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P C Wren’s

P C Wren’s
Grammar
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©
Grammar
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 P C Wren’s

Grammar
7
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P C WREN

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M.A. (OXON.) I.E.S.
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Revised By
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N D V PRASADA RAO
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M.A., D.T.E., Ph.D.

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This book belongs to:

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Name .............................................................................................
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Roll No. .........................................................................................

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Class and Section .....................................................................

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School ...........................................................................................

Prelims 7.indd 1 19-09-2019 10:50:35 AM

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 Wren Book 7

P C Wren’s Grammar is the revised edition of the highly successful series

and is based on user feedback. A set of eight English grammar textbooks
for classes 1 to 8, the series, acknowledged as one of the best and most

Preface
authoritative of traditional grammars, has been specially designed to meet
the needs of the learners in the primary and middle schools today.
P C Wren’s Grammar provides ample guidance and practice in sentence
building, correct usage, comprehension, composition and other allied
areas to equip the learners with the ability to use the English language
effectively in real-life situations.
The series aims at simplicity of language in its treatment of each topic
with multiple examples, reinforced by extensive drills. The sections on
comprehension and composition set out to help the learners put their
knowledge of grammar to more practical use and widen their communicative
abilities.

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Special features of P C Wren’s Grammar

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 Includes carefully graded material across the series with special focus

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on structure and usage

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 Spiral gradation leading to cumulative learning as learners progress
through classes, and revisit certain topics, with more depth and
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complexity
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 Less analysis, more examples and exercises

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 Ample activity-based material to enhance creative skills and make

learning enjoyable
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 Comprehension passages for enhancing reading skills and the ability

to draw inferences
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 Composition exercises with solved examples and scaffolding to

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encourage independent writing

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 A special section on vocabulary with extended drilling of spellings

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and usage of words

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 Pair work and group work to make the learning process interesting
 Listen and speak section to hone the oral-aural skills of the learners
and provide a more wholesome exposure in the learning of the
English language
 Revision sections, three in each book, to help in the recapitulation
and evaluation of what has been learnt
 Teacher’s Manual for each textbook, with answer keys to the
exercises and additional worksheets to facilitate the teaching process
It is sincerely hoped that this need-based series, enlivened by colourful
illustrations, will be appreciated by both children and teachers alike. Further
suggestions and feedback for improving the books will be received gratefully.
 Wren Book 7

Course Design
Spiral gradation of Grammar topics, with a variety
of exercises for reinforcement.
34 Words

2
Prepositional Phrases
e
The Noun—Cas
Certain verbs, nouns and adjectives are always
followed by particular prepositions. Read the following
sentences, noting the correct preposition after
each
word in italics.
position of that
n tells us about the A
The case of a nou
a sen ten ce. The re are three cases. It occurs to me that it is dinner time.
noun in
Cases His dinner disagreed with him.
People will laught at you if you put on this dress.
Possessive case Pavlova excels in dancing.
Objective case
Nominative (or genitive The dacoits escaped from jail.
case (or accusative
case) The King of England rules over many millions.
case)

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They were supplied with the necessaries of life.

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Nominative Case
It is a pleasure to deal with him.
At last fortune smiled on him.
Note the sentence: The viceroy subscribed a handsome sum to the
• John hit Tom.

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tion of the noun Relief Fund.
ce, what is the rela
In the above senten nou n John stands as the
subject The patient is now free from pain.
The

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John to the verb hit?
India abounds in mineral wealth.
of the verb hit. of a verb, it is The words do not admit of such a construction.
stands as the subject
When the noun John The soldiers were confined to barracks.

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inative case.
said to be in the nom The doctor cured him of asthma.
Definition pa The accused pleaded for mercy.
ect of a verb is said The king bestowed many favours on his vizier.
oun) that is the subj
Any noun (or pron
ve case. He is lost to all sense of shame.
to be in the nominati
The teacher impressed on us the value of discipline
om
les: .
Some more examp The Brahmin) 176
hed. (Who bathed?
• The Brahmin bat )
t to Var ana si. (Who went? Krishna
• Krishna wen bazaar)
is full of peo ple. (What is full? The
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• The baz aar sted? The police)

pol ice arre sted the thief. (Who arre
• The ght? He)
rtz watch. (Who bou
• He bought a qua was broken? The pot)
Words provides varied tasks to help build
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ken by Hari. (What

• The pot was bro 13
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the vocabulary and practise spellings.

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Pair Work
to ask questio ns
say what is happening. Take turns
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Look at the pictures below and

les below the pictures.
and answer them. See the examp
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2. 3.
1.

5. 6.
4.

Activity/Pair work
to develop the
learner’s interest in 8. 9.

the concepts learnt.

7.

Examples:
ning?/ What is the boy doing?
Student A : Look at picture 1. What is happe
Student B : He is reading.
ning?
Student B : Look at picture 9. What is happe
Student A : An aeroplane is flying.

48
 Wren Book 7

Comprehension exercises to reinforce reading

skills and contextual practice.
35 Listen and
Speak
‘I guess it’s just like
We will practise both listening and speaking in the
any other nest, but not
following exercises. In the speaking exercises, we will
better than mine,’ said
have discussions, debates and speech. They will be
the tortoise. ‘You must
interactive and close to real-life situations.
be jealous of my shell,
though.’ Exercises
‘On the contrary,’ the bird
1. Listen to the announcement made at the railway
replied, ‘my home has
station and answer the questions that follow.
space for my family and
friends; your shell cannot (a) What is the train number?
accommodate anyone (b) Where is the train going?
other than you. Maybe (c) On which platform number, will the train arrive?
you have a better house. (d) What is the inconvenience caused?
But I have a better home,’
said the bird happily. 2. Morning announcements are a way of dispensing
.
Moral: Better a crowded hut than a lonely mansion updates on ongoing activities, details of the
of your understanding of the upcoming ones, new regulations and other critical
basis
A. Answer the following questions on the information to the staff and students.
above passage. You want to convey your congratulations on a
1. Where did the bird build its nest? recent team victory in the school assembly. Make
2. With what did the bird make its nest? the announcement in front of the assembly.
3. What was the tortoise mocking at? A typical morning announcement starts like this:

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4. Where does the tortoise live? ‘Good morning... (appropriate names!)...’ the
tortoise made fun of its house?
5. What was the bird’s reply when the

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obligatory salutation... the announcement...

or False (F) for each of the following statements. 3. Listen to the piece of news and answer the
B. Write true (T)
shell. questions that follow.
1. The bird was jealous of the tortoise’s

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made of broken twigs and sticks. (a) On which day did the dust storm hit the state
2. The bird’s nest was shabby as it was of Rajasthan?

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nest.
3. The tortoise was mocking at the bird’s (b) Name the three districts that were badly
4. The tortoise was vain and rude.
of his family.

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5. The bird worked hard and took care 189
a word from the above passage which means the same as
C. Find
2. feeble
1. rough
4. making fun of
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3. fit in
ce between ‘house’ and ‘home’.
D. Have a discussion in class on the differen
Listen and Speak includes a variety of tasks to
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115

hone the oral-aural skills of the learners.

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Composition exercises to encourage

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pupils to write independently. Revision Test 2

A. Fill in the blanks with the simple present or present continuous
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form of the verbs in

brackets.
Here is the notice. 1. He _________________ for a walk every morning. (go)
Issuing Authority/
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2. The sun _________________ during the day. (shine)

City Public School, Manali Agency
3. Oh lovely ! The sun _________________ again. (shine)
NOTICE 4. I _________________ a glass of water. (want)
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Date
12th September 2019 5. He _________________ with his parents at the moment.
(stay)
IV –VIII) Catchy headline
Sing and Dance in School Fest (Class 6. I usually _________________ early on Mondays. (get up)
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a School 7. Tomorrow, I _________________ to the movies with my friends.

Like every year, our school is organizing (go)
October
Fest from the 15th October to 21st Content/Body 8. When I am not working, I _________________ on my own.
(study).
©

and
2019, where there will be lots of music of the notice
B. Put the verbs in brackets into the simple past or past continuous
ts who are interes ted to sing
dance. Those studen tenses in each sentence.)
tense. (Use both the
names
and dance in this event may submit their
ing will 1. It (rain) when we (come) out.
to the undersigned by tomorrow. A screen Signature of the
be done after that. issuing person; 2. She (cut) her finger while she (peel) potatoes.
Name; 3. I (have) a shower when the phone (ring).
Pranav (Class VII)
Designation 4. He (bite) his finger when he (have) lunch.
Cultural Secretary(Junior Wing) 5. We (go) down in the lift when suddenly it (stop).
Draft a 6. I (play) with my sister when you (call).
ry of Gangotri Housing Society, Delhi.
2. You are Mr Mohan Sharma, Secreta supply for
society, that there will be no water 7. The doorbell (ring) while I (have) a bath.
notice informing the residents of your
work in the water tank. 8. As I (wait) for bus, I (see) Joe crossing the road.
the next two days due to some repair
Here is the notice. C. Complete the following sentences using the verbs given
in brackets in present perfect
or simple past tense.
Gangotri Housing Society, Delhi 1. David _________________ in Bangkok since 2004. (live)
NOTICE 2. JK Rowling _________________ the popular Harry Potter
series. (write)
9th August 2019 3. Yesterday I _________________ Urvashi at the swimming
pool. (meet)
No water supply for two days 4. My grandfather _________________ as a pilot when he was
younger. (work)
d that 5. I _________________ him in the hospital last Friday. (visit)
All the residen ts of Gangot ri Housing Society are hereby informe
w.e.f. 10th August 2019 due to 6. I _________________ Selena Gomez live in concert (see)
there will be no water supply for two days
of the water tank.
some urgent and necessary repair work 72

Inconvenience regretted.
Mohan Sharma
Secretary
Gangotri Housing Society Revisions to reinforce and assess the learner’s
152
understanding of the concepts learnt.
 Wren Book 7

1 Phrases, Clauses and Sentences 9

2 The Noun—Case 13

Contents 3
4
5
Adjectives
Articles
Pronouns
17
22
28
Revision Test 1 40
6 Verbs 42
7 Tenses 46
8 Infinitives and Gerunds 56
9 Participles 59
10 Voice 62

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11 Reported Speech 65

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Revision Test 2 72

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12 Adverbs 74

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13 Prepositions 81

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14 Conjunctions 87
Punctuation 90
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16 Types of Phrases and Clauses 95
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17 Sentences: Simple, Compound & Complex 99

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18 Sentence Analysis I 102

Sentence Analysis II 106
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Revision Test 3 112

20 Comprehension 114
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21 Summary 124
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22 Paragraph Writing 131

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23 Essay Writing 134

Travelogues 139
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Biographies 142
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25
26 Creative Writing 146
27 Notices 151
28 Messages 154
29 Reports 158
30 Personal Diary 163
31 Brochures 166
32 Lists 168
33 Letters and Emails 170
34 Words 176
35 Listen and Speak 189
Listening Text 192
 Wren Book 7

Detailed Contents
1. Phrases, Clauses and Phrases, Clauses, Sentences, Kinds of Sentences, Question tags
Sentences

2. The Noun—Case Nominative case, Objective case, Possessive case

3. Adjectives Kinds of Adjectives, Formation of Adjectives, Adjectives without Nouns,

Order of adjectives

4. Articles Indefinite Article: A or An, Definite Article: The, Omission of the Article,
Repetition of the Article

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5. Pronouns Kinds of pronouns, More about relative pronouns

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Revision Test 1 Chapters 1-5

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Li
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6. Verbs Transitive-Intransitive verbs, Direct-Indirect object, Transitive and intransitive
use of verb, Finite and Non-finite Verbs
pa
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7. Tenses Simple Present, Present Continuous, Present Perfect, Simple Past, Present
Perfect Continuous, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, Simple Future, Future
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continuous
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8. Infinitives and Gerunds Infinitives, Bare infinitives, Gerunds

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nd

9. Participles Present and past participles

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10. Voice Active voice and Passive voice, Conversion from Active voice and Passive
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voice and vice versa

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11. Reported Speech Conversion from direct to indirect speech and vice versa

Revision Test 2 Chapters 6-11

12. Adverbs Types of adverbs, Comparison of adverbs, Formation of adverbs from

adjectives, Position of Adverbs

13. Prepositions Use of in, at, on; for, since, till; by, for; How Prepositions govern nouns and
pronouns; Position of Preposition

14. Conjunctions Co-ordinating Conjunctions, Sub-ordinating Conjunctions, Correlatives

15. Punctuation Full stop (.); Comma (,) Semicolon (;); Colon (:); Question mark (?);
Exclamation mark (!) Quotation marks; inverted commas (‘ ’); Capital
letters
 Wren Book 7

16. Types of Phrases and Clauses Noun phrases, Adjective phrases, Adverb phrases; Main clause and
Subordinate clause: Noun Clause, Adjective clause, Adverb clause

17. Sentences: Simple, Compound Simple sentences, Compound sentences & Complex sentences
& Complex

18. Sentence Analysis I Simple Subjects and Predicates; Enlargement of the Subject; Extension of the
Predicate

19. Sentence Analysis II Enlargement of the Object; The Complement; Analysis of Simple Sentences

Revision Test 3 Chapters 12-19

20. Comprehension Story Comprehension, Factual Passages, Factual and Inferential Questions

21. Summary Introduction, specimen summaries, exercises

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22. Paragraph Writing Introduction, format, specimen paragraphs, exercises

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23. Essay Writing Introduction; format; specimen essays; essays on biographical experience;
exercises

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24. Travelogues
pa
Introduction, format, specimen travelogues, exercises
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25. Biographies Introduction; specimen biographies; Autobiographies; specimen

autobiographies; exercises
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26. Creative Writing Story Writing, how to develop a story from the given outline; dialogue
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writing, how to develop dialogue from story; specimens; exercises

27. Notices Introduction; format; specimen notices; exercises

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28. Messages Introduction; format; specimen messages; SMS, specimen SMS; exercises
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29. Reports Introduction; features and format; specimen reports; exercises

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30. Personal Diary Introduction; format; specimen diary entries; exercises

31. Brochures Introduction; specimen brochures; exercises

32. Lists Introduction; features and format; specimen list; exercises

33. Letters and Emails Formal Letters, format, specimen formal letters; Writing an Email, format,
specimen emails; exercises

34. Words Understanding Prepositional Phrases; exercises

35. Listen and Speak Listening to text story/ factual information/ instructions and completing
exercises, Enacting a given scene

Listening Text Text for listening exercises

 Wren Book 7

1 Phrases, Clauses
and Sentences
Phrases
Note the groups of words below:
• in a corner • for a while
They make sense, but not complete sense. Hence they

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are phrases.

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Definition

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A group of words, which makes sense, but not complete
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sense, is called a phrase.
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In the following sentences, the groups of words in italics

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are phrases:
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• The sun rises in the east.

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• There came a giant to my door.

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• It was a sunset of great beauty.

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• The top of the mountains was covered with snow.

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• Show me how to do it.

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Clauses
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Note the groups of words in italics in the following

sentences:
• He has a chain of gold.
• He has a chain which is made of gold.
We recognize the first group of words as a phrase.
The second group of words, unlike the phrase, of gold,
contains a subject (which) and a predicate (is made of
gold). Hence it is a clause.

9
 Wren Book 7

In the following sentences, the groups of words in italics

are clauses: Definition
• People who pay their debts are trusted. A group of words which
forms a part of a sentence,
• We cannot start while it is raining.
and contains a subject and a
• I think that you have made a mistake. predicate, is called a clause.

Exercise 1
Identify and write which of the following are phrases and which are clauses. One has
been done for you.
1. down the road phrase
__________

2. a swollen leg __________

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3. although they were late __________

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4. between the lake and the forest

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__________

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5. when the rain begins __________

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6. the funny monkey __________
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7. because it looks pretty __________
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8. in the garden __________

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Sentences
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A group of words, which makes complete sense, is called a sentence.

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Kinds of Sentences
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Sentences are of four kinds:

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SENTENCE
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Declarative Sentence Interrogative Imperative Exclamatory

states/declares something Sentence Sentence Sentence
asks a command, request, strong/sudden
Assertive Negative question desire, appeal feeling

Declarative Sentence
1. Those which make statements as,
• The book was on the table. • Lennis plays tennis every day.

10
 Wren Book 7

A statement can be negative too, as;

• I am not hungry. • They do not go to school.

Imperative Sentence
2. Those which express commands, requests, or entreaties; as,
• Be quiet. • Have mercy upon us.

Exclamatory Sentence
3. Those which express strong feelings; as,
• How cold the night is! • What a shame!

Interrogative Sentence

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4. Those which ask questions; as,

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• Where do you live? • Have you ever seen the Qutab Minar?

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Look at the examples again and note the different punctuation marks at the end of the

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four kinds of sentences. pa
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Exercise 2
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Classify the sentences given below and put the correct punctuation mark (full stop,
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question mark or exclamation mark) at the end of each. (Put the marks in the boxes.)
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1. Open the book at page 24

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2. How hot it is
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3. Have you ever heard about Kumbhakarna

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4. Turn the TV down

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5. What channel is the programme on

6. The Moon goes round the Earth
7. What a lovely garden
8. Read the instructions carefully
9. Can you lend me your DVD player
10. I got the information from the Internet
11. There is a phone message for you
12. How useful the computer is

11
 Wren Book 7

Exercise 3
Form questions for the given sentences by using the correct question words. One has
been done for you.
1. I live in Raipur.
______________________________ Wh
at ere
Where do you live? Wh
2. I will meet you soon.
Whe Who
3. I bought a gift for my brother. n m
4. The dog broke the vase on the side table.
Wh
o at
5. My name is Sudhanshu. Wh
6. I studied in Paris.

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Question tags

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Read the following sentences.

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• You like mangoes, don’t you? Definition

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• They are not tired, are they? pa A question tag is a grammatical
The above statements are followed by a question at the structure in which a declarative
or an imperative statement
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end in italics. These are called question tags. is turned into interrogative
If a sentence is positive, then the question tag is always fragment (the “tag”).
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negative. Similarly for a negative sentence, a positive

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question tag is used. A comma is used to separate the

statement and the question tag. Note
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Look at the sentences below:

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Exercise 4 • I’m right, aren’t I? (Right)

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Write the correct question tags to change the given • I’m right, Amn’t I? (Wrong)
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statements to questions. Even though ‘Amn’t I’? is

©

technically correct, note that

1. It is not raining, ________________? the amn’t doesn’t exist as a
contraction.
2. Meera was laughing, ________________?
3. They will go to the park, ________________?
4. He is very friendly, ________________?
5. We cannot go to the movies, ________________?
6. She is not scared of the dog, ________________?
7. I am a smart girl, ________________?
8. You are not a lazy boy, ________________?

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 Wren Book 7

2 The Noun—Case
The case of a noun tells us about the position of that
noun in a sentence. There are three cases.
Cases

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Nominative Objective case Possessive case

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case (or accusative (or genitive

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case) case)

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pa
Nominative Case
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Note the sentence:

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• John hit Tom.

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In the above sentence, what is the relation of the noun

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John to the verb hit? The noun John stands as the subject
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of the verb hit.

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When the noun John stands as the subject of a verb, it is

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said to be in the nominative case.

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Definition
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Any noun (or pronoun) that is the subject of a verb is said

to be in the nominative case.

Some more examples:

• The Brahmin bathed. (Who bathed? The Brahmin)
• Krishna went to Varanasi. (Who went? Krishna)
• The bazaar is full of people. (What is full? The bazaar)
• The police arrested the thief. (Who arrested? The police)
• He bought a quartz watch. (Who bought? He)
• The pot was broken by Hari. (What was broken? The pot)
13
 Wren Book 7

Objective Case
Note the sentence below:
• Tom hit John.
What is the relation of the noun John with the verb hit? The noun John stands as the
object of the verb hit.
When the noun John stands as the object of a verb, it is said Definition
to be in the objective case. Any noun (or pronoun) that
Some more examples: is the object of a verb is said to
be in the objective case.
• The police arrested the thief. (Whom did the police
arrest?—The thief)
• He bought a digital watch. (What did he buy?—A digital watch)

d
ite
• Hari struck Rama. (Whom did Hari strike?—Rama)

m
• He teaches me. (Whom does he teach?—Me)

Li
• He threw a stone. (What did he throw?—A stone)

ny
pa
Exercise 1
om

In each of the following sentences, underline the nouns in the nominative case.
C

1. The foolish old crow tried to sing.

d

2. Few cats like cold water.

An

3. Zeba married Aamir.

nd

4. Mr. Ghosh is travelling to the North.

ha

5. My uncle lives in the next house.

C

6. Rashmi lost her ring.

S
©

7. The lazy boy was punished.

8. Kolkata stands on the banks of the Hooghli.

Exercise 2
Underline the nouns in the objective case in the following sentences.
1. Putli found a ring. 2. The mongoose eats snakes.
3. Snakes fear the mongoose. 4. Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair.
5. Aladdin had a wonderful lamp. 6. I met a little cottage girl.
7. The village master taught in the 8. Do you know the way to the church?
little school.
14
 Wren Book 7

Subject pronoun and Object pronoun Note

Now note the following sentences:
Nouns and pronouns following
• He struck me. prepositions are also in the
• I struck him. objective case.
Here, the nominative and objective cases of pronouns Examples:
• The dog ran across the road.
change forms. The pronoun in nominative case is called
• He arrived before me.
subject pronoun. The pronoun in objective case is called
object pronoun.

Definition Subject Object

(nominative case) (objective case)

Pronouns that perform the action in a sentence are called subject I me

d
pronouns . They are I, you, he, she, we, they, and who.

ite
you you
Pronouns that receive the action in a sentence are called object he she it him her it

m
pronouns. They are me, you, him, her, us, them, and whom. we us

Li
you you

ny
they them
Posessive case
pa
om

Look at the following sentences:

• This is Rama’s book.
C

• Is that your brother’s bat?

d
An

• My uncle’s house is a long way from here.

nd

In each of these sentences, the italicized noun possesses something.

ha

Each of the nouns, Rama’s, brother’s, uncle’s, is in the possessive case.

C

The possessive case is sometimes called the genetive case.

S

A noun in the possessive case answers the question, whose?

©

• Whose book is this? — Rama’s

In the above sentences, the nouns in the possessive case are in the singular number, so
the possessive case is formed by adding an apostrophe (’) and an s.

Possessive case of plural nouns

Note the following sentences:
• Many boys’ books are lost. Definition
• All these horses’ feet are shod. A noun (or pronoun) used to
• We saw rows of soldiers’ tents. show possession is said to be in
the possessive case.

15
 Wren Book 7

As you see, the nouns in the possessive case here are in the plural number. As the plural
nouns themselves end in s, only the apostrophe (’) is used, and not another s.
Note these sentences:
• Men’s lives are short.
• The children’s toys are broken.
• These oxen’s humps are large.
In these sentences, the nouns in the possessive case are in the plural number but do not
end in s. Therefore the apostrophe (’) and s are used (as in the singular form).

Possessive case of non-living things

The possessive case is chiefly used when the noun denotes some living thing. Thus we say,

d
children’s toys; horses’ feet; Mary’s book.

ite
m
When the noun denotes anything without life, possession is generally expressed by the

Li
preposition of, followed by the noun in the objective case.

ny
Examples: pa
• The leg of the table (not, the table’s leg.)
om

• The cover of the book (not, the book’s cover.)

C

But the Possessive Case is used with nouns denoting time, space, or weight; as,
d

A day’s march; a week’s holiday; a metre’s length; a kilo’s weight.

An
nd

Exercise 3
ha

Underline the nouns in the possessive case in the following sentences.

C

1. Tom attends a boys’ school.

S

2. The children’s clothes are new.

©

3. The ladies’ sarees were beautiful.

4. The children found a bird’s nest.
5. The girl’s voice is sweet.

Exercise 4
Complete the phrases using the preposition of to show possession.
1. The colour ______________ (lights) 2. The honour ______________ (country)
3. The length ______________ (mattress) 4. The effectiveness ______________ (delivery)
5. The Metropolitan museum ______________ (New York)
16
 Wren Book 7

3 Adjectives
Read the following sentences:
• Sita is a clever girl. (Girl of what kind?)
• I don’t like that boy. (Which boy?)
• He gave me five mangoes. (How many mangoes?)

d
• There is little time for preparation. (How much time?)

ite
m
In sentence 1, ‘clever’ describes the girl Sita.

Li
In sentence 2, ‘that’ points out the boy.

ny
pa
In sentence 3, ‘five’ shows the number of mangoes.
om

In sentence 4, ‘little’ shows the amount of time.

C

Definition
d
An

A word used with a noun to describe, or point out, the person, animal,
place or thing which the noun names, or to tell the number or
nd

quantity, is called an adjective.

ha
C

So we may define an adjective as a word used with a

S

noun to add something to its meaning.

©

Look at the following sentences:

• The lazy boy was punished.
• The boy is lazy.
In sentence 1, the adjective lazy is used along with the
noun boy as an epithet or attribute. It is therefore said to
be used attributively.
In sentence 2, the adjective lazy is used along with the
verb is, and forms part of the predicate. It is therefore
said to be used predicatively.

17
 Wren Book 7

Some adjectives can be used only predicatively; as,

• She is afraid of ghosts.
• I am quite well.

Kinds of Adjectives
Adjectives may be divided into the
Kinds of adjective Examples
following classes:
Adjectives of quality (or descriptive 1. Adjective of beautiful, nice,
adjectives) show the kind or quality of a quality kind, old
person or thing; as, 2. Adjective of few, many, much,
• Ravi is an honest man. quantity little
• Kolkata is a large city. 3. Adjective of one, two, three,

d
ite
Adjectives formed from proper nouns number hundred, thousand

m
(e.g., French wines, Turkish tobacco, 4. Demonstrative this, that, these,

Li
Indian tea, etc.) are sometimes called Adjective those, etc.

ny
proper adjectives. They are generally
classed with adjectives of quality.) 5. Possessive
pa my, his, her, its,
Adjective your, our, etc.
om

Adjectives of quality answer the

question: What kind of? 6. Indefinite any, many, some,
C

Adjective several, etc.

Adjectives of quantity specify the
d
An

amount of things; as, 7. Interrogative which, what,

• I ate some rice. Adjective whose, etc.
nd

• He showed much patience. 8. Distributive

ha

each, every
• We have had enough exercise. Adjectives
C

• You have no sense.

S
©

Adjectives of quantity answer the question: How much?

Adjectives of number (or numeral adjectives) specify the number of persons or things,
or in what order a person or thing stands; as,
• The hand has five fingers.
• Few cats like cold water.
Adjectives of number (or numeral adjectives) are of three kinds:
1. Definite numeral adjectives, which denote an exact number; as
• One, two, three, etc. These are called cardinals.
• First, second, third, etc. These are called ordinals.
A cardinal denotes how many, and an ordinal denotes the order of the things in a series.
18
 Wren Book 7

2. Indefinite numeral adjectives, which do not denote an exact number; as,

all, no, many, few, some, any, certain, several.
3. Distributive numeral adjectives, which refer to each one of a number; as,
• Each boy must take his turn.
• Every word of it is false.
• Either pen will do.
• Neither accusation is true.
The same adjective may be classed as of quantity or number, according to its use.

Adjectives of Quantity Adjectives of Number

I ate some rice. Some boys are clever.

d
He has lost all his wealth. All men must die.

ite
m
Demonstrative adjectives point out the persons or things meant; as,

Li
• This boy is stronger than Hari.
• That boy is industrious.
ny Note
pa
• These mangoes are sour.
om

It will be noticed that this and

• Those criminals must be punished. that are used with singular
C

nouns; these and those with

Demonstrative adjectives answer the question: Which?
d

plural nouns.
An

What, which, and whose when they are used with nouns to
nd

ask questions are called Interrogative adjectives; as,

Note
ha

• What manner of man is he?

C

• Which way shall we go? It will be noticed that what is

S

• Whose book is this? used in a general sense, and

which in a selective sense.
©

Exercise 1
Underline all the adjectives in the following sentences, and say to which class each of
them belongs.
1. The ship sustained heavy damage. 2. Every dog has his day.
3. A live ass is better than a dead lion. 4. Neither party is quite in the right.
5. What time is it? 6. Which pen do you prefer?
7. Abdul won the second prize. 8. My uncle lives in the next house.
9. Some dreams are like reality. 10. There is much talk and little work.

19
 Wren Book 7

As already pointed out this and that are the only adjectives which are inflected or
changed in form to show number.
• This girl sings. These girls sing.
• That boy plays Those boys play.
This, these indicate something near to the speaker.
That, those indicate more distant objects.

Formation of Adjectives
1. Many adjectives are formed from nouns.

Noun Adjective Noun Adjective

d
ite
boy boyish dirt dirty

m
care careful pardon pardonable

Li
ny
trouble troublesome pa courage courageous

shame shameless man manly

om
C

silk silken gift gifted

d
An

2. Some adjectives are formed from verbs.

nd
ha

Verb Adjective Verb Adjective

C

tire tireless cease ceaseless

S
©

talk talkative move moveable

3. Some adjectives are formed from other adjectives.

tragic tragical black blackish

whole wholesome white whitish

three threefold sick sickly

20
 Wren Book 7

More About Adjectives

Adjectives without Nouns
We can use the + adjective (without a noun) to refer to some groups of people in
the society.
The young should listen to the old. (The young = young people; the old = old people)
Further examples:
the rich, the poor, the sick, the blind, the unemployed

Order of adjectives
When two or more adjectives come before a noun, they are usually put in the
following order:

d
ite
opinion + size + age + shape + colour + origin/place + material + purpose

m
Examples:

Li
• an interesting old man (opinion + age)

ny
• a small Japanese TV (size + origin) pa
• an attractive tall building (opinion + size)
om

• a green plastic bag (colour + material)

C

• nice white cotton clothes (opinion + colour + material)

d

• a round wooden dining table (shape + material + purpose)

An

Exercise 2
nd
ha

Put the adjectives in brackets in the correct order.

C

1. a (young, strange) girl _______________________________________________

S

2. (old, funny) buildings _______________________________________________

©

3. a (new, nice, blue) sari _______________________________________________

4. a (young, American, tall) tourist _______________________________________________

5. (leather, old, brown) shoes _______________________________________________

6. (nylon, swimming, black) trunks _______________________________________________

7. We wanted (metal, a, grey) table. _______________________________________________

8. She wore an (amazing, green, silk,) dress. _______________________________________________

21
 Wren Book 7

4 Articles
A, an, and the are called articles.
As a general rule, we use the when it is clear from the
context which person or thing we mean; we use a/an
when we do not refer to any particular person or thing.

d
Examples:

ite
• Here is an elephant.

m
Li
• I like the book you gave me.

ny
Definition
pa
om

A or an is called the indefinite article, because it leaves

indefinite the person or thing spoken of; as,
C

a doctor; i.e., any doctor.

d
An

Definition
nd

The is called the definite article, because it points out

ha

some particular person or thing; as,

C

He saw the doctor; meaning some particular doctor.

S
©

Indefinite Article: A or An
Use of a and an depends upon the sound of the word it
precedes. Before a word beginning with a vowel sound
an is used; as,
• an ass • an enemy • an inkpad
• an orange • an umbrella
The article a is used before a word beginning with a
consonant sound; as,
• a car • a jug
• a pen • a book
22
 Wren Book 7

It will be noticed that a is used before words like

• a university, a union, a European, a ewe, a unicorn, a useful article.
This is because these words (university, union, etc.) begin with a consonant sound of yu.
Similarly we say,
• a one-rupee coin, such a one, a one-eyed man, because one begins with the consonant
sound of w.
It will also be noticed that an is often used before the words beginning with h; as,
• an honourable position, an honest man. This is because h is silent in these words.

Use of the Definite Article: The

The definite article the is used —

d
ite
1. When we speak of a particular person or thing, or one already referred to; as,

m
• Let’s go to the park. (the park we usually go to)

Li
• The book you want is out of print.

ny
• I dislike the fellow. pa
2. When a singular noun is meant to represent a whole class; as,
om

• The cow is a useful animal. (Or we may say, ‘Cows are useful animals’.)
C

• 
The banyan is a kind of fig tree. (Do not say, ‘a kind of a fig tree’. This is a
d

common error.)
An

3. With names of gulfs, rivers, seas, oceans, groups of islands, and mountain-ranges; as,
nd

• The Persian Gulf.

ha

• The Ganga is considered holy by the Hindus.

C

• The Red Sea. The Indian Ocean.

S

• The British Isles, the Andamans.

©

• The Himalayas lie to the North of India.

The Alps.
4. Before the names of books; as,
• the Vedas, the Puranas, the Iliad, the Ramayana.
But we say —
• Homer’s Iliad, Valmiki’s Ramayana.
5. Before common nouns which are names of things unique of their kind; as,
• the sun, the moon, the sky, the earth.

23
 Wren Book 7

6. Before a proper noun only when it is qualified by an adjective or a defining

adjectival clause; as,
• The great Caesar; the immortal Shakespeare.
• The Mr Roy whom you met last night is my uncle.
7. With superlatives; as,
• The darkest cloud has a silver lining.
• He is the best boy in the class.
8. Before an adjective when the noun is understood; as,
• The poor are always with us.

Use of the Indefinite Article: A/An

d
The indefinite article is used —

ite
1. In its original numerical sense of one; as,

m
Li
• Wait a minute.

ny
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
pa
2. In the vague sense of a certain; as,
om

• One evening a beggar came to my door.

3. In the sense of any, to single out an individual as the representative of a class; as,
C

• A pupil should obey his teacher.

d
An

4. To describe somebody or something or to say what somebody’s job is; as,

nd

• He is a clever boy.
ha

• This is a useful book.

• My aunt is a doctor.
C
S

5. To make a common noun a proper noun; as,

©

• A Daniel come to judgment. (A Daniel= a very wise man.)

Omission of the Article

Note
The Article is omitted —
Uncountable nouns take the
1. Before names of substances and abstract nouns when used in a particular
(uncountable nouns) used in a general sense; as, sense; as
• Sugar is bad for your teeth. • Will you pass me the sugar?
(the sugar on the table)
• Gold is a precious metal.
• I question the wisdom of
• Wisdom is the gift of heaven. giving the child so much
• Honesty is the best policy. money.

24
 Wren Book 7

2. Before plural countable nouns used in a general sense; as,

• Children like chocolates.
• Computers save time.
Note that such nouns take the when used with a particular meaning; as,
• Where are the children? (= our children)
3. Before names of meals (used in a general sense); as,
• Dinner is ready.
• What time do you have lunch?
4. Before names of languages; as,
• We are learning English.
• I know Tamil.

d
ite
5. Before school, college, church, hospital, prison and bed
when we think about the main purpose of the place; Note

m
Li
as, The is used before these words
• He goes to school regularly. (to study)

ny
when we use the places for any
other purpose or in any other
• We go to church on Sundays. (to pray)
pa
way; as,
• She has gone to hospital. (for treatment)
om

The School is near my

house.
• He was sent to prison for theft. (as a punishment)
C

I went to the hospital to see

• What time do you go to bed? (to sleep)
d

my uncle.
An

6. Before most proper nouns (except those referred The bed is broken.
to earlier), namely, names of people (e.g. Abdul,
nd

Radha), names of continents, countries, cities, etc. (e.g. Europe, Sri Lanka,
ha

Mumbai), names of individual mountains (e.g. Mount Everest), individual islands,

C

lakes, etc.
S

7. In certain phrases consisting of a transitive verb followed by its object; as,

©

to catch fire, to take breath, to give battle, to cast anchor, to send word,
to bring word, to lay seige, to set sail, to lose heart, to set foot, to leave home,
to take offence.
8. In certain phrases consisting of a preposition followed by its object; as,
at home, in hand, in debt, by day, by night, at daybreak, at sunrise, at noon,
at sunset, at night, at anchor, at sight, on demand, at interest, on earth, by land,
by water, by river, by train, by steamer, by name, on horseback, on foot, on deck,
in jest, in town, at dinner, at ease.

25
 Wren Book 7

Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with a, an or the as may be suitable.
1. Copper is _______________ useful metal.
2. He is not _______________ honourable man.
3. Honest men speak _______________ truth.
4. Do you see _______________ blue sky?
5. Benares is _______________ holy city.
6. He returned after _______________ hour.
7. _______________ school will shortly close for the Puja holidays.

d
8. Yesterday _______________ European called at my office.

ite
9. The guide knows _______________ way.

m
Li
10. Sri Lanka is _______________ island.

Exercise 2
ny
pa
om

A. Insert articles where necessary.

1. While there is life there is hope.
C
d

2. Sun rises in east.

An

3. The brave soldier lost arm in battle.

nd

4. The doctor says it is hopeless case.

ha

5. I like to live in open air.

C

6. Get pound of sugar from nearest grocer.

S

7. Set back clock; it is hour too fast.

©

8. You must take care.

B. Compare your answers with another student’s and discuss the differences in the
answers if any. Decide which answers are correct before your teacher checks them.

Repetition of the Article

1. When two or more descriptive adjectives qualifying the same noun are connected
by and, the article is used before the first adjective only; as,
• Here is a French and English dictionary. (one dictionary.)
• The red and white rose. (one rose.)
26
 Wren Book 7

2. When two or more adjectives qualify different nouns,

expressed or understood, the article is used before Note
each adjective; as, The repetition is not
•  The inner and the outer walls were both strongly considered to be necessary
defended. when the noun is put in the
plural; as,
•  The red and the white rose. (Two roses, the one red • The first and second
and the other white.) chapters.
• The French and the English language. • The French and English
languages.
3. When two or more connected nouns refer to the same
person or thing, the article is ordinarily used before the
first only; as,
• They dismissed the secretary and accountant. Note

d
ite
(Same person holding two offices.)
The second article is often

m
4. When two or more connected nouns refer to different dropped even where the

Li
persons or things, the article is used before each; as reference is to different
individuals or things, provided

ny
• They dismissed the secretary and the accountant.
pa the thought would not in any
•  The teacher and the guardian of the boy were way be impaired; as,
discussing his case.
om

• Until we receive the early

However, there are exceptions; as, and later rain.
C

• He bent over the child and mother.

d
An

5. In expressing a comparison, if two nouns refer to the

same person or thing, the article is used before the first Note
nd

noun only; as,

ha

Sometimes, however, the

• Wellington was a greater soldier than statesman. article is repeated for emphasis
C

But if the two nouns refer to different persons or even when the reference is to
S

things, the article must be used with each noun; as one person; as,
©

• He was the orator and the

• He is a better soldier than a statesman (i.e., than a statesman of his age.
statesman would make).

27
 Wren Book 7

5 Pronouns
We may say:
• Tina is absent, because Tina is ill.
But it is better to avoid the repetition of the noun Tina,
and say—

d
• Tina is absent, because she is ill.

ite
m
A word that is thus used instead of a noun is called a

Li
pronoun.

ny Definition
pa
om

A pronoun is a word used instead of a noun.

C
d

There are different kinds of pronouns. Look at the table

An

given below.
nd

Personal me, you, she, he, it, we, us...

ha
C

Possessive mine, yours, hers, his, theirs...

S

Relfexive,
©

myself, yourself, herself...

Emphatic
Relative who, whom, whose, which, what
Interrogative who, whom, whose, which, what
Demonstrative this, that, these, those
all, another, any, everyone, none,
Indefinite
some...
Distributive each, either, neither

28
 Wren Book 7

Personal Pronouns
Read the following sentences:
• I am young. We are young.
• You are young. You are young.
• He (she, it) is young. They are young. Definition
The pronouns I and we which denote the person or I, we, you, he, she, it, they are
called personal pronouns
people speaking are said to be personal pronouns of the because they stand for the three
first person. persons, (i) the person speaking,
(ii) the person spoken to, and
The pronoun you which denotes the person or people (iii) the person spoken about.
spoken to is said to be a personal pronoun of the second

d
person.

ite
The pronouns he, she and they which denote the person or

m
people spoken about are said to be personal pronouns of Note

Li
the third person. It, although it denotes the thing spoken

ny
about is also called a personal pronoun of the third
pa You is used both in the singular
and plural.
person.
om

Possessive pronouns
C
d

Possessive pronouns show that something belongs to

An

Definition
someone. The possessive pronouns are mine, ours, yours,
nd

his, hers and theirs. A pronoun such as mine, yours,

or theirs which is used to refer
ha

Examples: to the thing of a particular kind

C

• This book is mine. Those books are yours. that belongs to someone is a
possessive noun.
S

• That books is hers.

©

That idea of yours is excellent.

Exercise 1
Complete the sentences with the correct form of pronouns.
1. Rama and _______________ were present. (I, me.)
2. You are smaller than _______________. (he, him.)
3. I know that it was _______________. (she, her.)
4. He is taller than _______________. (I, me.)
5. Let you and _______________ try what we can do. (I, me.)

29
 Wren Book 7

6. You know that as well as _______________. (I, me.)

7. We are not so poor as _______________. (they, them.)
8. Rama is as old as _______________. (I, me.)
9. He is known to my brother and _______________. (I, me.)
10. They are far better singers than _______________. (we, us.)
11. Whom can I trust, if not _______________? (he, him.)
12. Let _______________ who can answer this question. (he, him.)

Reflexive Pronouns
When -self is added to my, your, him, her, it, and -selves to

d
our, your, them, we get what are called compound personal Definition

ite
pronouns.

m
A reflexive pronoun is a
pronoun such as myself,

Li
They are called reflexive pronouns when the action done yourself, herself, which refers

ny
by the subject turns back (reflects) upon the subject; as,
pa back to the subject of a
• I hurt myself We hurt ourselves. sentence or clause.
om

• You will hurt yourself. You will hurt yourself.

• He hurt himself.
C

• She hurt herself. They hurt themselves.

d
An

• The dog hurt itself.

Note
nd

It will be noticed that each of these reflexive pronouns is

Emphasizing pronouns cannot
ha

used as the object of a verb, and refers to the same person stand alone as subjects. It is
or thing as that denoted by the subject of the verb.
C

therefore incorrect to say —

S

Wrong : Myself saw him do it.

Emphatic Pronouns
©

Right : I myself saw him do it.

Now look at the following sentences:
• I will do it myself.
• I myself saw him do it.
• You yourself can best explain.
• She herself says so. Definition
• I was told so by the teacher himself. Personal pronouns, myself,
yourself, herself, that are used
• The town itself is not very large. for the sake of emphasis
• They themselves admitted their guilt. are called emphatic (or
emphasizing) pronouns.

30
 Wren Book 7

Exercise 2
Underline the pronouns in the following sentences. Then write R for reflexive pronouns
and E for emphatic pronouns.
1. The dog choked itself. _____________________________

2. We seldom see ourselves as others see us. _____________________________

3. A house divided against itself cannot stand. _____________________________

4. Xerxes himself was the last to cross the Hellespont. _____________________________

5. I myself heard his remarks. _____________________________

6. He himself said so. _____________________________

d
ite
Demonstrative Pronouns

m
Note the following sentences:

Li
• This is a present from my uncle.

ny
• These are merely excuses. pa
• Both the cars are costly; but this is better than that.
om

• Mumbai mangoes are better than those of Bangalore.

C

• Make haste, that’s a good boy. (Here that= one who Definition
d

makes haste.)
An

This, that, etc., are called

• There is no period in ancient Indian history so glorious demonstrative adjectives when
nd

as that of the Guptas. (Do not write, ‘as the Guptas’.) they are used with nouns; as,
• What was that noise?
ha

• I may have offended, but such was not my intention.

•  This horse is better than
C

It will be noticed that the pronouns in italics are used to that horse.
S

point out the objects to which they refer, and are therefore • All such people ought to
©

be avoided.
called demonstrative pronouns. (Latin demonstrare, which
means, ‘to show clearly’)
This refers to what is close at hand, and nearest to the thought or person of the
speaker; that refers to what is ‘over there,’ farther away, and more remote.
• This is better than that.
That, with its plural those, is used to avoid the repetition of a preceding noun; as,
• The climate of Belgaum is like that of Pune.
• The rivers of America are larger than those of Europe.

31
 Wren Book 7

Indefinite Pronouns
Consider the following sentences. All these pronouns in italics refer to people or things
in a general way.
• One hardly knows what to do.
Note
• One cannot be too careful about what one (not, he) says.
• One cannot be too careful of one’s (not, his) good name. None is a shortened form of
not one; yet it is commonly
• One must use one’s best efforts if one wishes to succeed. used with plural verbs.
• None of his poems are well known.
• None but fools have ever believed it.
• They (people in general) say he has lost heavily.

d
• All were drowned. Some are born great. Definition

ite
• Somebody has stolen my watch.

m
Pronouns that refer to people

Li
• Nobody was there to rescue the child. or things in a general way, but
do not refer to any person or

ny
• Few escaped unhurt. pa thing in particular are called
• Many of them were Gurkhas. indefinite pronouns.
om

• We did not see any of them again.

• One or other of us will be there.
C
d

• Do good to others. Did you ask anybody to come?

An

• What is everybody’s business is nobody’s business. Note

nd

• His words are in everyone’s mouth. The indefinite pronoun one

ha

should be used throughout, if

In referring to anybody, everybody, everyone, anyone, each, etc., used at all. Most of these words
C

the pronoun he or she is used according to the context; as, may also be used as adjectives.
S

• I shall be glad to help everyone of my boys in his studies. • I will take you there one
©

day.
When the sex is not determined, we can use the pronoun • Any fool can do that.
of the masculine gender, as there is no singular pronoun of • He is a man of few words.
the third person to represent both male and female. • Some milk was spilt.

• If anybody knows the truth, let him tell it.

• Everybody is discontented with his lot in life.
• Everyone likes to have his way.
• Anyone can do this if he tries.
• Each must do his best.

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 Wren Book 7

Distributive Pronouns
Consider the following sentences:
• Each of the men was paid Rs 50.
• Either of the two roads leads to the railway-station. Definition
• Neither of the accusations is true.
Pronouns like each, either,
Each, either, neither refer to people or things one at a time. neither that consider members
of a group separately, rather
Either and neither should be used only in speaking about than collectively are called
distributive pronouns.
two people or things. When more than two are spoken
about, anyone should be used; as,
• Has anyone of you a blue pencil?

d
• She was taller than anyone (not, either) of her five sisters.

ite
m
In the following sentences, each, either and neither are used as adjectives; they are

Li
followed by nouns of the singular number:

ny
• Each boy took his turn. Neither accusation is true.
pa
• At either end was a marble statue. (Here either= each or both.)
om

Exercise 3
C

Read the following sentences and say whether the italicized pronouns are demonstrative,
d
An

indefinite or distributive.
1. None of his movies were superhits.
nd

______________________________

2. That is the India Gate.

ha

_____________________________
C

3. That book is yours. _____________________________

S

4. One must not always praise oneself. _____________________________

©

5. Some are born great. _____________________________

6. Either of you can go. _____________________________

7. These cows cost ten thousand rupees each. _____________________________

8. The two women hate each other. _____________________________

9. The stranger is welcomed as such. _____________________________

10. Our soldier were better drilled than those of enemies. _____________________________

33
 Wren Book 7

Relative Pronouns
Read the following pairs of sentences:
• I met Ron. Ron had just returned.
• I have found the pen. I lost the pen.
• Here is the book. You lent me the book.
Let us now combine each of the above pairs into one sentence.
Thus:
• I met Ron who had just returned.
• I have found the pen which I lost.
• Here is the book that you lent me.
Definition

d
Now let us examine the work done by each of the words

ite
who, which and that. A pronoun is called a relative

m
pronoun when it refers or

Li
The word who is used instead of the noun Ron. It therefore relates (i.e., carries us back) to

ny
does the work of a pronoun though it also works as some noun going before. This
a conjunction. Such a pronoun is known as a relative
pa noun is called its antecedent
work is always complete.
pronoun.
om

Forms of the Relative Pronouns

C
d

The relative pronoun who has different forms for accusative and possessive cases:
An

Case Singular and Plural

nd
ha

Nominative who
C

Possessive whose
S

Accusative whom
©

Examples:
• This is the boy (or girl) who works hard.
• This is the boy (or girl) whose exercise is done well.
• This is the boy (or girl) whom all praise.
• These are the boys (or girls) who work hard.
• These are the boys (or girls) whose work is always complete.
• These are the boys (or girls) whom all praise.
It will be noticed that the forms are the same for singular and plural, masculine and
feminine.
34
 Wren Book 7

Be careful to use who (Nominative) and whom (Accusative) correctly.

Examples:
• Who (not, whom) they were I really cannot specify. Note
• He was the man who (not, whom) they determined In present-day English, the
should be the next mayor. relative pronoun who is often
used instead of whom. Who can
• One evening of each week was set apart by him for the be used in the accusative case,
reception of whosoever (not, whomsoever) chose to visit him. except in a very formal style.
• The student, whom (not, who) you thought so highly of,
has failed to win the first prize.
The relative pronoun which has the same form for the nominative and accusative cases.
Examples:

d
• This is the house which belongs to my uncle.

ite
• This house which my uncle built cost him Rs. 400000.

m
Li
The relative pronoun which has no possessive case, but whose is sometimes used as a

ny
substitute for ‘of which’; as, pa
• A triangle whose three sides are equal is called an equilateral triangle.
om

The relative pronoun that has the same form in the singular and plural, and in the
C

nominative and accusative. It has no possessive case.

d

Examples:
An

• He that is content is rich.

nd

• They that touch pitch will be defiled.

ha

• Take anything that you like.

C

The relative pronoun what is used only in the singular, and has the same form in the
S

nominative and accusative.

©

Examples:
• What has happened is not clear.
• I say what I mean.
• He failed in what he attempted.

Use of Relative Pronouns

As a general rule, who is used for people only. It may refer to a singular or a plural noun.
Examples:
• The man who is honest is trusted.
• They never fail who die in a great cause.
35
 Wren Book 7

Whose (the possessive form of who) is used in speaking of persons, but sometimes of
things without life.
Examples:
• The sun, whose rays give life to the earth, is regarded by some people as a god.
• This is the question whose solution has baffled philosophers of all ages.
(More properly, ‘This is the question the solution of which has baffled philosophers of
all ages’.)
Which is used for things without life and for animals. It may refer to a singular or a plural
noun.
Examples:
• The moment which is lost is lost for ever.

d
• The dog which I recently bought is an Alsatian.

ite
(Which was formerly used to refer to people; as, Our Father, which art in heaven.)

m
Li
Which may also refer to a sentence.

ny
Examples: pa
• The man was said to be drunk, which was not the case.
om

• He said he saw me there, which was a lie.

C

Note
d
An

The relative pronouns who and which can be used —

nd

1. To restrict, limit, or define more clearly the antecedent; that is, where the clause introduced by a relative
pronoun is restrictive or defining; as,
ha

• The man who had cheated me was yesterday arrested by the police.
C

• This book which you see on the table cost me two rupees.
S

2. To give some additional information about the antecedent; that is, where the clause introduced by a relative
©

pronoun is continuative or nondefining; as,

• The teacher sent for the boy, who (= and he) came at once.
• I gave him a rupee, which (= and it) was all I had with me.
(In this use of the relative, a comma must be placed after the antecedent.)

That is used for people and things. It may refer to a singular or a plural noun.
That has no genitive case and it is never used with a preposition preceding.
Examples:
• This is the boy that I told you of.
• I know the house that he lives in.

36
 Wren Book 7

• Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

• Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.
• The crowd that gathered cheered him to the echo.
• My sister that is in Delhi sent me a present. (Which one of my several sisters?)
It will be noticed that the relative pronoun that is used only in relative clauses that
restrict, limit, or define the antecedent; in other words the relative pronoun that has a
restrictive force.
As the relative pronoun that has a restrictive force it sometimes becomes unsuitable as
the substitute for who or which. Thus I cannot say —
• My father that is a schoolmaster is fifty years old.
I must say —

d
ite
• My father, who is a schoolmaster, is fifty years old.

m
But if I happen to have more than one sister, I can say —

Li
• My sister that has been adopted by my uncle is ill.

ny
pa
The relative pronoun that is used in preference to who or which —
om

1. After adjectives in the superlative degree; as,

• He was the most eloquent speaker that I ever heard.
C

• The wisest man that ever lived made mistakes.

d
An

2. After the words, all, same, nothing, (the) only; as,

• All is not gold that glitters.
nd

• He is the same man that he has been.

ha

• It was not for nothing that he studied philosophy.

C

• Man is the only animal that can talk.

S
©

3. After the interrogative pronouns who, what; as,

• Who am I that I should object?
• What is it that troubles you so much?
4. After two antecedents, one denoting a person and the other denoting an animal or a
thing; as,
• The boy and his dog that had trespassed on the club premises were turned out.
What refers to things only. It is used without an antecedent expressed, and is equivalent
to that which (or the thing which).
• What (= that which) cannot be cured must be endured.
• I say what (= that which) I mean.
37
 Wren Book 7

• What is one man’s meat is another man’s poison.

• What I have written, I have written.
It will be noticed that what is used in the nominative and accusative singular only.
In older English the word as was used as a relative pronoun after such; as,
• His answer was such as I expected him to give.

Omission of the Relative Pronoun

The relative pronoun is generally omitted when it would
be in the accusative case; as, Note
• Few and short were the prayers ^ we said. The omission of a relative
• Men must reap the things ^ they sow. pronoun in the nominative

d
case is now quite exceptional

ite
In the following examples from poetry a relative pronoun except in colloquial speech.

m
in the nominative case is omitted: There’s somebody at the door ^

Li
wants to see you.
• ‘Tis distance ^ lends enchantment to the view.’

ny
• ‘I have a brother ^ is condemned to die.’ pa
om

Omission of the Antecedent

C

Sometimes the antecedent of a relative pronoun was left out; as,

d

• Who works not shall not eat.

An

This means (He) who works not shall not eat.

nd

• Whom the gods love, die young.

ha

This means (Those) whom the gods love die young.

C

Agreement of the Relative Pronoun and its Antecedent

S
©

When the subject of a verb is a relative pronoun, care should be taken to see that the
verb agrees in number and person with the antecedent of the relative pronoun; as,
• This is one of the most interesting novels that have (not, has) appeared this year.
• He is one of the cleverest boys that have passed through the school.
• One of the greatest judges that have ever lived laid this down as law.
• It was one of the best speeches that have ever been made in the House of Commons.
• This is the only one of his poems that is (not, are) worth reading.
(Here the antecedent of that is one. ‘Of his poems this is the only one that is worth
reading.’)

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 Wren Book 7

Position of the Relative Pronoun

To prevent ambiguity, the relative pronoun should be placed as near as possible to its
antecedent; as,
• The boy who won the first prize in English is the son of my friend, Mr Joshi.
It would mean something quite different if we separate the relative pronoun from its
antecedent and say —
• The boy is the son of my friend, Mr Joshi, who won the first prize.
Again such a sentence as ‘I have read Gokhale’s speeches, who was a disciple of
Ranade’ would be improved if changed to ‘I have read the speeches of Gokhale, who
was a disciple of Ranade.’

d
So also the following sentence requires to be rearranged:

ite
• I with my family reside in a village near Poona which consists of my wife and three

m
children.

Li
ny
Pronouns of the third person plural should not be used as antecedents to who and that;
pa
as,
• They that are whole have no need of a physician.
om

Here those is to be preferred to they.

C
d

Exercise 4
An

Complete the exercise with who, whom, whose, which or where.

nd

1. What’s the name of the man ____________ car you borrowed?

ha

2. A pacifist is a person ____________ believes that all wars are wrong.

C
S

3. The place ____________ we spent the holidays was very beautiful.

©

4. I don’t know the name of the woman to ____________ I spoke on the phone.
5. Ron and Jessica, ____________ had got married last year, recently bought a new house.
6. Their new house, ____________ they bought was quite cheap.

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 Wren Book 7

Revision Test 1
A. Underline the adjective in each of the following sentences and name its type.
1. She has flawless skin just like a baby. ______________________

2. They support the helpless victims of flood. ______________________

3. I bought these shoes from London. ______________________

4. There are many students who aspire to become scientists. ______________________

5. The Earth is round. ______________________

6. How much milk is left in the bottle? ______________________

d
ite
7. I forgot to return your book. ______________________

m
8. There are twenty-nine states in India.

Li
______________________

ny
B. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write
pa
the incorrect word and the correction in the given space. The first one has been
om

done for you.

Asian elephants are short and smaller than an African elephants. In addition,
C

African elephants has larger and

d
An

broader ears. The Asian elephant are also

darker than the African one. Moreover,
nd

the African elephant have three toes on

ha

its feet while the Asian elephant have

C

four toes on each feet.

S
©

1. short shorter
______________________ 2. ______________________

3. ______________________ 4. ______________________

5. ______________________ 6. ______________________

C. Insert articles where necessary.

1. There is nothing like staying at home for comfort.
2. Moon did not rise till after ten.
3. Wild animals suffer when kept in captivity.
4. Mathematics is most difficult subject.

40
 Wren Book 7

5. January is first month of year.

6. Rich should help poor.
7. Rose is queen of all flowers.
8. A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
9. I went to market to buy dress.
10. A one-rupee note is lying on table.

D. Insert suitable pronouns.

1. ________________ does his work carefully.
2. ________________ mends her own clothes.
3. ________________ still live in our old house.

d
ite
4. ________________ is a kind and loving woman.

m
5. The books are where you left ________________.

Li
6. ________________ wrote a letter to her cousin.
7. My knife is sharper than ________________.
ny
pa
om

8. I congratulated ________________ on his good fortune.

9. Is this my pencil or ________________?
C
d

10. Sita has a pet dog; ________________ likes to play with ________________.
An

E. Change the pronouns as shown and make any other necessary changes.
nd

1. Where are you going? (she) Where is she going?

_______________________________
ha

2. I have a green parrot. (he)

C

_______________________________
S

3. He is yet a boy. (you) _______________________________

©

4. He lost his parents in infancy. (I) _______________________________

5. They groped their way in darkness. (we) _______________________________

6. Are you speaking the truth? (he) _______________________________

7. He treats his children with great kindness. (they) _______________________________

8. We like cricket better than football. (he) _______________________________

9. I want some money. (she) _______________________________

10. He has much money. (I) _______________________________

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 Wren Book 7

6 Verbs
A verb may tell us —
1. What a person or thing does; as,
• Abhi laughs. • The clock strikes.
2. What a person or a thing has; as,

d
• Abhi has a blue car.

ite
• The windows have a wooden frame.

m
Li
3. What a person or thing is; as,

ny
• The cat is dead.
pa • I feel sorry.

Definition
om
C

A verb is a word used to express an action, event or state.

d
An

There are various types of verbs grouped by function.

nd

• Transitive - Intransitive
ha

• Finite - Non-finite
• Auxiliaries and modals
C
S

• Gerunds, Infinitives and Participles

©

Transitive and Intransitive verbs

Read these sentences:
1. The boy kicks the football.
2. The boy laughs loudly.
In sentence 1, the action denoted by the verb kicks
passes over from the doer or the subject boy to some
object football. The verb kicks is therefore called a
transitive verb. (Transitive means passing over.)

42
 Wren Book 7

In sentence 2, the action denoted by the verb laughs stops

with the doer or the subject boy and does not pass over to an Definition
object. The verb laughs is therefore called an intransitive verb. A transitive verb is a verb
(Intransitive means not passing over.) that denotes an action which
passes over from the doer or
Direct object and Indirect object subject to an object.
An intransitive verb is a verb
Most transitive verbs take a single object. But some transitive that denotes an action which
verbs like give, ask, offer, promise, tell, etc., take two objects does not pass over to an
after them — an indirect object which denotes the person to object, or it expresses a state
or being, as,
whom something is given or for whom something is done, and
• He ran a long distance.
a direct object which is usually the name of some thing; as, (action)
• His father gave him (Indirect object) a watch (Direct • The baby sleeps. (state)

d
object). • There is a flaw in this

ite
• He told me (Indirect object) a secret (Direct object). diamond. (being)

m
Li
Transitive and Intransitive use of verb

ny
Most verbs can be used both as transitive and as Intransitive
Note
pa
verbs. It is therefore better to say that a verb is used
om

transitively or intransitively rather than that it is transitive or Intransitive verbs expressing

intransitive. being take the same case after
C

them as before them; as,

d

Used Transitively Used Intransitively • It was he (not, him) who

An

committed the theft.

1. The ants fought the Some ants fight fiercely.
nd

wasps.
ha

2. The shot sank the The ship sank rapidly. Note

C

ship.
S

Some verbs, e.g., come, go,

3. The driver stopped the The train stopped suddenly.
©

fall, die, sleep, lie, denote

train. actions which cannot be
done to anything; they can
4. The horse kicked the This horse never kicks. therefore never be used
man. transitively.

Exercise 1
Underline the verbs in the following sentences, and write in each case whether the verb
is transitive (T) or intransitive (I). Where the verb is transitive name the object.
1. The clock stopped this morning. ________________________________

2. The policeman blew his whistle. ________________________________

43
 Wren Book 7

4. The clock ticks all day long. ________________________________

5. I looked down from my window. ________________________________

6. Put away your books. ________________________________

7. Your book lies on the table. ________________________________

8. Time changes all things. ________________________________

9. We eat three times a day. ________________________________

10. The little bird hopped about and sang. ________________________________

11. My new watch does not keep good time. ________________________________

12. The beggar sat down by the side of the road. ________________________________

13. I could not spare the time.

d
________________________________

ite
14. The boy easily lifted the heavy weight. ________________________________

m
15. Balu wrote a letter to his uncle.

Li
________________________________

ny
16. I know a funny little man. pa ________________________________

17. Light rain fell last night. ________________________________

om

18. I shall bring my camera with me. ________________________________

C

Exercise 2
d
An

Write five sentences containing transitive verbs, and five containing intransitive verbs in
your notebook.
nd
ha

Intransitive verbs used as Transitives

C

When an intransitive verb is used in a causative sense, it becomes transitive.

S
©

Intransitively Transitively
1. The girl ran down the street. The girl ran a needle into her finger. (ran a
needle = caused a needle to run.)
2. Birds fly. The boys fly their kites (i.e., cause their kites to fly).

Some intransitive verbs may become transitive by having a preposition added to

them; as,
• He will soon run through (consume) his fortune.
• Please look into (investigate) the matter carefully.
• We talked about (discussed) the affair several times.
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 Wren Book 7

Intransitive verbs sometimes take after them an object akin or similar in meaning to the
verb. Such an object is called the cognate object. (Latin Cognatus, akin.)
• I have fought a good fight.
• He laughed a hearty laugh.
• He sleeps the sleep of the just.
A noun used adverbially to modify a verb, an adjective, or an adverb denoting time,
place, distance, weight, value, etc., is called an adverbial object, and is said to be in the
accusative case adverbially; as,
• He held the post ten years.
• He went home.
There are a few transitive verbs which are sometimes used as intransitive verbs.

d
ite
Transitively Intransitively

m
Li
1. He broke the glass. The glass broke.

ny
2. He burnt his fingers. pa He burnt with shame.

Exercise 3
om
C

Use the following words both transitively and intransitively.

d

1. stop: ______________________ ______________________

An

2. open: ______________________ ______________________

nd

3. close: ______________________ ______________________

ha

4. play: ______________________ ______________________

C
S

5. read: ______________________ ______________________

©

Finite and Non-finite Verbs

When a verb has a subject and a tense, it can be referred to as a finite verb.
Examples:
• I sing. • Maya sings. • They sang.
Some forms of a verb are referred to as Non-finite. Non-finite verbs do not depend on
the subject. They do not change with tense.
Examples:
• I like dancing. • We persuaded them to join us.

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 Wren Book 7

7 Tenses
Verbs come in three tenses: past, present, and future.
The past is used to describe things that have already
happened (e.g., earlier in the day, yesterday, last week,
three years ago).

d
ite
The present tense is used to describe things that are
happening right now, or things that happen every day.

m
Li
The future tense describes things that are yet to happen

ny
(e.g., later, tomorrow, next week, next year, three years
pa
from now).
om

Theses tenses are further divided. See the table below:

C

Tenses
d
An
nd

Present Tense Past Tense Future Tense

ha

Simple Present Simple Past Simple Future

C

(I play football.) (I played football.) (I will play football.)

S
©

Present Continuous Past Continuous Future Continuous

(I am playing (I was playing (I will be playing
football.) football.) football.)
Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect
(I have played (I had played (I would have
football.) football.) played football.)
Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect
Continuous Continuous Continuous
(I have been playing (I had been playing (I would have been
football.) football.) playing football.)

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 Wren Book 7

Simple Present Note

The simple present tense is used
The simple present tense is also
1. for habits or repeated actions; as, used to talk about the future
• I usually get up at six o’clock. based on official timetables.
• We play tennis every day.
2. for general truths (things that are always true); as,
• Water boils at 100° C.
• Fish live in water.
3. for things that stay the same for a long time; as,
• My grandparents live in Nagpur.
• Anand bats well.

d
ite
Exercise 1

m
Li
Below are six general truths. Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs. (Use the simple

ny
present tense.) pa
1. The sun ______________________ in the west.
om

2. Birds ______________________ nests.

C

3. Rain ______________________ from the clouds.

d
An

4. Cows ______________________ grass.

5. Frogs ______________________ both on land and in water.
nd
ha

6. The earth ______________________ round the sun.

C

Exercise 2
S
©

What do you usually do on Sundays? Write five sentences using the simple present tense
in your note book.

Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense is mainly used
1. For actions which are happening now.
• They are playing cricket (now).
• Your friends are waiting for you. Hurry up!
• Ravi is using the Internet.
• Look! Somebody is picking flowers.
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 Wren Book 7

Pair Work

Look at the pictures below and say what is happening. Take turns to ask questions
and answer them. See the examples below the pictures.

d
1. 2. 3.

ite
m
Li
ny
pa
om
C

4. 5. 6.
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

7. 8. 9.

Examples:
Student A : Look at picture 1. What is happening?/ What is the boy doing?
Student B : He is reading.
Student B : Look at picture 9. What is happening?
Student A : An aeroplane is flying.

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 Wren Book 7

2. To talk about actions that are happening

around now but not necessarily at the time of Note
speaking. Note that certain verbs are not normally
• Mr Ram Lal is writing a novel. (He has used in the continuous tense.
started the novel but not finished yet. At this They include: like, love, hate, dislike, know,
moment he may be doing something else.) understand, want, need, suppose, believe,
belong, think (believe), agree, remember,
3. To talk about people’s plans or arrangements appear, seem, be, have (possess), contain
for the future. Wrong : The boy is wanting chocolates.
• They are painting their house this month. Right : The boy wants chocolates.
Wrong : He is having a cellphone.
• I am going to my home town on Saturday.
Right : He has a cellphone.
• We are meeting Mr Ram Lal this evening. Wrong : She is seeming sad.
• Mr Menon is flying to Singapore tomorrow.

d
Right : She seems sad.

ite
Exercise 3

m
Li
Fill in the blanks with verbs in the simple present tense or present continuous tense. Choose

ny
verbs from the brackets. pa
1. He ______________________ for a walk every morning. (go)
om

2. The sun ______________________ during the day. (shine)

C

3. Oh lovely ! The sun ______________________ again. (shine)

d
An

4. I ______________________ a glass of water. (want)

5. ‘Where is Usha?’ ‘She ______________________ her hair.’ (wash)
nd

6. According to the timetable, the train ______________________ at 12.15. (arrive)

ha
C

7. I ______________________ my uncle tomorrow. (meet)

S

8. Ashok ______________________ two sisters. (have)

©

Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is used for an action finished at some
time in the past. We often talk or think about a definite time
in the past (e.g. yesterday, last Monday, last month, in 2001, five
years ago.)
Examples:
• Sanjay phoned me last night.
• She passed the driving test in April.
• Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago.
49
 Wren Book 7

• We recorded yesterday’s match on video.

• I slept well (i.e. last night).

Exercise 4
What did you do yesterday? Write five sentences, in simple past tense.

Present Perfect Tense

We use the present perfect tense for actions in the past when we are not talking or
thinking about the exact time that happened. There may be results now. This tense
connects the past with the present in some way; as,
• Mr Joshi has gone to Pune. (He is not here now.)
• Anand has eaten all the biscuits. (There are none left for you.)

d
ite
Simple past vs Present perfect tense

m
Li
Compare the sentences below:

ny
• I have finished the work. (I am free now.) pa
• I finished the work an hour ago.
om

The simple past tense is used in this sentence because the expression ‘an hour ago’
breaks off its connection with the present.
C

Note
d

We can use the present perfect tense with just to say that
An

something has happened very recently; as, Use the simple past, not
the present perfect, with
• She has just gone out.
nd

expressions of past time which

• The train has just arrived. say when something happened.
ha

Wrong : I have seen the film

C

We often use the present perfect tense with ever, never, yet, last night.
already, once, twice, several times, etc; as,
S

Right : I saw the film last

©

• Have you ever seen the Taj Mahal? night.

• I have never travelled by plane.

• Ravi hasn’t returned the CD yet.
• We have already had breakfast.
• I have been to Singapore twice.
We can use the present perfect tense of verbs like know, be, live, stay, work for actions (or
states) which began in the past and are still continuing; as,
• She has been ill for five days. (She is still ill.)
• I have known Mr K.V. Singh since 1995.
• They have lived here for three years. (They are still living here.)
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 Wren Book 7

Compare the above sentence with this:

• They lived here for three years. (They are not living here now.)

Exercise 5
Fill in the blanks with verbs in present perfect tense. Choose from the box.
solve stay water lend hurt make

1. He ___________________ his foot, so he is not playing.

2. I ___________________ the plants.
3. We ___________________ the crossword puzzle easily.
4. Who ___________________ the cake?

d
ite
5. I ___________________ in Mysore for five days.

m
6. Suresh ___________________ me these CDs.

Li
Pair Work
ny
pa
om

Make five questions in the present perfect tense with ever. Take turns to ask
C

questions and answer them.

d

Examples:
An

Student A : Have you ever travelled by plane?

nd

Student B : No, I have never travelled by plane

ha

..........................................................................
C

Student B : Have you ever seen Qutab Minar?

S

Student A : Yes, I have seen it three times.

©

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

We use the present perfect continuous tense to talk about actions which started at
some time in the past and are still continuing. This tense is often used with the time
expressions How long, since... and for...
• Suresh has been using the computer since 10 o’clock.
• It has been raining for two hours.
• We have been living here for four years.

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 Wren Book 7

For such actions we can use either the present perfect or the present perfect continuous
tense with verbs like live, stay, work, lie, etc. There is almost no difference in meaning
between the last sentence above and the following
sentence:  Note
• We have lived here for four years. Don’t use the present
continuous with How long,
Since and for since... and for...
Note that since is used with a point of time (e.g. 9 o’clock, Wrong : I am waiting since
4.30.
last Monday, last month, 2002) and for with a length
Right : I have been waiting
of time (e.g. two hours, a month, five years, a long time, since 4.30.
etc.).

since 2000.

d
I have been learning English

ite
for five years.

m
The present perfect continuous is also used for actions which finished a short time ago.

Li
The results of the actions happen in the present; as,

ny
• The children’s hair is wet because they have been swimming in the river.
pa
• ‘Why are your clothes dirty?’ ‘I have been cleaning the store-room.’
om
C

Pair Work
d
An

A. Work with another student. Take turns to ask questions and answer them.
nd

1. How long have you been learning English?

ha

2. How long have you been learning Grammar?

C

3. How long have you been studying in this school?

S
©

4. How long have you been living in this city/town/village?

5. How long have you been reading this book?
6. How long have you been doing this exercise?

B. Make three questions using How long.

Past Continuous Tense

We use the past continuous tense to talk about something which was in the middle of
happening at a past time.

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 Wren Book 7

Note the following conversation:

A: I phoned you at 7.45 this morning and there was no answer. What were you doing?
B: I was having a bath.
The past continuous tense is often used with the simple past. It shows that the action
was continuing at a time when a new shorter action happened. The simple past is used
for the new action.
Examples:
• The TV screen went blank when I was watching the news.
• The tyre burst when he was turning a corner.

Pair Work

d
ite
Ask your partner what he or she was doing at these times last Sunday. Take turns

m
to ask the question and answer them.

Li
1. 6.30 a.m. 2. 10 a.m.

ny
3. 1 p.m.
4. 4 p.m. 5. 8 p.m.
pa 6. 10.30 p.m.
om
C

Exercise 6
d
An

Put the verbs in brackets into the simple past or past continuous tense to complete the
following sentences. (Use both the tenses in each sentence.)
nd

1. It (rain) when we (come) out.

ha

2. She (cut) her finger while she (peel) potatoes.

C

3. I (have) a shower when the phone (ring).

S

4. He (bite) his finger when he (have) lunch.

©

5. We (go) down in the lift when suddenly it (stop).

Past Perfect Tense

We use the past perfect tense for an action completed before a certain point in the
past or before another action happened.
• We reached the station at 4.45. But the train had already left.
• I had done my homework by 8.30.
• The sun had risen when I got up.
• I told him that I had forgotten the keys.
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 Wren Book 7

Exercise 7
Mr Das did these things yesterday morning. (He did the things in the order shown.)
1. He read the newspaper. 2. He had breakfast.
3. He watched TV. 4. He talked to his friends.
5. He cleaned his motorbike. 6. He went to the bank.
Hints: Begin with when and combine the sentences using the past perfect tense as
shown below.
• When he had read the newspaper he had breakfast.
• When he had had breakfast he ___________________ (continue).

Simple Future

d
ite
We use the simple future tense to talk about predictions (What we think will happen)

m
or things which we cannot control.

Li
Examples:

ny
• I think it will rain this afternoon. pa
• I am sure you will enjoy the show.
om

• Perhaps he will arrive today.

C

• My father will be fifty-five tomorrow.

d

• It will be Christmas in a week.

An

We also use this tense when we decide to do something at the time of speaking.
nd

Examples:
ha

• It is cold. I will shut the window.

C

• ‘Tea or coffee?’ ‘I will have tea.’

S
©

To talk about things that we have already decided to do, we use the going to form (be
going to + base form), not the simple future tense.
Examples:
• ‘Have you got a washing machine?’ ‘No, we are going to buy one next week.’
• ‘Why are you filling the bucket with water?’ ‘I am going to wash the car.’
We also use the going to form to talk about what seems likely or certain, when there is
something in the present which tells us about the future.
Examples:
• Look at those clouds. It is going to rain.
• The boat is full of water. It is going to sink.
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 Wren Book 7

Future continuous
We use the future continuous tense to talk about something that will be going on at a
certain time in the future.
Examples:
• I will be flying to Singapore at this time tomorrow.
• Don’t phone me between 7.00 and 7.15. I will be watching the news during that time.
This tense is also used for future actions which are fixed.
Example:
• Mr Mehta will be giving another lecture at the same time next week.

Exercise 8

d
ite
Fill in each blank with the correct or more suitable verb form the brackets.

m
1. I think Australia ___________________________ the match. (will win/is going to win)

Li
2. ‘What have you decided to do?’ ‘I ___________________________ the club’. (will join/am

ny
going to join) pa
3. At this time tomorrow Mr Kapoor ___________________________ to Malaysia. (is going to
om

fly/will be flying)
C

4. Mr Raman is very busy at the moment. ‘That’s all right. I ___________________________.’

d

(will wait/am going to wait)

An

5. ‘Why do you want to sell your motorbike?’ ‘I ___________________________ buy a car’.

nd

(will buy/am going to buy)

ha

Exercise 9
C
S

1. Write four sentences in simple future tense.

©

2. Write four sentences in going to form.

3. Write four sentences in future continuous tense.

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 Wren Book 7

8 Infinitives and
Gerunds
We have read earlier the non-finite verb forms do not
show tense, person or number. There are three types of
non-finite verbs: gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
Verb

d
ite
m
Finite verb Non-Finite verb

Li
ny
pa
Infinitive Gerund Participle
om

Infinitives
C

Read these sentences.

d
An

• To find fault is easy.

• He likes to play football.
nd

• She wants to work hard.

ha

The forms to find, to play and to like are ‘Infinitives’.

C
S

The infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded

©

by to.
Look at the above sentences again.
In sentence 1, the infinitive, like a noun, is the subject of
the verb ‘is’; but, like a verb, it also takes an object.
In sentence 2, the infinitive, like a noun, is the object of
the verb ‘likes’; but, like a verb, it also takes an object.
In sentence 3, the infinitive, like a noun, is the object of
the verb ‘wants’; but, like a verb, it is also modified by
an adverb.

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 Wren Book 7

More examples:
1. Rama likes to play cricket.
Definition
(To play what? Cricket – object.) The basic verb form that often
acts as a noun and is often
2. To play is his great delight.
preceded by the word ‘to’ is
(What is his great delight? to play – subject) called infinitive.
3. To learn is very important.
(What is more important? to learn – subject)
4. I want to swim in the pool.
(I want what? to swim – object.)
5. The most important thing is not to give up.
(The most important thing is what? not to give up – object).
6. To be funny is the goal of comedians. – subject

d
ite
7. He reminded her to go downtown. – object

m
8. To dance is my little girl’s dream. – subject

Li
9. To go to college is a good idea. – subject

ny
10. I forgot to take my medicine today. – object
pa
Exercise 1
om
C

Underline the infinitives in the following sentences and state whether each is used as
subject or object of a verb:
d
An

1. Hari likes to ride. 2. He refused to obey his orders.

nd

3. To play cricket is pleasant. 4. I like to swim.

ha

5. He promised to help me. 6. He used to say so.

C

7. I hope to hear good news. 8. He tried to help his friend.

S

9. I wish to go home. 10. To speak the truth is your first duty.

©

Bare infinitives
The Infinitive is usually used with the word to before it, but sometimes it is found
without to.
• I bade him go. • We heard you sing.
• I made him run. • I saw him arrive.
• You need not wait. • Let him sit there.
• I can rid your town of rats. • You may go.
• He should work. • You must work.

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 Wren Book 7

Gerunds
Note the following sentences:
• To drive a motor-car well requires skill.
• Driving a motor-car well requires skill.
(To drive is formed from the verb drive, so it is like a verb. Being like a verb, it takes an
object (motor-car), and is modified by an adverb (well).
To drive names an action, the action of driving; so it is like a noun also.
Being like a noun, it is used as the subject of a verb (requires).
To drive is therefore a verb-noun.
(We shall now see that, like the Infinitive to drive, driving is also a verb-noun.)
Driving is formed from the verb drive, so it is like a verb.

d
ite
Being like a verb, it takes an object (motor-car), and is modified by an adverb (well).

m
Driving names an action, the action of driving; so it is like a noun also.

Li
Being like a noun, it is used as the subject of a verb (requires).

ny
Driving is therefore a verb-noun. pa
Note these sentences:
Definition
om

• He likes driving a motor-car. A verb that ends in -ing and

C

functions as a noun is called a

• He is very careful in driving a motor-car. gerund.
d
An

It will be noticed that in sentence 1, the Gerund driving is

the object of the verb likes.
Note
nd

In sentence 2 the Gerund driving is governed by the

ha

preposition in. The gerund is most commonly

C

governed by a preposition.
Exercise 2
S
©

Put the verbs in brackets in the gerund or the infinitive form to complete the sentences.
1. I can’t imagine Peter (go) by bike.
2. He agreed (buy) a new house.
3. The question is easy (answer).
4. Are you thinking of (visit) my place?
5. We decided (run) through the town.
6. The teacher expected Seeba (study) hard.
7. The man asked me how (get) to the main road.
8. She doesn’t mind (work) the night shift.

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 Wren Book 7

9 Participles
In this chapter, we shall show that, just as we have verb-
nouns, so we have a verb-adjective, that is, a verb that
acts as an adjective.
Read the sentences below:

d
• Barking dogs seldom bite.

ite
• A soldier, wounded in the Great War, came limping by.

m
Li
In the first sentence, the word barking tells about the

ny
dog, and therefore behaves like an adjective.
pa
The word barking thus partakes of the nature of a verb
and an adjective, and is therefore called a participle.
om

Similarly in sentence 2, the word wounded partakes of

C

the nature of a verb and an adjective, and is therefore a

d

participle.
An

Definition
nd
ha

A word that partakes of the nature of a verb and an

adjective is known as a participle.
C
S
©

Exercise 1
Underline the participles in the following sentences:
1. We saw a man leading a monkey.
2. I met him coming down the street.
3. Mounting his horse, the soldier rode away.
4. Clapping its hands for joy, the child laughed loudly.
5. I can hear him singing a song.
6. Singing in a chorus, we went on our way.
7. I pity that woman carrying such a heavy load on
her head.
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 Wren Book 7

8. The boys, playing in the maidan, had a merry time.

9. Waving their handkerchiefs, the people cheered the President.
10. They heard the people ringing the bells.

Present and past participles

Definition
Participles come in two varieties: past and present.
Participles ending in -ing
Read the following sentences: describe incomplete actions, and
are called present participles.
• I saw Rama driving a car.
• The car, driven recklessly by Rama, dashed against a tree.
When I saw Rama, he was driving a car; the action of Definition
driving was going on or was incomplete or imperfect. But when Participles ending in -ed, -en,

d
ite
the motor-car dashed against a tree, the action of driving -d, and -t describe completed
was finished or complete or perfect. actions, and are called past

m
participles.

Li
• Driving expresses an unfinished action. It is, therefore, in

ny
present participle.
• Driven expresses a finished action. It is, therefore, in past participle.
pa
om

Further examples of past participles:

C

• I saw a cord stretched across the road.

d

• There were many trees laden with fruit.

An

• The thieves, caught in the act, were severely punished.

nd

Exercise 2
ha
C

Underline the present and past participles in the following sentences and state the noun or
pronoun to which each refers:
S
©

1. Walking along the road, he saw a cobra.

2. Hearing the noise, he looked through the window.
3. Deceived by his friends, he lost all hope.
4. Staggering back, he sank to the ground.
5. Landing at Calais, we proceeded to Paris.
6. Having no guide with us, we lost our way.
7. Driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread.
8. I saw the boy posting the letter.
9. I saw the letter posted.
10. Surrounded by the enemy, the army was forced to surrender.
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 Wren Book 7

11. A soldier, wounded in the war, came limping by.

12. Taking pity on the mouse, the magician turned it into a cat.
A participle like an adjective, refers to some noun or pronoun.

Exercise 3
Note
Note each sentence and state whether it is correct or
incorrect. If correct, underline the noun or pronoun to Look at the sentence below.
which the participle refers. Rewrite correctly all incorrect • Walking along a road, a boy
sentences. found a watch.
(Here the Participle walking
1. Wishing to borrow a book, he called on me yesterday. refers to the noun boy.)
2. Returning from the theatre, it began to rain. Now compare with the sentence

d
3. Beaten at every point, the enemy fled from the field. below:

ite
• Walking along a road, a
4. Running across the road, the child fell.

m
watch was found.

Li
5. While cleaning the cage, the bird escaped. Here the participle walking does
not refer to the noun watch—the

ny
6. Walking along the street, a hundred-rupee note was
watch was not walking. Then
found.
pa
who was walking? Obviously the
7. Surrounded by the enemy, the battle was lost. noun or pronoun to which the
om

participle walking should refer is

8. Standing on the top of the hill, the eye roams over a not mentioned. The sentence is
C

beautiful landscape. therefore incorrect.

d
An

Exercise 4
nd

Underline the gerunds and circle the present participles in the

ha

following sentences: Note

C

1. I remember reading the book long ago. Note these sentences:

S

2. Preparing the meal required only a short time. 1. Killing birds is a cruel sport.
©

3. I do not like working these sums. 2. I hate that boy killing birds.
In sentence 1, killing is a gerund,
4. I saw Mr Patel running for a bus.
and in sentence 2, killing is a
5. Running for a bus, he slipped and fell. present participle.
6. The boys love swimming in the sea. As the same word ending in
-ing may be either a gerund
7. A great wave came rolling towards the boat. or a present participle, be
8. We met a woman carrying a heavy load. very careful not to confuse
the gerund with the present
9. Feeling quite secure, the burglar slept soundly. participle.
10. Hearing the noise, he ran to the window.

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 Wren Book 7

10 Voice
Read the following conversation:

The window pane has been

broken. Who broke it?

d
ite
m
Li
ny
pa
om
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S

Rohit broke it yesterday

©

while playing cricket.

‘The window pane has been broken,’ - the subject is

unknown. Hence the sentence is in the passive voice.
In the sentence: ‘Rohit broke it...’ the doer of the action is
active. Hence the sentence is in the active voice.
In active voice the subject performs the action stated by
the verb.
In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.

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 Wren Book 7

Thus, depending upon the way a sentence is, a verb can be either active or passive.
A passive verb is made by adding a suitable be verb to the past participle. Study this table:

Tense (or Modal + base) Active Verb Passive Verb

Simple Present give am given
gives is given
are given
Present Continuous am giving am being given
is giving is being given
are giving are being given

d
Present Perfect has given has been given

ite
have given have been given

m
Li
Simple Past gave was given

ny
pa were given
Past Continuous was giving was being given
om

were giving were being given

C

Past Perfect had given had been given

d
An

Simple Future will give will be given

nd

Can/may/must, etc. + base can give can be given

ha

may give may be given

C
S

Examples:
©

Active Voice Passive Voice

Everybody likes Tom. Tom is liked by everybody.
Mice fear cats. Cats are feared by mice.
The mason is building the wall. The wall is being built (by the mason).
Somebody has stolen my purse. My purse has been stolen (by somebody).
They have invited me to the party. I have been invited (by them) to the party.
The cat caught the mouse. The mouse was caught by the cat.

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 Wren Book 7

I sold my bike last week. My bike was sold (by me) last week.
They were repairing the road. The road was being repaired (by them).
Ravi had already paid the phone bill. The phone bill had already been paid by
Ravi.
I will return the CD tomorrow. The CD will be returned (by me tomorrow.)
Pratap can lift the box. The box can be lifted by Pratap.
You should respect old people. Old people should be respected (by you).

You must have noticed that the by-phrase (by + doer of the action) is put in brackets
in some of the passive voice sentences above. It would be better to leave out the

d
by-phrase in those sentences. We usually omit the by-phrase if we do not know the

ite
doer or if it is not necessary to mention the doer. The by-phrase is used when the doer

m
has some importance and is necessary to complete the sense.

Li
Exercise 1
ny
pa
Rewrite the following sentences in passive voice.
om

1. The boy has made a kite. 2. His teacher praised him.

3. He invited us into his house. 4. Your behaviour vexes me.
C
d

5. The man cut down the tree. 6. Shivaji defied the Mughal Emperor.
An

7. He feeds the horse every day. 8. The police have arrested him.
nd

9. He scored fifty runs. 10. He made a very remarkable discovery.

ha

Exercise 2
C

Rewrite the following sentences in active voice.

S
©

1. Sir John Moore was killed by a cannon-ball.

2. He was buried by us darkly at dead of night.
3. Not a drum was heard.
4. America was discovered by Christopher Columbus.
5. He was treated ungratefully by his sailors.
6. The work must be done by you and your brother.
7. The match was won by the High School.
8. The first railway was built by George Stephenson.
9. He was swindled by his own brother.
10. The king was welcomed by the people.
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 Wren Book 7

11 Reported Speech
Look at the following sentences.
I will call you tomorrow. He said that he would
call me the next day.

d
ite
m
Li
ny
There are two ways of reporting what another person
pa
has said:
om

1. We may quote the actual words used by the

speaker; as,
C

• He said, ‘I am tired of hearing these complaints.’

d
An

This is direct speech.

nd

2. We may give an account of what another person

ha

has said; as,

C

• He said that he was tired of hearing those

S

complaints.
©

This is indirect (or reported) speech.

Read the following sentences, and notice the changes
that are made in converting a sentence from direct to
indirect speech.
1. He said, ‘I am glad to be here this evening.’
2. He said that he was glad to be there that evening.
Changes noticed:
(a) The inverted commas are omitted.
(b) The pronoun I, of the first person, is changed
to the pronoun he, of the third person.
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 Wren Book 7

(c) The verb am (present tense) is changed to was (past tense).

(d) The adverb here (expressing nearness) is changed to there (expressing distance).
(e) The demonstrative adjective this is changed to that.

Convertion from direct to indirect speech

Statements
Statements in the indirect speech are generally introduced by the conjunction that.
Direct : He said, ‘I do not know where to go.’
Indirect : He said that he did not know where to go.
Direct : She said, ‘I will not do it.’
Indirect : She said that she would not do it.

d
ite
Direct : He said, ‘I have received some very good news.’

m
Indirect : He said that he had received some very good news.

Li
Direct : He said to her, ‘You are mistaken.’

ny
Indirect : He told her that she was mistaken. pa
Direct : ‘I really do not know what you are talking about,’ said the boy’s father.
om

Indirect : The boy’s father remarked that he really did not know what he (the boy)
C

was talking about.

d

Direct : She said, ‘I shall go tomorrow, whatever happens.’

An

Indirect : She said that she would go the next day, whatever happened.
nd

Direct : The fox cried out to the goat, ‘A thought has come into my head.’
ha

Indirect : The fox cried out to the goat that a thought had come into his head.
C

Direct : He says, ‘I am hungry.’

S

Indirect : He says that he is hungry.

©

Direct : She will say, ‘I am hungry.’

Indirect : She will say that she is hungry.

Questions
In reporting questions, the indirect speech is introduced by some verbs such as asked,
enquired, etc.
When the question is not introduced by an interrogative word, the reporting verb is
followed by whether or if.
Direct : He said to me, ‘What are you doing?’
Indirect : He asked me what I was doing.

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 Wren Book 7

Direct : ‘Where do you live?’ asked the stranger to Alice.

Indirect : The stranger enquired of Alice about where she lived.
Direct : The policeman said to the man, ‘Where are you going?’
Indirect : The policeman enquired of the man where he was going.
Direct : He said, ‘Will you listen to such a man?’
Indirect : He asked them whether they would listen to such a man.
[Or] Would they, he asked, listen to such a man?
Direct : ‘Do you suppose you know better than your own father?’ jeered his angry
mother.
Indirect : His angry mother jeered and asked whether he supposed that he knew
better than his own father.

d
ite
Commands and Requests

m
In reporting commands and requests, the indirect speech is introduced by some verb

Li
expressing command or request, and the imperative mood is changed into the Infinitive.

ny
Direct : Rama said to Arjun, ‘Go away.’ pa
Indirect : Rama ordered Arjun to go away.
om

Direct : The teacher said to the children, ‘Work hard.’

C

Indirect : The teacher told the children to work hard.

d

Direct : He said to him, ‘Please wait here till I return.’

An

Indirect : He requested him to wait there till he returned.

nd

Direct : ‘Call the first witness’, said the King.

ha

Indirect : The King commanded them to call the first witness.

C

Direct : He shouted, ‘Let me go.’

S

Indirect : He shouted to them to let him go.

©

Direct : He said, ‘Be quiet and listen to my words.’

Indirect : He urged them to be quiet and listen to his words.

Exclamations and Wishes

In reporting exclamations and wishes, the indirect speech is introduced by some verb
expressing exclamation or wish.
Direct : He said, ‘Alas! I am undone.’
Indirect : He exclaimed that he was undone.
Direct : Alice said, ‘How clever I am!’
Indirect : Alice exclaimed that she was very clever.
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 Wren Book 7

Direct : He said, ‘Bravo! You have done well.’

Indirect : He applauded him, saying that he had done well.
Direct : ‘So help me Heavan!’ he cried, ‘I will never steal again.’
Indirect : He called upon Heaven to witness his resolve never to steal again.

Exercise 1
Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
1. He said to me, ‘I have often told you not to play with fire.’
2. ‘You have all done it very badly,’ remarked the teacher.
3. They wrote, ‘It is time we thought about settling this matter.’
4. The teacher promised, ‘If you come before school tomorrow, I will explain it.’

d
5. She wrote, ‘I am waiting and watching and longing for my son’s return.’

ite
6. The examiner’s orders were, ‘No one is to bring books into the room nor ask me

m
questions about what I have told you to do.’

Li
7. The drawf said to her, ‘Promise me that when you are the Queen, you will give me

ny
your first-born child.’ pa
8. ‘That is my horse,’ said he, ‘and if I do not prove it in a few minutes, I will give up
om

my claim.’
C

Exercise 2
d
An

Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

nd

1. ‘What do you want?’ he asked her.

ha

2. She asked, ‘How’s your father?’

C

3. ‘Are you coming home with me?’ he asked.

S

4. He enquired, ‘When do you intend to pay me?’

©

5. He said to us, ‘Why are you all sitting about there

doing nothing?’
6. ‘Do you really come from China?’ asked the prince.

Exercise 3
Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
1. ‘Bring me a glass of milk,’ said the swami to the villagers.
2. ‘Sit down, boys,’ said the teacher.
3. ‘Halt!’ shouted the officer to his men.
4. ‘Turn the TV down,’ she said to her children.
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 Wren Book 7

5. The teacher said to him, ‘Do not read so fast.’

6. He said to me, ‘Wait until I come.’

Exercise 4
Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
1. ‘What a rare article milk is, to be sure, in London,’ said Mr Squeers with a sigh.
2. ‘What a stupid fellow you are !’ he angrily remarked.
3. He said, ‘My God ! I am ruined.’
4. He said, ‘Alas ! Our foes are too strong.’
5. He said, ‘What a lazy boy you are ! How badly you have done your work!’
6. ‘Saint George strike for us!’ exclaimed the Knight.

d
ite
Conversion of Indirect into Direct Speech

m
Li
The conversion of indirect into direct generally presents no special difficulties, as the

ny
following examples will show:
pa
Indirect : He inquired whether his name was not Ahmed.
om

Direct : He said to him, ‘Is not your name Ahmed?’

Indirect : As the stranger entered the town, he was met by a policeman, who asked
C

him if he was a traveller. He replied carelessly that it would appear so.

d
An

Direct : As the stranger entered the town he was met by a policeman, who asked,
‘Are you a traveller?’ ‘So it would appear,’ he answered carelessly.
nd

Indirect : She asked how she, a girl, who could not ride or use sword or lance, could
ha

be of any help? Rather would she stay at home and spin beside her dear
C

mother.
S

Direct : She said, ‘How can I, a girl, who cannot ride or use sword or lance, be of
©

any help? Rather would I stay at home and spin beside my dear mother.’

Exercise 5
Give the exact words that the speakers might have used for the following.
1. John said that he wanted to be a soldier.
2. He asked me where I was going.
3. He asked me what I wanted.
4. Jenny said that she had seen that picture.
5. The boy said that he would go with us.

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 Wren Book 7

Pair Work

Change the following sentences into direct speech.

1. He asked Jaya to go with him.
2. Jaya replied that she could not do so.
3. He asked his father when the next letter would come.
4. His father replied that there might not be another that year.
5. Sakshi asked me what had become of Himanshu.
6. I told her that I had not seen him for months.
Compare your answers with your partner’s.

d
ite
m
Study the following examples of conversion from direct into indirect speech, and notice

Li
the changes made in doing so:

ny
pa
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
om

1. ‘How are you, Nidhi? I hope you are Her uncle asked Nishi how she was and
C

quite well,’ cried her uncle. hoped that she was quite well.
d

2. ‘Where are you going, Little Red The wolf enquired of Little Red Riding
An

Riding Hood? And what have you Hood as to where she was going, and
nd

got in that basket?’ enquired the what she had got in that basket.
ha

wolf.
C

3. What the boy wrote to his father The boy wrote to his father to ask
S

was, ‘Can I leave school this term or whether he could leave school that term
©

do you want me to stay on till the or whether he wanted him to stay on till
end of next year?’ the end of next year.
4. He said to me this morning, ‘Where He asked me this morning where Shubh
was Shubh yesterday, and where will was the preceding day and where he
he be tomorrow?’ would be the day following.
5. He kept on saying, ‘Do hurry up, He kept on asking Shaswat to hurry up
Shaswat, and bring me your papers.’ and bring him his papers.
6. Netaji then ordered, ‘Let the whole Netaji then ordered the whole line to
line advance.’ advance.

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 Wren Book 7

7. He asked, ‘How are you getting on?’ He asked how he was getting on and
and added, ‘Let me know if there is added that he might let him know if
anything I can do for you.’ there was anything that he could do for
him.
8. ‘Yes, sir, that is the way,’ said the The boy told him that was the way.
boy.
9. ‘Hang it all !’ said she, ‘Can you not She asked him angrily whether he could
speak more distinctly?’ not speak more distinctly.
10. He said, ‘Let us wait for their arrival.’ He proposed that they should wait for
their arrival.

d
ite
11. He said, ‘Heaven knows that I am He called Heaven to witness that he was

m
innocent.’ innocent.

Li
ny
Exercise 6 pa
Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
om

1. ‘Cheer up, mother, I’ll go and get work somewhere,’ said Jack.
C

2. The Raja was deeply grieved, and said to his wife, ‘What can I do for you?’
d

3. ‘Dear bird,’ she said, stroking his feathers, ‘have you come to comfort me in my
An

sorrow?’
nd

4. When the sun got low, the king’s son said, ‘Father, since we have no money, where
can we lodge this night?’
ha

5. Then aloud he said, ‘Tell me, boy, is the miller within?’

C

6. Telemachus replied, ‘How can I drive away the mother who bore me and nourished
S

me?’
©

7. ‘Call no man happy,’ was the reply of the philosopher, ‘until he has ended his life
in a fitting manner.’
8. He said, ‘Daughter, take my golden jug, and fetch me some water from the well.’
9. ‘I believe,’ said he, ‘that we are in this country among a people whom we like and
who like us.’
10. Bhishma said: ‘Boys ! boys ! remember you play a game. If it be Arjuna’s turn let
him have it.’

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 Wren Book 7

Revision Test 2
A. Fill in the blanks with the simple present or present continuous form of the verbs in
brackets.
1. He _________________ for a walk every morning. (go)
2. The sun _________________ during the day. (shine)
3. Oh lovely ! The sun _________________ again. (shine)
4. I _________________ a glass of water. (want)
5. He _________________ with his parents at the moment. (stay)

d
6. I usually _________________ early on Mondays. (get up)

ite
m
7. Tomorrow, I _________________ to the movies with my friends. (go)

Li
8. When I am not working, I _________________ on my own. (study).

ny
B. Put the verbs in brackets into the simple past or past continuous tense. (Use both the
pa
tenses in each sentence.)
om

1. It (rain) when we (come) out.

C

2. She (cut) her finger while she (peel) potatoes.

d
An

3. I (have) a shower when the phone (ring).

4. He (bite) his finger when he (have) lunch.
nd

5. We (go) down in the lift when suddenly it (stop).

ha

6. I (play) with my sister when you (call).

C

7. The doorbell (ring) while I (have) a bath.

S
©

8. As I (wait) for bus, I (see) Joe crossing the road.

C. Complete the following sentences using the verbs given in brackets in present perfect
or simple past tense.
1. David _________________ in Bangkok since 2004. (live)
2. JK Rowling _________________ the popular Harry Potter series. (write)
3. Yesterday I _________________ Urvashi at the swimming pool. (meet)
4. My grandfather _________________ as a pilot when he was younger. (work)
5. I _________________ him in the hospital last Friday. (visit)
6. I _________________ Selena Gomez live in concert (see)
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 Wren Book 7

D. Complete these sentences using participles. Take help from the words given in
brackets.
1. She told me a very _________________ story. (excite)
2. The Prime Minister delivered an _________________ speech. (inspire)
3. A tree, uprooted during the storm, fell on the _________________ cars. (park)
4. The _________________ competition is open to children below twelve years. (paint)
5. A _________________ child dreads the fire. (burn)
6. Fire tenders were called from the _________________ towns too. (surround)
7. The cow was hit by a _________________ bus. (speed)
8. He has a _________________ arm as he fell off the chair. (bruise)

d
ite
F. Given below are some sentences. Identify whether they are in active or passive voice.

m
Then change the active voice into passive and vice versa.

Li
1. Howard was eating the burger like a glutton.

ny
2. He was praised by his father. pa
3. Sohrab threw the ball.
om

4. Harish gave the speech eloquently.

C

5. Manners reveal character.

d

6. The horse was frightened by the noise.

An

7. My laptop has been stolen.

nd

8. You cannot frighten me this way.

ha

G. Read the following sentences and change them to direct or indirect speech.
C
S

1. ‘Who stole my pencil?’ cried Rashmi in class.

©

2. ‘Go, bring your pet inside the house,’ said my mother.

3. ‘I don’t want to go to school,’ said Priyanka to her mother.
4. ‘Please rescue me,’ said the girl to the old man.
5. The children ran around the society yelling that they had a holiday the next day.
6. ‘This fruit is not sweet,’ I informed the fruit seller.
7. ‘Why are you late today?’ said the teacher to the student.
8. ‘How many days are left for my birthday?’ Ravi asked his mother.

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 Wren Book 7

12 Adverbs
An adverb is a word that modifies the meaning of
a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, expressing
manner, place, time, or degree, e.g. gently, here, now,
very.

d
Thus, adverbs can be of the following types:

ite
m
Adverbs of slowly, bravely, carefully, simply,

Li
Manner quietly...

ny
Adverbs of Place there, here, up, down, near...
pa
om

yesterday, tomorrow, now, yet,

Adverbs of Time
still...
C
d

Adverbs of never, always, often, once,

An

Frequency twice...
nd

Adverbs of Degree very, quite, rather, fairly, hardly...

ha
C

Exercise 1
S

Underline the adverbs in the following sentences, and

©

name the verb with which each is used.

1. He crept quietly from the room and closed the
door noiselessly.
2. He went late and came back early.
3. In life, one goes up or else one goes down, for there
is no standing still.
4. We are here today and will leave tomorrow.
5. On in the snow, sadly and wearily the soldiers go.
6. Formerly, I liked him well but now I cordially
detest him.
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 Wren Book 7

7. Do come and see us soon: you so seldom visit us nowadays.

8. Slowly and sadly we laid him down.
9. I knew him well, and every truant knew.
10. I wandered lonely as a cloud.
11. Suresh does his work regularly.
12. There lies the port.

Activity

Solve this crossword with the help of the clues given below. The words are all
adverbs. 1
R

d
ite
2
F L

m
Li
G

ny
3 4
T pa H
om

5 6
A L
C
d
An
nd

7
E
ha
C

Clues
S

Down
©

1. You should do your homework ________________.

2. The thief ran so ________________ that we could not catch him.
4. Come in and sit ________________.
6. We reached the station ________________, so we missed the train.
Across
2. He can speak four language ________________.
3. & 5. ‘Get ________________!’ he said ________________.
7. I have been waiting for Mr Raman for two hours. He has not arrived
________________

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 Wren Book 7

Comparison of Adverbs
Some adverbs, like adjectives, have three degrees of comparison — Positive, Comparative,
and Superlative.
Here are some rules of formation of comparative and superlative degrees of adverbs.
If the adverb is of one syllable, we form the comparative degree by adding –er, and the
superlative degree by adding –est to the positive. See the table below.

Positive Comparative Superlative

hard harder hardest

d
long longer longest

ite
m
soon sooner soonest

Li
near nearer nearest

ny
pa
om

Activity
C
d
An

Look at the pictures below. Write adverbs in positive, comparative and superlative
degrees for each picture.
nd
ha
C
S
©

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 Wren Book 7

Adverbs ending in –ly form the comparative degree by adding more and the superlative
degree by adding most; as,
Note
Positive Comparative Superlative
However, there are exceptions.
neatly more neatly most neatly Note: early, earlier, earliest.
• I came early this morning.
swiftly more swiftly most swiftly • Rama came earlier.
• Hari came earliest of all.
Examples:
• The crow flies swiftly.
• The hawk flies more swiftly than the crow.
• Pigeons fly most swiftly of all birds.

d
ite
A few adverbs are compared irregularly:

m
Li
Positive Comparative Superlative

ny
well better
pa best
om

badly worse worst

C

much more most

d
An

little less least

nd

late later latest, last

ha
C

far farther farthest

S

Examples:
©

• Rama writes well.

• Arjun writes better than Rama.
• Hari writes best of all.
Some adverbs cannot be compared.
• thus • now • then • here
• there • once • twice • very
• almost • half • not • consequently

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 Wren Book 7

Exercise 2
Give the three degrees of comparison of the following adverbs.

Positive Comparative Superlative

better

least

often

long

d
last

ite
m
cleverly

Li
ny
Formation of Adverbs from adjectives pa
A great many adverbs are formed from adjectives by adding -ly, sometimes with a slight
om

change; as,
• kind - kindly • swift - swiftly • clever - cleverly
C

• brave - bravely • nice - nicely • heavy - heavily

d
An

• happy - happily • true - truly • noble - nobly

nd

Some adverbs have the same form as the corresponding adjectives. See the table below:
ha

Adverb Adjective
C
S

It is raining hard. It is a hard sum.

©

May you live long! It is a long road.

I little expected this. I have little money.

Come early. Come by an early train.

I have walked far. I come from a far country.

Don’t talk so loud. He spoke in a loud voice.

Rahul can bowl fast. Rahul is a fast bowler.

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 Wren Book 7

Exercise 3
Form adverbs from the following adjectives, and use each one in a sentence.
1. frequent 2. usual 3. careless
4. former 5. right 6. eager
7. easy 8. beautiful 9. wrong

Exercise 4
Use the following words in your own sentences once as adverbs and once as adjectives.
1. fast 2. next 3. much
4. near 5. quick 6. slow

d
7. right 8. only 9. enough

ite
m
Position of Adverbs

Li
An adverb which modifies an adjective or another adverb is always placed immediately
before the word it modifies.
ny
pa
Examples:
om

• The load is very heavy for a horse. • The child is too young for school.
C

• Rama is a rather lazy boy. • You walk too quickly.

d
An

• He struck the horse most cruelly. • He spoke quite angrily.

• Do not speak so fast.
nd

The adverb enough is the only exception to this rule, for it is always placed after the word
ha

which it modifies.
C

Examples:
S

• This is a house large enough for our purpose.

©

• Speak loud enough to be heard.

There is no hard and fast rule as to the exact position of an adverb which modifies a
verb in a simple sentence.
Note, however, that an adverb should generally be placed as Note
near as possible to the word which it modifies.
Notice that when a verb is
Examples: transitive with an object
1. He walked fast. following, as in 3 and 4, the
adverb usually follows the
2. He never spoke to any one. object.

79
 Wren Book 7

3. He performed his duty creditably.

4. I feel this insult keenly.
Note
5. I could easily find it out. Notice that the adverb is usually
placed between the auxiliary
6. I shall certainly miss him. verb and the main verb.
7. I have seldom seen such a thing.
8. I shall be utterly undone.
When an adverb modifies a sentence, it is usually placed in the beginning of the sentence.
Examples:
• Fortunately, he was not hurt.
• Unfortunately, he thinks too highly of himself.
• Certainly, you are wrong.

d
ite
The word only is frequently misplaced. It should be placed immediately before the word

m
it modifies. Note how the meaning of the sentences changes with the position og the

Li
adverb:

ny
• Only he lent me a book (i.e., he and nobody else).
pa
• He only lent me a book (i.e., he lent it; he did not give it away).
om

• He lent only me a book (i.e., he lent a book to me and to nobody else).

C

• He lent me only a book (i.e., merely a book, and nothing else).

d
An

Exercise 5
nd

Put the adverbs in the correct place in the following sentences.

ha

1. The two brothers are alike (nearly).

C

2. He has promised to pay (faithfully).

S

3. There were three or four boys late (only).

©

4. I did not want to come (really).

5. I came to return a book (merely).
6. We can succeed by hard work (only).
7. We should speak ill of the dead (never).
8. He invited me to visit him (often).
9. I am determined to yield this point (never).
10. He charged a rupee (only).
11. Diwali comes once a year (only).
12. I have thought of marrying (often).

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 Wren Book 7

13 Prepositions
As you know, prepositions are words used to show
relation. They generally show relations of place and
time, as in
• The box is on the table.
• He arrived there before me.

d
ite
It is clear that a word showing relationship between

m
things can only be used before a word which stands

Li
for a thing. If a thing is said to be near, it must be near

ny
something. A noun or pronoun must therefore follow a
pa
preposition.
om

The noun or pronoun which follows a preposition is

C

in the objective case, and is said to be governed by the

d

preposition.
An

Use of in, at, on

nd

We use in with a place (a city, town or village) when

ha

we think of it as an area. We use at when we see it as a

C

point on a journey.
S

• We stayed in Mumbai for three days.

©

• Our plane stopped at Mumbai on the way to Iran.

(Mumbai refers to Mumbai airport)
• How long have you lived in this village?
• Does the bus stop at that village?
We use in with the names of streets and at when we give
the house number.
• They live in Rajaji Street.
• They live at 72 Rajaji Street.

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 Wren Book 7

We use on when we think of a place as a surface.

• He sat on a chair. • The rug is on the floor.
We also use on when we talk of river banks.
• Varanasi is on the Ganga River.
At is used for hours of the day.
• at 9 o’clock • at 11.30 pm
We also use at for holiday periods.
• at the weekend • at weekends • at Christmas • at Pongal
On is used for days and dates.
• on Sunday • on 10th June • on Christmas Day

d
ite
In is used for months, seasons and years.

m
• in April • in summer • in 2004

Li
ny
In is also used for parts of the day. pa
• in the morning • in the afternoon • in the evening (but: at night)
om

If parts of the day are followed by days or dates, on is used.

C

• on Saturday afternoon • on the 5th of November

d
An

Use of for, since, till

nd

Note the use of since and for in the perfect tenses. Since is used with a point of time and
ha

for with a period of time.

C

• since 9 o’clock • since last week • since 2002

S

• for two hours • for a fortnight • for four years • for a long time
©

since 2004.
I have known him
for five years.

Till is used for time, and to is used for place.

Examples:
1. They waited till sunset.
2. They fasted till the hour of prayer.
3. I slept till eight o’clock.
4. They wept till dawn.

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 Wren Book 7

5. They stopped till the end of the day.

6. He walked to the end of the road.

Use of by, for

Carefully note the relations indicated by the prepositions — by, for — in the following
sentences:
1. Come and sit by me.
2. The procession went by our house.
3. He travelled both by train and by bus.
4. I am taller than you by two inches.
5. He was killed by a robber.

d
6. I sent the parcel by post.

ite
7. It is 8 o’clock by my watch.

m
Li
8. Cloth is sold by the metre.

ny
9. The village was destroyed by fire. pa
10. He will be here by 7 o’clock.
om

11. I swear by all I hold sacred.

C

12. He sailed for England yesterday.

d

13. He laboured for the good of humanity.

An

14. He died for his king and country.

nd

15. He sold his watch for hundred rupees.

ha

16. He was praised for his valour.

C

17. I am for peace.

S

18. The sun shines by day and the moon by night.

©

19. I took him for a gentleman.

20. For one enemy, he has a hundred friends.

How Prepositions govern nouns and pronouns

Prepositions govern nouns and pronouns in the objective case; as,
• The teacher spoke to him.
Nouns do not have a special form for the objective case, but pronouns have.
Examples:
• I gave it to the man. • The man gave it to me.
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 Wren Book 7

In these two sentences we see that the pronoun changes to me, but the noun (man)
does not change its form with the change of case.
In the following sentences we see a preposition governing a pronoun and making it
take the objective form.
• You should go with Hari and me. (Not I.)
• It makes no difference to either you or him. (Not he.)

Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with the correct pronouns.
1. There is not much difference in age between Sohrab and _________________ (he, him).
2. He has no friend but _________________ (I, me).

d
ite
3. Wait for Sita and _________________ (I, me).

m
4. It makes no difference to you or _________________ (I, me).

Li
5. Between you and _________________, he is losing his mind (him, he).

ny
pa
6. He took a photograph of _________________ boys playing cricket (we, us).
om

Position of Preposition
C

The preposition is usually placed before the noun or pronoun it governs, but it is
d
An

frequently placed at the end of the sentence when the relative pronoun is omitted; as,
• That is the boy (whom) I was speaking of.
nd
ha

In interrogative sentences the preposition is often placed at the end; as,

• What are you talking about? • What is this made of?
C
S

• What are you looking at? • Where are you going to?
©

• Who are you looking for?

The preposition is also placed at the end when emphasis is required; as,
• Such conduct I am at a loss to account for.
Notice that prepositions are sometimes joined to verbs and made part of them to change
their meaning or to make intransitive verbs, transitive.
• uphold • outbid • withdraw
• withstand • overcome • overflow
• laugh at • boast of • look for

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 Wren Book 7

Adverb and preposition

Note these sentences:
• The rocket went up.
• The little boy climbed up the ladder.
In the first sentence the word up adds something to the meaning of the verb go. It is
therefore an adverb modifying the verb go.
In the second sentence the word up shows the relation between the ‘climbing of the
little boy’ and ‘the ladder’. It is therefore a preposition governing the noun ladder.

Now observe the following pairs of sentences. You will see that many words which are
prepositions, when they are used with a noun or pronoun, are adverbs when they modify a

d
word in the sentence.

ite
1. There are thieves about. (Adv.)

m
Li
We often talk about you. (Prep.)

ny
2. I have heard that before. (Adv.) pa
He arrived there a few minutes before me. (Prep.)
om

3. He lives close by. (Adv.)

I require my new coat by Monday. (Prep.)
C

4. The train is in. (Adv.)

d
An

He is in bad health. (Prep.)

nd

5. The flowers are coming on. (Adv.)

ha

I hope to see you on Tuesday. (Prep.)

C
S

Pair Work
©

Work in pairs and decide which of the words in italics are adverbs and which are
prepositions.
1. After a month he returned. 2. She arrived soon after.
3. Let us move on. 4. The book lies on the table.
5. He is feared by all below him. 6. Come down below.
7. The roof is above us. 8. He looked at the sky above.
9. He was only a yard off me. 10. Suddenly one of the wheels came off.

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Exercise 2
Use each of the following words, first as a preposition and then as an adverb.
1. off 2. from 3. down
4. without 5. below 6. above
7. inside 8. over 9. behind
10. between 11. across 12. by
13. on 14. outside 15. about

Group Work

d
Read your answers to each other in small groups and discuss whether the answers

ite
are correct.

m
Li
ny
Exercise 3 pa
Add a suitable preposition to complete each of the following sentences.
om

1. My friend lives _________________ that road.

C

2. Do not laugh _________________ me.

d
An

3. They are always kind _________________ children.

4. He is fond _________________ play.
nd
ha

5. He was guilty _________________ theft.

C

6. His version is different _________________ yours.

S

7. There is a garden _________________ the house.

©

8. He lives _________________ his father.

9. The child was pleased _________________ the gift.
10. He is worthy _________________ reward.

Group Work

Compare your answers with another student’s and discuss the differences in the
answers if there are any.

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14 Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that join other words, phrases,
clauses or sentences.
There are three types of conjunctions:
Conjuctions

d
ite
m
Coordinating Subordinating Correlative

Li
ny
pa
Co-ordinating Conjunctions
om

Look at the following sentences:

C

• Night came on. • The room grew dark.

d

These are two independent sentences. They are of equal

An

rank or order, and do not depend upon each other in

nd

any way. We join these two independent sentences

with the word and — ‘Night came on and the room grew
ha

dark.’ Thus, and is a co-ordinating conjunction.

C
S

Again, look at the two sentences:

©

• I called him.
• He did not answer.
Let us join these independent sentences with the word
but — ‘I called him but he did not answer.’ Thus, but is a
co-ordinating conjunction.

Definition
We can define a co-ordinating conjunction as one that
joins sentences or words of equal rank or order.

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 Wren Book 7

We also call a conjunction co-ordinating when it joins single words together (because
single words must be of the same rank or order). Thus in the sentence, ‘Two and two
make four,’ and is a co-ordinating conjunction.

Sub-ordinating Conjunctions
Look at the following sentences:
• My grand father has died. • I saw you last.
We use the word since to join these sentences ‘My grand father has died since I saw you
last.’
Thus, since is a sub-ordinating conjunction because it joins two sentences which are not
of equal rank or order. One of the two is dependent upon, or subordinate to the other.

d
ite
The conjunctions in the following sentences are sub-ordinating:

m
1. I shall be surprised if you fail.

Li
2. I shall not tell him unless he asks me to do so.
Definition

ny
3. He is contented though he is very poor. pa We can define a subordinating
4. I eat because I am hungry. conjunction as one that joins
om

5. He was frightened when he heard the noise. sentences of different rank

or order, one of them being
6. You have heard that I lost my purse.
C

dependent on the other.

d

7. I know where he has gone.

An

8. I know what to do now.

nd

Exercise 1
ha

Classify the conjunctions in the following sentences as coordinating and subordinating

C

conjunctions.
S

1. The king died and his son reigned.

©

2. We must eat or die.

3. He is amusing but vulgar.
4. He came in and I went out.
5. I failed but I tried again.
6. I shall come if I can.
7. I saw my friend as he came in.
8. You must do as you like.
9. I will come with you if you wish.
10. Since you say so, I must believe it.
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Conjunctions in Pair or Correlatives

There are a few conjunctions which are used in pairs, such as,
• both... and • either... or • neither... nor
• not only... but also • as ... as • such... that
• as many... as • no sooner... than • rather... than
Such conjunctions are said to be correlative to each other. They get their name from
the fact that they work together (co-) and relate one sentence element to another.
The conjunctions in the following sentences are correlative to each other:
• We both love and honour him.
• Either you or I must go.

d
ite
• Neither Nikhil nor Jatin broke that window.

m
• I don’t know whether she is here or not.

Li
• Not only is he foolish but also obstinate.

ny
• He is as cunning as a fox. pa
• The boy asked such a foolish question that everybody laughed at him.
om

• No sooner had I stepped out, than it started raining.

C

• She’d rather play the drums than sing.

d
An

Exercise 2
nd

Below are some common correlative conjunctions, or pairs. Make sentences with them.
1. as – as 2. both – and
ha

3. either – or 4. neither – nor

C
S

5. not only – but also 6. whether – or

©

Sometimes words which are not conjunctions also do the same work. For example,
the relative pronouns who, which and that do this joining work; as,
• Yesterday I met Saarim, who has grown quite tall.
• The crow dropped the cheese, which the fox immediately snapped up.
• He lived near a tank that was a nuisance.

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15 Punctuation
Punctuation is a set of marks used in writing to clarify
the meaning of a sentence or sentences.
While speaking, we use pauses and intonation to make
what we say clear. Similarly, while writing, we use

d
punctuation to show pauses and emphasis.

ite
m
The most common punctuation marks in English are:

Li
1. Full stop (.)

ny
2. Comma (,) pa
3. Semicolon (;)
om

4. Colon (:)
C

5. Question mark (?)

d

6. Exclamation mark (!)

An

7. Quotation marks or inverted commas (‘ ’)

nd
ha

Full Stop
C

A full stop indicates the greatest pause.

S

1. We use a full stop at the end of assertive and

©

imperative sentences.
• I read in class 7.
• Pay attention to your studies.
2. We use a full stop for abbreviations.
• p.m.
• U.K.

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If an abbreviation is formed with the first letter

and the final letter of the full word, the full stop is Note
omitted. If an abbreviation with a full
• Doctor—Dr stop comes at the end of a
sentence, you don’t need to add
• Mister—Mr another full stop.
3. We use a full stop in website and email addresses. • I bought pens, pencils, etc.
• www.schand.com

Comma
A comma indicates the shortest pause. It is used in the following cases:
1. To separate items in a series or list.

d
• I have a pen, a pencil and a rubber.

ite
• They have been to Patna, Ranchi, Kolkata and Delhi.

m
Li
2. To mark off a noun in direct address.

ny
• Manish, here is your book. pa
• Don’t cry, Maria.
om

3. Before and after a phrase in apposition.

• Mr Shukla, my teacher, is retiring next month.
C

• Mr A. K. Ghosh, the owner of the company, lives in Delhi.

d
An

4. To separate items in dates and places.

• August 10, 2018 • Ram Nagar, New Delhi
nd

5. After the salutation and the complimentary close in a letter.

ha

• Dear Grandmother, • Yours truly,

C
S

6. To separate a reported speech from the rest of the sentence.

©

• He said, ‘Will you help me?’ • The teacher said, ‘Work hard.’
7. To separate a question tag from a statement.
• You are intelligent, aren’t you? • He is not laborious, is he?
8. To separate certain words or phrases like however, finally, in fact, of course, etc.
• My father, however, was reluctant to go.
• Of course, it is false.
9. To set off clauses where a pause is needed in reading. This is usually the case if an
adverb clause comes first in a sentence.
• If it rains, we will not play cricket.
• He looked for the book, but he could not find it.
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Semicolon
A semicolon represents a greater pause than that indicated by a comma.
1. A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses not connected by a
conjunction like and.
• We can go to the museum to do some research; Mondays are pretty quiet there.
2. A semicolon is used when a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase links two
independent clauses. Some common conjunctive adverbs include moreover,
nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently.
• The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy
thought walking wasn’t dangerous if it was early in the evening.
• I’m not all that fond of the colours of tiger lilies; moreover, they don’t smell very

d
good.

ite
3. A semicolon is used to separate clauses, particularly if the clauses have internal

m
commas.

Li
• For this flight, group A checks in with B; C and D check in with E; and F checks in

ny
with G. pa
om

Colon
C

A colon represents a greater pause than that indicated by a semicolon.

d
An

1. A colon is used to set off dialogue for a play or other script.

• Principal: Kamla, why were you late this morning?
nd

• Kamla: The power went off, so I slept in.

ha

2. A colon is used to separate a title from a subtitle.

C

• Roots: The Saga of an American Family

S

3. A colon is used to introduce contrasting statements.

©

• It was useless to try pleasing him: he criticized everything.

Question Mark
1. A question mark is used at the end of an interrogative sentence.
• Have you talked to Prem?
• What are you doing?
2. A question mark is used after a direct question which is inserted into a statement.
If the question comes at the end, separate it with a comma.
• The question was, was she really doing the best she could?

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If the inserted question comes in the beginning, put the question mark in the middle.
• Was she really doing the best she could? was the question.
3. When writing a series of questions, use a question mark for each item, even if items
are not complete sentences.
• The board members had to decide on a new course of action for the company.
Expand? Sell out? Consider new financial reforms?

Exclamation Mark
An exclamation mark is used at end of a sentence to express an exclamation.
• What a beautiful pen you have!
• Alas! We have lost the match.

d
ite
Quotation Marks

m
Li
1. Quotation marks or inverted commas are used to set off a direct quotation.

ny
• Chandan said, ‘I will win the match.’ pa
• The principal said, ‘Don’t make a noise.’
om

2. Quotation marks are used to set off titles of poems, articles, book chapters or
essays that are part of a longer work.
C

• The next chapter of the book was ‘The Monster Returns from the Dead.’
d
An

• In Lesson 2, you read the poem ‘The Road Less Travelled.’

3. Quotation marks are often used with technical terms (terms used in an unusual
nd

way) or other expressions that vary from standard usage.

ha

• In poetry, the term ‘alliteration’ refers to the repetition of beginning letters
C

of words.
S
©

Capital Letters
1. We capitalize the first word of a sentence and the personal pronoun ‘I.’
• What should I do?
2. We capitalize the first word in a direct quotation.
• He said, ‘I will help him.’
3. We capitalize the names of people.
• Sachin Tendulkar • Rahul Dravid
4. We capitalize the names of countries, races, languages, and nationalities.
• India, Tamil, French
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5. We capitalize the names of religions.

• Islam • Buddhist
6. We capitalize the names of months, days of the week, but not seasons.
• March • Monday • but summer
7. We capitalize the names of organizations, clubs, historical events and periods of time.
• Rotary Club • Middle Ages
• United Nations • The French Revolution
8. We capitalize titles of movies, books, magazines, plays, newspapers, and poems.
• Oliver Twist • Hindustan Times • India Today • Harry Potter

Exercise

d
Rewrite the following sentences using punctuation marks and capital letters, wherever

ite
required.

m
1. having run out of rice Mukesh hurried to the store before it closed

Li
2. Yes wed be happy to accept your invitation to dinner
3. Ill be in to see mr gopal at ten a m
ny
pa
4. Neha Rani and Kavita are going to kashmir in december
om

5. my physics class is held on every tuesday and Thursday

C

6. my schedule will include the following classes physics chemistry biology and
d
An

mathematics
7. its a beautiful day today in delhi but its been raining in janakpuri since last night
nd

8. Rakesh Mehra m d will be the guest speaker at the womens club luncheon
ha

9. My sister said that i made a faux pas is that good or bad

C

10. I got up made breakfast loaded the dishwasher and went grocery shopping
S

11. is your favorite teacher mr darshan mr negi or mr chandan

©

12. How can we answer all these questions in 30 minutes asked rupa
13. Drinks on the menu included the following hot chocolate iced tea and lemonade
14. youll have to read the instructions first otherwise the project wont turn out well
15. In the sixth round the champion is leading hes won four rounds
16. The colours in the curtains are yellow orange beige and tan
17. John bought a new house on n w 41st street but he cant move in until october
18. we have branches in pittsburgh pennsylvania columbus ohio and wilmington
delaware

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16 Types of Phrases
and Clauses
We have read earlier how a phrase and a clause are the
building blocks of a sentence. Let us read more about
them.

Types of Phrases

d
ite
There are three kinds of phrases

m
Li
Phrases

ny
pa
Noun Adjective Adverb
om

Phrase Phrase Phrase

C
d

Noun Phrase
An

A phrase which acts as a noun in a sentence is called

nd

a noun phrase. A noun phrase contains a noun along

ha

with other related words (modifiers and determiners).

C

Look at the following sentences and note the phrases in

S

italics.
©

• I need a new calculator.

• Collecting stamps is his hobby.
In the above sentences the italicised phrases act as a
noun. Hence they are noun phrases.

Adjective Phrases
A phrase which acts as an adjective in a sentence is
called an adjective phrase. Like an adjective, it modifies
a noun or a pronoun. It contains adjectives, modifiers
and other words modifying the noun or pronoun.

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Look at the following sentences and note the phrases in italics.

• The book with a red cover is very useful.
• The man covered with sweat trudged his way home.
In the above sentences the italicised phrases describe the noun, and act as adjectives.
Hence they are adjective phrases.

Adverb Phrase
A phrase which acts as an adverb in a sentence is called an adverb phrase. Apart from
adverbs, an adverb phrase also contains other words such as noun, verb, preposition
and modifiers. These words function like an adverb in the sentence.

Look at the following sentences and note the phrases in italics.

d
• He drives very carefully.

ite
• We waited for two hours.

m
Li
In the above sentences the italicised phrases describe the verbs, and act as adverbs.

ny
Hence they are adverb phrases.
pa
Exercise 1
om

Identify the phrase in each of the following sentences and write its kind.
C

1. He bought a decent white shirt. _______________________________

d
An

2. This is a question of great importance. _______________________________

nd

3. I thank you with all my heart. _______________________________

ha

4. She hopes to win the first prize. _______________________________

C

5. My brother is a man of few words. _______________________________

S

6. He will leave in a short while. _______________________________

©

7. Houses are unbelievably expensive now. _______________________________

8. The girl in the brown frock is my sister. _______________________________

9. Did you enjoy watching the match? _______________________________

10. She always drives with care. _______________________________

11. He was a man of few words. _______________________________

12. The principal was a woman of friendly disposition. _______________________________

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Types of Clauses
Broadly there are two kinds of clauses.
Clauses

Main clause Subordinate clause

Main clause and Subordinate clause

Study the following sentences:
• They played. • When the sun came out.
Each part contains a subject and a predicate of its own, and forms part of a larger

d
ite
sentence — They played when the sun came out. Each part is therefore a clause.

m
Notice that the clause, They played, makes good sense by itself, and hence can stand by

Li
itself as a complete sentence. A clause that makes good sense by itself and can stand

ny
alone is called the principal or main clause. pa
The clause, when the sun came out, cannot stand by itself. It is, therefore, dependent on
om

the main clause, They played. A clause that cannot stand by itself and does not make
complete sense is called the dependent or subordinate clause.
C
d

Exercise 2
An

Identify the underlined clauses as dependent or independent.

nd

1. John did his homework before he went to bed.

ha

2. If you help me, I will help you!

C

3. She is very fit because she goes running every day.

S

4. Can you tell me why you said that?

©

Subordinate Clauses

Noun clause Adjective clause Adverb clause

A noun clause is a group of words which contains a subject and a predicate of its own,
and does the work of a noun.
• I expect that I shall get a prize.

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An adjective clause is a group of words which contains a subject and a predicate of its
own, and does the work of an adjective.
• He died in the village where he was born.
An adverb clause is a group of words which contains a subject and a predicate of its
own, and does the work of an adverb.
• You cannot watch the movie until you finish your homework.

Exercise 3
Identify the noun clauses in the following sentences.
1. I wondered what he was doing there.
2. He replied that he wouldn’t come.

d
3. That honesty is the best policy is a well-known fact.

ite
m
4. I expected that I would get the first position.

Li
5. Do you know what he wants?

ny
6. I will not make the same mistakes that you did.
pa
Exercise 4
om

State whether the underlined parts are noun clauses, adjective clauses or adverb clauses.
C
d

1. We should leave when the clock strikes two. ____________________________

An

2. Since you are coming over, bring your bike as well. ____________________________
nd

3. Whoever is the last one to leave locks all the doors. ____________________________
ha

4. The books that are on the shelf need dusting. ____________________________

C

5. The reason why he cried is still unknown. ____________________________

S
©

6. Give him what he wants. ____________________________

7. Sam took notes while being taught to cook. ____________________________

8. I will help you get started even when I’m sick. ____________________________

9. The books which the teacher assigned were very expensive. ____________________________
10. The books my grandmother read were mainly religious. ____________________________

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17 Sentences: Simple,
Compound & Complex
Simple Sentence
Read the following sentence:
• Rahul had a dog.
The sentence contains only one subject, ‘Rahul’, and

d
ite
one finite verb, ‘had’.

m
Li
Definition

ny
Such a sentence as this, which contains only one subject
pa
and one finite verb, is called a simple sentence.
om

Compound Sentence
C
d

Read the following sentences:

An

• He came in and I went out.

nd

• Night came on and rain fell heavily and we all got wet.
ha

The first sentence is made up of two statements of

simple sentences joined together by the conjunction
C

and:
S
©

1. He came in. 2. I went out.

These two statements are of equal rank; that is, neither
of them is inferior to, or dependent on, the other. They
are, therefore, said to be co-ordinate to each other.

Definition
Such a sentence as this, which is made up of clauses of
equal rank, is called a compound sentence.

The second sentence is also a compound sentence. It is

made up of three clauses of equal rank, viz.:

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1. Night came on.

2. Rain fell heavily.
Note
3. We all got wet. The term double is now used
for a sentence which is made
We may now define a compound sentence as one that is up of two co-ordinate clauses,
made up of two or more co-ordinate clauses, or clauses of and the term multiple for a
sentence made up of more than
equal rank. two co-ordinate clauses.

Complex Sentence
Read the following sentence:
• I don’t know where he has gone.
The sentence contains two statements, viz.:

d
ite
1. I don’t know. 2. Where he has gone.

m
Li
Clearly these two statements are not of equal rank; the second statement is dependent on
the first statement for making sense.

ny
pa
The dependent statement, ‘where he has gone’, is called a dependent or subordinate
om

clause, and the statement, ‘I don’t know’, is called the principal or main clause.
C

The principal clause contains the main verb of the sentence.

d
An

Now read the following sentence:

• When he entered the room he saw what had happened.
nd

The sentence contains three statements, viz.:

ha

1. He saw. 2. What had happened. 3. When he entered the room.

C

Clearly the second and the third statements are dependent on the first statement
S

‘He saw’.
©

‘He saw’ is therefore the principal clause, and ‘When Definition

he entered the room’ and ‘what had happened’ are We may now define a complex
subordinate clauses. sentence as one that contains
one principal clause and
The subordinate clause ‘when he entered the room’ does one or more subordinate or
the work of an adverb, and is therefore an adverb clause. dependent clauses.
The subordinate clause ‘what had happened’ does the
work of a noun, and is therefore a noun clause.
Such a sentence as the one which we have now examined is also called a complex
sentence.

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Read the following sentences:

1. One evening, in times long ago, old Philemon sat at his cottage door, enjoying the
calm and beautiful sunset.
2. The innocent were punished as well as the guilty.
3. The dog could not run because it was wounded.
The first sentence contains only one subject (old Philemon), and one finite verb (sat). It
is, therefore, a simple sentence.
The second sentence contains two clauses of equal rank, viz.:
1. The innocent were punished. 2. The guilty (were punished).
It is therefore a compound (or double) sentence.
The third sentence contains one principal clause, ‘The dog could not run’, and one

d
subordinate clause, ‘because it was wounded’. It is therefore a complex sentence.

ite
m
Exercise 1

Li
Write whether the following sentences are simple, compound (double or multiple)

ny
or complex. pa
1. Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get the poor dog a bone.
om

2. Joe waited for the train.

C

3. Mary and Samantha took the bus.

d

4. People who eat too much die early.

An

5. Either you are mistaken, or I am.

nd

6. He was caught in a shower as he was returning from school.

ha

Exercise 2
C
S

State which of the following sentences are compound, and which are complex. In the
©

case of a compound sentence separate the co-ordinating clauses of which it is made

up, and mention the conjunction connecting these clauses. If a sentence is complex,
divide it into its clauses, and state the principal clause and the subordinate clause or
clauses.
1. Man is guided by reason, and beasts by instinct.
2. He trudged on, though he was tired.
3. The Commons passed the bill, but the Lords threw it out.
4. He will yield neither to force nor to persuasion.
5. The man who stole your purse has been arrested.
6. The police must know where he is living.

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18 Sentence
Analysis I
We have read about Subject and Predicate in our earlier
classes. We know that every sentence has a subject
and a predicate, or it is not considered a complete
sentence. The subject of a complete sentence is who
or what the sentence is about, and the predicate tells

d
ite
something about that subject. Here we will read more
about them.

m
Li
Simple Subjects and Predicates
ny
pa
We can categorize subjects and predicates into simple
or compound.
om
C

Study these sentences:

d

1. Sam had a little pet dog.

An

2. Little Hari is the cleverest boy in the class.

nd

3. The poor old woman gets little food.

ha

Which is the subject in sentence 1? — Sam.

C

Which is the subject in sentence 2? — Little Hari.

S

In sentence 2 the subject consists of more than one

©

word. Which is the most important word in the subject?

The noun Hari is clearly the most important word in the
subject: without it we cannot form the subject. We call
it therefore the subject-word or the simple subject to
distinguish it from the complete subject.
• Which is the subject in sentence 3? — The poor
old woman.
Here the noun woman is the most important word in the
subject. Therefore the noun woman is the subject-word
or the simple subject.
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We now divide or analyse the above sentences, italicising the simple subject.

No. Subject Predicate

1. Sam had a pet dog.
2. Little Hari is the cleverest boy in the class.
3. The poor old woman gets little food.

Exercise 1
Divide the following sentences into subject and predicate, and underline the subject word.
1. The foolish crow tried to sing. 2. Bad boys hide their faults.

d
3. My new watch keeps good time. 4. The hungry child wept bitterly.

ite
5. Little Bo-peep has lost her sheep. 6. A cold wind blew last night.

m
Li
7. Your book lies on the desk. 8. Old Tubal Cain was a man of might.

ny
9. Small people love to talk of the great. 10. The morning sun shall dawn again.
pa
11. The little lamb followed 12. The old woman looks unhappy.
om

Mary everywhere.
C

The Simple Predicate

d
An

Study these sentences:

nd

1. Birds fly.
ha

2. The boss replied angrily.

C

3. She writes her copybook neatly.

S

What is the predicate in sentence 1? — fly.

©

What is the predicate in sentence 2? — replied angrily.

In sentence 2 the predicate consists of more than one word. What is the most
important word in the predicate? The verb replied is clearly the most important word in
the predicate: without it we cannot form the predicate. We call it the simple predicate
or the predicate-verb to distinguish it from the complete predicate.
What is the predicate in sentence 3? — writes her copybook neatly. What is the most
important word in the predicate? The verb writes.
Notice that every predicate is either a verb or contains a verb, because no predicate can
be formed without a verb.

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We now break up or analyse the above sentences, putting the verb in a separate column.

Predicate
No. Subject
Verb Rest of Predicate
1. Birds fly.
2. The boss replied angrily.
3. She writes her copybook neatly.

Note that in sentence 1 the predicate is simply a verb.

d
Enlargement of the Subject

ite
m
Note these sentences:

Li
1. Bad boys hide their faults. Definition

ny
2. Shirin’s mother is ill. pa The adjective bad which
3. The village master taught his little school. goes with the subject-word
om

boys is called in analysis the

Which is the complete subject in sentence 1? — Bad boys. enlargement of the subject.
C

Which is the subject-word? The noun boys.

d

Which is the complete subject in sentence 2? Shirin’s mother.

An

Which is the subject-word? — mother. The word Shirin’s which goes with the subject-
nd

word is the enlargement of the subject.

ha

Which words go with the subject-word in sentence 3?

C

Now examine how we break up or analyse the above sentences.

S
©

Subject Predicate
No. Subject- Enlargement Rest of
Verb
word of subject Predicate

1. boys Bad hide their faults.

2. mother Shirin’s is ill.

3. master 1. The taught his little school.

2. Village

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Extension of the Predicate

Note these sentences:
1. The boss replied angrily. Definition
2. She writes her copybook neatly. The adverb angrily which goes
3. You have done your lesson well. with the predicate replied is
called in analysis the extension
Which is the predicate in sentence 1? — replied angrily. of the predicate.

Which is the verb in this predicate? — replied.

Which is the predicate in sentence 2? — writes her copybook neatly.
Which is the verb in this predicate? — writes.
The adverb neatly goes with the verb writes. It is therefore the extension of the predicate.

d
ite
Which is the extension of the predicate in sentence 3?

m
Li
Now carefully examine how we break up or analyse the above sentences.

Subject
ny Predicate
pa
om

No. Subject- Enlargement Extension Rest of

Verb
word of subject Predicate Predicate
C
d

1. boss The replied angrily

An

2. She writes neatly her copybook

nd
ha

3. You have well your lesson

C

done
S

Note that we now make a separate column for the extension of the predicate.
©

Exercise 2
Analyse the following sentences.
1. Hari runs swiftly. 2. The girl sings beautifully.
3. The servants are paid monthly. 4. I know him well.
5. He has come back. 6. I shall return soon.
7. The hungry child wept bitterly. 8. My uncle lives there.
9. He hit the ball hard. 10. He spends his money foolishly.

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19 Sentence
Analysis II
We know that while analysing a Simple sentence it can
be broken into several aspects as:
• Subject word • Enlargement of subject
• Verb • Predicate

d
• Extension of predicate

ite
m
Let us read about analysis of simple sentences in more

Li
detail in this chapter.

ny
pa
Enlargement of the Object
om

Read these sentences:

C

1. She writes her copybook neatly.

d

2. You have done your lesson well.

An

3. A barking sound the shepherd hears.

nd

What is the predicate in sentence 1?

ha

Writes in her copybook neatly.

C

Now let us examine each word of the predicate.

S
©

writes Verb
neatly Extension of predicate
copybook Object

Definition
The word her which goes with the object copybook is
called in analysis the enlargement of the object.

In sentence 2 the word your which goes with the Object

lesson is the enlargement of the object.

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 Wren Book 7

Now observe how we break up or analyse these sentences.

Subject Predicate

Enlargement Enlargement Extension of

Subject-word Verb Object
of subject of object Predicate

She writes copy-book her neatly

You have done lesson your well

shepherd the hears sound 1. A

2. barking

d
Exercise 1

ite
Analyse the following sentences.

m
Li
1. The cow loves her calf.

ny
2. Children should obey their parents. pa
3. The spider has eight legs.
om

4. The hungry child wept bitterly.

5. I badly want some money.
C

6. The boy made the kite cleverly.

d
An

7. The children found a bird’s nest.

nd

8. Somebody has just stolen my new watch.

ha

9. Aladdin had a wonderful lamp.

10. I met a little cottage girl.
C
S

The Complement
©

When I say ‘The baby laughs,’ you understand what I Definition

mean. The sentence makes complete sense.
Such a verb as ‘is,’ which does
But when I say ‘The baby is,’ you want to know what the
not make good sense alone, is
baby is. The group of words ‘The baby is’ does not make called an incomplete verb or
complete sense. Why? Because the verb ‘is’ does not make verb of incomplete predication,
good sense alone; it requires a word after it (such as the and the word ‘happy’ which
completes its meaning is called
word ‘happy’) to complete its complement.
its meaning.

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 Wren Book 7

The following sentences contain some other incomplete verbs. Notice that the
complement is a noun, or an adjective, or a pronoun.
• He appears a rogue.
• Peel became minister.
• Rama became sad.
• The sky grew dark.
• She seems unhappy.
• He looked pale.
• It is him.
When you analyse a sentence containing a verb of incomplete predication, put the
complement in a separate column. See the table below:

d
ite
Predicate

m
No. Subject

Li
Verb Complement

ny
1. Ram Singh is pa a soldier
2. He became angry
om
C

Exercise 2
d

Underline the verb and circle the complement in each of the following sentences.
An

1. The rumour seems true. 2. The nights became cold.

nd

3. The child fell asleep. 4. At last the sea became calm.

ha

5. The mangoes taste delicious. 6. One of the eleven fell ill.

C

7. The old woman looks unhappy. 8. The poor coolie seems tired.
S

9. The wind is cold. 10. The boys made a noise.

©

11. The report proved false. 12. The poor woman went mad.

Analysis of Simple Sentences

Examine how the following sentences are analysed:
• My little brother has learnt to read.
• She gave him food.
• I am going home.
• Where shall we go?
• The jury found him guilty.
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 Wren Book 7

Subject Predicate
Subject- Enlargement of Extension of
Verb Object Complement
word subject Predicate
brother 1. My has to read
2. little learnt
She gave 1. him
2. food
I am going home
We shall go where
jury The found him guilty

d
ite
Note that in sentence 2 the verb has two objects.

m
Li
Exercise 3
Analyse the following sentences.
ny
pa
1. The boy did the sum cleverly. 2. The children found a peacock’s feather.
om

3. The poor old man seems tired. 4. My new gold watch keeps good time.
C

5. Do not talk such nonsense. 6. The post has already come today.
d
An

7. I have walked miles. 8. Many lay dead.

9. We taught the dog tricks. 10. Call the man back.
nd

11. The dog followed the girl 12. The boys elected him captain.
ha

patiently everywhere.
C
S

Read the following sentences:

©

1. Gardens with cool shady trees surround the village.

(What gardens? — with cool shady trees.)
2. Houses built of stone are strong. (What houses? — built of stone.)
3. Permission to play games was granted. (What sort of permission? — to play games.)
Note that, in each of the above sentences, the enlargement of the subject is a group of
words.

Now, examine this sentence:

• Wild beasts in small cages are a sorry sight.
Here there are two enlargements of the subject: 1. Wild, 2. in small cages

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 Wren Book 7

Exercise 4
Underline the enlargements of the subject in the following sentences.
1. The book on the desk is mine.
2. A book in big type is easy to read.
3. The mangoes in that basket are ripe.
4. The house by the river is for sale.
5. The lion in the den is old.
6. The man of wealth should help the poor.
7. The tops of the mountains were covered with snow.
8. The crowd in the bazaar was very noisy.

d
ite
9. All the shops in the market were closed yesterday.

m
10. Fearing to be caught in the rain, we returned.

Li
ny
Note that in each of the following sentences, the enlargement of the object is a group
pa
of words:
• The Eskimos make houses of snow and ice.
om

• I met him coming down the street.

C

• I saw cords stretched across the road.

d
An

Now study this sentence:

nd

• Have you seen the man in the moon?

ha

Here there are two enlargements of the object: 1. the, 2. in the moon
C

Exercise 5
S
©

Underline the enlargements of the object in the following sentences.

1. The children have read the story of Ali Baba.
2. Have you seen a rose without a thorn?
3. I saw a boy eating figs.
4. Soldiers guarded the entrance of the castle.
5. Once I saw a man with a wooden leg.
6. I shall buy that bunch of flowers.
7. He wore a turban of red silk.
8. We reached a path covered with mud.

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 Wren Book 7

9. Nobody likes a person with a bad temper.

10. The architect drew a plan for the house.

Read the following sentences:

1. He ran with all his might. (Ran how? — with all his might.)
2. He ran down the street. (Ran where? — down the street.)
3. He ran to catch a thief. (Ran why? — to catch a thief.)
4. He returned after an hour. (Returned when? — after an hour.)
Note that, in each of the above sentences, the extension of the predicate consists of a
group of words.

Exercise 6

d
ite
Underline the extension of the predicate in each of the following sentences.

m
1. She spoke in a whisper.

Li
2. The farmer’s wife jumped out of bed.

ny
3. The train is going at full speed. pa
4. The picture hangs on the wall.
om

5. The boy stood on the burning deck.

C

6. He acted against my advice.

d
An

7. The man rode on a white horse.

8. He cut his finger with a penknife.
nd
ha
C
S
©

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Revision Test 3
A. Which of the italicised words are adverbs and which are prepositions? Give reasons
for your answer.
1. He arrived before me.
2. I could not come before.
3. The book lies on the table.
4. Let us move on.
5. The path leads through the woods.

d
6. I have read the book through.

ite
7. Sit by me.

m
Li
8. Stand by.

ny
9. Let us stand behind. pa
10. There is someone behind the door.
om

B. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.

C
d

1. He is sure ________________ success. He is prepared ________________ the worst.

An

2. He is labouring ________________ a misapprehension.

nd

3. She is free ________________ prejudice.

ha

4. He is accused ________________ disorderly behaviour.

C

5. He is accountable ________________ his master.

S
©

6. He is satisfied ________________ what he has.

7. He is involved ________________ difficulties.
8. He is familiar ________________ Arabic literature.
9. He is fond ________________ children.
10. He is provided ________________ paper, pen and ink.

C. Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions.

1. Be just ________________ fear not.
2. I ran fast, ________________ I missed the train.

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 Wren Book 7

3. Make haste, ________________ you will be late.

4. ________________ you try, you will not succeed.
5. I am sure ________________ he said so.
6. Wait ________________ I return.
7. He was punished ________________ he was guilty.
8. He will not pass the exam ________________ he studies hard.

D. Underline the enlargement of the subjects in the following sentences.

1. The man with a white cap is a teacher.
2. The boy with a big head is my cousin.

d
3. Birds of a feather flock together.

ite
4. A hope to win gives great courage.

m
Li
5. Dr Radhakrishnan, our president, was a great philosopher.

ny
6. Honest persons are generally happy. pa
E. Underline the extension of predicates in the following sentences.
om

1. He works very sincerely.

C

2. The horses ran side by side.

d
An

3. Everybody wishes to prosper.

4. The mother cooked the food nicely.
nd

5. Having finished the work, they went home.

ha
C

6. Neha dances gracefully.

S
©

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20 Comprehension
To comprehend is to understand. Comprehension
exercises are intended to test and improve your ability
to understand.

Keep the following points in mind while attempting

d
ite
comprehension passages.

m
• Read the passage carefully to get the central idea.

Li
• Read the passage again so as to know the details.

ny
• Study the questions. Turn to the relevant portions
pa
again, as you read the questions.
om

• When you have found all the answers, write

C

them down.
d

• Do not add anything on your own.

An
nd

Exercises
ha

I. Read the following story and answer the questions

C

that follow.
S

A tortoise was resting under a tree, on which a

©

bird had built its nest. The tortoise spoke to the

bird mockingly, ‘What a shabby home you have!
It is made of broken twigs, it has no roof, and
looks crude. What’s worse is that you had to build
it yourself. I think my house, which is my shell, is
much better than your pathetic nest.’
‘Yes, it is made of broken sticks, looks shabby and
is open to the elements of nature. It is crude, but I
built it, and I like it.’

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 Wren Book 7

‘I guess it’s just like

any other nest, but not
better than mine,’ said
the tortoise. ‘You must
be jealous of my shell,
though.’
‘On the contrary,’ the bird
replied, ‘my home has
space for my family and
friends; your shell cannot
accommodate anyone
other than you. Maybe
you have a better house.

d
ite
But I have a better home,’

m
said the bird happily.

Li
Moral: Better a crowded hut than a lonely mansion.

ny
A. Answer the following questions on the basis of your understanding of the
pa
above passage.
om

1. Where did the bird build its nest?

C

2. With what did the bird make its nest?

d

3. What was the tortoise mocking at?

An

4. Where does the tortoise live?

nd

5. What was the bird’s reply when the tortoise made fun of its house?
ha

B. Write true (T) or False (F) for each of the following statements.
C
S

1. The bird was jealous of the tortoise’s shell.

©

2. The bird’s nest was shabby as it was made of broken twigs and sticks.
3. The tortoise was mocking at the bird’s nest.
4. The tortoise was vain and rude.
5. The bird worked hard and took care of his family.

C. Find a word from the above passage which means the same as
1. rough 2. feeble
3. fit in 4. making fun of

D. Have a discussion in class on the difference between ‘house’ and ‘home’.

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 Wren Book 7

II. Read the following passage.

Have you ever wondered how to score the perfect goal?
Football, which is also known as soccer, must be played with
passion and power. So, how can you make your long shots
powerful? Here’s Beckham’s secret. Step past the ball with
your non-kicking foot. Swing your hips through and kick
hard.
Beckham eats good food, drinks lots of water
and exercises every day to stay healthy. He plays
football and does some running, cycling and
weight training.

d
Beckham’s winning attitude is: ‘I’ve always

ite
concentrated on what my job is more than

m
anything, more than how good the other team is.

Li
If you do your job, then there’s nothing else.’

ny
pa
Beckham joined Manchester United, a popular
English football team, and gradually became
om

a professional player which means he was paid

C

to play football. He has, since then, played several

d

marvellous matches around the world.

An

A. Answer the following questions.

nd

1. How should one play football?

ha

2. What does Beckham do to keep himself

C

healthy?
S

3. What is meant by a professional player?

©

4. What was Beckham’s winning attitude?

5. What was Beckham’s secret of making long
shots powerful?

B. Fill in the blanks with the correct word.

1. Football is also known as _____________________.
2. Beckham joined a popular English football team named _____________________.
3. Other than playing football, Beckham does _____________________,
_____________________, and _____________________.

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 Wren Book 7

III. Read the following description of an event.

In April 1930, a 61-year-old man wearing a dhoti and armed with nothing but
a walking stick picked up a handful of freshly made salt from the western coast
of India, and shook the foundation of the mighty British Empire. His name was
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
British prevented any Indian from making or selling salt. Earlier, many people living
near the sea had made their own salt from sea water. Now they had to buy it from
the government. And Gandhiji thought that it was the most unfair law and so did
many other people all over the country.
Gandhiji decided to break the salt law by marching to the sea and making
salt himself. Now salt is something that everybody uses. So Gandhiji felt that
thousands would join him in his protest march—the rich and the poor, as well as

d
people from all castes and religions. Once they did that, he was sure they would

ite
remain with him in the fight for freedom.

m
Li
ny
pa
om
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

A. On the basis of your understanding, answer the following questions.

1. What did Gandhiji do in April 1930?
2. What prevented people living near the sea from making their own salt from
sea water?
3. What did Gandhiji carry with him?
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 Wren Book 7

4. How did Gandhi break the salt law imposed by the British?
5. Who were the people who Gandhiji thought would join him in his protest
march?
6. Make a sentence of your own with the word ‘protest’.

B. Complete the sentences with words and phrases from the passage.
1. British prevented any Indian from ____________________________.
2. Gandhiji was ____________________________ year old when he broke the salt law.
3. The law passed by the British was that ____________________________.

C. Make a sentence of your own with the following words:

1. foundation 2. unfair

d
ite
IV. Read the following story ‘Birbal Shortens Road’ carefully.

m
Li
Emperor Akbar was travelling to a distant place along with some of his courtiers.

ny
It was a hot day and the emperor was tired of the journey.
pa
om
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

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 Wren Book 7

‘Can’t anybody shorten this road for me?’ he asked, querulously.

‘I can,’ said Birbal.
The other courtiers looked at one another, perplexed. All of them knew there was
no other path through the hilly terrain.
The road they were travelling on was the only one that could take them to
their destination.
‘You can shorten the road?’ said the emperor. ‘Well, do it.’
‘I will,’ said Birbal. ‘Listen first to this story I have to tell.’
And riding beside the emperor’s palanquin, he launched upon a long and
intriguing tale that held Akbar, and all those listening, spellbound. Before they
knew it, they had reached the end of their journey.

d
ite
‘We’ve reached!’ exclaimed Akbar. ‘So soon!’

m
‘Well,’ grinned Birbal, ‘you did say you wanted the road to be shortened.’

Li
A. On the basis of your understanding of the story, answer the following questions.
1. What was Emperor Akbar doing on that hot day?
ny
pa
2. Why do you think he was tired?
om

3. What did he wish for?

C

4. What did Birbal say he would do?

d
An

5. How did Birbal manage to keep his promise?

nd

B. Write synonyms for the following words from the passage.

ha

1. grin 2. perplexed
C

3. querulously 4. intriguing
S

V. Read the story of ‘The Cunning Bats’ carefully.

©

Many years ago, the members of the jungle did not have any King. The animals
said, ‘The lion must be the King of this jungle.’ While the birds said, ‘The Hawk
must be the King.’ There were many discussions and debates, but no final decision
could be taken.
The bats were cunning. They approached the animals and said, ‘Since we too are
animals, we would like our dear lion to be the King. He is surely the most powerful
among us.’ And the animals thought that the bats were on their side.
The bats then went to the birds. ‘Since we are birds, our dear Hawk must be the
King of this forest. He is so royal and dignified,’ they said. And the birds thought
that the bats were on their side.

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 Wren Book 7

A few days went by. One

day the birds came to know
that the cunning bats were
not honest. They informed
the animals about this.
‘So the bats think they are
clever, let us teach them a
good lesson,’ said
the animals.
So, the next day, the birds and the
animals made peace with each other. The
lion was made the King. The newly crowned King addressed the bats,
‘You must choose the group to which you belong.’ The bats thought. ‘We must

d
ite
join the animals because the lion is the King.’

m
‘We are animals!’ the bats announced. ‘But you have wings. No animal has wings.

Li
You must join the birds,’ said all the animals. ‘Bats have babies. They do not lay

ny
eggs. And birds lay eggs. Since the bats give birth to young babies without eggs,
pa
they cannot be birds,’ said the birds.
om

The bats felt helpless. They just stood there, not knowing what to do.
Since then, the cunning bats have been hiding during the daytime in deserted
C

places. They come out for food only at night when others are asleep.
d
An

A. On the basis of your understanding of the above story, answer the following
nd

questions in one line.

ha

1. What was being decided in the forest?

C

2. Who were the two candidates nominated for being the king?
S

3. Whom did the bats want to be the king?

©

4. Why did the bats feel helpless?

B. Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Why were the bats called cunning?
2. Why did the birds not include the bats in their group?
3.  What reason did the animals give for not including the bats in their
group either?
4. Why do the bats hide during the daytime in deserted places?
5. What according to you are bats: animals or birds? Give reasons for
your answers.

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VI. Read the passage carefully.

Did you meet God? This was a question Rakesh
Sharma, the first Indian to travel into space, often
faced from admirers at home after he returned to
Earth in 1984.
‘I would say, no, I hadn’t met God,’ he said.
More than three decades later, fact and fiction blur
easily with his modern-day fans when they meet Mr
Sharma, 68.
‘Now many young mothers introduce me to their kids
and tell them, “This uncle has been to the Moon.” ’
But Mr Sharma can never forget the hysteria after he

d
ite
returned from space. He criss-crossed the country
and lived in hotels and guest houses. He posed for pictures and gave speeches.

m
Elderly women blessed him; fans tore his clothes and sought autographs.

Li
Politicians paraded him in their constituencies for votes; and authorities sent him

ny
on holiday to a national park in searing 45oC (113oF) temperatures.
pa
‘It was completely over the top. It left me irritated and tired. I had to keep a smile
om

on my face all the time,’ he recounts.

C

Mr Sharma wears his achievements and fame lightly. He joined India’s air force at
d

21 and began flying supersonic jet fighters. He had flown 21 missions in the 1971
An

war with Pakistan before his 23rd birthday. By 25, he was a test pilot. He travelled
into space at 35, the first Indian and the 128th human to do so.
nd

‘I had pretty much done it all before I went into space. So when the opportunity
ha

came, I went along. It was that simple.’

C
S

A. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the following
©

questions briefly.
1. Who is Rakesh Sharma?
2. What was his contribution in the 1971 war?
3. How do mothers introduce him to their children?
4. What was his age when he went to the space?

B. Answer the following questions in detail.

1. Write about the achievements of Rakesh Sharma.
2. How was he treated after he came back from the space?
3. What left him irritated and tired?

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C. Find words from the passage that mean the same as the following:
1. confront 2. chance
3. ask for 4. old

VII. Read the following passage carefully on ‘Republic Day Celebration’ in schools.
Republic Day celebrations
take place with patriotic
fervour and zest in
schools as the children
in all grades learn about
India’s political history,
freedom struggle and
the Constitution as a

d
ite
part of their curriculum.

m
They learn how the great

Li
sons of the motherland

ny
have fought to attain pa
freedom and make India
a sovereign state. Therefore, the children feel inspired and participate actively in
om

the Republic Day ceremony and celebrations.

C

A March Past is conducted by the students from various sections while the school
d

choir sings patriotic songs. Then the National Flag is hoisted by the Chief Guest,
An

and the Principal, teachers, school staff and students from different grades and
nd

classes join together in the singing the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana and the
National Song, Vande Mataram. The National Pledge which is an oath of allegiance
ha

to the Republic of India is recited by one and all to mark the occasion.
C
S

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the

©

following questions.
1. What do children learn from the Republic Day celebrations?
2. Who hoists the national flag in schools on Republic Day?
3. What are the songs sung on this day?
4. What do all recite together on this day?
5. Name two activities that are conducted on Republic Day.

B. Make a sentence of your own with the following words.

1. fervour 2. zest
3. sovereign 4. curriculum

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 Wren Book 7

VIII. Read the following passage on ‘Oral Health’.

The mouth is one of the most important parts of the body. Not only does it aid in
receiving and crushing food but also in proper speech and tasting. Our oral cavity
is a window to the human body. Not only is it an important part, but it also is a
place where trouble can start. Many illnesses present themselves in the mouth. In
other words, the mouth can show what is going on in the body. One example is if
the patient is anaemic, then the mouth has a pale appearance. The mouth should
have a normal coral pink-coloured mucosa (mucous membrane).
Now that we understand the importance of the mouth and how it can be an
indicator of overall health, let’s talk about oral habits in our daily routine and
daily life.
Cheek biting Leads to cheek ulceration and in severe cases a

d
growth which can predispose to precancerous lesions.

ite
m
Brushing with hard Leads to hypersensitivity in teeth and loss of tooth

Li
bristles structure near the roots (abrasion).

ny
Brushing with immense Leads to hypersensitivity in teeth and loss of tooth
pa
pressure in a horizontal structure near the roots (abrasion).
om

direction
C

Swallowing toothpaste Toothpastes have Fluoride for anti-cavity effect. If

especially fluoridated swallowed, it can lead to higher than required levels
d
An

of fluorine in bones and teeth, leading to pathologies.

nd

A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the

ha

following questions.
C

1. Mention a few functions that the mouth performs.

S

2. What is the window of our human body?

©

3. What happens to the mouth when one becomes anaemic?

4. What happens when one brushes with hard bristles?
5. What happens when one swallows toothpaste?
6. What leads to the loss of tooth structure?

B. Write words from the passage that mean the same as the following:
1. help 2. make prone
3. erosion 4. extremely great

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 Wren Book 7

21 Summary
Summary writing is an exercise that teaches us how to
reproduce a large piece of writing in a condensed form.
It is a skill of writing where we have to express only the
main idea and the relevant points and restate the whole
idea briefly.

d
ite
The following points should be kept in mind while

m
writing a summary.

Li
ny
• One needs a careful reading to write a good
pa
summary.
om

• While reading, attention should be paid and only

the essential points should be marked and jotted
C

down.
d
An

• Then, a rough draft of the summary can be made.

• All extra information and unnecessary details
nd

should be deleted from the summary.

ha

• Care should be taken that the message is fully

C

conveyed.
S

• We make summaries of poems, stories, events, etc.

©

• A summary is best written after having thoroughly

read and understood a passage and then writing it
in your own words.

Here are a few specimen.

1. Read the following text carefully and write a
summary.
Galileo Galilei is often called the father of Modern
Science. Do you know why? He was the first person
to use science to prove what he said.

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As a young boy, Galileo was bright, but did not

do well in his exams. You see, Maths was the only
subject that he liked, so Maths was all that he
studied! He was sure it would help him find out
more about the universe and how things work.
And that was all that he really wished to know.
His father wanted him to become a doctor, but
Galileo had other plans. He had heard about
Hans Lippershey’s exciting new invention, the
telescope, which made distant things look larger
and nearer. There were even stories of others who
had built the telescope much before Lippershey.
Soon, Galileo decided to build one for himself.

d
ite
Galileo did many experiments with his telescope

m
and also made a lot of discoveries. Copernicus, a great astronomer, who lived

Li
before Galileo, had guessed that the earth is a planet which circles the Sun. Galileo

ny
too was sure of this, and with his telescope he proved this.
pa
But back then, the Catholic Church thought that the Sun and the planets revolved
around the Earth. Those days, the church decided what everyone should believe,
om

and did not like it when people spoke against its teachings. Galileo was arrested
C

and put on trial. His life was spared, but he was kept as a prisoner in his house
d

until he died.
An

Now, read the passage summarized.

nd

Galileo Galilei is called the father of Modern Science because he was the first to
ha

prove what he said about the Earth and the Sun, using scientific methods. Galileo,
C

right from his childhood was interested only in Maths and decided that he would make a
S

telescope for himself. Later, with the help of his telescope, he confirmed what Copernicus
©

thought once, that the earth revolves round the Sun, for which he was punished by the
Catholic Church. He was made a prisoner in his own house until his death.
2. Read the following story and write the summary.
There once lived an old man in a small hut near the edge of the hills. He was blind.
One day a doctor, who was visiting a nearby village, claimed that he could cure any
kind of blindness. The old man decided to visit the doctor.
‘I will be able to cure your blindness,’ said the doctor after examining the old
man’s eyes. ‘But I shall charge a modest fee for the treatment.’
The old man replied, ‘I shall pay you the fees if I am completely cured. I shall pay
you nothing if you cannot cure me.’ The doctor agreed.
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 Wren Book 7

d
ite
m
Li
ny
Soon the doctor began his treatment. When he went to the old man’s house, he
pa
got tempted to steal the nice furniture the old man had in his house. Every day, he
om

took away some of his furniture. In fact, he began to go slow with his treatment
C

until he stole most of his furniture.

d

However, after many days of treatment, finally the doctor cured the old man and
An

demanded a very high fee.

nd

‘I will not pay you anything,’ said the old man. ‘I cannot see any of my furniture
which means I am still partially blind.’
ha

The doctor got furious and took the old man to the court. The Judge listened to
C

the story of both and understood what had happened. He asked the doctor to give
S

back all the furniture of the old man and as a punishment for what he has done,
©

he wouldn’t be paid his fees. The doctor understood his mistake and returned the
old man’s furniture.

Now, read the story summarized.

An old man, who was blind, went to a doctor visiting a nearby village, who promised to cure
him but at a very high fee. The old man promised to pay him the fees only if he was totally
cured. While treating the old man, the doctor stole away almost all the furniture from his
house. So when the treatment was over and the doctor asked for the fees, the old man
refused to pay him since he could not see his furniture, which only meant that he was
partially cured. The case was taken to the court but the judge understood everything and
the doctor was punished for his misdeeds and he had to return all the furniture.
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3. Read the following description of an event and write a summary of it.

It was a bright sunny day on 25 October 2018. That was the day when the 50th
Foundation Day of our school was celebrated.
The governor was invited as the chief guest. With all my schoolmates, I was
busy making arrangements for the function. We decorated our auditorium with
balloons and confetti.
The governor arrived at 4.00 p.m., accompanied by many other dignitaries. There
was a beautiful cultural programme where the students of our school participated
with a lot of enthusiasm.
The annual prize distribution ceremony was also held on this day and the governor
gave away the prizes to several students.
In his speech, the governor congratulated the school management, staff and the

d
ite
students on the golden jubilee of the school and also stressed on the need of
discipline among students.

m
Li
Now, read the report summarized.

ny
The 50th Foundation Day of our school was celebrated on 25th October 2018 and the
pa
governor graced the occasion as the chief guest. A cultural programme was held, followed by
om

the prize distribution ceremony and a speech by the governor in which he congratulated all
and stressed on the need of discipline in students.
C
d

Exercises
An

Write a summary of the following.

nd

1. With a mobile phone or cell phone, no longer are you tied to

ha

a telephone at home. And you can talk to your aunt in the

C

USA or your uncle staying in the deepest corners of Africa, as

S

you walk down the lane of your home.

©

A cell phone is actually a combination of a telephone

(another person and you can talk to each other at the
same time) and a radio (the sound waves come to you
through the air and not through the electric wire, as in a
landline telephone). The cell phone network divides the city
like hexagonal cells. So the whole city is like a giant honeycomb. And there is a
transmitting–receiving tower in each cell. All these towers are constantly receiving
the conversations of everyone in their cells, to and from people in their cells. Let’s
just say that the cell phone is the world’s coolest chatterbox! It’s a great invention
that has shrunk the world.

127
 2. We get very excited about tigers and lions and get upset
that they are becoming endangered. Worldwide, concerted
measures are being taken to save pandas, polar bears and
penguins. Unfortunately, vultures don’t have a huge fan
club. But naturalists in India know that vultures have a very
important place in our environment. Ornithologists—the
people who study birds—have come together to protect
vultures. They know that vultures keep our towns, cities,
and countryside clean and healthy. How? Well, they feed
on animal carcasses or dead bodies, which is why they are
called scavengers. Many of these carcasses would otherwise
lie around and rot and become dangerous to our health.

d
3. One day, a Yogi saw a beautiful princess lying dead and covered with flowers. He

ite
felt sorry for the girl who had died so young. He examined her and found out that

m
she had been poisoned. He had the power to remove the poison, so by using his

Li
magical spell he brought her back to life.

ny
The princess sat up and told him who she was and what had happened to her.
pa
‘I am sure,’ said the Yogi, ‘that it is your husband who comes every day and puts
om

flowers over you. He is sure to come today also. Do you want to wait for him or
C

will you come with me to your father?’

d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

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 Wren Book 7

‘Please let me wait for my husband,’ said the princess.

‘Let us hide then and see what he does when he finds your body missing,’ said the
Yogi and they hid behind the bush. Soon the husband came with flowers. When he
found that his beloved’s body is missing, he fell to the ground and began to weep.
The princess rushed to him and raised him in her arms.
‘Rise up, my Lord,’ she cried. ‘A great Yogi brought me back to life. He is there
waiting for us.’
The Yogi blessed them and they lived happily together for many years.
4. Once upon a time, a slave had a very cruel master. The master made him work very
hard and gave him no rest.
He used to beat him up with a whip. The slave was so unhappy that one day he ran

d
away to the jungle.

ite
There he began to search for a place to hide himself. He came to a cave and saw a

m
big lion sitting at the mouth of the cave. The slave was frightened and tried to run

Li
away. But the lion did not attack him. It kept sitting there holding its front paw

ny
up. The slave saw a big thorn in the lion’s paw. It seemed to be in great pain and
pa
needed help. The slave walked cautiously towards the lion. The lion moved his paw
om

towards the slave. The slave caught the lion’s paw and pulled the thorn out. The
lion looked happy and went away.
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

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After many days, the slave was caught by his master. The master wanted to punish
the slave and therefore threw him into the cage of a hungry lion. The lion rushed
towards him to attack. But when it came near, it stopped. It began to lick the
slave’s hand. The master was quite surprised to see this. The slave told him how he
had helped the lion. The master was pleased with his kindness and set him free.
5. Our school celebrated the annual function on 18th November this year. The
Director of Education graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The school was beautifully decorated with flowers and balloons. Beautiful charts
made by the students showing the achievements by the school were displayed on
all the soft boards of the school. The teachers came beautifully dressed and the
students too looked neat in their uniforms.
There was a welcome song sung beautifully by the students of the senior school.

d
ite
The song was beautifully sung. Soon after this, songs and dances were performed
by the students of each class. There was a hilarious skit performed by the students

m
Li
of Class XII which made the audience laugh so much that even the director made a
special mention of it in his speech.

ny
After the cultural function, our principal read the annual report in which he
pa
highlighted the achievements of the school during the year. Then there was
om

the much awaited prize distribution ceremony in which prizes were given for
C

achievements in academics, sports and cultural activities. The prize winners were
d

heartily cheered by everyone.

An

The function ended with a speech made by the director in which he congratulated
nd

every child for the beautiful function and their achievements in the various fields.
He also advised the students to work hard and follow discipline in life.
ha

The national anthem was sung in the end before the audience dispersed.
C
S
©

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22 Paragraph
Writing
Paragraphs are small pieces of writing. They may
even be referred to as miniature essays. A paragraph
comprises many sentences that centre around one idea.

The following points should be kept in mind while

d
ite
writing a paragraph.

m
• A paragraph should always begin with a topical

Li
sentence from which the subject may be clearly

ny
understood.
pa
• The narrative should be simple and precise, as a
om

paragraph consists of a limited number of sentences.

• The style of writing a paragraph should be direct
C

and preferably with short sentences.

d
An

• Unity and order are two basic principles which

should be strictly followed while writing a
nd

paragraph.
ha

Unity means that each sentence of the paragraph

C

should focus on the topic.

S

Order means that all the ideas should be well

©

connected and arranged in a proper sequence.

Here are a few paragraphs:

1. Save the girl child
Although we all know that life on earth is
impossible without girls, it is very sad to see that
girls are the most abused and neglected lot in
our society. Female infanticide is very common
in our country which is leading to a decrease in
the number of girls. On one hand we worship
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goddesses while, on the other, girls are killed even before they can see the sunshine.
It has been proved several times that if given a chance, a girl can do everything that
a boy can do. Our former prime minister, Indira Gandhi, is an example. She led our
country like any other man would do. We have women in every sphere of life. We
have mountaineers, pilots, doctors and astronauts who are women. Isn’t it strange
that in spite of all this, till today grief falls upon the house when a girl is born?
Sometimes even the basic necessities like proper nutrition and education are not
provided to a girl child. It is the need of the hour to work together as responsible
citizens and change this sexist attitude that is hampering the progress of our
country.

2. The rich cultural heritage of India

India is known all over the world for the rich culture she possesses. It is also known

d
ite
for its extraordinary diversity. It is diverse in terms of its geographical, religious,

m
social and cultural features along with the wide variety of languages spoken. In

Li
India one can see a variety of customs, cultures and social system, each different

ny
from the other. It is very natural in that a country where more than two hundred
dialects and languages are spoken, the culture will be rich and diverse. It is also
pa
a country where people belonging to different religions reside together. Each
om

community has its own festivals and throughout the year the country celebrates
C

some or the other festival. Even the food varies from region to region and one
d

can taste different cuisines in India. There are different dance forms and every
An

state also has its own native form of music, making the country unique and rich
with different cultures. Our country proudly reflects oneness and unity that also
nd

enriches us with harmony and prosperity.

ha
C

3. Ban on the use of plastic

S

Over the years, the use of

©

plastic has increased due to

its cheap price, availability
and convenience. But the
components that make
plastics are very harmful for
the environment and lead
to many health hazards.
The careless disposal of
plastic products litters the
environment. It causes serious
environmental pollution while
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producing and disposing of plastic products. We often come across blocked drains
which cause flood due to water logging. And most of these drains are blocked
due to the disposal of polythene bags and plastic wastes in a haphazard manner.
Plastic waste is also very harmful for health as it contains toxin chemicals. Plastic
not only causes pollution in seas and oceans but also poses big threats to animals
as they often get choked and poisoned when they eat plastic mistaking them for
food. Many countries have already banned plastic and it is important that our
country should immediately ban the use of plastic and polythene bags to save
the lives of millions of people and the wildlife. Otherwise the day is not far when
plastic will be more dangerous than atom bomb causing death in large numbers.

4. A funny incident
A funny incident happened to me a couple of years ago in school. Around then,

d
ite
I was in class V. It was English class and, I was not paying attention. While I was

m
daydreaming looking outside the window, my teacher saw me. At that point, he

Li
made an earnest enquiry, ‘Where did the bird lay her egg, on the tree or on the

ny
ground?’ I wondered why the bird would lay her eggs ashore. So, I answered in all
seriousness, ‘Sir, the flying creature laid the eggs on the tree.’
pa
As I completed my sentence, everyone began to chuckle, much to my
om

bewilderment. When the class got over, I asked one of my classmates the reason
C

behind all the snicker and he let me know that ‘there was no flying creature, no tree
d

and no egg in the story.’

An

Exercises
nd
ha

Write a paragraph on the following topics.

C

1. Importance of educating a girl.

S

2. Need of religious tolerance in India.

©

3. Save water, save life.

4. One time when you proved people wrong thanks to your own hard work and
commitment.
5. An embarrassing moment of your life
6. My dreams and fears.
7. A day before the exams.
8. An ideal teacher.
9. A humorous account of something funny you encountered recently.
10. Having fun at school.

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23 Essay Writing
Essay is a long composition on a given subject, where
one can present one’s own views, generally comprising
three or more paragraphs.

The following points should be kept in mind while

d
writing an essay.

ite
m
• An essay should hold the interest of the readers.

Li
• An essay should consist of a good introduction,

ny
followed by several paragraphs elaborating on each
pa
of the different ideas of the topic.
om

• An essay should always end with a good impacting

conclusion. A good ending is as important as a
C

good beginning.
d
An

• It is important that before attempting to write an

essay, one should plan it well.
nd

• Avoid unnecessary repetition.

ha

• The style should be simple yet formal and

C

grammatically accurate.
S

• Essays are of different kinds, viz. narrative ,

©

descriptive, imaginative and factual.

• Essay can be written on any topic, like, the life of a
great man, or any common social issue, or even on
an imaginative topic.
• We can include suitable proverbs, or quotations in
our essay.

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Here are a few specimen:

Diwali
Key points:
• Festival of light • When it is celebrated
• Its significance • How it is celebrated
• Its impact on our environment
• A festival that promotes friendly exchange and love

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a festival of lights and is
celebrated all over the country with great pomp and show.
Diwali usually falls in the month of October or early November. It marks the advent of

d
the winter season. It comes just about twenty days after Dusshera which is generally in

ite
early October.

m
Li
The festival of Diwali is very significant for our country especially for the Hindu

ny
community because it is associated with Lord Rama. When Rama went into exile for
pa
fourteen years in the forest, he met with great trouble. His wife Sita was carried away
by the mighty Ravana. Rama had to fight a war with Ravana and only after killing him
om

in the war, could he rescue his beloved wife, Sita. When Rama came back to Ayodhya
C

from his exile, after defeating Ravana, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him and Sita
d

with great celebration. They decorated the whole city, and at night, lit lamps to mark
An

the joyous day. Since then, on that day, Diwali is celebrated every year.
nd

There is love and fun in the air. Houses, offices and shops are cleaned thoroughly
ha

around this time. People shop for new clothes, utensils, curtains, bed sheets and other
C

decorative items. At night, houses are illuminated with diyas, fairy lights and candles.
Many people also perform Laxmi Puja on this day. People burst firecrackers and
S

exchange sweets and gifts.

©

For the last few years the people in big cities have been complaining about the
increasing levels of pollution on the days following Diwali. Burning firecrackers is
causing a serious harm to the environment. Firecrackers not only produce deadly
smoke that pollutes the air but also cause noise pollution. So in most cities, only noise
and smoke-free crackers are sold.
However, Diwali is the time for celebration. It is the time to meet and greet our friends
and relatives. There is love and joy all around.

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Education for girls

Key points:
• Girl’s position in the family • Importance of education
• Equal opportunities • Contribution of girls in the society

Gone are those days when a girl

was expected to remain only in the
kitchen, cook and look after the
house. Today, girls have stepped
out of their house and have proved
that they are capable of doing all the

d
work that a boy does. Women today

ite
are not just doing household chores

m
but also earning for their families.

Li
‘Knowledge is power. Information is

ny
liberating. Education is the premise pa
of progress, in every society, in
om

every family’, said the former UN

Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. Unfortunately girls in our country have been deprived
C

of it largely. The literacy rate of women, according to 2011 census, is 64.46 per cent
d

while the male literacy rate is 82.14 per cent. Even today, in our society, there is a
An

preference for a son over a daughter. Girls are treated as burdens. They are not given
nd

equal opportunities of education and career. In rural areas, girls are married off at a
ha

very early age and are not sent to school. Because of lack of education, a girl remains
ignorant of many things and she is exploited in the society. Without education, a girl
C

will never be able to fight for her rights. She will remain dependent on others. How can
S

we expect our country to move forward when half of its population is suppressed?
©

Women education is very important for a country to fully develop. We must wake up to
this fact and realize that women’s education requires greater attention than it received
in the past. People should be made aware of the importance of education for girls. To
promote education for girls, government should take some serious steps, like giving
scholarship to the girl child especially to the ones who are from a poor background.
For all the changes that is happening, the most important change that can bring about
a reform is transformation in attitude towards women and accept women to be equal
participants in the country’s progress.

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Exercises
1. Plan out a proper outline and write an essay on clean environment, green environment
Points:

• Keeping our surroundings clean will prevent the Earth from being destroyed.
• To become a green warrior.
• Always use garbage bins to dispose of all trash.
• Segregate waste into dry and wet categories.
• Hold cleanliness campaigns in your neighbourhood.
• Use paper and cloth bags instead of plastic bags.
• Recycle waste into useable products.
• Plant trees.

d
ite
• Walk down small distances.

m
• Use public transport as much as you can.

Li
2. Write an essay on an Indian festival.
3. Write an essay on ‘Health is wealth’.
ny
pa
4. Write an essay on your first journey by train.
om

Essays on biographical experience

C
d

A biographical experience is a narrative where one’s personal feelings and experiences

An

are described. It can be a description of any incident of life which could be happy,
nd

mischievous or sad.
• To write a biographical experience, we should focus on the incident which is to be
ha

described.
C

• A simple style of writing should be adopted.

S

• Try to make the writing interesting and attractive for the reader.
©

• Give our personal views about the incident which may also include some relevant
details.
Here are a few biographical experiences:
Write a humorous account of something funny you encountered recently.
Last Sunday, after a heavy and scrumptious lunch, I was just dozing on the sofa, when
an uproar that came from outside my house woke me up. Quickly, I ran outside and
from my balcony, I saw two men of my locality quarrelling, both shouting at the top of
their voices. A small crowd of men, women and children had gathered near them and
all looked quite puzzled.

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I quickly wore my slippers and came down into the street to see what was happening
and to understand why they were quarrelling. As I came closer, I could hear both the
men hurling abuse at each other. The information I could gather from the people
standing there was that they were quarrelling about the rent of the house. It seemed
one of the two men was a tenant and the other one was the owner of the house. The
tenant had been keeping his rent pending for many months. The owner asked him to
pay the rent which sparked off some argument between them which then developed
into a quarrel.
Soon they began to accuse and abuse each other and the tenant angrily charged forward
and tried to pull the owner’s hair. As he tried doing so, we were all surprised that the owner
immediately turned around and began to run towards his house. All these happened in
a flash. Before anyone could understand what happened, the tenant burst out laughing.
It was then that we saw the tenant with a wig in his hand. As he pulled his hair, the wig

d
ite
had come off. The owner ran towards his house because nobody in the locality knew

m
that he was a bald man and that he wore a wig. All were amused with this incident and

Li
I returned home thinking to myself, what a funny man he was! Why did he have to run

ny
home just because he was a bald man? Anyway, the good thing was that the quarrel
ended, and I was finally able to enjoy a good Sunday nap.
pa
om

Exercises
C

1. Write a biographical experience on how one day, when you returned home, you
d

found your grandmother lying on the floor unconscious. You lifted her up and
An

rushed to the hospital. Describe in paragraphs, what happened and how you saved
nd

her life.
ha

2. Write an account of a day when everything went wrong.

C

3. Write an account of a fair you visited during the holidays.

S
©

4. Imagine you have a time machine. Where and when would you like to go (past or
future) and why? Write an account, giving details about the place, the people, and
anything else that you think is of interest.
5. Of all the subjects you study in school, is there any one subject that you think is
the most important? Why or why not?
6. Write about a time when you committed an act that required courage and bravery.

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24 Travelogues
People travel to see new places and to get to know
about different cultures. A travelogue is a piece of
writing that describes our travel experience of a
particular place.

d
A travelogue includes the following points.

ite
•

m
Description of the place, geographical location,

Li
weather and living conditions
•

ny
Detailed information of the various tourist
attractions of the place
pa
• Location and climate of the place
om

• Ways and means to reach the destination

C

• Description of the people from that place

d

• Any interesting experiences

An
nd

Specimen travelogues
ha

1. You have recently visited the beautiful hill town of

C

Darjeeling. Write a travelogue using the following

S

points.
©

Darjeeling – located in West Bengal – hill station

– very cold – sunrise in Tiger Hills – ride in toy
train – visit to tea gardens – a memorable trip

Last summer, my parents took me to Darjeeling,

a hill station located in the state of West Bengal.
We took a flight from Delhi to Bagdogra and
from there we took a cab to reach Darjeeling. The
zigzag curvy road that took us to the hill town of
Darjeeling was so picturesque that words will fall
short to describe the beauty.
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 Wren Book 7

On reaching the town, I truly understood why it is called the Queen of the Hills.
The weather was very cold, and we seemed to get some respite after experiencing
the harsh summer heat of Delhi. Our hotel was located very near to the Tiger Hills,
so early next morning, it wasn’t difficult for us to reach the place to experience a
mesmerizing sunrise; a sunrise that will forever be cherished in my memory. We
also had a joyful ride in the toy train.
Darjeeling is also internationally famous for the flavoured tea leaves that are
produced in the tea gardens which cover acres of land. The lush green tea gardens,
beautifully trimmed were really a treat to our eyes. This trip to Darjeeling has been
a very memorable trip of my life.

2. Write a travelogue about a place you visited from your personal experience or
from your imagination.

d
ite
Recently, I visited the hill station of Munnar located in Kerala. Situated on the

m
Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar is dotted with tea plantations and quaint towns.

Li
Spices like cardamom, pepper, etc., are also grown on the hill slopes of Munnar.

ny
On the first day, I visited the Mattupetty dam and lake. I went for a pleasurable
pa
boat ride to the lake with my family. Later, we visited a tea plantation and saw
tea leaves being picked. We also got a chance to pick tea leaves. It was a fun
om

experience.
C

The next day we went to Top Station, which is located at a height of 1700 m above
d

sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The view from
An

Top Station was breathtaking. Reams of clouds floated across the valley. It felt like
nd

we were on top of the world. In the evening, we saw a Kalaripayattu performance

and a Kathakali performance.
ha

On the last day, we bought different varieties of tea and also a packet of
C

cardamom. It was a pleasurable trip.

S
©

3. Write a travelogue of a place abroad.

Last summer I travelled to Fiji Islands with my parents. It is a country in the South
Pacific close to Australia. The main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Suva is
the capital of the country.
Fiji is a beautiful island, with pristine beaches, clean air and bright sunshine. It is
a tropical paradise, with plenty of greenery that attracts tourists from all over the
world.
Fiji is a diverse country with Polynesians, Indians and some people of mixed origin.
The natives are friendly and easy-going. The official language is English, though
Fijian and Hindi are widely spoken.

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I enjoyed traveling around Fiji, and especially remember a boat trip where I got to
see marine life. I also enjoyed swimming in the ocean and tried to learn surfing.
The coral reefs are a beautiful sight.

Exercises
1. Write a travelogue on how you spent your vacation on a beach. Remember to
include the following points to make it interesting:
give a photographic description... highlight the various attractions... mention
the ways to reach the destination... name a few good hotels/resorts/places to
eat... give some cultural background... mention some dos and don’ts of the
place... add some humour

d
ite
2. You have recently visited the beautiful city of Mumbai. Using the following details,

m
write a travelogue.

Li
Mumbai... capital of Maharashtra... Gateway of India... beautiful sea beaches...

ny
Marine Drive... Wankhade Stadium... Bunglows of film stars... huge flyovers
pa
om

3. Write a travelogue on how you spent your winter vacations in mountains.

C

Don’t forget to mention about the weather, snow sports like skiing,
d

snowboarding, etc., clothing and food, etc.

An
nd

4. Write a travelogue on your family trip to a wildlife sanctuary.

ha

Write about jungle safari, animals you saw, your accommodation, etc.
C
S

5. Write a travelogue for your school magazine on a travel location that you recently
©

visited on school trip.

6. Write a travelogue about your own real or imagined visit to an exciting place.

7. Write a travelogue on a camping and trekking adventure. You can add photos,
provide to-do list, must-visit places, etc.

8. Write a travelogue on your first train journey.

141
 25 Biographies
Biography is a story of a real person’s life written by
someone else. It is not imaginary or fictitious, but is
based on facts.

Important features:

d
ite
• It includes the basic information of a person’s life

m
and sometimes more than that.

Li
• A biography describes the person’s life in detail.

ny
• It should include the person’s important
pa
achievements and life events.
om

• While writing a biography, no extra information

C

should be included based on one’s imagination.

d
An

Here are a few specimen biographies:

nd

Muhammad Ali
ha

Mohammad Ali was a renowned professional boxer

C

and activist. He was born on 17th January 1942

S

in Louisville, Kentucky. His real name was Cassius

©

Marcellus Clay Jr.

His training as an amateur
boxer began when he was
only 12 years old. He won
his first gold medal at the
1960 Summer Olympics
in Rome and became a
professional boxer since
then.
He converted to Islam
and changed his name to
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 Wren Book 7

Muhammad Ali. He believed that Cassius Clay was his slave name. He was an active
member during the Civil Rights Movement in America where he worked for the rights of
the African-Americans.
Ali generated a controversy when he refused to be listed in the US military. He was
arrested and was stripped of his boxing titles for this. For nearly four years, he was out
of the boxing ring.
Muhammad Ali is regarded as one of the leading heavyweight boxers of the twentieth
century. He was also ranked as the greatest athlete of the twentieth century by Sports
Illustrated. Apart from boxing, Ali also made some music albums for which he was twice
nominated for Grammy Award. He also acted in several films and a Broadway musical.
He retired from boxing in 1981, when he was only 39 years old. After his retirement, he
devoted his life to religion and charity. At a very early age, in 1984, Ali was diagnosed

d
with Parkinson’s syndrome which gradually forced Ali to make very few public

ite
appearances. He died at the age of 74 on 3rd June 2016, in Arizona.

m
Li
Exercises

ny
1. Based on the information given below, write a small biography of Shri Prithviraj
pa
Kapoor, who was a pioneer of Indian theatre.
om

Key points
C

• Birth - 3rd November 1906 at Samundri, Pakistan

d
An

• Father - Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor

• Beginning of his career - In the theatres of Peshawar and Lyallpur; 1928 -
nd

moved to Bombay (Mumbai); joined the Imperial Films Company

ha

• Featured in nine silent movies including Alam Ara, Vidyapati, Sikandar

C

• Prithvi Theatre founded in 1944, staged highly influential movies, encouraged

S

people to participate in Quit India Movement and Indian Independence

©

• Awards - Padma Bhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke Award

• Died - 29th May 1972

2. Based on the information given below, write a small biography of Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose who was a hero of the Indian freedom struggle.

Key points
• Birth - 23rd January 1897 at Cuttak, Odisha
• Education - Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttak; University of Calcutta;
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge

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 Wren Book 7

• Parents - Janakinath Bose, Prabhavati Devi

• President of Indian National Congress twice, later resigned following
ideological conflicts with Mahatma Gandhi; established a separate political
party called All India Forward Bloc
• Influenced by the teachings of Bhagwad Gita, Swami Vivekananda and
Ramakrishna
• Famous quote: ‘Give me blood, I will give you freedom’
• Death - 18th August 1945 due to plane crash

Autobiography
An autobiography is an account that describes one’s own life.

d
ite
Important features:

m
• An autobiography should be written in the first person.

Li
• Include the important information of one’s life.
•
ny
While writing an autobiography, one has the freedom to express personal views.
pa
• Start with an interesting introduction and end with a proper conclusion.
om
C

Here are a few autobiographies:

d
An

An autobiography of a flower
I was born in the beautiful hill station of Kasauli on one sunny day during the spring.
nd

I was born and nurtured in Mrs Mehta’s beautiful terrace garden.

ha

I was put in a cozy little flowerpot among many other flowers. Mrs Mehta, whom
C

everybody in the house called ‘Ba’ would get up very early in the morning and water
S

the plants in her garden. I was very fond of her. She was a middle-aged woman and
©

possessed a serene personality. Every day after watering the plants, she would come to
me and with her beautiful delicate fingers, she would caress me. She would come close
to me and whisper, ‘You are my favourite flower in this garden.’ Her kind words would
fill my heart with pride and make me blush.
One afternoon, Mrs Mehta seemed to be very busy but happy. She was busy cooking
since morning and I could smell the flavours of her cuisine that came with the wind
from the kitchen window. From the conversation in the house, I understood that her
son was coming from the USA with his wife and two sons.
Next morning, Mrs Mehta brought along her son to show him the garden which she
tends so carefully. Her son was all praise for his mother. I could see the amazing

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 Wren Book 7

happiness on her face which

made her glow. She pulled him
closer and told him, ‘See, this
is my favourite flower in the
garden. It’s a rare species of
Tulip.’ I was so proud as I knew
that I was special and unique.
In the evening that day, the two
boys who came from the USA
came to the garden and began
running and playing. For the
first time in the garden, we were
tense and frightened. Our peace

d
ite
was disturbed! The boys ran all

m
around, stamping and running over the small plants and spoiling many flowers. I was

Li
scared and I wanted to shout for help. If only I could speak! Suddenly, one of the two

ny
boys came near me and did what I dreaded. He plucked me from the plant. Just at that
time, their mother called them and he dropped me in the garden and ran towards the
pa
house.
om

The whole night I spent weeping and wincing in pain. But there was no one who came
C

to rescue me. In fact, all the other flowers in the garden were also very sad and hurt for
d

all that happened in the evening.

An

The next morning, when Mrs Mehta came to water the plants in the garden, she
nd

was shocked to see the chaos. The leaves and flowers were all plucked and scattered
ha

everywhere. There was mud and dirt all over the garden. She was almost in tears to see
this. Suddenly she noticed me, her favourite flower, lying helplessly on the ground! She
C

sadly picked me up and took me home. She quietly went to her book rack and picked
S

up a big fat book. She opened a page and carefully kept me between the pages. I could
©

hear her telling the two boys, that they should not have plucked the flowers from the
garden. The boys were sorry and promised that they would never do this again.
Since then, I am resting there, dried and withered, between the pages of that big fat
book. But I am happy that at least I am safe and secure now.

Exercises
1. Write an autobiography of a blackboard.
2. Write an autobiography of a mobile phone.

145
 26 Creative Writing
Story Writing
Everybody loves to read or listen to a story. It is one of the
most popular and the oldest forms of written composition.
Writing an interesting story is not an easy task.

d
To write a good story, certain rules should be kept in

ite
mind.

m
Li
• At first, a clear idea of the plot has to be planned out.

ny
• The theme should be interesting.
pa
• Create compelling characters.
om

• Avoid unnecessary repetition and dragging.

• To develop a story from a given outline, care
C

should be taken that no point is omitted and the

d
An

order in which the events are given is maintained.

• Dialogues can be added for giving it a real feel.
nd

• The conclusion of a story plays a vital part. It

ha

determines the quality of a story.

C

• A story should invariably be grammatically

S

accurate and written in simple language.

©

How to develop a story from the given outline

Develop a story from the given outline. Also write the
moral of the story.
An eagle flying high... saw a snake... caught the snake
to eat... snake began coiling... a battle between two...
a man rushed to rescue... released the eagle from the
snake... eagle flew... the furious snake spat venom
into man’s drinking horn... eagle saw it... ignorant
man about to drink... the eagle flew and knocked the
drinking horn... man grateful.
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 Wren Book 7

Now see how to develop a story from the given outline.

One day an eagle was flying high up in the sky. As he glanced towards the ground, he
saw a snake on the branch of a tree. The eagle dived down and caught the snake in his
talons. Then he flew up high into the sky and thought that he would now eat the snake.
The eagle flew for a while and looked around for a spot, and after sometime landed on
a cliff. In the meantime the clever snake had started coiling himself around his talons.
The eagle tried its best to resist him, but failed. A battle broke out between the two
and the eagle seemed helpless.
A traveller who was resting at the far edge of the cliff, heard the cries of the two
creatures. He looked around to see what happened and saw the commotion between
the eagle and the snake. The traveller rushed towards them. He struggled to release
the eagle from the coils of the snake. He was soon able to rescue the eagle. The eagle

d
immediately flew away and sat on a cliff.

ite
The snake was, however, very furious. To take revenge on the man, he spat some

m
venom into the drinking horn of the man. The eagle from far away saw this evil act of

Li
the snake. The man was unaware of what the snake had done. He lifted his drinking

ny
horn to drink some water from it. Just as he was about to drink, the eagle came flying
pa
down and quickly knocked the drinking horn out of the man’s hand. The man was
om

taken aback for some time and then realized that something must have been wrong
with the water. The man thanked the eagle for saving his life and went his way.
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

The moral of the story is: No act of kindness,

no matter how small, is ever wasted.
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 Wren Book 7

Exercises
1. Construct a meaningful story from the outline given below.
A herd of elephants taken to a river daily through a market... one elephant stops
before a tailor’s shop... the tailor gives him a banana... both become friends...
one day tailor gets angry... pricks elephant with needle... elephant brings mud and
squirts on the clothes...

2. Try your hand at writing an original detective story. Come up with a crime,
make your story interesting with clues, and use those clues to come to a logical
conclusion about who committed the crime and why.

Dialogue Writing

d
A dialogue means a conversation or a talk between two or more characters. Dialogue

ite
writing is a form of composition which is useful to master the language. To write

m
effective dialogues, one has to have dramatic power and a lot of imagination because

Li
the writer has to imagine what the characters would exactly speak in a given situation.

ny
Dialogue writing is a useful technique to develop a story into a skit or a drama.
pa
om

How to develop dialogues from stories

• Have a clear idea of what you want your character to say.
C

• Keep the conversation as natural as possible to make it sound appealing to the

d
An

audience.
• Make it interesting and emotionally engaging.
nd

• Let the conversation be brisk and rapid.

ha

• Begin the dialogue in an interesting way to arrest the reader’s attention from the
C

beginning.
S

• Although a free and easy style may be adopted, the dialogues should be
©

grammatically correct.

Take a look at a few specimen.

Read the following story and develop some dialogues based on the story, using your
imagination to make it interesting.
Let us read the following story and compose dialogues.
Ravi and Raj have just finished their board exam. It has been quite hectic for them as
the exam continued for more than a month. Both decide to meet in a café and also
bring their friend, Sunil, along. But Raj says that Sunil has left the town as he has gone
to Andaman Islands for a holiday. Ravi feels sad that he cannot go to any exotic place

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 Wren Book 7

for a holiday as his mother and father cannot take leave from office. Raj feels sorry for
Ravi and tells him not to worry. He tells him that even his parents cannot take leave.
He suggests that they both seek permission from their parents and go to some nearby
place for a holiday.
Ravi : Hi Raj! How are you? How was your exam?
Raj : Hmm, it was fine except History. I really
find History so difficult.
Ravi : Same here. I really find History boring. It’s
so difficult to remember the dates!
Raj : Come on Ravi, let’s not talk about the
exam anymore. It has been a really
hectic month.

d
ite
Ravi : Yes, true. Come, let’s meet in that café in your locality that makes yummy
burgers.

m
Li
Raj : Fine, let’s meet tomorrow.

ny
Ravi : Bring Sunil along. He is so funny, he can entertain us with some of his jokes.
pa
Raj : But don’t you know Sunil has gone to Andaman Islands for a holiday with
his parents?
om

Ravi : Wow! Lucky boy, really. After this exam even I wanted to go somewhere
C

you know?
d
An

Raj : So what happened? Plan. It’s not late as yet.

Ravi : No, my friend, I can’t. I had told my parents. But unfortunately, my mother has
nd

a very important project to submit, and Dad too could not manage to get leave.
ha

They are very sad too.

C

Raj : Yes, my parents also are very busy now. There is no chance that they can take
S

me out for a holiday. But an idea has struck me just now.

©

Ravi : What is it?

Raj : Why not the two of us go somewhere?
Ravi : Do you think we will get permission to go? Just the two of us? I don’t think my
parents will allow that.
Raj : Don’t worry, I will convince them. And we will not go far. We will go to some
nearby hill station. I think they will allow us. We will promise to be good and
careful.
Ravi : Yes, let’s hope so. Come to my house tomorrow. We will talk to my parents
together and seek permission.
Raj : Ok, see you then. We will meet tomorrow.

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 Wren Book 7

Ravi : Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed. Bye.

Exercises
1. Read the poem below by Christina Georgina Rossetti. Then change it into a
dialogue.
‘Ferry me across the water,
Do, boatman, do.’
‘If you’ve a penny in your purse
I’ll ferry you.’
‘I have a penny in my purse,
And my eyes are blue;

d
So ferry me across the water,

ite
Do, boatman, do.’

m
‘Step into my ferry-boat,

Li
Be they black or blue,
And for the penny in your purse
ny
pa
I’ll ferry you.’
om
C

2. Imagine you are meeting a friend after a long gap of ten years. Write dialogues of
d

the conversation that will take place between the two of you.
An

3. Imagine you have the chance to interview any author in the world. Who would you
nd

choose? Write down the questions you would like to ask him/her. Then, answer
ha

the questions as though you are the writer.

C

4. Compose a dialogue between two students coming out of an examination centre.

S
©

5. Write a dialogue between two friends about the advantages and disadvantages of
city life and village life.

6. Write a dialogue between two friends about the importance of reading newspaper.

7. The customer realizes that the shopkeeper is being unfair to him/her. Complete the
dialogue between the two in which the customer makes the shopkeeper realize his
mistake.

8. Ria calls up Ryan to make a plan for the weekend. Write the dialogue between the
two.

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 Wren Book 7

27 Notices
When a large number of people need to be informed
together, we write a notice. A notice is usually displayed
on a noticeboard of a school or an institution or a
society.

d
ite
Important features:

m
• A notice should be written inside a box.

Li
• The word ‘Notice’ should be written on the top.

ny
• The issuing date of the notice should be written at
pa
the top, left-hand side.
om

• The notice must contain a catchy heading.

C

• The name and designation of the issuing authority

d

should be mentioned in the end.

An

• The message of the notice should always be

nd

formal, brief and clear.

ha
C

Specimen notices
S

1. You are Pranav of Class VII, City Public School,

©

Manali. Like every year, your school is hosting a

school fest in which you, as the Cultural Secretary
of the Junior Wing, are responsible for organizing
some musical events. Write a notice to be put
up on the school noticeboard, inviting interested
students of Class IV to Class VIII to give their names
for singing and dancing in the school fest.

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 Wren Book 7

Here is the notice.

Issuing Authority/
City Public School, Manali
Agency
NOTICE
12th September 2019 Date

Sing and Dance in School Fest (Class IV –VIII) Catchy headline

Like every year, our school is organizing a School
Fest from the 15th October to 21st October
Content/Body
2019, where there will be lots of music and
of the notice
dance. Those students who are interested to sing
and dance in this event may submit their names

d
ite
to the undersigned by tomorrow. A screening will
be done after that. Signature of the

m
issuing person;

Li
Pranav (Class VII) Name;

ny
Cultural Secretary(Junior Wing) pa Designation
om

2. You are Mr Mohan Sharma, Secretary of Gangotri Housing Society, Delhi. Draft a
C

notice informing the residents of your society, that there will be no water supply for
d

the next two days due to some repair work in the water tank.
An

Here is the notice.

nd
ha

Gangotri Housing Society, Delhi

C

NOTICE
S

9th August 2019

©

No water supply for two days

All the residents of Gangotri Housing Society are hereby informed that
there will be no water supply for two days w.e.f. 10th August 2019 due to
some urgent and necessary repair work of the water tank.
Inconvenience regretted.
Mohan Sharma
Secretary
Gangotri Housing Society

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 Wren Book 7

Exercises
1. You are Sheetal Sharma, the Secretary of the Science Club of Army Public School,
Patiala. Your school is organizing a Science Exhibition. Draft a notice inviting
students of Classes VI to VIII who are interested to participate, to submit their
names to you within a week.

2. You are Arun Puri, the Centre Head of Rabindranath Tagore Painting Academy,
Murshidabad. Draft a notice inviting children of your city in the age group 11- 14
years, to participate in an on the spot painting competition to be held in your
academy.

3. You are Radhika, the head girl of Doon School, Dehradun. Your school is
organizing an educational trip to Sariska, Rajasthan. Write a notice inviting

d
ite
students to join the tour. Mention the name of the person they need to get in

m
touch with and the amount they need to pay for the trip.

Li
4. You are Daniel of St Thomas school. Write a notice informing about an inter-

ny
school debate competition to be held on a certain day at a certain place.
pa
om

5. Your school is planning to organize a ‘Clean Up’ day where all students will help to
clean up the school premises. Write a notice as the head boy/girl informing about
C

the event and inviting students to participate.

d
An

6. You are the head of your office social/cultural committee, and you are organizing
nd

an event to help employees get to know one another better. Write a notice
informing the employees about the event.
ha
C

7. Write a notice about the suspension of electricity or water supply in your area.
S

8. You are Siya, the head girl of KPS International School. Your school is soon going
©

to publish the annual magazine next month. Write a notice for your school notice
board and invite students to submit write-ups.

9. You are Nikhil, the head boy of International School, Chandigarh. Write a notice
on behalf of your school inviting all the grandparents of the students of your
school to celebrate World Elders Day.

10. You are the secretary of the Nehru library. The management has made changes in
the membership fees and book rental charges from next month. Write a notice that
will be put up on the library notice board and it needs to give all this information
to the students.

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 Wren Book 7

28 Messages
Message is one of the many ways of communication
which is commonly informal. We write messages to
convey some important information to our friends,
family members, neighbours or even the milkman and
the newspaper boy. Messages are sometimes based on

d
ite
telephone conversation too.

m
Important features:

Li
• Messages should be written as briefly as possible.
•
ny
pa
Messages should be written in a simple language.
• The word ‘Message’ should be written on the top.
om

• The date and time should be written on the left-

C

hand side.
d
An

Read the message below.

nd

Santanu is leaving for Delhi, but hasn’t been able to

ha

tell his wife to pay the electric bill and the mobile bills.
C

Since his wife is not at home, he decides to leave a

S

message for his wife. Here is the message Santanu,

©

writes for his wife.

Message
7th July,10.30 am
Manisha,
I am leaving for Delhi urgently. Please pay the
mobile and telephone bills before 15th July.
Bye and take care.
Santanu

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 Wren Book 7

2. Message based on telephone conversation.

Read the following telephone conversation between Sushma and Shalini.
Sushma : Hello! May I know who is speaking? I want to talk to Manav.
Shalini : It’s me, Shalini. Manav has gone to the market. Is anything urgent?
Sushma : Oh, Shalini! I am Sushma. I work with Manav. I am his friend. Can you
take this message for him? It’s urgent.
Shalini : Of course! Tell me what is it?
Sushma : Will you please tell him that Ashwin, a colleague of ours, has met with
an accident? He has been admitted to Vallabh Bhai Hospital and is
going to have a surgery tomorrow morning.
Shalini : Ok Sushma, I’ll give your message, don’t worry. I hope Ashwin is out
of danger.

d
ite
Sushma : Yes, Shalini, he is out of danger now. But he is very weak. Bye. Convey

m
the message to Manav.

Li
Shalini : Yes, I will surely. Good night.

ny
Since Shalini has to leave for her music classes, and she won’t meet Manav, she
pa
decides to write a message for him. Here is the message Shalini writes:
om

Message
C
d

15th June, 8.p.m

An

Manav,
nd

Your friend Sushma called to tell you that Ashwin had met with an accident. He is
ha

admitted to Vallabh Bhai Hospital. He will have an operation tomorrow morning. She
C

told me that he was out of danger, but weak.

S

Bye , Take care!

©

Shalini

Exercises

1. Bipasha is leaving for Raipur for one week. Since she planned the trip suddenly,
she could not inform her neighbour whose house key is with her. Therefore, she
decides to leave a note for Mrs. Sharma, her neighbour, telling her about her
sudden trip and that she has left the key with the caretaker. As Bipasha , write the
message for Mrs Sharma, telling her to collect the keys from the caretaker.

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 Wren Book 7

2. Sandeep forgot to tell his mother that his father informed that he would not come
in the evening. Since he has to leave for his coaching classes, he leaves a message
for his mother telling her not to wait for his father in the evening. Write down this
message on behalf of Sandeep.

3. Following is a telephone conversation between Priya and Deepa.

Priya : Hello! This is Deepa calling. Can I speak to Aryan?
Deepa : Deepa! This is Priya. Aryan has gone to the market. You can tell me,
I’ll convey your message to him.
Priya : Deepa, will you please tell Aryan that I will wait for him near Market 2,
C R Park with the Science Project copy? Tell him to meet me there at
10.30 am sharp tomorrow as I have to leave for Manali at 11.00 am.

d
Deepa : Sure, I will tell him that. Anything else?

ite
Priya : No, thank you.

m
Li
Deepa has to leave for his work. So she leaves a message for Aryan. Write this

ny
message for him. pa
4. Read the following telephone conversation between Vinita and Mr Mehra.
om

Vinita : Hello! Can I speak to Nikhil? This is Vinita calling.

C

Mr Mehra : Vinita, Nikhil is not at home. Is anything urgent? I am his uncle, you
d

can give me the message.

An

Vinita : Uncle, will you please tell Nikhil that the party which we planned for
nd

tomorrow has been postponed? We shall have it next Saturday.

ha

Mr Mehra : Sure, I will tell him. Don’t worry. Anything else?

C

Vinita : No, that’s all. Thank you, Uncle.

S

On behalf of Mr Mehra, write a message for Nikhil because Mr Mehra will go away
©

before Nikhil comes home.

SMS
Short Message Service or SMS is commonly referred to as text messaging. It is the most
common and convenient way of sending messages in the modern time. Nowadays,
mobile phone is an integral commodity and SMS is a useful service component
provided by telephone and mobile services.

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 Wren Book 7

Important features:

• A message in SMS cannot contain more than 160 characters.

• An SMS needs to be short and precise.
• Keep in mind that the message is clear. Take care that the message doesn’t get
lost while using too many short words.
• SMS allows some shortened form of words, e.g., coz’ is used in place of ‘because’.

Here are a few specimen.

1. 2.
Will b late 4 home. Cannot come to office today
Don’t wait 4 dinner. bcoz of fever. Plz inform the

d
boss.

ite
m
Exercises

Li
1. Write an SMS to your friend telling him to meet you at Connaught Place at 2.00

ny
pm as you have bought tickets for a movie. pa
2. Write an SMS to your colleague telling him that your brother is not well. So you
om

will be late for office today as you will have to take him to the hospital.
C
d

3. Write an SMS to the secretary of your family physician asking her to fix an
An

appointment with the doctor on 8th September 2019.

nd

4. Write an SMS to your aunt telling her that you will be coming to visit her during
ha

your summer vacation.

C

5. Write an SMS to your school friends informing

S

them about the change in your birthday party

©

venue.

6. You are getting late for your friend’s party. Write

a message informing him/her about the same and
about your expected time of arrival.

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 Wren Book 7

29 Reports
A report is written to provide an eyewitness account of
certain happenings or events.

Important features:

d
• A report should always have a good headline to

ite
attract the attention of the readers.

m
• A report should be written after careful observation

Li
including all important details.

ny
• A report should be brief and precise and should
pa
avoid ornamental use of words.
om

• The reporter’s name should be placed below the

C

headline.
d

• The report should be written as a third person

An

account.
nd

• Personal opinion of the writer should be avoided

while writing a report.
ha
C

How to go about it
S
©

The key elements of a news report are:

1. Headline
• Catches your attention
• Sums up the story
2. Byline
• Writer’s name
• Writer’s specility, e.g. sports, for current events
3. Placeline
• Where the story begins

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 Wren Book 7

4. Lead
• The opening section
• Gives most important information
• Should answer most of the 5W’s (where, when, what, why, who)
5. Body
• Supplies detail
• Most important details come first
• Adds ‘at the scene’ feeling

Here are a few reports for your understanding.

1. Draft a report on a tragic train accident, to be published in a leading newspaper.

d
You are Anurag Chaturbedi.

ite
m
Key points

Li
• Place and appropriate time of the incident

ny
• Name of the trains pa
• Route
om

• Persons injured and killed

•
C

Details of the incident as per the eyewitness

d

• Police enquiry
An
nd

Train Accident Kills Five and Leaves Many Injured

ha

By: Anurag Chaturbedi

C

Gopalganj, May 7th

S
©

The Himgiri Express bound for Bhopal from Darbhanga in Bihar was derailed
today in the early morning at about four. Most of the passengers were fast asleep
when they suddenly felt the jolt. Several bogies got detached and fell off the tracks
injuring more than a hundred according to the official report. Five persons are
reported to have been killed according to the official report. According to the
eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at around 4 a.m. in the morning, when the
farmers who had already come to their paddy fields saw the train coming very fast
and getting suddenly derailed. The villagers immediately rushed to the rescue of the
victims before the officials from the railway department reached the accident site.
An inquiry has been set up to find out the cause of the accident.

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2. You are Anshul Arora, the Science Club Secretary of St Peter’s English Medium
School, Dibrugarh. Write a report on the recent Interschool Science Exhibition that
was held in your school.

Key points
• Date and venue
• Number of participating schools
• Winners of the event
• Guests and the prize distribution

Interschool Science Exhibition Competition

d
By: Anshul Arora

ite
St Peter’s English Medium School, July 10

m
Li
An Interschool Science Exhibition was held in our school conference hall on the 9th

ny
and 10th of July. Twelve schools from the city participated in this exhibition. Each
pa
school presented four displays out of which some were charts and some models.
om

There were some working models too. The judges were Science teachers who came
from Kendriya Vidyalaya.
C

There were two groups of display. In one, only the charts were presented while
d
An

in the second group models were displayed. The first prize was bagged by the
students of Sarojini Naidu Girls’ School. The second and third prize went to
nd

the boys of DAV Public School. Our school bagged a prize for the Best
ha

Working Model.
C

The District Commissioner graced the occasion as the chief guest and also
S

gave away the prize to the winners.

©

3. As Prasad, draft a report on the recent cyclone that claimed lives in your city.

Key points
• Location
• The shocking experience
• Describe the fearful situation
• Rescue work and relief provided

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 Wren Book 7

Hudhud Cyclone hits the coastal city of Vishkapatnam

By: Prasad
Name, place, date:
Yesterday, the coastal
city of Vishakapatnam
in Andhra Pradesh was
hit by a severe cyclone,
Hudhud. It tore through
the city, bringing the
bustling city of 20 lakh
people to a halt and
causing damage worth

d
ite
` 21,908 crore, according

m
to the Andhra Pradesh

Li
government.

ny
Shortly before landfall near Visakhapatnam, Hudhud reached its peak strength
pa
with speeds of 175 km/h. Then it moved northwards towards Uttar Pradesh and
om

Nepal. It caused the deaths of 124 people, mostly in Andhra Pradesh and Nepal.
The cyclone also caused avalanches and heavy snowfall in Nepal.
C
d

The cyclone sent hoardings and tin roofs flying like saucers in Vishakhapatnam.
An

The streets were covered with broken glass in no time. Many statues toppled, and
electricity and telephone poles were also knocked down. Big trees were uprooted.
nd

This was accompanied by heavy rainfall which lashed the city. All essential services
ha

were disrupted. All government authorities, NGOs and volunteers have begun relief
C

work in the city.

S
©

4. Write a news report on the recent success of Indian cricket as a sports reporter.

Another win, another celebration

Name of the student
The Indian cricket team, on Saturday, added another feather to its cap by winning
the 16th Inter Asian Cricket tournament. The captain, M S Dhoni, scored a century
in the match against Sri Lanka in the city of Mohali. In the last over, he scored a
sixer and Sri Lanka lost the match by four wickets. Kohli took five wickets. In the Sri
Lankan team, the captain Angelo Mathews gave tough competition to the Indian
team. After this win, Team India now looks forward to their next tournament in
Australia and is already preparing to keep the winning streak on.
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 Wren Book 7

Exercises
1. On Monday, some boys of your school were beaten badly outside the school gate
by some outsiders just after the school got over. You are Pranay, the school prefect
and also an eyewitness. Your teacher has asked you to write a report on whatever
happened.

Key points
• Place and time
• The boys involved
• Kind of misbehaviour
• How did it end

d
ite
2. Write a report on the earthquake that rocked Nepal.

m
Li
3. Imagine you are the reporter of a sport daily. Write an article about a person who

ny
has received the first position in her/his sport in a prestigious sports event.
pa
4. Write a book report, noting the name of the book, the author, the major
om

characters, the setting of the book and a short summary of the book.
C

5. Write a report on a famous explorer, describing the area(s) that the person
d
An

explored, when the expedition(s) traveled, highlights of the trip(s), why they chose
the routes they did, and the results of the exploration.
nd
ha

6. Publishing India Company organized a one day workshop on creative writing

skills. As a Literary Captain of your school, write a report to be published in
C

school magazine.
S
©

7. Your school organized World Environment Day recently. Write a report to be

published in the school magazine.

8. You are a reporter of a famous newspaper. You were asked to cover the health
camp organized by the Ayush Ministry at Public Stadium, Agra. Write a report on
the same.

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 Wren Book 7

30 Personal Diary
Personal diary is where we express our personal
thoughts, feelings and opinions in our own ways.
Important features:

• There is no rigid rule for writing a diary.

d
ite
• However the day, date and the time should be

m
written on the left-hand corner of the page.

Li
• One can use imagination and creativity while

ny
writing a diary entry.
pa
• One can write a diary page about anything, even the
om

most mundane happenings of life.

• While writing a diary, it should be like as if we are
C

talking to the diary.

d
An

• This is where we can pour out our personal

thoughts about any happenings or incidents of
nd

our life.
ha

Format
C
S

Day, Date
©

Time

Dear Diary, Opening

Body

ABC Writer’s name

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 Wren Book 7

Here are a few diary notes for your understanding.

1. Today was a very special day in your life. You have won the interstate badminton
championship and have been selected to go to Delhi to play the national
championship. Write a page in your diary expressing your joy.

Wednesday, 17th May

10.00 pm

It has been one of the best days of my life today. I had a very important
match today. I prayed in the morning. This time I really wanted to win the
match. Remember, last year I was so upset after losing? But today was

d
ite
my day. I defeated Kiran Mehra and won the title of State Badminton
Champion. And the best thing? I am leaving for Delhi next month to play

m
Li
the national championship. Oh, how happy I am! I don’t know how to hold
my joy!

ny
pa
om

2. You have fought with your best friend today. You are feeling extremely sad after
C

that. Write a page in your diary expressing your feelings.

d
An

Monday, 14th March

nd
ha

9.30 pm
C
S

Vishakha and I have been friends since nursery. I have always shared all
©

my secrets, my joys, my griefs, my fears with her. I never ever thought

that we will have to part with each other like this. It was so strange that
she didn’t believe me and she thought that I was lying. I couldn’t bear the
pain that my best friend doesn’t trust me anymore. The fight that we
had today was the saddest thing that ever happened in my life. I don’t
know if ever we can be friends again.

Feeling heartbroken….

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 Wren Book 7

Exercises
1. You have recently been selected for an ad film and your shooting starts tomorrow.
You are feeling very excited about it. Write a page in your diary expressing your
excitement.

2. You had a very bad fight with your sister today as she complained to your mother
about the punishment you got in school today. Write a page in your diary
expressing your anger and disappointment.

3. Write a diary entry about one of your acts of bravery.

4. Write a diary entry about one of your achievements.

d
5. Write a diary entry about a day when you felt sad.

ite
m
6. Write a diary entry about a day when you felt very happy.

Li
7. You have been distracted from your studies and have not performed well in the

ny
half-yearly exams. Write a diary entry describing why this has happened and your
pa
resolution to do better in future.
om
C
d
An
nd
ha
C
S
©

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 Wren Book 7

31 Brochures
Brochure is a document that contains summarized
or introductory information about an organization,
company or an institution.
Brochures are also made to raise awareness or

d
champion a cause. They can be used to promote nearly

ite
any service.

m
Li
Important features:

ny
• A brochure should contain all the necessary
pa
information.
om

• It should be colourful and attractive.

C

• It should be able to reach the target audience.

d
An

• Layout and design is important in a brochure.

nd

See the following brochure specimen:

ha
C

Design a brochure for Nrityangan Dance Academy

giving the following details.
S
©

Points
• Location
• Courses offered and course fee
• Course duration
• Timings
• Contact details

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 Wren Book 7

d
ite
m
Li
Exercises
ny
pa
1. Design a brochure for Happy Hours Play School , Noida, giving the following
details.
om

• Location
C

• Admission time
d
An

• Timings
• Age group
nd

• Contact details
ha
C

2. Design a brochure for a tourist place giving details of:

S

• Importance as a tourist place

©

• Location
• Important places to visit
• Brief description of each place

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 Wren Book 7

32 Lists
A list can be termed an ordered collection which is
written in a proper sequence. It is a useful medium to
remember certain information.
Important features:

d
ite
• Lists are written to attract attention and for easy

m
reading.

Li
• One needs to listen attentively to include every item

ny
which needs to be listed.
pa
• A list can be written in different ways.
• Lists can be numbered or bulleted.
om

• Do not mix up between numbered and bulleted

C

lists.
d

• Avoid unnecessary punctuation of list items.

An
nd

See the following examples.

ha

Madhu is going to an excursion with her friends. She

C

asks her mother to pack the backpack for her. Listen

to the following conversation between Madhu and her
S

mother and then prepare a list of items that her mother

©

needs to pack.
Madhu : Mom, please pack the bag for me.
Mother : Okay Madhu, I will. Just tell me the things
you need.
Madhu : Toothpaste, comb, sunscreen, two pairs of
jeans, two shirts.
Mother : Is that all? Don’t you also need a pair of
sandals?
Madhu : Oh, yes! And also talcum powder and a towel.
Mother : Okay, fine. I am packing your backpack.
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 Wren Book 7

LIST:
• Toothpaste • Shirts – 2
• Comb • Sandals
• Sunscreen • Talcum powder
• Jeans – 2 pairs • Towel

Exercises
1. Following is an instruction of the Physical Education teacher who wants you
to follow a certain routine for an upcoming tennis tournament. Listen to his

d
instructions carefully and make a list of the things you need to do.

ite
Wake up at five o’clock in the morning and go for a morning walk. After a one

m
Li
hour walk, come back and drink a glass of warm water, mixed with lemon and
honey. Take some deep breaths and exercise for half an hour. Eat nutritious

ny
breakfast and then come to school. Don’t forget to bring your tennis racket.
pa
om

2. Ravi’s mother asked him to do the following while she is away. Listen carefully to
what she says and make a list of things Ravi needs to do.
C

Ravi, I am going to Amritsar for two weeks. While I am away you need to do
d
An

certain things. Please pay ` 500 for my mobile bill. Tell your dad to bring the mixer
grinder from the shop which I have given for repair. Pay ` 2000 to the maid and
nd

also ask her to wash all the clothes which are there in the washing machine. Bring
ha

some vegetables from the market. Tell the newspaper boy to stop giving The Times
C

of India for the next two weeks. And please don’t forget to tell
S

Mrs Durani that I will not be able to attend her son’s birthday party.
©

3. Imagine you are writing a list of environment-friendly New Year’s resolutions and
make a list of ten things you want to do to help improve the environment.

4. Hike is a delightful way to explore nature with friends and family. You are getting
into day hiking. While you’re packing, make a hiking checklist to make sure you
don’t forget anything important. Keep in mind the following: clothing, gear, food
and water.

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 Wren Book 7

33 Letters and emails

Formal Letters
Letter writing is one of the most common and oldest
forms of communication. It is one of the most essential
parts of our day-to-day life. Therefore, it is necessary to

d
learn this indispensable technique.

ite
Broadly we can classify letters into two types:

m
1. Formal letters

Li
2. Informal letters

ny
pa
Features of a formal letter
om

• 
Formal letters are written for business and official
C

purposes.
d

• 
The language used in formal letters should be
An

simple but formal.

nd

• The idea conveyed should be precise and clear.

ha

• Appropriate format should be used.

C

• F ormal letters do not allow the use of any kind of

S

personal touch, e.g. in a formal letter we do not

©

use words like, ‘Hi’, How are you?’ etc.

Format of a Formal Letter

The various parts of a letter are as follows:
• The Beginning • The Subject
• The Salutation • The Body
• The Subscription • The Supersciption
• In a formal letter, the Beginning comprises the
sender’s address, the address of the addressee and
the date.
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 Wren Book 7

• Subject in a formal letter gives the main topic on which the letter is written in brief.
• The Salutation in a formal letter is generally, Dear Sir or Dear Madam.
• The Body, which is the main part of the letter, comprises the main content of the
letter. Here the purpose of the letter should be communicated in a neat and clear
manner.
• The Subscription is written to end the letter in a polite way. For example, we end the
letter with a phrase like Yours faithfully, or Yours truly, etc.
• The Superscription is the address of the person to for whom we are sending the letter
which is written on the envelope. It should be neat and complete so that the letter
reaches its correct destination.
See the following examples.
1. Write a letter to the postmaster complaining about the delay in delivering the

d
ite
letters by the postman of your area. You are Suman.

m
Li
6/5 Kumud Colony Sender’s full

ny
address (name
Mahabalipuram pa not included)
om

6th August 2019 Date

C
d

The Postmaster
An

Receiver’s full
Kumud Colony address (name
not included)
nd

Mahabalipuram
ha

Subject: Complain about the delay in getting letters Subject

C
S

Dear Sir, Salutation

©

This is to bring to your notice that for the past few months,
letters are not being delivered to us on time. This is creating a
lot of inconvenience to all the residents of 6/5 Kumud Colony. Body of the
Last week I missed an interview for a job as the call letter letter
reached only today. This is an earnest request to you to look
into the matter and ensure timely delivery

With regards, Subscription

Suman Signature

171
 2. Write a letter to the Managing Director of your school inviting him to become
the chief guest at your school on the annual function to be held on the
16th December 2019. You are Neeraj, the cultural secretary of the school.

KVS School,
Thiruvanantapuram,

25th November, 2019

The Managing Director

KVS School
Thiruvanantapuram

d
ite
Subject: Invitation for Chief Guest on 16th December 2019

m
Li
Dear Sir,

ny
As the cultural secretary of the school, it is my privilege to invite
pa
you to our school annual function to grace the occasion as the Chief
om

Guest. The function will be held on 16th of December in the school

auditorium.
C
d
An

We shall feel greatly indebted to you for an early acceptance of this

request.
nd
ha

With regards,
C

Yours Sincerely,
S

Neeraj
©

Cultural Secretary
KVS School, Thiruvavantapuram

172

Wren Book 7 Chapters 20 to 33.indd 172 18-09-2019 04:50:11 PM

 Wren Book 7

Exercises
1. Write a letter to the Principal of your school requesting him/her to arrange extra
classes for Mathematics. You are Samuel of Class VII.

2. Write a letter to the Inspector of Police in your town, complaining about the
nuisance caused by some boys of other localities in your locality. You are Diya
Rajput.

3. Write a letter to the manager of a toy shop in your town complaining about the
quality of a building set which you recently bought from his shop.

4. Write a letter to Mr Arnab Sen, a noted Quiz Master, inviting him to conduct a
quiz show in your school on the occasion of Science week.

d
ite
5. Write a formal letter to your principal, requesting a few days off from school due

m
to an important family event. Make sure to give necessary details, such as, when

Li
you will be going, for how long and why.

ny
pa
Writing an Email
om

An email is the most modern way to communicate. It is also the fastest and cheapest
C

means of communicating. It is therefore essential to learn the skills of writing an email.

d

Writing an email is an art.

An

We must keep the following points in mind while writing an email.

nd

• Give a subject to your email which tells the reader what the email is about.
ha

• A mail, like a letter, starts with a greeting like that of a formal letter.
C
S

• Address the person correctly in a formal email. Example: Dear Sir/Ma’m,

©

Respected Sir/Ma’m, etc.

• While writing to a friend, however you can use ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’.
• Write in short what you want to convey.
• An email is generally ended with a short sentence, e.g. ‘Hope to hear from
you soon’.
• Sign off with respect. Example: Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely, etc.
• Sign off with your full name.

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 Wren Book 7

See the following examples:

From
To [email protected]
Cc
Sub Information required

12 August 2019 15:09:34

Dear Mr Mathur

d
ite
I am writing this to ask you for some information regarding the art
competition that is going to be held in your school on 20th August.

m
Li
Could you please give me the following information?

ny
• Number of students per group allowed to join in this competition
pa
• The materials to be provided by you for the competition
om

• Reporting time
• Duration of the competition
C
d

Looking forward to hear from you at the earliest.

An

Thank you.
nd

Rumki Chatterjee
ha
C
S
©

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 Wren Book 7

From
To [email protected]
Cc
Sub Appointment required

5th September 2019

Dear Ms Jayati,
I am requesting you to arrange an appointment with Dr Neelesh

d
Chatterjee on 1st October. The details of the patient are as follows:

ite
Patient’s name - Ravi Narayan

m
Age – 18 years

Li
Problem – chest pain
Last visit – 31st October
ny
pa
om

Kindly fix the appointment and let me know via email as soon as possible
because I live in Pune and I have to book tickets to visit the doctor with
C

my brother Ravi.
d
An

Thanks and regards

nd

Rohit
ha
C
S

Exercises
©

1. Write an email to a penfriend telling him/her about an interesting incident

witnessed by you.
2. Write an email to Priya, the curator, to make some enquiries of The State Museum
as you want to visit the museum with some students of your class.
3. Write an email to the customer care supervisor of an online shopping site
complaining about a defective product that you recently bought from them.
4. Write an email to Mr John apologizing for your delay in replying to his email, giving
reasons for the same.
5. Write an email to your friend in London telling him that soon you are planning to
visit him there.
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 Wren Book 7

34 Words
Prepositional Phrases
Certain verbs, nouns and adjectives are always
followed by particular prepositions. Read the following
sentences, noting the correct preposition after each

d
word in italics.

ite
m
A

Li
It occurs to me that it is dinner time.

ny
His dinner disagreed with him.
pa
People will laught at you if you put on this dress.
om

Pavlova excels in dancing.

C

The dacoits escaped from jail.

d
An

The King of England rules over many millions.

They were supplied with the necessaries of life.
nd

It is a pleasure to deal with him.

ha

At last fortune smiled on him.

C

The viceroy subscribed a handsome sum to the

S

Relief Fund.
©

The patient is now free from pain.

India abounds in mineral wealth.
The words do not admit of such a construction.
The soldiers were confined to barracks.
The doctor cured him of asthma.
The accused pleaded for mercy.
The king bestowed many favours on his vizier.
He is lost to all sense of shame.
The teacher impressed on us the value of discipline.

176
 Wren Book 7

Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves.

The magistrate acquitted him of the charge against him.
His followers conspired against him.
The defendant appealed against the judgment of the
lower court.
His followers betrayed him to his enemies.
His friends condoled with him in his bereavement.

B
The governor conferred with his ministers.
God has conferred on us gifts without number.

d
Only a few cricketers can be compared with Ranji.

ite
Poets often compare love to madness.

m
We arrived in Kolkata early in the morning.

Li
We arrived at the station just in time for the train.
We should accommodate ourselves to circumstances.
ny
pa
My friend accommodated me with a loan.
om

He quarrelled with me over a trifle.

C

He introduced me to his brother.

d
An

He insisted on an explanation.
He reconciled himself to his lot.
nd

He readily complied with my request.

ha

He promptly replied to my letter.

C

He grieved over his dead friend.

S

He dispensed with the services of his dishonest clerk.

©

He valued the diamond at ` 50,000.

He values himself on his conversational powers.
He lives close to my house.
He thought it prudent to withdraw from the contest.
He is accused of stealing.
He is popular with the boys.
He has a great contempt for lying.
He takes a pride in his work.

177
 Wren Book 7

C
He had his revenge on his enemies. He was worried over the mistake.
He was surprised at meeting me there. He has a grudge against me.
He prevailed on me to attend the meeting. He prevailed over me in the dispute.
He parted from his friends in high spirits. He parted with his property.
He died of cancer. He died by his own hand.
He acted from fear. He acted upon my suggestion.
He acted under compulsion. He prized himself on his skill in billiards.
He refreshed himself with a cup of tea. He yielded to superior force.
He sided with the minority. He succeeded to the throne of his uncle.
He succeeded in the undertaking. He agreed to my proposal.

d
ite
He referred to his watch for the exact time. He supplied the poor with clothing.

m
He concealed the facts from me. He fought against his enemies.

Li
ny
D pa
He complained of the injustice done to him. He complained to the headmaster.
om

He acceded to my request. He abstains from liquor.

C

He depends on his own efforts. He delights in mischief.

d

He deals in Indian goods. He has retired from business.

An

He has retired into private life. He has recovered from his illness.
nd

He has provided for his children. He has glanced over the whole book.
ha

He has failed in arithmetic. He has applied for a bad cold.

C

He has invited his friends to dinner. He is labouring under a misapprehension.

S

He is competing for the prize. He is suffering from neuralgia.

©

He has no special liking for mathematics. He is ill with fever.

He is somewhat susceptible to flattery. He was talking with (or to) a friend.
He has offended against the law of the land. He has invested his money in gilt-edged securities.
He has borrowed money of (or from) several people.

E
He was inquiring for the teacher.
He was inquiring after your health.
He has great confidence in himself.

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 Wren Book 7

He has great influence over his disciples.

He has hardly any influence with the collector.
He has considerable advantage over his competitors.
He has a prejudice against foreigners.
The police are inquiring into the matter.
He has no affection for his parents.
He has made no allowance for short weight.
He has preferred a complaint against his neighbour.
He shows great aptitude for business.
He proved faithless to his chief.
The cat became impatient for milk.

d
ite
He was found guilty of manslaughter.

m
He is acquitted of the charge against him.

Li
He is intent on mischief.

ny
He is reduced to despair. pa
He has lost control over his horse.
om

He is free with his money.

C

He is bent on mischief.
d

He is careless of his dress.

An

He is incapable of such conduct.

nd

He is acquainted with all the details of the transaction.

ha

He is kind to the poor.

C

F
S
©

He is married to my cousin. He is fond of work.

He is partial to his friends. He is sensible of your kindness.
He is tired of life. He is true to his king.
He is worthy of remembrance. He is very ready at excuses.
He is certain of one prize. He is involved in difficulties.
He is charged with disorderly behaviour. He is engaged to my cousin.
He is related to me. He was accused of theft.
He was surprised into a full avowal. I was greatly surprised at his appearance.
He was recompensed for the trouble. He was annoyed with the servant.
He was punished for misconduct. He was tired with travelling so far.
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 Wren Book 7

He was blamed for the accident. She was dressed in a white saree.
He was blamed for the delay. He was charged with murder.
He was presented with a medal.

G
He was warned of the danger. He was not afraid of death.
He was angry with me. He was busy with his work.
He was displeased with me. He was annoyed at my remark.
He was disgusted at the sight. He was cautioned against the man.
The godown is infested with rats. The whole family is involved in the theft.
The auditor is entitled to remuneration. I prefer tea to coffee.

d
I grieve for you in your trouble. I rejoice at his good fortune.

ite
I congratulate you on your promotion. I protest against this measure.

m
Li
I always bathe in cold water. I object to your remark.

ny
I blush at your misconduct. I beg of you to forgive me.
I beg leave to differ from you.
pa
I don’t care for what he says.
om

I don’t concur with you. I don’t agree with you.

I don’t agree to your proposal.
C
d

H
An

I take exception to your remark. I have no leisure for idle talk.

nd

I have a high regard for his judgment. I have been familiar with him for years.
ha

I have accustomed myself to early rising. I have complained against him to my father.
C

I have nothing to repent of. I will never submit to indignity.

S

I will not hide the truth from you. I am obliged to you for your kindness.
©

I am not envious of his wealth. I am delighted with the prize.

I am anxious about his health. I am anxious to avoid mistakes.
I am sorry for your misfortune. I will look into the matter.
I am convinced of the necessity of prudence. I am disgusted at his cowardice.
I am disgusted with him. I am fond of chocolates.
I am prepared for anything. I am proud of your friendship.
I am careful of the rights of others. I yield to none in respect for law.

180
 Wren Book 7

I
I am tired of playing cards. I am sick of flattery.
I am in favour of protection. I was ignorant of his intentions.
I was prevented from going. I was astonished at his impudence.
I warned him of the danger. I warned him against speculation.
I called at his office yesterday. I called on him in the afternoon.
I waited on him at his office. I waited for his reply.
I laughed at his jokes. I foolishly counted on his help.
I foolishly relied on his word. I inquired of all that were present.
I reminded him of his promise. I explained to him the real state of affairs.
I purposely refrained from saying more. I insisted on his leaving my room.

d
ite
I assented to his proposal. I voted for the proposition.

m
I voted against the proposition. I yield to none in appreciation of his merits.

Li
I inquired of the servant if his master I exchanged my calculator for

ny
was at home. his camera.
pa
om

J
C

I would not wish for anything better. I am not satisfied with your explanation.
d

We must conform to the regulations. We landed at New York on the 15th.

An

We rejoiced at his success. We are all subject to the laws of nature.

nd

We should feel for the poor. We should profit by experience.

ha

We should all aim at excellence. We are responsible to God for our actions.
C

We are accountable to God for our actions. We are well provided with money.
S

He is engaged in the banking business. He is engaged to my cousin.

©

He is dependent on his parents. He is disgusted with his son.

He is contented with his lot. He is desirous of fame.
He is alive to his own interests. He is annoyed with his son.
He is annoyed at his teacher’s words. He is aware of all the facts.
We should provide against the risk of fire He is not afraid of work.
by insuring our goods.

K
He is not averse to (or from) hard work. He is abstemious in eating and drinking.
He is bound by a contract. He is dissatisfied with his lot.
181
 Wren Book 7

He is grateful to his master for his favours. He is ignorant of what he pretends to know.
He is indebted to his friend for a large sum. He is insensible to pity.
He is indignant at his rude behaviour. He is jealous of his reputation.
He is displeased with his assistant. He is proud of his son.
He is eager for distinction. He is eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
He is faithful to his master. He is known for his philanthropy.
He is known to many people. He is liable to a fine.
He is liable for his wife’s debts. He is mistaken in his belief.
He is obedient to his parents. He is opposed to the proposed scheme.
He is offended with me. He is possessed of a large fortune.
He is possessed with the idea that he is a poet.

d
ite
L

m
Li
He is proof against temptation. He is prompt in carrying out orders.

ny
He is ready in answering. He is ready for the journey.
He is occupied in writing lettes.
pa
He is occupied with some important matter.
om

He is resolved on leaving school. He is reconciled with his brother.

He is safe from his enemies. He is entitled to a hearing.
C

He is vain of his attainments. He is deficient in common sense.

d
An

He is quick at taking offence. He is quick to take offence.

He is vexed with me. He is fit for nothing.
nd

He is weak in mathematics. He is familiar with the works of Kalidas.

ha

He is unfit for hard work. He is careful in speech.

C

He is weary of reading. He is indifferent to his own interests.

S
©

He is not ashamed of his conduct. He is not ashamed to beg.

He was given a reception suitable to his high position.

M
He is angry with his son. He is proficient in mathematics.
He is backward in arithmetic. He is devoid of sense.
He is confident of success. He is blessed with children.
He is blind to his own interests. He is blind of one eye.
He is suspicious of all his neighbours. He is in need of a watchman.
He is lacking in courage. He is a slave to ambition.
182
 Wren Book 7

He is grateful to his patron. He is lacking both in sense and self-respect.

He is shocked at your behaviour. He is wanting in common sense.
He has a grudge against me. He has a spite against me.
He has a prejudice against me. He has taken a great dislike to me.
He has a great fondness for music. He has a passion for arguing.
He has a taste for painting. He has a peculiar aptitude for business.
He has conceived an aversion to all He is conscious of his shortcoming in that
kinds of profitable labour. respect.

N
He felt the need of a better education. He provided false to his friend.

d
He partook of our lowly fare. He laid all the facts before his solicitor.

ite
He laid claim to the estate. He stood surety for a friend.

m
He felt sorry for the orphans. He rescued the child from danger.

Li
He indulged in strong language. He confided the secret to an intimate friend.
He listened to what I said.
ny
He was prepared for anything.
pa
He was ill repaid for his kindness. He was convicted of robbery.
om

He was overcome with joy. He was accompanied by his sister.

C

He was ambitious of distinction. He was bigoted in his opinions.

d
An

He was born of poor parents. He was condemned to death.

He was deaf to their entreaties. He was diffident of success.
nd

He was hostile to our plans. He was indulgent to his children.

ha

He was disqualified for the scholarship on account of his age.

C
S

O
©

The highway is free for all.

The thief was found to be innocent of the murder.
The stories in the book are full of interest.
The avaricious man is greedy of gain.
The hall is suitable for holding public meetings.
The children are entrusted to the care of their uncle.
The police is entrusted with the enforcement of law and order.
The Taj Mahal is superior to every other mausoleum.
The concrete used in building is formed of sand, mixed with pebbles and cemented with lime.

183
 Wren Book 7

The canker-worm is a caterpillar destructive to plants and their leaves.

The form and structure of nests are adapted to the wants and habits of each species.
The Atlantic separates Europe from America.
The woods are inhabited by many wild animals.
The goat subsists on the coarsest of food.
The true gentleman is courteous and affable to his neighbours.
The Assyrians were acquainted with the art of inlaying.
The African elephant is now confined to Central Africa.
The income derived from the ownership of land is commonly called rent.
The Moors were famous for their learning and their skill in all kinds of industry.
The ancient Greeks seem to have been much addicted to the bottle.

d
The cat appears to have originated in Egypt or in the East.

ite
The holy tree is associated with scenes of goodwill and rejoicing.

m
Li
P

ny
Attend to what your teacher says. pa
Beware of pickpockets.
om

Don’t associate with disreputable people.

C

Don’t be impatient of reproof.

d

Don’t take hold of my hand.

An

Pay great attention to correct pronunciation.

nd

Select any article you like from this box.

ha

Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst.

C

Trust in God.
S

Pray to God.
©

Deliver us from evil.

Save me from my friends.
Take care of the pence; the pounds will take care of themselves.
Have nothing to do with one who jests at what you or others think sacred.
Let the cobbler stick to his last.
Innocence is not proof against scandal.
True charity does not consist in alms-giving.
Death does not distinguish between the rich and the poor.
Recently there has been a reduction in the price of sugar.
It will not be convenient for me to call on him tomorrow.
184
 Wren Book 7

Will Monday be convenient to you?

Birbal is celebrated for his witty sayings.
His name is familiar to all in our village.
They were waylaid and robbed of their valuables.
This street is ill adapted for motor traffic.

Q
The two questions are quite separate; one is quite separate from
the other.
He has good cause for rejoicing.
Darkness was the cause of his losing his way.

d
His manner partakes of insolence.

ite
He was discharged as there was no proof of his guilt.

m
It is always well to look at people when addressing them.

Li
He will not look at the offer.

ny
A child is not always able to distinguish good from evil.
pa
Some people cannot endure the taste of onions.
om

Adam assigned to every creature a name peculiar to its nature.

C

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it.

d

His manners prejudiced me against him.

An

There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek.

nd

Men are perhaps as different from one another; as the regions in which they are
ha

born are different.

C

His talk smells of the shop.

S

His actions accord with his words.

©

Temperance and employment are conducive to health.

Nothing conduces to happiness so much as contentment.
Oil is good for burns.
Invalids are not capable of continued exertion.
Pictures appeals to the eye.
Difficulties are liable to occur.
Alcohol is injurious to health.
It is rude to stare at people.
It is an offence against the law.

185
 Wren Book 7

Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.
1. This machine is well adapted __________________ its purpose.
2. I have no further need __________________ your help.
3. He was disqualified __________________ the scholarship.
4. We are glad __________________ your success.
5. Your performance does not accord __________________ your promises.
6. A wise man profits __________________ experience.
7. I have a picture similar __________________ yours.

d
8. He is very different __________________ what I expected.

ite
9. You may rely __________________ what he says.

m
Li
10. I cannot agree __________________ any such proposal.

Exercise 2
ny
pa
om

Complete the sentences with suitable prepositions.

1. He is eager __________________ wealth and careless __________________ reputation.
C
d

2. You will be sorry __________________ your mistake.

An

3. The king bestowed __________________ him high honours.

nd

4. They conferred __________________ each other for a long time.

ha

5. I prefer death __________________ dishonour.

C

6. Don’t be a surety __________________ another.

S
©

7. His face is familiar __________________ me.

8. He is familiar __________________ many Hindu customs.
9. My cousin died __________________ consumption.
10. No cat is averse __________________ fish.

Exercise 3
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.
1. Lawyers profit __________________ people’s quarrels.
2. Rama quarrelled __________________ Hari but he is now reconciled __________________ him.

186
 Wren Book 7

3. I like the taste __________________ mangoes.

4. He has no taste __________________ music.
5. I shall wait __________________ the collector and lay my case __________________ him.
6. He waited __________________ the train.
7. I have been warned __________________ moneylenders.
8. He was warned __________________ the danger in good time.
9. The magistrate acquited him __________________ the charge.
10. I did not think him capable __________________ it.

Exercise 4

d
Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

ite
m
1. Myanmar is very rich __________________ oil.

Li
2. The elephant is faithful __________________ his mahout.

ny
3. He has to prove his worth __________________ his patron.
pa
4. His father is displeased __________________ him.
om

5. He was born __________________ Kolkata __________________ humble parents.

C

6. Mumbai is celebrated __________________ its beautiful harbour.

d
An

7. He is not alive __________________ his own interests.

nd

8. The village is inhabited __________________ Bhils.

ha

9. Although they are brothers, they are suspicious __________________ one another.
C

10. We should be thankful __________________ God __________________ all His gifts.

S
©

Exercise 5
Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.
1. They trade __________________ India __________________ yarn.
2. Ultimately he triumphed __________________ every obstacle.
3. You can’t wish __________________ anything better.
4. I yield __________________ none in appreciation of his merits.
5. I hope nothing has happened __________________ you.
6. I will not hide the truth __________________ you.

187
 Wren Book 7

7. Hope __________________ the best.

8. Do not jest __________________ sacred things.
9. After a pleasant voyage we landed __________________ Karachi.
10. Didn’t it occur __________________ you to ring up the police?

Exercise 6
Complete the sentences with appropriate prepositions.
1. Do not conceal anything __________________ your doctor.
2. I agree __________________ your proposal.
3. I agree __________________ you on all points.

d
4. He was angry __________________ me for nothing.

ite
m
5. Some people compare Kalidas __________________ Shakespeare.

Li
6. I am prepared to compete __________________ you on equal terms.

ny
7. Only a few men compete __________________ the prize.
pa
8. You may count __________________ my sympathy if not active support.
om

9. I do not know what claim you have __________________ me.

C

10. His library consists __________________ three thousand volumes.

d
An

Exercise 7
nd

Complete the sentences with suitable prepositions.

ha

1. He is always in need __________________ money.

C
S

2. He is very careful __________________ his health.

©

3. He is a slave __________________ drink.

4. Stick __________________ your word.
5. He is ready __________________ death.
6. He is very ready __________________ excuses.
7. He is suffering __________________ typhoid.
8. He was disqualified __________________ active service.
9. He is in favour __________________ free education.
10. He has a prejudice __________________ foreigners.

188
 Wren Book 7

35 Listen and
Speak
We will practise both listening and speaking in the
following exercises. In the speaking exercises, we will
have discussions, debates and speech. They will be
interactive and close to real-life situations.

d
Exercises

ite
m
1. Listen to the announcement made at the railway

Li
station and answer the questions that follow.

ny
(a) What is the train number?
pa
(b) Where is the train going?
om

(c) On which platform number, will the train arrive?

C

(d) What is the inconvenience caused?

d
An

2. Morning announcements are a way of dispensing

updates on ongoing activities, details of the
nd

upcoming ones, new regulations and other critical

ha

information to the staff and students.

C

You want to convey your congratulations on a

S

recent team victory in the school assembly. Make

©

the announcement in front of the assembly.

A typical morning announcement starts like this:
‘Good morning... (appropriate names!)...’ the
obligatory salutation... the announcement...

3. Listen to the piece of news and answer the

questions that follow.
(a) On which day did the dust storm hit the state
of Rajasthan?
(b) Name the three districts that were badly

189
 Wren Book 7

affected by the sand storm.

(c) How many people were left injured in the calamity?
(d) How many people died in Jhunjhunu?
(e) Altogether, how many people died as was reported today?

4. Now convey the news in front of the class.

Start with a headline. Your headline should be accurate, clear and easy to
understand. Then tell the crux of the event. Maintain a neutral voice.

5. Listen to a talk on the radio on ‘How to make cottage cheese at home’. Arrange
the following sentences in proper sequence based on what you listened on the
radio just now.

d
(a) Simmer the gas till the milk curdles.

ite
(b) Heat the milk and bring it to a boil.

m
Li
(c) Tie the cottage cheese in a soft cloth.

ny
(d) Take some milk and lemon juice.
pa
(e) Drain the water completely.
om

(f) Your cheese is ready to cook.

C

(g) Add lemon juice to the boiling milk.

d
An

6. Learn a few ‘without fire’ easy recipes. It may be an easy, nutritious treat to satisfy
nd

all of your cravings. Then share the recipe with the class. Start with the ingredients,
quantities, proportions in which you want them to be mixed. Then tell the
ha

procedure point wise.

C
S

7. Listen to the weather forecast and complete the table below.

©

S. No. States Weather Conditions

1. Karnataka
2. West Bengal
3. Andhra Pradesh
4. Odisha
5. Punjab

190
 Wren Book 7

6. Goa
7. Haryana
8. Meghalaya
9. Tamil Nadu
10. Maharashtra

8. Your teacher will read out a discussion on the usefulness of coconut. Listen to it
carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(a) Write three nutrients available in coconut.

d
(b) Mention two ways in which coconut helps in beauty and skin care.

ite
(c) Why are electrolytes essential for our body?

m
(d) Where do we find abundance of electrolytes?

Li
ny
(e) What is rich in medium chained fatty acid?
(f) What can help in detoxifying our body?
pa
om

9. Listen to the piece of news. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words based on
C

what you listened just now.

d

The _______________ railway station will be developed as a _______________ facility. It will

An

be _______________ in the country with such special amenities. _______________ is the

nd

other railway station in Gujarat which is being made world class. Surat railway
ha

station
C

will have a parking space that can accommodate _______________ vehicles.

S

10. Imagine you are a detective. Your neighbour has lost his/her cat and wants your
©

help. What kind of questions would you ask to solve the mystery of the missing
cat? Pair up with your classmate. One of you can be the detective, and the other
the neighbour who has lost the cat. Enact the scene in class.

191
 Wren Book 7

Listening Text
1. Passengers! Your attention please. Train parts of the country. There will be light rain
no. 3456 down Shatabdi Express, bound showers in West Bengal, Odisha and parts of
for Amritsar is running late by four hours. Andhra Pradesh. It is expected to be hot and
The platform no. will be announced later. humid in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while Goa
Inconvenience is regretted. and Maharashtra will experience cool weather
3. The death toll caused by the high speed dust due to a light rain and drizzle tomorrow.
storm on Wednesday night in Rajasthan’s 8. Coconut is one of the most useful of all fruits. It
Bharatpur, Alwar and Dholpur districts, rose to is not only used in our daily cuisine, but it is also
27 people on Thursday. Over a hundred people an important ingredient in our beauty regimen.
were also left injured in the calamity. The coconut is a new miracle food as it has
Earlier today, it was reported that 22 people proved to be highly nutritious, rich in fibres, and
were killed, of which eleven people died in packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

d
ite
Bharatpur, six in Dholpur, four in Alwar and The water in the young green coconut is one
one in Jhunjhunu as the dust storm left a trail of the highest source of electrolytes which are

m
of destruction, leaving hundreds of trees and responsible for keeping the body well hydrated

Li
electric poles uprooted. so that muscles and nerves can function

ny
5. Hello, my dear friends. This is chef Anita. Today appropriately.
I am here to teach you how to make cottage Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is rich
pa
cheese at home. Making cottage cheese is the in medium chained fatty acid that can actually
om

simplest task. You just need two ingredients for help in metabolism. It also helps detoxify your
making it at home. They are milk and lemon body and balances your digestive tract.
C

juice. Heat milk and bring it to a boil. Then Applying coconut oil to the hair makes it
d

add the lemon juice and simmer on the gas till lustrous, shiny and healthy. You can also apply
An

the milk curdles and separates into whey and coconut oil to the face and body to keep your
cheese. Now drain the water and completely skin soft and smooth.
nd

dry the cheese by tying it in a clean soft cloth.

9. The Surat railway station will be the third in
Your cottage cheese is ready after all the water is
ha

the country and the second in Gujarat, after

drained out.
Gandhinagar, to be developed as a world - class
C

See you again on Monday with another simple facility under a Railway Ministry Station Re-
recipe. Till then, goodbye.
S

development Programme, officials said.

7. There will be heavy rain and thunder showers
©

The station will be equipped with several

in Assam, Meghalaya and most parts of the ‘airport-like’ amenities. It will also have a
north-eastern states. Mercury will rise in parts parking space for 900 vehicles.
of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab and it is
expected to be very hot and humid in those

192
©
S
C
ha
nd
An
d
C
om
pa
ny
Li
m
ite
d
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