Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 13: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Prepositions, Humorous Writing, Selective Summary, and Practice Paper – 13. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
A. Prepositions
ASSIGNMENT 1
Supply for, since, at, in, on, by where required in the following sentences:
1. She drinks a lot of coffee ……………………. the evenings.
Answer: in
Explanation: Imagine the day is a big container. Inside this container, there are smaller sections like “the morning,” “the afternoon,” and “the evenings.” When we talk about something happening inside one of these general time sections, we use the word in. So, she drinks coffee in the evenings.
2. It is usually much warmer ……………………. three o’clock in the afternoon than ……………………. the morning.
Answer: at, in
Explanation: For the first blank, think of a clock. “Three o’clock” is a very exact, specific point on that clock. When we talk about an exact time, like a dot on a timeline, we use at. For the second blank, “the morning” is a long stretch of time, like a big room. We are inside that room of time, so we use in. So, it’s warmer at three o’clock than in the morning.
3. The new term starts ……………………. March.
Answer: in
Explanation: Think of a calendar. A year is a big box, and inside it are 12 smaller boxes called months. When something happens inside one of those month-boxes, like March, we use the word in. We also use in for seasons (in summer) and years (in 2024).
4. They have lived in this town ……………………. 2015.
Answer: since
Explanation: We use since to talk about the starting point of something that is still going on. Imagine a race started at a specific line. That starting line is “2015.” They started living in the town at that point and are still living there now. Since points to when the action began.
5. I have been waiting for you ……………………. eight o’clock.
Answer: since
Explanation: Just like the last question, this sentence tells us the exact start time of the waiting. The waiting began at “eight o’clock” and is still happening. We use since to show that specific starting moment in the past.
6. We will finish our exams ……………………. two days’ time.
Answer: in
Explanation: When we talk about something that will happen at the end of a future period of time, we use in. Imagine you set a timer for two days. “In two days’ time” means when that timer finally goes off, the exams will be finished. It means after that period has passed.
7. They have lived in Delhi ……………………. six months.
Answer: for
Explanation: This sentence tells us how long they have lived in Delhi. It’s not a starting point, but a duration or a length of time. When we talk about the length of time, we use for. Think of it like measuring with a ruler: for six months, for two hours, for a long time.
8. ……………………. summer we will have our vacations.
Answer: In
Explanation: Seasons like summer, winter, and spring are long periods of time. Just like with months (in March) and years (in 2024), we think of being inside that period. So, we have our vacations in summer.
9. Tom went home ……………………. sunset.
Answer: at
Explanation: Think of the day as a long road. “Sunset” is like a specific landmark on that road. When something happens exactly at that landmark or specific moment, we use at. Other examples are at noon, at midnight, and at sunrise.
10. We have been waiting ……………………. over half an hour.
Answer: for
Explanation: The phrase “over half an hour” tells us how long the waiting has been going on. It describes a duration or a period of time. Just like in question 7, whenever we talk about the length of time, we use for.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Supply suitable prepositions:
1. There is a bus stop ……………….. the end of the road.
Answer: at
Explanation: Think of the road as a long line. “At” is used to talk about a very specific point or location, like a dot at the end of that line. The bus stop is at that exact spot where the road finishes, so we use “at the end”.
2. I was ……………….. Japan when the President was there.
Answer: in
Explanation: We use the word “in” when we are talking about being inside a large area, like a country, a city, or a big room. Japan is a big country, so if you are inside its borders, you are “in” Japan.
3. He used to live ……………….. Kanpur.
Answer: in
Explanation: Just like with countries, we use “in” for cities. Kanpur is a city, which is a large area. When someone lives inside the boundaries of a city, we say they live “in” that city.
4. She lost her ring ……………….. the sand.
Answer: in
Explanation: Imagine a sandbox. If you drop a ring, it goes inside the sand and gets covered by it. The word “in” shows that something is surrounded by or enclosed within something else. So, the ring was lost “in” the sand.
5. I will meet you ……………….. the signpost near my house.
Answer: at
Explanation: A signpost is a specific, small point where you can meet someone. We use “at” to talk about meeting at an exact location or a point. It’s like saying, “Let’s meet right here, at this spot.”
6. Our house is ……………….. the top of the hill.
Answer: on
Explanation: We use “on” to show that something is resting on a surface. A hill has a top surface, and the house is sitting right on it. So, the house is “on” the top of the hill.
7. There has been an accident ……………….. the corner of the street.
Answer: at
Explanation: A street corner is a specific point where two streets meet. Just like with a bus stop or a signpost, we use “at” to talk about a precise location. The accident happened right “at” that meeting point.
8. Suddenly he jumped ……………….. the river.
Answer: into
Explanation: The word “into” shows movement from outside to inside. He was outside the river, and then he moved to be inside the water. For this kind of action, where you enter something, we use “into”. He jumped “into” the river.
9. He sat ……………….. Mary and Janet.
Answer: between
Explanation: “Between” is used when something or someone is in the middle of two other things or people. There was Mary on one side and Janet on the other side, and he was in the space in the middle. So, he sat “between” them.
10. He was standing ……………….. the pillar.
Answer: besideExplanation: The word “beside” simply means “next to” or “by the side of”. If he was standing right next to the pillar, the correct word to use is “beside”.
B. Humorous Writing
ASSIGNMENT
1. Read the following extract taken from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and make a note of the humorous elements.
Tom lay thinking. Presently, it occurred to him that he wished he was sick; then he could stay at home from school. Here was a vague possibility. He canvassed his system. No ailment was found, and he investigated again. This time he thought he could detect colicky symptoms, and he began to encourage them with considerable hope. But they soon grew feeble, and presently died wholly away. He reflected further. Suddenly, he discovered something. One of his upper front teeth was loose. This was lucky: he was about to begin to groan, as a ‘starter’, as he called it, when it occurred to him that if he came into court with that argument, his aunt would pull it out, and that would hurt. So he thought he would hold the tooth in reserve for the present, and seek further. Nothing occurred for some little time, and then he remembered hearing the doctor tell about a certain thing that laid up a patient for two or three weeks and threatened to make him lose a finger. So the boy eagerly drew his sore toe from under the sheet and held it up for inspection. But now he did not know the necessary symptoms. However, it seemed well worthwhile to chance it, so he fell to groaning with considerable spirit.
Answer: Notes on the humorous elements:
- Situation: The core situation is humorous—a young boy desperately trying to find an ailment simply to avoid school.
- Exaggerated Language: Tom’s self-examination is described in overly formal terms like “canvassed his system” and “investigated,” creating a comic effect by treating a childish whim with mock seriousness.
- Personification: Tom’s attempt to “encourage” his colicky symptoms with “considerable hope,” and their subsequent failure as they “grew feeble, and presently died wholly away,” is an absurd and funny image.
- Childish Logic: His reasoning about the loose tooth is a source of humour. He first considers it “lucky” but then strategically decides to hold it “in reserve” after realizing the painful consequence of his aunt pulling it out.
- Disproportionate Reaction: Tom eagerly seizes upon his sore toe as a potential source of a serious, debilitating illness based on a vaguely remembered story about losing a finger. The disconnect between the minor ailment and his great hopes for it is comical.
- Performance: The final line is particularly humorous. Tom begins “groaning with considerable spirit,” which implies his groans are not from pain but are an enthusiastic and hopeful performance, highlighting the absurdity of his scheme.
2. School life is full of interesting and humorous events. Write a composition describing some of the humorous incidents during your school life.
Answer: School Life
School life is often portrayed as a serious affair, a rigid routine of textbooks, examinations, and discipline. While that is partly true, the most enduring memories are seldom about academic achievements. Instead, they are the unscripted moments of pure, unadulterated comedy that broke the monotony and left us in stitches. My school days were filled with such incidents, each one a small gem of humour.
One of the most memorable events involved a substitute teacher for our English class, Mr. Verma. He was a stern-looking man with a booming voice who believed in absolute silence. One afternoon, my friend Rohan, who sat in the back, fell asleep and let out a surprisingly loud snore that sounded remarkably like a grunting pig. The entire class froze, expecting an eruption from Mr. Verma. Instead, he stopped his lecture, peered over his spectacles, and declared in a grave tone, “It seems we have a new student with a rather agricultural background. Please, let him rest. He must be tired from his work on the farm.” The class erupted in suppressed giggles, and for the rest of the year, Rohan was affectionately known as ‘The Farmer’.
Another incident took place during our annual Sports Day. The final event was the 4x100m relay race, and our house was in the lead. I was running the last leg. As the baton was passed to me, I shot off with all the speed I could muster. I was so focused on the finish line that I failed to notice that my shoelaces had come undone. About ten metres from victory, my left shoe flew off my foot in a perfect arc and landed squarely on the head of our Principal, who was standing near the finish line. I stumbled across the line in first place, but all eyes were on the Principal, who stood there, utterly bewildered, with a muddy sports shoe perched on his head like a bizarre crown. The initial shock gave way to a wave of laughter from the entire stadium. My moment of glory had turned into a school-wide comedy show.
These moments—a teacher’s witty remark, a flying shoe, and countless other small, funny mishaps—are the true essence of school life. They taught us to find joy in the unexpected and to laugh at ourselves. Long after the formulas and historical dates have faded, it is the memory of these humorous incidents that continues to bring a smile to my face.
D. Practice Paper-13
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 an original story which illustrates the truth of the statement, ‘An empty bag cannot stand upright’.
Answer: An empty bag cannot stand upright
In the bustling city of Avantipur, there lived a young man named Kael. He possessed a sharp tongue and a charismatic smile, which he believed were the only tools necessary for success. He had inherited a small textile shop from his father but had little knowledge of fabrics or finance. Instead of learning the trade, Kael spent his days boasting of grand, imaginary business deals and criticising his more hardworking competitors. He believed that appearance was everything.
For a while, his charm worked. He managed to secure small loans from acquaintances, promising them quick and hefty returns. He used the money not to improve his shop’s inventory but to buy expensive clothes and host lavish parties. He looked the part of a successful merchant, but his shop grew bare and his debts mounted. Customers who were initially drawn in by his confident talk soon realised he knew nothing about his products and left, never to return.
One afternoon, Mr. Das, a wise and wealthy trader to whom Kael owed a significant sum, visited the shop. He saw the dusty, empty shelves and Kael’s anxious eyes behind his confident facade. “Kael,” Mr. Das said gently, “you have spent all your energy trying to look like a full sack of rice, but you have forgotten to put any grains inside.” He pointed to a limp jute bag slumped in a corner. “An empty bag cannot stand upright. You have no substance, no skill, no integrity. That is why your business is collapsing.”
The simple truth hit Kael with the force of a physical blow. He had built his life on a foundation of air. Humbled and ashamed, he sold his fancy clothes, paid off a portion of his debt, and begged Mr. Das to teach him the trade. He started from the very bottom, learning to identify different threads and operate a loom. It was a long and arduous journey, but slowly, Kael filled his mind with knowledge and his character with diligence. His shop, once empty, began to thrive, standing tall and strong on a foundation of true substance.
(ii) Write about an occasion when you just could not stop laughing.
Answer: An Occasion I Could Not Stop Laughing
The annual school play was the most prestigious event of the year, and this time, our class was staging a sombre historical drama about a medieval king. My best friend, Rohan, had been cast in the lead role of the majestic King Alaric. He had practiced his lines for weeks, perfecting a deep, booming voice and a regal posture. On the opening night, the auditorium was packed, and a hush fell as the curtains rose.
Rohan made his grand entrance, draped in a velvet robe and wearing a magnificent golden crown. He looked every bit the part. He began his opening monologue, his voice resonating with authority. Everything was going perfectly until he had to make a dramatic turn to address his subjects. As he spun around, the crown, which was slightly too large for him, slipped down over his eyes, completely blinding him.
The audience let out a collective titter. Rohan, ever the professional, tried to continue his lines while discreetly attempting to nudge the crown back into place with a twitch of his eyebrows. This only made him look like he was having a bizarre facial spasm. He took a blind, stumbling step forward, his arms outstretched, still delivering his serious lines about an impending war.
That was when I lost all control. A snort of laughter escaped me, loud enough for the first few rows to hear. I clapped a hand over my mouth, my shoulders shaking violently. The more I tried to suppress it, the more hysterical I became. Tears streamed down my face as I watched my friend, the mighty King Alaric, blindly groping for his throne while passionately declaring his royal decree to a pillar. The sight was so absurdly comical that I was reduced to a wheezing, gasping mess. The teacher in charge shot me a furious glare, but it was no use. The memory of the blind king’s solemn, misdirected speech was etched in my mind, and the laughter simply would not stop.
(iii) ‘School students should not be allowed to use Internet.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: School Students Should Be Allowed to Use the Internet
The assertion that school students should be banned from using the internet is a regressive notion that ignores the realities of the modern world. While the concerns regarding distractions, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content are valid, a complete prohibition is not the answer. Instead of shielding students from the internet, we should be equipping them with the skills to navigate it safely and responsibly. The internet is an unparalleled educational resource, and denying students access to it would be a profound disservice to their academic and personal development.
First and foremost, the internet is a limitless library of information. It allows students to conduct research for projects, access scholarly articles, watch educational documentaries, and explore subjects far beyond the confines of their textbooks. This fosters a spirit of inquiry and self-directed learning, which are essential skills for higher education and lifelong success. To limit a student’s resources to a physical library alone is to deliberately place them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital world.
Furthermore, proficiency in using the internet is no longer an optional skill; it is a fundamental aspect of digital literacy. By using the internet for schoolwork, students learn how to search for information effectively, evaluate the credibility of sources, and synthesise data from various platforms. These are critical thinking skills that are indispensable in virtually every future career path. Banning the internet in schools would be akin to refusing to teach reading because some books are unsuitable.
The solution lies not in prohibition but in education and guided supervision. Schools must implement robust digital citizenship programs that teach students about online safety, privacy, and ethical behaviour. Parents and teachers should work together to monitor online activity and maintain an open dialogue about the risks. By teaching students how to be responsible digital citizens, we empower them to harness the immense power of the internet for good, while minimising its potential harms. A ban is an admission of failure; education is the path to success.
(iv) Give an interesting description of your best friend—his/her appearance, his/her view of life—likes and dislikes, attitude towards the family, elders, peers, religion, country and his/her convictions.
Answer: My Best Friend, Aryan
My best friend, Aryan, is the kind of person who seems to carry his own source of light. He is not tall or powerfully built, but he has a presence that fills any room. His most striking feature is his eyes; they are a deep, thoughtful brown and are almost always crinkled at the corners from smiling. He has a perpetually unruly mop of black hair that he has long given up trying to tame. His typical attire consists of a comfortable t-shirt and worn-out jeans, a testament to his practical and unpretentious nature.
Aryan’s view of life is one of boundless optimism and curiosity. Where others see problems, he sees puzzles waiting to be solved. He believes that every day holds an opportunity for a small adventure, whether it is trying a new food or exploring an unknown lane in our city. He has an immense dislike for monotony and injustice. This conviction fuels his attitude towards others; he is fiercely loyal to his family and friends and unfailingly respectful towards elders, though he is never afraid to politely question outdated traditions. With his peers, he is the anchor—calm, rational, and an excellent listener, making him the go-to person for advice.
His interests are as eclectic as his personality. He can spend an entire afternoon engrossed in a historical documentary and the evening passionately cheering for his favourite football team. He loves the mountains, claiming the crisp air helps him think clearly, and has a surprising passion for cooking, often experimenting with spicy cuisines.
Aryan’s core conviction is simple: be kind and be useful. He believes that a person’s worth is measured by their positive impact on the lives of others. This principle guides his every action, from helping a classmate with a difficult assignment to volunteering at the local animal shelter. He is more than just a friend; he is a constant reminder that with a positive outlook and a kind heart, one can navigate any of life’s challenges.
(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: The Power of Morning Meditation
The school auditorium was filled with quiet determination. Rows of students sat cross-legged on soft mats, their eyes gently closed, their hands resting calmly on their knees. The morning meditation session had just begun, and a deep sense of stillness surrounded the hall.
At first glance, it looked like just another routine, but for the students, this practice carried a deeper meaning. Every morning, before lessons began, they gathered together to meditate. It was a way to prepare not only their bodies but also their minds for the challenges of the day.
In the beginning, many had struggled. Sitting still for even ten minutes felt impossible. Some whispered, some giggled, and some opened their eyes again and again. Yet, under the guidance of their teacher, they learned the art of focusing on their breath, letting go of restless thoughts, and finding calm within. Slowly, meditation became a habit, and soon it began to shape their daily lives.
The change was visible. Students who were once easily distracted now listened carefully in class. Those who often fought over small issues began to show patience and kindness. The stress of examinations no longer seemed unbearable; instead, they faced them with confidence and clarity. The practice of silence was becoming their strength.
This picture is more than just a group of children sitting quietly; it is a reflection of balance, discipline, and growth. Meditation, though simple, was teaching them lessons that books alone could not. It was nurturing focus, resilience, and peace of mind—qualities that would help them not only in school but also in life beyond its walls.
As the session ended, the students slowly opened their eyes. A new day was waiting, and they were ready—not just with sharpened pencils and books, but with calm hearts and clear minds.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) Write a letter to the Principal of a Junior College applying for admission. Your letter should make clear the course you wish to apply for, details of your previous education, your interests and your qualifications for the same.
Answer:
15, Park Avenue
Kolkata – 700017
15th March, 2024
To
The Principal
St. Xavier’s Junior College
30 Mother Teresa Sarani
Kolkata – 700016
Subject: Application for Admission to the Science Stream (Class XI)
Dear Sir/Madam,
With reference to the admission notice on your college website, I would like to apply for admission to the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) in Class XI for the academic year 2024-2025.
I have recently appeared for my ICSE (Class X) examinations from Don Bosco School, Kolkata, and I am expecting to secure over 90% marks. I have consistently been a high-performing student, with a particular aptitude for Science and Mathematics, scoring above 95% in these subjects throughout my secondary school years.
My interest lies in understanding the principles that govern the natural world, and I have actively participated in various science exhibitions and quizzes at the inter-school level. My project on ‘Renewable Energy Solutions’ won the second prize at our annual school science fair. I believe that the rigorous academic environment and the excellent faculty at your esteemed institution will provide me with the best platform to pursue my goal of becoming a research scientist.
I have enclosed photocopies of my Class IX final report card and my Class X pre-board examination results for your perusal. I assure you that I will be a diligent and dedicated student.
I look forward to the possibility of an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
(ii) You are suffering from viral fever and so would not be able to complete your science project in time. Write a letter to your friend requesting him/her to help you in completing your project.
Answer:
Dear Sameer,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you because I am in a bit of a difficult situation and was hoping you could help me out.
For the last four days, I have been down with a severe case of viral fever. The doctor has advised complete rest for at least another week, which means I am unable to get any work done. As you know, our science project on ‘Water Conservation’ is due for submission next Friday. I am really worried as I have not been able to make much progress on it due to my illness.
I have completed the initial research and written the introduction. I was wondering if you could possibly help me with the diagrams and compiling the final report. I have all the notes and rough sketches ready. It would be a huge help if you could just put it all together for me. I would be extremely grateful for your assistance in this.
I promise to make it up to you once I am back on my feet. I hope I am not asking for too much.
Hoping to hear from you soon. Give my regards to your parents.
Your friend,
Arjun
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising a visit to a Children’s Hospital on the occasion of Diwali. Write a notice informing the students of Classes IX and X about the visit to the Children’s Hospital.
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
25th October, 2023
Visit to Sunshine Children’s Hospital
This is to inform all students of Classes IX and X that the school is organising a visit to Sunshine Children’s Hospital to celebrate the festival of Diwali with the young patients. This initiative aims to spread joy and light up their lives during the festive season.
The details are as follows:
- Date: 4th November, 2023
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Sunshine Children’s Hospital, MG Road
Interested students must submit a signed consent form from their parents to their respective class teachers by 30th October, 2023. As there are limited seats, students will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Let us come together to make this a meaningful Diwali.
Aarav Singh
School Captain
(ii) Write an email to the Director of the Children’s Hospital seeking permission for a group of fifty students from your school to visit the Hospital.
Answer:-
To: director@sunshinehospital.org
Subject: Request for Permission for a Student Visit on Diwali
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you on behalf of Greenwood High School to request permission for a group of our students to visit your hospital on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
We would like to bring a group of fifty students from Classes IX and X to spend some time with the children at your hospital. Our objective is to share the joy of the festival, interact with the young patients, and distribute small gifts like storybooks and colouring sets. We propose to visit on 4th November, 2023, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., or at any other time convenient for you.
The student group will be accompanied by four teachers who will ensure disciplined conduct and strict adherence to all hospital protocols. We assure you that our visit will be conducted in a manner that causes no inconvenience to the patients or the hospital staff.
We believe this visit will be a valuable learning experience for our students, fostering in them a sense of empathy and community service. We would be very grateful if you could grant us this opportunity.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Singh
School Captain
Greenwood High School
Question 5
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Silence is unnatural to man*. He begins life with a cry and ends it in stillness. In the interval, he does all he can to make a noise in the world, and there are few things of which he stands in more fear than of the absence of noise. Even his conversation is a desperate attempt to prevent a dreadful silence.
He knows that ninety-nine per cent of human conversation means no more than the buzzing of a fly, but he longs to join in the buzz, and to prove that he is a man and not a waxwork figure. The object of conversation is not, for the most part, to communicate ideas: it is to keep up the buzzing sound. Very few human beings join in a conversation in the hope of learning anything new. Some of them are content if they are merely allowed to go on making a noise into other people’s ears, though they have nothing to tell them except that they have seen two or three new plays or that they had bad food in a Swiss hotel.
Many of us, indeed, do not enjoy conversation unless it is we ourselves who are making the most conspicuous noise. This, I think, is a vice in conversation, but has its origin in a natural hatred of silence. The young man was so much afraid of silence that he dared not risk being silent about himself lest a universal silence should follow. If he failed as a talker, it was because he did not sufficiently realise that conversation should be not only a buzz but a sympathetic buzz. That is why the weather is so useful a subject. It brings people at once to an experience which is generally shared and enables them, as it were, to buzz on the same note. Reminiscences are the best conversation in the world for two; they warm the heart and excite the brain. But the third man is all the more conscious of being out in the cold. A conversation of this kind is bad indeed, because it condemns the third man to the torture of compulsory silence.
We love noise more than we know, even when no other human being is present. When we go from town to live in the country we deceive ourselves if we think we are doing so in order to exchange noise for quietness. We go into the country, not in order to escape from noise, but in search of a different kind of noise. Sit in a country garden in May, and you will notice that the noise is continuous. The birds are very loquacious: the bees as inimical to silence as children. Cocks crow, hens cackle, dogs bark, sheep baa, cart wheels crunch, and the whole day passes in a succession of sounds which would drive us to distraction if we were really devotees of silence.
Noise is companionship, and I remember that, I as a child, liked even the ticking of a clock in the bedroom. Sometimes we speak of the silence of the grave, and without noise the world would be no better than a grave. To survive along upon its lifeless surface would be to be buried alive.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. dreadful (line 4)
(a) fearful
(b) unpleasant
(c) optimistic
(d) content
Answer: (a) fearful
2. conspicuous (line 13)
(a) obscure
(b) hidden
(c) noticeable
(d) harsh
Answer: (c) noticeable
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word silent?
(a) cackle
(b) inimical
(c) loquacious
(d) reminiscences
Answer: (c) loquacious
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Why is silence said to be unnatural to man?
Answer: Silence is said to be unnatural to man because he begins life with a cry and spends his entire life making noise, fearing the absence of it. Conversation itself is often just an attempt to prevent silence.
(b) What is the objective of conversation for most of the people?
Answer: For most people, the objective of conversation is not to communicate ideas but simply to keep up a “buzzing sound” and avoid silence.
(c) Why is weather considered a useful subject for conversation?
Answer: The weather is a useful subject for conversation because it is a universally shared experience, which allows people to easily connect and make noise together on a common topic.
(d) Why are reminiscences the best form of conversation between two people? How do they affect the third person?
Answer: Reminiscences are the best form of conversation for two people because they are personal, warm the heart, and excite the brain. However, they exclude a third person, making them feel left out and condemned to compulsory silence.
(e) What kind of noise is heard in the country?
Answer: The noises heard in the country include the sounds of loquacious birds, bees, crowing cocks, cackling hens, barking dogs, baaing sheep, and the crunching of cart wheels.
(iv) Describe how human beings love noise more than silence. Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: Human beings love noise more than silence, as life begins with a cry. They use conversation merely to prevent silence, which they fear. Even a move to the country is a search for different noises, not quiet. Noise provides companionship, while silence is compared to a grave.
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.
Example: (0) Organising
Carl Diem, Secretary General of the ….0…. (Organise) Committee of the Berlin Games ….1…. (suggest) that a flame be ….2…. (light) in Olympia and ….3…. (transport) to Berlin in an Olympic Torch Relay to mark the beginning of the 1936 Games at Berlin. More than 3,000 athletes from seven countries ….4…. (participate) in the first relay of the Torch. Thus began the tradition of the Olympic Torch Relay.
Before every Olympic Games the Olympic flame is lit from the sun’s rays using a skaphia, a type of parabolic mirror, at Olympia. This flame, called the Olympic Torch, ….5….(take) across cities and countries, ….6… (carry) by thousands of people. It ….7…. (travel) on foot and on aeroplanes and ships. The identity of the last person, to carry the flame to the ….8…. (open) ceremony is kept secret. The flame is only extinguished at the Games closing ceremony.
Answer:
- suggested
- lit
- transported
- participated
- is taken
- is carried
- travels
- opening
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) How did such a crisis come ______?
Answer: about
(b) A car broke ______ right in the middle of the road.
Answer: down
(c) The school will bring ______ the annual magazine.
Answer: out
(d) The cooks agreed to carry ______ the chef’s orders.
Answer: out
(e) Sudhir has run ______ debt after the pandemic.
Answer: into
(f) His pride has brought ______ his downfall.
Answer: about
(g) She takes ______ her mother in many ways.
Answer: after
(h) The Chairman will preside ______ the meeting.
Answer:over
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. My son may go anywhere. I will find him.
(a) Any where my son go, I will find him.
(b) Wherever my son may go, I may find him.
(c) I will go wherever I may find my son.
(d) I will find my son wherever he goes.
Answer: (d) I will find my son wherever he goes.
2. I forgot my admit card. That was careless of me.
(a) It was careless of me to forget the admit card.
(b) I forgot my admit card as my carelessness.
(c) I forgot my admit card out of being carelessness.
(d) I forgot my admit card out of carelessness.
Answer: (a) It was careless of me to forget the admit card.
3. We can travel by car. We can travel by train.
(a) We can travel by car as well as by train.
(b) We can travel by car to go or by train.
(c) We can travel by car after travelling by train.
(d) We can travel by bus before train.
Answer: (a) We can travel by car as well as by train.
4. Leena liked the gift. James gave it to her.
(a) Leena liked the gift given to by James.
(b) Leena liked the gift which James gave her.
(c) Leena liked the gift James gave for her.
(d) Leena liked the gift when James gave it to her.
Answer: (b) Leena liked the gift which James gave her.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. My dog is old, but it is active. (Begin with: In spite …)
(a) In spite of being old, my dog is active.
(b) In spite my dog being old, is active.
(c) In spite of old age my dog has been active.
(d) In spite being old my dog is rather active.
Answer: (a) In spite of being old, my dog is active.
2. He works hard that he may become rich. (Begin with: He aims …)
(a) He aims to be rich by his hard work.
(b) He aims to become rich by working hard.
(c) He aims becoming rich at his hard work.
(d) He aims to become rich as he works hard.
Answer: (b) He aims to become rich by working hard.
3. My shirt was not returned until it had been washed. (End with: …before it was returned.)
(a) My shirt should be washed, before it was returned.
(b) My shirt need to be washed before it was returned.
(c) My shirt had been washed before it was returned.
(d) My shirt has been washed before it was returned.
Answer: (c) My shirt had been washed before it was returned.
4. “Are you going for the picnic tomorrow?” he asked Uma. (Begin with: He asked Uma if …)
(a) He asked Uma if she will go for the picnic tomorrow?
(b) He asked Uma if she is going for the picnic tomorrow?
(c) He asked Uma if she was going for the picnic the next day.
(d) He asked Uma if she is going for the picnic the next day.
Answer: (c) He asked Uma if she was going for the picnic the next day.
5. I had not missed any match for two years. (Begin with: The last time …)
(a) The last time I missed the match was two years ago.
(b) The last time I had to miss any match was two years before.
(c) The last time I had missed any match was two years ago.
(d) The last time, two years ago, I missed a match.
Answer: (a) The last time I missed the match was two years ago.
6. Sukesh is the fastest runner in the relay team. (Use: fast)
(a) No other runner, in the relay team, is as fast as Sukesh.
(b) No runner is as fast as Sukesh, in the relay team.
(c) No runner can be fast as Sukesh in the relay team.
(d) No runner is fast as Sukesh in the relay team.
Answer: (a) No other runner, in the relay team, is as fast as Sukesh.
7. They ought to show respect to their teachers. (Begin with: Their teachers …)
(a) Their teachers should be shown respect by them.
(b) Their teachers must be respected by them.
(c) Their teachers ought to be respected by them.
(d) Their teachers have to be respected by them.
Answer: (c) Their teachers ought to be respected by them.
8. As one grows older, one becomes wiser. (Begin with: The older …)
(a) The older becomes wiser as one grows.
(b) The older one grows, the wiser one becomes.
(c) The older one grow, the wiser one become.
(d) The older one grows one becomes the wiser.
Answer: (b) The older one grows, the wiser one becomes.
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