the wonder drug is based. Secondly, there is no mention of the ingredients itcomprises. There is no mention of certification or testing.It seems that some crafty persons are out to make a fast buck by playing on the psychology ofharassed parents, who are anxious to see their children perform better. In my humble opiniongiving such untested and uncertified drug to young children will be just inviting trouble. Itmay cause more complications than it may cure. I am surprised how such an advertisementcould find space in your esteemed magazine.I appeal to you to get the drug tested in some renowned lab and if found ineffective/harmful,the results may be published for the enlightenment of parents and children.

Yours faithfullyS. Janaki

E-MAIL

WORKSHEET–25

1. [email protected] 15 March [email protected]

subject: selection in nationals

Message

You will be pleased to learn that I have been selected as one of the players in the state team toparticipate in the national championship for the under-nineteen category. It was an unexpectednews for me, my friends and parents as there was a tough competition for the spot. Ten bowlersturned up for the five to be selected. Luckily, I gave a superb performance at the trials and wasone of the five bowlers selected for the state team. I felt elated as our principal informed me of


my selection. The joy of my friends knew no bounds. However, there was envy in the eyes ofothers, who failed to make the grade. Congratulating me on my selection, the coach and managerreposed confidence in my ability and told me clearly what they expected of me. I hope I willcome up to their expectations.

2. [email protected] 10 April [email protected]

subject: bus hits tree and catches fire

MessageThe sight of a bus striking a tree refreshed my harrowing experience of a similar predicament.Last week, I had a narrow shave, when the bus I was travelling in swerved to avoid collisionwith a truck which suddenly appeared from the right side. The driver lost control over thevehicle as the brakes failed. Consequently, the bus hit a huge tree on the roadside. The impactwas so severe that the bus caught fire. I felt that my end was near. The conductor opened theemergency door. I rushed towards it and jumped outside. Other passengers followed suit. Womenand children were shouting and crying. We helped them to alight. By this time the police andfire brigade arrived. Relief and rescue work began. It was a pathetic scene with two passengerslying burnt and five injured. I shudder with fear whenever I recall this incident.

WORKSHEET–26

1. [email protected] 9 November [email protected]

subject: grading system and CCE

Message

I heaved a sigh of relief on reading the heartening news that students of X class will be freefrom the monster of Annual Examination. Grades will replace marks and CCE will be used forappraisal of performance. Both scholastic and co-scholastic areas will figure in the assessment,which will have formative and summative assessments. The grading system will de-stress thestudents as there will be no tension of board examinations. There will be no parental or peerpressure as percentage will not matter.The system is not altogether foolproof. It has a blend of good and bad effects. There will be lessgap between intelligent students. Variety of percentage will not matter. Consequently, the levelof education will fall down.

2. [email protected] 20 March [email protected]

subject: experience in rain

Message

I have just seen a girl walking in the rain. It reminded me of my own experience of beingcaught in the rain. Last week I was also caught in a sudden shower of rain like her. The raincame unexpectedly. Since I had no umbrella or raincoat, I was completely drenched before Icould run to a shelter nearby. I felt refreshed in the spring rain at first. Then the winds mademe shiver. Other passers-by were also drenched from head to toe. They too ran for shelter. Theroads were like streams. The traffic was slow. On the whole, it was a pleasant experience.

Sandeep

81OITULOS SN

DIARY ENTRY

WORKSHEET–27

1. Tuesday 22 December 20XXI can’t forget the quarrel outside our school yesterday. It was the recess period when most ofthe students were taking lunch. Those who had emptied their tiffin were playing in the field.Suddenly, I heard a noise from the eastern side. I saw some students running outside. Theywere carrying hockey sticks in their hands. They were shouting loudly. The boys of the othergroup rushed forward. They engaged them in verbal duel. Soon, from abuses they turned tofisticuffs and blows. Seeing sticks in the hands of their opponents, some of the students of theother group ran to different directions. However, some of them were not lucky enough to escape.A few were caught and beaten mercilessly. Meanwhile, someone reported the matter to thePrincipal. He with other teachers reached the place of quarrel. Soon the quarrel came to anend. The injured students were given first aid. The cause of quarrel was bad comments on girlstudents by some students.

2. PLIGHT OF FLOOD-HIT PEOPLEThursday 14 August 20XXThe city of Delhi was plagued last month by unprecedented torrential rains. Low-lying areaslike our colony were inundated by the overflowing waters of the Yamuna which had assumedthreatening proportions and looked like a vast ocean. This was a novel experience for me becauseDelhi very often does not get the due share of its Monsoon rains. It rained cats and dogs forfifteen days intermittently. City’s drainage system was out of gears. Roads were broken andhouses collapsed in large number. The rainwater overflowed the drain passing through our locality.River Yamuna broke her embankments and entered the city. Thousands of people were renderedhomeless. Millions of cattle died. The roofs of hundreds of stone and brick built houses caved in.Thousands of huts, cottages and cabins collapsed. There was water on everyside, but we had nopure water to drink. Taps, handpumps, wells—all had been submerged. The stores of grains andpulses had been washed away. Small babies and children cried with hunger and thirst. The oldcomplained of pain. The young and able-bodied persons had to stay at home. There was notransport. The fury of rain subsided after a fortnight, but it took us a week more to regain theprevious routine. Thank God, it is normal now!

STORY WRITING

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1. THE BLIND LADY AND THE GREEDY DOCTOROnce a rich lady, who lived in a spacious mansion, became blind. She called in an eye specialist,who promised to cure her within a fortnight. She agreed to pay a large fee for his services.The doctor operated upon her eyes and bandaged them.The doctor came everyday. He gave her some medicine, stayed there for some time and removedsome furniture or valuable article. This went on for fourteen days. On the fifteenth day, thedoctor removed her bandages and said, “Now, you can see. Please pay my fees.”The lady was cured. Her eyesight had been restored, but she was shocked to see that all the piecesof costly furniture were missing. She refused to pay the fees on the plea that she could not seeher furniture in her room, which meant that her sight had not been restored. The doctor fileda suit against her for not paying his fees. The court heard both the parties. On knowing thereality, the judge dismissed the doctor’s case. He was charged with theft and sentenced toprison for swindling and stealing.


2. THE FAIRIES

Once the fairies of the trees set out to choose their dwelling places. Some were wise in makingtheir choices and some were foolish.

The wise fairies shunned the trees that stood alone in the open fields, and settled in a thickforest. But the foolish ones said, “Why should we crowd together in a forest? Let us go and live inthe lovely trees near villages, where humans will bring us gifts.” So they settled there. One nighta great tempest swept over the country. The lonely trees were blown down, and the foolishfairies became homeless. But the great dense forest resisted the fury of the storm. The wisefairies said to the foolish ones, “People should stand together like a dense forest. It is only thesolitary tree, growing unprotected in the open field that is overthrown by a silly thing like astorm.” The foolish fairies felt ashamed.

ARTICLE WRITING

WORKSHEET–29

1. IMPROVING THE CHAOTIC TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF DELHI

Delhi has one of the most complex traffic situations in the world. Bullock carts, tongas, cyclerickshaws and push carts vie with fast running cars and sometimes block the traffic for hours.Then there are three-wheelers which juxtapose anywhere and spring like mushroomseverywhere. The buses and trucks moving at an average speed of 40 km per hour causeenough accidents as well as traffic blocks. The pedestrians are another source of chaotic trafficconditions in the capital. Delhi needs a metro rail system to reduce the traffic on city roads.This system should provide point-to-point service to its commuters. It will help in reducingpollution and accidents in Delhi. The number of vehicles must be reduced for the bettermentof the traffic systems in Delhi. Car pooling is a good option which people should follow. Manycountries have a rule that personal vehicles (cars) having even registration numbers areallowed to ply on particular days in a week while vehicles having odd numbers are allowed tocome out on other days. This system may prove very helpful in Delhi too. Autorickshaws andcycle rickshaws are a big cause for traffic snarl-ups in certain parts of Delhi. The governmentshould make separate tracks for these vehicles.

VIP movement in the capital causes the biggest snarl-ups in our traffic system. The governmentshould self-regulate itself. A one-way traffic system also reduces road accidents.

2. WATERBORNE DISEASES—A THREAT

The report published above is shocking. It brings to the fore the callous attitude of the administration.It is a total failure of the Water Board to provide a basic necessity—clean, safe water—to thepeople. The report categorically says that this water is unfit for human consumption.

What are we going to do about this? Are we going to get together and fight or let waterbornediseases like cholera, hepatitis and typhoid spread? Contaminated water can cause these deadlydiseases which can cause large-scale deaths, if not treated immediately. These water samplesmust be shown to the Municipal Commissioner and an explanation demanded. On the onehand, we celebrate World Health Day, while on the other hand, the basic commodity, water, isimpure. I’m sure the concerned authorities will look into the matter and ensure clean and safedrinking water for the public.

83OITULOS SN

SPEECH WRITING

WORKSHEET–30

1. SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN: LAZY AND DISEASE-PRONEGood Morning, Respected teachers and dear friends!I’m here today to discuss the trend prevalent among school-going children today regardingtheir various preferences.To begin with, if one looks at their commuting habits, one finds that only 20% prefer to cycledown to their school, just about 15% prefer walking and the rest 65% prefer to go by car or bus.The food preferences of today’s children are quite different from what it was a decade or twoago. Sixty per cent children prefer junk food, only 15% opt for cereals, rice and chapatis and asmany as 25% like ice creams and cold drinks. Looking at their leisure time activities we findthat outdoor games have taken a backseat. Only 5% children play outdoor games. Sixty per centgo for video games and 35% prefer net surfing.This has led to children becoming obese and even at young age many of them develop heart-related problems. Inactivity gives rise to lethargy and dullness. This directly affects theirperformance. The reason for my taking up this topic for speech today was to highlight the needfor good and regular eating and playing habits among children. I hope all of you will rememberthe ill-effects of wrong eating habits.Thank you

2. Respected teachers and friends,I am happy to note that our school is celebrating ‘Save Electricity Week’. Electricity, as youknow, plays a very important role in our life. It runs the machines in our factories, irrigatesour fields by drawing water from the tube-wells and runs various domestic appliances inaddition to lighting our homes and streets. But electricity is an expendable item. Of late thereis a tendency to consume more electricity than we are allotted. We have increased our dependenceon electricity to such an extent that a breakdown in electric supply seems very troublesome.Who is to blame for these cuts and breakdowns? Evidently, the consumers themselves. Peoplehave a tendency to consume more electricity than their sanctioned load, be it industrial,agricultural or domestic consumption. This tendency has to be curbed as it results in frequentload-shedding and breakdowns.The production of electricity in our town depends on a thermal power station as well as a hydro-electric plant. The fluctuations in the production of electricity are caused by the shortage of supplyof raw material such as coal or rain respectively. The authorities say that there is loss of electricityin transmission. Hence, we are not able to get proper amount. This leaves only two alternatives.Either increase production or save electricity. I think the latter is easier. Each one of us shouldconsider saving electricity as his duty. Let us not consume it when we can do without it. Power-thefts should be detected and severely dealt with. Genuine consumers should not be harassed.Thank you

DEBATE

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1. THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN REMOVING ILLITERACYRespected teachers and friends!Illiteracy is a blot on the fair name of India. Most of the people living in the villages and slumsare illiterate. Poverty, ignorance and lack of opportunities have deprived them the fruits ofliteracy and knowledge.


All know that education makes a man enlightened and perfect. Education helps us toprosper physically, economically and spiritually. It broadens our outlook. Illiteracy is a realhandicap.Students can play an effective role in removing the curse of illiteracy. They can organiseclasses in groups. Following the motto: ‘Each One, Teach One’, they can pay individualattention to illiterates. They can easily spare an hour a day. They can devote it to removeilliteracy. By doing so, they can take the lamp of knowledge and literacy to the darkest nookand corner of the country. Their efforts must be supported by government and non-governmentalagencies. Follow-up programmes are essential. We must initiate a continuous campaignagainst illiteracy.

Thank you

2. POVERTY IS NOT THE SOLE CAUSE OF ALL SOCIAL EVILS

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends!I wholeheartedly oppose the motion: “Poverty is not the sole cause of all social evils.” I assertthat poverty is the root cause of all social evils.Poverty is the state of being poor. We find around us hordes of people who are unable to affordthe minimum necessities of life. They face the problem of getting a square meal for one time.Clad in rags, they can be seen engaged in petty jobs to earn their food. They lead a miserable lifewhich is worse than that of brutes.Hunger and poverty force them to become shameless and they adopt evil practices to combatwith their circumstances. It is poverty that leads to criminal activities like robbery, theft, murder,kidnapping and arson. The young street urchins teasing the vendors or the young boys sellingtickets in black market are the products of poverty. Deprived of proper amenities such as food,clothes and education, these children grow into rowdy youngmen. Since they fail to get good jobs,they are forced to adopt dishonest means to earn their livelihood. Most of them turn criminalsnot because of love of adventure but because of hunger and poverty. Most of the criminals arefound living in slums and poor colonies. In fact, poverty compels them to indulge in social evilsand nefarious practices. If we want to eradicate social evils, we must alleviate their sufferingsand poverty.

Thank you


WRITING LETTER/ARTICLE/E-MAIL

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1. Value Points

means of communication—easy access—instant connectivity

Tool for storing information—instant recall

Substitute for a calculator

SMS to friends/relatives on important occasions

information to parents when staying back in school/delay in games/tuitions etc

keep switched off while in school

85OITULOS SN

2. MOBILE CULTURE—THE ETHICSMore and more people are carrying their mobile phones with them. These phones help instantconnectivity and make communication easier. However, the use of mobile phones can be dangerousat times. Young persons keep on talking on mobile phones or listening while driving. It certainlydistracts attention and may cause accidents. So mobile phone should not be used while driving.The use of cellular phones has been banned by the government at petrol pumps as they couldignite the flammable vapours present in the air. Mobile phones should be switched off inside anaircraft specially while taking off or landing as the electromagnetic rays emitted/received by itmay cause incalculable harm to the plane, as the latter might catch fire. Ethics of mobile cultureimpose another restriction on us. Mobiles should be switched off when in an ICU or if one is neara heart patient or someone who has pacemaker. It will be in the interest of the patient.

3. For self-attempt.

ORGANISING DEBATE

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1. In favour of the motion: Try yourself.

Against the motion:Respected chairperson and dear friends!The Internet has ushered in a change in communication. There is no doubt about it, but it isjust a new form of communication. We can’t say that it has changed everything in our lives.People still like to visit banks and commercial establishments, have a face-to-face interaction—to haggle and bargain. Some of them enjoy window-shopping while going shopping. Theyprefer real interaction to virtual ones. In a poor country like India, many people don’t have theresources, patience and knowledge to use computers and the Internet. Reading on a computerscreen is uncomfortable. People prefer to listen music and be entertained in traditional ways.Being glued to computer screen has led to passivity, poor eyesight and indigestion. Sedentaryhabits have led to obesity and lack of physical agility.Thank you

SHORT PARAGRAPH/ARTICLE/E-MAIL/STORY

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1. MISUSE OF INTERNETLike other inventions of science, Internet may be misused. The data available on the Internetis objective and can be surfed easily. Young children get addicted to surfing and waste a lot oftime doing so. Sometimes they come across undesirable sites which pour out a lot of garbage.Malicious sites pour out data with adult content. They may receive e-mails containing viruses.Hackers and spammers try to steal the password of genuine but innocent net users. Then theycan log in onto their account details. Even the debit cards and credit cards of reputed banks arecopied and misused. The data of these cards inserted in slot machines at various outlets may bemisused by malicious persons by creating spurious cards. So one should protect one’s passwordcarefully.

2. IMPACT OF THE INTERNET ON OUR LIFEThe Internet has indeed revolutionised our life. It has changed the world into a global village.We stay in touch with our friends/relatives in distant countries/place through the Internet.


Information Technology has worked wonders for us. Communication has speeded up and becomeinstant. No doubt people have discarded the old-fashioned snail mail and adopted the e-mailfor communication. New business opportunities have been created by the Internet in the worldof commerce. Banks have adopted e-banking. Many public and private sector institutions areproviding new and economically viable facilities through the Internet. Besides being a storehouseof knowledge and information, the Internet provides us entertainment. We can watch a videoor listen to MP3s on the Internet. People can stay at home and work via the Internet.

3. MessageHi! I’m overjoyed to learn of your success. It must be very nice bagging the first prize and thetrophy.Heartiest congratulations to you and your team.Keep it up!Bye till we meet again.

4. A HARROWING EXPERIENCEIt was around Christmas when I went shopping in the fashionable shopping centre in the heartof the city. As usual there was a lot of rush. I had selected the articles and was about to takethem to the cashier’s counter, when suddenly I heard a sound. It seemed as if a big and powerfulcracker had burst. Cries of people and clouds of smoke filled the air. Panic spread everywhere.The guards advised the customers to duck near the counters. As people rushed downstairs,there was a stampede. People were crushed under the feet. Electricity had failed and phoneshad stopped functioning. The twenty minutes we spent huddled like animals seemed like twohours. The arrival of anti-bomb squad and fire-brigade eased the situation. The police rescuedthe people stranded inside. I felt happy that I was one of those who had been rescued first.It was a great relief to be alive and be with my family once again.

JUST A MINUTE

WORKSHEET–35

1. For self-attempt.

2. CHILDREN-TARGETED COMMERCIALSGood Morning Everybody!Most of the TV commercials are targeted on the children of 5 to 15 years age group. These varyfrom toothpaste, soap, liquid shop, pen, pencils, chocolates, chewing gums, food supplements oreatables themselves. The advertisers target children knowing fully well that children are theirmost prospective buyers. Once something catches their fancy, they insist on buying it. They spreadits popularity by word of mouth and all the children of a group vie with each other to possessthe latest advertised object. Sometimes parents have to yield to some unreasonable demands ofthe children, who would not compromise on alternatives and must have the brand of their choice.The commercials do not commit themselves on the genuineness of the claims made in theadvertisements. Some of these prove to be mere sales gimmicks.Thank you

3. For the motion: Develop these value pointsMobile phones — source of distraction in class

— misuse by children: games–MMS–SMS— divert attention from studies/games/driving etc.— exposure to electromagnetic waves: not good for brain

Against the motion: For self-attempt.

87OITULOS SN

INTERVIEW/DESCRIPTION

WORKSHEET–36

1. Shweta : Hi, Roshni! Welcome to Blue Bells School. Will you please spare a few(Interviewer) minutes for us?Roshni : Oh, yes! With pleasure!Shweta : How did you get the idea of ‘Diwali without polluting’?Roshni : I observed the strange behaviour of my pets and the restlessness of my grandmother

on Diwali night. And I felt disturbed.Shweta : Was this sufficient motivation for you?Roshni : It started the ball rolling. I got a direction to move forward. Then I interacted

with my neighbours and children in the street.Shweta : What was the outcome of your discussion?Roshni : We decided to have a Diwali without crackers.Shweta : Which was the first step that you took?Roshni : I gave a slogan: “Say No To Crackers”.Shweta : How was the response?Roshni : The response was encouraging. Many more joined us.Shweta : How did you spread the message of Cracker-free Diwali?Roshni : We started with banners and posters. Then we held group discussions, seminars

and declamation contests. We told people about the disadvantages of crackerssuch as pollution and wastage of money.

Shweta : To what extent did you succeed in your mission?Roshni : To a great extent, I suppose. In some of the schools, students felt so inspired

that they threw all crackers in water and joined our movement.Shweta : Congratulations, Roshni! It is a remarkable motivation.Roshni : Thanks for your compliment.Shweta : You’re welcome.

2. LEG LOST IN CRACKER BURSTI shudder as I recall the horrific incident of that fateful Diwali night. The people of our streethad assembled in the square to watch illumination of homes and to celebrate Diwali with theexplosion of crackers. Young boys were quite enthusiastic. One of them ignited the wick of20 cm long 3 cm wide cracker. Unfortunately, the direction went wrong. Instead of rising upwards,it hit the leg of the boy. The cracker burst inside his leg. Both the bones of the leg were broken.The ankle and foot hung limp. The boy cried and fell down unconscious. A cloth was wrapped tostop bleeding, but in vain. He was immediately rushed to hospital. The doctors performed anemergency operation. Inspite of their best efforts they could not put the foot and leg together.The poison of gunpowder had infected the wound up to knee. The doctors had to save a life or alimb. In order to save life, they amputated the youngman’s leg just below the knee. Thus ayoung man lost his leg in cracker burst.

3. Develop these value pointschildren love sweets, new clothes, toys and bursting crackersdisadvantages of crackers—pollution: wastage of money, fear of injuryloss to property and lives due to firecrackers or pollutionif crackers not exploded—pollution-free environmentif money to be spent on crackers is saved, it can be used to help the poorif needy persons are helped—their condition will improveindividual/social welfare


CONVERSATION

WORKSHEET–37

(a) (iv) others(b) (iii) by producing fruit for them(c) (ii) a good man(d) (i) the men of noble heart(e) (iii) benefiting mankind

ACTIVITYFirst option

RWA Sector–15 GurgaonNOTICE

25 March 20XX IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PARK

All the elected members of RWA are requested to attend a meeting this Sunday.

Date : 28 March

Time : 11.00 am

Venue : Community Centre

Agenda : Suggestions for Improvements in Community Park

Senior residents are also requested to attend the meeting.Please come forward with your suggestions and solutions.

Udit VohraSecretary RWA

Second optionSecretary, RWA : Gentleman! I draw your kind attention towards the bad shape of the

Community Park. Grass has withered at many places and bald patches arevisible. The plants and trees have stunted growth.

A Senior Citizen : May I know who was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after thepark?

Cashier, RWA : Sir, a whole time gardener was engaged during autumn. It was not humannegligence, but the vagaries of nature which are responsible for this sorrystate of affairs.

A member, RWA : What leads you to say so?

Cashier, RWA : Sir, we had a very hot summer but not sufficient rains. The earth lay parchedand baked. Lack of rains led to withering of grass. Plants with short rootscould not get enough nourishment for growth.

Chairman, RWA : Well, gentlemen. Let us discuss what steps should be taken to spruce upthings.

A Senior Citizen : Let us involve local youth, students and residents to supervise the relaying ofgrass, plantation of saplings, pruning of trees, hedges, weeding out, manuringand watering etc.

Chairman, RWA : Any other suggestion?

89OITULOS SN

A member, RWA : I support the above suggestion, but I would like to add something. Let us bepractical and not simple idealistic. Duties must be fixed. If responsibilitiesare properly assigned, we may get better performance.

Secretary, RWA : If the house approves it we may appoint a subcommittee to elicit cooperationfrom all the users as well as the horticulture department and municipalcorporation. Thus we shall get plants, water and expert advice as well.

Chairman, RWA : Any dissensions? Those in favour may say ‘Aye,’ dissenters may say ‘No’.

All : Aye.

WRITING PARAGRAPH/STORY

WORKSHEET–38

1. ROLE OF COMPUTERS IN THE LIFE OF STUDENTSComputers have come as a divine boon to the students. Computers store, analyse and transmitdata. They are a source of information and knowledge. They disseminate knowledge on varioustopics in different spheres and that too with a click of the mouse. In short, computers havemade the lives of students quite easy and fast. The main disadvantage of computers is thatchildren have stopped using their minds. They bank on computers and go on browsing the netfor readymade solutions instead of sharpening their own skills or making any efforts. So thecomputers hamper the thinking process. Students fail to sharpen their minds.

2. AN UNBELIEVABLE INCIDENTI was on my way to Dehradun on a cold dark night. I was travelling alone and the car wasrunning at full speed. I was in a hurry to see my friend who was critically ill. Suddenly fogdescended and reduced visibility to 10 yards. I stopped the car as I sensed a human figuredirectly in front of the car. I was near an abandoned house with no light or activity of any sort.The lady had a dog on a lead. She obviously seemed annoyed at my apparent carelessness andrash driving. She gave me a cold look that shivered me to the spine. Braving the cold, I got outand apologised to her as politely as I could. The lady crossed the road. I too got in my car andturned the ignition key. But the car refused to buzz. I was scared. Drops of perspiration mademy forehead wet even in such a cold night. All sorts of frightening ideas filled my mind and Icould not help shouting. The lady came near me. Perhaps she understood my plight. She pushedmy car from the back. The unbelievable had happened. The car started but my benefactor haddisappeared before I could thank her. Would that I could see that mysterious lady again.

3. Try yourself.

COMPLETING STORY, WRITING SPEECH/PARAGRAPH

WORKSHEET–39

1. Attempt yourself.

2. A POLLUTION-FREE DIWALIRespected Chairperson, members of faculty and dear friends!Diwali, the festival of lights, means a row of lamps. Let us illuminate our homes andsurroundings with lamps of light and knowledge and dispel darkness and evil. The noise ofcracker explosion is quite deafening. Pets and small children are quite scared. Their wailing


is sometimes heart-rending. It is a well-known fact that crackers emit many toxic gases andpollutants when these are burst or ignited. Gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,sulphur dioxide are very poisonous. Hard metals like potassium are also released in air.Children and patients of asthma have a disturbed night. Some get headache or begin tovomit. Let us save ourselves and our people by resolving to celebrate this Diwali withoutcrackers. The money saved by not buying crackers can be used to buy sweets, candles andlamps. These can be distributed among the poorer section of society. Thus we can inspireothers to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali.Thank you

3. In our colony, people understand the true spirit of Holi—the Festival of Colours. We understandthe true spirit of the festival. This festival heralds the onset of spring. After the chilly winter,spring promises joy, warmth, pleasant flowers and sweet fruit. People welcome spring withsongs and dances. Holi, the festival of colours, makes the culmination of the month-longcelebrations.Early in the morning we assemble in the square with our musical instruments. We carrypackets of dry colours. We sing devotional songs. We visit every household to spread thecheerful message of Holi—the equaliser. People apply gulal, embrace each other, and thenoffer sweets. The merry-making goes on till noon. At 2.00 pm all assemble for a communitylunch. This is followed by a musical evening. Thus we have a neat, clean, colourful andmusical Holi.

91OITULOS SN


FILLING BLANKS WITH SUITABLE WORDS

WORKSHEET–40

1. (a) of (b) by (c) to (d) as (e) and (f) a (g) which (h) are

2. (a) has (b) which (c) have (d) or (e) under (f) for (g) that (h) only

3. (a) in (b) the (c) who (d) when (e) and (f) may (g) beside (h) which

4. (a) covered (b) had (c) and (d) out (e) breathe (f) were (g) their (h) you

WORKSHEET–41

1. (a) along (b) his (c) bend (d) them (e) but (f) a (g) see (h) that

2. (a) of (b) to (c) is (d) a (e) more (f) and (g) feeling (h) on

3. (a) in (b) at (c) hidden (d) and (e) of (f) being (g) finished (h) whose

4. (a) biggest (b) with (c) was (d) which (e) made (f) shaking (g) off (h) towards

WORKSHEET–42

1. (a) largest (b) that (c) feel (d) of (e) and (f) the (g) in (h) like

2. (a) who (b) that (c) is (d) as (e) for (f) to (g) possesses (h) are

3. (a) is (b) many (c) was (d) and (e) after (f) worried (g) that (h) does

4. (a) during (b) Often (c) is (d) for (e) with (f) Once (g) all (h) each

REPLACING UNDERLINED WORDS/PHRASES

WORKSHEET–43

1. (a) 1. popular (b) 3. favour (c) 2. tiring (d) 4. escalators(e) 3. magically (f) 2. disappear (g) 1. actually (h) 4. ride

2. (a) 3. will be closing (b) 1. from (c) 2. Hence (d) 3. disposal(e) 1. therefore (f) 2. be glad to see you (g) 2. to (h) 1. to receive

WORKSHEET–44

1. (a) 3. when (b) 4. rowdy (c) 2. noticeboards (d) 1. a bad memory(e) 3. convenient (f) 1. looking up (g) 2. displayed (h) 4. demonstrate

GRAMMARC


2. (a) 1. worry (b) 3. very bad or serious(c) 2. reaction (d) 4. damaging/destructive(e) 3. carried out (f) 4. official actions(g) 3. not catching fire easily (h) 2. full of vehicles

WORKSHEET–45

1. (a) 2. very jealous (b) 4. extremely happy(c) 1. very exciting (d) 3. made a long journey on foot(e) 3. entire (f) 4. attractive(g) 2. exceptionally good (h) 1. behave in a kind and pleasant way

2. (a) 1. Referring to (b) 4. be victims(c) 2. Without being influenced by (d) 1. wrongs(e) 1. behaving as more important and (f) 4. shocking

intelligent than others(g) 3. holding responsible (h) 2. gain an advantage over

DETECTING ERRORS

WORKSHEET–46

1. (a) for (b) which (c) but (d) that2. (a) over (b) with (c) or (d) his3. (a) or (b) presented (c) failure (d) being

WORKSHEET–47

1. (a) are (b) being (c) had (d) This2. (a) into (b) possess (c) which (d) from3. (a) who (b) or (c) him (d) with

WORKSHEET–48

1. (a) suffered (b) have (c) from (d) has2. (a) of (b) on (c) and (d) consider3. (a) in (b) and (c) did (d) must

SENTENCE COMPLETION USING HEADLINES

WORKSHEET–49

1. 1. (b) was test fired 2. (a) was interrogated3. (d) were injured 4. (b) were arrested

2. 1. (c) will be replaced 2. (b) has been3. (d) were arrested 4. (a) will be awarded

3. 1. (a) has banned bull fights 2. (b) is strictly prohibited3. (d) have been sold 4. (c) was banned

93OITULOS SN

WORKSHEET–50

1. 1. (b) has been banned2. (a) 12 persons were injured as two buses collided3. (b) have launched a drive against the mafia that is4. (b) has developed a medical robot

2. 1. (b) was saved 2. (b) have launched3. (d) 15 leopard skins were seized 4. (c) have been killed

3. 1. (b) were treated 2. (c) has been allowed3. (d) was witnessed 4. (c) were killed

WORKSHEET–51

1. 1. (d) new science fictions have been published for children2. (b) Tokyo was rocked by the strongest quake of the year3. (c) helicopters are being dispatched 4. (a) several peace treaties were signed

2. 1. (c) will be conducted 2. (b) was suggested3. (d) has been discovered 4. (a) was thrown out of running train

3. 1. (b) have been terrorising 2. (c) was shot dead3. (d) were arrested 4. (c) was beaten

PARAGRAPH COMPLETION USING NOTES

WORKSHEET–52

1. (a) 1. is depicted (b) 2. are being eroded(c) 3. is needed (d) 4. can create

2. (a) 3. is a social worker and an accomplished (b) 1. has provided(c) 2. has written many short (d) 1. was awarded

WORKSHEET–53

1. (a) 4. can be used (b) 3. can be made (c) 1. make it difficult (d) 2. does not pollute2. (a) 2. gives (b) 1. is fresh (c) 4. distract (d) 3. is not tempted3. (a) 2. has widened (b) 3. has resulted (c) 4. are facing (d) 1. has grown

WORKSHEET–54

1. (a) 3. are (b) 2. worsens (c) 4. are constipated (d) 1. will do2. (a) 1. the cake you ordered (b) 3. weighing 10 kg.

(c) 2. have been written (d) 4. we request you3. (a) 4. was neglected (b) 2. are educating (c) 1. can become (d) 3. can develop

DIALOGUE COMPLETION

WORKSHEET–55

1. (a) 3. Could I please speak to (b) 4. is he likely to come back(c) 2. you like to sit and wait (d) 1. you please give him a message


2. (a) 3. what I will do (b) 4. when will we reach(c) 3. what to carry (d) 3. come to ask you that

3. (a) 4. Will you please attend to me (b) 3. what is your problem(c) 2. when did you go to bed (d) 4. had you been doing

WORKSHEET–56

1. (a) 3. what had you been doing (b) 2. Did you watch it(c) 2. when there was a power failure (d) 4. Could you come and see it

2. (a) 2. Have you visited it (b) 1. Have you been(c) 4. many latest books for us (d) 3. how long the book fair will go on

3. (a) 2. missed the direct bus (b) 3. is thinking of dropping you(c) 4. apologise for my unintentional delay (d) 1. don’t have much time left

COMPLETING SENTENCES (with Reported Speech)

WORKSHEET–57

1. 1. (c) that their new servant had 2. (d) whether anything was missing.3. (b) had stolen one of their blankets. 4. (c) it was the one that they had taken

2. 1. (c) told him that their new servant had run away.2. (b) asked whether anything valuable was missing.3. (a) that her gold watch was missing. 4. (d) where she had kept it.

WORKSHEET–58

1. 1. (d) whether he could have an appointment with the doctor that evening.2. (b) apologised saying that there was a long waiting list.3. (c) he would have to wait for at least two weeks.4. (c) there was no problem, if his wife informed her, she could cancel the appointment.

2. 1. (d) they would have to improvise meals.2. (c) that he was sure he (Archie) could pull a breakfast together.3. (a) that they were out of his usual waffles so he had to substitute.4. (b) asked Archie what he had fixed.

WORKSHEET–59

1. 1. (d) he had spent time on that homework assignment, and it really showed.2. (c) if she meant it was that good. 3. (b) that it was covered with stains.4. (c) it was a whole evening’s worth of snacks.

2. 1. (c) if he had ever worked out. 2. (d) he walked in order to stay fit.3. (b) if he ever lifted weights4. (c) that when one was as heavy as he was, walking itself was lifting weights.

REARRANGING JUMBLED WORDS

WORKSHEET–60

1. 1. (iii) cadb 2. (i) cadb 3. (iv) cdba 4. (ii) cabd2. 1. (ii) bdca 2. (i) badc 3. (i) cadb 4. (iii) cadb

95OITULOS SN

3. 1. (iv) bdca 2. (i) acbd 3. (i) bdca 4. (ii) bdca4. 1. (ii) bdca 2. (i) cabd 3. (iv) badc 4. (iii) dacb

WORKSHEET–61

1. 1. (iii) dacb 2. (ii) cadb 3. (i) cadb 4. (iv) cadb2. 1. (ii) bacd 2. (i) badc 3. (iv) cadb 4. (iii) cadb3. 1. (i) cadb 2. (iii) bdca 3. (iv) bdca 4. (ii) cadb4. 1. (i) bdca 2. (iii) dbac 3. (iv) cadb 4. (ii) bcda

WORKSHEET–62

1. 1. (i) bacd 2. (iv) cabd 3. (ii) bacd 4. (iii) cabd2. 1. (ii) bacd 2. (i) badc 3. (ii) badc 4. (iv) badc3. 1. (ii) bdca 2. (i) bdca 3. (iii) dbac 4. (ii) bacd4. 1. (i) acbd 2. (iv) acdb 3. (iii) cdba 4. (ii) bdca

SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION

WORKSHEET–63

1. 1. (c) He said that I needn’t wait.2. (b) The peon asked the officer respectfully if he might go out.3. (c) He swore (by God) that he had not seen it (that).4. (d) He called upon God to witness that he had not abused him.

2. 1. (a) Priya is not so tall as Madhu. 2. (c) No one has come to see you.3. (b) No one wants to be a traitor. 4. (d) I am responsible for what I do.


TENSES OR USING CORRECT FORMS OF VERBS

WORKSHEET–64

1. (a) (iv) invited (b) (iii) reached (c) (ii) had (d) (i) come(e) (ii) introduced (f) (iii) brought (g) (iii) served (h) (ii) came

2. (a) (iii) had (b) (ii) came (c) (iv) woke (d) (ii) started(e) (i) bark (f) (iv) awoke (g) (i) hear (h) (iv) barking

3. (a) is (b) does not know (c) have seen (d) use(e) do not know (f) has grown (g) are (h) become

4. (a) paints (b) is (c) lived (d) worked(e) was murdered (f) had united

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

WORKSHEET–65

1. (a) 2. is the shop? (b) 1. you going there in the evening?(c) 4. will you go there? (d) 3. lovely an outing it’d be!


2. (a) The elders give young ones gifts on festivals.(b) The boys lost their way in the jungle.(c) Monkeys attack when they are frightened.

OrWhen monkeys are frightened, they attack.

(d) Fifty-one deer died in the National Park last year.3. (a) Most bats are harmless to people.

(b) Bats are one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures.(c) There are about 1000 kinds of bats.(d) Bats account for nearly one quarter of the world’s mammal population.

4. (a) Selflessness is a God-gifted virtue.(b) A selfless man puts aside his self. (or puts his self aside)(c) He thinks for others and works for others.(d) He seeks his happiness in the happiness of others.

CONNECTORS

WORKSHEET–66

1. (a) (ii) still (b) (iii) and (c) (ii) So (d) (iii) that(e) (ii) but (f) (iii) and (g) (ii) while (h) (iii) but

2. (a) Though (b) as (c) because (d) and(e) while (f) and

3. (a) and (b) because (c) or (d) when(e) Neither (f) because

DETERMINERS

WORKSHEET–67

1. (a) (iii) Some (b) (iv) these (c) (ii) the (d) (i) a(e) (iii) these (f) (iii) many (g) (iv) their (h) (iii) many

2. (a) our (b) an (c) some (d) the(e) A (f) a (g) the (h) those

3. (a) a (b) X (c) X (d) the(e) A (f) a (g) a (h) the

4. (a) the (b) an (c) most (d) An(e) a (f) the (g) The (h) a

PRONOUNS

WORKSHEET–68

1. (a) (i) I (b) (ii) my (c) (iii) someone (d) (iii) no one(e) (iv) all (f) (iii) I (g) (ii) I (h) (iv) their

2. (a) your (b) our (c) She (d) her(e) them (f) they

97OITULOS SN

3. (a) It (b) All (c) They (d) themselves(e) what (f) they (g) Everyone (h) some

4. (a) They (b) each other (c) this (d) one(e) everybody (f) him (g) what (h) he

PREPOSITIONS

WORKSHEET–69

1. (a) (ii) by (b) (ii) of (c) (ii) in (d) (iv) of(e) (i) With (f) (ii) into (g) (ii) Before (h) (ii) on

2. (a) (iii) of (b) (ii) of (c) (iii) of (d) (ii) in(e) (ii) over (f) (iii) of (g) (iii) in (h) (iii) in

3. (a) for (b) without (c) in (d) of(e) of (f) from (g) from (h) to

4. (a) of (b) of (c) in (d) in(e) from (f) of (g) with (h) of

5. (a) in (b) on (c) of (d) From(e) of (f) with

CLAUSES

WORKSHEET–70

1. (a) 2. how you managed (b) 3. which has helped me(c) 4. what your future plan is

2. (a) 4. where you bought it from (b) 2. which is situated in Kamla Nagar(c) 4. how much it cost you

3. (a) when (b) where (c) so that (d) as if(e) if (f) because

4. (a) which (b) who (c) that (d) which(e) which (f) which

MODALS

WORKSHEET–71

1. (a) May (b) can (c) shall (d) will(e) would (f) needn’t

2. (a) may (b) should (c) can (d) may(e) Can (f) will

3. (a) should (b) must (c) will (d) will(e) should (f) will

4. (a) will (b) can (c) can (d) could(e) must (f) will


PASSIVE VOICE

WORKSHEET–72

1. (a) 2. was committed (b) 3. is believed (c) 4. had been forced2. (a) 4. is killed (b) 3. can be made (c) 3. are given3. 1. (b) were killed 2. (c) were caned 3. (d) has been developed

4. (b) has been launched

NARRATION

WORKSHEET–73

1. (a) 4. where he was going (b) 1. he was going to the market(c) 3. what he would bring home (d) 3. he would bring nothing

2. (a) 4. that there was a fly in his soup (b) 3. why they didn’t take care(c) 3. why they served flies in soup (d) 2. that they couldn’t serve elephants

3. (a) 3. if he could tell him the way (b) 4. that he could(c) 3. if he wanted one in which he could (d) 4. he did not want to stay there

99OITULOS SN

LITERATURED


THE LETTER (Fiction)

WORKSHEET–74

1. 1. (c) Post Office2. (a) joy3. (c) is filled with joy

2. (a) The author builds up an atmosphere of extreme cold and chill step by step. He portrays theold man drawing his tattered clothes tighter to shield his body from the cold and bitingwind. In the early morning people were still asleep on account of “intense winter cold”. Thecold became ‘more intense’ when the old man came out of the towngate and took a straightroad.

(b) He heard the sounds of grinding mills from houses women were singing in sweet voicesat their work. Occasionally a dog would bark or the distant steps of a workman goingearly to work would disturb the peace. Sometimes the screech of a bird was heard. Thesewere the only sounds heard in the morning while the town was wrapped in deathlysilence.

(c) As soon as the old man beheld the wooden arch of the handsome building of the neweststyle, he was filled with joy and excitement. He was happy like the pilgrim who is pleased“when he first sees the goal of his journey”. For the old man the post office had become hispilgrimage and he visited it with faith and hope every morning.

(d) As soon as Ali heard his name called, he felt electrified. He got up from his seat. Then heraised his eyes to heaven in gratitude. After that he would step forward and put his handsto the door. He would tell Gokul Bhai, the clerk, that he had come for his letter in responseto the call made.

3. Friday 10 May 20XX

Today, of course, I can’t contain myself. I got the shock of my life when I visited Rajapuryesterday. I enquired about our old comrade Coachman Ali, the famous hunter. I was shockedto see an old man doubled with age. His frail body was wrapped in tattered cloak. I tookcourage and confronted him. What Ali told me was simply unbelievable. But such is thenature of human heart. It craves for love and affection. It yearns more when it is deprivedof them.

Well! Ali had only one child, Miriam. She married a soldier and went to his regiment inPunjab. Thus poor Ali was left alone. Love for daughter made the grief of separationmore intense. For the last five years he has been waiting for a letter from her. Rain orsunshine he goes to the post office everyday. He has firm faith that one day he will get a letterfrom Miriam. People at post office consider him mad and make fun of him. Like a devout


worshipper he visits the post office, the place of his pilgrimage. He has passed many anxiousnights waiting for the letter. He has grown quite week and has to walk with the help of astick.

WORKSHEET–75

1. 1. (b) Ali to the Postmaster2. (d) when I am dead3. (d) to write his address

2. (a) The old man lived alone. He woke up at 4 a.m. and started walking to the post office allalone. He reached there at 5 a.m. No one else was on the road at this time. He went into theveranda of post office building and sat by himself at a particular seat in a particular cornerof the building.

(b) Darkness of early morning, intense cold or fast blowing wind did not dissuade Alifrom undertaking his journey to the post office. He had followed this routine for the lastfive years no matter what the weather was. He went to the post office with the hope thathe would get a letter from his only child Miriam and this would comfort his lonelyheart.

(c) On reaching the arch with the board ‘Post Office’ the old man went in quietly and squattedon the veranda. He would listen to the voices of the post office workers busy in their routinework. He did not make any enquiry or disturb them but wait patiently and hopefully for hisname to be called.

(d) Two traits distinguished Ali as a clever Shikari. First, he had a keen eyesight. His power ofobservation helped him to sight an earth-brown partridge, almost invisible to other eyes.His sharp eyes saw the hare crouching even when the dogs failed to see the cunning creaturehidden there. Secondly, Ali was a good shot. When he saw a bird or animal, the prey was asgood as in his bag.

3. Tuesday 25 February 20XX

What a troublesome day it was yesterday. I had been waiting anxiously for news of mydaughter who lay ill at Lucknow. I saw an envelope of the colour and shape I expected toreceive. I snatched it up eagerly, but the next moment I dropped it as if it had given me anelectric shock. The letter was addressed to coachman Ali.I was worried all night, as I did not receive my letter. A single night in suspense filledme with sympathy for the poor old man who had been waiting anxiously for a letter forthe last five years. At the stroke of five I heard a soft knock on the door. Feeling surethat it was Ali, I rose quickly from the chair and flung the door wide open.Ali was standing outside. He was leaning on a stick, bent double with age. Tears were weton his face. His eyes had an unearthly light. I shrank back in fear and astonishment.Soon Lakshmi Das came towards the office from another quarter. I took no notice of him butkept staring with wide open eyes at the doorway from which Ali had disappeared. I wassurprised to learn from Lakshmi Das that Ali had died three months ago I was bewildered.I listened to Lakshmi Das’s recital of the last interview he had with Ali. I was perplexed. HadI really seen Ali or had my imagination deceived me.

I suffered the pangs of anxiety and separation yet again as I didn’t receive any letter fromhome today. In the evening I, accompanied by Lakshmi Das, visited Ali’s grave and laid theletter on it.

101OITULOS SN

For the first time in my life I realised what anxiety and pangs of separation mean to a fatherI kept reproaching myself for my failure to understand Ali’s anxiety. I was tortured by doubtand remorse, but I sat down by the charcoal sigri to wait for another night. O how long andtiresome must have been Ali’s waiting!

WORKSHEET–76

1. 1. (c) Ali’s five guineas2. (a) will be dead3. (b) get Miriam’s letter

2. (a) Ali would walk to the post office each morning. He would reach there at 5 a.m. and alwaysoccupied a particular seat in a particular corner of the building. People laughed at him as hewaited for a letter which never came. The postmen began to make a fun of him. They wouldcall out his name for the fun of seeing him jump up and come to the door. Thus he was afamiliar figure at the post office.

(b) The author uses the literary device of a simile to bring out clearly Ali’s love for hunting. Itwas an addiction for him. As an opium eater can’t pass a day without opium, similarly Alicouldn’t live without hunting. When Ali’s eyes would catch sight of the hair’s ears, it wasdead the next moment. As he sighted the partridge it was as good as in his bag.

(c) Coachman Ali realised this truth of human existence during his loneliness. Miriam, hisonly child left him alone after her marriage to a soldier. Ali the hunter was overtaken byloneliness. He forgot hunting and reflected deeply. He came to the conclusion that the wholeuniverse is built up through love and that the grief of separation is inescapable.

(d) Although it was an uninteresting building, the post office became a place of pilgrimage forcoachman Ali. He would come there every morning with a devout certainty. Guided byfaith and love he would wait patiently for his turn to receive the letter. Ali would salutethe post office as though it housed some precious relic. In short, he revered it as a holyplace.

3. This morning I was the first to come to the post office at 5 o’clock in the morning. I saw that thepostmaster had flung the door wide open. He cried “come in, brother Ali” and tried to hand hima letter. I found no one there so I asked him who that person had been and if that was old Ali.The postmaster took no notice of my searching questions. He was staring with wide-open eyesat the doorway. He was wondering where Ali could have gone. Then he admitted that hehad been speaking to Ali. I told him that old Ali was dead and asked him to give me that letter.He did feel convinced. A postman who had just arrived confirmed that Ali had died threemonths ago.

The postmaster was bewildered. Miriam’s letter was still lying near the door. Ali’s image wasstill before his eyes. Then I narrated to him the last interview I had with old Ali. Thepostmaster was still unconvinced. He could not doubt the reality of the knock on the door andtears in Ali’s. He was perplexed—whether he had really seen Ali or his imagination haddeceived him.

Finally, I used my trump card to convince him, I asked him to accompany me to Ali’s graveand let me perform my duty and fulfil my promise to deliver his letter to his grave. Perhapsthis argument convinced him that Ali could not have come there.


FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT: The Letter (Fiction)

WORKSHEET–77

1. Loneliness Grief

An old man was walking through the town, the whole town was wrapped in deathly

now and again drawing his tattered clothes silence

tighter to shield his body from the cold and

biting wind

Ali went off, a pitiable figure, a century his eyes were filled up with tearsbehind his time of helplessness

Ali was never seen again Today is my last day; my very last alas!

No one troubled to enquire after him There were tears in Ali’s eyes

2. (a) Ali was an old man. He was known as coachman Ali. Every day he would go to the post officeat 5 a.m. He was the first to reach there. He sat on a bench and waited for a letter. He hadfollowed this practice for the last five years.

(b) Ali faced the cold and biting wind of cold morning. He drew his tattered clothes tighter toshield his body. He walked when the whole town was asleep. His faith and love warmed himto bear the bitter cold. He sat patiently on a bench outside the post office and waited for aletter to arrive from his only child Miriam who had left him five years ago. His actionsdisplay the qualities of faith, love and patience.

(c) A change came in Ali’s life when his only child Miriam got married and left him alone. Shewent off with her husband to his regiment in the Punjab. Now he understood the meaning oflove and separation. He could no longer feel pleased or laugh at the bewildered terror ofyoung partridges bereft of their parents. Ali gave up hunting.

(d) A ‘pest’ is a troublesome or destructive thing, animal etc. Here the word is used in a derogatorysense. The postmaster considers old Ali a troublesome person, as he disturbs them constantlywith his enquiry regarding his letter. We do not agree with the statement of the postmaster.The postmaster fails to understand the anxiety, love and hope of the old man.

3. Phrase/Sentence Meaning

...happy memories light up a life that isnearing its close.

...the sounds helped him along his lonelyway.

...the cold used sleep to extend its swayover all things even as a false friend lullshis chosen victim with caressing smiles.

Happy memories of the past fill the sad life

of an old man with brightness and joy.

The sweet sounds inspired him to facethe odds.

A false friend makes a show of love byclose embraces and caressing smiles andlulls him. Similarly the cold used sleepto overpower all persons.

103OITULOS SN

...when the evening of his life was drawingin, he left his old ways and suddenly tooka new turn.

...that the whole universe is built up throughlove and that the grief of separation isinescapable.

...the postmaster, a man with a face as sadand as inexpressive as a pumpkin, wouldbe seen sitting on his chair inside.

The haughty temper of the official hadquite left him in his sorrow and anxiety,and had laid bare his human heart.


THE ULTIMATE SAFARI (Fiction)

WORKSHEET–78

1. 1. (b) lions2. (c) more alert and vigilant than others3. (d) led them a long way round where they slept

2. (a) The tent was very big and high like the sky. It was dark inside, even when the sun wasbright. There were cracks through which dust came. Moreover, the rain water came in atthe sides and in the little streets between the ‘places’ for different families.

(b) They were given a special powder—ORT (oral rehydration therapy). It was a high-proteinpowdered food to increase liquid content in the bodies of the children to supply energy. Thesisters (nurses) vaccinated them and took their blood samples for examination againstsickness.

(c) First, the people in the village spoke their language. Secondly, in the time of their fathers,they were the same people under their own king. Moreover, there was no Kruger Parkbetween them.

(d) (i) She bought shoes for the children to go to school.(ii) She made the children polish their shoes.

3. Well, Grandpa, we made through search of the tall grass, but could not locate you. The manwho led advised Gogo to move on, but it was very painful for us to move on without you. Theominous sight of ugly birds with hooked beaks and plucked necks hovering all over the placesent a chill shiver down my spine. Grandma had become immobile and lifeless—perhaps shewas thinking of your safety and health all the time.The other members of the group were ready to start. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I wascertain that you were lying somewhere in the grass. With a heavy heart, but a bold face,Grandma swung my little brother on to her back, tied him in her cloth and we moved.When we reached the tent, we found more than 200 persons there. We were taken to the villageclinic and given a special powder. The sisters gave us injections and took blood samples.

As he was getting older, he gave up hisold ways of violence and changed to peace,love and affection.

Love is the basis of life. Separation bringsgrief but it is a fact of life and one shouldaccept it.

The postmaster was insensitive and lackedsympathy or understanding. His sad andfeelingless face showed his physical presence.

Anxiety, suspense and sorrow of separationhad filled the postmaster’s heart withsympathy. Suffering mellowed him. Hegave up his haughtiness.


Grandma signed for us and got ration cards for free food and clothing. We got a good placein the tent near the sides. Grandma made sleeping mats from grass. We get a sack of mealiemeal every month on ration card.Sometimes brother gets some money by driving a wheelbarrow. He buys cold drink and shareswith me. Grandma has found job as construction labourer and gets some extra money for ourrequirements such as sugar, tea, milk and soap. Grandma has got us admitted to villageschool, but the little one is still lazy and inactive. He does not like to play like other children.Grandma takes him to the clinic every Monday when the doctor arrives. Now he is showingsome signs of improvement.

WORKSHEET–79

1. 1. (d) the refugees2. (c) they are enterprising3. (a) protect them

2. (a) No, the children were not actually fighting in the war. But, they were war-victims. The warhad made them homeless refugees. They had nothing to eat. Hungry, homeless and starving,they were struggling for survival.

(b) The narrator knew that Kruger Park was a game reserve. It had many animals like elephants,lions, jackals, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, etc. She knew about it because some men of theirvillage worked in that Park where white people came to stay and look at the animals.

(c) The man who led them into the Kruger Park told them that it was risky to go near the fence.They should take a long way to get round the fence because it was electrified. It could killthem and roast off their skin if they touched it.

(d) All the people were crossing the Kruger Park secretly. If they made a fire, they were liableto be spotted out because of the smoke coming out of the fire. Police and wardens would thensend them back where they had come from.

3. One night I went to the market for getting cooking oil. On my way back, three bandits took meat gun point to a vehicle standing behind the bushes. I could not shout to get public sympathy.I appealed to their good sense and begged for mercy. They assured me that they had no foulintentions. They only needed a housekeeper-cum-cook. When the vehicle stopped at a desertedplace in the deep forest, I got the fright of my life. There were 20 more bandits there and I wasa lone, helpless woman among them.I had no option but to slave for them. I missed my home and children, specially the little onewho suckled my breast-milk. Although the bandits proved gentlemen, my health began todeteriorate.With every passing day, my hope of reunion with my family became fainter. My cup of miserywas full. I appealed to God for mercy and He indeed proved merciful. One day all of themwent away, leaving me alone. This was a God-sent chance and I made the most of theopportunity. I took courage and ran away. God guided my steps and I succeeded in reachingmy village after wandering in the jungle for two days. But my sufferings were not yet over.My children were not there. I was informed that they had left for a Refugee Camp with theirgrand parents. I started for the camp with some other villagers. After undergoing manyhardships during the journey through the Kruger Park I was lucky to reach the camp andsee my children once again. The joy of meeting them has driven away all the sufferings andunpleasant memories.

WORKSHEET–80

1. 1. (d) the narrator’s grandfather2. (c) answer nature’s call3. (a) taken away and killed

105OITULOS SN

2. (a) The narrator saw elephants, bucks and warthogs and followed them (the animals) to wherethey drank water. They ate all the time. But the narrator and other humans couldn’t eatsince there was nothing to eat for them. The mealies were finished. The only food to eat wasdry little figs, full of ants, which the baboon ate. The narrator remarks ironically that it washard to be like the animals.

(b) The narrator saw that flies were crawling on her grandmother’s face and she didn’t brushthem off. This frightened the small girl. She thought that there was something wrong withher grandmother. So, she picked up a palm leaf and chased those flies off Gogo’s face.

(c) The little brother did not play like other children of his age. The sister at the clinic said thatthere was something wrong with his head. Perhaps it was not fully developed for want ofnutritious food. She thought it was because they didn’t have enough food at home, becauseof their father being away in war. Secondly, he remained very hungry in the Kruger Park.

(d) One sister brought the children special powder. She asked them to mix it with water anddrink it slowly. The children tore the packets open with their teeth and licked it all up. Itstuck round the narrator’s mouth and she sucked it from her lips and fingers.

3. Today, years later, as I make my journey through Kruger Park, I can’t help comparing it withour previous distressing journey. I am astonished at noticing how much the things andsurroundings have changed since then. Then we were the hunted ones and running away toescape the bandits.Now Kruger Park has been converted into a National Park which is maintained by the EastAfrican Government. It is the favourite shelter of some of the world’s rarest species of animals.In this protected area the animals can roam around fearlessly. I remember the time when welocals dared not go through this park, but now it has become the favourite tourist place of EastAfrica. When we had used Kruger Park as an escape route we had to make sure that we keptaloof from the camps set-up by the white people but now the camps are set up by the tourists ornaturalists and scientists. This time I felt a sense of pleasure while walking through the KrugerPark. The park is now well maintained and the grass looks like a green velvet carpet on the floor.As I walk through Kruger Park all my past memories torment and tease me. I feel violentlydisturbed when I recall some of the most frightful moments we faced here. This park also remindsme of the Ultimate Safari of my grandmother who looked after us so tenderly and affectionatelybut breathed her last in the refugee camp and could not return with us to our native land. Howhappy we would have been if the whole family had assembled here now! But if wishes werehorses, beggars would ride. So let’s remain content with what we have.


DISCUSSION: The Ultimate Safari (Fiction)

WORKSHEET–81

1. Mainly for discussion at class level. The following answers will be of immense help to the students:(a) Most stories are narrated as seen through the eyes of an adult. The author has chosen

to tell the story as seen through the eyes of a young girl in order to lend a differentperspective to the events and characters. Children are full of innocence and simplicity,whereas the adults are cruel, deceptive and ruthless. Children know nothing about theworld of adults. And herein lies the irony—human beings are afraid of human beings.


(b) The characteristics of style are:Simple and easy words, as would be used by a child in conversation.There is a variety of sentences. There are lots of short sentences. There are longsentences also in the form of a narrative speech. Some sentences are ungrammaticalalso, because this is a characteristic of speech, as distinct from writing. The authorlends a touch of ‘spokenness’ to the description through this device.There is virtually no dialogue form in the story. The fact is that the story is, in effect,one long dialogue as narrated by the girl. Also, the absence of direct speech adds to theaura of death, escape from death and the need for stealth while walking throughKruger Park etc. which is a feature of most of the story.The style of the story is refreshingly direct and straightforward, with a sense of child likebewilderment at the events and lack of control over the unfolding events.

2. (a) The grandfather died or was probably killed by a wild animal.(b) I think that the grandmother waited quite long for the grandfather to return. She thought

that she would face more problems if she prolonged her stay there any longer. They werealready without food. Secondly they were afraid that they might be caught by the authoritiesand sent back home.

(c) The narrator’s feelings were very bad when they continued without grandfather. She felt forher grandfather very much as she saw him in her dream. When she woke up, she wasdistressed not to find him there. Thus, she felt greatly distressed without her grandfather.


THE FROG AND THE NIGHTINGALE (Poem)

WORKSHEET–82

1. 1. (c) unpleasant, harsh and rough2. (a) hate3. (d) a very loud and unpleasant noise

2. (a) The frog used to croak all night from his hole under the sumac tree. The frog consideredhimself the master musician of that area and sang from dusk to dawn for self-satisfactionand self-expression.

(b) They used the words “Bravo!” Too Divine!” and “Encore!” All these exclamations show thatthe creatures were enraptured. They cheered the song of the nightingale and requested herfor more singing.

(c) By calling the frog ‘a solitary loon’, the poet isolates it as the only creature who behaves strangelytowards the sweet song of the nightingale. He is growing sarcastic towards the frog.

(d) The frog introduced himself as the master of the sumac tree. He said that he was famous forhis baritone and was also music critic of “Bog Trumpet” magazine.

WORKSHEET–83

1. 1. (c) the nightingale’s sweet song2. (c) song of the nightingale3. (c) all the creatures admired nightingale’s song

2. (a) The nightingale is competent, skilful and intelligent but nervous and shy. The frog isincompetent, rough and coarse but patronizing and authoritative.

107OITULOS SN

(b) The frog is referred to as heartless because he was really cruel in his attitude and treatmentof the nightingale. He was regardless of her feelings, made her sing day and night and ledher to death.

(c) It is because he has reviewed her song and given his considered opinion as profoundly as thegreat Austrian composer, Mozart.

(d) The frog is haughty, boastful, arrogant and presumptuous. He can’t brook a rival and triesto eliminate the nightingale by his cunning and crafty ways. He dupes the nightingale andthe other birds and makes money. The frog is thus cunning, crafty and stone-hearted.

WORKSHEET–84

1. 1. (d) the nightingale2. (a) politely3. (b) boast about his musical talent

2. (a) The nightingale asked the frog whether he liked her song. He remarked that it was not toobad. He pointed out its drawback saying that it was far too long. He further added that thetechnique was fine but it lacked force. The nightingale felt flattered and impressed that acritic of such renown had discussed her art and throat. The nightingale had admitted thatthe song was her own, though it was ‘not divine’. This shows that she lacks confidence. Shedoes not know the high quality of her song. The nightingale is competent, skilful andintelligent but she is nervous and shy. The frog is incompetent, rough and coarse butpatronizing and authoritative. The nightingale’s acceptance of the Frog’s opinions and hereagerness to be tutored by the frog shows that incompetent, rough and coarse people rulethe competent, skilful and intelligent ones.

(b) Next night, the nightingale prepared herself to sing. She shook her head, twitched her tail,closed an eye and fluffed a wing. Then she cleared her throat to sing. Just then she heardthe croaking of a frog. The nightingale very politely asked the frog if it was he who had spoken.The frog then came forward and introduced himself as the master of the sumac tree. He saidthat he was famous for his baritone and was also the music critic of “Bog Trumpet” magazine.The behaviour of the nightingale and the frog offer a study in contrast. The nighingale behavesvery politely and respectfully towards the frog whereas the latter’s attitude towards herwas cold, authoritative and imposing. This represents the eternal conflict between the artist—the creator and the critic—the dissector and destroyer.

WORKSHEET–85

1. 1. (d) she is unduly impressed by him2. (c) his greed and cunningness3. (a) disappointment

2. (a) The frog and the nightingale practised singing different notes and pitches at a fast speed.As a result of the long practice, the nightingale’s voice became hoarse and shaky and shewas thoroughly exhausted.

(b) Lack of rest and excessive singing subdued the nightingale. The unrestrained applause bythe appreciative audience and the nightingale’s enthusiasm to please them revived herthroat at night.

(c) Her song has been called ‘tired’ because it no longer had any melody and freshness about it. Itwas worn out and monotonous. It did not inspire any more and failed to attract the audience.

(d) He uses this expression as he feels that she does not use her brains while singing. As theincome from the concerts dips sharply the frog loses his temper and lashes out on the poorbird.



GROUP DISCUSSION: The Frog and the Nightingale (Poem)

WORKSHEET–86

1. (a) The frog was angry because the nightingale was earning less money.(b) Yes, I think the nightingale was truly ‘brainless’. There are many reasons. First, she couldn’t see

through the trick of the frog who offered to train her. Secondly, she didn’t know her real worth.Thirdly, she couldn’t see through the treachery of the frog who made her sing non-stop.Fourthly, she couldn’t understand the frog’s hint when he said that she owed him “sixty shillings”.

(c) The nightingale died of over-exertion, so the frog became the unrivalled king of the bog once again.

2. The words are:Croaked, cacophony, blared out, minstrelled, melody, serenaded, baritone, twittering, trills, zipped,bounced, foghorn.These could be grouped according to their qualities—sweet/unpleasant or attractive/repulsive.(a) croaked, cacophony, blared out, baritone, bounced, foghorn—unpleasant/repulsive(b) minstrelled, melody, serenaded—sweet/attractive(c) twittering, trills, zipped—neither sweet nor repulsive.

3. The required answer is given under the heading ‘personality features’.

Extract Personality features

Nightingale : Sorry—was that you who spoke? polite, timorous

Frog : Yes, ...you see, territorial, boastfulI’m the frog who owns this tree.In this bog I’ve long been knownFor my splendid baritone.

Nightingale : Did you—did you like my song? nervous, shy

Frog : Not too bad—but far too long dismissive, patronisingThe technique was fine, of course,But it lacked a certain force.

Frog : Without proper training such as presumptuous, haughtyI—And few others—can supply,You’ll remain a mere beginner,But with me you’ll be a winner.

Nightingale : This is a fairy tale— servile, fawningAnd you’re Mozart in disguiseCome to earth before my eyes.

Nightingale : But I can’t sing in this weather. timid, shy

Frog : Come, my dear—we’ll sing together. polite, hypocrite.

Frog : We must aim for better billings. possessive, craftyYou still owe me sixty shillings.

Frog : Brainless bird—you’re on the stage— arrogant, coercingUse your wits and follow fashion.Puff your lungs out with your passion.

Frog : I tried to teach her, deceitful, condescendingBut she was a stupid creature.

109OITULOS SN


MIRROR (Poem)

WORKSHEET–87

1. 1. (a) both have reflective surfaces2. (c) their dim light hides the blemishes of one’s face3. (c) metaphor

2. (a) The mirror is not affected by the whims of persons. An ordinary piece of glass is affected bythe mist in the atmosphere and loses its power of observation, assimilation and reflection.This mirror remains vigilant, watchful, dispassionate and neutral.

(b) The ugliness of the fish aptly suggests the decaying beauty and lack of charm of a middle-aged woman. The fish is described as ‘terrible’ to suggest the ugly hideous face of the oldwoman who has lost her beauty and charm.

(c) He means that the mirror is absolutely unbiased. It reflects exactly what it sees withoutadding or subtracting. It does not have any preconceived notions about things. It neitherhas any likes nor dislikes. Its reflection is totally dependable.

(d) It remains busy reflecting the wall opposite it. This reflection is interrupted only whensomeone stands between the mirror and the wall or when darkness blocks the visibility.However, someone stands in front of the mirror, it reflects back the image objectively.

WORKSHEET–88

1. (a) The mirror is bright as silver. Its shining surface serves as a good reflecter. The mirror isexact and truthful. It has a great power of observation and assimilation. Whatever it sees,it swallows immediately. It does not distort anything because the mirror is objective in itsapproach. It has no preconceived notions or false ideas. So it gives a true and faithful reportof what it observes. The decisions of the mirror are exact. They are not coloured by personalfeelings of love or dislike. People may accuse it of being cruel, whereas the reality is that itis only truthful. The mirror is transparent and powerful like the eye of a little god. It hasfour corners.

(b) The mirror is a keen observer of life and the things around it. It hangs on a wall and most ofthe time it watches the opposite wall carefully. It notices the red spots on its pink surface.The mirror feels an affinity with the opposite wall for it has been looking at it for such a longtime that the wall has now become a part of its personality. Then the image of the wallflickers, not because of any shortcomings on the part of the mirror, but because some facesand darkness come over and over again between the mirror and the wall and separatethem. The mirror functions only when there is light. It reflects the bright faces of persons aswell as bright things. It fails to respond to darkness.

2. 1. (a) mirror2. (d) mirror3. (b) accept

WORKSHEET–89

1. 1. (a) the woman who looks at the mirror2. (a) she feels upset3. (d) worry and anxiety


2. The two distinguishing features of the mirror are:(i) its silvery brightness.

(ii) exactness of observation and reflection.

3. First OptionThe mirror assumes the form of a lake. Earlier it had four corners. Its rectangular or square sizehad only two dimensions—length and breadth. Now another dimension is added to the mirror—the lake has depth. It is true that the mirror swallows whatever it sees, but the lake performsanother function also. It not only swallows an image but absorbs and transforms it as well. Theexample of a woman bending over the lake illustrates this additional function. The mirror is atestimony to the change in her figure over the years. There was a time when she was young andpretty. That figure of a young girl has been drowned somewhere in the depth of the lake andonly the hideous, repulsive figure of an old woman rises to the surface. She now looks as terribleas a fish.

Second OptionThe mirror says this because the woman looking at her face into the mirror was once a prettyyoung girl. Now this ‘girl’ is growing into an old woman. She has lost her youthful beauty butshe wants to be always beautiful. She turns to candles and the moon. These become ‘liars’because they help to hide the wrinkles by adding their lights on her face. The mirror reflects thewoman’s face truthfully which is growing old. But she behaves like a terrible fish because of hergrowing old. She in her old age doesn’t want to face the reality of life. She has always desired tolook young. But the mirror can’t help her at all. It appears to be advising its users to accept thereality.


APPRECIATION OF THEME: Mirror (Poem)

WORKSHEET–90

1. The mirror has been personified. It has been given human characteristics.Judgment : I have no preconceptionsSight : Whatever I see — I swallow immediately just as it isTemperament : (unbiased) — unmisted by love or dislike

— I am not cruel— only truthful

Mirror’s RoutineKeen Observer — contemplates the opposite wall

— faces and darkness disturb meditation.Patient Reflector — A woman searches for her real looks/beauty in the depths of

the pool— reflects faithfully— reality is frightening— watches woman’s tears and agitation of the hands

2. (a) The woman is bending over the mirror, now a lake.(b) The woman bends over the edges of the lake-like mirror and searches its depths to know

what she really/exactly looks like.

111OITULOS SN

(c) No, she is not satisfied with what she observes. Her ‘tears’ and ‘agitation of hands’ conveyher displeasure and dissatisfaction.

(d) The candles and the moon have been called ‘liars’ because they create the illusion of beautyin their soft light. So even an ugly face looks glamorous in their faint light.

(e) She wants to satisfy the general human weakness of “appearing beautiful”. These ‘liars’make her look beautiful in their soft/faint light. Perhaps, her ego is also satisfied this way.

3. ...I am silvery bright and exact in my work. I suffer from no prejudices. I have no preconceptionsor misconceptions. I am very fair in my judgment. I assimilate at once whatever I see and do soas it is. My response is not coloured by personal emotions. Hence my judgment is unmisted bylove or dislike. Since there is no personal element involved in my decision making, my observationsare full of truth and exactness. I faithfully depict whatever I see. Those who do not liketheir reflected images may accuse me of being cruel. But remember, I am no flatterer. I amquite truthful and faithfully reflect whatever I see. I do not add or subtract anything. I hope toremain true, exact and sincere even if the beholder may feel upset, worried, sad or angry. The dayI lose my objectivity and truthfulness you humans will dub me a ‘liar’ and discard me to yourdustbin.


THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER (Poem)

WORKSHEET–91

1. 1. (a) the ancient Mariner2. (a) intently as a three years old listens to a fairy tale3. (d) stops the Wedding-Guest

2. (a) The ancient Mariner wanted the guest to stay and listen to him. He succeeded in this bylooking at the guest with his mesmerising eyes. The visitor was forced to stay.

(b) The wedding guest listened to the story of the ancient Mariner intently as a three- year oldlistens to a fairy tale. The ancient Mariner started telling him about the journey he hadonce undertaken.

(c) The wedding guest felt helpless. He was getting rather restless and was impatient to jointhe wedding feast, but he felt helpless as he could not move away from his place. So hebegan to beat his breast with a feeling of anger and despair.

(d) The wedding guest was a close relative of the bridegroom. He should have been by thebridegroom till now, whereas he was still standing with the ancient Mariner. The arrival ofthe bride meant that the marriage ceremony would soon start. Naturally, the wedding guestwas restless to leave.

WORKSHEET–92

1. 1. (a) ancient Mariner and other sailors2. (b) on a happy note3. (a) repetition

2. (a) The Wedding-Guest finds that not only are the ancient Mariner’s looks frightful but also hisbehaviour is equally strange as he stops people on their way to tell them his story.


(b) ‘Kirk’ is an archaic word for church and the use of such words makes the poem truly resemblea traditional ballad and lends the poem an atmosphere of remote past.

(c) The Wedding-Guest has just heard the loud music of bassoon (a musical instrument)indicating the beginning of the marriage ceremonies but is unable to go because he has beenforcibly detained by the ancient Mariner against his wishes.

(d) The ship looked like someone trying to run away from an enemy who is chasing him. Thesailors gripped in fear and pain with death staring them in their faces panicked. In a stateof uncertainty they helplessly got drifted by the storm.

WORKSHEET–93

1. 1. (b) the albatross2. (d) the albatross sat on the sail for nine days at the time of evening church service3. (c) shoots the albatross with his cross-bow

2. (a) They were afraid that great grief and misfortune would befall them as a result of the killingof the Albatross. It was unfortunate that the bird that made the south wind to blow waskilled.

(b) The mariners’ ship got stuck in the middle of the sea. With no water to drink and no ray ofhope to brighten them up, they went through a lot of physical and mental agony.

(c) The mariners were rudderless and forlorn after the death of the Albatross because the birdacted as a divine guide. After its death they didn’t know where to go and eventually gotstuck up in the middle of the sea.

(d) The sailors condemned its killing saying that the Albatross was a bird of good omen. It hadmade the breeze to blow. Later on, they approved of its killing holding it responsible for thefog and the mist. Then once again they accused the Mariner for making their lives miserableby killing the Albatross.

WORKSHEET–94

1. (a) The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a ballad. It tells the story of an ancient mariner. The oldsailor is a relic of the past—an age gone by. The poet uses old fashioned, archaic words tocreate the old world charm. The poem begins abruptly and dramatically. An old sailor stopsone of three persons passing by him. The stranger is surprised and asks, “Old man, withyour long grey beard and glittering eye, why are you stopping me?” The man then informshim that he is a wedding guest—a relative of the bridegroom. All the guests have arrivedand the wedding feast is ready. This naturally arouses our curiosity and makes us interestedin learning the outcome of the meeting.

(b) The wedding guest who was impatient to go to attend the wedding feast now raises noobjections. He sits silently like a piece of inanimate matter and listens attentively to thenarrative of the ancient mariner. He has no option but to hear the old man’s story. Thebright-eyed old sailor gets his chosen listener and continues speaking.The only explanation for this sudden turn around is not easy to find. There is neither anylogical or circumstantial explanation. The key lies in the glittering eyes of the old sailor. Heexercises a hold on his listener through them. It seems that his eyes have supernaturalpower.

2. 1. (a) the prolonged boredom2. (c) could not breathe or move3. (d) simile

113OITULOS SN


APPRECIATION OF THE THEME: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Poem)

WORKSHEET–95

1. (c) something that is with you all the time, as a reminder that you have done something wrong?

2. Error Correction

1. north pole south pole

2. a very strong tide a storm

3. waves ice

4. trapped in the mud trapped in the ice

5. sail south sail north

6. young sailor old sailor

7. with my gun with my cross-bow

8. the bird that had brought the ice the bird that had brought the breeze

9. rain beating down sun beating down

10. around my waist around my neck

PROJECTRepetition

The ice was here, the ice was there,The ice was all around ... (stanza 15)

It heightens the effect of vast expanse of ice all around. Also lends a musical touch to thepoem.

AlliterationThe fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,The furrow followed free ... (stanza 25)

The recurrence of ‘f ’ sound at the beginning of the word creates the impression of movement—blowing of breeze, flowing of foam and passage of ship freely leaving a furrow. Besides lendingmusical sweetness, it also creates an audio-visual effect.

SimileAs idle as a painted shipUpon a painted ocean (stanza 28)The comparison gives a matchless pictorial quality.

MetaphorThe bloody sun ........... (stanza 27)The sun is lent the quality of a relentless person. It, therefore, acts in a pitiless and cruelmanner. As an element of nature, it also serves as an agent of the Polar spirit that chasesthe Mariner for taking revenge.



JULIUS CAESAR (Drama)

WORKSHEET–96

1. 1. (b) unnatural occurrences2. (d) they portend something bad taking place3. (b) restrain Caesar to go to the senate

2. (a) Calpurnia believes in omens and portents. She has seen and heard about strange sights.This superstitious woman had had a bad dream about her husband. She is anxious abouthis safety and pleads with him to keep in mind these supernatural signs. She says thatwhen beggars die, their death is never foretold by the appearance of comets in the sky, butwhen princes and kings (greatmen) are about to die, the very heavens announce and foretellthe coming of disaster and utter ruin to them.

(b) First, he gives a favourable interpretation of the happy dream. He knows Caesar’s love offlattery and his eagerness to become a crowned monarch. He informs Caesar that theSenate has decided him to give the crown of a king that day. If Decius gives them themessage that Caesar is not coming, they might change their decision. Secondly, people mayconsider him weak, timid, coward and superstitious, laugh at him and declare in a mockingmanner, “Come, dissolve the senate to-day till the time Caesar’s wife sees a better dream!”Moreover, if Caesar hides him in this manner, will not some people whisper, “Lo, Caesaris afraid!”

(c) Decius gives an interpretation that inflames Caesar’s ego. He asserts that it is his love forhim that speaks thus. This love has over-shadowed his better judgment and discretion. Onthe other hand, Calpurnia merely pleads, requests and urges him not to leave house. Caesaris so impressed by the arguments of Decius that Calpurnia’s fear and apprehensions nowappear to be quite groundless, rather foolish. He even feels ashamed that he gave wayto her request. He is so convinced by Decius that he decides to go to senate and asks forhis robe.

(d) Antony calls Brutus and the others ‘butchers’ or cruel murderers. May the men who shedCaesar’s precious blood be cursed for ever. May ruin and disaster overtake them. ThusAntony gives vent to his emotions. He, paying a touching tribute to Caesar, seeks pardonfor being meek and gentle with his murderers.

3. Addressing the citizens, Brutus tells them that he killed Caesar because the latter had grownambitious and wanted to become the king of Rome. Although he had intimate friendship withCaesar, he had to kill him for the good of Rome. He asserts that his love for Rome was fargreater than his regard and love for Caesar.He did not like that the citizens of Rome should live in a state of slavery under Caesar. He killedCaesar so that all of them should live in perfect freedom from tyranny and oppression.Brutus tells the citizens that no freedom-loving man can disapprove of the murder of Caesar.Every true Roman should be happy that a tyrant has been killed. Every genuine patriot shouldsupport the murder of Caesar, who would have crushed the freedom of people. Thus the murderof Caesar was no crime. Only people with a slavish mentality and devoid of any sense of honourwould feel angry at the murder of Brutus.

115OITULOS SN

WORKSHEET–97

1. 1. (d) Marcus Brutus2. (a) the Roman mob3. (d) respect and honour

2. (a) Caesar agrees to stay at home to allay the fears of his wife Calpurnia. He agrees to send amessage to the senate through Mark Antony. He will say that Caesar is not well. Just thenDecius Brutus arrives and Caesar wants him to convey that message to the senators. Hetells Decius to carry his greetings to them and tell them that he will not come that day.When Calpurnia suggests saying that Caesar is not well, Caesar bursts with anger. Heboasts that he is not afraid to tell them the truth. He shows scant regard for the senators.He contemptuously calls them ‘Grey beards’.

(b) Decius is working with a plan. The conspirators have decided to kill Caesar in the Senate.They have sent Decius to persuade Caesar to come to Senate. Decius knows that Caesarloves flattery. In order to flatter him, he gives an auspicious interpretation of Calpurnia’sdream. He says Caesar’s blood will renew the vitality of Roman Empire. People will considerit a favour to retain stains of Caesar’s blood as relics. Then he plays upon Caesar’s ambition.He informs Caesar of the decision of the Senate to offer him a crown. If he does not go thatday, they might change their decision. Caesar is completely deceived by the sweet words ofDecius and Calpurnia’s fear and apprehensions now appear to be quite groundless andrather foolish.

(c) The conspirators know that Caesar is superstitious. He may not come to the senate-housethat day. So, first of all they send Decius Brutus to his home. He is very clever at flattery.By his subtle flattery he persuades Caesar to agree to go to the capitol that day. Theconspirators do not want to leave anything to chance. So they come to Caesar’s house in agroup to lead him to the Capitol. Caesar welcomes them as friends and offers them somewine. He agrees to go with them like friends. The conspirators lead Caesar to the Capitol ina procession and surround him there.

(d) Brutus tells Antony not to ask them to kill him. Their hands are blood-stained and the deadbody of Caesar is lying there. Their swords which were so strong in the hatred of Caesar,have absolutely no strength against him. Their swords have lost all their sharpness. As faras Antony is concerned, they have no quarrel with him. They have no wish to do any harmagainst him. He, therefore, welcomes Antony as a brother, with all brotherly feelings ofaffection, kind wishes and respect.

3. When there is one meaning for the actors on the stage and another opposed to it to the audience,we have dramatic irony. It makes the play all the more enjoyable.There is dramatic irony in Caesar’s position. He thinks himself invincible and is quite blindto his coming fate. He talks like a god while his enemies are surrounding him with hiddendaggers.The many blunders of Brutus are also ironical in character. Decision not to kill Antony alongwith Caesar and allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral boomerang on him. There isdramatic irony in the speech of Brutus. He speaks against Caesar but the ignorant mobwants to make him a Caesar.The most exquisite bit of verbal irony is seen in the speech of Antony. His repetition and re-repetition of the statement, “Brutus is an honourable man” is so deadly that it makes Brutusthe most dishonourable man in the end.


WORKSHEET–98

1. 1. (b) Antony2. (c) the choice and master spirits of this age3. (a) suitable for his own death

2. (a) Like a really brave person, Caesar is not afraid of death. He knows that death is the inevitableend of life. He also seems a believer in fate as he says that death ‘will come when it will come’.

(b) Greatmen shall gather around Caesar and stain their handkerchiefs in this blood which willserve as colours added to a coat of arms, an object of reverence, mementos and a badge of service.

(c) A curse will fall upon the Romans who will suffer from various terrible happenings likefamine etc. There will be a civil war in Italy. People will become habituated to bloodshedand dreadful sights. Even mothers shall smile if they see their infants cut to pieces beforetheir very eyes.

(d) He says that his love for Rome was far greater than his regard and love for Caesar. For him theworst punishment is slavery. He asks people if they should live in a state of slavery all their livesor that Caesar should be dead and all of them live in perfect freedom from tyranny and oppression.

3. Calpurnia saw an evil dream that Caesar’s statue was sending forth blood in showers like afountain with many spouts. Many happy and brave young citizens of Rome came flocking therewith smiling faces and washed their hands joyfully in this flowing blood. Calpurnia considersthe dream as an evil omen and as a warning of coming danger to Caesar.Decius Brutus interprets the dream to be a sign of good luck. The dream shows that the RomanEmpire looks up to him to renew her vitality and the most distinguished citizens of Rome will courthis favour and try to win his smile. They will consider it an honour to keep a small part of his body,say a hair or a nail or a drop of blood, as a sacred memento or relic to leave to their descendants.

WORKSHEET–99

1. 1. (d) Antony2. (b) Cassius, Casca etc.3. (b) Caesar was the noblest

2. (a) He is totally disillusioned at the pathetic end of Caesar. For him it is an extremely sorrowfulsight to see the mighty Caesar lying on the ground in such an abject condition.

(b) Their pity for the general feelings of Roman people led them to murder Caesar. Brutus saysthat as one fire burns out another, their pity for Rome drove out their pity for Caesar andthey have been incited to this act.

(c) Antony calls him the most illustrious man the world has ever known. It is one of the mostglorious tributes to the memory of the great departed.

(d) Whenever Caesar heard the poor men cry, whenever they suffered from hardships and misery,Caesar always shed tears. Antony refers to it to prove that Caesar was not ambitious becausean ambitious person should be more hard-hearted than this.

3. Antony predicts that a curse shall fall on all mankind. Men shall be plagued with all sorts ofbodily diseases while a furious civil war will be fought all over Italy. Bloodshed and death willbe so common throughout the country and people shall get so used to dreadful sights that mothersshall look on indifferently as their children are cut in pieces by the sword before their own eyes.The spirit of Caesar, roaming over the world in search of vengeance, in company with Ate, thegoddess of revenge (which will come in all haste from the lower world of hell), shall with all theauthority of a powerful king cause these regions to be ravaged by famine and war, till the earthwill be polluted by the evil smell of the large number of rotting bodies of men, lying unburiedand uncared for.

117OITULOS SN


ROLE-PLAY: Julius Caesar (Drama)

WORKSHEET–100

1. Mahatma Gandhi John F Kennedy Smt Indira Gandhi Rajiv Gandhi

2. (a) Killing is an act of making somebody or something die. It may be accidental.(b) Murder is the crime of killing somebody deliberately. There is a clear motive and intention.(c) Assassination refers to the murder of an important or famous person, especially for political

reasons.

3. (a) Calpurnia believes in omens and portents. She has seen and heard about strange sights.This superstitious woman had had a bad dream about her husband. She is anxious abouthis safety and pleads with him to keep in mind these supernatural signs. She says thatwhen beggars die, their death is never foretold by the appearance of comets in the sky, butwhen princes and kings (greatmen) are about to die, the very heavens announce and foretellthe coming of disaster and utter ruin to them.

(b) Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar of the impending danger to his life. Both heaven and earthhave been terribly disturbed. She had a frightening dream. She saw Caesar being murdered.She cried thrice in her dream for help as people were murdering Caesar. Her anxiety for herhusband’s safety makes her request Caesar not to leave house at any time that day.

(c) Calpurnia is terrified by unnatural and extraordinary things which she thinks portend dangerto Caesar’s life. She persuades him not to leave house that day. Caesar turns a fatalist andoverrules her. Then he boasts of his bravery. He dismisses her fear saying death is inevitable.Calpurnia feels sad. She tells him that he has allowed his better judgement to be swayedand over-powered by his rash confidence. For her it is misplaced over-confidence. He seemsto have thrown caution to the winds and ignored his personal safety.

❑❑


SECTION–A (READING)

1. 1. (c) they ill-treat the kids2. (d) eradicate poverty and hunger3. (b) it is not a song of joy for hungry children4. (a) with poor, ill-fed children their future is bleak5. (c) to shock somebody very much

2. 1. (a) it is eco-friendly2. (c) it has an unmatched texture3. (d) it helps in preventing water, land and air pollution4. (b) paper mills were established5. (c) thrived

3. 1. (c) they consider sleep as a pleasure of life2. (d) they think it as a waste of time3. (b) they have wasted one-third of their life in sleep4. (a) the human body recovers its health during sleep5. (c) prevent from having or doing

4. 1. (d) whales are being killed indiscriminately2. (c) prevent the danger of extinction of the species of whales3. (a) whales can be bred and protected there4. (b) only then we can protect the endangered species5. (c) very strict and that must be obeyed

SECTION–B (WRITING)

5. ABRAHAM LINCOLNAbraham Lincoln was born on the Big South Fork of Nolin Creek, Kentucky on February 12,1809. In 1828 he saw slavery in operation for the first time. He vowed to hit slavery hard. Itwas in 1834 that he was elected to the Legislature and again in 1838 and third time in 1840.Twenty years later in 1860 he was elected President as a nominee of Republican party. At lasthe fulfilled his vow to uproot slavery from USA when the Thirteenth amendment to theconstitution was passed. This amendment ended slavery forever. The same year he wasassassinated on 14 April 1865.

6. The EditorThe HeraldGandhi StreetDelhi

20 April 20XX

Dear SirI read an article in your newspaper regarding man’s wanton destruction of animal life to suithis own selfish needs.I strongly condemn this ghastly act in which some members of our society indulge and feelproud of their exploits. For centuries man has been a ruthless hunter. He has been constantly

PRACTICE PAPER–1

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slaughtering various animals mercilessly to fulfil his needs. A cursory glance at the shoppinglist reveals that most of the articles such as chess pieces, belts, buttons, jewellery, purses andcaps are made from animals.This cruelty towards animals should be stopped immediately. The hunters and poachers aredisturbing the ecological balance. Nature has created man as well as multiple biological formssuch as wild animals and they have coexisted for centuries. Today when the death-kiss ofpollution overwhelms the earth, the need to preserve and protect vegetation and animal speciesis very urgent. We must devise ways to restore the ecological balance and they maintain it at asafe level for our own existence.I hope the readers will react favourably to my views and desist from cruelty to the mute anddefenceless denizens of the forest.Yours trulyPranav/Poonam

7. THE GENERATION GAP IS DESTROYING FAMILY LIFE(For the Motion)

Respected Chairman, honourable judges, members of the staff and my dear friends!I stand before you in favour of the motion ‘The Generation Gap is Destroying Family Life.’There are many points to support this contention.Our forefathers believed in the motto ‘Simple living and high thinking’. Their wants werelimited. They wore simple dress and followed old customs. Nature provided them music. Onthe other hand the modern youth is being swept by a strong current of western civilization.Lured by modern materialistic attitude, he has discarded the old values and customs, thetraditional clothes and music. Wealth and material possessions are far more important forhim than wisdom and truth.The generation gap has caused a chasm between the old and the young. There is a clash ofideas and ideals, tastes, way of thinking and lifestyle. The young hanker after luxury, comfortand material happiness. They believe in full enjoyment and complete freedom. The eldersinsist on moral and spiritual values. They advocate renunciation and control on desires. Thechildren think that their parents are slave to customs.The generation gap is evident in behaviour and manners of the two classes. The elders believein strict obedience to a superior authority. They want that children must respect their eldersand learn to be polite. The children pine for freedom. They resent all sorts of curbs. Theydemand freedom of expression. They want to have a say in family affairs. They insist thattheir views must be given proper consideration. This leads to bickering, heart-burning andtension in the family.The elders insist on discipline and strict compliance of their orders. They advocate smilingacceptance of punishment meted out for breach of discipline. The young insist on unrestrainedfreedom and frankness. They advocate freedom of self-expression and are unwilling to tolerateany interference in their personal affairs—career, love-affair or marriage. Thus there is awide gap between the two generations. This difference in their way of thinking and behaviouris destroying family life.Hence, I wholeheartedly support the motion, that ‘The Generation Gap is Destroying FamilyLife’.Thank you.

SECTION–C (GRAMMAR)

8. (a) 2. to inform (b) 3. have been selected(c) 4. our (d) 1. are requested(e) 4. at (f) 2. considered(g) 4. telegraphically (h) 3. has been arranged


9. (a) other (b) of (c) has (d) last (e) less (f) by (g) or (h) were

10. 1. (d) has been appointed2. (a) invited Sarah Palin3. (b) robbery was the motive4. (c) Yuvraj would lead Board President’s XI

11. (a) 4. Will you like to join us(b) 1. Why is it not possible(c) 3. When is she coming(d) 2. I will miss you

12. (a) 4. whether he was going to Singapore(b) 3. if he was also going(c) 2. whether his parents would allow him(d) 1. to tell them that it was a rare chance

SECTION–D (LITERATURE)

13. (i) 1. (a) she died an untimely death2. (a) been original in her singing3. (b) boastful nature

(ii) 1. (a) Mark Antony2. (d) instigating the mob to rebel against the conspirators3. (d) mutiny breaks out in Rome

(iii) 1. (b) a white woman belonging to a film making crew2. (a) a civil war fought in Mozambique3. (d) the refugee camp

14. (a) The nightingale did lack worldly wisdom but we cannot call her stupid or brainless. She wasonly much too simple, gentle and innocent. There was nothing stupid about her wishes to besuccessful and popular. It was her simplicity and gullibility, not stupidity that stopped herfrom taking in pressure and resisting from exploitation.

(b) The mirror reflects or shows whatever it sees in all its exactness. It does not hide, tonedown, twist or distort what it sees as the human beings do nor does it enhance the beauty ofany reflection. It projects the truth in its entirety.

(c) Ali was an old man. He was known as coachman Ali. Every day he would go to the post officeat 5 a.m. He was the first to reach there. He sat on a bench and waited for a letter. He hadfollowed this practice for the last five years.

(d) They could not make a fire, because the smoke would show where they were. They could notuse the roads, or walk near to the safari camps, because they didn’t want to be seen. Alsothey could not talk to their own people, employed in the Kruger Park because if they did so,they might lose their jobs.

(e) “Et tu Brute” mean “Even you, Brutus.” These words were spoken by Caesar when he wasstabbed first by Casca, then the other conspirators and finally by Brutus. Caesar was shockedand surprised as the man whom he loved as his son and regarded him dearest friend alsostabbed him. So dying Caesar speaks these words.

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15. First OptionTuesday 25 February 20XXWhat a troublesome day it was yesterday. I had been waiting anxiously for news of my daughterwho lay ill at Lucknow. I saw an envelope of the colour and shape I expected to receive. I snatchedit up eagerly, but the next moment I dropped it as if it had given me an electric shock. Theletter was addressed to coachman Ali.I was worried all night, as I did not receive my letter. A single night in suspense filled mewith sympathy for the poor old man who had been waiting anxiously for a letter for the lastfive years. At the stroke of five I heard a soft knock on the door. Feeling sure that it wasAli, I rose quickly from the chair and flung the door wide open.Ali was standing outside. He was leaning on a stick, bent double with age. Tears were wet onhis face. His eyes had an unearthly light. I shrank back in fear and astonishment.Soon Lakshmi Das came towards the office from another quarter. I took no notice of him butkept staring with wide open eyes at the doorway from which Ali had disappeared. I wassurprised to learn from Lakshmi Das that Ali had died three months ago I was bewildered.I listened to Lakshmi Das’s recital of the last interview he had with Ali. I was perplexed. HadI really seen Ali or had my imagination deceived me.I suffered the pangs of anxiety and separation yet again as I didn’t receive any letter fromhome today. In the evening I, accompanied by Lakshmi Das, visited Ali’s grave and laid theletter on it.For the first time in my life I realised what anxiety and pangs of separation mean to a fatherI kept reproaching myself for my failure to understand Ali’s anxiety. I was tortured by doubtand remorse, but I sat down by the charcoal sigri to wait for another night. O how long andtiresome must have been Ali’s waiting!

Second OptionBrutus is an idealist. His speech betrays his ignorance of mob psychology. He tries to giverational arguments. He doesn’t know that the mob is fickle, irrational and easily swayed bypassions. He offers such arguments as he would put before a group of philosophers like himself.To him the worst disgrace is to be a slave. He cannot believe that any Roman would submittyranny or to a suppression of rights.He loves freedom, mainly independence and patriotism and hopes that others also do the same.Caesar is a danger for these values. But Brutus misjudged people. They are unable to understandhis noble hatred of tyranny. They offer to make him Caesar. It is because they are accustomedto pray. They must crave or bow down before some idol or the other. The speech of Brutus thusfails to have any lasting effect.

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1. 1. (c) the flowers on the tree are falling fast2. (b) they indicate rich fruit3. (d) the flowers have a brief existence4. (a) that death is the ultimate end of life5. (b) abbccb

2. 1. (d) it is completely impartial2. (b) it is not limited by national boundaries or political parties3. (a) they cause much damage4. (c) it makes huge tidal waves sweep inland5. (c) belonging to an early stage in development of humans

3. 1. (c) cultivating more land and setting up industries2. (d) agroforestry3. (a) cutting trees for using the land for food and industries4. (d) planting trees in alleys and growing crops in interspaces5. (b) afforestation

4. 1. (d) it has medicinal properties2. (b) they ward off sickness3. (c) they believe evil spirits will be driven away4. (b) the yellow fruit of the Neem tree5. (b) marked with spots


5. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONThe Prize Distribution Function is a very important event in the school calendar. It is heldevery year to honour students who have distinguished themselves in academics, sports orother co-scholastic activities. Our school celebrated its prize distribution function last week.The school was decorated beautifully. The Education Minister was the chief guest. The principaland teachers received him warmly. Students offered him bouquet and sang a welcome song.The principal read out the school annual report. The minister gave away the prizes. Studentsclapped. The minister advised the students to work hard and make India a leading nation inthe 21st century. The function came to a close with the national anthem.

6. 2345 Sector 7Chandigarh

25 May 20XX

The EditorThe TribuneChandigarh

Sir

Sub: The Need and Ways to Conserve Energy

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I want to highlight a problem that our country is facing today and affects every citizen. Indiais facing an energy crisis. The demand of electricity has exceeded much beyond its productionand supply. All citizens must realise their responsibility in conserving energy.We must make judicious use of energy. Conservation of energy is the need of the hour. It is theresponsibility of each individual as well as organisation.Wastage of electrical energy should be strictly avoided. All electrical appliances must be switchedoff when not needed. We must use good quality appliances and ensure they are in good condition.CFL lamps must be used at homes and in offices. Proper use of fuel is also essential. To saveLPG we should use pressure cookers and energy-efficient burners.Maximum use of solar energy can solve the problem of shortage of electricity. Solar energyshould be used for heating water, cooking etc. as far as possible. In order to encourage peopleto use solar energy, Government should provide these appliances to the general public atsubsidized rates.To save petrol, diesel and CNG, the use of public transport must be maximized. Carpools,riding bicycles and walking should be preferred.It is hoped that these steps would benefit not only the individual immediately but also helpthe nation and preserve our environment for future use.I hope my views will get a nod from you for publication in the columns of your renowned daily.

Yours sincerelyRahul Sinha

7. THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE

It was a hot afternoon in June. We, a group of ten boys, were playing hockey outside the town,in the big ground. When we sat down during the breather, one of us, perhaps it was Mohit,who pointed at a greyish dilapidated building towards the east. He also told us that it was ahaunted house and his uncle had told him not to go near it. All of us laughed at Mohit’stimidity. A keen sense of adventure and expectation of thrill inspired us to explore the mysteryof the haunted house. We decided our signals and code words. Two of us had their mobilephones with them. We picked our sticks and moved cautiously. We found the main gate blockedby a heap of stones and bushes. Rahul noticed a man coming out of a side gate. This was ourchance. We grabbed it and rushed in. We were surprised at what we saw there. The place wasneat and clean. Work was going on in the farthest room. A man sat at a printing machine. Wethrew discretion to the winds. Two of us advanced to see what the man was doing. We wereshocked to find that he was printing fake currency. The other group had stumbled uponnarcotics and drugs. We hid behind the pillars as we heard some noise. We overheard whatthey said. Then we came out. We blocked the side gate with stones, bushes and logs of wood.Then Sahil telephoned the police. His father, the local police Inspector came there with apolice party. The people inside were taken by surprise and surrendered without any resistance.The police confirmed what we had guessed. It was the den of anti-social goons. They hadspread the rumour of haunted house to hide their illegal activities.


8. (a) 4. if he knew that David had been hit by a two-wheeler the previous day(b) 3. when it had happened(c) 2. whether he was badly injured(d) 1. but it was doubtful whether he would be able


9. (a) 2. am pleased (b) 4. have been selected(c) 3. by (d) 1. are requested(e) 4. may (f) 1. inability(g) 3. acceptance (h) 2. are entitled

10. (a) of (b) is (c) many (d) more (e) or (f) some (g) their (h) of

11. 1. (c) has died 2. (d) has caused drought3. (c) are being introduced 4. (b) are at standstill

12. (a) 3. What do you think about (b) 1. Who is the best teacher(c) 4. How many marks did you get (d) 2. How did your teacher react


13. (i) 1. (a) guilt and pain2. (c) the Wedding-Guest3. (b) evil spirits

(ii) 1. (a) the clinic2. (c) the grass growing in front of the clinic3. (a) lack of food, sleep and rest

(iii) 1. (c) they are afraid of death and cannot enjoy life2. (d) the brave are not afraid of death and accept it as and when it comes3. (b) boastfulness

14. (a) Sick and tired of the frog’s irritatingly jarring voice, one day the bog creatures got a bigsurprise and a relief when a nightingale appeared on the scene. She sat on the sumac treeand sang her melodious song all through the night. Her song was sweet and pleasing to theear as compared to the frog’s coarse and jarring croaking and gave relief to the Bingle Bogcreatures.

(b) Reflecting what is present in front of it, the mirror doesn’t reproduce anything that appearedbefore it in past. Hence the poet has beautifully used the expression ‘swallow’ to convey thisidea. Like human beings it is shown to consume and draw in what it is fed. Hence, the poethas used personification in the above lines.

(c) Coachman Ali was a clever and skilful shikari (hunter) and a frail old man in a very pitiablestate. Since the last five years he had no news of his married daughter Miriam, who hadgone with her husband to his regiment in the Punjab. So, he went to the post office daily toenquire if there was a letter from her about her well-being.

(d) The narrator saw that flies were crawling on her grandmother’s face and she didn’t brushthem off. This frightened the small girl. She thought that there was something wrong withher grandmother. So, she picked up a palm leaf and chased those flies off Gogo’s face.

(e) Ali was a very clever shikari in his youth. As a hunter he had a keen sense of observation.He spotted the game that even the hunting dogs missed noticing. However when his daughterMiriam got married, he understood the meaning of love and the acute pain of separation.This brought about a transformation in him and he left his old ways.

15. First Option25 January 20XX

Dear MinuIt has been two days and two nights of anxious waiting and concern for news of your illness andrecovery therefrom. These two nights have been highly tense and instructive to me. I could not

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sleep at night. A single night in suspense and the anxious waiting for news about you filled myheart with sympathy. Now I could understand very well the plight of old Ali who had spent hisnights in the same suspense for the last five years.When I reflected about my past behaviour towards the old man I was filled with remorse. Howhard hearted and unfeeling I had been! I had behaved casually and sarcastically towards oldAli. I called him a pest. I thought him a crack-brained fellow. Once I lost temper on him andasked him to get away. I asked him very rudely whether Miriam’s name was registered with thepost office. I remember how politely he asked me to do so. How unfeelingly I retorted ‘Do youthink we’re going to eat your letter when it comes?”Today my heart is overflowing with love, faith and hope. I received a letter for the old manyesterday. Today I had a strange experience. I saw that old Ali had come to the post office doorto claim the letter. Perhaps it was a suggestion from my overworked imagination. Lakshmi Dasand the postman confirmed that Ali had died three months ago. To atone for my harshness andlack of politeness to old Ali I accompanied Lakshmi Das to Ali’s grave to lay the letter on hisgrave.From now onwards I’ll be more sympathetic and full of understanding towards all human beings.Now each letter contain a warm, beating heart. I no longer think of them in terms of envelopesand postcards. I see the essential human worth of a letter. I think my interest in humanity andconcern for their sufferings will lessen the gravity of the sin of my earlier indifference andhaughtiness.

Second OptionThe Grandmother does not want to return to Mozambique because she sees little future therefor the children. That’s why she firmly replies, “I will not go back.’’ She knows that they won’tbe allowed to stay in the refugee camp once the war is over. Even then she is unwilling toreturn. She has lost all hopes. Her reply, ‘‘there is nothing. No home’’, sums up her pessimisticreaction. She has lost her husband, son and daughter-in-law and there is nothing left. On theother hand, the narrator is very eager to return there after the war, if there are bandits nomore. She is optimistic. She resolves to go back through the Kruger Park. She hopes to meether mother and grandfather in their village home. Then, they, all of them will live together.She will be reunited with them, she will remember them and there will be a home for her.Thus the love for motherland, home and family fills her with expectation and cheer.

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1. 1. (c) a deep breath2. (d) the changing seasons3. (b) the passage of time4. (a) they face difficulties5. (d) spending winter in a dormant state

2. 1. (d) the first flights to London resumed on Tuesday after a week2. (b) only under half of the 27,500 flights over Europe were given go ahead3. (a) it was sheer joy to be travelling back4. (c) passengers with current bookings were being given priority5. (b) no movement of traffic

3. 1. (c) they heal a wide range of diseases2. (d) cream3. (b) they want to get pleasure and thrill4. (c) drugs can ruin a person’s life and even cause death5. (d) the amount of medicine to be taken or used

4. 1. (d) electronically2. (a) it ensures instant despatch and guaranteed delivery3. (c) it provides access to the farthest place in no time4. (b) check the postbox (mail box) regularly5. (b) clearly


5. GLOBAL WARMINGAll over the world temperatures are rising. Global warming is responsible for warming climate.Glaciers are melting and we have flash floods. Arctic meltdowns have increased the danger ofcoastal cities being submerged in sea water. The mischief maker is of course gas emissions.These gas emissions are from various sources such as burning fossil fuels in transport, burningcoal in thermal plants to generate electricity, using various chemicals in industries and tanneries,pesticides and insecticides in agriculture, generators, air-conditioners and refrigerators incommercial and residential sites.

6. 123 MotibaghNew Delhi

22 April 20XX

The EditorThe Hindustan TimesNew Delhi

PRACTICE PAPER–3

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SirSub: Radiation Caused by Cobalt-60 in Scrap

The news about radiation caused by Cobalt-60 in scrap shops in Mayapuri is quite disturbing.Till date eight persons have been reported to be the victims of radiation. All of them had burninjuries caused due to radiation exposure. It is feared that the number of people affected byCobalt-60 radiation may rise.People in general should avoid touching radioactive substances. The exposure to the gammaradiation emanating from the radioactive source found lying in scrap shops resulted in sixpeople falling ill seriously and one (Deepak Jain) critically. Ajay Jain, the eighth victim, whogot a Cobalt-60 pin from scrap dealer Deepak Jain and kept it in his wallet, is battling for hislife at a city hospital for the past fortnight.Various state and central agencies like health ministries, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and National Disaster Management Authority should joinhands to tackle the situation on war footing.As a precautionary measure, the blood samples of all shopkeepers, workers and policemen onduty at the high risk zone in Mayapuri should be tested. It would be in public interest if theHealth Department of NCT issues an advisory for the dealers in Mayapuri and residents inadjacent colonies.It is hoped that you will add your comments to my submission.

Yours trulyDipti/Deepak

7. IMPACT OF WESTERN CULTUREWestern culture has a great impact on our minds even today. More than 60 years have passedsince we regained independence. But the aping of Western culture still goes on unabated. Itis clear from the fact that we observe so many different days as Mother’s Day, Valentine’sDay, Friendship Day etc. All these are originally not a part of our culture and tradition. Someof us tried to appear more westernised than the Western people and started observing thesedays. Others in their circuit did not want to lag behind or be labelled as orthodox old fogeysand joined the celebrations with a gusto.I think that instead of blindly following the West, we should question the utility and importanceof observing or celebrating a particular day. Is a mother to be respected on only one day, everyyear? Is friendship something that should be celebrated just once every year. One does notneed a special day. In fact, a lifetime is not enough for celebrating these relationships.Even if we decide to celebrate these days, why should we ape the Western style. Flowers, cards,messages etc. are superficial. Writing messages, preparing cards or selecting flowers arewastage of time and money. Our youth should awaken towards such extravagances. We shouldtry to show respect, love and affection in our own unique way.


8. (a) 2. is considering (b) 3. from(c) 1. and (d) 4. someone(e) 3. to make (f) 3. scientifically(g) 1. in (h) 4. dissection

9. (a) has (b) to install (c) and (d) of (e) will (f) next (g) is (h) in


10. 1. (d) has been arrested2. (c) was opened3. (b) were killed4. (d) will be inaugurated

11. (a) 4. Who will be elected?(b) 1. that they will vote(c) 2. what he would do(d) 3. that he would promote

12. (a) 1. where he had been the previous evening.(b) 4. that there was an exhibition of rare paintings at the Art Gallery(c) 2. how well he was prepared(d) 3. that he had been preparing


13. (i) 1. (b) from far off places2. (c) the nightingale’s melodious voice3. (d) by charging admission fee from the audience

(ii) 1. (d) Roman people2. (c) Caesar3. (a) instigate the listeners

(iii) 1. (a) Coachman Ali to Lakshmi Das2. (c) five gold guineas3. (b) to deliver Miriam’s letter to Ali’s grave

14. (a) The mirror is a keen observer of life and the things around it. It hangs on a wall and most ofthe time it watches the opposite wall carefully. The mirror feels an affinity with the oppositewall for it has been looking at it for such a long time that the wall has now become a part ofits personality. Then the image of the wall flickers, not because of any shortcomings on thepart of the mirror, but because some faces and darkness come over and over again betweenthe mirror and the wall and separate them. The mirror functions only when there is light. Itreflects the bright faces of persons as well as bright things. It fails to respond to darkness.

(b) The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a ballad. It tells the story of an ancient Mariner. The oldsailor is a relic of the past—an age gone by. The poet uses old fashioned, archaic words tocreate the old world charm. The poem begins abruptly and dramatically. An old sailor stopsone of three persons passing by him. The stranger is surprised and asks, “Old man, withyour long grey beard and glittering eyes, why are you stopping me?” The man then informshim that he is a wedding guest—a relative of the bridegroom. All the guests have arrivedand the wedding feast is ready. This naturally arouses our curiosity and makes us interestedin learning the outcome of the meeting.

(c) The grandmother knows that there is nothing like a home back in Mozambique. She isdisheartened and embittered by the course of events and doesn’t wish to return to the nativevillage. She also realizes that there is no future there especially for the children.

(d) The postmaster is tortured by doubt and remorse. A single night spent in suspense, anxiouslywaiting for the news of his daughter had made him feel sympathy for old Ali. He reproachedhimself for not understanding the old man’s anxiety. Waiting for a letter from his daughterhe had to spend another night of restless anxiety.

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(e) Brutus tells Antony that the latter should be careful not to say anything against them in hisfuneral speech though he can say all things that he likes to say in praise of Caesar. Secondly,he has to tell the people that he has the full permission of the gentlemen (the conspirators)to do. Thirdly, Antony must deliver his speech from the same platform as Brutus but onlyafter he has explained to the people the circumstances of Caesar’s death. Brutus adds thatif Antony does not agree with these directions, he will not be allowed to take any partwhatsoever in the funeral of Caesar.

15. First OptionFriends!What a vigil I had during this night. I kept on moving round the post office and whenever I struckthe hour gong, I found the postmaster sitting still on his chair by the fireside. From outside hisface seemed blank and unmoved. I had learnt from the talks of the clerks during the day thatthe postmaster’s daughter was unwell in his hometown and he was anxious about her. Love,separation and anxiety had combined together to keep him awake. He had a long restless night.His anxiety can well be imagined by the fact that he came to the post office at 3 a.m. I saw aletter in his hand. I heard him muttering that he would hand it over to coachman Ali himself. Itwas now 5 a.m. My duty was over and I was returning to my quarter. Just then I heard themain door flung open. The postmaster stood in the door and shouted, “Brother Ali, come in.”I turned on my heels but failed to notice anyone except Lakshmi Das. The Postmaster wascertain that Ali had come there that morning and he was speaking to Ali. Lakshmi Das told himthat Ali was dead. A postman who came just then confirmed the fact that Ali had died threemonths ago. The postmaster was bewildered. Miriam’s letter was lying near the door. Ali’simage was still before his eyes. He was confused. Had he really seen Ali or his imagination haddeceived him? Perhaps his heart was rebuking him and making him feel guilty of his indifferencetowards Ali and his failure to understand his anxiety. I saw wrinkles on his forehead. A singlenight of restless anxiety coupled with doubt and remorse had made him aware of the sufferingsof others. Perhaps it was his guilt-ridden psyche that drew the image of old Ali with wet tearson his cheeks. It was the same face he had seen during the last meeting when he had losttemper on the old man.

Second OptionToday, years later, as I make my journey through Kruger Park, I can’t help comparing it withour previous distressing journey. I am astonished at noticing how much the things andsurroundings have changed since then. Then we were the hunted ones and running away toescape the bandits.Now Kruger Park has been converted into a National Park which is maintained by the EastAfrican Government. It is the favourite shelter of some of the world’s rarest species of animals.In this protected area the animals can roam around fearlessly. I remember the time whenwe locals dared not go through this park, but now it has become the favourite tourist placeof East Africa. When we had used Kruger Park as an escape route we had to make sure thatwe kept aloof from the camps set-up by the white people but now the camps are set up bythe tourists or naturalists and scientists. This time I felt a sense of pleasure while walkingthrough the Kruger Park. The park is now well maintained and the grass looks like a greenvelvet carpet on the floor.As I walk through Kruger Park all my past memories torment and tease me. I feel violentlydisturbed when I recall some of the most frightful moments we faced here. This park alsoreminds me of the Ultimate Safari of my grandmother who looked after us so tenderly andaffectionately but breathed her last in the refugee camp and could not return with us to ournative land. How happy we would have been if the whole family had assembled here now!But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. So let’s remain content with what we have.

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1. 1. (b) unpleasant2. (d) a garrulous woman in the row at his back kept talking to her niece3. (c) she revealed the murderer’s identity before the author intended4. (a) she had spoiled for him all the charm of the play5. (b) to arrive at a conclusion

2. 1. (c) it is exceptionally cold and hence full of discomfort2. (b) it offers sublime spectacles of nature3. (d) she took the stairs to her second-floor hotel room4. (c) she enjoyed watching spectacular views of Bhutan’s forests and mountains5. (a) mysterious and difficult to understand

3. 1. (d) they are obligate predators2. (a) to preserve tigers3. (b) tigers kill their cattle4. (a) knowledge of exact number helps in their conservation5. (c) proof

4. 1. (a) cold air and storms were absent2. (c) it was the hottest for many places in the northern region3. (b) there will be fewer thunderstorms4. (d) these favour an early monsoon5. (c) the process by which hot air collects close to the earth


5. Shweta : No, I never paid attention to this aspect.Swati : What will you do with the plastic bag after finishing lunch?Shweta : I’ll throw it into the dustbin.Swati : From the dustbin it flies on the drains and chokes the sewage or it may be eaten

by some stray cow and clog her intestine and prove fatal. It makes soil barren byblocking its pores and leads to water pollution. If it is burnt, it creates air pollution.Moreover, it is a danger to health. It has a corrosive effect. Perishable items likecurd, milk, butter, ghee, spicy vegetables etc. get sour and contaminated if kept inopen in the polypacks.

Shweta : Well, if plastic bags are so harmful, why aren’t they banned?Swati : The government has done so, but people are slow to act.

6. Value PointsPunjabi Wedding—occasion for fun and merrimentVarious ceremonies and functions• Betrothal • ‘Mehndi’ • Ladies’ Sangeet • ‘Phere’ • Send off

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Festivities• songs and dances• decoration and lights

Elaborate food and clothes• various sweets and dishes• colourful and gaudy dresses

Wedding guests and family• ceremonial welcome• reception• feast

7. For the MotionRespected Chairperson, members of faculty and dear friends!I want to defend the motion that reality shows for children do more harm than good. Myworthy opponents have listed the benefits of reality shows for the children. They have citedtheir popularity on the ‘idiot box’ as an index of the benefit they give children in the form ofexposure. I agree that reality shows discover latent talent. But I fear, the talent is not groomedproperly. It is rather being exploited. All channels are in a rat race to cash on the craze amongviewers. Parents are eager to see their children perform. The various channels are motivatedby their commercial instincts to earn as much as they can. Programmes are made keeping inview the TRP ratings and the curiosity of viewers. As far as the participants are concernedthese shows are doing more harm than good. Unnecessary anxiety is caused to children byadding their workload. They have to undergo untold strain and tension during rehearsals andperformance. The inherent fear of failure and sense of defeat haunts them. They easily becomevictims of emotional instability. It is seen that even a child prodigy fails to adjust properly tothe demands of life in adulthood. The negative competitiveness makes their personalitieslop-sided. Negative qualities such as jealousy, disbelief, fear, suspicion, doubt etc. enter theirmental make-up. The result is that they fall prey to inferiority complex. They have no time leftfor developing their own personality. Childhood is sacrificed at the altar of professionalism.Excuse me for a bit of plain speaking. There is nothing real in reality shows. It is all manipulated.The final show presents a resemblance of reality—but no reality at all.Thank you.


8. (a) 2. been constructed (b) 3. on(c) 4. is spread (d) 1. being(e) 2. and (f) 4. be built(g) 3. will be opening (h) 1. from

9. (a) are (b) how (c) what (d) by (e) have (f) and (g) No (h) with

10. 1. (c) were hurt 2. (d) was arrested3. (b) is strictly prohibited 4. (c) was auctioned

11. (a) 3. have you ever been (b) 2. have been there(c) 4. do you like most (d) 1. are you leaving

12. (a) 4. she was going very fast(b) 3. she had exceeded the speed limit(c) 1. requested him to let her go that time(d) 2. she had to report at the police station only the next day



13. (i) 1. (c) the sailors2. (a) alliteration3. (b) helplessness

(ii) 1. (b) just before his death2. (a) hunting3. (a) began to understand the meaning of love and separation

(iii) 1. (d) the fall of Caesar and Roman values2. (b) it led to the decline of Romans3. (a) Caesar’s own courtiers and friends plotted against him and assassinated him leading

to civil war

14. (a) The frog’s joy was sweet because he was earning a lot of money as ‘fee’ and acclaim. He wasfeeling elated to enjoy the fun at the expense of the nightingale. His joy was bitter becausehe was jealous of the nightingale’s fame. His own singing had never been appreciated.

(b) It is called a Christian soul because it had come at such a time when the ship and themariners were in trouble. The weather improved after its arrival. The ship could easilymove then.

(c) They could not make a fire, because the smoke would show where they were. They could notuse the roads, or walk near to the safari camps, because they didn’t want to be seen. Alsothey could not talk to their own people, employed in the Kruger Park because if they did so,they might lose their jobs.

(d) A ‘pest’ is a troublesome or destructive thing, animal etc. Here the word is used in a derogatorysense. The postmaster considers old Ali a troublesome person, as he disturbs them constantlywith his enquiry regarding his letter. We do not agree with the statement of the postmaster.The postmaster fails to understand the anxiety, love and hope of the old man.

(e) Antony first arouses the feelings of pity, curiosity and greed of the mob. He reads the will toarouse sympathy for Caesar and hatred against the conspirators. He proves that they arethe descendants of Caesar, who has provided for each one of them in his will.

15. First OptionFriday 5 April 20XXToday something unexpected happened. I could never ever imagine that people had so muchfaith in my good nature that they would entrust their life’s saving into my hands and that toofor a minor favour in return. Well, the ways of human heart are unscrutable. Old Ali it was whoconfided in me and handed me five golden guineas. He called on God as witness and asked meto do a little favour. I was to put Miriam’s letter on his grave whenever it arrived.Perhaps the old man had anticipated his death. He asserted that it was his last day but he hadnot seen his daughter Miriam or had any letter from her for the last five years.This reminded me of the barbs that the postmen and clerks used to direct at Ali and have fun.They would consider him mad and call his name aloud. They enjoyed his reaction as he jumpedup from his seat and came to the door. Perhaps they lacked sympathy and understanding. Theydid not realise how their fun would hurt the feelings of an anxious and lonely father. Theyconsidered him mad. Even the postmaster called him a pest and lost temper at him.The letter for coachman Ali did arrive at last but also he is no more there to receive it. I have theresponsibility of delivering it to him at his grave now and I’ll not fail in my duty.

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Second OptionThe Grandmother does not want to return to Mozambique because she sees little future therefor the children. That’s why she firmly replies, “I will not go back.’’ She knows that they won’tbe allowed to stay in the refugee camp once the war is over. Even then she is unwilling toreturn. She has lost all hopes. Her reply, ‘‘there is nothing. No home’’, sums up her pessimisticreaction. She has lost her husband, son and daughter-in-law and there is nothing left. On theother hand, the narrator is very eager to return there after the war, if there are bandits nomore. She is optimistic. She resolves to go back through the Kruger Park. She hopes to meether mother and grandfather in their village home. Then, they, all of them will live together.She will be reunited with them, she will remember them and there will be a home for her.Thus the love for motherland, home and family fills her with expectation and cheer.

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1. 1. (b) she died long ago2. (a) an aural image3. (d) in the morning service in the temple4. (c) the stillness of his mother’s gaze on his face5. (b) to remain in the air

2. 1. (b) altering our environment radically2. (d) it is an untested technology3. (c) lining highways with artificial trees4. (d) it has the potential to cool the earth5. (a) to change something completely so that it is the opposite of what it was before

3. 1. (c) to sup soupy food2. (a) the dinner knife evolved a rounded end3. (b) these helped in preparation of dishes4. (d) cutting and scooping food5. (b) out of date

4. 1. (d) they believe their pets can’t possibly live without them2. (a) they take the creatures out of their normal environment3. (b) pet fees and deposits are too high in airlines and hotels4. (c) to find a pet-friendly hotel and not to hide the animal5. (b) taking somebody/something away in a quick, secret or mysterious way


5. ABDUL KARIM

Mr Abdul Karim, my favourite tailor, is in his fiftees. He is about six feet tall and weighsaround 70 kg but looks taller as he is slim. He has a large family to support. Besides his wifehe has six children–four boys and two girls. Although he is educated only up to middle standard,he is educating all his children. He likes listening to film music and expects prompt payment forhis services. He is popular because he is gentle, polite and true to time limit.

6. 123/67MangolpuriNew Delhi

15 May 20XX

The ChairmanCBSENew Delhi

Sir

Sub: Suggestions regarding change in school syllabus

The average school student is burdened with books, tests, assessments, exams and marks.Today’s child goes to school to pass exams and then secure admission in colleges. There is no

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fun left in the process of learning. Due to the pressure of tests and exams the child’s creativitygets arrested. He is loaded with facts by the teacher without bothering whether these areassimilated or not. Learning for the sake of gaining knowledge is almost non-existent.The school syllabus in many subjects is not even relevant to the present-day world. Most of it isof no practical value to the child. I feel that the syllabus should be more interesting and challenging.More interactive activities should be included in the curriculum to make it student friendly.I am optimistic that you will take initiative to initiate deliberations over this issue and bringout a student-friendly curriculum.

Yours sincerelyAnkit/Asha

7. THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF POVERTYPoverty is the state of being poor. It means not having enough money for basic needs. Povertycompels one to have a low standard of living. Most of the children are ill-fed, ill-clad and ill-mannered. These malnourished children have neither physical strength nor do they enjoy anyimmunity against diseases. They are deprived of the lamp of knowledge and get very littleeducation. Most cases of school dropouts are from the poorest sections of society. Their lowefficiency makes them prey to inferiority complex. In order to supplement the income of thefamily small children are engaged in petty jobs which are usually poorly paid jobs. Low incomeand low productivity compels the family to exist in abject poverty. Most of the poor people donot adopt family planning. Consequently they have large families with more mouths to feedthan hands engaged in work. Poor health forces them to take frequent leave from work.‘No work-No pay’ means illness makes them poorer than before. The vicious circle of povertygoes on and on.


8. (a) 2. to (b) 4. are drilled (c) 3. to drive (d) 4. one of the world’s (e) 1. Since (f) 3. several(g) 4. renewable (h) 2. natural

9. (a) by (b) its (c) and (d) across (e) having (f) for (g) to (h) these

10. 1. (b) has been banned2. (a) 8 persons were injured as a crude bomb exploded3. (c) has developed a fan-cap4. (c) have launched a drive against drug peddlers who are

11. (a) 4. I met your class teacher in the market(b) 2. what did you go for(c) 3. why you didn’t show me your report card(d) 2. I was about to show it to you then

12. (a) 3. their new servant had (b) 2. if anything was missing(c) 4. he had stolen one of their blankets (d) 1. it was the one they had taken


13. (i) 1. (a) crystal-clear 2. (a) it has no preconceived notions3. (a) reflects exactly what it sees without any bias

(ii) 1. (c) their indifference2. (b) the reason why the old man had stopped coming to the post office3. (d) his ill-health


(iii) 1. (c) Calpurnia’s dream2. (d) the dream is wrongly interpreted3. (d) it was a beautiful dream predicting good luck

14. (a) The mirror assimilates or absorbs the face before reflecting the image. A metaphor has beenused here.

(b) Initially the sailors were happy but when the weather conditions worsened they were angrywith the ancient Mariner for he had killed the bird.

(c) The narrator thinks that perhaps her mother met bandits when she went to the shop to getoil for cooking. Perhaps she got the oil and someone knocked her down in the dark and tookaway the oil. May be the bandits killed her.

(d) Although it was an uninteresting building, the post office became a place of pilgrimage forcoachman Ali. He would come there every morning with a devout certainty. Guided by faithand love he would wait patiently for his turn to receive the letter. Ali would salute the postoffice as though it housed some precious relic. In short, he revered it as a holy place.

(e) He says that his love for Rome was far greater than his regard and love for Caesar. For himthe worst punishment is slavery. He asks people if they should live in a state of slavery alltheir lives or that Caesar should be dead and all of them live in perfect freedom from tyrannyand oppression.

15. First OptionThis morning I was the first to come to the post office at 5 o’clock in the morning. I saw thatthe postmaster had flung the door wide open. He cried “come in, brother Ali” and tried tohand him a letter. I found no one there so I asked him who that person had been and if thatwas old Ali. The postmaster took no notice of my searching questions. He was staring withwide-open eyes at the doorway. He was wondering where Ali could have gone. Then headmitted that he had been speaking to Ali. I told him that old Ali was dead and asked himto give me that letter. He did feel convinced. A postman who had just arrived confirmed thatAli had died three months ago.The postmaster was bewildered. Miriam’s letter was still lying near the door. Ali’s image wasstill before his eyes. Then I narrated to him the last interview I had with old Ali. Thepostmaster was still unconvinced. He could not doubt the reality of the knock on the door andtears in Ali’s. He was perplexed—whether he had really seen Ali or his imagination haddeceived him.Finally, I used my trump card to convince him, I asked him to accompany me to Ali’s graveand let me perform my duty and fulfil my promise to deliver his letter to his grave. Perhapsthis argument convinced him that Ali could not have come there.

Second OptionOne afternoon I was busy doing my home-work. Gogo was helping me. Suddenly I saw threemen coming to our place—the corner of the tent. For a moment, I was puzzled why they werecoming towards us. The next moment held a pleasant surprise for all of us. Our grandfather!But how pale, weak and thin he was. The other two young men had carried him there. Gogomade a nice place on a mat for him. My first-born brother helped him to sit. I gave him somewater. He was unable to raise his hand. I put the glass to his lips. He drank it, but he didnot speak. His beard was long. His clothes were dirty and torn. He had given us up at last.He could not speak because of extreme joy. Tears came to his eyes. We also began to weep.As usual, Gogo controlled the situation.

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Me n Mine English x 2ndanswer Book

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