11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 6

Q. You are Naman/Neha of Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad. You celebrated your fourteenth birthday with a lot of pomp and show with your family, friends and relatives. Taking help from the information given below, describe the happy experience in your personal diary. You can invent your own details.

Hints:

  • 14th birthday
  • an important milestone in the life of a girl
  • my family had decided to celebrate in grand style
  • all friends, relatives and classmates invited
  • my mother helped me choosing my dress
  • decorations
  • lighting
  • birthday cake
  • songs and dance
  • congratulations
  • wonderful gifts
  • grand dinner
  • celebration continued till midnight.

Ans.

Ghaziabad
15th April, 20XX
Tuesdy, 6:00 pm

Dear Diary,

My family had decided to celebrate my 14th birthday in grand style. Preparations started a week before. All the relatives, neighbours, my friends and classmates were invited. My mother and younger sister were particularly busy and excited. They helped me in choosing the right dress, shoes and jewellery for the occasion. The huge living room was tastefully decorated with lights and flowers. By 4 pm. most of the guests had arrived. The cake-ceremony started with the chanting of “Happy Birthday to you— happy birthday to Neha!” The ceremonial cake was cut. It was followed by singing and dancing. Everyone competed to dance with me. I really felt important and grown up. It was quite late when the dinner was served. The celebration continued till midnight. Wonderful gifts, good wishes and the festive mood kept me in high spirits and elated.

Neha

11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 5

Q. It was the happiest day of your life when the Principal of your school informed you and your parents that you topped the list of successful candidates in your zone. Then started the endless ringing of telephone bells. Congratulatory messages started pouring in from friends and relatives. All the neighbours came to congratulate you on your grand success. At the end of the day, you were so much overwhelmed by happiness and excitement that you made a diary entry of the sequence of events on that fateful day. Reproduce that entry here in about 100-120 words, inventing your own details.

Ans.

Kanpur
16th February, 20XX
Friday, 6:00 pm

Dear Diary,

Life is full of surprises. I couldn’t sleep the previous night. The next morning the results of the Board were to be announced. Then suddenly at 9 am, we heard a telephone ring. I ran to receive it. My Principal was on the line. “Congratulations my boy! You have topped the list of successful candidates in the Ambala Zone. We are proud of you!” He also congratulated my parents.
Then started the non-stop congratulatory messages from my teachers, class fellows, friends and relatives. My parents were busy in distributing ‘laddoos’. I felt like a celebrity. And a celebrity I was. Two correspondents of leading news channels came to interview me. I only felt that nothing suceeds like success and thanked my stars.

Rupesh

11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 4

Q. You are Navin/Navya of B-10, Sector-16, Noida. Last night you had horrible dream. Taking help from the input given below, make a diary entry on ‘A Horrible Dream that I had Last Night’.

Hints:

  • The dream I had last night might never come true 
  • first day in the exam 
  • very worried and confused 
  • paper very difficult 
  • memory failed me 
  • couldn’t have right answers in mind 
  • similar experience in other papers
  • results out 
  • faced a lot of humiliation and embarrassment 
  • opened my eyes 
  • it was a mere dream 
  • God forbid it may ever come true.

Ans.

Noida
 25th February, 20XX
 Monday, 7:00 pm 

Dear Diary 

People say that sometimes dreams do come true. God forbid it. I shudder to think what happens if the dream that I had last night comes true. It was really a bad dream. I was appearing in the Board examination. It was the first day of the examination.

I had the question paper in my hand. But I was highly worried, confused and irritated. It was rather a difficult paper. My memory simply failed. The right answer would not come to my mind. When I left the examination hall, I was really dejected and disillusioned. The same thing was repeated in other papers too. Then I dreamed that the results were out. My name was not their in the list of successful candidates. I cried and tears came into my eyes. It looked as if my academic career was over. Certainly, all my dreams and hopes ended in smoke. I dreamed that my classmates, teachers and neighbours were trying to console me. O God, what a humiliating and embarrassing situation! When my mother woke me up in the morning, I realised that it was just a bad dream. Life was as sweet and exciting now as it was before going to bed last night.

Navya

11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 3

Q. You are Rehan/Reema of Tagore Garden, New Delhi. You and your family had to face some unpleasant experiences when an uninvited guest overstayed with you recently. Taking help from the information given in the input below, make a diary entry in 100-120 words describing your experiences.

Hints:

  • Guests are welcome
  • but only for a short period
  • uninvited guests create problems and inconveniences
  • Rohan, a distant relative of my mother
  • stormed into the house uninvited
  • no news
  • created a lot of inconvenience
  • accommodated in a separate room
  • sets of new clothes
  • towels
  • cosmetics
  • strictly vegetarian
  • didn’t allow meat and fish in the kitchen
  • witty and humorous
  • sang folk songs
  • but ultimately a nuisance
  • didn’t think of leaving
  • fortunately his son came to take him
  • we were relieved of an unwanted burden.

Ans.

Tagore Garden
10th March, 20XX
Monday, 8:00 pm

Dear Diary,

It is true that guests are like gods and they should be respected. But experiences of the people tell different stories. There can’t be a bigger nuisance in the house when an uninvited and unwanted guest has to be entertained. The situation becomes all the more unbearable when such a guest overstays threatening the peace and privacy of the family. Rohan, a distant relative of my mother stormed into our house uninvited. Actually, we were not prepared to entertain him at that point of time. Anyway, I had to leave my room for him. A new blanket, a set of clothes, a towel, a pair of shoes and cosmetics were arranged for his comfortable stay. He was a strict vegetarian and religious minded person. He couldn’t tolerate meat and eggs in the kitchen. He would test the patience of our ears by singing hymns in his raucous voice. Let’s give due even to the Devil. He was very witty and full of jokes. But that was a little compensation for his overstay. The peace and privacy of the family totally disappeared. But people say everything has an end. And one day Rohan’s son came to take him to his native village. We felt relieved and liberated after seeing him off at the station.

Rehan

11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 2

Q. You went to see the India International Trade Fair held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Using the hints given below together with your ideas on the subject, make a diary entry of what you saw and experienced there.

Hints

  • IITF held at Pragati Maidan
  • all leading countries participated
  • Chinese dominated the show
  • all states
  • separate pavillions
  • all states of India
  • Kashmir and Goa drew maximum crowds
  • cultural programmes
  • Food Courts
  • from pin to luxury coaches
  • high prices dampened the spirit.

Ans.

New Delhi
25th November, 20XX
Monday, 7:00 pm

Dear Diary,

I have always been excited to visit International Trade Fair. Four of my close friends accompanied me there. It was a different world over there. A fairy land to be precise. The pavillions of Germany, Canada, the U.S.A, China and Great Britain attracted a large crowd.
India was represented by almost all states and establishments like the Indian Railways, Indian Tourism, L.I.C., Tatas, what and what not. The ‘Food Courts’ served all tastes from Pizzas to ‘Chholey Bhatturey’. We bought pairs of shoes, mobiles and garments. The fair provided opportunities for a lot of fun and entertainment. Film show, folk dances and puppet shows drew huge crowds. Anyway, it was a very pleasant and rewarding experience.

Karan

11. Diary Entry – Practice Example – 1

Q. You celebrated your 16th birthday on a grand scale. All your near and dear ones were present. Write a diary entry to express your feelings.

Ans.

Saturday, 22nd June 20XX

Dear Diary

I am so happy today that I have no words to express my feelings. On the ocassion of my 16th birthday, we arranged for a function in the hotel Mount View. I was so excited. All my friends and relatives were there. Everyone had brought a present for me. All the guests had a wonderful time. They would not stop dancing.


My parents were happy to receive guests and were having a gala time. The dinner was delicious and to everybody’s taste. People relished the food. Oh! what a nice day. I thanked my parents for the joyful evening.

11. Diary Entry – Overview – How to Write a Diary Entry

Introduction

Had a rough day and want to note down something significant that happened? Writing a diary entry is a great way to express yourself or simply document your life’s events. Diary writing allows you to record, reflect, and express your experiences and emotions. Keeping a diary can be therapeutic, providing a mental break from the busyness of daily life.

Diary Writing Format

Getting Started with Diary Writing

Starting diary writing can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to writing regularly.
Here’s how you can begin:

  • Decide What You Want to Write: Determine what you want to include in your diary entries. Diaries typically capture personal thoughts and experiences, but you can also use them to track daily events or specific aspects of your life.
  • Design a Schedule: To develop a writing habit, establish a schedule for your diary entries. Decide how often you want to write and choose a specific day or time to do so. Setting a time limit for your writing can also help you manage how much you write and the duration of your sessions.
  • Date Your Entries: Including the date in each entry is crucial. It helps you keep track of your progress and review how much you’ve written over time.
  • Give It a Name: Some people name their diaries to create a sense of intimacy, as if speaking to a friend. Feel free to choose a name for your diary or simply start with “Dear Diary” to guide your writing.
  • Be Comfortable While Writing: It’s okay if you don’t write in your diary every day. Writing will be easier if you are comfortable and enjoying the process. Focus on making the experience pleasant, and it will become a more natural part of your routine.

Why Write a Diary?

  • Effective Catharsis: When it’s hard to find someone to confide in, a diary can act as a trusted friend, allowing you to express your feelings freely and without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Since only you have access to it, you can share anything in any way you choose.
  • Recapture Memories: A diary helps you revisit past memories, whether joyful or challenging, and observe how you’ve grown or what mistakes you’ve made. Reading past entries can evoke laughter or revive nearly forgotten moments.
  • Recording Events: Some people use their diaries to chronologically record daily events, ensuring they don’t miss important details. This method helps keep track of occurrences for future reference.
  • Problem-Solving: Writing in a diary can help manage overthinking by making problems seem less daunting. As you write, you may gain clarity and discover solutions by reflecting on the issues in a structured way.

Tips on Diary Entry

  • Include a Date: Adding a date to each diary entry helps you track when events occurred and provides a timeline of your experiences. This can be particularly useful for reflecting on past events and understanding how time has passed. Simply placing the date in the corner of the page, consistently formatted, is sufficient.
  • Mention a Subject: Including a brief subject or dominant emotion at the beginning of your entry can provide a quick reference to the main focus of your writing. For instance, if your entry is about feeling upset due to a conversation with your brother, you might write “Feeling Sad” as a summary.
  • Express Yourself Freely: The essence of diary writing is to convey your emotions privately and authentically. Write with an open heart and without concern for anyone else reading it. Your diary is a personal space where you can be completely yourself.
  • Write More Often: Establishing a regular writing routine might require setting reminders initially. Over time, writing will become a natural habit. The more frequently you write, the more your diary will become a trusted friend and a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.
  • Be Honest: Honesty is crucial when writing in a diary. If you censor yourself out of fear that someone might read it, the diary loses its purpose. Be truthful in your reflections to achieve genuine catharsis and gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Aligning Your Thoughts: Before you begin writing, take a moment to organize your thoughts. This can help clear any mental fog and make your writing more coherent. A brief brainstorming session can assist in expressing your emotions and ideas more clearly and effectively.

Benefits of Diary Writing- How to Write, Format, Tips and Examples 

Diary writing offers numerous benefits. Before you start your own diary, consider these tips and examples to guide you through beginning your journal entries.
Here are some advantages of diary writing, including how to write, format, and tips:

  • By understanding how to write, format, and applying tips and examples for diary writing, you’ll become familiar with the essential elements of keeping a diary.
  • This knowledge will help you start your journal confidently and ensure you are on the right track.
  • Learning the format and rules of diary writing will provide structure and clarity in your entries.
  • By using these guidelines, you’ll gain insights into what you can write about and how to effectively express your thoughts and experiences in your diary.

10. Reported Speech – Integrated Grammar Solved Exercises

Q1: Given below are instructions for opening a bank account. Use these to complete the paragraph that follows.

  • obtain form from the bank
  • fill in the form with all the relevant details
  • ask an account-holder to countersign your form
  • submit two passport-size photographs
  • deposit the minimum amount required

First a form must be (a) __ . All relevant details (b) __. The form must then (c) __. Two passportsize photographs along with proof of residence (d) __. Finally the minimum amount required (e) __. 

Answer:
First a form must be (a) _obtained from the bank_ . All relevant details (b) _should be filled in the form_. The form must then (c) _be counter-signed by an account-holder_. Two passportsize photographs along with proof of residence (d) _should be submitted_. Finally the minimum amount required (e) _must be deposited_. 

Q2: Given below are a few news headlines. Using information from the same, complete the sentences that follow.

1. India Allows Airspace to Pak 
In the first public move to diffuse tension between the two countries, India ________ through Indian airspace.
Ans. In the first public move to diffuse tension between the two countries, India _has allowed Pak planes to fly_  through Indian airspace.

2. Research Work at AIIMS Stalled for Want of Animals 
More than 50 research projects at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences _______ to conduct experiments on.  
Ans. More than 50 research projects at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences _have been stalled owing to non-availability of animals_ to conduct experiments on.

3. After making Toilets, MCD Looks for Users 
About 250 toilet complexes constructed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi with Japanese aid have turned into liabilities as apparently  ____________ 
Ans. About 250 toilet complexes constructed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi with Japanese aid have turned into liabilities as apparently there are no users that MCD is looking for.

4. Selling Kidneys to make a Living 
Starving Tribals of Idduki district _________ to make a living.  
Ans. Starving Tribals of Idduki district _are selling kidneys/are forced to sell kidneys_ to make a living.

5. Kidneys Donated without Medical Inspection 
Most of the kidney donation procedures  ______________ the required medical examination in Indian hospitals.
Ans. Most of the kidney donation procedures (are performed without)/(done lacked) the required medical examination in Indian hospitals.

Q3: The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each of the lines. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided.–    Error           CorrectionTraditionally the festival of Holi is told to(a)  mark a beginning of summer. While(b)  there are some people who rise a cheer(c)  at that prospect, the rest of us neither sigh(d)  resignedly or contemplate suicide, and began to             (e)  hunt out our cottons, servicing all our cooling(f)  devices, hang in the chiks, and prepare to(g)  endure the season for heat, dust and sweat(h)  

Answer:–    Error           CorrectionTraditionally the festival of Holi is told to(a) told saidmark a beginning of summer. While(b) a thethere are some people who rise a cheer(c) rise raiseat that prospect, the rest of us neither sigh(d) that thisresignedly or contemplate suicide, and began to             (e) began beginhunt out our cottons, servicing all our cooling(f) servicing servicedevices, hang in the chiks, and prepare to(g) in upendure the season for heat, dust and sweat(h) for of

Q4: Complete the following paragraph on one of the earlier voyages of Columbus by choosing the correct options.
Christopher Columbus , (a) ______________________________ born in 1451 AD. Unlike the people of his time, (b) ______________________________. In order to prove his belief he said (c) ______________________________, he could reach Japan. Queen Isabella of Spain supported him. Columbus sailed west (d)______________________________three ships. Unfortunately, one of the ships waswrecked. Columbus returned to Spain (e) ______ ________________________ to form a colony.

Answer:
(a) (i) a skilled sailor and an explorer, was ✓
     (ii) was skilled sailor and an explorer
    (iii) being a skilled sailor and an explorer was
    (iv) a skilled sailor and an explorer is

(b) (i) but Columbus believed that the Earth was round
     (ii) Columbus had believed that the Earth was round
    (iii) but Columbus believed that the Earth is round
    (iv) Columbus believed that the Earth was round ✓

(c) (i) if he sails west from Europe
    (ii) if he is sailing west of Europe
   (iii) if he sailed west from Europe  ✓
   (iv) if he sailed west to Europe

(d) (i) with a crew of ninety men on ✓
    (ii) having a crew of ninety men in
   (iii) with a crew of ninety men having
   (iv) going with a crew of ninety men on

(e) (i) left behind forty men in the island of Hispaniola
    (ii) leaving behind forty men on the island of Hispaniola ✓
   (iii) has left forty men on the island of Hispaniola
   (iv) is leaving forty men on the island of Hispaniola 

Q5: Complete the following passage by choosing the correct options from those given below.

Electronic commerce, it seems, still has (a) __________ limits, even in the Silicon Valley. For all the feverish excitement (b) __________ the tripling of electronic shopping last holiday season, the total money (c) __________ by American consumers online still (d) __________ to only about one percent of its total sales barely a tenth (e) __________ the revenues from (f) __________ method of distance selling that has been (g) __________ for a century; the catalogue. This may be because electronic shopping (h) __________ on quite a narrow range of goods, mainly books, toys and music. Worse, there (i) _________ many stories of failed and late deliveries. And, more recently, a string of hackers’ attacks (j) __________ temporarily disabled some of the best-known e-commerce websites.

Answer:
(a) (i) their
     (ii) a
     (iii) the
     (iv) its 

(b) (i) about ✓
     (ii) of
    (iii) in
    (iv) for

(c)  (i) spend
     (ii) spending
    (iii) spent ✓
    (iv) being spent

(d) (i) amount
     (ii) amounted
    (iii) amounts ✓
    (iv) amounting

(e) (i) of ✓
    (ii) for
   (iii) by
    (iv) for

(f) (i) another ✓
    (ii) other
   (iii) some
   (iv) the other

(g) (i) user
     (ii) used
    (iii) uses
     (iv) in use ✓

(h) (i) concentrated
     (ii) is concentrating
    (iii) was concentrated
    (iv) had concentrated ✓

(i) (i) were ✓
   (ii) have been
   (iii) has been
   (iv) was

(j) (i) has
    (ii) have ✓
    (iii) having
    (iv) had 

Q6: In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and the word that comes after it in your answer sheet against the correct blank number. Ensure that the word that forms your answer is underlined.It was my second year boarding- school—and was sitting on platform No.8 at—Ambala station waiting the north-bound train.             —I think I was about twelve at time. My—parents considered me old to travel alone,—and I arrived by bus Ambala early in—the evening; now there was a wait midnight—before my train arrived. Most the time I had been pacing up and down the platform.—

Ans.It was my second year boarding- schoolyear in boardingand was sitting on platform No.8 atand I wasAmbala station waiting the north-bound train.             waiting for theI think I was about twelve at time. Myat that timeparents considered me old to travel alone,old enough toand I arrived by bus Ambala early inbus at Ambalathe evening; now there was a wait midnightwait till midnightbefore my train arrived. Most the time I had
been pacing up and down the platform.Most of the

9. Story Writing –

Introduction

Introduction

Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of communication. Across cultures and generations, stories have been used to entertain, teach lessons, preserve history, and express emotions. Whether passed down orally or written in books, stories connect people by sharing experiences, values, and imagination.

From ancient myths to modern science fiction, stories come in countless forms. Each type introduces readers to different worlds, ideas, and characters, helping them explore unfamiliar cultures, question societal norms, or simply enjoy a well-told tale. Understanding the different kinds of stories—and how they are crafted—can deepen our appreciation for literature and strengthen our own writing skills.

There are various kinds of stories, such as folktaleslegendsmythsfairy talesshort storiesepicshistorical fictionfantasy novelsscience fiction bookscrime novels, and autobiographies. Each type may have its own subgenres with distinct characteristics. For instance, a short story can be either fiction or non-fiction, and its length is not always the most important factor.Different Types of Stories

  1. Fairy Tales: These are traditional stories involving magical creatures, enchanted lands, and often a moral lesson. They usually begin with “Once upon a time” and end happily.
    Example: Cinderella, Snow White
  2. Legends: Legends are stories rooted in historical events or characters, often exaggerated over time. They may include supernatural elements.
    Example: Robin Hood, King Arthur
  3. Myths: Myths are ancient stories that explain natural events, cultural beliefs, or the origins of the world. They often involve gods, goddesses, or heroes.
    Example: Greek mythology—The Myth of Hercules
  4. Epics: Epics are long, detailed stories—often written in poetic form—that describe the heroic deeds of a character or a nation’s past.
    Example: The Ramayana, The Odyssey
  5. Historical Fiction: These are stories set in the past that include real events or people, but also involve fictional characters and plots.
    Example: A novel set during World War II with made-up characters
  6. Science Fiction (Sci-Fi): Sci-fi stories are based on imagined future technologies, space exploration, time travel, or alien life. They explore the effects of science on society.
    Example: Star Wars, The Martian
  7. Crime or Detective Fiction: These stories involve solving a mystery or crime. A detective or investigator uncovers clues and catches the criminal.
    Example: Sherlock Holmes series
  8. Autobiographies and Biographies: These are true stories about a person’s life. Autobiographies are written by the person themselves, while biographies are written by someone else.
  9. Comic Books and Graphic Novels: These use a combination of text and visuals to tell stories, often involving superheroes, fantasy, or real-life issues.

Try yourself:

What are fairy tales usually about?

  • A.Real historical events
  • B.Magical creatures and moral lessons
  • C.Future technologies
  • D.Solving mysteries

View SolutionElements of Story Writing

  1. Setting: The setting of a story refers to the time and place in which the events occur. This includes the geographical location, the time period (whether in the past, present, or future), and the cultural and social context of the characters. A well-crafted setting engages all five senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound—to effectively immerse the reader in the story’s world.
  2. Characters: Characters are the heart of a story. They can be humans, animals, or any entity endowed with human-like qualities. The focus of the story may be on one or multiple main characters, depending on the author’s choice. Readers experience the narrative through the perspectives of these characters.
  3. Plot: The plot is the organised sequence of events that constitute the story, serving as its backbone. It underpins the actions and developments of the characters. 
    The plot is typically divided into five parts:
    Exposition: Introduces the characters, setting, and the primary conflict.
    Rising Action: Details the events that stem from the main conflict.
    Climax: Represents the peak of tension and drama in the story.
    Falling Action: Describes the diminishing conflict as the story nears its conclusion.
    Resolution: Resolves the conflict and addresses any remaining issues.
  4. Conflict: Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, forming the core around which the plot revolves. It can be external, arising from outside forces, or internal, occurring within a character’s mind.
  5. Theme: The theme is the central idea or underlying message of the story, conveying what the author intends to teach or express. It often reflects the lesson or insight that the reader gains from the narrative. Understanding the broader message the author conveys may require readers to interpret the actions and thoughts of the characters.

Mastering the Art of Story Writing

  • Storytelling is for Everyone: Storytelling is a skill that everyone possesses, even if some are naturally better at it. We tell stories every day when we share experiences, talk about others, describe movies, or repeat jokes. With a little thought and preparation, anyone can tell a story effectively.
  • Structure of a Story: Like any piece of writing, a story has a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. It draws you in, takes you through the plot, and leaves you satisfied at the end.
  • Importance of the Beginning: The beginning of a story is crucial as it grabs the reader’s attention and sets the scene and mood. While starting at the very beginning is common, jumping into the action can also be effective if the timeline is clear.
  • Narration of Action:. story is essentially a narration of events, usually presented in the order they occur, with one event logically following another.
  • Clusters of Events: Events in a story often fall into clusters, each with unity in time, place, and action. Each cluster should be presented in its own paragraph, focusing on a specific part of the story.
  • Setting the Background: The background of a story is essential and is usually established at the beginning through vivid descriptions of the setting, season, and time. This helps readers immerse themselves in the story’s atmosphere.
  • Characters:. story revolves around characters, showing their actions, feelings, and words. Characters should be realistic, with unique traits that set them apart, making them relatable to readers.
  • Quoting Characters: While a storyteller usually paraphrases what characters say, using their actual words occasionally can make the narrative more lively and engaging.
  • Natural and Definite Ending:. story must have a clear and natural ending, providing closure to the reader. An abrupt ending can leave the reader confused or dissatisfied, so the conclusion should tie up the narrative like the final knot on a garland of flowers.

Try yourself:

What does the beginning of a story do?

  • A.Ends the story
  • B.Sets the scene
  • C.Lists events
  • D.Describes characters

View Solution

8. Discursive Passage – 10

Read the following passage carefully:

1. Crash dieting may help you lose weight, in the short term, but, ultimately it can hinder weight loss in the long term, as most of the weight that you have lost with crash dieting will bounce back, meaning you will gain all the weight that you have lost and more. Crash dieting not only removes fat but also leans muscle and tissue. Contrary to the belief of many who start this diet, this form of dieting is neither healthy nor successful in achieving long term weight loss as it induces the slowing down of the body’s basal metabolic rate – the body seeks to conserve every calorie and so weight loss becomes increasingly difficult. Basal metabolic rate is the amount of calories your body needs on a daily basis, to maintain its regular activities. This means your body will need fewer calories than it did previously, making weight gain more likely once you stop dieting.

2. Most crash diets involve eating low–calorie foods for several weeks or eating the same food or food groups for several weeks. Even if you’re only trying the diet for a week or two, eating such a strict diet of the same foods can cause nutritional deficiencies. Eliminating one or more food groups will not provide you with adequate, long–term nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies such as this can have multiple immediate side effects such as haggard look, dark under eyes, dull skin, sloppy posture and less stamina.

3. This is also why exercise is recommended in any weight–loss plan to build muscle and maintain your metabolic rate. Again common mistakes that are observed with exercise are joining the gym only till the New Year, so that you can lose weight and once the party is over, the party for not exercising continues. On the other hand, we have some who make New Year resolutions and with the gym memberships which are so tempting during the New Year, take up annual memberships, which is not bad, What is bad is to break the resolution. It is good to take up an exercise programme during the new year and to make a resolution about exercise, provided you do not break your resolution, and continue exercising year long. What is important is consistency.

4. It’s strongly recommended not to go on a Crash Diet, even if you are motivated to lose weight to fit into clothes a couple of sizes smaller. What is good is to make a conscious effort to lead a healthy lifestyle. This in the long run will help you achieve normal weight and help you be energetic and cheerful. Safe weight loss is considered to be no more than half a kilogram to one kilogram per week. No single food can be considered good or bad. A single meal does not make or break a healthy diet, as all foods can fit into a good diet when consumed in moderation.

10.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30–40 words each:

(a) What harm does crash dieting do? Mention any two.

Firstly, crash dieting weakens muscle and tissue along with removing fat. The weight that you have lost with crash dieting will bounce back. Secondly, it induces the slowing of basal metabolic rate. The body seeks to conserve every calorie and so weight loss becomes increasingly difficult.

(b) There is a basic flaw in diet plans What is it?

All the diet plans recommend same food or food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiency in the longer run. Eliminating one or more food groups will not provide you with adequate, long–term nutrition.

(c) Why is exercise important?

Exercise is recommended in any weight–loss plan as it increases metabolic rate and helps in building muscle mass. It should be made a habit of one’s lifestyle. Make a resolution to continue exercising year long. Consistency is very important.

(d) What is the writer’s view on gym membership?

According to the writer people get tempted before New Year and take memberships to lose weight and then do not bother to continue with them. Secondly there are people who take membership because gyms announce a discount during New Year. Both these category people are not interested in the exercise or fitness.

10.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer of the following:

(a) In para 2, the synonym of ‘sufficient is __________.
(i) adequate
(ii) high
(iii) less
(iv) equal

Correct Option is (i) adequate

(b) In para 3, the antonym of ‘opposed’ is ___________.
(i) observed
(ii) tempting
(iii) resolution
(iv) recommended

Correct Option is (iv) recommended

(c) According to the passage, one should make a conscious efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle instead of going on a crash diet. (True/False)

True

(d) The amount of calories, our body needs on a daily basis to maintain its regular activities is called _________.

basal metabolic rate