Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 4: ISE Class 12 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Agreement of the Verb with the Subject , Comprehension Skills, Prepositions, and Specimen Paper-4. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Agreement of the Verb with the Subject
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the verb:
1. The quality of pens………..good (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “quality,” which is singular. Even though “pens” is plural, it is part of a prepositional phrase (“of pens”) that modifies the singular subject. Therefore, the verb must agree with “quality,” and the correct form is “is.”
2. A white and a black cow……..grazing in the field (is/are).
Answer: are
Explanation: The subject consists of two distinct entities, “a white cow” and “a black cow,” connected by “and,” which makes it plural. Hence, the plural verb “are” is used.
3. Namrata, as well as her friends….. present (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “Namrata,” which is singular. The phrase “as well as her friends” is parenthetical and does not change the subject from singular to plural. Therefore, the correct verb is “is.”
4. Each of these minerals ……….. found in India (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: The subject “each” is always singular, even if it refers to multiple items. Consequently, the verb must also be singular, making “is” the correct choice.
5. The chief with all his men………..killed (was/were).
Answer: was
Explanation: The main subject is “The chief,” which is singular. The prepositional phrase “with all his men” does not affect the number of the subject. Therefore, the verb “was” agrees with the singular subject.
6. The committee………..elected its president. (has/have).
Answer: has
Explanation: In this context, “committee” is treated as a singular collective noun because it acts as a single entity performing the action of electing. Thus, the singular verb “has” is correct.
7. He is one of the greatest leaders that ……….. ever lived (has/have).
Answer: have
Explanation: The relative pronoun “that” refers back to “leaders,” which is plural. Since the verb must agree with “leaders,” the plural verb “have” is correct.
8. The staff ………… poorly paid (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: “Staff” is treated as a singular collective noun in this context, representing a group as a whole. Therefore, the singular verb “is” is used.
9. Ten thousand rupees ……….. a big sum (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: When a specific amount of money is mentioned, it is considered a singular entity. Hence, “is” is the correct form.
10. The dancer and singer ………. arrived (has/have).
Answer: has
Explanation: In this sentence, “The dancer and singer” refers to a single person who is both a dancer and a singer. Therefore, the singular verb “has” is used.
15. Eight furlongs………..equal to a mile (is/are).
Answer: is
Explanation: Measurements, such as “eight furlongs,” are treated as singular when they refer to a single unit or concept. Therefore, the singular verb “is” is used.
Prepositions
Fill in the blanks using appropriate Prepositions:
1. The oil spill in the bay has been set alight to burn ……… the oil.
Answer: off
Explanation: “Burn off” is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of burning something until it is gone. In this case, the oil is being burned away completely. For example, if you have extra gas on the stove, you might burn it off to clean the surface.
2. The fire burnt ……….. the National Museum.
Answer: down
Explanation: “Burn down” means to destroy a structure completely by fire. The phrase indicates that the entire building was destroyed. For instance, if a house catches fire and collapses, it is said to have burned down.
3. When I’m in Chicago I’ll look him …….
Answer: up
Explanation: “Look up” someone means to visit or contact them, often after some time apart. For example, if you reconnect with an old friend, you might say, “I’ll look you up when I’m in town.”
4. The police are looking ………… the case.
Answer: into
Explanation: “Look into” means to investigate or examine something closely. Police “look into” cases to find out details. For example, if someone loses their wallet, they might ask the police to look into the matter.
5. The burglar broke…….the house while I was at the movie.
Answer: into
Explanation: “Break into” means to enter a place illegally or by force. A burglar breaking into a house typically involves stealing something. For example, “The thief broke into the shop and stole money.”
6. The preacher broke ………….. in the middle of his speech.
Answer: off
Explanation: “Break off” means to stop suddenly. In this case, the preacher stopped speaking for some reason. For example, “She broke off her speech because of a loud noise.”
7. If you come…………..my purse please give it to me.
Answer: across
Explanation: “Come across” means to find something by chance. If you “come across” a lost item, you find it unexpectedly. For example, “I came across an old photo while cleaning my room.”
8. How did you come……………this rare photograph?
Answer: by
Explanation: “Come by” means to obtain something, often unexpectedly or with some effort. For example, “It’s hard to come by antique books these days.”
9. He dropped ……….. of school last year.
Answer: out
Explanation: “Drop out” means to quit or leave something, often school or college. For instance, “He dropped out of college to start his own business.”
10. Please try to drop ………… when you come to Delhi.
Answer: in
Explanation: “Drop in” means to visit someone casually or without prior notice. For example, “She dropped in on her friends while passing through the town.”
11. The thief got……..safely.
Answer: away
Explanation: “Get away” means to escape or leave without being caught. For instance, “The thief got away before the police arrived.”
12. Get ………… early and go for a walk daily.
Answer: up
Explanation: “Get up” means to rise from bed. For example, “I get up early every day to exercise.”
13. Please hold ……… for a moment, I’ll call my mother.
Answer: on
Explanation: “Hold on” means to wait or pause. It is often used when someone is asked to stay on the phone. For example, “Please hold on while I check something.”
14. There was an accident on the highway and traffic held me …………
Answer: up
Explanation: “Held up” means delayed or stopped. For instance, “I was held up by traffic and arrived late to the meeting.”
20. I won’t put …………with your irregular working habit.
Answer: up
Explanation: “Put up with” means to tolerate or endure something unpleasant. For example, “I can’t put up with loud music when I’m studying.
Specimen Paper-4
Question 1
Write a composition (in approximately 400-450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for orderly and coherent presentation of matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
(i) You had gone to a cinema hall to watch a futuristic movie which got you thinking of life in the future. Imagine you are living in the year 2050. Describe your life, your surroundings as well as your routines and schedules.
Life in 2050
The year is 2050, and the world around me is unrecognisable from what it was a few decades ago. I live in Pune, a bustling city that now has buildings reaching the clouds, covered in greenery to fight pollution. Vehicles no longer make noise or emit smoke. They run on clean energy and glide silently on magnetic roads. Drones deliver everything, from groceries to medicines, and robots assist in almost every household task.
My home is small but smart. Walls change colours with a tap, and every device is voice-controlled. I wake up at 6:30 a.m. to the soft sound of artificial birds chirping, programmed into my home’s central system. Breakfast is prepared by my robot assistant, Arohi, who ensures I eat healthy. Arohi reminds me of my day’s schedule as I get ready.
I work from home most days, as commuting is rare now. My office is virtual—a headset connects me to colleagues from across the globe. We meet in a digital space that looks like an office, but it’s all just in our minds. Work hours are shorter now, as machines handle most tasks. People focus on creativity and ideas.
Education has changed a lot too. My niece, Kavya, doesn’t go to a regular school. She attends virtual classes, where teachers appear as holograms. Exams are conducted using artificial intelligence, which ensures fairness. Students learn not just facts but also emotional and creative skills.
The streets outside are calm. People prefer staying indoors as virtual reality offers endless entertainment. However, parks and gardens remain popular for those seeking a break. Food is delivered instantly through a system that replicates dishes using molecular science. But I often miss the taste of traditional food cooked on a stove.
Healthcare is advanced now. Diseases like cancer and diabetes are no longer threats. A small chip implanted in our bodies monitors our health and alerts us if anything is wrong. Even aging has slowed down, thanks to medical breakthroughs.
Despite all the progress, I sometimes feel that life has become too controlled. Personal interactions are rare, and people seem distant. Everything is efficient but lacks warmth. I wonder if technology has taken away the small joys of life.
As I look at the stars from my balcony, I imagine what life might be like in 2100. Will we still live on Earth or move to other planets? The future holds many possibilities, but I hope we don’t lose the essence of being human.
(ii) You interviewed a famous person for your school magazine. Narrate the outcome of the interview and your experience with the person.
An Interview with Dr. Meera Nair
I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Meera Nair, a renowned environmentalist and author, for our school magazine. Dr. Nair, known for her campaigns to restore rivers and combat climate change, was visiting Bengaluru for a seminar. When I was chosen for the interview, I was both excited and nervous.
The interview took place at her hotel. Dr. Nair was warm and approachable, putting me at ease immediately. She greeted me with a kind smile and asked about my school and interests before we began. Her friendly nature made it feel like a conversation rather than a formal interview.
I started by asking her about her early life. She spoke about growing up in Kerala, surrounded by lush greenery and rivers, which inspired her passion for nature. She shared how, as a teenager, she noticed the slow destruction of her surroundings due to pollution and deforestation. That motivated her to study environmental science and take action.
When asked about her most challenging project, she talked about reviving the River Chitra in Tamil Nadu. It took years of effort, involving community participation, government cooperation, and a lot of patience. “The most rewarding part,” she said, “was seeing children play near the clean riverbanks again.”
I then questioned her about what students like us could do to help the environment. She encouraged small steps—reducing waste, planting trees, and raising awareness in our communities. “You don’t need to be an adult to make a difference,” she said firmly. Her words inspired me to take action in my own school and neighbourhood.
Towards the end, I asked about her future goals. She revealed her plans to write a book for children about environmental conservation, hoping to inspire the younger generation to respect nature. “You are the hope for a greener future,” she said, her voice filled with determination.
The interview lasted about forty minutes, but it felt much shorter. Before leaving, she signed a copy of her latest book for me and wished me luck for my studies. Her humility and passion left a deep impression on me.
Meeting Dr. Meera Nair was not just an honour but a learning experience. It taught me that one person’s determination can bring about significant change. I walked out of the interview inspired to do my part, however small, in protecting our planet.
(iii) Flexible working hours (permitting the employee to decide the timings of his duty) increases productivity. Express your views either FOR or AGAINST the given statement.
Flexible Working Hours: A Boost to Productivity
Flexible working hours allow employees to choose their work timings, and I strongly support the idea that this approach increases productivity. It recognises that different people work best at different times and provides the flexibility to match work schedules with personal strengths and responsibilities.
Many people are most productive during specific times of the day. Early risers may complete tasks faster in the morning, while others may prefer working later in the evening. Allowing employees to choose their timings helps them perform at their best when they feel most focused, leading to better results and fewer errors.
Flexible hours also reduce stress. Employees can manage their personal and professional lives more effectively without feeling pressured. For instance, someone can attend to family commitments or personal tasks and still complete their work without any guilt or interruptions. This balance improves overall happiness, which translates into better performance at work.
The flexibility to adjust work timings also reduces absenteeism. If someone needs to visit a doctor or handle an errand, they can work around these tasks without taking a full day off. This keeps work on track and minimises delays in completing assignments.
Traffic congestion, especially in cities like Bengaluru or Delhi, can drain energy and time. Flexible hours help employees avoid peak traffic by travelling at less busy times. This saves time, reduces frustration, and ensures they arrive at work feeling refreshed and ready to focus.
Some argue that flexible hours may create coordination issues among team members. However, this can be solved by scheduling core working hours where everyone is available for meetings or teamwork. Modern tools like online platforms and communication apps also make it easy to stay connected, no matter what time people work.
When employees are given control over their schedules, it builds trust between them and their employers. They feel valued and responsible for their work. This trust often motivates them to work harder and deliver quality results, strengthening the relationship between employers and employees.
Flexible working hours are not just a convenience; they are a practical solution to many challenges in today’s fast-paced world. They allow people to give their best without compromising their personal lives, creating a healthier and more productive workforce. With proper planning and communication, this system benefits everyone involved.
(iv) The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression but not the right to offend. Present your reflections on this statement.
Freedom of Speech and Responsibility
The Constitution of India grants every citizen the freedom of speech and expression. This is a powerful right, essential for democracy, as it allows people to share their ideas, voice concerns, and participate in decision-making. However, this freedom does not include the right to offend others. This balance between expression and respect for others’ dignity reflects the core principles of a harmonious society.
Freedom of speech allows individuals to speak their minds, but it is not absolute. The law sets limits to prevent harm. For instance, speech that spreads hate, insults religions, or encourages violence is not protected. This ensures that freedom is not misused to create unrest or hurt others. The right to express opinions comes with a duty to respect the feelings and beliefs of others.
Speech should not be used to offend because it can lead to unnecessary conflict. A society thrives on understanding and cooperation. When people use their words to hurt others, it creates divisions and mistrust. For example, targeting a community or an individual with offensive remarks damages relationships and disrupts peace. Responsible expression can convey opinions without causing harm.
Offensive speech often leads to legal trouble or public backlash. In India, laws such as Section 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code protect against speech that promotes hatred or insults religious sentiments. These laws ensure that freedom of expression is exercised within reasonable limits. This framework helps maintain order and prevent chaos.
Critics argue that these restrictions may limit creativity or suppress unpopular opinions. However, it is possible to express strong ideas without being offensive. Constructive debates and thoughtful discussions are more effective in bringing change than insults or provocations. Respectful communication strengthens understanding, even in disagreements.
In today’s digital age, where social media amplifies every voice, the responsibility to avoid offensive speech is even greater. A single comment can reach thousands, leading to widespread misunderstandings or conflicts. Thoughtful use of words can prevent harm and encourage meaningful exchanges of ideas.
Freedom of speech and expression is a valuable right, but it must be exercised responsibly. Offending others is not a sign of strength but a failure to communicate effectively. By balancing our rights with respect for others, we uphold the values of our Constitution and build a more inclusive and respectful society.
(v) Success.
Success
Success is a word that means different things to different people. For some, it may be achieving a high-paying job, while for others, it might be about helping others or living a peaceful life. What matters is how each person defines success for themselves.
True success often begins with setting clear goals. Without knowing what you want to achieve, it’s impossible to work towards it. These goals don’t have to be big or complicated. Small steps, like improving a skill or completing a task, are just as important and can lead to bigger achievements over time.
Hard work and consistency are keys to success. Many people dream of achieving great things but give up when faced with challenges. Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires patience and the willingness to keep going even when the path seems difficult. History is full of examples of people who failed many times before reaching their goals. Their determination made the difference.
Success also depends on learning from mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and everyone faces failure at some point. Instead of feeling defeated, successful people use their mistakes as lessons to improve themselves. This ability to adapt and grow is what sets them apart.
Another important part of success is staying humble. People who achieve their goals often forget those who helped them along the way. Gratitude and kindness towards others not only make the journey more meaningful but also earn respect and support.
It’s also important to remember that success is not always about money or fame. For some, it might mean living a healthy life, spending time with family, or doing what they love. A farmer who grows enough food for his family, a teacher who inspires students, or an artist who creates something beautiful are all successful in their own way.
Success is personal and unique to each individual. It is not about competing with others but about improving oneself. Setting goals, working hard, learning from failures, and staying grounded are steps that can lead anyone to success, no matter what they aim for in life.
(vi) Write an original short story entitled: The fortunate beggar.
The Fortunate Beggar
On a chilly winter morning in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, Rajan sat by the corner of a sweets shop, his frail hands clutching a small metal bowl. He was a beggar, known to most of the shopkeepers in the area. People often spared him a few coins or leftover food, but nothing more. His thin shawl barely kept him warm, and his hollow eyes spoke of struggles unknown to the passersby.
That morning, as the shopkeepers bustled to prepare for another busy day, a man named Mohan stopped near Rajan. Mohan was a clerk at a local office, earning just enough to support his family, but he had a habit of sharing whatever little he had. Noticing Rajan shivering, Mohan removed his scarf and placed it around the beggar’s neck. “Stay warm, bhai,” he said with a gentle smile before disappearing into the crowd.
Hours later, as the day progressed, Rajan noticed a commotion a few steps away. A small boy had tripped and dropped a bundle of documents onto the muddy road. Rajan, who could barely walk, mustered strength and crawled towards the boy, picking up the papers and handing them back. The boy, named Arjun, was grateful and ran back to his father, who was a lawyer in the nearby district court.
Arjun’s father, Mr. Sharma, noticed the torn shawl and the patched clothes Rajan wore. He felt a pang of guilt for ignoring the poor man for so long. The next day, Mr. Sharma returned to the spot with a packet of food and a pair of new clothes. “You helped my son when no one else did,” he said, leaving the items by Rajan’s side.
Rajan’s eyes welled up, not just from gratitude but from the realization that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through people’s hearts. The clothes made him look less like a beggar, and the food gave him strength. Over the next few weeks, more people started noticing Rajan. Mohan would bring him chai in the mornings, and Mr. Sharma began speaking to him whenever he passed by.
One day, Mr. Sharma offered Rajan a small job—cleaning his office. Though hesitant at first, Rajan accepted. With steady work and support from those around him, Rajan’s life began to change. He no longer sat by the corner begging but worked with dignity.
Years later, Rajan would often recall that cold morning when Mohan’s scarf, Arjun’s gratitude, and Mr. Sharma’s kindness turned his life around. For a man who once had nothing, Rajan had truly been fortunate.
Question 2
(i) You are a member of your school team which participated in the National Science Exhibition, presenting your model of solar lights. Write a Report (in approximately 300 words) on CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES. Base your report on the following points:
Date, time, place-organisers-purpose of the exhibition-various teams participating from all over the country-theme, ‘Conservation of Energy Resources’-inauguration by noted environmentalist-impressed with innovative models presented by students-praises for your model-visitors showed lot of interest and fascination-a group discussion on the final day-awards to students for their innovative models-a great learning experience for all. (You may also include other relevant details.)
Answer:
Conservation of Energy Resources
By Aarav Joshi
On 2 December, our school team from Gandhi Memorial High School participated in the National Science Exhibition held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event, organised by the National Science Foundation, aimed to encourage students to innovate and spread awareness on the theme, “Conservation of Energy Resources.”
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Meena Desai, a renowned environmentalist. Teams from schools across the country showcased their creative models and ideas to promote sustainable living. The hall buzzed with energy as young minds presented innovative solutions to address the global energy crisis.
Our team, led by me, Riya Patel, and guided by our science teacher, Mr. Arvind Verma, presented a model of solar lights. The model demonstrated how sunlight could be harnessed effectively to provide eco-friendly lighting solutions, particularly for rural areas with limited electricity. Visitors and judges were fascinated by our design and its practical application. Dr. Desai herself appreciated our efforts, calling it “a simple yet impactful solution.”
The exhibition also featured a group discussion on the final day, where students shared ideas and learned from each other’s projects. Topics like renewable energy, energy conservation, and sustainable technologies were discussed. This session enriched our understanding and gave us valuable insights into real-world applications.
On the last day, awards were distributed to recognise outstanding innovations. Though we didn’t win a prize, the positive feedback and admiration for our model motivated us to continue working on sustainable solutions.
The exhibition was a fantastic learning experience for all of us. It not only deepened our knowledge of energy conservation but also inspired us to think critically about our role in protecting the environment. It was a proud moment to represent our school and contribute to a meaningful cause.
(ii) As the head of the Children’s Wing of the RWA of your colony, you have been assigned the responsibility of organising the children of your colony to undertake the cleanliness drive in your colony on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Write a proposal in not more than 150 words, stating the steps you would take to effectively organise this cleanliness drive.
[The proposal should include: (i) An introduction; (ii) Objectives; (iii) List of measures to be taken. A concluding statement is desirable.]
Answer: Proposal for Organising a Cleanliness Drive
Introduction
As the head of the Children’s Wing of the RWA, I propose to organise a cleanliness drive in our colony, Shanti Nagar, Jaipur, on October 2, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The drive will begin at the Community Park and extend to all common areas. This initiative aims to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of cleanliness and encourage children to take responsibility for their surroundings.
Objectives
- To clean common areas of the colony, such as parks, roads, and community halls.
- To teach children the importance of cleanliness and proper waste management.
- To promote teamwork and awareness about maintaining hygiene in daily life.
Measures to be Taken
- Team Formation: Children will be divided into small groups with specific areas to clean.
- Equipment Distribution: Gloves, garbage bags, and cleaning tools will be provided.
- Awareness Campaign: A short session will be conducted on waste segregation and its benefits.
- Waste Disposal: Proper arrangements for collecting and segregating waste will be made.
- Rewards: Certificates or small tokens of appreciation will be given to participants.
This cleanliness drive will not only create a cleaner colony but also inspire children to adopt better habits. Active participation will make it a meaningful event for all.
Question 3
(i) In each of the following items, sentence I is complete, while sentence II is not. Complete sentence II, making it as similar as possible to sentence I. Write sentence II in each case.
(a) Ramesh has not been to school for over two months.
Answer: It has been over two months since Ramesh went to school.
(b) He is so short that he cannot be a soldier.
Answer: He is too short to be a soldier.
(c) Rohan said, “Rajiv, please bring your Maths book to school tomorrow.”
Answer: Rohan asked Rajiv to bring his Maths book to school the next day.
(d) No sooner did we see a flash of light in the sky than we heard a loud explosion.
Answer: As soon as we saw a flash of light in the sky, we heard a loud explosion.
(e) Some of the cakes had been eaten by the boys before the party began.
Answer: The boys had eaten some of the cakes before the party began.
(ii) Fill in each blank with a suitable word. (Do not write the sentence.)
(a) This rule does not apply ………. you as you are less than eighteen years.
Answer: to
Explanation: The word “to” is used to specify the person or group affected by a rule, policy, or instruction. In this sentence, the rule is directed at someone and does not concern the individual being addressed.
(b) You must apply ………… the job immediately.
Answer: for
Explanation: “For” is the correct preposition to use when seeking or requesting something, such as a position or opportunity. In this context, the sentence implies that a person should formally seek the job.
(c) The children gathered ……….. the juggler in the park.
Answer: around
Explanation: “Around” indicates the physical positioning of the children forming a circle or cluster near the juggler. It suggests a surrounding or close proximity.
(d) Mother gathered……..the scattered toys and kept them in a basket.
Answer: up
Explanation: “Up” is used to indicate the action of collecting or picking up scattered items. In this context, it shows the act of tidying or gathering toys that were spread around.
(e) He was advised to give…………smoking.
Answer: up
Explanation: “Up” is used to describe the act of quitting or stopping a habit, addiction, or activity, such as smoking. The advice is to discontinue the behavior entirely.
(f) The Principal gave ……… prizes to the winners.
Answer: out
Explanation: “Out” is used here to describe the distribution of items, such as prizes, to individuals. It indicates handing over something to multiple recipients.
(g) The two brothers quarrelled ………. Money.
Answer: over
Explanation: “Over” is used to describe the subject or reason for a disagreement or argument. In this case, the brothers were arguing about money, which is the cause of the dispute.
(h) He quarrels ……… his neighbours.
Answer: with
Explanation: “With” is used to describe a conflict or disagreement involving another person or group. It indicates that the person has disputes with his neighbors.
(i) The bus driver nearly ran……….. the pedestrians crossing the road.
Answer: over
Explanation: “Over” is used to describe the action of a vehicle nearly hitting or passing over someone. It implies an accidental or dangerous situation involving the pedestrians.
(j) Harsh has run………a huge debt at the grocery store.
Answer: up
Explanation: “Up” is used to describe accumulating or increasing something to a significant level, such as expenses or debt. In this context, Harsh has allowed his debts at the store to grow substantially.
(iii) Fill in the blanks in the passage given below with the appropriate form of the verb given in brackets. Do not write the passage, but write the verbs in the correct order.
Upagupta saw a woman ___(1) (lie) in the shadow of the wall. She was the same dancing girl, who had once invited the ascetic to her house. At that moment she was ___(2) (afflict) with a deadly disease. Her whole body ___(3) (cover) with sores of small-pox. She ___(4) (force) to leave the town so that she ___(5) (may) not ___(6) (spread) the disease by her touch. The ascetic did not hesitate ___(7) (give) her help. He sat by her side, ___(8) (take) her head on his knees, ___(9) (offer) water to her thirsty dry lips, and finally ___(10) (apply) medicine to her wounds.
Answers
- lying
- afflicted
- covered
- was forced
- might
- spread
- to give
- took
- offered
- applied
Question 4
Read the passage given below and answer the questions (i), (ii) and (iii) that follow:
(1) I, the writer of this paper, have been, for some time, a chosen receiver of Begging Letters. For fourteen years, my house has been made a regular Receiving House for such communications as any one of the branch Post-Offices. I ought to know something of the Begging-Letter Writer. He has besieged my door at all hours of the day and night; he has fought my servant; he has lain in ambush for me, going out and coming in; he has followed me out of town into the country; he has appeared at provincial hotels, where I have been staying for only a few hours; he has written to me from immense distances, when I have been out of England. He has fallen sick; he has died and been buried; he has come to life again, and again departed from this transitory scene: he has been his own son, his own mother, his own baby, his idiot brother, his uncle, his aunt, his aged grandfather.
(2) Once, a man introduced himself as a literary gentleman in distress. He had taken a new house, and was going headlong to ruin for want of a water tank. I had my misgivings about the water tank, and did not reply to that letter. But a little while afterwards, I had reason to feel penitent for my neglect. He wrote me a few brokenhearted lines, informing me that his wife died in his arms last night at nine o’clock!
(3) I despatched a messenger to comfort the bereaved mourner and his poor children; but the messenger went so soon, my friend was not at home, and his wife was in a most delightful state of health. He was taken up by the Mendicity Society, and I presented myself at a London Police-Office with my testimony against him. The Magistrate was wonderfully struck by his educational acquirements, deeply impressed by the excellence of his letters, exceedingly sorry to see a man of his attainments there, complimented him highly on his powers of composition, and was quite charmed to have the agreeable duty of discharging him. A collection was made for the ‘poor fellow,’ as he was called in the reports, and I left the court with a comfortable sense of being universally regarded as a sort of monster.
(4) Next day comes to me a friend of mine, the governor of a large prison. ‘Why did you ever go to the Police-Office against that man,’ says he, ‘without coming to me first? I know all about him and his frauds. He lodged in the house of one of my warders, at the very time when he first wrote to you; and then he was eating exotic dishes at eighteen-pence a pound. On that very same day, and in that very same hour, my injured gentleman wrote a solemn letter to me, demanding to know what compensation I proposed to make him for his having passed the night in a ‘loathsome dungeon.’
(5) The Begging-Letter Writer never leaves his business; and those who are near to him become smitten with a love of it, too, and sooner or later set up for themselves. He employs a messenger – man, woman, or child. That messenger is certain ultimately to become an independent Begging-Letter Writer. His sons and daughters succeed to his calling, and write begging-letters when he is no more. He throws off the infection of begging-letter writing, like the contagion of disease.
(I) (a) Given below are three words and phrases. Find the words which have a similar meaning in the passage:
(1) pressed with requests – besieged
(2) laid a trap – lain in ambush
(3) lasting a short time – transitory
(b) For each of the words given below, choose the correct sentence that uses the same word unchanged in spelling, but with a different meaning from that which it carries in the passage:
(1) branch (line 3)
(A) She was seen an hour ago on a swing mounted on the branch of a tree.
(B) They have opened a new branch of their office in Pune.
(C) He works at the branch office of the company in Shillong.
(D) She was last working in the Mumbai branch of the bank.
Answer: (A) She was seen an hour ago on a swing mounted on the branch of a tree.
(2) departed (line 9)
(A) She had to wait until the last of guests had departed.
(B) Train bound for Chennai departed from platform number one an hour ago.
(C) They worship the spirits of the departed souls of their loved ones.
(D) My cousin departed for Germany last Sunday to join a university.
Answer: (C) They worship the spirits of the departed souls of their loved ones.
(3) composition (line 23)
(A) The composition of the city’s air has changed dramatically after Diwali.
(B) The students are required to write a composition of about 400 words.
(C) The teacher complimented her for winning the prize for Best Composition.
(D) He wrote a composition on the Role of the Youth in our society.
Answer: (A) The composition of the city’s air has changed dramatically after Diwali.
(ii) Answer the following questions in your own words as briefly as possible:
(a) State briefly the narrator’s views about the Begging-Letter Writer
Answer: The narrator views the Begging-Letter Writer as deceitful and persistent. The writer invents false stories, pretends to be different people, and uses manipulative tactics to gain sympathy and financial help. The narrator considers him an expert in fraud.
(b) What did the messenger tell the narrator about the bereaved mourner?
Answer: The messenger informed the narrator that the so-called bereaved mourner was not at home and that his wife, contrary to his claim of her death, was in excellent health.
(c) How does the Begging-Letter Writer ‘throw off the infection of Begging-Letter writing like the contagion of disease’?
Answer: The Begging-Letter Writer influences those around him, such as his family and messengers, to adopt the same fraudulent behavior. Over time, these individuals also become independent Begging-Letter Writers, continuing the practice as if it were contagious.
(iii) Summarise why did the narrator go with his testimony against the Begging-Letter Writer to London Police-Office and what happened there, as mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3. You are required to write the summary in the form of a connected passage in about 100 words. Failure to keep within the word limit will be penalised.
Answer: The narrator received a letter from a man claiming to be a literary gentleman in distress due to the lack of a water tank. Ignoring it, he later received another letter saying the man’s wife had died. Feeling remorseful, the narrator sent a messenger, who found the wife alive and well. The man was taken by the Mendicity Society, and the narrator testified against him at the London Police Office. Despite his fraudulent activities, the magistrate praised his educational attainments and writing skills, discharged him, and a collection was raised for him. The narrator was left feeling vilified for his actions.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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