Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 6: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Sequence of Tenses, Types of Composition, Comprehension-Analysis with Suggested Answers, and Test Paper-6. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Sequence of Tenses
ASSIGNMENT
Put the appropriate tense of the verbs given in brackets.
1. I will not help him until he………………. for it. (ask)
Answer: asks
Explanation: The word “until” introduces a condition that must be met in the present or future. In this case, the verb “asks” is in the present tense because it follows the rule that after “until,” we use the simple present tense when talking about future actions. For example, “I will not go out until it stops raining.”
2. She boasted as if she …………. everything. (know)
Answer: knew
Explanation: The phrase “as if” is used to describe something imaginary or unreal. Here, we use the past tense “knew” to indicate that she doesn’t really know everything, but she acts like she does. Another example: “He speaks as if he were a king.”
3. My uncle told me that he………….a good profit. (make)
Answer: had made
Explanation: The reporting verb “told” is in the past tense, so the action of “making a good profit” must have happened before that. This is why we use the past perfect tense “had made.” For example, “She said she had finished her homework.”
4. He called me as many times as he ………….. (want)
Answer: wanted
Explanation: In this case, “called” is in the past tense, so the verb “wanted” also needs to be in the past tense to maintain consistency in the timeline. For example, “They worked as long as they needed.”
5. She wrote as fast as she ……… (can)
Answer: could
Explanation: The sentence is describing a past event (“wrote”), so “could,” which is the past tense of “can,” is used to match the timeframe. Another example: “He ran as fast as he could to catch the bus.”
6. I knew the doctor who ………. here. (come)
Answer: came
Explanation: The sentence is in the past tense (“knew”), so the verb “come” also needs to be in the past tense as “came” to match the time reference. For instance, “She met the teacher who taught her last year.”
7. He pretends as if he ………. blind. (be)
Answer: were
Explanation: After “as if,” we use “were” for imaginary or unreal situations, regardless of the subject. This is a special rule in English called the subjunctive mood. For example, “She acts as if she were a queen.”
8. You will be glad to know that I ……….. the competition. (win)
Answer: have won
Explanation: The phrase “You will be glad to know” implies a present or recent achievement, so the present perfect tense “have won” is appropriate to show a completed action with relevance to the present. For example, “You’ll be pleased to hear that she has passed the exam.”
9. He assured me that he …………. my watch. (repair)
Answer: would repair
Explanation: The reporting verb “assured” is in the past tense, so the future action “repair” is expressed as “would repair,” which is the past form of “will repair.” Another example: “She promised she would help.”
10. He works hard so that he ………. get the scholarship. (may)
Answer: may
Explanation: The phrase “so that” expresses purpose, and when the main verb (“works”) is in the present tense, “may” is used to show possibility. For example, “She studies hard so that she may pass the exam.”
Types of Composition
Write a composition on any one of the following:
1. Look before you leap and think before you speak.
A Wise Approach
Ramesh lived in a small village called Anandpur. He often acted without thinking. One day, on 15th August 2023, he saw a mango tree. He quickly climbed it to get some mangoes. He did not check if the branch was strong. The branch broke, and Ramesh fell. He hurt his leg. His friend, Suresh, helped him. Suresh always thought before doing things.
Another time, on 20th September 2023, Ramesh got angry with his sister, Priya. He said harsh words to her. He did not think about how his words would hurt her. Priya felt very sad. Later, Ramesh felt sorry. He learned that words can cause pain. He understood that it is better to think before speaking.
From these experiences, Ramesh learned a valuable lesson. He understood that it is important to look before you leap. It is also important to think before you speak. These actions can prevent problems and hurt feelings. He decided to be more careful in the future. He wanted to be like Suresh, who always thought things through.
2. Looking through the window.
Monsoon Musings
Rain drummed against the bus window. Aarti watched the distorted world rush by. It was a grey afternoon on 15th August 2024. She was on her way from Shimla to Chandigarh, to visit her Nani. The usually familiar landmarks appeared hazy and unfamiliar. Trees swayed wildly, their branches like frantic arms reaching for the sky. Streetlights flickered, casting an eerie glow on the wet roads. Small shops, normally colourful and cheerful, now seemed subdued and deserted. A chai wallah, wrapped in a thick shawl, poured steaming tea from his battered kettle. He offered a comforting smile to a drenched customer. A stray dog, its tail tucked between its legs, sought refuge under a parked auto-rickshaw.
Aarti traced a small circle on the fogged window. She peered through the cleared patch. A family huddled together under a brightly coloured tarpaulin sheet, waiting for a bus. A little girl in a bright pink raincoat clutched her father’s hand. Aarti wondered where they were going and if they were also visiting family. She thought about her own Nani, waiting for her at the bus stand in Chandigarh. Nani would have prepared aloo parathas and gulab jamun, her favourite treats. The aroma of cardamom and ginger tea would fill Nani’s cozy little flat. The warmth inside the bus, filled with the chatter of fellow passengers, was a stark contrast to the cold, wet world outside. Aarti closed her eyes, imagining the warm embrace and loving welcome that awaited her. The rhythmic drumming of the rain against the window lulled her into a peaceful drowsiness. She knew the journey, though long and wet, would lead her home.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of written examinations.
The Two Sides of a Written Exam
Written exams are common in Indian schools. They offer some benefits. For example, they test a student’s knowledge across a syllabus. Think of a Class 10 student like Aarav Sharma from Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi. His history exam on 15th March 2024 covered the entire Mughal period. This shows how much he learned. Written exams also encourage good study habits. Preparing for them makes students like Priya Menon organize their notes and revise regularly. This builds discipline. Finally, written tests are a standard way to compare students. This helps colleges make admission decisions.
However, written exams have drawbacks too. They might not show a student’s full abilities. Imagine a bright student, Rohan Verma, is sick on exam day. He might perform poorly. This wouldn’t reflect his actual understanding. Written exams can also cause a lot of stress. Some students, like Nisha Patel, get very anxious before exams. This affects their performance. Another issue is that written exams mainly test memory. They don’t always assess practical skills or creativity. A student could memorize facts but not understand them deeply. Therefore, while written exams are useful, they are not a perfect way to judge a student’s potential.
4. Write about a person, who has inspired you the most and has been instrumental in changing your life.
My Grandfather’s Wisdom
My grandfather, Mr. Dev Anand Sharma, has shaped my life. He lives with us at 12, Ashoka Road, Patna, Bihar. His birthday is on 15th August 1947. He has always inspired me. He showed me the value of hard work. He used to tell stories about his childhood. He grew up in a small village near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He walked miles to school every day. He studied under a kerosene lamp at night. He became a teacher. He taught for over forty years. He retired in 2005.
He taught me the importance of education. He helped me with my studies. He encouraged me to read. We often visit the Patna Book Fair together. He introduced me to the Mahabharata. I loved listening to his stories about the Pandavas and Kauravas. He also taught me about honesty and kindness. He believes in helping others. He often donates to the local Gurudwara. He shows respect to everyone, regardless of their background.
His simple life and values have had a big effect on me. I try to follow his example. I want to be a good person like him. He is more than a grandfather to me. He is my guide and my hero. He has truly changed my life for the better. I am grateful for his presence in my life. I will always remember his lessons. His wisdom continues to guide me.
5. Morning walk in a park.
A Serene Stroll in Cubbon Park
The sky blushed with the colours of dawn on 5th November 2023. Cubbon Park in Bangalore was waking up. The air was fresh and clean. A light mist hung over the trees. Mr. Kumar began his morning walk. He saw Ms. Reddy meditating under a large fig tree. A group of college students jogged along the path. Children played hopscotch. A street vendor sold hot chai and biscuits. Pigeons cooed softly. Mynah birds flitted among the branches. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers mingled in the air. Mr. Kumar walked past the bandstand. He remembered the concerts he had attended there. He paused near the bamboo grove. The gentle rustling of the leaves created a soothing sound. He watched a group of people practicing laughter yoga. Their joyful sounds echoed through the park. He smiled. The park was a place of peace and happiness. He finished his walk and went home, feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. The memory of the serene morning stayed with him.
Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Mor loved Tim’s shop. The wooden shutters, which covered the shop windows at night made it quite dark from within. In the dim light of the lamp, it looked like some treasure cove or alchemist’s den. Near the front, there was a certain amount of order. Two large counters, each in the form of a glass-topped cabinet, faced each other near to the street door. But beyond these, the long shop became gradually chaotic. Loaded and untidy shelves, from floor to ceiling, ran around the three walls, well barricaded by wooden display cases of various types, which stood often two or three feet deep in front of them. Between these, and in the rest of the available space, there were small tables, some of them also topped with glass and designed for displaying ornaments. The more precious jewellery, not hidden in the safes in the back room, was laid out in the glass-topped cabinets, and ranged in fair order.
Tim knew how to display his wares. He loved the stones, and displayed them according to his own system of valuation, which did not always accord with their market prices. This week, one of the cabinets was given over to a display of opals. The other cabinet was full of pearls the real ones above, the cultured ones below. Mor had learnt a certain amount about stones during his long friendship with Tim. This had been somewhat against his will, since for reasons which were not very clear to him, he rather disapproved of his friend’s profession.
The front of the shop was orderly. But the cheaper jewellery, which lay behind seemed to have got itself into an almost inextricable mess. Within the glass-topped tables, ropes of beads were tangled together into a solid mass of multicoloured stuff. Bold was the customer who, pointing to some identifiable patch of colour, said, “I’ll have that one.” Heaped together with these were clips and earrings (their fellows often irrevocably missing), brooches, bracelets, buckles, and a miscellany of other small adornments. Tim Burke was not interested in the cheap stuff. He seemed to acquire his stock more or less by accident in the course of his trade and dispose it of without thought to such determined individuals as were prepared to struggle for what they wanted, often searching the shop from end to end to find the second earring or the other half of a buckle.
(i) For each word given below, choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from options provided:
1. displaying (line 9)
(a) disclosing
(b) exhibiting
(c) arranging
(d) keeping
Answer: (b) exhibiting
2. safes (line 10)
(a) free from risks
(b) almirah
(c) chests
(d) precautions
Answer: (c) chests
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word orderly?
(a) display
(b) chaotic
(c) ranged
(d) cultured
Answer: (b) chaotic
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words:
(a) Explain the effect of the lamplight on the interior of the shop.
Answer: The dim lamplight made the shop appear mysterious and magical, resembling a treasure cove or an alchemist’s den.
(b) What do you learn about the layout and furniture in the shop?
Answer: The shop had a mix of order and chaos. The front was organised with two glass-topped counters, while the back had untidy shelves, display cases, and small tables.
(c) What is meant by the following expression: a miscellany of other small adornments (line 24)?
Answer: It refers to a mixed collection of small decorative items like brooches, bracelets, and buckles.
(d) Why was Tim not a good businessman?
Answer: Tim was uninterested in the cheaper jewellery and did not organise or prioritise selling it effectively.
(e) What had Mor learnt from Tim? Why did he not like what he had learnt?
Answer: Mor learnt about stones and jewellery from Tim but disliked it as he disapproved of Tim’s profession for unclear reasons.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, describe Tim’s shop, using the information given in the first paragraph.
Answer: Tim’s shop had a mysterious charm with dim lamplight, wooden shutters, and chaotic shelves. The front was orderly with glass-topped counters displaying precious jewellery, while the back was cluttered with untidy shelves and tables showcasing tangled beads, earrings, and other inexpensive ornaments.
Test Paper-6
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) ‘A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.’ Write a story to bring out the truth of this statement.
A True Friend
Anika and Priya became friends in sixth grade at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Delhi. They shared secrets, dreams, and samosas during lunch break. Priya knew Anika loved sketching and encouraged her to join the art club. Anika knew Priya struggled with maths and helped her with homework. Years passed. Their bond grew stronger.
On 15th August 2024, Anika’s family faced a financial crisis. Her father, Mr. Sharma, lost his job at Bharat Motors. Anika became withdrawn. She stopped coming to school. Priya noticed the change. She visited Anika at her home in Karol Bagh. Anika confessed everything. She felt ashamed and scared.
Priya listened patiently. She didn’t judge. She knew Anika’s family was proud. She understood Anika’s fear. Priya offered practical help. She shared her old textbooks and notes. She connected Anika’s father with her uncle, Mr. Gupta, who worked at Ganga Industries. Mr. Gupta helped Mr. Sharma find a new job.
Anika slowly regained her confidence. She returned to school on 2nd October 2024. She felt grateful for Priya’s support. One day, during their art class, Anika accidentally spilled paint on Priya’s new kurta. Priya was upset. It was her favourite kurta. Anika panicked. She feared Priya would be angry
Anika stammered an apology. She explained it was an accident. Priya took a deep breath. She saw the fear in Anika’s eyes. She remembered Anika’s struggles. She smiled and said, “It’s okay, Anika. It was just an accident.” Anika felt relieved. She realized Priya’s love and acceptance went beyond spilled paint or financial troubles. Priya knew her flaws, her fears, her family’s struggles, and still loved her. That day, Anika understood the true meaning of friendship. A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.
(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: The image likely represents a viva or oral examination setting. A student is answering questions posed by a panel of evaluators seated at a table. The panel consists of both male and female examiners, some taking notes or reviewing documents.]
The Viva Voce
The air in the small room crackled with a nervous energy. Four figures sat hunched over their desks, pens scratching furiously against paper. Sunlight, muted by the dusty windowpane, cast long shadows across the worn wooden floor. At the front, a young woman stood, her posture rigid, her gaze fixed on something just beyond the frame. She was Priya, and this was her viva voce, the final hurdle in her postgraduate degree.
The examiners, three seasoned academics, observed her with an unnerving stillness. Professor Sharma, the eldest, steepled his fingers, his expression unreadable. Dr. Rao, known for her sharp questions and even sharper wit, tapped a pen against her notepad, a silent rhythm that punctuated the silence. Mr. Kumar, the youngest of the panel, leaned forward, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was new to this process, and the weight of his judgment felt heavy.
Priya had spent months preparing for this moment. Countless hours in the library, fueled by copious amounts of coffee, had blurred into a single, relentless pursuit of knowledge. She had dissected theories, memorized formulas, and practiced her responses until they were second nature. Yet, now, standing under the scrutiny of these learned individuals, all that preparation seemed to evaporate like morning mist.
The questions came, each one a probing exploration of her understanding. Priya’s voice, initially hesitant, gained strength as she navigated the complex terrain of her subject. She explained, analyzed, and defended her arguments, drawing upon the vast reservoir of knowledge she had accumulated. The examiners listened intently, their faces betraying little of their thoughts.
As the viva progressed, a subtle shift occurred. The initial tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of shared intellectual engagement. Priya’s nervousness gave way to a quiet confidence, her responses becoming more fluid and assured. She was no longer just a student being tested; she was a scholar engaging in a dialogue, contributing to the ongoing conversation of her field.
The final question came, a challenging one that pushed her to the limits of her understanding. Priya paused, gathering her thoughts, then responded with a carefully considered answer, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of the topic. A moment of silence hung in the air before Professor Sharma nodded slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Thank you, Ms. Priya,” he said. “That concludes your viva.”
The relief that washed over Priya was immense. She had done it. She had faced her fears and emerged victorious. As she walked out of the room, the setting sun casting a warm glow on her face, she knew that this was not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new and exciting journey.
Question 2
(i) During your winter break you had gone to the hills to witness snowfall. Write a letter to your father, describing your expectations, the reality and the aftermath of snowfall.
Manali
Himachal Pradesh
December 28
Dear Papa,
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share my experience of visiting the hills during my winter break. I had always imagined snow to be soft, magical, and calm, like something out of a storybook. I thought I would walk on the snow, build a snowman, and maybe even have a snowball fight.
When I reached Manali, the hills were already covered in snow. It looked just like a white blanket spread over the earth. But the reality of snowfall was different from what I had imagined. The first time it snowed, I stood outside and watched the flakes fall. They looked beautiful, but the cold was biting, and even with layers of clothing, I could feel the chill. The roads became slippery, and walking on them was tricky. I saw locals spreading salt and sand to make them less dangerous.
The aftermath of snowfall was a mix of beauty and trouble. The snow turned to slush in some places, and moving around became difficult. Cars got stuck, and life seemed to slow down. On the brighter side, the mornings after the snowfall were stunning. The sun would shine on the snow, making it sparkle like diamonds. The trees looked like they were dressed in white.
Despite the challenges, I enjoyed the trip. It made me realise how different nature can be from what we imagine. I brought some pictures to show you and a small souvenir from the hills.
Take care of your health and let me know how everyone is doing.
Yours lovingly,
Anuj
(ii) Write a letter to the Municipal Counsellor of your locality, complaining about the quality of water supplied to your home. Since the water is dirty, muddy and smelly, you have to purchase bottled drinking water. Request him/her to take necessary steps to ensure supply of clean water in your colony.
17th January 2025
D-22, Krishna Colony
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
The Municipal Counsellor
Ward No. 12
Kanpur Municipal Corporation
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Subject: Complaint Regarding Poor Quality of Water Supply
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the serious issue of poor water quality in our locality, Krishna Colony. For the past several weeks, the water supplied to our homes has been muddy, smelly, and unfit for drinking. The foul smell makes it difficult to use the water even for basic household chores like washing and cleaning.
Due to this situation, we are forced to purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. This is an additional burden on the residents, especially for families who are already struggling with rising living costs. Moreover, the contaminated water poses a risk of waterborne diseases, which is a matter of grave concern for the health and safety of everyone in the colony.
I kindly request you to take immediate steps to resolve this issue. We urge the authorities to inspect the pipelines and ensure proper maintenance of the water supply system. If necessary, the supply should be filtered and treated before it reaches our homes.
I hope you will treat this matter with urgency and take the required action to provide clean and safe water to the residents of Krishna Colony. We trust in your efforts to address this issue at the earliest.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Rohit Sharma
Question 3
(i) The Residents Welfare Association of your colony is conducting a Charity Drive to build a temporary winter shelter for stray animals like dogs, cats, cows, etc., in a portion of the open ground outside your colony. Write out a notice to be put up in the supermarket of your colony, requesting the residents to donate for the cause.
NOTICE
Residents Welfare Association, Green Valley Apartments
Charity Drive for Winter Shelter for Stray Animals
17th January 2025
The Residents Welfare Association is organizing a Charity Drive to build a temporary winter shelter for stray animals, including dogs, cats, and cows. The shelter will be set up on the open ground outside our colony to provide warmth and care during the cold months.
We request all residents to contribute generously to this cause. You can donate:
- Blankets (old or new)
- Tarpaulin sheets
- Rice, grains, or packaged food
- Monetary support
Donation boxes have been placed at Sharma Supermarket on Shanti Path.
Please drop your contributions between 20th January and 31st January 2025.
Let’s join hands to ensure the well-being of these animals in need. For any queries, visit the Residents Welfare Association office at B-12, Green Valley Apartments.
Warm regards,
Ramesh Iyer
Secretary, Residents Welfare Association
(ii) Write an email to the MLA of your colony seeking his help for organising the ‘Animal Shelter. [Hint: Help would be required for the permission for using the land, manpower, supply of essentials, etc. that would be required for the shelter.]
To: emailtomla@email.com
Subject: Request for Assistance in Organising a Temporary Animal Shelter
Dear Shri Rajendra Gupta Ji,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the Residents Welfare Association of Green Valley Apartments, Shanti Path. We are planning to set up a temporary winter shelter for stray animals, including dogs, cats, and cows, on the open ground adjacent to our colony.
To make this initiative successful, we humbly seek your assistance in the following areas:
- Permission for Using the Land: We request your support in securing permission for using a portion of the open ground for this noble cause.
- Manpower: Additional hands would greatly help us in setting up and maintaining the shelter.
- Supply of Essentials: Contributions like tarpaulin sheets, blankets, and food supplies would ensure the smooth functioning of the shelter.
Your support would go a long way in ensuring the safety and care of the stray animals during this harsh winter. We are confident that, with your guidance and involvement, this effort can become a meaningful step towards animal welfare in our area.
We would be grateful if you could spare some time to discuss this initiative further. Please let us know a convenient time for a meeting, or we can provide additional details through this email.
Looking forward to your kind cooperation.
Warm regards,
Ramesh Iyer
Secretary, Residents Welfare Association
Green Valley Apartments, Shanti Path
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
“I never could hold my partner, Andy Tucker, down to legitimate ethics of pure swindling,” said Jeff Peters to me one day. He used to devise schemes of money-getting so fraudulent that they would not have been allowed in the by-laws of a railroad rebate system.
Myself, I never believed in taking any man’s dollars unless I gave him something in return for it.
One day Andy came to me and said, “I was thinking of a little hunt without horn, hound or camera among the great herd of the Pittsburg millionaires.”
As a concession to my ideas of self-preservation and rectitude he promised that if I should take an active and incriminating part in any business venture there would be something actual for the victim for the money. After that I entered cheerfully into the foul play and I went to Pittsburg with Andy. There we drifted about town three or four days getting our bearings.
One evening Andy came at about 11 o’clock into my room in the hotel.
“Landed one, Jeff,” said he. “Twelve millions. Oil, rolling mills, real estate and natural gas. He is a fine man; no airs about him. Made all his money in the last five years. He took a fancy to me and took me to show his apartment on Liberty street.
He had $40,000 worth of pictures in one room, and $20,000 worth of curios and antiques in another. His name is Scudder.”
“All right,” says I. “But what good is the art junk to us?”
“He showed me a little carving,” said Andy. “It was something like 2,000 years old. It was a lotus flower with a woman’s face in it carved out of a solid piece of ivory.Scudder said that an Egyptian carver named Khafra made two of them for King Rameses II. The other one can not be found. Scudder paid $2,000 for the one he has.”
Next day Andy showed me an ivory carvingjust as he had described the millionaire’s to me.
“I got it from an old second hand pawnshop for $25” said Andy.
“But how shall we go about compelling him to purchase it?” I asked Andy.
Andy had his plan all ready.
I went as Professor Pickleman to Scudder. I told him that I had recently purchased the second piece of the ivory statue which he had in an obscure museum in Vienna and wanted to purchase his. I showed it to Scudder.
“It’s the article,” said he. “It is a duplicate of mine, every line and curve of it. I would not sell, but I will buy. Give you $2,500 for yours.”
“Since you won’t sell, I will,” I said.
Scudder gave a cheque and went off with his piece of antiquity and I hurried back to the hotel.
“We have got just eleven minutes,” said Andy, “to catch the Westbound train. Grab your baggage.”
“What’s the hurry?” I asked “It was a square deal. And even if it was only an imitation of the original carving it will take him some time to find it out. He seemed to be sure it was the genuine article.”
“It was,” said Andy. “It was his own. When I was looking at his curios yesterday he stepped out of the room for a moment and I pocketed it. Now, will you pick up your suitcase and hurry?”
“Then, why was that story about finding another one in the pawn shop?” I asked him.
“Oh,” said Andy, “out of respect for that conscience of yours. Come on.”
(i) For each word given below, choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. fraudulent (line 3)
(a) legitimate
(b) truthful
(c) dishonest
(d) deceit
Answer: (c) dishonest
2. rectitude (line 9)
(a) dishonesty
(b) morality
(c) evil
(d) deception
Answer: (b) morality
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word renowned?
(a) genuine
(b) compelling
(c) incriminating
(d) obscure
Answer: (d) obscure
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Explain Andy Tucker’s traits as described by Jeff Peters.
Answer: Andy Tucker was a clever and creative schemer who often came up with highly fraudulent plans. He was resourceful but lacked ethical principles, devising schemes that pushed the limits of morality.
(b) On what condition did Peters agree to take part in Andy’s business ventures?
Answer: Peters agreed to participate in Andy’s schemes only if the victim received something in return for the money they spent, ensuring some level of fairness in their dealings.
(c) Who was Scudder? What did he show Andy?
Answer: Scudder was a wealthy millionaire who made his fortune in the past five years. He showed Andy his apartment, which was filled with expensive art, curios, antiques, and a unique ivory carving.
(d) How did Peters compel Scudder to buy the piece of ivory?
Answer: Peters pretended to be a professor who had recently acquired a matching piece of Scudder’s ivory carving. This made Scudder eager to own the “complete” set, compelling him to purchase it.
(e) What did Andy show Peters? From where did he get it?
Answer: Andy showed Peters the ivory carving he claimed to have bought for $25 from a pawnshop. However, it was actually stolen from Scudder’s collection.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, explain the sting in the tail in the story.
Answer: The twist lies in Andy stealing Scudder’s own ivory carving and selling it back to him through deception. While Peters believed they had created a fair deal, Andy revealed the truth, exposing the irony and the dishonest nature of their scheme.
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.
In ancient times, a king had his men place a boulder on a roadway. He then ….0….(hide) in the bushes, and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers …1…. (pass) by and simply walked around it. Many people ….2…. (blame) the King for not …3…. (keep) the roads clear, but none of them did anything about …4… (get) the stone removed.
One day, a peasant came along ……..5…. (carry) vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant ….6…. (lie) down his burden and tried to push the stone out of the way. After much pushing and straining, he finally ….7… (manage) to push aside the boulder. After the peasant went back to pick up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying on the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained gold coins and a note from the King ….8…. (explain) that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the road.
Answer:
0. Hid
1. Passed
2. Blamed
3. Keeping
4. Getting
5. Carrying
6. Laid
7. Managed
8. Explaining
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
1. The ball fell _____ the well.
Answer: into
Explanation: “Into” is used to indicate movement from the outside to the inside of something. For example: “He jumped into the pool.”
2. The victim died _____ the loss of blood.
Answer: from
Explanation: “From” is used to indicate the cause of death, injury, or illness. For example: “He suffered from dehydration.”
3. She was invited _____ the function.
Answer: to
Explanation: “To” is used with “invited” to indicate the destination or purpose of the invitation. For example: “They were invited to the wedding.”
4. Aditi spoke to me yesterday _____ the phone.
Answer: on
Explanation: “On” is used to refer to communication devices like phones. For example: “We spoke on the phone for an hour.”
5. Our soldiers fell _____ the enemy.
Answer: against
Explanation: “Against” is used to indicate opposition or resistance. For example: “They fought bravely against the invaders.”
6. We went to our house _____ foot.
Answer: on
Explanation: “On” is used to describe the method of travel by foot. For example: “They arrived on foot.”
7. Rita was cautioned _____ spreading rumours.
Answer: against
Explanation: “Against” is used to warn someone not to do something. For example: “He was warned against trespassing.”
8. Don’t jump _____ hasty conclusions.
Answer: to
Explanation: “To” is used in the idiomatic expression “jump to conclusions,” meaning to decide something quickly without sufficient evidence. For example: “She jumped to conclusions about his intentions.”
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct options.
1. The race had just commenced. Two horses dislodged their riders.
(a) Two horses dislodged their riders on the commencement of the race.
(b) The race began when the two horses dislodged their riders.
(c) When the race began than the two horses dislodged their riders.
(d) No sooner did the race commence than the two horses dislodged their riders.
Answer: (d) No sooner did the race commence than the two horses dislodged their riders.
2.There was a storm. We ran for shelter.
(a) We run for shelter in the storm.
(b) We took shelter in the storm.
(c) As there was a storm, we ran for shelter.
(d) When we ran for shelter there was a storm.
Answer: (c) As there was a storm, we ran for shelter.
3. This is my classmate. I was speaking of him.
(a) This is my classmate who is speaking of him.
(b) This is my classmate about whom he is speaking.
(c) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking.
(d) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking about.
Answer: (c) This is my classmate of whom I was speaking.
4. I speak frankly. I am not afraid of it.
(a) I am not afraid of speaking frankly.
(b) I speak frankly as I was not afraid of it.
(c) I am not afraid of being speaking frankly.
(d) I speak frankly for being not afraid.
Answer: (a) I am not afraid of speaking frankly.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. This watch may be expensive, but I will buy it. (Begin with: However ….)
(a) However I might buy the watch as it is expensive.
(b) However expensive the watch might be I will buy it.
(c) However expensive the watch is I want to buy it.
(d) However expensive the watch I bought it.
Answer: (b) However expensive the watch might be I will buy it.
2. Should he warn you, take heed to his warning. (Begin with: Were…)
(a) Were you warned by him, take heed to his warning.
(b) Were he to warn you, take heed to his warning.
(c) Were you are warned by him, take heed to his warning.
(d) Were he is required to warn you, take heed to his warning.
Answer: (b) Were he to warn you, take heed to his warning.
3. We congratulated her because she got married. (Begin with: We congratulated her on…..)
(a) We congratulated her on getting married.
(b) We congratulated her on being married.
(c) We congratulated her on becoming married.
(d) We congratulated her on her marriage.
Answer: (a) We congratulated her on getting married.
4. You would help me greatly by your advice. (Begin with: I would …)
(a) I would greatly be helped by your advice.
(b) I would be greatly helped by your advice.
(c) I would has been greatly helped by your advice.
(d) I would have been greatly helped by your advice.
Answer: (b) I would be greatly helped by your advice.
5. I saw you at the park. (Use: the passive voice)
(a) You were seen by me at the park.
(b) You saw me at the park.
(c) I was seen at the park by you.
(d) I am seen at the park by you.
Answer: (a) You were seen by me at the park.
6. Did the witness speak the truth? (Begin with: Was…)
(a) Was the witness to speak the truth?
(b) Was the witness speak the truth?
(c) Was the truth spoken by the witness?
(d) Was that truth the witness spoke?
Answer: (c) Was the truth spoken by the witness?
7. He saw the police and ran away. (Begin with: As soon…)
(a) As soon as he sees the police he runs away.
(b) As soon as he saw the police he ran away.
(c) As soon as he will see the police he would run away.
(d) As soon as he will see the police he will run away.
Answer: (b) As soon as he saw the police he ran away.
8. He wrote several letters to the magistrate. (End with: him.)
(a) Several letters to the magistrate were written by him.
(b) Several letters to the magistrate are written by him.
(c) Several letters are being written to the magistrate by him.
(d) Several letters to the magistrate were being written by him.
Answer: (a) Several letters to the magistrate were written by him.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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