Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 2: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Tenses and Their Uses, Composition An Introduction, Formal Letters, and Test Paper-1. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Subject Verb Agreement
ASSIGNMENT 2
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Verbs given in brackets.
1. Neither of the two students ……..,. present.(was/were)
Answer: was
Explanation: “Neither” refers to a singular subject, meaning “not one of the two.” So, we use the singular verb “was.”
2. The manager and director……….appointed him. (has/have)
Answer: have
Explanation: “The manager and director” refers to two different people. When two subjects are joined by “and,” we use a plural verb like “have.”
3. Many a worker…….injured in the train accident. (was/were)
Answer: was
Explanation: The phrase “Many a” is followed by a singular noun and takes a singular verb. Although it talks about many workers, it treats them individually.
4. One of the players……….appointed as the captain of the team. (was/were)
Answer: was
Explanation: “One” is singular, so we use the singular verb “was.” Even though “players” is plural, we are talking about just one of them.
5. Either Meera or her friends ………… to be blamed. (is/are)
Answer: are
Explanation: When “or” joins two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Here, “friends” is plural, so we use “are.”
6. None of his books……….read today. (is/are)
Answer: are
Explanation: “None” can be singular or plural, but with “books,” which is plural, we use “are.”
7. The quality of the shoes……..not good. (was/were)
Answer: was
Explanation: The subject is “quality,” which is singular, so we use “was.” The phrase “of the shoes” just adds more information.
8. Ten thousand rupees……….a good sum. (is/are)
Answer: is
Explanation: Amounts of money are treated as singular, even though “rupees” looks plural. So we use “is.”
9. Neither the manager nor the workers…………in the factory. (state)
Answer: are
Explanation: When “nor” joins two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Here, “workers” is plural, so we use “are.”
10. Fifty kilometres………..a long distance to go on foot. (is/are)
Answer: is
Explanation: Distances are treated as singular when considered as a whole, so we use “is.”
11. Sunil, as well as his friends,………..won the competition. (has/have)
Answer: has
Explanation: The subject is “Sunil,” which is singular. “As well as his friends” is extra information, so we use “has.”
12. The size of the sheets………..irregular. (is/are)
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject is “size,” which is singular. “Of the sheets” just adds more information. So we use “is.”
13. The Midnight’s Children………….written by Salman Rushdie. (was/were)
Answer: was
Explanation: “The Midnight’s Children” is a singular title of a book, so we use “was.”
Example: “Harry Potter” was written by J.K. Rowling. Titles are treated as one thing.
14. The jury……………divided in their opinions. (was/were)
Answer: were
Explanation: When the jury acts as individuals with different opinions, we use “were.”
15. My friends as well as I……..present. (were/was)
Answer: were
Explanation: The subject is “My friends and I,” which is plural, so we use “were.”
Test Paper-2
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write a story entitled: ‘The Power of Kindness.
The Power of Kindness
Rajesh Kumar was an ordinary boy from the small town of Saharanpur. His family ran a modest tea shop near the railway station. Rajesh often helped his father after school, serving tea and biscuits to travelers. Though their life was simple, Rajesh had a generous heart. He always found small ways to help others, even when his family’s income was limited.
One chilly evening in December, Rajesh noticed an old man shivering near the station. The man, wrapped in a thin, tattered shawl, seemed lost and hungry. Without thinking twice, Rajesh approached him with a warm cup of tea and a plate of parathas. The man’s eyes filled with tears as he thanked Rajesh, telling him he had not eaten all day.
The man introduced himself as Ramesh, a retired schoolteacher who had come to Saharanpur to visit his daughter. Unfortunately, he had lost her address and all his money during the journey. Rajesh felt a pang of sympathy and decided to help him. He offered Ramesh a place to rest in their tiny tea shop that night and promised to find his daughter the next day.
The following morning, Rajesh accompanied Ramesh to the local police station. After some inquiries, they found her address in Kanpur. Rajesh’s father generously contributed a small amount of money for the train ticket. Before leaving, Ramesh thanked the Kumar family with folded hands and promised to repay their kindness.
A few weeks later, a letter arrived at the tea shop. It was from Ramesh. Enclosed was a note of gratitude and a cheque for a large sum of money. Ramesh explained that their kindness had inspired him to help others, and the money was a small gesture of thanks.
Rajesh learned that kindness, even in the smallest acts, can create ripples of goodness. That moment stayed with him, shaping his life forever.
(ii) You, along with your friends, had gone to visit a newly opened theme park. You all were enjoying yourself when there was an unexpected cyclonic storm. Narrate your experience of being caught in the cyclonic storm.
Caught in the Cyclonic Storm
Last Saturday, my friends and I decided to visit the newly opened Sahyadri Adventure Park near Pune. The day was bright, and excitement buzzed among us as we explored the thrilling rides, food stalls, and games. We laughed and cheered as we went on roller coasters and splashed around in the water rides. It felt like nothing could go wrong.
Around 3 PM, dark clouds started gathering in the sky. Initially, we didn’t think much of it, as we assumed it might drizzle for a while. However, the wind picked up speed, and within minutes, the sky turned grey, and the atmosphere changed completely. A loud announcement was made, asking visitors to stay calm and move towards the indoor areas. That’s when we realized it wasn’t just a passing shower.
The winds became stronger, and rain started pouring down in sheets. Umbrellas flipped inside out, and the small food stalls began to shake dangerously. People were running towards the central building for shelter, holding hands to avoid getting separated. We managed to reach a covered area near the cafeteria, but the storm continued to intensify. The sound of the wind was deafening, and trees swayed wildly, with a few smaller ones even uprooted.
Inside the shelter, we huddled together, soaking wet and scared. Everyone seemed tense, and the staff tried their best to calm the crowd. Some kids were crying, while parents tried to comfort them. The storm lasted for almost an hour, but it felt much longer. Finally, the rain eased, and the wind slowed down.
After the storm passed, the damage was visible. Broken branches, scattered debris, and a few overturned benches were everywhere. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The staff assured us that help was on the way and provided dry towels and snacks.
That day taught us how quickly things can change and the importance of staying calm during unexpected events. Although it was frightening, we were grateful to be safe. By evening, our parents arrived to pick us up, and we left with a story we would never forget.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition
[Image description: A man in scooty is riding a scooty through a flooded street. A childin school uniform and carrying a schoolbag is sitting behind him.]
A Ride Through the Rain
The picture reminded me of a monsoon day in Chennai when my brother and I decided to venture out on our scooter. The rains had been relentless for hours, flooding most streets. We were on our way back home after visiting a friend, and what started as a light drizzle turned into a heavy downpour.
Riding through waterlogged streets was no easy task. The scooter splashed through puddles, and water rose to our knees. My brother, who was driving, kept muttering about how Chennai’s drainage system always failed during the monsoon. I clung tightly to him, worried about losing balance as the water rushed past us like a miniature river. The rain soaked us completely, making it hard to see beyond a few meters. The scooter wobbled every time it hit a hidden pothole beneath the water, but my brother managed to keep it steady.
The roads were crowded with people struggling to find shelter. Some were on cycles, pedaling through the flooded streets with difficulty, while others huddled under bus stops or shop awnings. We passed a family stranded in the middle of the street, holding their small children close to keep them from slipping. Cars and buses moved cautiously, their tires half-submerged, honking occasionally as waves of water splashed around them. We passed a group of kids playing and splashing in the water, laughing as if it was the best day of their lives. Despite the chaos, their joy was contagious, and I found myself smiling.
At one point, our scooter stalled in the middle of a deep patch of water. I panicked, thinking we were stuck for good. My brother stayed calm and got down to push it. A kind stranger, seeing us struggle, waded through the water to help him. It took a few tries, but the scooter roared back to life, and we thanked the man with genuine gratitude before moving on. Moments like these made me realize how much humanity shines during difficult times.
As we neared our home, we saw vendors desperately trying to save their wares. A fruit seller was stacking his baskets on a higher platform to prevent them from floating away, while a tea vendor hurried to pack his cart and take shelter. The floodwater carried debris—plastic bags, fallen branches, and even a few stray sandals. The streets, which were usually alive with activity, looked like a watery maze, with people cautiously navigating their way out.
By the time we reached home, we were soaked to the bone. Our shoes squelched, and water dripped from our clothes, but we couldn’t stop laughing at the adventure we had just experienced. My mother scolded us for venturing out in such weather but quickly handed us dry towels and hot tea to warm up. Sitting by the window, watching the rain continue to pour, we talked about how unpredictable life can be during the monsoons.
That ride taught me resilience and the importance of staying calm in tough situations. It also reminded me of the small acts of kindness that make a difference, even in chaotic times. The memory of navigating through the flooded streets on our scooter, through rain and puddles, will always stay with me. The monsoons, though troublesome, have their own way of creating unforgettable stories.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) There has been a proposal to widen the road near your school by cutting many large trees. You, along with you classmates and teachers, organised a rally from your school till the SDM’s office to protest against this proposal. Write a letter to you friend describing your protest rally.
123, Arya Nagar
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
15th January 2025
Dear Ramesh,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to tell you about a protest rally we organized recently. There is a proposal to widen the road near our school, Saraswati Vidya Mandir, but this plan involves cutting down many large trees that have been there for years. We felt this was unfair, so our school decided to take a stand.
Last Thursday, we organized a rally from our school to the SDM’s office. Everyone participated enthusiastically—students, teachers, and even some parents. We carried banners with messages like “Save Trees, Save Life” and “Green Today, Clean Tomorrow.” Our principal, Mrs. Nandita Sharma, and our science teacher, Mr. Rajesh, also joined us, which inspired all of us even more.
We marched through the streets, shouting slogans. Many people supported us and some even joined the rally. When we reached the SDM’s office, we submitted a petition signed by over 300 people, including students and parents. The SDM, Mr. Pradeep Kumar, listened to us patiently and assured us that alternative solutions would be considered to save the trees.
It felt so satisfying to raise our voice for a good cause. Those trees provide shade and are home to birds. Cutting them down would harm the environment and make summers harsher. I hope our efforts will make a difference.
Let me know how you are doing. Write back soon.
Yours lovingly,
Anil
(ii) Your school bus halts one kilometre away from your home. As a resultyou and your sister have to walk a long distance through a busy intersection to take the bus to school. It is a harrowing experience when you return from school. Write a letter to the bus incharge of your school requesting him/her to set up a halt for the bus near your home.
123, Shakti Nagar
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
15th January 2025
To
The Bus Incharge
Sunrise Public School
Lucknow
Subject: Request to Set Up a Bus Halt Near My Home
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention a difficulty my sister and I face daily while traveling to and from school. Currently, our school bus halts a kilometre away from our home. This forces us to walk a long distance, which is especially challenging because we have to cross a busy intersection.
The situation is even more difficult in the evenings when we return from school. The heavy traffic at the intersection is not only dangerous but also leaves us tired after an already long day. My younger sister, being small, finds it particularly exhausting and stressful.
I kindly request you to arrange a bus halt near our home at 123, Shakti Nagar or a closer point. It would ensure our safety and reduce the strain of walking such a long distance daily. I am sure this adjustment can be made without much inconvenience to the overall bus route.
I hope you will consider this request and take necessary steps at the earliest.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Yours sincerely,
Rohan Gupta
Class 10-A
Question 3
(i) You are the Secretary of the junior wing of the RWA ofyour colony. You are organising a workshop on home-composting. Write a notice to be displayed on your society’s notice board inviting residents to participate in the workshop.
Green Valley Apartments Residents’ Welfare Association
Notice
15th January 2025
Workshop on Home-Composting
This is to inform all residents that the junior wing of the RWA is organizing a Workshop on Home-Composting to promote eco-friendly waste management practices in our colony.
Date: 22nd January 2025
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Community Hall, Green Valley Apartments
The workshop will cover:
- Benefits of home-composting
- Step-by-step guide to composting kitchen and garden waste
- Practical tips for maintaining a compost bin
Residents are encouraged to participate and learn how to turn waste into valuable compost for their gardens. Please register your name at the RWA office by 20th January 2025.
Let’s work together to make our colony greener and cleaner!
Ritika Sharma
Secretary, Junior Wing
RWA, Green Valley Apartments
(ii) Write an email to a supplier of compost bins asking him/her to put up a stall and educate the residents about the use of compost bins.
To: compostsupplier@gmail.com
Subject: Request to Set Up a Stall for Compost Bins at Our Workshop
Dear Mr. Sharma,
I hope this email finds you well. I am Ritika Sharma, Secretary of the junior wing of the RWA at Green Valley Apartments. We are organizing a Workshop on Home-Composting on 22nd January 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at our Community Hall.
We would like to invite you to set up a stall during the workshop to showcase and sell compost bins to the residents. Additionally, we would greatly appreciate it if you could educate the participants on the proper use and maintenance of compost bins.
This event aims to encourage eco-friendly waste management practices, and your expertise would be valuable for our residents. Kindly let us know if you can participate and share any specific requirements you may have for setting up the stall.
Looking forward to your positive response.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Ritika Sharma
Secretary, Junior Wing
Green Valley Apartments RWA
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
In spite of a violent attack of gout in the night and the nervous exhaustion left by it, Kistunov, a banker went in the morning to the bank and began attending to persons who had come with petitions. He looked exhausted and spoke in a faint voice.
“What can I do for you?” he asked a lady.
“Your Excellency,” the lady began, “My husband Shtchukin, a collegiate assessor, was ill for five months, and while he was laid up at home, he was for no sort of reason dismissed, and when I went for his salary, they deducted, twenty-four roubles thirty-six kopecks from his salary. ‘What for?’ I asked. ‘He borrowed from the club fund,’ they told me and the other clerks had stood security for him. How was that? It is impossible. I am a poor woman, I earn my bread by taking in lodgers. I am a weak defenceless woman.”
Kistunov replied that she has come to the wrong place. Her petition has nothing to do with the bank. She will have to apply to the department in which her husband was employed. The lady said that she had been to five places already. But her son-in-law, advised her to see Kistunov as he is an influential man and can help her.
“We can do nothing for you, Madame. You must understand: your husband served in the Army Medical Department, and our establishment is a purely private commercial undertaking, a bank”, replied Kistunov.
Kistunov was conscious of the palpitation of his heart. With a face of anguish, pressing his hand on his heart, he began explaining to Madame Shtchukin again, but his voice failed him.
“Now, excuse me, I cannot talk to you,” he said with a wave of his hand. “My head’s going round. You are hindering us and wasting your time.” He asked his clerk, Alexey, to explain to Madame Shtchukin.
Kistunov went to his room and as he sat there, he could hear two voices: the monotonous restrained bass of Alexey and the shrill wailing voice of Madame Shtchukin.
Half an hour later Kistunov called Alexey and enquired about the lady.
“We can’t make her see anything”, replied Alexey. “We are simply done.”
Kistunov opened the door and looked into the office.
Madame Shtchukin, as red as a crab, was standing in the middle of the room, rolling her eyes and prodding the air with her fingers. The bank clerks were standing round, red in the face too, and, evidently harassed, were looking at each other distractedly.
“Very good, madame,” moaned Kistunov. “I will go into it… Please go away!”
Madame Shtchukin listened to him and sighed.
Everything began swimming before Kistunov’s eyes. He breathed out all the air in his lungs in a prolonged sigh and sank helpless on a chair.
“How much do you want?” he asked.
“Twenty-four roubles and thirty-six kopecks.”
Kistunov took his pocket-book, extracted a twenty-five rouble note and gave it to her.
Madame Shtchukin took the money and with a coquettish smile, asked:
“Your Excellency, would it be possible for my husband to get a post again?”
“I am going… I am ill…” said Kistunov in a weary voice.
Madame Shtchukin stayed another two hours in the vestibule, talking to the porter and waiting for Kistunov to return.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from options provided
1. establishment (line 16)
(a) building
(b) shop
(c) organisation
(d) market
Answer: (c) organisation
2. prodding (line 30)
(a) urging
(b) pushing
(c) persuading
(d) advising
Answer: (b) pushing
(ii) Which word, in the passage, means the opposite of the word non-profitable?
(a) petitions
(b) assessor
(c) commercial
(d) defenceless
Answer: (c) commercial
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What was Kistunov’s physical condition when he came to the bank in the morning?
Answer: Kistunov was physically exhausted and weak due to a violent attack of gout the previous night, and he felt nervous and faint.
(b) Why did Madame Shtchukin visit the bank?
Answer: Madame Shtchukin visited the bank to seek help in recovering her husband’s deducted salary and to request his reinstatement in his job.
(c) Why did Madame Shtchukin claim to be a poor defenceless woman?
Answer: She claimed this to evoke sympathy and to stress her helplessness as someone earning a living by taking in lodgers, lacking any support.
(d) Why did Kistunov say that he could not help Madame Shtchukin?
Answer: Kistunov said he could not help her because her husband’s issue was unrelated to the bank, and it needed to be addressed by the department where her husband worked.
(e) Why did Kistunov give Madame Shtchukin the money she wanted from his own pocket?
Answer: Kistunov gave her the money to end her relentless pleading and wailing, which was causing him extreme exhaustion and distress.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, explain who was the ‘defenceless’ person in the story.
Answer: The truly defenceless person in the story was Kistunov. Despite being a wealthy and influential banker, his poor health, inability to endure Madame Shtchukin’s persistence, and ultimate surrender by giving her money highlight his vulnerability.
Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
The transatlantic steamship ‘La Provence’ was a swift and …0…. (comfort) vessel, commanded by a most affable man. The passengers ..1…. (constitute) a select and delightful society. The charm of meeting new acquaintances along with …2… (improvise) amusements help the passengers to stay together. This raises a question – how much ….3…. (original)and spontaneity …4… (emanate)from these different individuals who, on the earlier, did not even know each other, and who are now, for several days, forced to lead a life of extreme….5….. (intimate? They jointly …6…. (defy)the anger of the ocean, the terrible onslaught of the waves, the violence of the tempest and the …7.. (agonise) monotony of thecalm and sleepy water. That is why, perhaps we embark upon that short voyage with …8… (mingle)feelings of pleasure and fear.
Answers:
0. comfortable
1. constituted
2. improvised
3. originality
4. emanates
5. intimacy
6. defy
7. agonizing
8. mingled
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) I prefer coffee ……….. tea.
Answer: to
Explanation: The word “to” is used here because the verb “prefer” is followed by “to” when comparing two things. For example, “I prefer apples to oranges” is the correct way to show preference.
(b) It is a great pity that some sports persons are addicted ……….
Answer: to
Explanation: The word “to” is used because the verb “addicted” is always followed by “to” to indicate what someone is addicted to. For example, “He is addicted to chocolate” shows a dependency on chocolate.
(c) The worker fell…….the ladder.
Answer: off
Explanation: The word “off” is used to describe something falling from a higher place. For example, “The apple fell off the tree” indicates the movement from a higher position to the ground.
(d) I took my brother ………. a doctor.
Answer: to
Explanation: The word “to” is used to show the direction or destination where someone is taken. For example, “She went to the park” means she went in the direction of the park.
(e) Many children in the third world are found lacking………..vitamins.
Answer: in
Explanation: The word “in” is used to describe a deficiency of something within a group or category. For example, “The soup is lacking in salt” shows that the soup does not have enough salt.
(f) There is no cause now ………… worry.
Answer: for
Explanation: The word “for” is used to indicate a reason or purpose. For example, “This is the reason for the celebration” shows why the celebration is happening.
(g) He is respected all …………. the world.
Answer: over
Explanation: The word “over” is used to describe something that applies everywhere or across a wide area. For example, “The festival is celebrated all over the country” indicates it is celebrated everywhere in the country.
(h) The boy was taught to be independent ………. his parents.
Answer: of
Explanation: The word “of” is used to indicate independence or separation from something. For example, “She became independent of her family” means she does not rely on her family anymore.
(ii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. We felt very sad. The end of the party had come.
(a) We felt very sad to the end of the party.
(b) We felt very sad when the party came to an end.
(c) When the party ended, we got very sad.
(d) At the end of the party we are very sad.
Answer: (b) We felt very sad when the party came to an end.
2. We met a girl. The girl had blue eyes.
(a) We met a girl had blue eyes.
(b) We met a girl of blue eyes.
(c) We met a girl who was having blue eyes.
(d) We met a girl with blue eyes.
Answer: (d) We met a girl with blue eyes.
3. The roads were rough. We made slow progress.
(a) We made slow progress due to the roads were rough.
(b) We were slow in progress on the rough roads.
(c) Since the roads were rough, we made slow progress.
(d) The rough roads made us slow in progress.
Answer: (c) Since the roads were rough, we made slow progress.
4. The bell rang. Children immediately rushed to their classes.
(a) The children rushed to their classes when the bell rings.
(b) As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed to their classes.
(c) The children rushed to their classes as soon the bell rang.
(d) As soon as the bell rings than the children rushed to their classes.
Answer: (b) As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed to their classes.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. “So, father, you will buy the computer as I have been suggesting,” she said. (Begin with: She reminded…)
(a) She reminded her father of buying the computer as suggested by him.
(b) She reminded her father that he would buy the computer as she had been suggesting.
(c) She reminded her father to buy the computer as suggested by her.
(d) She reminded her father that he will buy the computer as per his suggestion.
Answer: (b) She reminded her father that he would buy the computer as she had been suggesting.
2. We all rejoiced at the news of your success. (Rewrite using to hear)
(a) We all rejoiced when to hear the news of your success.
(b) We all rejoiced to hear the news of your success.
(c) We all rejoiced at the news to hear of your success.
(d) We all rejoiced of the news to hear of your success.
Answer: (b) We all rejoiced to hear the news of your success.
3. This class has thirty children. (Use: consists…)
(a) This class consists in thirty children.
(b) This class consists thirty children.
(c) This class consists of thirty children.
(d) This class consists on thirty children.
Answer: (c) This class consists of thirty children.
4. The guest seems to have arrived. (Begin with: It seems…)
(a) It seems that the guest has arrived.
(b) It seems that the guest will arrive.
(c) It seems the guest will be arriving now.
(d) It seems the guest will have arrived.
Answer: (a) It seems that the guest has arrived.
5. Who will not help a man in distress? (Begin with: Anybody…)
(a) Anybody will have to help a man in distress.
(b) Anybody will help a man in distress.
(c) Anybody has to help a man of distress.
(d) Anybody have to help a man in distress.
Answer: (b) Anybody will help a man in distress.
6. Rita informed me that her father had died. (End with: …death.)
(a) Rita informed me for her father’s death.
(b) Rita informed me on her father’s death.
(c) Rita informed me at her father’s death.
(d) Rita informed me of her father’s death.
Answer: (d) Rita informed me of her father’s death.
7. It is a wonder how you have tolerated his haughtiness. (Use: ‘put’ in place of ‘tolerated’)
(a) It is a wonder for how you put on his haughtiness.
(b) It is not a wonder for putting on his haughtiness.
(c) It is a wonder how you have put up with his haughtiness.
(d) It is no wonder how you have put up with his haughtiness.
Answer: (c) It is a wonder how you have put up with his haughtiness.
8. This is the best book that I have read. (Begin with: I have not read…)
(a) I have not read any book best than this.
(b) I have not read a better book than this.
(c) I have not read a good book than this.
(d) I have not read a best book than this.
Answer: (b) I have not read a better book than this.
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