1

HONEYDEW – On the Grasshopper and Cricket (Poem)

Word meaning
Wrought (verb) – brought about
Shrills (noun) – comes through loud and clear
Mead (noun) – meadows
Mown (adj.) – cut down with a machine
Q.1 A poem is made of words arranged in a beautiful order. These words, when read
aloud with feeling, have a music and meaning of their own.
Ans. Poem is supposedly an artistic piece which contains a speech as well as a song, and is
usually rhythmical and metaphorical. These beautiful arrangements of words beautify
and add to the essence of the poem. Poems are supposedly read aloud to feel the
intense passion and emotion with which they have been composed. The rhyming
words in a poem put various ideas and imaginations of the poet in sync. According to
the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a poem can be defined as a piece of
writing in which the words are chosen for their sound and the images they suggest, not
just for their obvious meanings. The words are arranged in separate lines, usually with
a repeated rhythm, and often the lines rhyme at the end.
Q.2 ‘The poetry of earth’ is not made of words. What is it made of, as suggested in the
poem?
Ans. ‘The poetry of earth’ is not made of words, but of the song and the rhythm produced
by grasshoppers and crickets in various seasons. The music of the nature never loses
its charm even with changing seasons. Summer and winter are the toughest seasons of
the year. In summer it is extremely hot and in winter it is very cold. So in these two
seasons there are rare songs of joy and music on earth. But here the poet points to the
poetry of earth during summer and winter. In summer, the grasshopper seems to be
excitedly hopping around, tirelessly, while even in lonely and dark winter nights, one
can identify the shrill voice with which the insect cricket sings.
Q.3 Find in the poem lines that match the following.
(i) The grasshopper’s happiness never comes to an end.
(ii) The cricket’s song has warmth that never decreases.
Ans. (i) In summer luxury — he has never done with his delights,
(ii) The cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever,
Q.4 Which word in stanza 2 is opposite in meaning to ‘the frost’?
Ans. The word ‘frost’ in stanza 2 differs in meaning with the word ‘grassy’. Frost has a
chilly reference which means a degree or state of coldness sufficient to cause the
freezing of water. This meaning lacks a green live feeling which is present in the word
‘grassy’. Grassy means something which is like grass or pertains to grass.
Q.5 The poetry of earth continues round the year through a cycle of two seasons.
Mention each with its representative voice.
Ans. The poetry of earth continues round the years through the summer and the winter. In
summer, the grasshopper’s voice represents the poetry of the earth. While in winter the
cricket’s song represents the poetry of the earth.
 HONEYDEW- Chapter: - The Great Stone Face - 1
Words meaning
Benign (adj.) – kind
Prophecy (noun) – statement that tells what will happen in the future
Pensive (adj.) – thoughtful
Proclaimed (verb) – said loudly
Q.1 What was the Great Stone Face?
Ans. The Great Stone Face was a work of nature. It was formed naturally on the side of a
mountain by some huge rocks. They had been thrown together in such a position so
that, when viewed from some distance, they resembled the future of a human face. If the
spectator approached too near, the outline of the face would disappear into a heap of
gigantic rocks. It was the belief of many people that the valley owed much of its
fertility to the kind face of the Great Stone that was continually looking over it.
Q.2 What did young Ernest wish when he gazed at it?
Ans. When young Ernest gazed at the Great Stone Face, it smiled to him. Ernest wished that it
could speak because it looked very kind. He thought its voice must be pleasant. He
would love the man dearly whoever bore such face.
Q.3 What was the story attributed to the Stone Face?
Ans. The story that was attributed to the Stone Face was that at some future day, a child would
be born near there, and he would be destined to become the greatest and noblest person
of his time. His face, in manhood, would bear an exact resemblance to the Great Stone
Face.
Q.4 What gave the people of the valley the idea that the prophecy was about to come true
for the firsttime?
Ans. There was a rumour in the valley that the great man, who would look like the Great
Stone Face, had appeared at last. A young man, named Gathergold had left the valley. He
had grown a rich merchant by the time he became old. He had decided to return to his
native valley. He had the living likeness of the Great Stone Face. It made the people of
the valley think that the prophecy was about to come true for the first time.
Q.5 Did Ernest see in Gathergold the likeness of the Stone Face?
Ans. No, Ernest did not see the likeness of the Great Stone Face in Gathergold. The
truthfulness, kindness and the softness were missing on the face of Gathergold which were
clearly visible on the Great Stone face.
Q.6 Who did he confide in and how was he proved right?
Ans. Ernest confided in his own heart that Gathergold was not the right person he was
waiting for. He was proved right because Gathergold died after sometime. He was
then a poor man. All the people, then, said that he had no likeness with the stone face.
 1
HONEYDEW – Chapter – The Great Stone Face - II
Word meanings
Furrows (noun) – deep lines
Obscure (adj.)- not well known
Customary (adj.) – usual
Harmonised (verb) – agreed
Diffused (verb) – spread all around
Q.1 How was Ernest different from others in the valley?
Ans. Ernest was a humble, hardworking and thoughtful person. He was not an unknown
person unlike others. As he grew old, he had become well known personality beyond the
limit of the valley. College professors and even active men of cities came from far to
meet him. Ernest received those people with gentle sincerity and spoke with them freely
with open heart. He led a life of good deeds and with self-less love for others. He used to
deliver thoughtful words from the depth of his heart. His words had power since they
agreed with the reality of his life. While talking to his audience, his face would
brighten and shine upon them, as the mild evening light. In this way, Ernest was
different from others in the valley.
Q.2 Why did Ernest think the poet was like the Stone Face?
Ans. The poet wrote songs with lofty thoughts. The poetry of the poet found his way to
Ernest also. Ernest used to read the poet’s poems and songs after his day’s work and
found them worthy. When the poet came to meet Ernest, he looked wise, gentle and
kind. Even the Great Stone Face appeared bending forward to listen to his talk. For all
these reasons, Ernest began to think that the poet was like the Great Stone Face.
Q.3 What did the poet himself say about his thoughts and poems?
Ans. The poet said that Ernest could hear the distant voice of a heavenly song in his thoughts
and poems. However, the poet felt that his own life had not corresponded with his
thoughts. He had grand dreams, but they had been only dreams. Sometimes he even
lacked faith in his own thoughts.
Q.4 What made the poet proclaim Ernest was the Stone Face?
Ans. The poet observed Ernest while he was talking to his audience. Ernest was speaking
kindly but from the depth of his heart and mind. The poet felt that Ernest’s own life and
character was a nobler strain of poetry that he had ever written. The poet found great
similarities between the misty white clouds around the Great Stone Face and the white
hair around the brow of Ernest. So, the poet proclaimed that Ernest himself was the Stone
Face.
Q.5 Who, by common consent, turned out to be like the Great Stone Face?
Ans. By common consent, Ernest turned out to be like the Great Stone Face. He looked wise,
gentle and kind just like the stone face.
Q.6 Did Ernest believe that the old prophecy had come true? What did he say about it?
Ans. No, Ernest did not believe that the old prophecy had come true. Even though everybody
had agreed that he was the likeness of the Great Stone Face, he himself hoped that some
wiser and better man than himself would appear, bearing a resemblance to the Great Stone
Face.
 Honeydew Poem Chapter 6 The Duck and the Kangaroo

Words meanings
Nasty (adj): very bad or unpleasant
Objection (n): a reason for disagreeing
Worsted (n): fine smooth yarn spun from combed long-staple wool
Steady (adj): stable
Reflection (n): serious thought or consideration

Q.1 What did the Duck do for the Kangaroo’s love?

Ans. The Duck bought four pairs of worsted socks which fit her web-feet neatly. Moreover,
she bought a cloak to keep out herself from the cold. She did it for the Kangaroo’s
love.
Q.2 What conditions did the Kangaroo lay down for giving his friend a ride? How did
the Duck fulfil them?
Ans. The Kangaroo agreed to take the Duck on a world tour on his back. But he was afraid
that his friend’s cold, wet-feet would make him sick. The Duck promised to sit still and
silent on the Kangaroo’s tail. She bought woolen socks to cover her wet-feet with. She
also smoked a cigar to keep the cold out.

Q.3 How did the Duck ride on the Kangaroo’s back?

Ans. The Duck sat steadily at the end of his tail so that his balance might be maintained. She
sat without speaking anything and hopped the world three times. She followed the
instructions given by the Kangaroo and sat there without making any movement.

Q.4 What request did the Duck make to the Kangaroo and why?
Ans. The Duck was pleasantly surprised at the way the Kangaroo hopped. It hopped effortlessly
over the fields and the water. It looked as if he would never stop. Her life in the pond was
very boring. She longed to go beyond the limited world of the pond. She wished to hop
around like him. She requested him to give a ride on his back.
Q.5 What one objection did the Kangaroo make while responding favourably to
the Duck’s request?

Ans. The Kangaroo responded rather favourably to the Duck’s request. He was ready to
allow her ride on his back. He expressed one objection. Her feet were ‘unpleasantly
wet and cold’. This wetness and cold might give some pain in his joints.

Q.6 Why did the Duck decide to smoke a cigar?

Ans. As the Kangaroo objected to the cold and wet feet of the Duck, so he was in need to
keep them warm. Smoking a cigar was one of the options through which the Duck
could get the desired warmth.
 IDIOMS
EXERCISE: A
CHOOSE FROM THE IDIOMS (From the box given in the text book) AND SAY WHICH
CAN BE USED IN EACH OF THESE SENTENCES.
1 I wish she wouldn’t call me fat all the time. She herself is plump, it is a case of----------------
2 We must -------------- before we decide on a venue for the party.
3 We had practiced hard for the Annual Day and everything---------------- during the function.
4 Manvi was so nervous before the competition that she --------------.
5 It’s ------------------- that you did not do your work and are just making excuses.
6 As usual Gita hasn’t finished her assignments. She never -------------- on time.
7 When the school bus was constantly late, our parents decided to -----.and complained to the
principal.
8 My friend started avoiding me the moment he realized I needed money. He proved to be a ---------.
Answers- Page 183, Ex. A (To be done in the Textbook)
1. The pot calling the kettle black
2. Explore all avenues
3. Worked like clockwork
4. Was shaking like a leaf
5. As plain as the nose on your face
6. Delivers the goods
7. Take the bull by the horns
8. Fair weather friend

Answers- Page 184, Ex. B(To be done in the Textbook)

1. Turned as red as a beetroot
2. White elephant
3. White as a ghost
4. Black eye
5. Waving a red flag to a bull
6. In the pink of health
7. Blue in the face
8. Black sheep
9. Once in the blue moon
10. Red herrings

Answers- Page 185, Ex. C(To be done in the Textbook)

1. At a snail’s pace
2. Had butterflies in my stomach
3. Wolves in sheep’s clothing
4. Birds of a feather
5. A fish out of water
6. Dog’s life
7. Like the cat that got the cream
 8. Wild horses couldn’t drag her there
9. Wild goose chase
10 Let the cat out of the bag

Answers- Page 186, Ex. D(To be done in the Textbook)

1 Had Two left feet
2. Knocked me for a six
3. In two minds
4. Put two and two together
5. At the eleventh hour
6. On cloud nine
7. Third degree
8. Back to square one
9. Dressed up to the nines
10. Two heads are better than one

Answers- Page 187, Ex. E(To be done in the notebook)

1. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning- to make your feelings and emotions obvious rather than hiding them
Sentence- She is very sensitive and wears her heart on her sleeve, so it’s very easy for others to
hurt her feelings.
2. Pass the buck
Meaning- to shift blame or responsibility by trying to pass it to someone else.
Sentence- David says that the responsibility is Mr. Smith’s and it’s no good trying to pass the
buck
3. Turn a blind eye
Meaning- to ignore something that you know is wrong
Sentence- We are not supposed to park here but the authorities usually turn a blind eye.
4. When pigs fly
Meaning- highly unlikely to happen
Sentence- He plans to clean his room every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly.
5. Devil’s advocate
Meaning- someone who pretends, in an argument or discussion to be against an idea or plan that a
lot of people support, in order to make people discuss and consider it in more detail.
Sentence- I agree with what you say, but I’ll play devil’s advocate so that we can cover all the
possibilities that may arise.
.
 MODALS
Modals are auxiliary verbs used before the main verb to express ability, possibility, certainty, suggestion,
permission, obligation, etc. Modal Verbs cannot stand on their own and are always used along with main
verbs. The verb that is used with a modal is always in its base form or the bare- infinitive form.
Answers- Page 31, Ex. A (To be done in the Textbook)
1. Meena can draw very well.
2. Tina will take the first bus.
3. To reach on time, they should take a taxi.
4. He must study hard if he wants a good grade.
5. Sara must learn German if she goes to Germany.

Answers- Page 32, Ex. B (To be done in the Textbook)

1. Negative- Umang can’t fly kites.
Interrogative- Can Umang fly kites?
2. Negative- Sagar won’t help me with this project.
Interrogative- Will Sagar help me with this project?
3. Negative- Chetan couldn’t lift really heavy weights.
Interrogative- Could Chetan lift really heavy weights?
4. Negative- You couldn’t have taken the school bus.
Interrogative- Could you have taken the school bus.
5. Negative-This won’t be a difficult assignment.
Interrogative- Will this be a difficult assignment?

Answers- Page 33, Ex. C (To be done in the Textbook)

1. May 2. Can 3. Could 4. Might 5. Can 6. May 7. Can 8. Could 9. May
10. May 11. Can 12. May
Answers- Page 36, Ex. D(To be done in the Textbook)
1. Must 2. Can 3. May 4. Must 5. Would 6. Can 7. Should 8. might
9. Would 10. Should 11. Shall, will 12. Should, must

Answers- Page 37, Ex. E(To be done in the notebook)

1. If I had left early, I would have caught the bus.
2. If I had no work to night, I would have gone to the gym.
3. If I was not going to visit my grandmother, I could have come to the party.
4. If Mayank is ready to pay, I could give him the books.
5. If I had money, I would have lent it to you.
Answers- Page 37, Ex. F(To be done in the Notebook)
1. Could 2. Would 3.Should 4. Should 5. Would 6. Should 7. will 8. Could
9. Would 10. Can
 HONEYDEW –Chapter : A Visit to Cambridge
Word Meanings
Disembodied (adj): separated from or existing without the body
Disintegrating (v): losing strength and gradually failing
Anguish (n): severe mental or physical pain or suffering
Buoyant (adj): someone cheerful and optimistic
Chronically (adv): to a very great extent

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1 Stephen Hawking said, “I’ve had no choice.” Does the writer think there was a
choice? What was it?
Ans. Although Stephen Hawking said he had no choice but to be brave, the writer did think there
was a choice. The choice was to live creatively with the reality of his disintegrated body.
Q.2 Did the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking make the writer nervous? If so, why?
Ans. Yes, the prospect of meeting Stephen Hawking made the writer nervous
because he was someone like him who had achieved bigger things in life. The
author wanted to make use of each minute of that thirty minute meeting.
Q.3 “I could feel his anguish.” What could be the anguish?

Ans. The astrophysicist would get exhausted by tapping at the little switch in his hand to find
words on his computer. The author mentions that he could feel Hawking’s anguish on how
even after having a buoyant mind, thoughts came out in frozen phrases and sentences just
as stiff as corpses.
Q.4 Guess the first question put to the scientist by the writer.
Ans. The first question that the writer might have asked the scientist was if he felt relieved and
brave for accomplishing such great achievements in life despite being disabled.
Q5. “Before you, like a lantern whose walls are worn so thin you glimpse only the light
inside, is the incandescence of a man.” What does this mean?
Ans. The above sentence describes Hawking’s personality as his inner beauty or glow that’s so
beautiful and vibrant which renders his physical inability nothing but just an accessory.
Q.6 Why does the writer refer to the guitar incident? Which idea does it support?
Ans. The writer spent years trying to learn to play Spanish guitar but unstringed it
one night. The writer referred to the guitar incident to support Stephen
Hawking’s idea that differently abled people must concentrate on something
they are good at.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. What is the scientist’s message for the disabled?

Ans. t The scientist’s message for the differently abled is to concentrate on something they are
good at without giving up and always be motivated. He further added that disabled
should not make unnecessary foolish efforts to imitate the so called normal people.
They should make the best utilization of the available resources and be thankful to God
for granting them the ability to achieve or accomplish any impossible task with the
power of their talents, determination and perseverance.
Q2. The writer expresses his great gratitude to Stephen Hawking. What is the
gratitude for?

Ans. Stephen Hawking inspired the author to an extent that he was grateful to the scientist.
He saw how Hawking was brave enough to achieve such big things in life despite his
disability. The scientist was indeed an embodiment of his courageous self. This
optimistic aspect of Hawking inspired the author so much that he felt a deep sense of
gratitude for the scientist and that showed him a new way of leading life without
complaining of the disabilities all the time.
 HONEYDEW –Chapter : A Short Monsoon Diary
Word Meanings
Heralded (v) : be a sign that something is about to happen
contrive(v) : arrange for something to happen
corrugated (adj) : having parallel rows of folds that look like a series of waves when
seen from the edge
disconsolately (adv): unhappily
imprecations (n): a spoken curse

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1 Why is the author not able to see Bijju?

Ans. The author is unable to see Bijju because the mist has concealed the hills. Thus, he could
only hear Bijju.
Q.2 Which hill-station does the author describe in this diary entry?
Ans. The author describes Monsoon and some part of the winter season in
Mussoorie and Landour in his diary.

Q.3 For how many days does it rain without stopping? What does the author do on these
days?
Ans. It rained for almost eight to nine days straight without a break. The author mentions that
there was nowhere to go and he passed his time by pacing up and down in the room and
looking out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas.

Q.4 Where do the snakes and rodents take shelter? Why?

Ans. Snakes and rodents flood out of their holes and burrows, to take shelter in roofs, attics and
go downs as their holes and burrows get filled with the water due to the continuous rain in
the monsoon season.
Q5. What did the author receive in the mail? Why did the grandmother ask the children
not to kill the Chuchundar?
Ans. The author received a cheque in his mail.
The grandmother warned the children not to kill the Chuchundar as they brought with
themselves money and prosperity.
Q.6 When does the monsoon season begin and when does it end? How do we usually
prepare to face the monsoon?
Ans. The monsoon season begins in the last week of June and continues till the end of
August. One generally prepares for the monsoon season by taking out raincoats
and umbrellas.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

What are the two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist
Q1. comes up?

Ans. t The author mentions two ways in which the hills appear to change when the mist comes
up. Firstly it conceals the hills. Secondly it blankets the singing birds in silence because
of which the trees that were ringing with birdsong an hour before, are now deathly still
as if it were midnight.
Q2. What signs do we find in Nature which show that the monsoons are about to end?

Nature shows quite a few signs to mark or herald the end of monsoon season by the
Ans. end of August, like the lush monsoon growth reaches its peak. The seeds of the cobra
lily turn red. The ferns start turning yellow as against their firm, green and upright state.
Ground orchids, mauve lady’s slipper and the white butterfly orchids put on a fashion
display on the grassy slopes of Landour. Wild dahlias, red, yellow and magenta, rear
their heads from the rocky crevices where they have taken hold.
 IT SO HAPPENED–Chapter : The Comet – I
Word Meanings
Repress (v)- crush
Eccentric (adj)- strange
Imposition (n)- burden
Recede (v) - go or move back or further away from a previous position
Hobnob (v) - mix socially, especially with those of perceived higher social status
Meticulous (adj) - showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1 What did Indrani Debi think about Duttada’s telescope?

Ans. Indrani Debi thought that Duttada’s telescope was like a designing woman who had
ensnared her husband. She used to call it Dibya.
Q.2 What did the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) do after getting the information
about the discovery of the new comet?
Ans. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) confirmed the findings and
communicated it worldwide. It named the new comet after its discoverer.

Q.3 How can you say that Indrani Debi was a superstitious lady?

Ans. Indrani Debi was an educated woman but at the same time she was superstitious also. She
didn’t welcome the discovery of the new comet. She thought that it would bring calamities
on her family as well as on the entire earth.

Q.4 How did Duttada take his publicity?

Ans. Duttada was not happy with his publicity. Being an introvert, he didn’t like attending
numerous receptions and functions organised in his honour. He got so fed up that he began
to think that he had not discovered the comet.
Q5. What news was published in the Ananda Bazaar Patrika two days later?
Ans. The news was
Calcutta Man Discovers New Comet
Shri Manoj Dutta, a resident on the northern outskirts of Calcutta has claimed to have
discovered a new comet. He has seen the comet on the last two nights and has informed the
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at Bangalore of its whereabouts.
Q.6 What were James Forsyth’s predictions’?
Ans. James Forsyth predicted that the effect of the collision between the comet and
the earth would be terrific.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1.
(i) What was Duttada’s hobby and secret ambition?
(ii) How did he succeed in his adventure?
Ans.
t (i) Duttada was an amateur astronomer. Star gazing was his hobby. But he had a
scientific attitude. His secret ambition in life was to discover a comet or a shooting star.
After his retirement he got the funds to buy a telescope and leisure enough to watch the
stars. He named his eight-inch telescope Dibya-chakshu.
(ii) He was successful in his search. He discovered a comet heading towards
the earth. It was called Dutta comet. The news spread world over. James
Forsyth predicted that the comet would collide with the earth and destroy it.
Dutta’s wife, Indrani Debi, was afraid that the comet would cause ruin. She
arranged a Yajna to pacify the evil spirit behind the comet. But the world
scientists prepared a plan to make a nuclear explosion and deflect the comet
from its path. The operation was named Project Light Brigade. It was
successful. The world was saved. But Indrani Debi gave all credit to the holy
yajna she had performed.
 IT SO HAPPENED–Chapter : The Comet – 2
Word Meanings
Deliberation (N) discussion
Calamity (N) catastrophe
Detonating (v) explode
Futile (adj) vain
Deflect (v) deviate

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1 What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums?

Ans. The scientists attending the conference came to the conclusion that James Forsyth’s
calculations were correct. The new comet would collide with the earth.
Q.2 “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James
doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Ans. James reached his hotel at 1 pm. He looked up from his window and saw the
star- studded sky. He couldn’t believe that any untoward event could happen
on such a peaceful night. He became doubtful about his calculations.
Q.3 What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London? Why is Duttada’s
general outlook rational?
Ans. Duttada on the return was expected to take part in a Shanti yajna to pacify evil spirit behind
the comet.
Duttada’s general outlook is rational because he had a scientific temper. He went by
reason, not by custom or morality.
Q.4 What is Duttada’s reaction to the proposal? What does “Project Light Brigade’ refer
to?
Ans. Duttada was very angry. He called it just a silly superstition to think that comets have ill
effects.
“Project Light Brigade’ refers to the plan to divert the comet from its path. The plan was to
launch a spacecraft and explode the nuclear device near the comet.

Q5. Did Sir John Buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know
about it?
Ans. Duttada got to know from the letter that Sir John had bought Christmas presents on Dec 15.
It indicated that the Project Light Brigade was successful.
Q.6 Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous?
Ans. Indrani Debi thought that Comet Dutta could not harm the earth because of the
Yajna performed at their house.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1.
(i) Duttada was invited to a secret conference. Why was he called?
(ii) What is the contrast in the character of Duttada’s wife? Do you
agree to her orthodoxy?
Ans.
t (i) Manoj Dutta was Sir John’s special invitee to the conference. It was attended by
astronomers, biologists and nuclear or space scientists. It lasted for one week. The
hidden agenda was to check James Forsyth’s findings about Comet Dutta.
(ii) Duttada’s wife is an educated lady with master’s degree. Still she
believes in superstitions. She gets a yajna performed for the safety and
peace. She wants to purify her husband because he had travelled abroad. I
don’t agree to her orthodoxy as it hampers our progress and restricts us.
 FORMAL LETTER
FORMAT OF FORMAL LETTERS:

1.Sender’s Address
It is generally written on the top left-hand corner. Some institutions and commercial firms have their
printed pads or letters. In them, the name of the firm or establishment is printed in the middle, e.g.
12, Fort Road
Main Market
Cochin
2. The Date
It is generally written just below the sender’s address. Students should write the same date on which they
are appearing in that paper. Dates can be written in different ways as is given below:
20th May, 20XX
May 20, 20XX
20 May 20XX
3. Name and Address of the Addressee
Give a reasonable space and write the name and designation of the addressee on the left-hand side below.
The Editor
Hindustan Times
HT House, KG Marg
New Delhi
4. Salutation
Generally, the common and popular way of salutation in letters to the editor, business and commercial
letters is the use of Sir, Dear Sir or Madam.
5. The Main Part of the Body of the Letter
Formal letters require formal and impersonal treatment. There is no scope for unnecessary and
superfluous descriptions in such letters.
6. Complimentary Close and Signature
Formal letters end with the following complimentary closures:
For official correspondence
Yours faithfully
Yours truly
Yours sincerely
Just below the complimentary closure comes the signature and the designation of the sender.
Sample Letter Q-1
Write a letter to the Editor of a leading daily, raising concern regarding the bad condition of roads
in your city, its effect on the daily life of the citizens and the reluctance of the authorities in taking
appropriate action.
8, Nehru Nagar
Ahmedabad
14 July 2020

The Editor
The Times of India
Ahmedabad

Respected Sir

Subject: Bad condition of roads in the city.

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities towards the bad condition of roads in the city.
The roads are in a bad condition with open potholes due to which the vehicles are not able to move freely.
Also, because of the several broken edges and potholes, the vehicles have to halt for short intervals
hindering the smooth run of transport. Often enough traffic comes to a standstill, making it difficult for
the commuters to reach their destination on time.
Despite lodging repeated complaints to the local authorities, no action has been taken. As the residents
have suffered a lot in the past few months, the potholes should be filled and the broken edges should be
repaired to avoid chaos.
I sincerely hope, you will publish this letter in your daily and request the concerned authorities to look
into this matter and take immediate action.

Yours Sincerely
Anish Mehta
Practice Question:1
You are Manish / Maya, a resident of Gumla, Jharkhand. Your area faces the frequent break down of
electricity. Even the voltage is so low that it causes extensive damage to the electronic device’s
appliances. You are a student and face a lot of inconveniences due to this frequent break down. Using all
these hints altogether with your own ideas on the issues, write a letter to the editor of a national daily,
showing your anxiety and deep concern at the erratic supply of electricity. Also suggest some ways and
means to ease this critical situation.
Practice Question:2
Write a letter to the editor of your local daily highlighting the rise in pollution due to increased traffic on
the streets and making suggestions about how this can be controlled.
 1
IT SO HAPPENED CHAPTER – 7: THE OPEN WINDOW
Word meanings
Endeavoured (verb) – tried
Bustled (verb) – entered noisily
Snipe (noun) – water bird that live in marshes
Delusion (noun) – false belief
Uncanny (adj.) – unnatural

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1 Why had Framton Nuttel come to the “rural retreat”?
Ans. Framton Nuttel was suffering from nervous breakdown. The doctor had advised him to
stay away from the city life So he had come to the “rural retreat” to undergo a nerve
cure in the peaceful environment.
Q.2 Why had his sister given him letters of introduction to people living there?
Ans. His sister had given him letters of introduction to people living there as he did not
know anyone there. She knew that he would not speak to anybody and his nerves
would be worse from moping. That is why she had given him letters of introduction to
all the people she knew there.
Q.3 What had happened in the Sappleton family while crossing the moor? Write
briefly.
Ans. In crossing the moor to their favourite shooting spot, Mrs. Sappleton’s husband and
her two young brothers were all engulfed in a piece of bog. It was a wet summer day
and places that were safe in other years gave way suddenly without warning. Their
bodies were never recovered.
Q.4 What did Mrs. Sappleton say about the open window?
Ans. Mrs. Sappleton said that she hoped Framton did not mind the open window. She told
him that her husband and her brothers would be coming home directly from their
shooting, and they always came in that way.
Q.5 The horror on the girl’s face made Framton swing around in his seat. What did
he see?
Ans. When Framton turned around, he saw figures of three men and a dog in the evening
light. Then a hoarse voice was heard shouting at the dog. The description matched
exactly with that of Vera’s description.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1. What was the girl’s explanation for his lightning exit?
Ans. The girl said that Spaniel was the reason for his lightning exit. She said that he had a
horror of dogs. She explained that he was once hunted into a cemetery somewhere on
the banks of the Ganges by a pack of dogs. He had to spend the night in a newly dug
grave, with the creatures snarling, grinning and foaming just above him.
Is this a mystery story? Give a reason for your answer.
Q2.
While explaining the mystery behind the open French window, the events narrated by
Ans. Mrs. Sappleton’s niece managed to create a sense of foreboding. Later, when the three
men approached the open window, the reader (like Framton) can only logically
conclude that they were ghosts. Hence, one can say that this story does contain
elements of mystery.
2
 1
HONEYDEW- CHAPTER 13: WHEN I SET OUT FOR LYONESSE
Word meanings
Rime (noun) – frost
Sojourn (verb) - stay
Radiance (n) – glow
Spray (noun) – a stem or small branch of a tree or plant, bearing flowers and foliage.
Surmise (noun) – a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no
evidence to confirm it.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Q.1 What inspired Hardy to write the poem ‘When I set out for Lyonesse’?
Ans. The poet set out for Lyonesse to supervise renovation work of a church. He writes the
poem to celebrate his successful attempt.
Q.2 What does the poet tell about his feelings before he left for Lyonesse and after his
return?
Ans. When Hardy left for Lyonesse, he was shaky. He had a fear that he might fail to do his
job there. But nobody could foresee the future. But when he returned, he had a glow of
joy and satisfaction on his face.
Q.3 What did people notice on the poet’s return from the parish?
Ans. On his return from the parish, people noticed two things about him. A new glow in his
eyes and a crumbled piece of paper sticking out of his coat pocket.
Q.4 In the first stanza, find words that show

(i) that it was very cold.

(ii) that it was late evening.
(iii) that the traveller was alone.
Ans. (i) The word “rime’ shows that it was very cold.
(ii) The word ‘starlight’ shows that it was late evening.
(iii) The word ‘lonesomeness’ shows that the traveller was alone.
Q.5 “All marked with mute surmise”. What does this line imply?
Ans. This line means that everyone noticed something, and they made guesses, but didn’t
speak a word.
LONG ANSWER QUESTION
Q1. What is the theme of the poem “When I set out for Lyonesse”?
Ans. The poet talks about the journey to the place, and the uncertainty of what would
happen there. He states that no prophet would be able to say what he would see there
or what his journey is all about. It is not mentioned in the poem why the poet went to
Lyonesse. This is a lyrical poem that was inspired by and describes the poet’s trip to
Lyonesse, the mythical birthplace of Sir Tristan who was an Arthurian knight. In
reality the trip was made by the young poet to restore a church.
 Editing
The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line against which a blank
is given. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided. Remember to
underline the word that you have supplied.
Incorrect Correct
Although their is no direct evidence that (a) _______ ______
salt is a cause with high blood pressure (b) ______ ______
yet there are studies who indicate that (c) ______ _____
reducing the salt intake lower blood pressure. (d) _______ ______

Answers:
Incorrect Correct
(a) their there
(b) with of
(c) who which
(d) lower lowers
Exercise-2
Incorrect Correct
A debate is a contest between too (a) _______ _______
people to show skill but ability in (b) _______ _______
arguing. For participate in a (c) ________ ________
debate we must prepare for it (d) ________ ________
One must prepare a outline of (e) ________ ________
the main points off the order in which (f) ________ ________
one is going to argue.

Answers: 2
Incorrect Correct
(a) too two
(b) but and
(c) For To
(d) we they
(e) a an
(f) off in
OMISSION
In the following passages, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along
with word that comes before and the word that comes after it. Ensure that the word that forms
your answer is underlined:
Exercise-1
Before Word After
In the bejewelled beauty Lakshadweep, the most (a) _____ _____ ______
glittering is Minicoy, southernmost island of the (b) _____ _____ _____
archipelago. You can tell the difference even you (c) _____ _____ _____
land at the jetty. Dressed jeans and T-shirts, the wiry, (d) _____ _____ _____
muscular young men truly the children of the sea. (e) _____ _____ _____
Pulling the ropes, steering or piloting, there no (f) _____ _____ _____
doubt they were born for the sea . (g) _____ _____
Answers-1
Before Word After
(a) beauty of Lakshadweep
(b) Minicoy, the southernmost
(c) even as you
(d) Dressed in jeans
(e) men are truly
(f) there is no
(g)doubt that they

Exercise-2
In the following passages, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along
with word that comes before and the word that comes after it. Ensure that the word that forms
your answer is underlined:
Before Word After
Throughout the greater part Bertrand Russell’s (a) ______ ______ ______
childhood, most important hours of his days (b) ______ ______ ______
were those he spent alone in the garden. (c) ______ ______ ______
He knew corner of the garden, and knew (d) ______ ______ ______
in part of the garden primroses and bluebells (e) ______ ______ ______
bloomed. He was very fond watching the (f) ______ ______ ______
sunrise on bright April days .

Answers-2
Before Word After
(a) part of Bertrand Russell’s
(b) childhood the most
(c) those that he
(d) knew each corner
(e) in which part
(f) fond of watching
 PREPOSITIONS
A Preposition is a word that joins nouns, pronouns or phrases to other phrases in a sentence.
It usually shows the relationship of those words or phrases with other words in the sentence
with regard to space, time or reason.
Eg: We met after class.

Answers- Page 11, Ex. A (To be done in the Textbook)

1. next to 2. In 3.in 4. On 5. Beside 6. At 7. Without 8. with

Answers- Page 13, Ex. B (To be done in the Textbook)

1. In, on 2. On 3. In 4. On 5. On 6. During 7. Before 8. couch
9. In front of 10. Near 11. Beside 12. At 13. On 14. Near 15. In

Exercise: D:Page No 15 (First Five to be done in the notebook)

Make sentences using the following collocations.
1 Reason for: Ram asked me the reason for the absence of Ramesh in the class.
2 Fond of: Ritesh is fond of eating pizzas.
3 Familiar with: Rahul is quite familiar with the work going on at the mall.
4 Need for: There is no need for him to work here.
5 Ask about: Rohan did not ask about you in the meeting.
 ARTICLE WRITING
An article is a piece of writing that deals with a particular issue or topic. It may be Reflective, Descriptive,
Expository, Narrative or Imaginative.
Format:
Title/ Heading
By ( Writer’s name)

------ Content: 3 paragraphs

……………. Word limit: 150 words

SAMPLE QUESTION:-1
Even after about seven decades of independence women have to walk miles together in certain parts of the
country to fetch water. There is not only the scarcity of water but water in most places is also
contaminated. You are Ankit / Ankita, write an article on the scarcity of clean drinking water in the
country. Also, suggest how this problem can be solved.
The Scarcity of Clean Drinking Water
By Ankit/ Ankita
Many people believe that the Third World War will be fought on the issue of water. The statement doesn’t
seem to be exaggerated. The constant degradation of the environment has played havoc with water bodies
and water resources. It is quite unfortunate that even after nearly seven decades of independence; India
has not been able to provide clean drinking water to its swelling population. Moreover, water in most
places is contaminated. Women in India have to walk for miles to fetch water in many areas. The situation
in certain states is quite alarming. Rajasthan and Gujarat are the worst affected states. The water level has
gone abnormally low. Many wells, lakes and tanks go dry in the summer. The scarcity of water is not
confined to villages. The situation in towns and cities is even worse. The taps remain dry most of the day.
The Government is duty-bound to provide clean drinking water to its people. First of all, rivers, lakes,
tanks and other water bodies must be protected and preserved. Water harvesting of the rainwater must be
given the top priority. The people must be educated not to waste even a drop of water. Water is a precious
life-sustaining resource. Let us not exhaust it. Let us not contaminate or misuse it.
PRACTICE QUESTION:-1
You are Rahul / Ritika. You are disturbed by the way the viral fever like dengue and chikungunya spread
during the summer season. Write an article for a leading newspaper about the problem.
Hints:
The infection spread due to increase in temperature — we are responsible for this —keeping the
surrounding clean will not spread the virus — eat healthily — avoid junk food — play and exercise make
us fit.
PRACTICE QUESTION:-2
You are Ravinder / Kamlesh. You are concerned about the neglect of games and sports in schools. Write
an Article about the state of sports and games in school in not more than 150 words.

Page 1 of 1
 JUMBLED SENTENCES
Rearrange the words for making meaningful sentences.
Sample -1
(a) control/over/self-control/is/exercised/self/one’s
(b) power/it/having/emotions/one’s/mind/and/control/under/is/the/of
(c) clears/it/strengthens/mind/the/and/will-power
(d) elevates/it/character/our
(e) gives/freedom/it/us/peace/joy/and/bliss
Answer -1
(a) Self-control is control exercised over one’s self.
(b) It is the power of having one’s emotions and mind under control.
(c) It clears mind and strengthens will power.
(d) It elevates our character.
(e) It gives us freedom, peace, bliss and joy.
Sample -2
(a) bring/ festivals / life / colours / to / the / human / of/ a
(b) many/festivals/celebrated/in/types/India/of/are
(c) these/Holi/some/Diwali/of/are/Id/Christmas/and
(d) festival/Holi/the/colours/is/of
(e) celebrated/India/it/over/all/is
Answer -2
(a) Festivals bring colours to the life of a human.
(b) In India many types of festivals are celebrated.
(c) Some of these are Holi, Diwali, Id and Christmas.
(d) Holi is the festival of colours.
(e) It is celebrated all over India.
Sample -3
(a) peacock/a/beautiful/is/a/bird
(b) neck/feathers/covered/is/lovely/its/with
(c) green/blue/its/and/body/is
(d) glory/its/tail/long/is/its
(e) it/national/our/is/bird.
Answer-3
(a) A peacock is a beautiful bird.
(b) Its neck is covered with lovely feathers.
(c) Its body is green and blue.
(d) Its glory is its tail.
(e) It is our national bird.
Practice Question-1
(a) called/rose/the/queen/the/is/flowers/of
(b) widely/it/grown/is/the/all/world/over
(c) 500/there/about/are/species/roses/of
(d) brought/from / there / was /it/ India/ to
(e) the/rose/persian/best/is/the
 THE LAST BARGAIN (POEM)
Word meaning
Hire (verb) – lease
Naught (noun) – nothing
Pondered (verb) – consider

Q.1 The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. Why did he turn down the offer?
Ans. The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. However, he turned it down because he realised
that money cannot give him what he actually desires. He had not till then realised that what he
actually desired was happiness. When the old man was counting the gold coins, the speaker realised
that once the money was finished or the work the old man wanted to hire him for was done, he
would again be out of work. More than that, he would be bound in this bargain. It did not satisfy him
and therefore, he turned it down.

Q.2 How did the speaker feel after talking to the child on the beach?
Ans. In the evening the man met a child who was playing with sea shells near the sea beach. After
talking to the child on the beach the speaker felt extremely happy. Because by playing with him he did
not lose anything.

Q.3 What is a bargain? What attempts does the man make to strike a bargain?

Ans. A bargain is an agreement in which parties promise to do something for each other. The man wants
to be hired. The king tries to hire him with his power. But for the man power counts for nothing.
Then a rich old man comes with his gold coins. The third person who wants to hire the man is a
pretty girl. But the man does not need power, gold and sweet love. He finally strikes a bargain with
a little child for no price. His satisfaction is that he will remain a free man.

Q.4 What is the speaker’s last bargain? Why does he call it the best?
Ans. The speaker’s final bargain is with a child playing with shells on the sea beach. The child has
nothing to pay in return. Still the man strikes the deal. Playing with the child will make him a free
man, not a slave or servant.

Q.5 What message does Tagore’s poem convey? What does he try to highlight?
Ans. The poem has a profound message. Freedom is more desirable than power, gold or beauty. An
employee becomes a slave or servant. He offers his services on payment. So, he is duty bound to
work for his employer. Playing with a child ensures the man’s freedom.
 CLAUSES

A clause is a group of words which forms a part of a sentence, and which contains a
subject and a predicate.
Example: Birds sing, I have a remote controlled robot.
Answers- Page 76, Ex. A (To be done in the Textbook)
CLAUSES FINITE VERBS
1. Everybody left (after the ceremony.) Left
2. Inviting your cousin was a terrible idea. Was
3. I love eating paratha love
4. They expect (that Tina would do all the work.) expect, would
5. Rohit believes (that Sima is beautiful). Believes, is
6. Ram said (that he had to leave.) said, had
7. Meena has submitted her paper. Has submitted
8. (If they are deprived of oxygen,) the animals will die. Are, will
9. He played badminton yesterday. Played
10. (As he walked down the road), he felt calmer. Walked, felt
11. He was tricked many times before, (but he was smarter this time.) was tricked, was

Answers- Page 77, Ex. B (To be done in the Textbook)

1. The old man picked up the bottle that was lying on the ground.
2. Mother was alarmed to see the front door open when she came home.
3. You can eat whatever you like.
4. When we were in Mumbai, we always walked to school.
5. The little girl who is singing is my niece.
6. The car that is at the gate belongs to my friend.
7. The judge declared that the defendant was innocent.
8. Mr. Gupta makes new resolutions which he never keeps for more than a day.

Answers- Page 80, Ex. D (To be done in the Textbook)

1. Which is the house (where your uncle lives?) where
2. I am grateful to my teacher (whose guidance helped me a lot.) whose
3. This is the time (when we should unite against corruption.) when
4. I don’t know the man (she wants to marry.) whom
5. A spider, (which has eight legs), is not an insect. Which
6. His sister, (who is younger than him), is much smarter. who
7. This is the reason (why I sent him away.) why
8. Is this the building (that your sister designed?) that
 9 The dog (that he bought) barks all night. that
10. We obeyed all the instructions (that the teacher gave us.) that
Answers- Page 81, Ex. E (To be done in the notebook)
1. I know a man who can read a book backwards.- Adjective Clause
2. He says that he is a vegetarian.- Noun Clause
3. We saw a movie that I had seen before. -Adjective Clause
4. Do you think I don’t know the answer?- Noun Clause
5. Please tell me how to bake a cake.- Noun Clause
6. I saw that the child was going to cry.- Noun Clause
7. Your statement- that 70 percent of our population is illiterate- is not true anymore.-
Adjective Clause
8. Nishi does not know how to answer.- Noun Clause
9. Nobody knows when Sumit will arrive. - Noun Clause
10. What he told me was a lie.- Noun Clause
11. There is a tunnel here that leads to the other side of the fort.- Adjective Clause
12. Who will tell me what this sentence means?- Noun Clause
 CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, clauses and sentences. Based on their
function, conjunctions can be classified into two: Coordinating Conjunctions and
Subordinating Conjunctions.

Answers- Page 71, Ex. A (To be done in the Notebook)

1. Suman was not well, yet she came for the programme.
2. Our zoo houses both a panda and a koala.
3. Tomorrow is a holday but some people will be working.
4. Since tomorrow is a holiday, you must finish your work today.
5. Sushil applied neither for engineering nor for medicine.
6. Kamal and Asif are on leave today.
7. You can hire a cab and drive there yourself.
8. Sunil has neither washed the plates nor watered the plants.

Answers- Page 74, Ex. C (To be done in the Textbook)

1. Subordinating 2. Subordinating 3. Subordinating 4. Coordinating 5. Coordinating
6. Subordinating 7. Coordinating 8. Coordinating 9. Subordinating 10.
Subordinating

Answers- Page 74, Ex. D (To be done in the Textbook)

1. So that 2. Or/ else/ otherwise 3. If 4. Neither.....nor 5. Such.......that
6. That 7. Although 8. When 9. Neither......nor 10. Unless
 PRINCESS SEPTEMBER
Word- Meaning
1. Snares (n): a trap for catching birds or mammals
2. anxious(adj): worried
3. prowling (v): move about stealthily in search of prey

I Read the questions carefully and give the answers.

(i) Why were the daughters named after the months of the year?
Ans (i) They were named after the months of the year because the queen could not recall
their names easily.

(ii) How many daughters did the royal couple have?

Ans (ii) The Royal couple had nine daughters.

Q. 3 Are the sisters unkind and cruel? Find evidence in the text to support your idea.
Ans 3 Yes, the eight sisters of the princess were unkind and cruel. They were jealous too. They
advised her to encage (confine in a cage) the bird. This suggestion might have killed the bird.

Q. 4 Who was Princess September married to? Why?

Ans 4 Princess September was married to the King of Cambodia, because she was ex-tremely
beautiful.

Q. 5 What persuaded Princess September to give the bird his freedom again?
Ans 5 The Princess freed the bird lest he should die in captivity.

Q. 6 What did Princess September do to ensure the safety of her pet?

Ans 6 Princess September put the bird into a cage to ensure his safety.

Q.7 What is the king’s opinion about his councillors? Why did he form that opinion?
Ans 7 The king believed that his councillors were same like the parrots. They could say that same
thing in seven different ways but it made no sense. This was similar to the way the parrots
kept repeating ‘Pretty Polly’ in seven different languages.
 PUNCTUATION
When we speak we use pauses, intonation and voice modulation to make our meaning clear. In
writing we use punctuation marks to do so. Some punctuation marks that we commonly use are:
Full stop, question mark, exclamation mark, comma, semicolon, colon, apostrophe, quotation
marks, hyphen, dash.
(Explanation of the chapter from English Grammar Book)
Sr. Answers- Page 189, Ex. A(To be done in Textbook)
No
1 This car was bought in Bhatinda.
2 Did you hear the thunderclap?
3 Can you speak softly?
4 I have a great idea!
5 My sister has gone to the UK to study.
6 Do you know what a UFO is?
7 Everybody wants to go to America.
8 Piyush and Rajat live in Allahabad.

Answers- Page 191, Ex. B( To be done in the Textbook)

1 This is the school that I went to.
2 Please have some tea, Maya.
3 While we were waiting, we listened to some good music.
4 My pencil box has pens, pencils and an eraser.
5 The team practised hard and won the game.
6 Tina, my neighbour, is a pilot.
7 We’ve made the charts, put up the notices and sent out invitations for the play.
8 Reena, where have you kept the colours?

Answers- Page 193, Ex. C (To be done in the Textbook)

1 India’s biggest disadvantage is its growing population.
2 Indians have one advantage over the Chinese: the knowledge of English.
3 The AC in our office has one problem: it either makes the room too cold, or it doesn’t cool at all.
4 The speakers in today’s session are: Ashalata, the leader of the Bangalore group; Neena Razdaan,
the leader of the Allahabad group and Kartik, from Cochin.
5 It’s a known fact that water boils at 100 degree centigrade.
6 In the new grading system, A’s stand for excellent, B’s for good and C’s for average.

Answers: Page 195, Ex. D (To be done in notebook)

1 The government’s economic policies appear to be a recipe for disaster.
2 Have you seen the new boy in class? He’s really handsome.
3 Mother said, “Take all your things and put them away, and don’t forget to put the dirty clothes in
the wash.”
4 “We’d like you to help us if you have the time in completing the project,” the students said to their
teacher.
5 Wow! What a lovely painting! Don’t tell me you did it yourself.
6 Have we got everything: Sheets to sit on, games to play and most important, the food.
7 Every day after lunch we went for long walks. Do you remember the great times we had, Mira?
8 Gentlemen, which I doubt most of you are, please offer your seats to the ladies.
ANSWERS- Page 196,Ex.E (To be done in the Textbook)
A man of the town of Ashwapuri had a spear and a shield for sale. He loudly praised his shield:
“My shield is so strong that nothing can pierce it through.” He also sang praises of his spear: “My
spear is so strong that it can pierce through anything.”
A passer-by asked, “What would happen if your spear is used to pierce your shield?”
Can there be at the same time a shield that nothing can pierce and a spear that can pierce anything?
 SHORT STORY
A short story is a fictional work of prose that usually focuses on one part, one main character
(with a few additional minor characters), and one central theme.
KEY ELEMENTS OF SHORT STORY:
Title:
 Should arouse interest, evoke curiosity and focus attention on the theme of the story.
Plot:
 Planned, logical series of events having a beginning, and middle and an end.

Exposition Conflict Rising Climax Falling Resolution

action Action
Beginning of Struggle Intensify Turning Complication The final
the story between the point of begin to outcome of
where opposite central the story. resolve. the conflict.
characters, forces. conflict.
background
setting are
revealed.
Theme:
 The author tries to convey the main idea.
Characters:
 Lively, real and convincing.
 Physical description.
 Direct comment from the narrator.
Mood
 What mood is created?
 Cheerful / dark or tense / dark and frightening.
 Suspense etc.
Language:
 Figurative language or words can be used.
 Avoid using words you are not fully comfortable with.
Points to remember:
 Focus on the message to be conveyed.
 Stick to the story without too many digressions.
  Don’t get hung up on the hints provided. They should be used to support your writing,
not the other way around.

Sample Question:
Outline: Hidden behind a growth of bushes I discovered what appeared to be a
hole in the side of a hill. Could this be an entrance to a cave? ..............
Write a story in 150-200 words on the basis of its beginning provided:
The Cave

Hidden behind a growth of bushes I discovered what appeared to be a hole in the side
of a hill. Could this be an entrance to a cave? I turned and called out to my friends Ravi
and Tanya.
We had to spend our holidays at our uncle’s house near Golkonda fort in Hyderabad.
That day the three of us had decided to explore the old fort and were trekking up the
hill when I discovered the ‘cave’. Quickly Ravi and Tanya scrambled up the hill to
where I was. We pushed aside the bushes and cleared the stones- we could see steps
leading downwards and excitedly peered inside. Were we going to discover a secret
hiding place? Should we explore this tunnel? Would it be safe?
None of these questions came to our mind as we climbed down. As the steps went
down, it grew darker. Suddenly there was a shriek and something dark swooped past
our heads. Tanya screamed. ‘Bats’, I said. Ravi put on the torch in his mobile phone.
The passage was flooded with light. We looked around in wonder. The walls were
covered in moss but under that we could see some wonderful carvings. The tunnel had
opened into a large cave. At the far end the tunnel went on-but we decided not to
explore further.
We went home and told uncle Suraj about our discovery. Soon there were people from
the Archaeological survey of India. They told us that this was indeed an important
discovery and thanked us. Suddenly we were heroes.

PRACTICE QUESTION: -1
“We are out camping: My parents and my younger sister and my friends Hashim and Sagar. It
was quite late and we are sitting around the campfire, enjoying the peace and quiet.................”
Write the story in about 150 -200 words using the opening lines given above.
 THE SUMMIT WITHIN
Word meaning
Panorama (noun)- view of wide area
Jubilant(adj.)-very happy because of success
Exhilarating(verb)-very exciting

Q.1 Why is adventure, which is risky, also pleasurable?

Ans. Adventure is risky, but pleasurable. Though it presents great difficulties, man takes
delight in overcoming such hurdles. Everest is the highest, the mightiest, and many attempts
have been made to climb it. According to the author, when the summit is climbed, there
is the feeling of “exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle
fought and won”. There is a feeling of victory and of happiness. The physical conquest of
a mountain is only one part of the achievement. It is followed by a sense of fulfilment
and satisfaction. The experience is not merely physical, but it is emotional and spiritual
also.

Q.2 What was it about Mount Everest that the author found irresistible?
Ans. Everest is one of the highest and mightiest mountains which drew the author towards
itself by its beauty, aloofness, ruggedness and the difficulties encountered on the way.
Climbing it, would take the last ounce of one’s energy as it is a brutal struggle with rock
and ice. Once taken up, it cannot be given up half way even when one’s life is at stake. The
passage back is as difficult as the passage onwards. Once the summit is climbed however
there is the feeling of exhilaration, the joy of having done something, the sense of a battle
fought and won, a feeling of victory and of happiness. All these were the reasons why he
found it irresistible.

Q.3 One does not do it (climb a high peak) for fame alone. What does one do it for, really?
Ans. Climbing a peak means endurance, persistence and will power. The demonstration of
these physical qualities is exhilarating for a climber. The experience, apart from being
merely physical, is also emotional and spiritual. It surely presents great difficulties.
However, man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. Therefore, it is not for fame alone
that one climbs a mountain. It is actually for the joy of having done something, the sense
of a battle fought and won, a feeling of victory and of happiness. There is a sense of
fulfilment, the satisfaction of a deep urge to rise above one’s surroundings, the eternal
love for adventure in man

Q.4 What were the ‘symbols of reverence’ left by members of the team on Everest?
Ans. On Everest, a picture of Guru Nanak was left by the author; a picture of Goddess Durga was
left by Rawat; a relic of the Buddha was left by Phu Dorji. Apart from these ‘symbols of
reverence’ there was also the cross that had been buried by Edmund Hillary.

Q.5 What, according to the writer, did his experience as an Everester teach him?
Ans. According to the writer, his experience as an Everester provided him with
the inspiration to face life’s challenges determinedly. It taught him that the conquest of the
internal summit is as worthwhile as climbing the mountain. He also concluded that
perhaps the internal summits are higher than Everest.
 It So Happened Chapter -3 – The Selfish Giant
Words meaning
Trespassers (noun) – those who enter somebody’s lands without permission
Prosecuted (verb) – punished
Feeble – (adj.) - weak
Q.1 Why is the Giant called selfish?
Ans. The Giant is called selfish because he did not allow children to play in the
garden. He built a high wall around his garden. He also put up notice board
with a warning on it that no one is allowed to enter the garden.
Q.2 On one occasion the children said: "How happy we are here!" Later they said: "How
happy we were there!"
What are they referring to in both the cases?
Ans. In the first case, they are referring to the Giant's garden where they would play
while returning from school. They had a great time whenever they played in the
garden.
In the second case, they are again referring to the garden; talking about how
happy they were before the Giant stopped them from playing in his garden.
In both the cases, the children are referring to the Giant's garden.
Q.3 The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. What did he see?
Ans. The Giant saw that the children had entered the garden through a small hole
in the wall, and were sitting on the branches of trees. There was a child on
every tree. The trees had covered themselves with blossoms as they were
glad to have the children back. The birds were flying about and twittering in
delight, and the flowers and grass were laughing out loud.
Q.4 Why was it still winter in one corner of the garden?
Ans. In one corner of the garden, there was a tree all covered with frost and snow.
The North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. A little boy was standing in
front of it, but could not reach its branches. As a result, there was still winter
in this part of the garden.
Q.5♣ Describe the first meeting of the little boy and the Giant.
Ans. The first meeting of the little boy and the Giant was beneath the tree that was
covered with frost and snow. The Giant took him gently in his hands and put
him up into the tree.
The tree at once blossomed, and the birds came and sang on it. The little boy
stretched out his two arms, flung them round the Giant's neck, and kissed
him.
Q.6 The Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms. What does this sentence
indicate about the once selfish Giant?
Ans. The sentence indicates the Giant lay dead, all covered with white blossoms.
The Giant had been blessed with paradise after his death. The Giant is no
longer selfish and cruel. That is why he is covered with white blossoms.
White colour is a symbol of peace.
 The Treasure Within
Word- Meaning
1. Detested (v): dislike something intensely
2. Shiver (v): shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or
excited
3. Spontaneously (adv): without any planning or without being forced
I Read the questions carefully and give the answers.
(i) What ‘distraction’ did Hafeez Contractor create one day?
Ans (i) For one whole hour he along with his friends played ‘Chor-police’.
(ii) Would you have liked to participate in the ‘distraction’ had you been with him?
Ans (ii) I would have avoided such distraction for fear of the teacher. Moreover, it was
completely a wastage of time.
Q. 3 Hafeez Contractor wanted to join the police force. Why didn’t he?

Ans 3 Hafeez wanted to join the police force, but his mother advised him to do his graduation
first. So, he joined Jai Hind College in Mumbai.
Q. 4 Which rules did he break as a school boy?
Ans 4 As a school boy, he never studied, until his 11th. He always copied to pass the examination.

Q. 5 What does the title of the lesson ‘The Treasure Within’ mean and highlight?

Ans 5 The Treasure Within’ refers to the hidden talent of every child who has his own style of
learning and area of interest. Not every topper in the academics becomes an achiever in
life. Every child can achieve greatness in his own area of interest.
Q. 6 How does Hafeez give to his client the kind of structure he wants?

Ans 6 Hafeez is good at drawing the design of a house on the spot. He looks at the client’s face
and examines the manner of his talks to know what his taste would be like. Then he
sketches on the spot and gives it to his client in the office.
 BEPIN CHAUDHURY’S LAPSE OF MEMORY
Word- Meaning
1. Sleuthing (v) – investigating
2. Conscientious (adj) – careful and correct
3. head was in a whirl (phrase) – confused and unable to think clearly
I Answer the following questions.
(i) Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?
Ans (i) Chunilal was an old friend of Bepin Babu. He wanted a favour from Bepin Babu in his
job.
(ii) Why was Dr. Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu’s loss of
memory?
Ans (ii) Paresh Chanda was a young physician. He had never dealt a case of memory loss. So,
he was puzzled. He gave a suggestion to Bepin Babu to visit Ranchi again.
Q. 3 Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?
Ans 3 Perhaps not. He finally recollected his memory and admitted that he had visited Ranchi in
1958.
Q. 4 Why do you think Chunilal did what he did? Chunilal says he has no money; what is
it that he does have?
Ans 4 Chunilal wanted some money from Bepin Babu, his old friend. So, he went to him for help.
He assured Bepin that the term of his fortune would be back again. Chunilal had no money
but he had mind (intellect) and wit.
Q. 5 The author describes Bepin Babu as a serious and hardworking man. What
evidence can you find in the story to support this?
Ans 5 Bepin Babu was a serious, honest and hardworking fellow. He went to office regularly. He
was doing a responsible job. He was not a good mixer. Being serious minded, he didn’t
waste time in idle chat.
Q. 6 What was Bepin Chaudhury’s ailment or problem? Was it real or deliberate?
Ans 6 Bepin Babu was a lonely man. His wife had died some 10 years ago. His ailment was the
lapse of memory. He clearly forgot that he had been to Ranchi in ’58. Nothing could revive
his memory. Finally, he hit against some rock in Ranchi and became unconscious. On
returning home he received Chunilal’s letter. The letter had an electrifying effect. And
Bepin Babu felt relaxed.
 Lesson- 3 Glimpses Of the Past
Word- Meaning
1. Subdue- (adj) put down by force and authority.
2. Thugs-(n) young criminals
3. Rivalries-(n) enmity
Q. 1 Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of
1757?
Ans Yes, Indian princes were “short-sighted” in their approach to the events of 1757 which
means they only considered immediate benefits but ignored its long-term consequences.
They were not at peace amongst themselves. So, they took help from the English merchants
to be able to defeat their rivals. This helped the British East India Company in successfully
taking over control from the Indian rulers. The British adopted the “Divide and Rule” policy.
Q. 2 How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?
Ans The East India Company spread their business by importing machine-manufactured items
from England and selling them extensively. The Indian princes were constantly at
loggerheads and fighting with each other. Due to this, they took the help of the English
merchants to fight their counterparts. The ordinary people lost peace due to these constant
fights. These rivalries indirectly helped the East India Company subdue the Indian princes
one at a time and slowly gain complete control over the masses.
Q. 3 Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same
principles.
Ans The words of Ram Mohan Roy spoken to his wife were: “Cows are of different colours, but
the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions but the
essence of every religion is the same.”
Q. 4 In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Ans The British rulers passed a resolution under which an Indian could be sent to jail without
trial in a court. The goods manufactured in England were exempted from custom duty. The
officers prospered on the company’s loot and their private business flourished.
Q. 5 Name these people.
1. The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
2. The person who wanted to reform the society.
3. The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
4. Two popular leaders who led the revolt (choices may vary.)

Ans 1. Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

2. Raja Ram Mohan Roy of Bengal.
3. Lord Macaulay
4. Nana Sahib Peshwa, Kunwar Singh, Begum Hazrat Mahal.
 MESSAGE WRITING
INTRODUCTION
A message is an informal means of communication. The receiver of the message has to sill
through the given message and pick out the most vital bits of information.
Then, he/she should be able to reproduce that information in order to convey it to the person
for whom it is intended.
Format
 Date
 Time
 Name of person to whom the message is directed
 The body of the message
 Name of the writer
Points to remember
 While writing the body of the message, the following points have to be kept in
mind—
 Only the most important details should be written.
 No new information should be added.
 Grammatically correct sentences should be used.
 Indirect or reported speech should be used.
 The message should be presented within a box.
 The word limit for a message is 50 words (only the words in the body of the notice
are counted).
SAMPLE QUESTION:
Mr. Kumar: Hello, can I speak to Mr. Menon please?
Arun: Hello, this is Arun. Mr. Menon’s son. My father is not at home. Can I take a
message?
Mr. Kumar : Hi Arun, can you tell your father that he has to be at the advocate’s office at
sharp 10 am tomorrow and he should bring the file containing the company’s asset details.
Arun: I shall tell him the details when he returns. Have a nice day uncle.
Mr. Kumar: Thank you Arun, it was a pleasure talking to you.
MESSAGE
23rd August, 2021
4 p.m.

Dear Daddy
Mr. Kumar, your colleague, had called to inform that you are supposed to be
at the advocate’s office at sharp 10 in the morning tomorrow i.e., 24th
August. He wants you to carry the file containing the company’s asset details
with you. I am going to the gym and will be back by 8 p.m.
Arun
 PRACTICE QUESTION
Q1 You receive a telephone call from your mother’s office, when she is not at home. You have
the following conversation with the speaker. But you have to go for your tuition class. So,
you leave a message for your mother. Write the message in 50 words using the information
given below. Do not add any new information.
Anuj: Hello!
Mr. Rastogi: Hello! May I talk to Mrs. Dixit please? I am Naresh Rastogi from her office.
Anuj: Mom is not at home right now.
Mr. Rastogi: In that case can you give her a message? It is urgent. Please, tell her that the
meeting fixed for tomorrow has been rescheduled. Ask her to check her mail as soon as
possible for the details. Please, don’t forget to inform her.
Anuj: Don’t worry. I will tell her as soon as she returns.
PRACTICE QUESTION
Q2 The following is a telephonic conversation between Mr. Mahesh and Mr.Bansal. Mr.
Mahesh wants to talk to Mr. Gupta, the sweet shop owner. But he is not present at the
moment. So the shop assistant Mr. Bansal takes the message for him. Mr. Bansal has to
leave the shop early. So he decides to leave a message for Mr. Gupta. Read the conversation
and write the message.

Mr. Mahesh : Hello, Can I talk to Mr. Gupta?

Mr. Bansal : He has gone out on business. Can I help you?
Mr. Mahesh : I am Mahesh. I want to place an order of 5 kg sweets. Please tell him that I
will collect my order at 6:00 pm sharp and I’ll make the payment in 2 days’ time.
Mr. Bansal : I will inform him when he comes and will ask him to get back to you.
Mr. Mahesh : Thank you.
 Poem :- Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Word- Meaning
1. Defy – (v) disobey or resist openly.
2. Levitation – (n) floating in the air without support.
3. Feline – (adj) of, or relating to a cat.
I Read the first stanza and think.
(i) Is Macavity a cat really?
(ii) If not, who can Macavity be?
Ans (i) Macavity is an imaginative cat who is very mischievous.
Ans (ii) If not, Macavity can be a notorious and expert criminal or a mysterious creature.
Q. 3 “A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” (Jules Verne)
Which law is Macavity breaking in the light of the comment above?
Ans 3 Macavity is breaking Newton’s law of gravity.
Q. 4 Read stanza 3, and then, describe Macavity in two or three sentences of your own.
Ans 4 Macavity is a very cunning and cautious cat. He is tall and thin, his eyes are sunken in,
and his head is highly domed. His coat is dusty and he never combs his whiskers.
Q. 5 Having read the poem, try to guess whether the poet is fond of cats. If so, why does
he call Macavity a fiend and monster?
Ans 5 Yes, the poet is fond of cats but he hates Macavity who is big criminal because he dodges
the police every time. So, he calls him a fiend and monster.
Q. 6 Has the poet used exaggeration for special effect? Find a few examples of it and read
those lines aloud.
Ans 6 Yes, the poet has used exaggeration for special effect and to show that Macavity has
supernatural power. For example-
1. He breaks the law of gravity.
2. His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare.
3. A fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity.
 VOICE- ACTIVE AND PASSIVE
In Active Voice, the sentence begins with the Subject of the action and the object is at the end of the
sentence as it is acted upon – Subject + Verb + Object
Example- Some girls were helping the wounded women.
In Passive Voice, the sentence begins with the object and the subject is at the end.
Example- The wounded women were being helped by some girls.
Explanation of all the rules related to Active and Passive Voice( Chapter 19-Pg. 151)
Answers-Page 151, Ex. A (to be done in notebook)
1 Hot tea was served at the restaurant by the waiter.
2 His stories were readily believed by the superstitious villagers.
3 My rude behaviour has been forgiven by my mother.
4 We were shocked by the noise of the crackers.
5 Has the date of the annual function been announced by the school?
6 Classes are conducted by my friend twice a week.
7 The accused has been found innocent of all charges by the jury.
8 We were advised to practise daily by the instructor.
9 The sitar is being played by Lee.
10 The dishes were being washed by Rukun when you came.
11 The script was written by the director.
12 A phone was left in the theatre by someone.
13 The lawn will be watered by him tomorrow.
14 Clean drinking water had been promised for all by the politicians before the elections.
15 My directions must be followed by Rohit.
16 Have all the rules been explained by her?
17 Water may be discovered on Mars by astronauts.
18 Flowers are being plucked from the garden by the children.
19 An alternative to petrol will have been discovered by the scientists by the year 2050.
20 Have the fruits been put in the basket by you?

Exercise: C (Page no: 154) (To be done in the notebook)

Change the following sentences into passive, using each of the two objects as the subject.
1 The courier will deliver the parcel to the client.
Ans The parcel will be delivered to the client by the courier
Ans The client will be delivered the parcel by the courier.
2 My friend gave me a wonderful gift.
Ans A wonderful gift was given to me by my friend.
Ans I was given a wonderful gift by my friend.
3 Priya teaches dance to children and adults.
Ans Dance is taught to children and adult by Priya.
Ans Children and adult are taught dance by Priya.
4 The parents wrote a letter to the principal.
Ans A letter was written to the principal by the parents.
Ans The principal was written a letter by the parents.
5 Kunal passed the ball to Gaurav.
Ans The ball was passed to Gaurav by Kunal.
Ans Gaurav was passed the ball by Kunal.
6 The leader told us many lies.
Ans Many lies were told to us by the leader.
Ans We were told many lies by the leader.
 HONEYDEW – Chapter 3: THE TSUNAMI
Words meaning
Recede (verb) – move back from where it was
Traumatised (verb) – greatly shocked and distressed
Hysterical (adj.) - without control on oneself
Question and Answer:
Q.1 Why did Tilly's family come to Thailand?
Ans. Tilly Smith's family came from England to celebrate Christmas at the beach resort in
Southern Thailand.
Q.2 What were the warning sign that both Tilly and her mother saw?
Ans. Tilly’s mother saw that the water was swelling and the beach was getting smaller
and smaller. Tilly saw that the sea was slowly rising, bubbling and forming a
whirlpool.
Q.3 How are Meghna and Almas’ stories similar?
Ans. Both Meghna's and Almas' families had got washed away in tsunami but they were
the only members from their respective families who had survived. Both of them
kept floating in the sea for days. Meghna floated in the sea for two days holding on
to a wooden door. She was brought to the shore by a wave. Similarly, Almas
climbed on to a log of wood and fainted. She woke up in a hospital. Both the girls
were traumatised after the incident. While Meghna was seen walking on the
seashore in daze, Almas does not talk about the incident to anyone.
Q.4 What are the different ways in which Tilly's parents could have reacted to her behaviour?
What would you have done if you were in their place?
Ans. Tilly's parents could have sensed the danger which was making her frightened by
something. If they had paid more attention, they could have rushed to a safer place
and saved themselves.
If I was in their place, I too would have listened to her and realised that there was a
danger approaching. Consequently, I too would have rushed away from the beach.
Q.5 What are the two different ideas about why so few animals were killed in the tsunami?
Which idea do you find more believable?
Ans. The first idea is that the animals have a sixth sense. They know when the earth is
going to shake. The second idea is that the animals have a more acute sense of
hearing. This helps them to hear or feel the earth’s vibration. In this way they sense
the coming disaster much before the human beings. So, they run away to safer
places. This is scientifically proven that animal can hear the approaching natural
disturbances as they can hear sound with low frequency which we can't. This idea is
more reasonable.
Q.6 When he felt the earthquake, do you think Ignesious immediately worked about a
tsunami? Give reasons of your Answer. Which sentence in the text tells you that the
Ignesious family did not have any time to discuss and plan their course of action after the
tsunami struck?
Ans. No, when he felt the earthquake, Ignesious, did not think about the tsunami. He
thought only about the tremors. That was why he took his television off the table
and put it on the ground. In fact, the Ignesious family did not have any time to
discuss and plan their course of action after tsunami struck. That was why there
was only chaos and confusion. The following sentence tells it clearly: “In the
chaos and confusion, two of his children caught hold of the hands of their
mother’s father and mother’s brother and rushed in the opposite directions.”
 It So Happened - Chapter – 2: Children at Work
Words meaning
Wobbly (adj.) – unsteady
Livelihood (noun) – means of securing the necessities of life
Grimace (adj.) – twisted expression due to pain
Q.1 Velu stood on the platform but he felt "as if he was still on a moving train". Why?
Ans. Velu, who had run away from his home to Chennai, catching the Kanyakumari
Express had never travelled in a train so he felt as if he was still on a moving train
because his legs were still wobbly and shaky after the journey to Chennai. Usually,
the effect of a moving train stays for some time after the end of the journey.
Q.2 What made him feel miserable?
Ans. Velu felt miserable and exhausted because he had run away from his village two
days ago fed up of his drunkard father. He had not eaten anything except some
peanuts and a piece of jaggery for the last two days. And in this big city he did not
know what to do.
Q.3 Why had Velu run away from home?
Ans. Velu belonged to a poor family. He and his sibling had to earn for their living. But
his drunkard father used to beat him every day. His father would also spend the
money earned by Velu and his sister on drinking. So, fed up of all such things he
ran away from home.
Q.4 Why did he decide to follow the 'strange' girl?
Ans. He decided to follow the 'strange' girl because he did not know where to go and what
to do in a big city like Chennai. At the same time, he was extremely hungry and he
had not eaten anything for the last two days.
Q.5 Do you think Jaya is a brave and sensitive child with a sense of humour?
Find instances of her courage, kind nature and humour in the text.
Ans. Jaya is a brave and sensitive child with sense of humour. She was of Velu’s age.
She was a rag picker and knows how to live in the city. Jaya knows her way
around Chennai, which is a fairly big city. She knows from where to find food.
She knows that one has to be careful to not get caught by the police.
Jaya is also a very sensitive and kind girl as she helps Velu in all possible ways.
She gives him a pair of shoes because his feet burnt in the burning sun on tar road.
Jaya is also of a humorous nature. When she sees Velu sitting on the platform, she
asks him if he is there to become rich. When Velu is not able to cross the road, she
drags him to the other side of the road.
Q.6 What one throws away as waste may be valuable to others. Do you find this sentence
meaningful in the context of this story? How?
Ans. The story 'Children at work' gives a vivid picture of the plight of the slum
dwellers basically the children. It tells us about the cruel reality that what is
thrown out as rubbish can become a source of living for others. People throw
away bottles, paper, left over of food which these children pick and earn some
money. Our waste is valuable and blessing for them as their life depends on
them. Circumstances force them to do such thing.
 HONEYDEW – GEOGRAPHY LESSON
Words meaning:
Inevitable (adjective) - that cannot be avoided
Haphazard (adjective) - without plan or order
Delineated (verb) – shown/describe
Q.1 Find three or four phrases in stanzas one and two which are likely to occur in a geography
lesson.
Ans. Some phrases that are likely to occur in a Geography lesson are 'the city had developed the way it had',
'it scaled six inches to the mile', 'cities where the rivers ran', and 'the valleys were populated' 'more sea
than land'.
Q.2 Mention two things that are:
(i) clear from the height.
(ii) not clear from the height.
Ans. (i) From the height, it was clear that there are populated cities and valleys of the countries near the
rivers. It was also clear that the earth was round and that it had more sea than land.
(ii) From the height, it was not clear why men on the earth found reasons to hate each other. It was
also not understandable why men had to build walls across cities and why they had to kill. When
Nature has not made any boundaries why man is trying to divide the beautiful world by walls.
Q.3 Which of the following statements are examples of “the logic of geography”?
Ans. (i) There are cities where there are rivers. “the logic of geography.”
(ii) Cities appear as they are not from six miles above the ground.
(iii) It is easy to understand why valleys are populated. “the logic of geography.”
(iv) It is difficult to understand why humans hate and kill one another.
(v) The earth is round, and it has more sea than land. “the logic of geography.”
Q.4 What lesson of Geography did the poet learn when he flew above his city?
Ans. As the poet flies in a jet, he notices that the cities below were not properly planned. He could see
why it was so. From a height of 10,000 feet he noticed that valleys were populated. It was quite
reasonable and understandable. It was the compulsion of geography that people should settle
down in places with flat land and plenty of water and food. It is quite illogical why people hate
and kill one another. It is greatly inhuman.
Q.5 Sum up the main ideas of the poem in about 50 words.
Ans. The poet flew over the city in a jet plane. He found the city spread in a disorderly manner. But he
knew it was unavoidable. From the height of 10,000 feet, he saw the rivers and valleys. He well
understood why the valleys were populated. The land and water facilities attract people. It was the
logic of geography.
From a height of six miles, he noticed that the earth was round and had more sea than land. But he
failed to understand why people hated each other, divided the land into separate units and killed
each other.
 TENSES
TENSE SIMPLE CONTINUOUS PERFECT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
FO S+V in the S+am/is/are+ S+has/have+ S+has/have+
RM Present form V'ing' form past participle been+ 'ing' form
form of the
verb
PRESENT
AFFIRMAT He writes a He is writing He has written He has been
IVE letter. a letter. a letter. writing a letter.

NEGATIVE He does not He is not He has not He has not been

write a letter. writinga letter. written a letter. writing a letter.

INTERROG Does he writea Is he writing Has he written Has he been

ATIVE letter? a letter? a letter? writing a letter?

FO S+V in the S+was/were S+had+past S+had+been+ 'ing'

RM Past +'ing' form participle form.

PAST AFFIRMAT He wrote a He was writing He had written He had been

IVE letter. a letter. a letter. writing a letter.

NEGATIVE He did not He was not He had not He had not been
write a letter. writing a written a letter. writing a letter.
letter.
INTERROG Did he write a Was he writing Had he written Had he been
ATIVE letter? aletter? a letter? writing a letter?

FO S+will/shall+ S+will/shall+be+ S+will/shall+ S+will/shall+

RM root verb 'ing' form have+past have+been+
participle 'ing' form

FUTURE
AFFIRMAT He will write He will be writing He will have He will have
IVE a letter. a letter. written a letter. been writing a
letter.

NEGATIVE He will not He will not be He will have He will have not
write a letter. writing a not written a been writing a
letter. letter. letter.

INTERROG Will he write Will he be writing Will he have Will he have

ATIVE a letter? a letter? written a letter? been writing a
letter?
 PRACTICE EXERCISE – 1
Change the following sentences into the negative and the interrogative.
1. I have a house in Shimla.
2. The train leaves in two hours.
3. Jatin plays cricket every evening.
4. The Brahmaputra is the longest river in the country.
5. Manu and Bunty are good friends.
6. Utpal is the tallest boy in the team.
7. Revising your lessons helps you perform better in exams.
8. What the creature looks like is a mystery.
9. Suman gets tired very easily.
10. Cutting of trees in the forest is illegal.

EXERCISE – 2
Do as directed.
1. Sheetal baked a cake. (Change to Past Perfect Continuous)
2. We live in Kolkata. ( Change to Present Perfect)
3. I have been teaching for ten years. (Change to Past Perfect)
4. I dance. ( Change to Simple Future)
5. Manu will have selpt. (Change to Future Perfect Continuous)
6. Arifa was a lawyer. (Change to Simple Present)
7. Twinkle made a Buddha statue with clay. (Change to Present Continuous.)
8. Rainwater seeps in through a crack in the tiles. ( Change to Past Continuous)
9. Did Maurice serve in the army before becoming a businessman?
(Change to Past Perfect)
10. I visited seventeen countries. ( Change to Present Perfect)
 NOTICE WRITING

A notice is a piece of information regarding an important event that is about to happen It is a short
piece of communication written in formal style. It is publicly displayed.

How to Write a Notice

Features:
• The notice must contain complete information related to the subject including date, time and
place
• It is written in a box.
• The name of the issuing authority is written on the top.
• The word NOTICE should be mentioned and should be underlined.
• A precise, eye catching title, preferably a phrase and not a sentence should be given to
indicate what the Notice is about.
• The Notice must be simple and concise and the tone must be impartial and formal.
• On the bottom left corner of the Notice, the name and designation of the person writing the
notice must be mentioned.
A well written Notice must inform the readers about the 5Ws:
• What is going to happen? (the event)
• Where it will take place.
• When it will take place. (the date and time)
• Who can apply or is eligible for it?
• Whom to contact or apply to (the issuing authority)

Format:

Sample Question:1
You are a student of Delhi Public School, Gandhinagar. You are asked to draft a notice in about 50
words for a slogan writing competition to be held in the auditorium of the school. Add other necessary
details.

DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, GANDHINAGAR

NOTICE
27 April 2021
SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION

This is to inform all the students of classes VI to X that a slogan writing competition will be held on
30th April 2020 in the school’s auditorium in the activity periods (6th & 7th). The topic for the
competition is ‘Save Water’. Interested participants can give their names to their respective English
teachers latest by 29th April 2020. For more information, contact the undersigned.

Akash Shah
Student Class VIII A

SAMPLE QUESTION:2
On the occasion of National Science and Technology Day, Delhi Public School, New Delhi has
decided to organize a Science Fair. Vikram, the secretary of the Science Society, wants to call a
meeting of all the office bearers of the society to discuss the arrangements for the fair. Write a notice
in not more than 50 words.
 DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, NEW DELHI
NOTICE
27th April 2021
MEETING OF SCIENCE SOCIETY
This is to inform all the students that on the occasion of the National Science and Technology Day,
the school has decided to organize a fair. All office bearers are requested to attend a meeting in the
School Library on 30 April 2020 at 10 am to discuss the arrangements for the fair. For more
information, contact the undersigned.
Vikram Singh
Secretary, Science Society

Practice Question: 1
You are Ashwani Sachdeva. The President of the Literary Club of Shiva Shiksha Sadan, Dhanbad.
The Literary Club is organizing an Inter-School Debate Competition on the occasion of the Golden
Jubilee Celebrations of your school. Draft a notice in about 50 words informing the students of your
school about the competition. Put the notice in a box.

Practice Question: 2
Your school is organizing a carnival. Write a notice inviting students to donate their old pieces of
clothing, books, and other articles to be sold in the carnival. Sign yourself as a member of the social
club of your school.
 VERB - TRANSITIVE AND INTRANSITIVE VERBS

A Transitive Verb is a Verb that speaks of an action which passes from the doer (Subject) to the
receiver (object). A Transitive Verb requires an object.
Example: I bought some wonderful books.
An Intransitive Verb is a verb that speaks of an action which does not pass on to an object.
Example: Parul ran fast.
• There are some Verbs which can only be used intransitively. This is because the actions described
by these Verbs cannot be passed on to an object.
Examples of such Verbs are: go, come, die, sleep, fall, lie, live, happen, exist, snore, etc.
Example: It was so hot, all the plants died.
• Some Verbs can be used only transitively, because they always require an object. Examples of such
verbs are: merit, select, recognise, admire, appreciate etc.
Example : This merits an answer.

SAMPLE EXERCISE

Ex. Underline the verbs and write whether the verbs in the following sentences are used
transitively or intransitively.
1. The soldiers fought the enemy.
2. The gunshot killed the man.
3. The soldiers fought bravely.
4. Zora drove the car.
5. He laughed heartily.
6. The horn blew loudly.
7. He killed the tiger.
8. The moon shines dimly.
9. The plants grew in the greenhouse.
10. Birds fly in the air.

Answers
1. Fought- Transitive
2. Killed- Transitive
3. Fought- Intransitive
4. Drove- Transitive
5. Laughed- Intransitive
6. Blew- Intransitive
7. Killed- Transitive
8. Shines- Intransitive
9 Grew - Intransitive
10. Fly- Intransitive

PRACTICE EXERCISE
Identify the correct verb:
1 I worked all night.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
2 He gave the book to the teacher.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
3 They laughed at the joke.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
4 She slept for eight hours.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
5 We lived in Mexico for two years.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
6 I like her.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
7 We clean our room every day.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
8 My brother moved to another city.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
9 My brother moved his car.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
10 Those people painted their house blue.
(i) Transitive (ii) Intransitive
 (IT SO HAPPENED)
CHAPTER – 1: HOW THE CAMEL GOT HIS HUMP

Vocabulary building
Djinn (noun) – a spirit
Yoke (noun) – a wooden beam
Remonstrated (verb) – protested
Panchayat (noun) – meeting
Trot (verb) – to proceed at a pace

Q.1 What tasks, do you think, were assigned to the dog and the ox?
Ans. Different animals were assigned different tasks. The dog was assigned the task of fetching and
carrying sticks as he was carrying sticks in his mouth. The ox was assigned the task of ploughing as
there was a yoke hanging from his neck.
Q.2 Why did the camel live in the middle of the desert?
Ans. The camel was the laziest animal who did not want to do any work and help man. So it
lived in the middle of the desert so that it would not get any task. It ate sticks, thorns, and prickles,
and when anybody spoke to it, it said “Humph!” and nothing more.
Q.3 What made the dog, the horse and the ox very angry?
Ans. The man told the dog, the horse and the ox that since the camel did not work, he would leave
him alone. But somehow the work assigned to him had to be done. So the three of them would have to
work double-time to make up for the work not done by the camel. This made the three of them very
angry.
Q.4 The camel was looking at his own reflection in the pool. What does it suggest to you
about the camel?
Ans. The camel was looking at his own reflection in the pool shows that he was proud of his
appearance, especially his back. He liked admiring himself.
Q.5 The camel said, "Humph" repeatedly. How did it affect him?
Ans. While the Djinn was trying to remind him for being lazy and avoiding his work, the camel kept
saying “Humph!” repeatedly. Even the Djinn warned him not to say so. His back puffed up into a big
hump as a result of his repeating the word and by not working.
Q.6 What, according to the Djinn, was the use of the "Humph"?
Ans. According to the Djinn, as the camel missed its work for three days, it would be able
to do work for three days without eating. The hump would help the camel in storing the food and use
it during its work without eating anything for a long period.
Q.7 "...he has never yet learnt to behave". In the light of this, what is the writer's opinion
about the camel?
Ans. According to the writer, the camel is still a very lazy animal that is unwilling to work.
After he got the hump, the Djinn asked him to go out of the desert to help the other three animals. It
seems that the camel still did not behave himself and worked lazily in the desert itself. It is for this
reason that he was still unable to complete the pending work of those three missed days; and he
continued carrying the hump and living in the desert.
 DIARY ENTRY

Diary writing is one of the most personal and informal category of writing. Diary writing usually
involves the regularized recording of personal feelings and reflections on a topic. Sometimes the
events of the day leave one with a sense of joy or hurt or even anger which one can give vent to,
through a brief diary recording, usually, at the end of the day.

Generally, diary is used to bounce off ideas, to unburden one. However, it can be regarded as a sign of
personal growth. An entry is made in the diary, so that, the day with its accompanying emotions may
be remembered.

FORMAT:

Since diary writing is very personal, it follows no set rules. However, the following points can be
mentioned.
• Day/ Date
• Time
• Words like ‘Dear Diary’ can be used. Some writers address the diary with a particular name.
• Contents in an impersonal manner
• Your name

CONTENTS:

1. Write the diary in first person since this is your personal story on account of an event.
2. Write the events in the correct order.
3. Provide important details of the place, time, people, or things that were part of the event.
4. Write about your feelings in detail and explain why you feel that way.
5. It should not record weather records, recipes or reminders etc.
6. It should be honest and truthful observation of people or oneself.
7. Even if ideas look disjointed, it should not matter.
8. You should record or write something that really inspires you and which you would like to
read later.

SAMPLE QUESTION

You went to Shimla during winter and experienced the snowfall. Write a diary entry of about
80-100 words about your experience that enthralls you whenever you recollect your visit.

Saturday, 24 April 2021

8:00 p.m.

I can’t forget how a great joy came before me when I saw the first ever snowfall. I went to Shimla
with my friends. Luckily when we were strolling leisurely in the mall and viewing the view of the
mountains and greenery, the snow began to fall. Soon everything looked covered in a white sheet. We
went into a playing mood, made snowballs and threw at one another. The entire scenario was simply
lovely. It remains embedded in my consciousness. Whenever I recollect the scene and the time that
we spent in that most joyful scene, my heart starts dancing with a great pleasure. I feel like William
Wordsworth when he recollected the dancing scene of the daffodils later and derived immense
pleasure.
Truly this visit was my greatest treasure of joy and bliss. Amit

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Write a diary entry in 80-100 words about how you enjoyed the celebration of your birthday
last week when several friends and relatives made the occasion lively and worth remembering.
2. Imagine you have been selected as a member of Cricket Team India and as a result you are on
top of the world. Write a diary entry in about 80-100 words giving vent to your feelings and in
relation to your motherland.
 HONEYDEW: LESSON – 1
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD

Vocabulary

Troops(N) – soldiers or armed forces

Trenches (N) – long deep ditches

Marzipan (N) – sweet covering on a cake

Scorch Marks (N) - burn marks

Veneer (N) – a thin layer of plastic or decorative wood

Q/A
Q.1 What did the author find in a junk shop?
Ans. The author found a very old 19th century roll-top desk in a junk shop. It was made of oak. It
was in a very bad condition. The roll-top was broken into several pieces. One of the legs was clumsily
mended and there were scorch marks down one side.
Q.2 What did he find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?
Ans. In a secret drawer of a roll-top desk, the author found a small tin box. There was a piece of
lined note paper cello-taped to its top. It said, “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915. To be
buried with me when the time comes”, written on it.
Most likely, it was put there by Mrs. Connie Macpherson, who was Jim’s wife. Her name and address
were on the envelope inside the box.
Q.3 Why was the letter written? What was the wonderful thing that had happened?
Ans. Jim wrote the letter to tell his wife about a wonderful thing that had happened on Christmas
day. The British and the Germans were engaged in a war. Both
the troops met in no man's land. It was a thing of wonder because right in the middle of a war, the
warring soldiers were making peace. They celebrated Christmas together and played a friendly
football match.
Q.4 Why did the author go to Bridport?
Ans. The author went to Bridport because that was the address where Mrs. Macpherson lived. The
address on the letter read ‘Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, and Dorset’. He
wanted to give that letter back to her. He was feeling guilty for opening her letter.
Q.5 What is Connie’s Christmas present? Why is it ‘the best Christmas present’ in the
world?
Ans. When the narrator came to return Connie's letter and her box, she mistook him for her husband
Jim, due to memory loss and old age. She thought that Jim had come back home for Christmas. That
delusion was Connie's Christmas present.
It was the best Christmas present in the world for her because Jim had written in the letter that he
would come home on Christmas. She had read that letter several times every day to feel that he was
near her. Now that he was finally there with her, she was extremely happy.

Q.6 Do you think the title of this story is suitable for it?
Ans. It was Christmas when the narrator went to see Mrs. Macpherson. He went to return her
husband’s letter to her. The letter was precious to her, but even more precious was her allusion that
the narrator was her husband Jim, whom she believed had returned as promised on a Christmas day.
This was the best Christmas present in the world for her.
 HONEYDEW- 1.1 – THE ANT AND THE CRICKET
Vocabulary:
1. Quoth (V) – said
2. Crumb (N) – a small piece
3. Miserly (Adv) - Stingy
4.Hastily(Adv) - quickly
5.Famine (N) - scarcity of food
Q/A:

Q.1 The cricket says, "Oh! What will become of me?" When does he say it, and why?
Ans. The cricket said the given line when it found that its cupboard was empty and winter had arrived.
It could not find a single crumb to eat on the snow covered ground and there were no flowers or
leaves on the tree. It wondered what would become of it because it was getting cold and since there
was nothing to eat, it would starve and die.
Q.2 Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as "Neither a borrower nor a lender be"
(Shakespeare).
Ans. The lines in the poem that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” are 'But we
ants never borrow; we ants never lend.'
Q.3 What is your opinion of the ant’s principles? ((Practice Questions)
Ans. I agree with what the ant says first that one should save something for the future so that he
does not need to borrow or lend. Maybe he knows the cricket very well that he is a lazybone and does
not work.
But I don’t agree with the ant’s principle what he told later. If he says he is a friend of cricket then he
should also help the cricket at the time of distress. On the other hand I believe that a friend in need is a
friend indeed.
Q.4 The ant tells the cricket to "dance the winter away". Do you think the word 'dance' is
appropriate here? If so, why? (Practice Questions)
Ans. The ant told the cricket to “dance the winter away” because when it asked the cricket what it
did in the summers and why it had not stored any food for winters, the cricket answered that it sang
through the warm and sunny months of summers. Therefore, in reply to this, the ant asked the cricket
to “dance” the winter away just like it “sang” all through the summers and did not bother to store food
for winters.
The word 'dance' is appropriate to use here for a careless, irresponsible person like the cricket who is
least bothered of the rainy day and keeps enjoying his life.
Q.5 (i) Which lines in the poem express the poet's comment?
(ii) Write the comment in your own words
Ans. (i) The lines in the poem that express the poet's comment are “Folks call this a fable. I'll warrant
it true.”
(ii) This comment by the poet means that this poem is indeed a fable as it had a moral behind it. The
cricket did not have anything to eat during the winters because it did not bother to store some food
during summers. It was negligent and sang all through the summers. The ant, on the other hand, had
built a nice home for itself and had stored food so that it would not starve during winters. It worked
hard during summers to achieve this. Thus, the moral of the poem is to be prepared for the adverse
times and always work hard instead of being negligent. Or else face the consequence like the cricket.