Q1. Why do the courtiers call the prince ‘the Happy Prince’? Is he really happy? What does he see all around him?
Ans: The courtiers referred to the prince as ‘the Happy Prince’ because he always appeared joyful. During his life, he was unaware of tears as he lived in a palace where sorrow was forbidden. However, after his death, when he became a statue, he was no longer happy. He wept for the suffering he observed in the city around him.
As a statue, he could see the misery and ugliness of his city.
His heart, though made of lead, could not help but weep for the pain of others.
His tears flowed down his golden cheeks, revealing his true sorrow.
Q2. Why does the Happy Prince send a ruby for the seamstress? What does the swallow do in the seamstress’ house?
Ans: The Happy Prince sent a ruby to the seamstress because she was very poor and unable to feed her sick child, who had a fever. The swallow, convinced by the Prince, flew to her house.
Upon arrival, the seamstress was asleep.
The swallow placed the ruby on her work table.
He then circled the bed, using his wings to fan the boy’s forehead.
This action helped soothe the boy, allowing him to sleep peacefully.
Q3. For whom does the prince send the sapphires and why?
Ans: The Happy Prince sent sapphires to assist two individuals in need:
Young Writer: He was too cold and hungry to finish his play. The Prince sent a sapphire, which the writer sold for firewood and food. This act lifted his spirits, motivating him to complete his work.
Little Matchgirl: She had dropped her matches in the gutter, ruining them. Knowing she would be punished for not bringing home money, the Prince sent her a sapphire as well. When the swallow delivered it, she joyfully ran home, relieved and laughing.
Q4. What does the swallow see when it flies over the city?
Ans: When the swallow flew over the city, it noticed a stark contrast between wealth and poverty:
The rich were enjoying themselves in their beautiful homes.
Poor beggars sat at the gates, struggling for survival.
In dark alleys, starving children looked out with white faces.
Two boys huddled together under a bridge, trying to keep warm.
A watchman shouted at them to move along.
Near the cathedral, he saw marble angels and heard music from a palace.
A girl on a balcony complained about her dress not being ready for the state ball.
He observed lanterns hanging from ships as he flew over the river.
Finally, he reached a poor woman’s house, where her sick boy lay feverish.
The swallow dropped a ruby from the Prince, cooling the boy’s forehead with his wings. The boy felt better and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Upon returning to the Happy Prince, the swallow shared his experiences. The Prince remarked that doing good made him feel warm, despite the cold.
Q5. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
Ans: After the Prince gave away the sapphires from his eyes, he became blind. The swallow, moved by the Prince’s kindness, chose to stay with him instead of flying to Egypt.
This decision highlights the swallow’s deep loyalty and affection for the Prince, demonstrating that he valued their bond over returning to his friends.
Q6. What are the precious things mentioned in the story? Why are they precious?
Ans: In the story, the two precious things are the Prince’s leaden heart and the dead swallow. They are valued for their:
Kindness: The Prince, though dead, was saddened by the suffering in his city. He gave away his riches to help the poor, prioritising their well-being over his own.
Selflessness: The swallow showed kindness by delivering the Prince’s messages and chose to stay with him, even knowing he would struggle in winter.
Emotional significance: When the swallow died at the Prince’s feet, the Prince’s heart broke from sorrow.
When God asked for the most precious things in the city, an angel brought the leaden heart and the dead bird. God promised that the swallow would sing in His garden of Paradise, while the Happy Prince would praise Him in his city of gold.
Q1. What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools?
Ans: The two strange things that the guru and his disciple observe in the kingdom of fools are:
Everyone sleeps during the day and carries out their work at night.
The cost to purchase anything from the market was the same, one duddu (one rupee). Whether it was a measure of rice or a bunch of bananas it cost the same.
Q2. Why does the disciple decide to stay in the Kingdom of Fools? Is it a good idea?
Ans: The disciple decided to stay in the Kingdom of Fools because he was delighted that everything cost a single duddu and everything was very cheap.
All that he wanted was good and very cheap food.
According to the Guru, staying there was not a good idea as they were all fools and so he felt this situation would not last long and was not sure about what they would do in the future.
Q3. Name all the people who are tried in the king’s court, and give the reasons for their trial.
Ans: Following people were tried in the king’s court:
The merchant whose house was burgled because his house’s wall was weak and it fell upon the burglar and killed him
The bricklayer who built the wall because he built a wall which was weak and which collapsed killing the burglar
The dancing girl because she distracted the bricklayer with her jingling anklets by walking up and down the road where the bricklayer was laying the wall
The goldsmith, because he didn’t complete the dancing girl’s order on time and so she had to go to the goldsmith a dozen times.
The merchant whose house was burgled (second time) because his father persuaded the goldsmith to finish his order first thereby delaying the dancing girl’s order. Since the merchant’s father died, the merchant had to be executed in his father’s place.
The disciple because the merchant was too thin to be executed by the newly made stake and a fat man was required to fit the stake. The disciple was very fat, hence he was caught.
Q4. Who is the real culprit, according to the king? Why does he escape punishment?
Ans: The real culprit, according to the king, is the merchant because although his old father was the real murderer, he was dead and someone had to be punished in his place. He escapes the punishment because he is too thin to be properly executed on the stake.
Q5. What are the Guru’s words of wisdom? When does the disciple remember them?’
Ans: The guru’s words of wisdom were that it was the city of fools. He advised the disciple to leave the city because he would not know what they would do next. The disciple remembers this when he was going to be executed.
Q6. How does the guru manage to save his disciple’s life?
Ans: The guru tries to confuse the king by expressing his desire to be killed first. Then to further confuse the king, he tells the story of becoming the king in the next incarnation.
Apparently, it may sound like a case of pure lying to save your dear one’s life. But if we go deeper consciously or unconsciously, the sage is trying to save everybody’s life in the kingdom.
Ultimately he is able to pull everybody out of the misery of living in the kingdom of fools.
Answer– Iswaran was a good domestic assistant for Mahendra. Apart from cooking and doing household chores he was a great entertainer for his master. He was good at managing resources as he could find vegetables out of nowhere and also never had complained while accompanying his master.
Q2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
Answer – Iswaran describes the uprooted tree on the highway with eyebrows suitably arched and hands held out in a dramatic way. He would begin by saying that the road was deserted and he was all alone. Suddenly he spotted something that looked like an enormous bushy beast lying sprawled across the road. He was half inclined to turn and go back. But as he came closer he saw that it was a fallen tree, with its dry branches spread out.
The effect he wants to create is suspense and a surprise ending to every small incident that he narrates to his readers.
Q3. How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
Answer– He started the story of the elephant by giving a prologue in which he called elephants ‘huge well-fed beasts.’ He said that after escaping from the timber yard, the elephant started roaming about, stamped on bushes and tore up wild creepers. It then came to the main road of the town and smashed all the stalls selling fruits, mud pots, and clothes. It then entered a school ground where the children were playing. It pulled out the football goal-post, tore down the volleyball net, flattened the drum, kept for water and uprooted the shrubs. All the teachers and students were so afraid that they climbed up to the terrace of the school building.
According to Iswaran, he was studying in the junior class at that time. He grabbed a cane from the hands of one of the teachers and ran into the open. The elephant continued grunting and stamping its feet. It looked frightening. However, he moved slowly towards it. When the elephant was ready to rush towards him, he moved forward and whacked its third toe nail. It looked stunned and then collapsed.
It does not appear to be plausible because it is close to impossible for a child to control a mad elephant when even the adults were trying to save themselves! Also, getting beaten by a stick on the toenail would not make a huge mammal shiver and collapse.
Q4. Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters?
Answer – The author says so because Iswaran provided a great company to Mahendra. He would chat with Mahendra at night when he returned from his work. Iswaran would also entertain Mahendra by telling stories. Thus, with Iswaran around Mahendra never felt bored and never felt the necessity of having a TV for entertainment.
Q5. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?
Answer – Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination because Iswaran informed him that they were living on a burial site and kept narrating to him stories of various ghosts he himself had encountered.
On one full moon night, Mahendra was woken up from his sleep by a low moan close to his window. At first he thought that it was a cat prowling around for mice. But the sound was too deep and guttural for a cat. He resisted looking outside as he did not want to witness a sight that might stop his heart beat. But the crying became louder and less subtle. He could not resist the temptation any more. Lowering himself to the level of the windowsill he looked out at the white sheet of moonlight outside. There, not too far away, was a dark cloudy form clutching a bundle. He broke into a cold sweat and fell back on the pillow, panting.
Q6. Can you think of some other ending for the story?
Answer– In the given story, the climax is that Mahendra is acutely frightened by the possibility of the ghost actually entering his room the previous night. He resolves to leave the haunted place the very next day.
The story could have ended on a more positive note. Instead of resigning from his job, Mahendra could have been shown as a real courageous man and proving the ghost theory wrong. Another ending can be of both Mahendra and Iswaran leaving the place together and in turn continuing their bond which is depicted earlier in the story. Iswaran has been explained as a man of all seasons for Mahendra.
Q1. How does Toto come to grandfather’s private zoo?
Ans: The writer’s grandfather liked to collect animals and had made a zoo at home. One day, he saw a red-coloured monkey tied to a trough with a Tonga driver. He liked the monkey and wanted to add it to his collection. He bought Toto from the tonga driver for a sum of five rupees.
Grandfather taking Toto to Saharanpur
Q2. “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?
Ans: Toto is considered pretty because of his bright, sparkling eyes full of mischief, his pearly white teeth, and his lively expressions. His tail, which Grandfather thought added to his good looks, could also be used as a third hand.
Q3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?
Ans:
Toto caused trouble for everyone in the household, even disturbing the other animals in Grandfather’s zoo at night. To give the other animals some peace, Grandfather decided to take Toto with him to Saharanpur.
Grandfather carried Toto in a sturdy canvas bag with straw at the bottom for comfort. He placed Toto inside and secured the bag with a zipper.
The ticket collector, following rules strictly, decided to charge for Toto as if he were a dog, since there was no specific fare for monkeys.
Q4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learned to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive? Ans:
Toto takes a bath by testing the temperature of the water first with his hand, then stepping in gradually, like a human.
He has learned to do this by observing the narrator.
He almost boils himself alive when he finds a kettle of warm water on the stove, climbs into it, and stays in even as the water begins to boil, hopping up and down until Grandmother rescues him.
Q5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”? Ans: The author says this because Toto’s mischief and destructive behavior made it difficult for the family to afford keeping him. He destroyed household items like dishes, clothes, and wallpaper, causing trouble that the family could not manage long-term.
Q1: What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?
Ans: The child sees a variety of things on his way to the fair, including toys, a flowering mustard field, dragon-flies, insects and worms, a sweetmeat seller, a flower-seller, balloons, a snake-charmer, and a roundabout. He lags behind because he is fascinated by these things and keeps stopping to observe or admire them.
The Lost Child
Q2: In the fair, he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an answer?
Ans: At the fair, the child wants a burfi from the sweetmeat seller,a garland of gulmohur flowers, colorful balloons, and a ride on the roundabout. However, he moves on without waiting for an answer because he knows his parents would not fulfill his requests, as they would consider them frivolous or think he is too old for some of these things.
Q3: When does he realize that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described? Ans: The child realizes he has lost his way when he turns around to ask his parents for a ride on the roundabout and finds them missing. His anxiety and insecurity are described vividly: he cries out in fear, his face is flushed, tears roll down his cheeks, and he runs around in a panic, calling for his mother and father. His clothes become muddy, and he feels utterly lost and defeated.
Q4: Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier? Ans: Once the child realizes he is lost, he loses interest in the sweets, toys, flowers, and other attractions that previously excited him. His only desire is to find his parents, as he feels insecure and scared without them. The joy he felt earlier is replaced by a desperate longing to be reunited with them.
Q5: What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents? Ans: The story leaves the ending open, and it is not explicitly stated whether the child finds his parents. However, a kind man tries to comfort the child by offering him sweets and other things, though the child keeps insisting on finding his mother and father. Readers can interpret that the story either ends with the hope that the child might find his parents or underscores the depth of his attachment to them over material things.
Talk About It
Q1: How to ensure not to get lost? Ans: It is essential for children to stay close to their parents in crowded places and for parents to keep an eye on their children to prevent such situations. Parents can teach children to recognize landmarks and where to go in case they get separated.
Thinking about the Text I. Answer these questions. Q.1. “At last a sympathetic audience.” (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does he say it? (iii) Is he sarcastic or serious? Ans. (i) The speaker of the given line is Gerrard. (ii) He says it as he is asked by the intruder to speak about himself. (iii) This line is delivered with a sense of sarcasm, as Gerrard is not genuinely pleased but rather mocking the situation he finds himself in.
Q.2. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on? Ans. The intruder selects Gerrard because he resembles him closely. As a murderer on the run from the police, the intruder believes he can easily take on Gerrard’s identity. This impersonation is his plan to evade capture.
Q.3. “I said it with bullets.” (i) Who says this? (ii) What does it mean? (iii) Is it the truth? What is the speaker’s reason for saying this? Ans. (i) Gerrard says this. (ii) It means that when things went wrong, he used his gun to shoot someone for his escape. (iii) No, it is not the truth. The speaker says this to save himself from getting shot by the intruder.
Q.4. What is Gerrard’s profession? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer. Ans. Gerrard is a playwright by profession. Several parts of the play reflect this. Some of these are:
“This is all very melodramatic, not very original, perhaps, but…”
“At last a sympathetic audience!”
“In most melodramas, the villain is foolish enough to delay his killing long enough to be frustrated”.
“I said, you were luckier than most melodramatic villains.”
“That’s a disguise outfit; false moustaches and what not”.
“Sorry I can’t let you have the props in time for rehearsal, I’ve had a spot of bother – quite amusing. I think I’ll put it in my next play.”
Q.5. “You’ll soon stop being smart.” (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? (iii) What according to the speaker will stop Gerrard from being smart? Ans. (i) The intruder says the line. (ii) The intruder says this to frighten Gerrard. He intends to intimidate him and assert control over the situation. (iii) According to the intruder, Gerrard would stop being smart once he knew what was going to happen to him. The intruder’s plan was to kill Gerard and take over his identity. He felt that when Gerrard would know this, he would stop being smart and start getting scared.Page No. 145
Q.6. “They can’t hang me twice.” (i) Who says this? (ii) Why does the speaker say it? Ans. (i) The intruder says the line. (ii) The intruder had been telling Gerrard that he had murdered one man and that he would not shy away from murdering him too. This is because the police could not hang him twice for two murders.
Q.7. “A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain? Ans. The mystery that Gerrard sought to explain was a fabricated story he created to evade the intruder and protect his life. He claimed to be a criminal like the intruder, questioning why he had no dealings with tradespeople and was perceived as a mystery man. Gerrard suggested that the intruder’s plan had gone awry, as he had committed murder and narrowly escaped capture. He explained that one of his accomplices had been arrested, and crucial evidence had been overlooked. Anticipating trouble that night, Gerrard had packed his bag, ready to flee.
Q.8. “This is your big surprise.” (i) Where has this been said in the play? (ii) What is the surprise? Ans. (i) This has been said twice in the play. On the first occasion, it is spoken by the intruder while revealing his plan to kill Gerrard. Secondly, it is spoken by Gerrard before he reveals his fictitious identity to the intruder. (ii) The intruder’s surprise is his plan to kill Gerrard and take on his identity to lead a secure and hassle-free life. Whereas, Gerrard’s surprise is his fictitious identity, his way of refraining the intruder from killing him.
Thinking about the Language
I. Consult your dictionary and choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets. (i) The (site, cite) of the accident was (ghastly/ghostly). (ii) Our college (principle/principal) is very strict. (iii)I studied (continuously/continually) for eight hours. (iv) The fog had an adverse (affect/effect) on the traffic. (v) Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant (artist/artiste). (vi) The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary (collage/college) of science fiction and mystery. (vii) Our school will (host/hoist) an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation. (viii) Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and (shake/shape) well before using the contents. Ans. (i)The site of the accident was ghastly. (ii) Our college principal is very strict. (iii) I studied continuously for eight hours. (iv) The fog had an adverse effect on the traffic. (v) Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant artist. (vi) The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary collage of science fiction and mystery. (vii) Our school will host an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation. (viii) Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and shake well before using the contents.
II. The irony is when we say one thing but mean another, usually the opposite of what we say. When someone makes a mistake and you say, “Oh! That was clever!” that is irony. You’re saying ‘clever’ to mean ‘not clever’.
We use a slightly different tone of voice when we use these words ironically. Read the play carefully and find the words and expressions Gerrard uses in an ironic way. Then say what these expressions really mean. Two examples have been given below. Write down three such expressions along with what they really mean.
Q1. “A slumber did my spirit seal,” says the poet. That is, a deep sleep ‘closed off’ his soul (or mind). How does the poet react to his loved one’s death? Does he feel bitter grief? Or does he feel a great peace? Answer – The poet’s reaction to his loved one’s death is not one of bitter grief expressed through tears. Instead, he experiences a sense of calm. Upon her passing, he does not feel the usual human fears; rather, he reflects on her appearance and what she might be experiencing in death. This contemplation leads to a state of mind that is neither filled with sorrow nor completely peaceful. Thus, it is challenging to determine if he is engulfed in grief or enveloped in a tranquil acceptance of her fate.
Q2. The passing of time will no longer affect her, says the poet. Which lines of the poem say this? Answer – The lines of the poem that show that the passing of time will no longer affect her are as follows: “She seemed a thing that could not feel The touch of earthly years.”
Q3. How does the poet imagine her to be, after death? Does he think of her as a person living in a very happy state (a ‘heaven’)? Or does he see her now as a part of nature? In which lines of the poem do you find your answer? Answer – The poet thinks that she is now a part of nature. After her death, he imagines her buried inside the earth with other rocks, stones, and trees and rolling around with the earth in its daily rotation. The following lines express this idea- Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course With rocks and stones and trees.
Q1. On the following map mark out the route, that the author thought of but did not take, to Delhi.
Ans: The author considered a route from Kathmandu to Delhi that involved several stages. First, he would travel by bus and train from Kathmandu to Patna. Next, he would sail from Patna to Allahabad along the Ganges River. Finally, he would continue his journey from Allahabad to Delhi by boat on the Yamuna River.
Page No: 132 I. Answer these questions in one or two words or short phrases. Q1. Name the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu. Ans:The two temples the author visited in Kathmandu were the Pashupatinath temple and the Baudhnath Stupa.
Q2. The writer says, “All this I wash down with Coca-Cola.” What does ‘all this’ refer to? Ans:‘All this’ refers to the writer indulging in a bar of marzipan, a corn-on-the-cob roasted over a charcoal brazier, seasoned with salt, chili powder, and lemon, while also enjoying a couple of love story comics and a Reader’s Digest. This assortment is washed down with Coca-Cola and a sickening orange drink, which makes him feel much better.
Q3. What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine? Ans: Vikram Seth compares the fifty or sixty bansuris that extend from the pole of a flute seller to the quills of a porcupine. These flutes, made of bamboo, resemble the sharp quills in their arrangement, protruding in various directions.
Q4. Name five kinds of flutes. Ans:The reed neh, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, the clear or breathy flutes of South America, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes.
II. Answer each question in a short paragraph. Q1. What difference does the author note between the flute seller and the other hawkers? Ans:The author observes a distinct difference between the flute seller and the other hawkers. While the other hawkers loudly advertised their goods, the flute seller chose a quieter approach. He played his flute slowly and meditatively, allowing the music to rise above the surrounding noise without any excessive display or shouting. His manner of selling was casual, as if making a sale was merely incidental to his music.
Q2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath about the end of Kaliyug? Ans:At Pashupatinath, there is a small shrine that protrudes from the stone platform on the river bank of Bagmati. It is believed that when the shrine emerges fully, the goddess inside it will escape. The evil period of Kaliyug on earth will then end.
Q3. The author has drawn powerful images and pictures. Pick out three examples of each of (i) the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath (for example: some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside…) (ii) the things he sees (iii) the sounds he hears Ans: (i) The author has drawn powerful images and pictures of the atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’ outside the temple of Pashupatinath. These include the following: a group of saffron-clad Westerners struggling to enter the main gate as only Hindus were allowed to enter the temple; a fight that breaks out between two monkeys; and a royal Nepalese princess for whom everyone makes way.
(ii) In terms of sights, he observes the Baudhnath Stupa, characterised by its immense white dome surrounded by a road. Small shops line the outer edge, selling items such as felt bags, Tibetan prints, and silver jewellery, and the area is notably free of crowds. On the bustling streets of Kathmandu, he sees fruit sellers, flute vendors, and hawkers selling postcards, Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques.
(iii) The sounds he hears include film songs blaring from radios, car horns, bicycle bells, and vendors shouting their wares. He also enjoys the flute music, which he describes as both the most universal and the most particular of sounds.
III. Answer the following questions in not more than 100 − 150 words each.
Q1. Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnath shrine with the Pashupathinath temple. Ans:The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath temple is characterised by chaos and noise. Worshippers jostle to get the priest’s attention, while others push to the front. Saffron-clad Westerners struggle for entry, and monkeys fight, adding to the din. Nearby, a corpse is cremated on the banks of the Bagmati river, where washerwomen work and children bathe. This vibrant scene is filled with activity and confusion. In contrast, the Baudhnath stupa offers a sense of serenity. Its large white dome stands amidst busy streets, yet it remains a peaceful haven. There are no crowds, allowing for a tranquil atmosphere at this Buddhist shrine. Small shops run by Tibetan immigrants line the outer edge, selling items like felt bags and silver jewellery, contributing to the calm rather than the chaos.
Q2. How does the author describe Kathmandu’s busiest streets? Ans:Kathmandu’s narrowest and busiest streets are alive with activity. Small shrines and flower-adorned deities can be found alongside various vendors. The streets are bustling with fruit sellers, flute sellers, and hawkers offering postcards, as well as shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques. The air is filled with the sounds of film songs blaring from radios, car horns, bicycle bells, and vendors shouting their wares. Stray cows roam the roads, adding to the lively atmosphere. Among the vendors, a flute seller stands out, with many bansuris displayed on his pole. His serene music rises above the surrounding noise, creating a unique auditory experience in the midst of the chaos.
Q3. “To hear any flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.” Why does the author say this? Ans:The author views flute music as both universal and unique. Flutes exist in every culture, including the reed neh, the recorder, the Japanese shakuhachi, the deep bansuri of Hindustani classical music, and the high-pitched Chinese flutes. Each type has its own fingering and range, yet they all share a commonality. Listening to any flute connects us to the essence of humanity, as the music closely resembles the human voice. The motive force behind this music is the breath, which is essential for playing. This reflects how, despite our differences in caste, culture, and religion, all humans share the same living breath, highlighting our fundamental similarities.
Thinking about Language I. Read the following sentences carefully to understand the meaning of the italicized phrases. Then match the phrasal verbs in Column A with their meanings in Column B. 1. A communal war broke out when the princess was abducted by the neighboring prince. 2. The cockpit broke off from the plane during the plane crash. 3. The car broke down on the way and we were left stranded in the jungle. 4. The dacoit broke away from the police as they took him to court. 5. The brothers broke up after the death of their father. 6. The thief broke into our house when we were away.
Ans:
II. Q1. Use the suffix −ion or −tion to form nouns from the following verbs. Make the necessary changes in the spelling of the words. Example: proclaim − proclamation
Ans: 1.
Q2. Now fill in the blanks with suitable words from the ones that you have formed.
(i) Mass literacy was possible only after the ___________ of the printing machine. (ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks ____________. (iii) I could not resist the _____________ to open the letter. (iv) Hardwork and ___________are the main keys to success. (v) The children were almost fainting with ______________after being made to stand in the sun. Ans: (i) Mass literacy was possible only after theinvention of the printing machine. (ii) Ramesh is unable to tackle the situation as he lacks direction. (iii) I could not resist the temptationto open the letter. (iv) Hard work and dedication are the main keys to success. (v) The children were almost fainting with exhaustion after being made to stand in the sun.
III. Punctuation Use capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph. an arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle one day he asked the tiger who is stronger than you you O lion replied the tiger who is more fierce than a leopard asked the lion you sir replied the leopard he marched up to an elephant and asked the same question the elephant picked him up in his trunk swung him in the air and threw him down look said the lion there is no need to get mad just because you don’t know the answer Answer An arrogant lion was wandering through the jungle. One day, he asked the tiger, “Who is stronger than you?” “You, O lion!” replied the tiger. “Who is more fierce than a leopard?” asked the lion. “You sir,” replied the leopard. He marched up to an elephant and asked the same question. The elephant picked him up in his trunk, swung him in the air, and threw him down. “Look,” said the lion, “there is no need to get mad just because you don’t know the answer.”
Page No: 134 IV. Simple Present Tense In these sentences words like every day, often, seldom, never, every month, generally, usually, etc. may be used. 1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
(i) The heart is a pump that ____________(send) the blood circulating through our body. The pumping action ____________(take place) when the left ventricle of the heart ____________(contract). This ____________(force) the blood out into the arteries, which ____________(expand) to receive the oncoming blood.
(ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During drought, it ____________(dig) a pit and ____________(enclose) itself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule ____________(dry) and ____________(harden), but when rain ____________(come), the mud ____________(dissolve) and the lungfish ____________(swim) away.
(iii) Mahesh: We have to organise a class party for our teacher. ____________(Do) anyone play an instrument? Vipul:Rohit ____________(play) the flute. Mahesh: ____________(Do) he also act? Vipul: No, he ____________(compose) music. Mahesh: That’s wonderful!
Ans: (i) The heart is a pump that sendsthe blood circulating through our body. The pumping action takes place when the left ventricle of the heartcontracts. Thisforces the blood out into the arteries, whichexpandsto receive the oncoming blood.
(ii) The African lungfish can live without water for up to four years. During drought, it digsa pit and enclosesitself in a capsule of slime and earth, leaving a tiny opening for air. The capsule dries and hardens, but when the rain comes, the mud dissolvesand the lungfishswims away.
(iii) Mahesh: We have to organise a class party for our teacher. Does anyone play an instrument? Vipul: Rohitplays the flute. Mahesh: Doeshe also act? Vipul: No, he composes music. Mahesh: That’s wonderful!
Q1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not? Ans: No, a simple jab of a knife cannot kill a tree. Trees grow slowly and establish strong roots over time. A single cut is not enough; trees have the ability to heal and continue growing. Even after damage, they can produce new leaves and branches. To effectively kill a tree, the roots must be completely removed from the ground.
Q2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity. Ans: The tree grows to its full size by absorbing sunlight, water, and air over many years. It sprouts leaves and rises from the earth. Words that suggest its life and activity include: grown slowly, feeding upon the earth’s crust, andabsorbing years of sunlight, air, and water.
Q3. What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed? Ans: Bleeding bark refers to the area on a tree trunk that has been damaged, typically from an axe or other cutting tool. The tree seems to “bleed” because it is wounded, allowing its sap to flow out. This sap plays a crucial role in the tree’s defense system, helping to protect it from diseases and pests.
Q4. The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this? Ans: The poet states “No” to emphasise that merely chopping a tree does not kill it. The tree can regrow and can return to its original size, showcasing its remarkable resilience. This indicates that more severe actions are necessary to eliminate the tree truly.
Q5. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”? Ans: Anchoring earth refers to the roots of a tree that lie within the soil, providing a secure base for its growth. These roots are essential as they keep the tree stable and supply it with water and nutrients. In contrast, an earth cave describes the soil that supports the tree’s roots.
Q6. What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”? Ans: The phrase “the strength of the tree exposed” refers to the roots of the tree being revealed to sunlight and air. The strength of a tree primarily comes from its roots. When these roots are exposed, they lose their protection and nourishment, making the tree vulnerable to damage.
Q7. What finally kills the tree? Ans: The tree is ultimately killed by the uprooting of its roots. These roots, which have securely anchored the tree in the earth for years, are essential for its stability and nourishment. When they are removed, the tree’s strength is compromised, leading to its death. Once uprooted, the tree dries up, as it can no longer access the vital resources it needs to survive.
Thinking about the Text (Page 87)I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each. (The paragraph numbers within brackets provide clues to the answers.) Q.1. Why was the ‘holy man’ who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings surprised? (1)
Ans. The ‘holy man’ was surprised because he had assumed that Santosh’s mother wanted a son. But grandmother told him that they did not want a son.
Q.2. Give an example to show that even as a young girl, Santosh was not ready to accept anything unreasonable. (2)
Ans. Santosh, from the very beginning, lived life on her own terms. She was not content with the traditional way of life and was not ready to accept anything unreasonable. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts.
Q.3. Why was Santosh sent to the local school? (3)
Ans. Even though Santosh’s parents could afford to send their children to the best schools, she was sent to the local village school due to the prevailing custom in the family.
Q.4. When did she leave home for Delhi, and why? (4)
Ans. When she turned sixteen and was under pressure to get married, Santosh threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education. Therefore, she left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.
Santosh YadavQ.5. Why did Santosh’s parents agree to pay for her schooling in Delhi? What mental qualities of Santosh are brought into light by this incident? (4)
Ans. When Santosh’s parents refused to pay for her education, she politely informed them of her plans to earn money by working part-time to pay her school fees. Then, her parents agreed to pay for her schooling in Delhi. This shows that Santosh was a mentally-strong girl and was determined to work very hard to get herself properly educated.
II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words). (Page 88)
Q.1. How did Santosh begin to climb mountains?
Ans. Santosh began climbing mountains after observing people ascending the Aravalli Hills from her hostel room. She discovered they were mountaineers and asked to join them. They agreed, encouraged her passion, and she later accompanied them on climbing expeditions.
Q.2. What incidents during the Everest expedition show Santosh’s concern for her teammates?
Ans. During the Everest mission, Santosh showed immense concern for her fellow climbers. Though she was unsuccessful in saving the life of one of them, she did manage to save another climber through artificial respiration.
Q.3. What shows her concern for the environment?
Ans. Santosh was a fervent environmentalist. Her concern for the environment is evident from the fact that she collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.
Q.4. How does she describe her feelings at the summit of the Everest?
Ans. Santosh asserted that her feeling at the summit of the Everest was“indescribable”. Unfurling the Indian flag on the top of the world was a spiritual moment for her and she felt proud as an Indian.
Q.5. Santosh Yadav got into the record books both times she scaled Mt Everest. What were the reasons for this?
Ans. When Santosh Yadav first scaled Mt Everest, she becamethe youngest woman in the world to achieve the feat. When she scaled Everest the second time, she became the only woman to have scaled it twice.
III. Complete the following statements.
(a) From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to _________ (b) When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because of _________ (c) During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her _________ while _________endeared her to fellow climbers.
Ans.
(a) From her room in Kasturba Hostel, Santosh used to watch villagers going up the hill and suddenly vanish after a while.
(b) When she finished college, Santosh had to write a letter of apology to her father because she had got herself enrolled at Uttarkashi’s Nehru Institute of Mountaineering without his permission.
(c) During the Everest expedition, her seniors in the team admired her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength while her concern for others and desire to work together with them endeared her to fellow climbers.
IV. Pick out words from the text that mean the same as the following words or expressions. (Look in the paragraphs indicated.)
(a) Took to be true without proof (1): _________ (b) Based on reason; sensible; reasonable (2): _________ (c) The usual way of doing things (3): _________ (d) A strong desire arising from within (5): _________ (e) The power to endure, without falling ill (7): _________
Ans.
(a) Took to be true without a proof (1): Assumed
(b) Based on reason; sensible; reasonable (2): Rational
(c) The usual way of doing things (3): Custom
(d) A strong desire arising from within (5): Urge
(e) The power to endure, without falling ill (7): Resistance
Thinking about the Text (Page 92)
Working in small groups of 4−5 students, go back over the two passages on Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova and complete the table given below with relevant phrases or sentences.
Ans.
Maria Sharapova
Thinking about the Language (Page 92)
Look at the following sentences. They each have two clauses, or two parts each with their own subject and verb or verb phrase. Often, one part (italicised) tells us when or why something happened.
I reached the marketwhen most of the shops had closed. (Tells us when I reached.)
When Rahul Dravid walked back towards the pavilion, everyone stood up. (Tells us when everyone stood up.)
The telephone rang and Ganga picked it up. (Tells us what happened next.)
Gunjan has been with usever since the school began. (Tells us for how long he has been with us.)
I. Identify the two parts in the sentences below by underlining the part that gives us the information in brackets.
(a) Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts. (Contrasts her dress with that of others) (b) She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. (Tells us what happened after the first action.) (c) She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived. (Tells us when she was going to fight the system.) (d) Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. (Tells us when Maria was sent to the U.S.)
Ans.
(a) Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts.
(b) She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi.
(c) She decided to fight the system when the right moment arrived.
(d) Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States.
II. Now rewrite the pairs of sentences given below as one sentence. (Page 93)
(a) Grandfather told me about the old days. All books were printed on paper then. (b) What do you do after you finish the book? Perhaps you just throw it away. (c) He gave the little girl an apple. He took the computer apart. (d) You have nothing. That makes you very determined. (e) I never thought of quitting. I knew what I wanted.
Ans.
(a) Grandfather told me about the old days when all books were printed on paper.
(b) After finishing the book, perhaps you just throw it away.
(c) He gave the little girl an apple and took the computer apart.
(d) Having nothing makes you very determined.
(e) I never thought of quitting as I knew what I wanted.
II. Which of these words would you use to describe Santosh Yadav? Find reasons in the text to support your choices, and write a couple of paragraphs describing Santosh’s character. (Page 94)
Ans. Santosh Yadav was determined, considerate, polite and hard working.
She was a rebel who did not want to follow the traditional ways of living. She developed a remarkable resistance to cold and altitude that is required for mountaineering. She proved herself repeatedly because of her iron will, physical endurance and amazing mental toughness. She was a fervent environmentalist who brought 500 kgs of garbage from the Himalayas.
