Chapter 12: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar solved
Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 12: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Adverbs, Descriptive Composition, A Specimen Summary, Test Paper 12. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Adverbs
Assignment
Place the adverb (given in brackets) in a suitable position in the sentence without emphasising it:
1. He has become fluent in French. (already)
Answer: He has already become fluent in French.
Explanation: Imagine the verb is a train with two carriages, “has” and “become”. The adverb “already” is a special passenger that likes to sit between the two carriages. So, it goes right after “has” and before “become”. This is a rule for adverbs like “already”, “just”, and “always” when the verb has more than one part.
2. She does not play cricket. (still)
Answer: She still does not play cricket.
Explanation: The word “still” tells us that something is continuing. In a sentence that says “no” (a negative sentence), “still” likes to stand right at the beginning, before the part that says “no” (“does not”). It’s like saying, “Even now, it’s true that she does not play cricket.”
3. Has her brother been a teacher? (always)
Answer: Has her brother always been a teacher?
Explanation: When you ask a question, the subject (in this case, “her brother”) and the first part of the verb (“has”) switch places. The adverb “always” likes to stay close to the verb, so it snuggles in right after the subject.
4. I was able to hear what she said. (hardly)
Answer: I was hardly able to hear what she said.
Explanation: “Hardly” means “almost not at all”. It’s an adverb that likes to go right after the first verb it sees. Here, the first verb is “was”, so “hardly” comes right after it to show that I was almost not able to hear.
5. We deceive ourselves. (sometimes)
Answer: We sometimes deceive ourselves.
Explanation: “Sometimes” is an adverb that tells us how often something happens. These kinds of adverbs usually like to stand between the person doing the action (the subject, “We”) and the action itself (the verb, “deceive”). It’s like it’s squeezing in the middle of the sentence.
6. I have seen the report. (today)
Answer: I have seen the report today.
Explanation: Adverbs that tell us when something happened, like “today”, “yesterday”, or “now”, usually go at the very end of the sentence, after all the other words.
7. He does good work. (generally)
Answer: He generally does good work.
Explanation: “Generally” is another adverb that tells us how often something happens. Just like “sometimes”, it likes to go in the middle, between the subject (“He”) and the verb (“does”).
8. I know them well. (quite)
Answer: I know them quite well.
Explanation: Here, the word “quite” is describing another adverb, “well”. It’s telling us how well I know them. When one adverb describes another, it stands right in front of it. So, “quite” comes just before “well”.
9. They were able to hear what she said. (clearly)
Answer: They were able to hear what she said clearly.
Explanation: “Clearly” is an adverb that tells us how they heard. Adverbs that describe how an action is done usually go at the end of the sentence, after the action and the object (“what she said”).
10. Has he glanced through the newspaper? (merely)
Answer: Has he merely glanced through the newspaper?
Explanation: “Merely” means “only” or “just”. In a question, adverbs like this one come right after the subject (“he”). It’s asking if he only glanced and didn’t read it properly.
11. He won’t give us our share. (ever)
Answer: He won’t ever give us our share.
Explanation: “Won’t” is short for “will not”. The adverb “ever” is used with “not” to mean “never”. It fits right in the middle of the verb, between “won’t” and “give”.
12. He did well in the interview. (fairly)
Answer: He did fairly well in the interview.
Explanation: This is like question 8. The word “fairly” is describing the adverb “well”. It’s telling us how well he did. So, “fairly” stands right in front of “well”.
13. He does not refer to a dictionary. (often)
Answer: He does not often refer to a dictionary.
Explanation: “Often” tells us how frequently something happens. When the verb has a helper word like “does not”, the adverb “often” goes right after that helper word and before the main action word (“refer”).
14. Do you make many mistakes? (usually)
Answer: Do you usually make many mistakes?
Explanation: When we ask a question, the adverb that tells us how often (“usually”) comes right after the person we are asking (the subject, “you”).
15. The teacher has marked these papers. (properly)
Answer: The teacher has marked these papers properly.
Explanation: “Properly” tells us how the teacher marked the papers. Adverbs that tell us the manner or way something is done usually go at the very end of the sentence, after the object (“these papers”).
Descriptive Composition
Assignment
Write a composition on any one of the following:
1. A landscape as it appeared before and after a modern highway had been built across it.
Answer: The Valley of Whispering Pines
I remember the valley from my childhood visits to my grandparents’ home. It was a place untouched by the hurried pace of the world, a serene canvas painted in shades of green and brown. A narrow, dusty track, just wide enough for a bullock cart, meandered through it like a lazy serpent. This path was the valley’s only connection to the outside world. On either side, fields of mustard and wheat swayed in the gentle breeze, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of wildflowers and damp earth after a morning shower. The only sounds were the chirping of crickets, the distant moo of a cow, and the soft murmur of the stream that flowed over smooth, grey pebbles. Life moved at the rhythm of the seasons, unhurried and peaceful.
I returned last summer after an absence of ten years. The valley was still there, but it wore a different face. A wide, four-lane highway, a stark black ribbon of asphalt, now sliced through its heart. The gentle curves of the old track were gone, replaced by the highway’s unyielding straightness. The air, once pure, now carried the smell of diesel fumes and hot tar. The symphony of nature had been drowned out by the constant roar of speeding trucks and the blare of horns. Small, makeshift shops and eateries had sprung up along the road, their tin roofs glinting under the sun. The stream was still there, but it looked narrower, its banks littered with plastic bottles and wrappers.
The highway has brought with it progress and connectivity. The villagers can now reach the city in an hour, a journey that once took half a day. Yet, as I stood on the new overbridge, looking down at the traffic, I felt a sense of loss. The valley had lost its soul. The whispering pines now seemed to murmur a lament for the tranquility that was gone forever, sacrificed at the altar of development.
2. Describe a place, either of natural beauty or of historical importance, to which you intend to take your penfriend.
Answer:
Dearest Alex,
As the date of your visit to India draws closer, I find myself planning the perfect itinerary for you. While there are countless wonders to see, there is one place I am most excited to show you: the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. It is not just a monument; it is a chronicle of history written in sandstone and marble, and I know it will leave you spellbound.
As we approach, the first thing you will notice are its colossal, imposing walls of red sandstone, stretching for over two kilometres. They stand as a powerful symbol of the might of the Mughal Empire that built it. We will enter through the grand Lahori Gate, the main entrance, and find ourselves in the Chhatta Chowk, a covered bazaar that once catered to the imperial household. Imagine the royalty of the past browsing through silks, brocades, and jewels right where we will be walking.
From there, we will step into the heart of the fort. I will take you to the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, where the emperor sat on his throne to meet his subjects. Then, we will visit the more intimate and ornate Diwan-i-Khas, the Hall of Private Audience. It is here you will see the famous Persian inscription, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.” We will marvel at the intricate marble inlay work, the floral patterns, and the delicate latticework screens that adorn the royal palaces.
A visit to the Red Fort is an experience that transports you back in time. It is a place where every archway, every courtyard, and every stone has a story to tell. I cannot wait to walk through its historic grounds with you and share the tales of emperors, empires, and the dawn of India’s independence.
Warmly,
Aman
3. Visit to a multi-speciality hospital.
Answer: A World Within Walls
The moment I stepped through the automatic glass doors of the City Multi-speciality Hospital, the world outside seemed to fade away. I was greeted by the clean, sterile smell of antiseptic, a scent unique to hospitals that is both reassuring and unsettling. The vast, brightly lit lobby was a sea of anxious faces. People from all walks of life sat on the plush sofas, some clutching files, others staring blankly into space, each carrying their own burden of hope and fear. The low hum of the air conditioning was punctuated by the soft ringing of telephones at the reception and the occasional, disembodied voice making an announcement over the public address system.
My purpose was to visit an uncle recovering from surgery on the fourth floor. The elevator ride was a quiet, shared journey with a young couple holding a newborn, a doctor looking at his phone, and a ward boy pushing an empty stretcher. The corridors were long and silent, a stark contrast to the busy lobby. Nurses in crisp uniforms moved with a quiet efficiency, their soft-soled shoes making no sound on the polished floor. The only sounds were the rhythmic beeps and whirs of medical equipment emanating from the rooms we passed.
Peeking into my uncle’s room, I saw him connected to a monitor displaying his vital signs as a series of green, dancing lines. The sight of his vulnerability against the backdrop of such advanced technology was striking. A hospital is a strange place; it is a theatre where the intense drama of life and death unfolds every second. It is a place of pain, yet it is also the last bastion of hope for many. My short visit left me with a profound sense of gratitude for good health and a deep respect for the medical professionals who work tirelessly within these walls.
Test Paper – 12
Question 1
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write a story in which a ring, a key and a letter play an important part.
Answer: The Legacy Within the Walls
The old manor stood silent, a relic of a time long past. After my grandmother’s death, it fell to me, along with a small, velvet-lined box. Inside, there was no jewellery or money, only a single, yellowed letter. Her familiar cursive flowed across the page, speaking of a family secret hidden within the house’s walls, a secret that could only be unlocked with three items: her silver ring, which I now wore, an old iron key, and the letter itself.
The letter was cryptic, filled with riddles about sunlight and shadows. One line read, “Where the morning sun first kisses the rose, my initial will show you the way.” I remembered the stained-glass window in the library, depicting a single, blooming rose. The next morning, I watched as the light streamed through it, illuminating a single floorboard carved with a faint ‘E’ for Eleanor, my grandmother’s name. My heart pounded as I pried it open. Beneath it, nestled in dust, was a heavy, ornate iron key.
My fingers trembled as I examined the key. It was unlike any other in the house. I reread the letter, searching for the next clue. “The heart of the home holds the final door,” it said. I thought of the grand fireplace in the main hall, the true heart of the old house. There, hidden behind a loose stone in the hearth, was a small, iron lockbox.
The key slid into the lock with a satisfying click. As I lifted the lid, I saw not treasure, but stacks of documents and photographs. They told the story of a branch of our family we thought had been lost, a story of hardship and survival. The final piece of the puzzle was my ring. Its unique crest matched a seal on the documents, proving their authenticity. The letter had been the map, the key had opened the door, and the ring was the proof of my connection to this long-hidden history. The secret was not one of wealth, but of identity, a legacy far more valuable.
(ii) Narrate an incident which made you realise that forgiveness is nobler than revenge.
Answer: The Choice Between Revenge and Forgiveness
Throughout middle school, Sameer and I were inseparable. We shared everything, from lunch boxes to secrets. That was until the inter-school debate competition. I had confided in him about my intense stage fright, a secret I had told no one else. On the day of the finals, just before my turn, he spread a rumour that I often fainted during public speaking. My anxiety spiralled, my hands grew clammy, and my carefully prepared speech evaporated from my mind. I stumbled through my points and lost the competition.
The betrayal felt like a physical blow. Humiliation burned within me, and it was quickly replaced by a cold desire for revenge. I knew Sameer’s biggest secret: he had cheated on the last mathematics test. I planned to expose him anonymously, to watch him face the same public shame he had inflicted upon me. For days, the plan simmered, offering a dark sense of satisfaction.
However, as the days passed, I saw a change in Sameer. He avoided eye contact, his usual cheerful demeanour gone, replaced by a constant shadow of guilt. He looked miserable. One afternoon, he approached me, his eyes downcast. He apologised, explaining that his jealousy over my performance had clouded his judgement. He didn’t make excuses; he just owned his mistake, his voice thick with regret.
Seeing his genuine remorse, my anger began to dissolve. I thought about my plan for revenge. It would only create more pain, perpetuating a cycle of bitterness. In that moment, I had a choice. I could hurt him back, or I could let it go. “I forgive you,” I said, and the words felt surprisingly light. The heavy weight of resentment lifted from my shoulders. We never became best friends again, but that incident taught me a valuable lesson. While revenge offers a fleeting, bitter satisfaction, forgiveness provides a lasting peace and the strength to move forward.
(iii) ‘Boarding schools are better than day schools.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Boarding Schools are Better than Day Schools
In the debate over the ideal educational environment, boarding schools present a compelling case for providing a more holistic and formative experience than day schools. While day schools offer a sound academic education, boarding schools go a step further by cultivating independence, fostering a strong sense of community, and creating an immersive learning atmosphere that prepares students for the challenges of life beyond the classroom.
One of the most significant advantages of a boarding school education is the development of self-reliance. Away from the constant supervision of their parents, students learn to manage their own time, take responsibility for their academic work, and handle daily chores. This early introduction to independent living is invaluable, building a foundation of discipline and personal accountability that serves them well in university and their future careers. They learn to navigate challenges on their own, developing problem-solving skills and a resilience that is often harder to cultivate at home.
Furthermore, the residential nature of boarding schools fosters a unique and powerful sense of community. Living, studying, and socialising with peers from diverse backgrounds teaches students tolerance, cooperation, and empathy. They form deep, lasting friendships and learn to resolve conflicts constructively. This communal living experience is a microcosm of society, providing practical lessons in social dynamics and teamwork that cannot be replicated in a day school setting.
Finally, boarding schools offer a focused academic environment with fewer distractions. With structured study hours, access to teachers after school, and an environment where learning is the central activity, students are better able to concentrate on their education. They are removed from the daily distractions of television and social commitments that can interrupt studies at home. This immersive atmosphere encourages a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. While the comfort of family is a benefit of day schools, the comprehensive growth offered by a boarding school education makes it a superior choice for preparing well-rounded, independent, and capable individuals.
(iv) Describe a day at home when an unexpected visitor arrived. Explain what happened and how the day ended.
Answer: An Unexpected Visit
The day began with the quiet hum of the ordinary. Rain pattered against the windowpane, and I was curled up on the sofa, deeply engrossed in a novel for my upcoming literature exam. The house was peaceful, the silence broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall. My plan was simple: finish the book, make some notes, and then perhaps reward myself with a movie. It was a perfectly predictable, tranquil Saturday.
Suddenly, the sharp ring of the doorbell cut through the quiet. I felt a flicker of annoyance, assuming it was just a delivery. However, when I opened the door, I found a woman with kind, wrinkled eyes and a suitcase standing on the porch. She had my father’s smile. “You must be Sarah,” she said, her voice warm. “I’m your Great-Aunt Clara.” I stood there, speechless. I had heard stories of her, the adventurous aunt who had moved to another country decades ago, but I had never met her.
Her arrival turned my quiet day upside down. The house was instantly filled with her energy. She unpacked gifts, told whirlwind stories of her travels, and insisted on cooking a traditional family recipe for dinner. My study plans were forgotten as I found myself captivated by her tales of bustling foreign markets and landscapes I had only seen in pictures. She pulled out a dusty photo album, and for the first time, I saw pictures of my grandparents as a young couple and my father as a little boy.
As evening fell, the aroma of her cooking filled the air. We sat around the dinner table, not as strangers, but as family. The initial disruption had transformed into a delightful surprise. The day, which I had planned to spend with fictional characters in a book, was instead spent connecting with a real-life character from my own family’s story. As I went to bed that night, I realised that the unexpected can often be more rewarding than the planned. The day ended not with academic notes, but with a renewed sense of connection to my own history.
(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.
Answer: New Dawn in the Fields
The picture shows a group of women standing in a field of ripe wheat. They are gathered around a modern farming machine, watching with curiosity and interest. This scene suggests the meeting of tradition and progress in rural life.
The women, dressed in colorful sarees, represent the backbone of agricultural work in many villages. For generations, farming has been carried out with simple tools and physical labour. Harvesting crops was back-breaking work, often done by women. Now, the presence of the machine points towards change. It shows how technology is reaching the villages, making the lives of farmers easier.
The expressions on the women’s faces suggest both curiosity and caution. Some look eager to learn, while others appear doubtful. This is natural when new methods replace old habits. Yet, their gathering around the machine also reflects hope. They are ready to learn and to adapt if it helps them work with less hardship. It also shows the growing awareness among rural communities about modern farming practices.
This image also highlights the role of women in agriculture. Too often, their contribution is invisible, though they form a large part of the workforce in fields. By introducing them to machines, training, and knowledge, their efforts can become more productive and respected. With such tools, they can save time and energy, and even explore farming as a profitable enterprise.
At a deeper level, the picture suggests the silent revolution happening in rural India. Machines are no longer limited to big farmers or cities. Small farmers, especially women, are being introduced to them through self-help groups, training programs, or cooperatives. This holds the promise of better yields, more income, and reduced drudgery.
Thus, the photograph is not just about a field or a machine. It tells the story of change, where tradition meets technology, and where women farmers are stepping into a future with more possibilities.
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