Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 14: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Transformation of Sentences, Argumentative Composition, Selective Summary, Test Paper 14. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Transformation of Sentences
Assignment
I. Rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. Change only enough to do what you are asked and make a correct sentence. Do not alter the meaning. You have to make your sentence say the same thing in a different way.
1. The mangoes are so costly that you cannot buy them.
Begin: The mangoes are too costly …
Answer: The mangoes are too costly to buy.
Explanation: Think of “so…that” and “too…to” as two different ways to talk about a problem. “The mangoes are so costly that you cannot buy them” is a long way of saying the price is a problem. “The mangoes are too costly to buy” is a shorter, quicker way to say the exact same thing. It’s like saying “The soup is so hot that I can’t eat it” is the same as “The soup is too hot to eat.”
2. Mona was too poor to pay her school fees.
Begin: Mona was so poor …
Answer: Mona was so poor that she could not pay her school fees.
Explanation: This is the opposite of the first question. We are changing the short way (“too poor”) into the long way (“so poor that…”). Because the sentence talks about the past (“was poor”), we have to say she “could not” pay her fees in the past. If the sentence was about now (“Mona is too poor…”), we would say she “cannot” pay.
3. The girl is too ill to come to school.
Begin: The girl is so ill …
Answer: The girl is so ill that she cannot come to school.
Explanation: Just like with Mona, we are changing the short phrase “too ill” into the longer explanation “so ill that…”. The sentence is happening now (“the girl is ill”), so we use the word “cannot” to show that she is unable to come to school right now.
4. An honest man is trusted by all.
Begin: All …
Answer: All trust an honest man.
Explanation: The first sentence is “passive.” It means the honest man isn’t doing anything; the action of trusting is happening to him. The new sentence is “active.” It means “All” people are the ones doing the action of trusting. It’s like changing “The cookie was eaten by me” (passive) to “I ate the cookie” (active). We are just changing who the star of the sentence is.
5. One should respect one’s parents.
Begin: Parents …
Answer: Parents should be respected.
Explanation: This is the opposite of the last question. We are changing from active to passive. The first sentence says “One” (meaning everyone) should do the action of respecting. The new sentence makes “Parents” the star. It focuses on what should happen to them. They “should be respected.” We don’t need to say “by one” because it’s understood that everyone should do it.
6. The criminal will be arrested.
End: … the criminal.
Answer: The police will arrest the criminal.
Explanation: The first sentence is passive and a little mysterious because it doesn’t say who will arrest the criminal. To make the sentence active, we have to name the person or group doing the action. Who usually arrests criminals? The police! So, we add “The police” at the beginning to make it a complete, active sentence.
7. I am not so rich as he is.
Begin: He is …
Answer: He is richer than I.
Explanation: Imagine you have 5 coins and your friend has 10. You could say, “I am not as rich as he is.” That’s one way to say it. Another way is to start with your friend and say, “He is richer than I am.” Both sentences mean the same thing: he has more money than you. We are just changing the way we compare.
8. Who can forget those happy days?
Begin: No one …
Answer: No one can forget those happy days.
Explanation: Sometimes, we ask a question when we already know the answer is “nobody.” This is called a rhetorical question. If someone asks, “Who can fly to the moon by flapping their arms?” they are really saying, “Nobody can fly to the moon by flapping their arms.” So, “Who can forget those happy days?” is a strong way of making the statement, “No one can forget those happy days.”
9. Their attitude surprised us.
Begin: We …
Answer: We were surprised by their attitude.
Explanation: This is another change from an active sentence to a passive one. In the first sentence, the “attitude” is the thing doing the surprising. In the new sentence, “We” are the ones who received the surprise. So we start with “We” and say what happened to us: “We were surprised.” Then we explain what caused it: “by their attitude.”
10. Shimla is cooler than Dehradun.
Begin: Dehradun is …
Answer: Dehradun is not as cool as Shimla.
Explanation: If a big brother is taller than his little brother, it also means the little brother is “not as tall as” the big brother. It’s the same idea here. If Shimla is cooler than Dehradun, it means Dehradun is “not as cool as” Shimla. We are saying the same fact but from the other city’s point of view.
11. Very few towns are as big as Lucknow.
Begin: Lucknow is …
Answer: Lucknow is one of the biggest towns.
Explanation: When we say “very few towns are as big as Lucknow,” we mean that Lucknow is in a special, small group of the biggest towns. It’s not the only big town, but it’s definitely at the top. So, a good way to say this is, “Lucknow is one of the biggest towns.”
12. Australia is the smallest continent.
End: … as small as Australia.
Answer: No other continent is as small as Australia.
Explanation: If Australia is the number one smallest continent, it means if you check every other continent, none of them will be as small. So, to say the same thing in a different way, we can state that “No other continent is as small as Australia.”
13. He was dismissed for negligence. (Use negligent instead of negligence)
Answer: He was dismissed because he was negligent.
Explanation: The word “negligence” is a noun; it’s the name of the quality of being careless. The word “negligent” is an adjective; it’s a word you use to describe someone who is careless. The first sentence says he was fired for the thing called negligence. The new sentence says he was fired because he was a negligent person. The meaning is exactly the same.
14. The rats gave us a lot of trouble. (Use troublesome instead of trouble)
Answer: The rats were very troublesome.
Explanation: “Trouble” is a noun, the name of the problem. “Troublesome” is an adjective, a word that describes something that causes trouble. If the rats gave you trouble, it means the rats themselves were troublesome. It’s like saying “That clown gave me a laugh” is another way of saying “That clown was funny.”
Argumentative Composition
Assignment
1. Give your arguments for or against animals being used in public and street performances.
Answer: Use of Animals in Public and Street Performances
The practice of using animals for public and street performances has been a form of entertainment for centuries. From dancing bears to circus elephants, these spectacles have drawn crowds and generated income. However, a closer examination reveals that this tradition is built upon a foundation of cruelty and exploitation that has no place in a modern, compassionate society. The use of animals in such performances is ethically wrong, dangerous to the public, and teaches a disrespectful lesson about the natural world.
The primary argument against this practice is the immense suffering inflicted upon the animals. The tricks they are forced to perform are unnatural and often painful. Training methods frequently involve physical punishment, fear, and food deprivation to break an animal’s spirit and force compliance. Behind the scenes, these animals are denied everything that is natural to them. They are confined to small, barren cages, transported over long distances in stressful conditions, and deprived of social interaction with their own kind. This constant stress and lack of a proper environment lead to severe physical and psychological problems, a far cry from the happy performers they are portrayed to be.
Furthermore, using wild animals for entertainment poses a significant risk to public safety. These animals, no matter how well-trained, retain their wild instincts. There have been numerous incidents worldwide where animals have escaped or attacked their handlers and members of the audience, resulting in serious injury or death. Bringing potentially dangerous animals into close contact with crowds, especially children, is an irresponsible act that prioritizes profit over human safety. No amount of entertainment can justify this avoidable danger.
Finally, the claim that these performances are educational is fundamentally flawed. Watching a bear ride a bicycle or an elephant balance on a ball does not teach an audience anything meaningful about the animal’s natural behaviour or habitat. Instead, it presents a distorted and demeaning caricature of these magnificent creatures, encouraging the view that they are mere objects for our amusement. True education and appreciation for wildlife come from observing animals in their natural settings or in reputable sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare, not from watching them perform demeaning stunts.
In conclusion, the use of animals in public and street performances is an outdated practice that should be condemned. It is a source of great suffering for the animals, a threat to public safety, and a poor form of education. As a society that values compassion and respect for all living beings, we must turn away from such cruel forms of entertainment and support alternatives that do not rely on the exploitation of animals.
2. “There is no such thing as equality between the sexes.” Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: The Myth of Gender Equality
The assertion that equality between the sexes can be achieved is a noble ideal, but it remains a distant and perhaps unattainable goal. The fundamental biological, psychological, and historical differences between men and women create distinct realities that cannot be erased by laws or social movements. To argue that there is no such thing as true equality is not to advocate for injustice, but to acknowledge the inherent and unchangeable distinctions that define the sexes.
First, biological differences are undeniable. On average, men possess greater physical strength and size, a reality that has shaped human societies for millennia. Historically, this led to a division of labour where men took on roles requiring physical prowess, such as hunting and defence, while women were primarily responsible for child-rearing and managing the domestic sphere. While modern society has reduced the importance of physical strength in many professions, these deep-seated biological realities continue to influence career choices and societal expectations. The physical demands of certain jobs, such as frontline combat or heavy construction, remain better suited to the male physique, creating a natural imbalance.
Furthermore, the psychological and emotional make-up of men and women often differs. General studies have pointed to tendencies where men are more risk-taking and competitive, while women may be more nurturing and collaborative. These are not stereotypes but observable patterns that can influence everything from career paths to leadership styles. To enforce a rigid model of equality that ignores these natural inclinations is to work against human nature itself. The goal should not be to make men and women the same, but to value their distinct contributions. The fact that certain professions are dominated by one gender may not be a sign of discrimination, but a reflection of different interests and aptitudes.
Finally, the very concept of equality is often misunderstood. If equality means identical outcomes, then it is an impossible standard. Men and women will continue to make different life choices based on their priorities, which are often shaped by their gender. For instance, the biological reality of childbirth means that women will always have a unique relationship with family life. Many women may choose to prioritize family over career for a period, a choice that inevitably affects their professional trajectory compared to their male counterparts. This is not a failure of equality, but a consequence of different life paths. Therefore, while society must strive for equal opportunity and rights, the notion of a world where men and women achieve identical results in all fields is a fiction. The differences are too profound, and to ignore them is to deny the very nature of what it means to be male or female.
3. Science is a good servant, but a bad master. Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Science: A Good Servant, but a Bad Master
The progress of human civilization is inextricably linked to the advancements of science. From the invention of the wheel to the exploration of space, science has been the engine of change, transforming our world in countless ways. It has provided us with tools and knowledge that have made our lives longer, healthier, and more comfortable. However, this immense power comes with a great responsibility. The age-old saying, “Science is a good servant, but a bad master,” perfectly captures this duality. I firmly believe that this statement holds true, as the direction of scientific progress, whether for construction or destruction, ultimately depends on the hands that wield it.
When humanity directs science with wisdom and for the welfare of all, it acts as the most obedient and efficient servant. In the field of medicine, scientific breakthroughs have eradicated diseases like smallpox, developed vaccines that save millions of lives, and created surgical techniques that were once unimaginable. Our life expectancy has nearly doubled over the last century, thanks to better sanitation, nutrition, and healthcare, all products of scientific inquiry. In communication, science has connected the globe, allowing instant interaction across continents. Agriculture has been revolutionized, enabling us to feed a growing global population. In every sphere of life, from the electricity that powers our homes to the transport that carries us across vast distances, science serves us dutifully, reducing labour and increasing comfort.
However, when we allow the pursuit of scientific power to go unchecked by moral and ethical considerations, science transforms from a helpful servant into a destructive master. The most terrifying example of this is the development of weapons of mass destruction. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki demonstrated the catastrophic potential of uncontrolled scientific knowledge, capable of annihilating entire cities in moments. The ongoing threat of nuclear warfare, biological weapons, and autonomous military drones shows how science, as a master, can hold humanity hostage to fear and destruction. Furthermore, the industrial revolution, powered by scientific innovation, has led to widespread pollution, deforestation, and climate change, threatening the very planet we inhabit. When profit and power become the primary drivers of technology, science masters us, leading us down a path of self-destruction.
Some may argue that science itself is neutral; it is merely a tool, and it is the user who is either good or evil. While it is true that science is a body of knowledge, its application is inseparable from human intent. The problem arises when humanity becomes so enthralled by its own creations that it loses control. We become slaves to the very technology designed to serve us. The addiction to social media, the erosion of privacy, and the potential for genetic manipulation without ethical oversight are all instances where science begins to dictate the terms of human existence. The relentless drive for ‘progress’ for its own sake, without questioning its consequences, is the very definition of allowing science to become the master.
The key to our future lies in our ability to manage this powerful force. We must remain the masters of our scientific creations, guiding them with a strong ethical compass and a clear vision for the betterment of humanity. Education, critical thinking, and global cooperation are essential to ensure that science continues to serve our best interests. We must harness its incredible potential to solve pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and disease, while consciously steering away from its destructive capabilities. Science should always be a tool in our hands, used to build a better world, never the force that dictates our fate. We must ensure it remains our faithful servant and never becomes our tyrannical master.
Selective Summary
Assignment
Read the following passage and in not more than 30 words of your own, summarise the advantages of gold.
Gold is heavier than lead, but it can be hammered so thin that light could pass through it. An ounce of pure gold is not much bigger than a lump of sugar (it measures precisely 1.579 cubic centimetres), but it can be drawn out into a wire, 50 miles long.
Nothing—well, almost nothing—can destroy gold. Coins dredged from the seabed off Florida were glittering after 250 years in salt water. Tutankhamun’s death mask is still untarnished after 34 centuries.
Not so long ago, national wealth across the world was calculated on the quantity of gold each country possessed, and practically, all the gold that was dug up and purified was immediately melted into bars and buried again in impregnable vaults.
About 1,000 tons of gold a year—roughly 75 per cent of all gold used—goes into jewellery. There it is mixed with other metals, for despite the extraordinary indestructibility of gold, it is much too soft to be used on its own. A wedding ring in pure gold would never keep its shape; small quantities of silver, or copper, or nickel, may be alloyed with it.
Answer: Gold is highly malleable, ductile, and almost indestructible, making it valuable for jewellery. It is also used as a measure of national wealth.
Test Paper – 14
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 short story which begins with a misunderstanding and ends with a friendship.
Answer: Breaking Misunderstandings
My new neighbour, Sameer, was a mystery I was determined to solve. Every time I waved a cheerful “Good morning!” as he left for work, he would walk past without a flicker of acknowledgement. His face remained a stoic mask, his eyes fixed straight ahead. I concluded he was arrogant and unfriendly. My frustration grew when, most evenings, loud, thumping music would vibrate through my walls from his apartment. My polite knocks on his door went unanswered, and the notes I left were ignored. “What a rude and inconsiderate person,” I fumed to myself, convinced he was doing it on purpose.
The turning point came on a stormy Saturday. My kitten, Leo, terrified by a clap of thunder, darted out the open door and scrambled up the large tree in Sameer’s backyard. I called for him, but he only climbed higher, mewing pitifully. Panicked, I had no choice but to seek help from my reclusive neighbour. I banged on his door, and when he finally opened it, I launched into a frantic explanation.
To my surprise, Sameer’s expression softened instantly. He gestured for me to wait and returned with a ladder. He didn’t say a word, but his actions were swift and confident. As he carefully climbed up and coaxed Leo down, I noticed the small hearing aids tucked behind his ears. When he was safely back on the ground, handing a trembling Leo to me, he spoke for the first time. His voice was quiet. “I’m sorry about the music. I am partially deaf and often don’t realise how loud it is. I feel the vibrations.”
A wave of shame washed over me. All my assumptions, my anger, had been based on a complete misunderstanding. I apologised for my judgment, and he simply smiled. That afternoon, we shared a cup of tea, and I learned that his silence was not arrogance but a quiet shyness. We discovered a shared love for old films and gardening. The wall of misunderstanding had crumbled, and in its place, the foundation of a new friendship was being laid, all thanks to a scared kitten and a stormy afternoon.
(ii) Narrate an incident when you experienced rejection. Also state what you learnt from it.
Answer: Lessons from Rejection
The notice board was a swarm of anxious students, and I pushed my way through, my heart thumping with anticipation. For weeks, I had lived and breathed for the school debate team tryouts. I had researched topics, practiced my speeches in front of the mirror until my voice was hoarse, and walked into the audition room feeling confident and prepared. I had argued passionately, countered points logically, and left feeling certain I had secured a spot. My eyes scanned the list of selected names, once, twice, then a third time. My name wasn’t there.
A cold, heavy feeling settled in my stomach. It felt like a physical blow. Watching my friends, who had made the team, congratulate each other, I felt a sting of envy and embarrassment. I slipped away from the crowd, wanting to be alone. The rejection felt deeply personal, a verdict that I simply wasn’t good enough. For the next few days, I was quiet and withdrawn, replaying my speech in my head, trying to pinpoint the exact moment I had failed.
After wallowing in self-pity for a week, I mustered the courage to approach Mr. Das, the teacher in charge. I nervously asked for feedback. He was kind and explained that while my content was strong, my delivery was overly aggressive, and I had failed to listen to and respectfully acknowledge my opponent’s arguments. It was a humbling moment. I had been so focused on winning that I had forgotten the essence of a good debate: a respectful exchange of ideas.
That rejection was one of the most valuable lessons of my school life. I learned that failure is not a final destination but a redirection. It taught me the importance of seeking constructive criticism and the grace to accept it. I realised that talent isn’t enough; it needs to be refined with humility and a willingness to learn from mistakes. The experience didn’t crush my spirit; instead, it ignited a new determination. I joined a public speaking club outside of school, worked on my weaknesses, and learned that true growth often begins at the point of rejection.
(iii) ‘Democracy without education is a failure.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Democracy without education is a failure
Democracy, in its truest sense, is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. However, this noble ideal rests on a fragile foundation: the wisdom of its citizenry. I firmly believe that without education, this foundation crumbles, rendering democracy a hollow and dangerous failure. Education is not merely about literacy; it is the tool that empowers individuals to become active, informed, and responsible participants in the democratic process.
Firstly, an educated electorate is essential for making informed decisions. In a democracy, citizens are tasked with the monumental responsibility of choosing their leaders. This requires the ability to understand complex socio-economic issues, analyse manifestos, and see through the deceptive rhetoric of populist demagogues. An uneducated populace is vulnerable to manipulation, propaganda, and emotional appeals that prey on ignorance and prejudice. They may vote based on caste, religion, or empty promises, inadvertently electing incompetent or corrupt leaders who undermine the very institutions of democracy.
Secondly, education makes citizens aware of their rights and responsibilities. It is through education that people learn about the constitution, the rule of law, and their fundamental freedoms. This awareness is the first line of defence against tyranny and injustice. An educated public is more likely to hold its leaders accountable, question authority, and participate in civic discourse. Without this knowledge, rights can be easily eroded, and citizens can become passive subjects rather than active sovereigns.
Finally, education fosters the values of tolerance, critical thinking, and respect for diversity, which are the lifeblood of a pluralistic democracy. It broadens horizons and teaches people to engage with differing viewpoints constructively. In contrast, ignorance breeds fear, intolerance, and division, creating fertile ground for conflicts that can tear the social fabric apart.
(iv) ‘A dream is not what you experience in your sleep. A dream is that which does not let you sleep.’ Describe an incident to prove the truth of this statement.
Answer: The Dream That Wouldn’t Let Me Sleep
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words, “A dream is not what you experience in your sleep. A dream is that which does not let you sleep,” perfectly capture the essence of my final year engineering project. My dream wasn’t a fleeting fantasy; it was a tangible goal: to design and build a low-cost, solar-powered water purifier for the rural communities near my town, where clean drinking water was a luxury. This idea took root in my mind and became an all-consuming passion.
Sleep became a distant memory. My nights were not for rest but for relentless work. My small dorm room transformed into a chaotic laboratory, littered with circuit boards, PVC pipes, UV lamps, and countless scribbled diagrams. While my friends were out socialising or sleeping, I was hunched over my desk, wrestling with Ohm’s law, debugging code, and trying to maximise the efficiency of the solar panels. The project was a constant companion; I would wake up in the middle of the night with a potential solution to a problem and rush to my desk to try it out before the idea vanished.
There was one particular week when I almost gave up. The filtration system kept clogging, and the power output from the solar cells was frustratingly inconsistent. For three consecutive days, I barely slept, surviving on coffee and sheer willpower. Every test failed. Exhausted and disheartened, I stared at the useless contraption at 3 a.m., feeling like a complete failure. But the image of the villagers I had met during my initial survey, their hope-filled eyes, flashed in my mind. That image was the fuel. It would not let me sleep; it would not let me quit.
I went back to the drawing board, and in the quiet solitude of that pre-dawn hour, the solution came to me—a simple, mechanical change to the valve system. The next day, it worked. The feeling of watching that first litre of clean, purified water trickle out of the machine was a joy far greater than any rest could provide. The months of sleepless nights had not been a sacrifice; they were the price of admission for turning a dream into reality. My project won the top prize at the university exhibition, but the real victory was knowing that my dream, the one that had kept me awake for so long, would soon bring clean water to those who needed it most.
(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: From Wreckage to Rescue
The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks was a familiar lullaby, carrying me closer to home with every mile. I gazed out of the window at the green fields blurring past, a gentle smile on my face as I thought of my mother’s cooking and my father’s warm embrace. The carriage was a microcosm of life—a child laughing, an old couple sharing a newspaper, students engrossed in their books. It was a scene of perfect, mundane peace. And then, in an instant, that peace was shattered.
It began with a violent, bone-jarring jolt that threw me from my seat. The soothing clatter was replaced by a deafening screech of tortured metal, the sound of a giant tearing the world apart. The lights went out, plunging us into a terrifying darkness punctuated by the sound of shattering glass and human screams. My world tumbled, a chaotic nightmare of twisting steel and falling luggage. Then, a final, crushing impact, and silence.
When I regained consciousness, it was to a scene from hell. I was pinned under a bent seat, my leg throbbing with a searing pain. Dust and smoke hung thick in the air, catching the faint light filtering through a gaping hole in the side of our carriage, which now lay on its side like a fallen beast. The carriage was a mangled wreck, a twisted skeleton of its former self. I could see the sky through what was once the roof. All around me were the moans of the injured and a dreadful, unnerving stillness from others.
Time lost all meaning until I heard the distant wail of sirens, a sound of hope in the midst of despair. Soon, the site was swarming with rescue workers. Their shouts and the beams of their torches cut through the gloom. I watched, dazed, as a massive yellow crane, a mechanical saviour, loomed over our wrecked coach. Its powerful arm reached down, and with a groan of protesting metal, it began to lift a piece of the roof, peeling back the steel tomb to let life in. It was a symbol of both the immense scale of the destruction and the incredible human will to save, to help, to heal. As a rescuer finally reached me, pulling me from the wreckage into the light, I took a gasping breath, grateful for the noise, the chaos, and the chance to live another day.
Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select any one of the following:
(i) Write a letter to the Director of a popular television channel complaining about the quality of the programmes being telecast. Suggest ways to improve the programmes.
Answer:
15, Park Avenue
Kolkata – 700016
18th July 2023
The Director
Star Entertainment Channel
Andheri (East)
Mumbai – 400093
Subject: Complaint regarding the quality of television programmes and suggestions for improvement.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a regular viewer of your esteemed channel and have always appreciated the content you provide. However, I am writing this letter to express my deep disappointment with the deteriorating quality of the programmes being telecast recently.
Many of the current shows, especially the daily soaps, seem to have repetitive plots and often promote regressive ideas. The reality shows, which are meant for family viewing, are frequently filled with unnecessary conflicts and sensationalism, which is not suitable for all age groups. There is also a noticeable lack of educational and informative content that could benefit younger audiences.
I would like to suggest a few changes that could greatly enhance the quality of your programming. Introducing more shows based on science, history, and literature would be a welcome change. Documentaries on Indian culture and wildlife could be both entertaining and enlightening. Furthermore, airing more family-oriented comedies and dramas that impart positive values would be greatly appreciated by viewers like myself.
I hope you will consider my suggestions and take the necessary steps to restore the high standards your channel was once known for.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
(ii) You have to go to your grandfather’s house in another state. You need someone to look after your pet at home. Write a letter to your cousin requesting him/her to do this favour to you. Give him/her necessary information about your pet and its habits.
Answer:
Flat 2B, Sunshine Apartments
Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
18th July 2023
Dear Sameer,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. How are aunt and uncle? It’s been a while since we last met, and I was thinking of you the other day.
I am writing to you for a special favour. I have to visit my grandfather in Kerala for two weeks, from the 1st to the 15th of August. As you know, I have a pet Labrador, Bruno, and I cannot take him with me. I was wondering if you would be able to look after him while I am away. I know how much you love dogs, and Bruno is very fond of you too.
He is a very well-behaved dog. He needs to be fed twice a day; his dog food is kept in the kitchen cabinet. He loves his morning and evening walks in the nearby park. He usually sleeps in his basket in the living room. He is very friendly but tends to get a little scared during thunderstorms, so a little company would be great for him then. I will leave the vet’s number on the fridge, just in case of an emergency.
Please let me know if this is possible for you. I would be extremely grateful. We can talk more about this over the phone.
Give my regards to everyone at home.
Yours lovingly,
Aditya
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising a ‘Book Fair’ on the occasion of World Book Day, where a number of publishers would display their books. Write a notice to be put up in your school informing students about the event and inviting them to visit the Book Fair.
Answer:
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
NOTICE
15th April, 2024
BOOK FAIR ON WORLD BOOK DAY
This is to inform all students that the school is organising a ‘Book Fair’ on the occasion of World Book Day. A number of leading publishers will be displaying a wide variety of books.
The details of the event are as follows:
Date: 23rd April, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: School Auditorium
All students are encouraged to visit the fair to explore the vast world of literature and enrich their knowledge.
Anjali Singh
(Head Girl)
(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school requesting him/her to visit the Book Fair along with the students and teachers of his/her school.
Answer:
To: principal.sunshineacademy@email.com
From: principal.greenwoodhigh@email.com
Subject: Invitation to Visit the Annual Book Fair
Dear Principal,
Our school, Greenwood High School, is pleased to announce that we are organising a ‘Book Fair’ on the occasion of World Book Day on 23rd April, 2024. The fair will be held in our school auditorium from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The event will feature a wide collection of books from various publishers, catering to the interests of students across all age groups. It is an initiative to foster a love for reading among students.
We would be honoured to have the students and teachers of your esteemed institution visit the Book Fair. Their presence would greatly encourage our students and contribute to the success of the event.
We look forward to welcoming you and your school community.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
S. Vijay
Principal,
Greenwood High School
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
I was in seventh heaven: I had just been made a cashier! But I was rejoicing over the promotion and the slight increase in salary, nothing more. And I was happy for another reason: on becoming a cashier I suddenly felt as if I were wearing rose-coloured glasses. Everything appeared to have changed. The ugly became beautiful, the wicked, good; the miserly, generous.
On the day of my promotion, even Z. N. Kazusov changed. He was a member of the Board of Directors, a haughty arrogant man, who always ignored me, as the small fry. He approached me and invited me to visit his family.
On returning home that same day I was astounded: Mama served me not the usual two courses at dinner, but four! For tea in the evening there was jam and white bread. Papa ordered a fur coat, bought a new cap, took a mineral-water cure, and began to eat grapes—in winter! Within a few days I received a letter from my brother, who till now could not endure me. In his letter he now wrote: “Dear brother, I love you. Within a week I received a telegram: “Thanks. Happy. Send hundred rubles. Most urgent. Embrace you. Yevlampy.” I sent the hundred rubles.
A week before the arrest it was suggested that I give a party. What the devil, let them guzzle and gorge, if that is what they want! All those who were shouting and praising me, were whispering behind my back. I saw their smiles and heard their sighs. “He stole it, the crook!” they whispered, grinning maliciously. But their sighing and smirking did not prevent them from eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves. My wife, flashing gold and diamonds, came up to me and whispered: “They are saying that you stole the money. If it is true, I warn you, I cannot go on living with a thief. I will leave!” My brother took some money from me. “If what they are whispering about you is true,” said my ethical brother, as he pocketed the money, “watch out! I will not be brother to a thief!”
After the party I drove them all to the country in a troika. We finished up at six in the morning, and, as they started off for home, cried out in farewell: “Inspection tomorrow! Thanks!”
My dear ladies and gentlemen, I got caught; or, to state it more fully: yesterday I was respected and honoured on all sides; today I am a scoundrel and a thief….”
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. astounded (line 9)
(a) awakened
(b) surprised
(c) pushed
(d) aroused
Answer: (b) surprised
2. endure (line 13)
(a) help
(b) neglect
(c) bear
(d) hate
Answer: (c) bear
(ii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘nibble’?
(a) increase
(b) wicked
(c) gorge
(d) guzzle
Answer: (c) gorge
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Give two of the immediate consequences of the narrator’s promotion.
Answer: Two immediate consequences of the narrator’s promotion were that Z. N. Kazusov, a haughty director who had previously ignored him, invited him to his home, and his mother prepared a special four-course meal for him instead of the usual two.
(b) What type of a man was Z.N. Kazusov? How did his attitude towards the narrator change on the day the narrator got promoted?
Answer: Z.N. Kazusov was a haughty and arrogant man who, as a member of the Board of Directors, always ignored the narrator. On the day of the narrator’s promotion, his attitude changed completely; he approached the narrator and invited him to visit his family.
(c) How did the narrator’s mother react to his promotion?
Answer: The narrator’s mother reacted to his promotion with delight by preparing a celebratory meal. She served him four courses for dinner instead of the usual two, and also provided jam and white bread for tea in the evening.
(d) What did the narrator’s brother write to him? How did the brother’s greeting show his self-interest?
Answer: The narrator’s brother first wrote a letter saying, “Dear brother, I love you.” This greeting showed his self-interest because he had previously been unable to endure the narrator, and this sudden affection was immediately followed by a telegram asking for one hundred rubles urgently.
(e) What did the narrator realise at the end of the passage?
Answer: At the end of the passage, the narrator realised that the respect and honour he received from everyone were superficial and entirely dependent on his position and wealth. The moment he was “caught” and lost his status, he was instantly branded a “scoundrel and a thief” by the same people who had praised him.
(iv) State the attitude of the guests and the narrator’s wife at the party. Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: The guests’ attitude was hypocritical; they praised the narrator to his face while maliciously whispering behind his back that he was a thief, yet they continued to enjoy his hospitality. His wife’s attitude was conditional and materialistic, as she threatened to leave him if the rumors were true.
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) knocked
It was John Stuart Mill who 0 (knock) at the door of Thomas Carlyle’s house that morning. Carlyle 1 (give) the manuscript of his monumental History of the French Revolution, to Mill for his suggestions. Mill’s housemaid had used it ignorantly to start a fire.
When Carlyle heard the news his head 2 (begin) to spin. His life’s work which he had done 3 (live) in poverty, 4 (toil) at it for years was now in ashes. And with the 5 (happy) of completed work, he had destroyed all his notes. The shock drained away all of Carlyle’s enthusiasm. He would not write any more.
A few days later, he 6 (look) out of his of window when he noticed a group of bricklayers 7 (erect) the walls of a new building. Brick upon brick, row upon row, they made the building rise.
That was the 8 (encourage) Carlyle needed. He took up his pen and recalled and rewrote word for word, sentence for sentence, page by page, the work that won him an eminent place in literary history.
Answers:
- had given
- began
- living
- toiling
- happiness
- was looking
- erecting
- encouragement
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) A Cabinet Minister is a Minister of State …………………… rank.
(b) Owing …………………… cloudy weather, all the flights were delayed.
(c) The labourer put the ladder …………………… the wall.
(d) Your request is …………………… consideration.
(e) She placed a blanket …………………… her child.
(f) Reema’s honesty is …………………… suspicion.
(g) It is not easy to part …………………… your friends.
(h) We were moved …………………… tears when we heard her pathetic story.
Answer:
(a) A Cabinet Minister is a Minister of State of Cabinet rank.
(b) Owing to cloudy weather, all the flights were delayed.
(c) The labourer put the ladder against the wall.
(d) Your request is under consideration.
(e) She placed a blanket over her child.
(f) Reema’s honesty is above suspicion.
(g) It is not easy to part from your friends.
(h) We were moved to tears when we heard her pathetic story.
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. Give them all the money. They will still be dissatisfied.
(a) Given all the money, they have to be dissatisfied.
(b) After the money given, they will yet be dissatisfied.
(c) They will be dissatisfied even if they are given all the money.
(d) All the money having given to them, they are still dissatisfied.
Answer: (c) They will be dissatisfied even if they are given all the money.
2. That teacher is quite old now. He cannot be offered the Principal’s job.
(a) The teacher who is old enough to be offered the Principal’s job.
(b) That teacher is quite old now for to be offered the Principal’s job.
(c) That teacher is too old to be offered the Principal’s job.
(d) The teacher is too old now to be offered the Principal’s job.
Answer: (c) That teacher is too old to be offered the Principal’s job.
3. Our park has become very dirty. It must be cleaned.
(a) When our park has become very dirty, it must be cleaned.
(b) Since our park has become very dirty, it must be cleaned.
(c) Howsoever our park has become very dirty, it must be cleaned.
(d) Unless our park has become very dirty, it must be cleaned.
Answer: (b) Since our park has become very dirty, it must be cleaned.
4. You are suggesting something. Tell me that.
(a) Tell me what you are suggesting.
(b) Tell me what are you suggesting.
(c) Tell me that are you suggesting something.
(d) Tell me what something you are suggesting.
Answer: (a) Tell me what you are suggesting.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. Do not be greedy and you will be happy. (Begin with: If…)
(a) If you are greedy, you will not be happy.
(b) If you want to be happy you should be greedy.
(c) If you have to be happy you may not be greedy.
(d) If you must be greedy you will not be happy.
Answer: (a) If you are greedy, you will not be happy.
2. He is not only a good orator, but also an excellent actor. (Begin with: Besides being…)
(a) Besides being an excellent actor, he is also a good orator.
(b) Besides being the good orator he is, he is also an excellent actor.
(c) Besides being a good orator, he is an excellent actor.
(d) Besides being that of a good orator, he is an excellent actor.
Answer: (c) Besides being a good orator, he is an excellent actor.
3. To answer all the questions in the examination is prudent. (Begin with: It…)
(a) It is prudent to answer all the questions in the examination.
(b) It is prudent to answer all the questions in the examination.
(c) It is prudence to answer all the questions at the examination.
(d) It is prudence so as to answer all the questions in the examination.
Answer: (a) It is prudent to answer all the questions in the examination.
4. “I may never meet you here again,” he whispered to Diana. (Begin with: He whispered to Diana that…)
(a) He whispered to Diana that he might never meet her there again.
(b) He whispered to Diana that I may never meet you there again.
(c) He whispered to Diana that I would never meet her there again.
(d) He whispered to Diana that he would never meet her there again.
Answer: (a) He whispered to Diana that he might never meet her there again.
5. I believe that he is innocent. (Use: innocence)
(a) I believe of his innocence.
(b) I believe in his innocence.
(c) I believe in his innocence.
(d) It is my belief in his innocence.
Answer: (b) I believe in his innocence.
6. Mira’s mother had given her ₹1000. (Begin with: Mira had…)
(a) Mira had have been given ₹1000 by her mother.
(b) Mira had been given ₹1000 by her mother.
(c) Mira had though been given ₹1000 by her mother.
(d) Mira had once being given ₹1000 by her mother.
Answer: (b) Mira had been given ₹1000 by her mother.
7. He could never have imagined that he would become famous. (Begin with: Never…)
(a) Never ever did he imagine that he would become famous.
(b) Never did he imagine that he would become famous.
(c) Neverdid he imagine if he would become famous.
(d) Never did he imagined when he would become famous.
Answer: (b) Never did he imagine that he would become famous.
8. I sleep later than my mother does. (End: …I do)
(a) My mother stays up before I do.
(b) My mother goes to sleep earlier than I do.
(c) My mother sleeps before I do.
(d) My mother does sleep later than I do.
Answer: (b) My mother goes to sleep earlier than I do.
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